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.
Industry Update
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
NSSF praises the Trump administration's Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for publishing a Final Rule eliminating "reputational risk" from supervisory programs, ending banking discrimination against firearm and ammunition businesses. Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel, stated the rule prevents unlawful denial of banking services to legitimate industries.
Brownells announced the expansion of its VALOR Program, a law enforcement initiative providing reduced-price access to firearms parts, maintenance supplies, and duty gear. The program, led by Bill Hampstead, offers individual officers verified law enforcement pricing and agencies a single reliable source for equipment sustainment across legacy and current platforms.
Gun Tote'n Mamas, an award-winning women's concealed carry handbag provider, has partnered with Charter Arms Manufacturing. The collaboration showcases GTM's latest protection solutions, including the new Clutch Concealed Carry Purse, available through Charter Arms' Accessory Store.
SHIELD Sights announced new distribution partnerships with Sports South and Zanders Sporting Goods, joining its longstanding partnership with RSR Group. The expansion makes SHIELD's micro red dot optics available through these major wholesale distributors' dealer networks across the United States.
Protect Liberty PAC announced its Freedom Giveaway Sweepstakes featuring a Benelli Lupo Rifle in 300 Win Mag. and patriotic t-shirts commemorating America's 250th birthday. The initiative aims to expand grassroots engagement ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with t-shirt purchases providing sweepstakes entries.
SLG2, Inc. will bring its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Bass Pro Shops in Glendale, Arizona on April 11-12, 2026. The free interactive event introduces women, families, and outdoor enthusiasts to shooting sports with firearms education using FATS simulators, archery instruction, and product demonstrations from industry brands.
Liberty Ammunition has been selected as the featured ammunition at the NYC Anti-Terrorism Council event. CEO Gary Ramey highlighted the company's solid copper projectiles, which offer lighter weight, more stopping power, and no over-penetration compared to competitors, while emphasizing Liberty Ammunition's American ownership.
The Second Amendment Foundation, National Rifle Association of America, and Independence Institute filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to grant certiorari in National Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc v. Letitia James, challenging New York's law that undermines the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act and enables abusive public nuisance lawsuits against firearms manufacturers and dealers.
