Firearm Industry News Archives | Page 6 of 46

February 18, 2021February 18, 2021

Federal and CCI Continue as Platinum Sponsors of SASP

From CCI and Federal

Long-time Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) sponsors, Federal and CCI Ammunition have renewed their support of youth shooting sports as Platinum-Level Sponsors.

“Federal and CCI Ammunition are proud to continue our partnership with the Scholastic Action Steel Program. The program continues to grow leaps and bounds while offering youth a safe and high-quality competitive program. The desire and passion these kids put into the sport deserves the best performing and highest quality ammunition available. Our employees are proud to provide high-quality American-made ammunition for the SASP participants to reach their goals.” Dan Compton, Rimfire Product Line Manager for Federal and CCI Ammunition.

Rick Leach, SASP National Director, commented, “Having Platinum-Level Sponsors like Federal and CCI Ammunition continue their long-standing support is a reminder of the importance our industry places on supporting youth development through shooting sports. We look forward to having their vital support this year and many more.”

February 18, 2021February 18, 2021

Ruger Reports 2020 Diluted Earnings, Declares Dividend

From Ruger

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) announced today that for 2020 the Company reported net sales of $568.9 million and diluted earnings of $5.09 per share, compared with net sales of $410.5 million and diluted earnings of $1.82 per share in 2019.

For the fourth quarter of 2020, net sales were $169.3 million and diluted earnings were $1.78 per share. For the corresponding period in 2019, net sales were $105.1 million and diluted earnings were 46¢ per share.

The Company also announced today that its Board of Directors declared a dividend of 71¢ per share for the fourth quarter for stockholders of record as of March 12, 2021, payable on March 26, 2021. This dividend varies every quarter because the Company pays a percentage of earnings rather than a fixed amount per share. This dividend is approximately 40% of net income.

Chief Executive Officer Christopher J. Killoy reflected on the strong financial results for the year, “Our tremendous sales growth and profitability in 2020 was driven by the historic surge in consumer demand that began late in the first quarter and continued throughout the year. But that is only part of the story. Our ability to capitalize on this opportunity was only possible through the efforts of our remarkable workforce of 1,800 dedicated employees. I would be remiss if I did not mention the extraordinary work of our COVID-19 Task Force and our leadership teams at all of our facilities. They have risen to the daily challenges posed by the pandemic and have worked tirelessly, keeping our folks healthy and our facilities sanitized. I could not be prouder of everyone’s performance. It truly was a team effort.”

Mr. Killoy commented on 2021, “I am excited as we head into 2021. Our workforce has been strengthened by 250 folks since the middle of 2020, which drove a 30% increase in production during the latter half of the year. We look forward to launching new products that are sure to create excitement among shooters and we are hard at work getting the Marlin manufacturing cells established and look forward to broadening our catalog of rugged, reliable, and exciting products with the addition of Marlin lever action rifles in late 2021. And as a result of the unprecedented demand in 2020, inventories remain depleted throughout the channel, so inventory replenishment provides further opportunity.”

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

In 2020, sales increased 39% from 2019 and the estimated unit sell-through of the Company’s products from the independent distributors to retailers increased 44% from 2019. For the same period, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) background checks (as adjusted by the National Shooting Sports Foundation) increased 60%. These substantial increases are attributable to increased consumer demand for firearms in 2020, and have likely been constrained due to limited available inventory in the distribution channel.
Sales of new products, including the Wrangler revolver, the Ruger-57 pistol, the LCP II in .22 LR pistol, the PC Charger, and the AR-556 pistol, represented $111 million or 22% of firearm sales in 2020. New product sales include only major new products that were introduced in the past two years.
In 2020, the Company’s finished goods inventory decreased 58,600 units and distributor inventories of the Company’s products decreased 231,200 units. In the aggregate, total Company and distributor inventories decreased 86% in 2020.
Cash provided by operations during 2020 was $143.8 million. At December 31, 2020, our cash and short-term investments totaled $141.2 million. Our current ratio is 2.9 to 1 and we have no debt.
In 2020, capital expenditures totaled $24.2 million. In addition, the Company acquired substantially all of the Marlin Firearms assets for $28.3 million in November 2020. We expect our 2021 capital expenditures to total approximately $20 million, most of which relate to new product introductions. Our ability to shift manufacturing equipment between cells, and between facilities, improves overall utilization and allows for reduced capital investment.
In 2020, the Company returned $113.9 million to its shareholders through the payment of dividends, reflecting the customary quarterly dividends and a special dividend of $5.00 per share that was paid in August.
At December 31, 2020, stockholders’ equity was $264.7 million, which equates to a book value of $15.13 per share, of which $8.07 per share was cash and short-term investments.

