January 2017 SHOT Business by SHOT Business

JANUARY 2017

SPECIAL ISSUE

RETAILERS ARE ANTICIPATING A CHALLENGING YEAR AHEAD IN 2017, BUT THEY WONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T LACK FOR NEW FIREARMS, AS WELL AS OLD FAVORITES WITH A BEVY OF NEW FEATURES. Pg. 27

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE FYI

GOOD STUFF

Marketing that lets you really connect with customers. Pg. 20

The Spyderco Sprig refuses to be pigeon-holed. Pg. 50

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SHOT BUSINESS JANUARY 2017 VOLUME 25, ISSUE 1

4 7

EDITOR’S NOTE A big win for SHOT Business.

NEWS BRIEFS Mossy Oak Pro Staffers are there to help you; Marlin rolls out new lever-actions.

22 FYI Blue Calypso’s mobile marketing tactics help you sell more efficiently.

UNDERCOVER SHOPPER In the case of suppressors, one Kansas City retailer knows how to win rounds: really please the customer.

RIFLES 2017 New rimfires and an attentiongetting modern sporting rifle are on tap. BY RICHARD MANN

GOOD STUFF Spyderco’s Sprig is a whole lot more than just a bird-and-trout knife.

SHOTGUNS 2017 This year, the focus is on versatility.

52 58

BY RICHARD MANN

WHAT’S SELLING WHERE

NEW PRODUCTS The Bog Pod shooting tripod; Browning’s Pistol Vault 900; Reactor’s Gryphon tactical watch; Wafer Blades from Hunters Specialties.

HANDGUNS 2017 1911s still rule the roost.

BY RICHARD MANN

FROM THE NSSF The Obama administration’s political promise to develop workable Smart Gun technology really wasn’t so smart itself.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The new Range Survey Report has great info for range owners—and for anyone who wants to add a range.

NSSF UPDATE Sunday hunting law news; the huge impact of #GUNVOTE; making hunting a state right.

RETAILER TOOLBOX Do you have the tools to protect your trade? Here’s what you need to know about installing a multilayered modern alarm system.

JANUARY 2017 ] SHOT BUSINESS ] 3

EDITOR’S NOTE

NSSF

On Target SLATON L. WHITE, Editor

Hitting the 10 ring

he editors of SHOT Business believe SHOT Business is the modern magazine of the shooting-sports industry, one designed to equip retailers, manufacturers, and sales representatives with expert “realtime” information that will help them run better, more profitable businesses. Because we understand the challenges that the independent retailer faces, we make sure that in every issue, our experienced staff writers deliver information that can improve bottom-line performance. We talk to successful retailers and industry experts, who offer tips on how to create effective promotions, manage inventory and staff, work with distributors, deal with day-to-day business issues, and create a positive image for the shooting sports in their communities. As we like to say, “The business of SHOT Business is to keep your business on target.”

James A. Walsh, Art Director Margaret M. Nussey, Managing Editor David E. Petzal, Shooting Editor Mike Toth, Special Projects Editor Judith Weber, Digital Content Producer Hilary Ribons, Editorial Assistant CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Larry Ahlman, Barbara Baird, Scott Bestul, Philip Bourjaily, Christopher Cogley, David Draper, Jock Elliott, William F. Kendy, Mark Kayser, David Maccar, Richard Mann, Peter B. Mathiesen, Brian McCombie, Tom Mohrhauser, Robert Sadowski, Robert F. Staeger, Peter Suciu, Wayne Van Zwoll

ADVERTISING: 212-779-5316 Gregory D. Gatto, Vice President, Publishing Director Jeff Roberge, Advertising Director Brian Peterson, Western Sporting Goods Sales Katie Logan, Southern Sporting Goods Sales David Hawkey, Northeast Sporting Goods Sales Elizabeth Burnham Murphy, Chief Marketing Officer Ingrid Reslmaier, Marketing Design Director

BUSINESS OPERATIONS Tara Bisciello, Business Manager

CONSUMER MARKETING Robert M. Cohn, Consumer Marketing Director Barbara Brooker, Fulfillment Manager

MANUFACTURING

With all that in mind, I am very proud to note that the magazine business also believes SHOT Business is “on target.” SHOT Business recently won a Folio: Editorial Excellence Award for the August/September 2015 issue, the cover story of which was “Plinking.” Folio is the trade magazine of magazines, and its annual awards program is designed to recognize editorial and design excellence throughout the industry. Of special note to our readers, this is the third award (along with a pair of honorable mentions) for SHOT Business in a little more than 10 years, which tells me we’ve been on track, delivering what we say we will deliver in an informative and attractive package, for a long time. As I mentioned in my Editor’s Note in that issue, contributing editor Tom Mohrhauser came up with the idea by posing this question to me while on a grouse hunt: “Why don’t you do something fun?” When I asked what he meant, he said, “Lately, all I see in shooting 4 ] SHOT BUSINESS ] JANUARY 2017

magazines is stuff about competitions and tricked-out gear. It’s all so incredibly serious. We seem to have lost the fun along the way.” He was right. After that, it was a matter of assigning the articles to contributing writers Christopher Cogley and Jock Elliott, and asking David E. Petzal, one of our industry’s most respected writers, to pen an introduction, which he graciously agreed to do. The last piece to fall into place was photography. For that, I turned to Tim Irwin, whose work is often seen in SHOT Business these days. I told him I wanted family images. I also said we needed to make sure the images showed the fun of plinking. The cover he eventually created, which you see on this page, was his idea. He just thought it was a natural for the overall tone of the issue. When he sent it to me, I knew he had hit the 10 ring.

Slaton L. White, Editor

Michelle Doster, Group Production Director Stephanie Northcutt, Production Manager

BONNIER Chairman, Tomas Franzén Head of Business Area, Magazines, Lars Dahmén Chief Executive Officer, Eric Zinczenko Chief Financial Officer, Joachim Jaginder Chief Operating Officer, David Ritchie Chief Marketing Officer, Elizabeth Burnham Murphy Chief Digital Revenue Officer, Sean Holzman Vice President, Integrated Sales, John Graney Vice President, Consumer Marketing, John Reese Vice President, Digital Operations, David Butler Vice President, Public Relations, Perri Dorset General Counsel, Jeremy Thompson

SHOT Business (ISSN 1081-8618) is published 7 times a year in January, February/March, April/May, June/July, August/September, October/ November and December by Bonnier Corporation, 2 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5695, and is the official publication of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Flintlock Ridge Office Center, 11 Mile Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470 (203-426-1320). Volume 25, issue 1, Copyright © 2017 by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. All rights reserved. Editorial, circulation, production and advertising offices are located at 2 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5695 (212-779-5000). Free to qualified subscribers; available to non-qualified subscribers for $25 per year. Single-copy issues are available for $5 each. Send check, payable to NSSF, to: SHOT Business, c/o NSSF, 11 Mile Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470-2359. SHOT Business accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. All correspondence should be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Requests for media kits and advertising information should be directed to Katy Marinaro, Bonnier Corporation, 625 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 1270, Chicago, IL 60611. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY, and at additional mailing offices. Printed in the USA. For Customer Service and Subscription questions, such as Renewals, Address Changes, Email Preferences, Billing and Account Status, go to: shotbusiness .com/cs. You can also email SBZcustserv@cdsfulfllment.com, in the U.S. call toll-free 866-615-4345, outside the U.S. call 515-237-3697, or write to SHOT Business, 2 Park Ave., New York, NY 10016. For editorial inquiries, write to Slaton L. White, SHOT Business, 2 Park Ave., New York, NY 10016 REPRINTS: E-mail reprints@bonniercorp.com. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to SHOT Business, P.O. Box 6364 Harlan, IA 51593.

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NEWS BRIEFS

Bits & Pieces

NEWS

]

PROMOTIONS

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AWARDS

]

OUTREACH

Outdoor Edge Selects Hunter Outdoor Communications Knife and tool manufacturer Outdoor Edge has selected Hunter Outdoor Communications to handle its public and media relations. “We are very excited about our partnership with Hunter Outdoor Communications,” says David Bloch, president and owner. “We look forward to a long and successful relationship with this highly respected PR agency.” Hunter Outdoor Communications’ public relations program for Outdoor Edge will encompass the development and implementation of an aggressive communications plan focusing on not only the company’s traditional outdoor market, but also potential new markets for the products to be launched in 2017.

Henry Repeating Arms Expands Its Line In order to give shooters more caliber choices, the already extensive line of Big Boy models is being offered in .327 Federal Magnum/.32 H&R. This new caliber will extend to the Big Boy Classic and Big Boy Carbine (SRP: $899.95), as well as the Big Boy Steel and Big Boy Steel Carbine (SRP: $850). In 2016, Henry added .41 Magnum to the Big Boy Steel, and this caliber is now being extended to the Big Boy Classic, Carbine, and Steel Carbine.

This product is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources.

Mossy Oak’s Pro Staff program helps retailers sell more efficiently.

Ready, Willing, And Able Mossy Oak’s Pro Staffers want to help retailers BY BRIAN MCCOMBIE

ossy Oak is seemingly everywhere in the outdoors and shooting sports industries, as the company’s camouflage patterns adorn everything from firearms and bows to bikinis and vehicles. One more facet of the company that can be found all over the nation? A veritable army of Mossy Oak Pro Staffers, more than 1,000 strong and growing, ready and able to help your operation sell more products. JANUARY 2017 ] SHOT BUSINESS ] 7

NEWS BRIEFS

Mossy Oak Pro Staffer Scott Davis assists a potential customer.

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According to Tim Anderson, Mossy Oak’s director of public relations, the Mossy Oak Pro Staff consists of about 25 regional Pro Staff Managers who oversee approximately 1,100 individual Pro Staff members. “To help licensing companies move product, Mossy Oak makes the Pro Staff available to work in-store promotions, dinners, shows, and other events,” he says. “It really is a grassroots approach to moving products with the Mossy Oak pattern on them.” But Mossy Oak’s Pro Staffers assist retailers in ways that go well beyond selling Mossy Oak licensed product lines. “We tell our team, ‘Do anything a retailer asks you to do to help at an event,’” says Anderson. “Obviously, working in the stores and helping consumers make buying decisions is important. Answering product questions or hunting-specific questions also is valuable to the retailer and the consumer. In addition to that, our team will pull stock from the back if needed, collect carts from out in the parking lot, or help direct traffic. We do absolutely anything to help the retailer have a successful event. It’s all part of the Mossy Oak partnership.” All of this, and at no cost to the retailer. Jeremy Parris is the manager for the hunting, camo, and footwear departments at Bass Pro Shops Number 7, in Concord, North Carolina. He has had Mossy Oak Pro Staffers on hand during the store’s Fall Hunting Classic promotion, which offers customers a number of hunting and outdoors seminars, guest appearances, and all sorts of sales. “We definitely benefit greatly from having Mossy Oak Pro Staff available for our customers here in Concord,” says Parris. “They help provide that next level of experience and knowledge

about products.” You can also find these Pro Staffers at hundreds of conservation group dinners and banquets every year, including events held by Ducks Unlimited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Mossy Oak Pro Staffers also attend the growing number of wild-game dinners being sponsored by various churches, veterans groups, and charities. “At these types of events, we are there as Mossy Oak Ambassadors, showing our support for the groups and sportsmen who are dedicating their time and resources to these important conservation and charity causes,” says Anderson. So, how does one become a Pro Staffer for Mossy Oak? It’s no secret the basic requirements for being a Mossy Oak Pro Staffer include a passion for hunting and being outdoors— and a heart-felt desire to share those experiences with others. But Mossy Oak’s National Pro Staff are also members of the hunting community, recognized for their hunting expertise and accomplishments, which include work in video, television, and/or written media (print and web-based). There is an online application that must be filled out. Anderson and his regional managers evaluate applications and schedule interviews. Think you have what it takes to be a member of the Mossy Oak Pro Staff ? Then visit the Pro Staff website at mossyoak.com/prostaff. Would you like to find out how Mossy Oak Pro Staffers might help out at your retail operation, a group dinner, or a charity event? Tim Anderson is ready to take your call or email. (563-922-2086; tanderson@mossyoak.com)

Marlin Rolls Out New Cowboy Lever-Actions Since its acquisition by Remington 10 years ago, Marlin has had a tough go. As a result, it’s been fairly quiet of late. But this year, it’s poised to make a big noise with its classic line of cowboy rifles. “We’ve re-engineered our .30/30 336 line and our .45/70,” says Eric Lundgren, Remington’s rifle product manager. “We also have been working on our 1894 line. The .45 Colt model has been out for a while, but at SHOT Show, we’ll be debuting a .44 Colt version, as well as one for .357 Mag.” Both the Model 1894 and Model 1894 Cowboy lever-actions will now be available in all three calibers. All are made in the U.S. and feature an American black walnut stock with a straight grip, a receiver and bolt machined from solid steel, and a blued receiver, bolt, barrel, tube, and lever. The Model 1894s are fitted with 20-inch round barrels (18.5 inches on the .357 Mag.), a semi-buckhorn adjustable rear sight, and a ramped front sight post. SRP: $789. The Model 1894 Cowboys are similarly equipped, except they get a polished 20-inch octagonal barrel and Marble Arms sights (semi-buckhorn rear front sight and a dovetail-ramp front). SRP: $1,041. “These rifles are fun to shoot,” Lundgren says. “When you load .38 Special into the .357, you’ll find it has basically no recoil. When you shoot the .357, you’ll naturally

feel a bit more recoil, but it’s still very manageable. Because of the lack of recoil, the rifles are great starter deer guns for young shooters.” I had a chance to shoot with Lundgren at a range, and he’s absolutely on target

with the lack of recoil. The guns are also surprisingly accurate—I was ringing steel targets steadily at 75 and 100 yards from an off hand position. “It’s been a long time coming,” Lundgren says. “I don’t know that there is a thing called the perfect gun, but these come close. And on the practical side, those 18- and 20-inch barrels make them a great choice for home defense as well.” (remington.com) —Slaton L. White

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Eric Lundgren, Remington’s rifle product manager, with one of the re-engineered Marlin lever-actions.

