2024 SHOT Daily - Day 4

DAY 4 DAY 4, JANUARY 26, 2024

EYES & EARS

HELPING NEW SHOOTERS PICK PROPER EYE AND EAR PROTECTION

SWAROVSKI OPTIK EL RANGE 32 BINOCULAR IS AN IDEAL COMPANION FOR HUNTERS

FIVE MINUTES WITH AT SAVAGE ARMS, STANDING STILL IS NOT AN OPTION

See page 4 for more info



FYI

RUGER’S WELL-OILED MACHINE

THE LIGHT AND NIMBLE SWAROVSKI OPTIK EL RANGE 32 See page 4 for more info

ACCESSORIES 2024 THEY TAKE UP LITTLE SPACE, BUT PAY OFF IN A BIG WAY

WINCHESTER:

COWBOY ACTION:

FEDERAL PREMIUM:

SAMSON:

NEW RANGER LEVER ACTION

THE OLD WEST LIVES ON

ADJUSTABLE SHELL POUCH

A-TM STOCKS FOR RUGER MINI-14S

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APPROACHING DISTANCE

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Contents DAY 4 DAY 4, JANUARY 26, 2024

EYES & EARS

HELPING NEW SHOOTERS PICK PROPER EYE AND EAR PROTECTION

Day 4

FEA TURES 38 • GEARING UP FOR COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING

By Robert Sadowski

SWAROVSKI OPTIK EL RANGE 32 BINOCULAR IS AN IDEAL COMPANION FOR HUNTERS

FIVE MINUTES WITH AT SAVAGE ARMS, STANDING STILL IS NOT AN OPTION

See page 4 for more info

FYI

EDITORIAL & CREATIVE EDITOR w SLATON L. WHITE GROUP MANAGING EDITOR w HILARY DYER ART DIRECTOR w TOD MOLINA ADVERTISING SALES TEAM w DON HARRIS w TOBY SHAW w BRAD BISNETTE COLE PUBLISHING ADMINISTRATION

RUGER’S WELL-OILED MACHINE

PRESIDENT, COLE PUBLISHING w JEFF BRUSS PRESIDENT, GRAND VIEW OUTDOORS w DERRICK NAWROCKI NSSF ADMINISTRATION PRESIDENT & CEO w JOSEPH H. BARTOZZI

THE LIGHT AND NIMBLE SWAROVSKI OPTIK EL RANGE 32

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CCO w CHRIS DOLNACK

See page 4 for more info

ACCESSORIES 2024

38

THEY TAKE UP LITTLE SPACE, BUT PAY OFF IN A BIG WAY

WINCHESTER:

COWBOY ACTION:

FEDERAL PREMIUM:

SAMSON:

NEW RANGER LEVER ACTION

THE OLD WEST LIVES ON

ADJUSTABLE SHELL POUCH

A-TM STOCKS FOR RUGER MINI-14S

42 • EYES AND EARS

By Brad Fitzpatrick

VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING w BILL DUNN SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS, ASSISTANT SECRETARY & GENERAL COUNSEL w LAWRENCE G. KEANE 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 Swarovski Optik The Light and Nimble Swarovski Optik EL Range 32

C O L U MNS

All rights reserved. Contents may not be printed or otherwise reproduced without written permission of COLE Publishing. Postage paid at Three Lakes, WI 54562 and at additional mailing offices.

05 • DAILY UPDATE

42

26 • SHOT DAILY NEWS FEED

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.

D E P A R TM ENTS

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: SHOT BUSINESS P.O. BOX 220, THREE LAKES, WI 54562.

16 • FIVE MINUTES WITH Savage Arms

18 • FYI Ruger

48 • CHOOSING AMMO FOR A SELF-DEFENSE HANDGUN

By Travis Pike

20 • ACCESSORIES 2024

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.

60 • NEW PRODUCTS

MEMBER/SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: membership@nssf.org

48 56 • THE ARCHERY BUSINESS PAVILION AT SHOT SHOW IN 2024

By Archery Business Staff

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COVER SPONSOR

THIS ISSUE’S COVER BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

THE LIGHT AND NIMBLE SWAROVSKI OPTIK

EL RANGE 32 Two years after the launch of the latest-generation EL Range 42, Swarovski Optik is introducing a smaller, lighter 32mm version in a choice of 8X or 10X magnification. At only 24 ounces and 5.6 inches long, the EL Range 32 offers the choice of choosing the left- or right-side button for the measurement button, a handy feature whether right- or left-handed. The opposite button will become the mode button. With ranging capability from 10 to 1,500 yards, the EL Range 32 is an ideal lightweight companion for hunters who use firearms or bows.

The 32mm model with its new single-bridge design combines all the familiar EL Range features, such as HD optics for high-contrast images, magnesium housing, ballistic readout of riflescope click corrections in MOA or MRAD, scan mode, and Tracking Assistant. The EL Range also can be configured according to individual preferences using the EL Range Configurator App and customized with the hunter’s own data for precise ranging. The FRR Forehead Rest has been further enhanced for maximum stability and is available as an accessory.

Booth #11618 (swarovskioptik.com)

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DAILY

UPDATE N E WS

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PR O MO T I O N S

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AWAR D S

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OU T R EA CH

Samson Manufacturing Gives New Life to Ruger’s Mini-14

By Robert Sadowski

T

here is a famous quote from the popular 1980s television series The A-Team that goes: “I love it when a plan comes together.” That quote could be added to the mission statement for Samson Manufacturing. During SHOT Show 2020, Samson announced production of the A-TM stock, which duplicates the design of the factory folding stock Ruger used on the Mini-14. The stock is also compatible with Ruger’s Mini Thirty rifles. The plan was to get Ruger on board, produce duplicate stocks, and sell them.

The plan was simple, if a bit random. Sure, the folding Ruger stock was cool, but who would buy one?

Who still shoots a Mini-14? Was there really a market for such a product?

Turns out Samson was on the money. Chris Sullivan, marketing manager at Samson, says the stocks have been “wildly popular.” Demand for the A-TM folding stock for the Ruger Mini-14 has been especially high. “Many of our customers like that retro look of the 1980s Mini-14,” he says.

And while the A-TM stock provides that nostalgia, the release of the Hannibal Rail helped push the Mini-14 platform into current times. (By the way, Hannibal was the A-Team’s leader.) “The combination of A-TM stock and Hannibal Rail has made the rifle relevant again,” he says.

The plan started to unfold when Samson and Ruger signed a licensing agreement. Ruger provides Samson with the raw metal castings, Samson machines the finished parts. Initially, Ruger provided the wood stocks, but with Ruger acquiring Marlin, Ruger needed to focus on in-house wood stock production. Samson tapped Benelli for the current

wood stocks. The result was customers clamoring for folding Mini-14 stocks and satisfying their thirst for nostalgia and a pseudo AC-556 clone. (The now discontinued AC-556 was Ruger’s select-fire Mini14.) Backorders weren’t part of the plan, but did show Samson was onto something.

The B-TM stock for the Ruger 10/22 was also announced in 2020. Although not as popular as the A-TM stock, the B-TM stock, along with Samson’s additional accessories, have spiked in popularity with shooters. This makes sense, since truckloads of 10/22s are sold each year.

“A lot of other companies are producing 10/22 aftermarket parts because of its popularity,” says Sullivan. “Plus, the 10/22 is a folding-stock rimfire that doesn’t fall under laws that restrict the foldingstock centerfire Mini-14.” A bull barrel version of the 10/22 B-TM stock, announced last year at SHOT, has also been released.

Dealers can tap into their customers who own Mini-14s and 10/22s by stocking Samson folding stocks. It should also give their customers peace of mind that the stock is licensed by Ruger.

 Samson Manufacturing's A-TM aftermarket stock duplicates the design of Ruger's factory folding stock for the Mini-14.

Distributors include RSR and Sports South.

Booth #70737 (Samson-mfg.com)

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DAILY UPDATE

SELLMARK SEES THE LIGHT

By Robert Sadowski

In

areas of the country where coyotes and feral pigs are hunted, some of the best hunting occurs at night. A thermal scope is the edge hunters need for these unregulated, non-game species. If you think night-vision riflescopes tip the odds in your favor, then you need to experience a thermal scope. Thermal is the next step above a night-vision scope, and it can change the way you hunt.

Sellmark has seen the light—or should I say, seen through the lack thereof—and through its brands, such as Pulsar and Sightmark, has positioned cuttingedge thermal- and night-vision technology at price points that don’t give customers sticker shock. The Sightmark Wraith Mini 2-16x35mm is a good example of a best-in-class thermal riflescope accessibly priced for mere mortals.

“At Sightmark we enable hunters to get into a thermal optic at an affordable price,” says Kevin Reese, marketing manager at Sightmark. “Some hunters price out of a thermal scope due to cost.

Sightmark wants hunters to take their hunting to the next level, and an optic like the Wraith Mini Thermal enables them to experience hunting with a thermal sight.”

The Wraith Mini, suited for both AR15-style rifles and bolt-action rifles, is compact and lightweight and mounts to any Picatinny- or Weaver-style rail. The caliber rating is .308 Winchester. The 384x288 resolution thermal sensor projects objects on a 1024x768 digital display. There are five thermal color palettes to choose from and nine reticle colors. The optics can be configured to five different firearm profiles with different zeros. So, you can take it off your .308

Win. bolt action and mount it to your 6.5 Grendal AR without the need to re-zero. Or zero the reticle for different loads in one caliber. The optic boasts a 1,400-yard detection range and 1-8X digital zoom.

Unlike a traditional scope where a user looks through a lens, the Wraith Mini projects the field of view on a screen as the user looks through the sight.

Built-in audio and video recordings are stored on a micro SD card, giving users the ability to record their hunts for later playback.

Two CR123A batteries power the sight for up to 3.5 hours in recording mode or up to 4.4 hours in preview mode. A Mini QD battery pack is an optional accessory that gives the Wraith Mini Thermal up to eight hours of juice. The pack features spring-loaded clamps that attach onto a Picatinny rail, so it is easily attached to the handguard of most AR15-style

rifles. There’s also an USB C port that can be connected to an external power pack.

It uses probably one of the simplest user-button interfaces I’ve ever seen, one that easily allows even the most committed Luddite the ability to scroll the menu, zero the optic, and change color and reticle options. A key is located to the right of the screen so you know exactly what button does what. It is packed with useful features yet simple to operate.

Although designed for night use, the Wraith Mini Thermal also can be used during the day as well. The compact design allows it to double as a hand-held viewing device when scouting. Just remember to use a quick-release-style mount if you want the Wraith to do double duty. SRP: $2,099.97.

Booth #11419 (sellmark.com)

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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

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY LAUNCHES MOBILE APP These days customers want product, service, and warranty information instantly.

They no longer have any patience waiting for a customer rep on an 800 line.

Given this change in consumer behavior Springfield Armory has responded by launching an all-new customer dashboard and mobile app. The new website and app offer a streamlined customer experience and centralized hub of resources and support for Springfield Armory firearms.

The industry-leading customer dashboard is the first of its kind, giving users convenient access to warranty activation, searchable manuals, and instructional videos. Customers can also privately manage their firearms collection in the “My Armory” section, which reflects warranty status and offers quick access to firearm-specific resources and customer support.

Customers who activate their Limited Lifetime Warranty receive a complimentary two-year subscription to the quarterly The Armory Life print magazine as well as 15 percent off a purchase at the Springfield Armory webstore.

Easily accessible on mobile and desktop devices, Springfield Armory owner’s manuals are now fully optimized for digital viewing and can be printed or saved in the app for offline viewing. Leveraging the digital platform, manuals also integrate helpful instructional videos for actions such as field stripping, optics installation, and more.

To create this new app, Springfield Armory partnered with Gray Loon Marketing Group to develop a feature-rich digital experience that serves the needs

of modern shooters with a strong emphasis on privacy and ease of use.

