ICYMI: Industry News,
June 16–20, 2025

NSSF Launches New Educational Series

NSSF, in partnership with the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) and the National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA), released a new educational content series designed to help new and non-traditional shooters confidently get started in shotgun sports.

The series, available now on NSSF’s consumer-facing platform, LetsGoShooting.org, includes comprehensive hub pages and short instructional videos focused on the fundamentals of skeet and sporting clays, covering everything from safety and gear to etiquette and technique.

“We’re working to reduce the barriers to entry that many new shooters face, whether that’s uncertainty over the equipment needed, safe firearm handling and range etiquette or simply not knowing where to start,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF president and CEO. “This initiative is about building confidence and creating a clear, safe and welcoming path into the shooting sports for anyone who’s interested in learning a new skill.”

“NSSF’s leadership in educating the public about the shooting sports brings countless new shooters to the range each year,” said Michael Hampton, Jr., NSSA-NSCA executive director. “We’re proud to partner with NSSF in creating and distributing informative content on skeet and sporting clays, as well as offering free memberships so new shooters can try our sports and access our member benefits to improve their skills.”

The video series and digital “hub pages” provide new shooters with step-by-step beginner resources, including easy-to-follow guides, gear tips, safety education and tools for finding local ranges and clubs. These are designed to help new shooters be informed, safe and excited to get started.

For more info: letsgoshooting.org

SLG2 Inc. Welcomes Daniel Defense As New Corporate Partner

SLG2 Inc. announced the addition of Daniel Defense as its latest corporate partner for 2025.

“We’re proud to partner with Daniel Defense,” said Karen Butler, founder and president of SLG2 Inc. “We complement each other. They innovate and build exceptional products with precision and cutting-edge technology, while we innovate and build their customer base with innovative event marketing the same level of dedication.”

Over the past 16 years, SLG2 Inc. has had the privilege of hosting guests in its immersive SLG2 experience. As the company celebrates its 2025 Authentic Tour, SLG2 Inc. remains steadfast in its mission to empower individuals to participate in shooting sports with confidence. With a legacy of success and a promising future, SLG2 Inc. continues to positively impact the lives of countless individuals.

“Partnering with SLG2, Inc. is a natural fit for Daniel Defense,” said Phillip Murdock, marketing director at Daniel Defense. “We’re excited to support a mission that shares our commitment to educating and equipping individuals to be confident and responsible in shooting sports. This partnership expands opportunities to promote safety, innovation and excellence.”

As part of the partnership, Daniel Defense products will be featured on SLG2 Inc.’s 2025 Authentic Tour with stops across the country. Guests can explore the brand’s high-quality firearms, learn about safe handling practices and get to interact with Daniel Defense products.

For more info: shootlikeagirl.com

Smith & Wesson Q4 2025 Results

June 18, Smith & Wesson reported its Q4 and full fiscal 2025 financial results. Net sales for the quarter totaled $140.8 million, a decrease of $18.4 million (11.6%) from the comparable 2024 quarter. Full year fiscal 2025 net sales totaled $474.7 million, down $61.2 million (11.4%) from the prior fiscal year.

Mark Smith, S&W president and CEO, cited “macroeconomic and industry trends” as sources behind diminished returns during the quarter.

“While the combination of lower sales and production volumes, along with mix factors, pressured margins, we were able to partially offset the bottom-line impact through disciplined cost management and by leveraging our flexible manufacturing model,” he said. “Looking at the overall firearms market, we continue to see consumers generally being cautious due to macroeconomic factors pressuring discretionary spending.”

Smith anticipates continued constraints in the near term.

“While new products and lower price point offerings are still performing well, overall conditions suggest headwinds will likely persist in the near term. Despite these challenges, we remain well-positioned to succeed in this environment,” he said.

Deana McPherson, S&W executive VP and CFO, noted while market conditions have been challenging, new products have stabilized the company’s performance.

“We believe that firearm market conditions have been negatively impacted by persistent inflation, high interest rates and uncertainty caused by tariff concerns. That being said, the success of our new products has enabled us to maintain a leadership position in the categories of the firearm market in which we compete,” she noted.

Looking ahead, McPherson expects demand to remain steady but constrained by ongoing economic pressures.

“We currently expect demand for firearms in fiscal 2026 to be similar to what we saw in fiscal 2025, remaining subject to economic headwinds such as inflation and the impact of tariff-related cost increases,” she concluded.

For more info: smith-wesson.com

GALLS Acquires Pittsburgh Public Safety Supply

GALLS announced its acquisition of Pittsburgh Public Safety Supply Inc., a regional provider of public safety uniforms and gear.

