Firearms Industry Economic Impact Rises 125% Since 2008

NEWTOWN, Conn. – The total economic impact of the firearms and ammunition industry in the United States increased from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $42.9 billion in 2014, a 125 percent increase, while the total number of full-time equivalent jobs* rose from approximately 166,000 to more than 263,000, a 58 percent increase in that period, according to a new report released today by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the industry’s trade association.

“We have seen continued dramatic growth in the firearms and ammunition industry that is the direct result of consumer demand for our products since 2008,” said Stephen L. Sanetti, NSSF president and chief executive officer. “In our nation’s economic recovery since that year, our industry has been a standout, increasing our direct workforce by 78 percent, adding jobs that pay an average of more than $52,000 in wages and benefits. Wildlife conservation is the real winner here, as we increased federal tax payments by 108 percent, Pittman-Robertson excise taxes that support wildlife conservation by 145 percent and state business taxes by 106 percent. And gratifyingly, throughout this period of growth, both criminal and accidental misuses of firearms continued to drop.”

The Firearms and Ammunition Industry Economic Impact Report: 2014 provides a state by state breakdown of job numbers, wages and output covering direct, supplier and induced employment, as well as federal excise taxes paid. Access the full report here.

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NRA-ILA: Reports of A Secret NRA-ILA/ATF Meeting “A Complete Fabrication”

Over the weekend, a news item used unidentified sources to report a “secret deal” struck the NRA and the ATF. The Outdoor Wire Digital Network contacted the NRA-ILA to investigate further. Yesterday, we were told unequivocally by NRA-ILA Director of Public Affairs Jennifer Baker that the report was a “complete and total fabrication” with absolutely “no basis in fact.”

Redding Introduces Die Sets for the 6mm Creedmoor Cartridge

With a growing demand and factory brass offered, Redding now introduces 6mm Creedmoor die sets for today’s reloader’s needs. This new round has great and game changing potential for a host of sport shooting and hunting disciplines, as a result, new sets will be offered in Standard Full Length, Standard Neck and Deluxe. Regardless of the individual shooters needs Redding die sets are now available to meet many types of shooting demand. The sets featuring a full length sizing die can also be customized by adding a carbide expander and all sets can be enhanced with the addition of a micrometer adjustable seat stem either in standard or VLD configurations. Plus a custom shoulder bump can be achieved by using these sets with Redding’s unique Competition Shellholders. Read more

Starline Brass Kicks Off New Promotion

GW: Just loaded some 10mm Auto rounds with Starline Brass and was pleasantly surprised by the quality. The brass came ready to load without resizing or chamfering. It was also highly polished. Good stuff.

SEDALIA, MO – To promote reloading as a hobby, Starline Brass announced they will be giving away an RCBS 9354 Rock Chucker Supreme Master Kit and a gift certificate for a standard cataloged die set and shell holder to one lucky winner. You can enter to win the master kit and gift certificate on Facebook at www.facebook.com/starlinebrass or through Starline’s website at www.starlinebrass.com.

The contest began April 7, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. CST and ends May 31, 2015 at 11:59 p.m. CST. There are two ways to enter to win. Facebook users can enter through Starline’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/starlinebrass. Users that share Starline’s Facebook contest with friends will be eligible to receive bonus entries in the contest. Contest entries may also be submitted through the Starline website at www.starlinebrass.com. Contestants can enter once daily through the website or Facebook to increase their chances to win. Read more

Cartridge Comparison Guide Exhibiting at 144th Annual NRA Meeting & Exhibits

Morgan, Utah –Cartridge Comparison Guide, the ultimate hunting & ballistics source, built to help shooters maximize cartridge capabilities and ballistic understanding; will be exhibiting at the 144th Annual NRA Meeting & Exhibits from Friday, April 10 through Sunday, April 12 at booth #1204. Owner and Author, Andrew Chamberlain, will be available all weekend to autograph posters or books and answer questions on everything from newly developed cartridges, to standard American, metric or European models, as well as bullet selection and performance. His company’s focus is on helping attendees gain maximum benefit from a personalized cartridge selection.

