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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GSM Outdoors Acquires GPS Bags

From GSM Outdoors

GSM Outdoors is excited to announce their newest company acquisition, GPS Bags! GPS Bags manufactures specialized range and gear bags for shooters under two distinct product lines and has quickly become a pioneer in the modern range back category.

GPS bags, cases, and totes are designed around the concept of intelligently organized storage combined with easy access and identification of needful gear. The latter derives from the patented Visual I.D. Storage System, which makes all content easily identifiable and easily accessible. This system is a leap forward in practical function and deployment when compared to conventional range bags, eliminating the large “common compartment” approach that makes gear difficult to find or to keep organized.

In addition to the Visual I.D. Storage System, GPS bags incorporate numerous features that are purpose-driven in their design and construction. This includes rugged, over-sized zippers, metal-reinforced hardware, lift ports for improved leverage and grip, integrated rain covers and durable bar-and-tack stitching to withstand hard use.

The GPS series bags are comprised of two distinguished product lines. The Wild About Shooting series includes multiple range backpacks, range bags and totes that are tailored for rifle, handgun and shotgun shooters. The Tactical line of range backpacks are built to meet the needs of military and law enforcement defense professionals.

“The GSM Outdoors family of products significantly expands its supporting role in the shooting industry with the acquisition of GPS Bags,” said Ben Smith, GSM Outdoors Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing. “Our varied brands deliver innovative solutions for all aspects of the shooting and hunting enthusiast segments, and now with GPS Bags integrated into our portfolio, we are able to further that support on the range and in the field.”

GSM Outdoors looks forward to growing the GPS Bags line of products and creatively aligning the brand to deliver more functional solutions for shooters and hunters alike!

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Leupold Makes Significant Contribution to NSSF’s 2020 #GUNVOTE

From NSSF

NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, is pleased to announce that Leupold & Stevens, Inc., a leading firearm scopes and sport optics manufacturer, has made a significant contribution to NSSF’s #GUNVOTE® voter registration, education and mobilization campaign.

“The Second Amendment and entire firearm industry could face an unprecedented threat following Election Day if the historic number of new gun owners, as well as existing gun rights supporters, don’t show up to the polls,” said Leupold & Stevens, Inc. President and CEO Bruce Pettet. “NSSF’s #GUNVOTE campaign has already proven to be an effective industry initiative to register, educate and engage millions of voters with less than five weeks before the elections. Leupold is proud to contribute to continued success ahead.”

“The firearm and ammunition industry is fortunate to have a leader like Bruce Pettet, whose dedication to protecting the Second Amendment and ensuring the growth and success of our industry is unquestioned,” stated Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “With their generous contribution to NSSF’s #GUNVOTE campaign, Leupold is going above and beyond to assist NSSF in registering, educating and activating voters ahead of November’s election. Leupold’s substantial contribution is vital now more than ever and is to be commended.”

Election Day is less than five weeks away when tens of millions of voters, including more than 5 million first-time gun buyers, will head to the polls to cast their ballot in the most consequential election for the Second Amendment.

#GUNVOTE is a campaign by the NSSF to encourage America’s gun owners, target shooters and hunters to register to vote, to become educated on where the candidates stand on the Second Amendment and, on election day, not to risk their rights and #GUNVOTE. The campaign’s website provides links to help voters register and find their polling place. NSSF strongly encourages all industry members to download the #GUNVOTE button to use on their websites and social media.

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Winchester Assumes Management and Operations of Lake City Army Ammunition Plant

From Olin

Olin Corporation announced that effective today, its ammunition division, Olin Winchester LLC (“Winchester”), assumed full management and operational control of the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Missouri. The U.S. Army selected Winchester to operate and manage the Lake City plant in September 2019. The contract has an initial term of seven years and may be extended by the U.S. Army for up to three additional years. Winchester is now the world’s largest small arms ammunition manufacturer.

“Winchester employees have built a reputation with the U.S. Army that is unrivaled, and for the past year, we have been preparing for this significant transition,” said Brett Flaugher, president of Winchester. “We were selected to manage the Lake City plant because of our industry-leading capabilities and track record. For decades, we have successfully demonstrated those capabilities in quality, innovation and on-time delivery as well as through our partnership with the U.S. Army in developing solutions that service the U.S. Warfighter. Our team is fully prepared and 100% committed to the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the Lake City plant.”

