Industry Update

Orchid released its annual ranking of the top 30 largest U.S. firearm manufacturers based on ATF data, showing Ruger, Smith & Wesson, and Sig Sauer leading the market. The top 30 manufacturers accounted for 8.4 million of 9.6 million firearms produced domestically in 2024, with notable movements including Empire Precision Plastics entering the top 30 and Mossberg securing its fifth consecutive year as the top shotgun manufacturer.

Silent Steel USA, a veteran-owned suppressor manufacturer, named Route 1A Advertising as its Advertising and Branding Agency of Record and Walk 2 West as its Social Media Marketing Agency of Record to accelerate brand awareness and market expansion.

Hornady Manufacturing Company donated $55,030.56 to the Nebraska Cattlemen's Disaster Relief Fund to support ranchers affected by devastating wildfires. Funds were raised through the "Nebraska Strong" t-shirt campaign, Hornady Gear contributions, and matching donations from Steve Hornady and Jason Hornady.

NSSF urges gun owners, retailers, and range operators to participate in Gun Storage Check Week through June 7, promoting the "Make Sure It's Secure" message to prevent firearm accidents. Participants can utilize promotional toolkits, host in-store events, and enter a sweepstakes for a B.O.S. Lock Fusion device at GunStorageCheck.org.

NSSF praises the bipartisan introduction of the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act (S. 4671) by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, which strengthens criminal penalties for firearm thefts from licensed retailers. The legislation builds on NSSF's Operation Secure Store initiative with the ATF, which has achieved a 60 percent drop in firearms stolen during burglaries and robberies at retail locations.

Dead Air Silencers has appointed Dunkin-Lewis, Inc. as its western sales representative agency covering 13 states. The partnership leverages Dunkin-Lewis's 60+ years of sporting goods industry experience to provide sales support and dealer service across the western United States.

A leading firearms manufacturer's digital media campaign achieved 7.28 million impressions with a $6.87 CPM, 51% below industry average. The campaign generated a 2.49% video CTR and 78.44% completion rate, quadruple typical industry performance, according to Insight Media Stream.

Derya Arms, a firearms manufacturer with operations in Jacksonville, Florida and Türkiye, announced the appointment of Keebler Rockwell as Business Development Director. Rockwell will drive OEM sales, lead military and law enforcement business development, and manage the authorized dealer program while reporting to President Abdullah Celer and Vice President Dustin Jones.

The NSSF-adjusted NICS figure for May 2026 reached 1,105,758, a 3.2 percent increase from May 2025's 1,071,685. The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported new monthly NFA checks data, with Texas, Virginia, and Florida leading in NFA checks, while the May 2026 NFA figure of 146,551 increased 100.4 percent year-over-year.

ShellShock Protection has expanded its partnership with Murray Road Agency to include public relations services alongside their existing affiliate marketing relationship. Murray Road Agency will develop comprehensive PR strategy and media outreach to increase brand visibility for ShellShock's premium eye and ear protection products.

Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops are donating over 55,000 rods and reels to youth-focused nonprofit organizations across North America through the Gone Fishing program. The initiative includes free family fishing events at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's locations June 13-14 and June 20-21, featuring catch-and-release fishing, activities, and expert guidance to inspire kids to discover fishing.

NSSF announces all 50 Range USA locations are participating in the first Gun Storage Check Week retailer pilot program to promote secure firearm storage practices. The campaign, observed June 1–7 and September 1–7, aims to prevent firearm accidents, suicides, and thefts through the "Make Sure It's Secure" message.

Cadre Holdings' subsidiary Safariland has been selected as the ballistic panel provider for Predictive Ballistics LLC's Overt Armor Kit, which was awarded a five-year, $61 million FBI contract. Safariland's SX™ HP ballistic panel was chosen over 11 competing products for its superior performance and quality.

Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, U.S.A. closed a $400 million term securitization backed by dealer powersports and marine inventory loans, marking the company's first asset-backed securitization and the industry's first dealer floorplan ABS including powersports and marine receivables since 2015. The transaction received Aaa/AAA ratings from Moody's Investors Service and Fitch Ratings.

Celerant Technology and Action Target have integrated their range management systems to automate lane activation and improve shooter experience. The partnership connects Celerant's Range Management software with Action Target's SmartRange AXIS™ system, enabling automatic lane activation, personalized check-ins, and future in-lane ordering capabilities for dealers.

Derya Arms announced that Betul Polat has been promoted to Operations Director focused on Industrial Engineering, Process Improvement, and Lean Systems at the Jacksonville facility. With a Master's in Industrial & Systems Engineering and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, Polat will lead continuous improvement initiatives and oversee inventory systems and ATF compliance.

We Buy Guns, a licensed FFL platform, reported record May 2026 activity with 1,773 offers totaling $1,048,360 in secondary market value. The Glock 19 led submissions while premium brands like Colt and Staccato commanded higher average values, with estate liquidations driving significant regional value spikes.

Crow Wholesale's exclusively distributed Challenger and Clever ammunition brands earned top five positions in Scope DLX's 2026 shotshell market share analysis. The rankings highlight growing momentum among clay target shooters, hunters, and retailers seeking dependable performance and competitive value.

Rock River Arms, founded by brothers Mark and Chuck Larson in 1994, celebrates 30 years of American firearms manufacturing in 2026. The Illinois-based company evolved from custom 1911 components to producing AR-platform rifles and innovative systems like the LAR-9, LAR-8, and LAR-47, maintaining its commitment to precision and performance.

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is promoting Gun Storage Check Week June 1–7 with the message "Make Sure It's Secure" to encourage responsible firearm storage practices. The campaign aims to prevent accidents, thefts, suicides, and unauthorized access, offering resources through GunStorageCheck.org and a sweepstakes featuring a B.O.S. Lock Fusion biometric device.