ICYMI: Industry News
From June 3–7, 2024

Streamlight Renews C.O.P.S. Support

Streamlight Inc. announced it has renewed its sponsorship of Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) for the 25th year in a row. The company has supported C.O.P.S. for 40 years, helping to underwrite ongoing programs and activities for survivors of fallen officers.

The company’s 2024 contribution as a C.O.P.S. Guardian Sponsor totaled $146,000, including proceeds from recent sales of its blue-light products bearing the C.O.P.S. logo.

Streamlight supports C.O.P.S. by sponsoring multiple programs and events throughout the year, culminating in this year’s National Police Weekend activities in Washington, D.C. The company was the presenting sponsor at the 40th anniversary Formal Celebration Gala on May 14.

The company also is a sponsor of Law Enforcement United (LEU), which helps to raise money for C.O.P.S. through Streamlight programs like “The Road to Hope” memorial bicycle ride. This year, LEU is celebrating its 15th year of honoring the fallen and survivors.

“As a leading provider of lighting equipment for first responders, we remain steadfast in our commitment to not only provide tools to keep police safe, but also to assist C.O.P.S. in the important work it does for law enforcement. It is our honor to have served this fine organization for all these years,” said Streamlight President and CEO Ray Sharrah.

Streamlight earmarks $1 from the sale of each Blue Nano Light for C.O.P.S. The keychain flashlight boasts a super-bright, white LED and a double-sided fob that features the C.O.P.S. logo on one side and Streamlight’s logo on the other side. Streamlight also donates $2 from the sale of each Blue Siege AA lantern that features one white and two blue LEDs along with the C.O.P.S. logo on its globe.

Today, more than 50 C.O.P.S. chapters nationwide provide resources to some 50,000 survivors, including immediate and extended families and co-workers of officers who have died in the line of duty.

For more info: streamlight.com, concernsofpolicesurvivors.org

OSCF Names ADCNR Partner Of The Year

Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) presented Chuck Sykes, director of ADCNR Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division and Billy Pope, ADCNR marketing and communications director with its State Wildlife Agency Conservation Partner of the Year award.

“Alabama DCNR Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries is firing on all cylinders. They understand the power of partnerships when it comes to recruiting new participants and promoting the positive contributions of HATS (Hunters, Anglers, Trappers and Shooters),” noted Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation’s Board of Directors Vice Chair Jenifer Wisniewski. “The ADCNR has been such a terrific partner that they were the clear choice for this award, and we thank them for all their hard work.”

ADCNR and Outdoor Stewards partnered on several projects. Key among them included a “Connecting with Conservation” event that featured a tour of Anniston, Ala.- based Creedmoor Sports, as well as a newly purchased property that is the sight of a future ADCNR recreational shooting range. A brief video was created from this event that informs and thanks customers for being primary funders of wildlife conservation efforts in the Cotton State. Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyXAIa6oHgQ&t=149s

Additionally, several ADCNR staff participated in a deer hunt for new hunters during the filming of an episode of “N.onT.ypical Outdoorsman TV” that also featured staff from OSCF and the National Deer Association. The television episode highlighted the importance of efforts to recruit the next generation of hunters. The show ran on Pursuit Channel and can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5uW3muNUEY.

“Our staff had a terrific time partnering with the Outdoor Stewards team on these projects,” said Sykes. “ADCNR is dedicated to expanding and improving outdoor recreational opportunities for our customers and we thank OSCF for the opportunity to partner on such important projects.”

Watch for yet another partnership between ADCNR and OSCF this summer with the “Fill A Bag While Filling Your Tag” national conservation engagement program.

For more info: outdoorstewards.org, outdooralabama.com

Southwick Associates’ 2023 Top Purchased Hunting/Shooting Brands Report Available

Southwick Associates has released the “2023 Hunting & Shooting Market Size” report, detailing the size of the more than $22 billion hunting and shooting equipment market in 2023. The overall market value dropped from 2022 estimates, but was still higher than pre-pandemic levels, with firearms and ammunition declining less than anticipated.

“Consumer purchases of firearms and ammunition was stronger than expected in 2023, as dealers continued to work through inventory and re-align product assortments,” said Nancy Bacon, VP of Southwick Associates. “Inflationary pressures continue to affect the consumer, but they appeared to be resilient in 2023 with increases in hunting and shooting accessories that may not have been broadly available in the last couple years. The new market size report will help businesses understand the new market environment and identify opportunities.”

The new “2023 Hunting & Shooting Equipment Retail Market Size” report is available to purchase from Southwick Associates. It includes both retail unit and dollar sales estimates of more than 80 products directly associated with hunting, recreational shooting and personal protection. Breakouts are included for specific product attributes such as action type or caliber/gauge, the primary purpose for consumers’ purchases and more. Only equipment directly associated with hunting, recreational shooting and personal protection are reported. Other items such as travel-related spending, real estate and indirect equipment such as vehicles are not included.

