ICYMI: Industry News
From July 8–12, 2024
SilencerCo Acquires Zev Technologies
SilencerCo announced its pending acquisition of certain business operations of Zev Technologies, a firearm and firearm parts manufacturer. The transaction is expected to close during the second half of July. SilencerCo plans to bring renewed focus to the Zev Technologies brand as Zev shifts away from its OEM operations while maintaining its headquarters in Centralia, Wash.
Zev Technologies has created many influential products throughout the years. They pioneered the GLOCK customization trend with their popular slides, triggers, barrels and more. Zev also created the OZ9 Pistol with a unique internal design to give shooters more balance and control. Currently, Zev and Magpul are working to create the Folding Defensive Pistol (FDP-9) and the Folding Defensive Carbine (FDC-9).
“We are very happy to align ourselves with such an innovative company as Zev Technologies,” said Jonathon Shults, SilencerCo CEO. “We look forward to the launch of the FDP-9/FDC-9 in conjunction with Magpul and anticipate that product launch taking place later this year.”
Moving forward, SilencerCo will be hyper-focused on furthering Zev’s brand. SilencerCo will be bringing additional resources for Zev-specific product launches and innovation. With this direction, SilencerCo is confident that Zev will have more opportunities to flourish as a brand.
“Our team is excited for the future of Zev under this new acquisition,” said Taylor Goode, Zev Technologies president. “We look forward to working closely with SilencerCo to enhance both of our brands and product lines.”
For more info: silencerco.com, zevtechnologies.com
Cimarron Firearms Celebrates 40 Years
Cimarron Firearms, a premier name in authentic Old West firearm replicas, is proudly celebrating 40 years of trailblazing innovation without compromise in 2024. Founded by Mike and Mary Lou Harvey in 1984, the company has become a cornerstone of the firearms community, known for its meticulous attention to historical detail, high-quality craftsmanship and multiple innovative patents and firearms.
In 1979, the Harveys opened a retail store in Houston, Texas, to support Mike’s growing collection and a burgeoning customer base. Recognizing the demand for modern-made replicas of historic firearms, Harvey partnered with renowned Italian gunmakers such as Uberti and Pietta. Together, they produced authentically crafted Old West firearms, meticulously replicating even the obsolete stamping fonts of the era.
“The test of any company in its ability to last 40 years and still go strong is a mix of making a superior product above the competition and being an innovator. That’s what Cimarron has been doing since it first opened its doors in 1984,” explained Bryce Wayt, VP of media and operations. “If it wasn’t for Mike helping the Italian gunmakers understand what the real historic firearms looked, felt and shot like, the American public wouldn’t have the authentic replicas we do today. The original Italian-made replicas were only slightly similar to real Old West firearms; they were much larger, heavier, and without any accuracy in finishes, markings, and working parts. Cimarron changed all that, and that is why in almost all the Western movies being made today, they carry Cimarron firearms.”
As Cimarron Firearms celebrates its 40th anniversary, it continues to honor the legacy of the Old West with every meticulously crafted firearm. The company looks forward to many more years of bringing history to life for enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
For more info: cimarron-firearms.com
Remington Announces 3rd Annual Shoot To Cure Fundraiser
Remington Ammunition will host its third annual Shoot to Cure sporting clays fundraiser on September 20, 2024. This exciting event brings together the outdoor industry, local Arkansas businesses and professional shooters from Team Remington to support the Arkansas Children’s Foundation as well as children’s hospitals and disease research nationwide.
Showcasing Remington’s Gun Club Cure line of target shotshell ammunition, last year’s event was an overwhelming success, with participants and sponsors raising over $15,000.
Remington Director of Marketing Joel Hodgdon expressed, “We are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children in our local community and beyond. We hope to see plenty of shooters of all skill levels join us again at this year’s event for a chance to win great prizes and bragging rights and ultimately raise even more support for a great cause.”
Remington receives support from sponsors around the industry and would like to thank the sponsors of the 2023 event including Nighthawk Custom, Starline Brass, Benelli, Hornady, Fort Thompson Sporting Goods and Rob Roberts Custom Gun Works.
Hosted at Remington’s historic Gun Club just steps from Big Green’s ammunition factory, the club features facilities for trap, skeet, sporting clays and five-stand.
Those interested in participating or sponsoring Shoot to Cure can email kris.carson@remington.com.
For more info: remington.com
NSSF Promotes “Don’t Lie For The Other Guy” Program In Tucson Area
As part of the firearm industry’s ongoing national effort to help prevent illegal “straw” purchases of firearms, NSSF has purchased billboard, radio and streaming radio service and online digital advertisements for the “Don’t Lie for the Other Guy” program in key locations throughout the Tucson area with the message: “Buy a gun for someone who can’t and buy yourself 15 years in jail. Whatever you do … Don’t Lie for the Other Guy.” The one-month campaign is now underway and will run through early August.
“Don’t Lie” is a cooperative program between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Department of Justice (DOJ) and NSSF. The effort was developed nearly 25 years ago to raise public awareness about the seriousness of the crime of purchasing a firearm for someone who cannot legally do so.
The Tucson-area “Don’t Lie” campaign will total more than 55.6 million gross media impressions. In this market, Don’t Lie messaging will run on 24 high-impact billboards and posters, as well as over 100 transit shelters. There are also more than 1,250 radio spots playing on four major FM stations and more than 333,000 targeted impressions running on streaming audio platforms. On social media, “Don’t Lie” advertisements will run across Facebook and Instagram, in addition to geofenced mobile display ads, generating more than 3.75 million impressions.
Tucson was chosen for this special campaign at the request of ATF. The campaign is funded entirely by the firearm industry and is now also complemented by federal funding allocated to ATF by Congress.
For more info: dontlie.org
WarBird & USCCA Become Partners In Protection
USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association) and WarBird have joined forces to revolutionize training and protection for responsible gun owners. With USCCA’s renowned expertise in education and community support, combined with WarBird Pro’s cutting-edge technology and innovation in personal protection, this partnership aims to empower individuals with comprehensive tools and knowledge. Together, they strive to enhance safety, proficiency and confidence among firearm enthusiasts nationwide.
“WarBird is excited and honored to partner with USCCA,” said Matt Davis, founder and CEO of WarBird. “USCCA has shown extreme dedication to protection and training over the years, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to officially partner with their great organization.”
For more info: usconcealedcarry.com, warbirdpro.com
Winchester Continues Support Of NSSF First Shots Program
Winchester has donated more than 120,000 rounds of rimfire ammunition to the NSSF’s First Shots program, a commitment to the mission of introducing more people to the shooting sports.
“This is an extraordinary show of support by Winchester for NSSF’s First Shots program,” said Zach Snow, NSSF director, member development. “Through its ammunition donations, Winchester has made it possible for thousands of first-time and novice target shooters to receive an introduction to target shooting and learning how to handle and shoot firearms safely.”
NSSF’s First Shots is an introductory and refresher program made available through host target-shooting ranges across the country. By providing educational experiences that are safe, fun and memorable, host ranges are having great success in attracting first timers, further engaging new gun owners and in reactivating lapsed participants. Surveys show that more than 43% of First Shots participants are converted to target-shooting enthusiasts who individually spend on average more than $600 annually on their shooting sports endeavors.
For more info: nssf.org, winchester.com
