Day 1 PDF - National Shooting Sports Foundation

Transcription

shooting hunting outdoor trade show 1979–2010
NSSF
NEW PRODUCT
REPORTS
We go all out to give you a
comprehensive look at the hottest
guns to stock for 2010. Rifles
begins on page 16. You’ll find
shotguns on page 32, and the
latest handguns (like this FNH
Five-Seven, available with two
sight options) begins on page 40.
Boots kicks off on page 46.
News
*zeiss honors craig
boddington
Boddington, who has hunted all
over the world, is named Zeiss
Writer of the Year. SEE PAGE 4
*celebrity
endorsements
The right personality with the right
product is key. SEE PAGE 74
*smell invisible
Can Hunter’s Specialties’ scentcontrol clothing make you a more
effective hunter? SEE PAGE 83
DAY 1, January 19, 2 010
The Daily News of the 2010 Las Vegas SHOT Show Brought to You by The Bonnier Corporation and the NSSF
SHOT Show 2010 Opens
B
y popular demand, the
Shooting, Hunting and
Outdoor Trade Show returns
to Las Vegas, and the 32nd edition of
the SHOT Show figures to be
another must-see event.
“Our post–SHOT Show surveys
told us that, by a more than eighty
percent majority, this is where you
want our annual must-see event to
be,” said Steve Sanetti, president of
the National Shooting Sports
Foundation.
This year, buyers from all 50
states, as well as 75 countries, will
flock to Las Vegas to take advantage
of the largest and most comprehensive trade show for professionals
involved with the shooting sports and
hunting industries. With 700,000
square feet of exhibition space, the
SHOT Show is the premier exposition of combined firearms, ammunition, archery, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics, camping and related products and services. It is without doubt
the outdoor industry’s Main Event.
“We are excited to be at the Sands
Convention Center this year,” said
Dennis J. MacDonald, senior vice
president of Reed Exhibitions, which
Dennis Miller
will appear at
the State of the
Industry Dinner.
runs the show for the NSSF. “Our
pre-registration and exhibit sales
numbers confirm that Las Vegas is a
city our attendees and exhibitors
enjoy as a venue in which to conduct
business.”
The day will conclude with the
State of the Industry Dinner. The
evening includes a cocktail reception,
dinner, a “State of the Industry”
multimedia presentation and industry
awards. Then get ready to be enter-
Woolrich Tactical
Hosts Booth Events
FEATURES
*help is on the way
Got a hard-to-solve business
problem? Retailers have a slew of
nettlesome problems, and we’re
here to help. SEE PAGE 62
*back in the usa
Buck Knives has decided that, for
quality, there’s no place like home.
SEE PAGE 66
*magnificent
obsession
Mossy Oak’s latest ultra-realistic
pattern is designed to let hunters
hide in plain sight. SEE PAGE 72
Woolrich Elite Series Tactical will
host a full schedule of daily activities
at its booth. To showcase its sponsorship of the 2010 U.S. Corrections
Special Operations Group American
Mobile Tactical Lab Tour, Joseph
Garcia will lead demonstrations of
weapon deployment and survival tactics. In addition, military and SWAT
artist Dick Kramer will sign color
prints especially commissioned for
Woolrich Elite Series Tactical.
Today: Concealed Weapons
Combative Presentation Using
Covert Apparel, 10:30 a.m. to 11
a.m.; Female Combative Presentation
Designed for Smaller Stature
Operatives, 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and a
giveaway of SOG knives at 4 p.m.
Tomorrow, January 20: How to
Carry Weapons Wearing Tactical
Apparel, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.;
Advanced Combative Techniques
for Female Operatives, 2:30 p.m. to
3 p.m. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
and a giveaway of Benchmade knives
at 4 p.m.
Thursday, January 21: Survival
Tactics Using Covert Apparel,
10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Female
Combative Presentation Designed
for Smaller Stature Operatives,
2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday, January 22: How to
Select the Right Covert Apparel,
10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Advanced
Combative Techniques for Female
Operatives, 2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Booth #10560.
tained by five-time Emmy award–
winning comedian Dennis Miller.
Sanetti notes that the woeful economy was a constant challenge
throughout 2009, “but in a time of
severe economic setbacks, our industry has weathered the storm pretty
well, and here—and only here—you
will see all the important companies,
key players, major distributors and
retailers as well as the largest concentration of outdoor media anywhere in the world.”
Just as important, the NSSF
remains committed to improving
the SHOT Show experience for all
attendees. “Please feel free to stop
by the SHOT Show booth [L221] in
the Level 2 lobby and let us know
your comments, both what we did
right and what could use some more
work,” Sanetti said. “We are committed to constantly improving the
SHOT Show experience, and we are
genuinely interested in your feedback and suggestions to make it
even better!”
At the same booth, you can also
purchase last-minute tickets for
tonight’s State of the Industry
Dinner.
PRO STAFF
Booth Prizes
Final Approach will be running
a special SHOT Show promotion, with the opportunity to
enter and win the “Final
Approach Complete Field
Hunter Package.” The giveaway includes a comprehensive set-up of decoys, blinds,
bags and accessories for two
hunters, valued at more than
$3,000. To qualify, come by
Booth #13411 and have one of
the Final Approach Pro Staff
show you the new product
line for 2010. Then, fill out the
registration form and you will
be entered into the drawing.
The winner will be drawn at
the end of the day on Friday,
January 22, 2010.
day 1, January 19, 2010 ■ Shot Business Daily ■ 1
news
Craig Boddington, who has hunted
all over the world (including 75
African safaris), has been named
the 2009 Carl Zeiss Outdoor
Writer of the Year.
Zeiss Honors
Craig Boddington
C
arl Zeiss Sports Optics has named Craig Boddington as
the winner of the 2009 Carl Zeiss Outdoor Writer of the
Year Award. The award was presented last night at the
company’s annual writers SHOT Show party. In addition to
receiving a plaque recognizing his innumerable contributions
to wildlife conservation, hunting and the shooting sports,
Boddington also received a Zeiss Victory 10x45 T* RF laser
rangefinding binocular.
“Craig Boddington’s vast hunting
experience in Africa and throughout
the rest of the world, expertise in
firearms and ballistics, contributions
to wildlife conservation and sheer
prolificness make him one of the
most influential outdoor writers of
our time,” said Erik Schumacher,
president of Carl Zeiss Sports
Optics. “His writing is accurate,
informative and entertaining, and
gives his readers a taste of exotic
lands and hunting adventures that
most would never experience other-
Beretta’s New
Initiatives
It’s certainly no secret in this industry that
Beretta is a well-established brand. Founded
in 1526, it is the oldest industrial dynasty in the
world, tracing its roots back through 16 generations of continuous family ownership. But
moving forward, the company realized it needed to enhance its customer service program,
and last fall it announced three major programs intended to do just that.
The first step was the opening of regional
Beretta service centers throughout the United
States. For decades, Beretta U.S.A. has used
Bolsa Gunsmithing in California as a
Gunsmithing and Warranty Service Center. By
opening three additional authorized service
centers—Beretta Gunsmithing Limited in
Connecticut, Midwest Gun Works in Missouri
wise. Before I came over to the U.S.
in 2007, I talked to hunter friends in
Europe about key people in the
U.S. hunting industry. Craig was the
writer first and most frequently
mentioned by all of them. He has my
deepest respect.”
Boddington was born and raised in
Kansas, where his early big-game
experience, in the mid-1960s, included pronghorn and mule deer in
Wyoming, whitetail and mule deer in
Kansas and mule deer in Colorado.
When he was not involved with
hunting and shooting, much of his
early years were spent in Boy Scout
activities. He attended the University
of Kansas on an NROTC scholarship, graduating with an English
degree and a regular commission in
the United States Marine Corps. His
outdoor writing career began in college, and in 1979, he joined Petersen
and Briley Manufacturing in Houston, Texas—
the company hopes to not only reduce the time
required for service, but to lower the cost to the
customer of such service.
“By establishing four regional service centers
in various parts of the United States, in addition to our customer service center at the
Beretta U.S.A. factory in Accokeek, Maryland,
we hope to provide customers with quick turnaround, lower shipping costs and local expertise to support their Beretta, Sako and Tikka
products,” said director of customer service
Silven Gantt.
The second step was a partnership with
Brownell’s to provide spare parts sales, storage and distribution for customers throughout
the U.S. “Brownell’s has a well-deserved
national reputation as an efficient, prompt and
effective parts supplier and is widely recognized as the world’s largest supplier of firearm
accessories, gun parts and gunsmithing tools,”
4 ■ Shot Business Daily ■ day 1, January 19, 2010
Publishing Company. Since then,
he has written more than 3,000
magazine articles, authored 19 books
on hunting and shooting and currently hosts Tracks Across Africa and
Guns & Ammo Television on Outdoor
Channel, in addition to his numerous
print assignments.
Boddington’s vast experience hunting in North America and throughout the world includes 75 African
safaris. He has hunted Africa’s Big
Five—elephant, rhino, lion, leopard
and buffalo—and also Africa’s nine
principal spiral-horned antelopes,
consisting of greater kudu, lesser
kudu, bushbuck, nyala, mountain
nyala, common eland, giant eland,
sitatunga and bongo. In addition, he
holds the Ovis/Grand Slam Club’s
World Slam of Wild Sheep and
Capra World Slam of wild goats and
Triple Slam, including the North
American Grand Slam.
Boddington is a member of
numerous associations, including
Boone and Crockett Club,
Foundation for North American
Wild Sheep, National Rifle
Association, Safari Club
International, Dallas Safari Club,
and Professional Hunters
Association of South Africa. He
served in the U.S. Marine Corps for
31 years. During this time,
Boddington moved steadily through
the ranks, with numerous decorations along the way. He was promoted to Colonel in 1996, and
selected for promotion to Brigadier
General in 2001 before retiring in
September 2005.
Established in 2003, the Carl Zeiss
Outdoor Writer of the Year Award is
in its seventh year. The previous
winners are: Wayne van Zwoll
(2003), David Fortier (2004), David
Petzal (2005), Ron Spomer (2006),
John Barsness (2007) and Terry
Wieland (2008). Carl Zeiss has also
honored two writers with Lifetime
Achievement Awards. These went to
Bill McRae (2003) and Jim
Carmichel (2008).
said Gantt. “A partnership between Brownell’s
and Beretta U.S.A. was a logical step in our
mutual desire to provide state-of-the-art
customer service.”
Finally, Beretta U.S.A. has launched a new
advanced customer service website (beretta
support.com) that offers customers 24/7
access to their information, including order
status, service status, warranty registration,
service center locations, dealer locations,
product schematics and owner’s manuals.
The new site also includes an interactive customer support agent to answer questions.
“We launched this website to give our customers quick and convenient information
without the limitation of having to use the
telephone or contact us only during standard
business hours,” Gantt said. “Our customers
are now literally one click away from the service information that they need.” Booth
#13454. (301-283-2191; berettausa.com)
news
NSSF
Slaton L. White, Editor
Margaret M. Nussey, Managing Editor
David E. Petzal, Shooting Editor
John Burgman, Assistant Editor
Maribel Martin, Senior Administrative Assistant
James A. Walsh, Art Director
Shayna Marchese, Associate Art Director
Allan Castro, Assistant Art Director
Justin Appenzeller, Photo Editor
Paul L. Catalano, Production Manager
Contributing editors
Larry Ahlman, Michael Bane, Scott Bestul, Philip
Bourjaily, Chris Christian, Christopher Cogley, Jock
Elliott, William F. Kendy, Mark Kayser, Peter B.
