Category: Uncategorized

SAAMI Welcomes Kimber Manufacturing, Inc., to Organization

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NEWTOWN, Conn. — The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute,® Inc., (SAAMI®) is pleased to announce that Kimber Manufacturing, Inc., has joined SAAMI as a Supporting Member. Kimber is a manufacturer of firearms and is headquartered in Troy, Alabama.

“We are very pleased to have Kimber join the SAAMI family,” said Joe Bartozzi, SAAMI’s President & CEO. “They are joining a long list of leading manufacturers who are at the forefront of promoting firearm safety by the creation of standards that ensure the safety, reliability, and interchangeability of firearms and ammunition.”

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About SAAMI
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute, founded in 1926 at the request of the federal government, is dedicated to creating and promulgating technical, performance and safety standards for firearms, ammunition and components, and is committed to being the preeminent global resource for the safe and responsible design, manufacture, transportation, storage and use of these products.

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Media contact:

203-426-4358. Ext 284

SAAMI Announces Acceptance of New Rifle Cartridges

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NEWTOWN, Conn. — The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute,® Inc., (SAAMI®) has announced the acceptance of three new rifle cartridges for SAAMI standardization. SAAMI is the organization at the forefront of promoting firearm safety by creating standards that ensure the safety, reliability and interchangeability of firearms, ammunition, and components.

6mm GT – The 6mm GT was introduced by Hornady Manufacturing Co. with a 109-grain bullet traveling at a velocity of 2,910 fps and a Maximum Average Pressure of 62,000 psi.

6.8 True Velocity Composite – The 6.8 TVC was introduced by True Velocity Ammunition, LLC with a 150-grain bullet traveling at velocity of 2,700 fps and a Maximum Average Pressure of 65,000 psi.

338 Weatherby Rebated Precision Magnum – The 338 WBY RPM was introduced by Weatherby, Inc., with a 225-grain bullet traveling at velocity of 2,800 fps and a Maximum Average Pressure of 65,000 psi.

For further information on these new cartridges, please visit the Cartridge & Chamber Drawings section of the SAAMI website.

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About SAAMI
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute, founded in 1926 at the request of the federal government, is dedicated to creating and promulgating technical, performance and safety standards for firearms, ammunition and components, and is committed to being the preeminent global resource for the safe and responsible design, manufacture, transportation, storage and use of these products.

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Media contact:

203-426-4358. Ext 284

SAAMI and USDOT-PHMSA Develop Guidance for Shippers of Ammunition and Component Parts

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NEWTOWN, Conn. — The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute® (SAAMI®) is pleased to announce that a collaborative effort between the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and SAAMI has resulted in the development of educational resources that provide guidance for shippers of ammunition and components.

This PHMSA-SAAMI collaborative effort is timely and important because with the increased demand for ammunition and components, the amount sold online and shipped by small distributors, retailers and individuals has increased dramatically. By providing this information, PHMSA and SAAMI will help to ensure that shipments of small arms ammunition and components are done safely and in accordance with existing requirements under the Hazardous Materials Regulations.

The document, called “The Facts on Small Arms-related HAZMAT,” provides information on determining what items are considered hazardous materials, what “EX Approvals” are and how they are used, packaging of explosives, shipping smokeless and black powder, shipping primers/percussion caps, shipping ammunition and empty primed cases, and shipping using the “Limited Quantity” (“LQ”) exemption.

In addition, the document contains a guide outlining steps to safely ship packages containing HAZMAT items. Part of PHMSA’s Check the Box program, “The Facts on Small Arms-Related HAZMAT” can be found here.

“This public-private initiative between PHMSA and SAAMI, in response to changes in the marketplace, demonstrates the continuing efforts of the firearm and ammunition industry to maintain high standards of safety in all aspects. Our goal is to remind everyone engaged in the business of shipping small arms ammunition and components that it’s their responsibility to ensure their shipments are in full compliance with relevant regulations,” said Joe Bartozzi, SAAMI President and CEO.

