Cura Investholding Acquires Steyr Mannlicher

As per June 22, 2001 the Austrian company Cura Investholding GmbH acquired 100% shares of Steyr Mannlicher AG & Co KG from Creditanstalt AG. The takeover of the company also involves Steyr Mannlicher's 51 % holding of Suhler Jagd- und Sportwaffen GmbH, Suhl/Germany.

Steyr Mannlicher products are known world-wide for their high quality, precision and innovation. In combination with the new management, these features will ensure its strong market position into the future.

In 2000 Steyr Mannlicher achieved sales of approx. Euro 16 Million and currently employs 135 persons.

Cura Investholding is located in Wiener Neustadt and specializes in reorganization of medium-sized firms. Owner of Cura Investholding is Wolfgang F�rlinger who is himself a passionate hunter.

The new owner is planning to concentrate on the more profitable range of products in order to meet to market needs. The new marketing strategy will expand Steyr Mannlicher's market position especially in USA. Cooperation's on the manufacturing sector, especially with the production plant in Suhl, will reduce production costs whole maintaining quality.

SOURCE: Steyr Mannlicher - Press Release - 08/01/2001

Steyr is on the Web at URL: Steyr Mannlicher

GSI is the U.S. importer for Steyr Mannlicher & Merkel at GSI Firearms Inc.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 14, 2001--Saf-T-Hammer Corp. (OTCBB:SAFH), the Scottsdale-based firearm safety and security company today announced that it has purchased Smith & Wesson Corp. from Tomkins Corp., a subsidiary of U.K.-based Tomkins PLC (NYSE:TKS). "Smith & Wesson, a brand name for 147 years, would be at the top of any list of immediately identifiable corporate logos recognized worldwide," said Bob Scott, president of Saf-T-Hammer and former vice president of Smith & Wesson. 

"We are proud to return this storied company to American ownership. We intend to maximize the value of the name and to fully utilize the manufacturing, marketing and worldwide distribution assets of the company to create appreciation and value for our shareholders. We also plan to increase the company's revenues through expanded branding activities and strategic acquisitions that will compliment the company's current product lines. 

As part of the synergy between our two companies, we plan to incorporate Saf-T-Hammer products into the firearms manufactured by Smith & Wesson." The stock purchase agreement between Saf-T-Hammer and Tomkins encompasses all assets including patents, trademarks, intellectual property, distribution rights, machine drawings, inventory, equipment and physical assets of Smith & Wesson, including its corporate headquarters in Springfield, Mass. 

Under the agreement, Saf-T-Hammer will pay $15 million in cash, with $5 million paid upon closing and the balance due in May 2002. As of the close, Smith & Wesson's total assets were approximately $97 million, which includes two manufacturing facilities. The main facility is a 660,000 square foot plant on 160 acres located in Springfield. The other facility is a 36,000 square foot plant in Houlton, Maine. 

Total liabilities are approximately $53 million, which includes a 10-year note payable to Tomkins for $30 million due in May 2011. "Tomkins' motivation to sell Smith & Wesson as part of its refocused worldwide operation, presented an extraordinary opportunity for Saf-T-Hammer. It took a tremendous amount of creativity and diligence from both companies to craft the terms of this transaction. We're excited about the prospects afforded by this unique union of a firearm safety and security device developer and a firearm manufacturer that is synonymous with Americana," said Mitchell Saltz, chairman of Saf-T-Hammer. 

About Saf-T-Hammer 

Saf-T-Hammer is a firearm safety company focused on preventing unauthorized gun use and unintentional firearm accidents. Saf-T-Hammer customers include sporting goods distributors, law enforcement distributors, law enforcement retailers, law enforcement agencies and gunsmiths. 

Saf-T-Hammer Products The Saf-T-Trigger(TM) is a mechanical trigger block, which is permanently installed in the trigger guard of firearms. The block is activated quickly and simply with a special key, which raises a post into position behind the trigger, physically blocking the rearward movement of the trigger. With the Saf-T-Trigger activated, the firearm cannot be fired. 

