A Lot At Stake
In Election Year
A Lot At Stake In Election Year
Election Day is Nov. 8, 2022 — a little more than 300 days away. Thanks to promising results in Virginia and New Jersey last fall, there is cause for cautious optimism pro-gun candidates will either be reelected or voted into office in the midterms.
At the federal level, fine margins separate a unified government from a divided one. The U.S. Senate is currently split (50-50), with Vice President Kamala Harris representing the tie-breaking vote. Republicans will be defending 20 of the 34 seats up for the reelection cycle, with Democrats defending 14. In the House of Representatives, all 435 seats are up for re-election — with Democrats clinging to a slim 221–213 (one vacant seat) majority.
If projected ad spend is anything to go by — estimated to be a midterm election record of nearly $9 billion, a 244% increase over the 2017–2018 cycle and rivaling what was spent in the buildup to the 2020 election — both sides of the political aisle have recognized the significance of these midterms.
With some races already heating up, it’s not too early to ensure your store or company’s voice is heard promoting the industry’s #GUNVOTE efforts. NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi previewed NSSF’s expansive involvement.
“NSSF, through substantial public outreach, will again be providing information on how to register to vote, where to vote and how to file an absentee ballot. Please be certain to visit GunVote.org,” he informed. “Also, very importantly, we’ll be closely monitoring and reporting on candidates’ positions regarding firearm ownership and Second Amendment rights so gun owners can be fully informed on where candidates stand on these critical issues.”
“If the past 11+ months have taught us anything, it’s elections really do have consequences. Just imagine where our gun rights would be if we didn’t have such staunch allies on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures.”
Joe Bartozzi NSSF President & CEO
Though Democrats have control of Congress, they’ve been largely ineffective in passing anti-gun/anti-industry bills. Additionally, President Biden’s failed attempt to nominate David Chipman to lead the ATF — a Senate-confirmed post — further illustrated the importance of having pro-gun representatives standing strong in opposition.
“If the past 11+ months have taught us anything, it’s elections really do have consequences. Just imagine where our gun rights would be if we didn’t have such staunch allies on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures,” Bartozzi noted.
Bartozzi stressed the importance of what’s at stake for the future of our industry in this midterm election cycle.
“My message is simple: Don’t assume someone else will go out and vote for pro-gun candidates. We must all act like our vote will be the deciding one; it very well may be. Get informed, get involved and get out and vote like your hunting, sport shooting and Second Amendment rights are at stake — because they are,” he concluded.
/ nssf.org. / gunvote.org
Courtroom Battles Boost
Industry companies are finding other ways to get involved by advancing pro-Second Amendment decisions in the courtroom, with SIG SAUER and Brownells recently ramping up support for the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), respectively.
Dec. 6, SIG SAUER announced a sustained, multi-year Double Diamond sponsorship to support the SAF’s programs and initiatives.
“The Second Amendment is under constant attack and the legal activism, education, and resources provided by the Second Amendment Foundation is absolutely essential to stopping the encroachment on our constitutional rights and ensuring that the Second Amendment is preserved for future generations,” said Tom Taylor, SIG SAUER CMO and EVP, commercial sales.
SAF has been engaged in legal action across the U.S. for over 45 years and has successfully defended, overturned, and set precedent in many cases.
“This unprecedented commitment from SIG SAUER is simply awesome,” said SAF Founder and Executive Vice President Alan Gottlieb. “To have this legendary company as our very first Double Diamond sponsor underscores the importance of our legal and educational efforts.”
Dec. 7, Brownells announced it had become a Benefactor Member of the FPC Constitution Alliance — joining Daniel Defense and Silencer Shop to support the organization.
“FPC has stood in the Breach to defend our 2A rights for years. They have stacked up an impressive list of legal wins that keeps the individual right to bear arms alive in America,” said Brownells Chairman Pete Brownell. “Now’s the time to double down in supporting our Second Amendment Rights by supporting FPC.”
