ICYMI: Industry News From
Feb. 27–March 3, 2023

SK Customs Raises $20,000+ For NWTF

SK Customs, a division of limited-edition production manufacturer SK Guns, has announced a gift of more than $20,000 in support of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) conservation research mission.

SK Customs donated two sets of custom-designed engraved firearms in honor of NWTF’s 50th anniversary during the NWTF Annual Convention and Sport Show in Nashville in February. The firearms packages included a Henry Golden Boy Silver in .22 LR and a new model Smith & Wesson 1911 chambered in .45 ACP.

“Thanks to the convention’s Grand National Live Auction, we were able to help raise more than $20,000 to fund research and conservation efforts and enhance development opportunities in the overall firearm and outdoor industry through our SK Gives Back initiative,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns.

Since 1973, wild turkey populations have risen from 1.3 million to more than 6 million, and the NWTF has conserved or enhanced more than 22 million acres of wildlife habitat. Additionally, the organization has invested more than $500 million in conservation and outreach efforts, and more than $8 million in wild turkey research.

Customers can now show their support of NWTF’s mission to continue driving wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by pre-ordering the 50th Anniversary Commemorative Set. The MSRP is $3,100.

For more info: skguns.com.

Smith & Wesson Recognizes 2022 Ambassador Dealers

Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. has named 10 of its top retailers across the nation as Ambassador Dealers for their outstanding performance in 2022.

The Smith & Wesson Ambassador Dealer program recognizes dealers that serve as strong advocates for the Smith & Wesson brand, and continually support the growth of its brand and products.

The Ambassador Dealers for 2022 are:

• Black Wing Shooting Center, Delaware, Ohio
• Bob’s Gun Shop, Norfolk, Va.
• Carter’s Country, Spring, Texas
• Cheyenne Mountain Outfitters, Bordentown, N.J.
• Dad’s Super Pawn, Gulfport, Miss.
• Larry’s Pistol and Pawn, Huntsville, Ala.
• Midwest Gun Exchange, Mishawaka, Ind.
• Midwestern Shooters Supply, Lomira, Wis.
• Scott’s Outdoors, Jay, Fla.
• Tombstone Tactical, Phoenix

“These dealers continue to demonstrate the core values that are meaningful to Smith & Wesson. Their support of our products, promotions and our presence in their retail shops align with our vision for the future. We look forward to many years of continued partnerships and success with our Ambassador Dealers,” said Sue Cupero, VP of sales for Smith & Wesson.

Smith & Wesson Ambassador Dealers must meet specific criteria of outstanding sales performance, retailer training, custom marketing strategies and more. The company presented each 2022 Ambassador Dealer with an award package and now recognizes them as Ambassador Dealers on its Dealer Locator.

For more info: smith-wesson.com.

Brownells Celebrates Unveiling Of New Website

Last week, Brownells invited customers to help celebrate the grand opening of its new website at www.brownells.com.

The new website is optimized for mobile devices and features upgraded search functions along with a blog and content section.

The centerpiece of the New Website Grand Opening celebration was the Gun Room Giveaway that will gave one lucky winner everything to fully outfit a gun room — a total retail value over $12,000, sponsored by SIG SAUER, Magpul, Hornady and Brownells.

For more info: brownells.com.

ASP Presents 2022 Premier Partner Award To Galls

Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP) presented its 2022 Premier Partner Award to public safety distributor Galls. The award recognizes Galls’ planning, effort, execution and dramatically successful results in marketing and supporting the ASP brand last year. ASP executives traveled to Galls’ headquarters in Lexington, Ky., to present the award to CEO Mike Fadden and his management team.

“It’s typical for manufacturers to measure business relationships in dollars,” said ASP CEO Kevin Parsons, “but we take a much more holistic and philosophical approach.”

Parsons says the Premier Partner Award — which only goes to one company each year — is not determined by purchases. Rather, it recognizes shared commitment to the needs of law enforcement officers, effort and execution in representing the ASP brand and products and the general quality of the working relationship.

For more info: asp-usa.com.

SPYPOINT Wins Kinsey’s Dealer’s Choice Award

During the Kinsey’s Dealer Show, February 17–19, SPYPOINT won the inaugural Dealer’s Choice Award for the hunting accessory category.

“Kinsey’s represents such an important and respected group of retailers. To receive recognition from that group of customers, especially as the first winner of the award, is something to be incredibly proud of,” said Alexandre Ratté, SPYPOINT VP of sales.

“We value our partnership and relationship with SPYPOINT, and it’s clear our dealer base does too,” added Alex Cameron, Kinsey’s director of purchasing. “We congratulate them on the honor, and we look forward to continuing to service our dealers with their products.”

The awards were given to companies in six categories: firearms, ammunition, optics, archery, hunting accessory and archery accessory. Winners were chosen by Kinsey’s dealers themselves, during a polling window late in 2022. Joe Harker, SPYPOINT key account manager, was in attendance and accepted the award on behalf of the company.

“To be recognized like this is fantastic, and only serves to invigorate the entire sales team even more. As a brand, we’re committed not only to offering a great product to our end-users, but all of our partners along the way,” concluded Ratté.

For more info: spypoint.com.