2024 SHOT Daily - Day 2 by SHOT Business

DAY 2 DAY 2, JANUARY 24, 2024

THE ALL-NEW ELIMINATOR 6 RIFLESCOPE DELIVERS A CLEAR ADVANTAGE See page 4 for more info

AMMO 2024

THE INDUSTRY IS BACK ON TRACK WITH NEW PRODUCTS

SAFARILAND

60 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

BURRIS TAKES A GREAT LEAP FORWARD WITH THE REDESIGNED ELIMINATOR 6 RIFLESCOPE

OPTICS 2024

LONG-RANGE GLASS STILL COMMANDS ATTENTION, BUT RED-DOT SIGHTS CONTINUE TO COME ON STRONG

See page 4 for more info

FIVE MINUTES WITH TRIJICON BELIEVES IN INNOVATION ABOVE ALL

TAURUS:

SPORTS SOUTH:

REALTREE:

BROWNING:

THE RETURN OF THE 917C

TOPNOTCH INDUSTRY SERVICE

GROUNDBREAKING APX CAMO

THE NEW X-BOLT 2 SPEED RIFLE

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ELIMINATOR 6 TRAIN FAR. HUNT RESPONSIBLY. DON’T MISS.

THE BURRIS ELIMINATOR 6 IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER SCOPE. COMBINING FOUR TOOLS INTO ONE ADVANCED OPTIC. ELIMINATING PROBLEMS, SO YOU CAN FOCUS ON THE SHOT.

DOWNLOAD BURRISCONNECT

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BURRISOPTICS.COM

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THE GA M E CHANGER NEW

K328i 3,5-28x50i

4 % <<

wider field of view

The groundbreaking new-generation optical design of the K328i sets new standards with a 40 % wider field of view *, an exceptionally comfortable eyebox and 8 x zoom with perfect optical performance over across the entire adjustment range. * Based on comparison with the K525i at 25 x magnification.

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Contents DAY 2

Day 2

CO LUMNS

EDITORIAL & CREATIVE EDITOR w SLATON L. WHITE GROUP MANAGING EDITOR w HILARY DYER ART DIRECTOR w TOD MOLINA

05 • DAILY UPDATE

ADVERTISING SALES TEAM w DON HARRIS w TOBY SHAW w BRAD BISNETTE

18 • FIVE MINUTES WITH

DAY 2, JANUARY 24, 2024

Trijicon

20 • FYI

THE ALL-NEW ELIMINATOR 6 RIFLESCOPE DELIVERS A CLEAR ADVANTAGE See page 4 for more info

AMMO 2024

THE INDUSTRY IS BACK ON TRACK WITH NEW PRODUCTS

COLE PUBLISHING ADMINISTRATION

Leupold

32 • SHOT DAILY NEWS FEED

PRESIDENT, COLE PUBLISHING w JEFF BRUSS PRESIDENT, GRAND VIEW OUTDOORS w DERRICK NAWROCKI

SAFARILAND

60 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

BURRIS TAKES A GREAT LEAP FORWARD WITH THE REDESIGNED ELIMINATOR 6 RIFLESCOPE

OPTICS 2024

LONG-RANGE GLASS STILL COMMANDS ATTENTION, BUT RED-DOT SIGHTS CONTINUE TO COME ON STRONG

See page 4 for more info

FIVE MINUTES WITH

NSSF ADMINISTRATION

DEPA RTMENTS

TAURUS:

SPORTS SOUTH:

REALTREE:

BROWNING:

THE RETURN OF THE 917C

TOPNOTCH INDUSTRY SERVICE

GROUNDBREAKING APX CAMO

THE NEW X-BOLT 2 SPEED RIFLE

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CCO w CHRIS DOLNACK VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING w BILL DUNN

22 • AMMO 2024

TRIJICON BELIEVES IN INNOVATION ABOVE ALL

PRESIDENT & CEO w JOSEPH H. BARTOZZI

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS, ASSISTANT SECRETARY & GENERAL COUNSEL w LAWRENCE G. KEANE

44 • OPTICS 2024 68 • NEW PRODUCTS

VICE PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES & ADMINISTRATION w DEB KENNEY VICE PRESIDENT & CFO w JOHN SMITH

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MANAGING DIRECTOR, MEMBER SERVICES w JOHN MCNAMARA

ON THE COVER

SHOT BUSINESS is published six times a year: January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, and November/December by COLE Publishing, Inc., 1720 Maple Lake Dam Road, Three Lakes, WI 54562 and is the official publication of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Flintlock Ridge Office Center, 11 Mile Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470-2359.

Cover image by Burris Burris Veracity PH 4-20X50mm Riflescope

F E A T U RES

54 • BORN BALLISTIC By Andrew McKean

COLE Publishing is not responsible for researching or investigating the accuracy of the contents of stories published in this magazine. Readers are advised that the use of the information contained within this magazine is with the understanding that it is at their own risk. COLE Publishing assumes no liability for this information or its use. COLE Publishing assumes no responsibility for unsolicited editorial, photography, and art submissions. In addition, no Terms and Conditions agreements are recognized by COLE Publishing unless signed and returned by the Editor.

62 • RICH HERITAGE By William Bell

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: SHOT BUSINESS P.O. BOX 220, THREE LAKES, WI 54562. ADVERTISING: Advertising inquiries should be emailed to shotbusiness@colepublishing.com. No responsibility will be assumed for unsolicited materials. SHOT BUSINESS is a registered trademark of NSSF. Contents copyright ©2024 by NSSF. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited unless expressly authorized by publisher. MEMBER/SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: membership@nssf.org

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COVER SPONSOR

THIS ISSUE’S COVER BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

BURRIS OPTICS ANNOUNCES

THE ALL-NEW ELIMINATOR 6 RIFLESCOPE

urris changed the rifle optics industry forever in 2006 when it introduced the company’s first laser rangefinding riflescope. Since then, the

company has worked to refine this all-in-one technology to give Western-minded hunters a clear advantage in obtaining fast and accurate aiming solutions. With five generations of the popular Eliminator rangefinding riflescope under its belt, Burris takes the biggest leap yet with the release of the all-new, completely redesigned Eliminator 6. The Eliminator 6 gives hunters the utmost confidence in their ability to make the right shot under the toughest conditions, and does so with an entirely fresh, more streamlined appearance. Using the Eliminator 6, simply range your target, hold the illuminated aiming point on your target, and hold wind if necessary. Pull the trigger, and the Eliminator 6 eliminates the guesswork, allowing the shooter to focus on proper technique, ensuring more precision and ethical hunting. Hunters who are familiar with the legacy Eliminator series will instantly recognize the Eliminator 6 as “something different,” and they would be correct. The foundation of the Eliminator 6 is a more contemporary riflescope chassis with a modern profile featuring objective and ocular bells aesthetically balanced around a robust 34mm tube. Function and form meld with an aggressively knurled cap and adjustment knob design that delivers no-slip operation even when wearing gloves. The parallax and illumination adjustments are now conveniently located on a conventional

turret-style knob that also contains the range activation and brightness button array. While the digital technology and capabilities of the Eliminator 6 sets the new standard in the hunting rifle scope segment, optical performance is equally impressive. To maximize optical clarity and minimize chromatic aberrations, Burris engineers selected extra-low dispersion (ED) glass for the Eliminator 6. The ED glass combined with fully multi-coated lenses deliver a remarkably crisp optical view with superb low-light transmission so you can easily see your target in early morning and late evening light and the foulest of weather conditions. Other optical features include a new 5X system with 4-20X magnification, a +2.0 to -3.0 diopter adjustment range, and side focus/parallax adjustment from 25 yards to infinity. The new Eliminator 6 from Burris Optics represents the next generation in hunting riflescopes. Built to the needs and demanding standards of the elite hunter and forward leaning in its design and technological integration, the sixth-generation Eliminator riflescope’s intent is to deliver all the performance and features modern hunters expect in a quality field optic…and more. Booth #13227 (burrisoptics.com)

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DAILY

UPDATE N E WS

❚

PR O MO T I O N S

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AWAR D S

❚

OU T R EA CH

TrueTimber Launches Tekari Apparel Line

rueTimber is a South Carolina based company that offers a wide array of clothing items and accessories featuring a variety of distinct camo patterns. It recently announced a partnership with Walmart to launch a new apparel line, Tekari, that features two new camo patterns. The new lineup offers base layers, shirts, pants, hoodies, and jackets. “This is such an exciting partnership and opportunity not only for our brand, but the entire hunting community,” said TrueTimber CEO Rusty Sellars.

 TrueTimber's new apparel line, Tekari, features two new camo patterns in base layers, shorts, pants, hoodies, and jackets.

“Walmart is the world’s largest retailer and this partnership will make our high-performance hunting apparel and camo patterns available to an entirely new set of hunters across the nation.” The Tekari line features two new TrueTimber camo patterns, Atera and XRC. The introduction of these versatile patterns ensures that hunters in every region can find the perfect pattern to help them blend seamlessly into whatever environment a hunt might take them. Two examples of the line are the Tekari BoldRun LS Performance Shirt and the BoldRun Performance Pant. The shirt is built from a lightweight four-way stretch anti-odor fabric that features a zippered sleeve pocket, shaped cuff and thumbhole pocket, Raglan sleeve, and elastic trim. The pant is constructed of water-resistant stretch fabric. Other features include an inside adjustable waistband, articulated knee, zippered back pockets, and button-closure expandable cargo pockets. Booth #VL110 (truetimber.com)

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DAILY UPDATE

NSSF MEMBERSHIP FUELS THE SUCCESS OF OUR INDUSTRY

By John McNamara, NSSF Managing Director, Member Services

s the firearm industry’s trade association, NSSF works tirelessly on behalf of the businesses it serves. We have seen membership grow steadily over the last year as FFLs nationwide are looking for critical resources to help them navigate what, at minimum, can be considered a “less than ideal business environment” under the Biden administration. NSSF’s membership is made up of a diverse group of businesses. Retailers, ranges, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and every other segment of the firearm industry make up our 10,000plus member roster. NSSF effectively advocates, educates, and communicates for the industry. We exist to support you and your business and encourage you to get involved. As you consider this invitation to join us, allow me to list just a few of the many ways NSSF can help you protect and grow your business.

ADVOCACY

NSSF was recently listed as the top-rated trade association for lobbying, member mobilization, and industry reputation steward by Capitol Hill policymakers in an APCO Worldwide survey that rated the most effective organizations in achieving their policy objectives. The survey’s participants worked in Congress, the Federal executive branch, and private sector. This recognition is a testament to the work the association is doing on behalf of every segment of our industry, not only on Capitol Hill, but in capital cities nation-

wide. With offices in Washington, D.C., and regional staff across the country, the association is the industry’s leading advocate.

EDUCATION

Offering a huge library of online offerings—and at live events like the Range-Retailer Business Expo, Import/Export Conference, and SHOT Show— NSSF provides unparalleled educational options for its members. From ATF inspection preparedness to improving store security to OSHA lead and noise compliance for ranges, courses are available for all segments of the industry. NSSF’s SHOT University Online now provides members access to a library of more than 50 classes and nearly 150 presentations while a regular schedule of live, online sessions covers the latest topics, issues, and trends.

EXPERT GUIDANCE

NSSF’s stable of industry experts—ranging from former ATF officials to shooting range developers— are standing ready to assist NSSF members. NSSF offers its members a 24-hour compliance hotline to get answers when they need it most. Members can also take advantage of in-person training and consultation sessions with former ATF officials and industry compliance experts, who understand what it takes to stay compliant with ATF rules and regulations. Similarly, range members can arrange for a site visit from a member of NSSF’s OSHA compliance consulting team.

RESEARCH

By utilizing the association’s detailed reports, NSSF members can make better management decisions, resulting in greater success for their businesses. NSSF research is geared toward all segments of the industry, so whether you operate a retail store, shooting range, or manufacturing business, in-depth reports and regular updates are available.

SAFETY AND SUICIDE PREVENTION EFFORTS

NSSF’s Project ChildSafe promotes secure firearm storage nationwide and aims to help prevent firearm accidents by providing free information and gun locks. To date, more than 40 million free gun locks have been distributed. NSSF also actively partners with local and national suicide prevention organizations to help communities engage in secure firearmstorage practices and understand risk factors and warning signs related to suicide. The Department of Veterans Affairs and NSSF are also working together to help prevent suicide among active servicemen and women and veterans. Your support as a member contributes to the success of these efforts that have made our industry a leader in firearm safety.

TIMELY UPDATES

NSSF provides its members with the latest news and updates related to the industry. Among NSSF’s digital offerings is the weekly e-newsletter “Bullet Points,” a

6 ❚ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ❚ DAY 2, JANUARY 24, 2024

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Innovation Taken to the Next Level

THE ZEPHYR MK2 SERIES

ZEPHYR MK2 GTX HI Ranger Green

ZEPHYR MK2 GTX MID Coyote OP

ZEPHYR MK2 GTX LO Black

Tested. Proven. Certified to the highest standards - the LOWA ZEPHYR MK2 SERIES is more technical, more durable and even higherperformance than the original best-selling Zephyrs. All ZEPHYR MK2 models are EU PPE certified*, and are available for men and women in mid, hi and low cuts, in Gore-Tex and non-Gore Tex options and in multiple colors. Select models are available in WIDE!

LOWA is a proud sponsor of the USMA (West Point) Sandhurst Black & Tan Team and the US Biathlon Team. Visit BOOTH #10162 to see the LOWA 2024 Task Force & Mountain Hunting Collections *Tested and certified according to European Union (EU) PPE Regulations (2020). PPE regulations cover the design, manufacture and marketing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). They define the legal obligations required to ensure that PPE on the EU internal market (the European Economic Area, known as the EEA) provide the highest level of protection against risks. GORE-TEX, GTX, GORE, GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY and design are registered trademarks of W.L. Gore & Associates Inc. Photo credit: © Rawfish Media. © 2024 LOWA Boots, LLC.

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DAILY UPDATE NSSF is working constantly to educate the public and the media on a variety of issues.

SHOT SHOW BENEFITS

As the owner of the industry’s largest trade show, NSSF rolls out the red carpet for its members at the SHOT Show. Members receive discounted pricing for registration, discounted access to SHOT University sessions, free access to members-only lounges at both Caesars Forum and The Venetian Expo, and other unique member opportunities during the show. Exhibiting members receive discounted booth space and five extra booth-priority points.