“It’s an honor to have earned the support of Pete Brownell and the Brownells family,” added FPC President Brandon Combs. “Because of the generous support of our individual FPC Grassroots Army members and growing family of Constitution Alliance benefactors, like our friends at Brownells, our FPC Team is able to aggressively address important issues and protect individuals’ rights, freedoms, and property without hesitation.”
/ brownells.com / sigsauer.com
/ firearmspolicy.org / saf.org
Targeting those who have been recently introduced to firearms ownership and the shooting sports,
Shoot United is building opportunities to connect and encourage increased participation.
Outside The Ballot Box & Courtroom
Outside the ballot box and courtrooms, industry companies have stepped up efforts to engage with the millions of first-time gun buyers who have joined our ranks since early 2020.
Late November, Winchester Ammunition launched the Shoot United initiative. Geared toward those who may have never been exposed to firearms ownership or just purchased their first firearm, content on Shoot United’s site will focus on recreational shooting, hunting, gun safety and more.
“Shoot United is designed to promote all that’s exciting and fun about the shooting sports and hunting activities as well responsible firearm ownership. It’s competition. It’s one of the safest recreational activities in the country as well as the fastest-growing sport at the high school level,” said Brett Flaugher, president of Winchester Ammunition.
“We plan to tell the stories, build opportunities for people to engage and continue to increase participation.”
A number of other manufacturers have created resources for first-time participants over the past couple years, including Ruger’s Fundamentals of Firearms Ownership video series, MKS Supply’s FirstTimeGunBuyer.com website and Smith & Wesson’s GUNSMARTS video series. These efforts will serve important roles developing the next generation of gun owners and sportsmen.
AmChar Wholesale Announces 2022 Dealer Trade Expo
AmChar Wholesale Inc. announced the dates for its 16th annual Dealer Trade Expo and Super Show Party. The event will be held Feb. 13–14 at the Savannah Convention Center in Savannah, Ga.
The Expo will be open both days from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the Super Show Party to be held on Feb. 13 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Lunch will be served both days. Prizes will be given out, and special “Hot Buys” will be available throughout the show.
“We’re looking forward to a great Dealer Trade Expo event. We appreciate all of our dealers and the teams that make everything run smoothly. This event brings us all together to celebrate our relationships while we preview products and plan for another successful year in business together,” said Tony DiChario, AmChar president/CEO.
The AmChar Wholesale Dealer Trade Expo also coincides with the company’s 30th year as a GLOCK L.E. distributor. AmChar ranks consistently among the top 10 producers in sales of GLOCK’s commercial and law enforcement products in the U.S.
“The law enforcement community is one of our most valued customer bases, and working with a stellar company such as GLOCK to arm and outfit law enforcement officers across the nation continues to be an honor for us,” DiChario noted.
The hotel designated for Expo attendees is the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. Registration is via the company’s website. Dealers also may email sales@amchar.com for more information.
Christensen Arms Launches Christensen Arms University
Christensen Arms has launched the Christensen Arms University Elite Dealer training and product review program.
“This is an incredible way for us to partner with our Elite Dealers,” said Meredith McCaskill, Christensen Arms VP of marketing. “We wanted to provide a way to stay close with our Elite Dealers and give them a chance to offer their valuable knowledge and tips for Christensen Arms premium rifles.”
This informative program has Christensen Arms training staff traveling the country visiting their Elite Dealers and offering in-depth knowledge and insights. The Christensen crew then films the dealer reviews and training videos of their Christensen Arms offering. The videos give an insider’s perspective from Christensen Arms’ Elite Dealers and additional exposure beyond the dealer locator page.
The initial Christensen Arms Elite Dealers featured: Reynolds Outdoors (Opelika, Ala.), Nichols Outfitters (Pelham, Ala.), The Hub Gun Store (Tucson, Ariz.), The Gun Shop (Idaho Falls, Idaho) and The Sporting Shoppe (Richmond, R.I.).
All of the videos are available on the YouTube channel and reflect the most up-to-date pricing and specs:
https://bit.ly/31gQ3ry.
NSSF, Celerant Announce Project ChildSafe Partnership
NSSF and Celerant Technology announced a partnership in support of Project ChildSafe and firearm safety.
