NSSF SHOT Business -- April/May, 2018 by SHOT Business

APRIL/MAY 2018

CRIMSON TRACE GOES GREEN IN A BIG WAY

THE ONCE-A-YEAR EVENT KNOWN AS THE SHOT SHOW ONCE AGAIN DEMONSTRATED THE INDUSTRY’S OVERALL VITALITY AND APTITUDE FOR INNOVATION

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ALSO IN THIS ISSUE FIRING LINE

GOOD STUFF

Mossberg’s Patriot gets a durable, weatherproof coating Pg. 22

At Bushnell, low cost doesn’t mean low performance Pg. 48

Pg. 20

LEGENDARY HAS A NEW LOOK. INTRODUCING: THE FDE & BLACK SERIES BY FN.®

THE WORLD’S MOST BATTLE-PROVEN FIREARMS.®

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BUSINESS

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 8

EDITOR’S NOTE The vast middle ground is not really where you want to be.

VOLUME 26 ISSUE 3

NEWS BRIEFS Syntech pistol ammo makes its mark; Ruger announces its Retailer of the Year; PepperBall launches TCP.

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FYI Crimson Trace goes green in a big way.

FIRING LINE Mossberg’s affordable Patriot adds performance to its value with a weather-resistant coating. UNDERCOVER SHOPPER A waterfowler seeks a smoothbore in central Illinois.

SHOT SHOW The 40th anniversary SHOT Show celebrated innovation and vitality. It was also a place where retailers could learn how to run their businesses more successfully, enhance their professional networks, and see a wide variety of new product. This special section, excerpted from the pages of SHOT Daily, provides a snapshot of four remarkable and productive days.

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WHAT’S SELLING WHERE

GOOD STUFF The performance of Bushnell’s Engage riflescope line is certainly no optical illusion. NEW PRODUCTS Camp knife set from GSI Outdoors; Sightmark boresight.

COVER PHOTO: TIM IRWIN

YOU SHOULD KNOW With the country so divided, and certain groups wanting to categorize people and put them in a specific box, we need to embrace our differences.

RETAILER TOOLBOX The perpetrators of FFL burglaries are often gang members, many of whom are juvenile offenders.

NSSF UPDATE The SHOT Show will remain in Las Vegas through 2027; NSSF and ATF launch Operation Secure Store; and NSSF board welcomes a new member. FROM THE COUNTER This retailer created a unique strategy to deliver what others in its state cannot.

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NSSF

The Middle Ground It’s a place you don’t want to be

Minutes With… is a staple of each issue of SHOT Daily (excerpts of our coverage of the SHOT Show can be seen starting on page 27). The idea is to give a high-profile member of the shooting sports community an opportunity to discuss important industry trends. Readers of SHOT Daily on the first day were treated to the distilled wisdom of Dusty Zundel, president and CEO of Signature Products Group, a major licensee of Browning and other premium outdoor brands. He said he was “concerned about the health of our brick-and-mortar partners. Price discrepancies online are hurting the traditional retail market space and taking foot traffic out of the physical store location. We are doing everything in our power to work closely with retailers to give them the right products to help them thrive. We are also working with the brands to continue to align ourselves with their brand directions. Lately, I’ve seen some positive movement in that direction.” That’s good to hear. There’s no question that brick-and-mortar retailers have been disrupted by online operations. But some are thriving. Why? A recent article by Steve Dennis, “Retail Reality: It’s Death in the Middle,” at forbes. com gave me some much-needed clarity on the situation. He believes it is retailers in the “great, mostly undifferentiated, wasteland of the middle ground” that are suffering the most. “Most of the retailers that have recently made their way to the

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retail graveyard or find themselves at the precipice suffer from a decided lack of relevance and remarkability,” he wrote. “They have decent prices, but not the best price. They have some service, but nothing to get excited about. Their product assortments and presentations are drowning in a sea of sameness. The overall experience is dull, dull, dull. It’s not surprising that a quick perusal of a store closing tracker features names like Sears, J.C. Penney, Macy’s, and Radio Shack, brands that staked out the moderate part of the market long ago and have failed to innovate in any material way.” According to Marissa Tarleton, chief marketing officer of RetailMeNot (and quoted on a blog at Inc.com): “The retailers that are winning are those who are converging in the center between online and brick and mortar. They are nimble to consumer needs.” So, are you nimble? Are you creating an atmosphere that customers want to embrace? Above all, are you delivering superb customer service? If not, you’re headed the way of the dinosaur.

Slaton L. White, Editor

SLATON L. WHITE, Editor James A. Walsh, Art Director Margaret M. Nussey, Managing Editor David E. Petzal, Shooting Editor David Maccar, Special Projects Editor Judith Weber, Digital Content Producer CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Larry Ahlman, Barbara Baird, Scott Bestul, Philip Bourjaily, Christopher Cogley, Jock Elliott, Tim Irwin, William F. Kendy, Richard Mann, Peter B. Mathiesen, Brian McCombie, Tom Mohrhauser, Robert Sadowski, Robert F. Staeger, Peter Suciu, Wayne Van Zwoll Anthony Licata, Editorial Director Gregory D. Gatto, Senior Vice President, Managing Director ADVERTISING: 212-779-5316 Jeff Roberge, Advertising Director Brian Peterson, Western Sporting Goods Sales Katie Logan, Southern Sporting Goods Sales David Hawkey, Northeast Sporting Goods Sales Amanda Gastelum, Integrated Marketing Director BUSINESS OPERATIONS Tara Bisciello, Business Manager MANUFACTURING Rina V. Murray, Production Director Kelly Kramer Weekley, Associate Production Director Leah Reysen, Production Manager BONNIER Chairman, Tomas Franzén Head of Business Area, Magazines, Lars Dahmén Chief Executive Officer, Eric Zinczenko Chief Financial Officer, Joachim Jaginder Chief Operating Officer, David Ritchie Chief Marketing Officer, Elizabeth Burnham Murphy Chief Digital Revenue Officer, Sean Holzman Vice President, Integrated Sales, John Graney Vice President, Digital Operations, David Butler Vice President, Public Relations, Perri Dorset General Counsel, Jeremy Thompson

SHOT Business (ISSN 1081-8618) is published 7 times a year in January, February/March, April/May, June/July, August/September, October/November and December by Bonnier Corporation, 2 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5695, and is the official publication of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Flintlock Ridge Office Center, 11 Mile Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470 (203-426-1320). Volume 26, issue 3, Copyright © 2018 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 064702359. 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 866-6154345, 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.

NSSF

WORKS FOR

“

The NSSF is a 24/7/365 one-stop shop for all of our retail and range needs. We have access to advertising, accounting, attorneys, audit, and ATF-related support — such a valuable resource for any firearms business to have now more than ever, considering that our industry is profoundly impacted by politics.

”

Jeanine Philips, Firearms Manager Bob’s Little Sport Shop, Glassboro, N.J.

NSSF Members like Jeanine receive benefits such as:

Representation in Washington and State Capitals Compliance Support Industry Research SHOT Show Benefits

...and much more Go to NSSF.ORG or call 203-426-1320 ext. 209 for more information on membership categories and find out how NSSF can work for you.

NEWS BRIEFS NEWS

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Bits & Pieces Federal Premium Secures Navy Contract Federal Premium recently secured a significant domestic military ammunition contract award with the U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center-Crane Division, operated under the U.S. Navy’s Naval Sea Systems Command. The five-year contract calls for the delivery of up to $20 million in .40-caliber frangible training rounds featuring Federal Premium’s lead-free Catalyst high-performance primer. “We’re proud the U.S. Navy picked Federal Premium for this important contract,” says Jason Nash, senior director of marketing. “Our Catalyst lead-free priming technology is a major breakthrough.”

A-Zoom Snap Caps Partners With Shoot Like A Girl A-Zoom Snap Caps, a division of Lyman, has signed on as a corporate partner of Shoot Like A Girl. “We’re very excited to be joining the team,” says Liz Friedmann, marketing manager at Lyman Products. “A-Zoom Snap Caps is a training aid used by firearms instructors worldwide, and our company is proud to help women around the country learn to handle and use firearms safely and effectively.”

This product is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources.

Syntech Action Pistol Ammo Makes Its Mark

ompetitive handgun shooting is a demanding sport, so it’s no surprise that top-level shooters demand highperformance products to stay atop their game. Enter Syntech Action Pistol, by Federal Ammunition, a new load designed specifically for action shooting sports. Put simply, it offers the most reliable performance possible for high-volume competitive shooters.

“Syntech Action Pistol utilizes all the same technology as the standard Syntech line, but is tailored specifically to the competitive pistol application,” says John Swenson, Federal Premium handgun ammunition design engineer. “During extended matches, the reduced fouling and cooler gun temperatures allow competitors to keep their focus on their performance and the match rather than equipment maintenance.” Swenson also notes that the bullets and loads are designed to yield the least possible felt recoil while meeting powerfactor requirements and cycling reliably. “Reduced recoil in these time-sensitive events means less muzzle rise and less time required for follow-up shots,” he says. “And that means more consistent

hits and lower stage-completion times.” Syntech Action Pistol builds off the success of the original Syntech, which was designed to be easier on your gun and more fun to shoot, providing clean, smooth, consistent performance. Its development took years and centered on the exclusive Total Synthetic Jacket, a complete polymer coating that replaces the copper jacket in conventional fullmetal-jacket target ammo. TSJ prevents metal-on-metal contact between the bullet and barrel, eliminating copper and lead fouling, reducing damaging heat and friction, and extending barrel life. New Syntech Action Pistol offers even better performance for competitive handgunners. It features the TSJ and is loaded to competition power-

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factor requirements. Its heavy, flatter-nose bullets provide more reliable knock-downs on steel targets in competition. Also, they drastically reduce splash-back on steel targets. “Heavy bullets for a given power factor typically have less felt recoil,” Swenson says. “They also maintain momentum downrange better than a light bullet. The combination of flatter noses and higher momentum gives improved momentum transfer to steel targets. The result is a better likelihood of target activation, especially with marginal hits.” Swenson says the nose design also helps competitors when they’re shooting paper targets. “The flatter nose provides a larger-diameter perforation, making scoring clearer for hits that are near the edge of scoring zones rather than having to rely on the grease ring.” Syntech Action Pistol was designed to meet the needs of shooters who compete in the International Practice Shooting Confederation (IPSC) and United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA). Federal Premium recently signed on as sponsor of the USPSA, and Syntech Action Pistol is the official sponsored ammo of the organization. “We’re proud to be the first major ammunition manufacturer to enter this exciting arena,” says Justin Johnson, Federal Premium product line manager. “USPSA shooters need their ammo to be accurate, consistent, and reliable. It also must meet power-factor requirements. Until our launch of Syntech Action Pistol, reloading was the preferred way to achieve all of the above. Now, shooters have a better solution.” This performance advantage is already being seen in the top finishes of shooters using Syntech Action Pistol in matches. Casey Reed is one of them. He notched a 20th place overall finish while shooting 150grain 9mm Luger Syntech Action Pistol in the Production Division at the 2017 IPSC Handgun World Shoot XVIII. Syntech Action Pistol ammo will be offered in 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, and .45 Auto. (federalpremium.com)

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PepperBall Launches TCP PepperBall, a division of United Tactical Systems, known for its non-lethal products, is lauching the Tactical Compact Pistol (TCP). The pistol is 7.5 inches in length and weighs approximately 21 ounces. It is designed to be worn comfortably on a law enforcement officer’s belt and can be quickly reloaded with a six-round magazine. The TCP is capable of firing the standard PepperBall round or extended-range VXR projectiles. The PepperBall round projectiles can be used for direct impact out to 60 feet; the extendedrange VXR projectiles can be used for direct impact out to 150 feet. The TCP also can be used for even

longer ranges when deploying PepperBalls to saturate an area with PAVA powder. In addition, the TCP can use either CO2 or nitrogen as a power source, allowing it to function properly in extreme cold-weather conditions. “Thousands of agencies worldwide, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons, municipal police and sheriff ’s departments, and state departments of corrections, have come to rely on PepperBall as their go-to alternative when they need a non-lethal answer for situations involving riot control, suicide by cop, domestic violence, correctional disturbances,

The TCB (Tactical Combat Pistol) is designed to be worn on a duty belt.

and any other situations where non-lethal options prevent violence,” says Ron Johnson, CEO of United Tactical Systems. “We feel this new pistolsized launcher is a gamechanger when it comes to versatility and economy of force. It can be used for multiple nonlethal requirements when fast action can often stop an incident from spiraling out of control. The TCP delivers everything an officer needs in the field when it comes to non-lethal long-range engagement capability, multiple shot delivery, and the ability to be used even when a subject is not in view. All these abilities are now available within arm’s reach.” (pepperball.com)

Cimarron to Build Walker Replica The original 1847 Walker was a collaboration between Texas Ranger Captain Samuel Hamilton Walker and Samuel Colt. The intention was to build a powerful blackpowder revolver for close-range use. Cimarron will release later this year an exact replica of this historic firearm. The six-round, single-action .44 will feature a 9-inch barrel, a steel frame, and Cimarron’s original finish with company markings. SRP: $668.75. “The 1847 Walker was specifically designed to meet the hostilities of war, and it put Samuel Colt on the map as a gunmaker,” says Jamie Wayt,

The 1847 Walker Replica is a six-round, single-action .44 that features a 9-inch barrel, a steel frame, and Cimarron’s original finish with company markings.

vice president of media for Cimarron Firearms. “The Texas Walker replica is meticulously produced. The attention to detail and craftsmanship will make this replica a

very special collector’s item.” Cimarron will donate 5 percent of the sale of every Texas Ranger Walker to the Former Texas Ranger Foundation, which was

founded in 1971 as a 501(c) (3) organization to support former Texas Rangers, their families, and their contributions to Texas history. (cimarron-firearms.com)

TigerLight Rethinks Personal Defense

igerLight has created a unique take on non-lethal personal protection with the D.A.D. 2 (Defense Alert Device). The device not only delivers a potent repellent spray, but it also, via Bluetooth, helps the user summon help. The non-lethal spray has been tested by the University of Utah and police departments across the country, and has been proven to be more potent than pepper spray. This is due to its potency, spray pattern, particle size, and, most of all, a stealth delivery that enables a much more significant effect on the respiratory system. In essence, TigerLight’s spray “chokes” attackers rather than trying to “punch” them by making an attacker feel unable to inhale. Using Bluetooth, the D.A.D. 2 communicates with the D.A.D. app downloaded to a user’s smartphone. A button on the device can be pressed with or without triggering the non-lethal spray. When pressed, a danger alert is sent via the app, text, and also email, if included in the app contact information. The

Made from durable polycarbonate, the D.A.D. 2 is lightweight and molded to comfortably fit in the hand in the perfect position for effective use.

alert includes the sender’s name, location, and photo to friends and family listed in contacts on the app. The app can also be used to contact 911. Made from durable polycarbonate, the D.A.D. 2 is lightweight and molded to comfortably fit in the hand in the perfect position for effective use under stress. A rubber hand strap helps prevent victims from dropping the D.A.D. 2 during an attack. The strap, non-

weapon appearance, and dual utility as a flashlight also make it more likely that the D.A.D. 2 will be carried in the hand instead of stored in a purse or pocket. The D.A.D. 2 is available in chrome, rose gold, gun-metal black, metallic pink, and in a matte black special for law enforcement professionals. When not in use, the D.A.D. 2 remains in sleep mode to preserve its long-life lithium battery. SRP: $129.99. (tigerlight.net)

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Rio Ammunition is launching four new shotshells this year, including a higherperformance buffered load.

