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Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

Safariland Extends the IncogX Holster Line for SIG P365-XMacro

Thursday, October 19th, 2023

Jacksonville, Florida – Safariland®, a brand of The Safariland Group, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets and one of Cadre Holdings, Inc.’s (NYSE: CDRE) (“Cadre”) recently partnered with Haley Strategic Partners to launch the industry-leading IncogX holster. The companies are committed to expanding the IncogX line to meet the needs of the concealed carry market. As part of this commitment the RDS-compatible IWB holster is now available for SIG Sauer’s P365-XMacro, the first of many upcoming fit additions.

IncogX is Safariland’s most popular and best-selling IWB holster to date. Customers have been asking for a holster fit for the P365-XMacro, and Safariland has answered the call with the IncogX, specifically designed to provide a secure and comfortable fit for the firearm.

“The IncogX has garnered significant attention from our customer base, with many expressing a strong desire for a Safariland holster tailored specifically for the P365-XMacro,” said Eric Gasvoda, GM of Duty Gear for Safariland. “This addition of the P365-XMacro is the first of many new fits that will be available. We are ramping up production of the IncogX to include numerous popular firearm fits that will be rolling out.”

The IncogX holster is designed for everyday carry and provides a smooth fit and draw. The passive retention and adjustable tension capabilities allow for precise customization, ensuring a secure fit for the SIG P365-XMacro. The holster accommodates concealed carry for a diverse range of handgun models while allowing for various carry positions.

Key features of the IncogX include:

•           3 Sizes of Concealment Enhancing Clip strut shims

•           Micro and full-size red-dot compatibility

•           Microfiber suede-wrapped Boltaron body

•           Optional magazine caddy with tension adjustment

•           Over-the-belt polymer clips

•           Passive trigger guard and ejection port retention

The IncogX features a series of clips that allow more adaptability to the end user while providing the original design intentions of enhanced grip acquisition, concealment, and functionality. The clips open outward and slide down with the holster, naturally locking in place over the belt. An actuated finger tab flexes to open, allowing quick installation or removal from the belt. An improved clip strut design combines functionality with customized concealment shims that can be easily installed or removed without any tools. All IncogX models include clip strut shims in three different concealment enhancement sizes: 1/8 “, 1/4″ and 3/8”.

For more information about the new IncogX and new fits for popular firearms, visit safariland.com.

Smith & Wesson Introduces All-New RESPONSE PCC

Thursday, October 19th, 2023

MARYVILLE, TN., (10/19/2023) –  Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.

(NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, today announces the release of its new pistol caliber carbine, the S&W® Response™.

This exciting new offering is Smith & Wesson’s first MSR-style PCC, which makes it easily compatible with many existing MSR parts and accessories. Chambered in 9mm, the Response has a 23+1 capacity out of the box and ships with two 23-round M&P double-stack magazines. The premier feature of this new carbine is rooted in its innovative and easy-to-install FLEXMAGTM  System. Its design consists of interchangeable magwell adaptors that allow the firearm to operate using a variety of S&W and other manufacturer magazines. Included with the Response are two FLEXMAG kits that are compatible with either M&P double-stack or G17® /G19® magazines. 

Loaded with features, the Response has a 16.5” threaded barrel, polymer handguard with Picatinny-style rail and M-LOK® slots, MAGPUL® MOE SL stock, flat face trigger, and an M&P® grip with four interchangeable palmswell adapters. It has an overall length of 35-3/8 inches fully extended and weighs just under 6.0 pounds.

“The Smith & Wesson Response is our solution for the PCC shooter that enjoys MSR platforms and prefers interfacing capabilities with various pistol magazines available in the market today. Its compatibility with the vast network of MSR aftermarket accessories allows the user to easily customize the Response to their specific preferences and needs. Smith & Wesson listened to the consumer and our goal was to deliver a completely versatile pistol caliber carbine that would be a perfect companion to your sidearm. This design is our response,” said John Myles, Senior Product Manager.

The new Smith & Wesson Response is built on a platform to optimize the user’s needs and breaks barriers for those looking to enter the PCC market. Embrace adaptability with the Smith & Wesson Response. MSRP $799.

