Some updates and the latest shooting sports industry news:
Koola Buck, inventor of the Koola Buck portable refrigeration system, has purchased privately owned Viper Archery Products of South Point, Ohio.
This acquisition adds a number of U.S.-made archery products to the Koola Buck portfolio.
The Viper Archery Products Venom Fixed Plate Microtune bow sight is just one of Viper's products for hunters. (Photo: Viper Archery Products)
Products acquired and marketed under the Viper Archery Product name include Driver Series sights and scopes, Venom sights, SX Hunter and Viper stabilizers. The terms of the sale were not disclosed.
Viper Archery Products manufactures and assembles all of its products in the U.S. Line additions for 2019 currently planned will include broadheads, drop-away arrow rests, quivers and releases.
This “represents a tremendous opportunity to advance and grow the Viper Archery Products company, develop and introduce powerful new products, and bring the company to the forefront of the archery market once again,” said Brad Lockwood, president and owner. “We are committed to offering the best new and innovative products tailored to meet the specific needs of our customers. This is all backed by our exceptional customer service, excellent distribution channels and tremendous sales and marketing support.”
The company will be automatous to the Koola Buck brand and operations, and it will remain in its South Point headquarters. Rick Clark, founder of the company, will stay on to oversee the manufacturing. Lockwood will take on the roles of president and brand manager for the company.
Sig Sauer Lands Army Contract
Sig Sauer has confirmed the award of a five-year contract with the U.S. Army Contracting Command for commercial off the shelf (COTS) rifles and pistols to include MCX rifles, MPX sub-guns, 716G2 rifles, SP2022 pistols, TANGO6 series riflescopes, suppressors, and various accessories.
Sig Sauer has landed an Army COTS contract for mulitiple firearms and accessories. (Photo: Sig Sauer)
“This is a very exciting announcement and we are extremely proud that the U.S. Army has selected Sig Sauer products for this award,” said Ron Cohen, President and CEO. “For this contract the U.S. Army has identified a wide array of Sig Sauer product including pistols, rifles, optics, and suppressors. We are extremely humbled that they have recognized our ability to meet the broad scope and demands of this contract while recognizing the quality and versatility of our products for the battlefield.”
The U.S. Army identified the following Sig Sauer products for the COTS contract:
Sig Sauer MCX Rifles: conceived for the demands of the special operations community and engineered for adaptability, accuracy, and durability. Available in over 500 configurations the MCX offers the utmost in mission-specific flexibility featuring user changeable barrels, free-floating M-LOK™ handguards, ambidextrous AR style controls, a folding adjustable stock, and a 30-round magazine.
Sig Sauer MPX Rifles: a groundbreaking sub-gun with a short-stroke gas piston operating system, featuring user changeable barrels available in varying lengths, a short aluminum KeyMod™ handguard, ambidextrous AR controls, and a 30-round magazine.
Sig Sauer 716G2 Rifles: a short-stroke pushrod gas system on an AR platform and 7.62 NATO caliber performance, a free-float handguard, ambidextrous controls, a telescoping stock, ambidextrous steel QD sling mounts, and a 20-round magazine.
Sig Sauer SP2022 Pistols: full-size suppressed and non-suppressed pistols featuring a durable, lightweight, and wear-resistant polymer frame with a nitron stainless steel slide, a double action/single action trigger, SIGLITE Night Sights, and an integrated M1913 accessory rail.
Sig Sauer TANGO6 Series Riflescopes: ruggedized and optimized for military use to withstand both close quarter battle operations and long range shooting. All TANGO6 series riflescopes are manufactured using anodized aircraft grade aluminum maintubes, and are available in multiple reticle and illumination options.
Sig Sauer Suppressors: designed to be part of a completely integrated pistol or rifle system to maximize overall performance resulting in the most advanced, most dependable suppressors.
Sig Sauer Accessories: to include various uppers, threaded barrels, and magazines.
Crimson Trace Red-Dot Sights Shipping
Several models of Crimson Trace's new, recently released line of red dot sights for pistols and long guns are now shipping.
These innovative sights are designed to meet the needs of 3-gun competitors, home defenders, hunters, and recreational firearms enthusiasts. They include several field of view and reticle choices and they utilize existing industry standards and installation features that ensure after-market compatibility with a vast range of firearms and mounting systems.
