SHOT Daily - Day 3 - 2022 SHOT Show

DAY 3 DAY 3, JANUARY 20, 2022

KNIVES 2022

THIS YEAR, THE FOCUS IS ON EVERYDAY CARRY

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FEDERAL AMMO CELEBRATES ITS CENTENNIAL

HORNADY’S AMAZING 6.5 CREEDMOOR

S T E E M L RO-9

C A I T M ME EW CSX AILS T E D RE

N E H T GE 4 FOR MO A SEE P

THE GARMIN HIGH-TECH CONNECTION

OUTERWEAR 2022

A LOOK AT WHAT RETAILERS WILL NEED TO STOCK IN THE COMING YEAR

FEDERAL:

LEAPERS:

MOSSY OAK:

PREMIER BODY ARMOR:

NEW SHOTGUN LOAD

GREAT LEAP FORWARD

COUNTRY DNA CAMO

ON-DEMAND ARMOR

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NEW S&W CSX PISTOL ®

™

Proxim Nova Condensed

The New CSX Micro-9 Pistol Brings the Feel of All Metal and 12+1 capacity. Our flat faced trigger ensures consistent finger placement for accuracy and repeatability. CSX – the ultimate in everyday carry.

smith-wesson.com

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©2021 Smith & Wesson, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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115 OBJECTIVE MODULE GREATNESS IN THE SMALLEST DETAIL SEE THE UNSEEN

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Contents DAY 3 DAY 3, JANUARY 20, 2022

Day 3

FEA TURES

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

34 • A NEW STANDARD

By WAYNE VAN ZWOLL

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

KNIVES 2022

THIS YEAR, THE FOCUS IS ON EVERYDAY CARRY

COLE PUBLISHING ADMINISTRATION

2022

FEDERAL AMMO CELEBRATES ITS CENTENNIAL

ERTOS-9 E M L METEAW CSX MIC

HORNADY’S

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

AMAZING 6.5 CREEDMOOR

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S

AIL E DET THEPAGNE 4 FOR MOR

THE GARMIN

SEE

HIGH-TECH CONNECTION

OUTERWEAR 2022

A LOOK AT WHAT RETAILERS WILL NEED TO STOCK IN THE COMING YEAR

FEDERAL:

LEAPERS:

MOSSY OAK:

PREMIER BODY ARMOR:

NEW SHOTGUN LOAD

GREAT LEAP FORWARD

COUNTRY DNA CAMO

ON-DEMAND ARMOR

PRESIDENT & CEO w JOSEPH H. BARTOZZI SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & CCO w CHRIS DOLNACK VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING w BILL DUNN SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS, ASSISTANT SECRETARY & GENERAL COUNSEL w LAWRENCE G. KEANE

38 • STRONGER THAN EVER

By Brad Fitzpatrick

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 Smith & Wesson CSX MICRO-9

C O L U MNS

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05 • DAILY UPDATE 30 • SHOW SCENES AND PEOPLE

47 • PULSAR HEATS UP

By Kevin Reese

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.

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

D E P A R TM ENTS 22 • KNIVES 2022 26 • OUTERWEAR 2022 53 • NEW PRODUCTS

47 48 • CONNECTING TO NATURE

By Brad Fitzpatrick

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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DAY 3, JANUARY 20, 2022

12/15/21 9:44 AM

Booth #13624 888-744-4880 | xssights.com

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COVER SPONSOR

THIS ISSUE’S COVER BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

METAL MEETS 2022 THE NEW CSX MICRO-9

FEATURES  Aluminum alloy frame.  Glare-reducing slide serrations.  Interchangeable, textured backstraps including small and extra-small sizes for better concealability.  Textured front strap.  Ambidextrous manual thumb safety.  Ambidextrous, elongated slide stop.  Two magazine-release buttons included for left- and right-handed shooters.  Chamfered ejection port to help ensure no snags when drawing from holster.  Slide includes EZ-tab integration for simpler racking.  Optimal 18-degree grip angle for natural point of aim.  Flat-faced trigger with integrated safety for consistent finger placement.  Single-action trigger has a light, crisp pull for accurate shot placement.  1 in 10˝ twist rate.  Armornite® durable corrosion-resistant finish.  Backed by Smith & Wesson’s Lifetime Service Policy.

Booth #12427 (smith-wesson.com)

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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

 Instead of manufacturing armor based on demand, PBA made the commitment to begin warehousing stock in anticipation of demand so that when customers placed orders, they would be fulfilled with no unnecessary lead time.

Creating a Complete Customer Experience

P

remier Body Armor isn’t exactly new to providing personalized protection to military, law enforcement and even civilians.

Officially established in 2013, the company that would become PBA actually spent more than 20 years developing innovative and effective armor for tactical vehicles. When they made the

transition to personalized body armor, they applied the lessons learned from two decades of fortifying vehicles to create a growing line of protective vests, tee shirts and even backpack inserts. The newest innovation that is setting PBA apart in the industry, however, has nothing to do with stopping bullets.

“We originally created a partnership with Vertx to make inserts for its backpacks, but then we realized that there were so many people out there who wanted inserts for the backpacks they already had and didn’t want to get rid of, so we decided to start creating custom inserts for those bags,” said Alex Stewart, PBA’s executive vice president. “That was the first time we stepped outside of our comfort zone in an attempt to make the customer experience better. It was a little bit scary, but the feedback from our customers was amazing.”

The success of that concept led to much more than a new line of products; it led to a new way of doing business.

“After that, we made a commitment to provide more than just customer service. We dedicated

ourselves to creating a complete customer experience,” Stewart said. “It was absolutely our best concept. We want to be the best place in the world for people to buy body armor. Period.”

To reach that goal, PBA not only intensified its commitment to provide custom armor inserts for as many types of backpacks, bags and laptop cases as possible, they also made a commitment to do something that nearly no other company was doing.

“Most body armor companies have a lead time that’s anywhere from four to 16 weeks. We wanted to change that. We wanted our customers to get armor when they wanted it, not when it was convenient for us to make it for them,” Stewart said.

Instead of manufacturing armor based on demand, PBA made the commitment to begin warehousing stock in anticipation of demand so that when customers placed orders, they would be fulfilled with no unnecessary lead time. To pull this off, PBA also had to coordinate with its partners to make sure they were on board with the concept.

“It wasn’t an issue at all to get our partners on board,” Stewart said. “We decided early on that the partnerships we formed had to be part of our overall commitment to providing that superior customer experience, so when we form partnerships with other companies, they’re real partnerships. We work together, we collaborate together, we help promote each other. When they win, we win, and vice versa.

And ultimately, it’s the customer who wins, and that’s what we all want.”

Judging by the comments PBA is receiving from its customers, the experience the company is providing is certainly appreciated. “We have tons of

By Christopher Cogley

five-star reviews on our site, and most of them mention how fast they received their order,” Smith said. “That’s what it’s all about. That’s what makes us happy.”

PBA’s commitment to providing a superior customer experience isn’t limited to its civilian customers. When PBA began selling protective vests to law enforcement, they implemented a new way of making sure their vests fit the officers properly so that they’d be more comfortable and help provide more reliable protection. Instead of just having officers send in measurements to the corporate offices, PBA created a specialized van stocked with every size and shape of vest in its offering. Now, when departments around the region need to fit their officers with new vests, PBA drives its van to the department and personally helps fit officers with the actual vests so they know without a doubt they’re getting the best possible fit.

“We want law-enforcement officers to be as protected as possible, and in addition to making our vests as reliable as they can be, this was the best way we could come up with to make sure we were providing the officers with that kind of protection,” Smith said. “These officers do so much for all of us. We figured this was the least we could do for them.”

Because the reality is that whether it’s law enforcement or civilian customers, PBA’s commitment to providing a superior customer experience isn’t just about having happy customers. It’s about having customers who come home to their families at the end of the day. Booth #41548 (premierbodyarmor.com)

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DAILY UPDATE

IMPULSE ACTION Savage Arms introduces its first straight-pull rifle.

By T. Logan Metesh

IN

the past year, Savage Arms once again rolled the dice on innovation when it launched a new line of centerfire rifles. Known as IMPULSE, this firearm is unlike anything Savage has ever designed; it’s also unlike anything any other American company has done with a boltaction rifle. The new American-made rifles feature a unique straight-pull action that refines the function of a conventional bolt into one fast and intuitive movement. The speed and ease of use defines Impulse and is redefining what’s possible from a traditional rifle.

The key to IMPULSE’s functionality is the new action, which is built around Hexlock, a robust lockup that allows for IMPULSE’s reliability, speed, safety and accuracy. This combination has made the rifle a popular choice for shooters and hunters who appreciate the potential for a spilt-second follow-up shot.

“IMPULSE has redefined the way shooters think about straight-pull rifles,” said Al Kasper, president and CEO of Savage Arms. “We studied more than a century’s worth of straight-pull actions and kept run-

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ning up against the same conundrum; straight-pull actions are fast, but they don’t inspire confidence.

Speed means nothing if you can’t hit what you’re aiming at. IMPULSE changed that. We’ve brought our tradition of accuracy into the mix to make the fastest, most accurate straight-pull rifles ever built, and our customers are out there now putting them to the test. The results are truly impressive.”

Built for speed, the smooth bolt throw of the IMPULSE allows a shooter to cycle rounds intuitively, without the need for the standard four changes of direction common to a conventional bolt’s path of travel. As a result, IMPULSE reduces split times and allows for shooters to manipulate the bolt without losing their cheek weld. The bolt travels out and back and shooters don’t have to take their eyes off the target. This increase in speed is essential to making effective follow-up shots. Aiding this retention of cheek weld and sight picture is the bolt handle itself; it can be user-configured into one of four different directions/angles on either side of the bolt, allowing shooters to set up the handle to best fit their needs and grip.

At the heart of IMPULSE’s bolt is Hexlock. Six hardened steel bearings lock the bolt in place inside the receiver’s barrel extension. As pressure increases, Hexlock’s hold tightens, ensuring that there can be no rearward movement of the bolt. Once the round has left the barrel, the pressure subsides, and the action can be safely opened again with a straight pull of the bolt handle.

In addition to IMPULSE’s new features, these rifles draw upon decades of Savage innovation. Each model is equipped with AccuStock, Accufit and AccuTrigger. These allow the shooter to adjust the stock’s length-of-pull and stock height, as well as the trigger weight anywhere between 2.5 and 6 pounds.

IMPULSE is available in three model variations.

IMPULSE Big Game rifles in .243 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, .30-06 Spfd., .308 Win. and .300 Win. Mag. MSRP: $1,449. IMPULSE Predator calibers include .22-250 Rem., .243 Win., .308 Win. and 6.5 Creedmoor. MSRP: $1,379. IMPULSE Hog Hunter in .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, .30-06 Spfd. and .300 Win. Mag. MSRP: $1,379. Booth #12821 (savagearms.com)

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©2021 Federal Ammunition

SKEET ----SPORTING CLAYS ----TRAP

MORE HITS. MORE RELOADS. MORE WINS. ––––

It’s here. New Federal Premium ® High Over All™ leaves a trail of shattered targets in its wake and more reloads per shell. Its hard, high-antimony lead shot and exclusive one-piece Podium™ wad produce the most consistent patterns, while the solid brass head and tapered hull make reloading easier than ever. Victory is yours.

1 SOLID BRASS HEAD

6

5

1

2 TARGET SHOTSHELL PRIMER 3 INTEGRAL BASE WAD AND TAPERED HULL 4 O NE-PIECE PODIUM WAD 5 H ARD, HIGH-ANTIMONY LEAD PELLETS 6 EIGHT-SEGMENT CRIMP

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SEE ALL THE LOADS A N D L E A R N M O R E AT FEDERALPREMIUM.COM

12/8/21 3:53 PM

DAILY UPDATE

FN UNLEASHES THE 502 TACTICAL The latest innovation in the optics-ready pistol space is FN’s 502 Tactical, the company’s first slide-mounted rimfire handgun that readily accepts a red-dot sight. The FN 502 Tactical features an optics-mounting system inspired by the company’s patented FN Low-Profile Optics Mounting System and offers unmatched sighting options with co-witness sights.