SHOT Show® Seminar

At the SHOT Show, the trade show for the shooting, hunting, outdoor and law enforcement industries, PHMSA will be presenting on these topics and will answer questions on Tuesday, January 18, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. local time. Attendees will be able to register for this event through the SHOT Show registration process.

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About SAAMI
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute, founded in 1926 at the request of the federal government, is dedicated to creating and promulgating technical, performance and safety standards for firearms, ammunition and components, and is committed to being the preeminent global resource for the safe and responsible transportation, storage and use of these products.

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Media contact:

203-426-4358. Ext 284

SAAMI ‘Save the Date’ for 2022 Ballistics Conference

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NEWTOWN, Conn. – The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute® (SAAMI®) has scheduled its 2022 Ballistics Conference for September 13-14 in Rapid City, South Dakota. Industry professionals interested in attending this conference are reminded to “save the date.”

The two-day technical seminar and training course will be hosted by H-S Precision, which is pleased to provide a tour of the firm’s facilities in conjunction with the conference.

This fourth annual conference will serve as a training workshop and discussion forum to address a range of topics relevant to small arms ammunition ballistic laboratory/test facility operations, methods, and equipment. The conference will be of interest to small arms ballistic laboratory technicians, ammunition and firearm test engineers, test facility managers, and civilians, law enforcement and military personnel who utilize SAAMI standards in the manufacture or testing of ammunition and firearms.

SAAMI asks that if you are interested in attending to respond at this time so it can estimate attendance for the conference and the facility tour. Please RSVP to Wanda Heckel at [email protected]. A formal invitation and registration information for the 2022 SAAMI Ballistics Conference will follow.

SAAMI also asks that if there are specific, relevant topics you would like to see covered at this conference to include them with your RSVP.

Other conference-related questions can be addressed to Alan Serven [email protected] or Brian Osowiecki [email protected].

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About SAAMI
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute, founded in 1926 at the request of the federal government, is dedicated to creating and promulgating technical, performance and safety standards for firearms, ammunition and components, and is committed to being the preeminent global resource for the safe and responsible transportation, storage and use of these products.

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Media contact:

203-426-4358. Ext 284

SAAMI Announces Ammunition Equivalency Online Resources

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NEWTOWN, Conn. — The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute,®Inc., (SAAMI®), is pleased to announce that it has added two new web-based resources. These new documents help to clarify the interchangeability of certain ammunition in a specified firearm chamber, and identify the names of equivalent and historical cartridges.

These documents are important for firearm safety because they provide industry and recreational shooters the ability to identify what ammunition can be safely shot in firearms, whether it is an alternate cartridge in a specified firearm chamber or a known equivalent historical name for a cartridge.

“These important documents add to SAAMI’s technical library of firearm safety resources that provide guidance to both industry professionals and the firearm-owning community. They emphasize important safety and technical information regarding the proper matching of ammunition and firearms, and what precautions must be taken,” said Joe Bartozzi, SAAMI President and CEO.

Both documents were developed by the SAAMI Joint Technical Committee and can be found on the SAAMI website under Informational Publications and Advisories.

The new documents are:

  • Generally Accepted Firearms and Ammunition Interchangeability – This document lists generally accepted alternate firearm/ammunition combinations which will generally allow for the safe firing of an alternate cartridge in a specified firearm chamber. There is also information on shotshell interchangeability and commercial vs. military standards.

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About SAAMI
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute, founded in 1926 at the request of the federal government, is dedicated to creating and promulgating technical, performance and safety standards for firearms, ammunition and components, and is committed to being the preeminent global resource for the safe and responsible transportation, storage and use of these products.

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Media contact:

203-426-4358. Ext 284

SAAMI Promotes Brian Osowiecki to Director of Regulatory Affairs

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Media contact:
Deb Kenney
203-557-9199

SAAMI Promotes Brian Osowiecki to Director of Regulatory Affairs

NEWTOWN, Conn. — The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute® is pleased to announce that Brian Osowiecki has been promoted to Director of Regulatory Affairs.