For more information on the S&W® Response, visit www.smith-wesson.com.

American Rheinmetall Supports Successful Test of M109 Self-Propelled Howitzer Modified with Rheinmetall’s Combat-Tested 52-Caliber Cannon

Thursday, October 19th, 2023

Rheinmetall and BAE Systems have successfully completed a live fire test of the M109 Self-Propelled Howitzer (SPH) modified with Rheinmetall’s L52 155mm, 52-caliber cannon. The M109-52 is a significant, low-risk, high-performance upgrade to the current 39-caliber cannon and provides additional range required in large-scale operations. The test, conducted at Camp Ripley, MN, proved the compatibility of the L52 cannon with the M109A7 platform during the live fire exercise. 


“Integrating Rheinmetall’s world-class, battle-tested L52 artillery cannon system into the M109 platform will return tactical fires overmatch to the U.S. Army in a capability assured, timely, low-risk manner,” said Joe Chan, VP of Business Development at American Rheinmetall Munition. 
Rheinmetall’s L52 artillery cannon system is currently the backbone of nine NATO and allied partner nations’ tactical artillery forces. By integrating this world class, combat proven system on the M109 platform, the US will achieve expanded interoperability on day one with battlefield partners. Notably, the cannon system has become a favorite for Ukraine due to its accuracy, range and durability in combat. 

The M109-52 offers a low-risk pathway to rapid development, putting this significantly improved capability in the hands of our warfighters quickly to ensure overmatch on the battlefield. By combining two mature systems, Rheinmetall and BAE Systems avoid many of the technical risks associated with similar lethality upgrade efforts. The criticality to deliver improved artillery capabilities is underscored by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and is a key part of the Army’s number one modernization priority –  long-range precision fires. 

The team plans to conduct additional testing in 2024, which will highlight extended range across a variety of ammunition combinations. 

www.rheinmetall-us.com

GA-ASI Advances Aerial Recovery for SUAS and ALE

Wednesday, October 18th, 2023

SAN DIEGO – 10 October 2023 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) recently advanced its Aerial Recovery System for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems/Air-Launched Effects (SUAS/ALE) by deploying and retracting a towline with a “smart end feature” from a GA-ASI MQ-20 Avenger® Unmanned Aircraft System in flight. The demonstration took place on Sept. 20, 2023, over Dugway Proving Ground, Utah.

During this demonstration, a hoist from Breeze-Eastern equipped with GA-ASI’s smart end feature was integrated into Avenger’s payload bay. While in flight, the towline was deployed away from Avenger to the optimal distance for aerial recovery. The smart end feature was able to wirelessly transmit its position back to Avenger, confirming its ability to transmit the data to a nearby SUAS/ALE for aerial recovery. The smart end feature’s “deployed” position correlated to GA-ASI’s multi-degree-of-freedom finite element catenary models, confirming its potential for SUAS/ALE aerial recovery.

“Integrating air-launched UAS from Group 5 unmanned aircraft is possible, in part, thanks to advances in relative navigation technology, complex towline analysis, and multi-aircraft control being pioneered by GA-ASI,” said Mike Atwood, Vice President of Advanced Programs at GA-ASI. “We are excited to see this technology enable long-range kill chains from today’s manned and unmanned systems supporting operations in highly contested environments.”

Beyond just captive carry back to base, the SUAS/ALE can be refueled, recharged, and/or rearmed and then redeployed. Redeployment can occur from the host aircraft, enabling SUAS/ALEs to conduct their own orbits from airborne launch and recovery positions. Aerial redeployment allows UAS like GA-ASI’s Avenger or MQ-9A Reaper to serve as mobile command centers for a network of SUAS/ALEs in a persistent, expansive grid for surveillance, electronic attack, enemy air defense suppression, communication pathways, or joint all-domain mobile command and control for days or weeks at a time.

