SYMBOL
The U.S. Marine Corps needed a tough-as-nails, absolutely precise riflescope that gave warfighters the ability to engage targets from CQB to long range with confidence. Mission accomplished.
Read the full story at Trijicon.com/VCOG.
Magazines are a common failure point, and factory designs can struggle to perform as needed—especially in high round-count scenarios. Elite Tactical Systems (ETS) strives to change that by designing and manufacturing high-quality, durable magazines capable of consistent feeding and impressive longevity. The latest mags from ETS are the Omega line, with the first in the family of clear models geared for popular Glock 9mm models.
ETS Omega Magazines are currently undergoing extensive testing and evaluation with state and local law enforcement agencies. These agencies make note of the ability to rapidly identify round count and type being critical in performance of their duties.
Not only does the Omega magazine offer Glock owners—who are known for their dedication to gear capable of withstanding hard use—a rugged aftermarket option, it offers far more. Features of the Omega mags include hardened steel feed lips for superior feeding, an ergonomic floorplate for rapid magazine changes, and an impact resistant polymer housing. Then there’s the patent-pending Omega Joint and frame that wraps entirely around the body of the magazine for fantastic strength. These magazines are versatile and can be used for carry guns or trusted to withstand dedicated training.
The magazine matters, and customers who care about reliable performance are going to be
interested in adding Omega mags to their compatible Glocks. Where there’s need for one Omega mag there’s need for more, because this is about more than a spare magazine for concealed carry—this is about having the same trustworthy gear whether your customers are at the range or staging guns for home defense. And because the ETS Omega has the clear body the company is known for, shooters can get a visual on how much ammo is left without having to peer through tiny round count cutouts.
It’s worth noting that the Omega can be easily disassembled for cleaning as needed. ETS also designed it so it’s compatible with aftermarket Glock extensions (the Omega has the standard capacities such 15 rounds for the Glock 19).
An extended 30-round Omega model is coming soon as well. Furthermore, Glock owners interested in different base plates will be pleased to find out the Omega takes other ETS doublestack 9mm base plates. These are customizable magazines that don’t really need customization—but if your customer wants to do that, they can.
ETS Omega magazines have won several industry awards and are available for Gen 1-5 Glock models 17, 18, 19, 19X, 26, 34, 45, and 49, Sig 320 and S&W M&P. Additional models coming soon. If your customers are ready to get serious about their mags, they want the ETS Omega.
Pa ssing it on. Those three simple words lay at the heart of the shooting sports. Though mental vigor is required to master shooting a rifle, pistol, or shotgun, as physical skills each discipline requires practice on the range to acquire the necessary motor skills to achieve proficiency. Experienced shooters almost always have benefitted by an older shooter who took them under wing and showed them the ropes.
A s a young editor at Field & Stream , I benefitted from a primary mentor who not only helped me gain the necessary skills of an accomplished copy editor, but also took me to the range so I could improve my basic shooting skills. As I went afield, I found others who were willing to impart their hard-won wisdom and help an eager youngster along.
With all that in mind I direct your attention this month to The Simple Truth (page 56), which explains the importance of mentoring. Miles Hall believes that mentoring is a high calling, stating, “I firmly believe the core reason our industry is still around is that we are all part of a ‘mentored’ sport where many knowledgeable, caring souls teach, share, and inspire others. The reason I found an interest in the shooting sports all those years ago was due in part to several folks who took the time to share their lives with a very young man—in the process showing me ‘how it’s done.’ It was exciting to be invited into their world.”
A nd it is a special world. Though many of my early mentors have passed on, to this day I cherish their memories and the invaluable knowledge they imparted to me—sometimes with a humorous aside, sometimes with a gruff bark. Once an older editor called me to task on an article on which I was working. “What were you thinking?” he asked. I told him. He sat back shook his head, and said, “Well, it wasn’t a good idea then, and it isn’t a good idea now.” I was ready to scamper back to my desk in shame, tail tucked between my legs, but then he proceeded in great detail to explain just where I had gone wrong and how to correct my course. It was a lesson I never forgot.
A s new shooters come into our world, it’s important for retailers and range owners to welcome them. As Miles relates, “Being a mentor can start very simply by just being aware of the folks in and around the range or store. Being open to answer any question in a respectful way is critical here. You are the face of the sport. Words, actions, and attitude all tell others ‘is this something I can, or even want to, fit into’ or not. A snide remark will instantly turn off a new guest.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Slaton L. White, Editor
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Federal Ammunition has added 15 new sub-gauge product options to its popular Federal Premium High Over All (HOA) product lineup. Engineered for elite trap, skeet, and sporting clays shooters, HOA leaves a trail of shattered targets in its wake.
Its hard, high-antimony lead payload and wads produce consistent patterns while the solid brass head and hull design make reloading easier than ever. HOA is now available in a complete lineup of loads, including new 20-gauge, 28-gauge, and .410 bore options.
“When first developing High Over All in 2021, a long list of 12-gauge loads were an obvious first choice to roll out,” says Federal shotshell product director Dan Compton. “The product line became an almost instant success in 12 gauge, and we are now excited to expand our HOA product lineup with more than a dozen new sub-gauge options. HOA is certainly our ultimate competition load for the world’s best shooters.”
The Federal Premium High Over All product line now consists of 31 total options, including
16 12-, five 20-, and five 28-gauge options, as well as five loads in .410 bore. Products come in a variety of payload weights, velocities, and dram options, and available shot sizes are Nos. 7.5, 8, 8.5, or 9.
The design of Federal’s unique Podium wad cylinder-shaped compression zone supports the payload and provides unmatched protection from deformation at ignition for the best patterns and fewer flyers. The soft-shooting wad’s unique profile allows it to be loaded in all tapered hulls. This is featured in all of HOA’s 12- and 20-gauge options.
This design is one reason why 2024 Olympic athletes Derrick Mein (Men’s Trap), Vincent Hancock (Men’s Skeet), and Austen Smith (Women’s Skeet) shoot HOA. In fact, HOA’s lineup of shells are their go-to loads in many national and
international competitions worldwide, all year long, as well as their intense practice schedule.
The shotshell ammunition is packed in 25-round boxes with an SRP of $16.99 to $22.99, depending on product/gauge. (federalpremium.com)
The RX-5000 TBR/W is the rangefinder for the modern hunter. It delivers an incredible 5,000-yard ranging distance and is packed with other new features. What truly sets it apart, though, is its integration with the also-new Leupold Control app, which uses GPS technology to remotely drop location pins to
your phone using digital maps like onX Hunt.
“A rangefinder is obviously an incredibly important tool to have with you in the field, but what we’ve done with the RX-5000 shows just how valuable it can be as a wayfinder or navigational tool,” says Eric Overstreet, technology product line manager for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “Pinning lets you mark your target on a variety of digital mapping systems. Just aim, range, and pin. Any location you range will instantly show up as a waypoint on your digital map. Whether you’re working your way through the backcountry or trying to locate an animal you’ve shot, it’s an invaluable, time-saving feature.”
Pinning is established through use of the Leupold Control app, which is free for download
in app stores. The Leupold Control app allows you to drop pins in compatible mapping systems–onX Hunt, Google Maps, and Apple Maps–and adjust the settings on your RX-5000.
Among the RX-5000’s bevy of other features is Long Range mode. Thanks to the incredible DNA engine, the RX-5000 can out of the box reach 5,000 yards on reflective targets, 3,100 yards on trees, and 2,000 yards on deer-sized game. Using Long Range mode, it can extend that distance to exceed 5,000 yards on nonreflective targets–nearly three miles of ranging capability. To assist with using Long Range mode, the RX-5000 ships with an included tripod saddle and can be fired remotely using the Leupold Control app.
The RX-5000 will accurately range in snow, rain, and fog, thanks to its Last Target mode. It provides bright and clear images with a high light transmission red OLED display and makes ranging long distances easy with its 8X magnification.
The unit’s on-board True Ballistic Range/ Wind (TBR/W) technology provides anglecompensated shoot-to distances. TBR/W technology takes precision to the next level by offering 25 selectable ballistics groups that account for your preferred cartridge, helping you dial in the exact range of your target. You can also program the rangefinder to display holdovers in either MIL or MOA, if desired.
Using the rifleman’s rule on an angled 600yard shot could result in up to a 15-inch margin of error when compared to the dead-on accuracy of Leupold’s TBR/W. And with TBR/W’s 10-mph wind holds, you’ll have all the information you need to experience more first-shot hits.
Combine that accuracy with Leupold’s Custom Dial System (CDS) and you’ll be on target in seconds.
“We set out to build the very best hunting rangefinder possible–and the features here show it,” Overstreet says. “The RX-5000, combined with the Pinning feature and the Leupold Control app, is the ultimate solution for backcountry hunters.”
The RX-5000 is waterproof and extreme-climate tested and is backed by Leupold’s Electronics Warranty. SRP: $699.99. (leupold.com)
The Leupold Control app allows you to adjust the settings on the RX-5000 rangefinder.
Hodgdon Powder Company has acquired RCBS Reloading from Revelyst, a segment of Vista Outdoor. “This acquisition of RCBS, the leading brand in metallic reloading tools, is a perfect complement to our portfolio of smokeless powder brands for our handloading customers,” says Steve Kehrwald, president and CEO of Hodgdon Powder Company. “With our world-class ballistics labs, we look forward to providing even more load data to our new RCBS customers.”
Hodgdon will add the RCBS facility in Oroville, California, to its company-owned facilities in Kansas and Montana. The addition of the RCBS team will more than double the headcount at the Hodgdon Powder Company and greatly expands the company’s manufacturing capabilities.
“For years, our friends have referred to the Hodgdon family and company as ‘The Gunpowder People,’ and this acquisition further demonstrates our dedication to the handloader,” says J.B. Hodgdon, co-owner with his late brother Bob, of the Hodgdon Powder Company. “Our dad, Bruce, partnered with Fred Huntington from RCBS to conduct Reloading Roadshow events in the 1950s and 1960s. I believe they both are looking down today, proud to have our two great brands together in 2024.”
“For more than 80 years, RCBS has demonstrated their manufacturing, innovation, and oper ational excellence,” says Eric Nyman, coCEO of Vista Outdoor and CEO of Revelyst. “We are thrilled for RCBS and their new ownership with Hodgdon Powder. This transaction joins two iconic brands, and it ensures that
RCBS is positioned for success in the next chapter of its history.”
“Selling RCBS allows us to raise cash to create a more dynamic portfolio for our company’s future,” says Andy Keegan, CFO of Revelyst. “Revelyst will use proceeds from the sale to enhance the operational efficiencies of the company’s power brands, evaluate bolt-on acquisitions, and invest in maker-fueled innovation and organic growth.”
Revelyst received interest from multiple parties looking to acquire RCBS, whose strong culture, 80-year history, value proposition in
the market, and alignment with the existing Hodgdon portfolio makes this transaction the best path forward for the brand.
“As part of Hodgdon, RCBS is positioned for growth with a company whose deep history in ammunition components, domestic manufacturing, and reputation with core shooting sports enthusiasts will help RCBS flourish,” says Kehrwald. “Under Hodgdon’s ownership, RCBS can continue its operational excellence, growth, and scale across the shooting sports industry.”
(hodgdonpowderco.com)
Falco Holsters recently revealed a new collection of shoulder holsters designed to enhance concealed carry experiences. These shoulder holsters consist of the handcrafted leather D131 and D231 Roto shoulder holsters and the D901 Hybrid Roto shoulder holster.
“The light-bearing full-leather version of our successful Roto shoulder system has been eagerly anticipated and reflects our dedication to prioritizing customer feedback,” says Katarína Zacharová, Falco’s vice president of sales and marketing. “Our shoulder holster line stands out for its interchangeability, allowing all configurations to integrate into a single harness system seamlessly.”
Roto shoulder holsters boast a rotating function, enabling a vertical carry position for a sleek profile and ergonomic draw even with full-sized handguns. “When you’re ready to draw, simply unsnap the security strap, and the holster rotates to an angle that promotes a more comfortable grip and rapid draw,” Zacharová says. “The holster incorporates a leather security strap designed to be released by the forefinger and adjustable leather belt tie-down straps to keep your firearm in place. Strategically placed spaces in the leather harness allow extensive size adjustment to fit the harness to your body type. Combined with the leather harness, everyday carriers enjoy balanced weight distribution of the handgun and
D131 and D231 light-bearing Roto shoulder holsters feature a steel-reinforced forefinger security strap for secure firearm retention, innovative rotating design for ergonomic draw, and an open-bottom design for threaded barrels. In addition, a slit for a belt strap on the back side provides stability. The holsters are designed to accommodate more than 3,000 handguns and more than 50 models of tactical lights and lasers and are available with multiple harness and counterbalance options. SRP: $119.95, D131; $95.95, D231.
