ICYMI: Industry News
From Feb. 5–9, 2024

Tisas Partners With CMP To Build 1911 Pistol

Tisas USA, a division of SDS Imports, announced a partnership with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP).

Tisas is the first commercial manufacturer to build a 1911 pistol for CMP. Its M1911 A1 is a museum-grade reproduction of a mid-war M1911A1 as it was issued during the Second World War. It will be available in a CMP version, which will have the CMP logo on it, and sold exclusively through CMP stores.

Features of the Tisas M1911 A1 CMP model chambered in .45 ACP include a 5″ barrel; U.S. property marked; manganese phosphate slide, frame and small parts; reprofiled ejection port; type-E hammer, two seven-round magazines; and two sets of grips including accurate reproduction brown plastic grips and walnut double-diamond checkered grips.

“We are quite honored and very excited to have partnered with the Civilian Marksmanship Program on this project,” stated SDS/Tisas USA CEO Tim Mulverhill. “Being able to take our historically accurate Tisas M1911 A1 and offer it in an exclusive CMP model is a great opportunity for Tisas to show their commitment to helping train and educate United States citizens in the responsible use of firearms.”

“The CMP is pleased to announce our partnership with Tisas USA to provide this extraordinary CMP-branded, museum-grade replica of the M1911A1 to our many customers and competitors,” said CEO, Jerry O’Keefe. “This pistol will make a great companion piece to the surplus M1911A1 pistols sold by the CMP or just a great pistol on its own to shoot or collect! This is part of CMP’s effort to expand our pistol offerings both in sales and competitions.”

For more info: thecmp.org

Pennsylvania State Police Selects Walther PDP As Official Duty Handgun

Walther Arms Inc., in conjunction with its L.E. and sales partners, Eagle Point Guns and Keystone Manufacturer’s Representatives, announced the Walther PDP as the official duty weapon of the Pennsylvania State Police.

After rigorous testing alongside Walther’s major competitors, the PDP Compact and PDP F-Series were selected due to the capabilities, features and increased proficiency this customized firearm brings to those carrying it. Every handgun will be direct-milled with the Aimpoint ACRO P-2 to ensure each law enforcement officer is confident and comfortable with their duty pistol.

“As one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the country, we are honored to have the Pennsylvania State Police select the Walther PDP as their new duty handgun,” said Rick DeMilt, director of law enforcement and military sales for Walther Arms Inc. “Providing their officers with the PDP’s unmatched versatility and dependability ensures they have the ideal weapon to focus on the situation at hand, when timing and responsiveness are everything.”

For more info: waltherarms.com

Benelli USA Announces Premier Dealer Of The Year

Benelli USA announced Molly’s Place Sporting Goods, located in rural Kennedyville, Md., is its Premier Dealer of the Year award recipient.

Established in 2010, Molly’s Place has transformed from a small-town hunting shop into a dynamic retail destination under the co-ownership of brothers Nick and Chikki Shajwani. Thanks to their leadership, perseverance, forward-thinking and dedicated employees, Molly’s Place has seen significant growth, attracting customers from all over the country to its sporting goods complex, which includes a restaurant and a convenience store. Throughout its growth, the company has maintained its family-owned and operated style of business and kept personal customer service at the core of its operations.

Additionally, the Shajwani brothers established an omnichannel e-commerce operation, expanding their retail footprint.

“We deeply value the direct relationship we have with our entire dealer network. The Benelli USA Premier Dealer program is an elite group of dealers who have agreed to elevate that partnership to a level above and beyond the norm. Molly’s Place is a prime example of that commitment, and we’re pleased to present them with this well-deserved honor as our Benelli USA Premier Dealer of the Year,” said Lee Colquitt, VP of sales for Benelli USA.

The Benelli USA Premier Dealer Program pairs the most respected shooting sports retailers in the U.S. with experiential retail floor presentations highlighting the Benelli, Franchi and Stoeger brands. This creative execution focuses on a dynamic branded display of firearms in a merchandising format that is high-tech, efficient and visually stands out to educate and inspire consumers.

In addition to the enhanced merchandising experience, the program offers participating dealers additional benefits, including product fulfillment, featured exposure on BenelliUSA.com, consumer events and more. The Benelli USA Premier Dealer Program also combines in-store merchandising with digital and social media in an omnichannel approach to build brand and product awareness through Benelli’s top customers.

Benelli USA is looking to expand dealer participation in its Premier Dealer Program with select partners throughout 2024.

For more info: benelliusa.com

Hornady Family Inducted Into Nebraska Business Hall Of Fame

The Hornady family was inducted into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame at the annual NE Chamber Hall of Fame Banquet on February 1, in Lincoln, Neb.

“Building off of our family legacy, we are a family-owned business now in our second and third generation located in Grand Island, Neb., and celebrating our 75th anniversary,” said Steve Hornady. “We are honored to be recognized by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry,” he added.

The NE Chamber is the largest statewide business association, proudly serving as the voice of Nebraska’s business community since 1912. The organization promotes and protects Nebraska’s free enterprise system by ensuring a competitive business climate, economic growth and greater prosperity for all Nebraskans. Each year, nominations for the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame are solicited from the general business community, statewide associations and from academia.

For more info: hornady.com

SAAMI Accepts Two New Cartridges

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute Inc. (SAAMI) announced the acceptance of two new rifle cartridges for SAAMI standardization. SAAMI is the organization at the forefront of promoting firearm safety by creating standards that ensure safety, reliability and interchangeability of firearms, ammunition and components.

The two new rifle cartridges are 22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge (ARC) and 22 Creedmoor (CM).

The 22 ARC was introduced by Hornady Manufacturing Co. with a 75-grain bullet traveling at a velocity of 3,075 fps and a maximum average pressure of 52,000 psi. Also introduced by Hornady, the 22 CM 80-grain bullet travels at a velocity of 3,250 fps and a maximum average pressure of 62,000 psi.

For more info: saami.org