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Trijicon Trijicon
After a house fire in 2019, a Trijicon customer found his RMR ® charred, yet fully operational. The firearm it was mounted to wasn’t so lucky: it had melted. See the legendary durability at Trijicon.com/RMR.
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RUGER® ROTARY-STYLE MAGAZINES
QUICK-CHANGE BARREL SYSTEM
In 2017 EOTECH launched the Vudu line of premium riflescopes. Designed and engineered to exceed the stringent demands of the most serious shooter, Vudu scopes are geared primarily for tactical operations. Today, EOTECH introduces the Vudu X series of rifle scopes. The X series maintains precision and durability similar to the legacy scopes, but at a price point that won’t break the bank.
Introductory models are based off a 6X erector design and include a 1-6x24 LPVO and a 2-12x40 mid-range solution. Each scope is constructed of high strength aluminum with 30-millimeter tube dimensions. With second focal plane designs, the Vudu X scopes provide a crisp, precise reticle throughout the magnification range. With this design, distance range can be estimated using the highest magnification.
The eyepiece of the Vudu X series scopes provides a wide power band that offers fluid and rapid motion throughout the range and includes a removable throw lever for even faster manipulation.
X series scopes come equipped with high-density, low-dispersion glass with multicoated lenses, offering impressive light transmission and scene clarity. Branded, protective front and rear flip-up caps are included to protect against the elements or provide storage when not in use.
An illuminated reticle powered by a CR2032 battery can be adjusted on the fly and adapt to almost any lighting condition. Brightness can be controlled by a rheostat dial positioned on the left side of the housing that offers 10 brightness settings. The dial has engraved numbering to indicate the brightness setting and includes an off position between each setting to simply power down the scope.
The windage and elevation turrets are capped to avoid any inadvertent changes and are designed to allow for adjustments and quickly return to your original zero.
All Vudu X scopes come sealed and purged to provide excellent water resistance and are backed by EOTECH’s No BS lifetime warranty. If the product does not perform as promised, EOTECH will repair or replace it for free. Forever.
So, whether pushing the limits on the range, conquering a difficult 3-gun stage, or on that hunt of a lifetime, the Vudu X series scopes can get the job done. For more information on these and other EOTECH products, visit eotechinc.com.
Secure storage helps prevent accidents, suicide and theft. A cable lock, gun case, lock box or full-size safe can prevent unwanted access of your firearm in your home or vehicle.
Smart marketing is the result of a thorough understanding of who
you’re talking to.
Have you ever looked at a new product and wondered, “What were they thinking?” ( The infamous Oldsmobile diesel engine of the 1970s comes to mind.) Or looked at a marketing message and realized it’s completely out of sync with the customer base? (Cue in a major beer company here.)
Understanding who your customers are and how best to reach them is a vital component of smart marketing. One way to achieve this is to have marketing managers who are intimately tied to the company’s products and its customers.
This doesn’t always happen. Over the years I have interviewed marketing managers who had no clue. They talked a good game, but ultimately their lack of product knowledge or connection to the company’s passionate customer base meant their efforts were doomed to fail.
For example, there was the new marketing director at a firearms company who came out of the tobacco industry. This was a company in desperate need of new products, but he knew nothing
of the company’s current lineup or its customer base. And then there was a manager at the truck division of a major automotive company, a manufacturer that relied on full-size pickup trucks for a large part of its profits, who came from a company that manufactured light bulbs.
Successful marketing results from an intimate knowledge of a company’s culture and its customer base, and that is something that Cody Osborn, director of communications and channel marketing at Walther Arms (see page 14) fully understands. An enthusiast-level shooter, one who competes in USPSA “A” class and consistently trains in performance concealed-carry techniques, Osborn is able to leverage his firsthand experience to bring a unique perspective to marketing decisions. His intimate knowledge of the sport allows him to identify with fellow shooters, in order to understand their needs and preferences. Osborn’s strategic insights, cultivated through his passion for competitive shooting, have become a driving force in shaping marketing strategies that resonate with the enthusiast community.
When I asked him how Walther meets the expectations of their customers, he said doing so was “deeply ingrained in the culture we’re building—a culture fueled by passionate shooters who understand the intricacies of the firearms community. Our commitment is to continually identify ways to enhance and refine our products, ensuring they not only meet but exceed the high standards of our discerning customers.”
The rest of the interview is just as illuminating, especially the company’s efforts to connect to women, an increasingly important and fastgrowing segment of our industry. That’s one reason it unveiled at SHOT Show 2024 the PD380, a compact .380 ACP pistol with minimal recoil and an easy-to-rack slide. Because the other component here is producing products that customers will embrace. If that doesn’t happen, nothing else matters.
Slaton L. White, Editor
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Holosun has released a pair of revolutionary pistol optics: the DPS-TH thermal optic and the DPS-NV night vision optic. In doing so, the company believes it has set a new benchmark with the DP (Digital Pistol Sight), a groundbreaking red-dot fusion optic designed to redefine the shooting experience.
The DPS-TH is a thermal optic that redefines the boundaries of what is possible in defensive handguns. This three-mode optic boasts fusion overlay capabilities with a red dot, offering white hot, highlight, and a red dot with Holosun's signature Multiple Reticle System (MRS). Choose from a 32 MOA circle, 2 MOA dots, or a fusion of both for pinpoint accuracy.
The 1.1x0.87-inch display window delivers a stunning visual experience, boasting a 50 FPS overlay refresh rate and a 256x192 sensor resolution. With an IP67 certification for both components, the DPS-TH ensures durability in any environment. Powered by an efficient 18350 battery for the camera and a LiPo battery for the red dot, this optic also features eight brightness settings, including four night-vision-compatible options.
Holosun also is taking the night by storm with the DPS-NV, an externally similar optic that elevates the user’s nocturnal capabilities. The OLED/sensor resolution of 640x480 px and a 60 FPS overlay refresh rate set a new standard, providing a crystalclear night-vision experience. IP67 waterproof certified, the DPS-NV incorporates Holosun's MRS for a 2 MOA dot, 32 MOA circle, or a dynamic combination of both.
Sharing the same window size as its thermal counterpart, the DPS-NV is a powerhouse fueled by an 18350 battery for the camera and a LiPo battery for the red dot. With eight brightness settings and four night-vision-compatible options, Holosun ensures that the user’s night operations are as precise and reliable as daytime endeavors.
“We're not just pushing the boundaries; we're rewriting the playbook for handgun optics with our Digital Pistol Sight (DPS),” says Josh Erickson, Holosun’s marketing manager. “Infusing night vision and thermal technologies bring precision and situational awareness to a new dimension. Imagine navigating the shadows with unprecedented clarity or seamlessly transitioning from daylight to darkness, all within the compact frame of a handgun. The Holosun DPS-TH and NV are not just optics; they are a great shift in capability, unlocking potential uses far beyond the conventional. Integrating thermal and night vision on a handgun opens possibilities, ensuring our users are prepared for any scenario, from law enforcement to competition and personal defense. We empower users to navigate the unseen confidently and redefine the limits of what a handgun optic can achieve.” (holosun.com)
NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, has presented its highest honor—the Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award—to Steve Hornady, President of Hornady Manufacturing Company, a company known worldwide for its innovative, quality ammunition products.
The award was presented at NSSF’s Members Meeting during SHOT Show 2024.
“Steve’s dedication to our industry and to the shooting sports, as well as his generosity of time and support toward organizations working to protect our traditions, are known far and wide,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. “I can think of no worthier recipient of the NSSF Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award than Steve. It’s an honor to present this award to him.”
The NSSF Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves by their long-term commitment to the success of the industry and by their support of NSSF’s mission to promote, protect, and preserve hunting and the shooting sports.
A lifelong shooter, avid hunter, and tireless advocate for the shooting sports industry, Hornady entered the world in 1949—the same year that his father, Joyce, started the Hornady Manufacturing Company. During his youth, Steve and the pastimes of hunting and target shooting were never far apart, as he hunted prairie dogs and much more in the Cornhusker State.
Steve became head of the company under difficult circumstances when, tragically, in 1981, a plane crash ended the life of his father, as well as two Hornady employees. Steve immediately assumed leadership, and despite the devastating loss of the company’s founder, Hornady Manufacturing never faltered.
The company’s innovative product line and long-term success have brought him many accolades—including his recent induction into the Nebraska Business Hall of Fame.
But among the qualities that make Hornady worthy of the Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award are his unwavering advocacy for his industry, hunting, and the shooting sports. He is known for stepping up to the plate when a leader is needed, as he did by becoming Founding Chairman of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Heritage Fund, which was formed to help defend the firearm industry against politically motivated municipal lawsuits in the early 2000s.
Hornady‘s passion for helping to protect the things that mean so much to him can be seen in his list of lifetime memberships. He’s a “lifer” in the National Rifle Association, U.S. Practical Shooting Association, Safari Club International, Dallas Safari Club, the Archery Trade
Association, and both national wild sheep associations. He has served on the National Shooting Sports Foundation Board of Governors, NRA Board of Directors, and the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI) board. In addition, he and the company support local, national, and international shooting and hunting organizations, such as the International Defensive Pistol Association, International Practical Shooting Confederation, Precision Rifle Series, National Rifle League, Safari Club International, Dallas Safari Club, Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, as well as a variety of charity shooting competitions.
In 2005, the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence named him the Shooting Industry Man of the Year. And in 2013, he was recognized by the National Rifle Association as the Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award recipient, in recognition of his dedication to protecting the Second Amendment.
When it comes to being a sportsman, Hornady has participated in just about every type of hunting and target shooting sport, but anyone who knows him can attest to his obsession with “Those Damn Sheep.” He has literally traveled the globe to hunt sheep and goats, as well as many other game animals, often in extremely rugged conditions.
When not working at the Hornady factory in Grand Island, attending an industry event, or hunting in some remote location, he can always be found at his farm along the Platte River—his favorite place.
“I know that Steve does not look for recognitions like the NSSF Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award, but it’s easy to see why this award found him,” said Bartozzi.
The NSSF achievement award’s namesake, Ken Sedlecky, had a long career at Smith & Wesson, was inducted into the National Skeet Shooting Hall of Fame, and was known for mentoring new youth and adult target shooters.
NSSF, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, honored three new inductees—Don Gobel, Grits Gresham, and Bob Morrison—to its Hall of Fame at the 2024 SHOT Show. These three leaders were recognized for accomplishments that significantly strengthened the industry and expanded the shooting sports.
Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO, praised the contributions of the three individuals in remarks made at the NSSF Members Meeting at the SHOT Show. “On behalf of a grateful industry, I take great pride in recognizing trailblazers like Don Gobel, Grits Gresham, and Bob Mor rison and their many professional accomplishments. They have played important roles in America’s story and heritage of firearm manufacturing and popularizing the shooting spor ts and hunting. They deserve our respect and praise,” said Bartozzi.
DON W. GOBEL
Don Gobel was a former President and CEO of Browning Arms Company and Winchester Repeating Arms as well as a past chairman of NSSF’s Board of Governors. Gobel led NSSF’s board during some of the firearm industry’s most contentious legislative fights in the final years of Bill Clinton’s two-term presidency. A passionate hunter, he retired from his CEO positions at both Browning and Winchester Repeating Arms in 2001. Gobel passed away in 2023.
Grits Gresham was one of the industry’s most recognizable writers, photographers, and entertainment personalities. For many years,
he was the face, spokesman, and most visible champion of hunting and the shooting sports on national television. Working alongside NSSF through the 1980s and 1990s, he hosted the Where to Hunt and Where to Shoot specials on ESPN; broadcasts of the first made-forTV shooting event, the Sportsman’s Team Challenge; and the Shooting Sports America series on primetime ESPN. A legendary ambassador of the shooting sports, Gresham is a recipient of NSSF’s Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award. He passed away in 2008.
Bob Morrison’s career in the firearm industry was marked by longevity and his tenure as
CEO/President of Taurus International Manufacturing. At Taurus, he energized the company through a series of innovative product introductions. Morrison spearheaded a strategic partnership with the National Rifle Association that boosted par ticipation in the shooting sports while also working directly with industry leaders as an NSSF board member. Morrison is a recipient of NSSF’s Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award.
“The NSSF Hall of Fame reminds all Americans of the pride we take in our industry and the firearm-owning community and what our leaders then and now stand for—the freedom to make, own, and use firearms responsibly in America,” said Bartozzi.
Federal Ammunition is writing a new chapter to its Fusion story by launching an all-new Fusion Tipped product line.
Federal Ammunition introduced its popular Fusion line of hunting ammo in 2005. The development of Fusion was driven by a desire to create a rifle cartridge that combined the best qualities of traditional hunting bullets with the advantages of modern projectile design. The result was a full line of ammunition featuring bonded bullets specifically engineered for deer hunting by offering excellent weight retention, expansion, and accuracy. In 2024, these timetested hunting loads will now see a new evolution with the addition of a polymer tip.
