Optics Wire

Industry Update

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

NSSF released its 2026 Congressional Report Card grading U.S. Representatives and Senators on firearm industry legislation and Second Amendment issues. Fourteen Senators and 71 Representatives earned the "Dean's List" distinction with perfect voting records, while 13 Senators and 41 Representatives received "A+" ratings.

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Tuesday, September 22, 2026

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

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Tuesday, September 1, 2026

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.

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Tuesday, August 18, 2026

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.

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Tuesday, July 21, 2026

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.

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Tuesday, July 7, 2026

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.

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Tuesday, June 30, 2026

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.

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Tuesday, June 23, 2026

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.

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Tuesday, June 2, 2026

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.

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