Category: Firearm Industry News

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

Posted on

SAR USA Partners With the Personal Defense Network

From SAR USA

SAR USA by Sarsilmaz, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of firearms is pleased to announce that they have partnered with Athlon Outdoors Personal Defense Network (PDN) tactical training video series. SAR USA will provide select models of their state-of-the-art pistols for PDN’s expert personal defense instructors to use while they provide cutting-edge training tips and tactics videos.

When the Personal Defense Network discovered there was a need for high-quality personal defense instructional videos, they searched out the top instructors in the field and produced the Personal Firearm Defense DVD Series. They have partnered with Rob Pincus, a personal defense industry leader and owner of I.C.E. Training, to provide instruction on their DVDs as well as act as executive director for PersonalDefenseNetwork.com.

Due to increased demand, the company had to increase its production recently.

“In these unprecedented times we are proud to partner with the Personal Defense Network,” said Todd Pearson, COO of SAR USA. “This video series is essential for the first-time gun buyer/owner as it helps them understand everything from selecting the proper firearm to defending one’s home and person.”

In this new series, Home Defense Bites from Personal Defense World, tactical training instructor Rob Orgel (ER Tactical) delivers techniques and tips for everyday home defense while providing insight that might just protect you and your family in a critical situation. Topics include hardening the infrastructure of your home with both physical and electronic security improvements, optimal firearms selection for home defense, ammunition considerations that are home defense specific, safe home firearms storage solutions, and routines you can employ to be best prepared.

The complete video series features 13 videos and runs from October 8 to December 31, 2020. All 13 videos can be viewed here.  

To learn more about the complete product line from SAR USA by Sarsilmaz, please visit: www.sarusa.com.

Posted on

SIG SAUER Academy to Offer Classes in Florida at Volusia County Gun & Hunt Club

From SIG Sauer

SIG SAUER Academy, the leading provider of the highest quality firearms instruction and tactical training in the world, is pleased to announce that Volusia County Gun & Hunt Club in New Smyrna Beach, Florida will be hosting on-location SIG SAUER Academy courses.

Beginning in December 2020 through February 2021 exclusive SIG SAUER Academy course offerings will be taught by the world-renowned SIG SAUER Academy instructors onsite at the Volusia County Gun & Hunt Club. The course offerings are as follows:

  • Handgun 102: This is step 2 in the SIG SAUER Academy foundational handgun series. Utilizing the principles of training in Handgun 101, this course takes students through the efficient and safe use of a handgun. Working from the holster, performing reloads, clearing stoppages, and correctly manipulating a trigger to maximize accuracy are all thoroughly taught in a relaxed, hands-on environment.
  • Handgun 103: This intensive one-day class is designed to take your skills to the next level. Handgun 103 builds upon and refines the skill sets previously established in Handgun 102 while also introducing shooters to new drills, cutting edge concepts, and core shooting principles.
  • Mission: Red Dot: Leave the Iron Age behind. Proven on the battlefield and in competition, there is no longer any debate that a red dot makes for faster, more accurate shots over iron sights. Take your shooting to the next level with the course built specifically around this major advancement in firearm technology and learn to shoot and engage targets with a pistol mounted red dot.
  • Bullets and Bandages: This course teaches students how to keep themselves and their team members alive and fighting in critical injury situations. Students will master basic lifesaving emergency medical skills using equipment available under field conditions. Training scenarios presented also include basic weapon manipulation and live fire, while simulating high risk situations. Other topics covered include suppressive fire techniques, evasive action, and preparing wounded team members for evacuation and advanced medical care.
  • Basic Trauma Management: An 8-hour class designed to provide the end-user with the basic knowledge necessary to “Be the difference” in a life-threatening trauma situation. The student will learn basic human anatomy and physiology, injuries to the various systems of the body and how best to treat them as well as medical kit training, mass casualty principles and 911 communication. The day will end with various hands-on practical applications and rapid patient assessment drills. The time chooses you. Will you be ready?”

To register and review the in-depth course outlines, pre-requisites, and equipment requirements for the SIG SAUER Academy courses at the Volusia County Gun & Hunt Club visit sigsaueracademy.com.

Posted on

Staccato’s “Built for Heroes” Series Honors American Patriots

From Staccato 2011

Staccato 2011, LLC announced today the launch of the “Built for Heroes” video series. The series is dedicated to sharing stories of our country’s veterans, law enforcement, and military professionals. The first video in the series shares the story of Bradley Nielson, an active-duty police officer who humbly serves and protects — often in high-risk situations.

