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Mel Terkla Joins Wolfpack Gear

Tuesday, January 26th, 2016

This is fantastic news for an old friend of mine!

Mel Terkla has signed on with Wolfpack Gear in San Luis Obispo, CA to help design a new line of Tactical and Adventure backpacks. Wolfpackgear.com is one of the leading manufacturers of wildland firefighting gear in the country. Mel had been in semi retirement for the last year and a half after being let go from Kifaru, but decided he wasn’t done designing backpacks, and after much research, reached out to Mike Oberndorfer the owner of Wolfpack Gear. It just so happened that Mike wanted to start a new line of backpacks and was looking for a designer, and after meeting up, there was a mutual agreement that fate seemed to bring them together to make it happen.

Mel Terkla was the one that helped start the Tactical division at Kifaru back in 2002 and headed up design and sales for over 12 years. He is accredited with getting the Kifaru brand known and respected in the industry and will be bringing those credentials to Wolfpack Gear. Look for a mid summer launch of the new line that will be announced on the Wolfpack Gear website and Facebook page. There will also be a forum in the future on the website for questions and answers, updates, photos, and feedback. To those that know Mel personally, you know customer service will be second to none and he can be reached now for any questions or discussion about the new gear at mel@wolfpackgear.com .

Tags: Mel Terkla, Wolfpack Gear
Posted in Industry, Packs | 25 Comments »

Dakota Silencer Finds In-State Partnership Beneficial To Business

Monday, January 25th, 2016

South Dakota’s growing firearms cluster offers opportunities for collaboration and industry connections that you just don’t find in other states. Just ask Brandon Maddox, owner of Dakota Silencer and FFL123.com.

Not only is Maddox’s Sioux Falls-based Dakota Silencer founded in South Dakota, but through a partnership with Mack Brothers of Sturgis, the highly popular Class 3 firearm is manufactured in South Dakota as well.

“When I started Dakota Silencer in 2008, we were initially manufacturing our suppressors at a facility in Georgia,” said Maddox. “But then, I met up with the Mack Brothers at an event in Rapid City, S.D. I was working on a new design, and they were able to take the plans and quickly produce a high-quality prototype.”

And, Maddox was impressed.

“I like to shoot prairie dogs, and hunting is so much easier with a silencer because they don’t know where the shot is coming from,” Maddox said. “As a result, a hunter can get a lot more shots in.”

Soon after, Mack Brothers, which was founded in 1997 to meet the CNC manufacturing needs of businesses in the firearms community, began producing all Dakota Silencer product and the businesses continued to grow.

Today, Dakota Silencer has six stores in six states – South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska and Wyoming. Because the process for consumers to purchase a suppressor can be confusing, Dakota Silencer has streamlined and simplified the process and helps manage 100 percent of its customers’ paperwork.

“It is our job to make the purchase process easy,” said Maddox. “Improper paperwork can cause a delay in the purchase, so we have a streamlined process in place that our customers find highly beneficial.”

Maddox noted that suppressors and silencers are the fastest-growing firearm on the market right now, and he expects sales only to increase as more customers realize they are 100 percent legal and have many benefits for the hunter and shooter.

“When it comes to firearms, suppressors are going to take off at an even faster rate, just like scopes have in the past,” Maddox says.

“We feel very fortunate to have started our business in South Dakota – the state consistently ranks as one of the top locations in America to start and run a business,” said Maddox, who moved to South Dakota from Florida. “The residents of South Dakota are strong Second Amendment supporters and so are the local and state governments. We are excited and proud to be based in South Dakota.”

For more information on the firearm industry in South Dakota, visit sdreadytowork.com/Key-Industries/SHOT.

Tags: Dakota Silencer
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Safariland Announces Technology Sharing Agreement with FirstSpear

Tuesday, January 19th, 2016

ONTARIO, California – The Safariland Group today announced a new agreement with FirstSpear™, a manufacturer of exceptional tactical equipment for elite military and law enforcement units, to integrate FirstSpear technology into tactical vests and carriers for the Safariland® Armor collection and Protech® Tactical armor.

The licensing agreement between these two industry-leading armor companies encompasses key technologies such as the FirstSpear Tubes™ and the 6/12™ and 6/9™ pocket attachment systems.

FirstSpear Tubes: These tubes innovate the armor carrier closure system with enhanced solutions for donning and doffing tactical body armor. Manufactured from lightweight, high-performance polymers, the tubes exceed the strength of other molded fasteners currently used on operational gear. This allows field teams to progress beyond cables to the tube system that augments performance and minimizes weight.

FirstSpear 6/12 Pocket Attachment System: The 6/12 is an all-new, design-engineered pocket attachment system that reduces weight by up to 50 percent, is backward compatible with MOLLE and PALS standards and forward compatible with FirstSpear’s ultra-lightweight pockets. From adhesive heat-set backing to laser cut precision attachment points, this system meets the need for modular, lightweight load-carriage platforms and pockets.

