SHOT Daily — Day 3 — 2017 SHOT Show by SHOT Business

SHOOTING HUNTING OUTDOOR TRADE SHOW 1979–2017 NEW PRODUCT REPORTS

FEATURES

NEWS

Country musicians talk about their passion for music and for hunting. SEE PAGE 50

S&W’s updated M&P M2.0 is right on target. SEE PAGE 12

TWIN PASSIONS

SHOT Daily scours the floor to find the latest in knives from the show P. 14. Also, see what’s new in accessories P. 28.

SUBTLE CHANGES

CLEAR OBJECTIVE

RIMFIRE REDEFINED

Konus intends to raise its profile in the United States. SEE PAGE 48

Savage unveils the highperformance bolt-action B Series. SEE PAGE 68

DAY 3, JANUARY 19, 2 017

T H E DA I LY N E WS O F T H E 2 0 17 L AS V EGAS S H OT S H OW B ROUG H T TO YOU BY T H E B O N N I E R CO R P O RAT I O N A N D T H E N SS F

Hybrid Pack for Women Looking to bring its signature highquality designs and features to the first woman-specific, Western-oriented daypack in the Extreme line, Alps OutdoorZ has created the Monarch X. “After successfully introducing the Extreme line of hunting packs, we knew we couldn’t stop there,” says product manager Zach Scheidegger. That was the impetus for the new Monarch X daypack–meat hauler hybrid. It can be used as a standard daypack, but it also gives the user the option of hauling out meat with the built-in stowaway meat shelf. The shoulder straps and waist belt are designed to fit a woman’s physique more comfortably than a standard hunting pack. Dual aluminum stays help distribute the weight evenly, while Lycra shoulder straps with built-in load lifters and a molded foam waist belt ensure a comfortable fit. Booth #3551. (alpsoutdoorz.com)

A Renewal of Hope

SSF president and CEO Steve Sanetti began his presentation on Tuesday night at the State of the Industry dinner with a confession. “Just a few short months ago, I had absolutely no idea what kind of speech I would be making tonight,” he told the audience. “Would it be one of resolve, preparing ourselves for a bitter and protracted onslaught that was promised and predicted? That certainly seemed likely. But something whispered, ‘Wait…. “And so I did. As we saw, for all the plans being made to fight the good fight, that strategy thankfully was sidetracked. We are profoundly grateful to those who so generously supported our #GUNVOTE voter education and registration initiative efforts. Now we look forward with new hope to a period in which we may breathe a bit easier.”

After reviewing a number of programs that NSSF has instituted to promote the safe and responsible use of firearms, Sanetti concluded by returning to his main theme. “We hope that the unity our industry has shown will continue, and that we will continue to work together, not just in times of peril, but in recognition that our cause is right, and true, and enshrined by the drafters of our Constitution. And by doing so, we can turn our hopes into reality. “Now, make no mistake. There remain many who are of the belief that firearms and their makers and owners are not entitled to our beliefs, our livelihoods, or our way of life. We should never be complacent. Their will is determined and their resources are enormous. And they bristle at the opportunity which they just had struck from their hands. It is in times of peace when we must allo-

cate our resources to prepare for the next battle, whenever it may come. “The divisions within our nation are deep. I hope that the measures I’ve outlined tonight and our outreach efforts will strike enough of a chord in our opposition, or at least in the general public, to command their attention. We know not all will agree, but we ask those who are sincere in the dual goals of protecting the Constitutional rights of all Americans and making America a safer place to join us. “Let’s renew our determination, our courage, and our hope for the future. For it is upon us to demonstrate to our divided and anxious nation that ours is indeed the best way ahead. If we act with fairness, in a spirit of inclusion, then our hope of better days for our industry, our customers, and the general public will surely be fulfilled.”

NSSF president and CEO Steve Sanetti told the audience at the State of the Industry dinner, “Let’s renew our determination, our courage, and our hope for the future.”

1/18/17 5:33 PM

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12/8/16 4:51 PM

news

OTIS TECHNOLOGY SALES AWARDS Otis Technology announced its 2016 Sales Representative of the Year award Tuesday morning at the SHOT Show. The manufacturer presents this award annually to the sales representative who has shown initiative, sales growth, and outstanding effort and customer service. The recipient was J.B. McCarty of Ken Jefferies & Associates. McCarty covers North Carolina and South Carolina, and he is an avid outdoorsman. In addition to being an accomplished sales professional, McCarty is also a pit master who has won the North and South Carolina State Championship as well as earned consecutive topfive finishes at the World Champion ship Barbecue Cooking Contest in Memphis, Tennessee. Jeff Scarlett, Otis Technology’s Eastern region sales manager, said, “J.B. has been integral in expanding business in the Carolina market. His concentration in farm and home accounts has been instrumental in the growth of that channel and the brand as a whole.” Frank Devlin, director of commercial sales at Otis Technology, said, “The synergy between J.B. and Jeff is one of the main drivers behind the growth of the territory. Their collaboration has really had a positive impact on sales results this year.” Otis Technology also presented Sokol Associates with the 2016 Sales Agency of the Year award. Sokol, based out of Oakdale, Minnesota, took top honors in 2013 and 2014, and has more than 50 years of experience in the outdoor sports industry. It represents Otis Technology in the upper Midwest and Great Lakes territories. The award was presented to Jon Sokol by Devlin, who said, “We are extremely fortunate to have aligned ourselves with outstanding sales agencies. The Sokol team as a whole has really embraced the Otis brand and is an excellent extension of our salesforce.” Booth #14213. (otistec. com)

Nikon’s Top Sales Reps

ikon Sport Optics recently announced the winners of this year’s sales rep awards. Recipients were selected based on a number of criteria, including superior customer service. “This year’s sales rep award winners deserve a lot of credit for standing out among our excellent sales team. We firmly believe that we have the best salesforce of any optics company in our industry,” said Randy Garrison, associate general manager of Nikon Sport

Owens for setting the mantra ‘Attitude determines altitude,’ ” said Deveny. The Staff Choice award went to Mike Freiberg of Elevated Outdoor Sales. Nikon also announced six Elite Salesmen: Tom Wiley, Professional Marketing, Inc.; Aaron Doolin, The Dolph Co.; Brent Vogler, Owens Outdoor Sales; Jake Porter, Odle Sales; Nick Gamel, Odle Sales; and Bret Dolph, The Dolph Co. Booth #11221. (nikonsportoptics. com)

TNW Tweaks the ASR

NW Firearms, a designer and manufacturer of modern and historical firearms, located in Vernonia, Oregon, is now offering the innovative and popular Aero Survival Rifle in versions that comply with California and New York firearms regulations. Previously prohibited in these states due to restrictions on long guns with a pistol grip and a detachable magazine, this new variant of the Aero Survival Rifle (ASR) comes with an ergonomic fixed stock that meets the criteria allowing the use of a detachable magazine with a rifle. Like all ASRs, the California-compliant model is a takedown firearm, “making it the perfect pistol-caliber carbine for outdoor enthusiasts, ranchers, pilots, or anyone else who needs a portable, rugged, and reliable semi-automatic rifle,” says company spokesman Matt Foster. Though similar in appearance and manual-

J.B. McCarty (center) of Ken Jefferies & Associates, is the Otis Technology Sales Representative of the Year.

4 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ DAY 3, JANUARY 19, 2017

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Optics sales and operations. Nikon’s Salesman of the Year award was presented to David Deveny of Owens Outdoor Sales. Deveny’s professionalism, reliability, and significant sales percentage increase over 2016 made him a clear choice for the award. “My focus this year was to spend significant time with my customers and provide the best customer service possible. I also tried to identify the right Nikon products that will sell the best for each dealer to help them grow. I credit Waylon

of-arms to an AR-platform rifle, the ASR is an original design that uses Glock magazines. It is available in 9mm Luger, .357 Sig, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and 10mm. The design allows a user to switch between similar cartridges with nothing more than a change of barrel and bolt assembly. Blowback-operated for simplicity and reliability, the ASR has both an upper and lower receiver machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, and is available finished in hard-coat anodized black, dark earth, and OD green, as well as two variegated finishes—Tiger Pink and Tiger Green. Like an AR, the ASR has a buffer tube and a right-side push-button magazine release. The California-compliant ASR uses a Thorsden stock. The familiar cross-bolt push-button safety is easily manipulated by the trigger finger. The California-compliant ASR comes with one 10-round magazine. SRP: $829.99. Booth #1141. (tnwfirearms.com)

The popular Aero Survival Rifle is now offered in a California-compliant version that features an ergonomic fixed stock. The rifle ships with one 10-round magazine.

1/18/17 5:41 PM

National Shooting Sports FoundationÂ¨

2017 events Calendar January 17-20

June 5-7

SHOT Show

NSSF Industry Summit

Las Vegas, NV

Austin, TX

April 4-5

June (TBD)

NSSF Congressional Fly-In

SHOT Show Exhibitor Academy

Washington, DC

Las Vegas, NV April 20-23 April 23-26 October 26-29 November 9-12

August 2-4

NSSF Import/Export Conference

NSSF Shooting Sports Fantasy Camp

Washington, DC

Las Vegas, NV

January 23-26, 2018

SHOT Show May 8-10

Las Vegas, NV

Firearms Industry Compliance Conference Arlington, VA

NSSF.ORG/CALENDAR

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12/9/16 1:31 PM

GripSense

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Larry Ahlman, Barbara Baird, Scott Bestul, Philip Bourjaily, Christopher Cogley, David Draper, Jock Elliott, William F. Kendy, Mark Kayser, David Maccar, Peter B. Mathiesen, Brian McCombie, Richard Mann, Tom Mohrhauser, Robert Sadowski, Robert F. Staeger, Peter Suciu, Wayne Van Zwoll

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BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Tara Bisciello, Business Manager

CONSUMER MARKETING

Robert M. Cohn, Consumer Marketing Director Stephanie Fry, Fulfillment & Planning Manager

MANUFACTURING

Alison Klein, Senior Production Manager

BONNIER

FIND US AT BOOTH 14570

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.

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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

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

For editorial inquiries, visit Venetian Level 3, San Polo 3501, in the Sands Expo & Convention Center.

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1/5/17 2:01 PM

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12/5/16 3:28 PM

news

Ashley Hlebinsky Receives Grits Gresham Award

he Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) presented firearms expert, his torian, and journalist Ashley Hlebinsky with the Grits Gresham Shooting Sports Communicator Award Tuesday at the State of the Industry dinner. Hlebinsky is

the Robert W. Woodruff Cody Firearms Museum curator at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming. The prestigious POMA/ NSSF Grits Gresham Shooting Sports Commu nicator Award recognizes extraordinary achievements in communications in the areas of responsible firearms use, the shooting sports, Ashley Hlebinsky (left) receives the Grits Gresham Award.

and hunting. “Ashley’s contributions to increasing public understand ing of firearms and their manufacturing and cultural history through her writing and many media appearances, including in our NSSF video series ‘The Gun Vault,’ are astonishing,” said Steve Sanetti, NSSF president and CEO. “She is most deserving of this award.” “I am humbled to be the recipient of the Grits Gresham Shooting Sports Communicator Award,” said Hlebinsky. “At the Cody Firearms Museum, we strive to reach our gun enthusiast audience and educate those who are unfamiliar with fire arms. I am deeply moved by this award when so many people that I idolize have received it before me, and I only hope that I can live up to their legacy.”

BUSHNELL HONORS BOB ROBB The annual Bill McRae Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes journalists who have made a profound impact in the industry. Yesterday, Bushnell announced that Bob Robb (below, left) was the recipient of the 2017 award. Admired by his peers and audiences alike, Robb has had a long and distinguished career as a writer and editor for a wide variety of outdoor publications. In addition to the lifetime achievement award, Bushnell will endow a $10,000 scholarship for students pursuing a degree in optical science and engineering. A leader in optical innovation, Bushnell is dedicated to advancing technology and performance in the field.

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1/18/17 5:34 PM

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12/8/16 4:23 PM

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12/9/16 11:51 AM

news

The Social Media Puzzle

on the floor

esterday, at the NSSF Retail seminar “Social Media and the Firearms Retailer,” professional competition shooter and social media expert Julie Golob told retailers how to deal with this often confusing but important facet of retail life. The key takeaways were “engagement” and “authenticity.”

“Navigating social media can be overwhelming to those who want to use it as a marketing tool for their brands and businesses,” said Golob. “With the rules for advertising constantly changing and new

social networks developing, it’s easy to become confused and frustrated. Keeping perspective, knowing who you want to reach, and finding the best ways to engage with that audience are critical factors for success

Professional competition shooter Julie Golob walked NSSF Retail seminar attendees through the best ways to use social media.

in this digital jungle.” Golob added that personality wins the internet. “Whether it’s a YouTube video or an engaging tweet, being real and relatable creates a personal connection between a business or brand and its customer,” she said. She should know, as she has built a loyal following among fans on all her social media networks. Throughout the seminar, Golob tackled popular social networks and ways to leverage them to connect and build loyalty with customer bases and beyond. Golob focused on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter because of their size and success. She also touched on Pinterest and Snapchat, and how to deal with emerging networks. Nuggets of knowledge for attendees to take back and try included how to decide which networks are best for driving foot and

JERRY MICULEK of Team S&W will be in the S&W booth today from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Booth #13729.

internet traffic to their respective stores and websites. Afterward, Golob said that she approached planning for the seminar by considering social media as the “Wild West of Marketing.” “I want people to understand that there is no magic formula for success when it comes to the number or types of posts. Rather, it’s how you connect with your customers. By giving your brand an identity and showcasing the personalities that make your retail space or company unique, social media can be an extremely effective tool to reach and, most important, connect with consumers.” Golob also stressed the importance of prerecorded and live videos, touching on appropriate content for an audience, and explaining the differences between YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. —Barbara Baird

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TOP 10 SELLERS ammo-arms BirminghamPistol BlackMarketArms bwk9 Midwest Tactical Inc

Northern Firearms OsageCountyGuns SportsmansSupply The Modern Sportsman TheAttic

The list of businesses increasing their profits by selling on GunBroker.com is greater than just these ten. Visit us at Booth #15147 to discuss how GunBroker.com can increase your sales.

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12/7/16 1:37 PM 1/18/17 3:14 PM

A MATCH MUD IN HEAVEN. A5 Wicked Wing Cerakote®

Maxus Wicked Wing Cerakote®

SEE THEM FOR YOURSELF AT BOOTH 12740. BROWNING.COM

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11/30/16 3:49 PM

news

Subtle Changes S&W M&P M2.0 is on target By David Maccar

en a pistol is already a remarkable machine, h people get nervous when that pistol undergoes changes, new versions, or updates. But if they’re done well, those changes amount to refinements that make that remarkable machine a truly fine pistol.

Such is the case with the new Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0, an update of the incredibly popular M&P line of handguns. The fact that it took 11 years for an update to be necessary is a testament to the original M&P’s design. The M2.0 is still a short recoil- operated, locked-breech semiauto that uses a Browning-type locking system. It features a unique takedown method that doesn’t require a dry-fire pull of the trigger, for added safety. While the original M&P’s target demographic was law enforcement, it quickly got into the hands and holsters of shooters in

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Input from M&P users resulted in an improved pistol—the M2.0.

all walks of life and for all purposes for which a pistol is suited. The M2.0 is just different enough to make M&P fans giddy. The changes are subtle, but they were made with input from lawenforcement officers, professional competitors, and everyday concealed carriers who rely on the M&P.

