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

Belt1 1911 Timer
Belt1 1911 Timer

Tactical Belts For The Rest Of Us

Most shooters don’t need a "war belt." While enthusiasts like the idea of preparing for every contingency, the vast majority of us need a reliable platform for a range session, a training class or a local club match.

18 New Shotguns for 2026

Among today's firearm platforms, the shotgun remains one of the most time-tested, but that doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. Today's new crop of shotguns runs the gamut, giving modern shotgunners new options in nearly every conceivable category.

Derya Arms RAN Series: A New Take on the Lever-Action

Derya Arms' latest entry in the lever-action market, the RAN series of rifles and pistols, seeks to “reimagine” the modern lever gun.

Gun of the Week: Robinson Armament XCR-L

One man, Alex Robinson, took it upon himself to address what he saw as several shortcomings in the AR-15 design. He consulted with special forces operators and asked what they wanted in a rifle platform. The result was the Robinson Armament XCR.

Maryland Bans Glocks and the NRA Responds

Legislation recently signed into law by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore essentially bans nearly every Glock and Glock-style pistol on the market from being sold within the state.

The Armed Citizen® May 29, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.