Mathiesen, Brian McCombie, Tom Mohrhauser,
Robert Sadowski, Robert F. Staeger, Marilyn Stone
Eric Zinczenko, Group Publisher
ADVERTISING: 212-779-5316
John Graney, Associate Publisher
Gregory D. Gatto, National Endemic and Online
Director, National Sporting Goods Director/
Eastern Sales Manager
Paula Iwanski — Northeast
Brian Peterson — West
Stephen Mitchell — Southeast
Classified: (800-445-2714) Francis McCaffrey
Elizabeth A. Burnham,
Associate Publisher, Marketing & Online Services
Ingrid Reslmaier, Marketing Design Director
Business Operations
Tara Bisciello, Business Manager
CONSUMER MARKETING
Robert A. Cohn, Consumer Marketing Director
Richard Miller, Circulation Business Manager
Manufacturing
Stefanie LaBella, Production Manager
Laurel Kurnides, Group Production Director
Barbara Taffuri, Production Director
The Bonnier Corporation
Jonas Bonnier, Chairman
Terry Snow, Chief Executive Officer
Dan Altman, Chief Operating Officer
Randall Koubek, Chief Financial Officer
Bruce Miller, Vice President, Consumer Marketing
Lisa Earlywine, Vice President, Production
Bill Allman, Vice President, E-Media
John Haskin, Vice President, Digital Sales &
Marketing
Shawn Larson, Vice President, Enterprise Systems
Cathy Hertz, Vice President, Human Resources
Dean Turcol, Vice President, Corporate
Communications
John Miller, Brand Director
Martin S. Walker, Publishing Consultant
SHOT Business (ISSN 1081-8618) is published 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 18, issue 1. Copyright © 2010 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 (212-7795000). 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 064702359. SHOT Business accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and
photographs. All correspondence should be accompanied by a stamped, selfaddressed envelope. Requests for media kits and advertising information
should be directed to McClain Robertson, Bonnier Corporation, 2 Park Avenue,
New York, NY 10016-5695. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY.
REPRINTS: Wrights Reprints, 877-652-5295. POSTMASTER: Please send
address changes to SHOT Business, P.O. Box 1884, Lowell, MA 01853-9982.
Member: BPA
Printed in the USA.
For editorial inquiries, visit Venetian Level 2, Bassano
2701, in the Sands Expo & Convention Center.
news
Hi-Point
Bargains
It may sound like a broken
record, but what customers
are demanding of dealers
and manufacturers these
days is “value…value…value.”
And Hi-Point Carbines
believes it can provide that
with a capital V.
“These are incredibly affordable firearms,” says CEO
Charles Brown. “In fact,
they’re one of the best firearms bargains available in
today’s market.”
This isn’t empty talk. With a
suggested retail price of only
$249 to $299, Brown believes
Hi-Point Carbines offer the
consumer a lot of performance for just a little bit of
money. “For less than the cost
of many .22LR rifles, we can
send a buyer home with a
centerfire firearm,” he says.
Currently, Hi-Points come
chambered in 9mm Luger and
.40 S&W calibers. “You can
expect to achieve an extra one
hundred to two hundred-andfifty feet per second of velocity, and obviously more energy
over handguns chambered in
these loads, from our carbines,
thanks to the longer barrel,
compared to handguns of the
same caliber—especially if you
use Plus-P loads,” he says.
Brown notes that police
departments worldwide have
picked up the carbine’s ability
to deliver accuracy in a compact, rugged and lightweight
package. “The all-weather
black, molded-polymer, skeletonized stock is both tough and
light,” he says. “In addition, the
texture of the forend allows the
shooter to get an excellent
grip—with or without gloves—
and the simple blowback
design reliably feeds ammunition from the compact singlestack ten-round magazine,
which, by the way, also fits the
Hi-Point series of same-caliber
semi-auto pistols. When the
last round is fired, the bolt locks
to the rear for a rapid reload.”
New models include the
995TS, with an adjustable
ghost-ring sight ($249);
995TS4X, with a 4X scope
($282); 995TSRD, with a BSA
red-dot sight ($282) and
995TSLZ, with a laser sight
($299), all in 9mm. The .40
caliber versions will cost about
$25 more. Brown adds that all
Hi-Points come with a lifetime
warranty on parts and labor.
Booth #15549. (877-425-4867;
hi-pointfirearms.com)
Blackhawk prefits every holster
with a handgun
to make sure the
fit is correct.
Blackhawk Increases
U.S. Production
I
n April 2007, the
100,000-square-foot Uncle
Mike’s holster factory in
Meridian, Idaho, closed its
doors. Less than one month
later, Blackhawk reopened the
plant and immediately started
holster production. Today, the
facility employs more than 100
men and women.
That plant reopening, coupled
with the recent expansion of
Blackhawk’s Montana plant, bucks
the onging trend of U.S. manufacturers closing American factories and
outsourcing production to the lessexpensive Asian rim.
What fueled Blackhawk’s decision
to stay on American soil?
One big factor was record growth
in the nylon and Serpa holster lines,
as well as the acquisition of Knoxx.
The other was the dedication of the
domestic workforce.
“It was an easy conclusion to come
to,” says vice president Terry
Naughton. “We had a talented and
trained workforce waiting to return
to their craft. They were thrilled to
come back to work, and they have
proved that the decision was sound.”
Keeping jobs in the U.S. is a worthy goal, but hard economic reality is
usually the driver of such decisions.
In Blackhawk’s case, the numbers
tilted toward domestic production.
“Our facility gives our customers
a highly responsive order-filling
network with minimum lead times.
If a military division deploys with a
specific need for brown belts and
clears out the inventory, we can be
back on the shelf in three days,”
says vice president of manufacturing Clif Cook.
Cook also notes that domestic manufacturing was the only way to combine both speed and adaptability to
meet customer demands and modifications in a “nimble” manner.” “Our
customers simply won’t wait four
months for a major modification. We
are proud that our quality control
continues to set industry standards. If
we have a problem, it can usually be
resolved within hours, sometimes
even minutes.”
Compare that to three months—
or more—when dealing with
Blackhawk’s
Idaho facility,
which employs
more than 100
workers, allows
the company to
do custom orders
quickly, sometimes in as little
as three days.
offshore production.
Another factor is Chinese government policy regarding firearms. “We
test each holster with a firearm before
the product is packaged,” Cook says.
“The Chinese government will not
allow handguns in the country, even
for fit testing.”
With that policy in mind, immediately upon completion of the Knoxx
acquisition, two company executives
went to China to retrieve the molds.
Production was shortly moved to the
Bozeman facility.
Today, the Montana and Idaho
plants employ more than 200 men
and women who are not only happy
to have a job, but proud be setting
new standards in American manufacturing and service as well. Booth
#13760. (800-694-5263; blackhawk.
com) —Peter B. Mathiesen
news
shot
show
2010
Services
Facilities and services to help make
the most of the SHOT Show
* Other Nssf
Locations
NSSF Seminars will be held in
Venetian, Level 4. Its Primary Office
is located in Room 305 of Sands,
Level 1, and its booth can be found
on Sands Level 2 (#L221)
* Coat Check
* Product Locators
Sands Level 1, inside taxi lane
Conveniently located at all 12
Command Post
Information Counters throughout
Sands Level 1, Room 301-302
* Exhibits
The Exhibits are located in the Sands
Expo on Levels 1 and 2, and in all
Ventian Ballrooms on Levels 1 and 2.
* New-Product
Center
Venetian Level 1, Lobby
* Overnight Storage
the Show
* Shot Show
University
Venetian Level 4 Lando
(January 18 only)
The Ship-A-Box program is once
again offering its services and
can be found at the SES Service
of 300 Aisle; Level 2 Hall A, end of
Desk Window.
Aisle, and Bassano 2801-2802
* First-Aid Station
Sands Level 1, near Room 401
* Sales Office
* Press Room
Venetian Level 2, Bassano 2701.
All members of the press must be
* Nssf Member
Business Office
Venetian Level 3, Murano Ballroom
* Nssf Program
Staff Meeting
* Shipping Services Room
Level 1 Sands, Rooms 301-302, end
10,000 Aisle, Hall D, front of 16,000
* Security
registered—registration takes place
outside the press room.
* Safety Advisors
Sands, Level 1, Room 404
* Show Office
Venetian Level 2, Bassano 2806
Sands, Level 1, Room 304
* Nssf Friends
* Shuttle Bus
Venetian Level 2, Bassano 2803
Level 1
Meeting Room
Pick-up and drop-off is at Venetian,
Venetian Level 1 Lobby (in the New-
* Show Hours
Product Center)
January 19–21, 8:30 a.m. to
5:30 p.m.
January 22, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
news
trip
advisor
top 20
1. Off the Strip—Just
Real Food
Cuisine: American
Price Range: $15–$20
10670 Southern Highlands Pky.
702-202-2448
2. Rosemary’s
Cuisine: Seafood, Steak,
Contemporary, Eclectic
Price Range: $80+
8125 W. Sahara Ave.
702-869-2251
rosemaryrestaurant.com
3. Casa di Amore
15. Le Cirque (Bellagio)
Restaurants
in Las Vegas
6. Mon Ami Gabi at Paris
Las Vegas
Cuisine: French, Steakhouse
3655 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
702-944-4224
7. Lindo Michoacan
Cuisine: Mexican, Spanish
Price Range: under $35
2655 E. Desert Inn Rd.
702-735-6828
lindomichoacan.com
8. Roy’s
Cuisine: Italian
2850 E. Tropicana Ave.
702-433-4967
Cuisine: Seafood
620 E. Flamingo Rd.
702-691-2053
4. Grand Lux Café
9. Tableau
Cuisine: American, Casual
#1580 (at the Palazzo)
702-733-7411
5. Del Frisco’s
Cuisine: American Steakhouse
3925 Paradise Rd.
702-796-0063
Cuisine: American, French
702-770-9966
wynnlasvegas.com
10. Jamm’s Restaurant
Cuisine: American, Coffee Shop,
Diner
1029 S. Rainbow Rd.
702-877-0768
jammsrestaurant.com
11. Vic & Anthony’s
Steakhouse
Cuisine: American, Seafood,
Steakhouse
129 E. Fremont St.
702-385-7111
12. Firefly Bistro
Cuisine: Spanish, Tapas
3900 Paradise Rd. Suite A
702-369-3971
fireflylv.com
13. Verandah
Cuisine: American, Italian, Eclectic
702-632-7777
14. Joe’s Seafood, Prime
Steak & Stone Crab
Cuisine: Seafood
702-792-9222
icon.com/joes/las_vegas_
home.html
Cuisine: Belgian, French
877-234-6358
16. Maggiano’s
Cuisine: Italian
702-732-2550
maggianos.com
17. Pasta Shop and
Ristorante
Cuisine: American, Italian, Pizza
2495 E. Tropicana Ave.
702-451-1893
pastashop.com
18. Eiffel Tower
Restaurant at Paris
Las Vegas
Cuisine: French
702-948-6937
eiffeltowerrestaurant.com
19. Panevino
Cuisine: Italian
246 Via Antonio
702-222-2400
20. Earl of Sandwich
Cuisine: Sandwiches
702-463-0259
earlofsandwichusa.com
products
A Wealth of
Riches
The long-arm market looks to be
big this year, with a rich assortment of offerings By Chris Christian
E
very few years, one segment of the firearms market seems
to virtually explode in the number and diversity of product
offerings. This year, it’s rifles. No particular category dominates. ARs—both centerfire and rimfire models—are well represented, but it doesn’t stop there. The wealth of rifles includes
everything from game-stopping big doubles and long-range precision tack-driving bolt guns to fast-handling levers—and seemingly everything in between.
Anschutz
Anschutz’s reputation as a producer
of precision small-bore rifles is legendary. According to Anschutz, that
reputation is borne out by the fact
that in the last 40 years, more than
85 percent of Olympic small-bore
rifle medals and 95 percent of
World Class Biathlon medals have
been won by shooters who use
them. This year, Anschutz adds a
totally new .223 Rem. rifle to the
line with the introduction of the
Model 1770 Hunting Repeater.
The Model 1770 incorporates a
newly designed action featuring a
60-degree bolt lift and six locking
lugs, with pressure vents to direct gas
away from the shooter in the event
of a cartridge failure. The new action
incorporates the existing Model
5094D Match Trigger. An adjustable
single stage is factory-set at 2.5
pounds, but is gunsmith-adjustable
from 2 to 4.5 pounds.
The barrel is a 22-inch cold-hammer-forged tube with a recessed target crown. Additional features
include a detachable three-shot inline magazine and an 11mm-wide
grooved scope-mounting rail. In
addition, the receiver is drilled and
tapped, for those who prefer that
mounting option.
The Meister Grade rifle is available in two stock configurations.
Both feature select-grade oil-finished
walnut stocks with hand-cut checkered grip and forend panels, rubber
butt pad and detachable sling swivel
studs. The Classic Model has a
straight comb, round forearm and 22
lpi cut checkering. The Luxux Model
features a sculpted cheekpiece with a
Monte Carlo rollover comb,
Schnabel forearm and skip-line
checkering. Empty weight is 6.5
pounds. SRP: $2,499. Booth #2842.
