ICYMI: Industry News
From Feb. 3–7, 2025

Streamlight ProTac HL-X Selected By FBI

Streamlight Inc. announced its distribution partner, Tactical Express (a provider of gear for federal law enforcement agencies) was selected by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to supply the Streamlight ProTac HL-X tactical light to its agents as part of a five-year contract. Delivering up to 1,000 lumens, the light features multi-fuel capability with USB rechargeable or disposable battery options.

Under the terms of the five-year Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), the tactical light was chosen as the new agent-issued tactical handheld light for students of the Firearms Training Unit, Training Division of the FBI Academy and is also available for purchase across all other FBI divisions. Tactical Express began deliveries of the light to the FBI in November 2024.

“Streamlight and Tactical Express are very pleased to have been selected for this contract and partnership with the FBI,” said Matthew J. Baker, director of Streamlight’s Military/Federal/Government sales division. “Having already shipped thousands of these high-performance lights to U.S. military police and security forces through commercial buys and using National Stock Number 6230-01626-6796 awards, we’re proud to now also provide the ProTac HL-X to new FBI agents and other personnel using this BPA.”

For more info: streamlight.com

Smith & Wesson Recognizes 2024 Ambassador Dealers

Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. has named 10 of its distinguished retailers nationwide as Ambassador Dealers for their exemplary performance in 2024. The Smith & Wesson Ambassador Dealer program honors retailers who are dedicated advocates for the Smith & Wesson brand and who consistently contribute to the success of its product offerings.

“We sincerely value the partnership we share with our Ambassador Dealers. They consistently exemplify the core values that are fundamental to Smith & Wesson, including integrity, exceptional customer service, and a commitment to quality,” said Sue Cupero, S&W VP of sales. “Their unwavering support of our brand in their retail environments aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver unparalleled products and experiences to our customers.”

To be selected as a Smith & Wesson Ambassador Dealer, retailers are required to meet specific criteria of outstanding sales performance, retailer product training, and more. In recognition of these Ambassador Dealers, each was presented with an awards package and is now recognized as an Ambassador Dealer on Smith & Wesson’s Dealer Locator. New Ambassador Dealer retailers are selected annually.

These stores were recognized as 2024 S&W Ambassador Dealers:

Duncan Gun Shop (Wilkesboro, N.C.)

Vance Outdoors (Lebanon, Ohio)

Maine Military Supply (Holden, Maine)

Turner’s Outdoorsman (Ontario, Calif.)

Eagle Sports Range (Oak Forest, Ill.)

Tombstone Tactical (Phoenix)

The Outpost Armory (Franklin, Tenn.)

Florida Gun Exchange (Ormond Beach, Fla.)

Al’s Sporting Goods (Logan, Utah)

Top Guns (Terre Haute, Ind.)

For more info: smith-wesson.com

Yankee Hill Machine Contributes $100K To American Suppressor Association

The American Suppressor Association (ASA) is proud to announce that Yankee Hill Machine (YHM) renewed its Tier 1 sponsorship for 2025, doubling the company’s contribution from the previous year and bringing total support for the ASA to over $100,000. The total includes their doubled sponsorship contribution, additional project funding and the implementation of a round-up initiative on its website. YHM’s continued commitment underscores its unwavering dedication to advancing suppressor rights and education nationwide.

“At Yankee Hill Machine, supporting the ASA’s mission is more than a partnership, it’s a responsibility we take seriously,” said Chris Graham, president and owner of YHM. “The ASA’s work has been instrumental in expanding suppressor ownership and use across the United States. Their efforts have paved the way for progress in legislative battles, regulatory improvements and public awareness. We’re honored to contribute to these advancements and look forward to the day when suppressors are legal in all 50 states.”

For more info: amsuppressor.com, yhm.net

RSR Group’s E-Vault Featuring GLOCK

RSR Group’s 2025 E-Vault Virtual Show featuring GLOCK starts Tuesday, February 11th at 11 a.m. ET, and concludes on Friday, February 14th, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Taking place entirely on the RSR Group website, the 2025 GLOCK E-Vault will feature 24-hour access to exclusive, limited-time promotions on GLOCK products. Dealers who log in to visit virtual booths will benefit from specials, new product announcements, exciting daily prize giveaways and extended terms for qualified accounts.

