Taurus Opens Bainbridge Headquarters
Flanked by state, local and company dignitaries, former Taurus CEO David Blenker
(holding scissors) formally opens Taurus USA’s 200,000-square-foot headquarters
during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Dec. 5, Taurus USA held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally open its new corporate and manufacturing headquarters in Bainbridge, Ga.
The company first announced it would be relocating from Miami to Bainbridge in April 2018, holding an August groundbreaking ceremony in Bainbridge that year. Comprising 200,000 square feet (180,000 square feet for manufacturing; 20,000 square feet of administrative space), Taurus USA’s new headquarters is the result of a $22.5 million investment in infrastructure and operations that will ultimately create over 300 jobs in Decatur County.
“All of us at Taurus have been anticipating this moment for some time,” said David Blenker, Taurus CEO. “It’s the culmination of hard work, intensive planning and considerable investment in time and resources by many people — not only from Taurus, but also from the good people in the Bainbridge area. We’re looking forward to this transition and the exciting opportunities this move will offer Taurus and its employees as we settle in with our new friends, neighbors and coworkers.”
The event had state and local representatives in attendance — including Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, State Senator Dean Burke, State Rep. Darlene Taylor, Georgia Dept. of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson and others — who were instrumental in bringing Taurus to the Peach State.
“My administration is committed to build on Georgia’s economic success by cutting red tape, budgeting conservatively, spending wisely, keeping our taxes low and continuing to build on great relationships with great companies like Taurus,” said Gov. Kemp.
Forging Local Ties
In addition to the significant investment bringing hundreds of jobs to the area, Taurus has further established itself in the local community through two early efforts.
To commemorate the first 2,000 Taurus TX22s with “BAINBRIDGE, GA” stamped on them, Blenker and Bainbridge Mayor Ed Reynolds signed a certificate of authenticity for each model. These commemorative TX22s were distributed to local dealers the week of Thanksgiving, and Blenker shared during the ribbon-cutting ceremony about half were sold within the first week.
Dec. 17, Taurus delivered 37 T4 rifles to the City of Bainbridge Public Safety Department and the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office.
“Law enforcement officials here and around the country put their lives on the line every day, and it’s an honor to provide our local defenders with this contribution,” Blenker said.
Fully operational at its new 100 Taurus Way headquarters, the company’s five-year plan foresees continued expansion in U.S. engineering and production for the Taurus, Rossi and Heritage Manufacturing product lines.
“The ability to expand operations is critical for our U.S. business. This new facility will meet our demanding needs to increase production with the skilled workforce Georgia has to offer,” Blenker said.
Editor’s Note: Jan. 15, Taurus announced David Blenker’s retirement from the company. Bret Vorhees was named Taurus CEO.
GUNS Magazine Debuts Podcast
GUNS Magazine recently added another element to its growing media portfolio with the launch of the GUNS Magazine Podcast. The series, hosted by GUNS Editor Brent Wheat, interviews “interesting people in the shooting and hunting world” by asking questions any like-minded enthusiast would if given the chance to sit down for a private conversation with the guest.
Wheat shares, “The interviews are conversational, going wherever our guest wants to go in order to ‘cuss and discuss’ the important things in his or her life and the bigger world. Even though some of the stories are serious and sometimes even compelling, we also share the lighter moments of the shooting life so the listener walks away feeling informed, enlightened and most importantly — entertained!”
Early guests on the podcast include Clint Smith from Thunder Ranch, Publisher of the Outdoor Wires Jim Shepherd, Ken Campbell of Gunsite Academy, professional shooter Jerry Miculek as well as GUNS Contributing Editors Massad Ayoob and Will Dabbs, MD.
“As an avid podcast listener myself, the ultimate goal is for the GUNS Magazine Podcast to become the number-one ‘morning commute’ or ‘mowing the yard’ listening pleasure of shooters everywhere,” Wheat said. “Podcasts are hot, and coupled with 65 years of experience — and unparalleled industry connections from GUNS Magazine — the podcast will quickly become one of the leading shooting-related audio series.”
The GUNS Magazine Podcast is available on a variety of directories, including Apple Podcast, Stitcher, Spotify and at
www.gunsmagazine.com/podcast
Nightforce Optics Awarded USSOCOM P-VPS Contract
Two variants of the Nightforce Optics ATACR line have been selected by the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) to fill the Precision-Variable Power Scope component of the Miniature Aiming System – Day Optic (MAS-D) program.
The MIL-SPEC ATACRTM 5-25×56 F1 and the MIL-SPEC ATACRTM 7-35×56 F1 will be integrated as the standard and long-range solutions for USSOCOM’s current and future anticipated Sniper Weapon Systems.
