Boyd D. Metz, Jr.

Boyd D. Metz, Jr., a respected figure in the shooting sports industry for nearly five decades, passed away recently at the age of 83 following a brief illness. Born on a farm in Pennsylvania, he attended Penn State University before beginning his professional life as a police officer. He later entered the shooting sports field after being recruited by Jerry Warsky to join Jerry’s Sports Center. When Jerry acquired Simmons Sporting Goods, Boyd relocated to Kansas to lead the company’s wholesale operations, where he successfully expanded business relationships with Wal-Mart, Cabela’s, and independent dealers.

Following his tenure at Simmons, Boyd established himself as an independent manufacturer’s representative, skillfully representing prominent brands such as Sig Sauer, Winchester Ammunition, Hunting Shack Munitions, and Dynamit Nobel for more than 40 years. He also provided valuable brokerage and advisory services to international brands entering the U.S. market.

An accomplished competitive shooter and passionate hunter, Boyd earned the title of national smallbore rifle champion in 1989 and competed regularly, twice qualifying for the Olympic trials. He took great pleasure in deer and quail hunting, often accompanied by his cherished German Shorthair dogs. A constant presence at industry events, he attended every SHOT Show and several IWA Shows in Germany. Boyd will be remembered fondly by all who knew him for his kind leadership, wise counsel, and enduring friendships.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy, of Spring Hill, Kansas.