Firearms Industry Economic Impact Rises 171% Since 2008

The total economic impact of the firearms and ammunition industry in the United States increased from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $52.1 billion in 2018, a 171 percent increase, while the total number of full-time equivalent jobs rose from approximately 166,000 to almost 312,000, an 88 percent increase in that period, according to a report released by the National Shooting Sports Foundation®, the industry’s trade association.

On a year-over-year basis, the industry’s economic impact rose from $51.4 billion in 2017 to $52.1 in 2018, ticking higher even while the industry came off-peak production years. Total jobs increased from nearly 311,000 to almost 312,000, in the same period.

“Our industry is proud to be one of the steady and reliable producers and manufacturers in our economy as Americans continue to exercise their fundamental right to keep and bear arms and to safely enjoy the shooting sports,” said Stephen L. Sanetti, NSSF CEO. “Our workforce is steadily adding good jobs to our local economies averaging $50,000 in wages and benefits. In addition, since 2008 we increased federal tax payments by 164 percent, Pittman-Robertson excise taxes that support wildlife conservation by 100 percent and state business taxes by 120 percent.” Read more

Firearms

GLOCK, Inc. Awarded Contract for U.S. CBP

SMYRNA, Ga. – GLOCK, Inc., a global leader in firearm manufacturing, was awarded a contract to supply U.S. Customs and Border Protection with the newest generation of GLOCK pistols after an extensive solicitation process.

With more than 45,000 sworn agents and officers, U.S. Customs and Border Protection controls and protects the nation’s borders and has operations at over 330 ports of entry.

The contract calls for the replacement of existing .40 caliber duty handguns with 9X19 GLOCK pistols by 2021. Duty weapons will be replaced for CBP law enforcement personnel and additional Department of Homeland Security units which have chosen to purchase through the contract. Read more

Firearms

Birchwood Casey’s New Rimfire Steel Target

The Back Drop™ Precision Rimfire Target Enhances Accuracy and Target Transition

New Hope, Minnesota –– Birchwood Casey, the industry leader in hunting, shooting and gun care products is pleased to introduce the Back Drop™ Precision Rimfire target, an excellent addition to their expansive line of steel targets.

The Back Drop Precision Rimfire target stresses accuracy by offering three shooting ports that will flip steel paddles to an upright position when the target is hit. As you move from left to right on the target, the three shooting ports become smaller and smaller, giving the shooter varied difficulty and an increased need for accuracy as you move across the target. Read more

Firearms

Savage Recon LRP MSR 15

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – – Savage has added an adjustable gas block and longer barrel to stretch the out-of-the-box performance of its MSR 15 Recon platform even further. This popular long-range model was introduced to dealers in 2018, additional shipments continue to feed the marketplace.

The Recon LRP features an 18-inch barrel to optimize velocities and accuracy, and its gas block can be customized to specific ammunition for the best possible cycling. Like the original MSR 15 Recon, it comes standard with upgrades such as a two-stage trigger, free-float handguard and Savage barrel.

Its Melonite QPQ finish ensure the most consistent, accurate performance in any conditions, while the custom-forged lower receiver and Hogue pistol grip impart a look that stands out from the crowd.

Features

  • Melonite QPQ 18-inch barrel
  • Adjustable gas block (22 Nosler and .224 Valkyrie only)
  • Custom-forged lower receiver
  • Chambered in the hottest MSR 15 calibers, including 224 Valkyrie
  • Magpul CTR buttstock
  • Tunable muzzlebrake
  • Two-stage trigger
  • Mid-length gas system
  • Free-float M-LOK handguard
  • Hogue pistol grip

Part No. / Description / MSRP
22931 / 224 Valkyrie, 18-inch barrel / $1,249
22922 / 22 Nosler, 18-inch barrel / $1,249
22932 / 6.8 SPC, 18-inch barrel / $1,249 Read more

Firearms

Got Bird Nests? Report to NestWatch

Citizen-science data vital for breeding-bird studies

Ithaca, NY—Around the world, birds are building nests and raising families—even near homes, offices, or in local parks. Anyone who finds a bird’s nest can help scientists by reporting to the free NestWatch project at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. NestWatch collects, analyzes, and distributes data, serving as a warehouse of nesting bird information. NestWatchers, in turn, get to witness the start of new life and help to preserve it with their valuable information.

NestWatch participant
A NestWatcher reports a nest from a birdhouse in upstate New York. Photo by Chelsea Benson.

“Every year, scientists use data collected by NestWatchers in published studies,” says Robyn Bailey, NestWatch project leader. “For example, in 2018, two studies examined the effects of spring temperatures on the timing of nesting activities, and showed that birds nest earlier when spring temperatures are warmer. Such studies help add to our understanding of how climate change can affect the lives of birds.”

