Shot Business May / June 2026 Digital Issue

This issue’s cover brought to you by:

EOTECH DCBL SUPPRESSORS—QUIET AND COMFORTABLE

EOTECH is dedicated to producing high-performing products that are extremely durable and trustworthy. This is no different with the introduction of the DCBL line of sound suppressors.

EOTECH’s suppressors are precision-engineered and designed for exceptional sound suppression, recoil mitigation, and operational reliability. Built for the professional user, DCBL suppressors deliver excellent suppression with minimal compromise.

DCBL suppressors are available in 5.56 and 7.62 models, as well as a 9mm PCC model designed specifically for pistol-caliber carbines. Offered in either black or tan, these suppressors are constructed with Grade 5 titanium material and treated with a hightemp Cerakote finish, making them capable of handling the harshest environments.

Featuring Vent-Forward Technology, DCBL suppressors actively stabilize internal pressure while reducing blowback and minimizing back pressure to the weapon system. This translates to smoother cycling, reduced carbon buildup, and enhanced shooter control.

Its monolithic, corrosion-resistant construction is built to withstand harsh operational environments, including salt air, extreme temperatures, and prolonged courses of fire. The textured exterior is designed to dissipate heat and provide traction during attachment or removal.

The 5.56 and 7.62 cans come equipped with a universal 13 8 x 24 hub and a KFM flash hider that reduces visible flash signature by 90% over a standard A2 birdcage device. This allows you to conveniently

use other hub systems, swap the suppressor to other platforms, or easily perform cleaning and maintenance. The 9mm, PCC can includes a 13 8 x 24 direct thread hub for easy installation directly to the barrel threads.

Now these may not be the lightest cans on the market, but typically, lighter cans produce more sound. The incremental material incorporated in the core design contributes to better sound suppression and a smoother shooting experience.

If you are looking for a great suppressor that you can rely on and enhance your shooting experience, look no further than the DCBL line of suppressors by EOTECH. For more information on these and other EOTECH products, visit eotechinc.com.

A Booming Market

Sales of suppressors are expected to grow in a big way in 2026. Are you ready to take advantage of this development?

In prepping for the 2026 SHOT Show, I figured that 2026 would be a relatively “quiet” year for firearm manufacturers, many of which are weathering economic uncertainly in the form of inflation and tariffs. Not so for suppressor manufacturers, all of whom benefitted greatly from the passage of the so-called Big Beautiful Bill (BBB), which

removed the $200 tax on suppressors. And that, according to our report in this issue (see page 18), should help jump-start sales.

This development contains both good—and bad—news for retailers. Good, in that increased demand means more players will enter the market, which should help make suppressors more affordable. Bad, in that retailers (as well as some manufacturers) will have to adapt to a new sales landscape.

A s Robert Gates, senior vice president of Savage Arms and Bowtech Archery brands, told Brian McCombie, “I see the U.S. market mimicking the European suppressor market in the next 18 months. In many European countries, suppressors are treated as simple accessories; they are widely available, they are relatively inexpensive, margins are thin for the manufacturer and seller, and brand prestige is minimal. Supply outweighs demand and prices continue to drop. Once regulation loosens and

m anufacturing standardizes, suppressors will stop being ‘specialized’ and start being ‘industrial.’”

H is main concern now is the market is seeing a flood of competitors, and prices are dropping accordingly. There is another factor here at work as well. NSSF research, conducted by the respected firm of Southwick Associates, shows that brand reputation ranks third (behind level of sound reduction and ability to use with multiple calibers) in consumer preferences. So, as more companies enter the market, the initial players will have to work harder to hold onto their market share. But this competition is also spurring innovation, and consumers will likely see smaller and lighter units come into the market.

S o, just how large is the suppressor market? According to that same NSSF study mentioned above, suppressor sales to individuals in 2024 were estimated to be $820 million, including the cost of the required tax stamps; 35 percent of these suppressor buys were from first-time purchasers. The growth rate in suppressor registrations from 2020 to 2024 was an astounding 265 percent. Of the 3.14 million suppressors in consumer hands by the end of 2024, 80 percent were registered in the last five years. And all of that occurred with the $200 tax consumers had to pay in addition to the cost of the suppressor itself.

Mc Combie also notes that retailers who want to benefit from the anticipated sales surge will have to change their selling tactics. His report lays out what you need to do to take full advantage of this expanding market. There is so much going on that McCombie says, “This year may well go down as ‘The Year of the Suppressor.’” SHOT Business agrees wholeheartedly with that assessment.

Slaton L. White, Editor

w HILARY DYER

w TOD MOLINA

COLE PUBLISHING ADMINISTRATION

PRESIDENT, COLE PUBLISHING w JEFF BRUSS PRESIDENT, GRAND VIEW OUTDOORS w DERRICK NAWROCKI

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NEWS BRIEFS

Range USA Achieves Record Growth in 2025

Range USA, the nation’s largest indoor gun range and firearm retailer, reported a record-breaking year of growth in 2025. Since the opening of its first location in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2012, Range USA has now expanded to 50 locations with the most recent opening in Chester, Virginia. Throughout the year, Range USA saw its strongest performance yet, while advancing its commitment to responsible gun ownership through safe, welcoming environments.

In 2025, Range USA welcomed over 1.4 million shooters on their ranges and over 10 million shoppers. The company also trained more than 27,000 students and reached a significant milestone of 300 certified Range USA instructors. Despite a national 7.2 percent year-overyear decline in firearms sold, Range USA achieved a 5 percent increase in firearms sales from last year.

“2025 was an exceptional year for Range USA,” says Jimmy McManus, Range USA’s chief operating officer. “We served over 1 million customers on our ranges and welcomed even more visitors to our stores and website, marking another record-breaking year for our company. Looking ahead, 2026 promises to be equally strong as we expand with three new store locations, deepen our partnerships with local communities, vendors, and industry partners and enhance our infrastructure to deliver an even better customer experience.”

In addition, Range USA brought in over 300,000 new shooters in the past year, further reinforcing its role as a leader in firearm education, safety, and ownership. Building on this momentum, Range USA is positioned for continued growth in 2026, with a strategic focus on

new store openings, enhanced training, and deeper community engagement. Range USA remains committed to investing in its facilities and customer experience as it continues to grow its national presence. rangeusa.com

TRUEDATA BALLISTIC CALCULATOR NOW AVAILABLE

Barnes Bullets and Sierra Bullets have launched a new ballistic calculator, TrueData. With Dopplerverified ballistics, precise environmental inputs, and tools that match real-world performance, TrueData equips hunters and shooters with the ability to make confident shot decisions and achieve data-driven accuracy.

“2025 was a big year for product development at both Sierra and Barnes,” says Andrew Sparks, vice president of marketing and business development at Barnes and Sierra. “We listened, we worked hard, and in 2026 we are bringing products to the market that consumers have been shouting for. TrueData is no different. This app has been a long time coming. It’s been tested and refined, and we think this app is the most complete and user-friendly ballistic calculator available.”

Sparks notes the app has several features that users will appreciate. “The Doppler-Verified Ballistic Library provides instant access to accurate, Doppler-verified data for Sierra and Barnes Bullets,” he says. “Select from multiple drag models, including Doppler-measured curves for supported bullets. These curves capture true bullet behavior across the flight path far beyond the approximations of G1 or G7. With more than 80 Doppler profiles and ongoing expansion, the solver adapts to exact projectiles. G1/ G7 values autofill for all bullets where Doppler data is not yet available. In addition, the Ammunition Library provides detailed ballistic profiles for Barnes factory-loaded ammunition. Users can also build and manage multiple rifle profiles that allows a shooter to switch setups without re-entering data.”

Other key features include an intuitive head’s-up display, Bluetooth connectivity, a virtual rangefinder, target card, and a stage timer. TrueData is available for free on both Apple and Android stores and can be found by searching for “TrueData Ballistics” in the relevant app store. barnesbullets.com sierrabullets.com

Smith & Wesson Presented With Conservation

Award

The Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) has presented Smith & Wesson with its “2026 Conservation Partner of the Year” Award. The outdoor industry, along with America’s more than 60 million active HATS (hunters, anglers, trappers, shooters), plays an instrumental role in funding land, fish, and wildlife conservation in America. Through the Pittman-Robertson Act, manufacturers of firearms and ammunition have helped conserve and provide access to more than 36 million acres across America. With help from its customers, Smith & Wesson has been supporting this conservation effort since the 1930s. Over the past five years, S&W has provided more than $236 million in Pittman-Robertson (PR) funds, making it one of the largest funders of wildlife conservation in America.

“The outdoor industry simply does not get the credit it deserves for being the primary funders of land, fish, and wildlife conservation in America,” said OSCF’s executive director Jim Curcuruto. “Smith & Wesson has one of the longest histories of funding wildlife conservation, and we are glad to shine a light on its efforts by presenting them with the 2026 Conservation Partner of the Year Award.”

In addition to supporting conservation through the Pittman-Robertson Act, Smith & Wesson also sponsors many wildlife conservation organizations each year, helping each one achieve its mission. “Smith & Wesson is honored to be recognized by the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation as the 2026 Conservation Partner of the Year. Our collective commitment to the protection and preservation of wildlife, habitats, and the hunting tradition is essential to the American identity,” said Mark Smith, S&W’s president and CEO. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated customers and staff, whose support enables us to make a meaningful impact. We look forward to many more years of ensuring wildlife sustainability for future generations.” smith-wesson.com

WOOX OFFERS NEW WOOD STOCK OPTIONS

WOOX, manufacturers of Italian-American made gunstocks, axes, and knives crafted with the finest materials and the latest technology, has launched a new line of rifle stocks. The WOOX High Grade Line is designed to transform functional components into enduring pieces of craftsmanship that are truly a work of art. The result is a rifle that will stand apart, reflecting both the performance and personal taste of the owner.

“The WOOX High Grade Line is dedicated to those who seek the highest expression of natural materials and traditional craftsmanship,” says Ben Fleming, CEO of WOOX USA. “Crafted from high-grade American Walnut, each piece is hand-selected for its exceptional look, grain depth, and contrast. We look for wood that stands apart from the rest.”

According to Fleming, the beauty of this new line lies in its individuality. “Every piece is naturally unique, with grain patterns, color variations, and character that can never be replicated,” he says. “No two pieces are alike, making each High Grade Walnut product a one-of-a-kind creation shaped by nature.” To honor and protect this premium material, every High Grade component receives a handmade oil treatment, carefully applied by WOOX artisans. This traditional finish penetrates the wood, enhancing the grain’s natural movement and richness while preserving a warm, authentic feel. High Grade American Walnut options are currently available in the new Elegante series, as well as the Bravado, Gladiatore, and Superleggera product lines. wooxstore.com

RUGER BRINGS BACK THE RED LABEL

One of America’s most iconic over-under shotguns—the Ruger Red Label—is back. First launched in 1977 (and discontinued in 2015), the original Ruger Red Label earned a reputation for rugged reliability, classic lines, and American-made quality. Decades later, the Red Label III continues that legacy while elevating it with premium materials and world-class fit and finish.

Built by the skilled craftsmen at one of the world’s premier makers of fine firearms, Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company (CSMC), the Red Label III marks a new era in Ruger shotgun excellence. And just as important, the shotgun renews Ruger’s commitment to being a full-line manufacturer of firearms.

This 20-gauge shotgun is offered in both 28- and 30-inch barrel configu rations and features a beautiful walnut stock with a classic checkering pattern and a hand-rubbed oil finish. The single trigger is inertia-operated and resets on recoil. In addition, the automatic tang safety has an integral firstshot barrel selector. Capable of shooting 2¾- and 3-inch shells, the barrels have a precise internal geometry that produces consistent patterns and superior shot performance.

The Red Label III is designed as a sporting shotgun for upland game hunting, skeet, and sporting clays, as well as waterfowling. Each

shotgun ships in a premium custom case and includes five Tru-Chokestyle choke tubes: Skeet, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full.

“Bringing back the Red Label has been a standing request from our loyal customers,” says Ruger president and CEO Todd Seyfert. “By teaming up with Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing Company, we’re able to deliver a firearm that meets Ruger’s standards for durability and reliability while elevating the craftsmanship to a level that honors the legacy of the original. Its return also marks an important milestone for Ruger as we

FN AWARDED CONTRACT FROM U.S. ARMY AND NAVY FOR MACHINE GUNS

FN America, LLC, has been awarded a $9.9 million contract to supply the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy with FN M240B machine guns, continuing the supply of FN America’s longest-standing military weapons platform.

