DAILY UPDATE

from SHOT Daily - Day 1 - 2023 SHOT Show

FYI

NEWS ❚ PROMOTIONS ❚ AWARDS ❚ OUTREACH

Welcome to SHOT Show 2023

It’s my pleasure to welcome you to Las Vegas and the 45th SHOT Show. On behalf of NSSF—The Firearm Industry Trade Association and founder and owner of the SHOT Show—I want to say thank you for being here and for contributing to the show’s success.

This is my 24th SHOT Show. I attended my first 20 shows as an exhibiting company representative, and for the last four years, I’ve been here in the service of NSSF and your industry. So, I’ve seen the SHOT Show from different vantage points, and there’s one thing that I understand better now than I ever did before, something that I’d like every attendee to know:

Your participation at the SHOT Show directly supports all that NSSF does as your industry’s trade association. We advocate on behalf of the industry in Washington, D.C., and in state capitals nationwide; we provide compliance education and industry research; we promote firearm safety programs; we encourage participation in target shooting and hunting, and much more. NSSF’s many initiatives are fueled by you—our members, exhibitors, and attendees.

Speaking of membership, I encourage you to become a member of NSSF; if you’re one already, I thank you for supporting NSSF. Truly, there is strength in numbers, and I’m proud to say our membership ranks are growing. Members enjoy many benefits from NSSF, and they add another shoulder to our efforts to protect our industry. While you’re at SHOT, visit the NSSF booth in the lobby to learn more about membership and all that it offers.

For the second year, the combined venue of The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum will be our home. We’ve made some adjustments, including helping you more easily navigate between the two venues, and you’ll see other enhancements, particularly at Caesars Forum, that I know you’ll appreciate.

New, exciting additions to the 2023 show are the SHOT After Dark events, which will include a sponsored live-music performance featuring some of the most notable names in rock and country music.

When it’s time for business, you’ll find the largest SHOT Show ever waiting for you. More than 2,400 companies are exhibiting in our two main venues, including, I’m happy to say, many companies formerly on the exhibitor waiting list. SHOT Show has historically provided a launching pad for these small companies, sending many of them into an orbit of business success.

SHOT Show is designed to meet the needs of nearly every segment of industry—manufacturers, wholesalers, firearm retailers, shooting range operators, suppliers, media, and associated groups involved with hunting, shooting, conservation, and firearm safety. Law enforcement and armed forces representatives are here as well. Only at SHOT Show will buyers see the largest collection of new products coming to market, access exclusive distributor deals, talk directly with manufacturers, learn about the latest compliance and regulatory issues, and absorb strategies for success in today’s changing business environment.

We know that Americans from all backgrounds are exercising their Second Amendment rights, as sales of firearms and ammunition continue at historic high levels. The growth of Black, Hispanic, and Asian owners demonstrates the appeal of firearms to all Americans, whether for sporting purposes, hunting, or security. The products all of us buy often begin their journey in the marketplace at the SHOT Show.

I think of SHOT Show as an exclamation point for this great industry. The show is about business, of course, but it’s also a celebration of our industry and our freedoms. I personally also look forward to renewing the friendships I’ve developed over the years. I know many of you feel the same way.

I know we’re all looking ahead to another successful year. At NSSF, our success, as well as our ability to serve our industry, depends on you because we couldn’t do all that we do without your participation at SHOT.

Have a great show!

Joe Bartozzi NSSF President and CEO

KIDS & CLAYS RAISES RECORD AMOUNT FOR CRITICALLY ILL CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES

What started with a single sporting clay event 25 years ago to help critically ill children and their families has grown into a leading national organization benefiting hundreds of thousands of families each year. In 2022, another milestone was reached as a net $3.2 million was raised from 40 events.

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

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has been a key sponsor and advocate of the Kids & Clays Foundation for nearly 25 years.

Come See Us At Booth 12277

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They are leading sponsors of events in Connecticut, New York, and across the country.

