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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NSSF and OSG Announce SHOT Show Media Partnership

From NSSF

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and Outdoor Sportsman Group (OSG) are pleased to announce a strategic partnership that will generate an unprecedented level of media coverage and promotion for the 2021 SHOT Show and its exhibitors. With support from NSSF, owner and organizer of the annual SHOT Show, OSG will harness the industry-leading content-creation capability and subject-matter expertise of its 12 hunting and shooting brands to produce and market the exclusive “SHOT Show New Product Premiere.” This comprehensive multimedia initiative will provide organizations an unparalleled opportunity to inform outdoor-sports enthusiasts worldwide on the latest developments in firearms, shooting and hunting products and services through OSG’s renowned broadcast, digital, social and print outlets.

“The ‘SHOT Show New Product Premiere’ will cover an exhaustive array of categories, from self-defense handguns and big-game rifles to cutting-edge ammunition, innovative optics, advanced apparel and much more,” said Jim Liberatore, OSG President & CEO. “Consumers can expect in-depth reporting from the OSG brands they know and trust, exclusive interviews with product managers and developers, and insightful analysis of product features and trends. The ‘SHOT Show New Product Premiere’ will be the complete source of news and information regarding shooting and hunting products introduced in 2021.”

Along with dedicated digital, social media and print content, the “SHOT Show New Product Premiere” will include a first-of-its-kind six-night roadblock of special programming on Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel and Sportsman Channel Canada, airing January 18-23. Produced with limited commercial interruption, the broadcast will coincide with SHOT Show’s physical event, scheduled for January 19-22 in Las Vegas, Nev. This collaborative, company-wide effort includes OSG brands such as Game & Fish, Guns & Ammo, Petersen’s Hunting and many others. The “SHOT Show New Product Premiere” will serve as a virtual destination for consumers seeking comprehensive, detailed and up-to-date information on products introduced during the tradeshow.

“It’s every hard-core shooting, hunting and outdoor enthusiast’s dream to be at the SHOT Show, and this new partnership with OSG offers them all a front-row seat—not to mention the more than 5 million new gun owners that have been added to our ranks this year who can also tune in,” said Chris Dolnack, NSSF Senior Vice President and CMO. “Through its expansive multichannel reach, OSG is helping to spotlight the SHOT Show, our exhibitors and their new product introductions to the masses like never before, and we’re greatly appreciative of their support.”

“We couldn’t be more excited about partnering with NSSF on this project, a collaboration that demonstrates both organizations’ commitment to our industry and its consumers,” said Michael Carney, OSG Publishing COO. “The massive audience served by OSG’s best-in-class brands represents a unique opportunity for SHOT Show exhibitors to effectively and efficiently deliver new product information to more consumers than at any time in the show’s history, and in a variety of engaging, meaningful formats.”

A portion of the proceeds from the “SHOT Show New Product Premiere” will benefit Project ChildSafe, the NSSF program committed to promoting genuine firearm safety through the distribution of safety education messages and free firearm safety kits to communities across the U.S. As the largest, most comprehensive firearm safety education program in the country, Project ChildSafe, along with more than 15,000 law enforcement agency partners, has distributed more than 37 million firearm safety kits to gun owners in all 50 states and five U.S. territories since 1999.

A powerful and innovative industry partnership that combines the collective strengths of NSSF and OSG, the “SHOT Show New Product Premiere” offers exhibitors a turnkey solution for featuring the latest news on their products and services in front of an unequaled consumer audience. For information on featuring products and services in the “SHOT Show New Product Premiere,” visit outdoorsg.com/about/shot-show-new-product-premiere/.

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Hornady Manufacturing Contributes $500,000 to NSSF’s 2020 #GUNVOTE Campaign

From NSSF

NEWTOWN, Conn. – NSSF®, the trade association for the firearm industry, is pleased to announce that Hornady Manufacturing, a leading ammunition manufacturer, contributed $500,000 to NSSF’s #GUNVOTE® voter registration and education campaign. This contribution matches the largest single donation the #GUNVOTE campaign has received to date.

“A historic number of Americans have jumped off the fence to purchase firearms so far this year, and it’s critical for gun owners old and new to be educated and vote in November,” said Steve Hornady, President of Hornady Manufacturing. “The Second Amendment has never faced a threat like it does today. It is crystal clear why our right to keep and bear arms is now more important than ever. Making this contribution to NSSF’s #GUNVOTE campaign will ensure the firearm and ammunition industry has the resources needed to educate gun owners, target shooters and hunters about what is at stake in this election. Hornady Manufacturing is proud to support this critical voter registration, education and mobilization campaign.”

