SAAMI Announces Acceptance of Three New Cartridges

From SAAMI

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute,® Inc., (SAAMI®), the organization at the forefront of promoting firearm safety by creating standards that ensure safety, reliability and interchangeability of firearms, ammunition and components, announced the acceptance of new rife cartridges for SAAMI standardization.

Developed by SIG SAUER, the 277 SIG FURY was introduced with a maximum average pressure of 80,000 psi, with a 135-grain bullet traveling at a velocity of 3,000 fps.

Developed by Weatherby, the 6.5 Weatherby Rebated Precision Magnum was introduced with a maximum average pressure of 65,000 psi, with a 140-grain bullet traveling at a velocity of 3,075 fps.

Developed by Olin Winchester, the 6.8 Western was introduced with a maximum average pressure of 65,000 psi, with a 175-grain bullet traveling at a velocity of 2,840 fps.

For additional information on these new cartridge designs and other recently accepted cartridge and chamber designs, visit SAAMI.org.

Barrett Receives First MK22 Delivery Order from USSOCOM

From Barrett

Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. is pleased to announce that the submission of its initial production MRAD MK22 (Multi-Role Adaptive Design Mark 22) rifles have met all requirements for the U.S. Department of Defense contract for ASR (Advanced Sniper Rifle) in support of USSOCOM (U.S. Special Operations Command). Since being awarded the contract in March 2019, the MK22 has completed all aspects of the Production Qualification Testing and Operational Testing phases.

As a result, Barrett has received the initial production order and deliveries will commence in January 2021.

“We are pleased to have reached this milestone with the project and look forward to providing our warfighters with this highly capable platform,” stated Joel Miller, Director of Global Military Sales.

USSOCOM initially announced in 2016 they were in search of a modular, multi-caliber bolt action sniper rifle capable of converting between .300 Norma Magnum, .338 Norma Magnum and 7.62x51mm through a “full and open competition.”

For more product information please visit https://barrett.net/products/firearms/mrad

NASGW Names Hornady 2020 Innovator of the Year

From Hornady

Hornady has been recognized as the Innovator of the Year by the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW).

Hornady received the award on October 20th at the Annual Caliber Awards during the associations virtual Expo and Annual Meeting.

Hornady’s new 6 mm ARC is a good example of its innovation.

“We know how many reputable companies in our industry were also up for this award, so we are very humbled to have received it” said Jason Hornady, Vice President of Hornady. “We strive to continuously innovate and bring new products to the market that bring excitement and fun for the consumer” Hornady added.

Hornady has gone from a start-up in a small Grand Island, Nebraska former auto body shop, to become the largest independently owned maker of bullets, ammunition and tools in the world. This demonstrates that many great things have been done throughout the company’s history.

Now operating out of three different facilities in Grand Island, Nebraska, manufacturing and shipping more product than ever before, the success of this company has all been made through quality, continuous improvement, innovation and responsiveness.

Each year at this event, NASGW awards the top accessory, ammunition and firearms manufacturers who best demonstrate a commitment to two-step distribution and who provide outstanding value and service. Wholesaler members evaluate the performance of this manufacturer on key criteria that includes distribution policy, marketing, sales and promotion, logistics and operations and NASGW industry support.

Founded in 1949, Hornady® Manufacturing Company is a family-owned business headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska. Proudly manufacturing products that are made in the USA, Hornady® Manufacturing is a world leader in bullet, ammunition, reloading tool, accessory and security product design and manufacturing.

For further information regarding Hornady® products, visit the company web site at http://hornady.com.

Guns & Ammo Names Benelli Lupo 2020 Rifle of the Year

From Benelli

The Benelli Lupo bolt-action rifle has been chosen by Guns & Ammo as their Rifle of the Year for 2020. The prestigious award goes to the rifle that exceeds expectations of reliability and quality along with offering the greatest appeal to readers.

“We developed the Lupo rifle with the same enthusiasm and attention-to-detail as we do with our renowned shotguns,” said Benelli Vice President of Brand Marketing Timothy Joseph. “Combining sub-MOA accuracy and innovative features into a chassis-style rifle that can be adjusted for a customizable fit, we created an exceptional rifle with Italian craftsmanship that raises the bar for what a hunting rifle should deliver. We are honored to receive this award and are looking forward to future expansion of the Lupo bolt-action line.”

The annual Guns & Ammo awards are decided by a panel of Guns & Ammo editors, contributors and staff who test and evaluate products for reliability, high-quality and affordability. The panel cited the Lupo’s accuracy, styling and felt-recoil reduction to deliver high performance.

Known for high-quality shotguns, Benelli introduced its first bolt-action rifle in January 2020. The Lupo is loaded with innovative features—including seven exclusive Benelli patents—adding up to a hunting rifle that handles beautifully and provides a truly customizable fit.

