Industry Update

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a motion for preliminary injunction in Pool v. Besson, asking the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana to block the state's ban on handgun carry permits for 18-to-20-year-old adults. FPC had previously warned Louisiana of the constitutional violation and provided legislative language to fix it, but the state refused to act.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and partners including Maryland Shall Issue, Firearms Policy Coalition, and Maryland State Rifle and Pistol Association filed a reply brief with the U.S. Supreme Court challenging Maryland's "sensitive places" carry ban in Novotny v. Moore. SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut stated the law makes carry permits "useless everywhere" in violation of the Bruen ruling.

NSSF celebrated the 10th annual National Shooting Sports Month in August with the theme "Let Freedom Plink." Over 519 ranges, retailers, and shooting clubs participated, with 190 ranges hosting #RangeChallenge events that distributed 19,000 targets. President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Message, and 19 state governors issued proclamations recognizing the shooting sports' importance.

Walk the Talk America founder Michael Sodini will deliver a keynote at the 2026 Wyoming Suicide Prevention Symposium in Cheyenne on September 15-16. ROOTS Project partners B.O.S. Lock and Regal Products will exhibit firearm safety technology solutions alongside WTTA resources including mental health screenings and therapist directories.

The Second Amendment Foundation, along with the California Rifle & Pistol Association, Second Amendment Law Center, Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, filed an amicus brief with the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in Pratt v. Westbrook challenging subjective carry permit denials as unconstitutional under New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen.

Liberty Ammunition and SLA Sales Group have partnered for the TALO States. CEO Gary Ramey and SLA Principal Brian Edwards highlighted the collaboration to support retailers, with SLA bringing extensive ammunition sales experience across multiple channels.

The NSSF-adjusted NICS figure for August 2026 reached 1,115,410, a 2.2 percent increase from August 2025. NFA checks totaled 185,744, up 201.6 percent year-over-year, with Texas leading at 28,030 checks. Texas, Colorado, and Florida topped adjusted NICS rankings.

SLG2, Inc. will bring its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Professional Bull Riders Thunder Days on September 4-6, 2026, at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri. Sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, the mobile range will offer firearms, archery, and outdoor product demonstrations in the Fan Zone, with certified instructors emphasizing firearm safety and responsible ownership.

The Archery Trade Association announced that CEO & President Jeff Poole will retire on January 31, 2027, after five years of transformative leadership. Under Poole's direction, the ATA evolved its annual gathering into a three-part industry celebration and launched Bowhunters United, a grassroots advocacy initiative. The ATA Board has initiated an executive search for the next CEO & President.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) filed an opening brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in cases Viramontes v. Cook County and Grant v. Higgins, challenging assault weapons bans in Illinois and Connecticut. SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut and founder Alan M. Gottlieb argue that AR-15s and similar semi-automatic rifles are commonly possessed for lawful purposes and protected by the Second Amendment.

Bass Pro Shops announced plans for a new 100,000-square-foot destination retail location in College Station, Texas, expected to open in 2028. Founded by Johnny Morris, the store will feature immersive outdoor experiences and employ over 125 Outfitters, bringing Bass Pro Shops' Texas locations to 20.

The 41st annual Gun Rights Policy Conference, co-hosted by the Second Amendment Foundation and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, is scheduled for September 25-27 in Dallas. The event features keynote speaker Honorable Roger T. Benitez and presentations from prominent Second Amendment advocates including Dana Loesch, Brandon Herrera, and Joseph Greenlee of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action.

Aero Precision, Ballistic Advantage, Stag Arms, and VG6 have been acquired by a family investment group committed to restoring these firearms brands. Under new ownership advised by W.G. Nielsen & Co., the companies plan to ramp up manufacturing, restore supply chains, and rebuild customer trust through quality products and service.

A federal judge in Massachusetts denied the government's motion to dismiss a Second Amendment Foundation lawsuit challenging the state's burdensome non-resident license to carry process. The lawsuit, joined by Gun Owners Action League and three individuals, seeks to remove barriers including lengthy delays and mandatory annual renewals that the SAF argues unconstitutionally burden Second Amendment rights.

NSSF, the ATF, and DOJ launched the 26th year of the "Don't Lie for the Other Guy" campaign in Palm Beach County to educate the public about federal penalties for illegal firearm purchases, including up to 15 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed its merits brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in Viramontes v. Cook County, arguing that bans on semiautomatic rifles violate the Second Amendment. FPC President Brandon Combs stated the case could establish binding precedent eliminating unconstitutional arms bans nationwide.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), founded in 1974 by Alan M. Gottlieb, marks 52 years of legal action defending constitutional rights. SAF has participated in over 260 lawsuits and secured landmark victories including the McDonald v. City of Chicago Supreme Court decision, with two assault weapons ban cases currently awaiting Supreme Court oral arguments.

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, announces the second semi-annual Gun Storage Check Week (Sept. 1–7), coinciding with National Suicide Prevention Month. In partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Department of Veterans Affairs, NSSF encourages firearm owners to review secure storage practices through the "Make Sure It's Secure" campaign, featuring resources, a sweepstakes for a Lodestar Technology LNK9 Kit, and promotional materials.

Southwick Associates released its third-quarter 2026 Hunting & Shooting Market Pulse, a quarterly subscription newsletter providing market intelligence to industry leaders. The report highlights economic pressures affecting hunters and shooters, NICS trends, and retail shifts, with NSSF members receiving a 15% discount on subscriptions.

Source Outdoor Group has been appointed Agency of Record for Vertx, the premium tactical apparel and gear brand. The partnership will handle strategic public relations, media outreach, and product launch communications for Vertx across law enforcement, tactical, and consumer markets.