Industry Companies Rally
To Support Ukraine
ATN Founder Marc Vayn loads a van in Bulgaria with crucial
humanitarian and defensive supplies for the people of Ukraine.
In the days following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, several industry manufacturers extended their support to those standing their ground against a significantly larger force. As of press time, Shooting Industry is able to confirm AMMO Inc., ATN Corp., Adept Armor, four Vista Outdoor ammunition brands and Adams Arms have stepped forward in support of Ukraine.
AMMO Inc. Donates 1 Million Rounds
Feb. 28, AMMO Inc. announced it would be donating 1 million rounds of ammunition to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in support of their fight for continued independence.
“AMMO Inc., and we as Americans, stand firmly in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, as we stand for freedom and democracy everywhere,” said Fred Wagenhals, CEO of AMMO Inc. “While we fervently hope for a quick and peaceful resolution to the crisis and that diplomacy will win the day, we condemn the Russian aggression and its threat to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and freedom.
We recognize that events are unfolding rapidly on the ground in Ukraine, and we are prepared to move as quickly as possible to support Ukraine as it continues to defend itself and its freedom.”
March 4, Wagenhals revealed the reaction from AMMO Inc. partners and customers has been “overwhelming.” The company included a link to the CARE Ukraine Crisis fund for those interested in making financial donations: https://bit.ly/3HC5WrS.
“I am an American citizen first, but of Ukrainian blood and spirit. It is imperative, as a united front, the democratic peoples of the world push back against this despot, Putin, and all he represents.”
Marc Vayn, Founder of ATN Corp.
March 24, AMMO Inc. confirmed delivery of its 1 million round donation to the Ukraine government authorities near the conflict zone and it would continue fulfilling its other government and private contracts.
ATN Procures Financial Donations
March 3, ATN Corp., provider of optics to the civilian, L.E. and military markets, announced it had opened a page on its website for direct donations to help the people of Ukraine receive humanitarian supplies and equipment for their fighting forces.
Marc Vayn, founder of ATN, was born in Kyiv, Ukraine, and grew up in the U.S. where he started the optics company in 1995. ATN has offices across the U.S., as well as in Odessa and Kyiv, Ukraine.
Before the outbreak of the war, the ATN team worked to move Ukrainian staff members and their families to offices in Bulgaria or a safe place within their home country. Several ATN staff members refused to be moved and have taken up the fight against the Russian aggressor.
“I am an American citizen first, but of Ukrainian blood and spirit,” Vayn said. “It is imperative, as a united front, the democratic peoples of the world push back against this despot, Putin, and all he represents.”
ATN teams in Bulgaria and on the border of Ukraine have coordinated logistics to move defensive supplies directly to the fighting forces. Unlike other donation sites, the ATN Ukraine relief donation site is processed immediately so ATN team members overseas can take action within 24 hours.
Upon the launch of the ATN Ukraine donation site, Vayn personally donated $100,000 to the cause. Donations were past $170,000 at press time.
Adept Armor Opens European Facility Early
March 3, Adept Armor, an armor system engineering firm, announced it had opened its European facility for distribution of its personal protection products ahead of schedule. The company noted after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, demand for the Adept Armor NovaSteel helmet and Mantis Armor Plate and Storm Systems jumped significantly. Adept Armor responded to a sudden surge of demand in Europe by pulling together resources to complete its European-based production and distribution facility, which was already months in the making, to meet it.
Vista Outdoor Companies Pledge 1 Million Rounds
March 4, Remington, CCI, Speer and Federal Ammunition pledged to support Ukraine’s armed forces through a
1 million round ammunition donation and online fundraising through a special edition T-shirt sold on Remington’s website.
“The war in Ukraine has displaced millions of citizens and exposed average people to the horrors of war,” said Jason Vanderbrink, president of Remington, CCI, Speer and Federal Ammunition. “Supporting the relief effort is a crucial element of the global response, and we are proud to do our part. It underscores how critical the Second Amendment is in America and highlights the importance of the ability of American manufacturers to supply our allies with ammunition. We have long supported Ukrainian armed forces and we will continue to do so in this global cause to unite for democracy.”
