Remington Ammunition

Vista Outdoor Inc.

Company type	Public company (until divestiture)
Industry	Shooting sports and outdoor gear
Predecessor	Alliant Techsystems (spun off from)
Founded	February 9, 2015 (2015-02-09)
Fate	Divested outdoor products division in November 2024; shooting sports segment acquired by Czechoslovak Group
Successor	Revelyst (outdoor products division), The Kinetic Group (shooting sports segment)
Headquarters	United States
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Christopher Metz (former CEO), Gary McArthur (interim CEO)
Products	Ammunition, outdoor gear, optical devices, sporting goods
Number of employees	Over 900 (at Remington Lonoke plant, 2021)
Parent	None (independent until divestiture)

Vista Outdoor Inc. was a U.S.-based company specializing in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of products within two main divisions: shooting sports and outdoor gear. It operated as a conglomerate, encompassing more than 40 distinct brands and subsidiaries.

Among its well-known ammunition labels were Federal, CCI, and Remington.

In November 2024, Vista Outdoor divested its outdoor products division, creating an independent publicly traded entity named Revelyst, while its shooting sports segment, The Kinetic Group, was acquired as a wholly owned subsidiary by the Czechoslovak Group. Subsequently, in January 2025, Strategic Value Partners purchased Revelyst.

History

Alliant Techsystems (ATK) entered the ammunition and outdoor product sector in 2001, growing through acquisitions and capitalizing on increased ammunition demand from law enforcement agencies, hunters, and individual consumers.

In December 2014, ATK revealed plans to merge its defense and satellite operations with Orbital Sciences and to spin off its sporting goods and ammunition businesses as a separate public company named Vista Outdoor. To manage debt, Vista Outdoor arranged a $350 million term loan alongside a $400 million revolving credit facility. Regulatory approvals for both the merger and spin-off were secured by early 2015.

Vista Outdoor officially launched as an independent company on February 9, 2015, distributing shares to ATK shareholders. The company began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "VSTO."

On February 25, 2016, Vista Outdoor expanded its portfolio by acquiring BRG Sports' "Action Sports" division for $400 million, adding brands such as Bell Sports, Giro, Blackburn, and C-Preme.

By May 2018, the company announced intentions to exit firearm manufacturing and divest brands including Bell, Giro, Blackburn, and Jimmy Styks to concentrate on its core outdoor product lines. Additionally, it sought buyers for eyewear brands Bollé, Serengeti, and Cébé. CEO Christopher Metz emphasized that these decisions were driven by strategic realignment rather than external pressures.

In July 2018, Vista Outdoor completed the sale of its eyewear brands Bollé, Cébé, and Serengeti to a European private equity firm.

On July 9, 2019, Vista Outdoor sold Savage Arms and Stevens Arms for $170 million to investors led by management, using most of the proceeds to reduce outstanding debt.

In October 2020, Vista Outdoor acquired Remington Outdoor Company's ammunition and accessories businesses for $81.4 million. This included the Lonoke manufacturing plant along with Remington’s brand trademarks.

In July 2022, Vista Outdoor announced plans to purchase Fox Racing for $540 million with an anticipated closing in the second quarter of 2023. Later that year, the company revealed intentions to separate into two distinct entities focusing respectively on sporting goods and ammunition/firearms accessories.

Following CEO Chris Metz’s departure in early 2023, board member Gary McArthur was appointed interim CEO.

In October 2023, Vista Outdoor declared it would spin off its outdoor products division into Revelyst while selling its firearms and ammunition segment to the Czech-based Czechoslovak Group for $1.91 billion pending regulatory clearance. This transaction encountered opposition from several U.S. senators and industry stakeholders.

The corporate separation was finalized in November 2024: Revelyst emerged as an independent publicly traded company (NYSE: GEAR), whereas The Kinetic Group became a subsidiary of Czechoslovak Group through a $2.23 billion deal.

In January 2025, Strategic Value Partners completed an all-cash acquisition of Revelyst valued at $1.125 billion.

Financial performance

On January 11, 2017, Vista Outdoor revealed it anticipated a significant asset impairment charge ranging between $400 million and $450 million within its hunting and shooting accessories division for the third quarter of fiscal year 2017.

During fiscal 2019, Vista Outdoor reported revenues of $2.1 billion but recorded a net loss amounting to $648 million. The company successfully lowered its outstanding debt from $738 million to $581 million following the divestiture of Savage Arms.

Reaction to the 2022 Ukraine conflict

In response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s appeal for ammunition amid Russia’s 2022 military actions, Vista Outdoor—an ammunition provider to Ukraine since 2015—committed to donating one million rounds to Ukrainian forces. Additionally, its Federal and Remington brands sold T-shirts online to generate financial support for refugees displaced by the conflict.

