SHOT Daily - Day 1 - 2020 SHOT Show

SHOOTING HUNTING OUTDOOR TRADE SHOW 1979–2020 NEW FIREARM ROUNDUP

FEATURES

NEWS

CVA’s first bolt-action delivers performance and value PAGE 60

Federal’s Custom Shop delivers custom-tuned loads PAGE 66

TRUE VALUE

BEHIND THE BUCKMARK

POWERFUL COMBINATION

SHOT Daily spotlights the latest offerings in rifles P. 12, shotguns P. 26, and handguns P. 34. Plus, we pull up new boots P. 42.

PREMIUM EXPERIENCE

Meopta stays focused on delivering superb optics at competitive prices PAGE 80

Browning works hard to protect its iconic logo PAGE 64

DAY 1, JANUARY 2 1, 2 02 0

THE DAILY NEWS OF THE 2020 LAS VEGAS SHOT SHOW BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE BONNIER CORPORATION AND THE NSSF

SAVAGE LAUNCHES NEW SEMI-AUTO SHOTGUN

SHOT Show 2020 Opens

W

elcome to SHOT Show 2020! This is the 42nd SHOT Show, and we are absolutely thrilled to share this week with 60,000 of our closest friends and associates. We sincerely hope you have a successful show experience. I can assure you that our dedicated team of professionals has done everything possible to make the SHOT Show a vibrant and effective venue in which to conduct business and connect with the best and brightest folks this industry has to offer. Around here, planning and preparing for the SHOT Show is a year-round endeavor.

I am very proud of the work our team does, and we sincerely hope you will benefit from their efforts.

There is so much to take in at a SHOT Show that it might seem a bit overwhelming at times. What I tell all first-time (and even the more “seasoned”) attendees is to make sure you have a plan while on the show floor, then stick to it. The SHOT Show offers the very best of what our industry is, from important and insightful educational opportunities to numerous networking and social events, great new products, and, most important, some of the finest people you will ever meet, all in one place at the same time. Oh, and comfortable shoes are a must!

We are fiercely proud that despite the rhetoric and invectives hurled at our industry by some politicians and by many of the media outlets, we can proudly showcase the lawful and legiti-

mate products we offer. There is no better place to show the entire world what the lawful commerce in firearms, ammunition, and accessories looks like than at SHOT. On behalf of the entire team of professionals here at the National Shooting Sports Foundation, your industry’s trade association and the owner of the 2020 SHOT Show, I thank you for being a part of this year’s show and wish you every success, both at the show and for the entire year.

Sincerely,

Joseph H. Bartozzi President and CEO, NSSF

The Savage Renegauge just may change the way you think about semi-automatic shotguns. The Renegauge can handle hot high-brass loads as well as mild lowrecoil shells with the same dependability. The patented D.R.I.V. (Dual Regulating Inline Valve) gas system ensures excess gas vents before it drives the bolt, resulting in consistent ejection, less felt recoil, and a fast cycling rate. In addition, the Renegauge has been designed to fit almost any shooter, since everything from length of pull to comb height and drop at heel can be adjusted to fit.

A ventilated rib, oversize controls, and a competitionready easy-loading magazine port are standard.

“We’re thrilled to showcase our new Americanmade semi-automatic shotgun at the 2020 SHOT Show,” says Savage president and CEO Al Kasper.

“The Renegauge is the culmination of almost seven years of hard work. The Renegauge is also another way Savage is demonstrating our commitment to our customers and consumers.”

SRP: $1,449, Field; $1,549, Turkey and Waterfowl.

Booth #15327. (savagearms.com)

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Slaton L. White, Editor James A. Walsh, Art Director Margaret M. Nussey, Managing Editor David Maccar, Special Projects Editor David E. Petzal, Shooting Editor Judith Weber, Production Manager

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Larry Ahlman, Barbara Baird, Scott Bestul, Philip Bourjaily, Christopher Cogley, Jock Elliott, Shannon Farlow, Tim Irwin, William F. Kendy, Richard Mann, Peter B. Mathiesen, Brian McCombie, Tom Mohrhauser, Robert Sadowski, Robert F. Staeger, Peter Suciu, Wayne Van Zwoll

Colin Kearns, Group Editorial Director Gregory D. Gatto, Executive Vice President, Bonnier Media ADVERTISING: 212-779-5316

Jeff Timm, Vice President, Sales Jeff Roberge, Advertising Director Katie Logan, Advertising Director Amanda Gastelum, Integrated Marketing Director

BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Tara Bisciello, Business Manager

MANUFACTURING

Kelly Kramer Weekely, Associate Production Director

BONNIER Chairman, Jens Mueffelmann Chief Executive Officer, Eric Zinczenko Chief Financial Officer, Joachim Jaginder Executive Vice President, Bonnier Media, Gregory D. Gatto Executive Vice President, Bonnier Subscriptions, David Ritchie Senior Vice President, Consumer Products, Elise Contarsy Senior Vice President, Events, Jonathan Moore Senior Vice President, Digital Operations, David Butler Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Corporate Sales, John Graney Vice President, Public Relations, Perri Dorset Vice President, Data Science and Analytics, Mark Crone Vice President, Enterprise Solutions, Shawn Macey General Counsel, Jeremy Thompson Human Resources Director, Kim Putman

SHOT Business (ISSN 1081-8618) is published 6 times a year in January, 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 28, issue 2, Copyright Š 2020 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.

For editorial inquiries, visit Venetian Level 3, San Polo 3501, in the Sands Expo & Convention Center.

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NEWS

That Old West Feeling

The Marlin Model 1894CB is perfect for Cowboy Action

By Michael R. Shea

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he Marlin 1894CB is a handy, reliable, good-looking lever-action chambered in .38 Special/.357 Mag. The “CB” stands for “cowboy,” and while it’s not a .45 Colt or .44/40, it’s a gun John Wayne could definitely have gotten behind. Modern-day Cowboy Action shooters know the secret to winning an Old West gunfight is speed, and that’s where the 1894CB really shines. Soft-recoiling .38 loads, rather than traditional calibers, equal faster stage runs. It’s just that simple: Less recoil equals faster transitions between targets—and better Cowboy Action times.

Marlin is well aware of that target buyer. The 1894CB has a first-class Old West feel—with a few touches geared for modern performance. The metalwork is excellent. The receiver and bolt are cut from solid stock, and the bluing is among the very best. Receiver, bolt, lever, magazine, and the 20-inch octagonal barrel have elegant matte-black bluing that matches the American black walnut forend and stock. There’s no checkering or high gloss anywhere on the rifle. It has a plain, utilitarian style that looks

timeless—as at home on the range or in a match as it is in a saddle boot.

Customizing Marlin lever guns is a booming cottage industry, especially for those Cowboy Action games. But unless you’re a competitor, this rifle doesn’t need much. After several hundred rounds, I had zero loading, feeding, firing, or ejection issues.

This Marlin just runs. It’s fast to shoulder, quick to point, and accurate.

Everything I’ve put through it in .357 or .38 Special has shot 3 inches or better at 50 yards. The

The Marlin 1894CB lever-action has a first-class Old West feel, one of the main reasons it remains a popular choice for Cowboy Action shooters.

trigger on my test model pulled at 7.5 pounds.

Lighter would be better for most shooters, but there is none of the creep or grittiness that has plagued some earlier 1894s.

While cowboys might want to tune their 1894s, I’m leaving this one alone.

Right out of the the box, it’s perfect for deer hunting, be it food-plot sitting or as a walkaround deer

rifle when shots are within 100 yards or so. It’s fast, accurate, and points like a high-dollar dog. The Duke would approve. SRP: $1,158. Booth #14229. (marlinfirearms.com)

KIDS & CLAYS RAISES RECORD AMOUNT FOR CRITICALLY ILL CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES What started with a single sporting clays event to help critically ill children and their families has grown into a decades-long national organization benefiting hundreds of thousands of families each year. In 2019, the organization raised a new record amount: $1.8 million.

The Kids & Clays Foundation supports a national series of sporting clays events, the proceeds of which benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Ronald McDonald Houses provide housing and other help to critically ill children and their families across the country.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has been a key sponsor and advocate of the Kids & Clays Foundation for 20 years. They are the title sponsor of the New Haven House event in Connecticut, as well as supporting the Valhalla, New York, sporting clays shoot and other events nationwide.

“You can see firsthand the benefits of supporting the Kids & Clays Foundation by visiting any of the partner Houses across the country,” says Chris Dolnack, NSSF Senior Vice President and CMO. “This is simply a cause that we must support, and we encourage all companies to get involved. Every dollar, whether it be cash or product, makes a great difference in the

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lives of so many.”

Founded in 1999 by McDonald’s owneroperators Glenn and Kathy Lubeznik of Michigan City, Indiana, the first Kids & Clays Foundation/RMHC event raised $15,800 for the Chicago House. In 2019, the Kids & Clays Foundation series of events has grown to 26 and has raised more than $20 million net to date to help children and their families.

“This success and support of Ronald McDonald Houses is only possible with the help of dozens of key companies and individuals within our outdoors community,” says Bill Keyser, owner of Keyser Industries and president of Kids & Clays.

“Our events are proof about how shooting enthusiasts are making a large difference in the lives of numerous critically ill children and their families from coast to coast. I can’t think of a better charity to support.”

Kids & Clays (Booth #2431) also relies on sponsors, from suppliers to McDonald’s Corporation, to fulfill its mission. To see all of the companies who donate funds, time, and merchandise for the cause, go to kidsandclays.com/sponsors. To see the 2020 schedule of Kids & Clays Foundation/RMHC shooting events and promotion sites, go to kidsandclays.com.

DAY 1, JANUARY 21, 2020 Q SHOT BUSINESS DAILY Q 5

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NEWS

Mossy Oak Enters the Stream

Mossy Oak GO streams outdoors content across varied platforms

By Brian McCombie

W Viewers can download the Mossy Oak GO app through a preferred streaming platform and start watching free, uninterrupted outdoors entertainment.

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Floating Knife Sport

eekly, it seems, yet another business in the shooting sports industry reports the same situation: Their company’s Facebook or Instagram page was blocked or even shut down due to complaints that they had posted inappropriate content. Usually, “inappropriate” means the posts concerned hunting or firearms, the lifeblood of our industry.

When industry people get together and discuss this situation, invariably someone says, “We should start our own media platform where we can share our videos without interference.” A number of companies have done just this, including Mossy Oak, a pillar of the outdoors industry.

“The messaging from the shooting sports and the outdoors industries is continuously being hindered by an anti–Second Amendment and anti-hunting agenda,” says Ben Maki, Mossy Oak’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “And it has carried over into the realm of social media, with our posts scrutinized to no end by the social media companies themselves.”

To help remedy this situation, Mossy Oak GO, a streaming television provider for all things outdoors, was launched in 2018.

Mossy Oak GO provides free, original outdoors video content suited for hunters, saltwater and freshwater anglers, land managers, conservation enthusiasts, and shooting sports aficionados.

Campers, hikers, adventure seekers, culinary dabblers, and others interested in the outdoors will find content for them at Mossy Oak GO, too. The site also offers a vast library of online videos for those who live the outdoors lifestyle.

“Mossy Oak GO is a standalone network that enables Mossy Oak to produce and promote content ranging from hunting and fishing adventures to product reviews and everything in between,” Maki says. “All types of videos are posted, and while they serve their own purposes— providing outdoors entertainment, for example—they also

prove that Mossy Oak is able to support its retail partners and its licensees digitally, without any consequences or limits from third parties.”

At Mossy Oak GO, the outdoors and the Second Amendment are celebrated in everything from outdoor television show episodes to short films.

There are also Mossy Oak original series, like The Obsessed and Honor.

Honor, for example, acknowledges the men and women who serve our nation, telling their stories of heroism, bravery, and humility. An example of this was the episode featuring Will Jimeno, a Port Authority police officer who risked his life to help others on 9/11.

Mossy Oak GO also creates awareness for many different brands and products, and connects the audience to a destination for purchase, whether it be at a brick-and-mortar store or online. Between social media, the Mossy Oak website, and Mossy Oak GO, the licensees and retail partners of Mossy Oak are offered solutions like never before to present their products to the outdoors consumer.

Retailers can direct customers to the video reviews and post links to the reviews on their own social-media platforms.

There is no cost for Mossy Oak GO, which removes the hassle of free trials, monthly fees, or restricted access. Mossy Oak GO is available on all streaming platforms, including Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, and ROKU. The app is also available on mobile devices through the Apple App Store and Google Play. It is sup-

BOOTH #1446

1/8/20 4:27 PM

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SHOT BOOTH: 14271 The Mossy Oak GO site offers an online library of outdoor lifestyle videos.

ported across all smart devices without subscription, allowing you to watch the best in outdoors TV anytime, anyplace.

“With Mossy Oak GO, viewers don’t have to deal with expensive subscription rates or being inter-

rupted by redundant commercials,” Maki says. “We made it simple.

Viewers download the app through a streaming platform and start watching free, uninterrupted outdoors entertainment.” Booth #10735. (mossyoak.com)

STOCK IN TRADE Magpul started in 1999 with the development of its first product—a polymer looped “magazine pull” that attached to AR mags and made for faster reloading from a vest under stress. The company has since gone on to design hundreds of high-tech polymer and composite firearms accessories.

Recently, Magpul has branched out from a successful stint in the AR-15 space to other rifle platforms, including the reliable, all-American Ruger 10/22.

Success of the 10/22 is most often attributed to its modular design—something it has in common with the AR. So, when Magpul launched a .22 LR project, it’s no surprise that it was for a 10/22. The first offering, in 2017, was the Hunter X-22 Stock. It was soon followed by the Hunter X-22 Takedown and the innovative X-22 Backpacker Stock, which packs the brokendown 10/22 takedown into a connected portable package.

Those who customize 10/22s are a quirky lot. They want what they want, exactly how they want. So, it says something that the Hunter X-22 has become one of the most popular aftermarket stocks for America’s favorite .22 LR. Tony Kidd, of KIDD Innovative Designs, stocks all his custom 10/22 builds in X-22s. That says something; he’s a great boutique 10/22 gun builder.

Out of the box, the stock feels very light—ideal for fast games like Steel Challenge. It weighs less than 2.5 pounds. The highquality, reinforced polymer is very stiff, so weighting a X-22 10/22 on a bipod doesn’t warp the stock into the barrel. It comes with stock inserts to change the length of pull and has numerous sling mounts.

The footman’s loops on the side of the stock coupled with an M-Lok QD mount base on the same side of the forend makes for rock-solid positional shooting with a sling. If you don’t like the footman’s loop, there’s a QD mount in the side buttstock, too. The 60-degree grip angle gives it a tactical feel.

The strap texture is not too aggressive, but not too slick. It comes with a barrel tray for free-floating standard Ruger sportier contour barrels. You can remove the tray for popular aftermarket .920 bull barrels.

I’ve put multiple 10/22s in Magpul stocks. With a sporter barrel, it’s my go-to setup for speed games and knocking marauding chipmunks off the deck. With an M-Lok bipod, sling, and .920 barrel, it makes a heck of a precision rimfire rig, too. The X-22 also sits under a Volquartsen in .17 Mach 2, and is about the handiest squirrel rifle I’ve ever shot. SRP: $139.

Booth #10263. (magpul.com) —Michael R. Shea

LAR-15 RRAGE RIFLE DS1850 with RRA Six-Position Tactical CAR

MSRP: $759.99*

INTRODUCING THE

LAR-15 RRAGE RIFLE Punching above its weight class, this new entry carbine features a sleek monolithic upper receiver/handguard with side and bottom MLOK® ports. This NEW RRAGE sets a higher benchmark for all entry carbines to follow.

Magpul’s Hunter X-22 lightweight, reinforced polymer aftermarket stock is attracting the attention of Ruger 10/22 enthusiasts.

VISIT: WWW.ROCKRIVERARMS.COM

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RIFLES BROW NI N G Hornady’s 6.5 PRC cartridge, which is gaining in popularity with hunters, will be offered in the X-Bolt Target McMillan.

AZ I M U TH The precision 10/22-type receiver/barrel combo features a CNC-machined receiver of aerospace-grade 7075 aluminum.

Full Force

Long-range rifles continue to be hot items, but rimfires remain in the hunt By Richard Mann

F

or the past two years, the big trend has been adding the 6.5 Creedmoor to new and existing rifles lines. Guess what? For 2020, not much has changed. However, this year the 6.5 Creedmoor gets some competition from new rifles now available in 6.5 PRC. Another trend continuing full force is new rifles purpose-built for shooting at extended range.

Whether for on the range or in the field, driving bullets to great distances is the hottest thing going. At the same time, some manufacturers, notably CZ, have not forgotten the rimfire rifle, and Remington and Weatherby still believe there’s a place for lightweight hunting rifles.

Azimuth Technology

Azimuth’s precision 10/22-type receiver/barrel combo features a CNC-machined receiver of aerospace-grade 7075 aluminum, with critical functional sections milled to tolerances as tight as .0005 inch. The dual internal-rail design prevents bolt canting, and the integrated Picatinny rail is there for accurate optics mounting. The match-grade, buttonrifled, fluted bull barrel helps achieve exceptional accuracy, and with all the 10/22 aftermarket stocks and accessories on the market, this is an ideal platform from which to build a super accurate rimfire rifle. Booth #51841. (azimuthtechnology.com)

Browning

Released in 2019, the X-Bolt Max

Long Range offered maximum adjustability in the stock. For 2020, Browning has added the 6.5 PRC and 30 Nosler chamberings. These high-performance long-range cartridges dramatically increase the distance potential of this rifle. SRP: $1,299.99 to $1,359.99. Browning has also added these same chamberings to the X-Bolt Pro, X-Bolt Pro Long Range, and the X-Bolt Pro Tungsten. But with these models, in addition to the two excellent cross-canyon cartridges, the .300 Remington Ultra Mag. is also an option. SRP: $2,219.99 to $2,349.99.

Hornady’s 6.5 PRC cartridge, which is quickly gaining in popularity with hunters, will also be offered in the X-Bolt Target McMillan for 2020. SRP: $3,139.99 to $3,199.99.

Browning will include the 6.5 PRC, 30 Nosler, and .300 Remington Ultra Mag. in the

X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon Long Range McMillan ($2,239.99 to $2,309.99) and the Hell’s Canyon Long Range rifles ($959 to $1,009.) The X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon Long Range Speed A-TACS TD-X Camo is a new offering from Browning. It features exclusive hardwoods-matching A-TACS TD-X camo, a Cerakote burnt-bronze finish, a fluted sporter-contour barrel, threaded barrel, muzzle brake, and a weather-resistant composite stock. SRP: $1,259.99 to $1,319.99. There are three new chamberings for the Browning X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon Speed A-TACS AU Camo. They include the 6.5 PRC, 30 Nosler, and .300 Remington Ultra Mag. SRP: $1,259.99 to $1,319.99.

Browning’s new Hunter Long Range model gives shooters the warm feeling only wood provides,

CZ The Jaguar (top) pairs iron sights with a 28.6-inch barrel. The rear tangent sight is easily adjusted for distances from 25 to 200 meters. With a premium walnut stock and a decorative forend tip, the CZ 457 Royal has a high, flat, American-style comb and is without sights. The forend has a decorative Schnabel tip.

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PRODUCTS

and features a heavier barrel for better precision at extended ranges. This rifle has an ambidextrous adjustable comb, a non-reflective matte-blue finish, an extended bolt handle, and a muzzle brake with 5/8x24 threading. The satinfinished, checkered walnut stock has an Inflex recoil pad. SRP: $1,299.99 to $1,329.99. Booth #10744. (browning.com)

CVA

The Paramount Pro is a boltaction in-line muzzleloader available in .45 or .50 caliber. It features a Cerakote-finished Bergara barrel with a 1:22 twist. It also has a Greyboe stock with a camo finish and comes with a metal trapdoor storage compartment. The Paramount weighs 8.75 pounds (.45 caliber) or 8.15 pounds (.50 caliber). SRP: $1,499.

CVA is also offering a new boltaction centerfire rifle. The Cascade is available chambered in a variety of popular varmint and big-game cartridges, including the 6.5 Creedmoor, 350 Legend, and even .450 Bushmaster. Blued or Cerakoted metal are options, and a threaded barrel is standard.

SRP: $499 to $599. Booth #14213. (cva.com)

CZ-USA

CZ-USA has gotten serious about rimfire rifles, and for 2020 will introduce five new offerings.

Precision rimfire rifle competitions have been gaining steam, and CZ rifles have been go-to equipment for the sport. The new Varmint Precision Chassis pairs CZ’s heavybarreled 457 action with an aluminum chassis of its own design.

Equipped with an adjustable LuthAR stock, an AR-style grip, QD sling sockets, and M-Lok slots, proper fit and customization are easy to accomplish. It’s available in .22 LR with either a 16.5 or 24-inch barrel, both of which are threaded 1/2x28 for use with rimfire suppressors. SRP: $999.

CZ’s 457 is one of the best rim-

B ROW NI N G The X-Bolt line will receive a number of new chamberings this year, including 6.5 PRC, 30 Nosler, and .300 Rem. Ultra Mag.

fire bolt-action rifles in the market, and the interchangeable barrel system is one of the reasons why it appeals so strongly to shooters. Within a few minutes, the 457 can be swapped from .22 LR to .17 HMR to .22 WMR. CZ’s new Special American Combo rifle includes both .22 LR and .22 WMR configurations, along with the tools to swap barrels. SRP: $628.

For those who love a long sight radius, the Jaguar pairs CZ’s crisp iron sights with a 28.6-inch barrel. The rear tangent sight is easily adjusted for distances from 25 to 200 meters, and the muzzle is threaded 1/2x28 for a suppressor.

