Month: February 2021

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Ruger Reports 2020 Diluted Earnings, Declares Dividend

From Ruger

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) announced today that for 2020 the Company reported net sales of $568.9 million and diluted earnings of $5.09 per share, compared with net sales of $410.5 million and diluted earnings of $1.82 per share in 2019.

For the fourth quarter of 2020, net sales were $169.3 million and diluted earnings were $1.78 per share. For the corresponding period in 2019, net sales were $105.1 million and diluted earnings were 46¢ per share.

The Company also announced today that its Board of Directors declared a dividend of 71¢ per share for the fourth quarter for stockholders of record as of March 12, 2021, payable on March 26, 2021. This dividend varies every quarter because the Company pays a percentage of earnings rather than a fixed amount per share. This dividend is approximately 40% of net income.

Chief Executive Officer Christopher J. Killoy reflected on the strong financial results for the year, “Our tremendous sales growth and profitability in 2020 was driven by the historic surge in consumer demand that began late in the first quarter and continued throughout the year. But that is only part of the story. Our ability to capitalize on this opportunity was only possible through the efforts of our remarkable workforce of 1,800 dedicated employees. I would be remiss if I did not mention the extraordinary work of our COVID-19 Task Force and our leadership teams at all of our facilities. They have risen to the daily challenges posed by the pandemic and have worked tirelessly, keeping our folks healthy and our facilities sanitized. I could not be prouder of everyone’s performance. It truly was a team effort.”

Mr. Killoy commented on 2021, “I am excited as we head into 2021. Our workforce has been strengthened by 250 folks since the middle of 2020, which drove a 30% increase in production during the latter half of the year. We look forward to launching new products that are sure to create excitement among shooters and we are hard at work getting the Marlin manufacturing cells established and look forward to broadening our catalog of rugged, reliable, and exciting products with the addition of Marlin lever action rifles in late 2021. And as a result of the unprecedented demand in 2020, inventories remain depleted throughout the channel, so inventory replenishment provides further opportunity.”

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

  • In 2020, sales increased 39% from 2019 and the estimated unit sell-through of the Company’s products from the independent distributors to retailers increased 44% from 2019. For the same period, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) background checks (as adjusted by the National Shooting Sports Foundation) increased 60%. These substantial increases are attributable to increased consumer demand for firearms in 2020, and have likely been constrained due to limited available inventory in the distribution channel.
  • Sales of new products, including the Wrangler revolver, the Ruger-57 pistol, the LCP II in .22 LR pistol, the PC Charger, and the AR-556 pistol, represented $111 million or 22% of firearm sales in 2020. New product sales include only major new products that were introduced in the past two years.
  • In 2020, the Company’s finished goods inventory decreased 58,600 units and distributor inventories of the Company’s products decreased 231,200 units. In the aggregate, total Company and distributor inventories decreased 86% in 2020.
  • Cash provided by operations during 2020 was $143.8 million. At December 31, 2020, our cash and short-term investments totaled $141.2 million. Our current ratio is 2.9 to 1 and we have no debt.
  • In 2020, capital expenditures totaled $24.2 million. In addition, the Company acquired substantially all of the Marlin Firearms assets for $28.3 million in November 2020. We expect our 2021 capital expenditures to total approximately $20 million, most of which relate to new product introductions. Our ability to shift manufacturing equipment between cells, and between facilities, improves overall utilization and allows for reduced capital investment.
  • In 2020, the Company returned $113.9 million to its shareholders through the payment of dividends, reflecting the customary quarterly dividends and a special dividend of $5.00 per share that was paid in August.
  • At December 31, 2020, stockholders’ equity was $264.7 million, which equates to a book value of $15.13 per share, of which $8.07 per share was cash and short-term investments.

Today, the Company filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2020. The financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are attached to this press release. – View Release

Thursday, February 18, 2021, Sturm, Ruger will host a webcast at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss the 2020 operating results. Interested parties can access the webcast at Ruger.com/corporate or by dialing 855-871-7398, participant code 7579785.

The Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2020 is available on the SEC website at SEC.gov and the Ruger website at Ruger.com/corporate. Investors are urged to read the complete Annual Report on Form 10-K to ensure that they have adequate information to make informed investment judgments.

About Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. is one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of rugged, reliable firearms for the commercial sporting market. With products made in America, Ruger offers consumers almost 800 variations of more than 40 product lines. For more than 70 years, Ruger has been a model of corporate and community responsibility. Our motto, “Arms Makers for Responsible Citizens®,” echoes our commitment to these principles as we work hard to deliver quality and innovative firearms.

The Company may, from time to time, make forward-looking statements and projections concerning future expectations. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to certain qualifying risks and uncertainties, such as market demand, sales levels of firearms, anticipated castings sales and earnings, the need for external financing for operations or capital expenditures, the results of pending litigation against the Company, the impact of future firearms control and environmental legislation, and accounting estimates, any one or more of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date such forward-looking statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of subsequent unanticipated events.

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Selecting a Scope for Your New Rifle

Selecting a Scope for Your New Rifle

From Ballistic

You purchased your first rifle dedicated to long-range shooting. Congratulations!

Now, it’s time to add a quality scope. One that will let you shoot with precision at a distance but can also dial down for closer shots. One that performs well in low-light situations, and one that features exact and repeatable adjustments.

Where should you start?

Magnification You can buy a rifle scope today with 30x, 40X, even 50x, the “x” standing for  magnification. How much magnification does one need to shoot long-range effectively?

Consider the Top 10 Shooters, by points, in the Precision Rifle Series (PRS), where shooting distances at competitions can run from 100 yards to one mile. Of the ten shooters on the PRS website, one does not list his scope’s magnification, while two use scopes with 4.5-27x. What about the other seven shooters? They all use a rifle scope sporting 5-25x.

One doesn’t need to 50x to hit targets at a distance! Though if we use the Top 10 PRS shooters as a guideline, a scope with a top-end magnification in the mid-20x range is needed.

MIL Dot or MOA? Another enduring argument in the shooting sports: is MIL Dot better than MOA for long-range shooting or vice-versa?

Both can work very well. Factually speaking, though, scopes built on the milliradians or MIL Dot system are the norm among distance shooters. MIL Dot is the military standard and with so much of today’s long-range shooting having its foundation in the science and art of military sniping…MIL Dot  it is.

With the vast majority of long-range shooters using MIL DOT-based optics, you will be able to share information on shots and adjustments much easier, too, without having to do the confusing MIL Dot- to-MOA conversions.

Which Focal Plane? During your research, you will find some rifle scopes are listed as “first focal plane,” while others are “second focal plane.”  What’s the difference?

According to the professionals at the optics maker Sightmark,  “First focal plane scopes have the reticle placed towards the front of the optic. When the magnification of the scope is increased, the reticle’s size increases with it. In doing so, the reticle remains the same perspective on the target’s size as you increase or decrease magnification. These scopes provide long-range and tactical shooters more accuracy due to the constant MIL/MOA values.”

On the other hand, “Second focal plane reticles are placed towards the back of the scope. When the magnification of the scope is adjusted, the reticle’s size does not increase. The MIL/MOA values are only correct at one magnification. When the scope is adjusted to a different magnification, the spacing changes and is not consistent. A shooter would have to do some math to calculate the actual values of the subtension.” 

Most long-range shooters use first focal plane optics as that “same perspective” means the sub-tensions reflect the same distance (same number of MILs, for example) )no matter the magnification.

 Zero-Stop You need a scope with a zero-stop-type mechanism on the elevation turret. In long-range shooting, the standard is to adjust your controls for elevation but to hold over for windage.

