ICYMI: Industry News
From Apr. 29–May 3, 2024
Gregg Ritz Acquires Thompson/Center Arms
Gregg Ritz announced the acquisition of Thompson/Center Arms, a move poised to reinvigorate the brand and its legacy in the firearms market.
Thompson/Center Arms, renowned for its innovation and craftsmanship, has been a staple in the firearms community for decades. With the acquisition led by Gregg Ritz, Thompson/Center Arms is positioned to continue its reputation of performance as the family-owned company enters an exciting new chapter under fresh leadership.
Gregg Ritz is the former owner of Thompson/Center Arms, a seasoned media and manufacturing entrepreneur and television host of the top-rated, award-winning “Hunt Masters” series on Outdoor Channel, Ritz has an intimate understanding of the needs and desires of outdoor enthusiasts.
Ritz’s ownership partners add to the depth of the team, bringing vast outdoor retail knowledge focusing on customer service and an unparalleled user experience, along with two decades of global manufacturing expertise delivering the highest quality precision parts that serve the aerospace, automotive, agriculture and defense market segments. Four USA-based plants, which are ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certified and ITAR registered, span over 155,000 sq. ft. and operate 200 state-of-the-art production machines.
“Thompson/Center Arms holds a special place in the hearts of hunters and shooters worldwide, and we are committed to honoring the past while driving inventiveness and growth,” said Ritz. “With the support of our dedicated team and loyal customers, I am confident Thompson/Center Arms will continue to thrive in the years to come.”
For more info: tcarms.com
Hodgdon Powder Company Acquires RCBS Reloading
Hodgdon Powder Company announced the acquisition of RCBS Reloading from Revelyst, a segment of Vista Outdoor. This acquisition was effective May 2, with Hodgdon prepared to immediately continue shipping RCBS products to wholesale and retail customers.
“This acquisition of RCBS, the leading brand in metallic reloading tools, is a perfect complement to our portfolio of smokeless powder brands for our handloading customers,” said Steve Kehrwald, president and CEO of Hodgdon Powder Company. “We look forward to providing even more load data to our new RCBS customers.”
Hodgdon adds the RCBS facility in Oroville, Calif., to its company-owned facilities in Shawnee, Kan., Herington, Kan., and Miles City, Mon. The addition of the RCBS team will more than double the headcount at the Hodgdon Powder Company and greatly expands the company’s manufacturing capabilities.
J.B. Hodgdon, co-owner with his late brother, Bob, of Hodgdon Powder Company, said “Our dad, Bruce, partnered with Fred Huntington from RCBS to conduct Reloading Roadshow events in the 1950s and 1960s. I believe they both are looking down today, proud to have our two great brands together in 2024.”
“For more than 80 years, RCBS has demonstrated their manufacturing, innovation and operational excellence,” said Eric Nyman, co-CEO of Vista Outdoor and CEO of Revelyst. “We are thrilled for RCBS and their new ownership with Hodgdon Powder. This transaction joins two iconic brands, and it ensures that RCBS is positioned for success in the next chapter of its history.”
For more info: hodgdonpowderco.com, rcbs.com
NSSF Project ChildSafe Celebrates 25 Years, Announces $250,000 Fundraising Goal
This year marks the 25-year anniversary of Project ChildSafe, the firearm safety and education program of NSSF. Since its inception, Project ChildSafe has raised awareness about safely handling and securely storing firearms when not in use, along with educating children about firearm safety. In recognition of this milestone, NSSF aims to raise $250,000 over the next year to support the development and availability of new educational resources, gun locks and city-level firearm safety coalitions in communities with particularly high rates of firearm-related accidents and suicides.
“For 25 years, Project ChildSafe has operated on both the national and local levels to provide genuine firearm safety solutions to communities that need them most,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF president and CEO. “Since its launch, fatal firearm accidents have dropped to historic lows. The program also aims to prevent firearm thefts and suicide.”
“Prevention can be challenging to measure, but over the years we’ve heard stories firsthand of how our safety kits have saved lives by preventing accidents and suicides,” said Bill Brassard, NSSF senior communications director. “Project ChildSafe continues to evolve and expand its resources, adding materials on mental health, suicide prevention and assisting parents with having conversations about gun safety with their children.”
For more info: projectchildsafe.org
ATN Celebrates 30th Anniversary
ATN Corp is proudly marking its 30th year of excellence in 2024. From its beginning in Redwood City, Calif., ATN embarked on a journey of importing and distributing night vision devices through the convenience of mail order. ATN has since undergone a remarkable evolution, transitioning from importer to designer and manufacturer of cutting-edge day/night and thermal units.
