5.11 Inc., the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, announced it is gradually reopening its United States-based retail stores in light of the restriction lifts surrounding Coronavirus (COVID-19). Each of 5.11’s 66 company-owned stores will be opening on a case-by-case basis in accordance with all federal, state and local health and safety protocols.
Nearly all of 5.11’s retail stores have remained open throughout the COVID-19 lockdowns, but with limited operations serving First Responders and other members of our country’s critical infrastructure. All safety protocols put into place previously will be maintained, with several additional efforts including making hand sanitizer easily accessible for customers and employees, increasing cleaning throughout of the store of high traffic touchpoints, adding plexiglass partitions at checkout areas, and marking areas on floors to ensure proper social distancing. Continued health and safety precautions include:
·Conducting employee health screenings at the beginning of every shift
·Increasing cleaning and sanitization
·Providing face coverings for all employees
·Enforcing six feet or more of social distancing
·Limiting the number of employees and customers in the store at one time
·Maintaining reduced hours of store operations: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Sunday
“Character is most often shown in the most difficult times,” said 5.11’s CEO, Francisco J. Morales. “My pride for the character of the 5.11 team has never been greater. We are honored to have been able to serve our frontline workers throughout the difficult past several weeks and are happy to be providing safe shopping environments for all consumers to enjoy once again. Our Always Be Ready mantra has never had greater meaning, and we look forward to bringing our innovative, purpose-built products back to all of our retail patrons in the weeks ahead.”
To find a 5.11 retail store near you, please visit the store locator.
It’s America’s oldest family-owned and -operated firearm company and the Mossberg legacy thrives at more than 100 years old. The great grandson of Oscar F. Mossberg, who founded the firm in 1919, is CEO today and despite the dramatic changes that have affected the corporate and political landscapes in the last century, the dedication remains to delivering on the firm’s original pledge—“More gun for the money.”
Swedish-born Oscar F. Mossberg emigrated to the United States in 1886, settling in Fitchburg, MA, where he first found gainful employment at a boiler factory. In 1892 he married Alida Peterson and began machining bicycle parts for Iver-Johnson Arms and Cycle Works.
It wasn’t long before supervisors recognized his mechanical aptitude for firearms, and in 1893 he was named on a patent application for a revolver barrel catch strap. He worked on a variety of patents before leaving the company, often without credit due to his junior staff status. His reputation for inventive, yet eloquently simple design grew, however.
He moved to Hatfield, MA, in 1900, where he was production supervisor for C.S. Shattuck Arms, but by 1902 Mossberg was employed by J. Stevens Arms & Tool. There the genius was on full display with his name appearing on a variety of patents. In 1916 he went to work for Marlin-Rockwell, moved to New Haven, CN, and was engaged primarily in the manufacture of machine guns for World War I.
Mossberg branched out on his own in 1919, more than 100 years ago, establishing the O.F. Mossberg & Sons enthusiasts know more simply and affectionately today as Mossberg. It began in a small rented space in New Haven, with three employees—Oscar, the family patriarch and sons Ivan and Harold. The latter was the sole full-time staff member, because the others were still working for Marlin-Rockwell to keep food on the table.
Meet the Brownie
Instead of deep-pocketed financing launching the company, it was a tireless work ethic that introduced its first firearm—a handgun called the Brownie. It was chambered for all three lengths of .22 rimfire, had four barrels and a rotating firing pin that allowed it to deliver a single shot at a time until the ammunition was exhausted. A lever atop the “backstrap” could be depressed at that time, allowing the trigger, barrels and chambers to rotate down in a single unit for a reload.
Word spread and keeping up with demand for the 37,000 produced before it was phased out in 1932 proved a challenge. The price hovered around a five spot, but in the spirit that still lives at Mossberg, MSRP was reduced for a period when the company was able to tool up to fill the orders. As part of its celebration of the company’s centennial, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, introduced the MC1sc in January 2019, its first pistol since the Brownie. In the spirit of “More gun for the money.” In true company fashion, MSRP for a carry version is only $421.
Depression and Beyond
During the Great Depression, the quality and value offered by Mossberg allowed the company to thrive, while others died. During World War II it was called upon to manufacture a variety of firearms for Allied forces and in 1962 it introduced the Model 500 shotgun, the company’s most popular firearm that lives on today.