“This contract continues FN’s legacy of providing the most effective and advanced weapon systems for the warfighter,” said Jim Williams, vice president, military programs for FN America, LLC. “The U.S. Army contract for the M240 machine gun was the first military contract FN was awarded and the first to be produced from our production facility in South Carolina. We’re incredibly honored to continue supporting the U.S. military with high-quality and reliable weapon systems for our servicemen and women.”

The FN M240B, built on the M240 platform that was adopted and has been in use by the U.S. military since the late 1970s, is the “go-to/can-do”

medium machine gun for all branches of the U.S. military. It offers unmatched reliability, extended range, and an exceptional service life. This weapon’s high volume of fire makes it the principal suppressive firearm for the infantry platoon and company.

Chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, the M240B’s cold-hammer-forged milspec barrel has a hard-chromed bore for longer life and improved accuracy and delivers a maximum range of 3,725 meters. The receiver is machined steel and is equipped with a top-mounted mil-std 1913 optical rail. The cross-bolt safety and curved trigger help enhance operator control.

Ruger® reliability and Magpul® versatility have created the perfect Davidson’s Exclusive for everyday carry setup.

15+1 burnt bronze and FDE RXM offers a stainless-steel fire control insert set inside Magpul’s Enhanced Handgun Grip, flat-faced trigger and an easily actuated magazine release, slide release and takedown lever. With a 4” barrel, the slide has steel and tritium co-witness sights allowing for direct mounting of RMR, Delta Point Pro, and RMSc optics.

“Since beginning our first production in 1981, FN has produced millions of firearms for the U.S. military at our Columbia, South Carolina, manufacturing facility,” said Daryl Atkins, director, industrialized weapons for FN America, LLC. “FN is extremely proud of the high-quality, reliable firearms we build for our military servicemen and women, and we look forward to continuing the tradition with this contract.”

Throughout its history, FN has been one of the largest suppliers of small arms to the U.S. military and continues to develop innovative, future technology. In addition to the M240 platform, the company currently holds contracts for the FN M249, MK 46, MK 48, MK 17, and MK 20 SSR for USSOCOM and various other contracts.

GunBroker.com Launches AI-Powered Listing Tool

GunBroker.com, the world’s largest online marketplace for firearms, ammunition, and accessories, has launched a new AI-powered listing tool designed to help sellers generate optimized, high-performing listing descriptions quickly and efficiently. Built specifically by GunBroker for the platform and trained using insights derived from 27 years of marketplace data, the new

tool enables sellers to create professional, best-practice-driven listing copy with just a few clicks.

“Our goal has always been to provide sellers with the tools they need to succeed,” says Allen Forkner, former vice president of public relations and brand management at GunBroker.com. “This AI-powered feature streamlines the listing process while incorporating decades of marketplace knowledge to help sellers present their items clearly, accurately, and competitively.”

The AI listing tool is seamlessly integrated into the existing GunBroker listing workflow. Create a listing as you normally would, then enter the firearm specifications. The more detailed the information, the better the results. After the “Add a Photo” step, you will be taken to the copy tool page. Click the “Use AI to Generate Descriptions” button at the bottom. Within seconds, the GunBroker AI tool generates a complete, optimized listing description structured around proven best practices for the platform.

If the initial version does not meet the seller’s preference, the tool allows up to three total generations per listing, giving sellers flexibility to refine tone and presentation before selecting their preferred version.

Once selected, the AI-generated copy remains fully editable. Sellers can review and modify the description to ensure accuracy, highlight unique features, or add specific details about customizations, condition notes, or included accessories.

The new AI listing tool is designed to support sellers at every level. For businesses managing high volumes of inventory, the feature offers meaningful time savings and greater consistency across listings, helping teams scale more efficiently while maintaining quality and structure. At the same time, seasonal or personal sellers can use the tool to quickly create highly optimized, professional-grade listings without

needing deep familiarity with listing strategy or formatting best practices. Whether listing dozens of firearms per week or a single item from a personal collection, sellers can leverage the same data-driven framework to present their items effectively.

For customized firearms, collectibles, or one-of-a-kind builds, sellers can use the AI-generated copy as a base framework and

then tailor the final listing to reflect the specific nuances of the item.

Unlike generic AI writing tools, GunBroker’s AI listing feature was developed specifically for the firearms marketplace. The system follows structured guidelines created from nearly three decades of transactional data, buyer behavior insights, and listing performance analysis. This approach helps ensure listings are formatted and written in ways that align with how buyers search, evaluate, and purchase items on the GunBroker platform. The AI-powered listing tool is now available to sellers through the standard listing flow the GunBroker homepage. GunBroker.com

Springfield Armory Launches Aimpoint COA-Equipped Pistols

Springfield Armory has launched is new Aimpoint COA-equipped line of pistols. Select firearms arrive factorymilled with the Aimpoint A-CUT interface and are fitted with the class-leading Aimpoint COA closed-emitter red dot sight. Paired with the 9mm Echelon at launch, the line will later expand to include select 1911 DS Prodigy and 1911 variants.

The Aimpoint COA A-CUT integrates directly into the slides of these Springfield Armory pistols via a fulllength dovetail secured by a front hook and rear wedge. The wedge-locking mechanism transfers lateral forces into the dovetail, reducing the load on screws and mounting interfaces, delivering high durability and reliable zero retention under demanding conditions. The ultra-low mount enables co-witnessing with iron sights for instinctive target acquisition. Featuring a 7075-T6 aluminum housing, the closed-emitter Aimpoint COA optic is designed for military, law enforcement, concealed carry, and sport shooters alike. Its 3.5 MOA dot is rated to run for more than five years

on the included single CR2032 battery. The optic features four night-visioncompatible settings and eight daylight settings and is submersible to 25 meters. The lens measures a generous 15x15mm, and the optic’s weight is a mere 1.7 ounces.

The Echelon COA variants available at launch are the 4.5F, 4.0FC, and 4.0C models. The 4.5F is a full-size model with a 4.5-inch barrel that comes with a flush-fitting 17-round magazine and an extended 20-round magazine. The 4.0FC is a hybrid model with a proprietary full-size grip module and a compact slide assembly with a 4-inch barrel. It comes with a 17-round, flush-fitting magazine as well as a spare extended 20-round magazine. The 4.0C is a compact model with a 4-inch barrel and 15-round, flush-fitting magazine as well as an extended 18-round magazine.

With an SRP of $1,119 for all three optic-equipped models, this bundled package represents a significant value for the customer. Considering that the SRP for the Aimpoint optic is $617 and comparable Echelon models

have an SRP starting at $710, the result is a savings of more than $200 for the purchaser.

“We are extremely proud to announce the launch of these Aimpoint COA-equipped Springfield Armory pistols,” said Steve Kramer, vice president of marketing for

Springfield Armory. “Pairing the Aimpoint COA closed-emitter optic with these dedicated A-CUT Springfield Armory pistols makes for a combination ideal for facing the most demanding situations and environments.”

springfield-armory.com

GPO UPGRADES SPOTTING SCOPE PROTECTION

German Precision Optics (GPO USA) recently announced that every PASSION APO spotting scope, including the 16-48×65 APO and 20-60×85 APO models, will now ship with a premium $99.99 custom-fitted Cordura stay-on zip case at no additional charge.

The newly included custom stay-on case is purpose-designed to remain on the scope for life, offering rugged protection from bumps, scratches, and daily wear. The case features a zip-on/zip-off design, a removable snap cover, and a snap-zip ocular cover providing secure, weather-resistant defense while in the field or on the trail.

“Our optics are built for serious outdoor use, and we’ve heard from customers how frustrating it is to pull your premium GPO spotting scope out of your backpack only to see it marred from transport,” said Mike Jensen, owner of GPO USA. “There is nothing more inconvenient than having your expensive optic end up with dings and scratches. This case is custom fit and will stay on for life.”

The PASSION APO series blends high-performance German-engineered optics with field-ready durability. Both the compact 65mm and the large objective 85mm APO models feature apochromatic lens systems, advanced coatings for bright, high-contrast images, and robust magnesium housings ideal for nature observers, birders, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts. gpo-usa.com

SHOT Daily serves as the exclusive printed show title for up-to-the-minute accounts of the latest news, product introductions, seminars and other announcements. 8,000 copies are distributed daily to exhibitors and attendees, totaling 32,000 copies over four days.

 Daily live section covering booth presentations, new product introductions and more.

 Do you have news-worthy content you would like our editorial team to consider? Send our team an email to shotbusiness@colepublishing.com

The Slim Clutch Crossbody Purse is designed for right- or lefthanded use. Special padding prevents printing.

Fashion and Function

Think off-body carry for women is just a niche market? Think again.

Claudia Chisholm is a dedicated leader and advocate within the women’s personal defense space, serving as the driving force behind the growth and innovation of Gun Tote’n Mamas (GTM), a pioneer and leader in off-body firearm carry. With a passion for empowering women to confidently exercise their Second Amendment rights, she plays a key role in shaping the brand’s mission of blending fashion with function to create serious protection for women.

Under her leadership, award-winning GTM continues to provide high-quality concealed carry handbags and accessories designed specifically for women who refuse to compromise on style, safety, or performance. Chisholm is committed to educating and equipping women with practical solutions for everyday carry, ensuring they feel prepared and protected in every environment.

Chisholm built her career in both retail and the luggage industry, where she learned about product design, leather quality, sustainable sourcing, and products that are made to last. Her dedication to innovation, customer connection, and responsible firearm ownership has helped position Gun Tote’n Mamas as a trusted name in the women’s concealed carry market.

SHOT Business: What do you see as the biggest challenges our industry will face in the next five years?

Claudia Chisholm: The biggest challenge is, and will be, the retailers. Too many still are not comfortable not only selling to women, but understanding it for what it is—a continually escalating trend that is not

being covered in their marketing, sales training, hiring, merchandising, and solid path to profitability. With women making about 85 percent of all retail purchases in the USA, why would anyone in retail not do everything in their power to capitalize on this demographic? Retailers must be able to spot trends and capitalize on them or lose their relevance.

SB: What opportunities do you see?

CC: A much improved retail experience! From all of our research, conversations, and longevity in this market, by simply making stores as friendly and welcoming as possible for women (including families) the business will come. Retailers need to commit to offering the right product mix, the willingness to educate, and provide proper employee training. Doing so will create a lifelong customer relationship through trust and understanding. This is all the do’s and don’ts we learn in Retail 101, and doing this alone will see immediate results. Making the stores a safe destination where everyone thinks of you as the go-to place will bring immediate results. It can be the smallest store in the smallest town, but as long as it is an inviting environment, like a local diner or coffee shop, you will see immediate results.

SB: When you get up in the morning, what gets you excited about working in the industry?

CC: LOL. Always, it is what trouble can I cause today. That covers everything from creating an unexpected design (trust me, I have had my share of dogs!) to challenging a customer on how to improve their dollar-per-square-foot sales.

SB: How will you meet the expectations of your customers?

CC: We are committed to meeting the needs of our customers by offering safe, functional, and highly crafted products year after year. GTM handbags are specifically designed around safe firearm orientation with dedicated compartments, reinforced construction, and separation from everyday items. Additionally, there is a strong need for this product in the market, but an even stronger need for safe education. GTM understands the importance of safe off-body firearm carry. Safety is engineered into every product; it’s not an afterthought. Every GTM product is thoroughly tested in the field before coming to market. We ask instructors around the country to trash the bags so we are confident we have crafted these to stand up to the expectations of these nationally known professionals.

SB: In a very competitive world, how does GTM stay ahead of the pack?

CC: GTM sets the standard for excellence in the concealed carry handbag industry through sustainable materials, design innovation, and safety-first luggage construction. USA cowhides are known for being the highest quality globally. It’s the same leather used in many luxury handbags. We understand the importance of a product that holds up with everyday life while maintaining safe firearm carry. We understand that quality equals safety when it comes to concealed carry handbags.

SB: Only a few years ago, off-body carry seemed to languish in a backwater. What brought it front and center?