“When you support Kids & Clays, you are helping children and their families at a time when they need it the most,” says Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice-president and CMO. “This is simply a cause we must support, and we encourage all companies to get involved. Every dollar donated to Kids & Clays, whether it be cash or product, makes a great difference in the lives of many.”

Founded in 1999 by McDonald owner-operators Glenn and Kathy Lubeznik from Michigan City, Indiana, the first Kids & Clays Foundation/RMHC event raised $15,800 for the RMHC of Chicagoland and northwest Indiana Chapter. In 2022, the Kids & Clays Foundation series of events has grown to 40 in 23 states and has raised more than $27 million net to date to help critically ill children and their families.

“The success of Kids & Clays and its subsequent support of Ronald McDonald Houses is made possible by the incredible help of dozens of key companies and individuals within our outdoor community,” says Todd Kemmerer, president of Kids & Clays. “Our events are proof about how shooting enthusiasts are making a large difference in the lives of families from coast to coast. We can’t thank the outdoor community enough.”

Kids & Clays also relies heavily on sponsors from suppliers to McDonalds Corporation and other non-outdoor companies to fulfill its mission. In addition to NSSF, sponsors at the 2023 SHOT Show include Alps Outdoorz, Baron Engineering and Design, Beretta, Briley, Boyt Harness, Browning, Champion Target, Federal Ammunition, Gunbroker, Hoppe’s, Mantis, Mossberg, Oneida Molded Plastics, Otis Technology, Promatic, Ruger, Savage Arms, Vista Outdoor, White Flyer, and Winchester. Booth #41052

(kidsandclays.com)

 Sporting Clays events help the Kids & Clays Foundation fulfill its mission.

CHAD MENDES

GUEST APPEARANCE & SWEEPSTAKES JAN 19TH 9AM - 3PM

PELICAN + BARRETT

SHOT SHOW 2023 SWEEPSTAKES

PRIZE INCLUDES:

- Pelican 1755 Air Case - Barrett 18479 MRAD 338LM,26” Barrell, FDE - Nightforce ATACR 7-35x56 F1 Rifl escope - Nightforce Xtreme Duty™ Compact Magmount™, 1.5”, 0MOA - Barrett Cleaning Kit, Tool Kit & Bench Mat

BARRETT EXECUTIVE APPEARANCE JAN 18 - 3PM

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. U.S. residents only, 21+. Void in AK, HI, PR, and where prohibited. Enter 1/17/23 - 1/18/23. Ends 1/18/23. Offi cial Rules available at entry location. Sponsor: Pelican Products, Inc., 23215 Early Ave., Torrance, CA 90505.

A FAMILY TRADITION

Stability, strength, service, and scale are the principles that for more than 180 years have driven Sports South through five generations of Dickson family leadership with one sole focus—distribution. In 1841, two Welsh immigrants opened an apothecary shop in the rural township of Shreveport. In its earliest days, the business supplied firearms and ammunition to pioneering farmers, soldiers, and lawmen. Early ads from the 1800s document the fledgling company selling muzzleloaders, shotguns, and pistols, along with everything else the pioneer was likely to need to survive in a frontier town: quinine to fight malaria, mustard to make plasters, and ammunition to fight varmints, scoundrels, and scallywags.

Today the family tradition continues with two distribution companies; Sports South, LLC, which represents the sporting goods industry, and Morris & Dickson Co., LLC, which represents the pharmaceutical industry. Every day, Sports South meets the challenges set forth by its founding fathers by providing the right product to the right place at the right time.

As the country’s oldest and largest distributor of firearms, ammunition, and accessories, Sports South maintains its leadership position through the relentless pursuit of new ideas and new thinking to drive long-term success and growth. With the nation’s largest concentration of shooting sports inventory from all the leading manufacturers under one roof, Sports South can deliver unmatched distribution services to its customers.

Sports South is a family company, and these values permeate its culture to all its employees and its customers. Hard work, education, and hands-on involvement, along with the assured well-being and livelihood of hundreds of employees, reinforce the company's dedication to its origin.