The D901 Hybrid Roto shoulder holster with a double-mag pouch combines premium Italian fullgrain leather with .08 inch of Kydex for optimal comfort and retention. “By incorporating a Kydex shell into our design and surrounding it with leather, people benefit from the comfort and aesthetics of leather plus the retention and stability of Kydex,” says Zacharová.
The rotating function allows for a more efficient and comfortable gun draw, and a tension screw allows you to adjust the retention of the holster. The vertical underarm carry position allows for safe EDC concealment, and the adjustable shoulder harness is tapered for weight distribution and comfort.
The holster can be configured for handguns with red dot sights and is ideal for large-framed firearms. SRP: $299.95. (falcoholsters.com)
Anderson Manufacturing has appointed industry veteran Jeff Stawiarski as its new chief executive officer. The strategic move reinforces Anderson Manufacturing’s commitment to innovation and growth.
“As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we are thrilled to welcome Jeff as our CEO,” said Charles and Carl Anderson, owners of Anderson Manufacturing. “His proven track record of success, combined with his deep understanding of the industry, make him the ideal leader to guide our company into the future.”
With a wealth of experience, expertise, and thoughtful leadership, Stawiarski has demonstrated exceptional vision and stewardship throughout his career. He has held positions at Xtreme Scents, W.L. Gore, Vista Outdoor, and EOTECH. His appointment is pivotal as Anderson Manufacturing continues expanding its market presence and drives forward its legacy of quality and precision craftsmanship. As CEO, he will lead Anderson Manufacturing’s strategic direction, fostering innovation and driving sustainable growth. His leadership will build upon the strong foundation established by the Anderson family, ensuring continued success and prosperity.
“I am honored to join Anderson Manufacturing as CEO and to work alongside the talented team that has made this company a recognized leader in the industry,” said Stawiarski. “I am committed to building upon Anderson Manufacturing’s legacy of excellence, driving innovation, and delivering unparalleled value to our customers.”
(andersonmanufacturing.com)
Smith & Wesson is releasing a new Jerry Miculek signature revolver, the Performance Center Model 327 WR. Designed in partnership with professional shooter and S&W brand ambassador, Jerry Miculek, the Model 327 WR boasts features that embody speed and accuracy. This lightweight 9mm handgun is built on a scandium N-Frame and includes a titanium c ylinder that allows the user to quickly and precisely transition between targets. Included with the brass bead front and adjustable rear sight package is a Vortex COMPDOT and C.O.R.E. optic-plate system for revolvers that accommodate a wide range of optics to enhance the shooter’s experience. The revolver also features a JM signature laminated wood grip that provides optimal ergonomics for any necessary adjustments needed between holster draw and target acquisition.
At the Smith & Wesson headquarters grand opening weekend in October 2023 Miculek set two NRA world records with his Model 327 WR prototype, making history once again and further positioning himself as one of the greatest shooters ever. The records included the fastest time to hit six steel plates at seven yards from the draw with a 9mm handgun in 2.01 seconds, and the same with a revolver in 1.88 seconds.
“Crafted from the blueprint of shooting excellence, the new Model 327 WR is more than just a high-performance firearm—it’s a legacy. With modern upgrades to an already trusted platform, Jerry’s new signature revolver is a tribute to the mastery of precision and the art of sports shooting perfected by Jerry himself,” said product manager Corey Beaudreau.
ty, a five-inch ported stainless-steel barrel, and a smooth double-action trig ger. This model will be available as a limited release of only 1,880 units, to reflect Miculek’s recent record time of 1.88 seconds. The revolver ships with all of its included accessories in a custom Pelican hard case.
(smith-wesson.com)
First introduced in 2016, the REC7 DI rifle is now returning to the market following a temporary production hold due to the MK 22 contract. Known for its reliability and precision, the Barrett REC7 is designed specifically for situations in which there’s no room for error. It features a mid-length gas system for reliability with or without a suppressor. Other features include a cold hammer-forged chrome-lined barrel, Magpul furniture, ALG QMS trigger, and an extended slimline Barrett handguard with M-LOK accessory mounting slots. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the upper and lower receivers are machined from 7075-T6 aluminum. In addition, all aluminum components are coated in Type 3 hard-coat anodizing.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer the REC7 DI once again to our customers,” says Bryan James, president of Barrett. “This rifle embodies the legacy of quality and reliability that the Barrett name represents. We are confident that shooters will once again appreciate the exceptional performance and craftsmanship of the REC7 DI.”
James notes that every REC7 DI is hand-built one at a time, inspected, and tested to ensure it delivers the performance users expect from the Barrett name. Available in 5.56x45 NATO. (barrett.net)
Springfield Armory has released two new color options—Coyote with black webbing and OD Green with black webbing—for the popular Model 2020 Rimfire Target family of .22 LR boltaction rifles. They offer shooters a refined bolt-action rifle with all the quality and performance they’ve come to expect from Springfield Armory. SRP for each of the new variants is $499.
The Model 2020 Rimfire bolt-action rifle is offered in two primary versions—the syntheticstocked Target Model and the wood-stocked Classic Model. The Target features a reinforced polymer stock modeled after the popular Model 2020 Waypoint, while the Classic is offered in four grades of Turkish walnut with a satin finish. These two new colors for the Target variant complement the original Black and Sage with black webbing offerings.
Dual standard sling swivels on the Model 2020 Rimfire give shooters twin interface points for the sling of their choice. The rifles’ rubber recoil pads, artfully shaped and contoured with the lines of the rifle, shoulder intuitively and comfortably. In addition, a length of pull of 13.45 inches ensures the maximum in handling and performance.
The Model 2020 Rimfire action features dual cocking cams and a hard chrome bolt for smooth
cycling and flawless operation. The 60-degree bolt throw enhances speed and ease of use while the interrupted Picatinny rail delivers a solid foundation for the optic of your choice. Each Model 2020 Rimfire ships with a .22-caliber rotary magazine that is cross-compatible with Ruger 10/22-pattern magazines of the same capacity.
The premium heavy-profile barrel of the Model 2020 Rimfire Target is 20 inches long and free-floated for its full length. As a result, the rifle will not suffer point of impact shift due to input against the stock. It is also threaded to accept suppressors and muzzle devices.
Optimized for the .22-caliber action, the Model 2020 Rimfire features a Model 700-pattern adjustable trigger that is factory-set at 4.5 pounds. The trigger can be tuned to your preference and delivers a crisp, clean break. Furthermore, the action is designed to accept many aftermarket 700-pattern triggers for enhanced customization.
“The Model 2020 Rimfire family features the appeal of a well-made rimfire rifle,” says Steve Kramer, vice president of marketing for Springfield Armory. “With these new color variants in the Rimfire line, shooters have even more options for a high-quality .22 LR bolt-action rifle.”
(springfield-armory.com)
Buck Knives recently celebrated the grand re-opening of its factory store at the company’s manufacturing facility and headquarters in Post Falls, Idaho. The re-opening event at the 1,600-square-foot store highlighted the enduring tradition of craftsmanship and excellence that defines Buck Knives.
“The grand re-opening of the Buck factory store reinforces the company’s commitment to American manufacturing excellence and is a tribute to the more than 300 employees who handcraft some of the world’s most famous and respected knives,” says Lane Tobiassen, president of Buck Knives. “I’m incredibly proud of the continued growth of the Buck Knives organization, and the factory store is a representation of the brand that truly highlights the breadth and quality of Buck’s products.”
The store has been completely remodeled. The revamped store is now nearly triple the size of the previous retail site and now boasts a significantly larger range of products for customers who visit. Coming into the store also provides the opportunity to handle and purchase any of the more than 200 different Buck knives available, plus a wide range of branded accessories, logo apparel, knife-care products, and one-of-a-kind specialty knives found only at the factory store. Free daily factory tours are also available at the company’s state-of-the-art 130,000-plus square-foot manufacturing facility located in the Riverbend Commerce Park (south of Interstate 90) at 660 S. Lochsa, in Post Falls. Visitors can also learn details about the more than 120-year history of family-owned Buck Knives through an extensive history display and museum. (buckknives.COM)
The RCR is essentially a sealed-emitter version of the RMR.
Trijicon constantly pushes forward with ground-breaking product.
Stephen Bindon has been with Trijicon since the beginning, helping his father, Glyn Bindon, build some of the earliest products the company brought to market. An engineer by trade, he has held the role of President and CEO of Trijicon since 2003 and continues to prioritize the pursuit of innovation that has defined the 40-year history of the company.
SHOT Business: What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the industry in the next five years?
Stephen Bindon: A key component of our business is producing high-quality scopes for hunting rifles. However, the hunting participation rates in the U.S. have been in decline as the younger generations are not taking up hunting at the pace their parents did. As an industry, we need to find ways to encourage outreach to young people with an interest in hunting to make sure they can find a mentor to help them get started. The NSSF is doing good work in this area with their +ONE program, but there is always more we can do. We have a lot of passionate hunters at Trijicon, and we want to see this country’s strong heritage of hunting passed on to the next generation.
SB: What opportunities do you see?
SB: Firearm manufacturing processes have improved in the last decade to a point where even entry-level price-point firearms are capable of shooting incredibly accurately. This presents an opportunity for high-quality optics manufacturers to enable users to extract all of the potential accuracy out of their firearm that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to with a lesser grade of optic. We sometimes liken it to buying a highly capable sports car, but putting the cheapest available import tires on it—you’re not going to get the performance out of the car that you could with quality tires.
SB: When you get up in the morning, what gets you excited about working in the industry?
SB: It is exciting to see how much the optics industry has evolved over the last 40 years. Just looking at the technology and manufacturing expertise that goes into a product like a miniature red-dot sight, you see how far capabilities have come.
SB: In a very competitive world, how does Trijicon stay ahead of the pack?
SB: Since day one, Trijicon has been committed to innovation in the aiming solutions market. Tritium-powered night sights; tritium and fiber illumination in the ACOG and AccuPoint; the first miniature red dot small enough and tough enough to survive riding on a pistol slide. The list goes on and on. Trijicon maintains our leadership position in the industry by committing the resources needed to constantly push toward what’s next.
SB: How will you meet the expectations of your customers?
SB: We design all our products for use in the harshest environments in the world. This commitment comes from our decades of military contracts across a range of our products, but it extends to everything we make. Whether our customer is going on the hunt of a lifetime or defending their life in a personal defense situation, we want them to know they can count on their Trijicon optic to perform regardless of the conditions.
SB: The ACOG made the company’s reputation. What qualities allowed it to do this?
SB: From the beginning, the ACOG went against what optical experts said was possible,
but my father had an idea and he worked on it until he perfected it. The prism-based design built within a forged aluminum housing proved to be incredibly durable while providing a level of magnification well suited to the M16 with which it was initially paired. The addition of fiber and tritium illumination enabled the sight to offer battery-free any-light aiming, which is a significant advantage for a battle optic. That illumination also enabled what has come to be known as the Bindon Aiming Concept, which involves shooting a magnified optic with both eyes open to increase accuracy and situational awareness. These features have resulted in the ACOG being deployed in more battlefields than any other optic in the world.
SB: Thermal imaging is a hot product area. You have a pair of recently updated riflescopes here— the REAP-IR and the IR-HUNTER. What makes them special?
SB: Our REAP and HUNTER lines of thermal scopes offer hunters the highest resolution thermal night vision in a housing that’s built to handle the rough conditions of night hunting. We make our thermal scope housings from the same forged aluminum as our ACOGs so that every inadvertent drop or stray rain shower isn’t followed by a
warranty claim. Having a high-resolution thermal scope doesn’t do you any good if it can’t survive the recoil and hard use of a season of hunting.
SB You recently launched two new red dot sights, the RMR HD and the RCR. What’s the difference
and why would someone pick one over the other?
SB: The RMR HD is the next generation of the RMR. We took all the feedback we’ve gotten from users in the five years since the current generation RMR launched and put that into the RMR HD. It has a top-loading battery, larger visible window, and a segmented circle reticle as well as a simple dot. It also offers a forward-facing light sensor that detects the light level at the target and adjusts the reticle to the appropriate brightness when in auto mode; this is particularly helpful when using a pistol-mounted weapon light. The goal was to continue to evolve the RMR and maintain its position as the standard for duty use.
The RCR is essentially a sealed-emitter version of the RMR. It maintains the patented RMR shape for durability while enclosing the emitter window for use in particularly harsh conditions where there is concern that the emitter window could become obscured. The most interesting thing our engineers were able to do with the RCR is develop a method for the optic to mount with a standard RMR footprint. They utilized a capstan screw system that tightens from the side to avoid having the type of additional plate used in other sealed emitters that require the sight to sit higher on the firearm. This means that not only can the RCR fit on any slide or plate set up for the RMR, but it can also use the same height co-witness iron sights as the RMR. Both optics offer an incredibly durable aiming solution; which one is right for a particular user really depends on what features are most important for their application.
