FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026   |   SUBSCRIBE    ARCHIVES

AWARDS & HONORS

Liberty Safe earned multiple Gold awards at industry Readers' Choice programs, including recognition from Shooting Sports Retailer, Tactical Retailer, and Predator Xtreme. The awards reflect votes from independent firearm retailers and consumers recognizing the company's commitment to quality and American craftsmanship in gun safe manufacturing.

German Precision Optics announced that its GPO CENTURI 4-16x44i Super-Compact Riflescope received the 2026 NRA American Hunter Golden Bullseye Award. Owner/CEO Mike Jensen praised the riflescope as a game-changer offering compact, high-magnification performance at an affordable price point.

Benelli has been awarded the 2025 Gold Choice Award by Shooting Sports Retailer readers, recognizing the brand's performance and reliability as judged by independent retailers across the shooting sports industry.

CONSUMER PROMOS

Meprolight is offering a limited-time promotion through July 31, 2026, providing a free Backdraft suppressor rebate with qualifying optic purchases. The straightforward program aims to deliver value to shooters while supplies last, with Digital Marketing Manager Jordan Stein emphasizing the company's commitment to high-performance solutions.

DEALER PROGRAMS

SHIELD Sights announced its inaugural 2026 "Dads, Grads, and 4th of July" dealer buy-in promotion offering 10% off the entire product line through May 31, 2026, with consumers able to receive up to 25% discount June 1st through July 5th.

INDUSTRY UPDATE

The NSSF applauds the U.S. Senate's bipartisan confirmation of Robert Cekada as ATF Director in a 59-39 vote. Cekada is the first ATF director confirmed after nomination by a Republican president and brings decades of law enforcement experience to lead the federal agency regulating the firearm industry.

NSSF attended the Department of Justice signing ceremony where Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche released a landmark 34-policy rulemaking package from the ATF. The changes, directed by President Trump's Executive Order, include rescissions of the "Engaged in the Business," bump stock, and stabilizing pistol brace rules, addressing regulations NSSF has long championed.

Blaser Group appointed Josh McBrayer as Chief Executive Officer of its U.S. operations. McBrayer brings over a decade of experience with the company, including four years as Director of Shotgun Sales and previous roles in Germany overseeing international markets. He will oversee Blaser, Mauser, J.P. Sauer & Sohn, John Rigby & Co., Liemke Thermal Optics, and Minox Optics.

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) has opened registration for its 2026 Ballistics Conference scheduled for September 15-17 in Baltimore, Maryland. The sixth biennial conference coincides with SAAMI's 100th Anniversary and features technical seminars, product demonstrations, and facility tours at Element U.S. Space & Defense.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and Defense Distributed filed a motion for summary judgment in Defense Distributed v. Blanche, challenging the ATF's rule expanding the definition of "firearm" to regulate precursor parts. SAF seeks to vindicate remaining claims after the Fifth Circuit vacated significant portions of the rule.

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is offering $50,000 in scholarship funding for up to 20 employees of Patron Member companies and their eligible family members pursuing undergraduate or vocational degrees. Applications are due by May 25, 2026, with awards ranging from $8,000 for the grand prize to $2,000 for runner-up scholarships.

Celerant Technology announces its 22nd annual FFL Client Conference in Frisco, Texas, offering free registration to clients. The event will feature the NSSF, Project Childsafe, and industry partners including NASGW, RSR Group, FFLGuard, FastBound, and Silencer Shop, showcasing new software advancements and networking opportunities.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and partners including Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership, Center for Human Liberty, American Suppressor Association Foundation, Buckeye Firearms Association, and Meridian Ordnance filed a motion for summary judgment in Roberts v. ATF, challenging NFA registration requirements for short-barreled firearms and silencers following elimination of the $200 tax.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) secured a settlement with Pennsylvania State Police permanently revoking their policy on partially manufactured firearm receivers after six years of litigation. The victory, supported by Landmark Firearms LLC, US Rifle LLC, and Polymer80 Inc., ends the threat of the policy that was blocked by preliminary injunction since January 2020.

