SHOT Daily - Day 2 - 2022 SHOT Show

DAY 2 DAY 2, JANUARY 19, 2022

NSSF’S PROJECT CHILDSAFE

DELTAPOINT MICROTM

IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER

  

PROFESSIONAL-GRADE RED DOT OPTICAL SYSTEM UNLIMTIED EYE RELIEF See page 4 for more info GUARANTEED FOR LIFE

OPTICS 2022

FIRST FOCAL PLANE RIFLESCOPES AND RED-DOT HANDGUN SIGHTS WILL GET THE MOST ATTENTION THIS YEAR

AMMO 2022

AFTER TWO YEARS OF SCARCITY, RETAILERS WILL SEE A WHOLE NEW CROP OF INNOVATIVE AMMO PRODUCTS

AXIL EARBUDS:

BIANCHI:

ROCK RIVER:

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY:

NOW HEAR THIS!

ADOPTS NEW APPROACH

BREAKS NEW GROUND

NEW 10MM

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PATROL 6HD

RUGGED PERFORMANCE. RELENTLESS SPEED.

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GEN. II

SMART & INDIVIDUAL SEE THE UNSEEN

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Contents DAY 2

Day 2

CO LUMNS

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

05 • DAILY UPDATE 30 • SHOW SCENES AND PEOPLE

DAY 2, JANUARY 19, 2022

NSSF’S PROJECT CHILDSAFE

DELTAPOINT MICROTM

IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER

  

PROFESSIONAL-GRADE RED DOT OPTICAL SYSTEM UNLIMTIED EYE RELIEF See page 4 for more info GUARANTEED FOR LIFE

OPTICS 2022

FIRST FOCAL PLANE RIFLESCOPES AND RED-DOT HANDGUN SIGHTS WILL GET THE MOST ATTENTION THIS YEAR

DEPA RTMENTS

ADVERTISING SALES TEAM w AUTUMN IFLAND w KEN BYERS w DON HARRIS w TOBY SHAW COLE PUBLISHING ADMINISTRATION

22 • AMMO 2022

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

AMMO 2022

VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING w BILL DUNN

AFTER TWO YEARS OF SCARCITY, RETAILERS WILL SEE A WHOLE NEW CROP OF INNOVATIVE AMMO PRODUCTS

AXIL EARBUDS:

BIANCHI:

ROCK RIVER:

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY:

NOW HEAR THIS!

ADOPTS NEW APPROACH

BREAKS NEW GROUND

NEW 10MM

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS, ASSISTANT SECRETARY & GENERAL COUNSEL w LAWRENCE G. KEANE VICE PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES & ADMINISTRATION w DEB KENNEY VICE PRESIDENT & CFO w JOHN SMITH

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MANAGING DIRECTOR, MEMBER SERVICES w JOHN MCNAMARA

ON THE COVER Cover image by Leupold DeltaPoint Micro concealed-carry red dot

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F E A T U RES 48 • THE RIMFIRE AFTERMARKET

By PHIL BOURJAILY

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

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

34 • OPTICS 2022 53 • NEW PRODUCTS

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

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

ADVERTISING: Advertising inquiries should be emailed to shotbusiness@colepublishing.com. No responsibility will be assumed for unsolicited materials. SHOT BUSINESS is a registered trademark of NSSF. Contents copyright ©2022

by NSSF. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited unless expressly authorized by publisher.

MEMBER/SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: membership@nssf.org

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COVER SPONSOR

THIS ISSUE’S COVER BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

THE NEW

DELTAPOINT MICRO T

TM

he DeltaPoint Micro™ is a fully enclosed, low-profile red dot sight designed specifically for concealed carry and personal defense. Until now, there hasn’t

been a compact red dot sight suited for pistols with smaller frames and lower sight profiles, but the DeltaPoint Micro changes the game.

Mounted directly to the rear sight dovetail, the DeltaPoint Micro sits at the same height as factory iron sights and aligns the red dot with the front sight, giving you faster target acquisition and improved accuracy. And with eight levels of illumination, you can easily adjust the brightness of your red dot to match current conditions. If you need a rugged and reliable red dot for a conceal carry pistol but don’t want to deal with replacing factory sights or complicated mounting systems, then the DeltaPoint Micro is for you. Current models fit Glock® and Smith & Wesson® M&P® handguns only.

Booth #12421 (leupold.com)

KEY FEATURES  Professional-Grade Red Dot Optical System.  Compact design ideal for smaller pistols.  8 brightness settings.  Direct replacement for factory rear sight.  Friction adjustments.  Tool-less quick-change battery compartment.  Motion Sensor Technology (MST).  Unlimited eye relief.  Lightweight aluminum housing.  Enclosed design prevents snags and increases protection.  Waterproof, meets IPX7 standard.  Fogproof.  Guaranteed for life.

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DAILY

UPDATE N E WS

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PR O MO T I O N S

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AWAR D S

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OU T R EA CH

Springfield Armory Rolls Out the 10mm XD-M Elite 3.8-inch Compact OSP

T

here’s a reason Alaskan big-game guides like the 10mm platform. It provides the muscle to stop a charging bear in its tracks. But given its size and weight, few would consider it a prime candidate for concealed-carry. That’s the received wisdom, “wisdom” that the folks at Springfield Armory have just sent packing.

The company is unveiling a new XD-M Elite 3.8-inch Compact OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) in 10mm, which it believes combines potent power with cutting-edge performance.

Though the company’s well-received XD-M series has offered 10mm models, those guns are all larger and heavier than this new entry. The new gun has a 3.8inch barrel (instead of 4.5 or 5.25 inches), and it also weighs less than the other models. With a capacity of 11+1, Springfield’s designers believe they have created an outstanding defensive pistol option. In addition, the pistol is also offered packaged with a HEX Dragonfly 3.5 MOA red-dot sight that features a rugged machined-aluminum body.

The XD-M Elite 3.8-inch Compact OSP also comes with a removable, short magwell for ultra-fast and intuitive magazine changes. In addition to the flush-fitting 11-round magazines that come with the pistol, you can also employ optional full-size 15-round magazines with a “grip sleeve” by removing the magwell.

The XD-M Elite family 3.8-inch Compact OSP 10mm benefits from the META (Match Enhanced Trigger Assembly) system. “The META is designed to offer the finest factory trigger available in a polymerframed pistol,” says Mike Humphries, media relations manager for Springfield Armory. “From a clean, crisp,

and consistent pull to an integral overtravel stop to its flat face, the META gives you a high-end trigger right out of the box.”

When the company embarked on this project, it understood there would be some design challenges.

“While there is a lot of interest and demand for 10mm pistols for EDC, pistols designed for CCW and chambered in this powerful round are quite rare,” says Steve Kramer, vice president of marketing for Springfield Armory. “This is likely a result of the difficulties of making a pistol that can fire this round small enough for a CCW role, but still shootable enough to be practical.

“By starting with the XD-M Elite platform, which is an enhanced version of the popular XD-M pistol, the new XD-M Elite 3.8-inch Compact OSP in 10mm is able to offer shooters a very capable compact 10mm that is packable and also shootable. Despite its small dimensions, the pistol has a controllable grip (enhanced further by the removable flared magwell), excellent sights, fully ambidextrous controls, improved slide serrations, and more. Further setting the pistol apart is the fact it is an OSP that can accept

 The new XD-M Elite 3.8inch Compact OSP in 10mm from Springfield Armory has been specifically designed for concealed-carry use.

red-dot optics, such as the HEX Dragonfly, which is offered as an option.”

As the engineers got to work, they had to consider the nature of the 10mm on a compact package, namely recoil and muzzle rise. How did they fare?

Humphries admits that the physics of firing a round like the 10mm out of a compact pistol does mean recoil is a factor, but he believes the pistol has numerous features that make it very manageable to shoot. “These features include highly effective grip texturing, an interchangeable backstrap system for customizing the grip to each shooter’s needs, the removable magwell’s shape, and more. Simply put, the XD-M Elite 3.8-inch Compact OSP 10mm is a pistol that is both easy to carry and easy to shoot well.”

Kramer says the initial dealer response has been extremely positive. “The 10mm chambering is consistently popular. So, when you combine that with our pistol’s compact size and red-dot capability, you’ve got a unique product. The result is a pistol that looks to be a very strong seller.” SRP: $633, without optic; $818, with optic. Booth #70443 — Slaton L. White (springfield-armory.com)

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DAILY UPDATE

By Christopher Cogley

T

BIANCHI ADAPTS

he age-old business adage, “adapt or die,” has never been more applicable than it is in the uncertain, ever-changing times in which businesses are operating today.

Throughout the industry, businesses and brands are changing at a more rapid pace than ever to keep up with the evolving demands of their customers. One of the most prominent examples of this necessary new business model is Bianchi holsters.

Since 1958, Bianchi has earned a reputation as one of the premier manufacturers of leather holsters. As the popularity of more modern materials began to skyrocket, however, more and more of Bianchi’s traditional customer base began turning away from classic leather holsters. Bianchi still had a strong following with law enforcement and Cowboy Action Shooting enthusiasts, but its popularity with the general carry population had started to wane.

“Bianchi has always been about quality, craftsmanship, and passion. But over the last 10 years, Bianchi has been dormant, and in that time, the world in which we live has radically changed,” says Tim Drnec, vice president of marketing and commercial sales. “I believe citizens are looking at the idea of carrying a firearm through a different lens.

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And with over 10 million new gun owners, the brand had to find a way to connect with those individuals.”

Bianchi’s solution was simple—give those customers the best of both worlds by bringing together the classic appeal and reliability of leather with the functionality of more contemporary materials.

“From a brand perspective, we want Bianchi to be approachable and inclusive. The brand has to be for everyone. First-time carriers, off-duty officers, campers, competition shooters, hikers—the list goes on,” Drnec says. “From a product perspective, we want people to fall in love with leather. It’s organic and imperfect, just like we are. Every crease, scratch, and stain tell a story. No two holsters are the same, and that is what makes leather beautiful. You don’t fall in love with plastic.”

The first step in Bianchi’s mission to get people to fall in love with leather again is the new Shenandoah holster. The holster features an exterior made of the kind of premium leather for which Bianchi is known, but the interior of the holster is injected-molded with a suede liner. This combination creates the kind of classic look and versatile functionality that will come to define Binachi’s new brand direction.

“The Shenandoah was based directly on the needs of today’s concealed carrier by delivering a fully convertible holster. The Shenandoah can easily convert from an IWB to an OWB holster in a matter of seconds,” Drnec says. “We have a new line of weathered holsters that give some of our trusted models a vintage look and feel.”

The launch represents more than just a new product. It represents a new awakening of a trusted brand. It’s a transition for Bianchi from a manufacturer of specialized law enforcement and Cowboy Action holsters to a legitimate lifestyle brand that connects with ordinary, everyday people.

“The brand direction for Bianchi is rooted in the very idea of its inception—craft the world’s best leather holster for those who desire to live life protected,” Drnec says. “The future is bright because this community is filled with the most passionate and humble individuals who define what it means to carry every day. Bianchi is a chance to celebrate the individuals who make it great.”

Booth #11277 (safariland.com)

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DAILY UPDATE

EOTECH FIGHTS COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS EOTECH, the world-leading holographic weapons-sight manufacturer, is fighting back against counterfeiting rings at all levels. The manufacturer has launched an aggressive campaign targeting those who create and sell illegal copies of EOTECH products.

“We take counterfeit prevention extremely seriously,” says Director of Marketing Lisa Kemp. “Why? Because these forgeries impact our business and the business of our authorized dealers. These counterfeits also imperil the safety of those who use them.”

“Stopping fakes at the source is a critical step in curbing counterfeiting.

EOTECH produces a rugged, technically unique holographic sight that can’t be duplicated by counterfeiters. The EOTECH brand stands for reliability, durability, and the safety of our operators, whether they are members of the military, law-enforcement personnel, or general users,” she says. “EOTECH partners and end users can rest assured that we will actively pursue counterfeit operations to quickly shut them down.”

