That's a wrap on the 2026 NSSF Marketing and Leadership Summit. đ
Two days in Hilton Head delivered sharp insights for firearm business leaders. Speakers tackled economic uncertainty, Meta ads that actually work for our industry and the push to build AI-ready teams.
Huge thanks to everyone who showed up and made this yearâs Summit one to remember!
#NSSF #NSSFSummit #FirearmIndustry #MarketingAndLeadership
From 1990 to 2023, 284,373,891 firearms have been made available to the U.S. market. Of that number, data indicates that modern sporting rifles (MSRs) account for 32,091,000 of firearms in circulation since 1990.
Get the most up to date U.S. firearm production facts and statistics from the NSSFÂŽ Industry Intelligence Reportsâ on Firearm Production in the U.S. 2025 Edition (đ in our bio).
#research #gunfacts #manufacturing #NSSF #gunstats
âHunting and shooting sports arenât just a way of life in North Dakota, theyâre also an important tool for attracting new residents and workers to our state.â
In NSSFâs latest Q&A feature, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong discusses his lifelong passion for hunting, the importance of conservation and habitat preservation and why introducing the next generation to the outdoors matters.
The interview also explores North Dakotaâs efforts to improve wildlife habitat and expand opportunities for hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts through programs like the Governorâs Legacy Soil Health and Habitat Program.
âI enjoy taking other people hunting as much or more than I enjoy hunting myself, especially kids,â Gov. Armstrong said.
Get more details on the NSSF Blog (đ in bio).
#NSSF #Hunting #2A
NSSF is pleased to mark a successful week at the 2026 Marketing & Leadership Summit in Hilton Head, S.C. â which was made possible thanks to 20North Marketing signing on as the Platinum Sponsor the event.
As AI continues to reshape search behavior and digital marketing, this yearâs Summit focused on helping firearm industry businesses adapt to evolving technology, consumer expectations and online engagement strategies.
The event featured presentations and discussions centered on leadership, organizational growth, AI-driven search, digital marketing and emerging market trends.
â20North Marketing understands how rapidly the digital landscape is evolving, especially with the rise of AI-driven discovery and search behavior,â said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO.
Get more details on the NSSF Blog (đ in bio).
#NSSF #MarketingLeadershipSummit #FirearmIndustry
Bullet Points roundup (5/11/26):
⤠NSSFâs Bartozzi Featured on âHealth Uncensored with Dr. Drewâ Discussing Suicide Prevention
⤠ATF Releases Proposed Rulemakings to Protect 2A Rights, Firearm Industry
⤠DOJ Sues Denver Over MSR Ban, State of Colorado on Mag Ban
⤠Save the Date: Celebrate America and 10 Years of National Shooting Sports MonthŽ this August
⤠and more.
Head to NSSFâs đ in bio and subscribe đ§ for the latest updates and more in-depth stories. #NSSF #BulletPoints
Healthy forests do not happen by accident. They require active stewardship, science-based management and long-term conservation efforts.
NSSF is supporting the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act, legislation designed to improve forest management on public lands, reduce wildfire risks and strengthen wildlife habitat across the country.
The bill would help expand restoration projects, improve watershed protection and support public access for hunters, recreational shooters and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.
The firearm and ammunition industry continues to play a major role in conservation funding through Pittman-Robertson excise taxes, which support wildlife restoration, habitat improvement and public land access nationwide.
Get more details on the NSSF Blog (đ in bio).
#NSSF #Conservation #FixOurForests
Beginner shooting classes become more challenging when each lane uses different platforms, ammunition and gear. Instructors then spend more time troubleshooting equipment rather than focusing on fundamental skills. đŻ
At the @mission__94 Firearms Education Center, First ShotsÂŽ has helped create a more consistent introduction by standardizing firearms and ammunition â keeping students learning at a similar pace and letting instructors stay centered on safety, form and confidence building.
