Winchester, the Official Ammunition of SCTP

From the Scholastic Clay Target Program

At a time when supporting the youth shooting sports could not be more important, Winchester continues as the official ammunition of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP), showing a strong commitment to thousands of young athletes and coaches around the country.

“Youth shooting sports participation through the SCTP has exploded over the past decade thanks to the organization’s tremendous leadership and coaches and parents who are dedicated to the program,” said Matt Campbell, vice president of sales and marketing for Winchester Ammunition. “We are extremely proud to align our legendary brand with SCTP and provide extensive support that will continue to strengthen their mission.”

Led by over 3,500 coaches, more than 18,000 young athletes compete through SCTP, which is part of the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF), an educational-athletic organization that exists to introduce school-age youths to the shooting sports and to facilitate their continued involvement.

Winchester also stakes claim as the official ammunition of the SCTP International Team, which is comprised of the top 15 SCTP youth shooters across the country in the international disciplines.

“The overall support provided by Winchester Ammunition is unprecedented and certainly appreciated,” said Tom Wondrash, SCTP national executive director. “Our athletes and coaches on the SCTP International Team are excited to have the Winchester Ammunition brand and products as part of the team’s events. We greatly value the support of Winchester Ammunition and depend on it in order to continue reaching youth and recruiting them into the shooting sports.”

Winchester worked with SCTP in 2020 to create a new discounted shotshell purchase program, available only to SCTP Teams. Teams that would like to participate in future purchase programs should contact their SCTP representative or watch for upcoming announcements through SCTP communications. Watch for this and other very exciting offers coming your way this summer through SCTP membership

Mega-Gun Companies

Mega-gun companies are here, spawning new appendages that draw on strength in their corporate DNA to supplement, strengthen and improve the performance of each limb. All began small, but continue to grow at a furious rate.

The species has been around for years so you can come out from under the covers. Without knowing it, you’ve reaped the benefits of the competition-driven organisms with every visit to the gun store, where new and improved products regularly appear, distribution is streamlined and prices remain stable, despite Wall Street’s roller coaster.

They’re a product of slow and methodical growth, with long-term tactics planned to such an extreme that they often seem to move at glacial speed. The best time to catch a glimpse is when firearm industry sales are scalding hot, like now.

SIG Sauer

SIG Sauer, for example, has a legacy of producing fine guns that stretches back into the 19th century, when a trio of Swiss businessmen founded a wagon company overlooking the Rhine River. Nearly 10 years later, it dabbled with and landed a government firearm contract.

The adaptable, arguably genetic, attitude served the company well as it came to American shores in 1985, launched the SIG Sauer Academy and captured law enforcement and military contracts. Today, “…nearly one in three law enforcement professionals use SIG Sauer firearms,” according to the company website. “We are proud that many elite military and government forces including the U.S. Navy SEALs, the Federal Air Marshals, the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Coast Guard carry SIG Sauer firearms,” said Ron Cohen, President and CEO of the firm.

SIG Sauer’s growth pedal is floored right now. In 2015 the company officially launched an ammunition line it built from scratch. “It’s just not the way we do it,” Bud Fini, SIG Sauer Vice President of Marketing said when asked if it wouldn’t have been easier to just purchase an established company. “We build it and design it from the ground up. We don’t want someone else’s business, we want SIG business.”  

The effort was three years in the making. “We brought Dan Powers on board in 2012 to begin managing the design phase of the bullet that would become the V-Crown,” Fini said. Sales are so brisk that SIG Sauer is in negotiations with Jacksonville, AR, to purchase a facility for production there, and it’s little wonder with Powers—a well-known industry veteran who designed and patented a frangible bullet—calling the shots.  

SIG’s suppressor lineup also rolled out in 2015, and there’s no ignoring its new Electro Optics, which harness the talents of 12 engineers and another industry pro, Andy York. “We have more engineers on staff than our top competitors combined,” Fini said. Then there’s the identical weight and manual-of-arms Air Gun line.

The growth is good news for the economy. Roughly 98 percent of everything from the company is produced in America, but by the end of 2016, “….every product will be made here in the United States,” according to Fini. When Cohen took over, he had 75 employees. “Everybody else has exported jobs,” Fini added, explaining SIG Sauer now has more than one thousand staff members in its main, New Hampshire, facility alone.

