July Soapbox- Proud to be an American

Posted on Posted in Current Soapbox, Sandy's Soapbox, Soapbox Archive - 2020

Hey all,

Sadie here again. I am excited to be in charge of the July soapbox this month. I introduced myself a couple of months ago and since then feel as though I have learned a ton and can finally contribute more to this great company.

With the fourth of July this past week I personally have had a lot of time to think about what a special opportunity and blessing it is to have been raised in and live in the United States of America. The fourth of July came at just the right time to be able to step back from all of the negative things we have been experiencing and give us a time to spend with family, friends, and reflect on the great country we live in. Our country is not without its flaws, but it continues to land of the free and home of the brave. A place I am proud to call my home, and a place that I continue to strive to make a better place for all of its citizens. I hope we all can continue to make it a better place.

July is going to be a great month for NAA as well. We have some great things coming out this month including some new apparel that we will release later this week and a fun announcement about a partnership with Viridian that we have been working on! So, stay tuned for that! If you haven’t already, be sure to follow us on our social media pages so that you can stay up to date with things that we have been working on. We are on Instagram @Northamericanarms and Facebook: North American Arms. We are consistently trying to put out fresh content to keep you updated on our great products and everything that we have to offer you! Lastly, we have introduced the product of the month again and will be highlighting a new accessory every month and putting it on sale. This month is a sweet pocket holster for the magnum frame guns, so check it out on the website and get yours while it is still on sale!

Until next time!

Sadie

June Soapbox – “Perfect” Storm

Posted on Posted in Current Soapbox, Sandy's Soapbox, Soapbox Archive - 2020

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, it does.

Thanks to COVID-19, the levels of anger and hostility many people feel have risen, largely as a function of the severity of their lockdown status, their suffering through miserable weather, possible lost jobs, etc.  For example, I plan to return to PHL later this week (crimson RED status) and I anticipate facing a very angry community – businesses closed, lockdown in effect, lousy weather – quite unlike the more comfortable, permissive (Yellow, tending Green) circumstance I’m leaving in SW FL.  News reports confirm that the “angry zone” occupies broad swaths of our country.  A lot of hostile energy, looking for an outlet.  What to do?

Enter George Floyd (R.I.P.), the most recent face of police criminal misuse of force.  Tragic.  Inexcusable.  The unlawful behavior of a reprehensible few stains the many dedicated professionals who are sworn to – and who generally deliver – necessary and important public service.  The response in this and ALL instances ought to be swift justice.  The protests can’t be loud enough.  Maybe, similar to the thoughts of many following another episode of senseless gun violence, THIS will be the catalyst to deliver enduring change.  Sadly, color me skeptical/cynical.

I shouldn’t diminish/compare the level/intensity of anger for social injustice vs. the relatively short-lived interruption of a pandemic.  The injustice component is personal, soul-felt and has been simmering for decades.  “Something should be done!”; indeed.  The pandemic is simply a momentary source for more anger.

Please stay safe and remain hopeful.  Admittedly, mine is hanging by a thread.

May 2020 Soapbox – Disruption. Just wow…

Posted on Posted in Current Soapbox, Sandy's Soapbox, Soapbox Archive - 2020

It seems like a long time ago that I wrote my last Soapbox (“March – Corona Virus”), but it’s just been two months (in the interim, my Marketing Manager, Sadie, introduced herself).  When I spoke about the then-recently discovered virus and the devastating consequences that it would likely cause to our economy, I had very little appreciation for the breadth and scale of the upset that was yet to come, and I still don’t.  This thing is far from played-out.  Most of the attention has rightfully been given to public health and safety strategies (social distancing, quarantining) but the sudden, bilateral rush to throw container loads – a.k.a. trillions – of $ at the problem speaks volumes about the devastating consequences of the economic disruption we’re only beginning to recognize.  Industry and commerce have been sent reeling, with the prospects of recovery months, if not years, in the future.  Energy, transportation, hospitality, retail, all on the verge of collapse.  A recession is a certainty.  Unemployment levels will likely exceed those reached in the Great Depression.  No sports to keep us amused but, boy, have we been binging (I recommend Tiger King on Netflix; you can’t make this stuff up).

