NEWS BRIEFS

NEWS ❚ PROMOTIONS ❚ AWARDS ❚ OUTREACH

enelli recently announced that 24.7Hunt is now part of the shotgun manufacturer’s Social Ambassador program. Incorporating 24.7Hunt into the Benelli Social Ambassador family is a natural union of passionate waterfowl hunters and a company dedicated to producing shotguns built for the most challenging hunting conditions. You can follow 24.7Hunt on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

 24.7Hunt, which recently joined Benelli's Social Ambassador program, aims to recruit new hunters.

Headed by Ranar Moody, 24.7Hunt celebrates our diverse hunting community and hunting family experience, focusing on inspiring new and non-conventional outdoors enthusiasts to learn about and enjoy the hunting lifestyle. The “family and friends” approach appears through 24.7Hunt’s short- and long-form adventure videos and engaging social media presence. Whether pursuing doves in cornfields or greenheads in flooded timber, the 24.7Hunt crew leads by example that a hunting heritage provides people of all ages with life-changing experiences.

“24.7Hunt is a voice for the youth and the unconventional outdoorsman or woman,” Moody says. “For us, the goal is to make the outdoors interesting for people wanting to dive into the sport while keeping the young generation’s attention. Bringing new energy and a new approach helps spread the love of all things outdoors. We want to do our part in our way to keep the outside open for all people for generations to come. Ducks are our thing, but we enjoy all aspects of hunting and the outdoors. It’s a blessing to be a part of the Benelli family.”

“At Benelli, we never forget the outdoor passions we share with fellow hunters. This way of life we all enjoy depends on recruiting and mentoring the next generation of hunters and shooters,” says Tim Joseph, Benelli’s vice president of marketing and product development. “Ranar and the 24.7Hunt members demonstrate the benefits hunting brings not only to those who grew up in a hunting family, but also to anyone willing to give hunting a try. We appreciate their love of the outdoors, the fun they have in the field, and the recruitment of new hunters. We welcome 24.7Hunt into the Benelli family.”

(benelliusa.com)

Featuring a comfortable, close-fitting, and quiet design, the Hawke Binocular Harness Pro Pack offers an exceptional carry system for binoculars. Comfortably fitting up to 12x50 binoculars, the enclosed pack is the perfect way to keep binoculars safe and dry while a hunter is battling the elements.

The Pro Pack is designed with fully adjustable shoulder straps. The MOLLE system on the front, both sides, and bottom gives the user more room for accessory mounting. The pack has a breathable mesh back for comfort in warmer weather and a zipper pouch to store tags or other small items. In addition, a protective rain cover is provided, along with a bungee cord attached to an included Hawke’s Spudz Lens Cleaning Cloth. The Pro Pack also has an easy-open laser rangefinder pouch that can be mounted on either side for left- and right-handed use, and the pouch houses a stretchable bungee cord that can secure the rangefinder in place.

(hawkeoptics.COM)

Cimarron Firearms, makers of quality replicas of Old West firearms, recently introduced the Cimarron 1911 One Ranger in .45 ACP. Engraved on the 4.25-inch barrel is a quote attributed to the legendary Texas Rangers: “One Riot One Ranger.”

Based on the original design by legendary firearms maker John M. Browning, the Cimarron 1911 One Ranger pistol features the same innovative design features that made the 1911 an instant classic. The Cimarron One Ranger is a semi-automatic, single-action pistol with a skeletonized trigger and hammer, front dot sight and adjustable rear sight, grip safety, and extended beavertail and slide lock. Finished in a classic black matte with highly checkered wood grips, the Cimarron One Ranger is a beautifully crafted, precision handgun perfect for everyday carry. SRP: $747.50.

Cimarron Firearms will donate a percentage of every sale of the Cimarron 1911 One Ranger pistol to the Former Texas Rangers Foundation to help build the Texas Rangers Heritage Center, located in Fredericksburg, Texas. The Heritage Center is a 26,000-square-foot facility on 12 acres of land. It is dedicated to preserving the lore of the Texas Rangers and working with the youth of Texas to instill the same value-based traits that defined Texas and the Texas Rangers.

The CZ Scorpion EVO 3 set the standard for large-format 9mm pistols. The new 9mm CZ Scorpion 3+ Micro builds on those proven features, adding customerrequested upgrades. The fully redesigned pistol not only improves the Scorpion’s ergonomics and user-friendly operation, but it also incorporates advanced materials that are tougher and lighter than before.

Ambidextrous controls are the gold standard in modern firearm design. In addition to the ambidextrous safety found on the EVO 3, the Scorpion 3+ includes an ambidextrous bolt catch, which allows the user to operate it left- or right-handed. In addition, the new AR-style mag release is accessible on both sides.

