ICYMI: Industry News
From Feb. 26–Mar. 1, 2024
NSSF, SIG SAUER, AFWA & USFWS United In “Partner with a Payer” Video
NSSF, in partnership with the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, SIG SAUER and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), has released another film in the “Partner with a Payer” series — a collection of videos highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation and management.
“Industry Investing in Conservation,” focuses on the partnership between manufacturers and fish and wildlife agencies, showcasing their efforts to continue providing healthy habitats and fish and wildlife populations for the public to enjoy throughout the U.S.
During a recent tour of the SIG SAUER facility in Newington, N.H., fish and wildlife agencies from all over the northeastern U.S. came together to see firsthand what it takes to generate the funds supporting their efforts in the field. Funds are produced from companies like SIG, that pay a manufacturer’s excise tax for conservation, established by the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (also known as the Pittman-Robertson Act). Since its implementation, these excise taxes have contributed and distributed more than $16.4 billion (over $25 billion when adjusted for inflation) to individual states, so they can fund important wildlife conservation, hunter-education programs, target shooting and public target range development programs.
Visiting the SIG SAUER facility allowed stakeholders within the American System of Conservation funding model to talk about each organization’s role and how it contributes to the success of the system — emphasizing how critical every partner is to the continuation of wildlife conservation and management efforts for the future.
“At SIG SAUER, we believe it’s not just our job to make products. It has been an honor to provide significant funding to enable these types of initiatives for hunters, for wildlife conservation and all the things the Pittman-Robertson Act supports,” said Tom Taylor, SIG SAUER CMO and EVP, commercial sales.
The tour of SIG SAUER’s manufacturing facility and the SIG SAUER Academy gave the group attending a unique opportunity to unite with their peers in the fish and wildlife agencies, experience professional development and exchange ideas and critical information regarding managing and protecting fish and wildlife resources.
This project was funded by the Multistate Conservation Grant Program. The latest video and others in the series were produced by Shine United LLC/Kingdom Filmworks.
For more info: nssf.org, sigsauer.com
SDS Imports, Agency Arms Announce Strategic Partnership
SDS Imports announced a strategic partnership with Agency Arms of Boise, Idaho.
Agency will be manufacturing their custom M4 and M2 shotguns using Military Armament Corp (MAC) 1014 and MAC 2 products.
Additionally, MAC will be producing Agency’s first factory custom, delivering the Agency Tradesman line of shotguns built on the same MAC platforms, but with the custom features Agency is renowned for already incorporated into the gun during production.
SDS will also promote and distribute the full line of Agency products through its sales and distribution network.
“We’ve been working with Agency on this project for almost a year, in which time they have performed exhaustive testing of the MAC product to ensure that it met their exacting standards and even exceeded the quality of the progenitors of these respective platforms,” said SDS CEO Tim Mulverhill. “Utilizing our sales network ensures that these products will reach the discerning shooter that seeks the cutting edge of firearm performance.”
“The Tradesman presents an opportunity where customers no longer need to pay an exorbitant amount for a base model gun only to send it to us and wait a year for the custom work with the custom bill. [They] can get this outstanding value right at the dealer, same day,” added Pete Leach, Agency Arms VP of business development.
For more info: sdsimports.com
SK Gives Back Joins Forces with MidwayUSA Foundation
SK Guns entered into a partnership with the MidwayUSA Foundation through the SK Gives Back initiative. This collaboration aims to support youth shooting sports programs across the country and empower the next generation of shooters.
“The MidwayUSA Foundation works tirelessly to provide long-term funding to underfunded youth shooting teams, but we can’t do it alone,” said John Linquist, relationship manager, MidwayUSA Foundation. “So, when industry icons like SK Guns step up to help ensure America’s youth have the funding and support needed to pursue their passion, we can’t thank them enough.”
The MidwayUSA Foundation is a non-profit public charity focused on the sustenance and growth of youth shooting sports. Through its grant programs, the foundation has already assisted thousands of youth shooting teams in acquiring equipment, ammunition and range time. By joining forces, SK Gives Back and the MidwayUSA Foundation will work together to ensure young athletes have the necessary resources to excel in their shooting endeavors.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the MidwayUSA Foundation through our SK Gives Back Initiative,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns. “This group is one of the most effective organizations at funding and promoting youth shooting sports, and with its current Matching Program in 2024 that matches donations to youth shooting sports teams one-to-one, it is easier than ever for communities to fund local shooting teams.”
SK Gives Back was created in 2020, aiming to give back to those in need locally and nationally by donating firearms and donating financially to organizations committed to enhancing personal growth and development opportunities. Since its inception, the program has made a significant impact by raising $750,000 through its various initiatives. SK Gives Back currently supports six philanthropic organizations that support shooting sports, youth safety, gun safety education and conservation efforts.
For more info: skguns.com, midwayusafoundation.org
SAAMI Welcomes FN America To Organization
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute Inc. (SAAMI) announced FN America LLC, has joined SAAMI as an Associate Member. FN America is a manufacturer of firearms and is headquartered in McLean, Va.
“We are pleased to welcome FN America as an Associate member,” said Joe Bartozzi, SAAMI president and CEO. “In joining SAAMI, they become part of the premier U.S. organization for the establishment and publication of standards for the safety, reliability and interchangeability of sporting arms and ammunition.”
As an Associate Member, FN America will have representation and voting privileges on committees and will have the ability to introduce new cartridges for SAAMI standardization.
They also will have full access to SAAMI firearms and ammunition technical standards, as well as the reference ammunition program assessments. This status also lets FN America’s customers know they support the work SAAMI does for the entirety of the industry and the safety of participants of the shooting sports.
For more info: saami.org
Smith & Wesson Partners With GunBroker To Auction Commemorative Model 1854 Set
Smith & Wesson Brands Inc., in partnership with Gunbroker.com, will host an online auction of a limited edition set with an engraved Model 1854 rifle and a matching numbered Model 29 revolver.
With just 100 units being produced, the pair of .44 Magnums is extremely rare and boasts striking engraving with 22-karat gold inlay done by Baron Engraving. The limited edition set features a PVD gloss black finish, complemented by high-grade walnut furniture. Included with the beautifully designed display case is a letter of authenticity from Smith & Wesson President and CEO, Mark Smith, offering documentation on the set’s origin and limited status. Serial number 001 of 100 will be available for auction on GunBroker.com starting February 27th and ending March 10th.
Proceeds from the auction will be donated to conservation organizations Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and Safari Club International (SCI) in support of their initiatives and wildlife conservation advocacy.
Established in 1984, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is a nonprofit that has become a leading force in global wildlife conservation committed to preserving elk, wildlife, their habitats and hunting heritage. Safari Club International, since its inception in 1972, has evolved into a prominent global organization defending the freedom to hunt, hunters’ rights, wildlife conservation and outdoor education.
For more info: gunbroker.com, smith-wesson.com
