SHOOTING HUNTING OUTDOOR TRADE SHOW 1979–2016 DAY 2, JAN UARY 20, 2 016
NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP SHOT Daily zeroes in on the latest in optics P. 16, aims at what’s new in ammo P. 28, and covers outerwear offerings P. 38
FEATURES
AFFORDABLE ACCURACY The secret to Savage’s success can be found on the factory floor SEE PAGE 70
BULLETS BY DOPPLER The search for a better bullet SEE PAGE 98
NEWS
LEAP OF FAITH Mossberg’s new sporting clays shotgun incorporates a radical idea SEE PAGE 8
PURE TORTURE Leupold’s new VX-3i riflescope’s durability was proofed the hard way SEE PAGE 78
T H E DA I LY N E WS O F T H E 2 0 1 6 L AS V EGAS S H OT S H OW B ROUG H T TO YOU BY T H E B O N N I E R CO R P O RAT I O N A N D T H E N SS F
TARGETED INQUIRY
“Bad data is worse than no data,” said Jim Curcuruto, NSSF’s Director of Industry Research and Analysis, at the end of Market Research 101, a seminar that capped off Monday’s SHOT Show University. The presentation, cohosted by Rob Southwick and Nancy Bacon of Southwick Associates, covered the basics of market research for retailers, manufacturers, and range operators. The session began with an overview of the various industry data indicators—existing information that has been consolidated by NSSF for use by its members. But Bacon also covered the common pitfalls of crafting your survey when it comes to conducting your own market research. Be sure to ask one question at a time, avoid leading words, and don’t use vague or relative terms. Most of all, said Bacon, “don’t let them say, ‘It depends.’ If your respondents can answer that way, you haven’t posed your question properly.” Southwick discussed the times when you want to engage a professional researcher. Doing it yourself works fine for simple information, but for more complex questions, it’s best to engage a professional research firm. NSSF works with a variety of researchers and can recommend one that suits best for the information you need. Southwick Associates also conducts an annual omnibus survey. Market research can help you identify what your customers value about your brand, but perhaps even more important is what you can find out about people who aren’t your customers. After all, that’s where your business has the most potential for growth. —Robert F. Staeger
ON THE FLOOR
FEDERAL PREMIUM Julie Golob is a worldchampion shooter and author with a passion for the outdoors. She is the first and only shooter— male or female—to win a national title in all six USPSA divisions, and was the first woman to earn a Triple Crown at the USPSA Nationals. Golob will host product demonstrations from 10 to 11 a.m. Booth #14551. 5.11 TACTICAL Author Lee Child. 10:30 a.m. Booth #13162.
Caracal’s New Venture Caracal and Wilcox Industries announced yesterday at the 2016 SHOT Show a new strategic partnership in which Caracal firearms will be produced for the first time in the United States at Wilcox’s manufacturing facility in New Hampshire. “This partnership takes Caracal to the next level and supports our long-term strategic goals for the United States,” said Hamad Al Ameri, CEO
of Caracal. Firearms to be produced at the facility include the 5.56mm CAR 814 and the short-stroke gas-piston CAR 816, among others. “This partnership represents the future of the industry, where leading experts from around the world unite to develop cutting-edge products for the market,” said Jim Teetzel, CEO of Wilcox Industries. Booth #2829. (caracal.ae)
CAMILLUS KNIVES Survivorman Les Stroud will be signing autographs from 1 to 3 p.m. Booth #15122. ROCKY Beer Social, $10 donation to the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance. 3 p.m. Booth #11340.
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