As I had anticipated, business in the firearms industry has been robust (see below), and NAA has gotten its share and our future continues to look bright.  I’m told that new buyers have been driving this recent buying activity and while we know we’re certainly not anyone’s first gun, we also know that very few people have just one gun.  We may not be your second, or even your third, but we know, you new shooters, you are going to find – and want – us sooner or later.  We’ll be patient.
I’m the last person who can complain about what for many remains a hellish personal experience.  All things considered, life in SW FL has been pretty comfortable.  Still playing some golf and a 2000 piece jigsaw puzzle about half completed.  Please know the heartfelt sympathy I feel for you if you are, like one of my daughters, on the roles of the temporarily unemployed through no fault of your own.  While the tunnel is very long, there is indeed a light at the end of it.
Stay safe. – Sandy
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and particularly their legislative affairs group, deserves great credit for their quick, effective, mulit-fronted efforts to see that firearms manufacturers and retailers were deemed “essential businesses” across the land with very few exceptions, and frequently in the face of substantial governmental pushback.  The NSSF’s engagement was timely and successful, just another example of work that makes them worthy of support.

April Soapbox – My Introduction

Posted on Posted in Current Soapbox, Sandy's Soapbox, Soapbox Archive - 2020

Hey All,

Happy April! With everything that is going on I hope that statement still applies to you and that you are finding and having happy moments amidst all the chaos that is going on. For the soapbox this month I get to introduce myself to you! My name is Sadie Sweat, and I have recently come to NAA as the new Marketing Manager. I grew up in the beautiful Heber City, Utah and currently am living here in Orem while I am finishing up my degree in Public Relations at Utah Valley University.

I am thrilled to be here with the NAA Family and have already enjoyed my three months here immensely. I grew up in Utah on a farm hunting and camping which has prepared me well to be in the firearms industry. (My dad is so proud). I am focusing right now on showcasing all of the products that we have better across all media channels and improving the aesthetic of our website. I hope you have enjoyed the awesome products that we have recently been working on, as well as the originals that are the life blood of our company.

When I am not taking photos of Mini’s or posting new products online, I like to spend my time outdoors. I love all sports, playing and watching but especially soccer, running our cows up in Star Valley, Wyoming with my family, or reading a good book in the comfort of my home. I am excited for what is to come and for my future with this great company.

Take all precautions to stay safe and healthy! Until next time!

Sadie

March Soapbox- Corona Virus

Posted on Posted in Sandy's Soapbox, Soapbox Archive - 2020

Who knew?  A month ago, I’d never heard of it.  One of those curious, foreign calamities that had a news value but otherwise appeared to present very little threat to “us”.  Boy, has that changed, and who knows what the endgame is.

Here’s a small patch of silver lining: the existence/threat of this virus has (at least temporarily) squelched the growing crisis in Hong Kong regarding human rights.  It appeared inevitable that the Chinese government would ultimately launch a Tianamen-style crushing military response.  That threat (temporarily) no longer exists, but no thoughtful individual imagines that the underlying issues that led to the rioting are anything but momentarily dormant – the conclusion of that story has not yet been told.

The first signs of an economic impact – the almost unprecedented, precipitous decline of the stock market – have become blindingly apparent and they resonate across the entirety of the economy (reality check: the DJIA average now stands at roughly what was a record high as little as five months ago).  While fear has exaggerated the decline, there are clearly real supply chain disruptions that make tariffs look like a speed bump.  Ask Apple how this will impact their business.  The ripples are beginning to circle the globe.

For example, next week’s IWA exposition, the international equivalent of SHOT annually held in Germany, has been “postponed”.  The liklihood of the NRA Convention being conducted in Nashville in about six weeks?  I doubt it.  The prospects for the Olympic games being contested in August in Tokyo?  I doubt this “thing” is going to be fixed in time to assure the safety to the potential attendees.

We’re just getting a taste of the impact of this virus here at home and while it’s far too early to imagine the possible outcomes, I’m not reassured about our ability to combat the contagion.  It’s my increasingly cynical nature to fear the worst when my government echos Franklin Roosevelt (“The only thing we have to fear …”).  My imagination runs wild.

History has shown the impact that the threat of social unrest has on the firearms market.  I’d very gladly forgo the likely increase in business for a solution to, or even mere mitigation of,  the problem.

BTW, Bernie vs. Biden?  (Biden at a town hall 02/20: “Gun manufacturers, I’m coming for you, period”.  Oh please … bite me).  A titanic struggle between Lilliputians.  A war of wits between unarmed opponents.  The Democrats will deserve the outcome of the nomination/election process that appears increasingly likely.

So, that’s my story.  Happy March!