“We set out to accomplish two primary goals with the FN 502 Tactical,” said Mark Cherpes, president and CEO for FN America. “First, we wanted to create a .22 LR pistol with the advanced features and superior accuracy of our current pistol line-up. Second, we wanted to deliver a pistol designed for maximum fun on the range. We feel like we’ve met both of these objectives handily. This new rimfire handgun has obvious, universal appeal, whether you’re a new shooter looking to master the basics or an advanced user expecting peak performance from FN.” The FN 502 Tactical features a smooth, single-action best-in-class trigger.

It also has a 15-round magazine and ambidextrous controls.

“FN constantly studies the market to fill unmet customer needs, and we saw a large gap to fill with our new semi-auto rimfire handgun,” said Chris Cole, vice president of sales and marketing. “With the FN 502 Tactical, we applied the standout features of the FN 509 Tactical to this new rimfire to deliver a shooting experience unlike any other .22 LR handgun.”

The FN 502 Tactical comes standard in a hard case with one 15-round high-capacity magazine and one 10-round flush-fit magazine along with the necessary plates to mount compatible miniature red-dot optics. Due to its

similarity in ergonomics to the FN 509, the FN 502 Tactical will fit in most FN 509 Tactical holsters. MSRP: $499.

Booth #11860 (fnamerica.COM)

BOOTH

#10119 DJI™ Mavic 3 with custom NANUK 915 protective case.

$2,200 Drone Stop by the NANUK booth to enter.

Must be present to win.

Drawing: Thursday January 20th @ 3:00.

See our full line of pistol cases, long gun cases, ammo cases, knife cases, first aid cases, camera cases, drone cases. In stock and ready to ship.

Drawing is not associated with DJI™ or their brands.

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DAY 3, JANUARY 20, 2022

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DAILY UPDATE

Wide Spectrum NSSF works ceaselessly to create a wide range of programs designed to bring new participants into the shooting sports.

By Brian McCombie

A

s the trade organization of the shooting sports, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) doesn’t simply talk shooting. Every day, and in so many different ways, NSSF works to bring new people into the shooting sports. Among the newest initiatives to achieve this very important goal is NSSF’s +ONE Movement (nssf.org/plusone), which encourages hunters and shooters across the country to bring one new person with them hunting or shooting.

“It’s such a simple concept, but when you think about it, if every single person did this, we would double the size of our community instantly,” said Bill Dunn, NSSF’s vice president, marketing. “Even if just one in three people brought in someone new, the impact would be huge on the future of hunting and the shooting sports. The campaign has been very successful, and it’s also been great to see people from across the country sharing their +ONE stories on social media and seeing so many people and companies in our industry getting involved.”

“We encourage everyone out there to join the +ONE Movement. Make it a point to bring someone new along with you the next time you go to the range. Be there for

 NSSF's Let's Go Shooting website contains a wealth of resources for new shooters.

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them. Answer their questions. Educate them on the rules of firearm safety. And point them to NSSF’s websites for more information.”

Those websites include Project ChildSafe (projectchildsafe.org), which promotes firearm safety and education through the distribution of safety education messages and free firearm safety kits to communities across the United States, as well as Let’s Go Shooting (letsgoshooting.org) and Let’s Go Hunting (letsgohunting. org). These websites have a wealth of resources for people just getting started in these two activities.

August 2021, was the fifth year that NSSF has promoted National Shooting Sports Month, (shootingsportsmonth.org).

Originally developed by NSSF, National Shooting Sports

 The successful First Shots program is helping create new shooters of all ages.

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Month reminds everyone — newcomers as well as experienced gun owners — about the safe, fun, exciting activity of target shooting. National Shooting Sports Month allows your organization to tie in its summer activities, promotions and messaging to this national campaign designed to increase shooting sports participation.

By participating in National Shooting Sports Month, shooting sports businesses can attract new customers, welcome new gun owners, increase sales and help increase overall shooting sports participation. Firearm retailers can get involved in the National Shooting Sports Month by hosting events and promotions in store, including sales, open houses, safety classes or gear promotions. Some stores partner with local ranges.

Another key program helping to attract new people to the shooting sports is the very successful First Shots (nssf.org/firstshots). Designed for all ranges, whether they feature indoor or outdoor shooting options, and all types of firearms including handguns, rifles and shotguns, First Shots events are held at your range and provide a safe and informative shooting experience for new shooters.

“We know some ranges are sometimes reluctant to add First Shots to their current instruction curriculum,” said Zach Snow, NSSF’s director of member development. “‘How can this be worth my time?’ they ask.”

“Well, we are in constant contact with our growing roster of host ranges, ranges that were often hesitant about taking on the program. We know that whether they host one First Shots event a month or 10, many see 70 percent of their participants returning to their business to continue their journey as firearm owners and target shooters. That translates to $1,445 spent per customer almost immediately, and prospects for long-term spending are even better. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t think that was a worthwhile return on investment.”

More recently, NSSF launched its all-new First Shots Clay Targets program (nssf.org/ranges/first-shots-home/firstshots-clay-targets). Based on the highly successful First Shots introductory handgun events, the First Shots Clay Targets program allows outdoor ranges to capitalize on growing interest in the clay target sports and engage those new to shotgun handling by delivering a safe, entertaining and personalized experience.

“We are thrilled that outdoor ranges now have an avenue that makes it easy for those interested in the clay target sports to get started,” said Snow. “We specifically designed First Shots Clay Targets to reduce barriers to entry. Class cost is low; host ranges provide the rental firearms, ammunition and clay targets, and NSSF provides eye and ear protection and classroom materials. Sign up and show up — that’s all someone has to do who wants to learn how to break clays.”

And we are not done. NSSF continually works to improve existing programs and launch fresh and exciting new initiatives to bring in brand new shooters in order to strengthen the shooting sports and to help make our industry as a whole more profitable and successful.

 Participation in National Shooting Sports Month is a great way to attract new customers.

 The +ONE Movement encourages hunters and shooters to bring one new person with them when they hunt or shoot.

(nssf.org)

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DAILY UPDATE

Mossy Oak Introduces New Camo Pattern

By Brian McCombie

M

ossy Oak launched its Break-Up Country pattern five years ago to general acclaim and near-immediate popularity with hunters of all sorts. Now, after five years reigning as America’s No.1 camo pattern, Break-Up Country has evolved into the all-new Mossy Oak Country DNA. Country DNA features oak bark and branches, moss and a brown-and-gray color scheme with a just a slash of pine green. Slightly more muted than Break-Up Country and just a little bit darker, Country DNA is perfect for ground hunting the opening morning of the firearms deer season, an oak tree to your back or tucked into the darkness of a blind. Country

DNA is equally at home for chasing spring turkeys, especially before the big green-up is in full swing.

A significant number of licensees are producing a full slate of Country DNA finished products, from hunting and casual clothing to footwear and lifestyle items. Dealers will see much more to come throughout 2022.

Meanwhile, in support of Mossy Oak’s many licensees and the thousands of retailers carrying Mossy Oak branded products, Mossy Oak continues to expand its media presence, too.

The Mossy Oak website, as well as the company’s social media platforms (including Facebook and Instagram), contain a wealth of regularly updated posts, including hunting and fishing how-to articles, game recipes, outdoor news and interviews and profiles with some of the biggest names in the outdoors and country music. In addition, Mossy Oak GO (go.mossyoak.com) continues its explosive growth in viewership. A streaming television provider for all things outdoors, Mossy Oak GO provides original, 100-percent free outdoors video content for hunters, saltwater and freshwater anglers, land managers, conservation enthusiasts, shooting-sports aficionados, campers, hikers, adventure seekers and culinary dabblers.

Since it is free, Mossy Oak GO removes the hassle of free trials, monthly fees or restricted access. Mossy Oak GO is available for Apple and Android devices. The app is supported across all smart devices without a subscription, allowing outdoorsmen and women to watch the best outdoor TV anytime, anyplace. Mossy Oak Originals include video series such as the new HONOR, 15 episodes that tell the stories of brave American servicemen and women and the sacrifices they’ve made in defense of our nation.

And, as always, Mossy Oak continues to promote wildlife conservation. As the company explained when it introduced the Mossy Oak Gamekeeper initiative, “Being a Gamekeeper is in our DNA. It’s our duty to leave things better than we found them, and from day one at Mossy Oak a genuine commitment to conservation has been central to our mission.” Gamekeeper articles cover such topics as wildlife profiles and tips and ideas for getting the most out of food plots. Gamekeeper videos cover a wide range as well, from how to build wood duck boxes to tips and techniques for trapping nest-robbing predators.

Hunting and fishing, conservation and concealment, working the land and raising families outdoors — these are the things that define Mossy Oak. Booth #10338 (mossyoak.com)

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RELIABLE BEYOND QUESTION

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SAR USA.COM

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DAILY UPDATE

FEDERAL HIGH OVER ALL A new competition shotshell from a company with a century of experience in the market.

By Brad Fitzpatrick This year Federal is celebrating 100 years in business, and one of the ways of celebrating its centennial is by introducing a new shotshell — High Over All. “We are excited to build on the great momentum of this new product line. Competition shooters have been asking for a new competition load from Federal — and we’ve delivered with the best ever,” said Jason Vanderbrink, Federal Ammunition’s president. “Top shots across the country have been buzzing about our new HOA product, and we look forward to rolling it out over the next months, leading up to the National Sporting Clays Tournament in Texas.”

HOA shotshells feature a solid brass head and come with Federal’s one-piece Podium wad, which is designed to improve patterns and cushion the payload at ignition. The high-antimony lead pellets used in these loads also deliver more

energy downrange. Every competitive shotgun shooter knows high-quality lead pellets can mean the difference between breaking a clay or a lost target, and in competitive trap, skeet and sporting clays events a single target might mean the difference between winning and losing.

HOA shells offer shooters that competitive edge. The integral base wad and one-piece tapered plastic hull of each HOA shell, along with an eight-segment crimp, allows for more reloads per shell. In addition, the design allows reloaders to use a variety of wads.

Federal is offering no fewer than 16 different 12-gauge, 2¾-inch HOA loads for competitors.

There are seven 1-ounce loads and seven 11⁄8ounce loads, and there are two 24-gram loads as well. In addition, Federal is offering two 24-gram HOA loads that comply with ISSF rules for inter-

national shotgun competitions. There are also two handicap loads with a velocity of 1,250 fps.

Shot sizes range from Nos. 7.5 to 9.

Competitive shotgun shooters can expect to see HOA shells appearing at ranges around the country this year. Federal held a HOA launch in Minnesota in late 2021. There, the company’s engineers, ambassadors and other shooters had an opportunity to test this new product on a clays course. You can expect to see a range of sub-gauge HOA shells available in 2022. Given its pedigree, don’t be surprised if the next generation of elite shotgun shooters bring home national and international titles and Olympic gold with HOA. Booth #42605 (federalpremium.com)

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

Leapers Launches New Line

E

stablished in 1992, Leapers, Inc., develops, manufactures and distributes a wide variety of hunting and shooting sports products across a multitude of different platforms. What once started as a garage business is now a global enterprise headquartered in Livonia, Michigan. The four-building campus, encompassing more than 150,000 square feet, is not only home to the company’s in-house product design and development teams, but also houses the manufacturing facilities, indoor proving grounds and an advanced order-fulfillment and distribution center. The UTG and the made-in-the-U.S.A. UTG PRO brands have gained wide market recognition across the globe, offering more than 700 SKUs. As part of the company’s celebration of its 30th anniversary, in 2022 Leapers will be introducing a new line of higher-tier products. “INTEGRIX is the culmination of integrated and intelligent design, R&D and execution applied to a new generation of first-focal-plane and second-focal plane optics,” said founder David Ding. “For 30 years we have listened to the

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voice of the customer, and we have learned from the experience. Quality glass achieves optimal performance when optical design and mechanical precision integrate seamlessly under strict tolerance control. When such standards are met at the manufacturing level, our customers benefit.”

INTEGRIX will use German and Japanese lenses exclusively.

Furthermore, each INTEGRIX optic will be multicoated for glare, reflection and scratch resistance, and upon assembly will be inspected for concentricity as a whole. The end result is low aberration, optimized image quality, edge-to-edge sharpness and high-contrast resolution.

“We invite our customers to discover and be part of our momentum for the years to come as we continue our dedication and commitment to providing solution-driven hunting and shooting sport-oriented products and services,” Ding said. “Leapers, Inc. supports and promotes the hunting and shooting sports lifestyle with the utmost professionalism.”