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

Thursday, February 18, 2021, Sturm, Ruger will host a webcast at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss the 2020 operating results. Interested parties can access the webcast at Ruger.com/corporate or by dialing 855-871-7398, participant code 7579785.

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

About Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.

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

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

February 17, 2021March 5, 2021

Selecting a Scope for Your New Rifle

From Ballistic

You purchased your first rifle dedicated to long-range shooting. Congratulations!

Now, it’s time to add a quality scope. One that will let you shoot with precision at a distance but can also dial down for closer shots. One that performs well in low-light situations, and one that features exact and repeatable adjustments.

Where should you start?

Magnification You can buy a rifle scope today with 30x, 40X, even 50x, the “x” standing for magnification. How much magnification does one need to shoot long-range effectively?

Consider the Top 10 Shooters, by points, in the Precision Rifle Series (PRS), where shooting distances at competitions can run from 100 yards to one mile. Of the ten shooters on the PRS website, one does not list his scope’s magnification, while two use scopes with 4.5-27x. What about the other seven shooters? They all use a rifle scope sporting 5-25x.

One doesn’t need to 50x to hit targets at a distance! Though if we use the Top 10 PRS shooters as a guideline, a scope with a top-end magnification in the mid-20x range is needed.

MIL Dot or MOA? Another enduring argument in the shooting sports: is MIL Dot better than MOA for long-range shooting or vice-versa?

Both can work very well. Factually speaking, though, scopes built on the milliradians or MIL Dot system are the norm among distance shooters. MIL Dot is the military standard and with so much of today’s long-range shooting having its foundation in the science and art of military sniping…MIL Dot it is.

With the vast majority of long-range shooters using MIL DOT-based optics, you will be able to share information on shots and adjustments much easier, too, without having to do the confusing MIL Dot- to-MOA conversions.

Which Focal Plane? During your research, you will find some rifle scopes are listed as “first focal plane,” while others are “second focal plane.” What’s the difference?

According to the professionals at the optics maker Sightmark, “First focal plane scopes have the reticle placed towards the front of the optic. When the magnification of the scope is increased, the reticle’s size increases with it. In doing so, the reticle remains the same perspective on the target’s size as you increase or decrease magnification. These scopes provide long-range and tactical shooters more accuracy due to the constant MIL/MOA values.”

On the other hand, “Second focal plane reticles are placed towards the back of the scope. When the magnification of the scope is adjusted, the reticle’s size does not increase. The MIL/MOA values are only correct at one magnification. When the scope is adjusted to a different magnification, the spacing changes and is not consistent. A shooter would have to do some math to calculate the actual values of the subtension.”

Most long-range shooters use first focal plane optics as that “same perspective” means the sub-tensions reflect the same distance (same number of MILs, for example) )no matter the magnification.

Zero-Stop You need a scope with a zero-stop-type mechanism on the elevation turret. In long-range shooting, the standard is to adjust your controls for elevation but to hold over for windage.

With your scope zeroed at 100 yards, and your first target at 500 yards, you would adjust your Elevation turret UP the corresponding number of clicks for that distance. When your shooting is done, you click back to zero and are then ready to adjust for the next distance.

Reticles There are dozens of reticle choices available. Long-range shooters will need reticles with clear subtensions, those tiny hash marks on the reticle’s horizontal and vertical axes. Since most long-range shooters use the MIL Dot system, some form of the MIL Dot reticle, with milliradian subtensions, is best.

