NEWS BRIEFS

NEWS ❚ PROMOTIONS ❚ AWARDS ❚ OUTREACH

with most industries, the firearm industry has seen an impact on suppliers and vendors due to COVID-19 restrictions and limitations. In addition, there has been an increase in product demand as American citizens turn out to support their 2A rights with a record-setting number of background checks the past two years. The delays from suppliers and vendors, as well as the increase in demand, have resulted in extended lead times for Big Horn Armory (BHA) firearms.

 Customers can upgrade their rifle with a Collector Grade walnut stock.

However, Big Horn Armory, makers of big-bore firearms, is implementing several changes that will work to improve product lead times. These changes include hiring more employees, obtaining a new and larger building, increasing manufacturing capacity, and doubling BHA’s sourcing suppliers.

“We hope to increase our manufacturing capabilities two to three times over the next year,” says Greg Buchel, owner of Big Horn Armory. “Much of this will involve new personnel in our assembly and quality control departments. We have a core workforce of excellent people right now, and we intend to use these people to train and orient our new personnel to create more of the fine products that we currently produce for our customers.”

BHA will be doubling its workforce in the next few months in the manufacturing department. A new building will increase the manufacturing space by 500 percent. In addition to providing more manufacturing space, the new building will also offer better facilities for constructing BHA’s firearms and for maintaining inventory. New machinery will include CNC mills and lathes and barrel-making equipment, all of which will help lessen the dependence upon outside vendors.

“Our firearms are not purchases made on a whim, but thoughtful investments in heirloom-quality rifles aimed at giving our customer the biggest bang for their buck,” Buchel says. “We know our customers want these rifles, and we want to give them to them. We’re working our hardest to get our firearms out the door and into our customers’ hands. We appreciate our customers’ patience as they bear with us as we continue to fulfill our orders and implement these changes.”

Big Horn Armory was founded in 2008 with the expressed intent of designing a Browning-type lever-action gun chambered in the 500 Smith & Wesson Magnum. The Big Horn Armory Model 89, made in America, closely follows the work of John Browning, with refinements courtesy of modern metallurgy and machining capabilities. The first rifles began shipping in September 2012, and since then BHA has added to its big-bore lineup with a Model 90 Carbine in .460 S&W, the Model 90A in .454 Casull, the Model 90B in .45 Colt, the Model 89A in .500 Linebaugh, and the Model 89B in .475 Linebaugh. In 2017, Big Horn Armory took a departure from its lever-action series and developed the AR500 Auto Max, the most powerful short-range, semi-auto based on an AR .308 platform.

(bighornarmory.com)

SAR USA by Sarsilmaz, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of firearms, has released the new SAR9 Compact pistol. Built on the same platform as the legendary SAR9, it is a rigorously tested pistol, one that is proudly carried by NATO and elite forces around the world.

“The SAR9 Compact was inspired by feedback we received from elite shooting professionals, dealers, and consumers,” says Todd Pearson, COO of SAR USA. “We listened to the shooting-sports community when they asked for the same incredible durability and performance of the SAR9 in a more-compact version.”

Chambered in 9mm, the SAR9 Compact points naturally and offers a perfect balance between a micro- and a full-size pistol. It’s small and light enough to be easily concealed and comfortably carried, yet it has the capacity of a full-size pistol. Other features of the lightweight polymer-framed, striker-fired SAR9 Compact include a hammer-forged barrel with recessed crown for increased accuracy, interchangeable backstrap and side plates, and a black-oxide slide. It comes standard with a 15-round magazine, but there is a 10-round option for sale in capacity-restricted states. Like all other SAR pistols, the SAR9 Compact has a live-round indicator.

With a choice of three insertable back straps to customize fit, a low barrel-axis-to-grip ratio (to lessen muzzle climb), and a 20-degree grip angle that provides superior control and fast second-shot recovery, the SAR9 Compact is a top choice for personal protection. SRP: $452, black; $484, stainless.

(sarusa.org)

On November 6, 2021, Alan Mossberg, Chairman of O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., passed away at his home in Tierra Verde, Florida, surrounded by close friends and family. He was 89 years old.

“On behalf of the executive team and over 500 U.S.-based employees, we extend our deepest sympathies to Alan’s family during this difficult time,” said Doug Bell, Mossberg’s President and COO. “A great leader, visionary, and champion of bringing high-quality, innovative firearms to the masses, Alan was a tireless advocate for gun rights and gun safety while always working to ensure that the American traditions of hunting and shooting sports live on for many years to come. More importantly, Alan was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He will be greatly missed.”

Grandson of O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. founder, Oscar Mossberg, Alan started working for the Mossberg organization at a very young age. For the better part of the last 50 years, he was a major pillar of the global firearms industry by successfully leading Mossberg to grow into one of the world’s largest and most respected smallarms manufacturers.