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NEWS BRIEFS

SIG Sauer Introduces the 1911 Max Michel BB Pistol

odeled after the 1911 Max centerfire pistol designed by World Speed Shooting Champion and Team SIG Captain Max Michel Jr., the 1911 Max Michel BB Pistol is a CO2-powered, semiautomatic 1911-style pistol that will be a fun and useful training tool for shooters of all skill levels. “When it comes to shooting, consistent training is invaluable, whether you are a member of law enforcement, the military, or are a responsible citizen carrying to protect your family,” said Michel. “Despite this, many people

don’t have the time, opportunity, or finances to train as much as they should. But this pistol gives you the flexibility to train anywhere, anytime, with measurable results. Dry-fire training is always recommended, but it can be boring and sometimes misleading. This is a great way for those who typically shoot a 1911-style pistol to work on accuracy,

speed, and drawing from concealment.” The 1911 Max Michel BB Pistol fits in current 1911 holster systems and has the same weight and controls as a traditional 1911 firearm. It features a full-metal slide and frame with the realistic blowback action of the metal slide. The 16-round magazine holds 4.5mm steel BBs, and the trigger has the same styling and shape as the 1911 Max firearm. There is also a cam-lever CO2 loading port for easy and quick loading of the 12-grain CO2 cartridges. SRP: $110. (sigsauerasp.com)

Federal Premium Rethinks the Box

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Packaging matters. Just look what Apple has done with the boxes for its iPods and iPhones. The ammunition industry is beginning to catch on that how the box looks to the eye of passing consumers is nearly as important as the performance of the product within. This year, retailers will see a new look from Federal Premium designed to help move its core big-game line. “Our products are peerless in their class, providing the best performance whether the application is competitive target shooting, personal defense, or hunting,” says J.J. Reich, communications manager for firearms and ammunition. “And to better convey these benefits, we’ve redesigned the packaging.” Reich says Federal undertook extensive consumer research to find a look that was eye-catching, but also conveyed essential information quickly and clearly. As a result, he says, “The graphics on the new packaging were designed to bring features to life. Vivid technical renderings illustrate specific features of the bullet and cartridge. And because caliber is the most searched for piece of information on the shelf, we’ve enlarged this on the end flap for better visibility and clarity. A prominent call-out for the intended use—for example, big game—has replaced previously used icons to give consumers clear, instant recognition of the application.” Federal Power-Shok rifle ammo has also benefited from a packaging redesign. “This proven product line is an extremely practical and effective option—one chosen to fill tags for countless thousands of hunters each year,” Reich says. “The new packaging better reflects this and draws focused attention from results-driven hunters targeting medium and large game. Like the Federal Premium packaging, Power-Shok’s many benefits have been called out, as well as the caliber, bullet style, and primary use.” (federalpremium.com)

CLEAR OBJECTIVE Konus has a plan to raise its profile in the American market BY ROBERT SADOWSKI

When hunters and shooters think about European optics, Germany and Austria naturally come to mind. Italy? Not so much. But Mark Shore, vice president of sales and marketing, at Konus, which is based in northern Italy, says the manufacturer has a plan to raise awareness of its products with the American consumer. “Konus has been working very hard to raise its profile in the U.S.,” he says. “The professional stocking dealers who have partnered with Konus have seen significant increases in their optics sales. Even more important, they have seen a precipitous drop in their riflescope defective rates.” Not only does this provide dealers with confidence in the overall product line, it makes consumers happy as well. Shore also says that the company strives to make quality products at a price point the average consumer can easily handle. “But we don’t strip off features to make the scope more affordable. Konus offers many upgraded features and internal mechanisms not typically found in a popularpriced optic in the $100 to $300 range.” Like many higher-end optics manufacturers, Konus uses quality Japanese glass, which makes its scopes some of the brightest and clearest in the market, but at a far more affordable price point. Take, for example, the two new scopes in the LZ30 series, which have an SRP of $399.99 and $429.99. Typical street retail for these scopes will most likely be around $289.99 and $309.99, respectively. And yet, these scopes are packed with features, such as laser-engraved reticles, that make them more useful to shooters. Rather than using a thin wire, Konus etches the reticle onto precision glass so it won’t break, even under severe recoil. Also built into the new LZ30 series is a tool-free way to reset turret adjustments to zero. A unique dual-locking system allows the turret to be set and locked. Then, a second mechanism can be loosened, allowing for a reset to 0, and locking that into place as well. Konus also has products that will appeal to the tactical shooter. “The new 2–6x28mm AS34 tactical scope with a 34mm tube will help dealers accommodate the demand for quality tactical optics, but at an unbelievable price point,” he says.

Konus offers good value without stripping off features optics customers want.

Shore says it’s really rather easy to convert shooters to Konus. “Allow your customers to look through the scopes,” he

says. “Then share the price. At that point, they tend to sell themselves.” (konuspro.com)

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Kahr Firearms Group Introduces Seven New Models for 2017 The Mark XIX L5 now comes in .44 Magnum.

In 2015, when Magnum Research first introduced the new lightweight Desert Eagle L5 in .357 Magnum, it quickly gained widespread appeal, especially among loyal Desert Eagle fans. Now, new for 2017, the Mark XIX L5 is also

offered in .44 Magnum. The new L5 is offered with a 5-inch barrel and features a hard-coat-anodized black aluminum frame, black carbon steel slide and barrel, and Hogue finger-groove rubber grips. The pistol also has Magnum Researchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popular integral muzzle brake. The new, lighter version of this popular Desert Eagle .44 Mag. puts it under 50 ounces, which also makes it New York State compliant. The DE44L5IMB ships with one 8-round magazine. SRP: $1,790. Also new for 2017, Magnum Research now offers the aluminum-frame L6 with stainless slide and barrel both in a .44 Mag. and a .357 Mag. in addition to the popular .50 AE. Both the Desert Eagle L6 DE357ASIMB and the L6 DE44ASIMB feature a 6-inch stainless-steel barrel and slide with a hard-coat-anodized black aluminum frame, a stainless-steel slide, and an integral muzzle brake. It also has attractive black appointments and features a Picatinny rail on the frame. And like the L5, the new L6 also features a Hogue finger-groove rubber grip. The single-action pistol has a 4-pound trigger pull. The L6 ships with one 8-round magazine for the DE44ASIMB and a 9-round magazine on the DE357ASIMB. SRP: $2,054. (magnumresearch.com) Also being introduced in 2017 are some exciting new features for four of Kahr Arms most popular modelsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the CM9093, CM4543, CW3833, and CT3833. For the first time, these four models will be offered with white three-dot sights, a Pachmayr Tactical Grip Glove, and a Pearce finger-rest magazine extension. (The CM4543 does not include the Pearce Finger Rest.) All four models will be also offered with Cerakote Tungsten on the slide, trigger, and slide-stop lever. SRP: $439, CW3833TU3 and CT3833TU3; $499, CM9093TU3 CM4543TU3. (kahr.com)

Kahr is adding exciting new features to its line.

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FROM THE NSSF

The Obama Administration’s Smart Gun Saga Much ado about nearly nothing

completely predictable thing happened on the way to the Obama administration’s political promise from January (via a White House memorandum to the Secretary of Defense, U.S. Attorney General, and Secretary of Homeland Security) that the federal government would put its considerable weight behind the development of authorized-user technology— more often called “Smart Guns.” In fact, NSSF predicted it.

With the release in November of the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Report, “Baseline Specifications for Law Enforcement Service Pistols with Security Technology,” we were reminded of the White House’s own words that eventual acquisition of firearms with this technology “would be consistent with operational needs.” Indeed, operational needs as described in the NIJ baseline specifications seem to have ruled out for law enforcement several of the technologies so often cited in the media, including the fingerprint technology endorsed by President Obama this past April with the rhetorical question: “If we can set it up so you can’t unlock your phone unless you’ve got the right fingerprint, why can’t we do the same for our guns?” The “working group of firearms experts in firearms technology” from the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security specified in their report that, “The [firearm’s] security device shall not inhibit the operator from firing in either hand, one-handed, or two-handed,

14 ] SHOT BUSINESS ] JANUARY 2017

with or without gloves, in any orientation” (Sec. 4.18.4). Similarly, the report instructs, “The security device shall not increase the time required by the operator to grasp, draw from a holster, and fire the pistol as a pistol of the same design that is not equipped with the security device” (Sec. 4.18.6). This specification would seem to rule out having to enter any numeric codes or even to have to wait for an external signaling device to synch up with the firearm unlocking mechanism. Further, we read, “The security device shall not emit audible sounds or visible signals” (Sec. 4.18.7). We have seen video of handguns equipped with lights to indicate readiness to fire. You can count these designs out for law enforcement use, apparently. Lastly, and most troubling, we read, “If the security device malfunctions, it shall default to a state to allow the pistol to fire” (Sec. 4.18.3). How is that so? We have heard that one of the proponents’ concerns was a law enforcement officer’s gun being taken from him. If

the device failed in this way, then the officer’s life is at risk. If it defaults to non-firing, of course, an officer would be unable to defend himself/herself or others. It sounds like a technological conundrum. We point this out not to say, “We told you so,” although we did. We do so because—unlike the early 2016 pronouncements from the White House, which were picked up uncritically and trumpeted by the mainstream media—the release of this promised report has yielded almost no coverage, except for the endemic outdoor press members who cover our industry. Not surprisingly, we have also not seen a headline declaring, “Government firearms experts throw cold water on White House ‘smart gun’ hopes.” We have seen one short and decidedly vague story so far, under the headline, “Obama administration’s new specifications for smart guns only voluntary plan,” appearing in the vehemently gun-controlfavoring New York Daily News. It quotes a Justice Department spokesman as saying, “The specs give ‘clear

guidance’ to manufacturers.” On that, we can agree. NSSF reads that guidance and will characterize it as indicating that no law enforcement agency is likely to be ordering any “service pistols with security technology” anytime soon. ³ FOR THE RECORD, the firearms industry does not oppose the development or marketing of authorized-user technology-equipped firearms. We do oppose government mandates requiring this technology in the marketplace. The industry also wants law enforcement and military experts to make acquisition decisions, not their political bosses on any level. As firearms experts, we also reserve the right to point out problems with the theory and design of “smart gun” technology as incorporated in the examples we have seen to date. There are several tried-and-true means of safeguarding firearms, such as securing them in safes and lockboxes or with the use of cable locks such as those provided by the industry with the purchase of new firearms or through NSSF’s Project ChildSafe program.

Steve Sanetti NSSF President and Chief Executive Officer

B Y D I A N N E V R A B L I C , N S S F R E S E A R C H C O O R D I N AT O R

U P D AT E

YO U S H O U L D K N O W

Wide Ranging Information NSSF releases a new report for ranges

he “NSSF Range Survey Report 2016,” based on responses to a range survey conducted in August 2016, provides ranges with a new level of detail for use in business comparison and future business planning. The report is presented in a userfriendly layout, with three separate sections relating to the type of range responding to our survey request. These three types were identified as “Gun Clubs/Sportsman’s Clubs,” “Indoor Ranges,” and “Outdoor Ranges.” The details provided within the report and broken down by those three range types answer range-related questions—answers that have, prior to now, not been easily obtainable.

Each section of the report includes a wealth of data, including information about the typical amount spent per visit by customer type, the average number of visits per year per customer, one-year average range occupancy per quarter, annual gross revenue, contributing revenue sources, operating expenditures, number of employees and average staff salaries, and membership information. You will also discover data concerning training classes, which also includes the average number of students and the overall gender ratios of such classes. Looking for more? Information related to ammunition, clay targets sold, the average price per round for clay target sports, and the number of shooting lanes and positions are just some of the hundreds of data characteristics we gathered in this report. Why was this survey and the resulting report necessary? More and more retail establishments are looking for different and exciting ways to recruit new customers and retain them through increased engagement in the shooting

sports. Adding a range facility is one way to do that. Of course, existing range facilities are looking to do the same thing—recruit and retain a strong customer base—and the good news is that the data shows the majority of ranges responding to the survey indicated an increase in activity across the board. Let’s take a look at some of the specifics we discovered when we analyzed the survey results in support of those recruitment and retention efforts, and how you might use them when considering adding a range to your retail establishment or expanding and improving on a facility you currently operate:

male customers representing more than three-quarters of a typical range’s customer base, female participation in training classes is reported to range from 30 to 38 percent of the students. ● Most facilities—66 percent or more—reported increases in female participation over the previous 12 months. ● Most facilities responding to the survey indicated an increase of 15 to 25 percent participation by first-time shooters over the previous 12 months. ● More than 80 percent of all range customers are Caucasian. ● All ranges reported a higher participation level in handgun shooting versus rifle shooting. ³ “THAT’S JUST A TEASER

Of all range types, 84 to 98 percent offer some form of firearms training classes. ● Of all range types, 69 to 78 percent reported an increase in their customer interest in personal defense, while 58 to 75 percent reported an increase in participation in concealedcarry/certification classes over the past 12 months. ● Though male customers outnumber female customers, those ●

of the facts we discovered in conducting this survey,” says Jim Curcuruto, NSSF Director, Research & Analysis. “We think that anyone exploring the possibility of adding a range facility to their existing FFL retail footprint will find the data necessary to forming a well-thought-out business plan. Likewise for those current range operators, the information in this report can

immediately provide guidance for future facility improvements, whether they’re to the range itself or the development of marketing and class planning. Who are my customers? What do they want in a range? What shooting sports are they interested in? What do I need to pay my employees to keep them on board? What are other ranges similar to what I’m planning grossing each year? Bottom line, there are hundreds of questions to ask when planning a new range or improving on one you already manage, and this report goes a long way toward answering them.” The full “NSSF Range Survey Report 2016” is now available in PDF file format. The report can be purchased by NSSF members and nonmembers, with NSSF members receiving a significant discount ($120 for NSSF members, versus $1,200 for nonmembers). Members may order their copies by logging on to the members-only side of nssf.org and adding the report to their shopping cart. Non-members may purchase the report at nssf.org/research webpage. For questions and ordering assistance, please contact me, Dianne Vrablic, NSSF Research Coordinator, at dvrablic@nssf.org or by calling 203-426-1320 ext. 263. JANUARY 2017 ] SHOT BUSINESS ] 15

U P D AT E

SUNDAY HUNTING VICTORIOUS IN WEST VIRGINIA

he on-the-ground Sunday Hunting movement in West Virginia, assisted organizationally and financially by NSSF, has reason to celebrate after 11 counties voted to authorize Sunday hunting on private property. While NSSF was optimistic about securing passage in most of the counties, winning all 11 provides a clear sign to the state legislature that the

time has arrived to implement statewide Sunday hunting. NSSF is grateful to the voters who saw this as a privateproperty-rights issue. While county initiatives in the past saw razor-close margins, that was not the case on Election Day this year. The margin of approval was nearly 2 to 1 in every county, with the exception of Monongalia, where it was approved by almost 3 to 1. Even more surprising are the results from the capitol region of Kanawha County, where voters said yes to Sunday hunting 67 to 33 percent. Close to 200,000 people in the state cast votes in favor of Sunday hunting, and West Virginia now has 33 counties in which it is permitted.

West Virginia now has 33 counties in which it is permitted to hunt on Sundays.

TWO POST-ELECTION NSSF WEBINARS OFFER INSIGHTS ow that the election has wrapped up, attention turns to what the results mean for our industry and for the Second Amendment. In November, NSSF’s Government Relations team hosted two informational webinars to offer members an overview of the political and policy landscape in Washington, D.C., and on the state level. Patrick Rothwell, NSSF Managing Director, Government

16 ] SHOT BUSINESS ] JANUARY 2017

Relations—Federal Affairs, provided an overview of the impact of the election on Congress and federal legislation. Among the topics covered were legislative and regulatory priorities for the industry in the new Congress and Trump administration, a look ahead at key dynamics that affect the outlook for those issues, and a preview of potential Supreme Court picks. Jake McGuigan, NSSF Senior Director, Government Relations—

State Affairs, offered insights on the changes to state legislatures and governor’s mansions. With dramatic changes in partisan control in many states, topics covered included the new makeup of state governments, implications for the gun-control advocates’ agenda, and what to watch in terms of threats and opportunities moving forward. The webinars are available to all NSSF members when they go to the members-only side of nssf.org.

