Colt CZ Group SE Acquires Mk 47 Automatic Grenade Launcher System Technology
Colt CZ Group, through its subsidiary Colt, has acquired ownership of the Mk 47 40mm Advanced Lightweight Grenade Launcher system, including the Fire Control, from General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS). The Mk 47 is a reliable, portable 40mm grenade launcher suited for light infantry vehicles and tripod applications. This weapon system provides the warfighter with a decisive technological advantage over enemy forces equipped with older crew-served weapons.
“This acquisition expands Colt CZ Group’s offerings into the segment of larger and more sophisticated weapon systems and crew-served platforms. The acquisition of this highly capable weapon system is fully in line with our Group’s mission to provide innovative and high-quality products that our customers can rely on in any situation. Also, it will nicely complement the efforts our subsidiary swissAA has in the production of 40mm grenades,” said Jan Drahota, CEO and chairman of the board of directors of Colt CZ Group.
The Mk 47 is a lightweight 40mm automatic grenade launcher with an integrated fire control system, capable of functioning as a standard automatic grenade launcher or programmable airburst capability. The Mk 47 can be tripod, vehicle, air or watercraft mounted. The Mk 47 can launch smart programmable 40mm air burst grenades through in-bore or radio frequency (RF) programming in addition to various unguided point impact rounds. The Mk 47 fires all NATO standard high velocity 40mm rounds, providing firepower against soft and lightly armored targets.
For more info: coltczgroup.com
Silencer Central, OSCF & South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks Join Forces
Silencer Central announces its collaboration with Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) and South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks to recognize the significant contributions made by hunters and target shooters, as well as industry manufacturers that support wildlife conservation efforts across the country through the Pittman-Robertson Act.
The latest installment of OSCF’s “Connecting with Conservation” video series showcases a visit to South Dakota and Silencer Central’s Sioux Falls headquarters, shedding light on the remarkable conservation efforts taking place in the state.
“We are proud to connect with and visit Silencer Central. It was great to learn of their dedication to conservation. By donating millions of dollars’ worth of their suppressors to conservation groups they truly are making a difference,” said OSCF Executive Director Jim Curcuruto. “By contributing $3.6 billion each year, America’s 60+ million active HATS (Hunters, Anglers, Trappers and Shooters) are truly the primary funders of wildlife conservation in America, and we appreciate Silencer Central helping to spread that message.”
The Pittman-Robertson Act, also known as the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration, generates funds from an excise tax on select outdoor products and goes to benefit projects such as land acquisition and improvement of wildlife habitat, introduction of wildlife into suitable habitat, research, surveys and inventories of wildlife populations, and hunter education programs, including construction and operation of public target shooting ranges.
Brandon Maddox, CEO of Silencer Central, said, “We are proud to partner with a variety of conservation organizations to expand this initiative and we’re honored to host OSCF at our headquarters.”
The “Connecting with Conservation” video series is produced with the support of The Murray Road Agency. Funding for this project is provided by the Multistate Conservation Grant Program (F23AP003940), a program supported with funds from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program and jointly managed by the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
For more info: silencercentral.com, outdoorstewards.org, gfp.sd.gov
SIG SAUER Celebrates 40th Anniversary Of The P226 In 2024
SIG SAUER announced the commencement of the yearlong 40th anniversary celebration of the iconic P226 pistol.
“With a legacy of accuracy and reliability, and millions upon millions of rounds of proven performance, the P226 has earned its reputation as the premiere service pistol, and is the standard by which all other combat pistols are measured,” began Tom Taylor, CMO and EVP of SIG SAUER Inc. “To celebrate the rich military and law enforcement history of the P226, we will commemorate the 40th Anniversary with a special edition pistol and release a historical video series detailing the development and service of the P226. We will also have an official declaration of February 26, 2024 as P226 Day, as well as programs and promotions throughout 2024.”
SIG SAUER developed the P226 to compete in the U.S. military’s XM9 service pistol trials. Even though it was not ultimately selected, the performance and capability of the P226 captured the attention of the elite U.S. Navy SEALs. They officially adopted the P226 in 1989 to become the MK25, and it would serve throughout the Global War on Terrorism as their official service pistol.
For more info: sigsauer.com
Optimus Arms Acquires HEXMAG
Optimus Arms has acquired Hexmag and Sentry Solutions from SENTRY Products Group forming HEXMAG USA LLC. The new entity will manufacture and sell the entire line of HEXMAG brand products, including the Sentry Solutions dry lubricants that are well established in the firearms and knife industries.
