In the latest shooting sports industry news ...
High Speed Gear received nine product recommendations in the National Tactical Officers Association’s “Member Tested and Recommended” program.
Select law enforcement officers thoroughly tested the Kydex Tourniquet TACO (4.74), Kydex Handcuff TACO (4.45), Operator Belt (4.55), Bleeder/Blowout Pouch (4.51), Double Decke TACO - Covered (4.03), Mag-Net Dump Pouch V2 (4.46), Gas Mask Pouch V2 (4.41), Duty Flash Bang TACO (4.25), and the Ambidextrous Multipurpose Pouch (4.46) and rated them in the MTR’s two highest tiers.
Each product was evaluated by four officers and graded on a variety of categories, including design, performance, quality, durability and versatility, with each group of officers’ scores averaged into the ratings listed above.
The MTR program ranks products as “standard” (rating from 3.00 to 3.99), “silver” (from 4.00 to 4.49) and “gold” (from 4.50 to 5.00). NTOA members can view the full reviews and scores in the Member Tested and Recommended database.
“We are incredibly honored to have so many products rated so highly by our law enforcement officers,” said Allison Mitchum, HSGI director of sales and marketing. “We strive to create the best gear possible for our customers and are privileged to serve so many who serve.”
Zanders Named Premium Partner by Vista Outdoor
Zanders Sporting Goods, a leading national distributor of firearms, shooting accessories, and hunting products located in Sparta, IL, was recently given the Federal Ammunition “Premium Partner” award for 2019 by Vista Outdoor.
Vista Outdoor is the parent company of Federal Ammunition, which produces high-quality ammunition for a wide array of shooting and hunting applications.
“Federal produces some of the best ammunition available and we are extremely honored to be recognized by Vista Outdoor,” said Stefanie Zanders, President and Chief Operating Officer of Zanders Sporting Goods. “Zanders carries a wide selection of Federal ammunition and it is consistently one of our best selling brands. We are thankful for this award and look forward to continuing the wonderful relationship we have with Vista Outdoor.”
David Merkey, Senior Sales Manager for Vista Outdoor, praised Zanders’ success and support during 2019.
“This award recognizes Zanders’ outstanding support of all the Vista ammunition brands – Federal, CCI and Speer," Merkey said. "We are honored by our partnership with the Zanders Sporting Goods family and look forward to many years of continued mutual success. Zanders Sporting Goods truly exemplifies the definition of a Premium Partner.”
NASGW President Gleason Elected to NAW-AEC Board
Kenyon Gleason, President of the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers, was elected by members of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributor's (NAW) Association Executive Council (AEC) to serve as the Chairman-Elect. In this capacity Gleason will also serve on the NAW Board of Directors.
“Serving as a leader of the NAW-AEC is truly an honor for me,” Gleason said. “I work collaboratively with my colleagues and counterparts from a whole host of industries that focus on the 2-step distribution model. I’ve learned an incredible amount from this organization and from the leaders who share my passion for promoting and supporting the distribution model, no matter the industry. In addition, serving on the NAW Board of Directors will also allow me the opportunity to better understand the many business-related issues that NAW is working on in Washington, D.C., issues that address many of the critical challenges our NASGW distributors face on a day-to-day basis."
NAW is located in Washington, D.C., and represents the $6 trillion merchant wholesale distribution industry, which moves to market virtually every kind of product in the U.S. economy. The NAW Association Executives Council provides a forum for association executives in the distribution industry to learn and grow.
“We’re delighted to have Kenyon in the AEC leadership and on the NAW Board of Directors,” said NAW President & CEO Dirk Van Dongen. “He is a proven leader with deep government affairs experience and will be a strong asset to NAW”
The National Association of Wholesalers-Distributors is comprised of international, national, regional, state, and local associations and their member firms, which totals more than 30,000 employers.
Halleron New VP-Sales, Marketing for Adams Arms
Michael Halleron has joined Adams Arms as Vice President of Sales and Marketing and will oversee all aspects of sales, marketing, and customer service.
Halleron comes to Adams Arms with 20 years of experience in the firearms and firearm accessories industry in the Commercial, Law Enforcement and Military channels. He brings experience from multiple premium brands to the table, as well as an established track record in increasing revenue and brand awareness. His career includes being an independent rep, factory sales executive, two-step distribution executive and past board member of the NASGW and NSSF. He has also served on three NRA committees.
