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Dave Baron Honored with NSSF Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award
NSSF yesterday presented its highest honor—the Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award—to Dave Baron, former owner and CEO of Baron Technology, a Connecticut-based firm known throughout the firearm industry for its quality engraving and finishing services. The award was presented at NSSF’s annual Members Meeting.
The NSSF Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves by their long-term commitment to the success of the industry and by their support of NSSF’s mission to promote, protect, and preserve hunting and the shooting sports.
Throughout his career, Baron has given back to his industry and the people—youth and adults— who use its products responsibly for enjoyment in recreational shooting and hunting. His dedication to supporting youth programs monetarily and with his own time connects with his passion for conservation and doing his part to help the shooting sports endure.
After six years with the U.S. Marines, Baron joined the family business in 1982, the year it was founded by his father, Frank. Baron has spent his entire career there, rising to president, CEO, and owner. The company, which grew rapidly, made its mark engraving and detailing countless collectible firearms and other products— many of them used in fundraiser auctions to benefit worthy causes.
Baron’s particular interest has been to support youth participation in the
shooting sports as well as children who struggle with illness and disease. He has been a board member and president of the Kids and Clays Foundation, which supports Ronald McDonald House through fundraising clay shoots around the country. He currently serves on the boards of the Youth Shooting Sports Alliance, 4-H Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Wild Turkey Foundation.
His life of service and generosity has brought him other accolades, including twice being named SHOT Business Person of the Year, earning the NRA Personal Achievement Award, and being named to Outdoor Life’s “25 People Who Have Changed the Face of Shooting and Hunting.”
Baron has long supported the NSSF and its Project ChildSafe firearm safety program, the NRA Foundation, and Friends of NRA. He was a founding member of Youth Shooting Sports Association, which was organized to deliver firearms, ammunition, targets, and supplies to youth shooting programs across the nation.
“Dave Baron is a kind, generous person who has always looked for opportunities to lend support in the shooting sports community and outside of it to help those in need,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. “His example of giving back inspires us all.”
“My passion has always been with developing the next generation,” said Baron. “They need to love shooting and conservation just like we do. The future of all we hold dear depends on our best efforts now!”
The award’s namesake, Ken Sedlecky, had a long career at Smith & Wesson, was inducted into the National Skeet Shooting Hall of Fame, and was known for mentoring new youth and adult target shooters.
Dave Baron (center), Dave Miles, president of Baron Technology Inc., (left), and Bob Scott, chairman of the NSSF Board of Governors.
Firearm Industry Inducts Three into NSSF Hall of Fame
NSSF, The Trade Association of the Firearm Industry, honored three inductees to its Hall of Fame at the 2023 SHOT Show, recognizing them for their leadership that spanned decades and their contributions to the growth of the industry and expanding the shooting sports. Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO, praised the three men in remarks made yesterday at the NSSF Members Meeting at the SHOT Show. SHOT Show is the largest trade show of hunting, shooting, law enforcement, and outdoor-related products in the world.
“Pausing at the SHOT Show to recognize our past leaders and their accomplishments reminds us that their efforts and involvement have benefitted our industry in so many ways. They have contributed to our heritage through the companies they ran, the products they helped create, and their unique individual talents. For that and so much more, they deserve this honor and our praise,” said Bartozzi.
The inductees and their accomplishments are detailed in large panels at the SHOT Show, visible to the tens of thousands of trade professionals in attendance.
The 2023 inductees to the NSSF Hall of Fame are Bob Behn, Richard Lipsey, and Bill Ruger, Sr.
BOB BEHN
Robert W. Behn joined the Marlin Firearms Company in 1969, eventually rising through the ranks to serve as the company’s President from 1997-2007 and then CEO until his retirement in 2008. After retiring from Marlin, Behn became a senior advisor to the executive chairman of Remington Arms while also serving as a director of Remington’s board. He is a past vice chairman of NSSF’s Board of Governors as well as a past board member of the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI). Behn is a recipient of NSSF’s Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award.
RICHARD A. LIPSEY
Richard Lipsey is the founder of powerhouse wholesaler and distributor Lipsey’s. His career in the sporting goods industry has spanned nearly 60 years, during which he built Lipsey’s into one of the largest distributors in the country. A dedicated conservationist, particularly in the area of wetlands, coastal, and waterfowl conservation across North America and in his home state of Louisiana, Lipsey is renowned for his philanthropy on the local, state, and federal levels. A staunch supporter of NSSF and its wide-ranging efforts over the years, Lipsey is a recipient of one of the most popular target pistols in widespread use. Beyond his extraordinary accomplishments in the firearm field, Bill was a charter founder of NSSF and a tremendous supporter of the foundation’s efforts.
