ICYMI: Industry News
From Oct. 14–18, 2024
NASGW Announces Annual Award Winners At The 2024 Expo
Each year the NASGW Expo brings together wholesalers and manufacturers within the shooting sports industry to get a first look at new products and plan sales for the upcoming year. Included in the Expo festivities is NASGW’s Appreciation Dinner, where NASGW recognizes the top companies in six categories with Appreciation Awards.
This year’s Appreciation Award winners are:
Firearm Manufacturer of the Year — Ruger
Optics Manufacturer of the Year — Holosun Technologies
Ammunition Manufacturer of the Year — Hornady
Accessory Manufacturer of the Year — Dead Air Silencers
Importer of the Year — PMC Ammunition
Innovator of the Year — SIG SAUER
NASGW also partners with the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) to select the top individual products in seven categories — called the Caliber Awards. More than 170 submissions were narrowed down by the panel to three finalists in each category. Judges were asked to consider the uniqueness, market need, value of the product, ingenuity and presentation.
NASGW-POMA Caliber Award Winners are:
Best New Accessory — Caldwell Claymore PullPup
Best New Ammunition — Hornady 22 ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge)
Best New Handgun — Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0
Best New Optic — Leupold Mark 4HD
Best New Rifle — Ruger American Rifle Generation II
Best New Shotgun — Weatherby SORIX
Best New Suppressor — Rugged Suppressors SurgeX
Best New Overall Product — Ruger American Rifle Generation II
For more info: nasgw.org
The Light Foundation Supports HAVA
The Light Foundation, founded and led by Matt Light and his wife, Susie, helps young people develop the skills, values and mindset they need to create a meaningful and productive future. Matt is an NFL football legend, Super Bowl Champion as a member of the New England Patriots and a charity “superstar.”
The Light Foundation donated $50,000 to Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) in support of its mission to help disabled military veterans adjust to civilian life after serving our country. The donation followed the Light Foundation’s annual fundraisers, Corporate Training Day and The Matt Light Celebrity Shootout held in Addieville, R.I.
The Light Foundation’s mission is to “take young people out of their everyday environments and provide them with unique opportunities that ignite their passion, purpose and motivation to succeed.”
HAVA and the Light Foundation have had a long and relationship with both organizations’ passion being to “help and support” people, whether they be military veterans or youth, have more productive and enjoyable lives.
HAVA’s Chris Fleming, who participated in both days of the event, said, “Seeing first-hand what the Light Foundation does for our nation’s youth is nothing short of awesome. The hard work we have seen from Matt on the NFL football field translates to his hard work in youth program so desperately needed today. HAVA is grateful for the support of Matt and the Light Foundation.”
HAVA is a 501(c)(3) organization formed by companies in the shooting and outdoor industry with the purpose of raising awareness and further assisting disabled veterans with their healing process through guided hunts, shooting events and other outdoor sports activities. The sustaining sponsor companies are Smith & Wesson, NSSF, SIG SAUER, Academi, Arnold Defense, Crimson Trace, FMG Publications, GLOCK, Hornady, Leapers/UTG, Leupold & Stevens, Mossberg, RSR Group, Ruger, Surefire, Taurus, Vista Outdoor/Federal, XS Sights and Yamaha Outdoors among numerous contributing companies.
For more info: honoredveterans.org, mattlight72.com
SDS Imports Is Now SDS Arms
SDS Imports announced it is now known as SDS Arms. With SDS Arms, customers will be able to purchase quality firearm products and accessories that are engineered and designed in America.
SDS Arms will continue to provide shooting and hunting enthusiasts with iconic, nostalgic, tactical and modern value-priced firearms. SDS Arms is a veteran-owned company, so they understand the importance of engineering products in the United States, along with sourcing products around the globe to provide the consumer with a superior performing product, at a price point that allows them to pursue their passion.
“Going from SDS Imports to SDS Arms doesn’t change who we are or what we stand for,” said Christoper DiCenso SDS Arms CEO. “Being known as SDS Arms now allows us to better identify with the consumer as to what we have to offer in today’s ultra-competitive firearms market.”
SDS Arms has five firearm brands under its umbrella: Tisas USA, Tokarev USA, MAC, Inglis and Spandau Arms.
For more info: sdsarms.com
Springfield Armory CEO Donates $25K To Protect Liberty PAC
The NSSF’s Protect Liberty Political Action Committee (Protect Liberty PAC) announced a $25,000 financial contribution from Dennis Reese, CEO of Springfield Armory. Springfield Armory’s financial support will be used to elect candidates dedicated to preserving and protecting liberty, freedom and the Constitutional rights of all Americans, especially our Second Amendment rights which are under constant attack by Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president and Biden Administration “gun czar.” Election Day is just 20 days away.
