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

Taurus USA Contributes to NSSF’s 2020 #GUNVOTE Campaign

From NSSF

NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, is pleased to announce that Taurus USA, one of the nation’s leading firearm manufacturers, has contributed $100,000 to NSSF’s #GUNVOTE voter registration, education and mobilization campaign.

“In order to make sure Americans’ Second Amendment rights continue to exist, we need every gun owner, old and new, to cast their ballot in November for candidates who will uphold the Constitution and protect the individual right to keep and bear arms.” said Taurus USA CEO Bret Vorhees. “NSSF’s #GUNVOTE campaign is a critical resource to educate and activate millions of Second Amendment supporters across the country. At Taurus USA, we’re proud to make this contribution to help achieve these shared goals in November.”

“The firearm and ammunition industry is fortunate to have a leader like Bret Vorhees, 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, Taurus USA is going above and beyond to assist NSSF in registering, educating and activating voters ahead of November’s election. Taurus USA’s substantial contribution is vital now more than ever and is to be commended.”

Election Day is less than six 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.

Posted on

1791 Gunleather Holsters Make Ready Monday Video Series

From 1791 Gunleather

Hey Shooters! At 1791 Gunleather, in our ongoing effort to deliver value to your 2nd amendment endeavors, we have launched the “Make Ready Monday” video series featuring veteran firearms instructor Tim O’Connor. In this series, we feature techniques for improved accuracy, keeping your firearm in the fight and maintaining a combat mindset while always practicing the fundamentals of firearms safety.

Tim started his training career in 2000 traveling the United States and, eventually, worldwide doing product demos and application training for military and law enforcement professionals. With over 25 years of hunting and shooting sports industry experience, Tim expanded his personal curriculum from precision rifle to defensive handgun, carbine, shotgun, general rifle and designated marksman. Tim is currently our Director of Marketing and is also an instructor at the world renowned Gunsite Academy in Pauled, Arizona.

“We are excited to bring this valuable information to our customers, past, present and future, and hope you will always be safe and successful with 1791 Gunleather and your 2nd Amendment rights.” says 1791 Gunleather’s COO Alex Toussieh. “We feel our high performing holsters are the best value there is, but we are always looking for new ways to bring additional value to our customers and the Make Ready Monday series will do just that.”

As you build upon your knowledge and skills in your personal execution of the 2nd Amendment, tune in every Monday for tips and best practices as well as product demonstrations, reviews and advice from the team here at 1791 Gunleather.

1791 Gunleather – Make Ready Monday – Episode 1:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/ubzNtvAFY80 1791 Gunleather Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/1791gunleather/

For more information on “Make Ready Monday” and other tips and tricks, visit us at www.1791gunleather.com.

And don’t forget to take a look at the company’s new paddle optic ready holsters.

Posted on

Biden Gun Control Would Choke Gun Sales

From NSSF

NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, is shining a spotlight on former Vice President Joe Biden’s radical antigun campaign promise to end gun sales as America knows it. His far-left driven agenda would end Second Amendment rights to lawfully acquire, keep and bear firearms by individuals by dismantling the Constitutionally-protected commerce in arms.

“The single greatest threat to gun rights in America is Joe Biden. The single greatest safeguard against his agenda is an educated and engaged voter in the voting booth,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “Joe Biden blatantly called the firearm industry ‘the enemy’ from the debate stage. His agenda to restrict the lawful means for Americans to exercise their Second Amendment right is a grave danger to our God-given rights and our civil liberties. All Americans must understand the unconstitutional overreach he would enact to obliterate firearm businesses across America.”

The Biden-Harris gun control agenda would stamp out firearm retailers and deny their customers the ability to shop online and purchase firearms, which can only be transferred by the retailer to the customer in a face-to-face transaction after a mandatory FBI background check. A Biden-Harris administration would end the online sale of ammunition and all gun parts, eliminating the right Americans have enjoyed since the founding of our nation to make and assemble their own firearm. They claim to support “gun safety” but want to make it difficult for gun owners to repair their firearms. Lastly, Biden and running mate U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) would ration the exercise of the Second Amendment by restricting law abiding Americans to purchasing just one firearm a month. This is a constraint of which has never been considered – and would never be tolerated – for any individual right contained in the Bill of Rights.