/ remington.com / cci-ammunition.com
/ speer.com / federalpremium.com
Adams Arms Ships Rifles To Ukraine
March 8, Adams Arms announced the rifles it had recently built for Ukraine will make it into the country and be used to support the efforts to fight the invading Russian army. Adams Arms has also designed a T-shirt to recognize the Ukrainian border guard unit stationed at Zmiinyi “Snake” Island. All proceeds from that sale will go directly to the Ukrainian National Bank’s war funds.
“Adams Arms has supported Ukraine and other international customers for years,” said Jason East, Adams Arms president. “We’ve been assembling their latest orders for the last few months. From the onset of the Russian invasion, we have been working around the clock to ensure our shipment of firearms will arrive unmolested and in its entirety. We stand with the people of Ukraine and are proud to know Adams Arms products are going to be used to support the independence of a sovereign nation.”
Salutes to all who have joined this effort — let the SI team know if your company has offered support to Ukraine. editor@shootingindustry.com
tristar american classic 85601
TriStar Arms Completes Third Expansion
For the third time since 2015, TriStar Arms has expanded its footprint. The company’s latest expansion to 11,500 sq. ft. increases throughput efficiency by an estimated 30%.
TriStar’s increased production efficiency helps keep final costs down, and gets its shotguns and pistols on local dealers’ shelves quicker.
“Even before the crunch of 2020–2021, demand for TriStar Arms firearms increased considerably year after year. We owe it to our customers to continually improve, and so have once again expanded our capacity and workspace,” said Ryan Bader, VP of sales and marketing at TriStar Arms.
The latest expansion provides more warehouse space to accelerate receiving, quality control and shipping operations, and should prove invaluable as TriStar continues to bring new products to the market.
The recently introduced Bristol side-by-sides and American Classic line of 1911s are the latest innovations from TriStar.
FN AMerica M240L
FN Awarded U.S. Army M240L Contract
FN America LLC announced the awarding of a firm-fixed-price contract, valued at up to $49,973,579, to supply the U.S. Army with M240L medium machines and titanium receivers.
The M240L is now the cutting edge for lightweight medium machine guns, with an overall weight reduction of 18% (5 lbs.) over the previous M240B, without any impact on performance or longevity. The weight reduction is the result of incorporating titatnium into the receiver.
“The M240L is the product of a collaborative effort between FN, the Army and the individual soldier to further enhance the M240B to be more effective for the warfighter,” said Mark Cherpes, president and CEO of FN America. “The development saw the introduction of new materials along with new manufacturing techniques that have paved the way for the future generation of military equipment.”
The M240 general-purpose machine gun, derived from the FN MAG 58, was adopted by the U.S. military in the late 1970s, and has been in continual service since being introduced.
Guns.com Renews NSSF Project ChildSafe Support
Leading online firearm retailer Guns.com has renewed its sponsorship of the NSSF Project ChildSafe program with a $10,000 donation via the Project ChildSafe Foundation.
“We’re so grateful for this continuing support from Guns.com,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF president and CEO, and chairman of the Project ChildSafe Foundation. “Such support really helps Project ChildSafe expand its message of genuine firearm safety across the country, and helps save lives.”
The donation will provide thousands of new gun locks and safety education materials to Project ChildSafe. The locks and materials are distributed free to the public through partnerships with law enforcement agencies, hunter education classes, youth programs, community organizations and other partners across the country.
Guns.com will also partner with NSSF and Project ChildSafe to make safety information available to its customers through a new safety page on its website, and by providing safety materials with shipped products.
“Storing firearms responsibly and securely when they aren’t in use is the absolute best way to prevent firearms accidents and to help keep guns out of the wrong hands. As one of the largest retailers of firearms online, we want our customers to take that responsibility as seriously as we do,” said Greg Minkler, Guns.com CEO.
NSSF launched Project ChildSafe in 1999 as a nationwide initiative to promote firearm responsibility and provide safety education to all gun owners. It is the nation’s largest, most comprehensive firearm safety program, funded almost entirely by NSSF member companies. The centerpiece of the program is its free firearm safety kits, which include a cable-style gun lock and safety brochure, and educational materials and resources for adults and children.
