NSSF Releases 2020 Firearm Production Figures

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) recently released the 2020 edition of its Firearm Production Report to members. The report compiles the most up to date information based on data sourced from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF’s) Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Export Reports (AFMER) as well as the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). Key findings for public release showed:

• In 2018, 11.4 million total firearms were produced or imported in the United States (less exported firearms).
• Approximately one-half (48%) of all rifles produced and imported (less exports) in 2018 were modern sporting rifles (MSRs).
• Since 1990, there are an estimated 19.8 million MSRs in circulation today.
• An interim 2019 estimate showed a total of 6 million total firearms were produced in the United States. Of those, 3.6 million were pistols and revolvers, 2 million were rifles and 480,000 were shotguns. Those are interim figures that will be updated when complete reports become available from the ATF.
• In 2019, there were approximately 3.3 million firearms imported into the United States which included 2.3 million pistols and revolvers, 301,000 rifles and 678,000 shotguns.
• From 1991 to 2019, nearly 214 million firearms have been made available to the U.S. market.
• According to reports such as: ATF Firearms Commerce in the United States, ATF AFMER and Congressional Research Service data, there are an estimated 434 million firearms in civilian possession in the United States.
• There are approximately 71.2 million pistol magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds, and 79.2 million rifle magazines capable of holding 30 or more rounds in circulation.
• Firearm and ammunition manufacturing accounted for nearly 12,000 employees producing over $3.9 billion in goods shipped in 2018. An estimated 8.7 billion rounds of all calibers and gauges were produced in 2018 for the U.S. market.

Real Avid Announces Recapitalization by Clearview Capital

Clearview Capital Fund IV, L.P. and its affiliates (Fund IV) recently announced the recapitalization, in partnership with management, of Revo Brand Group, LLC d/b/a Real Avid. Real Avid will operate in partnership with Vertikal Brands, a holding company established by Clearview Capital in partnership with, and managed by, former members of the Battenfeld Technologies management team, to pursue the acquisition of premium brands in the outdoor industry. The transaction closed on Oct. 30, 2020.

The recent recapitalization by Fund IV and the strategic partnership with Vertikal Brands is intended to build on Real Avid's market momentum by providing additional resources to support the company’s growth and category expansion initiatives. This includes seeking out like-minded companies that may want to join the Real Avid team. In addition, the team from Vertikal Brands will leverage its experience with similarly sized outdoor companies to help accelerate Real Avid’s growth.

Real Avid's portfolio of gun tools, cleaning supplies and industry-first innovative products span the breadth of firearm types. The brand is recognized throughout the industry for its quality manufacturing, attention to detail, and solving problems for DIY firearm enthusiasts, armorers and gunsmiths.

The National Deer Association Becomes a Unified Organization for Deer Conservation

The National Deer Association (NDA) has finalized a name, mission, leadership team and strategic vision for promoting wise stewardship of North America’s most iconic and important wild game animal. Forged from the combined strengths of two successful organizations, the Quality Deer Management Association and the National Deer Alliance, the new non-profit National Deer Association is adapted to work more effectively for deer and hunters in the altered landscape of wildlife conservation.

The unified National Deer Association has a combined 38 years of action that has shaped deer conservation and changed the way deer are managed.

A new, ambitious strategic plan calls for a concentration of effort in four critical areas: Education and Outreach, R3, Policy and Advocacy and Deer Diseases.

The National Deer Association combines the strengths, resources and core initiatives of two organizations into a single, modernized outfit able to serve deer, hunters and the industry more effectively at a time when the need is greatest. The new group has the resources and vision to ensure the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat and hunting for the next generation.

Additional information on the new organization, including the leadership team, board of directors, membership information and more, is available at www.deerassociation.com.

Breakthrough Patent Issued for Crossbows

Krysse AS, a Norwegian company, recently announced a breakthrough in newly patented cam-assist technology that can be applied across various crossbow platforms.

In addition to the handling of the crossbow, the Thalberg Patent also allows the end user to cock the crossbow at a lower starting poundage, then take the bow to full weight with the touch of a button. The user can also take the full weight off the crossbow with the touch of a button.

This technology will make it easier for hunters to practice with a crossbow, and it allows crossbow dealers to demonstration their complete product line safely.