Industry Update

Tactacam reports 40-percent retail growth and 36-percent increase in dealer applications heading into Q4 2026, driven by the successful launch of REVEAL 4.0 Cellular Trail Camera line and DEFEND's new AI-powered security features. The company now operates in approximately 7,000 brick-and-mortar retail locations across North America, including major retailers like Walmart, Bass Pro Shop, and Tractor Supply.

Watchtower Defense officially opened its new state-of-the-art headquarters and manufacturing facility in Tomball, Texas, showcasing next-generation products planned for 2027 launch. The company, operating under new ownership and leadership, is repositioning itself as a broader product-driven brand with an expanding portfolio of firearms and firearm-related products for shooting, hunting, and defense markets.

GrabAGun Digital Holdings Inc. announced a strategic collaboration with Sarsilmaz, one of the world's largest privately held firearms manufacturers, marking the fourth manufacturer to join the PEW Logistics platform. PEW Logistics will power e-commerce at sarsilmaz.us, managing compliant order processing, FFL routing, fulfillment and customer support.

Steelhead Outdoors, founded by Charlie Pehrson and Corey Meyer, has relocated to a 9,500 sq. ft. facility in Shakopee, Minnesota, more than doubling its working space. The expansion will enhance research and development efforts and increase production capacity for the American-made modular gun safe manufacturer.

Streamlight, Inc. announced four key sales leadership promotions effective October 1, 2026. Matt Baker, Bobby Knight, Justin Thomas, and Brian Osborn have been promoted to expanded roles across Law Enforcement, Sporting Goods, Federal/Military, and OEM markets to strengthen sales operations and strategic partnerships.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported 1,152,077 NSSF-adjusted NICS background checks for September 2026, a 2.3 percent decrease from September 2025. Third quarter 2026 figures showed a 2.5 percent increase to 3,329,270 checks, with Texas, Florida, and Georgia leading in NFA checks.

Silencer Central made a second $25,000 contribution to NSSF's Protect Liberty PAC, bringing its 2026 total to $50,000. Founded by Brandon Maddox, the company has also contributed over $2 million to conservation partners including Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, and Pheasants Forever.

Shell Shock Technologies and CBC Global Ammunition signed a definitive manufacturing agreement to produce SST's NAS3™ hybrid case technology across multiple calibers. The partnership adds advanced tooling and new operations in Michigan and Oklahoma to support industrial-scale production for military and commercial markets.

Bryan Tucker, CEO of Davidson's, Inc., has made a second $25,000 personal contribution to NSSF's Protect Liberty PAC for the 2026 election cycle, matching his 2024 commitment. Tucker's renewed support demonstrates confidence in the PAC's mission to elect candidates who will protect Second Amendment rights and constitutional freedoms.

Silencer Central founder and CEO Brandon Maddox has doubled his commitment to NSSF's Protect Liberty PAC to $50,000 with a second $25,000 contribution, matching the company's 2024 support level and demonstrating confidence in the PAC's mission to elect candidates who will protect Second Amendment rights.

Taxidermy & Trophy Shipping (TTS) offers hunters a streamlined, cost-effective approach to trophy handling, taxidermy, and shipping from Africa. TTS provides three service options—dipping & packing, tanning, and complete taxidermy—coordinating the entire process from collection through delivery to reduce overall costs and expedite hunters' return to African safaris.

Remington Ammunition's 5th Annual Shoot to Cure sporting clays fundraiser raised nearly $15,000 for Arkansas Children's Hospital, bringing the five-year total to over $70,000. The event featured 150 shooters and notable competitors Madison Sharpe and Olympian Kayle Browning on an all-women's team.

The Murray Road Agency announced the launch of 10Stone, a lifestyle brand inspired by country music superstar Jason Aldean, developed in collaboration with TrueTimber and available at Walmart. Murray Road provided brand development, creative assets, content production, and partnership management for the retail debut coinciding with Aldean's album release.

Korth Group Ltd. and Ellwood Epps Sporting Goods sponsored the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association's (CSAAA) attendance at the 2026 NSSF Annual Import/Export Conference. CSAAA President Wes Winkel presented on Canada's firearms prohibitions and regulatory challenges, highlighting how recent legislative changes have reduced the Canadian gun industry's sales opportunities by approximately 40%.

The Headrest Safe Company appointed Todd Pearson as Chief Operating Officer, promoting him from Revenue Director. The company's discreet vehicle safe storage system is now sold in 34 countries worldwide, with founder and CEO Irving Meisler praising Pearson's strategic execution capabilities.

Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President & General Counsel of NSSF, has been appointed to the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation and Access Council to advise the U.S. Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture on wildlife conservation and hunting policy.

NASGW announces Electronic Transfer, Inc. as its newest affiliate partner, a payment processing provider serving the firearms industry for over 35 years. NASGW members receive exclusive benefits including free payment terminals, competitive rates, and cost comparisons.

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, praised President Trump's executive order protecting hunting heritage, which includes provisions protecting traditional ammunition use, expanding public land access, and increasing Sunday hunting opportunities. NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi attended the White House Rose Garden announcement and worked with the administration on the policy.

Angled Spade Technologies announced Joe Timbo as Vice President of Sales. Timbo brings 15 years of technology and firearms sales experience and will lead AST's commercial strategy across direct-to-consumer channels and dealer networks for suppressors, muzzle devices, and complete pistols.

Insight Media Stream announced its position as a full-service digital media partner consolidating programmatic, CTV, audio, streaming, display, video, search, and social advertising into one integrated partnership for hunting and shooting sports brands.