Advocacy At Work
On Capitol Hill

For the first time since 2019, NSSF hosted an in-person Congressional Fly-In in Washington, D.C. (The 2020 event was cancelled at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 event was conducted virtually.)

During the two-day event, held April 5–6, 50 professionals representing the manufacturing, distribution and retail segments of the U.S. firearms industry met with 41 Congressional members and U.S. Senators.

These meetings enabled industry professionals to share how they’ve been impacted by financial discrimination by big banks, as well as asking for their support on critical legislative issues impacting the industry.

“There’s no substitute for having U.S. Representatives and Senators hearing directly from industry leaders about how policies from Washington affect their businesses, their ability to hire and grow, and most importantly, their ability to provide millions of law-abiding Americans the ability to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” said Lawrence Keane, NSSF general counsel and SVP of government and public affairs. “It was a real show of force and a testament to our entire industry that such a large number of our industry principals came to our nation’s capital and participated in the 2022 Congressional Fly-In. It was a resounding success.”

Key meetings were held with U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA), House Republican Whip; Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ranking Republican Member on the Senate Finance Committee; Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), Ranking Republican Member on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee; and Sen. Hagerty (R-TN) Member of both the Senate Appropriations Committee and Senate Banking Committee.

Members Of Congress Address Attendees

Three U.S. Senators and the highest-ranking Republican woman in Congress personally addressed Fly-In attendees across both days of the event.

On the evening of Tuesday, Apr. 5, 38 U.S. House members attended the NSSF PAC reception, with Sen. Rick Scott (R–FL)
serving as the keynote speaker. Sen. Scott is chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Later during the Tuesday evening event, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R–IA) was honored as the 2021 NSSF Legislator of the Year. As Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Grassley was instrumental in blocking gun control lobbyist David Chipman’s nomination to lead the ATF last year.

“There’s no substitute for having U.S. Representatives and Senators hearing directly from industry leaders about how policies from Washington affect their businesses.”

Lawrence Keane, NSSF General Counsel and SVP of Government and Public Affairs

The morning of April 6, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R–ND) shared an update on how he has personally endeavored to stop discriminatory banking practices that affect the firearms industry. Sen. Cramer serves on the Senate Banking Committee and introduced the Fair Access to Banking Act (S.563), a bill that would prevent discrimination by banks and financial service providers against constitutionally protected industries and law-abiding businesses. Sen. Cramer was NSSF’s 2020 Legislator of the Year.

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R–NY), chair of the House Republican Conference and the third-highest ranking Republican, was the keynote speaker during lunch on the day of the Fly-In. Rep. Stefanik outlined how the power structure in the lower chamber is poised to change after the midterm election — highlighting the emergence of several young, pro-gun Republican women who could be elected to Congress in November.

Legislative Priorities

There were several legislative priorities presented to U.S. Congressional members, including: asking for support for the Recreational Lands Package (S.3266) and the MAPLand Act (S.904), dispelling the myths of “blanket immunity” from the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) and magazine bans, appropriations requests for FY 2023 and more.

The three main points of interest during conversations with members and their staffs were: financial discrimination against the firearm industry (with nearly every attendee providing firsthand accounts of being denied financial services based on the sole nature of being in the firearms industry — rather than credit), ATF oversight and the impact of President Biden’s “zero tolerance” policy and the FFL Protection Act (strengthening the penalty for thefts of firearms from FFLs).

Follow-Ups

In less than 24 hours after the event, NSSF officials reported five cosponsors were added to priority legislation — with several more agreed in principle.

Mere hours after the last meeting of the Fly-In, the Senate passed the MAPLand Act (Modernizing Access to our Public Land Act), which will improve public land access by digitizing integrated mapping resources for outdoor recreation. After gaining near unanimous passage through the House of Representatives in March, this bill will be headed to the president’s desk to be signed into law.

Of great interest to the industry, Apr. 11, President Biden announced his second nominee to lead the ATF, former U.S. Attorney Steve Dettelbach. Dettelbach’s previous public statements supporting bans on AR-15s, universal background checks and “red flag” laws have risen “significant concerns,” according to NSSF.

Save The Date

The 2023 NSSF Congressional Fly-In will be held April 18–19, 2023. For more info, visit nssf.org/government-relations.