With a beechwood stock ideal for open sights, it has grip stippling that follows the Jaguar motif.

SRP: $522.

With a premium walnut stock and a decorative forend tip, the CZ 457 Royal definitely is intended to be used with a riflescope. It has a high and flat American-style comb, no sights, and its forend is especially long. The muzzle of the Royal is threaded at 1/2x20 (European standard) and a 16.5or 20.5-inch barrel is offered.

SRP: $739.

A modern classic in the European style, the CZ 457 Premium has all sorts of flair. Its Turkish walnut stock has a decorative Schnabel forend tip, and its hog-back stock has a mild Monte Carlo cheekpiece. The rifle’s 24.8-inch barrel wears iron sights, with a tangent rear and a fiberoptic front. The muzzle is threaded at 1/2x20. SRP: $765. Booth #12221. (cz-usa.com)

device manages recoil efficiently to improve follow-up shots and speed up target acquisition. The rifle weighs 11.6 pounds and has an overall length of 41 to 42.80 inches. SRP: $4,499. Booth #13362. (fnamerica.com)

JP Enterprises

Whether for long-range competition or sniper duty, the LRI-20 upper receiver offers a stable, repeatable platform for a precision gas gun. The core of this design is the new integral handguard nut that helps stabilize the barrel mount. JP has also added extra

FN The FN SCAR 20S in 6.5 Creedmoor gives users the ability to engage targets past 1,000 yards.

FN

For 2020, the FN SCAR 20S is now chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor.

Perfectly calibrated for long-range precision, the FN SCAR 20S in 6.5 Creedmoor gives you the ability to accurately engage targets out past 1,000 yards. The chromelined barrel will deliver precision, and the gas-operated piston and Surefire ProComp 762 muzzle

J P E N T E R PR I S ES Whether used for long-range competition or sniper duty, the LRI-20 has a unified chassis system and features a JP Supermatch barrel. Available in 6mm and 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Remington, and .308 Winchester.

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PRODUCTS

MARL IN The 150th Anniversary version of the famous .22 LR Model 60 will have a black walnut stock and a special serial number range.

MOSS BE RG The Patriot Synthetic and Patriot Synthetic Super Bantam bolt-action rifles (top) are chambered in the straight-walled 350 Legend. Both will be available in scoped combos with a 3–9x40mm riflescope. The Patriot Predator bolt-action rifle (above) is now available in 6.5 PRC. material to the front pivot pin joint. Paired with JP’s MicroFit takedown pins, the LRI-20 offers a 100 percent unified chassis system and features a JP Supermatch barrel. It’s available in 6mm and 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Rem., and .308 Win. SRP: $3,499. Booth #8541. (jprifles.com)

Marlin

Marlin has added several new rifles to the very popular Dark Series.

The first two are built on its 1895 action and are chambered for Marlin’s namesake cartridge, the .444 Marlin, and the .410 bore.

The .444 has a 16.25-inch threaded barrel, and the .410 bore has an unthreaded 18-inch barrel and comes with extended choke tubes.

Both feature a PG black painted stock, big-loop lever, paracord sling, and lever wrap. SRP: $968.

Two more rifles new to the

Marlin Dark Series are built on the 1894 platform and include a .44 Spec./.44 Rem. Mag and a .38 Spec./.357 Mag. Each will have a 16.25-inch barrel, painted black stock, XS Lever Rail, bigloop lever, black paracord sling, and a black paracord lever wrap.

SRP: $1,099.

If you like the idea of a leveraction shotgun, then you’ll really like the new Marlin 1895 in .410.

It comes with a fixed choke and will handle any 2.5-inch shell.

The rifle features an American black walnut stock and forend, standard-loop lever, polished-blue finish, and a four-round capacity.

An adjustable, semi-buckhorn rear sight is standard. SRP: $847.

There is also a version with a flush-fitting choke tube assortment (I/IM/F). SRP: $934.

Marlin will also be offering a Model 336C that comes with a mounted and bore-sighted

3-9x32mm riflescope. It has an American black walnut stock and forend, standard-loop lever, and a 20-inch barrel, with a six-shot capacity. SRP: $785; without scope, $694.

One of the coolest new rifles from Marlin is the 150th Anniversary Rifle. It is a limitedproduction model available only in 2020. Chambered in .444 Marlin, it has a 24-inch halfoctagon/half-round barrel and a C-grade walnut stock with an S-style grip. Each rifle features engravings and a historically correct checkering pattern. All metal will feature a high polish, and a Skinner ladder sight is standard.

Each rifle comes in a commemorative box. SRP: $1,899.

Marlin is also offering an anniversary version of the famous .22 LR Model 60. It will have an American black walnut stock, stainless-steel metal, a 150 Year

REM I N GTO N The Threaded-Mossy Oak Bottomland Model Seven (top) comes with a 16.5-inch barrel with 5R rifling, and has a threaded muzzle and a Picatinny rail included. The stock is decorated in Mossy Oak Bottomland camo. The CDL SR limited edition (above) adds the classic .300 Savage to the line.

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PRODUCTS

Anniversary medallion in the stock, a special serial number range, and a commemorative box.

SRP: $399. Booth #14229. (marlinfirearms.com)

M A R LI N The Dark Series (far left) is built on the 1895 action. It is chambered for the .444 Marlin and the .410 bore, as is the Model 336C (left).

PRS 5–30 x 56 i

Mossberg

In support of all those deer hunters restricted to straight-walled centerfire cartridges, Mossberg is now offering the classically styled Patriot Synthetic and Patriot Synthetic Super Bantam bolt-action rifles chambered in 350 Legend. Both will be available in scoped combos with a 3–9x40mm riflescope. Patriot bolt-action rifles feature a well-

Geovid 3200.COM

designed stock with a straight comb, rounded edges, raised cheekpiece, and a black rubber recoil pad.

SRP: $396; scoped combo, $435.

The suppressor and optics-ready Patriot Predator will now be available in 6.5 PRC. The action is housed in a durable Flat Dark Earth (FDE) synthetic stock with matteblue metalwork and TrueTimber Strata camouflage metalwork fin-

Rangemaster CRF 3500.COM

All eyes on Leica at SHOT Show Join us at booth #12519 for the highly anticipated launch of Leica’s three new optics - including the game-changing PRS riflescope plus two revolutionary rangefinding products – the Geovid 3200.COM and the ballistic powerhouse – the compact Rangemaster CRF 3500.COM.

PRS 5–30 x 56 i

Geovid 3200.COM

Rangemaster CRF 3500.COM

y Long-range scope with 6x zoom

y Range to a true 3,200 yards

y Reliable rangefinding up to 3,500 yards

y Generous magnification range of 5x to 30x

y Bluetooth® connectivity

y Powerful and reliable 3R laser

y High-quality metal components

y Manage via Leica Hunting App

y Bluetooth® functionality

y Extremely rugged and precise

y Link to Kestrel Elite and the Apple Watch

y Manage via Leica Hunting App

y Delivers light transmission of over 90%

y Rugged sleek design

y Link to Kestrel Elite and the Apple Watch

#masterthedistance

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www.bit.ly/LeicaHuntingHQ

| @LeicaHuntingUSA

1/8/20 2:18 PM

R E M I N GTON The PCR E (Enhanced) features the Remington chassis stock with a cutout for easy insertion of the magazine while the shooter is in the prone position.

ished in Patriot Brown Cerakote.

SRP: $441; Cerakote, $544. Booth #12734. (mossberg.com)

Remington

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the .300 Savage, Remington will offer a limited-edition CDL SR chambered in this classic cartridge.

The CDL SR Limited Edition is a

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continuation of the series of limited-edition 700 CDL SF rifles.

It features a 22-inch stainless fluted barrel, a satin finish, an American black walnut stock, and an engraved floorplate. SRP: $1,250.

The PCR E (Enhanced) features the Remington chassis stock with a magazine cutout for easy insertion of the magazine while in the prone position. The chassis and hand-

guard are Cerakoted in a tungsten gray finish, and the barreled action is black Cerakote. The rifle features a 24-inch barrel with 5R rifling and LTR flutes. It comes standard with an aluminum handguard compatible with M-Lok attachments. It also features a two-piece 20 MOA Picatinny rail, a tactical-style bolt handle, and an adjustable MDT SCS Lite stock, and is chambered

for the 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win., or 6mm Creedmoor. SRP: $1,595.

Remington has added a new version of the light and quickhandling Model Seven. The Threaded-Mossy Oak Bottomland Model Seven weighs in at 5.5 pounds, comes with a 16.5-inch barrel with 5R rifling, and has, as you might have guessed, a threaded muzzle. The stock is decorated

1/8/20 2:18 PM

PRODUCTS

SAVAGE Top to bottom: The 110 Precision MDT LSS XL Chassis with FDE Cerakote is fully customizable. The 110 UltraLight is designed to combat both elevation and harsh weather. Partnering with Modular Driven Technologies, Savage has given the AXIS II an exclusive MDT Chassis with adjustable comb height. The Minimalist combines a classic laminate stock design with modern aesthetics.

in Mossy Oak Bottomland camo, and a 20 MOA Picatinny rail is included. It is also available in 6.5 Creedmoor. SRP: $1,595. Booth #14229. (remington.com)

Savage Arms

The 110 Precision takes Savage’s legendary 110 action and makes it even more dynamic. Wearing a custom stock designed by the accuracy experts at Modular Driven Technologies, the 110 Precision is fully customizable.

With its adjustable comb height and length of pull, this aluminumframed rifle is set up for exacting performance. It features a factoryblueprinted action, matte-black carbon-steel heavy barrel, threaded muzzle, an MDT LSS XL Chassis

with FDE Cerakote, and a 1.5- to 4-pound user-adjustable AccuTrigger. A 20 MOA EGW rail and one AICS magazine are standard. Chambered in .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 Win. Mag., and .338 Lapua Mag. SRP: $1,499.

For 2020, Savage teamed up with Proof Research to craft a barrel specific for a purpose-driven firearm. At 6 pounds and under, the 110 UltraLight is designed to combat elevation and elements while maintaining the performance of a factory-blueprinted Savage 110 action. The carbon-fiber-wrapped stainless-steel barrel and skeletonized melonite receiver minimize weight, and the rifle comes equipped with Savage’s AccuFit technology with adjustable length

of pull and comb height. The useradjustable AccuTrigger allows crisp, clean shots, and the action is also drilled and tapped for 8x40 screws. There is a large selection of chamberings from which to choose, including the 6.5 Creedmoor and 28 Nosler. SRP: $1,499.

The Savage AXIS II has a reputation as a budget-friendly rifle that doesn’t sacrifice accuracy or performance. Now the AXIS II family has been given a Precision Series upgrade through a partnership with Modular Driven Technologies. The new AXIS II features an exclusive MDT Chassis with adjustable comb height, length-of-pull spacers, and an M-Lok forend. A 2.5- to 6-pound user-adjustable AccuTrigger and a 22-inch, carbon-steel, button-

rifled and threaded heavy barrel with a muzzle cap, and a detachable 10-round AICS magazine are standard. It’s available in .223 Rem., .243, .270, and .308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, and .30/06 Springfield. SRP: $949.

Modern shooters require modern ergonomics. The new Minimalist from Savage combines a classic laminate stock design with modern aesthetics to achieve a lightweight platform with improved ergonomics. The rifles feature a button-rifled barrel and user-adjustable AccuTrigger. The Minimalist is offered in .22 LR, .22 WMR, and .17 HMR, as well as in two laminate color combinations to provide shooters with a variety of offerings. It comes standard with an 18-inch carbon-steel

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PRODUCTS

WEAT HE R BY The Mark V Accumark Elite (top) has an adjustable carbon-fiber stock and Elite Cerakote finish. The Backcountry Ti Weatherby (above) is a light take on the powerful backcountry rifle.

barrel and action and a 1/2x28 threaded muzzle with cap. SRP: $359. (savagearms.com)

Weatherby

The new Mark V Accumark Elite gives marksmen everything they need to put a round on target at distance. With an adjustable carbon-fiber stock and the Elite Cerakote coating, this rifle will perform in the harshest of environ-

ments. Mark V rifles are guaranteed to shoot a three-shot group of .99-inch or less at 100 yards when used with Weatherby factory or premium ammunition. The Accumark Elite has a TriggerTech trigger that provides zero creep and extremely short over-travel. It is externally adjustable from 2.5 to 5 pounds. It also has a 54-degree bolt lift and a Slim Line muzzle brake. An adjustable-comb carbonfiber stock built by AG Composites

is standard. Chambered for 18 cartridges, including Weatherby Magnum and popular standard offerings. SRP: $2,799 to $2,999.

The Accumark Pro now carries all the legendary performance of the Accumark, plus custom features that drive it to the next level. A lightweight carbon-fiber stock provides excellent stiffness, and the rifle comes with the standard Mark V accuracy guarantee and a TriggerTech trigger. Other

features include a fluted barrel, Cerakote finish, and dual-swivel stud attachments. It’s available in 18 different Weatherby and popular standard chamberings. SRP: $2,499 to $2,699.

Weatherby’s Backcountry rifle provides the craftsmanship and quality expected from a Mark V rifle. It features a carbon-fiber stock, 3D HEX recoil reducer, TriggerTech trigger, and an Accubrake. It’s also available in Weatherby’s new 6.5 WBY RPM long-range cartridge, in addition to a dozen other chamberings. This rifle weighs a mere 5.3 pounds, is built on a six-lug receiver, and comes with the Mark V accuracy guarantee. SRP: $2,499 to $2,599.

The goal of the Weatherby team when designing the new Backcountry Ti was to break the 5-pound overall rifle weight mark while delivering magnum performance. The Mark V Backcountry Ti and 6.5 WBY RPM cartridge combination achieves the desired weight savings and ballistic performance. A TriggerTech trigger assures accuracy. SRP: $3,349 to $3,449. Booth #12729. (weatherby.com)

DE429SRMB

DE50L5BC

.429 DE | 6” Barrel

.50 AE | 5” Barrel NEW YORK APPROVED

BFR44MAG7-6 .44 Magnum | 7.5” Barrel NEW 2020 6-Shot

BFR45-707B .45/70 Govt. | 7.5” Barrel

www.magnumresearch.com Join us: @magnumresearchinc | @biggestfinestrevolver To Build Your Own, Visit www.customdeserteagle.com and www.custombfrrevolver.com

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Come and Visit Us at the Kahr Firearms Group Booth

#13962

1/8/20 2:19 PM

SHOTGUNS Taking Wing

BROW N IN G

This year, retailers will find less emphasis on home defense and more on wingshooting

By Richard Mann

T

The BPS Field Composite in Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades has a larger trigger guard and an Invector Plus choke system.

hough shotguns remain an important component of the home-defense market and are vital to a wide range of tactical operations, this year there is renewed emphasis on delivering products for those consumers who like to hunt critters that fly. Retailers will find a good collection of well-thought-out scatterguns from which to choose.

Browning

This year, the Browning HighGrade Program will be offering the Citori Field Sporting Grade VII. It features extensive engraving and silver-accented birds and dogs surrounded by exquisitely finished and perfectly fitted grade VI/VII walnut. Function and performance exceed the beautiful appearance, and features include a triple-trigger sys-

tem with three trigger shoes, a Hi-Viz Pro Comp sight, an ivory mid-bead, and five extended Black Midas Grade choke tubes.

It’s available with a barrel length of either 30 or 32 inches, and a John M. Browning signature leather-fitted case is included.

SRP: $6,269.99.

The new Citori 725 Field has accented engraving and a new checkering pattern for 2020. It’s

available in .410 bore and 28, 20, and 12 gauge. The grade II/III walnut stock features an oil finish and an Inflex recoil pad, and an ivory bead sight is ideal for upland birds and sporting clays.

SRP: $2,599.99 to $2,669.99.

New accented engraving and a refined checkering pattern also grace the Citori 725 Feather for 2020. Available in 12 and 20 gauge, the shotgun has a light-

CZ-USA Top to bottom: The muted green Cerakote finish makes the All Terrain Drake, Redhead, and Bobwhite shotguns ideal for fieldwork. The 1012 Bottomlands autoloader, draped in an iconic camo pattern, has been designed to run a wide variety of ammunition while receiving minimal care.

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PRODUCTS

M OSS BE RG The 500 Turkey in .410 bore features the legendary reliability of the Model 500 platform and comes with interchangeable choke tubes and a Mossy Oak Bottomlands finish.

B ROW N I N G Top to bottom: The Citori White Lightning will be offered in .410 bore and 28 and 20 gauge only. The non-camo version of the BPS is available in 20 and 12 gauge. With a newly designed stock and a larger trigger guard, the BPS Field has a matte-blue-finished barrel and a forged/machined steel receiver. weight alloy receiver with a steel breech face and hinge pin. The stock is carved from grade II/III walnut and has a glossed oil finish and an Inflex recoil pad. The Feather is also ideal for clays or hunting. SRP: $2,739.99.

The Citori CX Micro now has a Graco buttpad plate that allows for the adjustment of the length of pull, toe in, and toe out. It’s even adjustable up and down.

This shotgun features a glossfinish grade II American walnut stock and gold enhancements. A three-position trigger, an Inflex recoil pad, an ivory bead front sight and mid-bead, and three Midas Grade extended choke tubes are standard. It’s an excellent contender as a crossover shotgun for hunting, sporting clays, and skeet. SRP: $2,469.99.

The Citori White Lightning will be offered in .410 bore and 28 and 20 gauge. It comes with a lightning-style, oil-finished grade

III/IV walnut stock, intricate broad coverage engraving, and an Inflex recoil pad. The shotgun also comes with an ivory bead front sight and mid-bead, and three extended Black Midas Grade choke tubes. SRP: $2,669.99 to $2,739.99.

Browning did not forget to enhance the BPS shotgun line for 2020. Waterfowlers will take note of the BPS Field Composite in the Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades pattern. It’s perfect for mornings on the marsh, and has a new stock for a better feel and fit.

It also features a larger trigger guard, the Invector Plus choke system, and the Inflex recoil pad that offers the ability to change length of pull. SRP: $779.99. A non-camo version is offered in 20 or 12 gauge. SRP: $659.99 to $679.99.

With a newly designed stock and a larger trigger guard, the BPS Field has a matte-blue-

finished barrel and forged/ machined steel receiver. It also features bottom ejection, a satinfinished walnut stock, and new checkering surfaces. The shotgun ships with three Invector Plus choke tubes and has a silver bead front sight. It’s the ideal affordable option for hunting and sporting clays, and is available in 20 or 12 gauge. SRP: $699.99 to $719.99. Booth #10744. (browning.com)

CZ-USA

A long-time favorite of bird hunters, the CZ-USA Upland Ultralight gains a 28-inchbarreled 20-gauge variant in 2020 in the standard black finish.

Lightweight and simple, these shotguns have a hollowed-out buttstock, an aluminum receiver, and a simple extractor operation that allows them to shine in the long, rolling hills of the prairies.

I V E R J OH N SON The Stryker-SN is an exciting new 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun styled as an AR-15. It features a satin nickel/black two-tone finish and a 20-inch smoothbore barrel equipped with a muzzle brake. It feeds from an MKA 1919 five-round box magazine and has an A2-style detachable handle.

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PRODUCTS

REM I N GTO N The V3 Field Sport NWTF (above) benefits from Versa-Port technology. The V3 Competition Tactical (right) has a 22-inch barrel, a Hi-Viz front sight, and a low-profile dovetail rib.

It ships with a set of five flushmount choke tubes. SRP: $789.

CZ-USA knows there are a group of shotgunners who still believe in the 16 gauge…which is why the Redhead Premier over/ under adds the chambering for 2020. The double gun has auto

ejectors, a single selectable trigger, 28-inch barrels, and fixed IC/M chokes. SRP: $988. A Premier Target Version is an affordable option for clays, and for 2020, a 20-gauge version has been added. SRP: $1,430.

Clad in OD Green and walnut,

CZ All-Terrain shotguns stand out without being ostentatious.

The muted green Cerakote finish makes them ideal for fieldwork, increasing their hardiness and making them nearly impervious to the elements. The stand-out feature of the CZ All-Terrain series is a small but revolutionary addition to the ejector/extractor of the break-open variants, which makes them ideal for use in a

duck blind or while handling dogs and equipment in the field.

Each over/under and side-by-side has a set of rare-earth magnets installed in the extractor or ejectors to retain modern shells in the gun, even when it’s turned upside down. Equipped with sling swivels and extended chokes, these shotguns are ready to chase birds of all species. SRP: $791 to $1,123.

LOWA Task Force Boots Uncompromising quality. Proven performance.

Innox Pro GTX Lo TF - Coyote OP Men’s & women’s sizes.

Zephyr GTX Mid - Ranger Green Men’s & women’s sizes.

• The Innox Pro GTX Lo, designed for training and range use, is ultra lightweight yet delivers the superb support, rebound and long midsole life that comes from our DynaPU® technology.

• The rugged yet lightweight Zephyr GTX Mid’s comfort, support and stability has made it a perennial favorite among service personnel.

Now available in RANGER GREEN. • The versatile R8-S GTX Patrol features our new outsole with 5mm lugs for reliable traction on slick surfaces as well as dirt & mud.

R-8S GTX Patrol - Coyote OP Insulated version w/PrimaLoft® 200g available in Black.

visit booth #10232 to see our 2020 Hunting & Task Force Collections

All LOWA footwear features our enduring European-crafted quality that has earned us ISO 9001:2015 status for the highest standards in manufacturing & process standards.

