Am 1 18 web

SHOT SHOW SPECIAL ISSUE

+ 200 MUST-SEE PRODUCTS

Guns, Gear, Ammo & More!

S VI S IT UTH AT B O O0 #172

S&W Team Captain

Julie Golob

The Right Stuff In Competition & Life

Colt’s Oddball M16 Variants

Beyond The Gun

Get More Game

Extend Your Effective Range

Complete Home Defense Strategy

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

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A MERIC A N

SHOOTING JOURNAL Volume 7 // Issue 4 // January 2018 PUBLISHER

James R. Baker ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Dick Openshaw

GENERAL MANAGER

John Rusnak

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Andy Walgamott EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Craig Hodgkins

LEAD CONTRIBUTOR

Rob Reed

CONTRIBUTORS

Tom Claycomb, Chris Cocoles, Megan Corazza, Scott Haugen, Buzz Ramsey SALES MANAGER

Katie Higgins

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Mamie Griffin, Mike Smith, Paul Yarnold PRODUCTION MANAGER

Sonjia Kells DESIGNERS

Kayla Mehring, Sam Rockwell, Jake Weipert PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Kelly Baker

OFFICE MANAGER/ ACCOUNTING

Audra Higgins

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Katie Sauro

Gentry Custom, LLC CUSTOM GUN MAKER

INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER

Lois Sanborn

WEBMASTER / INBOUND MARKETING

Jon Hines

DISTRIBUTION

Gary Bickford, Barry Johnston, Tony Sorrentino ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

ads@americanshootingjournal.com

Where guns are not a hobby BUT

a way of life...

3-POSITION SAFETIES For Mauser, Remington and CZ

ON THE COVER Julie Golob is a shooting sports ambassador for several major brands, an author, a social media maven, a mother of two, and a seven-time USPSA Ladies Champion. (JULIE GOLOB)

QUIET MUZZLE BRAKES We offer 5/8x24 Threads

Website: AmericanShootingJournal.com Facebook: Facebook.com/AmericanShootingJournal Twitter: @AmericanShootingJournal

MEDIA INDEX PUBLISHING GROUP WASHINGTON OFFICE P.O. Box 24365 • Seattle, WA 98124-0365 14240 Interurban Ave. S. Ste. 190 • Tukwila, WA 98168

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buy direct // dealers welcome

OREGON OFFICE 8116 SW Durham Rd • Tigard, OR 97224

GENTRYCUSTOM.COM • (406) 388-GUNS

(206) 382-9220 • (800) 332-1736 • Fax (206) 382-9437 media@media-inc.com • www.media-inc.com

American Shooting Journal // January 2018

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CONTENTS

VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 4

FEATURES 67

HER PERFECT PARTNER From the time she was 5 years old right up to the current season, Megan Corazza has enjoyed the company of her father, Rich, on innumerable hunting trips in the wilds of Alaska. She dismounts long enough to share just a few of those memories with us.

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THE RIGHT STUFF

COLT’S ODDBALL TRIO A half-century is a long time for a standard-issue weapon such as the M16 to remain “standard.” Here is a quick look at three M16 variants from Colt that saw service.

135 ROAD HUNTER: AFTER THE SHOT Experienced hunters know that there is still plenty of work to do before and after your shot hits the mark and your quarry falls. Our man on the road, Scott Haugen, reaches deep into his book of knowledge to share a few tips.

179 BEYOND THE GUN While firearms are a key element for home defense, a complete home security plan encompasses much more, and writer Rob Reed discusses the advantages of a layered strategy to help keep you and your family safe.

203 EXTEND YOUR EFFECTIVE SHOOTING RANGE A rock-solid rest, dialed-in rifle and scope and improved ballistic knowledge are just a few of the components author Buzz Ramsey focused on when he took aim at improving his ability to effectively take game beyond 250 yards.

215 PUMP UP THE POPULARITY Shooters are always looking for a new caliber or gimmick, but it is becoming clear that the new breed of airguns are here to stay.

Writer Tom Claycomb covers two popular options that are blowing off the shelves.

(JULIE GOLOB)

From the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit to her seven USPSA Ladies championships, Julie Golob knows what it takes to become a leader, in competition and in life. Writer Rob Reed sits down with the busy competitor in a wide-ranging interview.

AMERICAN SHOOTING JOURNAL is published monthly by Media Index Publishing Group, 14240 Interurban Ave South Suite 190, Tukwila, WA 98168. Display Advertising. Call Media Index Publishing Group for a current rate card. Discounts for frequency advertising. All submitted materials become the property of Media Index Publishing Group and will not be returned. Copyright © 2017 Media Index Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording by any information storage or retrieval system, without the express written permission of the publisher. Printed in U.S.A.

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

Oregon Big Game 2018

RAFFLE HUNTS Winners get:

Extended season, including the Rut Hunt with any legal weapon Expanded hunt area

DEER • ELK • DEER/ELK COMBO • ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOAT PRONGHORN ANTELOPE • BIGHORN SHEEP

TICKETS ON SALE DECEMBER 1, 2017 For information visit www.OregonRaffleHunts.com or any Oregon POS license agent.

NEW THIS YEAR: Additional 30 days extended season americanshootingjournal.com 13

CONTENTS

29 22 31 55 65 81 93 119 125 147 149 189 201 213

SHOT SHOW 2018 PREVIEW

Win Prizes with ASJ’s ‘Golden Ticket!’

SHOT Show University Seminar Schedule Rifles Shotguns Optics Gear for Guns Ammunition Reloading Knives Gear Handguns Industry Adventure

DEPARTMENTS 17 19 21 25 207 218

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Editor’s Note Competition Calendar Gun Show Calendar Industry News Company Spotlight: Safari Club International Company Spotlight: Sanders Armory

American Shooting Journal // January 2018

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

EDITOR’S NOTE

H

appy New Year!

Each of us has a tendency to be either characteristically optimistic or pessimistic, and this is the time of year when our basic personalities can move to the forefront. You know what I mean.

Some of us look at the proverbial New Year’s Day glass as half full.

Others see it as not only half empty, but they also are positive that they see a small crack where the liquid is leaking out the bottom!

I don’t know about you, but I’m hopeful most of the time, so you pessimists may want to avoid me until February. To me, a new year brings hope, and an opportunity to try new and different things and visit new places or old favorites. Each coming year also offers me a chance to catch up with old friends and to make new ones. And in my line of work, one of the best ways to do that is my annual trek to Las Vegas for the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show.

You may have heard of it. In fact, we may have mentioned it a time or two in this issue.

OK‌obviously, SHOT is a big deal for us and for this industry, and even if you are not able to attend, you’re certainly interested in learning about what new products your favorite brands will be premiering there.

If you will be there, please stop by our American Shooting Journal booth No. 1720 for a visit. We’ve continued our tradition of offering a passel of prizes, which we award by spinning our enormous raffle wheel every hour on the hour from the first day of the show. We also feature one “big� prize each day.

How can you win one of these fabulous prizes? All you need to do is bring an ASJ “Golden Ticket� to the

booth during regular show hours, present it to one of our intrepid staffers, get in line, and spin the wheel when it is your turn. Each spot on the wheel is a guaranteed winner; where the wheel stops merely determines your prize.

Regular readers of this magazine will already have an edge, because

a printed copy of your personal Golden Ticket may be found on pages 22-23 of this issue. You can also visit the booth of one (or all!) of our partners listed on that same ticket, and they will give you a Golden Ticket as well. Good luck, and we hope to see you at SHOT! -Craig Hodgkins

Website: AmericanShootingJournal.com Facebook: Facebook.com/AmericanShootingJournal Twitter: @AmericanShootingJournal

Golden Ticket Vendors American Built Arms Booth 7006

MKS Booth 16144

Beyer Barrels Booth 2760

Rubber City/H&M Blacknitride Booth 1919

Can Can Concealment Booth 119

Tandemkross Booth 818

DEZ Tactical Booth 2119

Ulticlip Booth 2967

Handi-racker Booth 3761

Western Powders Booth 3227

Layke Tactical Booth 408

& More

Get a complete list of ticket outlets at our booth #1720!

Win prizes from Advantage Tactical/Wren Tech Industries, American Built Arms, ArachnaGrip, FrogLube, Avidity Arms, Beyer Barrels, Bore-Tech, Coast Cutlery, Colonel Blades, CYA Concealment, 'HOSKL 7DFWLFDO '(= 7DFWLFDO *XQĂ€JKWHUV ,QF +DQGL UDFNHU /D\NH 7DFWLFDO 0DQ *HDU 0DWKHZV 0F&XEHG 6WRFNV 0HWDOORLG )LUHDUPV 6SRUWV 0.6 2QWDULR .QLYHV 2UHJRQ 3DFN :RUNV 3UHVHQW Arms, Rainbow Technologies, Rigel Product, Rubber City Armory, 6DYR\ /HDWKHU 6HDO 6KRW/RFN 6ZDE LWV 7DQGHP.URVV 7%$ 6XSSUHVVRUV 7UXFNYDXOW 8OWLFOLS :HVWHUQ 3RZGHUV 0RUH

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

COMPETITION C A L E N D A R

January 11

January 19

Miami Open Homestead, Fla.

Florida State Championship Frostproof, Fla.

January 6-7

January 27-28

Homestead Glock Challenge II Homestead, Fla.

Volusia County GSSF Match I New Smyrna Beach, Fla.

January 13-14

January 27-28

East Ascension GSSF Challenge II Gonzales, La.

Smokin’ Glock Southwest Regional I Littlefield, Ariz.

Don’t miss this month’s cover story on competitive shooter Julie Golob. (JULIE GOLOB)

January 14

January 20-21

January 24

Winter Shootout at Pine Creek Barlow, Fla.

FPCMSA Baby It’s Cold Outside I&II Lady Lake, Fla.

CMSA FWSSR Shoot Out Fort Worth, Texas

January 19-20

January 20-21

ACMSA Reloaded Queen Creek, Ariz.

Stock Show Warm Up I&II Poolville, Texas

January 7

January 14

January 20

Bradford Action Shooters Match Charlestown, R.I.

Volusia County Gun & Hunt Club IDPA New Smyrna Beach, Fla.

Healy Arms South Mountain Showdown Phoenix, Ariz.

January 7

January 14

January 20

Belton Gun Club IDPA Belton, S.C.

January 13 IDPA at Patriot Lubbock, Texas

Richmond Hotshots IDPA Richmond, Calif.

Caliber IDPA Classifier Waukegan, Ill.

January 20 Arctic Blast Hunlock Creek, Pa.

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

PRIMER

GUNSHOW C A L E N D A R

C&E Gun Shows

January 6-7 January 13-14 January 20-21 January 20-21 January 27-28

Concord, N.C. Columbus, Ohio Salem, Va. Winston-Salem, N.C. Springfield, Ohio

Cabarrus Arena & Events Center Ohio Expo Center Salem Civic Center Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Clark County Fairgrounds

Crossroads Of The West Gun Shows

January 6-7 January 6-7 January 13-14 January 13-14 January 20-21 January 27-28

Tucson, Ariz.

San Bernardino, Calif.

Mesa, Ariz.

Daly City, Calif.

Phoenix, Ariz.

Costa Mesa, Calif.

Pima County Fairgrounds National Orange Show Grounds Centennial Hall Cow Palace Arizona State Fairgrounds OC Fair and Event Center

Florida Gun Shows

January 6-7 January 13-14 January 20-21 January 20-21 January 27-28 January 27-28

Orlando, Fla. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Jacksonville, Fla. Miami, Fla. Tallahassee, Fla. Palmetto, Fla.

Central Florida Fairgrounds War Memorial Auditorium Jacksonville Fairgrounds Dade County Fairgrounds North Florida Fairgrounds Bradenton Area Convention Center

R&K Gun Shows

January 5-7 January 6-7 January 6-7 January 6-7 January 13-14 January 13-14 January 20-21 January 20-21 January 20-21 January 20-21 January 27-28 January 27-28 January 27-28 January 27-28

Lake Ozark, Mo. Memphis, Tenn.

Lexington, Ky. Springdale, Ark. Kingsport, Tenn.

Kansas City, Mo. Jackson, Tenn.

Topeka, Kan. Springfield, Mo. Marietta, Ga. Knoxville, Tenn.

Lawrenceville, Ga. Tulsa, Okla.

Oklahoma City, Okla.

Lodge of the Four Seasons Agricenter International Heritage Hall of Lexington Center Encore Event Center MeadowView Convention Center KCI Expo Center Jackson Fairgrounds Park Kansas Expocentre Ozark Empire Fairgrounds Cobb Co. Civic Center Chilhowee Park Gwinnett County Fairgrounds Tulsa Fairgrounds/Center Park Hall Oklahoma State Fair – Expo Hall #2

Real Texas Gun Shows

January 27-28

Crosby, Texas

American Legion Hall

Tanner Gun Shows

January 6-7 January 27-28

Pueblo, Colo.

Denver, Colo.

Colorado State Fairgrounds Denver Mart

Wes Knodel Gun Shows

January 6-7 January 13-14 January 20-21

Portland, Ore. Spokane, Wash.

Centralia, Wash.

Portland EXPO Center Spokane County Fair & Expo Southwest Washington Fairgrounds

To have your event highlighted here, send an email to chodgkins@media-inc.com.

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NSH AMERICA

OOTINGJ

OURNAL.C

PERSON. LIMIT ONE TICKET PER ONE SPIN PER TICKET.

OM

OUR SHOT SHOW GOLDEN TICKET IS BACK!

WE’RE GIVING AWAY GREAT PRIZES! WIN PRODUCTS FROM THESE GREAT COMPANIES & MORE:

CYA CONCEALMENT

Rainbow Technology

handi-racker.com

Custom Sights

BEYER BARRELS

EVERY SPIN WINS! TO DOWNLOAD YOUR TICKET GO TO www.AmericanShootingJournal.com WHERE TO FIND YOUR TICKET AT SHOT SHOW:

{

American Built Arms (Booth 7006) • Beyer Barrels (Booth 2760) • Can Can Concealment (Booth 119) DEZ Tactical (Booth 2119) • Handi-racker (Booth 3761) Layke Tactical (Booth 408) • MKS (Booth 16144) • Rubber City/H&M Blacknitride (Booth 1919) • Tandemkross (Booth 818) Ulticlip (Booth 2967) • Western Powders (Booth 3227) & Others Get a complete list of ticket outlets at our booth!

Bring your Golden Ticket to our NEW SHOT Show booth #1720 and spin the wheel to win!

Prizes given away only at SHOT Show!

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

NEWS

TAKE A POWDER WITH ALLIANT AND WINCHESTER Winchester Smokeless Propellants introduces Winchester WinClean 244

COMPILED BY THE EDITORS

inchester Smokeless Propellants, a brand licensed by the Hodgdon Powder Company, is pleased to announce Winchester 244, a new propellant designed for handgun shooters. The new powder is now shipping and should be found at most retailers that sell reloading products. The powder is available in 1-pound, 4-pound and 8-pound canisters.

This new Ball Powder is ideally

W

suited to .38 Special, .45 Auto, and 9mm standard loads. This powder is a perfect choice for pistol cartridge handloaders because of its clean burning consistency featuring a low flash, making it useful across a broad range of applications. With addition of the WinClean process, this powder reduces copper fouling and residue, extending accuracy for longer shooting periods.

“As handloaders, it’s a real honor to work with the Winchester

brand of ball powders,” said Tim Vaitekunas, vice president of product development at Hodgdon. “But it was a real pleasure to design and build this new propellant. We believe handgun shooters are really going to like loading handgun cartridges with this powder.”

Learn more about the product on the Winchester website, wwpowder. com or search for Winchester 244 load data on the Reloading Data Center at hodgdonreloading.com. americanshootingjournal.com 25

NEWS

ALLIANT ANNOUNCES NEW GREEN AND RED DOT POWDERS hooters can now get the tight, consistent, n long-range patterns of Alliant Powder Green Dot with significantly less fouling. The improved formulation burns much cleaner, with precise burn rates that produce dense, uniform patterns, as well as less felt recoil. Enhanced Green Dot h is optimized for handicap trap loads, yet versatile enough for a variety of target and field applications.

The original high-performance clay target powder just got even better. Improved Alliant Powder Red Dot now burns significantly cleaner and offers better flow characteristics with the same clay-crushing performancee the world’s best shooters have trusted since 1932. Red Dot is optimized for 12-gauge target loads.

Both powders offer Alliant Powder’s legendary lot-tolot consistency and are proudly made in America.

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

40th Annual

SHOT Show new guns, gear & More ach winter, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) hosts the Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show, which annually brings together manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers and press for a fourday exhibition extravaganza. In what seems to have become an annual occurrence, the 2017 show broke previous attendance records, and this year’s show, scheduled from January 23-26, is anticipated to as well. An estimated 65,000 enthusiasts will converge on the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas to see and sample the latest and greatest from the world’s top manufacturers.

The show began in 1978. As you may know, before that time, shooting and hunting equipment was categorized alongside tennis rackets and surfboards at sporting goods shows, and industry executives felt the need to have a showcase of their own. There were less than one hundred exhibitors at the first iteration of SHOT. Today, there are more than 1,600 booths, making it one of the largest trade shows in all of North America.

The SHOT Show is not open to the general public, but more than 2,500 members of the mainstream media and outdoor press from around the world attend and report on their behalf. This includes writers and editors from the American Shooting Journal (located at booth #1720) and its sister publications, Northwest Sportsman, California Sportsman and Alaska Sporting Journal.

In recent years, invited attendees can take part in a special Industry Day at the Range, which takes place Monday, January 22, the day before the show opens. The day will be split into two sessions. The first, or morning session, will be open to up to 1,000 media, and the second, or afternoon segment, is open to invited buyers, dealers, distributors and retailers. Attendees at the morning session are welcome to remain throughout the day.

E

Businesses can establish new partnerships with suppliers and manufacturers during the SHOT Show Supplier Showcase scheduled for Jan. 2223. (NSSF) The Executive Management Seminar at the 2018 SHOT Show will guide C-suite level industry professionals through effective leadership techniques and performance-boosting inspiration for their teams. (NSSF)

With more than 100 new companies, the SHOT Show NEXT Pavilion is an excellent opportunity to discover new equipment and innovative solutions. (NSSF) americanshootingjournal.com 29

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American Ame merican an n Shooti Shooting ting n Jou Journal ournal // Janu ou January uar ary 2018 20 018 1

SEMINARS SHOT SHOW UNIVERSITY

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2018 SHOT Show University is the premier education event for the shooting sports and hunting industries. This day-long university features two keynotes: Julie Golob’s “Leadership through Influence” and John O’Leary’s can’t-miss session “On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life.” Four education tracks (Retailing 101, Master’s Class, Range Operation and Compliance) with 16 different courses are designed to meet the needs of every range or retail operator, regardless of experience. Lunch and an evening networking reception are included. National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) members qualify for education discounts. Enrollment fees: $250 NSSF members; $500 non-members.

If you are not able to attend SHOT, ask your favorite retailer or fellow NSSF member to attend one or more of the following informational courses and share their notes!

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AND RETENTION KEYNOTE 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM SPEAKER: JULIE GOLOB In the ever-changing landscape of the work force, successful leaders manage and motivate their diverse employees, students and fans to action.

Julie Golob, former U.S. Army sergeant, author, firearms instructor and brand influencer, discusses how effective communication can spark lasting productivity and develop positive leadership skills that will help you build meaningful connections for your business and brand through engaged influence and guidance.

LEADERSHIP THROUGH INFLUENCE MASTER’S CLASS 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM SPEAKER: PETE SMITH Any team can be great once, but success in the firearms industry isn’t built on fluke, excellence or isolated great performances. The best teams, the best organizations, are those that able to sustain high levels of performance year after year.

Doing that requires business leaders to understand and implement three crucial keys: That cultivating organizational, team and individual identity is often the biggest determinant in hiring, retention and engagement success.

That low performance, decreasing morale, and poisonous cultures are usually created by and evident in areas often viewed as inconsequential.

That continued excellence requires an

unwavering attack on complacency at every level.

This presentation addresses all three keys in detail and provides tangible takeaways to begin making a significant difference immediately at work.

NEW RANGE TECHNOLOGIES RANGE OPERATIONS 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM SPEAKER: DOUG VANDERWOUDE Technology can enhance not just the functionality of your firearms range, but also the overall customer experienceand when the customer experience is a great one, they’ll come back to you time and time again. Join us to learn about how everything from today’s highly interactive video target systems, the latest in indoor range filtration, live-fire apps and more work to drive more customers to your range, keep them there longer and then have them telling their friends about it.

IN DEPTH REVIEW: THE 4473 AND YOU ATF COMPLIANCE 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM SPEAKERS: WALLY NELSON, HARRY MCCABE Want to reduce your stress level and have an error free report back from ATF? NSSF is here to help. Errors on ATF Form 4473 comprise nearly 90 percent of the ATF citations during inspections.

During this session, former ATF deputy assistant directors Harry McCabe and Wally Nelson will review the Form 4473 in detail, provide information on the logic behind the information required in each box and answer any questions you may have regarding this legal document.

DEALER LIABILITY FOR FIREARMS RELATED INJURIES RETAILING 101 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM SPEAKERS: JOE KAVAN, MICHAEL BROWN Everyone in the firearms industry knows of the all too frequent attempts to hold a dealer, gunsmith or manufacturer responsible for injuries resulting from a firearm. To date, the industry has been successful in limiting the exposure of the industry from plaintiffs seeking damages. However, the attempts will continue, and the arguments developed in attempting to assert liability to everyone in the chain of a firearm gain evergreater novelty and sophistication. Where does today’s dealer stand with respect to their liability for injuries resulting from a firearm or ammunition they’ve sold? This presentation will provide an overview of the current statutes protecting dealers, as well as proposed local, state and federal legislation that can either help or adversely affect dealers. There will also be discussions of

current case law involving dealers where liability has been attempted, as well as ways you can minimize and manage the exposure and potential exposure for this type of litigation. Finally, the presentation will cover what a dealer should do if they find themselves as a defendant in a dealer liability matter.

EVOLUTION OF THE MODERN RANGE RANGE OPERATIONS 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM SPEAKER: JEFF SWANSON When it comes to their experiences on the firearms range, shooter expectations have changed significantly over the last few years. The future of shooting sports now involves a destination-type experience, and for range owners that means operating multiple profit centers and providing high-quality customer service to create a nextgeneration range. This presentation focuses on how range owners can diversify and refocus their current operations to appeal to new demographics and succeed in this new environment.

THE NEXT PIECE OF THE COMPLIANCE PUZZLE - THE A&D BOOK ATF COMPLIANCE 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM SPEAKERS: WALLY NELSON, HARRY MCCABE Now that you have your Form 4473 in excellent shape, its time to review your Bound Book. The firearms Acquisition & Disposition record, the Bound Book, is the second-highest source of ATF citations, and trying to maintain it properly can create questions and confusion for even the most seasoned firearms retailer. Former ATF deputy assistant directors Harry McCabe and Wally Nelson will delve into each section in the A&D Book, reviewing the errors retailers make, clarifying the data required and providing background on why that information is necessary.

The review will conclude with a question-andanswer session.

BUYING VS. LEASING EVERYTHING IN LIFE IS NEGOTIABLE RETAILING 101 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM SPEAKER: ROBBIE BROWN In this fast-paced session, retail expert Robbie Brown will cover the numerous topics and questions on leasing versus buying your storefront, including: After 10 years, is it better to have ownership equity or just a pile of rent receipts?

Can you maneuver out of a lease obligation? americanshootingjournal.com 31

SEMINARS SEMINARS Cash flow and equity concerns.

Tax deductibility of monthly payments.

The roles demographics, the economy, interest rates, time horizon and your plans for additional stores play in your decision.

Ability to negotiate a favorable purchase price or lease rents and provisions.

And more!

Whether you’re just exploring opening your first FFL retail store or are a seasoned veteran looking toward expansion or even just a change to a potentially more profitable location, this session is one you won’t want to miss.

NEW MEDIA MARKETING MASTER’S CLASS 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM SPEAKER: FRANK FURNESS With ever increasing bandwidth, audio-video streaming has created richer ways to deepen engagement with online customers. But how much is too much? This session will explore selling to the new generation of online buyers and the importance of aligning your content and online technology to your sales and marketing strategy.

Learn the best new ways to promote your business online and the role of technology in reducing the time and workload to maintain and manage the consumer connection. Discover the latest in social media, technology, gadgetry and software that can enhance any business and save time for busy executives while increasing sales.

