Category: Firearm Industry News

Coverage of events for Fear and Loading by Guy J. Sagi and breaking news of interest to firearm owners.

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Walther PP from DOCTOR NO Auctioned for $256K

From Walther

The Walther PP, used by Sean Connery in his first Bond movie, Dr. No, was recently auctioned by Julien’s Auctions in Beverly Hills for over a quarter of a million dollars.

In the film, “M” (Bernard Lee) introduced the gun as Walther PPK. Still, in reality, Connery was carrying the Walther PP, which became the standard equipment of many Bond heroes.

In 1929 Carl Walther introduced the Walther PP – Police Pistol – to the public. Walther mainly manufactured the PP in caliber 7.65MM (.32 ACP). It was far ahead of its time in terms of design and ergonomics and thus the first world success of its creator Fritz Walther.

Approximately one million Walther PPs have been produced since its introduction.

However, even more, cult status than the Walther PP achieved the Walther PPK – Polizeipistole Kriminal, which Walther introduced in 1931. Over 500,000 pieces were manufactured since then.

The PPK is considered to be “the” style icon of German pistol manufacture. This pistol started what is referred to as concealed carry today.

Because of her unique silhouette and rounded-off design, the pistol is still considered the most beautiful pistol ever built. Therefore, the demand for the Walther PPK is unbroken, and it is sold in considerable numbers foremost in the USA.

The PPK is a must-have for every serious collector.

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Reloading Equipment Purchase Recovery at Shortest Interval

From Redding Reloading Equipment

Redding Reloading Equipment was founded in Upstate, NY in 1946 and since that time we have continually tracked the economics of reloading as a method of reducing participation costs in the Shooting Sports. Reloading is a great hobby and for years has been both a cost savings means of participation and also has been the method for building advantages in competitive shooting sports disciplines through the creation of better performing ammunition. The primary barrier to entry has always been the initial cost of all the equipment needed to begin the activity.

The simple economic principle of return on investment applies to the cost of equipment as a fixed cost and the variable costs of components when compared to the cost of buying new ammo. Cost recovery of the fixed component is generally expressed in a time value.

With this year’s ammunition shortages and the subsequent and dramatic increasing in pricing of ammo, when available, the cost recovery interval of the needed equipment has shortened significantly. Traditionally, one could assume the cost of reloading was approximately half of the cost of new ammo with similar components. Savvy buyers could even reduce component costs and move the benefit ratio a bit higher. The initial investment in the needed equipment could be more than a reasonable consumer could bear.

Today, this is written on December 8, 2020, with costs skyrocketing for common plinking rounds such as SS109 5.56 now at $39.89 per box of 20, nearly $2.00 per round and the cost to load it around $0.30 with quality components and a 55 to 60 grain bullet yielding a comparable plinking round, the savings is much more dramatic. At a cost savings of $1.70 per round, the recovery time of the equipment cost is shortened dramatically. This of course is also a function of how many rounds one uses per month and that variable will impact the time. But two years ago, SS109 was readily available at $5.99 for a box of 20 and could be loaded for a little more than half that amount. It is true that component costs are going up as well and items are becoming more difficult to find but reloading still represents a good economic decision which has been made better with the current state of the market and the nation.

Redding Reloading Equipment has focused on building the finest quality, American Made products for the precision handloading market since 1946. To learn more about our ongoing commitment to the precision handloading enthusiast and to request a copy of the current Redding catalog visit: www.redding-reloading.com

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NSSF Launches PSAs on Storing Firearms Securely in Vehicles

From NSSF

In two new video public service announcements, the National Shooting Sports Foundation® encourages gun owners to securely store their firearms when temporarily leaving them in vehicles.

Thefts of firearms from vehicles have risen in many parts of the country, but storing firearms securely and out of sight can help thwart thieves. NSSF® reminds gun owners that vehicle door locks, as well as the trunk or glove compartment, are vulnerable to entry—whereas a dedicated safe or lock box offers better protection of your firearm by presenting a more difficult, time-consuming challenge for thieves.

“No one wants their gun stolen from their vehicle and to live with the thought that it could be used in a crime,” said NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi. “If you must temporarily leave your firearm in a vehicle, we encourage you to use a secure storage device to keep it hidden from prying eyes and inaccessible to thieves. The new PSAs show the many storage devices available for use in vehicles, including custom models designed to fit into consoles and other places in your car.”

Watch and download the full-length PSA and 30-second PSA here. Messaging in the new videos complements NSSF’s Firearm Safety in Vehicles brochure, which covers a complete list of vehicle storage tips, including:

If you must temporarily store a gun in your car or truck, for your safety and that of your community, we encourage you to take steps to properly store them. Use a secure storage device, keep it out of sight, try not to be away from the vehicle for an extended length of time and, when you arrive home, take the firearm inside with you to your secure home storage area.

For more information on firearm safety, visit NSSF.org/safety and ProjectChildSafe.org.