Booth #12070

(theshootingwarehouse.COM)

THE NEW ZEPHYR MK2 LINE Tested. Proven. Certified to the highest standards – that’s the NEW Zephyr MK2 line. More technical, more durable and even higher-performance than the original best-selling INNOVATION TAKEN TO THE NEXT LEVEL Zephyr models, these boots are EU PPE certified*, and available for men and women in mid, hi and low cuts, in Gore-Tex and non-Gore Tex options and in multiple colors. Select models are available in WIDE!

NEW BOOTH #10162 Visit our new booth to see the LOWA 2023 Hunting & Task Force Collections 2023 Hunting & Task Force Collections

ZEPHYR MK2 GTX HI Ranger Green ZEPHYR MK2 GTX MID Coyote OP

*Tested and certifi ed according to European Union (EU) PPE Regulations (2020). PPE regulations cover the design, manufacture and marketing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). They defi ne the legal obligations required to ensure that PPE on the EU internal market (the European Economic Area, known as the EEA) provide the highest level of protection against risks.

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY UPDATES ITS ONLINE STORE

Springfield Armory recently rolled out its newly updated and expanded online store. Designed to provide customers with an easy-to-use interface as well as a broad selection of exciting products, the newly updated online store makes getting just the right Springfield product or accessory a breeze.

One of the site’s most appealing new features is the ability to search by firearms model. Simply select your firearm, and the site will give you an indepth listing of all the accessories and parts offered for it. If you want an extra magazine, a new holster, an optic, or more, you’ll find it here.

In addition, a new airguns section features a selection of air pistols and air rifles based on popular Springfield Armory firearms. The section also features all the accessories you need, from targets and pellets to CO2 cartridges and more.

And the online store is not limited only to firearm-specific accessories. It also offers a wide range of men’s and women’s apparel as well as drinkware, knives, patches, signs, and more. In addition, the Springfield Armory online store offers free shipping throughout the continental U.S. on all orders over $50.

“We understand and appreciate our customers want their online shopping experience to be streamlined and easy to navigate,” says accessory product manager Allen Remley. “Our new platform not only gives a refreshed look, but allows for easier search, filtering, and product categorization functions to deliver an enhanced and improved consumer shopping experience.”

Booth #11217

(springfield-armory.com)

THERE ARE AMMO PLANTS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING NEARLY FOUR MILLION ROUNDS A DAY. THAT’S NOT US. WE ARE A CRAFT AMMUNITION MAKER, and you can’t automate craft.

Our process is slow, on purpose.

SLOW SO WE CAN WATCH EACH ROUND BEING MADE. SLOW SO THAT EVERY SINGLE ONE CAN BE HELD AND INSPECTED BY HAND BEFORE EARNING OUR NAME.

WE PRODUCE IN SMALL QUANTITIES, EACH OF OUR STATIONS CRAFTING NO MORE THAN 20,000 ROUNDS PER DAY. WE’RE A BOUTIQUE AMMO COMPANY IN THAT SENSE. more is not better. better is better.

OUR PRODUCT HAS BEEN COMPARED TO HANDMADE JEWELRY, BECAUSE IT’S MADE BY PEOPLE WHOSE CRAFT TOOK YEARS TO DEVELOP. AND YOU CAN’T recreate craft in any kind of artificial way.

Answering the Call

Competition shooters demand consistent performance from their shotgun ammo. Federal Premium has answered the call.

By Slaton L. White

Competition clay target shooters are picky about the ammo they use. They know off-brand shells produce inconsistent patterns, and an inconsistent pattern can result in a missed target, one that may spell the difference between being atop the leader board at the end of the day or ruing that missed high overhead.

Two years ago, Federal released a premium shell, called High Over All (HOA), designed for this level of competition.