Rio Ammunition Rio Ammunition has strengthened its product portfolio with the introduction of four new shotshell lines. The new cartridges feature important innovations such as a spreader that improves dispersion by up to 25 percent and a special buffered cartridge that increases ontarget shots by close to 10 percent.

The new Royal Pheasant line has copperplated lead pellets and will be available in 12-, 20-, and 28-gauge. The copper-plated shot increases pattern performance and improves results in the field. The Spreader line has a wad specifically designed to improve dispersion by 25 percent compared to other spreader wads. The com-

pany is also launching a new line of turkey loads that feature a special buffer for improved performance. In addition, copper-plated pellets provide greater structural integrity of the shot, increasing energy downrange and stopping power. Lastly, Rio is introducing the Vintage 1896 Paper line, named after the year in which the com-

pany started producing its first cartridges. The hulls of this shotshell are made of paper instead of plastic, ensuring the same experience felt by shooters 120 years ago, when the cartridges were handmade. These cartridges are also more environmentally friendly. The initial product range is ideal for clays and flyers. “The new lines are a continued effort to provide better products at a great value,” says Ken Pfau, Rio Ammunition’s general manager. “With more than 120 years of experience and worldwide exposure, we’ve leveraged what we’ve learned in other markets to make new and interesting shells for the U.S. shooter.” (rioammo.com)

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RUGER ANNOUNCES RETAILER OF THE YEAR Randy’s Hunting Center of Michigan has been named 2017 Ruger Retailer of the Year. Owner Randy Brown was recognized for his support of Ruger, his industry leadership in firearms retailing, and his enthusiasm for the promotion of new products. Brown received an engraved Ruger Scout Rifle in .450 Bushmaster in recognition of his outstanding performance. The award was presented during the 2018 SHOT Show. “Randy’s Hunting Center was the clear choice for our 2017 award recipient,” said Shawn Leska, Ruger’s vice president of sales. “Randy insisted that we manufacture the Ruger American Ranch Rifle in .450 Bushmaster, and his prediction of the success of that model was astounding. We thank him for bringing the idea to us, and for his hard work in selling as many of them as

possible to his customers. The family-owned business, run with the support of Randy’s six sons, has been a longtime friend of Ruger.” “We are truly honored to receive this award,” said Brown.

“Ruger’s dedication to product innovation keeps our job exciting. I humbly accept this award on behalf of our hard-working employees and look forward to continued success with the Ruger brand.” (ruger.com)

S&W Adds to M&P Line

uilt for personal and home protection, the new M&P 380 Shield EZ pistol, chambered in .380 Auto, is the latest addition to the Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 family. “When we set out to design the M&P 380 Shield EZ pistol, our goal was to deliver an all-around, easyto-use, personal-protection pistol—from loading and carrying to shooting and cleaning,” says Jan Mladek, general manager of M&P and S&W Brands. “Throughout the development process, we focused on key areas that customers told us were important, such as the ease of racking the slide and loading the

magazine. With that in mind, we reduced the amount of force required to rack the slide and developed a magazine

The new M&P 380 Shield EZ benefits from a slide that requires far less force to rack.

that is both easy and efficient to load. We have incorporated both of these new features into the M&P 380 Shield EZ

pistol, allowing consumers of all statures and strengths the opportunity to own, comfortably practice with, and effectively utilize this exciting new pistol. The new M&P 380 Shield EZ pistol provides an easy-to-use personal protection option for both first-time shooters and experienced handgunners alike.” The pistol features an optimal M&P pistol 18-degree grip angle for a natural point of aim, white-dot front and adjustable white-dot rear sights, and a light, crisp trigger. It also has a Picatinnystyle equipment rail to accommodate accessories. It ships with two 8-round magazines that include a loadassist button. SRP: $399. (smith-wesson.com)

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Hunter Safety Brings Back the Pro Series Harness

n response to customer requests, Hunter Safety System recently has announced that an updated Pro Series harness will be available this year. With new features and lighter, high-tech materials, the new Pro Series is poised to become as pop-

ular as the original Pro Series, which was introduced in 2005 and became one of the most popular treestand safety harnesses of all time. Designed with a lightweight interlocking fabric in the front and a hightech ventilating mesh on the back and shoulder

areas, the new Pro Series weighs just 2.9 pounds— 40 percent lighter than the original. With binocular/rangefinder straps, two zippered chest pockets, six gear pockets, and a charging port for a phone or flashlight, the new Pro Series has been designed by hunters for hunters. The Pro Series will also include ElimiShield Scent Control Technology. ElimiShield utilizes a proprietary nanotechnology that kills odor-causing bacteria. By treating the harness with ElimiShield in the manufacturing process, it will be protected from mildew and odors while in use and then packed away during the off-season. Each harness comes with sound-dampening buckles, a deer drag, a suspension relief strap, and a Lineman’s Climbing Strap. It will be offered in S/M, L/XL, and 2X/3X in Realtree Edge and Mossy Oak Bottom Land Classic camouflage patterns, and will retail for $139.95, 15 percent less than the price of the original version. “Our customers have been asking for us to bring the Pro Series back to the line,” says Jerry Wydner, HSS president. “We wanted to make sure we had a much better version with more bells and whistles.” (hssvest.com)

The redesigned harness will retail for 15 percent less than the original.

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TRULOCK CHOKES FOR TURKEYS Trulock Chokes is introducing a new line of chokes specifically engineered to achieve maximum performance with Federal’s new Heavyweight TSS 7 and TSS 9 turkey shells. Shotshell performance has improved dramatically over the last few years, but older chokes, designed for a wide range of standard loads, often can’t take full advantage of these improvements. But Trulock’s new TSS chokes have a completely new interior design with exit diameters that optimally enhance the capabilities of these new shells. As a result, both the TSS 7 and TSS 9 have a specific exit diameter, as testing showed that slightly different configurations worked best for each size of shot. Trulock mates its chokes with specific brands of shotguns. Currently, these new Trulock chokes are manufactured in Invector, Invector Plus, Beretta/ Benelli Mobil, Crio Plus, Rem Choke, and M835 configurations, all in 12-gauge. (trulock chokes.com)

“Ready to Build” Semi-Custom • “Design to Build” Full-Custom Wide Range of Products • Smaller Unit Requirements U.S. Based Support Team • Quick Turn Around

MA KE I T HA PP EN 8 5 5- 5 65- 678 7 • i nf o @ j ol us a.co m w ww. j o l us a.c o m

YOU SH OU LD K NOW

BY TISMA JUETT , MANAGER INCLUSION & OUTREACH

Embracing Our Differences The more different we are, the more we are all the same

ur country has been and is divided. Certain groups want to categorize people and put them into specific boxes to fit a particular agenda: black, white, conservative, liberal, straight, gay, revolver, semi-auto, MSR, bolt gun, young, old, baby boomer, millennial. Everything must be one or the other, without variance. Stay in your lane, on the straight road, don’t color outside your box.

pinkpistols.org/about-thepink-pistols

The lines are not straight. The spectrum is not one color but full of beautifully different hues. Ever wonder how two kids with the same parents, growing up in the same house, can have such completely different personalities? That is because we are all different, we are all unique, and we all have something to contribute to the world. It is time for us to embrace our differences. To not only see them, but also see beyond them to appreciate what makes us all the same. What is that? A love of firearms, and a desire for safety, education, and responsibility in every aspect of the shooting sports. We as an industry must

become more inclusive and welcoming to those who do not know that we really are an industry for all law-abiding gun owners, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts. We must welcome those who want to join us regardless of race, color, country of origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, or religion. I would like to introduce you to several groups whose memberships are considered non-traditional.

BLACK GUNS MATTER: This group’s mission is to educate urban communities about their Second Amendment rights and responsibilities through firearms training and education. official

A GIRL & A GUN WOMEN’S SHOOTING LEAGUE: This

naaga.co

league’s purpose is to educate women about firearms and safety, and to promote women’s interests and participation in competitive shooting sports. agirlandagun.org

OPERATION BLAZING SWORD:

blackgunsmatter.com

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THE LIBERAL GUN CLUB: This club’s mission is to provide a voice for gun-owning liberals and moderates in the national conversation on gun rights, gun legislation, firearms safety, and shooting sports. theliberalgunclub.com

NATIONAL AFRICAN-AMERICAN GUN ASSOCIATION: This orga-

nization provides a network for all African-American firearms owners, gun clubs, and outdoor enthusiasts.

THE WELL ARMED WOMAN: This

non-profit organizes local groups of women around the country who meet monthly to practice, learn and grow as shooters. twawshootingchapters.org

This grassroots organization is dedicated to helping LGBTQ people become responsible firearms owners. blazingsword.org/index.asp

Embracing non-traditional gun owners helps broaden support for gun rights.

PINK PISTOLS: A shooting group that honors diversity and is open to all shooters.

These are just a few of many such groups. Have you worked with any of the above or other groups? If so, please tell me about your experiences at tjuett@nssf.org. I encourage you to reach out and work with these groups. Let’s find ways we can bring even more people together to enjoy the shooting sports. The more organizations we can work with and the more individuals we can inform of the ways of firearms safety, education, and responsibility, the better our chances of strengthening the support for our gun rights and our industry.

BY JOHN BOCKER , NSSF SECURITY CONSULTANT TEAM MEMBER

RETAILER TO OLBOX

Profile of an FFL Burglary The perpetrators are often gang members, many of whom are juvenile offenders

have received many questions from members asking about the continued frequency of gun-store burglaries by gangs that have been reported around the country. The perpetrators all seem to fit a similar M.O.: Wearing hoodies, they brazenly smash through glass storefronts and firearms showcases. In addition to the fact that these burglaries have been on an upward trajectory for the last year or so, it is further disconcerting that these criminals perpetrate these thefts without any noticeable concern or fear of being detected or apprehended. in devastating property damage for the FFL, but typically only a handful of firearms being stolen. In a best-case scenario, only a small window or door will be shattered to gain access, and guns will be secured and unavailable for after-hours theft resulting in few, if any, being reported stolen—but this is not the standard.

WHY FIREARMS ARE A TOP TARGET

➤ I think most of us realize

that bad guys steal guns because they are indeed “bad,” and therefore cannot legally purchase a firearm at an FFL due to the background check process. Individuals with criminal records or other disqualifying factors to purchase guns aren’t finding gun shows as a venue to acquire firearms, as such events often now require background checks even for private sales. Another circumvention to the NICS background check program takes place when a prohibited person uses someone else to purchase a firearm, a transaction most of you know as a “straw sale.” NSSF’s Security Consultant Team receives many calls throughout the year alerting us to this occurring at member locations. And thanks to alert counter employees, more and more straw sales are being prevented. So aside from the inability to purchase a gun legally, why are guns such a popular target for theft these days? Economics. On the streets,

THE CRIMINAL PROFILE

guns are used by criminals to commit other crimes, to use as trade, and to sell for cash. A stolen handgun on the street can easily fetch two or three times the face value of the firearm. HOW GUNS GET STOLEN

➤ From what we have been investigating over the past four years, we are seeing more and more brazen acts of burglary, primarily the smash-and-grab event that is often broadcast on the evening news. This type of burglary usually includes two vehicles being stolen—one to penetrate the FFL location and the other to flee the scene with the stolen goods. This type of burglary results

➤ A good number of the

individuals apprehended or identified in the more than 500 FFL burglaries reported in 2017 were part of a gang, and, in many cases, were juveniles. Our intelligence has led us to believe that adult gang members often require younger gang members to steal vehicles and burglarize FFLs as part of their gang initiation. There’s a strategy behind this. Juveniles are typically not prosecuted as adults for firearms thefts and may not be subject to the same penalties and minimum sentencing guidelines for theft of firearms from a licensed dealer. Adult gang leaders explain this to the younger members and,

hence, the younger members proceed to commit these crimes with less fear of consequence. This now-common practice doesn’t appear to be slowing down. Keep in mind that many adults do indeed commit thefts from FFLs, but if we believe the videos being broadcast across the media, we tend to lean toward gangs perpetrating these thefts more so than individuals. Therefore, it’s incumbent upon us all as retail FFLs to do our part in protecting and securing firearms after store hours and deter as many firearm thefts as possible. NSSF’s Store Security Audit Team is standing by to assist you with any physical or operational security or safety issues you may have, including design, planning, training, and crisis management. NSSF also partners with a variety of security product vendors. Go to the members-only side of NSSF. org to discover more. John Bocker is an NSSF Security Consultant Team member and the managing director at JB Group, LLC. JB Group is a business security and strategy consulting organization specializing in ATF FFL compliance and protecting FFLs against unexpected losses resulting from burglary, robbery, and internalcontrol failures. For more information call 720-514-0609.

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by author here

Sands Expo Extends Contract for SHOT Show SHOT Show will remain in Las Vegas through 2027.

n the heels of the extremely successful 2018 SHOT Show, NSSF and Sands Expo announced a two-year extension of their current agreement, which will keep the Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show at the Sands Expo through 2027. “Las Vegas and the Sands

Expo have been strong venues for the SHOT Show for nine consecutive years and are counted among the reasons for the show’s success,” said Chris Dolnack, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of NSSF, owner of the show. “With this two-year extension, we look forward to bringing SHOT

Show—the city’s fifth-largest trade show—back to these venues for years to come.” Chris Meyer, vice president of sales at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), said, “Las Vegas is experiencing record growth when it comes to business travel, and the trade show industry is a critical component to the destination’s continued success. We value the relationships we’ve built with our industry partners and look forward to continuing our work with the National Shooting Sports Foundation in the years ahead.”

