ICYMI: Industry News
From Sept. 23–27, 2024
Benelli USA Invitational Marks A Decade Of Impact
The Prince George’s Trap and Skeet Center in Glenn Dale, Md., roared to life on September 20, 2024, as the 10th Annual Benelli USA Invitational took center stage. This one-day sporting clays event drew in 164 competitive shooters, many of whom were military veterans, to join forces in support of a cause that resonates deeply with the values of courage, resilience and adventure.
For the past decade, the Benelli USA Invitational has raised funds for the Freedom Hunters military outreach program, which has been creating life-changing outdoor experiences for service members and their loved ones since 2006. This year, the invitational and its parallel online auction raised an impressive $132,000, reinforcing the strong bond between the shooting sports community and the heroes who defend our freedoms.
“The invitational is one of the most anticipated events of the year for our team at Benelli,” said Tom DeBolt, CEO of Benelli USA. “It’s a day that embodies the spirit of adventure and the bonds of camaraderie, all in support of a mission that deeply resonates with who we are. With nearly a quarter of our staff being military veterans, we are proud to stand behind Freedom Hunters and their commitment to giving back to the military community through transformative outdoor experiences.”
The Benelli USA Invitational has been instrumental in supporting Freedom Hunters’ mission over the past decade, raising an incredible $922,000 for the cause.
For more info: benelliusa.com, freedomhunters.org
Zanders Announces Enhanced Website For Improved Dealer Experience
Zanders, a national distributor located in Sparta, Ill., launched enhancements to its website aimed at improving the dealer experience which will now include a “Buy Now” button.
The all-new one-click “Buy Now” button is a new feature heading into a busy time of year for Zanders. Once a dealer logs into their account, they now have the option of a one-click checkout experience on items they want to purchase. This new feature will improve dealer efficiencies especially when they are busy with customers at the counter.
“The initial feedback from our dealers has been very positive with this new rollout. This has been a significant undertaking, and our Dev-Ops team has done a great job with implementation and execution. We are very confident that this will help our dealers streamline their ordering process with Zanders,” said Danny Siegler, Zanders president and COO.
For more info: gzanders.com
VIKTOS Celebrates 7th Anniversary
Founded in 2017, VIKTOS is celebrating its seventh anniversary by extending its heartfelt appreciation to the customers, friends and industry partners who have been instrumental in its journey. With a commitment to pushing beyond conventional boundaries, VIKTOS offers a comprehensive range of products catering not only to combat scenarios but also to training, EDC needs and moments of rest and recuperation. This holistic approach underscores VIKTOS’ dedication to providing innovative solutions for the modern tactical user.
“As we reflect on seven years of growth and achievement, we are deeply grateful to our community of supporters,” said Justin Fox, VIKTOS president. “Your trust and feedback have guided our evolution, inspiring us to continually enhance our product offerings and exceed expectations.”
For more info: viktos.com
High Speed Gear Products Group Relocates To Georgia
BlackPoint Tactical, Crucial Concealment and Comp-Tac Holsters, brands under High Speed Gear Products Group, announce their relocation to a brand-new, larger facility in Alpharetta, Ga.
The new facility, spanning over 26,000 sq. ft., will greatly enhance the companies’ production capabilities, allowing for increased efficiency and the ability to scale operations to meet the growing demand for their industry-leading holsters and concealment products. The expanded space also paves the way for the introduction of new products.
“Our move to a new building is an exciting new step on our growth journey. This facility gives us the space and resources necessary to continue delivering on our promise of innovative designs and providing the highest quality products to our customers,” said Tyler Johnson, director of sales and marketing of BlackPoint Tactical.
Comp-Tac Holsters, previously headquartered in Houston, Texas, joins BlackPoint Tactical and Crucial Concealment in this significant relocation, further centralizing holster operations and aligning their capabilities under one roof.
“Comp-Tac Holsters joining forces with BlackPoint Tactical and Crucial Concealment in this state-of-the-art facility is an exciting milestone for our brands,” said Kip Guyon, COO of High Speed Gear Products Group.
