SHOT Business June/July 2019

HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF A STRAW PURCHASE Pg. 34

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Best New Law Enforcement Products for

2019

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WHEN DISASTER STRIKES BE THE GO-TO RETAILER IN YOUR COMMUNITY FOR SURVIVAL GEAR Page 39

ALSO

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FIRING LINE

GOOD STUFF

The Korth Mongoose is a very special high-end revolver Pg. 21

Simple but smart waterfowl blinds from Tanglefree Pg. 48

It’s the little things that mean the most™.

duo

DUal use optic

Introducing the new Spek™ red dot and Flik5™ magnifier by American Defense Mfg. Sold individually or together as a Dual Use Optic (DUO™), the 3.7 inch Flik5 is an extremely short and ambidextrous 5X fixed power magnifier with generous eye relief, capable of quick transitioning from 1X to 5X, and adaptable with all red dot and holographic sight heights. The 2MOA Spek micro red dot is powered by (1) AAA lithium battery, includes push-button brightness adjustments and offered in low, co-witness, and lower-third co-witness mounts in either aluminum or full titanium.

ADM is Intentionally Superior.

Spek MSRP starts at $369 Flik3 MSRP starts at $369 Flik5 MSRP starts at $475 DUO MSRP starts at $685

For dealer inquiries, email dealers@admmfg.com

www.admmfg.com

SHOT BUSINESS JUNE/JULY 2019 VOLUME 27, ISSUE 4

LAW ENFORCEMENT 2019 A look at some of the new guns, gear, and gadgets for law officers. BY RICHARD MANN

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STOPPING A STRAW PURCHASE Learn to recognize the classic signs of this scam. BY LARRY AHLMAN

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WHEN DISASTER STRIKES Help your community by becoming the go-to retailer for emergency gear.

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BY CHRISTOPHER COGLEY

FROM THE COUNTER This Minnesota retailer capitalizes on local trends.

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RETAILER TOOLBOX What you need to do to prepare for a presentation for potential investors.

COVER PHOTO: JOHN HAFNER/TRIJICON

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YOU SHOULD KNOW NSSF encourages all industry members to support our third annual National Shooting Sports Month.

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NSSF UPDATE Register for NSSF’s new RetailerRange Business Expo; firearms industry’s economic impact soars; and more.

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EDITOR’S NOTE “Be prepared” are words to live—and stock—by.

its accessory lines and improved its dealer promotion programs.

NEWS BRIEFS A reader responds to “Monster Glass”; EMAG’s ECM precision machining delivers more accurate firearms; CZ-USA announces plans to move to Arkansas.

FIRING LINE The Korth Mongoose is a special high-end revolver for your special revolver customers.

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FYI Stanley recently upgraded

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UNDERCOVER SHOPPER Can a first-time MSR buyer find what he’s looking for in Florida?

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WHAT’S SELLING WHERE

GOOD STUFF Tanglefree’s innovative blinds are game-changers.

NEW PRODUCTS Coast rechargeable flashlight; Savage Model 64 Takedown rifle; Bear Edge lockback knife; Nikon Monarch 2000 rangefinder.

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NSSF

Helping Hand Your community benefits when you become the go-to guy for disaster assistance

I

’ve lived along the Atlantic Coast my entire life, which means I’ve seen my fair share of coastal storms. Agnes, which roared up the Chesapeake Bay in 1972, flooded the basement of my parents’ house. And when Sandy blew ashore in New Jersey in 2012, my family lost power for five days. I was lucky; I was far enough inland to be beyond the reach of a devastating tidal surge, but many people in my community have yet to see their lives return to normal.

All of which serves as an introduction to a special article on survival (“When Disaster Strikes,” page 39). If anything, Katrina, Harvey, and Florence, along with wildfires in the West and floods in the Midwest, have taught us that some natural disasters simply overwhelm the limited resources and manpower of law enforcement and emergency services. In

such cases, you are on your own.

As a retailer, though, you can help your community by becoming the go-to guy for survival items.

Firearms to protect the family are an obvious inventory choice, but other key items include waterpurification systems, alternativepower sources, and first-aid kits.

As contributing editor Christopher Cogley notes, “When it comes to survival situations, much of the discussion typically centers around being prepared to bug out.”

Coastal residents facing a monstrous storm like Florence may

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have no alternative but to bug out, but in most cases your customers will likely elect to stay home. And that’s where you come in.

Emphasize the importance of being prepared, and then carry the kinds of gear they will need to survive the ordeal.

The other major article for this issue is our annual look at new law-enforcement gear (page 24).

Contributing editor Richard Mann, a former law-enforcement professional, says, “When looking at new law-enforcement equipment, we sometimes get too caught up in the guns and ammunition.

Truth is, though both are critical to the jobs of those who protect and serve, guns and ammo are the least-used tools a cop carries.”

No law-enforcement professional would ever go to work without guns and ammo, but on an everyday basis, Mann says, it’s the other gear that gets used far more often.

With that in mind, consider his insights on 25 essential tools LE pros need to have handy. These are the tools they will use most frequently in the performance of their duties. Most important, all this gear can be easily carried in your inventory.

Slaton L. White, Editor

SLATON L. WHITE, Editor James A. Walsh, Art Director Margaret M. Nussey, Managing Editor David Maccar, Senior Editor David E. Petzal, Shooting Editor Judith Weber, Digital Content Producer CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Larry Ahlman, Barbara Baird, Scott Bestul, Philip Bourjaily, Christopher Cogley, Jock Elliott, Shannon Farlow, Tim Irwin, William F. Kendy, Richard Mann, Peter B. Mathiesen, Brian McCombie, Tom Mohrhauser, Robert Sadowski, Robert F. Staeger, Peter Suciu, Wayne Van Zwoll Anthony Licata, Group Editorial Director ADVERTISING: 212-779-5316 Jeff Timm, Vice President, Sales Jeff Roberge, Advertising Director Katie Logan, Advertising Director Amanda Gastelum, Integrated Marketing Director BUSINESS OPERATIONS Tara Bisciello, Financial Director MANUFACTURING Kelly Kramer Weekley, Associate Production Director Keith Coville, Production Manager BONNIER Chairman, Lars Dahmén Chief Executive Officer, Eric Zinczenko Chief Financial Officer, Joachim Jaginder Executive Vice President, Bonnier Media, Gregory D. Gatto Executive Vice President, Bonnier Subscriptions, David Ritchie Chief Digital Revenue Officer, Sean Holzman Senior Vice President, Consumer Products, Elise Contarsy Senior Vice President, Events, Jonathan Moore Senior Vice President, Digital Operations, David Butler Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Corporate Sales, John Graney Vice President, Public Relations, Perri Dorset Vice President, Data Science and Analytics, Mark Crone Vice President, Enterprise Solutions, Shawn Macey General Counsel, Jeremy Thompson Human Resources Director, Kim Putman

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 27, issue 4, Copyright © 2019 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 064702359. SHOT Business accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. All correspondence should be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Requests for media kits and advertising information should be directed to Katy Marinaro, Bonnier Corporation, 625 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 1270, Chicago, IL 60611. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY, and at additional mailing offices.

Printed in the USA. For Customer Service and Subscription questions, such as Renewals, Address Changes, Email Preferences, Billing and Account Status, go to: shotbusiness.com/cs. You can also email SBZcustserv@cdsfulfllment.com, in the U.S. call toll-free 866-6154345, outside the U.S. call 515-237-3697, or write to SHOT Business, 2 Park Ave., New York, NY 10016. For editorial inquiries, write to Slaton L. White, SHOT Business, 2 Park Ave., New York, NY 10016 REPRINTS: E-mail reprints@bonniercorp.com. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to SHOT Business, P.O. Box 6364 Harlan, IA 51593.

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NEWS BRIEFS NEWS

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PR O M OT I O N S

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AWAR D S

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O UT R E AC H

Bits & Pieces Blaser Welcomes New Vice President to Its Team

WAYNE VAN ZWOLL

Jens Krogh has joined Blaser USA as vice president of sales and marketing. In this position, Krogh will be responsible for all marketing and commercial sales activities, including advertising, social media, and customer relationships.

“Blaser USA has incredible product lines and a stellar reputation for quality and innovation, and I am excited to help increase brand recognition and grow sales,“ says Krogh. “As I am an avid hunter and competitive shotgunner, Blaser USA is a perfect fit for me. Their products are world-class and align with my true passions.“ Krogh comes to Blaser USA with extensive industry experience, most recently from Adams Arms, where he was instrumental in all areas of sales, marketing, communications, customer service, and product managment.

Prior to that, Krogh led sales and marketing for STI International, including the rebranding of the company.

Krogh also served as channel marketing manager for Benelli USA, product manager for Franchi, and Southeast sales representative for Beretta USA.

This product is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources.

Monster Glass Revisited Dear Mr. White:

I

have been a member of NSSF for many years and always enjoy receiving SHOT Business. I am well up in age now, but I have a long history as a hunter, competitive shooter, game warden, police and civilian firearms instructor, and active ammo handloader. I also have more than seven years of experience as the general manager of one of the largest club-owned (open to the public) shooting ranges in the United States.

I am writing to comment on the “Monster Glass” article (February/March 2019).

Certainly, your efforts to inform dealers about new trends in riflescopes that are available to shooters and hunters is laudable. However, as riflescopes get “thicker,” whether in the middle or at either end, it is often necessary to mount the scope higher over the action and/or barrel of the firearm. This can interfere with the shooter’s ability to establish a proper and snug cheek weld to the comb of the stock while retaining the ability to look through the center of the scope tube. This, of course, is very important for accuracy. A relative few hunting rifles have some adjustable device in the comb and stock. Most do not. There are aftermarket

devices available to affix to the comb of the stock to help correct this. I suggest firearms dealers be sure their salespeople are aware of this and have these available where needed.

The other problem with “monster glass” is bulk and weight. Whether you like it or not, the more weight you carry, the sooner you will get tired.

A much larger problem today is the tendency of too many hunters to believe that all they need to be a better hunter is another rifle or other hunting gadget. Learning to be a good hunter and shooter takes a lot of hard work, though it can also be a lot of fun at the same time. Unfortunately, many people today want instant gratification, and all too often

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they find out, too late, that all the gadgets they have invested in will not do the job.

In a long career, I checked many hundreds of hunters in the field or in their camp.

Early on I formed the belief that firearms, including sights and ammunition, make up only 10 percent of the total makeup that would determine how successful the hunter will be. The other 90 percent is the knowledge and skills of the hunter. Nothing I have encountered in that time has shown me I need to refigure those percentages. The hunter who cannot hit a Greyhound bus turned sideways while shooting his deer rile offhand at 200 yards does not need a more powerful rifle, shooting sticks, a bipod, or a rangefinder. He needs lots of ammunition and range time, hopefully with a competent coach. In the same manner, the hunter who cannot see a deer in a 10-acre short-grass field or cannot move through the woods quietly needs to improve his woodcraft. He does not need a magnum rifle or a $500 safari coat.

With all due respect, I have real problems with this current trend of promoting longrange hunting. No matter how good you think you are, the odds of error increase dramatically when the shots go out past 300 yards. Some of my most memorable hunts were when I spotted a buck some distance away (once more than a mile), and then hours later made the shot at 50 yards or less.

To date, my longest shot has been no more than 230 yards. All the rest were under 200 yards, and most were under 100 yards.

That said, I do believe, very strongly, that every big-game hunter should carry a quality set of binoculars. Spend the rest of

your money on ammo and range time.

Thanks for listening, Walter L. Mansell California Resources Agency, Retired

Slaton L. White replies:

W

hen I received this letter, I called Mr. Mansell. We had a nice, long conversation on the points he raises in his perceptive letter. In a professional career that now spans 40 years, I’ve seen a number of technological advancements. Some proved to be expensive and short-lived failures, but others have greatly benefitted the shooting sports. Two of the most important in the latter category have been the arrival of relatively inexpensive, but highly accurate, factory rifles and the vast improvement in the quality of factory ammo.

At the same time, I understand Mr. Mansell’s reservations regarding longrange hunting (as opposed to longrange shooting). I grew up on the East Coast; when I began hunting deer in the Eastern woods, a long shot was 75 yards. When I started hunting out West, I had to up my game, as the shots began to range to 250 to 300 yards.

I once asked David E. Petzal, the longtime shooting editor of Field & Stream, how he got to be such an extraordinary shot. His answer was profoundly simple: “Range time,” he said.

“I probably spend something like 50 weekends a year at the range.”

As they say, practice makes perfect.

Though precision instruments, riflescopes built for long-range shooting may not be the best choice for hunting.

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Every generation of sportsmen faces new technology that can make our experiences afield better. When I was a young editor at Field & Stream, I asked the executive editor, the late Peter Barrett, what was the most significant change he had seen in product development in his lifetime. “Dry feet,” he said.

He happily embraced the improved boot designs we all now take for granted.

As new technologies emerge and come to market, there will always be disagreement among hunters and shooters as to whether a new development is good for us and our industry. As an example, look at how GPS has changed how we hunt.

But when it first came to market as a hunting tool, many old-school hunters— especially those who had learned to navigate wilderness areas with a compass and topo map—were scandalized. These days, I don’t know a single hunter who leaves home without some sort of GPS device.

