PW Group Announces Appointment Richard Turner President & CEO of Walther Arms

January 29, 2026
11:03 am

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In a move that's sending ripples through the firearms world, the PW Group has tapped Richard F. Turner III as the new President and CEO of Walther Arms, effective January 1, 2026. Turner, who's been steering Umarex USA since 2021, packs a hefty 28 years in consumer products and outdoor recreation—think everything from airguns to high-end sporting gear. This isn't just a corporate shuffle; it's a strategic pivot for Walther, the iconic German brand synonymous with precision pistols like the PDP and PPQ series that have become darlings of competitive shooters and concealed carriers alike. Coming from Umarex, Walther's airgun powerhouse sibling, Turner knows the PW ecosystem inside out, blending rimfire innovation with centerfire dominance. What makes this appointment a big win for the 2A community? Turner's track record screams expansion in a market hungry for reliable, ergonomic firearms amid ongoing supply crunches and regulatory headwinds. Umarex USA under his watch ramped up airgun accessibility, turning training tools into gateways for new shooters—now imagine that energy funneled into Walther's optics-ready platforms and modular designs. With whispers of intensified R&D and U.S. manufacturing pushes, this could mean more affordable, American-made Walther goodness hitting shelves just as election-year politics heat up. For enthusiasts, it's a bullish signal: Walther's not hunkering down; they're gearing up to innovate, potentially outpacing competitors like Sig Sauer or Glock in the duty and defensive pistol space. The implications? A stronger Walther Arms fortifies the entire pro-2A supply chain, especially as PW Group eyes deeper North American integration. Turner's consumer savvy could supercharge marketing to millennials and Gen Z shooters, bridging airsoft roots to hard-use handguns. If he delivers, expect Walther to solidify its edge in the growing full-size striker-fired niche, giving defenders more choices against encroaching bans. 2A patriots, mark your calendars for 2026—this could be the spark that keeps Walther firing on all cylinders.

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In a move that’s sending ripples through the firearms world, the PW Group has tapped Richard F. Turner III as the new President and CEO of Walther Arms, effective January 1, 2026. Turner, who’s been steering Umarex USA since 2021, packs a hefty 28 years in consumer products and outdoor recreation—think everything from airguns to high-end sporting gear. This isn’t just a corporate shuffle; it’s a strategic pivot for Walther, the iconic German brand synonymous with precision pistols like the PDP and PPQ series that have become darlings of competitive shooters and concealed carriers alike. Coming from Umarex, Walther’s airgun powerhouse sibling, Turner knows the PW ecosystem inside out, blending rimfire innovation with centerfire dominance.

What makes this appointment a big win for the 2A community? Turner’s track record screams expansion in a market hungry for reliable, ergonomic firearms amid ongoing supply crunches and regulatory headwinds. Umarex USA under his watch ramped up airgun accessibility, turning training tools into gateways for new shooters—now imagine that energy funneled into Walther’s optics-ready platforms and modular designs. With whispers of intensified R&D and U.S. manufacturing pushes, this could mean more affordable, American-made Walther goodness hitting shelves just as election-year politics heat up. For enthusiasts, it’s a bullish signal: Walther’s not hunkering down; they’re gearing up to innovate, potentially outpacing competitors like Sig Sauer or Glock in the duty and defensive pistol space.

The implications? A stronger Walther Arms fortifies the entire pro-2A supply chain, especially as PW Group eyes deeper North American integration. Turner’s consumer savvy could supercharge marketing to millennials and Gen Z shooters, bridging airsoft roots to hard-use handguns. If he delivers, expect Walther to solidify its edge in the growing full-size striker-fired niche, giving defenders more choices against encroaching bans. 2A patriots, mark your calendars for 2026—this could be the spark that keeps Walther firing on all cylinders.

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