Authentic EOTECH holographic sighting technology is nearly impossible to replicate. Unfortunately, numerous imitation EOTECH products have been discovered, including LED-based products attempting to pass as high-tech holographic sights. According to Kemp, one such counterfeit reseller is JC Airsoft, which sold fake EOTECH HWS products for deep discounts. With cooperation from the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), EOTECH fought to shut down this activity. Through these efforts, EOTECH reached a six-figure settlement with JC Airsoft for various HWS counterfeit violations.

NEW

4-16x44

NEW

4-16x50

“An explosion of online sales links with reproduction HWS products adds to consumer confusion,” Kemp notes. “Shoppers are lured to these online stores by their shockingly low prices. EOTECH closely monitors online sales and blocks unauthorized items from websites such as Alibaba, Aliexpress, Amazon, Facebook, eBay, and other online outlets.”

EOTECH understands it is difficult for consumers to spot a fake.

Counterfeiters go so far as to reproduce EOTECH registered trademarks and packaging. As part of its anti-counterfeiting efforts, the company has created a counterfeit detection resource page on its website (eotechinc.com/ help-center/counterfeit-detection) to assist consumers in making an informed purchase. On the page, consumers and EOTECH dealers can learn about counterfeit EOTECH sights through illustrations comparing genuine and counterfeit sights. They’ll also find tips for identifying a forgery.

“Authorized EOTECH dealers can use this website to help educate their customers about these counterfeit products,” Kemp says. “Counterfeiting affects everyone, and EOTECH is committed to go the extra mile to stop it.”

Booth #20153 (eotechinc.COM)

CLEARLY ON TARGET

NEW

6-24x50

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© 2021 UMAREX USA, INC.

MDPR2

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BOOTH 12472

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7xRGB20

AxeonOptics.com a brand of UMAREX

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®

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DAILY UPDATE

Vital Importance With an audience of millions of first-time gun owners at hand, NSSF’s Project ChildSafe is more important than ever before.

By Christopher Cogley

F

or more than 20 years, the NSSF’s incredibly successful Project ChildSafe campaign has been the foremost firearm safety initiative in the country. As it moves into its third decade, Project ChildSafe is rolling out fresh campaigns and forming new strategic partnerships aimed at keeping people of all ages safe (and proving that children aren’t the only ones this powerful program is focused on protecting).

“Gun safety has always been a priority for NSSF and the entire industry,” said Bill Brassard, senior director of communications for NSSF. “Trends in firearm buying and recreational shooting will change, but safe handling and storage of our guns is the bedrock of responsible ownership. Project ChildSafe reminds and educates gun owners about those responsibilities.”

Finding new ways to keep a tried-and true program resonating with the public is necessary to keeping any initiative like Project ChildSafe alive and relevant. But what has become perhaps more important during the past two years was that Project ChildSafe had an entirely new audience to reach: the millions of people who purchased their first firearm during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“NSSF has been working hard to reach first-time gun owners and encourage them to pursue training and skill building, and to use the secure storage device that best suits their lifestyle, whether a lock box or other type of gun safe,” Brassard said.

To accomplish that goal, NSSF has created an infographic targeted at firsttime gun owners that provides them with safety tips, the importance of safely storing firearms when they aren’t being used, and considerations that all gun owners should take into account, including their reason for purchasing a firearm.

 The goal of the Parents Guide campaign is to help parents understand the mental health stressors kids can be exposed to that might cause them to want to harm themselves.

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 To reach as many people as possible, NSSF has provided Project Childsafe information to retailers and ranges. It has also created a social media campaign directed specifically to consumers.

“Purchasing a firearm is not something that should be approached lightly,” Brassard said. “If a person has never owned a firearm before, it’s important for them to work through why they’ve decided to purchase one. It’s the first step toward being a responsible gun owner.”

To reach as many people as possible, NSSF provided the information to retailers and ranges, and also created a social media campaign directed specifically to consumers. That successful campaign was followed with another that focused on providing a resource guide for parents that covers topics many parents might find difficult to discuss—or even consider—mental health and suicide.

“The goal of the Parents Guide campaign is to help parents understand the mental health stressors kids can be exposed to that might cause them to want to harm themselves, and how parents can help those who are struggling,” Brassard said.

The importance of the program was realized when NSSF reached out to law enforcement agencies across the country and asked them what other resources it could provide them to help save lives in their communities.

“Agencies across the country responded by saying they would like resources to help make parents more aware of adolescents’ mental health, youth suicide, and the warning signs kids might exhibit, because these signs can be really easy to miss or dismiss,” Brassard said.

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To help provide the information that has the potential to save lives, NSSF worked with its partner organization, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, child psychologists, and law-enforcement experts to create the guide as well as a webinar. Parents and guardians can use this tool to become more aware that their child might be struggling with their mental health, discover how to respond in a supportive way, and know where to turn for professional assistance.

Like all of the other campaigns that Project ChildSafe rolled out the previous two decades, it’s all about providing as many people as possible with the information and tools that encourage prevention of firearm misuse. It works.

Project ChildSafe is one reason unintentional firearm fatalities are at all-time low levels. Whether it’s children or adults, when it comes to saving lives, the more we all know, the better our future will be. (projectchildsafe.org)

CELERANT PARTNERS WITH NSSF TO SUPPORT PROJECT CHILDSAFE The National Shooting Sports Foundation and Celerant Technology recently announced a new partnership supporting Project ChildSafe and firearm safety. Celerant provides point-of-sale and eCommerce software to many retailers in the industry, and now the company has pre-loaded into its latest software a checkout option allowing customers to either round up to the nearest dollar or to choose a specific denomination to donate in support of Project ChildSafe. Retailers simply have to turn on the donation software option in their pointof-sale and/or eCommerce site to begin their support of the country’s leading firearm safety education program.

“The benefit of our partnership is that we can work even closer with an industry we respect and support,” said Michele Salerno, director of marketing, assistant vice president of Celerant Technology Corp. “And it provides those who care about gun safety an opportunity to give back and support safety education efforts at the community level, while making it simple for the retailers to facilitate.”

Developed by NSSF, Project ChildSafe is dedicated to promoting responsible firearm handling and secure storage by distributing safety education messages and free firearm safety kits in all 50 states and the U.S. territories.

“This partnership will allow the industry to support our ongoing safety efforts by offering their customers an easy-to-use, point-ofsale donation option at no cost to the business,” said Joe Bartozzi, chairman of Project ChildSafe Foundation and president & CEO of NSSF. “Firearm safety is a bedrock of our industry and the gun-owning community, and we are grateful to all our donors for their commitment to reducing firearm accidents, thefts, and misuse.”

Celerant Technology is a preferred retail commerce software provider of the NSSF and has provided point-of-sale software to the firearm industry for over 20 years.

NSSF and Project ChildSafe are excited to launch their partnership with Celerant. Industry retailers, ranges, and dealers who want to help support Project ChildSafe are encouraged to participate in this cooperative effort. For more information, please visit celerant. com/projectchildsafe, or contact Barry Levine at 718-351-2000, option 3, or blevine@celerant.com.

 Project ChildSafe is one reason unintentional firearm fatalities are at all-time low levels.

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DAILY UPDATE

Now Hear This!

Digital technology is completely changing the hearing-protection industry.

By Slaton L. White

W

eston Harris has devoted his entire life to hearing protection. He founded SportEAR in 2000 to take advantage of developments in digital technology to enhance hearing protection for target shooters and hunters. Now under AXIL, Harris and company have evolved a comprehensive hearing product line geared for the active outdoor lifestyle. AXIL offers a full line of medical-grade hearing aids with protection and all-inone earbuds to cover outdoor applications. The company also offers earmuffs, earplugs, and supplements for proper ear care.

To Harris, the mission of AXIL is “to do for hearing what Oakley did for eyewear, what UnderArmour did for fitness wear, and what KUIU did for performance clothing. In other words, to create the most comprehensive brand and innovative offering to cover all of one’s hearing needs from early life to later years for those who pursue outdoor active lifestyles.”

The company was originally known as SportEAR, but in 2017 it became AXIL. Why the name change?

“When SportEAR was launched in the sporting goods marketplace in January 2000, it quickly became recognized as the best technology and product line in its class,” Harris says. “But as the company evolved, the name didn’t properly represent what we really offered. Marketplace feedback from audiences outside of the hunting industry told us these consumers simply

did not connect with SportEAR. So, AXIL was formed in 2012 to create a far wider reach. In 2017, SportEAR was brought into the AXIL orbit. The marketplace response has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Hearing protection has changed dramatically in Harris’ lifetime, and he’s been a big part of the process. “Back in the 1970s,

 Weston Harris, founder and CEO of AXIL.

The best way to ensure superior hearing protection is to properly seal off the ear canal from incoming loud sounds. Here, an in-ear seal of the ear is a far better approach than wearing ear muffs.

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DAILY UPDATE

 GS Premium Custom Fit ear buds deliver great comfort, audio quality, and hearing protection for any application.

all that was available was cheap ear muffs and foam ear plugs,” he says. “Later in that decade the first electronic ear muffs became available, and I used them when I was shooting jackrabbits with my 12-gauge Benelli in Nevada in the summer. Then came large, behind-the-ear hearing aids, followed by improved, more compact, and more affordable electronic ear muffs.”

SportEAR featured the first 100-percent digital product lineup, and it took the industry to a whole new level. Now a user could have digital technology that could be programmed exactly to their hearing profile while getting automatic hearing protec-

tion against loud noises, such as gun fire. Digital technology takes the physical sound wave and converts it to binary signals, allowing AXIL engineers to recreate a brand-new sound for the user. Without getting too technical, this technology screens background noises and filters out unwanted noises in milliseconds, constantly and automatically giving the user a comfortable listening experience.

“Furthermore, AXIL can custom-make an earbud or hearing aid with this digital technology inside to give a user the very best available hearing technology,” Harris says.

Harris understands that many older shooters have been told that over-the-ear muffs offer the best protection. But he believes AXIL earbuds offer the same, if not better, level of protection.

“The best approach is to properly seal off the ear canal from oncoming loud sounds, and here an in-ear seal of the ear is the best way to go,” he says. “Properly sealed-in ear protection will give someone up to 50 percent better protection than traditional head muffs. Head muffs are best used when someone wants to double up on their hearing protection, say at an all-day competition or if you plan to shoot a full course of sporting clays.”

Harris has more than 27 years of experience working directly with thousands of customers and patients from his retail hearing clinics, and this experience helps germinate new product ideas. “I take the best of their feedback and the best of my expertise and imagination, and then I look at the most innovative companies on the planet and see how they are doing things,” he says. “At that point I align myself with engineers and product

FRONTIER 34 FFP THE ULTIMATE LONG-RANGE RIFLESCOPE PREMIUM SCOPES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR EXTREME LONG-RANGE SHOOTING Hawke Optics’ all new Frontier 34 First Focal Plane scopes are built with long distance shooters in mind. Like the other scopes in the Frontier lineup, the Frontier 34 FFP scopes are part of the System H7 series, which use index-matched lenses with outstanding clarity throughout the entire field of view. These scopes are built on a 34mm mono-tube chassis, providing ample elevation for long distance precision shooting. Machined from high-grade aluminum, they are water, shock and fog proof and are nitrogen purged.

The Frontier line is feature-rich, including side focus adjustment, removable zoom lever, Hawke’s patented Zero Lock ‘n Stop resettable turrets, and 11 levels of illumination including daylight bright for all shooting conditions. All models have a generous four inches of eye relief, locking ocular focus, and 21 layers of advanced coatings for high light transmission and maximum clarity. The Frontier 34 FFP riflescopes are available in 3-18x50 and 5-30x56 with Mil Pro or MOA Pro reticles.

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DAILY UPDATE developers from around the world in order to create cuttingedge products. Advancements in digital technology are now allowing me to create products that have been in my head for two decades. This is a very exciting time for innovations in the hearing space, and AXIL is leading the way.”

One of AXIL’s most intriguing innovations is its online hearing clinics. “Our online clinics let you test your hearing in a very simple and affordable way,” he says. “You go to the Online Hearing Test (found in the navigation bar on the AXIL website), plug in your headphones or earphones to your computer, and

follow the on-screen instructions. Then, after saving your hearing test results, you send them to us for evaluation. The last step is to set up an appointment with one of our hearing professionals to find the best solutions for you.”

Harris says there seems to be more emphasis on hearing protection in the shooting sports these days, and he has some cogent advice for newcomers to the sports in regard to hearing protection. “They say a cure sells far more than prevention.