More than 5 million Americans purchased a firearm for the first time in 2020, based on a NSSF retailer survey. Fully 40 percent of these new gun owners are women. The largest increase of any demographic is among African-Americans, which skyrocketed 58 percent over 2019. To date, more than 13.8 million background checks have been completed for the sale of a firearm, surpassing 2019’s full-year total of nearly 13.2 million.

NSSF strongly opposes these unconstitutional proposals of the Biden-Harris campaign and encourages all Americans to vote on Election Day to protect their Second Amendment rights.

Posted on

Sierra Bullets to Acquire Assets of Barnes Bullets

From Clarus

Clarus Corporation’s (NASDAQ: CLAR) subsidiary Sierra Bullets, L.L.C., the Bulletsmiths, a dedicated manufacturer of one of the highest-quality, most accurate bullets in the world, was selected to acquire certain assets relating to the Barnes Bullets brand of specialty hunting bullets (“Barnes”) in a chapter 11 bankruptcy auction process conducted by Remington Outdoor Company, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries.


Founded in 1932 and headquartered in Mona, Utah, Barnes is an industry-leader in manufacturing environmentally sound, lead-free bullets. Barnes is known for its superior quality and accuracy, offering a full line of premium component bullets and ammunition sold through nationally recognized retailers and e-commerce channels.

Sierra is expected to acquire Barnes for $30.5 million in cash, pursuant to an asset purchase agreement. For the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2020, Barnes Bullets reported $21.8 million in sales. The acquisition is anticipated to be immediately accretive to Clarus’ earnings.

“Barnes embodies the ‘innovate and accelerate’ playbook we seek with ‘super-fan’ brands,” said John Walbrecht, Clarus’ president. “Barnes is a leader in lead-free, all copper bullets, with a rich history of product innovation and strong brand awareness amongst the core enthusiast, yet it has untapped go-to-market potential. We believe these ingredients give us a heightened advantage to develop world-class products, increase brand awareness, expand product categories and improve distribution while staying true to the core user.”

The acquisition of Barnes presents multiple strategic and financial benefits to the Company’s bullet and ammunition platform, most notably the addition of a comprehensive lead-free, all copper offering.

Clarus’ Executive Chairman, Warren Kanders, commented: “The Barnes acquisition caps off our strategy to build a leader in specialty premium bullets and ammunition. We now have a platform of scale that we expect to continue to deliver strong recurring revenue with high gross margins and free cash flow conversion. This acquisition also demonstrates our ability to patiently wait for strategic assets at attractive values that we expect to drive growth and maximize our returns on invested capital. We look forward to further acquisition efforts being in similarly accretive, strategic areas outside of the bullet and ammunition market.”

Clarus’ CFO, Aaron Kuehne, added: “The opportunistic and strategic acquisition of Barnes represents an accretive, tuck-in asset that brings our bullet and ammunition business additional capacity in a period of great demand and improves our overall scale within our Sierra segment. In addition, the acquisition presents significant financial and operational synergies that we expect to maximize with our strong balance sheet. As such, we expect our leading specialty bullet and ammunition platform has long-term runway to becoming a segment with $100 million in sales generating 25-30% adjusted EBITDA margins.”

The transaction is subject to the approval of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama at a hearing currently scheduled for September 29, 2020, and other customary closing conditions. Once approved, the negotiated asset purchase agreement will be entered into and the transaction is expected to close in October.

More financial details on Barnes Bullets will be disclosed in Clarus’ upcoming third quarter earnings call, which is anticipated to be in early November.

And don’t forget to take a look at one of Sierra Bullets’ latest, the .22-250 Rem. Prairie Enemy.

