HIVIZ Shooting Systems marks its 30th anniversary with three decades of innovation in high-visibility sight solutions. The company has introduced groundbreaking products including the M-Series Magnetic Shotgun Sight, TriViz Sight, and FastDot H3, while partnering with major firearms brands including Benelli, Browning, Ruger, and Smith & Wesson.
Industry Update
KDG, headquartered in Seymour, Connecticut, officially transitioned to its new brand identity after dealers, distributors, and customers already referred to the company by the abbreviated name. Owner Stephen Duhaime and Director of Sales & Marketing Chris Bardugone emphasized the move simplifies market recognition while maintaining unchanged leadership, engineering philosophy, and product standards.
Guns.com announced its newest Dealer Advisory Council comprising six firearm retailers and pawnbrokers including Mike Loy, Bert Inslinger, Anthony Vanegas, Hannah Hopkins, Tim Hensley, and Sam Smith. The council guides Guns.com's strategic initiatives supporting its network of over 2,000 independent dealers and has influenced major platform enhancements and the launch of the Auctions platform and expanded suppressor marketplace.
Steiner Optics appointed Clinton Thornburg as Law Enforcement Sales Manager. Thornburg brings over 20 years of law enforcement and sales experience, including service with the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force and Daniel Defense, and will lead the company's law enforcement sales initiatives and agency partnerships.
Murray Road Agency highlights America250 initiatives from outdoor industry clients including SK Guns' commemorative 1911, Range USA's Henry Repeating Arms giveaway, Duck Commander's limited-edition call, and the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation's Louisiana Duck Hunt for Conservation with $20,000 in prizes.
Lodestar Technology® and the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 15th at Lodestar's Chattanooga headquarters to celebrate the opening of their manufacturing facility for the LNK9, a user-authorized 9mm firearm platform. The event will feature leadership remarks, facility tours, and a press conference with the Lodestar team.
The Briefing FFL Compliance Summit, taking place September 23–25, 2026 at the W Hotel Dallas, has confirmed ATF Director Rob Cekada, Chief Counsel Robert Leider, and other top federal officials as speakers. The inaugural conference addresses 34 pending ATF rule changes affecting the country's 70,000-plus active FFLs, with early bird registration at $399 through July 31.
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) has expanded voting membership eligibility to U.S. suppressor manufacturers and designers. SAAMI recently published the Z299.6-2025 voluntary industry standard for firearm sound suppressors, developed with input from suppressor, firearm, and ammunition manufacturers.
Burris Optics announced a partnership with Promoboxx to provide retailers with brand-approved digital marketing campaigns including email, social media, and web content. The collaboration enables Burris dealers to promote products professionally while focusing on sales and customer service.
Blue Force Gear announced the appointment of Eric Suarez as Vice President of Marketing. Suarez will lead strategic marketing initiatives, brand development, and customer engagement across military, law enforcement, and commercial markets, bringing extensive experience in the shooting sports and tactical industries.
The NSSF announces the Second Annual NSSF Legal Symposium scheduled for October 6-7 in Washington, D.C. The event features CLE programming for general counsels and legal staff of NSSF Patron Members and SAAMI Legislative & Legal Affairs Committee members covering firearm and ammunition industry legal topics.
KDG, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Seymour, Connecticut, announced proactive steps to eliminate marketplace confusion affecting dealers, distributors, and end users. The company, known for its patented Kinect quick-detach system and SideLok optic mounting solutions, is implementing a long-term strategy to strengthen dealer relationships and reinforce its brand identity in the firearms industry.
CAA USA announced new ownership under brothers Joe and Anthony Parisi, whose company Plastimold Products acquired the conversion kit brand. The consolidation unites CAA USA, Plastimold Products, and META Tactical under one facility in Delray Beach, Florida, featuring the new MCK EVO platform.
Vortex and Hunter Constantine announced a $10,000 donation to the Second Amendment Foundation through sales of a limited-edition Vortex x Hunter Constantine Carry Belt, restricted to 250 units and supported by Vortex Nation members.
Viridian Weapon Technologies announced that Lipsey's, one of the largest independently owned firearms distributors based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has become an authorized distributor of Viridian's green dot optics. This partnership expands product availability to dealers nationwide and strengthens Viridian's distribution network.
YHM, a leading firearm suppressor manufacturer founded in 1951, announced David Workman as its new Marketing Manager, replacing retiring Tim O'brien. Workman will oversee YHM's marketing operations, brand strategy, and representation at industry events including SHOT Show and the NRA Annual Meeting.
Viridian Weapon Technologies announced that Iron Valley Supply, a Birmingham-based distributor with roots dating to 1923, has become an authorized distributor of Viridian's optics, lasers, and weapon-mounted lights. The partnership expands Viridian's distribution network and provides dealers nationwide access to the company's innovative firearm technologies.
Murray Road Agency, a strategic marketing firm serving the outdoor industry, announced five new team members at its Charleston, S.C. office: Emily Roudebush (Communications Specialist), Lisa LeViness (Email Marketing Specialist), Isabel Pentaleri (Senior Project Manager), Rachel Holder (Graphic Designer), and Brett Stayton (Affiliate Marketing Manager). CEO Tim Brandt highlighted the expansion as part of the agency's continued growth and commitment to delivering exceptional results for outdoor brands.
Kinetic Development Group (KDG) announced a new affiliate marketing program through AvantLink, enabling content creators and influencers to earn commissions promoting KDG's firearm accessories and optic mounting solutions. The partnership strengthens KDG's connection with the shooting sports community while providing creators access to marketing assets and performance tracking.
Insight Media Stream, a performance marketing company specializing in Search, Social, and Programmatic advertising for the outdoor industry, will showcase its proprietary campaign technology at ICast 2026 in Orlando. The company uses AI-driven automation combined with human strategic oversight to optimize digital campaigns and capture high-intent consumer moments for outdoor brands.