FirstSpear 6/12 Modular Pocket Technology: Building on the 6/12 Pocket Attachment System, this companion modular pocket technology condenses weight by more than 40 percent without sacrificing performance.

FirstSpear 6/9 Modular Pocket Technology: The pocket technology developed for the 6/9 is a transitional attachment choice between the traditional MOLLE/PALS system and 6/12 platforms. With pockets that mount closer to the body and conform tighter to the platform, 6/9 offers significant weight reduction from other pockets, offers flexible attachment straps and is compatible with legacy platforms.

“We are extremely excited about this agreement with FirstSpear, advancing our arsenal of technology invested in tactical body armor to be the best available,” said Todd Mackler, Vice President, Armor for The Safariland Group. “Through this partnership, Safariland continues to revolutionize the body armor market with the tactical operator’s safety and comfort in mind.”

This technology sharing agreement with FirstSpear demonstrates Safariland’s commitment to the mantra that, “Together, We Save Lives.”

Ronnie Fowlkes, VP Business Development for FirstSpear stated, “FirstSpear is dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of the professional user, and this agreement will provide flexibility and increased access to proven technologies that have become the standard for those who demand the most from their equipment.”

These new technologies will be on display at SHOT Show, January 19-22 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit booth #12762 to further explore The Safariland Group’s latest products.

Tags: FirstSpear, Safariland
Posted in Industry, Materials, Press Release, SHOT Show | 1 Comment »

Caracal Commits to US Market With Wilcox Partnership

Monday, January 18th, 2016

Senior officials from Caracal, the Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC) and Wilcox Industries

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Caracal and Wilcox Industries have announced today a new strategic partnership that will see Caracal firearms produced for the first time in the United States from Wilcox’s world-class manufacturing facility in Newington, New Hampshire.

On the new partnership, Hamad Al Ameri, CEO of Caracal said, “This partnership takes Caracal to the next level, and supports our long-term strategic goals for the United States. Our two highly-experienced teams will be working hand-in-hand, collaborating and sharing expertise on the design and development as well as the manufacturing and testing of new, exciting Caracal products customised for the US market.”

Wilcox is well-known to the industry as an innovation leader when it comes to tactical products developed to support special forces units in the United States and globally, and are highly sought after by many of the top gun makers.

Under the terms of the partnership, Caracal’s US-based subsidiary, Caracal USA will co-locate its headquarters with Wilcox, with its Idaho office serving as its marketing arm. Target weapons for production at the facility include the 5.56mm CAR 814 direct impingement, semi-automatic rifle and the CAR 816 short stroke gas-piston semi-automatic rifle, both of which are designed for the US sporting market. Select-fire variants of these rifles will also be made for the defence and security market. Caracal’s new generation Enhanced F 9mm pistol will also be made in the facility. The production of the CAR family of rifles will also enable Caracal USA and Wilcox to now compete for US government arms contracts.

Speaking on the strategic partnership, Mr. Jim Teetzel, founder and CEO of Wilcox Industries, said, “We are proud to have Caracal working and collaborating alongside our team. This unique partnership represents the future of the industry, where leading experts from around the world unite to develop cutting-edge products for the market.”

The partnership will also provide Caracal with manufacturing and distribution rights for the Wilcox fusion system and the 40mm Grenade Launcher Module (GLM).

Caracal CEO Hamad Al Ameri and Wilcox Industries CEO Jim Teetzel today following their announcement of a new strategic partnership that will see Caracal firearms produced for the first time in the United States from Wilcox’s world-class manufacturing facility in Newington, New Hampshire.

Caracal and Wilcox will be showcasing their latest products at SHOT Show 2016 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 19th to 22nd. For members of the media and industry buyers, Caracal will have live demonstrations of select products at Industry Day at The Range located in Boulder City, Nevada on January 18th.

Wilcox is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of high quality tactical equipment for use by military and law enforcement in the United States. Product lines include Night Vision Mounting Systems, Small Arms Systems, the PATRIOT Hybrid Life Support System and Combat Systems including an accessory line that significantly enhances rifle modularity, all of which present a significant tactical advantage for the end user.

Caracal is the only OEM small arms company in the Middle East, and it is now being backed by a strong industrial parent company, the Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC). This unique arrangement allows for Caracal to receive maximum resources and support in order to drive the next phase of growth for the company, including its new US presence.

Attendees can visit Caracal at its booth 2829 in Hall 1and Wilcox at its booth 7208 in Hall 1 during SHOT Show.

Tags: Caracal, Wilcox Ind
Posted in Black Rifle, Industry, SHOT Show | 8 Comments »

Gemtech Announces Changes In Ownership And Leadership Team For 2016

Sunday, January 17th, 2016

World Class Silencer manufacturer, Gemtech, is pleased to announce a change in their ownership and leadership team moving into 2016. As of January 15, 2016, Ron Martinez, a former Finance/Banking Senior Executive and current President and CEO of Crossre Elite will be their new Chief Executive Officer. Tom Collins, the previous CEO, has accepted the position of President. Team Gemtech is excited to return to its roots of silencer innovation and unrivaled customer service since 1976.

