SHOT Business — January 2015 by SHOT Business

REGIONAL GUN SALES SNAPSHOT

PAGE 58

VOLUME 23, NUMBER 1 JANUARY 2015

FYI EXPERT ADVICE FOR SELLING HUNTING BOOTS PG. 20

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As firearms sales normalize, manufacturers are sparking interest by creating brand-new models and tweaking some old favorites. See PG. 27 what’s in store—your store—this year.

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EVERY SHOT COUNTS®

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S H OT B U S I N ES S

❚

JANUARY 2015

❚

CONTENTS

VOLUME 23, ISSUE 1

Departments 20

EDITOR’S NOTE

NEWS BRIEFS Marlin freshens up its marketing; gun training for Special Forces wives; Kids & Clays raises money for ill kids; Sitka’s new odor-fighting tech

Features

28 38 48

RIFLES 2015 Whether it’s rimfire plinkers, big-game hunting

centerfires, or 1,000-yard competition guns, retailers will see a huge number of new rifle models at all price points BY CHRIS CHRISTIAN SHOTGUNS 2015 New offerings range from expensively exquisite

models to everyday workhorses BY CHRIS CHRISTIAN

NSSF Update 14 15

FROM THE NSSF A huge

success for #GUNVOTE

RETAILER TOOLBOX Make

a schedule to plan for routine tasks

16 17

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FYI Expert advice on

UNDERCOVER SHOPPER Southern

INDUSTRY SUMMIT Georgia returns as platinum sponsor OPERATION CHOKE POINT

Bill to protect gunmakers introduced

17 17

SUPRESSORS They’re now

18 19

BETTER TOGETHER Making

hospitality (and handguns) in Nashville GOOD STUFF Camp

58 62

WHAT’S SELLING WHERE

legal to hunt with in Florida NASGW SPONSORS PROJECT CHILDSAFE Helps

how to sell hunting footwear

HANDGUNS 2015 John Browning’s classic 1911 remains one of the

most popular handguns around, and this year will see a number of new models built on this platform BY CHRIS CHRISTIAN

Welcoming the next generation of shooters

Chef turns fireside grub into outdoor cuisine

NEW PRODUCTS

Russell Moccasin’s High Country Hunter Extreme boot, Thermacell’s Repellent Camp Lantern, and more

fund gun-safety kits

the most of co-op ads

YOU SHOULD KNOW Learn about NSSF market research at SHOT Show

12/9/14 1:52 PM

EDITOR’S NOTE

NSSF

Be My Guest

Are you welcoming the next generation of shooters?

hile on my way to Kansas for an early-season muzzleloader hunt, I stopped in Oklahoma City to see Miles Hall, founder and owner of H&H Shooting Sports Complex. Hall, who is a recipient of the SHOT Business Retailer of the Year Award, is an unusually candid and unusually perceptive individual who, with his wife, Jayne, and his partner, Leroy Ussery, has built H&H into a retail powerhouse. In the course of a long conversation about the future of the shooting-sports business, he touched on a number of points that are worth hearing. Here’s a highlight of the interview. There are people who are pitchers, and there are people who are catchers. “What do I mean by this? There are people who open a store and sit down and wait to catch the first person who walks through the door. They’ve built a mousetrap, and they think the world is going to beat a path to their front door. “But it doesn’t work that way anymore. You’ve got to be a pitcher—you have to be constantly communicating who you are and what you are. If you’re not in front of these people [new shooters], you are not at all in their minds.” To be understood, you must first understand. “Intelligence doesn’t mean knowledge, and many new shooters are sadly misinformed by what they see and hear from mainstream media about firearms and the shooting sports. They may also be confused by terminology. It’s our job to try to understand where our guests are right now so we can help them. For instance, a guest comes in and asks, ‘Why does a .38 Special fit in a .357 Magnum? It doesn’t make any sense.’” It doesn’t, but rather than belittle the customer, your job is

to help him understand. It’s really all about attitude. “You never want to talk down to anyone. I want to grow the sport, so at H&H we do everything we can to take care of our guests.” Did you catch his use of the word “guest”? When I asked him the reason for such a term, he said, “Well, they are. We invited them in, didn’t we?” To Hall, the biggest issue he sees impeding the growth of the shooting sports is the focus on shortterm gains. “We need to look down the road—five to ten years—to see who the customer will be then. Small-bore thinking won’t work. You plant seeds for trees you never get to sit under.” Despite these issues, Hall likes what he sees when he unlocks the doors at H&H every morning. “I’m seeing people in their 30s come in to shoot. What an opportunity. If you can hook ’em, you got ’em— for 50 years! A half century of buyers. What a great gift that is.”

SLATON L. WHITE, Editor

Margaret M. Nussey, Managing Editor David E. Petzal, Shooting Editor Maribel Martin, Senior Administrative Assistant James A. Walsh, Art Director Kurt Schulitz, Online Producer Judith Weber, Production Manager CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Larry Ahlman, Barbara Baird, Scott Bestul, Philip Bourjaily, Christopher Cogley, David Draper, Jock Elliott, William F. Kendy, Mark Kayser, Peter B. Mathiesen, Brian McCombie, Tom Mohrhauser, Robert Sadowski, Robert F. Staeger, Peter Suciu, Wayne Van Zwoll

ERIC ZINCZENKO, Executive Vice President ADVERTISING: 212-779-5316

Gregory D. Gatto, Publisher Brian Peterson, Western Sporting Goods Sales Katie Logan, Southern Sporting Goods Sales David Hawkey, Northeast Sporting Goods Sales Elizabeth Burnham Murphy, Chief Marketing Officer Ingrid Reslmaier, Marketing Design Director

BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Tara Bisciello, Business Manager

CONSUMER MARKETING

Robert M. Cohn, Consumer Marketing Director Barbara Brooker, Fulfillment Manager

MANUFACTURING

Laurel Kurnides, Group Production Director Stefanie La Bella, Associate Production Director

BONNIER

Chairman, Tomas Franzén Chief Executive Officer, Dave Freygang Executive Vice President, Eric Zinczenko Chief Content Officer, David Ritchie Chief Financial Officer, Nancy Coalter Chief Operating Officer, Lisa Earlywine Chief Marketing Officer, Elizabeth Burnham Murphy Chief Digital Revenue Officer, Sean Holzman Vice President, Integrated Sales, John Graney Vice President, Consumer Marketing, John Reese Vice President, Public Relations, Perri Dorset General Counsel, Jeremy Thompson

SHOT Business (ISSN 1081-8618) is published 7 times a year in January, February/March, April/May, June/July, August/September, October/ November and December by Bonnier Corporation, 2 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5695, and is the official publication of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Flintlock Ridge Office Center, 11 Mile Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470 (203-426-1320). Volume 23, issue 1. Copyright © 2015 by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. All rights reserved. Editorial, circulation, production and advertising offices are located at 2 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5695 (212-779-5000). Free to qualified subscribers; available to non-qualified subscribers for $25 per year. Single-copy issues are available for $5 each. Send check, payable to NSSF, to: SHOT Business, c/o NSSF, 11 Mile Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470-2359. SHOT Business accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. All correspondence should be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Requests for media kits and advertising information should be directed to Katy Marinaro, Bonnier Corporation, 625 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 1270, Chicago, IL 60611. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY, and at additional mailing offices. Printed in the USA. For Customer Service and Subscription questions, such as Renewals, Address Changes, Email Preferences, Billing and Account Status, go to: shotbusiness .com/cs. You can also email SBZcustserv@cdsfulfllment.com, in the U.S. call toll-free 866-615-4345, outside the U.S. call 515-237-3697, or write to SHOT Business, 2 Park Ave., New York, NY 10016. For editorial inquiries, write to Slaton L. White, SHOT Business, 2 Park Ave., New York, NY 10016 REPRINTS: E-mail reprints@bonniercorp.com. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to SHOT Business, P.O. Box 6364 Harlan, IA 51593.

Slaton L. White, Editor

4 ❚ SHOT BUSINESS ❚ JANUARY 2015

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Bits & Pieces

NEWS BRIEFS NEWS

❚

PROMOTIONS

❚

AWARDS

❚

OUTREACH

Rodeo Champ Wins Weatherby Rifle

Trevor Brazile, 19-time World Champion and 11-time AllAround World Champion Cowboy, won his third straight All-Around title at the Pendleton Round-Up and received a custom Weatherby rifle, among other awards. Weatherby donated the prize rifle for the third consecutive year. Weatherby’s championship rifle, a Vanguard Deluxe, features the Pendleton Round-Up logo engraved on the floorplate and a gold-filled engraving of “AllAround Champion” on the barrel. The gun sports a Leupold VX-3 4.5–14x40mm riflescope donated by Leupold & Stevens. “Trevor was just as excited to receive the gun this year as he has been the last two years,” says Carl Culham, sponsor director for the Pendleton Round-Up. “He guaranteed he would make sure it was sighted-in and ready for use. The rifle he won last year bagged a fallow deer for him.”

Thermacell Taps Backbone Media

Thermacell Repellents, maker of mosquito-protection products, has partnered with Rocky Mountain–based Backbone Media. Backbone will begin working with Thermacell across public relations, media buying and planning, and social media departments to promote the brand. “Backbone is a natural fit to help publicize our awardwinning products,” says Allegra Wechsler Lowitt, chief marketing officer for Thermacell. Area repellents have experienced double-digit sales growth over the past few years, and Thermacell is emerging as a category leader.

The traditional Marlin cowboy is singing “Happy Trails” as the company pivots to skew its image to appeal to today’s users.

Riding Off Into the Sunset

ne of the problems with being a “storied” brand with a long history is that you can get trapped in an image that no longer reflects the true user. Case in point: Marlin, a brand long known by its iconic “cowboy” signage. That mythic imagery was due to its redoubtable lever-action line, which always seems to call up the romance of the American West. Marlin got some confirmation that the branding was outdated after conducting three focus groups last fall. “We wanted to determine brand perceptions, identify opportunities for brand reinvigoration, and gather feedback on creative concepts for the new ad campaign,” says Marlin lever-action product manager Eric Lundgren. “We were pleasantly surprised by what we found. Most important, there’s still tremendous interest in the lever-action. Young people still think it’s a cool platform.” Lundgren also says that they learned that younger firearm owners “are not less inclined to prefer a heritage brand like Marlin. In fact, ‘classic’ and ‘American’ are desired attributes across all age groups. “With the cowboy image, there’s a romanticized view of the American West, and Marlin has clung to it for a long time,” This product is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources.

Lundgren says. “But when we really looked at it, we saw that most of the people using these rifles lived east of the Mississippi River. They’re regular guys, not cowboys— guys who wear camo when they hunt.” That insight led to a momentous decision to create advertising that would identify with the actual user. “As a result, consumers and retailers will see a new line of advertising that looks edgier and is designed to educate and promote the tangible benefits of lever-action in a contemporary, relatable manner,” he says. The research also yielded another significant nugget: Potential Marlin customers were either lever-action aficionados or .22 rimfire fans, but not both. “We decided that we needed to promote inclusivity with rimfire with a focus on youth and family,” Lundgren says. That’s led to a separate series of more modern ads that focus on parents and children shooting together. The good news is that by allowing the cowboy image to ride off into the sunset, Marlin is opening the door to a whole new set of customers. (800-544-8892; marlinfirearms.com) —Slaton L. White JANUARY 2015 ❚ SHOT BUSINESS ❚ 7

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NEWS BRIEFS

WIVES ON THE RANGE

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On a Saturday in October, the wives of 3rd Special Forces Group, Ft. Bragg, experienced a day on the range like no other, provided by Special Forces Charitable Trust (SFCT) and sponsored by Remington Arms. Sixteen wives attended a gun-safety course at Oak Grove Technologies Training Center, adjacent to Camp Mackall, North Carolina. Remington Arms brought Olympic shooter and nationally renowned instructor Gabby Franco and pro competition shooter and former Army Marksmanship Unit member Travis Tomasie to the event to provide top-notch instruction. Some women had never shot a gun before; others came with minimal experience. But by the end of the day, all had successfully completed slow- and rapid-fire drills. “The biggest deal with women and firearms is that they want to be able to pro-

tect themselves, but they don’t know where to start,” Franco said. “Comfort comes with knowledge.” The women’s enthusiasm for learning new shooting skills rose as they gained more confidence in their gun safety and handling abilities. One of the wives, Randee, said, “I’ve heard women talk about how excited their husbands are that we’re here and we’re learning to work with our firearms. They worry a little less about us, and when they come home, this is something that we can share with our spouses.” After the course, several of the attendees said that they intended to find leagues and further means of instruction in the Ft. Bragg area, so they could continue their training. “This was our inaugural gun-safety course,” said Terry English, president of the SFCT. “The purpose was primarily to teach gun safety, but the real agenda

was to support the wives of soldiers who are deployed.” As a reminder of the day, Remington gave each shooter an R-51. At the presentation, Tomasie said, “They’re going to love it. It’s a smaller grip so it will fit them better, yet it’s still a 9mm so it doesn’t have a lot of recoil. If they choose to carry it, they are going to really like it.” “Teaming up with the SFCT for today’s shoot was incredibly rewarding,” said Jessica Kallam, Remington’s manager of media relations. “As the SFCT says, ‘In an SF family, everyone serves.’ For all of us at the Remington Outdoor Company, we’re happy to give something back to these women who have given so much to all of us.” The SFCT hopes to replicate this range event across the country for more military wives. To learn more, go to specialforcescharitable trust.org. —Barbara Baird

After some classroom safety training, the wives of the 3rd Special Forces Group went to the range and trained with 9mm Para Pro Custom semi-autos.

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12/9/14 5:25 PM

A Young Gun Makes His Mark

King’s Arsenal, brainchild of Jordan King, specializes in building modern sporting rifles (MSRs), tactical bolt-actions, and a recently introduced custom 1911 handgun, the Kulvern. In addition, King’s makes and sells muzzle brakes and other custom firearms parts and accessories. The company is also a dealer for Multicam tactical seat covers. A shooter and hunter since childhood, 29-year-old Jordan King was working as a full-time diesel mechanic in the Abilene, Texas, area. About seven years ago, he bought his first MSR and took it out plinking. There was really nothing wrong with the rifle, he admits. But being a lifelong tinkerer, and a guy who is always looking to make something better, King started customizing the MSR. One customization led to another, and he ended up just about rebuilding the whole rifle. “Once I had it all finished, friends saw my rifle and started asking me to help them with theirs,” King remembers. “I was doing that, and then I started doing work on upper receivers on the side. Then, in 2011, we got our FFL and started doing complete MSRs and bolt-actions as King’s Arsenal.” His company’s signature rifle is the Krown 15, which King’s Arsenal makes in 5.56mm, 6.5 Grendel, and .300 Blackout. King’s also makes high-quality tactical bolt-actions built around Remington and Savage actions. “Our customer base is fairly wide,” King says. “We sell a lot of rifles to tactical hog hunters, people who like to hunt hogs with accessorized MSRs that can include everything from night-vision optics to suppressors. We get a lot of hunters in general buying our rifles, and a good number of ranchers out here in Texas, too. A growing number of 3-Gun shooters are using our Krown 15s.” In 2015, King intends to debut a new .308 MSR. He also will be offering a whole new slate of customization packages for rifles and handguns. (kingsarsenal.com) —Brian McCombie

The King’s Arsenal Krown 15 MSR comes in 5.56mm, 6.5 Grendel, and .300 Blackout.