Booth #72305 (leapers.org)

DAY 3, JANUARY 20, 2022

12/8/21 4:11 PM

caliber

barrel

3”

TUNGSTEN CER AKOTE

capacity

exclusive

weight

357 MAG / 38 SPL 5 ROUNDS

FRONT NIGHT SIGHT

finish

24 OZ.

SOLID, HARD-HITTING PERSONAL DEFENSE. Available in four distinct models, the all-new Taurus® 605 Defender adds a bold new dimension to the original 605 design—boasting an EDC-friendly 3-inch barrel with improved sight radius along with an orange outline night sight for enhanced accuracy. Finely tuned to deliver the ultimate peace of mind, this 357 Magnum five-round revolver is remarkably lightweight, easy to conceal and exceptionally reliable. Add in our Limited Lifetime Warranty and industry leading customer service for quality standards that you can depend on.

TaurusUSA.com

VISIT US AT BOOTH #13038 Day3 Full Pages.indd 17

12/8/21 3:56 PM

DAILY UPDATE

Social Media Masterclass

Successful social media efforts require attention to detail. Here’s a plan to help you align your goals with your staff.

By Michelle Scheuermann

H

as business grown so much in the past year or so that it is finally time to add to the social media team of “one” to help with the workload?

Or perhaps it’s time to add outside help to shoulder areas that have become an intolerable burden to your staff. From managing multiple social media accounts to answering customer inquiries and, of course, creating viral videos in any spare time, how do social media departments best plan to carry this all out? What protocols should be in place? What are other NSSF members doing?

During my NSSF virtual seminar last year, titled “Social Media Masterclass — Social Media as a Team” (now available at nssf.org for NSSF members), I dived into this large, and sometimes overwhelming, topic. The class was part of SHOT University, which NSSF hosted again at the 2022 SHOT Show. What follows is a synopsis of the class. It can help you negotiate the seemingly infinite shifting sands of the social media landscape.

BUDGET

When considering the decision to add more members to social media staff, the budget is always the first hurdle. Budget doesn’t always mean financial resources; it often means time resources as well. Is hiring internally an option? Perhaps external help (such as an agency or a consultant) offers more flexibility? Either way, consider all the items needed for proper social media management. This includes (but is not limited to) obtaining quality photos; developing, writing, and posting content; and responding to queries. All of this can be incredibly time consuming.

Your particular budget will determine if there’s room to buy photos or if you will require staffers to take quality images with their mobile phones. Budget will also determine if a social media manager’s job includes responding to customer inquiries, which can be a 24/7 job, or if there’s room to employ third-party management software.

MANAGEMENT

Here’s the rub: There really isn’t a single definition of just what a social media manager does; the particular job duties will vary from organization to organization. That said, the biggest mistake I see by management is immediately assuming that younger staffers, many of whom have grown up with social media and use it in their personal lives every day, are the perfect candidates for the position of social media manager. Thinking so is dismissive of the responsibility social media managers shoulder for their businesses on a daily basis. The better approach is to identify those individuals in the organization who already have a passion and propensity for social media and who also demonstrate the maturity to handle this key responsibility.

Typical roles within social media management include: Strategist, who sets the plan and strategy for all social channels; Content Creator, who develops content from written word to photos and videos for each platform; Community Manager, who answers customer’s direct messages and comments on posts and inquiries; Paid Advertiser, a group or individual who handles all paid advertising in Facebook, Google, etc.; and Analyst, the one who digs into analytics and churns out reports to help with key performance indicators.

Let’s review a real-life example of a NSSF member, Nosler (Booth #10321), to see an example of what I’m talking about. As director of digital marketing at

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Nosler, Cheryl Valdez has seen many changes in her seven years of leading the social media accounts for the manufacturer. But she still runs a lean team; it’s just her and one other individual who lends support as needed.

“I manage day-to-day content creation, scheduling, partner collaborations, and community engagement,” she says. “Anyone who manages social for a brand with a large volume of fan interaction knows that unanswered DMs [direct messages] and comments can get out of control quickly if neglected. We view these interactions as an extension of our customer service efforts, so we’ve made it a priority to stay on top of these as best as we can. In keeping with this goal, we have a marketing team member who serves as an extra set of fingers for responding to messages and comments from our fans.”

SETTING SOCIAL MEDIA GOALS

Next, it is up to the business owner or department head to determine the goals the social media department need to meet. A few options here include increasing brand awareness, increasing traffic to a website, lead generation (to obtain more emails), or increasing engagement and impressions. Social media can also be used as a hiring tool, for social listening and customer engagement, and for public relations efforts (disseminating news).

One big misconception is for owners to simply say, “I want more likes,” as this really isn’t a key performance indicator (KPI) that necessarily leads to sales. I like to call likes on a page or post “vanity metrics” that only make bosses feel good (temporarily) when they see their brand increase in likes.

What is most important is that everyone on the team is on the same page.

You all agree what your goals are for this quarter, or this year, and you are all striving to find ways to meet or exceed those goals.

Valdez agrees and says Nosler places more emphasis on content engagement over anything else. “Our philosophy has always posed the question: If someone were to land on the Nosler Instagram or Facebook page for the first time, would the first post they see be something that gets them to engage and hit the follow button? Our goal is to inspire maximum engagement, fan acquisition, and retention. While some brands focus on audience size as a primary goal, we tend to pay less attention to this number. We know that with great content, our audience will grow organically over time. Having millions of followers with mediocre content engagement isn’t our focus.”

At Nosler, Valdez says the team has agreed their social voice is conversational.

“Our fans are our family, and we aren’t interested in having robotic, corporatesounding conversations with them. At the end of the day, we’re all real people behind the screen and we try to be as real with our community as we can.”

DAY 3, JANUARY 20, 2022

12/8/21 4:13 PM

UA HOVR™ DAWN WP 2.0

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BOOTH: 10560

21UAR18642_SHOT Show Print Ads_v5.indd 3 Day3 Full Pages.indd 19

12/3/21 2:26 PM 12/8/21 3:57 PM

DAILY UPDATE

CrossBreed Introduces the Rogue Holster System

C

rossBreed Holsters, a leading manufacturer in the concealed-carry category, is adding the new Rogue holster system to its line of CCW holsters. The mission of CrossBreed’s engineers was to create an all-new platform that could be distinguished from the Kydex pocket/leather backer holster designs that have made CrossBreed a premier manufacturer of ergonomic, performance-based holsters for discerning EDC and concealed-carry practitioners.

The Rogue holster system expands customizing options while adhering to the comfort and ergonomic benchmarks for which CrossBreed is known. At the heart of the Rogue system is a two-piece Kydex gun pocket—the first in Crossbreed’s 16-year history of manufacturing premium EDC holsters.

Molded for precise fitment, the holster pocket features a smooth skin side for maximum comfort. Strategically positioned screw holes and slots allow for multiple positioning and retention adjustment.

In this way the Rogue can be oriented for custom-carry locations, including strong side, appendix, and cross draw. In addition, the holster works with both stock and modified handguns, thanks to its suppressor-height front-sight channel and optic cut designed to accommodate red-dot sights.

Included with the Rogue holster is an all-Kydex mag pouch. This is a modular pouch design that can be secured to the holster via a flexible plastic band to better fit the contours of the user’s torso. The pouch can also be separated from the holster and worn independently at the desired body position. Two plastic bands are included so users can choose between a vertical or forward cant magazine orientation.

As with most CrossBreed holsters, the new Rogue holster works with multiple clips to further expand carry options. These include the supplied Reckoning-style metal clips, as well as Ulticlip, Monoblock, IWB snap loops, and OWB loops. Between the available clip options and the

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integrated cant and height adjustments, the Rogue can be fine-tuned to meet most any carry style comfortably and with maximum draw/re-holstering efficiency.

The Rogue is also compatible with the CB Concealment Claw first introduced on the Reckoning holster. This device positions the gun’s grip closer to the body during IWB carry to minimize printing and obstruction. Finally, Cerakoted hardware in Magpul FDE, NRA Blue, Sig Pink, or Blaze Orange adds flare and enhanced durability to the holster system. In keeping with CrossBreed’s commitment to customer satisfaction, the Rogue includes a limited lifetime warranty and a twoweek trial period. Booth #70428 (crossbreedholsters.org)

DAY 3, JANUARY 20, 2022

12/8/21 4:13 PM

PERFORMANCE COUNTS

CALIBERS

6.5 CREEDMOOR

.308/7.62X51MM

BARREL

20", 22" OR 24" WILSON STAINLESS STEEL, 1:10 TWIST

20", 22" OR 24" WILSON STAINLESS STEEL, 1:10 TWIST

WEIGHT

24" 10.5 LBS

24" 10.5 LBS

LENGTH

20" BARREL: 39.5" 22" BARREL: 41.5" 24" BARREL: 43.5"

20" BARREL: 39.5" 22" BARREL: 41.5" 24" BARREL: 43.5"

RINGS AND OPTICS NOT INCLUDED

ROCK BOLT GUN (RBG) SERIES

SHOT BOOTH #12464

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NAME

OF THE

GAME

by Christopher Cogley

For 2022, knife manufacturers continue to focus on everyday carry.

B

ouncing back after the COVID pandemic that shut down the SHOT Show this past year, knife manufacturers are ready to get back to business as usual. While there is definitely a

wide variety of knives on display this year for nearly every conceivable application, the name of the game continues to be the everyday carry options that have become a necessity for everyone — from corporate executives and law enforcement to hunting guides and stay-at-home dads.

Knife manufacturers continue to raise the bar on the quality of their EDC offerings by developing innovative new locking and release mechanisms, launching new designs that blur the lines between function and fashion, and improving standards of quality at prices that more people can afford. It’s definitely a good time to be in the market for an EDC your customers will be proud to put in their pocket.

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BEAR & SON CUTLERY

Bear & Son will be featuring a pair of Carbon Farmhand folders at this year’s SHOT Show. Available in a 3.625- and a 4.625-inch size, the Carbon Farmhand folders are designed in the simplistic, Alabama-made style for which Bear & Son is famous. The knives have yellow aluminum handles and 1095 carbon blades.

The Carbon Farmhand folders are available in either lockback or slip-joint versions, both of which feature an ambidextrous pocket clip. Booth #10125 (bearandsoncutlery.com)

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12/15/21 8:12 AM

BENCHMADE

Benchmade is releasing a new out-of-the-front automatic knife designed to deliver all the reliability that law enforcement and tactical operators demand, but with a price tag that even the tightest department budgets can handle. The 5370FE Shootout has a 3.5inch CPM-CruWear tanto-style blade that is spine-fired out the front. The Shootout features a textured CF-Elite carbon-fiberfilled nylon handle complete with a carbide glass breaker and a reversible deep-carry pocket clip. MSRP: $300. Booth #10357 (benchmade.com)

BUCK

Buck is releasing new Sport versions of two of its most popular folders.

Designed to be lighterweight, EDC versions of the classic 110 Hunter and 112 Ranger, the 110 Hunter Sport and 112 Ranger Sport both feature anodized aluminum handles with OD green canvas Micarta scales and a newly designed deep-carry pocket clip. The clip-point blades on both knives are made from S30V stainless steel and include dual thumb studs. The 110 Hunter Sport has a 3.75-inch blade, weighs 4.6 ounces and carries a $170 price tag while the 112 Ranger Sport has a 3-inch blade, weighs 3.9 ounces and has an MSRP of $160.

Booth #10129 (buckknives.com)

BROWNING

This year Browning is paying homage to its hunting roots with the launch of the Guide Series folder. Created by Wes Hibben, whose father, Gil, designed the first hunting knives to appear in Browning’s catalog in 1969, the Guide Series folder has a traditional style with a 3.375-inch Sandvik 14V28N blade and a Micarta laminate handle. SRP: $150.

Booth #12238 (browning.com)

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PRODUCT FEATURE

PRODUCTS

COLUMBIA RIVER KNIFE & TOOL

Columbia River Knife & Tool is launching three new updated versions of its classic M16 knife. All three of the folders in the M16 Deadbolt series feature CRKT’s Deadbolt locking mechanism combined with the Assisted Opening technology and the IKBS ball-bearing pivot system. The 02DB is a compact flipper with a 3.12-inch tanto blade, the 03DB has a 3.58-inch spear-point blade and the 04DB has a 3.89-inch tanto blade. All three knives feature D2 steel and the stylish aluminum handles that have become a trademark of the M16. MSRP: $150-$200. Booth #10051 (crkt.com)

ONTARIO KNIFE COMPANY

OKC is launching a new addition to its classic Old Hickory line.