(trijicon.com)
eWool amps up the heated garment sector.
Alain Desmeules, founder and CEO of the premium heated garment company eWool, grew up in Canada. While many of us in the U.S. think we know cold, the cold he grew up in is a different kind of frigid—one that’s difficult for most of us to comprehend.
“My mom had to rub Vaseline on our faces to keep any of our exposed skin from getting frostbite,” he says. “That’s just how we lived. As Canadians, we go outside. Even when it’s that cold. It’s part of our way of life.”
Desmeules felt the need to break into the heated garment industry after pursuing a successful career in engineering.
“My passion for heated clothing came about because I saw people suffering in the cold, and I knew it didn’t have to be that way,” he says.
“When the concept of heated clothing became a reality in 2010, I knew that was going to be my mission—to help people who have to be in the cold to be safer and more comfortable.”
Desmeules founded eWool in 2013 and immediately started using his engineering background to improve the technology of the heated garment industry that was still in its infancy. For every technological breakthrough made, and each new patent filed, Desmeules had one primary objective: “The goal is to create a product that works so well that when you push a button, it immediately starts generating enough heat to protect you from the elements.”
This concept was especially important because the customers eWool were targeting weren’t casual consumers on a weekend ski trip, but rather law enforcement and other professionals who spend hours in the bitter cold every day for six months or more of the year.
“When you’re that cold all day, it takes away your ability to function. And when you need to
be at your best to perform and stay safe, you need something that’s convenient, efficient, and reliable. That’s what we’re trying to achieve,” he says. “So that with the push of a button, the environment they need to work in is no longer hostile and they can stay safe.”
To make sure the company meets that objective, eWool products have been tested in some of the harshest conditions possible by law enforcement departments across Canada as well as movie crews filming in frigid conditions.
Although at first glance eWool might seem to be a garment company, Desmeules is very clear that eWool is something else entirely. “We are not a garment company. We are a technology company,” he says.
Ever since the company was founded, it was the technology of heated clothing that Desmeules and his team have worked to improve and perfect, not the clothing itself. After more than a decade of innovating and testing and innovating some more, eWool has perfected that technology to the point where it’s ready to take it to the next phase.
“Our goal now is to take that technology of heated clothing that we’ve perfected and partner with established garment companies to make it easier to get that technology out to more people who can benefit from it,” Desmeules says. “Instead of garment companies having to spend time and money trying to develop heated clothing
technology on their own, they can take advantage of the countless hours of research and innovation we’ve done. We combine our strength with their strength and everyone benefits, especially the people who will use the product.”
Because of the success of eWool’s products throughout the last 10 years, there’s a loyal following of people who are already familiar with eWool and recognize it as a premium brand in heated clothing. This presents unique cross-branding opportunities for garment companies who want to offer their existing customers another layer of protection against the cold.
One of the main reasons that Desmeules is eager to form these strategic partnerships is so eWool can continue to concentrate on what it does best.
“The purpose of our company is to push the technology to its limits,” he says. “We want to make the technology function as it’s supposed to—so efficiently and effortlessly that the technology itself disappears and you feel like you’re just wearing a regular garment.”
Smart phones. Smart cars. Smart homes. It stands to reason that smart clothing is next in line. And that’s exactly what eWool is working to make a reality. (ewool.com)
eWool’s line of heated clothing includes socks and vests, all designed to provde instant warmth.
by Brad Fitzpatrick
Whether customers are looking for upland or waterfowl loads, ammunition for a concealed-carry gun, or specialized rifle rounds for making long-range shots, you’ll be able to stock a host of new ammo products this year.
The last three-and-a-half years have been a rollercoaster for the ammunition industry. When the pandemic struck and ammo supplies dwindled, manufacturers were faced with backlogged orders of existing products; as a result, many companies began turning out ammunition around the clock. This sudden spike in demand caused many brands to pause development for new products, but now that the market has corrected itself manufacturers are once again rolling out new products, many of which debuted at SHOT Show 2024.
There were a couple of new rifle loads that headlined this year’s show, including Hornady’s outstanding 22 ARC ammunition, the offspring of the company’s successful 6mm ARC cartridge. Winchester’s 400 Legend is not “new” (it was introduced last year), but we’re seeing more loads available and many rifles chambered in this versatile straight-wall cartridge. The 7mm PRC is also making a major splash, and many manufacturers are now offering at least one new PRC load.
There was also a variety of new shotshell loads on display in Vegas this year, everything from high-speed steel shot to blended tungsten loads. There’s certainly a growing market for non-toxic shells with biodegradable wads, but perhaps the most pronounced trend you’ll see in shotgun ammunition this year is the development of three-inch 28-gauge loads for hunting upland game, waterfowl, and turkeys.
There are, of course, lots of new long-range and concealed-carry loads, and it’s clear that demand for these items hasn’t slackened. It’s good to see something of a return to normalcy after a rough three years, and it’s exciting to see new products pumped out by R&D teams that are itching to see their innovative products arrive on the market. Of course, the best place to see those new items is the annual NSSF SHOT Show, so here’s a rundown of what’s new for ammo in 2024.
Apex is launching a new Mossy Oak Greenleaf 28-gauge blended TSS load designed with turkey hunters in mind. But unlike most other new 28-gauge turkey loads this year, this one measures 2¾ inches and will work in most all 28-gauge guns, even those without 3-inch chambers. The Apex load, however, is no slouch; it delivers an unbelievable 1½ ounces of blended No. 9 and No. 10 TSS shot, which translates to 665 ultra-dense pellets heading toward the target. Patterns are very tight thanks to Apex’s Tungsten Propulsion Wad, which also protects the barrel.
(apexmunition.com)
Browning is adding two new 28 Nosler loads this year in their popular big-game hunting lines of ammunition. MaxPoint 28 Nosler ammunition fires a 140-grain bullet with a large polymer nose that improves ballistic coefficients while initiating expansion, making it a great choice for a wide variety of game. There’s also a new 28 Nosler Browning Silver Series load with a 175-grain lead soft-point bullet that will be a versatile and affordable offering for anyone who shoots the popular 28 Nosler. (browning.com)
Perhaps the biggest launch from CCI this year is their new Uppercut selfdefense .22 LR ammunition. Although people may debate the merits of the .22 LR as a self-defense cartridge, there are still many who carry rimfires, and CCI has set out to offer them the best possible personal protection option with this load. The 32-grain hollow point bullet features skiving to initiate expansion. CCI claims that this bullet expands reliably down to 900 feet per second, and it achieves a muzzle velocity of 950 feet per second (fps) from a 2-inch barrel. Uppercut ammunition features unwaxed bullets and reliable CCI priming and powder for consistent, reliable performance.
CCI has also released new shotshell pest-control loads for centerfire handguns, including their first-ever 10mm Auto shotshell that fires No. 9 shot and is sold in 10-round trays. Also new to the lineup is CCI HEVIBismuth pest-control shotshell ammunition for 9mm pistols, which fires a payload of either No. 8 or No. 11 bismuth non-toxic shot and is legal in areas where lead is banned. Lastly, CCI Blazer is introducing a new 100grain low-recoil 9mm Luger load that’s perfect for new or recoil-sensitive shooters. These FMJ practice loads will be sold in 100-round trays for convenient transport to the range.
(cci-ammunition.com)
This year Federal Premium is releasing over a dozen new products, including their Fusion Tipped hunting ammunition. For years customers have been asking Federal to offer a tipped version of the molecularly bonded Fusion bullet to improve ballistic performance; the company listened and is now launching eight new Fusion Tipped ammo offerings in popular calibers ranging from 6.5 Creedmoor to .300 Winchester Magnum, including a new 7mm PRC 175-grain load. The fused jacket and core allow these bullets to retain an average of 94 percent of their original weight, and the new streamlined profile increases ballistic coefficients and improves energy retention and ballistic performance. Fusion Tipped ammunition can be easily identified by its signature orange polymer tip. Also new is Federal’s Hammer Down 360 Buckhammer load. The 360 Buckhammer is a rimmed cartridge designed for use in lever-action rifles in states that require straight-wall cartridges for big-game hunting. The new Hammer Down 360 Buckhammer load pushes a 220-grain .358-inch Fusion bullet at an initial velocity of 2,400 fps, making it a suitable 200-yard deer hunting load with moderate recoil and ballistics that mimic those of the .30-30 Winchester.
Federal is expanding the Terminal Ascent line of hunting ammunition this year by adding new 6.5 PRC (140-grain), 7mm PRC (155- and 170-grain) and .300 PRC (210-grain) offerings, all of which will make excellent hunting loads for a variety of game thanks to the bullet’s durable bonded design (it is a modern take on Jack Carter’s Original Trophy Bonded Bear Claw bullet) and streamlined high BC profile with a Slipstream polymer tip. Also new this year is a 175-grain 7mm PRC option in Federal’s ELD-X line of ammunition.
On the shotshell side of the market Federal has announced the release of the Freight Train Copper Tipped family of sabot slugs. The tipped slug is designed to be extremely accurate for big-game hunters. Skiving in the nose ensures reliable expansion for maximum energy transfer; 2¾- and 3-inch versions are available in both 12 and 20 gauge, and velocities range from 1,700 to 1,900 fps. Federal is also offering a 20-gauge personal defense 2¾-inch copper-plated buckshot load that fires 10 No. 2 plated, buffered buckshot pellets at a velocity of 1,325 fps for ample threat-stopping power. Competitive shooters will also have a new shotshell option with the release of Federal’s new Action Shotshell 2¾-inch 12-gauge load. The leading edge of this roll-crimped shotshell’s hull has been tapered so it feeds smoothly, and the plated steel shell head will reliably cycle every time. New this year for upland hunters is Federal Premium Prairie Storm Bismuth Blend, a combination of 30 percent 9.6g/cc HEVI-Bismuth shot and 70 percent premium steel. The resulting non-toxic load is safe in classic and modern shotguns and produces excellent patterns and improved terminal performance over all steel non-toxic loads. Federal’s existing Prairie Storm family of shotshell ammunition is growing with the addition of a new 3-inch 28-gauge one-ounce load with No. 6 shot and three new 12-gauge 2¾-inch loads with 1¼-ounces of Nos. 4, 5, or 6 lead shot. Prairie Storm ammunition blends 70 percent copper-plated lead and 30 percent FLITESTOPPER lead pellets for outstanding terminal performance, and all feature FLITECONTROL FLEX wads. Muzzle velocities for these three new loads are 1,330 fps, slightly lower than the standard 1,500 fps for Prairie Storm loads, and that means less perceived recoil. Also new is a 12-gauge 2¾-inch Hi-Bird fiber wad load that combines a payload of 9.64 g/cc non-toxic bismuth shot with a biodegradable wad. Also new from Federal Premium is a HEAVYWEIGHT TSS .410 3-inch turkey load that drives 13 16 ounce of high-density No. 7 TSS from the muzzle at 1,100 fps, turning the .410 into an efficient gobbler gun. Competitive clay target shooters will have the option to purchase Federal’s new Gold Medal FITASC 12-gauge shotshells with either No. 7.5 or No. 8 shot. These shotshells are designed to be effective at ranges of 40 to 70 yards, and the two-piece SoftCell wad helps reduce felt recoil.
Federal is offering a number of new handgun loads this year, including Punch .25 Auto. Designed to allow for sufficient penetration from the mild .25 Auto cartridge, Punch ammo utilizes a nickel-plated TMJ non-expanding projectile that ensures sufficient threat-stopping penetration. Fans of the .32 Auto will be thrilled to hear that there is a new 68-grain Hydra-Shok Deep load for that round that improves the performance of the .32 and makes it a more effective self-defense cartridge.