The new ergonomic grip design makes it a more comfortable shooting experience for the user. The M-Lok handguard is now upgraded from aluminum to polymer to reduce heat transfer. A slimmed-down upper receiver accommodates more options when attaching different accessories to replace the end cap. A redesigned magwell is resized, adding more purchase on the handguard for large or gloved hands. The adjustable four-aperture aluminum sights are updated to deliver lower one-third cowitness with popular red dots, providing a better sight picture and reliable backup.

CZ also added recessed texture to the magazine for positive purchase during reloads. Users will also notice a locking window on the mag body that accommodates the new AR-style mag release. New Scorpion 3+ magazines are also compatible with previous generations of the Scorpion.

The 4.2-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel is threaded 1⁄2x28 and comes equipped with a removable flash can. All in all, this is an extremely compact pistol designed for maneuverability in tight quarters. SRP: $1,299.

(cz-usa.com)

American Technology Network (ATN), an industry leader of innovative optics for civilian, law enforcement, and military use, has relocated its headquarters and manufacturing facilities from California to Doral, Florida. The move was necessitated by the rapid expansion and growth the company has seen since its founding in 1995.

“This move is a continuation of ATN’s mission to bring feature-rich products to market,” says Marc Vayn, ATN’s chief marketing officer. “Innovation is central to ATN, and this new step allows the company to deliver high-quality products to its customers in a more efficient manner.”

The Florida facility is highlighted by a technically advanced manufacturing floor, expansive warehouse, streamlined shipping area, improved warranty center, and high-tech R&D facilities.

(atncorp.COM)

Beretta Holding Group has signed a binding agreement to acquire 100 percent of RUAG Ammotec, the leading European provider for small-caliber ammunition manufacturing and distribution and owner of such prestigious brands as RWS, Norma, Rottweil, and Geco.

“This is a very special moment in the history of our group,” said Pietro Gussalli Beretta, president and CEO of Beretta Holding. “Having worked almost three years on this project, we warmly welcome the more than 2,700 employees of RUAG Ammotec to our group. We clearly recognize that RUAG Ammotec is a very good cultural fit with our group, and a strong, competent, and experienced management is in place. This will tremendously help to integrate RUAG Ammotec into our group.”

Beretta also notes that there “is an excellent strategic fit between RUAG Ammotec and the Beretta Holding Companies. We have the firearms and the optics; RUAG Ammotec has the ammo. There is almost no overlap. In R&D and distribution we will see strong synergies, especially in the long run that is for our group always most important. Having RUAG Ammotec within Beretta Holding Group will also strengthen our European business and further increase our global footprint. Finally, this new addition to our group will add a substantial number of high-end brands to our existing portfolio of premium brands.”

With this acquisition Beretta Holding Group will grow to more than 6,000 people. At the same time, the holding group is adding five manufacturing sites and a total of 16 new companies in 12 different countries. After this acquisition the group will have more than 50 subsidiaries all over the world.

“Under our ownership Ruag Ammotec is still fully committed to deliver high-quality ammunition to the Bundeswehr and the Swiss Army. As requested by the Swiss Government, Beretta Holding will fully support and maintain the existing locations,” he said.

Beretta Holding and RUAG International have started to apply for the mandatory governmental approvals. It is expected that Beretta Holding will take full ownership of RUAG Ammotec within the next six months.

(beretta.com)

Real Avid designs its packaging to provide maximum information on product application, use, and benefits. This approach to on-product consumer education makes product selection easy on the consumer and leads to increased sales. It is an increasingly important approach to retail merchandising as new gun owners wade through unfamiliar territory and are often reluctant to seek assistance. By combining attention-grabbing displays with comprehensive product information, retail customers can more quickly make informed purchasing decisions.

The new Pro Shop Upgrade program, available to Real Avid dealers, is designed to help retailers simplify entry into the do-it-yourself arena for their walk-in customers by presenting the company’s innovative products through attention-grabbing displays and logical organization. This allows long-time gun owners and, more importantly, the wave of new gun owners, to confidently assess the tool and maintenance solutions they need. That, in turn, leads to

increased sales not only of Real Avid products, but also the multitude of aftermarket accessories and upgrade parts included in the retailers’ on-shelf inventories.

“Our product packaging has always captured the attention of the consumer,” says Real Avid president Dave Steiner. “This Pro Shop Upgrade program amplifies our assortments and takes our in-store merchandising to a new level. These planogrammed assortments, with crisp merchandising elements, will set a high bar for how gun tools and gun-cleaning products should be presented, making it easier for the store and the consumer to find solutions and solve their gun-maintenance needs. The result is maximized revenue for the store.”