“Our customers deserve the best post-purchase experience from us, and we saw an opportunity to bring our resources and support into the modern era,” says Steve Kramer, vice president of marketing for Springfield Armory. “This new app helps ensure users get the benefit of our lifetime warranty while also delivering media-rich resources to the devices they use every day.” Booth #11217 (springfield-armory.COM)

MODEL: T1-14 (Shown with 50 Rd Drum Mag)

®

SHOT SHOW 2024 KAHR FIREARMS GROUP BOOTH#:

Join us: @auto_ordnance

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DAILY UPDATE

State by State, NSSF Advancing and Defending Firearm and Ammunition Industry

By Larry Keane

N

SSF’s Government Relations-State Affairs team has been busy. With 50 states and hundreds of agendas, that’s meant that NSSF has been engaged on all ends of the map. No one issue is the same from one statehouse to the next. Some states openly embrace the firearm industry while others are ignoring the U.S. Supreme Court to pass laws those legislators and governors know are unconstitutional.

A report showed state lawmakers passed more pro-firearm industry bills than gun control measures, reflective of the work of NSSF’s state affairs team.

These are just a few of the more significant highlights over the past year.

NSSF had wins against financial discrimination at state legislatures. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed HB 2837, the Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act. This important NSSF-backed legislation ensures that financial institutions and credit card companies are prohibited from using a Merchant Category Code (MCC) to distinguish firearm retailers from general merchandise or sporting goods retailers. Alabama’s Gov. Kay Ivey, Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis, Idaho’s Gov. Brad Little, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, and West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice signed similar laws in their states.

Those weren’t the only laws signed that NSSF has been looking to end corporate discrimination against the firearm industry. Gov. Gianforte signed the NSSF-priority Firearm Industry Nondiscrimination (FIND) Act, a law prohibiting state agencies from entering into contracts with corporate banks that discriminate against the firearm industry. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox put his signature on a package of laws to end “woke” corporate discrimination against firearm-related businesses and target corporations that discriminate against the firearm industry by making them ineligible for state and municipal contracts, among other provisions.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed off on legislation similar to the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), which prohibits frivolous lawsuits against the firearm industry for the criminal actions and damages caused by remote third parties. The Tennessee General Assembly adjourned a special legislative session, rejecting numerous gun control proposals. One true gun safety bill that was passed during the special session, HB 7012, supported by NSSF, would require the Department of Safety and Homeland

Security (pending appropriations) to offer free gun locks to Tennessee residents and exempts firearm safety devices from the state’s sales tax.

Louisiana legislators passed HB 247, giving tax credits of up to $500 when purchasing a gun safe, lock box, or other secure storage device. The law grants one tax credit per year beginning in 2023 through 2027 and is capped at $500,000 total for the state per year.

Ohio’s legislature is considering a bill that would ban the use of a firearm retailer-specific MCC. The bill’s author, Republican state Sen. Terry Johnson, called the use of a firearm-retailer specific MCC “financial discrimination.” Ohio is also considering a bill to exempt taxes on firearm safety devices like locks and safes as well as another to exempt guns and ammunition from state taxes as well. Ohio is also considering a right to hunt and fish ballot to add that right to the state constitution.

In Florida, HJR 1157, the “Right to Hunt and Fish” legislation, was approved by both the state House of Representatives and Senate. Now approved by the legislature, the “Right to Hunt and Fish” will appear on the ballot in 2024, giving Florida voters the ability to enshrine hunting and fishing in the Florida Constitution. NSSF supports this legislation that protects the rights of Floridians to hunt and fish.

North Carolina’s General Assembly overturned Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of Senate Bill 41, the law that scraps the state’s 104-year-old racist Jim Crow-era law

for permit-to-purchase pistol requirements. The new law strikes the “good moral character” judgment on North Carolinians seeking to purchase a handgun.

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon signed a law appropriating $10 million for a “world class” shooting sports facility to be built in the state. The legislation establishes a task force to tour several facilities nationally and to develop a set of criteria that will be used to select the location.

While there were wins, there was also a lot of defensive work in state capitals this year.

Nevada’s Gov. Joe Lombardo vetoed three gun control bills, including legislation banning firearms within 100 feet of a polling place, redefining frames and receivers, age-based gun bans, and a state mandatory home storage law.

A federal judge blocked California’s law banning gun shows on county fairgrounds as it infringes on the rights of sellers and buyers. The state’s bans on standard-capacity magazines and Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs) were overturned, again, by a federal judge only to be stayed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed nearly two dozen gun control bills. NSSF worked diligently with California members to limit the consequences of these flawed policies. Anti-gun Democrats hold vetoproof supermajorities in both houses of the state legislature. Some of the anti-industry bills the governor signed include a state-level Merchant Category Code

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(MCC) requirement to track firearm purchases made with credit cards, implementing an 11 percent tax on all firearms and ammunition sold in the state, new concealed carry permit restrictions, and increased limits on where a permit holder can carry. California’s legislature approved Gov. Newsom’s call for a 28th Amendment that would nullify Second Amendment rights and call for a Constitutional Convention. The proposal would eliminate private possession of MSRs. New Mexico’s Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham extended her Constitutionally dubious “emergency order” that banned carrying firearms in certain parts of Albuquerque and called for firearm retailer inspections. Not even her attorney general would support the order. The state claims to have conducted firearm retailer inspections, but offered no proof as the state doesn’t have a law or inspection standards to allow them. NSSF is still investigating.

Massachusetts’s House of Representatives passed H. 4135, a sweeping gun control bill that would ban nearly all semi-automatic rifles that have a single feature that categorizes them as a so-called “assault weapon,” among other serious flaws. The bill was drafted in repudiation of the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision. It is still waiting action in the state Senate.

Oregon’s Measure 114 continues to suffer from gun control politicians’ expansive efforts. The FBI

advised a court there that they might not be able to process National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) verifications for the permit to purchase because the FBI can only share NICS information with state or local law enforcement. Measure 114 allows for a designee to collect the data.

Minnesota’s Gov. Tim Walz signed two gun control laws including a universal background check law and another establishing emergency risk protection orders, or a “red flag” law.

Colorado’s Gov. Jared Polis signed several gun control bills this year, over NSSF objections. One that required a three-day waiting period for gun buyers is facing a legal challenge. A bill to ban Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs) that was opposed by NSSF was defeated. A law signed by Gov. Polis to enact agebased gun bans was blocked by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

New Jersey’s Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced that his office established standards and an application process for handguns to be included on New Jersey’s microstamping enabled handgun roster. That is despite every independent study of this nascent “technology” concluding that it does not reliably or consistently produce a legible mark on the primer.

Conn. Gov. Ned Lamont signed House

Bill 6667. The bill has a purchase limit of three handguns per month, an age-based gun ban for semi-automatic rifles with a capacity of more than five rounds to adults under 21 which includes private sales, an expansion of the state’s ban on Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs), increased penalties for standard capacity magazines, and new home storage requirements.

NSSF condemned Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s signature of HB 1240, the law banning the sale and transfer of MSRs and many other firearms. The law is clearly unconstitutional under the U.S. Supreme Court’s holdings in both the Heller and Bruen decisions. NSSF filed a legal challenge to this law within hours of Gov. Inslee’s signing through Clement & Murphy, PLLC. Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law H.B. 5471, immediately banning the sale or possession of semi-automatic rifles, such as Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs), semi-automatic shotguns and standard-capacity magazines. NSSF immediately filed a legal challenge to this law in federal court and obtained a preliminary injunction.

However, the U.S. Court of Appeal at the Seventh Circuit recently overturned the injunction and set the case back to the lower court. NSSF is weighing its legal options.

DROP BY BOOTH #20039

WWW.MEPROLIGHT.COM

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DAILY UPDATE

Falco Holsters Unveils New Dealer Program

F

alco Holsters, known for handcrafted leather holsters and customized everyday carry solutions, recently introduced a cutting-edge dealer program tailored for brick-and-mortar retailers. The program showcases dealer-only Falco Multifit holsters, streamlining SKU management and optimizing retail space utilization.

“Our dealer-exclusive category is designed to enhance the retail-to-consumer relationship at the counter level,” says Katarína Zacharová, vice president of sales and marketing for Falco Holsters. “Each holster is crafted to bring value to both merchants and their customers, offering exclusive products not available elsewhere—not on our website, and certainly, no better deals on Amazon or any other e-commerce platform.”

Zacharová emphasizes that this Falco program will deliver seven key benefits for participating dealers.

Exclusive Product Line: There will be no direct-to-consumer sales via Falco e-commerce. “We do market the products to our online customers; however, rather than selling directly, we refer customers to your store. The sale is yours,” she says.

Brand Ownership: No third-party sales are allowed. “While we own the listings of these products on Amazon to maintain control, they are listed at MSRP, with a four-week lead time, and we charge for shipping. This way, we ensure consumers will not get a better deal on the exclusive products online.”

Enhanced Profitability: Attractive margins ensure retailers enjoy a healthy bottom line, with no minimum order quantities. “We make it easy. Falco starts small by learning what products move and grow the relationship by analyzing your preferred product options and inventory. Because we consider our competitors, our pricing ensures excellent value.”

Strategic Pricing Policies: Falco requires its dealer partners to sign and comply with its MAP policy. “While there are challenges to monitoring in-store sales, we monitor online offers and promotions to protect your business. This structure provides retailers with a competitive edge in the marketplace.”

Efficient Inventory Management: Falco has created an easy-to-navigate sizing system that keeps the SKU count low and saves shelf space. “Attractive packaging clearly shows firearm compatibility parameters, taking the pressure off salespeople.”

Territory-Based Exclusivity: The distinguishing benefit of carrying Falco holsters is their exceptional value and benefits that draw people in. “If you understand the advantage of curating a product selection that resonates with your customer base, you are the partner FALCO seeks.”

In-Store Marketing Support: Falco caters to the needs of its dealers by offering choices to include banners, signage, POS displays, giveaway/raffle items, swag, and more. “Also, FALCO advertises with nationally recognized platforms, building brand awareness at the consumer level.”

Simple Ordering Process: Dealers can place orders with Falco or its distribution partners. “We maintain communications with you and provide direct dealer support throughout the process. Orders may be fulfilled with U.S.-based partners, meaning there are no import requirements or overseas shipment issues. Products are shipped via UPS or FedEx.” Booth #42128 (falcoholsters.COM)

VPA’S OMEGA BROADHEAD Machined from S7 tool steel, the new VPA Omega broadhead is a solid, one-piece, precision-machined, Americanmade broadhead that combines all the desirable features of a single-bevel head with the strength of a double-bevel head. The double-bevel portion of the broadhead integrates the blades and the ferrule in an offset, diagonally symmetric, monolithic unit; this geometry allows the double-bevel blades to initiate rotation through bone and tissue as if it were a single-bevel broadhead while maximizing all the strength inherent in the integrated ferrule and blade design.

Patent-pending LAYFLAT sharpening technology allows for the single-bevel portion of the blades to be micro beveled at 40 degrees, if so desired. This optional micro bevel further enhances the durability of the blade edges when encountering bone. LAYFLAT also allows for easy sharpening, even in the field. Available in 200-grain right- and leftbevel versions. SRP: $113. Booth #80611 (vparchery.COM)

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DAILY UPDATE

WALTHER ARMS LAUNCHES “BEYOND THE COUNTER” VIDEO SERIES Walther Arms, Inc. recently launched “Beyond the Counter,” a video series that takes viewers on a journey of discovering fascinating stories and the human side of some of the nation’s most renowned firearms retailers. In the first video of this series, Walther featured Green Top Outdoors CEO Blaine Altaffer, along with Pat Hopkins, who has been with Green Top Outdoors for 54 years.

Green Top Outdoors first opened in 1947 selling gas, basic groceries, fireworks, and live bait. Over the years, the business saw many changes that led it to be the one-of-a-kind outdoor headquarters it is today. But one thing remained the same: their dedication to great customer service and providing a positive experience for everyone who walked through their doors.