This sub-MOA rifle achieves repeatable, consistent accuracy thanks to a precision CRIO-treated and free-floating barrel, securely bedded (steel-to-steel) into the alloy chassis receiver. This accuracy is unleashed with a crisp and adjustable trigger.

In addition to great accuracy, the Benelli Lupo’s design features modular adjustability to provide the perfect fit between shooter and rifle. The chassis-style configuration of a separate stock, receiver and forend allow the shooter to adjust the Lupo to one of 12 drop and cast positions with the included shims. The Benelli Lupo tames recoil with a patented built-in Progressive Comfort system and a Combtech cheek pad.

To learn more about the Benelli and Benelli products, please visit www.benelliusa.com.

Savage Includes 110 High Country Rifle in Backcountry Xtreme Series

From TrueTimber

TrueTimber is grateful that Savage Arms has selected the 110 High Country rifle decorated in TrueTimber Strata camo to be added to the all-new Backcountry Xtreme Series. This dynamic new series of purpose-built, performance-driven rifles defines the top tier of the 110 hunting line and embodies the most functional refinements Savage builds into its bolt action designs.

“The 110 High Country is the perfect example of Savage’s new Backcountry Xtreme Series,” said Jessica Treglia, Sr. Brand Manager at Savage Arms. “We’re proud to partner with TrueTimber for the 110 High Country. With its spiral-fluted barrel and bolt, the High Country is built for accuracy. And the addition of TrueTimber’s Strata pattern adds excellent concealment properties to a 110 that’s built for the hunt.”

The featured rifles offer added reliability at elevation, phenomenal accuracy at distance or hard-hitting performance on notoriously fierce game. Every rifle in the Backcountry Xtreme Series is a multi-purpose firearm with true ‘do-all’ capabilities, each optimized to excel in certain scenarios.

“We are really excited to see the 110 High Country in TrueTimber Strata camo included in this new prestigious series from Savage,” said TrueTimber CEO Rusty Sellars. “This gun has not only been in their lineup for a while, but it has been extremely popular for hunters across the board. Strata continues to prove itself against so many backgrounds and we are really thrilled that Savage selected it for one of their most successful guns in the Backcountry Xtreme Series.”

Savage 110 High Country

The biggest bulls. The longest shots, the Savage® 110 High Country decorated in TrueTimber Strata camo puts them all in reach. This rifle is built to maximize accuracy with a spiral-fluted barrel and bolt, as well as the Model 110 action secured three-dimensionally along its entire length within the AccuStock™ internal chassis. The AccuFit™ system allows custom length of pull and comb height settings while the AccuTrigger™ offers a crisp, clean pull critical for making precise shots at extreme distance making this rifle extremely customizable and ready for any shooter.

To learn more about the entire TrueTimber product line and see all available patterns, visit

TrueTimber.com. Details about future product launches can be found on TrueTimber’s

Outdoor Recreation’s Positive National Economic Impact

From Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released updated economic data on outdoor recreation’s powerful and positive economic impact on the U.S. economy showing $788 billion in economic output, comprising 2.1% of U.S. GDP and supporting 5.2 million jobs. The report includes national and state level data for both 2018 and 2019.

This is the third consecutive year that BEA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has released data on the outdoor recreation economy and the third year the industry has shown growth across the board. Today’s release shows how this growing sector was growing rapidly prior to the pandemic and where it can lead again as an economic growth engine and job creator.

Key Highlights from BEA’s new report on the outdoor recreation economy:

• Outdoor recreation makes up 2.1 percent of U.S. GDP, generating $788 billion in gross output and supporting 5.2 million jobs.

• In terms of economic output, boating/fishing, RVing, hunting/shooting/trapping, motorcycling/ATVing, and equestrian sports are the five largest conventional outdoor recreation activities.

• The top states where outdoor recreation accounts for the largest percentage of each states’ total GDP are Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Vermont and Wyoming.

• The top five states where outdoor recreation accounts for the largest percentage of total U.S. GDP are California, Florida, Illinois, New York and Texas.

“This year’s data on the impact of the outdoor recreation economy is reaffirming for the entire outdoor recreation industry, particularly after the last few months we have all had,” said Jessica Turner, executive director of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR). “The fact the industry generates $788 billion in output, comprises 2.1% of U.S. GDP and supports 5.2 million jobs is huge for the U.S economy, rural and gateway communities and Americans looking for jobs or to start a career in a growing and powerful industry. This, combined with the recent passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, bolsters the benefits of the outdoor recreation economy and our efforts to ensure all Americans have access to our public lands and waters.”