The new optics are to augment multiple systems in the SOCOM inventory, and will coincide with the release and fielding of the Mk22 Sniper System, based on the proven Barrett MRAD platform.
“The selection of both ATACR models brings continuity to a community that, until recently, has been using a variety of aging systems, all with slightly varying controls and reticle designs,” said Tod Litt, Nightforce’s MIL-GOV-LE business development manager.
As part of a life-cycle replacement program and capabilities enhancement, the Nightforce MIL-SPEC ATACR 5-25 and 7-35 are designed to provide improved target detection and acquisition, along with hit probability, for targets out to 1,500 meters and beyond.
Both optics feature Nightforce’s ED glass, 0.1 Mil-Radian adjustment value for both windage and elevation, the Horus Vision TREMOR3 reticle and a tan, hardcoat anodized finish. The optics also utilize a purpose-built Nightforce scope mount and a laser range-finder integration platform.
NSSF Receives $1 Million Grant From Texas Gov.’s Office
The NSSF was awarded a $1 million grant from the Office of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. The grant will assist NSSF in providing firearms safety education materials aimed at reducing accidents, theft and misuse to Texas communities.
Texas selected NSSF as the recipient of the grant because of the strong track record of NSSF’s Project ChildSafe program, which for two decades has provided quality firearms safety education to communities in all 50 states and the U.S. territories. Project ChildSafe has distributed more than 38 million free firearm safety kits that include a gun lock and safety brochure through partnerships with more than 15,000 law enforcement departments.
“We are very grateful to the state of Texas for this $1 million grant and for their confidence and trust in NSSF and the Project ChildSafe program to promote responsible firearms ownership,” said NSSF President and CEO Joe Bartozzi. “We’ll be reminding gun owners there’s a safe storage option that fits their lifestyle — whether it’s a gun lock, lockbox or full-size gun safe — to help keep guns out of the wrong hands.”
Law enforcement agencies in any interested community may order Project ChildSafe kits via the program’s website. Partners will also receive a poster reminding gun owners of the many gun safety resources and videos at ProjectChildSafe.org. The NSSF’s “Own It? Respect It. Secure It.” campaign is a component of all Project ChildSafe initiatives.
The increased safe storage of firearms via NSSF initiatives has contributed to a 50% decline in accidental gun deaths from 1997 to 2017, as tracked by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unintentional firearm deaths today account for less than 1% of fatal accidents from all causes.
In new marketing materials, US Palm touts its “Weather Any Storm” slogan.
Century Arms Revives US PALM Brand
Century Arms has announced US PALM is being reintroduced as a firearm brand.
US PALM, founded by Robert Anderson and Brandon Finch, built its following by offering quality, affordable products to AK lovers all over the country.
The US PALM brand had a wide selection of offerings over the years, but their best-known product lines were AK-47 magazines and grips. Those are the first two items being added to US PALM’s inventory as the company reforms.
The 30-round magazines are being produced under the same technical data package as the originals, and will come in black and Flat Dark Earth. They will have the iconic waffle pattern design US PALM is known for.
The grips are ergonomically designed for maximum grip, control and feel to a wide array of shooters, and are offered in black, Flat Dark Earth and Bakelite Orange. Both products will come with a lifetime warranty reflected in the company’s slogan, “Weather Any Storm.”
“The US PALM brand was built on a set of core values focused on quality, reliability and affordability as a promise to their customers. Mix that in with a bit of attitude, and that is what people love about US PALM. When we decided to revitalize the brand, we knew our main focus had to be to keep everything exactly how it was, just on a bigger scale,” said Jason Karvois, director of sales for US PALM.
RTG, Gearfire Partner With Chattanooga Shooting Supplies
Retail Technology Group (RTG) and Gearfire, a leading solution for retail point-of-sale and e-commerce technology, announced a partnership with Chattanooga Shooting Supplies Inc. (CSSI). The partnership provides retailers with automated inventory replenishment, and increases the total available inventory through the integrated technology platform to $700 million.
“Our entities are strong supporters of the industry’s distribution model, and adding an organization such as Chattanooga to our expansive offering is something to be proud of,” said RTG CEO Jon Rydberg.
CSSI supports firearms dealers through its extensive and diverse product offerings, as well as its friendly and knowledgeable customer service staff. The company carries a product inventory of over 50,000 SKUs in more than 75,000 square feet of warehouse space in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Current RTG and Gearfire dealers who have an account with Chattanooga Shooting Supplies are encouraged to contact either organization to add the new inventory to their Gearfire eCommerce website or RTG’s AutoOrder program. Those who do not have an account may contact Erin Neubauer via email at eneubauer@csiusa.com, or by phone at (800)251-4808 ext. 594 to start the application process.
Allen Company Celebrates 50th Anniversary
The Allen Company has achieved the milestone of 50 years in business.
