2025 SHOT Daily - Day 2

COMPATIBLE

THE GAMECHANGER40 X

5-40x56i K540i

* Based on comparison with the K525i at 25 x magnification. The groundbreaking new-generation of optical design in the K 5-40x56i offers a breathtaking viewing experience across the entire magnification range and impress with 40% wider field of view* and with a exceptionally comfortable eyebox even at 40X magnification.

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

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

NSSF ADMINISTRATION

PRESIDENT & CEO w JOSEPH H. BARTOZZI

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CCO w CHRIS DOLNACK

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

MANAGING DIRECTOR, MEMBER SERVICES w JOHN MCNAMARA

SHOT BUSINESS (ISSN 1081-8618, USPS 25801) is published bimonthly by COLE Publishing, 415 E Wall St, Eagle River, WI 54521. Periodicals postage is paid at Eagle River, WI.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to SHOT BUSINESS, PO Box 2707, Eagle River, WI 54521.

All rights reserved. Contents may not be printed or otherwise reproduced without written permission of COLE Publishing. Periodicals postage pending at Eagle River, WI 54521 and at additional mailing offices.

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.

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

ADVERTISING: Advertising inquiries should be emailed to shotbusiness@colepublishing.com. No responsibility will be assumed for unsolicited materials. SHOT BUSINESS is a registered trademark of NSSF. Contents copyright ©2025 by NSSF. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited unless expressly authorized by publisher.

NEXT GEN PACKED WITH 50 YEARS OF INNOVATION. BURRIS FULLFIELD TURNS HALF A CENTURY.

Fifty years ago, Don Burris introduced a riflescope that set the benchmark for hunting optics in the U.S. This year, Burris Optics celebrates five decades of manufacturing excellence and innovation with the newest generation of the Fullfield riflescope.

Reengineered from the ground up, the new Fullfield riflescopes maintain the wide field of view and premium optical clarity that made the previous-generation Fullfield scopes standouts in the field. They now deliver an updated design, enhanced features, and fresh technological innovations to give today’s hunters the edge they need to make challenging shots.

In keeping with Burris’ current trend toward more compact and lighter riflescopes with

enhanced performance, the new Fullfield optics are shorter and lighter than previous versions. This configuration translates to improved balance, enhanced maneuverability, and reduced fatigue when waiting for the shot.

The latest generation Fullfield also boasts a more contemporary look and improved ergonomics, following the “industrial design” concept introduced last year across the Burris optics line. High-relief knurling along the power ring and adjustment knobs ensures a positive grip and quick operation for dialing in the shot, while the crisp, precision profile reflects the fine-tolerance engineering built into each riflescope.

Optical clarity and maximum light transmission are essential qualities for any serious optic, and the new Fullfield delivers. Multi-coated lenses, combined with high-performance glass, minimize glare and boost low-light visibility through the one-inch tube body. This ensures a clean, crisp downrange view with strong contrast and color fidelity — critical for identifying targets in murky light environments.

The Fullfield continues the line’s rear focal plane design and offers a wide range of reticle options to meet specific shooter needs — from the essential Plex-style duplex reticle to illuminated and advanced ballistic reticles. It is also the first of the new generation of non-tech-enabled Burris optics to feature the Knob Synergy System. This universal knob system allows users to choose and swap between capped and exposed elevation adjustment knobs with zero-click stop, as well as install custom-exposed ballistic knobs.

The next-generation Fullfield riflescopes launch with six optical ranges and over 20 distinct models. This broad range ensures magnification and reticle diversity to meet both domestic and global market demands. The debut Fullfield models include:

 2-8x35mm  2.5-10x42mm

 3-12x42mm

 3-12x56mm

 4-16x50mm

 6-24x50mm

Burris Optics remains committed to the legacy of engineering excellence that Don Burris began 50 years ago. By providing hunters with quality products and innovative features they can rely on, Burris continues to honor its tradition of excellence. Booth #13227 (burrisoptics.com)

UPDATE

CSG Completes Acquisition of The Kinetic Group

By Slaton L. White

In the heyday of American whale hunting in the 19th century, when whaleboats and their crews got dragged behind a harpooned whale, it was called going on a “Nantucket sleigh ride.” The 21st century equivalent just could be when a major American manufacturer is acquired by a foreign company.

For the past 18 months, The Kinetic Group, the American owner of such iconic ammo brands as Federal, CCI, and Remington, has been dragged along in a tidal wave of publicity created when The Czechoslovak Group (CSG) set out to buy the company.

CSG is based the Czech Republic, where it is an industrial technology company that specializes in defense, aerospace, and ammunition. The announcement to buy Kinetic (a division of Vista Outdoor) set off a firestorm of criticism, much of it uninformed, says Jason Vanderbrink, CEO of Kinetic. “Many of the major firearms companies are foreign owners with U.S. operations. Becoming part of CSG will have no negative effect on the business.”

The sale is now complete, and Vanderbrink says retailers and consumers can rest assured that the new ownership will be a good thing for all. “Under new ownership we can expect more capital investment, which will fuel more research and development,” he says.

CSG also provides another competitive advantage: it is privately held. Publicly held companies have to deal with various distractions, such as quarterly earnings reports to Wall Street as well as various required government filings, all of which direct resources and time away from the business at hand.

“Getting out of the public markets and into private markets allows us to really foster growth. We want to grow the business and grow our U.S. operations,” Vanderbrink says. “Going private gives you a long-term look on the horizon, which is again good for consumers. We’re no longer concerned about 90-day increments.”

Under CSG, Kinetic also can now expect to compete more effectively in global markets, especially foreign military sales. This is an area where Kinetic currently does not have a large footprint. Vanderbrink says such sales are one of CSG’s strengths. “We don’t do a whole lot of business there,” he says, but he believes being part of CSG will now allow Kinetic to open up some of those

↑ Jason Vanderbrink, CEO of The Kinetic Group. The company, which owns Federal, CCI, and Remington, is now part of CSG.

markets that it currently does not serve. “We need to expand operations to do that,” he says. Which is where the extra investment in R&D comes in.

“At the end of the day,” Vanderbrink says, “our customers and our consumers need to know that we are going to stay an American manufacturer.” In other words, the sale will help preserve the factories, and the jobs, of the communities Kinetic currently serves. Booth #11838 (thekineticgroup.com)

Built Tough

Meprolight believes in robust products.

By Brian McCombie

SHOT Show 2024 was a stellar event for Meprolight, the Israeli-based manufacturer of optics and pistol sights. Last year’s show generated widespread media coverage for the company’s 11 new products as well as showing off these products to retailers and the industry at large. So, there was no question about it: Meprolight was coming back for SHOT Show 2025.

“Attending SHOT Show is pivotal because it’s where the future of the industry unfolds,” says Eric Suarez, Meprolight’s director of marketing. “It’s not just a trade show. It is a dynamic convergence of innovation, networking, and trend-setting products shaping the trajectory of firearms, outdoor gear, and tactical equipment for years to come. This year, we are introducing another dozen-plus products including a whole new category.”

The new category: magnified optics in the form of Meprolight’s new MVO (Magnified Variable Optic) line, available in 1x8, 3x18, and 6x36 magnifications. These rugged, compact rifle scopes are designed and built for the tactical shooter.

SEEING RED—AND GREEN!

Also new for 2025 is the MCO PRO, a closed emitter red-dot optic featuring a user-selectable, threesegment reticle, 10 Day/2 NV brightness settings, plus automatic and manual brightness control. The single CR2032 battery is rated at 25,000 hours of battery life and loads from the side.

Meprolight also has upgraded its popular TruVision red dot, the Tru-Vision SR (SpeedRing). Now available with a user-selectable, two-segmented reticle (2 MOA dot or a 2 MOA dot and 65 MOA outer ring), the Tru-Vision SR also features a new shake-awake sleep time developed for the lawenforcement market. For 2025, Meprolight adds green reticle options to its MPO F and MPO Pro F reflex optics, as well as a full line of accessories for these optics, including shotgun mounts.

WORKING WITH DEALERS

Retailers can purchase Meprolight products direct, through a distributor, or buy group. For distributors, Meprolight products are currently available at Chattanooga Shooting Sports, Crow Shooting Supply, Hicks, Inc., Iron Valley Supply Company, Kroll Corp., RSR, and Sports South, LLC.

Meprolight works closely with its dealers, too. “At Meprolight, everything we do is turn-key, as we know the importance of merchandising, training, and telling the Meprolight brand story,” Suarez says.

For example, Meprolight offers an extensive line of self-illuminating tritium pistol sights. For its dealers, the self-illuminated sights come with a virtual interactive countertop that includes green “guns” to demonstrate how the products work. Meprolight even provides dealers with black-light flashlights to show how the tritium works at night. And all Meprolight optics come with green display risers to highlight the products set in show cases.

“For sales staff, Meprolight optics come with ‘Cheat Sheets— Shelf Talkers,’ which feature the key selling points and technical specs of all our

optics,” Suarez says. “Shelf Talkers include QR Codes providing end users direct access to our website where they can get more product information and watch videos, literally pre-selling to the end user and increasing a store’s sales velocity.”

For an establishment’s online sales, the company offers an impressive asset-management system for photos and video, as well as an interactive price list with everything needed to offer Meprolight products.

IN-STORE TRAINING

When making sales calls or upon dealers’ requests, Meprolight sales reps provide in-store training to counter staff, with additional training available via the Expert Voice online platform. To assist with special in-store events, Meprolight offers merchandising tents and additional sales service. The company has also developed innovative sales programs to drive foot traffic to its dealers. Importantly, Meprolight enforces MAP to increase retail profit margins, and it works with Track Street as an enforcement partner.

IDF TOUGH

Meprolight makes optics for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), working closely with the IDF to make sure its optics can and will shrug off the rigors of combat. And that IDF connection translates to extremely rugged optics for Meprolight’s American civilian and law-enforcement customers. For example, last year Meprolight launched the MPO PRO-F, the company’s first closed-emitter red dot. And pre-production and production units were drop tested— hard

According to Suarez, Meprolight staff took a half-dozen commonly used LE pistols, including the Glock 17 and 19 and the Sig P320, and weighed them when fully loaded. The average weight was determined, and staff built mock-up pistols at this weight. With PRO-F units mounted onto the mock ups, pistols plus optics were dropped onto concrete from 1.5 meters—right on the top of the PRO-F. Not once, but again and again.

“The closed emitters accepted repeated blows without breaking and kept operating,” Suarez says. Booth #20039 (meprolight.com)

Photo: © Silverline Films

GARMONT EXPANDS LAW ENFORCEMENT PRODUCT LINE

Garmont Tactical, a footwear company known for its military and tactical boots, intends to expand its law enforcement focus. In 2025, Garmont will release two new styles, one for men and one for women, that leverage the comfort and durability of the iconic T8 collection and incorporate features and technologies that meet the specific needs of police, EMS, and other law enforcement professionals. The T8 Athena LE will be available in March 2025, and the T8 Defense LE will be available in May 2025.

“Closing out a successful year in the North American market, we look to continue the positive momentum moving into 2025,” says Kyle Ferdyn, sales manager at Garmont Tactical.

“Building off of our product knowledge from our military footwear experience, we will leverage existing and new technologies to develop boots specific to law enforcement, a market that the brand plans to remain dedicated to as we develop new products.”

Garmont’s T8 collection consists of multi-terrain tactical boots with exceptional comfort and protection under a heavy load and in demanding field conditions across varied terrain from mud-soaked trails to arid desert sands, steep slopes, and sheer rock face. The T8 collection has evolved into a top choice for military personnel.

Developed for women working in the law enforcement field, the T8 Athena LE boot is a breathable, lightweight, flexible boot that features a dedi-

cated women’s last with a narrow heel, shorter Achilles area, and increased arch support for a higher instep. A dual-density EVA provides shock absorption and differentiates support zones. The 8-inch weather-resistant textile upper provides a polishable surface while offering unparalleled durability and protection. This boot also is outfitted with Garmont’s proprietary GTF Diamonte outsole with multi-directional lugs for stability and traction as well as a targeted climbing zone with a grippy toe and rear lugs. Zama alloy eyelets provide a safe and reliable lacing closure system. Sizing includes women’s U.S. 4-11 and is offered in both regular and wide widths. Also available in Coyote Tan. SRP: $155.

“Our brand’s mission for 2025 is to focus on a piece of the industry that has not had enough support. The percentage of women in law enforcement continues to grow, with industry initiatives to increase the overall percentage to 30 percent by 2030. After a successful launch of our boot designed specifically for women in the military, it was clear that the next step should be the same effort for the women of law enforcement,” says Ferdyn.

Garmont will also introduce the T8 Defense LE, a premium boot design for unparalleled protection and confidence in every step. The T8 Defense is well suited for long-duration activities, on all types of terrain, especially in difficult field conditions, when support and protection are critical. Booth #31306 (garmonttactical.com)

D&M Holding Company Announces Facility Expansion

D&M Holding Company, Inc., an ammunition and energetics engineering company, is investing $70 million to expand its current White River Energetics (WRE) ammunition primer and energetics facility in Des Arc, Arkansas, and build a single-base, smokeless propellant factory.

“Currently, there is a worldwide shortage of smokeless propellant that is affecting munitions availability globally,” says Dan Powers, president and CEO of D&M Holding Company, Inc. “This will be the first single-base propellant factory to be built in the United States in over 50 years.”

White River Energetics currently has 125 employees at the Des Arc facility, with 73 new employees added in the past year. The expansion will create 100 new jobs and increase the Des Arc campus from 14,000 square feet to over 100,000 square feet of manufacturing space. Construction on the expansion is underway and expected to be completed in Q1 2026.

“We are proud of all the people and employees who have worked tirelessly to support WRE

and make this happen,” says BJ Rogers, vice president of operations. “Having grown up in Des Arc, I’m personally proud to see the successes that have been made with primers and look forward to continued success in the future production of propellant.”

This expansion will enable WRE to scale its energetics and primer manufacturing to meet customer demand as well as develop new products. “This expanded campus also provides a facility for R&D and for training for our customers for whom we are building factories around the world,” said James Jones, vice president of business development.

D&M and WRE support domestic and international clients in the defense and sporting markets

through the development of turnkey factories and the manufacturing and distribution of energetics for various types of ammunition, including primers for small and large caliber pistols and rifles. Booth #75127 (dmholding.com)

PLACE YOUR BIDS: NSSF’S CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM AUCTION

In celebration of our American freedoms, NSSF—The Firearm Industry Trade Association—has opened a truly American auction featuring everything from one-of-a-kind firearms to exclusive hunting and shooting experiences. Being held online now through January 24 at nssf.org/auction, NSSF’s Celebration of Freedom Auction features more than 30 bucket-list items that can’t be found anywhere else.