HUNTING AND THE SHOOTING SPORTS

roundup of industry issues, and the weekly “Government Relations Update,” which includes all the latest news from Washington, D.C., and state capitals around the country. NSSF also works to educate, inform, and persuade today’s key audiences on the industry’s behalf. As the voice of our industry,

NSSF also helps fuel the future of hunting and shooting sports participation in America. Through its +ONE® Movement campaign, existing hunters and shooters have pledged to introduce nearly 3 million new people to hunting and shooting. Through NSSF’s First Shots program, tens of thousands of newcomers from across the country have been introduced to firearm safety and shooting at their local ranges. And, through the annual celebration of National Shooting Sports Month in August, newcomers of all ages are being introduced to the fun and excitement of the shooting sports each year.

DID YOU KNOW? In addition to supporting NSSF through membership, your attendance and participation at the SHOT Show directly supports all that NSSF does as your industry's trade association. From advocating on behalf of the industry in Washington, D.C., and in state capitals nationwide to providing compliance education, industry research, firearm safety programs, and so much more, NSSF's efforts and successes are fueled by you—our members, exhibitors, and attendees.

DISCOUNTS AND BENEFITS

In addition to all the above, NSSF members receive a slew of discounts and benefits. Included are discounts on point-of-sale software, property and casualty insurance, research and literature, employee background checks, credit-card processing, and security and anti-theft systems, and more. If you aren’t yet a member of the NSSF, please join today. With a membership of thousands of businesses, our industry’s voice is strong. Help us make it that much stronger. Please visit us during the SHOT Show at our booths in The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum.

Universal Vent Rib Shotgun Bead Replacement Kit Permanent DIY shotgun front sight replacement — No magnets or special gunsmithing tools required for proper timing.

Kit includes: 3 posts (5-40, M2.5X.45, M3X.5) Green or Orange bead 1 tube red threadlocker

Booth 13624

xssights.com

Fits:

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DAILY UPDATE

Rimfire Defender

CCI’s latest new .22 LR rimfire product launch—Uppercut Defense .22 LR—is built for short-barreled, self-defense handguns.

he .22 LR remains the most popular cartridge in America, to the delight of target shooters, casual plinkers, and varmint dispatchers across the nation. The one task that this versatile century-old round was not designed for is for self-defense. But that’s all changed, thanks to CCI, the historic industry leader in rimfire ammunition. It’s no secret CCW permit applications and guns sales have soared over the last several years. As a result, there are many new shooters looking for new ammo choices, some of whom may not be comfortable with the muzzle rise and recoil of a large-caliber centerfire pistol. New CCI Uppercut, the company’s first product that falls in the personal protection ammo category, answers the call for more .22 LR self-defense ammo, delivering both power and performance.

PERSONAL CHOICE

“Protection of oneself should always be personal. The decision should depend on how you prefer to carry. Your choice should be sized to fit your needs and built to defend you adequately and dependably,” says Jason Slinkard, CCI’s rimfire product director. “There are a lot of people that can’t rack the slide on a centerfire pistol, and most of those people can’t manage the recoil, either. This product is for them—and for anyone else for that matter—who uses a .22 LR pocket pistol.” “At CCI we have talked about making a .22 LR defensive load for a long time. We finally decided that people are already carrying .22 LRs, so we might as well build a .22 bullet optimized for protection. And the robust design we finalized is certainly quite different than any traditional .22 Long Rifle ammunition designed for hunting and target shooting. For self-defense rimfire, it is quite impressive.”

A DEFENSIVE BULLET

Traditionally, .22 LR bullets have fallen into three primary categories: lead round nose, copper plated, and copper-plated hollow points. None of these consistently perform well in gel tests for self-defense ammo because they do not shed energy in a uniform and efficient manner. Over-penetration, underpenetration, bullet fragmentation, and other issues have prevented the .22 LR from being taken seriously as a self-defense cartridge. “When we set out to build a defensive rimfire bullet for CCI, we took what we already knew about our jacketed hollow point ( JHP) bullets, but we also worked with defensive ammunition engineers from our sister company, Speer, to achieve the best in terminal performance attributes,” says Slinkard. Most .22 LR projectiles weigh around 40 grains and travel from the muzzle at around 1,300 feet per second (fps) out of rifle-length barrels. But when shot at lower velocities, such as when fired from short-barreled pistols, .22 LR still produces approximately 150 foot-pounds of energy. That energy can do the job for terminal performance, but the primary reason the .22 LR has never been adopted as a self-defense round has less to do with terminal ballistics and more to do with a lack of suitable bullets. “From the start, we knew .22 LR was limited in performance, so we were not focused on barriers and the other technical elements that go into ammunition for duty guns,” says Slinkard. “By not being restricted by barrier-test results, our engineering team concentrated on a bullet that was ideally suited for common self-protection scenarios—one that would perform exceptionally well in bare gel or light clothing.” The result of CCI’s exhaustive research and development was the creation of an all-new projectile. Unlike the simple lead round nose or copper-plated hollow points typical of most rimfire ammunition, Uppercut’s exclusive jacketed hollow point bullet has the thickest jacket of any CCI .22 LR bullet. It initiates full and reliable expansion through short-barreled handguns—and it does that while also retaining the weight needed to hit the critical penetration depths so necessary for adequate for self-defense.

THE UPPERCUT CONCEPT

Other .22 LR ammunition designed for self-defense, such as Federal Premium .22 LR Punch, is designed specifically for deep penetration, not expansion. But the CCI Uppercut bullet is designed for expansion and weight retention. “CCI Uppercut achieves eight to ten inches of penetration in ballistics gel with controlled expansion out of short-barrel pistols,” says Slinkard. “Upsets result in a beautiful, deep, six-petal design.” Uppercut features a 32-grain jacketed hollow-point bullet. Nose skiving on the bullet ensures petals peel back for uniform and consistent expansion. The load’s velocity is optimized for performance through 2.5- to 4-inch handgun barrels yet penetrates to effective depths. The load clocks in at 950 fps out of a typical short-barreled handgun. “What makes this product stand out is its plating thickness. Typically, our .22 LR bullets, such as our popular Mini-Mag line, have a thin flash plate that requires wax to keep the barrel from leading,” says Slinkard. “The copperjacket plating on Uppercut measures six thousandths inch, which is similar to popular .22 Win. Mag. JHP bullets designed for self-defense from Speer. This design feature is a key to its overall effectiveness as a self-defense bullet.” The thick plating on CCI Uppercut bullets helps deliver the expansion without petal loss. The robust copper plating on these bullets replaces the

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wax traditionally applied to .22 LR ammunition. Because of this plating, Uppercut bullets don’t need to be waxed. That in turn reduces fouling and improves feeding at all temperatures. And, like with all CCI products, Uppercut features dependable priming and propellant. Packed in 50-count boxes. SRP: 12.99. Booth #11838 (cci-ammunition.com)

 CCI's Uppercut .22 LR ammo is a good choice for users who can't manage the recoil of a centerfire pistol.

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DAILY UPDATE

Real Avid Redefines Gun Cleaning

eal Avid, the leader in DIY for Guns, continues to roll out innovative DIY tools and gun-cleaning products that set new standards in efficiency and effectiveness. No other company, in fact, puts the power of DIY into the hands of dedicated firearms enthusiasts like Real Avid. This latest round of essential gun tools has been developed to take do-it-yourself prowess to the next level.

BORE-MAX SPEED JAGS & PATCHES MULTI-CAL PACK

The Speed Jags in the Bore-Max Speed Jags & Patches Multi-Cal Pack feature longer shanks than those found on standard jags to deliver up to four times more bore contact surface. Used exclusively with Real Avid’s no-bunching Speed Jag Patches, this system means the user needs fewer passes and patches to remove stubborn bore fouling. What’s more, the precision-sized Speed Jags are nickel plated to prevent chemical breakdown and to ensure longer life. The kit includes 10 jags: six rifle jags covering .22 caliber through 7.62mm and four handgun jags in .22, .380/9mm, .40, and .45 caliber. Also included are 500 Speed Jag Patches.

BORE-MAX SPEED BRUSHES MULTI-CAL PACK

Also new is the Bore-Max Speed Brushes Multi-Cal Pack. This kit includes 10 brushes (six rifle, four handgun) covering the same calibers as the Speed Jag kit. These brushes are nickel plated to last longer and to better resist chemicals. Boasting doubledensity bristles, the longer-than-standard Speed Brushes reduce cleaning time by delivering maximum scrubbing power with each pass down the bore. To keep the Bore-Max Speed Jags and Speed Brushes MultiCal Packs handy on the bench and portable for the range, each kit come in a durable container with a built-in tilt-up tray for convenient use and storage.

and-detent elevation adjustment design. The new Front Sight Adjuster Pro solves this problem with its ergonomic grip. The broad grip, similar to that of an automotive key, provides the maximum control and leverage needed to depress the front sight detent and easily rotate the sight to raise or lower bullet impact when zeroing. This tool features a new longer design for both four- and five-pin ends, making it compatible with A1 and A2 front sights as well as flip-up backup-style sights. Included with the sight adjuster is a compact, snap-in storage module with an integrated lanyard slot to prevent loss. This low-footprint tool takes negligible space in a range bag, so toss it in and you’ll never have to make sight adjustments with a bullet tip again.

AR-15 PIVOT PIN TOOL-PRO

Do-it-yourself AR-15 builders know that the most aggravating and often infuriating part of a lower receiver build is installing the pivot-pin assembly. Pressing the spring and detent into the receiver while simultaneously moving the pivot pin into place can be an exercise in frustration (not to mention the risk of small parts shooting across the shop). Fortunately, Real Avid has developed a pro-level solution to the long-standing battle between man and pivot-pin assembly. The new AR-15 Pivot Pin Tool-Pro is an all-metal, multicomponent tool that makes short work of any pivot-pin installation (or removal). Simply place the fixture onto the receiver, insert the PPT pin, load the spring and detent through the fixture and into the receiver, and depress the assembly with the detent plunger. The spring and detent are then safely captured by rotating the PPT pin 90 degrees. At this point, the pivot pin can be driven into the receiver and the PPT removed. Easy. Done. And no searching the floor for lost parts. Booth #70823 (realavid.COM)

 Real Avid's lineup of do-it-yourself guncleaning tools includes brushes, steel picks, a front-sight adjuster tool, and an AR-15 pivot pin tool.

ACCU-GRIP STEEL PICKS

Quality picks are among the most useful yet overlooked musthave tools for gun cleaning. The new Accu-Grip Steel Picks meet the standard of both professional gunsmiths and DIY aces with their stainless-steel construction and ergonomic, soft-touch textured handles. The kit includes five picks with two tip shapes per pick for a total of 10 pick options. Featuring several variations of pointed, flat, and angled picks, there is a pick for every cleaning application. Whether you are scraping tough carbon fouling in sharp corners, dabbing grease onto hard-to-reach trigger components, or prying out obstructions, the Accu-Grip Steel Picks get the job done. And for easy storage on the bench or in the range bag, the picks come in a handy snap-in-place tray.

FRONT SIGHT ADJUSTER PRO

Whether your customer is a practiced AR-15 marksman or someone who simply needs to establish zero on backup sights, they will inevitably wrestle with the front sight post. The new Front Sight Adjuster Pro is designed for AR fans who favor the simplicity and broad aiming solution of standard A1 and A2 open-sight systems, but struggle with the front sight’s spring-

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DAILY UPDATE

TAURUS USA REINTRODUCES THE 917C Taurus USA, a leading manufacturer of firearms for everything from personal protection to hunting recently promoted Caleb Giddings to general manager of marketing. Giddings originally joined Taurus as marketing manager, after consulting on the project that would result in the award-winning Taurus 856 Executive Grade. He steps into his new role leading the marketing department after playing a crucial role in the successful launches of many new products, including the first-ever optics-ready defensive revolver, the Taurus 856 T.O.R.O (Taurus Optics Ready Option). “I am tremendously excited for my expanded role here,” Giddings says. “I can’t wait to keep working with the team in marketing to continue to promote not just the Taurus brand, but also Rossi and Heritage.” In his new role, Giddings will oversee marketing efforts for Taurus USA and its family of brands, including Rossi USA and Heritage Manufacturing. “I’m looking forward to SHOT Show 2024. Between the new products we’re launching and the upgrades to our display, I’m excited to showcase what our brands are doing.” One of Giddings’ first accomplishments is the reintroduction of the 917C, a compact version of the company’s legendary Taurus 92. The Taurus 917C was extremely popular with customers thanks to its compact size, easy shooting characteristics, and full-length accessory rail. Unlike other compact double-action/single-action semi-automatic pistols, the new Taurus 917C is capable of mounting full-size weapon-mounted lights and other accessories. In addition, the 917C is compatible with all Taurus 92-style magazines.

“I actually had one of the original 917C pistols all those years ago, and I regret selling it,” says Giddings. “I’m a huge fan of traditional double-action semi-autos like the Taurus 92, so bringing back the 917C makes a ton of sense to me. I can’t wait to put some serious rounds downrange out of this.” SRP: $599.99. Booth #13038 (taurususa.COM)

NEW FOR 2024

TactLite TactLi T actLite Gen2 STOCK

KEY FEATURES Gen2 TracLOCK System -Provides Smooth & Secure Adjustments -Eliminates Horizontal & Vertical Movment -Eliminates the Need for Secondary Lock -Dual-Sided QD Attachment Point -No Snag Points

Stock Weighs Only 6.2 Oz

Booth 14522

NEVER COMPROMISE

MADE IN THE USA

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DAILY UPDATE

EMI Relaunches Tetra Gun Care Under New Ownership By Slaton L. White

ast year the Tetra Gun care business was sold to Engineered Materials Inc. (EMI). Now based in Statesville, North Carolina, the company is run by Greg Cohen, who was the general manager of Tetra’s former company, FTI, Inc., for nearly a decade. Tetra Gun offers a full line of lubricant and cleaner formulas under such names as Action Blaster and Triple Action. ValuPro III cleaning kits and related accessories, Prosmith cleaning rods, and Bore Boa cleaning rope are also part of the company’s lineup. “After three decades in the firearms industry, with most of this time specifically relating to firearmmaintenance products, I am excited to drive the Tetra Gun brand forward,” says Cohen, president of Engineered Materials, Inc. “The legacy of this brand is respected globally, and we will continue to proudly serve this 2A-inspired community with Americanmade performance lubricant and cleaner formulas at a fair price.” The Tetra Gun care brand was founded in 1985 with the introduction of its patented fluoropolymer lubricant protectant technology for firearms and other sporting goods applications. Today, EMI offers over 200 SKUs under the Tetra Gun label and privatelabel customers worldwide, with distribution in more than 40 countries worldwide. Tetra has also updated its product line over the years. “Action Blaster is a cleaner-degreaser aerosol formula that provides the cleaning ability to remove fouling from gunmetal,” Cohen says. “The original, stronger formula has been replaced with the synthetic and safe Action Blaster II product. There is no

lubricant in this mix. It is pure cleaner.” Tetra Gun’s original Tetra Gun Spray has been replaced with the Tetra Gun Spray II or Triple Action products, which are essentially the same. This product is basically a CLP (cleaner, lubricant, protectant), combining cleaning performance, followed by surface lubrication and protection. A unique aspect of this lube spray is that it doesn’t have an oily finish, something Cohen says many people prefer. “All of the Tetra Gun care lubricant options deliver the performance the gun user community needs,” he says. “You can either go with the CLP, or the C+LP route in maintaining your guns. In other words, you use the all-in-one product, or you take the time to clean and then lubricate and protect. You get the CLP effect with the Triple Action aerosol, as well as with the Triple Action liquid and the lubricating wipes products, all of which are based on the original Mil-Spec-inspired CLP formulation.”

