Exuberance was the defining spirit of the 2026 NRA Annual Meetings. More than 73,000 attendees packed the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston to celebrate 250 years of America, concurrent with 155 years of their NRA. Helping them along was an exhibit hall filled with the latest and greatest from industry stalwarts and up-and-comers alike. While major releases, like Springfield’s Saint Victor 9 mm PDW and Model 2020 bolt-action pistol, dominated the conversation, no category was left unrepresented. Competitive shooters, concealed carriers, hunters and everyone in between had something to take a gander at, from the latest firearms and ammunition to knives, holsters, lights and more.
“More than 73,000 NRA members attended, proving something unmistakable—the passion Americans have for recreational shooting sports and hunting is strong and growing. Families, military members, first responders and citizens from all walks of life came together in record numbers, united by shared values and traditions,” said Doug Hamlin, NRA Executive Vice President and CEO. “This gathering reflects the very best of American culture, and it underscores our continued growth and enduring role in shaping and strengthening our place in American society.”
Meeting The Members Where They Are
The NRA Meeting of Members was held on Saturday morning, and, in addition to hearing directly from NRA’s officers and leaders, the NRA Board of Directors made a specific point to go through the bylaw changes that would be voted upon on Monday. (You can learn more by reading the “President’s Column” in this month’s magazine and by reviewing the election results and changes to the executive committee also reported in this issue.)
“The NRA is the oldest and most powerful civil rights organization in America, thanks to our members and our supporters,” said NRA President Bill Bachenberg. “I want to thank you members and donors, staff and industry who stood by NRA during the challenging years. We’re living in very dangerous times, and the NRA is your best investment in protecting your freedoms.”
“When you think about our country, where would we be without the NRA?” asked Hamlin. “The millions of individuals who have been trained in firearm safety and education, the millions of kids who have benefited from our Eddie Eagle Program. How about all of the ladies in the Refuse To Be A Victim Program? The 24 basic classes that we have and 12 instructor programs that we have, our competitive shooting division? So, we are under attack, but let me tell you, we’re returning fire. Your National Rifle Association is strong and getting stronger.”
NRA-ILA Executive Director John Commerford took the time to explain exactly how the Institute for Legislative Action works, how it fights for you on Capitol Hill and in every state capital, and the wins we have achieved together. He explained freedom’s next battle will be in the mid-term elections later this year.
Great Entertainment
On Saturday, after the exhibit hall closed for the night, a large crowd of partygoers migrated upstairs for an NRA Country Concert featuring Nashville country-rock artist Tyler Farr. For those unfamiliar with Farr, he’s a guitar-strumming, turkey-hunting, pistol-shooting, NRA-type of guy—although he happens to sing much better than most of us. Farr engaged his patriotic crowd directly, entering the rows of seated audience members with microphone in hand, encouraging them to cut loose while listening to his hits, such as “Whiskey in my Water,” “A Guy Walks Into a Bar,” and “Only Truck in Town.”
The talented band also unleashed some cover songs from the likes of AC/DC and others—giving the crowd nostalgic favorites to further enhance the evening. Also on stage were NRA’s leaders, along with Second Amendment advocate and NewsNation host Katie Pavlich. Mark “Oz” Geist, a security and military consultant credited with saving numerous lives in the Benghazi attack and author of “13 Hours,” joined Pavlich on stage. NRA is grateful for these true patriots helping us to celebrate 250 years of our nation’s history.
NRA has a rich history of hiring top talent to perform at its Annual Meeting concerts, so don’t miss out next year in Atlanta!
Women’s Events
NRA continues to experience a surge in female membership, and you only had to walk the exhibit-hall floor for proof, with more ladies than ever perusing the expansive offerings of guns and gear.
The growth of women’s involvement in NRA has also become more evident, as the NRA Board of Directors continued to expand its female presence with new board members during the most recent election cycle. And, while not new to the NRA Board, director Amanda Suffecool was bestowed this year’s NRA Sybil Ludington Women’s Freedom Award, given to a woman who has demonstrated, among other qualifications, dedication to the protection of the Second Amendment through extensive contributions that impact the national dialog.
Suffecool’s award announcement took place during the NRA Women’s Leadership Forum “Spurs and Sisterhood” Luncheon and Auction. Now in its 19th year, this sold-out philanthropic event is considered one of the highlights of the NRA Annual Meetings, where women gather to live-bid on an array of incredible outdoor experiences like a 10-day Alaska grizzly bear hunt or a luxury shooting retreat.
