Industry Update

NSSF celebrated the 10th annual National Shooting Sports Month in August with the theme "Let Freedom Plink." Over 519 ranges, retailers, and shooting clubs participated, with 190 ranges hosting #RangeChallenge events that distributed 19,000 targets. President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Message, and 19 state governors issued proclamations recognizing the shooting sports' importance.

The NSSF-adjusted NICS figure for August 2026 reached 1,115,410, a 2.2 percent increase from August 2025. NFA checks totaled 185,744, up 201.6 percent year-over-year, with Texas leading at 28,030 checks. Texas, Colorado, and Florida topped adjusted NICS rankings.

NSSF, the ATF, and DOJ launched the 26th year of the "Don't Lie for the Other Guy" campaign in Palm Beach County to educate the public about federal penalties for illegal firearm purchases, including up to 15 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.

Aero Precision, Ballistic Advantage, Stag Arms, and VG6 have been acquired by a family investment group committed to restoring these firearms brands. Under new ownership advised by W.G. Nielsen & Co., the companies plan to ramp up manufacturing, restore supply chains, and rebuild customer trust through quality products and service.

Liberty Ammunition and SLA Sales Group have partnered for the TALO States. CEO Gary Ramey and SLA Principal Brian Edwards highlighted the collaboration to support retailers, with SLA bringing extensive ammunition sales experience across multiple channels.

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, announces the second semi-annual Gun Storage Check Week (Sept. 1–7), coinciding with National Suicide Prevention Month. In partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Department of Veterans Affairs, NSSF encourages firearm owners to review secure storage practices through the "Make Sure It's Secure" campaign, featuring resources, a sweepstakes for a Lodestar Technology LNK9 Kit, and promotional materials.

Bleecker Street Publications and BlackRifle Co. launched Max Precision Reach, a programmatic advertising platform designed specifically for the firearms industry. The platform combines Bleecker Street Publications' editorial reach with BlackRifle Co.'s data intelligence and programmatic technology to reach 18 million active firearms shoppers across all 50 states.

Murray Road Agency announced new partnerships with Duck Commander, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation, PROOF Research, and Clenzoil. The award-winning marketing agency will provide public relations, media relations, and strategic marketing support to advance each organization's objectives across the outdoor and shooting sports industries.

Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets promoted Madi Woodward to Director of Marketing, where she will lead marketing teams for both brands. Woodward joined the organization in December 2025 and previously worked at Nosler for nearly five years in brand management and digital initiatives.

Source Outdoor Group has been appointed Agency of Record for Vertx, the premium tactical apparel and gear brand. The partnership will handle strategic public relations, media outreach, and product launch communications for Vertx across law enforcement, tactical, and consumer markets.

Source Outdoor Group has been appointed Agency of Record for Flying Cross, the premium uniform apparel manufacturer for military and public safety professionals. The partnership will focus on strategic public relations, media outreach, and product launch communications to elevate Flying Cross's brand awareness and industry leadership.

Southwick Associates released its third-quarter 2026 Hunting & Shooting Market Pulse, a quarterly subscription newsletter providing market intelligence to industry leaders. The report highlights economic pressures affecting hunters and shooters, NICS trends, and retail shifts, with NSSF members receiving a 15% discount on subscriptions.

Gearfire has launched Gearfire Point of Sale (GPOS), a cloud-based system designed for specialty outdoor retailers. The platform features serialized inventory management, FastBound integration for compliance, and a Master Product Catalog of over 150,000 items, with pricing starting at $149 per month.

Following a federal court ruling in Silencer Shop v. ATF that portions of the National Firearms Act are unconstitutional, NSSF provides guidance on NFA transfers for silencers, short-barrel rifles, and short-barrel shotguns. The injunction applies only to named plaintiffs and members of specific organizations, with significant limitations regarding interstate commerce and state law compliance.

CCW Safe announced Steve Blackford as Vice President of Marketing and Ecommerce. Blackford brings 13 years of experience from LifeLock, where he helped build identity theft protection into a household name. He will lead brand strategy, demand generation, and member acquisition for the self-defense legal services company.

A federal court injunction in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF took effect August 13, 2026, barring the ATF from enforcing NFA registration requirements for suppressors against B&T USA customers. The ruling eliminates Form 4 requirements for covered purchases while maintaining state law, background checks, and dealer requirements.

GrabAGun Digital Holdings Inc. announced that Co-Founder and CFO Justin Hilty will retire effective August 14, 2026, after 15 years leading finance. Jonathan Terry, a veteran public company finance executive with 25+ years of experience including roles at YETI and RetailMeNot, has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer.

NSSF and Project ChildSafe partnered with Little Rock Police Department, Little Rock Fire Department, and Pulaski County Sheriff's Office to launch Project ChildSafe Little Rock, distributing 1,000 free gun locks to promote secure firearm storage and prevent accidents, thefts, and suicide.

CCW Safe, founded by retired Oklahoma City police officers Mike Darter and Stan Campbell and attorney Kyle Sweet, marks its 15th anniversary as a national leader in self-defense legal protection. The company recently acquired the Armed Citizens' Legal Defense Network and launched the Certified Partner Program at SHOT Show 2025, expanding coverage to 47 states with partnerships including the California Rifle & Pistol Association.

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) is urging industry professionals to register for the 2026 SAAMI Ballistics Conference scheduled for September 15-17 in Baltimore. Critical registration deadlines include August 24 for international attendees, August 25 for hotel reservations, and August 28 for online registration.