“We are thrilled to have Mike join our leadership team,” says Jason East, President, Adams Arms. “He brings amazing insight, leadership and energy to Adams Arms. Mike has a proven track record in the industry and understands the value that our products bring to the marketplace.”
Benelli Launches New Mobile-Friendly Website
Benelli recently launched its new mobile-friendly website for U.S. consumers that simplifies searching for the right firearm for each individual consumer’s needs.
The website also hosts informative videos, stunning product and lifestyle imagery and enhanced product pages.
“Consumers’ time is valuable so one of our main goals with the new website was to streamline the process for consumers trying find what they want,” said Tim Joseph, Benelli’s VP of Brand Marketing. “With more and more people looking to their smartphones and tablets to obtain information, our other focus was to design it for optimal usage on mobile devices. Whether you are a diehard waterfowler, an upland hunter, target shooter, or interested in tactical/home defense, the perfect gun is only a few clicks away.”
The new website offers users the ability to sort through guns by filtering for specific features such as camo pattern, gauge or caliber, stock configurations, barrel length, hand dominance, sights, stock configuration, and barrel and receiver finish. Product offerings can also be easily found by choosing a particular hunting or shooting activity, including waterfowl hunting, tactical, turkey hunting, big-game hunting, upland hunting, sport shooting, left-handed offerings and more.
The new website can be found at www.benelliusa.com.
FN America Awarded 5-year Contract With U.S. Army
FN America has been awarded a five-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract to supply the U.S. Army with M4 and M4A1 carbines, with a potential value of up to $119 million.
Throughout its history, FN America has been one of the largest suppliers of small arms to the U.S. military. In addition to the M4 and M4A1, the company currently holds contracts for the FN M240 medium machine gun and its variants; the FN MK 46, MK 48, MK 17 and MK 20 SSR for USSOCOM, and various other contracts.
Sig Sauer Lands P320 Contract With Nevada Highway Patrol
The Nevada Highway Patrol has transitioned to the Sig Sauer P320 9mm pistol as its official duty pistol. The Nevada Highway Patrol is a division of the Nevada Department of Public Safety responsible for law enforcement across the entire state of Nevada with more than 480 sworn troopers.
"Our initial transition to the Sig Sauer P320 has been seamless, and our troopers are impressed with the accuracy and superior performance of the pistol,” said Colonel Daniel Solow, Nevada Highway Patrol. “Our diverse group of troopers is going to appreciate the custom fit of their P320, and having the ability to choose a grip size based on their personal preference due to the unique modularity that the P320 is known for.”
The P320 pistol is a modular, striker-fired pistol, available in full-size, carry, compact, and subcompact sizing. The serialized trigger group makes the P320 adjustable to multiple calibers, size and grip options. The P320 is available in 9mm, .357SIG, 40S&W, .45ACP, with a choice of contrast, or Siglite Night Sights, and is also available in XSERIES and RXP models that include upgraded features including an optics-cut slide.
Source Outdoor Group New Agency of Record for Corrosion Technologies
U.S. Corrosion Technologies, a leader in chemicals and protective coatings for the aerospace, military, industrial and sporting industries, has partnered with Source Outdoor Group of Gainesville, Georgia, as its primary communications agency.
"The CorrosionX and ReelX lines of lubricant/corrosion inhibitors, in particular, are highly regarded by shooters, hunters and fishermen for quality and elite performance," said Aaron McCaleb, Owner of Source Outdoor Group. "We look forward to contributing to their brand through meaningful marketing, content and communication strategies."
This partnership will allow Source Outdoor Group to leverage media outreach, digital publicity tactics, content placement and strategic marketing to maximize the growth of Corrosion Technologies' diverse product lines.
"Because our proprietary science provides significant performance benefits to a variety of products popular with outdoor enthusiasts, we have supported boating, fishing and shooting sports for years," said Anthony Iannarelli, president of Corrosion Technologies. "With their in-depth knowledge of outdoor sports and extensive connections, we believe this alliance with Source Outdoor Group will help grow our brands from 'best-kept secrets' to household names."