NSSF, ATF LAUNCH OPERATION SECURE STORE NSSF and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) announced during

the 2018 SHOT Show the launch of Operation Secure Store (OSS), a comprehensive joint initiative to help Federal Firearms

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Licensees (FFL) make well-informed security-related decisions to deter and prevent thefts. Central to the OSS initiative are NSSF’s prior partnerships with ATF to help prevent thefts from FFLs through educational programming, such as the ongoing series of regional seminars hosted by ATF. Additionally, ATF’s and NSSF’s matching-rewards program is an anchor component of the program, effectively doubling the money offered

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for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for thefts from licensed retailers. “No one wants to prevent the theft of firearms more than the licensed retailers who sell them,” said Stephen L. Sanetti, NSSF President and Chief Executive Officer. “There is no onesize-fits-all solution to helping prevent thefts from firearms retailers, which is why Operation Secure Store is so important.”

Chandra Allison, senior vice president of sales for the Venetian, the Palazzo, and Sands Expo, said, “We are pleased to have maintained a long-term relationship with the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Trade shows like theirs are an important part of our business and the Las Vegas economy overall as they bring business travelers who stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, and provide jobs for our community.” The 2018 SHOT Show attracted more than 60,000 attendees and more than 2,000 companies during its January 23–26 run. The show is open to trade professionals only and not to the general public. The new agreement caps a big year for SHOT Show, which marked its 40th anniversary overall, 20th year in Las Vegas, and ninth straight year at the Sands Expo.

Fraternal Order of Police Backs NSSF Bills

he Fraternal Order of Police—the nation’s largest police association, with more than 325,000 members— authored letters of support for both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate versions of the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2017. The two bills, H.R. 3790 and S. 1854, would strengthen criminal penalties for theft of firearms from Federal Firearms Licensees and impose mandatory minimum sentences. This legislation would help deter criminals from becoming repeat offenders and send a strong message to criminals engaged in this nefarious activity. The legislation would serve to strengthen NSSF’s Operation Secure Store initiative, designed to reduce thefts at firearms retailers.

by author here

PREVENTING FIREARMS THEFTS In response to the rising number of gun thefts from vehicles, the National Shooting Sports Foundation has produced a brochure designed to remind gun owners to take precautions if they must leave a firearm in their car or truck for any period of time. The Firearms Safety in Vehicles brochure joins NSSF’s lineup of educational materials reminding gun owners that it’s their responsibility to keep their firearms out of the wrong hands. The brochure emphasizes this key safety rule: “Your firearm must be under your control at all times; when it’s not, it should be placed in locked storage and out of sight.” NSSF notes that vehicle door locks and trunk locks don’t turn cars and trucks into gun safes. The same goes for glove boxes and console compartments. The most practical device for storing a firearm temporarily in a vehicle is a lockable gun case or a lock box, which come in a range of prices and configurations. Some lock boxes can be secured to the vehicle with a steel cable, for example. The new Firearms Safety in Vehicles brochure is available in print and downloadable pdf versions on the NSSF literature website. A discount is applied to volume orders of the print version. “If you must temporarily store a gun in your car or truck, for your safety and that of our community, we encourage you to take steps to properly store them,” reads the brochure.

UPDATE

Sig Sauer’s Tom Taylor Joins NSSF Board of Governors

n February, the NSSF Board of Governors announced the appointment of its newest board member, Tom Taylor, chief marketing officer and executive vice president, commercial sales, of Sig Sauer. Taylor will be filling a seat left vacant by the departure of Colt Manufacturing’s Dennis Veilleux, with his term expiring at the end of 2019. In his role with Sig Sauer, Taylor leads all global marketing initiatives and U.S. commercial sales, as well as product development for the company. This spans Sig Sauer’s complete systems, including firearms, electro-optics, ammunition, suppressors, and air sport pellet guns. He has served in this role since March 2015. Prior to joining Sig Sauer, Taylor was senior vice president, sales and marketing, at Mossberg from 2010 to 2015. He spent five years at Smith & Wesson as vice president, marketing and product development. During his tenure at Smith & Wesson, he led the development and introduction of the now iconic Military & Police (M&P) pistol and rifle lines. Taylor also spent time at Remington/Freedom Group, where he served as senior vice president, overseeing several special projects. Taylor serves on a volunteer basis as chairman and executive director of Honored American

Tom Taylor is chief marketing officer and an executive vice president at Sig Sauer.

Veterans Afield (HAVA). HAVA is a 501(c)3 organization formed by companies in the shooting and outdoor industry with the purpose of raising awareness and further assisting disabled veterans with their healing process through guided hunts, shooting events, and other outdoor sports activities. Taylor was part of a group that founded the organization in 2007. He has also served on the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) Foundation Board of Directors, and is involved in many other hunting and shooting support organizations. He is personally passionate about shooting sports and has served on various other boards and initiatives in support of shooting, hunting, and protection of the Second Amendment.

© 2018 National Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc. All Rights Reserved. SHOT Business®, SHOT Show® and all other trade names, trademarks and service marks of the National Shooting Sports Foundation appearing in this publication are the sole property of the Foundation and may not be used without the Foundation’s prior express written permission. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

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by author UPD ATETH E COUNT FROM ER here

shedhorn sports , ennis , montana

Mastering the Trade

ith 32 years in western Montana, this retailer sits 70 miles outside the entrance to Yellowstone Park. The classic brick-and-mortar downtown location keeps eight fulltime and four part-time employees busy. It stocks more than 2,000 firearms, along with a variety of specialty soft goods and camping equipment.

Shedhorn Sports began as a small gun counter located within the local Gambles Hardware store. Rob Gallentine operated it along with a seasonal family outfitting business specializing in high-country summer pack trips and guided big-game hunts. Located in Ennis, Montana, the store now serves as a destination retailer that services every kind of customer, from tourists and guided big-game clients to the local rural populace. The 8,000-square-foot store is

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open from Monday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The shop is open most holidays except Christmas and New Year’s. MORPHING FROM HARDWARE TO GUNS

In 1982, southwest Montana lacked a sporting goods store that catered to this clientele’s needs for camping gear and hunting firearms. As the ’80s pushed into the ’90s, the sporting goods store slowly overtook the hardware floor

plan. Originally the manager and now the owner, Gallentine spent his time growing the gun department. He was always at the store by 7:00 a.m. fixing Stihl chainsaws. “In a small town, it takes several jobs to make one,” he tells me. He fondly remembers that, in 1982, the only firearms display was a factorysupplied Remington Plexiglas gun case with a tiny brass padlock on the front that held four long guns. Today, the shop is one of the most highly

specialized retailers in the Rocky Mountain West. It caters to a serious backcountry hunting clientele. STOCKING A HUNTING MIX

While handguns account for a slight majority of the overall sales at this retailer, when it comes to long guns, traditional bolt-action rifles rule the counter. Shedhorn stocks close to 1,500 bolt rifles, and most are performance guns with starting MRPs at more than $1,000. The store stocks a mix of higher-grade manu-

by author here

facturers, including Browning, Christensen, Kimber, Tikka, Dakota, Montana, Remington Customs, and many more. Although the store does stock MSRs, including a strong supply of higher-price-point models, semi-auto rifles account for less than 5 percent of its total rifle sales. PRACTICE FAIR TRADE

Despite its rural persona, the state of Montana is awash with big-box destination stores. Still, Shedhorn customers will commonly drive up to four hours to turn a deal. Selection is certainly part of the mix. However, its owner notes that trade-ins drive many of the $1,500-and-up purchases. “We constantly remind our customers through ads and digital media to bring us

Used guns (far left) are an important part of this store’s overall profit picture. As for new guns, traditional bolt-actions rule the roost.

those guns in the back of the safe that don’t get used and trade them in for the performance rifle they’ve always wanted,” says Gallentine. Trades cross this counter daily, and the increased margins on used guns underscores the strong formula for profit. “Customers know they’ll get a fair deal at our store. We are up front with our margins. In most cases, we give an average of 60 percent of what we think the gun will sell for. Poor condition can lower the amount and high demand could raise it slightly,” says Gallentine. Keeping everyone in alignment on what the estimated value is streamlines the process, even with a new customer. Gallentine says that every employee has the power to make a deal. The rule is to check the trade with one other salesperson. The process rarely fails. This ensures the customer feels treated fairly and trades are executed quickly and efficiently. Shedhorn’s goal with its focus on trade-ins is to foster an upgrade for their rifle clients. “Sales of high-quality guns means developing a quality shooter. That always translates to better optics and ammo, and an intolerance of poorer performing firearms. Once you learn to shoot well and have the tools to do so, there’s just no turning back,” says Gallentine. THE “TICKLE SHEET”

Gallentine observed that when the store was busy, there was a tendency for sales to move along too quickly to get to the next customer. He knew those salespeople were walking away from profitable accessory sales. “We usually have the scope sales locked, but the

small ancillary items were not selling. Sadly, once that customer drives four hours home, they buy their extras at a competitor. We put an end to this practice with our ‘Tickle Sheet,’ ” he said. The “Sheet” is a list of discounted ancillary accessories every sale has to go through while the paperwork is traveling through the NICS check. It gives specific discounts, like 10 percent off ammo, 15 percent off cleaning accessories, and 20 percent off cases. “We walk the customer through the discounts. It always translates to extra income at the close of the sale,” he says. HIRING EMPLOYEES FOR THE LONG-TERM

Employee management strategies at Shedhorn include offering equal pay to big-box store managers, along with health insurance. He trusts his staff to make decisions and stands by them when they make a mistake. He adds that although new hires need hunting and shooting skills, their people skills are paramount. “Our staff has to enjoy being around people. It must feel warm and friendly. We have no room for an arrogant, crabby gun salesperson. None,” he says. Gallentine also mentions that his turnover is practically non-existent. At the forefront of his mind are the stress of holding three jobs, one at a gun store. This was a tradition he did not want to hand down to his staff. His dedication to permanent staff has worked. In recent years, one employee had a spouse who required a move for a career change, and one other passed away. That was it.

by peter b . UPDATE

mathiesen

LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE COUNTER

This retailer created a unique strategy to deliver what others in the state cannot, while fostering sales with customer integrity. Identify Unique Sales Opportunities Promoting

trade-ins from customers who haven’t used their firearms is a powerful way to incentivize a client to trade up while minimizing the need for cash to complete a transaction. Capture the Accessory Sale

Creating a “Tickle Sheet” of ancillary accessories to complement the sale keeps the register ringing. It ensures profitable turns that could have easily gone to a competitor. Transparency Strengthens Relationships and Fosters Repeat Business Treat your

customers honestly, fairly, and with transparency. Listen to their wants and needs and offer them a deal they understand and one with which they can walk away happy. It builds relationships, creates trust, and leads to long-term repeat sales. “From the Counter” is the NSSF real-time industry perspective from firearms retailers across the country. Our goal is to identify and highlight innovative market strategies to help retailers compete more successfully.

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FYI

BY ROBERT F . STAEGER

Shine a Light Crimson Trace continues to go green

n the world of laser sights, there’s an undeniable appetite for green lasers. And the go-to source for green is Oregon manufacturer Crimson Trace, which makes more than 280 laser sights. Most of those are in the traditional red, but its expanding green product line contains more green laser sights than all other manufacturers combined.

The advantages of the green light are apparent in brightly lit areas. “In some daylight conditions, greens are a little more visible than red,” says Michael Faw, the company’s media relations manager. “It depends on the person’s vision, the light conditions, and the background and the target you’re looking at.” At the same time, though, Faw freely admits he’s a fan of red. “They’re obviously more affordable, and there are more models, so they’ll fit on more guns,” he says. “And in most situations where people want to use a laser sight, you’re dealing with low-light conditions anyway.” He also says green lasers are a little more expensive to manufacture, so it’s a little more expensive for the customer. “The diodes cost more,” he says. “They’re bigger, and they use a little more power, so they have to be wired differently.” Yet even though they have different power requirements, Crimson Trace has managed to make its green Lasergrips roughly the same size as the red ones. One of the green additions that’s generating excitement is Crimson Trace’s Master Series of Lasergrips for 1911s. Until a couple of years ago, the Master series was only available in red, but because of the demand for green, the

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manufacturer is slowly but surely converting the entire line to green as well. More than a dozen green Master Series Lasergrips have been added to the line. The new additions include fullsize and compact models in both rosewood and walnut. Several models with layered composite G10 panels will also be available, including a full-size black Lasergrip and both a full-size and compact gray Lasergrip. (And the green models don’t mean the red ones are going anywhere; they’re still being produced.) The Master Series Lasergrips come with Crimson Trace’s Instinctive Activation technology. “All of the products have a little bump, which holds a little switch underneath it,”

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says Faw. “When your finger makes contact with it, the circuit is engaged and closed, which activates the diode.” It makes activating the laser effortless. As with all Lasergrips, the Master Series is intended to be easy to install without any special gunsmithing skills. Simply remove the old grip panels from the unloaded firearm using a screwdriver, and install the included dust covers and the Lasergrip. Strangely enough, part of the reason for the green wave might be a misconception—an association with the green tint of military and SWAT team footage you can see online and on TV. “The whole screen has a green hue to it because generally it’s night vision,” says Faw.

“They’re using infrared. Not every LE/military outfit out there is using green.” Night-vision tech isn’t within reach of the average consumer, says Faw. Infrared requires $6,000 night-vision goggles, and is also regulated by ITAR, which is an additional hurdle to clear. A much more accessible way of seeing in the dark is the flashlight/laser sight combo offered by Crimson Trace’s Laserguard Pro (and for rifles, Railmaster Pro) models. One of the main advantages of the Pro models is that their all-in-one design eliminates a lot of awkward fumbling around in the dark. “If you run out of bullets, what do you do with the flashlight when you’re trying to put another magazine into the firearm?” says Faw. “Do you hold it in your teeth, put it between your legs, or hold it under an arm? It’s not a workable situation.” The Laserguard Pro models are equipped with a 150lumen light, and have four modes: light only, laser only, light and laser, and then strobe light and laser. (crimsontrace.com)

Green lasers are a hot item these days, and Crimson Trace is a leader in their development.

