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.
An ATF open letter dated August 28 replaces the agency's 2008 suppressor guidance, allowing qualified manufacturers to recaliber and fully repair registered suppressors without new NFA registration.
Vortex Optics has expanded its Pro Cantilever Mount into a full accessories system with offset, overhead, and Diving Board attachments for running multiple devices on one base.
SIG Sauer expands the piston-driven SIG516 G3 platform with an 11.5-inch pistol and SBR, offering a compact AR alternative suited for close-quarters and vehicle use.
A 27-state attorney general coalition filed September 4 backing gun owners in Viramontes and Grant, part of a wave of pro-gun amicus briefs ahead of SCOTUS oral argument on December 2.
Leaked retailer planning boards and SIG's own optic FAQ have confirmed the P385 exists. A September 24 launch date is now the working target.
Washington has set its forthcoming gun permit-to-purchase fee at $126, on top of required training and the state's $33 background check charge. Effective May 1, 2027.
SureFire's new XC3 Sub delivers 1,000 lumens on a rechargeable cell in a housing built for the short rails of micro-compact carry pistols. MSRP $369.
ATF completes its new FFLAlert BEACON notification system, which pushes firearms theft alerts, disaster warnings, and administrative notices to licensed dealers via email, text, or voice call.
NSSF-adjusted NICS for August 2026 reached 1,115,410, up 2.2% for the seventh straight month of growth. NFA checks surged 201.6% to 185,744.
Judge Noreika permanently blocks Delaware's bans on possessing and self-manufacturing unserialized firearms, ruling both unconstitutional in Rigby v. Jennings.
The Supreme Court set December 2 oral arguments in Viramontes and Grant, and Solicitor General Sauer filed a brief arguing AR-15 bans are unconstitutional.
Two coordinated federal rules published July 23 will transfer most suppressors from the USML to the Commerce Control List on November 20, ending the ITAR barrier that made suppressor exports economically impractical.