“We have had a relationship with Point One for several years supplying sewn goods, and have seen their expansion with Optimus Arms USA,” said Terry Naughton, president of SENTRY Products Group. “They have excellent reach across a much broader audience globally, including military, law enforcement and other government agencies, and I believe establishing HEXMAG USA in this structure will provide the resources and relationships necessary to help grow the HEXMAG product lines within the shooting, hunting, and outdoor sporting segments.”
Point One USA is a defense contractor within the special operations and law enforcement communities that offers advanced training and extensive product lines to a growing list of government and defense agencies. It has recently started a new commercial line of products through its commercial division called Optimus Arms (OA). OA provides custom weapons for private and government customers as well as an entire line of firearms accessories, including optics.
“This partnership is an opportunity for Point One and one of our commercial divisions to expand the HEXMAG brand within the commercial firearms industry, as well as expand our ability to provide the best possible products, training and equipment to the warfighter and law enforcement personnel who put their lives on the line daily to protect Americans and keep America safe! Point One and OA could not be prouder to welcome HEXMAG into our family of products, equipment, and services,” said Bob Brush, founder and CEO of Point One and president of OA.
HEXMAG produces a full line of specialized magazines and grips for use in a variety of firearm platforms using a proprietary advanced composite (POLYHEX2) and an advanced carbon fiber polymer. Under the HEXMAG brand will come the entire cleaning and lubrication line of products called SENTRY Solutions.
HEXMAG plans to continue fulfilling orders without interruption as they transition the manufacturing and warehouse operations from Boise, Idaho to Virginia Beach, Va. They anticipate completion of the transition by the end of the first quarter of 2024.
For more info: HEXMAG.com
Freedom Outdoors Acquires Stoddard’s Range And Guns
Freedom Outdoors announced its acquisition of Stoddard’s Range and Guns, a respected name in the shooting and outdoor sporting industry. This strategic move adds two storefronts to the company’s operations, as Stoddard’s occupies two locations: Douglasville, Ga., and Midtown Atlanta, Ga.
A company press release stated, “The integration of Stoddard’s into the Freedom family signifies our dedication to enhancing value and service in the shooting and outdoor sporting markets. We are excited about the opportunities this acquisition presents. Together, we aim to innovate, expand and elevate the experiences for our customers, combining the best of both organizations.”
For more info: freedomoutdoors.us
‘corePHP’ Acquires RubLine Marketing
RubLine Marketing announced its acquisition by marketing and development firm ‘corePHP.’
Established in 2008, RubLine Marketing carved a niche for itself in omnichannel marketing, specializing in branding, social media, influencer campaigns, photography, videography and graphic design. The award-winning agency has collaborated with over 100 industry-leading brands, including Rock Ridge Outdoors, Victory Archery, Tactacam, Scent Crusher and more.
Founded in 2000 by Steven Pignataro, and his brother, Michael Pignataro, ‘corePHP’ is a full-service software development and digital marketing firm, excelling in search engine optimization, web development, app development and hosting, thereby augmenting the value proposition for existing RubLine clients.
“I’ve witnessed RubLine’s evolution from a small, specialized agency to a dominant force in the outdoor industry over the past 15 years. This acquisition is a significant milestone in our journey,” said RubLine Founder and President Chase Rohlfsen. “I’m excited to collaborate with the brilliant team at ‘corePHP’ to offer our clients an expanded suite of top-tier services to achieve their objectives.”
Michael Pignataro shared, “RubLine Marketing is not only a perfect complementary service fit for us, but also a cultural fit. The RubLine team has changed how marketing is handled at an agency level by investing themselves into every aspect of their client’s needs and becoming a true extension of that client’s team. We could not be more excited to join forces!”
For more info: corephp.com
Orchid Showcasing Latest Solutions & Offers At Camfour Dealer Show
Orchid, a provider of FFL technology, payment processing and firearm and explosives compliance services, is set to present its innovative suite of solutions at the upcoming 2024 Camfour Dealer Show, taking place at the Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino in Uncasville, Conn., on January 7 and 8.
Attendees are invited to visit Orchid at booth #14 to discover how to streamline business operations with cutting-edge solutions such as retail point of sale, custom e-commerce, Auto Audit, A&D Bound Book/e4473, firearm-friendly payments, state firearm law lookup, compliance services, legal defense and more.
Leland Nichols, chief strategy and business development officer at Orchid, said, “We are excited to connect with Camfour dealers and demonstrate how Orchid’s software and services can enhance their business operations, ensure compliance, save time and reduce costs.”
Dealers who sign up for the Orchid Retail Suite during the Camfour Dealer Show or until February 29 can choose from three promotional offers for up to $1,500 savings: 1) 12 months free subscription to Auto Audit, 2) 6 months free subscription to POS or 3) 25% discount on implementation.
For more info: orchidadvisors.com