To date, the program has distributed more than 40 million free gun locks in all 50 states and five U.S. territories. Demand for Project ChildSafe safety kits and program resources has more than quadrupled in recent years.
Jay Jacobson accepts the 2022 Action Target Safety Award from Action Target President and
CEO Mike Birch (center, right) and Murray Road Agency VP Kelsey Puryear (far right). In lieu of
using a $2,000 credit to exhibit at the 2023 Industry Day At The Range, Franklin Armory opted
to donate it to boost Project ChildSafe’s efforts.
Franklin Armory Receives Action Target Safety Award
The 2022 Action Target Safety Award was awarded to Franklin Armory at the Boulder Rifle & Pistol Club Range in Boulder City, Nev., on Jan. 17, during the Industry Day at the Range prior to SHOT Show.
Franklin Armory is a Nevada corporation that specializes in manufacturing quality firearms for sporting, military and law enforcement applications.
The award, sponsored anually by Action Target, honors the participating company that demonstrates the highest standard of safety throughout the Industry Day at the Range event.
The Action Target Safety Award includes a $2,000 credit toward the 2023 Industry Day at the Range event. Franklin Armory elected to donate the $2,000 to Project ChildSafe, the NSSF program committed to promoting firearm safety to communities across the U.S. and its territories.
Safety auditors judged shooting exhibitors during Industry Day, and the score was determined by range safety criteria such as providing hearing and eye protection, control of ammunition and safe handling of firearms on the firing line. Scoring also took into consideration the posting of rules, availability of first aid kits at the shooting stations and crowd management.
“We recognize Industry Day at the Range is a fast-paced event, and like all firearms, our products require diligent adherence to the four rules of firearm safety,” said Jay Jacobson, Franklin Armory president. “Our team has consistently made safety not just a plan, but a process. The fruit of that labor has been a safe and successful experience for all who attended.”
Industry Day at the Range is owned and operated by CMG Marketing and Events and Triple Curl Advertising and PR. Held annually before the opening of SHOT Show, the event provides members of the press as well as retail, wholesale and law enforcement purchasing agents the opportunity for hands-on testing of firearms, ammunition and related accessories being introduced to the consumer marketing during SHOT Show. The NSSF is the title sponsor of Industry Day at the Range.
/ franklinarmory.com
/ actiontarget.com
/ shotshowrangeday.com
vortex xm157
Vortex Optics Selected By U.S. Army For NGSW-FC Systems
Vortex Optics was selected by the U.S. Army to produce and deliver up to 250,000 Next Generation Squad Weapons — Fire Control (NGSW-FC) systems over a 10-year production period, beginning in 2022.
The Vortex Optics NGSW-FC, dubbed the XM157, was designed and built with the needs of the current and future warfighter in mind. The XM157 is a Low Powered Variable Optic (LPVO) with a display overlay, Laser Rangefinder (LRF), ballistic solver, environmental sensors, aiming lasers, digital compass and wireless communication to provide for seamless connectivity on the battlefield.
The XM157 is built around a 1-8×30 LPVO featuring a glass-etched reticle on lenses made entirely in the U.S. The XM157 weighs less than many traditional LPVOs with current weapon-mounted LRFs and associated mounts and enables America’s servicemen and women to engage threats quickly and effectively.
With an integrated Picatinny base that houses the Vortex Active Reticle system, the XM157 injects a digitally displayed image into the first focal plane of the optic and allows for intuitive displays to support ballistic drops, reticle shapes and sizes and additional modes to display way points, identified threats and fields of fire.
The combined technology enables the XM157 to range a target, send the information to an on-board ballistic solver, gather atmospheric information and display an illuminated Active Reticle corrected aimpoint with wind holds in the user’s sight picture, all in tenths of a second. To provide for flexibility in the field, the XM157 can be controlled via an on-board keypad or a detachable remote.
As the production period begins, Vortex will leverage a talented collective of American aerospace machine shops and lens manufacturers to supply components to be assembled at Vortex’s Barneveld, Wis., headquarters.
IHEA-USA Launches Firearm Fundamentals Courses
The International Hunter Education Association-USA (IHEA-USA) announced the launch of its online Firearm Fundamentals courses.