Mr. Martinez had this to say about the changes: “I am excited to join the World’s Leading Silencer company. Gemtech has outstanding associates, Quality products ISO 9001 certied, and Innovation since 1976. We will continue to understand our customers needs around the world and continue to be a leader in visionary designs and cutting edge innovations.”

Mr. Martinez will be present at Gemtech’s SHOT Show Booth, 20521, for introductions and questions.

www.gem-tech.com

Tags: Gemtech
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Top Shot and U.S. Navy Veteran Jamie Franks Joins Industry Armament

Saturday, January 16th, 2016

Franks’ Military Experience and Competitive Shooting Background to Benefit Weapon Systems Development and Channel Programs

OCEANSIDE, Calif. – January 15, 2016 – Industry Armament announced that U.S. Navy veteran and top competitive shooter Jamie Franks has joined the company. Mr. Franks has served in the Navy for over 17 years and is widely known for competing on the History Channel’s hit television series, Top Shot and Top Shot All-Stars. In addition to building Industry Armament’s channel presence, he will lend his expertise as both a military combat shooter/instructor and professional competition shooter to developing new weapon systems, including AR platforms, pistols and precision rifles.

“Many companies within the firearms industry are failing to innovate,” said Jamie Franks, National Account Representative, Industry Armament. “As we say in the military, they are stuck fighting the last war. Industry Armament is already making headway with bringing exciting new concepts to market. They actively seek the input of veterans to transform aging design concepts into purpose-driven modern applications.”

Continued Mr. Franks, “The company’s latest generation plate carrier is a perfect example. We are often issued outdated equipment in the military and told to ‘make it work,’ so we make our own modifications with 550 cord, duct tape and zip ties. Industry Armament’s new plate carrier is an ingenious out-of-the box solution for the next generation of war fighters. It’s exactly what I would want if I were going back out. My primary goal is to make Industry Armament a well-known and highly respected name in the shooting sports and tactical markets.”

Still on active duty, Mr. Franks serves as a Navy Expeditionary Small Arms Marksmanship Instructor, Water Survival and Search and Rescue Instructor, Navy Rescue Swimmer, Operations Specialist, and Tactical Air Controller. During his career, he spent six years as a direct support for West Coast-based SEAL Teams and EOD Mobile Units. After competing on season two of the History Channel’s hit TV series Top Shot in 2010, and again in 2013 on Top Shot All-Stars, Mr. Franks became a professional 3-Gun Shooter and competes in USPSA, IDPA and IPSC Action Pistol, Action Shotgun, and Precision Long-Range Rifle.

Industry Armament will be debuting new products at booth #818 at SHOT Show 2016, taking place January 19-22 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas. For more information, please visit www.industryarmament.com.

Tags: Industry Armament
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Adam Pini Joins Raven Concealment Systems As Outside Sales Rep

Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

Amidst all the chaos of SHOT Show 2016 preparations, we forgot to let everyone know about an exciting development:

We are proud to announce the addition of Mr. Adam Pini as our new Outside Sales Representative. Adam comes to us with extensive sales experience in the black-rifle market, having previously worked for excellent brands like LWRC, ADM, and WarSport.

He’s also a heck of a shooter, and has hair like a movie star. Be sure to look him up at the RCS booth (#8606) at SHOT and let him show you how RCS can help your gun shop or gear store make great money!

He can be reached directly at: a.pini@ravenconcealment.com

Tags: Adam Pini, Raven Concealment Systems
Posted in Holsters, Industry, Press Release | 33 Comments »

Walther Welcomes Luke Thorkildsen as Vice President of Marketing and Product Development

Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS –- Walther Arms, Inc. is excited to announce the addition of Luke Thorkildsen to the position of Vice President of Marketing and Product Development.

Originally from Texas, Luke Thorkildsen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurial Business and Strategic Management from the University of North Texas. Before joining Walther, Luke had a distinguished career in the outdoor industry serving with the iconic companies of Coleman and Bear Archery. At Bear, Luke led a new projects team that focused on entering a new category and developing a new line of crossbows focused on fit, feel, and balance. Under Luke’s leadership the team researched, planned and developed ground breaking new products protected by multiple new patents. At Coleman Luke held the positions of Global Director of Product Development for Battery Lighting and Global Category Manager. He led teams in the development of multiple new successful product lines.

Adam Blalock Walther Arms CEO stated, “I’m excited that Luke Thorkildsen is joining our team. Luke has a proven track record with some very strong brands. His skillset, approach and passion for winning with the consumer will make him a great addition to our growing team.”

At Walther Thorkildsen will be responsible for Marketing the Walther Brand in the United States as well as leading product development.

Walther is the premier provider of personal protection and recreational firearms of various calibers ranging from .22 to .45. With a vast devotion for continued innovation and customer focus in a fast growing industry, Walther Arms engineers products that are Built for Life.

Tags: Walther
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