Rock River Arms, founded by brothers Mark and Chuck Larson in 1994, celebrates 30 years of American firearms manufacturing in 2026. The Illinois-based company evolved from custom 1911 components to producing AR-platform rifles and innovative systems like the LAR-9, LAR-8, and LAR-47, maintaining its commitment to precision and performance.
Industry Update
NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is promoting Gun Storage Check Week June 1–7 with the message "Make Sure It's Secure" to encourage responsible firearm storage practices. The campaign aims to prevent accidents, thefts, suicides, and unauthorized access, offering resources through GunStorageCheck.org and a sweepstakes featuring a B.O.S. Lock Fusion biometric device.
Firearms Policy Coalition filed a federal lawsuit, NRA v. Moore, challenging Maryland's ban on semiautomatic handguns with cruciform trigger bars, including most Glock pistols. The National Rifle Association and Second Amendment Foundation seek a permanent injunction against enforcement of the ban signed by Governor Wes Moore.
C&H Precision, led by owner Buck Holly, has acquired an ownership position in Merus Adventure Park near Amarillo, Texas, expanding into guided hunting, long-range precision rifle training, corporate retreats, and industry events on the 5,500-acre property.
The Second Amendment Foundation, National Rifle Association, and Firearms Policy Coalition filed a lawsuit challenging Maryland's Senate Bill 334, which bans machine gun convertible pistols effective January 1, 2027. SAF Executive Adam Kraut stated the law bans nearly every Glock and Glock-style handgun, arguing these commonly owned arms are protected by the Second Amendment.
Chattanooga Shooting Supplies announced the promotion of Robin Richardson-Peel to Sales Manager after seven years with the company. Richardson-Peel brings over 40 years of shooting sports industry experience, including previous work with Ellett Brothers, and is recognized for exceptional customer service and leadership.
Federal Ammunition announced an agreement with the United States Army to utilize its patented Peak Alloy ammunition case technology across multiple cartridges and weapon systems. The high-strength steel alloy casing enables chamber pressures exceeding 80,000 PSI for higher velocities in compact rifles.
The NSSF praised Secretary Doug Burgum's announcement that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service will open millions of acres of public lands for hunting and fishing, including over 92 million acres across 111 USFWS stations and 107 National Wildlife Refuges.
The Indiana Supreme Court denied the City of Gary's petition to extend a 26-year-old lawsuit against firearm manufacturers, ending the frivolous public nuisance case. NSSF praised the decision as upholding the rule of law and the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, though the organization warns that gun control groups continue pursuing legal strategies against the firearm industry.
NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, will challenge Connecticut's ban on striker-fired handguns signed by Gov. Ned Lamont, arguing it unconstitutionally infringes Second Amendment rights. Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF's Senior Vice President & General Counsel, criticized the law for punishing law-abiding citizens while ignoring criminals who illegally modify firearms.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a reply brief with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Elite Precision Customs v. ATF, challenging federal laws prohibiting licensed firearm dealers from selling handguns to out-of-state buyers. FPC argues the ban is unconstitutional and lacks historical justification.
Celerant Technology hosts an educational webinar featuring industry experts Chris Chiafullo, Tony O'Con, Travis Glover, Jamison Collins, and Michele Salerno discussing ATF compliance, SOT licensing, and NFA product sales strategies for firearms dealers navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.
Gun Owners of America endorses Representative Lauren Boebert's Freedom from Taxes Act of 2026, which would eliminate the $200 NFA tax on machine guns and destructive devices. Erich Pratt, GOA's Senior Vice President, praised the bill for restoring Second Amendment rights without punitive taxation.
NSSF wrapped its 2026 Marketing & Leadership Summit in Hilton Head, South Carolina, bringing together firearm industry executives and business leaders to discuss AI, workplace culture, consumer trends, and e-commerce. Platinum sponsor 20North Marketing, silver sponsor Shopware, and bronze sponsors including BigCommerce, Listrak, and Payroc supported the event. The 2027 Summit is scheduled for May 11-13, 2027, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
The NSSF is funding a lawsuit against Virginia challenging HB 217/SB 749, which bans Modern Sporting Rifles, standard capacity magazines, and commonly owned handguns and shotguns. The complaint, filed by Erick Black, Britton Condon, Clark's Gun Shop, Inc., Optimus Arms, LLC, and Hexmag USA, LLC, argues the law violates the U.S. and Virginia Constitutions.
Arsenal Inc., a premier American importer and manufacturer of Kalashnikov pattern firearms, is offering 20% off its entire catalog to Virginia residents in response to the state's newly signed assault weapons and high-capacity magazine ban taking effect July 1, 2026. The Virginia Crisis Support initiative runs through June 22, 2026, and includes firearms, magazines, and accessories available through ArsenalInc.com and K-VAR.com.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and partners including Maryland Shall Issue, Firearms Policy Coalition, and Maryland State Rifle and Pistol Association have petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review Novotny v. Moore, challenging Maryland's "sensitive places" carry ban that restricts firearm possession in numerous public locations despite the Bruen decision.
The NSSF funded a lawsuit challenging Virginia's ban on Modern Sporting Rifles and standard-capacity magazines, filing an emergency motion for preliminary injunction in Fauquier County Circuit Court. Plaintiffs including Erick Black, Britton Condon, Clark's Gun Shop, Optimus Arms, LLC, and Hexmag USA, LLC argue the law violates the U.S. and Virginia Constitutions, with enforcement set for July 1, 2026.
The Second Amendment Foundation, National Rifle Association, Firearms Policy Coalition, and two private citizens filed a lawsuit challenging Virginia's new assault weapons and large-capacity magazine bans signed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger. SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut and founder Alan M. Gottlieb argue the banned firearms are commonly owned and constitutionally protected.
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in Firearms Policy Coalition's Christian v. James lawsuit that New York's ban on firearms at publicly accessible private property without owner consent violates the Second Amendment. FPC, joined by member Brett Christian and the Second Amendment Foundation, challenged the state's carry restrictions.
