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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Kimber Issues Statement Regarding Montana Constitutional Carry Editorial

From Kimber

Kimber Mfg., Inc. has recently been made aware of opinion articles published respectively in the Sidney Herald (Sidney, Montana) entitled “Being Pro-Gun Also Means Being Pro-Responsibility” and in the Missoulian (Missoula, Montana) entitled “Being Pro-Gun Also Means Being Pro-Responsibility: We must oppose HB102”. The author of this article, Ryan Busse, is no longer an employee of Kimber and has not worked for Kimber since August of 2020. His statements and opinions expressed regarding the opposition of Montana House Bill 102 are not authorized by or attributable to Kimber.

“Kimber is a proud supporter of our Constitutional rights to keep and bear arms,” said Leslie Edelman, CEO and owner of Kimber. “We support organizations that defend these rights, and we are committed to providing the people of this great nation with the finest premium firearms available.”

To learn more about Kimber visit https://www.kimberamerica.com.

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Staccato Plans for Continued Growth

From Staccato

·In October 2020, Staccato reached a company milestone of its 2011® pistols being approved for duty by over 250 law enforcement agencies across the country. Continuing to receive an overwhelming response from law enforcement, Staccato has since added 30 more agencies to the list. Staccato 2011® pistols are now approved by over 280 agencies. To keep pace with growth in the professional market, Buck Pierson (USMC GySgt ret.) has been promoted from Director to Vice President of Law Enforcement and Military Business. Pierson will expand his team in 2021.

·Having exceeded 2020 sales expectations, Staccato’s winning lineup of 2011® pistols will receive updates based on customer feedback and will continue to feature products for a range of solutions: Concealed Carry (Staccato C DPO, Staccato C2, Staccato C2 DPO), Duty and Personal Defense (Staccato P, Staccato P DPO), and the “X” Series for Range and Competition (Staccato XC, Staccato XL).

https://www.youtube.com/embed/OpHmP65svMw ·2021 product updates include the following.

• New in 2021, all 2011® pistol models are finished with a flush fit 11-degree crown barrel. All models will also include a redesigned slide stop optimized to interact with the magazine follower for flawless, reliable lockback after each and every magazine.

• Every Staccato P and P DPO, the company’s trusted and reliable duty pistol, will now include the Tactical Advantage magwell as a standard option.

• The Staccato P DPO and Staccato C2 DPO models will see a price reduction, effective immediately.

• Factory approved optic mounting plates are now available to support the latest red dot sights from leading manufacturers to include the: Aimpoint ACRO, Holosun 509T, Vortex Razor and the Trijicon RMRcc. The DPO system of course continues to support existing pistol optics from Leupold, Trijicon, Holosun and others.

• In addition, all 2021 Staccato pistols include the following continuous improvement updates which were implemented throughout 2020:

• New DPO optic mounting system with lower profile plates and lower-height co-witness sights.

• New extractor with improved hook geometry.

• Dawson aluminum magazine base-pads, which prevent magazine over-insertion coupled with improved magazines.

• Finally, Staccato is focused on providing customers the best experience possible while purchasing Staccato 2011® pistols — whether online or at a dealer location.

• In 2020 Staccato launched e-commerce capabilities to provide a more seamless, direct buying process for customers. As an extension of these efforts, this year Staccato2011.com will provide online shoppers with opportunities to tailor guns to meet their specific needs and wants. Currently, customers can add available custom options (i.e., DLC barrel, coating). Additional custom options such as threaded barrels and X-series slide cuts for the P and C2 will be added soon.

• Staccato also continues to partner with a select group of premier retailers across the country who provide extraordinary experiences in strategic market locations. The company has increased production capabilities to make Staccato 2011® pistols more readily available to retail customers during this time of inventory shortages.

“We are incredibly grateful for the men and women who support us and our mission of protecting and celebrating American freedoms,” Marine Corps veteran Nate Horvath, CEO, Staccato said. “Our team works diligently to back both professional and civilian shooters by delivering the best product possible with the highest level of support and service. I believe our recent improvements will allow us to continue delivering on that promise.”