T HE N E W Z E I S S CO N Q U E ST V 4

DREAM BIGGER W H AT E V E R D R E A M H U N T I S N E X T O N Y O U R L I S T, S U C C E S S I S N O W W E L L- W I T H I N R A N G E. S E E T H E N E W V 4 AT Z E I S S . C O M / C O N Q U E S T V 4

FIRIN G LINE

BY BRAD FITZPATRICK

Clever Coating A durable new finish option on Mossberg’s affordable Patriot adds performance to its value

y first experience with Mossberg’s Patriot Cerakote rifle came as the result of a mistake by an airline company. I arrived in Valencia, Spain, for an ibex hunt, but found that my rifle was tied up in Paris. Luckily for me, Tony Caggiano of World Slam Adventures, who had organized the hunt, tagged out on the first day, giving me the opportunity to use his rifle, which happened to be a Mossberg Patriot Cerakote in 6.5 Creedmoor. Mossberg launched the budget-friendly Patriot in 2015, and since then the company has continued to expand the line, adding the Revere wood-stocked model last year and the Cerakote version for 2018.

The Mossberg Patriot Cerakote comes with a weatherproof exterior finish.

Like all Mossberg Patriots, the Cerakote model features a push-feed action and duallocking lugs on the front of the spiral-fluted bolt. These guns also have two-position rocker-type safeties that can be loaded and unloaded with the safety engaged, and Mossberg’s Lightning Bolt Action (LBA) bladed trigger. The LBA trigger is screwadjustable from 2 to 7 pounds and comes set near the factory minimum for a crisp, precise break. Detachable, lightweight polymer box magazines allow for fast and easy reloads, and the durable synthetic stock comes with textured grip

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surfaces on the forearm. The magazine well features an integrated block insert for bedding and the barrel is free-floated for maximum accuracy. Patriot rifles come equipped with sturdy Weaver-style bases that make mounting an optic on these rifles simple and secure. The Cerakote version’s action and fluted, crowned sporter barrel have a durable H-Series ceramic dark pewter metallic finish that makes the rifle virtually impervious to the elements. The Patriot Cerakote is available in six calibers: 6.5 Creedmoor, .243 Winchester, 7mm-08 Remington, .270 Winchester,

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.308 Winchester, and .30/06. The rifle that I tested in 6.5 Creedmoor weighed 6.5 pounds, which made it suitable for all-day carry in the mountains. Caggiano had zeroed the rifle using Nosler’s 140-grain Ballistic Tip load, and when I went to the range I found that the rifle was capable of producing groups around 1 inch at 100 yards. Sighted in roughly 2 inches high at that distance, the rifle was now zeroed for 200 yards—perfect for the conditions in Spain. My opportunity at an ibex billy came on the second day of the hunt. After spending most of the morning glassing immature ibex across a wide canyon, guide Vicente Gil decided that we should move to higher ground and continue working our way around the face of the ridge in an effort to find a better billy. We picked our way across the face of the mountain, eventually reaching the crest, and glassed the adjacent valley. As we reached the top, Gil dropped down below the lip of the rim and motioned me forward. Across the narrow canyon we saw a mature ibex with tall, sweeping horns. Gil ordered me to get in position for a shot. A crumbled pile of limestone boulders offered

me the cover I needed, and the flat surface provided a solid rest for the rifle. The billy was standing near a lone tree on the opposite ridge 200 yards away, which should have made for an easy shot, but I had to contend with a very heavy crosswind. Holding just ahead of the billy’s shoulder, I pressed the LBA trigger. When I fired, the ibex rose up on his hind legs and turned, running across the empty slope toward the top of the ridge. There was no way to be certain what type of terrain we’d encounter if the billy crossed out of sight, and I didn’t want to risk losing the animal in the steep limestone cliffs. I fired another shot that slowed the ibex, and an insurance shot anchored the animal before it could cross the ridgetop. Even though my experience with the Patriot Cerakote was limited, I was impressed with the rifle’s performance, especially for a bolt-action rifle that has an SRP of $440. The use of lightweight materials helps keep weight to a manageable level, and the light, crisp LBA trigger is excellent. For those who want an accurate, versatile, affordable hunting rifle that thrives in any weather, this is a solid option. (mossberg.com)

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UNDERCOVER SHOPPER

guns for a Benelli. He went in the back to grab some paperwork, but when it came to sign on the dotted line, I noticed the Browning had gone from a $600 credit to $300, and I was going to have to make up the difference to get the secondhand Benelli. “You made a mistake here,” I told him. All the sudden, he went from having a smile on his face to confrontational. “We can cancel this deal right now,” he griped as if I had done something wrong. “No problem,” I told him. He started to backpedal, apologizing, but I stuck to my guns—so to speak—and headed for the exit, resolute that a store that had seen plenty of business from me never would again. STORE B

OLD-TIMER ADVICE Buying a gun from a box store can have its challenges, but I like to give them a chance, because occasionally an old retired guy who knows his stuff will be behind the counter. Such was the case on this excursion. He knew the Turkish gun was just about worthless and would only give $150 for it, but he was willing to go up to $800 on the Browning. The only problem was they didn’t have the autoloader I was looking for: a left-handed Benelli Super Black Eagle II. Sick of swapping out safeties, shooting guns with righthand safeties and shells ejecting across my face, this was the gun for me and I would not waiver. We talked a bit longer about eye dominance (I am a natural righty but left-eyedominant), and he urged me to try a variety of methods to shoot right-handed again. That’s something to watch

Seeking a Smoothbore in Central Illinois An iconic waterfowl stopover, Peoria has a bevy of slick shotgun dealers

t was late March, the end of snow goose season, and time to swap a sparsely used Browning Citori over/under and ill-functioning Turkish autoloader for a newish Italian-made, inertia-driven semiautomatic. I needed a more reliable shotgun for next fall, and spring has always seemed like the right time to find a killer deal on a duck gun.

STORE A

BAD COMPANY A longtime staple near Peoria, this retailer has been a go-to for guns and gear for 30-plus years. Before setting

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out, I figured this was going to be the best place to find a gun for the right price. The man behind the counter was a familiar face, though not a friend.

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“I’ll give you $600 for the Browning and $200 for the autoloader,” he said. It was a few hundred on the low side for the Browning, but he was willing to swap both

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out for at gun stores and gun ranges: know-it-alls. This gent was a good man, but he had no idea how I shot a shotgun or the time I put in switching from a right- to left-handed shooter. STORE C

ALL HANDS ON DECK At this small shop just outside Peoria, the clerk behind the counter was extremely helpful. The only problem was, all the sales guys in this store are so knowledgeable on all types of firearms they can talk at length about the gun you are looking for. It can take a while to get to the

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counter, so you just have to be patient. The place has a bundle of great used guns, and they stand behind all sales. A clerk greeted me with a friendly hello. Just like the guy at the box store, he knew the Turkish gun wasn’t worth much, but made a nice offer on the Browning—good enough to put the coveted Benelli in my hands if it was in store. The man was a duck hunter and we talked about the previous season and how dreadful it had been even though it was near the store’s closing time. I didn’t leave

until past closing because we had such a great conversation. STORE D

GET A CLUE At a second big-box store, the first clerk couldn’t take care of me because he was new and didn’t know anything about trade-ins. There were several folks behind the counter who looked afraid to engage customers, a sign they had received little or no training and likely were not too knowledgeable about firearms. There was one guy who knew his stuff and was constantly occupied by custom-

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ers while answering questions from his over-matched co-workers. To burn some time in hopes others would clear out or get sick of waiting, I looked through the duck and goose decoys, then headed over to check out some turkey vests and calls. The line had gotten even longer upon my return, so I gave up and headed home. A few days later, I came back and there were only newbies running the counter, each looking more confused than the next when I asked if they would work with me on a trade for a SBE II.

How’d They Do? Customer Service STORE

Product Knowledge

Product Availability

�� He knew the guns but tried to low-ball me in the end.

�� Plenty of guns, but the treatment was so poor you would not want to buy any of them.

�� He answered every question, just went a bit too far trying to push a different gun than I wanted.

�� Plenty of guns, just not the one I was looking for.

�� As long as you don’t mind waiting 15-20 minutes, the treatment is unparalleled.

�� He knew everything about Benellis, all the way back to the much sought after H&Ks.

�� Had every shotgun you could want, and many used guns were in great shape.

� No one could help me on two visits. They were almost afraid to engage customers.

�� There was one guy that could answer questions. I just couldn’t get to him because there were so many customers.

�� Plenty of well-priced guns, but the staff was so clueless I can’t imagine they sell many to core duck hunters.

� Everything went well until it came down to sell/trade the guns.

�� STORE

Clerk was knowl-

edgeable but tried to get me to buy a wrong-handed gun.

STORE

C STORE

SCORING SYSTEM:

Outstanding: ��

Very Good: ��

Average: ��

Winner: STORE

Impeccable customer service—you get treated like an old friend. Plus, they gave me a hell of a deal, swapping the Browning and Turkish autoloader for a used SBE II that has functioned flawlessly. He also threw in a Rob Roberts turkey choke to sweeten the pot as we had talked at length about the upcoming longbeard season.

Pekin Gun 281 Derby St. Pekin, IL 61554 309-347-6060 pekingunusa.com

Fair: ��

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Poor: �

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John Nagel Triple SCSA/USPSA “Grand Master” 27 State and Regional Titles 8 National and World Medals

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SHOT SHOW 2018

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IN THIS AGE OF SOCIAL MEDIA, SOME MIGHT THINK TRADE SHOWS ARE AN OUTMODED CONCEPT. THEY COULDNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T BE MORE WRONG, AS THE 2018 SHOT SHOW AMPLY DEMONSTRATED. THE SAMPLING OF SHOT DAILY COVERAGE THAT FOLLOWS IN THIS SPECIAL SECTION IS PROOF THE SHOT SHOW WORKS ON EVERY LEVEL

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SHOT SHOW 2018

Strategic Innovation Outdoor Research goes tactical by JUstiN Moore

hroughout history, need has inspired and influenced innovation. Ron Gregg was one such innovator who recognized a lack of quality and function in outdoor gear. After watching his frostbitten hiking partner get airlifted off a glacier on Denali due to inferior gaiters, he created Outdoor Research and devoted his career to advancing the outdoor experience. Recently, the company announced it was entering the tactical market. The announcement may have caught some off-guard, but not the staff at Outdoor Research, as the jump from technical and athletic outdoor gear to tactical was already well in motion before the official announcement. According to Nathan Jenkins, Outdoor Research’s design innovation manager, the company’s products were being tested and used in multiple military applications. What started as tests with gloves has since expanded into clothing using OR’s Integrated Apparel System (IAS). This system uses specialty stretch fabrics from Gore-Tex that have been “hybrid-mapped” to work in layers or individually. The result is a system that is durable and functional

As part of the Integrated Apparel System (IAS), the Infiltrator Jacket from Outdoor Research is designed to accommodate body armor.

while still retaining athleticism and freedom of movement, even when adding or removing layers. All 13 pieces in the IAS line are also built with body armor in mind. For example, the Infiltrator Jacket is designed to be worn close to the body (to reduce bulk and weight as compared to traditional Gore-Tex outer-

Outdoor Research is a relative newcomer to the tactical market, but its IAS line of clothing has already been recognized for its ability to perform at a high level in extreme environments.

wear), which allows for military gear and armor to be worn over the top. Dynamic reach has been improved as well by using the new stretch fabrics from the forearm to the waist, without putting a seam in the armpit. This allows the user to utilize the full capabilities of the fabrics and not restrict movement. IAS also features a helmetcompatible hood that integrates with a tactical helmet and uses stretch panels on the back of the neck for better freedom of movement and enhanced peripheral vision. Special attention has also been given to the placement of pockets so they can be easily accessed when body armor is worn. For more than two years, Outdoor Research has been making major capital investments to its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Seattle, Washington. This commitment allows the design and engineering teams to create innovative products more quickly. Doing so also allows the company to keep the product and supply chain within the United States. The other benefit of keeping the Seattle location is that it makes those particular articles of clothing and gear Berry Compliant, expanding the military contracts on which Outdoor Research is able to bid. (The Berry Amendment requires the Department of Defense to give preference to domestically produced products.) (outdoorresearch.com)

SHOT SHOW 2018

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Taking Charge Personal experience spurs an entrepreneur to develop a line of concealed-carry purses by barbara baird

en years ago, if someone would have told me that I’d be driving a truck to haul purses around to gun shows, I wouldn’t have believed it,” says Dawn Hillyer, CEO of HidingHilda, an online store for concealed-carry purses, luggage, firearmsthemed jewelry, and personal-defense items. Hillyer is passionate about self-defense, having been the victim of a stalker herself. Her stalker was eventually convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison. This led to her appearance as the subject of the TV series, Stalked: Someone’s Watching, in a season four episode titled “Twist of Hate.” The HidingHilda moniker evolved because she had used the name “Hilda” as a computer login (derived from Hillyer) while at her corporate job. And “Hiding”? Because she felt the need to protect herself, she hid as much as possible. When she decided to learn personal-defense skills with a firearm, she chose a Glock .380 and named it Hilda. Now, HidingHilda

means something completely different from its previous reference, and for that, Hillyer is grateful and eager to empower others who might be victims. In fact, Hillyer is so impassioned about this mission that her website offers contact information for the National Stalking Center. She also donates a portion of her proceeds to help educate those who work with stalking victims. The feisty entrepreneur spent several years as an executive recruiter, working with Vera Bradley as a client in the Ft. Wayne, Indiana, area. In January 2015, she decided to step into Vera Bradley’s manufacturer’s shoes when the company

No longer a victim, Dawn Hillyer has created a line of concealed-carry purses.

moved its manufacturing site. She now watches as her purses are produced in the same plant where Vera’s bags once passed through the doors. “I was actually a leather snob when it came to purses, but once I started carrying a firearm, they became very heavy,” admits Hillyer. “I realized there was a niche market for this type of bag, and I wanted to keep jobs in the area.” Presently, the HidingHilda line includes three types of purses— the 3-Zip Messenger, Treasure Tote, and Mini Messenger—in a variety of colors. The bags come with a Velcro-holstered compartment. Hillyer recommends using a leather holster that is compatible with Velcro attachments for her bags, to add structure. Bags range in price from $69.99 to $99.99. “If someone isn’t comfortable with the way they are carrying, they won’t carry,” she says. “We need to train the way we carry. The most consistent thing about me is my purse. No matter what I’m wearing, I have my purse.” (hidinghilda. com)

