Victory Archery released the VLR, a micro diameter arrow featuring high modulus carbon and 1.5K Carbon Weave MaxxKe Technology designed for extreme speed and flat trajectory. The arrow comes equipped with AAE IP4 series nocks and SHOK taper lock inserts, available in multiple spine offerings for customizable performance.

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a combined reply and opposition brief in Jensen v. ATF, challenging key provisions of the National Firearms Act of 1934. FPC criticized the Trump Administration's Department of Justice for aggressively defending the NFA in court rather than working to end unconstitutional gun control restrictions.

Registration is now open for the 2026 National R3 Symposium, taking place May 4-7 in Des Moines, Iowa. The event brings together professionals from state and federal agencies, NGOs, industry partners, and academia to collaborate on recruitment, retention, and reactivation strategies for hunters and recreational shooters. Early-bird registration is $525 through March 16.

Sarsilmaz, a global firearms manufacturer, launched its redesigned website at sarsilmaz.us, transitioning from sarusa.com. The new site features modern design, streamlined navigation, and enhanced user experience. Miranda Cook, Sarsilmaz Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the company's commitment to serving the U.S. firearms community.

Primary Arms Optics unveiled two new products for SHOT Show 2026: the PLx Compact 1.5-12x36 FFP RDB Rifle Scope featuring premium Japanese glass and Red Dot Bright® reticle technology, and the updated Top Cap Reflex Mount (TCRM V2). Both products are expected to arrive in the first half of 2026.

The National Rifle Association announced a partnership with We the Free, a Second Amendment-focused streaming platform. NRA members receive a 10% discount on subscriptions, with featured shows including Guns Out TV hosted by John Keys and Shermichael Singleton, Print Shoot Repeat, Keep & Bear News with Jared J. Yanis, and The Kim Klacik Show.

LandTrust and Turkeys For Tomorrow announced a partnership where each turkey hunt booked on LandTrust generates a $10 conservation contribution to TFT. The collaboration leverages LandTrust's 1.5 million acres across 40+ states to fund TFT's research, habitat, and private-land conservation work focused on wild turkey recovery.

Benelli updates its Montefeltro Silver semi-automatic shotguns for 2026 with engraved brushed nickel receivers and gold accents. The 12- and 20-gauge models feature refined aesthetics, AA-grade walnut stocks, and Benelli's Inertia Driven system, priced at $2,299 MSRP.

MTM Case-Gard introduces the Powder & Shot Bushing Box (PSBB), a compact, stackable storage solution for reloaders featuring a clear snap-lid for easy identification. Priced at $9.49, the box keeps standard bushings organized and accessible at the workbench.

REVEAL by Tactacam, the most-awarded trail camera company in 2025, celebrates accolades from Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, and Outside Magazine for its REVEAL Ultra camera. CEO Jeff Peel highlights the company's commitment to innovation and customer service as it enters 2026 with new product advancements.

Lipsey's and Springfield Armory have released the exclusive 10-8 Performance Master Class 1911, developed in collaboration with Hilton Yam. Available in 9mm and .45 ACP, this duty-ready pistol features modern performance upgrades, optics capability, and Yam's signature specifications for enhanced reliability and accuracy.

Remington Ammunition announces three new 7mm Backcountry loads for 2026: Core-Lokt 175-grain, Core-Lokt Tipped 175-grain, and Premier Long Range Speer Impact 175-grain. These loads utilize Peak Alloy case technology for high velocities from shorter barrels, ideal for suppressed rifles.

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announced a limited release of Lipsey's Exclusive Model 386 and Model 396 Night Guard revolvers. The 7-shot Model 386 in .357 Magnum/.38 Special +P and 5-shot Model 396 in .44 Special feature scandium frames, XS Sights tritium front sights, and Hogue Rubber Bantam grips for enhanced performance and control.

RCBS announced the Rock Chucker Supreme Elite Kit, featuring the Rock Chucker Supreme single-stage press and Chargemaster Link Electronic Powder Dispenser. This comprehensive handloading kit provides new reloaders with essential tools for crafting custom ammunition with precision and consistency.

AirForce Airguns unveiled the Tex-Rex® Brush Gun in .510 and .457 calibers at SHOT Show 2026, featuring a compact 16-inch barrel delivering 700+ foot-pounds of energy. President John McCaslin highlighted the rifle's design for close-range hunting in dense terrain with modern optics compatibility.

Berger Bullets & Ammunition launched 1,500 count Competition Packs for handloaders seeking components from the same production lot. The new packs address long-range competitors' demands for precision and consistency across multiple shooting disciplines including PRS, Fullbore, F-Class, and ELR.

Shadow Systems, based in Plano, Texas, announced the launch of the AXIO 9mm pistol platform, a full-size duty-capable handgun featuring an all-steel chassis design, Overstroke Slide System, and next-generation trigger system. Available in AXIO and AXIO Pro trim levels with pricing starting at $1,999.