(800-821-3021; merkel-usa.com)
Benelli
Benelli’s latest offering in the AR
platform is the new MR 1. It utilizes
the same ARGO (Auto Regulating
Gas Operated) system that the manufacturer developed for the U.S.
Marine Corps in the M1014, which
has been used successfully in battle
for more than a decade.
The MR 1 features a stainlesssteel self-cleaning piston that operates directly against the rotating
bolt to eliminate the need for complex linkages. This piston-driven
system incorporates a gas port
located just forward of the chamber,
where the gases are hotter and
cleaner. In function-testing, the MR
1 exceeded military requirements
without malfunction.
The MR 1 is chambered in
5.56mm NATO and features a
16-inch hard-chrome-lined barrel
with a 1-in-9 twist rate. Overall
length is 37.1 inches; empty weight is
7.9 pounds. The sights are a military-style aperture adjustable for
windage and elevation using only a
cartridge rim. A Picatinny rail allows
mounting both conventional and
night vision sights while retaining
iron sight capability. All steel parts
are black-phosphated, and aluminum
parts are hard anodized in a matte
finish. An optional Picatinny tri-rail
forend kit is available to allow the
use of lights, lasers, foregrips and
other accessories. The MR 1 is supplied with a five-round magazine, but
will accept all M16/AR15 magazines.
SRP: $1,299. Booth #13053. (800264-4962; benelliusa.com)
Anschutz The new Model 1770 Hunting Repeater is chambered for .223.
The rifle incorporates a 60-degree bolt lift and six locking lugs. It also uses the
existing Model 5094D match trigger. Both models feature select-grade oilfinished walnut stocks. The Classic (left) is a straight comb; the Luxux (far
left) boasts a Monte Carlo comb and a Schnabel forearm.
products
DPMS
This year sees a number of new rifles for hunters and competition shooters. Shooters with an existing
5.56mm AR-15 rifle will now be able to obtain an upper assembly chambered for the .30 Rem. that will
mate perfectly with the standard AR-15 lower assembly. The basic A4-style unit features a fluted barrel,
round handguard, Picatinny receiver rail and accepts proprietary four-round magazines that fit the standard
lower receiver.
The Panther Hunter Series gets an upgrade with the new Yote Edition. Designed for varmint/predator
hunting, it features a 20-inch crowned, fluted target barrel, chambered for .223 Rem., a round handguard,
Picatinny receiver rail, fixed skeletonized stock, ERGO pistol grip, Magpul winter trigger guard and a tactical
charging handle for scope use, and is finished in Mossy Oak’s Brush camo pattern.
For those living in locales where the AR platform is not legal, DPMS introduces a single-shot AR in .308
Win. It features a solid magazine well, right- and left-hand ejection/loading ports, machined bolt handle on
the right side of the bolt carrier, round forend and a Picatinny receiver rail. SRP: $1,049.
On the competition front, the new Panther .308 DCM is built for the newest class at the National
Matches. A .308 version of the Panther DCM, it features a 20-inch stainless-steel heavy barrel, standardlength four-rail free-float tube with included rail covers, National Match front and rear sights and an A-2
buttstock. Booth #14949. (800-578-3767; dpmsinc.com)
lower assembly) that allows the user
to change barrels, stock and bolt-carrier group in minutes and shift
between 5.56mm, 6.8 Rem. SPC,
6.5mm, .30 Rem. AR and 7.62x39
calibers. The commercial version will
be available in semi-auto configuration with an interchangeable trigger
package, Melonite coating on action
parts and fixed or folding/telescoping
stock, and accepts standard Mil-Spec
M4/M16 magazines. Available barrel
lengths are 10.5, 14.5 and 18 inches.
Ambidextrous safeties, bolt catch,
magazine release and an ambidextrous non-reciprocating charging
handle are standard. Booth #14627.
(800-998-7928; bushmaster.com)
CZ-USA
Panther .308 DCM Built for the newest class at the
National Matches, this rifle features a 20-inch stainlesssteel heavy barrel, standard-length four-rail free-floating
tube with included rail covers and an A-2 buttstock.
Panther Hunter New to the line in 2010 is the Yote.
Designed for varmint and predator hunting, the Yote features a 20-inch crowned, fluted target barrel chambered
in .223 and a Mossy Oak camo skeletonized stock.
Browning
Browning’s newest bolt-action rifle
line, the X-Bolt, will be expanded
with the addition of the X-Bolt
White Gold model, which will feature a stainless-steel receiver with
polished finish that will include scroll
engraving on the front and rear of
the receiver. The barrel is also stainless steel, with gloss finish and target
crown. The stock is gloss-finished
checkered walnut with rosewood
forend grip and pistol-grip cap.
Available in 14 popular calibers. SRP:
$1,079 to $1,099.
Browning is excited to celebrate
the 25th anniversary of the A-Bolt
bolt-action rifle in 2010. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of
the introduction of the A-Bolt,
select A-Bolt rifles produced in 2010
(in limited quantities) will be
adorned with a special engraving on
the floor plate.
Browning will add the new Mossy
Oak Break-Up Infinity pattern to the
ultralight A-Bolt Mountain Ti boltaction rifle. This model weighs only
5.5 pounds and features a titanium
receiver and Bell and Carlson syn-
thetic stock. Available in seven popular calibers. SRP: $1,939 to $1,979.
Browning’s modern Lightweight
BLR lever-action rifle line will be
expanded to include new stainlesssteel models. A BLR Lightweight
Stainless with pistol grip will feature
a satin-finish alloy receiver with
matte stainless-steel barrel finish
and gloss-finish walnut stock and
forearm in 15 popular calibers. SRP:
$999 to $1,079.
The new BLR Lightweight ‘81
Stainless Takedown model (available
in 15 calibers) will feature an aircraft-grade alloy receiver in satinnickel finish, matte-finish stainlesssteel barrel and satin-finish gray laminated stock and forearm with checkering. A Truglo/Marble fiber-optic
sight is also featured. SRP: $1,149 to
$1,229.
Browning will also add the new
Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity pattern to the BAR ShortTrac and
LongTrac semi-auto rifle models.
These lightweight semi-autos feature
receivers made of aircraft-grade alloy
and composite stocks and forearms
with Browning’s exclusive DuraTouch Armor Coating. Offered in 11
popular calibers. SRP: $1,269 to
$1,379. Booth #15245. (801-876-2711;
browning.com)
Bushmaster
A new M-4-type carbine and the
innovative, fully modular Advanced
Combat Rifle (ACR) highlight
Bushmaster’s new products for 2010.
The new MOE M4-Type Carbine is
available in black, foliage green or
flat dark earth. The carbine features
an A-3 upper (standard front sight
with Picatinny rail) and a Magpul
rear flip sight, Magpul MOE adjustable buttstock with A-frame design
and a rubber buttplate and a Magpul
pistol grip that accepts MIAD storage cores. The carbine also comes
with a 30-round Magpul magazine
and a 16-inch barrel chambered for
.223/5.56mm SRP: $1,295.
The A-Tacs Patrolman’s Carbine
offers the same 16-inch .223/5.56mm
barrel and 30-round magazine, but
differs in that it has a six-position
adjustable buttstock and is covered in
A-Tacs camo. SRP: $1,370.
The ACR is a gas-piston modular
design (with a lightweight composite
A revamped rimfire line, a new tactical rifle and upgrades to the hunting
line highlight CZ’s 2010 new rifle
products. In the rimfire arena, the
new CZ 455 American will replace
the existing 452 American. The new
455 action takes advantage of
improved manufacturing technology
that produces tighter tolerances and
allows the model line to be based on
a single receiver type instead of the
multiple receivers used in the 452
line. The 455 American series will be
available in .22LR (SRP: $463), .22
WMR ($497) and .17 HMR ($504).
All feature receivers machined from a
single steel billet, 20.6-inch barrels
(cold-hammer forged and lapped),
standardized 11mm scope mount
dovetail and interchangeable stocks.
The new 455 action also allows the
bolt to be locked open for open-bolt
carry. Although the 455 replaces
much of the 452 line, the 452 will
also be offered in a brown laminate
thumbhole varmint stock in .22LR
($530) and .17 HMR ($555).
The new CZ 550 Urban Counter
Sniper (SRP: $2,404) features a quickhandling 16-inch barrel in .308 Win.
threaded for the supplied Surefire
Muzzle Brake and able to take the
Surefire quick detachable suppressor.
Other features include a Kevlarreinforced fiberglass stock with a fulllength bedding block, 10-round
detachable magazine and a tactical
bolt handle. It is drilled and tapped
for optics and provides two forend
sling swivel studs. The gun is finished
in an olive drab Teflon coating.
New this year is a folding stock
model of the VZ 58 7.62x39mm
semi-auto (SRP: $1,029). Southpaws
who pursue big game will want to
check out the new left-hand version
of the CZ American Safari Magnum
in .375 H&H. SRP: $1,799.
In the Brno line, the full-length
Mannlicher-stocked Brno Effect FS
will be offered in .308 Win. and
.30/06 (SRP: $1,699). The Brno Effect
will now be available in .308 Win.
($1,585). Lastly, the Brno Stopper will
now be offered in .375 H&H and .416
Rigby. SRP: $4,999. Booth #15751.
(800-955-4486; cz-usa.com)
products
FNH-US A
civilian version
of the 7.62x51
NATO SCAR 17S
is now available.
Features include
ambidextrous
operating controls, a hardchrome-lined
mil-spec bore
and a folding
polymer stock.
FNH USA
The big news from FNH in 2010 is
the introduction of the civilian version of the 7.62x51 NATO SCAR
17S, along with upgrades to the
SCAR 16S and the FNAR.
Developed for the U.S. Military,
the SCAR carbine features fully
ambidextrous operating controls;
hard-chrome-lined mil-spec bore;
receiver-integrated mil-std 1913
optical rail, plus three accessory rails
for sights, lights or lasers; and a sidefolding polymer stock that is fully
adjustable for comb height while
offering six length-of-pull settings.
Originally introduced in 5.56mm
NATO (as the SCAR 16S), that
existing model will now be available
in a black matte finish. New this year
is the SCAR 17S in 7.62x51 NATO
(.308 Win.). A slightly heavier version than the 16S, it offers all the
same operating features.
Fans of the FNAR will now find it
available with a 16-inch fluted barrel
with a hard-chrome-lined bore and
target crown, with all the features of
the standard FNAR. Booth #13060.
(703-288-3500; fnhusa.com)
H&R 1871
Fans of the .35 Whelen will now find
it available in a 22-inch barrel
Handi-Rifle with either a wood or
synthetic stock. A scope mount is
included SRP: $275 to $283.
The new Handi-Grip Rifle features the standard Handi-Rifle single-shot action in an ambidextrous
thumbhole-style synthetic stock.
Available calibers include .204 Ruger,
.223 Rem, .22-250 Rem. .243 Win,
.25-06 Rem, .308 Win, and .45/70
Gov’t. Barrel lengths are 22, 24 or 26
inches, depending upon caliber. SRP:
$298). Booth #14327. (866-779-7801;
hr1871.com)
Kimber America
A new bolt-action rifle chambered
for the .30/06 Spfd. class of cartridges joins the Kimber lineup this year.
The 84L will be offered in three
configurations.
The Model 84L Classic features a
claro walnut stock with hand-cut
checkering and matte-blue-finished
metalwork. The 24-inch barrel is
clean (no sights) and the magazine
capacity is five rounds. Empty weight
is 5 pounds 15 ounces, and it will be
available in .30/06 Spfd. and .270
Win.
The Model 84L Classic Select
Grade is put up in a French walnut
stock featuring an ebony forend tip
and hand-cut checkering. The metalwork is matte-blue-finished, and the
24-inch barrel is clean. Empty weight
and magazine capacity is the same as
the 84L Classic. In addition to the
30/06 Spfd. and .270 Win., it will
also be offered in 25/06 Rem.
The Model 84L Montana features
a hand-laid carbon-fiber Kevlar
stock, which reduces the empty
weight to 5.5 pounds. The stainlesssteel metal is finished in a soft matte,
and the 24-inch barrel is clean.
Magazine capacity is four rounds,
and it will be chambered for .30/06
Spfd., .270 Win., and .25/06 Rem.