Among the items up for bid are a seven-day dream safari in Africa that will come to life in the pages of Peterson’s Hunting magazine, skeet-shooting lessons and dinner with a four-time Olympic skeet gold medalist, highly collectible firearms from America’s finest manufacturers, lunch with a NASCAR legend (and a private tour of his renowned race shop), and much more.

“This is up there with the greatest auctions I’ve ever seen,” says Chris Dolnack, NSSF Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer. “The entire industry rallied together to bring this auction to life to support all that NSSF is doing to ensure a bright future for America’s gun owners and the industry that makes exercising our Second Amendment rights possible.”

All funds generated by the auction will support NSSF’s #GUNVOTE® voter registration, education, and get-out-the-vote campaign aimed at making sure gun owners continue to have their voices heard and ensuring a strong future for our American freedoms.

The auction is open now through the conclusion of NSSF’s SHOT Show® on January 24 at nssf.org/auction

SHOT SHOW EXTRA RETURNS

SHOT Show eXtra is a special exhibit area and a bonus for attendees, providing an opportunity to meet new manufacturers and discover new products. It takes place in the Palazzo Ballroom, 5th Floor of the Venetian Expo, today and tomorrow. Today’s hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tomorrow‘s hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Included in the exhibit space cost is everything you need to show off your gear. Simply bring your materials to the 5th floor Palazzo Ballroom this morning. You can set up in a matter of minutes and spend the rest of the day demonstrating and selling your products. No freight docks, no extended days of move-in or move-out. Just sell!

The SHOT Show eXtra booth package includes an 8x6-foot exhibit space; table, two chairs, wastebasket, and ID sign; two registration badges for SHOT Show, eXtra, and Supplier Showcase; additional badges at a discounted rate of $200 each; lunch for up to two booth personnel; SmartApp Lead Retrieval App; electrical (5 amps); New Product Center entry; listing in SHOT Show Buyers' Guide, Show Planner, and mobile app; and access to SHOT Show digital press kits.

NSSF Membership Engagement Fuels Our Industry and Helps Keep You in Business

By John McNamara, NSSF Managing Director, Member Services

As the firearm industry’s trade association, NSSF works tirelessly on behalf of the businesses it serves. We have seen membership grow steadily over the last year as FFLs nationwide are looking for critical resources to help them maximize the value of every customer interaction and find trusted methods to remain compliant with ever-increasing federal and state regulations.

NSSF’s 10,000-plus membership roster is made up of a diverse group of retailers, ranges, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, instructors, media, and non-profits from within the firearm industry. We exist to support you and encourage you to get involved by joining your peers in our mission to promote, protect, and preserve the commerce of hunting and shooting sports.

As you consider this invitation, allow me to list just a few of the many ways NSSF can help you protect and grow your business:

ADVOCACY

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

SHOT SHOW BENEFITS

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

EDUCATION

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

EXPERT GUIDANCE

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

RESEARCH

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

SAFETY AND SUICIDE PREVENTION EFFORTS

NSSF’s Project ChildSafe promotes secure firearm storage nationwide and aims to help prevent firearm accidents by providing free information and gun locks. To date, more than 40 million free gun locks have been distributed. NSSF also actively partners with local and national suicide prevention organizations to help communities engage in secure firearm-storage practices and understand risk factors and warning signs related to suicide. The Department of

↓ NSSF’s membership roster is made up of a diverse group of retailers, ranges, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, instructors, media, and non-profits from within the firearm industry.

Veterans Affairs and NSSF are also working together to help prevent suicide among active servicemen and women and veterans. Your support as a member contributes to the success of these efforts that have made our industry a leader in firearm safety.

TIMELY UPDATES

NSSF provides its members with the latest news and updates related to the industry. Among NSSF’s offerings is the weekly digital newsletter “Bullet Points,” a roundup of industry issues, and the weekly “Government Relations Update,” which includes all the latest news from Washington, D.C., and state capitals around the country. NSSF also works to educate, inform, and persuade today’s key audiences on the industry’s behalf. As the voice of our industry, NSSF is working constantly to educate the public and the media on a variety of issues.

HUNTING AND THE SHOOTING SPORTS

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

DISCOUNTS AND BENEFITS

In addition to all the above, NSSF members receive a slew of discounts and benefits. Included are discounts on point-of-sale software, property and casualty insurance, research and literature, employee background checks, credit-card processing, and security and anti-theft systems and more.

If you aren’t yet a member of the NSSF, please join today. With a membership of thousands of businesses, our industry’s voice is strong. Help us make it that much stronger. Please visit us during the SHOT Show at our booths in The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum.

DID YOU KNOW?

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

are or how brutal the

The Variable Option

by

Trijicon manufactures a wide selection of variable scopes that cover pretty much all rifle-shooting applications. Those include hunting (longer range and up close), competitive shooting where the targets can be more than 1,000 yards distant, 3Gun rifle, and recreational shooting.

Trijicon variable scopes also fill the niche for the tactically oriented consumer and are in use by a wide variety of military and law-enforcement units.

Not surprisingly, Trijicon’s current best seller is a variable, the Credo 1-10x28mm scope. Launched at the 2024 SHOT Show, the Credo 1-10 features a first focal plane design and a tough 34mm tube. The segmented, enhanced circle reticle puts shooters on target fast, both close and at distance, and is available with either red or green day and night illumination. The scope adjusts at 0.1 MRAD per click, elevation and windage, and measures out at a very nifty 10.1 inches long. The Credo 1-10x28mm became an instant hit with tactical, personal defense, and competition shooters.

MANY CHOICES

Currently, Trijicon’s variable riflescope lines encompass seven discrete models. AccuPoint scopes are engineered for hunters who want battery-free, tritium, and fiber-optic illumination that is always on. Like all Trijicon optics, AccuPoints feature crystal-clear lenses for a brilliant sight picture and zero distortion. Available with eight reticle options and green, red, or amber illumination, the AccuPoint line encompasses nine different models, from 1-4x24mm to 5-20x50mm. With up to 100 MOA or 29 MRAD of adjustment, the AccuPoint riflescope delivers ultradurable construction with both-eyes-open shooting at any range. The newest models include the 3-18x50mm and 4-24x50mm.

 The author on a successful West Texas deer hunt using the Trijicon AccuPoint 3-18x50 scope.

seven reticles, including red and green illuminated options. Exposed elevation adjusters with zero stop allow for easy zeroing. Both Credo lines include repositionable magnification levers. The newest model here is the Credo HX 1-10x28mm, a hunting cousin to the more tactical Credo 1-10.

 The AccuPoint 4-24x50 scope features battery-free, tritium, and fiber-optic illumination.

Tactical shooters will find much to like in Trijicon’s Ascent line, including 1-4x24mm and 3-12x40mm offerings with a BDC (Bullet Drop Compensator) target hold MOA-based reticle. Both scopes are second focal plane builds. Tested to military standards and featuring low-capped adjusters with ¼ MOA clicks, Ascent scopes feature fully multi-coated, broadband anti-reflective glass for excellent light transmission and brilliant edge-to-edge clarity. Built on aircraft-grade aluminum 30mm tubes and weighing less than 17.8 ounces, Ascent riflescopes sport both a matte finish and turrets with tactical knurling for responsive adjustments. Featuring user-selectable green or red LED illumination, Credo tactical riflescopes deliver any-light aiming and superior target acquisition from a ruggedly durable platform. A result of technology that’s been honed over decades of actual military deployments, the Credo line is available with ten different illuminated reticles in various MOA, MRAD, or BDC configurations. The eight Credo scope options range from 1-4x24mm to 4-16x50mm and are available in first or second focal plane reticles.

Designed for hunters, Credo HX scopes are built to handle the hazards of tough hunting in challenging conditions. The seven Credo HX models offer rapid target acquisition from dawn to dusk thanks to high-quality lenses and

Trijicon designed and constructed the Huron variable-power scopes exclusively for the North American deer hunter, and they feature high-quality glass and the same military-grade construction shooters expect from Trijicon. Available with three uncluttered reticles that deliver fast and accurate shots, the Huron riflescope is available in 1-4x24mm, 2.5-10x40mm, 3-9x40mm, and 3-12x40mm variants, with either a 30mm or 1-inch main tube, depending on the model. Offering up to 100 MOA of adjustment, Huron riflescopes utilize low-capped, easy-to-use adjusters with ¼ MOA clicks for consistent, snag-free elevation and windage adjustments that keep their zero.

Trijicon built its Tenmile riflescopes for long-range enthusiasts. These optics feature seven different illuminated reticles in MRAD or MOA configurations. Available in six variable-power scopes from 3-18x44mm to 6-24x50mm, in first and second focal plane models, the models sport 30mm and 34mm tubes. The eight reticle options are all LED powered by a single CR2032 lithium battery. The Tenmile offerings allow for up to 100 MOA or 29 MRAD of adjustment from crisp and precise adjusters.

Last, for those hunters who like to go long, Trijicon makes the Tenmile HX, which features four green or red illuminated reticles, three variable power choices, outstanding glass, and rugged 30mm tube construction. It is available in MOA and MRAD configurations. Recently, Trijicon added a first focal plane version of the 5-25x50mm model.

Given all those options, your customers should be able to find a Trijicon scope with the features they need—and at a reasonable price point.

 Trijicon’s newest addition to the Tenmile HX line, the 5-25x50 riflescope.

b rian M c c o M bie

 Trijicon’s best-selling Credo 1-10x28.

SLIM

MULTI-FUNCTION COMPACT THERMAL WEAPON SIGHT

H35 35 mm 640x512

L35 35 mm 384x288

The new SLIM series from Nocpix offers top value and features in a compact thermal optic. Designed for versatility, it functions as a handheld monocular or weapon sight. The quick-detach mount allows fast scanning and reattachment while maintaining zero. Its magnesium alloy body, quiet soft-touch buttons, and swappable batteries ensure ergonomic and extended use. A 1024×768 AMOLED display and generous eye relief deliver a detailed and comfortable viewing experience.

THE ORIGINAL MUCK BOOT COMPANY PARTNERS WITH BONE COLLECTOR TO INTRODUCE

NEW COLLECTION OF HUNTING BOOTS

Three new profiles demonstrate Muck’s focus on the hunting community.

Maintaining its commitment to the hunting community, The Original Muck Boot Company is partnering with Bone Collector in a boot collection made by hunters, for hunters. The new collection includes two boots for men and one for children, all designed with Realtree Original uppers. Retailers can see the line at the company’s Archery Pavilion booth.

“We are excited to bring this new collection of premium hunting boots to the market,” says Gabe Berkowitz, marketing manager at The Original Muck Boot Company. “We continue to support the hunting community by establishing genuine partnerships, such as this one with Bone Collector, and creating products that meet hunter’s needs.”

Bone Collector is one of the most recognizable brands in hunting—known for their dedication to the culture and community they represent. Both humble and passionate, Bone Collector has amassed a dedicated audience of loyal fans known as “The Brotherhood.” This new collection developed with Michael Waddell and his Bone Collector team includes features that keep feet dry, comfortable, and 100-percent MUCKPROOF throughout every hunt.

Two men’s boots are made for active pursuits. The Muck x Bone Collector Fieldblazer is a best-in-class fully waterproof boot with a 5mm neoprene bootie. A rubber-and-neoprene upper provides durability and flexibility, and a self-cleaning calendered outsole is excellent in mud, snow, and dirt. A hi-vis roll-down upper folds down for comfort and safety (SRP: $135). For high-endurance pursuits, the Muck x Bone Collector Pathfinder is a 100-percent waterproof, high-performance boot. The outsole is built for comfort, flexibility, and traction while on-the-go. A reinforced toe tip and heel counter provide durability in all environments, and a stretch-fit topline binding snugs to the calf to keep warmth in and cold out. SRP: $150.

For kidproof protection, the new Muck x Bone Collector Kids Hale is a multi-season, lightweight, 100-percent waterproof boot with a 3mm neoprene bootie construction for comfort and performance. A wide opening on the upper makes these boots easy for kids to get on and off, and a self cleaning ribbed outsole keeps feet protected on all terrain. SRP: $70.

Booth #80715 (muckbootcompany.com)

WINCHESTER UPS ITS GAME BIG TIME

Winchester is one of the leading manufacturers of non-toxic waterfowl ammunition, but their new non-toxic waterfowl load for 2025—Last Call— might be the brand’s best load ever. Using Winchester’s premium components and ultradense TSS pellets, Last Call offers improved patterning and better lethality on ducks and geese of all sizes, and Winchester is offering this new load in a variety of different gauges.

But it isn’t just the projectile that makes this ammunition work so well. Winchester utilizes high-quality components in their new shell to ensure that Last Call works in any conditions. That starts with a sealed primer and wad. Waterfowl hunting is often a wet affair, and it’s not uncommon for shotshells to be exposed to moisture on the way to the blind or in the field. By sealing the primer and wad Winchester eliminates the risk of a fail-to-fire due to moisture. Not all shotshells are capable of standing up to wet conditions, and that’s a limitation for duck and goose loads. Winchester understands this and has engineered these shells to keep moisture out. The payload is also buffered.

There are currently seven different Last Call load offerings, including three 12-gauge loads, two 20-gauge loads, and a single 28-gauge and .410 load. Every TSS load is offered in three-inch only (even the 28 gauge and .410), and all the 12-gauge loads carry a 1¼-ounce payload. The 20-gauge offerings are loaded with one ounce of TSS, the

28-gauge is loaded with a 7 8-ounce payload, and the .410 comes with ½-ounce.

The Last Call load I tested was the 12-gauge No. 9 load, and it performed wonderfully. Initial pattern sessions showed that the pellets filled the target to 40 yards with even pellet distribution. The buffered load offered no gaps or empty spaces, which is exactly what you might expect from a high-density, heavily-packed load of No. 9 shot.

Winchester also offers a No. 7.5 TSS 12-gauge load, and they offer a No. 5 TSS load as well. Neither Apex nor Federal offer TSS shot larger than No.7, so the three-inch No. 5 TSS is unique to Winchester. It will certainly offer plenty of knockdown power and would likely serve double duty as a close-range coyote load.

