ICYMI: Industry News
From Oct. 2–6, 2023
Walther Arms Presents “Beyond The Counter” Video Series
Walther Arms Inc. launched “Beyond the Counter,” a video series that takes viewers on a journey of discovering fascinating stories and the human side of some of the nation’s most renowned firearms retailers. The first video of this series features Walther CEO, Blaine Altaffer, along with Pat Hopkins, who has been with Green Top Outdoors for 54 years.
Green Top Outdoors first opened in 1947 selling gas, basic groceries, fireworks, and live bait for anglers. The business saw many changes, but one thing remained the same: their dedication to great customer service and providing a positive experience for everyone who walked through their doors.
“The magic at Green Top Outdoors is a combined 1,250 years of experience, focus and a passion for the outdoors. Our team makes sure we are consistently doing things the right way, which is with the consumer in mind first and foremost,” said Blain Altaffer, CEO at Green Top Outdoors. “By building lasting relationships with our consumers and retail partners, like Walther, we are able to provide an exceptional experience every single time.”
“The stores in this series are more than just retail spaces. They are hubs of knowledge and expertise. Customers come not only to make purchases but also to seek advice, share stories, and be a part of a community of like-minded individuals,” said Nick Gutierrez, dealer/buy group channel manager at Walther Arms. “Our goal with this series is to showcase the men and women who deserve to be recognized and celebrated for their efforts and initiatives on behalf of our company.”
In the coming months, the “Beyond the Counter” series will uncover more stories from behind the counters of trusted firearms retailers across the country.
For more info: www.waltherarms.com
SHOT Show Climbs To 8th Largest Trade Show
NSSF’s SHOT Show is now the eighth largest trade show in America, according to Trade Show Executive’s just-released Gold 100 rankings. The rankings were based on trade shows held throughout the United States in 2022 and measured by net square feet.
Owned and operated by NSSF, the SHOT Show is the annual trade show of the shooting, hunting, outdoor and law enforcement industries. After having to cancel its 2021 show due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 SHOT Show featured the event’s largest floor plan ever with 804,000 net sq. ft. of exhibit space — up from 676,000 net sq. ft. in 2020.
“The SHOT Show was the only trade show in America to grow by 20+% in 2022, which was quite the feat after having to cancel the 2021 event,” said Chris Dolnack, NSSF SVP and chief customer officer. “That’s a testament to the amazing industry we serve, and we’re very thankful for this great honor by Trade Show Executive in recognizing the show’s growth.”
The 2024 SHOT Show will return to Las Vegas on January 23–26 at both The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum.
For more info: www.nssf.org
Hodgdon Powder Unveils New Website
Hodgdon Powder Co., “The Gunpowder People,” announced the launch of its newly redesigned website. The redesign not only includes a new version of the entire Hodgdon Powder Co. website, but also introduces a streamlined structure for all the associated brands’ websites. Those include IMR, Winchester, Accurate, Blackhorn 209, Ramshot and the Hodgdon brand.
The website also includes easy navigation to the Reloading Data Center, a comprehensive and trusted online resource for load development.
The new website has been restructured for a more intuitive and seamless browsing experience, aimed at making it the ultimate destination for enthusiasts of both smokeless and muzzleloader propellants. Visitors will find an extensive lineup of Hodgdon Powder products, complete with detailed information and resources to ensure access to the latest specifications, reloading data/education and upcoming events.
“We’re thrilled to introduce our new website and digital experience to the firearms and reloading community. The overarching Hodgdon Powder Co. site will help to unify the brands while allowing them the freedom to showcase their individual personalities. It is now easier than ever for customers to access information, locate our products and appreciate the unique characteristics of each brand within the Hodgdon family,” said Aaron Oelger, Hodgdon VP of sales and marketing.
For more info: www.hodgdonpowderco.com
Speer Awarded Duty Ammunition Contract
Speer was recently awarded ammunition contracts from the Miami-Dade Police Department in Florida. The 9mm duty handgun ammunition contract is for Speer Law Enforcement 124-grain +P Gold Dot, and the 223 Rem. duty rifle ammunition contract is for 75-grain Speer Gold Dot.
“Miami-Dade is the eighth largest police department in the U.S., with approximately 3,500 officers. We are extremely proud of this important contract award,” said Steven Jenkins, senior L.E. sales specialist for Speer. “It validates the high level of trust our nation’s law enforcement agencies have with our extremely reliable and innovative products.”
Each Speer LE Gold Dot bullet is individually engineered to provide shot-to-shot uniformity and ensure optimum performance when fired through a variety of barriers. The result is a cartridge that provides officers the ultimate defense in lethal force confrontations.
For more info: www.speer.com
Simtek To Donate Portioin Of October Sales To SAF
Simtek is showing its support the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) by donating 10% of its online sales throughout the month of October to further its mission of protecting and promoting the rights of law-abiding gun owners.
“The Second Amendment is a cornerstone of our nation’s history, and we are proud to support the Second Amendment Foundation in their tireless efforts to protect the rights of responsible gun owners,” said Brady Simpson, Simtek CEO. “By donating a portion of our October sales to SAF, we hope to contribute to their critical work in upholding these rights while promoting safety and education.”
SAF Founder and EVP Alan M. Gottlieb, said, “Winning firearms freedom one lawsuit at a time is our mission, and Simtek’s support will move us closer to that goal.”
Simtek encourages its customers and partners to participate in this effort by making purchases during the month of October.
For more info: www.simtek.io
Olin/Winchester Acquires White Flyer Targets Business
Olin Corporation has completed the previously announced acquisition of White Flyer Targets. White Flyer will be combined with the Winchester Ammunition business.
The acquisition includes White Flyer’s five state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Coal Township, Penn.; Dalton, Ga.; Webb City, Mo.; Knox, Ind.; and, San Bernardino, Calif., and includes White Flyer’s recently announced ECO FLYER target product line.
“We welcome our new White Flyer teammates,” noted Brett Flaugher, president of Winchester Ammunition. “Together, we can enhance the continued growth of trap, skeet, sporting clays and other shotgun sports. These two leading brands are renowned for unmatched quality and now offer increased value to our customers through comprehensive ammunition and clay target solutions for the thousands of shooting ranges across America.”
Olin funded the transaction with cash on hand and anticipates the transaction will be immediately accretive to Olin’s shareholders.
For more info: www.olin.com