GORE-TEX, GTX, GORE, and GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY and design are registered trademarks of W.L. Gore & Associates Inc. PrimaLoft® is a registered trademark of PrimaLoft, Inc. ©2020 LOWA Boots, LLC.

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1/8/20 3:28 PM

With one of the most iconic camo patterns of all time, the 1012 Bottomlands is a bird-hunting machine. Using the same uberreliable inertia semi-auto system that was used to set a clay shooting world record in 2019, this autoloader is built for heavy use. The 1012 is specifically designed to run a wide variety of ammunition and requires minimal maintenance.

Available in 12 gauge with a

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28-inch barrel. SRP: $690. Booth #11221. (cz-usa.com)

Iver Johnson

The Stryker-SN is an exciting new 12-gauge semi-auto shotgun styled as an AR-15. It features a two-tone satin nickel/black finish with a 20-inch smoothbore barrel with a muzzle brake. It has an A2-style detachable carry handle, a fiber-

optic front sight, and will accept 2 - and 3-inch shells fed from an MKA 1919 five-round box magazine. SRP: $459. Booth #16132. (iverjohnsonarms.com)

Mossberg

New TSS shotshell offerings have breathed fresh life into the .410, so much so that Mossberg is adding the chambering to the Model

500 line. The new 500 Turkey in .410 features the legendary reliability of the Model 500 platform and comes with interchangeable choke tubes and a Mossy Oak Bottomlands finish. Booth #12734. (mossberg.com)

Remington

For 2020, Remington is introducing eight new shotguns. The V3

1/8/20 3:28 PM

PRODUCTS

R E M I NGTON Top to bottom: V3 Tactical; Versamax Sportsman in Mossy Oak Bottomland; and the 870 Express Trap with a Monte Carlo stock and mid-vent-rib bead.

Field Sport NWTF features Versa-Port technology that self-regulates any shotshell from 2 - to 3-inch magnums.

This 26-inch-barreled shotgun features Mossy Oak Obsession camo. SRP: $1,024.85.

Another new addition to the V3 line is the Competition Tactical, which features a 22-inch barrel, a Hi-Viz front sight, and a low-profile, dovetail rib-mounting rear sight.

An oversize safety, bolt release, and bolt handle are standard. SRP: $1,127.85.

Two new tactical variants join the V3 line in 2020. The 18.5-inch-barreled tactical model has rifle sights and an oversize safety, bolt release, and bolt handle. SRP: $1,076.35.

There’s also a vented-rib variant. SRP: $1,024.85.

The Versamax Sportsman uses Versa-port technology to self-regulate with any shotshell from 2 - to 3.5-inch magnums. For 2020, Sportsman models are available in Mossy Oak Bottomlands or Realtree Edge. Both feature 26-inch barrels. SRP: $1,246.92.

Yes, Remington is still building the iconic 870, and for 2020, the new 870 Express Trap features a Monte Carlo stock with a raised cheek, mid

W I N C HESTER The 20-gauge version of the popular SX4 semi-auto shotgun will be available in 10 variations in 2020.

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vent-rib bead, and an ivory front target sight. A gold trigger is standard, and the shotgun ships with three choke tubes. SRP: $609.

Another new 870 is the Supermag Waterfowl, which will handle 3.5-inch magnum shotshells. This shotgun is fully camouflaged in the Realtree Max5 pattern, and comes with a sling and Hi-Viz sights. SRP: $660.86.

For the smaller-statured shooter, Remington’s new 870 Compact 20-gauge comes with a stock and forend camouflaged in Realtree Edge.

The barrel and receiver are finished in matte black. SRP: $491.45. Booth #14229. (remington.com)

Winchester

For 2020, Winchester is now offering a 20-gauge version of the SX4 shotgun. It will be available in 10 variations, including the SX4 Waterfowl Hunter Realtree Timber, Mossy Oak Shadowgrass Blades, Mossy Oak Bottomlands, and a compact Waterfowl Hunter variant finished in Mossy Oak Shadowgrass Blades. There’s also the SX4 Hybrid, SX4 Field, and SX4 Field Compact. Last, but not least, is the SX4 Universal Hunter in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country. SRP: $699.99 to $799.99. Booth #13334. (winchesterguns.com)

1/8/20 3:28 PM

HANDGUNS

COLT The King Cobra Target double-action adapts the powerful .357 Magnum King Cobra revolver to the competitive range.

Everyday Solutions

The focus this year is, to a large degree, on concealed carry

A

By Richard Mann merica has solidly become a concealed-carry nation. And, as with past years, the new handgun offerings from major manufacturers continue to support that lifestyle because consumers want dependable, reliable handguns they can carry every day. For 2020, retailers can expect to see more handguns specifically crafted for this market.

CMMG

CMMG is finally introducing the highly anticipated 10mm Banshee with its patent-pending Radial Delayed Blowback operating system and Last-Round Bolt Hold Open feature. This operating system incorporates a mechanical delay that forces the bolt to rotate. This momentarily slows the bolt carrier group, which allows chamber pressures to fall before cycling. The 10mm Banshee will be offered with an 8-inch barrel and weighs in at 5 pounds 9 ounces. Its overall length is 24.3 inches. One 30-round factory SGM Tactical 10mm magazine ships with the firearm. There will be three versions of the pistol and three versions of the SBR. SRP: $1,299.95

to $1,649.95. Booth #15942. (cmmginc.com)

Colt’s Manufacturing Co.

The King Cobra Target has been engineered to adapt the powerful .357 Magnum King Cobra revolver to the competitive range.

Featuring a 4 -inch barrel, an adjustable rear sight, an elevated fiber-optic front sight, and a custom wood medallion grip, the King Cobra Target is the third model in Colt’s reimagined King Cobra series. It should be perfect for competing in local compact pistol matches. This new doubleaction addition to the Cobra line weighs 36 ounces. SRP: $999.

COLT The King Cobra Carry has a heavy-duty frame, brushed stainless-steel construction, and Hogue overmolded grips.

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PRODUCTS

The King Cobra Carry has been reincarnated as the six-shot .357 Magnum big brother of the Colt Cobra Double Action revolver. This double-action-only (DAO) revolver, with its bobbed hammer and 2-inch barrel, is an excellent everyday-carry gun for those who want to pack as much punch as possible. The King Cobra Carry weighs 26 ounces and sports a heavy-duty frame and brushed stainless-steel construction, and comes standard with Hogue overmolded grips. SRP: $899. Booth #12771. (colt.com)

CZ-USA

It’s hard to believe the iconic CZ 75 pistol is 45 years old. To celebrate, CZ will be offering 1,000 limited-edition engraved anniversary pistols. They will have a high-gloss blued finish and deep engraving on the slide and frame.

A set of wooden grips embellished

CZ- USA Limited-edition CZ 75 (left) has wooden grips. The crisp trigger on the CZ Shadow 2 (right) will interest serious target shooters.

with matching engravings and paired with glossy silver controls creates contrast; tritium night sights top it all off. SRP: $1,720.

For target shooters who seek out the best triggers possible, a new variant of the CZ Shadow 2 has a single-action-only trigger.

While not legal for USPSA Production Division, the lighter, crisper, SA trigger gives target shooters the ability to punch paper with precision. Finished in black and with a set of blue alu-

minum grips, it’s a striking pistol that’s a joy to shoot. SRP: $1,349.

Booth #12221. (cz-usa.com)

Dan Wesson

Designed initially for competition, the DWX has evolved into much more, with both full-size and compact variants. Its locked breechbarrel system is simple, ditching the standard 1911 link system in favor of the CZ-style takedown via the slide stop. Double-stack maga-

zines boost capacity, and sights are easily customized. With the grip angle and contours that have made the CZ 75 a standout in the realm of pistol ergonomics, the DWX is a natural fit for most hands. The full-size DWX uses standard CZ 75 grips, while the compact DWX uses those from a 75 Compact.

With so many ways to tune and customize, the DWX is sure to shine in USPSA Limited Division.

Full-size DWX pistols use a magazine based on the P-09/P-10 F; compact variants use that of a 75 Compact. SRP: $1,799.

Kicking off what Dan Wesson plans to be a regular series of limited editions, the Heirloom is a piece of art. Instead of a standard finish, the frame sports gorgeous color-case hardening. An ornately engraved slide sits atop the frame, with ample scrollwork and minimal text in the typical Dan Wesson fashion. The frontstrap and backstrap are checkered

FN With FN’s patented Low-Profile Optics Mounting System, combined with the unparalleled modularity of the FN 509 platform, the FN 509 Compact MRD packs a full-size punch in a compact, optics-ready package. This 9mm pistol is striker-fired and has a 3.7-inch barrel.

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PRODUCTS

(25 LPI) for the ideal amount of grip, and a set of smooth French walnut grips provide a beautiful contrast. A classy set of sights are perched on the round-top slide, with a serrated U-notch in the rear and a brass bead out front.

SRP: $2,380.

The Valor is the long-time flagship of the Dan Wesson line. This pistol now features a Stan Chen SI magwell, tapered grips, and a tactical ambidextrous safety. Dan Wesson’s new-style slide stop is recessed, allowing for the use of laser grip panels. Sitting atop the slide are a serrated U-notch rear sight and a front tritium sight with a large orange ring. The stainlesssteel slide and frame can be had in either a bead-blasted or black duty-coat finish. SRP: $1,864 to $2,181.

The V-Bob is Valor’s little brother. It is a Commander-size variant with a bobbed mainspring housing, which makes it an ideal

DA N W ESSON The DWX (top left) accommodates doublestack magazines to boost capacity. The Heirloom (left) is a wellconfigured limited edition.

concealed-carry piece. It has a set of tapered grips and a tactical ambidextrous safety. SRP: $1,851 to $2,103.

The Dan Wesson Specialist has received a facelift for 2020. It features Dan Wesson’s new-style light-rail frame and forward cocking serrations. In addition, the inset slide serrations reduce glare between the sights. The result of law-enforcement agencies asking Dan Wesson to build more reliable and durable 1911s for duty use, the Specialist includes all of their requests in one package. The features that make it an ideal pistol for law enforcement also make it perfect for personal defense.

Available in 9mm, 10mm, and .45 Auto. SRP: $1,732 to $2,115.

Building on one of Dan Wesson’s longest-lived models, the Heritage II is a Government-size pistol with classic good looks. It has polished flats and cocobolo grips that make it stand out, and the 25 LPI frontstrap and backstrap checkering plant it in the hand without being too aggressive.

A front fiber-optic sight glows brightly in daylight, and its 5-inch match barrel makes it a joy to

INTRODUCING new

THE

TALONS

See the complete collection of all new product at booth #14504 JOIN US TODAY FOR FREE BEER, KNIFE GIVEAWAYS AND A CHANCE TO WIN A TAYLOR GUITAR! 3:30 5:00 pm

WWW.BUCKKNIVES.COM

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shoot. SRP: $1,586. Booth #12221. (danwessonfirearms.com)

FN

With FN’s patented Low-Profile Optics Mounting System combined with the unparalleled modularity of the FN 509 platform, the FN 509 Compact MRD packs a full-size punch in a compact, optics-ready package. This striker-fired 9mm pistol has a 3.7-inch barrel. It also has, as a standard feature, a 12+1 capacity, with the capability to accept all higher-capacity FN 509 magazines. The optics-mounting system accepts nearly all commercially available miniature red-dot optics and features blackout iron sights that co-witness. The improved controls aid in manipulation, the improved texturing on the two included backstraps provides better recoil management, and a new flatter-faced trigger allows for a more controllable trigger press and cleaner break. With an overall length of only 6.8 inches and an unloaded weight of 25.5 ounces, this is a fantastic compact fighting pistol. Booth #13362. (fnamerica.com)

Mossberg

Mossberg is now offering the MC1SC pistol in a stainless twotone version. Chambered for the 9mm, it will be available in standard and cross-bolt safety-frame versions. The MC1SC Stainless Two-Tone features a bead-blasted stainless-steel slide over a matteblack polymer frame. The slide features aggressive multi-angle serrations that provide positive slide manipulation and is topped with dovetail-mounted, low-profile, white three-dot sights. The durable frame is glass-reinforced, which provides high-impact and chemical resistance, and the 3.4-inch barrel features a black DLC (DiamondLike Coating) finish. SRP: $421.

Flat Dark Earth versions of the MC1SC line will come in the same variations as the standard black version, with the exception of the laser-equipped option. SRP: $421.

Booth #12734. (mossberg.com)

Nighthawk Custom

There are three new 1911s from Nighthawk Custom: the Thunder Ranch Edition, the Counselor,

M OSS B E RG The Mossberg MC1SC is now available in a beadblasted, stainless-steel, two-tone version. Chambered for the 9mm, it comes in standard and cross-bolt safety frame versions. and the Fire Hawk. The Thunder Ranch pistol is a unique collaboration between two legendary companies. Nighthawk Custom is well known for building excellent 1911 pistols using its “One Gun, One Gunsmith” approach, and

Thunder Ranch, led by Clint Smith, has been a popular firearms-training facility for more than 25 years. Smith selected Nighthawk to build his ideal pistol, which features newly designed front and rear cocking serrations,

BOOTH #15062

The NEW Umarex® AirSaber™ is an all-new category for big game hunting with no strings attached. Driven by air and equipped with full length arrows, it is the most technologically intense arrow rifle introduced for 2020. It’s “stacked” for scoped performance with Umarex Technologies including Quick Valve Release™, PCP Release™, High Pressure Shaft™, Adapta Point™, and Straight Flight™ technologies. The combination of these Umarex Technologies insures maximum impact and accuracy at over 400 feet per second and 124+ fpe.

See the NEW ARROW RIFLE line-up here: UmarexUSA.com/SHOTshow ®2019 UMAREX USA, INC.

The Umarex AirJavelin™ is a technologically advanced, recreational and small game arrow rifle powered by one 88g CO2 cartridge. The newly innovative design features an adjustable stock, integrated Picatinny rail, ambidextrous straight pull bolt action and removable sights.

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PRODUCTS

M OSS BE RG The MC1SC line adds Flat Dark Earth versions to the line in 2020. a lanyard-loop mainspring housing, a GI-style nub thumb safety, custom engraving, and a goldbead front sight. The gun is finished with a unique smoked nitride finish and wears green linen/micarta scales.

The Counselor is a 9mm, 3.5-inch-barreled 1911 Officer model. It is based on a shortened, lightweight aluminum frame, complete with an aluminum mainspring housing and grip safety. Nighthawk added its new bobbed concealment beavertail and hammer, and the gun has an 8+1 capacity. It also sports a new slide design. Most important, the Counselor features a patentpending flush-fit magwell. This combination of a small, light (27.9

SIG SAUE R The P320 Xfive is a striker-fired 9mm pistol with a match-grade bull barrel.

N I G H T H AW K CUSTOM The Fire Hawk has a lightened slide to reduce reciprocating mass and deliver flat-shooting performance. The bull-nosed compensator allows for a cleaner draw and holstering.

ounces) gun with a magwell is ideal for concealed carry.

By combining a recoil-taming single-port compensator, a bull barrel, a full-length guide rod that adds weight to the front of the pistol to reduce muzzle rise, a Commander-length spring, and a reverse plug, Nighthawk Custom has maintained the standard stroke of a 5-inch 1911 for reliability. The Fire Hawk has a lightened slide that reduces reciprocating mass and delivers flat-shooting performance without increased size. The bullnosed compensator allows for a cleaner draw and holstering while still maintaining an edgy, aggressive look. The Fire Hawk is available in 9mm, .45 Auto, and 10mm. Booth #12579. (nighthawkcustom.com)

Remington

The Remington 700 Chassis Pistol essentially lives in a class all by its lonesome; the truth is, it has no competition. Those looking for a dedicated hunting handgun or for a handgun they can use for long-range shooting should look no further. For 2020, Remington has increased the options available for the 700 CP. For starters, it’s offering a version chambered for the .300 Blackout that comes with an arm brace. Like all 700 CP pistols, it features the famous Remington 700 action, an M-Lok-adaptable free-float tube, and a 10.5-inch threaded barrel. SRP: $1,169.

The same 700 CP is also available with a threaded 12.5-inch barrel chambered for the .308 Win. or 6.5 Creedmoor at the

same price. Booth #14229. (remington.com)

SAR USA

The SAR 9x19mm striker-fired pistol features a 4.5-inch hammerforged barrel with a recessed crown for increased accuracy, three-dot sights with an optics-ready mount, interchangeable backstraps and side plates, and a black-oxide slide. It comes standard with 17- and 19-round magazines. The lightweight, polymer-framed, strikerfired 9mm SAR 9X is designed to point naturally. In addition, the low barrel axis helps lessen muzzle climb, allowing the user to quickly get set for a follow-up shot.

Offered in SA/DA, the SAR 2000 line of 9x19mm pistols has been used by the military and law

REMIN GTON The Remington 700 Chassis Pistol, built on the famed Model 700 action, is now chambered for .300 Blackout.

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PRODUCTS

SM I T H & W ESSO N The M&P M2.0 Subcompact pistol features a subcompact frame ideal for concealed carry. enforcement agencies around the world. It comes with a 4.5-inch hammer-forged barrel with a recessed crown for increased accuracy. Other features include an ergonomic trigger guard, a Picatinny rail, a dovetail rear sight, and a changeable front sight.

There is a choice of two 10-round or two 17-round magazines. Booth #15133. (sarusa.com)

SIG Sauer

SIG Sauer is rolling out a new innovation to the award-winning, everyday-carry, full-capacity P365 pistol. The P365 SAS (SIG AntiSnag) removes snag points by integrating a flush-mounted FT Bullseye tritium-fiber night sight directly into the slide. Other features of this polymer, strikerfired, 9mm Nitron-finish pistol include flat controls, a ported slide and barrel for less muzzle flip, and a double-stack, 10-round standard-capacity magazine. It ships with a 10-round magazine and a 10-round extended magazine. Twelve-round and 15-round magazines are available.

The M400 Tread pistol is a premium, entry-level rifle-cartridge pistol that’s fully compatible with existing Tread-branded accessories. It is an optics-ready aluminum-framed pistol chambered for 5.56 NATO that features an 11.5inch, nitride-coated, cold-hammer-forged barrel with a freefloating M-Lok handguard, a polished single-stage trigger, ambidextrous controls, a KAK Industry Shockwave Blade 2.0 brace, and a carbine-length gas system. It weighs 6 pounds and has an overall length of 27 inches.

Continuing to redefine the expectations for everyday carry, the new P365 XL combines the capacity, control, and shootability

of a full-size pistol with the concealability of a micro-compact.

The 9mm striker-fired pistol features the P365 grip module, an integrated carry magwell, an extended beavertail, and a flat trigger with a 90-degree break.

The 3.7-inch barrel helps increase accuracy. The opticsready slide is compatible with the new SIG Sauer Electro-Optics ROMEOZero and RMSc Optics.

It comes equipped with X-RAY3 day/night sights.

The P320 Xfive features the exclusive TXG grip module developed by SIG engineers using a patent-pending process that infuses tungsten into the polymer material to provide the weight of steel with the flex of polymer. In addition, this is the first striker-fired pistol to be introduced to the Legion series.

The Xfive is a 9mm pistol with a 5-inch match-grade bull barrel and a lightened, skeletonized trigger.

The recoil assembly has been upgraded to include a one-piece stainless-steel guide rod and a 14-pound 1911-style spring. An extra 12-pound spring allows the user to easily adjust the recoil spring for a customized shooting experience. The pistol is opticsready and weighs 43.5 ounces.

With a history that dates back to

S I G SAU ER The P365 SAS (SIG Anti-Snag) is a polymer, striker-fired pistol. It comes with a Nitron finish in 9mm.

1949, the P210 was the combat handgun for the Swiss military and is regarded as one of the most reliable and accurate firearms in the world. The new American-made P210 Standard features modern improvements at a price point that will allow more consumers to enjoy this timeless pistol. The P210 is a 9mm hammer-fired pistol with a precision-machined stainless-steel slide and frame. It features iron sights, upgraded ergonomic controls (including a relocated manual thumb safety for easier accessibility), a target-grade trigger, custom walnut grips, a side magazine release, and an improved

beavertail. The pistol comes standard with two 8-round magazines.

Booth #12532. (sigsauer.com)

Smith & Wesson

The latest addition to the M2.0 family, the M&P M2.0 Subcompact features a smaller, subcompact frame that’s ideal for concealed carry. With a 12+1 capacity in 9mm, the M&P M2.0 Subcompact series includes the full array of M&P M2.0 enhancements. Available in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 Auto. SRP: $569. Booth #13729. (smith-wesson.com)

S I G SAU E R The M400 Tread Pistol is a premium, entry-level rifle-cartridge pistol that’s fully compatible with existing Tread accessories.

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FOOTWEAR 5.1 1 The ATLAS athleticstyle boot offers comfort and protection; its load-assist system reduces impact on the wearer’s knees.

Lighter and Faster

Hunting boot companies focus on more athletic, lighter boots...and also on expanding women’s hunting options By Peter B. Mathiesen

F

or hunting boots in 2020, big players are focusing on creating more athletic models that offer all the protection of traditional hunting boots but with enhanced comfort and mobility. They’re also focusing on expanding their women’s boot lines, which will continue to be a growing sector in the hunting footwear category.

DA N N E R The all-new Recurve features a Vibram SPE midsole and a TPU heel clip to ensure long hours of comfort on extended treks.

Safety footwear for men and women is also a growing category, and military and law enforcement contracts are expected to be steady in 2020 after threats of tariffs have been offset by stable material prices at the end of 2019.

European manufacturers found more stability as well.