Posted on

Vista Outdoor Named Successful Bidder in Bankruptcy Auction To Acquire Remington Ammunition and Accessories Assets

From Vista Outdoor

Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO), a global designer, manufacturer and marketer of products in the outdoor sports and recreation markets, today announced that it has been named a successful bidder in the auction process conducted in connection with Remington Outdoor Company, Inc.’s (“ROC’s”) Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama.  As a result, Vista Outdoor will acquire certain assets related to ROC’s ammunition and accessories businesses, including ROC’s ammunition manufacturing facility in Lonoke, Arkansas and related intellectual property, including the Remington brand and trademarks.  Vista Outdoor has agreed to pay a gross purchase price of $81.4 million for the assets to be acquired, subject to certain customary closing adjustments.  The transaction is subject to the approval of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama at a hearing currently scheduled for September 29, 2020, and other customary closing conditions.

“Remington ammunition and accessories have a storied role in America’s sporting heritage, with a legacy dating back to 1816,” said Chris Metz, Vista Outdoor Chief Executive Officer.  “We are excited and honored to add the iconic Remington brand and green box to Vista Outdoor’s portfolio of ammunition brands, and Remington accessories to our portfolio of Hunting and Shooting Accessories.  The Remington brand is beloved by hunting and shooting sports enthusiasts everywhere and we look forward to restoring it to greatness by leveraging Vista Outdoor’s scale, manufacturing infrastructure, distribution channels and Centers of Excellence.

“We see a clear path to value creation.  With our deep expertise and resources, we can transform Remington’s ammunition and accessories businesses to create a more efficient, profitable and sustainable operation.  At the same time, by rescuing the Remington ammunition businesses from bankruptcy, we will protect hundreds of jobs, support wildlife and habitat conservation and ensure that hunting and shooting sports enthusiasts can continue to purchase their favorite ammunition and accessories. We look at this acquisition as a means of better serving millions of consumers with the products they love from one of the country’s original and best-known brands, while furthering Vista Outdoor’s mission of being a powerhouse of passionate outdoor sports and recreation brands,” Metz added.

For calendar year 2019, aggregate net sales by the Remington ammunition and accessories brands were approximately $200 million.  Vista Outdoor expects the transaction to be accretive to earnings, excluding transaction and transition costs, in Fiscal Year 2022.

Vista Outdoor will be using cash on hand and available liquidity under its asset-based revolving credit facility to complete this transaction.  Assuming court approval is received as anticipated, Vista Outdoor expects to close the transaction early in the third quarter of FY21. Remington’s other business units, including its firearms businesses, will be purchased by other bidders in the auction and operated independently from Vista Outdoor following the closing of those acquisitions.

About Vista Outdoor Inc.
Vista Outdoor is a global designer, manufacturer and marketer of consumer products in the outdoor sports and recreation markets. The Company has a portfolio of well-recognized brands that provides consumers with a wide range of performance-driven, high-quality and innovative products for individual outdoor recreational pursuits. Vista Outdoor products are sold at leading retailers and distributors across North America and worldwide. For news and information, visit www.vistaoutdoor.com or follow us on Twitter @VistaOutdoorInc and Facebook at www.facebook.com/vistaoutdoor.

For more on Remington’s bankruptcy, visit here or here.

Posted on

Blue-Emu is the Official Pain Relief Cream of Real Tree

From Real Tree

Blue-Emu, the No. 1 emu oil brand in America, announced a partnership with Realtree designating the company as an Official Partner. This partnership is anchored with Blue-Emu Maximum Pain Relief touting the title of Official Pain Relief Cream of Realtree. As part of the agreement, Blue-Emu will offer custom Realtree camo packaging available at participating retailers across the nation as well as online.  

“We are very excited to partner with Realtree to offer a real, odor-free relief option to outdoor sports and recreation enthusiasts who hunt and fish, and have a need to do so undetected by their quarry of choice! We look forward to making this co-branded product option more accessible wherever these enthusiasts shop,” said Jim Richmond, Senior Vice President of Sales for Blue-Emu.   

