ICYMI: Industry News
From April 8–12, 2024
Firearm Industry Economic Impact Rises 371% Since 2008
The total economic impact of the firearm and ammunition industry in the United States increased from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $90.05 billion in 2023, a 371% increase, while the total number of full-time equivalent jobs rose from approximately 166,000 to over 384,437, a 131% increase in that period, according to a report released by the NSSF.
On a year-over-year basis, the industry’s economic impact rose from $80.73 billion in 2022, to $90.05 billion in 2023.
The firearm and ammunition industry paid over $10.90 billion in business taxes, including property, income and sales-based levies. An additional $944 million was paid in federal excise taxes, which directly contributes to wildlife conservation.
“Our industry is a vital economic contributor to every state and every community. These are companies employing men and women from all walks of life and they prove daily that the American firearm and ammunition industry is strong,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF president and CEO. “This industry proudly provides the means for law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights, enables them to hunt and is the primary fiscal force behind wildlife conservation in America. The growth of the firearm industry equals more jobs that add to our local economies, averaging $67,500 in wages and benefits, up from $65,000 reported last year. Since 2008, federal business tax payments increased by 353%, Pittman-Robertson excise taxes on firearms and ammunition that support wildlife conservation by 168 percent and state business taxes by 215%.”
The annual “Firearm and Ammunition Industry Economic Impact” report provides a state-by-state breakdown of job numbers, wages and output covering direct, supplier and induced employment, as well as federal excise taxes paid.
For more info: nssf.org
American Gunsmithing Institute Partners With CMP
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) chose American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI) as its exclusive Professional Gunsmithing Training Provider. Now, CMP armorer trainees will undergo a unique program to become Certified Professional Gunsmiths.
“The AGI Gunsmithing Course is part of a new and unique, five-tier internal staff development program to increase the skill level of our members in Design, Function and Repair of Pistols and Revolvers, Shotguns, Rimfires and Centerfire Rifles,” stated Greg Raines, CMP chief commercial officer. “Now, our team members who come to work for us and become Certified Armorers will also have the opportunity to become Certified Gunsmiths. This gives them a comprehensive understanding of firearms and firearms systems and enables them to be significantly better equipped to evaluate, maintain, repair and/or customize firearms that are brought into the shops.”
In the AGI training process, each student has a dedicated student portal, with access to video instruction and Master Gunsmith Instructor support and can progress through the course at their own pace, reviewing materials at any time. They are then tested on their knowledge of General Gunsmithing, Pistolsmithing, Shotguns, Rimfires, and Centerfire Rifles, Design, Function and Repair, with testing and certifications for each of the five core sections of the course.
“Since AGI has been training Gunsmiths for over 30 years and is known and respected in the industry, we knew it would be the perfect partnership,” Raines continued. “AGI is the only school that teaches Design, Function, and Repair Gunsmithing to provide our team members with the necessary knowledge to work on firearms and better serve their customers. Plus, this training will help our members be better equipped to facilitate CMP Shooting matches, assist competitors with issues and ensure a safe environment.”
For more info: thecmp.org, americangunsmithinginstitute.net
Outdoor Edge Launches New Dealer Portal
Outdoor Edge recently launched a new dealers-only portal, designed to make it quick and easy for the company’s vast dealer network to order and replenish products.
“We want our dealers to be able to provide their customers with the Outdoor Edge products they want when they want them,” said William Morgan, director of marketing and product management.
The customized site features pricing and programs relevant only to dealers. Here, dealers can track order history, invoices and shipments, take advantage of simple payment options and have first access to monthly promotions via our Dealer Insider emails. Dealers will also have direct access to marketing portal content, including videos, lifestyle images, social content, product information sheets and more. They will have first access to promotions via the Dealer Insider email, and will be able to find in-depth product knowledge to help with in-store education and training programs.
With the new portal, dealers can easily browse the entire Outdoor Edge line of cutlery products, tools and accessories. They can quickly place orders, track shipments and manage their account information all in one convenient location.
For more info: revobrands.com
NSSF Honors U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan As 2023 Legislator Of The Year
NSSF honored U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) as the 2023 NSSF Legislator of the Year for his persistent pursuit of accountability of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Biden administration for unconstitutional attacks on the firearm industry and the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. Congressman Jordan is the Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee and is a member of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee.
Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF SVP and general counsel, stated, “Chairman Jordan’s dogged determination for accountability from agencies within the Executive Branch have reasserted Congress’s role in the balance of authority between the three co-equal branches of government and has served as a backstop against an administration intent on decimating the firearm and ammunition industry. Our industry, and the American public, is deeply grateful for Chairman Jordan’s fierce determination to protect the Second Amendment rights of all Americans and the industry that makes the exercise of those rights possible.”
For more info: nssf.org
C&H Precision Awarded “Large Business Of The Year” By Richmond Hill Chamber Of Commerce
C&H Precision was named “Large Business of the Year” by Georgia’s Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce during the Annual Meetings & Award Banquet on March 25.
