In observance of the Easter holiday, we will not be publishing The Dealer Wire (or any wires) on Friday, April 3. Next week's edition—Friday, March 27—will be the last before we return on Friday, April 10, after Good Friday. If your news needs to be distributed before April 10, 2026, please have it to us no later than 4:30pm Eastern Time on Thursday, March 26. News arriving later will be pushed to the April 10 edition of The Dealer Wire.

Beretta Holding, the largest shareholder of Sturm, Ruger & Company with 9.95% ownership, sent a letter to shareholders detailing the need for board change due to sustained share price underperformance, operational deterioration including 23% gross margin compression, and board members' minimal ownership stakes despite decades-long tenures.

Barnett introduces the Hyper Raptor TREX crossbow for spring turkey hunting, featuring a compact 7.25-inch axle-to-axle design, 440 feet per second bolt speed, and TriggerTech trigger system. The lightweight 8.2-pound crossbow excels in ground blinds and run-and-gun hunting scenarios.

Easton's Match Grade Pro Shop Series arrows offer bowhunters precision-engineered hunting arrows crafted in the USA with exclusive Acu-Carbon process technology. Featuring industry-leading straightness tolerances and premium helical fletching, these arrows are available in multiple models including FMJ, AXIS, and SONIC.

Empowered 2A announced that the Derya DY9Z, manufactured by Derya Arms, has been named the 2026 Empowered 2A Gun of the Year. The striker-fired 9mm pistol features a compact profile, 15+1 capacity, optics-ready slide, and vibrant color options designed to appeal to diverse firearm owners, particularly women seeking performance and style.

Wildlife Research Center® won the 2026 Kinsey's Dealer Choice Award for Best in Category – Hunting Accessory, as voted by Kinsey's dealers. The award recognizes the company's commitment to quality, innovation, and performance in hunting scents and accessories.

Browning's Spring Turkey rebate is now active through May 31, 2026, offering $5 per box savings up to $100 on Browning TSS Tungsten Turkey loads. The promotion requires a minimum two-box purchase and is valid for purchases made March 6 through May 31, 2026.

Winchester Ammunition's Spring Turkey rebate is now active through May 31, 2026, offering $5 per box savings up to $100 per household. The promotion includes all Winchester turkey loads, with new Long Beard® Tungsten shotshells available in multiple gauges for enhanced range and pattern performance.

FirstSpear launched its Vanguard Program, a strategic initiative to formalize feedback between engineering and operational field teams. The company named former Marine Raider and water survival expert Prime Hall as its lead maritime Vanguard to validate equipment like the AAC Frog Kit and Adaptive Cummerbund in non-permissive environments.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), Shot Tec, and Grant Schmidt filed a reply brief with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in Schmidt v. Paris, challenging Pennsylvania State Police regulations and Montgomery County Sheriff Sean Kilkenny's policy allowing warrantless searches of licensed firearms dealers without probable cause.

Benelli USA pledged a $30,000 contribution to NSSF's Protect Liberty PAC to support candidates dedicated to protecting Second Amendment rights ahead of the November 2026 election. CEO Tom DeBolt encouraged other industry members and gun owners to support the super PAC's mission to elect pro-freedom candidates.

A Texas District Court ruled in favor of the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and the Firearms Policy Coalition, confirming that all current and future SAF members are covered by an injunction preventing enforcement of the post office carry ban. SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut called it a major victory for Second Amendment rights nationwide.

Christensen Arms appointed John Fink as Director of Product Development. Fink brings nearly three decades of firearms and optics experience from previous roles at Trijicon and Remington Arms, where he led product development for magnified optics and rifle platforms.

C&H Precision announced the hiring of Bryce Laemmlen as director of business development. Laemmlen brings over a decade of tactical and optics industry experience, including his previous role as Military and Law Enforcement Account Manager for Vortex Optics, and will lead strategic growth initiatives across military, law enforcement, and commercial markets.