Patrick Rothwell (top); Jake McGuigan (below).

NSSF’S #GUNVOTE HAS UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS NSSF’s 2016 #GUNVOTE voter education and registration initiative exceeded all previous election-cycle efforts by several orders of magnitude, and was made possible by the significant commitment of NSSF member companies, the enthusiastic involvement of retailer

and media partners, and the participation through social media and at the ballot box of #GUNVOTE supporters. Illustrating the reach of #GUNVOTE social media, there were nearly 20 million #GUNVOTE video views on all platforms. Almost 200 million impressions were

achieved on #GUNVOTE’s Facebook account, which now has more than 450,000 followers. The average total Facebook reach per day in the last 90 days before the election topped 776,000. And on Twitter, we saw 30 million impressions and have almost 40,000 followers.

Right to Hunt Succeeds in Indiana, Kansas

y overwhelming margins— more than 80 percent in Kansas, and just under 80 percent in Indiana—voters approved amendments to their respective state’s constitution that will guarantee the right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife, protecting this rich heritage for future generations. Hunting and fishing are deeply rooted in both states’ cultures,

and they have a major economic impact. Indiana’s almost 400,000 hunters and 800,000 anglers spend close to $1 billion annually and support more than 14,000 jobs. Kansas’ nearly 300,000 hunters and 400,000 anglers spend $630 million annually and support approximately 10,000 jobs. There are now 21 states that have constitutionally protected the right to hunt and fish.

Voters in Indiana and Kansas overwhelmingly approved amendments that will guarantee the right to hunt, fish, and harvest wildlife in their state.

NSSF’s 2016 #GUNVOTE hit all social media platforms.

ROYAL RANGE USA IS FIRST NSSF FIVE STAR RANGE NSSF is pleased to announce it has awarded Royal Range USA its first Five Star rating for business excellence, pursuant to overhauling its previous range assessment program in 2016. Based in Nashville, Royal Range USA boasts 31 shooting lanes divided across three ranges, including a state-of-the art 57-yard rifle range. Royal Range also features a force-on-force training room, a 20-yard archery range, gunsmithing services, and an array of training courses. “We were very impressed with the Royal Range facility,” said Zach Snow, NSSF Manager, Shooting Promotions. “This range has it all: a knowledgeable staff, a focused business plan, outstanding shooting facilities, and both the drive and the ability to provide an exceptional customer experience.” For more information on the Star-Rating Range Program, visit nssf.org and click on “Ranges.” Have questions about how to participate in this program? Contact Zach Snow at zsnow@nssf.org.

© 2017 National Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. SHOT Business®, SHOT Show® and all other trade names, trademarks and service marks of the National Shooting Sports Foundation appearing in this publication are the sole property of the Foundation and may not be used without the Foundation’s prior express written permission. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

JANUARY 2017 ] SHOT BUSINESS ] 17

U P D AT E

R E TA I L E R T O O L B O X

Tools To Protect Your Trade Key considerations for designing a modern alarm system

here are many options when it comes to installing a burglar alarm system, but as an FFL protecting firearms and doing everything you can to keep guns out of the hands of individuals not authorized to possess them, you should put significant planning into your protection and detection system. Choosing the correct detection hardware will not only deter burglary and support early detection of an intruder or vandal, it will hopefully provide some peace of mind when you secure and leave the premises each night. Let’s take a look at what your intrusion detection system (IDS) should include.

A PREMISES CONTROL UNIT (PCU), ALARM CONTROL PANEL (ACP), OR SIMPLY A “PANEL”: This is

the “brain” of the system. It reads sensor inputs, tracks arm/disarm statuses, and signals intrusions. Modern systems consist of one or more computer circuit boards inside a metal enclosure. SENSORS: These detect

intrusions via a variety of methods, such as doors and

window openings or by monitoring unoccupied interiors for motion, sound, vibration, or other disturbances. They may be placed at the perimeter of a protected area, within it, or both. ALERTING DEVICES: Most

commonly, these are bells, sirens, strobe lights, or a combination thereof. Alerting devices warn occupants of intrusion, potentially scare off burglars, and

alert law enforcement, neighbors, and the nearby public of a security breech.

of wiring to the control unit or wireless links with power supplies.

KEYPADS: These small devices, usually wallmounted, function as the human interface to the system. They typically feature indicator lights, panic buttons, and a multi-character display, in addition to standard alphanumeric buttons.

DOOR AND WINDOW CONTACT SENSORS: These com-

COMPONENT INTERCONNECTION: This may consist

You may need to install a variety of devices in several areas to ensure a layered defense against break-ins.

18 ] SHOT BUSINESS ] JANUARY 2017

mon two-piece sensors operate with an electrically conductive reed switch, which is either open or closed when under the influence of a magnetic field when it is in proximity to the second piece containing the magnet. When the magnet is moved away from the reed switch,

BY JOHN BOCKER, NSSF COMPLIANCE CONSULTANT TEAM MEMBER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, JB GROUP, LLC

as when opening a window or door, the reed switch either closes or opens (depending on its design). This action, coupled with an electrical current (typically at 12-volt DC), allows an alarm control panel to detect a “fault” on that zone or circuit. These types of sensors are very common on windows, doors, and hatches, and are found either wired directly to an alarm control panel or in wireless door and window contacts as subcomponents. PASSIVE INFRARED DETECTORS: Passive infra-

red (PIR) motion detectors are some of the most common sensors installed in small-business environments. Such sensors sense heat given off by something or someone by detecting abrupt changes in temperature at a given point. For instance, when an intruder walks in front of the sensor, the temperature at that point will rise from room temperature to body temperature and then back again. PIR sensors may be designed to be wall- or ceiling-mounted, and come in various fields of view, from narrow “point” detectors to 360-degree fields. PIRs require a power supply in addition to the detectionsignaling circuit. These devices are inexpensive and should be installed to detect intruders in all areas where a breech may occur. MICROWAVE DETECTORS:

These devices emit microwaves from a transmitter and detect reflected microwaves or a reduction in beam intensity using a receiver. The transmitter and receiver are combined inside a single housing (monostatic) for indoor applications, or in

separate housings (bistatic) for outdoor applications. Microwave detectors respond to a Doppler shift in the frequency of a reflected energy by a phase shift, or by a sudden reduction of the level of a received energy. Either of these effects may indicate motion of an intruder. To reduce false alarms, microwave detectors are combined with a PRI—or “dualtec” alarm. Dualtecs are the recommended highersensitivity device to use for motion detection in facilities such as gun shops. Although slightly more expensive, these devices are extremely reliable and reduce the potential for false alarms. PHOTOELECTRIC BEAMS:

These systems transmit visible or infrared light beams across an area where these beams may be obstructed. To improve the detection surface area, the beams are often employed in stacks of two or more, especially if installed in stacks of three or more to create a fencelike barrier. Systems are available for both internal and external applications. These devices work extremely well when applied across long expanses, such as in warehouse locations, across rooftops, and in exterior fenced or secure “yard” areas.

ly on the glass panel. Breaking glass produces specific shock frequencies that travel through the glass (and often through the glass frame and the surrounding walls and ceiling). Seismic glass break detectors “feel” these shock frequencies, generating an alarm condition. DRIVEWAY ALARMS: These can be tied into most security systems. They are designed to alert for unexpected visitors, intruders, or deliveries arriving at the property. They come in magnetic and infrared motion-sensing options, and can be either hard-wired or wireless. VIBRATION (SHAKER) OR INERTIA SENSORS: These

devices are mounted on barriers and are used primarily to detect an attack on the structure itself, such as an exterior wall or separating interior wall. The technology relies on an unstable mechanical configuration that forms part of the electrical circuit. When movement or vibration

occurs, the unstable portion of the circuit moves and breaks the current flow, producing an alarm. The technology of the devices varies and can be sensitive to different levels of vibration. The vibration setting must be correctly selected for the specific sensor situation to detect things like wall penetration into a gun room or a car-ramming situation. You’ll need to install a variety of these devices to ensure protection. Have questions about your system or need help with other security issues? Contact Patrick Shay, NSSF Director, Retail Development, at pshay@nssf.org.

Glass break detectors can be either acoustic or seismic.

GLASS BREAK DETECTORS:

Acoutic detectors are mounted in close proximity to glass panes and monitor for sound frequencies associated with glass breaking. They must be installed to manufacturer specifications to function properly. Seismic glass break detectors, generally referred to as “shock sensors,” are different from acoustic detectors in that they are installed directJANUARY 2017 ] SHOT BUSINESS ] 19

FYI KIOSentrix informs your customers about what they’re looking to buy, and helps you get to know them better.

Reaching Out Mobile marketing tactics let retailers contact their customers for maximum benefits

here’s a scene in Steven Spielberg’s Minority Report in which Tom Cruise is trying to sneak through a crowded mall, but video advertisements are calling out to him by name. That level of personalized corporate communication is getting closer and closer. And—assuming you’re not a rogue government agent—that could be a good thing. That’s certainly the view of Andrew Levi, CEO of Blue Calypso, a mobile marketing company, who would like to bring something similar to your store. “Our technology is very focused on the brick-and-mortar, in-store shopping experience,” says Levi, whose KIOSentrix service can follow “the digital path to purchase for any customer who walks in the front door.” Here’s how it works: At the entrance of your store will be signage asking customers to text a code word to a certain number. This will generate a reply text that leads to a branded microsite on your existing website. From there, you can include special offers and coupons, product comparisons and reviews, and more. The KIOSentrix microsite gives customers information to help them shop. “Maybe he’s looking for a new pistol,” says Levi. “It might help him choose between several different models, and it could tell him about special promotions that could affect his buying decision.” Once the customer decides on a gun, the site can direct him to various accessories, or offer a deal on time at your shooting range. It can also sign the user up for

B Y R O B E R T F. S TA E G E R

your loyalty program, if you have one. Sometimes the contact isn’t driven by the store, but by the product. If an ammo manufacturer wants to drive sales on its newest load, “it might have some call to action on the packaging that says, ‘Text 9mm to 73095 and we’ll tell you more about these cartridges versus other products,’ ” says Levi. “When the consumer gets dropped in that content, there are opportunities to become more immersed with the brand—become a brand advocate, share it on social media, etc.” It’s all about increasing customer connection. “Most retailers are dealing with the Amazon effect,” says Levi. “Our statistics show that a significant amount of additional consumer spending is shifting from an in-store retail experience to more online buying. This is cannibalizing a lot of in-store sales.” Some retailers have reacted to this challenge by making their own in-store apps, but Levi prefers the web-based approach. For one thing, it’s difficult to get a customer to download an app. And logistically, an app requires multiple versions to accommodate the various phone-operating systems. Keeping KIOSentrix web-based means it works on any customer’s web browser. “Ultimately you want to set up a relationship between the brand, the retailer, and the consumer for future touches that drive them back to buy additional, complementary products,” says Levi. If this program sounds intriguing, Blue Calypso has several videos explaining it on its website, bluecalypso.com. It costs $150 a month to enroll one location in the program, but pricing is volume-based: The more stores you enroll, the lower the per-store cost. “It’s not a massive outlay,” says Levi. “And if we can’t drive $150 of incremental revenue, then there’s a bigger problem.” (Manufacturers that sign up pay per SKU, no matter how many stores that SKU is in.) Determining the return on that investment should be clear. “At the core of our business, we’re a mobile analytics company,” says Levi. “The data we capture would blow your mind. We’ve got maps and pins for every location—who texted in, and how many people at what times. It gives a retailer intimate insight into how those programs are performing.” Knowledge is power—for everyone, it turns out.

Dazzling Display Beyond KIOSentrix, Blue Calypso offers another service aimed at manufacturers: POPTrak, which uses QR codes and detailed instructions to ensure that manufacturer point-of-purchase marketing displays are being set up properly. “There’s a massive amount of marketing dollars spent that actually isn’t driving consumer behavior in stores,” says Levi. Setting up displays neatly and correctly makes sure the marketing message is getting out there—which helps the manufacturer, but also helps retailers move product on the front lines.

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UNDERCOVER SHOPPER

Music to a Shooter’s Ears Is everything up to date in Kansas City? In the case of suppressors, one gun shop knows the best way to win the round is to please the customers

STORE A

TEAM EFFORT ³ I

love these types of gun stores: easy to find, not overwhelmingly big, and very friendly. With immediate service, all three sales associates got busy showing me a few of the suppressed guns they had on offer at the moment, including the new Ruger American in .300 BLK. Then one of the associates brought out his personal, tricked-out AR in .300 BLK for me to admire. The fellows invited me to see some of the options that

22 ] SHOT BUSINESS ] JANUARY 2017

they could order online, if I didn’t see anything in the store I wanted. Although there were only three real options at that time, it seemed that the world was my suppressed oyster at this point, and anything could be possible. And, they warned me about the wait time for the suppressor permit. STORE B

BACK TO SCHOOL ³ Located in a modern building with a shooting range, this store had potential. Again, several sales

associates there were eager to help me. But quickly, the transaction became a lecture: “You know you can’t just buy a suppressor here,” and “You have to apply for a permit there.” Then, they transitioned into how the local SWAT team uses suppressors, and the popularity of .300 BLK for law enforcement. I felt like they wanted to impress me with their knowledge of suppressors. They also had on offer a Ruger American, and said they could get an AR for me.

STORE C

LOOKING AWAY ³ The next shop included not only a range, but also a boutique and a café. It truly embodied the modern-day practice of placing guns upright in gorgeous display cases in locations where sales associates can find you. I stood near some rifles, and waited. A sales associate came from a backroom area, looked at me, looked away, looked at me, looked away, and finally asked me if I wanted to see a gun. He

PIXEL PUSHERS

ow that more than 40 states have joined the suppressed-gun movement, I wanted to see if that trend had reached Kansas City gun stores. My story was that I was searching for a suppressed rifle—possibly for hunting, def initely in .300 BLK. For this assignment, I could be my true self: a gun owner who wants to add to her collection.

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then admitted that he was new and hadn’t really learned the lay of the land. He showed me a gun that wasn’t suppressor-ready— no threads. When I called him out on that, he said I could take it to a gunsmith to have it retro-fitted. He also said I could get a gun cheaper online at the store’s website.

service, but the only suppressed gun this store carried was a tactical AR. The crew there didn’t offer to order me a gun, either. They really didn’t seem to care whether I bought a gun or not, since I wasn’t interested immediately in that high-end AR. I definitely got the impression that the staff here knows a whole lot

He basically put the onus of getting a gun from this location onto me. STORE D

NOT COOL ENOUGH? ³ This

is a typical, what-youmight-imagine-a-gun-storeto-look-like shop. You know the type—small, in a strip mall. I received immediate

more about suppressors and ARs than it let on. I felt like I had stumbled onto the set of the movie High Fidelity, where the staff at that usedrecord store can’t be bothered to assist any customer it doesn’t deem to be cool enough. Given the surging interest in suppressors, this tactic seems a bit short-sighted.

How’d They Do? Customer Service

Product Knowledge

Product Availability

I felt like a member of a relay team, with the baton of knowledge smoothly passing from team member to team member to me—all with the goal of me getting the best suppressed gun I could afford and needed.

