President's Message: Your Priority is in Front of You

Last month, I shared with you in this column many of the tremendous benefits and great opportunities available to you through the distributor members of the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers. I intended to continue that message this month, but the murder of Charlie Kirk changed my focus.

I never met Charlie, though I’ve watched his career and influence grow for a while. I do, however, know many who were good friends of his. My heart goes out to Charlie’s wife and two kids, his family and in-laws, and all his friends. May he rest in peace.
I’ve got to say, I believe last week changed a few things for us as Americans. I don’t think it’s too early to say the murder of Charlie Kirk is a watershed moment.
It’s been a belief of mine for quite some time, that most people just want to be left alone. Decent and honest, God-fearing Americans simply want the government, and especially those who do not share their values and morals, to stay away. It’s not a terrible idea necessarily, to mind your own business and stay out of the fray.

FEATURED ARTICLES

NASGW & POMA Announce Finalists for 2025 Caliber Awards

The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) in partnership with the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA), has chosen the top three products in seven categories including Best New Rifle, Best New Handgun, Best New Shotgun, Best New Ammunition, Best New Optic, Best New Accessory, and Best New Suppressor. An independent panel of 18 industry judges, comprised of NASGW members and POMA members, selected the finalists in each category. In order to qualify, manufacturers needed to be a NASGW member in good standing and the product must have been publicly released after November 1st, 2024. 

"Once again, it was another strong year for Caliber Awards submissions," said Kenyon Gleason, NASGW president. "When the market gets tough, this industry innovates. There were a variety of really great new products and ideas to pick from this year, making the voting challenging to select just one product in each category."

WEBINAR: Integrations in the Firearms Industry with VAULT

Tuesday September 30, 2025 - 1pm EST

Join NASGW and Business Solution Partners for an in-depth look at how VAULT integrations are streamlining the shooting sports supply chain. With a special introduction from NASGW President Kenyon Gleason and a live demo by Brandon Roper, this session will highlight how connecting ERP, Bound Book, and POS systems with VAULT can simplify product data management, improve inventory visibility, and enhance compliance. BSP Chief Solution Architect Hussain Zaidi will also share how these integrations help businesses stay efficient and competitive in 2025 and beyond.

Advertise Your Business at the NASGW Expo

Exhibitors now have the chance to elevate their presence at the 2025 NASGW Expo with high-visibility advertising placements throughout the Gaylord Texan Convention Center. These large-format, attention-grabbing displays are strategically located around the entrance and registration area—prime real estate that every attendee will see on their way into the exhibit hall.

From charging station signage and indoor window clings to lobby fabric walls, floor decals, and more, these opportunities are designed to put your brand front and center at one of the busiest locations of the Expo. With limited placements available, now is the time to secure your spot and make a lasting impression.

To learn more or reserve your sponsorship, contact Meg Pawelski at mpawelski@nasgw.org 

Join Us for the Annual SCOPE Update at the NASGW Expo

This year’s session will showcase SCOPE 2.0, including the new dashboards and reports designed to deliver more actionable insights. These enhancements are the direct result of feedback from our Partner Plus meetings with SCOPE users, ensuring the platform continues to evolve around your business needs.

You’ll also hear a market update from NASGW’s Senior Data Analyst, Tom Hopper, and see firsthand how the latest SCOPE tools can help you make faster, more informed decisions.

Firearms Shipments

Ammunition Shipments

Optics Shipments

Armed Citizens: Not Just an American Concept

We frequently post stories about law-abiding citizens who, by exercising their rights protected under the Second Amendment, bring an end to violent criminal assaults.  We covered two instances earlier this year in Michigan, one involving an attack at a Walmart and another at a church.  We’ve also covered reports that show the benefits of armed citizens.

Of course, most of what we cover takes place here in the United States, where we have the benefit of our Founders recognizing and safeguarding our inherent right to self-defense through the protections of the Second Amendment.

The Results are in from the John Hopkins Gun Control Survey

The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Center for Gun Violence Solutions released its 2025 National Survey of Gun Policy. Unsurprisingly, the results of the research project do not say what the researchers would have you believe.

The Center for Gun Violence Solutions was created in 2022 when Johns Hopkins University announced a partnership with billionaire former New York City mayor and failed presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg, of course, is the financial backer behind the gun control groups Everytown for Gun Safety, Moms Demand Action and Mayors Against Illegal Guns. He also funds The Trace, which is a mouthpiece for gun control that has infiltrated newsrooms under the guise of “collaborations.”

Download the NASGW Expo App

Make the most of your time at the NASGW Expo by downloading the official Expo App. Available now on iOS and Android, the app puts everything you need right at your fingertips—from the full event schedule and floorplan to exhibitor details, the New Product Showcase, and more. Whether you’re an attendee planning your meetings or an exhibitor updating your profile, the app is your go-to tool for navigating the show with ease.

Strengthen Your Leadership for the Future

At this year’s NASGW Expo, ZRG Partners—the fastest growing executive search and talent advisory firm—is hosting a special seminar on Leadership Development and Succession Planning. This free, members-only session will provide actionable strategies to help you cultivate strong leaders, create effective succession plans, and position your business for long-term success. Breakfast will be served for all registered attendees.

Details

• Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
  
• Time: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM CST
  
• Location: Gaylord Texan Resort, Grapevine 3

See the Bills Impacting the Shooting Sports Industry at the State and Federal Level

2025 continues to see ups and downs in the economy at the federal and state level. There are numerous bills impacting our industry Stay up to date by checking the NASGW Bill Tracker. 

The NASGW Bill Tracker monitors pending legislation that directly affects the firearms industry, at the Federal and State level. The bills are reflective of the current legislative sessions based on jurisdiction and include defeated, passed and pending bills until the current legislative session ends. Sort bills by their current progress, category, state or region and bill year. Stay informed about current legislation in the works before it impacts your business. 

Click below to view the latest bills of interest. 

ARTICLES OF INTEREST

• NSSF Statement on Assassination of Charlie Kirk
• Fed Announces Quarter-Point Interest Rate Cut
• J.P. Morgan Changing Tune on Firearms Industry Banking
• Retail Sales Up in August

UPCOMING EVENTS

October 15-17, 2025

NASGW Expo

Grapevine, TX

January 20-23, 2026

SHOT Show

Las Vegas, NV

April 17-19, 2026

NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

Houston, TX