Industry Lauds
GAOA’s Passage

Written By Jade Moldae

2020

President Trump signs the Great American Outdoors Act into law. The bill will provide crucial resources
to the LWCF and alleviate a significant maintenance backlog in U.S. national parks.
(Image courtesy of NSSF President/CEO Joe Bartozzi)

The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), H.R.1957, was signed into law by President Donald Trump Aug. 4. Touted as one of the most significant conservation advancements in decades, this legislation will provide $900 million a year in permanent funding to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). It will also allocate $9.5 billion over five years to restore facilities and infrastructure in U.S. national parks and public lands.

A signing ceremony was staged in the East Room at the White House, with Vice President Mike Pence, Interior Secretary David Bernhardt, Sen. Steve Daines (R–MT), Sen. Cory Gardner (R–CO), Presidential Advisor Ivanka Trump and Sen. Rob Portman (R–OH) delivering prepared remarks praising the legislation’s passage.

“After decades of abandonment and neglect, we’re once again taking care of America’s historic sites, lush forests, towering mountains, windswept prairies and precious wetlands and wildlife,” Trump said during the ceremony. “America’s natural landscapes belong to the American people. And while I’m President, we will always protect the great outdoors for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and the admiration, enjoyment and reverence of every American citizen.”

Industry organizations roundly applauded the GAOA being signed into law.

“The Great American Outdoors Act is bold in its scope and historic in the guarantee public lands and waters will be accessible to America’s conservation-minded hunters and recreational target shooters,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF president and CEO. “Outdoorsmen and women are the greatest stewards of our natural resources of wildlife, natural habitats and conservation-minded traditions that pass along the benefit of the preservation of public lands access for all. This law enables current and future generations of Americans to enjoy and preserve our national outdoor heritage.”

“Enacting this legislation will rank among the most historic conservation actions in decades, and the sportsmen-conservation community can take pride in our work to ensure this bill became law today,” said Tim Brady, Boone and Crockett Club president.

“Sportsmen and women who have spoken out for years in support of the LWCF and against the chronic underfunding of our public lands agencies should be very proud to be a part of this historic win for public lands, fish and wildlife habitat, and our hunting and fishing access,” said Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in both the U.S. Senate (73–25) in June and the House of Representatives (310–107) in July. It will also serve as a jobs and infrastructure package, creating more than 100,000 jobs as the maintenance backlog of public lands and water projects is addressed. (Those projects include wildlife habitat conservation, road and trail repairs and increased recreational access to public lands and waters.)

GAOA’s impact will be sizable: More than 327 million people visited national parks in 2019, generating upward of $41 billion for the U.S. economy.

Speer Secures Record Contract

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has selected Vista Outdoor’s Speer Ammunition brand as the awardee for 9mm Service Ammunition. CBP is one of the world’s largest law enforcement agencies and is charged with border security, while also overseeing lawful international trade and travel.

This single-award, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contract is a Strategically Sourced contract for all DHS components and other federal agencies with a maximum value of $112 million dollars. The ordering period is for a total of five years with product delivery commencing this August. It’s is the largest duty contract win in the company’s history.

“We’re proud to provide the highest quality duty ammunition to CBP officers charged with the monumental task of border security,” said Jason Vanderbrink, Speer president.

CBP selected a round utilizing the Speer Gold Dot technology. The bullet features a pressure-formed lead core bonded to an extremely uniform jacket a single atom at a time — virtually eliminating separation on impact for more retained weight and consistent penetration depths. The Gold Dot hollowpoint design expands consistently through the full range of barriers. Reliable ignition and cycling are delivered thanks to sealed primers and nickel-plated brass.

“The use of Gold Dot technology in this contract ammunition ensures the highest performance threshold and absolute confidence in on-duty performance,” Vanderbrink added. / speer.com

Fiocchi Announces Major Expansion In Arkansas

Fiocchi has announced plans for a significant investment in a new, independent manufacturing facility in Little Rock, Ark. This plan is part of an ongoing strategic initiative by Fiocchi of America and the Italy-based Fiocchi Group to expand its U.S. and international operations.

Establishment of the new industrial platform follows Fiocchi’s recent infrastructure and proprietary technology acquisitions — all of which are intended to significantly broaden the company’s manufacturing capabilities in response to increased demand and projected growth trends. The Little Rock initiative will operate in tandem with Fiocchi’s ammunition manufacturing facility based in Ozark, Mo.

