FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026   |   SUBSCRIBE    ARCHIVES

EDITOR’S NOTE

In observance of the Easter holiday, we will not be publishing The Dealer Wire (or any wires) on Friday, April 3. We’ll be back in your inbox on Monday, April 6. The Dealer Wire will return Friday, April 10.

TOP STORY

Beretta Holding, which owns 9.95% of Sturm, Ruger & Company, has proposed an all-cash partial tender offer for up to 20.05% of Ruger's outstanding shares at $44.80 per share, representing approximately 20% premium to the 60-day average price. Beretta Holding seeks exemption from Ruger's shareholder rights plan to acquire up to 30% beneficial ownership, believing increased investment would establish a strategic partnership to improve operational and financial performance.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. launched ruger.com/proxy2026, a dedicated website providing shareholders with materials for the 2026 Annual Meeting, including information on the refreshed Board with five new directors, capital stewardship, and shareholder returns.

Sturm, Ruger & Company's Board of Directors received a letter from Beretta Holding S.A. proposing a partial tender offer for up to 20.05% of Ruger's outstanding shares, which would increase Beretta's ownership to approximately 30%. The proposed tender offer has not yet commenced, and shareholders need not take action at this time.

AWARDS & HONORS

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announced ten retailers nationwide as 2025 Ambassador Dealers, including Americana Arms, Not Just Guns, H&H Shooting Sports, Fuquay Gun, Fin Feather Fur Outfitters, Magnum Shooting Center, Freedom Firearms, Idaho Guns & Outdoors, Shoot Straight, and Smoky Mountain Guns & Ammo, recognizing their exceptional sales performance and customer service.

APEX Ammunition's 12-gauge Mossy Oak Greenleaf Turkey TSS won Outdoor Life's Editor's Choice award for best TSS load. The ammunition, featuring #9 and #10 pellets with 1,096 pellet count, earned praise from Editor-in-Chief Alex Robinson for exceptional pattern density and penetration at 60 yards.

SPYPOINT received multiple gold awards in the 2026 Readers' Choice Awards from Bowhunting World and Predator Xtreme, including Best New Product for the FLEX-DARK Series and top honors in trail camera and cellular trail camera categories. The awards were voted on directly by hunters across North America, marking the first time any company has swept all categories.

INDUSTRY UPDATE

Cadre Holdings, Inc. has agreed to acquire Alien Gear Holsters from Tedder Industries, LLC for $10.3 million through bankruptcy auction. The transaction, expected to close in Q2 2026, will add the established holster brand to Cadre's portfolio alongside Safariland and Med-Eng.

Protect Liberty PAC, founded by NSSF, launched a patriotic t-shirt collection featuring hand-drawn designs including George Washington AR series, Patrick Henry, and James Madison quotes to celebrate America's 250th birthday. All proceeds support voter education efforts in key battleground states ahead of the November 2026 election.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a federal lawsuit, Goldberger v. James, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York challenging New York's "sensitive location" handgun carry ban in Times Square. Represented by Peter A. Patterson, William V. Bergstrom, and Alfonso Gamboa of Cooper & Kirk, PLLC, FPC seeks a permanent injunction against enforcement of the ban.

Dead Air Silencers announced the hiring of Jack Cannon as Key Accounts Manager. Cannon brings 15 years of experience from Davidson's Inc., where he held roles including Customer Relationship Manager and National Accounts Manager, witnessing Dead Air's growth to become Davidson's largest suppressor brand.

Daniel Defense launched the "Sic Semper Tyrannis" campaign on March 18, 2026, to support the Virginia Citizens Defense League's legal efforts defending Second Amendment rights in Virginia. Proceeds from AR15, AR10, and PCC sales, plus limited edition merchandise, will fund VCDL's ongoing constitutional litigation.

CZ announced a partnership with Ace Virtual Shooting (AceVR) to introduce a virtual reality controller modeled after the CZ Shadow 2 pistol. The innovative controller replicates the feel and handling of the competition pistol for immersive digital training. CZ and AceVR will showcase the new controller at the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits.

