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HISTORIC CARTRIDGE, MODERN APPLICATIONS Pg. 42
LAW enforcement
2018
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THIS YEAR, RETAILERS WILL SEE A NUMBER OF REFINEMENTS TO FIREARMS, OPTICS, LIGHTS, KNIVES, AND OTHER ACCESSORIES PG. 27
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FYI
Lipsey’s Single Seven Ruger Bisley is a serious but fun-to-shoot performer Pg. 23
Selling sleeping bags, tents, and camo packs for the backcountry hunter Pg. 22
Button Rifled Barrel with 1/2 x 28 Threaded Muzzle
RIMFIRE REDEFINED™
Co-Branded Stock with slots under forend
Built-In Picatinny-Style Rail
Stainless Steel Bolt with Last Shot Hold Open
Flush-Fit, 10-Round Rotary Magazine
Crisp Trigger Right Out of The Box
Precision-Machined 6061 Aluminum Receiver
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J U N E / J U LY 2 0 1 8 VOLUME 26 ISSUE 4
EDITOR’S NOTE Don’t get caught in the discount trap.
NEWS BRIEFS CMMG rolls out the Banshee line; Sitka launches a new wader line; Bushnell debuts three new optics lines.
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FYI Slumberjack knows camping and backs it up with solid products as well.
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FIRING LINE Lipsey’s Single Seven Bisley is versatile, accurate, and unique.
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UNDERCOVER SHOPPER In need of a new varmint gun, a customer realizes the value of a salesman who really listens.
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LAW ENFORCEMENT 2018: POLICE PERFECT Firearms, lights, and accessories continue to evolve. Here’s a look at some of the best new LE products of the year. BY RICHARD MANN
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THE DO-ALL GUNS Browning has devised a versatile shotgun over/under lineup designed to meet the needs of the competitive shooter. BY BRAD FITZPATRICK
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THE AGELESS .375 Think this venerable caliber is well past its prime? Not so. New loads and rifles keep this pre-World War I number popular for a wide variety of game. BY WAYNE VAN ZWOLL
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WHAT’S SELLING WHERE
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NEW PRODUCTS Avery’s Heritage field jacket.
GOOD STUFF An offseason trail shoe from Browning makes the grade.
COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN HAFNER
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YOU SHOULD KNOW August is National Shooting Sports Month! Find out 10 ways to help your customers celebrate NSSM.
FROM THE COUNTER A small, tightly inventoried Phoenix retailer knows that delivering a high standard of service is key to success.
NSSF UPDATE A new NSSF report shows the economic impact of the firearms industry, Liberty U opens a student firearms range, and making America safer.
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RETAILER TOOLBOX Is your firearms business ready for severe weather? A little precaution before a crisis is preferable to a lot of fixing afterward.
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NSSF
The Long Run Value always delivers
I
have a friend who loves yard sales. He’s one of those weekend warriors who is first to arrive in the seller’s driveway and eagerly rips through piles of household junk to find that one bit of gold amid all that false glitter. Once he finds a likely object, the real fun begins— bargaining. It doesn’t matter if the object at hand costs $5 or 25 cents—he needs to find a way to pay less. And that behavior extends to bigger purchases in stores; he’s always looking for that discount. I was with him one time when he tried to buy a hunting pack. The dickering went on and on. He ended up buying a cheaper pack of dubious quality. I swore I would never accompany him again. I thought about his buying habits when I read “Discounts: Don’t Devalue,” by retail consultant Dan Mann at outdoorretailer.com. In
discussing the danger of one retailer’s mindset regarding discounted merchandise, Mann wrote, “In his quest for quick profitability, this retail leader had completely lost sight of the intention of our line of business and simultaneously stymied his own success. That mindset of profit over investment—or the other side of the coin, discount over intention—is a common malady.” Mann believes it is time for retailers to “stand tall with pride in what we offer to everyone who comes in our doors. We must sell our wares with intention and foresight and trust. We must let go of the word ‘discount’ and the ideas that come along with it.”
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In other words, replace discount with value. Better service is important to me, and I will pay more for it. I’m not saying I will pass up a sale, but I don’t like “cheap” transactions. Mann then says why discounts ultimately hurt a retailer: “When we come from a place of discount, we immediately devalue. We devalue the new product. We devalue our brand. We devalue making money. Instead, what if we shift our viewpoint to words like ‘premium,’ ‘high-end,’ ‘exceptional,’ ‘superior’? Just writing these words out is more powerful than ‘bargain.’ Imagine if we began to say these words out loud and used them to foster value and a perspective of investment?” Imagine, indeed. Food for thought there. So, why the continued emphasis on discounts by many retailers? Mann says it succinctly: because discounting is easy. “It’s the shortterm solution that builds on its own disadvantages and traps retailers in cycles of devaluing. You shouldn’t invest your business in discounts, and that means you personally shouldn’t seek out discounts above quality, either.” Short-term thinking isn’t the way to go. Offering value may be the harder road, but in the long run, it really is far more sustainable.
Slaton L. White, Editor
SLATON L. WHITE, Editor James A. Walsh, Art Director Margaret M. Nussey, Managing Editor David Maccar, Senior Editor David E. Petzal, Shooting 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, Group Editorial Director Gregory D. Gatto, Executive Vice President ADVERTISING: 212-779-5316 Jeff Roberge, Publisher Katie Logan, Southern Sporting Goods Sales David Hawkey, Northeast Sporting Goods Sales Amanda Gastelum, Integrated Marketing Director BUSINESS OPERATIONS Tara Bisciello, Financial Director MANUFACTURING Kelly Kramer Weekley, Associate Production Director Melissa Beckham, 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 4, 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
“
ME
The NSSF is a most important partner to Deep River. It has helped us grow our business through promotional efforts and market research. It has helped protect our operations by advising on compliance issues and has helped us preserve our operations through educational opportunities designed to improve business operations. With the NSSF by our side, we are truly never alone.
�
Bill Kempffer, President Deep River Sporting Clays & Shooting School Sanford, N.C.
NSSF Members like Bill receive benefits such as:
Representation in Washington and State Capitals Compliance Support Industry Research SHOT Show Benefits
...and much more Go to NSSF.ORG/MEMBERSHIP or call 203-426-1320 ext. 209 for more information on membership categories and find out how NSSF can work for you.
TURN LOW-LIGHT INTO AN OPPORTUNITY. PRIME NITRO FO R G E
Low-light and adverse weather can affect your hunt—if you let them. But our new line of optics are optimized for superior low-light transmission and feature our patented EXO Barrier ™ lens coating to repel rain, snow, dust and debris—so you get more hunt time to focus on what matters.
CLARITY IN ANY CONDITION BUSHNELL.COM
NEWS BRIEFS NEWS
Bits & Pieces Meopta USA Sport Optics Hires Mountain States Sports Marketing Meopta USA Sport Optics has hired Mountain States Sports Marketing as its sales agency for 13 Western states. This addition to the Meopta team is part of the company’s ongoing strategic growth initiative for North America. “Brad Ruddell and his team have an outstanding reputation in our industry, and we are excited to have them represent Meopta,” says Randy Garrison, director of Meopta USA Sport Optics. “Given their work ethic and extensive relationships in these territories, we are confident that Mountain States Sports Marketing will increase our brand awareness and dealer base in those Western states.” Mountain States Sports Marketing was established in 1984, and has been owned and actively managed by Brad Ruddell since 2010. “When we consider a brand to represent, it’s a two-part decision process for us. Can we sell the products and does the management team know where it needs to go? In this case, we are confident in both,” says Ruddell.
This product is from sustainably managed forests and controlled sources.
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The Banshee line of rifles and AR pistols sport the shortest barrels CMMG offers.
CMMG Rolls Out the Banshee
B
anshee is a new line of short-barreled rifles (SBRs) and AR pistols from CMMG. The Banshee’s sleek design sports the shortest barrels CMMG offers in 9mm, .45 ACP, 300 BLK, and .22 LR. This ultracompact and lightweight platform is extremely portable, making the Banshee a great option for close protection, home defense, plinking, competition shooting, or any other application that benefits from a reduced size. JUNE/JULY 2018
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Each version of the Banshee wears CMMG’s new ambidextrous charging handle as well as an ambidextrous sling plate and ambidextrous safety selector. The Banshee comes standard with CMMG’s Premier Cerakote finish, an RML M-LOK hand guard, and a Magpul MOE pistol grip. AR pistol versions each come with a Tailhook Mod 2 brace. SBRs (all NFA rules apply) come equipped with a Magpul MVG foregrip and will feature CMMG’s new RipStock. The RipStock is a compact Cerakote buttstock machined from 6061-T6 aluminum. It features two of CMMG’s patent-pending technologies: Fastback and P3. Thanks to Fastback Technology, users can simply pull straight back to extend the stock without worrying about a release lever like those found on most AR buttstocks. P3 Technology helps users create preset positions through the use of an adjustment screw that fits into one of five slots. The 9mm and .45 ACP Banshees feed from factory Glock magazines and utilize CMMG’s patent-pending Radial Delayed Blowback operating system. The benefit of this system is that it allows the use of a lighter buffer and carrier. The reduction in reciprocating mass ensures that both the 9mm and .45 ACP versions are easily controllable. SRP: $1,1449 to $1,499.95. (cmmginc.com)
CMMG’s Banshee uses a patentpending delayed-blowback system to reduce recoil.
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Ready-Made Beef Jerky Two years after beginning construction on its new FDA-approved meat-processing and jerky facility in Riverton, Wyoming, Hi Mountain Seasoning has begun shipping its new, ready-made, small-batch Beef Jerky to retailers across the country. The ready-to-eat Beef Jerky is available in the company’s four most popular traditional Western flavors: Original, Hickory, Mesquite, and Pepper.
Making homemade jerky is a favorite pastime for millions of people around the world. And for more than a quarter century, Hi Mountain Seasonings has been providing doit-yourself consumers with the best-tasting, best-selling, and easiestto-make jerky kits on the market. In today’s fast-paced world, though, it isn’t always possible to make jerky at home, and that’s why Hi Mountain Seasonings is now making it avail-
able at retail. Unlike many other popular jerky brands that use imported meat, Hi Mountain Beef Jerky is made with 100 percent USDA beef. In addition, Hi Mountain Beef Jerky is handcrafted in small batches to ensure it meets the company’s high standards. Each resealable, 3.25-ounce bag contains 10 grams of protein and 76 calories, with no carbohydrates or sugars. SRP: $7.99. (himtnjerky.com)
Cimarron Firearms to Sponsor Cowboy Events
C
imarron Firearms has entered into a corporate partnership with the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association (CMSA) and a title sponsorship with the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) World Championship Rifle event for 2018–2019. The CMSA is an equestrian sport in which mounted contestants compete in timed events using two .45-caliber single-action revolvers, each loaded with five rounds of specially prepared blank
ammunition. Contestants’ rides are timed and accuracy is also scored as the riders run a pattern or course in which they must eliminate a series of specially placed balloons. A variety of events are held throughout the year across the country for
contestants of varying levels, from beginner to pro. “We are proud to sponsor these cowboymounted events,” says Mike Harvey, founder and CEO of Cimarron Firearms. (cimarroN
Firearms Business Insurance Wholesalers & Distributors Retail Sales Manufacturers & Importers Ammunition & Bullet Manufacturers Indoor & Outdoor Ranges Gunsmiths Firearms Instructors
firearms.com)
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800.526.2199 • info@jcinsco.com • www.guninsurance.com
NEWS BRIEFS
Sitka Launches New Wader Line Sitka Gear, a leader and pioneer in performance hunting apparel, is debuting a new line of waterfowl waders. Composed of the Delta Wader (SRP: $849) and Delta Zip Wader ($949), the Delta Wader Collection completes the head-to-toe, skin-to-shell system for Sitka Gear waterfowl hunters. Featuring a breathable and resilient fourlayer Gore-Tex Pro laminate, Delta Waders excel in warm-weather, highexertion activities and are designed to respond to insulation layers without adding unnecessary bulk. “This is one of the most highly anticipated product
launches in Sitka waterfowl history,” says Ryan Bassham, Sitka Gear’s waterfowl marketing manager. “The Delta Waders are the culmination of nearly five years of research, development, and testing. We designed the Delta Waders for ultimate durability and comfort.” The waders, available in Gore’s Optifade Concealment Timber and Marsh patterns, integrate Lacrosse boots with Aeroform injection-molded insulation, creating an ultrawarm, comfortable, light, and durable boot. Reinforced foam pads cover the shins and knees, enabling the waders to endure years of abuse
while you’re breaking ice and busting through brush. High hand-warmer pockets, waterresistant zippered storage pockets, and an adjustable no-buckle suspension make comfort and function a priority. Delta Zip Waders also include a durable and waterproof YKK Aquaseal front zipper for simple access. Proudly made in the U.S., Delta Waders are built to stand the test of time. “Delta Waders went through years of covert iterations and testing so we could introduce them as the longest-lasting and most versatile waterfowl-hunting waders on the market,” says Jim Saubier, Sitka’s waterfowl
product manager. “As the final piece to the Sitka Gear waterfowl-hunting line, Delta Waders are designed to integrate seamlessly into both Marsh and Timber waterfowl systems.” The waders will be available next month. (sitkagear.com)
Sitka’s new waders are designed to fit seamlessly into the company’s Marsh and Timber waterfowl systems.