“When my great-grandfather opened the door of O.F. Mossberg and Sons in 1919, he instilled a set of corporate operating values that we still live by today,” Iver Mossberg wrote in the company’s 2019 catalog. “Always take care of your employees; always embrace change; always listen to your customers. He coupled those operating values with a commitment to a simple philosophy of providing customers with ‘More Gun for the Money.’ That sort of forward thinking is what allows us to celebrate 100 years of U.S. firearm manufacturing.”
The Patriot Predator, above, is one of the company’s latest introductions.
Corporate vs. Family-Owned
Is there another reason the Mossberg legacy thrives at 100?
“There are definite advantages to being a privately held company—the main advantage is having the ability to be nimble,” explained Richard Kirkland, senior director of marketing for Mossberg. “We’re able to course-correct on market fluctuations very easily.”
He added, “Being family-owned for the last 100 years has had a lasting effect on our employees and the heart and soul they put into every gun When our employees come to work at Mossberg, they become part of the family, and because of that, they build and treat every gun like they’re building it for themselves.”
How did Arnold Schwarzenegger help launch SureFire? The company was founded as Laser Products Corporation after Dr. John Matthews developed and patented a laser-aiming device tailored for firearms. During its first year of operation it introduced the LPC Model 7, which was mounted atop a Colt Trooper .357 Mag. It was the world’s first commercially available laser-aimed gun, but an exotic accessory with a price tag too lofty for the average gun owner.
Most firearm enthusiasts didn’t know about the invention, anyway. Then in 1984 a pair of unrelated events proved pivotal in the company’s success. The movie “The Terminator” hit the silver screen, and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character made his first attempt on Sarah Connor’s life with a .45 Longslide (seen above, courtesy of SureFire) carrying a SureFire laser. The same year the Los Angeles Police Department’s SWAT Team borrowed SureFire lasers for shotguns pulling security at the Olympics in Southern California.
SureFire celebrated its 40thanniversary in 2019 and owes part of its success—at least the early part of it—to the movie.
“I’m proud of what the SureFire team has accomplished, but I’m even more excited that we’re already laying the groundwork for the future, developing innovations that will redefine several market segments in which we are involved, and a few new ones as well,” SureFire President and founder Dr. Matthews said. “But this has never been about us. It has always been about our customers and helping them win the fight. They’ve had our back, and we’ll continue to have theirs.”
As demand for the technology grew in the military, law enforcement and with civilians, the company also developed weapon-mounted lights and introduced the first compact high-intensity flashlight, the Model 6P. It created an all-new premium tactical lighting market, where SureFire’s innovation has shined for 30 years.
“We made our mark with laser sights and tactical illumination tools, but we didn’t stop there,” said Dr. Matthews. “Our basic mission has always been to produce products that help good guys who go into harm’s way, and we’ve never stopped innovating to give our customers the advantage they need and deserve.”
Now in its 41st year, SureFire not only produces extreme-duty illumination products and tactical tools, it offers and Ear Pro hearing protection and communication devices. In addition, its battlefield-proven suppressor designs include the SOCOM model, the official suppressor of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Marine Special Operations. This year it even introduced the flash hider every fashionable Ma Deuce wears for .50-caliber civilian rifles.
It’s an interesting success story, yet another one from the firearm industry. I apologize in advance, however, to your family and friends. You’ll never watch “The Terminator” again without interrupting that scene with Schwarzenegger to explain how he helped launch SureFire.
Thank you for visiting my modest blog. Leave a comment if you have time and I hope you have a glorious day.
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) accepted the Winchester .350 Legend as a new cartridge and chamber standard in early 2019, but there is still some confusion. Here’s a direct link to the .350 Legend and technical specs and drawings, courtesy of SAAMI.
The cartridge uses a modified, .223 Rem. shell case with a 1.71-inch length and a bullet diameter of .357 inch. “The .350 Legend is a high-performing, straight-walled cartridge that dominates in velocity, energy, recoil and affordability,” said Winchester Ammunition Vice President of Sales and Marketing Matt Campbell. “Winchester is dedicated to innovation and it’s paramount that we continue to deliver meaningful, technology-driven products that have a tremendous impact on the hunting and shooting sports industry.”