The Maximum Security Cable(TM) is "shockproof" and unlike many similar products currently on the market, will not open when subjected to jarring and its heavier steel cable is virtually cut proof. As recently discovered, many cable lock devices for firearms were less than adequate. Through independent testing, the product has proven to be up to 10 times stronger than a variety of conventional cable locks currently available. 

The Versa Vault(TM) is a handgun vault designed to provide more than 40 percent more capacity than any comparable product on the market. It offers the highest possible degree of electronic and mechanical security available and features an owner-programmable and user-friendly lighted keypad with four keys and has more than 10,000 available combinations. The vault is designed for both vertical and horizontal installation, includes a steel mounting plate, and has a tamper alert, low battery alert and easy access for electronic backup and internal lighting. Its small 10-inch x 14-inch x 3.5-inch external dimensions provide maximum space utilization and allows the Versa Vault to be installed nearly anywhere. It has a unique internal holster that presents the firearm to the owner for maximum speed and accessibility. This holster is also removable, providing additional storage capacity depending upon the owners needs. 

For more information, visit the company's Web site at: http://www.saf-t-hammer.com

Safe Harbor Statement Statements about the company's future expectations, including synergies between the two companies, and all other statements in this release, other than historical facts, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. 

The company intends that such "forward-looking statements" be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. 

CONTACT: Market Pathways - Irvine, Calif. or Shannon T. Squyres (media and investors), 1-949-955-1860.

� CITY OF GARY�S SUIT AGAINST GUN MAKERS DECLARED UNCONSTITUTIONAL 

Declaring the City of Gary�s suit against gun manufacturers an unconstitutional attempt to regulate interstate commerce, Lake County, Indiana Superior Court Judge James J. Richards on January 12 dismissed the city�s case against 18 manufacturers, one distributor and six retailers. In a strongly worded opinion, Judge Richards described the city�s suit as a �radical departure� from established law and said the suit was an effort by the city and mayor at �arbitrary social reform� that sought to create a body of �judge made gun laws.� Gary joins Cincinnati, Bridgeport, Miami, Chicago, Camden County and Philadelphia in having their politically motivated lawsuits to hold a responsible industry accountable for the criminal misuse of firearms dismissed.

To view the entire press release concerning this decision, please visit our Website, http://www.NSSF.org.

� FREEDOM ARMS AND AMATEUR TRAPSHOOTING ASSOCIATION JOIN HERITAGE FUND . . .  Freedom Arms and the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) are the latest who have committed to supporting the critical legal and communications programs of the Heritage Fund. �We�re convinced that supporting the Heritage Fund is the right thing to do,� said Freedom Arms President Bob Baker. �If all exhibitors here at the show would come aboard we could turn public opinion around and these lawsuits would go away.�

�On behalf of the Board of Governors of the ATA and the thousands of active trap shooters that comprise our membership, we are pleased, and indeed proud, to add our support to this critically important effort to protect our hunting and shooting sports traditions,� said John Norris, Executive Director of ATA.

� OHIO SUPREME COURT TO HEAR CINCINNATI APPEAL . . . By a 4-3 vote that split along ideological lines, the Ohio Supreme Court has agreed to review the city of Cincinnati�s lawsuit against the firearm industry previously dismissed by two lower state courts. The majority vote came from what observers note is the �activist wing� of the high court that has a history of supporting novel liability cases. Last August a state appellate court in a unanimous 3-0 decision rejected the city�s appeal of a county court ruling dismissing its suit.

The Appeals Court said the case was seriously flawed and �Were we to decide [this suit] otherwise, we would open up a Pandora�s box. For example, the city could sue the manufacturers of matches for arson, or automobile manufacturers for traffic accidents, or breweries for drunken driving.�

� NEW FIREARM SAFETY FOUNDATION RECEIVES FIRST DONATION . . . The Firearms Safety Education Foundation, a new 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation created by NSSF to promote firearm education and safety, has received its first donation - a $5,000 gift from an individual who wishes to remain anonymous. This marks the second year in a row that this friend of the industry has contributed some $5,000 to one of our non-profit organizations.