With your scope zeroed at 100 yards, and your first target at 500 yards, you would adjust your Elevation turret UP the corresponding number of clicks for that distance. When your shooting is done, you click back to zero and are then ready to adjust for the next distance.

Reticles There are dozens of reticle choices available. Long-range shooters will need reticles with clear subtensions, those tiny hash marks on the reticle’s horizontal and vertical axes.  Since most long-range shooters use the MIL Dot system, some form of the MIL Dot reticle, with milliradian subtensions, is best.

Cost? Edge-to-edge clarity, fine color resolution, low-light capability and precise elevation and windage adjustments:  that package of features in a scope will cost some cash. Be prepared.

High-Quality Rings! it is amazing how many people will use cheap rings to secure the optic that they just spent a fair amount of money on.

Cheaper rings like to loosen with shooting and are more easily knocked off-kilter when the rifle takes its inevitable bumps. It’s like outfitting a new Corvette with bald tires!  

Spend the money on precision-engineered rings. Consider a one-piece set up with a built-in base that mounts to the optic rail with a stout bolt, with the upper ring section which secures to the scope tube with at least two Allen or Torx screws. 

And once your new scope is mounted on your new rifle, how do you make it all work?  It starts with a trip to the range to zero in your new rig and to practice, all the while using Ballistic, the number one app for long-range shooting.  

And if you’ve ever wondered which reticle is best, wire or etched, here’s what the experts had to say.

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Browning A5 Wicked Wing Vintage Tan

Browning A5 Wicked Wing Vintage Tan

From Browning

The shotgun that waterfowl fear is now available in a limited edition camouflage pattern – Vintage Tan.

With stylish looks that separate it from the autoloading shotgun pack and the proven performance of its humpbacked namesake, the Browning A5 Wicked Wing has quickly become a hunter’s favorite in marshes and fields. This new model has all of the features included with other Wicked Wing models, plus the addition of a “new” Vintage Tan camo pattern. And it isn’t just for show, this retro-styled pattern disappears in a variety of environments.

The A5 Wicked Wing Vintage Tan is designed to reliably function with a wide variety factory game loads thanks to the short-recoil operation of the Kinematic Drive system. The Cerakote Burnt Bronze finish adds style and superior corrosion protection. An Inflex recoil pad effectively reduces felt recoil. The stock can be easily customized for length of pull, cast and drop. To learn more about the features and specs, as well access to downloadable hi-res images, please visit:

Browning A5 Shotguns

Browning A5 Wicked Wing Vintage Tan Shotgun

Features:

  • Cerakote Burnt Bronze camo finish on receiver, and Burnt Bronze finish on barrel
  • Fully chrome-plated bore for corrosion resistance
  • Composite stock with close radius pistol grip and textured gripping surfaces
  • Shim-adjustable for length of pull, cast, and drop
  • 1/4″ and 1/2″ stock spacers included for length of pull adjustment
  • Three extended Invector-DS Goose Band choke tubes included (F, M, IC)
  • Briley® oversize bolt release
  • Fiber-optic front sight and ivory mid-bead sight

For more information on Browning products, please visit browning.com.

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Winchester Defender—Stopping the Threat

Winchester Defender—Stopping the Threat

From Winchester

Winchester® Defender® ammunition is designed and balanced for the highest level of home, family and personal defense performance. New to the line come three new loadings: 5.56mm for rifle, 12 gauge for shotgun and 20 gauge for shotgun.

The new 5.56mm rifle offering is loaded with a 64-grain bonded-protected soft-point bullet built with an extruded copper jacket with an extra-thick base for optimum penetration, maximum retained weight and rapid, controlled expansion — all of which give this bullet the ultimate threat-stopping power.

The new 12- and 20-gauge shotshells are loaded with copper-plated buckshot with 9 pellets of 00 buck in the 12ga and 20 pellets of #3 buck in the 20ga offering. The 12ga offering features a purpose-built buckshot wad that ensures proper pellet stacking for consistent patterns. Loaded to 1145 fps, both loads deliver optimum energy for personal defense situations while offering manageable recoil through defensive shotguns.

