INDUSTRY UPDATE

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) named U.S. Rep. Ben Cline (R-Va.) as its 2025 Legislator of the Year for his advocacy supporting firearm industry commerce, Second Amendment rights, and hunting. Cline championed the Hearing Protection Act, secured NFA tax elimination in the One Big Beautiful Bill, and sponsored legislation protecting industry access during government shutdowns.

Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation announced a major legal victory as the Department of Justice requested dismissal of its appeal regarding the ATF's Biden-era "Engaged in the Business" rule. The preliminary injunction obtained by GOA, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, Utah Attorney General Derek Brown, and Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch remains in effect.

The NSSF praised Kentucky's legislature for overriding Governor Andy Beshear's veto of HB 78, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms (PLCAA) Clarification Act. The bill establishes legal immunity for firearm and ammunition manufacturers and retailers against lawsuits arising from criminal misuse of lawfully sold products. NSSF Senior Vice President Lawrence G. Keane stated the override corrects the governor's decision to stand with gun control groups seeking to abuse courts through litigation.

Colt has appointed Jillair Kubish as President and Chief Executive Officer effective April 1, 2026. Kubish brings over 20 years of firearms industry experience, including a decade at Colt in senior leadership roles overseeing Military and Law Enforcement programs, plus prior U.S. Government service and consulting expertise.

NSSF filed a Federal Election Commission complaint against Giffords PAC, alleging violations of joint fundraising rules. The complaint claims Giffords PAC and allied candidates failed to comply with FEC filing and disclaimer requirements while soliciting funds for both the PAC and preferred gun control candidates.

Hodgdon Powder Company marks the 50th anniversary of Pyrodex, the revolutionary black powder substitute introduced at the 1976 NRA Annual Meetings. Developed by Bob Hodgdon and Dan Pawlak, Pyrodex has become the most trusted propellant among muzzleloading enthusiasts, offering cleaner-burning performance and improved storage stability.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) has promoted attorney Bill Sack to Senior Director of Legal Operations. In this role, Sack will oversee SAF's legal program, including litigation management, case tracking, and public education. Executive Director Adam Kraut praised Sack's coordination of outside counsel and legal program management during his tenure with the organization.

RetailBI released its monthly Firearm Sales Index showing an 11.9% year-over-year decline in March 2026 and an 8.2% year-to-date decline. The index, powered by Gearfire and compiled from over 2,000 U.S. firearms retailers, provides data-driven market insights to manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute, Inc. (SAAMI) announced that Supply Energetics, a nitrocellulose manufacturer based in Parsons, Kansas, has joined as an Affiliate Member. Supply Energetics will gain access to SAAMI's firearms and ammunition technical standards and reference ammunition program assessments.

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) announced the release of the 2026 update to American National Standard SAAMI Z299.1-2026, providing pressure and velocity performance standards for rimfire ammunition and chambers. The standard ensures safety, reliability, and interchangeability of firearms and ammunition.

The DOJ published notices on October 30, 2025, proposing changes to ATF Form 1 and Form 4 to reflect the Big Beautiful Bill's elimination of the $200 transfer tax on silencers, SBRs, SBSs, and AOWs effective January 1. Key changes include removing CLEO notification requirements and implementing new options for married couples to jointly register NFA firearms.

Firearms Policy Coalition announced a motion for summary judgment filed in Poway Weapons & Gear v. CDTFA, challenging California's 11% excise tax on firearms, ammunition, and firearm precursor parts. Plaintiffs Poway Weapons & Gear and Sacramento Gun Range are represented by Cooper & Kirk, PLLC and Michel & Associates, P.C.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) criticized the Trump Administration for continuing to defend the Biden ATF's "Frame or Receiver" rule after the Supreme Court upheld it, despite FPC providing alternative regulatory proposals to protect Second Amendment rights.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed its reply brief with the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Granata v. Campbell, challenging Massachusetts's ban on modern handguns. The plaintiffs, including FPC members and The Gun Runner, LLC retailer, argue the ban unconstitutionally violates Second Amendment protections.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a motion for summary judgment in Morris v. Savannah, challenging a City of Savannah firearm storage ordinance. FPC member Deacon Morris and attorney John R. Monroe of John Monroe Law, P.C. seek to affirm Georgia's firearm preemption law and block local gun control measures.

The Second Amendment Foundation and partners including the American Suppressor Association, National Rifle Association, and Firearms Policy Coalition filed a supplemental reply brief in Brown v. ATF challenging the National Firearms Act's registration requirements for short-barreled firearms and silencers.

CCW Safe announced its Certified Partner Program achieved 120 partners in its first year since launching in January 2025, with strong engagement on the East Coast particularly in North Carolina. The company hired James Concilio as Senior Manager of Partner Program Training and Jerome Vinet as Director of Field Sales to support expansion across the United States.

CZ announced that former U.S. Navy SEAL and trainer Jeff Gonzales has joined as Marketing & Communications Specialist and brand ambassador. Gonzales, founder of Trident Concepts and host of AR15.com's Bulletproof Workshop podcast, will contribute to CZ and Dan Wesson's marketing efforts, product development, and customer engagement.

NSSF praised Kansas Governor Laura Kelly for signing HB2501, which removes state criminal prohibitions against firearm suppressors and eliminates state-level tax stamp requirements. The law passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and includes provisions for retailer immunity and enhanced penalties for criminal misuse of suppressors and short-barrel firearms.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) filed a motion for summary judgment in Poway Weapons & Gear v. Gonzales, challenging California's 11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition that took effect in July 2024. SAF argues the tax violates Second Amendment protections and contends that fundamental rights cannot be subject to special taxation.