The company is celebrating by opening a new corporate headquarters and distribution facility in Louisville, Colo. The facility will combine multiple inventory warehouses, manufacturing operations and front-office administration functions into one location.
What started in 1970, with the introduction of a single, soft-sided gun case, has grown into production of over 20 different shooting and hunting product categories for Allen.
Allen has come to be known for blending innovative designs into products available at all market price levels. Many industry brands also trust the company with their OEM business.
“We first want to sincerely thank our customers for their instrumental role in helping us get here. We have tried to treat people fairly, and want to be the easiest company our customers do business with. We’re excited for the company’s future as we have the team in place to take us to the next level,” said George Cavanaugh, founder of the Allen Company.
The company remains committed to being a family-owned-and-operated business.
Stag Arms Announces New President, HQ Relocation
Stag Arms announced the appointment of a new president, Chad Larsen, along with the relocation of its headquarters to Cheyenne, Wyo.
Larsen comes to Stag from Aero Precision, a leading manufacturer of AR-15 components in Tacoma, Wash., where he spent the past six years leading new product development. He succeeds Anthony Ash, president of Stag Arms since 2016.
According to Elie Azar, founder and CEO of White Wolf Capital (which owns a controlling interest in Stag Arms), Stag’s move to Wyoming and its selection of Larsen as president are the answers to three criteria the company set forth for its future: “customer-centric leadership; a business-friendly, pro-growth economic environment and a cultural climate that reflects Stag’s brand image of independence and free spiritedness.”
Stag’s board of directors conducted a rigorous process comparing dozens of potential sites against a stringent set of criteria. The company began working with Cheyenne LEADS, the economic development organization for Cheyenne and Laramie County, last June. LEADS assisted with site location, workforce evaluation and navigating the community.
“Cheyenne came out on top on most of the individual criteria, and considering our requirements as a whole, it was by far the superior site. Not only is Wyoming an incredibly hospitable place to do business, it is also a top destination for outdoor recreation, including hunting and shooting sports, which reflects its citizens’ unwavering support for the Second Amendment,” Azar said.
“I’m pleased to welcome Stag Arms to Wyoming, and to know our state came out on top of a broad look at potential new homes for the sought-after company. We have a deep-seated commitment to the Second Amendment I will continue to uphold. My administration will work collaboratively with the Wyoming Business Council and Cheyenne LEADS to ensure Stag’s move goes smoothly,” said Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon.
Stag’s decision to relocate to Wyoming follows similar recent moves by other industry companies, most notably Weatherby and Magpul.
Hornady Launches Reloading App
The Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading is now available in app form from both Apple and Android stores.
Included with the free app are hundreds of pages of reloading information, bullet guides, tips and techniques, plus limited free data on recent offerings like the 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC.
Reloading information is available for download in three ways: Á la carte, purchase of the entire handbook or subscription-based.
Á la carte allows users to purchase the cartridge-reloading information they need for 99¢ per cartridge. The entire 10th edition Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading in app form costs $19.99. Or users can pay $19.99 per year for full subscription access to the 10th Edition data, plus all the new data developed for the next edition and automatic updates as more data is developed.
Subscribers also receive a printed edition of the 11th Edition of the Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading when it is released (estimated in fall 2020).
The app features over 200 calibers with a variety of popular loads using Hornady bullets. Velocity and powder charts are included with each cartridge for easy reference. The handbook features a lineup of new powders, along with well-established powders like Reloader 17, Superformance and LeverEvolution.
Federal Awarded ICE, DHS Contracts
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently awarded Federal Premium an ammunition contract to provide up to 2,227,500 shells of 12-ga., 2.75″, 00 Buckshot (Reduced Recoil) duty ammunition to multiple Department of Homeland Security (DHS) law enforcement components and other federal agencies for up to five years.
“We are proud to provide the highest-quality duty ammunition to DHS agents in the field. Federal Tactical ammunition ensures the highest-performance threshold, and absolute officer confidence in terminal performance,” said Jason Vanderbrink, Federal Ammunition president.
Manufactured from highest-quality Federal brass, projectiles and primers, the tactical buckshot awarded in the contract is similar to Federal’s LE133 00 load. Tactical Buckshot features copper-plated shot and recoil reduction that, when combined with the company’s signature FLITECONTROL wad, results in highly dependable and predictable pattern performance.
Created in 2003, ICE is tasked with promoting homeland security and safety, as well as enforcing federal laws governing border control, immigration, customs and trade. The agency has more than 20,000 employees in more than 400 stateside offices and 46 foreign countries.
JEBS Choke Tubes Celebrates Eight-Year Growth Stretch
JEBS Choke Tubes announced its eighth year of continual growth, company revenues increased 135% in the past year.
