FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026   |   SUBSCRIBE    ARCHIVES

EDITOR'S NOTE

Today's edition of The Dealer Wire is split into two: the morning edition you are reading now, and an afternoon edition that you will receive closer to noon Eastern Time. The split edition is due to the large volume of releases appearing today.

ACQUISITIONS

European American Armory (EAA Corp) acquired a large manufacturing facility in Mountain City, Tennessee with expansion acreage, undergoing renovations to support advanced firearms manufacturing. EAA Corp is seeking strategic industry partners for leasing and manufacturing operations within the facility.

AWARDS & HONORS

Outdoor Life selected TenPoint Crossbow Technologies' TX Ultra 29.5 as the 2026 Best Premium Crossbow. Scott Einsmann praised the crossbow for its accuracy, ergonomics, and ease of use. The TX Ultra 29.5 shoots up to 460 FPS and features new 8MM Axles, X-Wide Limbs, and ACUslide MAXX cocking technology.

Outdoor Life selected TenPoint Crossbow Technologies' Titan X De-Cock as the 2026 Best Value Crossbow at $799, also achieving the most accurate performance with a 1.4-inch group average, outperforming the Ravin R10X Pro and Excalibur Rev X TD in testing.

CONSUMER PROMOS

Federal Ammunition launched its Protect & Save rebate program offering 20 percent savings on select Federal Premium Personal Defense handgun ammunition through August 31, 2026. Qualifying products include HST, Hydra-Shok, Hydra-Shok Deep, Practice & Defend HST, HST Micro, and Hydra-Shok Low Recoil, with a maximum rebate of $200 per person or household.

Remington Ammunition announced its Protection with Payback rebate offering consumers up to 20 percent rebates on qualifying self-defense handgun ammunition including Golden Saber Defense and Ultimate Defense products through August 31, 2026.

Arsenal Inc. announced America 250: Part II, continuing its U.S. 250th anniversary promotion with special pricing on five AK rifle models through August 31, 2026. The promotion includes discounted accessory packages through K-VAR and participating MSR Distribution dealers, making high-quality mil-spec firearms more accessible to American customers.

DEALER PROGRAMS

Viridian Weapon Technologies launched the Viridian Rewards program, a retail incentive initiative that rewards authorized sales associates with points for qualifying product sales redeemable for free Viridian products and branded merchandise. The program recognizes retail professionals who recommend Viridian's optics, lights, lasers, and firearm accessories.

FISHING

Bucca Brand has launched the 6" Trick Herring, a new soft silicone lure designed by Mike Bucca for bass fishing in warmer water conditions. The lure features premium Mustad Trip Grip hooks and rotating hook hangers, available in 8 realistic colors at retailers and Baits.com this Fall.

Big Bite Baits has launched the Gillateen, a 3.5" weedless lure featuring a soft-plastic dorsal fin and hard-thumping vibration. Pro angler Drew Gill praises its effectiveness across various water conditions. The lure will be available this Fall in four colors.

Yamamoto has launched the Uni Max, a 24mm urchin-style fishing bait featuring a TPE formula designed for superior water displacement and big bites. Yamamoto pro Jake Lawrence praises the bait's movement and durability, noting it performs well with various hook styles and remains in an outstretched position during action.

Big Bite Baits has launched the new Flat Tube, a 4-inch bass fishing lure designed by pro Fletcher Shryock. The innovative bait features an erratic darting action and improved hook penetration, available in eight colors at Baits.com.

Buckeye Lures has unveiled the Flow Hair Jig, featuring premium hand-tied hair with flowing feathers designed for pressured fish. Available in four sizes and six colors with a razor-sharp black nickel hook, the jig is now available at retailers and Baits.com.

Yamamoto introduces the Uni HD, a high-definition version of its original Uni lure featuring a new HD TPE formula that creates more rigid tentacles and enhanced water displacement. The lure is available in 10 proven colors and is particularly effective in stained water and heavy cover.

Northland Tackle and legendary ice angler Brian Brosdahl have created the Tungsten Bling Jig, featuring integrated kicker blades for flash and vibration. Available in three sizes and eight colors, the jig targets crappie, bluegill, and perch and will be available this fall at retailers and Baits.com.

Big Bite Baits has launched the 5.5" Nekorama, designed by pro Drew Gill. The new offering maintains the original's proven design and action while providing a more subtle presentation, available in 15-packs of 6 matte colors at retailers and Baits.com.