“Our country’s law enforcement and military professionals stand on that line to protect our way of life every single day,” said Marine Corps veteran Nate Horvath, CEO, Staccato. “These brave men and women have our backs — at Staccato, we have theirs. Our ‘Built for Heroes’ video series is one way we’ve chosen to honor and bring awareness to true American heroes.”

Here’s more on the 250 agencies that have approved Staccato 2011 pistols.

In time for Veteran’s Day, Staccato will release the second video in the series, showcasing a Master Sergeant with over 20 years of experience in the U.S. Army special operations.

Staccato is proud to serve thousands of professionals who carry Staccato 2011® pistols both on and off-duty. Approved by over 270 law enforcement agencies across the country, Staccato 2011® pistols are manufactured in Texas using only American-made parts and materials. A veteran-led company, Staccato provides law enforcement, military, and first responders a discount on pistols and magazines.

Posted on

Halo Rangefinder—Superior Ranging Technology at the Push of a Button

From Halo Optics

Hi-tech is no stranger to outdoors and hunting products. Yet, so much of this technology requires an engineering degree to figure out and use, especially in the field at a moment’s notice.

For this reason, Halo Optics works so hard to make the technology found in its extensive line of rangefinders user-friendly and extremely accessible. At the push of a button-literally-you access the hi-tech that produces hits!

This Halo Rangefinder technology includes:

ANGLE INTELLIGENCE

When hunting from an elevated blind or hill, over-shooting the target is a real possibility. Shots from these elevated positions encounter less gravitational pull as they’re already traveling downward. The tendency is for the projectile (arrow or bullet) to pick up speed and arc over that deer or elk.

Halo rangefinders with built-in Angle Intelligence automatically calculate the “angle compensated distance” between hunter and target. Over-shooting is a thing of the past.

Here’s more on the company’s long-distance rangefinders.

AUTO ACQUISITION

At the press a button, a hunter has an accurate range reading-almost immediately. And Halo’s newest rangefinders continue to reduce acquisition times, at up to two times faster than previous models.

SCAN MODE

Lock in multiple targets at different yardages quickly and accurately in the Scan Mode. Hold down the button and scan, and target distances are automatically determined and presented. Scan Mode delivers up to four distance readings per second. Extremely handy for the spot and stalk hunter moving into position, who can then adjust his or her approach on the fly as target ranges change.

GLASS LENSES
Found in most of Halo’s models, glass lenses are 20-percent more efficient than standard lenses. This means maximum ranges and acquisition times are just about as close to perfect as possible.
ERGONOMIC DESIGN

The design intention behind Halo rangefinders’ unique aesthetic isn’t just to look good but to fit the hand securely and comfortably and to become an extension of the hand. The complexities of the natural grip and finger pressure points have been studied to provide ultimate comfort and enhanced user performance.

WATER-RESISTANT

Halo rangefinders are ready for hard use in the field, including dealing with the elements. Halo took special care to protect the inner workings of every unit with a durable, water-resistant body, able to weather the storm. Literally.

Halo delivers all of this careful thought and user-friendly technology, at prices well below the competition. That’s the Halo Rangefinder difference.

Posted on

Gun Purchases for October were the Highest for the Month on Record

From NSSF

The October 2020 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System(NICS) figure of 1,769,553 is an increase of 60.1 percent compared to the October 2019 NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 1,105,335. For comparison, the unadjusted October 2020 FBI NICS figure 3,268,909 reflects a 40.5 percent increase from the unadjusted FBI NICS figure of 2,327,252 in October 2019.

Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting calculates gun sales came in slightly better last month—estimating a 65 percent increase.

The year-to-date total of 17.2 million background checks shatters the previous complete annual record of 15.7 million background checks set in 2016. Two months of sales still remain, traditionally among the busiest of the year.

Please note: Twenty-five states currently have at least one qualified alternative permit, which under the Brady Act allows the permit-holder, who has undergone a background check to obtain the permit, to purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer without a separate additional background check for that transfer. The number of NICS checks in these states does not include these legal transfers based on qualifying permits and NSSF does not adjust for these transfers. Michigan had law changes that affected their Brady Law standing which removed qualifying alternate permits usage for firearm transactions. These changes went into effect March 3, 2020. NSSF-adjusted NICS for the state of Michigan in October 2020 were 185.4 percent higher than October 2019 which accounts for an additional 43,817 checks over the same time period.