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Hot New Load Hot new loads designed for long-range precision performance in the MSR 15 platform should grab the attention of any shooter who craves to go long. And that’s exactly what the engineers at Federal Premium are hoping for when the company rolls out the .224 Valkyrie this year, a cartridge based on a .30 Rem./6.8 SPC case necked down to .224 caliber. “It offers dramatically improved trajectories over other MSR 15 cartridges, including the 22 Nosler, .223 Rem., and 6.5 Grendel— with roughly half the recoil of larger cartridges offering comparable ballistics, such as the 6.5 Creedmoor,” says Federal Premium development engineer Jacob Burns. A large part of that enhanced performance is speed. “To say the .224 Valkyrie is fast, even at long ranges, is an understatement,” says Burns. “Testing conducted by Federal Premium engineers confirms its high-speed capabilities. For example, the .224 Valkyrie 90-grain Gold Medal Sierra MatchKing leaves the muzzle at 2,700 feet per second. It maintains a blistering 1,950 fps pace at 500 yards, and is still moving at 1,268 fps when it crosses the 1,000-yard line. In fact, it remains supersonic out to 1,300 yards. Those velocities, by the way, are based on 24-inch test barrels with a 1:7 twist.” Along with its ballistic benefits, Burns says, the .224 Valkyrie also lowers the financial barrier of entry into shooting 1,000 yards for fun and competition. “Shooters can use the widely available and popular MSR 15 platform with high-performance ammunition that costs less than traditional long-range rounds. And though the .224 Valkyrie was designed for gas-driven MSR 15 actions, it’s also effective from bolt guns, which is great news for shooters who’ve longed for practical, economical, and reliable 1,000-plus-yard performance.” The .224 Valkyrie cartridge will be initially available in four versions: 90-grain Gold Medal Sierra MatchKing, 60-grain Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint, 90-grain Fusion MSR, and 75-grain American Eagle TMJ. (federal premium.com)

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Filson Goes Camo Anytime two iconic companies join forces, good things are bound to happen. But when those two companies represent some of the most respected names in quality and concealment in the industry, the anticipation of the collaboration can be expected to reach entirely new levels of excitement. That’s the type of energy that was on display this year at the SHOT Show as Filson launched a new line of its iconic apparel and gear featuring two of Mossy Oak’s most legendary camouflage patterns. “It’s great to see two brands with a shared heritage in hunting join forces to meet the demands of the modern hunter,” says Alex Carleton, creative director at Filson. “We are excited to offer our classic Filson waxed cotton and Mackinaw wool materials and products in the Bottomlands and Shadow Grass patterns this fall.” The initial Filson x Mossy Oak line will feature Filson’s classic Mackinaw Wool Field Jacket in Mossy Oak Bottomlands pattern (SRP: $395). The jacket is made from a 24-ounce wool/cotton blend and features an adjustable waist as well as a zippered handwarmer, chest, and interior pockets. The line also includes the popular Down Cruiser Vest in Mossy Oak Shadow Grass (SRP: $375). Filled with lightweight 550-fill power goose down, the Cruiser Vest features a wool-lined collar and a water-repellent and abrasion-resistant shell that’s reinforced in strategic locations with Filson’s oil-finish Shelter Cloth. “Filson has a long history of providing durable yet comfortable clothing for hunters, farmers, anglers, and various outdoor trades and passions,” says Chris Paradise, chief sales officer of Mossy Oak. “We’re excited to have our longest-running camouflage pattern, Bottomland, on their quality, trusted gear.” The entire Filson x Mossy Oak line will be available at retail in August. (filson.com)

Beyond Boots

SHOT SHOW 2018

Remaking An American Icon

he Remington 870 shotgun is one of America’s most iconic firearms, and Remington wants to make sure the world knows it. The manufacturer is introducing 11 new models, all specifically engineered for the personal defense/law enforcement community. Let’s start with the 870 Magpul. It has an 18.5-inch Cylinder bore barrel, 6+1 capacity, Magpul furniture, a Supercell recoil pad, and a black-oxide finish, SRP: $565. The 870 TAC 14 Marine has a 14-inch barrel, 4+1 capacity, Magpul M-Lok forend, and Shockwave Raptor pistol grip. All metal parts of this non-NFA firearm are nickle-coated. SRP: $841.12. The 870 TAC 14 20-gauge is similar, but it has the common matte blue finish and is more affordable. SRP: $464. The 870 TAC 14 Arm Brace is a Shockwave-styled non-NFA firearm with a 14-inch barrel, 5+1 capacity,

An ambitious team of 100 employees started building Rocky Brands boots in 1932, under the name William Brooks Shoe Co. The name changed in 1979, but the original factory is still in Nelsonville, Ohio. It’s now the Rocky Brands outlet store and grill. Customer service is there, too. The corporate office is across the street. That’s where Ryan Maisenbacher works. “My first pair of hunting boots were Rockys,” says Maisenbacher, Rocky Brands marketing manager. “I bought them across the street from the office where I sit in now.”

Magpul M-Lok forend, Mesa Tactical LEO adapter grip, and an SB Tactical stabilizing arm brace. SRP: $729. The 870 TAC Hardwood is a bare-bones Shockwave with a hardwood stock. SRP: $499. The venerable 870 is now available in six versions that feed from a detachable six-round magazine. The standard 870 DM is a basic 18.5-inch-barreled 870. SRP: $529. The 870 DM Magpul is an 870 decked out in Magpul furniture. SRP: $799. The 870 DM Tactical/ Predator is finished in Kryptek Highlander camo. SRP: $799. The 870 DM hardwood (SRP: $529) and the 870 DM Tactical (SRP: $799) boast a pistol-grip stock, XS sights and rail, and a black-oxide finish. The 870 DM TAC 14 comes with a Shockwave Raptor grip, 14-inch barrel, and Magpul M-Lok forend. SRP: $559. (remington.com)—Richard Mann

The Model 870 is now available in a number of interesting variants.

Rocky employs 2,400 people globally and sells 350 styles of footwear. About 100 of those fit the outdoor/hunting category. Seventy-five percent of Rocky’s annual revenue is foot-based. The other 25 percent is apparel, added to the company’s offerings in the 1990s. “It was a natural progression for us,” Maisenbacher says. “Hunters adopted the Rocky name for their footwear, and there was an opportunity for us to take that recognition and attach it to other products.”

SHOT SHOW 2018

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Expanding World Polycase aims to change how you look at frangible ammo by kate ainSWortH

ate last spring I assisted the team at Polycase Ammunition in the final testing stages of its latest cartridge. My part, though relatively minor, was enjoyable and educational. Seating my first loaded magazine into a Ruger SR1911, I positioned myself 10 yards from the target. Using a two-handed grip, shooting off hand, I sent five rounds downrange. The result: a neat five-shot .538inch group made with the new Polycase Inceptor 10mm 91-grain ARX. Some 200 rounds later, I’d experienced no failures of any kind and continued to produce phenomenal groups. Polycase was founded in 2012 by retired U.S. Army Airborne Ranger Paul Lemke. The timing was opportune: Lemke believed frangible ammo needed an infusion of quality. Polycase’s proprietary copper-polymer compound uses polymer as a binding agent. Lemke believes that

the toughness and viscoelasticity of the binding agent lends strength and power to the bullets. “Combining Polycase’s capabilities and know-how with the inherent advantages of injection molding has resulted in ammunition that’s truly revolutionary in an industry that’s seen relatively little innovation in materials, design, and manufacturing processes,” Lemke says. Frangibles greatly reduce or entirely eliminate ricochet and backsplash by shattering on impact when they hit objects harder than themselves. The design has been around since the shooting galleries of the mid-20th century, but today’s loads are a far cry from those of dusty yesteryears. In fact, they’ve advanced enormously in just five years, and Polycase has played a key role, investing in research and development to create an ever-growing roster of well-made, solidperforming ammunition.

Products like hats, hoodies, and pants. Rocky is dressing sportsmen from top to bottom, with some items still selling well after headlining the original apparel line three decades ago. But the challenge with diversifying product is maintaining what created the niche for diversity in the first place. For Rocky, that’s footwear. “Footwear is certainly what people think of first when it comes to Rocky,” Maisenbacher says. “We really do make products for every hunt and every environment.”

Modern frangible loads, like the Inceptor .45 Auto 118-grain ARX from Polycase, are capable of doing everything from CQB work to selfdefense to hunting.

This R&D means the loads can be used far beyond the world of steel plates. Modern frangible loads, like those produced by Polycase, are capable of doing everything from CQB work to self-defense to hunting. Polycase offers a full complement of handgun options, including .380 Auto, 9mm, and .45 Auto, and the manufacturer entered the centerfire realm last winter with .300 BLK. Newcomers include the

aforementioned 10mm 91-grain ARX and .223 Remington 35-grain ARX. Because Polycase’s bullets are lightweight, they produce less felt recoil. Its ammunition relies on carefully engineered fluid dynamics and hydrostatic shock rather than expansion to drop threats; having seen the remains of antelope and hog hearts hit by frangible bullets, I can attest to their effectiveness.(polycase ammo.com)

To do that, Rocky relies on testers recreating in every environment. Rocky’s Stratum camo pattern took two and half years to develop. Fifty-eight people helped with testing and design. An additional two dozen came on board after the pattern hit the market. “The market is changing even more rapidly than it has in the past,” Maisenbacher says. “We stay in tune with consumer demand by working with people who are out there ‘doing’ day in and day out.” (rockybrands.com)—Kris Millgate

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SHOT SHOW 2018

Shell Tech There’s more to a Browning shotshell

tephen W. Meyer, the supervisor of shotshell new-product engineering at Browning Ammunition, has spent nearly 30 years in the trenches, developing new loads for shotguns. Last fall, he and I shared a duck blind as well as a couple of boxes of Browning’s new 12-gauge BXD Waterfowl loads, hunting over flooded cornfields. I’ll say this for the shot patterns—when we did our job, those ducks dropped. On the second morning, while waiting for legal

by SLaton L . WHite

shooting light, I asked Meyer about the job of developing shotshells. “Shotshell new-product development is a bit different than for centerfire rifle or pistol,” he told me. “The industry readily accepts new centerfire cartridge calibers, but there would be no excitement about a new shotshell ‘caliber’ such as 14-gauge. In fact, over the last 30 years there have been less than a handful of new shotshell chambers. The 12-gauge 3½-inch was the most significant, and it came

at the expense of nearly obsoleting the 10-gauge. “That being said,” he continued, “new shotshell cartridge developments seek product uniqueness and performance enhancements through select combinations of specialized components. Components that have the most influence on shotshell cartridge performance are, obviously, projectiles and the wad systems used to launch them.” And then he gave me a primer on the wads Browning uses to enhance

the performance of its shotshells. I think any retailer selling Browning ammo would benefit from his expertise, especially when a customer asks how the ammo performs in the field or on the range. “The wad system is an important element that can dramatically affect the consistency and shape of the shot pattern,” he said. “Light payloads, such as Browning BPT target loads, use a wad with a collapsing hinge section connecting the powder cup and shot cup.

PHOTO CREDIT

than meets the eye

PHOTO CREDIT

This hinge section acts as a ballistic cushion to more gently accelerate the pellets. This wad, teamed with highantimony shot pellets, provides clay-crushing performance. Heavier upland loads use a similar wad but add a nickel plating to the lead shot to keep the pellets more round to knock down long-range roosters.” Per its namesake, the Browning BXD Waterfowl Extra Distance waterfowl shotshell development involved selecting combinations of specialized components to achieve a long-distance waterfowl cartridge at a reasonable price. “Premium, plated round steel shot was selected for maintaining true flight path at long distances,” he said. “Through numerous trials, a tail-stabilized wad was designed with six long slits that extend to just short of the mouth opening. The closed mouth provides an integral choke effect to achieve tighter patterns. The six long slits allow the midsection of the wad to expand radially outward after muzzle exit. This radial expansion allows shot in the lower portion of the wad to reliably exit the wad before the wad starts to yaw or tumble. Molded with tough, high-density polyethylene plastic, these thick-walled wads protect the barrel from the steel shot. In addition, the rear powder cup section of the wad was designed to provide consistent performance in both ported and non-ported choke tubes. The overall combination results in a waterfowl load with a consistent point of

impact, uniform pattern distribution, and tighter patterns at longer distances.” Those three performance characteristics were readily on display on our hunt, especially when the small pond over which we were hunting locked up with skim ice, which caused the ducks to flare at the last moment. Without that ability to go the extra yard, we would have been out of business. BXD is available in a 12-gauge 3-inch 1¼-ounce load at 1,450 fps (sizes BB, #2, #3, and #4); a 12-gauge 3½-inch 1½-ounce load at 1,500 fps (BB and #2); and a 20-gauge 3-inch 1-ounce load at 1,300 fps (sizes #2 and #3). As we collected the dekes, I asked him about deer hunting with a shotgun. “No problem,” he said. “Specialized components allow for confident shots well beyond the 50-yard limitation of typical Foster slugs. Browning BXS slugs utilize a plastic-tipped .58-caliber copper bullet housed in a sabot. When it’s used with a rifled shotgun barrel, the four-petal sabot transfers the spin to the subcaliber bullet to produce tight groups at long range.” (browningammo.com)

Browning shotgun wads differ depending on the intended use.

