Industry Update

GrabAGun Digital Holdings Inc. applauds the Texas federal court's decision in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF and the October 9, 2026 ATF guidance ending federal enforcement of NFA registration requirements for suppressors and other covered firearms. The company, a leading online firearms retailer, supports the legal work protecting Second Amendment rights and remains committed to defending these freedoms.

RetailBI released its Q3 2026 Shooting Sports Report analyzing retail sales data from over 2,000 retailers. Despite a 7.8% decline in firearm unit sales, lever-action rifles grew 21.8%, premium handguns above $1,500 increased 33.6%, and suppressors surged 178.6% year over year.

Primary Arms announced the promotion of Robert Sheets to Vice President of Engineering. In this role, Sheets will lead the company's optics engineering division and work with the Product Development Team to develop innovative products that meet market and customer demands.

SHIELD Sights opened a new U.S. distribution facility in Florida to improve shipping efficiency and reduce delivery times for dealers and customers. The facility will handle order fulfillment, warranty claims, and customer support while SHIELD continues manufacturing products in the United Kingdom.

Brownells Global Solutions appointed ADN Enterprise as Brownells Europe to manage sales, marketing, and business development across European territories. The partnership leverages ADN's expertise in firearms, hunting, and defense sectors with Brownells' global brand network, providing localized warehouse, technical, and gunsmithing services.

Silencer Central launched "Ship to Dealer," allowing customers to purchase suppressors online and pick them up at licensed dealers nationwide. The service follows ATF guidance eliminating NFA registration requirements for suppressors, available in 27 states alongside Silencer Central's traditional front-door delivery option.

Brownells reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the European market, with Chairman and CEO Pete Brownell stating the company is not leaving Europe. The company is finalizing its European distribution strategy and will announce additional details regarding products, ordering, and distribution partnerships through official channels.

Following an October 9 ATF announcement, the agency will no longer enforce NFA requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and related items. SilencerCo explains the implications for suppressor ownership, including federal non-enforcement of registration and interstate transport restrictions, while emphasizing state laws remain applicable.

Guns.com's Dealer Network has achieved over 50% year-over-year growth in firearm and suppressor sales, uniting more than 2,000 licensed dealers nationwide. The company is launching new proprietary technology to help dealers create used firearm listings quickly and efficiently.

Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets announced Cole Seyfert joined their sales team managing Key Accounts and International Commercial sales. Seyfert brings sales management experience from American Outdoor Brands and founded ROCT Outdoor, a premium dog gear company serving sporting and farm markets across the United States, Canada, and Europe.

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) has standardized the 5.56 Commercial cartridge, introduced by Hornady Manufacturing Company. The new round features a 55-grain bullet at 3,400 fps with a maximum average pressure of 62,000 psi.

We Buy Guns, a national online firearm purchasing platform, reported 15 transferable machine gun purchases in 2026 compared to six in 2025. Owner Chris Wing emphasized the importance of trust in NFA firearm transactions, which now represent about 9% of the company's total offer value despite comprising less than 0.5% of submissions.

Dead Air Silencers welcomes the ATF's new guidance eliminating approval and registration requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns following Congress's reduction of the federal tax to $0 effective January 1, 2026. The change removes barriers established since 1934, making hearing protection devices more accessible to responsible gun owners while state and local laws remain in effect.

HeadHunters NW clarified that ZEV Technologies was a victim of a recruiting scam, not its source. A fraudulent recruiter exploited a genuine Vice President of Sales opening that HeadHunters NW was recruiting for, using fake emails to solicit payment from candidates.

B&T USA, a plaintiff in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF, welcomed ATF guidance applying a federal court ruling nationwide that eliminates registration and approval requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns. Suppressors now transfer through licensed dealers with Form 4473 and background checks like other firearms.

Primary Arms Optics announced the promotion of Jeff Scheider to Vice President of Sales. Scheider, who previously served as National Sales Manager, will lead sales strategy and strengthen dealer partnerships for the Houston-based optics company.

Luth-AR founder and NRA Board of Directors member Randy Luth attended the Friends of NRA fundraiser in Park Rapids, MN on October 3, 2026, featuring raffles, silent auctions, and the Wall of Guns.

Heckler & Koch USA announced Katherine Karaki's appointment as National Sales Manager. Karaki brings extensive sales leadership and manufacturing experience from a custom firearms manufacturer, holding a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Tyler. She will begin her role at the NASGW Expo in Phoenix, Arizona, October 13-15.

CZ announced the appointment of Jon Shaffer as Vice President of Commercial Sales, reporting to President and Chief Commercial Officer John Dain. Shaffer brings two decades of sales experience, including over 10 years at SIG SAUER, and will lead commercial sales execution and channel development for CZ-USA and Dan Wesson.

Tactacam announced "Defend the American Workforce," a long-term initiative to support skilled trades workers. The "Blue Collar Scholar" program launching in October 2026 will award $150,000 across multiple recipients for education, training, and certifications in the trades.