Riton Optics Receives Capital Investment

The continued growth of the Riton Optics brand has led to a capital investment from an American family investment group that will fuel even more growth.

“Riton has and will continue to disrupt the industry by providing quality products with the best value to dealers and their consumers,” said Riton Senior VP John Piscione.

Riton anticipates expanding its product line with cutting-edge innovations, backed by its solid warranty and customer service. Every Riton optic goes through a rigorous dual-inspection process, and is backed by the Riton Promise Warranty, which includes rapid product replacement on all returns.

/ ritonoptics.com

HAVA Hosts 1st Annual Ruck Up Event

The Independence Fund’s (TIF) Tactical Program partnered with Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) and Veterans Equine Therapeutic Services (V.E.T.S.) for a first annual Ruck Up Event, hosted April 9–10. This event brought 14 veterans together for a day of shooting at Niantic Sportsmen’s Club in East Lyme, Conn., and a day to learn outdoor survival skills at the V.E.T.S. facility in Stonington, Conn.

Apr. 9, HAVA hosted the firearms portion of the event and partnered with Matthew Fleisher, president of the Niantic Sportsmen’s Club, where the veterans shot pistol, long range .22 rifle and archery. TIF donated funds to ensure each participant was able to go home with the same recurve bows they learned how to shoot with during the event. Niantic Sportsmen’s Club donated the use of their facility and provided lunch and snacks for the event.

Apr. 10, V.E.T.S. staff conducted an outdoor survival skills training exercise. Participants learned survival skills such as shelter, fire building, as well as how to approach, pack and lead horses if necessary in survival situations. Bob Stefanowski, a local businessman and politician running for governor in the upcoming Connecticut election came to show his support for the veteran community at the V.E.T.S. ranch.

“Planning this event went smoothly with the help of all of our volunteers and the professionalism they showed,” said Kurt Herzberg, event lead and HAVA firearms instructor. “We look forward to making this a yearly event and will make every effort to continue to provide a safe and memorable experience for the veteran community.”

/ honoredveterans.org / independencefund.org / vetsct.org

ATN Donates $300,000, Optics For Ukraine Relief

American Technologies Network Corp. (ATN), maker of innovative optics for the civilian, law enforcement and military markets, has donated $300,000 and optics equipment to Ukraine via an international humanitarian and relief organization.

ATN’s Ukraine assistance is channeled through The Gorta Group, an Ireland-based NGO established in 1965 to serve people and communities in war zones and conflicts.

The Gorta Group began providing welfare and medical services for Ukrainian refugees and delivering non-medical items, including much-needed flour for Ukrainian bakeries, in early March.

Marc Vayn, founder and CMO of ATN Corp. and an American citizen born in Kyiv, Ukraine, has been assisting efforts to move desperately needed products to the Ukrainian citizens from Bulgaria. ATN also set up a donation platform, and Vayn donated $100,000 of his own money to the cause.

“ATN’s donation of $300,000 will go far to provide food and non-medical supplies to refugees fleeing and remaining within Ukraine. The very act of supplying Ukrainian bakeries with flour to keep producing bread for the citizens is an act of defiance in the face of all those who would seek to destroy a peaceful, democratic country’s government. ATN will continue to stand by our brothers and sisters in their fight for freedom,” Vayn said.

With a push from U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart from Florida, ATN received expedited approval from U.S. government agencies to ship nearly 9,000 thermal and night vision optics to the Ukrainian forces. Included in the shipment is the ATN BinoX 4T, the Smart HD thermal binocular with laser rangefinder. Another critical product on its way to the Ukrainian forces is ATN PS31-3 Night Vision Goggles.

“Night optics are critical to the successful defense of Ukraine from the Russian invaders, and we are confident this will be a large step in improving the capabilities of the Ukrainian forces in the field,” Vayn said.

/ atncorp.com

GAT Marketing Honored As One Of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies

GAT Marketing, an outdoor and firearms marketing firm, has been ranked number 270 out of 500 as one of the fastest growing companies in North and South America by The Financial Times and Statista. This list of companies is ranked from 1–500 by Statista and The Financial Times through massive data collection and research of tens of thousands of different companies from around the Americas.

The Financial Times’ “The Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies” list is developed in partnership with Statista and recognizes the most innovative and fastest growing companies in the Americas. The growth rate was calculated based on the 2017–2020 revenue figures, and checked by Statista.