“We’re excited to start this new chapter of Fiocchi’s history here in Arkansas,” said Anthony Acitelli, Fiocchi of America president and CEO. “The plant is a state-of-the-art production facility that will be instrumental in offering our customers premium products and unparalleled service levels.”

An initial hiring of around 85 skilled employees will be followed by additional workforce increases as the operation reaches capacity potential.

“It’s with great pleasure we welcome Fiocchi to Arkansas,” said Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. “One of my goals as governor has been to increase foreign direct investment in the state, and this is a great example of what can happen when state and local partners work together to nurture relationships with current and prospective leaders across the globe. I look forward to watching Fiocchi grow and prosper here.” / fiocchiusa.com

Henry H015 Single Shot Rifle

Henry Issues Safety Warning, Recall

Henry Repeating Arms Co. announced a voluntary recall of all H015-series Single Shot Rifles and Single Shot Shotguns manufactured prior to July 1, 2020. The first product safety recall in the company’s near-25-year history, Henry recently discovered a potential safety issue wherein, under certain conditions, it’s possible some of these models may discharge without the trigger being pulled if the hammer is partially cocked and released.

Although not every Henry H015-series firearm may be affected, Henry has requested all Single Shot Rifles and Single Shot Shotguns be returned to be upgraded free of charge pursuant to this recall to prevent the possibility of the firearm discharging without the trigger being pulled. All H015 owners should visit the Henry H015 Recall website at HenryUSA.com/recall, email recall@henryusa.com or call (866) 200-2354 to obtain additional information and begin the upgrade process.

The company will upgrade all returned Single Shot Rifles and Single Shot Shotguns in the order in which they are received. Information on the current turnaround time for firearms returned to be upgraded will be provided at HenryUSA.com/recall.

As a sign of appreciation to its customers, Henry Repeating Arms will also perform an unrelated performance upgrade to improve the trigger pull on all firearms returned pursuant to this recall free of charge. / henryusa.com/recall

NAA-PUG-D

Viridian, NAA Combine On NAA-PUG-D

Viridian Weapon Technologies announced a partnership with North American Arms (NAA), and an introductory addition of grip lasers for the NAA-PUG-D and all other NAA .22 Mag. revolvers.

The PUG-D is a small-framed revolver designed for self-defense. It has been a popular choice for on- and off-body carry for years.

Viridian Grip Lasers for North American Arms revolvers feature a simple-yet-intuitive design, and activate automatically when the user grips the handgun. Each option is MSRP-listed at $199, designed to fit all Magnum-frame revolvers and features a highly visible red laser for rapid target acquisition. The grip lasers are easy to install and adjust.

Viridian grip lasers are known for their increased comfort (due to a rubber over-molded design) and improved shooting accuracy. Each grip laser comes with Virdian’s seven-year limited warranty.

“Now North American Arms owners and future owners get increased performance across all .22 Mag. revolvers. We’re also excited for what’s coming in the very near future. We look forward to a long partnership with Viridian,” said NAA Sales Manager Jessica Jarvis.

“North American Arms has carved out an area of expertise unparalleled in this industry. Partnering with the brand and team over there just makes sense,” said Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen.
/ viridianweapontech.com
/ northamericanarms.com

Armscor Partners With Walk The Talk America

Armscor International Inc. has partnered with Walk The Talk America (WTTA) to provide funding for mental health awareness in the form of an ongoing $2,500 monthly donation.

“We’re humbled by this gesture from Armscor,” said Mike Sodini, WTTA founder. “We have slowly and incrementally been gaining support from across the gun community and to have this ongoing contribution really means a lot.”

“WTTA’s mission statement is something Armscor/Rock Island Armory believed in from the start and look to continually support WTTA further in years to come. We look forward to working with other manufacturers in the coming months and years — as we’re stronger as a group than [individuals] on mental health and firearms,” said Armscor CFO Dustin Jones.

Walk The Talk America’s mission is to bring the communities of firearms and mental health closer in order to prevent suicide and improve mental wellness within the gun community while also increasing firearms cultural competence among mental health practitioners. The efforts span gun ranges, retail stores, law enforcement, military veterans and many more demographics.

“Preventing suicide within the firearm community is something everyone should be able to get behind and I am excited to see what we can do in the coming months and years,” Sodini added.
Walk The Talk America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
/ walkthetalkamerica.org / armscor.com

PolyOne Acquires Clariant Masterbatch, Changes Name To Avient

PolyOne, a leader in advanced polymer technology for the hunting and shooting industries, announced its acquisition of the color masterbatch businesses of Clariant and Clariant Chemicals India Ltd. With the acquisition comes a corporate name change to Avient.

