SHELTON, Conn. — At its recent annual board and committee meetings in Springfield, Mass., the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute® (SAAMI®) auctioned many generously donated products from industry members to raise $18,000 in support of Project ChildSafe®, the nation's most comprehensive firearm safety and education program. Launched in 1999, Project ChildSafe is the official firearm safety program of the NSSF® with the goal to provide a real firearm safety solution for every community. Since its inception, Project ChildSafe has distributed over 42 million free safety kits — which include gun locks in support of this goal.
SAAMI commemorated its 100th anniversary in 2026, recognizing a century of promoting firearm safety by creating standards that ensure safety, reliability and interchangeability of firearms, ammunition, suppressors and components.
"This year's results were especially gratifying since we are celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the founding of SAAMI. We are proud that members of our industry not only supported our event by donating great auction items, but they were also engaged in showing their support for Project ChildSafe by actively and generously participating in the fundraising auction," said SAAMI President and CEO Joe Bartozzi. Several one-of-a-kind special edition firearms specifically commemorating this major milestone for SAAMI were provided by member companies.
A one-of-a-kind Colt Government Model 1911 featuring serial number SAAMI1, custom engraved with "SAAMI 1926–2026" inlaid with gold to commemorate the organization's centennial milestone.
"Project ChildSafe is the preeminent champion for the promotion of real-world solutions for responsible gun ownership, including firearm safety and education programs," added Bartozzi. "Our members are very proud to support the efforts of the nation's most comprehensive firearm safety and education program delivering real results."
Industry sponsors of the SAAMI auction were Bachstein Consulting, Benelli USA, Beretta USA, Braztech International, Browning, Colt, CZ, Dan Martin – Art & Photo, Fiocchi of America, GLOCK, Henry Repeating Arms, Heritage Manufacturing, Hodgdon Powder Company, Hornady, Kahr, Liberty Ammunition, Norma Precision, North American Arms, Q, RCBS, Ruger Firearms, Savage Arms, SIG SAUER, Smith & Wesson, Supply Energetics, Taurus, The Kinetic Group, True Velocity and Winchester.