In the latest shooting industry news ... 

Lapua has added the 6.5 Creedmoor Large Rifle Primer cartridge cases to its lineup.

The new 6.5 Creedmoor Large Rifle Primer cartridge cases provide competitive shooters, hunters and Mil/LE operators an option utilizing a large rifle primer for enhanced performance in inclement weather conditions. The Large Rifle cases improve ignition consistency where extreme temperature swings are prevalent.

Elite forces and civilians utilize various semi-auto platforms to engage targets at extreme long ranges. The large rifle primed 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges cases are purpose-built to function flawlessly in these platforms.

“Lapua Large Rifle Primer, 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge cases provide the same industry-leading consistency and performance benefits of our Small Rifle Primed cases,” said Emil Praslick, Business Development Manager USA Tactical Sales. “We’ve found that for some applications, like tactical semi-automatic rifles, a Large Rifle Primer is required to ensure function and performance. Lapua created this product to meet that requirement.”

Lapua Components and Ammunition are exclusively distributed in the USA by Capstone Precision Group.

Charlie Daniels Playing at Safari Club International Convention

Charlie Daniels will play at the Safari Club International convention in Reno, Nevada, on Feb. 7. Daniels is replacing musical act REO Speedwagon, which succumbed to pressure from anti-hunting groups and canceled.

Daniels has performed for decades and established himself as an iconic American patriot who recognizes America's hunting heritage as part of the bedrock values of this great country. His trust in the core American principles of the right to keep and bear arms and the right to hunt is what brought his show to SCI's biggest event of the year.

Convention information is available at showsci.org.

Springfield Armory Teams with MGE Wholesale for Distribution

Springfield Armory has partnered with Indiana-based national firearms distributor MGE Wholesale.

“We welcome MGE Wholesale to our Springfield Armory family of distributors,” says Springfield Armory CEO Dennis Reese. “Our distributor relationships are vital to us as they facilitate getting our product lineup into the hands of our customers. It’s not a role we take lightly, and MGE Wholesale is an incredible partner in helping us reach our goals.”

MGE Wholesale has been selling firearms, ammunition, shooting accessories and cutlery products for more than 20 years. Its heritage of customer service, industry knowledge and support, along with a diverse inventory has made MGE Wholesale’s name synonymous with a standard of time-honored industry excellence.

“We are excited to announce our continuing relationship with MGE Wholesale,” says Springfield Armory VP of Distribution Peggy Hickenbottom. “MGE has been a great supporter of Springfield Armory products, and with their talented and growing sales staff, I am excited to see where they take us.”

Ruger-57 Claims Honors at Big Rock Expo

Sturm, Ruger & Company's new Ruger-57 pistol received New Product Showcase Awards for Best New Handgun and overall Best New Shooting Sports Product at the Big Rock Sports National Outdoor Expo.

The show was Jan. 6-8 in Nashville's Music City Center. Retailers in attendance do the voting.

"We are honored that the Ruger-57 was recognized by Big Rock as both the best new handgun and best overall new shooting sports product," said Ruger President and CEO, Chris Killoy. "Our commitment to new product innovation remains the lifeblood of our company and what we believe supports the continued growth of our industry."

Accepting the awards on behalf of Ruger was Regional Sales Manager Marty Oakes.

Camping World Closing 27 Gander Mountain Stores

Camping World CEO Marcus Lemonis has announced that 27 former Gander Mountain retail stores will close by the end of January 2020.

Camping World spent $100 million buying outdoor retailers in 2017 and 2018, but sold many in 2019 as the RV industry slowed down. Now, the company says it will maintain the Gander RV as a retail brand under the Camping World portfolio but would strategically shift from stores that cannot sell and service RVs.

Restructuring costs are estimated at $56 million. The company’s three RV sales and/or service locations will operate under three names: Camping World, Gander RV and Outdoors, and Gander RV.