In addition to the standard models,
450 guns will be made in a special
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
(RMEF) model. The Elk Country
Classic will feature a AA French walnut stock with an ebony forend tip
and hand-cut checkering. The metalwork is matte-blue-finished, and the
Hi-Point Firearms
The popular, and economically priced,
Hi-Point pistol-caliber carbines (distributed
by MKS Supply Inc.) receive an upgrade this
year with the addition of a new stock design
and combo sight packages. The new allweather black molded-polymer stock features a skeletonized design to reduce weight
and an improved gripping surface on the
forearm. The upper receiver and lower
stock forearm feature Picatinny rails for
optics, light or laser attachment.
The blowback action carbines are chambered for 9mm (16.5-inch barrel) and .40
S&W (17-inch barrel). Both utilize the
same-caliber 10-round single-stack
magazines used by the Hi-Point
handgun series, and the bolt locks
back
on an empty magazine. Metalwork is
finished in a high-durability black
powder coating, and the Hi-Point carbines are covered by a lifetime warranty
on parts and labor. The new models
include the following sight packages:
995TS, 9mm, adjustable Ghost Ring
sight, SRP: $249 (.40 S&W version is $25
more); 995TS4X, 9mm, 4X optical
scope, SRP: $282 (.40 S&W is $25
more); 995TSRD, 9mm, B.S.A. brand
red-dot sight, SRP: $282 (.40 S&W $25
more); and 995TSLZ, 9mm, laser sight,
SRP: $299 (.40 S&W $25 more). Booth
#15549. (877-425-4867; hi-pointfirearms.
com)
Hi-Point A new stock design and
combo sight packages enhance the
appeal of the Hi-Point pistol-caliber carbines. An all-weather black molded-polymer stock utilizes a skeletonized design to
reduce weight. In addition, several sight
options—ghost rings, optical scope and
red-dot sights—are offered.
products
KRI Custom The interchangeable-barrel
bolt-action is available in 13 standard and magnum calibers. The rifle also features a detachable scope-mount system.
American Also an interchangeable-barrel bolt-action, this rifle features an ambidextrous stock with a
straight comb, full forearm and a
Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad.
Merkel USA
This year Merkel introduces its innovative interchangeable-barrel bolt-action KR1 hunting rifle
in two new models designed to appeal to the
American market. The new American Model
features an ambidextrous classic stock with a
straight comb, full forearm and Pachmayr
Decelerator recoil pad. The engraved receiver is
matte black with a clean barrel. A quickdetachable scope mount and rings are includ-
ed. Empty weight is 6.25 pounds. SRP: $1,995.
The KRI Custom features a select-grade
walnut oil-finished stock with 24 lpi checkering and a 1-inch Pachmayr Decelerator recoil
pad. Metalwork is finished in a deep blue, with
a gold-plated trigger and engraved silvered
receiver. A quick-detachable scope mount and
rings are included. SRP: $2,995.
KR1 rifles are available in 13 standard and
magnum calibers, and offer barrel and caliber
interchangeability (22-inch barrels for
standard calibers, 24-inch for magnums).
Additional features include a short
60-degree bolt throw with six locking lugs,
free-floating barrel with a pillar-bedded
action, target-grade trigger, three-position
safety, detachable scope-mount system with
a positive return to zero and quick take-down
for transport or storage. Booth #2842. (800821-3021; merkel-usa.com)
products
24-inch barrel is clean. The magazine capacity is five rounds, with an
empty weight of 5 pounds 15 ounces.
Chambered in 30/06 Spfd. only, with
a special serial number range, this
special edition model will be available for purchase at each RMEF
banquet. Booth #10368. (406-7582222; kimberamerica.com)
Legacy Sports
International
A new big-bore bolt-action and an
innovative .22LR join the Legacy
Sports rifle product line this year.
The Howa .375 Ruger is built on the
Howa-barreled bolt-action chassis
and features a forged-steel flat-bottom receiver, large recoil lug, a
forged one-piece bolt with two locking lugs and an M-16 style extractor,
hammer-forged barrel and threeposition safety. Available initially in a
20-inch No. 2 contour barrel (with a
24-inch model to follow soon), the
Howa .375 Ruger will be offered in
both carbon steel with a blued finish
and stainless steel.
The action will be put up in a
Hogue OverMolded stock, available
in black or OD green, with shooters
given the choice of either stock color
in the blued or stainless models.
Each model features pillar bedding
and a free-floating barrel. All models
are drilled and tapped for scope
mounting, but are also factoryequipped with safari-style iron sights.
Empty weight for the 20-inch barrel
version is 7.6 pounds.
The new Puma PPS .22LR semiauto will please a lot of ammo makers. The Italian-made compact rifle
is only 33.5 inches overall, with a
16-inch barrel. It is available with
either a 30-round stick magazine or a
50-round drum magazine (the latter
being supplied with a loading tool).
Ten-round magazines will also be
available for those locales that
restrict the larger capacities.
The blue-steel rifle will be available in a black wood stock, a black
synthetic stock or a Wildcat stock,
Rock River Arms
which features an adjustable
buttstock that allows up to 4 inches
in length of pull adjustment and
includes tactical rails and a forward
pistol grip. SRP: $525 to $595,
depending on the stock and magazine combination. Additional magazines will be available at $50 for the
10-round version, $74 for the
30-rounder and $105 for the
50-round drum. Booth #2830. (775828-0555; legacysports.com)
Masterpiece Arms
Built on a MAC-10-style action, the
MPA460 Rowland Carbine (SRP:
$853) is chambered for the .460
Rowland cartridge and features a
16-inch threaded barrel with a 1-in16 RH twist (with muzzle brake), an
AR-15-style round handguard,
Parkerized finish, 3.8-pound trigger
pull weight, 30-round magazine,
side-charging action operation and
an MPA low-profile fixed buttstock.
A scope mount and a 2–7x32mm
scope with an illuminated reticle
complete the package, which is made
in America and carries a lifetime
guarantee. Booth #2903. (866-8030000; masterpiecearms.com)
Marlin Firearms
A wealth of new lever actions and a
The new LAR-8 Predator HP Hunting Rifle, chambered for .308/7.62x51mm NATO, expands Rock River
Arms’ line of hunting/sport-oriented AR platform rifles. It features a 20-inch Wilson air-gauged barrel with a
1-in-10 twist, forged A4 upper receiver, the RRA two-stage field trigger, Weaver-style gas block with sight rail,
knurled and free-floated aluminum handguard tube, Hogue rubber pistol grip and fixed A2 buttstock. Rock
River Arms states the gun will shoot 1 MOA at 100 yards, and each rifle is shipped with one magazine, RRA
SafeCase, manual and RRA’s Limited Lifetime Warranty. Booth #14060. (309-792-5780; rockriverarms.com)
products
Ruger The Hawkeye
M77 is now available in
a true southpaw version (left-side ejection
port, bolt and safety)
chambered in .300
RCM and .338 RCM.
new stainless-steel rimfire bolt-action
make their appearance in the Marlin
line this year. The Model 1895GBL
is the basic Model 1895G-45/70
Gov’t., but with a full-length magazine tube for a 6 + 1 capacity, brown
laminate stock and forend, Big Loop
lever, 18.5-inch barrel and semibuckhorn sights. SRP: $659. The
Model 336BL is the same rifle (same
full-length magazine tube and 6 + 1
capacity) in .30-30 Win. SRP: $592.
The Model 1894CSS is chambered
for .357 Magnum, with stainless-steel
construction, American black walnut
stock and forend, 18.5-inch barrel
and semi-buckhorn sights. SRP:
$765. The Model 1894DL is a highly
blued carbon-steel model chambered
for .44 Magnum, with a 20-inch barrel, full-length magazine tube, fancy
American walnut stock and handtuned action. It will come with special serial numbers. SRP: $899. The
Model 336DL is the same gun in
.30-30 Win. SRP: $799.
On the rimfire side, the new
981TS is a stainless-steel bolt-action
.22 with a black synthetic stock. A
full-length tubular magazine holds
25 Short, 19 Long or 17 .22LRs.
Equipped with adjustable iron sights,
it’s also drilled and tapped for scope
mounts and uses the T900 trigger
system that provides a 4- to 6-pound
pull weight with minimal creep. SRP:
$285.95.
Lastly, to commemorate the 50th
anniversary of the Model 60 .22LR
semi-auto, Marlin will introduce the
Model 60DLX. It features a deluxe
checkered walnut stock, semi-buckhorn rear, hooded ramp front sight
and gold-plated trigger, and will be
made in a special serial number run.
SRP: $252. Booth #14327. (203-2395621; marlinfirearms.com)
Remington Arms
The new Model 700 XCR II is an
upgraded version of the 700 XCR.
The major change is that all exposed
metal surfaces now receive the
TriNyte treatment. The stock is in
OD green with black Hogue
Overmold. Available in all XCR calibers. SRP: $930 to $1,005. A special
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
model will be offered in .300 Ultra
Mag. with a 26-inch barrel. SRP:
$1,065.
The Model 700 CDL Stainless
Fluted Limited will see its fifth line
offering with the addition of a
24-inch barrel model in .280
Remington. SRP: $1,132. The
Model 700 VTR will be offered in
an A-Tacs camo finish and features a
22-inch triangular barrel with an
integral top vented muzzle brake,
X-Mark Pro trigger and hinged
floor plate magazine box.
Chambered in .223 Rem. and .308
Win. SRP: $872.
The Remington R-15 will be
offered in .450 Bushmaster with an
18-inch barrel, single-stage trigger
Ruger The
popular Mini 30
will now be
available with
a 20-round
magazine.
Ruger Fans of
the classic No. 1
will find the .300
H&H Magnum
now chambered
in the Medium
Sporter. The 6.5
Creedmoor is
now available in
the No. 1
Standard 1-B
model.
products
Remington The new Model 700 XCR II is an upgraded version of the 700
XCR. The major change is that all exposed metal surfaces receive the TriNyte
treatment, which reduces corrosion. The stock is OD green, with a black Hogue
Overmold for improved grip in wet weather.
Remington The R-15 will now be offered in .450 Bushmaster with an
18-inch barrel and full-coverage Mossy Oak New Break-Up camo finish. It will
also feature a four-round magazine capacity.
and full-coverage Mossy Oak New
Break-Up camo finish. It will also
feature a four-round magazine capacity. SRP: $1,567.
Rimfire fans will want to check out
the new .22LR Model 597 VTR.
The auto-loading rifle kit has been
developed to accept modular repeating rifle accessories. All feature a
16-inch barrel, A-2 pistol grip, upper
Picatinny rail and 10- or 30-round
magazines, and can be had with
either an A-2 stock or a collapsible
stock, quad rail forend or round
forend in either A-Tracs camo or
black. SRP: $445 to $590. Booth
#13827. (800-243-9700; remington
.com)
Ruger
An interesting pair of rimfires, a
pair of new left-hand bolt-actions
and several caliber additions to the
Ruger No.1 single-shot highlight
Ruger’s new rifle offerings this year.
The SR-22 is an auto-loading .22LR
that matches the ergonomics and
configurability of Ruger’s recently
introduced AR-style SR-556, allowing shooters to combine economical
rimfire ammo with the look and feel
of the AR. The SR-22 uses the standard Ruger 10/22 action (and rotary
magazines) housed in an all-aluminum chassis that replicates the AR
platform dimensions. An A4-style
Picatinny optics-mounting rail allows
the use of scopes, red dots or any of
the readily available BUIS systems. A
telescoping six-position M4-style
buttstock (on a Mil-Spec diameter
tube) and a Hogue Monogrip pistol
grip are standard, but the lower
receiver will accept aftermarket AR
grips and buttstocks. A round mid-
Stag Arms
The Model 8L
uses a shortstroke piston
to vent gases
away from the
shooter.
Stag Arms
New from Stag Arms is what the manufacturer calls “the next generation gas piston” AR platform rifle. The new Model 8 and the Model
8L (a specially designed left-handed model) feature an adjustable
short-stroke gas piston that is easily serviced and vents gases away
from the shooter and rifle action. The one-piece nickel-teflon-coated
bolt carrier incorporates an integral carrier key to prevent it from
coming loose or being damaged. In addition, pads on the bolt carrier
prevent carrier tilt and greatly reduce wear on the lower receiver and
buffer tube.