Find new Winchester Defender 5.56mm rifle ammunition and 12- and 20-gauge buckshot loads at a retailer or dealer near you.

The label on the Defender box says it all: Stop the Threat®.

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Expedition Big Game Long Range .308 Winchester: Improved Performance From a Time-Honored Cartridge

Expedition Big Game Long Range .308 Winchester: Improved Performance From a Time-Honored Cartridge

From Winchester

Almost as popular as its older brother, the 30-06 and, as surely tested, the 308 Winchester have for generations given big-game hunters outstanding performance in a compact cartridge and shorter-action rifles.

Now, Winchester® Ammunition raises the bar by pairing the tried-and-true loading with the superbly reliable and supremely accurate 168-grain AccuBond® bullet in the Expedition Big Game Long Range™ 308 Winchester cartridge.

Expedition Big Game Long Range offerings are loaded with the AccuBond Long Range bullet, which features a polymer tip and extended ogive and boattail, making for high-ballistic coefficients for improved long-range capability. Maximum retained weight and deeper, controlled penetration are brought about by the bonding of the lead alloy core to the bullet jacket. Additionally, the bullet jacket is engineered for reliable expansion at long ranges without failing at close ones. When it comes to terminal performance, Expedition Big Game Long Range gives the hunter massive knockdown power and surer kills.

Look for Winchester Expedition Big Game Long Range AccuBond Long Range chambered in 308 Winchester at a retailer or dealer near you.

Winchester Expedition Big Game Long Range is built for the toughest big game wherever your hunting takes you.

Winchester is the largest small caliber ammunition enterprise in the world and the leader in delivering innovative ammunition products to hunters, sport shooters, law enforcement and the U.S. Warfighter. The 155-year-old Winchester® brand is built on integrity, hard work and a deep focus on its loyal customers. Learn more about Winchester by visiting Winchester.com or connecting with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/WinchesterOfficial.

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Bergara Rifles B-14R Trainer Rifle Left-Handed 22LR

Bergara Rifles B-14R Trainer Rifle Left-Handed 22LR

From Bergara Rifles

BPI Outdoors / Bergara Rifles is pleased to announce that their Bergara B-14R Trainer rifle will be available in a left-handed version in steel and carbon fiber barrel.

Ben Fleming, Vice-President of Sales, said, “We’re so excited to announce the release of the B-14R Trainer rifle in left-handed for 2021. The B-14R was so well received by our Bergara shooters last year, that we couldn’t leave out left-handed shooters without a great option to use! The new B-14R Trainer left-handed rifle will be built with all the great features and accuracy that the right-handed variant has. We hope our lefty shooters out there find this to be a great fit for them in 2021!”

Whether it’s for use in the surging popularity of .22 competitions or as a trainer, the new B-14R Trainer, is going to be a game changer for left-handed shooters in the rimfire world.

While it’s true that less than 10% of the market actually shoots left-handed, Bergara feels it is an important, yet largely underserved segment that we are excited to finally enter.

This new rifle is designed as a true rimfire trainer and competition rifle due to the fact that it is a full scale REM700 footprint, including a 90° lift and longer bolt throw. These features allow shooters to have the same size and feel to their centerfire rifle, or even set up as a clone to their centerfire to train with. Therefore, it also accommodates other REM700 compatible stocks, bases, and triggers.

Because the B14R Trainer is based on a full-size receiver design, it also provides a perfect platform to allow any shooter the ability to customize their rifle with several compatible accessories. The magazine features a modified single-stack design that is built to similar dimensions as a standard short action AICS mag.

