Orchid Advisors Featured in The Outdoor Wire on the Future of Firearms
Orchid Advisors was recently featured in The Outdoor Wire, one of the firearms and outdoor industry’s most widely read daily publications, in a forward-looking piece examining where the industry is headed in 2026 and beyond.
The article, “Crystal Balling the Future for Firearms,” curated by Jim Shepherd, brings together insights from manufacturers, distributors, trade associations, and technology providers shaping the future of the firearms industry.
👉 Read the full feature on The Outdoor Wire:
https://www.theoutdoorwire.com/features/2026/01/crystal-balling-the-future-for-firearms/
Industry Perspectives Featured in the Article
The Outdoor Wire feature includes commentary from a cross-section of respected industry leaders, including:
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Sturm, Ruger & Co., representing the manufacturer perspective on demand normalization and long-term brand strength
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Lipsey’s, addressing distribution dynamics and inventory strategy
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National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW), offering insight into wholesale and retailer trends
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Business Solution Partners (BSP), speaking to operational efficiency and data-driven decision making
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Orchid Advisors, contributing expertise on compliance, regulatory pressure, and technology consolidation
This combination of voices reflects the realities facing firearms businesses across the entire supply chain.
Key Themes from the Outdoor Wire Feature
Across manufacturers, distributors, and service providers, several common themes emerged:
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Demand has normalized, requiring smarter forecasting and tighter operations
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Regulatory complexity continues to increase, particularly at the state level
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Operational efficiency is critical, as margins tighten
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Technology consolidation is accelerating, replacing disconnected systems and manual processes
These are not theoretical trends. They are active challenges we see daily across the industry.
Regulatory Change Is Already Underway
As regulatory pressure increases, staying ahead of federal firearms compliance requirements is critical. One example is the recent changes impacting NFA tax stamps, timelines, and processing expectations for dealers and consumers alike.
Read our breakdown of the 2026 NFA Tax Stamp changes and what they mean for firearms businesses.
State-Level Compliance Is Getting More Complex
Federal regulation is only part of the equation. States continue to introduce their own firearms-specific requirements, adding layers of operational and legal complexity for dealers.
California’s AB-1263 firearm warning and age-verification law is one recent example that highlights how quickly state compliance obligations can evolve.
Learn what California AB-1263 requires and how FFLs can stay compliant.
Watch webinar replay
The Future of Firearms: NASGW + BSP Webinar
Our Perspective: Technology as a Competitive Advantage
From our vantage point working with thousands of FFLs nationwide, the message is clear: firearms businesses that invest in centralized, compliance-driven technology will be better positioned to adapt to regulatory change and market shifts.
The Outdoor Wire feature reinforces what industry leaders across manufacturing, distribution, and technology already know — sustainable growth requires proactive systems, not reactive fixes.
Learn More
If you are evaluating how your firearms business will prepare for 2026 and beyond, explore how integrated compliance and operational technology can reduce risk and support long-term growth.
👉 Learn more about Orchid Advisors’ firearms-specific technology solutions
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