WINNING THE ATF INSPECTION ATF COMPLIANCE 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM SPEAKERS: WALLY NELSON, HARRY MCCABE Now that you’ve reviewed your ATF Forms 4473 and your A&D Book, you are ready for an ATF Inspection. What is the process like? What should you have prepared before your inspector arrives?

Does your staff know what to expect? In this interactive session, former ATF deputy assistant directors Harry McCabe and Wally Nelson will cover what to expect, what you have to provide during the inspection process and keys to passing an inspection with flying colors. With their guidance and some effort on your part, your next inspection, should be an affirmation of the hard work you’ve done.

TECHNOLOGIES, TRENDS, SERVICES AND TOOLS EVERY FFL NEEDS TO KNOW RETAILING 101 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM SPEAKER: GENE MARKS During this session, we’ll discuss how smart business owners and managers are: Increasing revenues from existing customers using customer relationship management technology.

Reducing exposure to data breaches and

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

other losses by selecting through the right security applications.

Improving employee productivity with the latest collaboration and communication tools.

Maximizing investments and growing businesses with cloud, mobile and social media technologies, while minimizing overhead and structural costs with new services that perform back-office operations more efficiently.

Generating more revenue using web-based services for lead generation and marketing.

The benefits of moving accounting operations online to manage it all from any device and wherever you are.

The benefits, costs, risks and rewards of outsourcing, including the latest technology tools to manage your outsourced contractors.

MAINTAINING RETAIL RELEVANCY MASTER’S CLASS 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM SPEAKER: HANK YACEK In the world of retail, owners need to capitalize on every sale opportunity, not because the shop down the road or a competing manufacturer might steal the sale, but because our true competition for discretionary money clearly sits in a myriad of entertainment options available to consumers today. Take a step back and think, how are other industries driving consumer expectations of what great customer service looks like both now and for years to come? In this session, we will look outside the firearms industry for ways others are molding customers and changing how they define great customer service. At the end of this session, you will walk away with a wider perspective of what being retail relevant means today and what you can do to not only stay relevant, but be one step ahead of your competition.

DATA COLLECTION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES RANGE OPERATIONS 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM SPEAKER: BRYAN STEAR Many small businesses are sitting on a wealth of information that can help them improve their business practices, marketing, and customer engagement, but few know how to collect and apply that information. With cloud computing and internet-connected sensors becoming less expensive, these solutions to the issues of data collection and application are starting to make inroads to the retail and ranges areas. This presentation will focus on some new sensing and tracking technologies that utilize video cameras, microphones, WiFi, and RFID chips to increase customer engagement, monitor your range operations, track inventory and correlate customer traffic with real-world events like weather and sporting events.

NFA COMPLIANCE AND BUSINESS PRACTICES

ATF COMPLIANCE 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM SPEAKERS: WALLY NELSON, HARRY MCCABE

Suppressors and short-barreled rifles (SBRs) are all the rage with consumers. These NFA products are great niche products that can deliver relatively high margins, while also providing a way to differentiate your store in a crowded retail environment. Because these products are registered with ATF, with long processing times and burdensome regulations, dealers need to have a good deal of knowledge to market properly.

Former ATF Deputy Assistant Directors Wally Nelson and Harry McCabe have teamed up to provide a seminar that will cover the ins and outs of selling these products, including regulatory requirements, paperwork processing and business practices to prevent compliance problems. While this presentation is aimed at dealers who have started selling NFA firearms, retailers who are considering carrying NFA firearms would certainly benefit from this session.

EVALUATE THE HEALTH OF YOUR BUSINESS RETAILING 101 2:15 PM - 3:15 PM SPEAKER: ROBBIE BROWN If your business is profitable, does that mean its healthy? Business expert Robbie Brown will lead a discussion to answer this question. Other issues he’ll address include: Is profit an absolute number, or should it be measured against some other benchmark?

How should one define business health and what should be your key metrics?

What role do net worth, current ratio, net profit as a percent of sales, gross profit percentage, inventory turn rate and line item service level play in affecting business health?

What about non-numeric measurements of business health such as employee turnover rate, employee morale, staff product knowledge, store location, image and appearance?

If you’re looking to grow sales and secure a successful future for your store, this is a mustattend session.

ON FIRE: THE 7 CHOICES TO IGNITE A RADICALLY INSPIRED LIFE KEYNOTE 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM SPEAKER: JOHN O’LEARY We live in a world where accidental living mindlessly moving through routines, wasting countless hours on social media and complaining about what’s wrong in our jobs, families and society has become the norm. John O’Leary reminds us that the simple act of getting out of bed in the morning does not mean we are truly living. O’Leary challenges, what would our day, impact and output look like if we lived a radically inspired life, every single day, where you learn from past mistakes, rise above challenges and thrive no matter the circumstances.

americanshootingjournal.com 33

The

Right Stuff From the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit to her seven USPSA Ladies championships, Julie Golob knows what it takes to become a leader, in competition and in life.

STORY BY ROB REED

J

ulie Golob is one of the hardest working people in the firearms industry. She’s a top worldclass competitor, shooting sports ambassador, Right to Keep and Bear Arms activist, media maven, and mother of two.

Julie started her path to success as a teenage competitor. She continued to excel as a member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit and, once back in the civilian world, became the first seven-division United States Practical Shooting Association Ladies Champion. She’s currently captain of Team Smith & Wesson and a member of Teams Federal

Julie Golob is a seven-time USPSA Ladies Champion, and a good deal more. (JULIE GOLOB)

Golob is a picture of focus and determination in competition. Here she is captured in the midst of a magazine change. (JULIE GOLOB)

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American Shooting Journal: Let’s talk a little about your background.

Did you grow up in a family of shooters? How did you get your start in competition?

Julie Golob: I have been around shooting all my life. My parents often had a weekly date night at the range with a local bullseye league.

As a kid I spent a lot of time at the range with my dad. He started competing in practical shooting matches, and I enjoyed it so much that I became a range officer and then began shooting too.

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

When I was teenager, instead of idolizing musicians or actors, I was a pro-shooter groupie! I had my collection of autographs and photos of all the big-name shooters.

ASJ: Your success as a teenage competitor led to your recruitment by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. What was that experience like and what did you gain from it?

JG: Getting recruited by the Army was my golden ticket. I had read about the Army’s shooting team in Front Sight Magazine and had a chance to meet them at the Area 7 Championships. Getting that

offer to join the team after my first Nationals was quite literally a dream come true.

What I really wasn’t prepared for was how hard it would be. It was a peacetime Army, and going into the service was looked down on by many. Most of my friends and educators didn’t understand why a straight-A student would enlist to shoot guns instead of going to college. I truly felt I was leaving one life behind. From that first day of Basic Training to the last day at the Army Marksmanship Unit, it was a constant learning experience. There were hours of dry fire, thousands

americanshootingjournal.com 37

upon thousands of rounds down range, and I also learned a lot about leadership. I experienced both extremes – incredible leaders and poor ones. My time in the Army helped me become the shooter and the person I am today.

ASJ: What kind of adjustments did you have to make when you returned to competitive shooting as a civilian?

JG: When I got out, I was burned out. The constant pressure to win combined with an intense demo travel schedule took the fun out of shooting for me. I thought I was done and completely stepped away … for a couple of months.

On a whim, I decided to go shoot a club match near Atlanta. I fell in love with the sport all over again.

I didn’t have the time, funds or the ammo that I had as a soldier, but I so enjoyed spending time with shooters and pulling the trigger that I knew I wanted to be a part of it all again.

ASJ: Why do you think you have

Golob (center) recently hosted a National Shooting Sports Foundation video on how to talk to kids about guns and firearm safety. (NSSF)

been as successful as you have been?

What attributes does a champion need?

JG: I think it comes down to hard work and honesty. Some are ridiculously talented, but they don’t put the hours in. I am by no means the most talented shooter, but I have always been able to be honest with myself. I am a

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critic and know my strengths and weaknesses. I play to them as I need to. That, and there’s a fine line between ego and confidence.

ASJ: What is your practice regime like? What do you do to stay fresh during the off-season?

JG: Having two small children has made training challenging because things come up. Kids get sick.

Travel schedules get crazy. There are sponsor obligations and, let’s face it, life happens. My training has been somewhat sporadic over the past couple of years, but I am slowly getting back on track.

My goal right now is to get to the range three to four times a week and dry fire 10 to 15 minutes, five days a week. I work short drills and fundamentals because that’s what I need most right now. As for staying fresh, I love hunting, so there’s a little trigger time there, but breaks are also good. They give you time to reflect, analyze your past performances and develop a plan to improve.

ASJ: What is the best advice you can give to a new competitor?

JG: The first is obvious – be safe.

Never sacrifice safety for speed.

Second, use what you have and work your fundamentals. They are your foundation and when the pressure is on, they will carry you in competition.

americanshootingjournal.com 39

ASJ: What would you tell a more experienced shooter who’s hit a plateau to get him or her over the hump?

JG: If you reach that plateau, it might be time to change things up.

Take a mini-break from your sport and shoot a different discipline for a month. You’ll probably pick up something new that helps you with your game. Taking a step back can be like hitting the refresh button.

ASJ: In the time you’ve been in the industry how has it changed for women?

JG: There have been huge changes in the industry, especially for women.

My first SHOT Show I remember seeing women in tight or small amounts of clothing working in the booths. We see very little of that now, and even more exciting is the number of women you see in leadership positions at companies who are subject-matter experts on product lines. There’s more gear designed for women now than ever.

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

Golob firmly believes that improved physical fitness is one of the keys to competitive success, and this photo is proof that good flexibility can help win championships. (GOLOB)

americanshootingjournal.com 41

It’s an exciting time and I am so proud to be a part of it!

From politics to athletics to guns, women are accepted and they are taking responsibility for their own personal protection and stepping outside their comfort zone to give shooting a try.

ASJ: Why do you think more women are becoming interested in guns and shooting? What does this mean for the shooting sports?

JG: We see it everywhere. The “strong is the new sexy” line motivates women to take charge of their bodies, to step outside their comfort zone. Today’s woman embraces her femininity and strength. Our culture empowers strong women who are willing to speak out and stand up for what they believe in. Traditional thinking that certain activities are only for males is going away. From politics to athletics to guns, women are accepted and they are taking responsibility for their own personal

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

protection and stepping outside their comfort zone to give shooting a try. This is a great thing for the shooting sports. The only negative is that these sports have effectively done very little to reach out to this demographic. That has to change.

shooting sports. It’s a one-stop shop that describes the 411 on guns, safety, and a large variety of shooting disciplines. Anyone who wants to get started or wants to explore different shooting sports will find a lot of great info in the book.

ASJ: As a mother and a shooter, what advice do you have for parents with firearms and children to establish safety and encourage responsibility?

JG: I recently partnered with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) on a video on how to talk to kids about guns and firearm safety. I truly believe in the message that we need to educate kids about firearms and remove the mystique around them.

ASJ: Do you have any other books planned?

JG: [Laughs] Yes, but the challenge is finding the time! I have a children’s book I have been working on.

Because I love to hunt and cook, I hope to one day put my favorite wild game recipes together in a cookbook as well.

ASJ: Your first book, Shoot: A Guide to Shooting and Competition, was published a few years ago. Who will get the most out of it?

JG: Shoot: A Guide to Shooting and Competition is a primer for those interested in getting started in the

ASJ: You’re very active on social media. How does new media help gun owners?

JG: I truly believe that social media is the most effective method to reach potential new shooters right now. With limitations on advertising and policies TV networks and mainstream publications have against guns and

americanshootingjournal.com 43

ammo, it’s a great frontier for the industry. What I love about it is that it provides a way for people to share their passion for guns and shooting on their own terms and with their friends and family.

Sharing that group on a target or video from a range session has allowed gun owners to share shooting at a grassroots level with people who are close to them in an easy, effective way.

ASJ: What’s with #Shootfit ?

JG: #Shootfit is a hashtag that gives shooters a way to share their fitness progress and goals. I’ve interviewed a few shooters on my blog about how fitness plays an important role in their competition success.

It’s so inspiring to see the number of competitors out there who are working to get in better shape in order to improve their shooting. It is indeed a sport!

ASJ: You were named the 2015 SHOT Business Person of the Year.

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

What does that recognition mean to you?

JG: I am so proud of this recognition. The shooting and hunting industry is jam-packed with super stars who dedicate their time and money to promote gun safety, shooting sports, and conservation. Just to be nominated was huge for me, but to receive the honor solidifies that what I am doing is right and motivates me to continue working hard to share and hopefully inspire others.

ASJ: How do you balance your busy schedule with your family life?

What has changed since before you had kids?

JG: I mentioned it earlier, but training has been tough at times.

My husband has a very demanding job too. It feels like I am juggling too many balls sometimes, and it’s very hard to travel and be away from special moments. Kids are only little once, so I really try to balance sponsor obligations with my

personal shooting goals so that I can be the best mom I can be too.

ASJ: How did you get into hunting?

What type do you enjoy most?

JG: Not only did I spend time on the range with my dad as a kid, I also went hunting with him. I started out hunting whitetail deer, but since then I have enjoyed turkey, mule deer, elk, and waterfowl hunting. Just like how each shooting sport is different, hunting different game offers its own challenge and fun.

ASJ: What’s the best thing about working in the firearms industry?

JG: It sounds cheesy but it’s really the people. From shooters to those making awesome products to the leadership and our industry’s media, we are all connected with a passion for the Second Amendment, conservation, and shooting. It’s really an amazing thing to be a part of.

ASJ: You recently announced you

americanshootingjournal.com 45

are running for a seat on the NRA Board of Directors. Why did you decide to run?

JG: There are times in your life when you have a chance to effect change and be a part of something bigger. As a professional shooter, I have always felt that my work goes beyond pulling a trigger. I am not bashful in my support of the Second Amendment. Running for the NRA Board is a huge next step for me as a gun owner, a shooter and influencer. It’s an incredible opportunity to connect with fellow gun owners, communicate our message and continue the fight to preserve our gun rights and heritage.

ASJ: What do you hope to accomplish if you are elected to the NRA Board? JG: I hope to bring perspective to the board. I have worn, and wear, many hats as a veteran, shooter, hunter, wife and mom.

I plan to do a lot of listening, to

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

Shooting competitions are always looking for ways to offer competitors unique challenges. Here, Golob shoots while holding a ball.

(JULIE GOLOB)

americanshootingjournal.com 47

both wisdom of current board members and at the grassroots of NRA membership. I often tell my daughters that listening is a real super power. When you listen, you discover the important details that can make a plan succeed. I hope my perspective, communication skills and dedication to success will help us achieve it.

ASJ: What do you think the NRA’s priorities should be?

JG: Preservation and communication. We must stay ahead of the anti-gun movement through education, teaching our politicians and citizens. How we communicate determines who we reach. Even the best communicators know they can always improve and reach more people. We have so many great programs, media outlets and segments within the NRA. We need to connect the dots between them. When we communicate our programs and progress effectively to our members, and beyond, we become stronger, louder and make a true impact.

ASJ: If you could go back and tell new shooter Julie (or teenage Julie) one thing, what would it be?

JG: Take more photos and document the journey! [Laughs] I’ve been so many places and have experienced so many things because of shooting.

I would love to be able to look back through photos and video, but I will always cherish the memories even without them.

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Editor’s note: To learn more about Julie Golob, visit her website and blog at juliegolob.com.

Julie Golob’s book, Shoot: A Guide to Shooting and Competition, is available in paperback and digital versions on Amazon.com and at other fine retailers.

To view the video “Talking to Kids About Firearms Safety,” visit Project Childsafe on the NSSF’s website at projectchildsafe.org/ talking-to-kids.

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

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American Ame Am m ric rican a Sho an S Sh Shooting ot ng oti g Jou Journa Journal o rrna na al // // January Jan anu ua ary y 2018 2018 20 8

HER PERFECT PARTNER Ahorse in Alaska, a woman and her dad have enjoyed many a hunting trip across the decades.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MEGAN CORAZZA

M

y ďŹ rst memory of hunting with my dad is crying my eyes out – watching him black tape an enormous wad of toilet paper into the palm of my hand.

I was 5 years old and had just ridden 9 miles back into the mountains, clinging so tightly to the saddle horn that my palm swelled into a huge blister and finally ripped open as my horse lunged across a creek.

My latest memory of hunting with Dad is also me crying my eyes

Author Megan Corazza and her dad, Rich, have shared many adventures in the field, even as far back as when Megan was just a year old. Three-plus decades later, they are still hunting together. americanshootingjournal.com 67

out – watching him cross a creek in front of me while my horse slipped completely on its side in the rocky gray mud and I losing my grip on the lead rope to the packhorse.

The 33 years in between those bouts of crying have been filled with a lifetime of Alaskan adventures – mostly on horseback – in pursuit of a full freezer for the winter. We’ve packed a caribou out of Resurrection Pass, ridden bareback high above the Yannert River next to pairs of swans in high alpine ponds, and had a mountain goat start grazing between our picketed horses after it followed me all the way down a ridge

by Crescent Lake.

We have knocked down burnt trees with our packhorses near Tok, camped in the eerie rock formations of Knob Ridge near Dot Lake, and packed out a grizzly bear near Cantwell. I made a slippery descent from forest to popweed in Prince William Sound with my father, Rich Corazza, with a blacktail buck slung over my shoulders. He put on a pack at 65 years old and hauled a load of my bull elk meat over a ridge and down to the beach on Raspberry Island. We have broken the hitch off the truck and dragged the horse trailer along the potholes of the Denali Highway, and I have sliced through the taut forearm muscles of a 9-foot brown bear and stuck my fingers into the hot meat to warm them up as snorting horses watched with wide eyes and frosty breath.

It’s been quite a ride.

OUR DAYS USUALLY HAVE a sort of routine. Typically, I wake up to the sound of him outside the tent, calling and calling and calling – cow moose calls, bull moose grunts, an occasional chop of an axe into a stump.

I’d burrow deeper into my sleeping bag trying to get away from such unpleasant morning noises because I am so exhausted from being up all night long. During the dark hours of mostly endless nights, I could hear every twig, crackle, swirl of the river, crunch of berry bushes, and stomping of the horses – or is that 68

American Shooting Journal // January 2018

The Corazzas’ beloved horses have come in handy transporting them through some of Alaska’s most rugged terrain. Megan, here packing out a Raspberry Island elk, writes that Rich is “the kind of dad who you simply just follow, because when you follow him everything is going to be OK.”

americanshootingjournal.com 69

Rich atop his buckskin, Colby.

the footstep of a bear?

My night terrors at hunting camp were only cured after I arrived one year sick as a dog and downed some Nyquil before putting on my dry wool socks, two pairs of long johns and a down jacket. I placed my gun and glasses right next to me and passed out.

I woke up totally refreshed.

Lately, I have discovered the magic of adding earplugs to Nyquil.

The earplugs are completely effective, and this past hunting season I woke up to the sound of one being pulled out of my ear – pop!

“Do horses rifle around in garbage bags?” my friend whispered urgently.

I listened for a minute. A large animal was snorting and crunching and rattling through a garbage bag with our food in it just inches from our heads.

I knew the horse that was tied to a tree was too far away to be the culprit. I rolled over quickly and shook my dad awake.

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

“Dad! A bear in the food! …. Wait … Unless it’s the mule!”

Sure enough, Dad’s prized mule, which refuses to be tied up and never runs away for very long, had found my stash of Gala apples in the food bags.

The next morning we started with a cup of instant coffee covered with some powdered creamer. A report of how many moose Dad had already seen came before I put my contacts in. I furiously rubbed the fog out of my binoculars and spotted a few more before we had some instant oatmeal.

We sat around for an hour or two, enough time for me to get more and more antsy to climb a ridge, so finally we made some plans for the day. I heard of serious hunters shooting animals early in the morning, and we always shot ours in the afternoon.

OFTEN, ONE OR TWO people come with us. Usually they are friends of mine who I work to convince my

dad are worthy of coming along on our trips. Regardless of their outstanding qualities, the bottom line is that they are people who are really special to me and who I want to show one of the most important parts of my life to.

Sometimes Dad gets frustrated when he tries to explain to me that what he loves is to hunt with me – to spend time in the mountains with me. I appreciate that more than he knows. Almost always, he ends up appreciating the additions to our trips. He and I fish our seine boats side by side all summer and talk on the radio umpteen times a day, so by the time we are sitting around a campfire at night in September, there isn’t much new to talk about.

A visitor, however, really spices up the northern lights, full-moon, horsewhinnying, sparks-flying evenings.

Norway, worm farming, African oilfields and Olympic ski racing have all kept the conversations

americanshootingjournal.com 71

flowing when there is a visitor around the fire.

I can imagine that from a visitor’s standpoint, it would be hard to believe that a moose was going to be killed. Things are pretty relaxed at camp. We feel mostly exhausted from three months at sea and motivation to hunt hard is low. We are getting our feet back under us, staring at the landscape as much as we are looking for bulls – it’s a tremendous time of transition from sea to mountain valley.

The visitor doesn’t know like I do, however, that on about day number five Dad will come back into camp late in the evening, swing down from the saddle with a mischievous grin and pull out a fresh heart in a Ziploc bag from his saddlebags. It is his magic.

Three generations of Corazza men in the saddle – Rich, his son Rick and Megan’s sons Mason and Fischer.

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THE WORK TRULY BEGINS when the moose is down. We saddled the horses and bushwhacked a trail to where the animal was laying. The knives were sharpened and Dad, who always takes the commanding role in the skinning and quartering of the bull, brought out the saw.

He would not be a happy hunter if there was grass or dirt on the meat. But soon came the predictable rhythm of butchering a moose – the steamy warmth of the blood if it is the same day, the cool hardness of white fat if it is the day afterwards.

We loaded the meat into six bags, wiped our knives clean and collapsed into the grass with our water bottles and granola bars.

Finally, we brought the horses over one by one and heaved the quarters into the canvas panniers.

The last few years we have been working with an extraordinarily calm string of horses, with the hardest thing about it was getting a huge slab of meat high enough to slip into the bag. But in my youth it often turned into a rodeo with young, green horses.

Hooves flew, the whites of the horses’ eyes flashed around, meat bags sailed into the mossy hummocks, and there was generally no time to relax. We only took a

americanshootingjournal.com 73

deep breath when the string of three packhorses had made it back down three hours of muddy switchbacks, deep river crossings and fallen cottonwoods blocking the trail. More than once I got my boots sucked off in the mud trying to keep up with a young horse that knew we were headed home.

Packing a moose out of the mountains on horseback can be so much work. I think that’s why Dad only gets serious about hunting on day number five, only after we have experienced four good days of rest.

One year, he and I spent two days packing a moose out. As we rode back to camp late in the evening, my brother stood high on a rock by the tent while beaming and holding out another fresh moose heart.

“Good job!” Dad said as we sat on our tired horses. “Where’d you get it?”

“About 7 miles up the valley,” Rick answered.

“Oh, no …”

Dad and I sighed together, my muscles almost going limp thinking

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of the draining work of the next three days.

“Just kidding,” my brother cracked. “It’s right there.” He pointed across a pond 50 yards away. To our immense relief, his bull had walked right into camp.

MY DAD PUT ME on a horse at age 5, and soon I was crossing raging glacial rivers and racing across hayfields. He seemed to have no fear of what could happen. We hunted in the winter, putting ice shoes on our horses and chopping wood all night long just to stay warm.

Mine is the kind of dad who you simply just follow, because when you follow him everything is going to be OK; if it’s not, he will fix it. He had a heart attack in his 50s, and as I stood beside him in the hospital, I heard him bartering with the nurses, who told him to rest for at least two weeks.

“It’s hunting season!” he said.

“How about two days?”

“One week.”

“Three days?”

“Five days.”

Three days later he asked me to do all the saddling and loading, and we headed into the mountains.

In the last 33 years, I have watched my oldest son, Mason, ride behind his grandpa through the enormous valleys and foothills of the Alaska Range, shooting spruce hens and gutting a moose. I have watched my youngest son, Fischer, sing and carry on so loudly while riding the packhorse that Grandpa turned around and gave him the moose call.

Little Fischer started wailing away on the horn and a little spike bull came right out of the alders.

I have watched my father bring my 82-year-old grandfather all the way back into the mountains, all the while bundled up in a huge camouflage parka and sitting very still and rather stiffly on top of the horse.

Near the end of the ride, the saddle swung completely upside down under the horse, leaving my grandfather dangling between four legs. He shook himself loose from

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For both Rich (far right) and Megan (third from right), these hunts are more than just harvesting game; it’s a special time for family fun, adventure and memories.

the saddle and crawled slowly up onto the moss.

“I just wanted to show you, little girl, how not to get off a horse,” he chuckled.

