Some of the latest shooting sports industry news:
Trijicon has dramatically redesigned its websiteto better serve the needs of the entire shooting community with improved navigation, more detailed product specification information and interactive tools to help users determine specific product options.
“Interaction and functionality were our key focus points when designing the new Trijicon website,” said Chuck Wahr, Global Vice President, Sales and Marketing. “We wanted to develop a single, service-oriented destination for our dealers while providing a true community atmosphere for everyone.”
Offering a new level of service to dealers, distributors and industry partners, Trijicon.com features customized user portals for easy access to marketing, sales and customer service tools. Additionally, an updated dealer locator allows users to find a Trijicon retailer with ease.
Trijicon.com also focuses on education and overall brand experience for the consumer. Optimized search functions along with product selection and comparison tools make it easy to find the perfect aiming solution regardless of firearm platform or end use. Team Trijicon community pages and integrated social feeds allow consumers and dealers to stay current with tips, tactics and all things Trijicon.
Thacker New COO of Azimuth Technology
Thomas “Tommy” Thacker II has joined Azimuth Technology in the role of Chief of Operations and will oversee strategic projects, programs and the company vision while leading Azimuth Technology’s operational team.
“Tommy’s experience and leadership within the industry make him an invaluable asset for the Azimuth team,” said Len Zaiser, IV, Chief Executive Officer of Azimuth Technology. “Tommy has held executive positions in multiple companies in the firearms industry and will bring his expertise in commercial, LE and military manufacturing to Azimuth’s operations.”
Most recently, Thacker served as the VP of Commercial Sales for Ammo, Inc. an Arizona-based ammunition manufacturer. Prior, Thacker was President of Armalite as well as President and CEO of Devil Dog Arms. Thacker has been a driving force behind the success of numerous companies, including Timney Manufacturing, and FNH USA.
O'Connell New CEO of Ergo Grips
Mira O'Connell, daugher of Ergo Grips founder Steve Hines, has been appointed CEO of the company.
Hines founded Ergo Grips more than 20 years ago. He stepped down in early November but will remain as a consultant and Ergonomic Engineer, helping bring new and innovative products to market.
Before joining the company, O’Connell served 15 years with law enforcement. After coming to Ergo Grips, she helped advance the company's growth strategy, building capable teams around her which brought the company considerable expansion in the competitive firearms marketplace. O'Connell has been instrumental in launching new ventures for the company and bringing ERGO Grips products to a worldwide audience.
Sig Sauer Airsoft Pistol Now Shipping
The Sig Sauer ProForce P229 – the official training firearm of the U.S. Coast Guard – is now shipping to the commercial market.
The semi-automatic ProForce P229 is a full-size, metal frame airsoft pistol with an ergonomic polymer grip. Powered by green gas, the ProForce P229 features a full-metal slide with realistic blowback. The drop magazine holds 25 rounds of 6mm polymer or biodegradable BBs, and a picatinny accessory rail allows for the mounting of a laser or tactical flashlight. The fixed front and rear white dot sights facilitate quick target acquisition.
The velocity of the Sig AIR ProForce P229 is up to 295 fps with muzzle energy of .8 joules (using a .20-gram polymer BB); however, results may vary depending on temperature and altitude. MSRP is $179.99.
Federal Syntech Available in Bulk Buckets
Federal Ammunition's Syntech Bulk Buckets boast 250 to 500 rounds packed in rugged plastic buckets that stack, store and transport easily. Shipments of this product have been delivered to dealers.
“Conventional ammunition causes metal-on-metal contact between the bullet and bore, which can shorten barrel life and rob accuracy. The polymer-encapsulated Syntech bullet prevents this, while eliminating copper and lead fouling,” explained Federal Handgun Ammunition Product Manager Chris Laack. “Combined with specialized clean-burning powders, your gun will stay cleaner, longer, so you can shoot more and shoot better. The exclusive Catalyst primer provides the cleanest most consistent ignition possible. That’s why it received the 2017 NRA Golden Bullseye Award. And now, we sell it by the bucket full.”
The TSJ projectile uses a polymer jacket to eliminate metal fouling and drastically reduce damaging barrel heat and friction. The bullet style also minimizes splash-back on steel targets. Its exclusive Catalyst primer provides hot, reliable ignition without the use of lead.
Ruger AR-556 With Free-Float Handguard Now in .300 Blackout
Sturm, Ruger & Company's AR-556 rifle with free-float handguard is now available chambered in .300 Blackout.
This addition to the Ruger AR-556 rifle line features a 16.10-inch cold hammer-forged barrel with a 1:7 twist and pistol-length gas system to reliably function with both the lightest supersonic hunting rounds and heavy, subsonic rounds.
The rifle also boasts an 11-inch aluminum free-float handguard with Magpul M-LOK accessory attachment slots and a standard pistol grip for easy user customization. The dust cover and metal magazine are marked with the caliber for easy identification of both the rifle and ammunition.
Blazer Ammunition Expands With Bulk .22 LR
Blazer Ammunition has expanded its wide selection of range ammunition with a bulk pack that’s perfect for high-volume shooting or training. Shipments have been delivered to dealers.
The new Blazer 22 LR Bulk Pack has 525 rounds of Blazer loads with 38-grain round nose bullets perfect for plinking. The rounds cycle particularly well in semi-automatic rifles, thanks to their 1,235 fps muzzle velocity and clean, consistent CCI priming.
Zeiss Chooses Murray Road for PR, Media Planning
Zeiss announces Murray Road as its agency of record for public relations and media buying and planning. The diverse agency will be responsible for garnering impactful editorial and related exposure and allocating resources for maximum impact with an integrated media plan.
Murray Road Agency has extensive experience and deep ties in the outdoor industry. The growing company is heavily established in the shooting, hunting and outdoor space. Murray Road specializes in content generation, social media, media buying, brand building, public relations and more.
“We are very excited about this partnership and we look forward to Murray Road’s experience and insights working for our brand and extensive product lines,” said Tom Andrews, Vice President – Sports Optics for Carl Zeiss SBE. “This group has an unmatched knowledge of the industry. Teaming up with them ensures a well-composed and professional message that will help keep ZEISS at the top of the shooting and sports optics markets."
Galco Makes Donation to HAVA
Galco is pleased to announce the success of its Veterans Day sales promotion and donation to Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA). This donation was made possible by the hundreds of Galco customers who made online purchases over the Veterans Day weekend.
Founded in 2007 by a group of shooting-industry executives, HAVA is dedicated to helping disabled combat veterans heal and re-integrate through participation in the outdoor sports by returning to the shooting range and hunting fields.
HAVA holds multiple shooting and hunting events throughout the country each year to bring disabled veterans back into the shooting sports.
Peters Joins Legacy Sports International
Chad Peters has joined Legacy Sports International as its Southeast territory manager.
Peters will work with buy group members and independent dealers in Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.
A native of Nevada, Peters came from a military family and was able to travel the world. He has lived in Sparks, Nevada, for the past 15 years. He has been in the firearm industry for two years, and is also the Customer Service and Warranty Manager for Legacy Sports.
Peters enjoys all aspects of the outdoors, from hunting and fishing to going to a local swimming hole, hiking and camping.
Peters will help customers learn more about the Legacy Sports brands; Howa Precision Rifles, Pointer Shotguns, Citadel 1911s and shotguns, Lithgow Arms rifles and Nikko Sterling optics.
Customers in these Southeast states should contact Peters at cpeters@legacysports.com or 1-775-221-7363.