A New Direction Badlands launches Approach FX by Jodi steMler

uilding a brand takes years of hard work. Just ask the folks at Badlands, a Utah-based manufacturer of quality hunting packs and hunting apparel that was founded in 1992. The original intent was to create gear that was “based on the pursuit of unconditional perfection.” Now, a quarter-century later, Badlands is recognized for doing just that. And it backs that up with a lifetime unconditional warranty. “At Badlands, customer service and honoring our warranty is number one,” says Blake VanTussenbrook, Badlands marketing manager. “This means that whatever happens to your pack or your apparel, we fix it or replace it, no matter what.” At this point many manufacturers would not want to mess with such success. Not Badlands. From the beginning, the manufacturer has built its products using licensed camouflage patterns. In 2017, it decided to go in a new direction by introducing Badlands Approach, a new proprie-

tary digital camouflage. The neutral color palette creates visual confusion through numerous layers of colors and shapes that work in changing light and vegetation. But while Badlands Approach can cover a wide variety of hunting situations, the manufacturer received customer feedback that the pattern was too Western-focused, with too much green for late-season whitetail hunts. So, for 2018, Badlands is releasing Approach FX with a color palette more suited to Midwestern and Eastern hunting. Approach FX features more brown, tan, and neutral tones to blend in with hardwood forests. The line has 20 new apparel pieces and several packs designed with the Eastern hunter in mind. The layering system includes designs made specifically to help stand hunters cope with extreme cold. “Badlands Approach was developed over five years through trial and error, and Approach FX is no different,” says VanTussenbrook. (badlandspacks.com)

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Going Retro After 79 years of selling gun parts and accessories, Brownells is now officially in the gun-manufacturing business, and their breakout products are, somewhat fittingly, a throwback to the early days of the AR rifle platform. The new Retro Rifles line, which launched on the floor of the SHOT Show, features four .223 Rem/5.56 NATO variants and two .308 Win./7.62 NATO models. The 5.56 rifles have the finish, features, and look of rifles issued by the U.S. military in the 1960s, while the .308 models are based on Eugene Stoner’s original AR-10 design. “Nostalgia marketing and products are extremely hot right now in the firearms industry and beyond. We developed a retroparts line about two years ago, and it’s been immensely popular,” says Ryan Repp, Brownells’ director of communications. “Because we already had all the parts, we elected to move forward with full production guns. Now customers have the option to buy it or build it.” The BRN-16A1 is a close copy of the M16A1; the BRN-601 is based on the original USAF contract rifle with green furniture; the XBRN16E1 is a copy of the transitional rifle that was made between the 601 and M16A1, with features of both; and the XBRN-177E2 is an authentic copy of an early Special Forces carbine, a precursor to the M4 carbine. On the .308 side, the BRN-10A is based on the AR-10 issued by the Netherlands, with brown furniture, and the BRN-10B is a close copy of late-model AR-10 rifles like those adopted by Cuba and other countries. Both BRN-10 rifles have the trigger-style charging handle located on top of the receiver inside the integrated carry handle, as well as the same lines and contours of the first production AR-10s from the 1950s. SRP: $1,299.99, 5.56 models; $1,599.99 and $1,699.99, .308 models. (brownells. com) —David Maccar

SHOT SHOW 2018

Raising the Bar Cordura’s impact on performancebased fabrics by christopher cogley

ast year, Cordura celebrated its 50th anniversary as a company consistently on the cutting edge of developing the fabrics that outdoor and tactical gear manufacturers use to create apparel and footwear that is lighter, stronger, and longer lasting. As part of its celebration, Cordura launched the revolutionary NYCO Extreme fabric, which represented the higheststrength nylon 6.6 staple fiber Cordura had ever created. This year, as part of its ongoing commitment to raise the bar on expectations, Cordura is launching the next generation of this fabric with the new stretch version of the NYCO Extreme. “With this fabric, we’re really pushing the boundaries of lightweight, durable materials that offer the kind of ergonomic fit and stretch performance that tactical operators need in the field,” says Cindy McNaull, global brand and marketing director for Cordura. To showcase the capabilities of this fabric, Cordura partnered with Crye Precision to develop the VTX fabric, which is Crye’s branded version of the new

NYCO Extreme fabric. Crye used the VTX fabric to create the new G4 uniform that they introduced at this year’s SHOT Show. Compared to standard 50/50 NYCO mil-spec, the Crye Precision VTX fabric, built on the new Stretch Cordura NYCO Extreme material, is reported to be 17 percent lighter and four times more breathable, has three times the tear strength, and is at least 60 percent faster drying. This revolutionary uniform fabric is far from the only way that Cordura is helping to keep tactical operators and outdoor enthusiasts covered. Cordura’s AFT (Air Flow Technology) 3D Spacer fabric is also

featured in Magnum’s new Elite Spider X boots, designed specifically for specialists and tactical operators. The AFT 3D material helps make these boots lighter, tougher, and more abrasion-resistant, while also providing the kind of critical airflow that operators in jungle and desert climates especially need. “We’re constantly trying to improve and push the limits of what’s been done before,” McNaull says. “Our goal is to deliver the fabrics that help solve problems. We’re honored to partner with so many great companies that work hard to help us achieve that goal every day.”(cordura.com) Cordura’s AFT (Air Flow Technology) 3D Spacer fabric is used in Magnum’s Elite Spider X boot.

SHOT SHOW 2018

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Standard Bearer The Steyr AUG bullpup design reaches a milestone

he Steyr AUG wasn’t the first true bullpup (a firearm with its action located behind the trigger group), but it was the first truly successful design of that revolutionary concept. Such success can’t be overstated; 40 years after its introduction, the Steyr AUG is still considered the standard bearer for bullpups. Its robust design coupled with its compact size have made it the weapon of choice for the Austrian Army. It has also seen service with the armed forces of Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malaysia, New Zealand, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Pakistan, the Falkland Islands Defence Force, and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “A short rifle that features the same ballistic capabilities as a long one always was a requirement, especial-

Product Partners

ly when troops became more and more mechanized,” says Erwin Derntl, sales manager for Steyr Arms. “Confined spaces inside vehicles, urban areas combined with new tactics, and enhanced mobility call for short weapons.” The Steyr AUG was successful because it offered the compact size of a submachine gun, but the functionality of a rifle. “One typical way to get a compact weapon is to shorten the barrel,” he says. “But a short barrel lacks accuracy and creates a hell of a muzzle signature.” Thus, in the early 1970s, when the Austrian Army opted to switch to the 5.56-caliber round, it also established three main requirements for the new combat rifle. It had to be as short as a submachine gun, as accurate as a sniper rifle, and as reliable as a Kalashnikov. The Austrian military approached Steyr,

Backpacking hunters want packable equipment that matches the effort they’re putting in. ALPS Outdoorz makes a sleeping bag for such adventurers. The Refuge, a hooded sleeping bag with zippered armholes that offers the perk of coffee in bed, can accommodate a hunter with broad shoulders. Yet, it packs light: The 15-degree-rated bag weighs only 3 pounds 8 ounces. But when the Refuge goes on sale this spring, it won’t carry the

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by peter SUciU

The Steyr AUG wasn’t the first true bullpup, but it was the first truly successful design of that revolutionary concept.

and the rest is history. Steyr Arms celebrated the success of this innovative firearm last year with the release of a limited-edition STG 77 SA that emulates the look, feel, and operation of the original AUG. The STG 77 SA, the first U.S.built production AUG variant to come with a standard 20-inch barrel, is profiled to the original 1977 specifications. This includes a tulip-style muzzle brake with the original hex check nut. The

STG 77 SA also features an integrated original-profile 1.5X scope, which offers the popular circle-dot reticle. A set of three-dot post-andnotch backup sights have also been integrated to the top of the scope housing. Though the STG 77 may no longer be available to retailers, the current model of the rifle, the AUG A3 M1, certainly is—in 40 different versions. That should be more than enough to satisfy any bullpup customer. (steyrarms.com)

ALPS logo. Browning’s Buckmark gets the honor instead. That’s because ALPS is a Browning licensee. Browning sees in the Refuge what it expects to see in all products sporting the Buckmark: quality with a justifiable price point. “Our reputation for quality is paramount to who we are,” says Rafe Nielsen, Browning communications manager. “If you take on licensing, you are Browning. You have to become who Browning is.”—Kris Millgate

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SHOT SHOW 2018

Rugged Wear Carhartt may be best known for its line of work clothes, but it is also serious about hunting garb by SHannon farLoW

here are few outdoor clothing brands as widely recognized or respected as Carhartt. Generations of ranchers, carpenters, roughnecks, and other hardworking individuals have relied on the brand’s rugged apparel. Even fashion powerhouses like J. Crew have capitalized on Carhartt’s appeal to urban workwear enthusiasts. So it was no surprise that the 129-year-old clothing manufacturer received a warm welcome from hunters and retailers alike when it reentered the hunting market two years ago. Now, after having participated in its second consecutive SHOT Show, the Carhartt team is expanding its hunting lines and introducing an exclusive partnership with another outdoor legend. Deer hunters will be happy to hear that Carhartt is bolstering its already successful big-game hunting line by teaming up with camouflage innovator

Mossy Oak. Carhartt’s Buckfield collection will feature Mossy Oak’s popular Break-Up Country pattern, which was recently chosen by the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) as its official camouflage pattern. “We are excited to collaborate with Mossy Oak,” says Tim Humes, senior brand manager for Carhartt. “We’ve known those guys a long time. Mossy Oak is a trusted brand, and Break-Up Country is the number-one pattern in the country. It was just the right move for us. With both Mossy Oak and Carhartt being family-owned and -operated businesses, we have a lot of good, common goals for the collaboration that we’re going to bring to life.” The two brands have combined efforts in the past, but according to Humes, this is the biggest Mossy Oak platform that Carhartt has ever manufactured. Carhartt is also producing its Buckfield line in a new Western pattern that will be available to select retailers. Both versions are made from durable and water-repellent softshell fabric. The Buckfield line includes a jacket featuring zippered underarms, a detachable hood, and a treestand harness exit; a vest with zippered mock neck, magnetic-closure map pockets, a drop-tail hem with drawcord, and a treestand harness exit; and pants that feature easy-movement design, ankleto-knee leg zippers, side cargo and back pockets with zippers, and magnetic closures. Carhartt’s story contains a rich tradition of producing clothing for hunters who enjoy busting through brush and briars after birds and small game. In fact, it was its upland line that first captured Humes’ attention as a boy. “I grew up in Missouri, and I loved to hunt quail and rabbits with my dad. We shopped the local feed stores, and I was able to access Carhartt. Working bird

dogs, it was some of the toughest stuff I could get my hands on, so I was pretty passionate about the opportunity to bring the upland clothing back to life,” he says. “Bringing in hunting styles, particularly upland styles, is really just an extension of who we are.” Carhartt introduced its rugged new Upland Field Chaps at SHOT Show, along with new features on the Upland Field Coat and Vest. The Upland Field collection includes a durable, waterrepellent pant with front and back chaps and a secure cellphone pocket; water-repellent canvas shirt with hunter-orange recoil pads and forearm protection; a jacket and vest, both of which feature a front-loading gamebag, shotshell pockets, and two water bottle pockets; and chaps with added front and back protection and zippered leg openings for pulling on over hunting boots. Humes expects the market for both upland and big-game hunting apparel to remain strong, especially among consumers seeking high-quality products that won’t empty their wallets. “There are plenty of high-end brands in the marketplace, and I think being able to give consumers the right value equation with a brand like Carhartt will be important,” he says. Carhartt is supporting its hunting presence, and the greater hunting community, through the #HuntYourLegacy social media campaign. Hunters are encouraged to tag and share their photos, videos, and stories of how they are passing on their hunting traditions to future generations. “We can show thousands of pictures of guys with big deer, but we really feel like it’s the stories, the history, and the legacy that we all leave behind that’s important,” Humes says. “That’s why we brought ourselves back into this sport.” (carhartt.com)

SHOT SHOW 2018

Branching Out

Camelbak introduced two new packs specifically designed for hunters at the 2018 SHOT Show.

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CamelBak, the originator of the hands-free hydration pack and the gold standard in reservoir technology, is branching out with products specifically designed for hunters. Two packs were launched at the 2018 SHOT Show. “Given our long history of designing tactical products for the U.S. military, the hunting products are expected to be robust offerings capable of years of dependable service in rugged conditions,” says Jon Austen, senior director of product for Camelbak. The Trophy S is designed for spot-and-stalk Western hunters. The pack can hold a bow or rifle and is equipped with a meat shelf that doubles as a rain cover or blaze-orange packout cover to keep you dry (and visible) while carrying out elk quarters. A reservoir allows for easy access to water to stay hydrated, especially important at high elevations. SRP: $299. The Trophy TS (Tree Stand) is designed to be mounted to the trunk of a tree and used as a workstation by whitetail hunters in the East, Midwest, and South. The Trophy TS can also carry a rifle or bow, allowing you to hike it in and hang it up. Once the belt is wrapped around a tree, a hunter will have a secure, accessible gear locker at his fingertips. A 52-ounce water bottle allows for plenty of allday hydration without having to leave the stand. SRP: $199. CamelBak is also bringing Mossy Oak and Realtree camo to its vacuum-insulated, stainless-steel products. The Hot Cap is designed to keep coffee hot on cold mornings, and the Chute Mag bottle is ideal for keeping water close by in a sweat-free vessel. “CamelBak backs up everything they make with a lifetime warranty, so you know you will never be left high and dry. And, yes, that pun is intended,” says Austen. (camelbak.com)

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Realtree's Edge Realtree used the 2018 SHOT Show to unveil what it believes to be its most pioneering pattern to date—Realtree Edge. The new pattern embraces distinctive qualities designed to disrupt the human form, while sticking to its roots by offering realistic natural elements that ensure unmatched concealment. “The new Realtree Edge pattern is unique in its design and arrangement,” says Realtree president Bill Jordan. “This pattern features an abstract background, with realistic limbs and leaves in the foreground, to allow for seamless concealment in a variety of hunting environments. Leaves of varying shades and colors create a random pattern, and a variety of crisscrossing branches with highlights and shadows disrupt the vertical silhouette of the human shape.” Jordan also says that the claim of many camo patterns developed “in this digital world is that disruption of the human form is more important than blending into the hunting environment. Realtree Edge is the only pattern that accomplishes both, with natural features that match the hunter’s surroundings arranged in a way that erases the human form.” (realtree.com)

The new Realtree Edge pattern disrupts the human form while also blending into the hunting environment.

