Blackhawk Introduces TASER 7 Holster

Blackhawk Introduces TASER 7 Holster

From Blackhawk

Blackhawk, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, announces the new TASER 7 holster featuring a distinctive draw motion that helps keep officers from confusing their gear when under stress.

The holster has a cross draw or support hand draw design that allows for rocking the TASER out of the holster, rather than a traditional straight-up handgun draw. When the TASER is re-holstered, it automatically engages the active retention mechanism and TASER safety switch. The trigger is completely covered when holstered.

Other key features include Blackhawk’s new Quick Dual Release (QDR) holster platform, which allows officers to exchange the TASER and holster between shifts without having to remove other items from their duty belt. It is compatible with all Blackhawk duty platforms including belt loops, QD systems, MOLLE adapters and tactical thigh platforms.

The TASER 7 holster is currently offered in our matte black finish in both left and right-handed configurations. The Basketweave finish will become available in the coming months of 2020. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $54.95.

For more information on the new TASER 7 holster, visit www.blackhawk.com/holsters/

Official Statement From Remington on Chapter 11 Reorganization

Sandy Hook Plaintiffs Lose Bid to Stall Remington Bankruptcy

From Remington

Remington Outdoor Company (“Remington” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer of firearms and ammunition, announced today that Remington and its subsidiaries have filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama (the “Court”). The Company intends to conduct a competitive bidding process for the sale of some or all of its assets pursuant to Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code.

The court’s protections during the Chapter 11 process will enable the Company to manage the sale process on an expedited basis while protecting the interests of its customers, employees and other stakeholders. Remington is in active discussions with a number of parties and will continue to engage with parties interested in a going-concern sale. The Company expects to solicit bids prior to an auction to be held in September 2020.

The Company has filed with the Court a motion to approve the use of cash collateral securing its existing Priority Term Loan. Subject to court approval, this cash collateral, combined with cash from operations, is expected to provide sufficient liquidity to, among other things, support the company’s continuing business operations and to minimize any disruption during the sale process. The Company has also filed with the Court a series of customary motions seeking to continue operating its business and facilities. These “first day” motions include requests to continue to pay wages and provide benefits to employees as usual.

Court filings and other documents related to the Court-supervised process are available at https://cases.primeclerk.com/RemingtonOutdoor. For more information, contact the Company’s noticing and claims agent at (877) 755-3450 (for toll-free domestic calls) and (347) 338-6538 (for tolled international calls), or email [email protected]. Court filings and claims information are available at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court website, http://www.mnb.uscourts.gov/.

Ducera Partners is serving as financial advisor and investment banker to Remington and O’Melveny & Myers LLP is serving as the Company’s legal counsel.

 Editor’s Note: Here’s our story on the filing earlier this week.

HE508T V2 Open Reflex Pistol Sight from Holosun

HE508T V2 Open Reflex Pistol Sight from Holosun

From Holosun

Holosun is leading the charge in open-reflex pistol sight design with extremely durable, accurate and reliable build concepts. The engineering is exceptionally detailed, and the sights utilize advanced battery technology to last for an incredible 50,000 hours at a middle setting.

Available in both red and green circle/dot coloration, the sights are rock solid and ready to perform at any moment. Shake awake technology springs the sight into action without requiring any buttons or controls to transition from a sleep state to battle-ready. The solar failsafe ensures power is always available during daylight and the exceptional battery life provides years of power.

The build is a major asset for professional users. Extreme environments where cold, heat, wind, dust and debris are present will not present any challenges to the performance of this rock-solid sight. A titanium body delivers a durable base that shields and protects the interior components and battery.

Options are available for specific shooting scenarios and shooter sight preferences with the Multiple Reticle System-transition between a 32 MOA Circle & 2 MOA Dot, 2 MOA Dot, 32 MOA Circle.Parallax free and unlimited eye relief helps the shooter relax and maintain focus for longer periods of time.

The 508T V2 open reflex pistol sight is a major asset for any tactical and combat pistol shooter. It comes standard with a Picatinny mount, T10 L key, CR 1632 battery, lens cloth and full user manual. Made to perform and last, it’s a favorite for law enforcement, military personnel and self-defense.

