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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2020 Ruger Auctions Raise Over $27K for SASP

From SASP

In an incredible act of supporting youth shooting sports, Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) Founding Partner Sponsor, Ruger has again auctioned off rare, hard to find models, with all proceeds benefiting the SASP.

The first auction for the year kicked off in early January with a Ruger Vaquero revolver, with new auctions being introduced each Wednesday. Due to the events of 2020, the Ruger auctions were paused in the spring but were resumed in September with the final six auction items.

The success of this auction series begins with Ruger’s generosity and dedication to supporting youth shooting sports. Eighteen, unique Ruger firearms auctions attracted both supporters of the SASP and firearms collectors alike. Thanks to the direct support of GunBroker, these auctions were made visible on the GunBroker landing page, increasing visibility for both bidding success and awareness of the SASP. The incredible support from the firearms industry is a sign that youth shooting sports is healthy and growing!

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Ruger Reports Q3 Earnings

From Ruger

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) announced today that for the third quarter of 2020 the Company reported net sales of $145.7 million and diluted earnings of $1.39 per share, compared with net sales of $95.0 million and diluted earnings of 27¢ per share in the third quarter of 2019.

For the nine months ended September 26, 2020, net sales were $399.6 million and diluted earnings were $3.31 per share. For the corresponding period in 2019, net sales were $305.4 million and diluted earnings were $1.37 per share.

The Company also announced today that its Board of Directors declared a dividend of 56¢ per share for the third quarter for stockholders of record as of November 13, 2020, payable on November 27, 2020. This dividend varies every quarter because the Company pays a percentage of earnings rather than a fixed amount per share. This dividend is approximately 40% of net income.

Chief Executive Officer Christopher J. Killoy commented on the strong financial results for the third quarter of 2020, “Consumer demand showed no signs of letting up during the quarter as concerns about personal protection and home defense were stoked by civil unrest in some cities around the United States, the call, by some, for the reduction in funding and authority of law enforcement organizations, and the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of this unprecedented demand, inventories remained significantly reduced at all levels in the channel during the third quarter.”

Mr. Killoy reaffirmed the Company’s commitment to the health and safety of its employees, “We suspended hiring from the onset of COVID-19 in March until June when we resumed hiring at a modest, albeit growing, rate to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved. This action has hampered our ability to ramp production, but we know the long-term benefits of maintaining a healthy workforce and clean facilities are well worth any short-term, adverse impact on our operations. And I am happy to report that despite the self-imposed limits on the size of our current workforce, the hard work and commitment of our dedicated employees allowed us to increase production 15% from the prior quarter and 50% from the third quarter of 2019.”

Mr. Killoy provided an update on the Company’s recently announced approval to purchase substantially all of the Marlin firearms assets for $30 million, “We are excited to broaden our catalog of rugged, reliable, and exciting products with the addition of Marlin rifles, and the new product lines will be well-supported in our existing facilities. Customer response to our purchase has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing our assertion that the Marlin lineup is an excellent fit for Ruger. We anticipate closing on this purchase in the fourth quarter of 2020 and look forward to re-introducing shooters to Marlin rifles in the second half of 2021.”

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

  • The estimated unit sell-through of the Company’s products from the independent distributors to retailers increased 50% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the prior year period. For the same period, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) background checks (as adjusted by the National Shooting Sports Foundation) increased 68%. These substantial increases are attributable to increased consumer demand for firearms in the first nine months of 2020, and have likely been constrained due to limited available inventory in the distribution channel.
  • Sales of new products, including the Wrangler, the Ruger-57, the LCP II in .22 LR, the PC Charger, and the AR-556 pistol, represented $87.9 million or 24% of firearm sales in the first nine months of 2020. New product sales include only major new products that were introduced in the past two years.
  • During the third quarter of 2020, the Company’s finished goods inventory remained near historic lows. Distributor inventories of the Company’s products decreased 26,700 units, or 31% during the quarter.
  • Cash provided by operations during the first nine months of 2020 was $82.0 million. At September 26, 2020, our cash and short-term investments totaled $133.6 million. Our current ratio is 3.2 to 1 and we have no debt.
  • In the first nine months of 2020, capital expenditures totaled $8.0 million. We expect our 2020 capital expenditures to total approximately $20 million, most of which relate to new product introductions.
  • In the first nine months of 2020, the Company returned $104.1 million to its shareholders through the payment of dividends, reflecting the customary quarterly dividends and a special dividend of $5.00 per share that was paid in August.
  • At September 26, 2020, stockholders’ equity was $241.3 million, which equates to a book value of $13.79 per share, of which $7.64 per share was cash and short-term investments.