“The magic at Green Top Outdoors is a combined 1,250 years of experience, focus, and a passion for the outdoors. Our team makes sure we are consistently doing things the right way, which is with the consumer in mind first and foremost,” said Altaffer. “By building lasting relationships with our consumers and retail partners, like Walther, we are able to provide an exceptional experience every single time.”

Beyond the Counter is not just a series about firearms and gear; it’s about the people who make these stores special. “The stores in this series are more than just retail spaces. They are hubs of knowledge and expertise. Customers come not only to make purchases, but also to seek advice, share stories, and be a part of a community of like-minded individuals,” said Nick Gutierrez, dealer/buy group channel manager at Walther Arms. “We don’t always know the stories and experiences that have shaped the people behind the counter,

but every one of them plays a vital role in helping our industry grow and to be a resource for those who might not know anything other than they want to try something new. Our goal with this series is to showcase the men and women who deserve to be recognized and celebrated for their efforts and initiatives on behalf of our company.”

In all, Walther has launched five videos in this series. In 2024, the “Beyond the Counter” series will uncover more stories from behind the counters of trusted firearms retailers across the country. Booth #12469 (waltherarms.COM)

CHANGING THE GAME

©KENETREK, LLC 2024

HARD TACTICAL

VISIT US AT BOOTH 41916 shot-TAC-24.indd 1

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Whether in full pursuit, driving down the road, or on your feet all day, these very light, tactical style boots are designed for a 24/7 workout. The padded collars and special flex notch gives you high-top tennis shoe comfort built on our mountain hunting boot support system and high traction GraponTM Outsole.

WWW.KENETREK.COM | 800-232-6064 10/11/2023 9:03:33 AM

NEW DUTY HOLSTER V3 The most quick, durable, and secure holster available, with a direct mount feature designed specifically for Axon signal sidearm devices.

SEE FOR YOURSELF BOOTH #10174 > 2 ND FLOOR

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12/19/23 8:38 AM

DAILY UPDATE

Celerant Restarts Automated Ordering and Product Feeds

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ealers can now resume using MGE Wholesale’s dealer services through Celerant’s retail software to increase both store and online sales. These services, which include automated ordering and product feeds, were on hiatus because of the long-term effects of the global pandemic, but are now completely reactivated.

To streamline inventory, dealers can integrate their Celerant point of sale software with MGE Wholesale. This enables dealers to import MGE’s catalog and order electronically, helping them build their product database without manual data entry, drastically reducing errors and saving time. Dealers can streamline the ordering process even further by setting up minimum and maximum thresholds in the retail software, which automatically sends purchase orders to MGE when inventory is low for a particular product, thus helping the dealer keep store shelves stocked.

“We have been partnered with Celerant for several years, with many of our dealers using

their point of sale and eCommerce software,” said Brad Rupert, general manager of MGE Wholesale. “After pausing our integrated services at the start of the pandemic, everyone at MGE is excited to once again offer these services to our dealers, and doing it through Celerant’s software makes it easy.”

Dealers of MGE Wholesale can offer their customers more products both online and in store. This is accomplished by pulling product data feeds and displaying them on Celerant’s eCommerce platform and store kiosks with images, MAP pricing, inventory counts, and more. Dealers can set pricing rules to automatically change the price of online products by a

percentage or dollar amount and set data level rules to ensure products are displayed only if MGE has enough on-hand quantities. Orders placed online or on the kiosk can then be routed to MGE for store replenishment.

“We are excited to reactivate our integrations with MGE for our dealers,” said Michele Salerno, marketing director of Celerant Technology. “It was just a couple of months prior to the start of the pandemic that we announced our new partnership and then temporarily paused the automations due to market circumstances. It’s refreshing to resume these services.” Booth #42502 (celerant.com/mge-wholesale)

NEW FN 5.7X28MM AMMUNITION NOW AVAILABLE FN America, the creator of the 5.7x28mm cartridge, recently released two new options for customers who own 5.7-chambered firearms. FN DFNS is designed for personal protection while FN GUNR is for training and range use.

“Since the NATO standardization of 5.7x28mm, there has been tremendous growth in the category, and we recognized the need for reliable defensive ammunition and affordable ball ammunition for training, which is why we’re pleased to introduce the FN DFNS personal protection and FN GUNR training loads,” said Chris Cole, vice president of sales for FN America.

FN DFNS is capable of achieving an average of approximately 2,067 fps while delivering approximately 286 foot-pounds of energy from the muzzle. The 30-grain jacketed hollow point bullet contains a copper-tin powdered core designed to expend energy quickly and efficiently while cycling reliably. The FN GUNR full metal jacketed cartridge features a high-quality brass construction with boxer primer and is designed to achieve an average of 1,870 fps. The FN GUNR also delivers low felt recoil, improved accuracy at extended ranges, and reliable feeding across all 5.7-chambered firearms and is considered comparable in performance to FN’s other sporting loads. FN 5.7x28mm ammunition is now available in 50-round individual boxes or 500-round bulk pack cases. Booth #12805 (fnamericacom)

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12/26/23 11:39 AM

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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12/19/23 8:22 AM

by robert FIVEa sadowski MINUTES

WITH ...

Beth Shimanski, Director of Marketing, Savage Arms

Today, she spends time with her family in the woods or on the waters of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Hiking, hunting, and exploring has become a huge part of her free time, where she “enjoys seeing as much of our beautiful world as I can.”

SHOT Daily: What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the industry in the next five years?

Beth Shimanski: Without question, growing

our industry. The past few years we have seen an influx of new hunters and shooters. Our challenge is now to continue this growth of new people in this space as well as keeping those who are currently in the space active. We strive to understand what brings in new people, but also what keeps them out of our industry or prevents them from being more active. Savage strives to provide not only the right products for every type of hunter or shooter, but content they can consume to become even more comfortable in this space.

We also know there are constant threats to our industry, whether that be political limitations or imposing legislation on where and how we recreate, hunt, and shoot. Partnering with organizations that are helping us on these fronts will best set us up for longer-term success in these areas.

SD: What opportunities do you see?

Constant Evolution At Savage Arms, standing still is not an option. The development of innovative product is top of mind for every employee.

R

aised in Hutchinson, Minnesota, Beth Shimanski grew up in the outdoors. She was an active camper, hiker, and angler, passions she still enjoys today. Her

hunting instinct was activated when she joined Savage Arms in 2017.

A three-sport athlete in high school, Shimanksi converted her passion for swimming into a four-year athletic career at the University of Minnesota, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management. She then earned a Master’s Degree in Sports Administration from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and an MBA from Augsburg College. Her love of helping others was demonstrated by a 15-year commitment to coaching swimming at the collegiate and highschool level, where she “helped others become better versions of themselves by helping them achieve things they once thought impossible.”

Prior to joining Savage, Shimanski spent a decade at Polaris Industries, where she fell in love with connecting her brands to people who also loved the outdoors. When she joined Savage Arms, she took that same passion and applied it to the hunting and shooting sports communities.

BS: This industry has seen growth in the last few years, but we need to continue to learn from those new entrants to accelerate the next wave. We know that certain demographics or geographic regions are growing faster than others. As marketers, we need to best understand the metrics to which we have access to better help us not only maintain, but also speed up this growth. The next generation of hunters and shooters are hungry to be active members in our space, and we are seeing a huge push for mentorship. We need to leverage current firearm owners in order to bring in the next generation of owners and users.

SD: When you get up in the morning, what gets you excited about working in the industry?

BS: Every day in this industry is different.

Consumers change. Competition changes.

Marketing trends change. Our brand and products change. As a marketer, this poses a great challenge to constantly be refining and reinventing how we go to market.

As a hunter and shooter, working in this industry is invigorating. Like-minded people

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by slaton l . white

 The 110 Elite Precision has been designed for long-range shooting.

working together to create an engaged consumer base is exciting. Our consumers use our products as a tool to complete a task, whether that is success at a competition, new trophies on the wall, a freezer full of meat, or protecting their loved ones. The products we provide help people fulfill a passion they have, and that is exciting to me to get to market to that passion.

SD: How will you meet the expectations of your customers?

BS: At Savage, we are constantly evolving, just like our consumers. Listening to our business partners and consumers helps us drive changes in how we do this and what we bring to market.

We know that doing things how they were done in the past will not propel us to where we want to be in the future. We are constantly innovating our product line-up to meet the new demands of consumers. We reshape manufacturing processes continuously to be a better supplier to our business partners. And we are always thinking of new ways to communicate, educate, and engage with our consumers from the marketing side of the business.

SD: In a very competitive world, how does Savage stay ahead of the pack?

BS: Challenging the norm, every day. We know we cannot rest for one day in this industry. We have a hungry team of engineers, marketers, sales, retailers/dealers, and factory staff who know that if we don’t get better every day, we will fall behind. This mindset of doing things better and differently keeps us moving ahead of the competition. That could mean new processes, new products, better training, or new ways to reach people. There is a lot of noise in front of consumers today; our daily goal is to make Savage stand out to them.

SD: The new Impulse straight-pull centerfire rifle was a departure from the norm for Savage. Why did the company pursue this course?

BS: I wouldn’t say it was a departure from the norm,

per se. We have always focused on product innovations and bringing reliable, accurate rifles to the marketplace. We have been very open in stating that we want to play in every aspect of the firearms market, including segments that might be non-existent in the U.S. market. When we looked at our opportunities as a global brand, a straight-pull rifle, built in the U.S. and sold for well under the price point that the other brands in this space sell for in the U.S., we knew we had a great opportunity with Impulse.

SD: What design and engineering challenges had to be overcome to bring Impulse to market?

BS: The major challenge to overcome when

designing and launching Impulse was reassuring consumers about the safety of a straight-pull rifle. With a traditional bolt-action rifle, you are very clear when you close that bolt and it is locked in place. There are unknowns and concerns from end users with a model and operating style with which they are not familiar.

Developing the Hexlock lock-up system, and clearly communicating that system, was key to helping Impulse gain traction in the U.S. market.

first time. Sometimes they struggle the first few times because the Impulse’s no-lift bolt handle is so different than the operation of a traditional boltaction rifle. But after a few rounds, and especially after putting the rifle to use in the field, we are seeing people become true believers in the system.

SD: Savage has a well-deserved reputation producing very accurate factory rifles. How does the company do this?

BS: Savage has taken the processes that you find

at a gunsmith or custom shop and brought them into mass manufacturing. We have an accuracy equation that goes into every rifle we make, whether that is our entry-level Axis line-up or our premium Precision series models. Processes like zero-tolerance head spacing, meaning every single bolt is married to that barrel for unmatched seeding of every round into the barrel, make a difference. A floating bolt head and precision rifling are other areas we focus on for accuracy.

And finally, if needed, every barrel is hand straightened by highly skilled operators in the factory. All of these various features add up to an unmatched accuracy equation you can find in every Savage rifle, right out of the box.

Booth #12821 (savagearms.com)

SD: How has the Impulse been received by your dealers and customers?

BS: The initial response to Impulse was well

beyond our expectations. In just the first few weeks after launch, we had well surpassed our forecasted volume. Since then, we have introduced three more models to the line-up and demand remains strong.

Once people get used to the different style of operation, they become a believer in Impulse. We want people on the range to try the straight-pull for the

 The Impulse straight-pull rifle line has now expanded to five models.

 Big-game hunting helps Beth Shimanski stay current on Savage’s rifle lineup.

DAY 4, JANUARY 26, 2024 ❚ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ❚ 17

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by robert by shannon farlow FYI a sadowski

Ruger’s chief manufacturing engineer Heath Putnam (left) oversees the production of all of Ruger’s firearms.

The Well-Oiled Machine

Ruger uses lean manufacturing techniques to efficiently create new products.

B

ringing industry-leading firearms into the world requires a well-oiled machine made up of designers, engineers, and other professionals deploying some of the most advanced manufacturing techniques and tools available. Development and production at Ruger

Firearms are unparalleled, thanks in large part to long-time team members such as chief manufacturing engineer Heath Putnam. With more than 30 years of engineering experience, Putnam plays a key role in creating and refining strategic engineering and manufacturing processes at Ruger.

