September 12, 2026

Rifle Configurator has surpassed 1.2 million visitors in its first 11 months, reaching nearly 400,000 monthly visitors as it expands from visual firearm configuration into compatibility intelligence, original market research, and commerce tools.

The company’s September 12 snapshot records 1,223,561 visitors since launch, with 391,084 visitors and 576,299 pageviews in its trailing monthly reporting window. Monthly visitor counts rose from 42,443 in March to 369,169 in August, an increase of about nine times across the six-month series. Its catalog now contains 4,182 firearms and accessories.

“The firearms industry has world-class hardware, but the software layer connecting those products is still fragmented. We want software to understand not just what a product is, but what it works with, why someone would choose it, and where it fits into a complete system,” said Aditya Bawankule, founder of Rifle Configurator.

Rifle Configurator helps people research products and plan builds around how components work together. Its software connects catalog specifications, compatibility checks, visual configuration, and buying guides in one place. The next stage is to make those relationships more useful across product discovery and commerce: what a part works with, which needs it serves, and where it fits into a complete build.

The company also publishes original research through the Rifle Build Index. The Q2 2026 edition analyzed 25,798 anonymized builder sessions recorded from April 2 through July 2, with rankings drawn from 95,228 organic component selections. The report shows which products people select while planning builds and publishes aggregate data and charts for reuse with attribution.

The platform recorded $334,799 in tracked retail sales in its latest 30-day sales report. That figure represents retail order value attributed to the platform, rather than company revenue.

“The configurator is the starting point. The larger opportunity is compatibility intelligence, product data and intelligent commerce infrastructure for the civilian defense market,” said Aditya Bawankule, founder of Rifle Configurator.

Rifle Configurator plans to expand its compatibility data and research alongside tools that help people move from a product question to a complete build plan. Its public research hub, product catalog, and free configurator are available at RifleConfigurator.com.

COVENTRY, UK – 14 September 2026 – NP Aerospace, a leading global armour technology manufacturer and vehicle integrator, today confirms the successful completion of its acquisition of Iten Defense, a U.S.-based specialist provider of advanced defence protection solutions, from Edgewater Capital Partners and other minority shareholders.

The transaction concluded on September 10, following the definitive agreement announced on 22 June 2026 and the completion of the required closing conditions and regulatory approvals under the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

The completion of the acquisition signals the next phase of both companies’ growth plans. Iten Defense will continue to operate under the Iten Defense brand and existing leadership team. NP Aerospace will continue to run its operations and support global customers from its two manufacturing sites in Coventry, UK, and its operation in London, Ontario, Canada.

The combination of complementary expertise and technical know-how is expected to accelerate growth and increase revenues across the NP Aerospace global enterprise.

James Kempston, CEO, NP Aerospace, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Iten Defense team to our global enterprise. Their focus on protecting and saving lives is a strong fit with our mission, and customers will benefit from complementary capabilities and increased manufacturing capacity as the integration progresses.”

Damon Walsh, CEO, Iten Defense, said: “Joining NP Aerospace marks an exciting new chapter for Iten Defense. Our shared commitment to advanced protection makes this a natural fit, creating new opportunities to strengthen our capabilities, support our customers and accelerate growth from our Ashtabula facility.”

Iten Defense, headquartered in Ashtabula, Ohio, gives NP Aerospace an established U.S. manufacturing presence and significantly expands its advanced armour production capability. The business specialises in opaque and transparent composite armour solutions for land, maritime and aerospace applications, complementing NP Aerospace’s portfolio of personal protection, platform survivability, vehicle systems and engineered composites.

Iten Defense will continue to operate from its Ashtabula facility, ensuring continuity for customers and employees while the businesses identify opportunities across engineering, manufacturing and product development. The Ohio site is also set for further expansion, with plans to accommodate up to 100 new jobs over the next several years.The acquisition has been supported with funding from Export Development Canada (EDC) and NatWest Group PLC, providing financing for the transaction and additional working capital to support NP Aerospace’s continued international growth.

Completion represents an important milestone in NP Aerospace’s long-term international strategy, strengthening its position as an international provider of advanced armour, survivability and engineered protection solutions.

COLUMBIA FALLS, Mont. – September 16, 2026 – PROOF Research is proud to announce the hire of Sean Murphy as director of sales and marketing. Murphy joins PROOF Research with 15 years of experience in the firearms industry, spanning sales, marketing, product management and training in the premium optics, suppressor and firearms sectors.

Murphy most recently served as vice president of sales and marketing at Sons of Liberty Gun Works, where he played a key role in driving the company’s commercial, law enforcement and military growth. Previously, he held positions with Nightforce Optics and KGM Suppressors, building a broad understanding of both civilian and professional markets.

“Sean brings an incredible combination of industry experience, sales leadership, competitive shooting expertise and knowledge of PROOF Research,” said KK Jense, CEO of PROOF Research. “His knowledge of multiple markets will be an essential contribution to our work as we continue to expand our reach. We’re excited to welcome Sean to the PROOF team in this new capacity and look forward to what we’ll accomplish together.”

Murphy’s experience extends well beyond the business side of the industry, having been a competitive shooter for 20 years across various disciplines, including action shooting and long-range precision. He has also been a member of the PROOF Research Shooting Team for a decade, giving him a longstanding firsthand understanding and appreciation of PROOF’s technology. Additionally, he formed a highly successful long-range duo with Greg Hamilton, PROOF Research’s director of special projects, further deepening his familiarity with PROOF’s approach to performance-driven product development.

“I’m excited to join the PROOF Research team that I’ve known and loved for many years,” said Murphy. “Being no stranger to the capabilities of their barrels and rifles, the company is leading the industry with innovations in technologies for next-generation weapon systems and unlocked performance previously unimaginable. It is an exciting time to be in the small arms industry and to join the great team at PROOF. I look forward to being a part of the company’s continued success.”

In his new role as director of sales and marketing, Murphy will focus on expanding PROOF Research’s sales efforts and strengthening relationships across different markets. His combination of industry leadership and firsthand knowledge of PROOF’s products and technologies positions him to help drive the company’s ongoing growth. Murphy’s addition to the team comes as PROOF Research continues to advance its lineup of next-generation small-arms technologies designed to deliver exceptional performance.

For more information about Proof Research, visit ProofResearch.com.