Specs:

  • Up to 50,000 Hours Battery life
  • Red or green reticle color
  • Multiple Reticle System (MRS): 32 MOA Circle & 2 MOA Dot; 2 MOA Dot; 32 MOA Circle
  • Solar FailSafe™
  • Shake Awake Technology
  • Parallax Free & Unlimited Eye Relief
  • Titanium Body

 And don’t forget to take a look at the new Holosun 509T.

SIG Adds Second Model With Mepro FT Bullseye Sights

SIG Adds Second Model With Mepro FT Bullseye Sights

From Meprolight

Based on the positive market reaction and demand for the Sig P365 SAS with Mepro FT Bullseye sights, Sig just released their second model, the Sig P938 SAS, using the same sights.

“When we introduced the SAS technology with the P365 it was immensely popular, and the demand for this new technology in the concealed carry market was immediate. The SIG P938 is a very popular micro-compact pistol, so the addition of the SAS technology was a natural fit for this platform,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “Our proprietary SAS technology removes all the snag points from the pistol for a seamless draw. The integrated, flush-mounted FT Bullseye sight mounted directly into the slide is intuitive, and easy for the untrained eye to pick-up for fast target acquisition.”

Utilizing patented fiber optic technology, Meprolight’s engineers combined tritium with fiber optics to create the FT Bullseye, a single rear micro dot style sight that works day or night—no batteries needed. Meprolight shortened the length of the optic, added an optical lens, tritium and a bullseye reticle. In defensive situations as well as competition, the goal is to place rounds on target quickly and accurately. As soon as the dot is centered in the circle creating a bullseye, you’re on target. When milliseconds count, give yourself the advantage. The low prolife design works perfectly with a standard holster.

Handgun owners can upgrade their own sights with the Mepro FT Bullseye™ by simply mounting it into the existing rear-sight dovetail. It is available in red or green bullseye reticle for many of the most popular self-defense pistols—all Glock models including Glock MOS, IWI, Springfield XD and XDM models, S&W including M&P Shield, Sig P models including the P365, CZ, H&K, Ruger, Kahr and Kriss. Meprolight guarantees the tritium luminance to last up to 12 years. This Sig link gives all the details plus a video.

Custom Knife Auction to Support NRA-ILA and the Second Amendment

Custom Knife Auction to Support NRA-ILA and the Second Amendment

From Knife Rights

Freedom’s Steel IX – Liberty’s Edge Double-Action Automatic Knife celebrates the Second Front in Defense of the Second Amendment and the liberties we fight to protect. For the past six decades and change switchblade (automatic) knives have been demonized by those opposed to freedom and liberty in much the same way as modern sporting rifles have been more recently. At one time they were banned or highly restricted in nearly half the states! Today, thanks to Knife Rights’ efforts, they are legal to own, to one degree or another, in 44 states and legal to carry in 33.

With the generous support of our collaborators, Knife Rights has donated Freedom’s Steel IX – Liberty’s Edge Automatic Knife, a one-of-a-kind custom crafted Double-Action Automatic Knife by acclaimed knifemaker Johnny Stout with Julie Warenski-Eriksonengraving and a feather Damascus blade by Master Bladesmith Véronique Laurent, to the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) to support NRA-ILA’s defense of the Second Amendment in this critical election year. Knife Rights is the Second Front in Defense of the Second Amendment.

Freedom’s Steel IX – Liberty’s Edge Double Action Automatic Knife was scheduled to be a featured auction item at the NRA-ILA Dinner and Auction, to be held during the 2020 NRA Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tennessee. With the cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic of the NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits, Rock Island Auction Company has generously offered to feature this extraordinary knife in their flagship Premier Auction to be held September 11-13. ALL proceeds, including the buyer’s premium, of this knife will be given to NRA-ILA.

Freedom’s Steel IX – Liberty’s Edge Automatic Knife will be auctioned on September 12th. Click to go to it’s page in Rock Island Auction’s Premier Auction where you can bid, either through a sealed bid or by phone during the actual auction.

