Mathews announced its 2026 Contingency Programs offering over $1.5 million in monetary payouts to professional and amateur archers at ASA, IBO, and NFAA sanctioned events. The program includes a Bridge-Lock Stabilizer Contingency option, with Pro Staff Manager Derek Phillips highlighting opportunities for both Team Shooters and undiscovered competitors.

Ballistic announced the eighth annual Editors' Choice Awards recognizing standout firearms, optics, and accessories of 2025. Over 100 products were tested, with winners including Springfield Armory Kuna for Best Gun of the Year, Marlin 1894 Trapper 10mm for Best New Lever Rifle, and EOTech Vudu 1-10x28 SR5DF for Best New LPVO Scope.

Vincent Hancock, a multi-time Olympic gold medalist and Team Beretta athlete, has been named the 2026 NRA Media Shooting Sports USA Golden Bullseye Competitor of the Year. The award recognizes Hancock's exceptional performance, sportsmanship, and dominance in competitive shooting with his Beretta DT11 shotgun.

Dallas Safari Club announced Wayne F. Farnsworth, Jr. as the 2026 recipient of the Dr. Bob Speegle Outstanding Hunting Achievement Award. Farnsworth, a dedicated outdoorsman with 36 years of hunting across six continents, will be honored at the 2026 Convention in Atlanta, Georgia for his commitment to ethical, fair-chase hunting.

The Beretta 1301 Tactical C has been named 2025 Ballistic's Best Defensive Shotgun by Athlon Outdoors' Ballistic's Best awards. The shotgun earned the highest overall score among defensive platforms tested, recognized for exceptional performance, reliability, and real-world defensive capability.

Burris Optics Shooting Team Member Camdyn Powers achieved a dominant 2025 season with seven first-place finishes and won the IPRF PR22 Rimfire World Championship Ladies Division title, competing for Team USA against 256 elite shooters from 21 countries. Powers credits her success to discipline, faith, and her preferred Burris XTR Pro optic.

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and its partners have filed an amicus brief with the Ninth Circuit in support of Rhode v. Bonta, a case challenging California’s ammunition background check system.

Flambeau will exhibit in booth #528 at the 2026 Archery Trade Association Show on January 7–8 in Indianapolis. The company will showcase protective cases, storage solutions, and field-ready accessories at booth #528, connecting with dealers and industry partners.

WE Knife will showcase its latest innovations at the Archery Trade Association Show from January 7-10, 2026, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. VP Marketing & Business Development Seth Ercanbrack invites dealer partners and enthusiasts to visit Booth #1965 to explore the company's award-winning product portfolio.

The Archery Trade Association announces the return of the Archery & Bowhunting Supershow on January 9–10, 2026, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. Mossy Oak will be showcasing its latest patterns and products and attendees can meet representatives, explore Mossy Oak brand partners' merchandise, and gain insight into how the brand supports the hunting and outdoor community.

Kinsey's is hosting its Dealer Show February 19-21 at Lancaster County Convention Center with enhanced pricing, flexible payment terms, and ACH discounts. The event features live entertainment from Nate Hosie, host of HeadHunters TV on the Outdoor Channel, celebrating dealer partnerships with industry camaraderie.

Millennium Treestands is showcasing its 2026 product line at the Archery Trade Show (ATA) in Indianapolis, January 6-11, 2026. The company, part of Millennium Outdoors, will display innovations in treestands and outdoor gear at booth #1347.

Barnett will showcase its 2026 product lineup at the Archery Trade Association Trade Show on January 7-10, 2026, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The company will feature expansions to its Raptor, Wildcat, and XPX series crossbow lines at Booth #2047 and S16.

Ol'man Outdoors will exhibit at the 2026 Archery Trade Association Show in Indianapolis, January 6-11, 2026, at booth #1341. The company will showcase its hunting and outdoor equipment lineup, including its patented treestand systems and safety products.

Yamamoto Baits has expanded its popular Hinge Minnow line with three new sizes (3", 5", and 7") and introduced the Uni, an urchin-style bait featuring bulbed appendages and custom TPE formula for enhanced action and buoyancy.