But when it comes to hearing loss, there is no cure. Never take your hearing for granted. Your hearing is so advanced that you essentially have 90,000 ‘strings on a piano’ between your two ears. Invest in great ear protection now and always wear it when you need it. Do that and you will reap massive rewards with your hearing later in life. Our products help you enjoy all of the great sounds of life.”

Booth #14843

 The Custom 60 line consists of personalized earplugs that suppress harmful sounds and enhance what you can hear.

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 The GS Electronic series offers small and comfortable earphones—no more bulky ear muffs— with a rechargeable lanyard.

9MM BORE CLEANER The all new CleanShot 9mm Bore Cleaner is engineered for the specific demands of centerfire handguns. Yet, it’s just as fast and effective as the original—turning a tedious and time-consuming chore into a quick and easy procedure.

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SAR9C

THE PERFECT BLEND OF CONCEALABILITY AND SHOOTABILITY

Day2 Full Pages.indd 15

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12/8/21 2:22 PM

DAILY UPDATE

LEUPOLD LAUNCHES DELTAPOINT MICRO

By Slaton L. White

O

ver the past few years, the demand for compact self-defense handguns has exploded, and firearm manufacturers are scrambling to keep up with demand. When looking at the sales figures of these guns, savvy optics manufacturers see opportunity as well. That’s why Leupold & Stevens recently launched the DeltaPoint Micro, a fully enclosed low-profile red-dot sight designed specifically for concealed-carry and personaldefense firearms.

Featuring a compact and revolutionary new design that is easy to conceal, the DP-Micro mounts directly to the rear sight dovetail and sits at the same height as factory iron sights. As a result, the red dot aligns with the front sight, delivering rapid target acquisition and improved accuracy.

“As our team designed the DeltaPoint Micro, they knew it needed to be three things: lowprofile,easy to use, and tough as nails,” says Tim Lesser, vice president of product development. “I believe it delivers on all counts. No red dot on the market is more compact. Its low height to bore replicates the same sight plane that iron-sight shooters are used to, which allows for intuitive target acquisition. In addition, it delivers the legendary rugged performance that Leupold consumers expect.”

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Lesser also says the DP-Micro features Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System, which provides unmatched light transmission and glare reduction for a clear image in harsh, direct light. And, the red dot mounts quickly and easily to the factory rear sight dovetail for co-witnessing the front sight, eliminating the need for aftermarket rear iron sights.

Building such a compact sight required Leupold designers to overcome some design challenges, the biggest of which was space. “Yes, the biggest challenge was space,” says tactical product line manager John Snodgrass. “We had to configure the necessary amount of electronics, battery, and other adjustments in a compact package.”

Snodgrass adds that Leupold embarked on this project for two reasons: first, they saw a market opportunity because of the number of sales of compact self-defense handguns; second, Leupold customers were asking for just such a product.

“We recognized a market opportunity for an easy-to-install sight that was a great value and would operate on older pistols that were never designed for red-dot sights, such as the early Glocks and S&W M&P pistols. We also knew there would be demand for a red-dot sight for

many of the new subcompact pistols that are popular for concealed carry self-defense. The DeltaPoint Micro provides shooters that may want or need to transition to a red dot the opportunity to do that with pistols they already own without having to have the slide modified or significantly change the way they present the pistol.

“At the same time, the consumer market was asking for enclosed systems that aren’t as susceptible to environmental factors and smaller sights that would fit subcompact carry guns. With the DeltaPoint Micro, we delivered an affordable and ruggedly reliable solution that is proudly designed, machined, and assembled in the United States.”

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DAILY UPDATE As Snodgrass notes, the DP-Micro is designed to fit non-MOS Glocks and S&W M&Ps. But Leupold intends to expand the line as quickly as is possible.

“We’re working on new designs and innovations,” he says. “Dealers can rest assured that the DP-Micro will be a family of products that will cover a broad range of firearms and uses.”

Leupold has always been proud of the durability of its products, whether a riflescope, spotting scope, or rangefinder. To ensure that durability, the company puts its products through a torture test known as the Punisher. The Punisher simulates a lifetime of use by replicating three times the recoil of a .308 Winchester cartridge. Before moving to production, each new design must survive 5,000 impacts in the Punisher and still perform to Leupold’s legendary standards.

Battery life has been an issue with some red-dot sights, but Leupold believes that will not be an issue with the DP-Micro. “The CR1632 battery required for the DP-Micro will survive 3.5 years of constant runtime on a medium brightness setting,” Snodgrass says. “It is supported by Leupold’s Motion Sensor Technology, which puts the sight into sleep mode to prevent battery drain after five minutes of inactivity. It reactivates the sight upon movement.”

But, in the case of battery failure, the DP-Micro serves as its own backup sight. “If the battery dies or you experience some sort of failure, the DeltaPoint Micro can be used like a ghost-ring sight,” he says. “By putting the front sight in the bottom-third of the window and using the two milled holes on the back to align with the front sight, you’ll still be able to get on target fast,

DAILY UPDATE

without adjusting grip or presentation. When it comes to personal protection, you don’t want to leave anything to chance—and the DP-Micro doesn’t.”

Leupold believes consumers are on board, but what about its dealers?

“Demand has been through the roof, and most dealers are ecstatic to have a product on the shelf that is such a great value, easy to install in the shop, and easy to package with the carry/defense pistols that are so popular right now,” Snodgrass says.

As a last selling point, Snodgrass says the DeltaPoint Micro is waterproof, fogproof, and guaranteed to perform for life. The DeltaPoint Micro is 2.25 inches in length, 1.25 inches in height, and weighs only 1.1 ounces.

DiamondCoat II scratch-resistant lenses ensure it stands up to the roughest conditions, and a fully enclosed LED provides complete protection from the elements.

SRP: $399.99.

Booth #12421 (leupold.com)

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A RIFLE YOU’LL WANT TO PASS DOWN TO YOUR KIDS. JUST NOT YET. NEW NOSLER’S MODEL 21. THE RIFLE YOU’VE ALWAYS WANTED.

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Day2 Full Pages.indd 19 N319-070978-1_Model21PrintAd-SHOT-REVISE.indd 1

12/8/21 2:24 PM 12/1/21 3:14 PM

DAILY UPDATE

A Different Road

Rock River Arms wasn’t known for bolt-action rifles. The RBG-1S has changed that.

By Slaton L. White

K

nown primarily for semi-automatic AR rifles and 1911 pistols, Rock River Arms went down a different road when it introduced the RBG1S, the company’s first bolt-action rifle. This new venture naturally begs the question: What market forces helped drive the decision to design and build this rifle?

“Rock River Arms was looking for some diversity,” says Chuck Larson, owner of Rock River Arms. “We are well known for our AR-style rifles and 1911 models, but we felt we needed to branch out and expand our offerings.

And with bolt-action rifles being so popular, it seemed like the perfect addition to our lineup.

Rock River Arms is known for accuracy, and we have always wanted to tap into the bolt-gun

world. In addition, long-range shooting has become more popular over the last few years, so why not give our customers an option?”

Larson notes that the RBG-1S is a “custom production” product. But what exactly is that?

“With each rifle we build, every action is checked for perfect fit to each chassis,” he says. “Once built, each rifle is shot for accuracy. And each rifle is held to the strictest tolerances before it ever leaves here.”

The rifle features a barrel-nut design, and the reason for this is simple. “Rock River Arms decided to go with the barrel-nut design for interchangeability between calibers and for head-spacing ease.” The rifle comes from the factory in .308, but the barrel-nut design means the user can easily swap out barrels in order to use a different caliber.

Given the RBG-1S’s departure from Rock River’s usual fare, how has its dealer network responded? According to Larson, it’s a thumb’s up all the way around. “Dealers love the look as well as the overall design of the rifle. They are also impressed with all of the features we have included, such the TriggerTech trigger, KRG Whiskey III chassis, and the Big Horn private-labeled action.”

He notes that the RBG-1S is a high-end rifle, price wise, but at the same time says the company priced it below models at the very top end of this market segment. “Rock River used the same concept as we do on our 5.56 and .308 AR models—bigger bang for less money. You offer your customers top-of-the-line options, but try to get the price down to where someone doesn’t feel they have to ‘sell the farm’ to buy one.”

BOOTH

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DAILY UPDATE

Because this is Rock River’s first bolt gun, the manufacturer did have to make some production adjustments. “We did have to modify some of our production processes, which included specialty holding fixtures for helping

during assembly, special torque wrenches, custom crowning tools, and of course re-equipping our range to accompany the shooting requirements for the rifle. All of these bolt guns ship with a laminated three-shot group target so the

UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY. PROVEN PERFORMANCE. FOR EARLY TO MID-SEASON HUNTING

new owner can see how well their new rifle can shoot.” SRP: $4,450.

Booth #75102 (rockriverarms.COM)

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AMMO

by Brad Fitzpatrick

2022

2021 was all about keeping pace with demand. This year, there is a whole new crop of innovative ammunition products ready to hit store shelves.

F

or the past two years, retailers around the country have heard the same refrain week after week, month after month: Where’s all the ammo? There has been a great deal of speculation regarding the root cause of the ammo shortage, but here’s a suc-

cinct summation of exactly what occurred: millions of people (including over 10 million new gun owners) wanted to buy ammunition, and supply greatly outpaced demand.

Ammo factories are running around the clock and churning out rounds as fast as they can. A lack of raw materials has slowed the process, and ammunition manufacturers are faced with backlogs of orders that they are finding very difficult to satisfy, generally through no fault of their own.

Now for some good news: Ammo supplies are slowly but steadily starting to meet consumer demand, and manufacturers are once again able to get their products out the door. The even better news is that some manufacturers are rolling out new ammo products. Many of the trends in the firearm and shooting sports markets over the last several years have been driven by advancements in ammunition; high-BC bullets helped ignite the long-range rifle and centerfire-cartridge craze, improved handgun ammunition has made concealed-carry pistols more potent for personal defense, and ultra-heavy shot like TSS has made .410s the turkey guns of the future.

What will this new breed of ammunition do for the market? It’s hard to say, but it’s good to see so many cutting-edge ammo products in the works—and, hopefully, on stores shelves very soon.

APEX AMMUNITION

Apex’s line of non-toxic premium loads is expanding with the introduction of new TSS/S3 blended loads. These duplex shotshells contain premium No. 7.5 TSS high-density shot with Apex’s zinc-plated steel shot. The TSS shot offers a density of 18.1 g/cc, which is considerably higher than lead, and when it is combined with Apex’s premium uniform zinc-coated steel shot (No. 2, 4, or BB in 12 gauge, No. 4 in 20 gauge) this blended load provides superb lethality and reduces cripples. These loads feature premium powders and tungsten-grade one-piece wads that protect the interior of the gun’s barrel and produce uniform, consistent patterns, making them a great option for serious waterfowl hunters. Booth #71104 (apexmunition.com)

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CCI

The big news from Blazer (a CCI sub-brand) is the release of a brand-new 30 Super Carry cartridge load, a round developed by Federal (CCI’s sister company) for personal protection. This innovative cartridge utilizes a .312-inch bullet (same as the .327 Federal Magnum) and offers terminal performance similar to a 9mm Luger, but with more capacity.

For 2022, Blazer will offer 115-grain FMJ 30 Super Carry ammunition in 50-round boxes. The ammo comes with highquality reloadable brass cases and reaches a muzzle velocity of 1,150 feet per second, making it a reliable and affordable training load for the new 30 Super Carry cartridge. Also new is Blazer Brass Lead-Free Clean-Fire 9mm pistol ammunition. These 100-grain flat-nose rounds feature lead-free bullets and primers.