“GAT is honored by the ranking given to us by The Financial Times and Statista. We’re very grateful our work and success is being recognized, and it’s a testament to the hard work done by our entire team,” stated Charles Anderson, CEO of GAT Marketing. “GAT Marketing’s success has always been, and will continue to be based on its community and team. The results for our clients speak for themselves. Their increase in spending, along with the referrals to other companies, have allowed us to grow organically on the back of our success.”

/ gatmarketing.com

MidwayUSA Foundation Distributes Youth Shooting Grants

MidwayUSA Foundation announced it has disbursed grants of over $4.1 million to 832 youth shooting teams across the nation, the largest grant payout in the foundation’s history.

The funds will assist approximately 37,000 youth shooting athletes, covering expenses such as ammunition, targets, travel, entry fees, team gear and more. MidwayUSA Foundation paid an average grant of $4,953 per endowment in this grant cycle.

“We use the foundation in everything we do, whether it’s travel, training, competitions, ammo, gear (or) equipment. Our team knows the money will be there annually to help us with the various expenses associated with having a shooting team,” said Michael Elam, head coach of Shotgun Sports at Lindenwood University.

As a team’s endowment grows, so does its annual cash grant. Each grant is 5% of the team’s MidwayUSA Foundation Team Endowment balance, and the foundation offers various resources to help shooting teams increase their endowment. Every team can receive tax-deductible donations through the foundation’s website at www.midwayusafoundation.org/findateamfundateam.

Online donations made to youth shooting teams are matched through MidwayUSA Foundation’s current matching program, funded by Larry and Brenda Potterfield, owners of MidwayUSA.

In addition to cash grants, teams are eligible to receive product grants to conduct fundraisers. Teams choose the products and host a fundraiser in their communities. Proceeds are split, half staying with the team for immediate expenses, and the other half going to its team endowment to be matched. Available product grants may be seen at the foundation’s website.

The MidwayUSA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity working to sustain and grow youth shooting sports by providing long-term funding to youth shooting teams. Donations are tax deductible, and allow the foundation to assist in expanding and enhancing the leadership skills, confidence and discipline of today’s youth through shooting sports activities. The foundation supports all shooting disciplines.

/ midwayusafoundation.org

Kimber Spearheads Firearms, Accessories Donations To Ukraine

Kimber Manufacturing Inc. has donated 200 R7Mako pistols and 20 rifles (10 Advanced Tactical rifles in .308 Win., and 10 bolt-action rifles in .308 Win.) to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Leupold & Stevens Inc. is supplying Mark 4 LR/T 3.5-10×40 scopes for each of the rifles, and Mission First Tactical (MFT) donated holsters for the pistols and Tactical Rifle Cases. In addition, MFT donated 3,300 AR-15 magazines and 1,000 AR-10 magazines.

Kimber officials say they were inspired to help by the courage and determination of the Ukrainian people who have inspired the world.

“The people of Ukraine are enduring tremendous hardships, and are in need of support from around the world,” said Leslie Edelman, Kimber owner and CEO. “Kimber is honored to play a part in providing this much-needed assistance with the donation of these firearms and accessories. Our hearts and prayers go out to the courageous people who will be using them to defend their freedom and nation.”

/ kimberamerica.com / leupold.com / missionfirsttactical.com

ATN Relocates To Florida

American Technologies Network Corp. (ATN) announced it has relocated its headquarters and manufacturing facilities from California to southern Florida to accommodate the company’s growth since its founding in 1995.

“This move is a continuation of ATN’s mission to bring feature-rich products to market. Innovation is central to ATN, and this new step allows the company to deliver the highest-quality products to its customers in a more efficient manner,” said Marc Vayn, CMO of ATN.

The new Florida facility features a technically advanced manufacturing floor, expansive warehouse, streamlined shipping area, improved warranty center and high-tech R&D facilities. All of these improvements will allow the company to better serve its customers now and in the future.

/ atncorp.com

Beretta Holding Acquires RUAG Ammotec

Beretta Holding announced it has signed a binding agreement to acquire 100% of RUAG Ammotec, the leading European provider of small-caliber ammunition manufacturing and distribution. RUAG Ammotec owns brands such as RWS, Norma, Rottweil and Geco.