Taurus USA announces the 20th Anniversary Taurus Judge, a commemorative edition celebrating two decades of the iconic revolver. The special model features stainless-steel engraving, premium wood grips with gavel motif, and maintains the original's .45 Colt and .410 shotshell capability, available at SHOT Show Booth #13038.

Otis Technology and SIG SAUER Inc. partnered to develop a dedicated line of gun cleaning products for ROSE by SIG SAUER, launching at the 2026 SHOT Show. The collection includes 9mm and 5.56mm/9mm cleaning kits, Ripcord® tools, and a silicone gun cloth designed for the P365 ROSE and M400 ROSE firearms.

Bond Arms celebrates its 30th anniversary by launching special edition 30th and 30th XL derringers chambered in .45 Colt/.410 bore with 3-inch stainless steel barrels. Both models feature fixed sights and are available at special anniversary pricing for a limited time, with the 30th XL offering extended B6 Resin grips for enhanced control.

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. announced new short-barreled rifle versions of the PC Carbine, 10/22, and Ruger American Rifle Generation II, featuring compact designs with premium materials and threaded barrels compatible with suppressors.

Code Blue Scents launches four new hunting products: Refuge All-Season Spray, Code Red Doe Estrous – Full Rut Supply, Soak-A-Rope, and Rope Dope. These scent-based solutions are designed to enhance whitetail hunting effectiveness throughout the season.

Killer Instinct Crossbows unveiled its 2026 lineup featuring patent-pending decocking technology across all models, including the STX Pro Series, NEO-X DC, VITAL-X DC, and BOSS-X DC. The innovation delivers safety and ergonomic advancements at competitive price points, with the MRX Triggerbox on the flagship STX Pro Series and DC Triggerbox technology on other models.

Winchester has launched a limited-edition USA 250th Anniversary Commemorative Ammunition Series with five collectible packages honoring American heritage. Only 15,000 units are available, featuring themes like Pioneering America, American Hunter, and Defending Freedom, with Brett Flaugher, President of Winchester Ammunition, highlighting the brand's 160-year legacy woven into American history.

Beretta USA and Langdon Tactical Technology announce the 92G Elite LTT II, a competition-ready pistol featuring Ernest Langdon's patented Low Mount RDO solution, Inox stainless steel slide, and enhanced ergonomics. The pistol ships with three Mec-Gar magazines and will debut at SHOT Show.

CVA announced the launch of the XP and XP-SB Muzzleloaders, modernized evolutions of the trusted Optima™ platform featuring improved ergonomics, modularity, and customization options. Available in .50 caliber with 18-inch and 26-inch barrel configurations, both models offer bolt-on cheek risers and adjustable length-of-pull for enhanced accuracy and fit.

Chiappa Firearms introduces the Rhino 60DS L-Frame Nebula, a 44 Remington Magnum revolver featuring a unique multi-spectrum PVD finish with iridescent coloration. The revolver maintains the signature bottom-chamber firing geometry for reduced muzzle rise and includes improved ergonomics, fiber-optic sights, and Hogue rubber grips.

Kent Cartridge unveiled 17 new shotshell products for 2026 across waterfowl, upland, and dog training applications. The lineup includes Fasteel Classic, expanded Upland Fasteel sub-gauge offerings, Ultimate Pheasant, Southern Reserve Dove, and Kent Low-Report Blanks, all loaded in the USA and available through authorized dealers.

FN America, LLC announced a California compliant version of the FN 502® MRD rimfire pistol featuring a 10-round magazine and magazine disconnect. The pistol will debut at the 2026 NSSF SHOT Show in Las Vegas, offering shooters professional range-day performance with optics-ready capability.

Realtree launched its 40th anniversary celebration at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas on January 20, featuring a special booth setup, commemorative magazine, exclusive giveaways, and new decorated firearms and ammunition. The year-long celebration includes collaborations with Federal Ammunition, partnerships with the National Wild Turkey Federation, consumer events, and retail programs honoring the brand's four decades of innovation in camouflage design.

Viridian Weapon Technologies is launching limited-edition Gummy Guns at SHOT Show 2026, available exclusively at booth #10167. The playful gummy candies are free while supplies last, with one pack per attendee. Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen emphasized the company's creativity, inviting attendees to also view their next-gen green dot optics, ultra-compact lights, and innovative builds.

RETAY unveiled its 28-gauge ACE shotgun at SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas, expanding its inertia-driven platform with sub-gauge precision and 30% recoil reduction via the AIRY system. The lightweight firearm features RETAY's proprietary Dead Straight™ deep-bore drilled barrels and Inertia Plus™ action, available in multiple camo patterns and black matte.

Legacy Sports International will showcase its 2026 product lineup from Howa, Pointer, Citadel, and SCSA at Shot Show in Las Vegas. The new Howa Fence Line Series features three coating options, threaded Cerakoted barrels, and availability in standard and mini action models with various calibers including the new 25 Creedmoor.

