Night Fision has acquired Zaffiri Precision, a Largo, Florida-based aftermarket brand known for CNC-machined slides and barrels. The strategic move expands Night Fision's aftermarket offerings while combining expertise in iron sight systems with Zaffiri Precision's precision components for Glock, Sig Sauer, and Springfield platforms.

Victory Archery unveiled the Rival Series hunting arrows featuring a proprietary .225 diameter internal component system with MaxxKe Technology 1.5K carbon weave construction. The arrows offer enhanced speed, durability, and tunability with tapered stainless steel inserts and Victory's Backweight System for customizable FOC weight.

Team Mathews shooter Stephan Hansen won first place in the Men's Compound Division at the 2026 World Archery Indoor World Series in Nîmes, France. Teammate Amanda Mlinaric earned second place in the Women's Compound Division at the prestigious international tournament.

Mission First Tactical's MFT Guardian Duty Holster earned the prestigious National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) members testing approval and recommendation. The holster features instinctive locking system technology with magnetic and aerospace carbon fiber rod technology, designed for law enforcement and first responders.

Guns.com announced twelve winners of its inaugural Readers' Choice Awards at SHOT Show in Las Vegas, with categories spanning firearms, optics, ammunition, and tactical gear. Winners include Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2 Carry Comp, SIG SAUER 1911-XCARRY, Hornady ammunition, and Safariland holsters, voted by millions of customers rather than editors or manufacturers.

XTech Tactical is launching three unique dealer starter packages valued at $1,000 for SHOT 2026, offering 30% savings versus standard dealer cost and 50% margin to dealers. Orders must be placed by January 26, 2026, with packages available to domestic US brick-and-mortar dealers and law enforcement distributors.

Dead Air Silencers has hired Miles Mortensen as Creative Manager for both Dead Air and Dead Air Defense brands. Mortensen brings over 15 years of professional photography experience, including work with major touring acts, and eight years at Tier 1 Concealed building their marketing department.

MidwayUSA Foundation appointed Stephanie Femrite as Deputy Director. Femrite brings nearly two decades of nonprofit and youth development experience, including 18 years with 4-H as Missouri Assistant Director. She will lead the Programs Group and manage grant-making initiatives for the Foundation's youth shooting sports programs.

The USA Clay Target League announced that Josh Kroells, who has served as Operations Manager since 2014, has been promoted to Vice President by the Board of Directors. Kroells will continue leading efforts to expand clay target shooting sports participation across schools and athletes nationwide.

Hawke® Optics introduces the Vantage IR 1-4x20 Turkey Dot Scope in Mossy Oak® Bottomland, featuring an illuminated turkey-specific reticle for fast target acquisition and precise shot placement. The scope offers 1-4x magnification, four inches of eye relief, and multi-stage red and green illumination designed specifically for turkey hunting.

Riton Optics introduced the 5 Primal 15x56 ED Binocular, expanding its 5 Primal ED lineup with higher magnification for long-range observation. Marketing Director Trent Marsh stated the 15-power binocular fills a gap for western hunters seeking distance glassing capability while maintaining portability at 2.51 lbs, with an MSRP of $829.99.

Viridian Weapon Technologies has launched the MDS25 and MDS35 Modern Dot Sight optics, featuring expansive square lenses, top-mounted internals, and green-dot technology designed for rapid acquisition and enhanced field awareness. Both models offer 3 MOA dots, unlimited eye relief, and duty-ready durability with 30,000-hour battery life.

Holosun introduces the EPS-CORE, a new enclosed pistol optic for 2026 designed for duty and defensive firearms. Featuring a 3 MOA dot in a fully enclosed 7075-T6 aluminum chassis, the optic protects against environmental debris while maintaining reticle clarity in variable lighting conditions with Shake Awake technology.

A generous donation to the Boone and Crockett Club will waive the $40 entry fee for its Records program starting January 1, 2026. The initiative aims to reduce barriers to participation and increase the database of North American big game records, which CEO Tony Schoonen notes is vital for wildlife managers evaluating herd and habitat health.

