ICYMI: Industry News
From Jan. 29–Feb. 2, 2024

Walther Arms & Hornady Kick Off Consumer Promotion

By partnering with Hornady Security on a new consumer promotion, Walther Arms Inc. continues to lean into the moniker they proudly stand for: duty to be prepared and ready for any situation that may arise. Beginning February 2 through April 30, 2024, consumers will receive a Hornady Treklite Lockbox XXL or a Hornady One-Gun Keypad Vault with the purchase of the following eligible Walther handguns.

Tier One:

Purchase any Walther P22, CCP, WMP or PD380 handgun and receive a Hornady Treklite Lock Box XXL (MSRP $53.99).

Tier Two:

Purchase any Walther PDP, PDP Steel Frame, PPK, PPK/S or Q-Series Steel Frame handgun and receive a Hornady One-Gun Keypad Vault (MSRP $147.99).

Promotional Details:

This promotion excludes all LE models, VIP and IOP discounts.

Consumers must submit a valid receipt showing they purchased the specified Walther handgun model within the giveaway dates/time frame (between 2/2/24 and 4/30/24) and submit a picture of the label on the box showing the serial number on or before May 31, 2024. Hornady safe redemption will take 2–5 weeks for processing and handling.

Only one redemption per serial number is allowed. Multiple redemptions will be allowed to consumers who purchase multiple pistols. Dealers are also encouraged to submit a redemption for their consumers if assistance is needed. Must be over the age of 18 to participate and follow all state, local and federal regulations.

For more info: waltherarms.com/freesafe

Accuracy Solutions LLC Acquires McRee Precision

Accuracy Solutions LLC announced the acquisition of chassis manufacturer McRee Precision.

Accuracy Solutions and McRee Precision began cooperative efforts in 2018. In 2019, after more than a year of research and development, the around-the-world patented Fontcuberta Advanced Sniper and Tactical (F.A.S.T. — aka FAST) Chassis Enhancement System was unveiled.

Over the years, Accuracy Solutions refined and expanded its patented BipodeXt and FAST Chassis Enhancement Systems. In addition to McRee Precision, in 2023, American chassis maker Accurate Rifle Systems, Ohio, USA, began selling its chassis fitted with FAST Chassis Enhancement Systems.

Accuracy Solutions has focused on providing FAST Chassis Enhancement Systems to chassis manufacturers. The acquisition of McRee Precision radically changes that. Equipped with McRee Precision’s patented technologies and know-how, Accuracy is well-positioned to develop its own FAST chassis.

“Accuracy Solutions cannot overstate the importance of acquiring McRee,” added Gyurec. “We didn’t merely buy a chassis manufacturer; we bought McRee Precision, the widely recognized forerunner of the modern chassis system. This acquisition saves Accuracy decades of research, development and know-how acquirement, giving us wisdom we wouldn’t otherwise have today. We are honored, very lucky and humbly proud.”

For more info: accuracysolutions.com

Smith & Wesson Announces Top Retailers As 2023 Ambassador Dealers

Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. announced that 10 of its top retailers across the nation have been recognized as Ambassador Dealers for their outstanding performance in 2023. The Smith & Wesson Ambassador Dealer program recognizes retailers who serve as strong advocates for the Smith & Wesson brand and who continually support the growth of its brand and products.

“Ambassador Dealers play a key role in our success, and we want to convey our deep appreciation for their partnerships. Their ongoing support for our products, our promotions, and our presence in their retail stores are in lockstep with Smith & Wesson’s vision for the future. We eagerly look forward to many more years of continued success with our dedicated Ambassador Dealers,” said Sue Cupero, Smith & Wesson VP of Sales.

To be selected as a Smith & Wesson Ambassador Dealer, retailers are required to meet specific criteria related to outstanding sales performance, retailer training, custom marketing strategies and more.

In recognition of their exceptional performance, the Ambassador Dealers were presented with an awards package and are now recognized as an Ambassador Dealer on Smith & Wesson’s Dealer Locator. New Ambassador Dealer retailers are selected annually.

The 2023 Ambassador Dealers are:

Porter’s Sporting Goods — Flint, Texas

Hunter’s Refuge — White Hall, Ark.

Ahlman’s Guns — Morristown, Minn.

Jim’s Firearms — Baton Rouge, La.

Black Sheep Sporting Goods — Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Perry’s Gun Shop — Wendell, N.C.

Bob’s Gun & Tackle Shop — Hastings, Mich.