There are new line extensions to the Federal Champion line of full metal jacket target ammunition this year, including 90-grain 30 Super Carry, 130-grain .38 Special, and 95-grain .380 Auto, all of which will make excellent target and practice loads. Also new from Federal this year are Value Packs of 36-grain lead hollow point .22 Long Rifle ammunition in either 325- or 525-count boxes. (federalpremium.com)
HEVI-Shot launched new .410 HEVI-XII loads this year with a choice of either No. 5 or No. 7 HEVI-Shot at a muzzle velocity of 1,450 fps. Both new 3-inch .410 loads hold ½ ounce of HEVI-XII, which is 53.8 percent denser than steel, allowing hunters to drop down three pellet sizes while retaining the same per-pellet energy. Dropping pellet sizes also increases pellet count by 28 percent, making this one of the most potent non-toxic .410 loads ever developed. Also new from HEVI-Shot is a 12-gauge, 3-inch version of the HEVI-Xtreme non-toxic shotshell with a blend of 30 percent No. 2 tungsten and 70 percent BB steel. This stacked load offers the best combination of lethality and value, and it utilizes the revolutionary FLITECONTROL FLEX wad developed by Federal for consistent performance and even patterns at various ranges. Also new is HEVI-Steel Upland, an ideal load for clay target shooting and dove hunting in areas where non-toxic shot is mandatory. With HEVI-Shot’s consistent propellants and quality components, this is an excellent option for hunters and shooters who are seeking a non-toxic load that is reasonably priced. (hevishot.com)
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2024 marks Hornady’s 75th year in business, and as part of that celebration the company rolled out several new products at SHOT Show. The company’s headline product is the new 22 ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge), a .22-caliber centerfire load that offers .22-250-level performance in a rifle cartridge that performs flawlessly in AR-15 rifles. With an overall length of 2.260 inches, the 22 ARC is designed for heavy-for-caliber high-BC bullets and fast 1:7 twist barrels. It also makes an exceptional small-game, varmint, and predator round and works well in precision bolt-action rifles. Three new load offerings are available: a 62-grain ELD-VT V-Match, 80-grain ELD Match, and 75-grain ELD Match Black. This cartridge will certainly draw the attention of hunters, but it will also attract long-range shooters who want the 22 ARC’s combination of superb ballistic performance and low recoil.
Also new this year from Hornady is the new Extremely Low DragVarmint/Target (ELD-VT) bullet, which will be an option for the 22 ARC. ELD-VT bullets feature streamlined profiles and Hornady Heat Shield tips that ride over top a hollow nose cavity in the bullet. Upon impact, the AMP jacket expands rapidly and sheds energy effectively. ELD-VT bullets are available in .224 (62 grains), .243 (80 grains), .264 (100 grains), and .308 (174 grains). ELD-VT bullets will also be available in Hornady’s new V-match ammunition line that includes a 62-grain 22 ARC load, 6mm ARC and 6mm Creedmoor 80-grain loads, and 6.5 Grendel and 6.5 Creedmoor 100-grain loads. All of these will make excellent long-range target loads as well as varmint and predator hunting rounds.
Lastly, Hornady is now offering 5.7x28 ammunition in the Critical Defense and Black lines. The Critical Defense load will use 40-grain FTX bullets while the Black load will come with 40-grain V-Max bullets. (Hornady.com)
This year Nosler isn’t offering any brand-new bullets, but at the request of customers they are adding some line extensions to their rifle ammunition lines. There are a few new Ballistic Tip offerings, including a 140-grain 6.5x55 Swedish and a 165-grain .300 Winchester Short Magnum. There’s also a new 70-grain .243 Winchester Ballistic Tip Varmint load. Ballistic Tip bullets are designed to be aerodynamic and offer high ballistic coefficients that translate to excellent accuracy. A polymer tip enhances the bullet’s streamlined profile and initiates expansion even at relatively low velocities, which is excellent for long-range hunting. Upon impact the Ballistic Tip bullet sheds energy effectively, resulting in superb terminal performance. (nolser.com)
Perhaps the biggest news from Remington this year is the release of their new CuT coppertipped bullet. Because it’s lead-free, this monolithic bullet is legal for hunting in areas that require non-toxic ammunition, and the streamlined profile and signature green polymer tip give CuT a streamlined profile and make it suitable for long-range hunting. The monometal design ensures high weight retention (around 95 percent) and deep penetration. Nine popular calibers are being offered initially, including 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm Remington Magnum, .3006, .308 Winchester, and both the 6.5mm and 7mm PRCs. Remington is also expanding their Core-Lokt Copper family of lead-free hunting bullets with the addition of a 360 Buckhammer offering. This 160-grain copper bullet has a muzzle velocity of 2,400 fps, and retained weight should be excellent thanks to the monometal design. The Core-Lokt Tipped family is also growing and now includes 140-grain 7mm-08 and 6.5 PRC offerings, a 180-grain Buckhammer load, a 175-grain 7mm PRC offering, and a powerhouse 210-grain .300 PRC option. Remington also is offering a new leadless UMC 55-grain .223 Remington load. This round features a jacketed powder-metal core bullet and a lead-free primer. Muzzleloader hunters will be happy to hear that Remington is adding a new 260-grain .50-caliber Premier AccuTip MZ muzzleloader bullet to their lineup. The Point Port tip, spiral nose cuts, and bonded construction make the Premier AccuTip MZ a deadly accurate bullet that shoots well in a variety of muzzleloaders and retains nearly 100 percent of its original weight at 100 yards. It’s also easier to load than competing muzzleloader bullets.
There is a variety of new shotshell loads available from Remington this year as well, including Nitro-Steel DUPLEX, a bladed steel load that comes with a combination of No. 2/ No. 4, No. 2/No. 6, BB/No. 2, and BB/No. 4 shot. These blended non-toxic loads are affordable and versatile, and with a muzzle velocity of 1,450 fps they are deadly on waterfowl and upland birds. Remington is also offering a new Nitro Pigeon load that is engineered specifically for pigeon hunters. This 2¾-inch 12-gauge ammunition pushes 1¼ ounces of No. 7½
2-percent antimony shot at a velocity of 1,230 fps, which makes it lethal even on large, hard-flying birds. It also comes with a Remington RXP wad, STS unibody construction, a premier STS primer, and custom-blended propellant. One of the most interesting new loads that was on display at the 2024 SHOT Show was Remington’s low-decibel .410 load. Pushing a ½-ounce payload of No. 9 shot at just 550 fps, this subsonic load is perfect for low-recoil practice sessions, and it’s also an ideal pest load that will quickly and quietly dispatch snakes and other vermin around your home with authority. Competition clay shooters will want to check out the new 1-ounce 12-gauge Nitro Sporting Clays load at 1,290 fps. These high-quality competition shells feature solid brass caps, STS primers, custom propellants, TGT Power Piston Wads, and extra hard STS shot.
Remington’s brand-new Core-Lokt handgun loads are exciting news for anyone who hunts game with a revolver or pistol. Initial offerings include a .357 Magnum 180grain load, a .41 Remington Magnum 210-grain load, a 240-grain .44 Remington Magnum load, and a 200-grain 10mm Auto. All these loads will feature Core-Lokt JHP bullets and high-quality nickel-plated cases, making them an attractive option for hunters. New to the High Terminal performance line of ammunition is the HTP .32 H&R Magnum load that fires an 85-grain JHP bullet at a muzzle velocity of 1,120 fps, making this a suitable self-defense round for .32 H&R magnum revolvers and a great lowrecoil personal-protection load for .327 Federal revolvers.. But the HTP load is not the only new .32 H&R Magnum offering from Remington this year. The new Performance Wheelgun .32 H&R Magnum load fires a 95-grain semi-wadcutter hollow point bullet at 1,020 fps, making it a great all-round .32 H&R option for small-game hunting, defense, and target shooting. Lastly, Remington UMC is offering a new 100-grain jacketed lead-free powdered metal core 9mm training load that is suitable for training or shooting in areas where lead is banned.
(remington.com)
The biggest news from Winchester is likely expanded 400 Legend ammunition offerings. The 400 Legend cartridge was released at SHOT 2023 and drew major interest from hunters in straight-wall-only states because it offered better ballistics than the 350 Legend and less recoil than the .45-70 or .450 Bushmaster. The first 400 Legend ammunition offering was Winchester’s 210-grain Power Point load that was on sale during the 2023 fall hunting season, but at SHOT Show the company unveiled two new 400 Legend loads. The new Deer Season XP 400 Legend fires a 190-grain Extreme Point bullet and is the flattest shooting of the 400 Legend offerings. There’s also a new 300-grain Open Tip Range Super Suppressed load available this year for the 400 Legend as well. In addition to the new 400 Legend offerings, Winchester is also adding three new 3-inch 28-gauge loads, including a Winchester Bismuth load that pushes one ounce of non-toxic shot around 1,300 fps. Other 3-inch 28-gauge loads include a Super Pheasant option that fires 11 8-ounce payloads at 1,200 fps and an Xpert High Velocity Steel load that carries ¾-ounce of steel shot and has a muzzle velocity of 1,350 fps. Also new to the Xpert family of steel shot is a High Velocity Game & Target load with a muzzle velocity of 1,450 fps for the 1-ounce 12-gauge load and a Super-X High Velocity lead load. The Super-X High Velocity 2¾-inch 12-gauge load has a velocity of 1,450 fps with a 1¼-ounce payload, making it a great all-round option for upland birds and small game.
(winchester.com)
NSSF’s SHOT University™ Online is a onestop e-learning platform for firearms retailers and ranges. On-demand and free for NSSF® members, this new library of interactive online courses provides a deep-dive on critical topics ranging from compliance and regulatory issues to operational guidance and business improvement for both business owners and employees.
FOR RETAILERS:
• Planning for an ATF Inspection
• Standardizing Operating Procedures
• Inventory Management
• Notice of Revocation – Are You Prepared?
FOR RANGES:
• Road Map for Range Safety and Health
• Addressing Lead at Ranges
• Marketing Your Training Programs
• Membership Strategies – Lessons from the Fitness Industry
and more!
by Slaton L. White
Accessories always pay off. Most won’t take up a lot of shelf space, but pound for pound, they deliver the goods at your register.
Here’s a look at what’s new this year.
The Adventure PrimaLoft Insulated Jacket ($130) and Starling PrimaLoft Insulated Jacket ($130) are packable and weather-resistant outer shells that provide the warmth of 80 grams of PrimaLoft Gold Insulation in the body and 60 grams in the sleeves and hood. They’re built to last using a 100-percent polyester plain-weave-face fabric with a DWR finish and a 100-percent nylon ripstop lining. Protection, com fort, and a secure fit are ensured by an elastic opening on the hood, a chin guard on the front zipper, an adjustable hem with an internal shock cord, and stretch gussets at the sleeve openings. In addition, reflective heat transfers keep users visible in low light conditions. (5.11tactical.com)
The MY6 eye shield is designed to protect users during all mission-critical scenarios. Anti-fog and anti-scratch PLATINUM technology, combined with Bolle’s Comfort Sense Perception (CSP) tints and shades, allow operators to stay focused on their target. Other features include high-impact protection, adjustable nose pad, and enhanced visibility. SRP: $35-$70.
(bolle-safety.com)
Controlling scent is a vital element in hunting success. Scent Thief Field Spray is designed to neutralize an animal’s perception of threatening odors, giving hunters a distinct advantage. By soothing the scent-detecting region of the animal’s nose, Scent Thief’s patented formula temporarily disables an animal’s sense of smell, leaving all other scents undetectable.
Scent Thief Field Spray is easy to use. Simply shake the bottle, then apply generously to clothing, boots, and equipment. Strategically spraying a trail while walking to the stand or blind allows the wind to carry the scent away, mitigating detection. The solution should be reapplied every 60 to 90 minutes, particularly in extreme wind, rain, or dry conditions. Available in 12-ounce ($9.99) and 24-ounce ($15.99) sizes.
(scentthief.com)
Single-shot rifles are often thought of as tools for new shooters. But there are situations where an experienced hunter needs to use only a singleshot rifle. Savage now offers a single-shot adapter designed for use in its Axis and 110 models with factory flush-fit detachable magazines. These adaptors will work in any 110 or Axis model that has an original flush-fitstyle magazine. (They will not replace an AICS-style magazine.)
This is particularly good news for hunters who live in states, like Illinois, where straight-walled rifle cartridges can be used—as long as the rifle is a single shot. With this accessory a hunter can now use a Savage rifle chambered in 350 Legend, 400 Legend, or 450 Bushmaster to hunt deer. The device requires no modifications; it simply replaces the original factory detachable-style magazine. It is not a permanent installation, so you can use it interchangeably with the original factory magazine. Short-action configurations are available for use with 350 Legend, .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, 300 Blackout, and other short-action cartridges; long-action configurations are available for use with .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, and other long-action cartridges. SRP: $28. (savagearms.com)
The Great Alaskan shoulder holster system is the latest in an expanding line of Galco’s chest-type hunting and outdoor holsters. Carrying a large handgun in an easily accessible crossdraw torso position, the Great Alaskan is ideal for protection when hunting, fishing, camping, or hiking in bear country. Constructed of premium steerhide, the holster component is fully lined with smooth leather. In a departure from common construction methods, the harness is also made of durable premium steerhide. The harness pivots at the holster attachment points for comfort, and its twoinch width at the shoulder distributes weight effectively. A Fastex-type buckle facilitates quick donning and removal of the holster system. The harness will also accept an optional carrier for spare cartridges or a magazine, each sold separately. Fits chests to 54 inches. SRP: $299. (galcogunleather.com)
Hornady Reloading now offers an innovative powder funnel that features a tapered mouth, a double-step abutment, and a shorter design to enhance the user’s reloading experience. The tapered mouth fits over the shoulder of a magnum cartridge while the double-step abutment allows the case mouth to butt up squarely against the funnel, preventing grains from slipping down the side during loading. The abutment works on cartridges ranging from .22 to .338.