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12/10/14 3:32 PM

NEWS BRIEFS

Shooting Events to Improve Children’s Lives The Kids & Clays Foundation finished another successful year in 2014 supporting sporting clays events around the country that benefitted Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). More than $1 million was raised last year, and all proceeds helped critically ill children and their families. Now in its 16th year, the foundation has expanded to 13 sporting clay events in 10 states with nearly 4,000 participants. The organization recently hired a full-time executive director, Doug Jeanneret, whose mission is to grow the foundation’s reach. “This is a great opportunity for me to represent an organization that is a shining star in the shooting-sports industry,” says Jeanneret. “Using sporting clay events to help families in need is vitally important to show the public that shooting sports are great for the community at large.” Kids & Clays staff and board of directors support the RMHC by providing event development and best management practices, safety information and equipment,

shotshells for use in events, firearms and other merchandise packages for auctions, loaner firearms for new shooters, and sponsor marketing materials. A key spokesperson for the Kids & Clays Foundation is Kim Rhode, five-time Olympic medalist in shooting sports and an icon in the outdoors industry. “Outdoor sports are about kids and families, so it’s only natural that I support the Kids & Clays Foundation,” says Rhode. “What better way for the outdoor community to display its compassion and generosity than by helping raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities?” The Kids & Clays Foundation began in 1999 as a fundraiser to support the Chicago Ronald McDonald House near Comer’s Children’s Hospital. Founders Glenn and Kathy Lubeznik wanted to help the House raise funds to support critically ill children and their families. That fundraiser has grown into one of the largest series of sporting clay events in the country, raising $13 million in net funds since its inception.

The organization is currently working to grow its series of events to provide even more help across the country. “We’ve been contacted by numerous Ronald McDonald Houses asking for support in developing sporting clay as well as trap and skeet fundraisers,” says Jeanneret. “To expand, the Kids & Clays Foundation needs more resources, including funding and merchandise. Considering how our mission helps critically ill children and their families, I truly believe companies will step up to the plate and get involved.” The Kids & Clays Foundation has a long list of McDonald’s affiliated sponsors as well as sponsors from the outdoors industry, including Winchester, Browning, Boyt, Beretta, Baron Technology, White Flyer, Lincoln Traps, Blaser, Laser Shot, Promatic, Sporting Clays magazine, and EZ Go, to name a few. It is the charity of choice for the National Skeet Shooting Association, the National Sporting Clays Association, and the Amateur Trap Association. (kidsandclays.com)

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Five-time Olympic medalist Kim Rhode is a key spokesperson for the Kids & Clays Foundation.

12/10/14 4:49 PM

Elite Performance With defensive handgun ammunition, there are two primary points of consideration. First and foremost, the ammunition must be reliable. It should cycle through your handgun with the ease and regularity of air moving in and out of your lungs. Second, it should provide maximum wounding

potential. Well known for its defensive handguns, SIG Sauer felt it was time to bring the same level of elite craftsmanship and performance its firearms are known for to defensive handgun ammunition. Though there is some question as to what constitutes optimal terminal performance, the

Gun manufacturers making ammo is nothing new, but SIG’s Elite Performance loads are a first for the company.

established benchmark with law enforcement has been a minimum of 12 inches of penetration and at least 80 percent weight retention with a bullet that expands to at least 1.5 times its unfired diameter. With regard to reliability, anything less than 100 percent is unacceptable. To obtain this level of performance, SIG Sauer started with a design for a proprietary bullet called the V-Crown. This is a non-bonded, jacketed hollowpoint with the bullet jacket mechanically locked to the bullet core so that it can deliver expansion and the necessary penetration regardless of the intermediate barriers it might have to pass through. To do this, the bullet’s core must remain with the bullet’s jacket, and the toothed cannelure holds them together.

Your body has curves, so why aren’t pistols shaped to match? That’s precisely the question our engineering team challenged themselves to answer—and the results are unlike anything you’ve seen before. Introducing the Taurus Curve™, the world’s first and only curved firearm. Engineered to fit the unique contours of your body with no visible “printing,” the Curve is easily one of the most groundbreaking firearms ever conceived. An extreme departure from your typical compact .380, you’ll find the Curve takes form and function to an entirely unprecedented level. With its patented, snag-free design, the Curve boasts the industry’s first-ever light and laser built right into the frame. Exceptionally accurate and extremely lightweight at just 10.2 ounces, the Curve is one ultra-comfortable, ultra-reliable personal defense handgun.

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Bullet profiles were optimized to ensure reliable feeding. Loaded ammunition is currently available for five cartridges: .380 ACP (90-grain), 9mm Luger (124grain), .357 SIG (125grain), .40 S&W (165-grain), and .45 ACP (200-grain). However, new loads for the 10mm Auto and .300 Blackout will soon be rolled out, and these will have a hunting application. In addition, 115- and 124-grain loads will be offered in 9mm Luger. There will also be a 180-grain load for the .40 S&W and a 230-grain load in .45 ACP in 2015. Bud Fini, SIG Sauer’s vice president of marketing, indicated that to round out this new ammunition offering, ball (FMJ) pistol loads will soon be available, as well. (603-6103000; sigsauer.com)

—Richard Mann

SHOT Booth #14240

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12/9/14 5:25 PM

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You Stink!

Perspiration is essentially odorless. reduce the amount of water and detergent It’s not until sweat combines with needed, but also improve a garment’s longbacteria on the skin and is then term durability. absorbed and trapped in fabric that bacteria Like many outdoors manufacturers, Sitka begins to multiply, producing odor. employs a team of professionals who conPolygiene, originally developed in stantly use and test gear, often pushing it to Sweden for use in bandages, keeps any faban extreme level. One Sitka Gear Athlete— ric treated with the substance from allowHart calls his pro staffers athletes—is Mark ing bacteria to grow. Sitka Gear, a manufac- Seacat, who used Polygiene-based clothing turer of high-performance hunting clothing on a Montana backpack elk hunt. “I spent since 2005, recently incorporated this new nine straight days during a late-season hunt technology into its synthetic next-to-skin deep in the backcountry of Montana and garments. Essentially stopping body odor before it starts, this feature should be particularly Sitka uses attractive to hunters attempting Polygiene in its to mask their scent. garments to Sitka founder Jonathan Hart eliminate odor says the move has allowed the by stopping manufacturer to grow beyond bacteria. its mountain roots. “We now have applied our clothingsystem-building expertise to three of the largest hunter groups: big-game [more physically active pursuits, often in the mountainous West], whitetail [treestand hunting], and waterfowlers. Skin-to-outer-shell systems in each of these categories always start with a great base layer, and Polygiene has taken us to the next level.” He added that most hunters tend to focus first on their choice of gun, bow, or other gear, not necessarily their hunting clothes. “It should be just the opposite,” he says. “Highperformance hunting garments enable you to be more successful by allowing you to stay afield longer and more comfortably.” Polygiene is not a nano particle, and so has been declared safe for never changed my base layers once—I even extended use against skin. It’s also a slept in them,” he says. “The weather ranged “green” technology, as the natural silver from highs in the 60s to minus 20, so I was salts (silver chloride, a highly effective antialternately sweating and freezing. I wore microbial agent) required for its manufacSitka’s lightweight Core top treated with ture are gathered from recycled electronics. Polygiene next to my skin the entire time, Another benefit of the new technology is and after those nine days it smelled the same the reduction in washings that a garment as the day I started hunting. It wasn’t as clean requires, as body odor is managed at the as when I started, but it didn’t smell.” (sitkagear.com) —W.H. Gross textile level. Fewer washings not only

12/9/14 5:26 PM

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U P D AT E

BY LAWRENCE G. KEANE, NSSF SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, ASSISTANT SECRETARY & GENERAL COUNSEL

FROM THE NSSF

#GUNVOTE

It’s a success, but still much work to do

he National Shooting Sports Foundation’s 2014 #GUNVOTE initiative has been the most comprehensive voter information and education initiative the firearms industry has ever undertaken. Members of our industry, from major manufacturers to independent retailers in battleground states, helped encourage gun owners, hunters, and sportsmen to register to vote and to become educated on which candidates truly support the Second Amendment and our nation’s cherished hunting heritage and shooting sports traditions. Meanwhile, the NSSF’s Political Action Committee achieved its fundraising goals, surpassing $500,000 on Election Day, and supported an unprecedented number of pro-industry, pro-gun, and sportsmen’s candidates, nearly all of whom won their races. The results on Election Day showed that gun owners chose not to risk their rights and instead went to the polls in great numbers to #GUNVOTE. As a result of these efforts, the House of Representatives became even more pro-gun, ensuring that Nancy Pelosi (D-California) would not return to power as the Speaker of the House, where she and her allies would have sought to advance their radical anti-gun agenda. Perhaps the most important development on Election Day was that pro-gun candidates defeated incumbents or won open seats in places like Montana and South Dakota, helping flip control of the Senate to the Republicans and ousting Senator Harry Reid (D-Nevada) as Majority Leader in the next Congress. In the elections for control of state governorships, the results were decidedly more mixed. Anti-gun Illinois governor Pat Quinn and the hand-picked successor to anti-gun governor Martin O’Malley were both defeated, while Wisconsin governor Scott Walker prevailed for the third time in four years in a hard-fought challenge. Unfortunately, Colorado’s John Hickenlooper and Connecticut’s Dannel Malloy prevailed in close contests, the urban areas in those states delivering the margins needed for their narrow victories. In Connecticut, the anti-gun lobby out-

spent the pro-gun side by 35-to-1; yet Governor Malloy still failed to carry Newtown, the NSSF’s home. With control of the U.S. Senate in the hands of Republicans in the new Congress, there is very little likelihood of legislation passing in the next two years that would be detrimental to our Second Amendment rights or threaten to burden and restrict the lawful commerce in firearms and ammunition products. The new political landscape on Capitol Hill, coupled with NSSF’s expanded Washington, D.C., government relations office, will allow us to help lead a renewed coalition effort for passage of the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act early in the 114th Congress, address other important industry issues like reducing the regulatory burden to sell and export firearms and ammunition products, and providing improved access and opportunity for hunters and target shooters to participate and enjoy their sports. While we can feel good about how we will fare in the 114th Congress, it would be a very costly mistake to think that our industry does not continue to face serious challenges from determined and exceedingly well-funded anti-gun forces, led by former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg and his Everytown for Gun Safety group, which Bloomberg funds to the tune of $50 million. Former representative Gabby Giffords’ group, Americans for Responsible Solutions (ARS), is not to be underestimated, either. Despite having spent more than $2 million in an unsuccessful effort to reelect her former staffer

Ron Barber to her old House seat, Rep. Giffords is a formidable fundraiser. Mayor Bloomberg realized Congress is unlikely to pass anti-gun legislation. He has now changed his strategy and is aggressively pursuing ballot initiatives in which he can use his vast fortune to outspend his opponents on advertising in order to deceive the public into supporting gun-control measures. In Washington State, the Bloomberg-funded organization assigned six full-time staffers and poured $4 million into its successful effort to pass Initiative 594, a “universal background check” ballot initiative; that state’s legislature would not pass similar proposals in 2013 and 2014. In the face of that win, the effort going forward from Bloomberg will turn from Washington, D.C., to spending millions in advertising to persuade low-information, sound-bite-susceptible voters to try to force policy change in some of the 26 states that allow initiatives or referendums. This represents a new challenge for our industry, but, as we have demonstrated in the past, we are more than capable and willing to join together, marshalling our industry’s resources, and, more importany, rallying America’s freedom-loving gun owners to not risk their rights and to #GUNVOTE.

Lawrence G. Keane,

NSSF Senior Vice President, Assistant Secretary and General Counsel

14 ❚ SHOT BUSINESS ❚ JANUARY 2015

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U P D AT E

B Y PAT R I C K S H AY, D I R E C T O R , R E TA I L D E V E L O P M E N T

R E TA I L E R T O O L B O X

New Year, Fresh Starts Keep on top of tasks by making a schedule

s the owner or manager of a retail store, you have to wear a number of hats, and you are often fighting fires. One moment you are the HR manager interviewing a prospective employee, the next you are the merchandising manager trying to get new product to the store. Before you know it, one of your routine duties has slipped through the cracks and you’re asking yourself why the cameras outside your store still aren’t working, or an ATF investigator is asking why you haven’t completed your multiple-handgun forms. So just how do you juggle the demands of running a daily retail operation and maintain those things that are mundane and usual? With the new year come fresh starts. This is the time to commit to better ways of doing business. One of the simplest things you can do is to create a list to ensure you don’t miss completing crucial tasks. For a large enterprise, the list might be fairly complex, perhaps a sophisticated database that tracks regular bill payments, routine store maintenance, and other such regular tasks, providing a computerized dashboard view of those tasks and their completions, as well as issuing exception reporting on tasks not completed. That might be overdoing it for a small business, so, for such a retailer, something as simple as a Word document checklist or a set of reminders organized in an email calendar can ease the burden of remembering to do something. Break out the chores by topic and the frequency with which they need to be completed (weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually). Then set a time that the task

should be started, its completion date, and note whose responsiblity it is. If the task needs to be assessed for completeness or accuracy, be sure to note that as well. A sample task list might look like this:

Weekly

SECURITY TASKS: Check outside for any damage to the exterior of your building, the security bars, air conditioning vents, doors, windows, and such for signs of tampering. Check interiors for any signs of tampering as well, including display cases, cameras, motion detectors, and so on. PAPERWORK REVIEW

(not that you shouldn’t have staff reviewing this work daily): Review a sampling of 4473 forms, multiple-handgun forms, NFA forms, and A&D books for errors. Review the 4473 forms that were denied for the possibility of straw purchases. STAFF MEETING: Review store metrics with your team and provide feedback and recognition on performance. Review

cash handling, bank card chargebacks, and bad checks.

Monthly

SECURITY TASKS: Check burglar alarms and backup systems, test the fire alarms, verify key controls, review security incidents, and report as necessary to staff members. INVENTORY: If needed (based on the outcome of past inventories and your requirements for turn rate information), take an inventory of your firearms, ammunition, or accessories. Also, review the inventory position of your store. Do you need to cancel purchase orders to accommodate slowmoving goods, increase an order for an upcoming promotion, or acquire more of a briskly selling item to meet customer demand? KEY MEASURES: Review the key metrics for your store. Have your sales dollars, margin dollars, margin percentages, inventory turns, and levels met your goals for the month? Are these

numbers trending in the right direction? Do you need to tweak your sales, ordering, merchandising, or advertising? It’s better to learn you’ve missed your goal for one month than be surprised at the end of the year by a trend you missed.

Quarterly

SECURITY: Meet with

local law enforcement and other businesses to discuss crime in the area. Update security processes as needed. PERSONNEL REVIEW:

Conduct quarterly (or six-month) reviews of your staff and provide feedback. For those employees whose performance is lacking, create a plan to work together to improve their performance. COMPLIANCE: Reach out to your local ATF office and talk to your Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) to see if there are any new rulings that impact your compliance regimen.

