The Implications Of Russian Ammo Import Ban
Aug. 20, the U.S. Departments of State, the Treasury, Justice and Commerce announced a second round of sanctions on the Russian Federation for its role in the Aug. 2020 poisoning of Russian opposition figure, Alexei Navalny. These sanctions will have significant implications for the U.S. firearms industry, as they include a ban on the imports of Russian firearms and ammunition.
A fact sheet published by the State Department elaborated: “New and pending permit applications for the permanent importation of firearms and ammunition manufactured or located in Russia will be subject to a policy of denial.” These sanctions took effect Sept. 7, when they were published on the Federal Register — and will remain in place for a “minimum” of 12 months.
The full of extent of these sanctions won’t be felt immediately, as Form 6 applications approved prior to Sept. 7 will be valid for 24 months, but there is growing concern about what the U.S. ammunition landscape will look like without Russian steel-cased ammunition.
Shooting Industry sat down with Charlie Brown, owner of MKS Supply and importer of Russian-based BarnauL Ammunition, to glean insights on how this move will impact an already turbulent market.
Targeting Russia … Or U.S. Sportsmen?
How the poisoning of an opposition figure and the banning of ammunition from that country are related remains to be seen. Brown provided his reaction.
“It was shocking to us, we didn’t see it coming at all — realistically, it’s not a sanction, it’s a well-planned opportunity to attack a viable business in the U.S,” he said. “It’s going to hurt a lot more sportsmen and businesses in the U.S. than it is Russian nationals.”
Over the past few years, Brown estimates 35–40% of all ammo sold in the U.S. is Russian steel-cased ammo — and its absence will leave a significant hole to fill.
“It’s going to hurt a lot more sportsmen and businesses in the U.S. than it is Russian nationals.”
Charlie Brown, Owner MKS Supply & BarnauL Ammunition
“We’ve already seen pricing move up since the announcement,” he noted. “And, it’s going to cause standard U.S. brass ammo — and pretty much anything else being imported from other countries — to be more expensive for the U.S. shooter to afford.”
MKS Supply began importing BarnauL in 2019. Brown previously shared with SI one of the positive byproducts of the buying surge that began last March was the brand’s products were changing the preconceived notions shooters had about using steel-cased ammunition. The proposed sanctions have wiped away years of effort.
“It’s very frustrating, we’ve worked hard over the years and have spent millions of dollars in marketing and everything else to build the product line and the brand, and there’s no regard for that. It’s disheartening,” he said.
The sanctions have also scuppered MKS’ efforts to bring in new caliber options and a reloading line, Brown added.
“We had several new calibers we were developing with BarnauL — popular rifle calibers to help consumers shoot some more, and a full line of components scheduled to come in. At this point, however, none of it is going to happen,” he said. “All the research we’ve done on these new calibers is gone by the wayside now.”
Long-Term Effects
As currently written, this ban on imported ammunition from Russia will significantly impact the U.S. ammunition segment — with rising costs one byproduct. However, it could change the international landscape with other countries boosting production to compete in the U.S. market.
“Turkey might step up to the plate because they probably have the ability to produce, and perhaps Serbia,” Brown predicted. “It’s going to take a little while for them to ramp up, though. Components and raw materials are pretty tough to get right now.”
In a period defined by its volatility and uncertainty, these sanctions represent another wrinkle impacting business for industry manufacturers and storefront dealers. It’s also another clear example of why we, as an industry, need to be engaged with our elected representatives and fight to overturn anti-gun policies.
How is your business being impacted? Let us know: comments@shootingindustry.com.
Winchester Debuts Platform For First-Time Buyers
Winchester has launched a digital platform on Winchester.com built specifically for first-time ammunition and firearms buyers, as well as those just getting started in the shooting sports and hunting.
“More than 12 million people since the beginning of 2020 purchased a firearm for the first time, and that is in addition to the more than 56 million people in the U.S. who currently target shoot,” said Matt Campbell, Winchester Ammunition VP of sales and marketing. “We’re committed to helping educate people about the many topics surrounding firearms, ammunition, safety and more. Our audience is diverse and growing, and this platform will be an excellent resource.”
Features and content to be included on the new digital platform are:
Tips and training (shooting fundamentals).
Safety and storage.
Product recommendations/choosing the best firearm type and ammunition.
Video and blog posts with entry-level topics.
Skill-level filtering, allowing new shooters to filter by their own skill levels and find the most relevant content for their needs.
A “Where to Shoot” section where visitors can input their location and a list of local ranges (indoor and outdoor) — using data provided by NSSF — will be displayed.