Breeze-Eastern’s commercial-off-the-shelf helicopter rescue hoists, with performance capabilities that meet or exceed system requirements, provide a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL), and offer a low-risk solution to ensure SUAS/ALE aerial recovery. Throughout the hoist integration and flight testing, Breeze-Eastern provided technical and logistical support.

Ian Azeredo, Breeze-Eastern’s Chief Engineer, commented, “With this milestone demonstration, GA-ASI has once again awed the aerospace industry. The professionalism and surgical ingenuity shown in the integration phase by the Aerial Recovery team all but guarantee future program success.”

The novel aerial recovery concept utilizes a towline and smart end feature, which serves as a beacon and mechanical interface for aerial recovery. The SUAS/ALE calculates its precise position relative to the smart end feature for navigation into towline intercept, followed by a maneuver to capture the end feature. Once secure on the towline, the SUAS/ALE folds its wings and stops its engine to transition into a passively stable towed body. A podded hoist aboard the capital ship reels in the SUAS/ALE to a captive carriage state where the two platforms return to base together.

SIG SAUER Releases CROSS Magnum Bolt-Action Rifle

Tuesday, October 17th, 2023

NEWINGTON, N.H., (October 17, 2023) – After years of research and development, and countless months of testing in the harshest environments, comes the SIG SAUER CROSS Magnum; the release answers the call to bring magnum-class calibers to the CROSS family of bolt-action rifles while building on the foundation and innovation that made the CROSS a leader in its class.

“The development of the CROSS Magnum pushes the boundaries of innovation for a bolt-action platform and delivers on precision, power, and performance” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales.  “Starting with the receiver design, the CROSS Magnum allows for easy barrel changes while keeping your scope and pic-rail mounted, adds a new folding hinge for easier, intuitive folding, better stock-retention and a stronger lock-up, includes a full-length ARCA and M-LOK rail for maximum tripod and bipod usability and adjustment in the field, while the integrated radial compensator design reduces the felt recoil of the magnum caliber by forty-five percent.  The CROSS Magnum is feature-rich, performance built, and ready for the hunt.”

The SIG SAUER CROSS Magnum is a bolt-action rifle chambered in 300 Win Mag with a 24” user changeable 5R barrel, aluminum coyote anodized frame, and a two-stage match trigger.  The rifle features the new magnum action receiver with a free-floating handguard, a full-length M-LOK™ and ARCA™ rail handguard, forward angle PRS style grip and right thumb rest safety, a folding adjustable precision stock and ships with a 6-round AICS magazine.

SIG SAUER CROSS Magnum:

Caliber: 300 Win Mag
Overall Length: 45.2 in
Overall Height: 7.25 in
Overall Width: 3.25 in
Barrel Length 24 in
Barrel Twist: 1:9
Weight with Magazine: 8.9 lb.

The SIG SAUER CROSS Magnum is now shipping and available at retailers. To learn more about the CROSS Magnum and CROSS family or rifles visit sigsauer.com.

New Online Video Shows Off the Amazing GPOTAC 45 Spotting Scope

Tuesday, October 17th, 2023

RICHMOND, Va. (Oct. 13, 2023) — GPO USA, a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-quality, affordable sporting optics, has a new 6:57 video online that showcases the features and benefits of the incredible GPOTAC45 15-45×60 tactical spotting scope.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and designed specifically for precision long-range shooters both on the range and in the field, the waterproof GPOTAC45 15-45×60 spotting scope features a custom first-focal plane reticle that provides accurate sub tensions at all magnifications, Picatinny rails, fully multi-coated Porro prism lens system, both fine and coarse focus adjustments, and a unique honeycomb objective filter lens cap which minimizes objective lens reflection, ensuring your view remains clear and unobstructed, even in challenging lighting conditions. It is tripod mountable, measures 5.5×3.3×10.9 inches, and weighs it at a svelte 44 oz.

 

Notable are the Picatinny rails on both the side and top, allowing you to quickly and easily mount a Kestrel unit on the side and a red dot sight on top. As a special bonus, the PLR reticle in this spotting scope perfectly matches the first focal plane reticle found in the GPOTAC 4.5-27x50i riflescope. This seamless integration creates the ultimate scope and spotter combination, providing you with an unparalleled advantage in the field.