The company looks forward to another momentous year building reliable, insanely accurate, and easy-to-shoot handguns for all shooters.

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SIG SAUER Completes Final Delivery of Army Next Generation Squad Weapon System

From SIG SAUER

SIG SAUER, Inc. is proud to announce the final delivery of the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) systems to the U.S. Army, consisting of the revolutionary 6.8×51 hybrid ammunition, the NGSW-AR lightweight belt-fed machine gun, the NGSW-R rifle, and suppressors.

“This historic moment is the culmination of an incredible collaboration between the U.S. Army and SIG. We commend Army leadership for having the vision to undertake this monumental procurement process and for remaining vigilant in their mission to bring a modern, transformational weapon system to the battlefield,” began Ron Cohen, President and CEO of SIG SAUER. “Throughout the program we have been given unprecedented access to the soldiers and Marines who will ultimately field these weapons. These soldier touchpoint events have led to rapid advancements over the current weapons systems and resulted in our delivery of the most innovative Next Generation Squad Weapons system to the U.S. Army.”

Each component of the SIG SAUER NGSW system offers significant advancements in battlefield weapons performance beginning with the SIG SAUER 6.8×51 Hybrid Ammunition – a lightweight cartridge designed to handle higher pressures resulting in increased velocity and terminal performance. The SIG SAUER Lightweight Belt-Fed Machine Gun (NGSW-AR) doubles the effective range and is 40% lighter than the current M249 while maintaining the preferred belt-fed operation, with reduced felt recoil to increased accuracy. The SIG SAUER Rifle (NGSW-R) is built on the foundation of the battle tested MCX platform with the added firepower of the 6.8×51 round; both the NGSW-AR and NGSW-R feature familiar AR-style ambidextrous ergonomics designed for a seamless transition from the legacy weapons to the SIG NGSW system. The final component of the system is the SIG SAUER Next Generation Suppressors for reduced sound signature.

We are immensely proud that our entire NGSW submission has been designed, engineered, and manufactured as one integrated system by one single American company at our U.S. facilities,” continued Cohen. “Each component has been exhaustively tested with the others to ensure peak operational performance and endurance for the rigors of the battlefield.”

“As a leader in the firearms manufacturing industry we understand the challenge of bringing a system like this to reality. We designed our NGSW system to be production ready and with every component coming from SIG, it presents minimal fielding risk to the U.S. Army. The form, fit, and function of the firearms is familiar to our warfighters so the transition in the training and qualification of soldiers and Marines is faster and easier, and despite its revolutionary design, hybrid ammunition can be manufactured on a widespread basis immediately. We have a proven and successful track record of delivering multi-branch, service-wide, successful weapons programs to the U.S. Army, and we stand ready,” concluded Cohen.

The revolutionary designs and engineering advancements that were made throughout the development of the SIG NGSW system have ushered the launch of multiple commercially available products in the coming months. These products include SIG FURY hybrid ammunition which uses the NGSW cartridge design for various calibers, and recently gained the regulatory Small Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAAMI) approval, the MCX-SPEAR semi-automatic rifle, and the SIG Next Generation Suppressors.

Visit sigsauer.com to learn more about the U.S. Army selection and delivery of the SIG SAUER Next Squad Weapons .

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Ballistic’s Best Magazine Recognized Federal Premium’s Force X2 and Practice & Defend Ammunition with Editor’s Selects Awards

From Federal

Ballistic’s Best magazine recently recognized Federal’s Force X2 and Practice & Defend Packs with Editor’s Selects Awards for the best new shotgun and handgun ammunition from the previous year. The awards were announced in the publication’s recent December 2020 / January 2021 issue. 

“The editorial staff at Ballistic’s Best is certainly well-versed on all of the latest and greatest guns and ammunition,” said Jason Nash, Federal’s Vice President of Marketing. “We know the publication’s Editor’s Selects winners are chosen based on a lot of actual hands-on testing by dozens of their expert content creators. We are proud and excited that our Force X2 and Federal Practice & Defend Packs were recognized with these two awards.”