The 28-gauge TSS 3-inch is noteworthy too in that it provides 28-gauge fans with another option for new 28-gauge guns with three-inch chambers. Companies such as Benelli and Browning are now offering new 3-inch 28-gauge models, and having hunted with waterfowl with a 28-gauge shotgun with TSS I can attest to how effective this load is. It was a wise move on Winchester’s part to stake a claim in the growing 3-inch 28-gauge market.

The .410 boasts a velocity of 1,350 fps, but all other Last Call loads are 1,425 fps or faster, and all three 12-gauge loads have a muzzle velocity of 1,500 fps. That’s fast for TSS, but the added speed makes these loads even more lethal. You may not notice a difference in performance when shooting

by b rad F itzpatrick

dabbling ducks right off the deck, but when you’re taking shots at large divers along the perimeter of the decoy spread or geese that extra speed will certainly be noticeable. That makes Last Call a very versatile load that’s suitable for most all types of duck hunting.

No TSS ammunition is inexpensive, but Last Call comes in well under the ten dollars per shot you’ll pay with some TSS ammo. Packed in 10-count boxes, the 12-gauge ammunition sells for around $55 a box. That’s still five dollars per shot, but the advantage of TSS is that you oftentimes find that you shoot fewer shells simply because the first shot folds a bird that might simply have bobbed its wings and sailed away with other loads.

We are living in the time of TSS, and there’s no doubt that the use of ultra-dense tungsten alloy has forever changed waterfowl hunting. There are a handful of TSS waterfowl loads available and more coming each year, but Last Call is an effective option from a company with a long history of manufacturing non-toxic shotshells.

Booth #11828

(winchester.com

ELEVATE THE HUNT

8” WATERPROOF HUNTING BOOT

The Alpha Pursuit is made for high endurance exploration. 100% waterproof, the lace up construction allows for a tailored fit. Our MuckSkin overlays give additional protection without adding unnecessary weight while the aggressive rubber outsole provides better traction and debris dispersion.

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Affordable Performance

SDS Arms specializes in products that deliver both affordability and performance.

Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, SDS Arms (formerly SDS Imports) began operations in 2017. The technical and logistical support—including engineering initiatives, compliance expertise, and marketing efforts—the company offers its global partners helps them to successfully navigate the intricacies of the diverse American market. Brands under the SDS banner include Tisas USA, Tokarev USA, Military Armament Corporation, Spandau Arms, and Inglis Manufacturing. The name change reflects the company’s new direction; though it will still import firearms, it will increasingly focus on products that are engineered and produced in the United States.

Recently Christopher DiCenso came aboard as the company’s CEO. He brings more than 30 years of experience to SDS and was most recently a Managing Partner at Growth Strategy Partners, where he specialized in helping mostly firearm and related companies accelerate their revenue, profit, and organizational growth. He began his career as a manufacturing engineer at Sturm Ruger. In addition he is a former president of Camfour. DiCenso is an avid shooter and competes regularly in IDPA, USPSA, and 3-Gun matches.

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

Christopher DiCenso: The big challenge is perception versus reality relative to the use of firearms. You have the narrative by the uninformed or uneducated that firearms are bad. I’m an

work with facts. The facts are we are part of a great sport. Firearms are a tool, and they don’t do the all the “bad things” that people say they do. To me, the challenge for our industry over the long haul is to change that perception. I often ask people if we’re going to have an emotional or logical discussion, so I know. The good news is that the U.S. Supreme Court seems to lean more toward fact rather than perception in their decision making.

SD: What opportunities do you see?

CD: With challenges comes opportunity. As an industry, we need to improve how we get out the message about the realities of the use of firearms. Our industry brings money to conservation through the use of sporting firearms, and we help people defend their homes and families. We also provide well-paying jobs that help people support those families and their communities.

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

CD: I half joke with friends and family that I play with guns all day long. But, really, that’s it. I started shooting in college. I love the sport. I shoot competitively. It’s my hobby. Given my engineering background, I like solving problems and I like building teams, and I’ve found that I do both pretty well. When I can help individuals on our team perform at a higher level and solve problems, that’s rewarding for both me and the team.

SD: Many dealers continue to complain about supply chain issues. What’s your take on this?

CD: I’ve worked in many other industries, and our supply chain can be improved dramatically. Dealers often place an order from three or four different wholesalers for the same product, and then they cancel two of those orders when they get what they want. That’s not a sign of an

Christopher DiCenso CEO, SDS Arms.

 The Spandau Premier Field over-under is a good example of Turkish craftmanship, but it sells at a far more affordable price point than many other over-under shotguns.

entire system would benefit if we worked more collaboratively on sales and product planning. When that happens, business profits should go up and consumers will be happier.

But right now, we’re all guessing. We need to be more data driven. NASGW has a data base that captures all the wholesaler shipments. You can see who is buying what by brand, model, and type. That historical data should be a good way to forecast the future.

SD In a very competitive world, how does SDS Arms stay ahead of the pack?

CD: With us, it’s really about getting the message out that we offer really good products at much more affordable and competitive prices than our competition. One of our specialities is bringing in firearms made in Turkey. As a result, our cost structure allows us to offer these products at a much lower price point.

Double-stacked 1911s are very popular right now, and we’ve got one made in Turkey by MAC [Military Armament Corporation], one of the

brands we own. The SRP is $1,100. One of our competitors offers a comparable product for around $1,400; another company offers essentially the same gun for $2,500. I’m shooting a MAC gun in competition right now, and it performs at a very high level.

SD: How do you keep your dealer network informed of your new products?

CD: We have a direct sales force, so our sales reps are out visiting our dealers every week. That one-to-one relationship is the best communication there is. Our reps are educating dealers on our current products as well as what’s coming down the line. We place a lot of emphasis on education. Having worked previously in wholesale I have learned that a lot of people in this industry sell what they know and what they’re comfortable with. In order to get them to sell something different, you have to educate them. That’s what our sales team does, and I think they’re doing a great job.

SD: Recently SHOT Business published an article on 1911s. In discussing custom models that often sell for $2,500, the author mentioned a more

 The Tisas Duty R series is a full-size 1911 pistol with an integrated Picatinny rail. It also has a skeletonized hammer and trigger and ambidextrous safety.

affordable, but well-built alternative: 1911s from Tisas. How has Tisas been able to accomplish this?

CD: The short answer? Lower cost. But lower cost doesn’t mean “cheap.” There is a perception that Turkish-made guns are cheaply built. That’s not true. Here’s the analogy I use: Years ago people thought Japanese electronics were “cheap” products. Well, there were offered at lower cost, but they certainly weren’t “cheap” products. They were quite good.

What many may not know, based on the latest data I have from 2022, Turkey is the largest exporter of firearms into the United States. SDS was a customer of mine at my last job with a wholesaler, so I knew what they were doing, and I knew that these guns were quite good. Turkish guns are well built, but we benefit from a lower cost structure that allows us to pass those savings on to the consumer. And I’m not talking about 10 to 15 percent; I’m talking about 30 percent—and in some cases 50 percent—less expensive than our competition.

I recently shot a sporting clays event with one of our Spandau over/unders with an SRP that starts at $1,000 and runs up to $2,200. These guns are very well made and they shoot very well. If you had your eyes closed when you shot it, you would think you were shooting a shotgun that cost $3,000 or $4,000. When you combine affordability with performance, you’ve got a winner.

Booth #72246 (sdsarms.com)

 The MAC 1911-9 Double Stack, chambered in 9mm, features a factory RMR-pattern optic cut on the slide and M1913 light rail on the frame.

Invaluable Tool

MILO Range’s new VR training program prepares officers for real-world situations.

We live in a technological era where new advances have the potential to continuously improve the way we see the world, how we live our lives, and how we do our jobs. As challenging as it can be, the only way to effectively realize the advantages new technologies can offer us is to explore them with an open mind and a willingness to embrace new ideas and different ways of improving the standard operating procedures we’ve held onto for years.

Law enforcement is no different. New methods of training can provide law-enforcement departments of all sizes the opportunity to give their officers the best possible tools to keep them safe and make them more effective in a job that’s becoming more difficult with each passing year. One of the most efficient ways to accomplish that goal is the new Virtual Reality (VR)Training Program developed by MILO Range.

MILO Range has earned a solid reputation for developing and implementing some of the highest quality shooting ranges used by law-enforcement

departments across the country. Last year, however, MILO raised the bar by releasing a VR training program that takes real-world training to an entirely new level.

“This exciting new training simulator was carefully curated from our own 30 years of industry experience, researched with academic and subject matter experts, and tested and vetted by some of the most highly regarded law-enforcement agencies in the country,” says Robert McCue, executive director of MILO Group. “It augments our MILO Range systems with a more cognitive-centric format that increases officer presence, immersion, and situational awareness with its 360-degree environments and ultra-realistic scripts.”

The training program is pre-loaded with a wide range of customizable scenarios designed to prepare officers for the ever-changing landscape of real-world situations they might encounter on an everyday basis—especially when it comes to the use of force.

“At the end of the day, officers don’t want to use the tools on their belt to get the job done,” says Brian Klingenberg, VR product manager for

MILO. “More thought should always be given to what you can do before you ever pull the gun out of your holster. VR training is an invaluable tool to help train officers in the best way to do that.”

With MILO’s VR training system, trainers can create a wide variety of real-world scenarios that allow participants to improve their skills at managing volatile situations without having to reach for the tools on their belt.

“The scenarios are highly relevant to lawenforcement agencies interested in improving officer de-escalation skills and capabilities, as well as critical thinking and decision-making under stress,” McCue says.

The way MILO’s VR accomplishes this goal so effectively is by using the high-tech visor and the incredibly life-like graphics to create the illusion that the trainee is actually in the situation playing out in real time in front of them.

“The mind doesn’t distinguish between the VR situation and an actual experience, so when a similar scenario arises in the course of the officer’s duties, their mind is more prepared to handle it in an effective way because it believes it’s already been in that situation many times before,” Klingenberg says.

And because no two situations officers face are ever exactly the same, MILO’s VR training program allows trainers to incorporate a nearly limitless number of variations of scenarios so officers never have to encounter the same virtual situation twice and are forced to vary their tactics accordingly.

Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of MILO’s VR training, however, is its ability to adapt to the trainee’s voice and movement responses and have the reactions of the virtual “subject” change based on the words and actions of the officer engaging them. By understanding what tactics help calm a subject and which ones are more likely to trigger them into escalated action, officers can learn how

MILO’s Virtual Reality (VR) training program takes realworld training to an entirely new level.

A high-tech visor and life-like graphics create the illusion that the trainee is actually in a real-time situation.

MILO’s VR training can adapt to the trainee’s voice and movement responses and have the reactions of the virtual “subject” change based on the officer’s words and actions.

to handle real situations when they encounter suspects who might be under the influence, have mental health issues, or are experiencing other conditions that make them more volatile than typical subjects.

“Our goal as officers should be to verbally deescalate the situation,” Klingenberg says. “This is an ideal way to develop those critical skills so that

we can keep situations from intensifying out of control and have a more positive outcome for everyone.”

To evaluate the effectiveness of that goal for each trainee, MILO’s VR training also incorporates detailed analysis of the trainee’s performance in each training scenario.

“The on-board MILO VR action-action review (AAR) utilities give insight into trainee performance and knowledge gaps and allow for rapid retraining to meet and maintain agency standards,” McCue says.

As complete as MILO’s VR training program

is, Klingenberg says they are continuing to advance the training by adding more scenarios, more capabilities, and more life-like graphics to make it even more effective for officer training.

“It’s hard to think about all of the things VR can do for you,” he says. “It’s more of a question of what it can’t do. The possibilities are really limitless.”

And so are the benefits of this training for law enforcement departments, their officers, and the communities they serve.

Booth #70105 (faac.com)

NSSF® MARKETING & LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

The on-board MILO VR actionaction review (AAR) utilities give insight into trainee performance and knowledge gaps and allow for rapid retraining to meet and maintain agency standards.

MAY 13-15, 2025

THE FIREARM INDUSTRY’S PREMIER EVENT EXECUTIVES MARKETING PROS

Join top executives and marketing professionals from the industry for an enriching two-day experience at the NSSF Marketing and Leadership Summit, May 13-15 in Clearwater Beach, Florida. A consistent favorite among industry leaders, this year’s event promises a packed agenda with an outstanding lineup of speakers. Attendees will gain exclusive access to subject matter experts and enjoy ample opportunities for networking!

AMMO

by Brad Fitzpatrick

T2025

If you’re looking for new big-game, waterfowl, target, or self-defense loads, you’ll find all this and more on the floor of the 2025 SHOT Show.

here are thousands of new products on display at SHOT Show each year, but some of the most exciting new products for the new year come courtesy of ammunition manufacturers. Never willing to settle for the same old cartridges, propellants, and projectiles, ammo brands are forever improving upon their products, and that results in better options and improved performance for hunters, shooters, and LE professionals.

This year a number of noteworthy new ammunition products will debut during SHOT Show 2025, and these include everything from lead-free hunting and target shotshells to new defensive handgun ammunition and several new cartridges. Perhaps the most noteworthy of these is the launch of a brandnew rimfire round from Winchester that is set to take on the oldest established cartridge in existence, the .22 LR. But regardless of your favorite platform or shooting application, there are new loads to get excited about on this list.

APEX AMMUNITION

For 2025, APEX Ammunition is adding a 3-inch 20-gauge load to their popular TSS/S3 family of blended waterfowl ammo. The new 20-gauge load combines ⅞-ounce of premium No. 2 steel with ¼-ounce of No. 7.5 TSS. This blended load offers maximum versatility and value by combining steel shot, which is affordable and highly effective for close shots over decoys, with TSS pellets that are extremely dense and carry more energy at extended ranges than non-toxic pellets. TSS pellets have a density of 18.3 g/cc, which is 56 percent denser than lead, and this allows companies like APEX to add smaller No. 7.5 TSS pellets to their blended loads, filling out the pattern while still retaining outstanding downrange energy and improving penetration thanks to the smaller surface area of TSS pellets. The steel pellets in this load are zinc-coated to reduce friction and improve patterning.

APEX TSS/S3 waterfowl ammunition is loaded with their tungsten-grade wads, and these blended loads offer the benefits of both steel and TSS shot, making them a great option for serious waterfowlers. Booth #71104 (apexammunition.com)

FEDERAL AMMUNITION

CCI

This year CCI’s Blazer is adding hollow point options to the affordable Blazer Brass line of training ammunition. Four new Brass HP options—9mm 115-grain JHP, .40 S&W 180-grain JHP, 10mm Auto 180-grain JHP, and .45 ACP 230-grain JHP— round out the company’s line of FMJ brass ammunition and offer an affordable and reliable training option with improved terminal performance over traditional FMJs. The new Brass HP loads will be sold in 50-count boxes and come with reloadable brass cases.