“Given all the products out here, I know that consumers can be easily confused. In retail, it is important for counter staff to understand the general concepts of our products and how to differentiate between choices on the shelf. So, know what you are talking about, diagnose the customers’ needs, and educate them to help them to make the right choices.” Clearly, Tetra has an extensive product line, ranging from lubricants and solvents to cleaning rods and other accessories. One way for dealers to let customers know of these products is through point of purchase merchandising displays available through Tetra’s Premier Dealer Direct Program. So, just how does the program work? “Tetra Gun has always believed in POP investment for its customers, and we make it so simple for stores that they get a little suspicious,” Cohen says. “Buy the display loaded with product, and we will ship it to you. No tricks. No excessive buy-ins. To answer you more directly, we have many smaller dealers, but they are less likely to make purchases on the display furniture scale, though any store will thrive with better merchandising, every time.” Booth #14852 (tetraguncare.com)

Cohen notes that the best results are obtained from a product that provides a barrier between two surfaces of gunmetal to minimize friction and prevent wear and operational failure so that the firearm can be maintained in fire-ready condition. “The alternative is a bunch of mostly solvent-based petroleumoil products that, in my opinion, simply don’t hold up,” he says. “There is thought, testing, and proof behind our technology. And, considering the performance of Tetra products, they are very reasonably priced. As long as the user follows the directions, they will be pleased with the results.” Some companies like to proclaim that their products sell themselves. Cohen obviously believes his products deliver superior performance, but he notes that retailers just can’t stand by and expect the customer to buy in on his own. 14 ❚ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ❚ DAY 2, JANUARY 24, 2024

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DAILY UPDATE

Hatsan’s Factor RC is Competition Ready

he Factor RC, manufactured by HatsanUSA, is a versatile PCP air rifle designed for competitive shooting. It comes in three different calibers (.177, .22, and .25) and offers extensive customization options, allowing shooters to precisely adjust and personalize it to suit their specific competition requirements and shooting preferences. Although the Factor RC boasts an ergonomic pistol grip covered in soft, durable rubber and textured to provide maximum grip and control, it has been designed to accept commercially available pistol grips and buttstocks made for modern sporting rifles. The five-position telescoping buttstock also features an elevation-adjustable cheek rest that can be moved in 5mm increments up to 40mm tall or removed for low-profile optics. Hatsan’s fully adjustable Quattro Trigger includes a trigger pad that can be moved vertically and rotated left or right for maximum precision and comfort. The Factor RC’s power output is also adjustable, featuring an externally adjustable pressure regulator with an output pressure gauge. A power-level knob on one side of the receiver controls the amount of air transferred into the barrel while a hammer preload adjuster on the other side helps fine-tune the power output and cocking effort. The Factor RC comes with a removable 580cc carbon-fiber air tank and is equipped with a Foster-style quick-disconnect fill inlet. An integrated color-coded manometer allows the system pressure to be easily monitored at a glance.

The 23-inch-long rifled barrel ensures accuracy, while Hatsan’s QuietEnergy technology and full-length barrel shroud reduce noise output. A standard ½-inch UNF threaded muzzle piece is included to allow a larger sound moderator or air stripper to be added without modifications. The Factor RC also comes with two high-capacity SwingLoad magazines that can be linked together to facilitate faster mag changes, and a single-shot tray is also included for precision loading. A Picatinny rail is installed beneath the forearm, along with a combination optic system that will accept Picatinny rails and Weaver 11mm dovetail mounts. These features add a greater level of precision and consistency that can place over 100 shots on target from a single fill and come in a package that weighs less than 8 pounds. SRP: $1,049. Booth #72449 (hatsanairgunsusa.COM)

MISSION FIRST TACTICAL LAUNCHES BELLY BAND ULTRALITE Mission First Tactical (MFT), manufacturers of state-of-the-art USAmade rifle/carbine accessories and holsters, recently announced the newest edition to the Belly Band holster family: the new Belly Band Ultralite. This new belly band holster was specifically designed without additional storage and engineered for smaller carry firearms. “We listened to the market and the end user when they asked for a smaller footprint for smaller-framed people or those who prefer a minimal footprint and don’t require additional storage,” said David Edelman, vice president of Mission First Tactical. “The Belly Band Ultralite provides increased comfort and discreet concealability for those who choose to carry compact handguns.” The new MFT Belly Band Ultralite holster’s comfortable, all-day carry is achieved with 3D Spacer Mesh Fabric. Special channels allow for more efficient airflow, increasing comfort in comparison with other elastic-type holsters. An open-air weave construction design provides for air/moisture to pass through, naturally hindering bacterial growth. Maximum breathability keeps you cool and dry all day long, and a soft, medical-grade hook-and-loop construction ensures no chaffing. “The Belly Band Ultralite holster has a self-laminated fastening end that can be cut and trimmed with scissors for a custom fit,” says Edelman. “The hard laminate trigger shield protects the firearm’s trigger from unwanted intrusion. It’s ambidextrous and compatible with a wide variety of firearms. The best thing about this holster—the user needs no belt. That makes it a great device for users who enjoy active lifestyles such as walking, jogging, hiking, biking, and other activities. Designed to go wherever you go, this belly band is a great solution if you’re wearing activewear such as shorts, sweats, or leggings.” The MFT Belly Band Ultralite holster is designed to accommodate waist sizes from 26 to 52 inches. SRP: $39.99. Booth #15042 (missionfirsttactical.COM)

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FD 1 FRON T CL IP-ON DIGI TA L NIGH T VISION

C O M E C H E C K U S O U T AT

SHOT SHOW 2024 BOOTH # 40756

* O N S E L E C T I N V E N T O R Y W H I L E S U P P L I E S L A S T*

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by robert FIVEa sadowski MINUTES

WITH ... SD: What opportunities do you see? SB: Firearm manufacturing processes have improved in the last decade to a point where even entry-level price-point firearms are capable of shooting incredibly accurately. This presents an opportunity for high-quality optics manufacturers to enable users to extract all of the potential accuracy out of their firearm that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to with a lesser grade of optic. We sometimes liken it to buying a highly capable sports car, but putting the cheapest available import tires on it—you’re not going to get the performance out of the car that you could with quality tires. SD: When you get up in the morning, what gets you excited about working in the industry? SB: It is exciting to see how much the optics industry has evolved over the last 40 years. Just looking at the technology and manufacturing expertise that goes into a product like a miniature red-dot sight, you see how far capabilities have come. SD: In a very competitive world, how does Trijicon stay ahead of the pack?

The RCR is essentially a sealed-emitter version of the RMR.

Innovation Above All Trijicon constantly pushes forward with ground-breaking product.

tephen Bindon has been with Trijicon since the beginning, helping his father, Glyn Bindon, build some of the earliest products the company brought to market. An engineer by trade, he has held the role of President and CEO of Trijicon since 2003 and continues to prioritize the pursuit of innovation that has defined the 40-year history of the company.

SHOT Daily: What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the industry in the next five years? Stephen Bindon: A key component of our business is producing high-quality scopes for hunting rifles. However, the hunting participation rates in the U.S. have been in decline as the younger generations are not taking up hunting at the pace their parents did. As an industry, we need to find ways to encourage outreach to young people with an interest in hunting to make sure they can find a mentor to help them get started. The NSSF is doing good work in this area with their +ONE program, but there is always more we can do. We have a lot of passionate hunters at Trijicon, and we want to see this country’s strong heritage of hunting passed on to the next generation.

SB: Since day one, Trijicon has been committed to innovation in the aiming solutions market. Tritium-powered night sights; tritium and fiber illumination in the ACOG and AccuPoint; the first miniature red dot small enough and tough enough to survive riding on a pistol slide. The list goes on and on. Trijicon maintains our leadership position in the industry by committing the resources needed to constantly push toward what’s next. SD: How will you meet the expectations of your customers?

SB: We design all our products for use in the harsh-

est environments in the world. This commitment comes from our decades of military contracts across a range of our products, but it extends to everything we make. Whether our customer is going on the hunt of a lifetime or defending their life in a personal defense situation, we want them to know they can count on their Trijicon optic to perform regardless of the conditions.

SD: The ACOG made the company’s reputation. What qualities allowed it to do this?

SB: From the beginning, the ACOG went

against what optical experts said was possible,

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and why would someone pick one over the other?

SB: The RMR HD is the next generation of the

 The ACOG has been deployed in more battlefields than any other optic in the world. but my father had an idea and he worked on it until he perfected it. The prism-based design built within a forged aluminum housing proved to be incredibly durable while providing a level of magnification well suited to the M16 with which it was initially paired. The addition of fiber and tritium illumination enabled the sight to offer battery-free any-light aiming, which is a significant advantage for a battle optic. That illumination also enabled what has come to be known as the Bindon Aiming Concept, which involves shooting a magnified optic with both eyes open to increase accuracy and situational awareness. These features have resulted in the ACOG being deployed in more battlefields than any other optic in the world.

warranty claim. Having a high-resolution thermal scope doesn’t do you any good if it can’t survive the recoil and hard use of a season of hunting.

SD: You recently launched two new red dot sights, the RMR HD and the RCR. What’s the difference

RMR. We took all the feedback we’ve gotten from users in the five years since the current generation RMR launched and put that into the RMR HD. It has a top-loading battery, larger visible window, and a segmented circle reticle as well as a simple dot. It also offers a forward-facing light sensor that detects the light level at the target and adjusts the reticle to the appropriate brightness when in auto mode; this is particularly helpful when using a pistol-mounted weapon light. The goal was to continue to evolve the RMR and maintain its position as the standard for duty use. The RCR is essentially a sealed-emitter version of the RMR. It maintains the patented RMR shape for durability while enclosing the emitter window for use in particularly harsh conditions where there is concern that the emitter window could become obscured. The most interesting thing our engineers were able to do with the RCR is develop a method for the optic to mount with a standard RMR footprint. They utilized a capstan screw system that tightens from the side to avoid having the type of additional plate used in other sealed emitters that require the sight to sit higher on the firearm. This means that not only can the RCR fit on any slide or plate set up for the RMR, but it can also use the same height co-witness iron sights as the RMR. Both optics offer an incredibly durable aiming solution; which one is right for a particular user really depends on what features are most important for their application. Booth #10735

(trijicon.com)

SD: Thermal imaging is a hot product area. You

have a pair of recently updated riflescopes here— the REAP-IR and the IR-HUNTER. What makes them special?

SB: Our REAP and HUNTER lines of thermal

scopes offer hunters the highest resolution thermal night vision in a housing that’s built to handle the rough conditions of night hunting. We make our thermal scope housings from the same forged aluminum as our ACOGs so that every inadvertent drop or stray rain shower isn’t followed by a

 The RMR HD has a top-loading battery and a larger visible window.

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amazed at how accurate it will make you. It’s going to really change what people think about having optics on concealed-carry guns.”

Quality and Durability

Leupold’s ultimate goal is to design high-quality optics that shooters and hunters can count on in any situation.

Big Advantage

Leupold believes continuing to design and build its products in America gives it a big leg up on the competition.

he latest generation of riflescopes and red-dot sights provides a strong testament to the ongoing innovation seen in the shooting optics.

Industry legend Leupold & Stevens is at the forefront of much of that development, and for more than 75 years it has designed some of the most renowned riflescopes in the industry. The Oregonbased manufacturer continues to lead the way with a variety of award-winning optics, including the DeltaPoint Micro, a low-profile red dot designed for concealed carry.

Behind the DeltaPoint Micro Leupold introduced the DeltaPoint Pro to the shooting world in 2016. Since that time, the reddot optic has become a best-seller. Elite military

teams around the world use it. The recently introduced DeltaPoint Micro is Leupold’s first red dot designed specifically for concealed carry. Measuring a compact 1.25 inches tall, the low-profile optic mounts on a handgun’s rear-sight dovetail at the same height as factory irons. It conceals easily and provides lightning-fast target acquisition. According to president and CEO Bruce Pettet, Leupold entered the concealed-carry reddot market because they recognized an opportunity to lead that category. “We have a lot of experience making performance red-dot optics. We wanted to take that experience and drive it into something that we felt would be really strong around concealed carry,” he says. “If you get behind the DeltaPoint Micro and actually spend some time with the optic, you’ll be

Leupold isn’t focused on being the largest optics maker in the world, says Pettet. Instead, they’re concentrated on being the best. Their goal is to deliver the highest-quality optics that shooters can count on in any situation. Pettet cites the Leupold Mark 5HD as a prime example. Development of the award-winning riflescope took three and a half years of non-stop iterating, testing, and tweaking using in-house systems and processes that the company developed over decades. “When you’re on the top of the mountain and you’ve finally drawn a sheep tag after waiting 25 years, there’s no FedEx that shows up to replace your riflescope. It has to work—so we have to guarantee performance. To do that, you must have great quality systems like we have,” Pettet says. “More importantly, we outfit a lot of our warfighters and a lot of our law-enforcement professionals with our optics. Same thing there—it has to work. They’re in life-and-death situations. There’s a moment of truth when that optic absolutely has to perform. It gives me chills talking about it, but I love the fact that our optics come through when they have to.”

American-Made Advantage Leupold has been making optics in the U.S. since Fred Leupold and Adam Volpel founded the company in 1907. Today, Leupold & Stevens, Inc. employs approximately 750 team members—including nearly 85 highly skilled engineers—at their facility in Beaverton, Oregon.