USCCA Sponsors SHOT New Product Center

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms industry, is pleased to announce that the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) will be the official sponsor of the 2020 SHOT Show New Product Center. USCCA is a membership organization that provides comprehensive education, training and legal protection to responsibly armed Americans across the nation.

“Over the years, USCCA has demonstrated a dedicated commitment to the success of our industry through a variety of sponsorships, including the New Product Center,” said Chris Tatulli, NSSF Director, Exhibit & Sponsorship Sales. “We extend our thanks to the fine professionals in this organization for continuing their support for this most important component of SHOT Show.”

One of the most visited resources of the show, the New Product Center is a special promotional exhibit just off the show floor that highlights more than 400 of the newest products coming to market. A unique bar-code scanning system allows the New Product Center’s buyer and media visitors to link products they’re interested in directly to their manufacturing exhibitors on the main show floor, while also providing after-show networking opportunities between parties.

“The USCCA exists to serve those who want to responsibly protect themselves, and we believe supporting the success of our many partners throughout the firearms industry is an important part of that mission,” said Tim Schmidt, President and Founder of the USCCA. “We’re proud to be able to sponsor this year’s SHOT Show New Product Center. Building strong relationships within our community is incredibly important to us. NSSF does great work as the trade association for our industry, and it’s an honor to collaborate with them year after year.”

Taurus G3 Nabs Editor's Choice Award

Taurus' new G3 full-size polymer-frame pistol has received the 2019 Editor's Choice Award from On Target magazine.

“On Target Editors' Choice Awards are reserved for the best of the best new products—those which demonstrate outstanding technical achievement and/or represent an extraordinary value for the money. Among the current crop of affordable full-size carry pistols, the new full-featured, sub-$350 Taurus G3 polymer-framed 9mm has raised the bar above its competition, earning it a 2019 On Target Editors’ Choice Award,” said On Target Editor Ben Battles.

The G3 9mm is a full-size version of the company's top-selling compact G2c 9mm. The G3 offers the same refined ergonomics and reliable performance as the G2c, but with altered dimensions for those who prefer a full-size polymer pistol for everyday carry. 

Boasting a 4-inch barrel, aggressive stippling patches along the ideally contoured grip, and intelligent beveling along the slide to minimize clothing snags, the G3 is a full-size handgun that offers minimal printing and maximum comfort. A crisp, 6-pound trigger, short reset, second-strike capability, manual safety, Picatinny accessory rail, steel guide rod, and drift-adjustable rear sights round out the select features. MSRP is $345.23 to $360.70. Available in matte stainless or matte black with 10-, 15-, and 17-round magazine options.

Millennium Outdoors Selects Source Outdoor Group as Agency of Record

Millennium Outdoors, manufacturer of Millennium Treestands, Ol' Man Treestands and Millennium Marine, has hired Source Outdoor Group as the company's agency of record.

Headquartered in Gainesville, Georgia, Source Outdoor Group currently represents more than 40 brands in  regional and national markets. With more than a decade's worth of experience in providing a full range of services, including brand identity, print, public relations, packaging/display, commercials/video, and media planning, Source Outdoor Group has become a trusted marketing partner in both business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets.

"We've been admirers of Millennium Outdoors and its brands for a long time, so being able to represent the company and tell the world about their premium product lines is extremely exciting for us," said Aaron McCaleb, President, and owner of Source Outdoor Group. 

Millennium Outdoors and its brands are dedicated to providing quality products to avid outdoor enthusiasts. Millennium's reputation has been built on comfort, safety, quality, and versatility.

"We could not be more excited about having Source Outdoor Group and its team of seasoned professionals help our company and brands grow in 2020 and beyond," said Ed Welsh, President/CEO of Millennium Outdoors. "Not only are the members of SOG's team skilled professionals in their field, but they are also hunters and anglers, which makes them able to uniquely understand the challenges we face in positioning and communicating our brands to both consumers and the industry."

