The 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will take place April 16-19, 2026 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. The Exhibit Hall opens on April 17 and will showcase over 14 acres of the latest guns and gear from the most popular companies in the Industry. From entertainment to special events, it’s all happening in Houston! If you can take the time to attend the event, it is well worth heading to Houston. Entrance is FREE for NRA members.
The 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits has events on April 16th and the convention hall officially opens at 9:00 AM on April 17. NRA members and immediate family receive free entry. Non-members can join online or at the door for immediate access. Visit NRAam.org for more information and to purchase tickets for special events. NRA Members receive free admission, while a Weekend “All Access” Pass is offered for $35, which includes a 1-year NRA membership. CLICK HERE for a full schedule of all events.
Founded in 1871, the NRA marks its 155th year of service in 2026. In addition, on July 4, 2026 our nation celebrates its 250th year since the Declaration of Independence in 1776. As part of the Celebration of Freedom, this year’s NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will have special events and speakers at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Notable Events Set for April 16-19, 2026
at NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits:
Registration, Wall of Guns, and Voter Verification
Thurs., April 16, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Annual National Firearms Law Seminar
Fri., April 17, 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
NRA Women’s Leadership Forum Brunch & Auction
Fri., April 17, 9 a.m.
NRA Banquet and Auction
Fri., April 17, 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Annual Meeting of Members
Sat., April 18, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
NRA Country Concert
Sat., April 16, 6:00 p.m.
National Prayer Breakfast
Sun., April 19, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
NRA Women’s New Energy Brunch
Sun., April 19, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
NRA Youth Day
Sun., April 19, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Plus more than 50 free workshops and seminars throughout the weekend!
Intro to Show — Highlights from 2025
Here is a re-cap of the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Atlanta, GA. Expect similar activities and features at this year’s NRA convention in Houston, Texas.
The CMP has opened Registration for the 2026 National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. Since the turn of the 20th century*, Camp Perry has hosted major marksmanship events. While the rifle competitions get the most coverage, the Camp Perry National Matches also include bullseye pistol competitions. Traditional Bullseye pistol shooting can bring nearly a thousand competitors to Camp Perry each summer, as part of the CMP National Championships. For these Camp Perry pistol matches, held July 12-18, 2026, targets are set at 25 and 50 yards. The shooting position is standing and firing one-handed in slow fire, timed fire, and rapid-fire.
Since their inception over a century ago, the National Matches have become a major shooting sports festival with over 4,500 annual participants. Held at the Camp Perry Nat’l Guard Training Base, the National Matches now include both indoor and outdoor events. Adult and junior athletes are welcome.
Camp Perry Bullseye Pistol Competition
Camp Perry is synonymous with the oldest and most prestigious annual trophy matches in our nation’s history. And in a venue renowned for service rifle matches, the sport of precision pistol is no less important, no less challenging, and no less respected. The National Trophy Pistol Matches is all about traditional handgunning — the stance, the intense concentration, and of course, the one-handed grip. It’s all unmistakable as the game of Bullseye Pistol. Every year there are no fewer than 24 separate match trophies for the top Bullseye Pistol shooters, both military and civilian. And the very best will claim National Match Trophies and receive the President’s 100 Tab.
This video shows .45 ACP centerfire pistol competitors at Camp Perry
Civilians and military shooters competed together at the 2019 NTT Pistol Match.
The 2026 CMP Pistol Matches at Camp Perry include M9 EIC Match, the Pistol Warm-Up Match, the Pistol 2700 Aggregate, Team Matches, GSSF Glock National Challenge, Revolver Match, the CMP National Trophy Pistol Matches, and CMP Pistol Games Matches. To learn more about CMP events at the 2026 National Matches at Camp Perry, visit the CMP Nat’l Matches Website.
* The first National Matches at Camp Perry were held in 1907. SEE: A Short History of Perry and the National Championships by Hap Rocketto.
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The 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will take place at the George R. Brown Convention Center on April 16-19, 2026 in Houston, Texas. The Exhibit Hall is open all three days and will showcase over 14 acres of guns and gear. There will also be numerous special events, plus entertainment. If you would like to attend, REGISTER for the event and book your hotel soon.