Ruger, Hornady, S&W

Ruger’s also no stranger to expansion, although it’s the most calculated in doing so among major makers. Its unique investment-casting process was once churning out golf clubs. So it comes as no surprise the company recently unveiled a .22-caliber suppressor—the Silent-SR, designed and produced by the company—and ARX Ammunition, licensed and produced by PolyCase Ammunition.

Reloading supplies and ammunition may be Hornady’s best known fodder, but it also offers safe and vault security devices, including the very popular RAPiD Safes. And, Smith & Wesson’s long-established handcuff line isn’t exclusively restraining criminals.

Acquisitional Growth

Mega-gun companies don’t always grow organically, though. Remington joined the ranks through the acquisition of DPMS Panther Arms, Marlin, Bushmaster, AAC, Barnes Bullets and many more. Another variation on the theme was born when Vista Outdoor retained Federal Premium, Bushnell, Blackhawk, CCI, etc., after it split from ATK.

It may sound ominous, but the growth of a “species” so driven to increase efficiency and improve design in an effort to gain market share means lower prices for shooters and better products. That doesn’t signal the end of small, one-man businesses, either. Quality is always in demand. Keep producing it long enough, enthusiasts take note and things begin to grow.  

5.11 To Donate to National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

From 5.11 Tactical

5.11. announced yesterday it will be donating up to $25,000 to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) from the proceeds of the brand’s limited edition “Honor Those Who Serve” patch. Additionally, the company is a sponsor of the NLEOMF Virtual Candlelight Vigil, which will take place on Wednesday May 13. The donation and sponsorship are two of several activaties 5.11 has executed honoring first responders during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The “Honor Those Who Serve” patch was launched during National Police Week 2020, which began May 10. The patch features a thin blue line and eagle—both symbols honoring law enforcement officers everywhere. One hundred percent of the net proceeds of the patch will be donated to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, up to $25,000. The patch can be purchased online as well as at 5.11 retail stores across the country.

“We are honored to be working with the Memorial Fund to support law enforcement officers nationwide through our donation as well as the candlelight vigil later this week,” said 5.11 Chief Executive Officer Francisco J. Morales. “We appreciate all of our first responders, and especially law enforcement officers more than ever during this year’s National Police Week as our nation navigates the unprecedented times of the coronavirus pandemic. Our gratitude for our police force has never been greater and our support of the Memorial Fund will impact so many officers and their families.”

This year, 307 names will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. Due to the cancellation of public gatherings surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, this National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Candlelight Vigil will be streamed via live webcast on Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST and available for anyone to join. To register for updates on the Candlelight Vigil and to light a virtual candle, please click here.

“We are grateful for 5.11, their partnership and generosity over the years,” said National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund CEO Marcia Ferranto. “Partners like 5.11 allow us to properly recognize and honor the men and women and their families who make the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and communities. The importance of saluting these individuals is greater than ever as we’ve come to ask more than ever from our officers and their families.”

5.11 also recently expanded its Everyday Hero program and donations.

NRA National Silhouette Championships Canceled

From NRA Public Affairs

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the many ensuing federal and state safety regulations and mandates, the Ridgway Rifle Club has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 NRA National Silhouette Championships which was to be held July – August 2020 at the Ridgway Rifle Club in Ridgway, Pennsylvania.

The NRA and the Ridgway Rifle Club share your disappointment that these competitions had to be cancelled.

A decision regarding the 2021 NRA National Silhouette Championship dates and location(s) will be announced later this year. The NRA and the Ridgway Rifle Club wishes everyone good health and the best of luck. For more information please visit https://competitions.nra.org.

Federal Ammunition, QDMA Announce Dedicated Partnership

From Federal Ammunition

Federal Ammunition is proud to announce a strong promotional partnership with the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA). The arrangement includes key representation at QDMA’s national Field to Fork events slated for Georgia in October and Texas planned for December 2020.

“We are excited to have Federal as a Field to Fork sponsor providing high quality ammunition for our program needs,” said QDMA Assistant Director of Hunting Heritage Programs Hank Forester. “We’ve been amazed how quickly our Field to Fork hunters become diligent consumers of hunting equipment and how they remain loyal not only to the brands their taught with but to trusted advice from mentors. We’re happy to introduce these new hunters with American-made Federal Ammunition.”