CCI has a reputation for offering some of the most reliable, accurate, and innovative rimfire products on the market each year, and for 2025 they’re adding a couple of new products to their lineup, including Suppressor MAX .22 LR ammunition. With a muzzle velocity of 970 fps, Suppressor MAX is safe for use in suppressors and yet it will reliably cycle semi-auto .22 pistols and rifles. The 45-grain segmenting hollow point provides excellent terminal performance at low velocities, and that will make this new CCI load extremely appealing to anyone who runs a can on their rimfires. CCI is also offering a new .22 WMR load specifically designed for personal defense, Uppercut .22 WMR. This .22 WMR load features a 40-grain hollow point bullet that is engineered to offer the optimal blend of penetration and expansion, providing the best possible performance from .22 WMR handguns, but it will also work in .22 WMR rifles. The .22 WMR is certainly on the light side for personal defense, but having the right bullet like CCI’s Uppercut makes a major difference in downrange performance. Booth #11838 (cci-ammunition.com)

Federal has been offering ammunition for hunters, shooters, and law enforcement professionals for over a century, and this year they’re adding a new .44 Remington Magnum load to their HST line of personal-defense ammunition. These 240-grain HST loads offer more energy than 10mm Auto, .357 Magnum, and .44 Special loads yet they produce less recoil than Federal’s full-power .44 Magnum hunting and beardefense loads. In addition to premium HST bullets, these rounds come loaded with quality propellants and primers and feature nickel-plated cases.

Other new additions to Federal’s handgun ammunition lineup include the addition of .45 Colt and .32 H&R Magnum Hydra-Shok Deep offerings. Both loads come with nickel-plated cases and sealed primers, and both are designed to balance bullet expansion and penetration. The .45 Colt load comes with 210-grain HSD JHP bullets while the .32 H&R Magnum features 80-grain HSD JHP bullets. Also new this year for .32 H&R Magnum fans is Federal’s 85-grain American Eagle JSP practice load, an ideal choice for those who carry a .32 H&R revolver, and a light, affordable practice load for .327 Federal revolvers. Handgun hunters will be happy to hear that Federal is offering a new 10mm Power-Shok load with 200-grain JHP ammunition, a load that is suitable for a variety of game, including deer and hogs.

Perhaps the biggest news this year from Federal, though, is the launch of their new 7mm Backcountry hunting cartridge. There are plenty of 7mm cartridges currently available, but because the 7mm Backcountry utilizes a Peak Allow steel case, chamber pressure can be increased to levels well above what could be sustained using brass cases. The result is increased performance, especially with shorter barrels. With 170-grain bullets, the 7mm Backcountry achieves roughly 3,000 fps from a 20-inch barrel, which is about 150 fps faster than a 7mm PRC from a barrel of the same length. The Peak Alloy steel is far better than the cheap steel alloys used in imported ammunition, and Federal nickel plates the cases for durability and smooth cycling. Because the cartridge diameter is smaller, it will fit one additional round in the magazine compared to other modern 7mm cartridges. Because it works well in rifles with relatively short barrels, the 7mm Backcountry is well-suited for use with suppressors.

Federal will also offer 7mm Backcountry ammunition loaded with 155-grain Terminal Ascent bullets as well as 168-grain Barnes LRX bullets, 175-grain Fusion Tipped, and a whopping 195grain Berger Elite Hunter bullet with a G1 ballistic coefficient of .755.

Though the 7mm Backcountry is certainly big news, it’s hardly the only new rifle ammunition available from Federal this year. There’s a new 6mm ARC load available in the Gold Medal target line this year, and that round is loaded with an 108-grain Berger boat tail bullet with a very high BC. There are also some exciting cartridge additions coming to the Terminal Ascent, Barnes TSX, and Barnes LRX ammunition lines this year as well, and Federal is adding a new .22 LR load to their HammerDown family. The new 40-grain .22 LR Hammer down ammunition features a copper-plated hollow-point bullet that is designed to operate flawlessly in .22 lever guns and offers lethal downrange performance on small game.

Federal has been driving shotshell design and development for decades, and this year the company is offering a long list of new and innovative shotshell products. Most notable, perhaps, is their Master Class line of sporting clay shotshells. Designed specifically to improve your score at clay games, these shells offer a new Podium design wad that is optimized for use in Federal’s straight-wall hull. These shells feature a new, stylish look and feature premium wads, hulls, shot, and other components that are suitable for high-level sporting clay and FITASC shoots. Six 12-gauge loads (four 1-ounce, two 1⅛-ounce) will be available initially, but you can expect the Master Class family to continue to expand over the coming years. Also new from Federal is their 16-gauge BLACK CLOUD load that comes with a blended ⅞-ounce load of premium zinc-plated steel and Flitestopper shot (60/40, respectively) and Flitecontrol wads. For those who like to hit their birds with the heaviest steel payloads possible, Federal is also adding a 3½-inch 12-gauge and 3½-inch 10-gauge loads to their Ultra Steel line. Both will come with 1½-ounce loads, and there are blended 10- and 12-gauge loads available as well. There are new HEVI-Bismuth loads available in 16 and 28 gauge this year, and fans of the 28-gauge will be happy to hear that in addition to the HEVI-Bismuth load Federal will also be offering a Heavyweight TSS 28-gauge load as well as a 28-gauge Rob Roberts 28-gauge Custom Shop TSS turkey load as well. Booth #11838 (federalpremium.com)

HEVI-SHOT

HEVI-Shot is offering some new additions to their line of hard-hitting turkey loads for 2025. First up is HEVI-Bismuth Turkey, which is being offered in both 12- and 20-gauge loads. This ammunition mixes both No. 4 and No. 5 HEVI-Bismuth shot for a lethal non-toxic load. There are four HEVI-13 Turkey loads making a comeback this year, all of which are loaded with HEVI-Shot’s 12 g/cc tungsten pellets, which offer 20 percent more knockdown power than comparably sized lead pellets. HEVI-13 Turkey will be available in 12-gauge or 20-gauge 3-inch loads this year, and shooters can select loads with either No. 6 or No. 7 tungsten. There’s a new addition to the company’s Magnum Blend Turkey loads: for 2025 HEVI-Shot is adding a 28-gauge 2¾-inch Magnum Blend offering that features 15⁄16 ounce ounce of blended Nos. 5, 6, and 7 12 g/cc tungsten pellets. There are also two new 2¾-inch 28-gauge turkey loads joining the HEVI-18 Turkey lineup this year, one with 1 1⁄16 ounces of No. 7 shot and the other with 1 1⁄16 ounces of No. 9 shot.

In addition to HEVI-Shot’s new turkey loads they’re also offering HEVI-Hitter Waterfowl loads this year that offer 20 percent tungsten pellets over 80 percent steel pellets. These layered loads are available in 12, 16, 20, and 28 gauge and combine the affordability and short-range effectiveness of steel pellets with the heavier (12 g/cc) punch of tungsten. There are four new HEVI-Steel layered offerings this year, including 12-gauge 2xBB and 2x4 and 20-gauge 2x4 and 3x5. Also new is a 1 1⁄ 8-ounce HEVISteel 16-gauge 2¾-inch load that is available in 2, 4, 6, and BB. There’s also a new 16-gauge, 2¾-inch load in the HEVI-Metal Longer Range lineup that also comes with 1⅛-ounce payloads. Lastly from HEVI-Shot are new 100 packs of popular HEVI-Steel and HEVI-Hammer loads in both 12 and 20 gauge. Booth #11838 (hevishot.com)

SBR ENHANCED

Experience an enhanced level of performance from your short-barreled rifle, when you feed it what it likes. Hyperformance SBR Enhanced has been specifically engineered for barrels ranging between 7.5 to 11.5 inches, including arm-brace pistols. Each projectile is chosen to maximize ballistic and terminal performance. Even the exclusive powders have been optimized to deliver 100% burn, low muzzle flash and diminished reports. Three popular calibers and four variations kick-off this new Hyperformance line of purpose-built ammunition.

HORNADY

The big news from Hornady is the .338 ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge). This unique round was designed to function in AR-15 rifles. The 307-grain SUB-X bullet at 1,050 fps offers 1.6 times more energy than the .300 Blackout subsonic for improved terminal performance. There’s also a 175-grain HP that offers a muzzle velocity of 2,075 fps. With an overall length of 2.260 inches, this cartridge will function flawlessly in AR-15 rifles and is also a great option for lightweight micro bolt-action guns. Hornady designed the .338 ARC to be cleaner than other subsonic rounds, and it functions with a 1:8 twist barrel for both supersonic and subsonic loads. It is also engineered to provide reliable subsonic and supersonic operation with the same gas settings.

Also new this year is Backcountry Defense handgun ammunition, which is designed to offer threat-stopping straight-line penetration against large, dangerous predators. The heart of this ammunition is Hornady’s new DGH (Dangerous Game Handgun) bullet that features a protected point design that locks the core to the jacket for straight-line penetration without deflection— key features when selecting a bear-stopping bullet. Because it uses a heavyfor-caliber jacketed bullet instead of a hard cast bullet there’s no lead smoke for improved awareness and faster follow-ups. Seven new Backcountry Defense loads are offered this year, ranging from a 138-grain 9mm+P load to a 500-grain .500 S&W Magnum.

Hornady is also expanding their existing ammunition lines this year as well. The popular .22 ARC cartridge will now be available loaded with a 70-grain CX monolithic bullet as well as an 80-grain ELD-X hunting bullet. A bit of good news for fans of the 6mm GT as well: factory ammunition will be available for this cartridge from Hornady starting in 2025. Booth #12446 (Hornady.com)

NOSLER

Nosler is taking aim at America’s most popular big-game animal with the launch of their new Whitetail Country centerfire rifle ammunition. Whitetail Country is available in a variety of popular cartridges like .270 Winchester, .30-30, .308 Winchester, and .30-06, and there are also two straight-wall offerings: .350 Legend and .45-70. The .350 Legend and .45-70 loads feature Nosler’s straight-wall jacketed soft point lead-core bullets which are engineered to expand reliably at extended ranges, and the bullet’s ogive is optimized for reliable feeding. Non straight-wall cartridges come with Nosler’s Solid Base jacketed lead core bullets that offer an accuracyenhancing boat-tailed bullet profile and offer consistent, reliable performance at a variety of ranges. This American-made ammunition is optimized for whitetails and comes loaded in high-quality brass with superb propellants for a very affordable price point.

Booth #13070

(nolser.com)

PCP SO EASY IT SELLS ITSELF

CONVENIENT HIGH PRESSURE

3,600 PSI

• PCP-style power in a recyclable cartridge

• Stable in hot & cold temperatures

• Can be stored in gun long term

• Recurring sales with NitroAir

LEARN MORE AT

BOOTH #12472

REMINGTON

Remington has continued to expand their classic Core-Lokt line of hunting ammunition, and for 2025 the company is offering Core-Lokt Tipped Lever Gun ammunition. Building on the rugged and time-tested Core-Lokt design, these bullets are optimized for lever-action rifles and feature a flat polymer tip. Ballistic coefficients are also improved for better downrange performance. For example, Remington’s 180grain Core-Lokt Tipped bullet features a BC of .212, which is considerably better than the soft-point 180-grain .360 Buckhammer load that offers a BC of .163. This translates to better downrange performance with flatter trajectories, more energy, and less wind drift. Six new Core-Lokt Tipped Lever Gun loads are available for 2025: .30-30 Winchester 150-grain, .35 Remington 200-grain, .45-70 300-grain, .444 Marlin 240-grain, .32 Winchester Special 170-grain, and .360 Buckhammer 180-grain.

There are other new additions to the Remington Core-Lokt family this year, too: Remington is working with Bill Wilson of Wilson Combat and adding an 150-grain Core-Lokt .300 Ham’r load, along with 400 Legend. Also new for 2025 is a .300 Remington Ultra Magnum 180-grain load to their Core-Lokt Tipped line.

Remington’s new shotgun products include their Premier Royal Flush line of upland hunting ammunition. These loads feature plated lead shot for consistent patterns. With shot sizes ranging from No. 4 to No. 6, you can find the right load for hunting everything from preserve birds to wild-flushing late-season roosters. Also new this year is Remington Duck Club, an economical steel load available in both 12and 20-gauge offerings that’s ideal for a variety of situations.

Fans of steel shot should also check out Remington’s new Nitro Steel Duplex 20 gauge. Available in three different 3-inch, 1-ounce loads, Nitro Steel Duplex comes with a blend of 2x4, 2x6, or 4x6 shot, making it a versatile, affordable non-toxic load for your sub-gauge duck gun.

THE MOST ADVANCED 7MM CARTRIDGE

20-INCH BARRELS I 3,000 FPS I 170-GRAIN BULLETS

INTRODUCING

Advancement only comes when you break from the ordinary. When you see what’s possible. Federal’s 7mm Backcountry isn’t just a new cartridge–it’s an ammunition revolution. Its exclusive, patented Peak Alloy ™ advanced steel case technology safely increases chamber pressures, delivering extreme long-range accuracy and magnum performance in light, compact, shorter-barreled rifles. The most rugged places, toughest game and longest shots are now within reach, and ammunition will never be the same.

Remington’s rimfire line is extending in 2025 with the introduction of Wheelgun 22, a 39-grain truncated-cone lead .22 LR bullet optimized for use in revolvers. Wheelgun 22 is low velocity and low noise, making it the optimal choice for plinking. Remington is also releasing Standard V, a 38-grain lead roundnose .22 LR bullet made for the economical shooter. Also new for 2025 is Remington’s revamp of the .22 Short. These will be offered in both a 29-grain plated round nose and a 27-grain plated hollow point. All of these new loads, as well as the existing offerings from Remington, will include new technological advances and can be identified by the “R” head stamp.