In 2019, ATN relocated its operations to Doral, Fla., seeking a more conducive business environment and a cultural synergy with the Sunshine State. The move established a sprawling assembly production line and warehouse.
“We are thrilled to commemorate this 30-year anniversary of innovation, growth and unwavering dedication to excellence,” said James Munn, ATN Corp CEO. “Our journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of technological advancement and a steadfast commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers. And what I find so absolutely thrilling is that after 30 successful years in this business, we know we’ve only just scratched the surface of what we can do.”
For more info: atncorp.com
Walk The Talk America Launches $100K Fundraiser By Chris Cheng
In honor of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, Walk the Talk America (WTTA) announced a special fundraiser by Top Shot Season 4 Champion Chris Cheng to raise $100,000. The challenge lasts from May 1–8, 2024. Cheng kicked things off by personally donating $5,000, which will be used to match smaller donations of $500 or less. WTTA and Cheng invite the firearms industry to participate in this high-impact, game-changing fundraiser.
“Walk the Talk America is helping increase access to mental health services, and I strongly believe that the money we raise this May for Mental Health Awareness Month will make our country stronger and safer,” shared Cheng.
Michael Sodini, founder and CEO of WTTA, elaborated “Here at Walk the Talk America, we’re passionate about fostering understanding and taking meaningful steps toward better mental health and responsible firearm ownership. This May, our fundraiser isn’t just about dollars raised — it’s about coming together with Chris and our firearms community to make a tangible difference. By joining forces, we’re not only raising funds but also spreading awareness and building a stronger, safer future for all.”
For more info: wtta.org
Walther Arms Announces Mother’s Day & Father’s Day Promotions
Walther Arms is celebrating parents everywhere with an all-new promotion with Federal Ammunition. From May 1 through June 30, 2024, consumers can show their appreciation by purchasing eligible Walther handguns and receiving Federal Punch Ammunition.
Tier One: Purchase any Walther P22 handgun and receive 200 rounds of Federal Punch .22 LR ammo.
Tier Two: Purchase any Walther WMP and receive 100 rounds of Federal Punch .22 WMR ammo.
Consumers must submit a valid receipt showing they purchased the specified Walther handgun model within the giveaway dates/time frame (between 5/1/24 and 6/30/24) and submit a picture of the label on the box showing the serial number on or before July 31, 2024. Ammunition redemption will take 2–5 weeks for processing and handling.
For more info: waltherarms.com/freeammo
Celerant & AltruPay To Provide Credit Card Processing Regardless Of Industry Or Risk Classification
Celerant Technology is partnering AltruPay, a payment processing company and its FFL-specific brand, TacticalPay. The partnership enables Celerant’s FFL dealers to accept additional payment methods and expand their product offerings, increasing average order size and revenue.
“Through this partnership, AltruPay, through its TacticalPay brand, is excited to provide a seamless omnichannel payments experience to Celerant’s firearms clients,” stated Adam Carlson, AltruPay CEO.
AltruPay is a payment processing company offering payment solutions across many industries. Retailers in high-risk verticals such as CBD, gaming and agriculture can get fast approval with nominal transaction fees. Retailers in lower-risk verticals, like firearms and related businesses, benefit from lower fees and additional payment options such as surcharging or partial authorizations.
The AltruPay integration is now available in Celerant’s point of sale and/or eCommerce software. It is available to businesses using Cumulus Retail and Stratus Enterprise systems. Retailers can accept card payments on mobile devices, which can be used within the store and easily taken off-site to process credit card sales from anywhere.
For more info: celerant.com/altrupay
NSSF Invites Employees Of Patron Member Companies To Apply For Scholarships
Employees of companies that support NSSF at the highest level may apply for education aid through the NSSF Patron Member Scholarship Program. NSSF has made a total of $50,000 in scholarship funding available for a maximum of 20 winning entries.
NSSF is accepting applications in the Patron Member Scholarship Program through 5 p.m. PT on Friday, May 24, 2024.
Scholarships are available only to employees and their family members of Patron Member companies of NSSF.
Applicants must be enrolled in, or have been accepted and plan to attend, a college, university or vocational school during the fall 2024 school year. Scholarships are limited to candidates seeking an undergraduate or vocational degree only.
For more info: nssf.org/scholarship