I have watched my dad love his family by bringing us along and giving us all confidence that we could do it. We were powered on by his belief in us. I am not a brave

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person, in the least, but I have been able to do some amazing things by being willing to follow my dad’s horse down the trail.

It’s taken 33 years, but I have come into my own a bit. I can climb a mountain and find my own moose. I can pull the trigger and secure the winter’s meat. I can even teach a friend how to gut and butcher a moose.

I leave the saddling to my dad; he is a bit picky about where the girth goes. It is still just me and him in the mountains. Other men have come and gone, even the ones I suspected would stay. I go despite his snoring; he goes despite my crying.

I believe hunting is one of the most vulnerable things you can do with another person. They are going to see what you are afraid of; how you react when you miss a chance; how you respect the lives of animals; and how you hold up after days of disappointment.

I don’t know how to hunt with many other people besides my dad.

We have a hunting rhythm built up over three decades, one that is full of acceptance and free of demands.

A good hunting partner is hard to find, and luckily for me I never had to go looking for one.

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

SEEING IS BELIEVING

SWAROVSKI BINOCULARS, RIFLESCOPES, SPOTTING SCOPES DELIVER THE GOODS

Swarvoski EL

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ears ago on the plains of southeast Wyoming, there was a small herd of deer in a patch of ground fog, and we crawled to within 200 yards before sliding the rifle up over a daypack and placing the crosshairs on a big four-point mule deer buck at the center of the group.

But wait a minute! That buck suddenly had eight points instead of four and this was no optical illusion. Behind the four-point muley was another buck, also with a full four-point rack, so for the longest 60 seconds in the life of a deer hunter, we watched and waited until the rear buck moved away and there was nothing behind that first deer but prairie and a rising ridge. Tag time!

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It pairs up with a spotting scope to offer 30X or 35X magnification, depending upon the specific objective module, and there are three choices in 65mm, 85 mm or 95mm. They bring in all available light in all conditions, and for hunters looking to bring home a trophy and cooler full of meat, that is important.

But this system is hardly the only thing going for Swarovski. Take a look at their binocular lineup, which includes the EL family, the EL Range — with its range and angle measurement — the SLC series, and the compact CL family. There’s a Swarovski binocular to meet virtually every need.

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There are at least five different scope families, addressing every endeavor from hunting timber and woodlands to the wide open spaces of the Great Plains or the Alaska wilderness. When precision matters, Swarovski is there.

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

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The Black Force1000 features a newly developed glass-etched Speedforce illuminated reticle system matched to precise MOA adjustments. The Black Force1000 optimizes reactionspeed target engagement at a true 1x at short-to-intermediate ranges and holdovers, lead-offs at longer ranges when at 4x zoom. The side-mounted illumination adjustment features 10 intensity settings (powering down after 1 hour of non-operation) for use in all lighting conditions, including bright sunlight. The Speedforce is an MOA subtension reticle engineered to enable shooters to continue momentum from target to target and thus, excel in close-to medium-range engagements both in competition and field-use.

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

Colt’s

Oddball Trio

A half-century is a long time for a standard-issue weapon such as the M16 to remain ‘standard.’

Here is a quick look at three M16 variants that saw service.

STORY BY ROB REED

T

he M16 has served as the United States’ primary service rifle for nearly half a century, and in that span of time, many variations of the rifle have been created. Some were prototypes that never went beyond the testing stages, others represented improvements to the original design, and some simply defy easy description.

While a complete history of all the unusual M16 versions could fill a book (and probably have), here is a look at three significant oddball M16 variants that reached production.

THE COLT 9MM SUBMACHINE GUN The Colt Company has a long history with submachine guns dating back to the legendary Tommy Gun used by both gangsters and lawmen during

the Prohibition era. But by the time of World War II, Colt was largely out of the submachine gun business.

This changed in the early when the company developed a submachine gun to compete with the popular Heckler & Koch MP5 in the lucrative law enforcement market.

Instead of designing a completely new firearm, Colt piggybacked on the success of the M16 by incorporating as much of the look and feel of the stalwart service rifle into the new design as possible. The resulting Colt 9mm Submachine Gun retained the characteristic M16 lower and upper receivers and operating controls. The biggest changes were the elimination of the gas system in favor of a simpler direct blowback design and the caliber switch to 9x19mm. Like the MP5, the Colt SMG fired from a closed bolt, which contributed to its

excellent reputation for accuracy.

The gun was adopted by many law enforcement agencies that liked its accuracy, reliability, and similarity to the M16. These agencies included the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the U.S. Marshals Service, and the United States Marine Corps. The original Model 635 had a 10.5-inch barrel with a 1-in-10-inch twist, a fixed carry handle with M16A1-style sights, and a M16A2-style flashhider. The gun fired standard 9mm ammunition at a cyclic rate of 900 rounds per minute. The magazines were based on the Uzi design, and modified Uzi mags could also be used. Both fixed and collapsible stock

In this screen grab from a 1989 U.S. Army video, a soldier is seen firing the Colt ACR. (U.S. ARMY)

Although the Colt ACR did not provide the 100 percent hit probability increase desired by the Army, several features were later incorporated into later M16 versions. (NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM) americanshootingjournal.com 83

versions were available.

The current models are the Model 991, which fires in semiauto or full auto, and the Model 992, which fires in semiauto or a three-round burst. These newer versions feature a flat top upper and quad rail for easy mounting of optics and other accessories. The 10.5-inch barrel has a 1-in-10-inch twist. The rate of fire is listed as between 700 to 950 rounds per minute. These models weigh 6.7 pounds and are 26 inches long with the stock retracted, and 29.25 inches with the stock extended.

THE COLT M231 FIRING PORT WEAPON Although the Colt M231 was one of

the most produced, it was the least successful of all M16 variants. The M231 was designed to allow soldiers in the Bradley Fighting Vehicle to fire at the enemy through gun ports without leaving the protection of the vehicle. A standard M16A1 could not be used because the Bradley’s six firing ports featured a screw-type mounting designed to maintain a seal against a chemical weapon attack.

The 231 was literally screwed into the fittings from inside the vehicle.

The M231 shares about two-thirds of its parts with the parent M16A1 design. As with the 9mm machine gun, the most significant change was the elimination of the M16’s gas

impingement system in favor of a direct-blowback, striker-fired design.

This simpler mechanism is typically associated with smaller caliber submachine guns. Instead the M231 is chambered for the 55-grain version of the standard 5.56mm NATO cartridge.

The weapon weighs about 7.33 pounds, and has an overall length of 28¼ inches. The barrel is 15.6 inches long with the same 1-in-12inch rifling twist as the M16A1. In addition to being shorter than a M16A1 barrel, the M231 barrel also has a significantly thicker profile. The shortened hand guards end at the distinctive metal locking collar.

The Colt 9mm Submachine Gun was designed to directly compete with the HK MP5 series of SMGs in the law enforcement market. (COLT DEFENSE)

The gun was popular with police agencies for its accuracy and similarity with the M16. (COLT DEFENSE)

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

GUN VAULT on Fox Hill

www.gun-vault.com 207.834.6470 gunvault1@fairpoint.net americanshootingjournal.com 85

The Colt ACR featured a flat top rail system that could mount either an iron sight on a raised handle or the ELCAN sight, shown here, a feature later used extensively on M4 Carbines and M16A4 rifles. (NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM)

In use, the M231 has a generally poor reputation. The weapon fires full-auto only, with a cyclic rate of about 1,200 rounds per minute. The M231 does not have any sights. The soldiers were to aim using periscopes mounted in the Bradley and spot their fire by firing only tracer rounds from standard 30-round M16 magazines.

The difficulty in aiming, combined with the extremely high rate of fire, meant that the magazines would be emptied before the shooter could get rounds on the target. Later modifications to the Bradley covered up the side firing ports with additional armor and now only the two firing ports on the rear hatch remain.

The original design included a simple wire stock so the M231 could be dismounted from the vehicle and used on foot. This stock was dropped from production models and Army procedures discouraged the use of the M231 outside of the vehicle.

Ironically, it is in this role that the M231 has probably seen the most use. Photographs from Iraq show U.S. soldiers using the M231 as a backup weapon in vehicle turrets. They have also been carried by officers and armored crewman who normally are only armed with a handgun. Since modern 5.56mm NATO ammunition is optimized for 1-in-7-inch twist 86

American Shooting Journal // January 2018

A closer view of the Colt ACR reveals the M16A2 heritage, including the forward assist.

Note the enlarged ambidextrous selector switch. (NATIONAL INFANTRY MUSEUM)

barrels, and not for the older twist of the M231, the weapon is effective at only very short ranges. When you consider the lack of appropriate ammo, the absence of sights, and the difficulty controlling a weapon with such a high rate of fire, you understand how desperate a soldier has to be to use a M231.

THE COLT ADVANCED COMBAT RIFLE (ACR) The Colt Advanced Combat Rifle was part of the Army’s search for a weapon to improve the average soldier’s ability to hit his enemy in combat. The specifications for the

The fire controls of the Colt 231 Firing Port Weapon. (ROB REED)

rifle called for a 100 percent hit probability increase over the thencurrent-issue M16A2 rifle.

The program started in the mid-’80s with six manufacturers submitting prototypes, and by 1989 only four remained. These included

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the Heckler & Koch G11, which fired revolutionary caseless ammunition, a pair of flechette weapons submitted

by Steyr and AAI Corporation, and the Colt ACR. The Colt entry was based on the then-standard M16A2 rifle with considerable upgrades. The full-length stock was replaced with the adjustable stock from the Colt carbine, the fixed carry handle was replaced with a rail that could accommodate an optic or iron sight, and a long rib was installed as part of the hand guards to serve as a simple sight for shotgunstyle point shooting. In addition, an oil-filled buffer and muzzle brake were installed to reduce felt recoil.

A special duplex cartridge was designed with two bullets loaded in each cartridge case to increase hit probability through better projectile dispersal. The Colt rifle could also still fire standard 5.56 NATO ammunition and used standard magazines.

The program ended in 1990 after extensive testing revealed that none of the candidates offered a

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

This early M231 includes the wire stock that was later discontinued on the production models.

A picture of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle firing port can be seen above the gun. (ROB REED)

significant enough advantage over the existing M16A2 to warrant replacing the standard service rifle. Although the Colt ACR was not adopted, several of its features are used in M16-series rifles and carbines today. The flat top with

a rail was later used in the M4 Carbine and M16A4, and the ELCAN sight used by the ACR is very similar to the current red dot sights that are now standard on both carbines and rifles in the U.S. military.

americanshootingjournal.com 89

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NIGHTFORCE OPTICS LAYKE TACTICAL LT-10 lower receiver See us on page 97

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

ATACR 4-16x50 riflescope See us on page 82

GUNTEC USA AR15 9mm Dedicated Stripped Billet Upper Receiver See us on page 34

JL J LB BILLET ILLET Matched Skeletor billet set See us on page 101

ABSOLUTE A BSO OLUT TE Z ZERO ERO O ORDNANCE, LLC

PICKETT’S MILL ARMORY

Patriot model AR-15 lower billet with custom graphics See us on page 54

7.5-inch 9MM Upper Receiver with Keymod Rail See us on page 107

KYNTEC CORP. WHITE OAK ARMAMENT

SPINTA PRECISION

Ruger Precision Rifle Barrels See us on page 92

4.5-inch 9mm barrel See us on page 109

KynSHOT Hydraulic Recoil Buffer See us on page 96

THORDSEN T HO OR RDSEN DSEN CU CUSTOMS CUSTO CUST US STO STO TOMS OMS

AMERICAN BUILT ARMS COMPANY

FRS-15 GEN III Featureless AK-47 Stock Kit See us on page 57

Urban Sniper stock See us on page 71

VELOCITY TRIGGERS

AXC TACTICAL

SANDERS ARMORY Enhanced nitride bolt carrier group See us on page 3

3-pound curved trigger See us on page 110

Hive enhanced pistol grip See us on page 28

SRT ARMS

DEZ ARMS, INC

Titanium cans See us on page 194

16-inch, 7.62x39mm match-grade fluted AR-15 barrel See us on page 58 americanshootingjournal.com 91

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Gear for guns

SANDERS ARMORY

BARTLEIN BARRELS

sandersarmoryUSA.com Sanders Armory presents their U.S. Made, enhanced 6.5 Grendel (Type II) Melonite/Nitride BCG. SA’s enhanced BCGs have been tested and proven true with over 70,000 rounds, suppressed and unsuppressed, and are designed and manufactured as a true 70s mil spec US Army/Colt bolt carrier group. Sanders Armory’s craftsmen perform high-level work such as hand chasing the gas key tube I.D., hard turning the carrier bodies after heat treatment, and honing the internal areas to Mil Spec, and creating a proper cam pathway, and the proper cheese head screw, heads and crimps. And, because of the perfectly flat milling of the gas key foot, no gasket material is needed.

All of this and more has lead to a product designed to reduce carrier tilt/cant during recoil and increasing reliability by strategically relocating key bearing surfaces. The carrier has fewer points of contact with rails on top and bottom creating less friction and a slight increase in carrier mass as it extends dwell time and ensures proper gas pressures for reliable extraction.

bartleinbarrels.com If precision is what you need, Bartlein should be making your barrels. Not only is this team made up of reloaders, shooters and hunters, but they also have a knack for precision most cannot even approach.

They pride themselves on their uniformity and can carry a twist rate to the fourth decimal point. So if 1 in 11 is not quite perfect enough for you, try 1 in 11.3642. This might just make the difference between great and perfection. It’s up to you, but most rifling has variances due to the processes that manufacturers use. This simply does not work for Bartlein.

KICK-EEZ PRODUCTS kickeezproducts.com Kick-EEZ has been making recoil pads for 32 years and is a family- and veteran-owned business. They have been using Sorbothane since they started, and many competitors are sstill trying to compete with the comfort and performance Kick-EEZ products provide, even perfo with all of the latest and greatest designs, materials aand technology.

Pad, their latest design, was The Patriot P created to honor U.S. veterans for all they do to create protect our country, and they put their money pro where their mouth is. Kick-EEZ offers a 50 percent w discount to any U.S. veteran. Plus, when you purchase a Kick-EEZ Patriot Pad, they will make a contribution of $5 to a veteran’s organization.

BEYER BARRELS beyerbarrels.com – Booth #2760 Beyer Barrels specializes in handcrafted and CNC-machined gun barrels. Their barrels are made with precision instruments and machines, as well as by skilled craftsmanship. They offer custom barrel colors and Williams Fire sights, as well as kit accessories. They also offer takedown barrels in many popular profiles. Beyer Barrels takes pride in their barrels and products, so quality is guaranteed.

They have put more than 200,000 rounds through some of their barrels, and they are still going strong and accurate. Proudly featured at brownells.com!

Visit Beyer Barrels’ website to check out a video link for a detailed view of some of their precision work, or call Clint at (360) 640-1497.

WARREN CUSTOM OUTDOOR warrencustomoutdoor.com Bright Sights high-visibility gun sight coatings increase the contrast between the front and rear sights, and the contrast between the sights and the target. This improved contrast provides for quick sight alignment, faster target acquisition and allows for faster and more accurate shot placement. Bright Sights is a tough, durable coating that stays on firearm sights even under the extreme heat and vibration of rapid fire.

Bright Sights Ghost Glow is a light-activated substance that must be charged with light to glow in the dark. This can be sunlight, a light bulb or even the beam of a flashlight. The duration and intensity of the light will determine the time and intensity of luminescence. Ghost Glow is not intended to be a replacement for true night sights, but as an enhancement to our high-visibility gun sight coatings.

Ghost Glow coatings are not designed to be used alone, but as an enhancement to Bright Sights gun sight coatings. Best results are achieved by combining the two different coatings of the same color. A small amount of each coating should be mixed outside of each colored vial. The mixing ratio recommended is 75 percent Ghost Glow and 25 percent High Visibility Gun Sight Coating. Our products are made in USA, and dealer inquiries are welcome.

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gear for guns VZ GRIPS vzgrips.com – Booth # 2243 vzweaponsolutions.com Machined out of a solid piece of proprietary G10 laminate with a comfortable 17-degree angle, the VZ GenII AR grip comes with a wraparound texture everyone has been asking for. Offered in two lengths, Standard and Shorty, bundle them with a matching set of our rail panels for a complete gripping solution for your favorite AR platform.

SAFETY HARBOR FIREARMS GENTRY CUSTOM gentrycustom.com Gentry Custom offers a Quiet Muzzle Brake in 5/8x24, a popular threading in many factory rifles. This brake is available in both matte blue and stainless steel bead-blasted. The Gentry Quiet Muzzle Brake reduces recoil up to 85 percent while directing noise and gas away from the shooter, and the installation of a Quiet Muzzle Brake does not impact the firearm’s velocity or accuracy.

Call Gentry Custom today at (406) 388-4867, or visit their website for more information.

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safetyharborfirearms.com – Booth # 20613 This featured product is the Kompact Entry Stock KES for the CZ Scorpion EVO. The stock features a 12½-inch length of pull when fully open, and it also has two intermediate positions for a total of four. The KES buttpad and base are made from 6061 aluminum, and the guide rods are made of steel drill rod. Aluminum parts are Mil-Spec hardcoat anodized, and the steel parts are nitrided. The KES is also available with a Tailhook brace adapter for non-SBR applications.

For more information, visit Safety Harbor Firearms’ website.

Savage MKII/93 Pro Varmint Stock, Heavy Bottom Metal & Aluminum Trigger Guard, One Piece Scope Base, 1� Action Screws

ORDER DESK: 208-660-9974

www.diproductsinc.com americanshootingjournal.com 95

gear for guns THE ALTAMONT COMPANY altamontco.com – Booth #2357 The Altamont Company recently released attractive wood grips for the new Ruger Mark IV. They feature target-style fingergroove panels with tastefully designed patterns that allow for secure hand registration during shooting. These join Altamont’s extensive offering of handgun grips, rifle stocks, and accessories.

They’re all made in America and available at the company’s website.

ZAI-BIGHORN ARMS bighornarms.com – Booth #1928 Zermatt Arms, Inc., manufacturers of Bighorn Arms actions, is happy to announce a new action for 2018.

The Origin action by ZAI will include some major features from the Bighorn TL3, such as a pinned rail, fluted bolt body, floating and interchangeable bolt head, controlled round feed and mechanical ejection.

The Origin will feature a pinned recoil lug in place of an integral lug and will have Remington-style (ADL/BDL) feed lips. At ZAI-Bighorn, you’ll get all of the features and precision of a high-end custom action at a very attractive price. Stop by their booth at SHOT Show to learn more, or check them out online.

GEMTECH gemtech.com – Booth #20521 The Gemtech One is a versatile multi-caliber suppressor capable of taming .300 Win Mag and lesser calibers. The One mounts using the decades-proven Gemtech Quickmount system to allow the shooter to use the suppressor on multiple weapon systems. The One is fullauto and short-barreled rifle rated, and has been subjected to the venerable SOCOM firing tests and passed with flying colors. Gemtech is the oldest suppressor manufacturer in the country, and is proud to continue to provide quality suppressors to freedom-loving Americans.

KynSHOT Precision Recoil Dampers Made in the USA • AR-15 platform • AR-10 platform • AR-15 9mm carbine

Kyn KynSHOT Recoil Dampers Reduce Kick and Muzzle Flip and Improve: • Accuracy • Clustering • Dependability

• Felt Recoil • Service Life • Shoulder Flinching

Stainless steal construction // 1 million cycle guarantee

“KynSHOT is the only hydraulic recoil buffer I recommend.” - Kyle Lamb, Special Ops, SGM (R)

1-716-616-3630 Ext. 508 96

American Shooting Journal // January 2018

Tactical shotgun Visit us at the 2018 SHOT Show // Booth 3457

kyntec.com

kynshot.com

CUSTOM DESIGN RIFLES MACHINING SINCE 1955

LaykeTactical.com SHOT Show Booth #408

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gear for guns ARACHNIGRIP, LLC arachnigrip.com – Booth #0000 The ArachniGrip Slide Spider is a perfectly cut piece of anti-slip grip tape. Affixed on a slide (such as the Glock in the image), it provides a significant increase in purchase when racking the slide. With the ArachniGrip Slide Spider, the serrations have gone from good to awesome. One thumb and one index finger can get enough purchase to rack the slide where you would normally want to use an entire hand to ensure a good grip. p y out of the wayy of most holsters and doesn’t catch on covering garments.

The Slide Spider stays ArachniGrip provides two grips per package retailing for $19.95, and it is available for a multitude of guns.

PROMAG INDUSTRIES promagindustries.com – Booth #14810 and 20101 The ProMag 50-round drum magazine for .308 AR rifles fits all SR-25/LR-308 pattern-compatible .308/7.62mm NATO AR-type rifles. The patentpending design brings belt-feed reliability and performance to drum magazines, and the steel and polymer hybrid design gives the best of both worlds with overmolded steel feed lips and highimpact polymer.

Fifty rounds of .308-caliber firepower at the ready provides peace of mind previously not available. Made in USA, with a lifetime warranty on manufacturer defects. For more information visit the company’s website.

ULTIMAK ultimak.com Ultimak provides simple, elegant, rugged solutions for mounting optics on some of the world’s classic semiauto rifles and carbines. Ultimak mounts replace existing components of the weapon, so they add very little weight and no bulk.

Your rifle keeps its original profile. User installable with simple instructions, they provide low mounting and rock-solid retention of zero, in many cases allowing a co-witness arrangement. If you own an M1 Garand, an M-14 or M1A with a standard barrel profile, a Mini-14, Mini-30, a G.I. pattern 30 M1 Carbine or an AK of some kind, Ultimak should be a serious consideration. For more information, email lyle@ultimak.com, or visit the company online.

KYNSHOT

BY KYNTECH kyntech.com – Booth #3457

TBA SUPPRESSORS tbasuppressors.com – Booth N403 TBA’s Sicario is the new and improved version of their QAS line of integral silencers for 2017.

TBA went back to the CAD program, and after 28 monocore designs, what emerged was a patent-pending two-piece quick-detach integral that is not only quieter than its predecessor but comes apart for cleaning in about 30 seconds. No more tedious parts to manage. Although the end cap is broached for an Allen wrench like the remainder of TBA’s designs, there is no Allen wrench required as you can use the factory magazine to disassemble the entire suppressor.

The monocore is constructed from 2024T351 aluminum and is Type III anodized for a lifetime of use. There is also a stainless insert in the rear of it that will not fatigue.

Alignment on your weapon is easy with our new patent-pending “fast-attach 28” threadmount system.

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Kynshot may be best known for their hydraulic recoil buffer for the AR-15 and AR-10 platforms, but they also manufacture and market one of the industry’s best hydraulic recoil buffers for tactical shotguns. Tested and verified to reduce recoil by 75 to 80 percent, this product is a great upgrade. Dedicated kits are available for Remington 870 and Mossberg 500/590.

Add an optional adjustable stock and pistol grip, and you will have transformed your every-day shotgun to a more efficient, smoother-operating, better-looking weapon that you can shoot all day. Visit them at SHOT Show to see what’s trending, or see their website.

RIO GRANDE CUSTOM GRIPS riograndecustomgrips.com Booth # 15754 New! Rio Grande Custom Grips has added full-color, fullcoverage imaged grips for the popular Sig Sauer P238. Now you can personalize your P238 with grips from a growing library of stock designs (the largest in the industry) and the ability to provide fully custom designs from an image you supply.

All P238 grips incorporate the RioGrip texture. RioGrip is a series of recessed ovals that provide a grip with more bite than smooth grips without sharp edges, like checkering, that can catch on clothing. Visit them at SHOT Show or online at the company’s website.

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gear for guns DEZ TACTICAL ARMS, INC. deztactical.com – Booth #2119 DEZ AR-15 barrels are precision machined and guaranteed to produce sub-MOA accuracy. All DEZ barrels are individually certified and serialized to maintain top-notch quality control.

These barrels are chambered in 6.5 Grendel caliber, 1-in-8 twist, 18-inch overall length, and feature a fluted H-Bar contour. Two different fluting options are available – straight and twist – and they offer increased accuracy and heat dissipation while reducing the overall weight. The barrels are coated on the interior and exterior with black nitride QPQ, which increases surface hardness and protects against wear and corrosion.

Learn more at the company’s website, or visit Booth 2119 at the 2018 SHOT Show.

AXC TACTICAL axctactical.com The new AXC Tactical Extended Mag Release fits all AR-15 and AR-10 firearms, and installs very easily with an included wrench. Lighter but larger than the standard button, this mag release is designed to make it easier to release a magazine without any sharp corners or grooves that could snag on your gear. It’s available in different colors to match your firearm’s finish.