Celerant Technology and MSR Distribution announced a new integration allowing FFL dealers to import MSR's product catalog directly into their Celerant Point of Sale system and automate purchase orders, streamlining inventory management and expanding product selection without manual effort.

Dan Wesson Firearms unveiled its redesigned website emphasizing Heritage, Craftsmanship, Precision, and Innovation. The launch includes an exclusive interview with Eric Wesson, great-great-great-grandson of Smith & Wesson co-founder Daniel Baird Wesson, reflecting on the family's firearms manufacturing legacy and commitment to quality.

4473 Cloud and Celerant Technology hosted a successful webinar on March 12, 2026, featuring experts Travis Glover, Michele Salerno, John Clark, Gentry Bell, and Jamison Collins discussing NFA compliance, digital solutions, and ATF inspections for over 600 FFLs. A follow-up Q&A session is scheduled for April 16, 2026.

Firearms Policy Coalition announced it will appeal Judge Pittman's ruling upholding Texas's carry ban at sporting events and other public spaces to the Fifth Circuit, arguing the decision contradicts the Constitution and Supreme Court precedent.

NEWSSTAND, RADIO & TV

Aunt Betty, 92, shares family stories and life wisdom on The Michael Waddell Podcast, presented by Spandau Arms in partnership with Folds of Honor and Cigars International. The episode features heartwarming conversations about the Waddell family's homesteading heritage, Great Depression and WWII experiences, and Michael Waddell's roots in Booger Bottom, Georgia.

George Daniel, instructor at Penn State University's Joe Humphreys Fly Fishing Program, was featured in episode #24 of the Fly Fisherman Loop to Loop podcast. Fly Fisherman Editor and Publisher Ross Purnell recorded the conversation with Daniel and current Penn State students, discussing the program's history and Daniel's approach to teaching fly fishing.

Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks announces a packed Q2 schedule starting March 30, featuring new series and seasons across Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network, and MyOutdoorTV. Highlights include Chef Mike Robinson's Fishing the Wild, Heather Douville's Our Way of Life, and live McKenzie ASA Pro Am archery tournaments on Sportsman Channel.

NOW SHIPPING

Remington announces the availability of its 2026 Limited Edition Bullet Knife, King of the Mountain, now shipping to dealers nationwide. This collector-focused release features a fixed 440A stainless blade, authentic stag bone handle, and genuine leather sheath with an MSRP of $179.99.

Federal Ammunition has begun shipping its new Heavyweight TSS Rob Roberts Limited Edition turkey loads, developed in collaboration with legendary choke designer Rob Roberts. Available in No. 7 and No. 9 shot sizes, these loads feature 18 g/cc tungsten-alloy shot and FLITECONTROL FLEX wads for extreme range and pattern density.

PRODUCT NEWS

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. launches its 250th Anniversary Series of firearms commemorating the U.S. Semiquincentennial. The limited production models include the 10/22 rifle, LCP MAX pistol, Ruger American Gen II rifle, Mark IV 22/45 pistol, Super Wrangler revolver, and AR Lower, each marked "Made in the 250th Year of American Liberty."

Springfield Armory released the XD Mod.4 OSP 9mm pistol, featuring a factory-milled slide with optical sight compatibility, aggressive texturing, and enhanced safety features. The striker-fired handgun is priced at $399 MSRP and ships with a 16-round magazine.

German Precision Optics (GPO USA) now includes a premium custom-fitted Cordura stay-on zip case at no additional charge with all PASSION APO spotting scopes, including the 16-48×65 APO and 20-60×85 APO models, providing rugged protection for outdoor use.

WOOX, an Italian-American gunstock manufacturer, is increasing production of its new "High Grade" line of stocks and chassis due to overwhelming demand. Each piece features hand-selected American Walnut with unique grain patterns and receives traditional oil finishing by WOOX artisans, available across multiple product lines including the new Elegante Series.