Osowiecki will lead SAAMI’s efforts in all aspects of, and as the resource for, regulatory compliance.  Working with the SAAMI® Logistics and Regulatory Affairs Committee (SLARAC), Osowiecki will be responsible for coordinating committee work on shipping, packaging and all logistical matters pertaining to the transportation of industry’s products, including ammunition, propellant and primers.

“Brian has demonstrated a thorough understanding of industry regulatory and compliance matters during his time at SAAMI and has earned this opportunity to lead the organization’s efforts in this area,” said SAAMI President and CEO Joe Bartozzi.

Formerly SAAMI’s Manager of Technical and Regulatory Affairs, Osowiecki previously worked at Smith & Wesson, where his area of focus was compliance.

An active reservist in the Connecticut Army National Guard, Osowiecki has spent some of the pandemic period on active duty with his unit supporting the response to the coronavirus. An officer in the U.S. Army, he was deployed to Iraq from 2009 to 2010. He holds a degree in accounting from the University of Connecticut and has worked as an Audit Senior at Deloitte & Touché. He is an avid hunter and firearm enthusiast.

Said Osowiecki, “I am excited and grateful for this opportunity to advance within SAAMI and to continue to contribute to the important work of this organization.”

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About SAAMI
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute, founded in 1926 at the request of the federal government, is dedicated to creating and promulgating technical, performance and safety standards for firearms, ammunition and components, and is committed to being the preeminent global resource for the safe and responsible transportation, storage and use of these products.

SAAMI Announces Additions of Alan Serven and Alexander ‘Nico’ Wirtz to Staff

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Media contact:
Deb Kenney
203-557-9199

SAAMI Announces Additions of Alan Serven and Alexander ‘Nico’ Wirtz to Staff

 

NEWTOWN, Conn. — The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute® is pleased to announce two new additions to staff — Alan Serven as Senior Director of Technical Affairs and Alexander “Nico” Wirtz as Director of International Affairs. Both will begin their SAAMI® duties on May 1.

Serven and Wirtz are very familiar with the important work of SAAMI, having been involved with the organization for a number of years.

“We are pleased to have two respected, experienced professionals like Alan and Nico join the SAAMI team,” said Joe Bartozzi, SAAMI President and CEO. “Their skills will greatly benefit the members of our industry as well as our organization.”

As a 25-year employee of Remington Arms Company, continuing with Vista Outdoor, Serven has developed and contributed his technical knowledge in a variety of positions. He has served on SAAMI committees and brings experience in the design, manufacture and testing of smokeless propellant, small arms ammunition and sporting rifles to this new role.  “To be able to utilize the knowledge gained through almost 40 years of practical experience to the benefit of the technical committee amongst SAAMI member companies is a truly exciting opportunity,” said Serven.

Having consulted for Fortune 500 companies for more than a decade, and currently serving as a consultant to SAAMI, Wirtz has demonstrated his in-depth understanding of the structures and processes of international organizations, European governments and NGOs.  Wirtz will apply his experience in coalition building and strategic communications, as well as his ability to navigate complex policy issues and political environments at the United Nations, the European Union and national governments on behalf of SAAMI. “This is a pivotal time for the industry at the international level, and I am thrilled to formally join an organization that does such important work on behalf of its member companies,” said Wirtz.

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About SAAMI
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute, founded in 1926 at the request of the federal government, is dedicated to creating and promulgating technical, performance and safety standards for firearms, ammunition and components, and is committed to being the preeminent global resource for the safe and responsible transportation, storage and use of these products.

SAAMI Announces Acceptance of New Cartridges

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Media contact:
Richard Patterson
203-426-4358. Ext 255

SAAMI Announces Acceptance of New Cartridges

NEWTOWN, Conn. — The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute,®Inc., (SAAMI®), the organization at the forefront of promoting firearm safety by creating standards that ensure safety, reliability and interchangeability of firearms, ammunition and components, announced the acceptance of new rifle and pistol cartridges for SAAMI standardization.