Bass Pro Shops celebrates its third Arizona location opening in Tucson on March 25 with an Evening for Conservation. The 100,000-square-foot store will donate 15% of sales to local conservation organizations and feature appearances by legendary anglers Roland Martin, Jimmy Houston, Kevin VanDam, and Josh Bertrand.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced that a Texas federal judge denied a DOJ motion challenging FPC's Second Amendment victory in FPC v. Bondi, which struck down the Post Office gun ban. The injunction will continue to apply to FPC members, with the case currently on appeal at the Fifth Circuit.

The Second Amendment Foundation, National Rifle Association, and Firearm Owners Against Crime filed an amicus brief with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court challenging the state's firearms carry ban for 18-20-year-olds in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Kareem Mohammed Williams Jr. SAF argues the ban violates Second Amendment rights without historical precedent.

NSSF emphasizes that while gun owners can customize firearms with legal accessories, certain modifications are dangerous and illegal. Converting semiautomatic firearms to automatic using machinegun conversion devices violates the National Firearms Act and carries up to 10 years imprisonment and $250,000 in fines.

NSSF highlights its Partner with a Payer program, featuring Henry Repeating Arms, demonstrating how federal excise taxes from firearm and ammunition manufacturers fund conservation efforts. Since 1937, the Pittman-Robertson Act has generated over $18.5 billion for habitat restoration, hunter education, and public shooting ranges across all 50 states.

Sarsilmaz, a leading firearms manufacturer, has partnered with Proactive Sales to strengthen market outreach and customer engagement. The collaboration will promote Sarsilmaz's product lines, including the SAR9 and 7/24 series, beginning in Q1.

NSSF praised the U.S. House's bipartisan approval of H.R. 556, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act, introduced by Rep. Rob Wittman. The legislation protects wildlife conservation funding by requiring scientific evidence before prohibiting traditional lead ammunition and fishing tackle use on public lands.

NSSF and Project ChildSafe launched "Project ChildSafe Tuscaloosa" in collaboration with the Tuscaloosa Police Department, Tuscaloosa Sheriff's Office, and local organizations including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and National African American Gun Association. The initiative distributes free cable gun locks and educational resources to promote responsible firearm ownership and secure storage practices.

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, has opened applications for 2026 Hunting Heritage Trust Grants offering $100,000 to support recruitment, retention, and reactivation programs in hunting and shooting sports. Applications from qualified non-governmental organizations are due by April 17, 2026.

Briley Manufacturing, a leading shotgun choke tube and firearm accessories manufacturer in Houston, Texas, is hiring a Gunsmithing/Service Manager to oversee seven gunsmiths and manage repair, refinishing, and modification services at their Houston, Texas headquarters. The role requires firearm repair experience, customer service skills, and management expertise.

The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is hiring a Compliance & Inventory Manager in Waterford, WI. The full-time position involves regulatory compliance, FFL administration, inventory management, and fundraising event coordination for the national youth shooting sports organization.

Primos Hunting released a documentary film "50 Years of Truth" celebrating the brand's 50-year legacy, featuring founder Will Primos and tracing the company's influence on hunting media since 1976. The film, produced by Wisconsin-based creative agency Sicmanta and led by Donnie Vincent and Kyle Nickolite, highlights Primos' commitment to authentic hunting storytelling and is available on the brand's YouTube channel.

MyOutdoorTV announces "Turkey Season Full Strut" presented by TriStar, featuring comprehensive turkey hunting content from March through May. The platform offers popular segments including "Can't Stop the Flop," "BuckVentures Turkey," and "Drury's Turkey Season," plus live programming and replays of "Turkey Takedown with Michael Waddell."

Pursuit Channel highlights the Texas Team Trail, a competitive team bass tournament series airing weekly. The show features live tournament action, tactical insights, and interviews with top teams across Texas's legendary fisheries, available on Pursuit Channel and Pursuit UP's free streaming platform.