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

Tomorrow, October 29, 2020, Sturm, Ruger will host a webcast at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss the third quarter operating results. Interested parties can access the webcast at Ruger.com/corporate or by dialing 855-871-7398, participant code 7593918.

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

About Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

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

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

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. “Arms Makers for Responsible Citizens”

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SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEOZero Wins NASGW POMA-Caliber Award

From SIG Sauer

SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to announce the SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEOZero has been awarded the 2020 NASGW POMA-Caliber Award for “Best New Optic.”

The NASGW-POMA Caliber Awards are a partnership between the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) and the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) to recognize new and innovative products within the sporting goods industry. Products for the NASGW-POMA Caliber Awards are submitted by the manufacturers for the various product categories and are evaluated for uniqueness, market need, value of the product, ingenuity, and presentation.

“This is an exciting award for the ROMEOZero and underscores the new innovation that SIG SAUER Electro-Optics has brought to the concealed carry market,” said Andy York, President, SIG SAUER Electro-Optics. “With sub-compacts and red dot optics gaining unprecedented popularity for everyday carry, the ROMEOZero provides quick target acquisition that you can rely on at an affordable price.”

The SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMOEZero is a micro open reflex sight that’s optimized for everyday concealed carry like the P365XL, and pistols with slim slide profiles such as single stack 1911’s and sub-compact firearms. The sight features a ruggedized, WeaponsGrade™ textured polymer body and the Spectracoat™ HD Polymer lens system. The ROMEOZero is available in 3MOA or 6MOA and features eight daytime illumination settings, MOTAC™ (Motion Activated Illumination System), and a 10-year battery life.

The ROMEOZero is designed, engineered and assembled in the USA at SIG SAUER Electro-Optics facility located in Wilsonville, Oregon. The optic is available for purchase at retailers nationwide and online at the sigssauer.com webstore.

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Turner’s Outdoorsman to Acquire Second Amendment Sports Locations

From Turner’s Outdoorsman

Turner’s Outdoorsman announced today the opening of 4 new stores in the Second Amendment Sports locations bringing the popular chain to 32 stores in CA and 1 in Arizona. Established in Long Beach, California in 1971, Turner’s Outdoorsman today is California’s leading hunting, shooting, and fishing specialty retailer.

Second Amendment Sports operating in Bakersfield, Palm Desert and Tucson, Arizona, was started in 1993 by Matt and Dana Janes. Their love for the outdoors and personal passion for the outdoor industry quickly forged a loyal customer base wherever the Janes set up shop. The move into the former Second Amendment locations allows Turner’s Outdoorsman to reach enthusiasts in new regions and to continue to offer loyal customers the superior products, exceptional value and outstanding customer service that both these brands are known for.

“Over the last 49 years Turner’s has grown throughout California and is excited to enter these new markets. Turner’s Outdoorsman has long established relationships with all of the leading manufacturers and our expert sales associates provide customer service and local outdoor experience unmatched in the industry.” said Bryan Harris, Turners President and CEO. “Turner’s Outdoorsman welcomes the opportunity to serve Second Amendment Sports customers under our banner, offering a great depth across all product lines and with the exceptional customer service today’s consumer demands.” He added, “We will continue to look for opportunities in new markets to further our expansion inside and outside of California.”

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Survey finds a quarter of respondents purchased four or more guns after lockdowns began

From SecureIt Tactical

SecureIt Tactical, the largest supplier of weapons storage systems to the U.S. military and a leading civilian gun storage and education company, today released the results of its COVID-19 gun safety survey. The survey found that gun sales are being driven by the need for personal safety, compelling a majority of respondents to buy two or more firearms, and in nearly a quarter of cases, four or more.