The DeltaPoint Micro red-dot sight was designed specifically for concealed carry.

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The Mark 5HD was in development for nearly four years.

Continuing to Innovate Leupold has several new products currently in the works. That includes further models of the DeltaPoint Micro, ensuring it will be compatible with an even more diverse array of popular handguns. Leupold is also planning to expand their VX-family of riflescopes. However, Pettet is careful not to reveal too many details before they’re ready to go to market.

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“We have great stuff coming. My engineering team will lose their minds if I actually leak it, but I’m telling you there are some great, great VX products coming down the line,” he says. “We’ve got an incredible five-year product roadmap. The next level of product we are developing is going to beat the best—which is actually what we have now.” Booth #12421 (LEUPOLD.COM)

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“We have a great team. We have a team that knows how to win. Right now, we are at an all-time level of performance on every metric of the business,” Pettet says. “It’s because we have a team that is very focused on making a great product, on building a great brand, and a culture that supports that.” Remaining a successful family-owned business for more than 100 years is a remarkable feat for any company. The fact that Leupold continues to manufacture all their riflescopes in the United States makes the achievement that much more impressive. Pettet believes that much of their success can be credited to keeping their operations in Oregon. “I understand why other people don’t do it. It’s really hard. It’s a lot easier to go over to a factory in Asia where there are three or four brands coming down the line and you stick your logo on there. We could do that and probably sell some for a short period of time at lower price points. But at the end of the day, the expectation of our consumer is that when they get a Leupold, they’re going to get an American-made quality riflescope that’s going to deliver. We think it’s an advantage, and we have a great team here that proves that every day.”

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AMMO by Brad Fitzpatrick

2024

Whether you’re looking for upland or waterfowl loads, ammunition for your concealed-carry gun, or specialized rifle rounds for making long-range shots, you’ll find a host of new ammo products on display at this year’s SHOT Show.

he last three-and-a-half years have been a rollercoaster for the ammunition industry. When the pandemic struck and ammo

supplies dwindled, manufacturers were faced with backlogged orders of existing products; as a result, many companies began turning out ammunition around the clock. This sudden spike in demand caused many brands to pause development for new products, but now that the market has corrected itself manufacturers are once again rolling out new products. There are a couple of new rifle loads headlining this year’s show, including Hornady’s outstanding 22 ARC ammunition, the offspring of the company’s successful 6mm ARC cartridge. Winchester’s 400 Legend is not “new” (it was introduced last year), but we’re seeing more loads available and many rifles chambered in this versatile straight-wall cartridge. The 7mm PRC is also making a major splash, and many manufacturers are now offering at least one new PRC load. There are a variety of new shotshell loads on display in Vegas this year, everything from high-speed steel shot to blended tungsten loads. There’s certainly a growing market for non-toxic shells with biodegradable wads, but perhaps the most pronounced trend you’ll see in shotgun ammunition this year is the development of three-inch 28-gauge loads for hunting upland game, waterfowl, and turkeys. There are, of course, lots of new long-range and concealed-carry loads, and it’s clear that demand for these items hasn’t slackened. It’s good to see something of a return to normalcy after a rough three years, and it’s exciting to see new products pumped out by R&D teams that are itching to see their innovative products arrive on the market. Of course, the best place to see those new items is the annual NSSF SHOT Show, so here’s a preview of what’s new for ammo in 2024.

APEX AMMUNITION

Apex is launching a new Mossy Oak Greenleaf 28-gauge blended TSS load designed with turkey hunters in mind. But unlike most other new 28-gauge turkey loads this year, this one measures 2¾ inches and will work in most all 28-gauge guns, even those without 3-inch chambers. The Apex load, however, is no slouch; it delivers an unbelievable 1½ ounces of blended No. 9 and No. 10 TSS shot, which translates to 665 ultra-dense pellets heading toward the target. Patterns are very tight thanks to Apex’s Tungsten Propulsion Wad, which also protects the barrel. Booth #71104 (apexmunition.com)

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BROWNING

Browning is adding two new 28 Nosler loads this year in their popular big-game hunting lines of ammunition. MaxPoint 28 Nosler ammunition fires a 140-grain bullet with a large polymer nose that improves ballistic coefficients while initiating expansion, making it a great choice for a wide variety of game. There’s also a new 28 Nosler Browning Silver Series load with a 175-grain lead soft-point bullet that will be a versatile and affordable offering for anyone who shoots the popular 28 Nosler. Booth #12234 (browning.com)

CCI

Perhaps the biggest launch from CCI this year is their new Uppercut selfdefense .22 LR ammunition. Although people may debate the merits of the .22 LR as a self-defense cartridge, there are still many who carry rimfires, and CCI has set out to offer them the best possible personal protection option with this load. The 32-grain hollow point bullet features skiving to initiate expansion. CCI claims that this bullet expands reliably down to 900 feet per second, and it achieves a muzzle velocity of 950 feet per second (fps) from a 2-inch barrel. Uppercut ammunition features unwaxed bullets and reliable CCI priming and powder for consistent, reliable performance. CCI has also released new shotshell pest-control loads for centerfire handguns, including their first-ever 10mm Auto shotshell that fires No. 9 shot and is sold in 10-round trays. Also new to the lineup is CCI HEVIBismuth pest-control shotshell ammunition for 9mm pistols, which fires a payload of either No. 8 or No. 11 bismuth non-toxic shot and is legal in areas where lead is banned. Lastly, CCI Blazer is introducing a new 100grain low-recoil 9mm Luger load that’s perfect for new or recoil-sensitive shooters. These FMJ practice loads will be sold in 100-round trays for convenient transport to the range. Booth #11838 (cci-ammunition.com)

FEDERAL PREMIUM

This year Federal Premium is releasing over a dozen new products, including their Fusion Tipped hunting ammunition. For years customers have been asking Federal to offer a tipped version of the molecularly bonded Fusion bullet to improve ballistic performance; the company listened and is now launching eight new Fusion Tipped ammo offerings in popular calibers ranging from 6.5 Creedmoor to .300 Winchester Magnum, including a new 7mm PRC 175-grain load. The fused jacket and core allow these bullets to retain an average of 94 percent of their original weight, and the new streamlined profile increases ballistic coefficients and improves energy retention and ballistic performance. Fusion Tipped ammunition can be easily identified by its signature orange polymer tip. Also new is Federal’s Hammer Down 360 Buckhammer load. The 360 Buckhammer is a rimmed cartridge designed for use in lever-action rifles in states that require straight-wall cartridges for big-game hunting. The new Hammer Down 360 Buckhammer load pushes a 220-grain .358-inch Fusion bullet at an initial velocity of 2,400 fps, making it a suitable 200-yard deer hunting load with moderate recoil and ballistics that mimic those of the .30-30 Winchester.

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PRODUCT FEATURE

AMMO

Federal is expanding the Terminal Ascent line of hunting ammunition this year by adding new 6.5 PRC (140-grain), 7mm PRC (155- and 170-grain) and .300 PRC (210-grain) offerings, all of which will make excellent hunting loads for a variety of game thanks to the bullet’s durable bonded design (it is a modern take on Jack Carter’s Original Trophy Bonded Bear Claw bullet) and streamlined high BC profile with Slipstream polymer tip. Also new this year is a 175-grain 7mm PRC option in Federal’s ELD-X line of ammunition. On the shotshell side of the market Federal has announced the release of the Freight Train Copper Tipped family of sabot slugs. The tipped slug is designed to be extremely accurate for big-game hunters. Skiving in the nose ensures reliable expansion for maximum energy transfer; 2¾- and 3-inch versions are available in both 12 and 20 gauge, and velocities range from 1,700 to 1,900 fps. Federal is also offering a 20-gauge personal defense 2¾-inch copper-plated buckshot load that fires 10 No. 2 plated, buffered buckshot pellets at a velocity of 1,325 fps for ample threat-stopping power. Competitive shooters will also have a new shotshell option with the release of Federal’s new Action Shotshell 2¾-inch 12-gauge load. The leading edge of this roll-crimped shotshell’s hull has been tapered so it feeds smoothly, and the plated steel shell head will reliably cycle every time. New this year for upland hunters is Federal Premium Prairie Storm Bismuth Blend, a combination of 30 percent 9.6g/cc HEVI-Bismuth shot and 70 percent premium steel. The resulting non-toxic load is safe in classic and modern shotguns and produces excellent patterns and improved terminal performance over all steel non-toxic loads. Federal’s existing Prairie Storm family of shotshell ammunition is growing with the addition of a new 3-inch 28-gauge one-ounce load with No. 6 shot and three new 12-gauge 2¾-inch loads with 1¼-ounces of Nos. 4, 5, or 6 lead shot. Prairie Storm ammunition blends 70 percent copper-plated lead and 30 percent FLITESTOPPER lead pellets for outstanding terminal performance, and all feature FLITECONTROL FLEX wads. Muzzle velocities for these three new loads are 1,330 fps, slightly lower than the standard 1,500 fps for Prairie Storm loads, and that means less perceived recoil. Also new is a 12-gauge 2¾-inch Hi-Bird fiber wad load that combines a payload of 9.64 g/cc non-toxic bismuth shot with a biodegradable wad. Also new from Federal Premium is a HEAVYWEIGHT TSS .410 3-inch turkey load that drives 13⁄16 ounce of high-density No. 7 TSS from the muzzle at 1,100 fps, turning the .410 into an efficient gobbler gun. Competitive clay target shooters will have the option to purchase Federal’s new Gold Medal FITASC 12-gauge shotshells with either No. 7.5 or No. 8 shot. These shotshells are designed to be effective at ranges of 40 to 70 yards, and the two-piece SoftCell wad helps reduce felt recoil. Federal is offering a number of new handgun loads this year, including Punch .25 Auto. Designed to allow for sufficient penetration from the mild .25 Auto cartridge, Punch ammo utilizes a nickel-plated TMJ non-expanding projectile that ensures sufficient threat-stopping penetration. Fans of the .32 Auto will be thrilled to hear that there is a new 68-grain Hydra-Shok Deep load for that round that improves the performance of the .32 and makes it a more effective self-defense cartridge. There are new line extensions to the Federal Champion line of full metal jacket target ammunition this year, including 90-grain 30 Super Carry, 130-grain .38 Special, and 95-grain .380 Auto, all of which will make excellent target and practice loads. Also new from Federal this year are Value Packs of 36-grain lead hollow point .22 Long Rifle ammunition in either 325- or 525-count boxes. Booth #11838 (federalpremium.com)

HEVI-SHOT

HEVI-Shot launched new .410 HEVI-XII loads this year with a choice of either No. 5 or No. 7 HEVI-Shot at a muzzle velocity of 1,450 fps. Both new 3-inch .410 loads hold ½ ounce of HEVI-XII, which is 53.8 percent denser than steel, allowing hunters to drop down three pellet sizes while retaining the same per-pellet energy. Dropping pellet sizes also increases pellet count by 28 percent, making this one of the most potent non-toxic .410 loads ever developed. Also new from HEVI-Shot is a 12-gauge, 3-inch version of the HEVI-Xtreme non-toxic shotshell with a blend of 30 percent No. 2 tungsten and 70 percent BB steel. This stacked load offers the best combination of lethality and value, and it utilizes the revolutionary FLITECONTROL FLEX wad developed by Federal for consistent performance and even patterns at various ranges. Also new is HEVI-Steel Upland, an ideal load for clay target shooting and dove hunting in areas where non-toxic shot is mandatory. With HEVI-Shot’s consistent propellants and quality components, this is an excellent option for hunters and shooters who are seeking a non-toxic load that is reasonably priced. Booth #11838 (hevishot.com)

24 ❚ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ❚ DAY 2, JANUARY 24, 2024

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FULL AUTO COME ON, GET HAPPY AER16 ELECTRIC-PO W

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BOOTH #12472

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PRODUCT FEATURE

AMMO

HORNADY

2024 marks Hornady’s 75th year in business, and as part of that celebration the company is rolling out several new products at SHOT Show. The company’s headline product is the new 22 ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge), a .22-caliber centerfire load that offers .22-250-level performance in a rifle cartridge that performs flawlessly in AR-15 rifles. With an overall length of 2.260 inches, the 22 ARC is designed for heavy-for-caliber high-BC bullets and fast 1:7 twist barrels. It also makes an exceptional small-game, varmint, and predator round and works well in precision bolt-action rifles. Three new load offerings are available: a 62-grain ELD-VT V-Match, 80-grain ELD Match, and 75-grain ELD Match Black. This cartridge will certainly draw the attention of hunters, but it will also attract long-range shooters who want the 22 ARC’s combination of superb ballistic performance and low recoil. Also new this year from Hornady is the new Extremely Low DragVarmint/Target (ELD-VT) bullet, which will be an option for the 22 ARC. ELD-VT bullets feature streamlined profiles and Hornady Heat Shield tips that ride over top a hollow nose cavity in the bullet. Upon impact, the AMP jacket expands rapidly and sheds energy effectively. ELD-VT bullets are available in .224 (62 grains), .243 (80 grains), .264 (100 grains), and .308 (174 grains). ELD-VT bullets will also be available in Hornady’s new V-match ammunition line that includes a 62-grain 22 ARC load, 6mm ARC and 6mm Creedmoor 80-grain loads, and 6.5 Grendel and 6.5 Creedmoor 100-grain loads. All of these will make excellent long-range target loads as well as varmint and predator hunting rounds. Lastly, Hornady is now offering 5.7x28 ammunition in the Critical Defense and Black lines. The Critical Defense load will use 40-grain FTX bullets while the Black load will come with 40-grain V-Max bullets. Booth #12446 (Hornady.com)

NOSLER

This year Nosler isn’t offering any brand-new bullets, but at the request of customers they are adding some line extensions to their rifle ammunition lines. There are a few new Ballistic Tip offerings including a 140-grain 6.5x55 Swedish and a 165-grain .300 Winchester Short Magnum. There’s also a new 70-grain .243 Winchester Ballistic Tip Varmint load. Ballistic Tip bullets are designed to be aerodynamic and offer high ballistic coefficients that translate to excellent accuracy. A polymer tip enhances the bullet’s streamlined profile and initiates expansion even at relatively low velocities, which is excellent for long-range hunting. Upon impact the Ballistic Tip bullet sheds energy effectively, resulting in superb terminal performance. Booth #13070 (nolser.com)

