Looking Back On The Decade

Yes, I know it sounds cliché but time flies when you're having fun!

As I reflect on this past decade, I realize how much has happened and changed not only at Volquartsen Firearms but in our industry as a whole. There's so much to cover it would be impossible to do in one email but for me a few of the highlights:

Rimfire Competitions Exploded in Popularity

Cole Busch, Nate Gibson, Kolby PavlockWe attended our first Rimfire Challenge World Championship back in 2011 in New Mexico. Originally known as the Ruger Rimfire Challenge, it was then picked up by the NSSF and is now run by the Rimfire Challenge Shooting Association. This year's world championship featured 268 entries - proof that rimfire challenge is as popular as ever. A special thank you to the late Nelson Dymond, Ken Jorgensen, and Michael Bane for their original vision of what rimfire steel shooting could be. It's a fantastic platform for beginners and world class shooters alike.

We are fortunate to have some of the best rimfire shooters in the world representing Team Volquartsen. Nate Gibson captured his 1st rimfire world title this past year dethroning 4-time reigning champ Kolby Pavlock with Cole Busch finishing 2nd this year. We couldn't ask for three better people leading our team.

If you are more interested in precision than speed, there's competitions for you as well. The NRL22 is one of the fastest growing competitions out there. If you aren't familiar with it, check them out as they are currently holding matches all over the country.

Major Products Launched

• In 2012, we launched the Scorpion 22 LR Target Pistol. This pistol would change the game as to what was possible from a 22 LR pistol - in both speed and accuracy! The last three rimfire world championships were won with the Scorpion. In 2017 we released the "big brother" to the Scorpion - the 22 WMR Scorpion.

• The Black Mamba Target Pistol was an easy transition capitalizing on the introduction of the push-button takedown of the Ruger MK IV but keeping many of the features found on the Scorpion.

• Winchester introduced the fastest rimfire ever - the 17 WSM - in 2012 and we were soon to follow with our semi-auto 17 WSM. It is now available in both stainless steel and lightweight configurations. Stay tuned for an exciting new product chambered in 17 WSM being released for SHOT Show 2020.

• In 2018, we stepped out of our comfort zone with the release of the straight-pull bolt action Summit Rifle (currently available in 22 LR and 17 Mach 2). This was a first for us as we worked with PWS on their original design of the Summit, added our 40+ years of rimfire experience to it and created a versatile platform that we have only just scratched the surface on in terms of the possibilities.

These are just a few of the highlights from the past 10 years.

The Volquartsen Brand

In addition to the new products, we also had some significant changes as a company and brand.

Our team grew more than tripled in size since the start of the decade. In 2015, we acquired a second location that added a 17,500 sq ft facility. There have been challenges along the way but the one thing that has stayed consistent is our desire and mindset to "build it better."

In 2016, we shifted from Volquartsen Custom to Volquartsen Firearms. We felt the name change more accurately described where we were as a company and where we are headed. With that, we updated our logo and branding to what you see today.

How can I talk about the last decade without talking about how the marketing game has changed? Social media and digital marketing have changed the game. Yes, print ads are still here (younger readers may need to ask somebody what those are) but now throw on top of that Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Podcasts, along with many other digital and streaming platforms. We have a lot of great content in store for you for 2020 and can't wait for you to see it.

As much as things have changed, so much has stayed the same. That's the common bond shared by so many in our industry. Whether it's on the range or in the field, there are very few shared experiences that can rival those forged in the outdoors.

For me personally, the last 10 years have been amazing. I have made so many friends and built so many relationships it's hard to put into words what those mean to me. All I know is I feel like I have the best job in the world and none of it would be possible without our amazing team, but most importantly, without you. Our customers are the most loyal customers in the world and the more I get to interact with you the more I have come to understand that.

It has been an incredible decade but like for so many of us it also brought times of sadness as on November 9, 2017, our sister Holly Volquartsen-Kanne passed away. Holly worked in the company for many years and will never be forgotten.

From all of us at Volquartsen Firearms, thank you for the past decade and we can't wait to see what the next one brings!

Happy New Year,