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AMMO, Inc. Reaches Settlement Agreement with The Urvan Group

November 8th, 2022

Wayne Walker and Christos Tsentas Join the AMMO BoardThe Urvan Group to Support the Company’s Slate of Director Nominees at 2022 Annual MeetingAnnounces Formation of CEO Succession Committee

Because of Market Conditions, Company Suspends the Separation of its Ammunition and Marketplace Businesses into Two Independent Publicly Traded Companies

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Nov. 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AMMO, Inc. (NASDAQ: POWW, POWWP) (“AMMO” or the “Company”) the owner of GunBroker.com, the largest online marketplace serving the firearms and shooting sports industries, and a leading vertically integrated producer of high-performance ammunition and components, today announced that it has reached a settlement agreement (the “Agreement”) with Steven Urvan and Susan Lokey (collectively, the “Urvan Group”).

Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company will appoint Christos Tsentas and Wayne Walker to the AMMO Board of Directors (the “Board”). Mr. Tsentas is a former investment banker with M&A and investment management experience, who also possesses firearms accessories manufacturing board experience. Mr. Walker is a corporate governance expert with significant public company experience and more than 35 years of experience in corporate turnarounds. Messrs. Tsentas and Walker will stand for election at the Company’s 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”), which is scheduled for December 15, 2022. With the appointments, AMMO’s Board will increase in size to nine directors.

“We are pleased to have reached a constructive outcome with The Urvan Group,” said Fred Wagenhals, AMMO’s Chairman & CEO. “We welcome these new directors and believe they can and will contribute to our robust Board deliberations as we chart a path for the creation of shareholder value.”

“As a large shareholder, Board member and founder of GunBroker.com, I look forward to AMMO’s future, and believe the addition of Messrs. Tsentas and Walker as directors will help strengthen the Board and propel the Company forward,” said Mr. Urvan. “I see a bright future for AMMO and look forward to working with my fellow Board members to identify opportunities to drive profitable growth.”

Pursuant to the Agreement, the Urvan Group has withdrawn its slate of seven nominees and agreed to vote all of its shares in favor of the Board’s slate at the Annual Meeting. The Board will immediately form a new committee tasked with planning for CEO succession with the assistance of a nationally recognized search firm. Further, given market conditions and shareholder feedback, the Company will suspend the separation of its ammunition and marketplace businesses into two independent publicly traded companies.

The Company has also ended its previously announced internal investigation into Mr. Urvan and Ms. Lokey. Mr. Urvan will remain on the Board.

Moreover, the Agreement includes customary standstill and related provisions. The full agreement between AMMO and the Urvan Group will be filed by the Company on a Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Company will file its definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents in due course.
Shareholders do not need to take any action at this time.

Sidley Austin LLP served as legal advisor to the Company. Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP represented the Urvan Group.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on AMMO, Inc. Reaches Settlement Agreement with The Urvan Group

TacJobs – Outdoor Research Seeks Product Manager- Gloves and Pro

November 8th, 2022

Location: Seattle
Position: Full Time

About Outdoor Research

At Outdoor Research®, we built a company from a feeling: the urge to get out. It’s what drives us. We love coming to work every day and inventing ever better solutions to what nature throws our way. But we’re more than just the gear we build. We’re part of a community of friends whose lives are connected by our common need to be outside. Our community is devoted to exploring our outdoor passions and challenging ourselves in the mountains, water and deserts of the planet we love so much.

And we want you in it, because we’re pretty sure that the bigger our community gets, the better off the world will be.

About this role

The Product Manager (PM) of Gloves/Pro is responsible for the overall direction, planning, and financial success of the Glove and Pro business at Outdoor Research.

The Gloves/Pro PM has a unique opportunity to lead two different segments of our business, each critical to our long-term growth. As an industry leader in gloves, the focus will center on scaling the business and distribution. In Pro, the opportunity draws on your passion for start-ups and will require extensive industry and competitive research, line planning, and consensus building.

They will strive to increase the profitability of existing products while also helping to develop new products in partnership with their Design and Development counterparts. The Glove/Pro PM will work across two sectors of our company, the Pro and Commercial sides, as well as the cross-functional departments of the company, including sourcing, materials, sales, operations, design, tech design, innovation, marketing, and manufacturing associated with both. They must be able to effectively collaborate and communicate with these departments to meet company expectations and account and consumer demands.