� RETAILER GROUP ELECTS OFFICERS . . . The National Association of Firearm Retailers, the new division of NSSF established to provide professional support and services to licensed dealers, announced the election of it�s officers during the SHOT SHOW in New Orleans. The inaugural officers are:

NSSF Scholastic Shooting Program

NSSF has announced a partnership between the nation's clay
target governing bodies and sportsman's clubs across the country to launch an aggressive shooting sports program for students in the junior high and high school age groups. The Scholastic Shooting Program will feature team competition in trap, skeet and sporting clays supported with NSSF grants and by affiliated sportsman's clubs. 

The program will emphasize safe firearm handling and shooting skills and provide for competition at the local, state and national level, while increasing interest in the shooting sports. The
inaugural competition will be trap and will be known as the
Scholastic Trapshooting Program (STP). Joining NSSF in this effort is the Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA), including its affiliated state associations, and state wildlife agencies. 

More than 120 ATA-affiliated gun clubs in 20 states and over 60 teams have signed on for this first-of-its kind program. If you would like to sponsor a team through your company or store, or would like additional information, please contact Scott Moore at
[email protected]. 

Web URL: http://www.NSSF.org

A Gun Deal’s Fatal Wound
As a landmark pact to control gun sales fails S&W takes the hit.

SIG + SIG-Sauer = SIGARMS Inc.
Major Changes at SIG Arms
2001 SIGArms News Primer

Taurus Boosts NRA Membership By 5,000

Taurus International has paid the memberships of 5,000 National Rifle Association members through a program to �strongly support preservation of the cherished civil liberties American citizens enjoy,� according to Bob Morrison, Taurus� executive vice president.

In April, Taurus announced that the company would provide a free annual membership in the NRA for each new Taurus rifle, revolver and pistol sold at retail between April 15 and Oct. 31. The program was extended to Dec. 31. 

�We have added over 5,000 new memberships (as of the end of September) to the NRA for proud new owners of Taurus firearms,� said Morrison. �We believe that by the end of the year that number will be much closer to 15,000.� 

Taurus also offered free membership to all its employees.

�We are immensely proud of our relationship with the NRA and feel they are the frontrunners in our ongoing struggle to retain our guaranteed civil rights,� said Morrison. �We have constantly reminded all our friends that with every right there is an attendant responsibility to protect that right by sensible ownership, storage and safe handling of firearms. 

�Being the leader in this area has brought us closer to our customers and dealers, and we are delighted that we have provided meaningful leadership in assisting the NRA to find new members. Our thoughts on safety training and awareness is backed by the NRA, who has provided more safety instruction and awareness of our responsibilities than all other organizations combined.�

Taurus is planning a special ceremony at the SHOT Show to announce the final number of NRA memberships the company has sponsored. 

NRA's 16th Annual Youth Hunting Challenge

Hundreds of hunter education graduates from across North America will converge on the 33,000-plus acres of NRA�s Whittington Center in Raton, New Mexico, this summer to �take the challenge� in the spirit of safety and sportsmanship during the 2001 NRA International Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC), July 29-August 3.

YEHC is an advanced hunter education program designed to enhance classroom knowledge with in-the-field experience. Young hunters compete in a series of eight events: .22 rifle, shotgun, archery, muzzleloading, orienteering, wildlife identification, hunter safety trail, and a written hunter responsibility exam. Nearly 43,000 youths compete in state and Canadian provincial-level YHECs each year, any of who are welcome at the annual international event.

Developed by NRA in 1985, YHEC is conducted through volunteer hunter education instructors, state conservation agencies, and shooting sports organizations, and has reached over one million youngsters thus far. Many states have YHEC coordinators to help organize teams and events. Woolrich and Imperial Schrade, both of which have sponsored the event since its inception.

In addition to YHEC�s eight main events, special activities will also be featured during the week, including a perennial favorite, the Cherokee Run. Patterned after the fur traders of the 1800s, the event challenges young contestants to sprint through the woods while being timed on �mountain man� skills like tomahawk throwing and starting fires with flint and steel.