The new compact Old Hickory Machete is crafted in the tradition of the Old Hickory line with a classic American walnut handle accented with brass cutler rivets. The 9-inch 1075 carbon-steel blade has a phosphate coating designed to hold a fine edge. The Old Hickory Machete has an overall length of 15.6 inches and comes with a classic leather sheath. Booth #20305 (ontarioknife.com)

OUTDOOR EDGE

Outdoor Edge is featuring its new 3.5-inch RazorWork at this year’s SHOT Show. Designed to have 3.5 times the cutting edge of a standard utility knife, the RazorWork was created to handle a wide range of tasks in a variety of locations, from professional job sites to remote outdoor camps. The RazorWork accepts both 3.5inch utility blades and 3.5-inch drop-point blades. The blades are made from Japanese 420J2 stainless steel and the handle is a glass/ nylon composite and features Outdoor Edge’s Peak Performance grip. MSRP: $34.95. Booth #1220 (outdooredge.com)

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DAY 3, JANUARY 20, 2022

12/15/21 8:12 AM

SPYDERCO

As part of its Reveal Eight release, Spyderco is launching the Thin Red Line collection of folders that pay homage to the courage of firefighters around the world. The collection features four of Spyderco’s most iconic knives — the Delica 4, Endela, Endura 4 and Rescue 3 — which were designed specifically to meet the needs of first responders. The blades all feature VG-10 stainless-steel blades and have black fiberglass-reinforced nylon handles with a special Red Line insert to remind users of the selfless service of firefighters and other first responders. MSRP: $130-$155. Spyderco will donate a portion of all sales to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. Booth #13113 (spyderco.com)

SOG

In 2022, SOG is continuing its commitment to provide knives for a wider variety of users. Among the new offerings is the Altair line, which is designed specifically to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts. Created to be lightweight, compact and versatile, the Altair line includes both a folder and fixed-blade option. Featuring CRYO CPM 154 blades and GRN handles, the Altair knives have a simple, minimalistic design that naturally lend themselves to the kind of functional versatility that campers, backpackers and climbers demand. MSRP: $139-$167. Booth #11263 (sogknives.com)

W.R. CASE

This year, Case is making a new statement with its Everyday Carry collection. The Marilla and Kinzua both feature S35VN stainless-steel blades and anodized aluminum handles, which are available in black, red or blue. The Marilla (MSRP: $165) has a drop-point blade; the Kinzua (MSRP: $140) has a tanto blade. Booth #13902 (caseknives.com)

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OUTERW

by Peter B. Mathiesen

Though supply side issues remain, dealers can expect

A

increased consumer demand to drive sales. t the close of 2021, most retailers had low to moderate inventory across the outwear category. Despite the challenges from year two of Covid-19, consumers seemed less price sensitive, and dealers reported high sales across the board of in-stock inventory. On the manufacturing front, production in Brazil, India and Vietnam continued to increase compared to the first

year of the pandemic. China spent much of the year playing catch up with deep backorders from U.S. manufacturers. Although overall production of goods improved, problems at the Port of Los Angeles strained the patience of many manufacturers, distributors and retailers. All that said, look for a strong 2022 with a higher demand for finished goods from consumers throughout the year.

5.11

The Stratos 1⁄4-Zip is a cold-weather mid-layer.

Constructed from a durable polyester and elastane blend, it provides a comfortable, functional stretch fit for work or play. The anti-odor material wicks heat-robbing moisture away, making this top ideal for training and backcountry trips.

The zip front closure features a protective chin guard. A brushed tricot-lined collar and raglan sleeves add comfort to this versatile quarter-zip top.

Available for both men and women, colors include Ox Blood, Peacoat and black, sizes S-XL. MSRP: $70.

Booth #13162 (511tactical.com)

ARCTERYX LEAF

The Patrol Pant AR is a duty pant that delivers impressive comfort. The four-way stretch double-weave is finished with a water-resistant DWR for waterproofing and stain protection. A thoughtful gusseted crotch increases comfort by allowing a full range of unrestricted motion. The cuffs use a draw-cord ankle closure with a vertical retention tunnel. This adjustment allows pants to be worn tightly with boots. The belt loops enhance the use the Arcteryx LEAF Rigger’s system. Sewn into the waistline, the equipment-retention loops secure carriage of mission-essential items in the hand and seat pockets.

Two Velcro flap back cargo pockets allow for dump-pocket compatibility. The front internal folding knife pocket compartment allows secure carriage for a standard folding knife. Logos and individual IDs are displayed easily via a waterproof TuffLabel.

This general-purpose softshell pant can be worn in conjunction with the Arcteryx Patrol Jacket AR as a uniform for law enforcement and other end users. Available in Gray Wolf and Ranger Green, sizes XS-2XT. MSRP: $200. Booth #75417 (leaf.arcteryx.com)

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DAY 3, JANUARY 20, 2022

12/15/21 8:14 AM

2022

RWEAR BROWNING

The Upland sweater is the ideal middle ground for comfort on cool days.

Windproof, it has a rugged exterior, making it the perfect choice when an outershell is too restrictive or too hot. Constructed from 100-percent polyester, the sweater adds 70D polyester/nylon to the sleeves and elbows, improving long-term durability and adding waterproof coverage. Brown with orange trim. Sizes S-XXXL. MSRP: $104.99. Booth #10938 (browning.com)

BUFFALO OUTDOORS

The stylish Leather Biker vest is a comfortable leather vest specifically designed for concealed carry. It features a secure left inside concealedcarry gun pocket with elastic holster and uses a two-snap closure. The outside has two horizontal front pockets. The front uses four matteblack snap buttons to close the vest.

The vest is has a 100-percent-genuine leather shell with a polyester lining. Dry cleaning is required. Sizes L-4XL. MSRP: $49.99.

Booth #80808 (buffalooutdoorsclothing.com)

GLACIER GLOVE

The popular Alaska Pro Series, now in Realtree Edge, has been redesigned with a focus on warmth and dexterity.

Blending the feel of a shooting glove with the warmth of a winter glove, the Alaska Pro is a high-performing coldweather glove. It features a merino wool lining and a waterproof breathable membrane, and the silicone pattern on the palm provides an enhanced non-slip grip. The three-layer design, bonded via a micro-dotting lamination process, eliminates the shifting between layers traditionally associated with insulated gloves. This glove is compatible for touch screens — iPhones, Androids, iPads and other electronic devices. Sizes S-XL. MSRP: $54.99. Booth #43050 (glacierglove.com)

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PRODUCT FEATURE

OUTERWEAR

KINGS CAMO

The XKG Transition Flex jacket combines lightweight stretch nylon and Thermolite insulation to deliver a mid-weight insulating layer. The Thermolite insulation offers impressive levels of warmth with a quick drying time. Paired with the stretch outer fabric, the jacket is filled with 130 grams of insulation in the body and 100 grams of insulation in the sleeves. This combo provides less bulky layering and a better range of motion.

The soft, air-permeable outer nylon fabric allows moisture to escape. Meanwhile, the DWR coating protects the wearer from light rain. The snug-fitting hood delivers low-profile warmth and good visibility. The jacket uses a stretch nylon outer fabric with two chest and two side hand pockets. The low-profile cuffs keep drafts out, as does the elastic drawstring waist.

MSRP: $249. Booth #72918 (kingscamo.com)

MINUS33

Warm and functional, this Australian merino wool midweight balaclava combines the benefits of a hat and neck gaiter into one. Great for use under a hat or jacket hood, you can cover your head, ears and mouth on the coldest of days.

Easily pulled back, just utilize the neck covering if the temperatures rise. Comes in 19 colors.

MSRP: $25.99. Booth #41130 (minus33.com)

OUTDOOR RESEARCH

The Hybrid-Mapped construction found in OR’s nylon/spandex Maritime pants places key fabrics in specific locations to counter abrasion and enhance comfort. A special pocket-stabilizing internal harness helps the user maintain balance by keeping loads stationary and in place.

SuperFabric construction at the knees and seat allows for abrasion-resistant stretch. Other features include a stabilizing internal harness yoke, zip hand pockets, universal knee-pad compartments, padded waist, bottom hem draw cord, mesh internal PKT drain ports and a field-repairable button fly. Sizes S-XL. MSRP: $600. Booth #41457 (outdoorresearch.com)

CERTIFIED TO PROTECT & PERFORM Fully certified to perform to the world’s most stringent PPE standards, the new Combat Boot MK2 GTX and Breacher S Mid are built with proprietary LOWA AS® technology for proven ankle protection. They are handcrafted in Germany and feature LOWA’s renowned attention to detail and superb, high quality materials such as the new slip-, heat- & fuel oil- resistant VIBRAM® VANGUARD outsole.

NEW - BREACHER S MID

NEW - COMBAT BOOT MK2 GTX

NEW BOOTH #1016

2

see the LOWA Visit our new booth to rce Collections Fo 2022 Hunting & Task

The new Combat Boot MK2 GTX and Breacher S Mid have been tested and certified according to European Union (EU) PPE Regulations (2020).

PPE regulations cover the design, manufacture and marketing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). They define the legal obligations required to ensure that PPE on the EU internal market (the European Economic Area, known as the EEA) provide the highest level of protection against risks.

GORE-TEX, GTX, GORE, and GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY and design are registered trademarks of W.L. Gore & Associates Inc. VIBRAM®, the Octagon Logo, and the Yellow Octagon Logo and the color Canary Yellow are registered trademarks of Vibram S.p.A. ©2021 LOWA Boots, LLC.

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DAY 3, JANUARY 20, 2022

12/15/21 8:14 AM

NICOLAS BERRY

B&P CHAMPION SHOOTER ®

F2 MACH SHOTSHELLS

Experience the soft, consistent and unparalleled performance.

Integrating the innovative Gordon Case and exclusively designed wads, creates a unique combination ensuring maximum reduction of damping systems in two distinct sections of the cartridge.

This line of products possess a strong history of championships including Olympic Gold Medals.

VISIT US AT BOOTH #11454

PRIME YOUR PERFORMANCE AT

BASCHIERI-PELLAGRIUSA.COM Day3 Full Pages.indd 29

12/15/21 8:16 AM

SHOW SCENES AND PEOPLE

Flash Forged Te chnology (FFT ) from Christen (Booth #11816 sen Arms ) represents th e latest in carb structural manu on-fiber facturing. This ground-breaking available exclu technology is sively on select 2022 Christense firearms: the Me n Arms sa FFT, Mesa FF T Tit anium, Ridgelin Ridgeline FFT Tit e FFT, anium, and Rid geline FFT Scou t.

ng there is w a reality. Getti ar’s Forum is no es the Ca o to int rum ion ar’s Fo expans is connects Caes ed SHOT Show e addition of th ueger Drive that th The long-await Kr th er wi ov d ge an y, rid and air e the footb ly 2,400 ility is spacious ate fac xim easy; simply us w pro ne ap e th Th ention Center. e largest ever wi Venetian Conv Show will be th it space. e the 2022 SHOT re feet of exhib ua sq t ne 00 new exhibit spac 0,0 80 an th re mo ring companies cove

Absorbits’ Bo ne-Dri gun ca ses are engi ammunition neered to re to keep them move moist safe, dry, an in wet and co ure from guns d rust-free. Th mes out dry.” and e company’s Stop by Boot soak in water tag line is “g h #40729 an all day and be oes d see how a restored to op handgun ca timal workin n g order.

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,a ge. For 2022 a format chan ore s undergone m ha u yo ity g rs vin ive SHOT Un ugh Friday, gi m., a s will run thro Today at 1 p. dozen course participate. to re current fo e be th e er ev amin flexibility than dtable will ex stry. At 2:30 ry Legal Roun st du in du e In th s g m Firear issues facin guru ape and top social-media legal landsc moderated by ’t) rts isn pe nd ex (a of is l t p.m., a pane discuss “Wha ace uermann will ns will take pl io he ss Sc se le el th ich Bo M y.” . da er To nt ia ce n ed tio cial M tian Conven Working in So m at the Vene oo llr Ba o an in the Mur

DAY 3, JANUARY 20, 2022

1/19/22 10:48 AM

MYSTERY RANCH DEBUTS NEW ASSAULT PACKS Research and development are the cornerstones of Mystery Ranch, and the four new packs that the company is debuting at SHOT Show 2022 are certainly evidence of that. The Blackjack LT 35 is designed specifically for the needs around short missions (under 48 hours). The pack’s main compartment can be accessed through the top shroud or full side zip, and pockets provide various organizational options to sort all your essential gear.