“The Cartridge Comparison Guide Ballistic Manuals and Ammo Posters will help every gun enthusiast from the beginner to the most advanced shooter,” said Andrew Chamberlain, Author of Cartridge Comparison Guide. “It is known as the ‘hunting bible’ by professional hunters and a ‘gold mine’ of information from U.S. Fish & Wildlife agencies and Hunter Education organizations. Every shooter should have one.” Read more

Sig Sauer Introduces Supersonic 300 Blackout Elite Performance Ammo

Newington, NH – SIG SAUER, Inc., designer and manufacturer of the world’s most reliable firearms, accessories, and ammunition, is pleased to announce its new 300 Blackout Supersonic Elite Performance Ammunition Match Grade Centerfire Cartridges. This supersonic round features a 125gr Sierra Matchking projectile and, like the SIG SAUER 220gr subsonic 300 Blackout round, is designed to bring out the best in today’s high-performance AR rifles.

The Sierra Matchking projectiles in the 300 Blackout supersonic rounds are renowned for their superior accuracy, flat trajectory and consistent point of impact. The unique hybrid hollow point bullet design also ensures maximum expansion on point of impact. These cartridges feature match grade brass cases and function with standard 223Remington/5.56mm magazines without a reduction in capacity. Read more

How Accurate Are .22 Rounds At 100 Yards?

In the latest “Roy’s Insider Tips” video, American Handgunner Publisher Roy Huntington continues his ongoing quest to discover and share the accuracy, versatility and fun of shooting .22 rounds. In this segment, Roy examines the capabilities of Anschütz bolt–action rifles in .22 LR and .22 Magnum using a variety of ammunition out to 100 yards.

“Even today, after over 50 years of shooting, I can still smile broadly when I have a .22 in my hands,” Roy explains. “It’s not just the memories, but the fact you can have more fun than might be allowed and hardly spend any money doing it!”

In testing varied rifle and ammunition combinations, Roy discovers some interesting possibilities on the use of these two rifles for small-game hunting at longer ranges.

“I think many shooters tend to think of .22’s as short-range propositions,” Roy says. “Some of that comes from cheap rifles and handguns, but much of this notion comes from the fact many people simply don’t take the time to learn to shoot well. At many levels, wringing out the best accuracy from a good .22 rifle at 100 yards is a mini-course in how to become a better rifle shooter. And, there’s something very satisfying about watching those tiny bullets cluster into small groups — almost by magic — ‘way out there’!”

“Roy’s Insider Tips” videos are in response to American Handgunner and GUNS Magazine reader questions, ideas and challenges. In next week’s video Roy takes his Anschütz .22 Magnum out to 200 yards — getting surprising results. If you’d like a question answered or have an idea for a future video, drop Roy a note at editor@americanhandgunner.com.
Contact: Roy Huntington 858-605-0243 or editor@americanhandgunner.com

Redding Introduces New Premium Die Sets

Cortland, NY…….New for 2015, Redding Reloading Equipment has introduced both Standard Full Length and Deluxe Die Sets with the most popular options already included. Branded as Premium Die Sets these new offerings include a Carbide Expander Button and a Micrometer Adjusting Seat Stem.

Redding recognized that customers were adding large numbers of these accessories as they increased their reloading knowledge and expectations from their handloaded ammunition. The Carbide Expander Button reduces stress on the case neck and also is free floating which many believe improves overall concentricity. The Micrometer Adjusting Seat Stem allows for precise bullet seating depth to 1/0.001″ adding to the handloader’s ability to find and repeat the perfect bullet jump for the best accuracy possible from his or her rifle. Read more

SIG SAUER Introduces SIG FMJ: Full Metal Jacket Centerfire Pistol Cartridges

Newington, NH – SIG SAUER Inc., designer and manufacturer of the world’s most reliable firearms, accessories, and ammunition, continues to expand its popular Elite Performance Ammunition line with the introduction of full metal jacket (FMJ) centerfire pistol cartridges for practice and competition shooting. The perfect combination of affordability and performance, the new SIG FMJ ball ammunition is designed to approximate the performance of corresponding jacketed hollow point (JHP) loads, making the transition from target ammo to carry ammo seamless.

The SIG FMJ pistol ammunition is now available in the following calibers and bullet weights: 100gr .380Auto, 115gr 9mm Luger, 124gr .357SIG, 180gr .40S&W, 180gr 10mm and 230gr .45Auto. Read more

Caldwell® Introduces Mag Charger Ammo Boxes

Caldwell’s Mag Charger Ammo Box is optimized to drop ammo into the AR-15 and AK-47 Mag Chargers. The AR ammo box will hold 50 rounds of .223, 5.56 and .204. The AK ammo box will hold 50 rounds of 7.62×39. The durable polymer design is proven to be extremely tough and great for long term storage. The lid can easily be removed for use when loading. Available in 5 Pack.

Battenfeld Technologies, Inc.
2501 LeMone Ind. Blvd.
(573) 445-9200
www.BTIbrands.com

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