“Gun safety and buying habits were the focus of our COVID-19 firearm trend survey where we polled more than 1,100 gun owners from around the country to get their take on how and why they are buying, storing and training with their weapons,” said Tom Kubiniec, president and CEO of SecureIt Tactical. “What we found is that they don’t want to be victims and are taking serious steps to prevent that from ever happening.

Here are some tips to survive if social unrest knocks on your door.

“One of the takeaways is that SecureIt’s message of decentralized storage and the use of smaller modular gun safes over old fashioned bid heavy safes is catching on,” said Kubiniec. “Many people keep their guns in a variety of places to prevent theft, keep kids safe and to allow for fast access in times of emergency.” 

Key Survey Takeaways:

  • Personal Safety: Year over year, strong majority (74.4 percent) of respondents said they were either much more or somewhat more concerned with personal safety. And nearly half (47 percent) bought guns for protection.
  • Additional Training: An equally strong majority (74.1 percent) of owners plan on taking additional gun safety courses and/or practice time at the range. 97.6 percent have already taken some form of training.
  • Gun Buying: About half of respondents (49 percent) have made one or more gun purchases since the lockdowns began in March. A majority (61.7 percent) bought two or more guns and of that number, nearly a quarter (22.3 percent) bought four or more firearms. Types of firearms bought were a majority long guns (57.6 percent) with the rest being handguns.
  • Gun Safes: Only a minority (12 percent) believe gun safe manufacturers are always truthful in their fire protection and safety claims. An even smaller number (nine percent) believe their guns will always be protected in a traditional gun safe during a fire.
  • Storage Locations: Gun owners store their firearms in a variety of places. Top spots include:
    • Office (79 percent)
    • Basement (79 percent)
    • Vehicle (72 percent)
    • Guest Room (72 percent)
    • Hall Closet (71 percent)
    • Garage (70 percent)
    • Master Bedroom (60 percent)

The entire survey can be viewed here. 1,128 people from across the United States participated.

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Krieghoff International Launches New Website

From Krieghoff

Krieghoff International – the North American importer and distributor of the Krieghoff competition shotgun and hunting rifle lines announces the launch of its new website featuring expanded product pages, an improved online shopping experience, and Team Krieghoff spotlight.

Take a look at the company’s new K-80 Parcours-X.

The visually rich website promotes easy navigation for visitors interested in Krieghoff firearms, service, or its Team members. Stock dimensions, barrel specifications, and the full catalog of Krieghoff engravings provide tools for building the ideal firearm for your specific use. The expanded Service sections detail the factory service options available at Krieghoff International’s Ottsville, PA location, including information on the in-house Custom Stock Department. Meet the Champions who choose Krieghoff for competition on the newly added Team Krieghoff section. The newly designed e-commerce section features the full line of Krieghoff logo apparel as well as a selection of parts and gun care items.

“We have launched a new website to give our visitors a more comprehensive Krieghoff experience,” explains Ken Pfau, General Manager. “The contemporary design exemplifies the new corporate identity established by the Krieghoff corporation.”

“Our customers will enjoy learning about the Champions who choose Krieghoff for competition as well as having detailed information on our products at their fingertips,” says Pfau. “The service scheduling and e-commerce facets have been enhanced for a more user-friendly experience.”

Krieghoff International’s New Website is now live at www.krieghoff.com

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Federal Premium Force X2 Wins Best Ammunition Caliber Award

From Federal Premium

Federal Premium Force X2 Personal Defense Shotgun Loads has been presented with the Caliber Award in the Best Ammunition New Product category by the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW), in partnership with the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA).

“We are thrilled to have won Best Ammunition for our Premium Force X2 at the 4th Annual NASGW-POMA Caliber Awards,” said Federal’s Vice President of Sales Jim Bruno. “The Caliber Awards are chosen by a dedicated group of wholesalers and media members who stay on top of product trends and innovations year after year. We know these individuals truly saw the value of all the features and benefits Force X2 delivers to any customer looking for the most innovative and effective personal defense load for shotguns. We are incredibly proud of this award.”

