In the latest shooting sports news ...

Derek Paul has joined Blaser Group as North American Director of Sales, with responsibility for all commercial sales activities for Blaser, Mauser, Sauer and Rigby rifles and Minox optics in North America.

“I am extremely excited to be part of the Blaser Group team,” Paul said. “I have a deep passion for the hunting and firearms industry and am honored to represent these legacy brands. This really is a dream job for me.

Paul comes to Blaser Group with years of industry experience, most recently from Dunkin Lewis where he was Southwest Regional Sales Manager. Prior to that, he was a sales representative for Proactive Sales and Marketing. Paul was also Manager and Senior Buyer for Star Arms, LLC and held positions at Security Sporting Goods and Academy Sports + Outdoors. 

“Derek is uniquely qualified to lead the commercial sales efforts, given his extensive experience as Blaser brand manager for Dunkin Lewis,” said Jason Evans, CEO of Blaser Group. “His expertise on our industry-leading designs, and his deep knowledge of the commercial sporting goods market will serve the Blaser Group well. We are thrilled to have him as part of Blaser Group where he will continue to lead and educate our sales teams.”

Brownells Donates $50K to Fight Magazine Ban

Brownells is donating $50,000 to the California Rifle & Pistol Association to help fund the fight to restore freedom and standard-capacity magazines to California gun owners.

In August, a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals Ninth Circuit upheld a previous decision against California’s ban on magazines in the Duncan v. Becerra case. The panel determined a ban on magazines with capacity of more than 10 rounds violates the Second Amendment rights of Californians.

In an effort to delay striking down California’s magazine ban, the California Attorney General’s office petitioned for an en banc review of panel’s ruling.

Brownells is contributing $50,000 for CRPA’s efforts to the cause.

“The California Rifle & Pistol Association Foundation is proud of the partnership with Brownells to fight for the rights of all Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” said CRPA Foundation Director of Development Rick Travis. “Brownells’ generous donation will be used 100% in the fight to see the Duncan v. Becerra case to a successful conclusion in restoring the Second Amendment in California.”

If the rulings against California’s magazine ban are upheld, they could serve as precedent in similar decisions against other similar bans enacted by anti-gun politicians in other states.

Sarsilmaz Increases Production as U.S. Sales Skyrocket

Sarsilmaz, SAR USA’s parent company in Istanbul, Turkey, has added a fourth shift in an effort to meet the unprecedented number of SAR firearms being sold in the United States.

This will enable round-the-clock manufacturing and production to help meet the demand for their premium firearms. In addition, Sarsilmaz is adding one to two of the latest CNC machines available per week to its facilities.

“It’s not often that we can say, ‘This is a great problem to have’,” said Todd Pearson, COO of SAR USA. “We are thrilled with the way the customer has supported this great brand. It reinforces the fact that quality and technology has swung the pendulum in SAR’s favor. We also benefit greatly by acquiring the latest and greatest machines in manufacturing. This will, moving forward, cement the foundation that SAR USA was built on: the highest quality products, proudly carried by the world’s most elite forces and trusted by millions of civilians around the world.”

Founded in 1880, Sarsilmaz is a well-established manufacturer of small arms with a state-of-the-art firearms manufacturing facility considered one of the world’s largest. The facility has 118,000 square feet of indoor space and more than164,000 square feet outdoor space. This factory utilizes the latest technology available in CNC machining equipment, including 11-axis mills and robotic cells incorporating high-end production software to eliminate any human error.

Sarsilmaz produces outstanding pistols and shotguns for customers in 78 countries, including the Turkish military, NATO and law enforcement around the world.

Davidson's Adds Hoppes Cleaning, Care Products

Davidson’s has partnered with Hoppe’s to offer its extensive line of firearms cleaning and care products.

Since 1903 when Frank August Hoppe first mixed nine chemicals to create the world’s most effective gun cleaner, Hoppe’s has emerged as the leading gun care company.

“We’re thrilled to add Hoppe’s to our ever expanding product line family. As we continue to grow our accessories lines, Hoppe’s is a natural fit and is a trusted brand throughout the firearms industry and consumer communities”, said Kane Cannedy, VP of Purchasing for Davidson’s.

Davidson’s will initially carry more than 30 of Hoppe’s most popular SKUs, with room to grow and expand these offerings.

Initial inventory will be arriving shortly. Davidson’s nationwide dealer network should keep in touch with Account Executives to be advised of availability.

For more information dealers can visit the Communications Center on DavidsonsInc.com.

NSSF Partners with OSG, Otis Technology

The National Shooting Sports Foundation and Outdoor Sportsman Group have reached a strategic partnership for media coverage and promotion for the 2021 SHOT Show and its exhibitors.

With support from NSSF, owner and organizer of the annual SHOT Show, OSG will utilize its 12 hunting and shooting brands to produce and market the exclusive “SHOT Show New Product Premiere.” This comprehensive multimedia initiative will provide organizations an unparalleled opportunity to inform outdoor-sports enthusiasts worldwide on the latest developments in firearms, shooting and hunting products and services through OSG’s renowned broadcast, digital, social and print outlets.

Along with dedicated digital, social media and print content, the “SHOT Show New Product Premiere” will include a first-of-its-kind six-night roadblock of special programming on Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel and Sportsman Channel Canada, airing Jan. 18-23. Produced with limited commercial interruption, the broadcast will coincide with SHOT Show’s physical event, scheduled for Jan. 19-22 in Las Vegas.

The NSSF also has teamed with Otis Technology, which will supply more than 52,500 bottles of hand sanitizer for distribution during the 2021 SHOT Show.

Headquartered in Lyons Falls, New York, Otis Technology manufactures a wide variety of firearm maintenance products. The company’s portable kits that include a flexible, breech-to-muzzle pull-through cleaning cable, brushes, jags, patches, cleaning solution and lubricant—originally called “The Whole Kit and Caboodle” by the company’s founder, Doreen Garrett—are available in dozens of gun- and task-specific configurations.

“We’re excited to see all our industry partners and customers at the 2021 SHOT Show and support it so that we and others can conduct business safely,” said Otis CEO Larry Williams. “Our hand sanitizer will assist attendees and exhibitors alike in maintaining the proper precautions. We’ve been supporting our partners and nation’s health heroes with hand sanitizer, hands-free stations and various forms of PPE since March, and are proud to support the NSSF and SHOT Show.”

NSSF’s 2021 SHOT Show takes place Jan. 19-22 at the Sands Expo Center and an all-new expansion to Caesars Forum. More than 2,100 exhibitors are on board to attend what will be the largest SHOT Show ever at more than 714,000 net square feet. Attendee registration will open in early October.