“We warmly welcome the more than 2,700 employees of RUAG Ammotec to our group, having worked almost three years on this project. During this time, we have clearly recognized RUAG Ammotec is a very good cultural fit with our group, and a strong, competent and experienced management is in place,” said Pietro Gussalli Beretta, president and CEO of Beretta Holding.

Beretta also pointed out the excellent strategic fit and “strong synergies” between RUAG Ammotec and the Beretta Holding companies.
“We have the firearms and the optics, RUAG Ammotec has the ammo, (and) there is almost no overlap. This new addition to our group will add a substantial number of high-end brands to our existing portfolio of premium brands,” Beretta said.

With the RUAG Ammotec acquisition, Beretta Holding will grow to over 6,000 people through more than 50 subsidiaries all over the world.
Beretta Holding and RUAG International have applied for mandatory governmental approvals. Beretta Holding expects to take full ownership of RUAG Ammotec later this year. No terms and conditions of the transaction were disclosed.

/ beretta.com

Primary Arms Optics Moves To New Facility

Primary Arms Optics announced the completion of its move to a new 50,000-sq. ft. facility, located near the company’s Houston-based headquarters.

The new facility expands Primary Arms’ operational and logistical potential. Separate from the company’s retail operations, the new facility supports additional engineering and quality-control staff.

The building features a state-of-the-art clean room, taking the company’s optics projects to a new level. Additional warehouse space will also allow Primary Arms to maintain its fast shipping speeds for optics dealers, both within the U.S. and abroad.

“This move is a defining development for our company. With the new facility, Primary Arms Optics will now be able to undertake advanced manufacturing projects that were just not possible in the old facility, while expanding support for our growing dealer network both in the U.S. and internationally,” said Marshall Lerner, founder and CEO of Primary Arms.

Primary Arms Optics offers a comprehensive selection of riflescopes, prism scopes, red-dot sights, optic mounts and accessories. Its Advanced Combined Sighting System (ACSS) is a high-performance reticle solution to the challenges of modern marksmanship, distilling complex mathematics into intuitive holdovers that enhance speed and precision. Primary Arms produces several tiers of products to meet the needs of any budget, and all products come with a lifetime warranty.

/ primaryarms.com

Newsweek Names Vista Outdoor In List Of Trustworthy Companies

Vista Outdoor Inc. announced it was named to Newsweek’s 2022 list of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies.

The prestigious award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., a leading statistics portal and industry-ranking provider. The awards list features 400 companies across 22 industries. Vista Outdoor was one of just 25 consumer goods companies selected.

“Our company prioritizes building trust with our employees, customers and investors. Everything we do centers on the people-first culture we strive to create. It infuses how we design and sell products customers rely on, the way we interact internally with our more than 6,000 employees and the integrity that guides our customer, supplier and investor relationships. Trust is a trait we value greatly, and it’s one we strive to uphold in all aspects of our business,” said Chris Metz, CEO of Vista Outdoor.

Vista Outdoor’s brands and employees also promote a culture of trust through the Vista Outdoor Corporate Responsibility values — sustainability, community, safety and the Vista Outdoor Foundation. Those values drive the belief that business success can leverage positive change and impact in the world.

America’s Most Trustworthy Companies 2022 were identified in an independent survey based on a vast sample of approximately 50,000 U.S. residents, who rated companies they know on three touchpoints of trust — customer trust, investor trust and employee trust. A total of 110,000 evaluations were submitted. All stock exchange-listed companies with revenue of more than $500 million in 2020 were considered in the study, which was conducted in the third quarter of 2021.

Vista Outdoor is the parent company of more than three-dozen well-known brands that design, manufacture and market sporting and outdoor products.

/ vistaoutdoor.com

Brownells Announces WA. STATE “MAG DUMP” Promotion

In response to the standard-capacity magazine ban passed in Washington state, Brownells announced it will donate $2 to the Washington-based Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) for every aluminum Brownells AR-15 magazine sold. The SAF is currently planning to file a lawsuit against the state of Washington on behalf of gun owners in the state.

The Brownells “Mag Dump” donation event lasts through June 24, and has two goals. The first is to help Washington state gun owners procure reliable, proven, standard-capacity magazines for their AR-15 style firearms before the ban goes into effect. The second is to supply cash to the Second Amendment Foundation that will be earmarked to help fund its lawsuit to be filed against the ban on all magazines holding more than 10 rounds.