Brands and subsidiaries

Vista Outdoor’s brand lineup primarily focuses on shooting and hunting products, as well as outdoor equipment tailored for camping, hiking, skiing, and cycling. This includes items such as flashlights, helmets, goggles, GPS units, among others. By 2019, roughly half of the company’s earnings originated from its shooting sports divisions like Federal Premium and CCI ammunition.

Bushnell

Also identified as Bushnell Outdoor Products, Bushnell specializes in optical devices including binoculars, spotting scopes, telescopes, night vision gear, GPS units, laser rangefinders, riflescopes, holographic weapon sights, and trail cameras.

Established in 1948 by David P. Bushnell in post-war Allied-occupied Japan, the company was later acquired by private equity firms Windpoint Partners in 1999 and MidOcean Partners in 2007. In 2008, Bushnell expanded by acquiring assets from Simmons Outdoor Corporation. On September 5, 2013, ATK purchased Bushnell for $985 million in cash.

CCI

Cascade Cartridge Inc., operating under the name CCI Ammunition and headquartered in Lewiston, Idaho, initially produced centerfire primers for government contracts. By 2015, the company primarily focused on manufacturing rimfire ammunition, alongside centerfire handgun cartridges, primers for reloading and industrial applications, as well as shotgun shells.

Founded in 1951 by Dick Speer—brother of Vernon Speer who founded Speer Bullets—CCI was previously known as the Speer Ammunition Company.

Federal Premium

Federal Cartridge Company, marketed as Federal Premium and based in Anoka, Minnesota, employs around 1,000 individuals. Founded in 1922 by Charles L. Horn, Federal Premium produces finished shotshell, centerfire, and rimfire ammunition, along with bullets, primers, and shell casings. In response to an FBI request for enhanced terminal ballistics performance, the company introduced its Hydra-Shok handgun ammunition line in 1988. Federal Premium also oversees Vista Outdoor’s collaboration with the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant.

Jimmy Styks

Founded in 2009 by Kyle Reeves and Jeremy Wilkens in Huntington Beach, California, Jimmy Styks manufactures stand-up paddleboards and related accessories. In July 2015, Vista Outdoor agreed to acquire Jimmy Styks with an initial payment of $40 million plus additional contingent payments based on achieving financial milestones over three years. The brand was assimilated into Vista Outdoor’s outdoor products segment at a valuation roughly 5.5 times its projected EBITDA for 2015.

By January 2016, Vista Outdoor utilized its retail partnerships to broaden Jimmy Styks’ market reach.

Alliant Powder

Vista Outdoor's division, Alliant Powder, specializes in the production of smokeless gunpowder.

Remington Ammunition

Remington Ammunition emerged after Vista Outdoor purchased the Remington brand along with its ammunition manufacturing facility located in Lonoke, Arkansas, during the bankruptcy auction of Remington Outdoor Company. Vista Outdoor did not acquire the firearms segment of Remington Outdoor Company; this portion reorganized as RemArms, LLC, which licenses the Remington trademark from Vista Outdoor.

After Remington's bankruptcy-induced closure, the Lonoke facility underwent retooling at the start of 2021, boosting output with a workforce exceeding 900 employees operating continuously.

Camp Chef

In September 2016, Vista Outdoor completed the acquisition of Camp Chef for $74 million (excluding tax implications), paying $60 million in cash at closing and $14 million contingent on earn-out targets. The transaction valued Camp Chef at roughly 6.4 times its projected 2016 EBITDA. Camp Chef’s offerings include camp stoves, pellet grills, smokers, barbecue grills, and fire pits.

Foresight Sports

Vista Outdoor expanded its portfolio in May 2022 by acquiring Foresight Sports, a manufacturer of launch monitors and golf simulators, for $475 million. This purchase supports the growth of Vista’s Bushnell brand into new market areas.

Fox Racing

In July 2022, Vista Outdoor acquired Fox Racing for $540 million, with an additional possible earn-out of $50 million. Fox Racing specializes in apparel and accessories for mountain biking, motocross, and BMX and will continue operations under CEO Jeffrey McGuane following the integration.

Simms Fishing Products

Vista Outdoor purchased Simms Fishing Products in July 2022 for $192.5 million. Based out of Bozeman, Montana, Simms is known for manufacturing waders and fishing gear. Derek Tarlecki was named President of Simms Fishing Products in early 2023.

QuietKat

QuietKat, a producer of electric bicycles, joined Vista Outdoor’s portfolio in May 2021. The brand gained significant visibility through a Super Bowl advertisement featuring a Jeep-branded electric bike.