“The BEA data reinforces what we in the powersports industry have known for some time,” said Erik Pritchard, president of the Motorcycle Industry Council, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association. “Motorcycles, ATV and side-by-sides fuel the outdoor economy through production, assembly, distribution and dealerships across the country. Our riders pay nearly $300 million per year in gas taxes into the highway trust fund and they spend millions more at hotels, restaurants, gas stations and sporting goods stores. We’ve seen record sales during COVID-19 as new and returning riders flock to powersports as a socially distant form of recreation that is fun for individuals and families alike.”

“The BEA release of economic data comes at a time when the health and wellness benefits of recreation cannot be overstated,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, executive director of the Outdoor Industry Association. “A recent poll showed 69 percent of Americans have gained a renewed appreciation for the outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic. People want to get outside for their physical and mental health. What’s more, they yearn for social connection, which they can find through safely distanced activities in neighborhood parks or national parks. The Outdoor Industry Association and our partners have and will continue to prioritize ways we can contribute to the economic, health, and well-being benefits across the U.S. in rural and urban communities. Now more than ever, we need the outdoors.”

“The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds represents over 3,000 private park owners and vendors throughout North America,” said Paul Bambei, president & CEO of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds. “We’ve used ORSA data to effectively open doors with both local, state and national legislators to make our case that we are a viable contributor to the economy, which has led to many positive outcomes. Going forward, we wouldn’t enter a political discussion without having ORSA data in our hip pocket.”

“In many ways, the uptick in outdoor recreation activity during the pandemic only reinforces the findings in the 2018 and 2019 data, showing that recreational boating, fishing, and the broader outdoor recreation industry are sectors we should further invest in as we look towards recovery,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association. “This report provides invaluable insights about the role of the outdoor recreation industry in boosting regional economies all over the country and will be vitally important as we work with policymakers to provide meaningful investments and expand access to our nation’s favorite pastimes.”

“The outdoor recreation data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis is invaluable in helping us grow and support the outdoor industry in North Carolina,” said Amy Allison, director of the North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. “These numbers show the strength of the outdoor recreation industry as a powerful economic driver in our state, and will help us to move the needle toward positive action that supports the industry and supports a healthy infrastructure of public lands that is vital to our economic growth.”

“In Montana we understand the far reaching benefits and impacts of a healthy and vibrant outdoor recreation economy on nearly every facet of our lives and livelihoods,” said Rachel Schmidt, director of the Montana Governor’s Office of Outdoor Recreation. “Having this economic data is vitally important to forming the best policy decisions to support and enhance the recreation economy at every level of government in the country.”

America’s outdoor recreation community, represented by ORR, continues to support the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account (ORSA) – the official name for the project. Just like is the case for many other industries, the goal is to provide annual data on the economic importance of national and regional outdoor recreation economies that can be tracked for years to come. To learn more about ORR and outdoor recreation’s contributions to the economy, click here.

LASD Approves Apex Barrel for Special Enforcement Bureau

From Apex Tactical

Citing “a significant accuracy enhancement for the tactical shooter,” the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has approved for duty use the highly accurate Apex Grade Barrel in the Department’s 9mm Smith & Wesson M&P pistols carried by the LASD Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB).

The decision to authorize the aftermarket barrel designed and manufactured by Apex Tactical Specialties followed stringent testing by the department that found not only a significant increase in accuracy over the original factory barrel but also 100% reliability during testing.

In its official authorization, LASD evaluators noted the following performance characteristics from the Apex Grade Barrel:

– Significant increase in the mechanical accuracy of the pistol evidenced by an over 200% decrease in group size at 25 yards

– 100% reliability with all ammo tested including Winchester SXT 147gr and Federal HST 147gr

– Over 30,000 rounds were fired over the test period in two pistols and no firearm related malfunctions were noted

Individual deputies assigned to the Special Enforcement Bureau may now purchase barrels for on-duty use directly from Apex, at special law enforcement only pricing, with barrel fitting to be performed by either the LASD department armorer or SEB armorer.

“Apex is extremely pleased to offer deputies of the Special Enforcement Bureau the most accurate barrel upgrade available for the M&P,” said Apex CEO Randy Lee, who received a U.S. Patent for his design of the Apex Grade Barrel.

The extensive testing conducted by LASD reaffirmed Apex’s own testing where the Apex Grade Barrel routinely outperformed the factory barrel, as well as other aftermarket barrels, shooting sub one-inch five shot groups at 25 yards. Apex has even shot groups under an inch out to 50 yards.

“If accuracy is a tactical advantage, then there is no greater advantage for the LASD deputies of the Special Enforcement Bureau than outfitting their duty pistol with an Apex Grade Barrel,” added Lee.