James Lofton, former Houston Safari Club Foundation President and longtime hunting advocate with over 25 years of service, is featured on the Hunting Matters podcast. Lofton shares insights from his extensive involvement with conservation organizations including the NRA, Gun Owners of America, and the North American Hunting Club, plus his work supporting youth hunters and military veterans through various charitable initiatives.

Benelli expands its Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. lineup for 2026 with new 28-gauge models featuring Advanced Impact barrels, enhanced cold-weather controls, and updated camouflage options. The shotguns are priced from $2,849 to $3,099 and available in multiple finish combinations including GORE OPTIFADE, Realtree Max-7, and Mossy Oak Bottomland.

Stoeger Industries introduced the STR-9 Thinline+, a refined 9mm striker-fired pistol featuring a ported barrel, Tungsten Cerakote slide, tritium night sights, and RMSc Shield optic-ready capability. Designed for everyday carry with improved recoil control and a larger magwell, the pistol carries a $699 MSRP.

MTM Case-Gard introduces the Pistol Range Kit, an all-in-one solution featuring a water-resistant dry box with foam-padded handgun tray, five-magazine storage, ear and eye protection, safety flags, and paper targets. Priced at $41.94 MSRP, the compact kit is designed for both new and experienced shooters.

Franchi introduces 15 new 2026 Affinity shotgun models built on the next-generation Inertia Driven® platform featuring refined ergonomics, improved stock design, and field-focused upgrades including a two-piece shell latch and adjustable recoil pad. MSRP ranges from $999 to $1,579.

Hawk unveiled the Solace Platform and Helium FLX Saddle at SHOT Show 2026. The Solace Platform features a 13"L x 16"W cast-aluminum surface rated for 350 lbs. with a 5.5-lb. carry weight, while the Helium FLX Saddle provides lightweight, ergonomic support with customizable MOLLE attachment points for saddle hunters.

Skull Hooker unveiled two new products for 2026: the Shed Stacker display rack for elk sheds and the Bone Head Skull Whitening Kit for transforming deer and elk skulls into European mounts at home. Both products will be showcased at SHOT Show booth #12669 from January 20-23.

Muddy Outdoors announced the expansion of its DV8 men's hunting apparel line with three key launches: the DV8 Rubline Pants for early to mid-season hunts, the DV8 Assault Jacket featuring Primaloft® Gold insulation, and the DV8 100-Liter Duffel Bag. These products will be showcased at SHOT Show booth #12669 from January 20-23.

Avian-X announced three new species additions to its Power Butt Kicker motion decoy lineup: Mallard Hen, Pintail Drake, and Black Duck. These decoys feature anatomically accurate profiles with power-kicking webbed feet that generate realistic feeding motion, offering two runtime modes for extended field performance.

Command has announced a universal Cellular Feeder Control Module launching summer 2026, compatible with feeders from Boss Buck, Muddy, Wildgame Innovations, and American Hunter. The module enables remote monitoring and scheduling via the Command mobile app, available through Wildgame Innovations and Boss Buck websites and participating retailers.

CCI Ammunition will launch High Bar Air Gun Slugs in 2026, featuring 22-caliber Segmented Hollow Point and hollow-point designs optimized for accuracy and terminal performance in PCP air rifles and pistols. The new product line will debut at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

Magpul introduces the AMAG 15 SG9, a 15-round 9mm metal magazine for SIG P365 pistols, featuring a high-visibility follower, stainless-steel spring, and grip extensions for all P365 variants. Additional 12- and 10-round versions are scheduled for February 2026.

Lipsey's, a major firearms distributor, reintroduced the Smith & Wesson Night Guard as a Lipsey's Exclusive with modern upgrades including the Model 396 in .44 Special and Model 386 in .357 Magnum, both featuring scandium frames, adjustable sights, and Hogue grips. Available in early Spring through federally licensed dealers.