Those who find a nest can report its location, the species using it, number of eggs laid, and other important milestones as the adult birds incubate, raise, and fledge their young. The NestWatch website and mobile app now accept reports submitted from anywhere in the world, enabling scientists to compare birds across their global breeding range. Read more

Wildlife

New Syntech Defense Loads

From the No. 1 Brand in Handgun Ammunition, Federal is proud to introduce new Syntech Defense. These loads produce dynamic terminal performance with a hollow-point bullet that separates into three segments and a deep-penetrating core on impact. Shipments of Syntech Defense ammunition have been delivered to dealers.

The original Syntech changed the range forever. Now, the technology is also revolutionizing protection. The bullet in Syntech Defense has a core that penetrates 12 to 18 inches through bare ballistics gel and heavy clothing — a critical benchmark in self-defense situations and the best terminal performance of any round in its class. The segments create three secondary wound channels, each more than 6 inches deep, adding to the terminal effect.

Like all Syntech loads, an advanced polymer jacket eliminates lead and copper fouling and drastically reduces damaging heat and friction in the barrel. Its Federal exclusive Catalyst primer provides hot, extremely reliable ignition without the use of lead. Read more

Ammunition

MSU, DNR seek wildlife disease research proposals, emphasis on chronic wasting disease

As a part of a joint wildlife disease initiative, Michigan State University and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources are seeking grant proposals for collaborative research, education and outreach projects to address the most important issues around wildlife disease in Michigan, especially chronic wasting disease in deer.

“Michigan is not alone in this fight against CWD; many other states are trying to better understand these same issues,” said DNR Wildlife Chief Russ Mason. “Collaboration with other states and agencies that leverages available data, knowledge and programming to advance the rate of discovery and impact of work is encouraged.” Read more

Wildlife

Bond Arms: Snake Slayer is the Ultimate Outdoor Protection

Granbury, TX – The beauty and solitude of the wilderness draw millions to enjoy our nation’s fields and forest every year. The outdoors can turn unpredictable. Dangers such as snakes, wild animals and even human threats can all turn a fun day outside into a frightening, even dangerous, ordeal. For this reason, many outdoor-goers prefer to tote a sidearm whenever venturing out alone. Compact, but extremely accurate, Bond Arms’ Snake Slayer™ is ideal for outdoor protection. It’s no wonder it’s the company’s most popular firearm model.

The Snake Slayer is chambered for both .357 Mag. and .38 Special loads and is available in a version that handles both .45 Colt and .410 loads as well. For those shooters who like options without too much extra expense, the barrels are easily swapped out with additional barrels available from Bond Arms, including one in .22 caliber. Regardless, all Snake Slayers feature a cross-bolt safety, retracting firing pins, a full trigger guard, and a spring-loaded cammed-locking lever. Read more

Firearms

Rock River Arms Shipping BT-9 9mm Series

Pistols and Carbine models feature GLOCK® magazine compatibility

Colona, IL – Rock River Arms, one of the industry’s most respected names in Modern Sporting Rifles and pistols, is now shipping a new series of semi-autos chambered in 9x19mm. Designed to work with GLOCK® style magazines for optimal cross-compatibility with GLOCK back-up carry pistols, the BT-9 series takes shooting fun and personal defense systems to new levels.

The BT-9 models are based on RRA’s billet aluminum lower receiver with a GLOCK-compatible flared magazine well. Integral to the lower receiver is a unique winter-style trigger guard that offers comfortable room for the trigger finger when wearing tactical or cold-weather gloves. Also, a common feature to all BT-9 models is RRA’s latest extruded aluminum upper receiver. The pistols are standard with RRA Lightweight Free-Float M-LOK-compatible handguards. Read more

Firearms

Stevens 555E Over-and-Under 16-Gauge

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts –– Stevens’ new 555 Enhanced doles out world-class over-and-under performance — and now does it in 16-gauge. Shipments of these firearms have been delivered to dealers.

The field- and trap-tested platform is light and handles fast, thanks to a lightweight aluminum receiver that’s scaled to gauge and reinforced by a steel insert. It’s also loaded with features, including a stylish Turkish walnut stock and chrome-lined, 28-inch carbon steel barrels.

Features

  • New 16-gauge offering
  • Chrome-lined carbon steel barrels
  • Turkish walnut stock
  • Lightweight aluminum receiver with tang-mounted safety
  • Single selective mechanical trigger
  • Manual extractors
  • Five interchangeable choke tubes

The available model list below also includes the standard 555 blued receiver without engraving option.

Part No. / Description / MSRP

22179 / 555 Enhanced 16-gauge, 28-inch barrel / $879

22178 / 555 16-gauge, 28-inch barrel / $705 Read more

Firearms
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