Annually

KEY MEASURES: Review

year-end store metrics, inventory turns, cost of goods sold, sales dollars, margin dollars, margin percentages, and so on. Review short- and longterm store goals and adjust as necessary. LICENSING: Check expiration date of FFL and any state, county, or city licenses you might have. INSURANCE: Review insurance policy to make sure it’s still valid and accurately reflects your store’s needs. SECURITY: Have your security systems assessed by the installation company. Review your security and lossprevention plans, and upgrade if necessary. INVENTORY: If you haven’t taken an inventory during the year, take time to conduct a total inventory of firearms at least once a year. Better you do this time-consuming task than have ATF come in and do it for you. These are just some of the ongoing tasks you’re responsible for. But with foresight, you can lay out the tasks that are required, when they need to be accomplished, and who needs to complete them. This will let you focus on managing your staff, growing your sales, and serving your customers.

JANUARY 2015 ❚ SHOT BUSINESS ❚ 15

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U P D AT E

FROM THE NSSF

Platinum Sponsor of NSSF Industry Summit Returns he National Shooting Sports Foundation is pleased to announce that the Georgia Department of Economic Development will be returning as the Platinum Sponsor of the 2015 NSSF Industry Summit. Taking place June 1–3, in Savannah, Georgia, this year’s event will work to share dynamic models of success that contribute to the common industry goals of promoting hunting and target shooting, discuss threats to our success, and explore new avenues of opportunity for growth and recruitment.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development is the state’s sales and marketing arm and lead agency for attracting new business investment. It encourages the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, develops new domestic and international markets, works to attract tourists to Georgia, and promotes the state as a location for entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. The Georgia DED’s platinum-level sponsorship of the NSSF Industry Summit is part of three-year agreement between NSSF and the department that includes support not only for the Summit, but also NSSF’s annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show). “The NSSF Industry Summit showcases Georgia’s welcoming business environment and excellent quality of life to the firearms industry,” said Tom Croteau, deputy commissioner of global commerce at the

The 2015 Industry Summit in Savannah will be discussing diversity in the shooting sports.

Georgia Department of Economic Development. “We welcome the leaders who will be attending and hope that they find Georgia a great place to visit, conduct business, and invest.” “We are extremely fortunate to have the state of Georgia partner with us in producing the 2015 Industry Summit,” said NSSF’s director of recruit-

ment and retention, Melissa Schilling. “The generosity in this sponsorship speaks volumes of the commitment Georgia has to the firearms industry and to shooting and hunting sportsmen everywhere. With this support, we expect the 2015 Industry Summit to set the firearms industry’s course for outreach, expansion, and exceptional growth.”

There are a small number of sponsorship opportunities still available for the 2015 NSSF Industry Summit. Learn more about the benefits of sponsoring this important summit at nssf.org/Industry Summit/sponsors or contact Chris Tatulli, NSSF director, exhibits and sponsorships, at ctatulli@nssf.org; 203-426-1320 ext. 214.

Industry Summit Topic Agenda

The 2015 Summit will convene on several topics crucial to the continued success of today’s firearms industry. These include: DIVERSITY: Trends affecting our industry and successful outreach models. MEDIA OUTREACH: Engaging the press, using social media and technology, and countering anti-gun rhetoric. THE CHANGING FACE OF TODAY’S SHOOTER: Reaching the new shooter,

recruitment pilot efforts, and building customer interaction. HUNTING: Recognizing the new hunter of today, building hunter numbers, and tools for the future, such as apprentice programs. GOVERNMENT RELATIONS: A comprehensive overview of state issues and ballot initiatives, threats to our industry, new opportunities for growth, and grassroots versus big-money activism.

16 ❚ SHOT BUSINESS ❚ JANUARY 2015

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‘OPERATION CHOKE POINT’ LEGISLATION INTRODUCED U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Missouri) has introduced the Financial Institution Customer Protection Act to address “Operation Choke Point.” The legislation most notably protects firearms and ammunition industry members by making clear that “reputational risk” cannot be reason enough for banks to terminate a customer’s financial service. We have heard from NSSF members about banking relationships

being terminated, and many of those examples referenced the “reputational risk” of doing business with companies in the firearms and ammunition industry. NSSF strongly

supports the Financial Institution Customer Protection Act. For more information on the bill, go to congress.gov/ bill/113th-congress/ house-bill/5758.

NASGW GIVES PROJECT CHILDSAFE A SILVER LINING The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW), representing firearms wholesalers, manufacturers, independent sales reps, and media in the hunting, fishing, and shooting-sports industry, has become the first Silver Sponsor of Project ChildSafe. “We’re honored to support this program, which has distributed millions of free safety kits and worked tirelessly to educate gun owners on the importance of storing firearms responsibly,” said NASGW president Maurice Desmarais. Project ChildSafe is an initiative of the

Florida to Allow Hunting With Suppressors, Ohio Considering

he Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission voted unanimously to repeal the state’s 57-year ban on hunting with suppressors. Effective immediately, Florida hunters are allowed to use sound suppressors on firearms while hunting deer, gray squirrels, rabbits, turkeys, quail, and crows. Florida joins 32 other states in allowing the use of suppressors for hunting all game animals. Meanwhile, a committee of the Ohio State Senate may consider legislation that would repeal that state’s prohibition on hunting with firearm suppressors. The measure passed in the Ohio House of Representatives earlier this year. For more information, see nssf.org/ factsheets/PDF/Suppressors.pdf.

First Convictions Under New Pennsylvania Straw-Buying Law Two women in separate cases were convicted recently and face substantial jail time as a result of the newly enacted Pennsylvania law targeting the illegal straw purchasing of firearms. Named after Brad Fox, a police officer

killed with an illegally purchased gun, the new law

enables state prosecutors to bring straw purchasers to justice since federal officials often choose not to press charges against these individuals. NSSF has consistently urged prosecution of illegal straw-purchase violations.

National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) to promote firearms responsibility and provide safety education to all gun owners. The centerpiece of the program is its free firearm safety kits, which include a cable-style gun lock. When federal funding for the program ended in 2008, NSSF member companies continued to fund it directly. In the past year, demand for the kits and program resources has more than quadrupled, so NSSF opened sponsorship opportunities for the first time in Project ChildSafe’s history. With its contribution of $30,000, NASGW is the program’s first organizational sponsor. “NASGW’s generous donation will help Project ChildSafe grow and continue to spread the message of ‘Own it? Respect It. Secure It.’,” said Steve Sanetti, NSSF’s president and CEO. “We’re honored that they have recognized the value of this program and want to be a part of it. Proper firearm storage is the number-one way to help prevent accidents, and we welcome all the support we can get in that effort.” JANUARY 2015 ❚ SHOT BUSINESS ❚ 17

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U P D AT E

FROM THE NSSF

Better Together

Trending on the NSSF retailer blog—capitalizing on co-op advertising

By William F. Kendy or retailers, promotion is a fact of life. Whether you spend your marketing and advertising dollars in traditional media like newspapers, magazines, radio, billboards, or television, or devote that money to a website, email, and social media, the purpose of the investment is to keep your business front and center in the minds of customers.

Co-op advertising allows you to advertise and promote your store or range and have a manufacturer pay part of the cost. Why would they do that? Manufacturers want to move their products out of the warehouse and into a retailer’s store; you have the common goal of getting products off your shelves and into the hands of customers. Co-op advertising can save retailers money, extend the scope of their advertising, and help create an effective and professional image for the business, in part because of the link with a manufacturer. At the same time, the manufacturers increase their brand awareness, as well as local market share. Now, some of you might feel funny asking your sales reps for advertising dollars, but know this: Manufacturers build co-op allowances into the price of their products, so the dollars are already allocated for this type of advertising. Most co-op offers work as an “accrual.” This is the percentage of net sales, of which the manufacturer will pay a portion. For example, a company may offer 2 percent of net purchases in co-op advertising dollars. An accrual-based co-op works over a designated “accrual period.” Generally, this period takes place on a calendar year basis, but there are exceptions. Some manufacturers have an accrual period that runs from November 1 through October 31, or July through June. In a “reimbursement” arrangement, a manufacturer will specify exactly how much of any ad it will pay for. This can be dependent on products and/or the type of advertising media. For example, a company may pay 50 percent of the cost of an ad featuring its rifles or shotguns, but a different percentage on ammunition. No matter the co-op payment arrangement, if you want to receive your funds, you need to run your ad in approved media. These generally include radio, tele-

vision, cable, newspapers, billboards, freestanding inserts, and, in some cases, the internet. Check your co-op agreements carefully before buying your placements. Co-op agreements often have additional restrictions. For instance, a manufacturer can mandate that there be no competing brands in the advertising; this would restrict you from, say, promoting gun specials on Brands A, B, and C all in the same ad and collecting the co-op dollars from Brand A. Another common specification in a co-op agreement is that the manufacturer will require its name or the name of the product be mentioned a certain number of times in a radio or television commercial, and there may be scripts or other creative materials that have limitations on how much and what kind of customization you can make to them. Once you’ve satisfied the requirements of the co-op agreement and the ads have been placed and run, you’ll want to be paid. To collect, you’ll need to fill out the appropriate co-op forms and send them, along with paid invoices, copies of the ads (or affi-

davits if they are broadcast commercials), and other required documentation, to the manufacturer or their co-op servicing vendor by a certain date. These details are outlined in the individual co-op programs, so be certain to read the terms carefully—a missed deadline could mean you’ll bear the entire cost of your advertising efforts. Here are five tips to help you capitalize on co-op advertising programs: Identify your top-selling 10 to 20 1 brands and research which brands offer a co-op program. Get their rules and go over them with your sales rep. For vendors that regularly monitor 2 accrual co-ops, talk with company staff members that keep track of how much co-op funds you have accrued. For those companies that don’t keep track of co-op funds, request detailed copies of invoices by manufacturer and product. Determine how you want to spend 3 the co-op funds. Depending on your cash flow (assuming that your co-op funds will be provided to you in actual funds and not statement credits), you can use the funds to offset the cost of the advertising you’ve already paid for, supplement future advertising campaigns, increase the frequency of your ad placements, or extend your reach by placing ads in a new market or in alternate media platforms. Work with manufacturers and distrib4 utors in your ad creation. Your co-op partner may provide ads, radio scripts, television commercials, e-blasts, or web ads. Set up a record-keeping procedure 5 to keep track of what was advertised, where and when it ran, and when you paid the bill. Again, you must file for reimbursement within the deadlines stipulated in your agreement or risk forfeiting those funds. More great tips for retailers and ranges can be found at nssfblog.com.

© 2015 National Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. SHOT Business®, SHOT Show® and all other trade names, trademarks and service marks of the National Shooting Sports Foundation appearing in this publication are the sole property of the Foundation and may not be used without the Foundation’s prior express written permission. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

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B Y J I M C U R C U R U T O , D I R E C T O R , I N D U S T R Y R E S E A R C H & A N A LY S I S

U P D AT E

YO U S H O U L D K N O W

Improve Your Knowledge

Take research seminars during SHOT Show

esults from annual post–SHOT Show surveys tell us the main reason people attend SHOT is to conduct business. Attendees go there to buy and exhibitors are there to sell. Right behind conducting business, those attending SHOT Show each year tell us they make the annual trek for three main reasons: to learn, to network, and to advance their careers. Many show-goers are also NSSF members, and findings from a recent member survey reveal that the primary reasons many became members were to support the industry, learn about the latest research and statistics, take advantage of member benefits, and have a way to better follow government relations. That desire to learn about the latest industry research and indicators prompted NSSF to offer several specialized educational opportunities for exhibitors and attendees during the 2015 SHOT Show. For those in the industry not familiar with the incredible amount of NSSF research available to them, NSSF is offering the seminar Market Research 101. To accommodate busy schedules, the Market Research 101 seminar will be presented twice, first on Monday, Jan. 19, from 4 to 6 p.m., and again on Thursday, Jan. 22, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. I’ll be presenting at this seminar, along with Nancy Bacon and Rob Southwick of the leading industry research firm Southwick Associates. With more than 60 years of industry experience among us, attendees to these seminars will be sure to discover multiple ways to improve how they do business. Each Market Research 101 seminar will review some of the more than 40 research reports NSSF offers, such as First-Time Gun Buyers, Women Gun Owners, Understanding Diversity in Hunting and Shooting Sports, Hunter Churn Rates, and the Economics of Hunting and Target Shooting. Also covered will be where to find and how to use industry indicators such as estimated firearm transfers/sales using adjusted monthly National Instant

Criminal Background Checks System (NICS) data; Firearm Production; Excise Tax Collections; Hunting License Sales; Imports and Exports of Firearms and Ammunition; and resources that track participation in hunting and target shooting. In addition, Southwick Associates presenters will discuss information from their proprietary online consumer panels HunterSurvey and ShooterSurvey, which provide up-to-date consumer spending trend data. Their knowledge of market size will also benefit seminar attendees. Market Research 101 seminar fees are $50 for NSSF members and $100 for nonmembers. Each seminar has a maximum attendance of 50, so pre-registration is suggested. A flash drive including several research reports will be provided free of charge to each attendee for post-show review. Those interested may register at etouches.com/101991.

In addition to the Market Research 101 seminars, NSSF will also be conducting 12 retailer seminars. One of these specially focused sessions, Diversity Panel to Help Retailers Grow and Reach New Customers, will use current research and a panel of experts to discuss tips retailers can use to reach new customers and expand and diversify their customer base. The four panelists include Donny Adair, president of the African American Hunting Association; Lilly Gibbs and Frank Manuel, owners of Montgomery Indoor Shooting Complex; and Marily Haley, range manager at Shoot Smart Indoor Range and Training Center. I’ll be serving as moderator for this event. Those interested in signing up for this panel can

register at shotshow.org/education. As you have so often seen and heard, women participation in hunting and the shooting sports has been a hot topic in the past few years. Thanks to the efforts of many, there has been a noticeable increase in female participation in hunting and the shooting sports, and our industry is interested in maintaining that trend and increasing those numbers. NSSF will be hosting a press conference to announce the release of a new research report entitled Women Gun Owners: Purchasing, Perceptions, and Participation. NSSF president Steve Sanetti and I, along with champion shooter Julie Golob and Lucretia Free, publisher of the new The American Woman Shooter magazine, will speak at this press conference. This very special presentation is open to credentialed media and will be held Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 10 to 10:30 a.m. in the Media Room. Those interested in attending should contact Bill Brassard, NSSF senior director, communications, at bbrassard@nssf.org or 203426-1320 ext. 212. Along with the research opportunities mentioned above, NSSF will be hosting two invitation-only research events. A research breakfast sponsored by Southwick Associates will be held Jan. 21 to discuss the latest trends and findings important to the firearms industry. A focus group will be conducted Jan. 22 to discuss the self-defense and tactical markets. Those wanting more information on these events can contact me at jcurcuruto @nssf.org or 203-426-1320 ext. 234. JANUARY 2015 ❚ SHOT BUSINESS ❚ 19

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FYI

BY SCOTT BESTUL

Give ’Em the Boot!

Expert advice on selling footwear to hunters and shooters empted to dismiss the importance of footwear to hunters and shooters? Big mistake, according to Mark Cornell, divisional product line manager for Eddie Bauer’s line of footwear. “Good boots are the foundation for everything,” he says. “They allow you the mobility to get there and back, hopefully in comfort. I’m always amazed when I hear about some guy who had a dream hunt ruined because he brought a crappy pair of boots.”