The multiple PALS panels, both external and internal, add organization and tactical gear attachment. The lowprofile Gunfighter 14 and Gunfighter 24 are also designed for short missions.

The Raid LT 32 assault pack is an excellent option for the needs around short missions, but it’s also suitable for travel, range day, or recreational use such as hunting. Like the other three packs, the Raid LT 32 boasts 330D Cougar Nylon construction with DWR and PU coatings to provide maximum durability as well as UV and weather protection. In addition, its horseshoe panel loader access to the main compartment allows for larger items to be secured with the interior PALS web. Multiple exterior PALS panels add organization and tactical gear attachment options, and various pockets keep all your essential gear sorted and easy to access. Other features include a lower external pocket for magazines or sustainment; single-pull, dual-zone side compression straps; and a stowable live wing waist belt for carrying larger loads. Available in coyote tan or multicam camo.

Booth #31309 (mysteryranch.COM)

LIGHTING SOLUTIONS Ledlenser is a German-based LED light company. For a while they were part of Leatherman, but in 2018, as part of a strategic realignment, the two went their different ways. The divestiture allowed each company to chart separate paths that suited each best.

“For more than 25 years, Ledlenser has been a leader in the portable light industry and the go-to brand in Europe and beyond, thanks to its innovative German design and reliable, robust engineering. Partnering with the Leatherman Tool Group, Inc., was the perfect way to introduce Ledlenser to the North American market. We’re excited to spread our wings even further as an independent brand and take Ledlenser USA to the next level, given the tremendous potential in the U.S. market,” says Greg Windom, president of Ledlenser USA. At the 2022 SHOT Show, Ledlenser will display an innovative crop of products, including a pair of camo headlamps, a flashlight, and a lantern. The P6R Core QC offers focusable light with four different color options, making it a critical piece of gear for hunters.

It is easy to switch from the standard white light to the red light (for glare-free night vision), green light (for wildlife observation), or blue light (for tracking). Maximum run time is 120 hours. SRP: $99.95.

The ultra-compact ML4 lantern weighs 2.5 ounces, is less than 4 inches long, and has a carabiner hook so you can clip it to practically anything. It provides efficient, glare-free, and targeted lighting. It has three power modes of bright, white light and two red light modes, as well as a blink mode. It is powered by an included rechargeable battery, but offers Dual Power Source, meaning an AA alkaline battery can be substituted when a power source isn’t available. SRP: $59.95.

Booth #14151 (ledlenserusa.COM)

BOOTH APPEARANCE AT BROWNELLS “Serious About Firearms Since 1939” is a tagline with heft, and Brownells is the world’s leading source for guns, gun parts, accessories, ammunition, gunsmithing tools, and survival gear. At the 2022 SHOT Show, Brownells will be introducing three new products, one of which will be the MPO 1-6X Donut, the latest addition to the Match Precision Optic scope line.

With an illuminated circle reticle inspired by the classic optic on the original Austrian StG 77 rifle, the MPO 1-6X Donut has high-quality Japanese glass and comes with a throw lever installed for fast changes between magnification settings. An LPVO ideal for use on AR-15s and other modern rifles, the MPO 1-6X Donut makes quick targeting simple and intuitive and has wind-hold hash marks on each side of the circle reticle. The Donut should be in stock and available for purchase shortly after SHOT Show, and it will come by itself or packaged with a Brownells 30mm cantilever scope mount for a Picatinny rail.

Brownells will also be hosting industry and celebrity appearances at its booth during the show. Today, Larry Zanoff, assistant weapons manager at ISS, the world’s largest prop house for weapons, will be in the booth from 10 to 11 a.m. to talk about Hollywood Guns.

Booth #13066 (brownells.COM)

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1/19/22 10:48 AM

by robert FIVEa sadowski MINUTES

WITH ...

Prior to joining Outdoor Sportsman Group, he was vice president, central region advertising sales, at Fox Cable Networks where he led the FX Networks and National Geographic Channel sales teams. He began his career at ESPN regional television in Chicago. In December 2014, he was honored for his service to the Indiana Society of Chicago Foundation with the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash Award presented by then-Indiana Governor Mike Pence.

He is a graduate of Indiana University.

SHOT Daily: During the past 18 to 24 months, the outdoor industry has taken some hits and has experienced some positives. What have industry leaders such as yourself done to combat the ups and downs throughout this period?

Jason Brist: The uncertainty, more than anything, was tough to deal with. We are still experiencing some uncertainty now in our daily lives, not just in the industry. If there is anything that came out of this that we should feel good about, it is the resiliency, perseverance and innovation within the industry. For the most part, there was that one quarter of difficulty and then things really have taken off since then.

That’s really a testament to the hard work and creativity of the industry and its leaders.

SD: What is an example of how things have “taken off ?” jB: Manufacturers of guns and ammunition

can’t make product fast enough and orders are being turned around as quickly as they can.

Manufacturers are having a hard time keeping up with the demand. That’s a good position for our industry to be in.

Jason F. Brist, executive vice president, advertising sales, Outdoor Sportsman Group.

SD: What kind of strategies did you and your industry colleagues use in replacement of faceto-face contact and meetings? jB: Everybody had to quickly become masters

A Silver Lining The Covid crisis required the industry to change how it interacts with customers and clients.

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ason Brist oversees the ongoing advertising sales efforts for Outdoor Sportsman Group. His team specializes in developing innovative television, print and digital advertising programs for the company’s leading cable networks — Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel — as well as its many publishing brands such as Guns & Ammo and Game & Fish.

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of virtual meetings. One of the things we talked about in our group, specifically, was to broaden our relationships and contacts with our clients and create a larger group of folks that you’re speaking to. We needed to become consultative salespeople. The goal was to really listen to and figure out what each client was dealing with and then try to come up with customized solutions rather than “cooker-cutter” or “off-theshelf ” solutions.

SD: What were some of the hardships to overcome during this period?

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by slaton l . white

jB: What really became apparent during this

time was how important face-to-face relationships are in this industry. Relationships that have been developed over decades are how things get done in the outdoor industry. When that was taken away, we had to pivot and do things differently. We’re just now starting to see ourselves come out of that with the ability to take in-person meetings and be at trade shows where we can actually shake hands with somebody.

Whether it is a lunch or time at the range, that’s how this industry was built over time. The sooner we can get back to that, the better.

SD: Can you provide an example of what you did to overcome those hardships? jB: We had to be innovative and creative and

come up with different ways for clients to reach their consumers. One specific success we had for us, the industry, and the NSSF was our SHOT Show New Product Premiere event, which is coming back for its second year in

2022. It was an innovative idea and a way for our clients to get new products out in front of their consumers.

24 months that industry leaders can communicate to vendors, advertisers, staff and others in the outdoor industry?

SD: What new learned tactics will you hold onto to complement the ability to return to face-to-face meetings and sales calls?

jB: Creativity and product innovation came to

jB: Virtual meetings will continue to be part of

our sales strategy. It allows us to grow and expand our relationships within the industry and our contact group. It also allows companies to have more participants in the idea-generation and decision-making processes.

SD : Is there a silver lining from the past 18 to

the fore in the past year and a half, and moving forward the best-positioned companies are the ones that will take advantage of the lessons learned during the Covid window.

The past two years have helped us create a roadmap for how to deal with big challenges and overcome them as an industry. Smart people and industry leaders, such as the NSSF, are going to help us get through this successfully.

Booth #13060

(outdoorsg.com)

OSG’s Mike Robinson on the set of Farming the Wild, a show that celebrates hunting as a way of gatherng sustainable food.

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A NEW

Standard

by Wayne van Zwoll

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d

How did the 6.5 Creedmoor become a superstar?

Start with old-fashioned American ingenuity.

Add marketing aplomb. Voila!

I

n 2008, Hornady Manufacturing Company announced a new product — the 6.5 Creedmoor. To many shooters, the choice of cartridge seemed odd, but Hornady rolled the dice because it believed the cartridge would set a new standard in long-range performance. The architects were a pair of expe-

rienced long-range shooters: Dave Emary, who at the time was Hornady’s senior ballistician and is now a consultant to the company, and Dennis Demille, a former member of the U.S. Marine Corps Rifle Team and one of the top High Power rifle shooters in the country. As accomplished competitive shooters, they were looking for something off the shelf that was match ready.

“We decided then to use the .30 T/C case and rifling twist that would stabilize a long bullet,” Emary said. “My colleague Joe Thielen helped with the project.”

Emary admits the cartridge had a slow start. “But once we advertised hunting loads, it really took off," he said. "Our marketing was spot on.”

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A NEW STANDARD

Not long after its introduction I got my first look at the 6.5 Creedmoor in the field. Todd Seyfert at Magnum Research provided a Remington 700 action with a Kreiger-cored carbon-fiber barrel. GreyBull Precision added a stock and a 4.5-14X Leupold scope with an elevation dial matched, in 1⁄3-minute clicks, to the arc of 129grain Hornady SSTs. “Dialing to the distance,” I was soon pocking the centers of steel plates to 500 yards. That fall, prone with a taut sling on a New Mexico ridge, I watched the crosswire bump gently to my pulse in dead air. Bang! Spot-lit by the evening sun, a very distant bull elk dashed in a tight circle and collapsed. It is still the longest shot I’ve attempted at game.

“That was likely the first elk taken with the 6.5 Creedmoor,” Emary said. Hornady’s tests had focused on deer and pronghorns. Demille and his pals were using the 6.5 Creedmoor on 1,000-yard paper.

LET THE BULLET DO THE WORK

Though the 6.5 had a long history in Europe, here the .30-06 was king. But if any company had the pluck to design a fresh 6.5 for American use, it was Hornady. Its new-projects roster for the first decade of the 21st century was longer than that of all other major U.S. ammo firms combined. With Marlin in 2000, it had fielded the .450 Marlin. Two years later came the rimfire .17 HMR, a huge gamble that proved hugely profitable. Its offspring, the .17 Mach 2, struggled a bit, but Hornady engineers kept to an ambitious schedule. The .308 Marlin Express, with Flex-Tip bullets, was devel-

 The author shot this 100-yard target with a Burris-scoped Ruger RPR and Hornady’s 140-grain A-Max loads.

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oped in 2006. The .338 Marlin Express on the .376 Steyr case followed.

The .30 T/C came in 2007, the .300 and .338 Ruger Compact Magnums in 2008.

The Creedmoor label dates to an 1874 long-range match between U.S. riflemen and an Irish team fresh off a Wimbledon win. A newly formed National Rifle Association joined the cities of Brooklyn and New York to fund range construction on Long Island’s Creed’s Farm, provided by the State of New York. The six-man teams fired at 800, 900 and 1,000 yards, 15 shots per round. Remington’s Hepburndesigned .44-90 “Creedmoor” target rifle figured heavily in the 934-931 U.S. victory — and wins in 1875 and 1876.

Fast-forward a century and a quarter. Hitting steel plates at four-figure yardage with hunting rifles had piggy-backed on long-range bull's-eye matches. A requisite: bullets with high ballistic coefficients. In ordinary cartridges, some of these long bullets had to be seated so deep to fit short rifle actions that the bullet ogive wound up below the case mouth. Solution: Make the case shorter.

“That’s what we did with the .30 T/C,” said Emary. “It bucked the trend to bigger cases to hold more powder to hike velocity.” Unveiled in T/C’s Icon rifle, the .30 T/C “took advantage of efficient new bullets to improve downrange performance from a modest case.”

Thielen has described the cartridge as one that “lets the bullet do the work.” An early form of the high-energy, double-base powders in later Superformance loads hurled bullets about as fast as did .30-06 factory loads, though the .30 T/C had 3.5 percent less capacity than even the .308.

The 6.5 Creedmoor is a necked-down .30 T/C, identical in length (1.920 inches) and shoulder angle (30 degrees). Its design permits use of long 143-grain ELD-X hunting bullets in short-action rifles. Hornady now offers 10 factory loads, with bullets of 95 to 147 grains. Starting speeds are 3,300 fps for the 95-grain V-Max to 2,695 fps for the 147-grain ELD Match. Distance favors the efficient ELD Match. At 500 yards the 95 V-Max clocks 2,068 fps, the 147 Match 2,092. The tortoise has passed the hare, so to speak, and the speed gap will only widen. At 500 yards the 147-grain bullet carries half again as much energy as the 95-grain.