One of the defining features of Federal Fusion ammunition is its exceptional performance at a budget-friendly price point. This combination of affordability and effectiveness has contributed to its widespread adoption among hunters. The fundamental concept behind Federal Fusion ammunition is the use of a specialized bullet with an electrochemically bonded core. The plated bullet design has a concentric layer of copper around the lead core, the design of which is intended to make Fusion one of the more accurate hunting bullets on the market.
Fusion’s specialized bonding process ensures that the bullet’s jacket and core remain secured together, delivering superior weight retention for deeper penetration upon impact. This innovation is a significant upgrade from traditional cup-and-core bullets—projectiles manufactured by mechanically pressing a cupped metal jacket on to a lead core— which tend to experience core separation upon impact. Separation of a bullet’s jacket and core can reduce terminal performance and penetration depth.
“Following its initial release, Federal Fusion ammunition quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional performance and reliability,” says Eric Miller, Federal’s centerfire product line manager. “Over the past 18 years, we have expanded Fusion into a large list of calibers and bullet weights, now totaling more than 50 product offerings across three different product families.”
In addition to its expansions in terms of calibers, bullet weights, and intended uses, Federal Fusion ammunition also has seen advancements in bullet design and manufacturing processes. Over the years, Federal has continued to refine the Fusion bullet, optimizing its ballistic coefficients and terminal performance to ensure consistent accuracy and reliable expansion at various distances and velocities.
Fast-forward to 2024, Federal continues to innovate and expand products loaded with Fusion bullets with the addition of a polymer ballistic tip. With this continued evolution, Federal’s Fusion, Fusion MSR, and the new Fusion Tipped product lines are poised to remain a leading choice for those who demand excellence in their ammunition.
“Rifle ammunition featuring polymer tips is nothing new. Yet it has revolutionized the shooting industry with its innovative design and exceptional performance,” says Jake Burns, Federal’s centerfire rifle engineering manager. “Polymer ballistic-tipped ammunition has become a popular choice among hunters, competitive target shooters, and law enforcement professionals.”
One of the key features of polymer-tipped rifle ammunition is its ability to deliver enhanced ballistic performance. The streamlined design of the polymer tip reduces drag and improves the ballistic coefficient of the bullet, resulting in flatter trajectories, increased accuracy, and retained energy over longer distances. This feature is particularly advantageous for hunters and precision shooters who require consistent accuracy and reliable performance at extended ranges.
“The aerodynamic properties of polymer-tipped rifle ammunition contribute to improved flight characteristics and stability. The sleek profile of the bullet, combined with the polymer tip, reduces air resistance and minimizes the effects of crosswinds, resulting in more predictable and stable trajectories,” says Burns. “This feature is especially valuable for long-range shooting, where maintaining stability and accuracy over varying environmental conditions is essential.”
According to Miller and Burns, the all-new Fusion Tipped design offers the same great terminal performance as the original, but with a polymer tip that reduces wind drift and drop. It also delivers more energy downrange. Paired with a skived nose cavity, the polymer tip also helps initiate consistent, lethal expansion. All this increases ballistic coefficient, flattens trajectories, and boosts energy for better accuracy and extended effective range.
The all-new Fusion Tipped initial offerings will include 190-grain 300 BLK, 140-grain 6.5 PRC, 140grain 6.5 Creedmoor, 150-grain .270 Win., 175-grain 7mm Rem. Mag., 175-grain 7mm PRC, 180-grain .308 Win., 180-grain .30-06 Sprg., and 180-grain .300 Win. Mag. Its 20-count boxes range in price from $44.99 to $81.99, depending on cartridge choice. (federalpremium.com)
C&H Precision has broken ground on its new home in Bryan County, Georgia. CEO and founder Buck Holly and the entire C&H Precision team welcomed hundreds of attendees, several state and local politicians, media members, area business leaders, law enforcement and first responders, business partners, and others vital to C&H’s rapid rise to the site of the new headquarters. The facility in Richmond Hill will span 50,000 square feet and create up to 60 jobs.
The C&H campus will include state-ofthe-art manufacturing, indoor shooting ranges for the public and law enforcement, a retail store with a Federal Firearms License, a sandwich and coffee shop, and more. This multi-use facility will not only increase C&H Precision’s manufacturing and design capacity to support its growing
business needs, but it will increase the company’s involvement and contributions to the local community.
“C&H Precision is more than just a brand or a company,” says Holly. “We prioritize community support, engagement, and involvement. This is important to me because my f amily and I arrived here more than six years ago with nothing more than a small business and a dream. This is the area and community that welcomed us and allowed us to grow. This is where the people who joined our workforce and supported our dreams live, raise f amilies, and call home. Our employees are our lifeblood and are the reason we stand here today with such exciting and expansive plans.”
(chpws.com)
The MK11 Mod.1 is designed to offer precision in a semi-auto chassis chambered in .308 through the use of 18-inch 1:10 twist barrels. The medium-barrel profile keeps the muzzle-end weight down while maintaining accuracy and barrel harmonics over more demanding, longer shot strings, and the rifle-length gas system ensures you’ll be able to squeeze off quick follow-up shots.
The 4.5-pound two-stage LaRue MBT-2S straight bow trigger gives a consistent, predictable break, and the flash hider will all but eliminate muzzle flash in low-light scenarios, protecting situational awareness and reducing flash signature.
The bolt-carrier assembly is plated in industrial hard chrome to M110 specifications for durability and longevity. The recoil system features a full-length MK11 buffer made from stainless steel and nitride finished for reliability, durability, and recoil reduction. A new Pneuma Gas Diverting Ambi Charging Handle has been designed specifically to reduce gas-to-face issues.
The upper and lower receiver are CNC machined from billet 7075 aluminum for weight savings, strength, and durability. The receivers are interchangeable with the U.S. military issue MK11/M110SR25 rifles and are Type III hard-coat anodized so the finish can survive hard use in harsh environments. The fire selector is ambidextrous for ease of use and offers fluid engagement regardless of firing hand position.
The attached 15-inch M-LOK rail gives you plenty of rail space for force-multiplying attachments like lights, lasers, and grips. The M-LOK rail secures to the upper receiver with Troy’s innovative quad-lock system, so the rail will hold zero under all conditions.
The MK11 Mod.1 comes equipped with Troy’s legendary 45-degree Offset Battle Sights. These sights are combat proven in countless theaters over 20 years of service and remain the number one choice in BUIS systems for military, law enforcement, and discerning citizens alike.
All MK11 Mod.1 rifles come packaged in a Condition1 45-inch hard case. These cases are IP67 waterproof and dustproof, and each is equipped with heavyduty rubberized wheels.
Troy has outfitted the MK11 in two different packages: The MK11 Mod.1 TLR base precision .308 rifle is ideal for shooters who already own an optic and accessories they plan to mount for their specific needs; the MK11 Mod.1 CSASS is fitted with a ZeroTech Vengeance 5-25x56mm RMG scope, Warne Precision cantilever 34mm mount, and a Harris S-BRM-MLOK bipod, an ideal combination for shooters ready to dominate the PRS circuit. (worldoftroy.com)
by L ogan M etesh
The old adage of “two is one and one is none” may not have been coined with pistol magazines in mind, but it certainly applies to it. Here are some of the more popular options on the market right now.
Using strong magnets to hold onto your pistol magazine, the NeoMag allows you to hold your magazine in one place in your pocket so that it isn’t just sitting there loose, commingling freely with your pocket lint and chapstick. The clip also allows you to disguise the fact that you’re carrying a firearm accessory by disguising it as something less “offensive” to the masses: a pocket knife or multi-tool. While each one will hold a variety of different makes and models of magazines, you do have to know whether you’ll be using metal mags or polymer mags. This will determine the model you need to buy, as the polymer mags will not work with the NeoMag designed for metal mags and vice versa. (theneomag.COM)
Whereas the NeoMag holds the magazine in place with magnets, the SnagMag uses a Kydex sheath to hold the magazine in place in your pocket. It still uses a clip on your pocket that keeps things secure and disguised as something other than a pistol magazine, but you don’t have to worry about buying a different product depending on whether your magazine is metal or polymer, which is something you need to do with the
NeoMag. That said, with SnagMag, you have to pick the right product for your magazine since they are made of Kydex. That’s not a consideration with NeoMag. (1791gunleather.COM)
If you have dedicated a pocket specifically for your magazine and you don’t want any external clips of any kind showing, then the Gideon Pocket Mag Carrier may be what you’re looking for. Made of high-quality stitched leather and designed to conform to the corner of your pocket, it holds one magazine at an easy-to-grab angle in a way that won’t bring the carrier out with the mag when you draw it. (crossbreedholsters.COM)
While not a requirement to attach it to a holster, the Accomplice Mag Carrier gives you the option to attach it directly to your holster as a sidecar. In this case, it’s designed to attach to the Reckoning holster from CrossBreed to create an appendix carry system. Made from Kydex, you can adjust the retention level with the screws on it. You can
also easily switch it between right-handed and lefthanded setups. (crossbreedholsters.COM)
Okay, so revolvers don’t use magazines, but that doesn’t mean we can ignore the different ways to carry ammo for them. The RASC (Revolver Ammunition Strip Concealment) is an easy way to carry a speed strip so that it isn’t just riding around loose in your pocket. Offered by NeoMag, you insert your speed strip into the clip and tighten it down into the RASC. This allows you to position your speed strip in your pocket, where you want or need it to be, with the ease of having it clip onto your pocket and be easily disguised as a pocket knife clip. (theneomag.COM)
So, can you just stick a spare mag in your pocket? Yes. Should you just stick a spare mag in your pocket? Probably not. You practice for repetition and muscle memory with everything else when it comes to concealed carry, why not add the predictability and repeatability of having your magazine exactly where you need it, too?
Cody Osborn, Director of Communications and Channel Marketing, Walther Arms
A passion for excellence propels Walther’s product design and customer engagement.
At Walther Arms, Cody Osborn, a Texas A&M graduate, is an enthusiast-level shooter, competing in USPSA “A” class and consistently training in performance concealed-carry techniques. Leveraging his firsthand experience to bring a unique perspective to marketing decisions, his intimate knowledge of the sport allows him to identify with fellow shooters, understanding their needs and preferences. Osborn’s strategic insights, cultivated through his passion for competitive shooting, have become a driving force in shaping marketing strategies that resonate with the enthusiast community.
Osborn isn’t confined solely to the competitive shooting arena; his passion also extends to the great outdoors. With a fervor for hunting that spans the globe and experiences in various hunting environments, he contributes to a well-rounded understanding of firearms and their applications. His commitment to excellence is not limited to the shooting range, but extends to every aspect of his professional pursuits.
SHOT business: What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the industry in the next five years?
Cody Osborn: Navigating the marketing landscape in the firearms industry poses multifaceted challenges, with reaching new audiences standing out as a primary hurdle. The industry faces stringent restrictions on media platforms, limiting our ability to connect with diverse audiences effectively. As we look ahead to the next five years, adapting to evolving regulations while maintaining meaningful engagement with our audience will be crucial. Striking a balance between responsible promotion and innovative strategies to reach untapped markets will define our industry’s trajectory. It’s an ongoing challenge, but one that we are committed to addressing with creativity and strategic foresight.
SB: What opportunities do you see?
CO: The evolving landscape indicates that gun owners are increasingly demanding higher performance from their firearms. This aligns perfectly with Walther’s commitment to ergonomics, accuracy, and the ownership experience. As the demand for performance grows, we see this as a significant win for Walther, reinforcing our position as a trusted provider of performanceleading premium firearms that exceed customer expectations. This shift in demand opens avenues for us to introduce new and advanced products, catering to the evolving needs of firearm enthusiasts..
Sb: When you get up in the morning, what gets you excited about working in the industry?
CO: Each morning, the prospect of contributing to an industry that aligns with my passion for shooting excites me. I approach my work with a competitive spirit, always seeking ways to improve and enhance both my skills and the products we offer. Drawing inspiration from my experiences on the range, where the use of a shot timer taught me the value of breaking down each aspect of a course of fire, I find joy in the opportunity to bring that same dedication to our marketing strategies. It’s fulfilling to analyze and identify areas where our competitors may be falling short in connecting with passionate shooters and then devising ways to bridge those gaps. Ultimately, my enthusiasm stems from a genuine love for the firearms community and a commitment to elevating our industry’s standards.
SB: How will you meet the expectations of your customers?
CO: Meeting the expectations of our customers at Walther is deeply ingrained in the culture we’re building—a culture fueled by passionate shooters who understand the intricacies of the firearms community. Our commitment is to continually identify ways to enhance and refine our products, ensuring they not only meet but exceed the high standards of our discerning customers. The Walther experience is comprehensive, extending beyond the point of purchase to offer premium and intriguing advertising, knowledgeable dealers, lifetime support, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and direct access to some of the world’s best firearms instructors. We recognize that owning a Walther is a journey, and our dedication is to make every phase of that journey an enriching and satisfying experience.
SB: In a very competitive world, how does Walther Arms stay ahead of the pack?