Both models ship with a 5.56mm NATO chambered 16-inch
chrome-lined barrel with a 1-in-9 twist. A flip-up front sight and
Midwest Industries low-profile flip-up rear provide BUIS capability,
and an adjustable buttstock is standard. Booth #11672. (860-2299994; stagarms.com)
length handguard is mounted on a
standard-thread AR-style barrel nut;
a barrel support block installed in the
handguard allows the standard 10/22
V-block barrel attachment system to
be used. Specially designed Picatinny
rails from Ruger are available for
the handguard, allowing it to be
configured to accept a variety of
accessories.
The 16 1⁄8-inch barrel is cold-hammer-forged alloy steel and is capped
with a SR-556/Mini-14 flash suppressor with a 1/2-28 thread.
The new 10/22 VLEH Target
Rifle is a modified version of the
Ruger 10/22 Target Model. It utilizes
the same 10/22T target trigger and
hammer-forged spiral-finished .920
OD match-grade barrel, but with a
shorter 16 1⁄8-inch length barrel. The
barrel is capped with a target crown,
and the receiver is drilled and tapped
for optic mounts.
The barrel and action are housed
in a Hogue OverMolded stock (a
popular aftermarket accessory now
offered in a factory rifle). The
straight comb stock features double
palm swells, varminter-style forend
and sling swivels, and is supplied
with a precision adjustable bipod.
Empty weight (minus bipod) is 6.8
pounds.
Southpaws will now find a true
left-hand version of the Ruger
Hawkeye M77 (left-side ejection
port, bolt, safety) available in the
.300 RCM and .338 RCM. SRP:
$899.
Fans of the classic Ruger No. 1
will find the .300 H&H Magnum
now chambered in the Medium
Sporter, and the 6.5 Creedmoor is
now available in the No. 1 Standard
1-B model. Both feature blued
products
SUB MOA-TRR features a Weatherby Mark V action mated with a
26-inch Kreiger custom-cut barrel of 410 stainless steel with a No. 3
contour, a hand-tuned trigger and a desert camo composite stock.
Vanguard SUB-MOA TR uses a 22-inch No. 3 contour barrel and a fully
adjustable trigger set at 3 pounds. A hand-fitted aluminum plate is installed to
stiffen the receiver area, and the stock features a beavertail forearm.
Vanguard Custom Thumbhole Laminate Big Game model, now available
in seven calibers, features a thumbhole-stock design, a No. 2 contour hammerforged barrel and a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad.
Weatherby
Four new sporter models in the
Vanguard line and two Tactical
bolt-actions, highlight
Weatherby’s rifle offerings for
2010. Shooters who prefer the
loading and unloading convenience of a detachable box magazine will find it offered in the new
Vanguard Synthetic DBM (SRP:
$589) and the Vanguard Sporter
DBM ($799). Both models replace
the traditional steel-bottom blind
magazine plate with a threeround detachable magazine made
from space-age plastics, with witness holes for easy round counting. One magazine is supplied, but
additional magazines are available from Weatherby. Each model
weighs in at 7 pounds (empty)
and will be available in .25/06,
.270 Win. and .30/06 in righthand actions with a 24-inch No. 2
contour barrel.
The Vanguard Synthetic DBM
features an injection-molded
Monte Carlo stock, with a low-density recoil pad. The stock and metalwork are finished in black matte.
The Vanguard Sporter DBM features a walnut Monte Carlo stock
with a rosewood forend and is finished in a low-luster urethane finish. Metalwork is finished in a lowluster matte blue. The new
Vanguard Synthetic HB-ST (SRP:
$629) offers an injection-molded
synthetic stock with the Silent-Tek
finish and a low-density recoil pad.
It features a 22-inch barrel with a
No. 3 contour (.740-inch at the
muzzle), a recessed target crown,
matte black metalwork and an
empty weight of 8 pounds. It will
be available in right-hand actions
in .223 Rem. and .308 Win.
The new Vanguard Youth model
(SRP: $529) is designed to be a
rifle that can grow with the shooter. Starting with a 12.5-inch length
of pull, an included removable
spacer system allows the stock
length to be increased to a 13 5⁄8
inch length of pull as the shooter
matures. The Youth model features an injection-molded synthetic Monte Carlo stock with a
low-density recoil pad. The
20-inch No. 1 contour barrel keeps
the empty weight at just 6.5
pounds. It will be offered in a
right-hand action in .223 Rem.,
.22-250 Rem., .243 Win., 7mm-08
Rem. and .308 Win. Like all
Vanguard rifles, these four models
feature a factory-tuned fully
adjustable trigger, a cold-hammer-forged barrel, one-piece
machined receiver and a fully
enclosed bolt sleeve with three
rings of steel surrounding the case
head. Each is backed with
Weatherby’s accuracy guarantee
of 1.5-inch three-shot groups from
a cold barrel, when used with premium factory ammunition.
On the tactical side, Weatherby
will offer SUB-MOA rifles in the
Vanguard and Mark V actions. The
new Mark V SUB-MOA TRR features a Weatherby Mark V action
mated with a 26-inch Kreiger custom-cut barrel of 410 stainless
steel with a No. 3 contour (.750
muzzle diameter). Each barreled
action is hand-selected, test-fired
and equipped with a customdesigned muzzle brake. Each rifle
is supplied with a factory-test target using the Oehler 83 Ballistic
Imaging System. The selected
actions feature a hand-tuned
adjustable trigger (set at 3
pounds at the factory), and are
mated with a hand-laminated
desert-camo composite stock
constructed of Aramid graphite
unidirectional fibers and fiberglass. The three-position
buttstock is adjustable for length
of pull, drop at heel and recoil pad
cant. The stock has a No. 6 slide
for bipod attachment. A drop-box
magazine has a three-round
capacity. Empty rifle weight is
9.25 pounds.
The SUB-MOA TRR is available
in right-hand actions in .300 Win.
Mag., .300 Wby. Mag., .30-378
Wby. Mag. and .338-378 Wby.
Mag. SRP: $3,999. The rifle is
also available in a “ready to go”
package that includes a Leupold
Mark 4 4.5x14x50mm Long
Range/Tactical M1 scope with an
illuminated Tactical Milling
Reticule and bullet drop compensation dials. Talley Mil-Spec
Picatinny rings and scope bases,
a Harris bipod and a Weatherby
Magnum rifle case complete the
package. SRP: $6,292.
The Vanguard SUB-MOA TR
starts as a hand-selected and
test-fired Vanguard action with a
22-inch No. 3 contour barrel (.740
muzzle diameter) and a fully
adjustable trigger that is factoryset at 3 pounds. A factory test
target is included, using the same
Oehler system as the Mark V.
The barreled action is mated
with a hand-laminated black synthetic stock of the same materials as the Mark V, and a handfitted aluminum bedding plate is
installed to stiffen the receiver
area. The stock features a flatbottom beavertail forearm,
Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad,
with dual sling swivel studs to
allow the use of bipod and sling.
Available in .223 Rem. and .308
Win. (right-hand action only). A
five-round magazine capacity is
standard for both calibers. Empty
rifle weight is 8.75 pounds SRP:
$999. Booth #12927. (805-2272600; weatherby.com)
Box Magazine
The new Vanguard Sporter DBM and
Vanguard Synthetic DBM models replace
traditional steel blind magazines with a
three-round detachable plastic magazine.
products
26-inch barrels, American walnut
stock and forearm and Ruger scope
rings. SRP: $1,182.
The M77 Hawkeye Sport and
Mark II stainless-steel rifles will see
their brown laminate stocks replaced
with black laminate models to better
complement the brushed stainlesssteel finish. SRP: $888. Lastly, the
7.62x39 Ruger Mini Thirty (SRP:
$966) will now be available with
20-round magazines. Booth #11538.
A. Uberti Reproduction of the 1883 Colt Burgess leveraction will now be chambered for .45LC. The rifle will be
available with 20- and 25.5-inch barrels.
A. Uberti A reproduction of the Rolling Block Hunting
Carbine will be offered in a 22-inch barrel model chambered
for .38-55 and .45-70 Gov’t.
(203-259-7843; ruger.com)
Sig Sauer
New this year from Sig Sauer is the
SIG516 Tactical Rifle series. Three
models will be offered: a Personal
Defense Weapon (PDW) with a
7-inch barrel; a 14.5-inch Baseline
Carbine (14.5-inch barrel); and a
Precision Marksman model, featuring a 16-inch heavy-contour barrel,
with a Harris bipod included as standard equipment.
All are gas-piston-operated M16/
AR-15 platform firearms. The gaspiston system features a four-position
gas valve that keeps the receiver free
of firing residue. The fire control/
safety selector is an ambidextrous
design. The chrome-lined barrels are
cold-hammer-forged with a nitride
finish. The muzzle is threaded with a
standard (0.5x28TPI) thread pattern
to accommodate a wide variety of
flash suppressors, muzzle brakes and
sound-suppressor devices.
All models come standard with a
free-floating aluminum-alloy quadrail forend with four M1913
Picatinny rails to provide multiple
accessory mounting points and a flattop upper with a Picatinny optics rail
with standard equipment back-up
iron sights. The lower receiver is
machined from 7057-T6 aircraftgrade aluminum forging. The upper
and lower receivers are black hard
anodized. A collapsible SOPMOD
buttstock completes the package.
Upper receiver sub-assemblies will
also be available as a M4/M16
upgrade kit for existing rifles. Booth
#11653. (603-772-2302; sigsauer.com)
A. Uberti
The Italian arms maker expands its
line of quality-made 19th-century
replica rifles with five new models
for 2010. The 1883 Colt Burgess
Lever Action Rifle was Colt’s answer
to the popular Winchester 1873.
This year Uberti offers a faithful replica, chambered for .45 LC, in barrel
lengths of 20 and 25.5 inches. The
Rolling Block Hunting carbine will
be offered in a 22-inch barreled
model chambered for .38-55 and .4570 Gov’t. Uberti’s popular 1873
Carbine will now be available in a
19-inch barreled model chambered
for the .44 Mag., while the 1873
Trapper Rifle will offer a 16.125-inch
Thompson/Center Arms
The Venture Predator bolt-action, chambered
in .204, .22-250, .223 and .308, joins the
Venture family this year. Features include a
22-inch barrel with a target crown, a
60-degree-lift bolt and a Realtree Max 1 composite stock with inlaid traction-grip panels.
The rifle weighs less than 7 pounds and has an
overall length of 41.5 inches and a 13 5⁄8-inch
LOP. The trigger pull (user-adjustable) is 3.5 to
barrel with chamberings in .357
Mag. and .45 LC. The 1873 HalfOctagonal Barreled Rifle will be
offered in an 18-inch version chambered for the .357 Mag. and .45 LC.
Booth #12649. (800-264-4962;
uberti.com)
Winchester
Repeating Arms
The big news for 2010 is the return
of the Model 94 lever-action rifle to
the Winchester Repeating Arms lineup. This reintroduction of the most
popular rifle in history will be
offered in two limited-edition models
that will commemorate the 200th
anniversary of Oliver F. Winchester’s
birth in New England in 1810. A
Model 1894 Custom Grade and
Model 1894 High Grade will be
offered in .30-30 Winchester caliber.
Both models will have full engraving
on receivers, 24-inch half-round,
half-octagon deeply blued barrels
and high-grade walnut stocks. Only
500 Custom Grade rifles in sets with
the High Grade model will be
offered. A limited quantity of High
Grade models will be sold individual-
5 pounds. In addition, the rifle’s 5R rifling
creates less copper fouling, providing more
consistent accuracy in high-use shooting situations and significantly less cleaning time, and
the receiver is drilled and tapped for optics.
SRP: $549 to $599.
Chambered in .22LR, the new Hot Shot
offers young and novice shooters an accurate,
affordable, lightweight single-shot rifle.
Designed to look like the T/C Pro-Hunter, the
ly. SRP: $1,959, Custom Grade
Model; $1,469, High Grade Model.
New in the “Made in USA” Model
70 bolt-action rifle lineup is the
Safari Express model, which is built
to handle heavy big-game cartridges
that will include .375 H&H, .416
Rem. Mag. and .458 Win. Mag. The
Safari Express will be offered in
matte blued finish and Grade I walnut stock with deluxe cheekpiece and
open sights. SRP: $1,279.