“SAAMI member ammunition and firearm companies are driven by technological innovation,” said Randy Bimson, director of technical affairs and technical advisor for SAAMI. “Winchester’s .350 Legend cartridge brings a fresh look and innovation to a very mature cartridge category opening up new options to both the hunter and recreational shooter.”
There are a variety of companies offering the ammunition. For obvious reasons Winchester was the first, Hornady joined in and just recently introduced a 165-grain FTX load (the company also offers a 170-grain InterLock) and Federal has several loads to choose from. Browning rolled out a line in January, 2020, at the SHOT Show. If your local sporting goods store doesn’t have it in stock, I suggest Wideners. I rely on it for ammo when testing guns. Good folks and reliable service.
• Maximum Average Pressure: 55,000 psi
• Overall Length: 2.125 to 2.260 inches
• SAAMI Tested Bullet Weight: 145-grains
• Velocity at the Muzzle of a 16-inch Barrel: 2,250 fps
• Muzzle Energy: 1,630 ft-lbs.
SAAMI has set the firearms and ammunition industry’s technical standards since it was founded in 1926 at the request of the Federal Government—a move that standardizes pressures and dimensions for an added layer of safety in the industry. Its track record makes the dedication of the organization and its members obvious.
As Memorial Day approaches, Leupold & Stevens, longtime partner to the United States military and dedicated supporter of veterans across the nation, is proud to highlight its partnership with The Mighty Endeavor by remembering the award-winning film, “Shepherds of Helmand.”
In 2008, an Oregon National Guard team volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan to train the Afghan National Army. As their mission changed, they found themselves in constant combat in the deadly Helmand Province and after months of savage fighting, returned home as one of the most decorated units in Oregon National Guard history. Narrated by Donald Trump, Jr., the award-winning “Shepherds of Helmand” provides a personal look into the experiences of 17 men during their historic tour.
“The National Guard members featured in ‘Shepherds of Helmand’ are not only heroes who exemplify the very idea of service before self, they’re our neighbors here in the Pacific Northwest,” said Bruce Pettet, president and chief executive officer of Leupold & Stevens. “We’re incredibly proud to support them, our nation’s veterans, and the U.S. servicemen and women around the world. The Mighty Endeavor’s mission is critical to preserving our country’s military heritage and ensuring that these stories of sacrifice and heroism are shared with the next generation.”
The Mighty Endeavor program was launched with the purpose of gathering veterans’ oral histories, recordings, images, and videos with the intent of using their stories to educate our youth and help reconnect veterans with the community they served. It’s part of Veterans’ Legacies, a non-profit that works with volunteers and partnering organizations to connect veterans and students, to preserve their stories, honor their service, and educate our youth.
“On behalf of everyone that worked on the film and the servicemen who experienced the fighting firsthand, I want to thank Leupold & Stevens for their support in sponsoring its re-release,” said “Shepherds of Helmand” director Gary Mortensen. “It’s a story that needs to be told and a message that needs to be shared.”
The movie “Shepherds of Helmand” is available online now at Leupold.com and ShepherdsofHelmand.org.
The Texas Veterans Commission has awarded Primary Arms recognition within the “We Hire Veterans” program. This program acknowledges Texas businesses that go above and beyond in hiring veteran employees.
The “We Hire Veterans” Program is a joint effort by the Texas Veterans Commission and Texas Workforce Commission, giving special recognition to businesses that have over 10 percent veteran employees. This program was founded in 2017 to provide greater employment opportunity to the millions of Texas veterans, adding special emphasis to career training and development.
“From our beginning, we’ve kept a commitment to veteran employment within Primary Arms,” said Marshall Lerner, CEO of Primary Arms. “Working in the firearms industry, veterans bring a special depth-of-knowledge and results-driven mindset. Our veteran employees are foundational to Primary Arms’ success, and we’re proud to showcase their contribution in the ‘We Hire Vets’ program.”
