SHOT Daily - Day 2 - 2018 SHOT Show by SHOT Business

SHOOTING HUNTING OUTDOOR TRADE SHOW 1979–2018 NEW PRODUCT ROUNDUP

FEATURES

NEWS

LA VIDA LOCAVORE

CLEVER COATING

Using well-prepared wild game to attract new hunters is a recipe for success. PAGE 44

SHOT Daily zeroes in on the latest in optics P. 14, aims at what’s new in ammo P. 28, and covers outerwear offerings P. 34.

GAME PLAN Starline Brass started small. And then it grew. PAGE 79

Mossberg upgrades the Patriot rifle with a Cerakote option. PAGE 4

NO PLACE HE’D RATHER BE Producing a hunting TV show is not for the faint of heart. Ask Mike Stroff. PAGE 64

DAY DAY X, 2 , JANUARY JANUARY XX, 24, 2 018

T H E DA I LY N E WS O F T H E 2 0 1 8 L AS V EGAS S H OT S H OW B ROUG H T TO YOU BY T H E B O N N I E R CO R P O RAT I O N A N D T H E N SS F

Conviction, Courage, And Commitment

ne of the purposes of the NSSF Executive Management Seminar, now in its second year, is to help industry professionals cultivate leadership skills. And that’s exactly what a full house was given on Monday afternoon when keynote speaker Allen B. West, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and former Florida state congressman, took to the podium. West not only spoke to the importance of leadership, but he amply demonstrated his passion for the protection of the American citizen and his steadfast support of the Second Amendment. “An armed populous are citizens of their government, and an unarmed populous are just sub-

Executive Management Seminar keynote speaker Allen B. West stressed the importance of leadership.

jects,” he said. “The deadly political unrest in Venezuela is a clear example of the fleeting freedoms when a country no longer supports its citizens’ right to bear arms.” In stressing the importance of a life centered on mentorship and encouragement, West said, “Shooting-sports businesses cannot run with a day-today attitude. They require a plan of leadership that encompasses the five Cs: Competence, Commitment, Conviction, Creativity, and Courage.” He also noted that in business, there is no room for a “style agenda,” so commonly seen in politicians, designed to communicate what everyone wants to hear. Instead, a true leader says what needs to be heard. —Peter B. Mathiesen

Vera Koo to Sign Memoir VISTA LAUNCHES DEALER PROGRAM Competition shooting champion Vera Koo will be in the house this year at SHOT Show signing copies of her new book, The Most Unlikely Champion, an account of her journey to becoming an eight-time national Bianchi Cup champion, at her sponsor booths. The 70-year-old shooter continues to compete on the national and international levels. Koo brings a Zen-like quality to the preparation

and practice of shooting. Her Asian background—she came to this country as a youngster—combined with her Bay Area lifestyle create a fascinating read for those who want to know how to break through social and physical barriers and in to the shooting sports. Koo will be at Aimpoint today (Booth #14573) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tomorrow she will be at Girls With Guns (Booth #3450) from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

ista Outdoor is launching its new dealer partnership program at the 2018 SHOT Show. The program, Premium365, which will encompass all of Vista’s ammunition brands—including Federal Premium, CCI, Speer, Fusion, American Eagle, Blazer, and Estate—is designed to focus on offering exclusive best-in-class programs and services to ensure that the independent retailer is positioned to succeed in this marketplace. “We are excited to bring to our independent retail partners a program that will help showcase their strengths and expertise to our consumer base, and equip them with the tools they need to be successful now and in the future,” says Jason Vanderbrink, president of Vista’s ammunition division. Interested retailers can stop by Booth #14551 to learn more about the program. FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @SHOTBUSINESS

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1/23/18 7:42 PM

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ALWAYS ON TARGET The Z8i 1-8x24 P from SWAROVSKI OPTIK is the most suitable rifle scope for meeting the challenges posed by dangerous game and plains game hunting. Top performance meets consummate design thanks to its groundbreaking optics with 8x zoom and slim, elegant look. Its exceptional field of view ensures you have the best possible overview. FLEXCHANGE, the first switchable 4A-IF reticle, means you can adjust the reticle to suit your hunt. When seconds are crucial â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SWAROVSKI OPTIK.

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U LT R AS H O R T M AST E R P I E C E . The K 318i means noticeable optical and mechanical perfection packed in ultrashort design. With precise illuminated reticles in FFP, sharply defined throughout the entire magnification range and the unique TWIST GUARD windage (patent pending). A true masterpiece in engineering.

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news

The Mossberg Patriot Cerakote offers the same proven action and low price point of previous Patriot models, but with a weatherproof exterior finish that shrugs off even the worst conditions.

Clever Coating

A durable new finish option on Mossberg’s affordable Patriot adds performance to its value By Brad Fitzpatrick

y first experience with Mossberg’s brand-new Patriot Cerakote rifle came as the result of a mistake by an airline company. I arrived in Valencia, Spain, for an ibex hunt and discovered that my rifle was tied up in Paris. Luckily for me, Tony Caggiano of World Slam Adventures tagged out on the first day and I had the opportunity to use his rifle, which happened to be a Patriot Cerakote in 6.5 Creedmoor. Mossberg launched the budget-friendly Patriot line in 2015, and since that time the company has continued to expand the line, adding the Revere wood-stocked model last year and the Cerakote version for 2018. Like all Mossberg Patriots, the Cerakote model features a push-feed action and dual locking lugs on the front of the spiral-fluted bolt. These guns also have two-position, rocker-type safeties that can be loaded and unloaded with the safety engaged, as well as Mossberg’s Lightning Bolt Action (LBA) bladed trigger. The LBA trigger is screw-adjustable from 2 to 7 pounds and comes set near the factory minimum for a crisp, precise break. Detachable box magazines allow for fast and easy reloads, and a durable synthetic stock keeps weight to a minimum. The Cerakote version’s action and fluted, crowned sporter barrel have a durable, baked-on ceramic finish that makes the rifle virtually impervious to the elements.

The model that I tested was chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor and weighed in at 6.5 pounds, which made it suitable for all-day carry in the mountains. Caggiano had zeroed the rifle using Nosler’s 140-grain Ballistic Tip 6.5 Creedmoor load, and when I went to the range, I found that the rifle was capable of producing groups of around 1 inch at 100 yards. Sighted in roughly 2 inches high at that distance, the Patriot Cerakote was zeroed for 200 yards— perfect for the conditions in Spain. My opportunity at an ibex billy came on the second morning of the hunt. My guide, Vicente Gil, was glassing a ridge across a narrow canyon and saw a mature male with tall, sweeping horns. I ranged the ibex at 200 yards, which should have made for an easy shot with the Patriot Cerakote, but I had to contend with a heavy crosswind. Holding just ahead of the billy’s shoulder, I

pressed the trigger and watched as the ibex rose up and began running toward the crest of the ridge. There was no way to be certain what type of terrain we’d encounter if the billy crossed out of sight, and I didn’t want to risk losing the animal in the steep limestone cliffs. I fired another shot that slowed the ibex, and an insurance shot guaranteed it wouldn’t be lost. Even though my experience with the Patriot Cerakote was limited, I was impressed by the rifle’s performance. This new version offers the same proven action and low price point of previous Patriot models, with the added confidence of a weatherproof exterior finish that shrugs off even the worst conditions. SRP: $440. Booth #12734. (mossberg.com ) The author with an ibex taken in Spain with a Mossberg Patriot Cerakote rifle.

4 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ DAY 2, JANUARY 24, 2018

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1/23/18 7:40 PM

NSSF

WORKS FOR ME

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

The NSSF is a most important partner to Deep River. It has helped us grow our business through promotional efforts and market research. It has helped protect our operations by advising on compliance issues and has helped us preserve our operations through educational opportunities designed to improve business operations. With the NSSF by our side, we are truly never alone.

â&#x20AC;?

Bill Kempffer, President Deep River Sporting Clays & Shooting School Sanford, N.C.

NSSF Members like Bill receive benefits such as:

Representation in Washington and State Capitals Compliance Support Industry Research SHOT Show Benefits

...and much more

Visit us at booth L231

Visit NSSF.ORG or call 203-426-1320 ext. 209 for more information on membership categories and find out how NSSF can work for you.

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12/14/17 1:32 PM

Shooting Ranges

•

Target Systems

• Shoot Houses

Slaton L. White, Editor James A. Walsh, Art Director Margaret M. Nussey, Managing Editor David E. Petzal, Shooting Editor David Maccar, Special Projects Editor Judith Weber, Production Manager Justin Appenzeller, Contributing Photographer

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Larry Ahlman, Barbara Baird, Scott Bestul, Philip Bourjaily, Christopher Cogley, Jock Elliott, Tim Irwin, William F. Kendy, Richard Mann, Peter B. Mathiesen, Brian McCombie, Tom Mohrhauser, Robert Sadowski, Robert F. Staeger, Peter Suciu, Wayne Van Zwoll

Anthony Licata, Editorial Director Gregory D. Gatto, Senior Vice President, Managing Director

Visit us at Booth 14551

ADVERTISING: 212-779-5316

Jeff Roberge, Advertising Director Brian Peterson, Western Sporting Goods Sales Katie Logan, Southern Sporting Goods Sales David Hawkey, Northeast Sporting Goods Sales Amanda Gastelum, Integrated Marketing Director Ingrid Reslmaier, Marketing Design Director

Quality Range Equipment built with Safety & Durability in mind, backed by outstanding Customer Service

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BUSINESS OPERATIONS

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Offering the Safest, Cleanest Environment Possible for Shooters and Range Personnel

Tara Bisciello, Business Manager

MANUFACTURING

Michelle Doster, Group Production Director Alison Klein, Senior Production Manager

BONNIER Chairman, Tomas Franzén Head of Business Area, Magazines, Lars Dahmén Chief Executive Officer, Eric Zinczenko Chief Financial Officer, Joachim Jaginder Chief Operating Officer, David Ritchie Chief Marketing Officer, Elizabeth Burnham Murphy Chief Digital Revenue Officer, Sean Holzman Vice President, Integrated Sales, John Graney Vice President, Digital Operations, David Butler Vice President, Public Relations, Perri Dorset General Counsel, Jeremy Thompson

SHOT Business (ISSN 1081-8618) is published 7 times a year in January, February/March, April/May, June/July, August/September, October/ November and December by Bonnier Corporation, 2 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5695, and is the official publication of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Flintlock Ridge Office Center, 11 Mile Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470 (203-426-1320). Volume 26, issue 1. Copyright © 2018 by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. All rights reserved. Editorial, circulation, production and advertising offices are located at 2 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5695 (212-779-5000). Free to qualified subscribers; available to non-qualified subscribers for $25 per year. Single-copy issues are available for $5 each. Send check, payable to NSSF, to: SHOT Business, c/o NSSF, 11 Mile Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470-2359. SHOT Business accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. All correspondence should be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Requests for media kits and advertising information should be directed to Katy Marinaro, Bonnier Corporation, 625 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 1270, Chicago, IL 60611. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY, and at additional mailing offices. Printed in the USA. For Customer Service and Subscription questions, such as Renewals, Address Changes, Email Preferences, Billing and Account Status, go to: shotbusiness .com/cs. You can also email SBZcustserv@cdsfulfllment.com, in the U.S. call toll-free 866-615-4345, outside the U.S. call 515-237-3697, or write to SHOT Business, 2 Park Ave., New York, NY 10016. For editorial inquiries, write to Slaton L. White, SHOT Business, 2 Park Ave., New York, NY 10016

For editorial inquiries, visit Venetian Level 3, San Polo 3501, in the Sands Expo & Convention Center.

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1/11/18 3:07 PM

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12/19/17 1:34 PM

NEWS

Range Day

ne of the most anticipated days in late January, apart from the opening of the SHOT Show, is Industry Day at the Range. This all-day event—now in its 13th year—is held the day before the SHOT Show opens. It’s an opportunity for more than 1,600 members of the media to meet with 170 manufacturers and check out some of the hottest new products of the year. The shotgun features a nonreciprocating external bolt handle, but once you rotate a loaded mag tube to the top, the gun automatically chambers a round (you keep the safety on while loading). While the gun is semi-auto, you have to manually rotate the triangular cylinder of mag tubes as each is emptied. This offers greater control for the user, especially if the gun is set up with different loads in different mag tubes. Finally, the shotgun is fully ambidextrous, with reversible ejection ports and controls. The TS12 is expected to ship by the end of Q1. MSRP: $1,399. Booth #15138.

The semi-auto IWI Tavor TS12 holds five shells in three rotating magazine tubes for a capacity of 15+1.

PepperBall FlashLauncher ➤ PepperBall

IWI Tavor TS12 Semi-Auto Shotgun

One of the biggest and most bombastic new firearms on the shooting line at Range Day was the first shotgun from popular bullpup-rifle maker IWI US. The new Tavor TS12 is simply unlike any shotgun ever made. With three rotating magazine tubes that hold five shells of 2¾-inch each, this semi-auto gas gun has a staggering capacity of 15+1 rounds. It can also chamber 3-inch shells, which reduces the

➤

capacity to 12+1. The bullpup configuration puts the action, and most of the weight, in the stock, making it surprisingly nimble. When the mag tubes are fully loaded, the weight still balanced out nicely. The mag tubes are loaded from a port on either side of the gun. And since the cylinder rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, you simply cycle through the tubes one at a time until the gun is fully loaded. A small lever at the front of the trigger guard releases the mag tube cylinder for rotation.

WALTHER PPQSC

Walther has added to its popular ergonomic PPQ line with a new subcompact version that’s ideal for EDC. The gun retains the PPQ’s excellent trigger with short reset, but doesn’t sacrifice any comfort or stability for its reduction in size. The 9mm pistol is offered with a flushfitting 10-round magazine and an extended 15-round magazine that provides a longer grip, with a pinkie rest for even more control. Additionally, the pistol can be carried with the

( SUBCOMPACT )

Hudson H9A ➤ Last

year, Hudson Manufacturing made a big splash with the introduction of its revolutionary H9 pistol. Its innovative design moved the recoil spring beneath the barrel, allowing for a lower bore axis and a flatter-shooting pistol, with a 1911-style grip and straight-pull trigger in a modern striker-fired gun. This year, Hudson debuted the H9A, with an aluminum frame and grip instead of the H9’s all-steel construction. The grip panels and backstrap on the H9A are polymer, and the slide has been tapered a bit and recontoured for a slimmer profile and further weight reduction. Shooters were encouraged to fire the original H9 first and then shoot the new H9A. “A lot of people were concerned initially that the flatshooting of the H9 was due just to the weight,” said a Hudson representative at the booth. After shooting both, I felt that the lighter H9A was a more accurate pistol, with a better feel and balance than the original. The weight is not the story with the H9—it’s the design that makes this pistol a tack driver. The company is also in the final stages of testing a threaded-barrel version of the original H9. Booth #1118. —David Maccar

PISTOL

flush magazine for maximum concealment, with the 15-round extended mag carried as a backup for a total of 25 rounds. The gun measures 6.6 inches overall, 4.4 inches tall, and 1.3 inches wide, with a 3.5inch barrel. It weighs 21.4 ounces and has a 5.6 lb. trigger pull. Even with the reduced size, the gun was equally controllable with either magazine, and is an excellent EDC pistol at an affordable price. MSRP: $649. Booth #14562

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has expanded its launcher options for law enforcement, but it is also getting into the civilian and home-defense market with an interesting new product. The new FlashLauncher combines a flashlight and a PepperBall launcher into a single, easy-to-use device. If you aren’t familiar with it, PepperBall ammo is basically a paintball filled with various nonlethal chemicals, similar to pepper spray. The FlashLauncher includes a bright, 180-lumen flashlight, so a threat can be readily identified. With the flip of a switch, an integrated laser sight is activated, and the trigger for the semi-auto firing system is exposed with five PepperBalls at the ready. The unit

also includes an optional rechargeable battery that runs the light and laser. The pressurized gas cylinder that provides the launching force remains sealed until you fire the first round, so the unit can sit at the ready until needed without any gas leaking. The FlashLauncher is expected to ship in April. MSRP: $299, with propellant tanks, practice rounds, and live rounds included. Booth #30203.

1/23/18 7:52 PM

ENGINEERED TO BREAK BARRIERS

Jim Gilliland, Army Master Sergeant

UNTOUCHABLE PERFORMANCE BEYOND 1,300 YARDS Introducing the new Savage MSR 15 Valkyrie. The purpose built modern sporting rifle engineered exclusively for the cutting edge 224 Valkyrie™ round.

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12/8/17 5:34 PM

NEWS

TACTICAL FOCUS

To open the safe, a user holds the RFID device over the sensor. That done, the safe unlocks automatically.

Stack-On Steps Up

ou may not recognize the name Alpha Guardian, but you sure know its products. Alpha Guardian is a new entity that combines the Cannon family of products (Cannon Safe, Cannon Security Products, and GunVault) and the Stack-On family of products (Stack-On Products, Sovereign, Sentinel, and Gladiator Cadet). Cannon is recognized as a leading manufacturer and distributor of large home safes; Stack-On is a leader in gun cabinets, and offers a diverse, value-priced product mix. The union of Cannon and Stack-On allows Alpha Guardian to offer a more robust portfolio of products to retailers and consumers alike.

For 2018, Stack-On is stepping up by adding RFID capability to two of its most popular firearms security safes. Both the Elite 40 Gun Safe and the Stand-Up Home Defense Safe now feature RFID locks in addition to the standard electronic keypad and backup key locks. RFID technology allows the user to unlock the safe and access the contents without having to manipulate dials, keypads, or keys. To open the safe, a user simply holds one of the included RFID devices over the sensor and the safe automatically unlocks. Each safe comes with an RFID key fob,

a hard card, and a decal. “RFID access allows users to instantly access the contents of their safe without the need to turn on a light to read a keypad or fumble with a dial,” says Ken Wolowicz, divisional vice president of sales for Alpha Guardian. “It uses safe and secure technology while creating faster access to defensive firearms.” The Elite 40 Gun Safe features a completely adjustable interior, including three adjustable-position barrel rests and five userconfigurable shelves. A factory-installed door organizer offers enhanced storage using sewn-in gun holsters,

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zippered pouches, and MOLLE-compatible storage. With a 30-minute fire rating and a four-way locking door, the Elite 40 Gun Safe provides stout protection from fire and theft. Stack-On Home Defense Safes fit into standard-size closets, in the corner of a room, or even behind a door. Its patent-pending barrel-rest design accommodates as many as three long guns and four handguns, and the door swings wide for easy access. A foam-padded bottom and removable shelf keep contents organized and protected. In addition to the new RFID system, these new safes can be opened via the electronic keypad or with a backup key. Booth #12714.

Crimson Trace, best known for its series of laser sights, is expanding its reach with a new line of tactical lights that are being launched at the SHOT Show. This new product category consists of four touch-pad-activated LED flashlights designed for placement on long guns that can also serve double duty as detachable handheld flashlights. In addition, two models will fit long guns equipped with M-Lok or Keymod accessory slots. “This new product category ensures Crimson Trace is continuing our efforts to meet customer demands and aid firearms owners in protecting themselves and their families,” says Lane Tobiassen, Crimson Trace president and CEO. “Our customers asked and we listened.” The four new Crimson Trace Tactical lights are constructed with a black-anodized aluminum housing that sports a distinct red ring. Each flashlight can be removed from the bracket and used with a standard end cap for activation. Each can also be placed into the bracket and secured to a firearm, then operated with an activation pad. Other standard features of the tactical lights include Instant Activation with tap-on and tap-off engagement, high-output Cree XPL LED lighting, and remote-operation pads connected via a single cord. The activation pads can be held securely in place with provided straps or a double-sided adhesive layer found on the back. Operation modes include high beam, low beam, strobe, and momentary output. All units are waterproof up to 1 meter and impact-resistant. The CWL-200-S features a high beam (900 lumens) and a low beam (90 lumens) LED white light. The unit is approximately 5 inches long and weighs 4.9 ounces. The CWL-201-S has similar features and is designed for firearms with M-Lok and Keymod accessory rail mounting. The CWL-100-S has a high beam (500 lumens) and a low beam (50 lumens) LED white light. It will mount on standard M1913 Picatinny or similar rails. The CWL-101-S tactical light is designed to mount on M-Lok and Keymod accessory slots. The CWL-100 and CWL-101 tactical lights are only 4 inches long and weigh less than 4 ounces. Booth #13729. (crimsontrace.com)

(stack-on.com)

1/23/18 4:06 PM

Every box of ammunition that bears the legendary Browning Buckmark contains the highest standards of innovation, precision and technology. Every product—whether it’s aimed for rifle, shotgun, handgun or rimfire shooters— is the result of our engineers’ technical expertise and dedication to performance.

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12/20/17 4:04 PM

OPTICS

BARSKA The 1–4x24mm Level HD riflescope is designed for accurate close- to mid-range targets.

CARSON The RD-842 8x42mm is a full-size, openbridge-design binocular.

BUS HN E L L The XRS II 4.5–30x50mm riflescope features first-focal-plane reticles and ED Prime Glass for rich color and contrast.

Staying Focused

This year, you’ll see lots of platform extensions By Robert Sadowski

or 2018, optics brands intend to stay focused on optics for such popular platforms as long-range shooting and MSRs. Just the same, watch for the rise of optics for handguns—and not just glass for hunting. Another important trend is the adoption of red-dot sights for concealed carry. Here’s what’s new this year.

Aimpoint ➤ The

CompM5 (SRP: $1,068) is a compact red-dot sight—in fact, it’s the smallest in the Comp

series—powered by a single AAA battery, which gives it up to five years of continuous on power at position seven. An advanced

C-MORE The MT series (SRP: $47.99) of pistol-mounting kits allows shooters to mount a red-dot sight to a variety of centerfire and rimfire pistols. Booth #11175. (cmore.com)

wedged lens system offers dot clarity and makes the sight parallaxfree. The CompM5 is compatible with Aimpoint 3XMag-1 and 6XMag-1 magnifiers as well as all generations of night-vision devices. The sight is offered in standard height for MSR mounting and absolute co-witness configurations. Booth #14573. (aimpoint.com)

Barska ➤ The

1–4x24mm Level HD riflescope (SRP: $464.40) is designed for accurate close- to mid-range targeting with both hunting and tactical rifles. It is equipped with an illuminated HRS .223 bulletdrop-compensating reticle, which

can be used to estimate range and elevation adjustments when shooting .223 Rem. ammunition. This reticle can also be switched to either red or green and features adjustable brightness settings. The new 1x30mm HQ Red/Green Dot Sight (SRP: $196.50) features push buttons on the side of the sight to allow users to switch between redor green-dot reticles. An integrated light sensor automatically adjusts the brightness of the dot to match the lighting environment. There is also a quick-release mount. The 10x42mm Level ED binocular (SRP: $714.40) is equipped with ED glass for sharp and detailed images. The openbridge design features a textured rubber coating for both protection and a comfortable non-slip grip. Equipped with an attachment point for use with a tripod. Booth #3257. (barska.com)

Bushnell

➤ The new XRS II 4.5–30x50mm riflescope is Bushnell’s flagship optic. Models are configured with first-focal-plane reticles, and reticle options include an illuminated G3 reticle (SRP: $3,289), G3 reticle ($3,149), H59 reticle ($3,149), and TRMR3 reticle ($3,149). All feature ED Prime Glass for rich color and contrast, and lock turrets with RevLimiter Zero Stop that will not turn past zero. The AR Optics Haste is an ergonomic, waterproof, forward-grip laser in red (SRP: $248.95, red laser; $348.95, green laser) designed to easily attach to any MSR and AR-style pistol. The Haste mounts under the bore and provides a bright, continuous, long-lasting beam with the push of a single button. The AR Optics Chase (SRP: $248.95, red laser;

14 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ DAY 2, JANUARY 24, 2018

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1/11/18 12:22 PM

NEW BROWNING HELL’S CANYON SPEED CLOTHING NOW WITH THE PROTECTION OF GORE ® TECHNOLOGIES AND THE CONCEALMENT OF NEW A-TACS TD-X ™ CAMO. BOOTH 12740 GORE-TEX AND GORE ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF W. L. GORE & ASSOCIATES, INC.