New Grip

The M2.0 retains the proven 18-degree grip angle of the original, which allows for natural pointing. But S&W engineers also looked at and made changes to the

part of the pistol that contacts the hand the most, adding a more aggressive stippling. They also added a fourth interchangeable palm-swell insert that falls between medium and large on the size scale and is dubbed mediumlarge. While it may seem trivial, when you shoot the M&P in rapid succession with the different-sized inserts, you can really feel the difference in stability and comfort.

New Trigger

The factory trigger was always the big gripe about the M&P. Shooters found it to be mushy

and quickly replaced it. S&W listened, and the M2.0’s redesigned trigger is crisp, with a lighter pull and a positive, audible reset.

And the Rest

The controls on the M2.0 are nearly identical to that of the original, with an ambidextrous slide stop, a reversible steel magazine release button, and an optional thumb safety lever. The M&P M2.0 is chambered in either 9mm or .40 S&W, and it comes with a 4.25-inch barrel. Best of all, it is available in gun shops now. Booth #13729. (smith-wesson.com)

1/18/17 3:18 PM

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12/5/16 9:20 AM

KNIVES OUTDOOR EDGE ’ S NEW TWIST ON SURVIVAL KNIVES

BENCHMADE The 781’s spear-point stainless-steel blade is housed in a 6061-T6 milled-aluminum-billet handle.

BROWNING AND BOKER GO BIG ON TOMAHAWKS

HELLE HONORS VIKING ROOTS

Wide Assortment

No matter which style of knife a customer wants, you’ll easily be able to supply it By Christopher Cogley oday’s shooting sports enthusiasts don’t need just a knife. They need a very particular knife for a very particular purpose, and the challenge for retailers is to determine what that purpose is and which knife is best suited to handle it. Thankfully, knife manufacturers are making that task a lot easier to accomplish by releasing a wide assortment of specialized blades that are designed for nearly every imaginable purpose, from hunting and tactical to collectible and everyday carry. If you aren’t sure which ones are right to include in your display case this year, then check out the selections below and get a glimpse of what your customers are going to be asking you for in the coming months.

B O K E R The 9-inch Boker Plus

Chicken Hawk features an ergonomically shaped handle to allow for both power and detailed work.

Bear & Son Cutlery

➤ Bear & Son Cutlery is launching the new Manual Folder 61102 under its Bear Edge brand that’s made for people who tend to carry and use their knives on a daily basis. The Manual Folder has a knife trigger designed to quickly and easily deploy the 3 3∕8inch 440 stainless-steel blade. The Manual Folder has a G10 handle with stainless-steel liners and a closed length of 4.5 inches. SRP: $59.99. Bear & Son is also releasing the new Bold Action V knife as part of its Bear Ops brand of tactical knives. The Bold Action V features an automatic deployment of the 3 1∕8-inch Sandvik steel blade. The knife has a G10 handle and a pocket clip that positions the knife tip up for quicker deployment. SRP: $154.99. Booth #446.

(bearandsoncutlery.com)

Benchmade

➤ Benchmade is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and to commemorate the occasion, it’s launching a pair of knives that pay tribute to the company’s roots as well as its mission to always find ways to make good knives better. Named for the year that Benchmade was established, the Model 87 is a Bali-Song knife reminiscent of the Model 86 that the company was built on. The new version has a 4.5-inch Wharncliffe blade made from CPM-S30V steel and features handles that are milled from titanium billets. SRP: $600. The new 781 is an everyday-carry with a spear-point CPM-S30V stainless-steel blade that’s deployed from a double-action side-fire but-

14 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ DAY 3, JANUARY 19, 2017

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1/6/17 12:22 PM

National Shooting Sports Foundation®

NSSF Works for Me

has been integral to our “NSSF success. We recent ly added a

shooting range to our retail facility and NSSF’s research, range exper ts and affinity benefits par tners are invaluable resources.

”

NSSF Premium Range Member Joe Keffer, Owner, The Sportsman’s Shop, New Holland, Pa

Visit us at booth L231

Premium Range Members like Joe receive benefits such as: • Legal defense fund • OSHA Mock Audit • Lead Management Program • Hearing Conservation Program Template • Hazardous Communication Program Template • Medical Surveillance Guidance • General Industry Checklist

• OSHA Compliance Program Review • 24/7 EPA & OSHA Compliance Hotline • Media Consulting • NSSF Star Rating Range Program Benefit • Industry Research • SHOT Show Benefits

Go to nssf.org or call 203-426-1320 ext. 209 for more information on membership categories and find out how NSSF can work for you.

NSSF.ORG/PREMIUM

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PRODUCTS

C R K T The Ruger Hollow-Point everyday-carry folder features a 3.17-inch clip-point blade made of 8Cr13MoV steel. Designed by Ken Onion, the

Hollow-Point has a distinctive retro style and features the IKBS ball-bearing pivot system, which allows for smooth and easy blade deployment.

B U C K The 75th

Anniversary edition of the Model 119 has a 6-inch blade made from 420HC stainless steel.

ton built into the silver brightdipped 6061-T6 milled-aluminumbillet handles. SRP: $550. Benchmade is also releasing the 560 Freek that’s designed as a versatile everyday-carry folder with durometer handles, the AXIS locking mechanism, and a 3.6-inch blade made from CPM-S30V stainless steel. SRP: $130. Booth #10357. (benchmade.com)

Boker USA ➤ This

year Boker is adding to its collection of ruggedly functional blades with two new additions to the Boker Plus line. Designed by Hungary’s Kornel Kiss, the Boker Plus Blacklist is a 10-inch full-tang knife with a 4.88-inch deep-bellied blade made from 440C. The 9-inch Boker Plus Chicken Hawk is a compact tomahawk designed by D.J. Urbanovsky that features an ergonomically shaped handle to allow for both power and detailed work. The Blacklist (SRP: $159.95) and Chicken Hawk ($189.95) both feature G-10 handles and come with Kydex sheaths. Boker is also releasing the Model

COAST New this year is the FX200 Bottle Opener Pocket Knife, which has a 2-inch drop-point black-oxide-coated blade made from 3CR13 stainless steel. The handle has a matching black-oxide coating, with a gold-titanium nitride finish on the assembly screws and fasteners and a bottle opener built into the bottom. The knife also features a money/ pocket clip and a keychain/lanyard hole. Coast is also launching the SP425 Folding Diamond Sharpener that has a 4-inch sharpening surface with #400 medium grit on one side and #600 fine grit on the other. The sharpener has a 5-inch black injection-molded handle with a checkered surface. Booth #15120. (coastportland.com)

10 CG, designed by renowned custom knife maker Les Voorhies. The 10 CG features a 3.12-inch modified Wharncliffe blade made from CPM 154. SRP: $389. The slim, stylish knife has a liner lock with titanium liners and spacers as well as titanium bolsters and C-Tec scales. Booth #13167. (bokerusa.com)

Browning ➤ Browning

is introducing the new Wihongi Signature Series to its Black Label tactical collection. Designed by accomplished martial artist Jared Wihongi, the knives in the line are created to be functional tactical weapons with stylish warrior motifs that pay tribute to Wihongi’s Maori ancestors. Among the items in the collection is a tactical tomahawk made from 420 stainless steel, with a spike end mounted on a forked tang with a cord-wrapped handle. SRP: $69.99. The line also includes a doubleedge dagger, a selection of fixed and folding knives, and a Kukri (SRP: $129) that features a 3∕16-inch flat-ground 8Cr14MoV stainless-

steel blade with a blood groove and blood notches. All of the items in the Wihongi Signature Series feature authentic Maori tribal etchings on the blades. Browning is also launching two versions of Speed Load knives that allow users to switch out blades based on the required task. Both the standard Speed Load and the Speed Load Ceramic include a drop-point, a guthook, and a caper blade. The standard Speed Load also includes a standard utility blade. All of the replacement blades for the standard Speed Load are made from 420J2 stainless steel. The Speed Load Ceramic features an injection-molded polymer handle with rubber inserts and an A-TACS camo pattern, while the standard Speed Load has a sculpted black G-10 handle with an alloy bolster. Both versions have a pocket clip and thumb stud, and come with a nylon belt sheath. SRP: $39.99. Booth #12740. (browning.com)

Buck

➤ In 2017, Buck is releasing a commemorative version of the knife that started it all. The 75th Anniversary edition of the Model 119 pays tribute to the classic fixed-blade knife that Hoyt Buck crafted from a worn-out file blade in 1902. The 75th Anniversary edition has a 6-inch blade made from 420HC stainless steel and is available with either a Cocobolo Dymondwood handle with brass pommel and guard (SRP: $136) or a black phenolic handle with aluminum pommel and guard (SRP: $96). Both versions include a custom medallion on the handle as well as a 75th Anniversary stamp on the blade and the included leather sheath.

16 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ DAY 3, JANUARY 19, 2017

014_SHD03_PRD_KNI.indd 16

1/9/17 11:18 AM

FN 15™ M4

FN M249S™ PARA

FN N 15™ M16 6

We lc ome t he c i v ili a n - re ady PAR A ve r sion of t he le ge nda r y M 24 9 SAW. O rigina ll y de signe d for a irb orne wa rrior s, t hi s lighter, more compac t conguration is the four th in our seriies of se mi-a au tomat ic ve r sions of FN mili t a r y ri f le s. Au t he ntic to the last detail,, bat tle -proven across the globe, and now ready for your co olle c t ion. T he world’s s mo o s t bat t le - prove n f ire a rms.™

TO LEARN MORE, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FIREARMS RETAILER OR VISIT FNAMERICA.COM.

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12/9/16 12:03 PM

PRODUCTS

Buck is also releasing another modern edition of one of its most iconic knives with the launch of the 110 Auto. Although it looks exactly like the classic 110 Folding Hunter that Al Buck created in 1963, the 110 Auto allows the blade to be released with the simple push of a button. The 110 Auto

has a 3.75-inch 420 HC blade with the classic clip-point style and the same brass bolsters that make it one of the most recognizable knives on the planet. The 110 Auto includes a leather belt sheath designed to prevent accidental deployment when removing the knife. SRP: $200. Buck is also releasing a

B R O W N I N G The Wihongi tomahawk is made from 420

stainless steel, with a spike end mounted on a forked tang.

FIRSTEDGE

fixed-blade version of the iconic 110 Hunter with its new 101 Hunter. The 101 has a 3.75inch 420 HC blade and an overall length of 8.5 inches. SRP: $100, which includes a leather sheath. Booth #14504. (buckknives.com)

Columbia River Knife & Tool

➤ Last fall, CRKT took the industry by storm when it released the Homefront knife, designed by Ken Onion, which allows users to easily disassemble, clean, and reassemble the knife in the field without any tools. CRKT also intends to expand its selection of Field Strip Technology knives as well as its selection of Ruger Signature Knives. Among the new knives in the collection is the Ruger Hollow-Point everyday-carry folder, which features a 3.17inch clip-point blade made of 8Cr13MoV steel. Designed by Ken Onion, the Hollow-Point has a distinctive retro style and features the IKBS ball-bearing pivot system that allows for smooth and easy blade deployment. SRP: $69.99. The Bombastic everydaycarry folder, designed by Onion to resemble a World War I–era knife, features a 3.311-inch spear-point blade made from 8Cr13MoV steel. It incorporates an IKBS ballbearing pivot system for smooth blade deployment. SRP: $69.99. Inspired by Ernest Hemingway and named after his boat, CRKT’s new Pilar knife has a 2.4-inch 8Cr13MoV blade and stainlesssteel handle and was designed to represent the kind of knife that the literary great might carry today. SRP: $39.99. Rounding out CRKT’s new

CLEARING THE AIR

Federal Premium’s popular Black Cloud waterfowl ammunition now comes in an improved version: Flitecontrol Flex. The new load will perform better and it will simplify a retailer’s life, too. Original Black Cloud was deadly stuff, but it patterned badly in ported choke tubes, leading to dissatisfaction and confusion among waterfowl hunters. Now you’ll be able to sell Black Cloud to all your waterfowling customers regardless of which choke they use, and you’ll be able to sell them ported tubes without having to explain that they shouldn’t shoot Black Cloud. The Flitecontrol wad is designed to produce tight patterns by staying with the shot 15 feet past the muzzle, then separating cleanly. Rear braking fins pop open to slow the wad while window-shaped cuts in the side allow air inside the wad to equalize internal and external pressure. That’s all fine until you run a Flitecontrol wad through a ported tube, where the ports first chew the side windows like graters, then bleed off the pressure from expanding gases that are supposed to open the rear fins. The result is poor, erratic patterns instead of the deadly downrange performance for which Black Cloud is known. The new wad is redesigned with new materials and thinner brake fins that will deploy regardless of drops in pressure. The side windows are gone, replaced by slits that are compatible with ported tubes. The results, as I saw on an early September goose hunt and on the patterning board, are excellent. Flitecontrol Flex patterned very well through the ported Patternmaster tubes I used on the hunt. The new Black Cloud Flex contains the same mix of ridged Flitestopper pellets and round shot for better ongame performance and patterns. The new, lead-free Catalyst primer promises more consistent ignition and much cleaner burning performance, alleviating the complaint that Black Cloud dirtied gun barrels. The new loads will be available in 10-, 12-, and 20-gauge offerings. Booth #14551. (federalpremium. com) —Phil Bourjaily

First Edge is providing a tactical advantage for hunters with its new TrackLock Tactical Hunters knives. These folders have a 3 ¹∕₈inch blade made from FirstEdge’s ELMAX stainless steel and are available in either plain edge or partially serrated. The knives have a 5 ¹∕₈-inch G10 handle and feature FirstEdge’s patent-pending TrackLock locking mechanism. The knives are available with either manual, assisted opening, or fully automatic opening mechanisms. SRP: $275 to $325. Booth #661. (firstedgeusa.com)

18 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ DAY 3, JANUARY 19, 2017

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1/6/17 12:22 PM

NOT JUST BRIGHTER… BETTER

SLIDE FOCUS

1200

DUAL POWER

LUMENS BRIGHT

LI-ION or ALKALINE

RECHARGEABLE HP314R ALWAYS READY

FLEX CHARGE

DUAL POWER

RECHARGEABLE LONG RANGE FOCUSING

NO MORE DOWNTIME

The HP314R’s rechargeable battery powers the light, or can be used to charge your device.

CHARGE IN POWER OUT

Also works on 4 D batteries. NEVER BE WITHOUT YOUR LIGHT

COASTPORTLAND.COM

BC_056426_SBDD317P.indd 1

BOOTH 15120

12/20/16 1:15 PM

PRODUCTS

ONTARIO KNIFE

G E R B E R The US-Assist everyday-carry folder uses a new blade-deployment system. It has a 3-inch

blade made from either S30V steel with a stone-washed finish or 420HC with a glass-bead finish.

launches is the AUX fixed-blade tactical knife that’s designed to be an everyday carry alternative with a 3.45-inch 8Cr13MoV blade and glass-reinforced nylon sheath. SRP: $59.99. Booth #414. (crkt.com)

Gerber Legendary Blades ➤ Gerber

is using the SHOT Show to launch a new deployment system for its knives that is touted as the smoothest and most consistent deployment method Gerber has ever developed. The B.O.S.S. Tech (Balls of Stainless Steel) features a series of stainless-steel ball bearings housed in a round cage inside the knife’s handle and allows

for less friction and smoother, more stable deployment of the blade. The new deployment system is being featured in Gerber’s new US-Assist everyday-carry folder, which has a 3-inch blade made from either S30V steel with a stone-washed finish (SRP: $119) or 420HC with a glass-bead finish (SRP: $99). Both versions feature a glass-filled nylon handle with a plunge-lock release and cross-bolt safety mechanism. Booth #13614. (gerbergear.com)

Helle of Norway ➤ Helle

of Norway is featuring two of its newest blades designed in the timeless Norwegian tradition.

