The IHEA-USA (International Hunter Education Association-USA)—announces the beginning of their 50th-year celebration.
For half a century, the International Hunter Education Association – USA has been working closely with state fish and wildlife leaders and hunter educators to deliver a complete, well-produced curriculum teaching all new hunters in the United States safe hunting practices. Having witnessed the graduation of over 41 million students since Hunter Education’s inception in 1949, the IHEA-USA is excited to celebrate this semicentennial success.
“We are grateful to those original Hunter Safety Coordinators that had the foresight to form a cohesive governing body that would connect educators and their programs across all 50 states”, Executive Director Alex Baer stated. “This represents the sort of thinking we will continue as we maintain our drive to collaboratively prevent hunting accidents through educational opportunities with all our partners. We are moving into the next 50 years with charged excitement about the new programs and services that the IHEA-USA is going to bring to the states furthering firearms safety. We will have a lot to celebrate this year as we modernize our approach to move this organization forward through the next 50 years, setting the stage for safe hunting and safe firearms ownership in the United States.”
As IHEA-USA celebrates this milestone, watch for new and innovative programs and initiatives to emerge from this time-tested organization. To stay up to date on organizational developments and news, sign-up for the IHEA-USA newsletter at IHEA-USA.org.
The Realtree ANYWEAR™ Rechargeable Neck Light with white and red lights provides hands-free light wherever you go. The wearable design can be worn comfortably on your neck all day long, making it ideal for use on the job site, on the hunt, at home, on the farm or anywhere else you need a handy hands-free light.
Boasting a bright 300 lumens with the ability to articulate the beam up to 70°, the ANYWEAR Rechargeable Neck Light is perfect for both close quarters and long-distance use. Aim the beams in different directions to offer a wider range of light or point them down to focus on your work area. Unlike a traditional headlamp, this light can be adjusted so it won’t accidentally blind bystanders.
EZRED’s ergonomic, flexible design will fit all necks comfortably without the need to make adjustments to a headband strap. Powered by two lithium polymer batteries and two separate switches, the light can run up to 9 hours per side. Easily recharge the lights with the included Y-shaped cord.
Unlike a heavy fabric-band headlamp that causes stress to your head and can leave your forehead and hair dirty, the ANYWEAR Rechargeable Neck Light’s unobtrusive sporty design leaves your head free to wear a hat or a helmet. Constructed from a durable ABS NYLON blend, this light will not leave sweat marks and can be easily wiped cleaned.
With an IPX4-certified rating, this light is all-weather ready, making it perfect for wear in the rain or snow.
The ANYWEAR Rechargeable Neck Light, named after its versatile design, is great for infinite applications. Use it for auto-care maintenance or for the demanding work of a professional mechanic. It also performs well for those who work in a dark field fixing farm equipment or high in the air performing lineman work. No matter the industry, this light is a must-have for anyone who needs a comfortable, hands-free light without the hassle of strapping one to your head.
Thanks to its stylish design, you can feel confident bringing it home and wearing it while you flip burgers on the grill. Wear it comfortably while camping, hunting, hiking, running, walking the dog or doing other outdoor activities.
Rechargeable Quick Facts:
300 lumens
Dimmable lights
Red light option
Charge cord included
Runs up to 9 hours on low
Each head pivots 90 degrees up/down for directional lighting
On Feb. 11 Colt Holding Company executed a definitive agreement to be acquired by CZG – Česká zbrojovka Group SE (“CZG” or “the Group”). Colt is the parent company of U.S. firearms manufacturer, Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC as well as its Canadian subsidiary, Colt Canada Corporation.
