ICYMI: Industry News
From Sept. 8–12, 2025
FN Awarded DLA Contract For M240 & M249 Machine Gun Barrels
FN America was awarded an additional $6.9M in orders for M240 and M249 machine gun barrels spread across nine deliveries by the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Land and Maritime.
“The contract to provide these barrels for M240 and M249 machine guns is a testament to our partnership with the U.S. DoD, which dates back nearly five decades,” said Mark Cherpes, president and CEO of FN America. “We are honored to support the U.S. military with the highest-quality cold hammer-forged barrels. The durability and accuracy of FN barrels provide our servicemen and women with the most effective and highest-performing products available.”
FN collaborates with and is a key partner of DLA Land and Maritime, a combat support agency within the U.S. DoD and one of the largest suppliers of spare parts that support land-based and maritime weapon systems. DLA Land and Maritime serves over 20,000 customers throughout all U.S. military branches, civil agencies and other DoD organizations, helping to sustain weapon systems in the field.
The M240 general-purpose machine gun, derived from the FN MAG 58, was adopted by the U.S. military in the late 1970s and has been in continuous service since its introduction. FN has created multiple variants of the M240, including the M240 coaxial, the M240B, M240L, M240D and M240H models. The FN M249 has been a mainstay throughout the U.S. military since 1986 and is currently in service in more than 30 countries.
For more info: fnamerica.com
CZ Signs New Framework Agreement With Czech Ministry Of Defense
CZ and the Czech Ministry of Defense have signed a new framework agreement for the supply of small arms and accessories worth up to CZK 4.26 billion (approximately $204 million USD), excluding VAT. The document was signed in Prague by Lubor Koudelka, director general of the Armament and Acquisitions Division of the Ministry of Defense, and Jan Zajic, CEO and chairman of the board of directors of CZ.
The framework agreement covers the period of 2025–2031 and builds on successful cooperation that began in 2011. The Ministry of Defense has implemented several contracts in the past within this framework, thanks to which a complete transition of firearms in NATO-calibers has taken place.
Under the new framework agreement, the army will continue to purchase CZ BREN 2 rifles, CZ P-10 C pistols and CZ GL underbarrel grenade launchers. The deliveries will also include extensive accessories — optoelectronic sights (day and night optics, laser sights), spare part kits, armorer kits, holsters and cases. The firearms will be gradually purchased in accordance with the current needs of the army, and the total amount of CZK 4.26 billion, excluding VAT, may not be fully utilized.
“CZ is a strategic partner that participated in the complete rearmament of the Czech Army with modern NATO-caliber small arms. Continuing cooperation with this Czech company, which is one of the ten largest manufacturers of these firearms in the world, is a logical step,” said Minister of Defense Jana Cernochova.
“I would like to thank the Minister and the entire Ministry of Defense for their trust. It is a great honor for us to continue our cooperation with the Czech Army and work together to strengthen our country’s defense capabilities. Our firearms have long proven their reliability and quality in real combat conditions. We utilize this experience to make continuous improvements and develop new generations of our products,” said Jan Zajic, CEO of CZ.
For more info: czfirearms.com
Smith & Wesson Announces Grand Opening Of Training Academy
Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. announced the grand opening of the Smith & Wesson Academy. Continuing the legacies of both the former Smith & Wesson Academy and the Shooting Sports Center in Springfield, Mass., which collectively were operational for decades between 1969 to 2017, the newly established Academy serves as a vital resource that reinforces the company’s continued dedication to self-defense training, firearm proficiency and firearm safety.
Situated on the 236-acre headquarters campus in Maryville, Tenn., the state-of-the-art facility serves as a premier training destination, featuring pistol and carbine ranges, a multi-purpose flex range, a 300-yard rifle range and a two-story immersive shoot house. The Academy’s design also incorporates classrooms, a fitness center and offices that will house a team of world-class experts leading the training programs.
A registration portal is now available on the Smith & Wesson Academy website for a variety of training courses focused on pistol, carbine and rifle platforms. These courses will range from introductory skills and safety to advanced techniques.