Big Bite Baits and SteelShad have released new lures including the McMoney Jig designed by pro Mike McClelland, the Alloy Blade, and the SteelShad Coastal Series with premium saltwater hardware and VMC hooks.

Northland Tackle introduced the Manitoba Mullet jig designed for large predators like trout, pike, and muskies, available in four colors and two sizes. The company also expanded its Smeltinator jig, Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon, and Smeltinator Underspin Jig lines with new sizes and colors.

Cuda Fishing, in partnership with Mark Zona, has introduced a new titanium tools line for 2025, featuring the Mark Zona Series 8.75" Ti Needle Nose Split Ring Pliers, 5.25" Ti Mini Snip, 3" Ti Micro Scissor, and 5.5" Ti Bonded Large Braid Shear designed for durability and performance.

Bonehead Tackle, part of GSM Outdoors, introduced two new fishing products: the Tangle-Free Weight designed to eliminate wrapped lines, and the Crappie Scope Head featuring a lead keel for stable horizontal presentation with Mustad hooks.

The Mule Deer Foundation received a $744,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to expand habitat restoration and wildlife connectivity across the Northern Great Plains. The funding supports the Great Plains Initiative, which collaborates with private landowners and agencies to improve rangeland health and benefit mule deer, pronghorn, greater sage-grouse, and grassland birds.

Christensen Arms announced Shane Meisel's appointment as President effective January 1, 2026. Meisel, an industry veteran, will lead the precision firearms manufacturer through its next growth phase, succeeding interim president Matt Fleming.

Range USA, the nation's largest indoor gun range and firearm retailer, donated $25,000 to the NSSF-sponsored Protect Liberty PAC to support Second Amendment rights advocacy. CEO Tom Willingham stated the contribution demonstrates the company's commitment to defending constitutional freedoms for gun owners nationwide.

Vortex and Guns.com partnered on a charity auction featuring a custom Razor HD Gen III riflescope, Daniel Defense DD5 rifle, and exclusive gear, raising $3,825 for the SEAL Future Foundation. CEO Joe Hamilton emphasized the impact of their collaboration in supporting the foundation's mission.

FS Holdings announced the appointment of Lynn Twiss as Vice President of Marketing, bringing over three decades of industry experience from roles at Kimber, Leupold & Stevens, and SIG SAUER Electro-Optics. Twiss will lead marketing strategy across FS Holdings' portfolio including FirstSpear, FirstSpear Technology Group, Atlas 46, and Black Crest.

The Indiana Court of Appeals unanimously ended the City of Gary's 26-year lawsuit against firearm manufacturers, upholding House Bill 1235 championed by NSSF that reserves to Indiana the exclusive authority to sue industry members. NSSF Senior Vice President Lawrence G. Keane praised the decision as a victory for the rule of law against frivolous litigation.

GrabAGun Digital Holdings Inc. announced it is the first major firearms retailer to accept Bitcoin (BTC), USD Coin (USDC), and Tether (USDT) payments on GrabAGun.com. CEO Marc Nemati stated the initiative targets digitally native consumers and demonstrates the company's commitment to innovation while maintaining regulatory compliance.

The NRA Foundation achieved record assets in 2025, reflecting disciplined stewardship and commitment to its charitable mission. Under Executive Director Peter Churchbourne's leadership, the Foundation continued funding hundreds of programs nationwide supporting marksmanship training, hunting, and youth shooting sports while maintaining strong governance and financial management.

Knife Rights criticizes the Trump administration's Department of Justice for defending the Federal Switchblade Act in court, arguing the DOJ's response brief contradicts claimed Second Amendment support. Attorney John Dillon states the government's arguments are baseless, and Knife Rights plans to file a final brief early next year while seeking donations to continue the legal fight.

Knife Rights achieved significant legislative victories in 2025 across multiple states, including knife law preemption bills in Ohio, Arkansas, and Idaho, switchblade ban repeals in Hawaii, Vermont, and Delaware, and debanking protection for the knife industry in Idaho. The organization also successfully amended bills in Washington and North Carolina while continuing federal litigation challenging switchblade bans in California and Minnesota.