Steiner further notes that retailers who take advantage of the Real Avid Pro Shop Upgrade reap the rewards of more than just focused product sales. “The program enhances the overall consumer experience, promotes sales beyond Real Avid products, and elevates the retailer in the eyes of the customer.”

“For example, a walk down most any big-box retailer reveals how difficult it can be to find the right product for the right firearm application. The informative product packaging, logical organization, and category structure of the Real Avid Pro Shop Upgrade allows veteran and novice customers alike to easily find what they are looking for and even discover items they don’t know they need. Furthermore, the comprehensive line of Real Avid products includes detailed descriptions and directions for product applications, benefits, and use, allowing customers to educate themselves in a retail environment with hands-on product evaluation and to prompt follow-up questions with knowledgeable staff.”

But there are other benefits of the program as well.

As customers become more educated and their confidence builds through acquired knowledge, they become ready to tackle their own projects. That, by extension, leads to increased sales of firearm accessories. The Pro Shop Upgrade program essentially becomes a sales force multiplier for other product categories in the retail sphere. Here, Real Avid’s modern and educational packaging helps sell the product by answering customer questions; this is especially important now with more new gun owners entering the marketplace. Finally, the Pro Shop Upgrade offers several engaging merchandising options for displays to meet specific floor plans and traffic flow needs. This flexibility allows the retailer to make the most efficient use of space while ensuring high visibility and interaction with customers.

“Dealers have several great choices of layouts, designs, and even custom planograms,” Steiner says. “Included with the order will be merchandising signage, mounting hardware, inventory backer cards, installation instructions, and a detailed planogram. To inquire about upgrading your space with a Real Avid Pro Shop or to become a Real Avid Dealer, please contact your local independent Real Avid sales representative or email proshop@realavid.com.”"The program enhances the overall consumer experience, promotes sales beyond real avid products, and elevates the retailer in the eyes of the customer."

(realavid.com)

XS Sights has introduced the R3D Suppressor/RMR Height Sights for the popular HK VP9 Optics Ready pistol. These taller R3D sights are designed to allow a clear view of the target and accurate alignment while using a suppressor. They are also excellent back-up sights for optics and allow a lower one-third co-witness with the Holoson 507 series, Vortex Viper series, and Trijicon RMR series of red-dot sights.

The XS R3D Night Sight offers a traditional three-dot tritium, notch-and-post sight picture with a notch that is 15 percent wider than the front sight. This design allows more visible light around the front sight, resulting in faster and more accurate target acquisition. Available with a bright orange front sight, made of XS’s Ember Glow Dot technology and a tritium center for dual illumination, the R3D sight is easy to see in changing light conditions and when shooting on the move.

“Demand has been high for suppressor-height sights for the HK VP9 OR, and XS is pleased to be the first to introduce aftermarket night sights for this popular pistol,” says marketing manager Addison Monroe. “In addition to the R3D, we also offer a suppressorheight Minimalist Night Sight for the HK VP9 OR. This sight has a traditional notch-andpost sight picture, serrated non-tritium rear, and Glow Dot tritium front sight.” SRP: $143.

(xssights.com)

925 Waynesboro Highway | Sylvania, GA | 800.587.2779 www.kicks-ind.com

BY KICK’S INDUSTRIES, INC.

10 .12 . 20 28 . 410 GAUGE

Dear Slaton White:

I enjoyed the recent issue of SHOT Business (March/ April 2022), in particular the article on pioneer Melvin Forbes. However, I would like to correct one error in the article. The author states that Barrett copied elements of Forbes’ stock design. That’s inaccurate. Barrett purchased the stock design and other designs from Forbes Rifle LLC on January 21, 2016, and we continue to produce products based on those designs.

Yours truly,

Sam Shallenberger President Barrett Firearms Manufacturing

THERE ARE AMMO PLANTS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING NEARLY FOUR MILLION ROUNDS A DAY. THAT’S NOT US. WE ARE A CRAFT AMMUNITION MAKER, and you can’t automate craft.

Our process is slow, on purpose.

WE PRODUCE IN SMALL QUANTITIES, EACH OF OUR STATIONS CRAFTING NO MORE THAN 20,000 ROUNDS PER DAY. WE’RE A BOUTIQUE AMMO COMPANY IN THAT SENSE. more is not better. better is better.

OUR PRODUCT HAS BEEN COMPARED TO HANDMADE JEWELRY, BECAUSE IT’S MADE BY PEOPLE WHOSE CRAFT TOOK YEARS TO DEVELOP. AND YOU CAN’T recreate craft in any kind of artificial way.