Cost? Edge-to-edge clarity, fine color resolution, low-light capability and precise elevation and windage adjustments: that package of features in a scope will cost some cash. Be prepared.

High-Quality Rings! it is amazing how many people will use cheap rings to secure the optic that they just spent a fair amount of money on.

Cheaper rings like to loosen with shooting and are more easily knocked off-kilter when the rifle takes its inevitable bumps. It’s like outfitting a new Corvette with bald tires!

Spend the money on precision-engineered rings. Consider a one-piece set up with a built-in base that mounts to the optic rail with a stout bolt, with the upper ring section which secures to the scope tube with at least two Allen or Torx screws.

And once your new scope is mounted on your new rifle, how do you make it all work? It starts with a trip to the range to zero in your new rig and to practice, all the while using Ballistic, the number one app for long-range shooting.

And if you’ve ever wondered which reticle is best, wire or etched, here’s what the experts had to say.

February 16, 2021February 16, 2021

EOTECH G43/G45 Magnifiers Now Shipping

From Eotech

The G43/G45 magnifiers developed by EOTECH® were initially launched to the world at SHOT 2020 and first deliveries were expected to begin in the 2nd quarter. These optics offer vast improvements over the G33 in overall length and eye relief. What wasn’t planned were the three massive hurdles that were dished out in 2020.

First, COVID19’s middle finger to the world forced businesses to go remote, limiting key areas of final development such as product qualification and testing. Also, the pandemic severely disrupted the supply chain process and the ability to receive consistent components. Add to the mix, political and civil unrest, which unfolded during the summer, drove firearm and accessory sales through the roof. As a result, part suppliers struggled to keep up with the demand. As if the dumpster fire wasn’t big enough, L3/Harris provided kerosene in the form of additional production delays and shifts in product focus. Inevitably, L3/Harris pulled development funding altogether to make the company’s year-end bottom line more attractive to their shareholders.

In August 2020, EOTECH was re-born after a well overdue divestiture from big corp. The last five months were spent unscrewing much of the in-place structure and focus. From that, new commitments to product development and customer service became a top priority, and to fix the delayed launch of the magnifiers.

“The new magnifiers are a key component in our product line and provide major benefits to those who use them in tandem with our holographic sights,” said Mark Miller, Product Manager. “It was crucial to get them into production and to our customers but not at the sacrifice of quality and performance. Testing and validation took some time but it ensured the end product was worthy of wearing the EOTECH brand.”

As of February 1, 2021, both G43 and G45 magnifiers have begun shipping with volume ramp-ups to occur in the next few weeks. For more information on the magnifiers and other EOTECH products, please visit www.eotechinc.com.

February 14, 2021February 14, 2021

SAR USA Wins Tactical Retailer Readers’ Choice Award

From SAR USA

SAR USA by Sarsilmaz, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of premium firearms and ammunition, is proud to announce that SAR USA has won Grandview Media’s Tactical Retailer’s first-ever“Reader’s Choice Gold Award” in the handgun category.

Tactical Retailer is one of the shooting and outdoor industry’s premier B2B publications, serving independent retailers with the latest news and information on new products, business climate, exposés, and retail strategies. This inaugural year of the Tactical Retailer CHOICE awards, readers of the magazine were able to vote on a long list of guns, ammunition, optics, and accessories to name the coveted Reader’s Choice Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards. SAR USA has taken the top spot in one of the most competitive categories of the year: Handguns.

“It is incredible to win the Reader’s Choice Gold Award,” said Todd Pearson, COO for SAR USA. “SAR USA is an iconic brand in Europe, and we are just making our mark in the US, not to mention the industry stars we had to beat to earn it. This is an incredible honor and a significant triumph for SAR USA. The passion, quality and pride that goes into every SAR USA product is evident to the end user, proving that SAR USA products offer the best performance money can buy. SAR USA is just emerging on the US landscape, but we are here to stay! Winning this award validates that. We are very grateful for all who cast their vote of confidence for SAR USA.”