Booth #11838 (remington.com)

WINCHESTER

Winchester is changing the rimfire game with the launch of their new 21 Sharp, and in doing so they’re taking on the oldest and most popular cartridge available today—the .22 LR. The .22 LR has been popular since the 1800s, and it’s estimated that there are around 2.5 billion rounds of .22 LR produced annually. However, despite its popularity and longevity the .22 LR is not without its issues. Foremost among those is the use of a heeled bullet that restricts bullet design. Faced with the option to change the .22 LR cartridge or bullet, Winchester wisely opted to redesign the bullet profile to eliminate the need for a heeled bullet. The new .210-inch .21 Sharp bullet can be loaded into .22 LR-sized cases. This offers Winchester the flexibility to use a wider variety of bullet designs than are available with the .22 LR. Winchester will initially offer four .21 Sharp offerings: a 34-grain JHP, a 37-grain copper-plated lead bullet, a 42-grain FMJ, and a 25-grain lead-free Copper Matrix bullet. The Copper Matrix is groundbreaking because it offers a rimfire option in areas where lead ammunition is banned. Velocities range from 1,300 fps for the 42-grain FMJ to around 1,750 for the 25-grain Copper Matrix bullet, and that translates into excellent terminal performance on small game. Winchester claims that the 34-grain bullet expands to an average of 173 percent of its original size while retaining 99 percent of its original weight and penetrating nearly three feet of gelatin. All of which means it performs appreciably better than the .22 LR. The design requires nothing more than a barrel swap to change .22 LR rifles to .21 Sharp, and the ability to use new, modern, and easy-to-manufacture bullets could potentially help mitigate periodic rimfire ammunition shortages that have plagued shooters.

Also new from Winchester is Last Call, a brand-new waterfowl load that utilizes 18 g/cc TSS shot for improved lethality on ducks and geese. TSS will be available in 12-, 20-, and 28-gauge offerings as well as .410.

Because it utilizes high-density TSS pellets, Last Call ammunition is loaded with pellets that are smaller in diameter (No. 5 to No. 9), and this allows for more pellets per shot. TSS’s incredibly high density makes it lethal on birds, reducing cripples and resulting in cleaner, faster kills. Booth #11828 (winchester.com)

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News FEED

Sports South Thrives on Service

Integrity, Family, Tradition, and Growth are the principles that have guided Sports South for over 180 years under the steadfast leadership of five generations of the Dickson family. From humble beginnings in 1841 as a small apothecary shop in Shreveport, the company has expanded into a powerhouse of distribution excellence, rooted in the drive to serve its customers with precision and care.

Today, Sports South is the nation’s oldest and largest distributor of firearms, ammunition, and

accessories, with a legacy of reliability and innovation. As it continues to grow, it is expanding its facilities, inventory, and partnerships to serve the evolving needs of its dealers and the shooting sports industry. State-of-the-art operations house the largest collection of shooting sports products under one roof, allowing the company to deliver unmatched speed and service.

Growth is not just about size— it’s about responsibility. Sports South remains committed to the

The new Pelican TRVL Collection, launching at SHOT Show 2025, consists of two standout product families: Pelican ATX and Pelican Aegis. Both combine Pelican’s legendary protective technologies with modern, modular designs, and each product is crafted to endure the harshest conditions while offering seamless adaptability and convenience. Available in black, indigo, sand, and charcoal colors, the TRVL Collection epitomizes form and function in equal measure.

Pelican ATX redefines hard-sided luggage for mission-critical expeditions and everyday travel. With options including carry-on and check-in sizes, ATX offers unrivaled protection with premium features such as TSA locking latches, 360-degree spinner wheels, and weatherproof construction.

Key features include military-grade construction for extreme durability, weatherproof design for all conditions, and optimized interior with reinforced shells for maximum packing efficiency. There are three sizes: Carry-On (22 inches, SRP: $574.95); Mid-size Checkin (25 inches, SRP: $689.95); and Large Check-in (30 inches, SRP: $799.95).

Inspired by the legendary shield of Zeus, the Pelican Aegis line is a modular travel system featuring hybrid roll-

ing duffels, travel backpacks, versatile slings, and customizable ModPak accessories. Key features include Pelican Shield technology with EVAmolded fronts; lightweight, weatherresistant construction; modular designs for effortless customization; ergonomic and easy-to-maneuver designs for comfortable travel. There are two products in this line. The Hybrid Rolling Duffel Dual-function (carry or roll capability) is available in three sizes: 22 inches, (SRP: $379.95); 28 inches (SRP: $439.95), and 32 inches (SRP: $499.95).

The Aegis Travel Backpack has two variants: 18L (SRP: $229.95) and 25L (SRP: $269.95).

In addition, Pelican ModPak accessories include modular toiletry bags,

values that shaped its foundation. It strives to create opportunities for its employees, strengthen its partnerships with dealers, and support the communities it serves. Every new initiative and every square foot added to operations represents a dedication to providing the best possible service to its customers.

Sports South invites you to experience firsthand the tradition, integrity, and forward-thinking that make Sports South the leader in distribution. Booth #12070 (theshootingwarehouse.com)

Pelican Launches New Travel Gear

storage pouches, AV gear protectors, and packing cubes for seamless organization and travel adaptability.

“Pelican’s TRVL Collection isn’t just about gear—it’s about equipping modern explorers to thrive in any environment and mission,” says CEO James “JC” Curleigh. “This collection combines our five decades of protective innovation with a deep understanding of today’s adventurers. We’ve created a lineup that balances rugged durability with elegance and adaptability. Built to protect and equip for the mission, from remote basecamps to bustling cities, these products perform where it matters most.” Booth #13255 (pelican.com)

Fire protection consultant Glen Saraduke came into the munitions industry over 15 years ago. He has worked with munitions companies and on federal projects over the years to help reduce risk, ensure fire code compliance on existing and planned production operations/facilities, and conduct fire/accident investigations.

Last year, Saraduke and his team kicked off a new venture to broker (buy/sell) used and new munitions manufacturing equipment through Ammo Machinery Shop (ammomachineryshop.com). Other related services include development and fabrication of custom manufacturing equipment, help with logistics of moving equipment, and troubleshooting or assessment of existing operations.

“In my career, I’ve seen a number of companies upgrade their ammo machinery,” Saraduke says. “When the new machines come in, the old ones go out the door, usually to a warehouse where they sit unused. This is a waste of good machinery, and my job is to help these companies find the older equipment a good home, where they can continue to provide good service for years to come. We’ll also conduct searches for used equipment.”

As an additional offering, Saraduke and his team have developed an inexpensive add-on local water mist fire suppression system for mechanical loading machines that can be fitted to almost any loading machine. Fires on loading machines are rare, but this fire system will knock down an initial fire way before overhead fire sprinklers activate. It also will help in rural operations where no water is available for overhead fire code required fire sprinkler systems.

This patent-pending fire suppression system will be at the SHOT Show in Booth #10146 (Freedom Munitions) attached to an Ammoload loading machine for demonstration purposes.

Setting Policy for American Wildlife

We all know that healthy wildlife populations, along with having places where we can get outdoors to hunt and shoot, are essential to the success of the outdoor industry. Conservation has been a critical part of our industry since 1937 when sportsmen and firearms manufacturers supported the passage of the Pittman-Robertson Act to redirect an existing excise tax on firearms and ammunition toward the restoration of wildlife and the creation of hunting and shooting access.

What many may not realize is that the hunting and shooting conservation

community continues to work together through the American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP) to identify critical federal policy actions to sustain our outdoor pursuits. Founded 25 years ago, AWCP is a coalition of the nation’s top 52 sporting-conservation organizations that represent America’s hunter-conservationists, professional wildlife and natural resource managers, outdoor recreation users, the shooting industry, conservation educators, and wildlife scientists. These groups meet regularly through AWCP and work together on key issues throughout the year.

However, every four years before the start of a new presidential administration, AWCP also releases a Wildlife for the 21st Century (W21) report that outlines the policy priorities of the hunting and shooting conservation community. The current edition— Wildlife for the 21st Century: Volume VII—will now serve as a playbook for the incoming Trump Administration and the next two Congresses in making decisions on sporting-conservation issues. “I am proud to have worked alongside the members of AWCP to develop a thoughtful and comprehensive set of priorities that are contained

in W21. AWCP is a unique and collective force, and it is through our coordination, communication, and vision that the priorities in W21 will be recognized,” said Taylor Schmitz, AWCP outgoing chairman and director of federal relations for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.

The specific recommendations Wildlife for the 21st Century, Volume VII made by the AWCP are featured in nine distinct sections of the report that will bolster fish and wildlife populations, enhance the conservation of America’s lands and waters, and provide crucial access opportunities for America’s tens of millions of sportsmen and women. These recommendations will also help ensure the wise use of our public resources, keeping America strong, sustainable, and healthy.

Of particular note to the shooting sports industry, the National Shooting Sports Foundation is a member of AWCP. The coalition included recommendations that emphasize access, including shooting opportunities on federal lands as well as use of excise taxes to construct state shooting ranges. It also notes, given the lack of availability or limited affordable alternatives

ProTek SHOT Show Offer

ProTek Watch recently added several new series to its watch line, including its Official USMC Automatic Watch Collection, now with Seiko’s 24-jewel automatic movements in its Carbon Composite Case dive watches. This is the same workhorse movement found in many of Seiko’s great dive watches. ProTek also released new Steel Dive watches with the same dependable movement, and a new USMC Field series has been added as well, running on the dependable Citizen/Miyota quartz movement used in other ProTek watches. ProTek will also show its newest offering, The Aggressor, a larger 45mm rugged dive series at SHOT Show 2025.

The ProTek collection is growing rapidly, from 28 models last year to 57 today, and all will be shown at SHOT Show 2025. All new series feature the same unsurpassed tritium illumination that glows for 25 years. This feature is found in all ProTek watches.

ProTek is offering a SHOT Show special of 40 percent discounts to all SHOT attendees. Stop by Booth #30207 to place an order. This offer is good for all ProTek watches, including the new series. Booth #30207 (Protekwatch.com)

for commonly used bullet types, how broad bans or phase-outs of lead ammunition would reduce hunting opportunities.

“Our partners that make up AWCP should be proud of their ability to coalesce around a shared set of policy priorities which, should they be adopted, would produce real and meaningful benefits for hunters, habitat, and wildlife across the United States,” said John Devney, AWCP incoming chair and chief policy officer for Delta Waterfowl.

AWCP partners are sponsoring the Professional Outdoor Media Association Meet-Up today at 4 p.m. in the Unity Ballroom in Caesar’s Forum. All media are encouraged to attend the event to hear from POMA leadership, NSSF’s Chris Dolnack, as well as the AWCP chairs.

Supplier Showcase Shows Growth

The right materials are a very big deal. That’s why the NSSF instituted the Supplier Showcase at SHOT Show a few years ago. It was designed to be a oneday dedicated event for suppliers to display their shooting, hunting, and outdoor material supplies off the main trade show floors, but the response by attendees and exhibitors has been so encouraging that it is now a two-day event.

Summit Steel Corporation, based in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, was just one of the many companies that exhibited this year. Summit Steel Corporation is an IS 9001-2015 processor and stocking distributor of SBQ (special bar quality) cold finished and hot rolled carbon and alloy steel bar in a variety of shapes (for instance, round and hexagon), including Gun Barrel Quality steels in carbon, alloy, and stainless steel. The company also offers other services, including bar

and pier chamfering, thermal treatments (annealing and heat treating), as well as TG&P (turned, ground, and polished) steel. TG&P materials are used in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, and are known for their dimensional accuracy and precision.

“There are two main benefits for us having a booth at the Supplier Showcase of the SHOT Show,” says Ross Bushman, CEO of Summit Steel. “First of all, exposure. As one of the largest U.S. distributors of Gun Barrel Quality steels, you will rarely find so many prospects in one place. Secondly, many of our customers are there, either as attendees or with their own display booth. This affords us the opportunity to meet with them personally, and as anyone in sales knows, there is nothing quite like ‘pressing the flesh.’” Booth #51804 (sumitsteel.com)

Pavilion Pavilion

RANGE COLLECTION

We are proud to launch the SIG SAUER x 5.11® Collection. This limited edition collection includes purpose-built bags designed to meet the needs of serious range and sports enthusiast.

Never Settle for Anything Less VISIT US @ BOOTH #72448 Located in Caesers Forum

OPTICS

2025

by Robert Sadowski

The market for night-vision and thermal optics stays red hot, but red dots and LPVOs remain in the mix this year.

Optics such as night vision and thermal are being offered by more brands, making these exotic optics more accessible to hunters. Some price points are still at nose-bleed heights because they are so feature rich the process is more like buying a computer than a scope. Other brands make owning thermal and night-vision optics for mere mortals easier. There still is a steep entry price, but once you go thermal it’s hard to go back. There is also no reason why you can’t put your pistol-buying customer in a red-dot optic. This year there are red-dot reflex sights at all price points. Enclosed emitter red dots (red-dot optics sealed from the elements) are making inroads with models at lower price points. LPVOs (Low-Powered Variable Optics) continue to be a strong presence in the riflescope market. Here are the details.

APEX OPTICS

Apex Optics' new VAPOR 1-4x22mm variable-zoom PRISM sight (SRP: $699-$799) is the first variable-zoom prism sight available on the market. Designed for tactical situations, competition, or anyone looking for cutting-edge innovation, precision, and durability, the VAPOR offers effortless zoom from 1X through 4X with a simple turn of the front zoom ring, similar to a traditional riflescope. It is compatible with Picatinny mounts for easy integration into any AR-style platform. A six-position illuminated, glass-etched reticle with off settings between each brightness level is built into a 30mm one-piece aircraft-grade aluminum tube. The new ION 1x25mm red-dot sight (SRP: $350) is designed for defensive and tactical pistol or AR platforms. The ION uses the RMSc footprint, so it is compatible with all RMSc mounts. Features include AutoSleep and JOLT-AWAKE technologies that automatically power down during inactivity and instantly reactivate with motion. There are 10 brightness settings, including two for night-vision use. Reticle options include a 6 MOA dot or a selectable three-position MRX reticle. The Edge BLACK 1-10x24 LPVO (SRP: $1,800) is now fully assembled and quality controlled in the USA and offers the same unparalleled performance as the original Japanese-made Edge 1-10x24. Booth #70239 (apexopticsco.com)

BARSKA

The NVD35 Night Vision Adapter (SRP: $549.99) transforms nearly any riflescope into a highly efficient nightvision system by attaching seamlessly to the ocular lens of most riflescopes. Equipped with a 1024x768 pixel OLED display, the NVD35 boasts a digital zoom range from 1X to 5X. The easy-attachment mechanism allows for quick installation and removal, making it highly adaptable for a variety of shooting scenarios. Booth #15038 (barska.com)

C&H PRECISION

BURRIS

The Fullfield riflescope line has a 50-plus-year reputation of proven performance, and for this year the Fullfield line has been redesigned with five magnification ranges and a variety of reticle options. The proprietary 4X zoom system offers performance in a compact scope, combined with simple Plex or more advanced MOA and BDC-based reticle options. The optional Burris Knob Synergy turrets elevate performance. Six new Fullfield models include a 2-8x35mm, 2.5-10x42mm, 3-12x42mm, 3-12x56mm, 4-16x50mm, and 6-24x50mm (SRP: $192-$600). Whether you're a hunter or a longrange shooter, the Fullfield lines offer value and performance.