A staunch proponent of conservation and shooting sports throughout his career, Alan was heavily involved with organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, North American Hunting Club, Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute, and the U.S. Olympic Shooting Team. Under his guidance, Mossberg has been (and continues to be) a substantial contributor to these and other organizations that promote the safe and healthy future of hunting and shooting sports.

Alan was also a pioneer in the areas of firearm safety and security. In 1989, Alan directed Mossberg to ship a gun lock with every firearm that the company sold, which is now a common practice across the entire industry. His contributions alone help ensure that America’s hunting and shooting traditions are safely passed down from generation to generation.

Alan is survived by a large family, including his children, Iver Mossberg, Jonathan Mossberg, Gretchen (Mossberg) Highsmith, and Linnea (Mossberg) Helalat. Iver Mossberg is currently CEO of O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.

(mossberg.com)

Champion Traps & Targets, makers of interactive and challenging target systems and trusted eye and ear protection, is continuing its support of the Kids & Clays Foundation for the second year in the row to help raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities chapters. Kids & Clays supports participating Ronald McDonald House Charities chapters through shooting sports to improve the lives of critically ill children and their families. As a national sponsor, Champion sent a team to participate in the 20th annual sporting clays tournament fundraiser held by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa. In all, 54 squads participated.

Two local Ronald McDonald Houses were the beneficiaries of the fundraiser, supporting their mission to provide a home away from home for families so they can stay close by their hospitalized child at little or no cost. The sold-out event raised over $110,000, money that provides thousands of room nights and other comforts to critically ill children and their families at a time when they need it the most.

“The program has made an incredibly meaningful impact over the years, thanks in part to the strong support we have from partners like Champion,” said Doug Jeanneret, Kids & Clays executive director. “Champion’s commitment to positive change extends well beyond their passion for shooting sports. It has resulted in critically ill children and their families seeing more compassion in their lives.”

Eliza Graves, Champion’s senior brand marketing manager for shooting accessories, was part of the Champion team at the tournament. “We’re honored to continue this tremendous partnership with Kids & Clays,” she said. “Not only was it a fun event, but it truly makes a difference in the lives of so many people.”

(championtarget.COM)

After setting the global standard in lesslethal technology with the original FN 303 system, FN America, LLC, the world leader in developing law-enforcement technology and training, has released the FN 303 Tactical Less Lethal Launcher. FN answered requests from law enforcement officers and agencies to make key improvements to ergonomics and adaptability while extending service life.

“For nearly 20 years, FN has been in front of the ever-changing landscape of less-lethal product development with the FN 303 Less Lethal Launcher,” says Charles “Bucky” Mills, Sr., director of law enforcement and federal sales for FN America, LLC. “From the original FN 303 to a recent upgrade with the FN 303 Mk2, and now with the FN 303 Tactical, the constant evolution of our less-lethal product designs ensures users have the most versatile and innovative solutions to meet the dynamic needs of federal, state, and local agencies.”

With the new, modular chassis system in the FN 303 Tactical, operators and armorers can quickly customize the buttstock, grip, and sighting systems. The included FN SCAR buttstock is adjustable for length of pull, cheek rise, and foldability, enhancing the ergonomics and sight alignment for patrol and civil-disturbance-unit officers. Optional stocks, such as the Drop-Down Folding Visor Helmet Stock, can be changed out easily for officers wearing full riot gear. A telescopic PDW Stock can also be added for compact transport and close-quarters applications. A standard mil-spec A2-style pistol grip is included with the FN 303 Tactical Less Lethal Launcher, but is fully interchangeable with aftermarket A2-style options. Fully adjustable polymer sights are mounted to a continuous Picatinny rail with 60 MOA of compensation to ease zeroing. The MIL-STD 1913 top rail accepts red-dot sights and other sights and lights.

Upgrades to the air-operating system improve handling of the FN 303 Tactical and cuts department maintenance in half. The new, shorter air tank and compact 7.6-inch barrel transfers the weight balance farther back between the hands, allowing officers faster handling, sighting, and less fatigue.

Built from lightweight, rugged polymer and driven by the new, compact, compressed-air tank, the FN 303 Tactical upgrades deliver fin-stabilized projectiles with speed and accuracy. An optimized operating system doubles the service life of the FN 303 Tactical. Agencies can fire 5,000 projectiles before first routine maintenance is required. The fin-stabilized, .68-caliber FN 303 projectiles deliver optimum accuracy with maximum effectiveness and safety. Officers can quickly change projectiles, choosing between inert, marking impact, or irritant projectiles. The clear, rear magazine cover allows officers to see the projectile type and remaining count in the 15-round magazine. SRP: $1,439.