Quality Deer Management Association has more than 60,000 members in all 50 states. They are dedicated to ensuring the future of white-tailed deer, wildlife habitat and our hunting heritage. QDMA’s Field to Fork is a food-focused hunter recruitment program for adults from non-hunting backgrounds where participants engage in a season-long mentored hunting program that would teach them how to hunt and acquire a wild, healthy, local, sustainable source of food on their own.

“QDMA’s Field to Fork is an industry-leading, food-focused hunter recruitment program. Choosing to use Federal’s reliable Non-Typical ammo at these events will provide the participants with a great bullet,” said Federal’s Director of Rifle Ammunition Mike Holm. “They will benefit from the accurate, soft-point bullet design and consistent components used in this load. It offers performance they can rely on. Plus, everyone will appreciate the red-white-and-blue, prideful packaging.”

The soft-shooting yet hard-hitting performance of the 7 mm-08 Rem. cartridge has now been optimized for whitetails as a new option in the Federal Non-Typical line. Like all Non-Typical loads, the 7 mm-08 Rem. uses a specially designed soft-point bullet with a concentric jacket to provide tag-filling accuracy and consistent, lethal wound channels on any whitetail.

Vista Outdoor Quarterly Report

From Vista Outdoor

Vista Outdoor Inc. on Friday reported operating results for the fourth quarter and full Fiscal Year 2020, which ended on March 31, 2020, provided an update on its business operations and announced a realignment of its reporting segments to better reflect the Company’s strategic focus.

“Our results exceeded our expectations for the fourth quarter and full fiscal year,” said Chris Metz, Vista Outdoor Chief Executive Officer. “In this challenging environment brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, we delivered strong financial performance, met our revenue expectations, and exceeded our expectations for adjusted EPS and free cash flow. Overall, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations in the fourth quarter was minimal.  We experienced stronger than expected demand in many of our categories, including commercial ammunition, bicycle helmets and accessories, and outdoor cooking.  Looking forward, we believe that our stronger operating fundamentals, improved balance sheet and financial flexibility will help us respond to this uncertain environment and seize opportunities where they arise.”

“As many of our operations are designated as essential by the US government, the health and safety of our employees remains our first and foremost focus.  I would like to thank every Vista Outdoor employee for their incredible efforts during these unprecedented times and for their commitment to a founder’s mentality and to Vista Outdoor’s mission to bring the world outside.  Our teams have worked tirelessly to safeguard the health of our employees, support customer demand, and deliver on our strategic priorities.  Vista Outdoor has deep experience navigating, adapting to and overcoming challenges,” said Metz.

Fiscal Year 2020
In the second quarter of FY20, Vista Outdoor completed the sale of its firearms business [Editor’s note: the company is Savage Arms] for $170 million. The completion of this divestiture was a critical step in the Company’s strategic portfolio reshaping and allowed the Company to further paydown debt and free up capital to invest in product categories where the Company believes it can be a market leader.

The Company modified its segment reporting to better reflect its strategic focus. The Company’s two new reportable segments are Shooting Sports and Outdoor Products.  The Shooting Sports reporting segment consists of the Company’s Ammunition and Hunting and Shooting Accessories business units, which include the Company’s Federal, CCI, Speer ammunition brands, as well as Bushnell Optics, Primos, Bblackhawk and Eagle hunting and shooting-related brands, among others. The Outdoor Products reporting segment consists of the Company’s Action Sports and Outdoor Recreation business units, which include the Company’s Bell/Giro, CamelBak, Camp Chef and Bushnell Golf brands, among others. The Company’s reported fourth quarter and full year FY20 results reflect these two new reporting segments.  To assist in the analysis and understanding of the new segment structure, the Company is providing selected recast financial data for the fourth quarter and full year of 2020, 2019 and 2018 in its earnings presentation slides, available on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website, reflecting the new reporting segments.  These changes have no impact on the Company’s previously reported consolidated balance sheet, statement of income, or cash flows.