The company will be launching custom-wrapped Realtree camo packaging that will highlight many of the well-known Realtree camo patterns and the iconic Realtree logo. Blue-Emu will also offer multi-count wing panels and power chutes to distribution channels showcasing this very fitting partnership.

“We are truly excited to have Blue-Emu on board. We owe our consumers an odor-free pain-relief option when they are outside enjoying the outdoors,” said Brad Schorr, Senior Vice President of licensing and retail for Realtree.   

The Blue-Emu partnership comes on the heels of earlier agreements this year with NASCAR, Major League Baseball, 13 separate MLB teams, Motor Racing Network and Performance Racing Network.  

Benjamin Blessing, Executive Vice President of Marketing for Blue-Emu, said, “The latest addition of Realtree Camo to our brand is just another example of our team’s push into consumer marketing through partnerships. For years Blue-Emu has grown through the loyalty of our customers, we strived to push through the outrageous challenges of this year and in my opinion, that was achieved above and beyond.”  

Posted on

Galco’s Cool Weather Belt Holsters

From Galco

Autumn has arrived! While it’s still warm here at Galco’s home in Phoenix, the seasonal shift to fall means concealed carriers can wear more layers and perhaps switch from IWBs and pocket holsters to belt holsters and shoulder systems. Galco has an entire collection devoted to cool weather carry, but today the focus is on a selection of popular belt holsters.

The Kydex Corvus™ has an open top for fast draw, adjustment for ride height and cant, and comfortable forward molding. With the bonus of quick conversion to IWB carry, the highly versatile Corvus is a superior choice for defensive carry.

The professional-grade, premium-steerhide FLETCH™ features a forward cant for enhanced concealment, while the secure thumb break retention strap releases quickly and easily. The unique forward-molded design is contoured on the body side to the natural curve of the hip for significantly more comfortable carry and a more concealable profile.

The hybrid TacSlide™ combines steerhide and Kydex for a belt holster that’s fast, concealable, and very economical. Open top and neutral cant make the draw fast and simple, while the wide spacing of the belt slots pulls the handgun in tight to the body. The belt-slide design accommodates multiple barrel lengths on the same basic frame size while simultaneously minimizing overall bulk.

It’s also easier to carry a reload or two in the cooler months, and we haven’t neglected spare ammo.

Auto carriers can choose from single spare mag carriers like the Concealable™ or Quick Magazine Carriers™, or pack two reloads with the Cop Double Mag Carrier™ or the premium DMC™.

Revolver shooters can use the flat and concealable 2x2x2™ cartridge carrier, or carry an even faster reload in the Belt Speedloader Carrier.

With holsters for every season and carry method, Galco’s entire line can be seen at galcousa.com!


Posted on

Remington Sale Delayed Until Next Week

By Guy J. Sagi

UPDATE, 9/25: Reuters news wire is reporting the delay until next week was granted because the company “…is expecting more bids for its business to come in…” The linked story explains Remington is making progress in negotiations with interested buyers, prompting the judge’s decision to push back the case. Albany, NY’s News Channel 2 reports more than 600 workers were furloughed from Remington’s Ilion plant earlier this week and Ruger is apparently ready to make a bid on the ammunition side of the business.

Bankruptcy proceedings scheduled to begin this morning and possibly include the sale of the company’s assets have been delayed until Tuesday. The Utica (NY) Observer-Dispatch reports that the mood of union members in the company’s famed and historic Ilion plant remains, “tense and uncertain….”

JJE Capitol Holdings has already made an offer of $65 million for Remington’s ammunition-associated businesses. Remington filed for Bankruptcy in late July.

The company is the nation’s oldest firearm manufacturer, and legendary among enthusiasts. The news that it faced financial challenges came at a time when guns are selling at a record pace, with this year’s total volume at the end of August already eclipsing the number for all of 2019.

For more than 200 years the company has been making firearms for America’s sportsmen. Most of them came out of the Ilion, NY, plant.