SLG2, Inc. will bring its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Bass Pro Shops in Grapevine, Texas on May 2–3 as part of its 2026 Grand Safety Tour. Led by all-women instructors, the free event features hands-on shooting and archery demonstrations with industry partners, designed to introduce women, families, and outdoor enthusiasts to shooting sports safely.

The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced filing a motion for summary judgment in Roberts v. ATF, challenging the constitutionality of the National Firearms Act of 1934. Plaintiffs including T.J. Roberts, Zachary Cockrell, Meridian Ordnance LLC, Buckeye Firearms Association, Center for Human Liberty, Jews for the Preservation of Firearm Ownership, and American Suppressor Association Foundation argue the NFA violates the Second Amendment and exceeds Congress' enumerated powers.

The Second Amendment Foundation praised Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and ATF Director Robert Cekada's announcement of 34 proposed and final rules, including rescission of the pistol brace rule. SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut and founder Alan M. Gottlieb expressed optimism that the new rules will clarify firearms regulations and protect Second Amendment rights.

RetailBI released its Q1 2026 Shooting Sports Report analyzing retail sales across 654 dealers. Firearm unit sales declined 7.6% year-over-year, while suppressors surged 53.1% in same-store unit growth, with rifles outperforming shotguns.

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS

CNC Firearms is expanding its team and hiring skilled professionals including high-polishing specialists, Cerakote specialists, refinish specialists, PVD specialists, plating specialists, and gunsmiths. Interested candidates can apply through their career page or email resumes to info@cncfirearms.com.

The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is hiring a part-time Marketing and Communications Specialist to manage content creation and communications for its youth shooting sports programs, including the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP). The remote position requires 5+ years of marketing experience and familiarity with youth shooting sports.

NEWSSTAND, RADIO & TV

Brian "Pigman" Quaca returns for Season 17 of "Pigman: The Series" on Sportsman Channel, airing Sundays at 8:30 p.m. ET. The high-energy host continues his extreme hunting adventures across Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, pursuing wild boar, whitetail deer, elk, and other game alongside his wife Junie and son JD.

Pursuit Media TV, LLC announces dozens of quality programs airing weekly on its Pursuit UP streaming platform, available to over 120 million users. In partnership with Careco Multimedia Entertainment, the platform features diverse content including offshore fishing, walleye fishing, hunting, fly-fishing, conservation stories, and veteran support programs.

The HeadHunters NW Podcast features Nathan Schueth, Director of Sales and Business Development at HK USA, discussing his career path from the Marine Corps to the firearms industry. HK USA is actively recruiting a National Sales Manager for Commercial Sales as the company plans to double its U.S. operations over the next several years.

Pursuit Channel highlights world champion angler Scott Martin and his acclaimed series The Scott Martin Challenge, a dynamic reality-style fishing program featuring head-to-head competitions in exotic destinations. The show airs weekly on Pursuit Channel and streams on Pursuit UP across 120+ million users on multiple platforms.

MyOutdoorTV launches The Bass Channel Featuring Major League Fishing, Presented by the Water Sports Foundation, offering 24/7 bass fishing content including Major League Fishing coverage, expert tips, and programming from pro anglers like Bill Dance, Roland Martin, Kevin VanDam, and Mark Zona.

Major League Fishing's Bass Pro Tour Stage 5 at Beaver Lake features 51 professional anglers competing for a $125,000 top prize and $600,000 purse. The event airs live on GAME & FISH TV via multiple streaming platforms, with the Championship Round on Sunday determining the winner.

PRODUCT NEWS

Palmetto State Armory is now offering SBR's to SOT dealers in 300BLK, 9MM, 5.56, and 5.45 calibers. The Dealer Sales Program provides exclusive pricing, no credit card fees, no minimums, and free shipping on orders over $1200.