Smith & Wesson also recently donated another half million.

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

Election Day is less than 60 days away when 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 platforms and order #GUNVOTE decals for distribution to family, friends and customers.

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SAR USA Ramps Up Production

From SAR USA

SAR USA by Sarsilmaz, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of firearms, announces that, in an effort to meet the unprecedented number of SAR firearms being sold in the US, Sarsilmaz, SAR USA’s parent company in Istanbul, Turkey, has added a fourth shift. This will enable round-the-clock manufacturing and production to help meet the demand for their premium firearms. In addition, Sarsilmaz is adding one to two of the latest and greatest CNC machines available per week.

“It’s not often that we can say, ‘This is a great problem to have’,” said Todd Pearson, COO of SAR USA. “We are thrilled with the way the customer has supported this great brand. It reinforces the fact that quality and technology has swung the pendulum in SAR’s favor. We also benefit greatly by acquiring the latest and greatest machines in manufacturing. This will, moving forward, cement the foundation that SAR USA was built on: the highest quality products, proudly carried by the world’s most elite forces and trusted by millions of civilians around the world.”

Founded in 1880, Sarsilmaz is known as a well-established manufacturer of small arms with an enviable reputation worldwide. Their state-of-the-art firearms manufacturing facility is considered one of the world’s largest. Their massive facility has 118,000 square feet of indoor space and over 164,000 square feet outdoor space. This modern marvel of a factory utilizes the latest technology available in CNC machining equipment, including eleven-axis mills and robotic cells incorporating high-end production software to eliminate any human error.

Continuous investment into R&D, technologically advanced equipment and expanding product lines have resulted in the company’s ability to produce outstandingpistols and shotguns for customers in 78 countries, including the Turkish military, NATO and law enforcement around the world.

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Chumash Capital Investments, LLC Acquires Azimuth Technology, LLC

From Azimuth Technology

Chumash Capital Investments, LLC (“CCI”) announced today that it has acquired Azimuth Technology, LLC (“Azimuth”) from LongueVue Capital and Clavis Capital Partners. The transaction closed on August 31, 2020. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Azimuth is a premier manufacturer of tight-tolerance firearms components, with a focus on perfecting the industry’s most challenging parts, including handgun slides, handgun barrels and bolt carrier groups, for a diverse base of OEM and aftermarket customers. Through proprietary manufacturing techniques perfected by drawing on extensive experience in the medical device industry, Azimuth has developed a highly efficient production process that delivers exceptional product quality with absolute repeatability. Azimuth is headquartered in Naples, Florida.

LongueVue Capital is a New Orleans-based private equity firm that focuses on providing human capital, financial capital and a skill set built upon a successful 20-year track record of partnering with entrepreneurs and management teams to drive value creation in middle market companies. The firm’s opportunistic investment strategy and creative deal structures provide the flexibility to partner with attractive businesses across a variety of industries and situations.

Clavis Capital Partners is a private investment firm in Dallas, Texas with deep experience in investing in, operating and growing U.S.-based industrial businesses. The firm provides flexible capital to make control investments in a broad range of strategically viable but capital-constrained, industrial-oriented companies.

Chumash Capital Investments, LLC, a wholly owned investment entity of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, directs economic development investments for the Chumash Tribe. It is capitalized to provide for acquisitions of companies and other opportunities that complement the growth strategy for the tribe. CCI continues to build economic security for its tribal members and future generations by maintaining and expanding a portfolio of sophisticated enterprises.

“The Azimuth team is thrilled to partner with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians as we embark on our next phase of growth in the firearms and defense industry,” said Azimuth’s CEO, Len Zaiser IV. “CCI’s acquisition of Azimuth provides a major opportunity to target government and foreign military opportunities while continuing to serve our customers with leading quality, speed and precision.”

John Elliott, CEO of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, stated, “We are very excited to welcome Azimuth into the Chumash Capital Investments portfolio. This acquisition supports our goal of ensuring long-term economic stability for the Chumash Tribe while offering an attractive counterbalance to CCI’s existing hospitality and leisure-focused investments. We believe Azimuth is primed for continued rapid growth, and we look forward to partnering with the Company’s outstanding management team to help Azimuth reach its full potential.”