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12/18/17 12:10 PM

PRODUCTS

CENTERPOINT The Precision Lock Turret line of scopes features zero-locking and resetting capabilities plus sidefocus parallax adjustment and a ballistic 3x6 reticle. SRP: $99.99. Booth #13940. (crosman.com)

C E N T E R PO I N T A Precision Lock Turret delivers zero-locking and resetting capabilities.

$348.95, green laser) is two sights in one. Push one button for a bright, continuous laser beam, push another to engage the flip-up front sight. The AR Optics Rush (SRP: $275.95, red laser; $375.95, green laser) is a high-rise mount with a built-in laser sight for closequarter environments. It is compatible with any optic that can be mounted on a Picatinny rail. Booth

#14551. (bushnell.com)

Carson

The RD-842 8x42mm (SRP: $215) is a full-size, open-bridgedesign binocular. It boasts highquality BAK-4 prisms and fully multi-coated optics for crisp, bright images. Booth #1210. (carson.com)

FI R E F I E L D The Barrage riflescope models feature a mil-dot reticle, protective capped turrets, and a singlepiece mount.

Crimson Trace ➤ The

Laserguard Pro (SRP: $379, red; $379, green) will fit Glock’s sub-compact pistols. The Laserguard (SRP: $229, red; $309, green) product line now includes red and green laser diodes for Smith & Wesson’s M&P 2.0 pistol and SDVE series of pistols, as well as the Sig P320 and the Heckler

and Koch VP9/40 and VP9SK pistols. Booth #16731. (crimson trace.com)

Firefield

➤ The Barrage riflescope line is for shooters who engage targets with extreme precision. Models include a 1.5–5x32mm, 1.5–5x32mm with red laser, 1.5–5x32mm with green laser, 2.5–10x40mm, 2.5–10x40mm with red laser, and 2.5–10x40mm with green laser. These scopes feature a mil-dot reticle, protective capped turrets, and a single-piece mount. Booth #11924. (fire-field.

com)

Leapers

➤ The 3-12x56mm 30mm IE riflescope (SRP: $279.97) is a new addition to the Accushot line. It features an etched-glass German #4 Dot reticle with EZ-Tap 36-color illumination, plus Low Top Zero turrets with ¼ MOA per click adjustment. New to the T8 Series is a 1–8x28mm scope (SRP: $270) with a .223 Rem./5.56NATO calibrated BG4 ballistic-drop-compensating and rangefinding reticle with 36-Color Illumination. The BG4 Reticle is designed to be fast and intuitive. The new lightweight Accu-Sync series of mil-std 1913

N IGHT OPTICS The SVTS thermal riflescope line features three new models.

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THE POINT IS THE POINT

RDF BULLETS FEATURE THE SMALLEST MEPLAT OF ANY NON-TIPPED MATCH BULLET. Nosler knows what gives competitive shooters an edge, isn’t an edge at all. It’s a point. And we’ve worked hard to bring you the smallest one ever — creating the flattest shooting match bullet on the market. Make the switch to RDF and put yourself on the podium.

Get straight to the point. The RDF bullet line is now available in Match Grade ammunition. Booth #13951

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Nosler.com

12/18/17 12:23 PM

PRODUCTS

KONUS The KronusPro M30 1–6x24mm riflescope (SRP: $429.99) features a 30mm tube, multicoated lens, and an illuminated German-style reticle with a 19 MOA circle and 1 MOA center dot. The Sight-Pro PTS-2 (SRP: $209.99), a 3x30mm prismatic scope with a blue/red illuminated 2.8 MOA dot reticle, would be a nice choice for your tactical customers. The Konuspy (SRP: $1,289.99) is a 6–24X power-zoom night-vision binocular with video-recording functionality. The unit features a durable, rubber-covered body, weighs only 24.6 ounces, and includes a battery charger, AC/DC adapter, USB cable, and 8GB SD-Card. The compact Power Zoom 7–17x30mm Monocular (SRP: $49.99) weighs only 5.5 ounces and uses a dual-focusing system. Field of view at 1,000 yards is 264.1 feet at 7X and 149.2 feet at 17X. Booth #1246. (konuspro.com)

LE A PE RS The Accu-Sync series of mil-std 1913 Picatinny scope rings are available in 1-inch, 30mm, and 34mm tube diameters.

Picatinny scope rings are available in 1-inch, 30mm, and 34mm tube diameters. Each features different optimized offset distances suited to MSR platforms. Booth #2146. (leapers.com)

Leica ➤

The next-generation openbridge-design Geovid HD-B 3000 laser rangefinding binocular line can now range up to 3,000 yards. The HD-R 3000 lines can range out to 2,700 yards. Features include a wide field of view, edge-to-edge sharpness, and an LED display that automatically adjusts to current light conditions. The HD-B models are also equipped with the ABC (Advanced Ballistic Compensation) system. The two HD-B models include an 8x42mm (SRP: $2,945) and 10x42mm (SRP: $2,995), and the three HD-R models include an 8x42mm (SRP: $2,545), 10x42mm (SRP: $2,595), and 8x56mm (SRP: $2,895). Booth #12519. (us.leica-camera.com)

zero. The elevation dials deliver 30 mils of adjustment in three turns, at 10 mils per turn. Both scopes are available with or without illuminated reticles, including the TMR, Combat Competition Hunter (CCH), H59, and Tremor 3. The VX-Freedom scope series offers versatility for high-power biggame rifles as well as rimfire firearms, MSRs, and muzzleloaders. Models include 1.5–4x20mm, 2–7x33mm, 3–9x40mm, 4–12x40mm, and 3–9x50mm (SRP: $259.99 to $389.99). All models offer second-focal-plane reticles, including a Tri-MOA for long-range shooters, the Rimfire MOA reticle, and the new Pig Plex reticle optimized for hunt-

ing feral hogs. Booth #13023. (leupold.com)

Lucid ➤ The

B-10 10x42mm lightweight binocular (SRP: $549) features an aluminum-reinforced glass-filled frame with a rubber-armor coating that weighs 24 ounces. This open-frame design also boasts high-definition ED Fluoride lenses and a smooth, precise focus. Booth #8008. (lucidoptics.com)

Meopta ➤ The

MeoNight 1.1 night-vision device (SRP: $4,499.99) can be used as a night-vision monocular for stand-alone viewing or with a

Leupold ➤

KON US The compact Power Zoom 7–17x30mm Monocular weighs only 5.5 ounces.

The Mark 5 line of tactical riflescopes features two models. The 5–25x56mm (SRP: $2,339.99–$3,639.00) is ideal for long-distance shots, and the 3.618x44mm is a more compact design for medium distances. Both feature all-new M5C3 ZeroLock adjustments, which provides precise, repeatable tracking with a dead-on return to

C R I M SON TRAC E The Laserguard Pro in red or green will fit Glock’s sub-compact pistols. The Laserguard now includes red and green for Smith & Wesson’s M&P 2.0 pistol.

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MOMENTUM

INTRODUCING THE FRANCHI MOMENTUM RIFLE FLUTED BOLT BODY, 3 LOCKING LUGS

Feels right: like no other rifle before, the Franchi Momentum was created from the ground up on ergonomics, fit and feel. With its 150-year tradition of crafting fine Italian firearms, Franchi knows that when the gun feels right, the day, the camaraderie and the whole outdoor experience will also feel right.

FRANCHIUSA.COM

HAMMER-FORGED PRECISION BARREL, THREADED MUZZLE

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Features: Contoured stock giving perfect hold in 5 common shooting positions; glass-smooth action; 1-piece bolt body; adjustable trigger (2-4 lbs.); recoilsoaking TSA pad; free-ﬂoating, hammer-forged barrel; threaded muzzle. The Momentum is available as a riﬂe only or as a scoped package. Available in the following calibers: .243 Win, .270 Win, .30-06, .308 Win, .300 Win Mag & 6.5 Creedmoor.

12/19/17 10:04 AM

PRODUCTS

NCSTAR The SPD FlipDot reflex sight uses dual-power-source technology. Out in the sun, the solar panel powers the red dot and will turn on when the spring-loaded lens is deployed. A secondary battery power source can be engaged in low-light conditions. The sight uses a KPM modular triple mount with a QR Picatinny mount and a KeyMod and M-LOK mounting-plate system. Booth #805. (ncstar.com)

riflescope to adapt it for nighttime use. Features include 1X magnification and external brightness control. In addition, the unit is capable of target detection out to 600 meters and automatically shuts off if unused for one hour. The MeoRed T 1x30mm reflex sight (SRP: $999.99) is designed for today’s MSR platforms, where quick target acquisition is a must. The unlimited eye relief of this red-dot sight enables fast and accurate target acquisition regardless of eye position behind the sight. Features include a 1.5 MOA illuminated red-dot reticle with 12

intensity-level settings. Booth #10176. (meoptasportsoptics. com)

Night Optics

➤ The new SVTS riflescope line features three models: the Fusion NV/Thermal riflescope (SRP: $1,199), the Mid-Range Thermal Riflescope (SRP: $1,999), and the Long-Range Thermal Riflescope (SRP: $3,499). These scopes feature continuous calibration that ensures the screen will not freeze at a critical moment. The Heat Tracker feature quickly identifies the next target with an arrow pointing to targets outside of the visible screen. Booth #20020.

(nightoptics.com)

Nightforce Optics ➤ The

LUC I D The B-10 10x42mm lightweight bino boasts highdefinition ED Fluoride lenses.

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ATACR line now includes the ATACR 1–8x24mm (SRP: $2,800), with a first-focal-plane configuration. This low-profile scope is only 10 inches in length. The capped turrets have .1 MilRadian increments, and the Power Throw Lever (PTL) allows for quick magnification changes. The

1/11/18 12:22 PM

NX8 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;8x24mm (SRP: $1,800) is the latest addition to the legendary NXS line. Optimized specifically for short- to medium-range shooting, this small and compact scope adds minimal size and weight. Adjustments are a true Mil-Radian or .50 MOA. Features include FC-MIL and FC-MOA first-focalplane reticles. New reticles include the FC-MIL and FC-MOA designed for low-power riflescopes

with bright center-dot illumination and bold, pointed lines at the 3, 6, and 9 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock positions help draw the eye to the center for instant target acquisition. The FC-DM reticle is also designed for lowpower variable scopes with a daylight bright illuminated-center dot, segmented circle, and .5 and 1 Mil-Radian markings. The Forceplex reticle is based upon the traditional post and crosshair reti-

PU LSA R The Digisight M EO PTA The MeoNight 1.1 night-vision device can be used as a night-vision monocular or with a riflescope to adapt it for nighttime use. It is capable of target detection to 600 meters.

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N355 digital night-vision scope uses a CCD sensor for extended viewing range at night.

1/11/18 12:22 PM

products

cle favored by hunters. Booth #20449. (nightforceoptics.com)

RITON

Nikko Stirling ➤

The Mil Precision Reticle (MPR) first-focal-plane riflescope includes two models: the FFP 4-16×44mm (SRP: $499) and 6-24×50mm (SRP: $499). Each scope is constructed with a 30mm main tube, and features include fully coated Microlux ETE GEN III glass coatings, 1/10 Mil click adjustments, dual red/green illumination, side parallax adjustment, enhanced light-gathering construction, and the glass-etched Skeleton HMD reticle. Booth #3036. (legacysports.com)

Pulsar ➤

The new Digisight N355 digital night-vision scope (SRP: $1,799.99) was designed for night hunting but can be used during daylight. The Digisight uses a CCD sensor for extended viewing range at night and can detect objects up to 545 yards away. It features three rifle profiles with five zero saves, 13 variable electronic reticles, one-shot zeroing with freeze function, a rangefinder, and a mount for use on both MSR and bolt-action platforms with a Picatinny/Weaver rail. Booth

S H I E LD S I G H TS The RMS-C is a compact sight narrowed to fit on slimmer slides without any overhang.

#11924. (pulsar-nv.com)

Shield Sights

➤ Two new handgun sights have been added to the RMS line. The RMS-C (SRP: $420) is a compact sight narrowed to fit on narrower slides without any overhang, making the overall system more concealable. The RMS-C will fit the Smith & Wesson Shield, Glock G43, 1911 models, and 2011 model pistols. The RMS-W (SRP: $490) is water resistant. Both models fit the same footprint as the RMS, so existing

users can easily upgrade. Booth #13812. (shieldsightsusa.com)

Sightmark

➤ The new Ram Series Ultra Shot M-Spec red-dot sight delivers a crisp field of view with an anti-reflective and scratch-resistant lens system, plus a 65-MOA red reticle with 10 brightness settings. Features include a locking QD Picatinny mount, battery, adjustment tools, and scope cover. The Ram is also compatible with the Sightmark XT-3 Tactical Magnifier. The affordable Photon

Three new configurations are available in the Mod 7 line of riflescopes. The Mod 7 1–8x28mm IR-H (SRP: $1,299) was developed with Craig Boddington and designed for short- to medium-range hunting applicationse. It features a one-piece aircraft-grade main tube and second-focal-plane reticle. The Mod 7 1–8x28mm IR-T (SRP: $1,299) is the tactical version; it features an illuminated first-focalplane reticle that can be used on a true one-power magnification with both eyes open. The Mod 7 4–32x56mm IR FFP (SRP: $1,499) is the new flagship model. Using a firstfocal-plane setup with large magnification range, this scope packs a lot into a small package. Features include push/pull locking, zero reset and zero stop turrets, 34mm main tube, and multicoated lenses. Booth #N366. (riton optics.com)

LE I CA The next-generation open-bridge-design Geovid HD-B 3000 laser rangefinding binocular line can now range up to 3,000 yards. Features include a wide field of view and edge-to-edge sharpness.

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HIGH IN FIBER.

X-Bolt Pro Medallion

SEE IT FOR YOURSELF AT BOOTH 12740. BROWNING.COM

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12/18/17 4:31 PM

PRODUCTS

NIKON The Tactical Spur red dot mounts on handguns, has a 3 MOA reddot reticle, and weighs .9 ounce. The Black X1000 riflescope series is now the FX1000 line with a first-focal-plane configuration and MRAD reticle option. Models include 4-16x50mm and 6-24x50mm. The P Tactical line includes a 1.5-4x20mm, 2–7x32mm, 3-9x40mm, 4-12x40mm. The M Tactical line includes 1-4x24mm, 3-12x42mm, 4-16x42mm. Booth #11221. (nikonsportoptics.com)

RT series of digital night-vision riflescopes consists of four models: Photon RT 4.5x42S, Photon RT 4.5x42, Photon RT 6x50S, and Photon RT 6x50. The RT improves upon the XT generation with an upgraded core and new, user-friendly features, making them ideal for hog and predator hunting at any hour. Booth #11924. (sightmark.com)

Sig Sauer ➤ Two

new MSR battle sights have been added to the Bravo line: the Bravo3 (SRP: $479.99) and Bravo5 (SRP: $599.99) with 3X and 5X magnification, respectively. These fixed-power optics offer a 40 percent wider field of view, are lightweight, and have an illuminated reticle calibrated to 5.56NATO and 300 BLK. The reticles are designed to also work in extremely bright conditions. Booth #12240.

(sigsauer.com)

Valhalla ➤ This

newcomer to the optics market is introducing the affordable Q40 line of long-range preci-

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sion riflescopes with two models: a 4–16x50mm (SRP: $699.99) and a 6–24x50mm (SRP: $749.99). Both scopes feature a one-piece 34mm tube, side-adjustable parallax, turrets with tactile and audibly precise 1/10 Mil clicks and Zero Stop, etched first-focal-plane illuminated reticles, flip-up lens covers, sunshade, and a magnification-ring throw lever. The Q40 series scopes use the new illuminated TWF reticle designed for long-range precision with 2/10 mil radian holdoffs and holdovers. Booth #817. (valhalla optics.com)

Viridian

➤ The new Gen 3 X5L-R red laser sight/light (SRP: $249) and Gen 3 X5L green laser sight (SRP: $409) now feature a 500 lumen CREE LED light, multiple modes, and rechargeable batteries. The instanton feature turns on the light automatically when the gun is drawn from the holster. Booth #653.

(viridianweapontech.com)

Vortex ➤ The

Strike Eagle 3–18x44mm

1/11/18 12:22 PM

SWAROVSKI The BTX (SRP: $2,988) is a unique system combining the features and benefits of a spotting scope and a binocular. The BTX offers both eye viewing through all objective modules in the Swarovski ATX/STX series. It simply attaches to the objective. The BTX also features an adjustable forehead rest, which can be fully retracted, for more comfortable viewing, and an aiming aid is integrated above the right eyepiece. Booth #12120. (swarovskioptik.com)

ZEISS The Victory SF binocular laser rangefinder series is available in four models: 8x42mm, 10x42mm, 8x54mm, and 10x54mm.

(SRP: $599.99) and 4–24x50mm (SRP: $699.99) long-range riflescopes are an affordable option for shooters getting into long-range shooting. Built on a one-piece 30mm tube, both scopes offer 120 MOA (3–18x50) and 85 MOA (4–24x50) of elevation travel. Features include parallax adjustment, zero stop turrets, and a glassetched second-focal-plane reticle with 11 illumination settings. Booth #4250. (vortexoptics.com)

Zeiss ➤ The

premium Victory SF binocular laser rangefinder series is available in four models: 8x42mm,

10x42mm, 8x54mm, and 10x54mm (SRP: starts at $3,249.99). These binos are designed with enhanced ergonomics for comfortable operation over extended periods. Range capability is out to 2,500 yards. They can also connect to Zeiss’ B.I.S. II ballistic calculator via Bluetooth technology, so with one click the range, angle, equivalent horizontal distance, and holdover values can be quickly displayed. The new Victory Harpia spotting scopes feature two models with angled eyepieces, 22–65x85mm and 23–70x95mm (SRP: starts at $4,099.99). Booth #13913. (zeiss.com)

MARCH 9 – 12, 2018 NÜRNBERG, GERMANY

More innovations for your product range, more insights about trends and your industry, more than 1,450 exhibitors. In short: the crucial edge for your business. Are you ready for more?

IWA.INFO/READY #IWAshow Information: NürnbergMesse North America Inc. | T +1. 770 . 618 58 42 | bill.ingwersen@nuernbergmesse-north-america.com For trade visitors only. Credentials must be provided.

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AMMO

AGUIL A Selfdefense loads now come in five calibers.

Raising the Bar

Year by year, factory ammo gets better and better

By Richard Mann ealers and members of the shooting-sports press show up at SHOT Show every year all giddy with excitement to see new guns. There’s just something about a new firearm that makes hearts go pitter-patter. Because of this, new ammunition offerings are often overlooked— maybe because so many shooters take ammo for granted. They shouldn’t. Though ammo is an expendable commodity, guns are useless without it. And, in the last 20 years, we’ve seen more advancement in ammunition than in any other firearms category. This year is no different, as new specialized and niche offerings abound.

com)

Browning ➤

BROW N I N G Rimfire fans should take note of a pair of new loads: BPR Magnum Rimfire in .17 HMR and .22 WMR. The .17 HMR uses a tipped 17-grain bullet at 2,550 fps; the .22 WMR load is a 40-grain JHP.

Aguila ➤ Aguila

BA R N ES The VOR-TX line (top) remains popular with hunters. Precision Match (bottom) is for competition.

load for the 6.5 Creedmoor. Another ammunition line from Barnes Bullets gaining fame is Precision Match. Precision Match rounds are loaded with a matchgrade OTM BT projectile, featuring a high BC. As an additional bonus, shooters can scan the QR code located on the back of each box to view Doppler-radargenerated drop specifics for each load. For 2018, Barnes has added 140-grain 6.5 Creedmoor and .260 Remington loads to this line. Booth #14229. (barnesbullets.

ammunition is imported from Mexico by Texas Armament & Technology, and for 2018 Aguila has a host of new loads. Consider the 300 AAC Blackout offering. Loaded with a 150-grain bullet, this SAAMI-certified load is ideal for tactical applications, self-defense pistols, and boltaction hunting rifles. Though many shooters don’t realize it, Aguila has a comprehensive offering of shotshells as well. For 2018, it’s added two chamberings that are seeing a resurgence in the American market. There are No. 7.5, No. 8, and No. 9 target and game loads for the 28-gauge, featuring ¾-ounce payloads at 1,275 fps. And there are No. 7.5, No. 8, and No. 9 target and game loads for the .410 at 1,275 fps.