Celerant, which has provided point-of-sale and e-commerce software to many retailers in the industry over the past 20 years, has pre-loaded into its latest software a checkout option allowing customers to either round up to the nearest dollar or to choose a specific denomination to donate in support of Project ChildSafe.
“The benefit of our partnership is that we can work even closer with an industry we respect and support. And it provides those who care about gun safety an opportunity to give back and support safety education efforts at the community level, while making it simple for the retailers to facilitate,” said Michele Salerno, director of marketing and assistant VP of Celerant Technology Corp.
Project ChildSafe is dedicated to promoting responsible firearm handling and secure storage by distributing safety education messages and free firearm safety kits in all 50 states and the U.S. territories.
“Firearm safety is a bedrock of our industry and the gun-owning community, and we’re grateful to Celerant and all our donors for their commitment to reducing firearm accidents, thefts and misuse,” said Joe Bartozzi, chairman of the Project ChildSafe Foundation and president/CEO of NSSF.
/ nssf.org / celerant.com
Double D Foundation Advances Shooting Sports Participation
The Double D Foundation announced a recent donation of $800,000 that will benefit Second Amendment-supporting shooting organizations throughout the state of Georgia. The fundraising event was part of Double D’s inaugural fundraising banquet, held at the Daniel Defense facility in Black Creek, Ga., in October 2021.
The nonprofit 501(c)(3) foundation is focused on protecting the Second Amendment and growing the number of Americans involved in shooting sports. More than 500 people attended the fundraiser.
“To all of us, this is more than a financial investment; we invest time with our children, enjoying all that the shooting sports have to offer, and most importantly, preparing the next generation of responsible gun owners. I encourage everyone to find ways to get involved on some level to ensure our children and grandchildren have the same access to shooting sports and the great outdoors,” said Founder Cindy Daniel.
The Double D Foundation is supported through individual donations, corporate sponsorships and/or participation in various events.
Barrett firearms MK22
Barrett Produces 1,000th MRAD MK22
Barrett Firearms Mfg. Inc. announced the production of the 1,000th MRAD (Multi-Role Adaptive Design) Mark 22 MOD 0 (MK22) rifle, in support of the U.S. Special Operations Command Advanced Sniper Rifle and U.S. Army Precision Sniper Rifle contracts. The MK22 is the latest acquisition which greatly enhances the capabilities of our service personnel, replacing several currently fielded sniper rifles within the U.S. military.
“We are proud of this significant achievement, especially during this time of increased supplier challenges and unprecedented demand for the entire product line,” said Joel Miller, Barrett’s VP of sales and marketing.
Designed with precision and modularity in mind, the MK22 provides even greater flexibility within the highly successful MRAD rifle platform. This multi-caliber bolt-action sniper rifle is capable of converting between 7.62x51mm, .300 Norma Magnum and .338 Norma Magnum calibers, based on the mission.
Vista Outdoor Foundation Announces 2021 Grant Recipients
The Vista Outdoor Foundation, philanthropic partner of Vista Outdoor Inc., announced its board of directors has selected 10 nonprofit organizations to receive a total of over $600,000 in grants as part of the foundation’s inaugural grant cycle.
The organizations represent a cross-section of outdoor and recreational causes, including those that promote conservation, encourage youth and veteran participation in outdoor sports and work to improve diversity and inclusion in the outdoors.
“I’m proud of the work the Vista Outdoor Foundation has done to support nonprofit partners across the country. The organizations selected for grants are at the forefront of outdoor impact, and their efforts align with our company’s mission to get more people outside,” said Chris Metz, CEO of Vista Outdoor.
The Vista Outdoor Foundation received more than 100 requests for funding as part of the grant-approval process. The selection of the 10 organizations to receive grants followed a rigorous review of applications based on operational, geographic and mission-based criteria.
The 10 grant recipients are Blue Star Families, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Little Bellas: Mentoring on Mountain Bikes, National Ability Center, National Forest Foundation, Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation, Pedal Power MN, Protect Our Winters, Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation Inc. and Youth Seen.