Sig Sauer P320 XCompact Receives Ballistic Honor

The Sig Sauer P320 XCompact has been recognized with a 2019 Ballistic Best Reader’s Choice Award for “Best Compact Semi-Auto.” 

The Ballistic Best Reader’s Choice Awards from Athlon Outdoors gives consumers the ability to vote for recognition of superiority in class, quality, and innovation across various product categories.

The SIG SAUER P320 XCOMPACT combines concealability with full-size XSeries features including a fastback profile, XSeries grip module with extended beavertail, four sided beveled magwell, deep trigger guard undercut, standard X-Ray3 day/night sights, and an optic-ready slide. 

“This is the second year in a row the Sig Sauer P320 has been honored with a Ballistic Best Reader’s Choice Award, and as we look back on 2019 it’s very humbling to have the P320 XCOMPACT recognized by end users,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “This award really underscores the popularity of the P320 amongst consumers. As the most tested pistol on the market, the P320 has proven to be unmatched when it comes to accuracy, reliability, and true modularity which is precisely the reason why its has been adopted as the official handgun of all branches of the U.S. military.”

AmmoSquared Signs Laura Burgess Marketing

 AmmoSquared Inc., a digital ammunition subscription and distribution platform, has partnered with public relations industry veteran group Laura Burgess Marketing.

“Working with a PR group embedded in our industry was one of our key initiatives for AmmoSquared,” Dan Morton, CEO of AmmoSquared, said. “Laura Burgess Marketing has the outreach and networking capabilities to access not only our market but also tell our story across a national platform.”

AmmoSquared, founded in 2015 as a family-owned, garage-based ammunition business, has restructured as part of its business plan for forecasted exponential growth. AmmoSquared is now a Delaware C-Corp. with a warehouse in Idaho, and has expanded the executive team to include Chris Corriveau as CTO and Clay Knight as Head of Design.

With a combined revenue of more than $1 million from 4,500 subscribers in all the continental states, AmmoSquared is ramping up for AmmoSquared 2.0, a robust digital platform allowing subscribers to purchase, store, exchange, and receive ammunition. As part of its strategy, the team is issuing Series Seed Preferred Shares to accredited and non-accredited investors through equity crowdfunding portal Wefunder.

“We are very excited to be working with a company that has their sights set on the future, growing a profitable business in the digital age,” Laura Burgess, President of LBM, added. “What the team at AmmoSquared is doing may seem revolutionary to some, but they have taken considerable time to understand their customers, the ammunition market and what they expect from an online experience.”

For investment information visit: wefunder.com/ammosquared

Veil Camo Extends Agreement With Alps OutdoorZ

Veil Camo is continuing its licensing agreement with outdoor gear manufacturer ALPS OutdoorZ. 

ALPS OutdoorZ manufactures packs and specialized hunting accessories—particularly those intended for extreme backcountry hunting duty. Last year, ALPS OutdoorZ incorporated Veil Cervidae™, Veil Wideland™, and Veil Whitetail™ patterns into several of its premium Extreme series packs.

These purpose-engineered patterns, which offer maximum concealment and visual disruption across environments typically found in high-altitude elk habitat, open plains, and most whitetail environments across the country, were paired with specific ALPS OutdoorZ products similarly suited for hunting these species. 

Veil’s technology derives from extensive field studies that incorporates scientifically based patterns that effectively disrupts perception, movement and silhouettes. In effect, it is the ultimate concealment for outdoor pursuits and tactical use. Veil is focused on partner and category selection with proven designs that separates and elevates brands to the next level.  

For licensing opportunities, call Shelly Moore, SVP Sales and Marketing Veil Camo, 225.223.8110, or smoore@veilcamo.com. 

MacNeill Pride Group Purchases ORCA

MacNeill Pride Group, a diversified global designer and manufacturer of sporting goods and related products, has purchased Outdoor Recreation Company of America (ORCA), a leading supplier of premium coolers, drinkware and other outdoor accessories. Terms were not disclosed.

