In the latest shooting sports industry news ...

MDT has added Savage Short Action, Tikka Short Action, Howa 1500 Short Action and Remington Model 783 Short Action alongside the initial Remington 700 Short Action option for the MDT XRS Chassis System.

The XRS is designed for shooters who want the fit and feel of a traditional shaped rifle stock with the benefits of a modern precision rifle chassis system. Each XRS is constructed from a full-length CNC machined core of aircraft-grade aluminum wearing textured polymer panels for insulation from the elements. The precision aluminum bedding system ensures fit and function to maximize the accuracy of any rifle action. The XRS features a replaceable over-molded and textured grip system, with both an angled grip and a vertical grip, included out of the box.

The XRS weights 3.9lbs (depending on the inlet) and is ideal for hunting or target rifles. It features an adjustable length-of-pull via spacers from 13.25-inch to 15+ inches and a quick-adjust cheek piece to adjust for scope height overbore. The XRS accepts standard AICS pattern magazines and has an easy to manipulate ambidextrous magazine latch. The generous 12.12-inch long forend comes with MLOK slots built in for accessory mounting and attachment of ARCA or Picatinny rails.

The MDT XRS Chassis System is available with a starting price of $499.95.

Ruger Reports Big Q2 Increase, Extra Dividend

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc., for the second quarter of 2020, reported net sales of $130.3 million and diluted earnings of $1.05 per share, compared with net sales of $96.3 million and diluted earnings of 35¢ per share in the second quarter of 2019.

For the six months ended June 27, 2020, net sales were $253.9 million and diluted earnings were $1.91 per share. For the corresponding period in 2019, net sales were $210.4 million and diluted earnings were $1.09 per share.

Its Board of Directors also declared two dividends: a quarterly dividend of 42¢ per share based on the results of the second quarter, and a special dividend of $5.00 per share.

Both dividends are for shareholders of record as of Aug. 14, 2020, and are payable on Aug. 28, 2020.

The Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2020 is available on the SEC website at SEC.gov and the Ruger website at Ruger.com/corporate.

Howa Hogue Kratos Rifles Shipping

Legacy Sports International is shipping Howa carbon fiber rifles, including Howa Hogue Kratos models, to select distribution channels.

Hogue Kratos models in .308 began shipping July 1 to distributors and will be followed by the 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC offerings. The Kratos comes with a 24-inch Howa carbon fiber-wrapped barrel threaded for suppressor or muzzle brake applications. The Hogue stock is pillar bedded and dipped in the Kratos camo pattern.

It's offered as a rifle-only offering or as a scoped package, topped with a Nikko Stirling Diamond FFP ( first focal plane ) 4-16x44 30 mm optic.

Krogh New VP Marketing for Walther

Jens Krogh has been hired as VP of Marketing & Product Development for Walther.

Jens’ successful career includes experience with Benelli, STI International, Adams Arms and Blaser USA.

“It’s been my pleasure to get to know Jens,"  said Adam Blalock, CEO of Walther Arms, Inc. "He’s passionate about brand building and product development. He’s data-driven and deliberate in gaining an understanding of the consumer and future market trends. He’s communicated a passion for the Walther Brand and wants to help us do great things. We are very excited to have Jens on our team.”

Davidson's Adds Traditions Performance Firearms

Davidson’s has added Traditions Performance Firearms to its product line family.

Traditions has a reputation of providing quality firearms for over 30 years. As hunters and shooters themselves, they’ve remained focused on safety, innovation, and quality across product lines.

Davidson’s will be carrying an extensive breadth of SKUs from Traditions including muzzleloaders, black powder revolvers, DIY kits, and centerfire rifles as well as hundreds of accessories.

“We’re excited to partner with Traditions and continue to expand our product offerings to our national dealer network”, said Kane Cannedy, Davidson’s VP of Purchasing. “Having a company like Traditions on board enables us to provide even more diversity of hunting and recreational shooting products that will further grow our dealers’ businesses."

Fiocchi Announces Expansion in Arkansas

Fiocchi has announced plans for a significant investment in a new, independent manufacturing facility in Little Rock, Arkansas, to expand its U.S. and international operations.

The move is part of an ongoing strategic initiative by Fiocchi of America and the Italy-based Fiocchi Group.

Establishment of the new industrial platform follows Fiocchi's recent infrastructure and proprietary technology acquisitions — all of which are intended to significantly broaden the company's manufacturing capabilities in response to increased demand and projected growth trends.