“The NSSF Hall of Fame reminds everyone of the pride we take in our industry and what our leaders then and now stand up for—the freedom to make, own, and use firearms responsibly in America,” said Bartozzi.
This prestigious group of 2023 NSSF Hall of Fame inductees joins the ranks of past honorees, whose biographies can be found on NSSF’s Hall of Fame website (nssf.org/about-us/halloffame). NSSF unveiled the Hall of Fame concept and inducted the inaugural class of six at the 2020 SHOT Show. No Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place in 2021 when SHOT Show was conducted virtually due to the pandemic. Six were inducted last year—three each for 2021 and 2022.
NSSF’s Ken Sedlecky Lifetime Achievement Award.
BILL RUGER
William B. Ruger, Sr. was the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Sturm, Ruger & Company. Widely recognized as one of America’s greatest gun designers, Bill led the company to becoming the largest firearm manufacturer in the United States. He had a hand in the original design and timehonored styling of every firearm his company produced, and he continued to work on new creations up until his death in 2002. His first firearm introduction in 1949, a stylish .22 caliber target pistol, was considered “the first gun” of many Americans and is still
New KOR Case At SHOT
The new VRS 5er system from Kor Cases replaces the bottom layer of foam in a gun case, allowing the user to configure one case for multiple guns. It uses a patented foamreplacement technology to deliver a tailormade carrying solution for virtually any long gun, thus eliminating the need for cutting and storing foam inserts.
“Never cut, pluck, or pay for foam again,” says G.P. Searle, founder of KOR Cases. “You simply adjust the VRS 5er system and configure the case for a different gun. You save space and money by needing only one case. The VRS 5er retrofits your current case, making it truly universal.”
Booth #40309
All-Star
Jam Concert
An All-Star Jam Concert (part of the new SHOT After Dark program) took place Wednesday evening outside Caesars Forum on the outdoor plaza. Presented by Outdoor Sportsman Group, the concert featured .38 Special’s Don Barnes, Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery, and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top. The concert was free to all 2023 SHOT Show attendees and exhibitors. Additional supporting sponsors included Glock and Federal and Remington Ammunition.
CNC Solutions
Methods Machine Tools, Inc. carries world-class CNC solutions that offer the latest in multi-axis machining for increased efficiencies and improved production capacity for shops that manufacture recreational firearms components and parts. Examples of their offerings include Vertical CNC machine solutions that optimize the automation and production of precisely manufactured parts to maximize your profitability and ROI, CNC machining solutions with fiveaxis capabilities that minimize multiple setups and material handling in addition to opening new possibilities for manufacturing complex parts, and best-in-class inspection performance and measurement accuracy using VisionGauge digital optical comparators to minimize product defects and lack of conformity for manufacturers.
At the SHOT Show Supplier Showcase (Booth #51319), Methods teamed up in its booth with Beamer Laser Marking Systems, an all-American manufacturer, with the critical marking expertise that any firearms manufacturer—from small shops to the very largest manufacturers— needs. Laser marking is fast, flexible, repeatable, durable, and it’s a onebutton operation. It saves time in the manufacturing process (in some cases, as much as three minutes per part) because it relies on programable actions that reduce operator interface. Critical information like Evolve Range Solutions has introduced two new and updated products: the EV-R Target System and EV-1 Advance Target. The EV-R combines the latest video, digital, and gaming technology to provide an experience that will attract a new generation to the shooting sports. Shooters can see their targets and leaderboard scoring on their smartphone. The proprietary hit-detection is so precise it even works with airsoft.
The EV-1 Advance Target utilizes pre-printed targets that are on a roll held by a patented stand and advance unit. This affordable system allows the shooter or range officer to advance to a fresh target by operating a switch. No need to call a cease-fire to change targets on pistol or rifle ranges.
Booth #72912
serial numbers and Item Unique Identifier Data (IUID) labels can be created with consistency throughout the production of all parts and components. This speeds up cycle time and improves productivity.
“The Supplier Showcase is a valuable venue for us,” said Methods sales rep Jason Gray. “It gives us the opportunity to meet new customers in the firearms manufacturing community.”
New Chassis Assembly From Luth-AR
The new Luth-AR Modular Chassis Assembly (MCA-22) is a rimfire chassis designed to fit Ruger 10/22 and other similar actions and barrels. Constructed with highstrength glass-flled nylon and 6061 aluminum and steel, it is easily installed and gives recreational, hunting, and competition shooters a lightweight and ergonomic platform. Other features include an ambidextrous gooseneck style pistol grip with palm swell and a click-adjustable cheek piece. Booth #42804
(luth-ar.com)
Tool Barcode Upgrade
Caron Engineering, which participated in the Supplier Showcase earlier this week, announced an upgrade to its ToolConnect system. ToolConnect is a process control system that automatically transfers tool measurement data generated by a tool presetter and sends it directly to the CNC control. This system was designed for tools with RFID tags embedded in tool holders as the primary data carriers. Now, ToolConnect can also transfer tool measurement data via 2D (presetter) printed barcode tags.