Subject to the terms and conditions of the definitive agreement, CZG shall acquire a 100% stake in Colt for upfront cash consideration of $220 million and the issuance of 1,098,620 shares of newly issued CZG common stock. The agreement also provides for potential earnout consideration of up to 1,098,620 shares of newly issued CZG common stock if defined EBITDA thresholds are achieved in years 2021 – 2023.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Lubomír Kovařík, President and Chairman of CZG, said: “This merger is a strategic step for both companies. The acquisition of Colt, an iconic brand and a benchmark for the military, law enforcement and commercial markets globally, fits perfectly in our strategy to become the leader in the firearms manufacturing industry and a key partner for the armed forces. We are proud to include Colt, which has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the U.S. Army for over 175 years, in our portfolio. We believe in the successful connection of our corporate cultures, the proven track record of the current management team and the complementary nature of the CZ and Colt brands. The combined group will have revenues in excess of USD 500 million and presents a real small arms powerhouse. The experience of CZ and Colt management will further strengthen both brands and ensure CZ and Colt continue to deliver top quality products and solutions to all our customers.”
Dennis Veilleux, President and CEO of Colt, agreed: “We are very pleased with the prospect of such a strategic combination. Having completed a historic turn-around of the operations and financial performance at Colt over the past five years, this important next step with CZG positions the company to take advantage of significant growth opportunities. We are excited to join forces with CZG which will be a powerful combination for both brands and for our customers.”
The acquisition is to be financed from CZG’s existing cash resources, including recent IPO proceeds, and from a contemplated bond issuance by CZG. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval but is anticipated to close in the second quarter of 2021. With this strategic move, CZG will acquire significant production capacity in the United States and Canada and substantially expand its global customer base.
Colt is a traditional supplier to global military and law enforcement customers. Among others, Colt is a long-term supplier to the U.S. Army (which relationship dates back over 175 years) and, through its Canadian subsidiary, Colt is a designated exclusive supplier of small arms to the Canadian military.
SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to announce the availability of the official SIG SAUER 2021 Product Catalog at sigsauer.com. The SIG SAUER 2021 Product Catalog is a comprehensive review of all SIG SAUER pistols, rifles, ammunition, electro-optics, suppressors, airguns, accessories, and the SIG SAUER Academy, including new product releases for 2021.
“We are very proud of the 2021 product catalog and know that our consumers are really going to appreciate the complete SIG SAUER experience we deliver in this year’s digital catalog,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, SIG SAUER, Inc. “The 2021 product catalog showcases the breadth of our innovative products highlighted by outstanding lifestyle imagery in various settings, the SIG Custom Works designed 1,000,000th P365 pistol, our U.S. Military products feature, industry and consumer products awards, and much more.”
The SIG SAUER 2021 product catalog is now available for digital viewing at sigsauer.com.
Adams Arms, pioneers of piston-driven AR platform firearms, announced the re-launch of AdamsArms.net. AdamsArms.net has a bold new look and updates designed to enhance user experience.
“As Adams Arms continues to grow, we’ve felt the need for an updated site design,” said Adams Arms Vice President of Sales and Marketing Steve Green. “The new site incorporates additional communication channels, more accurate inventory reporting, and updated product imagery. The new dealer location tools should help customers connect with our dealers, too, and make finding Adams Arms firearms much easier.”
The new dealer locators on the Adams Arms site will allow customers a direct way to communicate with FFLs who stock rifles, pistols, and parts from Adams Arms. The tool may prove to be a valuable asset for customers searching for in-stock firearms.
The new Adams Arms site will also provide an excellent resource for uppers, parts and kits designed specifically for DIY builds. Integrated inventory tools will allow for more accurate stock alerts and will allow for backorders when relevant.
For nearly five decades, DeSantis has been developing, designing, and manufacturing the very best gun holsters that money can buy. We pride ourselves on using the best American-Premium hides and the toughest synthetics available for our holsters and accessories.