CC: This is due to the exponential interest, growth, participation, and overall concern and fear in today’s world for women wanting to take control of their own and their family’s safety. In addition, athletic wear, dresses, business attire, and fitted fashion made on-body carry impractical for many and thus an urgent need for off-body carry arose. We know that off-body carry is now the number-one preferred method to carry for women. When handled correctly, it can allow a faster draw than on-body carry.

SB: GTM seems to have carved out a real niche with concealed carry purses designed specifically for women: stylish, discreet, and made for actual daily use. How did you accomplish this?

CC: These handbags must be functional, regardless of style, trends, and size. One size does not fit all. When we first entered the market, only right-handed drawability was available; a shocking omission when you consider that 10 percent of the market is left-handed. And, due to my luggage background, I was stunned to learn that embedded wire cable was not being used in shoulder straps. Being able to provide timeless designs mixed with quality materials based on commonsense problem solving from years of background knowledge made all this come together.

SB: As you know very well, over the past few years, millions of women have decided to buy a firearm for concealed carry use. This obviously creates a market opportunity for you. And yet, there are retailers who are struggling to connect with this important market. What advice would you give them to help them serve this customer?

CC: First, please refer to my comments above, which are directed to retailers. I spent 20 years in the specialty and department store environments.

This gives me a unique understanding from both the sales floor to the factory floor.

I think the biggest thing for a retailer to understand is that women want to be respected. We are willing—and want—to spend our money, but a store needs to respect a customer that has chosen them as a place to spend their hard-earned money. Do what is necessary to make them feel you are the right choice. Don’t give them a reason to shop on Amazon. The famous retailer Marshall Field wrote a book called “Give The Lady What She Wants.” It is still part of my personal business library because it’s the basic bible of solid customer service.

The women’s concealed carry market isn’t a trend; it’s a structural and seismic shift in the industry that is not only here to stay, but is the only growth demographic in the industry. Retailers who adapt will grow. Retailers who assume the old model still applies will struggle or fail. The opportunity is enormous, but it requires listening and a willingness to evolve. gtmoriginal.com

Every member of your retail team needs to be on the same page and in sync with the company’s vision.

Unified Team

A

business with a unified team is virtually unstoppable. Here’s how to get there.

Mel Blackwell describes himself as a generalist. He has spent 35 years helping to turn struggling businesses around. He’s worked in the software industry, the forest industry, the environmental laboratory testing industry, and many more. He’s worked with startups and billion-dollar organizations. Blackwell doesn’t claim to be an expert on any particular industry, but he is an expert on how to turn businesses that are in survival mode into businesses that can thrive. And now he’s taken those 35 years of experience with all different kinds of businesses and put the lessons into a book, called Uncommon Sense, designed to help any business become more successful.

“Especially in the shooting, hunting, and outdoor industries, people get into business because they are passionate about what they’re doing,” Blackwell says. “But they don’t always have the business expertise to be successful.”

Blackwell explains that in any business, there are two types of visions—the Destination Vision and the How Journey.

“The Destination Vision is all about the where you want to go with your business and the why you

want to go there,” he says. “The How Journey is the part that’s often overlooked; it’s all about how you’re going to get to where you want to be.”

Uncommon Sense provides a blueprint for that process, and it all starts with language.

“A unified team with shared, effective language is unstoppable,” Blackwell says. “Most struggling businesses have a scrambled language, but they just don’t know it.”

Blackwell says that even businesses that are doing well might still be plagued with language problems that cause the culture to be fractured. Such fractures can lead to customer service issues and create an environment where problems get pushed up, not down.

“It’s like an orchestra where you’re trying to get this beautiful sound from all these different sections of the business, but not everyone is playing in tune,” Blackwell says.

That’s where the unified vision and shared language that Blackwell discusses in his book comes into play.

“It starts at the top. I call it ‘The Shepherd.’ The shepherd can’t be a passive, timid person. A shepherd has to be powerful to protect the flock. The shepherd has to be the one who’s willing to jump out in front

of any dangers in the business that come up,” Blackwell says.

The shepherd is also the one who has to get the entire business to speak the same language. To do that, everyone needs to know not just the where and why of the company’s direction, they also need to know the how. Blackwell says that starts with what he calls the “Best Pledge.”

“The first thing you have to do is get rid of the people who are working against you,” Blackwell says. “Then you go to every member of the team who’s on board and say, ‘I’m going to do the best work of my career, and I want you to pledge to do the same.’”

That’s the first step, the one Blackwell says most dedicated employees are quick to accept. But then he follows it up with the next step of the pledge, which can often be a little more difficult for people to get behind. It also happens to be the most transformative.

“Then I tell them that I’m going to commit to be the best version of myself, and I need them to do the same,” he says.

Blackwell says the second part carries over into all aspects of your employees’ lives—from how they interact with their family and community to how they treat their co-workers and themselves. And once every employee accepts that last pledge, that’s when the shift in the business begins to happen.

“It’s illogical for people who are being their worst selves to implement best practices,” Blackwell says. “But people who are being their best selves can accomplish anything.”

Blackwell defines this transformative process as the “self-selves-team-teams” progression. Just like the orchestra, if you can get each violinist to play his or her best, then you get the entire violin section to play

their best. Next you get all of the string sections to play their best, and finally you get the entire orchestra playing its best. Self-selves-team-teams.

“That’s when it all comes together,” Blackwell says. “That’s where the beautiful music is made.”

Blackwell says there’s a natural and logical progression in this method which he calls the “WhatHow-When” process.

“The ‘what’ is all about what you want to do as a company. If you could do anything, what would it be? Then you start exploring how you’re going to do that. What is it going to take? Only after you have those two aspects solidified do you look at the when aspect; this is what turns the what and how into powerful forces that are going to propel your business forward.”

Blackwell says that concepts such as this, which he outlines in the book, came to him throughout the course of his 35 years helping businesses, and he’s seen them successfully implemented in many different industries and many different-sized businesses.

“It’s everything I’ve learned in the past 35 years,” he says. “I wrote this because I want to help more people than just the ones in the company I’m working for. I want to help as many people as I can. I want to be shepherding the shepherds.”

Uncommon Sense definitely accomplishes that goal because the wisdom in it applies to any business in any industry that might not be thriving. The book released March 3 and is available at Amazon (https://mybook.to/UncommonSense).

Mel Blackwell’s book Uncommon Sense is a distillation of his 35 years of business experience.

“This book is for anyone who carries responsibility inside a business,” Blackwell says. “Whether you run the whole herd, or just a smaller part of it, you need a roadmap to protect what you’re building and keep your team together when the roof caves in.”

BEAUTIFUL SUPPRESSOR MARKET THE BIG,

by Brian McCombie

The removal of the federal suppressor tax should kick start sales into high gear.

In July 2025, the suppressor market rejoiced when President Donald Trump signed into law the socalled Big Beautiful Bill (BBB) because one section of this federal budget legislation removed the $200 tax on suppressors. With the tax reduced to zero (starting on January 1, 2026), shooting sports industry professionals expect huge sales to follow, though some also have concerns.

“We anticipate a 200- to 300-percent increase in sustainable demand for suppressors once this [tax change] goes live,” said Brandon Maddox of BANISH, the flagship suppressor line of Maddox’s company, Silencer Central (silencercentral.com).

“We expect to see a larger, sustained uptick, not just a promotional bump,” added Scott Clinger, president of SilencerCo (silencerco.com). “This [tax removal] will broaden the market significantly and likely will bring in customers who previously never considered owning a suppressor.”

Savage Arms (savagearms.com) first announced in late 2023 the AccuCan line of suppressors — available for distribution in early 2024. Robert Gates, senior vice president of Savage Arms and Bowtech Archery Brands, also predicts a surge of dealer orders for Savage suppressors. So much so that initially he had reservations about whether ATF could keep pace with dealer and consumer demand.

“Based on concerns from our customer base, I had reservations that the flood of new applications would crash the system,” he said. “That came true to some extent, but the ATF did their part and things have gone much smoother than I envisioned.”

Now, three months into the big wave of suppressor sales, Gates said, ”Our sales are definitely up over

last year, and the new AC30 B.O.B. continues to be our top seller. As a small player in the suppressor market and only building hunting suppressors, I am sure other manufacturers have seen that the new rules have had a larger impact on their business.”

His main concern now is the market is seeing a flood of competitors, and prices are dropping quickly. “I see the U.S. market mimicking the European suppressor market in the next 18 months. In many European countries, suppressors are treated as simple accessories; they are widely available, they are relatively inexpensive, margins are thin for the manufacturer and seller, and brand prestige is minimal. Supply outweighs demand and prices continue to drop. Once regulation loosens and manufacturing standardizes, suppressors will stop being ‘specialized’ and start being ‘industrial.’”

Indeed, according to the “Suppressor Owners Study 2025,” funded by the NSSF and conducted by

The lightweight BANISH 9K is an advanced 3D-printed titanium compact suppressor designed for 9mm pistols. It weighs 2.7 ounces and is only 4 inches long.

Southwick Associates, brand reputation ranks third (behind level of sound reduction and ability to use with multiple calibers) in consumer preferences.

Yet, well before BBB became law and rescinded the tax burden on suppressors, many trends and shifts were affecting the suppressor market. Consumer expectations, for example, are far different now than in 2020, and past sales approaches may not work as well as they once did. Suppressor technology keeps refining and advancing, too, to meet market demands. That also presents some challenges to retailers. This year may well go down as “The Year of the Suppressor.” The zero tax on these units, plus the changes previously at work, have combined to create a new suppressor market. The big winners in this new market will be those retailers willing to adjust their sales and operational approaches to fit this changing business landscape.

So, just how large is the suppressor market?

According to that same NSSF study mentioned above, suppressor sales to individuals in 2024 were estimated to be $820 million, including the cost of the required tax stamps; 35 percent of these suppressor buys were from first-time purchasers. The growth rate in suppressor registrations from 2020 to 2024 was an astounding 265 percent. Of the 3.14 million suppressors in consumer hands by the end of 2024, 80 percent were registered in the last five years. And all of that occurred with the $200 tax consumers had to pay in addition to the cost of the suppressor itself.

GONE MAINSTREAM

“Suppressors have finally hit the mainstream gun consumer,” Ernie Beckwith, president and CEO of Dead Air Silencers (deadairsilencers.com), told SHOT Business. “Consumers now range from not only the tactical crowd but also have found their

Waterfowlers are also getting into the act. The BANISH 12 is a titanium shotgun suppressor that works seamlessly with interchangeable choke tubes.

way into the hunting market and general firearm recreational users.” And those hunters and recreational shooters may well require a different sales approach than that familiar with the tactical crowd.

“Over the last decade, we’ve seen a dramatic shift in consumer expectations,” said SilencerCo’s Clinger. “Today’s customers expect an educational

sales experience. Retailers who take time to explain benefits, showcase suppressors alongside hosts [firearms], and can sell the experience of shooting suppressed are winning.”

Clinger added that in the past, many suppressor buyers were looking for units with multi-caliber versatility in a single suppressor. However, today’s buyer is more likely to want a suppressor made to run on a specific type of firearm or for a certain caliber.

Over the last decade, BANISH’s Maddox has seen the income levels of suppressor buyers broaden, too. “The consumer landscape [for suppressors] has shifted from being primarily composed of affluent individuals—often empty nesters with significant disposable income—to a more diverse and mainstream demographic,” he said. “This change has also seen an increase in participation from the hunting community, which was once dominated by varmint hunters. Now, it includes a broader range of enthusiasts, particularly those interested in big-game hunting.”

THE TECH FACTOR

Suppressor technology keeps improving and refining, largely driven by the demands of suppressor buyers. “The trend in the market is clear,” Maddox said. “Customers want products that are shorter, quieter, and lighter.”

One way suppressor makers fulfill these demands is through the use of 3D printing technologies.

“Dead Air has adopted additive manufacturing/3D printing processes that allow the use of designs that were unachievable with standard, subtractive CNC and welding processes,” Beckwith said. “Dead Air’s Sandman X, Lazarus 6, Mojave 9, and Mojave 45 suppressors all include variants of our Triskelion gas-management technology that would be non-machinable without utilizing 3D printing technology.” That tech, he noted, allows Dead Air to produce stronger and straighter suppressors that are quieter than ever.