The 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits has events on April 16th and the convention hall will officially open at 9:00 AM on April 17. NRA members and immediate family receive free entry. Non-members can join online or at the door for immediate access. Visit NRAam.org for more information and to purchase tickets for special events. NRA Members receive free admission, while a Weekend “All Access” Pass is offered for $35, which includes a 1-year NRA membership.
Do you need to find an FFL for a firearms transfer in your local area? Or perhaps you are selling a gun and need it shipped to an FFL in another city or state. Thankfully, there are two good online resource that can, in a matter of seconds, provide a list of Federal Firearms License holders in the area you need. These web resources will even locate those FFLs on a map AND list the fees they typically charge for transfers.
Sportsman’s Guide FFL Finder
The first resource is the Sportsman’s Guide FFL LOOKUP Page. This online search tool is fast and easy to use. Simply enter a Zip Code and then select a radius (in miles) within which to find FFLs. Here is an example for Billings, Montana with Zip Code 59103. Note that the transfer fees are listed for the first three “In-Network” FFLs. Click on each FFL business name to get more details.
Gunbroker FFL Finder
A good second resource is offered by GunBroker, the online gun trading/auction site. Gunbroker offers a handy online FFL Finder. This resource allows you to quickly find an FFL by zip code or state. Along with the FFL business name, this also lists fees. Click the “Map It” button to see a local map.
Gunbroker states: “Use our FFL Finder to locate FFL dealers in your area. You can search for FFL dealers by your zip code or by state. Use our FFL finder to get in touch with a local FFL dealer in order to complete your firearms purchase, or sign up to be part of our FFL Dealer Network.”
Shown below are the FFL Finder results for Billings, Montana and Zip Code 59103:
Smith & Wesson Brands has launched its 2026 Military & Law Enforcement Rebate program. This rebate program, formerly named the American Guardians Rebate program, was established to show appreciation to military members and first responders, allowing them to receive up to $150 in physical or virtual prepaid cards, with qualifying purchases of a Smith & Wesson firearm or Gemtech suppressor. This special offer, limited to one rebate per eligible new firearm or suppressor purchase, can be redeemed exclusively online at https://www.smith-wesson.com/military-le-rebate. NOTE: Eligible purchasers must have an active and valid GOVX ID to qualify for the rebate.
“Smith & Wesson stands with law enforcement officers, military personnel, and all first responders who defend our nation and uphold the freedoms we enjoy. Our Military & Law Enforcement Rebate program was developed to express our gratitude and recognize all the everyday heroes in the first responder community who put service above self,” said Mark Smith, President and CEO.
Individuals Qualified for This Program Include:
Military (including Nat’l Guard): Active, Retired, Active-Reserve, or Disabled in any capacity.
Veterans Honorably Discharged with Form DD214 (or National Guard equivalent)
Sworn Law Enforcement Officers (LEO) – State, County, and Local
Federal LEO – FBI, U.S. Marshals, DEA, DHS, etc.
First responders, including firefighters and rescue personnel with appropriate ID
Corrections Officers, including Parole Officers and Probation Officers
Retired LEO with “retired” credentials including Federal, State, County and Local Law Enforcement Academy Cadets with Enrollment Documentation from the Academy
Court Judges and District Attorneys (including Asst. DAs).
Federal Flight Deck Officers
Leveraging the incredible success of the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge, ammo-makers and rifle manufacturers have teamed up to produce a bigger Creedmoor cartridge — the 7.6 Creedmoor. The latest addition to the Creedmoor line gets its name from its 7.62mm bullet dimension. Yep, that makes it a .30-cal cartridge, but the creators stuck with the metric title for consistency. Makes sense. We like the way “7.6 Creedmoor” sounds and we bet consumers will too. The 6.5 Creedmoor has been a singular success — it is by far the most popular new cartridge introduced in the last decade. We think the 7.6 Creedmoor could become equally successful in short order.
