Traditions Performance Firearms announced Karl Ricker has joined its team as senior product development manager, and Brenna Wells was promoted to inside sales manager. During his 31-year career, Ricker has worked with manufacturers such as Thompson Center and Smith & Wesson. Wells, who has been with Traditions for 22 years, oversees the inside sales department team and is responsible for managing all internal sales processes, account management and sales order process.

Thompson Center closed it’s doors under the Smith and Wesson brand just about 1 year ago, shuttering one of the most iconic muzzleloader brands since 1967. It’s interesting to see Traditions pull in some product development talent from T/C Arms as they continue to innovate in the muzzleloading space. While the acceptance of the Nitro Fire from Traditions is hit or miss depending on what kind of muzzleloading enthusiast you are, it’s clear that Traditions is ready for the next step in their product line.

Could we see Ricker spear head development of a Traditions Long Range muzzleloader to compete with or replace the T/C Encore? Or will Traditions shift some focus to their modern center fire line as they expand their portfolio? Time will tell but I think it’s going to be an interesting time to be a Traditions fan, I’m looking forward to seeing what they come up with.