ICYMI: Industry News
From Feb. 24–28, 2025

Colt & Clay Mathews III Score Big For NSSF’s Project ChildSafe With “Safety Impact Award”

Colt’s Manufacturing’s innovative “Safety Impact Award” campaign, in which fans voted for football legends and their chosen safety non-profit organizations, scored big for NSSF’s Project ChildSafe, which received the top donation of $15,000 when football great Clay Matthews III tallied the most votes.

Matthews, who enjoys hunting and target shooting, chose Project ChildSafe as his safety charity for the campaign. Project ChildSafe is the long-running firearm safety education program of NSSF that has distributed more than 41 million gun locks and is active in every state in the country.

“We’re thrilled with the outcome of this campaign, and we’re grateful to Colt for highlighting firearm safety in this creative way — and to Clay Matthews for selecting NSSF’s Project ChildSafe as his charity,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF president and CEO.

Colt’s Manufacturing President Josh Dorsey stated, “At Colt, safety is at the core of everything we do. We believe in supporting organizations working tirelessly to educate and empower our communities. The Safety Impact Award is our way of acknowledging their dedication and providing resources to expand their impact.”

The former football stars and their associated charities participating in the Safety Impact Award campaign were Clay Matthews III with Project ChildSafe; Adam Vinatieri with Clays for Charity, his firearm safety fundraising event; Joe Thomas with Ducks Unlimited, the association for hunter-conservationists; and Fletcher Cox with the International Hunter Education Association, which supports hunting and shooting sports educators by developing standards and resources that promote safe, ethical practices.

Colt made a $5,000 donation to each safety organization involved. Enthusiastic fans then propelled Clay Mathews and Project ChildSafe to the $10,000 first-place prize, providing a total of $15,000 in support to the Project ChildSafe Foundation.

For more info: nssf.org, projectchildsafe.org

Henry Launches Spirit Of The Corps Tribute Edition Rifle

Henry Repeating Arms announced the launch of the Spirit of the Corps Tribute Edition Rifle, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps and the men and women who have joined its ranks. Built on Henry’s award-winning Golden Boy platform, this highly embellished collectible lever-action .22 rifle honors the history, valor and unwavering commitment of the Marines from their founding in 1775 to the present day.

A portion of the proceeds from each rifle sold will be donated to Semper Fi & America’s Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to critically wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans and military families. Henry Repeating Arms is also making an additional $25,000 donation in honor of the anniversary and in memory of the fallen Marines who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country.

“For 250 years, the United States Marine Corps has stood as an unwavering symbol of bravery, sacrifice for the greater good and selfless dedication to our country. We owe an unpayable debt to those who have worn the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, and this rifle is our way of saying ‘thank you,’” said Anthony Imperato, founder and CEO of Henry Repeating Arms.

The tribute rifle is chambered for .22 Short, Long or LR and features engraving depicting vignettes from the modern era of the Marine Corps, 24k gold plating, polished nickel plating, an American walnut buttstock and more.

For more info: henryusa.com

Hyatt Farms Shooting Complex Awarded NSSF’s Five-Star Range Rating

NSSF awarded Hyatt Farms Shooting Complex located in Polkton, N.C., its coveted Five-Star rating for range excellence. Five stars is the highest rating in NSSF’s star-rating system, which evaluates shooting facilities based on appearance, management, shooting sports development and amenities.

“Hyatt Farms is a most worthy recipient of NSSF’s five-star rating designation,” said Zach Snow, NSSF director, member development. “As you would expect from a five-star-rated range, Hyatt Farms Shooting Complex offers a full menu of services for customers with diverse shooting interests, including first-timers and novices to target shooting. Hyatt Farms is an impressive facility with a friendly, welcoming staff.”

Hyatt Farms’ 600-yard rifle range is the longest in the Charlotte area, and its 50-yard sight-in range is the place to dial in a rifle and carbine accuracy. The tactical shooting bay offers steel and paper targets for pistol, rifle and shotgun. There is also a new 100-yard range for law enforcement and competition use.

The facility boasts two 14-station sporting clays ranges, plus a covered five-stand facility. A popular new event for shotgun shooters is Friday Night Lights — a fun night shooting experience throwing glowing clay targets lit by black lights.

The complex offers the largest number of training classes, including training for North Carolina concealed carry. All education sessions make use of comfortable indoor classrooms as well as the ranges.

Hyatt Farms has a fully stocked retail shop that provides gunsmithing services, a clubhouse featuring The Clubhouse Grille and offers annual memberships, plans for sporting clays or rifle/pistol only and daily passes for the general public.

For more info: nssf.org, hyattshootingcomplex.com

WATCHTOWER Firearms To Provide Lafayette PD With Type15M Rifles

WATCHTOWER Firearms entered a partnership with the Lafayette, La. Police Dept. to supply 118 WATCHTOWER Type15M rifles, specifically designed for reliability and performance in high-pressure situations. Equipped with advanced optics and weapon lights, these firearms empower officers to respond more efficiently during critical situations.

“As a veteran-owned company, we take great pride in equipping those who serve with the highest-quality firearms available,” said Jason Colosky, WATCHTOWER CEO. “The Type 15M is designed to enhance officer confidence, effectiveness and safety in the field, and we look forward to expanding our partnerships with law enforcement agencies nationwide.”

For more info: watchtowerfirearms.com

Savage Arms Continues Support Of Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors

Savage Arms is continuing its support of Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors. Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors has been working to expand opportunities for young hunters to experience safe, mentored hunts. The organization’s efforts help preserve and grow America’s outdoor heritage.

Through its partnership, Savage provides vital support and resources to help more youth experience hunting firsthand. Savage provides firearms, equipment, personnel and dollars to help ensure safe and successful experiences afield for young hunters.

“Getting kids in the outdoors is essential to the future of our pastime and our conservation efforts,” said Beth Shimanski, Savage Arms’ director of marketing and Pass It On board member. “As a company, Savage is committed to preserving the hunting heritage by fostering new opportunities for the next generation. Personally, it has been rewarding and inspiring to be directly involved. We’re excited for more hunts and hunting experiences done the right way for young hunters.”

In addition to putting more kids in the field, Savage’s support will also allow Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors to recruit and train more mentors. Bridging the gap between young outdoor enthusiasts and the experience that will shape the future of hunting and conservation is another challenge Savage’s support allows Pass it On – Outdoor Mentors to address.

For more info: savagearms.com, outdoormentors.org