CO: We stand out by fostering a culture driven by passionate shooters, ensuring that our products are not just tools but experiences. We maintain a leadership position by consistently
creating the most high-performance firearms in their respective categories. Our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement ensures that our products not only meet but exceed the expectations of shooters, setting new standards for excellence.
SB: How do you keep your dealer network informed of your new products?
CO: We employ a multi-faceted approach to keep our dealer network well-informed about our new products. Our team of boots-on-the-ground sales representatives maintains direct and personal communication with dealers, ensuring they are up to date on the latest offerings. Additionally, we utilize eNewsletters to reach a wider audience, invest in eye-catching point-of-purchase materials to enhance in-store visibility, and strategically advertise in relevant media outlets. This comprehensive strategy ensures that our dealers have all the information they need to effectively showcase and promote our latest firearms.
SB: Walther recently introduced the PD380, a compact .380 ACP pistol. Two features that new
shooters should appreciate are its minimal recoil and easy-to-rack slide. How has your dealer network responded to this new model?
CO: Our dealer network has responded exceptionally well to the new PD380 model. The features that make it particularly appealing to new shooters, such as minimal recoil and an easy-torack slide, have garnered positive feedback. Dealers have reported swift inventory turnover, indicating strong demand and a favorable reception among customers. The PD380’s attributes seem to resonate with the customers entering the shooting community and the Walther brand, contributing to its success in the market.
SB: Walther’s “Behind the Counter” innovative video series is designed to reveal the human side of some of the nation’s best-known firearm retailers. What was the inspiration for this project?
CO: The inspiration for Walther’s “Behind the Counter” video series stems from my early experiences as a dealer support rep, traveling and meeting fascinating individuals in gun stores across the nation. The stories and people I encountered during those visits were incredibly compelling, and it became clear that these were more than just businesses; they were integral parts of their communities. The project aims to shine a spotlight on the passionate individuals behind these gun stores, showcasing their unique stories and contributions to the firearms community. It’s a celebration of the people who have dedicated themselves to building exceptional gun stores and fostering a sense of community around firearms.
SB: The Walther website has a section titled “Resources for Female Gun Owners.” Given the number of women who have purchased a handgun over the past few years, this seems to be a smart move. What has Walther learned from this?
CO: The creation of the “Resources for Female Gun Owners” section on the Walther website stems from valuable insights gained through initiatives like the PDP F-Series project. We actively sought feedback from female law enforcement professionals, resulting in the development of firearms designed to meet their specific needs. The success of these endeavors is evident in securing contracts, such as the one with the Pennsylvania State Police, where both the F-Series and PDP have been chosen. This showcases the importance of listening to diverse voices within the firearms community and tailoring our offerings to meet the evolving needs of all gun owners.
(waltherarms.com)
Introduced at SHOT Show 2024, the Hybrid 75 is a topof-the-line thermal scope designed for hunting.
InfiRay Outdoor sets its sights on creating a top-quality experience.
Anyone who has had a chance to test drive a variety of thermal scopes knows that there’s a wide range of options on the market separated by price, and, more importantly, by quality. The situation is similar to anyone who has ever slid behind the wheel of a high-end sports car and then driven a 20-year-old Volkswagen Beetle. Both might get the job done, but they certainly won’t provide you with the same experience.
When it comes to creating the ultimate night-hunting experience, InfiRay Outdoor, and its exclusive U.S. distributor, iRayUSA, took that commitment to an entirely new level when they released the Hybrid 75 thermal scope at SHOT Show 2024.
“Ultimately, that’s our goal—to give hunters the best experience possible,” says Pliny Gale, director of marketing for iRayUSA.
If that commitment is the company’s business model, then the Hybrid 75 is an appropriate representation of just how serious they are about accomplishing their mission.
“This is most definitely a top-of-the-line thermal scope,” Gale says. “It’s made for people who want the very best to mount on top of their rifle.”
With a nearly $8,000 price tag, the scope isn’t for the casual plinker; but, just like an exclusive sports car, the high cost is a reflection of the quality that accompanies it. It starts off with a wide 75mm objective lens, but unlike any other 75mm thermal scope on the market, the Hybrid 75 boasts an impressive 4x native magnification, with digital magnification up to 32x.
“By starting off at 4X magnification, it allows you to keep your resolution as you start zooming in, which improves everything about the image through the scope,” Gale says. “If
you look at our images against everyone else’s, you can tell the difference. That’s what we’re known for.”
A large aspect of the quality of any thermal scope revolves around the sensors they use. That sensor at the heart of the scopes is what InfiRay Outdoor was built on.
“InfiRay started as a sensor manufacturer, and then we started building a body around it so that we could create a scope with the same kind of quality as the sensors,” Gale says. “We’re still the only company that controls our own sensor manufacturing, so we can pick the best of the best. And that’s what goes into the Hybrid 75.”
As if that quality wasn’t enough, iRayUSA also launched a promotion at SHOT Show that allows customers who purchase a Hybrid 75 the opportunity to get a free laser rangefinder to accompany the scope.
“The rangefinder takes the capabilities of the scope to an entirely different level,” Gale says. “It allows you to range the target and adjust holdover in mils or MOA so you can dial the correction with the push of a button. The combination of the two is really something special.”
The quality of the products isn’t all that’s special, though. To make sure that everyone who purchases a Hybrid 75 can take advantage of all the scope has to offer, iRayUSA has a dedicated person on staff who provides personalized training for both the scope and the rangefinder. In this way the customer is already familiar with the capabilities before it’s even mounted on the rifle.
“We recognized that not understanding how to take full advantage of the technology was something missing in the market, and we wanted to change that,” Gale says. “We’re all trigger
The ILR-1000 Infrared Laser Rangefinder Module integrates seamlessly with all RICO Mk1 Series thermal riflescopes.
pullers, too, and we know how much something like this can improve the experience of using the scope.”
Their commitment to their customers and creating a quality hunting experience extends beyond the field as well. Because they recognize that even with the highest standards of quality, there are things that can go wrong, iRayUSA has a warranty that’s as impressive as the products themselves.
“We have the best warranty in the business,” Gale says. “We were the first company to have a five-day return policy and a five-year warranty on the product. We want people to be comfortable with their decision to purchase these scopes, and we want them to be happy once they start using them.”
The warranty also includes a one-week repair guarantee so that if iRayUSA can’t get the product fixed in a week, they’ll send the customer a replacement.
“Our goal is to get people out hunting. That’s what they bought the scope for, and it doesn’t do them any good if they can’t use it. We want to make sure that’s never an issue for our customers,” Gale says.
Because at the end of the day, we all know that a night spent hunting is never a night wasted. And when you have a company committed to making that hunting experience even more
A large aspect of the quality of any thermal scope revolves around sensors, and sensor quality is at the heart of the company.
special from start to finish, that might just be more valuable than that top-of-the-line sports car most of us will likely never get behind the wheel of. (irayusa.com)
SHOT Show 2024 yielded a bonanza of innovative LE gear.
by Michael D. Faw
The 2024 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show is now in the history books. Of interest for LE and military personnel were items designed to help keep everyone safe, more in control of tense situations, and more connected in communications. There was a wide range of new gear designed to help you be better prepared for what the streets and battlefields toss at you.
When it comes to gaining control of a bad situation, nothing says “I'm in control” like a shotgun in your hand. Bad guys often mellow out when the scattergun comes out.
Mossberg has a wide range of shotguns in use by LE personnel around the globe, and it has now released the new 940 Pro Thunder Ranch 12-gauge shotgun that wears the distinctive Thunder Ranch logo on the OD Green action. The shotgun will hold up to eight shotshells, and it has a drilled and tapped receiver for a sight as well as an ambidextrous top-mounted safety. The 940 Pro also features dual-sided QD swivel mounts on the stock and forend. A similar pump-action 590S shotgun is offered in 12 or 20 gauge and also in .410. The 590S has a patent-pending cut receiver on top that will accept a wide range of standard micro-dot sights. Another new Mossberg shotgun is the 590S Magpul-Holosun Micro Dot Combo. This preassembled package scattergun arrives with a premounted Holosun red dot and utilizes a Magpul stock with included spacers for custom adjustments and a MOE forend. The 12-gauge 590S is capable of handling 1.75-, 2.75-, and 3-inch shotshells and has a top-mounted ambidextrous safety. (mossberg.com)
Well known for sporting shotguns, Beretta has introduced the 1301 Tactical Mod.2 FDE PG semiauto shotgun with a rail on the action and raised sights front and rear. This shotgun uses Beretta's new BLINK gas-operating system and is reported to cycle 36-percent faster than similar shotguns. Other features are an adjustable ghost ring rear sight, semi-flat tactical trigger, extended bolt handle, aggressive grip
and M-LOK forend, and a seven-round magazine. A mag tube extension is available, as are a pistol-grip model and noise suppressor. (beretta.com)
Springfield Armory has released the Tactical Response Pistols (TRP series), which are smaller, enhanced 1911 pistols based on many upgrade designs incorporated into the company’s Professional series. The TRP is a 4.25-inch-barrel model with numerous contour-carry exterior designs. Along with a forged frame, the pistol includes a Cerakote finish, skeleton hammer, ambidextrous thumb safety, forward serrations on the exterior of the slide to aid with operation, and a Gen2 speed trigger. (springfield-armory.com)
If you carry or use an AR rifle during your day on the job, take a look at Watchtower Firearm’s Durabolt. It’s a drop-in replacement for the standard AR bolt that is PVD coated so the bolt is easy to clean with a simple wipe with a cloth. Two versions are available—5.56 NATO and 7.62 NATO, both of which are machined from high-grade steel with a chrome-lined interior. Available colors
include gold, silver, blue tru-black, and black nitride. (watchtowerfirearms.com)
Red dot sights are the rage everywhere—period. Trijicon's new RMR HD Reflex sight is a solidly built red-dot pistol optic, one specifically designed to adapt to the needs of LE and military personnel. The RMR HD features a patented housing made from forged aluminum and a top-load standard CR2032 battery. The sight allows the user to adjust the Automatic Illumination plus select among multiple reticles and nine brightness settings. An innovative forward-scanning light sensor gauges the brightness at the target in auto mode. Other features of the sight are large tactical buttons and adjusters along with an expanded field of view. The new RMR HD has the same footprint as the company's popular RMR sight. (trijicon.com)
The battle lines are drawn for us and the stakes are high.
Each election hundreds of millions of dollars are spent to elect candidates who vehemently oppose our freedoms. They mock our values and beliefs, while working to destroy our industry and eliminate our rights.
That’s why Protect Liberty PAC was created to protect our liberty, defend America’s cherished freedoms, and save the firearm industry.
Just as our Founding Fathers joined together to lead a fight for liberty and freedom in the face of tyranny, so can we.
Please join with us in our fight today and let’s safeguard the firearm industry and our liberties before they disappear forever.
Meprolight USA adds to the red-dot market with its new MEPRO MPO-F, a sight that follows the RMR footprint and permits the user to select among three reticles. Adjustments on the MPO-F permit selection among 10 day and two NV settings, and there are automatic and manual brightness control options. The sight’s sleek, low-profile design is designed to reduce snags and ensure quicker pistol draws. (meprolight.com)
Viridian, a manufacturer known for green laser sights, introduces the MDS25 and MDS35 green-dot sights. The MDS (Modern Dot Sight) series has square housings and large lenses for a wide field of view. Both sights attach to the Aimpoint T2 footprint, offer three MOA green dots, and provide 29mm (MDS25) and 36mm wide lens (MDS35) views. (viridianweapontech.com)
Thermal is also garnering attention. InfiRay has released the RICO Hybrid 640 4X 75mm multifunction thermal optic. This thermal-imaging sight can detect items, like bad guys, out to 3,600 yards and
provides 4X magnification for optical images and 8X magnification for captured digital images. The RICO Hybrid 640 has onboard recording and provides several attachment rails on the exterior at key locations. Other features are compatibility with a 1,000-yard iRay laser rangefinder. User preferences can include custom reticle options, Bluetooth remote operation, and an onboard ballistic incorporation option. (irayusa.com)
Infrared technology also continues to serve. Crimson Trace has introduced its MTL-IR Modular Tactical Laser, a infrared laser sight with instant activation for use with night-vision goggles. The sight
base will secure to Picatinny rails and M-LOK systems. The run time is two hours (the two required 1⁄3N 3V lithium batteries are included and can be changed without removing the sight from the firearm). A six-inch cable permits optimal mounting on a wide range of rifles. The MTL-IR sight is windage and elevation adjustable to ensure accuracy. (crimsontrace.com)
For those who are struggling to connect reddot sights to duty shotguns because of the various footprints and specific screw holes, Warne Scope Mounts offers the Shotgun Rib Reflex Mount, a USA-made product that fits various reflex-type optics on the mounting footprint. It is engineered to fit on many popular shotgun ribs and will accommodate sights from seven-plus sight manufacturers. (warnescopemounts.com)
One firearm accessory category that is growing is suppressors (alias cans). At Range Day, Silencer Central's new Banish was affixed on a .308 rifle; when fired, the rifle and silencer produced a nearly
unnoticeable “whoosh.” There are 10 versions of the Banish on the market, including the new Banish 46, which accommodates .45-70 and .338 Lapua rounds, and the Buck 30 that accommodates rifles up to .300 Win. Mag. This suppressor has eight interior baffles and is constructed with stainless steel. It cuts the noise level to less than 132db, is less than seven inches long, and fits on the industry standard hub. (silencercentral.com)
HUXWRX Safety Company makes suppressors for pistols and rifles. It is now adding the new Ventum 762 suppressor to its rifle line. It covers 5.56, 6.5, and 7.62 calibers with a removable 3-D printed Grade 5 titanium core inside a stainless-steel housing. The company's Flow-Through technology—incorporated into the Ventum 762—also reduces toxic fumes and is easy to clean. (huxwrx.com)
PTR is releasing the Vent 1-7.62X51mm suppressor that utilizes 3D-printed titanium and the company's innovative Purposely Induced Porosity (PIP) technology to reduce noise and weight. The titanium construction offers enhanced structural strength and superior heat dissipation—a factor crucial for fullauto use. The Vent 1 has a durable PVD exterior coating and weighs slightly more than 12 ounces. (ptr-us.com)
The Tactical Suppressor Cover from GPS is constructed with 1000D nylon, has a heat-resistant inner liner of fiberglass and silicone, and includes durable and adjustable tether lines to keep the cover from sliding forward when shooting. Besides protecting the suppressor from the elements, the cover also reduces or eliminates the heat mirage that often occurs when repeatedly shooting a rifle with an attached suppressor. Two lengths—6 and 7.75 inches—are offered. (goutdoorsproducts.com)
Limbsaver’s Special Weapons Tactical Rifle Sling is a non-slip sling that helps distribute weight to reduce user fatigue. Made in the USA with the company’s proprietary material, it has two military-grade quick-connect clasps for single- and dual-point connection and uses high-strength nylon webbing to secure the attached firearm while providing comfort and control. There are numerous places on the LimbSaver Tactical Sling to make adjustments to further increase user comfort. Black and tan slings are available. (limbsaver.com)
Clothing and footwear always get attention within the LE community. All must be comfortable, easy to clean, durable, and protective.