AB Suppressors, of New Century, Kansas (absuppressor.com), produces several centerfire and rimfire suppressor lines, including their flagship Raptor rifle suppressors. AB has used its original foundation in building high-tech turbines to approach suppressor manufacturing with a very open mindset.

“We’ve been quick to adopt advanced technological opportunities to aid in our production,” said Ethan Buckley, AB’s national sales manager. “Most recently, we’ve been focusing on robotics and using robotics to aid in production and manufacturing.

For BANISH, the BANISH 9K titanium suppressor has become that line’s top seller. Made specifically for 9mm caliber pistols, the 9K’s popularity stems in large part from BANISH’s innovative 3D printing that allows for more baffles built into a very compact design—and at a reasonable price.

Suppressor materials have also improved. “A decade ago, stainless steel and Inconel suppressors

↑ SilencerCo Omega 300 is a lightweight, full-auto-rated .30 caliber suppressor. ↑ Dead Air Mojave 9 is designed for use with pistols and PCCs chambered in 9mm.

↑ The Dead Air Lazarus 6 fits rifles chambered for 5.56 and 6 ARC.

were the main focus,” Buckley noted. “When compared to today's standards, the suppressors were heavy with much thicker walls. While you can still find these suppressors on the market, titanium and lighter-weight cans have really become the choice for consumers looking for a quality suppressor.”

At SilencerCo, the Omega series, for instance, introduced industry-leading strength-to-weight ratios using materials such as titanium and Cobalt 6. The dominant metal used in the BANISH line, including the new BANISH 12 shotgun suppressor, is titanium. Likewise, Dead Air’s Mojave 45, the next evolution of Dead Air’s 45 AUTO silencer lineup, is a titanium suppressor featuring the above-mentioned Triskelion gas-management technology.

No way around it, though: titanium is a pricey metal and suppressors made from it will almost always carry a heftier price tag than their steel and Inconel cousins. The prepared retailer will offer a selection of suppressor types to capture sales all along the SRP spread.

What might all these changes mean for FFLs? First, said Beckwith, FFLs need to consider applying for an SOT (Special Occupational Tax) so they can offer suppressors. SOT, of course, refers to the Special Tax Registration and Return-National Firearms Act (ATF Form 5630.7), which FFLs must possess before they can sell NFA-listed items like suppressors.

“It amazes me how many firearm retailers still do not have a SOT,” Beckwith said. “The name of

the game in firearms retail is diversification of revenue streams. For the first time, an NFA item can be a relatively high-volume, high-margin sales item now that the wait times are minimal and the tax stamp has been removed.”

But he stressed that the license to sell suppressors is only the beginning. “I would suggest that retailers ensure that their sales staff become educated in suppressor features, advantages, and benefits,” Beckwith added. “In the old days, retailers had one employee that was the ‘NFA guy.’ Now, every sales associate should be knowledgeable of both product and process to take advantage of the boom in suppressor interest.”

Peter Sol is the senior content marketing manager for Silencer Shop, creators of the Silencer Shop Kiosk (silencershop.com). He agreed that the need for knowledgeable sales staff was paramount.

“Today’s buyers are way more informed,” he said. “They’re reading reviews, watching YouTubes, and they expect a seamless buying journey. Focus on education and demystifying the NFA process. Highlight real-world benefits: hearing protection, better shooting experience, hunting advantages, and family safety.”

Suppressor consumers receive most of that information digitally, Sol added. Which is why, he argued, that retailers themselves need to incorporate digital marketing as part of their business strategy for all products, including suppressors.

“It matters more than ever—email, social, and search,” Sol said. “If your establishment isn’t moving forward with digital marketing, you will be left behind.”

Don’t wait for customers to bring up suppressors, either, Maddox advised. “Dealers should proactively present the option of silencers to every customer who enters the store, rather than merely waiting for inquiries from those who specifically

ask about them,” he said. “This approach is crucial because it normalizes the conversation around silencers, making them less intimidating for those who may be unfamiliar with the process.”

← The Dead Air Sandman silencer can handle calibers up to .300 RUM.

SilencerCo’s Clinger agreed. “It’s also crucial to market suppressors not as accessories, but as essential firearm components,” he said.

One way to show the essential nature of suppressors, Clinger said, is for the FFL/SOT to host suppressor demonstration events. Getting ready for such events is also a great opportunity to have sales staff brush up on suppressor advantages and uses, as well as on the NFA paperwork still needed to purchase suppressors.

The author was an early adopter of suppressors and has used them extrensively on many different hunts Here, he’s using a BANISH 46-V2 suppressor.

The FFL/SOT also has another advantage: the ability to offer firearm and suppressor packages. “Now that the tax on suppressors has been voided, I anticipate a full lineup of Savage rifle packages that come with a riflescope, a Savage bi-pod, and a Savage suppressor,” said Beth Shimanski, Savage’s vice president of marketing. “It will be a one-stopshop type deal.”

Such packages could be very attractive to a range of buyers, including the deer hunter who’d like to hit the woods with a Savage Axis rifle outfitted with a scope and a suppressor. Or the parent buying a rimfire rifle, scope, and suppressor package for their first-time youth small-game hunter.

The repeal of the $200 tax creates so many new and repeat suppressor sales opportunities for the FFL ready to take advantage of this changing and booming market.

Along with digital marketing incentives, dealers should look into ways to speed the approval process. That’s where the Silencer Shop Kiosk comes into play. Introduced in 2016, the Kiosk has transformed the suppressor buying experience. “Instead of going from government office to office, customers can quickly and easily submit their fingerprints and complete their profiles right on the Kiosk,” said Sol. “All the information was (and is) saved digitally, so once a customer used the Kiosk and was approved, they could get more suppressors in the future without the need to submit new fingerprints every time.”

Today, there are 2,000 Kiosks distributed at SOTs across the nation, with more Kiosks added monthly. “We’re always upgrading the system for speed and reliability,” Sol said. “Recently, we upgraded to the vertical displays that allowed for a better and smoother customer experience. Our goal from day one has been to eliminate every roadblock between a customer and their suppressor.”

GROWING DEMAND

The suppressor market is crowded, and it’s about to get a lot more crowded. Mike Slack, (engagedindustries.com) founder of suppressor manufacturer Engaged Industries, says that the companies that will thrive will be the ones on the cutting edge of evolving new technology. To that end, Engaged Industries is committed to real and sustained innovation.

Slack’s other main focus is the Engaged Industries network of dealers.“They are our boots on the ground, providing the insight into what the customer is looking for,” he says. “We take their feedback seriously as we continue to look for innovation opportunities. We also emphasize our pricing structure specifically for the dealer.”

It was with his dealers in mind that Slack created the “Suppressor Engineer” on the YouTube and Rumble channels.

“‘Suppressor Engineer’ aims to address all the common questions a dealer will get from customers, and it also aims to give the consumer high-level knowledge about suppressors so they can make more informed purchase decisions,” Slack said.

“The biggest trend and change that is going to happen over the next few years is demand driven,” Buckley said. “Suppressor manufacturers are fore-

casting extended backlogs. The dealers that aren’t willing to work with distributors and/or manufacturers are going to receive what’s left after allocations—and what’s left might not be what you or your consumers want. Reach out to your distributor rep and your manufacturers. Talk to them, forecast with them. They are here to help all of us and by planning ahead, there’s a lot of money to be made over the next coming years.”

TWO NEW ENTRANTS INTO THE SUPPRESSOR MARKET

Late last year, EOTECH announced its new line of suppressors, the DCBL series. Manufactured from Grade 5 titanium, the DCBL suppressors are 3D printed and feature a unique flow-through design. That design is EOTECH’s proprietary Breathable Technology. It allows DCBL suppressors to actively stabilize internal pressure while reducing blowback and minimizing back pressure. The result is smoother cycling, reduced carbon buildup, and enhanced shooter control.

Its monolithic, corrosion-resistant construction is built to withstand harsh operational environments, including salt air, extreme temperatures, and prolonged courses of fire. A Cerakote finish in either matte black or tan provides added durability.

“Our goal with any product we launch is to improve the overall performance of the firearm,” said John Bailey, EOTECH’s vice president of marketing. “We have done that for years with our holographic weapon sights and most recently with Vudu riflescopes and the OGL laser system.”

DCBL suppressors are available in three calibers—5.56, 7.62, and 9mm PCC. The 5.56/7.62 cans come equipped with a hub and KFM flashhider while the 9mm PCC directly threads onto pistol-caliber carbines. The patterned, exterior design provides increased surface area for heat dissipation as well as traction for attachment and removal. eotechinc.com

Silent Steel USA launched recently with the introduction of the Streamer Series of suppressors: the Streamer, Compact Streamer, and Micro Streamer. These new suppressors utilize Silent Steel USA’s patented gas-rotation system, replacing traditional baffles with advanced FlowIQ technology. This design minimizes back pressure, improves cooling, and provides longer suppressor life and more consistent performance across shooting platforms.

The Micro Stream is a small but extremely functional suppressor perfect for SBRs and PDWs; the Compact Stream is a more compact version of the full-sized Streamer. All three suppressors utilize the Silent Steel USA turbine + filter baffle-less system that redirects and cools gases in a swirling path, delivering a consistent low tone, minimal blowback, reduced first-round pop, and superb heat mitigation. silentsteelusa.com

PHENOMENON THE PDW

Personal Defense Weapon systems are on the rise.

PHENOMENON

by Guy J. Sagi

APDW is a pistol with a frame or chassis wearing a brace—or the ability to mount one—along with sections of rail or M-LOK that make adding accessories a breeze. The look is worthy of a “Mission Impossible” or “John Wick” cameo, but beneath the high-speed, lowdrag magnetism are assets ready to respond if the time ever comes to protect yourself and loved ones. There’s more than glamor and fun driving PDW-system demand, and right now firms offering PDW systems are already experiencing incredible demand. There’s good reason for those brisk sales, too. The design of a PDW appeals to the customization urge in every gun owner.

SALES IN A HEADWIND

New firearm sales over the past year have been slow, but appetite for the added versatility of a PDW is growing exponentially. “Sales are increasing substantially as people learn about compact PDW systems that don’t cost a mortgage payment,” says Jeremy Mallette, marketing director and brand manager at Recover Tactical (recovertactical.com). “One of the great advantages of Recover Tactical systems is that you can use your existing firearm.”

That advantage is one shared by every aftermarket PDW system, a decided advantage in today’s challenging economy. Companies contacted by SHOT Business that offer at least one model agreed with that observation. “We’re up,” was the

chorus. That fact hasn’t escaped the notice of major gunmakers.

Ruger, for example, introduced its LC Charger 5.7 PDW in mid-2023 (ruger.com). Palmetto State Armory (palmettostatearmory.com) teased development of a PSA X5.7 in 2024—rumored to finally become available this year—and rolled out a PSA X9 at the 2025 SHOT Show.

In late September 2025 Taurus (taurususa.com) unveiled its own version, collaborating with Strike Industries (strikeindustries.com), the company that helped fuel the PDW trend when it introduced the SMC Alpha Chassis for the SIG SAUER P320 in 2022. Many of the same sought-after assets are now available on one of the raging bull’s most popular pistols.

“The GX4 Strike Bravo is Taurus stepping in a bold new direction,” says Laura Prieto, trade marketing manager for Taurus. “By teaming up with Strike Industries, we didn’t just add a brace—we co-engineered a dedicated chassis and modular grip system to support it. That collaboration created an affordable, compact pistol that offers shooters extra stability, control, and versatility—expanding what they can expect from the GX4 family.”

Odds are good more manufacturers will introduce models this year, but consumer spending is tight right now. Upgrading an existing pistol, rather than buying a new one configured as a PDW with OEM furniture, is often more attractive. There’s also a recent advancement in firearm design that gives enthusiasts added incentive for going aftermarket.

↑ The Raider X from Flux Defense is a PDW that bridges the gap between pistol and rifle.

SERIAL ADVANTAGE

“With the rise of serialized fire-control groups, aftermarket companies can now support the industry with products that were once limited to FFLs and OEMs,” says Thomas Janczura, founder and CEO of Tyrant CNC (tyrantcnc.com). “One of the most exciting categories to open up is the PDW. In our eyes, it’s always been a popular space, but now with greater access, companies like Tyrant CNC can create products that push the category forward in ways previously not possible.”

