Benelli and Mossberg Donate to NSSF
Among a year of hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Benelli USA and Mossberg & Sonsrecently made considerable donations to the NSSF to support their leadership and advocacy for the firearms business. Mossberg & Sons announced their contribution of $75,000 following the cancellation of the 2021 SHOT Show. “We’re very disappointed we won’t be able to gather in Las Vegas this year for SHOT Show, and I believe that sentiment is held across the entire industry,” said John MacLellan, vice president of sales and marketing for Mossberg. “Given the unfortunate recent rise of COVID-19 infections on a global level, and the precautions that are being taken regarding slowing the spread of the virus, we fully support NSSF’s decision to cancel the upcoming show. We also understand that most of NSSF’s annual operating expenses are generated through SHOT Show every year, which is why we’re pleased to announce that Mossberg intends to donate $75,000 to help NSSF maintain normal business operations in 2021.”
Benelli also made another $50,000 donation to the NSSF after previously donating $100,000 to the NSSF’s #GUNVOTE Voter Education Campaign earlier this fall.
"The NSSF is one of the most important groups in the firearms and outdoor industry," said Benelli USA general manager, Tom DeBolt. "It is critically important to not only praise their dedication but support them financially as well. We appreciate the leadership of Joe Bartozzi, Larry Keane and their team who continue to advocate for our industry and lead the NSSF organization during these challenging times."
The NSSF plays a vital role in supporting gun rights, shooting sports and hunting and Joe Bartozzi, NSSF president and CEO, says the contribution support from firearms leaders helps to meet and overcome the challenges that the industry will face in the coming year from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Riton Optics Expands Again after Unprecedented Growth
Brady Speth started Riton Optics in 2013 after a career in the U.S. Air Force. Scope sales began from his residence before moving into a commercial building in 2016. Since then, things have escalated even more. One year after purchasing the first commercial building, Riton Optics acquired another building to double its previous operation space. Two years later in 2018, the company doubled its space once again to keep up with product demand but even that wasn’t enough. On October 23, 2020 Riton Optics celebrated the grand opening of its new production building containing over 10,000 square feet of space with more property for continued expansion.
“There’s an indescribable sense of pride and gratitude when reflecting on where we started in the garage of our house to now multiple expansions in a few short years,” says Carrie Speth, Riton’s chief operating officer. “The expansion allows us to continue our goal of providing consumers with the best value and service in the optics industry.”
Ghost Blind Industries Obtained by Summit Outdoors
Summit Outdoors acquires Ghost Blind Industries to complement its already vast line of hunting blinds and accessories.
Ghost Blind Industries, out of Marietta, Ohio manufactures various hunting blind products and is well-known for their innovative mirror blind technology that uses the reflection of natural surroundings to mask hunters. The Ghost blind product line including the original Predator, the Phantom, the 6-Panel Blinds and Octagon Box Blind kit will now be part of Summit Outdoors, a fast-growing and family-owned company known for product lines that includes Shadow Hunter Blinds and Hunt Comfort.
“For over 60 years, Summit Outdoors has been focused on developing the most unique and effective portfolio of hunting and outdoor products for our customers. We know the hunting community has high standards when it comes to their gear and the purchases they make. Because of that, we’re committed to offering the best possible products to help ensure every hunter's success whenever they enter the woods,” said Tony Cronk, Summit Outdoors president. “We are excited to add the Ghost Blind Industries lineup of products to the Summit Outdoors family.”
Ruger Acquires Marlin Firearms Assets
Sturm, Ruger & Company recently announced the acquisition of considerably all of the Marlin Firearms assets. The agreement to purchase these assets originated from the Remington Outdoor Company bankruptcy earlier this fall. The purchase price of roughly $28.3 million was paid with available cash and closed on Monday, November 23.
“Since we announced the agreement to purchase Marlin in September, we have heard from countless members of the firearms community – consumers, retailers, distributors, writers and collectors – who are delighted that legendary Marlin rifles are now part of the Ruger product family,” says Christopher J. Killoy, chief executive officer for Sturm, Ruger & Company. “We are excited to start moving these assets to our Ruger facilities and setting up the manufacturing cells that will produce Marlin rifles for years to come. We look forward to re-introducing Marlin rifles in the latter half of 2021."
