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

Mossberg 990 Aftershock Rr 1
Mossberg 990 Aftershock Rr 1

Rifleman Review: Mossberg 990 Aftershock

In 2025, Mossberg added to the non-NFA, shotshell-firing firearm category with its 990 Aftershock, which uses a semi-automatic operating mechanism while still maintaining a compact form factor.

Next-Gen Micro Red-Dot: The Steiner MPS 2.0

Steiner Optics has introduced the next-generation version of its Micro Pistol Sight, a red-dot optic that first hit the market in 2021.

Rifleman Interview: Banish Suppressors

The “Plinkapalooza” event in May saw a rimfire extravaganza, with hearing protection from Banish suppressors.

Hunting for the “Grail” Gun in the Modern Era

To really enjoy hunting for “that gun,” burn shoe leather instead of your mouse pad.

5 New Rimfire Suppressors for 2026

Generally speaking, rimfire suppressors tend to be less-expensive than their centerfire counterparts, providing an entry point in the world of suppressor use for many firearm enthusiasts.

Top Firearm Manufacturers Estimated from ATF Report

Orchid analyzed the ATF’s Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Exportation Report for 2024 (the most recent data available) and compiled a list of the industry’s top 30 domestic firearms manufacturers.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.