The Smith & Wesson Academy team will be led by renowned instructor Mark “Coch” Cochiolo, a retired U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer with over three decades of service in Naval Special Warfare. Throughout his distinguished military career, he has operated in a range of elite roles, including special warfare operator, breacher, weapons instructor, training officer and operational tester. He completed four SEAL deployments to the Western Pacific and served eight years with the Navy’s premier counterterrorism unit, where he conducted operations across Eastern Europe and the Middle East. His final assignment placed him in a senior leadership role as Chief Warrant Officer responsible for training and combat systems with Naval Special Warfare Unit Three (NSWU-3).
“My decision to partner with Smith & Wesson stems not only from their strong alignment with my values, but also from my personal experience carrying a Smith & Wesson for the past 30 years. Throughout my career, I have worked with a variety of firearm platforms, and I am grateful for the opportunity to leverage that experience in developing effective curriculum at the Academy, helping as many individuals become proficient with their firearms as possible. Smith & Wesson produces dependable, quality firearms — at the Academy, we’ll teach you how to use them,” said Cochiolo.
For more info: smith-wesson.com
Cole Fine Guns And Gunsmithing Expands Texas Location
Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing announced a major expansion of its San Antonio, Texas, location. It will double in size, with the new space focused on gunsmithing and stock carving.
Located on the grounds of the National Shooting Complex, home to the National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA) and the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA), Cole Gunsmithing’s San Antonio Gun Shop serves as a full-service destination for clay target and shotgun hunting enthusiasts. The location already boasts a large, country-themed showroom that carries a variety of shotgun favorites, accessories and apparel. Additionally, the Cole Gunsmithing’s Texas Gun Shop includes a well-equipped gunsmithing facility on the grounds. With this expansion, Cole Gunsmithing is doubling the size of this location to 3,800 sq. ft., allowing the company to further expand its services.
“Cole Gunsmithing is committed to providing the best possible customer experiences, and this expansion plays a significant part in that mission,” said Rich Cole, owner of Cole Gunsmithing. “The added 1,900 sq. ft. will be entirely dedicated to gunsmithing and stock carving, which will enhance our ability to serve the shotgun community with even greater craftsmanship.”
The expansion will be complete and open in time for the NSCA National Championships in October.
For more info: colegun.com
Laser Ammo Highlights Firearms Instructor Affiliate Program
Laser Ammo USA Inc. is proud to partner with firearms instructors to expand their education and training efforts through its firearms instructor affiliate program. This program offers instructors discounted access to its dry-fire training systems and the opportunity to earn commissions on student purchases.
The firearms instructor affiliate program supports instructors’ efforts by providing easier access to the most advanced dry-fire systems available. With Laser Ammo’s innovative technology, firearms instructors can confidently develop and improve their students’ shooting skills. Its wide selection of products is designed to meet all training needs, from beginner fundamentals to dynamic tactical scenarios.
Kristen Wilson Day, Laser Ammo marketing manager, leads as a firearms trainer and utilizes Laser Ammo’s training systems in her own courses with students.
“Using Laser Ammo to help introduce my students to firearms safety and fundamentals has been great. I use the SureStrike laser cartridge with the LaserPET II to familiarize them with racking the slide of various handguns and working through sight alignment and sight picture,” she said. “Then, we take it to the Smokeless Range where they can get a little recoil with the recoil pistols. It’s a great start before going to the range, and the ladies in my courses always have fun with this, which, in turn, improves their comfort and confidence and encourages them to get out there more.”
The firearms instructor affiliate program allows instructors to purchase Laser Ammo’s laser-based training products at a 10% discount. Additionally, instructors receive a coupon code to share with their students, granting the students a 10% discount. Instructors earn a 10% commission on student purchases made using their code.
Laser Ammo supports shooters of all levels with training products that benefit civilians, law enforcement and military markets. The firearms instructor affiliate program further extends this reach by supplying both instructors and students with greater access to training resources. Through this initiative and its full range of innovative training solutions, Laser Ammo continues to lead the way in firearms education and skill development.
For more info: laserammo.com