Developed by the IHEA-USA to meet the nationally growing demand for accessible firearm safety education, these courses offer each state fish and wildlife agency the opportunity to meet the needs of novice gun owners. The courses were crafted with contributions from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state hunter education staff, tenured volunteer hunter education instructors, conservation industry executive leaders and professional hunters.
IHEA-USA Firearm Fundamentals offers safety training to all gun owners. The courses include modules on firearms best practices and safe handling, in the home, on the range, in storing or transporting and cleaning firearms. Additional instruction on ammunition, locks and safes and an introduction to using firearms for hunting and sport shooting is included.
The course also teaches new firearms owners about Pittman-Robertson funding and how their purchases contribute to wildlife management in America.
“The IHEA-USA is founded on developing and implementing standards that serve to teach safe hunting, which involves safe firearms handling. It made perfect sense for us to address general firearms safety for the 13 million new firearms owners coming into the marketplace over the last two years,” said Alex Baer, executive director of the IHEA-USA. “Our handgun, shotgun and rifle modules are an extension of our safe firearms handling rules, and we believe all new firearms owners can benefit from these introductory training modules.”
The Firearm Fundamentals courses also offer all participating states the opportunity to introduce new firearms owners to hunting, local ranges, sport-shooting and other firearms-related activities in their states upon completion of the course.
Firearm Fundamentals will be heavily advertised in the southeastern U.S. this year through grant funding from the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies.
/ ihea-usa.org
Kahn Media Acquires TREAD Agency
Kahn Media announced it has acquired the assets of TREAD Agency. TREAD Agency will function as a sub-brand of Kahn Media, providing digital marketing services with a focus on shooting sports, fishing and boating, off-road, overland and related market segments.
Kahn Media is a full-service, integrated marketing agency specializing in public relations, visual storytelling, social media and influencer marketing services that improve brand positioning, expand consumer loyalty and increase sales and revenue. The agency has a 13-year track record as a leader in the automotive, luxury lifestyle and outdoor industries.
TREAD Agency is a digital marketing agency specializing in high-performance marketing for outdoor brands. Its team consists of competitive shooters, anglers, hunters, mountain bikers, campers and hikers. TREAD Agency Founder Jeff Dillow has deep roots in the outdoor industry. He joined Kahn Media in 2021 and will remain directly engaged with the TREAD Agency brand.
“Kahn Media is built on delivering marketing services that improve brand positioning, build consumer loyalty and increase sales and revenue for our clients. We have a strong track record of helping clients in the outdoor space achieve significant business growth. The addition of TREAD provides us with a dedicated brand and platform to deliver results for clients both on and off the grid,” said Dan Kahn, president and CEO of the agency.
Lipsey’s Continues WTTA Support
For the second consecutive year, national shooting sports distributor Lipsey’s has donated $10,000 to help Walk The Talk America (WTTA) bridge the gap between the firearms industry and owners and the mental health industry.
For over four years, WTTA has spearheaded a movement within the firearms industry to reduce suicides by firearms and other gun violence through its research and development. Its educational/training programs and podcasts are paving the way to educating mental health professionals about the gun culture, and breaking down the negative stigmas and misconceptions around mental health for gun owners.
“Lipsey’s has been a partner with Walk The Talk America from the beginning. Their organization continues to make positive strides toward closing the gap when it comes to addressing mental health and firearms, and we are happy to renew our support of this very worthy cause,” said Laurie Aronson, chairwoman and CEO of Lipsey’s.
“With every donation, WTTA can provide more tools and resources like training instruction (and) online and downloadable information for individuals, companies and retailers. It is our goal to bring together not only the firearms industry and mental health resources, but also to make them available to all firearms owners. When large distributors like Lipsey’s step up to the plate like this, it helps support our common mission to end gun violence and gun suicide,” said Michael Sodini, WTTA founder.
ZEV Technologies, Unity Tactical Join FPC As Benefactor Members
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced ZEV Technologies, a manufacturer of premium firearms and upgrade parts, and Unity Tactical, a designer of weapon system integration solutions headquartered in Broussard, La., have joined FPC’s Constitution Alliance family as Benefactor members.