“Selling boots to shooters and hunters is not only profitable—I equate it to selling a $450 firearm—it can be the perfect way to add to the expertise customers expect from your store” he says. Here, then, are Cornell’s thoughts on giving customers the boot…in a good way, of course.

Make sure you’re able to highlight each feature of the boots you stock.

GO WITH A WINNER: “Anyone

who’s shopped at a major chain store knows how confusing boot shopping can be— there are just so many options. So pick one or two highquality, established companies that can provide you with an array of options, only a handful of which will be perfectly suited to your clientele.”

year-round—to the lineup and you’ve got a great start.”

“Unless you’ve got tons of inventory space, whittle things down to the stuff your customers will use, and—this is critical—cultivate a level of expertise in selling it. It’s tough to go wrong with a line of better/ best upland, duck, and deer boots. Add a light hiker—very popular for general use (like camping) as well as scouting

BECOME THE EXPERT:

“Thoroughly understand the construction, uses, and maintenance of the boots you’re stocking. Boots are an expensive purchase, so you want your customer to know exactly how each model is going to perform. You’re selling knowledge, not just product, here. Explain the boot’s purpose, as well as the

ASK FOR THE SALE: “We live in an age where people shop differently—they go to some stores, figure out what they like, then buy it online. Shortstop that by asking the customer if he’s ready to buy the boot, or perhaps look at some other options in the store. This doesn’t have to be a guilt tactic—just a friendly reminder that you’ve spent a lot of time, shared your expertise, and would appreciate his business.”

difference in the upgrade.” ACCESSORIZE: “Socks are a natMAKE THE FIT: “You need to be

CURATE YOUR ASSORTMENT:

into the boot. Show him the correct lacing process. Ask him if he feels the features of the boot you’ve already explained. And then ask if he’d like to try on the upgrade.”

as automatic with fitting as you are with bore-sighting a gun, so follow a basic process every time: Never simply ask a customer his size. Get out a device and measure his foot. Choose the correct size boot in an entry-level model and the upgrade. Have the boots wide open at the collar and ask the customer to stand and step

ural add-on to boot buying. Again, stock quality: There should be no cotton allowed in your store. Have a good selection of liner socks. And then think of the rest like clothing, with a good lightweight, middleweight, and ultra-warm model. You want synthetics for upland hunters, and good merino wool for your duck and deer guys.”

Support Can Be Beautiful

“If you’re significant to your brands, then expect stellar support from them,” says Mark Cornell, Eddie Bauer product line manager for footwear. “Ask them for measuring devices and seats; that should all be on their dime. Also, POS materials like banners and displays. And ask for your store to be listed on their website. Let them know that boots are part of your business plan, not an afterthought, and you’ll get that support. Then your job is to make footwear part of your website and your social media outlets. If you have a solid reputation, your customers will take notice of your new product launch—which you’ll announce weeks in advance, right?!” 20 ❚ SHOT BUSINESS ❚ JANUARY 2015

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UNDERCOVER SHOPPER

Southern Hospitality A woman looking for a handgun for personal defense in Nashville receives frst-class treatment

omen looking for their first handgun would do well to shop in Nashville, Tennessee. Apparently, it’s the epicenter of Southern hospitality. My wife, who is a complete novice when it comes to firearms, was treated to a high level of courteous, thoughtful customer service, a rare treat in this world.“I think these guys really like to tell girls about their guns,” my wife said with a smile as we left one of the stores. I would agree wholeheartedly.

STORE A

THE BIG PICTURE

STORE B

TAKE YOUR TIME

➤ The clerk at this destination box store asked my wife, “Do you plan on buying a gun today?” I thought, “Uh oh. Is this guy going to be pushy?” She chimed in, “No. Not today.” I was relieved when he answered, “Good. Because you need to take your time, shoot several, and then buy the one

that you really like.” The clerk proceeded to take all the time in the world to tell her just how to find a gun that’s right for her. He even walked her over to the ammo aisle and showed her the different cartridge sizes. The enthusiastic young man hit on topics she didn’t think to ask about, such as why a shotgun might be a better weapon for home

PIXEL PUSHERS

➤ This small mom-and-pop gun shop doubles as a hardware store, though from the outside it looks more like a liquor store. On the inside, the folks behind the counter sure were neighborly. The owner patiently answered my wife’s questions in detail and never condescended or belit-

tled her, even though she didn’t know the difference between a magnum and a magazine. He gave her the big picture of buying a gun, and also a tutorial on safety. Generously, he even recommended she rent a few guns at a nearby store that had a range in order to see which calibers and styles she liked best.

22 ❚ SHOT BUSINESS ❚ JANUARY 2015

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9E ®

9MM LUGER

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. is one of the nation’s leading manufacturers of rugged, reliable firearms for the commercial sporting market. The only full-line manufacturer of American-made firearms, Ruger offers consumers over 400 variations of more than 30 product lines. For more than 60 years, Ruger has been a model of corporate and community responsibility. Our motto, “Arms Makers for Responsible Citizens®,” echoes the importance of these principles as we work hard to deliver quality and innovative firearms.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N, C A L L Y O U R R U G E R D I S T R I B U T O R T O D A Y.

RUGER.COM

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112414

12/8/14 9:55 AM

UNDERCOVER SHOPPER defense, and where she could carry a concealed weapon. STORE C

FRIENDLY ADVICE ➤

Tucked away in an industrial area next to railroad tracks, this shop was small but packed a lot of guns inside. The clerk was as friendly as you could hope for. The owners sat near-

by, listened, and occasionally offered friendly advice. The clerk gave my wife the best explanation about revolvers versus semi-autos I’ve ever heard. He let her dry-fire several to see which she liked and encouraged her to work a slide on a semi-auto. A quick seminar on ammo basics followed and was capped by a lesson on

what makes a quality personaldefense bullet. STORE D

HAPPY TO HELP

➤ This was another small store with a large selection of handguns. The owner was happy to help and told my wife all about fit, calibers, semis versus revolvers, and

other basics of buying a handgun. He mentioned that she should “borrow a friend’s gun” to try out but did not suggest going to another gun store that had a range. Not surprisingly, this store did not have its own. Otherwise, I think he would have suggested she rent a few different guns to try out.

How’d They Do? Customer Service

Product Knowledge

Product Availability

The friendly owner answered many questions and took out several guns to point out the differences between them.

The man knew specifics about various models as well as general info about what my wife would likely prefer.

There were about 200 handguns on display. Most were new.

The clerk walked my wife—literally— through the practical steps of buying a gun and to the ammo aisle for a 101.

The kid was versed in gun types and how they serve as different tools for different functions.

About 250 new handguns were on display.

Very friendly. Attentive to all questions. Patient, not pushy.

Understood products well. Seemed to know all about the needs of a new woman shooter.

About 150 new and used guns. Newer models, but not a lot.

He took the time to explain what to look for from square one. Never seemed in a hurry or bored.

He knew the ins and outs of various model guns, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

More than 200 new guns in cases; various brands, styles, and calibers were represented.

STORE

SCORING SYSTEM: Outstanding:

Very Good:

Average:

Winner: STORE

At every store we visited, knowledgeable clerks and owners treated my Yankee wife as if she were a Southern belle. Each store achieved five stars in both Customer Service and Product Knowledge. So that left Product Availability as the only distinguishing criterion. Bass Pro Shops had more new guns to choose from, and therefore wins. Southern hospitality is alive and well in Nashville. Good news for the customers at every one of these stores. Bass Pro Shops 323 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, TN 37214 615-514-5200 basspro.com

Fair:

Poor:

24 ❚ SHOT BUSINESS ❚ JANUARY 2015

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12/10/14 3:14 PM

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tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no secret that sales of firearms leveled off last year. But that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean business was bad; it was simply a return to more normal volumes. To lure customers back to retailers, manufacturers have been busy creating some brand-new models while tweaking old favorites. The new guns include some classic side-by-side shotgun designs and lever-action rifles as well as personal-defense handguns. Some special limited-edition offerings are also sure to attract the attention of your customers.

shot business

january 2015

By Chr is Christian

12/10/14 12:37 PM

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rifles 2015

Whether it’ it’s rimfire plinkers, big-game hunting centerfires, tactical models, or 1, 1,000-yard competition guns, retailers will see a staggering number of ne new rifle models at all price points. Some of these guns will be line extensions of popul popular and well-received products, while others are brand-ne brand-new rifles designed to fill specific market niches. Either way, you and your c customers will benefit.

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january 2015

BROWNING

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î Browning’s new AB3 rifle is a super-value bolt-action that features an Inflex recoil pad, a composite stock, a detachable box magazine, a bolt-lock override button, and a 60-degree bolt lift. Short-action calibers include .243 Win., 7mm-08 Rem., and .308 Win. (in 22-inch barrel lengths), and .270 WSM and .300 WSM (with 23-inch barrels). SRP: $599.99. Browning is also expanding its X-Bolt line to include the new X-Bolt Eclipse Target and Eclipse Varmint models. Both feature a laminated gray-satin thumbhole stock with a Monte Carlo cheekpiece. The X-Bolt Eclipse Target will be offered with a 28-inch

heavy bull barrel in 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win. The adjustable Feather Trigger is factory set at 3 to 3.5 pounds. The 26-inch heavy bull barrel X-Bolt Eclipse Varmint will be offered in .204 Ruger, .223. Rem., and .22/250 Rem. SRP: $1,069.99. The new X-Bolt Varmint Stalker Mossy Oak Brush model features a heavy sportercontour barrel in matteblued finish. Caliber offerings are .204 Ruger, .223 Rem., .243 Win., and .308 Win. (24-inch barrel) and .22/250 Rem. (26 inches). SRP: $939.99. (browningarms.com)

CMMG î The all-new CMMG MK47 Mutant rifle platform, which consists of three models, combines the accuracy of the

modern sporting rifle with the reliability and ballistics of the 7.62x39mm Russian round. Chambered for 7.62x39mm, the upper and lower receivers are built from 7075-T6 billet aluminum and feature a uniquely designed upper and lower receiver engineered to manage the dimensions and pressures of the 7.62x39mm cartridge while keeping weight to a minimum. The rifle, which runs on the proven carbinelength direct-impingement gas system and sports a 16.1-inch freefloated medium-taper barrel with a 1:10 twist rate, utilizes the heavier bolt carrier group derived from the AR10, but shortened. The lower receiver is designed to accept virtually all existing AK47

magazines and uses a standard hook-and-latch release system. A fulllength Picatinny rail rides atop the receiver for mounting optics. All models ship with one Magpul PMAG 30-round 7.62x39 magazine. The stock uses the CMMG RKM15 KeyMod hand guard, which gives users the option to mount a wide range of accessories via the KeyMod slots found at the 3-, 6-, and 9-o’clock positions. For accessories that are not compatible with the KeyMod hand guard, a five-slot accessory rail is available. The MK47 Mutant T ($1,449.95) features an A2 muzzle compensator, a CMMG single-stage trigger, an A4 sixposition collapsible buttstock, and an A2 pistol grip. The MK47 Mutant

Browning The X-Bolt Varmint Stalker comes in Mossy Oak Brush (top). The X-Bolt Eclipse Target has a laminated thumbhole stock and a Monte Carlo cheekpiece.

12/10/14 12:53 PM

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CZ-USA î New to the Safari Classics line is the Craig Boddington Signature Series CZ 550 Magnum in .375 H&H ($3,099). This limited-edition piece (only 45 right-hand models and 5 left-hand models will be produced) features input from Craig Boddington and includes a barrel shortened to 24 inches, an upgraded Safari Classics front sight, and a barrel-band sling swivel. The stock has been redesigned to be a bit faster handling with a slimmer wrist and a shallower, shorter forend. The 13.5-inch length of pull is capped by a 1-inch red Decelerator recoil pad. The stock is claro walnut and the metalwork is finished in a rust blue. CZ’s Sonoran rifle will now be available in the flat-shooting 26 Nosler ($3,199). The popular 527 Carbine will now be available in a Youth model ($733). The Turkish walnut stock has been shrunk to a 12.75-inch length of pull, with a smaller diameter pistol grip and slimmer forend. It will

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(cz-usa.com)

LEGACY SPORTS INTERNATIONAL î The Howa Alpine Mountain Series Rifle is designed as a lightweight bolt-action hunting rifle. It features Howa’s HACT two-stage trigger, the AMMO Boost detachable magazine system, a Cerakote barreled action, and a Pachmeyer Decelerator recoil pad. Empty weight is 6.7 pounds. It will be available in .243 Win., 7mm08 Rem., and .308 Win. Shooters may choose the base rifle or opt for the scoped rifle package, which includes a Vortex Viper 3–9x42mm scope factory-installed in Talley rings. Short-action boltactions are generally sized to the .308 family of cartridges. As such, cartridges in the .223 Rem. class, being smaller, tend to get lost in the extra room. Howa solves that with the introduction of the new Howa Mini Action. The

january 2015

(cmmginc.com)

be chambered for .223 Rem. and 7.62x39mm. On the rimfire side, the 455 Ultra Lux ($449) joins the 455 platform this year. It features a 28.6-inch barrel, an elevation-adjustable rear tangent sight, a beech stock with cheekpiece, and a 10-round magazine. As with other 455 models, the barrels and stock can be swapped. Another new 455 model is the 455 Varmint Thumbhole Fluted .22LR in a brown laminate stock ($549).

CZ-USA The Sonoran (left) will now be available in the flat-shooting 26 Nosler. The Ultra-Lux rimfire (right) joins the 455 platform. It comes with an elevation-adjustable rear tangent sight and a 10-round magazine.

shot business

AKM ($1,649.95) features a CMMG SV muzzle brake, a CMMG single-stage trigger, a Magpul CTR buttstock, and a MOE Pistol grip. The MK47 Mutant AKM2 ($1,849.95) comes with a Geissele SSA twostage trigger, Magpul CTR buttstock, and MOE Pistol Grip.