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Speer Ammunition Awarded Norwegian and Swedish Police Duty Ammunition Contract

From Speer

Speer Ammunition was recently awarded the joint Nordic Police 9mm duty handgun ammunition contract for Speer 124-grain Gold Dot. Speer’s sister company Federal already holds the duty rifle contract for .223 Tactical Bonded and .308 Tactical Bonded Tip precision rounds. The duty handgun contract will supply these agencies for up to four years.

“We are extremely pleased with this prestigious contract award, as it validates the high level of trust the international law enforcement agencies have with our extremely reliable and innovative products,” said Speer’s President Jason Vanderbrink.

“The testing specifications and procedures for these contracts were some of the most thorough in the world,” said VP of Law Enforcement, Government and International Sales David Leis. “The use of Gold Dot technology in this contract ammunition ensures the highest performance threshold and absolute confidence in performance, and we are proud to produce ammunition that meets and exceeds our customer’s strict requirements.”

The selected duty rounds utilize Speer Gold Dot technology, which has set an industry benchmark for both self-defense and duty use, earning the trust of consumers and law enforcement world-wide. The bullet features a pressure-formed lead core that is bonded to an extremely uniform jacket a single atom at a time that virtually eliminates separation on impact for more retained weight and consistent penetration depths. The Gold Dot hollow-point design expands consistently through a full range of barriers. Reliable ignition and cycling are delivered thanks to sealed primers and nickel-plated brass.

Speer ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct from Speer. For more information on all products from Speer or to shop online, visit www.speer.com

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Teddy Roosevelt’s Revolver Brings $1.4 Million

From Rock Island Auction Company

A firearms auction house in Illinois has sold President Theodore Roosevelt’s Colt revolver for $1.4 million. The sale came on the second day of Rock Island Auction Company’s three day December event dubbed “The Sale of the Century.” The Colt Single Action Army revolver was ordered as a gift for Roosevelt’s 54th birthday. Factory engraved and silver plated, it was shipped four days before his birthday, just over a week prior to the election of 1912, and ten days prior to his assassination attempt in Milwaukee, WI.

Roosevelt’s Colt was one of several firearms belonging to famous figures from history. Others included Elvis Presley, Annie Oakley, the “Father of Montana” Granville Stuart, Emperor Franz Joseph, General John “Black Jack” Pershing, and Tom Selleck.

Despite the hardships 2020 has brought, it proved to be another record year for RIAC, who again broke their own industry record by reaching $91.7 million in annual sales, with one auction still remaining this year. This was aided by the December auction, now the largest firearms auction ever held, which brought just over $22 million.

“What we’re seeing is the growing realization of the history and investment potential of these objects,” said RIAC President Kevin Hogan. “Year after year these numbers increase and it’s no coincidence. People love holding history in their hands, and have always wanted to possess what is beautiful. Collecting fine arms satisfies both.”

These results are in tune with an American upsurge in firearms ownership during a year filled with civil unrest and election concerns.

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Smith & Wesson to Support NSSF through $500,000 Donation

From Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. announced today that it will be making a donation in the amount of $500,000 to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) to help fund their continued efforts to advocate for and support the firearms industry. The work that the NSSF performs on behalf of the firearms industry is unparalleled and they have been instrumental to ensuring the success of the industry for almost 60 years.

“When the NSSF decided to cancel the 2021 SHOT Show, we felt it was important to show them that we stand behind them during these challenging times. Smith & Wesson fully supports the NSSF and the work that they continue to do on behalf of our industry,” said Mark Smith, President and CEO. “The National Shooting Sports Foundation is a strong advocate for the Second Amendment and helps promote hunting and the shooting sports. Smith & Wesson is proud to have donated over $1 million in 2020 to support their efforts.”

To learn more about the National Shooting Sports Foundation, click here.

To stay up to date on all of the latest news and events, follow Smith & Wesson on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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Beretta Armorer School Announcement

From Beretta USA

Beretta USA is pleased to announce that we have a sponsored 92/96 Series Pistol armorer course scheduled for January 27, 2021. Limited space is available, so register early.

ARMORER SCHOOL CONTACTS:

Linda Vougioukles, Armorerschool@berettausa.com

C.R. VanDerscoff (Instructor)

IN-FIELD COURSE:

Broward Sheriff’s Office Stockade

5400 Powerline Road, Building D

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

January 27, 2021 – 92/96 Series Pistols (8:00am – 4:00pm)

COSTS: $300 PER STUDENT

Registration cut off: January 11 – Broward Registration Form

All registrations handled by Beretta USA: Armorerschool@berettausa.com

Each firearm is covered in a one-day course and is open to law enforcement officers, military, and security personnel.

The Beretta Armorer Training Courses are designed for Law Enforcement/Military armorers, firearms instructors, and technicians. These courses provide complete and detailed answers to specific questions concerning the mechanical functioning, operating procedures, field stripping, inspection, trouble shooting, and maintenance of our firearms.

Certification will be provided by Beretta U.S.A. upon successful completion of the class and is valid for a period of 3 years.