Before joining Ruger Firearms in 2013, Putnam spent two decades leading engineering teams in the automotive, industrial valves, and power-generation industries. As might be

value as possible,” Putnam explains. “We want to help our folks work more efficiently. We want to use fewer machines, less tooling, and less time to manufacture our firearms.”

Ruger uses Takt Time to construct their manufacturing processes. (Takt Time is a tool for setting the pace and rhythm of a manufacturing process to align with customer demand.)

The manufacturer also practices a mistakeproofing technique called poka-yoke (a Japanese colloquial term that basically means avoiding careless mistakes). A good example is how associates load a machine; they are trained to do it correctly the first time, every time.

Product development at Ruger incorporates lean manufacturing from the outset. As new firearms, accessories, and shooting technology are conceived, manufacturing is taken into account during the earliest design phases.

“We use this symbiotic and collaborative relationship of the product engineers and the manufacturing engineers from day one right through the development. It allows the product development and the process design development to go along simultaneously. That gives us a lot shorter time to launch,” he says. “As a project moves forward and moves toward launch, we flex resources in and out depending on the needs of the project at that point.”

The core product development teams at Ruger include designers, multiple product engineers, manufacturing engineers, a project manager, and others. The engineers are often based at different facilities across the country, but thanks to Ruger’s robust digital communication infrastructure, they are able to work together.

expected, he witnessed countless advances during that time.

“Technology for design and metal cutting has really evolved. It blows my mind when I think about all of the changes that I’ve seen,” Putnam says. “Design in manufacturing is changing so fast—I’m really excited to see what comes next.”

Lean and Effective Ruger Firearms employs lean manufacturing, a method that minimizes waste while maximizing productivity and value for Ruger’s customers.

It’s an approach that Putnam has helped implement and hone during his 10 years with the company.

“Lean manufacturing is something I’m really passionate about. It’s doing more with less, so we try to provide our customers with as much

Putnam is a proponent of lean manufacturing techniques at Ruger.

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“We can leverage our extra bandwidth, because in any given moment, we may only have one or two engineers that actually have some time to start a new project. If there’s one or two engineers in New Hampshire, and there’s one or two engineers in Mayodan, and there’s one or two engineers in Prescott, we can leverage a good team by doing that,” Putnam says. “We started doing a lot more collaboration during the COVID years because that forced us to collaborate using digital means more.”

Besides sharing lean manufacturing concepts, Putnam also teaches manufacturing, design analysis software, and problem solving.

Tackling Engineering Challenges Developing new products in any industry presents engineering challenges. To help overcome those inevitable obstacles, Ruger relies on Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), a tool that identifies and addresses potential problems before they ever arise. Essentially, FMEA anticipates what could possibly go wrong in the future.

“We do our due diligence at the beginning of the project and throughout the new product development process with a collaboration of product designers and manufacturing engineers working together in sort of a give and take,” Putnam says.

“A lot of problems are taken care of before they actually occur. Using our new process development,

we really don’t have huge problems, especially near the end of the project.”

Mentoring Young Engineers As chief manufacturing engineer, Putnam spends a lot of time training and mentoring Ruger’s engineers and operations personnel. In addition to sharing lean manufacturing concepts, he teaches manufacturing and design analysis software, problem solving, cutting-tool technology and selection, and more.

“I’m really passionate about lean. I’m really passionate about engineering in general. It’s nice

to be able to give some of that knowledge and history back to younger engineers,” Putnam says.

“When I was younger, I had some really good mentors and I think that’s another reason why I like to help young engineers. I’ve grown personally by mentoring newer, younger engineers and, hopefully, they’ve gained something from me.”

Booth #72327 (RUGER.COM)

Editor’s Note: Additional research for this article conducted by Miles Hall.

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1/3/24 4:14 PM

2024 ACCESSORIES

by Slaton L. White

Accessories always pay off. Most won’t take up a lot of shelf space, but pound for pound, they deliver the goods at your register.

Here’s a look at what’s new this year.

5.11 TACTICAL

The Adventure PrimaLoft Insulated Jacket ($130) and Starling PrimaLoft Insulated Jacket ($130) are packable and weather-resistant outer shells that provide the warmth of 80 grams of PrimaLoft Gold Insulation in the body and 60 grams in the sleeves and hood. They’re built to last using a 100-percent polyester plain-weave-face fabric with a DWR finish and a 100-percent nylon ripstop lining. Protection, comfort, and a secure fit are ensured by an elastic opening on the hood, a chin guard on the front zipper, an adjustable hem with an internal shock cord, and stretch gussets at the sleeve openings. In addition, reflective heat transfers keep users visible in lowlight conditions. Booth #10334 (5.11tactical.com)

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BOLLE SAFETY STANDARD ISSUE

The MY6 eye shield is designed to protect users during all mission-critical scenarios.

Anti-fog and anti-scratch PLATINUM technology combined with Bolle’s Comfort Sense Perception (CSP) tints and shades, allow operators to stay focused on their target. Other features include high-impact protection, adjustable nose pad, and enhanced visibility. SRP: $35-$70. Booth #71004 (bolle-safety.com)

SCENT THIEF

Controlling scent is a vital element in hunting success. Scent Thief Field Spray is designed to neutralize an animal’s perception of threatening odors, giving hunters a distinct advantage. By soothing the scent-detecting region of the animal’s nose, Scent Thief ’s patented formula temporarily disables an animal’s sense of smell, leaving all other scents undetectable.

Scent Thief Field Spray is easy to use. Simply shake the bottle, then apply generously to clothing, boots, and equipment. Strategically spraying a trail while walking to the stand or blind allows the wind to carry the scent away, mitigating detection. The solution should be reapplied every 60 to 90 minutes, particularly in extreme wind, rain, or dry conditions.

Available in 12-ounce ($9.99) and 24-ounce ($15.99) sizes. Booth #80626 (scentthief.com)

SAVAGE ARMS

Single-shot rifles are often thought of as tools for new shooters. But there are situations where an experienced hunter needs to use only a singleshot rifle. Savage now offers a single-shot adapter designed for use in its Axis and 110 models with factory flush-fit detachable magazines. These adaptors will work in any 110 or Axis model that has an original flush-fitstyle magazine. (They will not replace an AICS-style magazine.)

This is particularly good news for hunters who live in states, like Illinois, where straight-walled rifle cartridges can be used—as long as the rifle is a single shot. With this accessory a hunter can now use a Savage rifle chambered in 350 Legend, 400 Legend, or 450 Bushmaster to hunt deer. The device requires no modifications; it simply replaces the original factory detachable-style magazine. It is not a permanent installation, so you can use it interchangeably with the original factory magazine.

Short-action configurations are available for use with 350 Legend, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 300 Blackout, and other short-action cartridges; long-action configurations are available for use with .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, and other long-action cartridges. SRP: $28. Booth #12821 (savagearms.com)

GALCO HOLSTERS

The Great Alaskan shoulder holster system is the latest in an expanding line of Galco’s chest-type hunting and outdoor holsters. Carrying a large handgun in an easily accessible crossdraw torso position, the Great Alaskan is ideal for protection when hunting, fishing, camping, or hiking in bear country. Constructed of premium steerhide, the holster component is fully lined with smooth leather. In a departure from common construction methods, the harness is also made of durable premium steerhide. The harness pivots at the holster attachment points for comfort, and its twoinch width at the shoulder distributes weight effectively. A Fastex-type buckle facilitates quick donning and removal of the holster system. The harness will also accept an optional carrier for spare cartridges or a magazine, each sold separately. Fits chests to 54 inches. SRP: $299. Booth #11260 (galcogunleather.com)

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12/26/23 11:42 AM

PRODUCT FEATURE

ACCESSORIES

HORNADY RELOADING

Hornady Reloading now offers an innovative powder funnel that features a tapered mouth, a double-step abutment, and a shorter design to enhance the user’s reloading experience. The tapered mouth fits over the shoulder of a magnum cartridge while the double-step abutment allows the case mouth to butt up squarely against the funnel, preventing grains from slipping down the side during loading. The abutment works on any cartridges ranging from .22 to a .338.

The short design of the new funnel also allows for a lower center of gravity, which prevents tipping and difficult handling while transferring powder charges from the scale to the cartridge. In addition, designers squared a portion of the funnel lip; the design prevents it from rolling off the workbench. Booth #12446 (hornady.com)

BUSHNELL

Bushnell’s new line of portable lighting products (in conjunction with 12D Licensed Brands) includes a variety of essential lighting products that can make any deer camp more comfortable. The Power+ Hat light and headlamp uses either a Bushnell Power+ rechargeable battery or three AAA batteries. The 1,500-lumen tactical flashlight, compatible with either the included Bushnell 18650 rechargeable battery or two CR123 batteries, delivers exceptional brightness and durability. A 700-lumen model offers similar versatility.

Both lights are designed to be compatible with standard one-inch mounts and feature Type III hard-coat anodized bodies, glass lenses, and are IPX7 waterproof.

The Rubicon lighting lineup features a 300-lumen headlamp that offers versatile lighting modes and automatic brightness adjustment. The 300-lumen lantern provides uniform 360-degree illumination with adjustable brightness and deployable legs, and the 500lumen rechargeable flashlight delivers long-range visibility. Booth #11838 (bushnell.com)

FN AMERICA

At approximately 5 ounces in weight and 5.25 inches in length, the titaniumhybrid construction of the Catch 22 Ti suppressor provides the perfect balance to the FN 502 Tactical pistol. The titanium tube features a robust Cerkote coating rated for high temperatures. The baffle stack is comprised of a stainless-steel blast baffle tempered for heat resistance and an aircraft-grade aluminum baffle stack for the ultimate strength-to-weight ratio. The included tool enables quick removal of the end cap and baffle stack, making cleaning and maintenance fast and simple.

The slim 1.1-inch tube clears the suppressor-height sights easily on the FN 502 Tactical and mounts securely to any platform via the 1⁄2x28-inch threads and is rated for rimfire firearms chambered in .22 LR, .22 Mag., .22 WMR, and .17 HMR. Booth #12805 (fnamerica.com)

FEDERAL PREMIUM

When a customer buys a nice rifle and scope, don’t let them leave the store without an appropriate soft-side rifle case. Federal offers a pair of cases in two sizes (44 or 48 inches, internal length) that protect that investment. Each tan-colored case features a double zipper pull with leather pulls, a heavy-duty cotton web wrapped handle with leather overlay, an easy slide lining, an exterior accessory pocket, an adjustable carry sling, and a large, easy-tograb hanging loop. SRP: $99.99. Booth #11838 (federalpremium.com)

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12/19/23 8:43 AM

Come see us at Booth #

800-338-3220 |

12438

HORNADY.COM

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

RECORDS SHATTER VARMINTS SHUDDER. Innovation, precision and excitement! Elevate your varmint shooting experience, shatter records, and make your mark like never before with Hornady® V-Match™ ammunition.

• New ELD-VT™ bullet with patented Heat Shield® tip • Highly concentric AMP® bullet jacket • High velocity retention and rapid expansion

AVAILABLE IN

• 22 ARC • 6MM ARC • 6MM Creedmoor • 6.5 Grendel • 6.5 Creedmoor

• Ultra-flat trajectories and unparalleled accuracy Learn more at hornady.com/v-match

Day4 Full Pages.indd 23

12/29/23 9:03 AM

PRODUCT FEATURE

ACCESSORIES

SNAPSAFE

In-wall safes are attractive alternatives to large, heavy gun safes. They offer secure storage for handguns and other small, valuable items while taking up very little room. SnapSafe’s in-wall safe, available in standard (22 inches high) and tall (44 inches high) versions, has been engineered to fit seamlessly between two wall studs on traditional 16-inch on-center framing. One of the key highlights of this in-wall storage unit is its ability to maximize usable interior space through an ingenious latch mechanism that maximizes storage space.