The flagship of the SAR USA handgun lineup is the SAR 9X Platinum striker-fired pistol. The SAR 9X features a lightweight polymer frame with accessory rail, serrated slide and a 4.5″ hammer-forged barrel with recessed crown for increased accuracy. With a reflex sight optic-ready slide plus a choice of three insertable back straps to personalize the fit, the SAR 9X Platinum points naturally and is a pleasure to shoot. Its low barrel axis-to-grip ratio lessens muzzle climb, and the 20-degree grip angle provides superior control and fast second shot follow-up. The accuracy is built in. Couple these features with an ambidextrous safety trigger that is smoother than a double-action revolver, the SAR 9X is a perfect carry-pistol when you want a round in the chamber.

To learn more about the complete product line from SAR USA by Sarsilmaz, please visit: www.sarusa.com or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/sarusaofficial/

February 13, 2021February 13, 2021

Mission First Tactical Awarded Contract with Mexican National Guard

From Mission First Tactical

Mission First Tactical, LLC (MFT™), a leader in USA-made rifle/carbine accessories and holsters, is pleased to announce it has been awarded a contract with the Mexican National Guard to supply it with MFT’s Rapid Strike Personal Protection Spray. Manufactured with the same formula used by the U.S. Army and Airforce in a Department of Defense approved facility, it was proven to be the very best in a blind test conducted by the U.S. Military. The Mexican National Guard chose it because of its quality and delivery.

There are three delivery methods to provide the maximum effectiveness and stopping power: stream, gel, and fog. The stream delivery method is a focused pattern that has the longest distance, good wind resistance, and minimal cross-contamination. The gel delivery method is a focused pattern with long-distance and the least chance of cross-contamination. It is recommended for use where cross-contamination could be an issue. The fog delivery method creates a wide pattern with mid-distance and is the fastest disbursement. Wind can affect it; however, it is the easiest to aim. The fog delivery method will cross-contaminate indoors.

The Rapid Strike Personal Protection Spray allows the user to identify their attacker with an ultraviolet dye, visible only under black light. It has been tested with an Independent High Performance Liquid Chromatography to ensure consistent performance.

It is available in two stocked formulas, OC Pepper/UV DYE or CS TEAR GAS and OC PEPPER/UV DYE, and is available in black or pink. Any formula can be created for contracts. Mission First Tactical Rapid Strike Personal Protection Spray has a five-year shelf life. For more information on Mission First Tactical, visit www.missionfirsttactical.com.

February 12, 2021February 12, 2021

IHEA-USA Celebrates 50th Anniversary

From IHEA-USA

The IHEA-USA (International Hunter Education Association-USA)—announces the beginning of their 50th-year celebration.

For half a century, the International Hunter Education Association – USA has been working closely with state fish and wildlife leaders and hunter educators to deliver a complete, well-produced curriculum teaching all new hunters in the United States safe hunting practices. Having witnessed the graduation of over 41 million students since Hunter Education’s inception in 1949, the IHEA-USA is excited to celebrate this semicentennial success.

“We are grateful to those original Hunter Safety Coordinators that had the foresight to form a cohesive governing body that would connect educators and their programs across all 50 states”, Executive Director Alex Baer stated. “This represents the sort of thinking we will continue as we maintain our drive to collaboratively prevent hunting accidents through educational opportunities with all our partners. We are moving into the next 50 years with charged excitement about the new programs and services that the IHEA-USA is going to bring to the states furthering firearms safety. We will have a lot to celebrate this year as we modernize our approach to move this organization forward through the next 50 years, setting the stage for safe hunting and safe firearms ownership in the United States.”

As IHEA-USA celebrates this milestone, watch for new and innovative programs and initiatives to emerge from this time-tested organization. To stay up to date on organizational developments and news, sign-up for the IHEA-USA newsletter at IHEA-USA.org.