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Higher Level Hornady introduced the 6.5 Creedmoor 10 years ago. It was initially met with a yawn, but as interest in long-range shooting spiked, shooters realized the wonderfulness of this cartridge. It shot flatter than a .308 Winchester and kicked less. And those magnificently aerodynamic 6.5-caliber bullets made it all possible. For 2018, Hornady is introducing what might be considered a 6.5 Creedmoor Magnum, but the manufacturer is calling the cartridge the 6.5 PRC. The 6.5 PRC case is based on the .300 Ruger Compact Magnum, so it holds more powder than the Creedmoor case, supporting the “magnum” monicker. Two initial loadings from Hornady will include a Hornady Match ammunition load utilizing a 147-grain ELD Match bullet at 2,910 fps, and a Precision Hunter loading with a 143-grain ELD-X bullet at 2,960 fps. With a 100-yard zero and the fantastically high ballistic coefficients of these bullets, drop at 100 yards will only be about 24.5 MOA, with the bullet arriving on target in only 1.396 seconds. By comparison, a .300 Winchester Magnum loaded with a 200-grain ELD X bullet will need 27.96 MOA of correction at that distance and the time of flight will be about 1.466 seconds. True longrange practitioners know that hitting at distance is all about time of flight—the longer it takes the bullet to reach the target, the more it will drop, and the more the wind can push it off-course. The amazing thing about the 6.5 PRC is that it bests the .300 Winchester Magnum, and does so with 32 percent less recoil. And as any real rifleman knows, the harder a rifle kicks, the harder it is to shoot with precision. The 6.5 PRC was designed to achieve a high level of accuracy while delivering flat trajectory and extended-range performance—all in a sensibly designed compact package. Utilizing moderate powder charges, which result in repeatable accuracy, low recoil, and reasonable barrel life, the 6.5 PRC still produces high enough velocities for both hunting and target shooting with performance well beyond 1,000 yards. While older 6.5mm cartridges are excellent in their own right, the 6.5 PRC is a cartridge whose time has come. (hornady.com) —Richard Mann

SHOT SHOW 2018

Dickies Tactical Delivers Utility and Comfort

hat began in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1922, as a bib overall company has grown into a global workwear and lifestyle brand, the products of which are distributed in 106 countries. Although the Dickies brand extends across many apparel and accessories categories, the soul of the brand is rooted in work and workwear. From fabric and design to fit and comfort, Dickies clothing is anchored in the needs

of the worker. That commitment to its customer base is also seen with Dickies Tactical, which introduced several new pieces at the 2018 SHOT Show. “The tactical workforce trusts Dickies because Dickies is built specifically with them in mind,” says Alex Smith, Dickies senior vice president. “Our newest gear includes features like lightweight design for ease of movement and comfort, easy access to CCW, and the durabili-

Dickies Tactical pants provide pockets for discreet ammo storage.

ty and ruggedness to stand up to the toughest conditions—all with the value and quality that you’d expect from the Dickies brand.” For example, the Women’s Tactical Covert Ripstop Pant is constructed with a performance water-repellent stretch fabric. Hidden pockets provide discreet storage of ammo and cell phones. Another feature is an expandable waist with a triple-gripper waistband. SRP: $42.99. (dickies.com)

SHOT SHOW 2018

S H O T B U S I N E S S A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 8

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The Blind Without a Blind Spot Double Bull introduces SurroundView blinds

tarted as a small Minnesota company by two hunting buddies, Double Bull has grown to be a trusted name as well as the originator of the pop-upstyle, five-hub ground blind. Innovations it has pioneered include the double-wide door, a 180-degree window, and silent slide buckles.

Two-Way Mirror Double Bull engineers are first and foremost hunters, and they are constantly on the lookout for innovation that provides true value to the user. A little over two years ago, Double Bull began experimenting with a new fabric technology. This exclusive fabric has unique properties that allow it to function like a two-way mirror—hiding the hunter, but offering a full view without gaping windows. The basis of the technology, dubbed SurroundView, is a tiny pinhole pattern. When printed with a camouflage design, the holes are hidden and appear solid. Yet, when colored in solid black, they allow a neartransparent view. “It’s a sort of optical illusion,” says Jason Harris, senior product manager for Double Bull. “From the outside, the camouflage pattern tricks the eye, human or animal, into thinking it’s completely solid. The inverse occurs when you’re on the inside; your eyes are able to focus through the pinholes and your mind dis-

regards the blank black fabric between the holes.”

Hunting Without a Blind Spot Anyone who has hunted in a pop-up blind, or even a shooting house, can understand the limitations inherent with a reliance on windows. It seems you are always trying to see what you can’t see, because narrow shooting portals, or windows, only provide a limited point of view. With SurroundView, there are no surprises. You can see when a deer is coming from the far corner of the field. You can see if that was a squirrel making noises or a deer shuffling over leaves. “It is a huge benefit to be able to see your entire surroundings, know what’s about to happen, and prepare for it,” Harris says. “Also, if you’re sitting with kids, or someone who’s new to the sport, they can just sit still and see everything. That’s a big difference. In other blinds I’ve been in, the kids have to hunch over and move back and forth to look through each window to really see what’s going on around them. With SurroundView technology, you can sit comfortably and survey all around without much movement.” When you think about it, being comfortable makes a whole lot of sense, particularly if you have a long sit with a young hunt-

er who may tend to fidget a bit. Three models will be available in 2018. Named for the degrees of see-through viewing provided by the SurroundView fabric, there will be a SurroundView 360, SurroundView 270, and SurroundView 180. Each one is configured slightly differently.

The Next-Gen Component Primos, Double Bull’s corporate owner, is getting behind the SurroundView blind fully with a strong marketing campaign. One component is a smartphone app that will allow users to test drive the SurroundView models. Using Augmented Reality software like that found in Pokemon Go and other next-generation apps, the SurroundView app will

let the user “place” a blind in a location via their smartphone’s camera. They can then “step inside” the blind to see if the placement is right before ever setting up a blind. “It’s going be useful for determining blind setups in the field,” Harris says. “But I think it’s also going to really showcase at the store level the kind of experience these blinds can provide.” The benefits to hunters are fairly obvious: No more silent gobblers sneaking in the back door. No wary bucks skirting the setup just out of view of a window. SRP: $299 to $499. (primos.com)

Read More Online To see all four issues of SHOT Daily in full, go to shotbusiness.com.

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SHOT SHOW 2018

In the Footsteps of a Giant The successor to the Model 70 has arrived. It's called the XPR by brad fitzpatrick he Winchester Model 70 has Model 70 but a radical departure been hailed as the from the brand’s best-selling bolt“Rifleman’s Rifle,” and has action gun. Gone is the CRF action, earned praise from millions replaced by a three-lug bolt made of shooters, including such notables from through-hardened chromoly as Jack O’Connor and famed African steel barstock. The bolt is the same hunter Harry Manners. Designing a width as the locking lugs and has rifle to be the spiritual successor to been coated with nickel teflon to that gun, then, was an unenviable run smoothly through the receiver. task. Fans of the Model 70—and In addition, the three-lug design there are many—don’t like anyone allows for a short 60-degree bolt lift. monkeying around with their favorThe chromoly steel button-rifled ite centerfire rifle. (Remember what barrel is thermally stress-relieved happened when the company and is mated to the barrel with a stripped away the full-length claw barrel nut design that allows for perextractor in 1964 as part of a costfect headspacing and excellent accucutting initiative?) But in 2015, 78 racy. The XPR also features a years after it first released the Model detachable box magazine construct70, Winchester announced its next ed from durable polymer. It fits flagship bolt-action rifle—the XPR. securely in the rifle, eliminating the Advancements in machine techneed to finesse and finagle the mag nology and metallurgy have changed into proper position. the landscape of bolt-action hunting The Model 70 was famous for its rifles. Modern CNC machining oft-copied three-position wing safety, allows manufacturers to produce but you won’t find that signature very accurate rifles more efficiently feature on the new XPR. Instead, the and at a lower cost to consumers. XPR utilizes a two-position safety The XPR is one of a new crop of located on the right side of the guns that cost less than $600, yet are receiver and a bolt-release button capable of delivering sub-MOA accuthat is located just aft of the bolt racy with factory loads. However, as handle. The safety retracts the trigheir apparent to the Model 70, the ger from the actuator for maximum XPR would be exposed to a level of security, and depressing the boltscrutiny that no other budget bolt release button allows you to safely gun would have had to endure. cycle the action. “There are a lot of options in The system is convenient and, affordable rifles right now, but none when you become accustomed to have the complete package like the the operation, quite intuitive and XPR does,” says Rafe Nielsen, user-friendly. Another sign of the Winchester’s director of communichanging landscape of bolt-action cations. “Details do matter, and we rifle design is the lack of a woodfocused on specific elements that stocked version of the XPR; there make a rifle better. The XPR is a are multiple variations on the polyWinchester. And just like with the mer stock (black or Mossy Oak Model 70, we know how to build camo, compact or full-size length of quality rifles, no matter what the pull). The Sporter version does have price point is.” a walnut stock, but it is available When the XPR debuted in 2015, it only on a limited basis. wasn’t an updated version of the Winchester had to take great care

when selecting a successor to the Model 70 crown, and they have done well with the XPR. Now all that remains to be seen is if the shooting public falls as hard for this rifle as they did for the Rifleman’s Rifle. SRP: $549.99 to $599.99. (winchesterguns.com)

The XPR’s MOA trigger system utilizes a pivoting lever design that virtually eliminates any creep or overtravel.

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SHOT SHOW 2018

A Chef in Every Camp Camp Chef wants hunters to eat well

by brian m c combie

ince acquiring Camp Chef in 2016, Vista Outdoor has been busy helping the outdoorcooking-equipment manufacturer add new products and buff up existing lines. If you’re not familiar with the company, Camp Chef ’s current lineup encompasses more than 250 products, ranging from camp stoves and pellet grills to cast-iron cookware and accessories. For the 2018 SHOT Show, Camp Chef debuted a new pellet grill, the SmokePro SG. The SmokePro boasts a new, more stable leg design and features “Slide and Grill” technology. Slide and Grill allows the cook to switch seamlessly between indirect and direct flame mode. Need to quick-grill a steak? The direct flame will do that. On a thicker

Camp Chef is dedicated to a great idea—that outdoorsmen should be able to eat well while in the field.

AMBIDEXTROUS BOLT HANDLE The bolt handle is field reversible from right hand to left hand

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.22LR SnapShot™ Rifle, 17” Patterned Graphite Barrel, with Red Ambidextrous Evolution Laminate Stock Join us: #KahrFirearmsGroup • #MagnumResearch

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SHOT SHOW 2018

cut, direct flame can brown and seal the meat; then slide it over the indirect flame to smoke the cut. Or, if you want to cook something longer and slower for that deep-smoke effect, use the smokier indirect flame from start to finish. The SmokePro SG also features a taller cook chamber with additional rack space for increased cooking space and convenience, as well as a largercapacity pellet hopper. The grill also has Camp Chef ’s Ash Cleanout System, stable temperature regulation, and dual meat probes. “Camp Chef has revolutionized the ways we can cook outdoors,” says Brooks Hansen, product manager for Camp Chef. “For example, the Camp Chef modular stove system is a musthave at any camp. It lets you go from a delicious pancake breakfast to burgers at lunch and then to steaks and mouthwatering Dutch Oven cooking at dinner—all on one stove. It doesn’t matter

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if your camp is big or small, Camp Chef has a grill or stove to optimize your outdoor cooking.” If you are interested in Camp Chef, Camp Chef is interested in helping you achieve solid sales, too. “Our products are sold by independent retailers, but we are very big in mass outdoor sporting-goods retailers,” Hansen says. “We have a relative handful of independent FFL retailers who carry our products, too, and for 2018 we are actively looking for more FFLs to work with, especially those with a large customer base of hunters.” Dealer support is a priority with Camp Chef. “We have several dealers for which we have produced specific videos to run in-store and on their web pages,” Hansen says. “We also publish sales brochures and other literature and gladly share them with our dealers.” In addition, Camp Chef has an executive chef who travels to retailer loca-

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tions to hold cooking demonstrations and outdoor cooking classes. “As far as social media, we will continue to grow in this arena and be super-active across all social fronts,” says Hansen. “Social media has brought us a good deal of brand recognition, especially with under-40 consumers, and it has been a big part of who we are in a marketing sense, and who we will continue to be.” This marketing is helped by a Facebook presence that boasts over a half-million followers, plus feeds on Twitter and Instagram that continue to grow. (campchef.com)

Read More Online To see all four issues of SHOT Daily in full, go to shot business.com.

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Engineered Excellence Spend two centuries producing tough, reliable, German-engineered rifles and word gets around: Every hunter and shooter thinks they know what a Mauser is. But do they really? Sometimes having such a legendary story can obscure the present. Today, even though the company basks in the reflected glow of its storied history, at its core, Mauser remains a thoroughly modern gunmaker. The newest rifle to roll off the production line at the company’s factories in Isny, Germany—the M18—should leave no doubt as to the brilliance of Mauser’s fusion of heritage, experience, and state-of-the-art technology. Incorporating two centuries of German industrial design and precision manufacturing techniques, the M18 has the look, features, and accuracy of a rifle twice its price. “This is a very modern rifle with a lot of history at its heart,” says Christian Socher, Blaser USA CEO (Mauser’s parent company). “It incorporates the essentials that traditionally lie at the heart of every Mauser—rugged reliability, strength, and engineering excellence— and is designed to give hunters the best possible value.” Created with the everyday hunter in mind, this latest in a series of modern classics puts into practice the lessons learned over many generations. The design also incorporated feedback from hunters in the field. “Performance, handling, and durability are all key characteristics of the M18,” Socher says. “The steel receiver provides core strength and reliability to protect the action, and a cold-hammerforged barrel ensures that the rifle will deliver consistent accuracy.” Other features include a 5-round magazine, an adjustable trigger, and soft inlays on the grip. “This is a rifle that puts Mauser squarely back into the hands of the people,” says Socher. “And that is why we’re calling it Volkswaffe, ‘the people’s rifle.’ ”(mauser. com)

SHOT SHOW 2018

Going Deep A proven self-defense handgun load gets a performance boost

he new HydraShok Deep bullet features a core design that provides up to 50 percent deeper penetration than the original Hydra-Shok and similar loads from competitors. The center post has been improved so it’s more robust, which provides better integrity and performance through barriers. Testing shows that Hydra-Shok Deep penetrates 15 inches in bare ballistics gelatin, which is the optimal depth, according to FBI standards. “The primary goal of Hydra-Shok Deep was to penetrate to the FBI’s optimum depth of 14 to 16 inches, and at the same time pro-

vide more consistent performance though the intermediate barriers,” says Larry Head, director and chief engineer of handgun ammunition. Although the bullet’s performance in ballistics gelatin is impressive, many shooters might wonder how Hydra-Shok Deep will boost their real-world performance. “Ideal bullet performance is a round that stops a threat by expanding to a large diameter to cause the maximum amount of tissue damage, and penetrates deep enough to reach vital organs,” he says. Hydra-Shok Deep also uses a reliable Federal primer and a consistent, specially

formulated propellant. “In a self-defense situation, your ammunition has to be completely reliable in igniting the propellant and providing the correct and consistent energetics. This not only pushes the bullet to its optimum working velocity, but also reliably functions the gun,” he says. “A failure in this area could lead to catastrophic results. The propellants also contain flash suppressants to reduce muzzle flash and minimize temporary blindness in lowlight shooting situations.” Hydra-Shok Deep will initially be offered in a 135-grain 9mm Luger. (federal premium.com)

The new Hydra-Shok Deep bullet features a core design that provides deeper penetration.