Booth #42605 (cci-ammunition.com)

HORNADY

Hornady’s newest hunting bullet is the CX (copper-alloy expanding). The CX is a monolithic copper-alloy bullet that’s suitable for hunting a wide variety of game at varying distances, and it’s fully California compatible. Regardless of where you’re hunting, though, the new CX bullet is a superb option because the bullets offer excellent accuracy and retain 95 percent of their original weight. The bullets come with grooves on the shank that improve performance and reduce fouling and bullet-bearing surface. They also feature Hornady’s Heat Shield polymer tip that improves aerodynamics, reduces heating, and provides the bullet-to-bullet and lot-to-lot consistency that serious long-range shooters demand. Ammunition loaded with CX bullets is available in Hornady’s Outfitter, Superformance, and Custom lines in a wide range of cartridges from .223 Remington to .375 H&H Magnum. Component bullets are also available in high-BC, heavy-for-caliber bullets, such as the 6mm (90 grain), 6.5mm (130 grain), and .30 caliber (190 grain). Booth #12446 (Hornady.com)

FIOCCHI

Fiocchi’s Golden Turkey TSS loads provide dense patterns, deep penetration, and long-range performance using 18 g/cc tungsten shot. The 3-inch 12-gauge loads are available in No. 7 or No. 9 shot. Muzzle velocity is 1,200 fps. The 3-inch 20-gauge loads use No. 9 shot. Muzzle velocity is 1,225 fps.

The three-inch .410 bore loads also use No. 9 shot. Muzzle velocity is 1,100 fps. All are available in boxes of five.

Booth #11454 (fiocchiusa.com)

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PRODUCT FEATURE

AMMO

FEDERAL

Federal is offering a lengthy list of new products for 2022, but none is bigger news than the company’s 30 Super Carry. As the name implies, this round was designed specifically for the concealed-carry market and offers several benefits over existing cartridge designs. The .312-inch bullet is narrower than either a .380 Auto or 9mm, and the 30 Super Carry offers energy levels on par with a 9mm (and handily exceeding those of the .380 ACP) in a narrower design. Because it is smaller in diameter than these rounds, guns chambered for 30 Super Carry can hold an additional one, two, or even more rounds in the magazine without sacrificing terminal performance. In gel tests the 30 Super Carry outperforms 9mm ammunition. The new round is also accurate and produces mild recoil that most shooters will find manageable. Federal American Eagle is offering 100-grain FMJ target loads at 1,250 fps in 50-round containers for target shooting; Federal Premium is offering 100-grain HST ammo with a muzzle velocity of 1,250 fps in 20-round cartons.

Federal Premium’s new High Over All shotshell is designed for competition. These shells offer more reloads than competing ammunition and come loaded with high-antimony lead and one-piece Podium wads. There are currently 16 different 12-gauge 2¾-inch shell options with sub-gauge offerings coming in 2022.

The company also released the new Top Gun Paper Wad load in 12 gauge with a paper gas-sealing wad and a choice of either lead or steel shot.

Force X2 Shorty shotshells are also available this year and are loaded with six Force X2 segmenting buckshot pellets in a 1¾-inch plastic hull. The company’s HST line of ammunition now includes two ammunition options for revolvers (.327 Federal and .357 Magnum), and .44 Special has been added to the PUNCH family of personal-defense ammo. The company’s popular Terminal Ascent bullets are now available as components, and there are additions to many other Federal product lines this year, including the Meat Eater, Gold Medal Berger, Trophy Copper, Hammer Down, and Fusion lines, among others. Booth #42605 (federalpremium.com)

HEVI-SHOT

Late last year HEVI-Shot introduced their HEVI-XXII tungsten waterfowl load. As the name implies, these non-toxic shotshells utilize premium tungsten shot with a density of 12 g/cc, which is 53.8 percent denser than steel shot. As a result, HEVI-XXII generates more energy with smaller shot sizes than steel, and smaller shot means more pellets and improved penetration and terminal ballistics.

Both 12- and 20-gauge HEVI-XXII ammunition will be available with shot sizes of No. 2, 4, or 6 in loads ranging from 7⁄8 ounce to 1¼ ounces. Velocities range from 1,350 to 1,500 fps, making this a lethal load for waterfowl.

Also new from HEVI-Shot are HEVI-Hammer Dove and HEVIHammer Upland loads. These shotshells use pellets made from 15 percent bismuth (with a density of 9.64 g/cc) and 85 percent steel to generate 50 percent more energy at 40 yards than traditional steel shot. This results in more consistent kills, even at extended ranges. HEVI-Hammer Upland is available in 12- or 20-gauge 3-inch shells with either No. 3 or 5 shot; HEVI-Hammer Dove is available in both 12- and 20-gauge 3-inch shells with No. 7 shot.

Booth #11838 (hevishot.com)

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come out heavier.

THE LEGENDARY PERFORMANCE OF HEVI-SHOT

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Day2 Full Pages.indd 25

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PRODUCT FEATURE

AMMO

NORMA

Norma’s new Whitetail load is specifically engineered for hunting America’s most popular big-game animal. The bullet features a lead core with a soft-point nose for rapid expansion on deer-sized game, and it has a flat base and a thin jacket that isn’t bonded to the core.

The result is a bullet that expands efficiently and reliably at a wide range of velocities and distances, transferring kinetic energy and creating large wound channels. Booth #12260 (norma-ammunition.com)

NOSLER

Nosler has developed some of the industry’s most iconic hunting bullets, including the Accubond, Partition, and Ballistic Tip. Now the company is hoping that their new ASP (Assured Stopping Power) projectile will be the new standard bearer in the defense-bullet sector. The ASP bullet is designed with one purpose in mind: neutralizing a threat. To accomplish this, the jacketed hollow point comes with skives that initiate expansion at a range of impact velocities. The jacket helps retains weight, creating a great deal of hydrostatic shock that is transferred to the target. Nosler is offering ASP ammunition in four calibers: 9mm Luger (115, 124, and 147 grain), .40 S&W (150 and 180 grain), 10mm (180 grain), and .45 ACP (230 grain). Subsonic loads will be available for the 9mm and .45 ACP, and ASP component bullets will be available as well. Booth #13021 (nosler.com)

REMINGTON

Remington is under new ownership and is rolling out several new products for 2022, including a new version of the famed Core-Lokt bullet, the Core-Lokt Tipped. The new Core-Lokt Tipped bullet offers the same Core-Lokt jacket that made the original bullet famous with hunters because of its dependable expansion and reliable energy transfer on a wide range of game at varying ranges, but the new bullet features a new Big Green polymer tip that improves aerodynamics and accuracy and makes this bullet more effective at extended distances. The bullet’s center of gravity is also adjusted rearward to further enhance accuracy potential.

Loaded Remington Core-Lokt Tipped ammo will initially be offered in .243 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win., .280 Rem., 7mm Rem. Mag., .30-06, .308 Win., .300 Win. Mag., and .300 WSM. Core-Lokt Tipped ammunition will offer premium performance at an affordable price.

Also new from Remington are two new 30 Super Carry loads. Remington UMC will offer a 100-grain FMJ 30 Super Carry load with a muzzle velocity of 1,250 fps that is affordable and ideal for target shooting. The company is also offering a 100-grain HTP (High Terminal Performance) 30 Super Carry load that pushes a 100-grain JHP personal defense bullet at 1,230 fps from the muzzle. The FMJ load will be available in 50-round cartons while the HTP personal defense ammunition will be offered in 20-round cartons.

Booth #42605 (remington.com)

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12/15/21 8:00 AM

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12/3/21 2:26 PM 12/15/21 8:02 AM

PRODUCT FEATURE

AMMO

SAR USA

Made in Turkey, SAR 9mm NATO FMJ ammunition features brass casings and military-grade weather-sealed primers. The ammo is designed to deliver accuracy as well as downrange performance. Available in 50-round boxes in either 115-grain FMJ or 124-grain FMJ. Booth #12838 (sarusa.com)

SPEER

Speer, another sister company of Federal, is offering a new 30 Super Carry load in their Gold Dot line of ammunition for 2022. Gold Dot is the No. 1 bullet chosen by law-enforcement agencies because of its consistent accuracy and reliable performance. The Uni-Cor chemical bonding process ensures maximum weight retention, and skiving on the bullet’s nose initiates expansion while still offering the barrier penetration desired by the nation’s top law enforcement agencies. The 30 Super Carry load will come with a 115-grain Gold Dot bullet with a muzzle velocity of 1,150 fps that generates muzzle energies close to the 9mm Luger; however, the 30 Super Carry offers deeper penetration. Booth #42605 (speer.com)

Your Fight Is Our Fight

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

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WINCHESTER

Winchester and Browning launched the new 6.8 Western cartridge last year, and the cartridge has already become a major success because it fits in short-action rifles, fires high-BC heavy-for-caliber bullets, and its .277-inch bullet retains more energy at 500 yards than a .300 Win. Mag. while generating significantly less recoil.

The 6.8 Western is now available in the new Copper Impact line of ammunition, and that load pushes a 162-grain bullet at 2,875 fps, which makes it a great choice for almost any big game. It’s also offered with Winchester’s proven Power-Point bullet (170 grains).

In addition to the new 6.8 Western loads, Winchester is also launching bismuth non-toxic shotshell ammunition. Bismuth has a higher density than steel and carries more energy, and Winchester uses premium bismuth pellets that are tin plated and buffered. The resulting pellets are very smooth and round, which results in better performance and more consistent patterns. In addition, these shells feature a lacquered primer and double-seal wad that makes them water resistant.

Also new from Winchester this year is the 30 Round Clip Pack that comes with 30 rounds of 5.56 M855 ammunition pre-loaded on stripper clips and a loading spoon. These boxes (which are about the same size as a 50-round 9mm box) fit conveniently on store shelves, and they make loading 5.56 magazines fast and simple. Winchester also added a new 10mm Auto personalprotection load to the USA Ready line, and this ammunition is loaded with a 170-grain Hex-Vent bullet. The Hex-Vent bullet design shields the bullet’s hollow point from obstruction and channels material flow, resulting in a consistent performance and positive bullet expansion. Other notable releases from Winchester this year include their Super Pheasant Diamond Grade, Xpert Pheasant, and Fast Dove High Brass shotshell loads and their USA Valor ammo series, which supports Folds of Honor with every purchase.

Booth #11827

©KENETREK, LLC 2022

(winchester.com)

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12/15/21 8:01 AM

SHOW SCENES AND PEOPLE

The New Product Center, now located in Caesar’s Forum, is one of the most visited areas of the SHO T Show. When you stop by, don’ t forget to also visit the nearby SHOT eXtr a area. SHOT eXtra presents the next generation of shooting, hunting, and outdoor industry compani es in an easy-to-browse table-top pavi lion. More than 100 exhibits will be on display, giving you an opportuni ty to meet new manufacturer s and discover new products.

he-art firearms and showcasing their new state-of-t SAR USA (Booth #12838) is ial SHOT Show Bag Offic the of title ted cove the accessories, but they also have during the show; ten each giving away 40 SAR9 pistols Sponsor. SAR USA also will be able at the booth. avail or Bag are in the free Show day. Details on the giveaway

fire, s of military, law enforcement, mitted itself to serving the need ational shooters For 30 years Wiley X has com recre and ers hunt for s work t works for them and EMS professionals. And wha launching eight new lines, , Wiley X (Booth #20063) is as well. At the 2022 SHOT Show ate Control series. The WX est member of the Wiley X Clim including the WX Ozone, the new h combines exceptional whic et, gask AIR Click nted pany’s pate Ozone benefits from the com eliminate fogging. Pairing to n optio n ilatio vent with a quick-click protection from the elements n and clarity, the WX ectio prot ed I-rat lightweight build and ANS this technology with a sporty, . ents onm rigors of even the harshest envir Ozone is ready to take on the

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Ace Wire Sp ring and Form Company (B specializes in ooth #51929 manufacturin ) g springs an specific need d wire forms s and applica to the tions of its cl part of the Su ients. The co pplier Show mpany is case, which include mor this year expa e than 500 nded to companies.

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SIGHTRON UPGRADES THE S1 SERIES Built on the legacy of the original S1 series, first introduced in 2002, the new S1 series from Sightron is an extension of all of the manufacturer’s experience earned over the last 20 years. It then applied that knowledge for the benefit of the next generation of hunters and target sport enthusiasts.

Sightron’s designers and engineers focused on reducing weight and improving optical design, light transmission, and eye relief. The new scope also offers more generous sight pictures. These features were accomplished without resorting to exotic materials and manufacturing processes that inevitably increase prices. Staying true to industry standard zoom ranges, the team used modern optical technologies, material improvements, and looked for those “little tweaks” that make a difference. The result is a seamless transition from the original S1 while benefiting from the latest in optical technology.