(fnamerica.com/law-enforcement/less-lethal)

As an industry leader in gun-cleaning products, Real Avid is focused on continually developing new tools, cleaning equipment, and chemicals that upgrade the entire experience. Its corporate DNA leads it to create what it calls “disruptive products that obsolete old thinking, eliminate work arounds, and ultimately define the best tool for the job.” In line with that thinking, it recently unveiled the Bore-Max Speed Clean System, a line of brushes, jags, and patches designed to make bore cleaning a much faster and easier process.

When it considered the design of a new brush, the company took a long look at the bristle configuration. “In order to achieve maximize effectiveness, we found there needed to be an optimal balance between bristle density and bristle flexibility,” says Howard Tripp, Real Avid’s chief innovation officer. “In our testing, we recognized very quickly that having too few bristles was a waste of time. At the same time, too many wouldn’t provide enough flexibility to navigate the lands and grooves of the bore.”

The bristle configuration of the Bore-Max Speed Brush is the result of finding that sweet spot, achieving maximum scrubbing density while retaining enough flexibility to effectively reach down into the lands and grooves, removing more carbon with each pass of the brush and getting maximum results faster.

Nickel-plating, Tripp says, was added to enhance the durability of the brushes. “Phosphor bronze has proven to be an ideal bristle material, with one exception—it reacts poorly to bore solvent. Nickel-electroplating these brushes solved that problem and increased their useful longevity as well.”

By applying some new thinking to an old process, Real Avid has also created a line of jags and patches developed in tandem to be paired for perfect, caliber-specific bore fitment. Sized to account precisely for both the jag diameter and the patch thickness, this combo provides the optimal compression to reach into the lands and grooves thoroughly and consistently.

“The challenge in creating the Speed Clean System was how to get more patch material in the bore, eliminate bunching, and maximizing the effectiveness of each pass-through,” Tripp says. “In looking to develop a minimalist patch shape that would cover the jag completely without any overlap or wasted material, we created a jag-and-patch combo that would fit perfectly into the bore.”

Patch material was also a big consideration in the development of the Speed Clean System. Real Avid selected a synthetic material that has shown superior absorbency over cotton and minimizes the remaining fray and excess solvent in the bore. “We believe the synthetic material simply outperforms cotton,” Tripp says, “The other benefit of using a synthetic material is the ability to create a quilt-like textured surface that is more effective at picking up and trapping crud as it passes through the bore without fraying or dropping lint.”

When Real Avid took a close look at bore surface contact, it believed traditional patches weren’t up to muster. “To get the job done faster, we wanted to limit the number of times it took to run through the bore in order to achieve the desired result, which in this case is a clear patch,” Tripp says. “So, we elongated the jag and eliminated the taper found on traditional jags. Then, we created multiple compression rings along the entire length of the jag. Since we shaped the patch to fit the jag precisely without any wasted overlapping material, we no longer needed to accommodate for the patch bunching and could utilize the entire jag length.”

As a result, with the Speed Jag and Speed Jag Patch you can get the same results with only one pass instead of the usual four passes required with traditional square patches. Think of it as running four or more traditional jagand-square-patch combinations through the bore at the same time.

“In testing the Real Avid bore-cleaning process, the Speed Jag and Patch combinations took, on average, four to five pass-throughs to achieve a clear bore,” Tripp says. “Traditional jag and square patches took, on average, more than 20 passthroughs to achieve the same results. Those results indicate a significantly faster way to clean a bore with less effort.”

(realavid.com)

TenPoint Crossbow Technologies may be the foremost manufacturer of innovative, made-in-the-USA crossbows and accessories, but the technology behind the speed, power, and unmatched accuracy never comes at the expense of safety. Both TenPoint and Wicked Ridge crossbows boast an unmatched combination of safety features. In fact, TenPoint has pioneered many of today’s safety features that have become standard on crossbows, including the Dry-Fire-Inhibitor and safety wings that help keep the shooter’s hand safely below the flight deck and out of the string path while shooting.

Upon listening to consumer feedback and recognizing the need for a safe way to de-cock a crossbow, TenPoint recently launched the only safe de-cocking system on the market: the ACUSlide Silent Cocking and Safe De-Cocking system. The revolutionary ACUslide cocking and de-cocking system allows the hunter to silently cock the crossbow with a mere five pounds of force. In the event they don’t take a shot during the hunt, they can then safely de-cock the crossbow by simply backwinding the handle.

“Crossbow hunting continues to grow in popularity, which brings forth a wide range of experience levels in the woods,” says national sales manager Keith Arnold. “With these changes, it is our responsibility to continue to manufacture safe products, and we are proud to lead in the safety category.”