Winchester Repeating Arms will
also add the .338 Win. Mag. caliber
to the Super Grade model. The 7mm
Rem. Mag. and .338 Win. Mag. will
be added to the Extreme Weather
SS, Ultimate Shadow and Sporter
models for 2010.
Winchester Repeating Arms will
also offer two more historical leveraction rifles for 2010. A Model 1895
Grade I lever action will be offered
in .405 Win., 30/06 Sprg. and .30-40
Krag. Available with 24-inch barrels.
SRP: $1,179. The Model 1886 Extra
Light Grade I lever action will be
offered in .45-70 Govt. with a
22-inch barrel. SRP: $1,269.
Booth #14645. (801-876-3440;
winchesterguns.com)
Hot Shot features an easy-to-operate breakopen design, accessible via the trigger-guard
release. Features include a blued-steel 19-inch
barrel with target crown, an adjustable peep
sight and ramp front sight and an ambidextrous composite stock with an 11.5-inch LOP.
The rifle is also drilled and tapped for optics.
Available in black composite, Realtree AP
camo and pink AP camo. SRP: $229 to $249.
Booth #13627. (800-331-0852; tcarms.com)
Hot Shot Designed to look like the T/C Pro-Hunter, this easy-to-operate
break-action .22L has been made for young and novice shooters. Features
include a blued 19-inch barrel with target crown, an adjustable peep sight and
an ambidextrous stock with an 11.5-inch length of pull.
Venture Predator This bolt-action is chambered in .204, .22-250, .223
and .308, and features a 22-inch barrel with a target crown and a 60-degreelift bolt designed to enhance accuracy.
products
Widespread
Appeal
There’s something for everyone in
this year’s new smoothbore lineup
By Chris Christian
W
hether one’s tastes run to the traditional or the
Space Age, 2010 sees new models and model upgrades
that will have a widespread appeal. New semi-auto
operating actions, the re-vamping of some traditional repeaters, an interesting selection of tactical and home defense shotguns and some new models in the over/under and side-by-side
product lines promise to make this a very interesting year for
shotgunners.
Benelli
The company’s flagship introduction
into the 2010 shotgun market is the
new Vinci semi-auto 12-gauge. It can
best be described as innovative in
design, futuristic in appearance.
The Vinci uses a synthetic stock
(available in black, Advantage Max-4
or Realtree APD camo finishes) to
reduce weight. Available with
26-inch or 28-inch barrels, empty
weights are 6.8 and 6.9 pounds,
respectively. The barrel features a
stepped ventilated rib with a metal
mid-rib bead and a red-bar front
sight, and the receiver is drilled and
tapped, for those who wish to add
optical sights.
Benelli states the gun, chambered
for 3-inch 12-gauge shells, will function flawlessly with any load, from a
2 ¾-inch 3-dram 1-ounce target load
to the stoutest 3-inch magnums.
Magazine capacity is three rounds.
Each gun is supplied with Benelli
Crio choke tubes in C, IC, M, IM
and F. Three additional task-specific
extended Crio choke tubes are available as accessories: Turkey Choke
(optimized for tight patterns with
modern turkey loads), a Pass Choke
(tuned for tight long-range patterns
with modern non-toxic waterfowl
loads) and the Decoy Choke (providing more open non-toxic patterns for
closer-range decoying waterfowl).
The innovative Vinci uses a new
In-Line Inertia Driven operating system that combines with the
ComforTech Plus recoil-reduction
system to significantly reduce recoil.
In addition, the Vinci incorporates a
modular system design that allows
the gun to be easily disassembled
into three components (buttstock,
forearm/trigger assembly and barrel/
receiver group) for easy cleaning,
storage and transportation. SRP:
$1,379 to $1,479, depending upon
stock finish.
Those looking for a high-end turkey gun will want to check out the
new 12-gauge Benelli Performance
Shop SBE II Turkey Edition. Built
on the Inertia Driven Super Black
Eagle II, the Performance Shop adds
enhancements designed by Rob
Roberts of Gobbler Guns, well
known for his shotgun-pattern
development.
The Turkey Edition Crio barrel
features a lengthened and polished
forcing cone. Barrels are also ported
via electrical discharge instead of
drilled holes, and are angled to redirect gases for recoil reduction and
decreased muzzle rise. Each gun is
equipped with a ComforTech stock
and also includes an accessory
SteadyGrip buttstock. A Burris
FastFire II red dot is mounted on
each gun and sighted in at the factory; each gun includes a computer
printout showing actual points of
impact and the number of pellets in
10-, 20- and 30-inch circles. Barrel
length is 24 inches, with Realtree
APG camo finish, and the empty
weight is 7.1 pounds. SRP: $2,729.
Booth #13053. (800-264-4962;
benelliusa.com)
Browning
For 2010 the Citori and Cynergy
over/under shotguns receive a performance upgrade with the addition
of Vector Pro lengthened forcing
cones in every 12- and 20-gauge
model. Vector Pro features a 2.5-inch
forcing cone length that gives a more
gradual taper to minimize shot deformation and maximizes pattern uniformity, consistency and density.
Combined with Browning’s backboring to .742 bore diameter in
12-gauge, Vector Pro enhances shot
performance by reducing friction and
increasing velocity.
The Browning Citori Lightning
and White Lightning will receive
new high-relief receiver engravings
for 2010 that give these models
enhanced aesthetics. Both models
will be available in 12-, 20- and
28-gauge, as well as .410, with 26- or
28-inch barrel lengths. The Citori
Benelli Camo
Benelli
versions of the
new Vinci include
Advantage
Max-4 and
Realtree APD.
The Vinci is available with a 26or 28-inch barrel,
and features a
stepped ventilated rib with a
metal mid-rib
bead and a redbar front sight.
Chambered for
3-inch 12-gauge
shells, the new
Vinci has been
designed to
function flawlessly with any
load, from a
2 ¾-inch 3-dram
1 -ounce target
load to the
stoutest 3-inch
magnums.
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Beretta USA
New from Beretta is the revolutionary A400 Explor Unico 12-gauge semi-auto shotgun, which, according
to Beretta, underwent three years of development and testing. Built on a new aluminum-alloy receiver, the
A400 will be available with 26-, 28- and 30-inch barrels. The empty weight is 6.6 pounds with the 28-inch
barrel. Chambered for 12-gauge 3.5-inch shells, it is capable of handling all 12-gauge loads, from 24-grain
2 3/4-inch target loads to 3.5-inch magnums. The operating system is the new Beretta Blink gas system, which
powers a rotating bolt with reinforced locking lugs.
The Optima-Bore HP barrels use the Optima-Choke system (three choke tubes supplied) and feature a 6x6
ventilated rib with a metal bead front sight. The action features a safety button, reversible for right- or lefthand use. The stock is composed of Beretta’s X-Tra Grain material with an oil finish and offers adjustable
spacers for changing drop. The recoil pad uses the new Micro-Core design. The A400 is supplied with a new
dedicated case, stock drop spacers, quick-detachable sling swivels, three choke tubes and choke-tube
wrench. Booth #13460. (301-283-2191; beretta.com)
White Lightning will feature a
receiver with a silver nitride finish
and the Citori Lightning will have a
blued receiver finish. SRP: $1,869 to
$1,939, Citori Lightning; $1,939 to
$1,999, Citori White Lightning.
Also new to the Cynergy line of
over/under shotguns is an upgrade in
the Cynergy Classic Field and
Classic Sporting models to include a
jeweled monobloc with high-relief
engraving. Both models will be
offered in 12-, 20- and 28-gauge and
.410 bore. SRP: $2,399 to $2,429,
field models; $3,469 to $3,509,
Classic Sporting models.
Browning will add the new Mossy
Oak Break-Up Infinity pattern to
models in the Silver semi-auto shotgun lineup for 2010 that will include
the NWTF turkey model, deer models in 12- and 20-gauge and 12-gauge
3 ½-inch models. The new Mossy
Oak Break-Up Infinity pattern will
also be added to the BPS pump shotgun line and Gold Lt 10-gauge semiauto shotgun for 2010. Booth
#15245. (801-876-2711; browning.com)
CZ-USA
A new ultralight 12-gauge O/U and a
classic exposed-hammer 12-gauge S/S
highlight CZ’s new smoothbores for
2010. The Upland Ultralight
12-gauge (SRP: $749) is built on a
light alloy receiver that trims the
empty gun weight to 6 pounds.
Available with 26- or 28-inch barrels,
the Upland Ultralight is finished
in black matte and is supplied with
five choke tubes.
The Hammer Classic 12-gauge S/S
(SRP: $915) will bring back memories of Grandpa’s shotgun. Built on a
case-hardened sidelock receiver, it
features functioning exposed hammers and 30-inch barrels, and is supplied with five choke tubes. Booth
#15751. (800-955-4486; cz-usa.com)
Mossberg
New this year is the Lightning Pump
Action, which offers a creep-free
rifle-like trigger in a pump-shotgun
action. Factory-set at 3 pounds, it is
user-adjustable for pull weights up to
7 pounds. The new Lightning Pump
Action will be featured in several
configurations of the Mossberg 500,
535 and 835 Turkey, Slugster and
combo models, including slug models with fluted barrels and cantilever
scope mounts as well as Turkey
models with tactical pistol-grip
stocks. Booth #12327. (203-2305300; mossberg.com)
Remington Arms
The Model 870 SPS ShurShot
Turkey Predator is a ready-to-go
package intended to handle turkey
and varmint chores. Chambered for
12-gauge 3.5-inch shells, the pump
action also handles 2¾- and 3-inch
loads. The 20-inch bead-sighted barrel is equipped with a Wingmaster
HD Turkey/Predator choke tube and
mounts an included Tru-Glo LED
(selectable green or red) optic sight.
Franchi
The ShurShot stock features overmolded grip panels, sling swivel studs
(black padded sling included) and
Super Cell recoil pad. The entire
gun is finished in Mossy Oak
Obsession camo. SRP: $652.
The Model 870 Express SuperMag
Turkey/Waterfowl pump action features a 12-gauge (3.5-inch chamber)
26-inch barrel and is supplied with
the Wingmaster HD Waterfowl and
Rem-Choke Turkey X-tra Full tubes.
Hi-Viz fiber-optic sights, Super Cell
recoil pad and full coverage in Mossy
Oak Bottom and camo complete the
package. SRP: $577.
The 12-gauge Model 870 Express
Turkey Camo features a 21-inch barrel (3-inch chamber), Rem-Choke
Turkey X-tra Full choke tube, Hi-Viz
fiber-optic sights and Super Cell
recoil pad. The stock and forend are
covered in Mossy Oak Break-Up
camo. SRP: $452.
Those preferring a semi-auto for
turkey chores will want to check out
the new Model 11-87 Sportsman
SuperMag Turkey. The 12-gauge
(3.5-inch chamber) will also handle
2¾- and 3-inch shells from its
23-inch barrel. Barrel sights consist
of Tru-Glo fiber-optic rifle sights
that are windage and elevation
adjustable. A Wingmaster HD
Turkey choke tube is included. The
ShurShot stock is equipped with a
Super Cell recoil pad and sling swivel
studs, and is finished in Realtree
APG-HD camo with gray overmolded grip panels. SRP: $959.
The standard 12-gauge (3.5-inch
New to the Franchi Renaissance line of over/under shotguns is the Franchi Renaissance Sporting 20-Gauge.
Weighing in at 7.4 pounds, the Sporting 20-Gauge features 30-inch ported barrels with lengthened forcing
cones and a wide, tapered, target ventilated rib with a green fiber-optic front sight. Each gun is shipped
with extended knurled choke tubes in C, IC and M.
The coin-finished receiver is highly engraved with traditional scrollwork and gold embellishments. The
highly figured A-grade walnut stock features fine line-cut checkering, a right-hand palm swell and traditional oil finish. Further stock enhancements include an adjustable comb and the Franchi Twin Shock Absorber
recoil reduction system. SRP: $2,349. Booth #12656. (800-264-4962; franchiusa.com)
products
PA-08 Synthetic Pump Incorporating a CNCmachined receiver and chrome-plated bolt, the new
pump’s chromed-lined barrel can handle 3-inch shells.
SA-08 Deluxe A CNC-machined aluminum receiver
and chrome-lined barrel with lengthened forcing cones
highlight this top-of-the-line model.
