Michael is the editor and lead writer at Guns & Gear HQ, covering the firearms industry: federal and state legislation, court rulings, ATF regulatory action, manufacturer M&A, earnings, and new product launches. He writes for an audience of enthusiasts, industry professionals, and gun owners who care about accurate, fact-based reporting on the Second Amendment beat. Tip line: gear@gunsgearhq.com.
ATF data show the nation's Type 01 retail FFL count has fallen from 52,993 to 46,072 since 2021 — a 13 percent drop — while new license applications are down 44 percent over the same period.
XTech Tactical launches the X-Flare 556 and X-Flare Digital, injection-molded flared magwells for mil-spec AR-15 lowers at $39.95 each — 1.75x wider than stock and backed by a lifetime warranty.
Tippmann Arms and Rare Breed Triggers launch the M4-22 ELITE FRT series — three factory-built .22 LR firearms engineered around the FRT-15L3, the first rimfire platform to ship with forced reset installed from the factory.
Palmetto State Armory's PSA 570 brings AR-style modularity to the pump shotgun — an optics-ready, 870-compatible 12-gauge that owners can reconfigure at home. It launches Friday, July 24.
New Jersey's AG revised the Third Circuit ruling's enforcement date from July 31 to roughly August 10, when the formal mandate directing the district court to act is expected.
PSA is now shipping the JAKL-9 SD, a 9mm PCC with an extended 1.8-inch-bore handguard designed to tuck a suppressor inside, starting at $1,050.
A French DGA consortium contract puts FN Herstal in charge of a new domestic 5.56/7.62mm ammunition plant in Clérieux, targeting 75 million rounds per year by 2029.
The Sightmark Strikon VMP 1-4x22 SFP Fiber V2 gains capped turrets and 2 NV-compatible illumination modes over the original, shipping now through EuroOptic and Amazon.
S&W's new M&P15 AXE SBR ($1,499) and Pistol ($1,479) share an 8-inch barrel and Gemtech GVAC gas system, purpose-built for life with a can.
BOE Suppression's IncoLite 9 series uses 3D-printed Inconel 718 to deliver 9mm cans as light as 4 oz, starting at $599 and available from multiple retailers.
1791 Industries' LiteRaider LRM4 uses Metal Matrix Composite to cut 33 percent from receiver weight while meeting mil-spec tolerances, starting at $299.99.
Zeiss launched the V3 riflescope line at an Oklahoma media event, offering six models from 2.5-8x35 to 6-18x50 with pricing from $299.99 to $949.99.