For the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2020

  • Sales were $426 million, down 17 percent from the prior year quarter, or down 8 percent adjusted for the sale of the firearms business in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020. The decline in our organic business was due to a large international order in the prior year quarter, and lower sales in hydration and hunting and shooting accessories in the quarter.
  • Gross profit was $84.6 million, down 15 percent from the prior year quarter. Adjusted gross profit was $85.4 million, down 17 percent from the prior year quarter, or down 3 percent adjusted for the sale of firearms, due to lower volumes. The adjusted organic gross profit margin increased by 116 bps from the prior year quarter.
  • Operating expenses were $232 million, compared with $136 million in the prior year quarter. Adjusted operating expenses were $74 million, compared with $92 million in the prior year quarter, and down 12 percent adjusted for the sale of firearms, due to benefits from cost savings initiatives and lower overall selling costs.
  • Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) was $(147) million, compared with $(36) million in the prior year quarter. Adjusted EBIT was $11.1 million, or up 4 percent, compared with $10.7 million in the prior year quarter, and was up 237 percent on an organic basis adjusted for the sale of firearms, due to increased efficiency and cost savings initiatives.
  • Interest expense decreased to $7 million, compared with $11 million in the prior year quarter, due to overall lower debt balance, and overall lower interest rate.
  • Tax rate was 9 percent, compared with (3) percent in the prior year quarter. The tax variance is due to the impact of the nondeductible goodwill impairment charge and change in valuation allowance. The adjusted tax rate was (56) percent, compared with 170 percent in the prior year quarter. The adjusted tax variance is due to the release of uncertain tax positions in the current period and the impact of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).
  • Fully diluted earnings per share (EPS) was $(2.44), compared with $(0.84) in the prior year quarter, due to a goodwill and indefinite lived intangible asset impairment charges of $156 million recognized in the fourth quarter, and an impairment charge of $36 million on held for sale assets in the prior year quarter. Adjusted EPS was $0.11, compared with $0.01 in the prior year quarter, primarily due to a customer bankruptcy related write-off the Company recorded in the prior year quarter, the benefit of cost savings initiatives, and a favorable tax rate.

For the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2020 Operating Segment Results

Shooting Sports

  • Sales were $295 million, down 21 percent from the prior year quarter, or down 8 percent over the prior year quarter adjusted for the sale of firearms.
  • Gross profit was $54 million, down 17 percent from the prior year quarter, up 8 percent adjusted for the sale of firearms. The gross profit margin was 18 percent, a 70 bps increase compared with the prior year quarter, and was up 270 bps from the prior year quarter adjusted for the sale of firearms.
  • EBIT was $22 million, up 26 percent from the prior year quarter, and was up 116 percent from the prior year quarter adjusted for the sale of firearms.

Outdoor Products

  • Sales were $132 million, down 9 percent from the prior year quarter, due to continued lower demand across the segment for the majority of the quarter and headwinds in the retail channel as a result of COVID-19 related restrictions, partially offset by increased demand in bicycle helmets and accessories and outdoor cooking near the end of the quarter.
  • Gross profit was $32 million, down 16 percent from the prior year quarter. Gross profit margin was 24 percent, down 224 bps from the prior year quarter.
  • EBIT was $4 million, down 49 percent compared with the prior year quarter.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020

  • Sales were $1.76 billion, down 15 percent from the prior fiscal year, and down 5 percent adjusted for divested businesses, due to a large international order in the prior year and lower demand for hunting and shooting accessories and in the Outdoor Products segment throughout the year.
  • Gross profit was $359 million, down 14 percent from the prior fiscal year. Adjusted gross profit was $360 million, compared with $432 million in the prior fiscal year, due to the sale of firearms, increased promotional activity and lower sales volumes in Outdoor Products. The adjusted organic gross profit margin increased by 62 bps compared to the prior fiscal year.
  • Operating expenses were $491 million, compared with $1.03 billion in the prior fiscal year. The decrease was due to goodwill, intangible and held for sale asset impairment charges of $621 million recognized in the prior fiscal year, and goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles asset impairment charges of $156 million recognized in the current fiscal year. Adjusted operating expenses were $314 million compared with $371 million in the prior fiscal year, or down 6 percent adjusted for the sale of firearms, due to benefits of cost savings initiatives and lower overall selling costs.
  • EBIT was $(132) million, compared with $(617) million from the prior fiscal year. Adjusted organic EBIT was $45 million, or up 41 percent, compared with $32 million from the prior fiscal year.
  • Interest expense was $39 million, compared with $57 million in the prior fiscal year. Adjusted interest expense was $35 million, or down 33 percent, compared to $51 million in the prior fiscal year, due to an overall lower average interest rate and lower debt balance.
  • Tax rate was 9 percent, compared with 4 percent in the prior fiscal year. The adjusted tax rate was (22) percent, compared with 14 percent in the prior fiscal year. The tax variance is due to the release of uncertain tax positions in the current period and the impact of the CARES Act.
  • EPS was $(2.68), compared with $(11.27) in the prior fiscal year. Adjusted EPS was $0.24, or up 71 percent, compared with $0.14 in the prior fiscal year, due to benefits from cost savings initiatives and a favorable tax rate.
  • Cash flow provided by operating activities was $77 million, compared to $97 million in the prior fiscal year. Free cash flow generation was $59 million, compared to $79 million in the prior fiscal year, due to overall improved cash management activities and net working capital efficiencies.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020 Operating Segment Results