The Little Rock initiative will operate in tandem with Fiocchi's long-established ammunition manufacturing facility in Ozark, Missouri. In addition to manufacturing ammunition for law enforcement, personal defense, target, training and hunting applications, Fiocchi is a leading manufacturer of cartridge components used around the world.

Federal Receives Contract Award for Army NGCT Ammunition

Federal Ammunition has received a contract award to supply high-performance 7.62x51mm NATO and other novel ammunition for the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Carbine Technologies (NGCT) program.

This suite of ammunition utilizes a specialized alloy cartridge case allowing for elevated chamber pressures and a reduction in ammunition weight as compared to legacy brass-cased ammunition. These performance benefits deliver a significant increase in overall weapon system effectiveness for the NGCT program.

“We are a company committed to providing ammunition support to the U.S. military, as defined through our mission statement to ‘Build better ammunition in America, to create community, power defense, and conserve our heritage’,” said Jason Vanderbrink, President of Federal Ammunition. “We are extremely pleased with this prestigious contract award, as it validates the high level of trust the U.S. military has with our new and innovative products.” 

“Our use of a proprietary high-performance alloy cartridge case will provide the U.S. Army NGCT Team with an excellent ammunition platform for evaluation of advanced Next Generation weapon concept performance. Program results will serve to inform the direction of future Next Generation weapon technology decisions for the U.S. Army,” said David Leis, Federal’s VP of Law Enforcement, Government and International Sales. “Ammunition products utilizing this specialized alloy cartridge case technology will be made available for commercial and foreign sales in the near future.”

Armscor, 'Walk the Talk America' Partner on Mental Health Awareness

Armscor International has partnered with Walk the Talk America to provide funding for mental health awareness in the form of a $2,500 ongoing monthly donation. 

“We are humbled by this gesture from Armscor,” said  Mike Sodini, WTTA’s founder. “We have slowly and incrementally been gaining support from across the gun community and to have this ongoing contribution really means a lot.”

“WTTA’s mission statement is something Armscor/Rock Island Armory believed in from the start and look to continually support WTTA further in years to come," said Armscor CFO Dustin Jones. "We look forward to working with other manufacturer’s in the coming months and years as we are stronger as a group than individually on mental health and firearms."

Walk the Talk America’s mission is to bring the communities of firearms and mental health closer in order to prevent suicide and improve mental wellness within the gun community while also increasing firearms cultural competence among mental health practitioners. The efforts span gun ranges, retail stores, law enforcement, military veterans, and many more demographics.  

Armscor, originally founded in 1905 in the Philippines, entered the United States market in 1985 and operates a manufacturing plant in Pahrump, Nevada, just 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Armscor owns the Rock Island Armory brand, known for its 1911 model pistol, and produces approximately 110 million rounds of ammunition annually. 

Walk the Talk America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

RCBS 6mm ARC SB T/C Die Set Now Available

RCBS has begun shipping the 6mm ARC SB T/C Die Set, a new addition to the AR Series Dies line for progressive reloaders.

The 6mm ARC SB T/C Die Set (#28007), is specially designed for the versatile 6mm ARC cartridge, which utilizes efficient, high ballistic coefficient (BC) bullets to deliver top performance from AR-15 rifles. Each set features a Small Base sizing die that sizes the case to slightly below minimum specifications to ensure each round chambers in an AR-style rifle, and a Taper Crimp seating die to put the correct crimp on the case. This combination helps make reloading easier for shooters and ensures the cartridge will rechamber properly.

All AR Series Dies carry the RCBS lifetime warranty. More information on the new 6mm ARC SB T/C Die set can be found here.

Benelli Expands Availability of Sporting Lines in Partnership With Elite Shotguns

Benelli has partnered with Elite Shotguns to increase the availability of some of its most iconic Benelli sporting shotguns for shooting sports enthusiasts and competitors.

The partnership will ensure clay target shooters have access to the best competition guns available.

Elite Shotguns offers premier product selection and customer service for sporting and competitive shooting. The company excels in guiding buyers in finding a perfectly fitting shotgun for clay target shooting and offers tools and instructions for safe and enjoyable shooting. As part of the partnership, Elite Shotguns will feature the Benelli 828U, Super Sport and Super Black Eagle 3. 