Davidson's partnered with Smith & Wesson to introduce the first threaded barrel Shield X pistols from Performance Center, featuring blue PVD finishes, redesigned slides with ClearSight technology, and Ameriglo night sights. Item 14801 includes a thread protector (MSRP $699), while item 14802 features a Strike Industries compensator (MSRP $749).

Mesa Tactical, based in Reno, NV, has begun shipping aluminum M-LOK Truckee forends for Mossberg 500 and 590 shotguns in three lengths. The forends are machined from 6061-T6 aluminum with hard anodized finish and M-LOK slots for accessory attachment, with pricing from $144.95 to $164.95.

ZeroTech Optics introduced the Vengeance HD 1–10×28 FFP LPVO, a versatile low-power variable optic featuring true 1× magnification for close-range capability and 10× for precision at distance. Available in Black and Flat Dark Earth finishes, the scope includes an illuminated RMG-L reticle, 34mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube, and capped turrets with zero reset.

Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has added SHIELD Sights' innovative micro red dot optics to its product lineup. The partnership expands dealer access to SHIELD Sights' rugged, compact optics designed for concealed carry pistols, duty firearms, and competition platforms.

Rock River Arms introduces the new 10.5-inch A1 Carbine SBR to celebrate the zero tax on NFA items. The retro rifle features a lightweight chrome moly barrel, forged LAR-15M lower receiver, and is available with M4-style or fixed entry stock options, priced at $1,135-$1,150.

Hornady Security introduces Welded Gun Cabinets featuring heavy-duty welded steel construction, anti-pick three-point key locks, and adjustable interiors accommodating firearms up to 53 inches. Available in 8-gun, 10-gun, and 12-gun sizes with pry-resistant hinges and neoprene floor mats for comprehensive firearm protection.

Exothermic Technologies brings its Pulsefire® lineup to Iron Valley Supply. The torch systems, developed by firearms and firefighting professionals, provide safe fire application for bonfire lighting, weed control, and land management.

Spartan Precision Equipment introduces the SpringBok Tripod, a lightweight hunting support system weighing 1.7 pounds featuring proprietary SpringBok Silicone technology and MagnaSwitch quick-detach compatibility. The tripod adjusts from 34 to 60 inches and deploys one-handed, available for $350 at select retailers and javelinbipod.com.

ATN Corp announced the launch of the ATN ThOR 6 Elite thermal riflescope, featuring 6th Generation thermal technology, SharpIR© AI image enhancement, 640×512 resolution, Recoil Activated Video, built-in laser rangefinder, and up to 9 hours battery life. Available now through authorized dealers with MSRP ranging from $1,995 to $4,495.

White Label Armory, a VKTR Industries subsidiary, launched a new suppressor lineup featuring the Geist and Fenix series in multiple calibers, plus .22 options Hot Link and Party Popper. The suppressors are exclusively available through Sports South Distributors and designed for high-performance, budget-conscious consumers.

Outdoor Edge encourages dealers to stock hunting knives for turkey season, featuring new products including 2.5" and 3.0" Razor APX Hunting Knives, Vantex Boning and Drop Point Knives, and the ErgoMax Game Processing Set. Will Morgan, director of marketing at Outdoor Edge, highlights these lightweight, high-performance options designed for hunters and game processing.

RANGES

Hammond Cove Shooting Range in Hartland, Vermont opens April 2 at 10:00 a.m. under Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department rules. Range users must sign in with a safety officer and have a valid hunting or fishing license. Dylan Smith, facility and lands coordinator, encourages turkey hunters to pattern their shotguns at the range.

SAFETY NOTICES

GForce Arms is issuing a warranty service notice for certain Jawbone 9mm firearms due to a disconnector spring from a specific supplier batch that may lose tension after extended use. The company is offering free corrective service including at-home replacement or factory service options.

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