“At ZEV Technologies we believe in the absolute freedom to own and responsibly use firearms. It’s our responsibility to take every action possible to ensure the survival of the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms, not only for ourselves but for our countrymen,” said Dan Groce, director of brand engagement at ZEV Technologies. “FPC is our tool of choice when facing off against all adversaries of the Second Amendment. We’re embedded in this battle for the duration and look forward to continuing to raise funds to help them fight for our freedoms.”
“Unity Tactical is proud to support FPC as they work to fight firearms legislation and regulatory actions threatening the fundamental rights of Americans,” added Jace Crosby, director of marketing for Unity Tactical. “We appreciate the overwhelming amount of time and energy FPC and their members expend every day to uphold our liberties and constantly provide the latest information regarding ongoing legal battles around the country. We encourage anyone concerned about their rights to stay informed and take action by joining FPC in the fight.”
Organizations and industry partners who wish to learn more about becoming an FPC Constitution Alliance member are encouraged to contact Lauren Hill, FPC’s director of corporate relations, through FPC’s website at firearmspolicy.org/alliance.
/ firearmspolicy.org
/ zevtechnologies.com / unitytactical.com
Smith & Wesson Recognizes Top Dealers
Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. has honored 20 of its top retailers across the nation as Ambassador Dealers for their outstanding performance in 2021.
The Smith & Wesson Ambassador Dealer program recognizes retailers that serve as strong advocates for the Smith & Wesson brand, and continually support the growth of its brand and products.
“The partnership we have with our Ambassador Dealers is a truly special one. These dealers embody the Smith & Wesson core values and align with our brand vision. We recognize the hard work of our Ambassador Dealers, and look forward to many years of continued partnership and success,” said Sue Cupero, VP of sales for Smith & Wesson.
To be selected as a Smith & Wesson Ambassador Dealer, retailers are required to meet specific criteria of outstanding sales performance, retailer training, custom marketing strategies and more.
Each of the following Ambassador Dealers was presented with an awards package, and now hold Ambassador Dealer status on Smith & Wesson’s Dealer Locator:
• Big Boy’s Gun, Ammo & Range, Oklahoma City, Okla.;
• Carolina Caliber Company, Winterville, N.C.;
• Dance’s Sporting Goods, Colonial Heights, Va.;
• Gary’s Pawn & Gun, Columbus, Miss.;
• Grice Gun Shop, Clearfield, Pa.;
• Gunnies, Orem, Utah;
• Jay’s Sporting Goods, Clare, Mich.;
• On Target Firearms & Indoor Range, Dracut, Mass.;
• Reed’s Sports, Walker, Minn.;
• Shoot Point Blank, Cincinnati, Ohio;
• Simmons Sporting Goods, Bessemer, Ala.;
• Simmons Sporting Goods, Bastrop, La;.
• Smith and Edwards Co., Ogden, Utah;
• Specialty Sports & Supply, Colorado Springs, Colo.;
• Sportsman’s Den, Shelby, Ohio;
• Take Aim Guns, Palm Harbor, Fla.;
• The Armories, Kissimmee, Fla.;
• The Heritage Guild, Easton, Pa.;
• Turner’s Outdoorsman, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.;
• Van’s Sporting Goods, Brandon, Miss.
Henry Repeating Arms Founder and CEO Anthony Imperato took his first steps into gun
making in 1993 to start the Colt Blackpowder Arms Company. In 1996, Imperato, along
with his father, Louis Imperato, developed a rimfire lever action — leading to the first H001
Classic Lever Action .22 rifles being shipped from a small factory in Brooklyn, N.Y., in
March 1997. Today, Henry is one of the largest firearms manufacturers in the U.S.
Henry Repeating Arms Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Henry Repeating Arms is celebrating its landmark 25th year as one of the country’s largest long-gun manufacturers and a leading lever-action maker.