These folks exhaled suppressor knowledge, and had a beautiful trick pony for me to hold and ultimately desire. They also knew about the many uses of these guns, throwing in their knowledge of suband supersonic ammo.

They had only a few guns in stock, but had the world of suppressed guns at their fingertips in an online ordering system.

Oh, if only I were a guy in tactical pants and on a SWAT team, we could have had a wonderful time finding me a gun.

They knew why the local law enforcement and the Army base nearby used this caliber. One of the sales associates liked to use a suppressed version for hunting and could talk that line.

Only a couple of guns in stock, and no mention of the internet. Hello?

STORE

Winner: STORE

A Expert knowledge and friendly service have been, and still are, a killer combination. This is a shop that fires on all cylinders. CR Sales Firearms 1703 S Noland Road Independence, MO 64055 816-252-7000 CRSALES FIREARMS.COM

A star for his effort in coming out of the break room and onto the floor.

It’s kind of sad to get a new sales associate who can’t go find another, more experienced associate to help him make a sale here.

no stars Nothing, unless I wanted to go to the website later and search.

I am the wrong customer for this crew. Again, they really wanted to sell that one AR to the right person.

I think the crew here knows a lot more than it lets on. It’s a feeling I got.

Only one, again, and although it was a beauty, there has to be more offered in this increasingly popular market.

STORE

SCORING SYSTEM: Outstanding:

24 ] SHOT BUSINESS ] JANUARY 2017

Very Good:

Average:

Fair:

Poor:

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S H O T B U S I N E S S J A N U A RY 2 0 1 7

Retailers are anticipating an interesting and challenging year ahead in 2017. But they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lack for new firearms, as well as old favorites with a bevy of updated and sureto-be popular features, to keep their customers coming back to the counter.

BY RICHARD MANN

S H O T B U S I N E S S J A N U A RY 2 0 1 7

RIFLES 2017

The tale of the tape with regard to rifles in 2017 has more to do with a single cartridge. The 6.5 Creedmoor seems to have taken the rifle world by storm, and more and more rifles are now available for that cartridge. However, that’s not the only news. Although new MSR rifles do not dominate this year, a major manufacturer has entered that playing field. You should find plenty new to like in the rifle world for 2017, with new rimfire offerings and new youth offerings, as well as plenty of threaded muzzles.

Barrett The Barrett Lightweight rifle is a bolt-action designed to be carried far on long days in the field and perform like a Barrett at critical moments. The stock is crafted from carbon fiber to provide an ultralight yet stiff platform. The actions are scaled for their specific caliber, and precision barrels are contoured for their application. There’s nothing one-size-fits-all about this rifle. SRP: $1,799. (BARRETT.NET)

Bergara The B14 Series BMP (Bergara Match Precision) Chassis Rifle is new from

BERGARA

the ground up. The main chassis is machined from 7075 T6 aluminum and incorporates QD-swivel attachments and Magpul M-LOK slots. The incredibly smooth B14 action and barrel incorporate a barrel nut that allows shooters to replace or change barrels, and the magazine well is contoured so it can be used as a support brace. With a near-vertical AR-style grip, the BMP is very comfortable and allows for ambidextrous use. It’s available in .308 Win. and 6.5 Creedmoor, with threaded #5 contour barrels. This rifle has a sub-MOA guarantee and weighs 9.5 pounds. SRP: $1,699. (BERGARAUSA.COM)

THE B14 BMP IS THE NEW LONG-RANGE PRECISION RIFLE FROM BERGARA. THE MAIN CHASSIS IS MACHINED FROM 7075 T6 ALUMINUM AND INCORPORATES QD SWIVEL ATTACHMENTS AND MAGPUL M-LOK SLOTS.

RIFLES 2017

S H O T B U S I N E S S J A N U A RY 2 0 1 7

BARRETT

THE BARRETT LIGHTWEIGHT RIFLE IS A DEPARTURE FROM THE NORM FOR BARRETT. THE STOCK IS CRAFTED FROM CARBON FIBER TO PROVIDE AN ULTRALIGHT YET STIFF PLATFORM. THE ACTIONS ARE SCALED FOR THEIR SPECIFIC CALIBER, AND PRECISION BARRELS ARE CONTOURED FOR THEIR APPLICATION.

Browning John M. Browning designed the original Browning Automatic Rifle, which was commissioned by the U.S. Army, in three months, and variants of the classic design served with distinction from World War I until the Vietnam War. For 2017, Browning will commemorate 100 years of the BAR by offering a special semi-auto sporting version—the BAR Safari 100th Anniversary model. It will feature a steel receiver with special engravings of military and hunting scenes highlighted in gold finish. The stock is Grade V Turkish walnut in oil finish, and production is limited to 100 rifles in .30/06 with a 22-inch barrel. SRP: $2,699.99. A new BAR MK 3 DBM semi-auto featuring a matte-black finish, an 18-inch barrel, a black composite stock and forearm, a 10-round detachable box magazine, integrated Picatinny scope mounts, a front sling swivel stud, and two QD-sling-swivel cups is also available for 2017. Available in .308 Win. SRP: $1,469.99. Browning’s new X-Bolt Medallion Safari Grade bolt-action rifle features a deep-polished blued and fluted heavy sporter barrel, with goldaccented engraving and receiver engraving in a polished blued finish. The stock is a gloss-finished, checkered, grade IV/V walnut, with a rosewood forend and pistol grip caps. It’s available in short-action calibers, including the 6.5

Creedmoor, and other chamberings up to .375 H&H. SRP: $1,869 to $1,899.99. Also new in the X-Bolt lineup is the Hell’s Canyon Long Range model, which features a Cerakote burntbronze finish on all exposed metal surfaces. The heavy sporter contour barrel is fluted. The composite stock has textured gripping surfaces and a palm swell, and is finished in A-TACS AU Camo, with Dura-Touch Armor Coating. Available in seven popular calibers. SRP: $1,229.99 to $1,299.99. Browning’s AB3 bolt-action rifle will now be offered in a Micro Stalker

BROWNING

del that features a black composite stock with a 13-inch length of pull for smaller-stature shooters. The new AB3 Micro Stalker has features found on Browning’s latest value-priced boltaction design, including a 60-degree bolt lift, a detachable magazine, an Inflex recoil pad, a bolt-lock override button, and a free-floating barrel. SRP: $599.99. (BROWNING.COM)

Bushmaster The new Minimalist SD Carbine from Bushmaster has an AAC Square Drop Handguard that’s compatible

THE BAR SAFARI 100TH ANNIVERSARY MODEL WILL FEATURE A STEEL RECEIVER WITH SPECIAL ENGRAVINGS OF MILITARY AND HUNTING SCENES HIGHLIGHTED IN GOLD FINISH. THE STOCK IS GRADE V TURKISH WALNUT IN OIL FINISH, AND PRODUCTION IS LIMITED TO 100 RIFLES IN .30/06.

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RIFLES 2017

with Key Mod accessories, a lightweight FNC 1:8 twist barrel, and a mil-spec Mission First Tactical Minimalist stock and pistol grip. An ALG Defense trigger and an AAC 51 T flash hider/silencer mount are standard. It is available in 5.56 NATO or 300 Blackout. SRP: $1,169. The ACR Designated Marksman has a midweight FNC 1:8 twist barrel, allows for tool-less barrel change, and comes with a high-reliability piston system. It also has a PRS-style buttstock, a Geissele two-stage trigger, and an AAC 51 T flash hider/silencer mount. Extra barrels in 18.5, 16, 14.5, or 10.5 inches are available for $585 (per barrel). SRP: $2,569. (BUSHMASTER.COM)

Cmmg The MkW ANVIL XBE, an all-new midsized AR-rifle platform from CMMG, is chambered in .458 SOCOM. The most defining feature of the new MkW ANVIL is that the rifle utilizes CMMG’s unique Powerbolt design, which allows the rifle to use a modified AR10-sized bolt for increased durability. The rifle is also built on an AR10-sized frame, with the upper receiver shortened by ¾ inch to minimize weight and increase ergonomics. It comes with a 1:14 twist 16-inch barrel, a billet upper and lower receiver, and a single-stage mil-spec trigger, and weighs 7.5 pounds. SRP: $1,849.95. The MkW ANVIL XBE2 is similar to the XBE, but it comes with a Geissele SSA two-stage trigger, a Magpul MOE pistol grip, and a CTR carbine stock, with a six-position receiver extension. SRP: $2,149.95. (CMMGINC.COM)

Cz-Usa

CMMG THE MKW ANVIL XBE IS AN ALL-NEW MID-SIZED AR RIFLE PLATFORM, CHAMBERED IN .458 SOCOM.

The ever-evolving needs of military forces led to the further development of the Bren platform. Whereas the 805 was built to a specific set of predetermined requirements, the Bren 2 took years of input and data from use in the worldwide war on terror and put it all together in a smaller, lighter package. A shorter gas system allows for barrel lengths down to 8

inches, with settings for normal use, suppressed use, and adverse conditions. The aluminum receiver is shorter and thinner, shaving weight from the rifle. The Bren 2 is currently available only for military/LE special order. CZ’s first stainless rimfire, the 455 American Stainless Synthetic, is meant to be a hardy, long-lived rifle that can be passed down through the generations. With the same swappable barrel system as all of CZ’s 455 rifles, both barrel and action are finished in a matte bead blast. Barrel length is 20.5 inches, and the bolt and bolt handle are finished in black nitride. Available in .22 LR, .17 HMR, and .22 Magnum. SRP: $434 to $451. Famous for its use in rimfire competition, the 455 Training Rifle Rustic shares all the same popular features of its 452 predecessor—a 24.8-inch barrel, a tangent rear sight, and a beechwood stock with a Schnabel forend. The biggest difference is the ability to swap the barrel and/or stock—a trait of all CZ 455s. An ideal rifle for introducing youth to the shooting sports, the Training Rifle is shipped with a 5-round magazine, but single-shot adapters and 10-round magazines are available. In .22 LR only. SRP: $399. Built to be an ideal first gun for young shooters, the .22LR Scout has a 12-inch length of pull. With its simple leaf rear and blade front sights, learning the basics of sight picture has never been easier. The 11mm dovetails on the receiver make adding a scope a breeze. The muzzle is threaded 1/2x28, allowing for suppressor-hearing-safe shooting without the need for muffs or plugs. Shipped with a single-shot adapter to teach ammo conservation, any of the 455’s magazines will fit. SRP: $339. The suppressor-ready CZ 527 is handy and equally happy shooting steel or taking down hogs. Chambered in 300 Blackout or 7.62x39, it’s got enough knockdown power for most medium game at shorter ranges. Using flush-bottom metal, it ships with extended 5-round magazines, but it can work with factory flush mags as well. SRP: $748.

RIFLES 2017

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CZ-USA

THE BREN 2 TOOK YEARS OF INPUT AND DATA FROM USE IN THE WORLDWIDE WAR ON TERROR AND PUT IT ALL TOGETHER IN A SMALLER, LIGHTER PACKAGE. A SHORTER GAS SYSTEM ALLOWS FOR BARREL LENGTHS DOWN TO 8 INCHES, WITH SETTINGS FOR NORMAL AND SUPPRESSED USE.

Built on the incredibly precise 557 short-action, the new Varmint model adds a stout 25.6-inch barrel in a heavy profile that tapers to a 0.863-inch muzzle. Anchored in a newly designed walnut stock, it has a healthy palm swell, laser-cut stippling, and a flat forend. With ergonomics as the guiding principle, the result is an incredibly comfortable rifle to get behind, whether you’re punching paper, ringing steel, or knocking off prairie dogs. New for 2017 is the addition of .243 Win. to the available chamberings. SRP: $865. (CZ-USA.COM)

rel. SRP: $8,799 to $9,499. The FN 15 DMR II has been reengineered for enhanced performance and features the all-new FN proprietary rail system with M-LOK, which provides extreme rigidity and less deflection, ensuring that all mounted accessories remain affixed without shift. Like its predecessor, the rifle offers an 18-inch match-grade cold-hammerforged barrel with a 1:7 twist, a Surefire Pro Comp muzzle device, and an upgraded mil-spec lower with a Timney trigger and Magpul MOE grip

and buttstock. SRP: $1,999. The FN 15 Tactical Carbine chambered for the popular 300 AAC Blackout is duty-ready straight out of the box. Equipped with the new FN proprietary rail system, the carbine provides exceptional strength and durability, and offers a stronger, more rigid platform for accessories and optics. In addition, the FN 15 Tactical Carbine 300 BLK II, like its rifle and carbine siblings, features a 16-inch alloy-steel cold-hammer-forged and chrome-lined barrel, a carbine-length

Fn The FN M249S is a semi-auto version of the M249 SAW light machine gun, which was originally developed by FN Herstal as the FN MINIMI and adopted by the U.S. military in 1988. The rifle features the signature 18.5-inch FN cold-hammer-forged, chromelined barrel, and operates from a closed-bolt position. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, the rifle will accept a magazine or a linked ammunition belt and offers a 4- to 6.5-pound trigger. The rifle weighs 16 pounds, is 40.7 inches long, and has an 18.5-inch bar-

IF YOU WANT YOUR OWN SEMI-AUTO VERSION OF THE SAW, YOU’LL HAVE TO PAY TO PLAY—BUT IT MIGHT BE WORTH IT. THE M249S FEATURES A COLD-HAMMER-FORGED, 18.5-INCH CHROME-LINED BARREL, AND IS CHAMBERED FOR 5.56 NATO.

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gas system, a low-profile gas block, a Surefire ProComp muzzle brake, and Magpul MOE furniture. SRP: $1,599. (FNAMERICA.COM)

Howa The Kuiu Vias and Verde rifles from

RIFLES 2017

Howa are built on the legendary 1500 action and are available in the most popular chamberings, with a 20-inch lightweight, 22-inch standard, or 24-inch magnum contour barrel. All metalwork is finished in a gunmetalgray Cerakote finish, and the barreled action is pillar-bedded in a

Hogue Overmold stock. Other features include a two-stage HACT trigger, a three-position safety, and sling swivel studs. SRP: $782 to $811. The Lithgow Arms LA101 Crossover rimfire rifle comes in .22 LR, .17 HRM, and .22 Magnum, and features a Cerakote titanium-colored finish, a

RIFLES 2017

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HOWA

THE VERDE IS BUILT ON HOWA’S LEGENDARY 1500 ACTION, AND IS AVAILABLE IN THE MOST POPULAR CHAMBERINGS, WITH A 20-INCH LIGHTWEIGHT, 22-INCH STANDARD, OR 24-INCH MAGNUM CONTOUR BARREL. THE ACTION IS PILLAR-BEDDED IN A HOGUE OVERMOLDED STOCK.

cold-forged barrel, a threaded barrel, and an adjustable length of pull. SRP: $1,079. (LEGACYSPORTS.COM)

Marlin For 2017, Marlin has announced the return of one of its most popular rifles,

the 1894 Cowboy. Available in .357, .44 Magnum, and .45 Colt, these 100 percent American-made rifles feature a straight grip American black walnut stock, a receiver and bolt machined from solid steel, a polished 20-inch octagonal barrel, and Marble sights. SRP: $1,041. The standard 1894 with a

round barrel is also available for $789. To further celebrate the reintroduction of the 1894, Marlin is offering a limited-edition version in .45 Colt with B-grade American black walnut stock, highly polished metalwork, and an engraved gold-inlaid receiver. SRP: $1,349. Another lever-action that has

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At Leica, the only thing we’ve ever pursued is elevating the standard for sport optics performance and excellence. We’ve done exactly that with our new lineup of Rangemaster compact rangefinders, Geovid HD Edition 2200 rangefinding binoculars, Noctivid binoculars, and Visus and Magnus i riflescopes.