SA-08 Waterfowler A drop-out trigger-module
system allows quick removal for easy cleaning. The new
gun also offers Weatherby’s screw-in Multi-Choke system.
PA-459 Featuring a 12-gauge chrome-lined barrel and
chamber) 11-87 Sportsman
SuperMag line receives product-line
upgrades with two new stocks: a
black synthetic with overmolded grip
panels and a full-gun camo finish
with overmolds. Both upgrades feature 28-inch barrels threaded for
Rem-Chokes, Hi-Viz sights with
interchangeable light pipes, Super
Cell recoil pad and a black padded
sling. The camo waterfowl model
also includes an adjustable length-ofpull kit. SRP: $825, black synthetic;
$959, camo waterfowl.
Three new models join the popularly priced 887 12-gauge 3.5-inch
Nitro Magnum line. The Model 887
Camo Combo comes with 28- and
22-inch barrels; the former is
equipped with an extended RemChoke waterfowl tube, while the latter features Hi-Viz rifle sights with a
Turkey Super Full tube. The fiberoptic front sights are interchangeable
on both. The finish is Mossy Oak
Mossberg The Model 535 (below
right) as well as the Model 835 benefit from the Lightning Pump Action
trigger system.
pistol-grip stock, the PA-459 also boasts a shorter length
of pull for improved handling in close quarters.
Weatherby
This year sees new models added to Weatherby’s
semi-auto and pump shotgun lines. The SA-08 semiauto line expands with the addition of the SA-08
Deluxe and Waterfowler models. Both models offer
Weatherby’s proven dual-valve system, which allows
shooters to quickly adapt the gun to a wide variety of
loads, ranging from ¾-ounce target loads to the
heaviest 3-inch magnums. Other features common
to both the Deluxe and Waterfowler include a lightly
muzzle-weighted balance for improved swing and
follow-through, a CNC-machined aircraft-grade aluminum-alloy receiver, a drop-out trigger-module system that allows easy removal for cleaning, chromelined barrels with lengthened forcing cones, ventilated top rib and Weatherby’s screw-in Multi-Choke system (compatible with the Briley thread pattern), with
IC, M, and F tubes included with each gun. All
Weatherby choke tubes feature an easy-to-use identification system that allows shooters to quickly
select the choke they need.
The SA-08 Deluxe features a hand-select walnut
stock with precision-cut checkering. The stock and
blued metalwork are finished in a high gloss. The
Deluxe is available in 12- or 20-gauge with barrel
lengths of 26 or 28 inches. SRP: $739.
The Waterfowler model features an injectionmolded synthetic stock that reduces average gun
weight to 6.5 pounds. Stock and metalwork (with
the exception of the matte black bolt and trigger
guard) are finished in Mothwing Marsh Mimicry
camo. The Waterfowler is available in 12-gauge
(3-inch chamber) only. SRP: $699.
Another addition to the SA-08 line is the
Synthetic Youth model, which will appeal to younger or smaller-framed shooters. Available in
20-gauge (3-inch chamber), it offers the same features as the full-size line, including the dual-valve
operating system, chrome-lined barrels with lengthened forcing cones, Multi-Choke interchangeable
choke tube system (IC, M and F supplied), CNCmachined aluminum-alloy receiver, drop-out trigger
system and ventilated rib. The model has a 24-inch
barrel, black synthetic stock, black matte metal finish and a 12.5-inch length of pull. The resulting shotgun weighs in at a trim 5.75 pounds. SRP: $569.
The PA-08 pump-action shotgun line expands
with two new models: a versatile field workhorse
and a dedicated home defense model. The new
PA-08 Synthetic pump incorporates the CNCmachined receiver, chrome-plated bolt, drop-out
trigger system, chrome-lined barrels chambered
for 3-inch shells, with lengthened forcing cones,
ventilated rib with brass bead front sight and
Weatherby Multi-Choke system (IC, M and F tubes
included) that characterizes the standard PA-08
Upland pump shotgun. Setting it apart is the black
synthetic stock and black matte finished metalwork. SRP: $399.
While the PA-08 Synthetic is designed as a nofrills field workhorse, the new PA-459 is intended to
serve the same purpose in the home. The model
number comes from the California State Penal
Code section designating a “burglary in progress.”
Built with the same action as the other PA-08 guns,
it features a 12-gauge 19-inch chrome-lined barrel
with an extended and ported Cylinder choke tube.
Magazine capacity is four 3-inch 12-gauge shells or
five 2 3/4-inch shells. The stock is a synthetic pistolgrip-style buttstock with a soft textured grip, lowdensity recoil pad and shorter (13.5-inch) length of
pull to improve handling in close quarters. A milspec Picatinny rail is installed on the upper receiver
to facilitate the mounting of optical sights and
lights, and the standard sights supplied with the
gun are a clamp-type LPA rear Ghost Ring (windage
and elevation adjustable) and a front blade sight
with a fiber-optic insert for fast target acquisition.
An extended forend and slide release allows quick
handling, and the forend has a Picatinny rail to allow
the installation of lights and lasers. The gun is finished in black matte, with an empty weight of 6.5
pounds and an overall length of 40 inches. SRP:
$469. Booth #12927. (805-227-2600; weatherby.com)
Mossberg Slugster (above left)
also benefits from the Lightning
Pump Action trigger. The Slugster
offers a fully rifled and ported barrel
for enhanced accuracy.
products
Winchester The SX3 All-Purpose
Field (left) is now available in Mossy
Oak Break-Up Infinity camo. The
Walnut Field SX3 (right) can now be
had in 20-gauge.
Break-Up Infinity camo, and a black
padded sling and Super Cell recoil
pad are standard. SRP: $479.
The 26-inch Black Synthetic features a 26-inch barrel (Modified
Rem-Choke included) black synthetic stock, Hi-Viz front sight (interchangeable light pipes) and Super
Cell recoil pad. SRP: $399.
The Model 887 Tactical features an
18.5-inch barrel with interchangeable
Hi-Viz front sight on a stepped rib, a
Rem-Choke Ported Tactical extended
choke tube, a barrel clamp with an
integral Picatinny rail, a two-shot
magazine tube extension and a Super
Cell recoil pad. The gun is finished
in ArmorLokt coating. SRP: $479.
The semi-auto 11-87 Sportsman
sees a new model with the Field edition. Available in 12- or 20-gauge,
both are chambered for 3-inch shells
(each can handle 2 ¾ loads as well)
and are threaded for Rem-Chokes.
The 12-gauge features a 28-inch barrel, while the 20- has a 26-inch tube.
Both models feature vent ribs, a steel
bead mid-sight and a white bead
front sight. All metalwork is finished
in a satin blue, and the American
walnut stock has a satin finish with
fleur-de-lis checkering. SRP: $812.
Lastly, the pump-action 870
Express sees a new model in the
Tactical A-Tacs camo. The 2 ¾-inch
12-gauge is fully covered in A-Tacs
camo and features a Speedfeed IV
pistol grip stock, Super Cell recoil
pad, a receiver-mounted Picatinny
rail with a XS Ghost Ring sight that
is adjustable for windage and elevation and a front blade sight with a
white bead that is interchangeable for
other colors. The 18.5-inch barrel is
supplied with a Rem-Choke TAC
ported/extended tube, and a two-shot
magazine extension tube is included.
SRP: $639. Booth #13827. (800-2439700; remington.com)
Winchester
Repeating Arms
The exciting news in shotguns from
Winchester Repeating Arms for 2010
is the introduction of the Walnut
Field SX3 20-gauge semi-auto
model. The new 20-gauge SX3
includes all the features of the SX3
design in a lighter, softer-shooting
model for lighter-framed shooters.
Available in 26- or 28-inch barrels
with gunmetal gray Perma-Cote UT
finish. SRP: $1,199.
The All-Purpose Field model in
the SX3 12-gauge 3.5-inch semi-auto
shotgun will be offered in the new
Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camo
pattern for 2010. Available in 26or 28-inch barrels. SRP: $1,469.
Booth #14645. (801-876-3440;
winchesterguns.com)
products
Lacrosse Twelve inches tall and
packed with 2,000 grams of Thinsulate,
the Alpha SST pull-on boot is ideal for
late-season deer hunters. The rubber
boot is wrapped with a durable clad
trim over naturally insulating neoprene
impregnated with SST scent-suppressing technology.
insole board is waterproof, and the
sole features multi-directional lugs
for better traction. This self-cleaning
feature keeps debris from gathering
between the lugs. Made from nubuck
suede with a nylon mesh upper, the
quick-access bungee lacing system
comes with a cord lock to hold the
shoe tight. Sizes: men’s 6M to 14W
(half-sizes available). SRP: $99.99
Booth # 13769 (800-694-5263;
blackhawk.com)
Danner
Carrying the DNA from one of
Danner’s most popular boots, the
Pronghorn GTX 2010 delivers a
lighter, faster and more durable
product. This updated Pronghorn
utilizes Danner’s Predator claw-like
outsoles and comes with several
grades of Thinsulate, up to 1,200
grams. It is also available without
insulation. All the boots are waterproof and come with a Gore-Tex
liner.
Built on the advanced stability and
exceptional support of Danner’s
Terra Force platform for heel control
and ankle control, the upper is
topped with full-grain leather combined with breathable 1,000 Denier
nylon. The toe is capped with a
scuff-proof Tech Tuff cover and heel
for long-lasting wear. The boots
come in brown leather as well as
Realtree and Mossy Oak camo, and
weigh an average of 44 ounces. Sizes:
men’s 7 to 14 (halves in D-width)
and 8.5 to 13 (halves in EE). SRP:
Starts at $144.95. Booth #10365.
(800-345-0430; danner.com)
Filson
Combining classic design with a
high-tech membrane and fiberglass
shank for lighter weight, the
Highlander is made for the discriminating traditionalist. The 9-inch
leather upper uses a smooth finish
Stepping Out!
From plain Jane, uninsulated rubber models to
top-of-the-line, high-tech leather versions, boots
are on the march By Peter B. Mathiesen
T
he cold, wet winter of 2008 and a damp
start to the 2009 season helped moved
boot products for many retailers in the
upper Midwest, Northeast and mountain states.
In addition, relatively stable oil costs last year
helped to bring down prices slightly, which
resulted in steady sales in a down economy for
many boot manufacturers. For 2010, you can
expect military footwear to continue to grow,
and you’ll also see hunting boots keep shedding
weight, mainly through the use of ultralight
molded soles.
Blackhawk
Built with law enforcement personnel, who are on their
feet all day, in mind, the Tanto Light Hiker provides
both comfort and performance in a highly breathable
trail shoe. By absorbing the shock of each step and
improving foot alignment on flat surfaces or uneven
ground, the Tanto offers traction and stability with excellent pronation control. The heel is semi-rigid and the top
cap is reinforced for protection as well as durability.
The molded boot has an antimicrobial Ortholite footbed that is breathable and quick-drying. The injected
Blackhawk The Tanto Light Hiker
has been designed to provide both
comfort and performance in a highly
breathable trail shoe. Features
include an antimicrobial Ortholite
footbed and multi-directional lugs.
products
Irish Setter
Old-school rubber boots have a loose, open ankle fit, with little room
to insert your foot. Irish Setter’s patent-pending ExoFlex Fit technology expands the shaft of the boot to accommodate your foot when
you pull them on. Once your foot is inside the boot, it contracts for a
lock-tight, waterproof fit. Backed with a rugged abrasion-resistant
expansion panel, the ExoFlex is extremely durable. Irish Setter’s rubber boots will be available in various camo patterns and insulation
packages.
Sizes: men’s 7 to 14. SRP: $149. Booth #11449. (888-738-8370;
irishsetterboots.com)
ExoFlex
Once your foot
is inside this
boot, the ExoFlex
technology
ensures a tight,
waterproof fit.
Filson Combining classic design with a high-tech membrane and fiberglass
shank for lighter weight, the Highlander is for the discriminating traditionalist.
The 9-inch leather upper uses a smooth finish around the toe, so the boot
won’t hang on sharp rocks.
structed from rust- and corrosionresistant brass. The footbed uses
Filson’s removable Cork/EVA. Sizes:
men’s 8 to 11 (halves in D) and 12 to
13 (in EE). SRP: $325. Booth #1214.