Handcrafted in Norway, the new Arv is as much a work of art as it is a functional tool fit for nearly any task you could ask it to perform. The Arv features a 3.5-inch droppoint blade made from triple-laminated steel designed to provide superior control for exact-detail tasks such as carving and caping. The knife has a handle made from curly birch wood, antler, and leather stacked together in a pattern that provides beautiful aesthetics as well as functional grip. SRP: $169, which includes a traditional Nordic sheath of tanned leather. Named for a replica Viking ship built by Norwegian explorer Ragnar Thorseth, the Saga Siglar was crafted as a Viking-age belt

The new Cerberus folder is a slim, stylish folder with a 3.75-inch D2 steel blade with a satin finish and a titanium handle with a beadblast finish. The Cerberus features ambidextrous thumb studs and a reversible pocket clip. SRP: $165. Booth #20305. (ontario knife.com)

LOWA Mountain Hunting Boots Three Levels of Performance. One Uncompromising Standard of Excellence.

Tibet Superwarm GTX®

Irox GTX® Mid

Innox GTX® Mid

Featuring Arctic Grip Technology

Our 2016 Hunting Collection covers the mountain: From the insulated TIBET SUPERWARM GTX® that’s designed for big mountain,cold weather hunting to our IROX GTX® MID that blends backpacking boot stability with a lighter-weight athletic design, to the fast & light INNOX GTX® MID that’s ideal for bag-it-in-a-day hunts. All made with our DuraPU® midsole for outstanding durability and support, and all starring LOWA’s acclaimed ﬁt, premium materials and enduring quality. LOWA is the only outdoor footwear manufacturer to have earned ISO 9001 status for highest quality construction and process standards. GORE-TEX®, GTX®, GORE®, and GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY® and design are registered trademarks of W.L. Gore & Associates Inc. VIBRAM®, the Octagon Logo, and the Yellow Octagon Logo and the color Canary Yellow are registered trademarks of Vibram S.p.A. ©2017 LOWA Boots, LLC.

014_SHD03_PRD_KNI.indd 20

visit booth

#10232

to see our 2017 Task Force & Hunting collections

1/6/17 12:22 PM

COME TO BOOTH 13329 AND SEE 4 YOURSELF.

WINCHESTERGUNS.COM

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11/30/16 3:24 PM

PRODUCTS

H E L L E The Arv, a good choice for caping, features a 3.5-inch drop-point blade made from triple-laminated steel. The knife has a handle made

from curly birch wood, antler, and leather stacked together in a pattern that provides beautiful aesthetics as well as functional grip.

knife that matches the authentic historical significance of the ship for which it was named. The Saga Siglar features a 3.54-inch blade made of triple-laminated steel and a 4.33-inch curly birch wood handle. The no-frills all-function knife has an SRP of $119 and includes a genuine leather sheath. Booth #3652. (helle.com)

Outdoor Edge ➤ Outdoor

Edge is releasing a new knife this year that brings together two essential survival tools in one convenient package. Designed by retired bounty hunter Fugi Escobido and Outdoor Edge’s David Bloch, the Para-Claw is a paracord survival bracelet that includes a 1.5-inch hawksbill blade made from 8Cr13MoV steel with a BlackStone finish. The bracelet is adjustable and the blade locks securely into the glass/nylon guard with a patent-pending locking mechanism. SRP: $29.95. Booth #1220. (outdooredge.com)

Puma ➤ The

Skin’n Cape set features an 8-inch skinning knife with a 3.5inch blade and a 5.75-inch skinning knife with a 2.5-inch blade. Both knives are made from German cutlery steel, have white smooth-bone handles, and come with a leather sheath that holds both knives and the included sharpening steel. SRP: $87.99. The Shadowcat ZX12 survival knife has a 7-inch German stainless-steel blade with a thick deep-bellied design. With an overall length of 12 inches, The Shadowcat features

a G10 handle and includes a Kydex sheath with a firestriker and multitool. SRP: $79.99. Puma is also releasing the Teton-Zebra Wood knife with a 4.75-inch German steel blade and a Zebra Wood handle with Mosaic Pins. The 9.5-inch knife has an SRP of $59.99 and comes with a leather sheath and matching sharpener. Booth #520. (pumaknifecompanyusa.com)

Spyderco ➤

Spyderco Para Military 2 is one of the company’s most popular blades, and this year Spyderco is releasing a version for people who prefer shorter blades or who might live in an area with blade-length restrictions. The new Para Military 3 features many of the same features that have made its larger brother so popular, including the CPM S30V stainless-steel blade, Spyderco’s Compression Lock mechanism, G-10 scales, and an open-back construction. But the new Para 3 features a 3-inch blade and an overall length of 7.27 inches. SRP: $199.95. Spyderco is also launching the new Q Ball folder that’s named for the ceramic ball bearing used to make its unique locking mechanism that allows for an extremely smooth opening. The Q Ball has a 2.72-inch VG-10 Wharncliffe blade that features a finger choil designed to promote a proper forward grip when using the knife. The Q Ball also features a handle with skeletonized stainless steel liners and G-10 scales. SRP: $274.95. Booth #13113. (spyderco.com)

MORAKNIV The new Carving Kit is designed to provide a solid start for people who are interested in getting an introduction to the art of wood carving. The kit includes all the tools and instructions needed to carve a wooden Dala horse, which is a traditional Swedish handmade gift that dates back to the 17th century. The kit includes a Morakniv carving knife, wooden Dala horse material, and detailed instructions. SRP: $39.99. Morakniv is also adding to its outdoor series this year with the compact Eldris that features a 56mm-long blade with a polymer handle and sheath that’s designed to make it easy to wear as a neck knife. SRP: $49.99. Designed as an update to the popular Morakniv 2000, the Kansbol was created to combine the flexibility of the Eldris with the strength of the fulltang Garberg. Made with Swedish stainless steel and with an ergonomically shaped polymer handle with ambidextrous grip, the Kansbol is available with a Multi-Mount sheath that provides for a variety of mounting options. SRP: $59.99. Booth #1446. (industrialrev.com/morakniv)

P U M A The Skin’n Cape is made from German cut-

lery steel and has a white smooth-bone handle.

22 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ DAY 3, JANUARY 19, 2017

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1/6/17 12:22 PM

ÂŠ2017 Texas Armament & Technology LLC

The Feast Begins at AguilaAmmo.com

High-performance centerfire, rimfire, and shotshells.

Now accepting new dealers and distributors.

BC_055352_SBDD317P.indd 1

Visit booth 15954.

11/17/16 3:29 PM

HAIR SPLITTING ACCURACY.

ZeroSeven Series â&#x20AC;&#x201C; OneSevenOne TM

browningcrossbows.com

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12/21/16 3:04 PM

PRODUCTS

SOG The Q3 offers

13 tools, including pliers, a straight blade, and a variety of screwdrivers.

014_SHD03_PRD_KNI.indd 25

SOG

â&#x17E;¤ This year SOG is releasing a new line of multi-tools unlike anything else on the market. The Baton line is a set of multi-tools that are each created for a specific use and all designed with a slim, sleek style that gives the line its name. From the Q1, created for the jungles of urban offices and includes tools such as spring-assist scissors and a ballpoint pen, to the Q3 that touts an impressive 13 tools, including pliers, a straight blade, and a variety of screwdrivers, the Baton line has a multi-tool option for a wide range of uses in both wilderness and urban settings. SRP: $54 to $120. SOG is also launching a new collection of Made in the USA knives. Among the new knives in the collection are the Tac Ops and Strat Ops auto folders, which both feature a 3.5-inch blade made from CPM S35VN steel with a canvas Micarta handle. The Tac Ops (SRP: $267) has a deeper belly and thicker handle, while the Strat Ops (SRP: $254) has a slimmer stiletto style. Also included in the collection is the Pillar fixed blade with a 5-inch CPM S35VN blade that

S P Y D E R C O The Q Ball folder uses a ceramic ball bearing that allows for a smooth opening.

features a stonewash/satin polish finish. The Pillar has a full-tang construction with a canvas Micarta handle and includes a Kydex sheath with a Tek-Lok-compatible mount. SRP: $254. Booth #425. (sogknives.com)

Steel Will â&#x17E;¤ In

2017, Steel Will is launching its new Cutjack Series of everydaycarry folders. The C22 is 8 inches long with a 3.5-inch blade; the C22M mini is 7 inches long with a 3-inch blade. Both the C22 and C22M feature a G10 handle in

1/6/17 12:22 PM

PRODUCTS

WHITE RIVER KNIFE

T O O L Model FC full-tang

VICTORINOX SWISS ARMY

knives have blades constructed of S30V steel.

either black or blue and are made with M390 steel. SRP: $174.99, C22; $169.99, C22M. Steel Will is also releasing more competitively priced versions of the C22 and C22M made with D2 steel. Both feature a fiberglass-reinforced handle in either black or OD green. SRP: C22, $49.99; $44.99, C22M. Booth #3366. (steelwillknives. com)

White River Knife & Tool ➤ The

Model FC survival knives are made from S30V steel with a stonewash finish and have a deep, heavy blade designed to handle

cutting and chopping. The knives feature full-tang construction with canvas Micarta handles and are designed with a deep finger choil in the front to give better control for detailed work. The knives are available with either a 4-, 5-, or 7-inch blade, and all come with a Kydex sheath. SRP: $240–$320. The GTI 4.5 tactical knife is designed by former Army Ranger Justin Gingrich. The full-tang knife has a 4.5-inch blade made from CPM S35VN steel with a black Ionbond finish. The GTI 4.5 comes with a leather sheath configured to fit with Molle gear. SRP: $300. Booth #2253.

The new Desert Camouflage Collection includes three knives decorated in a desert-camo motif. The line includes the Classic SD keychain knife (SRP: $25) and the Huntsman, which features 15 different tools ranging from a large blade and wood saw to screwdrivers and a wire stripper. SRP: $49.50. The popular One-Hand Trekker (SRP: $74.50) will also be available in a tan-and-brown version. The Trekker features a large serrated locking blade with a thumbhole for one-handed operation, and also includes tools such as a wood saw, bottle opener, and a variety of screwdrivers. Victorinox is also releasing the new MiniChamp Alox, which features a slim profile with an aluminum handle that houses 15 everyday tools, including a nail file and cuticle pusher as well as a ruler, orange peeler, and bottle opener. SRP: $59. Booth #14202. (swissarmy.com)

(whiteriverknives.com)

MAKE YOUR RIFLE GREAT AGAIN. VISIT US AT BOOTH 16129 The world’s finest rifle barrels and lightweight shooting systems.

014_SHD03_PRD_KNI.indd 26

1/6/17 12:22 PM

â&#x201E;¢

COMPLETE SHOOTABILITY: LIGHT, CRISP M2.0 TRIGGER. TACTILE RESET. AGGRESSIVE AGGRESSIVE TEXTURE. OPTIMAL GRIP ANGLE.. MADE IN USA

9MM | 40S&W | 45AUTO NEW AT BOOTH #13729

SMITH-WESSON.COM

BC_55770_SBDD317P.indd 1

12/5/16 10:30 AM

ACCESSORIES HOWARD LEIGHT WANTS TO SAVE YOUR HEARING

CODE BLUE MAKES COYOTES SEE RED

IMR POWDERS GO GREEN

On The Move

Accessories always move. Here’s a look at what’s new this year

By Peter B. Mathiesen f there’s one thing that retailers know, it’s that accessories sell, no matter which firearms are hot. With plenty of handguns and MSRs driving foot traffic in 2016, retailers also reported high accessory turns for rails, flashlights, and waterfowl decoys. Women’s specialty products were up, and there were plenty of deer-hunting items making the register ring. For the 2017 SHOT Show, there are literally miles of accessories to view. Here’s a look at what’s new on the floor this year.

Alps Outdoorz

dextrous control. The disWetland Seat is tinctive over-molded hanbuilt using a single alumidle provides a larger pull num leg designed with a point from both sides, easwedge that can be driven ily clearing low-set optics, into marsh soil to deliver a and the no–latch design firm foothold. At the botcontrol point speeds tom, two side feet extend reloads and clears malparallel to the ground to functions faster. Machined prevent the seat from sinkfrom 7075 aluminum. ing into the terrain, even in SRP: $39.95. Booth the muddiest conditions. #14551. (blackhawk. com) It’s a clever idea for huntCODE BLUE ing flooded timber or Coyotes keeping a low profile in can’t resist marshes. The padded oval Champion this scent. seat is 12x8 inches and has Targets ➤ The Workhorse a non-slip surface. It comes with a shoulder carry strap for Electronic Trap fits in the trunk hands-free transport. SRP: of almost any vehicle and can be $49.99. Booth #3653. unloaded and set up by one per(alpsoutdoorz.com) son. It runs off a single deepcycle battery, and the detachable magazine holds up to 50 clays. Blackhawk! The trap is adjustable and can ➤ The No-Latch Ambi Charging throw clays with three different Handle eliminates the need to launch angles up to 75 yards. squeeze a small latch to charge The quick 2.5-second reset the rifle. And it’s welcome news keeps the action fast and fun. for left-handed shooters, as the SRP: $359.95. Booth #14551. innovative design gives full ambi(championtarget.com) ➤ This

CAMELBAK

H Y D R A PA K The Full-Force reservoir is equipped with an easy-touse squeeze bulb that sprays water on command, whether you’re dousing yourself, cleaning your gear, or hydrating your dog.

The Urban Assault Bag is an ideal rolling bag for daily or overnight business travel. The bag features a padded IT compartment for a laptop and tablet, with a zippered full clamshell opening on the main cargo area. The interior lining uses a unique high-visibility color, making it quick to locate items. The back panel has a security pocket for a passport or wallet and a handy zipper side compartment for power cables and chargers. The bag weighs just 2.7 pounds and has 1,950 cubic inches of space. SRP: $189. Booth #12975. (camelbak.com)

28 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ DAY 3, JANUARY 19, 2017

028_SHD03_PRD_ACC.indd 28

1/6/17 12:28 PM

Travel light with the Leatherman Juice® CS3. Slim and compact, the CS3 is your go-to tool for quick ﬁxes and simple saves.

SEE THE JUICE CS3 @ BOOTH 14512 leatherman.com | @leathermanusa | #leatherman

BC_056469_SBDD317P.indd 1

1/3/17 1:53 PM

PRODUCTS

C H A M P I O N TA R G E T S The

Workhorse Electronic Trap runs off a single deep-cycle battery, and the detachable magazine holds up to 50 clays. The trap is adjustable and can throw clays with three different launch angles up to 75 yards. G E R B E R The Center-Drive

Multi-Tool aligns the full-size driver in the center of the tool.