Proceeds from the sale of Freedom’s Steel IX – Liberty’s Edge Automatic Knife will support NRA-ILA efforts to defend the Second Amendment this election year. This is the ninth year in a row that Knife Rights has donated a Freedom’s Steel™ knife, raising over $240,000 the first eight years. Knife Rights sincerely appreciates Rock Island Auction Company stepping up to help us continue this tradition this critical election year.

“Our Second Amendment freedoms have never been at such risk as they are today. We must all be active and united defenders of our rights and freedom or we will see them taken from us. Knife Rights and the NRA have a common interest in protecting our civil rights and specifically the right to own and use tools appropriate for self-defense. Knife Rights is proud to assist NRA in protecting these rights,” said Knife Rights Chairman and Founder Doug Ritter. “We are sincerely grateful for the support provided to us by NRA-ILA as we fight the Second Front in Defense of the Second Amendment.”

“Since 1871, the NRA has fought to defend the rights of law-abiding Americans. We are truly grateful for the support of our friends at Knife Rights and their continued contributions to our ongoing efforts to preserve our freedom,” said Jason Ouimet, Executive Director of the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action.”

Ritter noted, “we are indebted to these incredibly talented artisans who contribute their valuable time, talents and materials to support Knife Rights by creating this extraordinary knife.” Each craftsman’s efforts and every component of Freedom’s Steel™ IX – Liberty’s Edge™ Automatic Knife was donated to Knife Rights to support its efforts to defend and enhance our right to own and carry knives as tools used daily by millions of Americans and at times wielded as an “arm” in self-defense.

Freedom’s Steel IX – Liberty’s Edge Automatic Knifewas conceived and sponsored by Knife Rights expressly to benefit NRA-ILA.

Knife Rights sincerely appreciates the generous contributions by the collaborators that allow us to make this donation. Internationally collected and multiple award-winning Texas knifemaker Johnny Stout has crafted a very special version of his renowned “Vaquero” Double Action Switchblade (Automatic Knife) for Knife Rights’ ninth Freedom’s Steel. Dubbed the XXXXX Switchblade, it features elegant engraving and 24K gold inlay by Julie Warenski-Erikson.

The dramatic 3.75-inch trailing point blade was ground from exquisite Feather Pattern Damascus forged by multiple award-winning Master Bladesmith Véronique Laurent. Exhibition grade, museum fit Mammoth Ivory scales, donated by Fine Turnage Productions, finish off the 4.875-inch long handle, for an overall length when open of 8.562 inches. The Titanium liners have been jeweled and hand-fileworked, then anodized. All the fasteners are 24K gold plated.

“Double Action” means that the blade can be deployed automatically with the push of the Mammoth Ivory inlaid 24K Gold button in the handle or the blade can be opened manually using the Mammoth Ivory inlaid 24K Gold thumb stud on the blade if circumstances dictate a less energetic opening of the knife.

Art Knife Invitational member and multiple award-winning Julie Warenski-Erikson’s engraving has raised 24K gold inlays with shadow accenting, scroll leaf engraving and 24K gold beaded borders.

The Collaborators & Donors Knifemaker: Johnny Stout
Engraver: Julie Warenski-Eriksone
Feather Damascus: Véronique Laurent
Fossil Mammoth Ivory: Charles Turnage – Fine Turnage Productions
Photographer: Dirk Loots – Photography by Dirk Loots
Auction: Rock Island Auction Company
Sponsor: Knife Rights
Recipient: NRA Institute for Legislative Action (See details of each collaborator and donor below)

Knifemaker: Johnny Stout, New Braunfels, Texas

After almost a lifetime of being a knife lover and user, both as a sportsman and novice repairman, Johnny began making knives in 1983, and became a full-time maker in 1992. Using ancient and exotic, as well as state of the art, materials, he offers fixed blade designs, as well as many fine folding knives with various locking mechanisms, to include automatic (switchblade) knives. In his one-man shop, each knife is built by solely by Johnny, one at a time, and made from a variety of USA made steels: carbon, stainless, and some of his own pattern welded Damascus, as well as other maker’s specialty Damascus. Johnny remains committed to a highest level of attention to detail that is hard to find in the world today.