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rifles 2015

marlin The 1895 GSBL-.45-70 Govt. features FNC metalwork that darkens the stainless steel and creates a durable finish for hard use.

action and bolt are 20 percent shorter than standard .308-size short actions, which results in a shorter bolt throw when chambering a round. Available initially in .223 Rem. and .204 Ruger (with other calibers promised for the future), the rifle features a 20-inch hammerforged barrel, a threeposition safety, a HACT two-stage trigger, and a 5-round detachable magazine. (legacy sports.com)

shot business

january 2015

MAGNUM RESEARCH

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î A new and somewhat radical rimfire rifle joins the Magnum Research product line this year. The MLR22ATU Ultra .22LR is built around a high-tech modular 18-inch barrel attached to a stainless-steel breech and muzzle caps inside a thin-walled aluminum shell. A patented heat sink located inside the barrel helps deliver improved accuracy. The Ultra .22LR ($544) is a semi-auto that measures 36.2 inches in length overall and weighs 4.8 pounds. Features include a 1:16 twist barrel with a Benz chamber, an ambidextrous thumbhole stock designed with a higher comb for scope use, an integral Weaver scopemount base on the receiver, extended magazine release, slingswivel studs front and rear, and a checkered palm-swell grip. Another model, the MLRATUT ($571), is

identical, except that the barrel is threaded ½x28 to accept a suppressor. A thread protector muzzle cap is supplied. Both rifles utilize the Ruger 10/22 trigger group and Ruger 10/22 rotary magazines. The barrels are also sold separately and can be installed on Ruger 10/22 rifles to upgrade accuracy. (magnum research.com)

MARLIN î For those looking for more power, there is Marlin’s new 1895 GSBL-.45-70 Govt. ($1,150). This leveraction carbine features a tubular magazine and a stainless-steel-barreled action with an 18.5-inch barrel that uses adjustable Williams FireSights with a front-sight hood. The metalwork is finished in FNC (ferritic nitrocarburizing), which darkens the stainless steel and creates a durable scratch-resistant finish. The laminated stock and forend are painted, and a big-loop finger lever makes for fast cycling. An additional 1895 series gun is the 1895 Limited Edition .45-70 Govt., the second gun in a multi-year series. It features scrollwork on both sides of the receiver; an elk in 24-carat gold inlay is on the left side, and the classic Marlin horse and rider is on the right. “Limited Edition” and “1 of 1,500” are marked on the barrel. Other features include a gold-

plated trigger and a B-grade walnut stock with an S-Grip. The 24-inch tapered barrel features Marble sights, and in keeping with tradition, the tubular magazine is full length. SRP: $1,350. (marlin.com)

MOSSBERG î The new Blaze autoloading rimfire rifle series will be available in a number of configurations and stock finishes, but all share a 16.5-inch barrel, blue metalwork, a synthetic stock—and all are fed from 10- or 25-round detachable magazines. In addition to a black stock, models will also be available with stocks finished in Muddy Girl, Highlander, and Wildfire camo patterns. These feature a fixed front sight and adjustable rear. In addition, a Highlander model is offered with a Picatinny upper rail for mounting optics. All feature a 13.5-inch length of pull (except the black stock Bantam model, which is offered with a 12-inch length of pull to fit younger shooters). The Blaze Green Dot Combo is offered with the black synthetic stock and is equipped with a Picatinny rail featuring a Dead Ringer holographic red/green LED sight that offers four different reticule configurations. A variant on the Blaze action is the AK-47. A dead ringer for the original AK-47, this rifle offers the same action, magazines, and barrel lengths

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equipped with fiber-optic adjustable rifle sights and a Picatinny rail. The adjustable LBA trigger is standard, and metalwork is finished in a matte blue. (Mossberg.com)

january 2015

REMINGTON î Remington’s boltaction Model 783 rifle isn’t fancy, but it has earned a reputation as a reliable workhorse. It features a pillar-bedded action in a synthetic stock with a free-floating barrel for consistent accuracy, and sling swivel studs front and rear. The barrel comes without iron sights and is drilled and tapped for mounting a scope. Remington’s CrossFire trigger is factory-set at 3.5 pounds, and the rifle feeds from a detachable box magazine with a rugged metal latch. A Remington SuperCell recoil completes the package. The current caliber selection of .243 Win., .270 Win., .308 Win., .30/06 Sprg., 7mm Rem. Mag., and .300 Win. Mag. will be joined this year by the .223 Rem. and the .22/250 Rem. with 22-inch barrels. SRP: $382.78. (remington.com)

RUGER î The Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle will now be chambered for 5.56 NATO, with a hybrid chamber to accurately shoot both 5.56mm and .223 Rem. Additional features include a 16.1inch cold-hammerforged medium-contour

shot business

as the AK-47. The Blaze version also comes with an adjustable fiber-optic rear sight and the distinctive AK raised front sight. It will be available with a fixed black synthetic stock, an adjustable CAR-style black synthetic stock, and a traditional wood AK stock configuration. All feature blued metalwork. The new Mossberg Patriot bolt-action series are classically styled hunting rifles. Some models feature fluted 22-inch barrels, other utilize plain barrels. The Bantam youth series comes with a 20-inch fluted barrel, a spiral fluted bolt and streamlined bolt handle, and Weaverstyle scope bases. The rifles are fed from a detachable box magazine that holds three magnum rounds and four standard-caliber rounds. Caliber offerings include .22/250 Rem., .243 Win., 7mm-08 Rem., .308 Win., .270 Win., .30/06 Sprg., 7mm Rem. Mag., .300 Win. Mag., .338 Win. Mag., and .375 Ruger. The Mossberg MVP LR Tactical bolt-action rifles are a compact package. Using the same bolt action as the Target Rifle (and accepting MSR magazines), each is fitted into a synthetic stock (which has an adjustable cheekpiece) with an OD green finish. Available in 5.56mmNATO/.223 Rem. (1:7 twist) and 7.62 NATO/.308 Win. (1:10 twist), they both feature 16.25-inch barrels threaded for accessories. In addition, both are

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rifles 2015 barrel with a 1:8 twist. A Ruger flash suppressor is included, and it can be removed to attach other barrel-threaded accessories. Other features include a controlled-feed bolt action, a 10-round detachable magazine that uses a Mini-14 pushforward paddle release located just ahead of the trigger guard, a Mini-14style protected non-glare post front sight, and a receiver-mounted adjustable Ghost Ring rear sight. The Ruger American Rifle series will now be available in true left-hand actions in the following calibers: .223 Rem., .22250 Rem., .243 Win., 7mm-08 Rem., .270 Win., .308 Win., and .30/06 Sprg. Like the rest of the series, they feature Ruger’s Marksman adjustable trigger (adjustable between 3 and 5 pounds), the Power Bedding system that utilizes stainless-steel bedding blocks, a coldhammer-forged freefloating barrel, a threelug 70-degree bolt throw, and a flush-fitting detachable rotary magazine. The Ruger American Ranch Rifle will now be available in 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem. and .300 BLK. Featuring a 16.12-inch barrel, it is available in standard and compact polymer stocks and provides an ambidextrous tang safety. The new Ruger AR-556 modern sporting rifle ($749) is the first firearm designed and built at the manufacturer’s new Mayodan, North Carolina, facility.

Built on a directimpingement operating action, the rifle features a 16.10-inch cold-hammer-forged mediumcontour barrel (with M4 feed ramp cuts) chambered for 5.56 NATO with a 1:8 twist that will stabilize bullets from 35 to 77 grains. The threaded barrel is equipped with a Ruger flash suppressor. The upper 7075T6 aluminum receiver features a Picatinny rail with a windage-adjustable Ruger Rapid Deploy folding rear sight, a milled A-2 F-height gas block with an elevationadjustable post front sight, and a forward assist with a dust cover brass deflector. The buttstock is a six-position telescoping M4 style with a mil-spec buffer tube, and the rifle features sling-swivel attachments. The bolt-carrier group is chrome-plated and features a staked gas key. The MSR ships with one 30-round Magpul PMag. Standardized M4/AR parts are utilized throughout, allowing for easy customization. The Ruger 10/22, entering its 50th year of production, is one of America’s favorite rimfire rifles. For 2015, Ruger will acknowledge that with the production of the Ruger Collector’s Series 10/22 Carbine Rifle. Only 25,000 of this special-edition rifle will be produced. In addition to the standard features of the 10/22, the Collector’s Series model will include a limited-time 50th Anniversary bolt

marking, a commemorative 50th Anniversary box with an exclusive Collector’s Series box decal, the “Ruger 10/22 Rifle 22LR—Fifty Years 1964–2014” receiver marking, a Collector’s Series pin, a 10/22 50th Anniversary bumper sticker, a replica of the original 1964 10/22 ad, and a limited edition Ruger Collector’s Series street sign. The rifle features a black synthetic stock and ships with one BX-25 and one BX-1 magazine. An alternate model (to comply with various state laws) is available with three BX-1 10-round magazines. (ruger.com)

SAVAGE ARMS î The recently introduced Savage AXIS boltaction rifle has quickly built a reputation as an accurate rifle at an affordable price. For 2015, Savage follows that up with a heavybarrel varmint version. The new AXIS Heavy Barrel ($386) features the same composite stock, pillar bedding, 4-round detachable magazine, sling-swivel studs front and rear, and button-rifled barrel of the standard AXIS line, but adds a 22-inch heavy contour barrel. It will be available in .223 Rem. and .22/250 (1:9 twist), .243 Win. (1:9.25 twist), and .308 Win. (1:10 twist). Another addition to the AXIS line for 2015 is the AXIS II XP scopedrifle series. The series will be available in a

Savage the AXIS II scoped-rifle series will now be available in a wider range of calibers. The AXIs II XP is a shorterstocked youth model.

12/10/14 12:53 PM

Introducing our ﬁrst ever bullet speciﬁ cally designed for deer, the Extreme Point ™. The radically new large diameter tip provides immediate expansion upon impact, delivering the sledge-hammer energy needed to put deer down quickly.

It’s the bullet built for what deer hunters really need.

winchester.com /safet y first

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rifles 2015

Ruger The Gunsite

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january 2015

Scout Rifle is now available in 5.56 NATO.

SHB0115_RIF.indd 34

wide range of calibers and includes all the features of the AXIS rifle. Setting it apart is the addition of a factorymounted and boresighted Weaver KASPA 3–9x40mm scope. Two AXIS XP series models will also be offered in a shorter-stocked youth model in .243 Win. The B.MAG Stainless Heavy Barrel ($408) is chambered for the .17 Win. Super Magnum rimfire. It features a heavy-contour stainlesssteel barrel, a composite stock with a soft, rugged butt pad, a boltaction with rear locking lugs, a cock-on-close bolt, a center-rotaryfeed magazine, the shooter-adjustable Savage AccuTrigger, and a thread-in barrel headspacing system to increase accuracy. The B.MAG Gray Laminate Thumbhole Stock ($566) offers all of the above features with the addition of a gray laminate thumbhole stock with a ventilated forearm that features two sling-swivel studs to allow both a sling and a bipod to be installed at the same time. The new 11 Trophy Predator Hunter ($692) features the Model 11 rifle with the useradjustable AccuTrigger, a medium-contour

barrel, and a composite stock available in Mossy Oak Brush or Realtree Hardwoods Snow. Riding atop the rifle is a Nikon 3–9x40mm scope with a Ballistic Drop Compensator Reticule (BDC) that is factorymounted and boresighted. The 11 Trophy Predator Hunter package will be available in .223 Rem., .22/250 Rem., .243 Win., and 6.5 Creedmoor. Since its introduction in 2006, the .338 Federal has earned a reputation as an extremely versatile big-game cartridge. The .338 Federal is based upon a .308 Win. case necked up to hold a .338 bullet. It offers a higher muzzle velocity than many .308 loads while launching a larger and heavier bullet. The result is a short-action cartridge that provides magnum energy and terminal performance on game, but with less recoil than comparable magnum cartridges. Savage will now offer the .338 Federal in six of its most-popular boltaction big-game rifles: the 11 Long Range Hunter .338 Federal ($1,104), the 11 Hog Hunter .338 Federal ($560), the 16 FCSS .338 Federal ($885), the 16 Bear Hunter .338 Federal ($1,035), the 11

Trophy Hunter .338 Federal ($612), and the 16 Trophy Hunter .338 Federal ($740). Another new addition to the Model 11 line is the 11 Scout Rifle ($794). It features a onepiece rail for forwardmounting of an intermediate eye-relief scope. The rifle also utilizes the user-adjustable AccuTrigger and the AccuStock bedding system. The stock is a flat dark earth synthetic with an adjustable cheekpiece to allow shooters to achieve perfect eye position with any chosen optic. (savagearms.com)

THOMPSON/CENTER ARMS î The T/C Venture bolt-action rifle series sees a new Compact model designed to appeal to smallerstatured and youth shooters. Chambered in .223 Rem., the Compact model features a 20-inch free-floating blued barrel, a shorter classicstyle synthetic stock with an included 1-inch spacer to allow shooters to grow into the gun, traction grip panels on the stock grip and forearm, a user-adjustable trigger, front and rear sling swivels, Weaverstyle scope mount bases

Thompson/Center The Venture bolt-action rifle series gets a new compact rifle in .223.

12/10/14 12:53 PM

MAKE ROOM.

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rifles 2015 installed on a sightless barrel, and a single-stack detachable 3-shot nylon magazine. Empty weight is 6.75 pounds. (tcarms.com)

shot business

january 2015

WEATHERBY

SHB0115_RIF.indd 36

î The Vanguard Series 2 is guaranteed to shoot sub-MOA groups at 100 yards when using specified Weatherby factory or premium ammunition. Four new models appear this year. The Vanguard Series 2 Volt Compact ($749) features an injectionmolded synthetic stock in bright-green splatter paint with a length of pull that’s adjustable from 12.5 to 13.625 inches. Metalwork is matte blue, and the barrel is a 20-inch No. 1 contour. The two-stage trigger is adjustable to 2.5 pounds, and the rifle comes with a threeposition safety. It will be available in .22/250 Rem., .223 Rem., .243 Win., 7mm-08 Rem., and .308 Win. The Vanguard Series 2 Saratoga ($749) features the same trigger and safety matte blue metalwork. But the synthetic stock has an American flag pattern finish, and it features a 24-inch No. 2 contour barrel. It will be chambered in .223 Rem., .243 Win., .270 Win., .308 Win., and .30/06. The Vanguard Series 2 Kryptek ($749) is the same gun with a Kryptek Highlander Reduced finish on a synthetic stock. The Vanguard Series 2

Kryptek TR ($749) features the Highlander pattern with a 22-inch No. 3 contour (semiheavy) barrel. It is chambered for .223 Rem. and .308 Win. The Mark V Outfitter RC ($2,800 to $3,000) features a laminated raised comb Monte Carlo carbonfiber stock in a desertcamo finish. The action is bedded with a CNCmachined aluminum bedding plate. The barrel is fluted stainless steel in lengths of 22, 24, 26, or 28 inches, depending on caliber. It will be offered in a Mark V Magnum or standard action in .240 Wby. Mag., .257 Wby. Mag., .270 Wby. Mag., 7mm Wby. Mag., and .300 Wby. Mag. in addition to .270 Win., .308 Win., .300 Win., .30/06, and 7mm Rem. Mag. The Mark V Arroyo RC ($2,800 to $3,000) features the same stock/bedding plate with a KUIV Vias camo pattern and a dark tan Cerakote finish on the metalwork. The barrel is a No. 3 contour in 24, 26, or 28 inches, depending on caliber. They include the same offerings as the Outfitter, with the addition of .30-378 Wby. Mag., .338-378 Wby. Mag., and .338 Lapua. Lastly, a Limited Edition 70th Anniversary Mark V will be offered with only 70 individually numbered rifles made. Chambered in .257

Wby. Mag., it features a 24-inch No. 1 contour barrel and an exhibitiongrade high-gloss California claro walnut stock that mimics those of the 1960s-era Weatherby rifles. A leather case is included. (weatherby.com)

WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS î The new XPR will feature the proven M.O.A. Trigger System, an adjustable three-lever trigger preset from the factory at a crisp 3 ½ pound pull with no perceptible overtravel. The XPR receiver is constructed of precisionmachined chromoly steel barstock. The fulldiameter bolt body creates a more rigid component and is coated with nickel Teflon for smooth operation. A short 60-degree lift offers fast bolt operation. A button-rifled chromoly steel barrel with a recessed target crown is free-floated in the stock to eliminate pressure points. Other features are a black polymer stock with steel recoil lug, a two-position thumb safety, boltunlock button, and a 3-round detachable, single-stack polymer box magazine. Metal surfaces are matte blued. The XPR will be offered in .270 Win. and .30/06 with a 24-inch barrel and in .300 Win. Mag. and .338 Win. Mag. with a 26-inch barrel. SRP: $549.99.