The PolyOne brand has been known throughout the archery and firearms segments as an OE supplier of advanced-engineered, polymer formulations. Those designs include structurally reinforced polymers, long-fiber reinforced polymers, metal-replacement-engineered formulations and pre-colored materials and formulation for dye sublimation.

Firearm products featuring what is now Avient technology include firearm stocks, frames, receivers, magazine, recoil pads and grips. Archery components include bow risers, limbs, stabilizers and assorted accessories.

The Clariant Masterbatch acquisition encompasses 46 manufacturing centers across 29 countries and 3,500 employees. These operations will join Avient’s Color, Additives and Inks segment. (Existing customer contact information within the company remained the same as of press time.)

“Under this new brand we bring two global leaders together to create a specialty company focused on sustainable solutions for our customers, being a great place to work for our associates and creating value for all stakeholders,” said Robert M. Patterson, chairman, president and CEO of Avient.

With 2019 revenues of $2.9 billion, Avient Corp. boasts sustainable material solutions that, in Patterson’s words, “transform customer challenges into opportunities, bringing new products to life for a better world.” Employing approximately 9,100 associates, Avient is a certified ACC Responsible Care company, and is a founding member of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste.

“This is a time when the world craves a more sustainable planet, unprecedented innovation and economic growth. Under our new name, Avient, we seek to build a world-class sustainable organization,” Patterson added. “In the coming months, new contact information will be communicated and updated to reflect our new name.” / avient.com

Bond Arms Texas Defender

Bond Arms Marks 25th Anniversary

Bond Arms, maker of updated derringer pistols, is celebrating its 25th year in business.

Launched by former engineer and tool and die maker Greg Bond in 1995, Bond Arms started by converting the iconic Remington Model 95 over-under, single-action derringer into a safer, more-dependable and better-built defensive handgun, which it dubbed the Texas Defender.

Gordon Bond bought the business from his brother in 2007, and expanded it to include a wide range of pocket pistols.
Today, Bond Arms’ modern, double-barrel handguns include added safety features like trigger guards, retracting firing pins and cross-bolt safeties. The company builds dozens of different double-barrel handgun models, 40 interchangeable barrels and a revolutionary semi-automatic handgun, the Bond Bullpup9.

“Our business has grown a lot from its humble beginnings. We have five times more capacity than we did back in 2007, and more planned for the future,” said Gordon Bond.

Bond’s patented rebounding-and-locking hammer adds an extra level of safety missing in early derringer-style guns. The only way to fire the gun is by fully cocking the hammer and then squeezing the trigger. All Bond personal-protection handguns feature one-handed operation.

Bond Arms handguns are also popular with competitive shooters, and have helped shooters win the Single Action Shooting Society World Championships 20 years in a row.

Bond Arms builds its products exclusively in the U.S. using American-made parts, including grips and holsters.
/ bondarms.com

Silencer Shop, Orchid Advisors Join Forces

Silencer Shop and Orchid Advisors announce a strategic partnership intended to provide the firearms industry with innovative solutions focused on consumer engagement, supply chain operations and regulatory compliance.

The partnership will include the delivery of integrated business, compliance and software solutions. Together, Silencer Shop and Orchid Advisors seek to innovate the way firearm products are distributed and sold to customers.

Silencer Shop’s goal is to supply customers with a suite of services allowing for a simpler silencer ownership process. The company’s large nationwide network of kiosks, along with its ATF compliance and customer support, provides a smooth and efficient means of acquiring NFA items.

Orchid Advisors provides technology and services to the shooting sports industry. The company offers business and compliance software accompanied by expert consulting services, which improves how products are imported, manufactured, distributed and sold to consumers both in-store and online.

“We’ve been working with Orchid for years and received peace of mind and security using their software services. We are excited to extend the same sense of security to our customers,” said Silencer Shop CEO Dave Matheny.

As part of the alliance, Travis Glover, formerly executive director of retail and wholesale practice at Orchid Advisors, has joined Silencer Shop’s leadership team as director of business development.

“Our team is ecstatic about expanding our relationship with Dave and Travis. We have tremendous respect for their industry knowledge and technical experience, both of which are an asset to industry retailers,” said Orchid CEO Jon Rydberg.