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Come see us at Booth #

800 -338 -3220 |

HORNADY.COM

12438

C E L E B R AT I N G 7 5 Y E A R S

New A D V A N C E D

R I F L E

C A R T R I D G E

VARM IN T | TA R G ET P R E C I SI O N • Outperforms all 22 caliber cartridges in its class • Rivals 22-250 performance from an AR-15 • Dual-purpose match and varmint application • Designed to take advantage of today’s long ogive, high-BC bullets

Hornady BLACK® 75 GR. ELD MATCH

V-Match™

62 GR. ELD-VT™

Match™ 88 GR. ELD® MATCH

A P P L I C AT I O N S Varmint Hunting

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Match Shooting

Night Hunting

LEARN MORE AT

hornady.com/22arc

12/29/23 8:53 AM

PRODUCT FEATURE

AMMO

REMINGTON

Perhaps the biggest news from Remington this year is the release of their new CuT coppertipped bullet. Because it’s lead-free, this monolithic bullet is legal for hunting in areas that require non-toxic ammunition, and the streamlined profile and signature green polymer tip give CuT a streamlined profile and make it suitable for long-range hunting. The monometal design ensures high weight retention (around 95 percent) and deep penetration. Nine popular calibers are being offered initially, including 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm Remington Magnum, .3006, .308 Winchester, and both the 6.5mm and 7mm PRCs. Remington is also expanding their Core-Lokt Copper family of lead-free hunting bullets with the addition of a 360 Buckhammer offering. This 160-grain copper bullet has a muzzle velocity of 2,400 fps, and retained weight should be excellent thanks to the monometal design. The Core-Lokt Tipped family is also growing and now includes 140-grain 7mm-08 and 6.5 PRC offerings, a 180-grain Buckhammer load, a 175-grain 7mm PRC offering, and a powerhouse 210-grain .300 PRC option. Remington also is offering a new leadless UMC 55-grain .223 Remington load. This round features a jacketed powder-metal core bullet and a lead-free primer. Muzzleloader hunters will be happy to hear that Remington is adding a new 260-grain .50-caliber Premier AccuTip MZ muzzleloader bullet to their lineup. The Point Port tip, spiral nose cuts, and bonded construction make the Premier AccuTip MZ a deadly accurate bullet that shoots well in a variety of muzzleloaders and retains nearly 100 percent of its original weight at 100 yards. It’s also easier to load than competing muzzleloader bullets. There are a variety of new shotshell loads available from Remington this year as well, including Nitro-Steel DUPLEX, a bladed steel load that comes with a combination of No. 2/ No. 4, No. 2/No. 6, BB/No. 2, and BB/No. 4 shot. These blended non-toxic loads are affordable and versatile, and with a muzzle velocity of 1,450 fps they are deadly on waterfowl and upland birds. Remington is also offering a new Nitro Pigeon load that is engineered specifically for pigeon hunters. This 2¾-inch 12-gauge ammunition pushes 1¼ ounces of No. 7½

DROP BY BOOTH #20039

WWW.MEPROLIGHT.COM

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visit us at booth

THE NEW DEER CAMP CHAMP Federal® Fusion® already ruled the deer woods. Now it’s unstoppable. With the molecularly bonded construction of the original, Fusion Tipped delivers the highest weight retention, deepest penetration and best expansion in its class, and its new polymer tip increases ballistic coefficients, flattens trajectories and boosts energy for better accuracy and extended effective range.

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PRODUCT FEATURE

AMMO

2-percent antimony shot at a velocity of 1,230 fps, which makes it lethal even on large, hard-flying birds. It also comes with a Remington RXP wad, STS unibody construction, a premier STS primer, and custom-blended propellant. One of the most interesting new loads on display at the 2024 SHOT Show is Remington’s low-decibel .410 load. Pushing a ½-ounce payload of No. 9 shot at just 550 fps, this subsonic load is perfect for low-recoil practice sessions, and it’s also an ideal pest load that will quickly and quietly dispatch snakes and other vermin around your home with authority. Competition clay shooters will want to check out the new 1-ounce 12-gauge Nitro Sporting Clays load at 1,290 fps. These high-quality competition shells feature solid brass caps, STS primers, custom propellants, TGT Power Piston Wads, and extra hard STS shot. Remington’s brand-new Core-Lokt handgun loads are exciting news for anyone who hunts game with a revolver or pistol. Initial offerings include a .357 Magnum 180grain load, .41 Remington Magnum 210-grain load, a 240-grain .44 Remington Magnum load, and a 200-grain 10mm Auto. All these loads will feature Core-Lokt JHP bullets and high-quality nickel-plated cases, making them an attractive option for hunters. New to the High Terminal performance line of ammunition is the HTP .32 H&R Magnum load that fires an 85-grain JHP bullet at a muzzle velocity of 1,120 fps, making this a suitable self-defense round for .32 H&R magnum revolvers and a great lowrecoil personal-protection load for .327 Federal revolvers. But the HTP load is not the only new .32 H&R Magnum offering from Remington this year. The new Performance Wheelgun .32 H&R Magnum load fires a 95-grain semi-wadcutter hollow point bullet at 1,020 fps, making it a great all-round .32 H&R option for small-game hunting, defense, and target shooting. Lastly, Remington UMC is offering a new 100-grain jacketed lead-free powdered metal core 9mm training load that is suitable for training or shooting in areas where lead is banned. Booth #11838 (remington.com)

WINCHESTER

The biggest news from Winchester is likely expanded 400 Legend ammunition offerings. The 400 Legend cartridge was released at SHOT 2023 and drew major interest from hunters in straight-wall-only states because it offered better ballistics than the 350 Legend and less recoil than the .45-70 or .450 Bushmaster. The first 400 Legend ammunition offering was Winchester’s 210-grain Power Point load that was on sale during the 2023 fall hunting season, but at SHOT Show the company is unveiling two new 400 Legend loads. The new Deer Season XP 400 Legend fires a 190-grain Extreme Point bullet and is the flattest shooting of the 400 Legend offerings. There’s also a new 300-grain Open Tip Range Super Suppressed load available this year for the 400 Legend as well. In addition to the new 400 Legend offerings, Winchester is also adding three new 3-inch 28-gauge loads, including a Winchester Bismuth load that pushes one ounce of non-toxic shot around 1,300 fps. Other 3-inch 28-gauge loads include a Super Pheasant option that fires 11⁄8-ounce payloads at 1,200 fps and an Xpert High Velocity Steel load that carries ¾-ounce of steel shot and has a muzzle velocity of 1,350 fps. Also new to the Xpert family of steel shot is a High Velocity Game & Target load with a muzzle velocity of 1,450 fps for the 1-ounce 12-gauge load and a Super-X High Velocity lead load. The Super-X High Velocity 2¾-inch 12-gauge load has a velocity of 1,450 fps with a 1¼-ounce payload, making it a great all-round option for upland birds and small game. Booth #11828 (winchester.com)

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G N I C U D O R T IN . R E G N A R THE NEW ifle from

tion r c a r e v e l e r A rimfi lever-action brand, . rms A THE g n i t a e p e R Winchester ut at booth 12032. Check it o

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News ❚

PROMOTIONS

❚

AWARDS

❚

OUTREACH

FEED

NEWS

Browning Debuts X-Bolt 2 Speed Rifle The Browning X-Bolt is widely regarded by hunters for its build quality and out-of-the-box accuracy. Now Browning ups the “Total Accuracy” ante with the new X-Bolt 2 Speed rifle. The new X-Bolt 2 Speed is built with an innovative Vari-Tech stock clad in OVIX camouflage. The stock features one inch of internally adjustable length of pull and comb height, both of which allow the shooter to customize their interface with the rifle and

improve their accuracy potential. Included interchangeable grip modules are easily exchanged between a sporter or vertical grip. Rubber overmolding on the forend and grip improves confidence in all conditions. A fluted, sporter contour barrel is free-floated and features a durable Smoked Bronze Cerakote finish. The new DLX trigger is an adjustable, multi-lever trigger that is pre-set to hunting weights.

The reconfigured receiver has additional bolt guidance surface area for smoother operation. A redesigned bolt with an ergonomic new handle shape makes it faster and easier to operate the action. The new X-Bolt 2 Speed is available in various popular short- and long-action calibers. SRP: $1,469.99$1,499.99. Booth #10938 (browning.com)

Winchester Launches Pet Products Line Winchester recently announced the launch of two new pet product lines: the Winchester Signature series and a premium brand, King Buck. The pet lines include a wide variety of dog collars, leashes, bowls, vests, training tools, and dog beds. Both the Winchester Signature series and the King Buck premium brand will be available for purchase at big-box stores, select dealers, and online retailers.

“We are extremely excited to offer a very diverse lineup of pet products that feature the legendary Winchester and King Buck brands,” said Brett Flaugher, president of Winchester Ammunition. “As a brand of more than 150 years, it’s important that our products demonstrate a dedication to value, quality, and innovation that our customers can rely on.” Booth #11828

(Winchester.com)

Training Courses Offered at SHOT University If you’d like to explore better management practices and new ways to make your retail or shooting range business thrive in the most competitive and regulated marketplaces, there’s no better place to start that right here at the SHOT Show. Once again, SHOT University is offering training courses to help retailers and ranges hone their management skills for today’s highly competitive and regulated marketplace. Enrollment fees are $40 for NSSF members, $75 for NSSF non-members (per session).

SHOT University sessions began yesterday and run through Thursday afternoon. Today’s sessions include “A Practical Guide to Using ChatGPT to Make Life Easier & Business Better” and “Leveraging your Point of Sale Solution to Plan for 2024.” Tomorrow’s sessions include “Creating Content for Your Brand” and “Cybersecurity Threats and Protecting Your Business.” SHOT University can be found in the Murano Ballroom, Level 3.

Sports South Thrives on Service Integrity. Family. Tradition. Drive. These are the principles that for over 180 years have driven Sports South through five generations of Dickson family leadership with one sole focus—distribution. In 1841, two Welsh immigrants opened an apothecary shop in the rural township of Shreveport, Louisiana. In its earliest days, the business supplied firearms and ammunition to pioneering farmers, soldiers, and lawmen. Early ads from the 1800s document the fledgling company selling muzzleloaders, shotguns, and pistols, along with everything else the pioneer was likely to need to survive in a frontier town: quinine to fight malaria, mustard to make plasters, and ammunition to fight varmints, scoundrels, and scallywags. Today the family tradition continues with two distribution companies; Sports South, LLC, represents the sporting goods industry and Morris & Dickson Co., LLC, represents the pharmaceutical industry. Every day, Sports South meets the challenges set forth by its founding fathers by providing the right product to the right place at the right time. As the country’s oldest and largest distributor of firearms, ammunition, and accessories, Sports South maintains its leadership position through the relentless pursuit of new ideas and new thinking in order to drive longterm success and growth. With the nation’s largest concentration of shooting sports inventory from all the leading manufacturers under one roof, Sports South can deliver unmatched distribution services to its customers. Sports South is a family company, and these values permeate its culture to all its employees and its customers. Hard work, education, and hands-on involvement, along with the assured well-being and livelihood of hundreds of employees, reinforce the company's dedication to its origin. Booth #12070 (theshootingwarehouse.com)

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The Next American Firearm Company You may have not have heard of Watchtower Firearms, but very soon you will. CEO Jason Colosky, a refugee from the corporate jungles of Raytheon, made a career pivot last summer when he and an investor group bought F-1 Firearms. Although he did not have experience in the firearms business, he is certainly familiar with them; he is a second-generation Marine who served throughout southwest Asia and southeast Africa.

“When I decided to enter the firearms industry, I wanted to create an American company, one that built its products in the U.S.A.,” he says. He and his team looked at several potential acquisitions, but finally settled on F-1 Firearms, a small operation based in Spring, Texas, that specialized in designing lightweight, custom skeletonized rifles for the competitive shooting industry. “I saw opportunity there,” he says, “even though I felt some of the existing products were what I would call ‘Gucci guns.’” A visit to the site reaffirmed the decision to acquire F-1. “I was impressed by the quality of workmanship and the quality of the workforce.” Colosky is a student of American military history, one reason F-1 has been renamed Watchtower Firearms. (The name comes from Operation Watchtower, the codename for the Guadalcanal campaign.) After assuming ownership, Colosky and his executive team (many of whom have extensive military experience) quickly decided to take the company in a different

direction. “We are going to go deep into military sales,” he says. They also intend to diversify the product line, and one of the first iterations of this decision is a new 1911 pistol. Colosky said the previous owners had a small dealer network of around 200. “We’ve already ramped that up to 2,500, and we’re opening up more sales channels,” he says. “We’ve also signed on with NBS and Sports Inc.”

Building a brand is hard work, and though Colosky says he would rather be in the “back playing with guns,” he knows his job is to set the strategic course and to raise capital to ensure the continued growth of Watchtower. “I do all this because I want Watchtower to be the next great American firearm company.” Booth #71123 (watchtowerfirearms.com)

SHOT Show Auction to Benefit Cody Firearms Museum Engraved in the Ruger Custom Shop, the Jade Vaquero is the featured revolver in the 2024 SHOT Show Auction. Meticulously handcrafted by the esteemed artist Paul Lantuch, this Ruger Vaquero, chambered in the iconic .45 Long Colt, is a testament to precision, luxury, and history. This event is brought to you by the generous support of Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., the Ruger Custom Shop, and Baron Engraving, industry leaders who share a commitment to preserving the rich heritage of firearms. The beneficiary of this auction is the Cody Firearms Museum, ensuring that your bid not only secures an exceptional firearm, but also contributes to the preservation and education of future generations about the important role firearms have had and continue to play in American history. The Jade Vaquero package is completed with a custom handmade presentation case crafted from wood and wrapped in Nubian goat skin leather. This unique case not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the firearm, but also serves as a testament to the unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines every aspect of this auction item. The revolver will be on display at the Baron Engraving booth (Booth #12801). Bids can be made at gunbroker.com.