For more info: rsrgroup.com

Cultural Acceptance Of Hunting Webinar Hosted By OSCF

A troubling trend has emerged in which the general population’s approval of hunting and target shooting has been declining at an alarming rate over the past few years. A key reason for this is that the media’s heavy focus on the topic of gun violence has influenced millions of Americans to feel that any activity involving a firearm is bad.

The drop in cultural acceptance of activities like hunting, fishing and target shooting among the general population was first quantified and reported by the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) in May 2023. Since then, OSCF has invested heavily in promoting positive contributions made to society by the firearms industry, hunters, trappers and target shooters to help reverse this trend.

OSCF research conducted and released in 2023 identified that more than 10 million voting-aged Americans no longer support the activities of hunting and target shooting as they once did.

In an effort to learn more about this troubling shift, Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation worked with research firm Responsive Management in 2024 to administer a comprehensive nationwide study to better determine why cultural acceptance for these activities was declining.

The results, along with recommended actions, from this important research will be presented on Tuesday, February 11th, 2025, from 2–3 p.m. Eastern.

Registration for this complimentary webinar can be found here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gn0-VAM-SeO6yr-68S1GOA#/registration

For more info: outdoorstewards.org

Springfield Armory Announces Gear Up Promotion

Beginning February 1, customers who purchase any new Springfield Armory Echelon, Hellcat or Hellcat Pro 9mm pistol will qualify to receive a “Gear Up” package featuring a Crimson Trace CT-1500 red dot optic, three extra magazines (for a total of five with the pistol) and a high-quality Springfield Armory range bag. This entire package totals up to $320 in added value.

Additionally, customers who purchase any new Springfield Armory SAINT rifle or Hellion bullpup will qualify to receive a “Gear Up” package worth up to $250. This package includes a free red dot optic, an extra magazine and a single-point sling.

The Gear Up program runs from February 1, 2025, through April 30, 2025. Eligible buyers must simply show proof of purchase and fill out the redemption form online to redeem their Gear Up package. Promo items are subject to change based on availability. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other Springfield Armory promotion.

For more info: springfield-armory.com

CMP To Present Over $325,000 In Scholarships In 2025

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) will award over $325,000 for the 2025–2026 school year through its annual Scholarship Program.

Each year, high school student-athletes involved in marksmanship programs are encouraged to apply for CMP Scholarships — a program that lends economic support to young marksmen and women who have shown dedication on and off the firing line.

One-time CMP Shooting Sports Scholarship amounts of $1,000, $3,000 and $5,000 will be awarded, along with select four-year recurring $5,000 scholarships ($20,000 per awardee). These scholarships may be used to pursue post-secondary or vocational programs, community colleges or university educations as well as trade schools to cover a variety of interests.

Generously, the Garand Collectors Association has presented four additional $5,000 John C. Garand Scholarships, while the family of Michael Thomas Randall has contributed three $5,000 scholarships. The Talladega Superspeedway has also provided a sum of $5,000 toward the CMP Scholarship Program.

Since 2005, the CMP Scholarship Program has presented scholarships to high school seniors based on merit, humanitarian efforts, extracurricular activities and marksmanship participation. Over the years, the CMP has added $3,000 and $5,000 scholarships as well as four $20,000 scholarships awarded to the top applicants. These scholarships honor past notable CMP Board members Judith Legerski, Jon Bengston, Harry Sieben and the late Dr. Carolyn Hines, who were all devoted to sustaining youth activities.

Along with scholarships for marksmanship athletes, CMP Community Scholarships will also be presented to students located near CMP’s facilities in Anniston and Talladega, Ala., as well as Port Clinton and Oak Harbor, Ohio. For these local scholarships, no marksmanship experience is required.

For more info: thecmp.org/youth/cmp-scholarship-program

SAAMI Welcomes 10 New Companies

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute Inc. (SAAMI) announced the following companies have joined the organization: Q LLC, Bachstein Consulting LLC, Christensen Arms, Daniel Defense, Dynamic Research Technologies LLC, HSM, Just Cause Solutions LLC, Liberty Ammunition, General Inspection LLC and Oehler Research Inc.

“We are very pleased to have had so many great companies join the SAAMI family over the last few months,” said Joe Bartozzi, SAAMI president and CEO. “These companies are taking their place at the forefront of promoting firearm safety by helping to create and apply the standards that ensure the safety, reliability and interchangeability of firearms, ammunition and suppressors.”

For more info: saami.org