NSSF, the Firearm Industry Trade Association, applauds President Trump's Make America Beautiful Again 250 commission chaired by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. The initiative aims to increase hunting and public land access while reducing bureaucratic barriers to conservation and outdoor recreation on public lands and waters.
Industry Update
Silent Steel USA announced a strategic partnership with Maschmedt & Associates, a sales agency with over 50 years of outdoor industry experience. The agreement expands Silent Steel USA's representation across 23 western states, strengthening dealer relationships and market presence for innovative suppressor technology.
Superior Outfitters, one of Texas's largest shooting sports retailers, seeks to expand its footprint through new store openings and strategic acquisitions of existing firearms businesses. The company invites dealers facing market challenges to discuss potential partnership or acquisition opportunities.
Wiley X announced the appointment of Johnathan Weikum as Vice President of Sales. Weikum will lead the company's sales organization across all channels, overseeing strategic growth initiatives and key partnerships. He previously served as Director of Sales for Wiley X's Optical Division and held senior roles at Oakley and Costa Del Mar.
NSSF praised South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden for signing Senate Bill 2, which deregulates suppressors in the state. The law was signed at Silencer Central with NSSF Board member Brandon Maddox and NSSF's Moriah Day present, removing suppressors from the state's controlled weapon definition.
Wiley X announced the appointment of Cory Uehlein as Vice President of Marketing & Digital. In this role, Uehlein will lead the company's comprehensive marketing and digital strategy, driving brand growth and customer experience across all channels.
Kinetic Development Group recognizes MidwayUSA as a key stocking partner, highlighting their longstanding relationship built on trust and shared commitment to the shooting sports community. With new product launches planned for 2026, both companies are aligned on expanding their partnership and increasing KDG product availability through MidwayUSA.
Spartan Precision Equipment announced a partnership with Hunter Outdoor Communications to strengthen its North American market presence through strategic public relations and brand development. The collaboration aims to expand brand awareness and deliver impactful messaging to the outdoor industry.
Liberty Ammunition announced its selection by Brink's U.S. for executive protection services. CEO Gary Ramey expressed pride in supporting the world's oldest security firm, which has provided asset protection since 1859, with Liberty's advanced ammunition technology.
Kovix, a premium titanium suppressor manufacturer, relocated its headquarters from Lake Norden, South Dakota to Kalispell, Montana. CEO Luke Hanson stated the move enhances team synergy and positions the company more centrally for operations while maintaining seamless customer service.
RetailBI released its January Firearm Sales Index showing a -6.2% decline compared to January 2025. Gearfire's RetailBI provides data-driven retail performance metrics using point-of-sale transactions from over 2,000 U.S. firearms retailers, offering manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accurate consumer demand insights.
ATF Deputy Director Robert Cekada, President Trump's nominee to lead the agency, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee and pledged to focus on violent crime while protecting Second Amendment rights. The NSSF expressed strong support for Cekada's confirmation, praising his three decades in law enforcement and commitment to not burdening lawful gun owners.
Korth Group Ltd., a Canadian outdoor distributor, is expanding into the fishing category with a dedicated team and new Ontario warehouse facility launching in Q2 2026 to enhance service across Canada.
Todd Seyfert, President and CEO of Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., has been elected to the NSSF Board of Governors at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. Seyfert brings extensive industry experience from previous roles at FeraDyne Outdoors, Vista Outdoor, and other manufacturing enterprises.
HeadHunters NW President Shaylene Keiner will conduct face-to-face executive recruiting consultations in the Phoenix area from February 10 through March 5, 2026. Organizations can meet directly to discuss 2026 hiring needs, gain market intelligence on talent expectations, and develop customized talent strategies with no obligation required.
Silent Steel USA announced Kim Jensen's appointment as Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Jensen brings over 30 years of outdoor industry experience, including 20+ years at Robinson Outdoor Products and recent leadership at X-Vision Optics, to drive brand awareness and channel partnerships for the premium suppressor manufacturer.
Randy Luth, founder of D.P.M.S./Panther Arms and current leader of Luth-AR, LLC, is running for the NRA Board of Directors. With 40 years of firearms industry experience and multiple patents, Luth seeks to bring reform-minded leadership to strengthen the organization for Second Amendment advocates.
Monologix, Inc. announced the appointment of Jae Ellison as Vice President of Business Development, effective September 8, 2025. Ellison, formerly Director of Education for the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA-USA), will lead global growth initiatives and expand hunter safety courses through Certified-Hunter.com.
The 2026 SHOT University, presented by NSSF, attracted over 3,100 retailers and industry professionals during SHOT Show. The event featured comprehensive sessions on compliance, marketing, and workforce development, plus a debut Suicide Prevention Town Hall led by mental health advocates. NSSF continues education year-round through SHOT University Online with on-demand compliance and business modules.
Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing announces Anne Mauro as director of special events and technical services specialist. Mauro, an NRA Certified Advanced Shotgun Coach Level 3 and 2025 NRA Golden Bullseye Award recipient, brings extensive experience from roles at Syren USA, Caesar Guerini USA, Fabarm USA, and Blaser Jagdwaffen GmbH.