Here’s a look at what’s newer, lighter, and ready to sell in footwear for 2020.

5.11

Ideal for workers who stand on hard surfaces like concrete, the lower-cut ATLAS athletic-style boot offers comfort and protection for a wide variety of loading jobs, high-impact walking, and-

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warmer weather conditions.

The mid-height boot features a TPT toe, a welded-mesh upper, a rip-resistant high-traction sole, and 5.11’s torsion board. The combination of the Ortholite footbed and the Echo Foam highrebound PU (polyurethane) with a proprietary load-assistance system makes for lighter impact on feet and knees after a long day on pavement. Available in Black and Dark Coyote. Sizes: 4 to 15, halves up to 12, and wide sizes.

SRP: $134.99. Booth #13162.

(511tactical.com)

Danner

Inspired by Danner’s traditional hunting boots, the all-new Recurve delivers a new generation of performance. The Recurve features a Vibram SPE midsole and TPU heel clip to ensure long hours of comfort on preseason scouts and extended treks. With 7 inches of height for ankle support and Danner Dry waterproofing, the Recurve will keep hunters in the woods longer with reduced fatigue.

Other features include fullgrain leather, a nylon upper, a breathable mesh lining on some models, up to 400g of Thinsulate Ultra insulation, a cushioning, open-cell, OrthoLite footbed, and

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IRISH SETTER The 17-inch MudTrek, made of lightweight rubber, is available in both an athletic fit and a full fit.

GEO RG I A The hardware on Georgia’s new USA Wedge boots is smooth milled brass, which minimizes wear on the laces.

Available with a steel toe, a soft toe, or a soft-moc toe. a Vibram SPE midsole. A nylonshank TPU heel frame enhances support and provides maximum rebound and comfort.

The Vibram outsole with Megagrip technology features adaptive lugs and flex lines for superior grip in both wet and dry terrain. Available in brown. Sizes: 7 to 14, halves up to 12. SRP: starting at $190. Booth #10328. (danner.com)

Georgia Boot

Georgia Boot’s new USA Wedges are comfortable, durable, stylish, and built for hard work. Each new USA Wedge style is made with strong, abrasion-resistant SPR leather, Georgia Boot’s popular AMP (Advanced Memory Polyurethane) insole, and a durable Goodyear welt construction.

The outsole is slip-resistant with smooth milled-brass hardware, which extends the life of the bootlaces. They are unlined to keep feet cool during long days; the pigskin-padded tongue raises the comfort level.

Styles include a traditional soft toe, traditional steel toe, and a soft-moc toe. The steel-toe style meets ASTM F2413 standards for protective toe footwear. Soft-toe styles meet ASTM F2892 electrical hazard protection standards.

The steel-toe style also features Georgia Boot’s Ergo-Fit safety toe, designed to match the contours of the foot and provide bet-

ter range of motion. Sizes: 8 to 13 in medium and wide. SRP: $194–$199. Booth #13308. (georgiaboot.com)

Irish Setter

For 2020, Irish Setter will introduce the MudTrek, an extremely lightweight rubber boot available in an athletic fit or a full fit.

Featuring TempSense technology with wicking linings, the design helps regulate temperature and moisture, maintaining all-day comfort. The waterproof, 17-inch, one-piece-construction knee boot features ScentBan antimicrobial control. Available in non-insulated, 400g, 800g, and 1200g models, the MudTrek is offered in unisex whole sizes to keep men, women, and young adults warm and dry.

ThermoBoost in the insulated styles adds warmth without additional bulk. The PU footbed and EVA midsole provide underfoot comfort and convenient heel-kick assists in boot removal. Unisex sizes: 4 to 15. SRP: starting at $179.99. Booth #11346. (irishsetterboots.com)

Kenetrek

Kenetrek has its first entry in the mountain firefighting category.

The Wildland Fire boots feature the lightweight comfort, durability, and support that the company’s hunting line is known for.

K E N E T R E K A deep-lug sole with Kevlar Hot Zone stitching and laces contributes to the Wildland Fire’s fire resistance.

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PRODUCTS

LAC ROSS E The Alpha Agility is available insulated or uninsulated, and emphasizes lightweight flexibility and comfort.

LOWA The 8-inch R-8S GTX Thermo is ideal for cold weather, with excellent ankle support and a Vibram Arctic Grip outsole for traction.

The Wildland Fire was required to pass independent laboratory testing for compliance with rigorous heat and flame testing, which included self-extinguishing properties. After two years of meticulous design processes and testing, the Wildland Fire Boot is now available for 2020.

The boots are made in Italy with a K-73 Fire outsole that is fire resistant and has an increased toe and heel taper for easier walking on any terrain. A deep-lug sole with Kevlar Hot Zone stitching and laces further increases the boot’s fire resistance. The thick 2.8mm leather uppers feature one-piece vamp construction and a seamless tongue for enhanced durability.

The boot meets NFPA 1977 Standards on Protective Clothing and Equipment for Wildland Fire Fighting, 2016 edition.

Sizes: 8 to 12 in whole and half, 13 to 16 in whole. Narrow, medium, and wide widths. SRP: starting at $400. Booth #1214. (kenetrek.com)

LaCrosse

MUCK The innovative construction of the new Apex boot offers a solid platform for high-endurance hunting pursuits that require a more athletic, agile boot, while still providing 100 percent waterproofing and Muckproof protection.

New for fall 2020, LaCrosse is expanding the Alpha Agility line to include two women’s styles (insulated and non-insulated) with an emphasis on lightweight flexibility and comfort. Beginning with premium hand-laid rubber over 5mm of naturally insulating neoprene, the boot is secure, waterproof, and durable. For colder weather, the optional Thinsulate Ultra Insulation is ideal when temperatures drop.

LaCrosse’s signature adjustable

gusset fits any calf size securely.

The boot features hand-laid premium rubber over a 5mm neoprene core for flexible waterproof comfort. Other features include a classic moisture-wicking, quickdrying polyester jersey liner.

Active Fit locks keep the heel in place, and the rear gusset is adjustable for a comfortable, secure fit. The specially formulated LXA compound provides an athletic, shoe-like agility and cushion for all-day use. There’s also a kick-off heel plate allowing for easy, hands-free removal.

The outsole is made with a lightweight LXA compound. The boots weigh 3.5 pounds for the non-insulated version, 4.3 pounds for the insulated. Women’s sizes: 5 to 10, whole only. Starting SRP: $130. Booth #10328. (lacrosse footwear.com)

Lowa

The rugged 8-inch R-8S GTX Thermo boot is ideal for coldweather hunting, with excellent ankle support and good protection from snow and underbrush.

The PrimaLoft 400g insulation and durable waterproof/breathable Gore-Tex lining protect against the elements, while the Vibram Arctic Grip outsole provides unparalleled traction on wet, slick ice.

The R-8S has a PU Monowrap frame for superb lateral stability and long-lasting underfoot support. A closed lace-loop system features locking lace loops, which lets the user customize different tensions between the ankle and foot. The upper is a stout split-

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PRODUCTS

grain leather/Cordura fabric combination. Sizes: men’s medium and wide widths 7.5 to 11.5 half, whole 12 to 14. SRP: $325. Booth #10232. (lowaboots.com)

Muck

The new Apex is built with innovative construction for highendurance hunting pursuits that require a more athletic, agile boot, while still providing 100 percent waterproofing and Muckproof protection. The Apex enables athletic hunters and outdoor enthusiasts of all types to move fast and with confidence over rough terrain, and a breathable mesh lining provides moisture management.

The upper features a secure lock-down zipper-closure system, and the Apex features a scree collar, high-traction outsole, and lightweight performance for great comfort and fit. Men’s colors: black/black; women’s colors: black/white and moss/tan. SRP: $140. Booth #10951. (muckbootcompany.com).

The Stalker feacollar, a composite tures 900-denier shank for extra supCordura uppers with port, and leather Realtree Edge camo upper construction and leather accents with double and triand Rocky’s Vapor ple stitching for Pass breathable greater durability. waterproofing, Both boots offer which comes with a extra cushioning PROPPE R The D one-year perforand support, making Ultra Light Tactical Boot mance guarantee. them ideal for is built on an EVA rubber The Rocky law enforcement outsole for traction and AirPort cushioned officers and EMS impact absorption. footbed provides allresponders. day comfort, and Designed for both 800g of 3M Thinsulate Ultra military and public safety profesinsulation will keep feet warm in sionals, all Propper styles are even the coldest climates. The engineered using true U.S. sizing outsole is made from a durable for superior fit with excellent polyurethane with a lug pattern weight distribution. designed for traction, and the Available in Black. SRP: startcement construction allows for ing at $69.99. Booth #10764. ultimate flexibility. (propper.com) Nine inches high with a padded collar and lacing to the top of the boot, the Rocky Stalker has the Rocky traction, stability, and performance Made in the United States, the needed for challenging pursuits. new Stalkers from Rocky are a Finishes include Realtree Edge. familiar throwback to the compaSizes: 8 to 11.5 D and EE, 11 to ny’s roots, featuring a classic look, 13. SRP: starting at $220. Booth top performance, and rugged #11340. (rockyboots.com) durability.

Propper

Propper International has introduced two new styles of lightweight footwear in its Duralight line that use comfort-cell technology to keep feet feeling strong throughout a work shift.

The new D Ultra Light Tactical Boot and Shift Low Top are both built on an EVA rubber outsole for excellent traction and impact absorption, with a removable EVA contoured footbed for added comfort. Other features include a breathable lining, a padded ankle

Wolverine

The Hellcat Hunt combines classic boot styling with new UltraSpring cushioning for a lightweight, energized ride in a hunting boot. Using 400g PrimaLoft Gold Aerogel as an ultra-lightweight insulator helps keep feet warm without the added weight of most insulated boots.

The upper uses waterproof, oiled, tumbled, nubuck leather with 900-denier nylon. It features a breathable, waterproof membrane with a moisture-wicking mesh lining.

The Ortholite UltraLite fullcushioned footbed is light without sacrificing comfort, and can be removed for drying. The footbed also features the UltraSpring high-rebound ETPU midsole to provide an energized ride, with a rubber lug outsole. The boot uses Direct-Attach construction with a nylon shank for extra strength, and is backed by Wolverine’s 30-day comfort guarantee. Sizes: 7 to 12 M, 13, 14; and 7 to 12, 13 Extra Wide.

SRP: starting at $185. Booth #12462. (wolverineboots andshoes.com)

WOLV ERIN E The Hellcat Hunt’s 400g PrimaLoft Gold Aerogel helps keep feet warm without the weight of heavy insulation.

RO CKY The Stalker features 900-denier Cordura uppers with Realtree Edge camo and Vapor Pass breathable waterproofing.

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FROMthe NSSF When you’re posting to social media about the upcoming election issues affecting our industry, NSSF encourages you to use #GUNVOTE.

#GUNVOTE2020

NSSF’s voter education resources help inform industry members about where candidates stand on the issues that a�ect their livelihood and rights

T

By Brian McCombie he 2020 elections are on the near horizon, and while elections are of great importance to all Americans, this year’s selection of those hoping for federal leadership roles are of particular importance to the shooting sports industry. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) not only understands the significance of these elections, it created #GUNVOTE (online at gunvote.org) to inform voters about the many issues affecting our industry and our Second Amendment rights.

“In the very first Democratic debates held in July 2019, several candidates staked out very clear and extreme positions on the Second Amendment,” says Mark Oliva, Director of Public Affairs for NSSF. “Former Vice President Joe Biden clearly stated on the debate stage that it was the gun industry that was what he called ‘the enemy.’ None of the other candidates disagreed. Their silence was agreement in his notion. He continues to propose forcing

unworkable technology as a mandate on firearms production and repealing the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. His goal isn’t to solve criminal misuse of firearms. It’s to drive out our industry.”

Likewise, many of the Democratic presidential candidates have rallied behind the banning of modern sporting rifles (MSRs) and standard-capacity magazines (erro-

neously terming these as “assault weapons” and “high-capacity magazines,” respectively).

They have even threatened to try to legislate against pro-Second Amendment organizations.

“There are an estimated 17.7 million MSRs in ownership in this country,” Oliva notes.

“Would a ban on MSRs make millions of law-abiding Americans suddenly criminals? We’d prefer

not to find out, and we want America’s firearms owners to be educated and aware of exactly where all federal candidates for Congress and the Presidency stand.”

The votes of target shooters, hunters, and gun owners can make a big difference in our elections. In or out of the shooting sports industry, the voting process begins with citizens making sure they’ve registered to vote, then becoming educated about the candidates. Gun owners need to then discuss Second Amendment issues and ideas with family and friends, so that others can understand the importance of America’s firearms freedoms. The final step, of course, is going to the polls and, when necessary, helping others to get there as well.

GUNVOTE.org users can find the locations of their local polling places on the site, as well as information for each state’s early and absentee voting procedures.

Updated regularly, GUNVOTE. org tells you exactly where the various federal candidates stand on issues related to our industry. The site’s users can access research and updates on the many candidates and their positions concerning the Second Amendment and the shooting sports in general.

GUNVOTE.org in 2020 is also tracking issues including hunting, conservation, and self-defense, as well as trade, regulatory, and consumer issues affecting industry members. The easiest way to stay on the top of the ever-changing political landscape concerning our rights as individuals and an industry is to sign up for regular updates and alerts at GUNVOTE.org and receive information coming right to your computer or mobile device.

When you’re posting to social media about the upcoming election and the candidates and issues affecting our industry, Oliva encourages everyone to use the hashtag #GUNVOTE. “That hashtag will allow other people to find the #GUNVOTE information, and it will also allow gun owners to come together in the best sense on social media.”

Remember, anyone can access

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WILDLAND FIRE

#GUNVOTE 2020:

A CALL FOR MEMBERSHIP ELECTION EDUCATION

YOU ASKED, WE DELIVERED...

Built to keep firefighters on their feet through brutal conditions, all while never having to worry about boot failure.

GUNVOTE.org, so tell your friends and family about the website. Use #GUNVOTE on any of your social media postings to give those same friends and family the chance to easily access other important election and issue information.

Encourage them to ask any questions they may have and to share their concerns. In this way, we can educate non-gun owners. Our industry can win in 2020—but we have to vote!

Independent Labratory Tested to meet NFPA 1977 Standard Requirements Fire Resistant, 10” rough-out leather uppers increase durability and precision molds to foot

©KENETREK, LLC 2019

NSSF member businesses can help themselves by educating staff and customers about the organization’s GUNVOTE.org resources.

“With a forceful and impactful voice in Congress and state legislature, NSSF relentlessly advocates for the legal commerce of firearms and the right to safe and responsible ownership of any firearm,” says Mike Vrooman, NSSF’s managing director of member services. “#GUNVOTE is the education that accompanies that advocacy, and it makes sense for NSSF member companies and businesses to inform employees, staff, and customers about the GUNVOTE.org resources. NSSF membership helps unite the industry with one voice and provides member companies with the ability to have a greater impact than any individual company can have on its own.”

For example, NSSF member FFLs should tag their social media posts about the elections with #GUNVOTE and share GUNVOTE.org updates to their social media platforms. Likewise, a #GUNVOTE placard could be placed on countertops or near registers. If customers ask about the upcoming elections, certainly direct them to GUNVOTE.org to get up-to-date information on candidates and the issues.

“NSSF membership has many benefits,” Vrooman says. “They can save your business money and give you access to education and research that can help in making better business decisions. None are more important than joining with your peers to protect and grow the industry we all hold dear, especially in this critical election year.”

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FROM THE NSSF

A Second Look at First Shots The popular program gets a revamp By Robert F. Staeger

T

he National Shooting Sports Foundation’s First Shots program has been around for more than a decade. It’s an introduction to firearms in which ranges present an NSSF-developed class for new shooters, teaching them about firearms handling and safety. It culminates in that exhilarating moment when the students step onto the range and fire a gun for the first time.

It’s a simple concept. So why has it been revamped?

Partially, it’s because it’s so familiar. It was developed during a different sales environment; everything needs a tweak now and then to keep up with the times. “Last year we reintroduced the program to the industry, ranges, and retailers to show them its value,” says Zach Snow, NSSF’s Director of Retail and Range Business Development.

At the same time, NSSF recalibrated expectations for the program. “We needed to emphasize that you can’t expect something to be a huge success by doing just one First Shots event,” says Snow. “Its purpose is to be an ongoing, low-cost, customerdevelopment tool for ranges to adopt, and to be a precursor to some of the other basic training classes they might already offer. It gives people a formal introduction to target shooting using a rifle, pistol, or shotgun, and helps get them started on what they want to do for their next step.”

There are also the lapsed gun owners who bought a gun during the boom years of the Obama administration but who haven’t been diligent about using it. “Some of them just went through the steps they needed to get a pistol permit but never really explored recreational target shooting,” says Snow. “By giving them an opportunity to try again, people can become intrigued by that side of the equation.

“We’re always going to have those times when things change, whether it’s some newsworthy event or a political shift that can affect sales pat-

The revamped First Shots program has led to a big increase in the number of first-time shooters.

terns,” Snow added. “That said, we can’t abandon the fact that we need to market the shooting sports as entertainment.”

First Shots invites people to get started in an educational environment, teaching them safe and proper ways of handling a firearm and focusing on providing a good first experience that will lead to many more experiences.

After getting input from active First Shots instructors with years of experience, NSSF worked to revise the classroom instruction. “We condensed some of the information,” says Snow. “Less is more in that first intro.

We narrowed down some of the classroom time and extended the time on the range.” The program was also given a fresh look, with a revised logo and new support materials, including a new First Shots handbook.

Another thing that’s changed is the increased level of industry support.

As NSSF’s retail and range business development coordinator, Ann

Gamauf helps organize the events with host ranges and provides them with gear industry members have donated to help the seminars succeed.

“I send them safety glasses and ear protection from Howard Leight by Honeywell,” Gamauf says, “and I outfit them with Birchwood Casey ShootN-C targets. Aguila Ammunition provides us with .22 rimfire ammo, for which Ammunition Depot fulfills, ships, and covers shipping fees, for our First Shots hosts, and we put together a padfolio that has a brand-new handbook and safety literature, a pen, and things like that. The students get everything they need, which takes a lot of burden off the range.”

One big change is that First Shots used to be free for participants. That incentive turned out to be counterproductive.

“Unfortunately, when you offer something for free, everybody signs up for it but there’s no commitment on their end. We saw a lot of no-shows.”

NSSF now suggests its First Shots host ranges charge between $25 and $50 (depending on what the host offers beyond the NSSF curriculum), a nominal fee that helps participants honor the appointment. Often, that fee can be applied toward the participant’s next purchase at the range, whether it’s becoming a member of the host range, used for firearm rentals and ammunition, or signing up for another class.

A final change was made in how NSSF and its ranges evaluate the success of the program. Today, instead of the paper surveys instructors used to hand out, participants now take an online survey.

When it’s submitted, NSSF sends the student a $25 rewards coupon.

The online survey makes data collation easier, notes Snow. “We’re able to not only have a complete overview of the survey data based on everyone who completed it, we can send each host facility a monthly report to reflect their students’ feedback.”

It’s as simple as that.

The cost needed to host First Shots events varies with the facility, a function of the number of personnel and instructors each has available, but most of the physical material is provided by the sponsors, so overall it’s fairly inexpensive.

Snow explains that ranges need to have a little patience when it comes to manifesting the program’s benefits. “Our successful host ranges recognize that you need to commit to it on a monthly basis,” says Snow.

“Shooters World, an NSSF Five-Star range in Florida, offers First Shots

experiences daily,” says Snow. “When someone comes in for the first time, the staff there integrated our First Shots curriculum into the range’s orientation. That’s something creative that’s worked well for them, but that may not be practical for everyone.

For the most part, I would say the average range that has really embraced First Shots is holding an event once a month.”

Introduced in 2019, the revamped First Shots is seeing its popularity skyrocket. For the first half of the 2019 fiscal year, the number of host ranges had doubled from the year before. The number of events has increased by 50 percent, and the number of participants was nearly double (as of second quarter 2019) the full-year totals for 2018.

“One of our ideal models right now is Centennial Gun Club. It hosts a First Shots experience the first Saturday of every month at a minimum,” says Snow.

The club, in a suburb of Denver, makes sure to touch base with each participant individually. “This range has a lot of new people who complete an online questionnaire so that the staff gets a better feel for their clients’ experience levels and interests.

That leads to a follow-up phone call. The success of this approach has led Centennial to schedule two First Shots events every month, with the majority of First Shots clients coming back and becoming regular customers of the range.” And that proves there’s only one thing better than the first shot: The next one.

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FROM THE NSSF

Real Solutions for Safer Communities

NSSF’s multifaceted approach to community firearms safety is a top priority By Shannon Farlow

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s a SHOT Show attendee, you’re probably familiar with the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Since 1961, the trade association for the firearms industry has been advocating for recreational hunting and shooting. Today, NSSF, which owns and operates SHOT Show, has thousands of members, including major manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and shooting ranges. Although you may recognize its success in promoting and protecting hunting and the shooting sports, are you aware of the many initiatives NSSF has developed to make communities across the country safer?

The National Shooting Sports Foundation has developed a number of important initiatives, such as Project ChildSafe, “Don’t Lie for the Other Guy,” FixNICS, and Operation Secure Store, all of which are designed to make our communities safer.

“Even though we’re a trade association and our mission in life is to promote trade in the firearms industry, you might be surprised to learn that we have a number of programs that are designed to keep guns out of the wrong hands,” says NSSF president Joe Bartozzi.