THE GO-TO CARTRIDGE

“The success of the 6.5 Creedmoor at market,” said Emary, “owes much to its light recoil, inherent accuracy and effectiveness on game with Hornady loads.” It has a standard .473 case head and stacks readily in magazines for the .308, so its popularity triggered a tsunami of rifles of various brands across a wide price spectrum. In lightweight, inexpensive rifles, it’s challenging the .243

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t h e s u c c e s s o f t h e 6 . 5 c r e e d m o o r at market owes much to its light recoil, inherent accuracy and effectiveness on game with hornady loads.

The author with possibly the first elk taken with the 6.5 Creedmoor. This New Mexico bull fell to a single 129-grain Hornady bullet at very long range.

The 6.5 Creedmoor’s ballistically efficient bullets and fine accuracy suit it to open western terrain.

as a go-to round for beginning hunters. My Ruger American in 6.5 Creedmoor prints .8-inch groups, with noticeably less kick than a same-weight .308.

Like the .270, which edges it a bit out of the gate, the 6.5 Creedmoor excels on deer-size animals. It might be called marginal for elk. In Africa it handily downed all the game I shot until a quartering eland took a bullet sent from middle ribs to off-shoulder. It was a lethal hit, but the bull led us on a long track before I killed him with a spine shot going away. The first bullet hadn’t driven quite deep enough or minced quite enough of the big animal’s lungs for a quick kill.

All major ammunition firms now offer myriad hunting loads for the 6.5 Creedmoor. It’s become the go-to cartridge for hunters after deer-size game, eclipsing perennial stars such as the .243, .270, .308 and .30-06.

“It’s our top-selling rifle round,” Hornady’s Seth Swerczek confirmed recently, with stronger returns than even the .223, hurried through autoloaders and used by the pallet in Western rodent shoots. It consistently takes home the hardware at long-range matches, too.

Well into its second decade, the 6.5 Creedmoor has yet to falter at market. Perhaps that’s because rifle enthusiasts have yet to find anything it does not do well. Booth #12438 (Hornady.com)

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STRONGER

THAN EVER

A century after its founding, Federal Ammunition is stronger than ever — and hunters and recreational shooters are reaping the benefits.

by Brad Fitzpatrick

T

he industrial behemoth the shooting-sports industry knows as Federal Ammunition began humbly in 1922, when Charles L. Horn took control of a three-year-old fledgling ammunition manufacturer.

Knowing he faced fierce competition from a pair of established ammo companies, he embarked on a novel strategy. Horn worked to get Federal products — which at the time consisted only of shotshells produced in a 9,000-square-foot factory — onto the shelves of barber shops, gas stations and grocery stores. He also established a contract to sell Federal Ammunition through Montgomery Ward & Co. and Sears. The strategy worked and helped the company grow. In 1941, Federal secured a contract worth $87 million from the U.S. government to build and operate the Twin Cities Ordnance Plant in Arden Hills, Minnesota, which was a critical contributor to military ammunition and other defense products during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam conflict.

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STRONGER THAN EVER

Today, Federal is part of Vista Outdoor, Inc., an outdoor sports and recreation corporation that also owns Remington Ammunition, Hevi-Shot, CCI, Speer, Independence, Alliant Powder and more. All these brands are run by ammunition president Jason Vanderbrink.

The Federal Ammunition factory in Anoka, Minnesota, is a 700,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility where 1,400 employees work in three shifts, 24/7, to produce millions of rounds of centerfire, rimfire and shotshell ammo per day.

The factory is vertically integrated, which means raw materials enter one door and finished product rolls out the other end. Importantly for quality control, the factory is also self-sustaining — all the personnel needed to build quality ammo are on site, including machine operators, equipment maintenance, manufacturing engineering, product-development engineering, marketing and sales. And to make sure the ammo performs at a high level, the site also contains 16 test ranges — 10 centerfire, one rimfire and five shotshell.

“We don’t just buy parts and put them together, or have other companies load stuff for us,” said Vanderbrink. “We do it all on site, and every day our manufacturing facilities consume tons of plastic beads, lead, brass strips, copper, steel and chemicals. These materials are used to build our own bullets, pellets, cases, primer parts, primers, shotshell hulls, shotshell heads and more. The consumer benefits because we have complete quality

Bullet inspection, a time-consuming process, was once done entirely by hand. But it helped assure a reliable, quality product.

 In 1922, Charles L. Horn took control of a fledgling ammunition company. Under his guidance, Federal began to grow.

 During the 1920s, Federal employed both men and woman in its shotshell factory. Like many factories of the day, machines were powered by belts attached to overhead motors.

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control, and our seasoned operators have decades of experience.”

Federal’s sister companies — Remington, based in Lonoke, Arkansas, Hevi-Shot based in Sweet Home, Oregon and Speer and CCI, based in Lewiston, Idaho — also generate industry-leading products. The size and output of these three companies add to Federal’s overall strength and consumer reach.

“Remington, Hevi-Shot, CCI and Speer are

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The NSSF®

Range-Retailer Business Expo™ JULY 11-13, 2022 NEW ORLEANS, LA

A must-attend event for all industry stakeholders Load up on ideas and insights through educational tracks to advance your business.

Build and strengthen your industry networks as you explore the EXPO floor and tap into exhibitors’ latest product innovations, services and show specials!

EDUCATION

NETWORKING

PRODUCT INNOVATION

Join Us for the Firearm Industry’s Mid-Year Event Like No Other!

Registration Coming Soon. Learn More at NSSF.ORG/EXPO

If you have any questions, contact Zach Snow, zsnow@nssf.org or 203-426-1320 ext. 224

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STRONGER THAN EVER

separate companies and brands with their own production teams,” Vanderbrink said. “However, all brands work together to share business insights, research and development, factory capacity, manufacturing best practices, technology, safety, innovation and more. Taken together, it allows us to build better products. Our competitors simply do not have multiple factories and pools of knowledge, experience and expertise in every field. We do, and we take every advantage of that.”

NOT JUST NUMBERS

But the story is not just about numbers. Over the years, Federal also has been a leader in safety. Today’s upland and waterfowl hunters take for granted the fast and easy way to determine the gauge of a shell — by its color. That wasn’t the case before 1960.

Federal led the way by color-coding its hulls.

Federal has also been a pioneer in reducing the lead footprint in ammunition though its Syntech product line. The polymer-encapsulated Syntech bullet eliminates both lead and copper barrel fouling, and the exclusive Catalyst lead-free primer provides clean, consistent ignition.

Federal has been a leader in innovation as well. In 1977, it created the Premium line of centerfire rifle and shotshell ammunition. The initial Nosler Partition and the Sierra boat-tail hollowpoint offerings brought handloader-level accuracy and performance to everyone. The number and variety of Premium items swelled over the coming years, and today you can find a Premium

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 Contracts with Montgomery Ward and Sears helped Federal compete on a large scale.

Here, a loading-dock team places cases of shotshells into a truck for delivery to Sears.

product in every category. And whether it’s a .22 LR round for small game, a trap load for competition, self-defense ammunition or anything inbetween — all Premium products share common threads.

“They all offer what we call ‘The Premium Difference,’” Vanderbrink said. “No matter what kind of product it is, each is built with the finest components and held to our tightest quality standards.”

For centerfire-rifle hunting ammo, for example,

that means Gold Medal primers, nickel-plated brass and specially formulated, clean-burning propellants that provide consistent and reliable performance.

LASTING LEGACY

But the company’s real legacy just might be its dedication to conservation and its leadership in supporting programs that help develop the next generation of American sportsmen and women. Horn was a dedicated conservationist, and he made sure Federal supported passage of the Pittman–Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, the cornerstone of American conservation efforts. Among other sweeping reforms, the act created a self-imposed excise tax on ammunition and firearms, which has raised billions of dollars to help preserve wildlife, habitat and the American sporting tradition.

Federal was an early supporter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and Pheasants Forever, and it continues to support these groups today. It also supports the Ruffed Grouse Society, Ducks Unlimited and Whitetails Unlimited.

Federal recently announced its continued sponsorship and support of one of the largest and longestrunning gateways to a variety of shooting disciplines — the National 4-H Shooting Sports Program. It offers boys and girls aged eight to 18 instruction and competitive opportunities in disciplines including archery, muzzleloading, pistol, rifle and shotgun.

Currently, more than 450,000 youths and 20,000 state- and national-certified volunteer instructors are active in 4-H programs directed through the Cooperative Extension Service of the Land Grant Universities in 47 states.

Federal and CCI are also the Official Shooting Sports Partners of the Boy Scouts of America. The shotshell and rimfire ammunition partnership supports 1,620 Scout camps that offer shooting sports

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PRESERVING OUR VALUES PROTECTING OUR RIGHTS SUPPORTING YOUR FIREARM BUSINESS

Your Fight Is Our Fight

From the largest manufacturers to the smallest retailers, NSSF® fights to preserve our legacy and secure our future as a critical member of American industry. We fight with resources that promote legal gun ownership. We fight with initiatives that educate the public about responsible firearm ownership and safe participation in hunting and the shooting sports. And we fight on Capitol Hill and in state capitols nationwide—right alongside you—to ensure your ability to operate as a lawful and important business in your community is not infringed.

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

NSSF.ORG/MEMBERSHIP

NSSFMembershipAd_Daily.indd 1 Day3 Full Pages.indd 43

Visit us at booth #VL 270

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STRONGER THAN EVER

Federal’s mission is to build quality products and to provide jobs that pay well so employees can support their families and contribute to their communities.

Shoots .50 Cal. Pepper/Powder/Rubber Rounds

Be prepared 2 protect

YOUR FAMILY | YOUR PROPERTY | YOUR LIFE

™

BOOTH #12472 PREPARED2PROTECT.LIFE

Less-than-lethal Self-defense © 2021 UMAREX USA, INC.

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YOUR VOICE IN WASHINGTON NSSF PAC is the only political action committee solely dedicated to representing the collective interests of the firearms and ammunition industry.

Its purpose is simple: to support candidates for federal office who understand and promote the interests of the firearms and ammunition industry, protect the Second Amendment and preserve our hunting and shooting sports traditions.

NSSF PAC is your best protection against harmful legislation in Washington.

For more information, contact PAC Director Liza White at 202-220-1340 x206 or email LWhite@nssf.org.

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STRONGER THAN EVER across the country. The brands are also the exclusive ammunition sponsors at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve, home of the Boy Scouts National Jamboree and high-adventure courses.

“Federal’s history is directly tied to conservation and conservation organizations,” Vanderbrink said.

“We started making shotshells in 1922 — the low point for most game species — so investing in conservation and restoration of wildlife was an important business strategy if we were to make it as a company. In 1937, we began investing in 4H Conservation Camps specifically to help the next generation avoid future dustbowls. As we have grown, we have seen new conservation issues emerge — and new conservation groups.”

Federal’s support of these organizations pays off in ways many hunters might not realize. The partnership with NWTF, for example, was critical in getting states to modernize their shot-size restrictions to allow turkey hunters to use the smaller pellets in Federal’s new, more powerful HEAVYWEIGHT TSS payloads.

Federal’s size and reach also allow it to work effectively and tirelessly for American sportsman in the halls of power.

“We have brought our internal government relations staff to bear on issues such as public lands and CRP in the Farm Bill,” Vanderbrink said. “It is a powerful force multiplier when a large company that

employs thousands of people talks to policy makers about how access and conservation are critical to our business and to jobs in their states. It simply means more coming from us rather than from non-profit advocates. But what really separates us from the rest of our industry is that we have and deploy a conservation and government relations staff to benefit the industry as a whole, so when a consumer chooses Federal they are also supporting conservation, the Second Amendment and public lands.”

WHY BIG IS BEST

Federal’s drive for growth has never been rooted solely in creating profits for investors. It has always been based in the far-larger desire to build something uniquely American: to provide jobs that pay well so employees can support their families and contribute to their communities and to build superior products that perform at exceptionally high levels, whether the end user is a member of USA Shooting Team competing at the Olympics, a backcountry elk hunter who hears the

electrifying sound of a bugle at first light, or weekend plinkers at the range with their sons or daughters and a .22.

Federal is guided by its abiding belief that hunting and shooting are integral American pursuits that need to be cherished and passed on to new generations. By leveraging its resources and position, it accomplishes all these goals and more, yielding benefits for all who love to shoot.