The company continues to expand its line of quality choke tubes, and recently doubled the size of its production facility in order to accommodate increasing demand for its Headhunter turkey choke tubes, along with its popular High Voltage waterfowl choke tubes.
“The growth we’ve seen over the past few years is a testament to JEBS employees — its engineers, designers, production crew and front office staff — and, of course, the customers who see the superiority of our products. JEBS’ focus on innovation, product development and other areas, including customers, partners and community members, doesn’t show any signs of slowing down in the in the next eight years,” said Trey Sears, director of sales and marketing for JEBS Choke Tubes.
In addition to enlarging its production facility, JEBS is increasing its sales representation in key territories, allowing the company to grow awareness of its products.
“It is our goal in the next few years to build our brand, and nourish and build our relationships with both the retailers and customers who support us,” said Bobby Sears, CEO of JEBS Choke Tubes.
JEBS manufactures chokes suitable for every shotgun shooting sport or hunt. Its exclusive, patented choke sizes allow for better patterning and an increased shot load on the target.
Apex now offers the Freedom Edition Thin Blue Line trigger kits for a variety
of GLOCKs and S&W M&P M2.0 pistols, with plans to add additional models.
Apex’s C.O.P.S. Milestone, Thin Blue Series Expanded
designer and manufacturer of aftermarket triggers for popular pistol models, announced it has now raised over $200,000 for Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.). The nationwide, not-for-profit organization is dedicated to rebuilding the shattered lives of the survivors who have lost a loved one in the line of duty.
In addition to reaching this new milestone in its charitable donations, Apex has also expanded the Thin Blue Line series with new Freedom Edition versions of the triggers. These new options feature a blue, center-mounted, pivoting safety housed in a black type III hardcoat anodized trigger body laser-engraved with a U.S. flag motif.
Apex currently offers new Freedom Edition Thin Blue Line trigger kits for GLOCK Gen3/4, GLOCK Gen5 and GLOCK Slim-Frame pistols, as well as for Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 pistols. (The company plans to add kits for the FN 509, FNS-Compact, FNS, M&P Shield, M&P Shield 45, the original M&P and Walther PPQ pistols.)
Apex launched the Thin Blue Line trigger series Oct. 2016, and donates 25% of the trigger kit sales to help fund programs administered by C.O.P.S.
MDT Acquires J Allen Enterprises
Modular Driven Technologies (MDT) announced its acquisition of J Allen Enterprises and its precision rifle chassis systems, the JAE-700 and JAE-100.
J Allen chassis systems have been touted as among the most comfortable and configurable stock-style chassis systems over the last two decades, making them popular among top precision rifle competitors. The legacy now continues as part of the MDT line of precision rifle chassis and accessories.
“The acquisition of the tooling, patents and design of the J Allen chassis systems strengthens MDT’s position as the premier chassis manufacturer in the industry, and offers another proven product to help customers shoot better. MDT will produce the J Allen chassis with the same quality and expanded features MDT and JAE customers expect,” said Maarten Van Ruitenburg, CEO of MDT.
MDT began the transition of the chassis production in late 2019 at its Everson Wash., facility, and plans to be in full production by mid 2020. The company has offices and production facilities in Chilliwack, B.C., Canada and Everson.
Two Primary Arms Optics Adopted By Pasadena Police
The City of Pasadena (Texas) Police Department has approved two Primary Arms optics for duty use: the SLx Compact 1×20 Prism Scope (“Cyclops”) and the SLx Advanced Push Button Microdot sight.
Both optics are designed for use in close-quarters environments commonly faced by law enforcement. The selection process included months of field-testing by the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA), which certified the effectiveness of the optics. The NTOA awarded Primary Arms Optics two gold ratings and four silver ratings.
The two optics provide similar benefits, with particular benefits unique to each. The SLx Compact 1×20 Prism Scope is a 1X prism with an etched, Advanced Combined Sighting System (ACSS) reticle. The reticle has multiple illumination settings, providing a clear point of aim, even for those with astigmatism problems.
For those who prefer a micro red dot sight, the durable SLx Advanced Push Button Microdot maintains a minimal footprint on a service rifle. With 50,000 hours of average battery life and 12 illumination settings, the dot can be configured to all conditions, including low light, and has night vision compatibility.
“The ACSS reticle (on the SLx Compact 1×20) frames the target well, which also aids in the fast acquisition of the target. The etched reticle allows use of the sight in the event the battery goes out,” according to a statement from the Pasadena PD Firearms training staff.
“The 2MOA dot on this sight (the SLx Advanced Push Button Microdot) is very clear and easy to pick up. This not only allows for fast shots at close range, but also does not cover up too much of the target at extended ranges. The top-mounted, push-button adjustments for brightness are very easy to use,” the statement continued.