Force X2 utilizes nine copper-plated 00 buckshot pellets—specially engineered to split into two equal-size pieces on impact—to create up to 18 wound channels which improves the transfer of energy from the payload to the target and minimizes the potential for over-penetration, reducing the risk to bystanders. Force X2 is also loaded for more manageable recoil, allowing the shooter to stay on target for faster follow-up shots and better accuracy in a self-defense situation.

Federal Premium Hydra-Shok Deep 380 Auto was also a finalist for the NASGW-POMA Caliber Award in the Best Ammunition New Product category. This new Hydra-Shok Deep offering for 2020 is the first expanding 380 Auto load to consistently penetrate beyond the FBI-recommended 12-inch minimum. Like all Hydra-Shok Deep loads, its bullet’s more robust center post and core design ensure it penetrates to critical depths through common self-defense barriers, without over-penetrating.

Here’s the announcement when Federal introduced its Force X2.

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Otis Technology the Hand Sanitizer Sponsor for Industry Day

From NSSF

For the first time in its history, Industry Day at the Range will have a Hand Sanitizer Sponsor at the most influential one-day range day event in the hunting and shooting sports industries. For 2021, Otis Technology will serve as the official Hand Sanitizer Sponsor of the 16th Annual Industry Day at the Range. Also the Hand Sanitizer Sponsor of the NSSF SHOT Show, Otis Technology will provide 3,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to Industry Day attendees, including media, buyers, manufacturers and staff.

Will there even be a SHOT Show?

“We’re extremely grateful to Otis Technology for taking on this new role for the 2021 event,” said Kelsey Puryear, Industry Day at the Range Manager. “In these unusual times, it’s reassuring to know that there are companies, like Otis Technology, that truly make the well-being of others a priority. From invited media and buyers to our hardworking Industry Day staff, everyone will have access to hand sanitizer to help keep everyone safe.”

“We’re happy to do our part and help ensure Industry Day at the Range is held safely for our fellow exhibitors, buyers, media and staff. We look forward to seeing everyone in person out at the range,” said Heather Pleskach, Director of Marketing at Otis Technology.

With over 200 manufacturers exhibiting, and over 500,000 rounds of ammunition shot, Industry Day is the premier shooting event in the industry, giving outdoor media and buyers the opportunity to shoot and test new products for the upcoming year. With returning exhibitors showcasing newly launched product and new exhibitors displaying for the first time, the 2021 event is a can’t-miss event. Invited media and buyers are encouraged to act on their invitation as attendee registration is close to capacity.

For those interested in exhibiting in 2021, exhibitor spaces are extremely limited and approaching sell-out. Potential participants are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Exhibitor registration is expected to close on November 6, 2020 or when spaces sell out.

More information can be found at SHOTShowRangeDay.com.

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Primary Arms Government a Distributor of ASP Law Enforcement Products

From Primary Arms Government

Primary Arms Government is now a full distributor of ASP Inc. Law Enforcement products. ASP is a market leader in mission-critical Law Enforcement equipment, including expandable batons, restraints, tactical lightning, OC spray, and training tools. To see the full product offerings, visit the ASP page on the Primary Arms retail site.

ASP’s commitment to quality and innovation established them as the top choice for police groups across the country for over 40 years. The difference comes from ‘ASP DNA’, ASP’s process for designing, prototyping, and testing their newest products. ‘ASP DNA’ requires all products to provide innovative, practical solutions to real-world problems while performing to a best-in-class standard. ASP has seen extensive service with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Chicago Police Department, Virginia State Police, and countless other leading law enforcement groups.

“ASP is one of those lines that, if you’re going to be a serious player in the LE sales world, you have to available to your customers. They are one of the premier product manufacturers in the expandable baton and handcuff markets. Their innovation and quality truly set them apart,” says Major Mathis, Primary Arms Government’s US Law Enforcement Sales Manager. “By supplying officers with such high-quality products, we’re able to deliver on our mission to improve the effectiveness and safety of Law Enforcement professionals.”

For more information on ASP products or Primary Arms Government, visit the Primary Arms Government landing page. From there, you can view all the major services and benefits of working with the Primary Arms Government team for all your equipment purchases. No matter your team’s needs, Primary Arms Government can help you find the right solution with testing and evaluation, trade-ins, and special pricing.

And take a look at the new ASP Tactical Response Kit the company is handling.

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