LOWA, well known for footwear among the LE community, has upgraded their popular Zephyr boots. The upgraded MK2 boots have slip-resistant soles, are Gore-Tex lined (meaning they’re waterproof), and will stop chemical absorption. The new design has moved the stitch line up to improve flex and has locking laces at the ankles. The boot's tongue has a pocket on the upper edge for enclosing the laces. Overall, the new MK2 has thicker leather and is now offered in coyote, black, ranger green, and standard desert colors. (lowa.com)
5.11 has released a new MultiCam pattern and offers the V.XI XTU outer garment with three-layer knee protection, including a removable insert. The garments feature moisture-wicking, anti-odor properties and are melt resistant. The XTU Rapid
series includes shorts and pants, along with specially designed and cut women's versions. (511tactical.com)
Super Seer, known for motorcycle helmets, introduces the Taktikos hard-shell riot gear—a protective, segmented, full-body suit that’s lightweight and flexible while providing optimal protection. The RoboCop-like suit is designed to protect the upper body, elbows and forearms, groin and pelvis, and lower legs. It can be quickly removed, thanks to integrated quick-release snaps. (superseer.com)
Securely and safely storing gear and guns is always a top concern for LE officers. Criteria for great storage means the gear inside is protected, but also easily accessible. The options continue to grow.
Plano is now offering the durable Sportsman Trunk. Consisting of weather-resistant storage boxes in three sizes (S, M, and L) and in a wide assortment of colors, including black and tan, these rugged, stackable storage trunks can be locked to protect enclosed gear. (plano.com)
Soft gun cases remain in the mix, and Boyt Harness has unveiled four new soft-side tactical firearm cases. The new cases include the Tac1 Profile rifle case that will hold an AR rifle, the Tac II Rectangular Rifle case, and two Extreme Duty rifle cases. The TAC VI Extreme Duty double rifle case will hold two tactical rifles and has an interior divide along with numerous outside pockets to hold ammunition and other items. The V and VI Extreme Duty rifle cases have a 600-Denier waterresistant exterior cover plus double-rope carry handles with top enclosures. All cases are offered in coyote brown and black. (boytharness.com)
Alien Gear Holsters’ new Rapid Force Level 3 V3 holster is designed with a minimal trigger gap to keep out unwanted fingers and debris; in addition, the holster permits a very quick draw. Simply sweep to release the cover, then press to release the pistol. The injection-molded shell is reported to be 20-percent lighter and more than 40-percent more durable than similar Kydex-pressed holsters. The holster can be easily secured on the leg with the company’s new Taq-Strap, a double-duty strap that can be employed as a self-applied tourniquet. (aliengearholsters.com)
There are several new technologies that will aid LE officers and units. When multiple units are working a detail and each has an individual communications frequency, communication can become a top concern.
Among the solutions to better communication across multiple channels is Dark Wolf Ventures’
Universal Gateway—a compact and portable electronics box that lets all agencies communicate. All units on the scene can plug a radio set to their frequency into the back of the unit and then network across the channels in use. The Universal Gateway can be operated remotely and offers secure communication frequencies with advanced technologies. One other unit worth noting is a Secure Rugged Vehicle Kit that mounts in a patrol vehicle and works to extend the range of hand-held units. This solves a well-recognized problem with units working in remote regions. (darkwolfventures.com)
As more and more LE units deploy drones, the technology to increase on-the-ground view and data options is rapidly evolving. Leading the development of what a drone in the sky can communicate back to observers on the ground is the AXON AIR communication and management software. As the drone flies, the software delivers secure wireless live streaming to provide critical situational awareness; it also stores evidence with an integrated management program that can be easily accessed for review or presentations in court. The uses are endless for search and rescue, crime scene investigations, de-escalation of situations, natural disaster assessment, and much more. (axon.com)
For the ultimate training experience that puts realistic situations on the big screen in front of you, MILO Range Systems introduces the latest situation simulator. The MILO VR Solutions program provides realistic immersive training along with customizable scenarios. The user wears a virtual reality
headset and can use their duty firearms (pressurized with CO2) to work through a wide range of escalating and de-escalating situations. (milorange.com)
When addressing cutting-edge technology, sometimes “old is new again.” Thus, the new Buck Knives’ 084 BuckMaster 2.0 is similar in ways to the original BuckMaster knife that was introduced 40 years ago. The new knife has a 6.75-inch-long spearpoint blade crafted from 420HC steel that is Cerakoted black. This color matches the knife's black machined G10 handle. The BuckMaster 2.0 arrives with a versatile black Kydex omni-directional friction-fit sheath that has a nylon backer, and the package also includes an ambidextrous, reversible, and removable black Cerakoted stainless-steel emergency anchor wing (EAW). The new BuckMaster 2.0 weighs 17.5 ounces. The knife is made in the USA and is covered under the company's industryleading Forever Warranty. (buckknives.com)
guns and ammo now rule the roost.
by Phil Bourjaily
Shotguns for turkey hunting stopped looking like guns for wingshooting a while ago, and they keep changing in surprising ways. We have already seen trends to pistol grips, to optics, and to special chokes. Smallbore turkey guns are the newest wrinkle. Powered by dense Tungsten Super Shot (TSS), first .410s and now 28 gauges are the latest fad guns among turkey hunters. The small gauges are light, soft-kicking, effective, and, unlike 12-gauge turkey guns, fun to shoot. Here’s what you need to know about small-bore turkey guns and which guns and accessories you might stock.
American hunters love small gauges. Even so, the majority recognized the need for a 12 gauge for turkey hunting until the arrival of factory Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) ammo five years ago. The tungsten-iron alloy pellets have a density of 18 grams per cubic centimeter, making them nearly twice as dense as bismuth and more than one-and-a-half times denser than lead. The pellets are very hard, and they resist deformation. As a result, TSS shoots excellent patterns, and its density means you can shoot pellets as small as No. 9 shot, which are equivalent to No. 5 lead shot in terms of penetration. TSS No. 7 shot penetrates like lead No. 2 or No. 3 shot.
At first, TSS factory loads were available in 12 and 20 gauge and .410; 28-gauge TSS turkey loads were new as of 2023. The disadvantage of TSS in any gauge is its price. Ammunition costs up to $10 per shell because raw tungsten is so expensive, yet many turkey hunters are willing to pay for it. Some states restrict legal gauges and/or shot sizes. That list gets shorter by the year, but you still need to check the regulations.
A comparison between the .410 and 28 gauge shows why hunters should be excited about the 28 gauge. A 3-inch .410 hull holds about 13⁄16 ounce, or 295, TSS No. 9 pellets, making it the
near-equivalent of a 12 gauge loaded with 1¾ ounces of lead No. 5s. TSS makes the .410 into an honest 40-yard turkey gun. A .410 load of No. 7 shot, however, only contains about 150 pellets, limiting the range at which you can put adequate numbers of pellets in a turkey’s head or neck.
A 2¾-inch 28-gauge hull handles 1 3 8-ounce TSS payloads, giving you 500 number No. 9 pellets or 254 TSS No. 7 shot, both of which are huge increases over the .410’s pellet counts. Be ready to explain the 28’s advantage over the .410 for serious turkey hunting. Also, the 28 gauge is having a moment of popularity now, too, with the introduction of new 3-inch 28-gauge guns, so more people are aware of it. At the same time, recognize that American shooters are very fond of the .410 despite its ballistic shortcomings. You’ll need to stock a few of each. Here’s a rundown of some top choices in .410 and 28-gauge guns.
Mossberg makes more dedicated turkey guns than anyone, and it offers the Turkish-made SA gas semi-auto in a 28-gauge turkey gun. Weighing under six pounds, they have the currently trendy retro Mossy Oak Green Leaf camo, a turkey choke, and a tactical-style pistol grip to make it more comfortable to hold. It also has a Picatinny rail for an optic as well as a rib-mounted ghost-ring sight. This is a dedicated turkey gun, though you could also hunt small game with it. (mossberg.com)
The Mossberg 500 comes in a .410 turkey version dipped in old-school Bottomland camo, with a turkey choke, swivel studs, and a 24-inch barrel with an extended turkey choke and a fiber-optic bead. The optic-ready version features an industry-first cut-out in the receiver that permits mounting an RMSc Shield-pattern red dot very low over the bore. The gun comes with a filler plate for the cutout and is also drilled and tapped for a rail to allow the use of other optic bases. You could also remove the sight and use it for plinking, target shooting, and wingshooting.
Light and soft-kicking, the 28-gauge Super Black Eagle 3 is a scaled-down version of the famous 3½-inch 12 gauge. While it isn’t specifically sold as a turkey gun, all you have to add is a sling, a turkey choke, and a rail. Change chokes and remove the rail, and you can take it to the dove field or duck blind in the fall.
(benelliusa.com)
The 301 fits the tightest budget, and one model comes with a 1x30mm dot sight mounted on its Picatinny rail. Other 301 turkey guns have a rail only; you can mount the sight of your choice or use the bead. It’s a simple break-action, singleshot exposed-hammer gun in .410, and it comes with a turkey choke and camo finish. With a 301, you can get someone ready for the woods for under $300. (savagearms.com)
Light and soft-kicking, Benelli's SBE 28-gauge semi-auto is a scaled-down version of the company's famous 12 gauge.
Stevens 301 is an economical break-open single-shot exposed-hammer .410.
Recognized as a good buy in a reliable gas gun, the G2 comes in a pistol-grip version in 12, 20, and 28 gauge and .410. The guns have pistol grips, rails, camo finishes, and 24-inch barrels tipped with a turkey choke and a fiberoptic bead. (tristararms.com)
Tighter patterns and longer-range ammunition make an optic an important accessory for a turkey gun. Scopes are out, red dots are in, and the lightweight, open-reflex-style red dot now predominates over enclosed-tube models. Open reflex sights are popular on pistols, too, making them a year-round seller in your inventory. Here are a few that do well on turkey guns.
Rugged enough that it’s used by the military, the DeltaPoint makes a first-rate red dot for a turkey gun. A large sight window, tool-less battery replacement, and a brightness button that’s easy to use even with gloves on are all marks in the DeltaPoint’s favor.
(leupold.com)
The Meosight IV has excellent glass for a clear view of the target and a top-mounted battery compartment so you don’t have to remove it and ruin your zero if you change batteries. Buttons on the side toggle it through five brightness levels. (meopta.com)
The FastFire series is popular among turkey hunters and the FFIII is the sight found on Benelli Performance shop turkey guns. The IV adds a choice of large and small dot reticles and larger circles.
(burrisoptics.com)
This micro reflex sight boasts two years of battery life, a 3MOA dot, and a sensor that adjusts dot brightness. Reasonably priced, it has the RMSc Shield footprint that fits the Mossberg Optic-ready Model 500 in .410. Stock one if you stock the other and you can sell them both together.
(crimsontrace.com)
Aftermarket chokes sell to turkey hunters because they are always looking for a few more pellets on target. It’s worth stocking both Carlson’s and Trulock’s good, reasonably priced .410 turkey chokes. Trulock has a 28-gauge choke designed for TSS loads.