Winning the Best Shotgun Ammo category, Federal Force X2 is a 12-gauge, 2¾-inch, nine-pellet segmenting buckshot. Its nine copper-plated 00 FX2 buckshot pellets are engineered to split into two equally sized pieces upon impact. This creates up to 18 wound channels, improves the transfer of energy from the payload to the target and minimizes the potential for overpenetration. Force X2 is also loaded for more manageable recoil; this allows the shooter to stay on target for quicker follow-ups and better accuracy in self-defense situations. 

Winning the Best Handgun Ammo category, Federal Practice & Defend Packs (available in 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP) take all of the guesswork out of matching your training and defensive rounds. Each pack includes 50 self-defense HST rounds and 50 Syntech Training Match rounds. Federal designed both loads to produce identical velocities, trajectories and points of impact. This combo pack pairs the self-defense load proven by law enforcement with the industry’s most complete training ammunition for a combination like no other.

Federal ammunition can found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct from Federal. For more information on all products from Federal or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

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Mepro Foresight with Smartphone Is The Future Of Smart Optics

From Meprolight

The digitally advanced Mepro Foresight provides features and benefits to shooters who want the latest advances in red dot optics. Shooters across a wide range of disciplines and expertise—Self Defense, Competitive, Law Enforcement, Hunters and New Shooters—now have the opportunity to upgrade their capabilities. It is the first digitally enhanced red dot sight, providing critical real-time data to the user’s Field-Of-Vision. The reticle and data are projected onto the glass much like the heads up display a fighter pilot sees when he zeroes in on a target. The shooter who prefers a single red-dot reticle can select that option or the shooter who wants as much real-time information can load the data they prefer to the optic window.

The state-of-the-art Mepro Foresight™ includes the Meprolight® App which is unique in that its web-based-smart-phone Bluetooth connectivity allows the shooter to select and store five reticles from a large database of reticles. Scroll through menu and select the reticle that fits your need. Reticle options include 1 MOA dot and 1 MOA dot with circle. In addition to five reticles, you can store the data from 10 different weapons—rifles or shotguns. The built-in Picatinny rail attachment allows you to simply move the optic from one gun to another More importantly, it gives you confidence knowing you have already zeroed that weapon and stored the ballistic data which is vital when changing between calibers or if you use supersonic and subsonic ammo in the same caliber. The integrated light sensor automatically determines reticle brightness. The Meprolight® App features include internal compass, level/cant indicator, battery strength monitor and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Mepro Foresight™, first of its kind, provides greater technical advantages by allowing the user to utilize the Meprolight App that is included as well as free access to download the Double Shot™ — Automatic Digital Zeroing — App allowing the shooter to zero the weapon without touching the optic solving the concern of new shooters uncertain of zeroing their gun. The user starts by shooting a multi-shot group and uploading a photo of the grouping to the app. The system analyzes your mean point of impact and zeroes the weapon automatically.

Real time projected data—providing the shooter with critical ballistic data — all displayed to a wide, image-sharp, viewing window, increases your shooting capabilities by allowing you to configure the data to your needs. Like your smart phone, it is powered by a rechargeable USB-C battery.

For more information or to find your local Meprolight® Dealer, visit Meprolight US or call (717) 985-4482. You can also visit our online partners—OpticsPlanet, MidwayUSA or Focus Camera.

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PROOF Research Wins Tactical Retailer’s 2020 Gold Award

From Proof Research

PROOF Research®, an innovator in precision rifle technology, proudly announces they have received Tactical Retailer’sreaders’ choice Gold Award for Aftermarket Barrels for 2020.

Tactical Retailer, a trade magazine for the tactical side of the shooting sports industry, annually surveys their readership to honor the best-in-class manufacturers and service providers. For 2020, PROOF Research has taken the coveted Gold Award for their carbon fiber and steel barrels in the aftermarket category.