It’s all part of NSSF’s Real Solutions program to promote responsible gun ownership, prevent firearms-related accidents, and keep guns away from convicted felons and others who are prohibited from owning them. With the full support of the firearms industry, NSSF is taking action to help protect communities while upholding the legal rights of gun owners.

Project ChildSafe

In 1999, NSSF changed the national discourse around firearms safety when the group launched a groundbreaking initiative to educate gun owners about safe firearms handling and

storage. More than 15,000 law-enforcement agencies, the Boy Scouts, and other organizations joined in this nationwide effort. Since then, Project ChildSafe has been at the forefront of preventing firearms accidents, misuse, and theft by providing more than 38 million free firearms safety kits, which include a cable lock, to gun owners.

“By and large, it’s funded by the industry, by our members, and also by individual donors who contribute to the charitable foundation that we’ve set up,” said Bartozzi. “We’re proud of this program. It’s been very well received. The requests for locks are outpacing our ability to get the locks, so we’re working hard to keep up.”

Project ChildSafe was named one of three finalists for the National Safety Council’s 2018 “Green Cross for Safety” Awards. You can learn more about this program, including how to get the firearms safety kits, and download a number of free resources at ProjectChildSafe.org.

“Don’t Lie for the Other Guy”

The last thing anyone in our industry wants is for firearms to fall into the hands of convicted felons or other legally prohibited persons. For nearly 20 years, “Don’t Lie for the Other Guy,” an educational program developed by NSSF and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), has helped retailers prevent firearms purchases by custom-

ers on behalf of others who cannot legally own firearms. This program is helping to reduce the number of firearms “straw purchases” and to educate the public about the felony penalties, which can include a sentence of 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.

“We give training to dealers all over the country on how to identify the characteristics of these illegal purchases,” says Bartozzi. “We have created literature, videos, and other information for retailers to use and train their employees to prevent these types of things from happening.”

Firearms retailers can learn more about “Don’t Lie for the Other Guy” and download a helpful tool kit at DontLie.org.

Operation Secure Store

Gun stores have long been a popular target for burglars and thieves, and the problem has gotten worse in recent years. According to ATF data, burglaries of FFLs jumped an astonishing 71 percent between 2013 and 2017, while the number of FFL robberies rose nine percent from 2017 to 2018. To help retailers put a stop

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FROM THE NSSF

members and industry partners, launched the FixNICS campaign in 2013 to correct the flawed system. As a result, 16 states have changed their laws to mandate that all applicable records are entered into NICS. “The background check information was increased by more than 241 percent after the laws were enacted,” says Bartozzi. “We’re proud of the fact that we’re making the background checks more effective for everybody.”

In 2018, President Trump signed a federal law, the Fix NICS Act of 2017, that ensures all federal government agencies, including the military, must enter complete prohibiting records in the NICS system. The U.S. Attorney General has recently reported strong federal agency and state response to the NSSF-championed law.

Suicide Prevention

One of the most recent community safety programs undertaken by NSSF aims to help stop suicides by firearms.

alarming frequency lately,” says Bartozzi.

“These folks go in and do a security assessment. They provide information and training on how to harden your location to prevent smash-and-grabs, burglaries, and robberies.”

All FFL retailers are encouraged to visit OperationSecureStore.org to learn more about this resource.

FixNICS

to these firearms thefts, NSSF teamed up with ATF to launch Operation Secure Store in 2018. This nationwide initiative includes regional educational seminars for firearms retailers hosted by ATF, as well as a matching rewards program that doubles rewards for information resulting in convictions.

“We have contracted with physical security experts who will go into a gun shop and identify areas where security can be bolstered. It could be the way the doors lock, the type of doors, or maybe suggesting having bollards in front of your doors so a truck can’t be driven through them, as we’ve seen happening with

While background checks can be an effective way to stop convicted felons and other prohibited individuals from purchasing a firearm, the records in the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) have sometimes been incomplete. This is due to some states and organizations failing to provide adequate background information. For example, if a person was incarcerated for domestic battery or was committed to a medical facility for mental evaluation, the records could be factors prohibiting a firearms purchase under the Gun Control Act. Unfortunately, several states did not enter this information in NICS, which resulted in FFL retailers unknowingly selling firearms to prohibited customers.

“We saw this play out in Sutherland Springs, Texas, with the shooting there. The shooter was a prohibited person under federal law, but the Air Force never put the records in the system,” says Bartozzi. “The sale was made, the shooter’s record unbeknownst to the retailer, and you know the horrible consequences that ensued.”

NSSF, with overwhelming support from its

One of the most recent NSSF community safety programs aims to help stop suicides by firearms. Approximately six out of every 10 gun deaths in the United States are suicides.

Sadly, military veterans have one of the highest rates of firearms-related suicides. NSSF, in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), developed a Suicide Prevention toolkit to help FFL retailers and shooting range operators better understand the warning signs associated with suicide. The toolkit describes common risk factors for suicide and offers guidance on where to seek help, in addition to promoting secure firearms storage.

“If someone comes in who’s not acting right, you don’t have to sell that gun. You don’t have to rent that gun. You can have a brave conversation, as we like to say, and calm them down and help point them in the right direction for some help,” says Bartozzi. “We’re trying to get this information out to those groups, to try and educate them, and offer them some prevention tools. There’s lots of things that can be done to put time between the idea of committing suicide and actually carrying it out. We’ve learned from our partners at AFSP that suicides are preventable. If you find a way to create that space and time, you can actually save lives.”

NSSF recently finalized an agreement with the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to launch a suicide prevention pilot program, starting with veterans groups in six states and the District of Columbia.

FFL retailers and shooting range operators are encouraged to visit NSSF.org/safety/ suicide-prevention, where they will find suicide-prevention education videos and the Suicide Prevention toolkit, as well as additional information.

LEARN MORE

To learn more about NSSF’s Real Solutions program, visit NSSFREALSOLUTIONS.ORG.

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FROM THE NSSF

Joining Forces

NSSF partnerships are making a di�erence in suicide prevention By Christopher Cogley

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hen it comes to suicide prevention, there are no easy answers. There are, however, things we can all do to make it easier for people to get the help they need if they are in crisis. That’s exactly what the recently formed partnership between the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is hoping to get people across the country to understand.

“One in five people is affected by suicide, either as a survivor or as someone who knows a person who died by suicide,” says Bill Brassard, Senior Director of Communications for the NSSF. “Nearly two-thirds of all gunrelated deaths are suicides.”

As the trade association for the firearms industry, NSSF was determined to help play a role in lowering those startling statistics.

Through the tremendous success of Project ChildSafe, NSSF proved that keeping firearms safely stored when not in use is an extremely effective way to reduce accidental firearms deaths, and the organization was confident the same principle could also help reduce the number of firearms-related suicides. Because of the complexity behind the causes of suicide, though, NSSF realized it was important to join forces with groups that had more experience and expertise in suicide prevention.

“Because of the politics surrounding the gun debate, finding the right organization to partner with wasn’t that easy,” Brassard says. “As it turns out, the AFSP was looking to reach out to a group in the firearms community because they knew we could do more good by working together.

To its credit, AFSP set aside the politics of guns, and we collaborated on developing a campaign that can help save lives.”

NSSF and AFSP worked together to create a toolkit for firearms retailers and ranges to help educate them on the importance of recognizing the signs of someone who might be having suicidal thoughts. The toolkit also included a consumer-facing aspect that provides people with information about suicide prevention, including warning signs, resources on where to find professional help, and the importance of securely storing guns when not in use.

In-store signage and literature distributed through the toolkit to FFLs and ranges centers around the theme of “Have a Brave

The bottom line is that the more the public is educated about suicide prevention, the more lives we can save.

Conversation” and the importance of reaching out to someone going through a difficult time. In addition, the program features messaging focused on “After a Suicide” and includes resources to help ranges and retailers deal with the effects on business operations and staff should a suicide unfortunately happen at their facility.

“The messages in the toolkit really resonated with retailers and ranges, as well as the general public, and not long after the program was launched, the VA reached out to us to see if we would partner with them on a similar program for the veterans community,” Brassard says.

NSSF was eager to adapt the program so that it could address

the specific needs of suicide prevention among veterans, but the prospect posed an additional challenge for all three organizations.

According to the “National Suicide Data Report” the VA put out in 2016, firearms were used in almost half of suicides in America.

Among veterans, however, that number rose to nearly 70 percent.

Hidden within that statistic was one of the biggest hurdles to preventing suicide among veterans.

“There’s evidence that some veterans weren’t seeking treatment because of the fear that someone would take their firearms away,” Brassard says.

“Because of that, we realized it was important for us to use this program as a way to connect with people who are going through a difficult time and let them know they can get the help they need without the fear of having anyone permanently take their guns away.

That way, they can still enjoy the many benefits of hunting and the shooting sports that can be an extremely beneficial to their mental health following treatment.”

With that overriding concern

identified, NSSF assisted in creating a suicide-prevention toolkit in conjunction with the VA and AFSP that centers around the importance of keeping firearms safely secured.

By keeping firearms locked when they aren’t in use, it makes it more difficult to act on the impulses that can lead to suicide, and that moment of pause is sometimes all it takes for someone to reach for help instead of a firearm.

To get that message out to as many people as possible, the VA is working with community partners to roll out a pilot program in Washington, D.C., Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. The program will feature a strong consumerfacing presence, including brochures and other literature, along with billboards and other advertising. The messages are all focused on increasing awareness of suicide prevention among veterans and the general public, and highlighting how the simple step of locking up firearms that aren’t being used can go a long way toward helping prevent suicides.

“It’s really important that the effort be a community-based program so we can reach those veterans outside the VA sphere,” Brassard says. “Education like this can have huge benefits for people far beyond the veterans’ community. The bottom line is that the more the public is educated about suicide prevention, the more lives we can save.”

Brassard says the VA is taking the lead on the program, and it will likely be rolled out on a national level if the pilot program yields the kind of positive results all three organizations anticipate.

“It’s too early to say what kind of impact this program is going to have,” Brassard says. “But based on the enthusiasm it’s received so far, we have high hopes this program will really make a difference.” And when it comes to suicide prevention, there’s no doubt that even a small difference can have a huge impact.

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MINUTES WITH…

Al Kasper

President and CEO, Savage Arms

Beyond the Buyout

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Savage plans for the future under new leadership By Shannon Farlow hen news broke last July that Vista Outdoor had sold the Savage Arms firearms brand, it came as no surprise to most inside the shooting sports industry. Officials at the parent company had announced a major restructuring to reduce debt in May 2018. Their plan encompassed cutting costs, shedding leadership positions, and divesting itself of each of the firearms brands—including Savage Arms, which the company had owned since 2013. It was only a matter of time before someone snapped up the legendary firearms brand. That someone, it turns out, was an investment group led by none other than longtime Savage Arms president and CEO Al Kasper.

Shortly after the acquisition was finalized, Kasper and “Team Savage” published an announcement to reassure Savage Arms customers and the firearms industry that the brand was here to stay.

The group underscored that it was business as usual at Savage, and explained that the leadership team was “committed to the path we are on and do not foresee any changes at this time to those plans we have in place with each of you.”

SHOT Daily wanted to know more about this momentous transaction and the new leadership at Savage Arms: What are their immediate plans for the firearms manufacturer and what does the future look like? To find out, we recently spoke with Al Kasper.

Here are some of the behind-thescenes details and exclusive insights that he shared.

SHOT Daily: What prompted the Savage Arms leadership team to purchase the company?

Al Kasper: We’ve been a part

require. Savage is known for outstanding accuracy, innovation, quality, and superior service. All this and more will continue to drive growth for the company, our employees, and their families.

SD: What will change at Savage Arms under the new ownership?

AK: There won’t be too many

Savage can now operate to the beat of the industry and its customers—not public expectations or perceptions.

despite—and because of—market turmoil. It is a great time to be an independent entity with assets to take advantage of current and future opportunities to grow.

of Savage for a long time, and we wanted that to continue. We purchased this because of the people, the generational excellence, the new-product pipeline, the experienced management team, and the excitement and passion we have for the future of this company and our industry.

SD: Who makes up the Savage

SD: Why purchase Savage now?

SD: What’s the goal of the leader-

Was this something that was in the works for some time?

ship team?

AK: The timing was dictated by Vista Outdoors’ surprise decision to divest Savage Arms. However, the price was very attractive, and there is a great strategic outlook

leadership team?

AK: Several very passionate pro-

fessionals who want Savage to become the best it can be—most of whom have more than 20 years of experience with the company and brand.

AK: Our goal is to make Savage the best company and consumer brand it can be by delivering to our customers. We are dedicated to providing the most innovative products they need, want, or

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significant changes, and we see that as a good thing. One difference people are seeing now is a return to our previous sales representation. We made this strategic move to strengthen our dealer relationships and ensure we could again focus on the independent retailer, which is so important to us. And so far, we are very happy with the results. Another positive for Savage and our team is the ability to operate to the beat of the industry and our customers—not public expectations or perceptions.

SD: How does this purchase affect the company?

AK: It brought together an ownership group with a long-term outlook and the ability to take advantage of growth opportunities that will come from all the disruption in our industry.

SD: How will it impact Savage Arms’ products and customer service?

AK: Our new-product develop-

ment process has never been interrupted, so you will continue to see a steady release of new products. You will also see Savage continue to spread its wings into new segments. Regarding our service, nothing is changing there.

Our service has been—and will continue to be—industry-leading.

SD: What short-term plans do you have for Savage Arms?

AK: We will continue to use our

strengths in new-product development, speed to market, and unbeatable quality and innovation to navigate the current marketplace. Our manufacturing efficiency and strong relationships with our diverse customer base have us uniquely positioned to manage inventory and other customer needs. And we use all of this to ensure that passionate hunters, shooters, and competitors worldwide have a Savage to meet all their demands today and in the future.

SD: Looking further down the road, what do you envision for Savage?

AK: We will continue to grow

through new-product development, internal capabilities, and external opportunities presented to us. We are staying aggressive and looking ahead—and keeping our strengths that got us here at the forefront of everything we do.

SD: What are you most excited about?

AK: I’m most excited about the

opportunities we have because of the ownership group and the management team—and what this means for our brand and loyal customers. We are in a great place with an exciting lineup and lots of additions here at SHOT Show—and plenty more coming in the near future. Booth #15327. (savagearms.com)

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F E AT U R E S

Powerful Combination

CVA’s first bolt-action rifle delivers performance and value

By Slaton L. White

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bolt-action centerfire seems to be quite a departure for a company known primarily for blackpowder rifles and single-shot centerfires. So, when I saw the Cascade, CVA’s first-ever bolt-action, I asked Chad Schearer, director of advertising/media relations for BPI Outdoors (parent company of CVA), about the thinking behind the decision to create it.

“For almost 50 years, CVA has been one of the most recognized brands in the muzzleloading niche of the firearms market, and for the last 10 years we’ve been a major player in the single-shot centerfire market as well,” Schearer says. “Today, CVA is the dominant brand in both of these ‘primitive weapons’ product categories. The Cascade is the first step toward transitioning CVA away from being just a primitiveweapons brand and into being a hunting-firearms brand. And while a bolt-action centerfire may be new to the CVA brand, it is not new to BPI Outdoors, the brand-holding parent of CVA; we’ve been building bolt-actions under our sister brand, Bergara, for several years now.”

That said, Schearer is careful to

emphasize that CVA’s entry into the bolt-action category does not mean the company is reducing its efforts in the muzzleloading or single-shot markets.

“These guns are now and will remain critical to our overall financial success. In fact, CVA recently introduced its Paramount super-magnum long-range muzzleloader, a rifle so innovative that it will quell any suspicions that we might be losing our muzzleloading focus. The Cascade simply allows us to play in a new category, where we are confident that we can be successful. And the formula for our success with the Cascade will be no different from what we’ve used with CVA muzzleloaders and single-shots— providing shooters with the highest value gun at the price point.

With a realistic retail just over $500 [$499 MAP], the Cascade does just that. Frankly, in features and performance, no other boltaction at that price can match it.”

Schearer notes that a key selling point for retailers is the rifle’s inherent accuracy. Though the Cascade does not come with a Bergara barrel, it does use barrels made in the same factory, using many of the same manufacturing processes. Given that Bergara rifles are known, especially in longdistance-shooting circles, for their remarkable accuracy, the Cascade should benefit from the halo effect of its Bergara association.

In the OEM process, design and specs are adapted to the requirements of the customer. In this case, it means the CVA rifle barrel manufacturing process at

Bergara is adapted to achieve a barrel that is best suited for the Cascade market niche and price.

“From its inception, Bergara has been an OEM supplier of quality barrels to the gun industry,” Schearer says. “Essentially, CVA is an OEM barrel customer of Bergara and is held to the same restrictions as would any other OEM customer, even though both CVA and Bergara have the same ownership.”

One of the consequences of these restrictions is that OEM centerfire barrels built by Bergara can never be branded as Bergara barrels. This policy is designed to avoid confusion in the marketplace, as well as to maintain the integrity of the Bergara name on its own products.

“Obviously, what makes Bergara

The author with a red stag taken in New Zealand. Dual front swivel studs allow for the simultaneous use of both a sling and a bipod.

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rifles what they are is not just the Bergara barrel, but also all of the other Bergara proprietary components and assembly processes that go into making them,” Schearer says. “By this definition, the CVA Cascade is not a Bergara rifle, and CVA would not want to imply such to consumers by confusing them with combined CVA and Bergara branding. That said, CVA’s use of Bergara-branded barrels on its more expensive muzzleloaders started years before Bergara ever launched its rifles.

Therefore, CVA muzzleloaders have a grandfathered exemption to this branding restriction.”

Considering the SRP, this rifle seems particularly aimed at Savage, Ruger, and even the T/C bolt-actions. In other words, the Cascade is priced very competitively. Schearer doesn’t disagree and says retailers should be aware of the competitive advantages of the Cascade.

“When comparing the Cascade to a Savage, Ruger, or even a T/C bolt-action, the very first thing that a consumer will notice is the quality look and feel of the Cascade’s stock. The raised checkering and SoftTouch coating give the user a solid grip in snowy or wet conditions. In addition, the

This Wyoming pronghorn fell to a Cascade bolt-action chambered for the 6.5 Creedmoor.

Cascade stock’s length of pull is adjustable by removing the 1-inch spacer in front of the recoil pad, which makes it adaptable to smaller-statured shooters. It also features two sling swivel studs on the forend so that shooters can attach both a sling and bipod at the same time.”

Other features include an action that uses a three-lug bolt with a 70-degree throw (for smooth, quick, and easy operation), and a flush-fit, spring-loaded, 4+1 detachable magazine. The magazine can also be loaded through the action, if the shooter so chooses.

“The free-floated 4140 carbonsteel barrel incorporates all that Bergara barrel know-how, so extreme accuracy is a given,” Schearer says. “In fact, it’s MOAguaranteed. And the muzzle is finished with a capped, 5/8x24 thread for installing a muzzle brake or suppressor. Another contributing factor to the rifle’s accuracy is the adjustable trigger. All you have to do is remove the barreled action from the stock and turn the adjustment screw.”

Initial caliber offerings were 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win., and 7mm08. Long-action and magnum calibers are coming in 2020.

“Finally, and most important, the Cascade has a money-back guarantee,” Schearer says. “The consumer has 14 days to experience and shoot the Cascade. If not completely satisfied, they can return the gun to CVA for a full refund of their purchase price.

Bottom line, we believe that the Cascade has all other similarly priced models beat by a long shot,

and we’re willing to back up that claim with our guarantee.”

I’ve hunted with the Cascade chambered for the 6.5 Creedmoor twice. In April, I took a nice red stag in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. And in October, I tagged a pronghorn grazing in alfalfa in Wyoming. In both cases, the rifle performed flawlessly. The Cascade is a good example of a rifle that delivers both value and performance, a powerful combination for retailer and customer alike.

Booth #14213. (cva.com)

Signal Improvements

Lone Wolf Distributors is dedicated to making Glocks perform at competitive levels By Robert Sadowski

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f your customers are involved in competitive shooting and use a Glock, then most likely you know Lone Wolf Distributors (LWD) is synonymous with performance aftermarket parts for Glock. When I tweaked my G17 for GSSF (Glock Sport Shooting Foundation) competitions, I installed an LWD connector. The connector is hardly a sexy aftermarket part in appearance, but dry-fire that trigger or—even better—live-fire it at a range, and you’ll see the improvement over the OEM connector. That, my friends, is sexy. In fact, hundreds of thousands of connectors have been sold since LWD opened shop in 1998.

CEO J.R. Shepard is the visionary behind LWD. Shepard was involved with Glock and GSSF in the 1980s, when it literally all began, and he learned pistol shooting and Glock modifications from Grand Master shooters. He built LWD’s reputation on performancepacked aftermarket products and evolved LWD’s product offerings to include custom slides, guide rods, and springs, and nearly all parts except magazines and sights.

LWD can turn around a custom slide for a customer in one to three days. With reflex

The Lone Wolf Grey Man 9mm compact is a Glock 19-style pistol.

optics becoming more popular on handguns, LWD offers custom cuts to fit 40 different optics. It will cut the slide with the rear sight in front or in back of the optic. Its AlphaWolf Signature Series patterns are especially pleasing and offer practical features.

The Timberwolf frame helped kick LWD from being just an aftermarket parts manufacturer to building nearly complete pistols. The Timberwolf frame is for .45 ACP and 10mm, and the first thing I noticed is that these bigbore pistols feel like a 9mm in hand. LWD redesigned the Glock frame to be smaller and more comfortable to shoot, providing more firepower in a 9mm-size package. These frames are compatible with Gen3 and Gen4 Glock parts. LWD will also build you a complete custom pistol.