The new FastFire E (SRP: $420) is an enclosed emitter red-dot optic designed for a variety of platforms and to ensure reliable performance in any environmental conditions. Built with an aluminum body, the FastFire E is constantly powered on with a 60,000-hour battery life from one CR2032 battery that juices a red or green 3.5 MOA dot. Booth #13227 (burrisoptics.com)

The new COMP MAX (SRP: $339.95) is an open-emitter red dot with a viewing window larger than other red dots. The COMP MAX is purpose-built for competition, duty, or concealed carry. It has the same footprint as the RMR and features a multiple reticle with a 2 MOA dot, 30 MOA circle—or both. The new EDC-EN (SRP: $275) is an enclosed emitter red dot to protect against dirt, dust, and debris interfering with the emitter. Powered up to 50,000 hours, the EDC-EN features shake-to-wake technology, so it instantly comes on and powers off after five minutes of inactivity. It uses a RMSC footprint for a wide range of compatibility. Red and green dot reticle models are available with multiple reticle choices: 2.5 MOA dot, 34 MOA circle, or both. The HNT-R MAX (SRP: $339.95) is another open emitter red dot with a large viewing window, RMSC footprint, and True Timber camo finish. Add this to your turkey shotgun. Booth #11849 (chpws.com)

C-MORE

The RTS3 (SRP: $749) open emitter red dot is a total redesign to maximum performance and reliability. The RTS3 placed first overall at the 2024 USPSA Carry Optics National Championship. It features a large viewing window; is available with either a 3, 6, or 9 MOA dot; has 50,000 hours of battery life; and the footprint is compatible with STS2 and RTS2 mounts. It also has a 30-year warranty. Booth #15049 (cmore.com

CRIMSON TRACE

Crimson Trace has evolved two of its best selling products, the Railmaster CMR-201 and CMR-206 Universal Laser Sights. Now both lasers are equipped with aluminum rail clamps to outlast the competition and prevent slipping. The CMR-201 also features a robust polymer body, brightest allowable 5mw red laser, and externally replaceable 1/3N Li battery. The small footprint fits on a wide range of handguns and rifles. The CMR-206 features a daylight visible 5mw green laser—brightest allowable by law. Both lasers come with two rail fit adapters: universal and GLOCK profile. SRP: $129.99, CMR-201; $239.99, CMR-206. Booth #12427 (crimsontrace.com)

EOTECH

The housing of the super-short Vudu 3-9x32 riflescope is constructed of lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum. This second focal plane design comes in at 6.8 inches and is fog-, water-, and shock-resistant. The turrets offer 1⁄4 MOA adjustments and are both capped for protection. A rotary dial provides an illuminated reticle with 10 brightness settings, and the CR2032 battery provides roughly 300 hours of operation. The unique design provides an integrated base that is also compatible with aftermarket mini-ACOG mounts. For those wanting a non-magnified solution, EOTECH offers a version that includes a ring mount and EFLXTM that can be mounted to the front tube section. It can be positioned at the top or at 45-degree offsets for close or moving targets. Booth #20159 (eotechinc.com)

GPO

It shouldn’t take retailers long to figure out the new CENTURI lines of riflescopes offers all the features shooters demand at an affordable price. The CENTURI 4-16x44i FFP Super Compact riflescope (SRP: $519.99) has a small footprint at just 9.9 inches long. It weighs a mere 20 ounces. Features include a first-focal plane milliradian reticle illuminated with GPO iControl technology, .1 milliradian turrets that lock, and an innovative “in-cap” zero-stop locking function. Other models in the CENTURI family include a 2.5-15x44i (SRP: $619.99), 2.5-15x50i (SRP: $619.99), and 3-18x44i (SRP: $619.99). All feature a 6X zoom magnification and are built on 30mm tubes. Booth #11053 (gpo-usa.com)

OPTICS

HAWKE OPTICS

The new Vantage IR 1-4x20mm Turkey Dot riflescope (SRP: $239) is designed for turkey hunting with features like a full Mossy Oak camo finish and Turkey Dot illuminated reticle. It comes with flip-up covers, honeycomb sun shade, and removable zoom throw lever. The new XB30 FFP crossbow scope (SRP: $219.99) with an FFP reticle is a first for crossbow optics. The XB30 FFP SR illuminated reticle keeps you on target at any magnification. Booth #40541 (us.hawkeoptics.com)

PULSAR

Engineered with cutting-edge technology and precision craftsmanship, Thermion digital thermal riflescopes deliver clarity and precision to ensure success in any low-light environment. For 2025, Pulsar adds three models to the Thermion line: 2 LRF XP60, 2 LRF XG60, and 2LRF XL60. All feature a video recorder, AMOLED 2560x2560 display type and resolution, a 60mm objective lens, and 64 Gb of built-in memory. The units can detect images up to 2,000 meters (2,800 for the 2LRF XL60), and the included remote control allows hunters to adjust settings and make precise shots without ever losing sight of the target. Booth #11419 (pulsarnv.com)

HI-LUX OPTICS

The Malcolm Long Rifle Telescope Gen II (SRP: $799) blends period-correct aesthetics and modern performance. The Malcolm comes equipped with a 6X magnification eyepiece, sliding dovetail mounts, a 5-inch extended sunshade for 30-inch barrels, and parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity. If your customer's rifle barrel has both front and rear sight dovetails, you should be able to mount this scope without any drilling or tapping. Dove mounts are compatible with Uberti, Shiloh, Perdesoli, and Chiappa rifles. Booth #40541 (hi-luxoptics.com)

RITON

The new 5 Primal 3-18x50 Crossover Scope (SRP: $999.99) is designed to be just as useful on the 1,000-yard range as in the backcountry. Built on a 34mm tube, the Primal features .1 mil capped turrets and the popular Long-Range Hunter (LRH) first-focal plane (FFP) reticle with a Christmas-tree-style setup. The new 3 Tactix 3X Magnifier (SRP: $249.99) adds magnification to 1X dot-style optics when you need it—and stays out of the way when you don’t. The push-button design flips the magnifier out of the way to run a dot without additional magnification. Features include two mounting height configurations and a choice between a dot-only or a circle-dot reticle. Pair the 1 Tactix ARD 2 (SRP: $229.99) with the 3 Tactix 3X magnifier for a versatile package. Booth #10331 (ritonoptics.com)

MISSION CRITICAL PRECISION. EVERY SINGLE TIME.

UMAREX

The Umarex RDS8 (SRP: $39.99) stands for Red Dot Sight 8 and is compatible with various airguns, airsoft guns, and imaged paintball training equipment. The RDS8 is a compact, lightweight red-dot sight with an 8 MOA reticle with two brightness levels. A Picatinny universal mount is included so it can adapt to a variety of other airpowered platforms. The OR/MOS Adapter Plates (SRP: $20) are now available for select air-powered Walther PDP and Glock models in airgun, airsoft, and paintball variants. The plates come in the most popular mounting footprints for Trijicon, Vortex, Leupold, and C-More. Booth #12469 (umarexusa.com)

WINCHESTER SUPREME OPTICS

The new line of value-focused riflescopes includes six models: 6-18x50mm SF Illuminated Reticle (SRP: $344.99), 4-12x44mm SF (SRP: $241.99), 3-9x40mm (SRP: $206.99), 3.5-10x50mm (SRP: $218.99), 2-7x32mm (SRP: $144.99), and 1-4x24mm Illuminated Reticle (SRP: $264.99). Features include premium lenses multi-coated with Winchester WINcoat to transmit the maximum amount of low dusk or dawn light to your eye. All scopes use second focal plane (SFP) reticles and fast-focus eyepieces. Booth #72349 (wordlofwinchester.com)

U.S. OPTICS

The new RISE Red-Dot Sight (SRP: $279.99) is a high-performance reflex sight equipped with a 3 MOA red dot, 10 brightness settings (including night vision), and a durable aluminum housing. It is compatible with the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro footprint, and is ideal for pistols, shotguns, and rifles with tactical, sporting, and home-defense applications. Booth #20541 (usoptics.com)

X-VISION OPTICS

XS SIGHTS

The DXT2 PRO Series night sights are designed for selfdefense. This improved Big Dot line offers increased durability and corrosion resistance due to the upgraded tritium lamps and BlackNitride surface finish. The PRO Series is also the first XS Big Dot available with a green glow dot front sight that delivers high contrast in bright light while glowing extremely bright in low light.

The DXT2 PRO Series sights offer the same exceptional benefits of the original XS Big Dots with a large, easy-to-see tritium front sight with dual-illumination technology for high visibility in low light and a rear, tritium stripe for fast and easy vertical alignment. The overall design and sheer size of the dot at 0.188 inch drives focus to the front sight for lightning-fast target acquisition. The sights will fit selected models from Glock, SIG Sauer, Springfield Armory, Smith & Wesson, and FN. SRP: $153.

XS Sights is also offering new, pre-drilled front sights, featuring a self-illuminating tritium Glow Dot, for S&W K-Frame, L-Frame, J-Frame and Ruger SP101 revolvers. The dual-illuminated front sight has a self-luminous tritium vial surrounded by XS’ proprietary photoluminescent Glow Dot that absorbs ambient light to glow in low light. The pairing ensures the front sight will glow brightly in low light and contrast well in bright light conditions.

While the Standard dot sets come with a front sight only, the Minimalist sets come with a front sight and serrated, antiglare, non-tritium rear sight. It is designed to be as minimalistic as possible while driving focus to the front sight. Booth #13624 (xssights.com)

The latest to the FLEX thermal optic lines is the all-new compact TR2 (SRP: $3,499.99) with features like detection range up to 1,700 yards, 1-4X magnification, a large 2.56-inch display screen, customizable color-palette and reticle selections, and a quick-release Picatinny mount. Booth #72814 (xvisionoptics.com)

HEAR THAT? NO?

The quiet “boom” in suppressor sales.

by Brian McCombie

In2016, when the state of Iowa legalized the possession, use, and sale of suppressors, Brice McCunn was ready. The owner/operator of McCunn Specialty Firearms, in Massena, Iowa, McCunn knew he could (and would) sell a good number of suppressors. His customers had asked him about suppressors since he opened in 2012, and he had applied for and received the necessary certifications to transfer National Firearms Act (NFA) items such as suppressors.

McCunn Specialty Firearms encompasses several thousand square feet of retail space, a six-lane indoor shooting range, and a classroom. Located about halfway between Des Moines and Omaha, Nebraska, the establishment draws in people from several surrounding counties to purchase firearms and accessories as well as to use the range.

“Initially, we jumped into the suppressor market carrying SilencerCo units exclusively,” says McCunn. “Today we still offer SilencerCo, but have added some nine additional brands of suppressors to our store. The majority of our guests are using suppressors for hunting. Also, some buy a suppressor for home defense guns, which makes sense if you think about it. We do get the occasional recreational shooter who is looking to make a more desirable shooting experience for themselves.”

McCunn Specialty Firearms is only one of the many FFLs whose bottom line has been made better and stronger through suppressors sales. Could offering suppressors do the same for your business?

CONSIDERATIONS

As an NFA item, suppressor sales and transfers require additional federal requirements and paperwork beyond the operations of a standard FFL. As with any new addition to a store’s inventory, staff education and the marketing of a new product line will come into play. No doubt some patience will be required, too, while a new line takes hold with the customer base.

Of course, any established FFL will have to evaluate the local suppressor market landscape and decide if selling these products is right for them. Yet,

 Silencer Central not only sells suppressors, but its CEO Brandon Maddox has worked tirelessly to make the process of purchasing a suppressor easier and faster.

suppressors have become extremely popular over the last several years, a popularity which shows no signs of dissipating any time soon.

Information provided by the American Suppressor Association (ASA) revealed just under 800,000 suppressors registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) in February 2016. That grew to 2.66 million suppressors by May 2021. At the close of 2023, ATF documented 3.6 million suppressors owned by Americans.

“I'd estimate that we are probably above 4 million registered suppressors at this point,” says Owen Miller, ASA’s vice president.

Retailers that once handled a handful of suppressor customers a month are now making dozens of these sales. Another new suppressor maker enters the market every month or two; at the same time, many established manufacturers are backordered.

ONE COMPANY’S EXPANSION

Brandon Maddox is the Founder and CEO of Silencer Central, one of the country’s largest

Retailers that once handled a handful of suppressor customers a month are now making dozens of these sales. Another new suppressor maker seems to enter the market every month.

sellers of suppressors. Dedicated solely to Class 3 firearms in the form of silencers, Silencer Central was launched nearly 20 years ago with the goal of providing a more simplified process for safely and legally obtaining a suppressor. Today, a Silencer Central customer can fill out the needed paperwork online, including a free NFA Gun Trust. With satellite locations in the 42 silencer-legal states, Silencer Central can actually deliver an ATF-approved silencer directly to a customer’s door.

Silencer Centr al offers a wide range of suppressors from top manufacturers, plus its own Banish line. The only real problem for Maddox and his employees? They are running out of room! From its facilities in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Silencer Central was handling approximately 100,000 suppressors sales a year, plus threading over 5,000 barrels to make the firearms suppressor ready. But the Silencer Central infrastructure simply can’t handle the everincreasing demand, which is why Maddox is currently expanding his warehouse and other operations to allow the company to sell 200,000 suppressors annually.

Maddox credited a booming market for suppressors to a number of factors, including a greater understanding among hunters and recreational shooters of the hearing and safety benefits to using suppressed firearms. He noted that many gun makers now design their rifles and

 McCunn Specialty Firearms has invested in a fingerprint scanner with software that helps customers complete the required forms in-house.

handguns with threaded barrels for suppressors; in the case of handguns, many manufacturers offer suppressor-height sights.