“I am really proud of our engineers. They did an amazing job improving nearly every specification in our second generation S1 series riflescopes,” says national sales manager Jeff Penn. “Weight, optical performance, and eye relief were specifically targeted for improvement to meet the demands of modern hunters and recreational shooters.”

Each S1 riflescope uses a one-inch lightweight aircraft aluminum tube that is O-ring sealed, air purged, then filled with nitrogen gas for a waterproof and fogproof performance that will handle anything mother nature throws its way. S1 riflescopes also have Sightron’s Lifetime Performance Guarantee. Available fall 2022.

Booth #72639 (sightron.COM)

SAVAGE INTRODUCES THE STANCE Savage Arms is showcasing a variety of new pistols, rifles, and shotguns at the 2022 SHOT Show. Judging by the array of new products, the company expects 2022 to be a banner year.

“2022 is going to be a big year for Savage Arms,” says Al Kasper, president and CEO of Savage Arms. “We’re changing the way American hunters and marksmen are thinking about straight-pull actions with new configurations of Impulse. We’re continuing to refine Renegauge. And, after almost a century, Savage is once again making EDC handguns.”

Both the Impulse and Reneguage made waves when they were introduced. The company expects the same reaction when customers get a close look at the new Stance, which is the first of a complete family of handguns.

“Since Savage was sold in July 2019, president and CEO Al Kasper publicly stated that Savage Arms would be a complete firearm company,” says Robert Gates, vice president of sales and marketing at Savage Arms. “Now, Savage is proud to announce its first step into what is the largest segment of the firearms market with the introduction of Stance.”

“Stance is another momentous milestone for Savage,” says Jessica Treglia, senior brand manager. “While this isn’t Savage’s first concealed-carry pistol, and certainly not our first handgun, it has been more than a century since we focused on compact pistols purpose-built for everyday carry.”

Stance utilizes a chassis as the serialized component of the pistol, which gives Savage the flexibility to offer a wide variety of grip frames, all of which feature aggressive stippling texture that wraps 360 degrees. Stance also comes with two interchangeable back straps for small- or large-sized grips, both at the popular 18-degree angle, making Stance an intuitive and easy-to-control firearm. Currently, there are 28 iterations of Stance. SRP: $479-$561.

Booth #12821 (savagearms.COM)

OTIS HAPPY HOUR Otis Technology is known for manufacturing advanced gun-cleaning systems and accessories. It’s Breech-to-Muzzle design has positioned Otis as the gun care system of choice with the U.S. military. Buyers are encouraged to stop by the booth and learn about new product offerings as well as place reorders to stock their shelves.

New and existing dealers are eligible to take advantage of the show special, where they can receive up to 20 percent off their order on Otis and Shooter’s Choice. DRD Tactical offers special pricing on a minimum ten-gun purchase, plus an exclusive deal on additional barrel assemblies.

Stop by the booth today for a beer and light snacks. Happy Hour will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The Otis, Shooter’s Choice, and DRD Tactical staff looks forward to meeting and chatting with show attendees about the company and its products.

Booth #12250 (otistec.COM)

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by robert FIVEa sadowski MINUTES

WITH ...

By chance, and after several false starts, she landed at Remington Arms as the administrative assistant to the public relations department.

Though Powell lacked knowledge of the industry and of Remington’s products, she was determined to succeed. She became an expert shot and hunter, and in doing so realized she had found her passion in life, a passion that has allowed her to hunt in Russia, Africa, and South America, as well as across the United States and Canada. After 15 years at Remington, opportunity beckoned once more and she moved to Mossberg as director of media relations.

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

Linda Powell, Director of Media Relations, O.F. Mossberg

Market Opportunities When developing products for women who hunt and shoot, it helps to ask them what they really want.

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inda Powell, a native of North Carolina, went to college hoping to study genetics and research. She ended up becoming a nurse. But after 14 years in the medical field, she realized that particular career path did not really challenge her. So, she decided to pursue new opportunities, though she wasn’t quite sure just what those opportunities were.

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Linda Powell: Currently, the biggest challenges are on the manufacturing side, from the availability and cost of raw materials and parts to building sufficient firearms to maintain inventory at the retail level. The demand over the past 18 to 24 months has also limited the ability to introduce new firearms due to manufacturing capacity limits and raw material and parts availability. Determining when to introduce a new product has become more challenging. Ideally, a company will have inventory on hand, ready to ship when a product is launched. It’s difficult to stop or reduce production of core products to begin production of a new firearm when demand is so high for existing products.

To address these issues, Mossberg began focusing on lean manufacturing. In fact, we started this process over two years ago. The result has been the ability to increase production nearly two-fold without significant capital expenditures. We’re simply looking for ways to streamline the steps throughout production, warehousing, and shipping. From a sales perspective, our team has also focused on planning production based on sales forecasts. Our RSMs (Regional Sales Managers) work closely with dealers, retailers, and wholesalers to determine trends in the marketplace and to meet seasonal demands.

SD: What opportunities do you see?

LP: With the addition of millions of new gun owners over the past two years, our industry should be embracing these first-time buyers. We need to welcome them into the shooting-sports and hunting world. We also need to provide education and opportunities to go afield.

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

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by slaton l . white

lp: It is a blessing to work in an industry that also feeds your passion. I love hunting, plinking at the range, and the outdoors. And this industry is such a closely knit, extended family—even competitors. So, every day I am working with friends who share the same passions.

Equally important is that I love representing Mossberg. From the moment I walked into the company’s headquarters in North Haven, Connecticut, over 10 years ago, I knew that I had found my new home. It’s refreshing to work for a family owned and operated company that values its employees and its customers. The Mossbergs’ philosophy from day No. 1 was to build feature-rich firearms at an affordable price so everyone can enjoy the traditions of the shooting sports.

SD: When you began your career in media relations at a major firearm company, you were one of only a handful of women in such a position.

Did you feel like a pioneer at the time? What were the main challenges? lp: When I began my career in 1996, there were very few women working in the outdoor industry, and particularly not in high-visibility roles. There were some struggles in the early years. Primarily, these were comments such as “a woman shouldn’t be in my role (PR/media relations) representing the company” or that “I wasn’t capable of performing the job requirements (hunting/shooting).” What I discovered was that there were many, many more supporters, internally at the company and in the industry, who encouraged, mentored, and supported me. The opportunities, I found, were

unlimited. This industry has embraced me and allowed me to grow personally and professionally. I don’t know that I consider myself a pioneer, but I do hope that I have served as a role model for other women coming into the industry.

lp: As an industry, we have made great strides, but we still have room to improve. Women who hunt and shoot require the same performance features and quality in their gear and clothing as is built into men’s offerings. Manufacturing gear for women is not as simple as just downsizing or adding bright colors.

From a firearms perspective, Mossberg continues to be a leader in offering youth models that are scaled to fit smaller-stature adults and younger shooters. We also offer shotguns and rifles that feature LOP (length of pull) and comb height adjustability, which allows an individual to custom fit their gun.

To connect with women who hunt and shoot, companies should hire and promote more women into high-visibility roles; connect with women through their marketing and social media efforts; support organizations that educate women in the hunting and shooting sports; and build products that meet the needs of women. Ask women what their needs are; don’t schedule a meeting with a room of men to determine those needs! Booth #12832 (mossberg.com)

SD: A generation ago, media relations meant dealing mainly with print journalists and occasionally TV personalities. With the explosion of digital media, that’s all changed. How do you keep up with the evolving digital landscape?

And how does that change Mossberg’s marketing efforts? lp: The marketing landscape has changed and continues to evolve. Companies today should have a multi-prong approach to marketing, ensuring that they are reaching their customers and any potential customers. Mossberg’s marketing plan incorporates print, social media, and digital assets, and we continue to explore ways to connect with our customers.

The key is to not lose sight of your core customer and their needs while still reaching out to those newcomers to the industry. In addition to looking for new trends, I think one of Mossberg’s greatest assets is our sales team.

They are in the field every day interacting with customers, dealers, range personnel, and others.

Their feedback is critical to our marketing efforts.

SD: The industry is seeing more women enter the shooting sports and taking up hunting. Do you think the industry is meeting their needs regarding product and messaging?

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OPTICS 2022

by Robert Sadowski

This year retailers will see enhanced focus on first focal plane riflescopes and on red-dot handgun sights.

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he shift to first focal plane (FFP) riflescopes continues to gain momentum, and companies that traditionally offered only second focal plane (SFP) scopes are now jumping on the bandwagon. Red-dot optics is

another hot market, as options for pistols—fullsize, compact, and subcompact models—continue to evolve as well. Here’s a look at some of the new glass that will be offered in 2022.

AXEON OPTICS

Axeon offers an affordable lineup of riflescopes and red-dot sights. The Prism 3XRD 3x30mm Prism Dot Scope (SRP: $129) features an illuminated etched-glass ballistic reticle, fixed 3X magnification, tactical-style turrets, and red or green illumination options. The 4-16x50mm SF IGF riflescope (SRP: $299) is both a solid performer and a solid value. This optic features an illuminated G126 Tree reticle with MOA calibrated subtensions, plus quick-adjust exposed turrets. The reticle can be illuminated in either green or red with five brightness settings.

The 6-24x50mm (SRP: $299) is Axeon's first long-distance scope with a G-126 Tree Reticle. The unit uses a SFP reticle and has locking zero-reset turrets. Need glass for distances under 150 yards? The 4-16x44mm (SRP: $129) features 4-16X magnification with a 44mm objective in a 1-inch tube. The 7XRGB20 (SRP: $79) RGB dot sight is designed for the AR platform with three different colors and seven brightness reticle settings.

Booth #12469 (axeonoptics.com)

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BUSHNELL

The new Fusion X rangefinding 10x42mm binocular (SRP: $699) features one-mile ranging capability as well as an all-new ACTIVSYNC display system that changes the color of readouts from black to red based on lighting conditions. Near/far ranging modes allow users to home in on the target while ignoring objects in the foreground and background.

The new Prime 1800 laser rangefinder (SRP: $249) is packed with features such as ACTIVSYNC display system, 1,800-yard range, scan mode, and far/near target modes. Hunters will like the reintroduction of the Elite 4500 lineup of scopes with three new and improved Elite 4500 4X models. New models include a 1-4x24mm (SRP: $230), 2.5-10x40mm (SRP: $270), and 4-16x40mm (SRP: $300). All have four-times magnification range, capped turrets, and are equipped with a Multi-X reticle.

Two new rimfire riflescopes come on board in 2022: a 3-9x40mm with a DZ22 reticle (SRP: $180) and an illuminated DZ22 reticle (SRP: $180). The DZ22 reticle was specifically designed for .22LR rimfire ballistics, with drop points out to 125 yards. Two new Elite Tactical riflescopes—the DMR3 3.5-21x50mm FFP (SRP: $1,199) and the XRS3 6-36x56 FFP (SRP: $1,699)—are tailored to meet the demands of law enforcement and military professionals, as well as long-range and precision rimfire competition shooters. The DMR3 delivers precision to 1,000 yards and beyond in a lightweight, compact package, while the XRS3 offers the highest magnification in the Elite Tactical scope family along with superior tracking and reliability. Both scopes are equipped with the new etchedglass G4P reticle design featuring a floating dot center POA, floating holdover dots, refined line widths, quick-acquisition bars for low-magnification settings, and a more-open reticle space above the horizontal stadia. Booth #42605 (bushnell.com)

CAA

Zeroing is often a frustrating time- and ammo-consuming process. The new ZEUS (Zero Under Eight Seconds) has a motor that adjusts the reticle without the need to manually adjust the windage and elevation turrets. All you do is take a picture of the target with your phone; the sight will do the rest. The ZEUS has two reticle options, a 2 MOA red dot and a line-dot reticle that will allow you to keep the rifle from canting. Powered by two rechargeable CR123 batteries, it will deliver more than 5,000 hours of continuous use on the brightest level. The unit mounts to any Picatinny rail.