Houlihan Lokey acted as exclusive financial advisor to Azimuth, and Norton Rose Fulbright acted as legal counsel to Azimuth. Horizon Business Advisors, LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to CCI, and Holland & Knight acted as legal counsel to CCI. Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP served as legal counsel to CCI with respect to transaction financing matters.

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Bond Arms, Made in Texas

From Bond Arms

Just 35 miles from the sprawl of Fort Worth, Granbury, Texas is home to 8,000 residents. Granbury is a small town full of American pride and faith, exactly what makes this nation great. Perhaps it’s only fitting that in this town, some of the best, most compact handguns designed for concealed carry are also made. This is where Bond Arms calls home, founded in 1995 by Greg Bond, brother of current company owner Gordon Bond.

In building what would become the best modern double barrel available, Bond completely redesigned every aspect of the model starting with the frame, formed from lost wax stainless castings, which offer superior strength and durability shot after shot. Other design enhancements from the original double barrel design include changing the safety so it can be manipulated from left to right in order to allow the right-hand thumb to adjust the safety to fire. Their double-barrel pistols feature a rebounding hammer design and a wider hammer that allows for smoother, faster cocking.

Today, Bond Arms has grown into the leader of the double barrel industry, particularly where new product development is concerned. These guns are made from high-quality, stainless steel and other heavy-duty, top-grade materials. All Bond firearms are put through the strictest manufacturing processes to ensure a quality product with every single double barrel.

“We’re one of the few manufacturers that still builds exclusively in the U.S. and uses American-made parts for all of our handguns,” says Gordon Bond, owner of Bond Arms. “We like to say, ‘100 percent Texas Made.’ Even our grips and holsters are made in the U.S.A.”

Some of the most popular models offered by Bond Arms include the Texas Defender, Cowboy Defender, Snake Slayer, and Snake Slayer IV, the Ranger and Ranger II, the USA Defender, the Mini 45 and the Girl Mini. Bond Arms’ double barrels have not only become a top choice among serious concealed carry adherents but also are very popular on the cowboy action shooting circuit, where the spirit of the old West is celebrated and lives on in Bond Arms’ handguns.

Bond Arms not only makes the top double barrels available today, but they also make and offer a full line of accessories for their handguns. These accessories include holsters, carry cases and extended grips.

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NSSF and Project ChildSafe Support Suicide Prevention Month

From NSSF

As suicide prevention groups mark Suicide Prevention Month by calling for prevention to become a national priority during the COVID-19 pandemic, the firearm industry is supporting that effort by educating the public – particularly the gun-owning community, including veterans and their families – on how storing firearms responsibly and simply talking to loved ones can mean the difference between a life saved and a tragedy.

“It is a fact that suicide is preventable, and securing firearms is one of the most important steps gun owners can take to protect those at risk of suicide,” said Joe Bartozzi, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) President and CEO.

NSSF, the firearm industry trade association, has partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) since 2016. Recognizing that nearly two-thirds of all firearms deaths are suicides and that half of all suicides in the U.S. are by firearm, NSSF took action by partnering with experts in the suicide prevention field. Around the same time, AFSP launched “Project 2025,” which seeks to reduce the rate of suicide by focusing on primary care settings, emergency departments, the gun owning community and correction systems.

As COVID-19 continues to elevate levels of stress, anxiety and uncertainty, NSSF is also marking Suicide Prevention Month by sharing educational resources for gun owners and veterans:

  • Through Project ChildSafe®, its firearm safety educational program, NSSF has partnered with former US Army infantryman Omar Avila, who was awarded the Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge for his service during the Iraq War in 2004. As a motivational storyteller, Paralympic powerlifter and hunting enthusiast, Avila is a prominent figure in the veteran community with more than 300,000 followers on Instagram. During Suicide Prevention Month, Project ChildSafe will “take over” Avila’s Instagram story to share firearm safety tips and resources directly with veterans and their supporters.
  • NSSF and AFSP partnered with the U.S Veterans Administration and the U.S. Concealed Carry Association in a groundbreaking cooperative effort to produce a webinar on “Protecting Mental Health and Preventing Suicide During COVID-19.” The public is also encouraged to read this recent blog post from AFSP on taking care of one’s mental health during times of uncertainty.
  • Also for veterans and their families, NSSF has a new resource for military families with tips on how to have this conversation and with suggestions for firearm storage options.
  • NSSF and AFSP have created a Firearms and Suicide Prevention Brochure to help all gun owners better understand the risk factors of suicide and what prevention steps they can take. Given the importance of secure storage, gun owners can also review NSSF’s infographic on Safe Storage Options to Suit Your Lifestyle.
  • NSSF and AFSP have also created a Suicide Prevention Toolkit to help firearm retailers, shooting ranges and gun owners nationwide understand risk factors and warning signs related to suicide, know where to find help and encourage secure firearm storage. Central to all the advice is how to “Have a Brave Conversation.”
  • In the coming weeks, NSSF and AFSP will roll out a series of additional new resources on suicide prevention, specifically for parents.

