Firearm Industry News Archives | Page 9 of 46

January 18, 2021January 18, 2021

CZ Shadow 2 OR Pistol Wins Ballistic’s Best Reader’s Choice Award

From CZ-USA

The results of the Ballistic Magazine’s annual Ballistic’s Best Awards are in, and the Shadow 2 OR pistol from CZ-USA has been named as the best Full Size Semi-Automatic Handgun of the year.

The awards cover a broad spectrum of firearms in the magazine’s Best Guns of the Year issue, which tests and ranks over 100 handguns, rifles, and shotguns every year, setting the best apart from the rest.

“CZ’s Shadow 2 OR really turned out to be the full package in this year’s go-big-or-go-the-hell-home category,” says Nino Bosaz, editorial director of Ballistic magazine. “Besides the fact that, aesthetically, it’s a head-turner, this 19+1 fighter ran like a turbo-tuned, dead-accurate racing machine.”

The Ballistic’s Best winners are chosen in an unbiased method with category rankings determined by testing teams based on a nine-point criteria system that includes aesthetics, ergonomics, sights, trigger control, recoil control, reloading ease, accuracy, reliability and value/price. The magazine only uses the final tallies on the score sheets to crown the winners in each category. Objectivity is paramount for Ballistic, and its parent company, Athlon Outdoors.

“Our team pledges full honesty and transparency in our scoring process and editorial practices,” Bosaz writes in the issue. “There’s no pay-to-play funny business in this awards issue or any magazine issue we produce. It’s no wonder CZ-USA can barely keep up with consumer demand.”

The Shadow 2 OR beat out several state-of-the-art handguns in its category, including the Beretta 92X Performance, the Ruger 57, the Springfield Elite XD-M 5.25, the Smith & Wesson M&P 9 2.0 Pro Series CORE, the IWI Masada, the Zev Tech Z320 XCarry Octane, and the SAR9X Platinum pistol.

The Shadow 2 OR is an updated version of the original Shadow 2 with a milled slide to accept various red-dot sights. The original Shadow 2 came in second place in last year’s Ballistic’s Best awards.

“When the scoring was done, I can’t say it was a real surprise. CZ’s new Optics Ready Shadow 2 flipped the script this time around by pulling ahead of the Walther Q5’s little brother, the Q4 SF, and finishing in front by a nose,” says Garret Lucas, who ran the handgun tests in the category. “With aesthetics, accuracy, reliability, recoil control, and its trigger as its highest-scoring criteria, the CZ Shadow 2 OR had it all when it came to the most important aspects of a top-tier shooter.”

January 17, 2021January 17, 2021

Can you Finance a Suppressor?

Photo Copyright Guy J. Sagi

More Americans than ever before are voluntarily going through the additional background checks, securing chief law enforcement officer permission to qualify and pay for the tax stamp required to lawfully own a suppressor. But not everyone can afford the expense up front, especially when it will be months before ATF approves that application. That delay begs the question, can you finance a suppressor?

Silencer Central, established in March 2005, has an unusual and budget-friendly approach. I caught up to company CEO Brandon L. Maddox to find out more.

GJS—Correct me if I’m wrong, but you manufacture suppressors, sell them, as well as brands built by other companies, provide services to get the paperwork done and offer financing/storage until approved by BATFE?

BLM—Yes, we have full vertical integration. We are licensed in all 42 states where silencers are legal and function as the customer’s dealer, wholesaler, and manufacturer. Customers have a turnkey experience with one point of contact.

GJS—When and why did you start manufacturing suppressors?

BLM—In 2005 it became clear our customers were predominately hunters. The market was mostly occupied by “tactical” models that did not meet the needs our customers. Our customers demanded light weight, crazy quiet and user serviceable for cleaning on centerfire suppressors. In 2009, our volume was large enough to partner with larger firearms and military contractors to help meet the need of the hunter. We quickly realized light weight (100% titanium), crazy quiet, and user serviceable were highly sought after by all firearms enthusiasts, not just hunters.

GJS—In your mind is the tax stamp delay/processing time the biggest hurdle?

