SAAMI or the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute is an association of the nation’s leading firearms, ammunition and component manufacturers. Founded in 1926, SAAMI is tasked with coordinating technical data, promoting safe practices in manufacturing and firearms use and creating and publishing industry standards for safety, interchangeability, reliability and quality. The institution has now announced that they will be adding a new membership category – affiliated members.

Here’s SAAMI’s announcement in full, which explains the new category in more detail:

NEWTOWN, Conn. – The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute® (SAAMI®) is pleased to announce that it has added a new membership category, Affiliated Members, to the organization’s body of professional suppliers.

As defined in the SAAMI bylaws, an individual or company eligible for Affiliated Member status is:

Any supplier of essential products or services used for the design, manufacture or testing of firearms, ammunition or propellant, including any major component part as defined in Art. V, Section 1, such as ballistic laboratory test and measurement equipment; tool and die makers; gauge and reamer manufacturers; and ballistic testing and materials testing, may be eligible to become a non-voting Affiliate Member of the Institute.

“None of us is as smart as all of us working towards a common goal,” said Rick Patterson, SAAMI Executive Director. “These companies are an essential part of our industry and including them in our membership body presents a more united industry working to assist in delivering SAAMI’s mission of firearm safety, reliability and interchangeability.”

To learn more about SAAMI, including its available memberships and how to apply, visit SAAMI.org.

About SAAMI:

The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute, founded in 1926 at the request of the federal government, is dedicated to creating and promulgating technical, performance and safety standards for firearms, ammunition and components, and is committed to being the preeminent global resource for the safe and responsible transportation, storage and use of these products.