#195 Veiled Partner™
The #195, Veiled Partner™, is an OWB precision molded Kydex® holster. The exacting curvature allows for maximum concealment and fits like a second skin. It can be configured easily for both height and cant using 1 ½” or 1 ¾” loop openings. It has adjustable tension and is optics compatible. It is available in both right and left-hand variants for many popular semi-autos. Shipping for this item will begin in mid-February. MSRP is $59.99
Butler Creek®, maker of smart, field-proven hunting and shooting accessories, announced today that the company’s new Featherlight Bino Caddy is now available. Made of the same patent-pending breathable closed cell foam material as the popular Butler Creek Featherlight sling, the Butler Creek Bino Caddy offers hunters a comfortable, dependable way to protect their glass in the field.
Butler Creek’s Featherlight caddy comes in three sizes to fit 10×42, 12×50 or 15×56 roof prism binoculars. A three-dimensional top flap keeps out dust and moisture, while silent suede materials and the Featherlight backing help protect hunters’ binoculars from impacts and abrasions. Breathable and cushioned, the Featherlight material is as effective at protecting optics as it is comfortable for users. The innovative slotted foam backer not only allows trapped heat to escape but it also provides additional cushion when used under heavy back packs and other accessories.
Not skimping on comfort or convenience, the Featherlight Bino Caddy features adjustable straps and a quick disconnect harness design for added safety and a secure fit. Easy to use from the truck to the stand, this caddy uses a quiet magnetic closure that automatically engages to secure binoculars. The forward opening top allows for efficient one-handed access to the main compartment as well.
Loaded with extra features, the Butler Creek Bino Caddy does more than keep a hunter’s optics at the ready. Hunters and shooters will appreciate the MOLLE webbing on the front and side of the caddy for attaching accessories. An interior mesh pocket and rear compartment are perfect for small game calls or tags, while the mesh side pocket is great for a small bottle of wind indicator or other items.
The Featherlight Bino Caddy comes in Prym1 MP (multi-purpose) camouflage, Prym1’s most versatile hybrid camo pattern. This particular camo is designed for all-season use, from the whitetail woods to western big game hunts and everything in between.
The new Butler Creek Bino Caddy has an MSRP of $74.95 for the 10×42 size, $79.95 for the 12×50 size, and $84.95 for the 15×56 size.
For more information on this new product or to view the complete line of Butler Creek products, visit www.butlercreek.com.
Breakthrough® Clean Technologies, a premiere provider of odorless and user safe gun care maintenance, proudly announces the new Lens Cleaning Wipes. These pre-moistened wipes ensure effective and fast cleaning by gently removing fingerprints, dust, oil, and smudges, without leaving streaks or residue on surfaces. These ammonia-free and bio-degradable cleaning wipes can be used on optical lenses, computers, tablets, phones, and camera lenses. They are also ideal for glass and other surfaces such as keyboards. These wipes come in a handy dispenser box that includes 200 individually packaged wipes at an MSRP of $19.95.
AMMO, Inc. (Nasdaq: POWW ) (“AMMO” or the “Company”), a premier American ammunition and munition components manufacturer and technology leader, is pleased to announce it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (“LOI”) dated February 9, 2021 with IA Tech LLC for its GunBroker.com business (GunBroker.com), the world’s largest on-line auction marketplace dedicated to firearms, hunting, shooting and related products. The Transaction will involve a merger or business combination resulting in GunBroker.com becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of AMMO (the “Transaction”).
GunBroker.com Transaction
GunBroker.com is the world’s leading online marketplace for the legal sale of firearms, ammunition and accessories with over 6.0 million registered users
GunBroker.com’s estimated 2020 revenue of approximately $60 million, over $40 million of EBITDA, positive net income and strong free cash flow
Purchase price of approximately $240 million, representing a purchase price to EBITDA multiple of less than 6.0x
Transaction further expands upon AMMO’s vertical integration strategy
Current AMMO shareholders will own the majority of the combined company
“This Transaction is accretive to our shareholders and will be another vertical integration milestone for the Company which diversifies our revenue base with high profit-margin business offered through a premier brand deploying best-in-class secure transactional technology,” said Fred Wagenhals, AMMO’s Chairman and CEO.
