INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Gun Trade Insider offers a detailed examination of the latest developments across various international markets.

ACROSS THE POND

MONTANA ENACTS LEGAL SHIELD FOR FIREARMS INDUSTRY

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has signed House Bill 791 into law, reinforcing the state’s standing as a pro-firearms jurisdiction at a time when legal and political pressures on the sector are increasing elsewhere in the United States.

Enacted on 8 May 2025, the law revises Montana’s public nuisance statutes to exclude the lawful design, manufacture, marketing and sale of firearms, ammunition and associated components from being classified as a public nuisance. The bill also prevents municipalities from introducing contradictory local ordinances, ensuring firearms regulation remains consistent at state level.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), which has advocated for such protections, said the measure counters the rise of so-called “gun control lawfare”—the use of civil litigation to circumvent the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA).

“Governor Gianforte, and Montana’s lawmakers, are sending a clear message that gun control lawfare targeted against our industry… will not be tolerated,” said Nephi Cole, director of government relations – state affairs at NSSF. “The firearm industry is grateful for state Representative Anthony Nicastro for shepherding this bill through the legislature and for Governor Gianforte’s leadership.”

Montana has seen a steady migration of firearms and ammunition businesses in recent years, drawn by its favourable regulatory and economic conditions. Recent examples include the relocation or expansion of firms such as Brixtel Defense, Alpha Loading Systems and Ultimate Defense Technologies, alongside capacity growth by Olympus Arms and Shield Arms.

NRA APPLAUDS HOUSE VOTE TO DEREGULATE SUPPRESSORS

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has welcomed the passage of H.R.1, the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act,” in the U.S. House of Representatives, hailing its inclusion of a measure to remove suppressors—commonly referred to as silencers—from the National Firearms Act (NFA).

The proposed legislative change, backed by the Trump administration, aims to reduce regulatory burdens by eliminating background checks, registration and the $200 transfer tax currently required under the NFA.

John Commerford, executive director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA), said the move represents “a monumental victory for Second Amendment rights” and would ease access to “critical hearing protection devices.”

Supporters argue that suppressors help reduce noise-related hearing damage among recreational shooters and hunters. Opponents maintain concerns about criminal misuse. The bill’s fate in the U.S. Senate remains uncertain, but the NRA has called for swift passage, characterising the measure as a step toward regulatory rationalisation.

TARGET SPORTS USA OUTLINES TARIFF IMPACT

Connecticut-based ammunition retailer Target Sports USA has issued a public statement on the impact of newly imposed U.S. import tariffs on its pricing and supply chain. In a message titled Facing Tariffs Together, the company reported being billed over $62,000 in tariffs across a 100-day period, citing difficulties in absorbing the additional costs without passing them on to consumers.

A range of imported components— including primers, brass, powder and packaging—have been affected, leading to challenges in maintaining competitive pricing and order volume. “While we strive to absorb as much of this burden as possible, some of these costs must be passed along to maintain our operations,” the company stated.

Target Sports USA reiterated its stance against price gouging, referencing its approach during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MAINLAND EUROPE

RIVOLIER ACQUIRES HISTORIC ARMS MAKER VERNEY-CARRON

French distributor Rivolier has confirmed its acquisition of Verney-Carron, the last remaining large-scale firearms manufacturer in France. Based in Saint-Étienne and established in 1820, Verney-Carron is a symbol of France’s industrial gunmaking heritage. The purchase, approved by the Commercial Court, was part of a competitive process intended to safeguard local jobs and manufacturing capability.

The move marks a strategic pivot for Rivolier, transitioning the company from distribution into industrial production. It follows Rivolier’s acquisition of drone specialist Hexadrone and signals broader ambitions within defence and security manufacturing.

Verney-Carron will be supported by new industrial partnerships with Austria’s

Steyr Arms—best known for the Steyr AUG rifle—and Slovenia’s AREX Defense, which is recognised for its modular handgun systems. Both companies bring technical expertise and production synergies.

To fund international growth, Rivolier has secured a 35% minority investment from Czech firm RSBC, which also holds stakes in Steyr and AREX, giving the French group access to a broader industrial ecosystem.

As of 31 December 2024, Rivolier reported €130 million in consolidated revenue and employed 281 staff—all based in France.

ZEISS TO END OPTICS PRODUCTION IN WETZLAR

Carl Zeiss Sports Optics GmbH has announced it will cease production of hunting and observation optics at its historic Wetzlar site by the end of 2026. The decision affects roughly 70 employees and marks the end of a manufacturing legacy tied closely to Germany’s premium optics industry.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Carl Zeiss AG, the firm has cited long-term losses, global competition, rising production costs and a shift to digital products as key reasons for the closure.

“Despite the excellent work of our employees… the changes in the market have been so significant that we can no longer sustain the existing value chain,” said managing director Torsten Scheidt in a company statement dated 4 June.

Zeiss will retain customer service, logistics and quality assurance functions in Wetzlar. Meanwhile, the group is investing in a new SMT (Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology) facility in the Dillfeld district, expected to employ around 500 staff once completed in 2026.

Editor’s note: At the time of writing, Carl Zeiss Sports Optics had not issued an official press release. This information is based on internal communication and regional media reports.

JAGD & HUND DEEPENS CIC PARTNERSHIP

Messe Dortmund has announced an expanded collaboration with the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC), naming JAGD & HUND as a Platinum Partner of the organisation.

As Europe’s largest hunting trade show, JAGD & HUND is positioning itself as a platform for global conservation dialogue. Following the success of this year’s Namibia-focused programme, the 2026 edition will feature expanded international engagement, networking forums and sustainability-themed events.

DOWN UNDER

WA FIREARMS LAW TO FACE LEGISLATIVE REVIEW

In Western Australia, contentious changes to the state’s Firearms Act will now be formally reviewed by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Legislation. The review, proposed by WA Shadow Attorney-General Nick Goiran MLC, received cross-party support, including a key amendment from the Greens to broaden the scope of the investigation.

Concerns raised include issues with Firearms Authority Health Assessments (FAHA), the loss of pest management options for conservation groups, and implications for Indigenous hunting rights.

The move follows sustained lobbying by the SSAA WA and the WA Firearms Community Alliance, who continue to contest what they describe as flawed legislation that undermines practical firearms use in rural and conservation contexts.