The adjusted NICS data were derived by subtracting out NICS purpose code permit checks and permit rechecks used by states for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases. NSSF started subtracting permit rechecks in February 2016.

Though not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provide an additional picture of current market conditions. In addition to other purposes, NICS is used to check transactions for sales or transfers of new or used firearms.

It should be noted that these statistics represent the number of firearm background checks initiated through the NICS. They do not represent the number of firearms sold or sales dollars. Based on varying state laws, local market conditions and purchase scenarios, a one-to-one correlation cannot be made between a firearm background check and a firearm sale.

For additional information on NICS or to view a complete set of the current monthly reports, please visit the NICS website.

Posted on

FN Honors Veterans in Forged from Freedom Campaign

From FN America

FN America, LLC, maker of the world’s most battle-proven firearms, is pleased to announce its Forged from Freedom campaign honoring veterans of the U.S. military. The campaign, launching November 1 and ending on November 11, Veteran’s Day, features a six-part video series that explores FN’s deeply rooted connection to the U.S. military and its veterans through the voices of its veteran employees and customers.

“Veteran’s Day is a particularly important day for our company,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “In just about every major conflict around the globe, an FN firearm was deployed alongside a U.S. service member, serving faithfully and reliably. It’s ingrained into every fiber of our business and is part of who we are as FN.”

“I’m incredibly proud to showcase the stories of our employees as they share their perspectives as veterans,” Cherpes continued. “My hope is that we all take time this November 11th to show our respect and give thanks to those who have served our country with distinction.”

The Forged from Freedom Series will be released on FN’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter channels, as well as available on the FN website. The series includes:

Born of the Battlefield | A reflection of FN’s legacy and current relationship with the U.S. Military and her allies, this short video will show key historic moments from the company’s history producing the world’s most battle-proven firearms. Watch now.

Voice of a Vet | Viewed through the lens of a prior servicemember, this series of four videos featuring FN’s veteran employees showcase their unique perspectives after having served in the U.S. Military. To be released November 3rd, 5th, 7th and 10th.

Operation Thanks | As the culminating feature on Veteran’s Day, this tribute to all of the veterans who have served in the U.S. Military will feature personal images and videos from FN’s veteran employees and customers. To be released November 11, 2020.

Additionally, there will be an opportunity for followers to enter to win a grand prize of an FN 15 Military Collector M16, part of FN’s Military Collector series and faithful replica of the M16A4 service rifle, as well as eleven gear bundles featuring a commemorative Veteran’s Day t-shirt and decal. To enter to win, please visit www.fnamerica.com/veterans-day.

For more information about FN’s Forged from Freedom campaign, please visit fnamerica.com and be sure to follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Posted on

Gun Sales up 65 Percent in October

From Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting

Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting (SAAF) estimates October 2020 U.S. firearms unit sales at 1.9 million units, a year-over-year increase of 65 percent from October 2019. Likely single handgun sales (1.0 million) increased year-over-year by 81 percent, whereas single long-gun sales (0.74 million) increased year-over-year by 48 percent. All other likely background check-related sales (0.14 million) increased year-over-year by 58 percent. This includes so-called “multiple” sales where the exact split between handguns and long-guns cannot be determined from the data record.

NSSF estimates the increase was 60 percent.

SAAF’s firearms unit sales estimates are based on raw data taken from the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), adjusted for checks unlikely to be related to end-user firearms sales. For example, the FBI’s raw numbers (for October, some 3,268,909) cannot be taken at face value as large numbers of background checks are unrelated to end-user sales. As a case in point, in October the state of Illinois conducted about 429,000 so-called permit checks and rechecks alone whereas end-user unit sales at firearms retailers likely amounted to about 51,000. SAAF makes certain other adjustments to the data based on retailer reports and other information; nonetheless, the estimates still likely understate the true number of sales.

SAAF Chief Economist Jurgen Brauer commented that “2020 continues on its record firearms sales pace, with the year-to-date total now reaching 18.6 million units sold. Handguns continue to outsell long-guns but at a continuously declining rate since June of this year. (In June, the rate was 2.2 handguns per long-gun; in October, it was 1.4 handguns per long-gun.)”

By the end of September U.S. gun sales had already shattered all previous records.

Posted on

SIG Sauer to donate $500,000 to NSSF

From SIG Sauer

SIG Sauer announced on Oct. 30 it was donating $500,000 to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) to support the important work the NSSF is doing on behalf of the entire shooting, hunting, and outdoor industry. During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NSSF was instrumental in defending the industry and insuring retailers and manufacturers alike were declared essential to personal safety and the defense of America and kept our respective businesses open.

