American Outdoor Brands Report Includes Some Surprises

by
posted on March 31, 2022
American Outdoor Brands logo

Recently released quarterly figures from American Outdoor Brands (AOB) indicates enthusiasm for firearm ownership and outdoor pursuits, in general, remains significantly higher than levels prior to the pandemic and widespread social unrest. The company’s net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2022 came in at $70.1 million, 61.8 percent higher than the same period in 2020, just as Covid-19 evolved into a global threat.

“Over the past two years, many consumers have discovered for the first time, or rediscovered, a passion for outdoor lifestyle activities, as well as for shooting sports and personal protection,” said Brian Murphy, president and chief executive officer of AOB. “This new, larger base of consumer participation has helped drive significant growth in our business and should fuel our future growth as well. During the third quarter, net sales of products in our outdoor lifestyle category, which consists of products primarily related to hunting, fishing, camping and rugged outdoor activities, grew by more than 80 percent versus the pre-pandemic third quarter of fiscal 2020, and net sales of products in our firearm-related shooting sports category, which includes shooting accessories and products related to personal protection, grew by approximately 45 percent versus the third quarter of fiscal 2020.”

AOB—a provider of products and accessories for rugged outdoor enthusiasts in a corporate family that includes Frankford Arsenal, Crimson Trace and Schrade, among others—reported a slight sales dip, like nearly the entire industry did, in its firearm related 2021 sales. However, Murphy emphasized, “Our outdoor lifestyle category grew by 7% in the third quarter versus fiscal 2021. Growth in our outdoor lifestyle category is an important component of our long-term strategic plan, and today we are excited to announce that we will acquire Grilla Grills, a direct-to-consumer provider of high-quality grills, smokers and accessories to the $7 billion, growing U.S. barbecue grill market.”

Latest

Elbert Searle Protype Pistol 1
Elbert Searle Protype Pistol 1

Elbert Searle's Prototype Savage Squeeze-Cocker Pistol

Elbert Searle isn't one of the most well-known firearm designers, but his Savage Model 1907 and its derivatives were popular guns in their time. Now, a unique prototype pistol of his has been discovered, illustrating what else could have been in Savage's early 20th-century handgun lineup.

Spring Sales, Savings & Sweepstakes Ongoing

Special incentives from Hornady, Smith & Wesson and Beretta have already been come and gone, but they were just the first. Things have accelerated since.

I Have This Old Gun: Terry Carbine

One of the most interesting, and short-lived, breechloading designs of the mid-19th century is the Terry carbine, produced by the firm of Calisher & Terry. Despite its novel mechanism, the carbine didn't survive the transition to the metallic-cartridge era.

Favorite Firearms: A Birthday Gift From Dad

When I was growing up, my father was one of the bigger Smith & Wesson collectors in Northern California. This led him to have an acquaintance with Roy Jinks of S&W.

Make Mine Metal: The Alloy-Frame KelTec P15

When KelTec introduced its P15 at the 2022 SHOT Show, it had two models on display. One is the polymer-frame handgun that the accompanying review focuses on, and the second is nearly identical, except that its frame is rendered in aluminum alloy.

Product Preview: Cold Steel Engage 3.5"

Cold Steel offers its Engage EDC knife with a larger 3.5"-long blade made from durable, wear-resistant S35VN stainless steel.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.