Photo by Hunter Eliott of Rangehot

Realtree Introduces APX Realtree’s launch of the all-new APX pattern at the 2024 SHOT Show marks a special day for outdoor brands and consumers alike. Including a mixture of both vertical and horizontal shapes, the APX pattern has undergone extensive real-world testing through various hunting situations, multiple geographic regions, and conditions. APX’s environmental colorations and open zones match the canopy of a hardwoods bottom, and multiple color regions of natural tans and grays help distort and break up the natural form of a human body. A new “S.E.T.” technique (Soft Edge Technology) helps prevent hard lines and allows for a more natural blending mode to take place while abstract elements reflect the natural look of bark and

rock formations. A larger 36-inch pattern repeat allows for a more diverse pattern overall. For partners and manufacturers, the larger repeat allows for thousands of different ways to cut up the pattern on a garment while still allowing the pattern to be effective in the field. “Realtree APX might be the most effective camo pattern we’ve ever designed. From trees, rocks, and the ground floor the pattern virtually disappears,” says Realtree owner and designer Bill Jordan. “When you’ve found so much success with a pattern it is always hard to improve upon it, but with APX I can honestly say we did—and in a big way.” Booth #10527 (realtree.com)

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THE MOST

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4-PETAL WAD

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THE OFFICIAL AMMUNITION OF

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SCENES FROM THE SHOW FLOOR

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OPTICS

2024

by Robert Sadowski

Red-dot sights remain hot items, and thermal scopes are coming on strong.

he new normal in LPVO (LowPowered Variable Optics) riflescopes is 1-8X or 1-10X power. That’s a lot of

magnification for a compact scope that offers a compromise between fast, close target acquisition and hit targets out to medium range. Both FFP and SFP models are available. For pistols the red-dot optic market is still hot with enclosed LED emitter red dots. These are models that look like a mini black box mounted to the pistol slide. Binoculars and spotting scopes continue to evolve with many rugged models at affordable price points. The next big hot item is thermal scopes, some of which even we mere mortals can afford. Here are the details.

APEX OPTICS

The Edge 1-10x24mm LPVO (SRP: $1,600) is designed for dynamic carbine and tactical applications. Features include locking zero stop turrets with 40 mils of internal travel, fixed parallax at 150 yards, integrated removable throw lever, and an oversized zoom ring for easier manipulation with gloves in cold-weather conditions. The reticle is the Hybrid Combat Reticle developed with input from top 3-Gun competitors, hunters, and Special Forces operators. The new Apex Hunter 3-15x44mm riflescope (SRP: $1,200) is a hunting riflescope made for the precision rifle shooter. The exclusive HLR (Hunter Long Range) reticle is deadly accurate for both close-up and extended-range hunting scenarios. Available in both illuminated and non-illuminated versions. The Summit ED Binocular is available in two models, a 10x42mm (SRP: $500) and 12x50mm (SRP: $850) built for hunters and precision rifle shooters. Both models feature Japanese ED glass for clarity of picture and edge-to-edge crispness. The 12x50mm model features a rotating mil reticle. All models include a four-point chest harness for ease of carry. Booth #70239 (apexopticsco.com)

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EOTECH

The new Vudu X Series of riflescopes are designed to meet the demands of shooters whether it’s 3-Gun competition, hunting, or recreational shooting. Models include a 1-6x24mm (SRP: $799) and 2-12x40mm (SRP: $849). Both feature a 30mm tube diameter, illuminated SFP reticles powered by a CR2032 battery, and a removable throw lever for quick transitions across the magnification range. Available reticles include the PD1 duplex style or BD1 that provides additional circular ballistic hold adjustments. Turrets are capped and features MOA adjustments and zero reset. Booth #20049 (eotechinc.com)

GPO

The popular Rangeguide binocular lineup now includes two new rangefinding binocular models in 8x40mm (SRP: $1,300) and 10x40mm (SRP: $1,300). These new 40mms feature a magnesium frame that decreases the weight and increases the strength. In addition, both can range out to 3,500 yards. True range-angle technology calculates the proper distance to the target after measuring the angle to the target, providing a precise inclination/declination compensation reading. The new Passion SD binocular line includes six new models ranging in size from sub-compact: 8x26mm (SRP: $299), 10x26mm (SRP: $299); compact: 8x34mm (SRP: $349), 10x34mm (SRP: $349); and mid-sized: 8x42mm (SRP: $399) and 10x42mm (SRP: $399). The SD line offers high-resolution, high-transmission optics in a small, lightweight package suitable for budget-conscious buyers. Booth #11053 (gpo-usa.com)

HI-LUX OPTICS

When the situation demands up-close speed and precision, the new CMR8 Close to Medium Range 1-8x24mm (SRP: $399) riflescope is the solution. A b-Dot fiber-optic illuminated reticle provides a true daylight-bright center dot calibrated for .223 and .308 and offers precise reference marks up to 600 yards with a 50- and 200-yard zero. Booth #15056 (hi-luxoptics.com)

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PRODUCT FEATURE

OPTICS

INFIRAY OUTDOOR

The InfiRay Outdoor RICO HYBRID fuses the capabilities of a thermal clip-on and a thermal weapon sight to create a new breed of thermal device. New for 2024 is the HYH75W—the 75mm variant of the HYBRID. This new model expands upon the already advanced feature set of the current 50mm model. In addition to the larger objective lens, the newest model of the HYBRID family sports a flat dark earth Cerakote finish. The HYBRID provides versatility and performance as well as compatibility with day optics up to 10X as an inline clip-on sight. The combination of the HYBRID’s low-distortion eyepiece and a 1.03-inch large-format 2560×1920 AMOLED display provides comfortable viewing as a dedicated sight while still maintaining the pixel density and resolution required for use as a thermal clip-on. The HYBRID boasts advanced features such as compatibility with a 1,000-yard laser rangefinder, a custom reticle generator, and an onboard ballistic solver. This allows the user to detect a target in the dark, determine its range, calculate a firing solution based on that range, and display a hold point in the custom reticle. The HYBRID exemplifies the crisp image quality for which InfiRay products are known and comes with all the features night hunters prize: photo/video/audio recording, mobile streaming over Wi-Fi, and, of course, the iRayUSA five-year warranty. Booth #70131 (irayusa.com)

LASERWORKS

Laserwork’s LW809 10x42mm OLED binoculars can range targets out to 4,000 yards. BAK-4 prisms produce clear and sharp images, and the aluminum-magnesium housing provides maximum protection of internal elements. The LW209 laser rangefinder is a recoilresistant rangefinder add-on accessory that can attach to different scopes with the included adapters. Available in 8x42mm, 10x42mm, and 12x42mm versions, the rangefinder has a reach of up to 1,600 yards. Booth #42656 (laserworks.com)

LEAPERS UTG

The new INTEGRIX iX6 series includes a 3-18x44mm FFP mid-power scope (SRP: $1,599.97) and a 4.5-27x56mm FFP high-power scope (SRP: $2,199.97), both of which showcase the high quality standards of the INTEGRIX brand. The mid-power scope is available with either an A2 MOA German duplex-inspired reticle or the M1 MRAD reticle, a tried-and-true Christmas tree-styled reticle made for long-range shooting. The high-power scope comes with either the M1 MRAD reticle or an M2 MRAD, which is a modernized and minimalist reticle designed for tactical use. Both scopes are rated for .338 LAPUA Magnum, have red and green reticle illumination with eight brightness settings, and a 12-hour automatic shutoff. Side-adjustable parallax is from 30 yards to infinity. The new ACCUSHOT PRO optics line has a similar build quality and feature set to that of the INTEGRIX line, but at a lower-cost entry point. Two models are available: the AS6 1-6X24 FFP and the AS6 1-6X24 SFP. The first focal plane scope is available either as an A1 MOA or B1 BDC reticle; the second focal plane scope features an A3 MOA reticle designed for the IPSC rifle shooter. Booth #11854 (leapers.com)

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PRODUCT FEATURE

OPTICS

MARCH SCOPES

March’s wide-angle scopes have evolved into GenII. The 5-42x56mm FFP scope (SRP: $4,490) was developed for long-range shooters and hunters with 130 MOA/40 mil elevation travel perfect for long-range shooting. It also features a Temperature Anti-Drift Lens System that naturally adapts to temperature changes and maintains focus and clarity under a variety of conditions. The wide 26-degree field of view is a 30 percent increase over the standard model, allowing shooters to find the target faster. Lockable elevation, windage, and side-focus turrets are upgraded with shuriken-shaped (think ninja throwing knives) locking turrets for a sure grip and tactile feel. Booth #10222 (marchoptics.com)

PARD

The DS37-LRF 4K uses PARD digital imaging technology to combine a 4K high-definition night-vision sensor, a ballistics calculator, and a laser rangefinder into a single unit. The DS37-LRF 4K features a 4096x2160 resolution night-vision sensor with a 70mm lens (providing 9.7°x5.1° FOV), 2X optical magnification, 2X digital magnification, and sensitivity down to .001 lux. Available in 850nm wavelength, the VCSEL IR illuminator has three levels of intensity and directional beam focus out to 500 meters. Users will enjoy rich contrast and bold resolution when acquiring (and accurately ranging) targets with the 1,200-yard integrated laser rangefinder (LRF) that seamlessly feeds the data into the on-board ballistics calculator. Daytime or night-vision images are displayed on the 800x800 IPS LCD display. Optional 2X magnified picture-in-picture (PIP) function provides clear night-vision depth perception and target recognition. Display options include six individual reticle styles, three different reticle colors (white/yellow/green), and four different color modes (color/mono black and white/mono green/mono yellow). Additional features of the TDS37-LRF include a removable 128GB Micro SD card that allows the user to capture 4096x2160 photo images and 1920x1080 resolution video, Wi-Fi connectivity to a PC, tablet, iOS, or Android device through the use of the free PARDVision app, and USB Type-C and HDMI output connections. SRP: $999. The TD62 combines PARD multi-spectral imaging technology with long-distance thermal detection, high-definition night vision, a ballistics calculator, and a laser rangefinder to create a single multifunction unit. Featuring a 640x512 resolution IR thermal sensor, 45mm lens (providing 5.6°x5.6° FOV), 2X optical magnification, 2X digital magnification, 12µm pixel pitch, and ≤25mK Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD), users will enjoy rich contrast and bold resolution when acquiring (and accurately ranging) targets with the 1,200-yard integrated laser rangefinder that seamlessly feeds the data into the on-board ballistics calculator. The integrated CMOS 1920*1080 visible light sensor combines a 70mm lens, 6.5-13X magnification, 2.6°x2.6° FOV, and visibility down to .001 lux. Available in 850nm wavelength, the VCSEL IR illuminator has three levels of intensity and directional focus out to 350 meters. The IPS LCD thermal imaging and night vision can be displayed on the 800x800 IPS LCD display independently or simultaneously with the picture-in-picture (PIP) function, providing a clear heat signature and night-vision depth perception. Display options include six individual reticle styles, four different reticle colors, and six different thermal image modes. SRP: $4,499. Booth #40756 (pard.com)

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PRODUCT FEATURE

OPTICS

PRIMARY ARMS OPTICS

The new 1-8x24mm SFP compact riflescope combines the best features of PAs popular PLx series with the ACSS NOVA reticle. This second focal plane reticle uses fiber-optic technology for a true red-dot bright aiming point to deliver the fastest possible target acquisition from close to medium range. At farther distances, the integrated mil holdovers and target auto-ranging make it easy to estimate distance and land shots with precision. New GLx series red-dot optics include the GLx MD-21, engineered for agility and precision from close quarters to medium range. This red dot features an advanced solar failsafe system that supplements the battery, ensuring the optic operates with maximum run time. The GLx 1x MicroPrism features new technology with a wider objective lens and updated internal design, superior glass, push-button controls, and improved reticle illumination. The SLx MD-21 is an advanced micro dot sight designed to deliver exceptional CQB performance. Weighing only 3.82 ounces, the SLx MD-21 features a new heavy-duty mount for rigidity and precision. The upgraded LED emitter offers complete night-vision compatibility as well as a true daylight bright reticle. Booth #32507 (primaryarms.com)

RITON

The new 3 Tactix EED (Enclosed Emitter Dot) red dot pistol sight (SRP: $350) features an enclosed emitter design that protects the internal components from dust, moisture, and impact for consistent and reliable performance even in challenging environments. Features include a 3 MOA dot reticle, large viewing screen, and adapter plate. The all-new 5 Primal 10x42mm ED binocular (SRP: $650) features premium ED (extra low dispersion) glass to provide a superior glassing experience. Features include an ergonomic aluminum-alloy body with rubberized waterproof coating. The new compact and lightweight 5 Primal 15-45x60mm spotting scope (SRP: $999) weighs 2.7 pounds and is 12.5 inches long, both of which will be appreciated by spot-and-stalk hunters. Features include ED glass, aluminum body, and large zoom and focus rings. Booth #10331 (ritonoptics.com)

SIGHTRON

The new S-TAC 1-6x24 AR1 LPVO riflescope (SRP: $499.99) is designed for AR platform rifles chambered in .223/5.56mm. The scope features Japanese optical glass lenses combined with Sightron’s MC-333 multi-coating technology for the best possible light transmission, contrast, and clarity. The S-TAC AR1 reticle is purpose-built for .223/5.56mm, and the illuminated halo helps with fast target acquisition at close range while the illuminated center dot ensures accurate mid-range target placement. The ExacTrack erector-tube system delivers consistent, reliable, and repeatable adjustments, even at the extreme edges of the scope's adjustments. Booth #72639 (sightron.com)

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PRODUCT FEATURE

OPTICS

TRIJICON

Two new red dot optics include the RMR HD (SRP: $849) and the RCR ($849). The RMR HD is a compact pistol optic built on the RMR Adjustable LED model, but features a large, clear lens. Users can toggle between a 55 MOA segmented circle reticle with a center dot or a crisp dot-only option, both of which include a new super-bright setting and an additional night-vision setting. Either a 1.0 MOA or 3.25 MOA center dot is available. The RCR (Ruggedized Closed Reflex) is a closed emitter optic. The 3.25 MOS reticle has 10 brightness settings that are adjusted manually; there are also three night-vision options and one super-bright option. Both the RMR HD and RCR have the same footprint as the RMR. Booth #10735 (trijicon.com)

XS SIGHTS

New and improved second-generation R3D notch and post tritium sights are engineered to give gun owners a brighter and stronger set of self-defense sights. In addition, with the new EasyPress feature, the sights are now far easier to install. Designed to drive focus downrange, the new R3D 2.0 sights feature significant improvements from their Gen 1 counterpart. The two rear tritium dots are bigger and brighter than those in the original R3D. The new sights also have a PVC ring surrounding the rear sight lamps for a more defined edge to improve sight picture and further differentiate the front dot from the rear sight lamps. The rear sight is also blacked out and serrated to reduce glare. When paired with the high-contrast orange or green dual-illuminated photoluminescent Glow Dot front sight with a tritium vial, the R3D 2.0 provides more visible indexing for precision alignment. The new sights also have a black nitride finish with double the corrosion resistance of the original black oxide surface treatment. The R3D 2.0 fits all Glock models as well as select Smith & Wesson models in the M&P/M&P 2.0 and Shield lines. SRP: $131.99-$142.99. Booth #13624 (xssights.com)