To say recent developments have simply piqued interest among enthusiasts is an understatement, but most of the attention has nothing to do with Hollywood portrayals or cash savings. The underlying attraction is versatility, modularity, and features.

FEATURE-RICH AND STREAMLINED

Tyrant CNC is scheduled to release a new system in 2026. “The Tyrant Weapon System 365 (TWS365) converts the SIG SAUER P365 into a compact, modular PDW,” Janczura says. “With its spring-loaded folding brace, removable blast shield, and dual-magazine system, the TWS365 delivers versatility, control, and capacity in a lightweight chassis—all while carrying up to 40+1 rounds of ammunition.”

With a Picatinny rail for mounting a weapon light or laser and another at the rear for accessories, a polymer grip on a lightweight aluminum chassis, and more, the company is sure to attract a crowd.

Flux Defense’s (fluxdefense.com) most popular design, tailored for the same pistol, was released in

NSSF Marketing and Leadership Summit

May 12-14, 2026 • Hilton Head, SC

Gun Storage Check Week™

June 1-7, 2026 • gunstoragecheck.org

NSSF Annual Import/Export Conference

August 4-6, 2026 • Washington, D.C.

National Shooting Sports Month®

August 2026 • shootingsportsmonth.org

Gun Storage Check Week™

September 1-7, 2026 • gunstoragecheck.org

SHOT Show®

January 19-22, 2027 • Las Vegas, NV

↑ Recover Tactical’s approach is modular, allowing owners to purchase only those components they need. Pieces can be added later as requirements change or discretionary funds allow. The firm’s most popular accessory is an optic mount.

2024. “Our Raider 365 chassis for the SIG SAUER P365 was designed on the principle that a stocked or braced pistol should really not be any larger than its host pistol itself,” says Alex Aubrey, chief marketing officer for Flux Defense/Snakestaff Systems/ Antimatter Industries. “Keeping functionality at the forefront resonates with people who shoot a lot and take self-defense seriously.” Available accessories include a forward optic mount, side-folding brace, and more.

Recover Tactical’s approach is modular, allowing owners to purchase only those components they need. Pieces can be added later as requirements change or discretionary funds allow. The firm’s most popular model is designed for another wildly popular pistol.

“With the 20/20, you have an inexpensive system that uses a GLOCK. It is incredibly durable, made of glass-reinforced polymer, easy to use, and it works. It is easy to conceal and provides a solid platform with three points of contact,” Mallette says.

He emphasized the company does offer complete systems with all the parts, but the add-as-you-go approach eliminates the cost of purchasing accessories that may never be used. The list of items the firm offers is long and includes braces, cheek risers, rails, and more.

Which component is most popular? “Our number-one selling accessory is an optic mount,” Mallette admits. “People want to add optics to firearms that don’t have mounting options. As I mentioned, there are over 4,000 different configurations that you can create with the 20/20, which features over a dozen accessories.”

ShaloTek (shalotek.com) showed off an early iteration of its upcoming P365 PDW at the 2025 SHOT Show. Hopefully, we’ll see it hit the market this year. The modular system is slated to employ one of the

company’s SIG SAUER P365 frames, wear a folding stock, forward pistol grip and more, depending on the owner’s preference, of course.

TESTING AND KNOW-HOW

Think twice if you’re convinced these systems are designed by adults who haven’t outgrown their Lego addiction. These products are run through the wringer before they hit the market.

“All our products are designed, developed, and manufactured in Israel,” says Mallette. “We have a world-class designer, Tamir Porat, who designs all our products, but has developed products for dozens of companies in our industry, including Springfield Armory, IWI, Blade-Tech, Meprolight, and others.

Most notably, he developed the Tavor for IWI. Our products are manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility that serves our industry as well as the military needs of countries around the world. We have PDW systems in use by several police departments, security agencies, and militaries in multiple countries. Our products are designed for use in combat and defense situations where quality matters.”

“We always rely on feedback from our beta test team for real-world performance,” Janczura says. “It’s one thing to design a product that looks perfect in SolidWorks; it’s another to put it into capable hands and tell them, ‘Don’t bring it back until you’ve broken it.’ That input has been invaluable. Competition and innovation are what drive this industry forward. At the end of the day, consumers benefit most—and that’s what makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

Aubrey notes his team has years of trigger time under their belts, making his crew genuine “gun nerds” (his term, not ours). “Our motto is ‘Smaller— Lighter—Faster.’ Speed of deployment is core to the Flux Defense philosophy,” he says. “The last thing I will add is that us boys at Flux Defense, as a whole, are just a group of dudes who are trying our hand at the American Dream. Obviously, not everything we think of is going to stick to the wall, but that will not stop us from dedicating our lives to optimizing systems and filling gaps. That is why we started Snakestaff Systems as our response to the medical preparedness field and Antimatter Industries as our playground to make target acquisition and positive identification faster. Always be expecting some wacky stuff to come from our team.”

The company’s hot-selling Raider 365 took years of research, development, and testing. That kind of patience and attention to detail certainly proves the Flux Defense team doesn’t specialize in wacky.

← Recover Tactical’s 20/20 stabilizer kit is an inexpensive, durable glass-reinforced polymer system designed to fit a GLOCK.

LAW ENFORCEMENT 2026

New LE Technology helps operators work more efficiently and safely.

by Michael D. Faw

The 2026 Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show was an eye-opener for many. Rapidly evolving technology is changing how LE officers on the streets and military personnel around the globe do their jobs. At the same time, manufacturers also are rethinking existing products to make them a better fit to their end users.

ENFORCEMENT

CROWD CONTROL

Arriving on a scene and being protected (a.k.a. surviving) while completing the task of dealing with violent crowds has become the new not-so-normal norm. There are several ways to arrive on the scene and be in charge.

BEC Defense provides the Renegade, a B6 ballistic-armored vehicle that provides nearly two feet of ground clearance via a beefed-up Ford F-600 chassis with off-road traction and runflat tires. This protective vehicle is powered with a High Desert diesel engine and features nine return-fire gun ports (six above the bench seats on each side, two at the side doors and one in the rear-entry door) as well as battle-locking doors to prevent unwanted entry. The 360-degree certified-armor shell protects against common pistol and rifle rounds. Accessories range from battering rams on the front to heavy winches to pull obstacle cars out of the way. An optional roof hatch with turret is available. becdefense.com

MIRA Safety offers the Grizzly, a high-end, 22-ton tactical vehicle with offroad suspension, exterior armor plating that can withstand .50 BMG rounds, and a protective turret on top. Various on-board cameras with IR and nightvision capabilities are displayed on a monitor inside so the driver and operators can view and assess the surrounding environments outside without exiting the vehicle. An assortment of attachments include a winch, tear gas dispenser, lights and sirens, and a heavy-duty ram. A number of inner and exterior storage compartments ensure arriving on the scene with necessary gear while a single drop-down rear door permits entry. The company also offers a wide range of gas masks. mirasafety.com

While K-9 dogs and handlers have a place in LE and military units, technology is offering an option—the quadrupedal unmanned ground vehicle robot that looks like a futuristic dog with four legs. There is no tail, but a head and neck are available. It can withstand extreme temperature ranges, comes equipped with five cameras (more can be added), and can be equipped with a wide range of accessories, including gas dispersal, shot-discharge tracking sensors, assorted functional necks and heads, and more. The robot weighs approximately 110 pounds (standard model), can move up to 2 mph, and has a dog house for lay-down recharging. The legs provide three degrees of movement and permit walking up steps and over rough terrain while on-board radios provide two-way communication plus on-site feedback to the operator. Various body panels and accessories permit customization to mission requirements, including a neck and head that can grasp, turn, and open a standard-turn door knob. ghostrobotics.io

Another robot worth noting is the Throwbot, a small two-wheeled robot about the size of a football that can be tossed into buildings or driven into spaces for a better view and to provide valuable “know-before-you-go” information. The robot is easily operated with a hand-held controller, and the user can hear noises around the Throwbot with a set of headphones. A unique roll-blade ensures the robot stays upright as it gathers and delivers live data and relays intel to a screen on the control unit. reconrobotics.com

Reconk9 provides a well-designed dog vest that also accepts ballistic panels. The DT Alpha Tactical K-9 vest permits attachment of cameras, IR beacons or

strobes, and it will accept heated panels for cold weather and water situations for the deployed canine. The vest meets Berry Amendment standards and is jump approved. reconk9.com

Adding to K-9 protection is Survival Armor with a wide range of vest sizes to fit small to large dogs. The K-9 vests are fully adjustable, provide enhanced chest protection, and are offered in six colors. All vests have a rugged carry handle on top to aid with K-9 pick-up when situations warrant. survivalarmor.com

FIREARMS

Once LE and military personnel are on the ground, more control is often needed. A wide range of new firearms help keep them safe and in control.

FN America has released the next generation of the legendary SCAR rifle along with several purpose-built rifle suppressors. The improved SCAR 20S includes more than two dozen upgrades yet retains its iconic silhouette and continues as a gas-operated, semi-auto modular rifle. Other features are a lighter two-piece bolt carrier, a two-stage trigger, an ambidextrous, double-sided and oversized bolt catch and release, and adjustable cheekpiece and length of pull. The company is also releasing the FN QD Series of rifle suppressors in 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm calibers with forward venting. fnamerica.com Mossberg’s new 990 SPX Magpul shotgun is a 12-gauge chambered for 3-inch shells. It’s a semi-auto gas-operated tactical Class-3 firearm that provides advanced ergonomics and is offered with 14.75-inch (NFA) or 18.5-inch barrels complete with Accu-Chokes. Most internal components—including the gas piston, magazine tube, hammer, and sear—are treated with nickel-boron coatings and specialized finishes to increase corrosion resistance and durability. The shotgun’s oversized top-mounted safety is easily accessible for both right- and lefthanded shooters. The 990 SPX handguard provides a heat-resistant platform with integrated QD cups and M-LOK slots for mounting lights, grips, and other accessories. This tactical shotgun is also equipped with an optic-ready receiver cut for direct mounting of micro red dots. A winged front fiber-optic sight completes the sighting system. This matte-finished shotgun has a Magpul SGA stock with adjustable interface designed to fit a wide range of shooters while providing recoil management. It includes sling-mounting options. mossberg.com

MAY 12-14, 2026

SC

THE FIREARM INDUSTRY’S PREMIER EVENT EXECUTIVES MARKETING PROS

Join top executives and marketing professionals from the industry for an enriching twoday experience at the NSSF Marketing and Leadership Summit, May 12-14 in Hilton Head, South Carolina. A consistent favorite among industry leaders, this year’s event promises a packed agenda with an outstanding lineup of speakers. Attendees will gain exclusive access to subject matter experts and enjoy ample opportunities for networking! FOR AND

Savage Arms has released the Model 110 AccuFit V2 rifle with a stock that permits adjustments in length of pull and comb height, thanks to a knob in the stock’s lower side. This adjustment system helps ensure a fitting firearm when wearing a bulletproof vest or winter coat. The magazine-fed rifle also has interchangeable grip modules, M-LOK panels, and a LimbSaver recoil pad that can reduce felt recoil by up to 50 percent. The actions are Cerakoted, the bolt handle can be changed, and the barrel is threaded to accept suppressors. Left-hand models are available. Optics can be easily mounted on the one-piece 20 MOA

Kimber’s new 1911 Warrior pistol is offered in four models and chambered in 9mm and 10mm with an extended 18-round magazine and enhanced grips. The DS Warrior LS, for example, has an improved KimPro black finish, is optics ready, and has lightweight carbon-infused grips. Other features are a front night sight and a barrel and slide crafted from stainless steel.

