INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

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

ACROSS THE POND

NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION CEO RECEIVES SELLMARK HERITAGE AWARD

Sellmark has honoured Doug Hamlin, executive vice president and CEO of the National Rifle Association (NRA), with the Sellmark Heritage Award at its headquarters in Mansfield, Texas.

The award recognises individuals who have significantly contributed to conservation, hunting, shooting sports, and the preservation of outdoor traditions within the industry.

Sellmark CEO James Sellers praised Hamlin’s dedication to protecting shooting heritage, saying: “Doug Hamlin has been a tireless advocate for preserving the traditions that define America’s outdoor heritage. His leadership in championing the Second Amendment, ethical hunting, and conservation efforts embodies the very essence of the Sellmark Heritage Award.”

Doug Hamlin expressed his appreciation for being recognised with this award, and reaffirmed his commitment to defending American freedoms, saying: “As Americans, it is our duty to ensure that our outdoor way of life, built by a strong tradition in hunting, conservation, and the shooting sports, not only survives but thrives.”

BENELLI USA RECOGNISES TOP SALES REPRESENTATIVES WITH PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

Benelli USA has announced the winners of its 2024 Sales Representative of the Year Awards, which recognise outstanding performance and commitment to customer service among its personnel. The awards were presented at the 2025 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Core Line Marketing took home the Agency of the Year award for surpassing its sales targets, while Ken Worthington won the Super Black Eagle Award for top individual sales performance.

Lee Colquitt, Benelli USA’s vice president of sales, emphasised the importance of the company ’s sales team, stating: “Our dedicated and hard-working representatives are the backbone of our sales efforts. Their commitment to our customers is key to our success.”

PUERTO RICO COURT DISMISSES SIG P320 LAWSUIT

A lawsuit against SIG Sauer regarding an alleged unintentional discharge of a P320 pistol has been dismissed in the United States District Court for Puerto Rico.

The plaintiff, police officer Elvis Ramon Green Berrios, voluntarily withdrew the case after admitting in court that his pistol had no defects and could not discharge without a trigger pull.

SIG Sauer stated that this is the 18th time the company has successfully defended the P320’s safety in court.

SMITH & WESSON PROMOTES CHAD PATRICK TO VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

Smith & Wesson has announced that Chad Patrick has been promoted to vice president of sales. Chad Patrick, who has been with the company for nearly 19 years, has played a key role in managing relationships and driving growth in major accounts across the company.

Smith & Wesson CEO Mark Smith praised Patrick’s contributions to the company, saying: “Chad has earned an outstanding reputation for his dedication to Smith & Wesson, his deep knowledge of the firearms industry, and his passion for shooting sports.”

EOTECH OPENS NEW ENGINEERING TECH CENTRE IN IDAHO

EOTECH has announced the opening of a new Tech Center in Orofino, Idaho, which is designed to support research, development, and innovation in electro-optics technology.

Aaron Hampton, president of product development for EOTECH, said the facility will play a key role in the company ’s future: “This facility provides us with the talent and opportunity to plant the growth initiatives for the company’s next phase. We strive to inspire new technology-driven solutions, and this investment will accelerate innovation.”

The 4,200-square -foot centre officially opened on 26 February 2025 and features a state -of-the -art optics lab, machining area, and testing facility.

MAINLAND EUROPE

STRONG COMMITMENT TO IWA 2026 AS MA JORITY OF EXHIBITION SPACE SELLS OUT

Confidence in IWA OutdoorClassics remains strong, with organisers confirming that 75 percent of exhibition space for the 2026 show has already been sold. Despite economic challenges facing many industries, the early commitment from exhibitors underscores IWA’s continued importance as a premier trade event for the global hunting, shooting, and outdoor sectors.

Following the conclusion of IWA 2025, organisers have reaffirmed their focus on maintaining exhibitor numbers while prioritising quality trade interactions over sheer visitor footfall. The shift reflects an industry-wide move towards ensuring that events provide tangible business opportunities, rather than simply attracting large crowds.

For many companies, IWA remains a critical platform for launching new products, strengthening distributor relationships, and securing international deals. Its status as a dedicated business-to-business event continues to set it apart from mixed trade-consumer exhibitions, ensuring that brands can engage directly with industry professionals.

BERET TA BECOMES OFFICIAL PLATINUM SPONSOR OF ISSF

Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta Spa has signed an agreement to become the official Platinum Sponsor of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), further strengthening its commitment to supporting a wide variety of shooting sports at the highest level.

Carlo Ferlito, CEO and general manager of Fabbrica d’Armi Pietro Beretta, welcomed the agreement, stating:

“We are very happy to renew our agreement with ISSF.

We come from an outstanding Olympics campaign: to have won 14 of the 15 medals available is an honour, but above all in Beretta we feel a big responsibility. We are fully aware of how crucial it is to support the development of shooting disciplines in a timely manner, enhancing their tradition and broadening their horizons.”

ISSF President Luciano Rossi highlighted Beretta’s longstanding support for shooting sports: “Beretta is a prestigious and well-known brand worldwide that, since its first participation in the Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956, has maintained a great tradition of supporting shooting athletes worldwide.

“After the excellent collaboration with Beretta at the ISSF House in 2024, it is a great honor to be able to take a further step forward and formalize an agreement for 2025 and beyond.”