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BORN

BALLISTIC

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From its origin with the iconic Fullfield riflescope

to the revolutionary Eliminator laser rangefinding scope, Burris products have married precision and performance for the past 52 years. by Andrew McKean

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BORN BALLISTIC

or much of his professional life, Don Burris unintentionally occupied a place at the hub of American sports optics. Not only

did he establish a riflescope company under his own name, but he connected the nation’s foundational optics brands with the rise of modern hunting and precision shooting. An Oklahoma native, Burris was a successful aeronautics engineer before joining Redfield Gunsight Co. just as that Denver, Colorado, based company was bringing magnified riflescopes to the hunting market. Up until that time, in the late 1950s, Redfield was mostly known for making precision iron sights for competition shooters, but it had just acquired the riflescope business from Kollmorgen Optical Corp., which manufactured scopes under the Stith line. The purchase was especially timely, as centerfire cartridges like the .308 Winchester, .223 Remington, and .280 Remington were all introduced within a few years of the Kollmorgen purchase. American shooters were scrambling to buy magnified rifle sights to maximize the effectiveness of those flat-shooting rounds, and Redfield was primed to provide them. “Those early Kollmorgen scopes were all fixedpower scopes built on 26mm tubes, in the German tradition,” recalls John McCarty, who joined Don Burris at Redfield in 1961. “Don didn’t mince words. He said, ‘This is America. We don’t need millimeters here. We need inches.’” Burris oversaw Redfield’s production of scopes built on one-inch tubes and soon brought one of the first variable-power scopes to the market. Meanwhile, Redfield developed a rotating dovetail ring-and-base design that became the standard scope-mounting

system for a generation of riflemen. Burris was a lifelong hunter, and he saw the need to incorporate precision aiming capabilities in Redfield’s scopes. Under his watch, Redfield came out with the Accu-Range system, which used two reticles that could bracket a target and give shooters a close approximation of distance. Don Burris’s enduring contribution to the optics industry was the development of the Wide Field riflescope while at Redfield. “It was an ultra-wide-angle scope,” says McCarty. “But the Redfield marketing department said that customers weren’t going to know that it’s a wideangle because externally it looked like every other scope on the market. So, Don went back and lopped off the top and the bottom of the objective so that it looked wider than it was tall.” The scope now looked like a rectangular television screen. Consumers flocked to it, making it the best-selling scope in America for nearly a decade. “It was a mess to manufacture,” says McCarty. “Production would have been much easier if it had stayed round, in order to thread washers into it, screw it all together, and seal it. Instead, we had to cast a rectangular objective bell, and all the lenses had to be held in with a screw at the top and the bottom and then sealed with an O-ring. We scrapped more of those scopes than we sold.” Burris was restless, and he left Redfield to start a company that made mountaineering equipment. It turned out that the pull of the optics industry was too strong to resist. Within a decade Burris had started his own optics company, under his own name, in the farm country around Greeley, a good hour north and a little east of Redfield’s Denver facility.

 The Signature LRF 10x42 is Burris’s first laser rangefinding binocular; it can range targets from 5 out to 2,600 yards. The unit retails for just under $1,000.

 The digital Burris app allows hunters access to ballistic data.

“He was attracted to Greeley because Don loved to golf, and the Greeley Country Club was one of his favorites,” says McCarty. “But Don recognized that in a rural community where the men worked the fields all day, their wives would be a good and reliable labor force. As an added bonus, most people in Greeley hunted antelope, deer, and elk on their days off. They were shooters and hunters, and they knew the value of reliable, durable gear.” Burris Optics Company remains in Greeley, its 47,000-square-foot plant busting at the seams on a crowded industrial lot near the Poudre River. Because there’s no more room to build on the site, the company opened a second location across town to accommodate overflow. The company that bears its founder’s name still produces sports optics that are designed to make shooters and hunters more capable on the range and in the field, incorporating precision aiming attributes in nearly every gun-mounted optic. Products have included an improved version of the old Redfield wide-angle riflescope, which Burris called the Fullfield, introduced in 1975. Iterations of the scope are still being made by Burris, under the Fullfield E1 and Fullfield IV banners. The company pioneered the use of double springs, patented as the “Posi-Lock” system, to make windage and elevation adjustments repeatedly precise. Burris was an early leader in development of bullet-drop-compensating reticles. And in 2010, Burris introduced the revolutionary Eliminator electronic scope that combines a laser rangefinder with a ballistic calculator to guide distant shots to the 10-ring of a target or the vitals of a big-game trophy. “The consistent thread of the company through the decades has been the development of products that were designed and perfected by people who actually use them,” says Jordan Egli, Burris’s director of marketing. “That is a legacy of Don Burris. He was a hunter who wanted to make products that he would enjoy using. We’re still a company of hunters and shooters.”

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One Focus. Distribution.

Making our Warehouse YOURS! Through innovation and steady management, this fifth-generation family operation has earned a reputation as the most respected distributor in the firearms industry. Assuring a consistent and timely flow of products to YOU, our dealer, and ultimately to your customer. With our live inventory right at your fingertips and fast order turn-around times, you can have everything you need when you need it.

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BORN BALLISTIC

The company’s location, which Egli describes as “where Colorado’s high plains meet the Front Range,” shapes the personality of Burris Optics. “We have pronghorns, mule deer, and elk close by, and come hunting season, there’s a lot of empty cubicles. But it’s still a relatively small town, and we have multiple generations of Greeley residents who work at Burris.”

RISE AND FALL

The other force that shaped the personality of Burris Optics Company, of course, was Don Burris himself. Equally adept at inventing products, drumming up markets, and keeping Greeley operations humming, Burris kept cash coming in with his riflescope accessories. The first was Burris’s Taper Lock dovetail bases, then Zee Rings to fit Weaver-style bases, and later Signature scope rings with offset inserts to solve problematic mounting challenges. Meanwhile, Burris was cranking out as many as 1,000 scopes a day from the Greeley plant, the

operations of which were overseen since 1975 by John McCarty, Burris’s former Redfield colleague whose title these days is Burris’s president emeritus. A flurry of introductions in the late 1970s and 1980s included a compact riflescope to serve the growing number of mountain hunters, a line of variable-power handgun scopes, and the industry’s first scout rifle scope. Other ground-breaking products followed, including the “Light Collector” line of scopes that had an adjustable aperture, similar to that found in camera lenses; it allowed users to control aberrations by adjusting the amount of light entering the scope. Later, Burris introduced the “Posi-Lock” turret that locked elevation and adjustment controls so that the scope could never be bumped off its zero. And even later, Don Burris invented the Automatic Compensating Reticle, similar to Redfield’s rangefinding scope. The design, which was drafted without the use of computer-derived ballistics tables, allowed

CHA NGING THE GAME

THE RESURGENCE

If the late 1980s and 1990s were relatively quiet for Burris, the introduction of the Eliminator in 2010 sparked a resurgence of innovation that has defined the company’s recent products. The Eliminator, which contains a laser rangefinder inside the body of the scope, takes much of the guesswork out of longrange shooting solutions. Early versions of the second-focal-plane Eliminator (the Grim Reaper depiction on the side

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users to dial twin reticles to determine both distance and holdover. But the fervid pace of innovation wasn’t to last. Don Burris died of a rare blood disease in 1988, and the company moved into what Egli calls a maintenance period. Meanwhile, competing optics brands sprouted up around the industry, and the rise of offshore production came to dominate the sports-optics sector. Burris was acquired by Beretta Holding Group in 2002.

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BORN BALLISTIC

of the scope hints at its lethality, but Egli claims the name was intended to assure buyers that they would be “eliminating” doubt and guesswork with distant shots) gave shooters ballistic holds only when used at the highest magnification. But next generations featured a built-in ballistics calculator that provided holdover references at any magnification. The latest iteration—the Eliminator 5—was released late last year and provides a full suite of aiming solutions for just about any projectile out to 2,000 yards. In recent years, Burris has produced a line of thermal optics and vastly expanded its offerings of rings, bases, and mounts. Its Oracle and Oracle X archery rangefinding sights have become one of the hottest products on the target archery circuit. The company’s XTR Pro precision riflescope similarly has become a darling of Precision Rifle Series competitors. This year Burris is debuting two products that marry its tradition of optical excellence with electronics in service of precise shooting. The Signature LRF 10x42 is Burris’s first laser rangefinding binocular; it can range targets from 5 out to 2,600 yards. The unit retails for just under $1,000, pairing good optical performance with a lightning-fast laser and processor. The rangefinding bino doesn’t have a ballistics calculator by design, says Egli.

“That’s in keeping with Burris’s DNA of being affordable by being efficient,” he says. The rangefinder is intended to be used with the company’s new Bluetooth-enabled Veracity PH riflescope, which features a programmable digital elevation turret. Range your target, turn the turret to the precise distance, and then follow the hold that’s informed by the specific load dynamics that you upload from the mobile app. The Veracity PH, which is available in 4-20x50, retails for just under $1,200. “With those two products, the Signature LRF and the Veracity PH, you can range any target, then pair that data with all the capabilities of the riflescope and the mobile app,” says Egli. “It’s the best expression of the brand’s personalities of innovation, commitment to incorporating practical ballistics into our products, and then making them user-friendly. The digitally enhanced riflescope is the culmination of things coming to fruition to produce the cleanest solution we’ve ever developed on the ballistics side. It’s not the Eliminator—it doesn’t have the laser rangefinder built in. And it’s not custom [elevation] knobs, because the customization is done internally. It just seems to work.” Egli says Don Burris would be happy to see his company’s commitment to innovation extend into its fifth decade in Greeley. “Some optics companies

 The Veracity PH riflescope features a programmable digital elevation turret.

pride themselves on premium glass and fine plex reticles, but as a Western hunter, Don understood that Kentucky windage would take you only so far,” says Egli. “At some point, you have to trust the math, and if you’re going to be shooting at some distance, it’s not enough to guess.” Booth #13227 (burrisoptics.com)

S SH ee u BO OT s a OT Sh t H 4 ow 26 56 10X42 Binocular OLED Rangefinding Binocular, 4,000 Yards to Trees

Range Finder Add On, 1,600 Yards to Trees

Launching the new generation of LW809 rangefinder binoculars, LaserWorks once again sets new standards, completely redesigned and technically updated. The new LW809 models are impressive in every detail.

LW209 laser rangefinder is a new released recoil-resistant rangefinder add on, which can attach to different scopes with the including adapters. Can easily adjust laser up & down, left & right for zeroing.

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INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW WALTHER

PD380 I T ’ S Y O U R D U T Y T O B E R E A D Y.

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The Schema is an IWB-type holster that is both lightweight and easy to conceal.

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RICH HERITAGE In 2024, Safariland will celebrate 60 years of excellence. by William Bell

he Safariland Group, a company with a rich heritage in the law enforcement and sporting markets, encompasses a group of recognized and well-respected brands known for their innovation and quality. It’s mission, “Together, We Save Lives,” is

much more than a statement; it is a creed by which the company lives, a belief embedded in the company upon its founding 60 years ago. In 1964, following his father’s request for a custom holster, Neale Perkins launched a holster business from his garage in Sierra Madre, California. He named his new company Safariland, after the African safari excursions he and his father enjoyed together. Within a few short months, Neale’s custom holster was a hit, and he went from making a few hundred holsters a month to more than 5,000. Evolving from a garage shop to a major producer, the company made holsters and related products for both the commercial and law enforcement markets. Along the way, Safariland created the first Level III Retention duty holster, designed to keep LEOs safer. The company also was the first in the industry to achieve an ISO 9001 Standard Certification. Safariland soon gained a reputation for transforming the industry with innovative, highquality products, including body armor for LEOs. I have a long history with Safariland. In 1978, I became a deputy with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff ’s Office, just west of New Orleans. Apparently, the sheriff was a big fan of the TV program “Adam12”. Our uniforms and gear were much like those

worn by LAPD officers Reed and Malloy in the show. Our issue gun belt, cartridge pouch, handcuff case, and nightstick ring were made by Safariland; the duty belt, now without a buckle and catalogued as the Model 7970, is still in the

line. All closures were of Velcro instead of snaps. A Velcro trouser belt, made with pile material meshed with a strip of hook material sewn on the inside of the duty belt, helped keep everything in place. It was, and is, a very functional system.

 The IncogX is now RDS compatible and incorporates both passive retention and adjustable tension capabilities.

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RICH HERITAGE

My Safariland experience wasn’t over after I left JPSO. In 1988 I went to work for U.S. Customs on the Mexico border in Southern California. After Customs was amalgamated into the DHS and became Customs & Border Protection (CBP) in 2003, a new service pistol was adopted, and our duty holster was the Safariland Model 6280 SLS Level II Retention holster. This is one of Safariland’s best sellers and is seen on the belts of many LEOs. Safariland has never rested on its laurels, and it continues to introduce new products into this ever-growing market. “As the renowned originator of retention and testing in the law enforcement industry, we recognized the pressing need to strategically expand our presence within the thriving consumer market," says Tim Drnec, vice president of marketing for Safariland. That was the impetus for diving into the consumer market, the wisdom of which has been re-affirmed by the phenomenal growth of the concealed-carry and personal-defense market. September 2022 saw the launch of the Schema, an IWB-type holster that is both lightweight and easy to conceal. It is optics-ready and minimalist in design, specifically made for subcompact handguns. With a skeletonized,

NORTHERN LIGHTS MODEL: 1911TCAC7

injection-molded polymer body for a smaller footprint, it offers superior functionality and has a reinforced mouth allowing re-holstering while being worn. Each holster is firearms-specific for an exact fit; in addition, security is not only enhanced by Schema’s passive trigger-guard retention, but also by a trigger shield for added wearer safety. New models are being planned that will incorporate passive retention and upto-date fits that will increase its EDC versatility. Currently, it is available for the Glock 43/43X, SIG Sauer P365/365XL, Springfield Hellcat, and Taurus G2C/G3C. It’s RDS-compatible and works with the footprints of a number of popular sights; however, its sight channel will only work with standard sights. Though offered in a right-hand configuration only, it does have a very attractive price point. SRP: $39.99. The Species, which debuted a month after the Schema, is a minimalist design, too, but it looks far more conventional. With bulk reduced in key areas, it is perfect for appendix-style carry and is RDS compatible. Constructed of impactresistant, thermoformed SafariLaminate, the holster boasts a suede-lined interior to enhance fit and protect the handgun’s finish. It also has passive trigger-guard retention mated with an

 The Species is perfect for appendix-style carry and is RDS compatible.

