INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Gun Trade Insider offers a detailed examination of the latest developments across various international markets.

IN ASSOCIATION WITH IWA OUTDOORCLASSICS

ACROSS THE POND

BARRETT ANNOUNCES NEW .416 BARRETT PRECISION AMMUNITION

Tennessee -based Barrett Firearms Manufacturing has introduced a new line of precision ammunition tailored to the .416 Barrett cartridge, specifically designed for extreme long-range target shooting. Engineered for superior performance, the .416 Barrett ammunition features Hornady 500gr A-Tip Match projectiles, renowned for minimising drag and ensuring sub-MOA accuracy beyond 2,500 yards.

Bryan James, Barrett’s president, commented: “This ammunition is engineered to meet the needs of long-range precision shooters who demand peak accuracy and performance. The .416 Barrett is ideal for pushing the limits of extreme long-range shooting.”

D&M HOLDING EXPANDS WRE FACILITY AND ADDS SMOKELESS PROPELL ANT FACTORY

D&M Holding Company has announced a US$70 million investment to expand its White River Energetics (WRE) facility in Des Arc, Arkansas, including a new single -base smokeless propellant factory, the first in the US in over 50 years. This expansion is a response to the global smokeless propellant shortage affecting munitions availability worldwide, with completion expected by Q1 2026.

The development will create 100 jobs and expand the campus to over 100,000ft2 , positioning WRE to meet growing demand and support R&D and training. “We’re proud of our employees’ dedication in making this possible and are excited about future production,” said BJ Rogers, vice president of operations. James Jones, vice president of business development, added that this expanded site will serve both domestic and international clients in the defence and sporting sectors.

FREEDOM MUNITIONS CONSOLIDATES PRODUCTION TO IDAHO

Freedom Munitions will consolidate projectile component production from its Carson City, Nevada, facility into Lewiston, Idaho, to streamline operations and address production inefficiencies. While the move will result in Carson City’s closure by year-end, some key employees have been offered remote work or relocation to Idaho.

Toby Thill, president of Freedom Munitions, said, “This restructuring reduces costs and strengthens our growth areas. We’ll also invest in our future by expanding LAX retail locations in California and our rifle casing calibres in Idaho.” Despite the consolidation, X-Treme Bullets products will continue to be available through its website and various wholesale channels.

LANCER SYSTEMS APPOINTS BILL LUTTON AS PRESIDENT

Lancer Systems from Pennsylvania has appointed Bill Lutton as president, bringing over 40 years of firearm and defence industry experience to the role. Lutton, who joined Lancer nearly six years ago, has been instrumental in capacity and capability improvements and product development.

Chairman and CEO Allon Bloch praised Lutton’s long-term vision and collaborative leadership style. Lutton’s career has spanned leading engineering, R&D and quality functions, with contributions to various military and law-enforcement projects, including weapon systems for agencies such as the Secret Service and Homeland Security. Lutton expressed his commitment to innovation and growth, saying, “I look forward to working with our talented team to continue our success.”

DOWN UNDER

SSAA QUEENSL AND UNVEILS THE REPORT: A NEW MAGAZINE FOR FIREARM ENTHUSIASTS

SSAA Queensland has launched The Report, a magazine designed for shooters, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in Queensland, Australia, with plans for national distribution. Published bimonthly, The Report will provide readers with industry news, safety guidance, event updates, product reviews and exclusive offers tailored to gun enthusiasts. The first print issue is scheduled for February 2025, with a digital preview available from December 2024.

Distributed free to SSAA Queensland members and selected gun shops, The Report aims to foster community engagement, promote firearm safety and support the sport’s growth across Australia. With Queensland’s large firearms membership base, the state provides an ideal starting point for the publication, which SSAA Queensland hopes will eventually reach news agencies and gun shops nationwide.

MAINLAND EUROPE

FACE GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPOINTS LAURENS HOEDEMAKER AS PRESIDENT

In Brussels, FACE, representing over seven million hunters across Europe, held its General Assembly and appointed Laurens Hoedemaker as its new president. Hoedemaker, a veterinarian with extensive experience within FACE, succeeds Torbjörn Larsson, who was honoured for his significant contributions and appointed as an honorary FACE president.

Upon his appointment, Hoedemaker reflected on the unity within Europe’s diverse hunting cultures: “Our shared commitment to hunting and conservation binds us, and we are united in conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable hunting for future generations.”

The assembly also approved FACE’s 2025 Work Plan and new policy positions, notably advocating for biodiversity improvement within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to boost small-game populations. FACE members later attended a high-profile event at the European Parliament – ‘Hunting and Conservation: Key Priorities for the Next Five Years’ – hosted by MEP Alex Agius Saliba. Speakers, including Hoedemaker, emphasised hunters’ roles in conservation and urged cooperation with policymakers, particularly in reinstating the ‘Biodiversity, Hunting, Countryside’ Intergroup in the European Parliament.