ICYMI: Industry News
From May 17–21, 2021
NSSF Welcomes FFL Protection Act Introduction In Congress
NSSF welcomes and fully supports U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb’s (D-Pa.) introduction of H.R.3252, the Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Protection Act in the House of Representatives. The bipartisan bill would strengthen and enhance criminal penalties for thefts of firearms from federally licensed firearm retailers. It sends a strong message to those violent criminals engaging in these illicit activities and helps provide for safer communities, assists law enforcement and protects the livelihoods of firearm retailers.
“The bill sends the clear message that Congress will not tolerate criminals who victimize firearm retailers in order to further prey upon and threaten communities,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel.
“The firearm industry is grateful to Congressman Lamb and the bipartisan cosponsors for reaching across the aisle to provide those firearm retailers who follow the law the protection they deserve.”
The FFL Protection Act builds on the efforts NSSF has taken to address robbery and burglary of firearms through the partnership with ATF on Operation Secure Store. As part of Operation Secure Store, NSSF matches ATF reward offers for information regarding these crimes that leads to the arrest and conviction of the criminals responsible and recovery of the stolen firearms. Additionally, NSSF helps educate firearm retailers on steps they can take to reduce the chance guns will be stolen from them during a burglary or robbery, and in cooperation with ATF, conducts retailer store security seminars, assists retailers with store security audits of their premises and endorses and promotes the use of security products like smash resistant display cases.
The FFL Protection Act was co-sponsored by Reps. John Rutherford (R-Fla.), Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.), Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), Ron Kind (D-Wis.), Greg Steube (R-Fla.), Jared Golden (D-Maine) and Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.).
For more info: nssf.org, operationsecurestore.org, bit.ly/3hGYtyd.
SENTRY Products Group Expands Special Operations Division
SENTRY Products Group has announced the expansion of its Special Operations Division and the hiring of retired Navy SEAL Command Master Chief Will Dewilde. The Special Operations Divisions (SOD) focuses on building relationships and supporting the development and distribution of SENTRY products across the military and L.E. channels.
Command Master Chief Dewilde retired from the U.S. Navy in 2017 after serving more than 30 years in various operational and strategic leadership roles across USSOCOM. He has been awarded the Silver Star and four Bronze Stars for Valor along with many other medals and various unit and campaign awards. Prior to joining SENTRY, he served as Vice President of Operations for The Honor Foundation, a nationwide educational institution assisting U.S. Special Operations service members in their career transitions.
“I really embrace SENTRY’s vision of ‘Live to Protect’ it represents the passion of our people, the products we create and sums up what we bring to the customer through the SOD Division,” Dewilde said.
Over the next 18 months SENTRY will scale the SOD division with representatives in locations across the U.S. and international. If you’re interested in acquiring SENTRY products, or becoming a dealer contact info@sentryltp.com.
For more info: sentrytactical.com.
Zanders Announces Spring Product Line Expansion
Zanders Sporting Goods announces an expansion of product lines this spring.
Dealers will now be able to choose products from these top manufacturers: ZEV Technologies, Mission Crossbows, Adams Arms, Mountain Tactical, Black Rain Ordnance and Bear Archery.
“Our purchasing staff is top notch as we continue to grow our product offerings for our customer base,” said Stefanie Zanders, Zanders president and COO.
Zanders also offers free freight on any order of $500 or more with fast shipping.
For more info: gzanders.com.
Vista Outdoor Forms Vista Outdoor Corporate Foundation
Vista Outdoor Inc. announced the launch of the Vista Outdoor Corporate Foundation and an accompanying $3 million initial contribution.
The Foundation will partner with non-profits that support conservation, outdoor access and other causes aligned with Vista Outdoor’s Purpose, Vision and Commitments. The Foundation is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt Delaware corporation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
“The creation of the Vista Outdoor Corporate Foundation is a critical step in support of our commitment to bring the world outside,” said Chris Metz, Vista Outdoor CEO. “The Foundation will allow us to make commitments to non-profit partners that promote conservation, outdoor access, and other causes that unite our diverse portfolio of brands and customers. Our Foundation partners will also help us protect open spaces, get more people outside and create the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.”
Vista Outdoor has appointed Dylan Ramsey, its general counsel and corporate secretary, as the initial chairman of the Foundation’s board of directors. The Foundation’s Board of Directors also includes six other Vista Outdoor employees that represent a broad cross-section of the Vista Outdoor organization.
Funding requests will be considered from prospective non-profit partners that meet the following criteria:
• Recognized by the IRS as a Public Charity and headquartered in the U.S.
• Have a mission and objectives that are aligned with that of the Foundation’s.
• Demonstrated track record in effective programming, organizational and financial management.
• Have an ability to demonstrate the impact of its programs and share progress against stated objectives with the Foundation.
The Foundation will consider requests for funding from qualified non-profit organizations beginning this summer.
For more info: vistaoutdoor.com/foundation.
Concealment Express Acquires Armordillo Concealment
Concealment Express (CEX) has closed a deal via its mergers and acquisitions arm, CEX Ventures, by acquiring Florida-based Armordillo Concealment — a holster company specializing in KYDEX Weapon Mounted Light holsters.
As part of the acquisition, Armordillo Concealment Founder Anthony Booth has joined CEX in a product design capacity. The deal comes at a pivotal time for Concealment Express who have been expanding their manufacturing capabilities rapidly over the past year.
“The combination of Armordillo’s patented holsters and our in-house manufacturing capabilities provide our customers an expanded KYDEX holster offering,” said Ben Jimenez, CEX co-founder.
CEX will utilize the Armordillo’s existing patented designs bringing manufacturing in-house at their production facilities in Jacksonville, Fla.
“The integration of Armordillo has already begun, and clients of Armordillo should expect the same high-quality product from Concealment Express that the brand has become synonymous with,” Booth added.
Armordillo Concealment’s patented IWB/OWB Weapon Mounted Light Holsters are minimalistic and ambidextrous. They’re categorized into two distinct product lines: LUX and X-FER. Rather than being gun-specific, these holsters are light-specific and are universal — allowing use of the holsters for multiple handguns with an attached light. These holsters currently accommodate the Streamlight TLR-1 (all versions) and SureFire X300U-A and X300U-B. CEX plans to further expand this offering in 2021.
For more info: concealmentexpress.com.