Winchester is one of the world’s most recognized and respected brands. Currently in its 154th year of operation and 90th year as part of Olin, Winchester is a premier developer and manufacturer of small caliber ammunition for sale to domestic and international militaries, law enforcement agencies, and commercial distributors and retailers. Winchester has been providing ammunition to the U.S. military since World War I and is currently the U.S. Army’s largest supplier of small caliber ammunition outside of the Lake City plant.

About Lake City

The Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, which began production in 1941, provides small caliber military ammunition for both training and combat purposes. Winchester previously operated the Lake City plant from 1985-2000. The plant, encompassing nearly 4,000 acres, also serves as a national test center for ammunition performance and weapons firing.

For information regarding Winchester’s Lake City operations, visit https://winchestermilitary.com/. The company recently landed a big contract with the Department of Defense for 9 mm frangible ammo, too.

About Olin Corporation Olin Corporation is a leading vertically integrated global manufacturer and distributor of chemical products and a leading U.S. manufacturer of ammunition. The chemical products produced include chlorine and caustic soda, vinyls, epoxies, chlorinated organics, bleach, and hydrochloric acid. Winchester’s principal manufacturing facilities produce and distribute sporting ammunition, law enforcement ammunition, reloading components, small caliber military ammunition and components, and industrial cartridges.

Visit www.olin.com for more information on Olin.
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SIG AIR and Evike Manufacturing Group Announce Collaboration

From SIG SAUER

SIG SAUER is pleased to announce that its SIG AIR Division has officially joined forces with Evike Manufacturing Group (EMG) for future product development, and continued product distribution of SIG AIR airgun and airsoft products in the U.S. through Evike.com.

“This exciting collaboration between SIG AIR and EMG is a result of the increasing popularity and demand we are seeing in the marketplace for SIG AIR airguns and airsoft products,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc. “This new partnership with EMG will allow us to increase our product development capabilities allowing us to bring more SIG AIR products to consumers worldwide.”

The SIG AIR product line includes a series of traditional CO2 pellet and BB rifles and pistols, that are designed to imitate the look, weight, balance, and handling characteristics of their traditional firearms counterparts. Additionally, SIG AIR offers a line of training products with the PROFORCE line of airsoft pistols, rifles, and accessories. Designed and developed from the ground up to deliver a realistic training experience that allows the user access to achieve a new level of performance potential.

“The team at Evike.com and EMG are excited for the opportunity to join forces with SIG AIR to create new products, expand the SIG AIR product line, and provide a new dealer experience for SIG AIR products,” added Evike Chang, CEO of Evike.com and President of EMG, Inc. “We are completely aligned with the SIG SAUER brand to bring the best-in-class airgun and airsoft experience to the SIG AIR product line.”

For a glimpse of the quality in this line of SIG SAUER products, take a look at its M18 Air Soft pistol.

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XS Sights Supports National Breast Cancer Foundation

From XS Sights

As a proud supporter of National Breast Cancer Foundation, (NBCF), XS Sights is offering an exclusive Pink version of its DXT2 Big Dot Tritium Night Sight through the month of October.  XS’s ‘Aim for Hope’ initiative will support the outstanding work of NBCF which provides help and inspires hope to those affected by breast cancer.  The foundation’s focus is on early detection, education, and support services.  XS Sights is committed through this campaign to donating a minimum of $3,000 to NBCF and the programs they provide.


“As a majority women-owned business, we are blessed to have the opportunity to support NBCF in helping women facing the cancer fight.  Our family has first-hand experience with the impact of the cancer journey…and most importantly the benefit of a supportive network and the hope it provides.  We are grateful to have this opportunity to support NBCF in providing resources during this life-changing experience as so many have done for our loved ones,” said Kellie Brunn, Co-Owner of XS Sights. 

XS also wants to help bring awareness to women about the importance of carrying a firearm for self-defense. Michelle Waldran, a Team Walther Shooter, handgun instructor, and XS Sights Ambassador, said, “Starting your journey as a female gun owner or just making the decision to carry a gun for self-defense can be overwhelming and scary.  The key to safe gun ownership is knowledge. Prepare yourself by acquiring safe practices, elevated situational awareness, and training. It’s a lifestyle dedication.”

And if you own an AR, take a look at the company’s new offset backup sights below.

The popular XS DXT2 Big Dot Tritium Night Sights offer the best front sight visibility in all lightconditions.  The design of the sight – a large dot that is 0.188” in diameter with high-contrast front and a low-profile V-notch rear – coupled with the technology used in the proprietary photoluminescent glow dot that surrounds the tritium, drive the focus to the front sight and downrange threat in any light.