The LASD Special Enforcement Bureau joins the Port Authority of Allegheny County Police Department which has also authorized the Apex Grade Barrel for duty use. Law Enforcement agencies interested in evaluating the Apex Grade Barrel, or other Apex aftermarket upgrades, can contact Apex at (623) 322-0200 for product information and law enforcement agency pricing.

Don’t forget to take a look at the company’s new longslide for the FN509.

Features and Specifications:

– For 9mm M&P and M&P M2.0 Pistols

– Available in 5.00″, 4.25” and 4.00″ Barrel Lengths

– Cold Hammer-Forged Stainless Steel

– 1:10” Twist Rate

– Apex Part #: 105-052 (5.00″)

– Apex Part #: 105-053 (4.25″)

– Apex Part #: 105-049 (4.00”)

– Easy to Install

For more information on parts from Apex Tactical Specialties, visit www.ApexTactical.com, like Apex Tactical on Facebook or follow @ApexTactical on Instagram or Twitter. Instructional videos on the installation of Apex parts are available on Apex’s YouTubeFull30 and GunStreamer channels.

Action Target “11-11-11 Fund” to Support Veterans

From Action Target

Action Target™ Inc., the leading manufacturer of modern shooting ranges, steel targets, shooting supplies, and aftermarket services launches the 11-11-11 Fund to support Semper Fi & America’s Fund that provides urgently needed resources and lifetime support for combat wounded, critically ill, and catastrophically injured service members.

Veterans Day started at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918. It was then the armistice of World War One was signed — ending The Great War that killed nine million soldiers and wounded 21 million. Since that day, Veterans Day has been observed on November eleventh. Here at Action Target, we are proud of those who have sacrificed their lives, suffered injuries, and left their families for long periods of time to defend our freedom and liberties. Many Veterans will tell you it’s just their duty, and feel it’s the most patriotic thing to serve our country. We feel our Veterans have set a precedence for us as Americans and it’s our job to give back to these heroes. That’s why, when you purchase a product from Action Target bearing the 11-11-11 seal on it, a portion of the revenue will directly support veteran charities.

In honor of Veterans Day, Action Target has designed a Veterans Day target and will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the sales of this target to Semper Fi & America’s Fund that has an A+ from CharityWatch (one of only two Veteran nonprofits to receive their highest rating), and a Charity Navigator 4-star rating for ten consecutive years.

For More information about 11-11-11 Fund, visit www.actiontarget.com/11-11-11-fund.

And don’t forget to take a look at KelTec’s video tribute to veterans.

3DEO Takes Gold Medal in the 2020 LEAP Awards for Additive Manufacturing

From 3DEO

3DEO, a metal 3D printing technology company, has won a Gold Medal in Additive Manufacturing from Design World’s Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program (LEAP) Awards. More than 100 entrants were received for the annual competition which celebrates the most innovative and forward-thinking products serving the design engineering space. Winners were chosen by an independent judging panel of 14 engineering and academic professionals. One of the judges commented, “To integrate the CNC milling into the process should really help 3D Metal parts move from prototype to production.” This award is recognition of 3DEO’s unique ability to scale metal additive manufacturing and compete with traditional manufacturing methods such as CNC machining and metal injection molding.

3DEO was awarded Gold over some of the largest companies in the industry, highlighting how the cutting-edge startup from California is breaking new ground in metal additive manufacturing—particularly in the mass production of end-use components. “Recognizing the nonexistence of high-volume production in the industry, we founded the company specifically to break into high-volume production. The entire 3DEO team is honored to receive such a prestigious award and be recognized for our hard work over the years,” said Payman Torabi, PhD, Chief Technology Officer of 3DEO.

3DEO is one of the highest volume manufacturers in metal 3D printing. The company has shipped over 300,000 production parts to date, including shipping 35,000 parts shipped in a single week last month. Many of 3DEO’s production customers are in annual production quantities of more than 50,000 pieces per year.

Matt Petros, PhD, CEO of 3DEO, said, “While it is true that we are shipping a lot of parts, we are really just getting started on the path to production. I think that is what is most exciting about 3DEO today. Building an end-to-end production line took time to fully develop the technology stack, which includes 3D printing, automation, robotics, software integration, IoT, and machine learning. 3DEO is more than a parts company. It’s more than a metal 3D printing company. It’s a digital industrial platform poised to transform manufacturing.”

With the entire technology stack and production line operational, the company is in the position to scale up volumes dramatically. “Expect to see very big things from us in 2021. We are breaking into new industries, taking down larger and larger orders, and starting to compete head-on with metal injection molding from a cost and quality perspective,” said Dr. Petros. “When you can offer customers all of the game-changing advantages of 3D printing with similar pricing and quality as MIM, it’s a manufacturing revolution in the making.”

Here’s more on 3-d printing of metal gun parts, taken from my interview with the company founder.

Exit mobile version