In celebration of their partnership, Silencer Shop and Orchid are offering a no-risk, free, 90-day trial of Orchid’s eBound Book and e4473 software. Interested dealers can click on the promotion link at the Silencer Shop website and enter “silencershop” for the coupon code during the checkout process. After checking out, users will have immediate access to the software application. / silencershop.com
/ orchidadvisors.com

Acadian Armament Teams With Shot Spot

Acadian Armament announced the immediate availability of its Predator Silencer and Patriot Suppressor product lines through Shot Spot, adding national retail availability to the company’s agency sales.

“Our products are designed for professional applications, but civilian users like them too. Shot Spot enables us to service that market, as well as to expand our agency reach,” said Roy Couvillion, owner of Acadian Armament.

Many dealers across the country introduced to Predator and Patriot firearm suppressors by their law enforcement agency customers are carrying both product lines for over-the-counter sales.

“These things are amazing,” said Rick Lofton, owner of Code Blue Firearms in Alexandria, La., and a detective with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office. “Not only are they small and quiet, but the lack of blowback is a lifesaver, whether you’re SWAT in an engagement or a homeowner protecting your family. If you show me another suppressor that can do that, I’ll buy it from you.”

Based in Lafayette, La., Acadian Armament designs and manufactures its firearm suppressors using patented suppressor technology. The company is increasing production, with most products currently available from Shot Spot, and will announce new products later this year.

/ acadianarmament.com / shotspotllc.com

Primary Arms Recognized By Texas Veterans Commission

The Texas Veterans Commission has awarded Primary Arms special recognition within the We Hire Veterans program. The program acknowledges Texas businesses that go above and beyond hiring military veterans.

The We Hire Veterans program was founded in 2017 to provide greater employment opportunities to the millions of Texas veterans, adding special emphasis to career training and development. In a joint effort by the Texas Veterans Commission and Texas Workforce Commission, the program recognizes businesses whose work forces are comprised of 10% or more veteran employees.

“From our beginning, we’ve kept a commitment to veteran employment within Primary Arms. Working in the firearms industry, veterans bring a special depth of knowledge and results-driven mindset. Our veteran employees are foundational to Primary Arms’ success, and we’re proud to showcase their contribution in the We Hire Vets program,” said Marshall Lerner, CEO of Primary Arms.

From critical warehouse operations to the all-important customer service team, veterans are well represented within Primary Arms.

Founded in 2007, Primary Arms began as an optics manufacturer focused on delivering performance optics for any budget. Today, the company strives to provide best-in-class service for wholesale, L.E./military sales and online retail.
/ primaryarms.com

Bow Spider Begins Expansion Project

Recreational Archery Development announces Bow Spider, maker of the Bow Spider quick-retrieval system, has broken ground on a lot adjacent to the current company headquarters to build a new 1,000-square-foot assembly, shipping and receiving facility. The company expects the expansion to be completed in the 4th quarter of this year.

“We will now have the space and facilities we need in order to move forward as a company to support our ongoing growth, and to provide the products and customer service our customers expect and deserve,” said David Merrill, owner of Bow Spider.

Bow Spider has hired two new employees, and plans to continue expanding its employee base in accordance with its current growth pattern.

Bow Spider products are made in the U.S., and the company gives 1% of all sales to conservation efforts. / bowspider.com

GSM Outdoors Acquires Skull Hooker

GSM Outdoors, multi-brand manufacturer of specialized hunting and shooting gear, announced its addition of mounting-system manufacturer Skull Hooker to its extensive lineup of shooting and hunting products brands.

Since 2009, Skull Hooker has designed rugged, easy-to-install mounting systems to help hunters showcase trophy game animals. Recently, the company expanded its product line from only wall-mount solutions to adding table and floor displays for both European and skull-capped trophies.

“Skull Hooker has a strong reputation as being the best product in its class, and offering a first-rate consumer experience. We look forward to developing many new and innovative hanging brackets, as well as improving existing product lines,” said Eddie Castro, CEO of GSM Outdoors.

The GSM Outdoors brand portfolio includes Stealth Cam, Walker’s, Birchwood Casey, TekMat, Boss Buck, American Hunter, New Archery Products, Western Rivers, Hawk, Big Game, Down&Out Blinds, HME, SME, Crossfire Holsters, Cyclops, Viking Solutions and Hunters Specialties. / gsmoutdoors.com

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Industry Lauds GAOA’s Passage