saw first quarter sales surge 71 percent over the same period last year.

The Bermuda company, which owns sporting rifle makers Savage Arms Ltd. and Lakefield Arms Ltd., as well as Savage Range Systems, reported sales for the three months ended January 31 of $5.94 million compared to $3.48 million last year.

First quarter profits jumped 59.7 percent to $305,000 from $191,000.

Earnings per share for the first quarter were three cents compared to two cents a year earlier.

Operating income climbed 122 percent to $656,000 from $295,000.

The company also reported booked orders for the Savage centre fire and Lakefield rim fire rifles are 47 percent ahead of last year.

CIL, which resurrected the US company, Savage Arms, and last year bought Ontario-based Lakefield Arms, launched Savage Range Systems, a shooting range builder, this year.