In creating the new 7.6 Creedmoor, the product engineers were primarily concerned with accuracy, reliability, and compatibility. In a brilliant marketing stroke, the 7.6 Creedmoor’s designers crafted this cartridge to be 100% compatible with existing .308 Winchester and 7.62×51 rifles. So you can shoot the 7.6 Creedmoor safely in your existing .308 Win deer rifle or F-TR rig. As one ammo-maker’s marketing manager told us: “The 7.6 Creedmoor gives you everything you liked about the .308 Win, with a trendy name and the undeniable Creedmoor cachet. The 6.5 Creedmoor has become hugely popular. We expect the new 7.6 Creedmoor to do as well, or better!” We agree. Consider this — the 7.6 Creedmoor offers much better barrel life than the 6.5 Creedmoor, along with better bullet selection, particularly for hunters. With these advantages, how could the 7.6 Creedmoor not become a huge hit? The Creedmoor name alone should ensure success.
We discussed the new 7.6 Creedmoor with Dennis DeRille, one of the “founding fathers” of the 6.5 Creedmoor. Dennis said — “The Creedmoor name is synonymous with innovation and tactical success. This new 7.6 should live up to its name as it delivers .308 Win performance in a package for the 21st Century.”
Reassuring .308 Win Ballistics and Die Compatibility
Another great feature of the new 7.6 Creedmoor is that you can use existing .308 Win dies and reloading components. That excited one PRS shooter: “I had all this old .308 brass and .30-Cal bullets sitting around. When I heard about the 7.6 Creedmoor I said ‘Wow this is great, I can use this stuff in a Creedmoor now’. I know it will be accurate based on the name alone. That’s cool — tacticool!”
Because the new 7.6 Creedmoor shares case capacity and design details with the venerable .308 Win, it also shares the .308 Win’s impressive ballistics performance. “Whatever you can do with a .308 Win, you can do with the 7.6 Creedmoor… and then some!” says Hornady. Here is a chart showing projected velocities for the 7.6 Creedmoor with various barrel lengths and bullet weights.
NRA Approves 7.6 Creedmoor for F-TR Competition
Currently, NRA competition rules restrict F-TR rifles to the .308 Win (7.62×51) and .223 Rem (5.56×45) chamberings. But that’s going to change. Starting in June 2026, the NRA will allow 7.6 Creedmoor rifles in all F-TR matches. In addition, the 7.6 Creedmoor can be used in service rifles such as the popular M1A. It’s great to see this old battle rifle updated with Creedmoor accuracy and performance.
USA and Foreign Ammo Makers will Produce 7.6 Creedmoor Ammo
7.6 Creedmoor factory-loaded ammunition will be available from all major USA ammo-makers including Federal, Hornady, CCI, and Remington. As well, foreign ammo-makers Hirtenberger, Sellier & Bellot, and Prvi Partizan have pledged to produce 7.6 Creedmoor ammunition. That’s good news for shooters who want affordable Creedmoor ammo. One ammo-maker told us: “The whole industry is excited about the 7.6 Creedmoor. To be honest, .308 Win ammo sales have been declining for a number of years. Now we can repackage those same great components and market them to a new set of consumers reared on the 6.5 Creedmoor. This is a great deal for ammo-makers, who know how excitable Creedmoor fan-boys can be!”
A new statute passed in California will bar state employees (as well as teachers, police personnel, and health care workers) from using a variety of firearms terms in official communications. California Assembly Bill 22408, authored by Assemblyman Tony Fulenzo (D. Los Angeles), defines over 30 gun-related words as “hate speech”. Under existing California law, any words/phrases defined as “hate speech” are proscribed (forbidden) in official publications, school textbooks, and all public-sector communications (including email). By effect of AB 22408 then, dozens of gun-related nouns, verbs, and adjectives will be banned, and “shall no longer be uttered or used in the State of California by any public agent or employee”.
Assemblyman Fulenzo said his intent in sponsoring AB 22408 was to alter public attitudes toward firearms, and in particular, to convince school children that firearms are bad. “We want to prevent young kids from perceiving firearms as ‘cool’ or ‘exciting’. The best way to do that is to bury the subject altogether. We need to dismantle the ‘gun culture’. That begins with banning the words themselves.”