My friends who participate in longrange shooting events find a great deal of fun and fulfillment running those courses and making accurate shots at long range. But they also know there is a big difference between that and hunting. As a retailer, I think a good course of action when a hunter comes in for “monster glass” is to help him pick the best optics for his needs, and then encourage him to practice regularly.

Finally, I completely agree with Mr. Mansell’s advice about quality binoculars. You need to spot a deer or an elk before it spots you. If you can’t do that, nothing else matters.

RUGER ADDS TO ITS PRECISION RIFLE LINE Built on the magnum caliber platform, the Ruger Precision Rifle in .300 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) harnesses the benefits of a cartridge developed to take advantage of long, heavy-for-caliber bullets capable of delivering the highest levels of accuracy and aerodynamic performance.

This rifle features a 26-inch heavy-contour barrel and a Ruger Precision Rifle Magnum

Muzzle Brake with a tunable compensator to effectively reduce recoil and muzzle jump. SRP: $2,099.

Built within the envelope of the original short-action Ruger Precision Rifle, the new 6.5 PRC offering provides a compact package designed for a cartridge that allows for superior accuracy, flat trajectory, and extended-range performance. With an increase in

velocity of more than 200 fps over the immensely popular 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge, the 6.5 PRC has been dubbed its “big brother.�

The 6.5 PRC features a 26-inch medium-contour barrel with a factory-installed Ruger Precision Rifle Hybrid Muzzle Brake to effectively reduce recoil while minimizing noise and blast to the sides of the shooter. SRP: $1,599.

Like all Ruger Precision Rifles, these new models feature a highly accurate, freefloat, cold-hammer-forged barrel manufactured from 4140 chrome-moly steel with 5R rifling for minimal bullet upset. Minimum bore and groove dimensions (airgauged for process control) and a centralized chamber deliver outstanding accuracy and longevity. (ruger.com)

Ruger is adding two new calibers to its Precision Rifle line.

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NEW S BRIEFS

A Cut Above EMAG’s ECM precision machining delivers more accurate firearms

I The First Choice For Wholesale Firearms, Ammunition & Reloading Supplies

n the production of gun barrels, the traditional methods are cut rifling, buttoning, and hammer forging. But according to Simon Popecki, an electro-chemical machining (ECM) application engineer with EMAG (a company that offers specialized manufacturing processes and machines),

ECM has distinct advantages over these methods—particularly output, consistency, precision, low tooling cost, and the elimination of postrifling processes.

“Stress relieving or straightening can be eliminated with ECM,” he says. “The ECM process can rifle profiled barrels or blanks, and Inconel barrels are just as easy as ordnance steel. Unlike buttoning, ECM can quickly rifle a barrel with no distortion during the process. This is valuable in the production of airguns and composite-reinforced barrels, for

example, where the thin-walled barrel is more susceptible to distortion, which leads to inconsistency and, ultimately, a compromise in accuracy.”

To understand ECM, Popecki says, it’s best to start by acknowledging that it is not electrical discharge machining (EDM).

“These technologies for non-contact machining are routinely confused,” he says. “But there are distinct differences.

EDM vaporizes metal and ECM erodes it via electrolysis, which is less violent.”

Essentially, there are three key differ-

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Electro-chemical machining (ECM) rifling is best suited for high production runs with minimal variation.

ences between the two. First, while current is passed between an electrode and workpiece in both methods, in ECM there is no spark. Rather, ECM uses a conductive electrolyte, while EDM uses a dielectric. Second, ECM has virtually no tool wear. Third, in ECM there is no HAZ (heat-affected zone) like there is in EDM. This results in a part with no burrs, and the ECM process has potential for exceptional surface finishes even on extremely hard-to-machine materials, such as those found in firearms manufacturing.

“Firearms take advantage of another aspect of ECM that has significant merit: namely, the ability to produce contours and pockets deep inside parts that would otherwise be difficult or even impossible to manufacture with conventional chip-cutting methods,” he says.

“The machining force in ECM is just the pressure of the electrolyte, which allows ECM to produce features like

high-aspect ratio holes in conductive materials of any hardness.”

Furthermore, as material is dissolved in the electrolyte, it is evacuated from the work area, and the tool imprints its geometry upon the workpiece. ECM can produce tight contours. For example, the grooves in a rifle barrel can be cut to a depth of ± 2.5 micrometers.

“All in all, ECM rifling is best suited for high-production runs with minimal variation, and here again ECM is showing substantial value,” Popecki says. “In competitive shooting, where match-grade barrels are the minimum standard, and gain twist and special groove profiles are prominent, the effectiveness of the ECM process is distinguished. On ECM machines today, a hunting rifle barrel and a military cannon barrel can potentially be rifled on the same machine. Caliber changeovers can be done in minutes.” (emag.com)

Another advantage of ECM is the creation of parts that contain no burrs, which require further work.

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NEWS BRIEFS

Henry’s side gate gives the shooter the option of feeding ammo through the gate or through the magazine tube.

Henry Unveils Side Gate Lever Action

T

he introduction of the Henry Side Gate Lever Action rifle marks the first time the company has offered a leveraction rifle with a loading gate. The rifle can also be loaded through a removable magazine tube, making it a unique proposition in leveraction offerings.

The side-loading gate below the ejection port allows the user to fully load the rifle’s five-round magazine or keep it topped off

without removing the magazine tube. The rifle’s removable magazine tube provides not only another method of loading the rifle, but a safe, efficient way of unloading the rifle without having to cycle live rounds through the action itself.

The new Henry Side Gate is offered in .30/30, .38/55, and .35 Rem. The receiver uses Henry’s signature hardened brass, which has the same tensile and yield strength as steel. It also comes drilled and

tapped to accept a scope base.

The American walnut stock is laser-engraved with deep checkering and scrollwork, and the forearm is inset with the “Henry” name. The round, 20-inch, blued steel barrel uses rifling with varying twist rates (depending on the caliber) and features a fully adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight and an ivory bead front sight. There is no external safety. Instead, a patented inhammer sliding transfer bar safety guarantees the rifle will

not fire unless the hammer is cocked and the trigger is pulled. SRP: $1,045.

“The advent of the new Henry Side Gate solidifies Henry Repeating Arms as the first name in lever actions.

For those who have been patiently waiting on a Henry with a loading gate, we have delivered—and then some,” says Henry president and owner Anthony Imperato.

“It is no accident that our modern lever-action rifles take inspiration from the legendary 1860s-era Henry rifle that started it all,”says vice president and general manager Andy Wickstrom.“Today’s Henry firearms retain classic looks but take advantage of state-of-the-art technology to build modern lever actions.

However, there has always been a segment of the market that prefers a loading gate.

With the dual loading options, it’s the best of both worlds.” (henryusa.com)

CZ-USA MOVES TO ARKANSAS CZ-USA, the U.S.-based affiliate of Czech firearms manufacturer Ceská zbrojovka a.s. Uherský Brod (CZUB), recently announced plans to locate its North American headquarters and build a new manufacturing facility on approximately 73 acres in Arkansas, at the Port of Little Rock. CZ-USA plans to implement a two-phase approach with an investment of up to $90 million and create some 565 jobs over a six-year period. CZ products are considered some of the highest-quality firearms in defense, competition, and sport shooting around the world.

“As CZ looked to increase our presence in North America, it engaged in a multi-state search

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CZ-USA intends to build a new manufacturing center and headquarters in Arkansas. for the ideal location,” says Bogdán Heczko, CZ-USA chairman of the board. “The Arkansas workforce, culture, business climate, and industry support cleared the way for us to choose

Little Rock as our new home.”

Nearly 300 foreign-owned companies have operations in the state; however, CZ-USA is the first Czech company to have a presence in Arkansas.

“We are honored to have a world-renowned brand such as CZ call Arkansas home,” says Governor Asa Hutchinson. “The location in the growing Port of Little Rock, combined with the high-paying jobs created by the company, will improve the quality of life for all Arkansans.”

Construction will begin immediately, with initial start-up planned for March 2020.

Production at the Little Rock facility will commence in two 3-year phases. (cz-usa.com)

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cabin fever sporting goods , victoria , minnesota

Supporting youth shooting events has helped Cabin Fever develop new customers.

Investing In a Niche Market Capitalizing on local trends pays dividends

T

his general sporting goods store stocks a mix of tackle, archery, and outerwear within its 6,000 square feet. The shooting department alone encompasses 1,500 of that total, sporting more than 600 guns in stock, including 75 handguns and a large number of custom and mid- to high-grade sporting shotguns and rifles.

Cabin Fever has three fulltime employees and two part-timers at the firearms counter. The store is open seven days a week, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekends.

A NICHE MARKET SUPPORTS THE BOTTOM LINE—AND COMMUNITY ➤ In the last eight years, high school trap teams have expanded dramatically in suburban Minneapolis. This growing area sport has affected Cabin Fever’s spring bottom line notably, and to attract and support this niche market, Cabin Fever helps these young shooters advance in the sport.

“It starts with committing to help the parents and the schools, and supporting the

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events. We sponsor most of the raffles and events put on in the area. We buy a lot of ammo and sell it to them with very little markup,” said owner Jeff Byrne.

One of the services this retailer performs is storing purchased ammunition that students and parents can retrieve as needed.

“Many of the schools really don’t want the responsibility of storing the shotgun ammunition. We sell them the shells and often inventory it on our site for them. This way the student and their parents come into the store with greater frequency—and those visits often trigger a purchase,” Byrne said.

Catering to this market has been a boon for Cabin Fever. Sales from trap guns and accessories often surpass

spring handgun sales.

“It has been nice having another segment to market to in the spring. Although handgun sales remain strong in the spring, they have fallen since the last election,” he said.

What has impressed this retailer is the number of parents who walk in the door never having had any connection with a firearm before their child joined the trap team. “These parents are hauling kids to events, buying guns, and safely storing a firearm in their home. Many of them are complete urbanists.

They haven’t had a firearm in a family home since their grandparent or even longer,” he said. “After a season or two, the parents realize that ownership of a firearm is a positive experience. Often, they also start shooting.”

INVESTING IN FULL-TIME STAFF PAYS OFF ➤ While part-time employees are the go-to solution to manage costs for many successful retailers, this store has found that part-timers are difficult to schedule.

“Our part-timers are usually older or very young. We’ve found they both have the same problem: They don’t want to work on weekends or holidays, they don’t want to go to shooting tournaments, and they too often want to take off early because of a family event,” said Byrne.

“For us, it’s just easier to add a full-time employee and pay the benefits. We really need staff, especially for weekends and holidays. The part-timers have just not been very flexible.”

Another factor that deters

by author here

part-time staff is that this store opens early to accommodate its shooting clientele.

“During deer season, it still surprises us how many people are at the door when we open at six in the morning. It takes a dedicated employee to show up that early,” Said Byrne.

BUILDING CUSTOMER LOYALTY

Byrne emphasized that sharing knowledge about guns with customers is always one of the staff ’s goals. Little things make a difference.

“We love to show a kid how to clean a shotgun or a new 1911 owner how to dismantle a pistol. It sells accessories, reduces repairs, and keeps the firearms in far better condition,” Byrne said.

“By taking the time to invest in our customers, they know we care about them. Most memorably, it makes the customer feel reasonably endeared to our store and builds loyalty.”

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SPOTTING AND GETTING AHEAD OF EMERGING TRENDS

In addition to high school trap, one of the other trends gaining momentum at this ➤

location is long-range boltaction rifle shooting.

“It has been a surprise, even to me. There are so few places to shoot anything over 100 yards in this area. Most of our customers spend time in the western Dakotas.

That’s where these rifles are taken and fired. I can tell, based on ammo sales, they shoot them frequently.”

Byrne added that any bolt gun in the store that comes in 6.5 Creedmoor attracts attention quickly. This retailer reported some customers are purchasing two, even during the spring months.

Capturing foot traffic for an array of accessories after a transfer is another top goal for this retailer. In the last few years, the store has found gun transfers are valuable traffic builders.

“We charge $35 to do a transfer. We make sure we are friendly and inviting to customers when they ask for this service. The reality is, we can’t sell a Smith Shield for $250. However, we can with great frequency sell a holster, ammunition, and a cleaning kit for the vast majority of transfers we do,” Byrne said.

by peter b .

UPDATE

mathiesen

Cabin Fever views these transfers as an absolute chance to gain a new client.

“In my mind, that’s an opportunity. And we didn’t pay to advertise to them. Most of the time, we’ll sell $75 to $100 worth of accessories with the purchase, where, of course, the margins are considerably higher,” said Byrne.

clean a gun, helping them select the right accessory, getting involved in sponsoring events, and asking thoughtful questions demonstrates this retailer is there to help. These practices provide a solid foundation on which to build a base of loyal customers.

LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE COUNTER

time employees need to be available to fill in when and where the store requires them. Yet, this store found part-timers have not filled that role suitably and made the sound decision to invest in benefits and a working environment that attracts full-timers and keeps them on the payroll for years.

Moving from spring into summer, sales can be slow for some retailers. By recognizing trends and taking advantage of changes in the local shooting sports community, this retailer is capitalizing on significant opportunities.