Even a lightweight small bore needs a sling. I am very partial to the rubber Quake Claw sling, as well as to the soft neoprene Butler Creek slings that seem to make any gun lighter due to the give in the neoprene.
Little guy/boutique loader Apex and HeviShot both offer 28-gauge and .410 TSS turkey loads. With small-bore guns, especially with the .410, No. 9 or No. 9.5 (offered by Apex) will outsell No. 7 shot 10 to one or more, as it should, since you need the greater pattern density and higher pellet counts for small-bore guns to be maximally effective.
Although TSS and small bores get the press these days, most of your customers will be shooting 12- or 20-gauge guns this spring. Keep the small-bore trend in perspective and stock guns, accessories, and ammo for the bigger bores, too.
Besides previously mentioned Trulock and Carlson tubes, both Primos and Truglo sell very good, fairly inexpensive turkey chokes for 12 and 20 gauges. In addition, visit companies like Scalarworks to find low-profile red dot mounts that cross over beautifully onto turkey guns, fitting Mossberg pumps, Benellis, and Remington 870s.
Truglo’s Gobble Dot iron sights are another good accessory to carry, as they either clamp or attach magnetically to any shotgun rib and are a much cheaper sight solution than a red dot. The Primos Trigger Stick shooting stick/rest is a great accessory for hunters who hunt from blinds, especially new hunters.
Finally, not every hunter wants to spend $10 per shell for TSS, and you really don’t have to shoot it in 12s and 20s to be effective. Winchester Long Beard delivers great patterns in both gauges at a much lower price. Finally, display pattern targets where people will pick them up on impulse. Shotgun patterning is a win-win: hunters learn their gun’s capabilities, and you get to sell them more ammunition after they burn theirs up shooting patterns.
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Now 170 years old, Smith & Wesson has new digs and a rifle unlike any it’s ever made.
by Wayne van Zwoll
Goin’ South! “We’re still in Massachusetts,” Dave O’Connor clarified. He works for Smith & Wesson as its media relations manager. He’s based in Springfield, Massachusetts, the company’s home since its birth in 1852. “About 1,000 employees will stay here with our forging operations. Heavy machining and metal finishing will be done here, too. We’re keeping revolver production and assembly in Massachusetts, but injection molding of plastics, manufacture of autoloading pistols and AR-15 rifles, along with many distribution functions, will shift to Maryville.”
That’s Maryville, Tennessee, a suburban city of 32,000 about 17 miles south of Knoxville, home of the University of Tennessee, on the state’s eastern hem.
S&W announced the move, to cost $120 million, September 30, 2021. President and CEO Mark Smith said the company “had little choice” but to leave Massachusetts, as recently proposed legislation there, “if enacted, would prevent Smith & Wesson from manufacturing [in Springfield] firearms … safely used by tens of millions of lawabiding citizens … exercising their Constitutional Second Amendment rights, protecting themselves and their families and enjoying shooting sports.” He added: “While we are hopeful that this arbitrary and damaging legislation will be defeated in this session, these products made up more than 60 percent of our revenue [in 2020].” Massachusetts had banned purchase of “military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines” in 2004. Additional restrictions are planned.
Smith indicated several cities and states were vetted before Maryville, Tennessee, was selected as S&W’s new home. Besides its firearms, and business-friendly environment, he noted the modest cost of living, ready access to university education, and improved quality of life for many employees. Knoxville’s population of 193,000 is 23 percent greater than that of Springfield, Massachusetts, but the cost of living in Knoxville and Maryville is 14 percent below the national average. Springfield’s cost of living comes in four percent below average; Massachusetts taxes are among the highest in the nation.
Also nudging S&W toward Maryville—its favorable location for a U.S. distribution center and the availability of qualified workers. Smith acknowledged Governor Bill Lee’s “decisive contributions” and the state legislature’s hearty support.
S&W promptly started building a 650,000-squarefoot headquarters complex on 230 acres. The company’s new address: 1852 Profitt Road.
Meanwhile, relocation offers went to about 750 employees in Springfield. Those who chose to stay in Massachusetts would get enhanced severance pay. S&W’s plastic injection molding facility in Deep River, Connecticut, was scheduled for divestment as the company prepared to move this operation south. Its external customers would not be part of the Maryville enterprise. S&W’s distribution services would move from its Columbia, Missouri, facility, which would be marketed for sub-lease. Relocation to Marysville would not affect S&W operations in Houlton, Maine.
As construction in Tennessee progressed, S&W executives left Springfield to work temporarily in Maryville offices vacated by bar-and-grill chain Ruby Tuesday, which had suffered bankruptcy in 2021. By mid-2023, interior f inishing was underway at the new complex. Employees who had moved were working there. On October 7, 2023, Mark Smith and guests hosted visitors at S&W’s new home in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. He outlined plans to “have between 700 and 800 people” operating the facility. He emphasized that “unwavering support for the Second Amendment and our business and [the shooting sports] industry” in Blount County and in Tennessee were key to S&W’s choice of Maryville.
Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn told Fox News her state was thrilled to welcome S&W and its economic benefits. “In Tennessee we know that the Second Amendment is non-negotiable.”
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No remarks got more attention than a short performance by ace S&W-sponsored handgun shooter Jerry Miculek, who set an NRA speedshooting record with a 9mm revolver. From seven yards, he flattened a rack of six plates with six shots in an eye-popping 1.88 seconds.
Oper ations at the new factory continue to ramp up fast. A third building for a company museum and retail space is slated to open in 2024, according to Dave O’Connor.
The morning had been quiet when the black boar appeared out of the mist. He moved at a steady trot, quartering my way. At 30 steps I caught quick aim and triggered the carbine. Its 240-grain Hornady hollow point landed well, but despite a useless shoulder, the hog grabbed another gear. I flicked the lever, swinging fast enough to blur the hardwoods, and fired again. The boar slid on his nose.
A better introduction to this .44 Magnum would be as hard to imagine as—well, a leveraction from Smith & Wesson!
“It isn’t the first,” said Grant Dubuc, the company’s director of product innovation. “That one was a pistol, about 170 years ago.”
In 1852 Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson, with financier Courtlandt Palmer, founded the Smith & Wesson Company. Their vision: develop the Volcanic rifle, progeny of the Volitional Repeater fashioned in 1848 by New York inventor Walter Hunt. With no funds to improve his balky ring-lever arm, Hunt had sold patent rights to George Arrowsmith, who then hired Lewis Jennings to overhaul it. Palmer reportedly paid $100,000 for all rights to the rifle. He hired Smith to refine it and its “rocket ball” ammunition (hollow-base bullets containing anemic charges ignited by external primers fed by a pill-box mechanism).
Smith’s work on the Jennings rifle yielded patents in 1851. They went to Palmer. Soon thereafter,
Wesson joined Smith to develop a rimfire cartridge. Their efforts yielded a “Volcanic” repeating pistol. Like the Hunt-Jennings rifle, its lever loop admitted just one finger. But instead of requiring a separate cocking motion after feeding, this action had a hammer cocked by the bolt’s rearward thrust. Smith and Wesson produced parts for the pistol in Norwich, Connecticut, before receiving a patent early in 1854. The next year, 40 New York and New Haven investors bought out the partnership of Smith, Wesson, and Palmer and re-incorporated it as Volcanic Repeating Arms. Wesson worked for eight months as factory manager. Sales of repeating pistols did not support the company, however. In February 1857, Volcanic went into receivership. Oliver Winchester bought all assets for $40,000. By April he had re-organized the company as New Haven Repeating Arms and tasked shop foreman B. Tyler Henry with making the Hunt-Jennings repeater more marketable.
S&W’s first lever action was a handgun; 170 years later, this .44 Magnum rifle is a worthy follow-up.
Meanwhile, Wesson left to join Smith, who had returned to Springfield, Massachusetts. In 1856 they formed the Smith & Wesson Revolver Company to profit from Rollin White’s patent for a bored-through revolver cylinder.
While S&W is best known for revolvers, and now autoloading pistols and rifles, it is ever alert to market trends. “A lever-action rifle fills a vacancy in our product line,” said Vince Perreault, director of brand marketing. “It’s a hunting gun. We want to grow our presence in that important market. While bolt rifles account for most big game tagged stateside, the appeal of the lever-action remains strong.”
Indeed. Rifles of that type bring to mind the Old West, and the books and films that have defined it. In whitetail country, a “deer rifle” was for decades a lever-action. It has become a top pick for wild hogs, increasingly popular as game. New cartridges and bullets for these rifles have revived interest in hunting with them. Most can be easily fitted with scopes and red dot sights, to tap their inherent accuracy. Improved metallic sights serve competitors in Cowboy Action Silhouette matches.
Lever-action rifles embody history, nostalgia, and tradition. In this era of The Long Shot, they re-acquaint hunters with the challenge of getting close to game.
“The success of other companies marketing lever-actions figured into our decision to introduce one,” said Perreault. “But we didn’t copy a specific rifle. We started from scratch to develop an accurate, reliable, and smooth-shucking lever-action with the handling qualities and snug wood-to-metal fit of those built in the late 1800s. We wanted one that would function as smoothly and point as naturally as the DA revolvers that have made S&W famous.”
The new Model 1854 was named after the birth year of S&W’s lever-action Volcanic pistol. Its lock-up, Perreault explained, “is similar to that of Marlin’s 1895, the lever engaging a locking lug to bring the bolt into battery.” He emphasized that engineers kept an open mind in the 1854’s development. “We consulted customers and lever-rifle enthusiasts before settling on details.”
By arbitrary measure, the 1854’s 19¼-inch barrel qualifies it as a carbine. I typically apply that label to lever rifles with barrel lengths of 20 inches or less. But other features can figure into definitions. “Short Rifle,” for example, commonly describes a late-19th-century arm with a carbinelength barrel but a crescent-shaped “rifle” buttplate instead of the blunt, S-shaped, over-the-heel “carbine” plate. Magazine length, barrel diameter,
and grip style can also distinguish carbines from rifles. Sometimes the moniker is–well–arbitrary.
Of traditional profile, the 1854 has a slender barrel, rifled with eight grooves to spin bullets one turn in 20 inches. That’s standard twist for the .44 Magnum, a cartridge S&W developed with Remington and released in 1955. It’s the only chambering available so far. A departure from tradition is the threaded muzzle (11 16x24). “We couldn’t ignore the increasing use of suppressors,” said Dubuc, now in his fourteenth year at the company. “Nor the practicality of stainless steel.”
S&W is offering the new carbine in two versions. Both feature forged receivers of 416 stainless and barrels of 410 stainless. The synthetic-stocked version slated to appear first is clearly naked stainless, well polished but not glossy. “Steel on the walnut-stocked version has a black PVD finish,” said Dubuc. The carbines are mechanically identical. The solid-top receivers are forged and the barrels manufactured in Springfield, where all 1854s are assembled. I’m told they incorporate no investment-cast parts.
The S&W carbine has a full-length, nine-shot magazine banded up front. The magazine’s internal sleeve is easily removed for unloading with a twist of its knurled button, as on millions of tubefed .22 rifles. Instead of a barrel-band, a forend cap weds barrel, magazine, and fore-stock. A cleverly engineered sling-swivel stud lies flush in its face. There’s a standard QD stud in the butt-stock.
The forend of the black polymer stock has three M-Lok slots. Recoil pads aren’t needed to tame the .44 Magnum’s kick, but the black pad provided on both versions is comfy and keeps the carbine from slipping on the shoulder or when set on wet leaves or a slippery log or stone. “We produce the pad for the synthetic stock,” Dubuc told me. “The walnut stock comes from our supplier with the specified pad, final-sanded with the wood.”
I’m much impressed by the shape of the buttstock. Its comb is straight, nicely rounded on top, of proper height for iron sights and set far enough back that the heel of my pork-chop paw doesn’t fight with the comb nose. Generous fluting helps there too, and it’s neatly done. The grip is open, with a long, gentle curve that allows for fast, easy positioning of my hand for first-knuckle trigger contact. Grip width, depth, and taper seem just right. The lever hugs the grip and doesn’t rattle when the action is closed. Generous stippled panels on grip and forend mimic those on some S&W pistols.
“Handgunners like it, and we think it serves the 1854 as well,” said Dubuc. “It’s rough enough to secure your grip in rain or snow, but it’s not abrasive.”
My big fingers and knotty knuckles slip easily into the lever, which, praise be, is a tad bigger than that on traditional carbines. Most hunters will be able to use it with gloves. It is not oversize; we’re spared the gaping, noose-like maw youngsters ogled on the ’92 Winchester Chuck Connors flailed to open black-and-white episodes of “The Rifleman.” Streaming empties from the hip to the staccato chatter of that .44-40, Connors captured imaginations, if not reality.