BLM— No one likes to pay in full upfront for anything, especially when there is a 10- to 12-month gap until they take possession. Hard to explain to the wife you spent a stack of cash on a suppressor and will not see it for a year. When I first started selling silencers, the wait time was only about 2 weeks. Honestly, we started offering eZ-pay (pay while you wait is what we call it internally) to help customers justify getting a better product that might cost more initially. Our products are 100% titanium and when you hold it, there is no question, you want it… The eZ-pay helped customers justify spending a little more and pay while they wait. There is no market for used suppressors, so once the customer realizes it is a lifetime purchase, they like the pay while you wait to upgrade their suppressor options. We have never charged any fees, we want the customer to know we are “in the boat with them,” we want their approval to go through quickly! Quick approval means less insurance on inventory in our vaults and testimonials that create referrals and repeat buyers.

GJS—You offer a kit, with video, that helps purchasers complete the paperwork, then send it to you for processing. Can you explain that to readers?

BLM—Yes, normally right after a purchase we send the customer their customized ATF paperwork and state specific gun trust via DocuSign to get the paperwork process behind us quickly. Next, we mail the customer fingerprint cards, a free t-shirt, and ink kit to do their fingerprints themselves and take a picture on their phone and email to use directly. Our process is 100% contactless. We even mail the approved silencer to the customer’s front door once ATF approves. Customer mails the fingerprint cards to us via the self-addressed envelope provided and we scan and keep on file for future purchases.

GJS—Is there any interest accrued for purchasers of suppressors who go through your payment plan?

BLM—No, our goal is to get as many firearms owners into the suppressor game as possible!

GJS—How popular is your “credit/payment” plan?

BLM—Our sales team says, our boss is going to carry your balance interest free, you would be dumb not to take him up on it. Sales and marketing are all about differentiating yourself, we are the only ones doing this and we are a well-oiled machine to handle. It took years to get processes in place to make this smoothness, we have nailed it.

GJS—How close is your working relationship with chief law enforcement officers?

BLM—I normally speak with ATF daily. We have locations in 42 states and have several active and pending variances with the ATF currently. Our variances allow us to utilize processes that make life easier for us, the customer, and for ATF to audit our operations. In 2016, Obama changed some of the federal regulations that dictate our compliance requirements. The paperwork we submit to the ATF for silencer transfers has to also be sent to the Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO). The Gun Control Act (GCA) defines CLEO differently than the National Firearms Act (NFA) defines CLEO, so compliance in our world gets complicated quickly. We have worked with ATF to identify one contact per state for the CLEO notification and send notifications digitally in bulk to CLEO’s for efficacy.

GJS—Your staff handles all the paperwork for the tax stamp once the gun owner submits documents correctly to you?

BLM—Yes, we have two entire departments for the NFA paperwork. We have a front-end compliance team which handles all the paperwork and submits to ATF. Our back-end team handles all the paperwork after ATF approves, also manages the mailing of the approved silencer to the customer’s doorstep, coordinating through our 42 licensed locations.

GJS—Does that speed processing?

BLM—At one point, ATF said 65% of all applications received (from all dealers) contained errors and required sending an error letter to the dealer. Either the dealers pushed the paperwork onto the customer, or the dealer made clerical errors. We do find applications completed correctly flow through the NFA approval process more rapidly, benefit of working with a one-stop-shop that does everything in one place, single point of contact throughout the entire process.

GJS—Is there anything I overlooked that you would like to say to readers?

BLM—Silencers are all we do, we started small in South Dakota working gun shows. We gradually transitioned from a one state silencer dealer to a regional dealer licensed in all states that touch South Dakota. Working gun shows and having direct contact with the customer from the beginning to the end of the process for the last 15 years has provided us with an in-depth understanding of what the customer wants. Getting that direct feedback at events has greatly enhanced the growth of our company, we are now licensed in 42 states and employ over 80 W-2 employees. Our greatest strength is an unprecedented understanding of the compliance regulations impacting our customers and our business. We hire several law firms with expertise in firearms compliance to ensure our operations are beyond compliant. We owe this to our customers and employees to ensure we are beyond compliant at a state and federal level.

We offer barrel threading; we have an in-house machine shop. As noted, we offer no interest layaway (pay while you wait). We offer each customer a free state specific gun trust. And… we mail the approved silencer to your doorstep!

Can you finance a suppressor? Sure, through some credit card and banking firms, but they charge interest. Silencer Central’s approach is a different one, and it’s team won’t glare at you like loan officers do when you explain, “I want to buy a silencer.”

January 16, 2021January 16, 2021

CCI Rimfire Ammunition Wins Predator Xtreme Readers’ Choice Gold Award for the 5th Consecutive Year

From CCI

The readers of Predator Xtreme awarded CCI the 2021 Gold Award in the category of Rimfire Ammunition. The accomplishment marks the 5^th consecutive year the brand was awarded this honor. The Readers’ Choice Awards are 100-percent reader driven and deliver unbiased views of what every day hunters use and count on in the field.