Shooting Sports

  • Sales were $1.19 billion, down 16 percent from the prior fiscal year, or down 5 percent over the prior fiscal year adjusted for the sale of firearms.
  • Gross profit was $211 million, down 16 percent from the prior fiscal year, up 1 percent adjusted for the sale of firearms. The gross profit margin was 18 percent, and was flat to the prior fiscal year, and was up 99 bps from the prior fiscal year adjusted for the sale of firearms.
  • EBIT was $80 million, or down 12 percent from the prior fiscal year, and was up 16 percent when compared with the prior year adjusted for the sale of firearms.

Outdoor Products

  • Sales were $567 million, down 13 percent from the prior fiscal year, and excluding the results from the Company’s eyewear business unit, which was divested in the second quarter of fiscal year 2019, sales were down 5 percent over the prior fiscal year.
  • Gross profit was $149 million, down 17 percent from the prior fiscal year, and down 5 percent excluding the results from eyewear. The gross profit margin was 26 percent, down 143 bps from the prior fiscal year, and was flat compared with the prior fiscal year, adjusted for the sale of eyewear.
  • EBIT was $30 million, down 14 percent from the prior fiscal year, and was up 5 percent adjusted for the sale of eyewear.

ATF Guidance on Expired Driver’s Licenses During COVID-19

From NSSF

During the current COVID-19 pandemic there have been instances when purchasers have presented a driver’s license as their government issued photographic ID that expired during the declared emergency. In these instances, the customer typically cannot renew their driver’s license because their state’s department of motor vehicle (DMV) is not renewing or issuing driver’s licenses during the emergency. However, state officials have publicly declared that these driver’s licenses remain valid until a later date when the state will begin issuing and renewing licenses.  

The question has come up whether in this situation the facially expired driver’s license can be accepted by the retailer. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) actually provided relevant guidance on this issue in a June of 2010 ATF Newsletter, stating:

There has also been some confusion over whether an expired driver’s license can satisfy the [Gun Control Act] requirement. If the law of the State that issued the driver’s license provides that a driver’s license is valid after the expiration date, either for a certain period of time or for a certain category of persons, such as military personnel, then the license qualifies as a valid identification document for [Gun Control Act] purposes for that period of time or for that class of persons. This will not be a common occurrence. If you are not certain of the validity of an expired license in your State, we suggest you contact your State’s Department of Motor Vehicles. If you are still uncertain about the validity and acceptance of an expired license for [Gun Control Act] purposes, contact your local ATF office.
 
Please view ATF guidance here, at page 4.
 
If you encounter this situation, NSSF® recommends that you make a photocopy of your customer’s driver’s license and the supporting documentation from the state’s DMV website that documents that licenses expiring after the start of the declared emergency remain valid for a period of time (that should always include the date of the sale) and permanently attach them to the Form 4473.  We also recommend that you contact your local ATF office for guidance. If you receive contrary guidance from ATF, please direct the IOI to the June of 2010 ATF Newsletter.  