Roni Corporation products, including pistol-to-carbine conversion kits and the new Nano Roni, are now available through Sports South, LLC via a partnership with 1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group. The Nano Roni offers compact size and improved accuracy for Glock models, with Roni Corporation manufacturing now based in Houston, TX.

Muddy Outdoors announced the expansion of its apparel lineup with female-specific camouflage hunting clothing, introducing the DV8 and TRX collections designed around women's biomechanics. Available this summer, these systems feature tailored articulation, strategic insulation mapping, and advanced camouflage patterns engineered exclusively for female hunters.

Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, announced it is now a stocking distributor for One Horse firearms and accessories. The partnership expands Zanders' product offering to dealers, providing access to One Horse's American-made AR precision firearms and components. Dan Siegler, President and COO at Zanders, and Drew Markel, President at One Horse, highlighted the alignment of their quality and innovation commitments.

Viridian Weapon Technologies introduced a new Flat Dark Earth (FDE) variant of the 4LUX 2K DUO, an integrated weapon-mounted foregrip system featuring a green laser and 1,850-lumen tactical light. The system offers M-LOK compatibility, grip-based activation, and rechargeable battery technology for modern tactical platforms.

Millennium Outdoors introduces the Field Pro and Run N' Gun Turkey Seats, designed for comfort and portability. Both models feature ComfortMAX seat fabric, powder-coated aluminum frames, and adjustable carry straps, with the Field Pro weighing 6.4 pounds and the Run N' Gun at 4.2 pounds.

Chiappa Firearms introduces the Bushranger M1-22 Semi-Auto, a .22 LR rimfire rifle featuring a 16.5-inch barrel, full-length Picatinny rail, and M-LOK accessory interface. Designed for recreational shooting and skill development, the lightweight platform weighs 5.43 pounds and is manufactured in Italy with an MSRP of $499.00.

Breek Arms has launched the Trash Shield, a HUB-compatible blast-forwarding device designed to redirect concussion, noise, and muzzle blast downrange. Constructed from aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum, it integrates with industry-standard suppressor mounting systems and is especially effective in confined environments like indoor ranges and team-based training scenarios.

XS Sights now offers fiber optic sights and optic plates for the HK VP9 pistol, featuring advanced fiber optic technology with exceptional daylight brightness. The USA-made products include interchangeable fiber optic inserts and CNC-machined optic plates compatible with ACRO and RMR footprint optics, priced from $55.00 to $146.26.

SIGHTRON announces the new "Snap Focus" S6 10-60x56 ED Mil Hash Field Target riflescopes featuring a redesigned parallax adjustment system with 270° precision rotation. Developed in collaboration with Garima Design & Customization, these premium scopes include a magnetic focus wheel and are optimized for airgun, small caliber field target, and benchrest shooters.

Steiner Optics unveiled the eDiscovery 10x42 binoculars, featuring integrated 4K camera technology, 12MP image capture, and the Steiner Connect 2.0 app for Wi-Fi connectivity and live streaming capabilities in the field.

Rost Martin announced the availability of additional firearm models approved for sale on the Massachusetts General Roster, including the RM1C 9mm, RM1C COMP 9mm, and RM1S 9mm. CEO Chris Toomer stated the expansion reflects the company's mission to empower gun owners and provide access to reliable firearms across all states.

Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing, based in Naples, Florida, serves as the exclusive U.S. distributor of TSK fully adjustable stocks for premium shotgun brands including Beretta, Perazzi, Krieghoff, and Browning. The TSK system, manufactured in Italy, offers complete customization for shooters of all skill levels across skeet, sporting clays, and trap shooting.

1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group announces two new handcrafted leather rifle scabbards: the HUNT Lever Action Rifle Scabbard ($299.99) and HUNT Rifle Scabbard Scoped Bolt Action ($349.99). Both feature 100% Certified American Heavy Native Steerhide leather, integrated strap-loops, heavy-duty saddle straps, and reinforced stitching for durability.