This informative video is available now at vimeo.com/manage/videos/872486102, as well as also live on the YouTube Precision Rifle Network, www.youtube.com/results?search_query=precision+rifle+network, and www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBDWis8ayKM.

Backed by GPO’s lifetime warranty, MSRP for the GPOTAC45 rangefinder is $1349.99. It’s available from GPO USA dealers nationwide, as well as on the company’s website, www.gpo-usa.com, where you can find information about the company’s entire line of high-quality, affordable riflescopes, binoculars, laser rangefinders, accessories, and much more.

Be sure to register for the GPO “Gear Up for The Range” Sweepstakes prize package which includes a GPO GPOTAC 4.5-27x50i premium tactical riflescope, a Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical in 6.5 PRC, 10 boxes of Hornady 6.5 PRC 147 grain ELD Match ammunition, a Vanguard Endeavor L 303 CGM full-size carbon fiber shooting tripod with gun mount, a Vanguard Porta-Aim and Talley Picatinny scope rings. One lucky winner will win the entire sweepstakes package. Entering the contest is easy. Simply go to the GPO Facebook page www.facebook.com/gpousaoptics or Instagram page www.instagram.com/gpo_usa and find the sweepstakes post and click on it, or visit the GPO promotional page located at gpo-usa.com/promotions.

GM Defense and Anduril Announce Teaming Agreement

Tuesday, October 17th, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. — GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), and Anduril Industries, Inc. announced a teaming agreement, establishing a framework to collaborate on defense program capture activities. The team is focused on delivering autonomy solutions, battery electrification and other new propulsion technologies, as well as those integrating the full range of Anduril technologies onto GM Defense mobility solutions.

During the Association of the U.S. Army tradeshow in Washington, D.C. both companies showcased variations of the proven and fielded Infantry Squad Vehicle. GM Defense had a four-seat Multi-Mission and Logistics ISV equipped with Anduril loitering munitions. Anduril hosted GM Defense’s nine-Soldier ISV, currently fielded to the U.S. Army’s 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, in addition to Lattice, Anduril’s sensor, network, and system-agnostic open software platform, for land systems command and control.

“GM Defense has a strong strategic alignment with Anduril as we are both focused on bringing disruptive new technologies into the defense and government marketplace to deliver innovative solutions for our customers,” said Steve duMont, GM Defense president. “We feel this is a powerful team, and together we can make a strong offering for key U.S. defense programs while assessing other global opportunities.”

With experience in ground vehicle autonomy, sensing, vehicle safety systems and connected vehicle fleet analytics, GM Defense develops solutions based on the advanced technologies of its parent company, General Motors, that help advance warfighter capabilities with some of the most advanced technologies available on the commercial market.

Anduril is a leading provider of advanced defense technologies, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and integrated defense solutions. “We are thrilled to be working with GM Defense to produce new capabilities for land systems. Advanced software for mission-level autonomy can transform ground systems, and GM Defense will be a critical teammate to deliver next-generation land systems for warfighters around the world,” said Anduril Industries CEO, Brian Schimpf.

For the latest GM Defense news, please visit www.GMDefenseLLC.com and follow GM Defense on LinkedIn. 

Vista Outdoor Enters into Definitive Agreement to Sell Sporting Products Business to Czechoslovak Group for $1.91 Billion

Tuesday, October 17th, 2023

ANOKA, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO) (“Vista Outdoor”), the parent company of 41 renowned brands that design, manufacture and market sporting and outdoor products to consumers around the globe, today announced a definitive agreement to sell its Sporting Products business to Czechoslovak Group a.s. (“CSG”) for an enterprise value of $1.91 billion in an all-cash transaction subject to customary closing conditions. This transaction represents the next step in Vista Outdoor’s plan to split the company into separate entities, which was previously announced on May 5, 2022.

CSG is a leading industrial technology holding company, operating within five strategic business segments, including defense, aerospace, ammunition, mobility and business. CSG is 100% owned and led by Michal Strnad, who has transformed it into a leading Czech industrial group with a strong international footprint. CSG employs more than 10,000 people worldwide and it owns and manages a diverse portfolio of industrial and trade companies across the defense and civil sectors.