The ToolConnect barcode application uses a barcode scanner at the machine tool to scan the presetter generated barcode. ToolConnect reads and processes the barcode data, displays all tool and process information and then automatically updates the offsets to the correct fields in the control. No operator data entry is required.
Booth #51338 (caroneng.com)
New Target Systems
(evolverangesolutions.com)
NSSF Holds Second Governors’ Forum at SHOT Show
The Governors’ Forum, hosted by NSSF’s Lawrence G. Keane, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs and General Counsel, took place Wednesday afternoon at the 2023 SHOT Show. “This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from governors of the importance of the firearm industry and issues important to them,” said Keene in his introductory remarks. “Last year’s forum was so successful that we wanted to create another event to welcome these governors to speak directly with show attendees and industry media. NSSF has regularly welcomed governors, but this is a truly special chance to gather these governors in one space to speak about the importance of a growing and vibrant firearm industry to their states.”
In all, seven governors participated. In alphabetical order (of the states they represent) the panel consisted of Idaho Governor Brad Little, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon.
The wide-ranging discussion, moderated by Keane, covered such key topics as fostering a pro-business climate for firearm manufacturers, protecting the Second Amendment, and fighting back against ESG (environmental, social, and government) investment activism that not only harms the firearm industry, but also millions of Americans who exercise their constitutional right to responsibly use firearms. Each of the seven governors also emphasized that their administrations intend to pursue policies that will make their respective states pro-business magnets where members of the firearm industry will not face onerous regulation, unfavorable tax codes, or other legislation that will unduly restrict their ability to prosper.
Gov. Gordon drew applause with his answer to the question, “What is your secret sauce that allows you to successfully attract members of the firearm industry to your state?” He said, “We care about the Second Amendment, and we care about the firearm industry. Wyoming will stand at your side.”
Newly elected Nevada Governor Lombardo re-affirmed his support for the SHOT Show and said he is committed to seeing that Las Vegas remains a welcoming venue for the firearm industry. “There is a new sheriff in town, and as a former sheriff I can say that.”
Range of Opportunities
Firearms manufacturers located in a state that no longer welcomes such businesses should take a close look at Georgia. According to Bert Brantley, Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Brian Kemp, Georgia is home to highly skilled machinists, offers excellent infrastructure, and its population of hunting enthusiasts makes it the ideal location for firearms manufacturers. With great manufacturers and suppliers like Taurus and Check-Mate located in southwest Georgia, Daniel Defense on the coast, and over 70 small- and medium-size enterprises scattered throughout the state making hunting rifles, shotguns, pistols, semi-automatic militarystyle rifles, parts, accessories and ammunition, the industry is responsible for over 4,630 jobs in 2020, according to data from the National Shooting Sports Foundation.
“The state’s business recruiters began aggressively courting gunmakers six years ago after noticing a trend,” says Brantley. “Firearms manufacturers were fleeing the northeast, where some states have passed more stringent gun laws, and are relocating to politically friendlier southern climates. These recruiting efforts are now paying off.”
In November 2021, Remington Firearms announced that its global headquarters, a new advanced manufacturing facility, and a research and development center would locate in LaGrange, and in September 2022, Beretta Holding S.A., through its subsidiary Norma Precision Inc., announced plans to expand its footprint in Georgia and build a new manufacturing, assembly, and distribution facility in Bryan County. The $60 million project will create 600 new jobs for which the company is currently hiring. Norma Precision will continue to develop and produce high-end ammunition to serve key markets in the hunting, sporting goods, optics, military, and law enforcement sectors.
“Georgia’s workforce of 5.3 million people represents all levels of experience, education, and diversity,” Brantley says. “More than 50,000 residents already work in fabricated metals and plastics manufacturing. In addition, Georgia is a rightto-work state with low union membership, resulting in lower business operating costs. The state also offers companies a competitive and friendly tax and regulatory environment.”
Governor Kemp has been a steadfast defender and supporter of the Second Amendment and is one of America’s most pro-gun governors. Recent pro-gun legislation signed by the governor includes House Bill 362 legalizing the new CVA .40 caliber muzzleloader for deer hunting, and last fall, he signed a proclamation establishing September 24 as Hunting and Fishing Day in Georgia to acknowledge the important conservation work that continues to be done because of the contributions of hunters and anglers.
Indeed, it is a state that offers a full range of opportunities for the manufacturers of firearms, ammunition, and related products. Booth #12407
(Georgia.org)