The Gloves/Pro PM must possess mathematical and analytical abilities to develop pricing models and forecast product profitability, requiring the product manager to analyze technical, financial, marketing, and sales information. Using this data, they must prepare product development objectives and schedules for all product development and product launch strategy phases. To ensure the success of various product lines, the product manager must use a combination of marketing data analysis, personal experience, and customer/athlete/influencer input. In addition, the product line manager must stay updated with market changes and current market perceptions. They must then be able to communicate these results to cross-functional counterparts, which may include executive members of the company, making suggestions on how to improve current product lines better and/or how Outdoor Research can enter underdeveloped market segments.

Lastly, in this role, the Gloves/Pro PM will have the opportunity to work directly with our in-house and overseas manufacturing partners, which may include overseas travel to meet in person.

Curiosity is a prized trait in this role and is fed by the partnership with our Lead Glove designer, who has built an in-house workshop to which the PM of Gloves and Pro will have access. This quiver of tools will be especially advantageous in testing out new technologies, techniques, and prototyping

Anticipated work split will vary by season, with gloves being a primary focus in the Fall time and Pro in the Spring.

Gloves:60%

Pro: 40%

What you should bring to the table:

• Strong working knowledge of product creation timelines and apparel manufacturing processes and capabilities for outerwear and sportswear

• Commercially oriented experience with the selection, testing, and end use of technical apparel textiles

• Strong business orientation with superior retail math skills

• Ability to analyze and process large amount of data to frame product strategy

• Strong understanding of the outdoor sports market trends and retail environment

• Strong sense of design and color

• Works effectively within a team atmosphere

• Excellent presentation and communication skills

• Experience managing outside design resources

• User /consumer level awareness of outdoor products

• Self-starter that can influence, persuade, and negotiate effectively to achieve brand mission

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally when required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Merchandising, Marketing, Business or a related field

• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience managing an apparel line

• Fluent in written and spoken English

• Proficient in Excel, Power-Point, Word

• Experience with Illustrator and In-Design, a plus, will be required to use Illustrator

• Prior managerial experience with direct report(s), a plus but not required

What do we bring to the table?

• 11 paid holidays each year and 3 floating holidays

• PTO/PSST

• Transportation benefits

• Paid volunteer time

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans

• 401K with company match

• Bouldering wall, work out room, gear rentals

• Product discounts

• Employee interest groups including various sports activities and our one and only Fun Force club

Outdoor Research is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law.

Our company’s Core Mission is to provide innovation and inspiration for the relentless adventurer. Please visit us at www.outdoorresearch.com for more information.

Updated 10 27 2022

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Mountain Partisan by Shield Arms

November 8th, 2022

Shield Arms launches the Mountain Partisan line of soft goods(Bigfork, Montana, November 2022) — Shield Arms is pleased to announce a new US made soft goods line named Mountain Partisan. Pulling inspiration from the Spanish Partisans of the Peninsular War / Spanish War of Independence, Mountain Partisan gear is designed for use in rugged, mountainous terrain. The core design principles of the Mountain Partisan line are that gear must be simple, effective, rugged, and multipurpose wherever possible. Learn more about the Mountain Partisan origin story here.

Partisan Sling

Our first offering in the Mountain Partisan line is the Partisan Sling. Designed by a former Green Beret, the Partisan Sling brings together his years of experience along with all the best sling features into one superior design.

Partisan Sling Features

Two-Stage progressive tension

Quick adjust system

Easy index thumb loop

Solid lock bi-directional adjustment

Redundant hardware

Abrasion resistant shoulder sheath

Features Video

Partisan Sling Shop Talk

The Partisan Sling is available now in black, coyote tan, OD green, and foliage green.

Posted in Press Release | Comments Off on Mountain Partisan by Shield Arms

The Next Evolution in Concealed Carry: S&W EQUALIZER

November 8th, 2022

SPRINGFIELD, MA., (11/08/2022) – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, introduces the all-new S&W® EQUALIZER™.

Level the playing field with our best-performing micro-compact to date. Next-gen EZ technology, low recoil impulse, and versatile magazine capacity all in a compact footprint, make the EQUALIZER™ an ultimate CCW. This 9MM offering provides the perfect balance of power and capacity across 10, 13, and 15-round magazines. The EQUALIZER™ features a single-action trigger that allows for a short take-up, clean break, and fast reset to make follow-up shots quicker. The slide operates using easy-to-rack technology to cater to a wide variety of needs and the frame includes a picatinny-style rail to mount lights or lasers for any defense scenario. A new optic cut pattern allows the user to mount their choice of sight for enhanced accuracy and the 3.675” barrel gives a longer sight radius for increased iron sight precision. The EQUALIZER™ also features a new grip texture and pattern designed to give you more control when firing and more comfort when carrying.

