Industry Update

Silent Steel USA announced that former U.S. Navy SEAL Justin Sheehan has joined as Vice President of Combat Capabilities & Law Enforcement Programs. Sheehan, who served with SEAL Team 2 and SEAL Team 6, brings extensive special operations and combat medicine expertise. He will lead combat capability initiatives and expand partnerships with military and law enforcement professionals.

Yankee Hill Machine, founded in 1951 by James H. Graham and Wallace Judd, will celebrate its 75th anniversary throughout 2026. The family-owned firearms suppressor leader plans to kick off celebrations at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas with second and third-generation Graham family members in attendance.

FastBound announced full availability of NICS Direct, its integrated background check solution now powering daily transactions for FFLs nationwide. The platform eliminates technical barriers by automating server management and certificate renewal while integrating directly with Electronic A&D and 4473 workflows. FastBound's partnership with FFLGuard provides funded legal defense for administrative actions.

Charter Arms announced a partnership with BCE Marketing for sales representation across Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota. BCE Marketing will handle commercial sales and support for the American-made revolver manufacturer founded in 1964.

Primary Arms announced Matt Fleming's appointment as President, effective January 5th, 2026. Fleming brings 24 years of leadership experience in shooting sports and outdoor industry. He will report to Founder and CEO Marshall Lerner and oversee operations across Primary Arms' divisions.

The NSSF's Protect Liberty PAC received a $25,000 contribution from the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) to support candidates dedicated to preserving Constitutional rights and Second Amendment protections ahead of the November 2026 election. NASGW President Kenyon Gleason and Protect Liberty PAC Treasurer Lawrence G. Keane urged industry members to support the super PAC's efforts.

Regal Products announced that RSI International Business Development will represent its brand throughout Europe. RSI, based in Hallstadt, Germany, will expand access to Regal's secure-storage solutions including cable and trigger locks, protective cases, and SecureMe technology across the European Union and select nearby markets.

Thomas Thacker has been named Chief Executive Officer of Azimuth Technology, effective January 12, 2026, succeeding co-founder Len Zaiser IV. Thacker, a firearms industry veteran with 30+ years of experience, previously served as Chief Operations Officer and held senior positions at Ammo Inc., Armalite, and FN America.

Superior Outfitters, one of Texas's largest shooting sports retailers, seeks to expand beyond East Texas through new store openings and strategic acquisitions of existing firearms businesses. The company invites retailers facing market challenges to discuss potential partnership or acquisition opportunities.

Kovix  announced a partnership with Silencer Shop, the nation's largest suppressor distributor. Silencer Shop will distribute Kovix's complete product lineup, including the new Badlands series suppressors debuting at the 2026 SHOT Show.

WOOX, an Italian-made gunstock, axe, and knife manufacturer, announced Brian Matthews as National Sales Manager. Matthews will oversee domestic sales and report to CEO Ben Fleming, bringing extensive outdoor industry experience from Advanced Armament Corporation and BPI Outdoor.

PRADCO Outdoor Brands acquires Ani-Logics Outdoors®, a leader in scientifically formulated deer nutrition products. This acquisition complements PRADCO’s already diverse roster of hunting, fishing and outdoor brands.