Winchester The XPR will be offered in .270 and .30/06 with 24-inch barrels.

(winchesterguns.com)

12/10/14 12:53 PM

YOU CAN FIND OUR PRODUCTS AT AUTHORIZED DEALERS AND ONLINE AT WWW.SWAROVSKIOPTIK.COM

STR 80

LEAVING NO DETAIL TO CHANCE

Long range shooting requires skill and precision from both the marksmen and the equipment. The New STR 80 spotting scope combines crystal clear state of the art optics with features and accessories that long distance shooters demand. With a new integrated illuminated reticle that can be activated and deactivated to read distance, holdover and wind. Accessories are available, so that you’re always equipped to tackle any challenge. SWAROVSKI OPTIK – allows you to determine the moment.

MOA reticle at 60x magnifcation

SEE THE UNSEEN WWW.SWAROVSKIOPTIK.COM

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shotguns 2015

The 2015 ne new shotgun offerings range from expensively exquisite model models to everyday workhorses. In addition, an increasing number of smoothbor smoothbores have been downsized to accommodate smaller-statured or young younger shooters. It’s a very interesting year, and there’s a good chanc chance your customers will find a new gun they like.

shot business

january 2015

BERETTA USA

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î The new 692 over/ under series in 12 gauge with 3-inch chambers is a major product launch, and incorporates the Beretta Steelium Plus barrel system that features a forcing cone lengthened to 360mm as opposed to the more-standard 65mm. The Beretta B-Fast System is also included in the 692 series. The device allows a complete drop-and-cast adjustment with extreme ease and quickness. A newly designed side-by-side is also joining the Beretta family. The 486 Parallelo ($5,350) is built on a round-body action with the new Triblock barrel that provides the same feel as the demiblock barrel while providing more strength and eliminating visible welding lines. Beretta claims its new captive trigger group featuring leaf springs will provide a crisper trigger and faster lock time. It also will let shooters easily switch from automatic to manual extraction. The stock is Turkish walnut with a handrubbed oil finish and is available in two configurations: a pistol-grip buttstock with a

beavertail forearm, and an English-style straight grip with a splinter forearm. The 486 Parallelo will be available in 12and 20-gauge with 3-inch chambers and 28-inch barrels that use the OBHFP-486 interchangeable choke tube system (F, IM, M, IC, and C tubes supplied). An additional 12-gauge version offers 30-inch barrels in fixed IC/Mod chokes. All feature a single selective trigger, 10x5.5 conic rib with a single, steel, bead front sight, and automatic safety. (beretta.com)

Browning The receiver of the Citori 725 Sporting Grade V (left) has high-relief engraving. The Citori 725 High-Rib Sporting (middle) comes with an adjustable comb. The Cynergy Micro Midas 20-gauge (right) features a 13-inch length of pull.

BROWNING ARMS î Over/under shotguns dominate Browning’s new 2015 product offerings. The Browning High Grade program moves into its third year with a pair of Citori 725 12-gauge Sporting models. These over/unders receive as many as 30 hours of hand-engraving and touch-up prior to being precisely set into finely wrought, high-grade walnut. The new Citori 725 Sporting Grade V will feature a receiver with deep-relief engraving in a silvernitride finish and a 30or 32-inch barrel. The stock and forearm fea-

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shotguns 2015 ture an oil-finish Grade IV/V walnut with close-radius pistol grip and palm swell. A fitted canvas/distressed leather case is included ($5,339.99). The new Citori 725 Sporting Grade VII has a blued receiver with deep-relief engraving and gold accents. The

stock and forearm feature oil-finish Grade VI/ VII walnut with closeradius pistol grip and palm swell. A John M. Browning Signature fitted case is included ($6,269.99). For 2015 Browning will also expand the Citori 725 target shotgun lineup to include the

new Pro Sporting and Pro Trap models that will feature a Pro Fit adjustable comb and Pro Balance system in the stock that allows shooters to fine-tune the balance point for a perfect mount and swing. Other features found on all Citori 725s include the Fire Lite mechanical trig-

ger system, full-width hinge pin and tapered locking-bolt design, and Browningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Invector DS choke-tube system. The Citori 725 Pro Sporting will be offered in 12 and 20 gauge with a 30- or 32-inch barrel ($3,999.99). The Citori 725 12-gauge Pro Trap features a high rib and a

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close-radius pistol grip. This new lightweight model will be offered with a 26- or 28-inch barrel ($2,549.99). The new Cynergy Micro Midas 20-gauge over/under has a 13-inch length of pull designed for smaller shooters. It features the MonoLock hinge sys-

tem, low-profile receiver design, reverse striker ignition system, soft Inflex recoil pad, and three quarter-inch spacers, with a 24- or 26-inch barrel ($1,869.99). (browning.com)

CZ-USA ĂŽ The side-by-side

Sharp-Tail replaces the Ringneck line and is built on an entirely new action that is smaller, lighter, and uses coil springs instead of leaf springs. It features floating firing pins and newly designed sears. It will be available in 12, 20, and 28 gauge, as well as .410. Three-inch

CZ-USA The 612 Magnum Turkey pump-action is chambered

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30- or 32-inch barrel ($3,999.99). A new 725 Feather 20-gauge features a lightweight alloy receiver with steel breech face and hinge pin. The receiver has accented high-relief engraving with a nitride finish and a gloss-oil finish Grade II/III walnut stock with

january 2015

for 3.5-inch shells. It has a 28-inch barrel.

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shotguns 2015

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Weatherby The PA-08 Waterfowler is a 12-gauge pump-action offered with 26- or 28-inch vent-rib barrels.

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chambers are standard on the 12, 20, and .410, while the 28 has a 2 ¾-inch chamber. All feature 28-inch barrels, single extractors, selective triggers, checkered walnut stocks, and come with five flush-fitting internal choke tubes. They ship in a plastic case. SRP: $1,022 to $1,229. The Sharp-Tail Target ($1,298) is designed for the clay target shooter who prefers a side-byside. Offered in 12 gauge, it features 30-inch barrels (3-inch chambers), six Kicks extended choke tubes, a checkered walnut stock, a single extractor, a barrel-selector switch, and a 14.75-inch length of pull. It ships in a hard plastic case. The over/under Sterling model gets a twin with the addition of the Southpaw Sterling ($999). Built as a true gun for lefties, it features left-hand castoff in the buttstock. It features a 29-inch barrel, five flush-fitting choke tubes, checkered walnut stock, mechanical trigger, and a safety with a barrel selector. CZ’s first recoiloperated shotgun, the Model 812 Waterfowler ($699), uses an inertia recoil operating system. The wood stock is fully clad in a waterfowl shadow grass camouflage finish. It is shipped with five extended black choke tubes and features a 28-inch barrel chambered for 2 ¾- and 3-inch shells. A plastic case is included.

Three new pumpaction models also make an appearance this year. The new CZ 612 Trap ($499) is designed for the trap-shooter, at an affordable price. It features a 32-inch ported target barrel, five extended interchangeable choke tubes, a parallel comb on the walnut Monte Carlo buttstock, dual-action bars, a spring-loaded ejector, and a gold-plated trigger. Offered in 12 gauge only, it is chambered for 3-inch shells. The pump-action CZ 612 Magnum Turkey ($429) is chambered for 3.5-inch shells, sports a 26-inch barrel, and ships with two choke tubes— Extra-Full and Modified. The pump-action CZ 612 Magnum Waterfowl ($429) features a 12-gauge 3.5-inch chamber and 28-inch barrels. It is finished in a waterfowl camouflage pattern. (cz-usa.com)

LEGACY SPORTS INTERNATIONAL î The new Escort Pump Shotgun ($349) will be available in three models: a 12-gauge and 20-gauge adult-size version and a 20-gauge Youth model. All are equipped with 3-inch chambers. The adult models are available with 26- or 28-inch barrels and a 14.5-inch length of pull, while the Youth model features a 22-inch barrel with a 13.5-inch length of pull. The 12-gauge ships with five interchangeable choke tubes (F, M, IM,

IC, and Skeet). The 20-gauge models ship with three tubes (F, M, and IC). The Escort V3 choke tubes use the same thread pattern as the Remington Model 1100 and will accept additional tubes in that thread pattern. All models feature a Turkish walnut stock and forend with a satin finish, large slide-release buttons, a fiber-optic front sight, and sling-swivel studs. The new Pointer Slug Gun Set is a twobarrel combo available in either pump or semiauto. Both models ship with a chrome-lined 28-inch barrel and three Mobile choke tubes. A 24-inch rifled slug barrel joins the set and features a tang scope mount. Magazine capacity is five, and the Pointer Slug set will be offered in both 12 and 20 gauge. Lastly, a new camo finish will be available in the Escort line of semi-auto shotguns. The Escort Yote camo finish, as the name implies, looks like a coyote and is suitable for many background types. It will be available in the Yote Camo Synthetic Stock 12-gauge ($589), which offers a 28-inch barrel, five interchangeable choke tubes, and a 14-inch length of pull. The Yote Camo Synthetic Stock 20-gauge ($475) has similar dimensions but just three choke tubes. The Yote Camo Synthetic Stock Youth model ($485) has a 22-inch

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shotguns 2015

Remington The all-new V3 12-gauge semi-auto (here shown in Mossy Oak Shadow Grass camo) uses a compact receiver.

barrel. Length of pull is 13 inches, and the gun comes with three choke tubes. (legacysports .com)

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REMINGTON

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î The new 12-gauge V3 handles both 2 ¾and 3-inch shells using the compact SASG2 Gas System. This gas system places the gas ports directly in front of the receiver; this not only provides a selfcleaning action, but it changes forend design to produce a central, between-the-hands balance point that Remington claims promotes more instinctive point-and-swing characteristics. It also allows the use of a more compact receiver. Additional features include a rotating bolt head for superior round control and increased reliability, a reduced bolt retraction force, and a buttstock that does not feature a recoil spring (and thus allows more flexibility in buttstock design, including upcoming folding tactical stocks). A light-contour ventilated rib barrel further optimizes swing characteristics. All models use Rem. Choke 2 interchangeable choke tubes, and

feature a 14 ¼-inch length of pull. The V3 will be available in the following configurations: The V3 Field Sport 12/28 RC VT SYN-BLK ($895) features a black synthetic field stock, a 3-round magazine capacity, and a 28-inch barrel. The V3 Field Sport 12/26 RC VT SYN-BLK ($895) is the same gun with a 26-inch barrel. The V3 Field Sport 12/28 RC VT SYN-BLK ($995) offers the Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades finish on the receiver and stock. The V3 Field Sport 12/26 RC VT SYN RT APG ($995) features a 26-inch barrel with a Realtree APG finish on the stock and receiver. The V3 Field Sport RC VT ($995) is available with a satinfinish walnut stock in 26- and 28-inch barrels. (remington.com)

SAVAGE ARMS î The Stevens 555 ($692) over/under is available in 12 and 20 gauge. Both guns are chambered for 3-inch shells and feature a Turkish walnut stock, a single selective mechanical trigger, shell extractors, a tang-mounted safety, and chrome-lined barrels threaded for

interchangeable chokes tubes. A selection of five tubes is supplied. The actions are built on aluminum-alloy receivers, with steel inserts, and are properly scaled to the gauge. The 12-gauge 555 features 28-inch barrels with a 14 ⅜-inch length of pull and a 2 ⅛-inch drop and comb. Overall length is 44 ⅞ inches; empty weight is 6 pounds. The 20-gauge model features a 26-inch barrel and a 14 ⅜-inch length of pull. Drop at comb is 2 ¼ inches. (savage arms.com)

WEATHERBY î The Orion I over/ under ($1,099) uses the proven Orion lowprofile steel receiver with a 12-gauge 3-inch chamber, features a walnut stock, and comes with a 26- or 28-inch lightweight, chromelined, vented barrel. Other features include a brass bead front sight and Weatherby IMC chokes in IC, M, and F. The new SA-08 Waterfowler ($799) is a lightweight (6.5 pounds) syntheticstocked semi-auto in 12-gauge fully covered in Realtree Max-5 camo. It is offered with 26- or 28-inch barrels,

and IMC choke tubes (IC, M, and F) are included. The SA-08 Kryptek ($699) is a 20-gauge semi-auto designed for younger shooters. It has a 12.5inch length of pull, a 24-inch vent-rib barrel with a brass bead front sight, and the supplied choke tubes are IC, M, and F. The synthetic stock is fully dipped in a Kryptek Highlander camo finish. The SA-08 Volt ($699) is the same shotgun with a brightgreen spatter paint finish. Both weigh a trim 5.75 pounds. In the pump-action line, the PA-08 Synthetic Compact ($399) offers a synthetic stock and a 12.5-inch length of pull for younger shooters. It is chambered for 20 gauge and has a 22-inch vent-rib barrel and brass bead front sight. It ships with IC, M, and F choke tubes. The PA-08 Waterfowler ($429) is a pump-action chambered for 12 gauge that is offered with 26- or 28-inch vent-rib barrels. It boasts a synthetic stock in Realtree Max-5 camo and comes with choke tubes in IC, M, and F. The PA-08 Turkey ($429) is essentially the same gun as the

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shotguns 2015 Waterfowler, but with Realtree Xtra Green camo and a 22-inch barrel. As such, it comes with a single Full choke tube. The SA-08 Turkey ($799) is a semi-auto available in 12 or 20 gauge with a synthetic stock covered in Realtree Xtra green camo. The 22-inch barrel features a vent rib with a fiber-optic front sight; a Picatinny rail mount is included for mounting optics. It ships with one XF choke tube. The PA-08 Turkey ($599) features all the attributes of the SA-08 Turkey, but in a pump-action. (weatherby.com)

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WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS

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î Winchester Repeating Arms will now offer its SXP pump shotgun in 20-gauge models for 2015. A SXP Field 20-gauge and SXP Field Compact 20-gauge will feature a satin-finished stock and forearm, an alloy receiver in black-matte finish, and an Inflex Technology recoil pad ($429.99). The new SXP Black Shadow in 20 gauge ($399.99) will feature the synthetic stock and forearm with textured gripping surfaces with black-matte finish. Also new for 2015 are the SXP Ultimate Defender ($499.99) and Marine Defender ($539.99) models in 12 gauge. Both feature black synthetic stocks in

matte finish with textured gripping surfaces. A Ghost Ring rear sight is integrated into the receiver-mounted Picatinny rail. Frontmounted Picatinny rails allow mounting optional tactical lights or lasers. A Breacher choke tube is also included. The Ultimate Marine Defender will feature matte hard chrome plating on the barrel, magazine tube, slide arms, and other tactical components. The new SXP Turkey Hunter model will be offered in 12 and 20 gauge. Both have synthetic stocks and each will feature the new Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camo pattern and 24-inch barrels with Truglo fiber-optic adjustable sights. The SXP Turkey Hunter 12-gauge ($519.99) has 3 ½-inch chambering; the SXP Turkey Hunter 20-gauge ($549.99) features 3-inch chambers. The Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo pattern will be available on the SX3 Universal Hunter semiauto 12- and 20-gauge models ($1,239.99). The camo will also be found on the SX3 NWTF Cantilever Turkey in both the 12-gauge 3 ½-inch and the 20-gauge 3-inch versions ($1,199.99), as well as the 12-gauge 3 ½-inch SX3 Long Beard Turkey with a pistol-grip stock and Invector-Plus Briley Extra–Full Long Beard extended choke tube ($1,269.99). (winchester

Winchester The SX3 12-gauge Ultimate Defender (left) features a black synthetic stock in matte finish with textured gripping surfaces. The SX3 pistol-grip Long Beard (right) is a 12-gauge semi-auto set up for 3.5-inch shells.

guns.com)

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handguns 2015

Despite numerous advances in handgun design, John Browning’s 1911 remains one of the most popular handguns around—and this year sees some interesting new models on that platform. At the same time, a moonclip-fed 9mm Ruger LCP will surely garner a lot of attention, as will a new concealed-carry ACP from Taurus.

