Traditions Firearms, a powerhouse in the muzzleloader and black powder rifle space, is gearing up to make waves at the 2026 NBS Semi-Annual Spring Market, hitting the Oklahoma City Convention Center from February 10–13. This isn’t just another trade show—it’s the premier gathering where vendors like Traditions connect directly with North America’s top independent sporting goods retailers, offering exclusive access to cutting-edge products and killer buying programs. For 2A enthusiasts, this signals Traditions doubling down on their commitment to the grassroots retailers that keep black powder traditions alive amid a sea of mass-market polymer blasters. Expect hands-on demos of their latest Buckstalker or Vortek models, potentially unveiling upgrades that blend historical accuracy with modern precision for hunting seasons ahead.
What makes this exhibit a big deal for the pro-2A community? Independent retailers are the lifeblood of our Second Amendment ecosystem—they’re the ones stocking shelves in small-town shops where big-box stores fear to tread, educating new shooters on muzzleloader basics, and pushing back against anti-gun narratives with real-world product knowledge. Traditions’ presence at NBS reinforces their strategy of empowering these independents with competitive pricing and innovative lines, like their inline muzzleloaders that dominate state hunting regs in places like Pennsylvania and Ohio. In an era of supply chain squeezes and regulatory scrutiny on ammo and components, this event could foreshadow expanded production runs, ensuring black powder shooters aren’t left high and dry when deer season rolls around.
The implications ripple outward: as federal overreach looms and states tighten hunting rules, events like NBS keep the supply lines open for traditional firearms that skirt modern restrictions. Traditions isn’t just exhibiting—they’re investing in the retailers who amplify 2A voices at the local level. If you’re a shop owner or avid hunter, mark your calendar; this could be where the next must-have sidelock or percussion cap innovation drops, bolstering our community’s resilience one rifle at a time. Stay tuned for post-show breakdowns on what steals the spotlight.