To learn more about the Bergara products go to www.bergarausa.com

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Walther Performance Duty Pistol

Walther Performance Duty Pistol

From Walther

Walther, a company defined by over a century of engineering passion, precision workmanship and innovation, has entered a new era of manufacturing with its flagship elite handgun. The PDP, Performance Duty Pistol, has been designed by Walther to be READY, no matter the circumstance.

With revolutionary Red Dot Ergonomics engineered into the pistol, the PDP platform has been designed around making the switch to the popular red-dot sight system easier for the new RDS shooter and faster for the RDS veterans. The SuperTerrain serrations are uniquely shaped to protrude above the surface of the slide allowing for quicker and more responsive hands-on engagement with the pistol. Walther’s brand new Performance Duty Trigger shortens the length of travel and increases the tactile definition of the trigger break making the best striker-fired trigger on the market even better. The PDP is the most modular and versatile pistol ever designed by Walther and every PDP model comes red dot READY.

Available in 9mm, the striking design provides supreme performance in any condition, making this the go-to choice for shooters as an ideal firearm in both concealed carry and conventional service situations. The PDP is launched in two distinctly different frame sizes – compact and full size – as well as three different slides lengths – 4” and 4.5” in compact models, and 4”, 4.5” and 5” in full size models.

The PDP is the next evolution in world-class ingenuity for polymer frame pistols. Packed with features, Walther’s PDP is specifically designed to maximize readiness no matter the circumstance. The Walther PDP is how to stay READY.

“At Walther, we believe it is our duty to engineer the best possible pistol for anything our customers may encounter. We want them to focus on being READY for anything and not thinking about how or if their pistol will perform, we have done our job so they don’t have to worry about it.” Jens Krogh Vice President of Marketing and Product Development Walther Arms USA.

WALTHER PDP FROM MSRP: $649.00

For more information on Walther Arms, visit waltherarms.com

And, if you’ve ever wondered how long polymer handguns will last, here’s what the experts had to say.

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Century Arms Announces AP5 Line

Century Arms Announces AP5 Line

From Century Arms

Century Arms is proud to introduce its AP5 firearm line to the US market. The AP5 or “Apparatus Pistol,” is a roller-delayed blowback firearm based and built off the original and historic design from the 1970s. The roller-lock platform has been widely respected as the preeminent design for over 50 years. Adopted for use across the globe, no other firearm of its type has been more successful. These firearms which are imported from the MKE manufacturing facility in Turkey are available in a full sized model designated simply as the AP5, a midsized version as the AP5-P, and a fully concealable version as the AP5-M.

Each model of the AP5 includes standard: a rugged plastic carry case, two (2) 30-round magazines, a factory cleaning kit, factory picatinny style optics mount, factory sling, and a gun lock. All AP5 firearms are chambered in 9×19 mm and have a cold hammer forged barrel with a 1:9.8” twist. The AP5 and AP5-P barrel each have a 3-lug quick attachment and 1/2×28 threaded end for suppressor mounting options.

“This firearms platform is iconic” says Century Arms Marketing Director Adam Ruonala. “We at Century Arms have been a leader in the US firearms importation business for many years, to now have the opportunity to bring such a fan favorite to the US market under our company flag is truly a huge honor for everyone involved in the project.” The AP5 line is available in stores now and a continuous stream of firearms will be imported regularly.

Aftermarket parts and accessories are available from a number of industry partners as well as from Century Arms directly. For more information on the AP5 one can visit www.centuryarms.com/ap5 .

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EOTECH G43/G45 Magnifiers Now Shipping

EOTECH G43/G45 Magnifiers Now Shipping

From Eotech

The G43/G45 magnifiers developed by EOTECH® were initially launched to the world at SHOT 2020 and first deliveries were expected to begin in the 2nd quarter. These optics offer vast improvements over the G33 in overall length and eye relief. What wasn’t planned were the three massive hurdles that were dished out in 2020.