Outdoor Edge introduces the Razor VX7 and Razor VX8 knives featuring a compact 2.5-inch blade length, debuting at SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas. Both models feature the patented RazorSafe replaceable blade system with premium materials and fast-opening pivot systems, priced at $39.99 and $49.99 respectively.

Sierra Bullets announced its 2026 product lineup featuring three waves of new bullets including heavy-for-caliber MatchKing offerings and expanded family options. The company is also rebranding its Varminter line to VarmintKing and reclassifying BlitzKing as Tipped VarmintKing, with rollout beginning in January 2026.

Winchester Ammunition launches Supreme Long Range, a new precision centerfire rifle ammunition line featuring BC Max bullets engineered for hunting and extreme-range shooting. Available in five calibers with match-grade accuracy and controlled expansion, the ammunition is now available at dealers nationwide.

Daniel Defense unveiled the MUTE30Ti and NULL9Ti suppressors, featuring advanced 3D-printed titanium construction. The MUTE30Ti targets precision rifles with maximum sound reduction, while the NULL9Ti optimizes for PCC platforms with high-flow design and over 75 percent noise reduction.

SPYPOINT announced its 2026 trail camera line-up featuring three new models: the FLEX-RANGE with satellite backup, the FLEX-M2 with 32MP photos, and the FORCE-4K with 48MP photos and 4K video. The launch marks a new era for the brand with innovative scouting technology and a redesigned look.

Springfield Armory released the SA-35 9mm Polished Blued pistol, featuring a polished finish with hot salt bluing and checkered walnut grips. Based on John Moses Browning's P-35 design with modern upgrades, the pistol includes a 15-round magazine capacity and improved ergonomics, with an MSRP of $799.

Streamlight Inc. introduced the TLR-3X and TLR-3X USB rechargeable weapon lights designed for compact and sub-compact handguns. The lightweight lights deliver 500 lumens with multi-fuel capability, accepting either CR123A batteries or Streamlight's SL-B9 rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, with MSRPs of $170.00 and $179.00 respectively.

White Label Armory, a VKTR Industries subsidiary, is launching budget-friendly suppressors in 2026 exclusively through Sports South Distributors. The lineup includes the Geist Series, Fenix Series, Hot Link, and Party Popper models, showcased at SHOT Show. Owner Dave Rybacki emphasizes the suppressors' high performance and affordability for consumers.

Browning Trail Cameras unveiled seven new products for 2026, including three cellular trail cameras (Defender Pro Scout Max HD-DV, Defender Pro Scout Max HD Solar, and Defender Vision Pro LSF), two SD card cameras (Recon Force Elite HP5 Ultra and Spec Ops Elite HP5 Ultra), and two accessories, balancing cellular and SD card technology for diverse user needs.

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announces the release of the Spec Series R 686 Plus revolver and Spec Series VI M&P 9 M2.0 Metal Compact pistol, both featuring premium components including Aimpoint ACRO P-2 Red Dot sights, Cerakote finishes, and accessories from Savior Equipment and Floyds Custom Shop.

Mossberg International introduced the Maverick SA Semi-Auto shotgun line, a versatile 12-gauge platform chambered for 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells with adjustable length-of-pull stocks and Accu-Choke system for hunting and sporting applications.

Federal Ammunition has introduced its Terminal Ascent Handgun ammunition line featuring bonded, nickel-plated bullets in three chamberings: 10mm Auto 203-grain, 357 Mag. 157-grain, and 44 Rem. Mag. 235-grain. The new loads deliver accuracy and terminal performance for handgun hunters with reliable expansion and increased weight retention.

Garmin announced the tactix 8 – Cerakote Edition, a tactical smartwatch featuring a hardened ceramic coating, 1.4-inch AMOLED display, titanium bezel, and up to 29 days of battery life. Available in slate gray or olive drab, the $1,599.99 smartwatch includes tactical features like Applied Ballistics Ultralight solver and Stealth Mode, launching January 23, 2026.