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BROWNING

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î For 2015, Browning will introduce the Black Label 1911-380 semi-auto pistol (SRP: $669.99), which combines two of John M. Browning’s original inventions—the 1911 pistol and the .380 ACP cartridge. The Black Label is scaled down to 85 percent of the size of a .45 ACP 1911 handgun. This new single-action 1911 is built upon a precision-crafted composite frame and is made in the U.S. Features include an extended ambidextrous safety, a beavertail-grip safety, a skeletonized hammer, and a machined steel slide that wears fixed combat-style sights. With a 4.25-inch barrel, it has an overall length of 7.5 inches and weighs 17.5 ounces empty. The

finish is black matte, and the magazine holds 8 rounds. It ships with an ABS case. (browning.com)

CZ-USA/ DAN WESSON î A new 1911, a special limited-edition CZ 75, and some interesting new guns from Dan Wesson make up CZ’s new handgun introductions this year. The first “Made in the USA” handgun to bear the CZ name is, appropriately, a 1911. The CZ 1911 A1 ($839) is a governmentsize model that is built without a trigger safety, as many 1911 aficionados prefer. It is constructed with a forged carbon-steel frame and slide, finished in blackmatte oxide, and ships

with two 7-round magazines. The 1911 A1 was the designation for the improved model adopted in 1924. CZ’s A1 largely stays true to those specifications, with a few deviations. It is equipped with a serrated slide stop, a magazine catch, and mainspring housing, and features checkered walnut grips. The lanyard loop has been omitted. The barrel is stainless steel with a 1:16 twist. Additional features include an aluminum trigger and a slightly higher rear sight than the original. The ramp front sight is dovetailed into the slide to allow shooters to more easily install other sight options if they choose. The trigger is factorytuned to 5 pounds.

Browning The Black Label 1911380 semi-auto combines the 1911 design with the .380 ACP cartridge. The singleaction is built on a precision-crafted composite frame and is made in the USA.

During its 40 years of service, the CZ 75 has become one of the most widely used handguns among police and military worldwide. As a result, it is one of the most copied designs. To celebrate the 40th anniversary, CZ will issue a special-edition 40th Anniversary CZ 75 9mm ($1,499). Only 1,000 guns will be produced. The anniversary model is based on the CZ 75B and features a highly polished blue-steel slide and frame. The slide and frame feature intricate hand engravings by CZ’s master engraver Rene Ondra in the Czech Republic. The operating controls (slide release, thumb safety, magazine release, extractor, grip screws, and magazine base plate) are finished in rainbow titanium nitride. The grip panels are made with a smooth, high-grade California maple that has been dyed to complement the overall appearance of the 40th Anniversary model. The gun ships with two 16-round magazines and a leatherbound hard case. Under CZ’s Dan Wesson banner, three new handguns join the product line this year, including an updated version of Wesson’s highly accurate double-

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handguns 2015

CZ-USA The 805 Bren PS1 pistol (top) is a civilian-legal version of the CZ 805 Bren chambered for

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.223/5.56mm. The barrel is 11 inches long. The Dan Wesson Silverback (bottom) is the only two-toned 1911 in the DW line. It will be available in .45 ACP and 10mm. The stainless-steel frame is finished in a Duty Black nitride finish and wears G10 full-thickness grips.

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action revolver. The original Dan Wesson double-action .357 Magnum revolver achieved an enviable reputation for rugged construction and accuracy, which was enhanced by the unique tension barrel system, the forward crane latch, and the rear ball detent lockup. Interchangeable barrels, barrel shrouds, and grips made it a versatile gun. This year the Dan Wesson Model 715 ($1,168) ships with a 6-inch barrel and heavy shroud in a custom Dan Wesson hard case that includes cutouts to hold additional interchangeable barrel/shroud assemblies (as well as the wrench to properly remove and install them). The new Model 715 accepts all Dan Wesson barrels and grips from the 15-2 and

newer models. The new DW Valkyrie .45 ACP ($2,012), a variation of the CCO, has a Commander-length slide on a compact Officer frame. The gun includes all the latest upgrades of the CCO platform, including Dan Wesson’s ECO frame and recessed slide stop hole paired with ball cuts on the slide’s dust cover and carry cuts up front. Along with slim G10 grips, it utilizes the same sights and controls as the Dan Wesson ECO with the barrel and bushing of the CCO. The new Dan Wesson Silverback is currently the only two-toned 1911 in the Dan Wesson line. It features a stainless-steel slide with polished flats and is equipped with adjustable target-style tritium sights and the Razorback rib and ball

cuts on the dust cover. The stainless-steel frame is finished in a Duty Black nitride finish and wears G10 full-thickness grips. It will be available in .45 ACP ($1,883) and 10mm ($2,064). The CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Pistol ($849) is a 9mm civilian-legal semi-auto version of CZ’s famous Scorpion sub-machine gun. With a black composite finish, it features a blowback action with a 7.75inch barrel. The newly designed low-profile sights consist of a fixedpost front sight and an adjustable rear sight with four different apertures that can quickly shift the point of impact from close to distant targets. The sights ride on a Picatinny rail that allow for the easy mounting of optics. Additional features

include ambidextrous controls and a nonreciprocating charging handle that can be swapped to either side. The trigger reach is adjustable. One accessory item is the arm-brace adapter that can quickly add an MSR-style buffer tube to the rear of the action for added stability. Two 20-round magazines are included. The new CZ 805 Bren PS1 Pistol ($1,982) is a civilian-legal semi-auto version of the CZ 805 Bren. It has an 11-inch barrel that features a two-port muzzle brake. Chambered for .223/5.56mm, the action is housed in a one-piece aluminum upper receiver with a Picatinny rail and uses STANG magazines (two 30-round magazines are included). It uses the same sight system as the Scorpion, along with the

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IVER JOHNSON ARMS î A very compact fourshot derringer and a long-slide 1911 highlight Iver Johnson’s new handgun offerings for 2015. The Frontier Four is about as compact as a handgun can get. The single-action derringer is chambered for .22LR and features a 2-inch barrel. The overall length is only 4 inches, and it weighs a scant 5.6 ounces. Constructed from stainless steel, it has a fourshot capacity and utilizes a unique rotating firing pin to handle the four chambers with one shot per trigger pull. Whether for sport or home defense, the 1911 .45 ACP remains one of the most popular handguns on the market. For 2015, Iver Johnson goes a step beyond with the introduction of the Eagle XL ($870). This blue-steel 1911 utilizes a 6-inch barrel long-slide configuration. Among its features are an adjustable rear sight with a dovetailed front sight, a skeletonized hammer and trigger, a beavertail grip safety, front and rear angled slide serrations, a lowered and flared ejection port, an extended slide stop, and an extended single-side thumb safety. Empty

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(iverjohnson.com)

KAHR ARMS î Four new models and line upgrades join the Kahr semi-auto concealed-carry handgun line this year, along with a new Auto Ordnance 1911 .45 ACP. The CT9093 9mm ($369) features a full-size polymer frame with a matte stainless-steel slide and drift-adjustable bar-dot sights. The 3.95-inch barrel gives it an overall length of 6.5 inches. Height is 5.08 inches and empty weight with magazine is 20.6 ounces. The pistol ships with one 8-round magazine. The new CT380 .380 ACP ($399) features a 3-inch barrel. Overall length is 5.52 inches, height is 5.3 inches, and it weighs 11.44 ounces empty. The pistol has a black polymer frame with textured grips and 4140 steel inserts molded in front and back for added rigidity. The action is a locked-breech modified Browning recoil lug that locks open on an empty magazine. The safe-cam DAO operating system is the same as that found on other Kahr pistols. Sights are the Kahr driftadjustable white bar-dot pattern with a pinnedin-front polymer blade. The Kahr CW9 in purple ($435) is a version of this popular 9mm pistol with a purple polymer frame. It features a 3.5-inch barrel. Overall length is 5.9 inches, and

the compact frame gives it a height of only 4.5 inches. Drift-adjustable bar-dot white sights and a 7+1 capacity complete the package. The CW380 in purple ($404) gets the same purple polymer frame treatment as the CW9 (and also shares the drift-adjustable white bar-dot combat sights). It features a 6+1 capacity in .380 ACP. Overall length is 4.96 inches, height is 3.9 inches, and the empty weight is 10.2 ounces. Lastly, from the Auto Ordnance side of Kahr comes the 1911BKO ($571). This is a GI-spec 5-inch barrel .45 ACP

1911. It features a 7-round magazine, a drift-adjustable rear sight with a blade front, and an empty weight of 39 ounces. Finished in black matte, the grip panels are brown checkered. (kahrarms.com)

MAGNUM RESEARCH î A new 1911 .45 ACP and a new finish for the Desert Eagle highlight Magnum Research’s 2015 lineup. The DE1911GSS ($904) is a full-size 1911 single-action semi-auto chambered for .45 ACP. It features a 5.05-inch barrel, a trigger pull factory set between 3 and 4 pounds, a stainless-steel

Kahr The Auto Ordnance 1911 BKO (top) is a G.I.-spec 5-inch-barrel in .45 ACP. The Cw9 (bottom) features a 3.5-inch barrel.

january 2015

(cz-usa.com)

weight is 42 ounces, and its length is 9.75 inches.

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accessory arm-brace adapter. The rear of the action features a multipurpose mounting point that is fit from the factory with a singlepoint sling attachment.

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handguns 2015

Magnum Research The MarkXIX Desert

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Eagle is now available in a new Cerakote Burnt Bronze finish.

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matte-finished frame with black appointments, checkered wood grips, and a high-profile rear sight that is drift-adjustable for windage with a serrated and pinned front-sight blade. The MarkXIX Desert Eagle has been around for a while and is a proven platform in either .50AE or .44 Magnum. For 2015, it will come in a new Cerakote Burnt Bronze finish ($1,696) that will be available exclusively through Bill Hicks & Co. Ltd.

magazines), lasers, and accessories as the original. It features a blued through-hardened alloy steel slide, a one-piece glass-filled nylon frame with aggressive checkering, a grip extension magazine floorplate, a 7-round magazine, and adjustable three-dot sights. The 17.2-ounce pistol has a 3.12-inch barrel. Overall length is 6 inches, height is 4.5 inches. Additional features include an inte-

grated trigger safety, a magazine disconnect, and a visible inspection port to show a loaded chamber. It ships with one inert magazine for safe disassembly, one 7-round magazine, a soft case, and a cablelocking device. Introduced in 2009, the Ruger LCR polymerframed DA revolver has expanded from its original .38 Special+P offering to include .357 Magnum, .22 WMR, and .22 LR. For 2015, Ruger now introduces the 9mm LCR ($599) to the line. Chambered for five rounds of 9mm and fed by moonclips (three moonclips ship with the gun; additional clips are available), its pinned replaceable ramp front sight allows elevation adjustment. The 9mm LCR sports the same polymer-frame DAfiring-action stainlesssteel cylinder and 1.875inch barrel, fixed

U-notch rear sight, and Hogue grips as the .38 Special version. (ruger.com)

SMITH & WESSON ĂŽ The new M&P22 Compact Pistol ($389) is chambered for .22LR and is 15 percent smaller than the full-size 9mm/.40-caliber M&Ps. It features a 10-round magazine capacity (it ships with two 10-round magazines), ambidextrous manual safety, and reversible magazine release. The trigger is factory set at 5.8 pounds. A Picatinny dust-cover rail accommodates accessory lights or lasers. The 3.65-inch barrel is threaded to accommodate suppressors and is shipped with a threaded protective muzzle cap. The barrel material is carbon steel with an aluminum-alloy slide and a polymer frame.

(magnumresearch.com)

RUGER ĂŽ The double-actiononly inertia-firing LC9 has proven to be a popular and reliable handgun. This year, Ruger announces a new version of the LC9 9mm. The new LC9 9mm features a newly designed trigger mechanism that provides a striker-fired action with a shorter, lighter trigger pull than the original LC9. It uses the same holsters, magazines (including extended

Ruger The double-action semi-auto LC9 now features a redesigned trigger mechanism that provides striker-fired action.

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handguns 2015

Smith & Wesson The M&P22 Compact (left) is 15 percent smaller than a regular-size M&P. Performance Center M&P Pistols (right) will be available in 9mm and .40 S&W. Ported barrels and slides reduce recoil and rise, and a textured backstrap helps shooters custom-fit the pistol to their hand.

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Sights are a white-dot front with a two-whitedot rear that is adjustable for windage and elevation. Overall length is 6.65 inches. Empty weight is 15.03 ounces. From the Smith & Wesson Performance

Shop, this year will see a new series of ported M&P pistols designed for competition use. The series includes 9mm and .40 S&W pistols in barrel lengths of 4.25 and 5 inches. All include ported barrels and slides to reduce

recoil and rise. Additional features include a user-adjustable trigger stop, three palmswell grips with a textured backstrap to allow users to custom-fit the pistol to their hand, a Performance Center sear that produces a 4.5pound trigger pull with a fast reset, and removable mounting brackets that allow shooters to install a variety of popular competition red-dot sights. S&W has added higher iron sights to the slide to allow their use in concordance with mounted optics. Magazine capacity is 17 (9mm) and 15 (.40 S&W), and the guns accept standard M&P

Taurus this innovative .380 ACP has been specially designed for concealed carry. about the size of a smartphone, it follows the contour of the owner’s body so it will be “print-free.”

magazines. (smithwesson.com)

TAURUS î The new, patented Curve is a concealedcarry .380 ACP designed to be contoured to the body and therefore comfortable and “print-free” in any position on its carrier. About the size of a smartphone, this little USA-manufactured double-action-only semi-auto pistol packs 6+1 rounds in a highly concealable 5.18-inch package. Features include a matte-blue carbon-steel slide and a stainless-steel barrel, a loaded-chamber indicator, and an integrated LaserLyte LED lightlaser system. In addition, the gun comes with the Taurus Security System for long-term locking storage. SRP: $392. (taurususa.com)

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GOOD STUFF

B Y S L AT O N L . W H I T E

A Better Way

Camp Chef is dedicated to the notion that eating well should be part of the hunting experience

eer camp checklist circa 1975: Rifle? Check. Ammo? Check. Knife? Check. Maalox? Double check. When I began deer hunting nearly 40 years ago, that last item was as crucial to a successful hunt as any of the others. That’s because food in camp in those days rarely rose above the quality of fare served in Josef Stalin’s infamous gulags. But we soldiered on, downing overdone venison, potatoes and eggs swimming in grease, and coffee that burned a hole through the lining of your stomach. No more. Today’s hunters expect to eat well in camp, and that trend is one of the driving forces behind the success of Camp Chef, a Utah-based manufacturer of outdoor cooking equipment. Founded in 1990 by Ty Measom, from the beginning the company was dedicated to the idea that there had to be a better way to cook outdoors. Measom was convinced that many campers and outdoorsmen had an interest in outdoor cooking but were hampered by the quality of the cooking equipment that was then available. So, he set to work building an improved stove. The result was the Pro 60, a design that has “evolved to include a versatile cooking system, complete with a wide range of welldesigned accessories, which help any outdoorsman create a memorable meal while outdoors,” says marketing director Steve McGrath. I first encountered Camp Chef while hunting turkeys at a Cabela’s tent camp in the Sand Hills of Nebraska. With McGrath at the helm, we ate like kings. Last fall, I hunted ducks in Utah with McGrath, and just like in turkey camp, we ate well. Consider this: After lying in a layout boat for a couple of hours on a chilly morning, watching the sun rise over the Wasatch Mountains, you come in for a hot cup of coffee and breakfast pizza prepared in the Camp Chef Pizza Oven ($171 for the two-burner stove, $182 for the three-burner).