Expired Concealed Carry Permit – Please note, however, that an expired concealed carry permit will not qualify as Brady Alternate for purposes of a transfer, even if the state has said the permit is still valid for concealed carry during the COVID-19 emergency. This is because the Brady Act specifies that the permit must not have been issued more than five years earlier. 18 USC 922(t)(3); 27 CFR § 478.102(d). The customer can still purchase the firearm after a regular background check.

History of Winchester

Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress

When Theodore Roosevelt and his Rough Riders scaled the heights of San Juan Hill in 1898 the feat captured the entire nation’s imagination. Diplomatic relations were a “mite” strained during his trip, and his officers armed themselves with the best guns available at the time—Winchester Model 1895s. Teddy would have been holding his rifle for that famous summit picture, were it not for the fact he loaned it to another soldier for the assault, and the “endorsement” helped launch a 150-year history of Winchester.

Three years later Roosevelt was in the White House, safely under the newly formed Secret Service presidential security blanket, but still proudly telling the world, “The Winchester…is by all odds the best weapon I ever had, and now I use it almost exclusively…” The statement leaves little doubt as to what would have happened to home invaders who managed to get into his Pennsylvania Avenue address in D.C.

History of Winchester

For 150 years, Winchester Repeating Arms has been an integral part of America’s history. The name oozes frontier spirit and wears a hard-earned reputation for reliability, a legacy that began long before Roosevelt’s.

On May 22, 1866, barely 12 months after the Civil War ended, Oliver F. Winchester established Winchester Repeating Arms in New Haven, CT. The first firearm to wear the company name—the lever-action Model 1866 “Yellow Boy”—rolled out of the factory the same year.

Then came the lever-action Winchester Model 1873 that “Won the West” with fast follow-up shots, flawless action and .44-40 WCF (Winchester Centerfire) chambering. The company’s first bolt-action rifle was produced the same year John Moses Browning began work at the company, 1883, and it wasn’t long until the firm’s cumulative engineering genius was churning out classics like models 1887, 1890, 1894 and 1895. Unfortunately, Winchester died three years before Browning’s arrival and never witnessed his company’s prolific production.

Post World War I Trouble

When World War I began, Winchester Repeating Arms geared up and manufactured a half million U.S. Model 1917 Enfields chambered in .30 ’06 Sprg., 47,000 BARs (which Browning was working on while at the company) and 870 million cartridges. After the war, though, paying back the loans required for expansion proved to be an unsurmountable hurdle, despite efforts to press machinery into service by making knives, refrigerators and roller skates, among other items.

Then the Great Depression hit, the company wound up in receivership and was purchased by Western Cartridge Company—owned by the Olin family—in 1931. In 1935, the firms merged to form Winchester-Western and later became a division of Olin Industries. The introduction of the first Model 70 and its legendary controlled-round feeding in 1936 highlights the fact that the new management didn’t hamper innovation.

World War II stuck shortly after, and again production had to answer the call. During hostilities, the company cranked out more than 15 billion cartridges, 800,000 M1 Carbines, and 1/2 million M1 Garands, a firearm Gen. George S. Patton would claim is “…the greatest battle implement ever devised.”

Employee Ownership and Beyond

A bitter strike at the New Haven, CT, plant began in 1979. In the early 1980s the company became employee owned—for the first time in the history of Winchester—under the U.S. Repeating Arms to continue manufacturing firearms under a license with Olin. Ultimately, financial difficulties resulted in FNH taking over the helm in 1989.

Despite the changes, the more than 150-year history of Winchester still lives and thrives. The .300 Win. Mag. cartridge Winchester Ammunition designed in 1963 continues to make long-distance connections in the Sandbox. To date, the company has manufactured more than two billion rounds of ammunition for our nation’s warfighters to combat terrorism and big-game hunters still rely on the company’s older products, including the flat-shooting .270 Win. (introduced in 1925) and the lobbier .30-30 Win. (1895).

“Winchester is a brand at the very core of the shooting sports and hunting heritage and it’s humbling to know we have helped write history,” said Brett Flaugher, Winchester Ammunition vice president of marketing, sales and strategy. “Our brand is built on integrity, hard work and a deep focus on its most loyal customers. With a deep emphasis on innovative products, the Winchester brand remains one of the most recognized and respected brands around the world.”

*Here’s a close look at another legend, Remington, a familiar name with enthusiasts for more than 200 years.

