ICYMI: Headlines From
July 4–July 8, 2022
Wilson Combat Celebrates 45th Anniversary
In 1977, champion pistol shooter Bill Wilson started Wilson Combat in the back of the family jewelry store to support his passion for firearms. Forty-five years later, Wilson Combat is a fully integrated specialty gun and accessory manufacturer that employs hundreds of people in northwest Arkansas, and at sister companies across the United States.
Beginning with basic 1911 gunsmithing, parts and accessories, the company quickly became the leading one-stop shop for competition and defensive handgunners looking for high-quality pistolsmithing and gear at a fair price. Wilson Combat later branched out into defensive carry guns and gear, tactical shotguns and AR rifles, and now manufactures almost every gun part needed for production in their state-of-the-art precision manufacturing facility.
Tremendous internal growth, as well as the acquisition of other innovative brands has established Wilson Combat as an industry leader in the specialty firearms and accessory market.
“It’s hard to believe that the one-man gunsmithing shop I started in a 10′ x 20′ area in the back of my dad’s jewelry store 45 years ago has grown to a multi-brand enterprise with over 200 employees in three states. It’s been quite a ride and it couldn’t have been accomplished without our awesome team members,” said Bill Wilson, president and CEO.
For more info: www.wilsoncombat.com
Heckler & Koch Seeking New Law Enforcement Dealers
Heckler & Koch USA is seeking new law enforcement dealers to join “The World’s Premier Small Arms Company” team. Heckler & Koch’s law enforcement dealers work directly with local and state agencies on their small-arms requirements.
This expansion is being matched by Heckler & Koch’s continued commitment to its law enforcement partners including reduced lead times, easing regulatory requirements and new product development.
HK is looking to add dealers nationwide, there is a particular need in the following regions: Pacific Northwest, New England, Mountain West and Southeast.
Dealers of all sizes are welcome, though they should have a demonstrated history of sales success with local and state agencies in technical products. Interested parties should contact Heckler & Koch’s Law Enforcement Sales Manager Jason Whitten at jason.whitten@hecklerkoch-us.com.
For more info: www.heckler-koch-us.com
Vista Outdoor Enters Into Definitive Agreement To Acquire Fox Racing
Vista Outdoor Inc., the parent company of 39 brands that design, manufacture and market sporting and outdoor products, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Irvine, Calif.-based Fox Racing, a global icon in performance motocross, mountain bike and lifestyle gear for adventure seekers. The purchase price is $540 million, with the potential for an additional $50 million earnout based on Fox Racing’s financial performance.
“Over the last four years, we have built a diversified portfolio of iconic outdoor brands led by a proven leadership team that continues to execute well and drive strong results for our shareholders,” said Chris Metz, Vista Outdoor CEO.
“With the acquisition of Fox Racing, we are continuing the successful implementation of our strategy to use accretive acquisitions to expand our leadership position and ability to capitalize on long-term growth opportunities in outdoor recreation.”
Jeffrey McGuane, CEO of Fox Racing, will continue to lead the company following the closing of the acquisition, as will all of Fox Racing’s leadership team.
“We’re excited to join the Vista Outdoor family,” McGuane said. “Together we can leverage the heritage of our leading brands, enjoy new supply chain synergies, expand our deep and established channels and target an expanded customer base.”
For more info: www.vistaoutdoor.com
NSSF Hires Clement & Murphy, PLLC
NSSF announced it has retained Paul Clement and Erin Murphy of Clement & Murphy, PLLC to represent NSSF in its appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in its lawsuit, NSSF et al v. James. The lawsuit challenges New York State’s unlawful public nuisance statute, which is designed to impose New York-style gun control on the lawful sale of firearms and ammunition products by permitting lawsuits against members of the industry for the criminal misuse of firearms that find their way into New York, even when the sale occurred wholly outside the state of New York and in compliance with all applicable federal and the state laws where it took place.
Paul Clement and Erin Murphy recently formed their own law firm after their prior firm, Kirkland & Ellis, abruptly announced it would, “no longer represent clients with respect to matters involving the interpretation of the Second Amendment.” The announcement came just days after Clement and Murphy won the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case of New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen in which the court held the Second Amendment protects the right of law-abiding Americans to carry a firearm in public for self-protection.
“NSSF is proud to be represented by such accomplished and skilled appellate lawyers who clearly demonstrate the depth of character so badly needed in today’s legal system,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF SVP and general counsel.
For more info: www.nssf.org
Davidson’s LIVE – FFL Compliance Roundtable
Davidson’s will soon be hosting a Compliance Roundtable on Davidson’s LIVE.
Davidson’s recently had a chance to speak with investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and several regulatory compliance consultants from the firearms industry. During the course of the meetings, Davidson’s was able to further understand how the current administration’s “Zero Tolerance Policy” is being implemented, and heard examples of specific dealer activities that were resulting in revocation actions. Information they learned through these discussions may be helpful to dealers, so they determined it is worth sharing.
Davidson’s LIVE will present a Compliance Roundtable, streamed live to its FFL dealers. The Compliance Roundtable will be a discussion with a panel of firearms industry and legal experts to help dealers successfully navigate their next ATF audit and continue to do business in a challenging regulatory environment.
Speakers will include John “JC” Clark (FFL Consultants), Michael Fronczak (FFLGuard), Charles “Chuck” James (attorney with Williams Mullins) and Christopher Thomas (attorney with Mark Barnes & Associates). Kevin Wilson, Davidson’s dealer communications manager, will serve as host and moderator.
Invitations will be emailed to Davidson’s FFL dealers with more information and the registration link. Dealers will be asked to pre-submit questions for the panel to address during this live broadcast.
The Davidson’s LIVE FFL Compliance Roundtable will be Friday, July 15, 2022 at 11am Eastern.
For more info: www.davidsons.com