WOOX has launched the Bravado "Grey Laminate" line of gunstocks, engineered for Henry and Marlin lever-action rifles. The precision-layered hardwood laminates feature distinctive grey and black striations with adjustable cheek risers, QD sling mounts, and M-LOK compatibility, priced from $329 to $549.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. announced a new LCP MAX model featuring Magpul's Enhanced Handgun Grip, developed through collaboration between Ruger and Magpul Industries. The pistol includes a manual safety, 10-round magazine, and new 13-round magazine for improved control and consistency.

VKTR Industries introduced the VKP Pro DS 1911 pistol at the Tactical Games in Bland, Missouri, where shooter James Kling placed 3rd in the Men's 40+ Division. The handgun is manufactured in House Springs, Missouri and designed for duty, defense, and competition use.

Zanders, a national distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has added Ram It Fast Loaders to its product lineup. These magazine loaders are designed for quick, efficient loading with minimal hand fatigue, benefiting both recreational and professional shooters.

XTech Tactical launched the MAG17 RM extended magazine and MAG-ADAPT RM-17 adaptor sleeve for the Ruger RXM pistol, converting the compact model to full-size grip configuration with 17 rounds of 9mm capacity while maintaining ergonomic benefits and reliability.

Davidson's and Colt's Manufacturing introduce two exclusive revolvers featuring round-butt grip frames and 2.5-inch barrels—the Python in .357 Magnum and the Anaconda in .44 Magnum, both finished in semi-bright stainless steel with an MSRP of $1,699.

Ani-Logics Outdoors launched four new food plot blends: Rack & Roost, Rapid Rack, Double Decker, and Trophy Plot. Developed through scientific research and field testing with Lee Lakosky, these products maximize attraction, nutrition, and soil health for hunters and land managers managing whitetail and game species.

Real Avid introduces its Maximum Performance Gun Care line featuring Tri-Max® CLP, Bore-Max® Bore Foam, Foul-Out® Gunk Blaster, Gun-Max® Gun Oil, and the new Gun-Max® Grease. These professional-grade chemicals are engineered for shooters, hunters, and tactical users to simplify firearm maintenance while delivering reliability and performance.

Roni Corporation products, including the new Nano Roni conversion kit, are now available through Chattanooga Shooting Supplies via a strategic partnership with 1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group. The Nano Roni transforms standard pistols into compact carbine-style platforms with improved control and accuracy, initially compatible with Glock 17, 19, 22, 23, and 45.

Sports South announces two new Springfield Armory releases: the Garrison 1911 Target Model, built for precision and accuracy, and the SAINT Victor PDW, designed for compact handling and maneuverability. Both models are now available through Sports South dealers.

Sports South, a family-owned firearms distributor, announces the return of high-demand ammunition and accessories including CCI Blazer Brass, Fiocchi Range Dynamics, Federal Champion, PMC Bronze, Sterling, and Magpul PMAG magazines. Inventory is limited and turning quickly.

BANISH Suppressors announced two new stainless-steel suppressor models: the BANISH VRMT 223 SS and BANISH HNT 30 SS, both priced at $579. Designed by founder Brandon Maddox's team, these fully welded suppressors offer sound and recoil reduction while maintaining affordability and performance.

SHOWS

RETAY will showcase its 2026 tactical lineup at CANCON East 2026 on May 8–9 at Clinton House Plantation Shooting Complex in Clinton, SC. Attendees can experience the RXP22 pistol and RA1522 rifle and pistol in a fully suppressed environment, with free shipping on firearms purchased through Guns.com.

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) is giving bank customers, including firearm industry members, a clearer path to document politicized debanking and enter those concerns into the regulatory record. The move is a welcome development to further implement President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14331, “Guaranteeing Fair Banking for All Americans,” and marks another needed step toward ending the practice of denying lawful businesses access to essential financial services because “woke” banks disfavor the firearm industry.

