THE DEPARTURE OF MR. BRITTINGHAM
Written by Silencerco on December 22, 2011As we learn of the departure of Kevin Brittingham from AAC, we felt it appropriate to say a few things.
There is no question in our mind that AAC under the tutelage and leadership of Kevin has contributed greatly to the expansion of not just the silencer market but all NFA in general. AAC, under Kevin’s direction, created the first mass market, successful marketing campaign in our industry and changed the game and how it is played. These were the first bold, modern steps toward the “Normalization” of Suppressors in the larger American shooting scene. This has benefited every single manufacturer and the end use customers. You can argue methodology…. and we all do, but you cannot argue with end results. Massive market expansion, accepted civilian use, technological innovation and greater awareness. All of these things occurred at AAC and in the industry as a whole, we believe largely due to the efforts of AAC under Kevin.
We are capitalists. We believe in the free market. As such, the competition required to maintain a healthy free market is absolutely critical. There are many fine manufacturers involved in the suppressor industry. Many of whom we have had excellent relationships with. We’ve always considered AAC under Kevin to be an extremely worthy competitor, whose aggressive marketing, unique style, fantastic products and forward thinking helped Silencerco to be a better company. Competition spurs innovation and the fine line of products and service from AAC and Kevin meant that the industry as a whole had to step up or wither and die.
It has been said that the highest compliments can only be paid by an enemy or competitor. We have always strived to stay out of the traditional industry infighting that occurs in the industry. We like to think we have been largely successful at it. We have never considered AAC under Kevin an enemy, only a fierce, innovative competitor. Mr. Brittingham, you helped change the industry as we know it. Brought it out of the basements and into retail gunshops. Out of the movies and spy novels, onto the battlefield and into the mainstream. Despite our occasional differences, your contributions have not gone unnoticed at Silencerco and we wish you all the best. I suspect we have not seen the last of Mr. Brittingham. In fact, it is our sincerest hope that we have not."
We applaud the guys at Silencerco for the kind words, and they're absolutely right. Without AAC's aggressive marketing campaign and awesome products, we wouldn't the options nor innovations in suppressors, nor would be as accepted at ranges across the country. Everyday more people jump on the NFA train and inquire about buying silencers, SBRs, etc, and more and more ranges are lifting their ridiculous bans on said items now that the public has been more exposed and educated.
Kevin, Houston Armory wishes you the best and we can't wait to see what you have in store for us.