There’s even a .410 00B load. The biggest news from Aguila, though, is the addition of hollowpoint ammunition to the centerfire product line. Self-defense capable hollowpoint loads are now offered in 9mm, .380, .357, .40 S&W, and .45. Just as noteworthy, this particular ammo is manufactured in Conroe, Texas. Booth #15954. (aguilaammo.com)

Barnes ➤ The

VOR-TX line of ammunition has become very popular with hunters. It’s loaded with Barnes TSX, Tipped TSX, and TSX FN bullets, all of which deliver double-diameter expansion, maximum weight retention, and excellent accuracy. For 2018, Barnes has added a 120-grain Tipped TSX

The famous Buckmark is a logo that’s been trusted for decades. With the recent introduction of Browning ammo, now Buckmark loyalists can have the same confidence in their ammo as they’ve had in their firearms. Browning has several new offerings for 2018. The BXD Waterfowl Extra Distance 12-gauge load delivers high velocities, improved patterns, and deeper downrange penetration. Offerings include a No. 3 shot 3-inch 12-gauge load at 1,450 fps and a 3-inch 20-gauge load at 1,300 fps. SRP: $20–$21 per box. Browning has not forgotten the small gauges. It’s offering a 2¾-inch 28-gauge load with No. 7.5 shot at 1,300 fps and a No. 8 shot .410 2½-inch load, also at 1,300 fps. For big-game hunters, the BXS Solid Expansion line of big-game and deer loads includes new offerings for the .30/06 Springfield, .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 WSM, and 7mm Remington Magnum. All are loaded with a polymer-tipped copper bullet in a nickel-plated case. SRP: $34–$37 per box of 20. The BXC big-game ammo line has four new loads that include either unusual bullet weights for American cartridges or more common bullet weights for European cartridges. There’s a 135-grain 6.5 Creedmoor and a 145-grain .270 WSM load. And there’s a 200-grain 8x57 JS and a 235-grain 9.3x62 load as well. Rimfire fans should take note of a pair of new loads: BPR Magnum Rimfire in .17 HMR and .22 WMR. The .17 HMR utilizes a

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HORN ADY The lowrecoil 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) shoots flat at extended long range. It will be initially offered in a match and hunting load.

tipped 17-grain bullet at 2,550 fps; the .22 WMR load is a 40-grain JHP bullet at 1,910 fps. SRP: $14, .17 HMR; $16, .22 WMR. Browning is also offering a wood box, filled with 400 rounds of .22 LR, for $29. Finally, Browning has added to the FMJ ammo line with a 55-grain .223 Remington load and a 130-grain .38 Special BPT load. For those who like to shoot a lot of FMJ, there are 100-round packs for the 9mm, .40, .45, and .380. Booth #12752. (browning ammo.com)

CCI ➤ CCI

remains the undisputed leader in rimfire ammunition, and it has two new loads for 2018. The Mini-Mag 40-grain Segmented Hollow Point features a bullet engineered to split into three equalsize parts on impact, creating three distinct wound channels that will quickly take down small game and varmints. SRP: $9.95, box of 50. If devastating varmints or drilling targets at long range with a rimfire makes you grin, CCI’s new VNT .17 HMR load features a Speer bullet that should turn that grin into a mile-wide smile. It has an extremely thin jacket and a polymer tip that team up to offer flat trajectories, long-range accuracy, and explosive terminal performance. SRP: $17.95, box of 50. Booth #14551.

tition. New Syntech offerings for 2018 include a 150-grain 9mm, a 205-grain .40 S&W, and a 220grain .45 Auto. SRP: $18–$31, box of 50. Like to roll you own? Handloaders can now purchase 115-grain 9mm and 165-grain .40-caliber Syntech bullets. The 6.5 Creedmoor might be the current most popular cartridge, but

the 300 Blackout following is gaining in numbers. And so is the list of available factory ammo options for it. Check out the Power-Shok Copper 120-grain offering for the Blackout. SRP: $27, for 20. Speed kills ducks and geese. Now it kills even cleaner with redesigned Federal Premium Speed-Shok. The Catalyst primer

(cci-ammunition.com)

Federal Premium ➤

CC I The VNT .17 HMR load features a polymer-tip Speer bullet that offers long-range accuracy.

American Eagle Syntech Action Pistol is specifically designed for action shooting sports and is loaded to power-factor requirements with heavy, flatter-nosed bullets for more reliable knockdowns on steel targets in compe-

FE DE RA L PREMIUM American Eagle Syntech Action Pistol has been specifically designed for action shooting sports.

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PRODUCTS

HO R N A DY The Sub-X (Subsonic-eXpanding) bullet features a lead core and long grooves in its gilding metal jacket as well as a patented Flex Tip insert.

and faster-burning powders dramatically reduce residue while its optimized velocities knock birds out of the sky. Ten new offerings are available for everything from .410 to 10-gauge, in a wide assortment of shot sizes. SRP: $12.95–$33.95. American Eagle rifle ammunition offers consistent, accurate performance at a price that’s perfect for high-volume shooting. Federal Premium has grown this line for 2018, adding some of the most popular calibers on the market, including the all-new .224 Valkyrie, which is a brand-new, fast-flying MSR cartridge, the 6.5 Creedmoor, and .223 Remington. All feature quality bullets and reloadable brass cases. The FBI’s return to the 9mm is spurring ammo companies to perfect tactical loads. Federal

Premium Hydra-Shok has proven itself for self-defense since 1989, and Hydra-Shok Deep builds off the time-tested platform. The new 135-grain bullet features a more robust center post and a core design that provides as much as 50 percent deeper penetration. SRP: $27.95, box of 20. Booth #14551. (federalpremium.com)

Hornady ➤ Hornady’s

new Frontier Cartridge line serves as a supplier of American-made military-grade ammunition at affordable prices. Frontier Cartridge will feature Hornady bullets in .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO. Applications range from plinking, target shooting, and hunting to law-enforcement training and selfdefense. Here’s the cool part:

NOS L E R The E-Tip line delivers extremely deep penetration and consistently straight wound channels.

Packaging includes 20-, 150-, 500-, and 1,000-round boxes, with bullets ranging from 55 to 68 grains. The new breed of FTX bullet is at the forefront of Hornady’s new Critical Defense Rifle ammunition line. The bullet’s patented Flex Tip keeps the nose cavity clogfree as it passes through heavy clothing and helps the bullet expand at low velocities from short-barreled rifles or at extended ranges. Designed for short-range defensive situations, Critical Defense Rifle delivers rapid expansion, reducing the potential for overpenetration. Initial options include a 55- and 73-grain .223 Remington load and a 155-grain .308 Winchester offering. Hornady adds to the Blackout goodness with subsonic ammunition designed for accuracy and performance below the speed of sound. The new 190-grain Sub-X (Subsonic-eXpanding) bullet features a lead core and long grooves in its gilding metal jacket that combine with the bullet’s flat profile and the patented Flex Tip insert within its hollowpoint cavity to help it to expand reliably at low velocities. This bullet will penetrate to between 16 and 18 inches in 10 percent ordnance gelatin. Shooters respond like a dog to Pavlov’s bell when they hear a new cartridge is on the horizon, and Hornady is feeding that

response with the new 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) designed to shoot flat at extended long range. The 6.5 PRC utilizes moderate powder charges, which results in repeatable accuracy, low recoil, and reasonable barrel life. Hornady is initially offering a match and hunting load. Booth #13145. (hornady.com)

SPEER Speer Gold Dot ammunition’s reliability has made it the top choice for law enforcement. The line is now even stronger with the addition of a powerful 200-grain 10mm Auto load that takes advantage of the cartridge’s full capability. SRP: $34.95, box of 20. Booth #14551. (speer-ammo.com)

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YOUR VOICE IN WASHINGTON Political Action Committees (PACs) are an extremely effective tool in educating our members and contributing to the success of candidates who share our point of view. The NSSF PACâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purpose is to support the election of candidates who, as elected officials, will make the best decisions for you and the future you share with NSSF. It enables us to participate in the public policy debates and work for outcomes that protect the rights of our companies and its employees. For more information, contact PAC manager Kayla Berube at (202) 220-1340 x206, or email nssfpac@nssf.org.

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PRODUCTS

WEATHERBY The 6.5 Weatherby is a flat-shooting speed demon, and feeding those rifles is not cheap. Now, Weatherby has introduced the 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum to its economical Select ammunition line. It’s ideal for shooters who want to enjoy a day at the range without taking out a second mortgage. Though less expensive, the round still delivers; it’s 140-grain soft-point bullet is fast, flat shooting, and hardhitting. Booth #12729. (weatherby.com)

Nosler ➤ The

E-Tip line delivers extremely deep penetration and consistently straight wound channels, and the Nosler is adding four new offerings to the line this year. The new loads include a 120-grain 6.5 Creedmoor, a 140-grain 7X57 Mauser, a 150-grain 28 Nosler, and a 225-grain 33 Nosler. The Match Grade RDF (Reduced Drag Factor) line of ammo was designed to deliver exceptionally high BCs, which result in flat trajectory and little wind drift. New for 2018 is a 175-

grain .308 Winchester load. Booth #13951. (nosler.com)

Remington ➤ The

Core-Lokt is the original controlled-expansion bullet. Its time-proven performance has made it hunting’s first choice since 1939, and for 2018, Remington has added three new loads to include a 140-grain 6.5 Creedmoor ($24.43), a 150-grain 7mm Ultra-Mag ($49.36), and a 180-grain 300 Ultra-Mag ($49.36). Remington HTP Copper ammunition features the Barnes all-copper TSX bullet. New for 2018 is a 120-grain 6.5 Creedmoor ($34.87), a 150-grain 7mm Ultra-Mag ($56.54), a 180grain .300 Winchester Magnum ($42.99), and a 180-grain .300 Ultra-Mag ($56.54). With shooting, it’s all about the shot, but it’s not always all about rifles. Remington now has a new line of sabot slug shotshell ammunition called Premier Expander, and it features the Barnes all-copper, tipped Expander slugs. New loads include a 12-gauge 2¾-inch 438-grain slug ($14.69, box of five), a 20-gauge 2¾-inch 250-grainer (same price), and 3-inch 12- and 20-gauge slugs ($16.87, box of five). Booth #14229. (remington.com)

Sig Sauer ➤

Varmint & Predator (V&P) Elite Performance Ammunition is a new line that features copper-jacketed, yellow-tipped projectiles designed for explosive expansion and match-grade accuracy. Available in 40-grain .223

W IN C HESTER USA Forged ammo in the 9mm Luger uses a brassjacketed lead-core FMJ bullet.

Remington (3,650 fps), 40-grain .22/250 Remington (3,975 fps), and 55-grain .243 Winchester (3,880 fps.) Booth #12240. (sigsauer.com)

Winchester ➤ The

new Deer Season Copper Impact centerfire rifle loads continue the trend of all-copper expanding projectiles in the biggame-hunting marketplace. These feature red polymer-tipped expanding copper bullets with a hollowpoint cavity engineered for optimal terminal performance. Offerings include 20-round boxes of .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester, .30/06 Springfield, and .300 Winchester Magnum. The Deer Season Slug is a 12-gauge load that uses a 1¼-ounce slug with 1,600 fps. This load has an innovative wad design that combines with a polymer tip and rear-stabilization system to provide an accurate, hardhitting load at a value price point. In the Deer Season XP line of centerfire big-game ammunition, Winchester has added loads for the .25/06 Remington and .450

Bushmaster. The .25/06 load utilizes a 117-grain bullet rated at 3,100 fps, and the Bushmaster has a 250-grain bullet with a muzzle velocity of 2,200 fps. The Super Suppressed line of ammunition is a groundbreaker in that it now offers commercial subsonic loads for cartridges not generally considered subsonic options. It is custom-tailored to provide quiet, clean, and reliable performance in both suppressed and non-suppressed firearms. Super Suppressed loads will be available for the .22 LR, .22 WMR, .300 Blackout, .308 Winchester, 9mm Luger, and .45 ACP. The new Xtended Range Bismuth 3-inch 12-gauge load combines Bismuth shot with ShotLok technology for a dense, longrange pattern. USA Forged ammunition for the 9mm Luger utilizes a 115-grain brass-jacketed lead-core FMJ bullet and steel shell cases. It is available in boxes of 50. SRP: $9.99. Winchester is also offering a .50-caliber metal ammo can filled with 1,000 rounds of 147-grain 9mm Luger FMJ ammunition. Booth #13129. (winchester.com)

SIG SAUE R V&P Elite is adding three varmint and predator loads.

32 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ DAY 2, JANUARY 24, 2018

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SAME OMNIVORE. MORE BITE. THE LIGHT-BEARING HOLSTER YOU’VE BEEN HUNGRY FOR.

The Omnivore holster set the bar for versatility, ﬁtting over 230 pistols. The light-bearing Omnivore takes the accessibility and Level 2 retention of its counterpart boldly into the night. It’s the Omnivore you’re used to – but with a bigger appetite.

OMNIVORE

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SUREFIRE X300/X300U-A STREAMLIGHT TLR-1/2

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OUTERWEAR Holding Steady The outerwear category held its own last year and is expected to do the same this year

By Peter B. Mathiesen he milder fall hunting temperatures across most of the continent kept retail inventory slightly higher. Yet, sales increased as the year drew closer to the holidays. Consumers seemed less price-sensitive than they did last year. Dealers reported steady sales in the low-range along with notable increases in the premium category. 5 .1 1 TACT I CA L The Cascadia jacket has an articulated hood and elastic binding at the sleeves. Brushed tricot lines the chin.

On the manufacturing front, a slight expansion occurred in factories on U.S. and Canadian soil, though production in Brazil, India, and Vietnam continued to increase. Manufacturing in China remained steady, with little growth. Women’s and casual wear expanded for the third year in a row. The tactical clothing segment increased slightly in 2017. Most hunting-specific clothing companies held steady. Retailers bought moderately for 2017, but finally emptied the shelves at the end of the season. Here’s a look at what’s new in apparel for 2018.

5.11 Tactical ➤

The simple, clean-looking Cascadia jacket will keep wind and light moisture at bay during transitional seasons. Brushed tricot lines the chin guard and hand pockets for comfort. The articulated hood has a back elastic cinch, elastic binding, and a laminated brim to enhance peripheral vision and protection from the elements. Elastic binding at sleeve openings and venting at the upper back maintain and release heat. A two-way front zipper with internal storm flap helps keep out cold. The pockets use zip closures with a pass-through for

HUNTWORTH/1207 MEN’S STEALTH The 1207 men’s Stealth hunting glove is touch-screen-sensitive on both the index finger and the thumb. This hunting glove has fused material that provides an excellent fit, silent dexterity, and hardworking durability. The stretch-woven polyester shell bonds to a long-pile fleece on the back. The palm has a layered, printed silicone patch. The fingers use a silicone pattern to enhance grip and durability. The neoprene wrist has a pull-tab to fit comfortably over shirt cuffs. The water-resistant exterior sheds light rain and snow while blocking out the cold. The gloves also use Microban scent control. Available in Disruption Camo, sizes medium to 4XL. SRP: $25.99. Booth #10029. (huntworth.com)

34 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ DAY 2, JANUARY 24, 2018

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RO CKY The Prohunter parka features heat-retaining insulation, a removable hood, a drawcord waist, and adjustable cuffs.

convenience. There is an adjustable hem with a shock cord to reduce drafts. The back is finished with a dropped hem for added warmth, and a scope loop is on the right shoulder. The lightweight, 100 percent polyester shell is finished with DWR for waterproofing and wind resistance. Sizes: XS–3XL. SRP: $84.99. Booth #13162.

extra warmth. With the connecting grosgrain loops at the sleeves and the neck, the jacket securely stays in place while worn as a liner. Available in Admiral Blue and black. Sizes: small–2XL. SRP: $99.99. Booth #14551.

(511tactical.com)

➤ Browning

Blackhawk ➤

Warm jackets are often heavy, but the Blackhawk Bolster Jacket shatters the stereotype. The key is the quilted design that holds advanced lightweight insulation to improve body heat retention significantly with minimal added bulk. Treated with Teflon Shield+, the Bolster exterior repels oil and stains. Six pockets store a variety of gear. Zip the liner into Blackhawk’s Fortify Jacket for

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(blackhawk.com)

Browning

and A-TACS have joined forces to create a new camo pattern, TD-X. Nearly three years in development, TD-X is part of the new Extreme line of A-TACS patterns. The new design was developed to meet the needs of treestand and deepwoods hunters, where the appearance of limb-like features in the pattern help hunters melt into the tree line.

S I T KA A knee-length, durable, three-layer Gore-Tex Pro laminate on the Kodiak Jacket ensures complete waterproof coverage.

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PRODUCTS

Unlike traditional “limb and leaf” camo patterns that rely on a realistic image of nature for concealment, TD-X is constructed using the same technology that makes other A-TACS camo designs so effective. Beginning with accurate, correctly lit, and color-accurate photographs taken in nature, a mathematical algorithm takes the colors and patterns from the photos and then rewrites them into abstract shapes made up of organically shaped pixels. These pixels eliminate unnaturally angled shapes common in other digital patterns. The end result is a pattern that is highly effective at shorter distances and minimizes the blobbing effect that is noticeable at greater distances in other patterns. This new pattern will be seen on Hell’s Canyon Speed and Youth Wasatch clothing. The Rain Slayer-FM jacket features a three-layer Gore-Tex shell with fully taped seams for total waterproof and windproof protection. Features include the exclusive A-TACS camo system, a fully adjustable attached hood, molded hook and loop-cuff closures, water-resistant front zippers, anatomical armpit zips, and harness access. Sizes: medium–2XL. SRP: $324.99. The Rain-Slayer-FM Gore-Tex pants are similarly constructed. Sizes: 30–34. SRP: $298.99. The soft-shell Javelin-FM jacket and pant also benefit from this new A-TACS camo pattern. The jacket and pant are both constructed of a rugged, lightweight, double-weave, soft shell fabric. It is water resistant and breathable. The jacket has a zipthrough collar, lower zippered handwarmer pockets, a pair of Napoleon chest pockets, and a water-resistant front zipper with an internal storm flap and chin guard. There are also internal pockets for smaller gear as well as a harness access. Sizes: medium–2XL. SRP: $129.99 The pant is similarly constructed, and has zippered inner thigh vents, two front pockets and one zippered side pocket, an integrated knife pocket, anatomical knee darts for improved articulation, and a full-length crotch panel for maximum range of motion. Sizes: 30–44. SRP: $99.99. Finally, there is the

Backcountry-FM Gore Windstopper jacket and pant. Both are soft shells that features a three-layer Gore Windstopper fabric that is water-resistant, windproof, and breathable. The jacket features a zipthrough collar and two Napoleon chest pockets, along with a waterresistant front zipper with an internal storm flap and chin guard. Sizes: medium–2XL. SRP: $199.99. The pant also features a three-layer Gore Windstopper fabric that is water-resistant, windproof, and breathable. Sizes: 30–44. SRP: $189.99. Booth #10744. (browning.

SJK/WINDAGE PANT AND JACKET The Windage pant and jacket are SJK’s first offering in the outerwear category. Both feature a three-layer waterproof, breathable laminate. The exterior sheds rain and melting snow while allowing internal moisture to escape effectively. Articulation in the elbows, knees, and crotch provide outstanding mobility. The PU-coated No. 7 zippers keep wind and rain out. The relaxed, athletic cut offers comfort with room for layering in colder weather. Available in DTS Camo, sizes M-3XL. SRP: $149.95, pants; $179.95, jacket. Booth #11214. (slumberjack.com)

com)

Propper ➤ Built

from a premium 9.7ounce fleece, the Cold Weather Duty Fleece jacket keeps you warm and professional looking during the transitional seasons, when you don’t want something heavy or bulky. Starting with antistatic cling, the anti-pill fleece keeps its shape after multiple

PROP P E R The Cold Weather Duty Fleece jacket provides warmth without bulk.

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PRODUCTS

washings. All stress points use polyester-woven accents to increase durability. There is a classic five-pocket design. The practical side-seam zipper allows for quick duty belt access. A badge tab kit is included. SRP: $69.99. Booth #10764. (propper.com)

River’s West ➤

River’s West introduced its proprietary waterproof fleece 17 years ago, and mountain guides and hunters have stayed dry in the worst possible conditions ever since. But, as good as those jackets were, they weren’t very breathable, which meant wearers often perspired heavily while walking in or out.

To remedy that, the Seattlebased company is introducing an improvement to its original waterproof fleece. It has substantially increased the fleece’s breathability while maintaining the waterproof performance. It has also retained silent performance. The result is the 3-Season System Fleece Jacket, which features a heavy-duty two-way front zipper with internal storm fly. Sling-Gripper shoulders provide a hands-free carry when the jacket isn’t worn, and two magnetic cargo pockets allow silent access to essential gear. Other features include a zipoff hood with visor, two-way underarm zipper vents, two zippered handwarmer pockets, two

magnetic chest pockets, adjustable cuffs, and an adjustable bottom drawcord. The System Hoodie features the brand’s new ultra-soft Sherpa lining. Sizes: medium to 3XL. Camo options include Realtree Edge and Mossy Oak Mountain Country/Eclipse. SRP: $279.99. Booth #10742. (riverswest.com)

Rocky ➤

The waterproof Venator camo side of the Prohunter reversible parka and bib is perfect for sitting in the stand. Reverse it to Venator Black camo, and you shadow yourself perfectly in the blind. It’s also good while hunting predators at night. Both the

parka and bib feature Rocky’s waterproof protection and Rocky ScentIQ technology, which destroys human scent at the microbial level. The Prohunter parka features heat-retaining insulation, a removable hood, a draw-cord waist, and adjustable cuffs. Interior pockets are included for security, and two slash exterior pockets provide additional storage or a place to keep hands warm. Insulated with fully adjustable suspenders and leg cuffs, the Prohunter bib has zippered-out seam vents and two front snap pockets. All are available in Mossy Oak Break Up Country. Sizes small to 3XL. SRP: $99.95 each. Booth #11340. (rocky boots.com)

WOLV ERIN E The durable, windproof I-90 jacket uses a mix of new technologies that help protect the wearer from nasty weather.

Sitka ➤

As rugged as the island for which it is named, the Kodiak Jacket offers extreme extended protection for rainy coastal climes. A knee-length, durable, three-layer Gore-Tex Pro laminate ensures complete waterproof coverage. Internal snaps offer the option of shortening the jacket to a standard length for unencumbered hikes. Pit zips easily allow instant relief from overheating. Four chest pockets are conveniently located to store essentials, and two reachthrough pockets grant quick access to dry layers underneath. Whether breaking trail through soaked brush in pursuit of brown bears or enduring a torrential storm on the boat back to camp, the Kodiak Jacket has you covered. Sizes: small to 3XL. SRP: $549. Booth #10328. (sitkagear.com)

Wolverine ➤

Available this fall, the I-90 jacket sports a variety of new technologies to take on bad weather. Made from a mix of microsanded 50 percent cotton and 50 percent nylon canvas, the durable exterior nylon shell weighs only 6.8 ounces. Inside, there is a multi-layer taffeta heattrapping lining, with wind blocking and Thinsulate, all bonded with polyester grid fleece. An elasticized back with gullygusseted arm sockets create a fully functional bi-swing back. The three-piece hood with front extension and Wolverine’s DuraLock DWR provide extra protection. Sizes: medium to 24L. SRP: $120. Booth #10340.

(wolverine.com)

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GERBERGEAR.COM |

LIVE TIM KENNEDY GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS ATTEMPT DAY 3 Â®

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f e at u r e s

On Target

Winchester’s USA Forged ammo is reliable and affordable By Brad Fitzpatrick

lthough there are a multitude of competitive shotgun, rifle, and handgun disciplines, all of these shooting sports share one thing in common—they require a great deal of range practice if you want to excel. All that shooting also demands a lot of ammo, so like all competitive shooters, I needed to find a way to save money. Winchester’s new USA Forged ammo is designed specifically for high-volume shooters like me who don’t want to spend a lot of money. The price for a 150-round box of 9mm USA Forged ammunition will cost between $28 and $32, and each round consists of a non-corrosive boxer primer, an American-made steel case with proprietary surface treatment that helps increase lubricity and improves function, clean-burning

powder, and a 115-grain copperjacketed lead-core bullet. “The best way to think about USA Forged is that it is exactly the same bullet, powder, and primer as every other time-trusted Winchester 9mm 115-grain product, but with a lower-cost delivery system,” says Mike Stock, director of sales and product management for Winchester Ammunition. “We perform the same exacting quality tests and certifications on our steel-loaded rounds that we do on brass-loaded rounds. The shooter gets the benefit of lower cost, but with all the same quality, reliability, and support that everyone expects from Winchester.” Unlike some other companies that purchase steel cases from foreign countries, Winchester manufactures its steel cases in the Oxford, Mississippi, production

USA Forged ammo helps lower the cost of practice while at the same time delivering the performance of ammo that costs a good deal more.

facility. Muzzle velocity is rated at 1,190 feet per second and recoil is manageable, allowing for faster follow-up shots in competition. In addition, the exterior coating on the case allows for smooth feeding and reliable function. I found this ammo to also be very cleanburning, a major consideration for high-volume shooters. USA Forged is not a product that will appeal exclusively to

competition shooters, though. The number of target shooters in this country is growing rapidly. A low-cost, functional load like USA Forged is ideal for backyard plinking. It’s also ideal for the millions of CCW permit holders who carry a 9mm and need an affordable load with which to practice their self-defense shooting. Booth #13129. (winchester. com)

NEW 2018 WEAPON LIGHT SERIES VISIT OUR NEW LOCATION: BOOTH #13616

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MINUTES WITH…

Scott T. O’Brien President, the Safariland Group

A Passion to Innovate The Safariland Group uses emerging technology to enhance the performance and safety of law enforcement and military operators

cott T. O’Brien is president of the Safariland Group, a leading global provider of a broad range of safety and survivability products designed for the public safety, military, and outdoor markets. O’Brien joined Safariland in 1973 and held various positions in operations prior to being named vice president of manufacturing in 1985. In this executive role, he led the company through a period of unprecedented growth and was named president in 2006. Most recently, O’Brien spearheaded the divestiture of the company from BAE Systems, leading to the acquisition by Kanders & Co. Today, the Safariland Group is privately held and is headquartered in both California and Florida. SHOT Daily sat down with O’Brien recently to find out how technology is changing the work atmosphere of law enforcement and military operators.