In 1993, Henry Repeating Arms Founder and CEO Anthony Imperato started Colt Blackpowder Arms Co., which made historic Colt revolvers and muskets under license from Colt’s Manufacturing. Along with his father, Louis Imperato, he began developing a rimfire lever-action rifle in 1996. In March 1997, the first Henry Repeating Arms model H001 Classic Lever Action .22 rifles shipped from a small factory in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Now headquartered in Rice Lake, Wis., the company employs over 550 people and operates three manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin and New Jersey. Henry manufactures over 200 different rifles and shotguns in a wide variety of calibers and finishes for hunting, home protection, collectors and a wide variety of shooting sports.
Henry standouts include the Henry Golden Boy .22 flagship rifle and its centerfire counterpart the Henry Big Boy. Henry also has a complete line of youth-sized rifles and shotguns, a sprawling collection of engraved Tribute Edition firearms and a popular modern approach to the lever gun in the X Model series.
All Henry rifles and shotguns are American-made and supported by a lifetime warranty, a personal guarantee from Anthony Imperato and an award-winning customer service department.
Through its charitable branch, Guns For Great Causes, Henry Repeating Arms has made significant financial contributions to children’s hospitals and families of critically ill children. Guns For Great Causes also helps support active-duty and military veterans’ organizations, law enforcement and first responder organizations, pro-Second Amendment organizations, shooting sports education groups and wildlife and habitat conservation entities.
As part of Henry’s 25th-anniversary celebration, the company is donating 1,000 Golden Boy “Silver Anniversary” limited edition rifles to raise a total of $1 million for distribution among all of its Guns For Great Causes constituencies.
“Without a doubt, we would not be here celebrating 25 years of success without the hard work and dedication of every Henry Repeating Arms employee, several of whom have been with me since day one. They are the heart and soul of the company,” said Anthony Imperato.
“I’m incredibly proud to have been involved with Henry for 24 of the 25 years that the company has been making and shipping guns, but I feel an even greater sense of pride when I look to the future. Henry fans and customers have a lot to look forward to this year and beyond,” said company President Andy Wickstrom.
Throughout the year, Henry Repeating Arms will be releasing several limited edition models, including the Golden Boy “Silver Anniversary” edition, a special edition of the New Original Henry, a 25th-anniversary edition of the H001 Classic Lever Action .22 and more.
SAAMI Accepts New Cartridges
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute Inc. (SAAMI) has announced the acceptance of three new rifle cartridges for SAAMI standardization.
SAAMI now accepts the 6mm GT. Introduced by Hornady Manufacturing Co., the 109-grain round travels at a velocity of 2,910 fps with a maximum average pressure of 62,000 psi.
Also receiving SAAMI acceptance is the 6.8 True Velocity Composite. Introduced by True Velocity Ammunition LLC, the 150-grain bullet travels at a velocity of 2,700 fps with a maximum average pressure of 65,000 psi.
Additionally, the 338 Weatherby Rebated Precision Magnum has gained SAAMI acceptance. Introduced by Weatherby Inc., the 225-grain bullet travels at a velocity of 2,800 fps with a maximum average pressure of 65,000 psi.
Additional information on these new cartridges is available in the Chamber Drawings section of the SAAMI website.
SAAMI promotes firearm safety by creating standards that ensure the safety, reliability and interchangeability of firearms, ammunition and components.
Ammo.com Donates Over $290,000 To Pro-Freedom Groups
Through its Freedom Fighter Support Program, online ammunition retailer Ammo.com has donated over $290,000 to pro-freedom organizations to date.
The Freedom Fighter Support program offers Ammo.com customers the option to donate 1% of their total order price to pro-freedom groups.
In 2021, Ammo.com’s Freedom Fighter Support program contributed more than $130,000 to organizations that safeguard American liberty. Of the 16 groups supported by Ammo.com, the top donation recipients during Q4 2021 were:
• Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation: $6,486
• Homes for Our Troops: $4,598
National Rifle Association: $4,559
• Second Amendment Foundation: $3,560
• Mises Institute: $1,257
• Future of Freedom Foundation: $1,255
• Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership: $1,045
“We’re grateful to serve American firearm enthusiasts as we provide the ammunition they need to enjoy their favorite hobbies,” said Alex Horsman, marketing manager for Ammo.com. “That we are additionally able to help our customers support so many pro-freedom organizations only makes our position within the firearm industry that much more rewarding.”
/ ammo.com