Mr. Wagenhals noted that “we founded AMMO to be a disruptive technology-based company that could serve the shooting community with cutting-edge ammunition offerings, whether that be for the military, law enforcement, hunting or recreational shooting communities. GunBroker.com is a perfect fit and supports AMMO’s mission across many levels. Steve Urvan had the foresight and entrepreneurial drive to start GunBrokers.com more than 20 years ago with the same spirit and vision. With his drive and intimate understanding of how to serve our collective market, Steve created the world’s largest online marketplace for the purchase and sale of firearms, ammunition, and accessories.” Mr. Wagenhals explained that “the combination made sense to our management team and Board as it expands our ability to best ensure the retail market continues to be served at the highest level while affording AMMO with an opportunity to enhance its sales channels, operating margins and drive increased shareholder value.”
Steve Urvan commented: “I am excited at the prospect of bringing the GunBroker.com technology platform, marketplace, and my world-class team to the AMMO family of companies. GunBroker.com has long been the technology leader in the industry and we look forward to continuing to build innovative products and solutions for our expanding and loyal customer base.”
Pursuant to the terms of the LOI, the parties intend to sign a definitive agreement (the “Definitive Agreement”) and work expeditiously to close the Transaction on or before March 31, 2021. The final structure of the Transaction will be determined by the parties following the receipt of tax, corporate, and securities law advice. GunBroker.com’s enterprise value in the Transaction has been valued at approximately $240 million, which will be paid by the Company via a combination of cash and shares of common stock.
The completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to the following: completion of mutually satisfactory due diligence, execution of the Definitive Agreement, successful completion of a capital raise, and receipt of all required corporate and third-party approvals, including fulfillment of all applicable regulatory requirements and conditions necessary to complete the Transaction.
No assurances can be made that the parties will successfully negotiate and enter into a Definitive Agreement, or that the proposed Transaction will be closed on the terms and/or timeframe currently contemplated, or at all. As noted above, the Transaction remains subject to a regulatory and Board approval, along with other customary conditions.
Maxim Group LLC served as sell side advisor to IA Tech LLC for its GunBroker.com business.
About AMMO, Inc.
With its corporate offices headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. AMMO designs and manufactures products for a variety of aptitudes, including law enforcement, military, sport shooting and self-defense. The Company was founded in 2016 with a vision to change, innovate and invigorate the complacent munitions industry. AMMO promotes branded munitions as well as its patented STREAK™ Visual Ammunition, /stelTH/™ subsonic munitions, and armor piercing rounds for military use. For more information, please visit: www.ammo-inc.com.
About GunBroker.com
GunBroker.com is the largest online marketplace dedicated to firearms, hunting, shooting and related products. Aside from merchandise bearing its logo, GunBroker.com sells none of the items listed on its website. Third-party sellers list items on the site and Federal and state laws govern the sale of firearms and other restricted items. Ownership policies and regulations are followed using licensed firearms dealers as transfer agents. Launched in 1999, GunBroker.com is an informative, secure and safe way to buy and sell firearms, ammunition, air guns, archery equipment, knives and swords, firearms accessories and hunting/shooting gear online. GunBroker.com promotes responsible ownership of guns and firearms. For more information, please visit: www.gunbroker.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This document contains certain “forward-looking statements”. All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including, but not limited to, any projections of earnings, revenue or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies, goals and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed new products and services or developments thereof; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.
Forward looking statements may include the words “may,” “could,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue,” “believe,” “expect” or “anticipate” or other similar words, or the negative thereof. These forward-looking statements present our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this report. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made. We do not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that arise after the dates they are made. You should, however, consult further disclosures and risk factors we include in Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Reports filed on Form 8-K.