SHOT DAILY: The Safariland Group creed is,

“Together, We Save Lives.”

“Together, We Save Lives.” How is Safariland fulfilling its mission of saving lives today?

SD: What other advancements are you seeing in technology?

Scott T. O’Brien: It’s our focus every day when we come to work. Over the years we’ve built a rich heritage and connection with the law enforcement and military communities. As a result, everyone at Safariland feels a deep responsibility to continually ask themselves, “How do we ensure these men and women get to go home safely at the end of the day?” This question fuels our passion to innovate, invest, and partner with others to provide the most technologically advanced protective gear and equipment. This pledge has enabled our protective equipment to safeguard law enforcement, military, and security professionals for more than 50 years. Because of our hard work, continued engagement within this community, and our leading-edge technology, Safariland has seen strong momentum. Advancing wearable technology is one of the key factors. Last year we introduced CAS, a defining technology in auto-activation. It is the world’s first holster and camera auto-activation system and combines two leading law enforcement products, the Safariland 7TS duty holster and the Safariland VIEVU body-worn camera. This system is just the beginning in how we are providing officers with wearable, connected systems to protect them in the line of duty. Our future path is to continue to focus on these and other technological advances and to provide best-in-class gear and equipment. Specifically, we look forward to building upon the CAS technology for 2018 with the launch of a wireless version, which is being showcased at the 2018 SHOT Show.

SD: With regard to saving lives, the Safariland Saves Club recognizes officers whose lives have been saved while wearing Safariland armor and gear. What does this mean to Safariland?

STO: The Safariland Saves Club honors offi-

STO: Emphasis on technology is integral to our growth. Keeping our focus on the ultimate goal of saving lives, we develop products and solutions purpose-built to protect lives. The introduction of the new Safariland Armor line last year is another testament to this commitment. This includes our line of Hardwire ballistics, the lightest type IIIA armor available, offered through our partnership with cuttingedge companies like Hardwire, LLC. As we develop armor, we focus on using the latest in ballistic technologies and materials for maximum protection as well as fit, function, and performance. We consider an officer as an athlete and strive to make the lightest, most comfortable products to enhance their performance. Safariland is a leader in developing wearable technology to improve the safety and performance of officers in the field.

SD: What do you see for the future?

cers who, during the line of duty, experienced a life-threatening incident in which their Safariland Group armor or gear contributed to saving their life. To date, there are 2,000 members of this club, all of whom can go home to their families because of the products we make. We are incredibly proud to honor these amazing professionals and pay homage to the dangers they face every day. These stories go far and wide—from the SWAT officer in Jacksonville, Florida, who was shot seven times to the officer in Oklahoma City, who, even though she was shot in the face and armor, was able to stay in the fight. Both officers received the Presidential Medal of Valor for their heroic actions. Through the Saves Club, each of these officers becomes part of our Safariland family. As advocates for the law enforcement community, these heroes speak to the importance of wearing body armor and serve as living proof of the Safariland Group creed:

connected officer, placing emphasis on technological advancements to help officers work safely and effectively. Auto-activation technology, pairing our holster line with our body-worn cameras, furthers our exploration into wearable technology, and we’re working to innovate with other types of equipment to drive officer safety. We’re in a unique position to expand on this technology because of the many product lines we have as part of the Safariland Group. We can develop new technologies seamlessly using the most innovative advancements and quality components. It’s a halo effect, and it puts us in the forefront of integrating product to improve performance. We’re continuing to engineer safety equipment to aid in accurate accounting of events and enable officers to do the best job possible while maintaining their safety through unified equipment. It is just the beginning for the connected officer. Booth #12762. (safariland.com)

42 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ DAY 2, JANUARY 24, 2018

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STO: Moving forward, we are focused on the

1/11/18 3:54 PM

DEPENDABILITY

INNOVATION

A M E R I C A ’ S A M E R I C A ’ S

M A S T E R M A S T E R

PERFORMANCE

H U N T E R S G U N M A K E R

www.TCARMS.com

#TCArms facebook/tcarmsco

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twitter/tcarmsco

instagram/tcarmsco

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12/19/17 11:39 AM

f e at u r e s

Scott Leysath, host of TV’s The Sporting Chef, says his favorite meal is stuffed venison back strap. He also favors venison shanks.

Living La Vida Locavore

Using well-prepared wild game to attract new hunters is really a recipe for success By Jodi Stemler

e in the hunting industry are a trendy bunch. No, really, we are. And in terms of the trend to eat locally raised, sustainable, organic meat, we have quite literally been at the point of the spear for generations. What is changing is the recognition that cooking game meat over an open fire until it resembles shoe leather is a thing of the past. This shift in thinking is thanks to folks like the Sporting Chef, Scott Leysath, and his sponsor Camp Chef (Booth #15543).

Leysath didn’t intend to be a chef. He fully admits that his first attempt at cooking game meat when he was a teenager in Virginia was less than successful. “I killed a snipe and cooked it for over an hour until it was the size of a garbanzo bean,” he recalls. “It tasted horrible, but there was no way I was going to let my family know how bad it was!” Hunting and fishing was in his blood, and he always had the “cook what you kill” ethic, but taking that cooking to another level took some time. After years of managing bars and restaurants for a large company, Leysath (with the help of a partner) opened his first restaurant outside of Sacramento, California. Fish and game were regulars on the menu. Patrons often commented that the game meat didn’t taste like what they cooked at home, so Leysath offered to prep their game meat and teach them how to cook it properly. He started

doing a segment on a local television news station before working on Paul James’ Home Grown Cooking on HGTV. In 2000, the Sportsman Channel (Booth #13923) came calling, and he became one of the first in the industry to focus on wild-game cooking through his television show, The Sporting Chef. With the increased interest from the public about knowing where their food comes from, the techniques that Leysath teaches fit well into this “locavore” trend. However, Leysath is the first to admit he doesn’t consider himself a foodie. “Honestly, I’m not sure why it took so long. If we’re going to harvest an animal, we need to know what to do with it,” he says. “What we have is a new group of people becoming interested in hunting because they don’t want their food coming from shrinkwrapped packages at the supermarket. These aren’t the same

types of people who have been active hunters and anglers in the past, and this is an important distinction that the industry needs to make. This is good news because there is more acceptance with hunting than ever before. “I love to take a first-time hunter on an upland bird hunt. Watching the dogs work, feeling the rush when a pheasant flushes, then putting it together in a great meal—it truly completes the cycle for these folks. We chefs live for when someone tastes something new to them and their face just lights up. That’s the victory.” That time between the field and the table is the most important when it comes to making quality game dinners. Having the right equipment—coupled with some good recipes—can make all the difference. Leysath has depended on Camp Chef for most of his outdoor cooking needs since the early days of the company. The cooking equipment, designed for

use in the field or in the backyard, allows outdoorsmen to cook their catch and/or kill, and cook it well. “Camp Chef has worked with Scott since we helped him get his first cookbook published 25 years ago,” says Brooks Hansen, publicrelations manager for Camp Chef. “His straightforward style of fish and game cooking pairs well with Camp Chef products.” “My favorite game dish? That would have to be stuffed venison backstrap, or maybe venison shanks,” Leysath says. “With venison, in particular, you need to cook it on the grill at a high temperature to a medium rare, or you need to braise it low and slow. Anything in between doesn’t work.” Is the locavore movement more than simply a fad? Who knows, but capitalizing on the trend is good for the future of the industry. And with pioneers like Scott Leysath and Camp Chef, hopefully there will be more people living la vida locavore.

44 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ DAY 2, JANUARY 24, 2018

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LEGENDARY HAS A NEW LOOK. INTRODUCING: THE FDE & BLACK SERIES BY FN.®

THE WORLD’S MOST BATTLE-PROVEN FIREARMS.®

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F E AT U R E S

Filson Goes Camo

Two iconic brands equal one impressive product line By Christopher Cogley

nytime two iconic companies join forces, good things are bound to happen. But when those two companies represent some of the most respected names in quality and concealment in the industry, industry the anticipation of the collaboration can be expected to reach entirely new levels of excitement. That’s the type of energy that will likely be on display this year at the SHOT Show as Filson launches a new line of its iconic apparel and gear featuring two of Mossy Oak’s most legendary camouflage patterns.

“It’s great to see two brands with a shared heritage in hunting join forces to meet the demands of the modern hunter,” says Alex Carleton, creative director at Filson. “We are excited to offer our classic Filson waxed cotton and mackinaw wool materials and products in the Bottomlands and Shadow Grass patterns this fall.” The initial Filson x Mossy Oak line will feature Filson’s classic Mackinaw Wool Field Jacket in Mossy Oak Bottomlands pattern (SRP: $395). The jacket is made from a 24-ounce wool/cotton blend and features an adjustable waist as well as a zippered handwarmer, chest, and interior pockets. The line also includes the popular Down Cruiser Vest in Mossy Oak Shadow Grass (SRP: $375). Filled with lightweight 550-fill

power goose down, the Cruiser Vest features a wool-lined collar and a water-repellent and abrasion-resistant shell that’s reinforced in strategic locations with Filson’s oil-finish Shelter Cloth. “Filson has a long history of providing durable, yet comfortable clothing for hunters, farmers, anglers, and various outdoors trades and passions,” says Chris Paradise, chief sales officer of Mossy Oak. “We’re excited to have our longest-running camouflage pattern, Bottomland, on their quality, trusted gear.” In addition to the Mackinaw Jacket, the Bottomland pattern will also be featured on the coordinating Mackinaw pants. The complete Filson x Mossy Oak collection will also include a wide variety of other apparel and gear

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Filson is teaming with Mossy Oak to offer its iconic hunting wear in classic camo.

designed for both waterfowl and big-game hunters, including an Insulated Jac-Shirt, a field duffle, an Excursion Bag, and even a short dog bowl. All of the products are built with Filson’s legendary commitment to quality and Mossy Oak’s longstanding tradition of providing a superior level of concealment for hunters. The entire Filson x Mossy Oak line will be on display in Filson’s booth at the SHOT Show and is scheduled to be available at retail in August. Booth #15324. (filson.com)

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A New Model Outdoor TV comes of age

s the media landscape continues to grow, evolve, and change—almost daily, it seems—the television industry is a favorite topic of conversation when it comes to discussing these evolutionary changes. Television executives often hear, “Today’s Millennial generation want what they want, when they want it, wherever they are, and as quickly as they can get it.” With key members of the Millennial generation making up the “all-important” adult 18 to 34 demographic, is it any wonder these executives are listening? Although some outlets have been slower to acclimate compared with others, Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks (Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, and World Fishing Network), heard the conversations several years ago, digested the information, and formulated a plan that has become known as MyOutdoorTV. “We are happy to say that

Outdoor Sportsman Group saw the shift in viewer and consumer habits changing and we planned for it in order to stay ahead of the curve,” says Jim Liberatore, president and CEO of Outdoor Sportsman Group. “We aren’t surprised by what is happening today in the worlds of television and media, and we believe new technology will only help us continue to grow all of our linear, digital, online, and print assets moving forward.” MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) is a subscription-based video-ondemand service created for outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts. The service can be found in Apple iTunes and Google Play App stores. Efforts to extend the service to Roku, Apple TV, and other Smart TV access are also underway. Subscriptions are $9.99 per month. MyOutdoorTV enables outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts around the world to better understand and enjoy each other’s outdoor experi-

ences, as well as create and grow business partnerships with all participants in the outdoor space. Subscribers can choose what they want to watch from thousands of hours of hunting, fishing, and shooting programs from a variety of producers of outdoor lifestyle television. MOTV subscribers can stream content on smartphones, tablets, or laptop computers. MOTV’s unique “Take With Me” feature allows subscribers to watch

anything, anytime, and anywhere by storing content on the MOTV app, a feature that Millennials will no doubt appreciate. The acquisition of exclusive content from Outdoor Sportsman Group Network’s producers and talent include the programming libraries from such outdoor lifestyle notables as Jim Shockey and Shockey Productions, and Bill Jordan’s Realtree Outdoors. Booth #13923. (outdoorssg.com)

MyOutdoorTV is a subscription-based video-on-demand service created for outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts.

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FROMthe NSSF Reaching Out

The key to greater participation is a one-on-one approach

By Robert F. Staeger here’s no mistaking it: The country is a political pressure cooker right now. Those issues surrounding the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms simmer hotter than others. Owning a gun is often seen as a political act. But does it have to be? Steve Sanetti, president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, says that in order to grow participation in the shooting sports, it’s important to make an effort to reach out to people of different political stripes.

“Firearms owners tend to be conservative,” says Sanetti. “They tend to be people who vote Republican, and they think in traditional, bedrock American values. Frankly, the country is so polarized right now, it’s difficult for people of different political spectrums to talk to each other without getting in an argument, let alone asking them to go hunting or target shooting together.” That has to change. “Obviously, any law-abiding American citizen is someone we’d like to see as an ally and a lifelong participant in hunting and the shooting sports,” he says. “We’d like to get as many people as possible involved in what we do and our way of life.” There are important benefits to this approach. The first is a healthier, more robust industry. More participants means a broader customer base. Too, on a sheer outreach level, there are benefits to reaching beyond your traditional constituency. “We found in our surveys that 24 percent of non–gun owners in the country would participate if they were asked by a trusted friend or associate,” says Sanetti. “That’s a lot of people, and I think, as an industry and hunters and target shooters, we’re missing the boat in that regard.” Among those people are many who aren’t often thought of as “typical” gun owners, including liberals, people of color, Millennials, and members of the LGBTQ community. (Not that there’s no participation from these communities now—you probably know a few such hunters and shooters yourself—but there’s room for improvement.) The first step in reaching out is not to push people away.

In order to grow participation in the shooting sports, it’s important to make an effort to reach out to people of different cultural backgrounds.

“We need to leave the politics at the door,” says Sanetti. “This can be really hard to do for some, but we’ve got to do it. That’s not to say that we ignore the Second Amendment or that we don’t oppose bills that would harm our way of life, but it’s not what we should lead with.” Last June, during the inclusion panel at NSSF’s Industry Summit, one of the speakers made an excellent point. Emphasizing that point, Sanetti said, “When we’re on the range, when we’re hunting, we’re not Democrats or Republicans, we’re shooters. And we should think of ourselves as fellow shooters. That’s the tie that really binds us together, and that’s the tie that could bind other people who aren’t part of the hunting and shooting community right now. “When someone goes into a gun store and sees all sorts of posters of a political nature, that can be off-putting,” Sanetti says. “If we’re looking to get other groups involved, don’t ignore the liberals.

Don’t ignore the moderates. A lot of them own firearms. And lot of them would own firearms, if we appealed to them with the things they are concerned about.” Liberals and conservatives even share certain attitudes about guns. “Everybody is in favor of handling firearms safely. Everybody is in favor of prosecuting people who hurt people or abuse their right to own firearms. Everybody wants to feel safe in their homes and with their families,” says Sanetti. “There are a lot of common values there that we all agree with, and just the fact that we own firearms can enhance these feelings of security, of responsibility, of public safety, of community. We should be dwelling on the positive aspects.” By doing so, you might not change someone’s mind about who they’re voting for, but that’s beside the point. Increased participation will promote understanding (and dispel misunderstandings) about how guns are and

aren’t used by law-abiding citizens. It’s an important step to lowering the temperature of the rhetoric on all sides. A similar focus on the positive will help attract Millennials and, now, Generation Z. Their generations aren’t as rooted in family traditions of hunting and the shooting sports. “Their peers, now, are the advocates, and their peers are the ones who get other Millennials to try what they like to do,” Sanetti says. To harness that peer power, Sanetti urges manufacturers to make their ads more inclusive and reflect America’s evolving demographic, which is younger, more female, and more ethnically diverse. “NSSF surveys show that many Millennials would be attracted to hunting and the shooting sports if they saw them as a fun, safe, challenging outdoor activity they can enjoy with their friends,” says Sanetti. “To get them interested, we should be showing lots of young people enjoying themselves in the outdoors with their friends, everybody smiling and wearing bright colors.” Instead, we see hunting ads that emphasize grit and solitude, one man (and it’s pretty much always a man) against the wild. Or tactical and self-defense ads as an homage to our brave war fighters. “Even the target-shooting context doesn’t necessarily show it as a fun thing,” says Sanetti. “It shows people all grim-faced, with tricked-out equipment and fancy gear. For anyone thinking about getting involved in the sport, they don’t even know what all the gear is used for. It looks like there are lots of barriers to entry. I think we have to put a more open and friendly face to what we do, to

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attract these new participants.” Likewise, there’s an opening to welcome LGBTQ shooters onto the range and the field. “They’re another natural ally, because they’re a group who feels threatened right now,” says Sanetti. “They’re a group who has been under attack, in some highly publicized incidents. And they obviously have the right to protect themselves. We should be welcoming them into the fold. We need to push back against the false narrative and stereotyping that gun owners don’t want them as part of the gun-owning community. They want to learn how to shoot, they want to learn how to be safe, they want to enjoy it. “There are lots of audiences out there who would be receptive if we did it the right way,” Sanetti adds. “We don’t do that by not accepting people for who they are.” Sanetti hopes firearms owners

can make the strides that gays and lesbians have made in cultural acceptance in recent decades. By standing up for their rights and increasing their public profile, it led to familiarity and greater comfort. Gun owners might learn from their example. “If we are perceived as threatening, dangerous, unsafe people you wouldn’t want to be around in your community, that is not going to get more people to come to our side,” says Sanetti. “We need to do a better job of portraying who we are—just normal, everyday, good, and welcoming people who like to shoot, like to hunt, and want to protect our families. We’re just like everyone else. That model is what we need to do, to say, ‘I like to hunt and shoot, and I’d like you to come with me so I can show you why I enjoy this and how much fun it can be.’”

There are always programs to encourage hunting and shooting, but programs aren’t enough. It takes an invitation, a deliberate reaching out, to bring someone new into the fold.

That’s the key, ultimately: Oneon-one interaction with a person you respect. “Whatever group we approach, we need to see them as individuals, not as stereotypes of other groups,” says Sanetti. “That’s the area we need to focus on—not trying to get more gay people, more people of color, whatever it is. Segregating and classifying people by groups is the opposite of ‘inclusion.’ The right approach is saying, ‘This is what I love to do, and I think you’ll like it, too.’ “Use social and digital media, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, texting, even ‘old-fashioned’ emails. Younger people tend to be very visual. On Facebook, for example, they want to see video portrayals of what they do. Share the experience

online with your friends. Show them how much fun it was when you went shooting. Humanize what we do.” There are always programs to encourage shooting and hunting, things like National Shooting Sports Month, First Shots, or the apprentice hunting licenses that NSSF’s Families Afield programs make possible in many states. But programs aren’t enough. It takes an invitation, a deliberate reaching out, to bring someone new into the fold. And that new person could be anyone, from any walk of life. “If we are open and inclusive,” says Sanetti, “and we show ourselves as good role models, and show ourselves as good friends and mentors, I don’t think we can lose.”

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from the nssf

Fighting Falsehoods

NSSF leads the battle against the gun control lobby’s misrepresentations of the firearms industry By Brian McCombie hortly after the Hearing Protection Act (HPA) of 2017 was introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) took to Twitter to rail against suppressors—and very inaccurately, at that! “When someone gets shot by a gun with a silencer, it’s quiet. Witnesses might not hear. Police will be less likely to track down the shooter,” the New York Senator tweeted.

Suppressors reduce the noise from a gun blast so that it doesn’t cause immediate and irreparable hearing loss.

She didn’t stop there. In tweets that followed, she wrote, “Can you imagine if we allowed a criminal with a gun in New York City to attach a silencer to their weapon? It’d be a dangerous mistake,” and, “I’m fighting back against bills (backed by the Trump admin) that’d make it easy for criminals to buy gun silencers.” One has to wonder if the Senator got her information about suppressors strictly from Hollywood spy movies, the kind where suppressed handguns make a pfft sound, and the intended target falls over dead. Gillibrand certainly never used a suppressed firearm, or she’d never have shared such misleading and flat-out incorrect Tweets, because, as people in the shooting sports industry know, suppressors reduce the noise from a gun blast so it doesn’t cause immediate and irreparable hearing loss. This damage to the ears starts at 140 decibels, a standard recognized by the government. A gunshot is typically around 165 decibels, louder than a jet fighter on takeoff. Attach a suppressor and the noise is reduced by about 30 to 35

decibels. That still leaves the firearm louder than a motorcycle, chain saw, or jack hammer, though the noise is reduced enough that it shouldn’t damage a shooter’s ears. Unfortunately, Gillibrand is only one of many who attack and demonize firearms in their attempts to undermine the Second Amendment. Whether through ignorance or done intentionally, such attacks need to be challenged and corrected. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) spends a good deal of time and effort correcting the misleading and outright false claims made against firearms and the other legal products made by our industry. “As America becomes increasingly urbanized and our society is increasingly polarized, gun control becomes a topic tailor-made for misrepresentation based upon fear, ignorance, and exploitation by the gun control lobby,” says Steve Sanetti, president and CEO of NSSF. Factual misrepresentations like Gillibrand’s are bad enough. But Sanetti notes that any tragic slaying is instantly reported by the mainstream media and repeated ad

nauseam by the gun controllers, as a “mass shooting” involving “an automatic assault weapon.” “As we all know, crimes involving fully automatic weapons are exceedingly rare,” Sanetti says. “And long guns of all types figure into only a very small percentage of violent crime. But you would never know that from the nightly news or the talk shows.” Demonization of the modern sporting rifle (MSR) is a very common tactic of the anti–Second Amendment crowd. As Sanetti notes, it starts by incorrectly referring to MSRs as “assault weapons,” which are fully automatic, military-grade weapons. MSRs are semi-automatics that fire a single round with the pull of the trigger. That’s common knowledge in most places except, it seems, the mainstream media and the antigun crowd. Also, automatic firearms were, and are, severely restricted from civilian ownership under the 1934 National Firearms Act (NFA). There are a relative handful of NFA firearms in civilian hands, and they can be legally purchased, but they are very expensive and require a fair amount of paperwork. They are rarely used by criminals. “Gun safety” is another anti– Second Amendment smokescreen. With troubling regularity, various “gun safety” bills are introduced in state houses and at the federal level every year. When challenged, proponents of these bills often cite the need to make children safer as the reason for the legislation. “These are perhaps their most outrageous misrepresentations, using children in their polemics,” says Sanetti. “Of course, our hearts break at the tragedies of needless deaths of children, from any source. But, thankfully, these are extremely rare occurrences, which must be put into their proper perspective.” As Sanetti notes, the National Safety Council reports that fatal

firearms accidents have dropped dramatically, by more than 24 percent during the last 20 years; firearm accidents are now one of the lowest causes (less than one percent) of accidental death among all age groups. In 2014, 33 states reported no accidental deaths involving firearms. This, at a time when most other forms of accidental death have increased 69 percent. You’d never know it by listening to the anti-gun organizations, but the firearms industry has been the biggest proponent of safe storage of firearms via its Project ChildSafe program, which has partnered with more than 15,000 communities across the nation and has distributed more than 37 million firearms safety kits and gun locks. Given the steady stream of misleading and outright false information churned out by the anti-gun groups, NSSF’s work on these fronts is vital to protecting our Second Amendment rights and protecting our industry from unwarranted attacks. NSSF does this by constantly monitoring the mainstream media for misleading reports, articles, and videos concerning firearms; responding quickly to these and other attempts to mislead by issuing press releases, letters to the editor, and responses via social media; disseminating NSSF “Fact Sheets” and similar documentation on firearms, ammunition, and various legislation to set the record straight; and providing NSSF members with information to share in their communities and with media when such anti– Second Amendment attacks occur. “The NSSF can’t, and won’t, allow these falsehoods and misrepresentation to go unchallenged,” says Sanetti. “A very important part of our mission is to spread the facts about our industry and the Second Amendment, despite a frequently hostile media, and we will continue to fight this battle.”