200 Years—Unofficial History of Remington

Photos by Guy J. Sagi, logo courtesy of Remington

Eliphalet Remington and the trio of sons who helped pour the foundation for two centuries of firearms bearing their name probably wouldn’t recognize the M40 and M24 families of sniper-rifles that have performed so well in the hands of the United States Marine Corps and U.S. Army. The R-15 and R-25 would add to the confusion, although the barrels would the tip-off them off, partly because that’s where the history of Remington begins.

Memories get fuzzy in 200 years, so there are more legends as to how the company started in the Mohawk River Valley than Model 700 flavors available today. One version has it Eliphalet senior—a blacksmith—sent junior to order a barrel for a flintlock he was building, but told him to learn how it’s done before he returned. The pair mastered the process, the youngster took second place in a shooting competition with one of their early rifles and came home with a bunch of orders.

Another popular history of Remington claims Eliphalet II somehow managed to forge his own barrel, had it rifled by someone else, completed the flintlock and, naturally, those figurative cash registers started to ring. “The History of Manufacturers in the United States,” by J. Leander Bishop, cites an 1820 census, though, that indicates no complete guns were coming out of the firm at the time. Barrels, however, were.

Different Names

The company name and management has been through quite a few “iterations” in the 200 year history of Remington. It began as E. Remington in 1816, then E. Remington & Son and finally E. Remington & Sons as his three boys joined the firm. Then the company sold to owners who controlled United Metallic Cartridge (U.M.C.) in 1888—taking the family out of the business—and operated as Remington Arms. Operations consolidated 1912 with the change to Remington U.M.C. Chemical giant DuPont owned the company for a while, then an investment firm, and finally Cerberus Capitol Management purchased it in 2007 and moved it into its Freedom Group.

Regardless of iteration, though, the Remington name has always been prominent with firearm enthusiasts. Part of the family’s early success in the history of Remington was an undying dedication to quality and innovation. The management style, according to Roy Marcot in his book “The History of Remington Firearms,” featured, “….organizational principles anticipated by more than 100 years of the ‘quality team’ concepts so familiar to us today.” New ideas were encouraged from anyone within or outside the company. During this time, the firm introduced cast steel barrels, enhanced the interchangeable-parts concept of manufacturing, produced the first typewriters (more than 2,500 a year at one point), made sewing machines and somehow still managed to crank out 144,000 revolvers, 12,500 rifles, 20,000 carbines and 40,000 muskets during the Civil War.

Remington filed more than 1,000 patents between 1914 and 1948.

There’s no doubt that attitude, and long-term approach, is one of the primary reasons the Remington Model 700 became the “foundation” for many of nation’s sniper rifle systems. Rather than join the chorus praises, we’ll leave it to an expert like Chris Kyle. His comments on the .300 Win. Mag. in his book, “American Sniper” explains, “Other services fire the round from different (or slightly different) guns; arguably the most famous is the Army’s M-24 Sniper Weapon System, which is based on the Remington 700 rifle. In our case, we started out with McMillan stocks, customized the barrels, and used 700 action. These were nice rifles.”

Handguns

Some enthusiasts were shocked when Remington rolled out its 1911 R1 handgun in 2010, but the firearm wasn’t new to the company. In fact, it produced 21,677 for the United States during World War I. The government’s total order was for half a million pistols, but the Armistice intervened.

The company also manufactured the R51 semi-automatic handgun to mixed and sometimes caustic reviews. The new model is based on a John. D. Pederson design made available to the public in 1919. In the seven years that model remained in production 64,796 were made.

Most recently, tough, Remington rolled out the RM380, a pocket-pistol-sized .380 ACP-chambered handgun for carry. Reviews have been solid.

The company isn't immune to today's challenging business climate, though. In early 2017 it was forced to lay off 126 union workers and 16 supervisory staff at its New York and Kentucky plants.

Eliphalet’s legacy, whether the guns are coming from Remington Arms, Remington Law Enforcement or Remington Defense, is still alive and well—even the more than 200 years in the history of Remington.

 

History of Remington

1816—Company founded as E. Remington

1873—Company begins producing typewriters

1886—Typewriter business sold

1888—Company sold to investors who also own United Metallic Cartridge, and operates as Remington Arms

1912—Companies consolidated operating as Remington U.M.C.