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Identifying Unique Sales Opportunities While product

diversity can always strengthen a retailer, finding and magnifying the right new trend leads to extra sales. By extending support and fostering new trap shooters and their parents, as well as an emerging audience of distance shooters, this store is finding rewards and profitability.

Taking the Extra Step to Build Customer Loyalty

Teaching a customer how to

Enhancing Flexibility with Full-Time Employees Part-

“From the Counter” is NSSF’s timely industry perspective from firearms retailers across the country. Our goal is to identify and highlight innovative market strategies helping retailers compete more successfully. Lessons learned are drawn from an array of regions with diverse market economies in an era of political change. This month we visit a retailer in suburban southeast Minneapolis.

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RETAILER T OOLBOX

by josh fiorini

Shark Hunting Good presentations are no accident

T

he ABC show Shark Tank has become popular with viewers of all ages, whether for the stories of opportunity and the American dream or the abysmal failures and embarrassments that take place (or maybe both). While obviously made for TV and both vastly overdramatized and oversimplified, Shark Tank portrays the basics of a real equity finance presentation environment. The moderators ask real questions and expect real answers, and those who are not prepared get rejected.

ness. If you are looking for $50K for a 10 percent share in your business, that implies your business is worth $500K. There needs to be a basis for that valuation in realistic revenue projections, peer group values, presales, existing revenue streams (if you are already up and running), etc.

Of the ammo your weapon can utilize, this valuation is the most important. Research the techniques necessary to arrive at a reasonable valuation or ask your accountant.

From there, back it up with information and research on your market, your strategy, and the products or services you’ll be offering.

YOUR ACCESSORIES

No one wants to be the confident potential entrepreneur who ends up getting laughed out of the room by investors. So, what do you need to do to prepare? What do you need to hunt the shark?

YOUR WEAPON

Unlike on Shark Tank, in the real world, pitch presentations are rarely done in person and certainly not on the first look. Your first foot in the door may be on a phone call or via a Skype conference. And though you might meet with your investors in person eventually, you can’t count on that. As such, your primary weapon to hunt the shark is your presentation or prospectus.

This is the platform that

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will deliver your payload to your target. If you are starting a new business, that presentation is your business plan. If you are an existing business, it will be a prospectus or offering letter accompanied by a “deck,” some type of print or digital multimedia arrangement that makes your case.

Myriad literature is available online regarding how to properly construct these presentations. (NSSF has a variety of such resources available to its members through its Member Portal and online store.) You must be thorough in your presentation makeup, ensuring it is designed for your audience, your industry, and your objective, and arranging the content so that it engages on its own without your personally selling it, because

that’s how you’re going to get to that in-person meeting.

YOUR AMMUNITION ➤ If your weapon is your presentation, what does it shoot?

The short answer is information, but it must be very specific and packaged just right.

Some of the obvious information you need to deliver is what your business does, a description of how it will earn, market research and expectations, financial projections, and, very important, valuation.

Those who have seen the television show will have seen many a shark swim quickly back to the depths because of poor (and sometimes laughable) valuations. Valuation, simply, is the monetary value you are placing on your busi-

➤ In planning any hunt or armed engagement, you must know as much about your quarry and its environment as possible. This type of intelligence enables you to finely hone your approach and optimize your chances for success. Will you go at dawn or dusk? Is it better to go in the rain? Answers to these kinds of questions can spell the difference between success and failure.

It’s no different for hunting the equity shark. Learn as much as you can about your potential partners, including what types of businesses and presentations have excited them in the past and which haven’t. The TV show does a great job of showing how some ideas connect well with certain investors but not others.

Just as you would be sure to wear raingear to hunt in a downpour, when the time comes, present yourself with the appropriate level of personal polish. Every bit of you is being analyzed, so present it all as best you can.

BY PHILIP MASSARO

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Doing Their Part Support for National Shooting Sports Month pays off

A

s we approach the month of August and our third annual National Shooting Sports Month, NSSF encourages all our industry members to get involved and help us improve on the success of the last two years. National Shooting Sports Month is part and parcel of our industry’s R3 efforts: those initiatives that recruit new shooters, reactivate lapsed shooters, and retain those who are currently active.

Your support of National Shooting Sports Month can be of any scope and scale, from something as simple as challenging your employees to take a friend or relative to the range for their first time to something as grand as hosting a family day at the range for your entire community.

Need a little inspiration? Take a look at what two of your colleagues did in 2018, then visit Shooting SportsMonth.org to add your event to our growing list.

KEVIN DIXIE—NO OTHER CHOICE FIREARMS TRAINING ➤ There is the privilege of taking a first-time shooter to the shooting range, and then there’s the event organized by Kevin Dixie.

To celebrate 2018’s National Shooting Sports Month, Dixie—

or K.D. as he is better known—took 17 inner-city youths and gave them one heck of a firearms education.

“I was absolutely honored to be working with the NSSF for National Shooting Sports Month,” K.D. related, “as it allowed me to put together a great group of cosponsors and show some kids—who may never have had this kind of opportunity— exactly how a firearm is built and then fired.”

K.D. had the perfect platform in place to launch such an event.

He runs No Other Choice (NOC) Firearms Training in Olivette, Missouri.

While NOC offers advanced training for experienced students, its primary focus is to enlighten new shooters about the realities of being a concealed-carry weapon holder.

K.D. has a colorful personality and is the kind of guy you feel immediately comfortable with, whether in person or on the phone. It’s a personality that lends itself well to teaching this sensi-

tive subject.

It’s also one that excels at embracing opportunity, and that’s just what K.D. did for National Shooting Sports Month. No Other Choice, together with its sister project, Aiming for the Truth, partnered with rifle manufacturer CMMG and clothing and outerwear specialists Propper for what became a very special day.

“We got to take the kids to the CMMG facility to see how an AR-15 is engineered from the ground up.

The kids met the engineers and designers, coming to the conclusion that these folks could make anything but had decided to make high-end rifles,” Dixie said.

TOM HUDSON— CROSSROADS SHOOTING SPORTS

At the helm of CrossRoads is Tom Hudson. Much more than just a salesman, Hudson is a man who takes a modern, openminded approach to his store in order to best serve his wide variety of customers.

“We love to embrace the community, listening to the needs of the customer rather than simply pushing what we enjoy,” Hudson said. “And with a store the size of ours—we have over 17,000 square feet—we have a lot to offer.”

Hudson takes a variety of approaches to bringing shooters into the store.

“We started a Friday night ‘date night,’ where couples come in to enjoy shooting together, and it has worked out very well,” Hudson related. “We also routinely host family and corporate

events centered around shooting.”

It was those functions that made CrossRoads a perfect fit for NSSF’s National Shooting Sports Month.

“We completely appreciate the NSSF, for both its gigantic presence and its organizational skills. The organization is a valuable asset.

“To help celebrate National Shooting Sports Month, we offered attractive discounts on certain items, as well as incentives on our gift cards and reduced-price lessons. Customers who would help with the social media push— such as hashtags and tagged photos to help promote National Shooting Sports Month—received further discounts. It made a huge difference in our social media presence.”

In the midst of the Des Moines metro area, CrossRoads Shooting Sports gun shop and range allows many people to learn, practice, train, and shop for the latest firearms and gear.

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UPD ATE

by author here

REGISTRATION OPENS FOR NEW RANGE-RETAILER BUSINESS EXPO

B

uilding on the success of our annual forums such as CMO Summit, Industry Summit, and SHOT University—each designed to deliver education, information, services, and even vendor connections tailored to specific sectors of the firearms industry—NSSF is set to debut a new forum: our all-new Range-Retailer Business Expo.

The foundation for this first-of-itskind event is a comprehensive educational experience for today’s firearms range operators and FFL retailers. A wide variety of panel discussions, led by today’s top industry professionals, will address the needs of those in the startup phase of new store or range builds, entrepreneurs expanding their current enterprises, and veteran business owners seeking insights and information to take their company to the next level.

The Expo’s three days of seminars are supported by a dedicated range and retail trade show. There, attendees will discover vendors offering the latest in indoorfirearms-range equipment, software solutions designed to streamline enterprise processes and enhance the customer experience, target manufacturers, and product distributors, among others.

“This is the first time our industry’s

Center in Denver, Colorado. All firearms retailers and range operators are invited to attend, and NSSF members receive a significant discount on their registration fee. To see the full Expo agenda, register for the event and book your hotel reservations, go to nssf.org/ event/range-retailer-expo/.

range and retail professionals will have a forum specifically focused on the best practices and technologies that can help them be exceptional,” explains Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Retail and Range Business Development. “We couldn’t be more excited to see everyone take what they experience here and make a strong, positive impact on their stores, their ranges, and, most importantly, their customers.”

NSSF’s first Range-Retailer Business Expo takes place August 19–21 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention

A limited number of exhibitor booths remain available at this time. Industry vendors looking to take advantage of this unique opportunity to connect directly with their primary retail and range operator customer base should contact Dave Jeannette, NSSF Senior Director, Sales, at djeannette@nssf.org, 203-426-1320 ext. 220. Sponsorships for the Range-Retailer Business Expo are also available. To find the sponsorship plan that’s right for you, contact Chris Tatulli, NSSF Director, Exhibit & Sponsorship Sales, at ctatulli@nssf.org.

FIREARMS INDUSTRY’S ECONOMIC IMPACT SOARS The total economic impact of the firearms and ammunition industry in the United States increased from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $52.1 billion in 2018, a 171 percent increase, while the total number of full-time equivalent jobs rose from approximately 166,000 to almost 312,000, an 88 percent increase in that period, according to the “Firearms and Ammunition Industry Economic Impact Report: 2019,” recently released by NSSF. On a year-over-year basis,

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the industry’s economic impact rose from $51.4 billion in 2017 to $52.1 in 2018, ticking higher even while the industry came off peak production years. Total jobs increased from nearly 311,000 to almost 312,000 in the same period.

“Our industry is proud to be one of the steady and reliable producers and manufacturers in our economy as Americans continue to exercise their fundamental right to keep and bear arms, and to safely enjoy the shooting sports,” says Steve Sanetti, NSSF CEO. “Our work-

force is steadily adding good jobs to our local economies, averaging $50,000 in wages

and benefits. In addition, since 2008, we increased federal tax payments by 164 percent, Pittman-Robertson excise taxes that support wildlife conservation by 100 percent, and state business taxes by 120 percent.”

The “Firearms and Ammunition Industry Economic Impact Report: 2019” provides a state-by-state breakdown of job numbers, wages, and output covering direct, supplier, and induced employment, as well as federal excise taxes paid. The full report can be accessed at http://bit.ly/2vyrxi5.

by author here

UPDATE

SAAMI COMPLETES MAJOR WEB UPDATE The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) has announced that a comprehensive update of its website’s Glossary of Industry Terms has been completed. Compiled by SAAMI’s Technical Committee, the glossary is intended to facilitate technical interchanges between members of that committee.

“No matter what we’re doing—approving a new cartridge, working with legislatures and policy makers around the world, addressing new technologies—it is critical that we are consistent and clear in what and how we communicate,” says Rick Patterson, SAAMI’s Executive Director. “The enhancements to our glossary provide a solid foundation for satisfying that goal.”

Updating SAAMI’s Glossary of Industry Terms was a project of magnitude, one that took two years to complete. The website’s history section received a makeover at the same time. “I extend my sincere thanks to the members of the Technical Committee who dedicated their valuable time to this project,” says Patterson. “We couldn’t have asked for a more competent, knowledgeable team of professionals with whom to work.”

SAAMI was founded in 1926 at the request of the federal government and is an ANSI-accredited standards developer.

Its many tasks include creating and publishing industry standards for safety, reliability, and interchangeability, coordinating technical data, promoting science-based decisionmaking by regulators and legislators, and promoting safe and responsible firearms use. These efforts are conducted on a global scale. For more information, visit saami.org.

NSSF LAUDS TRUMP’S REJECTION OF U.N. ARMS TRADE TREATY

N

SSF praised President Donald Trump’s recent rejection of the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty, which was signed by the Obama administration but never ratified. President Trump delivered the announcement during April’s NRA Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, noting, “We’re taking our signature back. The U.N. will soon receive notice that we are rejecting this treaty.”

“President Trump’s rejection of this ill-advised treaty is a win for the American people and a win for America’s firearms and ammunition industry” says Larry Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “President Trump, today, reasserted American sovereignty of our inherent rights. This demonstrates again that this adminis-

tration continues to deliver on the promise to protect Second Amendment rights and value the contributions of the firearms industry to our freedoms and economy.”

The U.N Arms Trade Treaty was signed by then Secretary of State John Kerry in 2013, and sent to the U.S. Senate for ratification but was never taken up for a vote. The treaty was intended to control the international trade in firearms under the guise of protecting human rights. The NSSF strongly opposed the treaty as it would have exposed the firearms and ammunition industry to a confusing web of international regulations that would not have contributed to curbing illegal arms trafficking, protecting human rights, or guaranteeing the rights of U.S. citizens.