“In addition to storing firearms securely, we’ve learned one of the most important things anyone can do if they’re worried about a friend or loved one is to talk to them,” Bartozzi says. “It’s okay to have a brave conversation and ask them directly about suicide. The experts tell us that asking about it won’t put the idea in their head, or cause them to act. In most cases, they’ll feel relieved someone cares enough about them to bring it up.”

Anyone experiencing a crisis, or concerned about the safety of a friend or loved one, is urged to contact any of the following resources:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 and press “1”.

Lifeline Chat: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/

Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741741

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Brownells Donates $50K to CRPA for Standard Capacity Magazine Fight

From Brownells

Brownells is donating $50,000 to the California Rifle & Pistol Association to help fund the fight to restore freedom and standard-capacity magazines to California gun owners.

In August, a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit upheld a previous decision against California’s ban on magazines in the Duncan v. Becerra case. The panel determined a ban on magazines with capacity of over 10 rounds violates the 2nd Amendment rights of Californians.

In an effort to delay striking down California’s draconian magazine ban, the California Attorney General’s office petitioned for an en banc review of panel’s ruling, extending the struggle for California gun owners to regain their Constitutionally-guaranteed rights.

To help see that struggle through to a victorious finish, Brownells is contributing $50,000 for CRPA’s efforts to the cause.

“The California Rifle & Pistol Association Foundation is proud of the partnership with Brownells to fight for the rights of all Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” said CRPA Foundation Director of Development Rick Travis. “Brownells’ generous donation will be used 100% in the fight to see the Duncan v. Becerra case to a successful conclusion in restoring the Second Amendment in California.”

If the rulings against California’s magazine ban are upheld, they could serve as precedent in similar decisions against other similar bans enacted by anti-gun politicians in other states.

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NCLA Earns En Banc Review in 10th Circuit Bump Stock Ban Case

From the New Civil Liberties Alliance

The New Civil Liberties Alliance, a nonpartisan, nonprofit civil rights group is celebrating a reprieve today in the case of Aposhian v. Barr, et al. after the U.S. Court of Appeals in the Tenth Circuit vacated the panel decision and granted NCLA’s petition for rehearing en banc. NCLA is challenging the ban on bump stocks issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) that went into effect on March 26, 2019.

The panel decision had created a deep split among the circuits when it denied Mr. Aposhian’s appeal 2-1 in May, but it also broke ranks with prior decisions of the Tenth Circuit itself and with the U.S. Supreme Court. Chevron should not be applied to defer to an agency’s statutory interpretation when, as here, the government waives any reliance on it. Contrary to the panel decision in this case, three other circuits have held that Chevron deference is not a standard of review but is instead just one tool for statutory interpretation—and is thus subject to waiver.

The en banc court will also consider whether it should apply the constitutionally required Rule of Lenity instead of Chevron deference when agency action has both criminal and civil application. The now-vacated panel opinion had held that Chevron deference applied instead of the Rule of Lenity. This interpretation would violate fundamental due process considerations of notice and an opportunity to be heard. Although Mr. Aposhian is not charged with a crime, the statute he is challenging carries criminal penalties, so the Rule of Lenity applies.

Eleven active judges of the court will rehear the entire case afresh but will also specifically address the following questions, on which they have ordered supplemental briefing:

1. Did the Supreme Court intend for the Chevron framework to operate as a standard of review, a tool of statutory interpretation, or an analytical framework that applies where a government agency has interpreted an ambiguous statute?

2. Does Chevron step-two deference depend on one or both parties invoking it, i.e., can it be waived; and, if it must be invoked by one or both parties in order for the court to apply it, did either party adequately do so here?