For more info: southwickassociates.com

Follow The Four Initiative Kicks Off At GLOCK

GLOCK is dedicated to promoting responsible firearm ownership and safety practices, and the month of June is dedicated to firearm safety. GLOCK invites gun owners to join the #FollowTheFour movement and commit to firearm safety by taking the pledge at FollowTheFour.com.

More than 37,000 individuals have pledged to uphold the four rules of firearm safety through #FollowTheFour. This year, GLOCK encourages participants to reflect on the importance of firearm safety for the communities and rights of law-abiding citizens everywhere.

“We believe that the first and most important step to being a responsible gun owner is knowing how to handle and store your firearm safely,” said GLOCK VP Josh Dorsey, “and as a firearms manufacturer and a leader in the industry, it is GLOCK’s first and foremost responsibility to teach and promote firearms safety.”

GLOCK provides resources and creative ways to share for those who take the pledge by giving access to a free digital download kit available at FollowTheFour.com.

For more info: glock.com, followthefour.com

CMP Names $20,000 Scholarship Recipients For 2024–2025

Since 2005, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has annually offered $1,000, one-year scholarships to current high school seniors based on academic merit, humanitarian efforts, extracurricular activities and marksmanship participation. Continuing this tradition, the CMP presented four, $5,000 annual scholarships ($20,000 over four years) to the top four applicants, as determined by members of the CMP Scholarship Committee.

The scholarships commemorate the retirement of longtime CMP Board members Judith Legerski, Jon Bengston and Harry Sieben, who were devoted to sustaining youth activities, along with the memory of Dr. Carolyn Hines, who was instrumental in building the scholarship program. The four chosen athletes are as follows:

Claudia Muzik (Harry Sieben Scholarship): From Green Springs, Ohio, Muzik attended Clyde High School and spent much of her time regularly training in marksmanship at the nearby Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center at Camp Perry through 4-H and American Legion Post 295. Muzik is also a member of Team Winning Solutions, led by rifle Olympian Lucas Kozeniesky. She has competed both nationally and internationally and is set to join the University of Mississippi rifle team as an incoming freshman.

Danjela Jordan de Jesus (Carolyn Hines Memorial Scholarship): From Woodbine, Ga., de Jesus was the captain of the Camden County High School Marksmanship Team and was her Navy JROTC battalion commander. She earned success as an individual by claiming the Junior Olympic Georgia State Title in both precision air rifle and small bore and is a two-time JROTC National Precision Champion.

Meredith Stuart (Judith Legerski Scholarship): From Comfort, Texas, Stuart is a member of the Texas Hill Country Rifle Shooters and has seven years of marksmanship experience. She has attended several Texas State rife championships as well as national-level events and has earned her Junior Distinguished Badge. This fall, she’ll continue her journey in marksmanship by joining the Texas Christian University rifle team.

Natalie Bean (Jon Bengston Scholarship): From Sour Lake, Texas, Bean earned success in marksmanship as a member of the Top Shots 4-H Club, reaching multiple top-three finishes in both small bore and precision air rifle. This fall, she’ll be attending Lamar University where she’ll pursue a career in the medical field.

CMP Scholarships are available to graduating high school JROTC, 4-H and other junior shooting club members. Scholarship applications are only accepted if they are received complete and if the applicant is a U.S. citizen, shows good moral character, is a contributing member of society and is a scholar marksman.

For more info: thecmp.org

Brownells Celebrates 85 Years With Special Offers

Brownells, a cornerstone of the firearms community since 1939, commemorates a significant milestone as it celebrates its 85th anniversary in 2024. During this special occasion, Brownells announced exclusive sales and promotions, offering customers unparalleled deals and opportunities to join in the celebration.

Founded by Bob Brownell in 1939, Brownells has grown from a small family business into a leading global supplier for gunsmiths, enthusiasts and tactical shooters. Over the decades, it has maintained its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, always staying true to the values instilled by its founder.

To mark this historic milestone, Brownells is offering month-long anniversary deals such as 15% off Brownells-branded products, free shipping on orders of $85 or more and discounted products across various categories.

“As we celebrate our 85th anniversary, we reflect on the remarkable journey that began with my grandfather, Bob Brownell. He was a visionary gunsmith and writer who understood the importance of sharing knowledge and providing quality tools to the firearms community. His mission to professionalize the gunsmithing trade laid the foundation for what Brownells has become today. Our commitment to innovation, education and customer satisfaction continues to drive us forward. We are proud to honor his legacy and look forward to serving the next generation of firearms enthusiasts and professionals,” said Brownells President Pete Brownell.

For a journey through Brownells’ rich history and significant milestones, visit the History of Brownells timeline on the company website.

For more info: brownells.com