“It’s official, CCI has now taken Gold in the Rimfire category five years in a row,” said Predator Xtreme Publisher Derrick Nawrocki. “The Predator Xtreme brand, now 25 plus years in the market, stands alone as the top predator hunting media source. These Reader’s Choice Awards allow our readers to tell us who they think is the best. Our readers are extremely loyal to the products they use. CCI has long been a fan favorite and continues to be that consistent brand our readers trust time and time again.”

“For nearly 70 years, CCI has shaped the industry and served generations of shooters with the most advanced offerings for hunters,” said CCI Rimfire Product Director Rick Stoeckel. “While other manufacturers are content to offer a small selection of general-purpose loads, we craft ammunition customized to perform to the high standards. We are proud the Predator Xtreme readers recognize us as the best rimfire ammunition for their pursuits and we are honored to receive this award.”

CCI is the historic industry leader in rimfire ammunition. The iconic company now offers more than 100 cataloged items, including products beyond rimfire. CCI utilizes a state-of-the art production facility, and a dedicated and highly experienced workforce, to create a huge variety of product options that have created unparalleled brand loyalty from millions of shooters and hunters. CCI offers a large variety of rimfire ammunition for predator and varmint hunting, customer favorites include Mini-Mag, Maxi-Mag, Stinger, VNT, Velocitor HP, GamePoint and many more.

For more information on all products from CCI Ammunition, go to www.cci-ammunition.com.

January 15, 2021January 15, 2021

NSSF Applauds OCC Finalization of Fair Access Banking Rule

From NSSF

The NSSF®, the firearm industry’s trade association, applauded the finalization of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s (OCC) rule to end discrimination by financial service providers against the firearm industry and others. NSSF worked closely with the OCC, members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to ensure banking and credit decisions are based on credit worthiness and financial risk assessment for all legal businesses.

“NSSF has championed fair access to financial services for the firearm and ammunition industry and is pleased to witness the end of unfair and politically-motivated discriminatory practices by banking institutions that have a legal duty to service all legal businesses,” said Lawrence Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “This rule will ensure large financial institutions that are supported by taxpayer-funded resources like insurances must provide fair and equal access to services based on their objective financial creditworthiness, and not based on ‘woke’ political considerations.”

The finalized rule ensures fair access to banking services provided by large national banks, federal savings associations and federal branches and agencies of foreign bank organizations. It codifies more than a decade of OCC guidance stating that banks should provide access to services, capital, and credit based on the risk assessment of individual customers, rather than broad-based decisions affecting whole categories or classes of customers.

The finalized rule evens the playing field. It stops corporate banks from picking winners and losers based on executives’ personal politics. It protects banks from outside pressure from special interest groups seeking to use the banks as a political weapon. The rule enforces protections passed by Congress and signed into law with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010.

NSSF knows this finalized rule was only possible through the leadership and diligent efforts of many. NSSF is especially grateful to Acting Comptroller of the Currency Brian P. Brooks, U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.), Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas) and Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.).

January 15, 2021January 15, 2021

MKS Supply Supports Walk the Talk America

From MKS Supply

MKS Supply, marketer and exclusive distributor for Barnaul Ammunition and well-known firearms brands Hi-Point Firearms and Inland Manufacturing is pleased to support Walk the Talk America. Walk the Talk America (WTTA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to bring together the firearm and mental health communities with the goal of preventing suicide by guiding people in need to critical mental health resources.

The WTTA approach to mental health assistance is unique in that it works to eradicate the prejudice that both the firearms and mental health industries face through increased awareness and by addressing misunderstandings regarding mental illness and firearms. The core of WTTA’s efforts focus on gun suicide prevention by:

educating mental health professionals on America’s firearm culture and beliefs as well as providing an elementary understanding of firearm handling, operation, and storage through classroom instruction and live-fire exercises
de-stigmatizing mental illness on an individual level through educational outreach supported by the firearms community, allowing those in critical need to feel comfortable seeking help from mental health professionals who better understand them

The Walk the Talk America initiative “…creates a collaborative effort to share information about depression, anxiety, PTSD, and much more so that the warning signs displayed by someone who may be considering suicide are laid bare and made plain to more people who can intervene,” said WTTA Founder and President Michael Sodini. “One of the main ways we do this is through our WTTA.org/LOVE link that provides free and anonymous screening tools for better mental health and treatment engagement.”