In 2018, LWD introduced the Grey Man 9mm compact, a Glock 19-style pistol designed with input from USCCA’s Concealed Carry Magazine editor Kevin Michalowski.

The philosophy behind the Grey Man Gun is about hiding in plain sight. The Grey Man appears to be nothing more than a simple compact CCW pistol, but, in reality, the Grey Man is flush with custom upgrades. LWD continues to evolve, and the Grey Man V2 is entirely made by LWD except for the sights and the magazine. The frame design is all LWD, and the internals offer exceptional performance in a striker-fired pistol. Booth #15944. (lonewolfdist.com)

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F E AT U R E S

Split Personality 5.11 builds its customer base through traditional storefronts as well as a strong online presence

T

By Kris Millgate here’s an 18-second ad on the internet for 5.11 pants that features a burly guy who says 5.11 pants, among other things, are stretchy. That’s the last adjective he uses as he does splits. The guy’s pose is impressive, as are the pants. Both are flexible enough for such a spectacular move. It’s no wonder 5.11 pants started in the climbing world, where athletes must have enough flexibility to climb a mountain rated 5.11 (i.e., a hard-to-difficult route for dedicated rock climbers with a lot of experience).

“Originally, the 5.11 pant was designed as a climbing pant,” says Francisco Morales, 5.11 co-founder and CEO. “But then the FBI adopted it, and to this day it’s their training pant.”

5.11 still sells the 5.11 pant, but the company has grown far

beyond that one product. Its mission, “Always Be Ready,” applies to everything it makes and to everyone who wears it, especially emergency personnel. Tactical is a market 5.11 is commanding with both physical and virtual stores. It’s a market the CEO started climbing

toward when he was 15.

Roots

Morales lives in California, but his roots are in Venezuela. He grew up in the clothing business with his father, a Spanish tailor.

Morales accepted a full-time fac-

tory job as a teen and settled for a GED instead of earning a high school diploma. He moved to America at 19 to learn English for one year. He stayed much longer.

“In Venezuela, you go to school to become an accountant or a lawyer, but I wanted to make a product,” Morales says.

“In America, I found out you can study textiles. I graduated first in my class. It just shows you, when you do something you really like, it’s different than going to school to memorize things.”

Morales worked for L.L.Bean and Royal Robbins before redesigning the 5.11 pant in 2003.

He wanted a pant that served the unique needs of public-safety personnel worldwide.

“When I look back, there was really a lack of innovation in the public-safety arena,” he says. “It was about lowest cost, not most comfortable or most competitive. We felt that’s what we needed to offer.”

5.11 Tactical co-founder and CEO Francisco Morales is a trail runner who uses races to test the durability and comfort of the company’s crew socks.

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Response

Changing the company’s motivation from lowest-cost product to most-comfortable and mostcompetitive product created the response Morales wanted from customers. End users of 5.11 products, which includes emergency responders and the military, tell the company what they expect.

The feedback, such as a need for durability with more stretch and less fade, is taken seriously because it comes from well-conditioned athletes spending long days in uniform, and the users inspire the collections 5.11 brings to market.

“We don’t make things for the purpose of making new stuff,” Morales says. “We ask our customers, ‘What do you need to make this product better?’ And then we engineer that.”

By being receptive to its target market, 5.11 product demand has grown in the general market.

Cops wearing 5.11 pants on weekdays now want 5.11 pants to wear on weekends. Gear made for work is showing up in play, so 5.11 expanded with a women’s line, an outdoor line, and a fitness line.

“We’re not designing for everybody, but our products have high appeal for everybody based on relevant cross functions,” he says.

“Branching out is end-user-driven by customers wanting 5.11 in their everyday life.”

with more opening through 2020.

“When the first store opened, it created some tension with our retailers,” Morales says. “What our partners see now is that our stores carry different products while raising brand awareness for everyone.”

5.11, with its 1,000 global employees, also has an e-commerce platform that enhances its traditional retail experience rather than interfering with it. Morales sees 5.11 as a brand, just like his customers do, whether they’re shopping online or in person. Seeing his company as a brand means staff doesn’t compartmentalize sales as stores versus screens.

“We know people want to go

from the digital world to the physical world, and to do that as they please, so we want to help make that seamless,” he says. “Follow consumers and see how consumers want to interact. Sometimes people want to come into a store and spend an hour looking at options, but when they already know what works for them and know their size, they’ll probably go online.”

For 2020, 5.11 has an improved bag and accessory system for vehicles. It also has the ever-popular 5.11, and new shoes sporting soles made to withstand work that requires heavy lifting. Inside those shoes, you’ll often find the CEO’s favorite sock, the 5.11 Slip Stream

Crew. It wicks and sticks. Less friction reduces rubbing, which also reduces blisters. Morales wears the crew sock a lot. He’s a trail runner seeking hundreds of miles in the ultra race realm. Running distance adds to his greater purpose, the one he learned from his father.

“I started creating products with my family and seeing people enjoy the products we made for them,” Morales says. “With 5.11, we see people getting joy out of our product, but what makes it even better is our product makes a difference in the way people do their job. Our greater purpose is serving those who serve.” Booth #13162. (511tactical.com)

Designed in collaboration with Doug Maracaida, the DM Talon folder has a translucent FRN handle, a D2 steel blade, a reversible pocket clip, and an opening mechanism that allows for quick deployment.

Reach

5.11 is branching out with product and presence. It’s improving presence by extending its reach.

In the age of online shopping, the company is figuring out how to justify physical stores without competing with virtual sales.

The first 5.11 brick-and-mortar store opened in 2013. A 5.11 dealer opened it in Fresno, California.

The dealer had a stroke and turned the store over to 5.11.

That’s when the company realized a storefront brings products to life.

They’ve opened 50 stores since,

Francisco Morales with his children and his father at the 5.11 Tactical headquarters.

The Defender-Flex range pant is a five-pocket, slim-fit, jean-style pant designed for tactical wear.

The camo Surplus Jacket features a bi-swing back that adds freedom of movement, smart pockets that provide outstanding utility, and a Teflon treatment that repels stains and soil.

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Protecting Browning’s iconic logo requires passion and dedication

W

By Brad Fitzpatrick e should all hope to be as lucky as Rafe Nielsen. He grew up shooting and hunting with Browning shotguns (the company is headquartered in his home state of Utah), and today Nielsen serves as Browning’s director of marketing and communications. He’s one of the fortunate few who have managed to turn their passion into a profession.

As much as Nielsen enjoys his job, he’s also aware of the responsibility of handling marketing duties for one of the nation’s oldest and mostrespected firearms brands. John Moses Browning is more than a legend in the firearms world— he’s the engineering genius behind some of the greatest

firearms of all time, including the Winchester 92 and 94, the Browning Hi-Power, and the iconic Colt 1911 handgun, among others. Browning’s signature Buckmark logo represents more than a firearms company—it represents a way of life.

The firearms market has

changed a great deal since John Moses Browning was developing repeating arms in the 19th century. In fact, the gun market changes from year to year. For companies like Browning to remain relevant, the iconic brand must find a way to celebrate its long history while launching new products that

appeal to the next generation of hunters and shooters.

Getting Started

Nielsen graduated from Weber State in Ogden with a degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations. His dream was to work at Browning, but his

Rafe Nielsen, Browning’s director of marketing and communications, is constantly in the field testing the company’s varied product lines.

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first internship was at Cabela’s in Nebraska.

“While I was at Cabela’s, I worked on the website and as a copywriter,” Nielsen says. “It was a tremendous four months, and I learned a great deal about the industry.”

That internship in Sidney led to Nielsen’s first job as a copywriter for Browning, a position he held for one year before moving into product development, where he would spend the next decade. His experience developing new products helped prepare Nielsen for his current job in marketing, a position he has held for the last five years.

“I believe that I have the best job in the company, and one of the best in the industry,” Nielsen says. “I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.” For the kid from Utah who shot his first game animal (a dove) with a Browning shotgun (a BSS side-by-side) in the hills not far from the location of the company’s headquarters, it’s truly a dream come true.

designs, including the Browning Citori (based on the Superposed of the early 20th century), .22 and .380 ACP versions of the 1911, and other older firearm designs alongside more modern guns like Browning’s flagship X-Bolt rifle and the Cynergy over/under. The company also works to add modern touches to its guns to help keep pace with a rapidly changing market.

“We’re always adding new models to keep pace with the current trends,” Nielsen says.

Browning’s X-Bolt is an example. In recent years, Browning has increased the number of specialty X-Bolt rifles such as the new X-Bolt Max Long Range, which is equipped with an adjustable target stock and a fluted, threaded, stainless-steel barrel, as well as other models with carbon-fiber stocks and modern finish options like Cerakote.

The company also recently launched the newest generation of its A5 semi-auto shotgun; although the standard humpback profile remains the same, the internal design elements and machining technology of the firearm are ultra-modern.

Browning introduces products throughout the year, and this includes its successful “SHOT Show Special” guns. These limited-edition guns are displayed at the SHOT Show each year, and they offer Nielsen and the Browning team an opportunity to gauge the market and customer interest. It has a lot in common with the way automakers display concept cars at major national shows.

“SHOT Show guns give us an opportunity to react to feedback immediately,” Nielsen says. “It also allows us to try stuff that is different and off-the-wall.”

Supporting Those Who Support Us

Nielsen is particularly proud that Browning works closely with organizations that support hunting and shooting, including the Scholastic Clay Target Program, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and the National Wild Turkey Federation, among others.

In addition to the marketing benefit of supporting these organizations, Nielsen says that the brands are taking an active role in financing conservation efforts and promoting sport shooting. If you’re going to build a lifestyle brand, you must support the lifestyle.

“We look for organizations that get the message to the right people and put their money in the right places.” Booth #10744. (browning.com)

Better Products, Stronger Brands

“Our product marketing strategy is twofold,” Nielsen says. “First, we focus on the brand, and much of that takes place in our Browning print and social media ads.”

One of the company’s latest marketing campaigns is the Natural Buckmark, ads that use the iconic Buckmark logo made from natural materials. There are few words, few product images. The brand speaks for itself—and speaks to the legion of shooters who instinctively understand what a Buckmark logo made up of upland bird feathers represents. In fact, the Buckmark has become one of the company’s most powerful advertising elements, emblazoned on everything from firearms and ammunition to branded products.

But with that marketing strength comes a responsibility to protect the brand. “We look at all the Buckmarks in a sportinggoods store,” Nielsen says.

“Browning-licensed products must be items that hunters can use and rely on in the field.”

Branding aside, Browning products must “speak for themselves,” he says. That requires Nielsen and the team at Browning to create firearms that appeal to their traditional customer base while maintaining a high level of sophistication and functionality.

Indeed, the Browning’s catalog lists some very old firearm

On firearms and ammunition to branded products, the Buckmark logo has become a powerful tool in Nielsen’s arsenal. But with that marketing strength comes a responsibility to protect the brand.

“Browning-licensed products must be items that hunters can rely on in the field,” he says.

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F E AT U R E S

PREMIUM EXPERIENCE I

Federal Ammunition’s Custom Shop is focused on specialized loads

By Richard Mann

t was the last day of a month-long safari. My son, Bat, had spent the better part of 29 days running a video camera for various productions. During that time, he’d only been to the field with a rifle a few times, but never on what you’d call a serious hunt. This day was different. Accompanied by Geoffrey Wayland of Fort Richmond Safaris, my son and I set out for a full day of African enjoyment. He was armed with a single-shot Merkel K3 and a pre-production box of 165-grain .308 Winchester AccuBond ammunition out of the Federal Custom Shop.

Slipping through a stand of acacia, we spotted several hartebeests. They spotted us, and I quickly ranged the biggest bull. It was 246 yards.

“Hold about 6 inches below the spine.”

Seconds later, the rifle roared and the bull dropped, but he got right back up. It was clear his front leg was broken. I ranged him again and got 293 yards.

“Darn it! I gave you the wrong range.

It’s 300. Hold right on his back.”

Bat reloaded, and when the rifle roared a second time, the bull was down for good.

We loaded him up and kept hunting. By sundown an impala ram and a zebra had fallen to single shots at 269 and 303 yards.

The Custom Shop at Federal is a new way to deliver premium ammunition to customers. Though not a service that will

Federal’s Custom Shop lets you take to the field with custom-tuned, handloaded ammo without spending time at the loading bench.

craft any load you like, the Federal Custom Shop does offer a wide range of handloaded options that are not part of their catalogued items.

“If it’s not in Federal’s vast catalog of factory-loaded ammo, we may have it listed on our website as a load we will custom handload for you,” says Jason Vanderbrink, president of Federal Ammunition. “Through this service, we have a specific selection of rifle and TSS shotshell loads that we will build ondemand, per order.”

Every round of ammunition out of the Custom Shop is assembled on a loading

This buffalo was taken with a .375 H&H, topped with a Trophy Bonded Bear Claw bullet. The ammunition was loaded by the Federal Custom Shop.

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F E AT U R E S

Every aspect of every round of the ammunition out of the Federal Custom Shop receives the attention of an ammunition craftsman.

bench by an experienced ammunition craftsman, to deliver the most consistent velocity and accuracy possible. Customers can order direct at federalpremium.com and the ammunition will be shipped right to their door.

For now, the Custom Shop is loading ammo for 16 rifle cartridges, including some classics like the .257 Roberts and .264 Winchester Magnum, as well as some of the more popular cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Winchester, and .30/06. Bullet options will include premium projectiles like the AccuBond Long Range, Barnes Tipped TSX, Hornady ELD-X, and even the Berger Hybrid Hunter.

Shotgunners will be able to choose from an array of turkey and waterfowl customized loads for 10, 12, 16, and 28 gauges, and even

.410 bore. Regardless of the load, each batch is lab-tested to ensure it meets the highest quality standards.

Prices will, of course, depend on the cartridge or shotshell for which the load is crafted.

Custom Shop rifle ammunition will retail for around $55 to $90 per box of 20. For TSS shotshells, you can expect to pay between $80 and $120 per box. You can also expect to see Federal expand the options currently offered to include more cartridges as well as more varied projectiles and packaging choices.

The evening after my son’s successful hunt and fine display of marksmanship, we were sitting by the fire ring. As I sipped a gin and tonic—prepping for and dreading the next day’s 16-hour flight home—Bat said, “I think from now on I’d like to shoot Custom Shop ammunition.”

As the fire crackled at my feet and the wood smoke swirled like memories of the past month between us, I recalled one of my earlier hunts. I remembered how a single round of .375 H&H Federal Custom Shop ammunition had put down a buffalo for me in a matter of seconds.

Bat was running the camera on that hunt—it was the seventh buffalo hunt he’d filmed.

Afterward, he’d commented how it was only the second buffalo he’d seen taken with one shot.

An African safari is too precious an opportunity to trust to anything but the best ammunition. High-quality premium ammunition can cost twice as much as the most affordable loads, but it can also make the difference on a safari, or any hunt for that matter. Just what is a successful completion to a hunt worth?

I looked at Bat and said, “You may have just learned one of the most important lessons in hunting: Shoot the good stuff or stay home.”

Booth #14551. (federalpremium.com)

RETAILER BENEFITS

For an African safari, you should utilize the best ammunition you can find. Handloads from the Federal Custom Shop can be had with a variety of premium bullets.

As a retailer, you may wonder whether the Federal Custom Ammo Shop benefits you. It does, in three ways.

First, the Federal Custom Shop “builds brand loyalty by providing a unique service to our dedicated base of hunters and shooters,” says Mike Holm, Federal’s director of centerfire ammunition. “This user is more likely to look for Federal on the shelf at their favorite dealer.”

Second, the Federal Custom Shop is also a proving ground for new factoryloaded ammunition. “In the long run, this ultimately helps the dealer,” Holm says. “If a specialized ammunition is popular in the Custom Shop, Federal may release it as a new product to all of its dealers, giving them an opportunity to carry a new product that has a proven track record of selling well.”

Third, Federal’s Custom Shop fills the void for niche products a dealer is likely not carrying due to smaller volume of sales. It’s a way for customers to get specific, specialized, uncommon loads.

“That said, if dealers are interested in carrying any of the Custom Shop loads, they should discuss that with their Federal representative,” Holm says.

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F E AT U R E S

Although he grew up in Chicago, actor Joe Mantegna’s roots go back to the family farm in Krebs, Oklahoma.

Proper Exposure

A chance encounter turns a city kid into a firearms enthusiast

W For fans and viewers who only know Mantegna as a Chicagoborn-and-raised diehard Cubs fan and product of the Westside, they are missing out on a whole other side to the Emmy-nominated actor. Mantegna is an avid outdoorsman and firearms enthusiast who just happened to have grown up in Chicago.

During the Gun Stories episode, Mantegna explained how Salvatore Mantegna emigrated to Krebs and began a life on the frontier in the early 1900s, and how that lifestyle resonates today with his grandson.

“My grandfather came over from Sicily in the early 1900s from a town called Calascibetta. It’s about as high as you can get on the mountain and as far from the water as you could get on the island,” Mantegna says. “It was very rocky, and there wasn’t much agriculture.”

Mantegna says Krebs became known as Oklahoma’s “Little Italy” because of the infux of Italian

hen Joe Mantegna—Tony Award winner, acclaimed film and television actor, producer, and firearms aficionado—traveled to Krebs, Oklahoma, two years ago to host an episode of his Outdoor Channel show Gun Stories, most viewers were not aware that he was returning home.

“It was the first time I ever visited my grandfather’s tombstone,” Mantegna says. “He was born in 1880 on Christmas Day and died in 1923. I never met my grandfather, so it was very moving to see his tombstone with my name on it—Mantegna.” immigrants making their way West from Ellis Island in New York City. “There must have been one guy from Calascibetta who made it to America—and especially to Krebs, Oklahoma—and somehow news filtered back that there were good jobs in the coal mines. And if you worked there and saved your money, you could buy land—real farmland—from the Native Americans who owned most of the land at the time.”

Mantegna’s grandfather, along with a bunch of other immigrants from the Sicilian countryside, made their way to Oklahoma. There, he was able to work in the mines, save money ($500), and buy a 50-acre farm that the Mantegna family owns to this day.

Mantegna’s father was born on that farm and lived there until he was a teenager. “My father’s roots are definitely more rural,” Mantegna says. “The only reason he didn’t stay there was because my grandfather died of a burst

appendix, which was not uncommon at that time. And with a bunch of young children, my grandmother couldn’t maintain the farm. So, she set out for Chicago, where I was born. Even though we held onto this farm, my roots are in Chicago. My dad’s heart and soul were always on this farm, which I remember visiting as a child.”

As a lover of country and western music, Mantegna’s father always felt a little out of place in the city, but, after a time, he met his future wife, Mary Ann Novelli, and they settled. “I grew up in the city of Chicago, right in the inner city,” Mantegna says. “I lived in apartments all my life with my family.”

It was while living in those apartments that the future actor was introduced to a lifestyle foreign to his urban setting but nonetheless fascinating. “Growing up in the inner city, I didn’t have much connection with firearms. It wasn’t like kids growing up in the

country,” he says.

But one day, as a teenager, he was riding his bike near the nowdefunct Lincoln Park Gun Club and the president of the club invited him in to try his hand at skeet shooting. “I was instantly hooked.

It was the best possible way to be introduced to the sport. I am forever grateful to the president of that club. That got me hooked on shotgun shooting.”

Years later, when he was beginning his acting career, Mantegna portrayed a policeman. Though he had some experience with a shotgun, he had none with a handgun.

“I had never shot a handgun until I played a policeman. There was a lot of gunfire in the play, and we got instruction about how to handle a firearm correctly. That is how I was exposed to shooting a handgun. I thought it was pretty interesting. We did it in the play and I became familiar with it and respected it. I came to understand that a gun is a tool. It is a functional tool for sportsmanship, self defense, and hunting.”

Because his roles have involved the knowledge and use of firearms—especially in Criminal Minds as detective David Rossi, who carries a Springfield 1911A1 in recognition of old-school Marines, as well as during his stint as host of Gun Stories—Mantegna is thankful his passion has helped him in his career.

“As actors, we are called upon to be somewhat adept at using a firearm. I find it somewhat hypocritical how some actors rail against guns but won’t hesitate to brandish one in a film or on a show. If you have a negative feeling about firearms, you’re entitled to that—I get that. But at least take the time to educate yourself to where you have a rational reason behind your feelings. If you still have those feelings, then fine. I’m not saying everyone using firearms in film and television should become fans or use them. But once you are exposed to it correctly, I guarantee they would at least have a healthier understanding.”

Understanding is what continues to fuel Mantegna’s enthusiasm for using and collecting firearms, as well as circling back to a place where his outdoorsman and frontier roots evolved. His Outdoor Channel show (Booth #13608) has given him the opportunity to indulge his passion. Having hosted and produced more than 100 episodes of Gun Stories, Mantegna tells the stories of firearms long remembered or forgotten. These include the machine guns used in two

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World Wars, Colt 1911s in 45. ACP, Thompson machine guns, Meteorite pistols from Cabot Arms, and handguns from Bond Arms, Heritage Arms, and SIG Sauer. Gun Stories also featured derringers that Old West gamblers used to stash in their vest pockets while playing poker in saloons, and even Salvatore Mantegna’s Winchester Model 1897 shotgun, “Old Betsy.”

Salvatore Mantegna acquired Old Betsy when he moved to the frontier. The classic firearm is still with the Mantegna family today.

“My cousin Johnny has it now,” Mantegna says. “It was pretty heavy for me to be able to stand on that land in Krebs and shoot my grandpa’s shotgun. I’ve done a lot of work in my nearly 50 years, but that piece of work on Gun Stories is right up there with some of the most important work I’ve done.”