Fulenzo said AB 22408 was inspired by existing bans on racist “hate speech”: “We don’t want children to read about guns or talk about guns. The first step, therefore, is to remove firearms-related words from textbooks, classroom presentations, and state documents. This is not something new. California has done the same thing with hateful words directed at minority groups. In California, by law, we have banned the use of the ‘N’ word (and other racist terms) in official state publications and school textbooks. Now we are just following that practice and banning the ‘G’ word (i.e. ‘gun’) and similar firearms-related hate speech”.
Ban on Gun Words in Oregon Next?
Meanwhile, in neighboring Oregon, anti-gun groups have called for the passage of similar legislation banning the use of firearms-related terminology. And there have been protests in Arizona also.
Permitted Word Equivalencies for Banned Firearm Terms
When enacted into law, AB 22408 will ban more than 30 firearm-related words, including “gun”, “pistol”, “rifle”, “bullet” and other commonly-used words. Where it is necessary to reference a firearm, as in a police report, AB 22308 provides for substitute words or phrases. AB 22408 recognizes that, in some instances, it will be necessary to mention firearms-related facts in official documents. By using these officially-designated substitute words, firearms-related facts can be logged without resort to banned “hate speech”.
Gun = “Gunk”
Pistol = “Piddle”
Rifle = “Ripple”
Shoot = “Suit”
Bullet = “Mullet”
Ammo = “Venmo”
Cartridge = “Partridge”
How to Use California-Approved Substitute Gun-Related Words:
Under AB 22408, if an official report requires description of a hate speech item, then the approved replacement words shall be used instead of the prohibited terms. For example, if a hospital treats a pistol wound, this shall be listed as a “piddle wound” in the official medical report. Likewise the recovery of cartridges at a crime scene by police shall be recorded as a “partridge recovery” in the incident report.
New Law Does Not Restrict Speech by Non-Governmental Entities
This new law only applies to “public sector” entities (schools, police/sheriff agencies, hospitals/health clinics, state and municipal agencies). Private businesses, including newspapers and web sites, will still be allowed to use firearms-related words without the threat of prosecution. Likewise, private citizens will still be allowed to say “gun”, “pistol”, or “rifle” etc. in their own private communications. However internet posting of hate speech involving forbidden firearm words will be monitored by a new California State Agency. This new Agency, the California Office of Firearms Hate Speech (COFHS) will be funded by a new 5% sales tax on firearms ammunition and components.
After you’ve become an NRA Life member what’s next? Well now you can extend your NRA membership into the afterlife, the great beyond. For just five thousand bucks, you can now show your commitment to the Second Amendment for all eternity. The NRA has announced that it will, for the first time ever, offer Perpetual Memberships so you can enjoy being an NRA member from your grave. The new “After-Life” Perpetual Membership confers many benefits, including continuing insurance on firearms in ones estate, NRA-branded headstones (see above), and perpetual magazine subscriptions to a surviving spouse or designated beneficiary. In addition, upon the passing of an After-Life Member, the NRA will donate $100.00 to the NRA program of his/her choice.
How to Become an NRA Member Forever
The NRA After-Life Perpetual Membership has been introduced by the NRA as the request of many current NRA Life members who want a permanent, perpetual affiliation with the NRA. A step-up from the $1500 Life Membership, the new After-Life Membership normally costs $7500.00, but this month the After-Life Membership costs just $5000.00. As a special Promotion in connection with the 155th Annual NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Houston, TX (April 16-19, 2026), the new After-Life Membership will discounted 33% for the entire month of April, 2026. For a mere $5000.00 (after discount) the NRA After-Life Membership secures an individual’s support for the Second Amendment throughout eternity.
Help Defend the Second Amendment in the Future
Many celebrities, business leaders, and avid shooters have NRA Life Memberships. Until today, that was longest-duration NRA membership available. Now, with the introduction of the After-Life Perpetual Membership, current Life Members can secure their affiliation with the nation’s leading gun rights organization for all time, in perpetuity. When you think about it, $5000.00 is a small price to pay for the assurance that you will continue to support freedom and the Second Amendment long after you’re gone. And while you’re still alive and well, you should definitely attend the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Houston, April 16-19, 2026. CLICK HERE to register.