JL BILLET jlbillet.com – Booth #N376 After years of producing high-quality products for the AR-series platform of rifles, JL Billet is introducing a line of AK parts and accessories for the discerning builder, operator and owner of the popular comm-block rifles and pistols. The JL Billet Fixed AK Rail (FAkR) features the M-Lok accessory system, a self-locking system that creates a rigid platform for lights, laser, optics and grips. Also available is the ever-popular VPR for your AK, a Billet Grip, and a billet Stock Adapter to mount your MBS. No matter your preferred platform, choose JL Billet for “quality through precision.”

As seen at

Brownells.com & BeyerBarrels.com

Ultralight rimfire barrels For the Ruger 1022 and 1022 takedown barrels as well as the AR15 dedicated uppers.

Match chambers and 7075 aluminum.

Bull barrels, mid weight and factory taper barrels now with straight or diamond fluting.

To buy direct call Clint at 360 640 1497 Also available at Brownells or other various dealers.

189179 HWY 101 Forks, WA 98331

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SPINTA PRECISION spintaprecision.com Spinta Precision’s new Glock slides are made from 17-4 stainless steel, and are available in nitride, Cerakote or raw stainless steel finish. RMR cuts are available.

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gear for guns GUN-WERKZ gunwerkz.com – Booth #10854 and #16329 If you have not heard of Gun-Werkz, you are not alone – but not for long!

Gun-Werkz is a new breed of cleaner that is quietly gaining traction among a diverse group of gun enthusiasts across the country, and it is now available exclusively in England through GunCare.

Gun-Werkz is the preferred cleaner among professional shooters and sportsmen alike, as well as recreational shooters. Developed in a small garage initially as another product, it was only by mistake that it is a phenomenal gun cleaner that has many benefits over the rest.

Give it a try for yourself!

THORDSON CUSTOMS thordsoncustoms.com The Thordsen Customs line of featureless rifle stocks has long been known as the most functional and ergonomic option for featureless conversions in restricted states such as California and New York. Until now, no featureless stock has existed for the AK-47 platform. Thordsen Customs is proud to announce the release of AK Adapters and FRS-15 Gen III Bundle Kits for the AK-47 platform. Stock kits come in black, flat dark earth, and OD green. Stock kits and adapters are available now. Get ready to bring your AK out of your safe and back into service.

VELOCITY TRIGGERS velocitytriggers.com – Booth #862 Velocity Triggers has introduced the Marksman Performance Choice Trigger for all AR platforms. The unique features of this trigger are: interchangeable 3/8-inch-wide trigger shoes that can be rotated to various positions for the perfect fit, and the shoes are ½ inch further forward for faster trigger acquisition. The shoes are machined in three shapes: curved, straight or straight with finger stop.

Each shape is available with a radius or flat with serrations. The trigger shoes also come in five color options: anodized red, black and pink or Cerakoted flat dark earth and OD green. MSRP is $189.95.

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gear for guns LUTH-AR luth-ar.com – Booth #10773 The Luth-AR Lower Enhancement Kit will enhance your AR. It includes the Switch extended safety selector, the Paddle oversize bolt catch, and the Wide Body Trigger Guard.

The Switch was designed to move from “safe” to “fire” in a fast and easy motion that hugs the receiver for snag-free operation. It’s lightweight and steel strong.

The Paddle oversize bolt catch allows easy and rapid bolt manipulation. The large paddle facilitates positive bolt release and locking.

The Wide Body Trigger Guard with raised platform is 40 percent wider than your standard stock AR trigger guard, and the raised platform is designed to automatically position your triggerr finger properly.

YANKEE HILL MACHINE (YHM) yhm.net Quiet, lightweight, and cost effective, YHM’s new .30-caliber sound suppressor, the Resonator, was created to provide the shooting enthusiast a quiet, lightweight and cost-effective suppressor. Capable of being used on multiple calibers and host weapons, the Resonator can be used on rifle calibers ranging from .17 HMR through .300 RUM. The Resonator uses a tubeless design which consists of heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel and a heat-treated 718 Inconel blast baffle, which allows the suppressor to be full-auto rated and designed for rigorous use. It comes with the YHM-4302 QD mount of your choice. MSRP is $630.

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PICKETT’S MILL ARMORY pmarmory.com Pickett’s Mill Armory has set itself apart by matching excellent customer service with a wide variety of options. They offer a multitude of different upper receivers that can be built into all kinds of variations. The only thing stopping you is your creativity.

The sleek upper receiver shown can be manufactured in .223 Wylde, 5.56 NATO, .300 Blackout or 9mm. You can also contact Pickett’s Mill with your build ideas and they’ll make it happen. Visit them online or email pmarmory@gmail.com for quote information.

PRECISION BUILT GUN BARRELS

Specializing in Custom Gun Barrels: Here at MGM, our machinists can produce the best premium custom Savage, Remage and T/C Encore/ Contender barrels on the market.

Feel free to use our online barrel builder, or shop our on-hand inventory.

Buy Online or Contact Us Directly matchgrademachine.com • 435-628-0071 • mgmbarrels@gmail.com

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gear for guns HUBER CONCEPTS huberconcepts.com Shoot a Huber in 2018 to experience “better shot timing guaranteed.”

Huber offers single- and two-stage Remington 700-style triggers, and now includes triggers for Ritter & Stark and Remington Model 7. Currently in development at Huber are triggers for the Tikka T3 and Accuracy Int’l, with RPR, Savage and Winchester Model 70 up next. Let them build one for you!

Have more fun shooting your historic milsurp rifles too with the Huber Ball Trigger.

For more information, see them at SHOT Show Table 1606, Supplier Showcase, 5th floor, Monday and Tuesday only. You can also visit Huber Concepts’ website, call (920) 921-9641, or email huberconceptsllc@gmail.com.

GUNTECUSA guntecusa.com - Booth #10167 GuntecUSA’s Complete 9mm Upper Kit provides everything needed to craft a complete 9mm upper, including a 9mm upper receiver, a 9mm complete BCG, and a charging handle. The ejection port opening measurements are 0.61 inches wide by 2.30 inches long. All parts are manufactured from a solid block of T6 6061 billet aluminum, and are U.S.-made in Scottsdale, Arizona. It features MIL-A-8625 Type III anodizing.

This kit will match up with any brand of 9mm lower receiver, including those made by New Frontier, Palmetto State Armory, Circle Quarter 10, and many others.

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R&S PRECISION 1022racerifle.com The At One adjustable rifle stock combines modularity and classic looks into one striking aftermarket stock.

The At One is a laminated wood stock, weighing in at less than 2 pounds, 13 ounces, with an adjustable length of pull as well as an adjustable cheek piece, making it extremely versatile. Multiple people can now quickly adjust and shoot the same rifle comfortably.

The At One is available in several colors, and is made for a multitude of different rifles. From hunting to bench shooting, the Boyd’s At One rifle stock will perform exceedingly well and look good doing it!

AR15 & AR10 PARTS & ACCESSORIES

$289.99

$279.99 PMA 7.5” .223 WYLDE UPPER RECEIVER

$259.99

$319.99

PMA 7.5” KEYMOD RAIL PISTOL PMA 7.5” KEYMOD RAIL UPPER UPPER .300 WITH FLASH CAN RECEIVER .300 BLACKOUT

$279.99

PMA 7.5” M4 KEYMOD RAIL PISTOL UPPER .223 / 5.56

$259.99

10.5” UPPER RECEIVER WITH KEYMOD RAIL .223 WYLDE

$289.99

16” 5.56 AERO PRECISION UPPER 16” 5.56 UPPER RECEIVER 15” MLOK RAIL RECEIVER 12” QUANTUM RAIL

$329.99 16” .300 AERO PRECISION UPPER RECEIVER 12” QUANTUM RAIL

$289.99 16” 5 5.56 56 UPPER RECEIVER 15” KEYMOD RAIL

WWW.PMARMORY.COM If you’re looking for AR replacement parts or other tactical gear, Pickett’s Mill Armory is your one-stop online gun shop. Whether you just need a new bolt carrier to install independently or an entire in-house, custom-built upper receiver, we offer all types of AR parts for sale from the best brands out there today.

FREE SHIPPING ON ITEMS OVER $100 americanshootingjournal.com 107

gear for guns WHITE TE OAK ARMAMENT whiteoakarmament.com White Oak Armament Ruger Precision Rifle barrels have all the quality, innovation, andd value alue you have come to expect from White Oak. They start with match-grade blanks and precision machine and chamber them to their unique specifications. Designed for ease of serviceability and customization, the Ruger Precision Rifle utilizes many parts and characteristics of the AR15 platform. All White Oak Armament RPR barrels are designed to further enhance this unique characteristic. They incorporate an untapered section just forward of the chamber that is correctly sized to fit into readily available AR-15 barrel vise jaws, making barrel removal and installation even easier.

Additionally, the forward section of the barrel just behind the muzzle is straight as well, making it even easier for a gunsmith or machinist to chuck the barrel for cutting and crowning should you decide you want a shorter barrel.

These changes are virtually unnoticeable, but work to further enhance the versatility of the platform by allowing even easier optimization and customization of the platform for your specific application.

LAYKE TACTICAL

NOWLIN ARMS

layketactical.com – Booth #408 Layke Tactical’s LT9HD 9mm lower is the newest platform in their AR lineup, a dedicated 9mm lower using Glock magazines with a last-round hold-open built right into the lower, allowing you to use any Mil-Spec AR-15 upper receiver and any bolt catch you’d like. With a 63-year history in machining, Layke builds the lower completely in-house at their AS9100-certified shop, from 7075 aerospace-grade billet aluminum. This product is backed by lifetime warranty, and is available as a stripped lower, pistol, SBR or rifle.

G N I D L BUI

nowlinarms.com Nowlin Barrels are proven number one, with eight world championships and 22 national titles.

Now, get superb performance and winning accuracy from Nowlin’s ECM Match-Grade Barrels in your 1911 Auto. Nowlin’s 1911 match barrels are made from 416 rifle-quality bar stock with ultrasmooth ECM rifling, 40 RC hardness, and an 8 RMS bore finish to deliver maximum accuracy. This unique, precut design on barrel-locking lugs ensures maximum lug engagement and aligns the firing pin dead center on the primer.

That’s why they shoot less than ½ inch at 25 yards out of a barrel test machine.

ETT B A

ON I T C A R E

Come see us at SHOT Show booth #1928!

U T I S VI Find Us On Facebook!

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E N I L N SO

(402) 782-2884 www.BighornArms.com

YOUR SOURCE FOR AR-15 AND GLOCK

WWW.SPINTAPRECISION.COM

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gear for guns MATCH GRADE MACHINE matchgrademachine.com The Remage barrel nut from Match Grade Machine is offered in both standard and oversized in stainless or blued. Standard is 1.062 inches x 16 inches, and the oversized is +.010inch for blue printed receivers. The Remage barrel nut allows your Remington 700 or 783 to have interchangeable barrels much like the S Savage g pplatform.

MCMILLAN FIBERGLASS STOCKS, INC. mc3stocks.com - Booth #13772 McCubed will offer two stocks made of Xenolite, a proprietary polymer blend, using a process never before used. The Legend, a tactical stock, is modeled after McMillan’s A-5. The Legend is unlike any other tactical polymer stock on the market with its beavertail forend. It will have an optional adjustable cheek piece and spacer system. The Tradition, a hunting stock, is modeled after McMillan’s Game Scout. The Tradition is a standard hunting stock with a vertical pistol grip and straight comb. Both are currently designed to accept a Remington 700 short and long actions.

DEFIANCE MACHINE defiancemachine.com - Booth #1861 Defiance Machine’s new Deviant Elite is very similar to their popular deviant Tactical in some ways, but quite different in others. It shares in common the integral scope mount, available in zero, 10, 20, and 30 minute of angle, as well as the integral recoil lug. It’s all machined from pre-hardened aircraft certified steels with wire EDM cut lug ways and a one piece bolt machined from solid 4340 bar stock.

What’s different is the new enhanced firing pin that increases accuracy by reducing vibrations.

The barrel thread tenon is extended by .850 inches, giving you more bedding surface and more barrel threads, this also allowed us to extend the scope mount an equal amount forward.

The Deviant Elite utilizes a sliding plate extractor on a coned bolt nose, which is part of the controlled round feed system, ensuring reliable feeding with a variety of cartridges.

VELOCITY TRIGGERS DESIGNED FOR P R ECISION

TM

The Marksman Performance ChoiceTM Trigger is designed with a 3/8” wide removable trigger shoe that is ½” forward for faster acquisition.

The shoes are available in: curved, straight or straight with finger stop and 5 different color options. The trigger shoe can also be rotated for a custom fit for your finger position.

The Velocity Triggers

MPC Trigger

TM

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

Visit us at: Shot Show 2018 - Booth #862 or www.VelocityTriggers.com

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gear for guns ARMASPEC armaspec.com - Booth #3018

PIERCE ENGINEERING pierceengineeringLTD.com Looking for the ultimate in Lightweight and Precision? The Pierce Titanium Action can get the job done. Ultra light and Ultra strong, this Action should please everyone looking to build that lightweight rifle.

Pierce Engineering builds precision rifles to precise standards, providing uncompromised accuracy whether they are for competition, hunting, law enforcement, our military or just exercising your 2nd Amendment Rights. They have now added Titanium versions of the Pierce round actions to their Action line-up.

Titanium is very strong, and comes in at about 42 percent of the weight of steel, and has a high strength to weight ratio of 1.5+. Pierce uses only the best 6Al-4V known as Grade 5 Titanium.

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The new Armaspec Victory is an ambidextrous charging handle designed for the AR-15. It has large handles that are slightly curved permitting hands free charging if required. The Victory charging handle also comes with vent ports that captures access gas and routes it downward away from the face.

Made from 7075-T6 aluminum and hard black anodized. Patents Pending. MSRP is $57.

The Armaspec B1 is a skeletonized extended mag release designed to extend the length of the factory button. The Armaspec B1 makes it easier to release the magazine without changing the grip position. It’s compatible with 5.56/.223 and 7.62/.308 receivers. Pat. Pend. MSRP is $20.

Both products will be offered in black, FDE, olive drab, red, blue, dark blue, gold, and purple. Each are made in the U.S.A and feature a lifetime warranty.

ELITE IRON eliteiron.com - Booth #20311 Elite Iron introduces the new Delta Lite suppressor, which is made from 100 percent titanium, and is fully TIG welded for added strength. Weighing in at just 14 ounces with an overall length of 7.5 inches and a diameter of 1.5 inches, the sound reduction makes this suppressor impressive. Designed to be used with a wide range of calibers from .223 up to 6.5mm, the Delta Lite will quickly become a favorite for all types of shooters particularly varmint hunters. The Delta Lite can be used on both bolt action and semi-auto ries.

STFU Special

Tactical

Cleverly named by a military shooter during a live fire training exercise, the STFU (Special Tactical Forward Unit) is rapidly gaining popularity among both the professional and civilian shooter. The .30cal STFU rivals its big brother the BRAVO in producing almost the same level of sound reduction in a shorter length.

Forward

Unit

The new design has virtually eliminated the POI shift.

Primarily designed for 7.62, 30-06, 6MM and 6.5 calibers, it can also be used on .300WM rifles that have a 24” barrel.

We also offer the Titanium model STFU LITE. (for light duty and hunting.)

Visit us at Shot Show booth 20311

EliteIron.com (406) 244-0234

PROUD TO BE MADE IN THE USA

CUSTOM-MADE SUPPRESSOR COVERS americanshootingjournal.com 113

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SUPPRESSOR

GALLERY SRT ARMS Model: Ruger 77/44 /44 Length: 1 inch longer than n factory rifle Mount: Integrally mounted Weight: 1 pound more than factory riflee Decibel: 120 decibels absolute with 240-grain subsonic ammo Materials: 4130 outer tube, 7075 aluminum baffles and caps Notes: Optional fast-twist Douglas barrel available MSRP: $995 on customer-supplied rifle; add $365 for optional barrel upgrade More info: www.srtarms.com

GEMTECH Model: Shield Caliber: 5.56mm Length: 7.0 inches Diameter: 1.5 inches Mount: Quickmount Weight: 16.3 ounces Sound reduction: 32 decibels Materials: Titanium and Inconel Finish: High Temperature Black Cerakote MSRP: $995 More info: www.gemtech.com

COLE-TAC C M Model: Supressor cover Length: Custom to fit Le Temperature rating: 1,800 to Te 3,000 degrees 3, Material: Mil-spec hardware and M 100D Cordura Nylon 10 MSRP: $52.95 to $97.95 M More info: www.cole-tac.com M

GROUND ZERO PRECISION Model: “Chaotic” 300 AAC Blackout Silencer, by Liberty Suppressors Caliber: 300 AAC Blackout & others Length: 6 inches Diameter: 2 inches Mount: Direct thread – 5/8 x 24 Weight: 23.7 ounces Sound reduction: Approx. dB overall: 135.1 dB (including first round pop), approx dB reduction: 27 dB Full Auto Rated: 10.5” and longer barrels Semi-Auto Rated: 7.5” and longer barrels Materials: Tube - titanium, Core / inconel blast baffle & rear cap – stainless steel Finish: Type C high temp cerakote™ In graphite black MSRP: $750 More info: www.groundzeroprecision.com

TBA SUPPRESSOR Model: Tempest Caliber: .22 LR Length: 6.75 inches Diameter: 1 inch Mount: ½x28 Weight: 3.4 ounces Sound reduction: 42 decibels Materials: Aluminum Finish: Anodized black MSRP: $349 More info: www.tbasuppressors.com

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’S R LELER M U MB H T TU

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Made of durable steel construction - heavyduty, sealed ball bearing motors - thermally protected - fast, quiet operation - 3/4 to 4 3/4 gallon capacity - industrial and rotary models available. Send for our free brochure!

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“Manufacturers of quality case cleaners, deburring and tumbling equipment since 1959”

Matt’s Matt s Bullets Premium Ammunition

Specializing In 500 S&W Including: 500 S&W 700 Grain

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Quality Bullets 1965 Pistol Bullets andSince Ammunition

Now Available:

500 S&W Shotshells 5 T Power and payload of a 28 The gauge shotshell in a revolver!

Also: 38/2 For Webley & Victory Revolvers 38/200

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870-856-6788 www.mattsbullets.com/ammunition 116

American Shooting Journal // January 2018

Zero Bullet Company, Inc. P.O. Box 188 Cullman, AL 35056 Tel: 256-739-1606 Fax: 256-739-4683 Toll Free: 800-545-9376 www.zerobullets.com

AMMUNITION A M MANUFACTURER

BUY ONLINE, SHIP TO YOUR DOOR Order High Quality Ammo and Reloading Components at some of the lowest prices in the country.

HAPPY SHOOTING AND D GOD BLESS AMERICA

Check out our new Ammohistamine Self Defense rounds and our match competition 9mm rounds.

Enter code “BTBASJ15” in the order notes section to receive 15 extra rounds with any order of 500 rounds or more.

WWW.BITETHEBULLET.CO (702) 739-7465 (702) 219 7326 americanshootingjournal.com 117

COWBOY .25 .32 .38 .38 .38 .38-40 .44-40 .45LC .45LC .458

85 GR. 78 GR. 120 GR. 125 GR. 130 GR. 180 GR. 180 GR. 160 GR. 200 GR. 350 GR.

RNFP/500 RNFP/500 TC/500 RNFP/500 RNFP/500 RNFP/500 RNFP/500 RNFP/900 RNFP/500 RNFP/100

GAS-CHECK .38 .357 .41 .44 .44 .44 .45LC .45LC .458 .500

158 GR. 180 GR. 230 GR. 240 GR. 240 GR. 305 GR. 260 GR. 325 GR. 430 GR. 440 GR.

This is a good cross reference of the bullets we offer.

We have about 144 set of molds with new molds coming.

Sixteen employees working 10 hr. a day shifts 4 days a week with 9 casters, 6 auto lubers, and 12 star lubers JDV FKHFNLQJ HYHU\ GD\ :H KDYH EXOOHWV PDGH ZLWK ÀYH different alloys that we order in 40,000 - 60,000 lbs at a time a mixed per our set alloys.

Prices subject to change without notice.

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

$28.00 $25.00 $32.00 $33.00 $34.00 $42.00 $42.00 $79.00 $44.50 $26.00

STANDARD .32KEITH 125 GR. .380 95 GR. 9MM 115 GR. 9MM 125 GR. .38 148 GR. .38 158 GR. .40 180 GR. .45ACP 200 GR. .45ACP 230 GR. .45LC 255 GR.

SWC-HP/100 LBT-WFN/100 SWC/100 SWC-HP/100 SWC/100 LBT-WFN/100 SWC-HP/100 LBT-LWN/100 LBT-LWN/100 LBT-WFN/100

SWC/500 RN/500 RN/500 RN/500 DEWC/600 SWC/600 RNFP/500 SWC/500 RN/500 SWC/500

$46.00 $31.00 $31.50 $33.00 $41.50 $44.00 $41.00 $44.50 $48.00 $55.00

$25.00 $30.00 $32.00 $38.00 $38.00 $45.00 $41.00 $47.00 $24.00 $72.00

AMMUNITION AMMO INC.

ammo-inc.com – Booth # 1408 Ammo, Inc. is happy to announce its newest product offering, Streak Visual Ammunition. AI has obtained the exclusive worldwide rights for the incredible patented technology that makes this product one the most technologically advanced rounds to hit the market.

Unlike conventional or “hot” tracers, these Streak rounds don’t use burning metals to generate light, they use triboluminescence – light emitted from fractured crystals. Triboluminescence doesn’t generate heat like the traditional old school tracer rounds. Streak rounds are safe to use indoors and outside in environments where traditional tracers are deemed a serious fire hazard.

Since the material they use is applied to the aft end of the projectile, it is only visible to the shooter (a 30-degree viewing window). The projectile not being visible from the path it is traveling towards may not be super-important for the casual shooter, but has a strong appeal for military and law enforcement use.

Streak rounds will be in stores in the first quarter of 2018. Ammo, Inc. will be releasingg Streak Visual Vis Ammunition in both red and yellow/green illumination colors and multiple pistol stol and rifle calibers.

FEDERAL PREMIUM federalpremium.com - Booth #14551

Federal Premium has drawn from its 95 years of ammunition manufacturing excellence to develop an all-new cartridge that transforms the MSR 15 platform, unleashes shooters’ long-range potential and shatters the boundaries of ballistic performance.

The 224 Valkyrie provides extremely flat trajectories and match accuracy beyond 1,300 yards. The cartridge offers significantly less wind drift and drop than other loads in its class, as well as less than half the recoil of cartridges with comparable ballistics. Loaded in an unmatched array of high-performance projectiles, 224 Valkyrie is the new choice for both long-range target shooters and hunters.

BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION MUNITION black-hills.com – Booth #15129 and #3019 Black Hills Ammunition, a leading ading supplier of law enforcementt and military sniper ammunition, ion, now offers a plastic-tipped .308 308 rra version of the legendary Sierra 168 MatchKing.

The modernized sniper load oad combines MatchKing accuracy with improved terminal effect and limited penetration to minimize danger to perimeter erimeter teams. BHA combines this bullet with a temperature-insensitive propellant, so whether training g in extreme heat or handling a hostage situation in 20-below-zero weather, it performs with unquestioned reliability and performance.

RIM ROCK BULLETS rimrockbullets.com As some of you may not know, the team at Rim Rock Bullets has been busy adding a bunch of gas check bullets to their line-up. RRB now has e offering from .257 caliber up to .512 caliber, including some bullets for the old Winchester Center Fire cartridges, and even a .311 for good times.

To see all of the gas check bullets and all the other bullets RRB makes, please visit their website, where they’re always “Right on target!”

BITE E THE BULLET bitethebullet.co bullet.co

Bite the e Bullet RX rrounds are the most consistent and cost-efficient everyday carry and home defense round on the market today. Bite the Bullet has been manufacturing ammunition since 2013 right here in the USA. With their state-of-the-art machinery, they wanted to offer a better alternative to the critical hhome defense and everyday carry round. Bite the B Bullet welcomes the responsibility of how important tthis round is.

Ballistically, these new brass production rounds aare some of the most effective and safest out there, ooffering maximum expansion and knockdown power while having the right amount of penetration. With w sstandard deviation in the single digits, the shooter kknows what to expect every time.