Springfield Armory’s modular Echelon patrol pistol uti lizes a short barrel while providing a full-sized grip for better control. This striker-fired pistol operates on a durable stainless-steel chassis and is available in three sizes, including the compact 4.0C with a compact grip and Echelon 4.5F with a full-sized grip. Echelon pistols use the company’s new Central Operating Group, a self-contained and serialized trigger and chassis that can be transferred to other grip modules. The Echelon pistols are optics ready, and a unique plate permits installation (via a locking pin system) of more than 30 optics without adapter plates. Each Echelon ships with three backstraps to aid with user grip preferences. springfield-armory.com

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Streamlight is celebrating 20 years of the popular TLR light series by introducing the TLR-7X USB compact weapon light with multi-fuel capability. It

FIREARM INDUSTRY

operates with a USB charge or disposable batteries while delivering 500 lumens for brightness in tactical situations. This lightweight light is designed to fit full-size and compact handguns with rails and offers customizable rear paddle switches with a low- or high-position to match a user’s shooting style. The TLR-7X USB rechargeable light ships with the cost-saving SL-B9 USB-C rechargeable battery pack that charges via a USB-C port in the battery, but it can use a 3-volt CR123A lithium battery. The white LED offers two lighting modes: LED-only or strobe. streamlight.com

NEXTORCH’s compact TA30D tactical flashlight delivers up to 2,200 lumens and can cast its beam of light nearly 500 yards. The TA30D uses NEXTORCH’s advanced Ultra Thermal Buffer (U.T.B.) system to manage and keep the grip comfortable during extended use. This light also uses a One-Step-Strobe system, enabling instant defensive strobe activation. A quick half-press activates momentary illumination. The TA30D is constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum, and a strike bezel aids with glass breaking for rescues. nextorch.com

TACTICAL OPTICS

Tactical optics is a product category that seems to be evolving at an exponential pace. EOTech’s 7.1-inch super-short Vudu 4-12x36mm riflescope is a first focal plane optic that’s ideal for tactical carbines and is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum and features a wide power band on the eyepiece for rapid magnification changes. This riflescope has 0.1 MRAD turret adjustments with 10 illumination brightness settings and runs on CR2032 batteries for approximately 300 hours. eotechinc.com

Trijicon’s RCR red dot sight has an enclosed emitter and arrives with a wrench and various hardware for secure mounting. Other features are a top-load CR2032 battery, easy adjustments, and upgraded operation buttons and features. trijicon.com

COMING SOON. SAVE IT AT GARMONTTACICAL.COM

Military-proven performance, now engineered for law enforcement. Built for you to move fast, stay ready, and never compromise.

saving mode. A user-select able, three-segment reticle along with an automatic asneeded and manual bright ness control are other features. Run time is about 20,000 hours on a single bat tery. meprolight.com

Riton Optics’ new 3 Tactix MPRD XL (micro pistol dot, extra-large) provides a greater view ahead with a larger window while providing three levels of green reticle illumination. The 3 Tactix MPRD XL offers three reticles: dot, circle, and dot within circle. It awakens when moved and is compatible with night vision. ritonoptics.com

PARD’s Pantera eX 640 thermal scope with a side-focus design and a 50mm objective lens can deliver jpeg (or .jpg) images and record MP4 videos. This scope has a WiFi connection and provides digital zoom; it also offers three scene color modes, five image modes, and four reticle colors. pardusa.com

STEP FORWARD

When it’s time for boots on the ground, LE and military personnel will find that Lowa’s new Z8S-MK2 GTX PR professional-grade tactical boot provides safety, stability, and longterm service. The Gore-Tex waterproof/breathable membrane-lined boot also features heat and cold insulators along with a more aggressive sole pattern that’s anti-static (ESD compliant) and slip resistant. This puncture-resistant boot’s angled top provides more room for cuffs, and a larger heel loop aids with removal and pull-ons. The newly designed clean toe has no stitching. lowa.com

WORTH NOTING

Safariland used the SHOT Show to launch SafariMesh, a next-generation communication device that enables dependable team communication in challenging operational conditions. SafariMesh provides secure, flexible communication without the need for towers, repeaters, or centralized networks. Built on a selfforming, self-healing mesh network that automatically adapts as users move, the device allows teams to maintain reliable voice and data connections across complex terrain, buildings, and large facilities.

Designed for global use, SafariMesh supports flexible deployment and integrates seamlessly with Safariland’s Liberator headset series and other communications headsets. Its compact, rugged design allows for hands-free operation and intuitive one-button control, making it well suited for high-tempo and missioncritical operations. The voice-activated system uses military-grade AES-256 encryption and can accommodate up to 50 users and four simultaneous talkers. Safariland also released the Holle Belt, an extra-thick-leather duty belt that permits direct mount and has a layer of Velcro inside or included bolts for securing items. safariland.com

Magna Lens, an eye-and-ear-protection manufacturer, introduced its patented magnetic connection that seamlessly integrates protective eyewear with earmuffs. By directly attaching eye protection to earmuffs, Magna Lens ensures secure-fitting impact-resistant eyewear with a 2.9mm thick polycarbonate lens and a frame equipped with neodymium magnets. magnalens.com

Marathon Targets offers a wide range of autonomous robots for realistic live-fire training purposes. The wheeled, heavy-duty motorized targets look and move like humans. These are in use by numerous military units, and rentals along with scenario services are available. marathon-targets.com

Iosso Products unveiled a cleaning kit for 37mm and 40mm non-lethal launchers with a one-piece wire handle launcher brush and 6-inch non-shedding cotton patches. The kit’s Triple Action Oil is a bio-based penetrating

Apex Armor Solutions offers the TITAN III, a lightweight Level III+ protective shield made from ultra-light UHMWPE with a slim and easy-to-maneuver profile. This product has been independently tested by an NVLAP-accredited NIJ-approved laboratory to meet or exceed ballistic resistance as specified under NIJ Standard 0108.01. A ballistic viewport and LED light system is available. The shield comes standard with an ambidextrous apexarmorsolutions.com

Magpul now offers Breslau knives with reinforced polymer handles available in black, OD green, and glacier blue. The Wharncliffe blades and stainless metal components are cryo-treated. The knife can be quickly disassembled to permit cleaning and care and the knife features grit clearance pads, an ambidextrous steel lock, and a reversible pocket clip. magpul.com

IronClad offers the Tactical Pro gloves for men and women with a synthetic suede palm for wear resistance. The glove’s back is breathable with a neoprene knuckle-protection panel; thumb and index fingers are touchironclad.com

North American Rescue Individual Patrol Officer trauma kits come with a self-applied tourniquet that’s quickly accessible via a small Roo pocket on the front of the kit. Other included items are a QuikClot packet, various gauzes, and responder gloves. narescue.com

As more and more military and LE units deploy drones, Montana-based Mystery Ranch has created the PDW C100 drone pack. This large backpack has an adjustable harness to aid with carrying loads and to comfortably and securely fit various wearer sizes. The pack has numerous accessory attachment points and a built-in drone launch pad. mysteryranch.com

TAX TRAPS

It’s all too easy for businesses to fall into tax traps. Here’s how to avoid them.

by Mark E. Battersby

↑ So-called

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) extended the statute of limitations for many tax provisions, making it more important than ever to be aware of the many “traps” in our tax laws—new and old. After all, accidentally falling into one of those “traps” can leave every firearms, ammunition, and related outdoor business—and their owners—open to possible penalties and fines.

While the structure used to conduct your business is already in place, is it the entity that will produce the lowest tax bills and most liability protection for its owners? Choosing the original business structure—be it sole proprietorship, LLC, S or regular corporation—may have been done without considering all of the tax implications. Or, the ever-changing tax rules may make switching entities today worth your while.

Tripping over the S corporation limits on the number of owners is another potential trap, as is ignoring the so-called LLC “loophole” where the firearms business is treated as a pass-through entity. If not avoided, both traps can be expensive.

RECORD FAILURES

Failing to maintain accurate and detailed financial records, especially receipts and invoices,

records is one of the best ways to avoid a trap.

makes it difficult to remember—and substantiate—deductions. Without substantiation, not only can deductions be disallowed, but tax bills can increase along with penalties. Either digital or paper records can prove the business purpose, amounts, dates, and recipients of all expenditures. Those records can also make audits less stressful and less expensive.

UNPAID PAYROLL TAXES

Unpaid payroll taxes have long been an expensive trap. All employers are required to deposit all taxes withheld from an employee’s wages as well as the operation’s share of those taxes. As businesses collect these taxes throughout the year, the law requires employers to forward the amounts to the IRS on a quarterly, monthly, or biweekly basis.

When a retailer, distributor, or manufacturer collects payroll taxes from its employees but fails to remit those funds to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on time and in full, it is vulnerable to harsh penalties and even possible jail time. What’s worse, it is not only the business that can be held responsible for unpaid payroll taxes; everyone from the operation’s bookkeeper to its owner, or even shareholders, are potentially responsible for those so-called “trust fund” amounts, penalties, and fines.

IGNORED INCOME

Failing to report, or underreporting, the operation’s business income, whether it is received in cash, checks, via online platforms, or through third-party payments, is a major audit trigger and could lead to civil fraud charges. Form 1099-K helps both the firearms business and the IRS track all taxable income accurately. Form 1099-K is a report of payments received for goods or services during the year.

Digital payment apps such as PayPal and Venmo must issue 1099-Ks to users who received over $20,000 in gross payments and have more than 200 transactions. Not too surprisingly, forgetting to report this income can trigger substantial penalties.

Avoiding this potential trap simply means tracking all income received through third-party payment platforms or from credit, debit, or stored value cards, such as gift cards (payment cards) and payment apps or online marketplaces, also called third-party settlement organizations (TPSOs).

“OVERBOARD” DEDUCTIONS

Quite a few businesses go overboard when searching for tax deductions. Unfortunately, finding too many write-offs or making tax deductions up, or artificially enhancing existing write-offs to inflate deductions or expenses, is increasing as the IRS’s audit figures go down.

AVOIDING TAX TRAPS LEGALLY

Avoiding potential tax traps involves a number of tried-and-true strategies such as:

• Separate Finances. Using bank accounts and credit cards dedicated strictly for business use separates personal and business expenses.

• Document Everything. Keep detailed documentations, such as receipts, invoices, and contemporaneous logs, for all transactions that will be claimed as deductions.

• Labeling All Income. Attempting to label a bank deposit or payments from thirdparties months after they occur can result in an IRS label of cash income whether the sums were for business or not.

• Be Aware of Common Mistakes. Awareness can help tame the stress at tax time and ensure accurate reporting of the sporting firearms and ammunition operation’s income and deductions.

• Go Paperless. Filing tax returns electronically can help avoid simple math errors and ensure timely submissions.

• Stay Informed. Keep up to date with the ever-changing tax laws and regulations (federal, state, and local) or work with a professional who does.

It is no secret that a business’s taxes can be complicated. The IRS is increasing audits of businesses and high-income individuals, especially for those with income over $400,000. Obviously, keeping good records, using accounting software, or seeking professional advice on a regular basis will help avoid potentially expensive tax traps.

Naturally, not every cost can be claimed as a business expense. Nondeductible expenses, such as personal expenses unrelated to the business, fines, or penalties including traffic or parking fines, have no place on a business’s tax returns or financial statements. Bottom-line, all deductions must be “ordinary and necessary” and related to the business. Otherwise, if the IRS catches the business claiming false deductions, penalties could be 20 percent of the disallowed amount for filing false claims or $2,500 if the IRS determines a frivolous tax return was involved. And, remember, there is no statute of limitations for fraudulent tax returns.

PERSONAL OR BUSINESS

Mixing personal and business finances is an all-too-common error. Using a single bank account or credit card for all expenses makes it difficult to distinguish legitimate business costs from personal expenses. This can cause

errors in claiming deductions and raise audit red flags.

Using a separate business bank account and a business credit card can avoid scrutiny, potential audits, and help with an operation’s financial planning.

THE OBBBA AND QBI

The OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) made the deduction for Qualified Business Income (QBI) permanent, allowing a 20 percent deduction from the income of small businesses such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S Corporations. While making the 20 percent deduction for QBI permanent, the new law also added new restrictions, such as a $5 million gross receipts cap and stricter phaseout for so-called “Specified Service Trades or Businesses.”

Failure to follow the complex wage and property limits may cause the deduction to be lost. Working with a tax professional to ensure all eligi-

bility requirements are met for the QBI deduction is a good way to avoid this tax trap.

STATE AND LOCAL TAX TRAPS

State and local income taxes, sales and use taxes, transfer taxes, gross receipt taxes, and more are often overlooked. A retailer operating across multiple states must navigate a patchwork of different tax laws, including sales tax nexus and withholding requirements, which can be overwhelming and lead to non-compliance if overlooked.