READY FOR THE NEXT CENTURY

Size and strength; technological and logistical advantages; branding and reputation. These all come together to make Federal the industry leader in sporting ammunition, a position the company is eager to maintain and expand upon in the coming decades. “It started a century ago with our founder, Charles Horn, and we’re proud to carry on that legacy today,” Vanderbrink said. “Federal is stronger than ever, and we’re looking forward to serving shooters for the next 100 years.” Booth #42605 (federalpremium.com)

when consumers choose federal, they a r e s u p p o r t i n g n o t o n ly c o n s e r vat i o n , but the second amendment as well.

YOU SHOOT. WE CLEAN. With the creation of CleanShot, Huntego launched the one and only Shoot-Through gun bore cleaner. Turning a tedious and time-consuming chore into a quick and easy procedure. Simply load CleanShot like a standard round, safely discharge, and instantly the firearm bore is clean—and performance restored and preserved.

Available now in 12GA & 20GA / 9MM in June 2022.

REMOVES LEAD, TIN & COPPER FOULING KEEPS BORE FREE OF CONTAMINATION IMPROVES AND RESTORES ACCURACY

VISIT US AT BOOTH #42120

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DAY 3, JANUARY 20, 2022

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PULSAR

HEATS UP

New thermal- and night-vision products promise to raise the bar in 2022.

by Kevin Reese

I

mage. Quality. Although this tagline is the foundation of Pulsar’s efforts, neither is a catch-all term.

Equally as important is Pulsar’s focus on emerging technologies, product development and design innovations as the manufacturer walks the leading edge of the thermal- and night-vision industry.

Liudas Abisala, Pulsar’s chief marketing officer, underscores the company’s commitment when he says, “We pride ourselves in being the innovation leaders in civilian thermal-vision technology. Our status is constantly confirmed by the number of attempts to copy our product designs, features and even our communications. The benefit is simply that constantly pushing ourselves keeps us focused on research, development and implementation of the newest technologies, as well as end-user focused solutions. Once again, for 2022, we are proud to introduce a long list of new devices to widen the gap between Pulsar and our competitors.”

That said, Pulsar leaps ahead in 2022 with a handful of advanced thermal- and night-vision products well worth industry buzz at SHOT Show and well into the calendar year. Beginning with a common theme throughout Pulsar’s new lineup, internal and external battery life has been extended via more efficient processing.

um objective lens and 2-16X magnification. The IPX7 waterproof-rated Thermion 2 LRF XP50 Pro also includes onboard video with audio; 16-gigabyte onboard media file storage in .jpg and .mp4 formats; internal and external rechargeable Li-ion batteries; Stream Vision 2 compatible Wi-Fi to use your personal smartphone or tablet as a remote, secondary display, stream content, transfer media files and update firmware; multiple user-identification modes; storage for five rifle profiles with 10 distances each and up to 10 hours of battery life (with video-out off ).

DIGEX C50 DIGITAL RIFLESCOPE

Jumping into the 24-hour digital riflescope game, the Digex C50 digital riflescope employs a HD 1928x1088 sensor resolution, a 1024x768 HD AMOLED display and 1024x768 photo/video resolution for pristine full-color HD daytime and ultra-crisp digital night-vision imaging courtesy of an FHD CMOS sensor. Additional Digex C50 digital riflescope features include built-in video with audio, 16 GB media file storage in .jpg and .mp4 formats, Stream Vision 2 app compatible Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, 3.5-14x magnification and up to 10 hours of battery life from dual Li-ion mini power system. The Digex C50 is available with 940S and 850S IR illuminators and detection ranges reach 550 and 600 yards, respectively.

AMOLED display, <50 NETD sensitivity and up to 10 hours of battery life. The Photon FXQ30 features 1024x768 HD AMOLED display, <40 NETD sensitivity and up to 6 hours of battery life. Both models include built-in video with 16 GB of internal media storage in .jpg and .mp4 formats.

AXION XQ35 AND XQ335 LRF THERMAL MONOCULARS

A perfect choice for discriminating thermal monocular users with a penchant for compact systems, the Axion XQ35 provides crisp image resolution courtesy of a <40mK NETD sensor and 384x288 resolution.

THERMION 2 LRF XP50 PRO

Pulsar’s latest, greatest flagship Thermion 2 thermal riflescope boasts an integrated laser rangefinder, accurate to within +/- 1 yard, out to nearly 900 yards; adult-size heat-signature detection range up to 2,000 yards; <25 mK NETD sensor; 1024x768 HD AMOLED display; full 8-color display palette; 640x480 microbolometer sensor resolution; 17-micron pixel pitch; 50mm enhanced F1.0 germani-

KRYPTON FXG50 AND PHOTON FXQ30 CLIP-ON THERMAL OPTICS

Designed to attach on the forward end of a daytime riflescope, Krypton and Photon clip-on thermal devices add thermal imaging to your traditional optic, eliminating the need to switch scopes. Krypton is Pulsar’s flagship clip-on device and it boasts 640x480 sensor resolution with a 12-micron pixel pitch. The Photon clip-on thermal utilizes 384x288 sensor resolution and a 17-micron pixel pitch. The Krypton FXG50 also boasts a 1746x1000 HD

The Axion XQ35’s 640x480 display resolution and 1,400+ yard heat-signature detection range further enhance your field of view. The Axion LRF XQ35 also boasts rangefinding capability out to 1,100 yards (+/- 1 yard). Both LRF and non-LRF Axion XQ35 models include built-in photo and video with 16 GB of media file storage in .jpg and .mp4 formats, Stream Vision 2 app compatible Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, enhanced F1.0 germanium glass, up to nine hours of battery life, 2X magnification with 2-8X digital zoom and IPX7 waterproof construction.

Booth #12211 (pulsarNV.com)

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CONNECTING TO

NATURE By offering innovative tech products that work in sync with one another, Garmin has forever changed the way outdoorsmen navigate the great outdoors.

by Brad Fitzpatrick

G

armin’s product list reads like the catalog of items in some superhero’s secret lair. There are watches that offer ballistic solutions in the field, satcomm devices that allow you to communicate when there’s no phone service for miles, and shooting trainers that track your shot and recommend corrections. Whether your customers are after blacktail deer in Alaska, trailing bear hounds in Maine

or pursuing plains game in Africa, there’s a Garmin product leading the way. Perhaps more than any other company, Garmin has integrated itself into the community of outdoor enthusiasts by offering cutting-edge technology that’s versatile, portable and easy to operate.

With so much cutting-edge technology available to hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, it’s easy to assume that Garmin is a relative newcomer to the outdoor market, but that isn’t true. Since the company was founded in 1989, Garmin has offered products for outdoor enthusiasts, and over the past three decades Garmin has developed products that allow us to make the most of our time on the range, in the field or on the water.

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HOW TWO ENGINEERS CHANGED NAVIGATION FOREVER

Electrical engineer and Garmin co-founder Gary Burrell was born in Kansas and studied at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. After graduation, Burrell began working on classified satellite navigation products for an employer who was contracted by the U.S. Department of Defense.

While on the job, Burrell met Min Kao, who was born in Taiwan and had graduated with a doctorate degree in engineering from the University of Tennessee. Burrell and Kao believed that the satellite projects on which they were working could revolutionize activities such as aviation and boating and later hiking and hunting. Their employer, however, didn’t agree that entering the civilian market was worthwhile. Eventually, Burrell and Kao left that company and founded Garmin, which is an amalgamation of the two men’s first names.

Today Garmin is headquartered in Kansas, but has more than 80 locations worldwide and more than 17,000 employees. Research and development have always been key components to the company’s success. Garmin is vertically integrated, which means the company has control over most aspects of product development, and this cooperation of experts in a variety of fields is one reason why the company currently dominates the market space. Because Garmin’s engineers working on long-life batteries worked alongside engineers working on watches, for

 The Garmin handheld Alpha 200i multidog tracker and trainer helps make training and tracking dogs easy.

instance, it was much simpler to create running watches that could go long periods between charges while maintaining the light, streamlined profile that runners wanted. By combining experts in a variety of fields, Garmin has been able to create products with an unmatched level of compatibility, which has been critical to the company’s success.

MULTIPLE PRODUCTS SPEAKING A COMMON LANGUAGE

 The Garmin Alpha 10 is a compact dog tracking and training device that provides an easy-

Garmin’s array of products works together seamlessly. Their dog-training devices equipped with inReach satellite communications can send messages to other devices thousands of miles away via the Iridium satellite networks. If you’re injured in the field, you can send an SOS message from your inReach Mini via your watch even if you can’t access your device. If you fire an arrow using Garmin’s new Xero A1i Pro bow sight, the sight can send a GPS coordinate to your watch or handheld GPS. That information can tell you exactly where you were aiming when the arrow was released, greatly simplifying tracking the animal.

to-use display for seeing a dog's distance, direction, and running status.

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Garmin's inReach Mini is a lightweight and compact satellite communicator that can send SOS alerts, a vital service for backcountry hunters.

It’s this ability to communicate that makes Garmin products so invaluable. While other outdoor technologies communicate — rangefinders that speak to riflescopes, cellular trail cameras that transfer photos directly to your phone — Garmin has taken synchronization of multiple devices to an entirely new level.

“We call them ecosystems,” said Rehan Nana, director of outdoor recreation for Garmin International. “We help customers leverage technologies and have those technologies communicate with one another.”

Just how vast is the Garmin ecosystem? The company’s compact inReach Mini communicates with more than 80 different products including ATV/ UTV navigators, chart plotters and watches. Because the Garmin ecosystems overlap, hunters, anglers, hikers and athletes can overlap technologies; this is what makes the universe of Garmin products so essential to outdoor pursuits.

“There are technologies that hamper the outdoor experience, and technologies that enhance an outdoor experience,” said Nana. “If a new youth hunter is on a phone playing games to pass the time instead of appreciating time spent outdoors, that’s an example of technology hindering an outdoor experience. Technologies such as inReach that help you stay safe and communicate with loved ones when you are outside of cell service, bow sights that provide precision aiming and remove pin gapping, or dog-tracking devices that can help you focus on the hunt while always knowing your dog’s

location are examples of technologies that enhance the outdoor experience.”

STAYING SAFE IN REMOTE AREAS

Enhancing the outdoors experience is beneficial, but in many instances Garmin’s products serve a more vital purpose when we’re outdoors. There is a level of risk involved with any outdoor activity, and it is important to take steps to mitigate those risks.

Getting injured in a remote area beyond cell phone service and away from aid can result in tragedy.

Although having to be rescued is rarely foremost in our minds while preparing for a trip to the backcountry, it’s important to have a plan of action in the event of an accident. Garmin handheld devices can trigger an SOS to the Garmin IERCC (International Emergency Response Coordination Center) and can contact local emergency crews and track your location so help can be sent directly to you immediately. This is especially important in vast areas where your location might be difficult to pinpoint or if you become lost. Even if your friends or family know your general location, they might not be able to find you in the event of an emergency. It could be days before you are found.

Accidents don’t just happen in the wilderness, though. If there’s a tragedy at your home, such as a serious injury, fire or death, you will likely want to go home. Without a service that allows you to communicate with your family, you won’t have any knowledge of these events. Garmin has made this level of technology not only available but also

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 Garmin Aero A1 Pro auto-ranging bow sight uses a digital laser to establish precise distances to the target.

No longer are we truly alone when we venture into the woods or on the water thanks to Garmin’s long and growing list of products. Who could have imagined that your watch could help you find your way back home, track your mileage and biometrics and offer ballistic solutions for your rifle? Who would have believed that your dog tracking and training device could send a message for help? Gary Burrell and Min Kao did, and because of their ethos that the best navigation equipment should be available to everyone, we now have an ecosystem of outdoor products that enriches the time we spend doing the things we enjoy. Booth #41755 (garmin.com)

affordable — inReach plans start at about $12 a month, making this the least expensive and most efficient form of insurance against accidents on your outdoor adventurers.

Even if you don’t travel to roadless wilderness areas, you can still protect yourself using Garmin’s products. The impressive level of compatibility between products means that inReach’s life-saving capabilities can be paired with products such as Forerunner and tactix watches, Alpha handhelds, marine chart plotters and Tread offroad GPS navigation equipment.

As a hunter, this level of connectivity is particularly important to me because the products that I use regularly, such as my Forerunner watch, can at any moment send a help message. I live on a farm and routinely trim trees around my treestands with a chainsaw. Accidents happen quickly, and it’s good to know that I have a communication device strapped to my wrist should I ever need it.