“The EQUALIZER™ is a total package micro-compact pistol. Its multi-purpose design allows for a variety of setup options for use at the range and/or for personal carry, while not compromising on firepower or comfort,” said John Myles, Senior Manager of New Products.

Get the big performance you need in a small, versatile handgun. Smith & Wesson is proud to introduce the S&W® EQUALIZER™.

MSRP $599.00.

Check out the EQUALIZER at www.smith-wesson.com.

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | 3 Comments »

Crye Associates Scorpion Concept Paper

November 8th, 2022

Found on the US Patent and Trademark Office website, these are the only two pages publicly available from a concept paper produced by Crye Associates, a revolutionary industrial design firm now known as Crye Precision and the creator of some of the most innovative individual clothing and equipment on the market.

Published in March 2001, this concept would eventually be funded by Natick Soldier Systems Center under the Objective Force Warrior program.

Apparently, based on other IP filings we know that before MultiCam Crye Associates had a pattern named UniPat, as in Universal Pattern, which may have been an earlier version of MultiCam. The name UniPat is from 2002 and may offer a clue as to where the Army came up with the Universal Camouflage Pattern name or why Crye quickly abandoned it.

Posted in Advertiser, Disruptive Tech | 7 Comments »

AirBoss Defense Group Receives $40.6 Million in Orders for Husky 2G Vehicles

November 8th, 2022

New Contracts Will Support User Survivability, Route Clearance and Threat Detection

JESSUP, Md., Nov. 07, 2022 — AirBoss Defense Group (“ADG”), a subsidiary of AirBoss of America Corp. (“AirBoss”) today announced that it continues to build business momentum with a $35 million order for ten (10) Husky 2G counter-improvised explosive device (“C-IED”) vehicles. The vehicles will be equipped with a full complement of detection systems and periphery subsystems including ground penetrating radar (“GPR”), M20 Interrogation Arms, Rollover Detection Systems, thermal cameras and RPG-defeat netting. ADG is also responsible for providing comprehensive operator and maintainer training as well as spare parts and sustainment supplies to the customer. Delivery of the vehicles will take place over the next 16 months.

Furthermore, ADG, through its partner, DCD Protected (“DCD”), will be providing three (3) Husky 2G C-IED vehicles, peripheral detection and survivability systems to support a customer in West Africa, valued at up to $5.6 million. ADG and DCD will also be providing spare parts and sustainment supplies as well as comprehensive operator and maintainer training. This contract, with deliveries taking place over the next six months, will provide a critical, best-in-class route clearance and threat detection and interrogation capability that will aid in the ongoing war on terror and efforts to counter a growing extremist threat in the region.

Patrick Callahan, CEO of AirBoss Defense Group said, “AirBoss Defense Group is growing its worldwide leadership in survivability solutions, ranging from IED detection to high-risk environment personal protective equipment. The Husky 2G is a cornerstone product in our portfolio of survivability solutions and is the most survivable vehicle available on the battlefield, providing unparalleled route clearance capabilities to U.S allies around the world. ADG welcomes the opportunity to continue our long partnership with DCD to provide the proven and tested Husky 2G vehicle in support of global route clearance missions.”

These new orders build upon previous U.S. and foreign government procurement from ADG of Husky 2G C-IED vehicles, equipment, spare parts, and training to counter growing IED and landmine threats around the globe. ADG and DCD vehicles enable a rapid response to the growing international demand for proven route clearance and survivability solutions delivered by ADG. Built with a unique V-shaped hull and modular design, the Husky 2G C-IED protects operators from blast impacts, small arms fire, and challenging terrain while supporting sensor systems for threat detection, identification, and mitigation.

The two-operator Husky 2G clearance vehicle was developed to meet the operational requirement for longer, more complex, mounted clearance missions and the employment of more sophisticated vehicle payloads. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense as a U.S. Army Top Ten Invention, the 2G platform addresses evolving explosive threats while applying operationally proven survivability capabilities.

For more information, please visit www.adg.com.

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US Army’s DEVCOM Chemistry lab Focuses on Energetics Innovation

November 8th, 2022

REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. — Thinking about a chemistry lab usually evokes visions of beakers bubbling with solutions, Bunsen burners, perhaps a giant periodic table taped to the wall. But this is not that type of chemistry lab.

The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center Propulsion Engineering Analytical Chemistry laboratory works on the Center’s stockpile reliability programs where they conduct prognostic aging and safe life assessment through disassembly of weapon systems detailed chemical analysis.