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Meet Marcus the Llama
L
eupold & Stevens, Inc., is working with longtime partner and dedicated backcountry hunter Randy Newberg to provide a unique look at public-land-hunting opportunities in 2018 through the eyes of Newberg’s new hunting partner, Marcus the llama. Sharing a first name with Marcus Leupold—son of legendary co-founder Fred Leupold and the man who famously threw aside a riflescope that failed him and vowed to build something better more than 70 years ago—the llama will serve as Newberg’s lead pack animal on publicland hunts throughout the Western portion of the United States this fall. Provided by Beau and Kristin Baty of Wilderness Ridge Trail Llamas, Marcus comes from a herd of Ccara pack llamas. Ccara’s are representative of the traditional llama breed, and make excellent pack animals, thanks to their athleticism, strength, and trainability. “I had the opportunity to borrow
Marcus the llama will be part of Leupold’s efforts to promote public-land hunting.
llamas from Beau earlier this year,” says Newberg. “I was impressed with how much weight they could carry, and how low-maintenance they are. Horses are great pack animals, but the smaller body of a llama means they eat and drink much less in comparison. They’re an easier companion to care for, and you lose none of the benefits of a larger-bodied pack animal.” Llamas carry the majority of their weight on their front legs, and their feet have leather pads and a split toe, traits that make them excellent in the rough terrain often found in the backcountry. Marcus is all set to join Newberg on several public land hunting trips, and fans will be able to follow their journey on Leupold’s various digital platforms. “I love sharing my public-land-hunting experiences with the world,” says Newberg. “There are so many great resources out there for hunters and anglers to enjoy.” (leupold.com)
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NEWS BRIEFS
LYMAN INTRODUCES NEW RELOADING KITS Lyman Products recently introduced three new reloading presses: the Brass Smith Ideal (SRP: $249.95), a single-operation press featuring plenty of options; the Brass Smith Victory ($354.95), a foundational press with a straight-line primer feed; and the Brass Smith All-American 8 Turret ($499.95), for increased efficiency of reloading quantities. “The three reloading kits are a fantastic opportunity for consumers to get started in reloading at a significant savings,” says Trevor Mullen, vice president of global marketing and business development for Lyman Products. “By kitting our three new presses with the right accessories, a reloader can feel confident he or she not only has
purchased quality, reliable tools to embark on an enjoyable hobby, but has saved money
and time in the process. And, all of our presses are Americanmade.” (lymanproducts.com) Lyman is offering a series of new reloading kits at three different price levels.
Sig Sauer Unveils Everyday Carry Ammo Sig’s new 365 Elite Performance Ammunition in 9mm 115-grain Sig V-Crown and Sig FMJ loads has been designed for optimal performance in short-barrel, concealed-carry pistols, such as its namesake: the revolutionary P365 highcapacity, micro-compact semiauto. Training the way you carry is paramount, and Sig’s full-metal-jacket (FMJ) ammunition is engineered to shoot like Sig V-Crown jacketed hollowpoint (JHP) personal defense loads to ensure a seamless transition from training ammunition to carry ammunition. The practice loads offer the same recoil, velocity, and, most important,
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same point of impact. “This ammo is designed for exceptional performance in the new SIG P365 and other pistols,” says Bud Fini, executive vice president of the Sig Sauer Ammunition Division and Special Projects. “We use clean-burning powders that are consumed before the projectile leaves the barrel, resulting in optimal muzzle velocity. Sig 365 FMJ ammunition is an affordable, high-performance training load, while the awardwinning Sig V-Crown stacked hollowpoint ammunition is effective for personal defense, delivering accuracy, reliable uniform expansion, and maximum terminal performance.” (sigsauer.com)
Sig Sauer’s new 365 Elite Performance Ammunition is available in 9mm 115-grain Sig V-Crown and Sig FMJ loads.
Yamaha Helps SEAL–Naval Special Warfare Family Foundation
Y
amaha Motor Corp., USA, recently provided a new Viking VI Ranch Edition Side-by-Side (SxS) to the SEAL–Naval Special Warfare Family Foundation (NSW) for auction at its annual fundraiser near San Diego, California. Built in the U.S. at Yamaha’s Newnan, Georgia, factory, the proven off-road Viking VI Ranch Edition donation raised capital for the organization’s mission of supporting SEAL members’ families. This marks Yamaha’s fifth consecutive year of aiding NSW, for a total of more than $100,000 in funding for the much-
deserved recipients. “It has been an honor to support the SEAL–NSW Family Foundation and its mission of assisting the families of those who defend our freedoms,” says Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s ATV/ SxS group marketing manager. “Each year, we appreciate the opportunity to work with this highly esteemed organization and support its efforts to raise awareness and assistance for the brave and heroic SEAL– NSW families.” The SEAL–Naval Special Warfare Family Foundation is a San Diego–based 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, founded in 2008, that raises
awareness and funds for special programs in direct support of the NSW families on a local, national, and global scale. Further details about the NSW organization and fundraiser can be found at sealFamilyFoundation.org/ events .
“Yamaha has been a great supporter of our event, and its vehicles are an auction favorite, raising more than $100,000 for SEAL members’ families over the past five years,” says William R. Fenick, Capt., USN (Ret.), executive director for SEAL–NSW. “The generous donations from partners like Yamaha allow us to
support the needs of these important families and provide the right programs, both now and in the future.” In addition to the standard attributes of the Yamaha Viking line, the 2018 Viking VI Ranch Edition comes equipped with a high-quality Metallic Sand-painted bodywork featuring aluminum wheels, color-matched seats, a sun top, a rearview mirror, over fenders, under-seat storage, and unique Ranch Edition badging. SRP: $15,599. In additon to its Georgia factory, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Tennessee. (yamahaoutdoors.com)
PHOTO CREDIT
Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, has been a longtime supporter of the American military.
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SPG, CARHARTT JOIN FORCES Signature Products Group (SPG) is entering a licensing partnership with Carhartt, America’s premium workwear brand since 1889. Beginning in spring 2019, SPG will create a new line of pet products to outfit the country’s hardest-working pets. “We are excited to partner with an iconic brand like Carhartt, and we look forward to creating some of the best pet gear on the market,” says Dusty Zundel, chief executive officer at SPG. “Carhartt is a brand that I’ve admired for years, and I know customers will be proud to have this offering for their pets.” Carhartt and SPG will work together to produce pet products with the quality and durability that has become synonymous with the workwear
brand. Carhartt consumers will soon be able to purchase a refreshed collection of classic collars, leashes, coats, and bedding, along with many new rugged products for hardworking pets. “The hardworking men and women who wear Carhartt expect the same rugged durability when they shop for their pets,” says Randy Meza, director of licensing at Carhartt. “Partnering with SPG will provide us with a great opportunity to offer firstclass products to our consumers’ fourlegged friends.” The new pet products will be available for purchase in spring 2019 at Carhartt.com, in each of Carhartt’s 29 company stores, and several additional retail locations where Carhartt is sold.
Blackhawk! Sights Debut
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he Blackhawk! Hybrid Folding Sight fuses a solid metal-alloy core with an advanced co-polymer jacket to create a lightweight and extremely durable addition to any rifle. Both tough and
lightweight, the hybrid construction eliminates excess bulk while providing toolless windage and elevation adjustment dials. A steel A2 front sight post aids in accurate round placement, while a versatile rear sight aligns to the M4/AR15 A-frame front sight height. Boasting a magnetic twin aperture, the sight can be slipped up with a gloved hand, and it holds tight under .308 recoil. SRP: $59.95 to $119.95. (blackhawk.com)
Springfield Adds to Saint Line
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ith the success of Springfield Armory’s Saint AR-15 Pistol in 5.56, shooters have been requesting variations to the original version. The newest iteration in 300 BLK harnesses the power of this proven round for increased capability and versatility in a combat-grade platform. The Saint AR-15 Pistol features an SB Tactical SBX-K forearm brace to reduce size, stabilize recoil, and enhance accuracy. A 9-inch CMV barrel with a 1:7 twist and A2 flash-hider makes the Saint AR-15 Pistol small, fast, and ideal for CQB. The barrel is Melonite-treated inside and out to be as durable as, and more accurate than, a chrome lining. Built with high-end features throughout, Springfield Armory’s Accu-Tite tension system increases the tension between the upper and the lower receivers, ensuring an ideal fit and reducing movement. The smoothoperating heavy tungsten buffer system, GI-style charging handle, and Bravo Company Mod 3 pistol grip are all wellproven in previous Saint rifle models. SRP: $989.
(springfield-armory.com)
The Saint is designed to handle supersonic as well as subsonic ammunition.
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Bushnell Unfurls Three New Optics Lines Bushnell, an industry leader in highperformance optics, recently announced three new premium hunting optic lines designed to provide clarity in any conditions. Engineered in the United States, and built with premium components, exclusive technologies, and the most sought-after features in the industry today, Prime, Nitro, and Forge riflescopes, binoculars, and spotting scopes are intended to set a new standard for performance in lowlight and adverse conditions. “It’s a new day at Bushnell,” says brand manager Matt Rice. “These three new lines encompass more than 100 new SKUs with industry-leading technologies that focus on the singular promise of bringing our consumers the very best view possible under any condition imaginable. Starting off with Prime and leading up to the highest level of performance with the Forge, these binoculars, riflescopes, and spotting scopes will beat the competition when it matters most—in the field when everything is on the line.” All of the new optics feature Bushnell’s exclusive EXO Barrier external lens coating. Added at the end of the coating process, EXO Barrier molecularly bonds to the lens and fills the microscopic pores in the glass. It is, quite simply, the best protective lens coating technology Bushnell has ever developed. The result is an ultra-slick coating that repels water, oil, fog, dust, and debris. And it is built to last. The bonded coating will not fade with the passage of
time or normal wear and tear. Bushnell has always been at the forefront of quality and value, and Prime binoculars, riflescopes, spotting scopes, and rangefinders are the next step in the evolution. With six binocular and riflescope configurations to cover every viewing scenario, Prime optics are fully multicoated and waterproof, offering crisp, bright images in every environment. “Like all of these lines, head-to-head, Prime outworks and outperforms the competition,” Rice says. “Low-light performance is outstanding, providing hunters several precious extra minutes of shooting light at those most critical times.” Bushnell’s new Nitro binoculars and spotting scopes are built to deliver even more, with ED Prime Glass lenses that deliver true-to-life color. In addition, the proprietary EXO Barrier lens coating and rubber armor housing protect the binoculars from just about anything hunters could ever encounter. Nitro riflescopes are available in five configurations with a total of 35 reticle and color options. They are also built to withstand any environment. The fully multi-coated optics deliver bright, high-contrast images with minimal eyestrain. Nitro laser rangefinders are next-level, with a range that extends to 1 mile and beyond. Forged polymer armor housings and EXO Barrier protective coatings on the lenses ensure that Nitro laser rangefinders perform, rain or shine. “Nitro was designed to give hunters the clearest
Prime, Nitro, and Forge riflescopes, binoculars, and spotting scopes are intended to deliver high performance in low-light and adverse conditions.
view in the foulest conditions,” Rice says. “With all the features our consumers demand and all the technology we can provide, Nitro gives you more clarity and more time to focus on what matters.” Bushnell’s Forge line of riflescopes, spotting scopes, and binoculars are built to exacting specifications to ensure nothing is missed— literally. Every element in the optical path features the best coatings Bushnell has to offer. The brightness, resolution, and color produced by Forge are best in class. Forge riflescopes provide every feature hunters and shooters have asked for—from exposed, locking zero-stop turrets and first- and second-
focal-plane models, to ballistic reticles and perfectly positioned, adjustable-height magnification change levers. “Bushnell’s Forge line of optics is packed with features serious shooters demand,” Rice says. “They are weatherproof and waterproof, and are equipped with the necessary tools to adjust to every shooting condition. Ultra Wide Band Coating provides optimum brightness and true color in every lighting condition, especially under harsh, bright sunlight or in those very last few moments of shooting light, when some optics begin to fail.” “These lines are built on a promise to surpass the expectations of our customers.” (bushnell.com)
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UPD ATE YOU SH OU LDby Kauthor NOW
hereby nssf staff
August Is National Shooting Sports Month Head to ShootingSportsMonth.org to get involved
D
reaming of summer vacation? Make sure you put National Shooting Sports Month, taking place in the month of August, on your calendar of things to do during the long school break.