MANY PATHS TO FIREARMS SAFETY, THANKS TO PROJECT CHILDSAFE

N

SSF and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) have debuted a new video series, Many Paths to Firearm Safety, to help new and potential gun owners understand the responsibilities they have if they decide to keep a firearm in their home. The series reflects that while Americans are buying guns for many different reasons, the common

thread among them must be a commitment to store firearms responsibly when not in use.

“Firearms accidents and thefts are almost always preventable. Protecting and securing the means for accessing locked firearms is critical to their safe storage,” says BJA Director Jon Adler. “These new videos emphasize the importance of securing fire-

arms safely in the home.”

“Gun ownership and personal responsibility are inseparable, as our mantra, ‘Own It? Respect It. Secure It.’ reinforces,” says NSSF CEO Steve Sanetti. “We want to make sure all gun owners understand that and know we have the resources they need to help them store their firearms responsibly when not in use.”

The videos portray three different gun owners and their stories of ownership, along with the steps they took to make sure they will handle and store their firearms safely.

They are viewable online at ProjectChildSafe.org. Funding for the videos comes from a $2.4 million grant BJA awarded NSSF’s Project ChildSafe initiative in 2015.

© 2019 National Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. SHOT Business®, SHOT Show® and all other trade names, trademarks and service marks of the National Shooting Sports Foundation appearing in this publication are the sole property of the Foundation and may not be used without the Foundation’s prior express written permission. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

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FYI

BY ROBERT F . STAEGER

Hot on the Trail With four customized lines, Stanley keeps thermal drinkware sales piping-hot

S

tanley thermalware has long had a reputation for being the workingman’s best friend.

There’s a famous photograph, taken in 1933, of construction workers eating lunch on a high-rise girder, the city splayed out below them. One of Stanley’s insulated bottles wouldn’t be at all out of place up there—or out of time, considering William Stanley invented his vacuum flask in 1913.

Stanley now offers four separate product lines, allowing a retailer to customize inventory to match its customers’ preferences.

So, yeah, it’s a legacy brand—but one younger people are turning to. “It’s not as much about targeting a younger crowd as it is about understanding new consumer behavior and preferences, and what they want from the Stanley brand,” says Lisa Wood, Stanley’s director of marketing. She attributes Stanley’s recent successes with making items that meet modern buyers’ lifestyles.

“We’re also benefiting from a ‘camp chic’ trend, where the younger consumers are focused on campinspired styling and authentic heritage brands,” she says.

“So we’ve hit a sweet spot where we have the heritage and authenticity they value, with all the latest tech and a

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lifetime warranty.”

Stanley offers four different lines of thermalware, each matched to fit a customer’s needs, style, and budget.

The Classic line features the company’s traditional hammertone green finish. With bottles of various sizes, a growler for beer, a thermal food jar, and even a French-press coffeemaker, Wood calls it “the foundation of the brand.”

The Adventure series is geared toward the campsite. It has some overlap with the Classic line (travel mugs, food jars), but it is also focused more on outdoor meal prep with various pots and cooksets. “Our consumers tell us they prefer a more craft-cooking experience,” says Wood, “and this

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has everything you’d need for a catch-it-and-cook-it outdoor meal.”

Next up is the Go series, exclusively drinkware coated with proprietary Ceramivac— a ceramic finish on the double-walled stainless-steel construction. “Turns out that a whole lot of folks don’t like the taste, smell, or feel of metal,” says Wood. The Ceramivac coating solves that problem without sacrificing temperature retention.

Finally, for those with deeper pockets, there’s the Master series. “It’s the upgrades that you can’t see that really make this our premium collection,” says Wood. The Master line adds two extra layers of insulation, doubling the standard with its Quadvac design. It also features extra-robust engineering on components and joints, with molded silicone grips for comfort.

Eric Shear, Stanley’s global vice president, divides the lines into “go and sit” products and “everyday, on-thego” items. In the first category are the things you’d find at a campsite: “You go to the duck blind, then you hang out,” says Shear. “Think vacuum bottles and food jars, for example. These generally fit in the camping section of any hunting and fishing store.”

The everyday items, on the other hand—travel mugs and water bottles—are probably better situated toward the front of the store or on prominent endcaps.

“Visual merchandising is key,” says Michelle Fleming, Stanley’s marketing manager.

“We offer a variety of programs to allow the retailer to effectively merchandise the assortment for better sellthrough.”

In addition, the signage can be customized with your store’s logo and imagery.

And Stanley goes all-out in helping retailers picture the displays before they invest in them, offering detailed planograms of the shelving, complete with seasonal signage and products. “It gives the buyer the opportunity to really visualize what it will look like in the store,” says Fleming. “And it makes sure the end consumer has a great brand experience.” (stanley-pmi.com)

BY BRIAN M C COMBIE

FIRING LIN E

Special Appeal The Korth Mongoose is not for everyone

S

o, let’s tackle this upfront: The Korth Mongoose in .357 Magnum carries a hefty suggested retail price of $3,499. What will your customer get for his money? Quite a bit. The revolver’s fit and finish are immaculate. It is very accurate, with an amazingly smooth trigger in both single- and double-action. If your customer base includes hardcore revolver types—the kind who demand the best and are willing to pay for it—you could do very well as an FFL by offering the Korth Mongoose.

The Mongoose is made by Korth Waffen of Germany.

Korth has been a fixture in German competitive-shooting circles since the mid-1950s, making custom revolvers. For the U.S. market, Korth partnered with Nighthawk Custom of Berryville, Arkansas, which produces some of the best custom 1911s on the market today. Korth does the actual manufacturing, with design input from Nighthawk, and Nighthawk handles U.S. marketing.

I spent many hours at the range with the gun, using four types of ammo. I figure I shot more than 300 rounds, and I experienced no problems of any sort. With the 3-inch barrel, I treated the Mongoose as a concealedcarry handgun and set up my targets at 7 yards for accuracy testing, which I consider middle range or slightly longer for actual self-defense scenarios. (The oft-cited distance for most law-enforcement gunfights is 3 yards and under.) I shot standing, using both hands and no rest.

Firing the revolver in the double-action mode, groups of 1 inch and under were the norm. Of course, I can and do pull shots, and I had cases where a 5-shot group of .75 inch got bumped to 1.25 inches when I wavered on shot number six. But that was on me, not the Mongoose.

The German-made Korth Mongoose features a skeletonized hammer and a smooth trigger.

The Korth Mongoose can also be fired single-action, and just a light squeeze sends a round downrange. Any target at 10 yards and under should be a bull’s-eye hit. No bull’s-eye? It’s the shooter, not the revolver.

In single-action, the Mongoose averaged just 2 pounds of trigger pull, while the double-action pull measured an average of 6 pounds 5 ounces. Both readings were generated by a Lyman Digital Trigger Pull Gauge.

The frame and barrel on the Mongoose are made from chrome-moly steel. The finish is DLC Black, a hard and

pristine coating that fairly gleams. The front sight features a gold dot; rear sights are adjustable for elevation and windage. The skeletonized hammer sports deep grooves that lined up perfectly with my thumb, making one-handed cocking of the hammer easy and secure.

Chambered for .357 Magnum, the Mongoose will also use .38 Special loads. A 9mm cylinder can also be purchased. Cylinders are easily and quickly switched out, and the 9mm version works without moon clips—just insert the 9mm rounds.

Mickey Shields, Nighthawk’s vice president of marketing, says retailers who carry the Korth line, including the Mongoose, do best with “revolver people.”

“By and large, we’re talking about people who have a deep love and appreciation

for revolvers. For these purists, a Korth is seen as the ultimate goal,” Shields says.

When showing the Korth Mongoose, Shields suggests an initial focus on the revolver’s fine trigger.

“Korth’s rollerball system creates a trigger like no other,” he says. “Most newcomers to the Korth line are amazed when they experience the smoothness of the trigger.”

The additional 9mm cylinder is also a major selling point, given the popularity of 9mm and the availability of range and self-defense ammunition. Nighthawk/Korth can provide dealer support, including sales materials.

Shields suggests sales staff visit Nighthawk’s website to view the many videos on the Korth line for background.

Korth/Nighthawk also offers Mongoose models with 4-, 5¼-, and 6-inch barrels for larger price tags. The Korth line encompasses two other revolvers as well: the Sky Hawk 9mm, a snubbie with a 2-inch barrel that also requires no moon clips, and the Super Sport .357 with a 6-inch barrel, which will appeal to handgun hunters.

Profit margins are similar to that of other handguns, but here your customer can go out the door with something truly special. (nighthawkcustom.com)

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UNDERCOVER SHOPPER

Going Tactical in the Sunshine State Can a first-time buyer for an MSR find what he’s looking for in central Florida?

STORE A

COOL SHOOTING RANGE ➤ With

a fully air-conditioned, 50-foot pistol range and 50-yard rifle range, the first store on my list sounded like the perfect place to escape Florida’s humidity. Located in a business zone filled with look-alike commercial buildings, this store could benefit from better signage but is easy to find with GPS. Inside, I was greeted by tablet computers set up for the gun range, which added to the store’s polished, hightech look. A long counter and display wall in the retail area

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featured brand-name firearms, including a few MSRs. However, the product offering seemed inadequate for such an impressive store.

Nearly 10 minutes after entering, I was greeted and helped by one of two sales associates, who previously had been assisting another customer. He was very friendly, energetic—and overly honest. He explained in detail the differences between the Daniel Defense and Smith & Wesson rifles that the store stocked. He then admitted that he would never purchase some other brands the store

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carries. While I appreciated his honesty, I kept wondering how many potential sales he had cost his company.

STORE B

PRODUCTS GALORE ➤ The next store that I visited also featured a shooting range. Both the retail area and the range appeared smaller than Store A’s, but this store featured one of the highest ratios of firearms per square foot that I have ever seen. The display counter was overflowing with handguns. Dozens of MSRs were stacked five and six deep on the display

wall. While certainly not the most attractive presentation, this store had a lot of firearms, ammo, and accessories.

Even though the sales team was busy assisting customers, a salesclerk offered to help me as soon as I walked in. He seemed to be very knowledgeable about all categories of firearms, including what I wanted.

After listening to my requirements, the salesclerk took time to explain the differences between the Ruger and Smith & Wesson rifles that the store carries. He recommended that I consider a

PIXEL PUSHERS

H

aving worked in the firearms industry for a number of years, I’ve managed to accumulate a few guns. Most are field-grade shotguns and rifles that I use for hunting. For one reason or another, I never got around to purchasing an MSR. Recently, while attending an outdoor trade show in Florida, I decided it was time to fill that void. So I began the search for my first MSR in Orlando, a city that boasts several world-class gun stores and shooting ranges.

How’d They Do? Customer Service

Product Knowledge

Product Availability

���� Slow to start, but the sales associate made up for it with energy and enthusiasm.

���� The sales associate appeared well-informed about the MSR platform and available accessories.

��� The number of firearms on display was disappointing for such a highquality facility.

���� Lost one star because of the derogatory religious comments that some staff members made within earshot of customers.

���� The salesclerk seemed very knowledgeable about tactical rifles, accessories, and ammunition.

����� A virtual sea of firearms, ammo, and accessories in a small retail setting.

���� The customer service was very professional. The salesclerk seemed friendly and eager to answer my questions.

���� The salesclerk was knowledgeable about tactical rifles and accessories, especially those manufactured in Florida.

��� A solid selection of firearms, but lacking major brand-name MSRs.

���� STORE The staff member was quick to help and explain that the retail store was secondary to the range operation.

��� The staff member seemed experienced, but the small product offering prevented him from sharing much of his knowledge.

� The limited number of firearms on display severely curtails the retail portion of this business.

STORE

A

STORE

B

STORE

C

D

SCORING SYSTEM:

Ruger version because he personally owned and liked the model. Before I left, the clerk jotted down details for each model I liked.

STORE C

TIMEWORN OPERATION The third gun store and range I checked out was located in an older building, sandwiched between a dive bar and a strip club. Thanks to multiple exterior signs, this store stood out in such a colorful neighborhood.

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Outstanding: �����

Very Good: ����

The store looked and smelled old, which might be a turnoff for some potential customers. For me, it signified an operation with a long history. A salesclerk greeted me almost immediately when I arrived and volunteered to help with my search. He provided detailed information about the MSRs on display, including a folding 9mm from Keltec that he was fond of. He explained that this store proudly features affordable MSRs and

STORE

Average: ���

accessories assembled in Florida.

STORE D

MISSING THE RETAIL The final gun store and shooting range on my list was located in an old strip mall filled with several bail bond offices. With only one MSR for sale, this store had the smallest retail selection of the four that I visited. It became obvious that the business relied mostly on the shooting range for income.

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Winner:

B

Since the overall customer service was excellent at each of the four locations, picking the best gun store was a tough decision. However, based on the huge selection of firearms, ammunition, and accessories, I would make my purchase from Store B. But, I would go to Store A (The Orlando Gun Club; orlandogunclub. com) to shoot because of the quality of its range.

Oak Ridge Gun Range 6160 South Orange Ave., Orlando, FL 32809 407-857-5663 oakridgegunrange. com

Fair: ��

Poor: �

The lone staff member at the check-in counter said hello and asked how he could help me as I was coming through the front door.

He was very open and honest about the operation and what the store has to offer.