Johnny is a member of the American Bladesmith Society and founding member and past President of the Texas Knifemakers and Collectors Association.

For the knife enthusiast that have a desire to build their own knives, Johnny offers three levels of knife instruction: Basic, Advanced, and Fine Folders. If you’d like to cut years off your learning curve, consider one of these classes.

Engraver: Julie Warenski-Erikson, Saint George, Utah

One of America’s preeminent knife engravers, Julie’s career in custom knifemaking began in 1986 when she met Buster Warenski who taught her the art of engraving. She was taking an engraving class, which he taught, and later that year they were married. Within a year Julie was engraving every knife they made and also engraved for many other knifemakers and customers all over the world. Over the years she worked in many areas of knifemaking helping with knife designs and also making many parts of their knives, as well as doing all the embellishment on them. She says, “we had a great marriage and awesome relationship until he was so unexpectedly taken away forever.” (Buster passed away in 2005)

After Buster’s passing, Jule had a strong desire to make knives and continue to make the great art knives that they had worked on, and had a unique partnership with, for the past 20 years. A past student of Buster’s, Curt Erickson, had offered to help teach Julie to grind the way Buster had taught him. Curt was the only person Buster had really tutored in knifemaking and she graciously accepted his offer. After working with Curt and with his help, Julie won the Buster Warenski award for the best Art Knife at the New York knife show in February 2006. Curt and Julie were married in 2006, and now work together.

Feather Damascus for Blade: Véronique Laurent, MS, Brussels, Belgium

Master Bladesmith Véronique Laurent was born in 1968 in Belgium and now resides in Brussels. She notes that, “the United States gave me the chance to make a living as a knifemaker. The NRA stands for freedom and that freedom was welcoming to me.”

Initially, her interest lay in cold iron work, not making knives. But, In 2004 she attended a forging event where the Belgian Knife Society gave knife forging demonstrations and her passion for forging knives was kindled. She took a class from a Belgium bladesmith and he providing additional advice for a period of time. Her partner, Michel, built her a hydraulic press, belt grinder and other knifemaking necessities to continue her bladesmithing journey.

In 2010, a French collector invited her to a gathering of bladesmiths. Laurent met Master Bladesmith Joe Keeslar of the American Bladesmith Society and became excited about their rigorous apprenticeship-based training system. As she relates, “the beauty is that they share all their knowledge. You get all the information you need to move forward. It is very motivating.” After spending two years as an Apprentice Bladesmith, Laurent crossed the Atlantic to attend BLADE Show in Atlanta, Georgia, and passed her Journeyman Bladesmith test in 2013.

A mere two years later in 2015 her growing skill set and passion for excellence allowed her to pass the very demanding Master Bladesmith test. At the time, she became the third female Master Bladesmith and she started knifemaking full time. In 2017, after lessons from a Master Engraver, she started engraving her knives. She produces an average of seven large knives annually. Her knives are in collections all over the world.

In 2019, she generously donated Lady Liberty’s Steel III – Isabel – Freedom’s Web to the NRA Women’s Leadership Forum.

Fossil Mammoth Ivory: Charles Turnage – Fine Turnage Productions, San Antonio, Texas

Designing functional art has been my business for years, but working with wood has been a part of my life for 30 years or so. As a hobby I have built fences, decks, kitchen cabinets, antique replica furniture and more. Growing up as a kid and working with my father who was a landscaper and an uncle who was a carpenter helped me became skillful with my hands. My creativity I owe to God.

I am the author of a book “Turning Beautiful Pens with Charles Turnage” (not yet published) and I wrote an article for Popular Woodworking magazine (Dec. 2002) entitled “Turned Bottle Stoppers” and one for American Woodturner due out September 2003 entitled “Bottle Stoppers”. Some other articles on my work are “Noted with Pleasure” Niche magazine (Winter 2003), “Carving art out of antlers and palm nuts” Sunday Telegram (business section- Dec. 15, 2002), “Turning Time” Worcester Magazine (June 20, 2001) and “Wood Ma.. Fall Show 2000” Wood magazine. I have also been on front cover of Penn State Industries (craft supply catalog) three times. A few other noteworthy accomplishments are I developed Hi-Gloss Project Finish, I designed the Bottle Stopper Lathe Chuck, I redesigned the Wine Bottle Stopper Kit (all for Penn State Indus.) and I designed a jig for getting fine shavings from bone for Etex Corporation.reations, but you can also choose from carvings and artwork by gifted craftsmen and women from around the state and choose from our selection of quality ulus made right in the store.