This is our second annual event, and all during August, shooting ranges, firearms retailers, public and private shooting clubs, shooting sports organizations, and fish and wildlife agencies will focus their attention on the fun and excitement of target shooting by encouraging newcomers and experienced shooters alike to head to the range. “National Shooting Sports Month focuses attention on
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ENCOURAGE THEM TO TRY SOMETHING NEW Is your customer a hardcore pistol shooter? Suggest they take out that shotgun they haven’t used in a while and give sporting clays, skeet, or trap a try. Are they primarily a shotgun shooter? Tell them about local IDPA matches to test their pistol skills or the local F-class match that stretches their rifle skills. INTRODUCE SOMEONE NEW TO THE SHOOTING SPORTS There’s nothing quite like seeing the excitement on a friend’s face after they take their first shots. Encourage your customers to take a friend or family member to the range for the first time. CASH IN ON DEALS If August is traditionally your slower month, with National Shooting Sports Month it
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while also providing a onestop resource for participants, NSSF has relaunched ShootingSportsMonth.org. Among its many interactive features, the site contains a search tool to identify partici-
WAYS TO HELP YOUR CUSTOMERS CELEBRATE NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS MONTH
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the fun, safety, and sociability of our sports,” says NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “This is a great time to safely enjoy a day at the range with family and friends.” Manufacturers, shooting sports organizations, shooting ranges, and retailers will be participating in or lending support to National Shooting Sports Month. To help spread the word about the businesses and organizations involved,
pating ranges and retailers that have submitted their scheduled events/promotions by state and date. If you have not added your business’ events or promotions, go to shootingsportsmonth.org and add them to receive a promotional package from NSSF. Retailers, and ranges should also download the National Shooting Sports Month logos for use on their social media pages, mailings, and marketing materials. In addition, the celebration’s overarching “LetsGoShooting” social media campaign helps build enthusiasm and recognition, while inspiring inactive shooters to dust off their shooting gear and encouraging active recreational shooters to invite someone new to the shooting sports and serve as a mentor.
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doesn’t have to be. Retailers and ranges across the country will be offering specials during the month. Your customers can go to shootingsportsmonth.org to find the ranges and retailers near them—and that means every retailer and range should list their business there. REDISCOVER SHOOTING Everyone has those customers they see only a couple times a year. Let’s increase their activity this August with a postcard mailer that gets them excited to head to the range—and to take a friend with them! Sometimes busting a few clays or knocking down some steel plates is all it takes for someone to remember just how much they love to shoot. SHOW YOUR CUSTOMERS THE VIDEO And put the link on your own website. At shootingsportsmonth.org, you’ll dis-
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cover how to hone shooting skills with video tips from experts in handgun, rifle, and shotgun. GET EXCITED FOR LIFETIME FUN New shooters especially need the opportunity to discover that the shooting sports are affordable, accessible, and inclusive. They’re lifetime activities you’ll enjoy with family members and friends, so help spread the word. PROMOTE FIREARMS SAFETY AND PROPER STORAGE Tell your customers about your store’s or range’s safety programs and provide them with other resources, such as NSSF’s ProjectChildSafe.org, that demonstrate how our industry leads the way in helping them stay safe when handling firearms. CELEBRATE FREEDOM AND TRADITION Whichever your customers’ shooting sport,
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help remind them about the importance of passing on a tradition and educating others about the unique American freedoms that make participating possible. SHARE IT! #LetsGoShooting is the theme of National Shooting Sports Month. Your store, your range, and your customers are urged to use the hashtag and share all your experiences on your social media networks, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, helping to remind others to give target shooting a try. WIN A GREAT PRIZE! We have another great Trigger Time sweepstakes this year. Your customers can enter the sweepstakes at shootingsports month.org and have a chance to win great prizes during the National Shooting Sports Month celebration this August.
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by author here
Firearms Industry Economic Impact
“MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR A SAFER AMERICA”
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he total economic impact of the firearms and ammunition industry in the United States increased from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $51.4 billion in 2017, a 169 percent increase, while the total number of fulltime equivalent jobs rose from approximately 166,000 to almost 310,000, an 87 percent increase in that period, according to a report released by the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the industry’s trade association. On a year-over-year basis, the industry’s economic impact rose from $51.3 billion in 2016 to $51.4 in 2017, ticking higher even while the industry came off peak production years. Total jobs increased from approximately 301,000 to almost 311,000, a 3 percent increase. “Our industry is proud to be one of the truly bright spots in our economy as an unprecedented number of Americans have chosen to exercise their fundamental right to keep and bear arms and to safely enjoy the shooting sports,” says Steve Sanetti, NSSF President and CEO. “In response to that dynamic, we have increased our direct
workforce by more than 7,000 in the past year alone, adding jobs that pay an average of nearly $50,000 in wages and benefits. In addition, since 2008, we increased federal tax payments by 144 percent, Pittman-Robertson excise taxes that support wildlife conservation by 104 percent, and state business taxes by 121 percent.” The “Firearms and Ammunition Industry Economic Impact Report: 2018” provides a state-bystate breakdown of job numbers, wages, and output covering direct, supplier, and induced employment, as well as federal excise taxes paid.
UPDATE UPDATE
NSSF is running an electronic and print advertisement to tell the public about the programs it runs on behalf of the firearms industry that are “Making a Difference for a Safer America.” The ad briefly outlines the practical contributions of the FixNICS, “Don’t Lie for the Other Guy,” Project ChildSafe, Operation Secure Store, and our suicide prevention partnership with
the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The ad has already run in the Hearst Connecticut newspa-
pers and in publications and on websites serving the opinionleader audience in Washington, D.C.
Liberty University Opens Student Firearms Range L
iberty University is taking a different approach to gun safety and students by opening a state-of-the-art competition firearms range. The Lynchburg, Virginia, university already allows students to keep firearms in the dorms, and 3,000 students have completed firearms safety courses through the
university’s police department, a requirement to use the range. The 600-acre facility has rifle, pistol, and 3-Gun ranges,
and shotgun venues include skeet, trap, and sporting clays fields. The facility is slated to open to the public later this summer.
© 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
azfirearms , avondale , arizona
Sharing the Passion
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ften called “The Biggest Little Gun Store in Arizona,” this small, tightly inventoried retailer in western suburban Phoenix keeps 1,000 firearms packed into just 1,000 square feet of selling space. An additional 4,000-square-foot space is used as an auction house twice a month on the first and third Tuesdays. Six employees at the firearms store work Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The shop is closed on Sunday and Monday.
The firearms mix leans heavily toward historical military firearms, MSRs, pistols, and vintage revolvers. Sporting long rifles and highgrade sporting shotguns are also in the sales rotation. This retailer rarely stocks lower-price-point firearms. FINDING THEIR GROUND ➤ Dan and Cheryl Todd came to the shooting-sports indus-
AZ Firearms specializes in historical military arms as well as vintage revolvers. But sporting rifles and high-grade shotguns are also part of the overall mix.
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try after selling another business. The concept of combining their love of history, collecting, and the shooting sports has morphed into a sustainable living. As they traveled, they purchased notable firearms to add to their private collection. Once they had amassed enough inventory to fill a store, they secured a piece of property on the outskirts of
western Phoenix. They then began to renovate the space for a retail store and museum. “The retail building was barely over 1,200 square feet. This set us on a course to be extraordinarily particular about our inventory. When you don’t have much space, every SKU is a question,” says Dan Todd, owner. While they were completing the majority of the con-
struction of the retail store, it became apparent that their plan had to change. “Once the retail building was done and the museum structure was cleaned out, we were simply out of cash,” says Dan. The lack of operating capital was a serious concern. They decided the quickest way to raise money was an auction.
by author here
“Our first auction included a few impressive firearms, coins, and run-of-the-mill household items. We had participated in enough auctions that I believed we could pull it off. The good news? We did so well right out of the gate, we quickly surmised that this should be a regular event,” he says. And with that the museum was tabled. Today, the auction service is an integral part of the business. The couple sells rare firearms, coins, and a notable collection of antiques, as well as high-grade collectibles. The bimonthly event attracts an average of 400 customers and has become a destination for clients from more than 500 miles away. While the auction business can be a combative experience
for a consumer, Todd says that it’s all about fair trade. “We’re happy to guide new customers. We always offer a flexible experience that never feels abusive or argumentative,” he says. He also noted that selling what you know is the best way to stay honest and create competitive value. FEEDING THE REGISTER ➤ This business has found a way to complement both sides of the income stream: The auction house feeds the store, and the store feeds the auction house. “We’ll buy out collections, sell them in the store or list them at auction, depending on the needs of the client. This provides options and a flexible outlet to meet the needs of each customer,” Dan says. He says that one of his greatest joys is when they can take the burden away from someone who is closing an estate. “Oftentimes, the executor is unsure of the value of a collection or how to sell the firearms,” he says. To maximize sales, the Todds offer the opportunity to buy large collections outright or to sell individual pieces at auction. Many of the firearms have extraordinary stories, and Dan says he is always just a little sad to see them leave. “When we find a buyer for a truly historical firearm, I’m a little torn watching it depart the store. But, I’m also pleased by knowing the item has found an appreciative home,” he says.
SHOT Business magazine’s most popular column. “After we receive each issue of SHOT Business, we sit down and discuss the magazine’s column The Undercover Shopper. It gives us ways to list the mistakes that we don’t want to have happen when a customer walks in our store. Of course, it also reminds us of the kinds of behind-thecounter behaviors that drive sales and best relationships with any customer,” says Todd. He adds that although the poor-behavior stories can be entertaining, they are a sobering reminder of how not to treat a customer. FILLING THE AIRWAYS
Although getting behind a microphone is not the norm for many shooting-sport retailers promoting their business, it is for Dan and Cheryl Todd. “We started with a short, 15-minute segment that today has blossomed into a two-hour podcast with worldwide distribution,” Dan says. While Dan says that it has been a great way to promote their store and auction, the show has been an even better experience to share this family’s passion for the shooting sports. “We concentrate on the fun and diversity in our industry. We make sure that anyone who’s listening knows that they’re welcomed into our sport. We make a point to answer their questions with no judgment, while offering encouragement,” Todd says.
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ADOPTING BEST-PRACTICES STANDARDS
LESSON LEARNED FROM THE COUNTER
One of the tools this retailer uses to keep his employees aware of business best practices is discussing the scenarios in one of
➤ While a museum and auction house may share some of the same items, the difference between profit and operation is extreme. This
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by peter b . UPDATE
mathiesen
retailer was savvy enough to pivot and change his plan when the needs of the business unexpectedly changed. Delivering a high standard of service that can be easily communicated to your employees is key when trying to facilitate change at the retail counter. In this case, the retailer has written and entertaining examples that employees enjoy hearing while learning experientially. Dan Todd is passionate about the inventory he and his wife have crafted and maintained. He demonstrates and translates that passion into sales by sharing the compelling historical story of the firearm during the sale. Driven by limited retail space, this retailer never stocks an SKU casually. Podcasts have been a practical extension of their retail advertising. While it can take a time commitment, someone with the knowledge, desire, and little out-of-pocket investment can achieve impressive results. “From the Counter” is NSSF’s timely industry perspectives realized from firearms retailers across the country. Our goal is to identify and highlight innovative market strategies helping retailers compete more successfully. Lessons learned will be drawn from an array of regions with diverse market economies.
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by john clark , UPD ATE T OOLBOX RETAILER
nssf compliance consultant team member
An Ounce of Prevention #DisasterPrep—Is your firearms business ready for severe weather?
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evere weather and weather disasters have become all too common—and all too often, businesses aren’t prepared to respond appropriately when severe weather occurs. Statistics show that when businesses close due to a disaster, 25 percent never reopen. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and a little precaution before a crisis occurs is preferable to a lot of fixing afterward.
Spring and summer are the times of year I believe we all look forward to—I know I do. It’s also a time for unpredictable weather. As a business, you need to do all you can to safeguard your business and assets so you can expedite recovery and get back in the game as
soon as possible. More important, as the owner of a licensed firearms business, you have a responsibility to protect the public from the risk of theft or other loss of firearms and ammunition when a natural disaster occurs. Now is the time to
start reviewing your disaster plans and disaster communications strategies. But before building your plan, you must know what to plan for. Thunderstorms cause most of the severe seasonal weather and can bring damaging lightning, hail,
tornadoes, and flooding. Understand not only those risks that will impact your business and the vicinity, but also those that can impact your ability to evacuate the area, get to shelter, access your business after the weather passes, and return to your home.
Also know what vulnerabilities may exist that can impact utilities, first responders access, etc. Once you have the ball rolling on building your plan, know how you’ll be warned about impending weather. You’ll also want to compile a list of possi-
Natural disasters can be as severe as a hurricane or a tornado, but oftentimes a fast-moving thunderstorm can wreak havoc by creating electrical outages or flash floods that may affect the security of your store.
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BY JOHN CLARK , NSSF COMPLIANCE BY CONSULTANT JOHN CLARK TEAM , NSSFMEMBER COMPLIANCEUPDATE CONSULTANT TEAM MEMBER
ble aid resources in your area and evaluate the likelihood of their availability in an emergency, so that you can devise a backup plan if help is unable to reach you (or if no warning systems are in place). WEATHER TERMS TO KNOW
➤ Part of your disaster
prep plan includes understanding the terms used by forecasters. Examples include: Flash Flood: A flood
caused by heavy, excessive rainfall in a short period of time, generally less than six hours. A dam failure can also cause a flash flood. Flash Flood Watch:
Flash flooding is possible in and close to the watch area, but the occurrence is neither certain nor imminent. Listen to the National Weather Service, radio, or television for continued updates. Flash Flood Warning:
Flash flooding is in progress, imminent, or highly likely. Seek higher ground immediately and evacuate if directed to do so. Severe Thunderstorm:
A thunderstorm that can produce a tornado, with winds of at least 58 mph (50 knots), and/or hail at least ¾ inch in diameter. Structural wind damage may suggest the occurrence of a severe thunderstorm. Thunderstorm winds
equal to or greater than 40 mph (35 knots) and/ or hail of at least a ½ inch is defined as “approaching severe.” Severe Thunderstorm Watch: The possibility
of severe thunderstorms in your area is likely to occur. Watch the sky and stay tuned to your local weather services to know when an upgraded warning status is issued. Severe Thunderstorm Warning: A severe thun-
derstorm is occurring or will likely occur soon in your area. Warnings are for imminent danger to life and property to those in the path of the storm. Seek shelter immediately. Tornado: The U.S.