Developed by Ruag Ammotec USA, the 300 Norma Magnum was introduced with a Maximum Average Pressure of 61,000 psi, with a 230-gr bullet traveling at a velocity of 2,890 fps.

Developed by Ruag Ammotec USA, the 338 Norma Magnum was introduced with a Maximum Average Pressure of 62,500 psi, with a 300-gr bullet traveling at a velocity of 2,670 fps.

Developed by Kahr Arms, the 429 Desert Eagle was introduced with a Maximum Average Pressure of 46,000 psi, with a 240-gr bullet traveling at a velocity of 1,720 fps.

For further information on these new cartridges please visit https://saami.org/technical-information/new-cartridge-chamber-drawings/.

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About SAAMI
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute, founded in 1926 at the request of the federal government, is dedicated to creating and promulgating technical, performance and safety standards for firearms, ammunition and components, and is committed to being the preeminent global resource for the safe and responsible design, manufacture, transportation, storage and use of these products.

SAAMI Announces Acceptance of Three New Cartridges

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Media contact:
Richard Patterson
203-426-4358. Ext 255

SAAMI Announces Acceptance of Three New Cartridges

NEWTOWN, Conn. — The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute,® Inc., (SAAMI®), the organization at the forefront of promoting firearm safety by creating standards that ensure safety, reliability and interchangeability of firearms, ammunition and components, announced the acceptance of new rifle cartridges for SAAMI standardization.

277 SIG FURY

Developed by SIG SAUER, the 277 SIG FURY was introduced with a maximum average pressure of 80,000 psi, with a 135-grain bullet traveling at a velocity of 3,000 fps.

6.5 Weatherby Rebated Precision Magnum

Developed by Weatherby, the 6.5 Weatherby Rebated Precision Magnum was introduced with a maximum average pressure of 65,000 psi, with a 140-grain bullet traveling at a velocity of 3,075 fps.

6.8 Western

Developed by Olin Winchester, the 6.8 Western was introduced with a maximum average pressure of 65,000 psi, with a 175-grain bullet traveling at a velocity of 2,840 fps.

For additional information on these new cartridge designs and other recently accepted cartridge and chamber designs, visit SAAMI.org.

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About SAAMI
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute, founded in 1926 at the request of the federal government, is dedicated to creating and promulgating technical, performance and safety standards for firearms, ammunition and components, and is committed to being the preeminent global resource for the safe and responsible transportation, storage and use of these products.

SAAMI Announces New Affiliated Member Category

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Media contact:
Richard Patterson
203-426-4358. Ext 255

SAAMI Announces New Affiliated Member Category

NEWTOWN, Conn. — The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute® (SAAMI®) is pleased to announce that it has added a new membership category, Affiliated Members, to the organization’s body of professional suppliers.

As defined in the SAAMI bylaws, an individual or company eligible for Affiliated Member status is:

Any supplier of essential products or services used for the design, manufacture or testing of firearms, ammunition or propellant, including any major component part as defined in Art. V, Section 1, such as ballistic laboratory test and measurement equipment; tool and die makers; gauge and reamer manufacturers; and ballistic testing and materials testing, may be eligible to become a non-voting Affiliate Member of the Institute. 

“None of us is as smart as all of us working towards a common goal,” said Rick Patterson, SAAMI Executive Director. “These companies are an essential part of our industry and including them in our membership body presents a more united industry working to assist in delivering SAAMI’s mission of firearm safety, reliability and interchangeability.”

To learn more about SAAMI, including its available memberships and how to apply, visit SAAMI.org.

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About SAAMI
The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute, founded in 1926 at the request of the federal government, is dedicated to creating and promulgating technical, performance and safety standards for firearms, ammunition and components, and is committed to being the preeminent global resource for the safe and responsible transportation, storage and use of these products.