The 1854’s exposed hammer has a half-cock notch. A transverse button at the rear of the receiver serves as a safety. If the hammer is at full cock, a pull of the trigger drops it, whether the crossbolt is “off” (pushed to the left) or “on.” But when “on,” this safety won’t let the hammer meet the firing pin. Alas, the poor sod who feels the trigger break and the hammer fall with a “clack,” is left to trouble-shoot while his venison bounds off. “Did the cartridge misfire? Did I forget to cycle? Or was the safety on?” Not wishing to emulate hunters I’ve seen drop hammers on crossbolts, I’m a half-cock-notch guy.
The 1854’s trigger is un-grooved and flat-faced, reflecting a trend in autoloading pistols. Hardly true to 19th-century tradition, it is nonetheless comfortable. “We engineered it for a pull of 3 to 6 pounds,” said Dubuc. “That’s reasonable for a lever rifle. To us, its wide face and crisp break make the pull seem lighter.” I agree; the trigger feels good to me. Hammer, trigger, bolt, and lever are given an Armonite coating for added durability.
S&W equips each Model 1854 with the XS sights I used on a two-day hog hunt. The ghost ring, at the rear of the rail, instantly brings a movie-screen view to eye, ideal for pigs or whitetails dashing through
the woods. It pairs nicely with the flat-faced gold bead up front. Also provided: a 4¾-inch rail, attached by stout 8-40 screws, for easy top-mounting of a scope or red-dot sight. There’s no provision for mounting optics on the barrel or for a tang sight. I asked if the rifle would accept Skinner sights, now a popular option on lever rifles. “The 1854’s receiver has the same hole pattern as the Marlin 1894,” said Perreault. So the Skinner sight will fit. “But the S&W front sight is higher than that on the Marlin. That height difference may prevent zeroing.”
Asked about other chamberings, Perreault said S&W Model 1854s in .45 Long Colt are on a short roster, with .357s to follow. Jerry Miculek noted that adding the punch of the .454 Casull might appeal to guides who work in bear country. Dubuc replied that as it was built to brook the 36,000-psi maximum average breech pressures of the .44 Magnum, the carbine might well need re-engineering to ensure safe, reliable function with the Casull’s 56,600 psi.
S&W’s 1854 debuted at the 2024 SHOT Show. “MSRP will be around $1,000,” said O’Connor. He added that two special versions will appear in limited editions. “We plan to produce 100 high-grade 1854s to pair with Model 29 revolvers in cased sets. These probably won’t sell to the public.”
Perreault added that 1,854 walnut-stocked Model 1854s with upgraded wood and glossy black PVD metal finish will be produced shortly after the first stainless/synthetic rifles, “as a onetime series to celebrate S&W’s first lever rifle.”
Hunters keen to slip thumb-thick .44s into a loading gate and close a fist on a lever gun, then ease through thickets where shots come fast, should find S&W’s 1854 in any guise a fine companion.
A .44 Magnum bullet disabled the near shoulder; a second shot put this boar on its nose. For hogs or deer in timber, a lever-action carbine isn’t just a traditional pick; it’s deadly.
by Christopher Cogley
atchy slogans have become a necessity for companies that want their brand to stick in the mind of consumers long past the 30-second sound bite to which they’re attached. For most businesses, these slogans are little more than a marketing tool designed to sell more products. When it comes to tactical and clothing and gear manufacturer 5.11, however, “Always Be Ready” isn’t a meaningless catch-phrase. The profoundly simple concept of always being ready is a mantra that’s a critical part of the company’s ethos and the driving force for the product development, innovation, and strategic partnerships that have made 5.11 so successful.
“Because of 5.11’s true north goal to enable and inspire people to ‘Always Be Ready,’ we focus our innovation with that in mind,” says Francisco Morales, co-founder and Executive Chair of the Board of Directors of 5.11. “We consider, ‘How can this product be more than a product?’. If you’re making a pair of pants, how can we make it more than just an article of clothing? There is an extra set of challenges in designing our products because we try to make our products multifunctional across situation and occasion.”
The primary way that 5.11 accomplishes that goal is to actually spend time in the field with the professionals for whom the products are ultimately designed.
“When you get out there and really understand what they’re doing and what their jobs actually entail on a day-to-day basis, you discover problems that they often don’t even know they’re facing because these are the kinds of people who are so used to overcoming any issue that stands in their way,” says Matt Page, vice president of global product at 5.11.
The company's brick-and-mortar locations are designed to provide a rich customer experience that backs up the 5.11 “Always Be Ready” mantra.
This is exactly what happened when the 5.11 team went out in the field to spend time with professional K-9 operators. The dog handlers mentioned that the sturdy handle on the dogs’ vests worked well to help maintain a firm grip on the dogs and help lift them if needed, but the handles would often get hung up or snagged when the dog was moving quickly through tight spaces.
Recognizing the potential risk this presented, the team went back to headquarters and engineered a low-profile handle on its K-9 harness that was strong enough to give handlers the support they need, but also flexible enough to not get caught up on any obstacles the dog had to maneuver through.
When it comes to implementing innovative concepts to solve real-world problems such as this, 5.11 has a distinct advantage, thanks to an inhouse product development and prototype lab. “It’s great because we can sit around and come up with possible solutions, and when we hit on something that has potential, we can go right into the foundry, which is where we create our prototypes,” Page says. “Instead of having to wait months to see if the solution is even feasible, we can create a sample almost immediately so we can see the practicality of the solution before we ever send it to the factory.”
There are times, however, when the solution is outside the scope of what’s available to the inhouse protype team. In those situations, 5.11 seeks out partners who have the same commitment to quality and readiness.
“Many of our innovation partners are extremely open to having us approaching them with a problem we’re trying to solve,” Morales says. “They are the first ones to welcome our problem set and help us to solve it so that we can design the best products to meet our consumers’ needs.”
This commitment to strategic partnerships is visible in many of the new products that 5.11 is launching at this year’s SHOT Show. Among them is the new collection of outerwear that combines
5.11’s tactical style and practicality with the lightweight and packable insulation of PrimaLoft.
The line includes jackets and vests for men and women, each one designed to be both practical and packable. “By combining our expertise in creating durable and reliable apparel with PrimaLoft's innovative insulations, we’re able to offer our customers unparalleled performance that will help them to live the ‘Always Be Ready lifestyle,’” Morales says.
In keeping with its “Always Be Ready” mantra, however, products such as the new jackets and vests that 5.11 develops to solve real situational problems never go straight from the factory to the people who depend on them.
“We make hundreds of samples and get them into the hands of professionals to use, both in the line of duty and when they’re off the job doing the things they love—hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing,” says Page. “That’s how we know if the ideas are actually practical in real-world situations.
Every item in 5.11's expansive range of technical and tactical gear is engineered to withstand harsh conditions.
It’s not uncommon for us to go through three or four versions before we finally get it to where it needs to be.”
That commitment to getting it right is exactly why 5.11 depends on their overarching mantra as a driving force. “Every item in our expansive range of technical and tactical apparel, footwear, and gear is engineered to withstand the harshest of conditions and offer performance that's simply unmatched,” says Debra Radcliff, chief marketing officer for 5.11. “5.11’s purpose-built gear
5.11 has a clear omnichannel strategy that provides a consistent brand experience across retail stores and e-commerce operations.
5.11 makes hundreds of samples and gets them into the hands of professionals to use and evaluate, both in the line of duty and when they’re off the job.
empowers those who face adversity head-on. From the battlefield to the city streets, we ensure that our products meet the demanding needs of those who put their lives on the line as well as the needs of individuals who thrive on adventure. Each stitch, each detail, is meticulously crafted to embody the enduring quality that has become synonymous with the 5.11 name.”
consumers’ ambition, dedication, and courage,” Radcliff says. “We aim to equip those who venture into uncharted territories, face the toughest conditions, and demand the very best from their equipment. At 5.11, we don't just sell products. We empower exploration, enable survival, and ensure success, one mission at a time. That’s what ‘Always Be Ready’ means.”
"We believe the 5.11 'Always be ready' experience comes alive more in our physical locations where the engagement with our team defines the leading edge of our experience."
From the very beginning of the company’s roots more than a decade ago, the idea of “Always Be Ready” wasn’t just about helping people be prepared for emergencies or crisis situations. It was an outlook on life. It’s the way people face their day, the way they get up in the morning, go to work, and especially how they seek out challenges and adventures in their lives. As a company, 5.11 strives to embody that ideal and create products for the people who live that lifestyle.
“5.11 is more than just a brand. It’s a commitment to providing the gear that matches our
Regardless of who you are, where you live, or what you do, that’s a pretty solid outlook to have on life.
Another way in which 5.11 enhances customer satisfaction is through what it calls “omnichannel retail experience.”
“5.11's omnichannel retail experience means that we want to provide optionality for our consumers to shop wherever and whenever they want,” says Mark Parker, 5.11’s senior vice president of omnichannel retail. “We have a clear omnichannel strategy that provides a consistent brand experience across retail stores and e-commerce. We believe the 5.11 ‘Always
Be Ready’ experience comes alive more in our physical locations where the engagement with our team defines the leading edge of our experience.”
According to Parker, innovation at 5.11 retail stores means creating an immersive brand experience for its customers. “I believe our innovative product and dedicated retail staff are two of 5.11’s most valuable assets,” he says. “The 5.11 brand comes to life at our retail stores—through our products, our product versatility, our product systems, and our knowledgeable sales team. 5.11 prioritizes investing in our sales teams to ensure they are armed with all the information needed to provide a superior shopping experience for our consumers. We recognize this as a true innovation for the 5.11 brand at retail. They are dedicated to the ‘Always be Ready’ mindset that supports our consumers in preparing for whatever mission they are looking to achieve.”
Parker also notes that employees from the 5.11 corporate offices regularly go out into the field and visit the company’s retail stores “in order to keep innovation at the forefront of our priorities as a brand. Our corporate team (from the executive leadership teams to product development and design and marketing teams) connects with our store teams, consumers, and our professional community in person to hear what's working, what's not, and learn how we can continue to lead the tactical industry.”
(511tactical.com)
A new line with PrimaLoft insulation includes jackets and vests, each one designed to be both practical and packable.
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by William Bell
The Safariland Group, a company with a rich heritage in the law enforcement and sporting markets, encompasses a group of recognized and well-respected brands known for their innovation and quality. It’s mission, “Together, We Save Lives,” is much more than a statement; it is a creed by which the company lives, a belief embedded in the company upon its founding 60 years ago.
In 1964, following his father’s request for a custom holster, Neale Perkins launched a holster business from his garage in Sierra Madre, California. He named his new company Safariland, after the African safari excursions he and his father enjoyed together. Within a few short months, Neale’s custom holster was a hit, and he went from making a few hundred holsters a month to more than 5,000. Evolving from a garage shop to a major producer, the company made holsters and related products for both the commercial and law enforcement markets. Along the way, Safariland created the first Level III Retention duty holster, designed to keep LEOs safer. The company also was the first in the industry to achieve an ISO 9001 Standard Certification. Safariland soon gained a reputation for transforming the industry with innovative, highquality products, including body armor for LEOs.
I have a long history with Safariland. In 1978, I became a deputy with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, just west of New Orleans. Apparently, the sheriff was a big fan of the TV program “Adam12”. Our uniforms and gear were much like those
worn by LAPD officers Reed and Malloy in the show. Our issue gun belt, cartridge pouch, handcuff case, and nightstick ring were made by Safariland; the duty belt, now without a buckle and catalogued as the Model 7970, is still in the
line. All closures were of Velcro instead of snaps. A Velcro trouser belt, made with pile material meshed with a strip of hook material sewn on the inside of the duty belt, helped keep everything in place. It was, and is, a very functional system.
The IncogX is now RDS compatible and incorporates passive retention and adjustable tension capabilities.
My Safariland experience wasn’t over after I left JPSO. In 1988 I went to work for U.S. Customs on the Mexico border in Southern California. After Customs was amalgamated into the DHS and became Customs & Border Protection (CBP) in 2003, a new service pistol was adopted, and our duty holster was the Safariland Model 6280 SLS Level II Retention holster. This is one of Safariland’s best sellers and is seen on the belts of many LEOs.
Safariland has never rested on its laurels, and it continues to introduce new products into this ever-growing market. “As the renowned originator of retention and testing in the law enforcement industry, we recognized the pressing need to strategically expand our presence within the thriving consumer market," says Tim Drnec, vice president of marketing for Safariland.
That was the impetus for diving into the consumer market, the wisdom of which has been re-affirmed by the phenomenal growth of the concealed-carry and personal-defense market. September 2022 saw the launch of the Schema, an IWB-type holster that is both lightweight and easy to conceal. It is optics-ready
injection-molded polymer body for a smaller footprint, it offers superior functionality and has a reinforced mouth allowing re-holstering while being worn. Each holster is firearms-specific for an exact fit; in addition, security is not only enhanced by Schema’s passive trigger-guard retention, but also by a trigger shield for added wearer safety. New models are being planned that will incorporate passive retention and upto-date fits that will increase its EDC versatility. Currently, it is available for the Glock 43/43X, SIG Sauer P365/365XL, Springfield Hellcat, and Taurus G2C/G3C. It’s RDS-compatible and works with the footprints of a number of popular sights; however, its sight channel will only work with standard sights. Though offered in a right-hand configuration only, it does have a very attractive price point. SRP: $39.99.