National Weather Service (noting attribution to FEMA) defines a tornado as “a violently rotating column of air touching the ground, usually attached to the base of a thunderstorm. Winds of a tornado may reach 300 miles per hour. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Strong downburst (straight-line) winds may also occur… . Hail is very commonly found very close to the tornadoes… . Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while rain or nearby low-hanging clouds obscure others.” Tornadoes develop extremely rapidly and may dissipate just a quickly. Most
tornadoes are on the ground for less than 15 minutes. Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. A cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible. Tornado Watch:
Tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. Listen to the media for updates. Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.
COMMUNICATIONS
➤ Before, during, and
after a disaster, you will need to communicate with employees, emergency responders, the agency or bureau that administers your firearms business license, and other local resources during an emergency. Your employees will need to be familiar with the full disaster preparedness plan, understanding who they should call to report that they are safe and how they are to receive updates. Naturally, your plan should include all employee contact information; large organizations should consider mass notifications. Don’t overlook using social media as a communications tool. State and local agencies use social media outlets to provide information on
utility outages, flooding, road closures, etc., and direct messaging and Twitter can prove to be a powerful solution for distributing information, keeping the community in the know, and informing employees. FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION CONCERNS
➤ A major component
of your plan should include having the capability to safeguard and protect your firearms inventory, ammunition, and records. In the event you’ll be moving inventory or records to an alternate location, it may be mandatory that you contact your firearms business licensing field office to let them know and gain additional guidance. In the face of a disaster, it’s crucial that you have an accurate inventory and up-todate records. These will be vital to assisting law enforcement and establishing losses for
insurance purposes. Of course, that also means you’ll want to review your insurance policies regularly and understand the weather event damages covered by your policy. Most policies do not cover floods and other natural disasters, so if your area is particularly prone to such disasters, consider policy enhancements to address those shortfalls, including reimbursement for business disruption in addition to physical losses. Keep all of your insurance policies, important documents, and other valuables in a safe, secure location, with copies in a secure secondary location.
Part of your disaster planning should include a thorough review of casualty insurance. You need to know exactly what damage your policy covers before you incur a loss.
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FYI
BY ROBERT F . STAEGER
Camp Equipped Slumberjack walks us through some camping essentials
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hen you’re selling camping equipment, it’s important to know your clientele,” says Slumberjack spokesperson Scott Kaier. Matching the customer to the right gear means they’ll be more likely to be satisfied—and more likely to come back for more. With that in mind, let’s look at some general categories. SLEEPING BAGS
TENTS Keeping rain, wind, and snow away can be the difference between a wonderful outdoor experience and a nightmare in nature. Look for features like a full-coverage fly and a low profile. “A low-profile tent has less surface area,” says Kaier. “The lower the profile, the more easily it’s going to shed wind.” And a full-coverage fly makes it tough for water to seep inside, even in the worst weather, keeping everyone dryer and more comfortable. Slumberjack’s newest tent offering, the Roughhouse (SRP: $199.95 to $259), combines those features with steep walls. “They’re not quite vertical, but they’re close,” says Kaier. “The extra interior space makes the whole thing a lot more comfortable—especially if you’re tent-bound and waiting out a storm.” The Roughhouse comes in 4- and 6-person sizes and is a good choice for camping in an established campground or near a vehicle. An awning in the rainfly, propped up with trekking poles, can provide much-needed shade and breathing room. You can set that front porch option up and see the outdoors instead of being completely zipped up in the tent.
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“I generally prefer synthetic lining inside a sleeping bag,” says Kaier. “Cotton is soft and comfortable, but your body gives off moisture, and over time cotton will absorb that. And once your sleeping bag gets a little bit damp inside, it doesn’t insulate as well, and you get colder inside the bag.” A synthetic bag also doesn’t compress
as much as down, making it a bit more supportive and better able to maintain its insulating properties. Slumberjack’s new synthetic Wheeler Lake bag (SRP: $89.95 to $199.95) comes in three different temperature ratings and has a pillow platform that converts to a hood and a welcome “toes-up” footbox. “With a few ergonomic cuts to the fabric that add a little more
material down there, it allows you to sleep with your toes straight up, which is a lot more comfortable,” he says. The Wheeler Lake also sports Slumberjack’s new Perception DST camo.
B A C K PA C K S Two of Slumberjack’s packs—the 80-liter Bounty ($299, ready to heft a quarter of an elk if needed) and its slightly smaller cousin, the 65-liter Deadfall ($229, scheduled for fall)—augment their impressive carrying capacity with a well-considered series of pockets, perfect for a binocular, extra ammo, or a snack. The packs also have a carry solution for a firearm, keeping it secured but easy to access. A little pouch extends from the bottom rear of the pack; tuck the butt inside and then strap the barrel down up top. “When you have your arms full, you can stow your firearm easily,” says Kaier. Both the Bounty and the Deadfall are hydration-ready, and both are supported with dual aluminum stays with an HDPE frame sheet—the stays lend support, making it easier to carry. “When you put the pack on, it feels solid against your back, and the load rides where it’s supposed to—mainly on your hips,” says Kaier. Kaier recommends highlighting the firearmcarry system and the Perception DST camouflage, which will cover the entire backpack line. “It’s a unique pattern, and the feedback we’re getting is that it works really well,” he says. The suspension system is also a major selling point, says Kaier. “The team at Slumberjack has years of experience in the backpacking world, and they’re bringing that into the hunt,” says Kaier. “These guys know how to design a pack that wears comfortably and carries a lot of weight.” (slumberjack.com)
BY RICHARD MANN
FIRING LIN E
Lipsey’s Single Seven Bisley is an ideal generalpurpose revolver.
Finding Its Niche Lipsey’s Single Seven Bisley is versatile, accurate, and unique
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riginally known as S&S Wholesale Sporting Goods, Louisianabased (and family-owned) Lipsey’s has been distributing hunting and fishing products since 1953. The operation is one of the largest independently owned, single-location firearms distributors in the United States, and over the years, they’ve distinguished themselves by working with manufacturers to offer exclusive firearms—guns specially made for Lipsey’s—you cannot get anywhere else. The new Ruger Single Seven Bisley in .327 Federal Magnum is one of the latest. Federal announced the .327 Federal Magnum a decade ago. Touted as the cartridge to carry the revolver into the new millennium, it never made it to mainstream— partly because it was only marketed as a defensive cartridge, partly because of the snubby revolvers for which it was chambered. The .327 can fill that role, but where it really shines is as a general-purpose revolver/trail gun. Lipsey’s realized this, teamed with Ruger, and, in 2015, the Single Seven was born. The Ruger Single Seven is nothing more than a Single Six fitted with a seven-shot .327 Federal Magnum cylinder and a .32-caliber (0.312) barrel. Originally offered in stainless steel, with 45∕8-, 5½-, or 7½-inch barrels, Single Sevens have proven popular because outdoorsmen realized the versatility offered by a compact,
lightweight revolver that could fire five cartridges—.32 Auto, .32 Short, .32 Long, .32 H&R, and .327 Federal Magnum— out of the same cylinder, with no alterations. Now that the .327 Federal Magnum has found its niche, ammunition manufacturers are rallying to the cause. Between Federal, Buffalo Bore, and Doubletap, there are eight high-performance .327 loads from which to choose. When you add in the ammo options available, due to the multi-cartridge capability of this revolver, you have
Hard-cast loads are a perfect fit for this gun.
nearly 50 loads, with options suitable for everything from plinking to medium game. Lipsey’s new Bisley might be their best Single Seven offering so far. It’s a bluedsteel version, with a 5½-inch barrel, an unfluted cylinder, and walnut grips that fit the astoundingly comfortable Bisley frame. Ruger has applied the Bisley grip frame to a variety of single-action revolvers, and they were inspired by the Colt Bisley revolver, named after the famous English shooting range at Bisley. Many find the Bisley grip more comfortable and more compatible with target-style shooting and hunting than the gunfighter-style grip common to most single-actions. The Single Seven Bisley also has the lower-profile hammer, common to the original Bisley, which many
find easier to manipulate, especially with one hand. For hunters, this allows for a faster follow-up shot, without having to alter the grip on the pistol or use the thumb of the support hand. If you’ve not tried a Bisley grip, you should—and by trying it, I don’t mean just holding it in your hand. You might be surprised how much it can help your shooting; there’s a reason target shooters are fond of it. For me, the Bisley grip positions my hand to perfectly manipulate the trigger, without disturbing the sights. I managed to hit an 8-inch plate seven out of seven times—while shooting offhand from 50 yards! That’s something I’ve never been able to do with any standardgripped single-action revolver. When it comes to packing a pistol, a 5½-inch barrel is about the longest barrel you can carry comfortably on a belt. And that extra inch of barrel, with its longer sight radius, is not only of tremendous assistance when it comes to hitting what you’re aiming at, it also offers about a 150 fps velocity advantage over the 45∕8-inch-barrel model when using .327 Federal Magnum loads. With the 100-grain Federal JSP load, this little revolver will generate more than 650 footpounds of muzzle energy. That’s more than many .357 Magnum loads are capable of. So who’s a customer for this gun? Due to the wide range of cartridges it can fire without handloading, a Single Seven owner instantly has a handgun just about any family member can shoot and enjoy. SRP: $709. (lipseys.com)
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UNDERCOVER SHOPPER
On the hunt for a varmint rifle in Phoenix
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wo days after Christmas, I Googled “gun shops” on my phone and set out to look for a new rifle. My yarn was that my best friend, “the varmint hunter,” had finally cajoled me into joining him on a coyote hunt. In doing so, he suggested I use something other than my .308. When I visited retailers, I not only made it clear this would be my first varmint hunt, I also indicated I did not really know which rifle would best suit my needs.
STORE A
LET ME THINK ABOUT THAT ➤ This store was located on the northwest side of suburban Phoenix in an industrial park at the end of a dead-end street. There was a small sign on the door, and the exterior of the store’s front door had multiple greasy handprints on the primer-finished entrance. There was a contingent of young kids in the parking spaces playing loud
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music and riding skateboards; they graciously moved out of the way when I signaled to the parking spot I needed. Upon entering the shop, a 10-foot-square waiting area and a darkly lit counter greeted me. Inside the display case sat one lone MSR. A distinct aroma of machine oil permeated the shop, and the retail counter area was less than tidy. A bearded man emerged from an even darker doorway.
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Wiping his hands with a rag, he asked what he could do for me. After he listened to my story, he responded with, “Well, all we sell are custom tactical rifles, and they rarely leave the counter for less than $1,500. I’ve been told they’re good varmint guns. However, I’m not sure this is the kind of gun you’ll want.” We talked a little more, and then he offered, “I could build you a non-mil-spec gun for around $550.” When
STORE B
IMPRESSIVE PERFORMER Located on Scottsdale Boulevard, this store resides in a large strip mall. I entered the store during the early afternoon and found the retailer packed with customers. The store has a large selection of new and used rifles, handguns, and shotguns. I was greeted by a salesperson in less than two minutes. The friendly salesman was of retirement age. After a bit of small talk, he asked what I was looking for. After listening to my story, he first asked why I didn’t bring along my varmint buddy. Then he asked what kinds of rifles I currently own. I responded that I thought my friend would be a distraction, then I gave him the short list of my big-game bolt-action guns. He asked if I had had any work done to the guns, to which I said yes. He then asked if I owned an AR, to which I said no. That done, he led me to a wall that held modern sporting rifles. “After hearing about the guns you enjoy shooting, you may just want to pass on a low-grade, non-mil-spec MSR or even an entry-level bolt gun,” he told me. “This is a perfect application for an AR in .223 or .556. As long as you’re willing to spend close to or above $900, we can have you shooting a firearm that’s an impressive performer. It will also be a new experience and a lot of fun to practice with.” After we looked at a Daniel Defense, an S&W
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PIXEL PUSHERS
Arizona Adventure
asked what his turnaround time would be, he responded, “Six weeks.” I said I would think about it and headed for the door.
How’d They Do? Customer Service
Product Knowledge
Product Availability
�� While this shop may have a market for a narrow, local niche, there seemed little interest in diversifying the customer base.
��� This guy’s tactical product knowledge was through the roof. However, his understanding of additional MSR uses was disappointing and short-sighted for his retail business.
� He had one gun on display. I’ll give him one star for that.
����� The salesman knew what he was talking about.
����� The most extensive longgun selection I saw.
����� The clerk was friendly and engaging, and wanted to make a sale.