WOOX, an Italian-American gunstock manufacturer, announced the new Superleggera "High Grade" line of lightweight hunting stocks for bolt-action rifles. Each hand-selected walnut stock weighs 33-35 ounces and achieved .278 MOA accuracy in testing, featuring adjustable cheek risers and recoil pads with drop-in installation.

ALPS Mountaineering has launched the Quantum Insulated Air Pad, featuring a 7.3 R-value insulation bed made from 100% recycled material. The lightweight pad weighs just over 2.5 pounds and includes an innovative pump sack conversion and repair kit for outdoor adventurers.

Olman Outdoors introduces the OST-100 Steady Eddie Tripod Shooting Stick, a versatile aluminum tripod weighing 5 lbs. 10 oz. with an adjustable height range of 8 to 65 inches. Designed for rifle hunting, tactical shooting, and long-range precision shooting, it features a ball head mount and inverted leg positioning for fast deployment and reliable stability across various shooting positions.

FirstSpear has entered a ten-year exclusive licensing agreement with Recon K9 LLC, assuming responsibility for sales, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution of Recon K9's tactical gear for military and law enforcement working dogs. Recon K9 founder Jason Watson will join FirstSpear to continue driving the brand's vision and product development.

Thompson/Center Arms launched the ENCORE ProHunter Turkey Shotgun, a compact single-shot platform weighing 6.25 pounds with Mossy Oak Original Bottomland finish. Available in .410, 20, and 12 gauges at $1,000 MSRP, it features an interchangeable system compatible with rifle and muzzleloader configurations.

Springfield Armory launched a new line of Aimpoint COA-equipped pistols featuring the Aimpoint A-CUT interface and closed-emitter red dot sight. The initial Echelon 9mm variants (4.5F, 4.0FC, and 4.0C models) are priced at $1,119 MSRP, representing over $200 in savings compared to purchasing components separately.

Henry Repeating Arms launched a National Forest Foundation Edition Rifle Series with four commemorative rifles to support conservation across nearly 200 million acres of national forests. Proceeds fund reforestation, wildlife habitat restoration, watershed protection, and trail improvement, with founder Anthony Imperato donating $25,000 directly to the National Forest Foundation.

ZeroTech Optics has launched the Vengeance 1-4x24 SFP LPVO RAR Illuminated FDE and Vengeance 1-4x24 SFP LPVO RAR MOA, low power variable optics featuring true 1x magnification for close-range engagement and 4x magnification for extended distances. Built from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum with a 30mm tube, these scopes offer durability and practical performance for defensive carbines, competition rifles, and range use.

Real Avid launches the Ratchet Rest, an adjustable-height shooting bag featuring Accu-Click technology for precise elevation control and repeatable shooting performance. Available in three sizes for front and rear support, the system is designed for benchrest, long-range precision, and field shooting applications.

Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has added the iconic Zippo product line to its portfolio. The partnership brings Zippo's windproof lighters, utility lighters, and outdoor fire-starting accessories to dealers, with commentary from Dan Sielger, President and COO at Zanders, and Garrett Newhouse, Channel Business Manager – Outdoor at Zippo.

Ol'Man Outdoors announced its 2026 hub-style ground blind lineup featuring three models: The Buck Shot, Carnivore 270, and Bounty Hunter 270. Each blind offers distinct features for concealment, comfort, and visibility, with capacities ranging from two to three hunters and weights between 14-20 pounds.

Wiley X introduces the WX Zulu and WX Bravo lifestyle frames for 2026, featuring ANSI Z87.1+ rated impact protection, Triloid™ nylon frames, and Selenite™ lenses. CEO Dan Freeman highlights how these versatile styles bring trusted protection to everyday wear while maintaining the brand's performance standards.

European American Armory Corp is expanding its Blue Label shotgun series with a new Youth Model featuring an 18.5-inch barrel, 11-inch length of pull, and .410 bore designed for young shooters. The lightweight aluminum receiver weighs 4.6 lbs with minimal recoil, priced at $519 MSRP.