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Each reaching beyond what was ever thought possible, each elevating Leica’s own definition of sport optics “excellence.” See for yourself our new standards of sport optics excellence. Visit www.leica-Sportoptics.com or join the conversation on Facebook at /LeicaHunting.

S H O T B U S I N E S S J A N U A RY 2 0 1 7

RIFLES 2017

been missing from the Marlin line for some time is the 444. Chambered for the .444 Marlin and built on the 1895 action, this rifle has an American black walnut pistol grip stock, 22-inch round barrel, and Marble sights. SRP: $789. (MARLINFIREARMS.COM)

Mossberg

MOSSBERG

BOTH THE MMR (LEFT) AND PATRIOT (RIGHT) LINES GET NEW MODELS AND FEATURES FOR 2017.

Mossberg has added two new MMRs to its line. The Tactical Optics Ready MMR is offered with or without a Vortex StrikeFire II red/greendot sight. This is an optics-ready AR15 that is shipped without open sights. It has a six-position stock, a forward-assist M-Lok handguard, a 1:8 twist barrel, and the new Mossberg JM Pro drop-in 4-pound trigger. SRP: $1,253 to $1,399. The other new MMR from Mossberg is the MMR PRO. This rifle is similar to the optics-ready MMR but comes with an 18-inch, 1:8 twist 416 stainless barrel with a Silencerco ASR muzzle brake. SRP: $1,393. Mossberg has several additions to the Patriot line. First is the Patriot Predator, which comes in a synthetic, flat dark earth stock with a 22-inch barrel and threaded muzzle. It is available in .223, .243, .308, and 6.5 Creedmoor. SRP: $441. Two addi-

tional Patriots are available in .223: the Patriot Synthetic and Super Bantam. Both retail for $396. For those who love the value and performance of the Mossberg Patriot, but would like a higher-end, dressed-up version, Mossberg is offering a Patriot Revere with high-grade walnut stock, rosewood grip, and forend caps, and an upgraded blue finish. (MOSSBERG.COM)

Remington Four new bolt-action rifles of note are available from Remington for 2017. The new 700 Magpul is a perfect cross between a hunting platform and a tactical platform, as its adjustability in the comb and length of pull allow for a perfect fit. In addition, the 22-inch heavy barrel is threaded for the addition of a silencer or other muzzle device. Another welcome feature is the detachable magazine. It’s available in .308 Win. and .260 Rem. SRP: $1,175. Continuing a 12-yearlong run of CDL SF Limited rifles chambered in classic cartridges, this year you will see the rifle in .300 Weatherby Magnum. SRP: $1,225. Remington’s 700 AWR (American Wilderness Rifle) is a big-game rifle built for durability and accuracy. From the stainless-steel-barreled action and a durable Cerakote coating to the 5R rifling and a durable and rigid stock, this rifle is one that can weather the elements. It replaces the XCRII line of 700s and is available in .270, .30/06, 7mm Magnum, and .300 Magnum. SRP: $1,150. An addition to Remington’s popular and affordable 783 line is a new rifle with a walnut stock. It will be available in .308, .270, .30/06, and 7mm Magnum. SRP: $499. (REMINGTON.COM)

Ruger MARLIN

FOR MARLIN COLLECTORS, THE LIMITED-EDITION 1894 IS SURE TO BE A HIT. AVAILABLE IN .357, .44 MAGNUM, AND .45 COLT, THESE AMERICAN-MADE RIFLES FEATURE A STRAIGHT-GRIP AMERICAN BLACK WALNUT STOCK, A POLISHED 20-INCH OCTAGONAL BARREL, AND MARBLE SIGHTS.

The new 10-22 Takedown Lite from Ruger features a cold-hammer-forged barrel tensioned in an aluminum-alloy barrel sleeve. It has a threaded muzzle and is fitted with a thread cap. Easy takedown enables quick separation of

feed them at AguilaAmmo.com

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RIFLES 2017

REMINGTON

THE 700 MAGPUL IS FITTED WITH AN ADJUSTABLE MAGPUL HUNTING STOCK AND A DETACHABLE MAGAZINE.

the barrel from the action for ease of transportation and storage. It also has the Ruger Modular Stock System with a low comb and standard length of pull, but it ships with an additional high-comb standard length-of-pull stock module. SRP: $659. (RUGER.COM)

Savage Savage has big news for 2017 with the introduction of several MSR rifles. The new MSR 15 Patrol and MSR 15 Recon redefine the category, with the kind of tack-driving accuracy and seamless performance youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d

expect from a Savage. Both have button-rifled 16-inch barrels with 5R rifling, a long-lasting Melonite QPQ finish, and Savageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trademark zerotolerance headspace control. These rifles also feature the proven .223 Wylde target chambering and a standard gas system. SRP: $849, MSR 15 Patrol; $999, MSR 15 Recon. But Savage did not stop with the AR15 platform. The new MSR 10 Hunter and MSR 10 Long Range address some longstanding shortcomings of MSRs designed for larger cartridges. Both feature a compact AR10 design that feels and handles more

like an AR15, and both utilize custom-forged uppers and lowers for a look unlike anything afield or on the range. Available chamberings include the .308 Win. and 6.5 Creedmoor. The Hunter has a 16- to 18-inch barrel, and the Long Range has a 20- or 22-inch barrel. SRP: $1,399, MSR 10 Hunter; $2,199, MSR 10 Long Range. Savage line extensions include a purple version of the popular, youthoriented Rascal rifle. SRP: $191. Also, stealing the modern and attractive looks of the Savage A17, Savage has added a .22 LR to the A series. SRP: $281. The B Series of rimfires is also getting a boost with the introduction of the B17, B22, and B22 Magnum bolt-action rimfire rifles. They feature a new ergonomically designed stock with a higher comb, a top-tang safety, and target-style and vertical pistol grips. All in all, the B Series includes a dozen new models in configurations that include heavy and suppressorready barrels. All B Series rifles feature a 10-round rotary magazine and the AccuTrigger. SRP: $281 to $413. (SAVAGEARMS.COM)

Uberti The 1886 Lever action Sporting

PHOTO CREDIT

RIFLES 2017 comes in .45/70 with a 26-inch barrel, a color-case receiver, an octagonal match barrel, a walnut stock, and fully adjustable sights. SRP: $1,879. The other is the 1886 Lever Action Hunter Lite. It is also available in .45/70, but with a 22-inch, round, match-grade barrel and halflength magazine. SRP: $1,829. (UBERTI.COM)

Weatherby The heart of the Vanguard Adaptive Composite (VAC) is the renowned Vanguard action. It is affixed to a composite target stock that features the Speedlock system, a quick-and-easy locking system for adjusting both length of pull and comb height. The full and lowered forend offers an improved grip for shooting while standing, as well as a stud to which a bipod or a sling can be attached. Available with a threaded 20-inch #3 contour barrel, the VAC is chambered for the .223 Rem., 6.5 Creedmoor, or the .308 Win. SRP: $1,269. (WEATHERBY.COM)

Winchester Repeating Arms

PHOTO CREDIT

The legendary Model 1866 lever-

S H O T B U S I N E S S J A N U A RY 2 0 1 7

action is now available in a Grade I Short Rifle. The receiver, crescent buttplate, and forearm cap are brass with a bright finish. Stock and forearm are Grade I American black walnut. A folding ladder rear sight and Marble Arms gold bead front sight are standard. Available in .44-40 Win. and .38 Special. SRP: $1,299.99. The XPR Hunter Mountain Country Range bolt-action features a polymer stock in Mossy Oak Mountain Country Range camo. Other features include an MOA trigger system, Perma-Cote matte-blued metal surfaces, a detachable box magazine, a steel recoil lug, a two-position thumb safety, and an Inflex Technology Recoil Pad. Available in all popular cartridges, from .243 to .338 Win. Mag. SRP: $599.99. Two new XPR Hunter Compact models are also being offered. The XPR Hunter Compact features a 13-inch length of pull. It will be offered for all popular short-action cartridges from .243 Win to .325 WSM. SRP: $549.99. The XPR Hunter Compact Mossy Oak BreakUp Country camo version has a suggested retail of $599.99. (WINCHESTERGUNS.COM)

RUGER

SAVAGE THE NEW RIMFIRE LINEUP INCLUDES (LEFT TO RIGHT) THE BOLT-ACTION B22 AND RASCAL, AND THE SEMI-AUTO A22.

THE NEW 10-22 TAKEDOWN LITE FEATURES A COLD-HAMMER-FORGED BARREL TENSIONED IN AN ALUMINUM-ALLOY BARREL SLEEVE. THE MODULAR STOCK HAS A LOW COMB AND STANDARD LENGTH OF PULL, BUT THE RIFLE SHIPS WITH AN ADDITIONAL HIGH COMB, STANDARD LENGTH OF PULL STOCK MODULE.

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SHOTGUNS 2017

Shotguns

BROWNING

Benelli The 12-gauge Super Black Eagle 3 is available in black synthetic, Realtree Max-5, Mossy Oak Bottom Lands, and Gore Optifade Timber. This inertiadriven shotgun, which features an oversize bolt handle, bolt release, and safety, is chambered for 2 ¾-, 3-, and 3 ½-inch shells. It ships with a carbonfiber rib and five chokes, and either a 26- or 28-inch barrel. SRP: $1,899, black; $1,999, camo. (BENELLI.COM)

Browning As Browning enters the fifth year of the High Grade Program, it’s now offering a Citori 725 12-gauge Trap model in Grade V and Grade VII models. The Grade V will have either 30- or 32-inch barrels. SRP: $5,339.99. The Grade VII will also be available with 30- or 32-inch barrels. SRP: $6,399.99. Another addition to the smoothbore lineup includes a Citori 725 Sporting Golden Clays 12-gauge with either 30- or 32-inch barrels. It will have Sporting Golden Clays engraving on the right, left, and bot-

THE B15 OVER/UNDER SHOTGUN LINE HAS BEEN EXQUISITELY ENHANCED BY THE GUNSMITHS OF FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'HERSTAL. THERE WILL BE FOUR GRADES, EACH WITH A CHOICE OF EXCEPTIONAL ENGRAVINGS AND WOOD QUALITY.

tom of the receiver. SRP: $5,349.99. Browning will also be offering a B15 over/under shotgun that has been exquisitely enhanced by the gunsmiths of Fabrique Nationale d’Herstal. These B15s will be offered in four grades, with a choice of exceptional engravings and wood quality. Along those same lines is an A5 High Grade Hunter with special engraving that depicts pheasants on the left side and mallards on the right, surrounded by intricate scrollwork. The 12-gauge has 3-inch chambers and 26- or 28-inch barrels, and will be offered in a gloss finish with grade 2.5 walnut. SRP: $1,859.99. The A5 and Maxus Wicked Wing shotguns are semi-auto waterfowlers that feature receivers and barrels coated in a duck blind mud– and waterresistant, Cerakote burnt bronze camo finish. Banded extended choke tubes, Briley extended bolt handles, and oversize bolt releases are standard, as are composite stocks in Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades camo. Both 3- and 3½-inch models are available. SRP: $1,979.99, A5 Wicked Wing; $1,739.99, Maxus Wicked Wing.

PHOTO CREDIT

remain the most versatile firearms in the world, and versatility best explains the new offerings for 2017. Manufacturers are building new pursuitdriven shotguns and continuing to tweak current offerings to provide even more niche specialization of their products. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for a get-inthe-duck-blind-mud over/under or a behindthe-truck-seat compact scattergun, this year no one can argue there’s a lack of diversity in the category.

SHOTGUNS 2017

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BENELLI THE 12-GAUGE SUPER BLACK EAGLE 3 IS AVAILABLE IN BLACK SYNTHETIC, REALTREE MAX-5, MOSSY OAK BOTTOM LANDS, AND GORE OPTIFADE TIMBER. THIS INERTIA-DRIVEN SHOTGUN FEATURES AN OVERSIZE BOLT HANDLE, BOLT RELEASE, AND SAFETY.

For those eaten up with clay-busting craziness, the BT-99 Trap and Micro Trap come with adjustable buttplates and combs. Both feature a Graco Pro Fit adjustable comb and buttpad plate. The Micro version has a 13¾-inch LOP; the full-size version has a 14 ⅜-inch LOP. The Micro is offered with 30- or 32-inch barrels, and the full-size can be had with 32or 34-inch barrels. SRP: $1,799.99. The Cynergy Composite Ultimate Turkey over/under shotgun is available in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo. This is a 12-gauge with a 3½-inch chamber, and it comes with either 24- or 26-inch barrels. It has a Marble Arms Bullseye rear sight, a fiber-optic front sight, and a short Picatinny rail to mount red-dot optics. Five Invector-Plus choke tubes, including the Extended Ultimate Turkey and Spreader, come with the shotgun. SRP: $2,339.99. (BROWNING.COM)

Cz-Usa

PHOTO CREDIT

The All-American—featuring dropin replacement parts, including lock-

ing blocks—is the sporting clays half of the company’s Trap Combo. It has a four-way comb, combined with adjustable buttplate hardware, that will allow you to tune-cast, toe, and LOP for a perfect fit to your shooting style. All-Americans fire the bottom barrel first, the purpose of which is to reduce recoil going into the second shot. Blacked-out extended chokes in a mid-thread pattern, a blacked-out action, and select wood round out the package. SRP: $2,499. For competitors who want a nicer version of CZ’s affordable 612 Trap, the Target model has select-grade wood with a glossy oil finish. The metal gets a deep polished blue. With a tuned trigger system, raised rib, and comfortable Monte Carlo stock, this is a clay-killing machine. A set of extended chokes and a pair of Bradley-style white beads are standard. SRP: $549. For those wanting a light, classy pump gun to carry in the field, CZ has put together an ideal candidate. Built on a gauge-specific 7075 aluminum action, this 28-gauge has a deep glossy blue finish and select-grade

CZ-USA THE ALL-AMERICAN (LEFT) IS A HIGHEND COMPETITION GUN. THE SWAMP MAGNUM O/U IS BUILT FOR THE DUCK BLIND.