Christopher Metz

Christopher Metz took on the role of CEO at Vista Outdoor in October 2017, managing daily operations across the company and its subsidiaries. Before joining Vista Outdoor, he served as CEO and president of Arctic Cat (2014–2017) and was managing director at Sun Capital Partners (2005–2014). Metz also held senior positions at Black & Decker from 1992 until 2005. He holds a degree from the University of Delaware and an MBA from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina.

Upon Metz’s arrival, Vista Outdoor carried debt exceeding $1 billion; by December 2019, this was lowered to $562 million primarily through divestitures such as Savage Arms. He also relocated the company headquarters back to Minnesota to reduce expenses and capitalize on a more favorable business climate. Metz stepped down in early 2023 after losing board confidence.

Mark W. DeYoung

Mark W. DeYoung served as Vista Outdoor’s first chairman and CEO until his retirement in July 2017; he was temporarily succeeded by board member Michael Callahan. Prior to Vista Outdoor, DeYoung was president and CEO of Alliant Techsystems (ATK) from 2010 to 2015, during which time he oversaw acquisitions including Savage Arms and Bushnell. He played a key role in the 2015 spin-off that created Vista Outdoor as well as the merger forming Orbital ATK. Under his leadership, ATK’s Armament Systems revenue increased from $600 million in 2003 to $2.1 billion by 2010.

DeYoung began his career at Hercules Aerospace in 1985 and continued with ATK following its acquisition of Hercules in 1995. He held various leadership roles spanning finance, operations, and munitions divisions. He earned a business undergraduate degree from Weber State University and an MBA from Westminster College where he also lectured on management and finance. DeYoung currently sits on Orbital ATK’s board.

During DeYoung’s leadership period, Vista Outdoor took on approximately $1 billion in debt to fund acquisitions; several acquired firms encountered difficulties after founders or senior executives departed post-acquisition.

Operations

Vista Outdoor's workforce totals approximately 5,800 employees worldwide, with around 4,000 based in the United States. Its manufacturing and support operations are distributed across 11 states within the U.S., as well as facilities in Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada. Additionally, the company maintains sales and sourcing offices throughout Mexico, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. A significant portion of its labor force—about 1,200 workers—is employed at the ammunition manufacturing plant located in Lewiston, Idaho.

In June 2015, Vista Outdoor revealed intentions to establish a new corporate headquarters at Station Park in Farmington City, Utah. Construction was planned to commence that summer and conclude by mid-2016. This relocation received backing through targeted tax incentives from Utah’s state government, involving a $10 million investment and the creation of roughly 90 well-compensated positions projected to generate $125 million in wages over seven years. State officials anticipated that the project would yield approximately $6.7 million in tax revenue during this timeframe.

January 2016 saw the inauguration of an expanded production facility in American Fork, Utah, dedicated to Gold Tip and Bee Stinger archery products. This expansion provided enhanced space for research and development along with improvements in manufacturing efficiency.

In 2017, Vista Outdoor invested $35 million to open a new ammunition plant in Lewiston, Idaho. By early 2019, employment at the Lewiston site had decreased to about 1,135 from a peak of 1,500 in 2016. This reduction was part of cost-cutting measures responding to declining ammunition sales following President Donald Trump’s election. In January 2019, the company offered early retirement options to employees; however, only 20 accepted.

To further reduce operational costs, Vista Outdoor closed its Farmington corporate headquarters in November 2018 and moved its central offices to Anoka, Minnesota, near its ammunition manufacturing facility.

More recently, Vista Outdoor designated Bozeman, Montana as the headquarters for its outdoor products division, centralizing development activities within Gallatin County.

2018 boycott

During the 2018 NRA boycott, consumer activists encouraged retailers to discontinue carrying Vista Outdoor merchandise due to the company's association with the National Rifle Association of America and its production of assault weapons. Several bicycle retailers in Oregon stopped selling brands owned by Vista Outdoor by canceling orders or returning inventory.

In Canada, Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), operating 22 stores nationwide, faced pressure from members to sever ties with Vista Outdoor because of its NRA connections. MEC responded by halting orders for camping and cycling equipment sourced from Vista Outdoor. Likewise, REI ceased ordering products from Vista Outdoor citing dissatisfaction with the company's stance on gun violence. REI resumed stocking Vista Outdoor brands in September 2019 and continues to be among its largest retail partners.

The Canadian retailer Running Room canceled outstanding orders and ceased purchasing CamelBak products due to customer concerns and a desire to align with health and fitness values that they viewed as incompatible with firearms.

These boycotts affected Vista Outdoor’s retail distribution channels and underscored the difficulties involved in managing a diverse product portfolio amid politically charged environments.