SHOOTING HUNTING OUTDOOR TRADE SHOW 1979–2011
NSSF
NEW PRODUCT REPORTS SHOT DAILY hits the floor to find the latest and greatest products from the show P. 52. Also, check out new air guns P. 16 and what’s new in airsoft P. 22
NEWS *THE EVOLVING MUT
The new generation of multi-tools has arrived with Leatherman’s MUT EOD, expressly designed for the warrior in the field. SEE PAGE 4
The Daily News of the 2011 Las Vegas SHOT Show Brought to You by The Bonnier Corporation and the NSSF
A Father’s Tribute J eff Falkel, a veteran and father of Chris Falkel—a staff sergeant with the Third Special Forces Group who was killed in action on August 8, 2005, during the battle of Nari Ghar—is honoring his late son with a book titled The Making of Our Warrior. “When Chris was seven, he decided he wanted to be a solider, and we started training together one year later,” says Falkel. “We worked on fitness, stalked pronghorn, estimated yardage on golf courses and, when he was old enough, practiced shooting on a regular basis. His high-school graduation gift was a sniper rifle.” During the three-day battle, Chris Falkel dispatched 51 Taliban while
*WINCHESTER PRESENTS AWARDS The ammo company recognizes Dealer and Distributor of the Year for 2010. SEE PAGE 8
*HOW TO SELL AIRSOFT GUNS AND GEAR It’s really not all that hard to turn a game into a profit center. SEE PAGE 50
*THE MATCH GAME
Jeff Falkel has written a moving tribute to his son, Chris, an Army sniper who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005.
Nikon makes matching the perfect scope to the right gun easy. SEE PAGE 56
NSSF Honors Smith
FEATURES *CASE LOGIC
What does the Chicago v. McDonald case mean to you? SEE PAGE 32
*GET YOUR CUSTOMER’S COWBOY ON
Cowboy action shooting is a fastgrowing activity. Do you know how to sell it? SEE PAGE 36
*OUTSIDE HELP
Why a dealer group might be right for you. SEE PAGE 48
DAY 4, JANUARY 2 1, 2 011
Yesterday the NSSF presented a plaque to staffer Jim Smith, recognizing his efforts over the past decade to improve Boy Scout participation in the shooting sports. “Today, shooting sports account for 64 percent of the activity of Scouts in the field,” said Zach Snow, NSSF’s shooting promotions manager. “Before Jim got to work on this, the figure was only 48 percent.”
operating a .50-caliber in the rear column position on top of a Humvee. He was so successful during the fight that he eventually became the focus of nearly all the incoming fire. For his valor and the lives he bravely saved in his platoon, Sergeant Falkel was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart. “I started writing the book two days after he was killed,” says Falkel. “It became my way to heal the pain of Chris’s death. I wanted others to understand the caliber of the man.” All profits from the book are donated to the More Than a Name Foundation, which provides veterans and their families a chance to tell the stories of their loved ones. Falkel will sign copies of the book at the Freedom Hunters booth from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. today. Booth #L251. —Peter B. Mathiesen
Mossberg On a Roll O.F. Mossberg has built a loyal following among hunters with its versatile, value-conscious shotgun lineup. While Mossberg’s core of “More Gun for the Money” will not change for 2011, the company’s profile is about to get a lot higher. You can expect customers—especially the younger crowd—to be more aware of the Mossberg brand than ever before. Recently, the company announced the signing of exhibition shooters Patrick Flanigan and Jerry Miculek, who will use Mossberg products. Flanigan, who previously set records for breaking hand-thrown targets with the Winchester Super X3, will use Mossberg shotguns in his exhibitions. Champion handgun shooter Jerry Miculek will be shooting Mossberg shotguns in 3-gun events. Also, Mossberg is partnering with Mossy Oak to supply guns for the new Turkey Thugs TV show on the Pursuit Channel, and will sell a line of “Turkey Thug” shotguns. Finally, Mossberg announced the hiring of Linda Powell to head up its media relations. Powell, who per-
Mossberg’s Polly Ditch shows off a new Model 500 breeching gun, aka the “Chainsaw.”
formed the same job at Remington, will be working with the outdoors media to generate more stories. “This company has a long and fascinating story, and I am eager to help them tell it,” says Powell. Stop by the booth to see the Turkey Thug shotguns as well other new 2011 products, like the Model 500 breeching gun—your customers will be talking about them. Booth #12734.—Phil Bourjaily
DAY 4, JANUARY 21, 2011 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ 1