The Vista Outdoor Foundation will open its second grant cycle summer 2022.
RISE Armament Scores Second HIRE Vets Gold Medallion
RISE Armament recently received the Gold Medallion Award from the HIRE Vets Medallion Program for the second straight year.
The HIRE Vets Medallion Program recognizes employers for their efforts to recruit, employ and retain our nation’s veterans. The program offers the only veteran hiring award at the federal level. Its criteria allow for the highest level of recognition for employers who are committed to veteran careers.
The award emphasizes the importance of prioritizing and encouraging successful veteran hiring and retention, and signals to veterans that an employer is committed to America’s heroes. The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans (HIRE Vets) Act was signed into law May 2017. The Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) administers the HIRE Vets Medallion Program.
“RISE Armament is proud to be recognized and will continue to focus on supporting the nation’s veterans in any way possible. It’s an effort deeply rooted in the values of the company year after year,” the company stated in a press release.
Brownells’ “How To Build An AR-15” video series features Brownells Gun Tech Caleb Savant,
who details the AR-15 build process with easy-to-follow directions and advice.
Brownells Debuts Interactive Video Series For AR-15 Builders
Brownells has launched a video series on its website (brownells.com/HowToBuild) to help customers learn how to build their own AR-15 rifles at home.
Featuring easy-to-follow directions and expert advice from Brownells’ Gun Tech Caleb Savant, the videos were professionally filmed in the Brownells studio.
“Several social media platforms have banned videos and other content showing how to build firearms. Because of Brownells’ long-time support of the Second Amendment and individual freedom, it made sense for us to create a professionally produced video and resource center to assist rifle builders of all skill levels to make the rifle of their dreams in the comfort of their own home or workshop,” said Ryan Repp, Brownells’ VP of marketing.
The videos have an easy search button in the upper left-hand corner, allowing viewers to jump quickly to specific chapters to find the information they need. Titles include, “How to Build Your AR Introduction,” “How to Build Your Lower” and “How to Build Your Upper.” There is also a video on how to properly test-fire and troubleshoot an AR-15 once it’s built.
In addition to the instructional videos, the site also hosts links to popular parts, tools and accessories required to build an AR-15 rifle at home.
Celerant Technology Partners With Otter Waiver
Celerant Technology announced its partnership with Otter Waiver, innovative digital waiver and e-signature system for outdoor sporting and shooting ranges.
The integration of Celerant’s point-of-sale and range software with Otter Waiver’s system will allow dealers and range owners to streamline lane reservations with custom, contactless liability waivers, and manage range use and retail sales with a single solution.
“Partnering with Celerant is exactly what was needed to help the shooting- range industry grow and provide exceptional customer service. We are committed to giving business owners the freedom to run their business more efficiently, and we believe our integration with Celerant will empower the gun- range community to hit their targets by simplifying the waiver process and increasing customer retention,” said Ben Nelson, CEO of Otter Waiver.
Celerant’s all-in-one FFL retail software, integrated with Otter Waiver, automatically generates digital waivers for each usage by pulling customer data from within the retail database. Users can sign waivers on a tablet-kiosk at the point of sale. Soon they will be able to access and sign waivers directly on the dealer’s website.
As customer data is updated in Celerant’s back-office software, waivers are automatically updated with the new data, expediting the check-in process and helping to reduce data errors.
Based on industry best practices, Otter is the only waiver software compliant with eSign in more than 20 countries. It is uniquely built to meet stringent privacy, compliance and security standards.
Dealers can sign up and get started in less than 10 minutes, using the waiver builder and simple messaging system (SMS) tools for customer retention.
“Celerant has worked hard over the past year to enhance the range experience for our dealers and their customers. The addition of Otter Waiver will help our dealers further enhance lane/course scheduling, and increase customer retention,” said Ian Goldman, president and CEO of Celerant Technology.
Kinsey’s Dealer Show Returns In 2022
Kinsey’s Inc. announced their annual Dealer Show, KDS22, will be held live and in person in 2022. The event will run February 25–27 at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pa.