He explained that a lot of his customers are local security guards who come there regularly to train. Although he didn’t have the rifle selection that I was looking for, he did take the time to show me a couple of handguns.

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LAW ENFORCEMENT 2019

Best New Law Enforcement Products for Guns, Gear, and Gadgets for Lawmen

By Richard Mann

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W When looking at new lawenforcement equipment, we sometimes get too caught up in the guns and ammunition. Truth is, though both are critical to the jobs of those who protect and serve, guns and ammo are the least-used tools a cop carries. No law-enforcement professional would ever go to work without them, but on an hour-by-hour, everyday basis, it’s the other gear that gets used most often. With that in mind,

here are 25 great new tools for our protectors. These are the tools they need to have handy and will use most frequently in the performance of their duties. Most important, all this gear can be carried easily in your inventory.

Guns

1

Remington 870 Tactical Side Folder

If you’ve never seen the inside of a

patrol car, you have no idea of the amount of gear a patrol officer transports. Space is at a premium, which is why the new 870 Tactical Side Folder should appeal to street cops and lawenforcement agencies. It features a Tapco AK-pattern SWA grip, 6+1 capacity, a positive hand-stop on the forend, a threaded front sight bead, and an 18.5-inch Rem Choke barrel.

The soft-touch cheekpiece on the folding stock is adjustable for height, and the receiver is drilled and tapped for optics. SRP: $569. (remington.com)

2

Daniel Defense Delta 5

remington the 870 tactical side folder features a tapco AK-pattern SWA grip, 6+1 capacity, a positive hand-stop on the forend, a threaded front sight bead, and an 18.5-inch rem choke barrel. The stock comb is adjustable for height.

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The need for designated marksmen within police agencies has never been clearer. Recent events show activeshooter intervention is a prime concern, which can call for an officer to be equipped with a precision rifle.

The new Delta 5 from Daniel Defense represents the pinnacle of the DMR (designated marksman rifle) concept.

It is available in .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 7mm-08. It has a user-changeable threaded barrel, weighs 8.9 pounds, and comes standard with a Timney trigger. The barreled action is mechanically bedded to a highly adaptable synthetic stock that

POLICE BADGE BY SEVICON FROM THE NOUN PROJECT; BADGE BY FELIPE CHAPMAN FROMM FROM THE NOUN PROJECT

daniel defense the Delta 5 DMR (designated marksman rifle) is available in .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 7mm-08. It has a user-changeable threaded barrel, and comes standard with a Timney trigger.

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has 11 MLOK attachment points. The rifle will accept AICS-pattern magazines and comes standard with a 20 MOA Picatinny scope rail. SRP: $2,199. (danieldefense.com)

3

Stoeger STR-9

Here’s a new look at a duty gun from a company you might not have expected to be in the game. The Stoeger STR-9 is a 30.4-ounce, polymer-framed, striker-fired handgun in 9mm Luger. It features a 4.17-inch barrel, driftadjustable three-dot snag-free sights, and an integral rail. One notable feature is found in the aggressive slide serrations; there are only four at the front and rear, but they are deep and provide a solid purchase when racking the slide. Additional features include a reversible magazine release and interchangeable backstraps, as well as three magazines and Tritium night sights.

SRP: $449. (stoegerindustries.com)

4

stoeger The str-9 is a polymer-framed, striker-fired handgun in 9mm Luger.

The deep, aggressive slide serrations help the user easily rack the slide.

Mossberg MC1 SC

Police officers are often required to carry a certain type of gun on duty.

But when it comes to off-duty carry, they generally have some freedom of choice. Mossberg’s new MC1 SC could make a great off-duty, deepconcealment handgun. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking: Mossberg makes shotguns. Yes, it does, but Mossberg’s first firearm was a hand-

mossberg The new +P 9mm MC1 SC could make a great off-duty, deepconcealment handgun. It feeds from a clear single-stack magazine.

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gun, and the new MC1 SC celebrates the manufacturer’s 100th anniversary of providing quality firearms at affordable prices. The MC1 SC is a polymer-framed, striker-fired, +P-rated 9mm Luger handgun that feeds from a clear single-stack magazine. What really sets it apart is the way it comes apart. After unloading and locking the slide to the rear, you remove the slide plate and extract the

striker; the pistol can be field-stripped without pulling the trigger. It’s compact, reliable, and very affordable.

SRP: starts at $425. (mossberg.com)

5

Walther PPK/PPKs

Maybe best known as Bond’s gun, the Walther PPK and PPK/S pistols are two of the most iconic semi-autos in the world. For a time, I carried one as

walther the slide-mounted safety/de-cocker of the ppk makes it a prime candidate for deep-concealed carry. steyr the a2 MF (modular frame) features a new grip design with optional panels to fit both large and small hands. glock The g43x is a lightweight subcompact 9mm that’s perfect for plainclothes duty.

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bianchi The prevader is a concealment holster, made with a ballistic weave, that secures the handgun by gripping both sides of the trigger guard.

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back-up and while off-duty. They are reliable, rugged handguns that can be trusted. Now manufactured in Fort Smith, Arkansas, the all-steel construction of these pistols makes them heavy for a .380. But these double-/singleaction handguns will last a lifetime, and the slide-mounted safety/de-cocker is appreciated by many who like to carry deeply concealed, like Bond. SRP: starts at $699.99. (waltherarms.com)

6

Steyr A2 Modular Frame Pistol

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Glock G43X

The A2 MF series of striker-fired, polymer-framed pistols has a new grip design that has been recontoured with optional panels to fit both large and small hands. This should be of great interest to agencies looking for a one-gun answer to a varied selection of officers. A2 MF pistols also have a flared magwell and an incredibly low bore axis to minimize recoil, and the pistols are fitted with Steyr’s proprietary trapezoid sights. The 9mm A2 MF has a capacity of 17 rounds and weighs only 1.7 pounds.

SRP: $675. (steyrarms.com)

Glock’s new G43X is a subcompact 9mm with a silver nPVD finish on the slide. This is an ideal pistol for detectives and plainclothes officers because it is only 6.5 inches long and a hair more than 5 inches high. It’s also very light, weighing only 23.07 ounces fully loaded with 10 rounds.

This is a perfectly balanced pistol that will fit just about any hand size. SRP: $580. (us.glock.com)

Holsters and Such

8

Safariland Range Backpack

This surprising piece of LE equipment offers ergonomic carry for all

safariland The Range Backpack has lockable zippers throughout, dual pistol sleeves, and a large, reinforced lower compartment for ample ammo.

the gear officers frequently tote to the range. It features assorted compartments inside and out, and internal dividers allow storage and organization of a variety of shooting accessories. With heavy-duty lockable zippers throughout, the pack has dual pistol sleeves, and a large, reinforced lower compartment for ample ammo.

It is available in black or tan. SRP: $195. (safariland.com)

9

Bianchi Prevader Holster

This is a concealment holster, made with a ballistic weave, that features Bianchi’s exclusive Pinch Retention Device. It secures the handgun by

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spyderco The Amalgam is a modern tactical folder that boasts effortless, ballbearing-fueled flipper deployment.

leatherman The Free P-Series is a magnetic, one-hand-opening multi-tool that offers a patrol officer unmatched versatility.

benchmade The 380 Aller is six tools in one in a small, cleverly designed package.

gripping both sides of the trigger guard.

A super-slim, costeffective holster, it will be initially available for the Colt Commander, Ruger SR9/SR40, and FN FNS 9 and 40, as well as a variety of Glock and Smith & Wesson pistols. SRP: $38. (safariland.com)

10

Versacarry Ammo Caddy

Shotguns ride in patrol vehicles all

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across the U.S. This is so because they are versatile tools capable of delivering a wide variety of munitions, including buckshot, slugs, breaching loads, and even less-than-lethal confrontation solutions. Keeping the wide array of loads available but separate and handy has always been an issue—you don’t want to deliver a buckshot load when CS is called for. The Versacarry LE Shotgun Ammo Caddy solves this. It attaches to the shotgun with a Velcro pad, and you can even mount additional units on your patrol car dash or belt.

Two of the four ammo slots are perforated so you can distinguish loads in low-light conditions. SRP: $62.99. (versacarry.com)

Knives and Tools

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Spyderco Amalgam

Cops need a rugged blade they can deploy swiftly. The Brian Lai–designed

Spyderco Amalgam is a modern tactical folder that features effortless, ballbearing-fueled flipper deployment, a carbon-fiber/G-10 composite handle, and a 3.8-inch CPM-S30V flat-ground blade. It has a four-way reversible pocket clip and skeletonized stainless-steel liners. SRP: $270. (spyderco.com)

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Leatherman FREE

The only absolute when you are working the street is that there are no absolutes. A patrol officer just never knows what he or she may have to do at a moment’s notice. They may need to work on a ’69 VW Beetle, help a resident start a lawnmower, or even fix a broken garage door. I know, I did all those things, but I never had the right tools. The new Leatherman FREE P-Series is a magnetic, one-handopening multi-tool—a pliers with a pocket clip, screwdrivers, scissors, file,

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sig sauer M17 124-grain 9mm loads for training and defense provide identical recoil impulse and point of impact.

federal Syntech Defense 9mm Luger ammo is designed to deliver dynamic terminal performance.

cliffe blade, a screwdriver/pry tip, a micro bit slot, a custom pocket/ money clip, a bottle opener, and a lanyard/key-ring hole. It is a unique and practical multi-tool that won’t drag your pocket down to your knees. SRP: $160. (benchmade.com)

Ammunition and a knife blade—that should be in the pocket of every patrol officer. Two versions are available. SRP: $80 and $90. (leatherman.com)

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Benchmade 380 Aller

This little gadget is six tools in one in a small package. It features a wharn-

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Federal Syntech Defense

Federal’s Syntech Defense 9mm Luger ammunition is designed to provide dynamic terminal performance. On impact, the hollowpoint bullet separates into three segments and a deep-penetrating core.

The core penetrates 12 to 18 inches through ballistics gel or heavy clothing, with the petals creating three secondary wound channels, each more than 6 inches deep. Like all Syntech loads, an advanced polymer jacket eliminates lead and copper fouling and drastically reduces damaging heat and friction in the barrel. SRP: $19.95/box of 20. (federalpremium.com)

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Norma MHP

Norma’s 9mm MHP ammunition is loaded with an all-copper bullet that expands wide. It is designed to reliably feed in all pistol and carbines

norma 9mm MHP ammo uses an all-copper bullet designed to open wide as it penetrates the target.

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hsgi the 247 trauma wrap is an ankle cuff with life-saving equipment for those trying to stabilize a gunshot wound victim.

and is calibrated for consistent terminal performance regardless of barrel length. This 108-grain bullet has a muzzle velocity of 1,312 fps and delivers 413 foot-pounds of energy. SRP: $22.48/box of 20. (norma-usa.com)

department handgun, they are especially useful for officers with aging eyes and suffering from presbyopia.

SRP: starts at $132. (xssights.com)

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This new red-dot sight from Crimson Trace is ideal for a police carbine, whether it is intended for a patrol officer or a SWAT team member. It has a 2 MOA dot, 1X magnification, comes with a quick-detachable Picatinny rail mount, and—get this— it has a nine-year battery life. This means that if the red-dot is stored in the trunk of a patrol car long term, the officer will not have to worry about the battery dying. SRP: $299.

SIG Sauer M17 Ammo

Designed to be a civilian companion to its version of the P320-M17 pistol chosen by the U.S. Military, SIG Sauer’s M17 ammo is offered as a duo of 124grain 9mm loads for training and defense. Both versions provide identical recoil impulse and point of impact.

The defense/law-enforcement version is loaded with a V-Crown bullet, while the training rounds are loaded with an FMJ bullet. Both could be ideal for agencies looking for a one-stop shop for carry and practice ammo. SRP: $18.95 to $20.95. (sigsauer.com)

Miscellaneous

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Galco Ankle Trauma Kit

For deputies and troopers operating remotely, an EMT is a prayer away.

Galco’s new ankle trauma kit allows an officer to have critical first-aid necessities at hand. This neoprene holster has five individual pockets that can carry tourniquets, QuickClot, a strap cutter, bandages, or just about any first-responder medical aid you can think of. It comes in black and fits ankles up to 16 inches around. SRP: $56. (galcogunleather.com)

18 XS SIGHTS Big Dot sights now can be had with a choice of highly visible, alternatively colored rings around the front sight.

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XS sights Big Dot Sights

XS Sights is now offering enhanced versions of its Big Dot sights with a choice of highly visible, alternatively colored rings around the front sight.

These new colors expand the lowlight visibility of the Big Dot sights.