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Positive Impact

Demonstrating how hunting helps wildlife might be the key to protecting our hunting heritage By Christopher Cogley

t’s illogical. Counterintuitive. Almost absurd. But it’s also true. Hunting is actually beneficial to wildlife populations. For those of us who have seen the positive impact firsthand, it’s a truth that isn’t too difficult to accept. For those who haven’t had that opportunity, however, it’s an idea that can seem so preposterous, it appears to be nothing more than an excuse to justify a pastime they believe is no longer relevant in today’s society. And while the easiest thing to do would be to dismiss this as yet another case of two opposing sides being unable to see eye-to-eye, the reality is that the future of our hunting heritage might very well depend on our ability to show the public just how valid this concept actually is.

“The respectful and wise use of any resource makes that resource more valuable and provides people with more incentive to grow the resource and make sure it’s managed well,” says Steve Sanetti, president and CEO of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). “Hunting is an excellent example of this.” From one corner of the globe to the other, there are numerous concrete illustrations that demonstrate just how accurate this concept really is. In Africa, countries such as Namibia have been able to invigorate local economies and provide work for people in small, rural communities by increasing the hunting opportunities that generate significant income from tourism. Recognizing the benefits that hunting brings to their communities provides added incentive for both the people and the government to work together on efforts to reduce poaching, provide better habitat protection, and invest in improved, sound wildlife management practices that help ensure these wildlife resources continue to thrive. And when these measures are taken, it isn’t just the game animals that benefit, it’s the entire ecosystem. Closer to home, we don’t need to look any further than the wild turkey to see the kind of conservation success that sportsmen can achieve by working together and implementing sound wildlife management principles that allow habitats to recover and animals to flourish. And as those resources grow, so do the number of people who can benefit from them. “Lately, polls are showing that there are more people who believe that hunting is acceptable, if you’re hunting for food,” Sanetti says. This steadily growing segment

of the population that’s demonstrating an open-mindedness to the idea of hunting presents a unique opportunity for all of us to get new people involved in the pastime that’s such an important part of our lives. And the best way to take advantage of that opportunity might be to show them not only how hunters benefit wildlife, but also how wildlife benefits hunters. “As we became more urbanized and people became more distanced from the animals that sustain us,

the concept that wildlife is a big part of a healthy diet was largely lost among the non-hunting public,” Sanetti says. “But that, too, is beginning to change.” Across the country, people in every community and from all walks of life are more focused on healthy eating than ever before. They’re reading labels, looking for natural diets, and choosing organic fruits, vegetables, and meats to feed their families. The more they learn, the more they are developing a better understanding of, and

stronger appreciation for, the health value of nature. “Nothing is more natural than nature, and hunting is eating the way nature intended,” Sanetti says. “The more we can show people that, the greater acceptance we can generate for hunting and the more likely we are to get new people to go out and try it and see what an amazing experience it is.” And, as we all know, the more hunters we can get into the field, the more secure the future will be for hunting—and for wildlife.

Recognizing the benefits hunting brings to a community provides an incentive to work together.

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from the nssf

Stepping Outside

New NSSF website designed to get people outdoors

By Christopher Cogley he mission of the National Shooting Sports Foundation is to promote, protect, and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. One of the most important steps toward accomplishing that mission is to continually expand the number of people who participate in these activities, and it’s with that goal in mind that the NSSF recently launched the groundbreaking StepOutside.org website. “This is a whole new strategy to reach consumers, especially consumers who are interested in outdoor activities but aren’t active participants in hunting and shooting,” says Chris Dolnack, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for the NSSF. “All you have to do is type in the name of a nearby town, and the site will give you localized content for all the outdoor activities that are available in that area.”

Hunting and shooting aren’t the only outdoor activities promoted at StepOutside.org. From hiking and watersports to camping, motorsports, and other outdoor events, the site provides a comprehensive list of the activities in any given region, as well as interactive maps and links that provide more information about each of those opportunities. “There is a high degree of crossover with those activities, so when people are looking for one sport, they will be exposed to hunting and shooting opportunities as well,” Dolnack says. “This is a very effective way to introduce potential participants to a new activity, especially with Millennials, who have shown they value experiences more than possessions and are continually looking for ways to experience new aspects of the outdoors.” Because of their eagerness to engage in new outdoor activities, as well as their likelihood to seek out new opportunities by searching online, Millennials are a natural audience for StepOutside.org. And considering this demographic is the next generation responsible for carrying on our hunting heritage, finding creative ways to get them involved in the shooting sports is a goal that everyone in the industry should be focused on. Millennials aren’t the only age group that StepOutside.org is geared toward, but the site was definitely established to reach a very specific type of outdoor enthusiast. “Most of the content is geared toward the beginner or intermediate-level participant, because we realize that experts are already engaged with very specific enthusiast publications and platforms,” Dolnack says. “The goal of this site is to help get people to that level by taking a lot of the guesswork and apprehension

The StepOutside.org site contains a virtual library of continually expanding articles and posts that provide tips to improve skill levels.

out of the process of getting started in these activities. We’re trying to eliminate as many barriers as possible.” In addition to providing a list of available outdoor activities in an area and a map of how to get to them, the StepOutside.org site contains a virtual library of continually expanding articles and posts that provide tips and advice on how to get involved and improve skill levels

in all the various outdoor activities. The site also contains links to local permits, regulations, and training resources. To make the tool even more useful, NSSF has incorporated the newly launched instructional and informative videos into the StepOutside.org site, creating a comprehensive resource for hunting, shooting, and all things outdoors. “We wanted this site to be the definitive place where anyone could go and learn how-to, whereto, and when-to for all these different activities,” Dolnack says. “It’s a tool to expand interest in hunting and shooting with people who are already predisposed to an active outdoor lifestyle, but it’s also a tool to help get people outside.” As StepOutside.org’s reach expands, so will the value the site brings to consumers—and to retailers, because in addition to the information and education the site provides, it also includes a list of local retailers that enthusiasts can visit to make sure they have all the gear they need to enjoy their new adventures safely and responsibly. So StepOutside.org doesn’t just help get people outside, it also helps get them through your door. “This is an amazing resource for retailers. It’s a perfect opportunity for them to reach potential customers in their area because the content is all localized, so they can target their messages to a very specific—and very captive—audience,” Dolnack says. “And once they have the attention of these new customers, retailers can help them discover what we all know already— that our sports are really, really fun.” And sometimes that’s all it takes for us to move one step closer toward accomplishing the mission of promoting, preserving, and protecting hunting and the shooting sports.

sportsman ’ s team challenge celebrates 30 th anniversary

The Sportsman’s Team Challenge is celebrating 30 years of attracting juniors, newcomers, families, and competitive shooters who continue to enjoy its popularity and rich tradition. The match is a two- or threeperson team event, combining multi-discipline shooting competi-

tion of a rifle, pistol, and shotgun. “I was definitely excited with the growing number of registered competitors,” says match director Doug Koenig. “There were 20 first-time competitors as well as many who have shot the match for more than 25 years. There was even one

30-year veteran. That tells me this match continues to have a strong following. Looking to the future, this event has the potential to grow because the standard firearms used in this competition are what most competitors already own. Many competitors expressed interest in

organizing a Sportsman’s Team Challenge regional event in their own state.” Industry sponsors included Hornady (Booth #13145), Ruger (Booth #11940), Otis Technology (Booth #14213), and the National Shooting Sports Foundation .

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F E AT U R E S

Shell Tech

There’s more to a Browning shotshell than meets the eye By Slaton L. White

tephen W. Meyer, the supervisor of shotshell new-product engineering at Browning Ammunition, has spent nearly 30 years in the trenches, developing new loads for shotguns. Last fall, he and I shared a duck blind as well as a couple of boxes of Browning’s new 12-gauge BXD Waterfowl loads, hunting over flooded cornfields. I’ll say this for the shot patterns—when we did our job, those ducks dropped.

On the second morning, while waiting for legal shooting light, I asked Meyer about the job of developing shotshells. “Shotshell new-product development is a bit different than for centerfire rifle or pistol,” he told me. “The industry readily accepts new centerfire cartridge calibers, but there would be no excitement about a new shotshell ‘caliber’ such as 14-gauge. In fact, over the last 30 years there have been less than a handful of new shotshell chambers. The 12-gauge 3½-inch was the most significant, and it came at the expense of nearly obsoleting 10-gauge. “That being said,” he continued, “new shotshell cartridge developments seek product uniqueness and performance enhancements through select combinations of specialized components. Components that have the most influence on shotshell cartridge performance are, obviously, projectiles and the wad systems used to launch them.” And then he gave me a primer on the wads Browning uses to enhance the performance of its shotshells. I think any retailer selling Browning ammo would benefit from his expertise, espe-

cially when a customer asks how the ammo performs in the field or on the range. “The wad system is an important element that can dramatically affect the consistency and shape of the shot pattern,” he said. “Light payloads, such as Browning BPT target loads, use a wad with a collapsing hinge section connecting the powder cup and shot cup. This hinge section acts as a ballistic cushion to more gently accelerate the pellets. This wad, teamed with high antimony shot pellets, provides clay-crushing performance. Heavier upland loads use a similar wad, but add a nickel plating to the lead shot to

Browning shotgun wads differ depending on the intended use.

keep the pellets more round to knock down long-range roosters.” Per its namesake, the Browning BXD Waterfowl Extra Distance waterfowl shotshell development involved selecting combinations of specialized components to achieve a long-distance waterfowl cartridge at a reasonable price. “Premium, plated round steel shot was selected for maintaining true flight path at long distances,” he said. “Through numerous trials, a tail-stabilized wad was designed with six long slits that extend to just short of the mouth opening. The closed mouth provides an integral choke effect to achieve tighter patterns. The six long slits allow the mid-section of the wad to expand radially outward after muzzle exit. This radial expansion allows shot in the lower portion of the wad to reliably exit the wad before the wad starts to yaw or tumble. Molded with tough highdensity polyethylene plastic, these thick-walled wads protect the barrel from the steel shot. In addition, the rear powder cup section of the wad was designed to provide consistent performance in both ported and non-ported choke tubes. The overall combination results in a waterfowl load with a consistent

point of impact, uniform pattern distribution, and tighter patterns at longer distances.” Those three performance characteristics were readily on display on our hunt, especially when the small pond over which we were hunting locked up with skim ice, which caused the ducks to flare at the last moment. Without that ability to go the extra yard, we would have been out of business. BXD is available in a 12-gauge 3-inch 1¼-ounce load at 1,450 fps (sizes BB, #2, #3, and #4); a 12-gauge 3½-inch 1½-ounce load at 1,500 fps (BB and #2); and a 20-gauge 3-inch 1-ounce load at 1,300 fps (sizes #2 and #3). As we collected the dekes, I asked him about deer hunting with a shotgun. “No problem,” he said. “Specialized components allow for confident shots well beyond the 50-yard limitation of typical Foster slugs. Browning BXS slugs utilize a plastic-tipped .58-caliber copper bullet housed in a sabot. When used with a rifled shotgun barrel, the four-petal sabot transfers the spin to the sub-caliber bullet to produce tight groups at long range.” Booth #12752. (browningammo.com)

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f e at u r e s

The popular Savage Model 110 bolt-action is receiving a major upgrade this year.

But 60 years on, it was time for an overhaul. Considering the rifle’s proven track record, Savage didn’t take the task of tweaking the popular platform lightly. But as it took a hard look at every facet of the gun, engineers saw the opportunity to take the Model 110 to the next level. As a result, the project blossomed from a simple cosmetic face-lift to a full-fledged redesign that takes the rifle to the next plateau in fit, form, and function.

Raising the Bar ➤ “The

The Next Level Savage unveils the new Model 110

avage created the Model 110 in 1958 to give hunters a hard-hitting, accurate rifle that was also lightweight and economical. Today, it owns the distinction of being the oldest continuously manufactured bolt-action rifle in North America. The design has been enhanced over the years, including the addition of the AccuTrigger and AccuStock, and it has also benefited from such Savage hallmarks as a floating bolt head, zero-tolerance headspacing, and precision button-rifled barrels.

conversation started with style and aesthetics,” says senior marketing manager Beth Shimanski. “Everyone agreed we needed to freshen up the Model 110. As we got further into the process, however, we started thinking a lot more about the individual shooter—what their unique needs are and what drives them to ultimately go to a gunsmith. That’s when we decided to really raise the bar and make the gun fit better. That’s how the AccuFit system was born.” As serious target shooters can attest, proper fit is paramount to consistent accuracy. “Competitive shooters wouldn’t dream of shooting a rifle that doesn’t fit them properly,” says Shimanski. “In contrast, most hunters are content with a one-size-fits-all philosophy—which explains why fit remains one of the major obstacles standing in their way of enjoying more consistent shooting.” A form-fitting rifle offers more benefits than feeling good when you throw it up to your shoulder. The right length of pull and comb height give you a solid cheek-to-stock connection, proper eye relief, and a comfortable, personalized fit—which collectively add up to improved, repeatable shooting form. “There’s nothing magical about fit that mechanically makes a rifle shoot any more accurately,” says Shimanski. “But proper fit allows you to shoulder the gun and align your eye with the sights in a consistent manner, without having to move your head around to compensate for being the wrong height and distance from the scope. And better shooting form boosts accuracy.” Shimanski draws a comparison to archery. “When you pull back a bow, you settle on an anchor point. If that point moves from one shot to another, you won’t be very con-

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The AccuFit stock features adjustable components that allow hunters to custom-fit comb height and length of pull.

sistent. The same thing is true with a rifle. If you’re not shouldering the firearm consistently from shot to shot, there will be differences in where your shots land downrange. It won’t punish you as severely as with a bow, but your accuracy with a rifle will suffer.” She also notes that the dynamics of hunting often demand quick shots taken from a variety of positions. “The ability to quickly shoulder the rifle and confidently take the shot, versus struggling to find your anchor point and line up the scope, can mean the difference between punching your tag and missing,” she says. “Savage’s AccuFit system lets you dial in the perfect fit, so there’s less room for error at the moment of truth.”

How It Works ➤ AccuFit

features adjustable components that allow hunters to custom-fit both comb height and length of pull without taking the rifle to the gunsmith. In fact, the only tool needed is a Phillipshead screwdriver. Comb height is controlled by five riser settings, adjustable in 1 /8-inch increments. “Simply select the riser that creates cheekto-stock contact and aligns your line of sight parallel to the barrel or scope,” Shimanski says. Length of pull (LOP), the distance from the shooter’s inner elbow to the middle of the trigger finger, is likewise fully adaptable to the shooter’s stature by using up to four inserts included with the rifle. “Add or remove the inserts to ensure proper eye relief and establish a comfortable fit,” she says, noting that establishing the correct length of pull means faster

target acquisition, better control, and improved accuracy. No matter which combination of adjustments you make, the Model 110 won’t become unbalanced. “The system was engineered to maintain proper balance with the barrel, even at the highest riser setting and longest stock extension, so the rifle won’t become tail-heavy,” she says. Although target shooters might compulsively tweak their guns on the range, Shimanski says far fewer refinements are required for hunting situations. “Once the rifle is set, you shouldn’t have to make changes for different shooting positions and conditions,” she says. “But it is easy to make seasonal adjustments as needed— such as shortening the stock to accommodate wearing bulkier clothing during cold-weather hunts.” Shimanski also points out that Savage was careful to consider hunter-centric concerns not addressed by other adjustable guns on the market. “For example, some rifles have external knobs for adjusting the cheekpiece,” she says. “But these can snag on brush and clothing. AccuFit was built to be snag-free, so it won’t hang up, even if you’re belly-crawling.” For hunters, maybe the most important news is that the new Model 110 looks like a hunting rifle. “Other adjustable guns out there look like they’re built for tactical and long-range competitive shooting,” Shimanski says. “This is a custom-fit hunting rifle that has all the elements of a precision target stock, but still looks and feels like it belongs in the field.”

The Revamped Line ➤ Savage’s

revamped Model 110 rifles are available in a variety of finishes and feature packages within its Big Game Hunting and Specialty series. In addition to the AccuFit System, all Model 110s also offer Savage’s patented useradjustable AccuTrigger, which offers a light, crisp trigger pull with no creep and prevents the firearm from discharging if jarred or dropped. An AccuStock chassis is also standard. The rigid rail system, firmly embedded in the stock through the forend of the rifle, engages the action along its entire length, instead of simply at one or two points, yielding increased rigidity for better accuracy. Each new Model 110 also sports new cosmetics and enhanced ergonomics, including improved pistol grip and forend shaping, plus softtouch gripping surfaces.

110 Hunter AF ➤ The

Model 110 Hunter has a blued action and barrel, and a detachable box magazine, sturdy build, and hard-hitting features to match your personal shooting style. Available in .204 Ruger, .223 Rem., .22/250 Rem., .243 Win., .25/06 Rem., .270 Win., 7mm-08 Rem., 7mm Rem. Mag., .308 Win., .30/06 Sprg. and .300 Win. Mag. SRP: $749.

110 Storm AF

magazine, stainless-steel action, and stainless-steel matte-finish barrel. Right-hand models are available in .223 Rem., .22/250 Rem., .243 Win., .25/06 Rem., 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 x 284 Norma, .270 Win., .270 WSM, 7mm-08 Rem., 7mm Rem. Mag., .308 Win., .30/06 Sprg., .300 Win. Mag., .300 WSM, .338 Federal, and .338 Win. Mag. The left-handed version comes in .223 Rem., .22/250 Rem., .243 Win., .270 Win., 7mm-08 Rem., 7mm Rem. Mag., .308 Win., .30/06 Sprg., and .300 Win. Mag. SRP: $819.

110 Varmint AF ➤ The

Specialty Series Model 110 Varmint features a 26-inch, heavy carbon-steel barrel, oversize bolt handle, detachable box magazine, and synthetic stock with beavertail forend. Available in .204 Ruger, .223 Rem., and .22/250 Rem. SRP: $749.

110 Tactical AF ➤ The

Model 110 Tactical is a proven member of Savage’s Tactical Series that comes in rightand left-handed versions. Both are suppressor-ready and fitted with a heavy, fluted, 24-inch barrel. A 20-inch barrel is also available (right-handed only). Added features include three sling swivel studs, a one-piece scope mount, an oversize tactical bolt handle, and an AICS-compatible, 10-round detachable polymer magazine. Available in .308 Win. SRP: $784.

➤ The

Model 110 Storm is available in right- and left-handed configurations. It’s built off the same 110 action as the Model 110 Hunter, with a detachable box

110 Long Range Hunter AF ➤

The Specialty Series Model 110

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Predator has a medium-contour, fluted barrel, oversize bolt handle, Realtree Max-1 camouflage synthetic stock, and detachable box magazine. Available in .204 Ruger, .22/250 Rem., .223 Rem., .243 Win., .260 Rem. 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Win. SRP: $899.

110 Scout AF ➤

The AccuFit system was engineered to maintain proper balance with the barrel, even at the highest riser setting and longest stock extension, so the rifle won’t become tail-heavy.

Long Range Hunter features a 26-inch barrel with an on-off muzzle brake and hinged floorplate magazine. Available in 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5x284 Norma, .260 Rem., 7mm Rem. Mag., .308 Win., .300 Win. Mag., .300 WSM, and .338 Federal. It’s also available in a .338 Lapua Magnum

version with a 26-inch mediumcontour barrel, muzzle brake, one-piece scope mount, and an AICS-compatible, detachable-box magazine. SRP $1,099–$1,299.

110 Predator AF ➤

The Specialty Series Model 110

This versatile member of Savage’s Tactical Series includes a carbon-steel barrel, muzzle brake, and AICS-style 10-round detachable box magazine, and a forwardmounted rail and adjustable iron sights. Available in .223 Rem., .308 Win, .338 Federal, and .450 Bushmaster. SRP: $819.

110 Bear Hunter ➤

The Specialty Series Model 110 Bear Hunter is a heavy hitter with a stainless fluted barrel, on-off muzzle brake, Mossy Oak BreakUp Infinity camouflage synthetic stock, and engraved hinged floorplate magazine. Available in .300 Win. Mag., .300 WSM, .338 Federal, .338 Win. Mag., and

.375 Ruger. SRP: $999.

110 Wolverine ➤

Chambered for the straightwalled .450 Bushmaster cartridge, the 110 Wolverine features a Magpul AICS magazine as well as an 18-inch carbon-steel heavy barrel with a ported muzzle brake and 11/16-24 threading. It also has a one-piece 20 MOA rail mounted on the receiver. SRP: $899.

Just the Beginning ➤ These

Big Game and Specialty Series rifles aren’t the only models that have received a major update. The Trophy Series—which includes the 110 Engage Hunter XP, 110 Hog Hunter, 110 Brush Hunter, and 110 Lightweight Storm—now features a modern, ergonomically enhanced stock that allows shooters to adjust the length of pull. The popular AXIS II platform will also offer an updated stock featuring stylish looks and better ergonomics. Booth #14551. (savagearms.

com)

POSSIBLE UMAREX® MAKES IT…POLYONE MAKES IT

A new big bore for big game. Umarex® Airguns collaborated with PolyOne’s industrial design team to engineer the new Umarex Hammer® with next-generation technology, power and precision. Fresh Thinking. Smarter Designs. Advanced Polymer Materials.

