ICYMI: Industry News
From Sept. 18–22, 2023
USA Clay Target League Breaks Participation Record
The season is underway for 14,708 student athletes participating in USA Clay Target League (USACTL) programs this fall. Those athletes are competing on 873 high school, college and homeschool teams nationwide. There is an increase of nearly 1,500 student athletes and more than 100 teams compared to 2022’s fall participation.
“Athletes and parents want safe, school-based, non-traditional outdoor activities in which to participate. The League’s school-approved programs provide a sense of team, belonging and camaraderie without the high costs and limited playing opportunities of traditional high school sports,” said John Nelson, USACTL president.
With over 47,000 participating athletes in the 2022–23 school year, the non-profit USA Clay Target League is America’s largest clay target shooting organization. The League offers trap, skeet, sporting clays and 5-stand leagues to secondary and postsecondary schools across the country.
The USACTL is the only 100% school-approved clay target shooting sport program in America. Every team must have school approval to participate. Tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships are provided to qualifying seniors by the League and post-secondary institutions each year.
For more info: www.usaclaytarget.com
Shoot United “Straight Shooter Series” Promotes Positives In The Shooting Sports
Shoot United is continuing its mission by promoting all that is positive and wholesome about the shooting sports through its “Straight Shooter” video series. The content features stories of people and organizations that are welcoming new firearm owners into the inclusive shooting sports community.
Launched in August, the first “Straight Shooter” story features Callie Farill. Farill is the owner of The Valkyrie Tribe, a training program designed to bring women into the shooting sports by providing them with the skills to become proficient with firearms. Farill’s passion for instructing and watching her students gain confidence on their shooting journey is an example of the positivity the shooting sports brings to people’s lives.
In addition to telling Farill’s story, Shoot United captured instructional content from her in the latest “Take Your Shot” series to help new handgun owners get started. The Shoot United “Take Your Shot” video series is perfect for those who are interested in getting professional instruction, but aren’t sure where to start.
For more info: www.shootunited.com
Silencer Central & Pheasants Forever Continue Conservation Collaboration
Silencer Central officially announced its continued partnership with Pheasants Forever. The mission of Pheasants Forever is to conserve pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public access, education and conservation advocacy.
“The ongoing partnership between Pheasants Forever and Silencer Central remains crucial in driving forward upland conservation efforts,” said Brandon Maddox, Silencer Central CEO. “We take pride in our continued dedication to promoting habitat conservation and wildlife advocacy, united by our common mission.”
Silencer Central donates suppressors to conservation organizations to utilize at fundraising events. The suppressors serve as auction, raffle or door prize items. 100% of funds generated go directly to the organizations, with event hosts helping educate their members about the benefits of suppressors, including noise and recoil reduction.
“Our partnership with Silencer Central has helped raise critical funds for volunteer chapters to improve wildlife habitat in their local communities,” said Luc Ramthun, senior corporate partnerships account executive for Pheasants Forever. “We’re grateful for the company’s focus on sustaining quality habitat for the future of upland traditions.”
For more info: www.silencercentral.com
C&H Precision Acquires Paragon Weapon Light Cleaner
C&H Precision announced its strategic acquisition of Paragon Weapon Light Cleaner. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in C&H Precision’s ongoing commitment to elevate its product offerings and expand its footprint within the firearms industry.
The integration of Paragon Weapon Light Cleaner into C&H Precision’s portfolio will substantially broaden its product catalog, ensuring customers have access to a comprehensive range of firearm maintenance solutions. By incorporating Paragon’s innovative technology and expertise into its operations, C&H Precision aims to set new industry standards in firearm care and maintenance.
Buck Holly, owner of C&H Precision, stated, “This strategic move underscores our unwavering commitment to excellence within the firearms industry. We are genuinely excited to welcome Paragon Weapon Light Cleaner into the C&H Precision family of companies, and we look forward to harnessing their knowledge and talented team to continue delivering top-quality products and services to our valued customers.”
Under the new ownership, Paragon Weapon Light Cleaner will continue to operate under the C&H Precision brand, ensuring a seamless transition for customers as the integration is finalized.
For more info: www.chpws.com
KOR Technik Announces Technology Partnership With Zarges USA
KOR Technik announced a technology partnership with Zarges USA. Zarges’ aluminum cases integrate with KOR Technik VRS protection panels, resulting in reusable packaging for transporting objects.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with the iconic Zarges brand and develop a system that is infinitely customizable,” stated G.P. Searle, founder of KOR Technik and inventor of VRS technology. “Zarges USA represents the epitome of shipping and storage perfection, and knowing our partnership will deliver even more benefits to end-users is truly rewarding.”
According to VP and GM of Zarges USA, Olaf Klutke, “One case for countless missions is a reality with the KOR VRS system. Thanks to this innovative technology, we immediately recognized our customers would benefit from the ability to reconfigure their Zarges case for virtually anything they need to transport. Plus, VRS safeguards cargo better than foam by keeping your contents secure from turbulence during transportation,” he said.
For more info: www.kortechnik.com, www.zargesusa.com
Smith & Wesson Board Of Directors Authorizes $50 Million Stock Repurchase Program
Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI) announced its board of directors has authorized the repurchase of up to $50 million of the company’s common stock through September 19, 2024. The amount and timing of any repurchases will depend on a number of factors, including price, trading volume, general market conditions, legal requirements and other factors. The repurchases may be made on the open market, in block trades or in privately negotiated transactions. Any shares of common stock repurchased under the program will be considered issued but not outstanding shares of the company’s common stock.
Mark Smith, S&W CEO, stated, “With the bulk of our investment in the move of our headquarters and significant elements of our operations to Tennessee soon coming to an end, we intend to rebalance our capital allocation strategy toward returning excess capital to our stockholders. This stock repurchase program is a key element of that strategy.”
For more info: www.smith-wesson.com