February Soapbox – NSSF Real Solutions

Posted on Posted in Current Soapbox, Sandy's Soapbox, Soapbox Archive - 2020

It’s nice to be back.  I missed you guys and girls.

I’ve just returned from SHOT, a little the worse for the wear, but I was happy to reconnect with so many old friends and industry associates.  Our response to the inquiries “What’s new?” was a relatively modest one.  You’ll have seen or will see some additional barrel lengths, specifically the 4” Ranger II (California: you’re welcome).  We’re also looking at offering some additional colored finishes (bronze and dark blue were shown at the show) as well as a faux case-hardened look (not my personal favorite, I’ll admit, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder).  You can probably expect to see these offered as TALO special editions.  Otherwise, I answered the question with “Same old low prices, same old high quality and same old good customer service”.

I wanted to briefly redraw your attention to the state of the firearms industry and last year’s stunningly abrupt reversal in the anti-gun rhetoric spewed by Joe Biden, echoed by several others of his fellow candidates, where he shifted his sights away from the NRA and refocused them, instead, on the universe of firearms manufacturers who he characterized as “the enemy” of public safety https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/450807-biden-enemy-is-gun-manufacturers-not-the-nra.  I use that as counterpoint to a campaign designed and supported by the National Shooting Sports Foundation called “Real Solutions” https://www.nssfrealsolutions.org/ which illustrates the policies and programs created and championed by the industry which actually have a demonstrable, positive impact on public safety.  This is joined by a companion program recently launched called “Gun Owners Care” https://gunownerscare.org/, an effort intended to deflect the broad-brushed criticisms that gun owners like you and me are inherently bad people because of our enjoyment of firearms and the rights and traditions they embody.

We are not the enemy and I’m tired of the slander routinely heaped upon us.  How about you?

November Soapbox – Early History, Part 2

Posted on Posted in Sandy's Soapbox, Soapbox Archive – 2019

NAA 1976 Article

The attached article is another I found in my files of old stuff.  The one thing the article makes very clear is that there was no legal transition from Rocky Mountain Arms to North American Arms.  It’s my understanding that RMA simply went caput, but clearly Dick Casull survived and took much of his engineering – specifically for the smallest and biggest single-action revolvers – with him.  Coincidentally, last month I heard from a lady who acted as Dick’s caretaker during his final days.  Now charged with sorting out his “stuff”, she said she had several RMA stock certificates and asked if me if I felt they were of any value.  I told her that I thought the historical value of the certificates was priceless (to some), but that I felt certain they had no $$$ value.

Upon the dissolution of RMA, my understanding is that Dick Casull then formed a partnership with a fellow named Wayne Baker.  Wayne is a colorful old rascal who I last saw at last year’s SHOT (or possibly the year before).  I don’t recall the basis of Dick and Wayne’s acquaintance.  Dick’s skills were clearly engineering and product development.  Wayne, I assume, brought to the partnership some business skills and probably whatever capital was necessary.  Dick and Wayne ran this new business –  then called North American Arms – on a shoestring and depended on suppliers to help fund their business.  One of their primary suppliers was a firm run by a fellow named Frank Talley who was building a pretty successful business manufacturing highly-engineered and precisely-machined electro-mechanical assemblies (bomb racks, missile launchers, etc.) for defense/aerospace customers.  As well as having a fleet of the highest-tech NC machines as well as his own investment casting facility, Talley Manufacturing could/did become a critical supplier to NAA.  It’s my understanding that Dick and Wayne were not successful with running the NAA business and ultimately gave the business to Frank Talley in lieu of satisfying the growing obligations  to Talley that NAA had incurred.  “Frank, you now own a gun company”, which he ran showing it little time, attention &/or resources, and the business muddled along with modest success for several years.

In the meantime, Dick and Wayne regrouped and moved themselves and their business interests to the Star Valley of Wyoming and once again attempted to bring to market both the biggest and smallest frame single-action revolvers, this time calling their business Freedom Arms, located in a town of the same name.

More to follow; stay tuned …

October 2019 Soapbox – The Early History of NAA

Posted on Posted in Current Soapbox, Sandy's Soapbox, Soapbox Archive – 2019

I recently received an inquiry from our own PaduchaMichael.  He asked me if the factory was planning anything “special” to commemorate the 50th anniversary of NAA.  His inquiry reminded me that the early history of NAA is somewhat vague (to me) and I determined that I would attempt to bring some clarity.

