Industry Update

NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, announces the second semi-annual Gun Storage Check Week (Sept. 1–7), coinciding with National Suicide Prevention Month. In partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Department of Veterans Affairs, NSSF encourages firearm owners to review secure storage practices through the "Make Sure It's Secure" campaign, featuring resources, a sweepstakes for a Lodestar Technology LNK9 Kit, and promotional materials.

Southwick Associates released its third-quarter 2026 Hunting & Shooting Market Pulse, a quarterly subscription newsletter providing market intelligence to industry leaders. The report highlights economic pressures affecting hunters and shooters, NICS trends, and retail shifts, with NSSF members receiving a 15% discount on subscriptions.

KDG, headquartered in Seymour, Connecticut, has completed its brand transition and is accelerating product development with a focus on innovation and American manufacturing. The company plans to expand its Kinect and SideLok product lines while introducing new categories, with all products designed and manufactured in the United States.

KDG announced the official completion of its brand transition, strengthening its marketplace presence while maintaining all products, warranties, and engineering standards. The Connecticut-based company, founded in 2014, continues focusing on innovative firearm accessories including Kinect™ quick-detach systems, SideLok™ optic mounts, and platform-specific upgrades for FN SCAR and Grand Power Stribog platforms.

Warne, a premium scope mount and shooting accessories manufacturer based in Tualatin, Oregon, has expanded its partnership with Odle Sales to represent the brand across the western United States. Odle Sales will provide dealers with enhanced product expertise, faster communication, and personalized support throughout the region.

AGM Global Vision announced the appointment of Leslie Vester as Head of Marketing. Vester brings over a decade of experience in brand strategy and marketing leadership to support AGM's expansion across hunting, shooting sports, law enforcement, and outdoor industries.

KDG, headquartered in Seymour, Connecticut, officially transitioned to its new brand identity after dealers, distributors, and customers already referred to the company by the abbreviated name. Owner Stephen Duhaime and Director of Sales & Marketing Chris Bardugone emphasized the move simplifies market recognition while maintaining unchanged leadership, engineering philosophy, and product standards.

Steiner Optics appointed Clinton Thornburg as Law Enforcement Sales Manager. Thornburg brings over 20 years of law enforcement and sales experience, including service with the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force and Daniel Defense, and will lead the company's law enforcement sales initiatives and agency partnerships.

HIVIZ Shooting Systems marks its 30th anniversary with three decades of innovation in high-visibility sight solutions. The company has introduced groundbreaking products including the M-Series Magnetic Shotgun Sight, TriViz Sight, and FastDot H3, while partnering with major firearms brands including Benelli, Browning, Ruger, and Smith & Wesson.

Viridian Weapon Technologies announced that Iron Valley Supply, a Birmingham-based distributor with roots dating to 1923, has become an authorized distributor of Viridian's optics, lasers, and weapon-mounted lights. The partnership expands Viridian's distribution network and provides dealers nationwide access to the company's innovative firearm technologies.

KDG, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Seymour, Connecticut, announced proactive steps to eliminate marketplace confusion affecting dealers, distributors, and end users. The company, known for its patented Kinect quick-detach system and SideLok optic mounting solutions, is implementing a long-term strategy to strengthen dealer relationships and reinforce its brand identity in the firearms industry.

Viridian Weapon Technologies announced that Lipsey's, one of the largest independently owned firearms distributors based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has become an authorized distributor of Viridian's green dot optics. This partnership expands product availability to dealers nationwide and strengthens Viridian's distribution network.

Burris Optics announced a partnership with Promoboxx to provide retailers with brand-approved digital marketing campaigns including email, social media, and web content. The collaboration enables Burris dealers to promote products professionally while focusing on sales and customer service.

Kinetic Development Group (KDG) announced a new affiliate marketing program through AvantLink, enabling content creators and influencers to earn commissions promoting KDG's firearm accessories and optic mounting solutions. The partnership strengthens KDG's connection with the shooting sports community while providing creators access to marketing assets and performance tracking.

Viridian Weapon Technologies launched Viridian.tech as its new primary web domain, transitioning from ViridianWeaponTech.com. The move reflects the company's evolution from green laser technology pioneer to a broader technology company developing optics, lasers, weapon lights, cameras, and integrated firearm-mounted systems.

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

Chattanooga Shooting Supplies announced the promotion of Robin Richardson-Peel to Sales Manager after seven years with the company. Richardson-Peel brings over 40 years of shooting sports industry experience, including previous work with Ellett Brothers, and is recognized for exceptional customer service and leadership.

Kinetic Development Group (KDG) announced it has officially joined the Worldwide Buy Group to strengthen dealer relationships and support independent retailers in the firearms and outdoor industries. The company will showcase its product lineup including Kinect quick attach systems, SideLok optic mounts, and Optic Hub ecosystem at the Fall Market in Reno.

NSSF wrapped its 2026 Marketing & Leadership Summit in Hilton Head, South Carolina, bringing together firearm industry executives and business leaders to discuss AI, workplace culture, consumer trends, and e-commerce. Platinum sponsor 20North Marketing, silver sponsor Shopware, and bronze sponsors including BigCommerce, Listrak, and Payroc supported the event. The 2027 Summit is scheduled for May 11-13, 2027, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Kinetic Development Group (KDG) announced strong Q1 2026 performance with expanded dealer engagement and distribution partnerships. The company's presence at buy group shows drove growth across retail channels, with new two-step distributor partnerships and multiple product launches planned for the remainder of 2026.