The short design of the new funnel also allows for a lower center of gravity, which prevents tipping and difficult handling while transferring powder charges from the scale to the cartridge. In addition, designers squared a portion of the funnel lip; the design prevents it from rolling off the workbench. (hornady.com)
Bushnell’s new line of portable lighting products (in conjunction with 12D Licensed Brands) includes a variety of essential lighting products that can make any deer camp more comfortable. The Power+ Hat light and headlamp uses either a Bushnell Power+ rechargeable battery or three AAA batteries. The 1,500-lumen tactical flashlight, compatible with either the included Bushnell 18650 rechargeable battery or two CR123 batteries, delivers exceptional brightness and durability. A 700-lumen model offers similar versatility. Both lights are designed to be compatible with standard one-inch mounts and feature Type III hard-coat anodized bodies, glass lenses, and are IPX7 waterproof.
The Rubicon lighting lineup features a 300-lumen headlamp that offers versatile lighting modes and automatic brightness adjustment. The 300-lumen lantern provides uniform 360-degree illumination with adjustable brightness and deployable legs, and the 500lumen rechargeable flashlight delivers long-range visibility. (bushnell.com)
At approximately 5 ounces in weight and 5.25 inches in length, the titaniumhybrid construction of the Catch 22 Ti suppressor provides the perfect balance to the FN 502 Tactical pistol. The titanium tube features a robust Cerkote coating rated for high temperatures. The baffle stack is comprised of a stainless-steel blast baffle tempered for heat resistance and an aircraft-grade aluminum baffle stack for the ultimate strength-to-weight ratio. The included tool enables quick removal of the end cap and baffle stack, making cleaning and maintenance fast and simple.
The slim 1.1-inch tube clears the suppressor-height sights easily on the FN 502 Tactical and mounts securely to any platform via the 1⁄ 2x28-inch threads and is rated for rimfire firearms chambered in .22 LR, .22 Mag., .22 WMR, and .17 HMR. (fnamerica.com)
When a customer buys a nice rifle and scope, don’t let them leave the store without an appropriate soft-side rifle case. Federal offers a pair of cases in two sizes (44 or 48 inches, internal length) that protect that investment. Each tan-colored case features a double zipper pull with leather pulls, a heavy-duty cotton web wrapped handle with leather overlay, an easy slide lining, an exterior accessory pocket, an adjustable carry sling, and a large, easy-tograb hanging loop. SRP: $99.99.
(federalpremium.com)
In-wall safes are attractive alternatives to large, heavy gun safes. They offer secure storage for handguns and other small, valuable items while taking up very little room. SnapSafe’s in-wall safe, available in standard (22 inches high) and tall (44 inches high) versions, has been engineered to fit seamlessly between two wall studs on traditional 16-inch on-center framing. One of the key highlights of this in-wall storage unit is its ability to maximize usable interior space through an ingenious latch mechanism that maximizes storage space.
The in-wall safe boasts robust construction; a 16-gauge steel body ensures longevity while an 8-gauge steel door adds an extra layer of protection. The door can be oriented for left or right hinges, and the electronic lock system utilizes a key backup. (snapsafe.com)
Featuring new radially machined bezel cooling fins, the evolved TWM-30 model is 30 percent brighter than the previous model while running 11 percent cooler. The TWM-30 utilizes the same law enforcement-adopted intuitive single-motion switches agencies nationwide have experienced in the popular Nightstick TCM-550XL series of compact weapon lights. The light uses a precision-machined reflector to focus its intense, 1,200-lumen beam up to 636 feet. A 1.75-hour runtime from two included CR123 batteries provide reliable illumination for critical low-light threat identification and target discrimination.
(nightstick.com)
Treestand hunters will appreciate the newly redesigned Treehouse backpacks from Mystery Ranch. Now offered in two different capacities, they are built with durable, water-resistant, hyper-quiet fabrics. Available in 20- or 38-liter versions, both packs provide hanging gear quivers engineered specifically for the treestand hunter. Fuzzy polyester laminate backed with Nylon 210 fabric dampens sound, resists water, and provides easy access to the interior. Two color options are offered: Wood and Mystery Ranch’s DPM Canopy camo.
Treehouse 20 has top-load access to multiple interior sleeves and pockets for organization and customized accessory attachment. Treehouse 38 provides the same internal features with additional space and two forms of entry: top-load and dual-zippered access that expands the pack opening. Each model features a lid with a deep shelf in its interior that allows quick access to essential tools such as grunt calls and windicators. It also opens away from the tree allowing for easy entry to the inside of the bag.
An adjustable tree strap is included to allow the pack to be quickly attached to a tree or when a well-placed hanger isn’t available. Front compression straps provide secure attachment for a bow, lightweight treestand, or climbing sticks, and the side pockets and compression straps securely fit quivers, camera arms, or other treestand essentials. SRP: $229, Treestand 20; $299, Treestand 38. (mysteryranch.com)
by Brad Fitzpatrick
Looking for ways to promote the sport of handgun hunting and increase revenue? Keeping these five key points in mind will help buyers better understand why owning a hunting handgun makes sense.
Many hunters cannot identify the moment when they fell in love with the sport, but I know exactly when and where my passion for handgun hunting began. I was in south Texas chasing whitetails and Ruger’s Paul Pluff (who was working for Smith & Wesson/Thompson Center at the time) convinced me to try to fill my deer tag using a single-shot T/C Contender in .44 Magnum. I had my misgivings about chasing whitetails with a short-range firearm, but after a session at the range I felt confident that I could cleanly harvest a whitetail at 50 yards from a solid rest. Paul warned me that handgun hunting was addictive and hinted that if I was successful on that hunt that I would want to continue hunting with a handgun.
I did harvest a management buck on that hunt, and Paul was correct that handgun hunting gets into your blood. And while I haven’t given up on long guns entirely, I do own several hunting handguns now and, when the opportunity arises, I take them to the field to hunt deer, hogs, and other game. Since that afternoon in Texas I’ve hunted deer and pigs with a handgun for 10 years and am as enthusiastic about the sport now as I have ever been.
Paul Pluff had an easy time converting me to a handgun hunter because I had an opportunity to try the sport for myself, but it can be difficult to con-
vince new gun buyers to take up the mantle of handgun hunting without experience in the field. The following five points will help you convince customers that hunting big game with a pistol or revolver is worth a try.
It can be difficult to convince customers that they aren’t sacrificing their chances of success when hunting big game with a handgun. And while it’s true that most handguns aren’t designed to perform at the same extreme ranges as scope-sighted centerfire rifles, handguns are surprisingly capable and effective hunting tools. Time on the range is necessary to become proficient with a handgun, but with a steady rest and a seasoned shooter most .44 Magnum revolvers with an optic are effective to 100 yards, and hotter cartridges like the .454 Casull and .460 S&W Magnum can extend that range considerably in the hands of a practiced shooter. Modern bolt-action handguns with variable power scopes, such as Nosler’s Model 48 Custom Handgun, can extend that range to 200 yards or more if conditions are favorable.
Two hundred yards may not seem like a great distance, but bear in mind that a high percentage of shots on whitetail deer and hogs are under 100 yards. I’ve found that suitable handguns in the 10mm/.44 Magnum/.454 Casull class are more
than enough to kill big bucks and feral hogs at moderate ranges, and the massive shock transferred by big bullets at rather modest velocities has an immediate impact on game. My personal maximum effective range with a handgun is 100 yards (less a measure of the capabilities of the firearm than my own), but I have never had a deer or hog run more than 25 yards after being hit. My friend and fellow writer Mark Hampton, who probably has more experience hunting big game with a handgun than any living person, collected all 29 North American big-game species using a handgun, a testament to the effectiveness of these firearms.
So, handguns aren’t as limited in their performance potential as one might imagine, but do they actually offer any advantages? The answer is yes. One of the primary benefits of hunting with a holstered handgun is that your hands remain free and you aren’t as unbalanced as when carrying a long gun slung over your shoulder. When hunting whitetails or hogs in dense cover you can stalk quietly without snagging a barrel on branches or brush, and a handgun in a chest holster is much less physically taxing to carry than a long gun on the shoulder.
Hunting with a handgun also allows me to tuck into minimal cover and get ready to shoot without
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Smith & Wesson's Performance Center Model 629 .44 Magnum Hunter is a capable taker of whitetail deer.
waving a long barrel in the air and scaring game. Still hunting and rattling deer is one of my favorite pursuits, and it’s easy to drop the antlers and secure the handgun for shooting. Having your hands free is also a major advantage on some hunts, specially when hunting bears and cats with hounds. Even a big-bore revolver or semi-auto is lighter and shorter than most rifles, and those hunts typically require a lot of climbing and walking in rugged country where having both hands free is beneficial.
There’s nothing wrong with big-bore wheel guns (my own go-to whitetail gun, in fact, is a Ruger Super Redhawk with a scope), but these guns are built specifically for hunting and many new buyers aren’t willing to shell out a grand or more for a niche gun that they probably won’t shoot much outside hunting season. However, we shouldn’t narrow the definition of “hunting handguns” to .44 revolvers. There are lots of
red-dot-ready 10mm semi-auto pistol options, and they all make effective whitetail and pig guns at moderate ranges. That same 10mm, when loaded with mild loads, is equally effective for personal defense and makes a fun range gun for shooters who can handle its recoil. Thompson/Center’s convertible Encore and G2 Contender firearms allow buyers to purchase a long gun and then transform it to a hunting handgun. If they try handgun hunting and don’t enjoy it, they can convert their gun to a centerfire rifle.
Rimfires make great hunting handguns, too. Rimfire guns are fun to shoot, and accurate revolvers and semi-auto pistols are affordable. Small-game hunting opportunities abound, and many buyers are more willing to chase squirrels and rabbits with a handgun than deer and pigs. If they do, there’s a good chance they’ll decide to try chasing big game as well.
In 1957 a Smith & Wesson carried an SRP of $135. Adjusted for inflation, that’s about $1,400, which is the average selling price of these guns today. If you purchased a Ruger Redhawk for the asking price of $325 in 1982, it would be
worth close to $1,000, which is also on par with inflation.
Buying firearms as an investment can be a complicated and speculative business, as is all investing (just ask anyone who purchased cryptocurrency in recent months). But one thing is clear: a well-cared-for, quality hunting handgun will hold and even increase its value. The goal of all investing is to own something that increases in value, as have both these guns. Even if you did purchase one of the above guns years ago and took them hunting only once and then left them in a safe for the next few decades your investment would have kept pace with inflation. And you’ll almost certainly get more enjoyment from owning a firearm than sitting on a mutual fund.
Handgun hunting is indeed challenging, but many hunters are seeking a new challenge. How many experienced hunters switch from a 12 gauge to a 28 gauge or a compound bow to a recurve? They don’t do this because it’s easier, but rather because they are looking for a new way to enjoy their time in the woods. So it goes
with handgun hunters. Unless they own a highly specialized handgun and practice religiously they will not be able to kill a whitetail at 300 yards, but perhaps they’ve killed lots of whitetails at 300 yards with a rifle and want to try something new. If so, hunting with handguns is ideal.
In truth, that’s why I continue to hunt with a handgun. It’s not easy to get close to whitetails on foot or on the ground. Hunting with a handgun transports me back to my first experiences hunting deer—the quickening of the heart, the thrill of getting close to the animal. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that antler size matters less to me while hunting with a handgun than it did when I hunted with a rifle. It’s more about the experience than the firearm platform, and ultimately that’s the real reason handgun hunters enjoy the sport. It’s difficult to explain that to someone who has never tried handgun hunting why it’s so addictive, and convincing someone to purchase a firearm that, admittedly, makes it more difficult to fill their tag is admittedly a hard sell. However, I am forever grateful that someone nudged me toward handgun hunting. And, as it turns out, Paul was right—handgun hunting is indeed addictive.
Well into its second century as America’s most popular rifle cartridge, the “aught-six” is precise, mannerly, and persistently lethal.
by Andrew McKean
Johnny Howell relaxes a little when a client at his backcountry big-game camp shows up with a .30-06. “More than anything they say, that caliber tells me they know how to shoot, they know where their bullet is going, and that we’re going to have a successful hunt,” says Howell, who guides elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep hunters out of Trinidad, Colorado. “A hunter shows up in camp with a trendy new cartridge, and I start to worry that they’re going to either want to shoot too far or too much.”