The limited-edition pink color is more than a statement of support, it offers a high-contrast sight picture when shooting in bright light conditions and maintains its visibility well in decreasing light levels.  In low light, the Pink Big Dot glows white to provide contrast against the green tritium. The photoluminescent properties absorb all ambient light, even from the tritium, intensifying the

charge of the glow properties of the dot. This combination ensures the front sight will glow brighter than the rear to increase focus towards the front sight and the threat.

Another advantage of the XS Big Dot design is the dot-the “i” sight picture, with a tritium dot in the front sight and a tritium bar in the rear.  This helps prevent confusing the front and rear sight in high-stress situations. In most gunfights, the victim and attacker are both moving, and the wide field of view offered by the shallow V rear of the Big Dot increases the visibility of the front sight and the threat downrange.

The Pink Big Dot is available for the Glock 17, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, & 45 and Glock 42, 43, 43X, & 48 models. Installation might require filing to fit the sight into the dovetail.  Do not use a sight press or sight pusher tool.  Once installed, the Big Dot Night Sight fits in standard holsters.

Pink Big Dot Night Sight sets will be available at opticsplanet.com or xssights.com through the month of October while supplies last.

All tritium sights from XS are backed by a 10-year, No-Questions-Asked Warranty and 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.  The company also increased its sight lineup.

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Hodgdon Acquires Ramshot, Accurate and Blackhorn 209

From Hodgdon

Hodgdon Powder Company is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Ramshot and Accurate smokeless powder brands and the Blackhorn 209 muzzleloader brand from Western Powders. This acquisition is effective October 1, 2020, with the company set to immediately begin shipping these new products to wholesale and retail customers.

“This acquisition of the Ramshot and Accurate brands further solidifies our portfolio of smokeless brands and products for our handloading end users,” said Steve Kehrwald, president and CEO of Hodgdon Powder Company. “And the addition of Blackhorn 209 to our world-class muzzleloading brands like Pyrodex and Triple Seven uniquely positions us to serve the muzzleloading consumer. With these brands, we also add the capabilities of an additional ballistics lab to continue developing the data our customers demand from our Reloading Data Center tool and publications like our Annual and Basic Manuals.”

“Hodgdon has always been a strong competitor in the reloading powders industry,” said Doug Phair of Western Powders. “The Hodgdon family has built a robust company. Ramshot, Accurate and Blackhorn 209 will make excellent additions to the Hodgdon family of powders.”

“For years, our friends have referred to the Hodgdon family and company as ‘The Gunpowder People’ and this acquisition is another example of our dedication to the handloader and muzzleloader hunter,” said J.B. and Bob Hodgdon, co-owners and sons of the founder of the Hodgdon Powder Company. “We have experience in acquiring the IMR Powder brand in 2003, the Winchester Powder license in 2005 and the GOEX brand in 2009 and we plan to put this experience to use in expanding the reach and customer base of the Ramshot, Accurate and Blackhorn 209 brands.”

The sale is part of the final settlement after Remington filed for bankruptcy in July.

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Ruger Acquires Marlin Firearms Assets

From Ruger

Ruger announced today that its offer to purchase substantially all of the Marlin Firearms assets was accepted by Remington Outdoor Company, Inc. and approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama. The Company will pay the $30 million purchase price from cash on hand at the time of closing, which is expected to occur in October.

“The value of Marlin and its 150-year legacy was too great of an opportunity for us to pass up,” said Ruger President and CEO Chris Killoy. “The brand aligns perfectly with ours and the Marlin product portfolio will help us widen our already diverse product offerings.”

The transaction is exclusively for the Marlin Firearms assets. Remington firearms, ammunition, other Remington Outdoor brands, and all facilities and real estate are excluded from the Ruger purchase. Once the purchase is completed, the Company will begin the process of relocating the Marlin Firearms assets to existing Ruger manufacturing facilities.

“The important thing for consumers, retailers and distributors to know at this point in time,” continued Killoy, “is that the Marlin brand and its great products will live on. Long Live the Lever Gun.”

Additional information will be released when available. To stay up to date, please sign up for our contact list at Ruger.com/Marlin.

Marlin was formerly part of the Remington Outdoor Corporation, which filed for bankruptcy in July.

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Remington Firearms Sold to Roundhill Group LLC

From Roundhill Group

Roundhill Group, LLC, an investment company with headquarters in Pennsylvania and Florida announced that it is purchasing Remington Firearms. The purchase includes all long guns, shotguns, pistols, the firearms manufacturing facilities, museum and giftshop.