When I several years ago abandoned my “official” office in PA (an executive office suite – a precursor to WeWork – where no one came to visit me ever) and started to conduct all of my business from my home, I purged a LOT of stuff that I had accumulated over the previous 25-or-so years.  I’ll admit there have been times I wish I hadn’t been so efficient/draconian then, as I’ve found too often I’ve looked for files and other things that had been relegated to the dumpster.  Fortunately, there were some gems that I kept for posterity, a couple of which I’m happy to share.
The oldest document I could find is an article written by Clair Rees and published in the April 1973 edition of Shooting Industry which describes the formation (in the Fall of 1971) of a new firearms manufacturer whose name many of you will likely recognize: Rocky Mountain Arms Corp.  You’ll be interested to read of the variety of different products which were part of the RMAC portfolio, to include a .22 Short caliber mini-revolver.

 

While the article identifies several people involved in this start-up business, the only one with whom I’m familiar is Dick Casull, “the greatest gunsmith-inventor since JohnMoses Browning”, according to some.  I had the occasion to meet Dick on several occasions, and to spend time with him and his wife, Jerri, at their home in the Star Valley of WY.  Of the several products which were part of the RMAC portfolio, the one that gets “first billing” in the article is a large-frame single-action revolver chambered in the eponymous .454 Casull, which ultimately became the foundation of Freedom Arms product line (more on this later).  The article note that Casull’s .22 Short mini-revolver had an MSRP of $69.50.

 

I will share additional materials in subsequent Soapboxes.  In the meantime, I would be happy for any in the audience to share with me any additional information about NAA’s early years that can be documented.  More to follow.

 

 

September 2019 – Ranger II Press Release

Posted on Posted in Sandy's Soapbox, Soapbox Archive – 2019

NEWS RELEASE                                                                                                      FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

North American Arms Presents a New Solid Ribbed Barrel on the Ranger II

Provo, Utah,. August 19, 2019 – North American Arms(https://northamericanarms.com/)is proud to introduce a new variation of the popular Ranger line of mini-revolvers. This new Ranger features a solid ribbed barrel on The Ranger II for both the regular barrel length and the extended barrel in a 2.5”. This new version of the firearm will be released immediately and is currently in production this August.

“This improved part geometry brings The Ranger II back in line with the rest of our world renowned mini-revolvers” said Matt Lewis, Head Engineer of North American Arms. “Since the start of production on The Ranger II we have we have wanted to create something that our customers were asking for, while keeping in line with our history of 40 years’ worth of mini-revolvers. With this new addition to the gun, we will be able to do just that.”

 

With this change, The Ranger II will nowbe in perfect line with the rest of the mini revolvers offered at North American Arms as the bead blasted finish mimics the same factory finish applied to all mini revolvers at NAA. The solid ribbed barrel will also employ a wider sight rib which will open up the possibility of future sight configurations. Leaving opportunity for growth in options for The Ranger II in the future. Additionally, this will add more weight to the gun, reducing muzzle flip and recoil overall.

 

The Ranger II photos available here https://northamericanarms.com/shop/firearms/naa-22m-btii/

North American Arms has long history of beautiful and practical mini revolvers and is constantly looking to improve the quality, efficiency and the overall appearance of the NAA mini. Over the last several years, the Ranger II has been a top priority for the factory and North American Arms is excited to produce something of such a high standard. The Ranger II with the new Ribbed Barrel will be sold to distributers across the country who will distribute them to sporting goods dealers across the U.S. The Ranger II will be available at any of your local gun dealers.

 

Stay tuned for additional offerings on The Ranger II in different barrel lengths, colors and coatings.

 

more

North American Arms Resources:

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About North American Arms

North American Arms is a firearm manufacturer that has manufactured firearms since 1971. NAA launched as a development to Rocky Mountain Arms, where firearms were designed by Dick Casull, known for the creation of single-action revolver handguns that were named ‘the world’s largest and smallest’ of revolvers. In the early 1980’s NAA became a subsidiary of Talley Manufacturing, an aerospace manufacturing company. Several years later, Tally Manufacturing was acquired by Teleflex, Inc, and made the executive decision to sell the small gun business to Sandy Chisholm, President of North American Arms, in 1991. The business has remained in Provo, Utah for the last 25 years, where it has proved to be one of the best concealed firearm manufacturers for personal protection, law enforcement and collectors. North American Arms will continue to make Convenient, Reliable, and Effective and firearms.

 

For more information contact:

Amelia Thorn

Public Relations Specialist

Telephone: 801-669-7988

Fax: 801-374-9990

Email: amelia@northamericanarms.com