Failure to register, collect, and remit sales tax in a state where the retailer has nexus can lead to back taxes, penalties, and interest. Ignoring the sales tax that might be due on the sale of a business is common, as are the state-specific requirements for equipment sales and other buy-and-sell transactions.

Naturally, not every cost can be claimed as a business expense.

AFTER THE FACT

With taxes, one of the biggest traps is failing to plan for succession. If the owner dies and the business passes via inheritance, in addition to licensing issues, there could be estate taxes, valuation issues and disputes over what is “fair.” Also keep in mind that if the business is “gifted,” the IRS will view it as a taxable transfer.

Gifting now might reduce the estate tax bill later but cost more in capital gains. Inheritances come with a stepped-up basis, which means re-setting the value to the date-of-death amount. If it’s sold to family members for what it’s worth, the original basis goes with it, resulting in capital gains taxed on the entire difference.

When it comes to a retail, distribution, or manufacturing business operated as an S corporation, transferring shares the wrong way can nullify the operation’s S corporation status and triggering serious tax consequences. Avoiding this trap is easy. Using so-called “grantor trusts” or direct gifts often softens the potential tax consequences. Drafting a buy-sell agreement spelling out who can buy, how the value of the operation will be determined, and what happens upon the owner’s leaving the business or dying often avoids this trap. Overlooking the value of a buy-sell agreement can mean anyone can become the owner of the business or it could be dissolved.

IDLarry’s Sporting Goods, Nampa Located in suburban Boise, this retailer features a mix of fishing and hunting gear, along with shotguns, handguns, and reloading supplies. It stocks more than 500 guns and has five employees. Bolt-action hunting guns have seen a steady rise in sales for this mountain retailer. “We have seen a steady increase in demand for higher-pricepoint bolt guns and hard-working varmint rifles,” said counter salesman Clinton Butler.

An array of Browning X-Bolts, Ruger Americans, and Savage Axis IIs top the sales charts for this store, followed by several Ruger M-77s in .204. High-demand calibers for spring varmints include .22 Mag. and .17 HMR. Sales of MSRs are slow. DPMS and Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport IIIs are moving best, mostly in .223, to a mix of home-defense customers and varmint shooters. GLOCK Gen6s and 20s top the handgun traffic list. Springfield Hellcats in 9mm and a few SIG SAUER P365s hold the next two slots. “We really push GLOCKs for new shooters. They are so

easy to clean and, frankly, will always fire even when they are caked in mud,” said Butler.

Shotgun sales are picking up. Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon over-unders are going out the door, and Benelli Super Black Eagle IIIs are in demand for turkey season.

NDThe Boom Closet, Dickinson Opened in September 2022, this small-town, veteran-owned gun shop services a mix of home defense and hunting clients with new and used guns. Handguns are a bread-and-butter item for this store. GLOCK Gen6s, Taurus TX22s, Staccato 2011s, and Sig P365Xs are all moving consistently.

“Our spring sales are always a mix of handguns. And right now, I’m the only person for miles that seems to have inventory of GLOCK Gen6s, so that’s going well,” said owner Ben Boyll.

Sales and inventory of suppressors continue to increase for this store, led by Liberty Precision Machine silencers. MSR sales have

IAFreedom Firearms,

Grinnell This east-central Iowa gun shop focuses on hunting and home defense and keeps in house a mix of 600 new and used guns. The store has three employees at the counter year-round.

High-school trap shooting is the hot spring activity at this counter, where experienced and first-time shooters invest in shooting. “Our teen trap leagues continue to grow in this part of the Midwest. Students from all backgrounds are trying out shooting, often for the first time. It has been a wonderful experience bringing these families into the sport,” said owner Ken Beck.

Hot trap guns include the SKB 90TSS and the Century 3. Other up-and-coming guns include the CZ All-American. Turkey guns are also starting to turn, with a mix of Mossberg 500s and 940s as well as a selection of used pumps. Handguns continue to set the pace with pre-orders for GLOCK Gen6s and Smith BODYGUARD 2.0s. Other in-demand pistols include just about any model that’s silencer

compatible, including the Smith & Wesson M&P 22X and Ruger Mark IV.

“Our silencers have totally changed our spring and summer sales. The great entry point for customers wanting to try them out is the .22,” said Beck.

MN Little Crow Shooting

Sports, Hutchinson Located in the center of the state, this classic rural hunting and shooting retailer carries an average of 900 new and used guns with a mix of hunting and home defense. They are open six days a week. During deer season, they’re open seven days.

Right now, handguns are selling well. Top guns at the counter include Ruger RXMs, KelTec PR-5.7s, and Ruger Vaqueros in .357 Mag. Smaller-caliber rifle sales are picking up, with a growing emphasis on .22 lever actions from Henry. The Ruger semi-auto 10/22 is also moving well. MSRs are turning about four a month, with a mix of models from Radical Firearms and Great Lakes Firearms.

slowed, with a mix of SIG and Smith rifles turning at a few a month. A few turkey guns are starting to move, with orders on Stevens .410 single shots and used pump guns.

AKWolfhawk

Guns

&

Shipping, Tok Located in remote eastern Alaska near the Canadian Border, this small retailer specializes in handguns and hunting rifles. In addition, Wolfhawk arranges firearm shipments. Travelers entering Alaska from Canada can pick up their handguns at this store.

Handguns are selling well. Smith M&P 2.0s and Ruger Alaskans in .44 Mag. and .454 Casull hold the top slots. Anything in .45-70 in a lever gun is popular.

“We’re a mix of bear protection, tacticalstyle shotguns, and big-bore revolvers. Ten-mil continues to drive a large number of our sales for this year,” said owner Bryan Kerly.

Other high-demand rifles include Winchester, Marlin, and Henry .45-70s.

As the Midwest high-school trap circuit heats up, the SKB 90TSS is the sales leader. Browning BT-99s and a few Citoris are also in the mix. “Student shooters and their parents are welcome in our store. We love to help them with the best prices on shotguns and ammo we can offer,” said manager Mindy Noreen.

INTop Guns, Terre

Haute Stocking over 5,000 firearms, this west Indiana retailer and training center has three indoor ranges comprising 18 lanes. “Our facility remains busy, and we are experiencing steady traffic at the range and gun counter. It’s a positive experience for our customers to see a gun and spend $5 for five rounds and close a sale. After the quick trial, the customer is confident with their purchase,” said manager Dave Williams.

The pro shop sees its most frequent new gun sales traffic dedicated to a wide mix of GLOCK 43Xs, and, when available, Gen6s. Springfield Hellcats are also moving.

VTBack Country Sports,

St. Albans Located in northern Vermont just 10 miles from the Canadian border, this small-town hunting and fishing gear shop keeps about 500 new and used firearms in a large Quonset hut-style barn. While many retailers across the nation are experiencing slower turns, this rural retailer is just plain busy. “We are turning good numbers of handguns and long rifles. For us, the driving force has been suppressor sales. Our customers are adding them to their existing guns. And, if it’s not ideally suited, they’re willing to buy a new gun,” said manager Keri Hale.

As for handguns, SIG P365XLs have the lead, but GLOCK Gen6s are quickly gaining ground. Other big movers include the Ruger Mark IV and Smith M&P 2.0. When it comes to suppressors, Dead Air, Q, and GEMTECH lead. This retailer has found using a kiosk system helps to simplify and substantially speed up retail purchases.

At the MSR counter, turns are frequent and seem to be driven by the firearm’s quick

adaptability to suppressor mounting. Sales range from Diamondback DB15s to SIG MCXs. Shotguns are picking up, with a mix of Stevens Model 301 in .410 and Remington 870s— when the store can get them.

NHJay’s Gun Shop, Dunbarton Resting in central southern New Hampshire, this classic New England independent has been on Route 13 for more than 40 years. It sells a mix of hunting and home defense products. While handguns continue to keep the spring season moving, this retailer has started to see a shift in sales. “There have been a few changes in demand. Demand for our old-school KFrames and general cowboy action guns are falling off. However, new product has captivated our buyers. For example, GLOCK has reclaimed the top slot at the counter,” said owner Jay McDonough.

GLOCK 19s and 43Xs are leading this counter. Snub-nose-style revolvers, such as the Smith J-Frame, are also making turns, as

are Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lites. Shotguns are picking up, with good demand for Mossberg 500 pumps and 940 autos. Used Remington 870s also are in high demand and are selling for close to retail “new” prices. “I would love to see Remington start shipping good numbers again. They are not forgotten here in New Hampshire,” said McDonough.

CT Central Connecticut Arms, Portland

As one of the larger New England independents, this store specializes in law-enforcement supply, manufacturing, and home defense. GLOCK leads this retailer’s counter, with heavy orders of Gen6 Series in police issue and consumer. SIG P365 Macros and Smith BODYGUARD 2.0s are also moving.

“We weren’t sure if the sales momentum would continue this year. Yet our handgun turns remain strong. We’re forecasting that we’ll see an uptick with the new product that’s just coming out and soon to be released,” said owner Rob “Sparky” Pizzi.

AR

Ozark Armory, Springdale

One of the largest firearms dealers in Arkansas, this independent stocks an average of 4,000 firearms at any given time. Inventory is exceptionally strong at this store, though sales have seasonally slowed as of late. “As it warms, we see a lot of recreational boaters and anglers in our store. The local lakes pull attention away from shooting in the spring,” said counter salesman David Carpenter.

MSRs are turning at about one a week with an even mix of Andersons, Smith M&P 15 Sport IIIs, and Daniel Defense. Higher-pricepoint MSRs are turning slightly better than those at lower price points.

GLOCK tops the handgun list. Best sellers include Model 19s, 43Xs, and 48s. Other quick movers include SIG P365 XMACRO and Springfield Hellcats. This retailer also reports silencers are an increasingly important part of daily sales. Dead Air and SureFire top the list. Shotguns are moving slowly.

TN Classic Arms, Cordova

Resting in suburban Memphis, this retailer has a long history in hunting and home defense. Collectors and shooting enthusiasts are also long-standing customers. The store also has a full-time gunsmith.

Top handguns for this retailer include a three-way GLOCK split between 19s, 45s, and 48s. That’s followed by a mix of S&W SHIELD Xs and a few Colt 1911s. This store also has seen high demand for used Remington 870s as well as a mix of new Mossberg 500 series turkey guns.

While sales remain strong, this shop is continually expanding its higher-end European double guns. “We keep adding unique double guns. In addition to these one-of-akinds, we’ve been increasing our selection of Browning over-and-unders,” said counter salesman Ben Moody.

Although sales of MSRs have slowed, the store’s clients are leaning into higher-end models, including Daniel Defense and SIG SAUER.

ALT&T Guns & Ammo, Foley

Located just five miles from the shores of the Gulf of America on Highway 59, this retailer opened its doors just before the pandemic. It manages an average of 2,000 long guns and handguns. Handgun sales continue to move at a brisk pace, especially the SIG P365-Fuse AXG, Taurus G3C, and Smith BODYGUARD 2.0.

With the exception of 6mm ARC platforms, MSR traffic has slowed. “Our custom shop is backed up with orders for MSRs in 6mm ARC. It has really taken off for distance shooters and long-shot open-field deer hunters. We project that we’ll see an increase this year from other MSR platforms available in that caliber,” said manager Drew Hemby.

Sporting shotguns, including Benellis and Stoegers, are in good supply. Another up and comer is the Panzer “Turknelli,” a Turkishmade Benelli M4 tactical shotgun clone.

With the introduction of a Silencer Shop floor kiosk, sales of suppressors are increasing exponentially.

NEWPRODUCTS

by slaton l . white

1

SMITH & WESSON MODEL 940-3

The Model 940-3 revolver provides an impressive combination of durability and performance in a classic design. Built with a stainless-steel no-lock frame, it measures 6.6 inches in overall length, 1.3 inches in width, and weighs 23 ounces. This five-shot revolver is chambered in 9mm Luger and features a 2.17-inch stainless-steel barrel and fluted cylinder. Perfect for everyday carry, it includes a snag-free concealed hammer and comes equipped with a tritium XS front night sight and a U-notch dovetail rear sight right out of the box. This J-Frame also features a precision-fit Hogue over-molded rubber bantam grip, designed with grooves that naturally position fingers for optimal control, along with Hogue’s renowned Cobblestone pattern for enhanced comfort and a secure hold during firing. SRP: $899. smith-wesson.com

2 HENRY

H16 & H17 REVOLVERS

Built on the same solid foundation as the standard Golden Boy and Big Boy revolvers, the new H16 Golden Boy Deadeye and the H17 Big Boy Deadeye revolvers feature upgraded sights that enhance accuracy for target shooting and plinking. These Deadeye revolvers, created in direct response to feedback from Henry owners and enthusiasts, retain the proven traditional action and craftsmanship of the base models while adding a fully adjustable rear notch sight and a high-visibility fiber-optic front sight. This sighting system allows users to fine-tune their point of impact and acquire targets quickly across a wide range of lighting conditions.