BTB RX rounds are also some of the softest sshooting out there, allowing the shooter to recover qquickly and keep the weapon flat. All variations of the BTB RX line are perfect for home defense, everyday B ccarry, security outfits, police departments and even training due to our affordable price points. Now you can train with the round you hopefully never have to use. This ensures you know what to expect if that lifesaving moment ever comes, or if you’re simply looking for a more accurate training round.

The Barnes are made with a 100 percent copper projectile, and the Eco frangible will be made with a copper polymer projectile. Both are lead-free Bullets. BTB is changing the way home defense and everyday carry is done. Join the BTB epidemic and pop some of the RX line – the world’s first “ammohistamine.”

americanshootingjournal.com 119

BRASSMAN BRASS For All Your Reloading Needs Brass, Bullets, & More John “TheBrassMan” Johnson (702) 645-7542

e-mail: brassmanbrass@gmail.com web: www.brassmanbrass.com

G2 RESEARCH

g2rammo.com - Booth #3841 G2 Research is a premium self defense and environmentally conscious defense/hunting ammunition manufacturer. G2 Research's vast understanding of material properties and utilization of complex geometries renders predictable and consistent results that maximize the effectiveness of its solid copper/lead free projectiles. After the release of the Radically Invasive Projectile (R.I.P.) line of fragmenting self-defense ammunition to great industry and consumer accolades, G2 Research’s goal of constant and continuing innovation has led to the Rip Out and Trident lines of rifle ammunition, the extreme expansion of the G2 Research Civic Duty, and the value priced Telos line of fragmenting ammunition.

INTERNATIONAL CARTRIDGE CORPORATION iccammo.com – Booth #20127 ICC Ammo proudly introduces Platinum Hog Series. This premium eoght-pellet, 300-grain 00 Buck boasts a speed of 1,535 feet per second at the muzzle and produces tight patterns at extended ranges. If you are an avid hog hunter and are looking for the next generation of shotgun ammunition, visit them at SHOT Show 2018 to see for yourself.

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Lead Free and Frangible Ammunition

THE MOST TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED HOLLOW POINT WITH MAXIMUM ENERGY TRANSFER!

12 gauge Platinum Hog series 8 pellet 00 Buck ICC Ammo proudly introduces the Platinum Hog Series. This premium lead-free 00 buck shot is faster, tighter, and hits harder than any other lead-free shot shell round on the market.

Contact us to see for yourself. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

WORLD LEADERS IN FRANGIBLE AMMUNITION DUTY & DEFENSE

SPORT & TRAINING

International Cartridge Corporation

HUNTING AMMUNITION 814.938.6820 • iccammo.com

TH E ONE ST ROKE Make your own GAS Checks easily and economically

Fits all major reloading presses

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RELOADING GUNTAP guntap.com The latest advancement in handloading is here!

Stainless Steel Tumbling Media by Guntap is the superior alternative to dry vibratory tumbling. In less ss than 90 minutes, brass cases can be cleaned inside e and out without having to deal with dust, jammed media, or dirty case interiors. The stainless steel media doesn’t break down, requires no maintenance, ce, and works in any rotary tumbler or cement mixer.

Simply add the pins, brass cases, water, Brass Shine Detergent by Guntap, and tumble. After about an hour, sift the cases from the pins and you’re done! Contact the company for sign-up specials available to new dealers.

SHELL SHOCK TECHNOLOGIES shellshocktech.com

REDDING RELOADING EQUIPMENT redding-reloading.com – Booth #16527 Redding Reloading Equipment introduces their fourth in a series of “Weight Range Specific” Powder Measures, the Competition PR-50 for the Precision Rifle Market and its specific cartridges.

For years, many manufacturers have taken the approach that one powder measure would do everything, and broad range measures are good throughout their range and great at points. But good has never been enough for Redding, which began building specialized measures for a variety for shooting disciplines and cartridge types over a decade ago beginning with the BR-30, Competition 10x and more recently the LR-1000.

In that tradition, the Competition PR-50 was engineered with a sweet spot from approximately 30 to 80 grains of most powders.

This new measure completes the grouping with a total of four distinct powder measures, each optimized for incredible precision within a given range of charge weights.

Redding Reloading Equipment has focused on building the finest quality, American Made products for the precision handloading market since 1946. To learn more about their ongoing commitment to the precision handloader and to request a copy of the new 2018 Redding catalog, visit their website.

Shell Shock’s 9mm case has been hailed as “maybe the greatest innovation in firearms in 150 years” (VSO Gun Channel). Not bad for a startup! Wait until you try the new 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm rifle cases. They are lighter by 50 percent, provide up to 7 percent more powder capacity, deliver greater consistency between rounds, and can be picked up with a magnet and cost less…a lot less than brass. Satisfies global military mandates to reduce weight, lower cost and increase performance. All Shell Shock’s cases are proudly made in the USA. Shell Shock…

Shoot it! Love it!

STARLINE BRASS starlinebrass.com – Booth #4258 Starline Brass has recently added the 6.5 family of cartridges to their growing line of high quality rifle cases. Starline is now producing 6.5 Creedmoor (available with Large and Small primer pockets), 6.5 Grendel and 6mm Creedmoor.

The 6.5 Creedmoor is a great target and hunting round due to its versatility and inherent accuracy.

The 6.5 Grendel can achieve ballistics similar to the .308, with less recoil, making it a great choice for long range AR shooting. The 6mm Creedmoor is a great choice for competition shooting. Some of the new competitions, such as the Precision Rifle Series, require a lot of shooting. The 6mm Creedmoor caliber is very accurate, and easy on the shoulder.

Starline’ss new brass for the 6.5 family of cartridges is produced with the same demanding quality Starline control standards that Starline has become known for. It is available for half the price of comparable quality cases.

americanshootingjournal.com 12 125

RELOADING NECO neconos.com – Booth #1609 NECO is proud to offer the CAT (Cartridge Alignment Tool) and the Case Gauge combo. The NECO Case Gauge is the most precise way to measure run-out, curvature, squareness, and wall thickness. The CAT is the common sense way to remove run-out. No more botched neck tension! These are great tools to remove those mysterious variables that affect accuracy. See this great combination of tools at their booth at SHOT 2018.

UNIQUETEK uniquetek.com The UniqueTek Primer Tube Stand holds 12 primer pickup tubes. The stand is weighted and the base wide enough to be stable, even when only one side is loaded with primer tubes. The top rod can be used as a handle to lift and move the stand. This simple design assembles in just seconds and can be dismantled to save bench space when not in use. Holds primer pickup tubes on Dillon Precision, Hornady, RCBS, Redding and Lyman Presses.

UniqueTek makes many other enhancements for reloading presses … as well as products for other aspects of reloading, target shooting and competition.

For more information, visit uniquetek.com.

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DILLON PRECISION dillonprecision.com – Booth #2625 Dillon’s SL 900 Shotshell Loader features automatic indexing; automatic powder and priming systems; an adjustable, case-activated shot dispenser; and its loading dies are factory adjusted to load AA hulls. The SL 900 also comes with a risk-free 30-day trial period and Dillon Precision’s famous Lifetime “No-B.S.” Warranty.

Visit them at SHOT Show booth #2625.

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RELOADING LITTLE CROW GUNWORKS littlecrowgunworks.com

Little Crow Gunworks is the home of the Worlds’ Finest Trimmer (WFT) case trimmers as well as many unique reloading and AR tools. LCG’s also provides a wide variety of Gunsmithing activities to include personal custom rifle building, repair, retail and install of premium optics as well as many hardto-find products.

SHARP SHOOTER RIMFIRE RELOADER 22lrreloader.com Sharp Shooter Creating Inventive Reloading Solutions is now making the one stroke. Make your own gas checks easily and economically.

This is the fastest system in history and makes your gas checks for less than a penny a piece.

Fits all major brand reloading presses.

WESTERN POWDERS westernpowders.com – Booth #3227 With data for modern cartridges, old favorites and obscure wildcats, the Western Powders Handloading Guide (Edition 1) picks up where the well-loved Accurate Arms books left off. Featuring new propellants, including the complete line of Ramshot, Accurate and Blackhorn 209 powders, this comprehensive guide presents the most advanced loading information available to shooters today. Full color. 496 pages Ask for it at your favorite retail outlet, or purchase it online at westernpowders.com.

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REVOLUTIONARY NEW 2-PIECE NAS3 CASE TECHNOLOGY: 50% LIGHTER THAN BRASS Nickel-Plated Aluminum Base

High Tensile Nickel-Alloy Cylinder

• Less wear on ejector pin • Can be color coded forr ID/branding fo ID/b ID /bra rand ndin ing g

• • • •

2 x pressure rating (over 70k PSI) Higher tensile strength and elasticity Corrosion resistant Reloadable using S3 Reload dies

SOON...

WWW.SHELLSHOCKTECH.COM W W W.SHELLSHOC

5.56 MM

C

UNLO UNLOADED UNLO CASES AVAILABLE FROM SHELL SHOCK SHOC SH OC TECHNOLOGIES. 9MM CASES G AVAILABLE AVAI AV AI NOW, OTHER CALIBERS IN M COMING SOON. SEE WEBSITE COM CO M O FOR FO R MANUFACTURERS OF LOADED LOAD LO AD AMMO

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ENTERPRISE SERVICES cartridgeanneal.com Super Sale: Ultimate Cartridge Check System.

A $185.55 value for $159.95.

You get a 6-inch square X 2-inch granite plate, 1-inch diameter indicator post with fine adjustment arms, one 0-.50-inch digital indicator, one 0-1-inch analog dial indicator, three indicator points, one round, one needle and one flat end point with each indicator, one inside cartridge case checking feeler arm, two sliding blocks on stirrup fixture and four ½-inch chrome plate steel balls for cases to ride on, and a customer’s choice of one Sinclair Quick Sort Bullet Comparator or one Sinclair Shoulder Bump gage.

This precision measuring system performs 14 separate quality control measurements on brass, bullets and loaded ammunition.

No need to purchase numerous measuring systems this one does it all including: case length, overall cartridge length, case neck total indicated runout, loaded ammunition bullet total indicated runout, primer seating depth variations, primer seated below case head, bullet meplat uniformity, case wall thickness variations, check for impending case head separation, case rim total indicated runout, extraction groove total indicated runout, loaded cartridge length to bullet ogive, case shoulder bump variations with the Sinclair bump gage of your choice, rimmed case headspace (requires an optional fixture).

Sales limited to stock on hand.

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11. CNC Toolheads 12. The Bullet Bin 13. Bin-Dam ™ 14. Powder Measure Stand Adapter 15. Drain-n-Change Tool 16. Primer Tube Stand 17. Primer Rod and Holder 18. 550 Primer Track Bearing 19. Shellplate Bearing g Kit

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Post sizes are available for either the Dillon® 550/650 or 1050 reloading presses.

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

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CYA Concealment In the grim future there is only you... and when SHTF, hit back with CYA Concealment Packs. Armor, storage and safety. Hidden in Plain Sight and ready to go in seconds. This is your back up plan.

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In big, rugged country, having a pack string saves a lot of work and time, and ensures you can get big game meat to a cooler faster.

ROAD HUNTER

AFTER THE SHOT Experienced hunters know that there is still plenty of work to do before and after your shot hits the mark and your quarry falls.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY SCOTT HAUGEN

he text flashed across my phone.

“I’ve got a buck down, can you can help me?”

“No, I’m hunting,” I replied. “Just gut it out and I’ll help you after dark.”

“How do I do that?” the man came back.

“Like you’ve always done,” I fired back.

“But I’ve never gutted a deer,” he replied.

“I’ll be there after dark,” I ended with a sigh.

T

to deboning, preserving to packing it out, even butchering, these are all things that must be thoroughly thought out before the trigger is pulled – or, for that matter, before even leaving home.

I HAVE MORE THAN 40 YEARS of big game hunting experience, and there are The man behind those texts was times virtually every season when I hunting on the same property I was, won’t pull the trigger on an animal and he had been given my number because I know it’s going to be nearly by the landowner in case he needed impossible to get to, and even harder my help. He clearly needed it now, to get out. When you’re in the field, be but I wasn’t going to sacrifice my last it alone or with a friend, know what 90 minutes of daylight, especially on you’re getting into before the hunt. my fifth straight day of trying to fill With sportsmen’s show season a deer tag of my own. To paraphrase upon us, now is a good time to hit the the old saying, “a lack of planning floor in search of valued gear that will on his part did not constitute an help make your hunt more efficient. emergency on mine.”

You don’t need all the gear out there, I hear from fellow hunters all the Whatcome might Santa have his sack for waterfowlers thisI’m Christmas? just in what works best for you. a time about the challenges they Dave Smith Decoys are considered by many to offer the most life-like minimalist, taking only what I need across once an animal is down.

From realism. Here, dozens of decoys are being secured to a cart with a couple of the most toolsare out the there. to get the jobhandy, done.universal Following field dressing to skinning, capingLoopRopes, one americanshootingjournal.com 135

ROAD HUNTER pieces of gear that make the work easier for me, after the shot.

Breaking down an animal in the field is easy. As long as you know where the connective tissues are, along with key ligaments, tendons and joints, any animal can be broken down with a simple knife. I’ve broken down entire animals using a 2-inch blade, with ease.

A fixed 4-inch blade is my favorite hunting knife. With this I’ve broken down deer, moose, even Cape buffalo in Africa. I like a synthetic handle that’s streamlined for easy gripping, and serrated so it won’t slip when covered in fat or blood. A quality steel blade that keeps an edge through fur and fat is ideal.

Should you lose an edge – and you will if you breakdown enough animals – then a sharpening steel is essential.

All I want is something I can use to put an edge back on in order to get the job done in the field; I’ll fine-tune it once back in camp or at home. A 600-grit oval sharpener that’s compact and lightweight works great.

I CAN COUNT ON ONE hand the number of times I’ve used rope to help me breakdown an animal in the field, but it’s always nice to have one. Each time I’ve used it, it’s been on a steep hillside, where I tied the animal off because I didn’t want it to slide downhill as I took care of it.

Rarely do I take a saw into the field. The only time I will is if I’m elk or moose hunting, and I want to pop the antlers and skullcap from the rest of the skull to alleviate weight for the pack out. All other cuts, including removing the head at the atlas joint, are easy to make with a small knife, even on the largest of game.

Notice I’ve been saying “breakdown” an animal, not “gut” or “field dress” it. That’s because 90 percent of the big game I take care of in the field is done by the gutless method. I position the animal on its back, slit under the skin from the anus to the brisket, then across the 136

American Shooting Journal // January 2018

Once an animal is down, there’s still a lot of work to be done. Planning ahead will make the field experience more efficient, maximizing the quality of the meat.

front legs from knee to knee, then the back legs. Peel off the hide, leaving it attached only at the spine and lay it open, which provides a great platform on which to work. This keeps the meat clean and the gut cavity intact.

From there, remove the quarters, backstrap, neck meat and external rib meat. The loins, rib meat, heart and liver can be removed last. This

approach is fast and very clean, keeping you virtually blood-free, and the meat in optimal condition.

WHERE AN ANIMAL FALLS must be anticipated prior to the hunt. If mule deer hunting in big canyons, know that you likely won’t get the animal out whole, so think about what you will need in order to take all the

americanshootingjournal.com 137

ROAD HUNTER meat out.

Personally, when I get a deer, I want to make only one trip out with it. When heading into a canyon I’ll take a pack and game bags that will allow me to carry all the boned-out meat in one shot. Sometimes I’ll lash a small daypack to a pack frame, so I’m ready to add loaded game bags to it for the hike out. I’ll do this with two 5-foot-long LoopRopes, the best fasteners I’ve found for securing loads to pack frames.

It’s fine if you have to make two trips. With elk, multiple trips will be required, so have game bags in order to keep the meat clean. If you have to leave some meat overnight, have rope to hoist the bags into the trees so predators can’t get to it.

I’ve only killed one moose late in the season that didn’t fall in a swampy, mosquito-infested spot. The same is true for a lot of early-season elk I’ve taken. For these situations, a

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Staring a big Roosevelt bull in the face is the dream of many hunters, but the real work of big game hunting begins once the tag is punched.

americanshootingjournal.com americ ame ricans an hoo hootin tingjo gjourn urnal. al.com com 13 139 9

ROAD HUNTER Animals don’t always fall where we’d like, which makes planning ahead critical. This bull the author shot toppled over 100 yards down a steep hillside, and one more turn would have sent him another 300 yards, all the way to the bottom.

ThermaCELL bug repellent unit is a must. Simply place it on or near the carcass, and you can proceed breaking down the animal without the hassle of mosquitoes, white socks and no-see-ums.

Be sure to pack a headlamp and extra batteries. When hiking in daylight, remove the batteries from inside your headlamp, so in case the switch gets turned on, the batteries won’t die.

Flagging tape to mark a bloodtrail, or your trail in and out, is a good idea. So is a compass or GPS. Be sure and let someone know where you’ll be and when you should be back in camp or home.

ONCE HOME WITH YOUR GAME meat, the first step is to get it cooling and aging. Hanging it in a cooler is the best method to do this. If you don’t have a walk-in cooler, 140

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placing the quarters and loose meat in a refrigerator, uncovered, works great. Keeping the meat on the bone while aging is most efficient, optimizing cellular breakdown, thus tenderization. Optimal aging time in 33- to 42-degree conditions is five days, but you can go longer.

If you don’t have a way to cool and age the meat, cut it up, vacuum seal or wrap it tight in butcher paper and place in the freezer. A week to 10 days prior to cooking a cut of meat, remove it from the freezer, place it on a wire rack, on a plate, and let thaw, uncovered, in the back of your refrigerator. This is called dry aging, and is the next best way to age and tenderize game if you can’t age it prior to freezing. Before cooking, simply slice away the thin, dark pellicle that’s formed on the outside.

Do your own butchering, period.

This should be part of the entire

hunting process, and in the end, is why we hunt. Doing your own field care work and butchering ensures you know exactly what condition your meat is in, and how it was handled, thus, what the end product will be like.

Believe me, few butchers I know actually want to take in the meat from hunters. This is because it’s often delivered in less than ideal conditions, yet hunters expect it to taste miraculously good. Rarely is bad-tasting game meat the fault of the butcher or chef; it’s most likely due to improper field care and handling.

As soon as the animal is down, get the hide off and the meat off the carcass. Remove the fat from the meat and keep it clean. It has to get cooling as soon as possible.

Immediately remove every bit of bloodshot meat, as this will taint the flavor. Once home, wipe down the meat with a mixture of white vinegar

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ROAD HUNTER and water, using a 1:3 ratio.

When butchering your game, simply breakdown the muscle groups by way of muscle separation. Let the silver skin linings and bones be your guide as to where the cuts will fall. A 5-inch semistiff fillet knife will allow you to easily butcher any big game animal.

With winter upon us, now is the perfect time to start thinking ahead to hunting season. Once you hit the road, all you want to do is relax and have fun, and that comes with being prepared, and properly taking care of your animal, start to finish.

Editor’s note: To order Scott Haugen’s specialized DVD, Field Dressing, Skinning & Caping Big Game, visit scotthaugen.com. The two-hour DVD shows six ways to breakdown animals in the field.

Scott Haugen is host of The Hunt, on Netflix. Follow him on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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When it comes to hunting in mosquito-infested big game habitat, a ThermaCell is one of the most important tools a hunter can have.

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PRONE OUTFITTERS TEXAS WHITETAIL | DOVE HOG | TURKEY | VARMINTS

BOOK 144

American Shooting Journal // January 2018

7YVUL 6\[Ä[[LYZ PZ H ;L_HZ IHZLK O\U[PUN V\[Ä[ KLKicated to providing high quality hunts, along with an unmatched level of clarity and customer service.

Targeting over 100 species throughout Texas and Michigan, Prone offers a variety of hunting opportunities nearly 365 days a year. By combining remark-

able service and near-perfect success rates, Prone YVZL [V [OL [VW VM [OL V\[Ä[[PUN ZJLUL HUK JVU[PU\LZ to innovate hunting styles and modern expectations ^P[OPU [OL PUK\Z[Y` 7SHJL `V\Y [Y\Z[ PU 7YVUL 6\[Ä[[LYZ [V WYLZLU[ HU L_JLW[PVUHS L_WLYPLUJL MYVT ÄYZ[ JVUtact, ’til the photo shoot at the end.

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HUNT

NOW! americanshootingjournal.com 145

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KNIVES VZ GRIPS vzgrips.com - Booth #2243 vzweaponsolutions.com

COLONEL BLADES ES

VZ Daggers are also machined out of a solid piece of proprietary G10 or Carbon Fiber. They are non-electrically conductive and don’t throw a magnetic or metal signature should you need to fly under the radar with it or utilize it as a tool in electrical situations. Non-slip texturing keeps the dagger or tool securely in your hand in any situation you may be using them for.

ColonelBlades is your ideal EDC fixed blade. It’s the he blade mad made for shooters. It carries like a gun, conceals like a gun, but doesn’t jam or run out of ammo. The ColonelBlades LowVz is a blade you use today and every day with no new training needed, it uses the skills you already have. Don’t leave home without it. Available at colonelblades.com and BravoCompanyUSA.

colonelblades.com

EXQUISITE KNIVES exquisiteknives.com

For the finest in custom knives, look no further than exquisiteknives.com.

Specializing in Bob Loveless Knives, they have one of the world’s largest selections on hand for immediate delivery. For your consideration, they have what they consider two of the finest pieces to ever leave the Loveless shop. Amber Stag Mini Wilderness (top, in photo), you do not get any better or rarer. The bottom knife is the famous New York Special with exhibition grade Samber Stag and Amber Scales.

Let Exquisite fulfill your wildest dreams with the best custom knives with makers such as Loveless, Moran, Lake, Walker and too many more to mention.

KERSHAW KNIVES

ONTARIO KNIFE COMPANY

With the razor-sharp Deadline knife, cutting tasks will get done quickly and efficiently. Best of all, this Kershaw is packed with special features that help it stand out. Opening the knife is extremely easy with Kershaw’s KVT ball-bearing system, complete with the new Tuned Detent System (TDS). The TDS feature allows Kershaw craftsmen to “fine tune” the detent so that it’s more comfortable than ever to open — not too heavy and not too light. On the appearance side, you’ll be getting an attractive, two-toned finish on both the blade and the handle.

It’s safe to say that the Deadline brings out the best of both form and function.

The Hunt Plus camp knife is the latest in OKC’s award winning Hunt Plus line.

Designed to be the workhorse of any campsite, the knife takes inspiration from survival, kitchen, and combat knives to create a low-cost, “Made in the USA” masterpiece. The knife features OKC’s patented Hunt Plus/Spec Plus Alpha tool handle, a textured, ergonomic design that is injection molded around a skeleton tang to keep the handle from becoming loose from the knife or your hand. The Camp Knife is backed by OKC’s famous lifetime warranty and has an MSRP of $44.95.

kershaw.kaiusaltd.com - Booth #14223

ontarioknife.com Booth #20305

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Gear LANSKY

MTR CUSTOM LEATHER

lansky.com – Booth #11919 Lansky Sharpeners, a world leader in innovative ive sharpening technology, adds another landmark rk to their ever-expanding product line with the release of the new P.R.E.P (Preparedness, Resource, Equipment Pack). The Lansky P.R.E.P .P was designed as an all-in-one solution for emergency, disaster and survival situations. The tools in the P.R.E.P were selected to improve your chances of prevailing over a variety of scenarios, including evacuation due to natural disaster, unexpected isolation, and escape from dangerous circumstances.

Keeping the P.R.E.P on your person or in your car can help you be prepared for almost any emergency.

The tools in the P.R.E.P are packed in a black canvas bag with the Lansky logo displayed on

mtrcustomleather.com

the h ffront. Th The ffollowing ll i emergency survival i l items are inside the bag: emergency blanket, first aid mini-bag, Lansky mini multi-tool, fishing line, fishing hook, fishing sinker, fishing swivels, flashlight, paracord bracelet, Lansky survival guide, firestarter with compass, collapsible water bottle, LifeStraw water filter, responder knife and Blademedic sharpener.

Stay safe, stay sharp, and stay prepared with the Lansky P.R.E.P. MSRP is $129.99.

Founded as a “one-man company” in 2009 in the community of Coleridge, located in Ramseur, North Carolina, MTR began making just a few custom items a week for local friends and family as a hobby.

Now, MTR Custom Leather is one of the largest providers of holsters and related gear in the world.

They thank you, their faithful customers, for helping them attain this position. Rest assured that their team will continue to be advanced in their designs, materials and methods in order to maintain the firmest quality control procedures and offer you the best revolutionary products. MTR is a Christian-familyowned company that has proudly stood behind their products since the beginning, and are here to fight for your protection. They only want you carrying the best and functional product to help you when in need.