“It is an honor to be recognized by our sales channel as a premium aftermarket barrel,” Kelly Streiff, VP of Sales & Marketing for PROOF Research, said. “When customers use our barrels they can be assured of superior performance, whether it is on the range, in the field, at a competition, or on the job serving our Country.”

PROOF Research’s high-fiber content, cut-rifled composite barrels are well-known within the precision rifle community for their extreme accuracy. Developed to enhance mission success for our warfighters, PROOF Research’s carbon fiber barrels are designed for long-range accuracy, performance, and reliability under any environmental condition.

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Glock Launches Entry-Level Training Course

Glock Professional has launched a new firearm training course designed specifically for new shooters called Glock Brilliance in the Basics. The course is an ideal solution for entry-level Glock owners who are seeking instruction on the safe and proper use of their pistol.

“Firearm safety and education are a priority for us at Glock,” said Joseph Parent, director of training at Glock. “Our team of expert instructors are continuously training to provide exceptional educational experiences to our students and are excited to extend this to new shooters in a comfortable and safe learning environment.”

Glock Training offers a variety of courses for all levels of shooters. They include the Armorer’s Course, Operator Course, Modular Optic System (MOS) Operator Course, Low Profile Carry Course and Instructor Workshop. With an increase in first-time-firearm purchasers and a priority in education for safe firearm handling, the company added Glock Brilliance in the Basics.

The company’s dedication to enthusiasts and 35-year history of sales in the United States extends beyond firearm manufacturing and sales. It also supports the customer through end-user programs for both sport shooting and professional firearm training. These programs are offered through Glock Professional and include Glock Training and the Glock Sport Shooting Foundation, both valuable resources for shooters regardless of experience level.

Glock Brilliance in the Basics is a one-day course open to ages 16 and up who meet background qualifications. The course provides all firearm-related equipment and is taught by Glock Professional trainers who have years of experience working across North America with clients of all knowledge levels. With a diverse history in training and real-world application, the staff is equipped to provide quality education to shooters from all backgrounds. Whether new to firearms or an experienced Law Enforcement or Military official, those enrolled learn the safe, efficient and accurate use of their Glock pistol.

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Gunwerks adds Brian Poor and Ian Miner to Training Team

From Gunwerks

Gunwerks is pleased to announce the hiring of Brian Poor and Ian Miner as instructors at the Long Range University.

Poor comes to Gunwerks with over 31 years of experience in the Military and Law Enforcement Sniper communities. He recently retired as a Police Sergeant in the Los Angeles County area where he served for 25 years. Prior to that he was a Marine Scout Sniper and taught at the Marine Corps Scout Sniper School at Camp Pendleton, California.

He has been passionate about hunting and the outdoors his entire life. His Law Enforcement Training background gives him a unique understanding on how to design training to be enjoyable, yet prepare the student to function at a higher level during stressful and exciting situations.

Miner comes to Gunwerks with over seven years of long range shooting experience serving as a Scout Sniper in the Marine Corps and as shooting instructor at Rev-Tac’s Shooting Complex in Jackson, Nebraska.

He has a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management from University of Nebraska at Kearney and is wrapping up a Master’s degree in Coaching from United States Sports Academy in Alabama.

In addition to providing professional long range shooting instruction, Poor and Miner will be sharing their knowledge with in-depth blog articles and instructional videos through Gunwerks.

“Brian and Ian have great backgrounds and personalities that really mesh with our program and students. We already see a new level of professionalism and serious dedication that will continue to improve our growing Gunwerks programs.” said Aaron Davidson, President.

Gunwerks offers training to establish and enhance long range shooting proficiency through classroom and hands-on training at both local and off-site locations. Classes are being added for the 2021 season and will be listed at www.gunwerks.com/experiences.

Gunwerks, LLC is a Cody, Wyoming based manufacturer and provider of premium long range hunting rifles, optics, shooting systems, components and training. Learn more at www.gunwerks.com.

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NRA Announces Reincorporation Plan

From NRA

The NRA announced a restructuring plan that positions us for the long-term and ensures our continued success as the nation’s leading advocate for constitutional freedom – free from the toxic political environment of New York.