The in-wall safe boasts robust construction; a 16-gauge steel body ensures longevity while an 8-gauge steel door adds an extra layer of protection. The door can be oriented for left or right hinges, and the electronic lock system utilizes a key backup. Booth #12446 (snapsafe.com)

NIGHTSTICK

Featuring new radially machined bezel cooling fins, the evolved TWM-30 model is 30 percent brighter than the previous model while running 11 percent cooler. The TWM-30 utilizes the same law enforcement-adopted intuitive single-motion switches agencies nationwide have experienced in the popular Nightstick TCM-550XL series of compact weapon lights. The light uses a precision-machined reflector to focus its intense, 1,200-lumen beam up to 636 feet. A 1.75-hour runtime from two included CR123 batteries provide reliable illumination for critical low-light threat identification and target discrimination. Booth #14054 (nightstick.com)

MYSTERY RANCH

Treestand hunters will appreciate the newly redesigned Treehouse backpacks from Mystery Ranch. Now offered in two different capacities, they are built with durable, water-resistant, hyper-quiet fabrics. Available in 20- or 38-liter versions, both packs provide hanging gear quivers engineered specifically for the treestand hunter. Fuzzy polyester laminate backed with Nylon 210 fabric dampens sound, resists water, and provides easy access to the interior. Two color options are offered: Wood and Mystery Ranch’s DPM Canopy camo.

Treehouse 20 has top-load access to multiple interior sleeves and pockets for organization and customized accessory attachment. Treehouse 38 provides the same internal features with additional space and two forms of entry: top-load and dual-zippered access that expands the pack opening. Each model features a lid with a deep shelf in its interior that allows quick access to essential tools such as grunt calls and windicators. It also opens away from the tree allowing for easy entry to the inside of the bag.

An adjustable tree strap is included to allow the pack to be quickly attached to a tree or when a well-placed hanger isn’t available. Front compression straps provide secure attachment for a bow, lightweight treestand, or climbing sticks, and the side pockets and compression straps securely fit quivers, camera arms, or other treestand essentials. SRP: $229, Treestand 20; $299, Treestand 38. Booth #31319 (mysteryranch.com)

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News ❚

PROMOTIONS

❚

AWARDS

❚

OUTREACH

FEED

NEWS

Robert L. Scott, Chairman of the NSSF Board of Governors (left), with Steve Hornady.

Steve Hornady Is Honored with NSSF Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, has presented its highest honor—the Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award—to Steve Hornady, President of Hornady Manufacturing Company, a company known worldwide for its innovative, quality ammunition products. The award was presented at NSSF’s Members Meeting during the industry’s annual SHOT Show. “Steve’s dedication to our industry and to the shooting sports, as well as his generosity of time and support toward organizations working to protect our traditions, are known far and wide,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. “I can think of no more-worthy recipient of the NSSF Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award than Steve. It’s an honor to present this award to him.”

The NSSF Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves by their long-term commitment

to the success of the industry and by their support of NSSF’s mission to promote, protect, and preserve hunting and the shooting sports.

A lifelong shooter, avid hunter, and tireless advocate for the shooting sports industry, Hornady entered the world in 1949—the same year that his father, Joyce, started the Hornady Manufacturing Company. During his youth, Steve and the pastimes of hunting and target shooting were never far apart, as he hunted prairie dogs and much more in the Cornhusker State.

Steve became head of the company under difficult circumstances when, tragically, in 1981, a plane crash ended the life of his father, as well as two Hornady employees. Steve immediately assumed leadership, and despite the devastating loss of the company’s founder, Hornady Manufacturing never faltered.

The company’s innovative product line and long-term success have

brought him many accolades—including this month as part of the Hornady Family’s induction into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame.

But among the qualities that make Hornady worthy of the Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award are his unwavering advocacy for his industry, hunting, and the shooting sports. He is known for stepping up to the plate when a leader is needed, as he did by becoming Founding Chairman of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Fund, which was formed to help defend the firearm industry against politically motivated municipal lawsuits in the early 2000s.

Hornady’s passion for helping to protect the things that mean so much to him can be seen in his list of lifetime memberships. He’s a “lifer” in the National Rifle Association, U.S. Practical Shooting Association, Safari Club International, Dallas Safari Club, the Archery Trade

Association, and both national wild sheep associations. He has served on the NSSF Board of Governors, NRA Board of Directors, and the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAAMI) board. In addition, he and the company support local, national, and international shooting and hunting organizations, such as the International Defensive Pistol Association, International Practical Shooting Confederation, Precision Rifle Series, National Rifle League, Safari Club International, Dallas Safari Club, Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and charity shooting competitions.

In 2005, the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence named him the Shooting Industry Man of the Year.

And in 2013, he was recognized by the National Rifle Association as the Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award recipient, in recognition of his dedication to protecting the Second Amendment.

When it comes to being a sportsman, Hornady has participated in just about every type of hunting and target shooting sport, but anyone who knows him can attest to his obsession with “Those Damn Sheep.” He has literally traveled the globe to hunt sheep and goats, as well as many other game animals, often in rugged conditions.

When not working at the Hornady factory in Grand Island, or attending an industry event or hunting in some remote location, he can always be found at his farm along the Platte River—his favorite place.

“I know that Steve does not look for recognitions like the NSSF Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award, but it’s easy to see why this award found him,” said Bartozzi.

The NSSF achievement award’s namesake, Ken Sedlecky, had a long career at Smith & Wesson, was inducted into the National Skeet Shooting Hall of Fame, and was known for mentoring new youth and adult target shooters.

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Firearm Industry Inducts Three Greats into NSSF Hall of Fame NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, yesterday honored three new inductees—Don Gobel, Grits Gresham, and Bob Morrison—to its Hall of Fame at the 2024 SHOT Show. These three leaders were recognized for accomplishments that significantly strengthened industry and expanded the shooting sports.

Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO, praised the contributions of the three individuals in remarks made at the NSSF Members Meeting at the SHOT Show. “On behalf of a grateful industry, I take great pride in recognizing trailblazers like Don Gobel, Grits Gresham, and Bob Morrison and their many professional accomplishments. They have played important roles in America’s story and heritage of firearm manufacturing and popularizing the shooting sports and hunting. They deserve our respect and praise,” said Bartozzi.

Large panels displaying photos and achievements of the inductees stand in one of the most heavily trafficked sections of the SHOT Show, the largest trade show of its kind in the world. “The contributions of these three inductees are directly linked to the success of this great trade show, the embracing of firearm ownership in America and the enjoyment of the shooting sports,” said Bartozzi.

DON W. GOBEL

Don Gobel was a former President and CEO of Browning Arms Company and Winchester Repeating Arms as well as a past chairman of NSSF’s Board of Governors. Gobel led NSSF’s board during some of the firearm industry’s most contentious legislative fights in the final years of Bill Clinton’s two-term presidency. A passionate hunter, he retired from his CEO positions at both Browning and Winchester Repeating Arms in 2001. Gobel passed away in 2023.

CLAUDE HAMILTON “GRITS” GRESHAM

Grits Gresham was one of the industry’s most recognizable writers, photographers, and entertainment personalities. For many years, he was the face, spokesman, and most visible champion of hunting and the shooting sports on national television. Working alongside NSSF through the 1980s and 1990s, he hosted the Where to Hunt and Where to Shoot specials on ESPN; broadcasts of the first made-for-TV shooting event, the Sportsman’s Team Challenge; and the Shooting Sports America series on primetime ESPN. A legendary ambassador of the shooting sports, Gresham is a recipient of NSSF’s Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award. He passed away in 2008.

Doug Painter Honored at SHOT Wednesday afternoon the Shooting for Women Alliance honored NSSF former president Doug Painter with its “Wind Beneath the Wings” award for his contributions to the shooting sports, and in particular for his early support of the organization. The award, which has only been given three times in the organization’s 20-year history, recognizes individuals who “have a humble spirit and dedication to being the Wind Beneath the Wings of many in our industry as well as supporting the mission of the Shooting for Women Alliance,” said SWFW founder Susan Romanov.

ROBERT MORRISON

Bob Morrison’s career in the firearm industry was marked by longevity and his tenure as CEO/President of Taurus International Manufacturing. At Taurus, he energized the company through a series of innovative product introductions. Morrison spearheaded a strategic partnership with the National Rifle Association that boosted participation in the shooting sports while also working directly with industry leaders as an NSSF board member. Morrison is a recipient of NSSF’s Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award.

“The NSSF Hall of Fame reminds all Americans of the pride we take in our industry and the firearmowning community and what our leaders then and now stand for—the freedom to make, own, and use firearms responsibly in America,” said Bartozzi.

CrossBreed Holster Mag Carrier Upgrade CrossBreed Holsters, a leading manufacturer in the category of concealed carry, builds on the success of its original Confidant Multi-Fit Mag Carrier with the introduction of a second-generation model that offers even greater performance, ergonomics, and function for everyday carry practitioners. As with the original Confidant, the new Confidant 2.0 Multi-Fit Mag Carrier is designed to accommodate a broad range of single- and double-stack pistol-magazine sizes. Thanks to its innovative design, the Confidant 2.0 fits most of the common personal-defense pistol magazines on the market today. Because personal defenders often employ different handguns based on the day’s need or clothing requirements, the Confidant 2.0 eliminates the need for multiple magazine carriers.

CrossBreed’s engineers have included two specific upgrades intended to boost carry comfort and overall performance. The first is enhanced structural stability.

This comes by integrating the belt clip into the carrier panel. The one-piece design provides more stable positioning of the mag carrier on the belt and less movement of the mag carrier during magazine insertion and retrieval, translating to faster speed reloads and more efficient tactical reload swaps.

Second, the engineers designed the Confidant 2.0 to be slimmer than the original mag carrier. With its reduced profile, the Confidant 2.0 provides a more discrete and comfortable carry experience, whether you choose IWB or OWB carry modes. Booth #15052 (crossbreedholsters.com)

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Winchester Introduces the New Ranger Rifle Weighing in at only a bit over five pounds, the Ranger lever-action is ideal for plinking at the range and for small-game hunting. Features include a lightweight, precision-machined billet aluminum receiver with a durable, hard-anodized finish, a 20-inch blued barrel, and an easy-to-load tubular magazine that holds 15 .22 LR cartridges. In addition, the action has

been designed to minimize operating forces, which makes the rifle easy on the shoulder. A straight-grip walnut stock and carbine-style forearm with steel barrel band offer a traditional look. Cleaning and compact storage are simple, as the rifle easily separates into two sections.

Booth #11828 (winchester.com)

NSSF Governors’ Forum Held at SHOT NSSF hosted the third annual Governors’ Forum at the 2024 SHOT Show Wednesday. The governors who attended were (in alphabetical order of their states): Arkansas, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders; Georgia, Governor Brian Kemp; Idaho, Governor Brad Little; Montana, Governor Greg Gianforte; Nebraska, Governor Jim Pillen; Nevada, Governor Joe Lombardo; and Wyoming, Governor Mark Gordon.

“The governors invited to speak at this year’s forum are the leading voices for protecting Second Amendment rights and the firearm and ammunition industry that provides the means for Americans to lawfully exercise those rights,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel, who moderated the panel discussion. “NSSF’s Governors’ Forum provides a unique opportunity for SHOT Show attendees and industry media to hear directly from those governors, especially as we head into an election year when the Biden administration has squarely taken aim at our industry in an effort to decimate it. These governors are the vanguard of American liberties and the values we hold dear. NSSF has regularly welcomed governors to SHOT Show, but this is a truly special chance to gather with these governors

in one space to speak about the importance of the firearm industry and Second Amendment freedoms to their states.”

Topics that were discussed included the Biden administration’s anti-gun agenda, efforts by financial institutions to deny funding for lawful businesses, and governmental overreach. One topic of great interest to the audience was what Governor Gianforte referred to as “woke banking.” This was in reference to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investment strategies that penalize firearms and ammunition manufacturers simply because investors and lending institutions don’t believe in the Second Amendment.

Governor Gordon added that ESG was insidious and is “contrary to the America I grew up in. We have an executive branch in this country that is out of control. We need to take this country back.”