“We designed this load with a several goals in mind—high reloadability, consistent patterns, soft shooting, and premium performance,” says Dan Compton, Federal’s shotshell product line director. “We started with a one-piece tapered hull design. Onepiece hulls are very strong and typically you get more reloads out of them.”

Federal Premium target hulls have traditionally been onepiece, but had a straight-wall internal geometry as well. By shifting to a tapered design, Federal is giving reloaders a greater variety of wads with which to customize their load of choice.

A new hull geometry required a new wad design for High Over All. “The one-piece Podium wad provides uniform compression to protect the shot and produce the most consistent pattern. Shooters have really enjoyed how light the loads feel,” Compton says.

When designing Federal Premium High Over All, the company’s engineers knew the wad would be a critical component. So, they gave the Podium wad an exclusive crush-zone design that cushions the payload for less deformation. It also equalizes pressures for better pattern efficiency and reduces felt recoil for more comfortable shooting.

That high-antimony lead shot also plays a vital part in HOA’s downrange performance. “At ignition, shotshell pellets are subjected to incredible forces that can deform them and degrade patterns,” says Compton. “To combat this, the lead we used in HOA’s pellets is blended with antimony, a metal long known for its hardness. The process makes the shot hard enough to resist deformation.”

In addition, the High Over All hulls feature a solid brass head. “Solid brass can help with extraction in tighter chambers and makes resizing easier on a reloading bench,” says Compton

So, if this product is so good, why haven’t you heard about it or stocked it?

Blame COVID. Federal introduced High Over All in 2021, right in the middle of the supply-chain disruptions caused by the global pandemic. They weren’t the only manufacturer to delay new products. Many others were working around the clock to fulfill existing orders that were backordered due to incredible consumer demand.

But now you will see a renewed push by Federal to get HOA into the hands of retailers and the shooters who need it most. “In 2023, dealers will be happy to know that we are laser-focused on adding a robust variety of 20- and 28-gauge loads, plus .410 bore, to the already fat lineup of 12-gauge loads,” Compton says. “This way, dealers will have more to sell to their customers. Shooters who love and appreciate the performance of HOA can now get it for their sub-gauges as well. Technical specifics of those sub-gauge additions will be optimized to the most popular loads that competition shooters require.”

Booth #11338

(federalpremium.com)  The one-piece Podium wad provides uniform compression to protect the shot and produce the most consistent pattern.

 By shifting to a tapered design for its HOA shotshell ammo, Federal is giving reloaders a greater variety of wads with which to customize their load of choice.

Increasing Industry’s Involvement in Suicide Prevention

Last summer in Denver, NSSF—The Firearm Industry Trade Association—and the Department of Veterans Affairs conducted a roundtable to explore expanding the industry’s efforts to reach firearm owners with education about mental health, preventing suicide, and deterring access to methods of selfharm. Representatives from influential manufacturers such as Smith & Wesson, Glock, Magpul, and Ruger contributed significantly to the discussion. Given the passion shown by attendees for taking increased action to deliver messaging on preventing suicide, it was decided to make the roundtable an annual event, with more industry companies involved the next time around.

Leading the session were Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO, and Dr. Matthew Miller, VA National Director of Suicide Prevention. In his opening remarks, Bartozzi said, “The messenger matters; our industry can help bridge the gap between the suicide prevention community and gun owners to support secure storage while protecting the right to bear arms.”

Miller reminded the audience that prevention and respect for firearm ownership can go together. “Suicide is preventable and not inevitable,” he said. “Veterans believe that firearms are important to them for readiness and safety. We need to respect readiness and personal rights while at the same time increasing time and space in a suicidal crisis.”

Fifty percent of all suicides involve a firearm—a number that reaches 70 percent for veterans. The final decision to attempt suicide often occurs within minutes, which is why putting “time and space” between a person with suicidal thoughts and lethal means, whether it’s a firearm or not, can save a life.

