Business is booming for firearm companies that specialize in keeping things a bit more quiet on the firing line. The outlook isn’t nearly as rosy for other corners of the outdoor industry. Big Rock Sports, a North Carolina-based distributor of fishing, hunting, boating and related gear filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in early February.
Eddie Bauer, a trusted name by sportsmen, may be next, although total liquidation of assets isn’t part of its plan. On Feb. 3 Washington State’s KIRO TV reported, “Eddie Bauer, a popular outdoor clothing brand, is expected to shutter all its stores in North America after filing for bankruptcy…” Business Insider explains, however, the company’s non-domestic outlets, manufacturing and e-commerce sales will continue while the company operates under a different chapter of bankruptcy law designed to allow reorganization and financial recovery.
Meanwhile in Suppressors
Silencer Central, on the other hand, is facing the opposite challenge. In 2025 it experienced yet another year of growth, fueled by rapidly increasing suppressor interest. There’s no doubt the estimated 300,000 NFA stamp applications submitted in January alone sent its 2026 sales figures off the charts.
Earlier this month the company announced it was hiring, and shipping personnel or administrative aides don’t dominate the openings list. Positions include a director of marketing, senior software development manager, manager of finance, director of sales, graphic designer, director of sales and more.
“One of our primary organizational goals is getting the right people in the right seats to continue driving the company in a positive direction,” said Brandon Maddox, Silencer Central founder and CEO. “With the tremendous growth our business has seen over the past few years, it is amazing to see that growth reflected in the expanding team, the new warehouse we built next door, and the additional manufacturing, engineering and fulfillment capabilities we’ve brought online. There is so much energy and so much going on at Silencer Central, we are eager to continue building the team and delivering top-notch experiences for our customers.”
American Rifleman doesn’t specialize in job placement, but the firm’s current openings are eye opening. They are far from the mundane, “we’re growing” list that often crosses our desks.
Gun Sales?
That does not, however, mean gunmakers are currently in the same enviable position. A comparison of 2025 and 2024 figures, according to National Shooting Sports Foundation estimates, reflects a 3.4 percent decline in firearm purchases last year.
The good news for others is the fact a suppressor without a rifle or pistol is little more than a federally regulated paperweight. Rifles and pistols wear, new models hit the market monthly and introductions of high-performance cartridges are almost routine today. They won’t escape the notice of hearing-wise enthusiasts who keep an extra $200 in their pockets this year.
How long it takes for them to buy has yet to be seen. There is no doubt, however, a surge in any sections of the industry—even a specialized one—always trickles its way into other corners.
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