For more idea inspiration, visit polyone.com or call 1.866.POLYONE.

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A New Direction

Badlands launches Approach FX By Jodi Stemler

uilding a brand takes years of hard work. Just ask the folks at Badlands, a Utah-based manufacturer of quality hunting packs and hunting apparel that was founded in 1992. The original intent was to create gear that was “based on the pursuit of unconditional perfection.” Now, a quarter-century later, Badlands is recognized for doing just that. And it backs that up with a lifetime unconditional warranty. “At Badlands, customer service and honoring our warranty is number one,” says Blake VanTussenbrook, Badlands marketing manager. “This means that whatever happens to your pack or your apparel, we fix it or replace it, no matter what. If we weren’t completely confident in our products, we couldn’t offer this warranty.” At this point many manufacturers would not want to mess with such success. Not Badlands. From

the beginning, the manufacturer has built its products using licensed camouflage patterns. In 2017, it decided to go in a new direction by introducing Badlands Approach, a new proprietary digital camouflage pattern that allows hunters to adapt to a variety of surroundings. The neutral color palette creates visual confusion through numerous layers of colors and shapes that work in changing light and vegetation. Approach is available on Badlands’ iconic packs, but there is also an assortment of technical apparel Field Systems for every hunting scenario, from spring gobbler hunts to Western mule deer hunts. But while Badlands Approach can cover a wide variety of hunting situations, the manufacturer received customer feedback that the pattern was too Westernfocused, with too much green for

Approach FX has a color palette more suited to those who hunt in Midwestern and Eastern hardwood forests.

late-season whitetail hunts. So for 2018, Badlands is releasing Approach FX, with a color palette more suited to Midwestern and Eastern hunting. Approach FX features more brown, tan, and neutral tones to blend in with hardwood forests. The line has 20 new apparel pieces and several packs designed with the Eastern hunter in mind. The layering system includes designs specifically

to help stand hunters cope with extreme cold. “Badlands Approach was developed over five years through trial and error, and Approach FX is no different,” says VanTussenbrook. “We put different versions of the camouflage into action in many different states in order to dial in on a final version that is ultraversatile.” Booth #10119. (badlandspacks.com)

LOWA Mountain Hunting Boots

Three Levels of Performance. One Uncompromising Standard of Excellence.

Tibet Hi GTX®

Irox GTX® Mid

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Innox GTX® Mid For a chance to win a pair of LOWAs, snap a pic of any LOWA boot that you see at the SHOT Show, then repost – #LowaHunting or #LowaTaskForce Winner will be notiﬁed via Instagram DM on Day 4.

All LOWA Hunting boots are made with a DuraPU™ midsole for outstanding durability and support, and all feature the enduring European-crafted quality that has garnered us the reputation as “the Rolls-Royce of hiking boots.* ”

visit booth #10232

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to see our 2018 Task Force & Hunting collections

* Forbes, December 2017. GORE-TEX®, GTX®, GORE®, and GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY® and design are registered trademarks of W.L. Gore & Associates Inc. VIBRAM®, the Octagon Logo, and the Yellow Octagon Logo and the color Canary Yellow are registered trademarks of Vibram S.p.A. © 2018 LOWA Boots, LLC.

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No Place He’d Rather Be

Producing a hunting show is rewarding, but it’s not for the faint of heart By Slaton L. White

o many people, being the host of a hunting television show is to be enmeshed in a life of unparalleled glamour and fun. That’s one side of the mirror. The other side is another matter entirely, as many of those same viewers know nothing of the hard work it takes to run a successful show. Just ask Mike Stroff, the host of Savage TV (Booth #14551) for the past 13 years. One of the most frequently asked questions of him is, “How did you get your job? I’d love to do that.”

“I will say that there’s nothing I would rather do than this,” he says. “I love what I do, and that’s why I do it. And if you do this, you’d better love it, because that’s the only way you can make this work.” He got into television while he was an outfitter. He was in his early 20s and didn’t have the budget to book the hunts and do the things he needed to do to be really successful. “I figured if I could break even on a TV show and book all my hunts, some of which would feed the TV show, then I would be better off than where I was,” he says. “And that’s how I got into this. It was my passion for hunting and outfitting that actually got me into TV. You always have

to remember it’s a business, but I have an absolute passion for hunting, so there’s no other place I’d rather be.” The economics of TV can be brutal, and Stroff emphasizes that doing this is not for the faint of heart. “There’s a ton of work that goes into this. Typically, an outdoor producer owns its airtime. That means he has to produce the shows. Then he has to be a salesman and go sell the advertising within the shows. You have to be able to make all the math work, because the network doesn’t come to you and pay you to go play. I wish it wasn’t that way, but that’s not how it works.” Ultimately, Stroff says, the really big issue is being able to

produce a show in which someone would invest. “Once we do that, we then have to come up with 26 episodes of quality content. The only way to do that is to get out there and do it. For me, that means 40 weeks a year on the road.” The backbone of what Stroff does is Savage TV. “Savage has worked with me from day one,” he says. “They’re a great company to work with, and it’s easy because they make great products. I’ve shot Savage rifles since I was seven. And now that Savage is under the Vista Outdoor umbrella, there are things that come together—for instance, Federal Premium ammunition and Bushnell optics—that make it easier for

me to outfit the show.” Savage TV focuses on North American big game, both bow and rifle. “I have been to Africa, once, but I’m not one of those guys who has done it a lot. And I’ve been to New Zealand, once. Other than that, it’s all North American big game. Our breadand-butter is whitetails, whitetails, whitetails. We’ll also do a few elk and a few moose. I must admit, though, I’ve got the bug for sheep hunting, so I try to plug that in every couple of years.” The challenge is to make the hunt compelling enough to watch and different enough from the competition in order to catch and hold the attention of an ever-more-fickle audience. “Here’s the deal,” he says.

Mike Stroff says the economics of TV can be brutal. As a producer, he also knows each show has to be compelling enough to catch and keep the attention of the viewer.

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Stroff says he “learned the hard way” that wild animals don’t follow a script.

“How many different ways can you film a deer hunt? You have to get creative and try to come up with new ways to approach it. In today’s world, if you can’t entertain, and at the same time educate, it’s hard to get people to watch— because they’ve seen that deer hunt a hundred times before.” And though he admits outdoor TV isn’t as sophisticated as other types of television, it has gotten better because viewers are demanding a better experience. “When we first started, we were just filming hunts, but you can’t do that anymore. If you just film hunts, you’ll starve to death. No one is going to buy it, no one is going to advertise on it, and no one is going to watch it. We’ve got to create really good content.” And good content means a story line—and not one that’s scripted, like you would see on network TV. “The animals never read a script,” he says. “I have no control over what they do.” Experience has taught Stroff to work in a different manner. “I learned this the hard way,” he says. “Early on we would film a show straight through, but since wild animals don’t always do what you need them to do in the time in which you need them to do it, sometimes the results were not up to the level that I wanted. What we do now is shoot our shows backwards. We hunt hard. Maybe we get an animal on the ground, maybe not. That’s the way hunting is. If we can’t get a kill, we’ll at least have an encounter of some sort. Then we build the story line backwards, filming things to fill in the story line that we’ve created.” One overlooked aspect in all of this is the cameraman, the one person that can really make or break the show. “What I look for, and am very fortunate to have on my team, are guys who are extremely good on a camera,” he says. “They have a creative eye, just like a still photographer, and produce amazing images. The days when ‘just okay’ footage worked are long gone because the standards get higher every year.” Stroff says that when he started, he used mini DVD cameras. “They were dummy proof. If you could get it focused, you could use it. It was pretty simple stuff. Not anymore. Now, we’re shooting on high-definition cams.” Those high-definition cams are vital to another enterprise of Stroff’s, a new show called The

One, which launched last summer on Outdoor Channel. “The One is very contentdriven, and the production quality is 10 times that of any show I’ve ever done. It’s in its own league. The cost is also 10 times what my other show costs, so we need to generate the dollars to support it. But I have to say it looks really, really good. “In today’s world, to get people to want to watch television and actually pull some numbers, it’s going to take that kind of innovative programming because they’re just not entertained enough by regular programming.” Another challenge: Content these days is spread over a wider

array of devices and technologies, which makes it harder for a producer to deliver the numbers his sponsors and advertisers expect. “There are so many other places to get content, including YouTube and Netflix,” he says. Yet another concern is industry consolidation, which is changing the relationship between content providers and sponsors and advertisers. “It’s much more corporate,” he says. “The so-called ‘good-oldboy’ industry relationships are disappearing. Now it’s all analytics. Corporate sponsors and advertisers want to see numbers, spreadsheets, demographics. They want to know people from a particular age group watch my show, and they want to

know how many are male and how many are female. I have to prove my worth every year.” Despite the busy schedule, Stroff still does some outfitting. He has a place in Texas and another in South Dakota. “The two feed off each other,” he says. “I do industry hunts for sponsors, and a lot of the business side of this stuff is done in hunting camp, because I get their undivided attention for three or four days. It allows me to prove my worth. And every time they walk into their office and look at the mount of that buck they shot with me, they remember me. That’s how it works.” It’s called marketing.

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The Shotgun & Chelsea Bun Club is the United Kingdom’s premier women’s shooting organization. It has introduced more than 15,000 women to the shooting sports.

Tea, Cakes, and Clays

Browning and the Bun Club work together to promote women’s shooting events By Barbara Baird

ix years ago, Victoria Knowles-Lacks invited a few friends to shoot sporting clays at South Worcester Shooting Ground in Worcestershire, England. What happened on that day changed her life, as well as the lives of thousands of women in Great Britain. Knowles-Lacks is the founder of the Shotgun & Chelsea Bun Club, the United Kingdom’s premier women’s shooting organization.

“Like all good things, the Shotgun & Chelsea Bun Club, aka the Bun Club, started totally by accident,” says Knowles-Lacks. “I took four good friends shooting. I had no idea it would be so successful.” After the shoot, she and her friends shared tea and cake, and she found out how much they loved their time on the clays course. She then created the Bun Club, with a mission to make shooting accessible and appealing to women. “Over here, it’s quite difficult because our gun culture and shooting culture is different,” she says. “If you don’t have an ‘in’ into shooting, it can be quite hard to get into it. There’s a perception that shooting is reserved for the upper classes. “We do 100 events a year all around England, and it’s a nice, fun, and social introduction to shooting. It’s about learning to shoot in a no-pressure environment with great instructors and women, but it’s also about facilitating friendships and confidence and new adventures.” Each event—whether held on a shooting grounds or driven shoot-

ing field—culminates with social time and proper English tea. Knowles-Lacks has been known to haul hampers of delicate tea cups and cake plates across the countryside, so that after women shoot, they can socialize about the sport. At the club’s shooting competitions, the Bun Club awards rosettes for best performance at various shooting levels—and for whomever brought the best cake. The club also hosts events at shooting grounds around the country in June, on National

Ladies Shooting Day. So far, more than 15,000 women have participated in Bun Club events. “A lot of our members have said it’s totally changed their lives,” says Knowles-Lacks. “Now, on the weekends, they’re off driving up the motorways and participating in shooting.” Browning (Booth #10744) is the official shotgun sponsor of the Bun Club. Knowles-Lacks shoots the 12-gauge B725 Sporter, the U.K. version of a Browning 725 Citori. “I love how balanced it is, and

Victoria Knowles-Lacks with some of the cakes that are a hallmark of the Bun Club’s after-shoot socializing. Tea is also served.

the 30-inch barrels aren’t too weighty,” she says. The B725 Sporter saw a slight design change from its predecessor, the B25, offering a different trigger mechanism, which uses a mechanical, rather than a recoil, reset. Americans are familiar with the quality of Browning’s Citori, also an evolved species from the 525. The frame on the B725 is shallower than the 525’s frame, which may be why some women find the gun such a good fit. “Browning has been phenomenal to our club, in terms of the support they’ve offered,” says Knowles-Lacks. “They’re passionate about what we do and are so supportive of our work. We’re excited that they introduced a ladies’ gun last November.” The “head girl” of the Bun Club is pleased to announce a newly formed organization, stemming from her experiences with the club. “As we evolve as shooters, we have a new offering that we just launched, The Ladies Shooting Club International, which is an online global platform for women shooters that puts development and community front and center,” she says.

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F E AT U R E S

The Blind Without a Blind Spot Double Bull introduces SurroundView blinds

tarted as a small Minnesota company by two hunting buddies, Double Bull has grown to be a trusted name as well as the originator of the pop-up-style, five-hub ground blind. Innovations it has pioneered include the double-wide door, a 180-degree window, and silent slide buckles.

Two-Way Mirror ➤

Double Bull engineers are first and foremost hunters, and they are constantly on the lookout for innovation that provides true value to the user. A little over two years ago, Double Bull began experimenting with a new fabric technology. This exclusive fabric has unique properties that allow it to function like a twoway mirror—hiding the hunter from the game outside the blind, but offering a full view without gaping windows. The basis of the technology, now dubbed SurroundView, is a tiny pinhole pattern. When printed with a camouflage design, the holes are hidden and appear solid. Yet, when colored in solid black, they allow a neartransparent view. “It’s a sort of optical illusion,” says Jason Harris, senior product manager for Double Bull. “From the outside, the camouflage pattern tricks the eye, human or animal, into thinking it’s completely solid. The inverse occurs when you’re on the inside; your eyes are able to focus through the pinholes and your mind disregards the blank black fabric between the holes.” The benefits to hunters are fairly obvious: No more silent gobblers sneaking in the back door. No wary bucks skirting the setup just out of view of a window.

Hunting Without a Blind Spot ➤

Anyone who has hunted in a pop-up blind, or even a shooting house, can understand the limitations inherent to a reliance on windows. It seems you are always trying to see what you can’t see, because narrow shooting portals, or windows, only provide a limited point of view. With SurroundView, there are no surprises. You can see when a deer is coming from the far corner of

the field. You can see if it was a squirrel making noises or a deer shuffling over leaves. “It is a huge benefit to be able to see your entire surroundings, know what’s about to happen, and also prepare for it,” Harris says. “Also, if you’re sitting with kids, or someone who’s new to the sport, they can just sit still and see everything. That’s a big difference. In other blinds I’ve been in, the kids have to hunch over and move back and forth to look through each window to really see what’s going on around them. With SurroundView technology, you can sit comfortably and survey all around without much movement, yet you’re totally hidden.” When you think about it, being comfortable makes a whole lot of sense, particularly if you have a long sit with a young hunter who may tend to fidget a bit. SurroundView blinds incorporate Primos Truth Camo, which is a proprietary camo pattern created specifically for large-format applications such as ground blinds. It works in spring or fall, in green cover or brown, and breaks up large objects such as blinds exceedingly well. Three models will be available in 2018. Named for the degrees of see-through viewing provided by the SurroundView fabric, there will be a SurroundView 360, SurroundView 270, and SurroundView 180. Each one is configured slightly differently. SurroundView fabric does cost more to produce, and in many applications, hunters will not need a full 360-degree viewing experience. But for those that do, the SurroundView 360 offers a 77-inch hub-to-hub dimension, with a 60-inch floor space and 70-inch height. It’s great for two full-grown hunters, or an adult

and a couple of kids. It incorporates the 180-degree shootthrough window configuration that is on the current Double Bull Deluxe Blind. It also comes with a blackout curtain that can be positioned on any of the four wall panels. The SurroundView 270 incorporates one black-out wall with three SurroundView walls and features more traditional portstyle shooting windows. It is 73 inches hub-to-hub and has a floor that is 55 inches. The windows are vertical to allow hunters to use bow or rifle. In addition, larger horizontal shooting windows are located above the rod-and-hub systems. The SurroundView 180 is the smallest of the three. It has the

same window configuration as the SurroundView 270, but is 64 inches hub-to-hub, with a 48-inch floor space, and a 65-inch height. It’s perfect for the solo hunter. It incorporates two SurroundView see-through panels, giving you a 180-degree field of view.

The NextGen Component ➤

Primos, Double Bull’s corporate owner, is getting behind the SurroundView blind fully with a strong marketing campaign. One component is a smartphone app that will allow users to test drive the SurroundView models. Using Augmented Reality software like that found in Pokemon Go and other next-generation apps, the SurroundView app will let the user “place” a blind in a location via their smartphone’s camera. They can then “step inside” the blind to see if the placement is right before ever setting up a blind. “It’s going be useful for determining blind setups in the field,” Harris says. “But I think it’s also going to really showcase at the store level the kind of experience these blinds can provide.” SRP: $299 to $499. Booth #14551. (primos.com)

The Double Bull Blind uses SurroundView, an innovative fabric that acts like a two-way mirror.

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John Nagel Triple SCSA/USPSA “Grand Master” Winner of 27 World Titles

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F E AT U R E S

When you must endure daylong walks to find a good buff, it helps to wear premium socks.

Dress Like an Austrian Jagdhund clothing and boots are worth every cent, and then some By Richard Mann

uropeans are serious about hunting and the gear they use. Unlike most Americans, they often have only one or at most a couple of guns. This means they buy good stuff so it lasts. Similarly, their hunting clothes and boots are of the same high quality. When Steyr USA became the importer of Jagdhund clothing, I was very interested. While hunting in Germany, Norway, and Scotland, I’d been exposed to the quality gear Jagdhund manufactures, but it just wasn’t practical to order from the States.

Before spending a month in Africa last summer, I outfitted myself with a head-to-toe collection of Jagdhund apparel. Had I been dashingly handsome, on any given day in the bush I could have modeled for the Jagdhund catalog. That did not happen, but something else did: I realized for the umpteenth time in my life that when it comes to gear, you get what you pay for. Jagdhund means “hunting dog” in German and is the brand name of an Austrian company known worldwide for traditional hunting clothes made from all-natural materials like wool, camel hair, and cotton. XJAGD, Jagdhund’s sister company, uses more modern, intelligent materials. Steyr Arms, based in Bessemer, Alabama, is the sole link to Jagdhund gear for the American sportsman. Fortunately, they’re importing some of the best items

from both product lines. I found no fault with any of the Jagdhund and XJAGD items I wore during that month in Africa, but three products were exceptional.

My Linus Blanket ➤ When

many hunters think of a safari, they think of warm temperatures. This can be true, but I was hunting six hours south of

Johannesburg. Frost in the mornings was common, and so were cold brisk winds threatening to run you off the back of the Land Rover. My son and I both had XJAGD Buffalo 2 Jackets and they became our “Linus” blankets. The blended fabric construction, four zippered pockets, unique binocular retaining strap, and comfy fleece lining made this a jacket one we would not leave camp without. As a bonus, this is a good-looking loden jacket. My son wears his to school and mine’s seen a date night or two with the wife. She’s yet to complain I looked like I was getting ready to drag out a deer. SRP: $396.95.

Miles and Miles ➤ When

Schöpfle water-resistant boots are warm in the cool weather and cool in hot weather.

I was in basic training, I learned the importance of taking care of my feet. Spending 3 to 10 miles on your feet every day look-

ing for kudu or buffalo will test socks. If your socks suck, your feet will suffer. Made with ADVANSA Thermo°Cool and merino wool, the Jagdhund Short Function Socks include an elastic arch support, reinforced toe and heel, ventilation mesh panel, elastic ankle support, and ankle flex. The 35 percent polyamide, 27 percent polyester, 24 percent polypropylene, 12 percent wool, and 2 percent elastane construction are an ideal blend for lots of walking. I’ve put more than 100 miles on only two pairs. SRP: $39.95.

The Sole of the Hunt ➤ It

took me 12 safaris to find footwear that was not only comfortable on all sorts of terrain, but was capable of dealing with the sharp things in Africa. I’d tried the usual suspects and had sore feet or blowouts. I tried custom safari shoes and wasted my money. In desperation, I took a chance on the Jagdhund Schöpfle boots. Designed for the hills and lowlands, they were warm in the cool weather and cool in hot. They’re water-resistant, breathable, and have a leather lining so soft you’ll just sit around rubbing it after you take them off. They also have reinforcements in the heel and toe, but wear like sneakers. At only $273.95, they cost about half what they’re worth. Jagdhund and X JAGD apparel far exceeds the quality and craftsmanship of the common cookiecutter garments and boots that are the default hunting garb for many American hunters. Jagdhund hews to that European one-gun mindset—buy once and buy right. I’m a convert. You will be, too. During the 2018 SHOT Show, Jagdhund will be offering dealerorder incentives. Booth #10246.

(steyrarms.com)

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F E AT U R E S

The Steyr AUG wasn’t the first true bullpup, but it was the first truly successful design of that revolutionary concept.

Standard Bearer

The Steyr AUG bullpup design reaches a milestone By Peter Suciu

he Steyr AUG wasn’t the first true bullpup (a firearm with its action located behind the trigger group), but it was the first truly successful design of that revolutionary concept. Such success can’t be overstated; 40 years after its introduction, the Steyr AUG is still considered the standard bearer for bullpups. Its robust design coupled with its compact size have made it the weapon of choice for the Austrian Army. It has also seen service with the armed forces of Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malaysia, New Zealand, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Pakistan, the Falkland Islands Defence Force, and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“A short rifle that features the same ballistic capabilities as a long one always was a requirement, especially when troops became more and more mechanized,” says Erwin Derntl, sales manager for Steyr Arms. “Confined spaces inside vehicles, urban areas combined with new tactics, and enhanced mobility call out for short weapons.” The Steyr AUG was successful because it offered the compact size of a submachine gun, but the functionality of a rifle. “One typical way to get a compact weapon is to shorten the barrel,” he says. “But a short barrel lacks accuracy and creates a hell of a muzzle signature.” Thus, in the early 1970s, when the Austrian Army opted to switch to the 5.56-caliber round, it also established three main requirements for the new combat rifle. It had to be as short as a submachine gun, as accurate as a sniper rifle, and as reliable as a Kalashnikov. The Austrian military approached Steyr, and the rest is history.