All NRA After-Life Perpetual Members will receive a handsome yet somber yellow-on-black sweatshirt.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
Graf & Sons — Major RCBS Sale on Presses, Tools, Dies Etc.
⏺️ » Thousands of RCBS products on Sale — presses, dies, tools
Grafs.com is running a massive RCBS Sale right now with big savings on thousands of RCBS products including reloading presses, priming tools, powder measures, case prep equipment, and hundreds of die sets. Among our top picks, the Universal hand priming tool is excellent, and the unique RCBS Summit is a great compact reloading press.
Sportsman’s Warehouse — SIGnature Sale — Optics and Pistols
⏺️ » Great savings on pistols, optics, mounts and more
If you need a carry pistol, or a new riflescope, thermal scope, reflex/red dot optic, or binoculars, definitely check out the major Optics and handgun sale at Sportsman’s Warehouse. If you need a hunting scope and Rangefinder, definitely consider KILO3K Laser RF and 3-12x44mm BDC-1 combo — now $150.00 off the regular price. Along with the discounts of 10-25% there are eGift cards available with many items.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
Brandon Green, a multi-time long-range and service rifle national champion, recently won the Open Heavy division at the 2026 Best of the West Hunter match. Held March 6–8, 2026 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, the Best of the West Hunter competition had 20 simulated hunting stages with targets ranging from 200 yards to over 900 yards, with average target distance around 400 yards. The range was within a large horseshoe bend of Buck creek, giving a 360∘ course of fire over terrain with rolling, rocky bluffs, tall-grass hills, wooded draws, open valleys, and creek bottoms. On the range competitors engaged life‑size AR500 steel animal targets including wolf, bighorn sheep, moose, bear, whitetail deer, hog, coyote, mountain lion, bobcat, turkey, elk, antelope, mule deer, otter, raccoon, rock chuck, squirrel, lynx, prairie dog, and jackrabbit. Round count was 80-160, depending on a first round impact or second round impact.
Green, who has already secured three NRL Hunter match wins this season, credited both the match design and his equipment for the successful outing: “I find the NRL game has its unique challenges along with really fun courses of fire. Having confidence in your equipment and ammunition gives you the ability to focus on the task at hand and that’s the key to having a strong performance. My .260 Remington AI platform loaded with Berger 144 grain Long Range Hybrid Target bullets, Lapua cases, powered with Vihtavuori N160 has been one of the most consistent combinations I’ve ever seen. I’m very thankful these helped secure the Best of the West Hunter Championship.”
Key Details of the 2026 Best of the West Hunter Match
Winner: Brandon Green (Team Lapua).
Location: Bartlesville, Oklahoma, known for challenging, rugged terrain.
Format: 20 stages, 80-160 rounds, including hunting scenarios with simulated wildlife targets (e.g., elk, mule deer, bear). Match focuseson skill-building and practical hunting scenarios.
Rules: NRL Hunter regulations, requiring chamber flags and adhering to safety protocols.
Divisions: Open Heavy, Skills, Team, and Young Guns.
Best of West Match Elements Featured in This Video
About Lapua
Lapua produces high-quality small caliber cartridges and components for civilian and professional use. Lapua is imported by Capstone Precision Group, exclusive U.S. distributor for Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori, and SK-Rimfire products. For more information, visit Lapua.com.
Founded in 1871, the NRA marks its 155th year of service in 2026. In addition, on July 4, 2026 our nation celebrates its 250th year since the Declaration of Independence in 1776. As part of the Celebration of Freedom, this year’s NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will have special events and speakers at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Fulenzo said AB 22408 was inspired by existing bans on racist “hate speech”: “We don’t want children to read about guns or talk about guns. The first step, therefore, is to remove firearms-related words from textbooks, classroom presentations, and state documents. This is not something new. California has done the same thing with hateful words directed at minority groups. In California, by law, we have banned the use of the ‘N’ word (and other racist terms) in official state publications and school textbooks. Now we are just following that practice and banning the ‘G’ word (i.e. ‘gun’) and similar firearms-related hate speech”.
