Air Venturi—a leading manufacturer and importer of airguns and airsoft—secured exclusive worldwide rights to offer officially licensed replicas from the iconic firearm manufacturer Springfield Armory.
“By partnering with Springfield Armory, Air Venturi is able to put the most historically significant firearm designs into the hands of airgunners, replica enthusiasts and airsoft fans alike,” said Val Gamerman, president of Air Venturi. “Springfield Armory has a rich 240-year history in firearms, and we look forward to developing air-powered pistols and rifles that reflect the same level of quality and performance that customers have grown accustomed to from this revered brand.”
The announcement comes on the heels of the company introducing the world’s first frangible BB—Dust Devil BBs. The lead-free, .177-caliber projectiles shatter upon impact with a solid object, minimizing risk of ricochet. Their 4.35-grain weight is less than most versions on the market today, a fact that also increases their muzzle velocity from most of today’s airguns.
A partnership with one of the legends in the firearm industry is the big news, though. “With the introduction of the Springfield Armory’s name into the airgun and airsoft gun industry, we are ushering in a new era in our long-standing history in the shooting sports industry,” said Steve McKelvain, Springfield Armory president. “By partnering with Air Venturi, we will continue our tradition of developing products that are loyal to Springfield Armory’s heritage, while ensuring The Armory’s place in the progression of American firearms and now, airguns and airsoft.”
Air Venturi’s lineup launches in 2018, and the company will first offer replica pistols and rifles that helped define the Springfield Armory legacy—the XD, XD(M) and 1911 series of pistols, as well as the Saint Edge AR-15 rifle and the iconic M1A.