For the custom knife maker and carver, we have hundreds of natural materials, horns, antler, fossil ivory, mammoth teeth, exotic hardwoods and minerals from around the world.

Photographer: Dirk Loots – Dirk Loots Photography, Cumming, Georgia

Dirk Loots is a South African born knifemaker now living and working in Cumming, Georgia. His knife-making journey began in 2011 after taking a course in South Africa that taught him the possibilities of knives as an art form. By 2016, Dirk had become quite accomplished and entered the high-end “functional-art” market; whereby he immediately garnered the attention and respect of some of the finest knife makers in the world.

In addition to knives, Dirk is also an accomplished photographer. He was renowned in his home country as the preeminent photographer of master knifemakers in South Africa. Dirk has had the pleasure of working with phenomenal artisans from across the globe and his photography skills are available to other knifemakers upon request.

Auction: Rock Island Auction Company.
www.rockislandauction.com

Hornady Fulfills Additional DoD Contract for 6mm ARC

Hornady Fulfills Additional DoD Contract for 6mm ARC

From Hornady

A specialized group from the U.S. Department of Defense has purchased an additional amount of 6mm ARC ammunition from Hornady for its multipurpose combat rifle program.

The 6mm ARC is a truly versatile cartridge that maximizes the potential of the AR-15 platform. This new cartridge delivers less felt recoil than larger short action based cartridges, yet takes full advantage of modern, heavy for caliber 6mm bullets that provide excellent accuracy and ballistic performance at extended range.

The 6mm ARC delivers substantially better ballistics than the 5.56 NATO with similar recoil and yet delivers comparable ballistics to the venerable 308 Winchester with 30% less weight on both firearms platform and ammunition.

Hornady only introduced the 6 mm ARC to consumers last month. Here are the details. More information can be found at hornady.com/6mmARC.

Streamlight ProTac 90X USB

Streamlight ProTac 90X USB

From Streamlight

Streamlight, a leading provider of high-performance lighting, introduced ProTac 90X USB, a multi-fuel right-angle light that offers up to 1,000 lumens and features a 900 head for multiple lighting needs.

The latest addition to the ProTac series of tactical lights is a complete rechargeable system that includes a Streamlight SL-B26™ protected Li-Ion USB rechargeable battery pack with an integrated micro-USB port and a charging cord. A ProTac® 90X with two CR123A batteries also is available. This multi-fuel capability enables users to charge the light on the go or insert cell batteries when a charging source is unavailable.

“The combination of its 900 head, powerful light output and multiple attachment methods battery make the ProTac 90X USB our brightest and most versatile everyday carry light available,” said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. “Its multi-fuel battery technology gives users the ability to power and recharge through convenient USB recharging or via disposable batteries, making it the ideal choice for tactical, first responder, outdoor and other users when conducting maneuvers or search operations, or performing other tasks under low light conditions.”

The versatile new light can be used either as a handheld light or attached to MOLLE, belts, harnesses and other gear for hands-free use. When using the SL-B26 USB LI-Ion battery pack, the ProTac 90X USB delivers 1,000 lumens and runs for one hour and 45 minutes on high. It also provides 1,000 lumens and a run time of two hours and 30 minutes on the high setting when using CR123A batteries.

Featuring a multi-function, push button switch, the light is made from 6000 series machined aluminum with a Type II MIL-Spec anodized finish. Measuring just 4.39 inches long, the ProTac 90X USB weighs 4.9 ounces with the included Streamlight USB Li-Ion battery, while the ProTac 90X model weighs 4.4 ounces with two included CR123A batteries.