Mantegna carries a piece of Krebs with him wherever he goes in order to remember his grandfather’s and father’s homestead. It connects him to some of the places that still stand today—like Pete’s, a tavern where frontiersmen could quench their thirst and unwind. “If viewers ever see me playing with a ballpoint pen on Criminal Minds, that pen was made from the wood of my grandfather’s home. It was destroyed in a tornado, and a neighbor made pens and sent one to me and my brother.”

Although Mantegna has never appeared in a good old-fashioned Western with such icons as Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson, or Eli Wallach, the urban outdoorsman with frontier roots is not averse to the idea of vicariously living his grandfather’s American Dream of settling in the frontier, buying land, and living life in the outdoors, where he can shoot Old Betsy any time he feels like it.

Old Betsy, an 1897 Winchester shotgun, rests against the headstone of Salvatore Mantegna, Joe Mantegna’s grandfather.

Carry All

CrossBreed’s concealed-carry Reckoning holster illustrates what the company values: innovation and versatility

D

By T. Logan Metesh epending on the situation or the environment, concealed carriers sometimes switch up their method of carry, rotating between inside-the-waistband, outside-the-waistband, and appendix carry.

Generally, this has required a different holster for each application.

But the Reckoning holster from CrossBreed changes all that, replacing several purpose-built holsters with one multi-use design.

“The main objective when designing the Reckoning was to make a holster that could be completely manipulated by the customer to fit their specific needs to safely conceal and carry,” says Grant Ruckman, CrossBreed’s director of retail sales. “With IWB and OWB compatibility, retention adjustment, and multiple carry position options, the Reckoning is one of the most versatile hybrid holsters on the market.”

Unlike the manufacturer’s other options for concealed-carry holsters, the Reckoning has multiple points of retention adjustment, including a micro-adjustable retention device installed directly under the trigger guard, as well as the ability to adjust the retention of the Kydex pocket as it attaches to the leather backer.

Essentially, the clips rotate out to provide access to the screws underneath; this allows your customer to adjust the retention to fit their specific carrying preference.

As someone who prefers a really snug fit in my Kydex holsters, I really like this new feature.

With some of my other pre-molded Kydex holsters, I’ve had to take a heat gun to them, remolding the section around the trigger for a better degree of retention. That’s not necessary with this holster.

Straight from the factory, the Reckoning is set up for IWB, but it can be converted quickly to an OWB holster by switching out the included

speed clips. In addition, the steel clips for IWB carry can be moved to alter the cant of the holster and firearm. In all, the Reckoning is as versatile as CrossBreed promises, and it easily can be configured to be worn inside of the waistband on the strong side, appendix, or crossdraw positions. Trigger-guard retention is adjusted with an included hex wrench—the other retention and conversion options can be done with a Phillips screwdriver. Switching from IWB to OWB takes about 90 seconds.

CrossBreed offers three leather options for the Reckoning. It also lets you choose different colors for the Kydex. For my holster (to fit my Glock 19), I chose to go with an OD Green Kydex shell and the Founder’s Series leather.

“With the premium leather back, you can expect the holster to break in and form-fit to the body, on average, within about 7 to 10 days,” says Ruckman.

My holster did not take long to break in, and it remains very comfortable to wear. I even fell asleep on the couch while wearing it, and not once did it disturb my nap, regardless of how I shifted in my sleep.

The Reckoning is available for a wide variety of the most commonly carried handguns, and CrossBreed continues to add to the line. SRP: starts at $69.95.

Booth #4143. (crossbreedholsters.com)

With IWB and OWB compatibility and multiple carry position options, the Reckoning is a versatile hybrid holster.

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The barrel of a gun shooting CCI’s Clean-22 requires about half as many patches to clean.

It’s especially effective with suppressors.

CCI Comes Clean New .22 LR ammo leaves less gunk behind

O

By Michael R. Shea n the overlook at the Peacemaker National Training Center in Glengarry, West Virginia, dozens of targets stretch out at distances from 300 yards to beyond 1,200. This sniper’s paradise was conceived for long-range precision training for weekend warriors and the various alphabet teams that work an hour away in Washington, D.C. Lately, most shooters show up with something Creedmoor. I brought my .22 LR.

With an Australian-made Lithgow Arms LA101 topped with a Nikon Black FX1000 4–16x50, and heeding wind calls by Peacemaker’s lead instructor, Wade Shambaugh, I went prone at a 460-yard “Know Your Limits” plate rack. The wind hold was roughly 4.5 feet left, so it took some walking in, but Shambaugh and I finally found center. That little .22 LR bullet looped through space and time to connect to steel with a distant ding, ding, ding, ding. It was sweet music.

I was shooting the new CCI Clean High Velocity loads at the range that day. They connected at

that extreme range where my more expensive match loads would not.

Last year at SHOT Show, CCI launched two new “clean” .22 LR loads—a subsonic version running 1070 fps and a high-velocity round at 1235 fps. Both are 40-grain lead pills wrapped in the same polymer jacket used in Federal’s Syntech handgun ammo.

The idea is that the polymer reduces copper fouling in the barrel and suppressor.

In my experience, both the Syntech and the new

Clean-22 require about half as many patches to really clean a barrel than do regular rounds. CCI says that’s even more pronounced for suppressed shooters, who will find 60 to 80 percent less gunk in their cans with these loads.

What they have not said is how accurate these new rounds can be. No, they’re not designed for extreme long-range rimfire shooting. They’re also not for bug-hole

groups from bench rifles at 50 meters. But they did hold together in flight at extreme distances better than ammo costing twice as much. For example, my regular ammo for this rifle, which can put five shots in a .30-caliber hole at 50 yards, falls apart beyond 150 yards. The CCI Clean HVs did not. In my chrono tests and group sizing, they perform almost identically to CCI’s Mini-Mags, with 50-yard 5-shot groups ranging from .6 to 1.3 inches, depending on rifle and conditions. It wouldn’t be wrong to think of the Clean HV as a coated Mini-Mag. This year, CCI is doubling down on the success of the Clean-22 brand. The new Clean-22 Steel Challenge debuts this month. It’s the official .22 LR of USPSA, and a portion of all sales are donated back to the nonprofit. There’s also a 200round carton of the new Clean-22 Suppressor—a 45-grain load optimized for semi-autos that is great for plinking or longer-range training. SRP: $9.95 per box of 100. Booth #14551. (cci-ammunition.com)

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F E AT U R E S

Powerful Connection

Podcasts continue to gain traction. It’s time you got in the game

A

By Michelle Scheuermann couple of years ago, SHOT Daily briefly touched on the growth in the number of hunting and shooting podcasts. Since then, our industry has experienced a boom of hunting-, shooting-, food-, and travelrelated podcasts. We decided it was time to dive into this a bit deeper.

And why not? According to an Edison Research study, “The Podcast Consumer 2019,” 70 percent of Americans know what a podcast is, and more than 50 percent actually listen to them. Both numbers are up from 2018. Of those who listen to podcasts monthly, the largest age group is under 54 years of age.

This makes sense; typically, a younger audience will adopt new technologies first, followed by older consumers.

They’re way beyond most socialmedia redemptions. The people who will listen to a full-length podcast are not your typical follower.

They are your most loyal, diehard, engaged audience. But if you are going to be an influencer, then you need to inform and inspire.”

But wait, don’t brands and individuals need to have half a million followers on Instagram to be an influencer? Don’t ask Newberg that question. His response runs counter to that thinking.

“Instagram is just a tool to build an audience,” he says. “Your audience has a preferred place to consume their content. Don’t think you are going to drive your podcast audience to Instagram or that you are driving your Instagram followers to YouTube.

You have to meet them where they are. It is easier to find them and be there than to try to move them someplace else.”

The podcast format allows for deep, thoughtful conversations with no time limit. Listeners generally appreciate that, as long as the content is consistently interesting.

Here’s another statistic to pay attention to: According to that same study, podcast listeners are affluent. They are more likely to earn more than $75,000 a year.

And last, those habitual podcast listeners will listen to up to seven episodes in a week.

Building Loyalty

Jay Scott’s deer-centric podcast (Deer Hunt Big Buck Registry) is the heavyweight in the category, and has been around for seven years. “It seems that everyone and every company has a podcast,” says Scott. “If you’re a content producer, you need to be even better than you were before and listen to your followers to deliver the content they want.”

Randy Newberg started Hunt

Talk Radio in 2015 as a way to inform his fanbase about hunting advocacy and policy. He and Corey Jacobsen of Elk101 created Elk Talk Podcast in 2018 as a way to connect with hunters who share their passion for elk hunting. Newberg has much to say on the topic of podcasting, and he has the sponsors to prove that people like to listen to him. He successfully added sponsors from his popular television-turnedonline series, Leupold’s Fresh Tracks with Randy Newberg, to his podcast platforms, where they continue to see results.

So why is that? According to Newberg, podcasts build loyalty.

“Many companies give us promo codes to track our performance, and the redemptions we’ve seen from podcasts are astounding.

Telling Stories

Those diehard fans have something to say, but is the industry listening? “Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that not everyone is in the outdoors industry, which means their daily lives are consumed by wildly different motivations and distractions,” says Scott Rousseau, Leupold’s (Booth #13023) digital media manager who manages Leupold Core Insider Podcast.

“At Leupold, we’re more than just employees making products. We live and breathe the outdoor industry. We use the podcast to tell these stories. What may seem obvious to us might be completely new or foreign to our fans and consumers.”

This might explain why Newberg says his most popular podcast episodes are about marriage and going hunting. “When you are willing to open your soul a little bit, the audience can relate to it,” he says.

And don’t forget the fun factor.

“I’ve always said that the key to good talk radio, and podcasts as well, is to have fun, and to bring the passion,” says Tom Gresham, host of Gun Talk Radio podcast.

“If there is passion, people will find you. Also, being a good interviewer is hugely helpful.”

On Your Own

What if there are stories to share, but the medium isn’t allowing delivery? Then it’s time to make your own podcast.

That’s what the National Shooting Sports Foundation did with The Gun Industry Speaks.

The program is hosted by Elizabeth McGuigan, NSSF’s Director of Legislative and Policy Research. McGuigan says episodes cover subjects such as bans on modern sporting rifles and so-called “high-capacity” magazines, smart guns, NSSF’s Project ChildSafe Program, firearms safety and suicide prevention, and the current laws in place that are meant to keep guns out of the hands of criminals.

“Part of this effort is to get the word out on our programs such as ‘Don’t Lie for the Other Guy’ that affect real change for safer communities. We already had a studio in our office, and we have all the equipment. It was just a matter of picking the topics and just doing it. We are trying to reach outside of our bubble,” she says.

Great Connection

Mitch Petrie, host of Country Outdoors podcast, wanted to start a radio show five years ago, but breaking into that market is tough. However, podcasting is available to anyone who can handle a modest upfront cost. But that doesn’t mean there’s no hard work involved. His podcast is only

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a few months old, and he learned quickly that you still need a marketing plan. Plus, unlike Newberg or even Leupold, Petrie didn’t have a built-in audience.

“Podcasts are a great way for people to connect with their enthusiast audiences,” he says.

“But there is significant competition for mind-space from your listeners. You need to do more than just plan out your content. You also need to plan for brand-building activities with marketing and promotion.”

However, Petrie, who also is the head of programming for Outdoor Sportsman Group (Booth #13608), is thinking outside the “outdoors box” by incorporating country musicians into his podcast. “I think there’s still room to grow podcasts in the outdoor space, but the audience size is limited, which is why we want to bring in a broader audience of country-music fans and outdoor enthusiasts.”

Gresham has done the same.

“We are expanding the podcast to include episodes that are not part of the broadcast show. Five years ago, we created the Aftershow, which is an extra hour of Gun Talk that doesn’t go to radio stations. On the Aftershow, three of us chat, laugh, goof off, and generally just have fun. It has been a huge hit.”

Unique Creatures

In many ways, podcasts are unique creatures. Scott says there is something appealing to listen-

ers in the podcast space. “It’s not like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, television, or even radio. Podcasts allow for deepthinking conversations with no time limit, and listeners generally appreciate that as long as the content is interesting. That’s pretty special. You’ll typically lose watchers on other formats inside of three minutes.”

How often should you podcast?

According to Rousseau, “Consistency is king. Releasing podcasts on a regular cadence has been the biggest driver of listener growth.”

Newberg says he and his team are considering a weekly podcast (versus the bi-monthly or monthly cadence they are on now). He claims his audience wants more stories from him, and he has more to deliver. Scott says his download statistics continue to climb. “That’s a good indicator that a tribe has been formed. That baseline, or minimum number of listeners, means something,” he says.

And Tom Gresham’s son, Ryan, was even more open about Gun Talk’s stats: “We have surpassed 30 million podcast downloads since 2006. We are the numbertwo all-time Apple Podcast in the hobbies category and have had 4 million downloads in the past 12 months.”

Finally, one of the most debated points in podcasting is: How long should a podcast episode be?

“When there’s nothing left to talk about, stop the recording! It’s just like writing a good book or story. End when it’s time to end,” says Scott.

Success involves more than a content plan. You also need to plan for brand-building activities with marketing and promotion.

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1/8/20 5:54 PM

F E AT U R E S

In 2020, Federal will make it a baker’s dozen of 6.5 Creedmoor offerings with the introduction of a pair of new loads.

into your store looking for 6.5 Creedmoor ammo, you will be able to match them up with the precise load that best suits their needs. Here’s a rundown on the rest of the line.

American Eagle

American Eagle rifle ammunition offers accurate, reliable performance at a price point perfect for high-volume shooting. Like all American Eagle rounds, the 140grain 6.5 Creedmoor OTM loads feature quality bullets, reloadable brass, consistent primers, and reliable feeding and function—all at a price that won’t break the bank when you send big numbers of rounds downrange.

Barnes

The Barnes TSX 130-grain 6.5 Creedmoor monolithic design retains more than 99 percent of its weight on impact to penetrate deep, and its grooved shank minimizes barrel fouling and improves accuracy. This proven all-copper hollowpoint groups tightly at long range and delivers consistent, lethal expansion.

Expanding Options Federal increases the availability of the 6.5 Creedmoor across its line

B

orn as a competition round, the 6.5 Creedmoor has quickly become one of the most popular hunting cartridges on the market. That should come as no surprise, as its flat trajectory, high ballistic coefficients, and blistering velocities give it a stunning combination of long-range accuracy and lethal hunting firepower—all from a short-action platform with relatively mild recoil.

Fans of the 6.5 Creedmoor now have a fistful of hard-hitting new options at their disposal, thanks to a flurry of recent introductions from Federal Premium Ammunition. The company wasn’t content to crank out average ammo, either. It has raised the bar in 6.5 Creedmoor performance and versatility by creating highpowered loads perfect for a variety of hunting, competitive, and recreational target shooting scenarios.

Just a few years ago, Federal offered only one load in 6.5 Creedmoor. Now, in response to

consumer demand, the manufacturer’s 6.5 Creedmoor lineup recently expanded to 11 catalogued options. In 2020, Federal will make it a baker’s dozen with the introduction of a pair of new offerings.

Aided by its Signature Black Tip, the 130-grain 6.5 Creedmoor Scirocco II expands at minimal velocities but, thanks to its bonded copper jacket, offers high weight retention at close range. The streamlined design of the polymertipped bullet and a high ballistic coefficient work in tandem to produce flat trajectories while retain-

ing more downrange velocity.

Also for 2020, the 130-grain 6.5 Creedmoor Edge TLR is being replaced by the enhanced 130grain 6.5 Creedmoor Terminal Ascent. Bonded construction penetrates deep on close targets, while the patented Slipstream polymer tip initiates expansion at velocities 200 fps slower than comparable designs. The bullet’s long, sleek profile offers a high ballistic coefficient, and its AccuChannel groove technology improves accuracy and minimizes drag.

Now when customers come

Berger

Blend the profile of a low-drag match bullet with a traditional hunting projectile design and what do you get? A load that hunters can use to take almost any game.

Federal Premium Berger Hybrid Hunter bullet weights have been fine-tuned to provide exceptional accuracy with any rifle. Ballistic coefficients exceed those of comparable design, thanks to a hybrid nose construction that combines tangent and secant ogive features.

Berger Hybrid Hunter 135-grain 6.5 Creedmoor cartridges also feature nickel-plated brass, Gold Medal primers, and a specially formulated propellant that delivers consistency and reliability.

Fusion

Federal Fusion was the first rifle ammunition built specifically for deer hunting, and the new 140grain 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge will give deer hunters a blend of longrange accuracy, flat trajectory, mild recoil, and tag-punching power.

With its molecular-fused jacket and pressure-formed core, the new load

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The stunning growth of the 6.5 Creedmoor as a hunting round should come as no surprise, as its flat trajectory, high ballistic coefficients, and blistering velocities give it a stunning combination of long-range accuracy and lethal hunting firepower.

delivers best-in-class weight retention and expansion, as well as deep penetration and reliable stopping power. The skived bullet tip also helps expansion, even at long range, and a sleek boattail design helps maximize ballistic coefficient.

Gold Medal Berger Hybrid

The bullets most sought-after among long-range competitors on the Precision Rifle Series are now loaded into the industry’s most trusted factory rifle ammunition.

The 130-grain 6.5 Creedmoor Gold Medal Berger load features an advanced Hybrid OTM boattail bullet with an extremely high ballistic coefficient. That design provides a flat trajectory while minimizing wind drift and drop, The result is world-class longrange accuracy.

Gold Medal Sierra MatchKing

Long range isn’t just distance. It’s also a state of mind, one committed to pushing the envelope. That’s

why Federal Premium builds Gold Medal rifle loads. The precisionbuilt Sierra MatchKing 140-grain 6.5 Creedmoor bullet is the top choice of the world’s elite shooters and wins more matches than any other rifle bullet. The exclusive primer design and specially formulated propellant work together to provide the consistent ballistic performance these shooters demand.

Non-Typical and Power-Shok

Both lines are loaded to meet the specific needs of serious deer hunters, and the 140-grain SoftPoint 6.5 Creedmoor uses a hardhitting, soft-point bullet with a concentric jacket to provide tagpunching accuracy and consistent, lethal wound channels on any buck. The cartridge also uses a reliable Federal primer and precision-drawn Federal brass for added consistency.

Nosler AccuBond

Federal Premium has brought back its popular Nosler AccuBond line,

and the addition of the 140-grain 6.5 Creedmoor load takes full advantage of the bullet’s long-range accuracy. The proven design pairs a precision polymer tip with a concentric jacket bonded to a lead core. The result is fast expansion, moderate weight retention, and deep penetration at long range.

Trophy Copper

This polymer-tipped copper bullet retains 99 percent of its weight for the deepest penetration possible in an expanding bullet. In addition, the tipped bullet cavity is optimized for reliable expansion across a broad spectrum of velocities— guaranteeing maximum wound channels at a variety of ranges. As a bonus, its grooved shank boosts accuracy in a wide range of firearms, while the nickel-plated case prevents corrosion and aids in faster, easier extraction.

The 120-grain 6.5 Creedmoor Trophy Copper is perfect for medium and big game. It also features a boattail design that not only increases its ballistic coefficient for higher downrange veloci-

ties, but also delivers more energy on impact with less bullet drop.

Varmint & Predator V-Max

Prairie dogs and coyotes will fall to the Hornady V-Max 95-grain.

Loaded with Federal’s reliable primer and propellant, it offers explosive expansion. Booth #14551. (federalpremium.com)

Bullet weights have been finetuned to provide exceptional accuracy.

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F E AT U R E S

The Marvelous K3

Merkel delivers elegance and precision By Richard Mann

I

grew up hunting in the hills of the Allegheny Mountains. Like my father and grandfather, my primary tool was my boots. This led me to appreciate light, compact rifles that were easy to carry, fast into action, and could deliver a lethal blow out to the limit of my shooting ability. When I saw the Merkel K3 Black Elite Stutzen single-shot rifle on the wall in the Steyr USA booth last year, I had to try it.

In an age when hunting with fps is more popular than hunting with your feet, easy-carrying, svelte rifles are rarely seen afield.

Hunters are currently fascinated with big, heavy, sniper-like rifles with barrels as long as broom In the hands of a capable marksman, the Merkel K3 can deliver a single shot at big game with extreme precision.

handles. A friend with one of these new wonder rifles recently asked me what riflescope he should buy. I asked how far he was comfortable shooting at elk, and he said, “Oh, three to four hundred yards.� I told him he might well have chosen poorly, offering that walking to within that distance while carrying his big gun would be the hardest part of the hunt.

I carried the Merkel K3 chambered for the .308 Winchester to Africa last summer. My goal was to see if the rifle was as effective in the hunting fields as it had been at generating a yearn in my heart. This takedown rifle weighs only 5 pounds and measures less than a meter long. That, combined with its ability to retain zero while delivering sub-MOA precision, qualifies it as a true

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Imagine a rifle that comes apart in less than 10 seconds and stores in a compact case of only 650 cubic inches. What you’re imagining is the Merkel K3, an elegant, precision-built, single-shot rifle. It’s available in several chamberings, including .270 Winchester and .30/06 Springfield.

mountain rifle. Obviously, its break-action, breech-loading, single-shot operation will concern some. But I have to go back to what my grandpa used to tell me when I was squirrel hunting with an old Remington Model 4 rolling block, the only rimfire rifle we had: “If you can shoot, you won’t need a fast second shot.”

I needn’t have worried. I took a beautiful roan with a single shot, and several days later my son took an impala at 276 yards. That was followed by, at just under 300 yards, a zebra and a hartebeest.