RIGEL PRODUCTS boresmith.com – Booth #2859

PROLIX LUBRICANTS prolixlubricant.com – Booth #2810

PrOlix is a non-petroleum-based solvent/lubricant that has been keeping guns running for a long time.

PrOlix goes on wet, cleans, bonds, and turns to a dry lube coating!

PrOlix cleans and lubricates firearms, preserves wood, inhibits rust and corrosion and eliminates oil and grease. PrOlix provides waterproof protection and is environmentally friendly. PrOlix has been used safely on Glocks since they came on the market, and is also safe to use on all polymers, wood, old/new nickel or other finishes.

Boresmith’s patented cable bore brush has shaved bristles that flex to fit a patch tightly inside the bore, and bristles do it with a gap clearance tighter than made by spear jags or loops.

A solvent-soaked patch wrapped over the shaved bristles leads the way, and then following behind is regular diameter bristles that brush. Trailing is an eyelet, and pulled through is an oiled patch. The triple-action bore brush makes your firearms “cleaner faster” while being “safer deeper.” It comes in phosphor bronze or nylon, and the thread is standard 8-32. Packaged in heavy-duty twist tube.

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gear BORE TECH, INC. boretech.com

Bore Tech’s patent-pending AR Receiver cleaning kits are the industry’s most innovative and comprehensive, and are specifically engineered for precision cleaning of AR upper and lower receivers.

Featuring professional-grade tools, these kits simply and effectively cut cleaning time and provide a spotless upper and lower receiver. The AR Complete Receiver cleaning kits are made in the USA and are designed to provide all the necessary, bestperforming, high-quality tools in a single convenient, easy-to-use kit.

Available for both .223/5.56mm AR-15 and .308/7.62mm AR-10 platforms, the 14-piece kits are a must-have for any serious AR shooter. For more information on these kits or any of their other innovative gun care products, visit their website.

MAN GEAR mangearalaska.com

CYA CONCEALMENT

Man Gear Alaska, LLC., is proud to produce an expanding line of made in America products.

They are also pleased to introduce their patented design Gen2-MTU-MOS holsters with the capability to carry a handgun with a small RMRstyle optic, or reflex sight. These holsters are manufactured so that the handgun can be carried with or without the optic. The Gen2-MTU-MOS line of holsters can now be purchased in three colors: black, coyote brown and universal digital camouflage. The two-mag pouch option was specifically designed for the Glock Model 40 MOS with the 6-inch slide, but it also works just as well with most other shorter-barrel full-service autosized handguns.

Made from top-of-the-line materials and designed to blend in, the CYA Concealment Pack systems add a whole new level of form and function to every-day carry. Able to carry firearms, gear and armor in one system, these modular packs come in three sizes and offer a water-resistant, low-profile design and options that other packs don’t, including: 1050 denier ballistic nylon construction, reinforced seams, YKK zippers, and three armor pouches for pistol or rifle armor. Veteran-owned and made in the USA.

cyaconcealment@gmail.com

SEAL L1 TANNERITE tannerite.com – Booth #2118 Tannerite Sports has always been known as the original manufacturer of reactive rifle targets, but did you know Tannerite offers a variety of accessories as well? The newest product is the Tannerite Shooter’s Bag! Designed to carry all of your Tannerite brand targets and outdoor shooting necessities, it has easy-to-reach side pockets, specialized clip holders and the main compartment has a large U-shape lockable zipper. Get a Tannerite Shooter’s Bag and take it out for some reactive target fun! Find more information on Tannerite-brand targets at the company’s website.

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seal1.net – Booth #30310 SEAL 1 introduces their high-performance Copper and Lead Remover. SEAL 1 Signature Series Copper and Lead Remover remove copper and lead from the bore without the use of toxic chemicals. SEAL 1’s biobased state-of-theart technology is used to remove copper and lead fouling from the bore without the smell or dangerous chemicals normally used. SEAL 1 products are green-engineered and are all made in the USA at their factory in Maine.

MSRP for the Copper and Lead Remover is $10.49.

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gear

CLINGER HOLSTERS clingerholsters.com – Booth #1659 The Comfort Cling Holster from Clinger Holsters is a clipless holster for IWB or pocket carry. Its magic comes from three layers – the “grippy” outer layer clings to your waistband or pocket, the inner layer is low friction to allow a smooth draw, and the comfortable middle layer is a gel-like material that dissipates your gun’s sharp edges.

While there are other options for clipless holsters, most focus on either comfort or durability. Clinger Holsters has focused on both. The Comfort Cling is easy to use, comfortable, and durable, and the MSRP is just $19.99.

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FROGLUBE froglube.com – Booth #20405 The future of gun care is FrogLube’s bio-based products, both degreasing solvents and lubricants.

FrogLube has mastered non-toxic, non-flammable and non-petroleum formulas to create the state-ofart in gun care for the 21st century. Eliminate oxidation, corrosion, combustion and hardening of gun care products inside your firearm as you enjoy reduced friction and extended service life for all your firearms. The greatest single enhancement with the least cost in the shortest time any gun owner can make is to convert your firearm to bio-based gun care.

Come see us at SHOT SHOW

BOOTH #20200

IOSSO Pretreated Media Mixes For Tumblers

NE W

Tired of Tumbling?

• Corn Cobb Pretreated with Iosso Case Polish • Corn Cobb/Walnut Premium Mix Pretreated with Iosso Case Polish

Ready to go... Just fill your tumbler and turn it on!

• Removes Carbon, Powder Fouling, Oxidation, & Stains • Reduces tumbling time • Shines to a high luster • Protects from tarnish • Bio-Based Formula, no odor!

Casings shine like gold in just a couple hours!

Law Enforcement Ballroom

Use Iosso Case Cleaner instead...

Soak... Rinse... Dry... Done!

It cleans in 5 minutes or less: • The inside of the casing • The Primer Pocket It removes: • Carbon • Power Fouling • Oxidation & Stains • Dirt & Lube

Kit Contains the bucket bucket, lid lid, bag for casings and a quart of solution.

Available in several convenient sizes: 3# pail, 5 gallon bucket, 125# drum

Safe on the Casings... Safe on You!

USDA Certified BioPreferred Formula No Petroleum Distillates No shipping restrictions

The solution is biogradable, reusable, & economical.

Available in a convenient kit, quarts, gallons, or larger.

Cleans where tumbling media is not effective.

IOSSOPRODUCTS

www.iosso.com

888-747-4332 americanshootingjournal.com

Made in USA

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gear HANDI-RACKER handi-racker.com – Booth #3761 Handi-Racker was designed to assist people who may have difficulty racking a pistol. It can be used to load or unload rounds, clear jams, or field stripping. The Compact operates most concealed weapons, while the Full Sized operates most duty-sized guns, racking 95 percent of pistols. Handi-Rackers are now injection molded with grip ridges, and in safety colors.

Handi-Racker.com also announces a drastic price reduction, with the MSRP cut by 33 percent to $19.99.

More than 450 retailers are currently selling Handi-Racker around the country, including Cabela’s and Dunham’s, and new dealer inquires are always welcome. Visit Handi-Racker online or call (515) 480-4905 for details.

BOBBIE WEINER’S CAMO FACEPAINT camofacepaint.com – Booth #310 Bobbie Weiner’s Camo Face Paint Sticks are made in the USA with quality ingredients for all skin types. All paints are hypoallergenic, odorless and sweat-resistant, and come in nine different hunting and military colors. Woodland includes mud brown, olive and black. ACU includes loam, tan and slate.

Scorpion includes brown, tan and olive.

The DOD recognizes Bobbie Weiner as their number one supplier of face paint, and the hunting industry uses the same paint supplied to the military. You can find Bobbie’s face paint in PXs all over the world, as well as purchase them directly on the company’s website.

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americanshootingjournal.com a ame am meericans m rriiicca ric an ans nssho n hoo h ooti oo ttin iin ingjo ng gjjjo gjo ourn urrrnal. u al.co al ccom om o m 15 1155 55

gear SKINNER SIGHTS skinnersights.com Introduced about a year ago in .44 Magnum, Skinner Sights’ Bush Pilot takedown hunting and survival carbine was an instant success. In response to popular demand, Andy Larsson of Skinner Sights has taken this “package” to a new level of power.

The Skinner Bush Pilot is now also available in the time-proven .45-70 Govt. The kit consists of a premium takedown lever-action carbine built to Skinner’s specs

by Chiappa USA. Featuring Skinner’s rugged, reliable and accurate peep sights, this carbine breaks down and fits into a 20-inch overall-length Skinner-designed case. Intended for use in a bush plane, boat, quad, snow machine or simply tucked behind the seat in your vehicle, the Bush Pilot can join you on any excursion. Included in the kit are essential premium survival items (Brunton compass, Doan Fire Starter, flare matches, Ontario Knife Company RAT 7 survival knife sporting the Bush Pilot logo and serial numbered to the carbine, 750 paracord, space blanket/shelter, Hexamine stove) and it all fits into the Skinner folding takedown case.

TRIPLE K MANUFACTURING CO. triplek.com – Booth #1710 We are not talking “Star Wars” here. We are talking long-range handgun shooting with style. The Space Cowboy holster is designed for the long-range handgun hunter. This strong-side vertical-carry holster can be worn with any waist belt up to 2¼ inches wide and features a tie-on leg strap for added stability. The Space Cowboy holster can also be added to our popular Wyoming Drop loop cartridge belt. This holster can accommodate handguns with or without scopes, and it comes in a walnut oil color. Suggested retail is $165.00.

Triple K also brings you the “Lucky Gator” holster for 4- to 5-inch 1911s and most popular auto sizes. These holsters are made in the USA with select American alligator hide over premium vegetable-tanned steer leather with waxed nylon stitching. Features include a draw shield to provide comfort when drawing or holstering your weapon. Available in brown or black, suggested retail is $189.

BLUE STEEL TARGETS TARGETS, LLC LLC. bluesteeltargets.com This exciting reactive target set features SBT’s ABC Zone silhouette with the 6-inch swinging Bad Guy Flapper. The 3/8-inch-thick ABC plate is 24 inches tall by 12 inches wide and mounts to a bracket with two hardened carriage bolts for reversibility. The Bad Guy Flapper challenges your shot placement, whether shooting 9mm up to most all rifle calibers past 100 yards and under 3,000 feet per second. All you need to do is slip the AR500 target setup onto the hook of the provided heavy-duty 2x4 cap. It comes with a sturdy Steel Challenge four-leg base.

With this system, your target plate will hang approximately at a 20-degree forward angle for added safety. Certified AR500 steel and proudly made in the USA.

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METALLOID

metalloidcorp.com metalloidfirearmsproducts.com Booth #1125 Since 1951, Metalloid Corporation has provided a wide range of high-quality fluids to the metalworking industry.

They formulate, manufacture, market, and service a full range of metalworking fluids to include coolants for machining and grinding, drawing and stamping compounds, corrosion inhibitors, cleaners, and firearm maintenance products. Many of these products are green, plant-based formulations that are operator and environment friendly, made with biodegradable and bio-renewable resources. The company’s goal is to always provide customers with increased productivity through proper fluid selection and application, which reduces waste and down time on equipment.

If You’re Not Using PrOlix® You’re Working Too Hard!

N E S T EP ALL IN O

DRY LUBRICANT

• Improves Accuracy COME SEE US • Prevents Jamming AT THE 2018 • Won’t Flash Off SHOT SHOW! • Will Not Freeze BOOTH #2810 • Non-Hazardous • Reduces Fouling • Won’t Harm Wood, Primers, or Old Guns • Bio Preferred by USDA • Non-Petroleum rns DRY! bonds, tu , s n a le c et, Goes on w

ProChemCo LLC 801-569-2763 | 800-248-LUBE (5823) www.prolixlubricant.com americanshootingjournal.com 157

gear SECURE FIREARMS securefirearmproduct.com -- Booth #2730 This year at SHOT Show, Secure Firearms will be introducing a new improved Track Mover that will now include tracks to accommodate not only cardboard targets but just about any AR500 steel target, including AP-1, IDPA silhouettes, poppers, etc. This product is a more affordable Mover Target system for NRA Action Pistol Competitions, law enforcement and military training, 3-Gun, IDPA, and many other shooting disciplines. It’s constructed of heavy-gauge welded galvanized steel 80 feet in length, though custom lengths are available. No permanent installation foundation is required and risers can be adjusted for unlevel ground. The control box comes preprogrammed for NRA Bianchi Cup (Modified Mover Match) or Texas Mover Match and has availability for custom programmable speeds, including running targets on tracks independently and simultaneously for more intense Tactical Training. All Mover Target models are capable of being wired or wireless up to 1,000-plus yards.

Come by Booth #2730 at the 2018 SHOT Show and talk with David or Tammy Surgi. If you can’t visit the show, visit their website, give them a call at (800) 257-8744, drop them an email at sfp@ securefirearmproducts.com.

D.M. BULLARD LEATHER MFG LLC dmbullardleather.com Texas’s finest gun leather is made by DM Bullard Leather in Azle. Whether you are looking for that new leather holster, belt or rifle sling, or cowboy rigs, cartridge belts, wallets or knife sheaths, they’re handmade from beautiful 100 percent Hermann Oak Leather in our shop. Choose from a variety of exotic skins, bull hides and custom handtooling in a multiple choice of colors. Visit the website and online store to see all of the different custom-designed leather holsters and belts.

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IIOSSO PRODUCTS iiosso.com – Booth #20200 I Iosso’s new formula bore cleaner is great for uusers with allergies or asthma. It has no odor and is designed to keep its users and the environment hhealthy. When used with Iosso’s premium brushes, it cleans and removes all fouling including carbon burn, copper, lead, powder fouling, plastic wad, bu an and surface rust.

It cleans without running, leaking or splattering, and works chemically but safely. One cleaner and 15 an minutes to the cleanest bore ever! It is non-corrosive mi and non-flammable. So quick and effective, you an will never go back to smelly, messy solvents. USDA wil Certified Biobased.

Ce

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gear

RAINBOW TECHNOLOGY rangestore.net

Looking for a “can’t-miss” distribution opportunity? Steel Target Paint is our amazing new product that has taken the market by storm.

Steel Target Paint covers quickly and gives your customers the best performance and best value, guaranteed.

As a distributor, you’ll receive many benefits, including reduced pricing for resale, easy ordering on our online store, and top-notch customer service. We also offer certification for hazmat shipping.

If you’re interested in becoming a Steel Target Paint distributor, please contact Larry Joe Steeley, Jr. at (205) 903-3881 or email atLjsteeleyjr@rainbowtech.net.

NATIONAL TARGET COMPANY nationaltarget.com The National Target Company is now partnering with “Rite in the Rain” to produce NRA-approved all-weather targets. USe these targets when the match must go on. See their advertisement elsewhere in this issue.

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EDGEWOOD SHOOTING BAGS edgebag.com Edgewood has been manufacturing the highest quality competition shooting bags and accessories for benchrest and long-range competition shooting for nearly two decades.

During this time, they have never settled for a “merely adequate” product and have relied on their loyal customers for the feedback necessary to evolve with the sport.

They continue to provide products trusted by top shooters for their performance and quality. Their newest line of competition shooting bags are equipped with the features commonly requested by top shooters around the world. Please visit their website or give them a call for more information.

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gear

CUSTOM METAL PRODUCTS CU CUSTO custommetalprod.com – Booth #1308 custommetal

KRAMER MER HANDGUN LEATHER kramerleather.com er.com

The X-Ring Pl Plate Rack features six 3/8-inch-thick, 8-inch-diameter AR500 steel targets. Inside the 8-inch 4-in hole with another target behind it. Shoot the center out of the target to score an X! If targets is a 4-inch oute 8-inch target, both targets will fall. you hit the outer X The X-Ring Plate Rack includes fully automatic, pneumatic reset with competition controller. The controller co is programmable to set the timing for a match, and will sound a buzzer to start and stop it. A pneumatic lock is also used to prevent targets from being shot before or after the buzzer.

Featured at the 2017 Bianchi Cup and shot by many of the competitors, the X-Ring Plate Rack is now available for your range!

The Belt Scabbard bbard is a high-riding FBI forwardgned for wear wea on the strong-side tilt holster designed hip. The butt of the he gu gun is tucked snugly into the body to aid concealment. It’s a flawless rendition of the classic “pancake” design, well suited to undercover and general concealment, as well as range use. Kramer has pioneered the use of horsehide leather for 35 years. Available in black, tan, or mahogany, the molding is specific to each gun, providing superior retention without the need of a thumb break.

HIDINGHILDA LLC hidinghilda.com – Booth #3005, 1811 HidingHilda 3-Zip Messenger bag is machine washable, and has a separate Velcro holstered compartment in the back to safely carry a weapon. It can be used right- or left-handed, or even set up for top draw!

Dimensions are 11 inches by 2 inches by 11 inches. All Hiding Hilda products are manufactured in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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American Shooting Journal // January 2018

SNAGMAG LLC snagmag.com – Next Level Kiosk N221 The SnagMag Concealed Magazine Holster is the original, front-pocket mag holster designed to look like you’re carrying a pocket knife. Concealed in plain sight and designed for a fast reload, the SnagMag doubles your ammo without adding bulk to your belt. Its lightweight, durable design is comfortable, convenient and an EDC must-have. The SnagMag is fully patented and proudly made in the USA. It has more than five years of stellar customer service and five-star reviews. The company is currently accepting wholesale accounts, and new dealer opportunities are available, so don’t leave SHOT Show without visiting SnagMag LLC!

EAR PHONE CONNECTION earphoneconnect.com – Booth #020553 Tired of twisting and fumbling when trying to connect your accessory to your two-way radio? Hit your mark every time with Ear Phone Connection’s Hawk EC (Easy-Connect) Lapel Microphone featuring Guide Arrow Alignment. The Hawk EC is concealable, lightweight and comes complete with new left and right Fin Ultra eartips for all-day comfort. In the words of an officer using the Hawk EC, “The Hawk EC will help out with officers who wear body cameras and saves space on the uniform. The Hawk EC easy-connect is exactly that, quick and easy to disconnect and little to no issues connecting. Communications was very clear and understandable.” Reduce wear and tear and increase longevity with the new Hawk EC.

10% OFF ®

USE DISCOUNT CODE:

®

ASJ18

CLEAN BORE CLEAN SCORE COMPLETE RIFLE PISTOL SHOTGUN

GUN CARE

“Bore Tech products are proving that Clean Bores win matches!”

- Bob Bock, US F-Class

ARE YOUR FIREARMS BORE TECH CLEAN? Revolutionary Formula Rapidly Removes Fouling

Contains No Ammonia Safe on All Barrels

Environmentally Safe Non Hazardous

WWW.BORETECH.COM

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gear XSTEEL TARGETS xsteeltargets.com

ULTICLIP ulticlip.com – Booth #2967 The Ultilip XL is based on Ulticlip’s patented award-winning retention system.

Ulticlip XL is the world’s first multi-tool holster clip and locking steel belt loop.

No longer do you have to choose between a holster clip or belt loop; with Ulticlip XL you can have both. The XL allows for both IWB and OWB carry.

Ulticlip XL’s multi-tool has a screwdriver and multi-stage wrench. The XL is made of high-quality spring steel rated at over 200,000 pounds per square inch tensile strength, providing guaranteed durability and is proudly made in the USA. For more information and video demonstrations, visit their website.

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The Texas Star stand from XSteel is one of the most fun and challenging reactive target systems around, and the company offers competitive prices and free shipping over $250.

The Texas Star may be the most fun target ever designed. After proper set-up, the Texas Star reactive targets can be shot thousands of times, due to the sturdy construction of the stand and targets. All Texas Stars are made by experienced welders using CNC laser-cut AR500 steel to produce the strongest targets with a greatly reduced heat-affected zone (HAZ) compared to plasmaor torch-cut targets. XSteel tests all targets in the most extreme conditions to ensure the targets that they sell are the highest rated targets on the market.

The competition-grade Texas Star is built for heavy use. These targets are great for competition use, as well as using in the backyard with friends and family. The target sits stationary until the first plate is shot off, but once it is hit, you’d better be on your toes because the more it spins from the unequal weight, the more challenging it gets!

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gear AXIL goaxil.com The Ghost Stryke Essential is the ultimate te in hhearing enhancement, with an up to 8x increase to normal hearing that providess full surround sound to help you hear clearly early in all enviro environments. With a 12-hour run time and a rechargeable rec battery that is readyy to go afte joy after 1.5 hours, you will be able to enjoy all yo your activities without interruption.

The new AXIL BT Ear Pro Wireless Ear B Buds is the only product of its kind in thee world. Now you can have the best of both worlds – enjoying your music and getting top-of-the-line hearing protection at the same time – by design, rather than just a bit of protection by default. No more damaging loud or interfering sounds on an airplane, when exercising in or out of the gym, shooting firearms, using power tools, in all kinds of industrial settings, construction, road building and so many more applications.

STONER HOLSTERS ERS stonerholsters.com Stoner Holsters’ Black Stealth holsterr featur features leather construction and custom molding for comfort and durability. It is canted forward for ease of concealment, comfort and combat draw angle, and is made with a leather body shield for comfort and protection of firearm. It has a stainless steel rim to keep the top of holster open for ease of reholstering one-handed. It comes with a wide steel clip with a cleat to ensure security and stability on the belt, complimentary leather dressing and has 100-year, 100 percent warranty.

It’s proudly made in the USA.

ZMAX zmax.com Protect, clean and condition your firearms with BoltLube and Bore Cleaner and Conditioner, both by zMAX Micro-lubricant. zMAX soaks into metal to reduce carbon build-up and conditions metal parts, and does not gum up. It is NTOA (National Tactical Officers Association) recommended.

BoltLube helps provide ideal lubrication, reduces wear and friction, and provides fast and easy clean-up. The Bore Cleaner & Conditioner helps clean and condition gun bores, barrels, actions and contact surfaces; keeps particles from adhering to metal; and reduces build-up of combustion particles, lead, and copper, preventing bore fouling.

INDUSTRIAL METAL SUPPLY industrialmetalsupply.com Industrial Metal Supply, the Southwest’s largest metal distributor, stocks AR500 shooting targets.

The “AR” is short for abrasion resistant steel with a Brinell hardness of 500. These targets are incredibly durable and deflect bullets with ease, whereas bullets will pierce through mild steel (which has a hardness rating of 120).

They are available in 4-inch, 6-inch, 8-inch and 10-inch rounds in both 3/8-inch and ½-inch thickness.

The body silhouette target measures ½ inch by 18 inches by 26 inches and weighs 80 pounds. Each target is made in the USA. These targets do not come powder coated – natural steel only. Please note that these are not intended for use under 100 yards, and the user assumes all risks.

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gear AMERICAN TRACK TRUCK americantracktruck.com Get there with Dominator Track Systems. Take people, food, firearms other supplies where they need to go in the ice and snow, or safely store your firearms in your four-wheel-drive vehicle so you can travel with confidence.

Treads are quality made in Michigan by craftsmen, and install on any fourwheel-drive vehicle in under an hour.

Engineered to be strong, durable, and nearly maintenance free, so your satisfaction is guaranteed. Roads are optional with Dominator Track Systems.

WRIGHT LEATHERWORKS wrightleatherworks.com ks com The Outsider Paddle Holster ter is comfortabl comfortable and holste Wright sturdy. It is not the most concealed holster Leatherworks offers, because it is a paddle holster, but it just might be their easiest and most versatile holster. The Outsider comes equipped with a high-end G-Code “Large Paddle” that can be worn anywhere the user feels comfortable, but they recommend wearing it at about 3 o’clock. It has the capability to have a straight drop cant, a 20-degree forward cant, or a 20-degree reverse crossdraw cant.

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DIAMOND D CUSTOM LEATHER diamonddcustomleather.com The Guide’s Choice Chest Holster is the ultimate outdoor holster. The Guide’s Choice Chest Holster, and all Diamond D products, is designed, field tested, and hand-made in Alaska for your specific gun. This is not a one-size-fits-all holster, but a true custommade product designed to fit your specific gun for maximum security, accessibility, and comfort. Look no further for your next high-quality leather holster, belt, or rifle accessory. Diamond D promises 100 percent satisfaction, guaranteed.

SNAGMAG Concealed Magazine Holster

The SnagMag™ is designed to look like a knife riding in your support-side front pocket along the outside seam.