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Turkish walnut. A set of interchangeable chokes lets you tune constriction, and the full forend and pistol grip make this lithe shotgun feel like the shotgun gods have blessed you. With 28-inch barrels, the shotgun weighs a scant 5.4 pounds. SRP: $429. For those wanting to whack waterfowl with a vengeance, CZâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Swamp Magnum is the shotgun with which to do so. The Swamp Magnum is the only over/under in the line that has an automatic safety that engages every time the action is opened, making it more duck-blind-friendly. With polymer stocks in either black or Realtree Max5 camo, and with all metalwork blacked

SHOTGUNS 2017

out, these over/unders are ready for the mud, rain, blood, and tears for which duck blinds are famous. SRP: $929 to $1,029. (CZ-USA.COM)

Escort The Missione semi-auto is available in 20- or 12-gauge, with 3-inch chambers. The 28-inch barrels are chrome-plated, with a ventilated rib, a Hi-Viz Spark front sight, a stainless receiver, and a Turkish walnut stock sporting rubber grip panel inlays. Sling swivels, five extended chokes, and a hard case come standard. SRP: $715. (HATSAN.COM.TR)

Iver Johnson Two new and interesting .410 shotguns from Iver Johnson should appeal to those looking for a behindthe-seat truck gun or a shotgun sized for youths. The IJ700-18 has an 18-inch barrel and is only 34 inches overall. It weighs just 4 pounds 8 ounces. It comes with a blued barrel, a silver receiver, a walnut stock and forend, a rubber buttpad, and sling swivels. Its most unusual feature is that it folds in half for storage and transport. The IJ700-26 is the same gun but with a 26-inch barrel and an overall length of 41.5 inches. SRP: $175. (IVERJOHNSONARMS.COM)

Mossberg

IVER JOHNSON THE NEW .410 IJ700 IVER JOHNSON SHOTGUN FOLDS IN HALF, MAKING IT AN IDEAL TRUCK OR CAMP GUN. IT IS ASTOUNDINGLY LIGHT AT 4 POUNDS 8 OUNCES. IT COMES WITH A BLUED BARREL, A SILVER RECEIVER, A WALNUT STOCK AND FOREND, A RUBBER BUTTPAD, AND SLING SWIVELS.

The Shockwave is an ATF-approved shotgun with a 14-inch barrel and an overall length of only 26 inches. This 12-gauge is built on the 590 action and features a Raptor grip and corncob forend with a strap. With a matte-blue finish and cylinder bore, the 590 Shockwave is a whole lot of wickedness in a defensive-style shotgun. SRP: $455. The 510 Mini Muddy Girl 410 might be the ideal shotgun for the young shooter who is looking for a bit of feminine flair in her first scattergun. It has an 18.5-inch barrel, a ventilated rib, and a fixed Modified choke. It is also adjustable for length of pull

SHOTGUNS 2017

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STOEGER

THE M3000 TACTICAL CAN BE HAD WITH EITHER A FIELD OR PISTOL GRIP WITH AN 18.5-INCH BARREL. THIS INERTIA-DRIVEN GUN WILL ACCEPT 2 3⁄4 OR 3-INCH SHELLS, AND HAS A FIXED CYLINDER BORE. THE P3000 IS A PUMP VERSION WITH SIMILAR FEATURES.

and is covered in the vibrant Muddy Girl camo. SRP: $469. The Mossberg Compact Cruiser AOW is available with an 8- or 10-inch barrel, an ATI T3 pistol grip and folding vertical handgrip with a strap, a parkerized finish, and a Cylinder choke. SRP: $910 to $980. (MOSSBERG.COM)

Stevens Stevens has made its 555 over/ under line even more versatile with the new 555 Compact. The stylish shotgun has a mid-length forend and a compact, 13.25-inch LOP, making it perfect for smaller-framed shooters. Like the original 555, it features a light aluminum receiver that’s scaled to gauge. In addition, it sports a Turkish walnut stock and forend, shell extractors, a manual safety, and a single, selective mechanical trigger. It ships with five interchangeable choke tubes. Available in .410, 28-, and 20-gauge. SRP: $692. Stevens is also offering an enhanced version of the original 555. It has an Imperial walnut stock and laserengraved filigree ornamentation. It is available in .410, 28-, 20-, and 12-gauge. SRP: $863. (SAVAGEARMS.COM)

Stoeger three new 12-gauge shotguns make up Stoeger’s new entries for

2017. The M3000 Tactical can be had with either a field or pistol grip with an 18.5-inch barrel. This inertiadriven gun will accept 2¾- or 3-inch shells and has a fixed Cylinder bore. SRP: $599, field stock; $649, pistolgrip stock. The P3000 Tactical is a pumpaction 12-gauge available with a field or pistol-grip stock and an 18.5inch barrel. It, too, will accept 2 ¾or 3-inch shells, and it has a fixed Cylinder bore. SRP: $299, field stock; $349, pistol-grip stock. The P3500 12-gauge is offered in either black synthetic or Realtree Max-5, with a 28-inch barrel. It will accept 2¾- or 3-inch shells, and has a redbar front sight and a ventilated rib. Accessory chokes are available. (STOEGERINDUSTRIES.COM)

Tri-Star The Viper Max is designed to shoot 2¾-inch light target loads as well as 3.5-inch turkey loads. It features a two-piston system, and a light- and heavy-load piston are included with the gun. The spare piston stores in the top of the forearm so it is always with the gun. It is available in Realtree Max-5 with a 26-, 28-, or 30-inch barrel. A black synthetic version with a 28-inch barrel is an option. A fiber-optic sight and three

TRI-STAR THE TT-15 DTA (LEFT) IS VERY USERFRIENDLY. THE VIPER MAX IS A VERSATILE TURKEY GUN, AVAILABLE IN CAMO OR BLACK SYNTHETIC.

S H O T B U S I N E S S J A N U A RY 2 0 1 7

SHOTGUNS 2017

MOSSBERG

THE MOSSBERG SHOCKWAVE IS AN ATF-APPROVED 12-GAUGE CYLINDER-BORE SHOTGUN WITH A 14-INCH BARREL. BUILT ON THE 590 ACTION. IT FEATURES A RAPTOR GRIP AND CORNCOB FOREND WITH A STRAP.

choke tubes are included. SRP: $640 to $730. The Double Trap Adjustable (DTA) comes with 30-inch barrels, an adjustable high-post target rib, ported barrels, and color-coded extended chokes. It also features a fully adjustable buttpad system that allows the shooter to change LOP. The buttpad can be adjusted for cast, moved up or down, and tilts for a perfect fit. The Monte Carlo stock has an adjustable comb in Turkish walnut and is drilled for a recoil reducer. Weight is 8.8 pounds. SRP: $1,450. The Mono-Trap has a 34-inch barrel with porting and extended chokes. It features a Monte Carlo stock in Turkish walnut with an oil finish. A target rib with a fiber-optic sight is standard. The TT-15 MT is an ideal entry-level trap gun and ships with Modified, Improved Modified, and Full chokes. SRP: $1,035. (TRISTARARMS.COM)

Winchester Repeating Arms

WINCHESTER

THE SXP SHADOW MARINE DEFENDER (LEFT) HAS A SYNTHETIC PISTOL GRIP. THE SX4 WATERFOWL COMES WITH 3- OR 3 1⁄2-INCH CHAMBERS.

the Super X4 12-gauge autoloader is based on the proven Active Valve gas system and offers enhanced ergonomics, with easier to access operating controls. It’s lighter and faster cycling than its predecessor. The shotgun is offered in four models—the SX4 Composite, SX4

Waterfowl, SX4 Field, and SX4 Field Compact—all with 3- or 3 ½-inch chambers. SRP: $799.99 to $939.99. The new SXP Shadow Defender and Shadow Marine Defender pump shotguns feature synthetic pistol-grip stocks with textured gripping surfaces and are supplied with two interchangeable comb pieces. Offered in 20- and 12-gauge, with 3-inch chambers, the alloy receivers are drilled and tapped for bases and rings, and a tactical ribbed forearm offers better control. The Marine Defender features matte hard-chrome plating on the barrel, magazine tube, and slide arms for added resistance to wear and the elements. Barrel length is 18 inches. A Cylinder choke tube is supplied. The 12-gauge Defender retails for $449.99, the 20-gauge for $469.99. The Marine Defender retails for $499.99 in 12-gauge, and $519.99 in 20-gauge. The new SXP Turkey pump shotgun is available in either 12- or 20-gauge and features a composite stock and forearm in a matte black finish. The black alloy receiver is drilled and tapped for scope bases, and Truglo fiber-optic adjustable sights are standard. The 12-gauge version has a 3½-inch chamber with a 24-inch barrel. SRP: $439.99. The 20-gauge has a 3-inch chamber and 24-inch barrels. SRP: $439.99. (WINCHESTERGUNS.COM)

NEW FOR 2017

UNIVERSAL PISTOL LOADER

Ultra Gun Vise

Power Clean ELECTRIC BRUSH KIT

BOOTH: 12524

Battenfeld Technoloogies, Inc is the leading manufacturer of shooting accessories and is set to release over 20 new innovative products in 2017. For more information please visit www.BtiBrands.com Battenfeld Brands • Designed with Precision • Engineered for Excellence www.BTIBrands.com • 573.445.9200

S H O T B U S I N E S S J A N U A RY 2 0 1 7

HANDGUNS 2017

Just as in 2015, handguns remained the top-selling firearms in America last year. We are continuing to see suppressor-ready variants, and these are not limited to centerfire handguns. The demand for new and varied 1911S remains strong, and one manufacturer has upped the ante with a high-grade line of custom revolvers. Although most of the innovation is occurring with polymerframed handguns, the real news for 2017 is the niche specialization of various models.

Browning The Black Label 1911-380 Medallion Pro model, in full-size and compact versions, features a matteblack frame and a blackened stainlesssteel slide with silver brush-polished flats. The grips are made of intricately checkered rosewood with a gold Buckmark. Barrel length on the fullsize model is 4¼ inches; on the compact model, it’s 3 ⅝ inches. SRP: $799.99; $879.99 with night sights. A Black Label 1911-22LR Medallion full size and compact will also be offered with similar features for $669.99. The New Black Label 1911-22LR Gray full-size and compact models are available with or without a rail. The slides on both are machined aluminum, and the barrel has a gray anodized finish. The frames are composite, with a machined 7075 aluminum subframe and slide rails. Sights are fiberoptic. SRP: $699.99; $719.99 with the rail. Black Label 1911-22LR Medallion full-size and compact versions will

also be offered with similar features for $669.99. To keep up with the demand for suppressor-ready firearms, the new Buck Mark Field Target Suppressor Ready 22LR model will feature a heavy, round, 5 ½-inch suppressorready barrel in matte blued finish. It also will offer an integral scope base with a Pro-Target rear sight and front blade sight. Grips are Cocobololaminated target. SRP: $599.99. The new Buck Mark Lite Flute UFX model will feature a 5½-inch steel barrel with an alloy sleeve and fluting in a matte blued finish. Pro-Target rear sights and a Truglo/Marble Arms fiber-optic front sight are standard. Grips are Ultragrip FX ambidextrous. SRP: $559.99. (BROWNING.COM)

Cimarron For 2017, Cimarron is offering five new single-action revolvers. The

HANDGUNS 2017

S H O T B U S I N E S S J A N U A RY 2 0 1 7

The El Malo is a single-action Colt replica designed to be used by hunters, historic re-enactors, or Old West collectors. It’s chambered for the .45 Colt and is available with a 4.75-, 5.5-, or 7.5-inch octagonal barrel. It has the standard blue and case-hardened finish. SRP: $544.74. (CIMARRONFIREARMS.COM)

Cz-Usa

BROWNING

THE NEW BLACK LABEL 1911-

22LR GRAY FULL-SIZE AND COMPACT MODELS ARE AVAILABLE WITH OR WITHOUT A RAIL. THE SLIDES ON BOTH ARE MACHINED ALUMINUM, AND THE BARREL HAS A GRAY ANODIZED FINISH.

George S. Patton Engraved Model P has a 5.5-inch barrel and is chambered for .45 Colt. It is nickel-plated and laser-engraved, and has poly-ivory grips with Patton’s GSP insignia and a lanyard ring. SRP: $747.50. The Texas Ranger Engraved Model P has a 4.75inch barrel and is chambered for .45 Colt. It has a nickel-plated finish and is also laser-engraved. The poly-ivory grips have the Texas Ranger insignia on both sides. SRP: $772.20. Cimarron’s Bad Boy is a singleaction revolver chambered for the .44 Magnum. It comes with a 6- or 8-inch octagonal barrel, a flat-top pre-war frame, adjustable sights, blue finish, and two-piece walnut grips. SRP: $570.70. The new Pistolero—a sleek, classically designed single-action for Old West firearms collectors or reenactors—is chambered for the .45 Colt. It has a 4.75-inch barrel, with a blue finish and case-hardened frame. It is also available in nickel. SRP: $484.65, blue; $552.15, nickel.

The 805 Bren S1 Pistol with its 11-inch barrel has proven a popular SBR candidate for customers wanting to convert it into an NFA firearm. Those who don’t wish to register with the ATF can equip it with CZ’s adapter kit, which allows easy installation of aftermarket arm braces. Chambered in .223 Remington/5.56 NATO, and now 300 Blackout, the pistol uses the STANAG magazine from the AR15/ M16. Picatinny rails top and bottom mean it easily accepts optics and lights, and an effective two-port muzzle brake helps keep the pistol solidly on target and reduces recoil and muzzle flip. SRP: $1,799. to $1,899. Falling somewhere between the Scorpion Pistols and Carbine, the EVO 3 S1 Pistol is perfectly set up for those who desire a two-stamp gun. The extended forearm will hide most suppressors and offers M-LOK attachment points. With a 7.7-inch barrel and a 5-inch flash can, the barrel is extended to just past the forend. A factory folding stock is an aftermarket option for this unique 9mm. SRP: $949. The latest addition to the CZ line of handguns is the P-10 C. This pistol is decidedly CZ, from the way it feels to the way it shoots. With the CZ grip angle, the P-10 avoids that brickin-the-hand feeling that has plagued many in the striker-fired genre, allowing it to point naturally. Interchangeable backstraps allow it to fit a wide variety of hands. Designed to minimize creep and stacking, the P-10’s trigger breaks at a clean 4 to 4.5 pounds and rebounds with a short, positive reset. It has a fiberreinforced polymer frame, a nitride finish, a generous trigger guard, and

metal three-dot sights. Capacity is either 15+1 or 17+1, depending on the mag used. The CZ P10-C is available in 9mm Luger or .40 S&W, and a suppressor-ready variant is available in 9mm. SRP: $499 to $541. Loaded with features, but without all the flash of the Urban Grey series, the 9mm standard black P-09 Suppressor-Ready now comes with high night sights and extended magazine bases, in addition to the obligatory extended, threaded barrel. SRP: $629. A new addition to the P-09 is the Kadet Kit. It is a scaled-up version of the P-07 kit to fit on the longer P-09 frame. Topped with the new Shadow 2 serrated target sight and a rear height-adjustable-only sight, the P-09 Kadet Kit ships with two magazines. SRP: $249. Due to demand, CZ has brought back the SP-01 Phantom. This is essentially a polymer-framed SP-01 Tactical, with interchangeable backstraps and mag compatibility with the standard 75 platform. The SP-01 Phantom has long been a favorite in the CZ community, and has the distinction of being the current sidearm of the Czech Army. Starting from scratch, CZ engineers took the best features of the original Shadow and improved upon them. The higher beavertail and an undercut trigger guard bring the shooter’s hand closer to the axis of the bore.

CZ-USA A NEW VERSION OF THE CZ P-09 IS SUPPRESSOR-READY, WITH A THREADED BARREL AND SUPPRESSOR-HEIGHT SIGHTS.