While they could be ideal for every

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Crimson Trace CTS-1000

(crimsontrace.com)

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FLIR PTM

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Surefire XVL2

The FLIR PTM (Professional Thermal Monocular) is an imaging tool capable of geotagging video recordings and live video transmission. It can instantly stream encrypted thermal footage of any pursuit, evidence recovery, or search-and-rescue effort to a command center via a wireless network. With a smooth 60 Hz refresh rate and picturein-picture zoom, even the most minute details can be captured. It weighs only 20.1 ounces and can be operated handheld or attached to a tripod. SRP: starts at $3,295. (flir.com)

Surefire has introduced a new light/ laser module compatible with railed handguns and carbines. The XVL2 is 3 inches long and weighs 5 ounces. It features two lasers—green and infrared—that can be operated in training and tactical modes. The unit can deliver both white and infrared light projected directionally and at a wide

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flir the PTM (Professional Thermal Monocular) is an imaging tool capable of geotagging video recordings.

angle for maximum illumination. It’s configured with an integral, ambidextrous, momentary and constant-on switch and can be fitted with a remote pressure switch. SRP: $1,299.

surefire the XVL2 is a light/ laser module compatible with railed handguns and carbines.

(surefire.com)

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HSGI 247 Trauma Wrap

The 247 Trauma Wrap is designed to streamline the carry and deployment of essential life-saving equipment for those trying to stabilize a gunshot wound. Neoprene padding adds grip to eliminate slipping and sliding, and it uses breathable 3D mesh for comfort. SRP: $54. (highspeedgear.com)

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Magpul Radius Eye Pro

Magpul has created ballistic eyewear with a wide array of frames and lens colors, and the lenses can be had with

or without polarization. The Radius Eye Pro is designed to provide full mil-spec ballistic impact protection and meet industrial safety standards.

The lenses resist both smudging and scratching. They also are coated to limit backside reflection. SRP: $125 to $149. (magpul.com)

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Galco EDC Belt

The new EDC belt from Galco comes in black or flat dark earth and is made with SCUBA web construction. It’s an ideal off-duty and plainclothes belt to support a handgun at 1½ inches wide, and has a quick-release buckle and an

adjustable hook-and-loop billet strap.

Fits waists from 34 to 50 inches. SRP: $64. (galcogunleather.com)

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Monadnock ExoTech Arm Protection Kit

The ExoTech Arm Protection Kit allows any Protech vest or plate rack to accommodate blunt-trauma protection for the arms. It is reflective-labelcompatible and comes in black in sizes small, medium/large, and large/X-large.

SRP: $98.90. (safariland.com)

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Stopping A Straw Purchase There are several classic signs of this illegal tactic. Know them.

By Larry Ahlman

A

s an FFL retailer, I know that one of the biggest issues firearms retailers face is the so-called “Straw Purchaser.”

To be blunt, the actions of these individuals bump up the crime rate and smear our industry’s reputation. In this era of a 24/7 news cycle and a mainstream press that often doesn’t understand the intricacies of federal firearms regulations, it’s important that we identify and rid our stores of this type of person.

As you know so well, a straw pur-

chaser is usually the friend of someone who can’t pass a NICS background check because of a criminal record. The actual buyer may be a person whose record is clean but for some reason doesn’t want their name on a 4473. The buyer gives money to a friend and asks them to buy the gun.

Often the buyer goes with them, selects the desired gun, and then turns the purchase over to the friend. The friend is someone with a clean record who thinks they’re doing a buddy a favor. They don’t realize, of course, that the “favor” is illegal.

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The spouse/ partner Purchase One of the most common straw purchasers is the partner of a criminal. The true buyer has convinced their partner they got a bum rap or the records are wrong. They blame the government for their problems. The partner might be convinced they’re doing a good deed and righting an injustice.

The couple will often enter the store together. The true buyer will do the looking and talking while the partner stays in the background. Then, when a sale agreement is made, the partner

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steps forward to handle the paperwork.

This situation is a no-brainer for you. Often the true buyer will admit that they have issues, which is why the partner is buying the gun. You, of course, must refuse the sale and ask them to leave. But there’s one other consideration: Your refusal might not be the final word. They may go down the street and try a different retailer, perhaps honing their act to make it sound more legitimate.

At this point, you can try to thwart any further efforts by educating the straw buyer. Tell them point-blank, “Do you realize that signing these papers could send you to prison for 10 years?

Are you sure you want to do this?” If they agree with you, it’s likely they’ll tell the true buyer they want no part of this. The couple will leave, but losing the partner’s cooperation will likely stop their efforts to buy elsewhere.

The Friend/ Relative Buy A sibling, cousin, or good friend straw buyer is tougher to spot. They’re often gun-savvy and know what the true purchaser wants. All you can do is ask lots of questions about why they like this particular model, how often they shoot, and where they go to shoot.

Occasionally, they’ll trip themselves up and imply that it’s for a friend.

Gang members can be even harder to identify. Due to a shortage of members with clean records, a “clean” member will repeatedly make purchases for

Stopping A Straw Purchase “you’re the last line of defense in keeping guns out of the wrong hands. It’s more than maintaining a good name for your business.

It’s your responsibility to the safety of your community. ” gun. A true purchaser will have carefully examined internet images to be sure it’s what they want before sending payment. If the purchaser struggles to describe the gun—especially the make, model, and caliber—very likely they’re not the true buyer. At this point, ask for receipts or a canceled check to prove ownership. If you’re not convinced the gun is theirs, return the gun to your stock room and tell the person that you’ll deal only with the true buyer.

the others. That person is usually wellversed in the law and knows the right words to say to fool the salesperson.

Repeat purchases of the same model gun is the giveaway. Buying one handgun (or certain rifles in Texas, Arizona, Montana, and California) per week to avoid multiple-sale reporting is another clue. If there’s no tip-off and you’re still suspicious, call your local law enforcement or ATF office to see if they have more information on the person.

Internet Sales Many dealers act as an intermediary for internet sales. Most charge a fee of $25 to $50 for this service. Feeling it

harms sales, some dealers avoid these transactions; others believe it brings more people to their store.

Here’s how a straw purchase in this scenario works.

The customer locates a gun that they want to buy, often in a distant state, on the internet. After this person pays for the gun, you, as the local dealer who will handle the required background check, will be asked to send a copy of your FFL to the seller, who then ships the gun to your store. When it arrives, the buyer comes to your store, fills out the necessary paperwork, and becomes the owner.

Internet straw purchases are easy to detect. When you receive the gun and log it into your record book, look it over carefully. Note the make, model, caliber, and any other identifying marks. Before showing it to the purchaser, ask them to tell you about the

The NICS Check NICS checks are based largely on a person’s crime history. But keep in mind that there are also people with clean records who shouldn’t own a gun. The NICS system is helpful, but the final decision must be made by the retailer.

If you suspect a straw purchase, you should stop the sale immediately.

Don’t even run a NICS check. As a firearms dealer, you’re the last line of defense in keeping guns out of the wrong hands. It’s more than maintaining a good name for your business and the industry. It’s your responsibility to the safety of your community.

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BENJAMIN LIZARDO

The Boy Scouts said it best: “Be Prepared”

By Christopher Cogley

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aybe the zombie Apoc-

alypse really iis coming. hen again, probab Then probably not.

Ma uclear holoMaybe a nuclear caust is on the horiz horizon, or ed meteor is a Texas-sized heading tow v moment. towardd us at this very ybe not. Although ther Then hen again, ag maybe theree ar are end-of-the-world scenarios, countless end-of-the-world scenarios, and some people are prepping for each of them, it it’ss a safe saf bet the vast ast majority of people don’t do much actual preparing eparing for for these ather remote possibilities.. But just because rather your customers aren’t ready to invest in a backyard doesn’t mean there aren backy bunker unker doesn aren’t plenty of real-world situations for which pr theyy should be prepared.

From rom hur hurricanes, ricanes, tornadoes, tornadoes and floods to a ccyber yber attack on the po pow er grid rid and our power ital infrastr arithere ar dig e, there digital infrastructure, aree a wide vvariety of natur natural al disasters disaster and emer genc sitemergency uations that are are vvery real eal possibilities in orld. At the vvery er least, anyy one of today’s world. these could make lif lifee eextremely unpleasant for a good w hile—and in the w while—and worst-case scenario,, these situations could become a matter of life or death. By increasing your customers’ awareness of the likelihood of emergency situations and creating a secal products in your tion of essential survival ou incr our increincr store, not only will you increase your mental sales, you’ll also increase the likelihood they’ll survive if disaster does strike.

While it might not be possible to prepare your customers for every conceivable emergency situation, you can at least begin by helping them face the likelihood

M

situation infinitely easier. But only if they’re prepared.

There are other considerof having to provide for their ations under the survival cateessential needs when there’s gory. In the wake of a hurricane no power, sewage treatment, or a tornado, for instance, the running water, or any other lic services ser first priority might be dealing public or utilities. For with injuries. In such a situasome of your customers, that tion, the supplies in most mediconcept may very well seem cine cabinets won’t be suffilike an insurmountable obstab the prospect won’t be cient. Therefore, it’s essential to cle, but quite so daunting if you can have a first-aid kit that’s comeak their needs down do prehensive enough to handle at break into Lifesaver’s gories to focus f least minor traumas. four basic categories jerrycan holds In any fight for survival, it on in an emergency: survival, potable water and food and water, protection, also doubles as a will also be important to er. By explaining the gather any prescription mediand power. shower. tance of each of these cations and store them in a importance categories and showing them how a few waterproof container with other essenessential products can help provide for tials in case you do have to evacuate in a needs you can give your hurry. Now, take that scenario a bit furtheir immediate needs, customer the tools to help them survive ther and lead your customer through customers emergenc emer gency gency situation. their not being able to count on their an emergency phone’s mapping service to lead them to safety (or anywhere else, for that mati SurV v Al ter). Then you can suggest they have an When it comes to survival situations, old-school, hard-copy map of the area much of the discussion typically centers handy, with potential escape routes higharound being prepared to “bug out.” In lighted. If the map is water/weatherthe vast majority of scenarios most of us proof, all the better. would likely face, however, we’re probaAnd speaking of that phone, communibly better off staying put in our homes cation will also be a critical element of rather than trying to make a run for it. As survival. Because cell service and land long as people aren’t placing themselves lines might not be available, low-tech in any immediate danger by staying put, comms such as CBs or two-way radios their homes will provide shelter, access to will be extremely useful. It’s also imporfood and possibly fuel, and even some tant to have a device that can receive small comforts, such as sleeping in a bed, NOAA weather reports and other emerthat can make surviving an emergency gency messages.

Mossberg’s 590M 12-gauge shotgun (top) features a double-stack 10-round box magazine built into Mossberg’s proven pump-action platform. For people who might prefer an MSR, the Savage MSR 15 Recon (bottom) has a pistol grip, carbine stock, and flip-up sights.

Lifestraw Mission is a high-volume, gravity-fed water purifier. It can remove viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

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BUSINESS

Goal Zero’s Yeti power stations can provide multiple outlets to power any electronic device, tool, or appliance.

FoOd And WaTer Once someone determines that, in an emer-

gency, the best course of action is to remain at home, they’ll need to focus on supplies, namely food and water. If the taps are still flowing and the water is safe, they should fill sinks and tubs with as much clean water as possible. They also should have plenty of water-storage containers on hand. Not only do these containers make it easy to stack and store water more efficiently, they’ll provide a means for going outside to collect water from streams or lakes. (More on safety with these sources in a bit.) The materials these specialized containers are made of makes a difference in the potability of the water when it comes to extended storage, so reused glass and plastic bottles shouldn’t be relied upon.

When and if the water stops flowing, it will be critical to have a high-quality water-filtration system in place. Water in ponds, lakes, and streams can contain bacteria, viruses, and other impurities that could quickly turn a dangerous situation deadly. In some disaster situations, such as with a flood or a hurricane, even tap water might be contaminated and should be filtered before drinking.

Water filters are typically designed for hikers and other backcountry users, so most are fairly portable for evacuation purposes. The biggest factor people should consider when deciding on the size of the

filtration unit is the number of people who will likely be using the filtered water supply. It’s always better to err on the side of caution here and encourage your customer to get a system a bit larger than they think they might need. Too much clean water is a problem your customers will want to have in such a situation. Waterpurification tablets are also a good idea.

Once they have their water needs met, it’s time to focus on food. Since their home is probably (or should be) stocked with at least a few days’ worth, this might not seem like an immediate cause for concern. But because there’s no way of knowing how long that food will have to last, it is important to protect perishable goods by storing them in large, air-tight containers. It’s also important to consider how to prepare that food without gas or electricity. Outdoor grills are an option here, and so are propane camping stoves.

P roTecTioN If the power is out and emergency

services are overwhelmed, it’s unlikely law enforcement will be able to maintain order. If this is the case, people will have to protect their homes and family from the criminals who see the situation as an opportunity to take

what isn’t theirs.

It’s important to emphasize to your customers that they should have at least one personal-protection firearm readily available in case the criminal element decides to make them a target. There also needs to be a good supply of ammunition kept stored in a secure, waterproof container.

It’s important for people to remember that protection also includes providing for the safety and security of their family.

While they may have plenty of tools available in their home, the most critical tools during a disaster might be the ones they rarely reach for in everyday situations. From creating tinder for a fire and cutting through materials that would ruin standard kitchen utensils to personal protection and even field-dressing small game if the need arises, a solid, full-tang knife is a valuable asset. So are saws, hatchets, and axes.

PoWeR Having access to an off-grid power

source can certainly make surviving a disaster or emergency situation infinitely easier to manage.