“It’s disappointing that we will not be able to gather as an industry in 2021 at SHOT Show. However, given the recent rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the world we fully support the difficult decision of the National Shooting Sports Foundation to cancel SHOT Show,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “The NSSF, and its staff, are truly remarkable and all of us at SIG SAUER are thankful for their continued efforts. In the absence of SHOT Show, SIG is pleased to announce a $500,000 donation to support the NSSF’s ongoing work in education, safety initiatives, compliance and security resources, import/export guidance, consumer activation initiatives, government relations, and operational needs for 2021.”

Posted on

NSSF Announces 2021 SHOT Show Cancellation

Statement from NSSF President & CEO Joe Bartozzi:

Due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the world, NSSF, the firearm industry trade association, today makes the difficult announcement that the 2021 SHOT Show has been cancelled.

NSSF has remained in constant communication with Nevada officials throughout the year in our planning for the 2021 show. While there has been a concerted effort to expand the allowable levels for large gatherings by the county and state, with positivity rates peaking during our key planning period we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 show. Sadly, these spikes are currently transpiring worldwide. Given the sheer complexities, diminishing timeline and immense logistical planning required to conduct a trade show as large as SHOT, NSSF simply could not move forward at this point with so many unknowns and variables. We truly appreciate the guidance of Nevada and Las Vegas officials in allowing us to communicate this news to our exhibitors and attendees well in advance of the show. We would also like to thank the Sands directly for their help and efforts to navigate this unprecedented situation.

Here is more on why it needed to be cancelled.

The planning and work that has gone into the 2021 SHOT Show has been nothing short of remarkable. Since the pandemic began in early 2020, the NSSF staff and our show partners have been working around the clock to plan our largest show in history while keeping the health and safety of all involved as paramount.

The support of our show exhibitors this year has also been nothing short of remarkable. With three months to go until the show, floor space for both the Sands Expo Center and our expansion to the new Caesars Forum was nearly sold out, with more companies than ever before represented at the SHOT Show.

All of this positions us for a 2022 SHOT Show that will be undoubtably the best in our industry’s history, and we look forward to bringing our entire community together again at a show that will be one to remember.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT REFUNDS, HOTEL CANCELLATIONS AND OTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

During the coming year, NSSF asks for our industry’s unwavering support as we continue our fight to promote, protect and preserve our industry in these unsettling times.

Throughout this year, NSSF has remained at the forefront for our industry. As thousands of businesses across the country were shuttered as being “non-essential” during the pandemic, NSSF worked nonstop to have firearm retailers, ranges, manufacturers and distributors listed as “essential” which allowed them to remain open for business.

NSSF is your trade association. Everything we do—from education, safety initiatives, compliance and security resources, import/export guidance, consumer activation initiatives, government relations, and the SHOT Show—is aimed at helping businesses in our industry succeed. Now, more than ever, we need your continued support.


Thank you – NSSF SHOT Show® Registration

Posted on

Walmart is Pulling Ammo from Shelves

Walmart is pulling ammo from shelves in certain locations due to renewed social unrest to prevent looters from gaining access. According to this news report from CNN, customers in stores impacted by the move can still ask for and purchase the items still in inventory.

The current demand for cartridges, particularly those for self-defense, remains low nationwide however, indicating inventory even the big-box stores supply is extremely limited. In the company’s most recent quarterly report, CEO of Olin—the parent company of Winchester—said, ““We expect this elevated level of demand to continue at least until the end of the year.”  Walmart’s move comes at a time when firearm sales have already set an annual record and are streaking toward a total volume expected to exceed 20 million this year.

Philadelphia has been the center of renewed civil unrest and rioting this week and the city is under a 9 p.m. curfew. The National Guard will be on station in the city tonight. Adding to the unease is the fact that law enforcement confiscated a van full of explosives this week.

Walmart is pulling ammo from the shelves for public safety according to company spokesmen. The experts advise certain precautions should be observed during civil unrest, particularly with the Presidential election next week.

Mother Nature added to the mix this week with Hurricane Zeta. Whether during a storm, or rioting, it’s critical to stay informed on the changing situation and heed all evacuation orders or curfews. Cell phones often go down, making it important to have a portable backup radio on hand. This one from Midland is a good choice, but there are many others.

Stay safe and thank you for visiting my modest blog. I hope you come back and have a glorious day.

Exit mobile version