3. Is Chevron step-two deference applicable where the government interprets a statute that imposes both civil and criminal penalties?

4. Can a party concede the irreparability of a harm; and, if so, must this court honor that stipulation?

5. Is the bump stock policy determination made by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms peculiarly dependent upon facts within the congressionally vested expertise of that agency?

NCLA released the following statements:

“The full Tenth Circuit has recognized the troubling consequences of the panel’s prior decision. Chevron deference cannot guarantee a win for an agency even when the parties agree it doesn’t apply, because it contradicts the constitutional rule that criminal laws should be construed against the government. We look forward to the Court setting a major precedent limiting Chevron’s unconstitutional reach.”

— Caleb Kruckenberg, Litigation Counsel, NCLA

“NCLA is grateful that the Tenth Circuit has recognized the importance of our client’s civil liberties at stake in this case. We are also delighted that the judges have decided to take a close look at several key Chevron-related issues that have surfaced. The bump stock ban illustrates some of the many problems with Chevron deference—including constitutional ones.”

— Mark Chenoweth, Executive Director and General Counsel, NCLA

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Primary Arms Restocks GLx Rifle Scopes

From Primary Arms Optics

 Primary Arms Optics has announced the restock of two popular long-range GLx rifle scopes: the GLx 4-16x50mm FFP Rifle Scope with ACSS HUD DMR 308 Reticle and the GLx 6-24x50mm FFP Rifle Scope with Athena BPR MIL Reticle. These scopes are part of Primary Arms’ mid-tier optics line, GLx, which brings premium technology and materials into an approachable price range.

The GLx 4-16x50mm First Focal Plane (FFP) Rifle Scope with ACSS HUD DMR reticle is designed for superior agility when engaging targets from medium to long distance. With over 3.5” of eye relief and a 23.5oz weight, this optic is nimble when acquiring targets, though the 50mm objective lens still provides improved image quality when identifying a target in suboptimal lighting. These features are supported with the proven ACSS HUD DMR 308 reticle, which features advanced holdover and ranging designs to improve your speed and precision with 5.56×45, 6.8SPC, and .308 Winchester cartridges.

What’s the difference between a wire and etched-glass reticle?

The GLx 6-24x50mm FFP with Athena BPR MIL reticle outshines its competition in long-range marksmanship. Utilizing the patented GLx turret design, users can quickly adjust their elevation with remarkable tracking accuracy, and the locking turret feature allows for quick return to zero without overtravel. For faster engagements, users can leverage the Athena BPR MIL’s integrated ranging ladder and MIL-grid stadia. With full reticle illumination, this scope can provide clear holdovers from dawn through dusk.

“We’re excited to see the return of two of our most popular GLx rifle scopes,” says Terry Mears, Primary Arms’ Director of Sales and Product Marketing. “The GLx 4-16x50mm and 6-24x50mm platforms are among our top performers in long-range marksmanship. With the ACSS HUD DMR 308 and Athena BPR MIL reticles, users can fully leverage their scope’s technology for remarkable precision, even out to 1000 yards.”

With cutting-edge turret technology, intuitive reticle designs, and exceptional glass clarity, these scopes are built to compete with premium scopes without breaking the budget. To view and order these two scopes, visit the GLx product page on the Primary Arms site or through your preferred online retailer.

If you’re looking for an optic a little more CQB, take a look at the company’s 1-6 SLx.

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Trijicon and Holosun Patent Suit Settled

Statement by Trijicon

The recent filing with the U.S. International Trade Commission by Trijicon, Inc., against Holosun Technologies, Inc., on reflex optic designs has been settled. Trijicon successfully defended its intellectual property around reflex sight features and technology.

“We invest heavily in research, development, and testing at Trijicon to ensure our optics are ready to perform for the most demanding users, and we are committed to defending that investment in innovation,” said Stephen Bindon, Trijicon President & CEO.

Statement by Holosun

Holosun Technologies, Inc. is pleased to have resolved the International Trade Commission filing and associated patent lawsuit initiated by Trijicon, Inc. in July.

“We look forward to spirited competition in the marketplace and continuing to create innovative products for professionals, competitors, and enthusiasts. The unique technologies packed into Holosun optical sights make aiming and shooting faster and more intuitive while providing unparalleled value to our customers,” said Holosun Business Manager Louis Craig.

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