NSSF has long reported on banks using vague “reputational risk” excuses and “woke” boardroom gun control policies to choke off access to accounts, loans, credit, payment processing and other essential financial services. That discrimination hit lawful, highly regulated businesses whose only “offense” was serving Americans choosing to exercise their Second Amendment rights.

President Trump’s order states banking decisions must be based on individualized, objective and risk-based analysis, not politics, ideology or hostility toward lawful business activity. The order specifically cited the former Obama administration-era Operation Choke Point as a “well-documented and systemic” effort by federal regulators to pressure banks away from lawful industries disfavored by the political left, like the firearm industry. That insidious practice was discontinued under President Trump’s first term but returned anew in a privatized form under former President Joe Biden.

The OCC’s new public comment guidance, however, gives President Trump’s executive order practical force. The agency says bank customers and stakeholders may share debanking experiences with the OCC and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and those complaints may be considered when the agency reviews bank licensing filings. They may also be considered during Community Reinvestment Act examinations.

That is the key shift. A bank seeking approval for a merger, charter, branch opening or other significant transaction can no longer assume its record of politicized debanking will remain buried in private emails, customer service denials or unexplained account closures.

OCC Adds Consequences

The OCC’s guidance states the agency will consider whether a bank has terminated individual customer accounts or categories of customer accounts, or refused to provide financial services to a person or category of persons, without assessing individual customer risk on a case-by-case basis. The OCC further states it may deny or condition approval of a licensing proposal by a bank with a record of politicized or unlawful debanking.

That is exactly the type of accountability the firearm industry has demanded and worked for years to generate.

This effort also builds on the OCC and FDIC’s final rule eliminating “reputation risk” from their supervisory programs. NSSF praised the announcement. The rule prohibits the agencies from criticizing or taking adverse action against a financial institution based on reputation risk and bars regulators from requiring, instructing or encouraging banks to close accounts or deny services based on political, social, cultural or religious views or beliefs, constitutionally protected speech or politically disfavored but lawful business activities perceived to present a so-called “reputation risk.”

Banks can still make legitimate safety-and-soundness decisions. They can still assess creditworthiness, compliance obligations, fraud risk and other real financial risks. What they cannot do is dress up politics as compliance and call discrimination “risk management.”

Firearm Industry Has Receipts

NSSF has documented several repeated and recent examples of financial discrimination against firearm-related businesses. Citigroup imposed conditions on firearm industry customers that attempted to dictate lawful commerce beyond what federal law requires. JPMorgan Chase has faced scrutiny after industry members received conflicting answers about whether the bank would serve firearm-related companies. Bank of America infamously ended financial services in 2018 to several firearm-related businesses. Wells Fargo did the same. Payment processors and other financial service providers, like JPMorgan Chase, have also reversed discriminatory policies only after sustained pressure and public accountability, including being called out by President Trump. Those developments are positive and should be highlighted as good behavior.

The common thread is clear. Lawful firearm manufacturers, distributors, firearm retailers, ranges and related businesses have been treated as politically disfavored customers instead of legitimate participants in interstate commerce. That is especially indefensible given the firearm industry is already among the most heavily regulated industries in the country and provides the products that make the exercise of Second Amendment rights possible.

Members Should Document the Record

The OCC is seeking specifics. Comments should include data, references and concrete information that helps regulators identify issues warranting investigation. The agency also explains that comments may support or oppose applications, ask for more time, request a hearing or suggest approval only with conditions.

That gives firearm industry members a meaningful opportunity to turn their experiences into a regulatory record that banks cannot ignore.

This is not the end of the fight. Executive action and agency rules can be weakened by future administrations, which is why Congress should still codify fair access protections. But the OCC’s implementation of Executive Order 14331 is a strong, necessary step. Banks that used financial services as a political weapon should now understand the ground has shifted. The firearm industry will keep pressing until access to banking is based on lawful commerce and objective risk, not antigun politics.

– Larry Keane

Larry Keane is SVP for Government and Public Affairs, Assistant Secretary and General Counsel of the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

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