“Brownells provides the products Americans need to exercise their Second Amendment rights and freedoms,” said Brownells Chairman Pete Brownell. “We’re proud to partner with groups like the Second Amendment Foundation to help fight for those rights and freedoms.”

The Brownells magazines eligible for the $2 donation include Grey Aluminum Magazines and Tan Magazines in single, 10, 20 and 100 quantities.

The SAF is dedicated to promoting a better understanding of the Constitutional heritage to privately own and possess firearms. The SAF has many educational and legal action programs designed to better inform the public about the gun control debate.

/ brownells.com / saf.org

NEW PARTNERSHIPS

PR & Marketing

APEX Ammunition announced a partnership with Shannon Jackson Public Relations (SJPR). SJPR will lead media relations for APEX and assist the company with strategic planning, partnerships and overall marketing efforts to grow brand awareness and sales.

LUCID Optics teamed up with Blue August for assistance with public and media relations through brand awareness, event promotion and industry presence. In addition, Blue August will assist Wolf Premium Oils, as well as RSW Group and its companies RSW Aviation, Profense and North Star Arms in the same capacity.

CMC Triggers Corp. signed Laura Burgess Marketing (LBM) to assist its public relations efforts and expand awareness of the CMC Triggers brand. SOUSA Optics (formerly Sun Optics USA) will be announcing new products and incentives through its partnership with LBM, as well. Andro Corp. Industries and San Tan Tactical have also hired LBM to manage press and writer relations.

Polymer80 Inc. entered into a relationship with Hunter Outdoor Communications (HOC) regarding press releases and news dissemination. HOC was also named the agency of record for AG Composites and WildEar by CavCom.

1791 Gunleather, Victory Archery and Full Range Hanging Systems have renewed partnerships with RubLine Marketing to manage each company’s branding and marketing efforts. A new partnership, Antler King has signed on with RubLine Marketing for its branding and marketing.

Offensive Marketing Group teamed up with Dillon Rifle Company to produce four product-launch videos for the OPAR Pre-Stage Drop-In Trigger.

Swanson Russell was selected as public relations agency for onX Hunt. Silencer Central also selected Swanson Russell as its marketing agency of record to assist with brand management and product marketing.

Benelli USA retained Media Direct Creative Group as its public relations agency of record for management of the company’s initiatives and those of Benelli USA’s family of brands, including Benelli, Franchi, Stoeger, Uberti USA and Chapuis.

BONE-DRI selected Harris Global Marketing & Communications as its agency of record for public relations for its entire product line.

Simulation Training Group, GARTORZ Eyewear and Pnuma Outdoors each selected Chevalier Advertising & Public Relations to act as the agency of record and perform strategic public relations duties.

Source Outdoor Group announced new partnerships with NEBO, Outguided and Warthog Sharpeners to provide a variety of marketing and communications services.

Sales Representation

Comp-Tac partnered with Murski Breeding Sales for representation of its line of holsters and new products.

Nosler Inc. hired Northern Exposure Sporting Group for sales representation and support in Canada.

Caracal USA selected William J. Gartland & Assoc. and JES Marketing for representation of its products in all 50 states. William J. Gartland & Associates covers 37 states, while JES Marketing handles 11 western states as well as Alaska and Hawaii.

Distribution

Davidson’s announce the addition of Trailblazer Firearms to its growing product-line family and the initial offering, Trailblazer’s LifeCard pistol.

Crow Shooting Supply wholesale customers can now choose from the full lineup of Colt firearms.

Safariland Armor, a brand of The Safariland Group, announced a national sales and distribution agreement with Busch PROtective for the company’s helmets and accessories.

Sports South LLC and Heritage Manufacturing Inc. teamed up to design and create the Heritage Barkeep, a single-action revolver with Old West flare, is now available from Sports South. Additionally, Sports South is now distributing a Landon Arms STX 604 shotgun with an exclusive natural camouflage stock.

Chattanooga Shooting Supplies Inc. now offers products from Templar Knives to its customer base.

Iron Valley Supply has partnered with Christensen Arms to distribute its complete line of firearms.

Click To Read More Shooting Industry May 2022 Issue Now!