Reminder – Earnings Call
AMMO’s Fiscal Third Quarter 2021 Earnings Call is scheduled for Tuesday, February 16th, 2021 (4:30 pm Eastern Time). To participate in the conference call, please join by dialing 1-877-407-0789 (domestic), 1-201-689-8562 (international), or via webcast (http://public.viavid.com/index.php?id=143495) at least 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled start and follow the operator’s instructions. When requested, please ask for “AMMO, Inc. Fiscal Third Quarter 2021 Earnings Call.”
Gunbroker.com ranks firearms sold by FFLs using its services and here’s a look its list of top-selling semi-auto pistols of 2019—with full details, just in case you overlooked something new and cool. FBI NICS figures provide a snapshot of overall firearm sales nationwide, but the monthly report does not reflect which models are selling best.
Gunbroker.com’s Gun Genius website organizes the firearm rankings into a variety of subcategories and styles monthly and annually. It provides a few details on each gun, but this compilation includes more specs and history. Bear in mind, however, the findings reflect volume of sales by FFLs that use the services of Gunbroker.com, not the brick-and-mortar retailers that constitute the bulk of gun sales nationwide.
No. 1—SIG Sauer P365 Nitron Micro-Compact
The SIG Sauer P365 Nitron Micro-Compact was winner among the top-selling semi-auto pistols of 2019 on Gunbroker.com. In fact, it also held that title in 2018, the year it was introduced.
Its primary mission is concealed carry, a growing market. Add the company’s reputation for quality with an MSRP of only $599 (as of 2020), and it’s the formula for success—with the numbers to prove.
The striker-fired 9 mm weighs in at only 17.8 ounces and can run +P loads. Overall length is 5.8 inches, width 1.06 inch and height 4.3 inches. The carbon-steel barrel measures 3.1 inches.
A pair of 10-round capacity magazines ship with each P-365 Nitron Micro-Compact. Optional 12-round versions are available.
The frame and slide are stainless steel, with the latter sporting a businesslike Nitron finish appropriate for a carry handgun. Polymer grips help minimize perceived recoil and a manual-safety version of the pistol is now available.
Sights are SIG Sauer’s X-RAY3 Day/Night Sights, a three-dot tritium system that provides fast target acquisition in low-light conditions, as well as in broad daylight—when the three dots alignment intuitively against their housing’s black finish. It’s a nice touch on a gun at this price, because purchasing a set of these sights separately will set you back more than $100.
No. 2—Glock G26
For the second year in a row the Glock G26 has claimed runner-up honors. Like the top-place-finishing SIG, it’s also a sub-compact designed for everyday carry or backup duty.
Glock introduced its original G26 to American enthusiasts in 1996, but the Gen5 improvements added to select models in August of 2017 breathed new life into a number of its veteran variants. When they arrived on this time-proven 9 mm, sales soared with refinements that include a tougher, more durable Glock nDLC finish on the slide and barrel. The latter was also upgraded to the company’s “Marksman” version with improved rifling, enhanced accuracy and refined crown. The ambidextrous slide stop lever adds appeal to southpaws and the subtly flared mag well speeds reloads. Perhaps more importantly, depending on opinion, finger grooves are gone from the grip.
The Glock reputation for quality and reliability didn’t change, though. The striker-fired semi-auto weighs in at 21.69 ounces with an empty magazine and has a 3.43-inch barrel. Three standard magazines come with the pistol and have a capacity of 10 cartridges. The company also offers 12-, 15-, 17-, 19-, 24-, 31- and 33-round versions. The forged-steel slide measures 6.26 inches and the frame is polymer. The steel barrel has a 1:9.84-inch, right-hand rate of twist.
The double-action-only pistol is 6.42 inches long, 1.3 inch wide and 4.17 inches in height with the standard magazine. The slide’s front serrations ensure manipulation in inclement weather. Sights are fixed with white-lined U-notch to the rear and a bright white dot on the front post. Amerigo BOLD Night Sights or Glock Night Sights are included on select models for faster target acquisition and alignment in challenging light conditions. MSRP for the G26 Gen5 base version is $599 (in 2020).
