NSSF® would like to share a message from ATF. The ATF has completed installation of a new FFLAlert notification system using the Everbridge BEACON platform to provide FFLs with time-sensitive information about firearm thefts, disaster preparedness, and administrative updates via text, email, and phone.
Industry Update
Afton Safari Lodge in South Africa helps international safari travelers plan their arrival and departure, offering airport meet-and-greet services, accommodations, and firearm assistance at locations in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Owner Richard Lendrum emphasizes that proper planning for the journey to and from safari camps is as important as planning the safari itself.
GrabAGun Digital Holdings Inc. announced the appointment of John Swanagon as Chief Technology Officer effective September 1, 2026. Swanagon brings over 30 years of technology leadership experience from UnitedHealth Group's Optum Financial and SiriusXM, and will lead GrabAGun's technology strategy and AI initiatives.
Henry Repeating Arms donated serial number 1 of all three America's 250th Anniversary Tribute Edition rifles to Gun Owners of America through its Guns For Great Causes program. The complete set, including 5,400 rounds of ammunition from The Kinetic Group, sold on GunBroker with 100% of proceeds benefiting Gun Owners Foundation's education and litigation efforts.
Derya Arms announced that beginning January 1, 2027, drop-ship fulfillment of its firearms and accessories through distributors Sports South, Lipsey's, RSR Group, and Bill Hicks & Co., Ltd. will be exclusive to Derya Authorized Dealers. The program protects stocking dealers and strengthens pricing integrity across the 1,400+ dealer network.
Caliber King's August 2026 ammo price report shows .22 LR ammunition prices rose 10% month-over-month, with 9mm up 4.4% and .380 ACP up 2.8%. Founder Hilton Hart attributes the increases to rising copper prices and the federal suppressor tax stamp discontinuation effective January 1st, 2026.
The Archery Trade Association announced that CEO & President Jeff Poole will retire on January 31, 2027, after five years of transformative leadership. Under Poole's direction, the ATA evolved its annual gathering into a three-part industry celebration and launched Bowhunters United, a grassroots advocacy initiative. The ATA Board has initiated an executive search for the next CEO & President.
The NSSF-adjusted NICS figure for August 2026 reached 1,115,410, a 2.2 percent increase from August 2025. NFA checks totaled 185,744, up 201.6 percent year-over-year, with Texas leading at 28,030 checks. Texas, Colorado, and Florida topped adjusted NICS rankings.
Aero Precision, Ballistic Advantage, Stag Arms, and VG6 have been acquired by a family investment group committed to restoring these firearms brands. Under new ownership advised by W.G. Nielsen & Co., the companies plan to ramp up manufacturing, restore supply chains, and rebuild customer trust through quality products and service.
NSSF, the ATF, and DOJ launched the 26th year of the "Don't Lie for the Other Guy" campaign in Palm Beach County to educate the public about federal penalties for illegal firearm purchases, including up to 15 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.
Range USA, the nation's largest range operator, increased its commitment to Protect Liberty PAC to $75,000 for the 2026 election cycle, exceeding its 2024 and 2025 donations. Founder Tom Willingham cited the PAC's successful support of U.S. Senate victories in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Montana as reasons for the expanded support.
NSSF celebrated the 10th annual National Shooting Sports Month in August with the theme "Let Freedom Plink." Over 519 ranges, retailers, and shooting clubs participated, with 190 ranges hosting #RangeChallenge events that distributed 19,000 targets. President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Message, and 19 state governors issued proclamations recognizing the shooting sports' importance.
Liberty Ammunition and SLA Sales Group have partnered for the TALO States. CEO Gary Ramey and SLA Principal Brian Edwards highlighted the collaboration to support retailers, with SLA bringing extensive ammunition sales experience across multiple channels.
NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, announces the second semi-annual Gun Storage Check Week (Sept. 1–7), coinciding with National Suicide Prevention Month. In partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Department of Veterans Affairs, NSSF encourages firearm owners to review secure storage practices through the "Make Sure It's Secure" campaign, featuring resources, a sweepstakes for a Lodestar Technology LNK9 Kit, and promotional materials.
Chevalier Advertising has been named the Public Relations Agency for Safari Club International (SCI).
UNIT Solutions, an Ohio-based manufacturer of the UNIT4 Training Rifle and UNIT9 Training Pistol, ranked No. 358 on Inc. Magazine's 2026 Inc. 5000 list with 967% three-year revenue growth. The non-lethal training systems company also placed No. 13 among manufacturing companies and No. 11 among Ohio companies.
Murray Road Agency announced new partnerships with Duck Commander, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Foundation, PROOF Research, and Clenzoil. The award-winning marketing agency will provide public relations, media relations, and strategic marketing support to advance each organization's objectives across the outdoor and shooting sports industries.
Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets promoted Madi Woodward to Director of Marketing, where she will lead marketing teams for both brands. Woodward joined the organization in December 2025 and previously worked at Nosler for nearly five years in brand management and digital initiatives.
Staccato 2011 announced an expanded Lifetime Warranty that now follows every Staccato-built pistol for its lifetime, regardless of ownership changes. The free warranty covers defects and failures including functional issues, cracked frames, and coating delamination, with CEO Buck Pierson stating the company intends to stand behind every firearm built.
Bleecker Street Publications and BlackRifle Co. launched Max Precision Reach, a programmatic advertising platform designed specifically for the firearms industry. The platform combines Bleecker Street Publications' editorial reach with BlackRifle Co.'s data intelligence and programmatic technology to reach 18 million active firearms shoppers across all 50 states.