BLACK CHERRY

BURNT BRONZE

MODEL: 1911TCAC9

MODEL: 1911TCAC10

SHOT SHOW 2024 KAHR FIREARMS GROUP BOOTH#:

Join us: @auto_ordnance

64 ❚ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ❚ DAY 2, JANUARY 24, 2024

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Chiappa Wildlands ANGLE EJECTION L e v e r - A c t i o n

R i f l e

ADJUSTABLE AMBIDEXTROUS COMB

CALL OF THE WILDLANDS

RAIL MOUNTING SYSTEM

Lever-action hunters choose their rifle carefully and have certain expectations it must meet. Above all, is having absolute confidence knowing their rifle will perform at a level that allows them to be comfortable and completely focused. The Wildlands lever-action rifles are craaed specifically for this purpose.

VISIT BOOTH 12853

C H I A P PA F I R E A R M S . C O M

OPTIC FRIENDLY

Take Down Ammo not included.

Charles Daly, one of the oldest names in shooting sports brings back their line of Empire Grade shotguns with an artistically engraved Triple Crown shotgun which consists of two interchangeable gloss blued barrels, a 20-gauge and 28-gauge. Distinguished with extra fancy walnut and superior ﬁt and ﬁnish. Gold-plated single-selective trigger,

EMPIRE G

extractors, and extended choke tubes make for a truly exceptional gun, designed with premium style. It’s all here!

BOOTH 12853

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RICH HERITAGE

integrated tension device for a secure and tailored-to-the-user fit. Like the Schema, it has an adjustable mounting clip that’s cantable, vertically adjustable, and works with 1.5-inch width belts. This allows both personalization and individual wearer comfort. The Species is available for several models of pistols from Glock, Ruger, Shadow Systems, SIG Sauer, S&W, Springfield, and Taurus. It also comes with a very economical price tag. SRP: $44.99. Celebrating 10 years of production, the IncogX IWB holster has been redesigned in a collaboration between Haley Strategic Partners and Safariland to create an elite carry option. The IncogX is now RDS compatible and incorporates both passive retention and adjustable tension capabilities. It has a microfiber suedewrapped Boltaron body and comes with overthe-belt polymer clips that lock the IncogX in place over the belt. Three sizes of concealmentenhancing clip-strut shims provide more adaptability to the end user and provide enhanced grip acquisition, concealment, and functionality. An actuated finger tab flexes to open and makes installation or removal of the holster from the belt a snap. Two options can be added to the IncogX; you can get it with tactical light or nonlight fit, and a magazine caddy with tension adjustment. The IncogX is made for pistols from Arex, Glock, Shadow Systems, SIG Sauer, Wilson, and ZEV. Prices vary according to options selected. SRP: $90-$120. Rounding out the selection of new Safariland concealment holsters is the Solis. It has a paddleback that slides down inside the waistband to secure the holster in place, yet allows easy removal. In essence, it’s an open-top rig OWB, with a low profile and easily concealed design, and it resists gun grabs with its ALS (Automatic Locking System). The system is activated when the pistol is holstered, yet allows a quick, natural draw, with swipe of a thumb release as the shooting grip is acquired. The Solis has a two-piece reinforced holster body for increased strength and is made of durable, weather-resistant SafariSeven, a non-marking nylon blend. It has an open muzzle to help prevent debris accumulation, which also accommodates threaded barrels. Designed for use with compact tactical lights; it is also RDS compatible (Trijicon RMRcc excepted), plus it has a .250inch front-sight channel. Currently, the Solis is only made for Glock 43X MOS and 48 MOS and is reasonably priced. SRP: $80-$85. “We continue to push the boundaries of holster design, catering to the needs of both concealed carry enthusiasts and law enforcement professionals,” says Haley Proulx, marketing director for Safariland. “Holsters like the Schema, Species,

“ S a fa r i l a n d c o n t i n u e s t o p u s h t h e boundaries of holster design.” Solis, and IncogX are a testament to Safariland's commitment to innovation and meeting the needs of concealed carry enthusiasts.” The RDSO (Red Dot Sight Open) 6390 is a new duty rig designed for use with red dot sights. It has Level I security provided by its ALS (Automatic Locking System). The body of the holster is made of thermal-molded Safarilaminate shaped to form an open pocket at the top to protect the optic. Non-factory mounted RDS may not work with the holster, and it’s not compatible with the Trijicon SRO optic. It doesn’t use a flip-up dust cover, but can be fitted with an optional ALS Guard. The inside of the holster is suede lined to protect the gun’s finish. It’s also fitted to accept weapon-mounted tactical lights. A mid-ride belt loop holds the sidearm close to the body. On the inside of the holster body is Safariland’s standard three-hole pattern for use with all their mounting systems. Prices vary depending on options selected. SRP: $182-$241.75. Today, the threat level for LEOs has risen dramatically. Every year officers are disarmed and shot with their own duty weapons. Safariland has been the industry leader in firearms retention for some six decades and has just introduced the SafariVault with the strongest holster body they have ever produced. It’s built with increased structural integrity to withstand higher forces and impacts from any direction. The design is also adaptable for use with an everexpanding array of tactical lights and optics without sacrificing security. It has an improved ALS that

 The Solis has a paddleback that secures the holster inside the waistband.

reduces flex and increases crush resistance. The optic cover is self-clearing and accommodates closed and open emitter pistol optics. A magnetic holstering guidance system stabilizes the slide while re-holstering. The open muzzle design provides clearance for threaded barrels or compensators and allows debris or brass to pass through. For attaching to the duty belt, the SafariVault holster is compatible with all Safariland three-hole pattern accessories. This stateof-the-art holster will hit you for a couple of Ben Franklins, but that’s a bargain considering its features. SRP: $190. Booth #11270 (safariland.com)

BIANCHI LEATHER Once known as Bianchi International, the company is a part of the Safariland family. Founder John Bianchi was a colleague of Neale Perkins and both of their leathercrafting outfits came to be about the same time. Like Safariland, Bianchi also catered to the commercial market and was a major supplier to law enforcement and the military. Now known as Bianchi Leather, the company specializes in “Every Day Holsters,” which include IWB, OWB, and alternate carry rigs as well as lifestyle holsters, which Bianchi defines as hunting, fishing, hiking, adventure, and western shucks. Their latest offering is called Old Tuscany Holsters. One of the newest holsters from Bianchi is the Remedy Model 57. It is constructed of premium Italian leather and is an open-top, pancake-style with two 1.5-inch belt slots. It rides high on the belt and is deep contour-molded to specific handguns. Designed for hip or rear hip carry, the holster emphasizes wearer comfort. Holster colors include black, tan, and weathered tan. Purpose-built for small revolvers and semiautomatic pistols, the holster fits models from Charter Arms, Colt, Glock, Kimber, Ruger, S&W, Springfield, and Taurus. SRP: $59.50-$64.50. Booth #11270 (bianchileather.com)

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NEWPRODUCTS 1

by slaton l . white

2 1 GARMONT TACTICAL T8 FALCON

The T8 Falcon is a lightweight tactical boot featuring an innovative style paired with the performance features required for service wear. Efficient, modern, and durable, the boot combines sturdy materials, such as leather, with more flexible ones, like nylon, to offer unparalleled support and lightness. The soft EVA GTF MAGNET sole offers a responsive feel to speed your way across the terrain and perform activities requiring control and agility while the inner shank provides support during hikes. The boots are 8 inches in height with 1.8mm suede leather upper with polyester inserts, speed lacing with anchoring loops, and closed hook eyelets. An Ortholite Ultra footbed provides cushioning and breathability. The Falcon is authorized for wear with U.S. Army MultiCam and OCP uniforms as well as U.S. Air Force authorized for OCP uniforms. Available in sizes 4-15 in medium and wide widths. SRP: $124. Booth #31306 (garmonttactical.com)

2 TAGUA GUNLEATHER LOYAL HOLSTER Crafted with super-soft high-quality leather or suede, the Loyal holster offers the ultimate in comfort for carrying a concealed firearm inside the waistband. Its optic-ready, multi-fit design can accommodate a wide range of handguns for a secure fit. Built to last, the Loyal is backed by Tagua Gunleather’s lifetime warranty. Booth #42513 (taguagunleather.com)

3 PROTEK AUTOMATIC MECHANICAL WATCHES The ProTek brand is designed for a core group of first responders that includes law enforcement, SWAT, tactical, military, special forces, and fire fighters. The latest ProTek collection has been designed as an Official Watch of the Oakland Police Force. Most watches created for first responders are based on the United States Marines collection that has a Carbon Composite Case with tight unidirectional ratcheting bezel, embossed stainless steel screw case back bearing the USMC logo, antireflective sapphire crystal, screw crown, and genuine rubber strap. The dials and case backs are altered to have the branding and logo of each organization. The watches are rated to 300 meters water resistance and are powered by a dependable Citizen/Miyota quartz movement with a 10-year battery. All ProTek watches feature a self-powered ProGlo illumination system that glows continuously for 25 years with no need for a “charge” from an external light source. Booth #30207 (protekwatch.com)

4 MYSTERY RANCH GUNFIGHTER ARMOR ATTACH PACK The Gunfighter Armor Attach Pack is a compact, versatile assault pack designed for use over armor. It can be directly mounted to armor or worn as a stand-alone backpack and mounts to body armor in two different ways: via the set of Vislon zippers on the pack for quick attach or using the adapter strips if you have MOLLE/PALS on your armor. As a backpack-, zipper-, or MOLLE-mounted pack, you can carry mission-critical gear without compromising agility or comfort. The pack itself offers a zippered top pocket for swift access to essentials like a tourniquet, batteries, or a headlamp. Its side-access pockets are tailored for spare AR and pistol magazines, as well as a smaller water bottle, all safeguarded by a zippered flap for no hang-ups on target. The gusseted main compartment accommodates larger gear and features an internal hydration sleeve and a zippered port for cables, antennas, and hydration tubes. Booth #31309 (mysteryranch.com)

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Hunting ... It’s what we know. It’s what we do. It’s who we are. We’re explorers. We’re adventure seekers. We’re those who pursue the experiences that take us to the source of life itself. We’re at home in the woods and restless in modern society. We’re passionate about our craft and driven to improve it. We know what works and what doesn’t. So, we customize. We innovate. We devote our time and resources to developing precisely the types of tools we need for each pursuit. Although Taurus Hunt offers an ultra-modern take on the traditional hunting firearm, this collection’s DNA harkens back to the days when hunting wasn’t just a lifestyle. It was our lifeblood. Welcome to Taurus Hunt.

SHOT BOOTH #13038

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NEWPRODUCTS 7

5 6 5 SEIRUS HEATTOUCH ATLAS GLOVE

Any hunter who’s spent long days sitting in the woods knows how quickly hands and fingers can go cold. The Heattouch Atlas glove delivers powerful warmth on command. With two rechargeable lithium batteries, the premium softshell outer encases 240 grams of insulation and a revolutionary Flexible Fusion heat panel that delivers heat evenly to the entire hand—even wrapping around the fingertips and thumb. With three heat settings from which to choose you can find your own optimum comfort zone regardless of the conditions. SRP: $249.99. Booth #10132 (seirus.com)

6 NEXTORCH P86 FLASHLIGHT The P86 Flashlight with Electronic Whistle delivers high performance in a compact package. The powerful 1,600 lumen P86 offers simple operation with its independent switch design and state-of-the-art texture-enhanced metal buttons. A simple press of the designated sound button activates an 120-decibel electronic whistle with 360-degree sound output. The white light switch allows the user to access high, medium, and low settings. To operate, half-press the white light button for momentary high mode, and full-press for constant-on medium mode. In constant-on mode, a half-press of the button will allow you to cycle through all illumination modes. This high-output flashlight can cast its powerful beam up to 328 yards. Battery life is 60 hours in low mode, 6.5 hours in medium, and 2 hours in high. A convenient, multipurpose LED battery status indicator located adjacent to the operation buttons gives you remaining battery life at a glance. It also shows the status while charging. The onboard hidden USB-C charging port is waterproof and dustproof, and it comes standard with one 18650 Li-ion battery. SRP: $85. Booth #40607 (nextorch.com)

7 REMINGTON COMBO SHELL HULL BAG Competitive shotgun shooters need quick access to shells as well as an easy-to-reach storage unit for their hulls (especially important for reloaders). Remington’s Combo Shell Hull Bag does it all. It features a two-inch-wide heavy-duty belt with a quick-release buckle and a single box pouch, which is removable from the hull bag. Length is adjustable from both sides of the buckle, assuring a comfortable fit as well as quick access to each bag. The padded back panel gives the unit structure, and the hull bag also features a bottom zipper for easy access when emptying hulls. SRP: $34.99. Available in a pack of eight units. Booth #11838 (remington.com)

8 ATI OUTDOORS TACTLITE GEN2 ADJUSTABLE STOCK Weighing only 6.2 Ounces, the TactLite’s streamlined design has zero snag points, an ambidextrous Q.D. mount, and multiple sling locations. The TactLite’s Patented TracLOCK System provides secure and smooth adjustment on a military-spec buffer tube while limiting horizontal or vertical movement without needing a secondary locking feature. The thin non-slip rubber pad maximizes the shooter’s control when shouldering the firearm. The Tactlite stock allows for the addition of a cheekrest or an X1/X2 series butt pad for optimal shooter comfort. Designed and made in the USA. Booth #14522 (atioutdoors.com)

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THE INDUSTRY’S FIREARM SAFETY PROGRAM CELEBRATES 25 YEARS Visit us at booth #42409 to learn more about how Project ChildSafe has spread firearm safety information and resources across the nation for the last 25 years.

Project ChildSafe is celebrating 25 years as a program of the NSSF actively promoting firearm safety and education in all 50 states and five U.S. territories. NSSF is committed to promoting genuine firearm safety through the distribution of safety education messages and free firearm safety kits to communities across the U.S., and we welcome the participation of industry companies in reaching firearm owners with these messages. Learn about our program and explore our collection of firearm safety resources by scanning the QR code.

LEARN MORE AT: PROJECTCHILDSAFE.ORG

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