The Species, which debuted a month after the Schema, is a minimalist design, too, but it looks far more conventional. With bulk reduced in key areas, it is perfect for appendix-style carry and is RDS compatible. Constructed of impactresistant, thermoformed SafariLaminate, the holster boasts a suede-lined interior to enhance fit and protect the handgun’s finish. It also has passive trigger-guard retention mated with an
The Species is perfect for appendix-style carry and is RDS compatible.
The SL30 is a natural evolution of the hot-selling and high-performing .30 caliber Gauntlet platform. It has a smooth, side-lever cocking mechanism that makes shooting the Gauntlet easier than ever due to improved ergonomics and user interaction with this air rifle. The side lever makes it easier for a shooter to stay on target between shots and lessens the amount of effort it takes to cock the rifle and advance the next pellet or slug.
integrated tension device for a secure and tailored-to-the-user fit. Like the Schema, it has an adjustable mounting clip that’s cantable, vertically adjustable, and works with 1.5-inch width belts. This allows both personalization and individual wearer comfort. The Species is available for several models of pistols from Glock, Ruger, Shadow Systems, SIG Sauer, S&W, Springfield, and Taurus. It also comes with a very economical price tag. SRP: $44.99.
Celebrating 10 years of production, the IncogX IWB holster has been redesigned in a collaboration between Haley Strategic Partners and Safariland to create an elite carry option. The IncogX is now RDS compatible and incorporates both passive retention and adjustable tension capabilities. It has a microfiber suedewrapped Boltaron body and comes with overthe-belt polymer clips that lock the IncogX in place over the belt. Three sizes of concealmentenhancing clip-strut shims provide more adaptability to the end user and provide enhanced grip acquisition, concealment, and functionality. An actuated finger tab flexes to open and makes installation or removal of the holster from the belt a snap. Two options can be added to the IncogX; you can get it with tactical light or nonlight fit, and a magazine caddy with tension adjustment. The IncogX is made for pistols from Arex, Glock, Shadow Systems, SIG Sauer, Wilson, and ZEV. Prices vary according to options selected. SRP: $90-$120.
Rounding out the selection of new Safariland concealment holsters is the Solis. It has a paddleback that slides down inside the waistband to secure the holster in place, yet allows easy removal. In essence, it’s an open-top rig OWB, with a low profile and easily concealed design, and it resists gun grabs with its ALS (Automatic Locking System). The system is activated when the pistol is holstered, yet allows a quick, natural draw, with swipe of a thumb release as the shooting grip is acquired. The Solis has a two-piece reinforced holster body for increased strength and is made of durable, weather-resistant SafariSeven, a non-marking nylon blend. It has an open muzzle to help prevent debris accumulation, which also accommodates threaded barrels. Designed for use with compact tactical lights; it is also RDS compatible (Trijicon RMRcc excepted), plus it has a .250inch front-sight channel. Currently, the Solis is only made for Glock 43X MOS and 48 MOS and is reasonably priced. SRP: $80-$85.
“We continue to push the boundaries of holster design, catering to the needs of both concealed carry enthusiasts and law enforcement professionals,” says Haley Proulx, marketing director for Safariland. “Holsters like the Schema, Species,
“Safariland continues to push the boundaries of holster design.”
Solis, and IncogX are a testament to Safariland's commitment to innovation and meeting the needs of concealed carry enthusiasts.”
The RDSO (Red Dot Sight Open) 6390 is a new duty rig designed for use with red dot sights. It has Level I security provided by its ALS (Automatic Locking System). The body of the holster is made of thermal-molded Safarilaminate shaped to form an open pocket at the top to protect the optic. Non-factory mounted RDS may not work with the holster, and it’s not compatible with the Trijicon SRO optic. It doesn’t use a flip-up dust cover, but can be fitted with an optional ALS Guard. The inside of the holster is suede lined to protect the gun’s finish. It’s also fitted to accept weapon-mounted tactical lights. A mid-ride belt loop holds the sidearm close to the body. On the inside of the holster body is Safariland’s standard three-hole pattern for use with all their mounting systems. Prices vary depending on options selected. SRP: $182-$241.75.
Today, the threat level for LEOs has risen dramatically. Every year officers are disarmed and shot with their own duty weapons. Safariland has been the industry leader in firearms retention for some six decades and has just introduced the SafariVault with the strongest holster body they have ever produced. It’s built with increased structural integrity to withstand higher forces and impacts from any direction. The design is also adaptable for use with an everexpanding array of tactical lights and optics without sacrificing security. It has an improved ALS that
The Solis has a paddleback that secures the holster inside the waistband.
reduces flex and increases crush resistance. The optic cover is self-clearing and accommodates closed and open emitter pistol optics. A magnetic holstering guidance system stabilizes the slide while re-holstering. The open muzzle design provides clearance for threaded barrels or compensators and allows debris or brass to pass through. For attaching to the duty belt, the SafariVault holster is compatible with all Safariland three-hole pattern accessories. This stateof-the-art holster will hit you for a couple of Ben Franklins, but that’s a bargain considering its features. SRP: $190.
(safariland.com)
Once known as Bianchi International, the company is a part of the Safariland family. Founder John Bianchi was a colleague of Neale Perkins and both of their leathercrafting outfits came to be about the same time. Like Safariland, Bianchi also catered to the commercial market and was a major supplier to law enforcement and the military. Now known as Bianchi Leather, the company specializes in “Every Day Holsters,” which include IWB, OWB, and alternate carry rigs as well as lifestyle holsters, which Bianchi defines as hunting, fishing, hiking, adventure, and western shucks. Their latest offering is called Old Tuscany Holsters.
One of the newest holsters from Bianchi is the Remedy Model 57. It is constructed of premium Italian leather and is an open-top, pancake-style with two 1.5-inch belt slots. It rides high on the belt and is deep contour-molded to specific handguns. Designed for hip or rear hip carry, the holster emphasizes wearer comfort. Holster colors include black, tan, and weathered tan. Purpose-built for small revolvers and semiautomatic pistols, the holster fits models from Charter Arms, Colt, Glock, Kimber, Ruger, S&W, Springfield, and Taurus. SRP: $59.50-$64.50.
(bianchileather.com)
This 3,000-square-foot store sits one block off Main Street in Roswell. Opened four years ago, the store sports a lean inventory of roughly 100 firearms manned by two employees.
Handguns are moving at this location. Ruger LCRs and Smith & Wesson Shield EZs are sitting in the top slots. The store has orders for Glock 43Xs and Sig P320s.
Used guns are in high demand. A small inventory of Smith M&P 15 Sport IIs, Remington 870s, and Savage Model 110s comprise the long-gun inventory. Specialty accessories heading out the door include reloading supplies and Hodgdon powders.
Council This northwest Idaho store keeps close to 200 firearms, with two employees stocking a mix of hunting and concealed carry guns. Their clientele encompasses ranchers, guides, and local cabin owners.
Spring sales have been slow at the rifle counter; the focus has been on upper and lower parts from Anderson Manufacturing. Top selling MSRs include M&P 15 Sport IIIs, LRCs, and Andersons. While bolt-action guns have cooled, a few Savages, Ruger Americans, and Mossberg Patriots command the lion’s share of sales. This retailer is forecasting an increase throughout the summer.
“We’re a hunting store when it comes to rifles. However, our bolt guns continue to expand in multiple calibers per customer. They want at least four different rifles, usually in .308, .30-06, .270, and 6.5 Creedmoor,” said owner Brian Goodwin.
Handgun sales are steady with Smith Shield EZs in .380, Ruger LC9s, and M&Ps in 10mm. Goodwin mentioned Glocks have slowly fallen out of favor in his store. The market share has moved to S&W and Ruger.
Although shotguns have slowed, this store is still turning a few ATI Calvary 12s and Winchester SXPs.
In business since 2008, this custom gun manufacturer and retailer specializes in carving, mechanical engineering, and machining. They also sell hand-carved wooden stocks and specialty-finished custom machining. One of the exclusive U.S. retailers for Blaser, the store’s largest seller, seasonality is rarely a factor for this shop.
Custom suppressors are one of the shop’s fastest retail sales trends. “A decade ago, I would have never predicted the growth of suppressors in the U.S. market. Our customers are buying them for hunting rifles. I don’t see an end to this segment’s growth,” said owner Justin Sip.
This store has found that when a client owns a custom rifle with high-grade optics they are curious about suppression. “Once a hunter experiences the pleasure and hearing comfort of a rifle with a suppressor, there’s no turning back. They add them to at least two,” said Sip.
This range-retailer, located in central southern Minnesota, sits near the riverfront in downtown Mankato. Carrying nearly 700 firearms with a staff of seven, this store also manufactures MSRs under their own brand.
Handguns are steady movers at this location. Ruger EC9s and SAR K12s hold the top positions, followed by Tisas 1911s in matchgrade and entry-level versions.
Spring and summer means increased turns on .22 rifles, and this retailer always promotes family shooting. “We always have .22 rifles and pistols on hand. Whether it’s a single shot or an MSR, we have rifles and pistols ready for summer plinking,” said owner Toby Leonard.
Ruger 10/22s comfortably lead rifle sales. There are also high turns on the company’s house brand, Kato MSRs. Other movers include Ruger Americans in .308. The summer Appleseed Clinic, where customers learn to shoot at at a quarter mile, also drives sales.
This rural retailer is 70 miles east of Des Moines, with access to I-80. The store is well stocked with more than 500 firearms. They employ one full-time and one parttime counter staff.
Handgun sales are brisk, with Glock 43Xs and 17s ruling the top two sales slots. Sig P365s trail just behind. This retailer reports demand for Colt Python revolvers in .44 Mag. and .357 Mag. are at an all-time high.
Other big-ticket high-volume items include trap guns. “Like many northern midwestern towns, we have very active high school trap leagues. The number of firsttime gun families coming in to get a trap gun for their teen is impressive. They are super safety conscious. Even if they start with a price-point gun, all the ancillary items like safes, vest, and protective gear are solid profits for our spring-summer business. It’s great for the industry,” said owner Ken Beck. Models include SKB, Browning, and Beretta. MSR sales are slow.
Located in western Kansas, this retailer specializes in home defense handguns and MSRs. In addition to its brick-andmortar business, the store has a large online presence.
MSR sales have slowed and customers have become more price sensitive. Ruger 556s and Diamondbacks with custom parts and special assembly orders are driving additional demand.
“Our store has found a strong niche and a growing following for our in-house MSRs. They continue to be important, but they have slowed. However, it is an election year, so we expect that to change,” said shipping manager Ross Keimig.
At the handgun counter, Sig P365s and P320s hold the top spots, followed by Glock 19s and 17s. Although turkey season has closed, this retailer said Stoeger M3500 waterfowl guns are starting to turn. Apart from low inventories in .22 Hornet and .410, ammo stocks are good.
& Gun Shop, Gray Located just 15 miles north of Portland, this 28,000-square-foot facility with 12 indoor shooting lanes sells a mix of archery, soft goods, and firearms. The large independent retailer keeps an average of 2,500 guns in stock and is open seven days a week.
Handgun sales are steady, if not climbing, for this store. Glock 43Xs and 19s lead, with Sig P320s and P365s trailing just behind. Springfield Hellcats and XDs are also steady movers. “Sub-compact and compact nines are just taking over our daily sales,” said president Howell Copp.
Moving into summer, rimfire guns are taking hold at this retailer with youth shooting programs and Marlin XT22s. Copp added, “It’s pretty consistent. After the parents investigate the program, the kids leave with a gun,” he said.
A notable number of price-point Turkish short-barrel guns lead the home defense category.
This tight 600-square-foot store front stocks close to 300 new and used guns and specializes in older military surplus and home defense. Mike’s Guns is located just across the state line from New Jersey.
Handguns are the primary mover for this store, with the Glock 43X, 19, and Taurus G3 in the top three positions. “While Glock is still king at our gun counter, Taurus is right behind. Our customers love the performance and the price. The G3s are taking market share from many of the other brands we stock in 9mm,” said owner Mike Glessner.
MSRs are selling at about two a week, with ATI, Palmetto Arms, and M&P15 Sport IIs even across the board. Some Ruger 10/22s are moving for summer sales. Home defense shotguns continue to turn like clockwork, with Mossberg Shockwaves and Remington 870 Tacticals in the lead.
full-time employees busy with 400 firearms in stock. The retailer specializes in hunting and home defense.
Handguns continue to move the most units with steady number of Glock 43Xs, Hellcats, and Sig P365s. Other consistent sellers include Smith 642 J Frames. Handgun ammo stocks are the best they’ve been in the last two years.
Summer usually means .22 sales for this store, but what’s selling has changed greatly. “Since the New York changes in semi-auto licensing, we’ve gone from selling big numbers of 10/22s to Ruger Americans, Henrys, and Marlins. Our customers are still plinking, they’re just doing it one round at a time,” said counter salesman Zach Franks.