The requirements for participation in the international event are that youths have completed a hunter education course in North America and have competed in their respective state or provincial event. 

Participation is divided into two categories: Senior, for ages 15-19; and Junior, for ages 14 and below. Through YHEC is a competitive program, the real �challenge� for participants lies with skill development and the advancement of hunter safety and responsibility.

�The NRA remains as steadfast in its commitment to bring the finest safety, ethics, hunter skills, and marksmanship training to young hunters as it was 50 yards ago when cooperative efforts with the state of New York yielded the development of mandatory hunter education programs as we know them today,� said Craig D. Sandler, Executive Director of NRA General Operations. �I feel certain that in working together with other in the hunting community, we will continue to carry the torch to ensure our nation�s hunting heritage for generations to come.�

The National Rifle Association has been a leader in hunting and wildlife conservation since its inception in 1871, and provides an entire department dedicated to serving the needs of hunters. Through YHEC and other such programs, NRA�s Hunter Services Department provides training opportunities at every skill level and encompasses the entire spectrum of hunting-related topics.

For details on participating in the 2001 NRA International YHEC, on any of the scheduled 2001 state or provincial challenges, or on becoming involved as an YHEC volunteer in your area, contact the NRA Hunter Services Department at 703-267-1500.

Web URL http://www.NRA.org

New "Baby" Beretta 9000S

Beretta has a sure winner on their hands, with what I feel is one of the most advanced sub-compact defensive caliber pistols ever produced.  Poly framed with steel reinforcing and full capacity mags, great looks and feel, with excellent features and an all new lock-up.

The new compact Beretta 9000S pistols are compact, light weight and chambered in defensive calibers, (9mm and .40 Liberty) making them practical concealed carry guns. They have a full magazine capacity of 12 rounds in 9mm and 10 rounds in .40 Liberty, with 10 rounds for both calibers in the Brady blessed USA.

These new guns are distinguished by their l modern designs and it is obvious that up-to-date manufacturing techniques were employed.  The frame is manufactured with a fiberglass reinforced techno-polymer that incorporate two steel alloy rail inserts.  This is said to ensure perfect slide-to-frame fit and the optimal tilt barrel movement during the locking and unlocking phases. 

The patented and innovative locking system consists of a unique tilt-barrel, open-slide, design. The two strong barrel locking lugs engage the slide directly. This direct, barrel-to-slide lock-up does not require any intermediate components and maintains the same high degree of reliability found on Beretta�s traditional open slide design. 

A very "swoopy" gun indeed.  The "Giugiaro Design" styling gives the Beretta 9000S a modern look, very pleasing to the eye and very ergonomic. The grips are made of a high-tech soft polymer, over molded onto the frame. This durable and wear-resistant material absorbs vibrations and ensures a firm grip even in adverse weather conditions.

The 9000S disassembly mechanism allows to fieldstrip quickly and easily, yet it does not allow inadvertent or involuntary disassembly. The disassembly lever automatically returns to the locked position when the barrel and slide are reassembled onto the frame.

All 9000S models feature an automatic firing pin block that prevents the gun from firing in case of inadvertent drops or strikes against hard surfaces. It is de-activated only when the trigger is pulled back. The manual external safety lever on the �F� models (not present on double-action-only �D� models) is frame mounted and can be activated when the hammer is fully armed or in half-cock position. This lever interrupts the trigger linkage and prevents the rotation of the sear. 

This same lever also acts as a decocking mechanism, dropping the hammer to the half-cock position by simply rotating the lever past the safety position. From this position it is possible to fire the pistol in double-action (after disengaging the safety). The safety/decock lever is ambidextrous. All 9000S models also feature a loaded-chamber indicator.

Web URL: http://www.berettausa.com

See also - New Products News

New for Police the "LAW-LOK III"

New for Law Enforcement, from Concept Development Corporation, is the LAW-LOK III trigger lock.  Similar to their civilian market SAF-T-BLOK, the Law-Lok is the only trigger lock designed exclusively for law enforcement.  It features a Level III retention system and is made from high strength anodized aluminum.  Unlike most trigger locks, Law-Lok is designed to be installed on a loaded firearm and it uses a handcuff key instead of a combination lock which facilitates near instant access. 