Flambeau

➤ Fitting most bows up to 39 inches (cam-to-cam) by 13 inches (limb pocket to draw string), the heavy-duty Safe Shot Double Wall Bow Case uses a double-wall air pocket to ensure safe transportation. There are removable foam trays that keep a bow completely secure without tie-down straps. An additional, removable 10-arrow customizable storage chamber keeps arrows secure and prevents movement. The case includes Flambeau’s proprietary Zerust anti-rust plaque for rustfree storage in the airtight environment. The case is lockable, meets TSA and airline requirements, and weighs approximately 22 pounds. SRP: $179.99. Booth #14822. (flambeauoutdoors.

com)

Gerber

Code Blue

Perfect for extended hunting and trapping seasons, the Howli Heat Coyote Attractant Code Blue is the result of years of research. This effective combination of coyote urine and coyote estrus creates the unmistakable impression of a female coyote in heat. Booth #16123. (codebluescents.com)

Duck Commander ➤ Made

and assembled by hand in West Monroe, Louisiana, the Hi-Ball acrylic duck call provides versatility, whether the hunter is trying to reach high-flying ducks or is soft-calling to birds that are on final approach. Made with a shortened poly barrel and reed combination that requires less air, each call is precision-tuned and nearly indestructible. SRP: $39.95. Booth #10519. (duck commander.com)

D U C K C O M M A N D E R The

Hi-Ball duck call is precisiontuned and nearly indestructible.

FoxFury ➤ The

Nomad N32 and N56

➤ Gerber’s new Center-Drive Multi-Tool offers an innovative Center Axis Tech that aligns the full-size driver in the center of the tool to yield improved torque and rotation, just like a traditional screwdriver. A 30 percent larger outboard blade and one-thumbopening sliding jaws enhance productivity as well. Until now, no multi-tool has ever offered a fullsize driver on the center axis with a standard bit. SRP: $89. Booth #13614. (gerbergear.com)

lights have evolved from FoxFury’s popular Nomad NOW Series, which has provided scene lighting for industrial professionals and first responders since 2010. They’ve proven to be durable and provide reliable lighting in some of the worst-case conditions imaginable. The new cordless Nomad N32 and N56 lights are fully submersible and feature a built-in rechargeable battery system. They are stackable and tripod mountable, allowing photo and video professionals unmatched freedom and speed, and new opportunities in the field. SRP: $899. Booth #20458. (foxfury.wistia.com)

HydraPak

➤ The Full-Force reservoir is equipped with an easy-to-use squeeze bulb that sprays water on command—whether you’re dousing yourself, cleaning your gear, or hydrating your dog. It’s fast filling, leak-proof, and fully reversible for easy cleaning. This 100 percent BPA- and PVC-free reservoir offers a Slide-Sea Top that opens wide for easy filling. It seals tight for one-handed dispensing. Available in 2- and 3-liter versions. SRP: $48 to $52. Booth #10665. (hydrapak.com)

30 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ DAY 3, JANUARY 19, 2017

028_SHD03_PRD_ACC.indd 30

1/6/17 12:28 PM

WORLD’S FIRST OPTICAL VIBRATION REDUCTION LASER RANGEFINDER* NEW

Experience the advantage of VR Rangeﬁnder Technology SHOT Booth 11221

Become Unshakable. *As of September 5, 2016, among dedicated hunting laser rangeﬁnders that have already been released. Researched by Nikon Vision. All Nikon trademarks are the property of Nikon Corporation.

BC_056239_SBDD317P.indd 1

NikonSportOptics.com

12/15/16 11:33 AM

PRODUCTS

I M R P O W D E R S Utilizing green technology, IMR Powders has developed a new series of five popular burn-rate powders. Each was designed to match current shotshell bushing charts.

IMR Powders ➤ Utilizing

green technology, IMR Powders has developed a new series of five popular burn-rate powders. Each was designed to match current shotshell bushing charts, so the handloader will already have the appropriate bushings available for each load. This new technology burns clean and provides accurate metering and top performance characteristics. The powders are also REACH compliant, meaning the propellants are not harmful to the environment. The IMR Target is a fastburning, fine-grained, smallflake pistol powder for pistol cartridges like the .25 ACP. The IMR Red is designed to be an efficient, clean-burning 12-gauge target powder for Cowboy Action reduced loads. IMR Green, slightly slower burning than the IMR Red, is perfect for Trap Handicap and Sporting Clays enthusiasts. IMR Unequal combines smallsized flakes for a wide range of shotshell and pistol cartridges.

IMR Blue, the slowest burn speed of the bunch, has excellent application for heavy 12-gauge 2 ¾-inch, 3-inch, and 3 ½-inch field loads. The new powder series is available in 1-pound, 4-pound, and 8-pound containers. IMR Red, IMR Green, and IMR Unequal are also available in 14-ounce containers. SRP: starts at $29.95. Booth #16738. (imrpowder.com)

Hodgdon ➤A

perfect match for the 300 Blackout, CFE BLK Powder performs impressively in many smaller capacity cartridges as well. It provides top performance in varmint cartridges, such as the .17 Hornet, .17 Ackley Hornet, .218 Bee, and .221 Fireball. Other top performers include the 6.8 Remington SPC and the 7.62x39mm Russian cartridge. The fine powder leaves no copper residue. It extends accuracy for longer shooting periods and makes clean-up a snap. Available in 1-pound and

8-pound containers. Booth #16738. (hodgdon.com)

Hoppe’s ➤ Although

Hoppe’s Black High Performance Gun Care system uses a formula designed specifically for MSRs and other high-round-count firearms, it will work with any other firearm. It’s also been designed to withstand a wide range of temperatures, from -65 degrees F to 540 degrees F. Hoppe’s Black consists of a gun cleaner, precision oil, copper cleaner, grease syringe, and a lubricating cloth. SRP: starts at $6.94. Booth #14551. (hoppes.com)

Knight & Hale

➤ Designed for the wariest of predatory animals—including bobcats, coyotes, and foxes— the Ultimate Predator Distress Call I coaxes stubborn, overcalled animals into range. The call’s barrel design offers an ergonomic look and feel, and features a new wedge, soundboard, and reed that lock into

KEEPING FOCUS

Tempers are hot. Scrutiny is high. Trust between police officers and the community is more important than ever, so transparency is a must. But when the time comes to draw a weapon, every second spent thinking about switching on a camera is a second of lost focus—and an opportunity for something to go wrong. This is why the Safariland Group created the industry’s first holster and bodyworn Camera Auto-activation System (CAS). The CAS system does its job—capturing shots-fired scenarios in context—so the officers can focus on theirs. The CAS works like this: An LED light at the top of the system’s battery tube indicates it is charged and ready for a full shift of video recording and 60 days of life. In standby mode, the camera records 30-second footage bursts and discards them if not needed. When the officer draws the weapon, a wired connection in the holster activates a hi-res camera. The camera saves the previous 30 seconds of footage and continues recording until the officer turns off the camera. The officer focuses on the job at hand, not documentary filmmaking. It’s that simple. “CAS technology, embedded into Safariland duty gear, ensures the camera comes on when it needs to— even in circumstances where the officer doesn’t have time to turn it on. Our focus is on promoting safety of law enforcement in the field,” says Scott Carnahan, vice president of equipment for Safariland. The CAS consists of the Safariland 7TSTM holster, the VIEVU LE4 Body Worn Camera, and the VIEVU Solution Evidence Management Software. The camera captures hires video in a 95-degree field of vision. The evidence management system is hosted on the Microsoft Azure Government Cloud. Officers can upload videos and other files from the camera to the cloud for encryption. And since multiple authorized users can access that evidence through any web browser, there is no need to run back to home base to see or share the video evidence. Booth #12762. (safariland.com/ dutygear) —Shane Townsend

& H A L E Designed for the wariest of predators— including bobcats, coyotes, and foxes—the Ultimate Predator Distress Call I coaxes stubborn, overcalled animals into range.

KNIGHT

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PRODUCTS

H O D G D O N CFE BLK Powder

performs well in a wide variety of popular cartridges.

to 12-gauge. SRP: $9.99. Booth #14551. (outers-guncare.com)

Pelican Products

M O J O O U T D O O R S The patent-pending spinning-wing concept—Flock a Flickers—mimics a flock of

ducks. The hand-sized circular spinning wings are packaged in half-dozen lots. Each Flicker has a timer that produces momentary, random flashes of spinning designed to fool ducks.

HOWARD LEIGHT The updated Impact Sport Bolt Electronic Earmuff will have the same noise-reduction rating (NRR) of 22dB and the slim profile of the popular Impact Sport. The new earmuff offers improved circuitry and an industry-leading attack time that is 250 times faster than the current model. There is improved amplification, a premium leatherette headband, an AUX cable with in-line microphone, and features such as extra ear cushions and a belt clip. An automatic four-hour shut-off extends battery life. The earmuffs conveniently fold for easy storage. SRP: $100. Booth #2020. (howardleight.com)

place. This allows the call to be reassembled to factory specs every time. The result is a compact yet distinctive-sounding call that generates intense volume while still being user-friendly. SRP: $14.99. Booth #16123. (knightandhale. com)

MOJO Outdoors ➤ Mojo’s

new patent-pending spinning-wing concept—Flock a Flickers—mimics a flock of ducks. The small hand-size circular spinning wings are packaged in half-dozen lots. Each Flicker has a timer that produces momentary, random flashes of spinning, designed to look like a group of ducks. Created for use in dry fields or in the water, they are equally effective on doves and pigeons. They operate up to 30 hours on three AA batteries, and the package includes six units pre-programmed with random on/off timers. SRP: $99.99. Booth #1452. (mojooutdoors.

com)

Moultrie Feeders ➤

The S-50i Game Camera

allows for 28,000 images to be taken on 12 AA batteries. It features outstanding 20-megapixel images and true 1080p HD video with audio. With a swift trigger speed of 0.3 second and a 100foot flash range with the nearly undetectable invisible infrared flash technology, the S-50i can reach farther and capture images faster. The camera has a 2-inch full-color display and is fully compatible with the Moultrie Mobile wireless scouting system. It’s also backed by Moultrie’s two-year warranty. Finished in Realtree Original. SRP: $199.99. Booth #16123. (moultrie feeders.com)

Outers ➤ Barrel

Badger Bore Cleaner is cleaning simplified. Just drop the brass weight into the chamber and feed it through the barrel. The Barrel Badger’s two brushes loosen fouling and buildup as it’s pulled through the barrel. It has significantly more surface area than a traditional patch, giving you a quick clean in no time. Use it dry or with Outers gun-cleaning products. Available in 10 sizes, from .22

➤ Designed to traverse tough terrain with ease, the Pelican ProGear 45QW Elite Wheeled Cooler has 8-inch heavy-duty wheels and an extended pull handle. Additional features include a built-in bottle opener, lid-integrated fish scale, and raised anti-skid feet. The 45QW wheeled cooler is also certified bear-resistant, with a polymer exterior and an industry 2-inch polyurethane foam core. Made in the U.S., it comes with a lifetime guarantee. SRP: $379.95. Booth #20221. (pelicanprogear.com)

RCBS

➤ The Ultrasonic Case Cleaner-2 includes significant changes from the previous model. The new version is nearly 100 percent larger. In addition, the 6.3-quart capacity is twice as big, and a second ceramic heater and transducer help deliver clean brass cases and firearms parts. The LCD is easily programmable, and the timer can be set for up to 30 minutes of continuous cleaning. The 240 VAC model is EU/UK/AUS compliant and includes a drain hose. SRP: starts at $399.99. Booth #14551. (rcbs.com)

SJK

➤ The Wild-Her Backpack has been tailored to fit a women’s build. It offers a contoured hip belt and shoulder straps to

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VIKING

HUNTS HARD. BUILT TO LAST.

VIKING VI

WOLVERINE

GRIZZLY

KODIAK 700 ®

The full line of 2017 Yamaha ATVs and Side-by-Side vehicles. Serious about hunting? Time to get serious about the off-road vehicle you trust to get you there and back. Yamaha ATVs and Side-by-Sides are proven Real World Tough™ in the harshest, most rugged terrain. All boast class-leading features like On-Command ® 4WD and Ultramatic ®, the industry’s most durable transmission. Choose from the top-selling new Grizzly and Kodiak 700 ATVs starting at just $6,999*, or maybe an ultra-versatile Wolverine, Viking or Viking VI Side-by-Side is more your style. Either way, you’re getting the most advanced, reliable, rock-solid hunting vehicle money can buy. Learn more at YamahaOutdoors.com.

™

For your nearest Pro Yamaha dealer and to learn more about the full line of Yamaha ATVs and Side-by-Sides, visit YamahaOutdoors.com

*Subject to change. · ATVs shown are recommended for use only by riders age 16 years and older. Yamaha recommends that all ATV riders take an approved training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always avoid paved surfaces. Never ride on public roads. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing; never carry passengers; never engage in stunt riding; riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix; avoid excessive speed; and be particularly careful on difﬁcult terrain. · For SxS: Always protect the environment and wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Read the owner’s manual and product warning labels before operation. · Speciﬁcations subject to change without notice. Professional riders depicted on a closed course. Models shown with optional Genuine Yamaha Accessories. ©2016 Yamaha Motor Corporation. U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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We go to extremes building our optics: testing them, tearing them apart, and building them even better than before. The people who use them demand the best of themselves; they expect no less from us. Leupold®. American to the Core. See more of the optics and gear that goes where others can’t, at SHOT booth 13023. LEUPOLD FULL LIFETIME GUARANTEE

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PRODUCTS

enhance overall comfort on long days in the field. The single-hand forward-pull hip belt adjusts for a perfect fit and features a buckle that lays flat for additional comfort. Weighing 3 pounds 2 ounces, and offering 2,016 cubic inches of storage space, the pack uses a single aluminum stay and HDPE frame-sheet suspension system. This pack also boasts a stowable, versatile firearm-carrying system, allowing transport for a bow or rifle. Available in the Kryptek Highlander camo pattern. SRP: $159.95. Booth #10226. (slumberjack.com)

Summit Treestands ➤ Compatible

with Summit and most other stand manufacturers, the Heated Tree Seat will improve the comfort and staying power of any stand hunter. A rechargeable battery pack allows the seat to stay warm throughout the day, and it recharges in a few hours. SRP: $79.99. Booth #16123. (summitstands.com)

Thermacell ➤ The

new MR450 uses rubber armoring for a confident grip. A zone of protection indicator allows the user to visually confirm

PACKIN’ NEAT The Tactical Holster in Khaki Tan is the tactical version of the Packin’ Neat system. It will blend seamlessly into most light-color purses and is an economical, one-sizefits-most solution for concealed carry. As with all the Packin’ Neat holster systems, this product includes a removable holster. The tactical version is made from durable nylon materials. Purse not included. SRP: $79.95. Booth #660. (packinneat.com)

that the unit is up to temperature and forming a bug-free zone. Each butane cartridge lasts up to 12 hours. SRP: $34.99. Booth #2348. (thermacell.com)

Truglo

scenarios, and the Tru-Touch reversible bracket allows for greater vertical adjustment range, allowing a wider variety of shots. The tool-less design makes sight adjustments much easier in the field or at practice. SRP: $99.99. Booth #13317. (truglo.com)

➤ The

Carbon Hybrid Micro Bow Sight is the first, and only, microadjustable bow sight. Constructed with a combination of carbon composites and aluminum, it provides an excellent strength-to-weight ratio and durability. The design transfers less vibration and increases the durability of the sight. In addition, the extended length of the bracket increases your sight radius, which grants you more vision when acquiring targets. The Pro-Brite pin design adds toughness to the extra-long fibers and improves brightness in all shooting

Urban Carry ➤ The

G2 Holster has been updated. Improvements include a silhouette that channels the firearm directly to your hand and tailored leather that reduces the break-in period. There is a powerful magnet at the base of the holster to keep a firearm secure and steady. Colors include black and brown. SRP: $65. Booth #N272.