Over the years, Camp Chef has broadened its line to include cast-iron cookware as well as gear designed with the backyard chef in mind. “However, the roots of the company are in the great outdoors, and we continue to give people the opportunity to experience nature without sacrificing a hearty meal,” says McGrath. New for 2015 is the Stryker Series of stoves and cookware, the company’s modern take on the classic backpacker stove. “The Stryker will be available in models that burn isobutene or propane, as well as a model capable of burning both fuels,” says McGrath. “This now gives people the option of using disposable pro-

Camp Chef’s modern take on the classic backpacker stove is the new dual-fuel Stryker.

pane canisters with lightweight camp stoves.” To reduce cooking time and fuel consumption, the Stryker is designed with Heat Ring technology, which increases heat efficiency by 30 percent. The ring creates a larger surface area that effectively captures and transfers heat for a rapid boil. It takes just two minutes to boil a half-liter of water. The stove comes with a trilegged stand, a burner with matchless ignition, an insulated 1.3-liter cup, and a serving bowl. Components pack inside the insulated cup. The stove weighs 8.3 ounces (not including fuel), and a mesh carry bag is included. SRP: butane, $70; propane, $80; multi-fuel, $105.

Accessories include a 1.5-liter teapot with Heat Ring technology and a pot/pan set. All in all, sounds like a perfect deal for spike camp. If you’re not currently carrying Camp Chef, McGrath believes it’s in your interest to do so. “I think it’s hugely important for shooting-sports retailers to look at this market,” he says. “Maybe most important, it helps diversify what you’re offering, and that helps bring in new customers. For example, the person coming in to look at outdoor cooking gear may not be interested in guns or ammo, but in the process he can get exposed to the other things you sell. In fact, we’ve seen a big uptick with specialty retailers on the gun side picking up cooking gear and diversifying their audience.” McGrath says that retailers interested in Camp Chef should “cherry-pick the line. There’s no need to get a full line at first. Our sales reps know which items sell best in particular areas, and they can help you get started with five or six items that should do well for you.” McGrath also notes that a renewed interest in emergency preparedness is helping to drive sales of the type of gear that is Camp Chef ’s specialty. “The kinds of storms we’ve had over the past few years, and the power outages that go with them, has helped spur sales of our stoves and ovens.” Overall, Camp Chef helps make good eating fun. (800783-8347; campchef.com)

56 ❚ SHOT BUSINESS ❚ JANUARY 2015

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W H AT ’ S S E L L I N G W H E R E

West

Armory, NVCarson Mound House

Located northeast of Carson City, this medium-size shop of 5,000 square feet keeps nearly 200 guns in stock. Sales of modern sporting rifles continue to decline. Smith & Wesson M&P 15s and Diamondbacks are taking the lion’s share of turns. “Our .22 MSR sales have fallen to the lowest numbers we’ve seen—all because of ammo availability,” said owner Eileen Ferguson. Handgun sales are brisk, however, and have stayed consistent throughout the last 10 months. Ruger LCRs, Smith M&P Shields, and Glock 42s all sit at the top of the chart. Tactical shotguns, like the Remington 870 Express and the Mossberg 500, are selling better than they have in months. Ammo inventories are better than average, yet .22 is still in short supply.

Fort, MTThe Big Timber

Employing 15 people and stocking more than 1,000 guns, this busy independent inventories shooting accessories, fishing tackle, gas, hot pizza, and some groceries. MSRs turn at two per week, with Rock River and DPMS in the lead. Although stocks of .22 ammo are below average, salesperson Colt Scheffert said it’s not a big problem. “I wouldn’t say we have piles of .22 ammo, but we have a good supply. Customers in rural Montana just don’t overreact they way they do in big cities.” Savage Axis rifles in .223 are the hottest bolt-actions for varmint season. Ruger Americans in .243 are also doing well. Handguns are holding steady, with concealed-carry models pulling top numbers. M&P Shields are

Midwest

Kirkwood MO Outfitters, Kirkwood

Located in west St. Louis County, this small independent keeps an average of 350 firearms in stock. Two employees sell a mix of hunting and home defense. With the unrest in nearby Ferguson, along with protesters demonstrating a few miles to the west of this store, November and December saw record turns of firearms. Handguns sales have been a mix of Ruger LCPs and LC9 strikerfires along with heavy numbers of High Point 642s. Glocks are in high demand. The store couldn’t keep shotguns in stock. After turning all the Mossberg 500s it could get, Hawk brand shotguns from China were brought in to meet peak demand. Ammo shipments are improving but have not kept up with sales. This

retailer has started to receive tin .22 ammo. “I was told it’s being made for the California stores. Right now, it’s some of the only .22 ammo I can get,” said owner Dave Hart.

Midwest Gun Exchange, Mishawaka Nestled 10 miles

from the Michigan state line, this northern Indiana retailer pulls customers from three nearby states. The 8,000-square-foot facility keeps an average of 5,000 guns. Handgun sales are vigorous— everything from larger guns to small concealed-carry guns like Ruger LC9s and Smith M&P Shields. But demand is emerging for mid-size concealed carry. “That’s really started to gain steam and is capturing a larger part of our sales,” said salesperson Andy Fry. Ammo stocks have improved,

moving quickly, and SIG P320s and Rock Island 1911 Tactical FS II 10mms are also selling daily.

Sports CAStorm’s Arms, Palmdale

Located between Bakersfield and Los Angeles, this high-desert store is in its third year. Supplying both the tactical and hunting markets, it stocks an average of 300 firearms. MSRs are holding steady. Daniel Defense and Bravo Company rifles are the top sellers, but Windhams and Colts are garnering the most mid-priced MSR turns. “We are at a complex time, and on the verge of several laws and court cases capable of changing our market quickly,” said owner Eric Monjack. Handgun sales are strong. Glock 9mms and M&P Shields hold the top two spots. SIG is in third, but sales are based on availability.

though shipments of .22 and .22 Mag. are inconsistent. MSRs are moving at a moderate pace; Smith M&Ps pull the best numbers.

Superior WI Shooter’s Supply, Superior

Located a block from Lake Superior and a skip across the state line, this longstanding Duluth-area shop specializes in firearms, safes, reloading supplies, and soft goods. At the end of fall, this retailer maintained strong .22 rifle traffic because it held ammo to sell or give with each .22 gun sale. Smith Shields hold the top spot, with Ruger LC9s in a strong second. Other fast movers included J-Frame Smiths. MSRs have picked up slightly, and DPMS has become the go-to brand. Owner Pat Kukull also mentioned that gun safe sales have remained consistently high.

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B Y P E T E R B . M AT H I E S E N

East

Renaissance NH Firearms, Gonic

Just 15 miles from the coast, this New Hampshire merchant packs 500 firearms into fewer than 1,000 square feet. As hunting season ends, winter is one of the best times for handguns. “This is when we can sell an extra SKU to a regular customer—usually a new Glock G41 or a used concealed-carry,” said salesman Stewart Rainey. In addition to plenty of Glocks, several Springfield XDXs are crossing the counter. The most popular calibers are 9mm and .45. Mossberg 500s and Stoeger pumps are the primary shotguns moving, along with a few from UTAS. Benelli Vincis are also selling. Rock River Arms and Bushmaster lead the MSR lists, selling an average of four per month. Tikka boltactions in .243 are moving well for

South

Fort Chaffee AR Outfitters, Fort Smith

Keeping close to 400 guns in stock, this retailer maintains a brisk business by utilizing a wide variety of home-defense and hunting inventory to serve its clientele. MSRs are turning at less than one a week, predominantly DPMSs. Home-protection pump shotguns are selling well and are expected to continue to move through the winter. Remington 870 Expresses and a few of the Versamax have sold prior to turkey season. Handguns are holding steady. Smith Bodyguards and Ruger LC9s are selling the best. In this shop, 1911s are in high demand, and Kimbers and Nighthawks are attracting the most attention. “Our 1911 business grows a little bigger every few months. Almost all of our customers desire a custom-

varmint season. Ammo stocks are generally good; however, .22 is still in short supply.

Gun NYGray’s Shop, Lisbon

This shop’s specialties include handguns and used hunting rifles. Handgun sales are stronger than ever: Glock G41s top the chart, followed by Ruger LC9s. “Our used rack is showing greater profit,” said owner Scott Gray. “When we can turn a Marlin .30/30 or an Ithaca Model 37 at a good price, a customer just can’t say no.” Sales of hunting rifles are cooling. Savage Model 111s in .270 and .30/06 have pulled ahead. MSRs are slowing down to about one per month, with most of the inventory leaning toward Bushmasters. With the exception of .22 and .22 Mag., ammo stocks are above average.

made pistol and are willing to wait for it,” said salesman Bob Goad. Although ammo stocks are improving, the .22 inventory is inconsistent.

Chuck’s GA Firearms, Atlanta

Located in the heart of metro Atlanta, this retailer features collectibles, vintage military weapons, and higher-grade long guns. Shotguns are what’s selling here. Beretta 687s, along with 28- and 20-gauge Caesar Guerini over/ unders for quail, have moved well. In addition, a few Merkel side-by-sides have been sold. “Quail season is still a huge mover of fine guns for us,” said owner Jack Lesher. Sales of rifles have been slow. MSRs—Colt and SIG—are going out the door at an average of two per month. Handguns move consistently, notably Ed Brown 1911s and SIG

Firearms, PAIsland Pittsburgh

Located on an island in the Ohio River basin with only 800 square feet, this retailer uses the ceiling to display and hang more than 500 firearms. At the handgun counter, activity is high, and Glock 9mms and .40s hold the high ground, with SIG .357s in third. Owner Wayne Lyken reported that distributors have caught up with almost all handgun backorders. Ammo stock is finally building up. “I can’t order .22 ammo, but with a case here and there, we have a strong inventory of .22 Long and .22 Mag. for the first time in two years,” said Lyken. MSRs are moving at a rate of about one a week. Shotguns are strong, with tactical Mossberg 500s and Savage youth models performing the best.

MK 25s. Handgun ammo stocks are good, though .22 is in short supply.

Kirkpatrick’s TX Guns and Ammo, Laredo

With up to 500 guns in stock, this store offers a mix of personal-defense and hunting guns. MSRs are moving at one a week, with Colts and Smith M&Ps seeing the most turns. Sales of .22-caliber MSRs are flat, and didn’t sell even during the holiday season. “December and January used to be our sales peak for .22 rifles, but since our rimfire ammo stocks are so low, demand has dried up,” said counterperson Maria Gonzales. Bolt-action rifles are still receiving attention, generally with Savage Model 110s in .270. Handgun sales remain steady. Glocks and Berettas, mostly in 9mm, as well as Kimber 1911s, are receiving the most turns. JANUARY 2015 ❚ SHOT BUSINESS ❚ 59

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NEW PRODUCTS (Continued from page 62)

Thermacell ➤ The new water-resistant Repellent Camp Lantern provides a two-in-one benefit: It provides bright light and repels mosquitoes, black flies, and no-see-ums. The lantern uses Thermacell butane cartridges and repellent pads; each cartridge lasts 12 hours, each pad lasts 4. The repellent is a synthetic copy of the natural repellent found in chrysanthemums. With three light settings and an SOS for emergencies, the lantern globe can be detached to increase the intensity of the light for maximum brightness. The base hook also allows the lantern to be suspended from above for hands-free base camp operations. D-cell batteries (not included) provide 50 hours of light on the highest setting, and the battery life indicator turns from green to yellow to red as power drains. SRP: $49.95. (866-753-3837;

thermacell.com)

The Thermacell Repellent Camp Lantern has a weighted bottom so it can’t be easily tipped over.

For significantly more walking comfort during long, tough days in the mountains, a thick layer of Poron Technical Foam, which doesn’t compress under walking pressure, is built into the bottom. The uppers are lined in Turtleskin and leather to provide superb lower leg and ankle support and protection from jagged rocks. And to answer any customer who considers a 12-inch-high boot “too heavy,” this boot weighs 80 ounces, only 2.4 ounces more than a 10-inch model. The added height helps seal out water when crossing streams and offers more lowerleg support, as well. SRP: $540. (920361-2252; russellmoccasin.com)

ALPS Outdoorz ➤ ALPS

OutdoorZ has added three softsided cases, each of which uses durable 600D polyester outer fabric and heavy duty #10 zippers, to its product line. The Maverick ($44.99, brown; $54.99, Realtree Xtra) and Saratoga ($34.99, brown; $44.99, Realtree Xtra, $44.99) cases are available in models for both rifles and shotguns. The floatable Refuge ($44.99, Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades) is designed for shotguns only. (alpsoutdoorz.com)

Stealth Cam ➤ The new digital Night Vision Monocular (NVM) incorporates an advanced low-light CMOS Sensor that delivers true night vision with efficient power consumption. A 9X digital zoom achieves clarity beyond 400 feet, and the 1.5-inch high-res TFT display provides a superior viewable image quality. In addition, the NVM has an adjustable frame rate of 30FPS/25FPS/15FPS/8FPS, and the integrated IR filter also allows daytime use. The durable ABS high-impact housing protects the unit while the rubberized grip aids in handling while in cold or wet conditions. The unit is powered by four AA batteries (not included). SRP: $199.99.

(877-269-8490; gsmoutdoors.com/ stealth-cam)

Go to: www.ShotBusiness.com for free info.

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ALPS OutdoorZ’s soft-sided cases use durable 600D polyester and are available for shotguns and rifles.

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NEW PRODUCTS

Russell Moccasin

The new double-vamp Russell High Country Hunter Extreme replaces the venerable Russell High Country Hunter and Sheep Hunter models, both of which had been in the line since 1985. Given new technology and materials, the High Country Hunter Extreme ushers in a new era of support, comfort, protection, and performance. The boot features a new single-piece Air Bob Sole that bridges the gap between the arch and the ball of the foot for added support and vastly improved longevity, as well as an outside cleat pattern that helps the wearer stick to the mountain when sidehilling. The Extreme is also built with a True-Fit fiberglass shank—68 percent lighter than steel but equally as strong—that solidifies the arch area and makes the boot more rigid for sure-footed traction. (Continued on page 60)

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