ICYMI: Industry News
From Feb. 10–14, 2025
Zanders Receives Distributor Awards
Zanders announced it was recently honored with the Distributor of the Year award from Pard. Accepting the award was Zanders’ Buyer, Josh Roetemeyer.
“Our thermal optics category is quickly becoming one of our largest and most successful offerings at Zanders, and Pard has been a fantastic addition. The quality and level of warranty on the products is second to none. We look forward to our continued partnership over the years to come,” said Roetemeyer.
Additionally, Darell Seibold was named the Savage Arms Distributor Buyer of the Year.
With over 30 years of dedicated experience, Seibold has played a pivotal role at Zanders, contributing his expertise across multiple positions and making a lasting impact on the company’s growth and success. His keen industry insight, strong relationships with vendors, and unwavering commitment to excellence have earned him this distinguished recognition from Savage Arms.
“Savage Arms has been a key partner for Zanders for many years now. Like Savage, we strive to do things the right way, treating our partners fairly and with respect. I am incredibly appreciative and humbled by this acknowledgment,” said Seibold.
For more info: gzanders.com
Savage Arms’ Campaign Celebrates A Legacy Of Craftsmanship
Savage Arms continues to honor its heritage while embracing the future of firearms with a new campaign, Not Your Grandpa’s Savage.
Savage is not just about tradition; it’s about progress. The company is committed to pushing the envelope in firearm design and technology, ensuring everyone can experience the thrill of precision shooting. As the landscape of hunting and shooting sports evolves, Savage remains at the forefront, ready to meet the challenges of the modern era.
“Savage is extremely proud of its long-standing place in the American firearms tradition,” said Beth Shimanski, director of marketing at Savage Arms. “That heritage and tradition continue to evolve every day as our engineers work tirelessly to create new designs that reshape the world of firearms. This new campaign will challenge the consumers in our industry and their perceptions of our brand. Think you know Savage? Think again.”
To learn more about the new era of Savage, watch “Not Your Grandpa’s Savage” on the company’s YouTube channel.
For more info: savagearms.com
Olin Winchester Breaks Ground On 6.8mm Ammunition Facility
Olin Corporation announced that its Winchester division, in collaboration with the U.S. Army’s Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition (JPEO A&A) and Joint Munitions Command (JMC), celebrated the groundbreaking of the new 6.8mm Ammunition Facility at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP). This facility is part of the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) Program and represents a significant step in the Army’s modernization efforts.
Ken Lane, Olin president and CEO, noted during his remarks at the event, “Olin Winchester has a rich history in ammunition manufacturing excellence and support of the U.S. military. We are proud to build on this American legacy through this opportunity to partner with the U.S. Army to construct this transformational facility and bring new capabilities to the Warfighter.”
The ceremony featured remarks from Ken Lane, Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments and Ammunition, and Brett Flaugher, president of Winchester. Liz Miranda, U.S. Army Material Command’s (AMC) Executive Deputy to the Commanding General, Brigadier General Ronnie Anderson, Commander of the Joint Munitions Command (JMC), staff from Congressman Sam Graves and Senator Eric Schmitt’s office and other federal, state and local representatives were among the more than 100 special guests in attendance.
The 450,000-sq. ft. advanced ammunition production facility will be capable of manufacturing all components of 6.8mm ammunition as well as finished rounds for the U.S. military, reinforcing the iconic legacy of LCAAP and its vital role in national defense.
For more info: winchester.com
Weaver Mounts Launches New Website
Weaver Mounts launched its brand-new website, WeaverMounts.com. The new online platform provides customers and consumers with comprehensive product information and direct access to the full Weaver product lineup.
Designed with user experience in mind, WeaverMounts.com offers an easy-to-navigate interface where hunters, competitive shooters and firearm enthusiasts can browse and purchase Weaver’s renowned mounting systems directly. The site will also serve as a hub for technical support, product specifications and company updates.
“With the launch of Weaver Mounts from RCBS, it was essential for us to create a website that allows shooters to easily access our company’s iconic rings, mounts and bases,” said VP of Marketing Aaron Oelger.
Weaver Mounts, now exclusively licensed by RCBS, has been a leader in optics mounting solutions for over 90 years. The new website reinforces Weaver’s commitment to providing high-quality, precision-engineered products while enhancing the customer experience.
For more info: weavermounts.com
Barrett Firearms Secures MRAD Contract With Colombian National Army
Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. was awarded its largest international military contract for the acquisition of the MRAD (Multi-Role Adaptive Design) sniper rifle and AM338 suppressors for the Colombian national army. Deliveries of the systems are scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025.
The contract includes MRAD rifles chambered in 7.62x51mm and .338 Lapua Magnum, paired with the AM338 suppressor and Leupold Mark 5HD optics. This adoption marks a pivotal step in the Colombian military’s efforts to standardize its precision rifle systems with a modular, multi-caliber, modern solution. Barrett’s MRAD rifles were selected following their proven success in special forces and army deployments worldwide, having earned a reputation for unparalleled performance and adaptability.
“We are deeply honored to have secured this new contract with our professional customers in Colombia,” said Cooper Thompson, Barrett director of international sales. “This collaboration is a monumental moment for us, as this contract sets our record for the largest single acquisition of MRAD systems from any international military end user to date. We look forward to reinforcing our already successful relationship with the Colombian military, and we anticipate overwhelming success and growth together.”
The adoption of the MRAD platform will enhance the Colombian national army’s capabilities, providing state-of-the-art precision and modularity to meet the demands of modern military operations.
For more info: barrett.net
Federal's Fast Savings Rebate Program Going Strong
Federal Ammunition’s Fast Savings promotion for winter and springtime waterfowl hunters is underway and will run until March 10, 2025.
“With this great promotion, waterfowl hunters can keep filling game bags while also putting a few bucks back in their pocket,” said Federal Senior Manager of Trade Marketing Bart Biedinger. “This program started in early January but goes throughout March, so it’s not too late to participate in these cost-saving promotions for any upcoming snow goose hunt.”
Details of the Federal Fast Savings Rebate include buying at least two boxes of Federal Speed-Shok, Speed-Shok Snow Goose or Speed-Shok Sea Duck shotshell ammunition to get a $5 per box rebate. The offer includes Federal Hi-Power shotshell ammunition. 100-count bulk pack is equal to four standard boxes. A minimum purchase of two boxes or one 100-count bulk pack is required. The maximum rebate is $200 per person or household. Valid for purchases made January 9 through March 10, 2025. The deadline for online submission is March 31, 2025.
For more info: federalpremium.com/this-is-federal/rebates-and-promotions.html