ORCA will continue to operate from its Nashville headquarters. Founded in 2012, its product line includes hard-sided coolers, soft-sided backpack style coolers and a full line of stainless steel drinkware. ORCA consistently outranks competitors in cooler ice-retention tests and customer satisfaction, and also holds more licenses than any other cooler brand with more than 80 NCAA teams, 32 NFL teams, 30 MLB teams and 30 NHL teams.

ORCA joins a portfolio that includes PrideSports, the world's leading maker of cleats, studs and spikes for multi-sports under the CHAMP and Softspikes brands; Pride Manufacturing Company LLC, which creates engineered wood products such as golf tees, cigar tips and toys; and MacNeill Engineering, which designs, manufactures and tests footwear components.

"The acquisition of ORCA is a natural addition to our company as we continue to expand into new, yet complementary, markets," said Joe Zeller, CEO of MPG. "This as an attractive opportunity to extend into the lifestyle product market where we have strong existing relationships with sporting goods retailers – both in the U.S. and abroad – that will be beneficial to increasing distribution and sales of ORCA products."

Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation Adds Four to Board

The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) Board of Directors has added four members for 2020 as it works to protect and advance hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping in the halls of government.

Joining 25 other Board members, CSF's new members include Pete Angle, Chief Marketing Officer of Marolina Outdoor, HUK, and Nomad apparel; James Cummins , Executive Director of Wildlife Mississippi; Harlan Kent, CEO of Pure Fishing; and Bob Ziehmer, Conservation Director for Bass Pro Shops.

Leading the Board this year is Chairman Jason Hornady, Hornady Manufacturing; Vice-Chair Simon Roosevelt, Olimpia Fund Management, Ltd.; Secretary James Debney, Smith & Wesson; and Treasurer Ralph Castner, Rush Creek Advisors, LLC.

"With a variety of leaders from across the conservation community, CSF boasts a renowned and distinctive Board that is proactive in its mission of protecting and advancing pro-hunting, angling, and recreational shooting policies," Hornady said. "For 30 years, CSF has been instrumental in facilitating pro-sportsmen legislation, and the strength of this Board signifies our support in helping them meet our greatest needs as American sportsmen."

Firefield Returns To Great American Outdoor Show

Firefield returns to the Great American Outdoor Show 2020 at booth 647 to display its practical and tactical and practical firearm accessories.

The Great American Outdoor Show is held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania from Feb. 1-9. It is the world’s largest consumer outdoor show, featuring  more than 1,000 exhibitors, 400 outfitters and 650,000 square feet of vendors, demonstrations and activities, including live fishing demonstration, dock dogs and celebrities. More than 200 seminars are scheduled, led by the industry’s leading experts, including self-defense tactics and strategies.

Fairfield will exhibit its latest products throughout the week.

Sponsored by the NRA, the 9-day event also includes a Friends of the NRA banquet and concert featuring ACM Award-winning artist Chris Janson and special guest Jacob Bryant.

Sellmark Receives Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship Honor

Sellmark ranks No. 29 on SMU Cox's illustrious Dallas 100, a list of the fastest-growing and most successful businesses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

 “We are honored to be in such great company,” said James Sellers, Sellmark founder and CEO. “Our team has been working hard to make strides in the outdoors industry. It is rewarding to be recognized with other distinguished community leaders.”

Dallas 100, co-founded by the SMU Cox Caruth Institute, honors the ingenuity, commitment and perseverance of the fastest-growing privately held entrepreneurial businesses in the Dallas area. Collectively, the companies grew at an average annual growth rate of 82, creating almost 7,000 jobs, from 2016-18.

“These companies are the unsung heroes of the Dallas-area economy,” said Simon Mak, the Linda A. and Kenneth R. Morris Endowed Director of the Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship. “They are entrepreneurial dynamos, creating products and/or services that in turn create jobs and generate income, not to mention the millions of dollars they collectively contribute to our economy.”