No Fear

thinking innovations at the time. The weapon ultimately delivered to the Austrian Army went by the name StG77 or Sturmgewehr 77. “Other customers got interested in this futuristic-looking little rifle. They tested and evaluated the AUG and found that it was superior to any other rifle on the market and put it into service,” says Derntl. “Today, 40 years later, the AUG still is in service and is repurchased by existing customers or selected as a new rifle by new customers. Naturally, there have been modifications, enhancements, and upgrades over the years, but the AUG definitely is the only bullpup that survived on the market, and it will see several more decades of service.” Steyr Arms is celebrating the success of this innovative firearm with the release of a new limited-edition STG 77 SA that emulates the look, feel, and operation of the original AUG. The STG 77 SA, the first U.S.-built production AUG variant to come with a standard 20-inch barrel, is cold-hammer-forged while profiled to the original 1977 specifications. This includes a tulip-style muzzle brake with

➤ “There

were some mastermind engineers on both sides, including the Austrian Army’s technical branch and those at Steyr Daimler Puch AG,” says Derntl. “As a team, they were not afraid of new rifle philosophies, nor were they inclined to think of new technologies as strange. Who would have thought in 1970 that a trigger could be made from synthetic material? Or that an optical sight could be developed that would be able to withstand military drop and climate tests?” The bullpup seemed the way to go, and the resulting AUG offered 100 percent interchangeability, absolute modularity, and total user-friendly ergonomics that were forward-

The STG 77 SA integrated original-profile 1.5X scope offers the popular circle-dot reticle.

the original hex check nut. The STG 77 SA also features an integrated original-profile 1.5X scope, which offers the popular circle-dot reticle. Unlike the original optic, which required a special tool to adjust the windage and elevation, the STG 77 reticle can be adjusted with a coin. A set of three-dot post-and-notch backup sights have also been integrated to the top of the scope housing. The new gun replicates the original AUG and is offered without any rails. However, the scope is designed so that it can be replaced with any of the five standard Steyr Picatinny rails currently available for the AUG A3 M1. The gun also features OD Green furniture and accepts the company’s translucent magazines. The Steyr “bull’s-eye” logo is laser-engraved on the side. SRP: $2,625. The original rifle took almost seven years of development and has seen constant use for 40 years. Because interchangeability of parts and components has been maintained, customers of all the AUG models are ensured of a 100 percent guaranteed supply of spare parts, as well as the ability to upgrade their rifles. As a limited edition that was in production for only a single year, the STG 77 may no longer be available to retailers. “We are really excited about the 40th anniversary STG 77, and at the rate collectors have been gobbling them up, we don’t expect them to be available for very long,” says Scott T. O’Brien, Steyr Arms CEO. “That said, our current model of the rifle, the AUG A3 M1, is now available in 40 different versions with many different stock color and optics/rail configurations.” That should be more than enough to satisfy any bullpup customer. Booth #10246. (steyrarms.com)

72 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ DAY 2, JANUARY 24, 2018

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f e at u r e s

Gary Giudice has built a strong, close-knit team at Blue Heron. “A new hire has to get along with my staff, they’ve got to get along with clients.”

Learning to Fly

Blue Heron’s founder looks back at the lessons of 30 years in outdoors communications By Robert F. Staeger

he Oklahoma-based communications agency has a long list of celebrated clients in the outdoors industry, including Benelli, Franchi, Stoeger, Uberti USA, and Stoeger Airguns. (These brands are all part of Benelli. Booth #13656.) Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, the agency was hatched in the mind of its founder and CEO, Gary Giudice, in 1987. After a few years learning the ropes at New York PR shops, Giudice struck out on his own. “Back then, everyone named their agency after themselves, but with a name like Giudice, with its crazy spelling, I knew that wasn’t going to work,” he says. “In fishing, when you’re working a bank and you see a blue heron, it’s a sign that there’ll be fish. So that’s where our name came from.”

Like all fledgling businesses, at first Blue Heron struggled to take flight. “The first year was tough because I wasn’t making any money,” says Giudice. “The second year was tough because I had more work than I could physically do, and I had to start hiring people. And being in New York, finding someone with professional

skills but had a passion for the outdoors was not an easy task.” As the business grew, Giudice set up his offices in an out-ofbusiness shoe store—a location Blue Heron would remain at for a nearly decade. Compared to today’s world of instantaneous communication, public relations was a more hands-on job back

then. “You’ve got to remember, there was no internet, and there were no emails, so doing simple tasks that now you can do at the snap of a finger, back then was quite an ordeal,” says Giudice. To illustrate, he walks through the process of making a press release for one of his early clients. “Rubbermaid was trying to get

into the outdoors business, with tackle boxes and so forth. For a simple press release, they would send me the product. Then I’d know what I was talking about, so I would write a press release. The grocery store down the street had a fax machine, so I’d go down there and fax it to the client. In the meantime, I’d take a picture

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of the product. I’d rent a darkroom—if you rented one overnight, you got it cheaper—and I’d develop the film and print maybe 4,000 copies, all in black-andwhite. By the time I was done with all that, the client would have gotten back with approval of the press release.” The process didn’t end there. “So then I’d have to print out all the labels—you can imagine what it was like. I cut cardboard to fit in the envelope for the picture, so it wouldn’t bend when I mailed it. It was a weeklong ordeal just to get a simple press release,” he says. “Now if you call and want a press release at noon, it can be out that afternoon. But back in the day, it would take all week.” Blue Heron’s move from New York to Norman, Oklahoma, in 1994 was another hands-on experience. Giudice recalls getting a lastminute call from a moving company explaining that his phones would be down for two weeks during the move—contrary to their previous promises to handle the transfer over the weekend. This was unacceptable, so Giudice took the matter into his own hands. “I hired the biggest U-Hauls I could find, and local people to load and unload them on each side, and drove ’em down. On Friday the phones rang in New York, and on Monday morning, they rang in Oklahoma.” It was a grueling experience, but the problem was solved. Not only does Blue Heron handle communications for hook and bullet manufacturers, but also for nonprofit organizations in the outdoors category, including the Boone and Crockett Club and National Hunting and Fishing Day. Nonprofit work has pitfalls that usually aren’t seen in work with manufacturers, says Giudice, because it’s more likely to come in contact with people outside the hunting and shooting community, who might not fully understand the issues. As an example, he recalls a fundraiser some years ago for the Dallas Safari Club, which was auctioning off a hunt for a black rhino. The cause was a good one—preserving other black rhinos, which are endangered—but the optics caught people offguard. “There are only a few black rhinos,” Giudice says. “But the preserve had some that were over the age limit, which were rogue and were killing younger males. They had to get rid of them, so they were going to auction off the

hunt. We estimated we might get around $3 million for it. But then the antis got involved, and they raised holy hell, saying ‘How can you kill something to make more of them?’ That sort of thing. It was a horrible fight.” In the end, the fracas cost a lot of money that would have gone toward conservation. The club raised only about half of what it expected. “You don’t have those kinds of issues with firearms,” says Giudice. “They’re a product. We’re kind of a close family: the end-user segment, the manufacturers, the marketing people. But when you get into some of this issue stuff, everybody’s got a piece of that.” The black rhino incident was one lesson learned in a career full of them. “Every day’s a new day, the sun sets and comes up again, and you better make sure you’re doing it right,” says Giudice. “You never, ever stop learning.” Sometimes that learning comes at the cost of hard experience. Giudice recalls a promotional event that Blue Heron set up in the 1990s, a pig hunt in Georgia. They’d never worked with the outfitter before, but it was recommended by one of the top names in the industry. They took him at his word—and things quickly went south. “It was terrible! The outfitter had us trespassing on somebody else’s land, and there was not enough food. Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong,” recalls Giudice. “Tom Gresham was with us, and the late Wade Bourne. It was the worst event I’d ever been on. We’re still joking about that trip, and it was 20 years ago. “But we learned a lot from that, and that doesn’t happen anymore,” he says. “We either have been there, or we talk to several people who have, or we don’t go.” Knowing who to trust is important, and never more so than when staffing up. “The most important thing I do is hire the right people,” says Giudice, who’s built a strong, close-knit team at Blue Heron. “A new hire has to get along with my staff, they’ve got to get along with clients. They have to have a burning passion for the outdoors, and they have to have the professional skills to back all this up. “If you’ve got good people, and you’ve got an open mind, you can make this work,” he says. Looking back over 30 years, the things that stand out to Giudice

aren’t the latest products he’s promoted, or the hunting and fishing trips he’s taken part in—though those are all great memories. Instead, it’s the people he’s participated in these things with, working and hunting and fishing side by side. “Outdoors people are the best in the world. They’re exciting people, and they share a passion. You can see the excitement

in their eyes, and it’s contagious. And then, suddenly, we’re planning trips ourselves, outside of work.” As a final word, Giudice suggests that the constantly changing world of media communications isn’t for the faint of heart. “If you want a challenge, start up a PR agency,” he says. “You’ll have your fill of challenges!”

how to do a media push

Blue Heron founder and CEO Gary Giudice knows it’s a bad idea to launch a product without a media strategy. “It’s like a map to get to a fishing spot,” he says. “You’ve got to have a plan.” As you bring your next product into the public eye, here are some tactics to employ. Check an agency’s media connections. “People do business with people,” says Giudice. “An agency should have good connections. They should know the outdoor press, how much influence individuals have, and so forth.” A healthy list of media contacts helps especially with hosting events and sending out products for testing. “I’ve seen a lot of people that waste money on writers that don’t have a lot of influence,” says Giudice. “If your budget’s limited, be really careful about that.” Make testing easy. Get your gear into a writer’s hands, and make the experience as seamless as possible. “When we send out a rifle, we try to have the optics sighted in, we provide the ammo, and even the targets,” says Giudice. “And then when they’re done with their testing they send it all back.” The easier you make a job for media folks, the more likely it’ll be prioritized. And the more elements of the testing you control (optics, ammo, etc.), the better the chances your product will shine. Events should be effortless. The same holds true for events that you invite the press to—hunts and shoots and fishing trips. “We make sure that it’s a turnkey deal,” says Giudice. “First, we call up editors and make sure they’re interested in the story. Then, we try to find unique locations or animals that would spotlight our product. That way the writer doesn’t worry about anything till he gets back to his door.” This gets expensive, but the returns are often worth it. “We’ve got a crew shooting geese and ducks in New Zealand right now,” says Giudice. It’s a pricey trip, but Giudice expects it will yield great coverage. “You get a gun on the cover of one of the big magazines, and you’re going to sell that thing out.” “But if you get something all over Facebook or Twitter, you need to get tons of it to sell out a product,” says Giudice. “I think a lot of companies are demanding too much of social media, and I think they forget that print’s still here, and still a pretty good deal.” Tailor your press releases. When the press requests product information and photos, it’s important to know what they’re looking for, and to meet those expectations. “If it’s just for an article where they list a bunch of different fishing lures, and they’ll be writing 30 or 40 words on each, why give them 200?” If they just ask for a clean product shot, that’s what you should send them. “Know what they want, and send them what they want,” he says. “And then follow up with them.” Keep videos short and sweet. Giudice cautions companies to remember why they’re making them. “From day one, our purpose is to sell product,” he says. Entertainment can sell, but it doesn’t always—so if your gag isn’t moving product, kill that darling. “Make them shorter than you think you should, and you’ll do well,” says Giudice. “Stay on point. And if you can, use recognizable talent. A lot of people will watch if you do those things. But if you start getting away from that, your numbers start falling.” Ultimately, the key is to remember your job: selling product. With social media, sometimes it’s hard to measure success beyond likes and shares. But when the sales figures come in, those are the ultimate signal that your message has been heard.

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When you peer behind the curtain of special effects, you see some really interesting stuff

Can They Really Do That? Hollywood Weapons looks at the science behind creating pyrotechnics and firearms special effects

H “Hollywood Weapons is a scientific show,” says host Terry Schappert. “It is a show for lovers of film and television, and it’s a really entertaining experience that lets the viewer go behind the scenes to see how it’s all done.” In Season 2, Hollywood Weapons will feature a spate of special guests, including Gary Sinise (CSI NY, Forrest Gump, The Green Mile), Tom Selleck (Blue Bloods, Friends, Magnum P.I.), Nick Searcy (Justified), and Daniel Hennesey (Inspector Gadget), all of whom assist in episodes that break down scenes from Reindeer Games, James Bond films, Quigley Down Under, and X-Men Wolverine, to name a few. SHOT Daily recently had the chance to sit with Schappert to discuss the show, his acting career, and time spent as a Green Beret.

Terry, you’re a retired Q Green Beret. You’ve done multiple combat tours and completed many interesting schools—Ranger, sniper, and HALO—and had a chance to lead your own team for the last five years. First of all, thank you for your service. Now, how did you find your way to television and Outdoor Channel’s Hollywood Weapons with that background? TERRY SCHAPPERT: I

A started my career in the 82nd Airborne Division, fought in the Persian Gulf War, then went to

ave you ever sat in a movie theater or been at home watching a TV show and during a dangerous action sequence or gunfight, asked yourself, “Can they really do that?” You’re not alone. Entering its second season on television, Outdoor Channel’s Hollywood Weapons—described by show consultant Joe Mantegna as “Mythbusters on steroids”—asks that question every week. Hosts Terry Schappert and Larry Zanoff work through scenarios from movie classics and television shows to provide viewers with the science behind the pyrotechnics and firearms scenes. Hollywood Weapons (premiering Saturday, February 24, at 7:30 p.m. ET) is a concept show that engages mainstream audiences as well as core outdoor lifestyle and adventure enthusiasts by comparing the actual scene with a real-life test of the firearm or weapon used in the making of the film or television show. Last season, the show explored scenes from Criminal Minds, Jaws, Die Hard, The Score, Rambo: First Blood, Predator, Star Trek, and The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Special Forces, where I stayed until 1997. Like a lot of other men and women, I jumped back in after 9/11. For me, the choice between going on auditions or getting back into the fight was an easy decision. I saw what happened and I wanted to help try and find the bad guys that attacked America. I deployed multiple times on combat and training missions with my unit, and I retired in October 2016. In between my tours, I had the opportunity to train as an actor in New York City. I had some parts on stage and television, and feel very comfortable in front of a camera. I’m a bit of a ham. I heard about Hollywood Weapons and figured because of my military background and training, I had a decent chance for the host gig. I was enthusiastically psyched to participate in the pilot. Outdoor Channel liked the pilot, and the show was picked up and here we are in Season 2. Good segue. What can Q we expect in Season 2? TS: Well, if you saw any of

A Season 1, you saw us try to

blow up a shark with a diver’s air tank (Jaws); you saw a reenactment of me trying to shoot a hangman’s noose with an authentic “Old West” rifle (The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly); you saw my best John McClane imitation and stunt work (Die Hard), and you saw me try to create gunpowder and defeat the Gorn alien as Star Trek’s Captain James

T. Kirk, to name a few interesting episodes. And, may I add, I had a ball! This season we will be even bigger and better. Final question: We see Q Joe Mantegna on Criminal Minds, Gun Stories, the movies, on stage, in Chicago at the Cubs games, and he seems like a genuinely nice person. Is he? TS: Joe is one of the produc-

A ers of Hollywood Weapons and

everything you’ve ever heard is probably true except that he is 10 times nicer and more gracious. He is a world-renowned talent with major acting awards to his credit, but he loves working on his shows at Outdoor Channel (Gun Stories) and our show Hollywood Weapons. He really is a genuinely nice human being that I am lucky enough to now call my friend, along with my sidekick on the show and firearms expert, Larry Zanoff. Without Larry, we don’t have a show. I can’t say enough about Larry or Joe, despite what they say about me. Outdoor Channel’s Hollywood Weapons can be seen on Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. ET and on the subscription-based, on-demand service MyOutdoorTV. Booth #13923. (outdoorssg.com) Hosts Terry Schappert (top) and Larry Zanoff (bottom) take viewers behind the scenes of special effects.

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F E AT U R E S

Sink or Swim

Starline built a business by manufacturing superior brass cases for reloading.

➤ Taking

Game Plan Starline Brass started small—and then it grew By Bill Miller

he bicentennial year 1976 saw the launch of Starline Brass. From a sweltering Quonset hut in Covina, California, the new manufacturer began making .38 Special cases with cast-off machinery from the government’s military arsenals. Those same machines still run at Starline’s 30,000-square-foot plant in Sedalia, Missouri, producing cases in 80 calibers for personal defense, hunting, cowboy action shooting, and more.

The company’s team isn’t shy about saying Starline makes superior cases, produced efficiently and inspected 10 times to ensure tight tolerances. The brass is drawn vertically on the dated equipment, but Starline relies on these machines to avoid variations of wall thicknesses on all its cases. “They just don’t make them like they used to,” says general manager Bobby Hayden. “We do incorporate some CNC grinders, but our production equipment is mostly vintage stuff reconditioned, retooled, and brought back into service. Everything is cast iron and solid—simply done, but well designed.” Hayden was a teenager when he began working in Starline’s old Quonset hut, learning about metals and manufacturing from skilled tradesmen. He learned the business side from his father.

“We Had to Get a Niche” ➤ In

the mid 1970s, Starline’s cofounder, Robert Hayden Sr., was hired to run Sierra Bullets in Santa Fe Springs, California. The company had new owners, and the former owner, Frank Snow, stayed on temporarily to help with the transition. Hayden and Snow became friends. “We were at a ballgame, watching the Dodgers play, and we were talking about business,” Hayden says. “And Frank said, ‘You know, Robert, we ought to do something together.’ And I said, ‘Well, let’s go into the case business.’”

Hayden continued running Sierra Bullets, but worked on Starline’s business plan in his free time. Snow, meanwhile, was busy scrounging for affordable used machine-shop equipment. The third partner, Paul Knepp, was a tool-and-die maker for Sierra Bullets. He focused on the necessary tools to make .38 Special cases. In short order, Starline was in business. Next came .357 Magnum and .45 ACP. Soon the little company was making cases with custom headstamps for Federal, Winchester, and Remington. But in the early 1980s, Starline started selling brass factory-direct, with its very own headstamps. Then Federal got a lucrative contract for the FBI’s brief experiment with 10mm; it turned to Starline for help with cases. “And that was some big numbers,” Hayden says. “We were selling and shipping probably 750,000 cases a month. So that’s when we really got kicking. We got real orders. We were making money.” The two-year run with 10mm cases allowed the company some operating capital and gave it the ability to move into the next game with new calibers. Starline eventually offered .40 Smith & Wesson and 9mm. That’s when Hayden saw that, despite Starline’s growth, it wasn’t big enough to compete with the major manufacturers of common pistol-caliber cartridge cases like .45 ACP and 9mm. “We had to get a niche in the marketplace,” he says. “So we

decided we were going to make a lot of different types of old-line cartridge cases.” The team focused on calibers common on the American frontier, such as .44-40 and .45 Colt, for people who wanted to reload cartridges for vintage or replica revolvers, lever actions, and single-shot, long-range buffalo rifles. The move positioned Starline for huge growth serving the cowboy action shooting community. Joining the team in the late 1980s was a young man not long out of high school named Robert Hayden, Jr. “Bobby had come out of high school and did not want to go to college,” Hayden says. “So, I hired him. And he did every nasty job you can do in this business. I remember down at the Quonset hut, summertime, it would be 120 degrees inside that building. We had fans blowing on everybody, but he learned to do everything from the ground floor up.” For Bobby, it was a paycheck, trade school, and a business college all rolled into one. He especially appreciated the mentoring of the tool-and-die makers. “I was very fortunate in the fact I had those gentlemen to learn from,” he says. “They taught me to overdesign equipment, build it better than it needs to be, to keep it simple, and to always keep track of the quality. I worked my way through the machine shop. Then the plant manager got a job offer from PMC in Nevada, so I took the reins of the facility. I was 20 at the time. It was pretty big stuff.”

so much responsibility at such a young age was daunting, but according to his father, “Bobby did an excellent job.” The next scary challenge was overseeing the company’s relocation to Sedalia, Missouri. The father was already there, having picked the community as a better location for Sierra Bullets. Before he left, Robert told his wife, Barbara, and Bobby that they’d have to run Starline. After a year, if the arrangement didn’t work, they could sell. But, Bobby said, his mother is very dynamic and astute. At that time she was mayor of the city of Downey. “Robert told us we either had to sink or swim,” Barbara says. “So Bobby and I made a pact that it will work. And it did. I think he thought we couldn’t do it. But we surprised him.” With Sierra Bullets up and going in Sedalia, the senior Hayden’s thoughts returned to Starline. “I noticed that five acres next door here were for sale,” he says. “So I said, ‘I just built one building for the one company and got it going good. We might as well do the same thing and bring Starline back here.” One big motivating factor for the move was that Starline had no room to grow in California. That changed with the move to Missouri in the fall of 1992. “When we unplugged in California, we were making about 20 million cases a year, and after we got here, in the first 12 months we made 40 million,” Bobby said. “The growth was right there, ready to happen.”

Production Chops ➤ Snow

and Knepp, now deceased, eventually retired and sold their shares to Robert, though, according to Bobby, he happily stayed involved with the company before he died. Starline has added more rifle-caliber cases and more products are in the works. He also adds that Starline’s current team has the same production chops as the company’s founders. “I’m very fortunate to have a crew well versed in old-school machine techniques,” Bobby says. “You need the modern-day electronics guy, but you still need a guy who can use a micrometer. That’s what keeps us in the game.” Booth #N219.

(starlinebrass.com)

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f e at u r e s

The Do-All Guns

Browning has devised a versatile shotgun lineup designed to meet the needs of the competitive shooter By Brad Fitzpatrick

t last summer’s Scholastic Clay Target (SCTP) National Championship in Marengo, Ohio, more than 2,200 shotgun shooters in grades 4 through college competed for tens of thousands of dollars in prizes and scholarship money. That’s a dramatic increase from just a few years ago, and a sign of the growing popularity of the target shooting disciplines. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, participation in target shooting—particularly shotgun shooting—has risen 44 percent in the last decade. And even though the SCTP program has only been in existence for about 15 years, the program has already produced a number of world-class shooters—three of the current Olympic medalists in shotgun and over half of the national shotgun team are alums of SCTP. The Citori CXS and CX (left) are part of a three-gun series (the other is the CXT, right) designed for competitive shooters.

It’s easy to understand why parents are encouraging their children to participate in SCTP. Aside from improving their shooting skills, children in these programs learn the principles of safe gun handling. Over the course of the four-day SCTP and SASP (Scholastic Action Shooting Program) championship, more than 1.5 million shots were fired—without a single injury. What might not be so easy for the parents of new shooters to understand, though, is which shotgun their child needs to have to develop into a competitive shooter. Browning has helped simplify shotgun selection with the introduction of three new Citori over/unders that are designed specifically with the competitive shooter in mind. The Citori CXS is engineered to shoot a 50/50 pattern (meaning half of the shot pattern strikes above the front bead of the shotgun and half of the pattern strikes below the bead, also known as shooting “flat”), perfect for skeet and sporting clays disciplines as well as hunting. There’s also a CXT version that shoots a 70/30 pattern and is ideal for breaking rising targets when shooting trap. The Citori CX, which shoots a 60/40 pattern, is an intermediate gun that works well for all disciplines. As a former collegiate club shooter, I can attest to the fact that finding the right shotgun for competitive shooting can be difficult. The very first over/under that I purchased had a very high point of impact (POI). That made the gun ideal for trap but very challenging for shooting skeet and sporting clays, which was very frustrating. My only options, then, were to try to adjust my hold point (which is often futile) or to buy an extra gun for skeet and sporting clays competition—something I couldn’t afford to do. With the new Crossover line that includes the CX, CXS, and CXT, new shooters can find exactly the gun they want for the discipline that they choose—or a versatile gun that will work for everything. “A lot of hunters and shooters need a do-all gun,” says Rafe Nielsen, Browning’s marketing communications manager. “And that’s where the whole CX family comes into play. These guns are designed to handle multiple disciplines. Whether that is one gun to handle all the sporting disciplines like Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clays, or one that will double for

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1/11/18 3:17 PM

SEE THE LINE AT THE NAVY ARMS BOOTH

11946

The Midland Backpack™ .410 Gauge - 18.5" Barrel

The guns come with chrome chambers, Vector Pro lengthened forcing cones, and extended choke tubes.