The light features an IPX7-rated design that makes it waterproof to one meter for 30 minutes. It also is impact-resistant tested to 2 meters.

Available in black, the ProTac 90X USB and ProTac 90X have MSRPs of $115.00 and $100.00, respectively. Both come with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

The company also has a new Duty Ready Stinger 2020 available.

Ruger Reports Big Q2 Increases, Declares $5 Special Dividend

From Ruger

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) announced today that for the second quarter of 2020 the Company reported net sales of $130.3 million and diluted earnings of $1.05 per share, compared with net sales of $96.3 million and diluted earnings of 35¢ per share in the second quarter of 2019.

For the six months ended June 27, 2020, net sales were $253.9 million and diluted earnings were $1.91 per share. For the corresponding period in 2019, net sales were $210.4 million and diluted earnings were $1.09 per share.

The Company also announced today that its Board of Directors declared two dividends:

•a quarterly dividend of 42¢ per share based on the results of the second quarter, and

•a special dividend of $5.00 per share.

Both dividends are for shareholders of record as of August 14, 2020, and are payable on August 28, 2020.

Chief Executive Officer Christopher J. Killoy commented on the $5.00 per share special dividend, “Given our strong operational and financial performance, including our consistently positive cashflow, and our current cash balance of $227 million, we are returning some of our cash to shareholders. Our remaining cash holdings will allow us to continue to invest in capital expenditures in support of our commitment to new product development and innovation, maintain our quarterly dividend, and pursue opportunities that would further generate shareholder value.”

Mr. Killoy commented on the financial results for the second quarter of 2020, “Consumer demand, which began to surge in the latter stages on the first quarter, continued to intensify in the second quarter. This increased demand appears to be driven, in part, by concerns about personal protection and home defense stemming from the continuing COVID-19 pandemic; protests, demonstrations, and civil unrest in many cities throughout the United States; and the call, by some, for the reduction in funding and authority of various law enforcement organizations. As a result of this oversized demand, inventories were significantly reduced at all levels in the channel during the second quarter.”

Mr. Killoy commented on the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Company, “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cast uncertainty throughout the global economy. Nevertheless, any adverse financial impact on our business resulting from COVID-19 was negligible in the second quarter of 2020. Since its onset in March, we have remained proactive in maintaining the health and safety of our employees during this pandemic and mitigating its impact on our business. For example, we suspended hiring from March until June, when we were confident that we could resume onboarding in a safe and responsible manner for all involved. The future impact of COVID-19 remains unknown. We have been fortunate to have only limited restrictions on our operations thus far. Our financial strength, evidenced by our debt-free balance sheet, provides financial security and flexibility as we continue to manage through this crisis.”

Mr. Killoy made the following observations related to the Company’s second quarter 2020 performance:

The estimated unit sell-through of the Company’s products from the independent distributors to retailers increased 47% in the first half of 2020 compared to the prior year period. For the same period, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) background checks (as adjusted by the National Shooting Sports Foundation) increased 65%. These substantial increases are attributable to increased consumer demand for firearms in the first half of 2020.

Sales of new products, including the Wrangler, the Ruger-57, the LCP II in .22 LR, the PC Charger, and the AR-556 pistol, represented $48 million or 21% of firearm sales in the first half of 2020. New product sales include only major new products that were introduced in the past two years.

During the second quarter of 2020, the Company’s finished goods inventory decreased 20,800 units and distributor inventories of the Company’s products decreased 106,500 units. In the aggregate, total Company and distributor inventories decreased by 57% during the quarter.

Cash provided by operations during the first half of 2020 was $78.1 million. At June 27, 2020, our cash and short-term investments totaled $226.6 million. Our current ratio is 3.9 to 1 and we have no debt.

In the first half of 2020, capital expenditures totaled $5.9 million. We expect our 2020 capital expenditures to total approximately $20 million, most of which relate to new product introductions.

In the first half of 2020, the Company returned $9.3 million to its shareholders through the payment of dividends.

At June 27, 2020, stockholders’ equity was $311.5 million, which equates to a book value of $17.80 per share, of which $12.95 per share was cash and short-term investments.