Governor Sanders said her state was “proud of the industry and its well-paying jobs, and we want it to grow.” When asked how the industry should work to counter the Biden administration’s anti-gun agenda, she said, “We don’t want to work with them. We need to vote them out.”

Governor Kemp added to that sentiment by saying, “The people of my state want to exercise their individual freedoms. They’re tired of being told what to think and say. We’re in a fight for the soul of our country.”

C&H Precision Debuts Red Dot Sight C&H Precision is a family owned and operated small business that serves the shooting community from its shop located in Richmond Hill, Georgia. It specializes in designing and manufacturing precision-machined optic adapter plates used to mount red dot sights on pistols as well as pistol slide milling upgrades. It also tackles the design and manufacturing of special projects within the firearms industry.

For SHOT Show 2024, C&H Precision is introducing the ERD-1 rifle red dot, the first of three rifle optics debuting in 2024 as part of an all-new product line. The red-dot rifle optic’s 27.5-millimeter window has adjustable brightness with eight different daylight levels and an additional pair of options compatible with night vision optics.

Parallax-free up to 100 yards, the sight utilizes a CR2032 battery and uses a shake-to-wake activation program. It will stay active for 3.5 minutes before going to sleep. Designed to be mounted on guns using a Picatinny rail, the optic is waterproof and shockproof.

Booth #11849 (chpws.com)

Attorneys General Forum at SHOT NSSF’s first ever “Badges & Boots” Attorneys General Forum at the SHOT Show attracted a large audience interested in how this group is protecting the Second Amendment rights of Americans.

Like the Governors’ Forum held earlier in the day, the AGs discussed a variety of topics, including efforts by state and federal governments to criminalize the law-abiding gun owner while ignoring violent criminals who openly flout the law.

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SCENES FROM THE SHOW FLOOR

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GEARING UP FOR

COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING

by Robert Sadowski

Cowboy Action Shooting is a specialized-gear sport that the entire family can enjoy. Here’s how to cash in on the guns and ammo needed by newly minted cowpokes.

Are your customers ready to cowboy up? Do they ask about Cowboy Action Shooting, wondering what type of guns, ammo, and other equipment they need? When they ask this of you, you should answer, “I’m your huckleberry.”

That, as any fan of the movie “Tombstone” knows, means “I’m your man.”

Cowboy Action Shooting is a sport that uses firearms of the Old West in unique shooting scenarios called stages. Competitors dress in period clothing and compete using single-action revolvers, lever-action rifles, and pump, sideby-side, or lever-action shotguns. Matches are exciting spectacles for shooters and spectators alike as competitors knock down steel plate targets shaped like bad guys, buffalos, tombstones, or suits from a deck of playing cards. The emphasis is on fun. Minimum distances (pistols, 7 yards; shotguns, 8 yards;

rifles 13 yards) are designed to level the playing field for all. In other words, participants don’t need to be dead-eye shots to compete.

But before you can offer sage advice on any particular model of gun, you need to know exactly what guns competitors are allowed to shoot. The governing body for CAS is the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS). The downloadable Shooters Handbook (sassnet.com) has all the information you and your sales associates need to help customers select the proper firearms and other items such as ammo, holsters, and additional accessories needed for the particular type of competition that most interests them.

Cowboy Action shooters will need one rifle, one shotgun, and two single-action revolvers. The rifle and revolvers are both chambered in the same

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COWBOY ACTION SHOOTING

 Chiappa 1887 ShotgunRifle.

 Chiappa 1873 Revolver.

caliber. This harkens back to the practice in the Old West of having the rifle and sidearm share the same caliber.

Any pair of single-action revolvers or replica revolvers designed prior to 1896 is allowed. These are the old-time six-shooters you see in movies.

Colt (Booth #12857), Uberti (Booth #13238), Ruger (Booth #72327), Taylor’s & Company (Booth #72226), Chiappa (Booth #12853), Cimarron (Booth #10933), and other manufacturers produce a variety of revolvers that are competition legal.

The best rifles for Cowboy Action Shooting are Winchester Model 1866 and Model 1973 rifles or carbines. Marlin model 1894 rifles are also popular.

The rule book on rifles states: “Any lever or slide action, tubular fed, exposed hammer rifle or carbine manufactured between 1860 and 1899, or any reproduction thereof.” Modern reproduction rifles, such as those manufactured by Uberti, Marlin, Taylor’s & Company, Cimarron, Henry, Rossi, and even Winchester, are also all readily available.

Shotgun selection can be either a side-by-side, a pre-1889 pump action, or a lever action. Doc Holliday called his side-by-side a street howitzer.

Stoeger (Booth #13238) makes a popular hammerless side-by-side “Coach Gun,” and Cimarron

recreates Doc’s shotgun with exposed hammers for true period authenticity. The one caveat: the double-barrel shotgun must have extractors, not automatic ejectors. If you like pump shotguns, you will need to use a pump such as the Winchester Model 1897. There have been plenty of original Winchester Model 1897s used in competition, but new replica guns from Cimarron and others all fit the bill. Legal lever-action shotguns include the Winchester Model 1887. Taylor's and Chiappa make fine reproductions of these oldtime shotguns. Shotguns in 20 or 12 gauge are popular, and barrel length must be 18 inches or longer.

Rifle and revolver ammunition must use an all-lead bullet. Minimum caliber is .32. Jacketed, plated, or washed bullets are not allowed. The most common caliber for Cowboy Action shooting is .38 Special. It has mild recoil in both rifles and pistols, is economical to shoot in larger quantities, is readily available, and is easily reloaded. Many ammunition manufacturers produce cowboy loads that meet the SASS muzzle velocity requirement of less than 1,000 fps for revolvers and less than 1,400 fps for rifles. Since ammunition is used between rifles and pistols, low-velocity ammo is prefect. In fact, it will have less felt recoil so your customer can concentrate on steel plate renegades rather than recoil. Black Hills (Booth #15227), Fiocchi (Booth #11454), and Magtech (Booth #13048) all make ammunition specific for Cowboy Action shooting; so does Black Hills (Booth #15227), Fiocchi (Booth #11454), and Magtech (Booth #13048).

 Taylor Comanchero lever-action rifle.

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For shotgun ammo, load up your customer with No. 4 (or smaller) lead bird shot. No steel or plated shot is allowed. Games loads are manufactured by Winchester (Booth #11828), Federal (Booth #11838), Kent (Booth #14835), Aguila (Booth #11627), Remington (Booth #11838), Fiocci (Booth #11454), and other shotshell makers.

In addition to the firearms, you should also invest in period-appropriate holsters, cartridge belts, and bandoliers. Here again, the handbook will define what products are competition legal.

SASS requires all shooters to wear full protection/

high-impact safety glasses, so there is another accessory sale for you. And though hearing protection is not mandated, it is recommended, so you should have an assortment of appropriate products on hand as well.

Getting into Cowboy Action Shooting takes a bit of thought, on the part of both customer and dealer. But since this is an activity in which the entire family can participate, you’ll find it can be very profitable to help these customers join the ranks of John Wayne, Roy Rogers, and Wyatt Earp.

Cowboy Action shooters will need one rifle, one shotgun, and two single-action r e v o lv e r s .

 Uberti 1866 Yellowboy Deluxe Rifle.  Uberti 1873 Short Stroke SASS ProBlue.

THE WILD BUNCH

 Taylor Runnin' Iron.

The enduring popularity of this ground-breaking western has led to an offshoot of Cowboy Action Shooting known as Wild Bunch Action Shooting. Like CAS, these matches are sanctioned by the Single Action Shooting Society (SASS). The safety rules remain the same, but there are key differences in allowable firearms—namely the use of the .45 ACP 1911 pistol.

Period dress is also required, but competitors can wear clothing from the early 20th century as well.

There are two basic shooting categories: Modern and Traditional. There are also various subcategories, similar to those found in CAS. Wild Bunch shooting allows customers who would prefer to use the classic 1911 rather than single-action revolvers to compete in entertaining competitions with a variety of challenging targets. And like, CAS, the emphasis is on fun. As the handbook states: “Wild Bunch Action Shooting is an Action Shooting sport that promotes speed, movement, and accuracy. It is not a bullseye competition.” The handbook is required reading for any sales associate and can be downloaded at sassnet.com.

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EYES AND EARS New shooters need to know how

to protect their eyes and ears at the range.

by Brad Fitzpatrick

N

ew gun owners have a great deal to learn before their first trip to the shooting range. Understanding the basic operation of the firearm is

critically important, and matching ammunition to firearm can be a real challenge for someone who doesn’t know the difference between 9mm Luger and 9mm Luger +P ammunition or understand a .357 Magnum revolver can fire .38 Special ammunition, but a .38 Special can’t fire .357 Magnum ammo. Yet, one of the basic tenets of safe firearms handling—wearing hearing and eye protection—should be simple and straightforward even to those who’ve never owned a firearm.

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EYES AND EARS

But there’s a catch: not all hearing and eye protection is created equal. The earplugs used to deaden the sound of hard-partying neighbors in a hotel most likely won’t provide adequate protection against the sound of gunshots, and wraparound sunglasses suitable for a day at the beach won’t be durable enough to stop an errant pellet at the shotgun range.

So, how do new shooters know what to look for?

In most cases, they don’t. Here is where you and staff can help by using the simple guide below to be certain that a customer’s gear is up to the task.

EYE PROTECTION

The American National Standards Institute is a nonprofit organization founded in 1918 to “administer and coordinate the U.S. voluntary standards and conformity assessment system.” ANSI doesn’t develop the standards for eyewear protection, but the ANSI rating of eyewear can help determine whether glasses are suitable for shooting.

ANSI testing involves, among other things, highmass impact and high-velocity impact testing. Safety glasses that are ANSI Z87.1 rated have been proven to withstand the impact of a one-inch steel ball dropped onto the lenses from 50 inches. ANSI Z87+ ratings mean that the glasses have passed the standard impact test plus additional tests that require the lenses to withstand high-velocity impact from smaller projectiles as well as other more rigorous tests.

For most shooting glasses, Z87.1 or Z87+ (sometimes written Z87.1+) is standard. However, there are also glasses that are designed to meet even more stringent military standards. Known as MIL-PRF 32432 (or ballistic fragmentation test), these glasses are subjected to impacts from a .15-inch projectile fired into the lenses at a speed of 640 feet per second;

Wiley-X shooting glasses are tested in house to make sure they meet the standards for eye protection.

only if the lenses can withstand this impact are they MILSPEC certified. Oddly enough, even though MILSPEC standards require lenses to withstand impacts that are roughly seven times higher than the standards for ANSI Z87.1, there are some glasses that are MILSPEC rated, but don’t meet ANSI Z87.1 standard. Gatorz Eyewear Delta lenses are one example: Gatorz Delta (Booth #70813) lenses exceed MILSPEC ballistic fragmentation standards, but because of their partially open lens design (i.e., the lenses are not fully enclosed by the frame) they don’t meet ANSI standards.

It’s important to be certain that the shooting glasses a customer selects meet ANSI and/or MILSPEC standards. Shooting glasses from most major eyewear brands, such as those offered by SSP Eyewear (Booth #42816), Leupold (Booth #12421), Gatorz, and Wiley-X (Booth #20063), will list their rating so there should be no problem identifying suitable products. These are all better options than standard non-rated sunglasses that may fail to protect the eyes in the event of an accident.

Lens color is also an important factor.

Traditionally, shooters chose glasses with yellow or orange lenses because they block blue light and make the orange color of targets stand out in contrast (amber lenses do the same thing). Purple or blue lenses improve contrast in areas with lots of green foliage. Gray is a great color choice for lenses because it reduces light fatigue and maintains a consistent color balance.

HEARING PROTECTION

 Standard non-rated sunglasses can't protect the eyes in the event of an accident. Steer your customer to properly rated glasses specially designed for the shooting sports.

Decibels are the unit of measure for sounds, with zero dB considered absolute silence while 1 dB is barely audible. An increase of just three decibels doubles sound energy, but to the human ear sound “doubles” roughly every ten decibels based on perception.