Yamamoto introduces the Covert Senko, a new soft plastic bait featuring subtle side legs inspired by the Covert Craw. The 5-inch lure offers enhanced swimming action on Neko and wacky rigs, available in six colors this fall through retailers and Baits.com.

Bill Lewis has launched the Spit Stik, a hybrid topwater lure combining popper and walking bait qualities. The 4.3" lure features unique side slits for distinctive water-spitting action and is available in six colors at retailers and Baits.com this fall.

Northland Tackle introduced the Scope Weight, designed for walleye anglers using forward-facing sonar. Available in four sizes and colors, the product features dual swivels and pairs with the Northland Scope Float for enhanced sonar visibility and bait control.

Big Bite Baits introduced the Rollerama XT, a 5" minnow featuring durable TPE material designed to reduce ripping during hard casts. Pro angler Drew Gill highlights the lure's proven profile and slightly slower roll action, available this Fall in six colors at retailers and Baits.com.

Bonehead Tackle has launched the Swim Stick, an upgraded version of its Slim Stick design featuring a paddle tail for natural swimming action. The 2-inch swimbait is available in 16 colors and comes 16 per pack, launching this Fall at retailers and Baits.com.

Yamamoto has launched the Uni Mas, an enhanced version of its original Uni lure featuring a larger 20mm body made from durable TPE formula. The new bait is designed to trigger reaction bites and is available in 10 Yamamoto colors, with pro angler Matt Becker praising its balanced size for attracting larger fish while maintaining consistent bite rates.

INDUSTRY UPDATE

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) raised $28,000 for USA Shooting through an auction at its annual board meetings, exceeding last year's donation. The funds support the National Governing Body for international shooting sports, whose athletes earned five medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The NSSF invites legal professionals to its second annual Legal Symposium on October 6–7 in Washington, D.C. The event features panels on Supreme Court decisions, FFL hiring practices, state firearm responsibility laws, product liability prevention, ATF regulatory reforms, and IP portfolio management, with an evening reception and full day of presentations.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), the National Rifle Association of America, the Second Amendment Foundation, and the American Suppressor Association filed an amicus brief with the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals arguing that short-barreled rifles are protected by the Second Amendment and that the National Firearms Act's registration scheme lacks historical support under the Supreme Court's Bruen test.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) filed supplemental briefs in three ongoing National Firearms Act cases, citing recent Supreme Court rulings in United States v. Hemani, Wolford v. Lopez, and Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections & Public Safety. SAF argues the NFA's remaining registration requirements lack constitutional authority following elimination of the $200 tax on suppressors and short-barreled firearms.

AGM Global Vision announced the appointment of Leslie Vester as Head of Marketing. Vester brings over a decade of experience in brand strategy and marketing leadership to support AGM's expansion across hunting, shooting sports, law enforcement, and outdoor industries.

Orchid announced an integration between its Orchid POS platform and Gun Made, automatically syndicating live inventory from Orchid POS dealers into Gun Made's search results across 4,000+ dealers and 500 million products. The integration drives traffic and sales to dealer storefronts with no commissions or manual uploads required.

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS

Kinsey Brands is hiring a Director of Brands to oversee its consumer brand portfolio, manage multi-channel sales strategies, guide product development, and lead supply chain operations. The role requires strong analytical skills and experience managing relationships with mass merchants, distributors, and international accounts.

Kinsey's Inc., a leading outdoor sporting goods distributor headquartered in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania, is hiring a Distribution Account Manager to manage 100-130 dealer accounts. The role combines sales, account management, and customer service with an emphasis on building dealer relationships and driving profitable growth.

Krieghoff International is hiring a skilled Gunsmith for its U.S. Service Center in Ottsville, Pennsylvania. The full-time position involves repairing, building, and modifying competition shotguns with factory training from Krieghoff Master Gunsmiths, requiring gunsmithing school credentials and experience with break-open shotguns.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is hiring a Regional Director for western Montana to oversee volunteer chapters, organize fundraising events, and manage grant programs. The position requires a bachelor's degree, five years of professional experience, and frequent travel throughout the region.

NEWSSTAND, RADIO & TV

Firearms News celebrates its 80th anniversary with its July 2026 issue, featuring Oleg Volk's cover story review of the US Palm STORM CAT4 AR-15-Type Pistol. The issue includes reviews of firearms from Ruger, Sig Sauer, and Springfield Armory, plus articles on suppressors, reloading, and Second Amendment coverage by contributors including James Tarr, Rick Rambo, Patrick Sweeney, and David Codrea.