And if you’re a relatively new gun owner, here are 3 things you probably didn’t know about Ruger. Bear in mindnot all gun companies are this healthy financially healthy, even with the current upswing in sales. Remington filed for bankruptcy protection this week.

Fiocchi Announces Major Industrial Expansion in Arkansas

Fiocchi Announces Major Industrial Expansion in Arkansas

From Fiocchi USA

Fiocchi, a global leader in defensive, target, and hunting ammunition, is pleased to announce plans for a significant investment in a new, independent manufacturing facility in Little Rock, Arkansas. This plan is part of an ongoing strategic initiative by Fiocchi of America and the Italy-based Fiocchi Group to expand its U.S. and international operations.

Establishment of the new industrial platform follows Fiocchi’s recent infrastructure and proprietary technology acquisitions — all of which are intended to significantly broaden the company’s manufacturing capabilities in response to increased demand and projected growth trends.

“We are excited to start this new chapter of Fiocchi’s history here in Arkansas,” said Anthony Acitelli, President and CEO for Fiocchi of America. “The plant is a state-of-the-art production facility that will be instrumental in offering our customers premium products and unparalleled service levels.”

The Little Rock, AR, initiative will operate in tandem with Fiocchi’s long-established ammunition manufacturing facility based in Ozark, Missouri.

“Fiocchi identified Arkansas as a primary target for its expansion based on the skilled labor of the state, business climate, and geographic location. This investment is a unique opportunity for Fiocchi” said Jared Smith, Fiocchi’s General Manager. Smith also mentioned that the company will be tapping local and regional talent to fulfil multi-discipline hiring needs. The initial hiring of around 85 skilled employees will be followed by additional workforce increases as the operation reaches capacity potential.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Fiocchi to Arkansas,” said Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson. “One of my goals as governor has been to increase foreign direct investment in the state, and this is a great example of what can happen when the state and local partners work together to nurture relationships with current and prospective leaders across the globe. I look forward to watching Fiocchi grow and prosper here.”

In addition to manufacturing ammunition for law enforcement, personal defense, target, training, and hunting applications, Fiocchi is a leading manufacturer of cartridge components used around the world. The new expansion initiative is a positive signal for the broader shooting and sporting communities.

Remington Files for Bankruptcy Protection

CNN and the New York Times are reporting that Remington has filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time in two years. The news outlets indicate the Chapter 11 paperwork was officially submitted to court in Decatur, AL.

The news doesn’t come as a surprise. The Wall Street Journal reported late last month that Remington “…is preparing to file for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time since 2018 and is in advanced talks for potential bankruptcy sale to the Navajo Nation…” The information was provided by an undisclosed source close to the development.

According to todays New York Times story, though, “Remington has been in search of potential buyers and had been in talks with Navajo Nation to acquire it out of bankruptcy, but the negotiations collapsed in recent weeks, leaving the company without a bidder as it goes through reorganization.”

Remington is one of the nation’s most storied firearm manufacturers and is more than 200 years old. It was acquired in 2007 by Cerebus—a private-equity investment group—and added to its stable of firearm-related companies that ultimately grew to include legends in the industry. Then in March 2018 Remington filed its first Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection request. Its books were nearly $1 billion in the red. It emerged quickly, in May 2018, after reaching an agreement with creditors that ultimately removed Cerebus from management.

One of the first signals of its latest financial challenges surfaced last year, when Remington lost $3 million in incentives that Alabama provided to convince the company to move manufacturing to the state. According to AL.com, the decision was made because the company, “…failed to meet hiring and payroll targets at its Huntsville plant…”

The Navajo Nation made a $475 to $525 million offer to purchase Remington during the first bankruptcy proceeding, according to the New York Times. Company officials indicated they weren’t entertaining outside offers at the time, although the Indian Tribe’s long-term plans may’ve played a bigger role—stopping production of AR-15s for civilian sales, concentration on military and police sales where contracts often dictate minority-owned-business preference and investment of profits into development of “smart guns.” Production would also move to the Southwest.

Meanwhile, business is flourishing over at Ruger.