Celerant Technology will showcase retail management solutions at SHOT Show 2026, featuring the Customer Engagement Suite, GunBroker Precision Pricing integration, Armslist automation, and Master FFL partnership to streamline firearm transfers and expand dealer reach across multiple online platforms.

Sporting Classics with Chris Dorsey reached 2.17 million households with 2.46 million unique views in Q3-Q4 2025 on Outdoor Channel, maintaining 2.4+ million average views over five consecutive years. The series expanded across multiple platforms including WildTV syndication, YouTube, Instagram, Forbes, and Sporting Classics Magazine.

Shooting USA celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Creedmoor Matches, featuring black-powder muzzle loaders and period-correct cartridge rifles competing at distances up to one thousand yards. The episode also includes Hornady Reloading tips and airs Wednesday on Outdoor Channel.

The Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports  is using SHOT Show to reintroduce itself to the firearms and outdoor industry and explain why its work and evolving funding model matter for the future of hunting, recreational shooting, and conservation. 

“So, the council’s mission is to grow participation in hunting and recreational shooting and also to improve the general public support of recreational hunting and recreational shooting,” said Scott Lavin, Director of Research and Partnerships.

Lavin noted that while participation remains a small percentage of the population, public acceptance of regulated hunting remains strong.

“Probably, depending on what state you’re in, anywhere between five and 10 percent of the Americans in your state hunt, but currently, nationwide, there’s 73 percent support for legal and regulated hunting,” he said. “You just have to remind the public that hunting is a science-based method of management that has regulations, and they’re absolutely okay with it.”

Founded in 2009 following a presidential executive order aimed at addressing declining hunter numbers, the Council was initially structured as a business-to-business nonprofit.

“The council was founded as more of a business-to-business nonprofit for many years. Our partners, and maybe you could even say our customers, have been state wildlife agencies and national nonprofits that do R3 work,” Lavin said.

Rather than hosting hunts or range days, the Council focused on research, training, and national standards.

“So, we don’t exactly host the programs that are going to take somebody hunting or to the range, but we provide the science, the resources, and the best practices to make those programs more successful across the nation, no matter who’s hosting them,” he said.

That work includes the National R3 Practitioner’s Guide, now widely used by state agencies, and the National R3 Symposium, which trains new professionals entering the field.

“We basically wrote the book. We have the National R3 Practitioners' Guide that most state agencies use,” Lavin said.

For years, the Council’s funding model reflected that agency-focused mission.

“So right now, the council is funded through a multi-state conservation grant, and that covers about 85 to 90 percent of our operations,” Lavin said.

While that funding provided stability, it also limited growth.

“Doesn’t give us a lot of room for growth,” Lavin said. “I tell everybody, nothing was ever created to get smaller, though.”

As participation strategies evolve and new audiences emerge, maintaining and updating national resources requires additional investment.

“As the practitioner guide, which is a living document that is reviewed annually by a team of state agency and nonprofit partners, as we address the changes and what we have learned year after year, we make modifications and adjustments to our resources that take staff time and resources,” Lavin said. 

That reality has driven a strategic shift and explains why the Council is at SHOT Show.

“So, what is new is looking to state agencies and other nonprofits to help fund a nonprofit is not exactly the best business model,” Lavin said. “So, what we are trying to do here at SHOT Show this year is introduce ourselves to the industry as a whole.”

The Council has also updated its messaging to reach beyond R3 professionals.

“We were changing the messaging on our website to receive the general public, where traditionally you only know about the council if you worked in R3 as a profession,” Lavin said.

SHOT Show provides a direct connection to manufacturers and companies whose businesses and excise taxes support conservation nationwide.

“So not too many people know about the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act’s excise tax,” Lavin said, “and these manufacturers sell products that generate the excise tax that funds conservation nationwide.”

Lavin said the Council’s role is to help sustain that system.

“So, we’re here to demonstrate to industry partners that we facilitate the pipeline that creates new customers for them,” he said.

The shift is already showing results.

“We just changed our website in December. This is very new to us,” Lavin said. “We have already started to get some donations, and we have some people coming on board to support our national R3 symposium this year in May in Des Moines, Iowa.”

The Council continues to expand its hands-on involvement with agencies as well.

“So, the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports, which wrote the book on effective R3, is now training staff,” Lavin said. “So much so that we now have partner positions embedded in state agencies that we are the employer of, but they work with the state agency.”

For Lavin, the message to industry is straightforward.

“We need them to be successful,” he said. “For us to be successful.”

As SHOT Show continues, the Council’s presence reflects a broader truth: sustaining hunting, recreational shooting, and conservation funding requires participation infrastructure that can grow, adapt, and endure, and that responsibility is shared across agencies, nonprofits, and industry alike.

– Jay Pinsky, Editor,  The Hunting Wire & The Archery Wire