Sprague’s Sports — Yuma, Ariz.

Great Lakes Outdoor Supply — Middlefield, Ohio

Targetmaster — Chadds Ford, Pa.

For more info: smith-wesson.com

Savage Arms, Massachusetts Division Of Fisheries And Wildlife And OSCF Collaborate To Support Conservation Efforts

Savage Arms released a new video in collaboration with the Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) and Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), “Connecting With Conservation.” The video acknowledges the significant contributions made by industry manufacturers, state wildlife agencies as well as hunters, anglers, trappers and shooters (HATS) to support wildlife conservation efforts across the country through the Pittman-Robertson Act.

As part of their ongoing commitment to conservation, OSCF has developed a video series titled “Connecting with Conservation” where they collaborate with industry manufacturers and state fish and wildlife agencies. The latest installment showcases a visit to Massachusetts at the Savage Arms headquarters, shedding light on how firearms manufacturers like Savage have helped pave the way for the Pittman-Robertson Act to contribute to the work of wildlife agencies, and thanking outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen for their role in conservation.

“All of us at Savage appreciate the support from our loyal customers and are proud of the impact they have on American conservation efforts,” said Beth Shimanski, director of marketing for Savage Arms. “Each time you purchase a Savage Arms product, you are contributing to the maintenance and protection of the outdoors and its wildlife. Thank you to all of our customers for being primary funders of conservation.”

“We appreciate Savage Arms hosting a factory tour for staff from MassWildlife. It was great to learn of their dedication to conservation and to work together to create this video that finally acknowledges and thanks all these primary funders of conservation” said OSCF Executive Director Jim Curcuruto. “Efforts like teaching hunter education, building shooting ranges and managing habitat and wildlife populations are possible because of the $3.6 billion that America’s 60+ million active HATS (hunters, anglers, trappers and shooters) contribute each year through their purchases of hunting and fishing licenses as well as excised taxed products such as firearms and ammunition.”

The “Connecting with Conservation” video series is produced with the support of The Murray Road Agency. Funding for this project is provided by the Multistate Conservation Grant Program (F23AP003940), a program supported with funds from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program and jointly managed by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

For more info: savagearms.com

Pass It On — Outdoor Mentors Inc. Receives Grant From Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund has awarded a grant to Pass It On — Outdoor Mentors to further their mission to get kids out hunting and fishing through outdoor mentorship.

Pass It On CEO Brittany French said, “We are excited that Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Funds see the value in our mission! Our program is rapidly growing as we are planning to expand to at least two more states in 2024, adding Iowa, Kansas and Wisconsin. We planned, organized and coordinated over 600 hunting and fishing events in 2023 and expect that to grow well beyond 900 events in 2024. We firmly believe that it is our responsibility to provide new and continued outdoor opportunities so our youth can learn more about the outdoors and our volunteer mentors can share their wisdom with the next generation.”

The Pass It On — Outdoor Mentors program aims to serve youth who are interested in hunting and fishing but face barriers that limit their ability to pursue that interest. The organization serves a wide swath of youth who come from organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Youth Horizons, High School and College Shooting Sports Teams, youth who just completed Hunter Education and youth who are interested in the outdoors.

“Our ability to expand beyond Iowa, Kansas and Wisconsin relies on support from the outdoor industry,” stated Mike Christensen, president of Pass It On — Outdoor Mentors Inc. “We are grateful to have an organization like the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund lending their support to our efforts.”

For more info: outdoormentors.org

USA Clay Target League Launches New Website Experience

The USA Clay Target League has launched its new website as part of the League’s massive new ecosystem encompassing all 50 state high school programs as well as the League’s college and homeschool programs.

“The League will have over 50,000 athletes and 10,000+ coaches participating on as many as 1,800 teams in 45 states this year” said John Nelson, president of the USA Clay Target League. “Such a large audience of athletes, coaches, parents and supporters requires a state-of-the-art website that is built to provide the scores, standings and information that audience needs, in an easy-to-use platform.

The sites have been developed to bring as many of the League’s information sources into one mobile-friendly platform as possible.

“Previously, participants and their families have needed to visit a number of websites at various times during the season.” Nelson said. “Now everyone can access rules, registration information, scores and standings, season awards, tournament information and more in one centralized location.”

The 501(c)(3) non-profit USA Clay Target League is the largest youth clay target shooting sport program in the nation. The League offers trap, skeet, sporting clays, and 5-stand leagues to secondary and postsecondary schools across the country.

For more info: usaclaytarget.com