The plan can be summed up quite simply: We are DUMPING New York, and we are pursuing plans to reincorporate the NRA in Texas.

To facilitate the strategic plan and restructuring, the NRA and one of its subsidiaries filed voluntary chapter 11 petitions in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. As you may know, chapter 11 proceedings are often utilized by businesses, nonprofits and organizations of all kinds to streamline legal and financial affairs.

Under the plan, the NRA will continue what we’ve always done – confronting anti-gun, anti-self-defense and anti-hunting activities and promoting constitutional advocacy that helps law-abiding Americans. Our work will continue as it always has. No major changes are expected to the NRA’s operations or workforce.

Importantly, our plans do not impact your membership at any level.

NRA supporters will continue to enjoy all their full member benefits – from new members to Life Members to Benefactor Members. We will continue to publish and deliver your magazines. We will continue to train Americans and teach them firearm safety. We will continue to teach hunter safety. But most importantly, we will continue to fight for your freedom and the freedom of all Americans – as we have for all these years. In fact, we are expanding our national platform.

The plan aims to streamline costs and expenses, proceed with pending litigation in a coordinated and structured manner, and realize many financial and strategic advantages.

You know that our opponents will try to seize upon this news and distort the truth. Don’t believe what you read from our enemies. The NRA is not “bankrupt” or “going out of business.” The NRA is not insolvent. We are as financially strong as we have been in years.

But they know today’s announcement makes us bigger, stronger and more prepared for the fight for freedom.

We are leaving the state of an attorney general who, just a few months ago, vowed to put us out of business through an abuse of legal and regulatory power. ?In fact, the gross overreach of the New York Attorney General and New York Governor has been resoundingly criticized by powerful national groups like the ACLU and a host of prominent legal scholars.

Subject to court approval, the NRA is pursuing plans to reincorporate in the State of Texas. The Lone Star State is home to more than 400,000 NRA Members and the site of our 2021 Annual Meeting being held in Houston.

Texas values the contributions of the NRA, celebrates our law-abiding members, and joins us as a partner in upholding constitutional freedom.

Under this plan, we seek protection from New York officials who illegally abused and weaponized the powers they wield against the NRA and its members. You can be assured the Association will continue the fight to protect your interests in New York – and all forums where the NRA is unlawfully singled out for its Second Amendment advocacy.

This plan represents a pathway to opportunity, growth and progress.

This is the most transformational moment in the history of the NRA. And it involves all of you.

The NRA will continue to promote its Second Amendment advocacy, sponsor firearms training, and work with its network of instructors and volunteers in furtherance of its mission. This plan actually streamlines all of the NRA’s activities and improves our operational processes.

I know we have welcomed many of you to our headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia. We have no immediate plans to relocate, but we are forming a special committee to explore our strategic options in this regard. We want to determine if there are advantages to relocating our HQ operations to another state. I have asked our leadership team to explore all options that benefit the NRA and its members.

What’s most important is leading the fight for Second Amendment freedom and serving our members. We will do that from anywhere that works best for you and for our cause.

All membership dues and financial donations will be fully dedicated to supporting our operations and public advocacy. This plan actually improves our business. It protects us from costly, distracting and unprincipled attacks from anti-2A politicians aimed at attacking the NRA because we are a potent political force. We know that the gun ban lobby will never stop – fueled by a hatred of your freedoms and by wealthy benefactors. Our plan is the best way to confront them.

We are now prepared for a better future. In fact, to me, it feels like the dawn of a new day.

We are revitalized, well-positioned, and steadfast in our commitment to fight for you. To learn more, please visit www.nra.org/forward.

Thank you for your unwavering spirit and being part of the NRA’s future. Both hold incredible promise for our country – and the freedoms in which it believes.

Wayne LaPierre, NRA CEO & EVP
 

Questions & Answers

What did the NRA announce?

This is a transformational moment for the NRA. We announced a new strategic plan called Project Freedom.

The NRA’s new strategic plan involves pursuing reincorporating the Association from the State of New York to the State of Texas – home to more than 400,000 NRA members and site of the 2021 NRA Annual Meeting being held in Houston.