MKS Supply is proud to be a corporate partner in support of WTTA’s public education and outreach efforts and encourages everyone in the 2A community to do likewise through the organization’s many opportunities available for individuals, retail stores, and firearm and accessory manufacturers. For more information, visit the Walk the Talk America website at WalktheTalkAmerica.org.

January 15, 2021January 15, 2021

SIG SAUER Academy Presents Shooter’s Edge Online Handgun Fundamentals Series

From SIG Sauer Academy

SIG SAUER Academy is pleased to present Shooter’s Edge…Learning to Shoot at SIG SAUER Academy a new video series that gives viewers an inside look at the foundational handgun classes offered at the world renown SIG SAUER Academy. The ten-episode series takes viewers into the classroom and onto the range as the instructors walk through the fundamentals of handgun safety, shooting techniques, practice and training exercises, along with instruction in equipment options and handgun selection. The series was shot on location during several of the Academy’s introductory classes.

WATCH THE VIDEOS “With over 8 million new gun owners in 2020, we have seen an extraordinary demand for the foundational handgun courses at SIG SAUER Academy,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc. “The Shooter’s Edge series is a unique opportunity for these new gun owners, those wanting to take a beginner handgun class, or the experienced shooter looking to review basic training techniques straight from SIG SAUER Academy featuring our world-renowned instructors.”

The Shooter’s Edge series premieres today across all SIG SAUER Academy social media channels (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter) and includes the following episodes: Learn to Shoot at SIG SAUER Academy, Basic Rules of Safety, Types of Handguns and Ammunition, Foundational Shooting Techniques, How to Practice and Train Effectively, Choosing the Right Gun, Equipment and It’s Purpose, Holsters, Presentation, and Recovery, Magazines, Loading and Unloading, and What Happens After Learning to Shoot at SIG SAUER Academy. The entire series is available on YouTube, and each week a new episode will be featured for the duration of the series.

Shooter’s Edge is presented by SIG SAUER Academy, a 140-acre firearms training facility catering to everyone from beginners to experts, located in Epping, New Hampshire. To learn more about SIG SAUER Academy or review the in-depth course outline, visit sigsaueracademy.com.

January 14, 2021January 14, 2021

Daniel Defense Receives ISO 9001:2015 Certification

From Daniel Defense

Daniel Defense, manufacturer of the world’s finest firearms and accessories, is proud to announce that it has received a Certificate of Registration for ISO 9001:2015. This internationally recognized standard of excellence should give Daniel Defense customers even greater trust and confidence in the quality of the company’s products.

“Since day one we set out to design and build the highest quality products in the industry,” said Daniel Defense President & CEO Marty Daniel. “After undergoing a very rigorous and thorough qualification process that touched all of the departments in our company, I’m thrilled to say that we’ve received this Certificate of Registration for ISO 9001:2015. I’m so proud to work with the dedicated employees of Daniel Defense. This recognition is a tribute to all of them. Their hard work has led to this quality certification and it should give all of our military, law enforcement and commercial customers even more reason to trust in Daniel Defense to serve their needs.”

“This Certificate of Registration for ISO 9001:2015 shows that we have repeatable, scalable processes,” said Daniel Defense VP of Operations Jason Lovett. “For Daniel Defense customers, our having a certified quality management system means they can expect a more consistent experience every time they work with us. It also allows us to provide greater transparency and more effective communication. I’m extremely proud of all of our team members that have worked so hard to make this a reality.”

To learn more about the Certificate of Registration for ISO 9001:2015 visit

https://danieldefense.com/iso-certification

January 14, 2021January 14, 2021

Meprolight Renames HVS Sights to Hyper-Bright Sights

From Meprolight

Meprolight renamed its HVS—high visibility sights— family of self-illuminated day/night sights to Hyper-Bright™. Introduced at the 2020 SHOT Show, Meprolight’s Meprolight Hyper-Bright Sights are 30% brighter than any other pistol sight on the market and come with an extremely bright contrasting color ring on the front sight enabling you to get on target faster.