S H O T B U S I N E S S J A N U A RY 2 0 1 7

HANDGUNS 2017

DAN WESSON THE VALOR BLUE IS BLUED-STEEL VERSION OF WESSON’S POPULAR VALOR; A COMMANDER-SIZED IN EITHER 9MM OR .45 HAS RED-ANDBLACK DOUBLE-DIAMOND G10 GRIPS.

Increased weight at the dust cover/ rail helps keep the muzzle down during recoil. The Shadow 2’s swappable mag release has an adjustable, extended button with three settings to allow shooters to set it in the most comfortable position. The new trigger components provide a smooth DA and crisp and clean SA pull while drastically reducing trigger reset. Available only in 9mm. SRP: $1,299 to $1,399. (CZ-USA.COM)

THE 9MM FNS COMPACT WOULD BE IDEAL FOR CONCEALED-CARRY. IT ALSO CAN SHARE MAGAZINES WITH THE FULL-SIZE FNS.

1911

Dan Wesson The A2 stands as a testament to the most-copied pistol design in history. Drawing its lineage from the 1911 A1, the A2 and A2 Commander in .45 Auto are Dan Wesson’s vision of what the third generation of the military 1911 could have looked like. A lowered and flared ejection port, modern combat sights, a tactical beavertail, and an extended thumb safety, as well as a hint of undercutting to the trigger guard, make this one combatready pistol. The A2 will be produced in limited numbers. SRP: $1,363. Customers have been asking for a blued-steel version of the Dan Wesson Valor. The new gun has the same features and attention to detail as its other stainless pistols, but it comes in a more traditional material and finish. Wearing a set of red-andblack double-diamond G10 grips with polished flats and bead-blasted rounds, the Valor Blue, in either 9mm or .45, is a classic beauty. SRP: $1,766. When police departments approached Dan Wesson to build a more reliable, durable 1911 to replace what they’d been carrying, the company developed a model just for them. The frame sports a Picatinny

rail, 25-LPI checkering, an undercut trigger guard, and a recessed slide stop. This pistol is equipped with an ambidextrous thumb safety, an extended magazine release, and a detachable two-piece mag well. It’s finished off with a set of G10 grips and either a matte stainless or black Duty finish. Available in either 9mm or .45 Auto. SRP: $1,701 to $2,012. A fully stainless take on the Commander-length slide with an Officer-sized frame, the Pointman Carry is easily concealed and also incredibly comfortable to shoot. With features closely mirroring the full-size Pointman Nine, its reduced grip length makes it disappear under even thin cover garments, and its 9mm chambering makes recoil nearly nonexistent. SRP: $1,597. Equipped with a Trijicon RMR and with an extended, threaded barrel, the Fury is a double-stack beast begging to be unleashed on paper and steel. Chambered in 9mm or 10mm, capacities are 18+1 and 14+1, respectively. It also has a crisp, super-shortreset Elite Series trigger job. SRP: $4,899. (CZ-USA.COM)

Fn The FNS Compact offers the same features as the standard FNS models, but it has a 3.6-inch barrel and is designed to be snag-free for better concealment and a faster draw. The front sight also has a larger dot for faster target acquisition. The FNS Compact has a 12- or 17-round capacity, depending on the magazine used, weighs 23.4 ounces, and is 6.7 inches long. SRP: $599. (FNAMERICA.COM)

Iver Johnson The Pocket Ace is a new derringer from Iver Johnson. It is chambered for .22LR and is a four-barrel singleaction pistol. Made in the U.S., it is built from stainless steel and has a rotating firing pin, an integrated ambidextrous safety, and a 2-inch barrel. Overall length is 4 inches, and it has an unloaded weight of 7 ounces.

HANDGUNS 2017

S H O T B U S I N E S S J A N U A RY 2 0 1 7

(IVERJOHNSONARMS.COM)

Nighthawk Custom Nighthawk has teamed with a German revolver manufacturer to offer a line of wheel guns that deliver the impeccable quality and precision that customers have come to expect from Nighthawk. Since the 1950s, Korth has been the premier revolver manufacturer in Europe. These marvelously machined wheel guns are built just north of Frankfurt. Their triggers are so smooth and stack-free, they’ll make your knees weak. Initially, Nighthawk will be offering three of these revolvers, which have been configured to Nighthawk specifications. The Sky Hawk is a compact six-shot revolver chambered for 9mm Luger, but neither half- nor full-moon clips are required. Every part is machined from billet steel or aluminum, and it’s available with a 2- or 3-inch barrel. A gold bead front sight, Hogue grips, hard-coated frame, a TSA-approved travel case, a cleaning rod, a grip-removal tool, lubricating oil, a lanyard, and a proprietary speed loader are standard. SRP: $1,699. The Mongoose is a six-shot dutysize fighting revolver, available with either a 3-, 4-, 5 ¼-, or 6-inch barrel. Like the Sky Hawk, all parts are fully machined, and the handgun is available with either a black or silver finish. With its ergonomically designed and easy-to-access cylinder release, and its skeletonized, high-speed hammer, this .38 Special/.357 Magnum revolver will amaze you with the precision you can deliver on target. A pre-fitted additional cylinder for the 9mm Luger can be ordered. SRP: $3,499. Had old-time police PPC shooters seen a .38 Special/.357 Magnum revolver like this, they’d have thought they’d died and gone to doughnut heaven. But the Super Sport is not just a pistol for old cops; this thing is ready to compete head-to-head with any handgun made. It comes with Picatinny rails and a four-way adjustable front sight that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. A pre-fitted additional cylinder for the 9mm Luger

TEXAS ARMAMENT

THE SCHMEISSER

SLP-9 9MM IS A STRIKER-FIRED PISTOL IMPORTED FROM GERMANY. A SPECIAL DOUBLE-ACTION SYSTEM RESETS THE FIRING PIN AFTER A 3MM RELEASE OF THE TRIGGER.

can be ordered. SRP: $4,799. (NIGHTHAWKCUSTOM.COM)

Remington The R1 10mm Hunter Long Slide is a handgun built with the hunter in mind. From the accurate, 6-inch, match-grade barrel to the matchquality, fully adjustable sights, Picatinny rail, and VZ Operator II G10 grips, this pistol will get the job done at distance. SRP: $1,310. The Remington 1911 R1 Limited is a handcrafted version of the most trusted pistol platform in history, with all the features today’s top competitors demand. Accuracy and speed are key in competition, and with the Limited’s match-grade trigger and barrel, wide serrations, and ambidextrous thumb safety levers, it is raceready right out of the box. Available in 9mm or .40 S&W, the Limited has fully adjustable match sights, G10 grips, and a PVD finish. SRP: $1,250. As the name implies, the Remington R1 Tactical is a fighting pistol. It comes with a Trijicon rear sight, a beveled oversize ejection port, a PVD finish, a Trijicon front sight, an ambidextrous safety, checkered main-

spring housing, a stainless match barrel, a Picatinny rail, VZ G10 grips, and two 8-round magazines. SRP: $1,250. Re-engineered and reintroduced, the Remington R51 has the same appeal for personal protection and concealed carry as it did two years ago. Its low-bore axis helps tame +P 9mm recoil, and its snag-free profile makes it ideal for covert carry. The single-action design allows for one of the best triggers in its class, and at

IVER JOHNSON THE POCKET ACE BARRELED, SINGLE-ACTION DERRINGER CHAMBERED FOR .22LR.

IS A FOURTHAT IS

S H O T B U S I N E S S J A N U A RY 2 0 1 7

HANDGUNS 2017 The RP is also affordable. SRP: $489. (REMINGTON.COM)

Ruger

REMINGTON

THE REINTRODUCED R51 IS AVAILABLE WITH A CRIMSON TRACE LASER GUARD. ITS LOW-BORE AXIS HELPS TAME +P 9MM RECOIL, AND ITS SNAG-FREE PROFILE MAKES IT IDEAL FOR COVERT CARRY AND PERSONAL PROTECTION.

$448, it will not break the bank. A version of the R51 with a Crimson Trace Laser Guard is available for $648. The big pistol news from Big Green is the new RP high-capacity, striker-fired polymer pistol. Available in 9mm or .45 Auto, with a respective

capacity of 18+1 or 15+1, this is a seriously sized duty pistol with a very slim grip profile. At 26.4 ounces total weight, the balanced slide helps control muzzle rise and makes the 9mm version possibly the smoothest-shooting duty-size pistol on the market.

Ruger’s LCP II features a short, crisp, single-action trigger with an inner trigger safety, improved sights, a larger grip surface, and an easy-to-rack slide with an improved slide-stop mechanism with last-round hold-open. The LCP II comes with a pocket holster, weighs just 10.6 ounces, and holds 6+1 rounds of .380 ammunition. SRP: $349. The striker-fired American Compact features a trigger with a short take-up and positive reset. It is performancetested for sustained +P ammunition use, and is equipped with genuine Novak LoMount Carry three-dot sights. It has a modular grip system, can be fieldstripped easily, and has an ambidextrous slide stop and magazine release. Barrel length is 3.35 inches, and it weighs 28.7 ounces. SRP: $579.

Rough Rider Series Rough Rider rimfire revolvers are authentically crafted and made in the USA. They are available in six and nine-shot options in .22 LR and .22 Mag. Big Bore offerings include .357 Mag and .45 LC.

“uncle si” robertson

STARTING AT: $199 MSRP

See our complete line of revolvers and accessories at:

WWW.HERITAGEMFG.COM

SHOT SHOW BOOTH NO. 14240

HANDGUNS 2017 The new Mark IV is a revised version of the ever-popular Mark III. The Mark IV is available in Target and Hunter versions, and its most notable feature is how easy it is to take apart. It has a simple, one-button takedown for quick and easy fieldstripping. A recessed button in the back of the frame allows the upper receiver to tilt up and off the grip frame without the use of tools. (RUGER.COM)

Texas Armament & Technology The Schmeisser SLP-9 9mm is a striker-fired pistol imported from Germany. Its special DARE System (Double Action Rapid Engagement) resets the firing pin after a 3mm release of the trigger. This allows fast precision taps after the first round has been fired in DA. The SLP-9 also allows for multiple trigger pulls in the event of a misfire, and the bore axis is extremely

S H O T B U S I N E S S J A N U A RY 2 0 1 7

low to help with recoil reduction and fast follow-up shots. The 17-round magazines, with capacity-check indicators, are made of anti-corrosive steel with a special anti-friction coating and a high-impact polymer floor-plate. The ambidextrous magazine release catch can be pushed from either side, allowing use for both left- and right-handed shooters. This is a well-thought-out 9mm pistol, with lots of features that should endear it to duty or personal protection service. (TX.AT.COM)

of the barrel carries the Western heroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name and significant dates. SRP: $1,049. (UBERTI.COM)

Uberti This 1858 New Army Buffalo Bill Commemorative .44-caliber limitededition Black Powder has an 8-inch barrel, blue finish, and simulated ivory grips. It is a replica of the 1858 Remington carried by Buffalo Bill. It also has ornate hand-chased floral engraving on all external components, and a gold inlay on either side

NIGHTHAWK CUSTOM

THE KORTH SKY HAWK IS A 9MM REVOLVER INTENDED FOR CONCEALED-CARRY AND PERSONAL PROTECTION.

GOOD STUFF

B Y D AV I D D R A P E R

At Home in the Outdoors Spyderco’s Sprig is a whole lot more than just a bird-andtrout knife

he list of accolades piled on Spyderco is long, but one attribute that may not get talked about enough is the edge-maker’s comprehensive selection. From hawkbill folders to fixed puukkos to kitchen-worthy chef ’s knives, there truly is a Spyderco cutting edge for nearly every end use. Even with that wide line, the Colorado-based company continues to innovate with new introductions.

One such introduction was announced in 2015, and started getting into fans’ hands soon after. Designed in collaboration with knifemaker Phil Wilson, the Sprig follows the ideal of the classic birdand-trout knife, with just enough of Wilson’s deft touch to defy getting pigeon-holed. “The Sprig is at home in the outdoors, but we have sold plenty to users who don’t hunt and fish,” says Joyce Laituri, marketing manager for Spyderco. “Phil’s knives—both the Sprig and the South Fork fixed-blades— reflect his personality. He happens to be an ardent student of metallurgy, as well as an avid fisherman and hunter. His knives are designed to suit his personal hobbies, with thin, flat grinds and distal tapered blades, and with amazing edge

The G-10 scales of the Spyderco Sprig start out thin at the finger guards, then widen at the butt to fill the palm and add backside balance to the knife. 50 ] SHOT BUSINESS ] JANUARY 2017

geometry and balance.” It was exactly that versatility that first drew me to the Sprig, and what has kept it on my belt throughout the 2016 hunting season. Although it falls into the bird-and-trout category, I find it carries a bit bigger than most of the other knives of this design. The Sprig’s overall length comes in just shy of 8¾ inches, with a blade length of 4¼ inches. This creates a knife that is nimble enough for breasting out upland birds or gutting a trout, yet with just enough heft, at 3¾ ounces, for larger game as well. In fact, the first hard test my Sprig saw was carving the quarters from a big, British Columbia bull elk. Later in the season, it got bloody on both pheasants and ducks— though, admittedly, the few fish I caught last fall fell to a more traditional fillet knife. Other than its modest form, the Sprig reminds me a bit of the gaucho’s criollo, in that I carry it often and use it for a variety of tasks, many unrelated to cleaning game. During my annu-

al hog roast, I used it to pare off sample slices of pork. And the knife has sliced cheese and salami for field lunches and taken on dirt duty when I was harvesting fresh vegetables from the garden. In fact, I’ve found the Sprig so useful, it’s become a somewhat unconventional EDC knife, especially on days I don’t leave the farm. It appears this isn’t atypical of how other Sprig owners view the knife, and that reflects Spyderco’s design philosophy. “Rather than hit a specific market, Spyderco goes for innovative designs that frequently end up being cross-utilized,” says Laituri. “The beauty behind Phil’s designs are their function, ergonomics, and high-end materials. These are the features every knife user wants, and what makes Wilson fixed-blades popular for a variety of cutting jobs. Customers who know Phil Wilson will purchase one for processing small game and fish, and for its quality. Others will purchase one and find it ergonomically fits them

and use it for everything they need to cut.” For the blade material, Wilson and Spyderco chose CPM S90V stainless steel for greater resistance to both wear and corrosion, and to create an edge that will last through tough jobs. Wilson works in a distal taper that skinnies up to a fine point, making it pretty handy for detail work, such as filleting out the ball joint when breaking down a bird for the pot. Due to a higher vanadium content (9 percent), S90V is very hard, with some reputation for chipping, but the Sprig’s full-flat grind helps combat this. Keep the Sprig within the wide parameters of its intended end use, and expect a lifetime of performance. The spine of my model shows some dings from batoning through an elk’s sternum, but for most camp work, the Sprig will perform just fine. A full tang adds to the durability. And, of course, there is a signature Spyderco hole in the spine a half-inch up from the handle. SRP: $299.95. (spyderco.com)

NOW AVAILABLE FOR GLOCK 42 & 43

Featuring a Red or Green Laser and 150-Lumen LED White Light with Instinctive Activation™, Laserguard® Pro™ offers the ultimate advantage in personal protection. Available now for Glock, Smith & Wesson and Springfield Armory firearms, including Laserguard Pro + Holster Combos.