SPEEDIER APPROVALS

In 2022, Mike S. (he requested SHOT Daily not publish his last name), a farmer and hunter from Michigan, decided it was time. He traveled to his local NFA dealer and completed the needed paperwork for his first two suppressors. He then waited for application approval. And waited. For eight months.

He purchased suppressor number three in December 2023. Wait time for that approval: three months. And, early in 2024 he filled out the forms for his fourth suppressor. His approval came through in just 11 days.

A fluke? Not so, says Maddox.

“Recent changes in approval times have also increased demand significantly,” says Maddox. “We are seeing 4.8 days for many approvals as an individual submission these days.”

It wasn’t long ago that the suppressor approval process took anywhere from six to 12 months. And six months was super-fast. According to Maddox, who recently spent time with ATF leadership concerning various issues, ATF greatly streamlined the administrative process for the required Form 4 and is committed to much faster turn-around times.

With the long waits generally over, that news flashed across the shooting sports landscape, encouraging many gun owners to make the move to suppressor ownership.

PAST HURDLES

In the early 1990s H&H Shooting Sports of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, began offering suppressors. The biggest hurdle to selling suppressors then, notes Miles Hall, former co-owner of H&H, were the often painfully long wait times. The fact that a potential buyer had to (and still must) pay the $200 stamp tax up front wasn’t a help, either.

The additional paperwork was new and took time to learn, he adds, and there were only a handful of suppressor makers from which to choose.

“Later the state of Oklahoma allowed suppressors on hunting guns for special circumstances, which was fantastic,” Hall says. “You could just feel this was going to be something big in the coming years.”

H&H was sold several years ago; today Hall is senior advisor with the consulting firm HallN-Hall, LLC, where he helps FFL clients around the nation improve their operations and boost sales. As such, he regularly advises those clients to enter the suppressor market.

Admittedly, he said, suppressor sales and transfers encompass a more complex set of rules, “but those are easily overcome with training and the right spirit.” The extra work, Hall believes, is more than worth it to the retailer making the suppressor commitment.

DO THE RIGHT THING

Hall stresses that a retail operation offering suppressors needs to have salespeople truly educated in the use of and the benefits of suppressed firearms. “Never assume your team ‘knows’ suppressors,” he says. “Nothing is worse than a team member who clearly does not know a product area and tries to baffle with BS. The guest will see right through that ignorance or, worse, that arrogance, possibly losing that guest, not only to the store but to the shooting sports family as a whole.”

McCunn agrees on the need for hands-on knowledge. “We have several employees that have multiple suppressors of their own with real-world experience,” McCunn says. “When you can talk with the guest about caliber options, materials, and other features that have worked for you, it really helps customers to make a purchase decision.”

With his six-lane indoor range, McCunn has found that letting interested customers actually fire suppressed firearms will generate many sales, too.

“Demos are a fantastic way to help sell suppressors,” McCunn says. “It is still great to see the giant smile a guest has the very first time they get to shoot a suppressed firearm.”

AFFORDABLE DOESN’T MEAN CHEAP.

Every law-abiding citizen regardless of their budget, has the right to own a reliable firearm for personal protection.

PICATINNY

THE TRUST ISSUE

Let’s admit it: many gun owners are very leery of the ATF and are put off by the additional paperwork needed to purchase a suppressor. Form 4 includes submitting fingerprints and having local law enforcement signing off on the suppressor purchase, both of which can add to a potential buyer’s apprehension.

To ease these concerns, the smart retailer does the things needed to gain a customer’s trust.

“Consumers must trust their dealer,” says Maddox. “Creating trust is so important. Trust that the dealer does the paperwork correctly and trust that the dealer protects the customer's highly sensitive information. Dealers need to read the NFA Handbook and have a thorough understanding of the compliance requirements of selling and the consumer possessing the suppressor.”

Being able to offer a customer the help needed to complete an NFA Gun Trust is a plus, too. With such a trust, the consumer can share their NFA items with family. Anything a retailer can do to streamline the application process will create customer confidence in that establishment, too.

“Initially, it was difficult to navigate the NFA regulations, and it was quite the learning experience,” McCunn admits. “But going on nine years and many sales later we have the process streamlined and efficient. A few years ago, we invested in a fingerprint scanner with software, and we now help the guest complete the forms in house, from start to finish. The fingerprint scanner turned out to be one of the best purchases we’ve ever made, and we regularly hear how easy it was to purchase suppressors at our store.”

SUPPRESSOR MANUFACTURERS

SHOT Show 2025 is an excellent opportunity to take a look at the variety of suppressors now available for sale. Stop by the booths of the following manufacturers to learn more.

Silencer Central Booth #75237

Dead Air Suppressors Booth #75417

AAC Booth #15249

Yankee Hill Machine Booth #20521

Elite Iron Booth # 20217

Thunder Beast Arms Booth #72904

SilencerCo Booth #10560

Radical Firearms Booth #20241

BECOMING AN NFA DEALER

Suppressors are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934. To deal in NFA items, an individual or business entity must first possess a Federal Firearms License and a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). Once they have those two items, qualifying to sell NFA firearms and suppressors is a relatively simple process, according to Harry L. McCabe, an Industry Compliance Consultant with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).

“You simply file ATF Form 5630.7, Special Tax Registration and Return, National Firearms Act, and pay the tax (it is a tax and not a fee) for the type of business in which you intend to engage,” McCabe says. “The tax ranges from $500 a year for your basic FFL dealer to $1,000 a year for manufacturers and importers. The NFA tax year runs from July 1 through June 30, and the tax is not prorated.”

The NFA-qualified FFL then orders NFA firearms/suppressors from a manufacturer or distributor just as they would for conventional firearms.

“To make a sale of an NFA firearm to an unlicensed person (or a trust), the FFL must file an ATF Form 4 with ATF and wait for it to be approved,” McCabe says. “The Form 4 requires detailed information about the buyer, the seller, and the firearm; a $200 transfer tax must be paid with the form when it is filed.”

With the Form 4 approved, a tax stamp is issued to the retailer. At that point, the retailer and customer complete the transaction as they would with any other firearm, including the customer filing out an ATF Form 4473 and the customer receiving the stamp.

“The FFL must keep all the same records for NFA firearms as he/she does for other firearms,” McCabe says. “In addition, there are NFA-specific forms that must be retained. We have detailed record keeping and filing recommendations for FFLs who engage in the sale of NFA firearms that we usually provide to them when we do an NSSF site visit at their store.”

THE MANY BENEFITS OF SUPPRESSION

Despite Hollywood’s fantasy, suppressors do not silence firearms to the point that all one hears is “pfft-pfft.” However, a quality suppressor will do the following:

 Reduce muzzle blast below the 140 decibels (dB) identified as causing harm to our hearing, with a reduction usually in the 20 dB to 30 dB range.

 Allow shooters and hunters to better communicate with each other.

 Aid the hunter, as suppressed firearms are less likely to scare off wildlife.

 Reduce recoil, up to 25 percent in some cases.

 Help shooting ranges dealing with noise complaints to improve relations with neighbors.

Suppressors can also bring new people into the shooting sports, as the reduced noise and recoil make the shooting experience much more enjoyable.

 SHOT Business Editor Slaton L. White recently took this Montana mule deer with a rifle equipped with a suppressor.

REVOLUTION

REVOLUTION THE SMALL-BORE

Duck guns get smaller. That’s a good thing for retailers.

by Phil Bourjaily

Waterfowlers have always believed “bigger is better.” Until now. Small-bore duck and goose guns have become the surprise trend in shotgunning. Sixteen-, 20-, and even 28-gauge guns, and the occasional .410 have become popular among hunters. The announcement of a 3-inch magnum 28-gauge a couple years ago created even bigger interest in little guns.

The 12-gauge isn’t dead. It’s still the best choice for hunters who want to shoot only steel. But, with better (albeit pricier) ammo alternatives, like bismuth and tungsten-iron out there, more and more duck and goose hunters are hanging up their 12s for smaller gauges. They can kill birds just as well, but with smaller, lighter guns, and often with less recoil, too. Americans have always loved small-bore guns. They are undeniably fun to hunt with. Small gauges have conquered the turkey woods, and now they’re marching on the duck blind. Here’s what you need to know about selling small-bore guns and ammo to your waterfowling customers.

SELLING SMALL BORES

When you sell a duck gun, you aren’t just selling it to one person. Waterfowlers hunt in groups, and groups think alike. Sell the right small-bore duck gun to one hunter, and chances are good their friends will be in the market for one, too. Here are five points to keep in mind when someone comes into your shop looking to hunt ducks with a small-bore gun.

1. Keep a good selection in stock. Smallgauge guns sell themselves if you can put them in a customer’s hands so they can feel their light weight and trim lines. Carry waterfowl-specific models. There are quite a few available now, with camo or camo/Cerakote finishes and the enlarged controls popular among duck and goose hunters.

2. Educate yourself and your staff on non-toxic shot. The small-bore boom resulted from improved waterfowl loads and some are effective even at longer ranges, if the customer is willing to pay for the performance. Steel, bismuth, tungsten-iron, pure TSS, and “stacked” loads of mixed pellet types and sizes all have their pros and cons. Non-toxic shot is expensive; you have to be able to make the case for it to the customer. Steer hunters on a budget to stacked loads combining steel and denser, premium loads. Brands worth stocking include HEVI-Shot (Booth #11838) , Federal Ammunition (Booth #11838) , Apex (Booth #71104) , Remington (Booth #11838) , and Winchester (Booth #11828)

3. Waterfowl hunters like aftermarket chokes. Keep a selection on hand for the guns and gauges you sell. Kick’s (Booth #12277) is a well-regarded brand that makes chokes in all gauges. MOJO Outdoors (Booth #10518) , Carlson’s (Booth #10974) , and Trulock (Booth #14743) are also in the hunt.

4. Bismuth shot is the solution for hunters who want to bring older small bores back into the blind. It’s the only non-toxic

↑ Nitro-Steel Duplex is a combination of two different sizes of steel shot.

↑ HEVI-Shot X-II in .410 bore gives lovers of this shotgun a serious waterfowl load.

pellet guaranteed not to damage older gun barrels made of soft steel. HEVI-Shot offers its HeviBismuth in every gauge from 10 to .410. (Booth #11838)

5. If a customer wants a small bore and isn’t set on a particular gauge, sell them a 20. There’s a wide variety of ammunition available, and that ammo is often more affordable than 16-, 28-gauge and .410 shells made in smaller runs. In addition, a 3-inch 20-gauge shell can hold an ounce of steel shot, so it’s a good choice for someone who wants a smaller gun and doesn’t want to pay for expensive premium ammunition for every hunt.

SOME GUNS TO CONSIDER

1. Browning A5 Sweet 16: Browning’s Sweet 16 A5 comes in waterfowl versions, including the top-of-the-line Wicked Wing with camo stock and bronze Cerakote metal. It’s a very light, 5¾-pound inertia gun. (Booth #10938)

2. Benelli Super Black Eagle 3: The original 3½-inch 12-gauge semi-auto now comes in 3-inch 20-gauge and in the new 3-inch 28-gauge. The 28 weighs just 5½ pounds, yet is a very capable

↑ Benelli's Super Black Eagle 3 is a popular choice for waterfowlers. The original 3½-inch 12-gauge semi-auto now comes in 3-inch 20-gauge and in the new 3-inch 28-gauge.

NEW PRODUCTS FOR 2025

MVO 1-8x28 FFP M1, MRAD MVO 3-18x44 FFP M3, MRAD MVO 6-36x56 FFP M3, MRAD

waterfowl gun if you load it with HEVI-Shot. (Booth #13828)

3. Beretta A400 Xplor: Beretta scales down its popular A400 to 3-inch 28-gauge for those who prefer the even softer recoil of a small-bore gas gun. This gun comes dressed for the uplands with a wood stock and silver receiver, but it will shoot in the duck blind, too. (Booth #13227)

4. Browning Citori: Available in four gauges, and in occasional special runs of 16s, Browning’s Citori is a proven performer. Last year, the chambers on all 28-gauge Citoris were lengthened to three inches. If you want an O/U for the blind, the basic Hunter makes a solid choice. (Booth #10938)

5. Winchester SXP: Winchester’s SXP pump is affordable and extremely slick due to its rotary bolt design. The Waterfowl model comes in a variety of camo patterns. (Booth #10938)

6. Winchester SX4: The SX4 is a great buy in a semi-auto gas gun. It’s soft-shooting, reliable, and it offers much of the performance of top-ofthe-line guns for hundreds of dollars less. The 20-gauge version comes with a 26- or 28-inch barrel and in a variety of camos, including oldschool Woodland, which stands out in a gun rack. (Booth #10938)

NEW AMMO CHOICES

 Apex's 28-gauge Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) gives waterfowlers superior performance.

7. Mossberg 500: The most popular pump gun ever made, it comes in 20-gauge and .410 models. The .410, while the worst choice among small bores, can still perform surprisingly well at close ranges when loaded with HEVI-Shot or TSS. (Booth #12832)

8. Franchi Affinity 3: The 20-gauge Affinity 3 inertia-operated semi-auto makes up into a nice lightweight duck gun in a range of camo and camo and Cerakote choices. Most hunters know Franchi is owned by Benelli, and that its semi-autos make a viable, lower-cost alternative to an M2 or SBE3. (Booth #13227)

9. TriStar Viper: A low-priced gas gun that delivers reliable performance, the plain walnutstocked version of the Viper comes in 16-, 20-, and 28-gauge, and in .410. Currently there is no 3-inch 28-gauge Viper, but any of the other three can be capable waterfowl guns. (Booth #14645)

10. CZ Drake All-Terrain: A very affordable, rugged 20-gauge O/U configured for waterfowl, the Drake features matte walnut, extended chokes, swivel studs, and an olive Cerakote metal finish. It also has tiny rare-earth magnets in its extractors to keep shells from falling out when you open it muzzles-up in a blind. (Booth #12654)

The variety of non-toxic offerings on the market can be confusing to keep straight. Here’s a cheat sheet.

Lead made an ideal waterfowl pellet. It was soft, dense (at 11.2 grams per cubic centimeter), and inexpensive. Lead also had the fatal flaw of toxicity. Ducks and geese ingested lead pellets as grit for their crops and died of lead poisoning. When lead was banned for waterfowl hunting in 1991, the only alternative was light (7.6 gr/cc) steel shot. Steel was affordable, and it patterned well. But it retained energy poorly downrange. Hunters learned to make the best of steel by using bigger shot driven at higher velocities, all of which meant big 10- and 12-gauge guns and 3½-inch shells.