One-of-a-kind items, like an America’s 250th Anniversary Special Edition Beretta 687 Fall Classic Shotgun, were also on hand, with attendees outbidding each other at a rapid rate. An earlier silent auction offered a multitude of guns, gear and accessories that were snapped up before the luncheon even began. Proceeds from the luncheon went to support NRA-ILA, which is fighting hard on behalf of NRA members during a challenging mid-term election year.
This event usually attracts celebrity star power, and this year was no exception. After a powerful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by Nashville country singer-songwriter Alexis Wilkins, the women in attendance were treated to an entertaining monologue by former professional wrestler Tyrus, now a prominent media personality often seen on Fox News.
Constant Coverage
American Rifleman, American Hunter, Shooting Sports USA and NRA Women staff were on the ground in the exhibit hall, highlighting many of the thousands of firearms on display and showcasing them for the many NRA members and firearm enthusiasts who weren’t able to join us in Houston. Across the brands’ social-media channels, images, reels and interviews from the show floor garnered more than 25 million views, allowing like-minded enthusiasts to join the annual meetings in spirit, if not in person.
Author, historian and American Rifleman contributor Martin K.A. Morgan was also on hand to lead several special presentations. Showgoers had an opportunity to get an in-depth look at one of Ruger’s iconic rifle designs in “The Life & Times of the Ruger Mini-14,” which was just one of the more than 140 presentations and workshops offered to attendees.
Special Awards
Even with all the activity during the day, events were held every night, including the Ring of Freedom welcome reception on Thursday night.
“We were honored to welcome Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Acting United States Attorney General Todd Blanche, whose participation underscored the importance of our work,” said Hamlin.
During the Ring of Freedom reception, Dott. Franco Gussalli Beretta, President and CEO of Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta, was presented with the 2026 NRA Defender of Freedom Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to preserving the fundamental freedoms upon which the United States was built. Beretta was honored for his steadfast leadership, deep-rooted support of the Second Amendment, and continued investment in the American shooting sports and hunting communities.
“On behalf of the Beretta family and our global team, I am deeply honored to receive this recognition,” he said. “For five centuries, Beretta has stood for responsibility, heritage and the defense of personal freedom. Our commitment to the United States and to the values it represents remains stronger than ever.”
On Friday night, the Friends of NRA dinner was a celebration of freedom that also raised money to guarantee freedom for all of our futures. The acting Attorney General of the United States, Todd Blanche, addressed the crowd, stressing the importance of the Second Amendment and the Trump administration’s commitment to preserving it.
Henry Repeating Arms Founder Anthony Imperato honored four Texans for their extraordinary courage and service during a special on-stage presentation, including the first public recognition of three Austin Police Department officers for their actions in stopping the perpetrator of a recent mass shooting event in Austin.
“When innocent people were under attack, these officers ran toward danger and helped bring a murderous rampage to an end,” said Imperato to a sold-out crowd. “Their courage, professionalism and willingness to put themselves in harm’s way for complete strangers represents the very best of law enforcement and the very best of America.”
Down to Business
On the following Monday, the NRA Board of Directors met, and new directors were sworn into office. One of the first items addressed was the election of NRA’s officers.
“I am deeply honored to be entrusted by my colleagues on the Board to serve another term as President of the NRA,” said Bill Bachenberg when reelected NRA President.
The NRA Board of Directors also unanimously reelected Doug Hamlin as Executive Vice President, Mark Vaughan as NRA First Vice President, Rocky Marshall as Second Vice President, Mike Erstling as Treasurer and John Frazer as Secretary. Elected as NRA’s Chief Compliance Officer was Matthew Boyden.
Following Hamlin’s reelection, he reappointed John Commerford as the Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) and Josh Savani as the Executive Director of NRA General Operations.
The 2027 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, from April 22-25, 2027. We look forward to seeing you there!
Voices of the Second Amendment | Houston
The NRA’s Voices of the Second Amendment program consisted of 24 booth spaces shared by 34 media professionals, including podcasters, YouTubers, radio personalities and social-media stars. This “media row” section of the show floor was constantly abuzz with real-time news and 2A talk as VIPs, NRA officials and industry representatives were interviewed by hosts including Frank Miniter of “The Armed Citizen Podcast,” Shermichael Singleton of “We the Free,” Ryan Gresham of “Gun Talk,” Michael Bane of “Michael Bane TV,” Mark Walters (r.) of “Armed American Radio” and many more.