In addition to boosting production, the new Alpharetta location will create new job opportunities for the local community. The companies are actively recruiting skilled professionals to join their team, with positions available in manufacturing, logistics, customer service and more.
“We are excited to stay a part of the Alpharetta community and contribute to its economic development,” added Johnson. “This move represents a new chapter for our brands, and we look forward to growing our team and continuing to deliver exceptional products to our customers.”
The Alpharetta facility is now fully operational.
For more info: hsgibrands.com
USACTL Registers Record 16,000 Athletes For Fall Season
The fall season is underway for 15,823 student athletes participating in USA Clay Target League (USACTL) programs. Those athletes are competing on 990 high school, college and homeschool teams nationwide — an increase of more than a thousand student athletes, and 117 more teams compared to 2023’s fall participation.
“There are thousands of under-served students that want a sense of team, belonging, and camaraderie without the high costs and limited playing opportunities of traditional high school sports. Parents want school-based outdoor activities for their students. The League’s school-approved programs provide both with safe, fun, and engaging opportunities to participate,” said John Nelson, USACTL president.
“This year, over 13,000 new athletes joined the League through their school’s teams. In the League there are no benchwarmers — everyone participates thanks to the efforts of the shooting ranges, coaches and parents that make teams flourish,” he added.
For more info: usaclaytarget.com
Barrett Secures First International Government Contract For MRADELR
Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. secured its first international government contract for the supply of the MRAD Extreme Long Range (MRADELR) sniper system.
Specific details of the transaction were not disclosed. However, Barrett confirms that the order for the U.S.-allied nation will be fulfilled and delivered within the year.
The MRADELR is a military-proven, extreme long-range system designed to meet the precision demands typically achieved only by custom-built rifles. As part of the renowned MRAD family, this rifle features user-changeable barrels and calibers, allowing it to adapt to a range of operational needs. With its innovative technology, precision engineering and high-quality materials, the MRADELR is the next step forward in extreme long-range marksmanship.
The rifle is available in multiple calibers including .416 Barrett and provides superior performance for target engagement beyond 2000 yards.
Barrett CEO Bryan James stated, “We are honored to provide these international organizations with the tools they need to secure their defenses and protect their interests. The MRADELR is yet another testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of long-range precision firearms.”
The company recently announced a significant agreement to upgrade the NATO-allied Norwegian Armed Forces’ existing Barrett Model 82A1 rifle, in service since 1999, to the more advanced model M107A1.
For more info: barrett.net
NSSF Releases 2024 Congressional Report Card
NSSF released its 2024 Congressional Report Card, grading sitting U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senators on key legislation that is of critical importance to the firearm industry, the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens and America’s hunters and recreational target shooters. Five U.S. House of Representatives were not graded due to special elections to fill vacancies, resulting in the new Members having an insufficient voting and co-sponsorship record for grading.
“This report card will be critical for voters to do their research as we head into the final stretch toward the November elections just six weeks from now. NSSF’s 2024 Congressional Report Card tells voters exactly where their lawmakers stand on issues including defending the firearm industry’s ability to engage in the lawful commerce of firearms and ammunition and safeguarding the Second Amendment rights of customers, as well as promoting hunting and recreational target shooting — America’s greatest outdoor pastimes,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF SVP and general counsel. “This nonpartisan report card reflects the level of support of each lawmaker on firearm industry priority legislation during the 118th Congress, between 2023 and 2024. These grades indicate their public voting record as well as their sponsorship and co-sponsorship of key legislation, their work on committees, letters signed to support firearm industry issues and their overall leadership in championing our industry.”
NSSF awarded 29 U.S. Senators and 123 U.S. Representatives the rating of “A+.” Of those, eight Senators and 24 House Members attained the new NSSF distinction of being named to the Dean’s List. To earn this special recognition, Members needed to have a 100% voting and co-sponsorship record.
Grades are meant to analyze the level of support of each lawmaker during the 118th Congress and do not constitute an endorsement or opposition to a candidate’s election. For more info: https://www.nssf.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-NSSF-Congressional-Report-card.pdf
