ICYMI: Industry News
From Nov. 13–17, 2023
American Outdoor Brands Honors Veterans
Coinciding with Veterans Day, American Outdoor Brands Inc. (AOB) honored its employees who served to protect our American freedoms. The company recognizes the positive impact its employees have on the success of its business and employs individuals from various backgrounds, including American veterans. Together, AOB veterans represent the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy, and the company formally recognized their contributions, and the contributions all veterans provided, to preserve the freedoms we enjoy daily.
Each AOB veteran received a custom shirt, hat and gift card to enjoy a meal with a friend or family member.
Brian Murphy, AOB president and CEO, and members of the executive leadership team met with the group to convey the company’s gratitude for their service.
Murphy said, “We enjoy tremendous freedoms in the U.S., including the ability to operate and grow companies like American Outdoor Brands because of the generous gift of service our current military personnel and veterans have given us. We will be forever indebted to our American veterans for their patriotism, love of country and their willingness to sacrifice for the benefit of each of us and for our way of life.”
To recognize and share appreciation for veterans beyond the company, AOB employees were invited to create handwritten thank you notes, which were delivered to the Harry S. Truman Memorial Veteran’s Hospital. In addition, AOB will donate to Honor Flight, an organization that transports veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit monuments in their honor.
For more info: www.aob.com
MDT Sporting Goods Ltd. Acquires Warhorse Developments
MDT announced the acquisition of Warhorse Developments. This strategic move brings together Warhorse’s legacy of crafting durable, meticulously designed gear with MDT’s commitment to accessibility and innovation in the shooting sports industry.
A company press release stated, “This merger marks a significant milestone in MDT’s journey, enhancing our product range with Warhorse Developments’ esteemed shooting bags. The Traveller, Canister and Peanut shooting bags, now under the MDT banner, are set to redefine precision and reliability in shooting sports.”
MDT, manufacturer of precision rifle chassis, is headquartered in Chilliwack, BC, Canada, and Everson, Wash.
For more info: www.mdttac.com
Winchester Commits $100,000 To Folds Of Honor Scholarships
Winchester Ammunition announced a $100,000 pledge to the Folds of Honor Foundation, the third donation to the organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members of the U.S. armed forces.
“Winchester has supported the U.S. military for more than 100 years by providing what the U.S. Warfighter needs to succeed on the battlefield,” said Winchester President Brett Flaugher. “We are grateful to extend that support to the Folds of Honor mission, and to the spouses and children of those service members that have sacrificed all for our country.”
The Winchester USA VALOR collection of ammunition pays tribute to military and first responders while supporting Folds of Honor and providing support for the bearers of their legacy through educational scholarships. In 2023, more than 15 million rounds of USA VALOR ammunition have been sold in boxes featuring the Folds of Honor logo in support of their mission.
For more info: www.winchester.com/usavalor
Federal Is The Official Ammunition Sponsor For “The Habitat Organization”
Federal Ammunition renewed its national sponsorship of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever earlier this year, including its title as the Official Ammunition Sponsor of The Habitat Organization. The renewal continues a partnership that has existed since the mid-1980s between the ammunition manufacturer and the upland habitat conservation group.
Jon Zinnel, Federal senior manager of conservation, said, “Federal is proud of the relationship we have and the ability to see the outcomes of such strong conservation efforts that the organizations put forth across the country.”
Included in its sponsorship, Federal Ammunition has an on-box royalty program that donates a portion of proceeds from the popular Prairie Storm and Upland High Velocity shotshell ammunition lines to habitat conservation projects nationwide, and more.
Federal will also be the presenting sponsor at the upcoming National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic March 1–3, 2024 at the Denny Sandford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.
For more info: www.federalpremium.com
S&W Unveils “I Trust M&P” Campaign
Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. recently launched the “I Trust M&P” campaign, focused on bringing awareness to the performance and reliability of the M&P series.
The M&P name originated in 1899, with the introduction of the Smith & Wesson .38 Military and Police revolver model built for the U.S. military. In 2005, Smith & Wesson released the modernized polymer-frame M&P series handgun, which featured a striker-fired system, double-stack magazine, interchangeable backstraps, proprietary takedown method and enhanced ergonomics. The full-size .45 ACP model of the M&P was released in 2007.
In 2017, Smith & Wesson announced the debut of the full-size M&P M2.0 pistol platform for personal, sporting and professional use. It was an entirely new design that comprised a new trigger, frame, finish and grip. In recent years, the M2.0 line has continued to expand with modern upgrades and advanced features and has since adopted Performance Center and Pro Series models, competition-ready packages and even hunting-based feature sets.
“We’re extremely proud of the M&P handgun line. Throughout its tenure in the industry, it has remained true to what Smith & Wesson represents. This platform is dependable, reliable and durable, and continues to live up to the legacy of our brand,” said Vince Perreault, S&W director of brand marketing.
For more info: www.smith-wesson.com