SRP: under $600. Booth #71123 (caaindustries.com)

LEFT

FRONT

RIGHT

REAR

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PRODUCT FEATURE

OPTICS

CRIMSON TRACE

CT has micro, sub-compact, compact, and full-size pistol sights covered with two new reflex sights in two sizes. The CT RAD Micro Pro (Rapid Aiming Dot) electronic sight (SRP: $275) is an ultra-compact open reflex sight for micro, sub-compact, and compact pistols. The CT RAD Pro electronic sight (SRP: $300) is a full-size sight for full-size pistols. Both sights feature a red 3 MOA aiming dot and a large window for quick acquisition, and both automatically adjust the aiming dot’s brightness to reflect ambient lighting conditions. Both also detect movement of the firearm and automatically turn on the reflex sight. The CT RAD footprint is compatible with the Docter sight pattern and can be used with existing pistol manufacturer optic plates. Booth #12806 (crimsontrace.com)

EOTECH

Constructed with a robust 34mm one-piece, aircraft-grade aluminum tube, the new 1-10x28mm FFP riflescope (SRP: $1,799) uses a single-piece eyepiece with a removable throw-lever for fast changes in magnification. The low-profile elevation turret uses a push/pull locking system, and the windage turret is capped for a secure zero. The unit uses an illuminated, glass-etched reticle and FFP design for estimating distance at any magnification and lighting condition. Booth #20153 (eotechinc.com)

GPO

German Precision Optics USA (GPO) is releasing two new lightweight and compact rangefinding binoculars this year. The Rangeguide 8x32 and 10x32 both feature an eye-safe Class 1 laser for a fast .25-second response time with true-range angle technology that calculates the proper distance to the target after measuring the angle to the target. Scan mode provides three readings per second via its orange OLED display that offers nine adjustable brightness levels and operates with manual or automatic brightness functionality. The Rangeguide even measures ambient temperature in Fahrenheit and Celsius, humidity, and air pressure to help with shot placement on long-range shots. The unit will reliably range a tree at 1,093 yards and a deer out to 766 yards. The display provides both the line-of-sight distance and the user’s choice of adjusted distance, angle, or temperature.

The Rangeguide also features a diopter focus and orange display focus adjustments on both left and right sides of the ocular tube. GPO’s premium cut-brass-geared focus-wheel system allows for a tight, consistent turning radius without any center focus wheel free play. The entire body is protected with an armor coating that makes it tough enough to use in any outdoor environment. SRP: $1,099.99, 8x32; $1,149.99, 10x32. Booth #43556 (gpo-usa.com)

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PRODUCT FEATURE

OPTICS

HAWKE OPTICS

What sets the new Frontier 34 FFP scopes apart from the competition is the glass. Hawke uses index-matched lenses that offer exceptional clarity throughout the entire field of view. Frontier 34 FFP models include a 3-18x50mm (SRP: $1,299) and 5-30x56mm (SRP: $1,399), both of which are built on a 34mm mono-tube chassis with exposed Zero, Lock ‘n Stop turrets. Illuminated reticle options include either a Mil-Pro Ext or MOA Pro Ext, which are calibrated for the amount of magnification in the scope. These scopes were designed with long-range shooters in mind. Booth #43126 (hawkeoptics.com)

HI-LUX OPTICS

Built from aircraft-grade 7075-T6 aluminum alloy, the lightweight TD-3C open-reflex red dot is designed for handguns. The unit has a 3 MOA red dot as well as a 34 MOA segmented circle, allowing the user to choose the reticle they wish to use. It has the same mounting footprint as an RMR and features a side-loading battery tray. Expect 50,000 hours of battery life.

The Phenom UHD 20-60x85mm UHD (Ultra High Definition) spotting scope (SRP: $899) is equipped with a 20-60X eyepiece with superb sharpness from edge to edge. Features include a knurled mid-body focus ring for easy grip, even with gloved hands. The chassis is made from lightweight magnesium. Booth #15056 (hi-luxoptics.com)

HOLOSUN

The Holosun AEMS (Advanced Enclosed Micro Sight) Core rifle sight is lighter and shorter than the standard 20mm micro-style optic, but offers twice the lens surface area for a wider field of view. It weighs only 3.9 ounces (without the mount) and is constructed of 7075 aluminum. The left side of the optic contains two intensity-adjustment buttons, and the right side has a battery compartment for the 2032 battery. Other features include Shake Awake technology and a single 2 MOA dot reticle. SRP: $352.93, red reticle; $370.58, green reticle. Booth #13420 (holosun.com)

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micro compact

9 MM

capacity

11 ROUNDS

barrel

3”

weight

18.5 OZ.

INNOVATIVE. VERSATILE. OPTICS READY. The all-new, optics-ready Taurus GX4™ is a palm-sized micro-compact 9mm that’s big on personal protection.

With our exclusive TORO (Taurus Optic Ready Option) platform seamlessly integrated into the slide, the Taurus GX4™ is capable of accommodating the latest micro-sized red dot sight technology. Right out of the box. Ensuring this exceptional everyday carry firearm is not only easy to conceal, but effortless to update. For added peace of mind, the Taurus GX4™ is backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty and industry defining customer service.

TaurusUSA.com Holosun® HS507K X2 not included.

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VISIT US AT BOOTH #13038 12/10/21 11:20 AM

PRODUCT FEATURE

OPTICS

KONUS

Own the night with the KONUSPY-13 Digital Night Vision Binocular with 3.6x-10.8x power (SRP: $540). The unit offers an impressive 1920x1080 resolution and is suited for both daytime and nighttime observation. The unit also allows the user to take pictures and record videos. The Absolute 5-40x56mm (SRP: $1,187) riflescope is designed for the competitive shooter in mind. It boasts a wide magnification range (5X to 40X) and a side parallax wheel, lockable push/pull turrets resettable to zero, and a laser-etched, illuminated half mil-dot reticle with red and blue light for all lighting conditions. When you think of the two new Diablo riflescopes, think performance at a competitive price. Both models are built on a 30mm tube and feature newly designed push/pull turrets that are both lockable and resettable to zero. The 4-16x50mm (SRP: $510) comes with a ballistic reticle, and the 6-24x50mm (SRP: $530) uses a variation on the half mil-dot with additional aiming points for long-range shooting. Booth #10714 (konuscopes.com)

LEAPERS/UTG

The INTEGRIX 1-8x28mm FFP riflescope features an etched-glass range-estimating T-Dot MOA reticle. Built on a 34mm tube, the unit uses Japanese and German glass and features 10 brightness levels. The oversized windage and elevation turrets are zero-resettable, and the scope is powered by a single CR2032 battery. The UTG DSR Micro is a rugged and compact dot sight well suited for AR-style rifles. The unit features a red illuminated 3 MOA single dot with eight adjustable brightness settings. It's optimized for low power consumption and powered by a single CR2032 battery, so users can expect 30,000 hours of battery life on the middle brightness setting.

The ACCU-SYNC QR scope rings and cantilever mounts offer a wide variety of different height profiles (from low to extra high), compatible tube diameters (including 1 inch, 30mm, and 34mm), and offset lengths. The quick-release mounts feature squared recoil stops and a generous tension-adjustment range, making for quick installation and removal and reliable return to zero. The mounts are also compatible with Picatinny rails. The ACCU-SYNC QR Side Mount for AK-style rifle platforms is a tension-adjustable quick-release mount optimized to fit a wide variety of AKs equipped with optic side rails. Constructed from lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum, the mount allows the shooter to use iron sights and features a Picatinny rail and two side M-Lok accessory slots. Booth #72305 (leapers.com)

LEUPOLD

The ultra-lightweight, low-profile design of the Patrol 6HD deploys quickly, while its 1-6X magnification lets you engage targets anywhere—from tight corners to open fields. Two models will be available at launch, both with a 30mm main tube and Rear Focal Plane configuration. One features 1⁄4-MOA adjustments using a traditional capped dial and is equipped with and Illuminated FireDot Duplex reticle. The other still has 1⁄4-MOA adjustments, but comes equipped with Leupold’s CDSZL2 dial system, allowing two full two turns of elevation adjustment with a locking dial, making it compatible with the company’s Custom Dial System. The CDS-ZL2 model has an Illuminated CM-R2 reticle.

The waterproof and fogproof Patrol 6HD features Leupold’s Professional-Grade Optical System, which delivers the light transmission, glare reduction, and resolution that professional guides and shooters demand. An anti-cant in-scope electronic reticle level, meanwhile, simplifies mounting and improves long-range accuracy. Its lightweight design disperses recoil energy for unrivaled durability, and a removable throw-lever allows for quick magnification changes.

With 1⁄2-yard accuracy, 6X magnification, and Leupold’s True Ballistic Range/Wind (TBR/W) technology, the RX-1500i TBR/W rangefinder is designed to give hunters accurate readings no matter the conditions. Equipped with Leupold’s proprietary DNA ranging engine for lightning-fast accuracy, the unit uses ballistically calculated ranges to keep you on target even when faced with extreme uphill and downhill shots. The wind feature provides 10 mph full-value wind hold to help you calculate a hold value.

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©2021 O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.

MOSSBERG

| 9 4 0® P R O

STAND UP TO THE ELEMENTS.

COME SEE US AT BOOTH #12832

GUNS BUILT FOR HARDCORE WATERFOWLING. #85151 940® Pro Waterfowl 12GA, 5-Shot #85150 940® Pro Snow Goose 12GA, 13-Shot Cerakote is a registered trademark of NIC Industries, Inc.

SAFETY TIP Store firearms securely, inaccessible to children and unauthorized users.

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Built for surmounting harsh, wet conditions, our 940 Pro shotguns feature corrosionresistant internal parts, a self-draining stock with an adjustable length-of-pull, and a Cerakote® protective finish on both the receivers and chrome-lined barrels. With a gas system that can go up to 1500 rounds between cleanings, these shotguns will perform smoothly and reliably, season after season.

Mossberg — Makers of dependable, hardworking firearms for more than a century.

LEARN MORE AT MOSSBERG.COM

12/8/21 2:28 PM

PRODUCT FEATURE

OPTICS

The waterproof RX-1500i also features a bow mode, which generates arrow drops out to 175 yards with a bow-specific setting. A Trophy Scale feature allows you to easily measure game in the field, and a high light transmission LCD display delivers exceptionally bright and clear images throughout the day. It can range out to 1,500 yards on reflective targets, 1,200 yards on soft targets such as trees.

The RX-FullDraw 5 combines the lightning-fast accuracy of Leupold’s DNA engine with the acclaimed Archer’s Advantage software, making it the most ballistically advanced rangefinder on the market. Using your bow's ballistics, shot distance, and angle compensation, the RX- FullDraw 5 calculates laser-accurate ranges based on your gear. Loaded with features designed for the modern archer, like Flightpath technology, it takes the guesswork out of achieving the perfect shot every time. Flightpath uses the same ballistic solution to determine if your arrow will clear obstructions between you and your target.

Three new features of the RX-FullDraw 5 set it apart from its predecessor, the RX-FullDraw 4: an optional 20-yard pin solution for the Flightpath technology, a Rain/Fog mode, and a lower minimum arrow velocity. The 20-yard pin solution makes it easier for archers to make a clean shot at close range even in thick brush or cover. Rain/Fog mode, also known as Last Target mode, returns the last distance the laser reads, bettering your chances of getting an accurate range on a target in rainy or foggy conditions. The lowered minimum on velocity inputs is meant to accommodate traditional archers and others who shoot lighter draw weights and, thus, lower velocities.

The waterproof RX-FullDraw 5 delivers bright and clear images with a high light transmission OLED display. A 6X magnification makes ranging long distances easy, and the unit can hit 1,200 yards on reflective targets, 1,100 yards on trees. Booth #12421 (leupold.com)

MARCH SCOPES

The new 5-42x56mm FFP MOA riflescope (SRP: $4,200) features a total elevation travel of 130 MOA. The 26-degree wide-angle eyepiece delivers an enhanced field of view. The 1.5-15x42mm SFP MIL riflescope with tactical turrets (SRP: $2,630) features a new 42mm objective lens that offers excellent low-light performance in a compact scope. The 1.5X magnification and bright illuminated-dot reticle work together to deliver fast target acquisition. The 1-10x24mm Shorty FFP MIL riflescope (SRP: $2,750) is a compact and lightweight scope that weighs only 17.8 ounces. Booth #10222 (marchscopes.com)

MEOPTA

The new Optika5 2-10x42 PA riflescope (SRP: $349.99) features side parallax adjustment from 10 yards to infinity. This versatile riflescope delivers razor-sharp image focus at close ranges and the ability to dial in at longer ranges. Built on a one-inch tube, the scope has a SFP reticle available in either Z-Plex or Z-Plus. The new MeoPro HD Plus binoculars are a completely redesigned Gen 2 version of the award-winning MeoPro binocular line. Available in two models, 10x42 HD (SRP: $499) and 8x56 HD (SRP: $749). Hunters will appreciate the edge-to-edge clarity, wide field of view, and outstanding low-light performance in this mid-priced binocular series.

