The Keefe Report: Inside The CSG Group—Remain Calm

by
posted on January 16, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

There are many rumors swirling around about the CSG Group’s pending purchase of Federal, CCI and Remington Ammunition. Like many of you, I was concerned. Vista Outdoor decided to separate its ammunition and accessory businesses. Then, in almost no time, a private purchaser announced it would buy the ammunition side. I, too, was curious and concerned about this pending acquisition.

That is until I sat down with David Stepan from the CSG Group. He and David Blenker, the president of Fiocchi here in the US, flew into NRA headquarters in Fairfax to alleviate any fears that might exist. Mine included. I have known David Blenker for more than 25 years. He is a longtime industry veteran, and a dear friend.

In case you didn’t know, CSG group, which is a privately owned Czech company, is in the process of buying some of the greatest names in American ammunition making. It’s not a done deal yet, but it looks like this is going to happen.

This is a company that already owns Fiocchi in Italy, as well as here. It also recently acquired Perazzi, the storied shotgun manufacturer.

I recently sat down with both Davids to ask questions about the pending sale, as well as the CSG’s commitment to the shooting sports and the American market.

Please forget and delete any Internet rumors. These are folks that have to live in Central Europe. They are members of the European Union, as well as members of NATO. No, these people would be the last in the world to supply any ammunition or artillery shells or anything else to Russia, and they are not moving any factories anywhere. They are business people with diverse interests both commercial and military—and a chief supplier to NATO.

As you can see for yourself in the interview, these are business people interested in purchasing a good business and building upon it. In my long career, I would say that Federal, CCI and Remington ammunition are better run than just about any point in their existence. Jason Vanderbrink, who oversees all of these great ammunition companies, is probably the best at what he does, hands-down. If you have any questions or concerns about the impending sale, watch the interview above.

This is not a done deal yet, but it will be soon. I am not concerned about the future of these great American brands, and you should not be either.

Latest

Taurus 66 Combat
Taurus 66 Combat

Review: Taurus 66 Combat Revolver

Taurus’ new 66 Combat shows that even revolvers can get with the times.

New For 2026: Silent Steel USA Streamer Series PCC Suppressors

If there are two things that are popular in the firearms world right now, it is suppressors and pistol-caliber carbines (PCC). Silent Steel USA has both bases covered with its new Streamer Series PCC suppressors.

The Armed Citizen® March 30, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Colt Canada Awarded Contract to Modernize Canadian Service Rifles

Colt Canada has been awarded a $273 million contract to modernize Canada's fleet of military rifles through the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle Project.

First Look: KA-BAR Slabby

Few proprietary eponyms in the knife world are as well-recognized as KA-BAR, the combat/utility design originally requested by the U.S. Military during World War II and used with success by countless troops in conflicts since.

American Fowlers: The Colonial Longarm for Hunting & Home Defense

In colonial America, it was firearms from other countries that armed soldiers, but for most of the civilian populace, American-made fowlers fit the bill.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.