Guidefitter announced a strategic partnership with Taurus Holdings, welcoming the Georgia-based manufacturer and its portfolio including Rossi and Heritage to its network of verified outdoor professionals. The collaboration aims to connect these firearms brands with authentic ambassadors in the outdoor community, with all three brands launching on Guidefitter in early Q1 2026.

Jimmy John Liautaud, founder of Jimmy John's sandwich chain, joins Michael Waddell on The Michael Waddell Podcast to discuss his business journey, hunting philosophy, and conservation efforts. The episode explores how Liautaud built his franchise from 1983 to nearly 2,800 stores.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. announces the return of the iconic Ruger Red Label III over/under shotgun, built by Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company. The 20-gauge shotgun features premium walnut stock, inertia-operated single trigger, and is designed for upland hunting, skeet, sporting clays, and waterfowling.

Italian Firearms Group presents the 1805 Baker Rifle by Davide Pedersoli, a meticulously crafted reproduction of the first rifled flintlock issued for regular British military service. Featuring a PMG barrel with period-accurate rifling, walnut stock, and brass furniture, the rifle is scheduled for availability in Q1 2026.

Perfect mARC and Mossy Oak have launched the Navigator Whistle in Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage for $59.99. The aircraft-grade aluminum whistle features an aCME Tornado mechanism for powerful, pea-less sound and is designed for retriever training and hunting.

Derya Arms announced the TM22 Flash, a tactical semi-automatic .22LR rifle designed for recreational shooting with an MSRP of $249. The lightweight rifle features an 18" rifled barrel, full top rail, M-LOK forend, adjustable stock, and includes two 10-round magazines, with compatibility for 15-round and 25-round aftermarket options.

Armageddon Gear introduced the Gun Slinger Chest Rig, a purpose-built alternative to their original Big Game Chest Rig designed for hunters needing integrated pistol carry. Constructed from double-waxed canvas with a dedicated holster and magnetic binocular compartment, the rig prioritizes organization and accessibility in the field.

VKTR Industries announced the VKP Pro, a double stack 1911 handgun manufactured entirely in the United States. The firearm features a combat trigger, steel controls, optics compatibility, and DLC ArmorLube coating, shipping with custom Atlas magazines and a carry case to select dealers nationwide.

Galco has introduced the Combat Sweeper Belt Holster, a hand-molded pancake-style design featuring a high-riding design with belt slots for secure carry. Constructed of premium steerhide in black or tan, it offers deep molding for retention and double-stitched seams for durability.

Galco introduces the Brush Hog Belt Holster, a premium steerhide holster designed to protect pistols from the elements while maintaining quick-draw capability. The holster features a snapping flap to shield mounted optics, hand molding for retention, and is available for 5" 1911s with optional accessories including a Belt Drop for enhanced draw speed and comfort.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. announces the launch of Ruger Harrier rifles, a re-engineered line of modern sporting rifles manufactured at Ruger's Hebron, Kentucky facility. The initial offerings include two 5.56 NATO models featuring mil-spec receivers, free-floated handguards, and enhanced reliability components designed for superior fit and aftermarket compatibility.

Kimber Mfg. unveiled four compensated 2K11 models in January 2026, available in black and stainless finishes with full-size and Pro-size configurations. The new lineup features integrated compensators, carbon fiber grip modules, and partnerships with Stan Chen Customs and TAG Precision for enhanced performance.

Ocufii, based in Lake Lure, North Carolina, launched free personal safety features including TagMe™ Assist in its mobile app. The platform enables users to send instant safety alerts, share real-time location with trusted contacts, and customize alert types for emergencies, available now on the App Store and Google Play.

Coriolis Agency, founded by former AmmoReady CEO Paul Angell, launched professionally managed hosting for WooCommerce websites integrated with FFL Cockpit, designed specifically for Federal Firearms Licensees seeking reliable, scalable ecommerce solutions with compliance support and modern fulfillment strategies.