(urbancarryholsters.com)

Umarex

➤ The Big Blast Target Inflator makes an exploding target out of a plastic bottle. Produced in two different sizes, the first fits soda bottles from 12 ounces to the 2-liter size. The second fits a variety of other water bottles. Each cap has a valve in its center. Just put the cap on the bottle, insert an inflator needle and pump air into the bottle. Shoot it with any type of projectile traveling at 600 feet per second for a big boom. For visual effects, fill the bottle with flour, colored water, or soda. There are 10 reusable caps per pack. SRP: $16. Booth #15062.

(umarexusa.com)

Wiley X

➤ The Climate Control Series WX Boss Model #CCBOS12 features a wraparound-style frame outfitted with polarized Venice Gold mirror lenses. The advanced glare-cutting capability and amber tint make them a versatile choice near water, snow, and other reflective environments. The frame features a soft, removable facial cavity seal that blocks out wind, debris, and reflected light. The result is a comfortable, climate-controlled environment for the eyes. This WX Boss frame is dressed in Kryptek Highlander camouflage. The product meets stringent ANSI High Velocity and High Mass Impact Safety standards. Rx-ready, using the company’s exclusive Digiforce digital Rx lens technology. SRP: $100, nonpolarized; $150, polarized. Booth #32211. (wileyx.com)

YETI

➤ Rambler

Jugs are made for the outdoorsman who wants to stay refreshed without having to stop and refill. The 18/8 stainless-steel construction, double-wall vacuum insulation No Sweat Design offer the durability and performance for which Yeti is known. The MagCap and docking station mean the cap stays put while you drink. Available in half-gallon and onegallon sizes. SRP: $99 to $149. Booth #2836. (yeticoolers.com)

M O U LT R I E With a trigger speed of 0.3 second and a 100-foot

flash range with the nearly undetectable invisible infrared flash technology, the S-50i can reach farther and capture images faster.

T R U G L O The Carbon Hybrid Micro Bow Sight transfers less vibration,

which increases the durability of the sight.

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FROMthe NSSF security audits help make your operation safe and sound

ranges get the star treatment

NSSF’s new Store Security Audit Program can help retailers and range owners avoid a devastating loss.

Safe And Sound

NSSF’s Store Security Audit Program helps retailers develop best-practice store security measures

By David Draper n today’s world, security threats come in all shapes and forms, from the shock of a physical break-in to the unseen infiltrations in the digital domain. Everyone must safeguard against these intrusions, but businesses that operate within the firearms industry are held to even higher standards when it comes to security. It’s their obligation to not only protect the interests of the business and its customers, but also serve watch over employees and the community. To that end, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) recently launched the Store Security Audit Program, a comprehensive threat assessment of and personalized solution to current security needs available to NSSF members.

“I think we as an industry are very responsible, but firearmsrelated businesses have to do all they can to secure their inventory and secure the community, and this is where a partnership between the NSSF and retailers really comes into focus,” says Patrick Shay, director of retail development for the NSSF. “Security today involves so much more than setting an alarm and locking the front door. For retailers, range owners, manufacturers—really anyone in our industry who has on-hand merchandise, customer records and information, new-product prototypes, and a plethora of other items that need to be secured—this program can go a long way toward preventing a devastating loss.” The Story Security Audit Program was initiated after a detailed analysis of the industry by NSSF revealed some pain points

for retailers. The first issue addressed was the challenge of complying with the government’s requirements for running a firearms-related business. In response, the NSSF developed the ATF Compliance Program, which has since helped hundreds of businesses establish and strengthen internal controls for firearms transactions and record keeping. The second challenge was physical store security, and this is where the new Security Audit Program comes in. To ensure the best operational order and establish bona fides for the fledgling program, Shay brought on a team of consultants who were not only experts in security, but also familiar with retail operations specific to firearmsrelated businesses. Led by industry veteran Bill Napier and partnered with John Clark and John Bocker, the team represents more than 90

years of proven experience in the loss-prevention sector at all levels of business, from the customerfacing to the corporate suite. Once a business signs up for an audit, its management is contacted by a member of the NSSF security team to set up a site visit. But, prior to the appointment, the team makes an unannounced visit to check the pulse of the facility. This secret-shopper-style walkaround gives the team an exclusive view of the front-line security issues the retailer may face. From there, the NSSF Store Security Audit team member meets with store leadership to go over any issues and identify solutions that can cover anything from upgrading security software and hardware to simple fixes such as exterior landscape features that may deter criminals. “We call this ‘peeling back the

retailers talk shop

onion,’” says Shay. “We start in the parking lot and do a simple walk around, pointing out light features, motion detectors, signs of tampering, and other points of weakness. From there, we make our way into the building, establishing points of control that should be in place. Then the team evaluates the information security of everything from firearms-related paperwork to personnel records. The question is, are the store, employees, and customers being fully protected? We make sure this is a deep, deep dive into all types of security issues.” Once the visit is complete, the team will deliver a complete report to management. From that point on, the NSSF team is just an e-mail or phone call away, ready to help their retailers implement the processes and procedures recommended in the Store Security Audit report. While this kind of comprehensive, in-depth coverage does come at a price, NSSF co-ops a large portion of the overall cost. For everything from the initial phone call to the comprehensive followup, businesses are responsible for just $499 of the Store Security Audit ticket. “All three of our consultants were store managers, so they understand both loss prevention and the pressures put on business to manage costs,” says Shay. “They’re not going to upsell high-tech security equipment when it’s not needed. They will offer quick and easy tips covering everything from lock-and-key procedures to a thorough emergency management plan. Our team is going to offer appropriate solutions that are cost-effective, but, of course, if an end-to-end security upgrade is necessary, they can offer suggestions for that as well.” The firearms industry has always been a responsible one, and NSSF, through this program, has taken a lead role in safeguarding its members and communities by providing this service. The new NSSF Store Security Audit Program is available only to NSSF members. Additional information can be found at nssf.org/retailers/ SecurityAudit. To request your evaluation, contact Patrick Shay (pshay@nssf.org).

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MEET THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF THE AR OPTICS FAMILY. Made with the quality you’ve come to expect from the world-leader in riflescopes, our new products push the standard even further. With eight unique brightness settings, red dot sights Enrage and Incinerate can take on any situation. The new 3X Magnifier is a breed of its own, allowing you to combine magnification and red dot sight. And the new Digital Sentry Night Vision can be attached to a helmet or rifle, so you never miss a thing.

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from the nssf

Star Treatment

NSSF unveils its new Star-Rating Range Program

By Brian McCombie

he National Shooting Sports Range Advisory Council is a working group composed of active, volunteer shootingrange representatives and federally licensed firearms retailers (FFLs) who advise and support NSSF staff on a wide variety of shooting range matters. For example, the Range Advisory Council evaluates new and existing programs; ensures effective planning, monitoring, and strengthening of NSSF range programs and services; and provides an independent and unbiased sounding board to the NSSF.

Under the revamped NSSF Star-Rating Range Program, ranges are evaluated on a number of critical factors, including appearance and management.

“The Council is composed of very knowledgeable, very forward-thinking individuals, the majority of whom are current or past range owners or operators,” says Zach Snow, Manager, Shooting Promotions, for NSSF. “Individually and as a group, these NSSF members provide truly valuable input on many issues facing our range owners today. I really count on the Council’s advice and guidance.” A fine illustration of the important work the Range Advisory Council does can be found in the new NSSF StarRating Range Program. This program, which replaced the previous 5-Star Range Program, was launched in June 2016. But the process to revamp the original program took over a year, Snow notes, and the Range Advisory Council very much took the lead on this work.

“We began the revamp of the old program during our Range Advisory Council meeting at the 2015 NSSF Industry Summit,” Snow says. “By fall 2015, the Advisory Council had an outline of ideas and possible changes to make to the 5-Star Program. Throughout the winter, the Council continued discussion via email and over conference calls, and by the spring of 2016 we had the new program completed and the new logo created. The insight, commitment, and dedication the Council made during this process showcases how invaluable it is in helping NSSF fulfill our mission to promote, protect, and preserve hunting and the shooting sports, because its members, too, recognize the need for advancing the overall business practices within the

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from the nssf

shooting range and retail communities.” The new Star-Rating Range Program is based on NSSF’s vision of a safe, well-managed, and customer-oriented facility— and one that acts as a strong promoter in the recreational shooting sports market. There are four categories in the NSSF Star-Rating System for indoor range and retail businesses: Appearance, Management, Shooting Sports Development, and Amenities. Each category is divided into several subsections that group related scoring criteria. To achieve a 3- to 5-star rating, a range must demonstrate excellence in all aspects of management and operations. But why change the 5-Star Program at all? As Snow explains, the original program was launched 16 years ago. An examination of the program by Snow and the Range Advisory Council members made it very clear that range technologies, regulations, and, indeed, the very customer base had gone through many changes in that time. Some of those changes have been quite dramatic, like the large influx of women

and families using ranges today compared to 10 years ago. “It is harder to get a 4 Star or 5 Star rating in the new program versus the old one,” Snow admits. “The Council and NSSF as a whole felt we needed to raise the bar in a number of areas, to reflect changes in the shooting sports market.” For instance, the new Star-Rating Program places a greater weight on staff training than did the old program. A customer’s positive experience with range staff is one key to making sure that person becomes a returning customer. New technologies and their applications to range operations are also a much larger factor in the new rating system than they were before. Whether it’s computer software that helps a range run more profitably or high-tech equipment that keeps a range cleaner, technologies and their applications within the range framework are looked at very carefully. “We are really challenging the ranges to use the technology that’s out there to better serve their customer bases and to make the range experience even more fun and rewarding for the shooters,” Snow says.

How a range handles potential environmental hazards and the work done to be compliant under current environmental regulations both figure large in the new rating program. “We believe the new Star-Rating Range Program will not only encourage improvements at individual ranges, but will go a long way toward attracting and keeping new shooters,” says Snow. “The entire Range Advisory Council and I challenge all ranges and range/ retailers to apply today and see how your business ranks within the new system. By joining the family of Star-Rated ranges, you will be showcasing your business’ desire to be on the front line of advancing this integral segment of the industry by utilizing and adopting better business practices.” Snow also stresses that because of the changes in the program, NSSF member shooting ranges that had been rated by the past program will need to re-apply to become accredited under the new Star-Rating Range Program. “My hat is off to the Range Advisory Council members for all the work they did to make this new program a reality,” says Snow. “That work will live on for years and will only make our industry and the shooting sports that much stronger.” For more information about the Range Advisory Council and the new Star-Rating Range Program, contact Zach Snow (zsnow@ nssf.org; 203-426-1320 ext. 224). Information is also available online. (nssf.org/ranges)

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from the nssf

Talking Shop

NSSF RAC is a great resource for independent firearms retailers By Brian McCombie

or years, the NSSF Retailer Advisory Council (RAC) has been helping NSSF member retailers run their operations more efficiently, respond to the ever-changing retail market, and, in the process, make larger profits. But many NSSF members don’t realize the RAC is a resource that is available to assist them, and that RAC help is there for the asking.

“The Council acts in a number of support roles for the NSSF in general, and, in particular, assists me with a wide range of retailer issues and programs,” says Patrick Shay, Director, Retail Development, for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. “We meet quarterly to discuss the needs of independent firearms retailers. We also formulate other support that NSSF can offer our retail members.” Currently, there are 10 retailers serving on the RAC: ➤ Chairperson Richard Sprague, Sprague’s

Sports, Inc. (also on the NSSF Board of Governors) ➤ George Romanoff, Ace’s Sporting Goods ➤ Bob Viden, Jr., Bob’s Little Sport Shop ➤ Jeanine Phillips, Bob’s Little Sport Shop ➤ Sean Mahoney, Mahoney’s ➤ Dick Abramson, Centennial Gun Club

➤ Lisa Roux, Shooter’s World ➤ Jeff Poet, Jay’s Sporting Goods ➤ Hank Yacek, AcuSport ➤ Ryan Burt, Caliber National Shooting Sports

Center

In addition to formal meetings and related events, RAC members are available to “talk shop” with NSSF retailers—and they do so with great regularity. “Weekly, and often more frequently, those of us on the RAC will be talking with other retailers, especially those who are new to the industry,” says Richard Sprague, owner of Sprague’s Sports in Yuma, Arizona. “New retailers have lots of questions. We get inquiries on a wide variety of topics.” The RAC can mentor new retailers who may need a bit more advice or want someone they

RAC Chairperson Richard Sprague

can call on regularly to share concerns and bounce ideas off of. RAC members can and will do on-site visits, too. The RAC helps to vet new retailer programs for NSSF. The RAC, for example, was instrumental in helping NSSF launch its new Store Security Program. Not only did the Council provide advice and ideas as the program took shape, stores owned by RAC members were used by NSSF staff during the proof-of-concept stage of the program. “For all these reasons and many more, the RAC is critical to the success of the NSSF in meeting the varied needs of our retailer members,” says Shay. For more information about the Retailer Advisory Council, contact Patrick Shay (pshay@nssf.org). Retailers should also check out the RAC and other NSSF Retailer programs online. (nssf.org/retailers)

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f e at u r e s

Clear Objective

Konus has a plan to raise its profile in the American market

By Robert Sadowski hen 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, of 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 optic 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 popular priced optic in the $100 to $300 range.”

Like many higher-end optic 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 the scope 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. The LZ30 scopes also are .50-caliber approved, not something you generally find in

scopes at those price points. 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 zero, and locking that into place as well. These scopes also provide 15 to 20 percent greater field of view than typical scopes, so target acquisition is quicker and easier. 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,” Shore says. This scope features push-button reti-

cle illumination in two different color choices and illuminates a level bubble to reduce cant, and includes the mount for Weaver or Picatinny bases. 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.” Shore also stresses that retailers should emphasize three critical points when trying to close the sale. “First, KonusPro scopes all have an unbreakable, etched reticle; second, all Konus products have a lifetime replacement warranty; third, there isn’t a clearer, brighter scope on the market at these price points.” Booth #1246. (konuspro.com)

Konus doesn’t strip out features to make its scopes affordable. Instead, it bakes the value into the overall design of a very affordable package.

48 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ DAY 3, JANUARY 19, 2017

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12/15/16 9:23 AM

Five country musicians talk about what the outdoors and hunting mean to them

From Cowboy Boots to Camouflage Country stars split their passion between music and the great outdoors

ountry music and outdoor living go hand-in-hand. Many artists in the music business are also becoming fixtures on outdoor television, entertaining audiences with their passion for the outdoor lifestyle and infusing it with their own brand of country twang. But it’s not easy to have a successful career, let alone juggle two at the same time. So why is it that country music and hunting blend so seamlessly? Is it the harmony of a plucked guitar alongside the sharp report of a big-game centerfire rifle? The thrill of singing in front of thousands of screaming fans versus being alone in the wilderness listening to a bugling elk? Or is it the way they both just naturally breed a similar way of life?

SHOT Daily recently sat down with some of the most recognizable country music singers and songwriters in the outdoors— Gary LeVox of Drury’s THIRTEEN (Outdoor Channel), Nick Hoffman of Nick’s Wild Ride (Outdoor Channel), Craig Morgan of Craig Morgan All Access Outdoors (Outdoor Channel), Nate Hosie of HeadHunters TV (Outdoor Channel),and Jim Kinsey of Skull Bound TV (Sportsman Channel)— to find out what makes the two worlds go so well together. What drives you to hunt Q and take part in the outdoor lifestyle? GARY LEVOX: The out-

A doors has been a part of my Nick Hoffman: “The fiddle is my favorite instrument but I try to stay flexible. Same as in the woods. The bow might be my favorite but I’m down for any firearm.”