��� The clerk understood what I wanted. Though not a ballistics expert, he was certainly above average.
��� Good, but all used inventory.
��� As a smaller retailer, its transfer focus may indicate a sales slowdown.
�� The clerk was quick to take me to the right guns, but he didn’t expand on any performance benefits.
��� Though small, the store carried four to five viable choices.
STORE
A
����� STORE
B
Without question, the best retail expe-
Winner: STORE
rience I’ve had in quite some time.
STORE
C
STORE
D
SCORING SYSTEM:
M&P 15 Completion, and a Ruger SR-556VT, he offered a great competitive price on the Ruger. I told him I would get back to him. STORE C
NICE TOUCH This store is located in a 1960s strip mall. Draped in fluorescent yellow trim, the sign read, “We buy gold.” Inside, this retailer displayed some Western antiques. There were roughly a hundred long guns on a wall. I also saw 50 guitars, an array of tools, and two custom Harleys in the middle of the display floor.
➤
Outstanding: �����
Very Good: ����
There was one salesman behind the counter, at a computer. He bore a remarkable resemblance to the D-Day character in the movie Animal House. The friendly salesman asked what I was looking for. After hearing my story, he chuckled: “The local coyotes are so small, you could probably just use a .22.” After scanning his wall of used guns, he told me that everything was either too big or too small. The shop did have an impressive selection of lever actions, including older Marlins and a Savage Model 99. “I would like to help you,”
Average: ���
he finally said. “I would be happy to order you a Smith Sporter. I can have it here in about three days.” STORE D
CLEAN AND WELL LIT Located in Green Park Plaza, this smaller retailer had two employees behind the counter. It offered a mix of tactical long guns and handguns. I entered the store and quickly found 100 firearms in total inventory. The store looked new and was well lit and clean. One employee (the younger of the two) asked if he
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B
The entire experience proves the value of really listening to the customer.
Bear Arms Firearms 10321 N. Scottsdale Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85235 480-998-2727 beararmsaz.com
Fair: ��
Poor: �
could help. After hearing my needs, he went right to a Savage 12 varmint and a Ruger .556. He said that either gun would do nicely, and if I was thinking about something else, he would be happy to order it. He also said their prices were competitive and the order would take only two days. I asked if they had any higher-grade rifles. “No, not right now,” he said. “We don’t stock a lot, and lately, we’ve specialized in gun transfers. If you’d like to order from somewhere else, we’ll be happy to take care of the transfer.”
JUNE/JULY 2018
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❚
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Police Perfect
A look at the best new law-enforcement products of the year By Richard Mann june/july 2018
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L w Enforcement Law
2018
Back in the day, a cop had a revolver, flashlight, cuffs, nightstick, and, if things got really sinister, a shotgun in the cruiser. Times have changed, but the reality is a law enforcement professional still needs those same tools, albeit in more modern form. The revolver has transitioned, in almost all cases, to a semi-auto pistol, and those large, heavy, dim yellowish flashlight beams have morphed into retina-burning bright beams housed in compact and lightweight cases. Connectivity, unheard of in my time in law enforcement, is now key. Here’s a collection of modern police-perfect products, including guns and gear, and some other great stuff you may not have known even existed.
A Dutiful Dozen Face it, a cop without a gun is a glorified security guard. Though the latest firearms for fieldwork aren’t all that revolutionary, they do continue their steady evolution into highly specialized tools. The CMMg MkG45 Guard is an MSR chambered for the .45 Auto, and it’s offered in five configurations, with either 8- or 16-inch barrels. This pistol-caliber carbine operates on CMMG’s Radial Delayed Blowback System. And get this: It feeds from Glock magazines. For officers who carry a Glock 21, the magazine interchangeability makes this compact, cruiserready carbine ideally suited for patrol. SRP: $1,299.95 to $1,399.95. (cmmginc.com) The Bergara HMR Pro continues the legacy of the Bergara HMR. The Pro provides a multitude of upgrades, including a Cerakote stainlesssteel action and barrel, a threaded muzzle, and a TriggerTech trigger. Rifle weights range from 9.2 to 10.1 pounds, and all are shipped with an accuracy-qualified, sub-MOA target. The HMR Pro is available in five chamberings, but law enforcement will be most interested in the .223 Remington and 6.5 Creedmoor (both with a 1:8 barrel twist), and the .308 Winchester (1:10
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bushmaster The ACR SBR, a shorter-barreled chassisrifle version of the ACR, is chambered for 5.56 NATO.
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cmmg The MkG45 Guard is
chambered for the .45 Auto, and is offered in five different configurations.
twist). Any of these would be ideal for the dedicated police marksman. SRP: $1,695. (bergarausa.com) Bushmaster’s 10.5-inch-
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barreled version of the ACR, the ACR SBR, is chambered for 5.56 NATO. Features include a 4150 FNC-treated 1:7 twist barrel, an AAC Blackout flash-hider, a collapsible folding stock, and a tri-rail handguard. It’s ideally suited for tactical team members who want to shoot long and heavy .22-caliber projectiles. SRP: $2,249. (bushmaster.com) AR-15 carbines are becoming increasingly the norm inside police cruisers, but you won’t find another as light as the Bushmaster Minimalist SD. It’s ideal for officers who spend long hours on their feet while armed with a long gun. Offered in 5.56 NATO and .300 AAC Blackout, it has a mil-standard receiver, an AAC Square Drop Handguard, a lightweight FNC 1:8 barrel, a Mission First Minimalist stock and grip, and an ALG Defense fire-control group. It weighs less than 6 pounds. SRP: $1,169. (bushmaster.com) E.R. Shaw is well known for its fine-shooting, semi-custom bolt-action rifles, but the manufacturer is now offering a small, light, and affordable AR-10. The ERS-10’s receivers are machined from 7075-T6 aluminum forgings, and the rifle comes standard with a Shaw muzzle brake, a 15-inch floating handguard, and a nickel-boron-coated bolt. It weighs
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9.5 pounds. SRP: $995.95. (shawcustombarrels.com)
6 is a spin-off of its popular MVP rifle line, which Mossberg’s new MVP Precision
is distinguished by its ability to take either AR-10 or M14 magazines. This chassis rifle—suitable for law-enforcement snipers—comes with a Luth-AR MBA-3 adjustable stock, a 20or 24-inch threaded and freefloating, medium-bull barrel, and an LBA trigger. A Picatinny rail, an oversize bolt handle, and a Magpul MOE grip are included. Vortex combo packages come with the Viper HS-T riflescope. Chamberings include 6.5 Creedmoor and 7.62 NATO. SRP: $1,407. (mossberg.com)
7with its top-folding stock and The new Mossberg
Maverick 88 Security,
compact size, offers the obvious benefit of easy storage in patrol vehicles or gear bags. It has an 18.5-inch Cylinderbore barrel, a bead front sight, and an ATI Shotforce stock. Length is 39.5 inches, and it weighs 6 pounds. SRP: $259. (mossberg.com) Ruger’s new PC Carbine is so practical and versatile, it just might be the ideal cruiser carbine. Chambered for the 9mm Luger, it ships with a Ruger Security-9 magazine well already installed. An addi-
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mossberg The MVP Precision, a spin-off of the popular MVP rifle line, can take either AR 10 or M14 magazines.
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Law Enforcement
ruger The takedown PC Carbine is chambered for the 9mm Luger and comes standard with a threaded barrel.
tional magazine well that accepts Glock magazines is included, and a Ruger American Pistol magazine well is also available. The PC Carbine comes standard with a ½-28 threaded barrel, an adjustable ghost ring rear-aperture sight, and a non-glare protected front blade sight. This is
2018
a takedown rifle that measures only 34.37 inches when assembled, and weighs 6.8 pounds. SRP: $649. (ruger.com) Ruger’s Security-9 pistol is compact for easy concealment. It features rugged construction with a blued, through-hardened alloy steel slide and barrel, and a highperformance, glass-filled nylon grip frame. The Secure Action is derived from the hammerfired LCP control system; it combines the smooth trigger pull of the LCP with a short,
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crisp-feeling, and positive reset. Exchangeable sights provide color options. This 9mm Luger has a 4-inch barrel and weighs 23.7 ounces. SRP: $379. (ruger.com)
is 10 new from Savage, and this monolithic, aluminumThe Stealth Evolution
chassis rifle utilizes Savage’s 10/110 actions. It’s chambered for six distance cartridges, and blends pinpoint precision with torture-tested toughness. It pairs a heavy fluted barrel with 5R rifling and Savage’s AccuTrigger. Ideal for precision police work. SRP: $1,799 to $2,149. (savagearms.com) The XPC is a new chassis rifle from Winchester. It utilizes the XPR receiver and has a quick-cycling, 60-degree bolt with plenty of clearance for a large tactical riflescope. The XPC comes with an optics rail, a button-rifled, free-floating chrome-moly barrel, a threaded muzzle, and a nickelTeflon and Perma-Cote black finish. It has a MagPul buttstock and grip, and is available in .243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Winchester. SRP: $1,599.99.
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(winchesterguns.com)
12 is intended to be a handgun you can carry comTop Pick: Sig Sauer’s
sig sauer The
affordably priced P365 in 9mm Luger is intended to be a handgun that can be carried comfortably every day of the year.
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P365
fortably 365 days a year. Chambered for the 9mm Luger and rated for +P ammunition, this 5.8-inchlong, polymer-framed, strikerfired pistol has a 10+1 capaci-
june/july 2018
vortex The com-
pact and fast-ontarget Vortex Crossfire Red-Dot is an ideal choice for close-in work and general shooting.
ty and weighs less than 18 ounces. It comes standard with SigLite night sights, and should be ideal for plainclothes officers, detectives, and even off-duty officers. SRP: $599.99. (sigsauer.com)
Five for the Eyes Designated police marksmen and those armed with carbines have to clearly see and confirm a threat before they can shoot it. The faster and more precisely they can do that, the better off they are. The Leupold Mark 5HD line of riflescopes combines elite optical performance, rugged reliability, and userfriendly features for police snipers or designated marksmen. The 5–25x56 model ($2,599.99) is ideal for those seeking maximum usable magnification, while the 3.6– 18x44 edition ($2,399.99) balances a compact build with big-time performance. Both feature 35mm tubes and the Twilight Max HD Light Management System, and are available with or without illuminated reticles. They will initially be offered with a variety of etched-glass reticles. Lens covers and a lens shade are standard. (leupold.com)
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2 is the latest in the newly introduced Trijicon’s 1–8x28 AccuPower
AccuPower series. Built around a first-focal-plane reticle, and with Trijicon’s multicoated, broadband, anti-reflective glass, it offers superior optical clarity and brightness. The scope also has a true, 1X
power setting, locking and resettable turrets graduated at .25-MOA or 0.1-mil increments, and a 100 MOA (29.6 mil) adjustment range. It’s compact enough for any carbine, while providing a power range that meets almost any practical police need. SRP: $1,699. (trijicon.com)
3work andis ideal for close-in general shooting.
The Vortex Crossfire RedDot
The ultra-compact, insanely fast-on-target, and incredibly durable optic has a daylightbright 2-MOA dot that’s also fine enough for precisely engaging threats at distance. It has 11 intensity levels and a skeletonized mount that offers two height options. SRP: $219.99. (vortexoptics.com)
4night-vision device can be used as a night-vision monocMeopta’s MeoNight 1.1
ular for stand-alone viewing, or it can be paired with a riflescope. It features premium quality optics and 1X magnifi-
savage The Stealth Evolution is a monolithic aluminum-chassis rifle that utilizes Savage’s venerable 10/110 actions.
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Law Enforcement
2018
Leupold The Mark 5HD offers
elite optical performance and user-friendly features for police-designated marksmen.
cation, and is available with an optional 3X magnifying booster. It is capable of target detection out to 600 meters, and it automatically shuts off if not in use for one hour. This cooler-than-a-dozen-filled-donuts gizmo is waterproof, shock resistant, and fogproof. SRP: $4,499.99. (meoptasports optics.com/us/)
5excellent (1x30mm) reflex sight is an primary sight that Top Pick: Meopta’s MeoRed T
features a 1.5 MOA illuminated red-dot reticle with 12 intensity settings. Meopta’s proprietary MeoBright multi-coatings eliminate glare and reflections, and deliver 99.7 percent light transmission per lens surface. The hydrophobic MeoDrop lens coatings ensure the highest
meopta The MeoNight 1.1 can be used as a night-vision monocular for stand-alone viewing or with a riflescope.
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june/july 2018
level of visual clarity in adverse weather conditions, easily repelling rain, snow, sweat, and dirt. SRP: $999.99 (meopta sportsoptics.com/us/)
A Six Pack of Shootables Over the past decade, advancements in ammunition have outpaced progress in just about every other product area. That’s a good thing, and the trend continues. Aguila is adding hollowpoint ammunition to its centerfire product line. Lawenforcement-capable hollowpoint loads will now be offered for such popular police cartridges as the 9mm, .380, .38 Special, .357, .40 S&W, and .45. This ammunition will be manufactured in Conroe, Texas. (aguilaammo.com) Hornady recently introduced a new line of ammunition called Critical Defense Rifle. The design uses the manufacturer’s patented Flex Tip bullet to keep the nose cavity clog-free as it passes through heavy clothing; it also helps the bullet expand at low
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the police revolver has transitioned, in almost all cases, to a more efficient semi-auto pistol. Similar changes have occurred with accessories such as lights and knives.
june/july 2018
33
Law Enforcement
aguila Law-enforcement-
capable hollowpoint loads are now available in 9mm, .380, .38 Special, .357, .40 S&W, and .45.