Because decibel levels increase on a logarithmic scale, a 60 dB sound (average human speech) is not 60 times louder than a 1 dB sound, but rather 106 (1,000,000) times louder.

The human sense of hearing is remarkably complex. We hear sounds because sound waves travel through the ear canal and vibrate bones that amplify the noise and send it to our cochlea (inner ear).

Fragile hairs inside the cochlea vibrate based on the

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sound frequency, but these hairs are susceptible to damage. Loud noises can cause hearing loss, and the rate and severity of that loss is a combination of the sound’s intensity in decibels and exposure time.

Noises of 85 dB (equivalent to a noisy restaurant) or more can cause hearing damage after long hours of exposure. Higher dB sounds like loud rock concerts or fireworks (both of which can be in the 130 to 140 dB range) are instantly painful and damaging to the hearing.

Centerfire rifles, handguns, and shotguns are all capable of producing sounds in the 150 dB range, which is instantly painful and damaging. Even rimfire guns like the .22 Long Rifle produce dB levels of 140 or more. For this reason, it’s important to always wear hearing protection while shooting a firearm.

But which form of hearing protection should a customer wear?

Soft foam earplugs are a common choice, and they do reduce dB and deaden sound. Foam earplugs are cheap, easy to use, and widely available, but they only reduce the sound by about 15 to 30 decibels if worn properly. Protective muffs typically drop sound levels by about the same 15 to 30 dB. In many cases that’s enough reduction to reduce pain levels, but in the case of centerfire rifles (especially those with muzzle brakes) it’s not always enough to protect

against hearing loss, so sometimes you’ll need to double up with muffs and earplugs if the sound is exceptionally loud.

In most instances, such as shooting shotguns at the clay range or target shooting with a centerfire pistol, a high-quality pair of plugs or muffs are sufficient to bring gunshots down to hearing safe levels.

There is a new trend toward electronic hearing protection (either in the form of muffs or earplugs) to amplify safe sounds but block dangerous ones so you won’t have to scream to communicate with other shooters but dangerously loud gunshot soundwaves are still blocked. The downside to electronic hearing protection, of course, is higher cost.

Walker’s Game Ear (Booth #12669) and AXIL (Booth #14845) both make muffs and ear buds.

Champion (Booth #11838) makes ear plugs as well as electronic muffs.

Regardless of which design is chosen, it’s important to have effective hearing protection at the range. Hearing loss is a slow, progressive condition that, once recognized, cannot be reversed, so it must be avoided.

Remind the customer that humans only have one set of eyes and ears. And medical science hasn’t advanced far enough to create viable replacement parts. An investment in quality eye

and ear protection not only enhances the shooting experience, but helps ensure they will stay safe on the range and in the field.

 Modern technology has allowed the development of sophisticated ear muffs that let shooters easily hear range commands, but instantly shut off harmful loud noises.

DID YOU

KNOW

Your attendance at the SHOT Show® directly supports the mission of NSSF® – your industry’s trade association.

Its strengths and successes on behalf of the industry are fueled by you and your business.

Visit us at NSSF booth #42304 and #CF116

NSSF.ORG/MEMBERSHIP

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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.

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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

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

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SELF-DEFENSE HANDGUN CHOOSING AMMO FOR A

The correct choice depends on many factors, but it’s actually simpler than you think.

by Travis Pike

C

hoosing the right self-defense handgun ammo is a critical element, and the process can be confusing for a new shooter. A little bit of knowledge can go a long way,

though, so I’m going to break it all down in an easy-to-follow tutorial that your staff can use to help a new shooter choose wisely.

WHY PROPER SELF-DEFENSE AMMO IS IMPORTANT

Self-defense ammo is purpose-built to be as effective as possible when used in a self-defense situation. This involves a specialized projectile known as a hollow point or jacketed hollow point (see below for more detail). High-quality self-defense ammo is designed to maximize reliability to ensure it will always fire when you pull the trigger.

Traditional ammo is called ball or full metal jacket. It's best used for training purposes and is not advisable for self-defense. That’s because ball rounds can over-penetrate the target. When that happens, the bullet will continue on its path, creating the possibly of harming a bystander. These rounds also tend to create small holes in the threat and deliver very little in the way of threatstopping damage. They are not the choice when you need to stop a threat as quickly and efficiently as possible.

A properly designed round of defensive ammo is highly unlikely to overpenetrate. It's also more likely to stop a threat in as few rounds as possible, as long as the shooter can properly place their shots.

The best judge of penetration is properly calibrated 10-percent ballistic gel. The FBI ballistic standard is for a bullet to penetrate at least 12 inches of ballistic gel, but not more than 18 inches (to ensure the round will not overpenetrate).

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CHOOSING AMMO FOR A SELF-DEFENSE HANDGUN

The proper projectile for self-defense is a jacketed hollow point. It delivers threat-stopping terminal performance without any over-penetration issues.

Let’s say your customer’s gun is chambered for 9mm, a very popular self-defense round.

Before you can recommend a particular brand, you need to know the length of the barrel CSF_GaugeAd_8.25x4.875_v3.pdf 1 1/4/24 (length affects terminal performance). Once you know the model and barrel length of the gun in

question, you can help the customer select the best choice for them.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROJECTILE

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Whatever brand the customer is interested in, keep in mind that the proper projectile for self-

WE GAUGE POLITICAL LANDSCAPES TO KEEP SHOOTING SPORTS OPEN FOR THE FUTURE

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defense is a jacketed hollow point. A jacketed hollow point has a hollow cavity in the center of the projectile. The jacket refers to the copper that surrounds what is often a lead projectile. This jacket helps ensure reliable feeding in semi-auto pistols.

The hollow point allows the round to expand.

For nearly 35 years, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation has maintained the largest bipartisan, pro-sportsmen caucus in Congress. Our efforts ensure that sportsmen and women of all places and parties can share in our country’s rich traditions and always find common ground.

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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.

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CHOOSING AMMO FOR A SELF-DEFENSE HANDGUN

When it strikes a soft target, the hollow point fills, and this forces the projectile to open and expand.

As it expands, the projectile grows in size and causes greater damage to the threat. These rounds also slow down when they hit the target, which prevents them from over-penetrating. This is why you should recommend JHP ammo.

BULLET WEIGHT

When shopping for handgun ammo, your customer will be confronted with a wide variety of bullet weights. This occurs with every caliber and can be very confusing. For example, if you start shopping for 9mm hollow points, you'll see three common weights: 115 grain, 124 grain, and 147 grain, which might leave you asking which one is the best for self-defense.

Each one could be the right answer, but it really depends on your customer’s gun. Part of proper penetration and expansion depends on the velocity of the round. Heavier rounds move slower, and longer barrels help the rounds move faster. If you are going to fire a heavier round, it's often better to fire it from a longer barrel to ensure it reaches the right velocity to properly penetrate and expand.

Bullet weight can also have a slight effect on recoil. It can be almost imperceptible, but it

might be something worth considering for those who are recoil sensitive.

THE CASING

A brass casing is both the most common and the most desired for self-defense ammunition.

Brass cases also are the most reliable when it comes to feeding, extracting, and ejecting. They also expand upon being fired, which helps cre-

ate a gas seal that maximizes the velocity of a round. The brass casing then contracts to allow for proper extraction and ejection.

One desirable, but not necessary, feature is a nickel-plated brass case. The nickel plating adds a layer of protection to the ammunition and helps prevent the tarnishing that is common with brass. Self-defense ammo is often carried in the gun for months at a time; nickel plating

 Bullet weight can be confusing to new shooters.

Take the time to fully explain how it affects terminal performance.

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5.7x28 AMMO Going to the shooting range just got easier with your favorite 5.7x28mm pistol or carbine!

The newest extension in the popular Fiocchi Range Dynamics line is now available in a bulk pack. This 5.7 cartridge is a 40 grain, full metal jacket projectile and bundled in a 150 round package. Another in a line of 5.7x28mm ammunition unmatched in the industry!

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CHOOSING AMMO FOR A SELF-DEFENSE HANDGUN

helps protect from corrosion. The slick nature of such a coating also helps it feed in semi-autos and eject easier from a revolver.

THE +P IN POWER

The customer may ask about self-defense ammo that is identified as “+P”. That +P means it’s “overpressure” ammo. In other words, it has a higher velocity. Such ammo can typically squeeze out another 100 feet per second when fired. As mentioned above, more velocity ensures consistent penetration and expansion as well as more striking energy.

That little extra oomph often results in a bit of snappy recoil, especially in smaller guns designed for concealed carry. That little extra power is a personal choice, and a +P load is not necessary for handgun self-defense ammo.

Note: if your customer is considering this ammo, make sure their gun is rated for +P ammo.

It doesn't take much to find good defensive ammo these days, though there is admittedly a sea of it out there vying for the attention and the purchase power of consumers. When it comes time to recommend specific manufacturers, you can’t go wrong with Speer (Booth #11838), Hornady (Booth #12446), and Federal (Booth #11838).

 In order to recommend the proper ammo, you need to know specifics of the customer's firearm, such as barrel length and caliber. You should ask if the customer is recoil sensitive.

Your Fight Is Our Fight

Visit us at booths 42304 and CF116 PRESERVING OUR VALUES

PROTECTING OUR RIGHTS

SUPPORTING YOUR FIREARM BUSINESS

From the largest manufacturers to the smallest retailers, NSSF® fights to preserve our legacy and secure our future as a critical member of American industry. We fight with resources that promote legal gun ownership. We fight with initiatives that educate the public about responsible firearm ownership and safe participation in hunting and the shooting sports.

And we fight on Capitol Hill and in state capitols nationwide—right alongside you—to ensure your ability to operate as a lawful and important business in your community is not infringed.

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DON’T STAND ON THE SIDELINES. JOIN THE FIGHT BY JOINING NSSF TODAY.

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COVERT CARRY, REIMAGINED.

INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW WALTHER

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THE

ARCHERY BUSINESS PAVILION

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AT SHOT SHOW IN 2024

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THE ARCHERY BUSINESS PAVILION IS A NEW PART OF SHOT SHOW FOCUSED ON OUTDOOR, HUNTING, ARCHERY AND CROSSBOW COMPANIES BROUGHT TOGETHER IN A COMMON SPACE. HERE’S THE LATEST NEWS!

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BY ARCHERY BUSINESS STAFF

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y now you’ve likely heard about the new Archery Business Pavilion at SHOT Show. This exciting venture is a collaboration between NSSF and Grand View Outdoors (Archery Business and Bowhunting World magazines are part of the Grand View Outdoors family of brands.)

Since the announcement in February 2023, many companies that have never attended SHOT have booked their space. Check out the numerous brand logos on the following two pages to see who will showcase products in the Archery Business Pavilion. It’s an impressive list. From FeraDyne Outdoors to The Pure Archery Group, representatives will be on hand to answer questions about bows, arrows, sights, rests, releases, broadheads, strings and much more.

The SHOT Show covers more than 816,000 net square feet of exhibit space, featuring over 2,500 companies showcasing the latest in firearms, ammo, hunting and shooting accessories, outdoor apparel and now — archery gear! It attracts buyers, media and other industry professionals from around the world.

Held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada, the SHOT Show is the largest and most comprehensive trade show for professionals involved with the shooting sports and hunting industries.

SHOWCASING ARCHERY AND OUTDOOR GEAR “More than 4,000 retail buyers that attended SHOT Show the last 2 years have expressed interest in archery and bow hunting products,” said Chris Dolnack, NSSF Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. “The new Archery Business Pavilion provides these buyers with an opportunity to source archery, as well as firearms, ammunition, and accessories, all under one roof.

“Listening to our customers is a key part of the sustained growth and success of the SHOT Show. We look forward to receiving exhibitor and buyer feedback so that we can make the Archery Business Pavilion customer experience even better for the 2025 show.

“Grand View Outdoors publishes SHOT Business for NSSF and Shooting Sports Retailer, so partnering with Grand View Outdoors and Archery Business magazine made perfect sense. Grand View Outdoors brings a unique perspective with their longtime involvement with the archery industry and understanding of the firearm industry.