About Beretta Defense Technologies:

Beretta Defense Technologies (BDT) is the strategic alliance of four Beretta Holding defense companies (including Beretta, Benelli, Sako and Steiner) that provide products and services to enable superior performance in the Defense and Law Enforcement communities. State-of-the-art machinery, extensive research and development capabilities, and long-standing worldwide experiences allow BDT products to respond to the ever-changing needs of defense and security personnel. These Beretta companies employ nearly 600 individuals within the United States with locations in Ohio, Vermont, Tennessee, Colorado, Maryland, New York, Texas, and Virginia.

About Beretta

Beretta, established in 1526, is the oldest industrial dynasty in the world tracing its roots through 16 generations of continuous family ownership. Firearms bearing the Beretta name have been sold for almost 500 years. Beretta USA Corp. was founded in 1977 and supplies the standard sidearm to the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, Beretta manufactures, distributes and markets a complete line of firearms, accessories and apparel. Beretta also owns and operates six retail Beretta Gallery stores worldwide. For additional information visit www.Beretta.com

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Demand for Firearm Safety And Training Courses Surge

From USCCA

The U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) today released a statement after the eleventh consecutive month in a row of record firearm-related background checks, with federal background checks for guns surging 41% in November. Today, there is an estimated 434 million firearms in private possession across the nation, with more than 5 million new, first time gun owners this year alone.

As gun sales and the number of first-time purchasers climbed over the last eleven months, the USCCA experienced simultaneous growth. Recently, the USCCA surpassed over 500,000 members and membership is continuing to climb every week. In 2020 alone, the organization has trained an estimated 92,950 students and will certify almost twice as many new instructors this year than any single year prior. This expedient growth comes even with a two-month stoppage due to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines and operations restrictions. Today, USCCA instructors and range partners are more active than ever, training twice as many students from January to August than the organization did in all of 2019.

“It’s been incredible to watch support for the Second Amendment skyrocket over the last year. Here at the USCCA, we support law-abiding gun owners, new or experienced, through firearm education and training to ensure that safety remains a number one priority. While owning and carrying a firearm for self-defense comes with a lot of responsibility, that shouldn’t hinder any American from taking control of their own safety and security,” said Tim Schmidt, president and founder of the USCCA.

For more information on how to get self-defense education and training offered through the USCCA, visit our website here.

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Bob Allen Company Renews Sponsorship of SCTP

From SSSF

Continuing their support of youth clay target sports, the Bob Allen Company has renewed its Brass-level Sponsorship of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP).

“Bob Allen recognizes the important role that the SCTP plays in the support, development and stewardship of our youth in scholastic shooting sports,” said Director of Brand Development, Jeff Johnson. “We are proud to sponsor SCTP in their efforts to promote growth and education to young athletes who will become future ambassadors of the shooting sports.”

Known for its shooting gloves, vests, shooting shirts, and more, the Bob Allen Company offers deals and promotions to our SCTP registered teams and families.
As part of the Boyt Harness Company, Bob Allen brand products can be found on their website, as well as part of sponsored gear carried in the SCTP/SASP online store. Bob Allen items and other program sponsor products are stocked by the SCTP to provide athletes trusted equipment and apparel from sponsors enthusiastic to support youth shooting sports.

“Sponsors renewing their commitment to supporting and growing youth shooting sports really energizes us as a program,” exclaimed SCTP National Director, Tom Wondrash. “Bob Allen is well known in the industry and has deep roots in the US clay target community, dating back before World War II. Their excellent products are priced at a point that allows affordability to a wider array of young athletes and their families. We are humbled by their renewed support of youth shooting sports!”


About the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is 501(c)(3) public charity responsible for all aspects of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) across the United States. The SCTP and SASP are youth development programs in which adult coaches and other volunteers use shooting sports to teach and to demonstrate sportsmanship, responsibility, honesty, ethics, integrity, teamwork, and other positive life skills.

The mission of the SSSF is to provide and enhance personal growth and development opportunities for student athlete members; become the premier authority in all things pertaining to firearm-related pursuits for youth; pass on to future generations the legacy of lifelong, safe, responsible enjoyment of the shooting sports. This includes serving as a feeder/pipeline for organized, sanctioned shooting organizations and teams.

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TriStar Donates to Support the Shooting Sports

From NSSF

TriStar Arms, a company well-known for breaking entry barriers to the shooting sports with high-quality, high-value firearms at an affordable price, has taken efforts a step further with a donation of $12,450 to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).

NSSF is known as the firearms industry trade association, but serves both industry and the general public alike through projects like Operation Secure Store, Project Child Safe, +ONE, and FixNICS, as well as valuable research and easy-to-understand infographics that make spreading the positive facts about firearms easy.

As a company offering hunting, home defense, sporting, and trap shotguns nationwide at affordable prices, support of NSSF by TriStar is a natural fit. Both TriStar and the NSSF serve the national industry and help curious newcomers become safe and proficient participants of the shooting sports.

“We appreciate what NSSF does for industry and public alike. With the NSSF’s major fundraising event, SHOT Show 2021 cancelled, we wanted to do our part to support such a vital part of our industry,” said Gus Bader, President and CEO of TriStar Arms.

About NSSF
NSSF is the trade association for the firearm industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of thousands of manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers nationwide. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

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