No. 3—Kel-Tec PMR30
Kel-Tec introduced the .22 WMR-chambered PMR30 in 2010 and it was an instant hit with enthusiasts. The futuristic-looking semi-auto pistol features a flush-fitting 30-round magazine, Hi-ViZ fiber-optic sights—fore and aft—and an accessory rail for mounting lights and lasers.
It claimed third-place honors in semi-automatic handgun sales category in 2019 on Gunbroker.com, despite being nearly a decade old and chambered in a rimfire some consider less than optimal for self- or home-defense purposes. Its popularity barely wavers, and it has remained in the top-10 for the past five years.
The PMR30 has a 4.3-inch barrel and measures 7.9 inches long, 5.8 inches tall and 1.3 inches wide. Those dimensions make it something of a challenge to carry concealed, unlike the top-place finishers in this category. That’s not where it shines brightest, anyway. Empty, the gun weighs only 14 ounces, which lets it lighten the load for hiking, backpacking and survival chores. Its capacity is a bonus for each of those duties.
PMR30’s steel slide is tapped for optics and is coupled with an aluminum grip frame to reinforce the primarily polymer construction. The barrel has a 1:11-inch rate of twist, although early versions were not as tight.
The manual safety is ambidextrous. A hybrid system of blowback and locked breech operate the semi-auto. MSRP in 2020 was $478.
No. 4—Glock G43
Glock introduced its smallest 9 mm pistol roughly five years ago, the G43, and the single stack has proven to be a popular choice for self-defense and concealed carry. Magazine capacity is six, and with it filled the gun weighs only 20.64 ounces—depending on load. It ranked fourth in the list of top-selling semi-auto pistols of 2019.
Barrel length is 3.41 inches and overall length of the handgun is 6.26 inches. Aggressive grip texturing ensures solid purchase, even with sweaty palms or in poor weather. The slide is made from forged steel, the barrel is steel and the frame black polymer—although a few new versions are flat dark earth, and a rare few produced in gray and battlefield green. In keeping with its mission as a carry pistol there is no accessory rail.
The double-action-only moved up up from 6th place in 2018. It didn’t make the top-10 in 2017.
It’s now available in an all-black version, the G43X (pictured). Glock’s website doesn’t list an official MRSP for the pistol, but if you shopped around in 2020, and could find them, price was roughly $500.
No. 5—SIG Sauer P320
The military version of SIG Sauer’s P320 line—the M17/M18—was named the official sidearm of the U.S. armed forces in early 2017. It’s already in the hands of those standing on the front line of freedom, guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery and quickly captured the attention of enthusiasts across the globe.
Versions available to civilians aren’t quite identical to the military sidearm, although the SIG Sauer P320-18 is about as close as the company can offer. Regardless of model, there’s no denying the performance and reliability are identical. And there are a lot of versions to choose from, another reason why it listed fifth in Gunbroker.com’s top-selling semi-auto pistols of 2019.
From Full-size to Carry or Compact, in Nitron, X-Carry, XVTAC, XFive Legion and more, there’s something for everyone. The majority are chambered for 9 mm and .40 S&W, but some models come in .45 ACP. Barrel lengths run from 5 inches to 3.6, depending on selection. The pistol’s 3-point takedown system eliminates the need to pull the trigger for disassembly and it features a striker safety as well as a disconnect safety. Prices vary by model.
Keep in mind this top-selling semi-auto pistols of 2019 list is limited
A representative from SIG Sauer contacted me after I originally compiled this expanded list and explained that, through August of 2020, the company was shipping more P320s than p365s. He had the volume figures in front of him during the conversation, calling into question its fifth-place stature. It’s yet another reason to keep in mind these rankings represent a small slice of the market—only sales through Gunbroker.com.