One Gun, Countless Options. SHOTGUN • RIMFIRE • CENTERFIRE

20 Gauge - 26" Barrel

STOCKING DEALER PROGRAM S I M PL E & PR O F I TA B L E !

12 Gauge - 18.5" Barrel

Buy 6 Midlands, get 1 FREE. 12 Gauge - 24" Barrel

For details come to BOOTH 11946

12 Gauge - 26" Barrel

Come see the new line of Midland Backpack™ single shot long guns with entry-level pricing, strong distribution and unique features including; · Screw-in Beretta mobilchokes · Shotgun and riﬂe barrel interchangeability · High margin up-sales on barrels and accessory items · Removable stock extenders and cocking indicator for youth shooters.

SOLD EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH For more information on the Midland Backpack™ line, visit: www.shootmidland.com

both sporting and hunting, this Citori line has an offering that will accommodate the multiple needs of shooters.” Browning Citori shotguns are held in very high esteem by serious competition shooters, so there’s no question that these guns will perform at the highest level and last for years. All three of these shotguns come with precision-machined, heattreated action parts that are extremely durable. Robust hammers with coil-style mainsprings offer reliable performance, and the full-width tapered locking bolt engages a full-width tapered recess on the barrel lugs for maximum strength and durability. All three guns come with chrome chambers, Vector Pro lengthened forcing cones, and Midas-grade Invector-Plus choke tubes that are extended for easy removal. The metalwork is richly blued with the model name in gold on the receiver, the polished grade II American walnut stock mates beautifully with the metalwork, and the Inflex 2 pad helps reduce the impact of recoil by channeling rearward force away from the shooter’s face. The CXS is available in 12- and 20-gauge (SRP: $2,139.99), and the CX and CXT are available in 12-gauge (SRP: $2,069.99 and $2,199.99, respectively). There’s also a Micro (compact) version of the CX available for smallstatured shooters. By offering high quality at a relatively affordable price and simplifying the firearm selection process for new shooters, Browning is winning over a whole new generation of competitive shotgun shooters. I had the opportunity to test these guns at a Browning media event recently, and I was very impressed by the build quality and beautiful aesthetics that have become synonymous with the Citori line. Regardless of the discipline, there’s a CX gun that’s perfect for your customers. Booth #10744. (browning.com)

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SEE SRM GUNS AT BOOTH #11946 (Navy Arms) NEW FOR 2018

28 ROUNDS OF AGUILA™ MINISHELL FIREPOWER SRM1228

The new SRM 1228 takes the existing semi-auto speed and detachable magazine reloading capability of SRM’s shotguns to a new level. To see the SRM 1228, new California-legal models and all SRM products, come to booth #11946. (Navy Arms)

Revolutionary Design. Unprecedented Firepower.

100% USA

made in the

USA

DESIGNED & MANUFACTURED

SOLD EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH

1/11/18 3:17 PM

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1/3/18 4:39 PM

F E AT U R E S

The stainless-steel double-wall Rambler Jug can keep a gallon of coffee steaming hot for hours.

about it. And in so doing, it’s driving other companies to do the same thing. The result is improved performance, less waste, and a hunting/fishing company breaking through into other industries. That’s good news for everyone.

Ramblers ➤ The

More Than a Cooler Yeti crosses the frontier

By Justin Moore

t wasn’t all that long ago that hunters expected to purchase a semi-disposable cooler nearly every season. Typically, it was a purchase driven by whatever was on sale. Features didn’t really matter, as we all knew the hinges would snap off, latches would fail, and if it took a tumble off the pickup it was a goner.

Nobody realized just how big (and profitable) the cooler industry could be until Yeti entered the scene. Now there are an abundance of companies copying its business model by offering morerobust coolers, many at prices

The Panga is fully submersible and has straps that allow it to be worn like a backpack.

below that of Yeti. But Yeti still dominates, even though its products are expensive. What the competition has been slow to see is that Yeti hasn’t just created a new category, it has created a lifestyle brand. People want

to be associated with the name because it portrays an intriguing image of the outdoors, and they want to be part of that image. Yeti has also found a way to cross cultural boundaries to reach consumers outside the immediate hunting and fishing community. It’s not often that you find a single product that appeals to a hunter, a fisherman, a chef, a surfer, a photographer, and a professional cowboy. Last year, the Yeti brand expanded into portable drinkware, and, just as with its iconic coolers, now everyone is copying them. Six months ago, Yeti launched a line of waterproof duffels. It even created a durable 5-gallon bucket, and for the first time in my life, the words, “I really want that bucket!” fell out of my mouth. I can’t explain why I want it, I just know that I do. I think one of the keys to the company’s remarkable success is that it recognized a general dissatisfaction with disposable products and has decided to do something

Rambler line consists of drinkware ranging from the Colster (Yeti’s take on a koozie), the Tumbler (a cup for any application or purpose), the Bottle, and the Jug, which can hold up to a full gallon of whatever hot or cold liquid you choose. There is even a Lowball version of the Rambler, so that you only need one cup for both your coffee in the morning and your celebratory bourbon in the afternoon. All are built from 18/8 stainless steel and have double-wall vacuum insulation. They’ve also been built to withstand bouncing around under a hunting guide’s pickup seat for years. They can now be customized with a DuraCoat finish, providing not only your favorite colors but an extra layer of durability. Yeti has also expanded its line of accessories for the Rambler Bottles, Jugs, Tumblers, and Lowballs as well. There are lids for different purposes, including a new Magslider lid to keep your drinks at the appropriate temperature longer. It’s even developed handles and specialized mounts to make carrying your Rambler easier no matter where you go.

Panga ➤ Luggage

is just luggage. That is, until you make it fully submersible and equipped with straps that allow it to be worn like a backpack. The Panga is built to take the most brutal beatings, even frequent trips through TSA screenings, without so much as a scratch. Being watertight also means that it keeps out dust, snow, and rain— elements that can ruin a hunting trip in a hurry. It offers multiple lash points and handles as well, which makes strapping it down to any mode of transportation (even horseback) quick and easy. Throw it in your boat during a rainstorm or in the back of your truck while driving to elk camp. The Panga will make sure that you have a clean and dry set of clothes waiting for you when you need them. Booth #2836. (yeti.com)

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1/11/18 3:18 PM

F E AT U R E S

A Step in the Right Direction

SOG’s Chris Cashbaugh takes an unconventional path to success By Christopher Cogley

he vast majority of people enter the workforce with hopes of climbing the rungs of the corporate ladder, where their years of dedication will be rewarded appropriately. And while this model of traditional business success has proven to be effective for many people, there are those rare exceptions when someone has the fortitude to take a step back and change course. Chris Cashbaugh, the longtime fixture in the marketing department at SOG Specialty Knives and Tools, is one of those rare people. Cashbaugh wasn’t necessarily looking to take his career in a different direction when Nando Zucchi, SOG’s executive vice president of sales and marketing, left the company and recommended that Cashbaugh take over his role. “Of course, I was extremely honored and humbled,” Cashbaugh says. “It was a great opportunity for me.” It also seemed like a natural fit,

not only because Cashbaugh had handled nearly every aspect of marketing for the company in the 15 years he’d spent at SOG, but because he’d also assumed many of the executive responsibilities of that position after Zucchi left. But just because it was a good fit and a great opportunity didn’t mean it was necessarily the right one for Cashbaugh. “As I started getting more into it, I realized that the big marketing strategy aspect of the business wasn’t really what I was interested in, and it also wasn’t necessarily my greatest strength,” Cashbaugh says. “I like guidelines and guardrails with a little creativity thrown in. That’s where I tend to work the best and produce the best work.” Fortunately for Cashbaugh, some restructuring at SOG created an opportunity as a director of product line management that was much more in line with those parameters. But while that position seemed to provide a better

fit, pursuing it would mean he would have to turn his back on the executive leadership role. “I did some serious introspection. I stepped back and took a hard look at what was best for me and what was best for SOG,” he says. “In the end, I figured that this was a chance for me to pivot into something new and use my knowledge and experience in an area where I could do the most good for the company.” In his role as product line manager, Cashbaugh will help determine SOG’s product line. He’ll do that by analyzing the needs of the consumer and working with product development to come up with a line that meets those needs. It’s that aspect of the position— the ability to have a hand in shaping the products that will represent the brand—that Cashbaugh is looking forward to. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t any lingering regret. “It’s bittersweet,” Cashbaugh

In his role as product line manager, Chris Cashbaugh will help determine SOG’s evolving product line.

admits. “I’m excited to look at new challenges, but I’ve had my hand in marketing here for so long that it’s tough to let that go.” There’s one very important aspect of his job, however, that Cashbaugh didn’t have to sacrifice in the transition. “I really enjoy working at SOG, and I enjoy the people here. There’s a heritage, there’s a connection that I’m part of,” he says. “This is where I want to be. This is where I belong.” Booth #425. (sogknives.com)

Engineered Excellence

Mauser’s newest bolt-action hunting riﬂe beneﬁts from two centuries of precision craftsmanship

pend two centuries producing tough, reliable Germanengineered rifles and word gets around: Every hunter and shooter thinks they know what a Mauser is. But do they really? Sometimes having such a legendary story can obscure the present. Today, even though the company basks in the reflected glow of its storied history, at its core, Mauser remains a thoroughly modern gunmaker. The newest rifle to roll off the production line at the company’s factories in Isny, Germany—the M18—should leave no doubt as to the brilliance of Mauser’s fusion of heritage, experience, and state-of-the-art technology. Incorporating two centuries of German industrial design and precision manufacturing techniques, the M18 has the look, features, and accuracy of a rifle twice its price. “This is a very modern rifle with a lot of history at its heart,” says

The new M18 is designed to deliver performance, handling, and durability at an affordable price.

Christian Socher, Blaser USA CEO [Mauser’s parent company]. “It incorporates the essentials that traditionally lie at the heart of every Mauser—rugged reliability, strength, and engineering excellence—and is designed to give hunters the best possible value. Building on a long history of great gunmaking, our engineers in Isny have come up with a finished product that cuts costs but not corners. There has been no compromise in the standard of workmanship or in the quality of the materials used, which shows both in the way it looks and in how it shoots.” Socher notes that one of Mauser’s core principles has always been to build firearms of proven toughness and durability in order to give hunters the confidence they need to challenge themselves—and their equipment—in extreme environments. It lies at the heart of Mauser’s modern range of hunting rifles: from the iconic M98, with its unique combination of technology and craftsmanship, through the innovative and adaptable modular M03, to the virtually indestructible

workhouse M12. The M18 is no exception. Created with the everyday hunter in mind, this latest in a series of modern classics puts into practice the lessons learned over many generations. The design also incorporated feedback from hunters in the field. “Performance, handling, and durability are all key characteristics of the M18,” Socher says. “The steel receiver provides core strength and reliability to protect the action, and a cold-hammerforged barrel assures that the rifle will deliver consistent accuracy.” Other features include a five-round magazine, an adjustable trigger, and soft inlays on the grip to lessen fatigue. Available calibers are .243 Win., .308 Win., .270 Win., .30/06, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm Rem. Mag., and .300 Win. Mag. “This is a rifle that puts Mauser squarely back into the hands of the people,” says Socher. “And that is why we’re calling it Volkswaffe, ‘the people’s rifle.’ ” Booth #15257. (mauser.com)

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1/11/18 3:19 PM

SAFETY SOUNDS BETTER THAN EVER.

See us at the Shot Show — Booth 1625 Peltor™ Sport Tactical 300/Tactical 500 SMART Electronic Hearing Protectors from 3M SMART technology automatically adjusts to your environment and firearm for customized protection. Speech is clearer. Operation is easier. Plus, the Tactical 500 syncs with Bluetooth® enabled devices — so you can stay connected and protected.

3M SMART Technologies 



Dynamic Suppression Time measures the energy in gunshot noise and automatically sets suppression time for reduced echoes and increased comfort Clear Voice Tracking seeks voice within background noise and actively filters noise for improved speech intelligibility

3M.com/PeltorSport

Official Sponsor

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Foldable for storage and protection.

24 26 NRR NRR

Tactical Tactical 300 500

© 3M 2018. All rights reserved. 3M and Peltor are trademarks of 3M. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by 3M is under license.

12/6/17 4:17 PM

NEWS

Camelbak is introducing two new packs specifically designed for hunters at the 2018 SHOT Show.

Branching Out

Camelbak launches new hunting packs

amelBak, the originator of the hands-free hydration pack and the gold standard in reservoir technology, is branching out with products specifically designed for hunters. Two packs are being launched at the 2018 SHOT Show. “Given our long history of designing tactical products for the U.S. military, the hunting products are expected to be robust offerings capable of years of dependable service in rugged conditions,” says Jon Austen, senior director of product for Camelbak.

Dickies Tactical Delivers Utility and Comfort

hat began in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1922, as a bib overall company, has grown into a global workwear and lifestyle brand, the products of which are distributed in 106 countries. Although the Dickies brand extends across many apparel and accessories categories, the soul of the brand is rooted in work and workwear.

From fabric and design to fit and comfort, Dickies clothing is anchored in the needs of the worker. That commitment to its customer base is also seen with Dickies Tactical, which is introducing several new pieces at the 2018 SHOT Show. “The tactical workforce trusts Dickies because Dickies is built specifically with them in mind,” says

Alex Smith, Dickies senior vice president. “Our newest gear includes features like lightweight design for ease of movement and comfort, easy access to CCW, and the durability and ruggedness to stand up to the toughest conditions—all with the value and quality that you’d expect from the Dickies brand.” For example, the Women’s Tactical Covert Ripstop Pant is constructed with a performance water-repellent stretch fabric. Hidden pockets provide discreet storage of ammo and cell phones. Another feature is an expandable waist with a triple-gripper waistband. SRP: $42.99. Booth #10662. (dickies.com) Dickies Tactical pants provide pockets for discreet ammo storage.

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The Trophy S is designed for spot-and-stalk Western hunters. The pack can hold a bow or rifle and is equipped with a meat shelf that doubles as a rain cover or blazeorange packout cover to keep you dry (and visible) while carrying out elk quarters. A reservoir allows for easy access to water to stay hydrated, especially important at high elevations. SRP: $299. The Trophy TS (Tree Stand) is designed to be mounted to the trunk of a tree and used as a workstation by whitetail hunters in the East, Midwest, and South. The Trophy TS can also carry a rifle or bow, allowing you to hike it in and hang it up. Once the belt is wrapped around the tree, a hunter will have a secure, accessible gear locker at his fingertips. A 52-ounce water bottle allows for plenty of all-day hydration without having to leave the stand. With the lid open, the pack creates two buckets for organizing gear. SRP: $199.

CamelBak is also bringing Mossy Oak and Realtree camo to its vacuum-insulated, stainlesssteel products. The Hot Cap is designed to keep coffee hot on cold mornings, and the Chute Mag bottle is ideal for keeping water close by in a sweatfree vessel. The packs and stainless-steel products will be available this fall. “CamelBak backs up everything they make with a lifetime warranty, so you know you will never be left high and dry. And, yes, that pun is intended,” says Austen. Booth #14551. (camelbak.com)

OPERATION SECURE STORE The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) announced yesterday the launch of Operation Secure Store (OSS), a comprehensive joint initiative to help Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL) prevent thefts. Central to the OSS initiative is NSSF’s prior partnerships with ATF to help prevent these thefts through educational programming, such as the regional seminars hosted by ATF. In addition, the organizations’ matching rewards program effectively doubles the money offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for thefts from FFLs. “No one wants to prevent the theft of firearms more than the licensed retailers that sell them,” says Steve Sanetti, NSSF president and CEO. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution to helping prevent thefts from firearms retailers, which is why Operation Safe Store will provide access to information and training to allow retailers to make the decisions that are right for them.” “It’s clear from the crime guns we recover every day that firearms stolen from FFL retailers are a serious threat to public safety,” says ATF deputy director Thomas Brandon. “To mitigate this threat, ATF welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with the NSSF to educate and inform FFL retailers on how they can enhance the security of their business.”

1/23/18 7:41 PM

NOT JUST BRIGHTERâ&#x20AC;¦ BETTER

STYLE AND SUBSTANCE

NEW RECHARGEABLE & FOCUSING HEADLAMPS Spot to Flood Focusing Beam / Dual Color - Red & White Beams

C OA STP ORTL AND.C O M

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B O O T H 1 51 2 0

12/21/17 12:08 PM

NEWS

Yamaha’s Access Initiative Supports Public Lands

or the past decade, the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative has provided practical support for efforts that promote safe and responsible use of OHVs, educate the public on proper recreational land use and wildlife conservation practices, and protect appropriate and sustainable access to public lands. This is a program with real legs—one that has invested serious money into outdoor recreation.

“We’re extremely proud of the Outdoor Access Initiative, and the support Yamaha has provided to people who ride, hunt, fish, and farm. These people are not only our customers, they are our friends, because we share a passion for being outdoors,” says Steve Nessl, Yamaha ATV/SxS marketing manager. “The Yamaha OAI program has supported more than 300 projects in 44 states, putting more than $3.5 million back into the field in the past 10 years. Many of these projects—like building bridges over fish-bearing streams in off-road riding areas—would not otherwise have come to fruition.” Each quarter, Yamaha accepts applications from non-profit or tax-exempt groups (clubs and associations), public riding areas (local,

For the past 10 years, Yamaha has supported more than 300 projects to improve public lands.

state, and federal), outdoor enthusiast associations and land conservation organizations, and agricultural communities with an interest in protecting, improving, expanding, and/or maintaining access for safe, responsible, and sustainable use by motorized off-road vehicles. “Our committee will review each application and award funds to deserving projects,” Nessl says. “Grants from Yamaha have helped projects involving National Hunting & Fishing Day, Sportsmen’s Alliance, Quail & Pheasants Forever, NWTF, and others.” Booth #10243. (yamaha motorsports.com)

Meet American Hero

John “TIG” Tiegen Wednesday • 2:00 - 4:00 PM Kahr Firearms Group Booth

#13962

Get an autographed copy of the book 13 Hours. (Books will be for sale in the booth for $30)

John “Tig” Tiegen, Member of the Benghazi Annex Security Team, Military Consultant, Hero of Benghazi Attack, and Co-Author of 13 Hours. Join us: #KahrFirearmsGroup • #MagnumResearch

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WWW.KAHR.COM | WWW.AUTO-ORDNANCE.COM | WWW.MAGNUMRESEARCH.COM

1/23/18 7:41 PM 12/14/17 5:06 PM

BC_063

Walls Unveils New Camo Clothing System

alls Outdoor Goods, best known for its durable outdoor workwear and hunting apparel, is unveiling HID3 at the 2018 SHOT Show. HID3 is a proprietary concealment system that features a new camouflage that uses a mixture of small and large patterns, which is designed to disrupt the human outline while blending into nearby surroundings. This new concealment system will be featured in the Walls Pro Series, and will be available this fall in multiple styles and weights for a full layering system.

“The decision to develop the HID3 camo pattern and to incorporate the design into our full concealment system stems from a growing performance-hunt market,” says Brad Bromstead, vice president of marketing and merchandising at Walls Outdoor Goods. “The technology behind our HID3 concealment system establishes Walls Pro Series as a performance brand, equipping our hunters with the essential tools for success.” The Walls Pro Series HID3 concealment system uses technical, quiet fabrics along with softsnap buttons to fight against unwanted sounds in the field. It also utilizes HID3 Scent, a twostep system that captures and controls 99 percent of human odor-causing bacteria and regen-

erates without washing. The science behind HID3 Scent is a silver-based antimicrobial finish that prevents the formation of odor-causing bacteria. A second layer of protection captures and degrades microbes that cause unwanted odors. The synthetic fleece Outfitter jacket (SRP: $190) and pant (SRP: $180) feature a durable outer shell that is water- and wind-resistant. The grid fleece interior provides warmth and next-to-skin comfort. The collection will be available this fall. Booth #10240. (wallsoutdoor goods.com) HID3 is a proprietary concealment system that features a new camo that uses a mixture of small and large patterns.

7 5:06 PM

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1/23/18 7:41 PM 12/19/17 2:52 PM

NEW PRODUCTS

MUSTANG A waterproof bag for working in wet conditions.

Browning

Skyway USB rechargeable flashlight features a powerful 2,200-lumen white LED with high, medium, and low settings and a large power bank (5200 mAh) that will charge two to three phones. It features a 26650 lithium-ion battery with built-in USB charging port and USBpower out for charging other devices, and a dual tail cap switch with separate controls for mode selection and on-off. The non-slip ribbed aluminum body and tough polycarbonate lens are waterproof and submersible to 3 feet for 30 minutes. Overall length is 7.7 inches. SRP: $119.99. Booth #10744. (browning.com)

dles, this bag is remarkably durable. Using a roll-top folding center cargo as the primary compartment, just close the bag for a complete waterproof seal. On the front, urethane-coated zippers hold wet gear. A waterproof compartment stores laptops and other valuables safely. Stay mobile and unencumbered with the secure sternum strap, comfort-foam back stiffener, compression system, and the stowaway waist belt. Gear stays in its place with the configurable Hypalon MOLLE panel, exterior wet storage, internal organization system, and full-access opening. Available in black and blue. SRP: $159. Booth #1272. (mustangsurvival.com)

➤ The

Mustang Survival ➤ The

30-liter Bluewater Gear hauler is a waterproof bag intended for anyone who works in extreme, wet conditions. Made with a 210D TPU-coated, ripstop nylon shell and TPU-coated han-

Zippo

Zippo, long known for its iconic lighters and classic handwarmers, is stepping into the world of rechargeable devices. Its new rechargeable handwarmer provides dual-sided heat, which can help keep a hunter sitting in a duck blind or treestand on a frigid morning a bit more comfortable. The handwarmer is available in two models—one with a two-hour runtime (with two heat settings), another with a six-hour runtime (with five heat settings). Both utilize a lithium polymer battery and recharge via a supplied USB charging cable. SRP: $29.95 to $49.95. Booth #13902. (zippo.com)

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Taurus

Expanding upon the Taurus 1911, Taurus is now offering Commander and Officer versions, featuring a 4.2- and 3½-inch bar-

➤

ZIPPO The new rechargeable handwarmer provides dual-sided heat to keep hunters comfortable on frigid mornings.

rel, respectively. Both are offered in .45 ACP and made of carbon steel. While some may doubt the concealed-carry capability of a 1911, the Officer provides a shorter barrel and a stunted grip, and is nearly 4 ounces lighter than the full-size model. The truncated barrel of the Commander provides weight savings (about an ounce), while the full-size grip ensures positive purchase. Both models feature standard 1911 controls, an extended beavertail, and Novak driftadjustable front and rear sights. Magazine capacity is 8+1 rounds for the Commander, 6+1 rounds for the Officer. SRP: $609. Booth #14240. (taurususa.com)

SEIRUS The Camo Heatwave Glove Liner is designed to bring a new level of warmth to hunting in cold weather. It can be worn as a lightweight glove or as a glove liner. The HeatWave lining reflects body heat and helps circulation to keep you outdoors longer. Other features include four-way stretch, a Lycra cuff, and form-fitting construction. SRP: $19.99. Booth 11740. (seirus.com)

BROWNING The waterproof Skyway USB rechargeable flashlight features a 2,200-lumen white LED and is submersible to 3 feet.

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