“We included archery lanes within the Pavilion so that buyers can experience the product performance firsthand. And we added an archery component to Industry Day at the Range as well to provide both buyers and media with a hands-on opportunity to test new products and learn about the features and benefits.”

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Grand View Outdoors President Derrick Nawrocki added, “This partnership with NSSF represents a significant opportunity for the archery industry to come together and demonstrate the innovation, technology and creativity that defines archery with the SHOT Show.

“The Archery Business team is very committed to promoting the Pavilion along with the growing list of innovative exhibitors, friends and partners who are joining us at the SHOT Show this year and in future years to come.

“Our Archery Business brand has been a rock-solid guide for archery manufacturers and dealers for nearly 50 years. Many consider Archery Business to be the ‘Voice of the Archery Industry,’ providing retailers with cutting-edge gear reviews, exclusive looks at top brands, and constantly provides key intel to help drive more business in their shops.”

ARCHERY BUSINESS PAVILION SPECIFICS  The new Archery Business Pavilion will be located within the upcoming annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, from Jan. 23 through Jan. 26, 2024.  Any manufacturer of outdoor, hunting, archery and crossbow related products can exhibit in the new Archery Business Pavilion.  You’ll find the Archery Business Pavilion in Caesars Forum in the Academy Ballroom.  Exhibit space is limited, and it’s first come, first served.  In future years, those who exhibited in 2024 will have first choice for space.  The Archery Business team, including editors and key staff, will be in the ballroom working on best ways to cover and promote companies that exhibit.  Additional coverage about the Archery Business Pavilion will appear in SHOT Daily during the show and within the pages of other B2B brands such as Archery Business, Hunting Retailer and Shooting Sports Retailer as we get closer to SHOT Show.

BOOKING YOUR SPACE IN FUTURE YEARS Visit www.SHOTShow.org/archeryfloorplan to see the Archery Business Pavilion floor plan for 2024. If you’re looking at a map of the entire SHOT Show space, the Archery Business Pavilion is located in the Caesars Forum area showing SHOT Show University and meeting rooms.

It’s likely that by the time you read this article, it will be too late in the game for you to make the decision to join other companies in the Pavilion during SHOT Show 2024. That said, it’s never too early to begin thinking about the future, and specifically SHOT Show 2025. Be sure to look for future content in this magazine about the Archery Business Pavilion, including feedback from those companies that attended in 2024. For more information on the Pavalion and SHOT Show, visit www.SHOTShow.org/archeryexhibit.

BARNETT SHOWCASING NEW DEMUN CROSSBOW AT SHOT SHOW Barnett Crossbows recently announced that they will attend SHOT Show 2024 and have an additional booth in the Archery Business Pavilion. Barnett will showcase its newest and most cutting-edge arrival, the break-action Demun Handheld Crossbows Series.

Barnett is the original pioneer of break-action crossbows. This new series includes the Demun Tri Strike, Demun Accu Strike and Demun Accu Strike PRO. The Demun collection is an excellent beginner crossbow for target practice and hunting smaller animals.

The Demun Tri Strike and Demun Accu Strike feature single-stage break-action cocking, an adjustable fiber-optic sight, and a folding foregrip. The Demun Tri Strike has a patented three-feed chamber for quicker reloading and firing. The Demun Accu Strike features a diamond-knurl soft grip for outstanding control and feel.

The Demun Accu Strike PRO features a patented two-stage break-action cocking, which reduces the draw weight by approximately 50%, a diamond-knurl soft grip, and an adjustable reflex sight. With a draw weight of 100 pounds, the Demun Accu Strike PRO sets itself apart from the other handheld crossbows in the series.

Those attending SHOT Show 2024 are encouraged to visit the Barnett booth in the Archery Business Pavilion — #84265 — for a firsthand look at Demun Handheld Crossbows and other great products from Barnett. The company will have another booth — #13273 — in the Venetian Expo Level 2.

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THE ARCHERY BUSINESS PAVILION AT SHOT SHOW IN 2024 ARCHERY BUSINESS, THE VOICE OF THE ARCHERY INDUSTRY FOR NEARLY 50 YEARS, HAS TEAMED UP WITH THE NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION’S SHOT SHOW TO BRING YOU THE ARCHERY BUSINESS PAVILION.

OUR 2024 EXHIBITORS GET FIRST CHOICE FOR THE 2025 SHOW, AND SPACE AFTER THAT WILL BE FIRST COME FIRST SERVE.

F

WWW.ARCHERYBUSINESS.COM/ABPSHOTSHOW JANUARY 21-24, 2025, CAESARS FORUM LAS VEGAS, NV INTERESTED IN ATTENDING THE SHOT SHOW? GO TO SHOTSHOW.ORG

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ARCHERY BUSINESS PAVILION NOW IS THE TIME TO START PLANNING FOR YOUR 2025 BOOTH IN THE ARCHERY BUSINESS PAVILION

FOR INFORMATION ON EXHIBITING IN THE ARCHERY BUSINESS PAVILION, CONTACT: BRAD BISNETTE BRAD.BISNETTE@COLEPUBLISHING.COM (715) 891-3235 PATRICK BOYLE PATRICK.BOYLE@GRANDVIEWOUTDOORS.COM (920) 240-7280

WWW.ARCHERYBUSINESS.COM/ABPSHOTSHOW NEW EXHIBITOR APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED AS OF JANUARY 23, 2024.

SPACE SELECTION WILL BE HELD LATE SPRING/EARLY SUMMER

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NEWPRODUCTS 1

by slaton l . white

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1 ALPS OUTDOORZ DEADQUIET EMBER HANDWARMER

The DEADQUIET Ember Handwarmer works in conjunction with the equally new DEADQUIET Shield Bino Harness or as a stand-alone product to help keep hands warm in cold weather. This revolutionary performance comes courtesy of the handwarmer’s three-layer construction. The fleece outer layer absorbs friction sound to allow silent movement on the stand or when still hunting. Next is a waterproof inner membrane that keeps hands dry in rain or snow. Finally, there is an internal suede fabric that adds another layer of weather protection and further minimizes noise, such as when inserting or removing your hands. To keep cold air out and warm air in, the DEADQUIET Ember Handwarmer features a hidden cuff design that effectively closes around the wrists. Hunters who utilize binos in the stand or when still hunting can use the DEADQUIET Ember Handwarmer in tandem with the new DEADQUIET Shield Bino Harness. For solo use, the handwarmer comes with a stowable waistbelt that adjusts from 29 to 49 inches. For added warmth, place HOTHANDS in the included envelope-style magnetic pocket. SRP: $59.99. Booth #72204 (alpsoutdoorz.com)

2 GEMTECH ABYSS 7.72 SUPPRESSOR Gemtech, a Smith & Wesson brand, is a leader in cutting-edge innovation and visionary designs within the suppressor industry. It has now added the Abyss 7.72 suppressor to its Abyss series of suppressors. Built on five of Gemtech’s patent-pending technologies, the design allows rounds to pass through while gasses expand into the baffle spaces, lowering pressure, minimizing muzzle flash, and significantly reducing decibels. The Abyss also lessens back pressure by routing gasses forward, away from the shooter for increased comfort and reliability. Constructed from stainless-steel and titanium components, this suppressor has an overall length of 6.6 inches without a mount, 7.3 inches when paired with Gemtech’s ETMTM (Elite Taper Mount). The Abyss series of suppressors are designed around durability and can be mounted to barrels through direct thread standards. The Abyss 7.62 is fully auto rated and has a caliber rating ranging from 5.7x28mm through .300 Win. Mag. SRP: $945. Booth #12427 (gemtech.com)

3 CIMARRON FIREARMS ARIZONA RANGER COMPETITION SA Cimarron considers the new Arizona Ranger Competition SA the best “competition ready” model in its extensive line of classic peacemaker-style revolvers. A wide square-notch rear sight and wide constant width front sight help deliver quick target acquisition. Slim, hand-checkered European walnut grips contribute to a better and firmer hand fit, and an action tuned in the U.S. by Cimarron’s skilled gunsmiths help set this revolver apart from other single actions. This fine tuning incorporates hammer and trigger/bolt springs that are lighter and smoother, both of which permit a crisp, no-creep trigger pull. Improved internal parts enhance reliability. Each Arizona Ranger six-shooter sports “Arizona Ranger” roll-engraved on the .357 Mag./.45 LC Barrel in an old-style font. SRP: $842.01. Booth #10933 (cimarron-firearms.com)

4 FEDERAL PREMIUM SHELL POUCH Want your customer to look like a pro while shooting skeet, trap or sporting clays? Sell them a Federal Premium shell pouch. The tan pouches feature leather-reinforced accents and brass hardware and a structured back panel designed for comfort. The 1.5-inch adjustable web belt fits up to a 44-inch waist. SRP: $54.99. Booth #11838 (federalpremium.com)

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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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BOOTH 12070 Tens of Thousands of SKUs Hundreds of the industry’s leading brands.

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NEWPRODUCTS 5

6

7 8

5 5.11 AR 670-1 COMPLIANT BOOTS

The EVO 2.0 8-inch AR 670-1 and the Speed 4.0 8-inch AR 670-1 are 5.11’s first two AR 670-1 compliant boots. The EVO 2.0 8-inch AR 670-1 ($160) is equipped with Force Foam cushioning and an Ortholite footbed for comfort and enduring support. These EVO 2.0 8-inch boots are Army Regulation 670-1 compliant for U.S. Army Wear with MultiCam and Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) uniforms. 5.11’s other AR 670-1 compliant option is offered in the Speed 4.0 8-inch AR 670-1 ($120).

These lightweight boots provide outstanding features and value. Crafted with suede leather and 1200D nylon, Force Foam heel cushioning, and an Ortholite footbed, they will make sure feet are feeling good no matter the job. Additionally, the ASTM slip- and oil-resistant outsole is stitched for hard use. Booth #10334 (5.11tactical.com)

6 SAVAGE ACCUCAN SUPPRESSORS Savage is introducing three new suppressors at SHOT Show 2024. The AC22 is tailored to fit .22 caliber firearms; the AC30 is designed for use with rifles chambered in .308, 6.5mm, 6.5PRC, 6.8mm, 7mm, .300 WM, 300PRC, and .300 BLK; and the AC338 is for use with the .338 Lapua Magnum. All three feature hard-coat anodizing and have built-in self-cleaning carbon cutters. The MonoKore design not only reduces the sound, but also minimizes other disturbances like flash and recoil, all of which helps increase accuracy. Constructed of 100-percent machined Gr-5 Ti titanium alloy and 7075-T6 aluminum, the suppressors are light in weight, but durable. In addition, the line has been designed in three pieces, ensuring that servicing it is straightforward. Whether you're in the middle of a hunt or on the range, any necessary adjustments can be done swiftly without the need for specialized tools or equipment. SRP: $399.99-$999.99. Booth #12821 (savagearms.com)

7 PELICAN PELICAN FOAM Now a shooter can customize the interior layout of their Pelican case with premium foam using the new user-friendly tool PelicanFoam.com. Select from over 70 genuine Pelican case models to design a custom foam that fits your needs. Using a variety of simple tools, including object library, custom shapes, or photo upload tool, you can create the optimal configuration for your custom foam. Custom foam designs are produced in the USA. Further personalize your foam with laser-engraved custom text or logos. With the best combination of materials and your personalized design, your gear will be secure with these custom foam solutions. Booth #10922 (pelicanfoam.com)

8 IOSSO BORE CLEANING SYSTEM The Iosso Bore Cleaning System consists of Iosso Bore Cleaner, premium bore brushes, and Iosso Triple Action Oil. The combination of these products will remove carbon burn, powder fouling, copper, lead, plastic wad, and any other fouling associated with shooting. The odorless, bio-based formulas contain no harsh chemicals, so the products are environmentally friendly. In addition, the durable, thick, and stiff blue Nyflex fiber of each brush holds its shape well and delivers a non-scratch cleaning. Booth #20200 (iosso.com)

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