From critical warehouse operations to the esteemed customer service team, veterans are at the heart of every team in Primary Arms. For more information on available roles, please visit the Primary Arms Career Opportunities page.
And if you’re not looking to launch a new career, but would like to support a company that helps our Veterans, consider the new Primary Arms Sentinel.
If movies with a David-beats-Goliath theme were based on reality, Hollywood writers could find a bumper crop of story ideas in gun companies. How do small businesses thrive in the firearm industry? Here the American Dream is alive and well, even after COVID-19, and I caught up to a few of the others and asked them to provide some insight.
Firearm enthusiasts expect top performance from their gear, and those rigorous demands pave the way for small or startup businesses that offer quality products. That’s not to say it’s easy. Profit margins are tight, competition is fierce and there are those unexpected fads/political winds/pandemics that blow in with hurricane force periodically.
Reliability and longevity are weighted heavily when it comes to shooter purchases, though, and experimental and trendy often fail when they meet lead, gun powder and smoke. It’s got to work, regardless of abuse and relative neglect. If a TV goes down during The Walking Dead, there’s always reruns, but there’s no pause button on a handgun that malfunctions during a home invasion.
Companies with the endemic knowledge to keep the enthusiast and their requirements in mind continue to launch and thrive. Here are a few, of different flavors, I caught up to recently.
Bond Arms
Greg Bond founded Bond Arms in 1995 when he rolled out a derringer-style handgun designed for bad-breath-distances. His brother, Gordon, bought the company from him and took over in 2007, when it only had three full-time employees. Today’s staff size is almost 30.
Gordon explains part of the reason for the growth is the way they, “Updated features on a very old design that brought the derringer into the 21st Century by making it bigger, with stainless steel, more substantial to handle the bigger calibers, with unique patented safety features…” Add the fact that you can swap barrels to make it into different configurations in multiple chamberings and it’s a rugged, reliable pocket Transformer. The Snake Slayer, “…the first gun we did with our unique extended grip and people loved the way it felt in their hands,” was the big break, according to him.
The company never rests on its laurels, though. It released a new Grizzly in January.
Tactical Walls
Tactical Walls was founded in 2012 with two employees, a number that has grown to 27. Sales in that time have increased 733 percent.
Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing Chris Wood explained a solid understanding of the industry is key. “Tim Matter [founder] and I are both huge Second Amendment supporters and have been active firearms enthusiasts for years,” he said. “This was an industry we felt very comfortable in, even though we weren’t actually making a firearm.”
The success this far hinges on innovation and dedication to customer service, he said, and “I think we have found a number of really elegant and practical ways to solve a problem that a lot of people have had to deal with.” If you haven’t seen their eloquent “hidden in plain sight” solutions, take a close look at the 1450M, the product/service he credits with getting things rolling.
Heizer
Heizer Aerospace launched in 1962, but it didn’t spin off Heizer Defense until 2011 with 5 staff members. Today more than 75 people work there.
Vice President of Sales and Marketing Eric Polkis explained why the company started making firearms. “Due to the ups and downs of the aerospace industry and the family’s love of firearms, we decided to diversify into the firearms market,” he said. “Plus, our founder, Charlie Heizer—who was raised in Hungary during World War II—saw the effects of firearm confiscation under German and Soviet occupation.”
What sets its guns apart is, “All-metal construction, using aerospace-grade metals, built to aerospace standards,” Polkis said. The Pocket Pistol Family had driven much of the manufacturer’s growth.
Lucid Optics was founded in 2009 by Jason Wilson, the sole employee at the time, and today he’s been joined by another ten or so staff members. Sales growth has averaged 300 percent, year to year, and scopes that’ve primarily fueled that increase are the HD7 Red Dot Sight and the L5 Rifle Scope. “The key for us here at Lucid Optics is quality products designed for shooters by shooters, and customer service second to none,” he said.
The “news of the demise of the American Dream” is greatly exaggerated, even after shelter-in-place orders are lifted for COVID-19. How do small businesses thrive in the firearm industry? These companies shared their secrets to success—with any luck I’ll catch up to a few more in the future.
If you have any tips, share them as a comment….In the meantime, thank you for visiting my website, and I hope you have a glorious day.