Liberty Safe announced 25 new dealer locations in 2025, building on 40+ dealers added in 2024. CEO David Foley and CRO Donny McKay emphasized the company's commitment to supporting dealers with U.S.-made products, marketing programs, and enhanced dealer tools to serve customers effectively.

RentAGun.com launched the industry's first fully ATF-compliant online firearm rental platform designed to support brick-and-mortar FFLs. The platform allows consumers to rent firearms online with shipment to participating dealers, while dealers benefit from transfer fees, increased traffic, and accessory sales.

Kovix, a premium titanium suppressor manufacturer based in Lake Norden, South Dakota, will exhibit at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. The company will showcase its Timberline suppressor family and unveil new Badlands stainless-steel suppressors, with Director of Sales Jimmy Bell and CEO Luke Hanson highlighting the brand's commitment to quality and hearing safety.

Blaser announces a partnership with competitive clay shooting champions Karen and Gebben Miles, who will compete with the Blaser FBX shotgun. Karen is a 3x World Champion and 2x U.S. Open Champion, while Gebben is a World FITASC Championship winner, strengthening Blaser's presence in competitive clay target sports.

Taylor TR Ranch has been named the official Pen Sponsor for the 2026 HSCF Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention, taking place January 23–25, 2026, in The Woodlands, Texas. The premier hunting destination will enhance the exhibitor and attendee experience at this cornerstone event for the hunting industry.

Dead Click Revival will sponsor The 2026 Gundie Awards, an annual voters-choice awards show for the firearms and outdoor industry. The event takes place January 19, 2026, at the Venetian Theater in Las Vegas, Nevada. DCR provides AI-powered identity resolution tools to help firearms businesses generate leads and convert website traffic into customers.

Conroe Taxidermy, founded in 1972 by Mike Simpson, has been named the official Lanyard Sponsor for the 2026 HSCF Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention scheduled for January 23–25, 2026, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center in Texas. The sponsorship highlights Conroe Taxidermy's commitment to the hunting community and HSCF's mission to preserve hunting through education and conservation.

 MyOutdoorTV's HuntStream and the Bass Channel featuring Major League Fishing programming is made universally available to MyOutdoorTV’s paid subs thanks to massively expanded distribution on Amazon (in the US and Canada), Roku, and YouTube Channels. 
 

MyOutdoorTV launches a new Predator Channel featuring 24/7 predator hunting content from award-winning programs including Into High Country, Driven with Pat & Nicole, Predator Nation, and Fred Eichler's hunts. The limited-edition channel is available on multiple devices through the Outdoor Sportsman Group's premier streaming platform.

Keith Warren and The High Road Group celebrate 42 years of outdoor television production, now specializing in multi-platform video content across Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and streaming services. The company leverages Warren's industry expertise in product development and marketing to deliver repurposable content that maximizes brand visibility and ROI for outdoor manufacturers.

NRA took a serious hit on December 28th. It wasn’t from Chuck Schumer or Letitia James. It wasn’t from a billionaire oligarch trying to take your gun rights—those things still are real and out there—it was from AML. Acute Myeloid Leukemia. The Director of NRA Museums Phil Schreier did everything the doctors asked of him and then some. He had a bone marrow donor lined up, a hospital room reserved and a plan for a transplant. But it wasn’t enough. Leukemia won, and we all lost.

If you didn’t know Phil Schreier personally, you probably knew of him. And frankly, considering his body of work, you have time to study up before reading any further. If nothing else, watch this video tribute by a “Friend of Phil,” NRA’s Jake Stocke. I’ll wait.

I first met Phil in July 1979. I was a homesick 13-year-old attending Boy Scout junior leadership training, and he was the coolest guy in the world. He knew everything. He had muskets and a Civil War belt buckle. He was an Eagle Scout.

But what Phil really had was the ability to put people at ease and to tell a story, whether you were 13 or 103. He could give you the context of a person, place or event and especially a gun. For a couple of generations, he made guns and the importance of them to our freedom comfortable, real and relevant. He did nothing less than make the history of the gun cool and the part the gun has played in human freedom, liberty and dignity understandable and tangible.

