FirstSpear launched its Vanguard Program, a strategic initiative to formalize feedback between engineering and operational field teams. The company named former Marine Raider and water survival expert Prime Hall as its lead maritime Vanguard to validate equipment like the AAC Frog Kit and Adaptive Cummerbund in non-permissive environments.
Azimuth Technology promotes Roman Hallock to Director of Operations effective March 9th, 2026. With over eight years at the Naples, Florida-based precision manufacturer, Hallock will drive operations strategy and company growth across the defense, aerospace, and military sectors.
The Inter-American Court of Human Rights published an advisory opinion requested by Mexico's government, but it provides little support for Mexico's lawsuits against U.S. firearm manufacturers and retailers. The U.S. Supreme Court previously dismissed Mexico's claims in Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos, and Mexico's pending retailer lawsuit against Diamondback Shooting Sports, Inc. faces similar legal obstacles.
Independent firearm dealers across the country are experiencing record-breaking growth through Guns.com, with local dealer sales surging 46% year-over-year in February. Guns.com's network of over 2,000 local gun shops benefits from the platform's innovative technology connecting manufacturers, consumers, and dealers, with more than 100% of the company's 2026 growth going to local retailers.
NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, announced the relaunch of its improved Where To Shoot mobile app, helping shooters find ranges across the United States. The redesigned app features location-based search, indoor and outdoor range filters, and training opportunities for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices.
AmbassadorTrack announced a new feature enabling brands to build customizable influencer and ambassador applications with automated match percentage scoring. The tool helps companies quickly identify the best candidate fits based on alignment with brand criteria, reducing evaluation time from hours to minutes.
SLG2, Inc. will bring its Shoot Like A Girl experience to Bass Pro Shops in League City, Texas on March 14-15, 2026. The free, family-friendly event features instructor-led firearms training using FATS by InVeris simulators, archery instruction, and product demonstrations from partner companies including optics and concealed carry brands.
Azimuth Technology announced the promotion of Mauricio Giraldo to Vice President of Operations after more than 13 years with the precision manufacturing company. Giraldo will lead manufacturing strategy and operational performance across Azimuth's platform, focusing on production excellence and process optimization for the defense, aerospace, and military sectors.
RetailBI, powered by Gearfire, released its February Firearm Sales Index reporting a 6.5% year-over-year decline compared to February 2025. The index uses point-of-sale data from over 2,000 U.S. firearms retailers with same-store methodology to provide accurate new firearm demand measurements, replacing reliance on NICS figures.
The Project ChildSafe Foundation, a program of NSSF, launched a streamlined product donation process to support its Safety Sweepstakes and charity auctions. The new system allows manufacturers, retailers, and industry partners to easily submit products that help raise funds for firearm safety education and community outreach nationwide.
Beretta Holding, Sturm, Ruger & Company's largest shareholder with 9.95% ownership, criticized Ruger's Q4 and full-year 2025 results, citing margin erosion, declining earnings, and strategic missteps. The company highlighted gross profit declines of 18.7% quarterly and 29% annually, questioning management's innovation strategy as average selling prices fell from $377 to $364.
Industry experts including JC Clark, Travis Glover, Jamison Collins, Gentry Bell, and Michele Salerno will host a webinar on March 12, 2026, titled "From A&D to NFA: Navigating Firearms Compliance in 2026." The session will cover regulatory updates, A&D recordkeeping, NFA products, and compliance technology solutions for firearms retailers.
The Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC) planning committee announced registration is open for the 41st annual conference scheduled for September 25-27 in Dallas at the Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport hotel. Co-hosted by the Second Amendment Foundation and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, the event brings together Second Amendment advocates, attorneys, and industry leaders.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported February 2026 NSSF-adjusted NICS background checks of 1,265,320, a 3.5 percent increase from February 2025. The NSSF introduced monthly NFA checks data for 2026, with Texas, Florida, and Virginia leading in NFA checks during the month.
Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP) hired Eric Alexander as Director of Sales for the Midsouth US region. Alexander will manage law enforcement agency relationships across New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Asia distributor relationships. Vice President Daryell Harmon praised Alexander's customer relationship skills and leadership experience.
Celerant Technology announced the launch of Cumulus Analytics, a cost-effective analytics module for Cumulus Retail users. The new tool provides independent retailers with essential dashboards and reports for sales, inventory, and customer insights, with beta customer Hobby Works praising its intuitive design and decision-making capabilities.
Target Sports USA unveiled a state-of-the-art ammunition vending machine featuring age verification technology, secure payment processing, and real-time inventory tracking. The machine was displayed at the Great American Outdoor Show and aligns with the company's expansion goals, including their AMMO+ Membership and New Republic USA ammo brand.
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. reported fourth quarter net sales of $151.1 million and full-year net sales of $546.1 million, with CEO Todd Seyfert highlighting strong product momentum including 65 new models launched and three new platforms: Glenfield by Ruger rifle, Red Label III shotgun, and Harrier rifle. The company generated $54.3 million in operating cash flow and returned $36.2 million to shareholders in 2025.
Texas Hunter Products announces the retirement of Emiliano Gonzalez after 56 years of service. Gonzalez began his career with Braden Wire and Metal in 1970, contributing to production, assembly, and maintenance across the company's operations. VP/GM Cody Borgfeld praised Gonzalez's dedication, reliability, and positive impact on company culture.
ZEISS and palero signed an agreement to spin off the Hunting & Nature business into an independent company with palero as sole owner. ZEISS will license its brand to the new company, with completion planned for the second half of 2026. The new entity will continue developing analog optics, trail cameras, and digital solutions under the ZEISS brand.