RCBS is expanding its MatchMaster Precision Case Trimmer lineup with a new .338 caliber pilot and a pilot-free 3-Way Cutter Head. Co-developed with Henderson Precision, the MatchMaster trimmer is now shipping and available at retailers carrying RCBS reloading equipment.

Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, announces multiple color configurations of Iver Johnson Arms Eagle Gen 2 .45 ACP handguns are in stock for dealers. The new 2026 models feature enhanced finishes, crowned barrels, and ambi-safeties, developed through Iver Johnson's partnership with Balistik Defense.

Italian Firearms Group, the exclusive U.S. importer of Tanfoglio, highlights its lineup including the Stock Optic-Ready for ISPA SSP competition, Stock III Special for USPSA Production Division, Tanfoglio Force Compact 10mm for backcountry use, and Defiant Tactical Pro with threaded barrel and optic-ready design.

Millennium Marine showcases two essential crappie fishing products: the R100 SpyderLok Gen 2 Rod Holder System and B100 Boat Seat. The R100 features patented SpyderLok Technology for multi-rod spider rigging, while the B100 offers lightweight aluminum construction with breathable fabric for all-day comfort and convenient storage.

Millennium Treestands introduces the L325 Wide Load Ladder Stand, an 18-foot heavy-duty ladder stand featuring a 24-inch-wide platform, ComfortMax seat, and Secure Tree Brace System. Weighing 78 pounds with a 300-pound capacity, it includes a full-body harness and SafeLink Lifeline for enhanced safety and comfort during hunting.

ALPS Mountaineering introduces the Aleutian 3-Person Outfitter, a category-leading 4-season tent weighing under 10 pounds. Featuring a robust polyester Oxford floor, #10 zippers, and rapid hook and ring fly attachment, the tent offers 48 sq. ft. of interior space and is available at authorized dealers and www.alpsmountaineering.com.

Bear Creek Arsenal announces the upcoming release of the BCA AK-47 rifle, featuring a 16-inch 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel, black nitride receiver with integrated rail mounts, and three color options. The official launch is scheduled for March 31.

Nosler, Inc. announces its ASP (Assured Stopping Power) ammunition line now offers loads for lever-action rifles in .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and .44 Remington Magnum. The Jacketed Hollow Point rounds feature skived jackets for reliable expansion and are available through Nosler.com and authorized retailers.

Millennium Outdoors releases the Q400 Guard House Buck Hut, a 15-foot, 8-inch elevated hunting blind featuring heavy-duty steel construction, seven shooting windows, and a 500-pound weight capacity designed for comfort and all-weather durability.

Konus introduces the Wild 6-24x50 riflescope, a 30mm scope designed for cost-conscious long-distance shooters at $249.99 MSRP. The model features locking tactical turrets, illuminated reticle, side parallax wheel, and multi-coated optics, with additional variants available in 3-9x40 and 4-12x40 configurations.

NEXTORCH announced the eStar 1,300 Lumen Ultra Bright Headlamp featuring dual white and red LEDs, proprietary Claw Optics lens technology, and dual-power compatibility. Designed for hunting, fishing, and professional work environments, the headlamp offers spot, flood, and mixed beam modes with an MSRP of $49.99.

Hornady Manufacturing Company announced the availability of Dangerous Game Handgun (DGH) bullets for reloaders in six calibers, engineered for deep penetration and maximum weight retention for handgun hunters pursuing large and dangerous game.

GreeneCo, an Alabama-based outdoor lifestyle brand founded by Lori Dorman and Mary Caitlyn Montgomery, unveiled its collaboration with Mossy Oak at the NWTF Convention, featuring the iconic Original Bottomland® and Greenleaf® camouflage patterns. The collection merges modern design with heritage camouflage patterns for both hunting and everyday wear.

Beretta USA will participate as a Platinum Sponsor at The Gathering, Palmetto State Armory's annual range event on March 20-21 in Clinton, SC. The company will showcase pistols, shotguns, and sporting firearms alongside Langdon Tactical Technology, with instruction from Lead Faucet Tactical's Dan Brokos, a retired Army Special Forces Sergeant Major.