(tenpointcrossbows.com)

By Christopher Cogley

The age-old business adage, “adapt or die,” has never been more applicable than it is in the uncertain, ever-changing times in which businesses are operating today. Throughout the industry, businesses and brands are changing at a more rapid pace than ever to keep up with the evolving demands of their customers. One of the most prominent examples of this necessary new business model is Bianchi holsters. Since 1958, Bianchi has earned a reputation as one of the premier manufacturers of leather holsters. As the popularity of more modern materials began to skyrocket, however, more and more of Bianchi’s traditional customer base began turning away from classic leather holsters. Bianchi still had a strong following with law enforcement and Cowboy Action Shooting enthusiasts, but its popularity with the general carry population had started to wane.

“Bianchi has always been about quality, craftsmanship, and passion. But over the last ten years, Bianchi has been dormant, and in that time, the world in which we live has radically changed,” says Tim Drnec, vice president of marketing and commercial sales. “I believe citizens are looking at the idea of carrying a firearm through a different lens. And with over 10 million new gun owners, the brand had to find a way to connect with those individuals.”

Bianchi’s solution was simple—give those customers the best of both worlds by bringing together the classic appeal and reliability of leather with the functionality of more contemporary materials.

“From a brand perspective, we want Bianchi to be approachable and inclusive. The brand has to be for everyone. First-time carriers, off-duty officers, campers, competition shooters, hikers—the list goes on,” Drnec says. “From a product perspective, we want people to fall in love with leather. It’s organic and imperfect, just like we are. Every crease, scratch, and stain tell a story. No two holsters are the same, and that is what makes leather beautiful. You don’t fall in love with plastic.”

The first step in Bianchi’s mission to get people to fall in love with leather again is the new Shenandoah holster. The holster features an exterior made of the kind of premium leather for which Bianchi is known, but the interior of the holster is injected-molded with a suede liner. This combination creates the kind of classic look and versatile functionality that will come to define Binachi’s new brand direction.

“The Shenandoah was based directly on the needs of today’s concealed carrier by delivering a fully convertible holster. The Shenandoah can easily convert from an IWB to an OWB holster in a matter of seconds,” Drnec says. “We have a new line of weathered holsters that give some of our trusted models a vintage look and feel.”

The launch represents more than just a new product. It represents a new awakening of a trusted brand. It’s a transition for Bianchi from a manufacturer of specialized law enforcement and Cowboy Action holsters to a legitimate lifestyle brand that connects with ordinary, everyday people.

“The brand direction for Bianchi is rooted in the very idea of its inception—craft the world’s best leather holster for those who desire to live life protected,” Drnec says. “The future is bright because this community is filled with the most passionate and humble individuals who define what it means to carry every day. Bianchi is a chance to celebrate the individuals who make it great.”

(safariland.com)

Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC), known as “The Silent Authority” and a pioneering leader in firearm sound suppression since 1994, recently announced a major organizational relaunch and restructure of the brand. This initiative represents a fresh, new chapter for the organization and its loyal consumers, as well as for the advancement of firearm suppressor technology, service, and innovation in the military, law enforcement, and civilian markets.

JJE Capital Holdings, which owns several brands in the shooting and outdoor industries, purchased Advanced Armament Corporation with the mission to strengthen the brand and to reaffirm its dedication to customer support while building on its core strengths of producing reliable, premium-performance suppressors for the modern military warfighter, defense professionals, and shooting enthusiasts across the nation. To maintain brand continuity and to ensure forward engineering and customer service under the newly established Advanced Armament Company brand, AAC will be staffed with a deep bench of suppressor industry professionals and AAC alumni, including senior program manager Ben Bachmeier.

“We are fortunate to have acquired the former Advanced Armament Corporation’s intellectual property and brand name,” says Bachmeier. “This has given us the opportunity to start fresh with people who have been involved with, and have been passionate about, this brand for a long time, including myself. It is my intention to take care of the people that have, over the years, helped propel the AAC brand to its leading position in the industry.”

With the establishment of the new Advanced Armament Company comes a renewed commitment to quality manufacturing and attention to customer needs. AAC will provide service and repair of all legacy suppressors from the Advanced Armament Corporation brand and provide a new lifetime warranty for all new suppressors manufactured under the relaunched Advanced Armament Company brand.

As part of the brand relaunch, AAC will be updating its website and standing up a new customer service center at its corporate and operational headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama.

“The consumer is our main focus, whether it is servicing current AAC products already in the field or developing new products based on what our customers need for their specific professional, competitive, or recreational shooting endeavors,” Bachmeier says. “And to our existing customers, we want to say that AAC hears you, and we are going to do everything we can to take care of you, now and in the future.”

(advanced-armament.com)