2018
with 10 percent ordnance gelatin demonstrate the bullet will penetrate between 16 to 18 inches. (hornady.com)
4designed for actionis specifically shooting American Eagle Syntech Action Pistol
velocities when fired from a short-barreled rifle. Created for short-range defensive situations, Critical Defense Rifle delivers rapid expansion, reducing the potential of overpenetration. The ammo is available in 55- and 73-grain .223 Remington loads and a 155-grain .308 Winchester offering. (hornady.com)
sports and is loaded to meet power-factor requirements with heavy, flatter-nosed bullets for more reliable knockdowns on steel targets. Because it’s also safer to use on steel targets and leaves hardly any fouling in barrels, it is an ideal training load for law
3to deliver accurate load is designed perforHornady’s subsonic 300 Blackout
mance below the speed of sound. The new 190-grain Sub-X (Subsonic-eXpanding) bullet features a lead core and is distinguished by long grooves in the jacket. That, in combination with the bullet’s flat profile and patented Flex Tip insert, helps it to expand reliably at low velocities. Tests
hornady The subsonic 190grain Sub-X bullet in 300 Blackout has been designed to expand reliably at low velocities.
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enforcement. New Syntech offerings for 2018 include a 150-grain 9mm, a 205-grain .40 S&W, and a 220-grain .45 Auto. (federalpremium.com)
5 has been a top choice for law enforcement for many Speer Gold Dot ammunition
years. Now Speer has added a powerful 10mm Auto load that takes advantage of the cartridge’s full capabilities. (speer-ammo.com)
Due to the FBI’s 6nition return to the 9mm, ammucompanies are wasting Top Pick:
no time perfecting new tactical loads for that cartridge. Federal Premium Hydra-Shok has proven itself with badgewearing warriors since 1989, and the new Hydra-Shok Deep builds off that time-tested platform. The 135-grain bullet features a more robust center post to deliver as much as 50 percent deeper penetration. (federalpremium.com)
Top 10 Accessories Here is a broadband look at 10 law-enforcement-specific accessories I wish I’d had when I was in uniform 20 years ago. No officer wants to get stuck by a needle or miss a weapon during a search. Search Props from Dummies Unlimited allow you to safely train with accurate plastic replicas, without the risk from using dirty or unsafe items from your evidence room. These plastic gadgets are also discoverable with a metal detector. (dummiesunlimited.
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com)
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Blackhawk’s QuickDisconnect Multi-Point
Sling offers
superior comfort
spyderco The ClipiTool Rescue is a modern take on the concept of the multi-bladed pocketknife.
via nylon construction that uses a wide, slick-edged webbing to disperse the weight of the firearm. It’s ideal for hours of continuous wear. A patented rapid-adjust slider quickly changes sling length—even on the move— and it’s designed to operate in the most demanding environments. Available in black or coyote tan. SRP: $39.95 to $79.95. (blackhawk.com) Spyderco’s ClipiTool
ed pocketknife, improved for use as a rescue tool. The locking primary blade has a blunttipped sheepsfoot profile and a fully serrated cutting edge for slicing through fibrous materials. It also features a locking rescue hook for safely removing the clothing and constraints of injured persons and for safely severing tangled lines. A non-locking, hollowground screwdriver blade is also included. SRP: $79.95.
Rescue
(spyderco.com)
3 is a modern take on the concept of the multi-blad-
4magazine carriers from Blackhawk keep magazines The new Pocket Tecgrip
concealed and secure in your pockets. The outer layer holds firmly against most material, keeping mags safely holstered and secure. This is a great way for plainclothes officers, or those needing deep concealment, to carry extra ammunition for their duty handguns. SRP: $14.95, (blackhawk.com)
5innovativefeatures Ken Onion’s Field Strip CRKT’s Ruger RTD folding knife
Technology, so it can be taken apart for easy cleaning and
speer A top choice for law
enforcement for many years, Speer Gold Dot now offers a powerful 10mm load.
june/july 2018
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Law Enforcement
2018
The Best of Everything
Safariland Connected Officer Building upon the growing needs of today’s connected officer, Safariland has introduced new wireless CAS Auto-Activation technology. It interfaces with a variety of law-enforcement tools, including the Safariland VIEVU body-worn cameras, Motorola Solutions APX portable radios, and the Digital Ally in-car video system. CAS Auto-Activation technology incorporates the chip technology embedded into the Safariland 7TS duty holster in its wired and new wireless models. Now the CAS duty holster seamlessly pairs with several systems, such as cameras, radios, and in-car video, allowing an officer in the field to wirelessly connect to different devices when the duty weapon is drawn. With CAS technology, an officer is also reliably connected to other officers and the command center, allowing transmission of real-time information that can better enable support, monitoring, and more immediate response to issues in the field when a critical incident occurs. Already interfacing with Safariland VIEVU cameras, Safariland VIEVU’s newest cutting-edge LE5 body-worn camera also leverages CAS technology. It automatically activates the body-worn camera any time the weapon is drawn from the holster. In addition, the system detects when a firearm is away from the holster and directly signals an officer’s Motorola Solutions APX portable radio or LEX L10 or LEX F10 broadband device to send an alert through Motorola Solutions software to the command center. Safariland VIEVU’s partnership with Digital Ally provides for implementation of a vehicle-based auto-activation system that initiates recording of VIEVU’s LE4 and LE5 body-worn cameras connected to CAS technology. Years ago, when I spent my days and nights in a police cruiser, we jokingly talked about technology like this, but back then it was only a Star Trek fantasy. No more. (safariland.com)
maintenance. The RTD is part of the exclusive Ruger knife line, the designs of which include everyday carry, hunting, tactical, and self-preparedness. The RTD has a 3.67-inch blade and weighs 3.9 ounces. SRP: $89.99. (crkt.com)
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A new line of Kydex hol-
sters from Blackhawk is intended to improve concealment and comfort by incorporating traditional designs and dual materials to produce a holster that can be easily converted from OWB to IWB carry, thus making them ideal for plainclothes as well as offduty use. They are currently available for most Glocks, S&W M&Ps and Shields, Kahr P9s/40s, and Sig P320s and P238s. SRP: $49.95. (blackhawk.com)
7 is indeed a cool cop tool. The heart of the The Spyderco Squarehead Lightweight
Squarehead is its distinctive square-shaped sheepsfoot blade, which can be opened with one hand. The handle is an injection-molded, fiberglassreinforced nylon, available in black or gray. A wide slot at the base allows the knife to be easily attached to a keychain, neck chain, or lanyard. SRP: $79.95. (spyderco.com)
8cer needs a flashlight. every police offiThe Regardless the shift worked,
Surefire EDCL2-T is an upgraded version of the popular EB2 Backup. It delivers an unbelievably bright 1,200 lumens of white light on high and a useful 5 lumens on low. A Total Internal Reflection
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june/july 2018
crkt The Ruger RTD folding knife can be taken apart for easy cleaning. lens shapes the virtually indestructible LED’s light into a versatile beam with plenty of throw—out to 450 meters— and the beam also has been optimized for situational awareness. It even comes with a pocket clip. SRP: $179. (surefire.com)
9 combine protection and performance. Constructed Blackhawk’s Fury Prime Gloves
of lightweight, durable, synthetic materials, they fit like a second skin. The top of the hand is covered with a sonicwelded TPR overlay for protection, and strategically placed padding on the thumb and palm help guard against unexpected impact. SRP: $38.95. (blackhawk.com)
10 are kind of hybrid handgun sights that Top Pick: The F8 sights from XS Sights
combine the high visibility of the company’s famous Big Dot sights with the more traditional notch-and-post design. The front sight has a proprietary orange ring around a Tritium vial that corresponds to a single Tritium vial at the bottom of the rear notch. This provides the figure-eight sight picture that is becoming preferred over the traditional three-dot configuration. It will initially be available for most Glocks, Smith & Wessons, and Sigs. SRP: $142. (xssights.com)
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J/J 2018
One of the big issues for clay-target shooters on a budget is finding the right gun. Typically, shotguns designed to shoot trap have a higher point of impact (to deal with rising targets) than guns designed for skeet. Browning’s Crossover line of over/unders (CXS, CT, and CXT) is designed to address that issue by offering three models with different points of impact. Customers who need a do-all gun should be guided to the CX, as it’s an intermediate gun that works well for skeet, trap, and sporting clays.
BROWNING HAS DEVISED A VERSATILE SHOTGUN LINEUP DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE COMPETITIVE SHOOTER BY BRAD FITZPATRICK
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BROWNING CITORI
At last summer’s Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) National st summer Championship in Mar Marengo, Ohio, more than 2,200 shotgun shooters in grades 4 thr through college competed for tens of thousands of dollars in prizes and scholarship money. That’s a dramatic increase from just s a few and a sign of the growing popularity of target shootew years y ars ago, a ing disciplines. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), particip participation in target shooting—particularly shotgun shootper ing—has risen 44 percent in the last decade. And even though the SCTP existence for only about 15 years, the program has program has been in e
already produced a number of world-class shooters: Three of the current Olympic medalists in shotgun and more than half of the national shotgun team are SCTP alums. It’s easy to understand why parents are encouraging their children to participate in SCTP. Aside from improving their shooting skills, children in these programs learn the principles of safe gun handling; over the course of the four-day SCTP and SASP (Scholastic Action Shooting Program) championship, more than 1.5 million shots were fired—without a single injury. What might not be so easy for the parents of new shooters to understand, though, is which shotgun their child needs to develop into a competitive shooter.
simplified selection Browning has helped simplify shotgun selection with the introduction of three new Citori over/unders designed specifi-
cally with the competitive shooter in mind. The Citori CXS is engineered to shoot a 50/50 pattern (meaning half the shot pattern strikes above the front bead of the shotgun and half strikes below the bead, also known as shooting “flat”), perfect for skeet and sporting clays disciplines, as well as hunting. There’s also a CXT version that shoots a 70/30 pattern, ideal for breaking rising targets when shooting trap. The Citori CX, which shoots a 60/40 pattern, is an intermediate gun that works well for all disciplines. As a former collegiate club shooter, I can attest to the fact that finding the right shotgun for competitive shooting can be difficult. The very first over/ under I purchased had a very high point of impact (POI). That made the gun ideal for trap, but very frustrating for shooting skeet and sporting clays. My only options, then, were to try to adjust my hold point (which is often futile) or buy an extra gun for skeet and sporting clays competition, something I couldn’t afford to do. With the new Crossover line, which includes the CX, CXS, and CXT, new shooters can find exactly the gun they want for the discipline they choose, or a versatile gun that will work for everything. “A lot of hunters and shooters need a do-all gun,” says Rafe Nielsen, Browning’s marketing communications manager. “And that’s where the whole CX family comes into play. These guns are designed to handle multiple disciplines. Whether that is one gun to handle all the sporting disciplines, like trap, skeet, and sporting clays, or one that will double for both sporting and hunting, this Citori line has an offering that will accommodate the multiple needs of shooters.”
1) Invector Plus choke tubes are standard. 2) barrel selector allows the shooter to choose which barrel fires first. 3) Triple Trigger System has three interchangeable trigger shoes. 4) Inflex buttpad helps reduce recoil.
JUNE/JULY 2018
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JOINT EFFORT
The new Crossover line lets new shooters select one specific gun for the discipline they choose or a versatile gun that will work for everything.
Browning Citori shotguns are held in very high esteem by serious competitive shooters, so there’s no question these guns will perform at the highest level and last for years. All three shotguns come with precisionmachined, heat-treated action parts that are extremely durable. Robust hammers with coil-style mainsprings offer reliable performance, and the full-width tapered locking bolt engages a full-width tapered recess on the barrel lugs for maximum strength and durability. Chrome chambers, Vector Pro lengthened forcing cones, and Midas-grade Invector-Plus choke tubes that are extended for easy removal are standard across the line. The metalwork is richly blued, with the model name in gold on the receiver. The polished Grade II American walnut stock mates beautifully with the metalwork, and the Inflex 2 buttpad helps reduce the impact of recoil by channeling rearward force away from the shooter’s face. The CXS is available in 12- and 20-gauge (SRP: $2,139.99), and the CX and CXT are available in 12-gauge (SRP: $2,069.99 and $2,199.99, respectively). There’s also a Micro (compact) version of the CX available for smallstatured shooters. By offering high quality at a relatively affordable price and simplifying the selection process for new shooters, Browning is winning over a whole new generation of competitive shotgun shooters. I had the opportunity to test these guns recently, and I was impressed by the build quality and aesthetics that have become synonymous with the Citori line. Regardless the discipline, there’s a CX gun that’s perfect for your customers. (browning.com)
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All too often, when a collegiate clay-target shooter graduates from college, their passion for shooting takes a back seat to the reality of figuring out how to make a living. But the Browning Graduate Program, a joint effort between Browning and the Association of College Unions International (ACUI), is designed to help these shooters stay in the game. Starting this year, all graduating seniors who attend and shoot the ACUI National Championships in San Antonio will be eligible to receive a three-year ATA or NSCA/ NSSA membership paid for by Browning. Each year, more than 800 students participate in the ACUI National Championship. By providing a way to remain connected to the competitive shooting sports through membership in a shooting association for the first three years of post-graduate life, Browning hopes that many of these young shooters will make the shooting sports a lifelong endeavor. “In an ongoing effort to recruit and retain hunters and shooters, sometimes we as an industry overlook critical segments within certain groups,” says Scott Grange, Browning’s public relations and shooting sports promotions manager. “The ACUI continues to do a wonderful job of attracting college students to target shotgun sports. Yet, what happens to these shooters once they graduate generally goes unnoticed. Rather than just hoping these young adults remain or come back to the sport once they get on their feet, we felt a program such as this would provide a means of staying connected. Browning recognizes the importance of retaining this segment of the population. After all, they are the future of the sport.”