Beretta introduces the M9A4 Overlanding Series in three rugged finishes: Lunar, Clay, and Nomad Bronze. The pistols feature RDO-compatible slides, threaded barrels, tritium night sights, and Cerakote coatings, available now through authorized Beretta dealers with an MSRP of $1,269.

RETAY will unveil the Gamelander single-shot shotgun at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, featuring Deep Bore™ Drilled Barrels, AIRY™ recoil system, and adjustable cheek piece. Available in 20-gauge and .410 bore, the lightweight shotgun is designed for turkey hunting with advanced ergonomics and ballistic performance.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. introduces the Scout model to its Ruger American Rifle Generation II lineup, featuring a compact 16.1-inch barrel, iron sights, extended Picatinny rail, and leaf-green stock. Available in .308 Win, 350 Legend, 5.56 NATO, and 7.62x39 calibers.

GForce Arms launches the Jawbone .45 ACP with deliveries beginning late February at $599 MSRP. The firearm features a 7-inch 4140 steel barrel, 26+1 capacity, ambidextrous controls, Picatinny rail, and Glock G21/G30 magazine compatibility, backed by a 5-year limited warranty.

Tactacam, maker of the number one cellular trail camera, will exhibit its DEFEND brand including the new DEFEND 360 wireless cellular security camera at SHOT Show 2026 (January 20-23). The DEFEND lineup offers motion alerts, night vision, and 360° pan, tilt and zoom capabilities for remote property protection without Wi-Fi.

Archon Firearms will exhibit at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas at Booth No. 72349, debuting new products including ported barrels, compensators, trigger upgrades, and expanded capacity magazines. President Jacob Lunde emphasized the company's commitment to performance-driven design and user-focused upgrades.

SK Guns announced Los Niños Héroes de Chapultepec as the 2026 SHOT Show Gun of the Year, a limited-edition Colt 1911 chambered in .38 Super honoring six Mexican military cadets who died defending Chapultepec Castle in 1847. The pistol features intricate 24k gold engravings and historical details, shipping April 2026.

PTR Industries will showcase new products including the 9SDM, new brace SKUs, and factory SBRs at SHOT Show 2026 (January 20-23) in Las Vegas at booth #10327. The integrally suppressed PTR 9SDM combines roller-delayed blowback technology with a purpose-built suppressor for enhanced sound suppression.

Viridian Weapon Technologies launches its "20 IN 26" anniversary campaign at SHOT Show with exclusive booth events, dealer specials, and giveaways of MDS 25 and MDS 35 Modern Dot Sights. CEO Brian Hedeen highlights the company's 20-year milestone and upcoming innovations in optics, lights, and lasers.

Kent Cartridge will showcase 17 new products at SHOT Show 2026 in Booth #70943 at Caesars Forum, including innovations across waterfowl, upland, and dog training categories. New offerings feature Fasteel Classic, Ultimate Pheasant, Southern Reserve Dove, and Kent Low-Report Blanks designed for reliable field performance.

FTW/SAAM has been named Bid Card Sponsor for the 2026 HSCF Worldwide Hunting Expo & Convention, scheduled for January 23–25, 2026, in The Woodlands, Texas. FTW/SAAM will support the live and silent auction components while contributing to Houston Safari Club Foundation's conservation and educational programming.

Deer & Wildlife Stories with Keith Warren released a new episode featuring Daniel Thomas Whitetails, a Louisiana breeding operation owned by Daniel and Brenda Thomas. The farm is recognized for producing large, CWD-resistant whitetails through selective genetics and modern breeding technology, with young bucks showing exceptional antler growth at just two years old.

When we spoke to suppressor makers late last month, projections varied, but all agreed that 2026 would be a significant growth year for the suppressor industry, now that the $200 tax stamp officially zeroed out at midnight on December 31, 2025.

But nobody could have expected the volume of eForms that would be submitted as we rang in the new year.

NSSF announced that the ATF reported processing over 150,000 eForms on January 1. The normal daily volume is roughly 2,500.