With this acquisition have come many industry questions and rumors. Roundhill Group LLC partner and spokesman, Jeff Edwards addresses these issues:

“As is known, Roundhill Group LLC and a group of experienced firearms manufacturing and hunting industry professionals is in the process of purchasing Remington Firearms. Our intent with this acquisition is to return the company to its traditional place as an iconic American hunting brand. We intend to maintain, care for and nurture the brand and all of the dedicated employees who have crafted these products over the years for outdoors men and women both here in the USA and abroad. More than anything we want to make Remington a household name that is spoken with pride.”

The Roundhill Group is comprised of a group of individuals all of whom have years of experience in engineering, manufacturing and marketing both in and outside of the firearms space. They are all life-long hunting advocates and staunch Remington brand loyalists. They will work tirelessly to ensure that this company takes its rightful place as the iconic American brand that it was and still is.

About Jeff Edwards

With more than 26 years of industry experience, Jeff currently is managing partner at Stryk Group, an impact consulting company for the world’s leading hunting, camping, fishing and firearms brands. He has held positions with leading outdoor companies such as GunBroker.com, Hoyt Archery, Defiance Machine and others. He has hunted all over the US and abroad. His reason for purchasing Remington Firearms: “Remington, to me, represents the Harley Davidsons of the hunting firearms industry. It is one of the oldest firearms companies and to have this opportunity to invest my time and energy to revitalize the brand that I love and truly believe in is a dream come true. I can’t wait for the day when it has the loyalty, prestige and following it once had. It won’t be long. Just wait and see.”

Here are more details about Remington entering bankruptcy in July.

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EoTech and Easterseals Join Forces to Fight Depression

From EoTech

Easterseals Michigan is fighting depression, one of the most wide-spread mental health issues, and EOTECH has joined the fight.

National Depression Screening Day will be held on October 8, 2020. EOTECH and Easterseals are committed to helping people take a free, anonymous mental health screening through its “Get a Checkup from the Neck Up” campaign.

“The new EOTECH is committed to giving back to our community in meaningful ways. When you consider that people in military, law enforcement, and other first responder careers suffer from depression at higher percentages than the national average, it’s vital that we do our part to help,” said Ed Schoppman, President of EOTECH North America. “Depression can affect people from all walks of life, and we encourage anyone who might need help to take advantage of this free screening.”

For every mental health screening taken through the Easterseals Michigan website on October 8th, EOTECH will generously donate $1 to help the organization reach and surpass its goal of 1,000 people screened.

“Behavioral health is a key part of your overall well-being. Brief screenings are the quickest way to determine if you or someone you care about should connect with a behavioral health professional,” says Easterseals Michigan. “This program is completely anonymous and confidential, and immediately following the brief questionnaire, the results, recommendations, and key resources will be available.”

For more information on Easterseals Michigan and to, “Get a Checkup from the Neck Up,” visit www.easterseals.com/michigan/

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Kryptek Logo Wear Sale to Benefit Wildfire Firefighter Foundation

From Kryptek

Combat veteran-founded and owned, Kryptek has a special appreciation for the men and women on the front lines, both abroad and here at home.

Currently, it’s Wildland firefighters that need our support as they continue to fight a massive battle against the wildfires burning across the U.S.

As a sign of appreciation and respect for our Nation’s Wildland firefighters, now through October 9, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every Kryptek T-shirt and Hat will be donated to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation to provide help to families of firefighters killed or injured in the line of duty.

  • Where: www.kryptek.com
  • What: Use promo code WFF10 at checkout to get $10 off all Kryptek T-shirts and Hats
  • Why: $5 from the sale of each item goes to benefit the Wildland Firefighter Foundation

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, 12 states from Texas to Washington are battling wildfires. Over 3.4 million acres have burned in California, roughly 1 million acres in Oregon and over 800,000 acres in Washington. 36 people lost their lives as a result of the fires and thousands of homes were destroyed.

The Wildland Firefighter Foundation (WFF) is based just a few miles from the Kryptek headquarters in Boise, Idaho. In addition to providing assistance to injured or fallen Wildland firefighters and their families, the WFF aims to bring recognition and honor to Wildland firefighters past, present and future: ordinary people doing an extraordinary job. The WFF is financially self-sustaining thanks to the overwhelming generosity of its constituent supporters.

Kryptek is honored to join those partners in lending a hand to WFF’s recognition efforts by donating a portion of proceeds back to the brave men and women who work tirelessly to maintain and protect our private and public lands.

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