February 12, 2021February 12, 2021

CZ Purchases Colt

From Colt Holding Company

On Feb. 11 Colt Holding Company executed a definitive agreement to be acquired by CZG – Česká zbrojovka Group SE (“CZG” or “the Group”). Colt is the parent company of U.S. firearms manufacturer, Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC as well as its Canadian subsidiary, Colt Canada Corporation.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the definitive agreement, CZG shall acquire a 100% stake in Colt for upfront cash consideration of $220 million and the issuance of 1,098,620 shares of newly issued CZG common stock. The agreement also provides for potential earnout consideration of up to 1,098,620 shares of newly issued CZG common stock if defined EBITDA thresholds are achieved in years 2021 – 2023.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Lubomír Kovařík, President and Chairman of CZG, said: “This merger is a strategic step for both companies. The acquisition of Colt, an iconic brand and a benchmark for the military, law enforcement and commercial markets globally, fits perfectly in our strategy to become the leader in the firearms manufacturing industry and a key partner for the armed forces. We are proud to include Colt, which has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the U.S. Army for over 175 years, in our portfolio. We believe in the successful connection of our corporate cultures, the proven track record of the current management team and the complementary nature of the CZ and Colt brands. The combined group will have revenues in excess of USD 500 million and presents a real small arms powerhouse. The experience of CZ and Colt management will further strengthen both brands and ensure CZ and Colt continue to deliver top quality products and solutions to all our customers.”

Dennis Veilleux, President and CEO of Colt, agreed: “We are very pleased with the prospect of such a strategic combination. Having completed a historic turn-around of the operations and financial performance at Colt over the past five years, this important next step with CZG positions the company to take advantage of significant growth opportunities. We are excited to join forces with CZG which will be a powerful combination for both brands and for our customers.”

The acquisition is to be financed from CZG’s existing cash resources, including recent IPO proceeds, and from a contemplated bond issuance by CZG. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval but is anticipated to close in the second quarter of 2021. With this strategic move, CZG will acquire significant production capacity in the United States and Canada and substantially expand its global customer base.

Colt is a traditional supplier to global military and law enforcement customers. Among others, Colt is a long-term supplier to the U.S. Army (which relationship dates back over 175 years) and, through its Canadian subsidiary, Colt is a designated exclusive supplier of small arms to the Canadian military.

February 12, 2021February 12, 2021

SIG SAUER 2021 Product Catalog Available Online

From SIG SAUER

SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to announce the availability of the official SIG SAUER 2021 Product Catalog at sigsauer.com. The SIG SAUER 2021 Product Catalog is a comprehensive review of all SIG SAUER pistols, rifles, ammunition, electro-optics, suppressors, airguns, accessories, and the SIG SAUER Academy, including new product releases for 2021.

“We are very proud of the 2021 product catalog and know that our consumers are really going to appreciate the complete SIG SAUER experience we deliver in this year’s digital catalog,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, SIG SAUER, Inc. “The 2021 product catalog showcases the breadth of our innovative products highlighted by outstanding lifestyle imagery in various settings, the SIG Custom Works designed 1,000,000th P365 pistol, our U.S. Military products feature, industry and consumer products awards, and much more.”

The SIG SAUER 2021 product catalog is now available for digital viewing at sigsauer.com.

February 12, 2021February 12, 2021

Adams Arms Debuts New Website

From Adams Arms

Adams Arms, pioneers of piston-driven AR platform firearms, announced the re-launch of AdamsArms.net. AdamsArms.net has a bold new look and updates designed to enhance user experience.

“As Adams Arms continues to grow, we’ve felt the need for an updated site design,” said Adams Arms Vice President of Sales and Marketing Steve Green. “The new site incorporates additional communication channels, more accurate inventory reporting, and updated product imagery. The new dealer location tools should help customers connect with our dealers, too, and make finding Adams Arms firearms much easier.”

The new dealer locators on the Adams Arms site will allow customers a direct way to communicate with FFLs who stock rifles, pistols, and parts from Adams Arms. The tool may prove to be a valuable asset for customers searching for in-stock firearms.

The new Adams Arms site will also provide an excellent resource for uppers, parts and kits designed specifically for DIY builds. Integrated inventory tools will allow for more accurate stock alerts and will allow for backorders when relevant.

Learn more at https://www.adamsarms.net/