Booth #10124 (meoptasportsoptics.com)

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PERFORMANCE COUNTS

RRAGE CARBINE LAR-15M CALIBERS

DS1850 ( 5.56/.223)

DS1750 ( 5.56/.223)

DS1700 ( 5.56/.223)

BARREL

16" CHROME MOLY

16" CHROME MOLY

16" CHROME MOLY

HANDGUARD

CAR-LENGTH FREE-FLOATED ALUMINUM WITH MS1913 TOP-RAIL, M-LOK® COMPATIBLE

9.5" RRAGE 2G FREE FLOAT RAIL HANDGUARD, M-LOK® COMPATIBLE

15" RRAGE 3G FREE FLOAT RAIL HANDGUARD, M-LOK® COMPATIBLE

WEIGHT

6.25 LBS

6.7 LBS

6.5 LBS

LENGTH

33" RETRACTED

33" RETRACTED

33" RETRACTED

SHOT BOOTH #12464

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PRODUCT FEATURE

OPTICS

PRIMARY ARMS

PA has partnered with Holosun Optics on a new co-branded optic called the HE509-RD with the ACSS Vulcan reticle system. This red dot offers all the versatility of the Holosun HE509-RD with its Solar Failsafe and Shake Awake technology and PA’s ACSS Vulcan reticle system. The Vulcan’s center aiming point is a 10 MOA chevron, which is surrounded by a large outer circle. When the optic is centered on a target at arm’s length, this circle falls outside the optic window, leaving only the center chevron for precision sighting. If the user’s aim moves off target, the edge of the circle comes into view, guiding them back to center. It’s a unique approach to sight acquisition and aim correction.

The PLx 1-8x24mm FFP compact riflescope has a 9.4-inch overall length and weighs a mere 18.5 ounces. It features premium-grade Japanese ED lenses, AutoLive Motion-Sensing illumination technology, and the reticle brightness settings range from night-vision compatibility to fully daylight bright.

Reticle options include the ACSS Raptor M8 Yards, ACSS Raptor M8 Meters, and ACSS Griffin MIL M8.

The new SLx 3x MicroMagnifier with the ACSS Pegasus reticle combines high-clarity 3X magnification with a miniaturized body and a built-in ranging reticle. The micro design reduces the unit’s footprint compared to traditional magnifiers, and it is ideal for close-quarters use on AR-style rifles. The SLx RS10 Mini Reflex is a pistol-ready miniature reflex sight that offers a true daylight bright 3MOA reticle, multi-coated lenses, night-vision compatibility, and ultra-long battery runtime with a side-loading battery slot. Booth #15253 (primaryarms.com)

SIGHTMARK

The lightweight and compact Wraith 4k Mini 2-16x32 digital riflescope can detect objects up to 300 yards in the dark and displays them on a 1280x720 FLCOS screen. Features include full-color 4K digital daytime and high-resolution digital night-vision imaging, 2-16x32 magnification, video recording capabilities with audio, and 14 reticle options. Booth #12211 (sightmark.com)

SWAROVSKI

The new tM35 thermal imaging clip-on device (SRP: $5,554) offers impressive enhanced vision in twilight conditions or when hunting at night. The tM35 is compatible with the Z8i, Z6(i), Z5(i), and Z3 series riflescopes with an additional adapter (SRP: $249). The unit is activated when the user takes aim and shoots and is then deactivated when the user puts the firearm down. The automatic brightness adjustment automatically adjusts the brightness of the display to the ambient light conditions. Runs for seven hours on a rechargeable battery. Booth #11618 (swarovskioptik.com)

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MGS helps ammunition manufacturers

keep pace with increased production demand.

We provide small, flexible packaging machines that are cost effective and easy to use.

Patented Ammo Technologies for: Product Singulation, Orientation & Grouping Cartoning, Case Packing & Palletizing Feeding Packaging Accessories Vision Camera Integration

See our packaging lines in action!

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DDTC Registered

MGS is an ITAR Manufacturer & Exporter

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Supplier Showcase

Booth 52405

12/8/21 2:30 PM

PRODUCT FEATURE

OPTICS

TRIJICON

The REAP-IR (SRP: $6,999-$9,499) and IR-HUNTER (SRP: $6,499-$8,999) line of thermal-imaging systems have been updated with new and improved system controls for faster system response and reduced lag while a new manual focus adjustment for 60mm versions provides improved image quality at all distances. A new USB-C connector allows the use of external battery packs for extended time in the field. User-selectable reticle choices include MRAD, MOA, .223 BDC, .308 BDC, and 300BLK BDC options. Booth #10735 (trijicon.com)

ULTRADOT

More than 15 years ago, the Ultradot 4 helped jump-start the market for red-dot handgun sights. Now, because of repeated requests by shooters, it is re-introducing the Ultradot 4. The tubular sight has a 25mm/1-inch tube and four dot sizes (2, 4, 8, and 10 MOA). SRP: $269.95. Booth #14241 (ultradotusa.com)

XS SIGHTS

The new XS Lever Rail and Ghost Ring sets (SRP: $110) for Henry .45-70 leveraction rifles give hunters increased range and capability afield. Made of anodized aluminum, the XS Lever Rail is CNC machined and features a Picatinny-style rail to accommodate XS Ghost Ring sets or any optic from scout scopes to red-dot sights.

The DXT2 Big Dot, R3D, Minimalist, and DXW2 sights will now be available for the Taurus GX4 micro-compact 9mm pistol and the Taurus G3c. In addition, the DXT2 Big Dot and R3D night sights will now be available for the optics-ready Hellcat Micro-Compact OSP. Booth #13624 (xssights.com)

ZEISS

The all-new LRP S5 FFP riflescopes are designed for precision, long-range shooting. There are two models: a 3-18x50mm (SRP: $3,299) and a 5-25x56mm (SRP: $3,599). Both are equipped with a 34mm tube with an external elevation turret with the Zeiss Ballistic Stop feature. The all-new Zeiss External Locking Windage Turret (ELWT) feature allows the shooter to pull out on the locking collar, make necessary adjustments, and then lock in the selected setting. The new ZF-MOAi and the ZF-MRi illuminated reticles represent MOA and MRAD smart reticle designs, respectively. Booth #12869 (zeiss.com)

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ARMORER’S MASTER VISE

™

MULTI-AXIS BENCH-MOUNT VISE WITH TORQ-LOK

™

Building and customizing, repairing and cleaning or mounting optics, the Armorer’s Master Vise improves every part of the Gun DIY® experience. All hail the king.

R E A L AV I D. C O M

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 This is where it all started, a base-level Smith & Wesson Victory .22 pistol.

R E H T

E R I F IM

E T F A

A M R

T E K R

Helping customers build “hot-rod” rimfire pistols is healthy for a dealer’s bank account.

by Phil Bourjaily

R

imfire .22 pistols are designed to make you money. Maybe they weren’t intentionally drawn up to fill your register, but the Smith & Wesson Victory (Booth #12427), the Browning Buck Mark (Booth #10938), and the Ruger Mark IV (Booth #72327) allow their owners to endlessly customize them with aftermarket parts, presenting you with a money-making opportunity. Take my Smith & Wesson Victory, for instance. I paid $400 for it. In

the year that I’ve owned it, I’ve added nearly $400 worth of aftermarket parts—and my pistol is just a plinker, not a serious competition gun.

For the money I’ve spent on my Victory, I could have bought one tricked out by the S&W Performance Center in the first place. But what fun would that be? Tinkering with

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THE RIMFIRE AFTERMARKET

a gun and making it your own is almost as enjoyable as taking it to the range. The gun was inexpensive to begin with, and none of the individual parts cost much, either. I had no idea how much I’d spent on the gun until I added it up. And, I’m not sorry I did spend so much, either. It functions and shoots much better than it did out of the box.

Like an AR 15 or a Ruger 10/22, the Victory, Mark IV, and Buck Mark offer you the chance to sell a gun, then keep the customer coming back for parts forever. There’s a thriving industry in aftermarket accessories for all three, including barrels, and for the Mark IV, frames. In theory, you could start with a stock Mark IV and replace every single part until none of the original gun was left.

As a retailer, you can sell parts and, if customers want, you can do the installations even if you don’t have a gunsmith in house. All three guns are easy to work on. Even switching barrels takes only a few minutes.

And, by the way, I can tell you that every time I added something to my gun, I couldn’t wait to get out and shoot it to see how the new part performed.

Hook someone on a .22 and you’ll sell them parts and ammunition for a long time to come.

Out of all the parts available, what should you stock? Here are a few ideas, based on the extras I have added to my gun. You can find all these and

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 The popular Ruger Mark IV benefits from a Tandemkross Halo ring, trigger, and Picatinny rail.

many more among the various booths at the 2022 SHOT Show.

CHARGING RING/HANDLE

Pulling the slide back to clear a malfunction with a .22 pistol isn’t easy for anyone, and it’s especially tough for those with weak fingers or new shooters who aren’t familiar with handling guns. There are several charging handles for various .22 pistols on the market, and it’s the first thing I added to my pistol. I chose the Tandemkross “Halo” ring (Booth #42511), which clamps to the back of the slide with a single screw. Now anyone can clear the pistol easily by hooking a finger in the loop and pulling back. If you stock nothing else for .22 pistols, stock these.

FIRING PIN AND EXTRACTOR

Out of the box, my Victory worked fine with some ammunition, but stumbled when I asked it cycle some of the cheap stuff. A Tandemkross firing pin and a Volquartsen “Exact Edge”

extractor (Booth #13027) reduced misfires to practically nothing and eliminated stovepiping and extraction failures. It was a dramatic change for an investment of about $40, and both parts were simple to install.

The gun now gobbles up anything I feed it. I’d carry these for all three guns.

VICTORY TRIGGER

The Victory initially appealed to me because it had a decent trigger out of the box. The Tandemkross Victory trigger (“Victory” is also the name for their Mark IV and Buck Mark triggers) improved and lightened the pull, and it adjusts for pre- and over-

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GOLDEN TURKEY TSS NEW

®

Dense patterns, deep penetration, and long-range performance combine for the ultimate tungsten turkey hunting load. Fiocchi’s Golden Turkey TSS brings performance head and neck above the rest. Three-inch offerings in 12-gauge, 20-gauge and 410 bore deliver hard-hitting knockdown power using the finest 18 g/cc tungsten shot and most consistent patterns on the market.

The Fiocchi product development team has developed a true, high-grade load proven effective against the toughest of birds.

FUEL YOUR PASSION AT

FIOCCHIUSA.COM

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VISIT US AT BOOTH #11454

12/8/21 2:31 PM

THE RIMFIRE AFTERMARKET

hook someone on a .22 pistol and y o u ' l l b e s e l l i n g t h e m pa r t s a n d ammunition for a long time to come. travel to make the gun even easier and more fun to shoot. Of the additions I’ve made to my pistol, this one was the trickiest, even with the help of the Tandemkross video, but I got it done in 30 to 40 minutes despite a wrong turn halfway through the process. The new trigger pull is worth the effort.

OPTIC RAIL

Aftermarket rails abound for .22 pistols. The Victory comes with iron sights that you can replace with a rail supplied with the gun. It’s cheap and plastic and begs to be thrown away. I chose a two-piece rail from DIP (Booth #42138) with integral iron sights and a bonus vent-barrel rib. You can add the vent rib or leave it off. How could I skip it? It does nothing functional, but it makes the gun look very cool.

You should definitely offer rails for the Victory.

Some Buck Marks and Mark IVs come equipped with good rails and iron sights. Some have iron sights only, so you might want to have a few rails on hand.

I added a few other odds and ends to my gun (enlarged magazine pads, an aftermarket guide rod with captured spring to make disassembly easier). There are a few others that somehow I’ve been able to resist: enlarged magazine-release buttons, springs that allow a magazine to hold an extra cartridge, and, most of all, barrels.