“The ammunition and explosives mission is one which spans the entire weapons system life cycle — from early research and development, to production, to sustainment and eventually demilitarization,” said Dr. Robert Little, chief for the Propulsion Engineering Division. “In each phase, there are hazards and risks to be managed. The Analytical Chemistry laboratory, and the core competencies of the trained personnel, are key elements to ensure that explosive stability and safety are maintained for fielded weapons systems in their intended tactical environments.”

Simply put, it is not enough to make sure the energetic materials — propellants, pyrotechnics and explosives utilized in weapon systems — work, they must continue to work, across many years and a full spectrum of military tactical environments.

“A rocket motor in Afghanistan, for example, is in a hot, arid climate so propellant stabilizer depletion is faster at elevated temperatures,” said Chris Marshall, supervisory chemist for the lab. “In a cooler environment it is much slower. Propellant in a TOW missile in Afghanistan may become unsafe for use and storage after as little as 10 years, if subject to solar radiation heating. In Alaska, based on a much lower temperature it may be 30 years.”

The lab team does not just work on fielded weapons systems, it also helps develop the next generation of propellants for use in solid fuel ramjet, an airbreathing jet propulsion engine that employs a continuous combustion process.

“We try to find new methods to analyze new propellant formulations — including novel energetic formulations and new energetics molecules. Research chemists will bring them to us and say, ‘How do I get the composition and ballistic properties of this new formulation?’” Marshall said.

Additionally, the lab works on missile failures.

“We may have a missile in theater malfunction, and we get samples back and we’ll analyze all failure modes to figure out what happened,” Marshall said. “Why we had a misfire, hang-fire, detonation or deflagration event. We work on failure reviews for production as well. We work with our contracting partners that make the missiles and when they have issues, this lab will partner with them, their chemists and their labs, trying to multitask issues. Since this lab has diagnostic capabilities in explosives compositions and their properties, we can do things that vendors may not be equipped to do.”

This is not the type of subject matter expertise that can be learned in undergraduate school — there is no “Energetics 101.”

“You have to grow an energetic chemist, mentor and train,” Marshall said. “There’s a lot of hands-on training — hands-on work — you can’t really teach it because you are not going to handle this stuff in school. We try to always team a younger engineer or scientist with an older, more seasoned professional to help mentor that person.”

For the Analytical Chemistry Lab team, their work gives them the opportunity to work in scientific innovation while also support not just the Army but also the Navy, Air Force and international allies.

“We know what we’re doing every day protects our service members — protects our sons, daughters, and grandchildren. We want to protect those lives.”

By Katie Davis Skelley, DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center Public Affairs

Posted in Ammo, Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on US Army’s DEVCOM Chemistry lab Focuses on Energetics Innovation

Aimpoint Awarded Fire Control Systems Contract for Canada

November 7th, 2022

MALMÖ, Sweden – Aimpoint, the leading manufacturer and innovator of red dot sighting technology, has been awarded a contract for supply of the Aimpoint® FCS13-RE Fire Control System and TH-60 thermal sight systems to the Canadian military. The system will be used on deployed operations as the primary day and night Fire Control System (FCS) on Canada’s in-service M3 84mm Carl Gustaf produced by SAAB Dynamics. The contract was awarded through Twenty20 Insight Inc.

The FCS13-RE is a direct view, Dynamic Universal Reflex Sight, which utilizes an integrated laser range finder and ballistic computer to give the gunner an aiming point corrected for range, type of munition, terrain angle, and environmental conditions. The FCS13-RE provides a very high probability of first shot hit on both stationary and moving targets at extended ranges and utilizes a very intuitive user control interface. The system purchased by Canada MOD includes the TH-60 thermal imaging sight to allow full operational capability at night.

A proven system delivered to other NATO militaries, the Aimpoint FCS13-RE and TH-60 system was chosen for this program as it fully met or exceeded all of Canada’s strict technical performance requirements.

“The FCS13-RE with TH-60 provides Canada’s soldiers with huge increase in lethality. The FCS package being delivered will: more than double the effective range of the in-service M3 84mm Carl Gustaf; greatly increase first shot hit percentage; and make the weapon system fully day and night capable” said A.J. Lutes, Managing Director at Twenty20 Insight Inc.

Deliveries of the Aimpoint FCS13-RE and TH-60 are scheduled for 2023. The system will be fielded by the Canadian Army.

For more information, visit the company’s webpage: www.aimpoint.com.

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