The three aspects that are imporGerber’s Strongarm fixed-blade knife can be used for self-defense or a wide variety of other essential survival purposes.

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tant to consider in these situations are the ability to generate power, store power, and use power.

Some customers might tell you they will rely on a gas-operated portable generator.

Remind them that, in a long-term emergency situation, they won’t be able to replenish supplies of gasoline, and that such generators certainly aren’t portable if the need to evacuate arises. In situations where it might be weeks before the power is back online, solar panels paired with power banks are a logical and reliable alternative your customers should consider.

When choosing what size solar panel and power bank to purchase, it’s important to consider how much energy they might need to make a survival situation easier to endure for everyone in the home. Most power banks are designed to not only charge electronics, but also include standard outlets that can power refrigerators,

panel they’ll need. Some of this power drain can be minimized, however, by using energy-efficient lights, radios, and other devices that use significantly less power.

Even if you decide that stocking larger power banks is impracticable, you should still mention them to your customers.

While these systems are relatively light and portable, they’re not necessarily something people are going to want to carry along with them in the event of an evacuation, so it’s also important to have small, portable power banks that can keep phones and other important electronics powered if one has to leave in a hurry.

Adventure Medical Kits include the supplies necessary to handle a wide variety of serious wounds.

freezers, and other appliances. Keep in mind that the more devices plugged into the power bank, the more often it will have to be replenished, and the larger the solar

Federal Premium offers a wide range of personal-protection ammo for shotguns, handguns, and MSRs.

biolite base camp (top) and EcoZoom Versa rocket allow preparation of hot meals when the power grid goes down.

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Sur ViVaL spEciFic S Make sure your customers are prepared to handle the kinds of injuries and wounds that might result from a natural disaster by having at the ready a comprehensive first-aid kit, like the Whitetail Kit and Trauma Pak from Adventure Medical Kits

BUSINESS

(adventuremedicalkits.com). These kits are designed for hunters who could sustain an injury when they’re miles away from medical care, and include the supplies necessary to handle serious wounds.

It’s also important to remind your customers to store prescription medications, dry food, and other survival essentials in a durable dry box, such as the Ammo Crates from MTM (mtmcase-gard.com). These crates are built with a water-resistant O-ring seal, and have the added benefit of padlock tabs to keep valuables secure. In the event of a quick evacuation, the Pacsafe Dry Backpack (pacsafe.com) provides a dry place to keep valuables and survival essentials that shouldn’t be left behind. The pack is made with an eXomesh exterior, so it can’t be sliced through, and includes a locking cable to keep contents safe.

To keep in touch with other survivors and stay updated on the status of an emergency situation, Midland’s GXT1000VP4 radios (midlandusa.com) have 50 channels,

Morakniv’s Kansbol knife is a lightweight but sturdy blade that can help create tinder for a fire, among other emergency duties.

as well as an NOAA weather alert. The waterproof radios have a range of up to 36 miles, and can be recharged through a wall outlet or in the car.

FoOd And WaTer SpeciFics The Lifes Lifestraw Mission (lifestraw.com) is a

ed ffiltration system lightweight, gravity-fed capable of purifying 4,755 gallons of acuation, water. In the event of a quick evacuation, w Go features a water ffilter ilter the Lifestraw uilt into a standard water bottle that ffilbuilt ters the water as you sip through the straw.

When it comes to storing and filtering ater,, especially especiall for ge amounts of water, large can from LifeSaver Lif families,, the Jer Jerrycan allows you to gather (iconlifesaver.com) (iconlifesaver.com) allows dirty water, w 18.5 liters of dirty then run it ated-carbon filters f ilters to prothrough activated-carbon saf drinking water.. There is also an vide safe le shower sho er attachment. T The available Water Storage Stor age Kit from Emergencyy Water ms (augasonfarms.com) arms.com) is a Augason Farms ade barrel el that can store stor 55-gallon food-grade or long periods of time. T The he kit k water for includes a siphon hose ffor or easy access to ell as w ater tr eatment the water, as well water treatment drops that keep the w e. water safe. f, the prosIf the power and gas are off, pect of a hot meal suddenlyy becomes ed ffor this situation doubtful. Being prepared typically comes down to two main conations: the amount of space (and siderations: sufficient ventilation) available, and the type of fuel immediately accessible. or people who live li in an apartment For with no access to a backyard or outdoor space, a small backpack stove like the GigaPower unit from Snow Peak (snow peak.com) can help provide a hot meal in a small space, but it does require a stock of fuel canisters. For your customers who do have access to a deck, patio, or other outdoor living space, the EcoZoom Versa stove (ecozoomstove.com) is a 10.5inch can-style stove capable of using charcoal or wood to cook meals. The stove is designed to burn efficiently and minimize smoke, and the 11-inch top is large enough to handle a standard cast-

iron skillet. The BaseCamp from BioLite (bioliteenergy.com) is also capable of turning limbs and small pieces of wood into fuel for a cook stove, and this one has the added benefit of being able to convert the heat generated into usable electricity that can be used to charge phones and other small electronics.

For those customers who live in more al locations rural locations, but who might not have a eat deal of experience building campgreat fires, UCO’ss Fir Fire Starting Kit (ucogear. vides all the essentials they’ll the com) provides need in a convenient con enient metal tin. To complement the kkit, the Kansbol knife from MoraKni Mor aKniv (indus (industrialrev.com) is a lightMoraKniv cr eight but but sturdy sturdy blade blade that can help creweight for the fire, f e, and the spine has ate tinder for been grounded rounded specifically specif specificall for or use with a ter like the one included in the fire starter ting Kit. And because most Fire Starting ar people—especiallyy those in urban areas— might not be prepared prepared to turn tur n their backf cooking fires, it yard trees into fuel for f can be good to stock a functional axe or Gerber’ Gator Axe II hatchet, like Gerber’s (gerbergear.com), along with the cook cooking sur survi al section. supplies in the survival

RoTecTion SpE pRoTecTion SpEciFiCs iCs Al Although you likely have a wide selection of firearms you can recommend to your customers, make sure to consider their individual living situation when determining whether to recommend a handgun, shotgun, or MSR to serve as their ed method of providing protecpreferred tion. A good choice for f many families is Mossberg’s 590M 12-gauge shotgun (mossberg.com), which features a double-

UCO’s Fire Starting Kit provides all the essentials needed to start a fire. All the components nest in a convenient metal tin.

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The Gerber Combo Axe II has a long handle and a forged steel head for optimal striking force.

BioLite’s SolarHome 620 can provide a reliable source of power and light. It also has outlets for charging cellphones.

com) provides solid self-defense power, and the American Eagle XM193 (federalpremium.com) would be a good choice to have on hand for those customers who would opt for an MSR. Even though they are likely to have a kitchen full of knives, make sure to explain the importance of having a solid, allpurpose survival knife close at hand. Gerber’s Strongarm fixedblade knife (gerbergear.com) features a full-tang design with a ubberized ggrip and BDZ-1 rubberized lade that can be used for selfblade defense or a variety of other essential survival purposes. The al knife from SCHF1 survival tibrands.com) is made from Schrade (btibrands.com) one piece of high-carbon steel to provide solid construction. The knifee has a par parlade and a hollo w handle tially serrated blade hollow that comes with a handy bit driver dri and se ut the space can also be several bits, but used to hold other survival sur essentials acord, etc.). d, etc.). (matches, paracord,

Power Specifics One of the safest est and most rreliable ways ha e access to a for your customerss to have er during a continuous source of power disaster or emergencyy situation is with a er station, such as the Yeti Yeti series from power vailab ailable in Goal Zero (goalzero.com). Available es based on how how much m several different sizes eti power juice the user might need, the Yeti stor energy and stations aree designed to store ultiple outlets—from USB to provide multiple de AC—to power anyy electronic device or appliance. The Yetis are silent and don’t generate fumes, so they can be used w in conindoors, and aree designed to work junction with Goal Zero’s solar panels to

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The uco sitka is a rechargeable table lantern with an extendable arm that can raise the light source to 26 inches.

provide a continuous source of power no matter how long the grid is down.

BioLite’s SolarHome 620 (bioliteenergy.com) is also designed to provide a continuous and reliable source of power and light. A 6W solar panel provides juice to a control box that features a built-in light, as well as a radio/MP3 player and a USB output for charging phones electronics The and other small electronics. control box also powers three ge overhead o large lights, one of hich includes a motion sensor which sensor, which can signif icantly help incr significantl icantly significantly increase the security of a home w when the power is out. or more more portable por portab illumination, the For geab UCO Sitk Sitka (ucogear.com) is a rrechargeable m that table n with an eextendable arm le lanter lantern raises aises the light sour ce up to 26 inches to source focus w ocus the light wher here yyou ou need it most. F where For an even moree mobile option, Ledlenser’ Ledlenser’s MH6 (ledlenserusa.com) is a lightweight impressiv 200 headlamp that casts an impressive operates on either a recharger lumens, and operates able le batter battery or three thr AAAs. ab e eryone one expects expects the worst w Not everyone to ppen. But it does. does. And while w happen. very few er be trulyy ready eady for f it, by of us will ever car ying a quality selection of survival carrying your store, stor you can help essentials in your sur your customers are, at the make sure very least, prepared to make it through an unforeseen emergency situation. It might cost you a small section of valuable shelf space, but it can also be a new revenue stream. Either way, the peace of mind it will bring to your customers— y and to you—is priceless.

SLATON L. WHITE

stack 10-round box magazine built into Mossberg’s proven pump-action platform. For people who might prefer an MSR, the Savage MSR 15 Recon (savagearms.com) is chambered for .223 Rem. and 5.56x45mm, and features a Blackhawk pistol grip, carbine stock, and flip-up sights to make it easy to quickly adjust the rifle to fit all family members.

There is a wide variety of ammunition options that you can keep stocked in the “Survival Essentials” section of your store, but Federal Premium’s Personal Defense shells with the FliteControl wad (federalpremium.com) would be a good choice for use in any defensive-use shotgun. For handguns, Speer’s Gold Dot Personal Protection ammo (speer-ammo.

IN T RODUC ING T HE B OL D NE W L OOK OF A U T HOR I T Y.

W I D E S T O F F E R I N G , B E T T E R E N G I N E E R I N G , M O R E E X P E R T I S E . R E A C H F O R T H E A B S O L U T E A U T H O R I T Y. D I S C O V E R T H E A D V A N TA G E O F S H O O T I N G W I T H T H E I N D U S T R Y ’ S B E S T.

FEDERALPREMIUM.COM

W H AT ’ S S E L L I N G W H E R E

Guns, MN Blount’s Roswell

This 3,000-square-foot store sits one block off Main Street. Opened two years ago, the store, manned by two employees, sports a lean inventory of roughly 50 firearms.

Handguns are moving at this location. Ruger LCRs and Smith Shields are sitting in the top slots. The store has orders for Glock 43Xs and SIG P635s. “We do a lot of transfers, and charge only $25 for them. It brings us new customers. It’s a great chance to get them to come in our store,” said owner Dan Blount.

Used guns are in high demand. A small inventory of M&P Sports, Remington 870s, and Savage Model 11s make up the long-gun inventory.

Arbor Arms, MI Ann Ann Arbor

This range/ retail operation is located off Interstate 95, 10 minutes west of Ann Arbor. The building totals 26,000 square feet. The 6,000square-foot retail store carries an inventory of more than 700 firearms. Handguns are moving steadily. Glock Gen 5s hold the top position, followed by CZ P1OCs and Smith Shield 2.0s.

“When it comes to customer satisfaction, we give a 30-day guarantee. If a customer isn’t shooting a gun well, or is having second thoughts, we’ll give a full retail credit on a new purchase,” said retail manager Tim Lang.

Rifle sales are picking up, with consistent turns on MSRs.

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Firearms, Supply, CO Family MT Mitchell Colorado Springs Great Falls Located in the corner store of a large suburban strip mall, this 2,000-square-foot retailer stocks nearly 1,000 rifles and handguns. It has four employees.

Handguns are a major focus for this retailer, and Glocks are the store’s mainstay. “We stock a lot of Glocks. In fact, our store has two counters completely filled with Glocks displayed in vertical stands.

It’s the largest Glock inventory in this part of the country,” said countersalesman Matt Lovell. As expected, the store’s top three sellers are Glock 43Xs, 48s, and 19s, followed by several Model 10s.

Modern sporting rifles are always on the move here.

Located on the north side of Great Falls, this firearms dealer stocks an average of 300 guns. Three employees tend the counter.

Glocks are the front runner for this retailer, and 43Xs, 48s, and 19s are by far the most popular choices. The FN FNX-45 Tactical is another fast mover.

“Handgun sales during this past winter were better than last year’s.

It’s nice to see a consistent uptick after last year’s slower turns,” said owner Ben Mitchell.

MSRs are selling at two a week.

The mix is split between Rock River and Anderson Defense. A few Ruger Mini 14s and 10-22s are also selling. Bolt-action sales are slow.

Fever, MN Cabin Victoria

Guns, State IA Daryl’s Center

This general sporting-goods store is 40 minutes west of Minneapolis. It uses 1,500 of its 6,000 square feet to market an inventory of approximately 650 firearms. The store also carries soft goods, as well as archery and camping gear.