Place New Sales Manager for Thorogood

Weinbrenner Shoe Company recently named Andy Place as outdoor sales manager for Thorogood. 

“When we were looking at candidates to manage our Outdoor sales division, the word ‘authentic’ became our overall driver,” said Todd Hanson, senior VP of sales and marketing for Thorogood. “Andy encompasses the word authentic; he lives and breathes the outdoors. We consider ourselves fortunate to have a man of this caliber setting the future of the outdoor division.” 

Place, an avid outdoorsman, started with Weinbrenner in July of 2020. He has an undergrad degree in special education and a masters in educational leadership. He’s been rifle and bow hunting in Wisconsin for over three decades, and has a passion for sharing his love of the outdoors with his family and friends. 

“I am excited to help grow Thorogood’s outdoor division. I believe we have some of the best, most cutting edge, outdoor footwear on the market today,” said Place.

For sales inquiries contact Andy Place aplace@weinbrennerusa.com or 715-897-3999.

Lucas Oil Signs Haynes Florance & Associates for West Coverage

Lucas Oil Outdoor Line has signed Haynes Florance & Associates to cover the large, 13-state sales territory of the Western United States.

Haynes Florance & Associates manufacturer’s representative group has been in business for more than 20 years and represents some of the top manufacturers in the outdoor industry. Haynes Florance & Associates currently has sales representatives covering the 13 Western United States, including California, Hawaii, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington and Alaska.

Lucas Oil has been producing lubricants and additives for more than 30 years. It recently launched the Lucas Oil Outdoor Line for the hunter, sportsman or competitive shooter who is serious about their equipment and maintaining it properly.

Tasmanian Tiger Bag Nabs NTOA Silver Score

The TT Modular Hip Bag from Tasmanian Tiger received an overall score of 4.14 out of five from the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) Member Tested and Recommended Program.

“OK, let’s be clear, this Hip Bag is a fanny pack,” an NTOA Field Tester from Arizona started right off, but added, “Having gotten past that, it does have its place. I do like that it is small and doesn’t take up too much room. What I like most about this bag, is using it to add on another bag. You can remove the waist strap and clip the bag directly to any other MOLLE or strap system.” 

“Hip Bag or fanny pack, the TT Modular Hip Bag is designed to be not only universal but versatile,” Richard Lewis, President and CEO of Proforce Equipment, Inc., said. “The testing officers recognized this immediately by showcasing its use as an actual hip bag and attached to another bag.” 

The TT Modular Hip Bag features a MOLLE hook-and-loop main compartment and a small front pocket with an additional zippered pocket on the inside. The lid has a laser-cut MOLLE strip for attaching small pouches. The length-adjustable, detachable belt allows the user to attach the hip bag to another equipment bag with the built-in hooks.

Additionally, the Tasmanian Tiger TT Head Rest IFAK received an overall score of 4.24 out of five from the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) Member Tested and Recommended Program.

“Having an IFAK readily accessible is always preferred. Keeping it visible and out of a truck or gear bag is a huge step in getting the supplies to where they are needed,” an NTOA Field Tester from Wisconsin explained. “I would recommend this product for vehicles whether they are law enforcement, fire, EMS, municipal government or private citizens.”

For more information and where to buy the TT Modular Hip Bag click here.

Winchester, SCTP Co-Brand Ammo Boxes

Winchester Ammunition and the Scholastic Clay Target Program are once again teaming up — this time with new co-branded ammunition packaging.
 
“This is an opportunity to keep the SCTP organization in front of millions of our customers across the United States and build interest for their mission in support of the youth shooting sports,” said Matt Campbell, vice president of sales and marketing for Winchester Ammunition.

Winchester is the official ammunition of the SCTP and displays the organization’s logo on its widely popular Winchester Super-Target shotshell packages (symbols: TRGT128 and TRGTL128), which are now shipping to retailers and dealers nationwide.
  
“We want more people to learn what SCTP has to offer, and this is one way to get our brand exposed to more people,” said Tom Wondrash, SCTP national executive director. “We’re really proud of what the SCTP and SSSF organizations have been able to accomplish, and every year we see exponential growth in the number of teams and participants. We really couldn’t do it without the support of brands like Winchester.”
 
Winchester Ammunition has made substantial investments in the SCTP organization, including presence at the national competition in Marengo, Ohio, and a special ammunition purchase program for its teams.