Posted on

True Velocity Unveils Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities

From True Velocity

Texas-based True Velocity, an advanced manufacturing and technology company specializing in small-arms ammunition, is introducing new technology and proprietary solutions to help armed forces streamline ammunition production and logistics from anywhere in the world. The company’s manufacturing capabilities can power customizable and highly portable “cells,” allowing for decentralized and automated ammunition production. True Velocity recently received its 145th issued patent for its manufacturing technology, processes and products.

True Velocity manufacturing is aimed at reducing inefficiencies in the ammunition supply chain, improving manufacturing safety, and has capacity to produce as many as 600 million rounds per year from its operations. The cell production technology from True Velocity includes everything from casing manufacturing to loading of ammunition in a physical footprint that requires only 2,500 square feet.

During testimony in front of the House Armed Services Committee, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology Dr. Bruce Jette mentioned the shortfalls of current ammunition manufacturing logistics in the U.S. and provided a blueprint for modernization. Congressman Donald Norcross opened the hearing, expressing concern that “essential functions of ammunition [are] done in museum-like conditions.”

Dr. Jette said, “We have been reticent to bring our production facilities into the 21st century. But we are at an inflection point, knowing that technology offers true modernization pathways that can significantly improve both safety and transform the production capability.”

The single largest producer of ammunition for the U.S. Armed Forces, Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, has been in operation since 1941 and produces nearly 1.4 billion rounds of ammunition per year at a 3,935-acre facility. When asked about opportunities to modernize operations, Dr. Jette referenced the potential of using polymer casing manufacturers.

“What we will likely do is use their facilities to develop our interim supplies while we develop our in-house capabilities,” said Jette. “My insistence is upon transforming our approach as opposed to modernizing.”

True Velocity can ship manufacturing infrastructure anywhere in the world and can create operational manufacturing cells within months. Traditional ammunition manufacturing lines take as long as two years to accomplish similar outputs.

“We are uniquely positioned to enhance the armed forces’ capabilities through manufacturing modernization and enabling logistical efficiencies,” said Chris Tedford, president of True Velocity. “At True Velocity, we obsess over quality control and want to provide our country’s leaders with solutions that reinvent ammunition production, industrial supply chains, quality and distribution.”

True Velocity, founded in 2010, is based in the U.S. with manufacturing operations in Garland, Texas, just northeast of Dallas. More than 1 million rounds of True Velocity composite-cased cartridges will be delivered throughout 2020-2021 to the U.S. Army as ammunition solutions are tested by the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons program.

Posted on

Clenzoil Donates Custom Cleaning Station for Local Police

From Clenzoil

Clenzoil, the leading and most trusted manufacturer of cleaning and maintenance products for the firearms and marine industries since 1948 is holding true to itself, the community and their local police department by donating a complete firearm cleaning station to the Dade City Police Department.

Amid the push by many companies vowing to stand with other “movements”, Clenzoil and its employees have stepped up to not only defend the police, but also support them with quality Clenzoil products, even as public support for police has at times led to social backlash and buying boycotts. Clenzoil has drawn a hard line in the sand and is committed to supporting all men and women in blue, as they have since 1948.

“The men and women in uniform put their lives on the line day in-and-day out to protect our communities,” said Alan Molony, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Clenzoil. “Now, more than ever, showing them our support and appreciation for all they do is essential. Clenzoil is, and always has been, committed to helping the members of local law enforcement that protect the neighborhoods in which we live, work and play.”

Clenzoil is well known for supporting veterans; law enforcement and first responders are just as revered and supported. What is anticipated to be the first of many, Clenzoil has recently installed a cleaning station at the Dade City Police Department making it easier for the police to keep their firearms in excellent-working condition. The cleaning station is fully equipped with a wide selection of Clenzoil products and accessories including their original CLP, the full line of Cobra Bore Cleaning Systems, Bore Stix and a number of other essential firearms maintenance tools.

“It’s all about community and we are committed to continuing to invest time, product and resources in making a positive, justified and lasting impact,” said Chris Hoffman, President of Clenzoil. “All of us at Clenzoil are united by our unwavering commitment to supporting not only our local law enforcement agencies, but agencies nationwide.”

Exit mobile version