• Discreet Way to Carry an Extra Magazine • Convenient and Comfortable • Carries Like a Pocket Knife • Designed for a Fast Draw • Lightweight yet Durable

Order Now at Snagmag.com SPECIAL OFFER! Use the Coupon Code: SNAGMAGSHOT20 for 20% off entire order

LEO and Military Discounts | Limited Lifetime Warranty | email: snagmag@live.com americanshootingjournal.com 169

gear BLUE WONDER shop.bluewonder.us

A mirror clean bore; that’s what you get when you put Blue Wonder gun cleaner down the bore of your prized firearm.

Blue Wonder Gun Cleaner’s unique technology quickly and completely removes copper and lead fouling from rifles and handguns, plastic wadding buildup in shotguns, and all traces of built-up oil, grease, and gunpowder residue. It will also remove carbon buildup on revolver cylinders and rust from the surface of all firearms without harming the finish.

All this in a non-toxic, biodegradable gel that is easy to apply and easy to clean up.

CAN CAN CONCEALMENT cancanconcealment.com The Original Hip Hugger Classic holster is the most versatile option in the Can Can collection, and works with all apparel separates. Holding up to 4 firearms and 3 magazines, the Hip Hugger incorporates the safety features found in every Can Can holster. Holstering tabs, weapon retention magnets and non-slip silicone are all built into this mil spec elastic, compression holster. The feminine Hip Hugger is available in a size for every woman and a style for every handgun. Made in the U.S.A. Sophisticated, timeless, and in a class of its own, Can Can Concealment Holsters are the premier choice for concealed carry women everywhere.

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LIBERTY SAFE libertysafe.com - Booth #12524 New for this year, the HDX-350 Smart Vault is Liberty’s answer to gun owners seeking the same quick access as available in Liberty’s other gun vaults, but with more space for storage. Cash, medications, passports, ID cards and whatever other items require that important level of protection are quickly accessible with the HDX-350.

With a generous 1/2-cubic feet of storage, the HD-350 has a quiet/softlanding door for increased privacy and security. Additional amenities include internal/external USB charging ports for charging phones or other electronics, interior lighting and pullout drawer for convenient access to valuables.

The Heavy Duty 14-gauge steel door has built-in anti-pry tabs and the industry’s best reinforced latch system that is specifically designed to resist pry attacks and other attempts to gain entry. Mounting holes are located in the bottom of the box for direct mounting, and an optional accessory-mounting bracket is also available. The corners have rubber protectors for safety and to prevent injury.

Control the traffic into your cache with the latest sixth-generation biometric smart technology that stores up to 30 fingerprints, double the number offered by lesser brands. The fingerprint reader allows fingers swipes from many directions, helping calm the confusing rush of a midnight emergency.

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gear OREGON PACK WORKS oregonpackworks.com binobro.com Oregon Pack Works is a relatively unheard of soft goods manufacturer for both businesses and consumers. Their aim is to solve many of the common problems associated with poor functioning outdoor gear. In 2010, they created a signature modular and interchangeable suspension for a progressive line of hunting backpacks. In 2011, they created a quiet, waterproof fabric to keep dust, rain, snow and sweat off of gear and optics, by creating a no-bounce, proper functioning binocular harness; the BinoBro, Made in America. In 2012, they launched the five-star rated ProHunter model.

PRESENT ARMS INC. presentarmsinc.com

SAVOY LEATHER

Gun cleaning is made easy with Present Arms’ patented system of Sentinel Plates and interchangeable magazine posts for the AR or magazine fed pistols, which offers a handsfree solution for cleaning and maintaining your firearms. Magazine posts fit the mag well of your firearm and pin into the Sentinel Plate.

One side with a cut parts pocket keeping small parts from going adrift, the other smooth for display. It’s the last stand you’ll ever need, because sometimes you just need a third hand. Starting at $39.95

Savoy Leather takes pride in creating 100 percent American heirloom quality holsters. There are 3 main carry styles that can be made for over 250 gun models, and there are almost endless art and color options to choose from. If there is art that you want that isn't on their website, simply send a custom request and they can almost always accommodate.

Savoy Leather also offers belts, wallets, key fobs, and EDC trays, all of which can be customized as well.

Let the Savoy Leather family create a quality product for you and yours.

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savoyleather.com

Blue Wonder™ Gun Care Products provide the solution for issues relating to gun cleaning, lubrication IVL ZMÅVQ[PQVO WN aW]Z ÅZMIZU[

Enter coupon code BWGCP118 for a 10% Discount!

CAN CAN CONCEALMENT The Original Hip Hugger Classic Holster is the most versatile option in our collection and works with all apparel separates. Holding up to 4 firearms and 3 magazines the Hip Hugger incorporates the safety features found in every Can Can holster. Holstering tabs, weapon retention magnets and non-slip silicone are all built into this mil spec elastic, compression holster. The feminine Hip Hugger is available in a size for every woman and a style for every handgun.

Made in the USA! Sophisticated, timeless, and in a class of its own, Can Can Concealment Holsters are the premier choice for concealed carry women everywhere.

Your guns represent a major investment.

Either as tools or as a collectable firearm, they deserve the very best guncare treatments available today.

Whether you need gun cleaning solutions, rust removal, lubrication, finish protection or refinishing, Blue Wonder™ Gun Care Products deliver the very best in firearm maintenance products.

1585 W Sam Houston Pkwy N, Ste 200 Houston, Texas 77043 Phone: 832-200-8005 / Toll Free: 866-GUN-BLUE Email: Sales@BlueWonder.us Web: Shop.BlueWonder.us www.cancanconcealment.com americanshootingjournal.com 173

gear QUIVET qiviut.com

The Smokering or Nachaq, is designed to be worn up like a hood, or around the neck as a cowl or accent scarf. Nelson Island is located approximately 500 miles west of Anchorage on the coast of Alaska. This pattern comes from the diamond-shaped trim on the edge of their fur parkas. It represents the sea ice forming around the island in the wintertime, and breaking up in to ice drifts in the springtime. Quivet has the most active knitters from this region, highlighting the need for income and lack of available jobs.

SMARTCARRY

GUNFIGHTERS, INC.

For 28 years, the Invisible Holster by SmartCarry has provided high quality, comfortable and practical deep concealment holster. With a patented snag-free draw and sweat-proof back, you can wear SmartCarry just about anywhere, with any clothing or activity. Available now in leather and multiple colors.

Also, try their new, more compact Single Pocket Model.

The Kenai Chest Holster was designed as the ultimate way to carry a firearm when hiking, hunting, fishing or any other outdoor activity where having a firearm on your hip is inconvenient or impossible.

After spending years struggling with poor options for carrying while in the mountains, the crew at Gunfighters Inc. knew that there had to be a better solution to carrying in the woods. After dozens of prototypes, they settled on a design that allowed the firearm to be placed in a secure and comfortable position, ready to draw when needed.

Built using a blend of Kydex and Nylon for excellent retention characteristics, weatherproofness and light weight, the Kenai Chest Holster is a perfect pairing with a modern firearm such as the Glock 40MOS or a classic big bore revolver such as the Ruger Super Redhawk.

Get yours at gunfightersinc.com

smartcarry.com

gunfightersinc.com

NEW GUN WORKS Optic Cuts / Serrations

KEROMAN V2

Preferred way to carry a WML

Piqua, OH 45356 // 937-269-8958 // www.cncholsters.com 174

American Shooting Journal // January 2018

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TANDEMKROSS TANDEMKROSS “Cornerstone” Safety Thumb Ledge for Ruger® MKIV 22/45 See us on page 191

EDGEWOOD SHOOTING BAGS, INC. Edgebag rear and front bags See us on page 181

DELPHI TACTICAL Delphi-15 Man At Arms rifle See us on page 77

CLINGER HOLSTERS V2 Clinger Holster No Print featured with a Walther pistol See us on page 165

CDNN SPORTS Winchester 1873 Custom 45LC See us on p page g 193

MTR CUSTOM LEATHER A-8C A CC Custom Sh Sharkk T Trim i Paddle Holster See us on page 166

SNAGMAG Sig Sauer P938 magazine in a custom-fit SnagMag See us on page 169

(BSGSTUDIO)

ABSOLUTE ZERO ORDNANCE, LLC AZO Patriot AR-10/15 enhanced lowers See us on page 54

HANDI-RACKER Compact Handi-Racker model 3089 See us on page 171

TBA SUPPRESSORS Tempest .22 rimfire silencer See us on page 112

SECURE FIREARM PRODUCTS Heads UP Rack See us on page 132

GUNS & ACCESSORIES THORDSEN CUSTOMS FRS-15 GEN III Featureless AK-47 Stock Kit See us on page 57 ULTICLIP Ulticlip XL See us on page 161

SHARP SHOOTER RIMFIRE RELOADER The one stroke See us on page 122

FUSION FIREARMS Fusion Freedom Series Pistol See us on page 196

JL BILLET Custom AR-15 See us on page 101 BIGHORN ORN ARMS Invisi-Nut Torque Wrench nch See us on page 108

SANDERS ARMORY Enhanced Nitride Bolt Carrier Group See us on page 3

DEFIANCE MACHINE Defiance Deviant GA Hunter See us on page 49

BEST OF THE WEST Hunter Elite Rifle See us on page 59

MCMILLAN Fiberglass stock See us on page 70

WHITE OAK ARMAMENT Ruger Precision Rifle Barrels See us on page 92

MATCH GRADE MACHINE Remage barrel nut See us on page 105

SHELL SHOCK TECHNOLOGIES NAS3 cases See us on page 129

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Stock your home’s safe room with a landline phone (if available), a cell phone, a handheld light and a firearm. Both long guns and handguns are suitable for use in the safe room. (ROB REED)

BEYOND THE GUN While firearms are a key element for home defense, a complete home security plan encompasses much more.

STORY BY ROB REED

A

complete home security plan will go beyond the gun. While firearms are a key element for home defense, they are just one of the things you need to consider. By creating a layered defense, you can reduce the odds of someone breaking in, while also increasing your advantages if you are faced with a home invader.

Here are some things you can do to help keep you and your family safe

at home: MAINTAIN YOUR PRIVACY Be careful what you tell people and who you tell. For example, avoid posting details of trips in advance on social media so that you don’t tip-off potential robbers that the house will be empty.

If you need someone to enter your home when you are gone, give him or her the key in advance. Never leave a “hidden” key for someone to access.

Even if it isn’t put in an obvious spot, you never know who might see you

All exterior doors should have a grade 1 or grade 2 deadbolt like this example from Kwikset. (KWIKSET)

hide it or retrieve it later.

If you need work done on your house or your yard, keep an eye on the contractors, and don’t leave them unescorted in sensitive parts of the house. You should also avoid leaving empty boxes for expensive items, like new TVs, out on trash day or otherwise advertising what valuables you have. americanshootingjournal.com 179

DON’T MAKE IT EASY FOR THEM Don’t leave ladders or tools in easily accessible places, like against the house or in poorly secured sheds.

This keeps someone from using your own tools to break into your house.

(This is even truer for owners of gun safes. Don’t install them near the very tools needed to break into them.)

And don’t leave a garage door opener in a car in the driveway, especially if you aren’t home.

DON’T GIVE THEM PLACES TO HIDE By keeping your yard well lit, you deny potential intruders the cover of darkness. If you don’t want lights on all the time, use motion detectors, which are inexpensive and easy to install. They also have the added benefit of possibly alerting you when someone is in the yard when they light up.

Another trick is to plant roses or other thorny plants outside windows to keep bad guys from literally “hiding in the bushes.”

HARDEN YOUR HOME By “hardening” your home you make it physically harder for someone to break in. This may send some potential intruders off in search of easier prey, as well as keep out, or at least slow down, more determined home invaders.

The security of your home begins with all of your entrances. At the very least, lock all windows and doors, including upper floor windows.

All exterior doors should be solid.

Do not have “doggie doors,” as people have been known to crawl through to get inside. Avoid doors with glass that can be knocked out to access the inside locks from outside.

Door locks should be grade 1 or grade 2 deadbolts with a four-screw strike plate box and a heavy duty strike plate. The screws should be 3 inches long so they extend into the wall frame. This will make it harder for anyone to kick in your door. For extra protection, specialty products such as EZ Armor or security doors can be installed.

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Specialty door reinforcement products like EZ Armor can be installed to provide additional security to residential doors. (ARMOR CONCEPTS)

the door between the house and the garage. If this is a hollow-core, interior-grade door, it should be replaced with a solid exterior-grade door for added protection.

ALARM SYSTEMS There are more options for alarm systems now than in the past. In addition to commercial services, doit-yourself systems can be set up with webcams and motion sensors that can be programmed to automatically call specific phone numbers.

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE BREAKS IN No matter what precautions you take, you still need a plan about what to do if someone breaks in while you are home.

The first thing is to avoid letting the bad guys in yourself. Be wary of strangers knocking at the door,

The newest technology of home deadbolt locks includes electronic keypads. (KWIKSET)

especially at odd hours.

Also be aware of one common tactic known as the “push in,” where they convince you to open the door to talk to them and then violently push in through the door.

To avoid this trick, never open your door for strangers. And if they say they need your help, offer to call 911 for them instead.

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(505) 888-2866 | www.edgebag.com | sales@edgebag.com americanshootingjournal.com 181

THE SAFE ROOM One of the key concepts from the National Rifle Association’s “Personal Protection in the Home” class is the idea of the “safe room.”

The idea behind the same room is to avoid a confrontation with an intruder by retreating to a predetermined location where you set up a defensive position. This reduces both your physical danger and also your legal liability by showing that you did everything you could to avoid a confrontation. Since you should only use a firearm as a last resort, this reduces the chances you’ll need to shoot.

In most cases the safe room will be the master bedroom. Whatever room you choose, though, the safe room should have a door (preferably with a lock), a window to allow escape or communication with the police, and a phone. If you don’t have a landline, get in the habit of charging your portable or cellular phone in the bedroom safe room so you always have it

This is a residential door lock and deadbolt set before additional security was added …

For 28 years SmartCarry® the Invisible Holster™ has provided high quality, comfortable and practical deep concealment holsters. With a patented snag-free draw and sweat-proof back, wear SmartCarry® just about anywhere, with any clothing or activity.

AVAILABLE NOW IN LEATHER AND MULTIPLE COLORS. Try our new more compact Single Pocket Model.

www.smartcarry.com • (727) 581-7001 182

American Shooting Journal // January 2018

… and here is the same door after the installation of EZ Armor. (ROB REED)

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available. The other things you should have in the safe room include a flashlight, a firearm (secured against unauthorized use), and extra magazines or ammunition.

If someone breaks in, the simple plan should be to gather your family, retreat to the safe room, arm yourself and call 911. Once you have made contact with the 911 operator, stay on the line until the police arrive, and be aware that the call is being recorded. When you are set up behind the bed or other concealment, you can cover the door to the room with your firearm.

If the intruder tries to break into the safe room, you may be able to shout a warning through the door and, if he persists, you will be ready to defend yourself.

FIREARMS FOR HOME DEFENSE Since there are several excellent books available on this subject, I’m only going to cover some general principles here. First off, anyone entrusted with a home defense

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Hinges can also be reinforced or replaced …

… with heavy-duty door reinforcement products. (ROB REED)

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This photo shows how a door reinforcement product, in this case EZ Armor, can keep a residential door from being kicked in. Despite the damage, the intruder could not get inside. (ARMOR CONCEPTS)

firearm should be trained in its use, be able to operate it well, and have an understanding on when the use of lethal force is justified.

The specific firearms should be chambered in a suitable defensive caliber, be reliable, easy to shoot, and hold a sufficient quantity of ammunition.

Long guns, whether rifles or shotguns, should be restricted to the safe room where they can serve as fixed point “artillery.”

Handguns are suitable for the safe room and are especially useful if you need to move around the house to gather family members or answer an unexpected latenight knock on the door. If you don’t have a holster, you can always hold the handgun discretely behind your back while you check out the situation.

A weapon-mounted light is recommended for both long guns and handguns so you can make absolutely sure of your target before firing. Since you don’t want to point the gun at anyone you don’t want to shoot, you also want to keep a handheld flashlight in the safe room to avoid having to use the gun as a general-purpose light.

While the prospect of a home invasion is scary, with planning, you can prepare to defend yourself and your family if it ever happens.

Editor’s note: For more information on the security resources mentioned above, visit EZ Armor by Armor Concepts (armorconcepts.com) and Kwikset Locks (kwikset.com).

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Custom Guns

“Black Widow” 2017 is the 30th anniversary of our popular Black Widow and calls for a very special revolver. This is the 30th Anniversary Black Widow, built in the caliber you choose.

“Night Stalker” The Night Stalker is one of our most popular custom 1911s.

Custom from the ground up, this beauty shoots as good as it looks.

And can be built on your gun or ours.

1188 18 88

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HANDGUNS

ABSOLUTE ZERO ORDNANCE, LLC azocustoms.com

Designed to be a competition-grade race gun, the AZO Comp 9 is light weight and provides the competition n shooter a very accurate platform with a long sight elp picture for easy target acquisition and transition to help “speed” through a typical 3-gun type competition. Thee AZO Competition polymer pistol in 9mm features a handndcut, modified poly-frame rail, with trigger guard cuts and texturing on the grip area, titanium frame pins, a fullll metal locking block, an extended takedown bar and slidee release, and an oversized extended mag release. The Zevv Pro trigger is set at 2.

2.5 pounds, and the Match-grade KKM M aded for comp. The AZO modified Zev SS slidee barrel is threaded is coated in blackstone, and is opti optic ready.

It also comes with a titanium lightweig lightweight striker with Zev SS internals, nternals, a heavy tungsten guide rod with wit flat spring, and a custom AZO American Flag back plate. or more information, visit AZO’s website or email For customs@gmail.com. azocustoms@gmail.com.

FUSION FIREARMS fusionfirearms.com onfirearms.com Fusion Firearms, arms, the premier world-class supplier of 1911 parts, LPA A sights and high-end Custom Shop 1911 pistols, now announces nnounces seven models in the Fusion Freedom Series off 1911 pistols. These pistols are built as a rock-solid 70 Series ries 1911 with economics and quality in mind. Every Freedom m Series pistol starts with a CNC-machined bar-stock, k frame, slide and barrel. These pistols are designed with common parts compatibility, so upgrades and parts exchanged are made easy. In addition, all Fusion 1911 pistols carry a limited lifetime warranty.

See all of this great line-up of Fusion Pistols and parts at the company’s website.

TANDEMKROSS SS tandemkross.com – Boothh #818 The Tandemkross hiveGrip Grip for the S&W 22 Victory is a ttextured, t wrap-around grip designed with speed-shooting in mind. The hiveGrip is flexible, yet durable ooting competitors com and features an aggressively textured surface for the ultimate purchase and control.

Made from a patented impact and vibration-dampening material, the hiveGrip was made for speed and accuracy.

Defined, ergonomic finger grooves improve hand placement for more accurate, controlled shooting, while the slim, low-profile design ensures an ideal fit for any user.

The hiveGrip is the only grip of its kind available for the S&W 22 Victory, and will soon be available for the Ruger MKIV 22/45.

GUNCRAFTER INDUSTRIES guncrafterindustries.com Guncrafter Industries is proud to announce their newest custom 1911: The BC-177 Hellcat. The Hellcat has been designed from the ground up to be the next generation ation of Guncrafter Industries’ fighting 1911s. The name centers on the new BattleCrown, own, which consists of an extremely heavy-duty barrel bushing that precisely followss the outside contour of the slide, with an angled bottom, for a very distinctive and clean ean look.

The front opening of the BattleCrown has a large and extra-deep flare that is expertly blended to the countersunk, crowned barrel. This oversized flange protects the muzzle crown to an unprecedented level while the front is nicely beveled without any sharp edges, for easy holster insertion.

For more information, visit Guncrafter Industries’ website.

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HANDGUNS TURNBULL RESTORATION tturnbullrestoration.com/gp100 T Ruger GP100 is the perfect platform for a Turnbull-finished revolver, especially The ggiven its strength. The Turnbull Ruger GP 100 revolvers feature a Turnbull polished aand color case-hardened frame, chambering in .357 Magnum with a 4.2-inch barrel, Ruger’s triple-lock system for safety and stability, and a Hogue Monogrip. The Ru GP100’s frame accommodates a large array of grip options available through Ruger.

GP Priced at $995, the Turnbull Ruger GP100 is a pleasure to shoot, and is available for a Pri lim limited time only.

For more information on this or many other Turnbull offerings, visit the company’s website, or email info@turnbullrestoration.com. web

JONES ARMS jonesarms.com Booth #N269

Meet th the new Jones Arms Kronos 9mm pistol-caliber AR-platform rifle/pistol.

The Kronos is designed to use Gen4 or Gen5 Glockstyle magazines. The lower receiver has been designed for reliability and functionality.

The mag well has optimum positioning in relationship to the barrel for flawless cycling. The ejector has a new setscrew/pin-retaining system to ensure that it does not come loose. There are also upgrade options available, such as lastround bolt hold-open and lightweight carbine-length barrels for PCC shooters. As always with a Jones Arms firearm, the receivers are matched and mated to each other by hand in their machine shop, and the receivers are Cerakote-coated standard.

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GARY REEDER CUSTOM GUNS reedercustomguns.com The El Diablo 2 from Gary Reeder Custom Guns continues to be one of our most popular conversions. Built on the customer’s base gun or on one of their custom frames in your favorite caliber, the gun is top of the line in looks and quality, and is guaranteed accurate. The El Diablo 2 is one of over 70 different series of custom guns Gary Reeder builds. They are a licensed manufacturer, and also build full-custom rifles and full-custom 1911s. Visit their large website for additional pictures and details.

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HANDGUNS

SMALL ARMS TECHNOLOGIES (SAR USA) sarusa.com – Booth #15133

RTD MFG rtdarms.com The RTD ARP AR-15 is a truly usable AR pistol. It is chambered in 5.56mm or .300 Blackout in a 7.5-inch barrel with a 1-in-7 twist. It has a black salt nitride bolt carrier group and barrel, offering you the ultimate in corrosion resistance, and a cheek rest with ambidextrous QD mounts. You know your shots will be there when it counts, whether it’s for fun or fight. All parts are made and machined in the USA. RTD Manufacturing offers you the quality needed for a reliable AR platform.

Possibly the most rigorously tested pistol ever developed, the new SAR9 endured 130-degree baking to simulate desert conditions, -50 degrees for the arctic, salt fog, high altitude, 24 hours of rain, solar radiation, fouling, drop tests and 150,000 rounds of live fire in the factory. Police later ran their own test that included 50,000 rounds. Finally, a NATO test against major manufacturers from Austria, German and the U.S. ran 90,000 rounds, with the SAR9 the clear winner.

The SAR9 comes in a lockable hard case with two extra 17-round magazines, three back straps for custom fit, cleaning tools and lock, all for a retail price of $449.00.

For more information, visit SAR USA’s website or call the company at (847) 768-1011.

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GUN REVIEW

Uberti 1876 In .50-95 ALSO INSIDE

Bird Hunting Prospects 2017 Pyramyd Airgun Cup

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HANDGUNS SRT ARMS AR srtarms.com This integrally supp suppressed Ruger MkIV pistol is the latest version of an outstanding Ruger ppistol SRT has been manufacturing for 20 years. The pistol sound reduction (as tested by the U.S. Army using 40-grain CCI offers unmatched so Minimag ammo. The Professional model Ruger MkIV is available in 7.1-inch and 7.8-inch tube lengths as measured from the front of the grip frame. It tests out at a 110 to 116 decibels of absolute sound signature, depending on ammo, and cycles most ammos, includin including many subsonic and standard velocity .22 LR. Suggested retail pr price is $725 on a customer-supplied stainless pistol, or $1,350 for complete suppressed ppistol. For more, visit SRT Arms Arms’ website or call (928) 567-2588.

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DELPHI TACTICAL delphitactical.com

Delphi Tactical is quickly becoming known for building lightweight, dependable, and surgically accurate firearms packed with upgrades that won’t break the bank. The addition of the DP-15 Praetorian AR Pistol is a perfect example. Featuring billet receivers, sub-MOA Ballistic Advantage barrels, Sharps Rifle Co. DLC-coated XPB BCGs, CMC triggers, Battle Arms selectors, and JP Rifles silent captured spring systems to name a few.

Like the Praetorian Guard’s required mission adaptable equipment, this AR Pistol is no different.

Backed by a rock solid sub-moa guarantee and transferable lifetime warranty. Available in 5.56 or 300BLK as well as with several upgradeable options such as the Law Tactical Gen 3-M Folding Stock Adapter, Cerakote and more.