First, COVID19’s middle finger to the world forced businesses to go remote, limiting key areas of final development such as product qualification and testing. Also, the pandemic severely disrupted the supply chain process and the ability to receive consistent components. Add to the mix, political and civil unrest, which unfolded during the summer, drove firearm and accessory sales through the roof. As a result, part suppliers struggled to keep up with the demand. As if the dumpster fire wasn’t big enough, L3/Harris provided kerosene in the form of additional production delays and shifts in product focus. Inevitably, L3/Harris pulled development funding altogether to make the company’s year-end bottom line more attractive to their shareholders.

In August 2020, EOTECH was re-born after a well overdue divestiture from big corp. The last five months were spent unscrewing much of the in-place structure and focus. From that, new commitments to product development and customer service became a top priority, and to fix the delayed launch of the magnifiers.

“The new magnifiers are a key component in our product line and provide major benefits to those who use them in tandem with our holographic sights,” said Mark Miller, Product Manager. “It was crucial to get them into production and to our customers but not at the sacrifice of quality and performance. Testing and validation took some time but it ensured the end product was worthy of wearing the EOTECH brand.”

As of February 1, 2021, both G43 and G45 magnifiers have begun shipping with volume ramp-ups to occur in the next few weeks. For more information on the magnifiers and other EOTECH products, please visit www.eotechinc.com.

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Taurus Introduces New Raging Hunter in .460 S&W

Taurus Introduces New Raging Hunter in .460 S&W

From Taurus

Taurus, manufacturer of premium handguns for defense, hunting, and sport shooting, is excited to announce another expansion of its premiere hunting revolver line with the introduction of the new Raging Hunter .460 S&W.

Since its introduction, the Taurus Raging Hunter™ has earned its chops as a dependable revolver capable of taking down big game. From the Southern swamps to the Rocky Mountains, the Raging Hunter has proven itself on tough animals and was even awarded the 2019 American Hunter Hunting Handgun of the Year.

For 2021, the Taurus Raging Hunter will be offered in the .460 S&W chamber. This expands the Raging Hunter lineup that already includes such popular hunting handgun calibers as the .454 Casull, .44 Magnum, and .357 Magnum/.38 Special +P.

“Handgun hunting is on the upswing as experienced hunters look to expand their options and, quite frankly, seek new and challenging ways to enjoy their hunting passion while putting healthy wild game on the table,” said Taurus CEO Bret Vorhees. “The Taurus Raging Hunter was a hit among veteran and new handgun hunters when we introduced it in 2019. We are now answering the consumer demand for even more chamber options and downrange performance with the new Raging Hunter in .460 S&W.”

The Raging Hunter series sets a new benchmark for dedicated hunting revolvers, beginning with its sleeved barrel construction for reduced weight, factory-tuned porting, and a gas-expansion chamber to help reduce muzzle rise. An integrated, full-length Picatinny rail along the barrel shroud makes optic installation easy. For those hunters who prefer open sights, the rear sight is fully adjustable for elevation and windage. To help manage recoil and ensure positive, no-slip retention, the Raging Hunter comes with an ergonomic finger-groove grip with cushioned inserts.

For more information on the Raging Hunter series, go to TaurusUSA.com.

Taurus Raging Hunter .460 S&W Specifications

Caliber: .460 S&W Magnum

Action Type: DA/SA

Capacity: 5

Barrel Length: 8-3/8″ / 6-3/4″ / 5-1/8″

Overall Length: 14.9″ / 13.2″ /11.6″

Overall Height: 6.5″ / 6.6″ / 6.6″

Overall Width: 1.92″

Weight: 65.6 oz. / 61.5 oz. / 57.7 oz.

Sights Front: fixed

Sights Rear: fully adjustable

Materials (Frame): alloy steel or stainless

Materials (Barrel): stainless

Safety Device: transfer bar

Finish: matte black or two-tone

Rail (top): Picatinny MIL-STD-1913

MSRP: $968.18 Black / $983.33 Two Tone