KDS22 offers dealers the opportunity to save on products, which helps to maximize their margins and contribute to their business’s bottom line from more than 250 leading brands.
Dealers also have the ability to program their show orders with industry leading ship dates starting with ASAP shipments through August 1, depending on the item category.
Attendees of KDS22 will get to experience all of the show staples that include the Hot Shows, Vendor and Dealer interactions, giveaways and much more. In addition, the Dealer Appreciation Night Concert will feature rising country star Jameson Rodgers.
“We could not be more excited to return to a live and in-person show for 2022,” said Justin Gorman, Kinsey’s VP of sales and marketing. “Throughout the year we heard from dealers loud and clear they wanted to return to physical shows. Digital platforms provided benefits when there were no other options due to government lockdowns, but there is no replacement for a physical show. We look forward to seeing everyone this year and all the new faces since our last show!”
Dealer registration for the show is open until Friday, Feb. 18, 2022.
NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi addresses local media and elected officials to commemorate
the launch of the Project ChildSafe Albuquerque initiative. This will be a yearlong effort, mirroring
previous campaigns in Baton Rouge, Memphis, Oklahoma City and Cleveland.
NSSF, Area Leaders Launch Project ChildSafe Albuquerque
The NSSF announced the recent launch of Project ChildSafe Albuquerque in New Mexico, a citywide initiative to help prevent firearm accidents and aid in suicide prevention efforts.
“Central to all of this is a goal to encourage gun owners to store their firearms responsibly. We know safe and responsible gun storage works, and helps save lives,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF’s president/CEO and chairman of the Project ChildSafe Foundation.
Albuquerque City Council members Brook Bassan and Klarissa Peña, along with representatives from Albuquerque Public Schools, the New Mexico State Police, the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish and the Albuquerque Police Department — together with local firearm retailers and training organizations — comprise the city’s Project ChildSafe partnership.
The NSSF and its local partners are providing to the community hundreds of free gun locks, along with a library of educational materials on firearm safety in the home. The initiative will remind Albuquerque gun owners through an ongoing digital advertising campaign that a hidden gun is not a safely stored gun.
The citywide initiative will also offer residents a free Parents Resource guide, developed by NSSF in consultation with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The free guide can help parents recognize signs that their kids may be struggling with mental health issues, and offers advice on how to talk to them about suicide, and how to make homes safer for those who may be at risk.
“In recent years, thanks to partnerships like this, fatal firearm accidents have dropped to historic lows, and that’s a trend we want to see continue in the right direction. That starts with a community-shared responsibility and emphasis on firearm safety. We’re grateful to Councilors Bassan and Peña, and all our local partners for joining us in this effort,” Bartozzi said.
Project ChildSafe Albuquerque will be a yearlong partnership, mirroring campaigns in Baton Rouge, La.; Memphis, Tenn.; Oklahoma City and Cleveland.
A Girl & A Gun Cadre Grows With USCCA
A Girl & A Gun Women’s Shooting League (AG & AG) announces its official partnership with the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA).
“For the past several years, we have encouraged our Chapter Facilitators to earn their USCCA instructor credentials. We have many instructors in our organization who have seized the opportunity — and now we have 14 more,” said Robyn Sandoval, executive director of AG & AG.
Sandoval was one of 14 AG & AG instructors from nine different states who recently traveled to West Bend, Wis., to become certified to present the USCCA Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals coursework. By successfully completing the course, the instructors may use the materials to educate the growing numbers of enthusiastic gun owners in their home communities. AG & AG has scheduled three additional USCCA instructor-level courses, as well as dozens of student-level courses, throughout 2022.
“We’re proud to officially partner with USCCA and to bring more of their industry-leading curriculum and services to our members and their communities,” Sandoval said. “Our organizations have a shared mission of providing quality training to help responsibly armed citizens protect their families.”
USCCA will also be a Diamond Sponsor at the 10th Annual AG & AG National Conference in April 2022. Three USCCA instructor teams will be on-site to teach pistol and rifle courses to more than 300 AG & AG members during the event.