The NRA’s restructuring plan also aims to help the NRA streamline costs and expenses, proceed with pending litigation in a coordinated and structured manner, and realize many financial and strategic advantages.

The restructuring plan positions our organization for the future – and ensures our continued success as the nation’s leading advocate for constitutional freedom.

Is the NRA going “bankrupt?”

No. In fact, this move comes at a time when the NRA is in its strongest financial condition in years.

To facilitate its reorganization, the NRA and one of its subsidiaries filed voluntary chapter 11 petitions in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. The NRA is not insolvent.

We expect no impacts to NRA programming.

Nothing is more important to the NRA than protecting the Second Amendment rights of our law-abiding members. We will be as effective as ever in advocating for your rights, promoting firearms education and training, and engaging in public endeavors.

What happens to my NRA membership?

Nothing. Your membership remains intact.

NRA supporters will continue to enjoy all their full member benefits – from new members to Life Members to Benefactor Members. We will continue to publish and deliver your magazines. We will continue to train Americans and teach them firearms safety. We will continue to teach hunter safety.

But most importantly, we will continue to fight for your freedom as we have for all these years. In fact, we are expanding our national platform.

Can people still join the NRA – and why should they?

Absolutely! There could not be a more exciting time to join the NRA. We are expanding our national platform, and our future is bright and secure. We invite all law-abiding gun owners and all Americans to be part of it.

By filing for chapter 11, is the NRA admitting it mismanaged donor funds?

Not at all. We have utilized all donor contributions in furtherance of the NRA’s mission. This action is necessitated primarily by one thing: the unhinged and political attack against the NRA by the New York Attorney General.

A restructuring plan is a proven mechanism for streamlining legal and business affairs. All membership fees and donations will continue to be used in furtherance of our Second Amendment advocacy.

Can you guarantee member donations will be used to protect our Second Amendment rights?

All donations are used for the purpose of advancing the NRA’s mission, period.

Should I donate to the NRA during the chapter 11 process, or should I wait until the Association emerges from the restructuring process?

We need your support now – as we confront a Biden Administration that has vowed to attack your Second Amendment freedoms. All donations are used in furtherance of our mission.

Will there be impacts to endowed funds?

No. Endowed funds will still be used to support the NRA’s core mission: protecting the Second Amendment. ?

?When will the restructuring process be completed?

This process begins immediately. The NRA is expected to emerge from these proceedings within the next six months.

What can I do to support the NRA?

Join today. Promote our cause. Get fully engaged. We must continue to win the fight for constitutional freedom.

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Federal Wins Predator Xtreme 2021 Gold Award for Best Shotshells

From Federal

Federal has received the 2021 Gold Award in the category of Shotshells by the readers of Predator Xtreme. Hunters who read this magazine are extremely loyal to the products they use. These annual awards allow them to reveal what products they think are the absolute best.

“Federal is proud to be crowned gold by readers of Predator Xtreme for the second year in a row. We know their readers know their stuff,” said Federal Shotshell Product Director Rick Stoeckel. “Federal has long been a fan favorite and continues to be the consistent brand predator hunters trust time and time again. We listen to our customers for what they need. Because of that, we are their top choice.”

Predator Xtreme polled its readership to find out their favorite gear; the products that really work. They then tallied the votes to determine the 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. The awards represent the best insider knowledge on products proven to work best for hunters nationwide. Reporting this knowledge helps their readers become better hunters and helps them smartly spend their hunting gear money wisely. 

Federal Premium Buckshot is engineered to provide precision and power. It uses copper-plated pellets to produce more downrange energy. Loads equipped with the FLITECONTROL wad system deliver the tightest patterns possible. Federal Power-Shot Buckshot delivers consistency the field. The Triple Plus wad system provides better shot alignment and granulated plastic buffer keeps pellets uniform in shape for tight patterns. Federal offers a large variety of buckshot loads for hunting predators of all types.

Federal ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct from Federal. For more information on all products from Federal or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

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