The H16 Golden Boy Deadeye revolver holds 10 rounds of .22 Short, Long, or Long Rifle ammo and features a deeply blued and polished steel frame, genuine American walnut grips, and a polished brass backstrap and trigger guard. The H17 Big Boy Deadeye Revolver holds six rounds and is chambered for .357 Magnum or .38 Special, making it a natural companion to Henry’s H6 Big Boy lever-action rifles.

Both models are available with a choice of gunfighter-style grips for enhanced control or Birdshead-style grips for a more compact feel. Other features include a smooth double-action and crisp single-action trigger, a four-inch round-profile barrel, and a quick-takedown cylinder system activated by a switch inside the trigger guard that simplifies cleaning and maintenance. SRP: $928—$970. henryUSA.com

3 DARK ENERGY POSEIDON XL POWER BANK

The Poseidon XL is a 27000 mAh, 97.2-watt-hour, TSA-compliant power station built to deliver reliable power in any environment. Capable of powering laptops, Starlink Mini systems, cameras, radios, and mission-critical gear, the Poseidon XL is IP68 waterproof, drop-rated to 2 meters, and runs from —10 degrees F to 120 degrees F. It also features 100W USB-C, XT60 solar input and fast recharge capabilities, and is built for extreme weather and off-grid travel. It’s rugged enough for expeditions, but compact enough to take on a plane.

The Poseidon XL was designed for expeditionary outdoorsmen, overlanders, remote workers, and professionals who need reliable power in remote locations. Dark Energy’s line of Poseidon units are able to survive shotgun impacts, vehicle runovers, freezing, and submersion. The Poseidon XL underwent drop and submersion testing and field trials to validate performance. SRP: $249.99. darkenergy.com

4 CVA SCOUT XP SERIES

The Scout XP and Scout XP-SB series are the next evolution of the highly regarded Scout line of single-shot rifles. Built for hunters and shooters who value simplicity, accuracy, and adaptability, the Scout XP series combines the proven performance of the Scout platform with modernized ergonomics and enhanced adjustability.

The updated XP stock design delivers improved comfort and control, making the rifle well-suited for a wide range of shooters and shooting applications—from the deer woods to the range. Another key highlight of the Scout XP series is its buffer-tube stock design, which allows for length-of-pull adjustment, ensuring a proper fit for shooters of different sizes and shooting styles. The addition of bolton cheek risers further enhances ergonomics by providing consistent eye-to-scope alignment for improved accuracy and shooting confidence.

The Scout XP series is offered in two rifle configurations and one pistol configuration. The Scout XP-SB features a compact 16-inch barrel for enhanced maneuverability in tight hunting environments and is available in .223 Rem., .308 Win., 350 Legend, .300 Blackout, and 6 ARC. Scout XP has a 20-inch barrel option for those seeking maximum velocity and a more traditional rifle profile. The Scout XP is available in .35 Whelen, 400 Legend, .45-70 Govt., and .450 Bushmaster. Scout XP pistols sport an 11.5-inch barrel. These pistols are available in .223 Rem., 300 Blackout, .338 ARC, and 350 Legend. SRP: $674, Scout XP rifles; $554, Scout XP pistol. cva.com

NEWPRODUCTS

5 APEX AMMUNITION SMALLTOWN HUNTING BLEND

APEX Ammunition is now offering a 28-gauge load in the precision-built SmallTown Hunting Blend line of turkey ammunition. Engineered for hunters who demand maximum pattern density, lethal energy, and extended range, this 2¾-inch 1½-ounce duplex load combines the knockdown power of No. 7.5 Tungsten Super Shot with the pattern-filling density of No. 9 TSS. The result: devastating close-range impact while maintaining lethal pellet count at distance.

Every round of SmallTown Hunting Blend is produced under heightened quality-control measures designed to ensure consistent performance from shot to shot. Clean-burning powder and APEX’s Tungsten Propulsion Wad System are used in all APEX TSS loads to deliver the tightest patterns possible and maximum barrel protection. SRP: $64.99, per five-round box. Apexammunition.com

6 REAL AVID RATCHET REST

by slaton l . white

Ratchet Rest Adjustable Height Shooting Bags are a precision-engineered riflesupport system designed to give shooters exact elevation control, faster target alignment, and repeatable shooting performance. By integrating mechanical height adjustment directly into the shooting bag, the Ratchet Rest eliminates the limitations of traditional fixed bags and allows shooters to fine-tune positioning without breaking their shooting position.

The core of the Ratchet Rest is Real Avid’s Accu-Click technology, a precision ratcheting mechanism that enables controlled compression or rapid decompression of the bag while the shooter remains behind the firearm. This micro-adjustable capability allows precise elevation changes and exact sight alignment, supporting consistent point-of-aim and point-of-impact performance. The result is a stable, repeatable shooting platform that enhances accuracy and reduces the need for manual repositioning.

The rest features a rugged canvas-style shell with a waxed canvas top that grips the firearm and a rubberized base that prevents movement under recoil. Heat-resistant stitching protects against muzzle blast, and the poly-bead fill maintains consistent support. Reinforced carry straps and MOLLE attachment points ensure easy transport and field readiness.

The Ratchet Rest is available in three sizes. The Front Rest (Large) adjusts from 7 to 9.5 inches, the Front/Rear Rest (Medium) adjusts from 3.35 to 5.25 inches, and the Rear Rest (Small) adjusts from 2.5 to 3.75 inches. Together, these configurations allow shooters to create a fully adjustable, stable shooting platform suitable for benchrest, long-range precision, and field shooting applications. SRP: $189.97 (set of three).

realavid.com

7

The NEXTORCH eStar is a professional-grade dual-light headlamp designed for hunting, fishing, and real-world work environments, ranging from industrial maintenance and emergency response to night field operations. Powered by NEXTORCH’s in-house Claw Optics feline-inspired lens, eStar delivers a smooth, controlled beam with natural transitions, eliminating harsh hotspots while maximizing usable illumination. With 1,300 lumens of output, dual white and red LEDs, stepless dimming, and dual-power compatibility, the NEXTORCH eStar adapts instantly to any task, any condition, and any power source. Battery options include two removable 1200 mAh Li-polymer battery (USB-C charging) or three AAA alkaline batteries.

Claw Optics lens are engineered with a feline-inspired optical structure that shapes light with high efficiency and perfect edge control. Unlike conventional reflectors, it produces a clean, even beam with smooth spot-toflood transition, allowing accurate work at both close range and long distance. SRP: $49.99.

nextorch.com

8 AVIAN-X RIDGE RUNNER TURKEY VESTS

Built for hunters who like to stay light on their feet, the Ridge Runner and Ridge Runner X turkey vests take a more streamlined, backpack-style approach to carrying gear. EVA-molded call pockets keep tools protected and secure, within easy reach, while zippered storage and internal organizers minimize noise.

Comfort doesn’t take a backseat, either. Padded shoulder straps and back panels spread the load for long hikes, and when it’s time to sit, the magnetic quick-deploy seat drops silently into place. The molded 2-inch high-density foam pad offers real support for those drawn-out setups, and adjustable bungees and waist straps let you dial in the fit.

The Ridge Runner X adds a few smart upgrades for hunters seeking more versatility. Extra internal zippered pockets keep small gear, like calls, organized, fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets take the chill off cold mornings, and a full-access rear game pouch simplifies hauling a longbeard—or a few decoys—out of the field at the end of the day. It’s a subtle step up that pays off when you’re covering ground and hunting hard. SRP: $179.99, Ridge Runner; $249.99, Ridge Runner X. avian-x.com

The Place to Be

A well-run manufacturer event at your store can reap a wealth of benefits.

One of the best things we ever did at our old store was to try an “event.” In the beginning, we did not know exactly what to do or how to do it. But we were brave enough (okay, maybe crazy enough) to try and set in motion what rightly became known as a “phenomenal gathering of like-minded and other interested souls.”

I need to also share this initially was not about sales. It was about bringing folks into our store and getting them comfortable with the shooting sports world. That, however, led to excitement and acceptance, a process in which we gained the respect of those who attended. And that eventually led to sales.

The first event was at the original store. We were not selling much of any real inventory then. We wanted to just be a good gun range and training center, so we teamed up with Southwest Shooters, a wonderful local gun shop. The event focused on one gun company—Colt. Our guests would be able to meet the factory reps and a few local collectors. They would learn about the brand and the products and get to go out on the range and shoot one or more of the guns brought in specially for the event. We charged a small rental fee ($2) and donated that to our children’s heart center.

We named the event “The Colt Sports Weekend” and promoted it as such. Because the event was so novel, KTOK 1000, a local news-talk radio station, asked if they could join in. We did not know how many people would actually show up, but like a good Oklahoma host we had cookies in

the shape of guns and targets, drinks, and big smiles, and hoped for the best.

The response from the community was overwhelming. Cars were backed up on 10th Street for over a block. Folks filled the parking lot and their cars spilled over to the neighboring grass areas on both sides and behind the building. Consequently, we raised just over $1,300. That was from 650 or so folks. Not bad for a two-day event.

We watched, listened, and learned from it all. The guests were thrilled and told us they looked forward to another such event. We also learned from the factory folks. They were incredibly professional, and given the large and never-ending line of folks, excited by the success of the event.

For the next event we paired with Smith & Wesson and greatly benefitted from the help of the late Ken Sedlecky. Ken was an amazing soul who believed in us and the business. He helped make it all come together by working with a distributor to get us 90 units on special terms. This event turned out to be bigger than the first. We raised more money for the children’s heart center, which was fantastic. However, we did not sell the 90 or so units; we actually sold more than 120 units.

As the years progressed, other manufacturers asked to be a part of our events. We now had enough experience to go big and decided to set up a large event we called the “Shooting Sports Expo.” We scheduled it in July, the month with the lowest traffic count. It grew nicely and well over 100 companies were now attending.

At this point we started hearing how guests were rearranging their summer plans so they and their families could attend. A newly married couple from another state stopped by while on their way to their honeymoon cruise. We set up a special arrangement with the hotel next door for those who would come for all three days.

I knew we were really on to something when a TV/radio helicopter flew overhead, giving afternoon traffic updates. At one point the airborne reporter cut into his live report and said, “Wow! What in the world is going on at H&H? There are hundreds of cars and folks down there.” Gotta love that! The guest count eventually hit more than 6,000.

This outreach program is a fun way to grow the shooting sports in your area as well as your operation. If you would like to create an event, here are a few notes to follow, gained from my own experiences.

1. Start small. This way you can work out the bugs. Focus on just one or two manufacturers.

2. Plan out the “how it will work, look, and feel” for your guests. This was a big save for our first event, and the guests had a wonderful time because of it.

3. Cook ies and other light bites and drinks will go a long way in relaxing the guests and increasing the enjoyment of everything.

4. If you have a range, designate a couple of lanes just for the event. Many of the reps would take guests out to the range where they could demonstrate product features. This is also a great place for photo opportunities.

5. Take very good care of the reps and their teams who are helping you. Water, mints, or small candies are perfect. Because we were open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., we would also bring food into another room so they could eat lunch and dinner in a calm, quiet room for a few minutes.

6. Thank everyone who comes in. Celebrate throughout the day, and make sure to show your excitement and gratitude to all who come to experience the event.

The Simple Truth is that by doing events, and doing them well, you will become “the place to be.” And, being “the place to be” not only helps grow your business, it helps grow the shooting sports as well. I think they call that a “win-win.”

Author bio: Miles Hall was founder and president of a multi-million-dollar firearms retail store and gun range in Oklahoma for 36 years. He is now a senior advisor helping FFLs around the country run more efficient, profitable businesses. (HallnHall.com)