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life since I was little. I started shooting a recurve when I was about nine years old, but the lifestyle started in my family long before I was born. NICK HOFFMAN: I have been driven to the outdoors since I was a kid. No one in my family hunted, yet I always felt a calling to step into the woods. To me, that shows that some people have the outdoor lifestyle hardwired in them. It’s a huge part of who I am. CRAIG MORGAN: I love the selfsustaining aspect of the outdoors, knowing I can not only survive but also thrive. I can provide everything my family and I need with what God has given us in the outdoors. NATE HOSIE: There is nothing I am more passionate about than being in the outdoors and enjoying God’s creation. What drives me to take part are the gobbles of a turkey, the sound of leaves crunching as a whitetail walks by your stand, or the bugle of an elk. I’m proud to have been brought up to respect the land and the animals that call it home. Just being out in the woods helps slow everything down and brings you back to what matters—just loving and appreciating the gift of life and the outdoors. JIM KINSEY: Hunting is a primal thing. It’s as natural to me as breathing. Anytime you can pick up a bow or rifle and pursue natural organic meat one-on-one— that’s a beautiful thing.

1/6/17 12:50 PM

Craig Morgan: “I love the self-sustaining aspect of the outdoors, knowing I can not only survive but also thrive.”

Who instilled your pasQ sion for the great outdoors? LEVOX: My stepdad, Randy

A Harmon, really introduced

me. He took my brother and me to another level in the outdoors. We raised beagles as kids, and rabbit hunting was our addiction. Running trap lines before school was the greatest way in life to watch the world wake up. HOFFMAN: It started with fishing with my dad. Some of my earliest memories are going fishing with him and I cherish them. He taught me that if I am patient enough, the “big one” will come. MORGAN: My parents. I grew up living in the country, so it’s something that has always been in my blood from the very beginning. HOSIE: My dad and grandpa used to take me out bird hunting when I was five years old. They got me a side-by-side Orvis cap gun, and I would bust caps at every pheasant, grouse, or woodcock that took flight. As I got older they would take me for deer and turkey. I owe a lot of my love for hunting and hunting ethics to them because they created a positive atmosphere and taught me many life lessons from the woods about respecting the land and God’s creations. KINSEY: I’ve always had a love for the great outdoors. I started dove hunting with a single-shot .410 as a kid and moved up to a single-shot 12-gauge for small

game. During those early years, my father fostered in me the love of the hunt, and it grew from there. Flash forward to today, and I’ve done the same with both of my sons. Each one understands the importance of being an ethical hunter and passing on our heritage to their children someday. Why do you think so Q many country music stars enjoy hunting? LEVOX: Most country music

A artists that love hunting have

really grown up that way. It’s a lifestyle that most of us come from and knew before we knew music. From watching folks in our families clean a deer or listening to a turkey fly up to roost, it’s usually been bred in us. It’s awesome to see some new country artists who haven’t had that privilege growing up find country music is their first introduction to the outdoors. That’s what country folk do, we pass it on and we feel like that’s an opportunity to bring new people into the world we live in. The Grand Ole Opry is great at doing that with their annual January hunt. They make new artists feel welcome and take them on their first hunt. It’s a club. HOFFMAN: Country music and the outdoor lifestyle go hand-inhand. They both speak to and about the same group of people. People who are true to themselves and what they believe in. People

who are not afraid to work hard to get what they want. And people who put enjoying life high on their list of priorities. MORGAN: Personally, I believe it is because most country music singers are country people who grew up within that lifestyle. The two go hand-in-hand a lot of the time. HOSIE: Country music stars love it because it’s who they are. They grew up country, grew up hunting, and most of them write about the life they live. So many talented artists are huge hunters, great outdoors enthusiasts, and great people. KINSEY: Country music stars enjoy hunting because, similar to my roots, it started for them at an early age. Their love of the great outdoors and passion to express it lyrically, combined with an original melody, is what people gravitate to. How do you balance Q both a musician’s life on the road and finding time to escape on a hunt? LEVOX: It was tough for me

A early on in my career to jug-

gle hunting and music because hunting was my passion and, come September, I didn’t want to do anything but hang on the side of a tree over a food plot. God blessed Rascal Flatts with a job he wanted us to do, and I had to really smile through all of it. But it was hard. I used to ask our booking agent to book me in the Midwest during

October, November, and December so I could hunt during the day and do the show that night. Thank goodness we have been in a place for a while that we shut down before October. Jay and Joe Don don’t want to hear me complain and say no to things anymore. HOFFMAN: Hunting gives me balance. It gives me an escape from the crazy pace of life on the road. It’s a place where it’s quiet and time slows down. So for me, that time in the woods is crucial to me doing my job well on stage. MORGAN: I pride myself on having fully embraced an outdoor lifestyle, so it’s only natural that I find time to get in the woods. Music and touring are one side of what I do professionally, but it often feeds the hunting side, and I am always weaving the two together. I have been known to go hunting on the road and arrive back at a venue just in time for sound check. HOSIE: For me it’s a different avenue as I get ready to release my debut CD. Unlike most artists, I started in the hunting world and am now crossing into the country music world. Most times, it’s the other way around. I’m excited for the journey and know the hunting community will support me. I also think the music world will appreciate and respect my music. I don’t know how I’ll balance both just yet, but I will make it work— there’s always time for hunting and music. I’m excited for the future. KINSEY: Balance is a tricky

DAY 3, JANUARY 19, 2017 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ 51

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1/6/17 12:50 PM

f e at u r e s

thing. As a songwriter, my life has many challenges. Relationships, production deadlines, travel, capturing the hunt, and keeping it all together is the biggest challenge of all. Finding time to escape on a hunt of my own doesn’t happen very often. Most of the time, I’m packing a camera, filming for Skull Bound TV. Last year, I broke away from the everyday grind and took my biggest mule deer buck in Montana while my brother Al filmed it. What’s your instrument Q of choice on stage and your hunting implement of choice in the field? LEVOX: My instrument of

A choice on stage is my voice. That’s the gift God gave me to use, and it’s what I’m best at. I love acoustic guitar and can play that, but I sure wish I could play the piano. In the field, I use a bow because it was the first thing I ever shot and my true passion. I’m more confident with that in my hand than with a rifle or shotgun. I love a muzzleloader too, but my stepdad had a recurve he gave me to shoot, so I shot instinctive for many years. If you harvest a deer with a bow, you’ve done a lot of things right to get that close, and there’s nothing more rewarding for me. HOFFMAN: Though I play several different instruments, I’ve played the fiddle since I was five years old. So naturally, that’s my favorite instrument. But sometimes the song doesn’t call for a fiddle. It might need a guitar, mandolin, or banjo. So, I’ve always tried to stay flexible. The same goes for the woods. The bow might be my favorite, but I’m also down for any firearm as well. MORGAN: My instrument of choice on the stage is a Breedlove acoustic guitar. In the woods, I use either my Hoyt bow or my Remington gun. HOSIE: I’ll take my guitar on stage and into the woods. But I’ll hunt with bow, rifle, or crossbow. Luke Bryan has a song Q titled “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day” on his latest album. Have you ever written a song about or been inspired by the outdoors? LEVOX: The first song I

A ever wrote was called “If Ya Could, Would You Want It Like That?” I think I was 12. It was all about hunting whitetails and turkeys, and having a pond stocked

Jim Kinsey: “Hunting is a primal thing. It’s as natural to me as breathing. Anytime you can pick up a bow or a rifle and pursue natural, organic meat one-on-one—that’s a beautiful thing.”

with bass and some big blue cats. HOFFMAN: Absolutely. There’s an old saying, “Write what you know.” Recently, I wrote a song called “Bullet” that is featured as the theme song for the “Country Friday Nights” programming block on Outdoor Channel, during which my show, Nick’s Wild Ride, appears. MORGAN: Numerous songs on many of my projects are written about and inspired by the outdoors. From “That’s What I Love About Sunday” to “Redneck Yacht Club” to “I’m That Country.” HOSIE: I have written a song called “The Hunt,” which I will release sometime this year. It’s a song inspired by my grandpa about the atmosphere that hunting creates and the memories I have been blessed to make in the outdoors. KINSEY: I wrote a song with Michael Connors after hearing an incredible story while hunting coyotes with mountain cur dogs in eastern Montana. After the hunt was over, I got to film the firsthand account of Medal of Honor recipient Clint “RO” Romesha’s battle of Kamdesh on October 3, 2009. Clint talked about losing eight men in the battle and how he was overrun by 300 members of the Taliban, but fought through a 13-hour battle to come out victorious. I was inspired and began writing the lyrics to honor those men who Clint lost. The final product was “Red Platoon.”

If you could go on a Q hunt anywhere, where would you go and who would it be with? LEVOX: I’m so blessed

A because I get to do it every year, but I’d have to go with Mark Drury in Iowa or Missouri. I was such a huge fan of his my entire life (still am), and to watch him and his brother Terry Drury call in turkeys and whitetails on VCR tapes (yeah, that was a thing) was exactly what my brother Kevin and I did the night before every opening morning of bow season. That was our ritual and we still do it. HOFFMAN: I wish I could go back in time and hunt with Teddy Roosevelt. He is the father of modern conservation and was so influential in making sure there is always public land to use and hunt. I read his books about his adventures in Africa when I was younger and I was captivated. I bet he would’ve been a fun guy to have some whiskey with too! MORGAN: I would probably want to go back to Namibia and take my kids so they could experience it. It’s one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been. HOSIE: My home state of Pennsylvania with my grandpa. I miss him and would love to share the woods with him one more time to tell him all about the last few years on HeadHunters TV and being a part of Outdoor

Channel—it’s truly been a dream come true. I know he is proud that I’m doing what I love and doing my best to promote positivity every day while continuing the great heritage and tradition that we call hunting. KINSEY: That’s an easy question. I’d love to hunt Asiatic buffalo in Australia with my partner in crime, Jana Waller. It’s obvious that without her I wouldn’t be where I am today. She’s been the best partner I’ve ever had and has helped me in more ways than I can count. It would be me giving back to her for a change. Booth #13923. (thesportsmanchannel.com)

SEEING HEAT Leupold recently partnered with Seek Thermal to create the Leupold LTO-Tracker, a handheld observation and game recovery tool. With a 21-degree field of view, a 600-yard detection range, and retail price of $699, the LTO-Tracker will be the beachhead product in a new line of innovative and trailblazing thermal optics specifically designed for outdoorsmen. Booth #13023. (leupold.com)

52 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ DAY 3, JANUARY 19, 2017

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11/17/16 5:00 PM

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Though best known for knives and multi-tools, SOG has branched out with a new line of tough packs that can handle the elements.

Equal to the Task

SOG’s new pack line is cleverly conceived and built right

By David Maccar

good pack is hard to find. Over the years, I’ve used a broad assortment of backpacks, gear, duffel bags, and other configurations of pouches and straps to haul things around in urban and rural environments. Not all were equal to the task. It usually comes down to the little things: the quality of the zippers and waterproofing, the stitching and the seams, how the fabric edges are finished, and the overall arrangement and design of the components. You can’t really get a feel for how a pack will function until you use it.

So when a company known for great edged items—such as tactical knives, hunting knives, folders, field tools, and tomahawks—says they’re going to start making backpacks, it’s natural to be a little skeptical. You think maybe they’ve strayed from their skill set. But in the case of the new line of heavyduty packs from SOG Knife and Tool, I can state unequivocally that these are not novelty items with a company logo (though the green-beret skull does make a prominent appearance). They are solid gear-haulers with a ton of thought and engineering poured into their design. The packs have been introduced as a full line, ranging from the compact 18L EVAC sling bag all the way up to the spacious 35L Seraphim backpack, with four other models in between. All have killer features in addition to 500-denier nylon construction (with a water-resistant polyurethane coating). The shoulder straps on all the bags are padded, have a rigid suspension system,

and come with quick-release buckles, so you can cinch down the straps and still get the pack off in a hurry if you have to. The straps on all packs accept the sling bag and have an elasticized sternum strap that’s adjustable for length and height, something missing from many smaller packs. Plus, the small plastic buckle has an emergency whistle built in, just in case. Every SOG pack also has the ability to carry a hydration bladder, with pass-throughs for drinking tubes, plus guides on the straps. The Scout 24 pack and the two larger models have stowable, padded hip belts, giving users the ability to carry heavier loads for longer periods. The Ranger also has a hip belt, but it’s unpadded. The two largest packs—the 33L Prophet and the Seraphim—feature stowable shoulder straps, so they can function as duffel bags, with the appropriate grab handles right where you need them. That’s the great thing about the entire line—they have zippers, pouches, grab handles, and straps

all over the place, but you never feel like the features are cumbersome or that they get in each other’s way at all.

Tech-Savvy

➤ Even the smallest pack has a pass-through laptop compartment, as computers are so often a component of our lives these days, even in the field. The larger packs have sleeves built into them meant for laptops or tablets, and every pack sports a semi-rigid impact-resistant top pocket (that’s the shell-looking thing with the hook-and-loop panel and SOG logo), with plenty of pouches and sleeves inside to organize fragile electronic devices. It’s crush-resistant, not crush-proof, but way better than just having things hanging out in a nylon pouch. Plus, it even has a walled-off place to stash a pair of sunglasses. These packs also have passthroughs for earphones. In addition, all the packs feature a laser-cut Hypalon MOLLE

panel on the exterior for attaching additional gear. It works just like traditional MOLLE webbing, but it has a much lower profile and is stronger for extended use. As a final touch, ring-shaped zipper pulls make it easy to get at them, even with gloves on. Speaking of the zippers, it’s amazing what adding a couple can do for a big pack. The Prophet and Seraphim packs have four zippers on their main compartments, allowing users to open them from the top or bottom to access gear, no longer rendering stuff at the bottom of the pack unreachable. Plus, they open gapingly wide for packing and unpacking. The entire line from SOG leaves little else to be desired— what you’re looking for is already built in. All models are available in black or gray. SRP: EVAC Sling 18, $149.99; Ranger 12, $139.99; Scout 24, $189.99; TOC 20, $159.99; Prophet 33, $229.99; and Seraphim 35, $259.99. Booth #425. (sogknives.com)

54 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ DAY 3, JANUARY 19, 2017

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12/13/16 3:35 PM

f e at u r e s

A Passion For Innovation

CMMG draws on the past for inspiration

By Peter Suciu

hroughout history, the design of successful firearms has inspired others to create something new out of something old. Consider the Mauser K98’s influence on other bolt-action rifles, or the StG44’s DNA, which can be seen in the AK-47. The Missouri-based team at CMMG have followed this tradition of being inspired by the past to create bold, new designs of their own.

The company, founded a decade ago by John, Jeff, Gretchen, and Stephanie Overstreet, has been busy carving out a niche in the crowded AR-platform market. Not long ago it announced the release of the MkW ANVIL, an all-new mid-sized AR-rifle platform chambered in .458 SOCOM. The MkW ANVIL is built around CMMG’s Powerbolt design, which allows the rifle to utilize a modified AR 10-sized bolt for increased durability. It is small yet distinguishing

features such as this that help set CMMG apart from the crowd. “We have a passion for the product,” says CMMG coowner Jeff Overstreet. “We design products we love to own and carry. Being in this industry is a dream come true, and it’s what drives us to continue to innovate.” “One of the things that sets us apart is that we control our own manufacturing processes for our components,” says Tyson Bradshaw, CMMG’s engineering manager. “This

allows us the freedom to get creative with our designs. We try to be very forward thinking when we approach a new rifle project.” Doing so allows CMMG to look at development and production from a unique perspective. This, according to Bradshaw, “creates the desire to have all engineering and design done inhouse. In this ‘Nerd Room,’ we look to fill gaps we feel exist in the market.” This is especially important because consumers today have

plenty of options in the modern sporting rifle space. And given that crowded market, the less-experienced buyer may find it hard to see the advantages a particular firearm has over the competition. At the same time, being unique doesn’t mean much if the customer isn’t happy with the results. “It’s very important to stand out—but for the right reasons,” says Bradshaw. “We want to be known for having innovative products that work as advertised.”