The Beretta M9s that stood guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns for more than 11,000 days were relieved of their duties on Oct. 11, 2018, during a special ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in which SIG Sauer officially presented a set of finely crafted M17 Tomb of the Unknown Pistols to the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment. The fit, finish and honor built into their design makes them a befitting heir at one of our nation’s most solemn sites.
“Presenting these special M17 pistols to the Tomb Sentinels of The Old Guard was an incredible honor for me and our company, and an indelible moment in my life,” said Ron Cohen, president and CEO of SIG Sauer. “As a soldier, having fought and lost friends, I felt connected to the pistols and their purpose. Touching them seemed almost disrespectful.”
The sidearms were created using the same specifications as the standard-issue M17, but feature a non-railed aluminum grip module, stainless steel slide, wood grip inserts, removable rear plate and black controls. A high polish helps them survive the inclement weather Tomb sentinels often endure.
“It’s difficult for me to put into words what it meant to be a part of the production of these pistols,” said SIG Sauer Pistol Product Manager Tim Butler. “As an American, and a former Marine, I know the purpose for which these M17 pistols will be placed into service is a calling much greater and more meaningful than my contribution to their production.”
The four pistols bear the names of Silence, Respect, Dignity or Perseverance on their dust cover—the first two reflecting what is demanded of visitors to the site, with the latter pair representing “The Sentinel’s Creed.” There are 21 cocking serrations on each slide, signifying the 21-gun salute and the number of steps guards that are required to take with each pass of the tomb. The custom wood grips were created from material once part of the USS Olympia, which brought the original “Unknown” World War I Soldier back to the United States in 1921. The crest of the 3rd Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier identification badge is inset.
“The production and manufacturing of the M17 Tomb of the Unknown Ceremonial Pistols project was extremely complex as many of the manufacturing processes we used were unproven. For instance, the 3D laser engraving of Peace, Victory and Valor on the slide is not something we had experimented with prior to this,” Butler said. “Additionally, the wood inserts on the pistol grips, that compliments the M14 rifles and comes from the USS Olympia, have no pins or screws for retention, but are held into the grips using rare earth magnets and is 100-percent removable for cleaning and replacing.”
A glass insert with dust from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier fills the sights and the sight plate is engraved with an impression of the Greek figures found on the east side of the landmark, Peace, Victory and Valor. The 21-round magazines are engraved with the same names, as well as the badge number of the Tomb sentinel.
Serial numbers on the handguns are unique and incorporate significant terms for the Old Guard. “LS” represents line six of the Sentinels’ Creed, “My standard will remain perfection.” “O2JUL37” signifies the day the first 24-hour guard was posted, July 3, 1937, and. “21” honors the number of steps and 21-gun salute. The Tomb of the Unknown Pistols serial numbers are LS02JUL37A21, LS02JUL37B21, LS02JUL37C21 and LS02JUL37D21.
“At SIG Sauer our responsibility to the military and our Veterans is what drives us and gives us purpose for what we do every day,” said Tom Taylor, the company’s chief marketing officer and executive vice president of commercial sales. “The M17 Tomb of the Unknown ceremonial pistols were created to honor those that not only lost their lives, but their identity in service to our county. Every feature detail tells a story and represents the tremendous respect we have for our soldiers and their service. Oct. 11, 2018, the day that these pistols were presented to the Old Guard, is a day in our company’s history that will be remembered with honor, humility, and respect.”
SIG Sauer is also a big supporter of law enforcement and recently released a new Inside the Blue Line documentary.
5.11, Inc. the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, announced it has expanded its Everyday Hero program to recognize individuals who go above and beyond within their communities by adding a charitable component in light of the events surrounding the global COVID-19 pandemic. 5.11 has produced a limited-edition Everyday Hero t-shirt that will be sold with 100 percent of the net proceeds being donated to charities within the first responder community. Additionally, for each Everyday Hero t-shirt purchased, 5.11 will donate a KN-95 mask to a New York City first responder.
