GAMO Gobbles Daisy

The headline on this morning's Top Story says it all: "Gamo Outdoor Acquires Daisy"

And with that simple declaration, one of the longest-running "only in America" stories takes on another dimension. Since 1886, Daisy has been synonymous with what was the introductory firearm for many shooters: the BB gun.

OK, it's the air rifle today, but you know what I mean. Whether you shot a spring loaded Red Ryder, a pump-style or even today's new pneumatic models, there has likely been a Daisy rifle or pistol somewhere in your shooting background. I still have a couple of "vintage" ones in my safe -not because they're super-valuable, but because I super-value them and their connection with my long-departed youth.

http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2281591.jpeg> Their Squirrelmaster Classic started as a fun made-for-TV event to introduce 4-H kids to hunting sports, but Gamo's willingness to try- and support- that kind of outreach augurs well for both Gamo and newly-acquired Daisy Outdoor Products. OWDN photo.

But time -and technology- marches on. As I've soldiered on through those changes, I've found myself falling -again- for the airgun. Today, I have a variety of airguns -and a wealth of challenging targets -that I use for what is (for me) fairly serious training in shooting sports. And I've used air rifles from GAMO the past three years to compete on Team Buckmasters in Gamo's annual Squirrelmaster's Classic.

In fact, it was at that event two years ago that I met Gamo USA's president - and teammate- Keith Higginbotham and our ongoing talks about the future of airgunning began. When we had those last talks, I had no idea that the ideas he'd mentioned would take this kind of turn.

That's because Higginbotham and the rest of the Gamo team realize that airguns are one of the best-and least threatening ways- to connect with the next generation of shooters and hunters.
In that respect, the people of both companies are kindred spirits. With the Squirrelmaster Classic, Gamo uses their more powerful PCP air rifles in conjunction with their sponsored television celebrities to connect to today's youth.

http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2281593.jpeg> Daisy, like Gamo, enjoys a healthy outreach program, from their inflatable range (top) to their long-established National BB Championship which wrapped up yesterday in Rogers, Arkansas(below). Daisy photos from website. http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2281596.jpg>

For Daisy, the acquisition is characterized by longtime VP of Public Relations (and Daisy historian) Joe Murfin as "the next exciting chapter in Daisy history" where the company can take advantage of the strength in numbers and technologies. That may sound like corporate-speak, but this may actually be one of those corporate decisions where both companies benefit.

Gamo, like Daisy, is very much dedicated to their customers and enjoys interacting with them. The corporate culture is also to come up with exciting new products and to get them into the marketplace.

With Gamo having solidly set its sights on the modernization of the airgun -and Daisy's firm connection to young shooters and uniquely American roots, it could be one of those unique situations where everyone benefits.

As an airgun enthusiast, I'm hoping that's the case.

—Jim Shepherd