Several years ago, a friend of mine was out training bird dogs in some very steep and unforgiving country comprised of sheer bluffs and rock outcroppings. He took an errant step and fell into a rockpile, breaking both of his legs. Because he was more than a mile from his truck and without cell phone service, he had to crawl back to his vehicle, an agonizing journey that lasted several hours. Since I frequently hunt birds in areas with that kind of unforgiving topography I’ve learned that having an Alpha handheld with built-in inReach is more than a luxury.

Technology has changed every aspect of our lives — and that includes our outdoor recreation.

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT Garmin Alpha 10: The compact, lightweight Alpha 10 dog training/tracking handheld device allows you to track up to 20 dogs as far away as 9 miles, and yet it’s small enough to fit in the chest pocket of your hunting vest. Using the Alpha 10’s innovative joystick design, you can mark your vehicle’s location, follow the hunt or deliver corrections (18 levels of stimulation, vibration or tone) to your pack. It’s compatible with other Alpha and Astro handhelds, which means other members of your hunting party can track your dogs and send and receive pre-set messages. It pairs with the Tread offroad navigator and the Garmin DriveTrack 71 car navigators as well as the Garmin Explore app. I’ve used the Garmin Alpha 10 to track and train my dogs. It’s the most compact and convenient handheld on the market. What’s more, battery life is exceptional — up to 40 hours. $399.99.

Garmin Xero A1i Pro Bow Sight: The new Xero A1i Pro is an auto-ranging digital bow sight that takes much of the guesswork out of making difficult archery shots. To calibrate the sight, simply set the 20-yard sight pin, input arrow speed and verify by shooting at 40 yards. The Xero A1i Pro then generates a “stack” of LED pins in alternating red and green colors for quick reference when shooting. There’s no need to change your hold when shooting from an elevated treestand, either: The Xero A1i Pro provides an angle-compensated aiming point that will put you on target every time.

The sturdy dovetail mounting system allows the sight to be removed in a few seconds. One-year battery life means you won’t find your sight is out of juice when the buck of a lifetime steps into range. $1,299.99. inReach Mini: The rugged inReach Mini measures just 2 inches wide and 4 inches tall and weighs 3.5 ounces, so it can be carried in a pocket or clipped to a backpack.

Despite its small size, the inReach Mini offers an impressive list of features, including two-way messaging from anywhere in the world, location sharing and SOS messaging that immediately connects you with Garmin’s IERCC emergency response coordination team. It even offers weather forecasting for your current location or waypoints you have marked. It’s compatible with the Earthmate app and several Garmin devices, too, and plans start at just $11.99 per month. This is a must-have item for anyone who ventures off the beaten path. $349.99.

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NEWPRODUCTS

by slaton l . white

2 1 3 1 AMMO, INC. BIOAMMO

Ammo, Inc., an American ammunition and munitions components manufacturer and technology leader, will be the exclusive U.S. distributor of BioAmmo’s biodegradable shotgun shells. BioAmmo’s patented 12-gauge lead and steel cartridges are designed for both hunting and sport shooting and are currently sold in 20 countries.

BioAmmo shells feature a completely biodegradable case, wad and base. Booth #10351 (ammoinc.com)

2 BARSKA BIOMETRIC RIFLE SAFE As any firearms owner knows, keeping them securely stored while retaining the ability to quickly access them in an emergency is extremely important. Barska’s Quick Security Biometric Keypad Rifle Safe addresses this concern by providing a solid-steel safe with a quick-access keypad and motion-sensor alarm. Featuring a premium biometric keypad identification system, the safe allows registered users to quickly access the safe’s interior with a simple scan of their fingerprints, user-created PIN code or with the included emergency backup keys. Booth #40748 (barska.com)

3 BIRCHWOOD CASEY BORE WEEVIL 2.0 The new Bore Weevil 2.0 continues the basic operation of the original Bore Weevil with its integrated and fully retractable pull-through tether and coupler system. This system allows fast, efficient cleaning of rifle, shotgun and handgun barrels in the field, on the range, or anywhere dedicated cleaning rods are not feasible. The spooled tether retracts into the Bore Weevil 2.0 housing, which is ergonomically designed to provide maximum grip and pull leverage when dealing with snug cleaning patches and is sized to stow conveniently in a range bag, on-the-go gun toolbox or day pack. The retraction system is managed by a thumb lever that locks the tether to the desired length for cleaning and releases the tether for automatic retraction and storage. Three quick-attach couplers are included. Each coupler accepts common 8-32 thread cleaning jags, mops and brushes. MSRP: $14.99. Booth #12669 (birchwoodcasey.com)

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4

4 BLACKHAWK STREAMLIGHT TLR-1 HL

The Streamlight TLR-1 HL from Blackhawk produces a 1,000-lumen blast of light. A rail-clamp system attaches/detaches quickly and safely with no tools while keeping hands away from the front of the muzzle. The light mounts directly to handguns with Glock-style rails and to all mil-std 1913 Picatinny rails. It features durable, anodized machined aluminum construction, an ambidextrous momentary/steady on/off switch, and its user-programmable strobe can be enabled and disabled. It fits existing light-bearing holsters, is IPX7 waterproof rated to 1 meter for 30 minutes and runs for 1.5 hours on two included CR123A batteries.

MSRP: $209. Booth #42605 (blackhawk.com)

5 HATSAN PILEDRIVER The PileDriver is Hatsan’s first .50-caliber air rifle. As the market’s most powerful production PCP rifle, the PileDriver is capable of producing over 800 foot-pounds of energy. Although the rifle utilizes a 33-inch barrel, its bullpup design keeps the maximum length under 4 feet. The side-lever cocking mechanism is easy to reach and operate, and a 480cc carbon-fiber bottle fills to 4,350 psi and will provide up to six high-powered shots on a single fill. The PileDriver’s unique, patented hammer design eliminates traditional steel coil springs in favor of a smoother, easier-to-cock, gas-piston mechanism. This toploading single-shot rifle also features an extra-large loading port that will accommodate ammo up to 34mm in length. An elevation-adjustable cheek rest ensures proper sight alignment with any optic. The rifle’s 14-inch-long scope rail is cut to accept both Picatinny and 11mm dovetail mounts, offering plenty of real estate for a wide variety of optics. Three Picatinny accessory rails are attached around the air bottle for added customization. The high-strength steel barrel is precision rifled for long-range accuracy, and the absence of a shroud allows for the use of sabot rounds, further expanding ammunition options.

MSRP: $1,199.99. Booth #72249 (hatsanusa.com)

6 HAWKE OPTICS PRO BENCHREST The steel Hawke Pro benchrest has adjustable rubber feet for a secure, level setting on all kinds of surfaces, and the support rods have 2 inches of vertical adjustment.

The rest itself has 360-degree rotation and an additional 2.4 inches of height adjustment. The angle can be adjusted from -11 degrees to +26 degrees, meaning the user can set it and lock it on the perfect angle and height for all shooting needs. The Hawke Pro benchrest is a great solution when zeroing-in at the range or banging steel gongs out to impressive distances. MSRP: $127. Booth #43126 (hawkeoptics.com)

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7 9 8 7 HORNADY SECURITY RAPID SAFES

Hornady Security’s RAPiD 2600KP and 2700KP series of safes feature advanced-access technology and tough-as-nails construction for peace-of-mind secure storage of handguns and other valuables while traveling in virtually any location. All RAPiD Safes use patented RFID technology. Swiping an RFID-equipped wristband, key fob or decal over the safe’s sensor instantly opens its spring-assisted lid. If an RFID tag is not within easy reach, the safe also opens using its keypad. Programming a custom four- to six-digit code lets users pick an easy-to-remember number. If the user forgets the custom code, Hornady provides a mechanical key backup. RAPiD safes come in two sizes to suit both large and small handguns. The 2600KP (large) safe fits most 4-inch-barrel pistols or 2-inch revolvers, while the extra-large 2700KP secures larger 1911 pistols or 4-inch revolvers. These portable safes meet the TSA requirements for handgun safety in checked luggage, making them the ideal solution for air travel with a personal firearm. The safe also includes a cable for anchoring to a stationary object. The 2600KP and 2700KP portable safes use heavy-duty 14-gauge steel construction and two internal hardened locking lugs. Both safes exceed ASTM international safety standards for security and are certified to be child-resistant.

MSRP: $236.99-$275.99. Booth #12446 (hornady.com)

8 LACROSSE LODESTAR Meet the newest addition to LaCrosse’s Navigator series, the women’s Lodestar. Packed with premium components, including a Gore-Tex waterproof and breathable liner and exclusive Vibram outsole with omni- directional lugs, the women’s Lodestar aims to elevate any hunting experience. Serious stability and comfort are provided through a new lightweight, full-length shank system that disperses weight evenly underfoot while offering torsional rigidity to the boot. Other features include a DuraFit rubber heel cup and HexGuard rubber toe, Nubuck leather with a lightweight abrasion-resistant material upper, a lightweight EVA midsole that delivers cushioning and shock absorption, a molded PU footbed that offers cushioning and long-lasting shape and metal eyelet and open-hook lace hardware. Available in insulated and noninsulated versions. Sizes: 5-11. MSRP: $230. Booth #15115 (lacrossefootwear.com)

9 MYCASEBUILDER CUSTOM PRINTED FOAM AND CASES MyCaseBuilder allows customers to custom design foam inserts to fit any size or shape case. The company sells a wide range of cases, including blow-molded plastic cases, injection-molded cases, all-weather cases, and shipping cases from major manufacturers such as Pelican, Doro, SKB, Seahorse, Nanuk, and more. All can be purchased empty, with custom-designed foam inserts, foam-filled with convoluted (egg-crate) or with diced foam.

For 2022, MyCaseBuilder will now offer full-color printing directly on foam inserts and cases. This new feature enables companies and individuals to have their custom-cut foam printed with their logo or other design. In addition to branding, the printing can be used to improve organization by color coding the foam to designate areas for specific guns, ammunition, and related accessories. Foam also can be printed with instructions for use or the cavities can be printed to show which items fit in that location. Full-color printing on the hard-shell exterior of the cases is also available. Booth #44029 (mycasebuilder.com)

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11 10 NANUK 910 WATERPROOF FIRST AID CASE A fully functioning first aid kit is critical in emergency situations. The new Nanuk 910 Waterproof First Aid Case will keep first aid kits (sold separately) safe and dry in a case that has been engineered and manufactured to stringent military specifications. The case floats and is virtually indestructible. It’s also lightweight, watertight and features Nanuk’s patented PowerClaw latching system. Cases ship empty. MSRP: $59.95. Booth #10119 (nanuk.com)

11 UMAREX ORIGIN .25

The Umarex Origin .22 was the rifle that introduced many to the world of high-pressure airgun shooting. The new PCP-powered Origin in .25-caliber maintains cutting-edge technologies, including the easy-to-fill EverPressure tank system and fully shrouded noise dampening. With 20 maximum-power shots, two included eight-shot rotary magazines, adjustable single-action 3.5-pound trigger and side-lever cocking action, the Origin .25 is made for the small-game hunter. MSRP: $329.99. Booth #12469 (umarexusa.com)

12 WORK SHARP THE PRECISION ADJUST UPGRADE KIT The Precision Adjust Knife Sharpener quickly became a best seller by delivering high value to customers seeking precise and repeatable edge angles and premium abrasives for common knife sharpening. From day one Work Sharp heard customers asking for additional abrasive grits, and after months of testing, Work Sharp has introduced the Precision Adjust Upgrade Kit and Precision Adjust Elite.

The Precision Adjust Upgrade Kit includes seven abrasive grits, including a full replacement for the original Tri-Brasive stones. Use coarse 220-, 320-, and 400-grit diamond stones to reprofile blades; 600- and 800-grit diamond to refine and resharpen blades; and fine ceramic and leather to hone and strop sharp knives for scary-sharp edges. Also included is a narrow ceramic rod to touch up serrated blades. The Upgrade Kit also includes a carry case for the original sharpener and all abrasives. SRP: $79.95.

The Precision Adjust Elite includes the base-model Precision Adjust, with the same seven abrasive grits and carry case. This complete package allows users to step into the sharpening game at an elite level and sharpen every knife in the collection. SRP: $119.95. Booth #40143 (worksharptools.com)

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