1933—DuPont purchases 60% share in company

1934—Company purchases Peters Cartridge

1950—Model 870 pump-action shotgun introduced

1960—Remington introduced plastic-hulled shotshells

1962—Model 700 bolt-action rifle introduced

1963—Remington purchases 55% of Brewer Pharmical

1980—DuPont purchases remaining shares in the company

1993—Purchased from DuPont by RACI Acquisitions

1996—New corporate headquarters in North Carolina built

2007—Acquired by Cerberus Capitol Management

2010—Made part of Freedom Group, under the same ownership

Another Florida Gun Destination

Photo courtesy of Machine Gun America

Machine Gun America, a Florida gun destination located strategically close to magical Orlando, FL, might just make all the other range experiences feel—well—a little goofy. Instead of issuing a blanket statement that it’s a destination unto itself, we’ll let you decide.

The company bills itself as “Orlando’s first and only Automatic Adrenaline Attraction.” Be forewarned, though, you cannot bring your own firearms. Machine Gun America’s approach makes it primarily a tourist attraction, one already being visited by hundreds of aspiring shooters. In a section of the facility, live fire isn’t even part of the equation.

“Machine Gun America offers a unique experience, far from just standing on the range and shooting a firearm,” said Wes Doss, the facility’s safety and training director. “There are three climate-controlled rooms that house Ti law enforcement-grade simulators where customers can participate in old west-style shooting events, target practice or even fight the zombie apocalypse, without ever firing a live round. The simulators are the exact units used by state, local and federal law enforcement across the country.” There are more than 20 different scenarios are available.

In addition, at the Florida gun destination there are 10 live-fire ranges that offer patrons a chance for different experiences with guns to match. They include Special Ops, with an M4, Glock G17 and Heckler & Koch MP5 available as your firepower. “Get up and close with military-style firearms and get excitement in your sights,” the website explains. Gangster Land gives you the Smith & Wesson .38 Spl., coach-style shotgun and an AK-74 for firearms. Other experiences available include The Walking Dread, OO7, Western Shootout, Automatic Divas and Big Screen Legends.

Wes Doss (courtesy of Doss)

Pro staffing

Doss’ resume addresses any concerns about novice shooters and safety. He holds instructor certifications from the U.S. Army, the U.S. Marine Corps, NRA LEAD, FEMA, the State Department and worked with the Smith & Wesson Academy and Sigarms Academy. “Machine Guns America is unique in that the facility has taken tremendous measures to train and certify range staff and implement safety measures that ensure customer safety while maximizing their experience,” he said. “Every range safety officer must have and maintain NRA Range Safety Officer certification, further, as director of safety and training, I make sure that all staff receives quarterly professional development training.” In addition, all of the safety officers have a military or law enforcement background, no alcohol is served or allowed and patrons must be 13 years of age or older.

For those of us whose safes are full, Machine Gun America also provides a chance to get behind the trigger of fully automatic Heckler & Koch MP5s, M4s, FN USA SCARs or a belt-fed RPD. If you’re considering a suppressor, you might as well take an ear-friendly H&K MP23 for a spin while you’re there.

Cost is more reasonable than you might expect. Experiences begin at $99, and simulators $30. “Machine Guns America offers the unique capability of being able to host special events—bachelor, bachelorette or other like events are what MGA is built for,” Doss explained.

Fast start at Florida gun destination

What’s the reception been so far? “MGA saw its hard launch on Dec. 20, 2014, and since has had a steady flow of traffic through its door, sometimes taking the facility to max capacity,” Doss said. “Our strongest customer base has been single females between 25 and 35. They alone make up roughly 40 percent of our walk-in and reservation traffic.”

In addition, the facility is following the firearm-industry tradition of giving back. “MGA is also working cooperatively with law enforcement in the southeast,” Doss explained, “to provide high-level training to members of this community that otherwise would be difficult to obtain.”

It may have a theme-park feel, but safely allowing hundreds of people to experience firearm operation—providing them a more informed decision if they consider ownership down the line—is anything but mickey mouse. For more information visit MachineGunAmericaOrlando.com.

And if you're looking for the kind of destination worth adding to your bucket list, here are a few suggestions.

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