This rural North Arkansas retailer keeps 500 guns in stock with three full-time employees. The store has a mix of hunting, home defense, and reloading.
At four a week, MSRs continue to make the register ring. “We’ve seen a steady increased demand with MSRs. As our customers add to their collections, they’re buying these rifles more and more for hunting,” said counter salesman Jeff Hurn.
Bushmaster and Diamondback lead at this counter; S&W M&P15 Sport IIs hold third place. Bolt guns are hotter than in the last two summers, with a mix of Ruger Americans, Remington Model 700s, and Tikkas all turning higher-than-usual mid-season numbers.
Handguns are steady, with Taurus G2 and G3 in the top spots. Meanwhile, the Sig P365s are climbing the sales charts. “We’ve really seen an increase in Sig sales. Our customers are choosing them three to one over Glocks,” Hurn said.
Turkey guns are still moving and in high demand for anything in .410 and 20 gauge. Mossberg SA 410s, 500s, and 835s are all getting attention; used Brownings and Ithacas are also in the queue. This retailer noted used trade-ins are especially bustling now.
TNThis rural independent keeps two
The Gun Shop Trading Post, Livingston Located in central northern Tennessee, this rural store stocks 400 firearms with three full-time employees. The store specializes in hunting and home defense.
After a busy spring, this store uses the late spring-summer months to task admin duties. “May is a breath of fresh air after coming off tax season, one of our busiest sales periods. While it’s slower in the summer, we use the time for inventory, assessments, reordering, and restocking,” said counter salesperson September Bingham.
Handguns remain in demand with pricepoint Taurus G2Cs holding the top spot. Glock 43Xs and Springfield Armory Hellcats are also garnering attention. Although this store is getting requests for walnut-stocked Remington 870s and wood-stocked Browning BPSs, shotgun sales have slowed.
Selling close to four a week, MSRs remain brisk with a mix of Smith M&P15 Sport IIs, Radicals, and a few Sig M400s. Bingham
added, “MSR sales remain robust with the election in play.”
Founded as a haberdashery in the late 1800s, this uniform and soft goods company began to handle firearms in the 1960s to fill duty belt orders from their local police department. Today, the firearm side of the business keeps more than 1,000 guns in stock.
Handguns are moving now, but the clear winner is the J Frame S&W 642. “We sell our share of Glocks, Sigs, and Berettas, but without question Smith revolvers continue to move the best. Many are sold to women, and we include low-recoil shells. The promotion has kept the gun on top since the first of the year,” said owner Steven Fishman.
MSRs are steady, but holding to low price points. Shotguns are steady sellers yearround for this store, with a mix of Beretta Super Pigeons and A300 Tacticals.
Featuring a browless design, off-the-charts anti-fog performance, adjustable and customizable fit, and rapid lens-swap capabilities, the SlingShot exceeds stringent military ballistic impact requirements. The browless design allows airflow to provide venting and anti-fog capabilities. Additionally, the design allows for unobstructed views while in a headdown or prone position—perfect for shooting sports applications.
Providing the utmost flexibility and fit, Revision designed SlingShot to work across multiple environments, user demands, and scenarios. The temple arm design works seamlessly with head-borne equipment for optimal comms compatibility and performance in the field while offering allday comfort. Using an adjustable nosepiece the SlingShot conforms to any nose bridge, providing an optimal fit.
The SlingShot features Revision’s innovative I-Vis lens technology, an advanced dye formulation process resulting in a series of lens tints that markedly enhance visual performance. More than a single solution, I-Vis lenses are available in six tints, each optimized for use in different environments. Each tint is designed to increase contrast and elevate color recognition in specific geographic regions without the negative effects associated with traditional monochromatic lens tints. SlingShot I-Vis lenses come with Revision’s OcuMax anti-fog and scratch coating and are easily swappable. SRP: $179.99. (revisionmilitary.com)
The Palmarius over/under 12-gauge box-lock-action shotgun is a new addition to the Dickinson Arms line of high-quality shotguns and other fine firearms. The gun has a three-inch chamber with a manual safety and an automatic shell ejector and features Grade 4 Turkish walnut, crisp checkering in the grip areas, and a polymer butt pad. The receiver is fully engraved for a stylish and classic look.
There are three barrel length options: 26, 28, and 30 inches. Length of pull is 14.5 inches. The overall weight ranges from 7.25 to 7.35 pounds, depending upon barrel option, making it a great-feeling shotgun that will work birds well or get you on target on the skeet, trap, or sporting clays range.
This South Carolina manufacturer put its skills learned in machining hard-to-find aerospace parts to work to make the perfect pistol for the modern shooter without extreme pricing. The result is the TWC 9, a double-stack 1911-style 9mm with a 4.25-inch bull barrel. Extreme standards for precision and quality were applied to make this gun a looker as well as a shooter. Its RMR/RMRsc optic cut is designed to deliver no-slip performance. The 3.5-pound controlledradius trigger is designed with consideration to the shape of a finger. Even the grip is fully machined. SRP: $2,499. (jacobgreyarms.com)
Tisas USA is expanding its 1911 offerings with the introduction of the 1911 Duty B9R DS and 1911 Carry B9R DS. The Carry model features a 4.25-inch barrel, overall length of 7.9 inches, and weighs 29.9 ounces; the 1911 Duty incorporates a 5-inch barrel with an overall length of 8.6 inches. It weighs 32.5 ounces.
Both 9mm models feature a skeletonized hammer and trigger, two 17-round DS magazines, 4140 hammer-forged steel frame and slide, 4140 forged carbon-steel hard-chromium coated barrel, direct-mount 507k and RMSc optic mount, extended beavertail grip safety, and extended magazine release. SRP: $799.99. (tisasusa.com)
EXD front and rear back up sights offer a simple, effective alternative if a red dot sight or illuminated crosshair sight goes on the blink. MFT EXD sights are an excellent choice for home defenders and competitive shooters.
MFT EXD sights are crafted from steel for ruggedness and designed for a minimal profile. The front sight post is adjustable for elevation and threaded for AK-pattern posts. Detent and springs are eliminated in order to remove friction points. The reduction in hardware increases the robust nature all while minimizing complexity and failure points.
Furthermore, the sights tuck perfectly under illuminated aiming devices while maintaining a strong secure backup solution. SRP: $99.99, front sight; $124.99, rear sight.
(missionfirsttactical.com)
Most hunters are familiar with folding, portable stadium seats that provide stand-alone back support so you can sit comfortably anywhere—even on flat, open ground. Now, ALPS OutdoorZ designers have incorporated the stadium seat concept into a comfortable turkey hunting vest. Called the Impact Pro, this turkey vest does away with the bulky and floppy fold-up seats often attached to the back of many conventional turkey vests. Instead, the Impact Pro starts with a stadium seat design made of a high-density, molded foam bottom cushion and backrest to minimize bulk while ensuring maximum comfort and protection from cold, wet ground.
Merged with this is a cut-out, breathable shoulder harness design and a sternum strap for optimal load management. To deploy, simply drop the seat cushion and sit. The system is ideal for any turkey hunting scenario, but especially for the run-and-gun hunter who may need to set up for an extended wait on open ground.
In addition, molded front pockets protect diaphragm calls while removable and adjustable box call and ThermaCELL pockets ensure you have everything you need within easy reach. The vest also has an oversized game bag as well as a large cargo pocket with adjustable strap-and-buckle closures that can hold water, knife, flashlight, snacks, or poncho. Included MOLLE webbing allows for further customization. Available in Mossy Oak Original Bottomland camo, the vest weighs five pounds. SRP: $149.99. (alpsoutdoorz.com)
Designed to perform under various conditions, the Smith & Wesson Sport Series is as versatile as it is reliable. Building on the proven Sport II plat form, the next iteration comes equipped with enhancements to increase performance while being offered at a lower price. The Sport III is a gasoperated semi-auto MSR chambered in 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem. and is offered in 30+1 and 10+1 capacities. Upgrades to this platform include a 16-inch Armornite-coated barrel with a threaded muzzle, 5R rifling, and a 1:8 twist that allows for a wider variety of ammo to be used. The barrel, housed in a free-floating 15-inch M-LOK handguard with a full-length Picatinny-style rail, offers more options to accessorize than previous gen erations. The Sport III utilizes a mid-length gas system to help mitigate felt recoil, and it also ships with a six-position adjustable stock, polymer grip, bolt forward assist, and chromed firing pin. SRP: $799. (smith-wesson.com)
The BT-2 ATR chambered in 5.56 NATO is an ambidextrous-operation carbine incorporating upgraded components to give both left- and right-hand shooters the performance they have come to expect in a Rock River Arms premium-grade defensive arm. The BT-2 ATR stands on RRA’s new BT-2 upper and lower receivers. Made from 7075 T6 billet aluminum, these receivers deliver strength and rugged performance.
Incorporated into the receiver platforms are several components that deliver left- and right-hand function. First, the Radian Raptor charging handle, unlike standard charging handles, can be released by pulling either the left or right handle, allowing single-finger or palming action to charge the firearm. Additionally, texturing along the handles ensures no-slip operation from the strong or support side, even when wearing gloves. Second, the all-new BT-2 billet lower receiver is machined for ambidextrous bolt catch/release and magazine-release systems. With these systems, the shooter can place the bolt catch/release and magazinerelease button on either the left- or right-hand side of the receiver. Third, the BT-2 ATR comes with an ambidextrous safety selector switch. With the lever positioned on both sides of the receiver, the shooter can easily switch between fire and safe from the left- or right-hand shooting position.
Other features include a 16-inch chrome-lined chrome moly barrel, a twostage Ultra Match trigger group, and a NSP-2 six-position CAR stock designed
Don’t “give back.” Instead, “pay it forward.”
We’ve all heard the term “giving back” innumerable times, and perhaps you have spoken it regarding your own life’s success story. But have you ever stopped to consider what it really means? Consider this: one way to look at “giving back” is the implication that you took something out of the community in order to give something back. The reality, if you will allow this full consideration, is your business is a vital part of the community of which you are a part. Being actively involved with and caring for your hometown puts you and your business out in front of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of folks, many of whom are not part of the shooting sports world.
Shooting sports retailers have numerous opportunities to engage with potential new shooters. Never let these opportunities go to waste.
I believe a better way to proceed is to “pay it forward.” Whether you are a store/range owner, worker, or shooter, you are the face of the industry to all those you meet and interact with. Another wonderful advantage is you can be part of the development of a better, wiser, and safer community. Besides all of the other leadership mantras you invoke, your personal involvement helps the non-shooting public think more clearly about gun safety matters. In other words, the gun culture becomes “normal,” is accepted, and sought after. All because of your involvement and desire to pay it forward.
Your involvement could be considered a “calling,” one you asked for when you entered the shooting sports world. You and your team are truly acolytes for the shooting sports world. Why? Because you are perfectly in tune with the many components of our industry that make our world a better and safer place in which to conduct our lives.
I have found that the effects of this calling can ripple out well past our immediate community with truly beneficial results. Let me give you an example. Our store was very large and while walking from one department on the sales floor back toward my office, I saw an older, well-dressed couple walking arm in arm slowly down the main walkway next to the long-gun department. One of our team members, Steve, got my attention to let me know he had greeted them; they were out-ofstate visitors who just wanted to look around.
They were quietly talking to each other, and I saw that other team members also greeted them as they journeyed around the store. After a short bit I went out and added my welcome. They both wore looks of awe and surprise. They had not seen a store like this before and asked if I was the owner.
I laughed and said, “Well, my wife and I have the honor of being the founders, but everybody here is part of what makes us us.”
They returned the laughter and then proceeded to tell me they were from New York City and were visiting their daughter’s family. Then with a very calm voice, the man said, “May we ask you some questions?”
“I would be honored to help as best I can,” I said.
That led to a ton of great questions, all of which were direct but delivered with respect. It was a very good interaction between the three of us, as we were all striving to learn from each
other. As we talked they revealed to me that the so-called “truths” about the gun culture that they had believed were completely wrong. In fact, their exact words were, “Way wrong.”
Now, here is how that ripple played out.
I did not know at the time, but this couple was very influential in certain circles back in New York City. I found out later that they went home and starting with a small group of close friends began laying out the facts they discovered. A humble but important shift was taking place. This led to a growing group of now “pro” shooting sports fans—or, at the very least, a group no longer hostile to us.
Your impact will be felt in unexpected times and places. They are teachable moments and should always be respected as such.
And when confronted by a new customer who wants to know why .38 Special ammo can be used in a .357 Magnum handgun or what’s the difference between 5.56 and .223, don’t roll your eyes and sigh. Welcome the occasion as a teachable moment, one that brings another new shooter into the fold.
The simple truth is you are part of an amazing and unique industry, one rooted in the founding of our country. So, don’t give back. Pay it forward—always.
Author bio: Miles Hall was founder and president of a multi-million-dollar firearms retail store and gun range in Oklahoma for 36 years. He is now a senior advisor helping FFLs around the country run more efficient, profitable businesses. (HallnHall.com)