Storing firearms securely or temporarily removing them to offsite storage when a person is in crisis are steps gun owners and their families can take to help prevent a tragedy. Also, reaching out to someone you’re concerned about and asking directly about suicide and encouraging that person to seek help is the right thing to do. “Talking about suicidal thoughts and showing concern will not put someone at greater risk,” states the AFSP-NSSF Firearms and Suicide prevention brochure.

Companies large and small can help deliver these important messages to their customers. To make it easy for them to do, an initiative strongly advocated for in a roundtable breakout session was the formation of a hub website to make sample messaging and information on suicide prevention programs available. The hub website project is underway.

Many statistics are cited when discussing suicide, but one that captures the emotional toll is that 56 percent of Americans have been affected by suicide. When NSSF, VA, and AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention) rolled out their suicide prevention toolkits for firearm retailers, shooting ranges, and communities, feedback revealed many in the firearm-owning community had experienced tragic loss from suicide (not only by firearm).

Bartozzi, Miller, and others, including Mike Sodini of Walk the Talk America, have each personally been touched by suicide. Their personal loss fuels their motivation to build cooperative efforts with industry companies and groups like the U.S. Concealed Carry Association, Armed Women of America, and others. Goals include removing the stigma of talking about mental health and suicide, stressing secure storage, and reminding people we all have mental health just as we have physical health, and both need to be cared for.

Industry can do more, is what they are saying, and the NSSF-VA Roundtable was a big first step in that direction.

An article about the roundtable in the Guns & Ammo 2023 Annual summed it up this way, “These champions can do what public health officials could not: Use their unassailable pro-firearm credentials and speak from personal experience of loss to ensure these messages break through. With the firearms community on board, we can better work to turn the tide.”

If you or anyone you know is in crisis, dial 988 for support. For the Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 and press 1.

RESOURCES AT SHOT SHOW

Many groups providing resources about mental health, suicide prevention, and secure firearm storage are at SHOT Show, including NSSF, VA, AFSP, Walk the Talk America, Hold My Guns, and NSSF’s Project ChildSafe. NSSF encourages you to use the QR code found on signs around SHOT Show to locate resources and the booths of these organizations.

Media wanting to cover the industry’s initiatives on suicide prevention, and companies interested in attending the next summer’s VA-NSSF Roundtable, should reach out to NSSF’s Bill Brassard. (bbrassard@nssf.org)

5.11 Tactical Continues Its Growth Spurt

5

.11 Tactical celebrated the grand opening of its 100th company-owned retail store last fall. The store, located in Oxnard, California, marked a major milestone in the brand’s retail expansion and growth since it introduced its first company-owned retail location in 2014.

“Strategic and aggressive retail expansion has been one of our top priorities in recent years and getting to 100 locations has been a major milestone for us,” said 5.11’s CEO Francisco J. Morales. “A larger retail presence allows us to offer the full 5.11 experience to existing customers while at the same time creating opportunities to introduce new customers to our outstanding products. We’re thrilled to reach 100 stores and excited to continue our growth into the future.”

Known for its technical apparel, footwear, and gear that’s popular with public safety professionals and military personnel, 5.11’s full product offering provides items designed to keep outdoor adventurers, fitness fanatics, and tactical enthusiasts equipped and ready for anything. The brand’s purpose-built product lines vary from workout equipment and apparel to everyday clothing options and much more.

“5.11’s approach to serving our consumers is to provide them with what we call ‘optionality,’” said Mark Parker, 5.11’s senior vice president. “From our robust e-commerce business, to the way our brand comes to life in our retail locations, and to our many wholesale partners our focus has always been to serve our first responders while welcoming new consumers to our brand. Reaching 100 retail stores shows our commitment to achieve this across the U.S.”

Currently, 5.11 owns retail locations in 31 states with larger metropolitan areas serving as a hub for several convenient locations that offers customer easy access and additional shopping opportunities nearby. 5.11 Oxnard joins the ranks as 5.11’s twentieth store in California.