“This is an important strategic step for our company in creating value through separating our Outdoor Products and Sporting Products segments,” said Gary McArthur, interim CEO of Vista Outdoor. “The previously announced plan to separate our businesses has positioned us to execute seamlessly on this transaction, which we believe is the best path to maximize value for our stockholders, while better positioning Sporting Products and Outdoor Products for future success.”

“We are confident that CSG is a great home for our leading ammunition brands,” said Jason Vanderbrink, CEO of Sporting Products. “The company is fully committed to our iconic American brands and expanding our legacy of U.S. manufacturing, support for military and law enforcement customers, and investments in conservation and our hunting and shooting heritage. We are excited to work closely with the CSG team as we enter this next phase and position our brands for long-term success.”

Added Michal Strnad, CEO of CSG, “Jason and the Sporting Products leadership team have a strong heritage of delivering high quality products, and we are pleased to welcome them to the CSG family of companies as we partner to support their next chapter. We look forward to building on the company’s success in delivering innovative, quality products and are confident in the long-term value we can create together. We are committed to expanding their legacy of U.S. manufacturing and providing resources to accelerate their growth.”

Transaction Details

The transaction values the Sporting Products business at an enterprise value of $1.91 billion, on a cash-free, debt-free basis with a normalized level of working capital, and is supported by $1.11 billion of fully committed debt financing with the remaining amount funded by CSG. The valuation is approximately 5x enterprise value to Sporting Products FY24 EBITDA, including estimated standalone costs. To effect the transaction, Vista Outdoor will separate its Outdoor Products business from its Sporting Products business, and CSG will merge one of its subsidiaries with Vista Outdoor (holding only the Sporting Products business), with current public stockholders of Vista Outdoor receiving shares of Outdoor Products (recently rebranded as Revelyst) and approximately $750 million in cash in the aggregate. This will be treated as a taxable sale of a stockholder’s Vista Outdoor shares for the Outdoor Products shares and cash consideration they receive in the merger, allowing stockholders to recover tax basis and recognize built-in gain and loss in their Vista Outdoor shares. Relative to a divestiture of Sporting Products as an asset sale, this structure has corporate level tax of approximately $50 million versus approximately $380 million for a divestiture as an asset sale and allows for the tax-efficient return of cash to stockholders.

The transaction is expected to close in calendar year 2024, subject to approval of our stockholders, receipt of necessary regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

Upon closing, Vanderbrink will remain CEO of the Sporting Products business and the U.S. headquarters will remain in Anoka, Minnesota. In connection with the transaction, the company’s approximately 4,000 employees who represent four factories and the consumer brands CCI, Federal, HEVI-Shot, Remington and Speer will continue their heritage of community and conservation support through local and national organizations.

Outdoor Products

Upon completion of the sale of the Sporting Products business to CSG, Vista Outdoor’s Outdoor Products business will become Revelyst, Inc. (“Revelyst”), an independent publicly traded company trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “GEAR.” Revelyst will leverage meticulous craftsmanship and cross-collaboration across its portfolio of category-defining brands. Brands include Fox, Bell, Giro, CamelBak, Camp Chef, Bushnell, Simms Fishing, Foresight Sports, Bushnell Golf and more. Eric Nyman will continue as CEO of Outdoor Products and become the CEO of Revelyst upon transaction close.

Leadership Update

Joining Vanderbrink on the leadership team at Sporting Products will be Al Kerfeld, CFO; Jeff Ehrich, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary; and Mark Kowalski, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer. Andy Keegan, currently vice president and interim CFO of Vista Outdoor, plans to join Revelyst as CFO.

For full financial disclosure, visit news.vistaoutdoor.com/newsroom/press-releases/press-release-details/2023/Vista-Outdoor-Enters-into-Definitive-Agreement-to-Sell-Sporting-Products-Business-to-Czechoslovak-Group-for-1.91-Billion