The new Crimson Trace red dot sights now shipping include:
New Crimson Trace red-dot sights are being shipped now to dealers nationwide. (Photo: Crimson Trace)
CTS-1000 — a closed red dot sight with a 2 MOA aiming reticle. This sight is designed for use on a rifle equipped with most standard mounting rails and offers adjustable brightness settings, utilizes lenses with an advanced notch filter to maximum clarity, and features a sturdy aluminum chassis. The CTS-1000 is easy to adjust for windage and elevation, and can be adjusted for intensity. It also features a quick-release mount, is waterproof, and will provide years of uninterrupted service with the included battery.
CTS-1100 — a 3.5X battlesight with a custom and fully-illuminated Crimson Trace advanced hybrid BDC reticle. This sight is designed primarily for use on a long gun and features a wide field of view. The CTS-1100 is easy to install with an M1913 mount, is waterproof, and provides long-term operation with the included CR2032 battery.
CTS-1400 — an open red dot sight with 3.25 MOA aiming reticle and a large field of view. This sight is designed for use on long guns and incorporates an advanced motion detection system that notes inactivity, resulting in auto-shut-off to save battery life.
These new Crimson Trace red dot sights provide excellent light transmission and can be used in low-light conditions. MSRP begins at $199.
Meopta USA Sport Optics Hires Donaldson & Associates
Meopta USA Sport Optics has hired Donaldson & Associates, Inc. as its sales agency for the Midwestern states - IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, SD, and WI.
“The Donaldson & Associates team has a proven track record in the Midwest, and we are confident they can help us grow Meopta’s sales in this part of the country,” said Randy Garrison, Director, Meopta USA Sport Optics. “We are excited to partner with them.”
Based in Illinois, Donaldson & Associates, Inc. was founded in 1988 by Dan Rogers and Greg Gershon.
Savage Launches 40 New Products at SHOT Show
Savage will launch more than three dozen new products within several product lines at the 2019 SHOT Show to celebrate its 125th anniversary. The SHOT Show will be Jan. 22-25 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Among the introductions:
— New models in the XP scoped rifle series include the 110 Apex XP series, featuring Vortex scopes, and a pint-sized Rascal Target XP. The existing AXIS XP series has been upgraded with a new, modernized stock.
— Savage’s AccuFit system is incorporated into the new, long-range 110 High Country rifle, as well as two new bolt-action turkey shotguns.
— New AXIS and AXIS II rifles sold as standard base models so hunters can purchase their optics of choice. All have redesigned stocks with new looks and improved ergonomics.
— Savage’s MSR 15 and MSR 10 rifle lines have new options for long-range, precision and competition shooting.
— Stevens 320 Security and Field Grade pump-action shotguns have received major stock upgrades that improve the reliable platform’s look and feel.
— Savage will also introduce a specialized single-shot turkey gun designed for Federal’s.410 Heavyweight TSS turkey loads, and a 16-gauge 555 Enhanced over-and-under.
Savage will be located in booth No. 14551 at the SHOT Show.
Kent Cartridge Names Leisure Sales as West Rep
Kent Cartridge has selected Leisure Sales as its sales rep group of record for Arizona, California, Hawaii and Nevada. Leisure Sales, a leading sales firm with over 40 years’ experience in the outdoor industry and is led by Dan Parnel and Web Adams.
Leisure will partner with Kent Cartridge in selling to all channels of business and will assist at trade shows such as SHOT Show, distributor and buying group shows.
"Leisure Sales brings a proven track record of success with Kent Cartridge in the Northwest and Mountain States; their attention to detail, dynamic approach to sales and professionalism are second to none," said Jeff Barry, Director of Sales and Marketing for Kent Cartridge. "With the addition of Dan and Web’s team in this expanded territory, we are confident our retail partners will receive top-notch service on Kent Cartridge products."
Contact kentwv@kentgamebore.com for dealer inquiries.
Jenner New Velocity VP Product Development
Dave Jenner has been promoted to the position of Vice President of Product Development for Velocity Outdoor.
Jenner previously was Director of Business Development, including developing, maintaining and growing key customer relationships and identifying new business opportunities.
“Dave has demonstrated the ability to create and execute forward thinking and organizational leadership strategies and this is why we know that Dave will be a great leader for our Product Management team,” said Steve Upham, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We are all excited to have him in this new role.”
In past work experience, Jenner served in executive roles for Maurice Sporting Goods for more than 20 years. He served as a key player and executive team member in the infusion of new strategic insights that drove the expansion and growth of Maurice Sporting Goods annual revenues, while building and maintaining relationships with senior leadership across key customers both nationally and internationally.
"I'm extremely enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with these great product managers and bring our products to the next level," Jenner said. "Velocity Outdoor has always had a positive reputation for product innovation, quality and customer service and I have always been glad to be a part of it."