Wiley X Co-Owners Myles and Dan Freeman are joined by Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney and council
members John Keating, Bill Woodward and Brian Livingston during the groundbreaking.
Wiley X Breaks Ground ON New Texas Headquarters
Premium protective eyewear brand Wiley X announced it has broken ground in Frisco, Texas, on its future global headquarters, manufacturing and distribution site.
The new facility is to open in Frisco’s Star Business Park in 2022. The site also will include a flagship retail store for Wiley X fans and local customers.
Company co-owners Myles Freeman Jr. and Dan Freeman, Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney, several city councilmen and other local officials took part in the groundbreaking ceremony. All participants were equipped with Wiley X safety-rated eyewear for the event.
Wiley X joins a growing list of California-based companies seeking new locations, with many finding new homes in the Dallas and North Texas region. The central location within the U.S. will increase efficiencies of shipping and distribution, in both time and cost, to Wiley X customers.
“Wiley X is committed to piloting smart and sustained growth for many years to come, and a central location like Texas is a prime place to call home for our brand,” said Dan Freeman.
“Frisco is a perfect fit for Wiley X, and as a veteran-founded, family-owned company, we are excited to call Texas home as we begin to grow and contribute to the area while supporting the community,” added Myles Freeman Jr.
Frisco also is known as “Sports City USA” — an appropriate home for Wiley X in that sense, too. The company is focused on protective and performance eyewear for active people and sportsmen, in addition to its longtime government, military and first-responder network.
Davidson’s revamped dealer website contains a bevy of features, including in-depth
information on product lines, simplified ordering processes and more.
Davidson’s Launches New Dealer Website
Firearms wholesaler Davidson’s Inc. has launched a new dealer website at Davidsonsinc.com. Davidson’s Online (DOL) has been totally revamped to provide an immersive shopping experience for the company’s dealer base.
Incorporating many new features, the new DOL now offers an industry-leading source of authoritative information to further educate dealers on Davidson’s product lines. Multiple high-resolution images, videos and in-depth product descriptions will accompany each SKU Davidson’s offers.
Ordering and account management also have been simplified, and many assets have been added to help Davidson’s dealers with their own internal marketing and advertising efforts.
“All of us in the sales department are excited about the new website launch. Not only will it serve our dealers, but it helps our account executives continue to provide the legendary service for which Davidson’s is known,” said Mike Massimo, VP of sales for Davidson’s.
Participants, volunteers and sponsor staff members gather to mark completion of the HAVA/TIF
two-day event, hosted at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park in Talladega, Ala. “It’s so easy
for these two organizations to join forces for this event and others, as both share the same
goal — to help veterans, period,” said Tom Taylor, HAVA chairman.
HAVA, TIF Co-Host Veterans Shooting Match
Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) and The Independence Fund (TIF) recently hosted nine Army and Marine Corps veterans for two days of pistol training and a steel challenge shooting match.
The event was held at the CMP (Civilian Marksmanship Program) Talladega Marksmanship Park in Talladega, Ala. The park consists of 500 acres of world-class shooting facilities in all disciplines.
Also supporting the joint event were GLOCK, Taurus, Yamaha Outdoors, MGM Targets, SIG SAUER, A Girl & A Gun and Pizza & Pew. Additional support came from pro shooters KC Eusebio, Travis Gibson and Chris Barrett.
“The HAVA and TIF team worked hard to put on a big-time match for these warriors,” said Chris Fleming, HAVA event manager. “I find the shooting community a great place to find camaraderie and friendship that mimics my experience in the Marine Corps. We trained, played, ate well and had an amazing prize table for our honored guests provided by many great sponsors, all of whom stepped up to offer a truly first-class event. The smiles and friendships created will last a lifetime.”
The CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park also offered event participants a special opportunity to shoot a side match with a classic rifle that contributed significantly to increasing Army and Marine Corps combat capabilities in World War II — the M1 Garand.
“Words can’t express the gratitude and appreciation I experienced this weekend. I simply want to say thank you!” said Army veteran Bedalina Rosario, one of the participants.
HAVA, a 501(c)(3) organization formed by companies in the shooting and outdoor industry, raises awareness of and assists disabled veterans with the healing process through guided hunts, shooting events and other outdoor sports activities.
TIF is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to empowering our nation’s catastrophically wounded, injured or ill veterans to overcome physical, mental and emotional wounds incurred while serving our country. TIF strives to bridge the gap of unmet needs for these veterans and their caregivers.
“HAVA and TIF are both charitable organizations focused on assisting veterans and their families. It’s so easy for these two organizations to join forces for this event and others, as both share the same goal — to help veterans, period,” said Tom Taylor, HAVA chairman.