Hook & Barrel Magazine and Guns.com have partnered to provide firearm buyers with exclusive post-purchase subscription access to premium outdoor lifestyle content, including firearm reviews, hunting and fishing adventures, and celebrity interviews.

PRODUCT NEWS

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. launches the America 250 Limited Edition Model 1854 rifle to commemorate the United States' 250th anniversary. Available in .44 Magnum or .45-70 Government, both models feature detailed engravings, walnut stocks, stainless-steel Armornite-finished barrels, XS Sights ghost ring rear sights, and modern flat-face triggers.

SPYPOINT announced the availability of the FLEX-M2 cellular trail camera and FORCE-4K non-cellular trail camera. The FLEX-M2 features 32MP photos, 1080p video, and up to 12 months battery life, while the FORCE-4K offers 48MP photos, 4K video, and a 66-degree field of view for hunters seeking premium performance.

Zanders, a national firearms distributor based in Sparta, Illinois, has added Timber Creek Outdoors to its portfolio. Timber Creek Outdoors manufactures American-made AR platform accessories including charging handles, handguards, and safety selectors, with CEO Tyler Tiller praising the partnership's alignment with their commitment to quality and dealer support.

XTech Tactical announced the X-Flare 556 and X-Flare Digital enhanced flared AR magwells designed for Mil-Spec AR-15/M4 receivers. Both models feature a 1.75x larger funnel opening for faster reloads, injection-molded nylon construction, and are priced at $39.95, available now at xtechtactical.com.

Millennium Marine introduced the BD-100 Big Daddy Boat Seat, featuring a 24-inch-wide seating platform with four additional inches of width compared to the original B-100. The seat includes breathable ComfortMAX fabric, integrated lumbar support, all-metal construction, and a fold-flat design, available in multiple colors with a one-year warranty.

Italian Firearms Group highlights how Italy's Banco Nazionale di Prova ensures quality through rigorous testing and verification. Manufacturers including Tanfoglio, Pedersoli, and F.A.I.R. combine national proofing requirements with extensive internal testing and craftsmanship to deliver firearms meeting the highest standards.

Bear OPS, the tactical division of Bear & Son Cutlery, unveiled the Nekema™ II everyday carry knife featuring a 3.5-inch Sandvik® 14C28N stainless steel blade and lightweight aluminum handle. Made in Jacksonville, Alabama, the knife is priced at $92.49–$97.49 and available in Black & Copper or Gray & Blue colorways.

ZeroTech Optics has released the Vengeance 1-6x24 LPVO in Flat Dark Earth finish, featuring a 1-6x magnification range with illuminated RAR reticle and second focal plane design. The scope is designed for hunters, recreational shooters, and modern sporting rifle owners seeking fast target acquisition and precision at extended distances.

Sports South, backed by over 180 years in the industry, offers summer recreational products including Splat R Ball Water Beads, Daisy Buck Shooting Kit, Umarex USA TR50 Revolver, Chiappa Soft Air USA CO2, and Sig Sauer Airguns ProForce M17 through TheShootingWarehouse.com for dealers to stock.

Bear Edge Knives launches the Model 71141, a 4 3/4" dark gray aluminum assisted opener featuring a 440 stainless steel drop point blade, flipper-assisted opening, and reversible pocket clip. Built in Alabama, this lightweight pocketknife is priced at $73.99.

Evolution Outdoor is unveiling the Largemouth 3.0 3700 Backpack at ICAST 2026 in Orlando, featuring a patented flip-out saddle bag system and versatile storage for tackle trays. The backpack includes multiple pockets, rod holders, and a removable saddle bag that converts into a standalone hip or sling bag, priced at $119.99.

Iron Valley Supply now stocks Viridian's firearm optics, green dot reflex sights, laser sights, and tactical weapons lights. The Viridian RFX1 Green Dot Reflex Sight pairs with Iron Valley's exclusive ODG Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0.

SHOWS

CZ will exhibit at the inaugural Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) Big Game Days in Missoula, Montana, July 16-19, 2026. The company will showcase hunting-focused firearms at RMEF Basecamp and participate in Range Day activities, allowing attendees to experience CZ products firsthand.

Dealer Wire - 155 Litchfield Rd., Edgartown, MA 02539
Copyright © 2026, OWDN, All Rights Reserved.