Chris Meter, Range Master & Operations Manager, reports that four to six out of 10 students typically seek more training with their institution after participating because of this structure.
The rangeâs success also speaks to the value of NSSFÂŽ membership.
As the firearm industryâs trade association, NSSF gives members access to programs, guidance, and resources that help ranges build stronger operations, create better customer experiences, and maintain high standards.
Read up on Mission94âs full story here:
â /articles/first-shots-power-hitters-mission94-firearms-education-center/?hilite=Mission+94 / link in bio & story
#NSSF #FirstShots #ShootingRange
When general manager Barb Christopherson helped launch an introductory First ShotsÂŽ Clay Targets class at @waukeshagunclub , expectations were modest.
The goal was simply to see if local interest was there. It was, and classes filled up quickly.
What began as an occasional offering grew into a steady monthly class, with students leaving more confident, returning with family and friends, and in some cases coming back to become members.
Growing demand even opened the door to conversations about what a follow-up class could look like next.
First ShotsÂŽ helps ranges turn interest into participation by giving new shooters a structured, approachable, and well-supported introduction to the sport.
Learn how this program helped turn interest into ongoing participation for Waukesha and why it may be worth considering for your range:
â nssf.org/articles/first-shots-clay-targets-leads-to-new-opportunities-for-waukesha-gun-club / link in bio & story
#NSSF #FirstShotsÂŽ #ShootingRanges
The @waukeshagunclub in Wisconsin started an introductory clay targets class in 2025 to welcome more local newcomers to the range.
Interest grew fast, and what began as a one-time class soon became a regular monthly program that kept attracting new participants. ⤴ď¸
This growth happened thanks to NSSFâs First ShotsÂŽ program, which supports ranges in introducing people to shooting sports with more confidence and consistency.
First ShotsÂŽ equips host ranges with essentials like targets, ammunition, safety gear, participant handbooks and financial support, helping create a stronger first experience for new shooters while building meaningful connections in the community.
Learn more about the impact of this program and whether it could be a good fit for your range:
â nssf.org/articles/first-shots-clay-targets-leads-to-new-opportunities-for-waukesha-gun-club / link in bio & story
#NSSF #FirstShotsÂŽ #ShootingRanges
81% of African-American sport shooters participate to enhance their skills, demonstrating how active engagement from ranges drives continued participation and investment in the sport. This commitment from target shooters naturally progresses into interest in competitive shooting and structured training opportunities. Success depends on culturally competent instruction, clear program communication, and the creation of welcoming environments that encourage sustained participation.
Visit the report landing page for more insights, to download the Black American Gun Owners Report and to explore the affiliated R3 communications toolkit. (đ in our bio)
#research #gunfacts #NSSF
âMembers of Congress need to hear from real people that represent real businesses.â đď¸
NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi sums up why the 2026 NSSF Congressional Fly-In matters for our industry.
Firearm and ammunition leaders flew in from across the country for two days of direct meetings with lawmakers, logging over 60 conversations with Members of Congress, senators and staff from both parties. The result was one of the most successful Fly-Ins in the event's 19-year history. đşđ¸
Read the full recap: /articles/industry-momentum-highlighted-at-2026-nssf-congressional-fly-in (link in bio/story)
#NSSF #FirearmIndustry #SecondAmendment
Gun control activists have always had a numbers problem. Everytown for Gun Safety just added an artificial intelligence problem as well.
Everytownâs new AI-powered âEveryShotâ database is being promoted as a resource for policymakers and journalists, but the organizationâs own disclaimer warns users that the information may be incomplete or inaccurate.
The article explores concerns about how AI-generated advocacy data could influence firearm policy debates, particularly when distinctions between lawful ownership and criminal misuse are unclear. It also highlights the importance of relying on verified facts, official records and transparent reporting when discussing constitutional rights and the lawful firearm industry.
Get more details on the NSSF Blog (đ in bio).
#NSSF #2A #FirearmIndustry