Welcome to the new normal.

Knox Williams, executive director of the American Suppressor Association (ASA), reported after meeting with ATF officials during SHOT Show here in Las Vegas that, to date, more than 260,000 eForms have been processed this January.

That figure includes all NFA forms, not just those covering suppressors. ASA hopes to obtain a further breakdown for its tracking of suppressor-specific transfers, but that data is not yet available.

However, we do have the final numbers for 2025. Last year, a total of 732,863 suppressors were transferred, falling short of the 746,380 transferred in 2024. That brings the total number of registered suppressors in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record (NFRTR) to 5,776,685—up from 4,419,578 at the end of 2024.

The shortfall was obviously not due to a lack of consumer demand, but rather to buyers refusing to pay the tax when they knew purchases would be tax-free on January 1. That 150,000-plus eForm volume on day one proves the point.

Here at SHOT Show, the busiest booths are those of suppressor manufacturers, with retailers and buyers looking for what’s new, when it will ship, and what the pricing will be.

Fighting through crowded booths, we got updates from several suppressor companies. While all agree that 2026 will be a major milestone year for their segment of the market, it’s still anybody’s guess as to where 2026 will finish.

Value-Priced Suppressors Will Lead The Way

Silencer Shop, which accounts for approximately 50% of all suppressor sales through its network of dealer accounts and easy-to-use kiosks, says that low-price-point .22 suppressors are the big movers.

These entry-level suppressors were a lot less inviting when the federal tax accounted for a 50-66% markup. Overall, Silencer Shop estimates is already up three to five times over this point last year.

SilencerCo told us they are up 25% compared to this time last January, with value-priced products leading the way. Their Sparrow 22, with its $349 MSRP, has always been a strong seller, and .22 sales are expected to remain on trend.

As for overall sales in 2026, they estimate growth could reach as much as 50% over last year, on the high side.

Inland Manufacturing, which is distributed by MKS, offers suppressors in the $500 range. Ron Norton says he’s seeing huge demand for low-dollar suppressors, especially now that the stock-up that occurred prior to January 1 has sold through distribution channels and dealers are restocking.

He estimates they are seeing sales as much as 10X over January 2025.

Over at the JK Armament booth, where suppressors range in price from $325 to $1,495, they expect 2026 growth to fall between 25% and 50%. Again, low-dollar suppressors at $550 and under, will lead the growth as the entry point for new suppressor owners.

B&T USA, which isn’t in that “value-priced suppressor” end of the market, finished 2025 with 30% growth over 2024 and is already up 30% over January 2025. B&T USA’s VP of Sales, Michael Petronella, estimates the company could finish 2026 with 50% growth, a trend that could continue for two to three years as new consumers find their way into suppressor ownership.

Silencer Central admittedly takes a conservative view and estimates they are seeing sales in the range of three times that of pre-July 2025, when the idea of the $200 tax stamp being eliminated was just that—an idea.

Silent Steel USA, which operates out of Michigan and has only been in the U.S. market for a year, sees tremendous growth potential compared to the volume generated by its Finnish counterpart over the past eight years.

Mark Wildasin, COO and CFO for Silent Steel USA, is reluctant to put a number on 2026 sales with only one year of data for comparison. However, he did agree that 2026 could be a major milestone year for the Silent Steel brand, as sales in the overall U.S. suppressor market are poised to explode.

While estimates vary, everyone we spoke to agreed that the suppressor market will continue to see sales growth, along with expansion as new companies enter the segment looking to cash in on the surge.

The upside is significant, especially when you consider that the total number of suppressors in the hands of individuals is only 5.7 million, and annual sales have yet to break 1 million—something that could, and should, happen this year.

To put that into perspective, Ruger was the first U.S. gun maker to produce 1 million guns in a one year period. Then were also the first to produce 2 million in the same timeframe. They have quite literally made more suppressor-compatible firearms than there are suppressors in circulation—probably.

But, suppressor manufacturers will be working to catch up—sooner rather than later.

– Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network