SHOT SHOW 2018

S H O T B U S I N E S S A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 8

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Critical Mission Otis Technology is launching a major breakthrough in gun cleaning

rank Devlin, director of commercial sales for Otis Technology, and I were sitting in a duck blind late last fall. Between flights, I lean over and ask, “What’s new for SHOT?” Devlin, a born salesman, smiles broadly and says, “We have a cleaner and a high-performance synthetic lubricant that’s going to change the entire industry. I think it will make every other available cleaner and lubricant an antique.” That gets my attention. “Bold words,” I say. “They most certainly are,” he says. “I’ve been involved with firearms for nearly 50 years, and this is the single most important thing I’ve ever done to a firearm in my life.” The product is Mission Critical MC-10, the foundation of which is a proprietary formula initially developed by the aerospace industry. What got the attention of the engineers at Otis Technology was its ability to handle extreme temperature ranges without compromising performance. “So far, we’ve not been able to find the point at which MC-10 either freezes or boils away. It truly is a trendsetting new product, sort of like discovering penicillin,” Devlin says. Devlin notes the company has done extensive testing, comparing the performance of Mission Critical

by SLaton L . WHite

Mission Critical is based on a lubricant developed by the aerospace industry.

MC-10 to 15 competitive lubricants currently on the market. “We put a sample of each in a petri dish and set them on fire,” he says. “Every product but one eventually turned to soot.” The exception was Mission Critical MC-10. “It’s not impacted by heat at all,” he says. “It will not burn, it will not turn black.” Other tests also demonstrated its remarkable resilience. “We’ve done some internal testing with an M240 machine gun, feeding it belt after belt, trying to get the stuff to fail. It hasn’t.” But Devlin’s true “aha” moment came when he was cleaning his 9mm concealed-carry sidearm. He cleaned it down to bare

metal, removing all traces of the previous lubricant. “After I applied the Mission Critical MC-10 lubricant, I put the gun back together and racked the slide,” he says. “It moved so freely and easily that I thought I had forgotten to put back the main spring. So, I took the gun apart and saw that the spring was in there. I’ve never experienced anything like that.” This leads him to another selling point for retailers. “Women often complain of hard-to-rack semi-autos, which has sent some manufacturers back to the drawing board to produce guns with easier-to-rack slides,” he says. “But wouldn’t it be

nice for a retailer to be able to say to such a customer, ‘You don’t need another gun. I have the solution.’ ” Mission Critical MC-10 was the focal point for Otis Technology at the 2018 SHOT Show. “Otis has been an industry leader in gun cleaning for more than 30 years,” Devlin says. “This is just a natural progression within the company. Everybody loves to shoot; nobody likes to clean. But a gun performs better if it’s been cleaned and properly lubricated.” Each pack of Mission Critical MC-10 will contain a 1-ounce spray bottle of cleaner, a 1-ounce bottle of spray lubricant, and a microfiber gun cloth. SRP: $29.99. (otistec.com)

W H AT ’ S S E L L I N G W H E R E

Fire Arms, AZ AZ Avondale

Called the “Biggest Little Gun Store in Arizona,” this retailer in the western suburbs of Phoenix keeps 1,000 guns on hand in just 1,000 square feet. It has six employees, and three staff members attended 2018 SHOT. For this retailer, the show is about expanding relationships and seeing new product. “It’s really about putting a face to someone you’ve been talking to on the phone for years. When that happens, your business relationship grows,” said owner Dan Todd. Distributor booths, especially Sports South and RSR, were high on the list of stops. Manufacturer booth visits included Glock, Sig, IWI, and Kel-Tec.

Gun Worxs, IL Smoking Forreston

Located in central northern Illinois, this retailer just added a six-lane indoor range to its store. The store has 11 employees, stocks an average of 350 firearms, and sent two staff members to Las Vegas. One goal was to take advantage of the SHOT Show specials. “We usually only write orders for show specials at SHOT. Then, we wait for our buying-group show in the spring to make our large buy,” said buyer Jarrett Wehunt. Accessories are also important, and staffers took a close look at the eyewear and noise protection products from Howard Leight. “Sometimes it’s the little stuff. At our store, safety and general acces-

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SHOT BUSINESS

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APRIL/MAY 2018

J’s Outdoor WA Big Sports, Orting Situated outside of Tacoma, this 13,000-square-foot general outdoor sporting goods store sent three staff members to SHOT. The retailer attends a groupbuying show that occurs a few weeks after SHOT. Therefore, their SHOT priority is new product. “We cover a lot of ground, and what we want to see is what’s new,” said owner J.J. Arnett. Some of the new product that attracted Arnett’s attention included the Sig P365, Daniel Defense’s new MSR pistol, and Springfield’s new rifle line. Soft goods, training at SHOT University, and ladies’ shooting accessories were high on the priority list as well. Visits included

sories are high-profit items. We would never find many of them without going to SHOT,” said Wehunt.

Gun Grove, MO The Macon

This 4,000-square-foot store, located in north-central Missouri, stocks an average of 500 new and used guns. The shop has three employees, and two flew to Vegas. Since this rural store isn’t on the typical manufacturer reps beat, meetings with large vendors were a priority. “We are lucky to see our reps once a year, so we like to have a meeting set up at SHOT. It makes a huge difference. As the buying year progresses, it helps lower the prices we’ll pay,” said owner Chelsea Rice.

Flashbang Holsters, best known for concealed-carry bras, and Can Can Concealment.

Powder River OR Precision, Baker City

Located in central Oregon, this small shop specializes in custom repairs and performance modifications for handguns and rifles. Two staff members attended the SHOT Show. “It’s always great when you find that magic new product. But this year, the Holy Grail find escaped me,” said president Daniel Batchelor. That said, some of the products that caught his eye were the Ruger Carbine pistol and Springfield’s new 1911.

Guns, Terre IN Top Haute

Having recently opened a new facility in western Indiana, this retailer stocks nearly 500 firearms. It has several indoor ranges and employs around 30 full- and part-time employees. One staff member attended SHOT. Finding what’s new and improving relationships were this retailer’s primary goals. “This was my third trip to SHOT, and I finally feel like I’m starting to know my way around,” said firearms instructor Eric Cunningham. A great deal of time was spent in the Sig booth looking at the P365. “We have a special relationship with Sig because we are a Sig Elite dealer,” he said. Other stops included Edge eyewear and to see the KSG bullpup shotgun.

BY PETER B . MATHIESEN

Sportsman’s PA The Shop, East Earl Located in eastern Pennsylvania between Lancaster and Philadelphia, this retailer recently expanded into a new 25,000-square-foot facility. The footprint now includes education training rooms and an indoor range. Two people attended the SHOT Show. Training and developing relationships with vendors who supply indoor-range equipment were key priorities. “We split class training responsibilities between the two of us. Then, my wife and I hit targeted booths,” said general manager Anthony Keffer. Range equipment booths and accessories companies topped the

Sporting AR A-Z Goods, Alma

With 50,000 square feet of retail space, this general sporting goods store inventories more than 1,000 firearms. Four salespeople man the gun counter. The retailer brought three employees to SHOT. Seeing new product in order to tighten its buying list for distributor shows was the group’s main priority. “Although we don’t write a lot of orders, the Browning and Nikon show-only specials are worth our time,” said store manager Mark Hall. Other stops included visits with handgun companies. Hall also makes sure to spend plenty of time on the show’s lower level. “I love the basement,” he said. “You never know what you’re going to find, and

SHOT list. Stops included Action Targets and Sticky Holsters. Sig, Benelli, Ruger, Smith, and Kimber also received attention.

& Sport NH Gun North, Salem

This small, independent shop is located just across the Massachusetts state line in southern New Hampshire. It sports 1,500 square feet of retail floor space, with an average inventory of 300 firearms. The store sent six employees to SHOT. This retailer uses a segmented strategy to work the show floor. “Two guys went to tactical, while the balance of the team was responsible for stops with an emphasis on accessories,” said owner Tony Forgetta.

the vendors are happy you’re there.”

Big Daddy Guns, Gainesville Sporting

1,300 square feet of retail space and keeping nearly 300 guns in stock, this north Florida store sent six staff members to SHOT. Two staff members covered firearms and accessories, a third covered social media, and the balance looked for new product and accessories. ”I learned from last year not to overfill my appointments. This year, I kept my meeting schedule to a minimum and stayed flexible. The SHOT Show app was really a huge help,” said general manager Cortland Bailey. Orders were placed at Surefire, Battle Arms Development, and Sig.

While the show is not getting any smaller, Forgetta said he has finally found an easier way to navigate the floor. “The SHOT Show phone app was amazing. When I found that the Quick List would route me to the closest vendor, the show got dramatically easier.”

ME Weaponcraft, Casco

Weaponcraft sent one employee to the show. Establishing relationships and looking for new product were this retailer’s primary goals. Most of this shop’s buying is done later in the spring after the SHOT Show. “For us, it was about networking and meeting people we would never find anywhere else,” said trainer Adam Foster.

Sports NC Neuse Shop, Kinston

With more than 75,000 square feet of retail space and a new store opening in June 2018, this company sent five staff members to SHOT. The retailer sells a broad mix of general outdoor equipment. Department heads from apparel, firearms, accessories, and tactical attended the show with the firm’s marketing director. “The show is a critical resource for our store because it’s where we find our new product,” said director of marketing Zach Godwin. The Sig P365 and the Glock 19X impressed Godwin. He also said interest in long-distance shooting gear is growing at the expense of tactical gear at his store.

APRIL/MAY 2018

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SHOT BUSINESS

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GOOD STUFF

BY RICHARD MANN

Par Excellence The performance of Bushnell’s Engage riﬂescopes is no optical illusion

he demand for long-range/precision riflescopes has reached an all-time high, and manufacturers are responding at a frenzied pace. Until now, building a riflescope for precision work at distance was not all that hard—it was just expensive. This meant consumers had to invest in a big way; it’s not uncommon for scopes of this ilk to cost three grand or more.

But Bushnell has changed that with the Engage line of riflescopes, which retail for about a tenth of what you would expect. Introduced mid-2017, the Bushnell Engage line consists of nine models. All feature the new Deploy MOA reticle, which is really a simple affair with a great deal of practicality. The thin vertical and horizontal crosswires are marked at one MOA intervals, with heavier marks at five MOA. There are 20 MOA of reticle correction available to the right and left, five MOA of correction above center to hold low, and 30 MOA of correction below center to hold high. This is way more reticle correction than you’ll ever need. The Deploy MOA reticle is positioned in the second focal plane, which means to realize a true reticle correc-

tion, the riflescope must be set at its highest magnification. That’s not a big deal; if you’re shooting at an animal or a target at distance, you should not be too rushed to adjust the magnification. Reticle corrections work, but, ideally for the precision necessary to hit beyond 500 yards, you need to do some dialing. That means the riflescope’s adjustments must be exact and repeatable. If your DOPE (data of previous engagement) tells you 44 clicks of adjustment is needed to hit a 6-inch target at 600 yards, every click on your elevation knob better equal exactly ¼ MOA or you’ll miss. That, and good glass providing a pristine view, is what shooters have been paying through the nose for, and for such a long time. I got the opportunity to test one of these riflescopes

Bushnell’s Engage optics line is designed to deliver a lot of performance for not a lot of money.

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APRIL/MAY 2018

in the field last summer. I mounted a 2.5–10x44 model on a 6.5 Creedmoor, and took it to Africa for 30 days. During that time it lived in the hands my 17-year-old son, who used it to take various big-game animals, some as far away as 600 yards. In every instance, he dialed the elevation turret to the predetermined DOPE, held dead on, and made the kill. This “dialing” was made possible by elevated turrets that are, I have to say, pretty darn cool. By using a top disk that can be screwed off by hand after sight-in, you can set the windage and elevation turrets to zero without any tools. The circumference of the turrets is marked with easy-toread numbers indicating every MOA of adjustment, with ¼-MOA marks between them. One rotation provides 15 MOA of correction, and

with the 6.5 Creedmoor, this is enough to take you to about 650 yards. But, you can fully rotate the turrets as many times as you like until you exceed the 50 MOA of internal adjustment. These turrets also lock in place. You just pull up, twist, and push down. In addition, the windage turret marks have right (R) and left (L) indicators in case you forget you must push to adjust left and pull for right. When it comes to riflescopes in this price range, the question of durability always comes up. If a teenage boy can carry a rifle for a month in Africa—long enough to wear the logo off the objective bell—and the scope still works, it’s plenty rugged. For 300 bucks, that’s exceptional performance. If you’re not careful, you’ll pay three times that much and miss. (bushnell.com)

NEW PRO DUCTS

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blind includes three pre-installed gear consoles and shelves for gear organization, and large tinted, tempered automotive-glass windows with whisper-quiet hinges provide a clear view. The Big Country Blind can be mounted to Redneck’s heavyduty powder-coated steel stands, a unique trailer stand, or a blind sled. The blind comes completely assembled. SRP: $2,999.99. (redneck blinds.com)

Sightmark ➤ The redesigned .380 ACP Laser

The Big Country Blind offers loads of arm and leg room.

Redneck Outdoors ➤ The Big Country 6x7 Platinum Blind, based on the popular Redneck 360 Platinum 6x6 Buck Palace, is an XL-sized version that incorporates the features and looks of the popular Buck Palace. The Big Country Blind is perfect for the hunter who needs more leg and arm room or has lots of gear. Like all Redneck blinds, the Big Country is made from a long-lasting fiberglass with a durable gel-coat finish. The 2-inch roof overhang helps keep rain off the windows, giving a hunter a clear view. A spray-foamcovered ceiling, acoustical-covered upper and lower walls, and a highdensity foam floor covered with a high-quality marine carpet provide sound control and insulation. The

Boresight is a convenient tool for boresighting a .380 ACP pistol at ranges between 15 and 100 yards. The boresight chambers directly into the firearm, just like a normal round. And the brass construction not only enhances overall durability, but improves chambering and ejection as well. The unit is powered by two AG5 batteries. SRP: $35.99. (sightmark.com)

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NEW PR ODU CTS

GSI Outdoors Knives that work great in the field aren’t really the knives you want to use when preparing food in camp. But this slick three-knife set (a 4-inch paring knife, a 6-inch santoku, and a 6-inch serrated knife) from GSI Outdoors neatly solves the problem. The kit also includes a cutting board, a bottle for soap, and a dish cloth to keep everything tidy. A nylon zippered case keeps everything organized, and the full set weighs just under 2 pounds. SRP: $29.95. (gsioutdoors.com)

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SHOT BUSINESS

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APRIL/MAY 2018

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