For nearly 125 years, the .30-06 centerfire rifle cartridge has quietly and consistently made statements, from the bloodiest battlegrounds of world wars to the thin air of elk country. Nearly every military or sporting rifle worth mentioning has been chambered in this distinctly American caliber, and it is possibly the only commercial product that can claim to be a continual best-seller from the silent-movie era through the iPhone. Its success stems from its wide utility. In this way, it exhibits a personality trait that has defined an American archetype: the adaptable yeoman. Like the Americans who shoot it, the .30-06 maybe isn’t the perfect fit for a particular task or the most stylish or trendy choice. But it gets the job done, effectively and without a lot of fanfare.
Hunters rarely have to
about
The name of the .30-06 tells you some of what you need to know about it. It’s a .30-caliber bullet that was officially approved as a commercial product on Oct. 15, 1906, hence the shortened ’06 of its surname.
The origin of this American icon didn’t really hint at its longevity. Its story began even earlier, in 1901, as a worthy competitor to the 8x57, a German military round that had been developed a few years earlier as a rimless cartridge that could chamber easily in the sloppy actions of mass-produced military rifles, could handle the ballistics of then-new smokeless powder, and would have mild recoil so that conscripts with no previous experience behind a rifle could shoot it accurately.
The United States’ armed forces were looking for a cartridge with similar attributes, and by 1901 had developed a rimless .30-caliber round that shot a 220-grain round-nosed bullet. Meanwhile, the Springfield Armory was working on a rifle chambered for the new .30-01 cartridge, but developed a version with a thinner rim that came to be called the .30-03 cartridge. That might have been where things landed, in which case we might be extolling the virtues of the “thirty-aught-three,” but over in Europe engineers and generals were starting to see the ballistic benefits of a lighter, faster, pointed—or spitzer—bullet that maintained its trajectory and downrange energy over longer distances than the relatively inefficient round-nose bullet.
In order to accommodate a lighter (150-grain) pointed bullet with less bearing surface than the round-nose projectile, the .30-03’s neck was shortened. The new variation was approved by the military as the .30 Cal. Model of 1906. We know it, of course, as the .30-06, though some blasphemists write that as .30/06. Because the .30-03 Springfield Rifle could easily be modified to chamber this more athletic bullet, and because Springfield Armory was the source of most of the first rifles chambered in the new .30-06, the nomenclature was complete. For the next 125 years—or as long into the future as the U.S. Constitution was in the past back in 1906—the .30-06 Springfield would define American riflery.
The .30-06 helped us win both world wars. American-loaded cartridges were exported around the world, where they showed up in coups and civil wars. They were loaded for infantry boltaction rifles, light machine guns, even fighter-plane nose guns as a one-gun-many-battlefronts solution.
From a strictly military perspective, the round was so widely popular that it stayed in service until 1954, when it was replaced as America’s primary battle bullet by the 7.62 NATO. It hung around for another decade; the U.S. military ceased production for combat use during the Viet Nam conflict. That martial side of its identity is rightly venerated, but this story is about the
The Springfield Armory was the source of most of the first rifles chambered in .30-06; thus, .30-06 Springfield.
“aught-six” use in the woods and mountains (and prairies, and swamps, and foothills, and deserts) of America, where it is our perennially top-selling big-game cartridge with such a wide variety of bullet weights and designs that it’s arguably taken more species and number of game animals than any other bullet.
The versatility of the .30-06 helped end Americans’ love affair with lever actions, vaulting the bolt action into prominence.
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The author prefers 165-grainers for a little more knock-down energy on animals that don’t always give him the perfect shot.
Sporting versions of the .30-06 got an early enthusiastic push by none other than Teddy Roosevelt, fresh out of the White House in 1909. He took a field version of the military rifle on safari to Africa, where he appreciated that its flat trajectory compensated for his notoriously poor vision. Animals he thought were 200 yards out were more like 400 yards distant, but TR recognized that if he held just a little high, he could still drop those fardistant antelope in their tracks.
Other influential hunters, including Seymour Griffin, the front half of riflemaker Griffin and Howe, appreciated the value proposition of the new cartridge, which shot like a laser compared to its heavy, slow centerfire contemporaries: the .45/70, .30/30, and 30-40 Krag. Griffin and Howe was one of the first commercial firearms manufacturers to produce sporterized versions of the .30-06. The .30-06 helped end Americans’ love affair with lever actions, increased hunters’ lethal range by 100 yards or more just as we hunted more in the longish distances of the West, and spawned dozens of target-shooting competitions to capitalize on—and improve—the accuracy of the round. The development of bolt-action rifles with the precise tolerances and careful machining to handle the high-velocity round gave rise to an entire industry of competitors to Springfield that reached its zenith with the introduction of the Winchester Model 70 in 1937. While influencers such as Outdoor Life’s Shooting Editor, Jack O’Connor, preferred his Model 70s in .270 Win., for the next 75 years the .30-06 dominated sales of the Model 70 and nearly every other centerfire
bolt-action rifle. Even Remington’s Model 700, introduced in 1962 as a vehicle for the very fast, very powerful 7mm Rem. Mag. (a bolt-action that was pointedly not chambered in .30-06 in its introductory year), eventually bowed to the popularity of the “aught-six.”
While the military settled on the 150-grain spitzer as the optimum bullet for the .30-06, the private sector had other ideas. Over its lifetime, the .30-06 has been loaded with an astonishing variety and weights of bullets. Remington loaded its 55-grain Accelerator Pointed Soft Point, pushing the projectile at a zipping 4,080 feet per second. On the heavyweight end, Federal’s 220grain Sierra Pro-Hunter SP Round Nose is the weightiest factory load, but handloaders often shoot hyper-stable 225-grain match bullets.
The sweet spot for the caliber is between 150grain bullets, which are perfect for deer-sized game, and 180-grain pills, which will handle elk, big mule deer, and even moose. I like 165-grainers, for a little more knock-down energy on animals that don’t always give me the perfect shot. And the 168-grain match bullets are among the most consistently accurate .30-calibers on the market.
But even more than its variety, the .30-06 shines in its ubiquity. There are vanishingly few retail outlets that don’t sell the cartridge, and it’s generally one of the few—along with the .308, the .30/30, and the .223, and sometimes .243—that you can find in dust-country service stations, along with fan belts and hydraulic oil.
That availability has bailed me out of a few rural-route hunts when I packed fewer rounds for my .30-06 than I intended.
Then there’s the very accessible price of the .30-06. It’s become routine to pay $100 for a box of 20 premium cartridges these days, and the price is even steeper when it comes to feeding boutique rifles like Nosler’s new line of heavyfor-caliber chamberings. But you can generally pick up a box of standard-issue Springfields for between $50 and $65, though you’ll pay more for premium bullets, like Federal’s Terminal Ascent and Hornady’s ELD-X Precision Hunter.
Similarly, there are few rifle lines that aren’t chambered in .30-06. All the big manufacturers include the chambering in their introductory offerings, and while bolt actions remain the ideal partner for the round, the cartridge is offered in breakactions, pumps, autoloaders, falling blocks, straight-pull actions, and even precision handguns.
Many manufacturers have tried to pull away from what have come to be regarded as boring heirloom calibers—the .30-06, .243, .270, and .300 Win. Mag. among them—only to be so hounded by consumers that they end up chambering new rifles in the old standards. Part of the consumer appeal is undoubtedly the abundance of ammunition they have for rifles chambered in .30-06, but part is that caliber’s endurance as a pretty good all-rounder.
But part of its appeal, at least from experienced hunters, is that satisfying lethality of the .30-06. As Colorado big-game guide Howell says, it simply works on a wide variety of game, dropping animals in their tracks at modest distances
Over its lifetime, the .30-06 has been loaded with an astonishing variety and weights of bullets for big game, but the sweet spot for the caliber is between 150 and 180 grains.
by shooters who know the limits of their own— and their rifle’s—effective range.
The heyday of the .30-06 is probably behind it. While it remains an imminently serviceable cartridge, its shortcomings are rising by the decade, as more efficient purpose-built cartridges come on the scene. The .30-06 requires a long action, for instance, which adds weight and length to rifles. And because of case geometry, it’s hard to load heavy-for-caliber projectiles, which have higher ballistic coefficients (BCs) and better wind-bucking dynamics.
Then there’s the notion of ballistic efficiency. The 6.5 Creedmoor, to pick one of a dozen new cartridges that are knocking the Springfield from its weathered pedestal, has a higher BC with relatively low recoil and modest muzzle velocity of about 2,700 fps. But the 6.5 CM, along with its .264-caliber cousins, is limited by bullet weight.
That’s the same knock on the 7mm-08, which is simply a .30-06 necked down to .284 caliber. While it’s considered one of the best all-around whitetail calibers, the 7mm-08 isn’t really suitable for elk or even larger bear. If you go up in size, to the .300 Winchester Magnum, you can shoot a heavier bullet at higher speeds, but the trade-off is punishing recoil.
Every cartridge and bullet combination represents a compromise of some sort. You can increase powder capacity to increase muzzle velocity, but you get harder recoil and shorter barrel life. Or you can reduce case size and bullet weights, but you give up downrange energy, which can be considered “knock-down” power on big-game animals. This is where the doddering old .30-06 shines. It’s a living compromise, delivering moderate recoil and consistent mid-range performance. It’s accurate enough. It’s versatile enough. It’s just boring enough that you don’t feel guilty looking at other calibers, but it’s so reliable that you end up coming right back to the old standby.
In that way, the .30-06 is like a reliable neighbor, someone you can count on to watch your place when you’re gone, someone who is always ready to help out in a pinch. Someone who isn’t interested in drama or conflict. Someone who answers the phone when you call or opens the door to your knock.
Maybe the greatest testament to the enduring value of the .30-06 is that it’s still an essential part of any conversation about our greatest cartridges. The industry has tried over the past 50 years, at least, to nudge it out of the sweet spot it occupies. Given the expertise and energy in small-arms
ballistics, it’s just a matter of time before the next Springfield comes along and dominates our conversation of the perfect centerfire cartridge for the next century. Until then, we’ll praise the modest .30-06 and pass the ammunition, same as we’ve been doing for nearly 120 years now.
Part of the cartridge's enduring consumer appeal is undoubtedly the abundance of rifles chambered in .30-06.
The Archery Business Pavilion was a new — and successful — part of SHOT Show last year, and it promises to be even better in 2025.
BY ARCHERY BUSINESS STAFF
In mid-February 2023, NSSF (National Shooting Sports Foundation) announced the creation of the Archery Business Pavilion, a new exhibit area for the archery industry at NSSF’s annual SHOT Show. The Pavilion is an exciting collaboration between NSSF and Grand View Outdoors, a leading provider of outdoor content. ( Archery Business and Bowhunting World magazines are part of the Grand View Outdoors family of brands.)
Fast-forward to January 2024 — and specifically the 46th SHOT Show, which set new benchmarks for industry innovation, collaboration and engagement. With an expanded show floor, a record-high number of exhibitors, and an array of new features and networking opportunities, the 2024 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, was the largest to date. More than 55,400 industry professionals packed the 13.9 miles of aisles over four days at The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum — including the Ar-
chery Business Pavilion — eager to view new, innovative products used for hunting, shooting and outdoor recreation.
“The energy on the SHOT Show floor in 2024 was off the charts,” said Chris Dolnack, SVP & Chief Customer Officer for the NSSF.
“The feedback we’ve received from our exhibitors and attendees has been amazing, and we can’t thank them all enough for helping us make the show what it is: the greatest trade show in the world.”
The 2024 Archery Business Pavilion (located in Caesars Forum) featured exhibits from leading manufacturers and suppliers in the archery industry. The new area of the show provided a focused environment for archery retailers and industry professionals to explore the latest trends, products, and business opportunities in the archery sector. So, what was the feedback from 2024?
“I spent a good amount of my
time each day in the Archery Business Pavilion,” said Archery Business Editor Dave Maas. “Of course, because I have ‘skin the game,’ I wanted the new space to be a success. I must say I was impressed. The NSSF team did an outstanding job of making it easy for Show goers to find the new Pavilion. The space was clearly marked on the SHOT Show overview map, and special lime-green carpet runways (think shortcut) across the floors of Levels 1 and 2 in the Venetian Expo (the two main exhibit spaces) helped direct traffic to the SHOT Bridge, the path to Caesars Forum and the Pavilion. NSSF even had Show workers standing with signs directing people to the SHOT Bridge and the Pavilion; nice!
“The Pavilion space itself was big and bright, in a word — outstanding. In my opinion, traffic in the Pavilion was good. Yes, it would take a bit to get busy in the mornings, but I attribute that to the fact the Pavilion and all other booths in Caesars Forum are a bit of a hike from the SHOT Show entrances.”