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800-442-2406

W H AT ’ S S E L L I N G W H E R E

B Y P E T E R B . M AT H I E S E N

West Guns, AK Chimo Wasilla

This fullservice gun shop keeps close to 400 firearms in stock. Handgun sales are steady and strong. “We’re looking at the same traffic we had before the election. Handguns are in high demand, as are MSRs,” said counterperson Kelly Mears. Top handgun sellers include HK VP9s and Smith Shields in .45. Other strong movers include Ruger LCRs and LCPs. Although sales of bolt-action guns are slowing, the store is coming off a strong fall-winter season. Kimber Montanas and Ruger Americans are holding the top spots, predominantly in Winchester .300 and .300 Short Mag. Modern sporting rifle sales are steady at three to four per week. Springfield Saints and a local Alaska MSR gunmaker, Valley Arms, are two top sellers.

Grove OR Oak Guns, Eugene Located in central coastal Oregon, this store keeps more than four employees busy and stocks more than 300 guns. MSRs are turning at about one a day, with DPMS, SIG, and Ruger in the high-traffic spots. “MSRs aren’t flying out the door, but they remain steady sellers,” said countersalesman Curtis Oliver. Top sellers at this store are Ruger 556s, Smith Sports, and Palmetto State Armory. For varmint season, Savage Axis rifles in .223 are the hottest boltaction rifles. Winchester Model 70s in .243 and .308 also are experiencing quick turns. Handguns for concealed carry are pulling the top numbers. Springfield XDs and Glock 43s are holding the highest spots, along with a large number of M&P Shields.

Stockade, CA The Westminster This large independent stocks more than 2,000 guns. “Our state just went through a brutal set of referendums, including background checks for buying .22 ammo. Now it will take 20 minutes to clear a customer for a box of ammo,” said manager Eric Cilley. Sales across the board have been high, and much of this store’s inventory of MSRs is now cleaned out. “We are in the process of figuring out what a ‘featureless’ MSR is, because that’s the only MSR we can sell,” he said. Concealed-carry guns are hot and selling remarkably fast. SIG P238s, Smith Shields, and Glock 19s are selling exceptionally well. During the holidays, .22 sales were higher than usual, with Ruger 10/22 hitting a seasonal high.

Midwest Fine MN Boone’s Guns, Isle Opening in 2008, this destination store in northern Minnesota has an indoor range. It keeps more than 2,500 guns in stock while selling fishing and soft goods. Handgun sales have been ticking upward since November, with Glock 42s and 43s, Ruger Mark 4s, and Smith M&Ps all pulling strong numbers. Varmint and plinking season is in full swing. Ruger 77s and CZ boltactions in .204 are moving well. “Our MSR sales have notably slowed, and the only MSRs that are moving right now are price-point driven,” said countersalesperson Lee Raverty.

Superior WI Shooter’s Supply, Superior

Located

52 ] SHOT BUSINESS ] JANUARY 2017

across the Minnesota state line, just one block from Lake Superior, this long-standing Duluth-area shop specializes in firearms, safes, reloading supplies, and soft goods. “Handgun sales are flat-out impressive for our store during this time of the year. Part of it may have been the election. We are seeing more sales tied to smaller, new concealed-carry guns that continue to be easier to use and more comfortable to carry,” said owner Pat Kukull. Handgun sales are high and rising, with Ruger LCP IIs, GP100 Model 1752s, Smith Bodyguards, and Smith Shields leading the pack. MSRs are turning at about one per week. There is a great concentration on specific uses and more demand for .308 calibers. DPMS has the current lead at this counter.

ND Outdoorsman, Fargo

Established in 1980 and located in the center of Fargo, this store keeps an average of three employees busy. They sell a variety of general home-defense products, rifles, and handguns. Demand for MSRs was steady through December. “We’re selling an AR every couple of days, and it has been steady for a long time,” said countersalesperson Tony Bourn. At the rifle rack, it has been a near equal split among Colt, APF, and Rock River. Handguns sales are good, with Springfield XDSs, Colt 1911s, and Smith Shields holding the high slots. Glock 42s are right behind. Ammo stock remains good, and shotguns are still moving, led by the Remington 870 Express, along with a few Benelli Super Black Eagles.

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East Trading PAJuniata Post, Everett

This

full-line sporting-goods store stocks an average of 500 firearms and reloading supplies. Pistol demand is steady. “With winter settled in, and slowing MSR sales, it’s all about the handguns,” said counterperson Chris Cogan. General ammo inventories are strong. Only a few rare calibers are in short supply, and rimfire cartridges arrive weekly. Cogan added that most of his winter reloading gear in stock is the best it’s been in several seasons. Handgun demand is steady, and Ruger LCRs and LCPs are pulling impressive numbers. There’s also notable traffic in Smith M&Ps and Glock 42s. MSR sales are down to one a week. This store’s top sellers include Smith Sports and Rugers.

Renaissance NH Firearms, Rochester

Sales of sporting shotguns in this store are starting to slow, with a couple of Caesar Guerinis along with a few Stoeger semi-autos seeing turns. The bestsellers during the fall were Browning A5s and Beretta 350s and A400s. Tactical shotguns from SIG and Benelli are posting better numbers than expected. MSR post-election sales are still ticking up, with an average of four crossing the counter each week, led by Windham and Colt. “We sell a lot of gift coupons, which helps us close sales in January,” said director of marketing Scot Villeneuve. Pistols are holding strong. Ruger Mark 4s are hot, as are Ruger LC9s. Glock 42s and SIG P238s are both turning quickly.

Springhill Rod WV & Gun, Charleston

Stocking an average of 400 guns, this general sporting-goods retailer has seven employees. Handguns continue to move briskly. Springfield Armory XDs, Smith Shields and J Frame revolvers, and Glock 42s are the top sellers. Deer season has wrapped up. The unusual combination of Savage and Mossberg price-point rifles performed best. “With the coal industry in a terrible state, lowprice-point guns are king in our store,” said owner Dan Kessel. MSR sales remain steady. Ruger and Smith M&Ps command the high ground. Shotguns sales are slowing, though a few Mossberg 500s in sporting and homedefense are crossing the counter.

Shoot more. Walk less. The Auto-Advance Remote Control Target System scrolls the included 50 foot Bullseye target roll with the push of a button. So spend less time walking and more time where you need to be – on target. 200 Yard Remote Range Control target scrolling with the touch of a button

AR400 Steel Construction For all rimfire calibers and air rifles

Quick Setup Easy assembly and break down

Pick Your Target Interchangeable Silhouette, Small Bore Rifle, and Varmint target rolls sold separately.

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South Arms, VASpyder Alexandria

This retailer sells mostly Class III firearms and accessories. January handgun sales see Smith SDs in .40 and 9mm on top. Jimenez .380s and Bersa Thunder .380s also are drawing high traffic. Shotgun sales are led by American Spirit Arms. Bulk shotgun ammo is getting plenty of attention. Accessories are critical here. “I see suppressors as a serious growth market,” said owner Aaron Baars. Sales have been strong, with suppressors from SilencerCo and Advanced Armament Corp. on top. MSR sales are steady, with near daily turns for Andersen and Stag.

Paducah KY Shooters Supply, Paducah

January is

expected to be hot for MSRs at this store. Benelli Super Black Eagle IIs, Browning A5s, and Winchester Super X3s sold very well. MSRs continue to move, with an even mix of Smith M&Ps and Daniel Defense. “We see a clear trend in younger shooters making the MSR platform their hunting gun of choice,” said counterman John Carpenter. Sales of bolt-action rifles, however, are slowing, but Remington 700 BDLs and the Savage Axis had good turns, particularly in .243 and 7mm. Smith Bodyguards continue to lead revolver sales. Glock 42s, Springfield XDMs, and Ruger LC9s are setting impressive numbers on the post-Christmas board.

Shooters, TX Sharp Lubbock

With more than 3,000 firearms in inven-

tory, this West Texas shop specializes in hunting rifles, handguns, and home-defense products. Post-election numbers have remained steady. “Our customers were concerned more about magazine limits than MSRs in general. We see the MSR market holding steady,” said manager Israel Musquiz. Deer season is wrapping up, and strong turns are split between highend and price-point rifles. Savage Model 10s and 11s and Christensen Arms Classics, primarily in .308 and .270, are getting the most attention. MSRs turn at about two a week, with Daniel Defense and Modern Outfitters pulling the best numbers. Post-holiday handgun turns are strong. SIG 238s and 938s are in the lead; Glock 19s are second. Plenty of Smith Shields are also consistently crossing the counter.

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Firearms Business Insurance

(Continued from page 58)

Wholesalers & Distributors Retail Sales Manufacturers & Importers Ammunition & Bullet Manufacturers Indoor & Outdoor Ranges Gunsmiths Firearms Instructors

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800.526.2199 • info@jcinsco.com • www.guninsurance.com

Browning’s Pistol Vault 900 uses either an electronic four-button touch pad or a biometric pad that grants instant access with the touch of a fingertip.

Browning ³ The

U.S. POSTAL SERVICE STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION (Required by 39 USC 3685) 1. Publication Title: Shot Business; 2. Publication No. 1081-8618; 3. Filing Date: 10/1/16; 4. Issue Frequency: Bi-Monthly Except for January and December; 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 7; 6. Annual Subscription Price: $25.00; 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: Bonnier Corporation, 2 Park Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10016; 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: Bonnier Corporation, 2 Park Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10019; 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher: Greg Gatto, 2 Park Ave New York, NY 10016; Editor: Slaton L.White, 2 Park Ave New York, NY 10016; Managing Editor: Margaret Nussey, 2 Park Ave New York, NY 10016. 10. Owner: Bonnier Corporation, PO Box 8500, Winter Park, Florida 32790; 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Securities: None; 12.Tax Status (for completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at special rates): Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months; 13. Publication Title: Shot Business; 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below:Aug/ Sep 2016; 15a.Total Number of Copies: 21,689 (Aug/Sep 2016: 21,518); b. Paid Circulation: (1) Mailed OutsideCounty Paid Subscriptions Stated on PS Form 3541: 20,237 (Aug/Sep 2016: 20,045); c. Total Paid Distribution: 20,237 (Aug/Sep 2016: 20,045); d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County Copies included on PS Form 3541: 632 (Aug/Sep 2016: 617); (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS: 0 (Aug/Sep 2016: 0); e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: 632 (Aug/Sep 2016: 617); f.Total Distribution: 20,868 (Aug/Sep 2016: 20,662); g. Copies not Distributed: 821 (Aug/Sep 2016: 856); h. Total: 21,689 (Aug/Sep 2016: 21,518); Percent Paid: 96.97% (Aug/Sep 2016: 97.01%).

Pistol Vault 900 will be offered with either an electronic four-button touch pad lock or a biometric pad that grants instant access with the touch of a fingertip. Bright LED lighting illuminates the interior, making it easy to locate the contents at night or in a closet. A pair of ½-inch-diameter lock-

The Reactor Gryphon is a durable, waterproof, tactical watch.

ing bolts secure the lid. Available in a textured black finish. SRP: $219, electronic-lock model; $379, biometric model. (browning.com)

Reactor ³ The Gryphon is a hybrid tactical watch that combines a space age Nitromid cover, a glass-reinforced polymer with a tensile strength higher than steel, and a stainless-steel core. The result is a watch with improved durability and impact resistance that has the watertight capabilities of a fully stainless-steel version at half the weight. The Gryphon has a 42mm case, a 10-year lithium power cell, and quartz movement, and is depthtested to 200 meters. Designed to block the watchband from absorbing odor and dirt while increasing comfort, the Gryphon strap is made of nylon webbing co-molded

with Reactor’s proprietary silicone and natural rubber compound. This unique blend of materials mounted around a stainless-steel tube with a solid stainlesssteel screw bar creates a tough, durable watchband. The Gryphon also has Reactor’s patented Never Dark illumination technology. Never Dark is the first technology to combine the intense brightness of Superluminova with the multi-year longevity of tritium. SRP: $350. (reactorwatch.com)

Hunters Specialties ³ Wafer Blades help hunters easily disperse both cover and attractant scents over a wide area. Wafer Blades can be pinned to clothing with the supplied safety pins, hung from a limb, or stored with clothing. Five versions are available. SRP: $12.99.

(hunterspec.com)

NEW PRODUCTS

Bog Pod Getting a steady rest is essential for a well-placed shot. This usually isn’t an issue for a hunter in a blind, but what about the spotand-stalk hunter in open country? Bog Pod has his back with the BOS Series HD-3 tripod (in tall and short versions). Made of aluminum to keep carrying weight to a minimum, it features a padded universal shooting rest that won’t mar the finish on a rifle. Custom lever locks with ultra-smooth and quiet operation and adjustable tension make setup fast and simple. The legs adjust independently out to any angle up to 40 degrees, with adjustable tension for better control of leg spread. Furthermore, the positive lock means the legs won’t slide under the weight of the rifle in the rest. Inch markers on middle leg sections help a hunter quickly reach the desired height, and the range of motion is good enough to accommodate standing as well as kneeling or sitting shooters. The tall version offers 22 to 68 inches of range; the short version 6 to 42 inches. SRP: $170, short; $219, tall. (btibrands.com)

PHOTO CREDIT

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58 ] SHOT BUSINESS ] JANUARY 2017

G R E A T

N E W

P R O D U C T S

F R O M

R U G E R

2017

RUGER

LCP II ®

The LCP ® II features a short, crisp, single-action trigger with inner trigger safety, improved sights for superior visibility, a larger grip surface for better distribution of recoil forces and an easy-to-rack slide with an improved slide stop mechanism with a last round hold-open.

RUGER 10/22 TAKEDOWN LITE ®

9MM LUGER COMPACT

The Ruger American Pistol ® Compact model shares all of

This newest introduction to the 10/22 ® family combines the popular

the features and rugged reliability of the duty-size gun in a smaller,

attributes of the 10/22 Takedown ® line with a new, lighter weight barrel

lighter, more concealable package. Originally introduced in December 2015,

and the Ruger ® Modular Stock System. This new barrel configuration

the feature-rich Ruger American Pistol ® was designed with the latest U.S.

consists of a cold hammer-forged alloy steel barrel mated with

Military standards in mind and was tested in the harshest environments to

a 6061-T6 aluminum alloy sleeve. The barrel nut is torqued

ensure the rugged reliability consumers have come to expect from Ruger.

to precise factory specifications to optimize performance.

RUGER

MARK IV

™

The heavily redesigned Mark IV ™ maintains the same classic

We are proud to announce new enhancements to the highly popular Ruger

outward appearance as the Mark III ™ and incorporates a significant

Precision Rifle ®, making a great rifle even better. These models feature a

improvement customers will love – a simple, one-button takedown for quick

new handguard providing increased scope clearance, a hybrid muzzle brake

and easy field stripping. A recessed button in the back of the frame allows

that reduces felt recoil and a billet aluminum bolt shroud which adds an

the upper receiver to tilt up and off the grip frame without the use of tools.

upgrade that has become popular with Ruger Precision Rifle ® owners.

FIND ALL NEW PRODUCTS FOR 2017 AT RUGER.COM/NEW Find Ruger: