Brownells reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the European market, with Chairman and CEO Pete Brownell stating the company is not leaving Europe. The company is finalizing its European distribution strategy and will announce additional details regarding products, ordering, and distribution partnerships through official channels.
Industry Update
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed that the federal government cannot impose a lifetime gun ban on Edward Williams based on his decades-old nonviolent DUI conviction. Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) supported the case, with the court ruling that America's historical tradition permits disarming dangerous people, not permanently disarming peaceable citizens for nonviolent offenses.
Following an October 9 ATF announcement, the agency will no longer enforce NFA requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and related items. SilencerCo explains the implications for suppressor ownership, including federal non-enforcement of registration and interstate transport restrictions, while emphasizing state laws remain applicable.
Dead Air Silencers welcomes the ATF's new guidance eliminating approval and registration requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns following Congress's reduction of the federal tax to $0 effective January 1, 2026. The change removes barriers established since 1934, making hearing protection devices more accessible to responsible gun owners while state and local laws remain in effect.
CCW Safe, a national leader in self-defense legal services, will participate as a featured panel speaker at The Great 2A Insurance Town Hall on October 17, 2026, in Petaluma, California. Director of Field Sales Jerome Vinet will represent CCW Safe alongside other firearm legal protection organizations to discuss coverage, legal preparedness, and responsible firearm ownership.
Bass Pro Shops announced plans for a new 110,000-square-foot destination retail location in Irmo, South Carolina, expected to open in late 2027. The store will mark Bass Pro Shops' fourth destination retail location in South Carolina and is expected to employ over 120 Outfitters to serve the greater Columbia region near Lake Murray.
The Second Amendment Foundation released a fact sheet refuting 85 predictions from anti-gun groups including Brady, Everytown, Giffords, and March For Our Lives that claimed pro-Second Amendment court rulings would increase violence. FBI data shows three consecutive years of declining murder rates and the largest one-year drop in violent crime on record in 2025.
Following a federal court victory in Silencer Shop/Jensen v. ATF, Firearms Policy Coalition sent letters to 15 state attorneys general requesting immediate non-enforcement of state laws tied to the now-enjoined NFA registration scheme. The ATF also announced it will no longer enforce many NFA restrictions on short-barreled rifles, suppressors, and other covered arms.
HeadHunters NW clarified that ZEV Technologies was a victim of a recruiting scam, not its source. A fraudulent recruiter exploited a genuine Vice President of Sales opening that HeadHunters NW was recruiting for, using fake emails to solicit payment from candidates.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed an opposition to New York Attorney General Letitia James's motion to dismiss in Goldberger v. James, challenging the State's ban on firearm carry in Times Square. FPC argues James should remain in the case and that the organization has standing to sue on behalf of its members.
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) has standardized the 5.56 Commercial cartridge, introduced by Hornady Manufacturing Company. The new round features a 55-grain bullet at 3,400 fps with a maximum average pressure of 62,000 psi.
Firearms Policy Coalition filed an appeal brief in Wehr-Darroca v. District of Columbia, challenging D.C.'s ban on magazines holding more than ten rounds. FPC seeks to overturn precedent that imposes heightened barriers on Second Amendment challenges, arguing gun owners shouldn't face felony prosecution to contest unconstitutional laws in court.
SLG2, Inc. is bringing its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Bass Pro Shops in Concord, North Carolina on October 17-18. The Grand Safety Tour features a mobile range with firearm safety training using FATS simulators, archery instruction, and demonstrations from brands including GTM Original and Black Rifle Coffee.
Primary Arms Optics announced the promotion of Jeff Scheider to Vice President of Sales. Scheider, who previously served as National Sales Manager, will lead sales strategy and strengthen dealer partnerships for the Houston-based optics company.
Silencer Central launched "Ship to Dealer," allowing customers to purchase suppressors online and pick them up at licensed dealers nationwide. The service follows ATF guidance eliminating NFA registration requirements for suppressors, available in 27 states alongside Silencer Central's traditional front-door delivery option.
Bass Pro Shops and Schulte Hospitality Group announced a partnership to unite the historic Cheeca Lodge with the legendary Islander Resort in Islamorada, creating a premier destination with nearly 400 accommodations, world-class fishing, and conservation initiatives. The combined properties will anchor Bass Pro Shops' Florida Keys presence alongside World Wide Sportsman Store & Marina.
Primary Arms Optics announced Stephen Morgan's promotion to Vice President of Product Development and Marketing, effective immediately. Morgan, who joined the company in 2021, previously served as Senior Director of Sales and Marketing and will now lead product positioning and strategy for the optics division.
Silencer Central and U.S. LawShield launched a new NFA trust offering clearer documents, streamlined ATF submissions, and self-service tools through the Silencer Central customer portal. The revocable trust includes online education on NFA firearms, firearm trusts, and co-trustee management, available free to suppressor customers.
SLG2, Inc. is bringing its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Bass Pro Shops in Fort Smith, Arkansas on October 10-11. The event features a mobile range with firearm safety simulators by FATS by InVeris, archery instruction, and demonstrations from brands including GTM Original and Black Rifle Coffee.
Steiner Optics announced that Strohman Enterprise in Mechanicsville, Virginia, is now an authorized dealer for the Steiner Overwatch Program. Founded by Joe Strohman, the veteran-owned company serves federal agencies, Department of Defense, and law enforcement. Qualified first responders and military personnel can purchase precision optics including binoculars, riflescopes, and red dots through the program.