The 2025 Archery Business Pavilion will feature exhibits from leading manufacturers and suppliers in the archery industry, offering attendees the opportunity to see and experience the latest in archery technology and products. Looking ahead to the next SHOT Show, here are thoughts from some industry veterans regarding the Pavilion:
DERRICK NAWROCKI — PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER, GRAND VIEW OUTDOORS
“Time flies as they say, this time last year the concept of the Archery Business
Pavilion was just getting formulated. We might have had three early adopters in the room. Come full circle 1 year later, and we have more than 20 confirmed exhibitors, which takes up nearly 50% of the room floor, and I feel like we are just getting going for the 2025 SHOT Show. Our biggest success story from the first year is most of the significant archery/hunting 2024 Pavilion exhibitors renewed in the room, for the 2025 show, and we recently added ARCUS (whose brands include Dead Down Wind, Trophy Taker, Ramcat, and Tinks), NASP, and Viper Archery/Koola Buck, with several 2024 exhibitors increasing their
booth footprint for 2025. The SHOT Show has long been a destination for outdoor/ archery/hunting companies to exhibit at; several that come to mind include Mossy Oak, Realtree, ALPS OutdoorZ, True Timber, GSM, Under Armour, a handful of trail camera companies, and a fair number of others. So, even if not in the Archery Business Pavilion, it’s long been known that SHOT Show delivers for this segment. The ability to secure space in the Archery Business Pavilion, in the very HOT Caesar’s Forum area, makes it all that more sensible to join us in 2025.”
CHRIS DOLNACK — SVP & CHIEF CUSTOMER OFFICER, NSSF
“Since the 2022 SHOT Show, our postshow surveys revealed that 24% of the retail buyers had an interest in the archery and bowhunting category, and the growth in the Archery Business Pavilion reflects that growing interest. More traditional firearm retailers are looking to expand their offerings, and there is a lot of cross-over between archery hunters and firearm hunters. And in many cases, those retailers are 10-15 years younger than those who are not interested in the archery and bowhunting space. Any way
you slice it, nearly 5,000 retail buyers who are attending the 2025 SHOT Show will be looking for information with intent to purchase, and to build long-term relationships with archery exhibitors.”
“NASP was honored to have participated in the 2024 NSSF SHOT Show, and we are looking forward to continuing our participation in 2025. We love to tell the NASP story, and we believe our decision to join
the Archery Business Pavilion is a great way to enhance that story. We’re thrilled to unite with fellow enthusiasts at SHOT as we propel our sport forward.”
“The Archery Business Pavilion drew us back to SHOT Show after being absent for the past few years. The idea of having archery and hunting-related-only companies all in one place, in front of a highly-qualified crowd, was appealing to us. We signed up early with the Grand View Outdoors team and they went above and beyond everywhere they could during the entire process. There was a
lot of positive buzz at the show regarding the future of the Pavilion, too. I think foot traffic will only increase in future years as the Pavilion becomes a go-to destination for hunting goods.”
TERI QUINN, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, ARCUS HUNTING
“It’s been a few years since our brands have attended the SHOT Show. We are excited to be bringing Tink’s and Dead Down Wind back to the Show and joining other exhibitors in the Archery Business Pavilion. We look forward to building on past connections and cultivating fresh opportunities in the shooting, hunting and outdoor sports community!”
“The 2024 Shot Show was our first time attending. While we expected to see mainly firearm retailers, we noticed a growing interest in archery. We do hope to see more archery vendors in the future as we believe there is a prime opportunity to reach new retailers and show them the value in adding archery to their existing lineup. Looking forward to 2025!”
“It was refreshing to have a hall dedicated to archery as I felt it brought newness and energy to the Show. We launched some new pistol crossbows and some exciting new crossbows, as well as a brand new optics technology called BUK OPS Primetime Vision with Buck Commander that was very well received.”
It will be located within the upcoming SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, from Jan. 21 through Jan. 25, 2025. You’ll find the Pavilion in Caesars Forum in the Academy Ballroom.
Any manufacturer of out-
door, hunting and archery-related products can exhibit in the Pavilion.
Exhibit space is limited; first come, first served. Those who exhibit in 2025 will have first choice for space for 2026.
The Archery Business team, including editors and key staff, will be in the Pavilion working on best ways to cover and promote companies that exhibit.
Additional coverage about the Pavilion will appear in SHOT Daily during the show and within the pages of other B2B brands such as Archery Business, Hunting Retailer and Shooting Sports Retailer as we get closer to SHOT Show.
Preparations have already begun for next year’s 47th SHOT Show, January 21-24, 2025, in Las Vegas. To learn more about exhibiting in the Archery Business Pavilion, visit www.SHOTShow.org/archeryexhibit. Note: Booth space will not be final until this application is completed and the initial deposit is made.
House Located northeast of Carson City, this medium-sized shop keeps nearly 200 guns in stock with 5,000 square feet of display area. It has an average of three employees.
Sales of MSRs continue to stagnate, but with a slight uptick. Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport IIIs and units from Diamondback lead the pack with the lion’s share of sales.
“We really haven’t seen the election spike that we expected. And yet, we have a long way to go until November. Who knows what will happen?” said owner Eileen Ferguson.
Handgun sales are solid and have stayed consistent throughout the year. Sig P365s, S&W EZ Shields, and Glock 19s all sit at the top of the sales chart.
Tactical shotguns are slow, with just a few turns a month from Remington 870s and Mossberg Maverick 88s. Used shotguns are in higher demand than last year. Although ammo inventories are good, the lone exception is .410 bore.
Junction This mountain retailer fills 11,000 square feet with a firearm selection of 1,400 guns, along with a large inventory of safes, holsters, and reloading supplies.
While early summer is a slower time for this store, handgun sales are slightly up from last year. S&W EZ Shields, Sig P365s, and Canik TTI Combats are garnering the most attention.
MSRs are averaging one unit daily. Sig 516s and Alpha Foxtrots are sitting securely in the top spots. “MSRs were almost restricted in Colorado this year. Although the bill did pass both houses, it has been shelved for now. As you can imagine, the instability is disheartening,” said general manager Mike Brown.
With the release of special-unit game tags each June, this store always sees an increase in the number of muzzleloader and big-game rifle turns. Thompson/Center Arms Pro FX muzzleloaders and Savage
Axis centerfires in .308 are on the move. There have also been some early summer turns of Bergaras and Tikkas in 6.5 PRC.
Lewiston Located in downtown “Old Lewiston,” this small storefront employs three full-time salespeople with a large inventory of reloading supplies, handguns, long guns, and MSRs.
Summer has brought a notable uptick in handgun traffic. “It’s not crazy yet, but handgun sales are definitely higher than last year. We are seeing solid turns on anything 10mm. Many of our backcountry travelers are replacing their heavy-to-carry .44s, 500s, and FN 545s, with these lighter and much easier to carry options,” said manager Jesse Ricks.
Sig P635s and EZ Shields are both strong sellers, as are Springfield 1911 Ronins in .45 and 10mm. Additional notable sales include higher summer traffic on a few Smith 669s.
Supply, Superior Located just one block from Lake Superior and a skip and a hop across the Wisconsin state line, this long-standing Duluth-area shop specializes in firearms, safes, reloading supplies, and soft goods. This retailer says the handgun market at this store is changing. “We see higher turns of revolvers from the many women coming into the sport,” said owner Pat Kukull. As a result of this welcome development, the store is seeing high turns of EZ Shields, Taurus GX4-XLs, and Smith 686 J-Frames.
Sales of MSRs have picked up slightly to four per month, with S&W M&P15 Sport IIIs serving as the “go-to” brand. Kukull also mentioned gun safe sales have remained consistently high this last spring. She was pleased to report that .22 ammo stocks are good, and 10/22s are selling well.
Burnsville Established in 2010, this retailer stocks a tightly inventoried 500 square-foot-store in metro St. Paul to meet the needs of a homedefense clientele. MSR inventories are moving, and traffic is slowly increasing. “To capture all the traffic we can muster, our transfer fee is just $15. Our goal is to get customers coming back into our store. My shoppers are highly price sensitive. They’ve been hurt by high inflation and a changing economy. I feel strongly that keeping prices down is an important part of servicing my community,” said owner Rick Kay.
Sales of MSRs have slowed to six per month. Palmettos and Sport IIIs hold the top spots. MSR custom order parts are seeing greater demand, including Timney Impact AR Triggers and Vortex AR15 scopes. Handgun sales are steady, with Glock 19s in the highest slot. EZ Shield 2.0s and CZ 1911s are just behind.
Columbia Resting in a college town in the center of the state for more than 21 years, this shop has a 25-yard, 10-lane range, with single-use range prices starting at $18 per hour. Big-box stores surround this retailer, including a Bass Pro Shop a mere two miles away.
Handgun sales are strong at this location. “Our traffic has slowed in the last few months. However, registration in our conceal-carry classes is still brisk,” said counter salesman Jim Hill.
Glock 19s and 43s sit staunchly at the top of the list. Smith EZ Shields and Springfield Hellcats are also moving briskly at this counter. Ruger LC9s continue to attract second looks and are in high demand.
MSR sales have slowed down significantly, to just one every month. The largest turns are going to Smith M&P 15 Sport IIIs. At the same time .22 caliber models are starting to turn some heads.
Overall, ammo inventories are good.
Armory, Whippany Just 30 minutes from New York City, this company offers public vault storage space for its clientele. It was the first federal- and state-approved public gun-storage facility in New Jersey.
“Our summer traffic is historically the slowest time for our store. That said, we do expect to see an improvement as the election progresses,” said manager Ross Osias.
MSR sales are steady and slightly higher than last year. S&W M&P15 Sport IIIs and SPC9 carbines are turning the best numbers. Lever-action rifles are picking up, with Henry Big Boys in .357 and Marlin 1894s. Shotguns are led by Mossberg 500 combo sets.
CZ Shadow 2 Compacts are fast movers this summer. Additional hot-selling pistols include Canik TTI Combats, Kimber Micro 9s, and Hellcats.
Sportsman’s Gun Shop, East Earl Operating since 1954, this company expanded in 2015 to a new
25,000-square-foot location with a 12-lane indoor range. A general hunting and fishing retailer, they inventory more than 2,000 new and used firearms with 30 employees.
Spring turkey season closed with higher traffic. “We really had a great spring season, possibly the best in some time. It’s encouraging to see a combination of good inventories and traffic. We’re looking forward to a strong hunting year overall,” said owner Anthony Keffer.
Shotgun high performers include Mossberg 500s and Benelli Novas. Handgun sales are steady, with heavy, consistent traffic on Sig P365s. The EZ Shield Plus and the Glock 43 both have maintained a steady demand throughout the year.
Bolt rifles are picking up. Ruger American Gen IIs, Weatherby Mark Vs, and CVA Cascades top the list. For 2024, the most popular caliber has been a consistent mix of 6.5 Creedmoor and 350 Legend.
Demand for MSRs is steady, selling about two a day. M&P 15 Sport IIIs, Diamondbacks,
and Daniel Defense hold the attention at the upper end. Sales of Ruger 10/22s and Savage .22 bolt-actions are brisk.
Newport Located in northern Vermont just five miles from the Canadian border, this shop stocks general sporting goods with an emphasis on soft goods and hunting firearms. Handguns are in steady summer mode. Glock 43Xs, Sig P365s, and the FN Reflex are all gathering attention. “We’re coming off of a very strong spring turkey season. Our summer is slowing down, with an emphasis on handguns and .22 rifles,” said owner Ben Bruce.
Small calibers rule the rifle counter, with classic Ruger 10/22s and Mark IVs. Certain medium- and large-caliber rifles are continuing to make turns through the summer, notably Marlin lever actions in .45-70 and .30-30. The store is also seeing a few holdover late-turn turkey guns.
Gainesville
This retail store, with an outdoor gun range that can handle over 80 shooters, caters to a home defense and tactical clientele. Handguns are hotter than last year, with Glocks leading the charge. Glock 43Xs, 45s, and 19s are in one-twothree order in the top slots for this rangeretailer. The store continues to see 9mm as the most popular caliber.
The store and range offer a wide variety of training and events. However, it has been a bit slower than expected. “We’re not seeing the pre-election bump we were planning on. That said, recently we are seeing a trend for higher-end and expensive-outfitted custom MSRs,” said counter salesperson Alex Parks. At this shop, the top-selling MSR platforms include Daniel Defense, followed by Colt and IWI.
Ammo stocks are generally good. Yet, inventory of .410 bore is still coming up short .This outdoor range-retailer said that summer temperatures can greatly affect
the amount of traffic during the sweltering months of July and August.
two locations in northern Louisiana, this sporting goods retailer splits its inventory with fishing, soft goods, archery, and firearms. The stores turn nearly 5,000 firearms a year with over 20 employees.
Handgun sales are steady, but down from last year. Springfield Hellcats lead the pack. Glock 43Xs are also moving quickly. “Although there has been no panic election buying, sales have held remarkably steady,” said vice president Bill Petrus.
MSR sales are increasing to about four to five a week. A mix of FN, Daniel Defense, and Ruger 556 occupy the highest spots. Shotguns are moving earlier than last year. Benelli Super Black Eagle IIIs, Stoeger M3500s, and Benelli Nova pump-actions are all posting higher than normal turns for summer.
Charlotte With over 12,000 square feet of retail space, this store turns an average of 7,000 firearms displayed on a large light-green wall. The store is staffed with more than 20 employees. Hyatt’s has expanded with a new outdoor facility an hour out of Charlotte that includes a 600yard rifle range, sporting clays, and a corporate meeting facility.
“The pre-election summer has proven surprisingly slow without the slightest peep of panic buying. That said, our regular categories are steady and turning well. While we love high demand, it’s nice to not see panic buying with politics feeling so tense,” said owner Larry Hyatt.
MSR sales are increasing slightly with an emphasis on higher-end brands. Evolve, FN, and Sig sell best. At the handgun counter, Hellcats and Sig P365s are pulling the strongest numbers. Glock 19s trail right behind.
Bolt-action rifle sales have cooled, but there is some demand for Tikka and Savage.
6.5 Creedmoor 120-grain solid-copper Super Match ammo with brass cases sourced from Alpha Munitions utilizes high muzzle velocities and high ballistic coefficients to achieve shorter times of flight, flatter trajectories, and less wind drift compared to other match bullets on the market. The new 6.5 Super Match’s advancements in internal ballistics come from patented side geometry that allows for less friction in the barrel, resulting in faster muzzle velocities at SAAMI standard pressures and lower barrel temperature during a firing string. These properties are enhanced by metallurgy selection of the of all-copper G9 Super Match bullets. The projectile features multiple bands machined into its side, which decreases bearing surface and pressures without diminishing ballistic coefficient.
This new bullet is an all-machine-turned solid copper or brass projectile that offers significant improvement in consistency over traditional jacketed lead bullets, which often have minor inconsistencies in density. By machine turning the projectiles G9 produces a round with a lower standard deviation of ballistic coefficient than any other method of production. At extended ranges, a low standard deviation in BC is more meaningful than standard deviation in muzzle velocity, resulting in higher accuracy at extended ranges. The cartridge also benefits from optimized case head design (OCD) of the brass cases manufactured by Alpha Munitions. SRP: $45.99, 20-count box.
(g9defense.com)
The ERD-1 is a motion-activated red dot that utilizes a shake-to-wake program. It will go to sleep after five minutes of no activity. Designed to be mounted on guns using a Picatinny rail, the optic is waterproof and shockproof. The red-dot rifle optic’s 27.5-millimeter window has adjustable brightness; the first two levels are compatible with night vision while levels three through 10 are standard daylight levels. In addition, the sight is parallax-free up to 100 yards. Utilizing a CR2032 battery, the ERD-1 will run for 50,000 hours on a single battery, depending on inclement weather conditions. SRP: $494.95.
(chpws.com)
The new PRS Suppressor in .338 is specifically designed to minimize the increase in cyclic rate and gas blowback of a suppressed-weapon system. It features a MonoKore three-piece design with a suppressor core that has integrated carbon cutters for tube cleaning. Specifically designed for .338 caliber, it has a limited rate of fire of 20 rounds, at one round per second. Made from military-grade materials, including 7075-T6 aluminum with type-III hard coat anodizing and a grade-5 Titanium thread insert, the suppressor is designed to increase reliability and longevity.
In addition, the PRS suppressor delivers a significant reduction of sound signature well below hearing-safe levels while decreasing the flash signature and reducing recoil for increased accuracy. Though results will vary based on firearm configuration, ammunition, barrel length, and atmospheric conditions, the suppressor is designed to be the lightest suppressor possible for PRS competition shooting and all hunting situations. SRP: $995. (maximdefense.com)
Mission First Tactical’s Accessory & Light-Compatible Pro Series IWB is an inside the waistband/appendix holster in both right- and left-hand positioning. The holster utilizes a patent-pending in-line magnetic retention system with an 11-pound maximum pull. A strong neodymium magnet maintains a fully loaded pistol in the holster without any locking devices. An integrated barrel stabilizer insert has been designed and engineered to keep the pistol in-line to the holster body spine, allowing the system to work with or without an under-barrel mounted weapon light. Another unique feature of the Pro Series Holster is a built-in vertical wedge. This revolutionary design brings the top of the pistol closer to the body for ultra concealment and a wedge against the body to aid against holster slump/sagging.
Pro Series holsters have the optimized mechanical advantage of an ambidextrous belt claw, with stackable thickness shims and height adjustability. These holsters include two tuckable 1½-inch belt clips and one 1½-inch belt clip.
Other features include 15 degrees of adjustable cant, softened radius to prevent hotspots, mid-height sweat guard, full trigger-guard coverage, slide-mounted optic relief cut, and a co-witness suppressor-height sight channel. SRP: $89.99.
(missionfirsttactical.com)
The Range Side Lever Action Rifle merges the nostalgia of the Old West with the demands of modern precision. At the heart of the Heritage Range Side is a beautifully crafted walnut stock and forend that not only enhance its classic appeal but also provide durable, steadfast performance. Its multiple finish options allow for personalization while maintaining the rugged functionality needed on the range or in the field. This rifle features a brass bead front sight that offers quick and accurate targeting, ideal for fast-moving scenarios. The lever is thoughtfully wrapped in leather, ensuring a comfortable, secure grip as you cycle through the .410 bore rounds—perfect for a variety of shooting activities, from target practice to small-game hunting. SRP: $1,146.99. (heritagemfg.com)
Being ready is more than a state of mind; it is an active commitment to being able to face any task or challenge that may come when you least expect it. Real Avid’s new RAV folding knives are born ready to meet those challenges as part of your everyday critical carry gear.
The seven knives that make up the RAV series knives are offered in several handle materials, including nylon, aluminum, aluminum/stainless steel, glassfilled nylon, aluminum/carbon fiber, and G10. Each has its own unique profile and texturing to suit varying tastes and deployment needs. Each knife includes a pocket clip for discreet, easy-to-access carry.
Several blade profiles and materials are represented across the RAV line. Choose between traditional drop point, Tanto, and modified clip point to match specific cutting needs and between 4Cr14 or 8Cr13MoV blade material in black oxide or titanium finish. Blade lengths are 3.25 or 3.4 inches, depending on the blade profile, and consumers may select between standard or spring-assist linerlock models or an axis-lock model. Sized for comfortable and convenient carry, the RAV series folders are also priced so you can have one for your toolbox, glove box, day pack, and pocket. SRP: $24.99-$49.99.
(realavid.com)
The Grizzly bear embodies the power, strength, and soul of North America’s wilderness. It may not be the largest animal to roam the Americas, but it ranks among the fiercest and strongest of all the conti nent’s wild animals.
The Grizzly set from Bond Arms consists of the Grizzly derringer and a leather holster. The derringer represents one of the company’s most iconic designs, and like the bear after which it is named delivers power that belies its size. It features a three-inch barrel chambered in .45 Colt/.410 and boasts an extended rosewood grip that allows for a full hand grip. The Grizzly, like all Bond derringers, has a two-shot capacity, bladed front sights, and fixed rear sights. Its short barrel makes it easy to carry and is ideal for short-range defense.
The holster that comes standard with the Grizzly (also available sepa rately) is crafted from leather and accommodates any of the Bond threeinch pistols. It’s the perfect size for an inside-the-waist or pocket holster and features a bear silhouette stamp on the side. The pistol is secured via a hammer loop. The holster comes in both right- and left-hand draw options with brown or black finishes. SRP: $377. (bondarms.com)
The single-action 1911 A1 Stakeout features a 4140-hammer-forged steel electroless-nickel-finish slide and full-size frame. The 1911 A1 Stakeout comes with both a 9mm barrel (installed) and a .38 Super barrel.
Other features include a nickel-finished aluminum trigger, walnut grip, and a five-inch forged barrel. The Stakeout has both an A1 service thumb safety and an extended beavertail grip safety. Each firearm case includes one
Mentoring a new shooter or hunter is a key part of the long-term health of the shooting sports.
Teaching, all too often, is very much a by-the-book rote exercise with no explanation for the “why.” It’s an approach that frequently dulls the mind. But when a teacher truly engages with a student, the results can be life-affirming. One way this is accomplished is through mentoring. Human beings are wired to delve more deeply into a subject when another person takes the time and effort to truly share their personal knowledge.
The skills required to be an ethical hunter or a competitive shooter can’t be mastered by books alone. For many of us, we entered this very special world because an older, more experienced hunter or shooter took us under wing, in some cases devoting considerable time and energy to help us gain the needed expertise. “Passing it on” is an important part of our industry, and it’s a major reason the shooting sports of which we are so proudly a part has a long and rich tradition of mentoring.
I firmly believe the core reason our industry is still around is that we are all part of a “mentored” sport where many knowledgeable, caring souls teach, share, and inspire others. The reason I found an interest in the shooting sports all those years ago was due in part to several folks who took the time to share their lives with a very young man—in the process showing me “how it’s done.” It was exciting to be invited into their world.
The shooting sports has so many wonderful and vastly different areas that there is a place for almost everyone to be a part. Here are just a few: casual shooting, also lovingly called “plinking,” precision bullseye, action pistol, 3Gun, long-range rifle, 4-H, sporting clays, skeet, trap, scholastic shooting programs, PPC, IDPA, IPSC, BSA, air pistol and air rifle (both Olympic events), modern pentathlon and biathlon (also Olympic events), Cowboy Action, silhouette, bench rest. Then there is hunting: small and big game, upland birds, waterfowl, and predators and varmints. Retailers and range operators are the front line of the industry, and no matter the customer’s interest, we can help those new to these sports find solid ground by offering sage advice and technical expertise.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, our industry saw the birth of places, now known as “shooting sports complexes,” that welcomed millions of younger shooters, many of whom were quite inexperienced. Mentoring became an important part of their business model. When Jayne and I started our business in 1981, we decided that we wanted mentoring
to be a part of our business model. Today there are well over 1,000 such centers around the country, each a place where we can collectively grow the shooting sports.
Being a mentor can start very simply by just being aware of the folks in and around the range or store. Being open to answer any question in a respectful way is critical here. You are the face of the sport. Words, actions, and attitude all tell others “is this something I can, or even want to, fit into” or not. A snide remark will instantly turn off a new guest.
Allow me to share a story on my introduction to hunting. After starting the business, we were blessed to have a good following of shooters. One regular was also a hunter and invited me several times to go with him on an outing. Looking back now, I had sadly bought into the prevailing theme that hunting was no longer needed and was just cruel. He was, however, always polite and incredibly tolerant of my delay tactics. So, he went around me to my wife Jayne and found a date that was open. I was committed now. Our task was hunting crows that had roosted at Fort Cobb Lake. At the time, I didn’t even know what “roosting” was.
The night before he called and said, “Miles, I’ll be by to pick you up at four. I’ll have everything we will need, so no worries.”
I responded by telling him, “Okay Jim, but isn’t four a bit late in the afternoon to hunt?” To which he laughed and said, “No, I will pick you up at four a.m.” I said, “Are the crows even awake at that time?” Which got an even bigger laugh out of him.
Fort Cobb was about an hour-and-half drive, and the whole way he shared stories of how he started hunting. I found myself beginning to understand the “why” of the sport. He cracked the windows open so the early morning smells of the country could work their magic on me. Oklahoma has impressive sunrises; the ever-lightening eastern sky coupled with those sounds made the ride out captivating.
I was told that “roosting” was bad for the lake area the birds had settled into. In fact, as we made the final turn I saw first hand another side of nature: a landscape that thousands upon thousands of birds had turned into a toxic sludge that looked like it came out of a horror movie set. We hunted all day. We shot hundreds of rounds between us, and hundreds of birds were eliminated. My arms were incredibly abused, but I had never felt so alive and accomplished. We bagged up the remains (more than 50 big black garbage bags) of birds. The lake folks came by and picked up all those bags at the end of
our day and thanked us over and over for the help. Jim’s mentoring went on until his passing a few years later. His persistence and willingness to share his knowledge with me turned me into a hunter. As such, over the years I have been able to enjoy many hunting trips and meet incredibly interesting people. None of this would have happened had I not been mentored.
During these trips I would pick up on lots of things not officially taught but clearly important to the future. I think about these mentors so fondly now because they were teaching not just hunting but inadvertently so much more. The anecdotes about how and why something is done, often with a humorous aside, are something I treasure to this day. I was the recipient of decades of information passed down by people engaging in one of humanities’ oldest past times.
Over the decades we helped (in part) many thousands find a love for hunting and shooting. I say “in part” because our operation consisted of an army of mentors who welcomed and encouraged those new to the shooting sports. It was part of our DNA. The simple truth is that we are all on the same team, and we are all responsible for growing the shooting sports together.
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)