The Walther Creed 9mm is one of the best pistol buys in the USA. It has all of the features you want, including a precocked double-action trigger system and a bobbed hammer that ensures a no-snag draw. More features include an abrasionresistant Tenifer coating, ambidextrous magazine release, low-profile steel threedot sights, and front and rear cocking serrations on the slide. Two 16-round magazines finish off this amazing pistol, and you get it all for only $269.99.

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**Results of US Army testing of several competing brands.

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Based on a Glock 17 frame with custom slides, internals and barrel, this semiauto can be built in 9mm, 10mm, .357 SIG and .40 S&W. We hand cut and fit the frame, then coat everything in proprietary Blackstone coating, which is extraordinarily durable and has outstanding lubricity.

CUSTOM-BUILT PISTOL Layke Tactical’s .308-caliber custom pistol weighs 5.6 pounds, has a 10-inch barrel and is made with custom titanium parts.

WALTHER CREED

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GUNCRAFTER INDUSTRIES

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The Walther Creed 9mm has all of the features you want, including a precocked double-action trigger system and a bobbed hammer that ensures a no-snag draw. Other features include an abrasion-resistant Tenifer coating, ambidextrous magazine release, low-profile steel three-dot sights, and front and rear cocking serrations on the slide. MSRP is $269.99 and it comes with two 16-round magazines.

ULTIMATE ARMS www.uaarms.com

MODEL 4 The Guncrafter Industries Model 4 in 50 GI is the perfect platform for hunting, or getting the most out of your handloads.

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MAGNA T5 4.25 COMMANDER COMPACT This semiauto in .45 ACP has an overall length of 7.25 inches, weighs 22 to 25 ounces, and features a magazine capacity of eight plus one. The frame is made of forged billet ZK60A-T5 magnesium, and the handgun wears a UA custom ceramic coat.

FUSION FIREARMS

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FUSION FREEDOM SERIES PISTOL

The new SAR9 semiauto 9mm striker-fired, polymer-framed pistol was NATO-tested against the best from Germany, Austria and the U.S. After 90,000 rounds, there was one clear winner – SAR9.

The Fusion Freedom Series is a high-quality 1911, the frame, slide and barrel of which are made from bar stock. It also features real wood grips and is priced at an incredible $795 MSRP.

DELPHI TACTICAL

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NOWLIN

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NEW TITAN MODEL 1911 PISTOL Get superb accuracy (under an inch at 25 yards) and dependability from the Titan Model 1911. Fitted to perfection, it features a 5-inch slide, holds eight rounds and is chambered in .45 ACP. Many upgrades are available.

REEDER CUSTOM GUNS

Available in 5.56mm or .300 Blackout and with a 10.5-inch barrel, the DP-15 Centurion features a Shockwave Pistol Brace stock and has a 30-round magazine capacity. MSRP is $1,354.99.

JONES ARMS

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BLACK WIDOW Since 1987 our Black Widow has been one of our most popular revolvers. Built in the caliber of your choice and built how you want it.

AR PLATFORM PISTOL The best most reliable pistol caliber AR platform on the market today! The Kronos 9mm. Call us and GET IT HOW YOU WANT IT!

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TAC-7PB TACTICAL & SPORTING SPORTI PISTOL We believed a solid, accurat accurate AR-15 pistol could be built with quality parts and kept affordable fo for the most frugal shooters, so we teamed up with Anderson Rifles to b bring you the TAC line of AR-15 rifles and pistols. They’re built to mee meet law enforcement and military bid requirements, while remaining a ro rock-solid affordable option for civilian use. americanshootingjournal.com 199

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Industry

COWBOY FAST DRAW

GARY B. WELLS, ATTORNEY AT LAW

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Have you ever wondered how fast you would have been in an Old West gunfight? Join the Cowboy Fast Draw Association and find out!

The Cowboy Fast Draw Association is a competitive shooting sport dedicated to keeping the Old West alive. Their motto is “safety first, fun second, and competition third.” It’s about handshakes, camaraderie, a man’s word, morality and friendship, fair play and honest competition.

It is a timed sport using single action .45 caliber western style six shooters and wax bullets. Targets are round disks connected to a timer that is able to give times down to the thousandth of a second. Competitors wear Westernstyle clothing from the late 1800s and compete under aliases.

Competitors range from 8 to 85 plus years old.

CFDA has over 70 affiliated clubs across North America and several countries, with new clubs forming constantly. To learn more, visit cowboyfastdraw.com.

Firearm businesses understand that the quantity of poorly written, obsolete, and erroneously applied firearm laws can be confusing and overwhelmingly complicated. These laws are being applied to businesses never intended to be covered, and products that did not exist when the laws were enacted.

Attorney Gary Wells has written two books to help the firearm business address these problems. They help businesses quickly determine what the laws are and what is required to comply with them. They serve as an excellent resource and procedural guide for any firearms business, including retailers, gunsmiths, manufacturers, and importers/exporters.

Volume 1 explains the GCA, the NFA, and ITAR. Volume 2 explains Texas firearm laws. Detailed tables of contents can be found at firearmslaw.attorney.

THE RANGE 702 therange702.com

For a truly unique firearm experience in Las Vegas, fire the Quadzilla, a pintle-mounted multi-barrel machine gun that is essentially four separate M4 receivers mounted together to deliver a combined rate of fire at an incredible 1,400 rounds per minute. The gas-operated, magazine-fed machine gun uses four separate rotating bolts to handle all that firepower, and is beautifully crafted of rugged 7075 aluminum alloys, with steel barrels, bolts and bolt carriers. It uses a spade grip and butterfly-style trigger. This unique firearm is one you’ll never forget, and will go to the top of your list of interesting guns to shoot.

WILDLIFE FOREVER cleandraindry.org

Have you heard? Invaders are threatening your access to fishing, hunting, and outdoor sports. It’s happening! To keep our public lands open for hunters and anglers, we must stop the spread of invasive species.

The Bureau of Land Management along with Wildlife Forever, are uniting efforts to educate and empower hunters and anglers to “clean, drain and dry” their outdoor equipment. Invasive species like zebra/quagga mussels and Spotted Knapweed are easily transported on outdoor gear. A simple inspection and following the national guidelines for “cleaning” equipment, “draining” boats and ballast, and “drying” will help prevent spreading foreign plants or animals which can have devastating impacts. Recent wildfires and increased fees in water utilities are partially due to invasive species.

Help protect your favorite places, clean, drain, dry, every time. Join the fight at cleandraindry.org and donate to learn more.

JOSEPH CHIARELLO & CO., INC. guninsurance.com - Booth #2628

Joseph Chiarello & Co., Inc. is a family owned and operated business founded in 1934 that has specialized in insuring the firearms industry since 1979. Throughout those years many competitors have come and gone. For over 35 years they have stood by the firearms industry. The insurance coverage they provide is an important tool for managing your exposure to risk. They strive to provide the best products and services available to our clients, at reasonable prices.

Their primary focus is on commercial general liability and property coverages. This program is underwritten by the Granite State Insurance Company. Policies are written on admitted paper in all 50 states. Visit them at 2018 SHOT Show Booth #2628.

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Thousands of Northwest area people gather to enjoy sausage made with Palouse German sausage seasoning at the annual Uniontown and Colton sausage feeds located in the rolling hills and farmlands known as the Palouse in Washington State. Now you can enjoy these delicious sausages all year-round. Sausages made from this moderately sweet blend can be either made fresh or smoked. Either way you will find them delightfully delicious. americanshootingjournal.com 201

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EXTEND YOUR EFFECTIVE RANGE Being able to confidently shoot further will mean more venison in your freezer.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY BUZZ RAMSEY

’ve kept a diary of my annual hunting experiences since tagging my first deer back in 1977. According to my entries, I didn’t try shooting an animal at over 250 yards until 23 years later, when in the fall of 2000 I missed hitting an elk at what I thought was 300 yards but realized, after pacing off the distance, was closer to 425. That’s when I swore to never again try shooting an animal at long range without first confirming the distance with a range finder, which I soon purchased.

Don’t get me wrong, 250 yards is a long shot for most hunters, including me. Being able to hit a target accurately out to 250 takes practice at the range, knowledge of rifle-hold positions, being confident in your shooting ability, and knowing that the ammunition you’re feeding your rifle is accurate.

The good news is that most hunting rifles, like a .270 or .30-06, when sighted in to hit 2 inches high at 100 yards will likely hit only a few inches low out to 250 yards – meaning you can hold dead on out that far. It’s when the bullets from most cartridges get out past 300 yards that they begin to quickly drop.

I

IT’S IMPORTANT TO REALIZE THAT most game you’ll shoot will likely be within a couple hundred yards, so having the ability to extend your range is not mandatory for achieving hunting success. It’s just that having the ability comes in handy when it’s impossible to close the distance.

For me, purchase of that range finder, combined with knowledge of how bullets drop gleaned from reloading manuals or ballistic

A rock-solid rest, broadside target, dialedin rifle and scope and confidence in taking and making longer range shots led to this nice Oregon mule deer for author Buzz Ramsey last season. It fell to a single 430-yard crosscanyon shot from his .338 Remington Ultra Magnum an hour before dark.

calculators (available free on the internet), along with long-range shooting practice helped extend my confidence level out past the 250-yard mark. Still, it wasn’t until 2008 that I actually shot an animal at over 250. Although I tried to get closer, given the open terrain, 379 yards was as close as I was going to get to the somewhat nervous buck antelope staring in my direction. The animal fell in its tracks from a single, carefully aimed shot.

My shooting ability made another leap forward in 2010 when I purchased a 6.5-20 Leupold VX III rifle scope – a scope with click adjustments accurate enough to adjust the reticle for hold-on shots based on a ballistic calculator tailored to the flight of my cartridge and confirmed via field shooting. This allowed me to down a six-point bull elk at 550 yards that same year. It wasn’t long before I sent my VX III in to have a custom turret made, so I no longer had to count clicks to adjust the reticle for long shots, but just dial in the distance for hold-on shots.

IN ADDITION TO HAVING PRACTICED, practiced, practiced shooting at long

range, the key to hitting targets out past 300 yards is having an accurate rifle, one capable of firing three-shot groups of an inch or less at a 100-yard target. In addition, you should realize velocity has everything to do with how much a bullet will drop at long range, which is why you want the velocity of your bullet to vary little from shot to shot.

If you shoot factory ammunition, you will likely need to try several different brands and/or bullet weights in order to find one that will group within an inch. Realize that Winchester, Remington, Federal, or other ammo of the same caliber and bullet weight may all shoot differently in your rifle – some producing 2- to 3-inch groups, while others could group within an inch.

While some midpriced rifles might group well with factory ammunition, others may require finely tuned ammo only achievable by handloading. It’s also true that better accuracy might be had by having a gunsmith rebed the action of your rifle, install a new trigger, and/or free float the barrel. Some hunters, after trying several options with no luck, give up and trade their rifle in americanshootingjournal.com 203

for one that will shoot accurately.

Although more expensive, there are rifles guaranteed to produce inch or smaller groups at 100 yards.

If you handload, you should be able to tune your loads to group within an inch. The key is to eliminate all variation in your ammo by making every component as consistent as possible. Some things to consider include: • Having all cases weigh within a gram of each other (I’ve found Nosler brass to be the most consistent); • Selecting a rifle powder that will nearly fill the available space; • Making sure all cases have equal case neck tension (which might mean turning the case necks to an equal thickness); • Having all previously fired brass trimmed to identical length; • And weighing each and every powder charge.

In addition to the above, overall cartridge length has everything to do with accuracy. You see, barrels flex when fired and you want your bullet to kiss off the end of the barrel when this gyration is at a stable point in its flexing – a position called a node.

Exactly when your bullet exits the barrel can be adjusted many different ways, with one being how deeply you

Ramsey is best known as an angler and fishing lure designer, but he’s also a handloader. He reports that groupings fired out of his .338 Remington Ultra Mag at 100 yards shrank from 2 to 3 inches to less than an inch by adjusting the overall cartridge length.

seat bullets when reloading. While you want your finished cartridge to fit the magazine, many rifles shoot the best when bullets are seated close to the rifling, say, within .010 inch. If this setting doesn’t produce tight groups, try shortening the overall length in .010-inch increments until you find a length that produces the smallest groups, and then fine-tune the overall length from there. For example, I was able to reduce group sizes produced by my .338 Remington Ultra Mag from 2 to 3 inches to less than an inch by simply adjusting the seating depth

of the bullet.

BEING CAPABLE OF SHOOTING AT long distance paid off for me last season while chasing deer in Oregon, Idaho and Washington, resulting in oneshot-kills at 430, 370 and 200 rangefinding yards, respectively. My success would have been much different had I not extended my effective range.

Editor’s note: The author is a brand manager and part of the management team at Yakima Bait Company. Like Buzz on Facebook.

Despite building confidence in his equipment, it wasn’t until over 20 years into his hunting career that Ramsey shot an animal at more than 250 yards, this Oregon pronghorn. It was by necessity, as the open terrain and antelope’s demeanor meant he wasn’t going to get much closer than 379 yards out. It fell to a single shot from his .300 Weatherby.

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Safari Club International headquarters is located in Tucson, Arizona. (SCI)

MORE THAN A SHOW For nearly 50 years, Safari Club International has protected hunters’ rights, promoted wildlife conservation and put on a darn good convention.

COMPILED BY THE EDITORS

T

he Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show may draw most of the earlyyear attention from the outdoor hoi polloi, but hunters and outdoor adventurers in the know will extend their Las Vegas stay one more week this month to attend the Safari Club International’s (SCI) annual shooting shindig.

Believe it or not, the end of this month will mark SCI’s 46th annual Hunters’ Convention. Scheduled for Jan. 31 to Feb. 3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center and themed “Chase the Adventure,” this year’s show features auctions, seminars, special events and top-flight entertainers and speakers, from actor Tim Allen and Las Vegas’ own impressionist extraordinaire Terry Fator, to the NRA’s Chris Cox and

rising country star Lucas Hoge.

Of course, the biggest draw of the SCI show remains the show floor, where hundreds of exhibitors display their newest wares or extoll the virtues of their guide and travel services.

ALTHOUGH IT MAY BE best known for this annual show, SCI is much more than a group of convention planners. Protecting hunters’ americanshootingjournal.com 207

Each spring, SCI Members visit with their elected representatives during the annual Lobby Day to advocate for hunters’ rights. (SCI)

rights and promoting wildlife conservation have long been SCI’s two primary areas of focus.

According to the SCI website, nearly a half century ago there were many safari clubs across the country made up of local, unaffiliated groups of hunters. One such was Safari Club of Los Angeles, which was formed in

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April 1971 by 47 individuals. In early 1972, an out-of-towner from a similar club in Chicago attended one of the monthly Wednesday night meetings, where it was decided that the L.A. club should attempt to combine with the one in Chicago to make it an affiliated chapter. The founder of Safari Club of Los Angeles, C.J.

McElroy, went to the Windy City and instituted the new chapter.

Eleven months after the formation of Safari Club of Los Angeles, the name was changed officially to Safari Club International on March 9, 1972.

SCI continued to reach out to other independent safari clubs throughout the United States in an effort to

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combine them into a single overall organization. Today, interest in Tucson, Arizona-based SCI’s two primary missions has grown a worldwide network. Subsequent involvement and promotion of these missions is rooted in each of nearly 50,000 members, all supported through each of 170 chapters found across the globe and put into action by government representatives and personnel, both nationally and internationally.

In this way, SCI encourages an appreciation for nature and wildlife so that conservation efforts remain strong while also fighting to protect our rich hunting heritage. Big changes can be achieved through the endeavors of many who are united in a mission – the mission of Safari Club International.

SINCE 2000, SCI HAS SPENT $140 million on protecting the freedom to hunt through policy advocacy, litigation and education for federal and state legislators to ensure hunting is protected for future generations.

Weekly E-newsletters, In The Crosshairs and Hunt Now! provide breaking news, legal issues, government actions, product reviews, and exciting stories of the hunt to more than 45,000 members.

Through their print publications, Safari Magazine and Safari Times, they keep members updated on events and board actions as well, teach tips and techniques, and share stories about other members’ hunting expeditions.

For more information about all that the Safari Club International does and represents, visit safariclub.org.

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Adventure FOUR WHEEL CAMPERS fourwh.com

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK RANCH

Four Wheel Campers and Woolrich Company have combined to create a unique, limited edition camper. Among other added features and enhanced aesthetics, this special Woolrich edition comes with premium-quality Woolrich upholstery covering bedding, seating, and pillows. This unique collaboration unites two companies with United States-based production facilities.

The “pop-up” style camper is custom fit based on the owner’s truck model. By reducing wind drag and lowering weight via a flexible aluminum frame, this design approach reduces the stress impact on the owner’s truck.

For more info, as well as photos, videos, visit Four Wheel Campers’ website.

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Rocky Mountain Elk Ranch is a private hunting ranch nestled in the mountains of southeast Idaho, just 11/2 hours from Jackson Hole and Yellowstone National Park. The elk hunting lodge features the most spectacular views, both inside and out. At the end of a long day of elk hunting, enjoy relaxing with the view of a breathtaking sunset from a wrap-around deck in the crisp autumn air, as the sounds of elk bugling echo in the canyon.

While the success of your three-day elk hunt is a 100 percent guaranteed, it is still tailored to be as challenging as you desire. So retreat from the stressful routine of life and come join us for the elk hunting trip of a lifetime.

Rocky Mountain Elk Ranch’s guarantee is, “We are so confident that you will be satisfied, if you haven’t seen something you want to shoot after the first day, you can go and take your complete refund with you!”

LANCE CAMPER MFG. CORP. lancecamper.com Lance Camper Mfg. Corp. is recognized as the premier manufacturer of the best-selling ultralight truck campers and travel trailers in the country.

Utilizing computer-generated design and CNCmachined lightweight components, Lance stands apart. Lance also holds the Gold level honor for Trailer Life Magazine’s 2017 Readers’ Choice award in both product segments.

This year, Lance announces new standard and optional key features for their travel trailer line-up, including standard USA-manufactured Goodyear radial tires, available on most models is the Lance Load roof rack system, Lance Life 4-foot exterior table, locking battery boxes and Keyed-Alike and standard Solar on the Side systems. For truck campers, the all-new Mountain Scene graphic option is now available.

For complete product information and a virtual plant tour, please visit Lance Camper’s website.

ADVENTURE HUNTS adventurehunts.com

Adventure Hunts specializes in Africa hunting, and has been promoting hunting and fishing adventures around the world for over 26 years. Adventure Hunts is known worldwide for their “safari specials,” unique cost-saving, plainsgame hunting packages. AH offers dangerous game “Big Five” hunts, including 2018 specials for Cape buffalo, sable, roan, and combination hunts. Popular African destinations include Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Benin and Zambia. Other destinations include New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Alaska, and Canada and its Northwest Territories. They look forward to helping you plan your next safari and adventure! americanshootingjournal.com 213

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PUMP UP THE POPULARITY Why are airguns blowing off the shelves?

STORY AND PHOTOS BY TOM CLAYCOMB

S

hooters are always looking for a new caliber or gimmick.

Remember when the .17 HMR came out? Everyone had to have one.

Years back, airguns slowly started becoming popular, but what really put them in the spotlight was the unavailability or high cost of .22 ammo at the time. The other day, I sold a case of .22 ammo for $50 a brick, and that’s just crazy.

I live in Idaho, and we have a critter here called the Townsend’s ground squirrel. They’re like a miniature hyperactive prairie dogs, and on a good afternoon, I’ll shoot 400 or 500 times. With ammo costing what it does, you can buy a decent air rifle and still save money if you shoot in volume.

While the old-school pellet guns are still around, let’s review a couple of the newer, more popular airgun options for both pistols and rifles.

SPRING-PISTON AIR GUNS are able to achieve muzzle velocities near or greater than the speed of sound from a single stroke of a cocking lever

or breaking the barrel itself, which operates as a charging mechanism.

I love the concept of the breakbarrel, but I just haven’t found one that is very accurate, which is very important since you might be shooting at small game. Our Townsend’s are the size of a big rat, so a 1½-inch group at 15 yards won’t cut it.

Ideally, I would have a good and accurate break-barrel because I like the concept. You can use it as a survival gun, you don’t need to buy compressed air and it would be a great for training.

This rifle is difficult to brace

because the spring bounces, creating what I call a “double whammy.” This is a result of the piston’s forward motion and the final hit of forward end in the chamber after the spring has fully expanded. People used to say that you had to shoot them free handed, but I don’t do that. I’ve been taught to simply hold my hand in the same spot each time and have found it to be a much better way to sustain accuracy.

As an additional note, I’ve heard that it takes 300 shots for a breakbarrel action to get accurate, so expect to shoot for a while until your gun stabilizes.

The Marauder (top and bottom) by Benjamin is one of the best-selling precharged pneumatic, or PCP, air rifle options on the market, but requires a scope designed specifically for the platform. americanshootingjournal.com 215

The Air Arms TX III is a popular springpiston air rifle. (PYRAMYD AIR)

PRECHARGED PNEUMATIC (PCP) air guns, which are usually filled by decanting from an air reservoir or by charging directly with a hand pump, are the most accurate pellet guns that I have shot so far.

I own a Benjamin Marauder and a Woods Walker. Last year I was able to hit ground squirrels out to 75 yards. Both are a bolt-action and use a 10-shot rotary clip.

To charge a PCP gun, ideally you need to use an air tank that holds up to 5,000 pounds per square inch, as well as a quick-disconnect hose to charge the 3,000-psi charging tube on the gun.

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SO NOW YOU NEED to decide which route you want to go. There are pros and cons to both.

I love my PCP, but if you’re hunting and shooting 300 to 500 times per day,

you’re going to have to have two air tanks or a hand pump, and that is tough duty.

I guess it boils down to the usual solution when talking about which gun to buy – one of everything!

AIRGUN TIPS 1,000 feet per second is usually enough for small game hunting. To get higher speeds, use a lighter grain pellet, but just know that you will end up sacrificing accuracy for speed.

When choosing ammunition, target shooting, speed shooting and hunting all require a specialized pellet.

Airguns require a specific airgun scope. The piston thrusts of the airgun, especially spring-piston models, will tear up a normal rifle scope.

The most popular calibers are .177 and .22. The latter caliber has considerably more killing power.

Store Hours: Monday 8:00am - 5:30pm Tuesday 8:00am - 5:30pm Wednesday 8:00am - 5:30pm Thursday 8:00am - 5:30pm Friday 8:00am - 5:30pm Saturday 8:00am - 1:00pm Sunday Closed

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COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

LOVE THE ONE YOU’RE WITH

The ongoing success of Sanders Armory starts with a daily commitment to customer service and loyalty

A Sanders Armory sidecharge upper. (SANDERS) An enhanced AR15/M16 Nitride 223/5.56 Bolt Carrier Group. (SANDERS)

This Rogers Super Stoc Kit is available from Sanders Armory. (SANDERS)

COMPILED BY THE EDITORS

T

hese days, it seems as if companies are more focused on looking for the next customer instead of being engaged with the customer right in front of them. That’s never the case at Sanders Armory, where customer service remains paramount.

If you call, email or message them on Facebook, you will get a prompt, personal reply to your inquiry. In fact, it’s not uncommon for the owner to give you a call to answer your questions or assist in troubleshooting your rifle. Sanders Armory knows that without satisfied customers, they would not have a business.

Sanders Armory Corp is a familyowned, Florida-based company that operates primarily as an online retailer of rifle barrels, handgun and rifle parts and accessories, tactical and hunting products, knives and 218

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accessories. They believe in being the “blue collar” lady and gentleman’s provider of the highest quality products at the most affordable prices possible. With their eCommerce store front, they keep overhead to a minimum, and use their negotiation and purchasing powers to garner huge savings that they pass those along to you!

A website feature that helps set them apart is an exclusive “BuildYour-Own-Upper” engine, which adds customization to your build that allows it to be as unique as you are to fit your needs from hunting, 3-gun competitions, security or just range time. Sanders has hundreds of barrels to choose from as well as several upper receivers, including billet side-charge uppers for the AR-15 platform and keymod and MLOK handguards.

The Sanders team knows they can only leave this world with their integrity, so the Sanders name is 100 percent behind every product they sell. You can buy with confidence in the product, customer service and the company as a whole.

The Sanders Armory Corporation promise to you is simple: To provide the highest grade products at the most affordable price possible, treat each customer as family, provide exemplary customer service by responding in a very timely manner, with courtesy and respect, and to always be real. Sanders knows they’re here not only for you, but because of you, and they value your loyalty.

For more, visit sandersarmoryusa. com, call (239) 541-8219 or email admin@sandersarmoryusa.com. You can also follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/sandersarmoryusa.

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