The aptly named Mk47 MUTANT draws inspiration from a pair of legendary firearms designers— Eugene Stoner and Mikhail Kalashnikov.

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The ANVIL, available in three versions, has been configured to accept the powerhouse .458 SOCOM.

able in three different configurations: the MkW ANVIL T, with a mil-spec grip and buttstock and single-stage mil-spec-style trigger (SRP: $1,849.95); the MkW ANVIL XBE, with Magpul MOE pistol grip and CTR carbine stock with six-position receiver extension and single-stage mil-spec trigger (SRP: $1,949.95); and the MkW ANVILXBE2, with MOE pistol grip and CTR carbine stock with six-position receiver extension and SSA two-stage trigger (SRP: $2,149.95). All three versions feature a 16.1-inch barrel, 1:14 twist with medium taper, SV muzzle brake (threaded 5/8-32), RKM14 key mod, and billet 7075-T6 AL mid-size upper and lower receivers.

Creating the Mutant

The company utilizes a strict protocol that each new rifle has to pass before it is brought to market. This begins with an innovative design, but is followed by rigorous testing that ensures that customers are satisfied. “We want our customers to be excited about our products, but also feel confident that they will perform and function extremely well,” says Bradshaw.

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shortened by ¾ inch to minimize weight and increase ergonomics. In addition, the magwell on the lower receiver has been designed to accept standard AR-15 magazines. This allows the rifle to utilize the durable AR-10-sized bolt face with the large-case diameter of big-bore calibers, such as .458 SOCOM, in which approximately 10 cartridges fit single stack in an AR-15 magazine. “The concept for the MkW ANVIL was partly inspired by our success with the design of the Mk47 MUTANT,” says Bradshaw. “We saw how well the new mid-sized platform worked with 7.62x39mm and started looking at other calibers that might benefit from this same design.” The .458 SOCOM caliber was an obvious choice because it was designed for AR rifles and utilizes AR-15 magazines. “It has such a large casing diameter that it has forced rifle manufacturers to sacrifice the thickness of the bolt face in order to chamber the round,” he says. “So, we created the ANVIL to utilize our more durable mid-sized platform and still accept AR-15 magazines.” The MkW ANVIL is avail-

➤ The Missouri-based company has also won awards for its successful pairing of the best elements of the AR-15 with the ubiquitous AK-47 (the aforementioned Mk47 MUTANT). This “east meets west” design rightfully earned its moniker, as at a glance it is a mutation of the designs of Eugene Stoner and Mikhail Kalashnikov. The obvious question is, why wasn’t this done sooner? “There have been similar products that have bridged the gap dating back to the 1970s and 1980s,” says Overstreet. “We were the first to utilize a mid-sized platform that strengthened the operating system and allowed use of AK-47 magazines.” “What really set us apart is our new mid-sized platform that was designed around the caliber itself,” says Bradshaw. “The result is a very durable rifle with an AR-10-sized bolt face. The rifle also has AR modularity, accuracy, and ergonomics—and AK-like reliability.” Overstreet noted it is humbling to be able to build on the designs of these two great designers. “Eugene Stoner was an amazing engineer,” he says. “Kalashnikov created a robust, timeless design. I have been a big follower of both designers since before I was old enough to purchase firearms.” Booth #32011. (cmmginc.com)

BROWNELLS AND SHIELD SIGHT JOIN FORCES You have probably used a Shield Sight red-dot optic and not even known it. Based in the United Kingdom, Shield Sight has, over the years, manufactured the Firepoint, Tasco Optima, Trijicon RedDot, and JPoint red-dot reflex sights. So it goes without saying that they know red-dots. But the big news for 2017 is that Shield Sights will now be distributed in the U.S. by Brownells. “The relationship with Brownells is very significant because they have been selling our SMS via JP Rifles as the JPoint for a number of years and have since moved to selling a larger range of our products,” says James White, Shield Sight’s director of manufacturing, sales, and marketing. “We are hoping the relationship can develop so that we have a direct outlet when we bring new products to market.” White says all products designed and sold by Shield have been created by real shooters. “As we like to say, ‘For Shooters By Shooters.’” White also says he believes the success of the company rests on the quality of its product line and the fact that “we offer solutions that our competitors can’t.” Here he cites the MOS plate, which allows the SMS and RMS to be mounted low enough to allow the use of standard-height iron sights as well. The arrangement gives operators the option to quickly transition from irons to a red-dot as conditions dictate. “We know the product can handle the lifestyle of any user,” says White, “and we are proud to make products that are used by these professionals.” As the company develops its new relationship with Brownells, White says, American shooters can expect to see new more new products. “We are committed to bring to market products that shooters want and, more important, need,” he says. “By developing cleverer solutions to meet the needs of serious shooters, the world can expect the unexpected from Shield.” Booth #13812. (shieldpsp. com) —Robert Sadowski

Shield Sights are now distributed by Brownells, making the U.K. brand more available in the U.S.

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Southern Pride

Zac Brown brings passion and precision to the knife business By Justin Moore

ew things go together like firearms and knives, unless you want to add country music into that equation as well. Zac Brown’s Southern Grind, which was founded by the three-time Grammy-awardwinning artist, will have a booth at SHOT Show 2017 for the first time in its young history. It’s a mash-up encapsulating a knife company owned by a country music star on display at the largest shooting sports trade show in the world.

Southern Grind’s GranDaddy knives are differentially heat-treated for maximum edge hardness, but they still retain enough flexibility to bend 90 degrees without fracturing the blade.

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Brown’s passion for high-quality blades drives his focus to create some of best knives on the market, without taking away from the blue collar roots of the company. For example, all the Southern Grind fixed-blade knives start their lives as reclaimed sawmill blades, work-hardened from creating thousands of board-feet of lumber. Their first life slicing through tree after tree is made stronger by a constant cycle of heating and cooling numerous times a day. Taking strength and durability even further, the GranDaddy knives are differentially heattreated for maximum edge hardness, but they still retain enough flexibility to bend 90 degrees without fracturing the blade. Cerakote and Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coatings are added to finish the process with a corrosionresistant and non-reflective surface. The folding knives also exhibit numerous features that don’t necessarily need to be on a standard production knife, but Brown has made sure that his products are held to a higher standard. For example, they all use solid 6AL4V titanium locks and liners, for strength and to save weight. The Southern Grind metal workshop in Peachtree City, Georgia, is part of the Southern Ground family of brands. Located on 8 acres and totaling 150,000 square feet, this facility houses a collective of talented artists and craftsmen. Each person is a master in his respective craft—wood, leather, metals. Everyone who puts their hands on a product is passionate about quality, and there is definitely a sense of pride that they are being made in the U.S.A. However, the primary goal of Southern Grind isn’t just to manufacture high-quality knives—it supports Brown’s non-profit passion project, Camp Southern Ground. Located on more than 400 acres in Fayetteville, Georgia, Camp Southern Ground provides extraordinary experiences for children from all backgrounds, races, and religions. The camp puts a special emphasis on those with Autism Spectrum Disorders such as autism and Asperger’s, as well as learning disabilities such as ADD/ADHD and dyslexia, social or emotional challenges, and those with family members serving in the military. A portion of the sales from Southern Grind helps to support Camp Southern Ground, setting a new industry standard not just in quality and craftsmanship, but in philanthropy. When asked why it was so important that Southern Grind was an exhibitor at SHOT Show, Chris Brooks, of Southern Grind, said, “SHOT Show is the biggest show of the year for cutlery. It’s a great place to sit down with most, or possibly all, of the folks we work with to write orders and create media interest. This will be our second year exhibiting at SHOT and our first year with an actual booth on the convention floor. Last year we exhibited at the NEXT Program and it was very successful.” Want to see what Southern Grind has new for this year? Make sure to visit their booth. You might also want to welcome them to the convention floor of the show. Booth #4062. (southerngrind.com)

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Satisfying LongDistance Needs

U.S. Optics goes to the source with its new B-Series long-range scope line

By Robert Sadowski hen you think of long-range optics, U.S. Optics is bound to come to mind. The manufacturer was building scopes for the U.S. Marine Corps just before Schmidt & Bender stepped in. Over the years, shooters have come to expect durable, reliable scopes from U.S. Optics.

But the company is also nimble enough to redesign its products to meet the ever-evolving demands of precision shooters. As a result, the company took a hard look at three of its core products—the ER25, LR17, and MR10, which are extreme long range, long range, and medium range, respectively—and decided changes were needed. “The new B-Series was developed based upon requests by military, law enforcement, and competitive shooters,” says general manager Jason T. Kyle. He adds that U.S. Optics solicited

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the needs of these users because “you can’t build a scope in a vacuum. That feedback allowed us to redesign the ER25, LR17, and MR10. The B-Series line is lighter, shorter, and more streamlined. Those models have been completely revised.” Shooters who have come to rely on scopes from U.S. Optics know they deliver sharp image clarity in rugged housing that’s designed to take punishment. Features that were not so welcome were the scopes’ extended length, a

The new B-Series line of riflescopes was developed based on requests by military, law enforcement, and competitive shooters.

blocky turret section, and excessive weight. The new B-Series addresses those issues head-on. All three models are now shorter in length, so they are more compatible with night-vision equipment. The blocky turret section— which at times required more rail to mount the optic, depending on the weapon system—has been made far more compact in order to accommodate most mounts. And they are lighter as well. Other features long-range shooters have come to expect are locking elevation and windage turret knobs, an elevation revolution counter, and elevation with zero stop. While the U.S. Optics engineers were at it, they integrated the parallax and illumination controls to reduce their footprint on the tube. “We spent quality time with military and LE users to get their input,” Kyle says. Looking at the new B-Series, it is evident the company listened to what its users had to say. Turret knobs and other controls, such as the magnification ring, are more user-friendly, especially when the user is wearing gloves, but the scopes’ internals retain the qualities that make them desirable for precision users in demanding environments. Booth #20031. (usoptics.com)

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news

Birchwood Casey’s product lines now include reactive targets and steel targets.

Branching Out

Birchwood Casey is a whole lot more than just cleaning supplies By Brian McCombie

nce known almost exclusively as a manufacturer of firearms cleaning and maintenance products, Birchwood Casey has spent the last few years positioning itself as a major player in the firearms accessories market. Their products now include reactive targets, steel targets, and hard and soft firearms cases, as well as new cleaning and refinishing products. But don’t worry: Cleaning products are still a mainstay of the Birchwood Casey lineup.

In many ways, says product line lars to see your shot. A whole line manager Eric Miller, Birchwood of Shoot-N-Cs were spawned, and Casey’s “re-tooling” began with the today, there are three dozen sepaimmensely popular Shoot-N-C rate Shoot-N-C targets available. Targets. Launched several years A few years back, Birchwood ago, the Shoot-N-C Casey added steel series did what few targets to the mix other targets had up with its World of to that point: They let Targets line for centerfire and rimfire you clearly see where calibers. For those your shot hit the tarwho like a more get, thanks to the active kind of target, bright-colored rings there are the durable that pop around indiGround Strike tarvidual bullet holes. gets that can take Shooters have instant hundreds of hits and feedback, and from a The Popper springless keep bouncing and distance, too. No steel target, which need to walk downstands at 22 inches tall, skittering along the ground. range or use binocuresets itself.

“We want to be the one company to go to for all your shooting accessories,” says Miller. “We are certainly going to stay true to our foundation in gun-cleaning and maintenance products, but even there, we will continue to improve upon what we do, as we did when we created Gun Scrubber, adding a syntheticbased gun cleaner to our offerings.” The “one-stop” trend continues with the 2017 SHOT Show introductions of several new products. Waxed-canvas firearms\ cleaning mats help keep spent fouling, chemical spills, and dirty patches from making a mess of your gun- cleaning area, at home or at the

range. The cleaning mats are constructed from a durable, waxed cotton interior with internal padding for protection and a tough abrasion-resistant Cordura backer. Handgun ($29.99) and long gun versions ($34.99) are available. The Popper steel target is constructed of 3⁄8-inch AR500 steel. It can absorb hits from both centerfire pistols and rifles for hours of fast-paced shooting fun. The target stands 22 inches tall when assembled and has an 8-inch paddle at the top. The springless design allows the target to reset regardless of the caliber used to knock it down. SRP: $299.99. The Nest Rest shooting rest is durable and lightweight. It consists of a small rear rest and a larger front rest, which “nest” and lock together to save space during transport. The small rest also stacks on top of the larger one for added elevation when shooting. It’s constructed of a soft, durable rubber material to provide plenty of non-slip grip on shooting benches. SRP: $24.99. For retailers, Birchwood Casey offers a good deal of in-store help. One of the more popular options for retailers are the various display racks that hold ShootN-C and other targets. “You can display a large number of targets in a very small in-store footprint with one of our angled display racks,” says Miller. “They also keep the clutter down. A customer can slide out a target, see if it’s what he wants, and, if it isn’t, let it drop back down into the rack.” Counter mats are available, and Birchwood Casey’s graphic design department has created signage for many of its dealers. For marketing in the larger sense, “We’re across all the media with print, digital, and social media ads and presence,” Miller says. “We are in the trade magazines, too, as well as the consumer publications, promoting our branding message as well as new products.” Birchwood Casey is internetfriendly, with a large, easy-tonavigate website. The site also links to a growing number of YouTube videos that show customers how to use their many products, plus provide tips and advice on how to do various tasks, like refinishing the stock on a favorite long gun. Booth #11723. (birchwoodcasey. com)

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Lowering the Volume

ost shooters know that hearing loss can occur from a one-time incident or happen gradually over a lifetime of pulling the trigger. In many cases it’s a combination of the two—which is why it’s so important to wear hearing protection every time you use a firearm, whether in the field or on the range. There are several brands of quality hearing protection on the market today for shooters to choose from, but one manufacturer has steadily been building its reputation for quality over the past 30 years: Howard Leight by Honeywell.

“We’ve always been dedicated to keeping our core customers— professional and recreational shooters and hunters—safe through superior hearing protection,” says Sean O’Brien, president, Honeywell, SPS Global Retail. Expected to hit the market in spring 2017, the new Howard Leight Impact Sport Bolt electronic earmuff will have the same Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 22 dB and slim profile of the already popular Impact Sport, but with new and improved features. The Impact Sport Bolt will offer improved circuitry, increased amplification of ambient sound, and an industry- leading attack time of .5ms, which is 250 times faster than the current model.

O’Brien explained that “attack time” is the interval between when the sound level in the external environment goes above safe hearing levels—such as when a shot is fired—and when the circuitry reacts to lower the amplification of external sound to a safe level. New features include a premium leatherette headband, an AUX cable with in-line microphone, and accessories such as extra ear cushions and a belt clip. In addition, the unit has an automatic fourhour shutoff to extend battery life, a convenient folding design for easy storage, a single-knob control for on/off and volume, and Air Flow Control technology. The earmuff is available in many colors. SRP: $100. Booth #2020. (howardleightshooting sports.com) —W.H. Gross

The Howard Leight Impact Sport Bolt elec tronic earmuff will offer improved circuit ry, increased amplification of ambient sound, and better pro tection from noise.