LAW-LOK III shown on Beretta 92

With most departments having policies requiring off-duty personnel to lock up their firearms to protect children, to prevent unauthorized access and to limit liability, the Law-Lok is a simple affordable and effective solution.  It is available for: Glock, H&K, SIG, S&W, Beretta 92/96, Cougar, AR15/M16 and Remington 870 shotguns.  

Law-Lok is priced at $18.95 for quantity 1-10 with substantial discounts for quantity purchases.  Free samples are available for qualified agencies. 

For more information or to place orders contact

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
16610 Laser Drive #5
Fountain Hills, AZ  85268

Phone: 1-800-472-4405  Fax: (480)836-4435

Web URL: http://www.Firearms-Safety.com

E-mail: [email protected]

See also - New Products News

Hodgdon Powders News

Hodgdon Web Adds Dealer Locator

Hodgdon Powders has added a new feature to their excellent web site, a  database of Hodgdon Dealers, that lists stores and gunshops where you can buy Hodgdon Powders.  You can search by State or Province, and have the dealers sorted by Name or City.  If you know a dealer who isn't listed,  you can also refer them to Hodgdon using a form at the address on the web.

URL: http://www.hodgdon.com/dealers/index.htm

New Loads Published

Hodgdon is the first to publish data for these new cartridges:
.460 ROWLAND
.376 STEYR
.450 MARLIN

.376 Steyr Load Info 
URL: http://www.hodgdon.com/data/376steyr-frame.htm

.460 Rowland Load Info
URL: http://www.hodgdon.com/data/460rowland-frame.htm

.450 Marlin Load Info
URL: http://www.hodgdon.com/data/450marlin-frame.htm

Hodgdon Powders Web is URL: http://www.hodgdon.com

Gunnery News Web
Click for details on how to submit information

Springfield Armory
Sponsors NRA Memberships

Springfield Armory has announced a new program in cooperation with the National Rifle Association to raise awareness among gun owners while increasing participation in the NRA. 

For a limited time, Springfield will provide a one-year membership to the NRA with every purchase of a Springfield Armory M1A .308 caliber semi-automatic rifle. The membership may be used by the purchaser or may be given to a friend or family member. 

�The important thing is to give someone who is not already an NRA member the opportunity to become involved in the organization doing the most to protect our Second Amendment rights,� said Dennis Reese, Springfield Armory co-chairman.  Springfield launched a major magazine advertising campaign featuring the M1A/NRA promotion. 

For more information, contact:

Springfield Inc.
420 West Main St.
Geneseo, IL 61254
Tel 309-944-5631
Web Site - www.SpringfieldArmory.com

Mossberg Recalls Bolt-Action Shotgun

O.F. Mossberg & Sons is voluntarily recalling a limited number of its Model 695 bolt-action shotguns. The recall was announced after company officials discovered that a limited number of the shotguns might discharge when the bolt is closed during the loading.

The shotguns under recall were produced in 1995 and 1996 with serial numbers ranging from M000101 to M015304. Mossberg is cautioning consumers not to load or use one of these shotguns until it has been inspected and/or repaired at the factory.

Officials at Mossberg are requesting that owners of Model 695 shotguns within the specified range of serial numbers contact the company to make arrangements to ship their shotguns to Mossberg. A visual inspection of the firearm will not necessarily reveal the potential for a Model 695 shotgun to discharge unexpectedly, officials added.  Shotgun owners should not attempt to diagnose the potential for the accidental firing of one of the shotguns in question, nor should they try to repair a shotgun themselves.

Company officials urge anyone who currently owns one of the shotguns, or who purchased one and gave it or sold it to another party, to contact the company immediately by calling a toll-free consumer line, 1-888-920-0486, between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. 

Mossberg will cover all costs related to the shipping and the inspection / repair. Customers returning shotguns should remove any accessories, such as scopes or slings, before sending the shotguns in for service.