As always, civilian and professional #EverydayHeroes can be nominated through 5.11’s social media pages @511Tactical. Purchasers of Everyday Herot-shirts are encouraged to gift it to the Everyday Hero in their life and post a photo of the person wearing their t-shirt with the tag #EverydayHeroes. T-shirts can be purchased through 5.11’s website. With the purchase of each t-shirt, 5.11 will also donate a KN-95 mask to a first responder in New York City, one of the areas in the United States hit hardest by the COVID-19 outbreak.
“There is so much good happening in the world, and we want to remind people of that. Encouraging and recognizing acts of kindness is imperative to societal stability and global solidarity,” said 5.11’s Vice President of Marketing, Jennifer Glover. “We are all in this together, and being able to support each other and those who serve is an excellent way to channel our energies and efforts. Giving back to the servicemen and women in New York through this initiative makes the gracious act of recognizing our local heroes, just that much more important.”
“When the idea for this initiative began, it energized everyone at 5.11 to create and launch a program to give back to all of the first responder categories serving and sacrificing, now more than ever, for our communities,” said 5.11’s CEO, Francisco J. Morales. “5.11’s professional customers are the heart of our business and our nation’s critical infrastructure. For us and all of our customers, it is an honor to support law enforcement, fire, emergency services, and military during this unprecedented time.”
The #EverydayHero digital campaign, originally launched in Fall 2019, will live on 5.11’s social media pages as well as through emails and on the company’s website. Everyday Hero t-shirts to support first responder charities are available for purchase for $14.99.
Increased firearm sales during the COVID-19 pandemic indicate there are more firearm owners than ever before, but the odds are good they were already buying and using quality products from the industry long before their first NICS background check. And there’s plenty of bling for new members of Gun Nation.
Daniel Defense’s announcement four years ago that it had entered into partnership with Oakley is a prime example. The Oakley SI models in popular Daniel Defense cerakote colors—including Mil-Spec + and Daniel Defense Tornado with a small, laser-etched “DD” in the corner of the lens—are aimed directly at the mainstream market, although new members of Gun Nation need eyewear. Eye protection is mandatory when shooting, although the seven fashionable models will undoubtedly find their way onto the faces of people who’ll never own a gun.
Remington is an example of the historic trend. During World War I it geared up to produce half of the ammunition used by all the allies, manufactured 100,000 Rolling Blocks for the French, churned out 2,000 Pattern 1914 “American Enfields” a day, built Mosin-Nagants for the Russians, 1911s for the Doughboys and more. Adding machinery and personnel takes loans, but after the Armistice, orders were cancelled. Payments and payroll were still due, though, so its plants kept things going by assembling the world’s first working typewriter (here’s more on the history of Remington). Some of the most rare and collectible antiques often wear a firearm name—Winchester skates and FN bicycles, for example. Winchester’s history is an interesting one, too.
The firearm industry has grown to an annual economic impact of $52.1 billion and employs nearly 312,000 people. Sales continue to skyrocket, and new members of Gun Nation might as well have gear that flies their favorite colors.
When Smith & Wesson announced the creation of a new division it provided a peek at some long-term plans—and the focus isn’t in licensing the name to another company. “Since I became CEO in late 2011, our focus has centered on expanding our leadership position in the market for consumer and professional firearms,” said Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer James Debney. “As we continued to deliver on that objective, we also maintained our plans to expand, when the time was right, into other related markets, such as the rugged outdoor market, which we believe resonates strongly with our core firearm consumer. Our highly accretive acquisition of Battenfeld Technologies Inc. in December 2014 turned those intentions into reality, establishing our Accessories Division and providing our entry into the firearm-related and outdoor lifestyle accessories business.”
Vista Outdoors is taking a slightly different road, although the destination is the same. It completed the acquisition of BRG Sports Inc.’s Action Sports division, which includes the market-leading brands Bell and Giro, and C-Preme and Blackburn, roughly five years ago.
“The newly acquired brands strengthen our ability to provide a broad suite of innovative, high-quality products to specialty outdoor shops, wholesalers and leading product retailers,” then Vista Outdoor Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark DeYoung said. “…[T]he Action Sports brands position Vista Outdoor as the leader in cycling and snow sports equipment in North America and Europe.”
Add coolers, floor mats and just about everything under the sun. If you took home your first firearm during the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ll soon discover there’s no shortage of bling for new members of Gun Nation.