His journey as an NRA employee began as a curatorial assistant at NRA’s National Firearms Museum in 1989, then located in Washington, D.C. It was far more janitorial than it sounds. He took the museum from guns on burlap with typed index cards to the modern museum in Fairfax, Va., today. Walk its galleries, and you will be walking hand-in-hand with Phil.

His path was one that included him becoming friends with William B. Ruger, Sr., as cranky and demanding a man as I have ever met. Mr. Ruger called me “kid,” but he addressed Phil by name with genuine warmth. Phil was friends with Robert Petersen, founder of the publishing empire that bears his name and the only billionaire I’ve ever known. Medal of Honor recipient and past NRA President Joe Foss was his hero and dear friend. He was invited to the set of “Blue Bloods“ by his friend Tom Selleck. He was preceded in death by his friend R. Lee Ermey. It is my hope that Phil and the Gunny are having a cigar together on the other side as this is written.

His character was unlike anyone I’ve ever known. Smart, funny and stubborn. Whatever standard an organization or the world imposed, his own was higher. He was a public face of NRA, not because he sought fame and fortune; the latter is extremely unlikely as an NRA employee of 36 years. He took that role on as not only his vocation but as a responsibility. Most of NRA’s millions of members will never meet an NRA staffer, one of the dedicated people that goes to work for them every day, so you better leave a good impression. Phil had the Cal Ripken attitude: No matter what’s going on in your life, you stay and sign the last baseball. At the thousands of gun shows he attended, and the dozens of NRA Annual Meetings, he would always make time to answer a question or shake a hand, much to his own peril when seeking to reach the bathroom on time. He once told me that if you’re on TV enough, you’ll never make it to the men’s room alone again. There was simply no quit in him.

When I was asked to start “American Rifleman Television” on the Outdoor Channel in 2002, the first thing I did was head to Phil‘s office and tell him, “We’re doing this, but I can’t do it without you.” He was part of every episode for 44 seasons, 22 years. We can do the show without him, but I don’t have to like it.

When it looked like a coalition of nations would rid the world of Saddam Hussein, Phil came into my office and told me he wanted to be the first embedded war correspondent for American Rifleman since Bill Shadel during World War II. He sent a series of letters and did all the legwork, resulting in his being embedded with the 101st Airborne Division. He was on the ground representing NRA for American Rifleman and “American Rifleman Television.” A true gun guy, his knowledge of guns was both historical and practical. He even designed a fixture to hold belted machine gun ammunition boxes on the side of American vehicles. I’ve spoken to troopers who used that locally made accessory on their Humvees in combat. They had no idea it came from Phil.

As he prepared to be embedded (at his own expense), I wished him well and told him, “Don’t die over there, Phil, or I’ll kill you.” He not only went over there to tell a story, but he was there long enough that, as he was getting ready to return home, he met with the 101st’s commanding general, David Patreus. He’d been on the ground with the 101st long enough that Gen. Petraeus personally presented him a Screaming Eagle patch and told him to wear it on his right shoulder for seeing more than 30 days of combat with the 101st. The general also gave him a Screaming Eagle lapel pin that Phil will wear the last time anyone sees him at his funeral memorial. He made friends over there, friends who will be at his memorial service, and he passed out a lot of Old Bay. Later, NRA sent him to Afghanistan, to report and represent us. 

Wherever he went, he always represented NRA and the positive side of the gun culture. He was a guy that, even if you didn’t know him, you felt like you did. From his work on “Tales of the Gun,” ”American Rifleman Television,” “Gun Stories,” “Lock n’ Load with R. Lee Ermy,” and dozens of other appearances on both broadcast shows and hundreds, if not thousands, of YouTube videos, he represented all of us that have guns and freedom in our hearts. He brought culture to the gun culture. He was an example to follow; he spoke for us. I miss him. And you should, too.

— Mark Keefe, Editorial and Public Affairs Director, NRA Media