“Whether it’s for everyday use, outdoor adventures, on-duty use by public safety professionals, or fitness training, we offer gear that is made to help users perform their best in all aspects of life,” said CMO Debra Radcliff. “Our retail locations provide an ideal opportunity for tactical professionals and outdoor enthusiasts to engage with the 5.11 brand and its knowledgeable staff. The stores feature a complete product offering tailored specifically to each region, including head-to-toe apparel and gear for men and women.”

With its roots in servicing the law enforcement, first responder, and military communities, 5.11 prides itself on hiring former servicemen and women and veterans from the local area, whenever possible. Booth #10334

 Aggressive retail expansion has been a top prioritiy for 5.11 and getting to 100 locations has been a major milestone.

(511tactical.com) The stores feature a complete product offering tailored specifically to each region, including head-to-toe apparel and gear for men and women.”

 The stores feature a complete product offering tailored specifically to each region, including head-to-toe apparel and gear.

PERFECT SOLUTION

Stealth Operator and Pitbull Tactical Team Up.

Inventory control is a key component of a retailer’s overall profitability. And one nagging issue in this arena is the number of holsters you’re required to stock to meet customer demand. You’ve no doubt learned that some models sell much faster than others while some sit there month after month after month gathering nothing but dust.

Stealth Operator, a manufacturer of highquality nylon-polymer and leather handgun holsters, body armor, armor carriers, and other accessories, is here to help. In fact, for the past 10 years, the company has produced the bestselling multi-fit gun holster.

“With one SKU covering more than 150 different firearms—including Glock, Sig Sauer, Taurus, Smith & Wesson, Springfield, and much more—we are the perfect solution for the multigun owner or the dealer looking to cut down on their extensive holster inventory,” says Andy Marr, Stealth Operator’s business director.

For the past 10 years, Stealth Operator has produced the bestselling multi-fit gun holster.

“Offered in outside and inside the waistband configurations, as well as in right- and left-hand versions, Stealth Operator truly has everyone covered.”

Stealth Operator is now upping the game by partnering with Pitbull Tactical to offer dealers another way to reduce their inventory clutter. The Pitbull Tactical Universal Mag Carrier (UMC) fits any magazine from a single-stack 9mm to a double-stack .45 while maintaining a low profile.

“The UMC is the ultimate complement to the Stealth Operator holster,” says Marr. “Whether your customer carries every day or just needs a range solution, the combination of a Stealth Operator holster with the Pitbull Tactical UMC is a terrific selling duo.”

“In addition, dealers will no longer need to carry a myriad of holster configurations. With Stealth Operator and Pitbull Tactical, dealers now have at hand the solution to that massive inventory-heavy holster wall. Stop carrying holsters that don’t move by replacing them with holsters that work with practically every gun and magazine you carry.”

According to Marr, both holsters offer positive retention with absolutely no adjustments.

“Stealth Operator, with its patented Frame-Loc Technology, fits more than 150 different models with positive retention,” he says. “This is not a cheap woven nylon ‘universal’ holster with no active retention. The Stealth Operator holds your gun securely in place until you need it. The Pitbull UMC uses a reinforced silicone flex band that automatically expands to fit both single- and double-stack magazines. The UMC also will work with the rounds facing either forward or backward, so you can change your carry orientation without adjustment.”

Stealth Operator and Pitbull Tactical are 100-percent made in the USA and carry limited lifetime warranties.

Booth #20430

(stealthoperator.com; pitbulltactical.com)  The Pitbull Tactical Universal Mag Carrier (UMC) fits any magazine from a single-stack 9mm to a double-stack .45 while maintaining a low profile.

VIP Networking and Nightlife Packages

Gain access to exclusive industry networking events and VIP “Guest List” entrance to some of the hottest nightclubs in Las Vegas during SHOT Show.

fuseignited.com/shotshow

Packages start at $79 per person and availability is limited.

2023 OFFICIAL PARTNER

Lifetime Warranty •Satisfaction Guaranteed Technical Help Available • High Strength 17/4 Stainless Specialty Chokes Available

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