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THE AG ELESS .375
NEW LOADS AND RIFLES KEEP THIS
THE AGELESS .375 PRE – WWI NUMBER POPULAR
BY WAYNE VAN ZWOLL
P H OT OS BY T H E AU T H OR
FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF GAME
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British explorers in subSaharan Africa carried ponderous rifles. A 4-bore George Gibbs built for Samuel Baker in 1840 weighed 21 pounds. It ignited 16 drams (437 grains) of black powder to launch a 4-ounce (1,750-grain) silk-patched lead ball through twogroove rifling in a 36-inch barrel. Baker was 19. He would later patronize the gun shop tobacconist Harris Holland had started in 1837, a business run with his nephew Henry. As Baker’s hunting exploits brought him fame, the Hollands prospered. In that day, before smokeless powder hiked velocities, hunters had to rely on bullet weight to kill big beasts. The most potent rifles kicked brutally. After retiring, elephant hunter William Finaughty sold his rifle in 1875; the fourth owner hung 3 pounds of lead up front to keep it down in recoil. The .450/400
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BOLT RIFLES IN .375 H&H WERE AN AFFORDABLE ALTERNATIVE TO HEAVY DOUBLES.
Black Powder Express was more civil, but with 270-grain bullets at 1,650 fps, it had less punch than modern .45/70 loads. Around 1896, cordite powder in Nitro Express cartridges drove smaller bullets much faster. Jeffery’s .450/400 3-inch wrung 2,100 fps from 400-grain bullets. A host of similar cartridges followed. Holland & Holland announced the .375 Belted Rimless Nitro Express in 1912. The rimmed .375 Flanged Magnum Nitro Express arrived at the same time for double rifles, though the belted round works fine in modern doubles. At its debut, the belted .375 NE was a “medium-bore,” not a “stopping cartridge.” But stout 300-grain bullets could be stoked to 2,500 fps to outpenetrate bigger, slower slugs. Stateside, Western Cartridge Company loaded Holland’s frisky new offering as the .375 H&H Magnum beginning in 1925, when it also introduced a necked-down version: the .300 H&H Magnum, or Super .30. Shortly, upscale New York gun-builder Griffin & Howe began barreling Magnum Mausers to .375 (as had Holland’s shop). In 1937, the .375 became a charter chambering in Winchester’s Model 70. At $78.45 in 1945, the 70 offered returning GIs an affordable magnum.
The .375 H&H requires a long action, as the case measures 2.85 inches, base to mouth. Loaded length is 3.60 inches. (The .30/06 mikes 2.49 and 3.34 inches.) In 1961 and 1962, Remington catalogued a Kodiak Model 725 in .375 and .458 Magnums. Just 52 of these braked 9-pound rifles shipped. But the subsequent Model 700 stable also included a .375. It sold for $310, same as Winchester’s Model 70 African.
BETTER BULLETS In his book African Rifles and Cartridges, professional hunter John Taylor wrote glowingly of the .375 H&H Magnum after firing “more than 5,000 rounds” in five rifles. “One accounted for more than 100 elephants and some 411 buffalo, besides rhino, lions.” A buffalo shot “up again and coming” with the remaining solid in Taylor’s .375 double “crashed on his nose,” hind quarters hanging briefly in the air before the big bovine flopped dead. “The stopping power of the .375 Magnum would seem to warrant a higher classification.” But not all early bullets brooked the .375’s speed. A waterbuck Taylor shot at 40 yards had to be trailed after the 235grain, copper-pointed bullet came apart on entry at 2,850 fps.
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THE AG ELESS .375
I’ve sent 300-grain softpoints through the ribs of deer-size game, bushbuck to elk. Most animals routinely ran off, to fall dead a short distance on. Still, the .375 does seem to kill better than its size would suggest. In 1985, I interviewed rangers who’d just downed 52 elephants in a culling operation. One who carried a .375 told me his solids burrow deeper than do those from more powerful rounds. “The only advantage of larger, heavier bullets is that they can stun with peripheral hits, borrowing time for another shot.” He said a lung shot with a .375 solid typically brings an elephant down inside 80 yards. I saw him shoot one quartering off. The 300-grain bullet struck the neck and exited the fore of the skull.
MANAGING RECOIL
THE AUTHOR GOT THIS KUDU WITH AN IRON-SIGHTED, 1951-VINTAGE HOLLAND IN .375 ON THE LAST DAY OF A WEEK’S HUNT.
We have better expanding bullets now: Nosler’s Partition, Federal’s Trophy Bonded, Swift’s A-Frame, Hornady’s DGX. Mid-weight, leadfree missiles like the Barnes TSX and Hornady GMX, with Nosler’s leadcore AccuBond, fly as flat as 150grain spitzers from a .308 and strike harder at 200 yards than most 7mm Magnum loads do at the muzzle.
Full-jacketed lead and one-piece brass-alloy solids drive straight and deep. Factory loads for the .375 H&H have leaned heavily to 270and 300-grain softpoints and 300grain solids. Inside 200 steps, most obligingly share the same point of impact. With softs in one pocket and solids in another, you can reach out for plains game or stop sedan-size brutes coming fast at spitwad range. Not all you hear about the .375 is true. For instance: “It knocks game off its feet.” Nope. Bullets cause collapse only when they destroy nerve centers or break supporting bone.
As compelling as its versatility is, the .375’s compatibility with nimble, lightweight rifles—those that “sit gently” on shoulder and arm after long days afield and respond as an extension of hand and eye—is one of its strongest selling points to the modern hunter. Once, on the trail of a leopard, I stayed abreast of trackers advancing in a slow-pulsing helix through bush increasingly thick. A yell brought me plunging through the thorn. I spied the tracker—pointing—and, by great good luck, a swatch of sun on spotted hide. I fired instantly. Vitals minced, the cat sprang skyward with a screech, landed hard, and died. Some days later, with the same Montana Rifle Co. .375, I scurried on hands and knees in sparse cover for a chance at an eland bull walking into the shadows. The 250-yard reach was my self-imposed limit from kneeling, the only tenable position. But Federal’s 300-grain Trophy Bonded bullet struck spot-on. The bull staggered, then collapsed to a follow-up shot. That rifle is one of my safari favorites. It’s agile, for those snap-
THE AGELESS .375 JUN E/J ULY 2 0 18
shots in thickets, and accurate, for pokes across pans. Because even relatively lightweight .375s are still manageable in recoil, most hunters can soon learn to shoot them accurately. For decades, the .375 H&H had no close rivals—partly because it packed more power than most hunters needed, partly because it was so good. In the early 1940s, Roy Weatherby removed most of the .375’s taper and gave it radiused shoulders to form his first .375. It drove bullets 200 fps faster than its parent. The .375 Weatherby died young, but recently returned to the company’s rifle and ammunition lines. In 2006, Hornady and Ruger collaborated on a potent .375 to fit standard-length rifle actions. The 2.58inch .375 Ruger hull has minimum taper, a 30-degree shoulder, and about 10 percent more capacity than the .375 H&H. It sends bullets 5 percent faster from a hull .27 inch shorter. Its .532 head is the same size as the Holland’s, but the .375 Ruger has no belt. It registers a higher maximum average pressure (65,000 psi) than the H&H. Hornady’s Mitch Mittelstaedt told me, “We wanted the .375 Ruger to deliver from a 20-inch barrel what the Holland could manage in a 24-inch.” Hornady lists a 250-grain GMX at 2,890 fps, a 270-grain Interlock at 2,840, a 300-grain DGX at 2,660. The .375 H&H hurls the GMX as fast, trails the Ruger slightly with 270grain bullets, and falls 130 fps shy of matching its 300-grain load. Both cartridges favor a 1:12 rifling twist.
EXCELLENT PERFORMERS Among rifles for the .375 Ruger, Mossberg’s 7¼-pound Patriot is a true bargain. Walnut-stocked with stippled grip panels, it has a twinlug, push-feed bolt, and a detachable polymer box. The LBA trigger
on my rifle breaks at a clean, eager 2¼ pounds. Its tab prevents accidental discharge. Under a Meopta R2 1.7–10x42 scope, this rifle has sent three Hornady bullets into one ragged hole. Ruger’s own Guide Gun and Hawkeye African in .375 Ruger scale a comfortable 8 pounds and feature controlled feed. I’ve owned a few rifles in .375 H&H Magnum after my first Winchester 70, whose cracked wrist I repaired with a finishing nail and Acraglas. With a Redfield receiver sight, it acquitted itself well on my first safari, at ranges from 15 to 175 yards. A dropping-block Miller proved almost magical when it drilled a ¾-inch group over open sights. Recently, my CZ 550 wrung a 1-inch triangle from handloads I had assembled 34 years ago, with 300-grain Herter softnose bullets over 81 grains of surplus H4831. Classic rifles by Holland & Holland, Rigby, and Griffin & Howe on Magnum Mauser actions are justly coveted, and predictably expensive. So, too, pre-war Winchester 70s in .375. But current production models include some excellent performers. They range in weight from Browning’s 6¾-pound
THE NEW MOSSBERG PATRIOT CARRIES .375 RUGER AMMO IN A DETACHABLE POLYMER BOX.
X-Bolt to the 9¼-pound CZ Safari Magnum. Among my favorites is Sako’s stainless 8-pound Model 85 Kodiak. Excellent iron sights complement its clean, predatory profile. The shallow rear V pairs with a big white bead, concave so it won’t bounce light from an edge. The four-shot detachable box can be top-loaded in the rifle. Blaser’s straight-pull R93 and newer R8 feature interchangeable barrels in .375 H&H. I’ve used an R93 enough to marvel at its fine accuracy, blinkquick cycling, and ingenious magazine/trigger group. Less sophisticated .375s discontinued by U.S. makers and importers turn up occasionally in secondhand racks. Excepting collectibles, prices are often quite reasonable. Your customers may never need a .375 to keep buffalo hooves off their shirt. But carrying a rifle bored for one of the world’s great cartridges can still hike the pulse of any hunter.
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W H AT ’ S S E L L I N G W H E R E
Armory, NV Carson Mound House Located northeast of Carson City, this shop hosts 5,000 square feet of display area and keeps nearly 200 guns in stock. Sales of modern sporting rifles continue to stagnate. There was, however, a slight uptick in late May, with Smith M&P Sports and Diamondbacks taking the lion’s share of turns in this area. Handgun sales have remained consistent throughout the year. Ruger LC9s, Smith M&P Shields, and Glock 19 Gen5s all hover near the top of the chart. “The demand for 9mm is at an all-time high. Customers are really interested in anything compact and small,” said the store’s owner, Eileen Ferguson.
Shooter’s WISuperior Supply, Superior Located just one block from Lake Superior, this long-standing Duluth-area shop specializes in firearms, safes, reloading supplies, and soft goods. Sales of shotguns across the board have increased at this location. “It’s wonderful to see such high interest in clay-target shooting in our area. This has translated to the highest turns our store has seen in the category in years,” said owner Pat Kukull. Some of the strongest sellers include Beretta A400s and 300s, in addition to Winchester SX4s and SX3s. As for handguns, Glock 17 and 19 Gen5s are performing well. Another high-demand SKU
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Sporting Goods, Rocky Mountain IDLolo CO Lewiston Shooter’s Supply, Fort Collins
Located in downtown “Old Lewiston,” this small storefront employs three fulltime salespeople and has a large inventory of reloading supplies, handguns, long guns, and MSRs. Summer has brought a notable surge in handgun traffic. “It’s not crazy yet, but handgun sales are definitely higher than they were last year. The good news is our inventory is pretty strong,” said countersalesman Mike Acree. Sig P938s and Glock 19s and 17s are playing tug-of-war as they jockey for first- and second-place positions. Smith M&P Shields are also posting strong numbers, as are Ruger Blackhawk .44 Mags and Ruger Alaskan .454 Casulls.
includes Kimber 1911 .45s. However, this retailer noted availability has been challenging.