During our month-long safari, the rifle was disassembled more than 30 times. This was partly because we packed the rifle up in its case in the evening after every hunt and partly because anytime anyone saw the rifle, they wanted to see it come apart and go back together. Through all that, the zero never varied.

The K3 can only be described as an engineering masterpiece.

Without the use of tools, the rifle goes together in less than 10 seconds. It comes apart just as fast.

The one-piece Suhl scope mount delivers a flawless return-to-zero every time, and the adjustable trigger breaks with no creep and minimal overtravel at a consistent 2 pounds. The fiber-optic sights are brilliantly visible and fast to acquire. And the rifle, scope, and accessories all fit inside an aluminum case measuring 9.5 by 28 by 2.5 inches.

Yes, with its Mannlicher-style forend, hog-back buttstock, and Bavarian cheekpiece, this looks and feels like a European rifle. It is, but if you have customers who are lovers of fine, accurate rifles and like to hunt with their feet as opposed to fps, it also looks and feels like a rifle they cannot live without.

The K3 Stutzen is available— across the counter—chambered for the 7x57R, 7x65R, .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester, .30/06 Springfield, and 8x57JRS. Other chamberings are available on request, and spare barrels in other chamberings are an option.

Another strong selling point: It

can be had in kit form, which includes a Swarovski Z3 3–10x42 riflescope and the hard case. SRP: $5,250.

The great gun writer Townsend Whelen once wrote, “A man will travel farther, hunt over more country, have a better chance of coming on game, and be in better condition when he does if his weapon is light.” Jeff Cooper,

arguably the most impactful firearms trainer of our time, said, “The purpose of shooting is hitting.” It seems Merkel took the words of these great men to heart when it built the K3. The rifle is easy to carry and it is hit-a-dimeevery-time accurate. It’s also quite elegant, which makes for a triad of lust-worthy features. Booth #10246. (steyr-arms.com)

The author used a K3 in .308 Winchester in Africa. An engineering masterpiece, the K3 goes together, without the use of tools, in less than 10 seconds. It comes apart just as fast.

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F E AT U R E S

True Value Meopta o�ers a winning combo of superb

optics and a�ordable pricing By Slaton L. White

T

hese days, it’s sometimes not enough to build a better mousetrap. Successful companies now have to be nimble, meaning they need to be able to respond quickly to changing market conditions. They also need to be able to respond quickly to a fickle customer base—one that wants all the bells and whistles but isn’t interested in paying a premium to get them.

Case in point: Most retailers are familiar with Meopta, the optics manufacturer based in the Czech Republic. It has been making premium glass for more than 85 years for various militaries, as well as for other optics manufacturers as an OEM, but it wasn’t until 2013 that it began marketing its products under its own name. The company quickly established itself among consumers as a provider of highperformance optics without the heart-stopping price tag that usually accompanies such products.

That business strategy proved to be an overwhelming success, but at the same time, company leaders realized that Meopta needed to continue to evolve in order to meet challenges to its business model. Two years ago, industry veteran Randy Garrison took over the helm as director of Meopta USA Sport Optics. Under his leadership, Meopta quickly revamped old product lines, and last year introduced the new, leading-edge Optika line of binoculars and riflescopes. For the second straight year, Meopta has seen growth of more than 30 percent.

Garrison likes to say the company is “newly invented.” Just what does he mean by that?

“As a company, we are rapidly transforming into a more modern,

nimble organization with a keener sense of what our customers want,” he says. “The result is a broader offering of premium, high-performance European optics with better features at a stunning value.”

He says new binoculars and riflescopes with advanced features are being introduced this week at the SHOT Show. “After we deliver these new products later in the year, we will have reinvented most of the Meopta line in a little over 24 months.”

Given the glacial pace of newproduct development at some companies, this is a stunning achievement. “In addition, we are developing new technology, such as our Dichro reticle system, which is a reticle that can be seen in any lighting conditions without the use of batteries or electronics,” he says. “We are working on many more new technologies to keep our customers excited and to help transform the optics industry.”

The reinvention at Meopta isn’t solely about product. The company has bulked up its salesforce and now has solid coverage in every state. It has also added more internal staff, including a social media manager and a product design consultant.

“Meopta is investing in the future,” Garrison says. “We see

great growth potential for the brand.”

Garrison says the new Optika line is a prime example of Meopta’s reinvention strategy.

“We are carving out our niche in the optics business by providing premium European optics at surprisingly affordable prices. So far, consumer reception of the products has been even greater than we anticipated. Recently, the Optika binos and riflescopes won Outdoor Life magazine’s prestigious Great Buy award for being an incredible value in optics.”

Another aspect of the strategy is using consumer feedback in the redevelopment of Meopta’s products. Today’s consumers (especially younger ones adept in the use of social media platforms) are very vocal about what they like—and do not like—about the products they use. Companies ignore that feedback at their peril.

“We have always had technical excellence in our products, borne of our experience in the semiconductor, medical, and military sectors,” Garrison says. “For example, we consistently beat our competitors in clarity and low-light performance. Our goal was to build on that technical superiority by adding features that the hunter and shooter are clamoring for.”

To do that, Meopta constructed an aggressive grassroots strategy that brings the company closer to hunters and shooters. In 2019, it introduced a new social media campaign that, of course, spans the well-known channels such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, but also focuses intently on the “super users” who spend extensive time in online forums and other virtual groups.

“That said, we know that nothing beats boots on the ground, so we have partnered with avid hunters and shooters across the country to get our product into their hands and get their feedback and wish lists for features and uses,” he says.

“In addition, our growing dealer network is a great resource for us in knowing how people are voting with their dollars at the point of sale. That’s where the clash between ideal feature sets and realworld prices work themselves out.”

Garrison recognizes that each customer has their own preferences. That’s why Meopta tries to have a broad product offering.

“Multiple reticle options, firstfocal plane and second-focal plane options, zero-stop turrets, zeroreset turrets, maximum turret travel distance, glass reticles, rearfacing zoom numbers, and a builtin zoom throw lever—these are all in the mix to give consumers exactly what they want. And now we offer Optika riflescopes with 1-inch, 30mm, and 34mm tubes.”

Garrison believes the independent retailer is critical to the longterm success of the company. He also recognizes that dealer support is a crucial issue to these retailers.

“Our goal is not only to provide an amazing value to the consumer, but to provide dealers with a profit margin higher than our competition’s,” he says. “Meopta’s profit margin is well above most companies’, including our European competitors’. We want the independent dealer to maximize their profit. If a consumer walks in with $500 to spend, it’s all about how much of that $500 the dealer can make. Some popular optics companies offer a profit of only around 26 to 28 percent. Much of our new Optika line provides more than 35 percent. We also support our dealers with an aggressive, national social media advertising campaign to drive sales, spiff programs for counter salespeople, quick order turnaround, and other proprietary programs.”

It looks like Meopta has built a better mousetrap after all.

Booth #10176. (meopta sportoptics.com)

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F E AT U R E S

T H E FUN FACTO R:

HANDGUNS First, ask questions. Second, listen to the answers. Third, match the product to the intended use By Tom McHale

H

ave you ever wondered why you get bombarded by timeshare offers every time you travel to an interesting destination? More important for the topic of this article is a related question: Why do so many people continue to buy timeshares in light of the stories of regret and the emergence of companies that specialize in getting customers out of timeshare contracts? The answer is simple. The marketers and sales associates in the timeshare business are masters at painting a vision in the customer’s mind. Within just a few minutes, those sales folks have prospective buyers sitting back and imagining taking logistically simple and relaxing vacations for the rest of their lives.

firearms buyer isn’t Although timeshares buying an assembled have gotten a bad rap— collection of steel, polymaybe rightfully so— mer, or wood. They’re the sales and marketing techniques are perfectly buying pleasurable valid and applicable to afternoons at the range Set up a fully almost any product or plinking at tin cans, rigged ELS system service purchase. You’ve printing tiny groups on in your store to targets, or competing probably heard the old help sell it. with friends and peers hardware-store adage, for bragging rights and a trophy.

“A customer isn’t here to buy a To sell what they’re buying, your -inch drill bit. They’re here to job consists of three simple steps: buy a -inch hole.” True words. determine what their imaginary What we all sell is the end result weekend afternoon looks like, figof a customer’s aspiration.

In your case, the recreational ure out the guns and gear that

will help them make that vision a reality, then paint that picture.

Let’s consider some proven ideas to help you help your customer turn those Saturday afternoon aspirations into reality.

70% Questions, 30% Answers

The first step in helping a customer solidify their vision is to ask questions.

A SHOT Business Undercover Shopper feature from a few months back revealed a stellar

example of how to sell to a competitive shooter. After the initial welcome and greeting, the sales associate launched into a long series of questions. No, not a diatribe filled with his knowledge of guns and shooting, but questions that asked the customer to get involved in the process. After hearing that the shopper was interested in local handgun competitions, the salesperson directed the conversation more specifically.

What type of competition are you thinking about trying? Have you ever competed before? Are you

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F E AT U R E S

SELLING 3�GUN

Selling to the 3-Gun market presents some interesting sales and merchandising opportunities. While equipment varies by competitor preference, and the gear requirements allow for many different brands and models, all competitors have to acquire some basics. They’ll need, at a minimum, the following:

The Safariland ELS competition belt is a flexible system for attaching holsters and accessories.

familiar with the various types of handgun competitions? Would you also use this handgun for home defense or carry?

To find out which choice might fit a customer best, some good starter questions include: • Have you shot a gun before?

What’s your experience level?

• Will you be using this gun at an indoor or an outdoor range?

• What type of targets do you want to use?

• Will you be the primary user of this firearm, or will other family members be joining you at the range?

• What ages are the others in your family who may be shooting with you?

• Do all of you already own eye and ear protection?

You also might start a conversation about ammunition and their shooting budget. Not only does that naturally lead into ammo sales, it goes a long way toward helping the customer choose the right gun. For instance, if your customer wants to shoot every weekend but doesn’t want to spend more than $50 per month on ammo, then you’ll likely be pointing them to the rimfire section.

The winning associate in the aforementioned Undercover Shopper column listened more than he talked, but he was only able to ask those pertinent ques-

tions because he knew the subject matter. As it turned out, he was an avid competitor. While his most frequent weekend activity was USPSA, he had experience with IDPA and Steel Challenge, too.

And that leads us to the next tip.

Support Your Staff’s Weekend Habits

While experienced competitors will need little help in making their choices, those pondering a move to the weekend games will need a lot of direction and advice, starting with an understanding of the different types of competitive shooting. Here, knowledge is king.

It seems to be a universal truth that gun store employees are passionate shooters, hence their career choice. Odds are pretty good that some of your sales associates take part in competitions.

That’s a valuable commodity for you, and, with a little effort, you can benefit from some personnel skills development that won’t cost you a dime.

The sales associate from the Undercover Shopper article was an avid weekend warrior, so he knew the pros and cons of various pistol choices. Interestingly, while he probably had a favorite brand, he didn’t share that—at least, not right away. Rather, he spent more time discussing the pros and cons of different styles of handguns for different sports. Thus, as a poten-

³ SHOTGUN ³ EXTENDED-CAPACITY SHOTGUN MAGAZINE SOLUTION ³ SHELL CARRIERS ³ PISTOL ³ SPARE PISTOL MAGAZINES ³ HOLSTER ³ PISTOL MAGAZINE CARRIERS ³ RIFLE ³ SUITABLE OPTIC(S) ³ BACKUP IRON SIGHTS ³ COMPETITION BELT ³ EYE AND EAR PROTECTION ³ LOTS AND LOTS OF AMMO There is plenty of optional gear for the serious competitors in this game. For instance, you might offer a shotgun optic and a short-range rifle optic to complement the standard riflescope. Accessories that have the potential for saving tenths of a second during a match, such as shotgun caddies designed to speed reloading, should also sell well.

While experienced 3-Gunners will know exactly what they want, those new to the sport are likely to be overwhelmed by the gear and terminology. Take, for example, a competition belt. With the near-infinite number of attachments and mounting methods, how is one to know exactly which pieces and parts they need to carry the requisite pistol, rifle, and shotgun magazine loads? The Safariland ELS (Booth #12762) is a fantastic belt solution, but trying to figure out how it works and what pieces are needed by looking at a website is frustrating.

However, if you set up one of these rigs on a store mannequin, you’re able to not only show customers how the system works and what the various inner and outer belts and accessories can do, you begin to plant that vision in their head of them wearing and using all that cool gear. And don’t stop with the belt and

magazine carriers. Add a holster filled with a LaserLyte (Booth #13729) pistol, your best-selling electronic hearing muffs and shooting glasses, and appropriate shooting clothing if you stock that. Don’t forget a shooting bag stuffed with the right gear, too. In other words, don’t make your potential 3-Gunner work to imagine all that stuff—show it to them “in use.”

The same concept applies to the guns. Rather than hiding that Benelli (Booth #13158) or Beretta 1301 Tactical (Booth #13956) in the rack along with a hundred other shotguns, pull one out, install a Nordic Components tube extension, maybe a side-saddle shell carrier, and an optic sight. Add that to a “competition guns” case along with your topselling pistol, modern sporting rifle, and holster. Don’t forget to display aftermarket accessories, such as optics, improved iron sights, and magazine well extensions.

There’s a reason department stores invest so much time and effort not only in window displays, but in mannequin displays near the walkways around each department.

They’re simply trying to help buyers envision how the shirt, pants, belt, and shoes go together. It creates the opportunity for a multi-product sale.

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so that your codes don’t become permanent discounts. If you want to tighten up the linkage, you can tie your special offer to a printed copy of a match registration or a score sheet from the last one.

Whatever method you choose, the goal is the same. Get those competitors into your store before or after the next event so they buy consumables and accessories from you rather than someone else.

If you want to attract a new crowd of competitors, especially those just embarking, with a goal of selling them all the gear they need, help them understand how to get started. Perhaps on your match sponsorship signs, you could print a short message offering free seminars on how to get started in USPSA, or maybe post a competitive tip-of-the-week on your website. Whatever you do, create a tangible association and follow-up action that ties your sponsorships to getting feet through the door.

Stock Fun The Smith & Wesson SW 22 Victory is easy to shoot. It will also serve as a solid rimfire competition pistol.

tial new competitor, the customer was educated on functional characteristics such as double-/singleaction versus striker-fired actions, and manual versus internal safeties. In fact, the sales associate didn’t even mention specific brands until the customer was settled on a full-size, striker-fired pistol without an external manual safety.

All that said, while weekends are usually prime retail selling time, that’s also when most shooting competitions take place. Perhaps you can juggle your staff schedule to make sure that interested parties have the flexibility to attend weekend matches on a regular basis. If you want to get more aggressive, you might even consider offering special employee discounts on certain supplies, like match ammo.

Or, you could take things a step further and spring for some competition jerseys, elegantly designed with your store name.

Engage in Local Competition

If you’re like most businesses, you’re deluged with all manner of sponsorship requests, from local Little League team shirts to stages for the next USPSA match.

Sponsorships are fine if you want to be a “good guy” and support the local community—and as long as you don’t expect a measurable bump in business. Ask yourself, when was the last time you spent a lot of money at a certain store as a result of seeing a sign or banner plastered on the wall or fence at some event? I go to minor league baseball games all the time; the fences are covered with advertiser signs, but I can’t recall a single company listed.

Back when I was younger and even more foolish, I owned a restaurant. The local movie theaters were hot to get area restaurant advertisers to show their logos and a quick slogan or promotional message on the screen before the previews started. In theory, an opportunity like that is a perfect fit. People going to the theater almost certainly lived within my relevant customer radius. They have disposable income and like to go out; the term “dinner and a movie” exists for a reason, right?

So, we decided to give it a try, but with a twist.

Being skeptical about someone seeing a logo and later remembering to come visit (I couldn’t recall ever having done so), we figured we’d get better results by inte-

grating a call to action. Instead of displaying a cheesy and watereddown slogan like, “Great food and wonderful service!” we wrote a simple message. It went something like, “Elegant dining for a family on the go. Bring your movie stub in for a free dessert with entrée purchase.” That strategy wasn’t new. It’s existed in many forms over the years, and it is successful because it ties the marketing message with perceived value and a clear and easy-toimplement action step. Over time, this turned out to be our most effective way of getting new customers into the restaurant. In fact, we even started to get some ticket stubs from movie theaters where we never advertised. I’m still not sure if that was a good or bad thing, but it did prove that people were seeing the message and remembering the association.

If you want to get wired into the local competition circuit, consider a similar strategy that ties your match sponsorship to a specific value and action steps.

Maybe offer a special matchammo deal for each big event.

Assign a distinct discount code to each match. Start with something like “MatchDeal,” but make sure you change it for the next event

Sure, you have to stock something to sell it, but you also have to use some visuals to help customers see that vision of Saturdays at the range. If you have outdoor ranges in your area, set up a couple of reactive steel targets in the store.

Few people are going to stop and examine a box on a shelf out of curiosity, but they will stop, touch, and think about items set up as demonstrations.

If your area offers indoor shooting only, consider inventorying targets that are a bit more fun than a traditional silhouette or bull’s-eye. Check out the Birchwood Casey (Booth #1217) Battle at Sea targets or NRA’s (Booth #14540) indoor-rangefriendly reactive Target Bottles, the latter of which are 3D and move and bounce when hit but allow bullets to pass safely through. They’re also available with hanging paper target system adapters.

The Bottom Line on Fun

Effective selling is really quite simple. It doesn’t rely on fancy persuasion or closing techniques.

All it takes are basic communication skills, a willingness to ask questions, and enough knowledge to help the customer see how the products in your store are going to help them improve their weekend leisure time.

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NEW PRODUCTS C H I A PPA The CBR-9 Black Rhino is a 9mm pistol designed to reliably feed a wide range of ammo.

LANGDON The 92 Elite LTT is a customized version of Beretta’s carry-friendly 92 Compact and Centurion.

Langdon Tactical

ADVENTURE MEDICAL KITS The RapidPure Trail Blazer Gravity Filter with UltraCeram technology takes water purification to a new level.

side of the front grip offer plenty of room for iron sights, red-dot optics, gun lights, and other accessories. Other features include an automatic safety (to protect against accidental hammer drop), a trigger safety, a manual safety, and an ambidextrous slide-stop release lever. SRP: $1,969. Booth #2614. (chiappafirearms.com)

Chiappa Firearms

The CBR-9 Black Rhino is a 9mm semi-automatic pistol built around a steel upper receiver that hosts all the mechanical components, and a polymer lower receiver that holds the ejector, the grip, and the magazine (which sits inside the grip). The CBR-9 Black Rhino is a blowbackoperated pistol featuring a lightweight bolt and heavy hammer with an interlocking system that is reliable with any ammunition.

The pistol feeds from a proprietary double-stack magazine featuring a patented feed-lip system designed to reliably feed a wide range of ammunition. The magazines are available in 10-, 18-, and 30-round versions, depending on local laws and regulations.

The pistol comes equipped with low-profile, high-visibility, fiberoptic emergency sights. A fulllength top mil-std 1913 Picatinny rail and two front rails on either

Adventure Medical Kits

tical.com)

Alliant Powder

Alliant’s 410 propellant is the

MTN OPS

MTN OPS, a leader in outdoor performance supplements, has partnered with Eva Shockey to launch a product line of performance supplements targeting women. The Eva Shockey Signature Series includes Egg White Protein, as well as Super Greens and Collagen Peptides.

Egg White Protein is a dairyfree, vanilla-flavored powder blend that delivers 20 grams of fat-free and cholesterol-free protein, including all nine of the essential amino acids for improved performance. Super Greens is an organic powder that utilizes chlorophyll-rich greens to deliver natural energy.

Collagen Peptides yields 18 grams of non-whey protein.

It’s designed to strengthen skin and nails, and support strong and flexible tendons and ligaments. Booth #14551. (mtnops.com)

The RapidPure Trail Blazer Gravity Filter with UltraCeram electro-adsorption purification technology is designed to take water purification in the field to an entirely new level. Unlike microfilters that rely on pore size to filter out bacteria and sediment, the RapidPure water treatment purifies water using electro-adsorption to remove bacteria, parasites, viruses, chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, and microplastics. It also filters out sediment.

Thanks to this technology, the Trail Blazer features the fastest flow rate of any gravity water filter on the market, purifying and filtering up to 5 liters of water per minute, all without any batteries, pumping, priming, or special maintenance. This makes it a perfect candidate for base camps big and small. SRP: $99.99.

Booth #3943. (adventure

MTN OPS The Eva Shockey Signature Series includes Egg White

medicalkits.com)

Protein, as well as Super Greens and Collagen Peptides.

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The 92 Elite LTT has been described as the ultimate Beretta 92. Renewed interest in Beretta’s classic has spurred demand for a Langdon Tactical version of the carry-friendly 92 Compact and Centurion. The same slide, frame, grip, and barrel details that made the full-size so popular are now available on the reduced-footprint 92 Centurion and easy-to-carry 92 Compact. With the same attention to detail and tuning that true shooters appreciate, the new Elite LTT is outfitted with a fiberoptic front sight, a squarenotch serrated rear sight, and ultra-thin VZ/LTT G10 grips. SRP: $999 to $1,888.

Booth #2243. (langdontac-

only flake powder specifically designed for the demanding needs of .410-bore skeet and field loads.

Its efficient formulation delivers low charge weights and optimum loading characteristics, and the flake granulation yields excellent charging characteristics while minimizing annoying bar leakage.

SRP: $26.99, 1-pound cannister; $94.99, 4-pound cannister; $174.99, 8-pound cannister. Booth #14551. (alliantpowder.com)

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