It’s easy to change barrels on the Victory, Buck Mark, and Mark IV, and there are any number of options: fluted barrels, carbon-fiber barrels, integrally suppressed barrels, and more.

However, having spent roughly the price of my Victory on parts for it, I think I’m done. I have to confess, though, I am starting to eye a Ruger Mark IV thinking it might be time for a new project.

OPTIC

Once I had a solid Picatinny rail on the gun, I wanted an optic for it. I went with a moderately priced ($160) Truglo Ignite red dot (Booth #12669) powered by an easily accessible AAA battery. It’s not the open reflex style that is so popular on all handguns right now, but a much bulkier full-tube model. I chose it because I find it’s easier for me, and much easier for new shooters, to find the dot if they are looking into a tube.

Most people will probably want a smaller reflex-style sight, such as the Vortex Venom (Booth #43670).

 Ruger Mark IV with a compensator from Tandemkross.

GRIPS

The plastic grips supplied with my gun worked, but felt cheap and bulky. Replacing them with the Tandemkross Hivebrid grip took a couple of minutes and improved the looks and the feel of my pistol. Hogue (Booth #14838) also offers an assortment of grips, from rubber to custom wood, for the Victory, the Buck Mark, and the Mark IV.

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 Browning Buck Mark outfitted with a Tandemkross Victory trigger.

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NEWPRODUCTS

by slaton l . white

2 1 3 1 BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION 6.5 CREEDMOOR PACK

Accuracy, long-range capability, and modest recoil have made the 6.5 Creedmoor a top choice for long-range competitors. Those same attributes also make it popular for hunters. Black Hills Ammunition is adding to its line of 6.5 Creedmoor hunting bullets with the 130-grain Dual Performance. It is a monolithic copper hunting projectile engineered to reliably perform on longer shots, but still provide sufficient expansion on close shots. The Dual Performance name comes from the fact that this projectile will expand upon impact, creating a large wound track, and penetrate deeply, helping ensure a quick, humane kill. Velocity is 2,800 fps from a 22-inch barrel.

Booth #15227 (black-hills.com)

2 BROWNING OVIX PAHVANT PRO JACKET At its core, OVIX is another feat of Browning innovation. It has been developed to be versatile and effective in a variety of environments, types of terrain, and seasons.

A combination of atmospheric optics and white-light color scattering creates the essential background to this new pattern.

Along with the new camouflage pattern, Browning is releasing a new line of big-game clothing, including the Pahvant Pro Jacket. Features of this soft-shell jacket include a water-resistant DWR coating, SILVADUR technology for long-lasting odor control, harness access, armpit ventilation with double-pull zippers, and a two-layer polyester fleece with a durable outer face. MSRP: $179.99. Booth #10938 (browning.com)

3 GALCO BUTT CUFF Made from premium Latigo dark Havana leather, the Butt Cuff has reinforced stitching between each loop that helps prevent interior cartridge loop dimensions from changing. A suede tongue and nylon lacing keep the cuff securely on the stock. The Butt Cuff is available in models to hold five rounds of 12 gauge, .30-30, .308, or .3006. Other models can hold six rounds of .44, .45, or .45-70. It is available in both right- and left-handed models. MSRP: $99. Booth #10119 (galcogunleather.com)

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5 4

6 4 HAWK RIVAL MICRO

Today’s hunters leverage new technology and innovation with time-tested hunting tactics to ensure success. That often means taking more gear into the field.

To reduce the weight and bulk hunters carry, Hawk has developed the lightweight and compact Rival Micro treestand, which is easy to secure to a daypack to carry into the woods.

The Rival Micro is based on a minimalized 20.5x17.5-inch platform and flip-up nylon-web seat. The assembly folds flat for easy, unobtrusive transport, and the simple design and low weight (10 pounds) make it easy to install onto a tree with the included ratchet tree straps. For added safety, the Rival Micro comes with a full-body safety harness. Weight rating is 300 pounds. MSRP: $249.99. Booth #12669 (hawkhunting.com)

5 HUNTEGO CLEANSHOT CleanShot is designed to make a time-consuming and tedious gun-cleaning process a whole lot faster and easier. Rather than passing a cleaning rod and patch several times through the bore of a gun, you simply load a CleanShot cartridge (just like you would with a standard round of ammo) into the chamber, then safely discharge the firearm in the field or at the range. CleanShot’s innovative and patented Shoot-Through technology is engineered to safely scrub and wipe the bore clean—restoring and preserving firearm performance. Originally designed for 12- and 20-gauge shotguns, for 2022 Huntego is extending the technology to 9mm handguns. Booth #42120 (huntegoltd.com)

6 MOJO OUTDOORS COOT CONFIDENCE 6-PACK DECOYS The Coot Confidence 6-Pack adds realism to any spread by ensuring a safe landing zone for approaching ducks and geese. Coots are the best confidence decoy in existence. If there’s anything they don’t like, coots swim away. They are rarely alone and are located in abundant numbers anywhere there are ducks, adding to the perception of safety. They are also easy for approaching ducks to see.

The MOJO Coot Confidence 6-Pack provides realistic tools for the hunter and includes two of Mojo’s popular Duck Commander-approved Rippler Coot decoys that provide life-like motion. Coot Ripplers operate for hours on four AA batteries (not included). The pack also includes four realistic, static Coot decoys. Booth #10518 (mojooutdoors.com)

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9

8 7 NANUK 938 6 UP WHEELED PISTOL CASE

The Nanuk 938 6 Up Pistol Case provides secure storage for up to six full-frame handguns with trigger locks and 10 magazines. The hard case fits all pistols with barrel lengths up to 5 inches, but can also accept 1911-style or any customized handguns. Designed for use by law-enforcement agencies, military, shooting instructors, shooting clubs, schools, industry representatives, consultants, gun dealers, and collectors/enthusiasts, the case features semi-rigid and highly resistant closed-cell Synergy PEF foam for long-term performance. The case has a lifetime guarantee and is waterproof and dustproof. The Nanuk lid organizer keeps personal items and accessories in a full-size folder, and there are also three transparent zippered and anti-tear compartments. The case has two reinforced eyelets to accommodate locks so you can organize, protect, and carry handguns with confidence. Smooth ball-bearing-sealed polyurethane wheels and a two-stage retractable handle make transportation easy and convenient. A TSA retro-fit latch kit is easy to install and adds an extra measure of security when traveling. MSRP: $390. Booth #10119 (nanuk.com)

8 POLYMER80 AFT KIT If you have customers who want to build their own high-quality handgun, but were unsure of how to get started, Polymer80 (P80) has a solution: the Polymer80 AFT Kit. Designed with the home builder in mind, AFT stands for Assemble for Thyself. The P80 AFT Kit contains all the necessary components to build a complete and serialized PFS9 or PFC9 pistol quickly and easily.

The new Polymer80 AFT Kit includes everything needed to build a fully operational firearm: a serialized pistol frame, complete pistol-frame parts kit, complete slide assembly, Locking Block Rail System and Rear Rail Module, magazine, and a black hard-sided case. The Polymer80 PFS9 and PFC9 pistols are loaded with features from top to bottom for comfort, ease of operation, and peak performance. Each pistol offers next-generation ergonomics, high-strength reinforcement, polymer construction, Picatinny accessory rail, double-undercut trigger guard, extended beavertail, right and left thumb rail, 1911 grip angle, and a PTFX-texture pattern.

The Polymer80 AFT Kit is fully customizable so the user can easily make changes to suit their individual needs. It’s also designed to be user friendly, even for those who are not experienced gun builders. The parts come pre-drilled; no hand tools are required. Booth #10030 (polymer80.com)

9 REAL AVID MASTER GUN VISE The base of the Master Gun Vise features an articulating ball-and-socket joint with the adjustable Speed-Cam Lever that applies pressure to the joint, allowing the vise and gun to be positioned and repositioned in any orientation the user desires. Although the amount of adjustable compression applied with the Speed-Cam to the balland-socket joint is substantial, an additional element has been added to the vise for heavy torque applications. The removable Torq-Lok pin intersects the ball-and-socket joint, locking it into the base. The locking pin can be inserted in 90-degree increments with the vise in either the vertical or horizontal position.

The Accu-Level leveling knob allows the vise to be tilted three degrees to either side for making micro adjustments when leveling guns for optics mounting without ever having to remove or reposition the firearm. The vise also comes with reversible Gun-Fit sleeves that can be easily installed or uninstalled with pins that lock them in place. One side features a high-density foam pad providing a compression fit to firmly grip cosmetic surfaces. The other side is rigid nylon with grooves to secure gun parts, Picatinny and Arca Swiss rails, barrels, silencers, and more. MSRP: $299.99. Booth #12669 (realavid.com)

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10 TUFFY SECURITY PRODUCTS TG TABLE BOX

Expanding on its wide range of secure storage products for Jeep enthusiasts, Tuffy Security Products is now offering the MOLLE TG for the Jeep Wrangler JL and JK models. The heavy-duty TG Table Box fits Wrangler JL model years 2018-2021 and JK model years 2007-2018 equipped with or without an OEM hard or soft top.

The new secure storage boxes attach to the inside of the Jeep Wrangler tailgate for secure and convenient storage. Designed with a MOLLE grid for versatility of use, the open lid converts to a work surface that supports 40 pounds and makes accessing and organizing smaller items extra convenient. The MOLLE lid of the tailgate lock box is equipped with holes that make it easy to attach holsters, D-rings, medical kits, storage bags, recovery gear, and other tactical gear for easy access when on the move.

The lock boxes are constructed of welded steel with a durable textured powder-coat finish. Tuffy’s Model 365 and 366 MOLLE lock boxes feature the company’s exclusive 10-tumbler double-bitted lock with built-in weather seals and patented Pry-Guard locking system. The weather-resistant lid design is equipped with an exclusive Pin-Lock hinging system for added security.

The MOLLE box mounts to existing OEM Jeep Wrangler JL and JK tailgate rail mounts using standard hand tools, and all hardware is provided. Both the 365 and 366 models of the Tailgate MOLLE Box can be used in conjunction with all of Tuffy’s Jeep Wrangler Standard and Deluxe Cargo Enclosures and Tuffy’s Jeep Wrangler JL/JK Locking Lids. Booth #41650 (tuffyproducts.com)

11 UMAREX GAUNTLET 30 Umarex disrupted the airgun market with its feature-packed, easy-to-shoot, high-pressure Gauntlet, which sparked a true cult following with custom modifications.

Well, Umarex couldn’t sit back and watch shooters have all the fun, so it’s now introducing the all-new bolt-action Gauntlet 30. The .30-caliber Gauntlet 30 packs a punch at 99 foot-pounds with a 4,500-psi tank regulated at 2,800 psi. With the addition of a threaded muzzle, adjustable trigger, and tunable hammer spring, the user can tune it to the projectile’s perfect sweet spot. The airgun features a seven-shot rotary magazine that can accommodate pellets or slugs and a single-stage 3.5-pound adjustable trigger. MSRP: $499.99. Booth #12469 (umarexusa.com)

12 VERSACARRY DECREE HOLSTER Stylish, comfortable, and secure are just a few of the ways to describe the Decree holster from Versacarry. This outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster has a non-collapsible design thanks to the embedded copper spine. This feature not only adds function, but beautiful styling as well.

Decree has a raised protective leather backing for all-day comfort when in use. For an easy and confident draw, the holster has a forward cant and is held in place by two large belt loops. Made in the USA with premium water buffalo leather construction, the holster can fit a wide range of firearms. Available in four sizes, in right- or left-hand configurations. MSRP: $84.99. Booth #42911 (versacarry.com)

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IN 1866,

Oliver F. Winchester introduced a legendary brand to

Winchester is the largest small caliber ammunition enterprise in the

the world. For over 150 years since, generations upon generations

world and the leader in delivering innovative ammunition products

across the globe have experienced life with Winchester.

to hunters, sport shooters, law enforcement and the U.S. Warfighter.

WINCHESTER AMMUNITION. BORN IN THE USA.

WINCHESTER AMMUNITION. BUILT IN THE USA.

WHERE CAN I BUY WINCHESTER AMMUNITION? Visit Winchester.com to find a dealer near you!

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12/13/21 11:01 AM

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