“We are very proud to be named ‘Large Business of the Year’ by our local chamber of commerce here in Richmond Hill,” said Buck Holly, owner of C&H Precision. “We work very hard to drive innovation in our industry and uplift our community, and receiving awards like this from our community members pushes us to work even harder.”
More than 600 RHBC Chamber of Commerce members voted to select C&H Precision for achieving success in its business through growth, quality performance, innovation and active participation in its community. C&H is also recognized for being an advocate for their industry and an ambassador for local business owners.
For more info: chpws.com
NSSF’s Protect Liberty PAC Announces Sizable Silencer Central Donation
The NSSF’s Protect Liberty Political Action Committee (Protect Liberty PAC) received a significant contribution from Silencer Central that will be used to help identify and support the election of candidates who are dedicated to preserving and protecting liberty, freedom and the Constitutional rights of all Americans. Silencer Central’s $50,000 commitment will boost Protect Liberty PAC’s efforts ahead of the November 2024 election to ensure voters in key battleground states are informed about which candidates will fight for their Constitutional rights and not carry out a “woke,” progressive, far left political agenda that threatens those rights. Silencer Central’s contribution is the largest single donation to Protect Liberty PAC in its young history.
“We are tremendously grateful for Silencer Central’s generous contribution and faith in Protect Liberty PAC’s mission to elect candidates who will fight for our liberties and freedoms, including the Second Amendment,” said Lawrence G. Keane, Protect Liberty PAC’s treasurer. “Election Day is coming quickly. Support from Silencer Central to this important effort to elect those who will protect our rights and heritage cannot be understated. Silencer Central is showing true leadership for businesses in the firearm, ammunition, hunting, recreational and shooting sports industry that we hope others will consider and support Protect Liberty PAC — their industry’s super PAC.”
Brandon Maddox, founder and CEO of Silencer Central, shared, “Our business is one that makes firearms quieter, but this is an instance where we are loud and proud to support the Protect Liberty PAC. I encourage all who are concerned for the direction of the nation, especially those in the firearm industry, to join us in protecting freedom here in America and around the world on Election Day.”
Protect Liberty PAC is a federally registered “super PAC” founded in 2023 by NSSF. Protect Liberty PAC is an independent-expenditure-only political committee and can accept unlimited personal and corporate contributions from companies in or outside of the industry, so long as they do not have federal contracts. Protect Liberty PAC will expressly advocate for the election or defeat of specific candidates and that advocacy will be completely independent of any candidate or political party.
For more info: protectlibertypac.com
Pulsar Invests In ProStaff Program With Weekend Retreat
Pulsar, innovator of thermal imaging and night vision technology, announced the conclusion of its March 2024 ProStaff Event. More than 25 hunters and marksmen met at the Sellmark Ranch in Fairfield, Texas for a hunting and shooting experience with the latest advancements in rifle optics and thermal technology.
The ProStaff Event provided an exclusive platform for attendees to explore and field-test Pulsar’s newest and most advanced products. Participants had the opportunity to engage in long-range shooting sessions extending up to 1,000 yards, harnessing the power of the Thermion 2 LRF XG50 in tandem with the brand’s renowned ballistic calculator.
ProStaffers transitioned from target shooting to nighttime hunting, capitalizing on the capabilities of Pulsar’s thermal units during a series of feral hog hunts. The event showcased the exceptional performance and reliability of a range of thermal scopes, including the Thermion 2 XL50, XP50 and the Talion XG35.
For more info: pulsarnv.com
SLG2 Inc. Partners With Mantis Tech To Enhance Shooting Skills
SLG2 Inc. announced the addition of Mantis to its lineup of top industry partners. As part of SLG2 Inc.’s goal to empower individuals and foster confidence in new and experienced shooters, this partnership provides top-quality information for all individuals interested in the shooting sports and firearms safety.
“We’re thrilled to join Shoot Like A Girl in supporting the mission to empower new shooters everywhere,” said Austin Allgaier, president of Mantis. “We love their approach, culture and results and can’t wait to grow with them.”
Mantis offers a revolutionary solution for individuals looking to enhance their shooting skills. Compatible with any pistol, rifle or shotgun, Mantis analyzes every shot and generates actionable data that can be used to improve performance. By attaching the device and connecting it to a smartphone, users can receive app-guided feedback, enabling them to refine their technique and achieve greater precision.
“By providing access to cutting-edge technology like Mantis, we are equipping communities with the tools they need to excel in their shooting endeavors,” said Karen Butler, founder and president of SLG2, Inc. “Mantis Tech aligns perfectly with our mission to empower individuals and promote firearms safety.”
SLG2 Inc. will bring Mantis’ state-of-the-art technology to its guests at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations across the country.
For more info: shootlikeagirl.com, mantisx.com