MN
R H Kay Firearms, St. Paul This retailer
stocks a tightly inventoried 500-square-foot store in metro St. Paul to meet the needs of an extensive home-defense clientele. MSRs are not moving. “I believe with my client base, the rifles are saturated in our market. While we currently turn a few a month, it has become a price-point-driven market,” said owner Rick Kay. Most MSR sales are going to Smith M&Ps and Olympic Arms. Handgun sales are strong. Glock 19 Gen5s are sitting in the highest spot, followed by M&P 2.0s and
Keeping more than 50 safes and 600 firearms in stock, this retailer has seven indoor shooting lanes and an offsite 1,000-yard outdoor range 30 miles away. Handguns are always hot at this location, with strong numbers of Smith Shields, Springfield XDMs, and Glock 43s crossing the counter. Wheelguns, like J-Frame Smiths, are trending up from the spring. Summer notably impacts this store’s .22 sales. “Our 4-H and Scout programs really move our .22 sales in the summer,” said owner Tim Brough. “Ruger 10/22s and Mark 4s move quickly at this time of year.” The store moves about two MSRs a week.
Springfield XDMs. A few CZ 1911s are posting decent numbers.
Masters, MO Target Columbia
Located in central Missouri for more than 21 years, this shop has a 25-yard, 10-lane range. Handgun sales are excellent. “Our traffic stays strong because of our shooting range,” said countersalesman Joe Gilbert. Glock 19 Gen5s and Sig P365s are vying for the top spot at the counter. Other fast movers include Ruger LCR 327s, followed by a few Smith Shields. MSR sales have slowed significantly, down to just one a month. The largest turns are going to Smith M&P Sport IIs. Ammo inventories, especially in .22, are better than this time last year.
BY PETER B . MATHIESEN
Gun Barn, PA Enck’s Newmanstown Located in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, just 24 miles from Cabela’s, this store is seeing strong handgun sales. Glock 19 Gen4s and 5s are in the top slots. Glock 43s are also moving quickly. Ruger LCPs and LCP IIs are posting higher numbers this season, and Les Baer 1911s are garnering attention. At this retailer, Ruger Cowboy Action revolvers always move in the summer. Here, Ruger Vaqueros top the list. Owner Bob Enck said he expects a banner year in .22 guns and ammo for the summer. “It’s such a relief to have strong stocks of .22 ammo on hand. It really gives us a strong promotion platform for the
summer.” This year’s top sellers have been Ruger Mark 4s as well as annual standbys like the 10/22.
NY
Target Sports, Glenville Featuring
3,200 square feet of new retail space, this Albany-area store stocks a diverse mix of sporting and home-defense firearms. With this store’s support of a new clays range at a local gun club, shotgun sales are increasing steadily. “We have come off one of the coldest winters in a hundred years. The weather had slowed our shotgun sales to a crawl until recently. We do look to summer as the best clay-gun season due to the higher number of local new shooters,” said owner Steve Borst. Good-selling
shotguns include Rizzini BR110s and Browning 725s.
Sports VT Wright Shop, Newport Located in northern Vermont just 5 miles from Canada, this shop stocks general sporting goods with an emphasis on soft goods and hunting firearms. Given the state’s potential ban of high-capacity magazines, handguns sales are off the charts. “Sales are strong. This momentum is translating to any semi-auto pistol in the store. It has been as busy as election sales have ever been, possibly more,” said assistant manager Roger Chamberlin. Sig 320s sit in the top spot, followed by anything made by Glock.
Target Coin & Gun, Gallery, FL Gainesville NCHyatt AR Pawn Range, Gainesville Charlotte Clarksville This retail store caters to a homedefense and tactical clientele. It sports an outdoor gun range that can accommodate more than 80 shooters. Handgun sales are steady. CZ SP-01s, Glock MOS 34s, and STI DVC 9mm double-stacks are pulling hefty numbers. The store continues to see 9mm as the most popular caliber. “June is the beginning of our slower time of year. It can be sweltering by midday. One of the smarter additions to the range has been a 500-pound ice machine,” said president Glenn Jones. Sales of MSRs have remained steady this year, with high- and low-price rifles securing attention.
With more than 12,000 square feet of retail space, and more than 20 employees, this store keeps an average of 7,000 firearms in inventory. All of the store’s long guns are displayed against a green-painted wall. This retailer looks to summer for increasing traffic on clays guns. “Our summer clay business is an important part of our season. Recently, the local uptick in the economy has really increased our clay gun sales,” said president Larry Hyatt. In the handgun arena, Smith J-Frame 642s hold the top slot. Glock 19s are a close second. Sales of MSRs are steady and increasing weekly. Rock Rivers and Smith Sport IIs hold the high ground.
This small, independent pawnshop, located off Interstate 40 just 40 miles east of Fort Smith, stocks an average of 250 firearms. “Now that I can get .22 ammo, this will be a great summer. Past shortages have seriously affected our small-caliber sales,” said owner Rick Elam. Sales of MSRs are up. Rock Rivers and M&P Sports turn weekly. Elam said that lever-action long guns have always sold year-round at his store. Right now, Winchester and Marlin .22s and .30/30s are in demand. Handgun inventories are good, and Springfield XDMs, Smith Shields, and Ruger LCRs are heading out the door.
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GOOD STUFF
BY BRAD FITZPATRICK
Buck Pursuit Trail Shoes are perfect off-season wear.
Off-Season Performance Browning men’s Buck Pursuit Trail Shoes are what to wear when you aren’t wearing hunting boots
W
hen Signature Products Group (the footwear licensee for Browning) released the new Browning Buck Pursuit Trail Shoe, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to spend any time in a pair. Designed as off-season footwear that’s more versatile and flexible than Browning’s hunting boot line, the shoe at first seemed to be neither fish nor fowl. But I was won over by the Buck Pursuit Trail Shoe’s versatility. The durable outsole has a deep lug design that’s engineered to provide more stable footing on uneven or slippery terrain, and the cushioned midsole provides comfort and support for when you’re on your feet for long stretches. The upper is made of breathable mesh and incorporates padded surfaces to protect the foot when you’re traveling over rough terrain. Rubber panels on the heel, toe, and overlay (reinforced material that adds strength and
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structure to the shoe) further help protect the foot against abuse. Available sizes range from 8 to 13, with halfsizes of 9.5, 10.5, and 11.5. Color options include frost gray/dark nitron (the model I tested), brown/orange, and brown/gray. There’s a women’s line of Buck Pursuit Trail Shoes available as well. My first impression of the Buck Pursuit Trail Shoe was that it is more biased toward a wide variety of outdoor activities than most trail-specific or trail running shoes. That’s a good thing because you’ll probably
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spend most of your time scouting for game, hanging trail cameras, practicing at the range, and attending to all the minutiae of daily life. The outsole is rugged but a bit heavy for dedicated trail running. But the Buck Pursuit’s design comes into its own when you’re performing chores on rough or uneven ground. I spent about 10 hours in these shoes chopping and dragging bush honeysuckle to clear an area for wildlife food plots. Throughout the process, I was walking over fallen branches and
pushing and pulling dead honeysuckle over uneven, rocky ground. The Buck Pursuit Trail Shoes performed well. The heavy rubber toe bumper on the front prevents injury when you invariably thump your foot against a stump or rock while hiking, and the sturdy laces weren’t eaten alive by the clawing branches. These shoes are made to compete with the Merrells and Adidas Caprocks of the footwear world, and they hold their own on the trail, offering plenty of protection and support without the weight of boots. The collar (the top portion of the shoe that wraps around and supports the ankle) is well-cushioned and mercifully free from seams and rough edges, so you won’t spend miles whittling away at the flesh of your ankle. I wore the Buck Pursuits to the shooting range on two separate occasions and found that the relatively aggressive outsole didn’t make them heavy or clunky when performing tasks on flat ground (in that case, the concrete pads of a skeet field). The sturdy shank of these shoes provides plenty of arch support without feeling as though your foot is resting on a rolling pin. Convinced that the Buck Pursuits were suitable for everyday
tasks, I decided to run a few miles on freshly cut trails to see how they would perform, and they did quite well. They’re heavier than most dedicated trail shoes, but weight and body on a trail shoe is a give-and-take proposition. Lighter shoes make running easier, but they don’t always offer the stability and traction to get you through the roughest patches of trail. Conversely, heavy, boot-like shoes with ultra-aggressive outsoles are draining and sometimes trap heat. The Buck Pursuits do a good job balancing the weight and athleticism of a running shoe with the workmanlike attitude of a trail boot. I covered, over the course of three runs, just over 10 miles in the shoes over uneven ground and was impressed by the heel balance. Buck Pursuit shoes have a decoupled heel, which means that the left and right rear heel portions are disconnected. This allows the heel to act like the independent suspension of a car when the heel strikes and promotes a stable, comfortable landing on uneven surfaces. There’s plenty of support, and the mesh design is breathable and dries quickly. These Pursuit shoes are proof that Browning’s product lines extend beyond the close of hunting season. SRP: $79.99. (spg outdoors.com)
NEW PRO DUC TS
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Helle’s Wabakimi knife has a handle made from curly birch wood with a lanyard hole.
Helle of Norway Building on an 85-year tradition of hand-crafted knives designed and tested in the outdoors, Helle unveils its latest collaboration with Les Stroud, star of Survivorman. Named for the vast wilderness park in Ontario, Canada, the Wabakimi knife is designed for self-reliance in nature. The third in a series of Helle knives designed with Stroud, the Wabakimi combines Helle’s 85 years crafting traditional Scandinavian
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knives with Stroud’s mastery of primitive skills. The latest addition is a medium-size, well-balanced knife small enough for hip carry, yet amply sized to make precise cutting and long carving sessions comfortable and efficient. The new knife fits between the larger, best-selling Temagami (2010), a practical wilderness knife, and the light and compact Mândra (2017) neck knife. The Wabakimi combines the advantages of the
Temagami’s ergonomic handle and long, pointed blade with the Mândra’s rounded shape. Featuring a threequarter, partial tang reinforced with two robust pins, the Wabakimi sports a handle made from curly birch wood with a lanyard hole, and has a 3.3-inch droppoint blade that uses Helle’s renowned triple-laminated steel. SRP: $199. (helle.no)
breaking performance on the trap range. The shells feature a 10mm nickel-plated head for smooth and reliable ejection. Available loads include handicap trap (12gauge 2¾-inch 1-ounce, Nos. 7.5 and 8) and sporting clays (12-gauge 2¾-inch 1⅛-ounce, Nos 7.5 and 8). Spreader loads and one 20-gauge version are also available. (kentgamebore.com)
Kent Cartridge Kent’s new Elite Pro Target loads use clean-burning, custom-blended ball powders for consistent velocity and reduced felt recoil. The manufacturer’s proprietary Diamond Shot technology uses a new revolutionary polishing process for consistent, uniform patterns and superior target-
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Kent Elite Pro Target loads are designed to break clay targets consistently.
NEW PR ODU CTS
Avery Outdoors Hunting bags, blinds, decoys, and accessories are the backbone of this company, but apparel is an important part of the line as well. The Heritage Field Jacket features 8-ounce, water-repellent waxedcotton construction to create a stylish design in a rugged package. It’s as at home in the upland fields as it is in town. Other features include a corduroy collar, fleecelined upper chest pockets, a YKK zippered front with a threebutton storm placket, and rib-knit cuffs that help retain body warmth. SRP: $199. (averyoutdoors.com)
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A NEW LEADER IS
CROWNED
SIG V-CROWN¨ - The ultimate in defensive ammunition, delivering exceptional on-target energy, maximum weight retention, and optimal expansion at all effective distances. Available in a wide array of calibers and grain weights, the SIG V-Crown creates a new standard for reliability, accuracy, and performance, round after round.
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SYSTEMATICALLY ELEVATING
THE WORLD STANDARD FOR ACCURACY. THE MOD EL 7 00 P RECI S ION CHASS IS R IF LE .
ADJUST ADJUSTABLE ABLE
SUB-MOA ACCURACY CONFIRMED BY ‘CATS’ MEASUREMENT. EACH PCR IS SHIPPED WITH ITS OWN SUB-MOA ACCURACY CONFIRMATION USING OUR ADVANCED COMPUTER AIDED TARGETING SYSTEM ('CATS').
CARBON STEEL MODEL 700 BARRELED ACTION THREADED MUZZLE WITH PROTECTOR SQUAREDROP AND KEYMOD COMPATIBLE OVERSIZED TACTICAL BOLT KNOB X-MARK PRO EXTERNALLY ADJUSTABLE TRIGGER ADJUSTABLE MAGPUL PRS GEN 3 STOCK 5-ROUND MAGPUL DETACHABLE MAGAZINE
MORE THAN A RIFLE, A FULLY OPTIMIZED SHOOTING SYSTEM. The all-new Model 700 PCR (Precision Chassis Rifle) pairs our legendary Model 700 action – the strongest ever conceived – with an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy chassis for the most stable and consistent platform possible. Accurizing upgrades include 5R rifling, free-floated aluminum handguard, plus a completely user-configurable Magpul PRS Gen 3 stock.
A N E W E R A O F P R E C I S I O N.
©2018 REMINGTON ARMS COMPANY, LLC.
*SOME LIMITATIONS MAY APPLY. GO TO WWW.REMINGTON.COM/LIFETIMEWARRANTY FOR THE WARRANTY.