RIMFIRE RIFLE

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LEARN MORE AT:

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news

Thermacell Unveils Backpacker Mosquito Repeller

oes this sound familiar? You’ve had a great day of stalking, hiking many miles and making memories that will last a lifetime. But all you want now is to set up camp, kick back, and enjoy an evening in the wilderness. Instead, just as soon as you locate that perfect campsite and shrug off your pack, you’re attacked by hundreds of swarming mosquitoes. Quickly, you set up your tent, dive inside, and zip it closed against the buzzing hordes outside. So much for a relaxing evening around the campfire. Until now.

New for 2017, Therma cell—a leading manufac turer of insect repellers— is introducing the Back packer Mosquito Repeller. This lightweight, com pact, and highly portable unit was designed with the backpacking outdoorsman in mind. It has an inte grated Piezo lighter and comes with a water- r esistant nylon carrying pouch. Fuel-efficient, it produces up to 80 hours of insect protection from even the smallest 100g gas canister. (Note: It operates only with camping-gas canisters, not C15.)

The Backpacker Mosquito Repeller is lightweight.

“We’re excited to launch our new Thermacell Backpacker Mosquito Repeller,” says Adam Goess, Thermacell’s hunt ing marketing director. “Its compact size and low weight—just 4 ounces— make this fuel-efficient repeller ideal for pack-in hunting trips.” Like other Thermacell products, the Backpacker uses allethrin, a synthetic form of a repellent that occurs naturally in chry santhemums. Allethrin will not harm humans or pets, and it repels mosquitoes, black flies, and no-see-ums.

The unit begins working within minutes of being lit, creating a 225-squarefoot protection zone—the size of an average camp site, patio, or deck. It has an unlimited amount of usage with the appropriate refills. SRP: $39.99. Thermacell is also launching the MR450 Repeller, an upgrade of its portable mosquito r epeller. “The MR450 applies decades of consumer usage feedback and findings to enhance this popular product,” says Goess. Features of the new MR450 include an indica

NEW PRODUCTS

tor light that allows users to confirm that the unit is up to temperature and working, plus new rubber armoring to improve grip. Like its predecessors, it uses a butane cartridge to activate the repellent. Each cartridge lasts up to 12 hours. SRP: $34.99. All Thermacell mosqui to repellent products use the same refills, are odor less, and have no open flame. No contact with skin or clothing is required as they do not use lotions, sprays, or candles. Booth #2348. ( thermacell.com) —W.H. Gross

Visit the Kahr Firearms Group Booth

#15949

NEW BFR Bisley Grip Frame with White P olymer G rips and B lack M icar ta G rips*

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*Optional Grip

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news

The Right Tools Remington Defense builds precision arms for the U.S. military By Slaton L. White

lthough there hasn’t always been a separate division known as Remington Defense, Remington has been in the military and law enforcement market for nearly all of its 200year history. Moreover, says Joshua Cutlip, Remington Defense manager of field and technical services, “the company continues to be seen as a dependable provider of rugged, reliable, high-performing firearms that represent a good value to the taxpayer. Similarly, our sporting and personal defense customers have come to expect the same from our civilian product lines, resulting in great collaboration between our Remington and Remington Defense teams. After all, it’s about providing the right tool, for the right job, at the right price.”

The R4 Carbon Line consists of three models chambered in 5.56 NATO.

As an example of this teamwork, Cutlip cites the manufacturer’s centerfire rifle product lines. “Remington has been the chief bolt-action sniper rifle maker for the U.S. military for more than 70 years. When Remington was chosen to build the A4 sniper variant of the U.S. Army’s M1903 Springfield during World War II, we delivered large numbers of accurate and durable sniper rifles. After the war, the lessons we learned from building the M1903A4, and the confidence it inspired in the servicemen who car-

ried it, contributed to the success of the Model 721 and 722, which evolved into the Model 700 in the early 1960s. The success of the Model 700, and its custom-shop version, the Model 40X, made the platform a strong choice when the U.S. Marine Corps decided to standardize and field a new bolt-action sniper rifle during Vietnam. Variants of that M40 are still in service today.” Cutlip says working on these custom builds “absolutely” helps give the company insight into improving

designs or work processes for the consumer line. “When designing small arms for the competitive selection of military and lawenforcement organizations, we have to build to some of the most exacting requirements imaginable,” he says. “Our military and LE customers are specific in their needs and expect very high levels of quality, performance, and durability. As such, our products undergo the most exhaustive testing available— both internally and by the government agency purchasing the prod-

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uct. Upon completion of this testing, our military and LE customers provide us with extremely valuable feedback and additional data points that we can apply to our defense and sporting product lines.” But something sporting arms customers won’t see is a special build Remington Defense calls the MSR/PSR/Mk 21. This modular sniper rifle features a Remington MSR titanium action, with a 60-degree bolt and a lightweight skeletonized chassis. Other features include a right-folding fully adjustable buttstock, a modular handguard with removable accessory rails, a Cerakote Gen II IR reducing finish, a two-position trigger, and two detachable magazines. It’s also available in three calibers— .308 Win., .300 Win. Mag., and .338 Lapua Mag. “The key concept behind the MSR/PSR was adaptability and operator-serviceability,” Cutlip says. “Traditionally, bolt-action sniper rifles have had set configurations and required depot-level service for barrel replacements when the installed barrel was worn out. But with the MSR/PSR, the operator can change his own barrel

The MSR/PSR/Mk 21 is a modular rifle with a titanium action, a 60-degree bolt, an adjustable buttstock, and a skeletonized chassis.

in just a few minutes—all without losing the capability the weapon offers on the battlefield. This adaptability is valuable for many reasons. For example, to support more cost-effective training or to suit the ammunition that is available in theatre. Sniper rifles are highly specialized weapon systems, and offering an added layer of adaptability can be a huge benefit.” Cutlip also says the entire system was designed with the specific requirements of the U.S. military’s elite war fighters in mind. “When designing a weapon system for a competitive selection, the gunmaker is given a set of very demanding expectations, all of which must be met,” he says. “These requirements drive the decisions we make on every aspect of the system,

including materials chosen, finishes applied, and the accessories that get packaged along with the product. In the case of the titanium receiver in the MSR/PSR, the decision was driven, chiefly, by the customers’ requirements on weight. In order to meet the extreme accuracy, stability, and repeatability requirements of our customers, we had to build the system from heavy materials; yet the product still had to be light enough to cover their weight requirement. This resulted in our decision to use titanium for the receiver.” That modularity allows Remington to build to specific customer demands without having to re-engineer the wheel or saddle customers with unnecessary extra equipment.

Another interesting product from Remington Defense is the CSR (concealable sniper rifle). It’s essentially a short-action version of the MSR/PSR with a quickdetach handguard. “There are applications of the sniper rifle where portability and concealability are preferred,” Cutlip says. “The modularity of the barreled action and RACS chassis system allowed us to easily transition the design into one that was developed for short-action cartridges and could be stowed in a discreet package.” Rounding out the 2017 lineup is the R4 Carbon line, which consists of three models—Patrol, Operator, and Enhanced, all in 5.56 NATO. Booth #14229. (remingtonmilitary.com)

THIS IS MY NEW UPPER HAND. THE WORLD’S FIRST WIRELESS LASER & WHITE LIGHT SYSTEM Get a firm grip on the next level of ready with LiNQ: a secure, wireless laser and light system designed for modern sporting rifles. Instinctive Activation™ ensures the moment your hand engages the pistol grip, a green laser sight and 300-lumen LED white light energizes, shaving off critical seconds, giving you the ultimate illumination and targeting solution.

SEE LiNQ IN ACTION AT BOOTH #16731

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news

Rimfire Redefined Savage unveils its new B Series high-performance bolt-action lineup

avage Arms continues to redefine what a rimfire ought to be with its introduction of a new lineup of high-performance B Series bolt-action rifles. The company fired the opening shot of this reboot several years ago by introducing the B.Mag. Chambered in .17 Win. Super Mag., the groundbreaking bolt-action created a whole new class of rimfire rifles while bringing centerfire features (as well as record-breaking velocity, long-range accuracy, and downrange devastation) to the small-bore scene.

Savage kept the rimfire renaissance rolling with the launch of the semi-automatic A Series, including the A17, A22 Magnum, and A22 .22 LR. Built for the hard-hitting, low-recoil .17 HMR, the A17 featured a unique delayedblowback action and has become the one of the first autoloaders capable of consistently cycling this hot magnum cartridge. Chambered in .22 WMR, the A22 Magnum sported a fistful of serious fea-

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tures, including the same delayed blowback semi-auto action as the A17. Not to be outdone, the A22 .22 LR gave traditional .22-caliber enthusiasts a slick new semi-auto loaded with the same reliability, accuracy, and sleek modern stylings of its larger A Series siblings. Now Savage is at it again, building on its B.Mag and A Series success with B Series bolt-action additions. The B Series lineup includes the

B22, B22 Magnum, and B17, which are chambered in .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR, respectively. These new bolt guns complement the company’s existing selection of popular rimfires, which includes the iconic Mark II family of .22 LR rifles, plus the Model 64 semi-autos, and the Model 93 assortment of time-tested .22 WMRs and .17 HMRs. In all, the B Series comprises a dozen new models in different configurations, includ-

ing Sporter Barrel, Heavy Barrel, Heavy Threaded (suppressor ready), and Heavy Stainless options. B Series rifles feature a 21-inch carbon-steel barrel and 39- inch overall length, with a 13½-inch length of pull. Rate of twist is 1:16 on the B22 and B22 Magnum, 1:9 on the B17. Weights range from 5.44 pounds for the Model B22 FV-SR and B22 Magnum FV-SR to 6.22 pounds for the Model B17 FV and B17 FV-SS. All B Series models are distinguished from the Model 64, Mark II, and Model 93 rifles by a bold, futuristic, yet highly functional feel that company officials say is specifically designed to look more appropriate for Buck Rogers than Roy Rogers. Features include a slightly higher comb to accommodate the addition of optics, as the contour barrels come complete with two-piece bases. (Each of the B Series Sporter models is also fitted with adjustable open steel sights.)

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The Savage B Series lineup includes the B22, B22 Magnum, and B17, which are chambered in .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR, respectively. The new bolt-action guns complement the company’s existing selection of popular rimfires, and use its 10-round rotary magazine.

The new rifles also offer a target-style vertical pistol grip, which allows shooters to hold the gun in a more natural position that puts less pressure on the wrist. In addition, Savage engineers relocated the B Series safety to the top of the tang, so it’s easy to manipulate while keeping the shooter’s grip—and form—intact. In another major upgrade from Savage’s existing rimfire

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families, the B Series is blessed with the same ultrareliable 10-round rotary magazine as the A Series. The proprietary design is easy to use and ensures the chamber is fed with a steady supply of ammunition. As a bonus, the flush-fitting magazine never gets in the way or catches on brush and branches the way a detachable box or other extending magazine can. Like its semi-auto siblings

in the A Series, the B Series bolt guns also feature zero tolerance headspace similar to that of the company’s cele brated centerfire platforms. Each barrel is threaded into place with its individual action and bolt to form a perfectly matched set that is locked in place with a barrel lock nut. In addition, each barrel is button-rifled and matched to a rugged, easy-shouldering black matte synthetic stock.

The B Series rifles also utilize Savage Arms’ adjustable AccuTrigger. This revolutionary technology lets shooters fine-tune trigger pull to match their personal taste without sacrificing safety. The AccuTrigger is standard issue on the B Series. SRP: $281 to $411. If you still think rimfires are kid stuff, Savage suggests you think again. Booth #14551. (savagearms.com)

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NEW PRODUCTS closing with ease. To meet hunters’ preferences, it is available with a choice of manual, assisted opening, or fully automatic actions. The rugged 5 1/8-inch handles are coarse-textured black G10 for a sure grip, and the knife weighs 5.9 ounces. The 3 1/8-inch drop-point flat-ground blackoxide-finished blade is available as a plain edge or partially serrated. SRP: $275–$325. Booth #661. (firstedgeusa.com)

m o j o o u t d o o r s The

Tail Chaser Max Turkey Decoy is designed to help hunters get close to a tom in open country.

MOJO Outdoors ➤ The

Tail Chaser Max Turkey Decoy is essentially an erect fan that quickly clamps to the barrel of a shotgun. Support legs hold the shotgun steady on the ground. The oversize fan offers better concealment and uses a gobbler head for added realism. The fan’s connecting hub lets the hunter choose between a real fan or the printed Mojo. The high barrel mount delivers a clean sight picture. The decoy is a good option to help a hunter hide in open terrain. SRP: $39. Booth #1452. (mojooutdoors.com)

Crimson Trace ➤ CTC

has released two new laser sight options—LG-485G and LG-485—for Smith & Wesson’s new M&P45 Shield pistol. The Laserguard Pro sights have green or red illuminated diodes. The units feature the Instinctive Activation laser-engagement system located under the trigger guard with a master on/off switch (on the LG-485G only). There are also easy-to-use elevation and windage adjustments. The sights are covered under

ALTAMA An ideal choice for tactical water operations, the OTB Maritime Assault Mid shoe uses 1000D Cordura panels for abrasion resistance and weighs a scant 13 ounces. The interior air-mesh lining wicks away sweat, and drain ports help to quickly shed water. The rustproof lace hardware will not break in the field, and the low-profile laces do not cause discomfort while wearing fins. A unique full-length one-piece ABS shank provides stability and support while climbing caving ladders. The rubber outsole is one of the stickiest, high-traction soles on the market. Sizes include regular width from 5–14 in whole sizes only. SRP: $99. Booth #20149. (altama.com)

Crimson Trace’s Free Batteries for Life program. Batteries and an adjustment wrench are included in each package. SRP: starts at $229. Booth #16731. (crimsontrace.com)

Safariland ➤ Med-Eng’s

Avenger Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) is a bombdisposal and tactical robot that has been engineered to provide police and military response teams with enhanced capabilities to manage ongoing and emerging threats posed by terrorists, particularly in urban environments, where car bombs are a concern. The Avenger is a mid-sized ROV with most of the operational capabilities typically found only in much larger and more expensive robots. The dextrous arm and claw can easily reach inside, above, and below cars, pickup trucks, and delivery vans to remotely investigate suspicious devices, such as improvised explosive devices. Booth #12762.

(safariland.com)

FirstEdge ➤ The

Tactical Hunter uses an innovative TrackLock ultra-strong locking mechanism to provide fast, safe, one-handed opening and

Traditions Firearms

Based on the company’s .50-caliber PA Pellet Flintlock rifle, the PA Pellet Ultralight features a premium-grade chromoly steel barrel. The PA Pellet is outfitted with a 26-inch barrel with a 1:28-inch twist to allow saboted bullets and modern muzzleloading projectiles. The breech plug can be removed for easy cleaning, and the barrel is coated inside and out with a nitride finish for protection against weather and corrosion. The stock finishes include hardwood and camo. SRP: $426–$506. Booth #16532. ( traditionsfirearms.com)

➤

Real Avid

About the size of a hockey puck, the Bore Boss is made from a nasty-tough polycarbonate with a TPR overmolding to securely enclose the cable, brush, and mop inside the handle. After use, the cable wraps around the case, and the overmolding flips shut for storage, leaving range packs and pockets clean. The Boss Bore quickly cleans a rifle without getting the grime on you or your gear. Available in 10 calibers. SRP: $9.99. Booth #3657. (realavid.com)

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f i r s t e d g e The Tactical Hunter, designed specifically for hunters, is available in either a

drop-point or partially serrated edge version. The black-oxide blade is 3 1/8 inches long.

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