The performance of early steel loads disappointed hunters to the point where entrepreneurs and ammo companies started looking for denser alternatives. Today we have three, all of which allow hunters to choose smaller shot and lower velocities, meaning you can fit a good waterfowl load until a smaller-gauge cartridge case.

Bismuth, at 9.6 gr/cc, lies between lead and steel in density. You can shoot one or two sizes smaller with bismuth than you would pick for steel in the same situation. I like No. 3s for all-around ducks and geese. Bismuth requires a fairly tight choke. It costs roughly $3 per shell. It’s the only safe choice for older guns.

Tungsten-iron includes HEVI-Shot’s HeviXII and Remington HD. Both are slightly denser than lead (12 gr/cc). HEVI-Shot 4s make a great all-around duck/goose load. No. 5 or No. 6 shot are great for ducks only. Keep chokes to around Modified at most. These sell for close to $4 per shell.

TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) weighs 18 gr/cc. Pellets don’t get any denser. Shoot No. 7s for geese, No. 9s for ducks. Because it can cost $7 to $10 per shell, turkey hunters will pay for TSS. Waterfowlers may not. However, a little bit of TSS over steel in a more affordable stacked load does make a shell much more effective. Apex and Federal offer stacked steel/TSS loads that hit hard without costing a fraction of what all-TSS sells for.

Dual phase formula uses deer’s keen sense of smell to your advantage.

Irresistible sweet apple aroma draws deer in like a magnet.

Laced with a powerful, nose crippling olfactory blocker to overwhelm deers sense of smell, blinding them to your presence.

#1 SINCE 1972

CONCEALED TRENDS IN CARRY

When I first started carrying a concealed handgun over a decade ago, strong-side carry ruled the roost. CCW courses were centered around strong-side draws, and it seemed that most IWB holsters were designed for strong-side or cross-draw positions. I remember seeing a smattering of “appendix carry” holsters advertised in those early days, but they seemed to be the outlier, and I was admittedly rather skeptical of them. I had no interest in carrying a handgun in a position that was entirely too close to sensitive areas; it just seemed like an accident waiting to happen.

I imagine that I wasn’t alone in this thinking, as it seemed to be a common gripe among many of my peers. Some folks worried about potential injuries, while others—especially those with a law enforcement background—believed that those new-fangled appendix holsters were only for reckless bad guys who were already accustomed to carrying a gun tucked carelessly in their waistband. It was likely the fear of the unknown and the lack of quality appendix holsters in those early days that turned so many of us off to appendix carry.

However, this attitude has drastically changed over the course of the last 10 years or so, and appendix carry has become the new norm with strong-side carry now comfortably sitting in the second-place spot. I think this shift is driven, in part, by advances in holster design and construction, making appendix carry infinitely more

comfortable. But, not surprisingly, it's also due to the explosive surge in micro-compact pistols and the desire for deeper concealment with a minimal risk of printing, especially among younger CCW permit holders.

by Corey Ritter

A SURGE IN CONCEALED CARRY

Recent statistics show that there are more than 20 million concealed carry permit holders in the United States, and that number continues to rise. More American citizens are realizing the

And a comfortable holster is a holster you will wear.

↑ Advances in holster design and construction have made using an appendix concealed carry holster infinitely more comfortable.

importance of self-defense and being prepared as rising crime rates, open borders, and a shortage of peace officers and 911 dispatchers have become an unfortunate commonplace occurrence in many of our communities. Folks are starting to understand that the old adage “when seconds matter, help is only minutes away” carries a lot of weight, especially in areas where violent crimes are all too common. As such, we’re seeing more individuals take a more proactive approach in ensuring their safety and security.

There is also a growing sense of community among shooters who are interested in appendix carry. Not surprisingly, there are also tons of online forums, discussion boards, and a host of video and blog reviews that offer a variety of tips, tricks, and insights into how to make appendix carry more comfortable and effective. I've even heard of some CCW courses centered around appendix carry as the primary carry method, helping shooters navigate the nuances of appendix carry earlier in their training.

Further, and perhaps most exciting, the significant number of female shooters who are obtaining CCW permits and carrying concealed weapons as a means to protect themselves has undoubtedly contributed to the recent surge in concealed carry. I'd even venture to say that women have done more than simply contributing; they've led the way and driven a shift in the market toward better and more comfortable carry options that fit more uniformly against different body types.

↑ The L.A.G. Tactical Appendix MK II adjustable holster is pressure formed, CNC cut, and hand finished.

WHAT IS APPENDIX CARRY?

So, what exactly is appendix carry and why has it become the primary carry position among younger shooters? Appendix carry is an insidethe-waistband (IWB) position that involves carrying a concealed firearm at the lower front of your torso, typically between the navel and hip. Unlike traditional strong-side or cross-draw carry methods, appendix carry offers unique advantages that are rather appealing, even to a once-skeptic like me.

For starters, the appendix position offers deep concealment with minimal printing—especially with micro-compact and sub-compact pistols such as the Springfield Hellcat. Further, because this position places your firearm at the front of your body, it allows for easier access and a smoother draw, which I'd argue is absolutely critical in self-defense situations. Many people, myself included, find that carrying in this way feels more natural, and it can be especially comfortable when using a well-designed holster like the Safariland IncogX—a personal favorite.

There are, of course, some downsides to appendix carry, including the time it takes to get used to an appendix holster and learning to wear it comfortably when seated. This position can feel uncomfortable for some, especially men, as it may push the edges of the holster into the groin or abdomen when sitting. It can feel a bit cumbersome, and I often remove my holster when riding or driving in a car. That's just my preference, but

with a small adjustment and a bit more practice, it would likely be a non-issue.

Innovations in materials and ergonomics are leading to holsters that enhance comfort and security, potentially swaying preferences among carriers. While appendix carry remains the preferred carry method for many due to its quick access, the discomfort associated with prolonged wear—especially when sitting or driving—could lead the newest generation of shooters to explore alternatives or serve as a catalyst for some new and improved design or carry method we've not yet seen.

Shooters are finally feeling empowered to experiment with different carry positions, assessing which best suits their lifestyle and body type. I wouldn't be shocked to see the return of cross-draw or strong-side carry to the numberone spot over the next few years, but it's no secret that holster companies are constantly investing in new designs and materials, further driving concealed carry trends toward new, innovative solutions.

So, while appendix carry is likely to remain a favored choice for its many advantages, it may only be a matter of time before its current reign is challenged or it's forced to coexist with some new and improved carry method that better meets the evolving needs of concealed carry permit holders. And if recent history has taught us anything, we'd best be ready for anything and embrace the future of concealed carry. I have a feeling we're just getting started.

APPENDIX CARRY HOLSTER MANUFACTURERS

Here’s a short list of some appendix-carry holster manufacturers:

Safariland Booth #11268

Alien Gear Booth #10174

G-Code Holsters Booth #40112

Crossbreed Holsters Booth #14843

Falco Booth #72918

L.A.G. Tactical Booth #14654

↑ The appendix position offers the wearer deep concealment with minimal printing.

NEWPRODUCTS

1 TINK’S APPLE NOSE CANDY

Every hunter knows deer can’t resist apples. And now, with Tink’s Apple Nose Candy, you can use that to your advantage. This apple-scented olfactory blocker overwhelms a deer’s sense of smell, helps cover your scent, and leaves deer curious, not cautious. Spray it on your boots, clothes, or even the surrounding vegetation, and let the sweet aroma of apples work its magic. It’s the ultimate distraction, giving you the upper hand in the field.

A five- to 10-second burst of Apple Nose Candy mist floods the air with the irresistible smell of apples and makes it hard for deer to focus on anything else. It piques their curiosity while helping mask your presence, so you can get closer without being detected. Packaged with bag-in-can technology, Apple Nose Candy ensures the scent isn’t diluted with propellants, so you get the full force of its apple-sweet power. The silent spray tip means you won’t spook your target, and the can even sprays upside down, giving you flexibility in any situation.

Whether you’re in the stand or on the move, Nose Candy is your secret weapon. It’s sweet, aromatic, and—most importantly—it works hard when you need it most.

Booth #80107 (tinks.com)

by slaton l white

2 NEXTORCH INDUSTRIES PIONEER MT 20

Nextorch Industries, known for specialized illumination tools and tactical equipment for law enforcement, first responders, tactical professionals, and enthusiasts, is releasing the Pioneer MT 20 14-in-1 multifunctional tool. Designed for both every day and professional use, the versatile multi-tool includes essential tools such as pliers, cutters, scissors, and screwdrivers. Crafted from high-quality materials and featuring a durable YG8 scratch-resistant coating, the MT20 is built to last. Weighting in at just 9.4 ounces, the Pioneer MT20 can easily fit into a pocket or bag, ensuring it is always within reach. So, whether you're in law enforcement, rescue operations, or just need a reliable tool for everyday tasks, the MT20 provides the versatility and performance you need. SRP: $99.99.

Booth #40716 (nextorch.com)

NEWPRODUCTS

3 DEAD DOWN WIND BLACK PREMIUM NATURAL DEODORANT

Looking to stay scent-free without aluminum and other harsh chemicals? Dead Down Wind has your back (and your pits!) with the new BLACK Premium Natural Deodorant. As more people make the switch to natural deodorants, Dead Down Wind is bringing the same unbeatable odor elimination you know and trust, now in a natural formula that's safe for even your most sensitive areas.

This deodorant tackles odor right at the source and leaves you protected for hours, whether you’re on the hunt or just running errands. With natural deodorants gaining popularity, hunters everywhere are realizing they can go aluminum- and chemical-free and still get the job done.

The 2.75-ounce BLACK Premium Natural Deodorant glides on smooth, keeping you scent-free and confident no matter what your day brings. Whether you’re spot and stalking, sitting in a tree, or just living daily life and want to stay fresh, Dead Down Wind is your answer. Booth #80107 (deaddownwind.com)

by slaton l white

4 CANYON COOLERS PRO85 COOLER

With a true 85-quart capacity, this premium ice chest is built for glory. Its longer length (34x20x17.5 inches) makes it the perfect size for transporting and keeping harvested game fresh and ice cold. It’s also a great choice for multiday hunting trips.

Features include front and side drain plugs and upgraded oversized latches built from a premium, sun-resistant polymer, which offer a more luxurious cam action that’s easy to operate even while wearing gloves. In addition, the cooler’s zero-clearance hinge allows access inside of the cooler without needing to unstrap it, even when it’s pressed against a wall or truck cab.

Front and rear lip slots also make tying down with cam straps simple. Finally, the cooler’s premium eco-friendly pressure-injected foam insulation ensures world-class ice retention, keeping provisions ice cold for days even when outside temps reach all-time highs. Like all Canyon Coolers, the Pro85 is backed by Canyon’s no-hassle, free parts lifetime warranty. The cooler is available in three colors: Sandstone, Diamond, or Azure Blue. SRP: $400.

Booth #80211 (canyoncoolers.com)

5 HATSAN

VELOX PCP AIR PISTOL

Available in both .22 and .25 calibers and a choice of black or FDE finishes, the Velox semi-automatic PCP air pistol boasts a trigger system that delivers a light, smooth pull with a precise release, ensuring maximum accuracy with every shot. Featuring two detachable, caliber-specific multi-shot magazines and onboard storage in the grip, the Velox allows for seamless reloading and extended shooting sessions.

A detachable 55cc air cylinder fills to 250 BAR, ensuring consistent power across its 20-shot capacity, and an external pressure gauge allows easy monitoring. A Foster quick-disconnect fitting makes refills fast and convenient. The ½ UNF threaded muzzle tip supports a range of sound moderators.

Other features include a steel upper receiver and a synthetic lower receiver, barrel shroud, and adjustable fiber-optic front and rear sights. The integrated optics rail supports 11mm dovetail and 22mm Weaver mounts. SRP: $399.99. Booth #72449 (hatsanusa.com)

6 MAXIM DEFENSE QD SUPPRESSOR AND FLASH HIDER SYSTEM

The new QD Suppressor System is the latest edition to the successful MSX Suppressor line. This new suppressor utilizes a proprietary flash hider to quickly attach and remove the suppressor without the use of tools. The QD Suppressor and flash hider are multi-caliber compatible, making them perfect for military, law enforcement, hunters, sports shooters, and firearm enthusiasts.

Available in the DSX, DS, and DS-K models, the QD suppressor and flash hider system allows for use across multiple calibers, making it easy for customers to use one suppressor for several different firearms, saving both time and money by only needing one tax stamp. Utilizing patented M-Kore technology, the QD ensures unmatched durability and optimized performance. The suppressor is UTM safe and has passed SOCOM’s rigorous endurance and destruction tests, proving it can withstand extreme conditions and heavy use. The QD and flash hider are finished with a CR-DLC coating, providing better resistance to wear, heat, and carbon buildup—all of which make maintenance easier and less frequent. SRP: $1,150 - $1,550 (includes suppressor and QD muzzle device). Booth #11668 (maximdefense.com)

NEWPRODUCTS

7 MYSTERY RANCH ASAP 20

The ASAP 20 was designed to be a lightweight (2.6 pounds) and efficient assault pack for short missions. Purpose-built pockets with internal elastic loops are accessible from the outside via a zipper, perfect for mags, gloves, or a small water bottle. These pockets were intentionally added above the PALS webbing to make them accessible when you attach MOLLE pockets or the Mystery Ranch removable Stick-It. The pack is also hydration-reservoir compatible with five rows of inner PALS/VELCRO pile panel to accommodate radio harnesses or removable pockets. Other features include a zippered lid compartment with an additional zippered pocket inside to keep small items accessible, a Velcro patch-on lid for identification and patches, fixed harnessing, and a removable one-inch waist belt.

Booth #31909 (mysteryranch.com)

by slaton l white

8 ALPS OUTDOORZ BROWNING SPORTSMAN SEAT

Made by Alps Outdoorz under license from Browning, the Browning Sportsman Seat provides hunters with a comfortable way to sit in a dove field or turkey blind. Welcome features include a three-inch padded ergonomic-designed seat constructed of a durable TechMesh material, a waterproof inner lining, and leg heights that adjust independently to compensate for irregular terrain. In addition, the seat can swivel 360 degrees. A durable powder-coated lightweight steel frame and removable shoulder strap make it easy to carry into the field or woods. Seat height can be adjusted to between 18 and 24.5 inches, and the seat has a weight rating of 300 pounds. SRP: $119.99.

Booth #72204 (alpsoutdoorz.com)

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