Leupold President and CEO Bruce Pettet, left, is joined by Leupold shareholders
to celebrate breaking ground on a new distribution center.
Leupold Builds New Distribution Center
Leupold & Stevens Inc. broke ground in August for construction of its new distribution center, to be located in the southwest corner of the company’s 27-acre campus in Beaverton, Ore.
The state-of-the-art building will replace Leupold’s smaller existing facility located offsite. Upon the project’s completion, Leupold will have more than 200,000 sq. ft. of office, manufacturing and distribution space onsite.
“We pride ourselves on the dominant performance of our products and our commitment to providing excellent service to our customers,” said Bruce Pettet, Leupold president and CEO. “Having our new distribution center on-site at our existing corporate campus will increase efficiency and help us bring even more overall value to our customers. It’s a testament both to the growing strength of our brand and the support our partners and core consumers have shown us.”
Freedom Shooting Center Announces Expansion Plans
Freedom Shooting Center, located in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, has begun expansion initiatives to bring the Freedom banner to new markets across the Southeastern region of the U.S.
Freedom Shooting Center is a large, indoor, full-service shooting range that offers a wide selection of guns and outdoor sporting goods. Its expansion efforts follow many requests from patrons for a range nearer to their respective locations.
“We provide a welcoming atmosphere to anyone interested in shooting, self-defense training and outdoor shooting sports, regardless of experience. Our mission is to promote responsible gun ownership and attract new people to shooting sports,” said range officials in a news release.
Freedom Shooting Center is growing its exposure with a recently launched online store, FreedomOutdoors.us, while simultaneously expanding its product offerings in outdoor categories. Additionally, the company is looking for opportunities to acquire existing indoor range/retail businesses.
“We pride ourselves in creating a premier customer experience and ensuring people have access to quality products and services in the shooting and outdoor sporting industry. Freedom Shooting Center will continue to deliver exceptional service, competitive pricing and a comprehensive product offering to members and guests,” the release concluded.
Summit Outdoors Launches Revamped Website
Summit Outdoors announced the launch of a new website, where customers can explore new products, browse blog posts and learn how to get the most out of their gear.
The Indiana-based company, now more than 60 years old, provides hunters with high-quality equipment through a roster of leading outdoor brands including Shadow Hunter Blinds, Tail Mate Seats, SlotLock and Ghost Blind.
Summit’s new website is designed to give visitors an improved user experience, with easy navigation to the information they need. Updates include an advanced dealer locator for in-person shopping; a revamped, mobile-friendly design; easy access to the Beyond The Blind podcast; and personalized chat functionality for on-demand customer support.
“We look forward to better serving our customers and providing the best shopping experience with these improvements. Months of hard work went into the redesign, and we hope outdoorsmen and women take advantage of all the new features available to them,” said Tony Cronk, Summit Outdoors president.
FN 509 MRD-LE (w/ Trijicon RMR)
FN 509 MRD-LE Pistol Selected By LAPD
FN America announced the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has chosen the FN 509 MRD-LE as its new duty pistol, following a highly competitive and rigorous qualification process.
The FN 509 is a versatile handgun platform designed to deliver rapid, precision fire in any environment. During the LAPD handgun trials, FN competed against several contenders in a 20,000-round-count endurance qualification, which it surpassed with zero malfunctions.
“Exceeding all of the requirements the LAPD sought in their new duty pistol was a high performance standard to meet,” said Chris Cole, VP of sales and marketing at FN America. “With over a million rounds fired in development, the FN 509’s reputation for durability is proven here again, giving LAPD officers a superior handgun they can depend on in the most demanding policing environments.”
The FN 509 MRD-LE’s accuracy reputation stems from the patented FN Low-Profile Optics-Mounting System. Adapted from its original development for the U.S. Army’s handgun trials, it gives L.E. officers a high level of precision and sighting versatility. Added to the precision package are the high-performance trigger assembly and cold-hammer forged barrel.
“The LAPD needed the ability to quickly and securely mount a variety of duty-rated micro red dots to their service pistols to improve the accuracy potential of their handguns and their officers. FN pioneered the MRD (micro red dot) mounting technology the LAPD required, enabling precision shot placement and immediate target engagement, no matter the environment,” said Charles “Bucky” Mills, FN director of L.E. sales.
The Barracuda and Blackfin (pictured) will lead the line for the Saltwater Arms brand.