Shotguns are doing well, but the real action is with rifles. MSRs, primarily M&P Sports, are selling.

However, long-range bolt-action rifles are particularly active, and anything in 6.5 Creedmoor is seeing turns nearly every day. Tikka leads the category.

“Our bolt-action business continues to overshadow our MSRs. We are moving bolt guns nearly year-round,” said owner Jeff Byrne.

Located just northeast of Des Moines, this rural gun shop shares quarters with the founder’s construction company. It has been in business for more than 56 years.

As summer approaches, handgun sales are especially brisk. SIG P365s, Ruger EZ19s, and Glock 43Xs are all quickly finding new homes.

High school trap season continues to spur sales, especially of Remington 870s and Mossberg 500s. These shooters have also ignited a flurry of ancillary sales.

“We stay open seven days a week.

We find those hours make a difference, especially when it comes to capturing new customers,” said owner Dania Scope.

BY PETER B . MATHIESEN

Gun Shop, PA Grice Clearfield

Located 30 miles west of State College, this small-town gun shop shares space with a car museum. Stocking more than 1,000 guns at retail, the store has an internet and distributor business as well.

Right now, long guns are hot. This retailer is well invested in a large used-gun inventory that includes Ruger Americans and Savage Model 11s. As for shotguns, shortbarrel Remington 870 Tacticals and Mossberg combos are moving well.

“Like any retailer, we are sensitive to what we can’t get. And right now, Remington V3s and Marlin 1895s are what come to mind,” said salesman Scott Freeburg.

& Leather, TN Guns Greenbrier

Located on Highway 41 just north of Nashville, this retailer and range, with an average of four employees, keeps about 1,000 firearms in stock. Handguns rule the roost, and hefty numbers of Glock 43Xs and SIG P365s are moving out the door.

Glock 48s occupy third place.

“Price-point sales have started to rule our counter. It has become super-competitive at the low end.

Even with SCCY dropping its already low price point, we are still selling more Taurus guns in the same class,” said the store’s gun buyer Ben Williams.

Other late-spring movers include long guns such as the Taurus 62 .22 and the CZ Drake.

Howell’s Indoor ME Range & Gun Shop, Gray

Guns, MD Atlantic Rockville

Located just 15 miles north of Portland, this 27,000-square-foot store sells a mix of archery, soft goods, and firearms. It keeps an average of 2,000 guns in stock. Handgun sales are on the rise. M&P 2.0s, Glock 43Xs, SIG P365s, and some Springfield XDSs are turning steadily.

Moving into summer, rimfire guns are taking hold. “We have a youth program where kids shoot Marlin XT22s. It’s pretty consistent that the parents of these kids leave with a gun,” said CEO Adam Copp.

MSRs are moving at roughly one a day. M&P Sports, Ruger 556s, and Windham Weaponrys are the top sellers.

Located north of metro Washington, D.C., this strip-mall-location store stocks what’s advertised as the “largest new and used gun selection in Maryland.”

Long rifles are attracting more attention this season than they did last year. The store has turned more than six Beretta Silver Pigeons mixed between 20 and 12 gauge this year. On the rifle side, Ruger 10/22 Take Downs are moving well.

CZ 455 17HMRs are in high demand.

Handgun sales are picking up.

Demand is strong for Maryland’s recently approved Glock 43X. “Demand is always contingent upon what the state approves,” said countersalesman John Fast.

KY Sherwood’s, Bowling Green

Gun Club, TX Nardis San Antonio

This family business in central Kentucky stocks more than 3,500 firearms and has a 12-lane indoor shooting range. The shop is experiencing a strong late spring, with substantial numbers turning at the handgun counter. The SIG P365 holds the top spot. HK VP9s and Glock 43Xs are just behind.

“Sales are steady. After a slightly slower 2018, it’s nice to see. With all of the new product coming out, we expect a great year,” said owner Davis Sherwood.

MSRs are turning daily at this location, with an even mix of Springfield Saints and M&P Sports.

Two other guns attracting attention are FN PS90s and Diamondbacks.

Located on the east side of the I-410 loop, this large retailer/range stocks about 700 firearms. And it just opened a new location on the other side of San Antonio.

The SIG P365 is the clear winner at the handgun counter, but Glock 43Xs and Shield 380s are also moving well. “Our sales across the board are rising, and our retail store has been increasing inventory to meet the need,” said countersalesman Carl Pereira.

MSRs are picking up. LWRC and American Tactical are making daily turns. Rimfire MSRs are also in demand. M&P Sports are taking the majority of .22 sales. And orders for custom MSRs are on the rise.

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BY DICK M C NULTY

Solo Mission Tanglefree’s one-man blind will change the way you hunt

C

alifornia doesn’t get its due and proper respect as a waterfowl mecca. Most hunters think of it as filled with big cities, smog, and too many people, but more ducks and geese are shot there than in any other state. And the duck-hunting history—and ingenuity—is particularly strong, especially in the Sacramento Valley and farther north near iconic Klamath Basin.

Most of the decoy- and call-making has come from Maryland’s Eastern Shore and the Mississippi Flyway. But out West, Tanglefree has been quietly innovating since the early 2000s, when Cory Foskett’s family bought the business and started making waterfowl gear that was outside the norm, like the GoTo bag, which resembles no other blind bag on the market. It is spacious, yet fits so well to your body with the over-the-shoulder strap and belt strap, you hardly notice it as you hump through kneedeep marsh sludge.

Tanglefree makes simple but smart designs too. For instance, its decoy rigging: The weights and loops are at opposite ends, so you can simply pick the decoy up and

hook the loop through a carabiner. That may seem like a no-brainer, but I have bought and made (stupidly) rigs in which the weight slid down to the loop, and when it’s 15 degrees out and there is a hole in your glove, it makes a good bit of difference.

“We have always tried to work behind the scenes of the waterfowl industry and not draw too much attention to ourselves, but to the innovation at Tanglefree,” Foskett says. “We want to make gear that hunters can use and that has a purpose. And we are always willing to make a change to an existing product if it’s warranted.”

A few years ago, Tanglefree developed the panel blind. It is a folding blind that opens up into a single panel and can

Tanglefree’s lightweight and highly portable 360 Solo blind is designed for lone hunters with a dog. It is available in Optifade Marsh camo.

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be used to hunt hedgerows, field edges, or riverbanks. If you buy two, the second panel can be placed behind a group of hunters or be brushed up and used in the middle of a field or around center pivots. It’s an adaptation of old A-frame-style blinds where you used hog panels and large snow-fence stakes (covered with brush, of course) to stay hidden.

“That blind is great for multiple hunters, but we also wanted to create a smallerfootprint blind for single hunters,” Foskett says.

“We’ve been talking for almost nine years about this 360 Solo blind, which is popular with hunters in Klamath and Tulelake.”

Before Tanglefree started selling Solos this year,

California hunters made similar blinds out of chicken wire brushed in with raffia grass.

It made sense for hunting cattails and tules on small wetlands or boating out to an island and setting up on the shoreline. It is perfect for shallows and can be grassed up easily with the integrated stubble straps. There is also a dog door, which was added after the initial design, so you have better control of your retriever and don’t have to haul in a dog blind.

“A lot of our staffers have had success with it hunting shallow water in tules and corn,” Foskett says. “There are 10 panels, so you can decide how small a footprint you want to make in the marsh.”

Made on an aluminum frame, the bottom is 60 inches in diameter and the top 36 inches when set up (but you can shrink it by overlapping panels). There are two interior storage pouches that will not only hold gear and shells, but also act to better stabilize the blind with that bit of added weight. In addition, there are four stakes with a built-in stake pocket.

The blind, which weighs almost 17 pounds, is available in Optifade Marsh. (tanglefree.com)

SELLING TIP Yes, the 360 Solo is a tad heavy for a publiclands hunter to carry on their back. But if they have a cart to wheel their gear down the levee or a Jet Sled to pull through the water out to some cattails, it’s a great option. Grass up the 360 before the hunt and bring along a marsh seat, and staying hidden is a snap.

NEW PRO DUC TS

(Continued from page 50)

The Savage Model 64 Takedown in .22 LR combines accuracy and dependability in a semi-auto platform.

Savage Arms The new Model 64 Takedown is an easy-to-use .22 LR that combines the accuracy and dependability of the original Model 64 semi-automatic platform with a simple takedown design, a compact 16½-inch barrel, and an Uncle Mike’s Bug-Out Bag. The rifle features a straight-blowback action fed by a detachable 10-round box magazine and a matte black synthetic stock. It’s drilled and tapped for scope mounts, and is available in left- or-right-hand models.

SRP: $249. (savagearms.com) ➤

Bear Edge ➤ Bear

Edge, a Bear & Son Cutlery brand, is adding a lightweight, assistedopen lockback knife to its 2019 roster.

Designed to accomplish everyday tasks, the Bear Edge 61117 is an easy-tomaintain and sharpen 440 stainless-steel blade that promptly opens with a simple brush of a thumb stud. The 61117’s aggressive appearance comes courtesy of the unique shape of the anodized aluminum handles. Additional features include jimping along the top and bottom half of the handles, a pronounced guard for added support and control during tough cutting chores, and a reversible pocket clip for left- or right-side carry. SRP: $42.99. (bearandsoncutlery.com)

Nikon ➤ The Monarch 2000 laser rangefinder has been designed to set a new standard for accuracy by delivering ½-yard precision up to 700 yards, 1-yard precision up to 999 yards, and 1½-yard accuracy when ranging 1,000 yards and beyond.

Ranges are displayed on a variable intensity, highly visible red OLED display with five selectable intensity levels.

Nikon has packed a full suite of advanced technology into the unit, including HyperRead, TruTarget

Nikon’s Monarch 2000 rangefinder can can deliver ½-yard precision up to 700 yards.

Priority, and its trusted ID (Incline/ Decline). With a single press of a button, HyperRead calculates distance measurements in approximately 0.3 second, regardless of how far. TruTarget Priority allows users to choose between First Target and Distant Target when ranging a target or animal in front of or behind another object.

Completing the Monarch 2000 package, Nikon housed this 6x21 optical system and ranging technology in a rugged, waterproof body. SRP: $299.95. (nikonsportsoptics.com)

Browning ➤ Rawhide models in the ProSteel line now feature a tough 11-gauge steel body, Pry-Stop end bolts, a 1-inch formed door with inner plate, a Force Deflector locking system, and 1-inchdiameter chromed locking bolts on three sides. The ThermaBlock 1,500-degree F/80-minute fire rating offers additional protection. A full DPX door rack adds storage while improving access to more long guns. An automotive-grade gloss black or rugged textured saddle brown finish will be offered with a three-spoke antique bronze handle. Three models will be offered. SRP: $1,969 to $3,379. (browning.com)

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

The Bear Edge is a lightweight, assisted-opening lockback that opens with a simple brush of a thumb stud. It also has a reversible pocket clip.

31 Parker Road • Elizabeth, New Jersey 07208

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

NEW PR ODU CTS

Coast

The HP7R flashlight features Coast’s Flex Charge Dual Power recharging system, meaning it can be powered by a rechargeable battery or four standard AAA alkaline batteries. The latter is important if a hunting trip takes you way off the grid or if the grid fails in an emergency situation.

The flashlight also features a Quick Cycle Switch that allows you to move quickly and easily between high, strobe, and low beams. On high beam, the light produces 300 lumens (runtime: 7 hours); on low beam, 30 lumens (runtime: 33 hours). The compact light is 6.1 inches long and weighs just 7.2 ounces. SRP: $129. (coastportland. com)

SLATON L. WHITE

(Continued on page 49)

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ROMEO8Tª

TARGET ACQUIRED.

Designed for the most severe conditions, the ruggedized ROMEO8T allows for rapid target acquisition in any situation. With a massive 38mm wide sight picture, the ROMEO8T delivers unparalleled target acquisition, accuracy and situational awareness, accelerating reaction time on follow-up shots. Assembled in the U.S.A.

ROMEO8T MIL-SPEC RED DOT SIGHT  Integral field-replaceable lightweight Titanium shroud  Ruggedized 7075 CNC aluminum body for ultimate durability  Quad Ballistic Circle Dot LED reticle with 4 onboard reticle options  IPX8 waterproof rating, 20 meters for 30 minutes  1.53” optical center height for night vision and magnifier compatibility  CR-123 lithium battery with MOTAC™ for up to 10 years of run-time  Rugged 1/2” hexbolt mount fits both Weaver and MIL-STD-1913 rail

2 MOA Red Dot Ballistic Circle Dot

sigsauer. com

DARK SERIES MODEL 336 Chambered in 30-30 Win

NEW MARLIN DARK SERIES LEVER ACTIONS. 16.25� BARREL with threaded muzzle

BIG LOOP LEVER wrapped with paracord

XS LEVER RAIL with ghost ring

The speed and accuracy of Marlin lever actions blacked-out and tricked out for the modern hunter. Our new Dark Series rifles feature a stealthy-tough black matte parkerized finish and a black-webbed hardwood stock, with a host of performance enhancements, including a threaded barrel, big-loop lever and XS Lever Rail with ghost ring peep that also accommodates a wide variety of optics.