Founded in 2017 by volunteer firefighter and businessman Matt Fowkes, Pittsburgh Public Safety Supply was dedicated to the greater Pittsburgh area’s public safety professionals. Operating from a 16,000-sq. ft. retail and distribution center, the company delivered personalized services. This strategic acquisition marks another milestone in GALLS’ mission to be relentlessly focused on its customers. GALLS is positioned to deliver enhanced service and continuity to Pittsburgh-area agencies and officers.

“We are proud to bring the customer-focused GALLS service model and our industry-leading eQuip portal to the heroes in the western Pennsylvania market,” emphasized Mike Fadden, CEO of GALLS. “This acquisition exemplifies our continued deep commitment to the public safety community — providing dependable gear, expert support and the exceptional service that police, fire, EMS and security professionals deserve.”

“Given my background and relationships in the industry, the most important element in this transition is knowing our public safety customers will be in good hands,” stated Matt Fowkes. “The GALLS commitment to our customer base is appreciated and respected. I know the GALLS team will embrace our customers, providing the same level of service we have enjoyed providing to them. We are proud to bring the industry-leading GALLS service model and the eQuip customer portal to the heroes in the western Pennsylvania market.”

For more info: galls.com

Celerant Releases Software Update

Celerant Technology announced its release of version 2.8.2, the most significant software update in the company’s recent history. It features comprehensive system refactoring in the point-of-sale system alongside an extensive suite of new capabilities designed to shape and define how retailers manage their future operations significantly.

“Our version 2.8.2 update tackles the operational challenges that retailers face daily,” stated Ian Goldman, president and CEO of Celerant. “We’ve fundamentally rebuilt core components of our system while simultaneously delivering powerful new features that our clients have been requesting. Combining our point of sale refactoring efforts with these exciting new capabilities creates a new level of performance and functionality that will transform how retailers run their businesses.”

Beyond the performance improvements, version 2.8.2 introduces extensive functionality to the Cumulus and Stratus platforms. They now benefit from enhanced integrations, including seamless Smartwaiver integration directly from the point-of-sale system, advanced Astro integration improvements for presenting rewards and offers at checkout and flexible product-level field customization capabilities.

The update also delivers operational efficiency improvements, including enhanced purchase order search functionality using product information, expanded customer order status options for better order tracking, and additional filtering capabilities for training class management.

“We’ve been working behind the scenes on two fronts simultaneously, completely refactoring our core system architecture while building the advanced features our clients need most,” stated Michele Salerno, chief growth officer of Celerant. “Version 2.8.2 represents the perfect marriage of performance and functionality. Retailers get the reliability and speed they demand, plus powerful new tools that help them serve customers better and grow their businesses faster. This development is the kind of major advancement that only occurs every few years.”

For more info: celerant.com

Colt CZ Group SE Closes Acquisition Of Valley Steel Stamp Inc.

Colt CZ Group SE closed its acquisition of all outstanding shares of capital stock of New England Expert Technologies Corp., a Delaware corporation, which fully owns Valley Steel Stamp Inc. (“VSS”), a Massachusetts corporation. The transaction was completed on June 16, 2025, following the fulfillment of all pre-closing conditions, including approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

“The strategic rationale for the transaction is to achieve vertical integration in selected product categories. With this acquisition, Colt CZ Group gains control of a reputable, high-quality precision machining company, that serves as a key supplier of revolver frames, cylinders, spare parts and other firearm components for the commercial market,” stated Radek Musil, CEO of Colt CZ Group. “The acquisition will also significantly strengthen the Group’s engineering and manufacturing capabilities located in the United States and is expected to improve profit margins for its commercial market products.”

The purchase price was $59.5 million, before adjustment for working capital and cash, and represents a multiple of 5.0x 2024 EBITDA of the company’s firearms business. The full purchase price was paid at closing, with no earn-out provisions or non-cash components included in the transaction. The acquired company will be consolidated into CZ Group’s financials as of June 16, 2025. The transaction was financed entirely with the company’s existing cash resources.

VSS is a well-established manufacturer of firearm components and has been a long-term supplier to Colt CZ Group in the United States. Headquartered in Greenfield, Mass., the company employs approximately 150 people. In 2024, VSS generated $44.3 million in revenue from its firearms operations. Following the acquisition, Valley Steel Stamp will continue to operate under its existing trade name. Operations unrelated to firearms production were excluded from the transaction and will continue independently under NE-XT, which will retain its trademark and brand name.

Steven K. Capshaw, long-term co-owner and CEO of the acquired company, has joined CZ Group as CEO of Colt’s Manufacturing Company, effective June 16, 2025.

Musil commented, “I am pleased to welcome Steve to the team. With his extensive and longstanding experience in firearms engineering and manufacturing, I’m confident he will play a key role in shaping our strategy for the U.S. commercial market. His leadership will be vital to launching new products and driving the next phase of growth for our U.S. operations.”

For more info: coltczgroup.com

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