Meprolight® recommends you upgrade the sights on your handgun with tritium enhanced day/night sights in order to increase your defense capabilities in any lighting condition. Go to your local gun dealer to see for yourself. Following all of the gun safety rules, look down the sights of a handgun with standard sights in low-light conditions. Then do the same with a handgun that has upgraded day/night sights. See how much more visible and faster you can put the tritium illuminated sights on the target. Meprolight Hyper-Bright sights are available in three colors (Orange, Green or Yellow). The color combinations help the shooter focus on the front sight quicker which is critical for self defense or competitive shooting. Available for Glock, Sig, and Smith & Wesson M&P Shield

Bill Yerby V.P. Sales & Marketing, Meprolight, “….selecting your sights is as important as selecting your firearm. Upgrading the sights on your EDC —Every Day Carry—gun, will increase your capabilities to put the shots you need on target , in any light, when it is needed the most. Meprolight Hyper-Bright Sights will give you an edge.”

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.

January 14, 2021January 14, 2021

Silencer Central Announces Direct-to-Consumer Shipping in 42 States

From Silencer Central

Silencer Central, America’s largest silencer dealer, can now deliver silencers directly to customers in the 42 states where silencers are legal. The shipping process has revolutionized the way silencers are sold and allows for customers to streamline their purchasing experience by cutting out unnecessary hurdles to silencer ownership.

“We run a highly regulated business,” said Brandon Maddox, CEO of Silencer Central. “We have to do everything by the book—100%. We’ve pioneered a system that allows Silencer Central to be the pinnacle of service for our customers. We handle every step of the process, from paperwork to barrel threading to the final delivery of your silencer—straight to your front door. The process has never been more efficient.”

In the early days, Silencer Central focused on direct sales at trade shows. As their reputation grew, the company sought a way to expedite silencer sales. Now with a customer base that spans across the country, customers can call in directly or buy online at SilencerCentral.com.

Once the order is placed, Silencer Central emails the customer forms and instructions for their completion. This simple process is completed with a digital signature. After the paperwork is complete, Silencer Central sends them an email with a copy of their paperwork and free NFA Gun Trust.

When the approved tax stamp comes back to Silencer Central, customers are sent a text and email with steps to arrange for delivery. The company can now deliver silencers directly to customers in 42 states, making this part of the process incredibly efficient.

For more information, call 888-781-8778 or visit SilencerCentral.com.

January 14, 2021January 14, 2021

TrueTimber Extends Partnership with JR Motorsports

From TrueTimber

TrueTimber has announced a partnership extension with JR Motorsports along with co-primary sponsors Bass Pro Shops and Black Rifle Coffee on the No. 9 car driven by Noah Gragson for the 2021 season. The extension follows an impressive season for Gragson with two wins and a top-five finish in NXS Series point standings. Gragson’s No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro will be carrying the trio of sponsors for all 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series events in 2021.

“We are thrilled to continue our involvement with JR Motorsports,” said TrueTimber CEO Rusty Sellars. “Noah had a great season and really showed us all just how much potential he has. We love seeing him keep the No. 9 car at the front of the pack and we look forward to his continued success in the 2021 season. We wish JR Motorsports and Noah the best of luck and again, we are thrilled to be a part of the team along with Bass Pro Shops and Black Rifle Coffee.”

Gragson came off the starting grid hot with a first-place finish at Daytona during his debut race with the Bass Pro Shops, TrueTimber, Black Rifle Coffee sponsorship back in February of the 2020 season. The No. 9 car was able to keep momentum throughout the year, where Gragson finished out the season with two wins, 17 top-five and 25 top-10 finishes accumulating to 2,306 points. This impressive, season-long consistency secured Gragson the fifth position in NXS points standings following the championship race in Phoenix.

“He [Gragson] really made an impression on Johnny [Morris], Rusty [Sellars] and Evan [Hafer] this past year,” said Dale Earnhardt Jr., owner of JR Motorsports. Noah put a lot of effort into making that new relationship a successful one. It’s refreshing to watch a driver really invest time in the partners that support JR Motorsports. Everyone at JRM is thankful for the continued support of Bass Pro Shops, TrueTimber and Black Rifle Coffee Company.”

The 2021 No. 9 Chevy Camaro will feature TrueTimber Viper Urban camo and include multiple logos on the car, Gragson’s fire suit and team uniforms. Fans are encouraged to keep an eye out for the No. 9 car at the front of the pack this season.

“We think the world of Noah and his passion for racing, which is why we’re excited to keep the momentum going in 2021,” said noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops Founder Johnny Morris, an avid racing fan. “We’re also happy to continue alongside our friends at TrueTimber and Black Rifle Coffee, and very grateful and proud to keep rolling with Dale Jr., Kelley and the JR Motorsports team next year.”

To learn more about the entire TrueTimber product line and see all available patterns, visit TrueTimber.com.