DRG Acquires Saltwater Arms
DRG Manufacturing, a leading firearm component fabricator located in Lake Zurich, Ill., announced its acquisition of Saltwater Arms, and the full lineup of its fully assembled firearms. Saltwater Arms emerged on the market in 2019, focusing on high-quality, corrosion-resistant rifles for those in maritime and other harsh environments.
DRG manufactures a portfolio of precision parts for AR-15, AR-10 and AR-9 platforms. The company produces an extensive line of high-demand products, including bolt carrier groups, lower receivers, complete upper receivers, handguards, upper receivers, barrels and bolts.
The addition of Saltwater Arms to the DRG brand family will provide DRG’s online customers (via saltwaterarms.com) complete, fully assembled firearms in 5.56, with 9mm, .308 and .300 Blackout coming soon. Dealers purchasing quantities must first register online at whitelabelarmory.com.
“We set out to offer distinctive solutions to our customers, and choosing to manufacture a new line of fully assembled rifles and pistols seemed to be the natural direction. Saltwater Arms’ rifles met our high standards and unique out-of-the-box thinking, and we’re excited to add our expertise to the production,” said DRG Manufacturing CEO Chris Gosell.
Barracuda and Blackfin AR-15 rifles will be the frontrunners in what will be a family of fully assembled firearms. The rifles’ tough, stainless-steel components are compatible with most AR-platform accessories and furniture, with DRG upgrades available for some components, such as the bolt carrier group.
DRG’s cutting-edge manufacturing facility is enhanced by a workforce of robots and automated cells that handle barrel drilling and reaming, barrel profiling and chambering, carriers, upper/lower receivers, bolts and gas keys. The company’s technical experts in its quality control lab apply integrated quality-and-consistency protocols to ensure each component produced meets the company standard for performance.
Celerant Technology Adds Distributor Integration Partners
Firearms retail software provider Celerant Technology has rolled out new systems integration partnerships with distributors Camfour Inc. and Gun Accessory Supply. These additions will enhance Celerant’s ability to assist dealers with accessing and ordering products from top manufacturers in the firearms, accessories and outdoor sectors.
The integration with Camfour and Gun Accessory unites both companies’ ordering systems and product data feeds with Celerant’s retail technology, enabling dealers to streamline inventory replenishment and keep their e-commerce websites and in-store kiosks automatically updated with the latest products.
Celerant’s systems integration also eliminates the headache of manual entry data errors for dealers. The company’s integrated bound books and electronic Form 4473s ensure inventory and transactions are logged and in compliance.
Camfour serves the entire U.S through the EZGUN ordering system from its two locations, and is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 distributors in the industry.
“We know there are already many of our dealers using the Celerant platform, and with this integration, we can help streamline and automate the ordering process for our shared dealers and many new dealers to come,” said Christopher DiCenso, president of Camfour Inc.
Gun Accessory Supply, established in 1983, carries a broad array of firearm accessories in addition to optics and outdoor apparel from more than 200 brands.
“Integrating with the backend of a dealership through Celerant’s point-of-sale system provides time for dealers to focus on their customers and products, ensuring successful transactions and keeping pace with industry demands,” said Rebecca Day, executive director of Gun Accessory Supply.
Dealers can fulfill orders placed online or in-store through Celerant’s kiosk or point-of-sale system with their own physical inventory. Another option is having Celerant’s distribution partners drop-ship orders directly to their customer or to their store for customer pickup.
Trijicon MGRS Magnifier
Trijicon MGRS Selected For U.S. Army MMO Program
Trijicon Inc. announced the selection of its MGRS (Machine Gun Reflex Sight) by the U.S. Army for the M2/M2A1 .50-caliber weapon system (Mounted Machine Gun Optic Program [MMO]). Manufacturing will be performed in Wixom, Mich., and is expected to be completed by 2024.
“Trijicon is truly honored to be selected for this program. Our goal with the MGRS was to provide the most durable aiming solution for machine gunners while increasing the potential for first-round hits on target. Our team worked tirelessly to achieve this goal, and this contract is a testament to their design,” said Stephen Bindon, Trijicon president and CEO.
Forged of 7075-T6 aluminum, the MGRS is designed to withstand the jarring, rapid recoil produced by fixed and turret-mounted machine guns. The sight offers seven brightness settings, two facilitating the use of night-vision optics and five settings for fast adjustment to match current conditions, including a super-bright setting for bright daylight.
In addition to its other innovative features, the MGRS has a large, non-magnified objective lens with a 35 MOA segmented circle reticle. Centered within the reticle is a 3 MOA dot for precise aiming. A single CR123A battery powers the unit, providing more than 1,000 hours of continuous operation. A three-power magnifier is included for greater PID (positive identification of target).
