Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. has changed its name from American Outdoor Brands Corporation and its ticker symbol from AOBC to SWBI as it prepares for a previously announced spinoff.

The company will create two independent publicly traded companies in late summer 2020. Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. will encompass the firearm business and American Outdoor Brands, Inc. will encompass the outdoor products and accessories business.

The company also unveiled the new logo for the American Outdoor Brands, Inc., at its new website.

“The name change of our parent company is an important step toward spinning off our outdoor products and accessories business, which remains on track to occur in late summer," said Barry M. Monheit, Chairman of the Board. "We believe that separating into two independent public companies will allow each organization to better align its strategic objectives with its capital allocation priorities. We also believe that this action will give the investment community clearer insight into the value creation potential in each of these independent companies, ultimately driving enhanced stockholder value.” 

The company’s common shares continue to be listed for trading on the Nasdaq Global Select exchange under the ticker symbol ‘SWBI’.  In conjunction with the name and ticker symbol change, the company’s common shares have been assigned a new CUSIP number of 831754 106.

The company will release its fourth quarter and full fiscal 2020 financial results on June 18, after the close of the market.

AmmoReady Webinar for Firearms Retailers

Join AmmoReady CEO Paul Angell as he demonstrates the key features that make AmmoReady.com the fastest growing ecommerce platform serving independent retailers in the firearms industry.

Topics will include streaming in-stock inventory and distributor catalogs, automating online sales and marketing, and order fulfillment, including shipping via ShipStation, dropshipping via connected distributors, in-store pickup, and curbside pickup.

A 30 minute presentation will be followed by 30 minutes of Q&A.

Weinbrenner Selects Conservation Group Sales Rep

Weinbrenner Shoe Company, employee-owned manufacturer of Thorogood brand footwear announces Legacy Conservation Partners as conservation group sales representatives.

Legacy Conservation Partners (LCP) will work with conservation and recreational groups to bring brand awareness and sales opportunities to Thorogood. All conservation and outdoor group partnerships, sales, and sponsorships will go through LCP directly.

“LCP has been the proven leader in sales and marketing in the outdoor industry for many decades," said Todd Hanson, Senior Vice president of Sales & Marketing for Thorogood. "I know they will work hard to continually grow our business with the incredible relationships they have with conservation groups. We look forward to a long, mutually beneficial relationship for many years to come."

Guns & Tacos Charity Event is Scheduled

Felix Gonzalez, an instructor for Legal Heat's training team, is holding his 8th annual “Guns & Tacos” charitable event in the Chicago area on June 3.

Legal Heat is helping sponsoring the event, which will benefit the Brotherhood for the Fallen organization.

The event is open to law enforcement and firearms enthusiasts. The first Guns & Tacos event was held in 2012 by a group of friends who love guns, tacos, freedom and America.

The Guns & Tacos event will be held at The Buffalo Range Shooting Park. They have two bench rifle ranges, “The Pit”, skeet and a Tactical Range where participants can move and shoot. The event will start with morning check-in and safety briefing from 8-9 a.m. At this time, literature and SWAG from sponsors will be distributed.

Afterwards, attendees can move freely from range to range to enjoy various shooting activities. Lunch is served at noon by a popular Taco food truck, and attendees can eat and rest at the picnic grove on site. Raffles for door prizes will be drawn and distributed during lunch. The event lasts until the range closes at 4:30 p.m.

Primary Arms Shipping New GLx Riflescopes

Primary Arms Optics is now shipping its new GLx 2.5-10x44 FFP ACSS Raptor M2 and GLx 4-16x50 FFP MIL-DOT riflescopes featuring new reticle configurations elevated by GLx innovation.

Both new GLx scopes are now available for purchase from primaryarms.com and preferred retailers.

“These scopes are part of our mid-tier lineup of optics, called GLx,” said Marshall Lerner, CEO of Primary Arms. “GLx brings premium technologies and materials into an approachable price range, providing customers an unbeatable value."

The GLx 2.5-10x44 is a versatility-driven powerhouse, offering a 44mm objective lens without the heavy weight. For long distance precision, the GLx 4-16x50mm FFP with MIL-DOT reticle blends tradition with GLx innovation.

Both scopes come with enhanced locking turrets with return to zero, AutoLive motion sensing reticle illumination, and hardened steel-on-steel adjustment system.

Davidson's Adds German Precision Optics

Davidson’s has added German Precision Optics to its line of binoculars, riflescopes and rangefinders.

“We are delighted to add GPO to our product lines. Their commitment to quality and depth of experience is a natural fit for Davidson’s optics offerings," said Davidson’s VP of Purchasing, Kane Cannedy.

German Precision Optics also carries a Spectacular Lifetime Warranty ensuring Davidson’s Inc. dealers and end consumers will have coverage on their German Precision Optics items and their Davidson’s Inc. firearm that comes with the Davidson’s Guaranteed Lifetime Replacement Program.

Damon Bungard Joins BPI Outdoors

Damon Bungard has been hired as Senior Marketing Manager for BPI Outdoors.

Bungard joins BPI with an extensive background in brand and product management. He will be responsible for developing and deploying BPI’s marketing strategies along with website and social media management for Bergara, CVA, PowerBelt Bullets, Quake and DuraSight.

Bungard was most recently the Brand and Product Manager for Orion Coolers, Orion Kennels, and Jackson Kayak. Bungard has also been a successful author, photographer and has numerous film appearances across broad print and media demographics.

“Damon brings an intense combination of user legitimacy with a passion for marketing premium outdoor gear,” said Nate Treadaway, CEO of BPI Outdoors. “His skill set aligns perfectly with our company and our culture and we look forward to what he brings to the table.”

Bow Spider Breaks Ground for Expansion

Bow Spider owner David Merrill has broken ground on a new 1,000 square foot assembly, shipping and receiving facility adjacent to company headquarters in Wyoming.

The expansion is expected to be completed in the 4th quarter 2020.

“Ultimately the goal of this expansion is to be able to serve our customers more quickly, efficiently and effectively as we continue to grow,” Merrill said. “We will now have the space and facilities we need in order to move forward as a company to support our ongoing growth, and to provide the products and customer service that our customers expect and deserve. We’re very excited to start this next phase in our company’s evolution.”

Bow Spider has hired two new employees and plans to expand its employee base as the company continues on its current growth pattern.

Leupold Adds Burnt Bronze to VX-3i Line

Leupold & Stevens has added a burnt bronze model to its award-winning VX-3i line of riflescopes.

The VX-3i CDS-ZL 4.5-14x40 will feature a one-inch maintube and the company’s ZeroLock CDS dial.

“The VX-3i is already one of the most versatile and successful Gold Ring riflescopes we’ve ever built,” said Vici Peters, Product Line Manager for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “But we wanted to give our consumers more value. That’s why we added the ZeroLock dial, and why we’re adding a burnt bronze finish to the production line – more factory rifles are being made available in bronze, and we want hunters and shooters to be able to match those rifles with the very best optics.”