“We’re seeing more evidence that a President Kamala Harris and Democratic majorities in Congress would be devastating to law-abiding Americans who value their Constitutional rights — especially their right to keep and bear arms. This nominee supports gun confiscation and would eliminate legal protections against frivolous lawsuits aimed at bankrupting our industry. Springfield Armory understands the time to act is now to ensure none of that happens and we’re grateful for Dennis’ leadership and contribution,” said Lawrence G. Keane, Protect Liberty PAC’s treasurer. “There are just 20 days until Election Day and we urge all businesses in the firearm, ammunition, hunting, recreational and shooting sports industry and all concerned gun owners to stand with Springfield Armory and support Protect Liberty PAC.”
“We’re approaching that critical time where it becomes too late to contribute to this fight and help ensure our liberties and freedoms are protected and fought for by elected leaders that revere and value our Constitutional rights. Springfield Armory was not going to be left standing on the sidelines,” Springfield Armory CEO Dennis Reese said.
Protect Liberty PAC is a federally registered “super PAC” founded in 2023 by NSSF. Protect Liberty PAC is an independent-expenditure-only political committee and can accept unlimited personal and corporate contributions from companies in or outside of the industry, so long as they do not have federal contracts. Protect Liberty PAC will expressly advocate for the election or defeat of specific candidates and that advocacy will be completely independent of any candidate or political party.
For more info: protectlibertypac.com
Wake County Sheriff’s Office Selects FN Duty Pistol
FN America announced that the Wake County (Raleigh, N.C.) Sheriff’s Office has selected the FN 509 Fullsize MRD-LE as their new duty pistol after a year of testing multiple manufacturers’ pistols.
Purchasing over 500 pistols, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office is the first agency to deploy the new FN 509 Fullsize MRD-LE. This model is based on the FN 509 MRD-LE adopted by the Los Angeles Police Department in 2021. With nearly 1,000 employees, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office serves the largest county in North Carolina, with over 1.1 million residents across 12 municipalities.
“The Wake County Sheriff’s Office is the largest sheriff’s office in the state, and we are thrilled that they are switching to the FN 509 Fullsize MRD-LE as their duty pistol of choice,” said Doug Grier, law enforcement business development director for FN America.
Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe stated, “The FN 509 was selected for its user-friendly design, striker fire mechanism and overall performance. Deputies found it easy to handle and shoot accurately, which is essential in high-pressure situations. The weapon’s reliability and durability were also key factors in the decision-making process. I am confident that the FN 509 will provide our deputies with the capability to effectively carry out their duties and protect the community.”
For more info: fnamerica.com
A Girl & A Gun Partners With NSSF’s First Shots Program
NSSF announced A Girl & A Gun Women’s Shooting League has become an official partner of its First Shots program, the introductory and refresher target-shooting program made available through host target-shooting ranges across the country.
Founded in 2011, A Girl & A Gun Women’s Shooting League is a women-only gun club introducing women and girls to pistol, rifle and shotgun shooting. The league is designed to help women feel more confident and comfortable when learning about recreational shooting and training at the range.
“The partnership between A Girl & A Gun and First Shots has the power to introduce countless newcomers and novices to recreational shooting, firearm safety and a supportive community that enjoys target shooting and training together,” said Zach Snow, NSSF director, member development. “More and more Americans want to learn about recreational shooting and owning firearms for personal security, and First Shots has been designed to assist them by providing education in the classroom and experience on the firing line.”
By providing safe, fun and memorable educational experiences, First Shots partners and host ranges are having great success in attracting first-timers, further engaging new gun owners and reactivating lapsed participants. Surveys show that more than 43% of First Shots participants are converted to target-shooting enthusiasts, demonstrating that First Shots is fulfilling a need to provide a supportive environment to those who want to know more about recreational shooting and firearm ownership.
“A Girl & A Gun is proud to partner with NSSF to expand its First Shots program throughout our network. Because our specialty is welcoming women and families to firearms training, the program is a natural fit for our community. We are excited about working with the NSSF and our host range partners to introduce more people to recreational and defensive shooting and prepare them for long-term participation in the shooting sports,” said Robyn Sandoval, president and CEO of A Girl & A Gun.
For more info: nssf.org, agirlandagun.org
Celerant Celebrates 25 Years
Celerant Technology, a provider of retail technology solutions is celebrating 25 years of serving and innovating retailers nationwide. Founded in 1999, Celerant leverages extensive experience and a diverse knowledge base to drive development in the retail technology sector. This longevity is a testament to the ability to adapt and evolve alongside the ever-changing retail landscape by offering robust point of sale, ERP and e-commerce solutions.
“Launching our company 25 years ago was definitely exciting. We were starting something new, and honestly, it’s exciting pretty much every day still. We’re continually growing and have that growth mindset today just as we did 25 years ago,” said Rob Goldman, Celerant CTO.
Today, Celerant has seven offices nationwide with support from a dedicated team of 220 members.
In marking its 25th anniversary, the company looks forward to continuing its mission of shaping retail technology and supporting the success of businesses in the ever-evolving retail landscape.
For more info: celerant.com