(866-860-8906; filson.com)
Lacrosse
Twelve inches tall and packed with
2,000 grams of Thinsulate, the Alpha
SST pull-on boot is ideal for many
late-season deer hunters. The rubber
boot is wrapped with a durable clad
trim over naturally insulating neoprene impregnated with SST scentsuppressing technology. At the top of
the boot, a scent-proof gator
improves scent control. Meanwhile,
the Alpha is lined with nylon for easy
on and off. A non-insulated version
will also be available. Colors include
Realtree AP, HD and Mossy Oak.
Sizes: men’s 6 to 15. SRP: $169.95.
Booth #10365. (800-323-2668;
lacrossefootwear.com)
around the toe, so the boot won’t
hang on sharp rocks. You’ll find 24
ounces of Filson Mackinaw wool
insulation sandwiched between
both leather liners throughout the
interior of the boot.
The sturdy lug Vibram Olympia
sole is attached to a leather welt construction that allows for resoling. A
padded leather tongue with Tin
Cloth gussets prevents water from
leaking in. All lace fittings are con-
Lowa
With more flexibility than most Lowa hiking boots, the Uplander GTX is 10 inches
high and utilizes lightweight split-leather construction. Ideal for rugged use in the
field or the backcountry, it uses a Gore-Tex bootie with Primaloft insulation. These
materials provide a unique blend of water-resistant ultra-fine fibers to form a lightweight, breathable insulation that dries fast, yet retains warmth when wet.
The Vibram Vialta rubber outsole has a bi-injection PU midsole for shock absorption. Full-length plastic stabilizers between the midsole and outsole provide even
more ankle stability and torsion control. SRP: $280. Booth #11051. (203-353-0116;
lowaboots.com)
Magnum USA
Trimmed with full-grain leather
uppers, the Precision Ultra Lite Wpi
CT hiking boots are waterproof.
Constructed with an ASTM-approved
non-metallic composite toe and nonmetallic hardware, the boots are ideal
for first responders working around
electrical hazards. The boots are
treated with Magnum Boots proprietary Ion-Mask technology that gives
protection against dust, dirt, blood
and other leather contaminates.
Debris will not adhere to the leather.
Inside the boots, a comfort collar
improves ankle support, and the EVAmolded mid- and outsole give excellent shock absorption with firm nonslip control. In addition, the X-Static
antibacterial lining keeps odors away.
Sizes: men’s 7 to 13 (D and EE ).
SRP: $139. Booth #13773. (209-5451111; magnumboots.com.)
Muck Boots
Designed to reduce fatigue and
increase ankle support for long walks
on uneven ground, the Woody Sport
Side Zip uses a waterproof widetooth zipper that’s easy to access and
Lowa The 10-inchhigh Uplander GTX features
lightweight, breathable insulation and a Vibram Vialta
rubber outsole.
products
Rocky
With 16 inches of protective height, the MtnStalker Monster is an
armored, waterproof, neoprene rubber boot that has combination
Gore-Tex and Scent-Lok liners for breathability and odor control.
These pull-ons have 800 grams of Thinsulate insulation and provide
an additional layer of scent control with Rocky’s X-Static barrier.
Inside, an Achilles billow creates articulation with airflow chambers
that provide unrestricted breathability without compromising waterproofing or your scent profile. The ankle
area is supported with a Techno-Stability ankle harness for increased stability. The outsole uses a
three-quarter welt design along with the comfort
of a -5-degree-layer bottom that enhances the
cushioning of the MtnStalker’s extremely
aggressive outsole. Sizes: men’s 7 to 14.
SRP: $220. Booth #10254. (877-795-2410;
rockyboots.com)
pull up or down with one hand. Like
all Muck Boots, the Side Zip features
a premium breathable Airmesh lining
that wicks away moisture for all-day
wearing comfort. The four-way
stretch and CR foam bootie cushions
a 100 percent waterproof boot that is
vulcanized, so all rubber pieces are
wrapped together to form a durable
outer shell.
The aggressive Speed-Tracker rubber outsole uses an EVA midsole for
cushioning and offers impressive
traction with a rugged, stable tread. Inside, a
removable Achilles
reinforced footbed
offers additional support and shock absorption. Colors include
Mossy Oak New BreakUp camo. Sizes: men’s
whole 7 to 14; women’s 8
to 13 (unisex). SRP: $170.
Booth #7311. (877-4386825; muckboot
company.com)
Wenger
Footwear
Wenger, the Swiss knife folks,
has released a sizable line of
outdoor footwear, including the
Eiger hiking boot. To reduce
weight, the boot uses a fully broken–in nubuck leather upper with a
red polyurethane midsole reinforcement instead of a heavy steel shank.
This boot employs an impactdampening Spydraflex outsole that
offers reduction in foot-flex, and a
midsole that dissipates vibration. The
soft outsole provides a solid grip for
scrambling over rocks. The antimicrobial and antibacterial insole and
liner reduce the risk of athlete’s foot
from bacterial build-up. A Hydrofoil
breathable membrane bootie is added
for waterproofing. The molded
insole is contoured to the footbed
with an iconic logo pattern for cooling the foot while increasing
circulation and
breathability.
Sizes: men’s 6 to
13; women’s 5
to 11. SRP:
$120. Booth
#10244. (415465-5900; wenger
footwear.com)
Muck Boots The
Woody Sport Side Zip
features a waterproof,
wide-tooth zipper and
aggressive soles.
f e at u r e
Answers to
Important Questions
NSSF Senior Vice President Chris Dolnack
addresses what may be on your mind
W
ith the SHOT Show’s return to Las Vegas, in a slot of weekdays in a venue other than the
Las Vegas Convention Center, questions may have crossed your mind. Chris Dolnack, the
senior vice president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, which owns and sponsors the SHOT Show, presents the answers to what are likely some of those questions.
Chris Dolnack, senior vice president
of the NSSF, answers questions
about SHOT’s new location.
and Convention Center
for the first time, what
differences will we see
compared to previous shows
in Las Vegas?
A:
Exhibitors will have their
booths on Levels 1 and 2.
Meeting rooms will be centrally
located on Levels 3 and 4, which is
much more convenient. And we’ll be
in the heart of the Strip, surrounded
by hotels and restaurants in every
price range.
Why is the show being
Q:
held from Tuesday
through Friday?
A:
Weekday dates were available
for the coveted January dates
that we wanted, and the weekday
hotel rates were much more favorable for our attendees and exhibitors.
What has the NSSF
Q:
done to increase law
enforcement attendance?
Also, what has been done to
increase traffic in the law
enforcement section of the
show?
A:
We offered a law enforcement
version of SHOT Show
University the evening before the
show—that is, on Monday—and it
continued on Tuesday morning. This
Law Enforcement program, presented in partnership with Law Officer
magazine, has been slated to feature
10 sessions focusing on the educational needs of the tactical law
enforcement officer. In addition, we
promoted the SHOT Show in both
Law Officer magazine and the
Professional Law Enforcement
Association’s newsletter. Attracting
more law enforcement professionals
to the SHOT Show assures more
traffic in the law enforcement section
of the show.
Is the concealed carry
Q:
of a firearm permitted
at the show?
A:
Per our lease with the Sands
Expo and Convention Center,
no personal firearms or ammunition
is allowed. Only firearms whose firing pins have been removed (and
have been inspected by SHOT Show
Safety Advisors) on display by exhibitors are permitted on the show floor.
Due to limited parking,
Q:
driving to the show has
not been recommended.
What alternative forms of
transportation are available
in Las Vegas?
What has the NSSF
Q:
done to lower costs to
A:
attend this year’s show?
A:
With the current
Q:
A:
state of the economy,
many trade shows have
seen a drop in attendance
in recent years. How has
attendance been at the
SHOT Show over the past
couple of years?
A:
The SHOT Show is one of
the few trade shows that has
bucked the trend of declining attendance. In fact, the 2009 show experienced a 3 percent increase in attendance (48,907) when compared to its
last visit to Orlando, in 2007. In
2008, the show in Las Vegas shattered every attendance record in its
history, with 58,769.
We entered into a rolling threeyear agreement with the Sands
Expo and Convention Center for
2010, 2011 and 2012, so the show will
be at the same site for next two years.
Why is the show being
Q:
held at the Sands Expo
and Convention Center?
A:
Because in our post-show
surveys, our exhibitors and
attendees consistently tell us that the
SHOT Show should be in Las Vegas
in January no matter what. The
Sands Expo offered us attendeepreferred January dates, according to
our surveys, through 2012, and the
location is second to none.
Where will the SHOT
Q:
the show being
Show be held over the
Q: With
held at the Sands Expo
next few years?
Our partners at Reed
Exhibition aggressively renegotiated our room rates down by as
much as $100 per night, and we
have acquired additional rooms at
reduced rates from the
Homebuilder’s Show. And we negotiated a 10 percent discount for
exhibitors on materials-handling
charges if those fees were paid by
December 23, 2009. This can translate into big savings and serves as
yet another example of how we are
trying to provide the most value to
our customers and our guests.
What has show manQ:
agement done to make
sure that show attendees are
“qualified” buyers?
A:
We’ve implemented additional
screening layers to help further qualify buyers, and we are placing more restrictions on “guest of
show” badges, in addition to advising
exhibitors to limit their badges to
booth staff and company employees.
First and foremost, since the
SHOT Show is centrally
located on the Strip, many attendees
are staying within a 10-minute walk
of the Sands Expo and Convention
Center. In addition, we have shuttle
buses running as we usually do—and
don’t forget the monorail, though
the closest stop, Harrah’s, is about a
mile away. Another great option is
the Deuce, a modern, double-decker
bus that stops at virtually every
hotel and casino along the Las
Vegas Strip. It operates 24 hours a
day, seven days a week. Stops are
located about every quarter-mile in
each direction and are marked with
signs or by bus shelters. The frequency of the Deuce varies, depending on the day of the week and the
time of day, but according to its
published schedule, a Deuce may
arrive as often as every seven minutes. The longest scheduled wait is
17 minutes, which occurs from 2 to
5 a.m. The fare is only $3 one-way,
and reduced plans are available for
multiple rides and for seniors. You
can learn more at rtcsouthern
nevada.com/transit/deuce/.
f e at u r e
The SHOT Show
continues to be a
premier venue
where retailers
can mingle with
manufacturers,
distributors and
other industry
professionals. It’s
a great way to
solidify the
important
contacts that
can help put a
business on
sounder financial
footing.
SHOT Show:
The Place to Build Your
Business Network
The SHOT Show continues to be a must-attend
event for retailers who want to grow By Marilyn Stone
H
ave you ever wondered who you missed as you boarded the plane to go home from the
SHOT Show? If you’re an exhibitor, you have the chance to meet more than 25,000 retail
buyers and more than 1,400 members of the outdoor press. How do you manage your time
and personnel resources? Maybe you’re launching your business at your first SHOT Show and
wondering how to snag the attention of passing outdoor writers.
If you’re a retailer, did you balance
your time between maintaining relationships with major players and
checking out the innovations from
more than 300 new exhibitors?
Tucked into a 10-foot by 10-foot
booth might be “the next big thing”
your customers demand.
Plan Ahead
The NSSF recognizes attendees’
time crunch and has pared down the
exhibitor list to only core hunting
and shooting sports and law enforcement companies. Have you taken a
big-picture view to see how you need
to adapt to larger trends that are
developing? Retailers and distributors aren’t the only ones opening
their wallets at SHOT. One of the
trends Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior
vice president, has witnessed over the
past few years is conservation organizations and state wildlife agencies
purchasing all of the firearms,
optics and other gear for their banquet programs. While conservation
groups purchase hunting-oriented
gear, traditional storefront retailers
are responding to consumer
demand for tactical-type firearms
and equipment, such as modern
sporting rifles, single-point slings
and red-dot sights.
As customers line up at your cash
registers and back orders mount up,
it’s easy to assume customers will
always clamor for your products, just
as many home buyers and lenders
assumed house values would only
continue to climb. If you believe the
dip in sales such as that the industry
experienced in the mid-1990s can’t
happen again, rethink that position.
“We realize our current sales
trend will not continue, and it’s our
responsibility to help our retailers
prepare for any change in the marketplace,” says Diedra Cauley, the
new director of exhibitions and
conferences, appointed after
Jeannette Mannuzza retired.
“Retailers need to be planning.”
Relationships develop over time,
but face-to-face contact can jumpstart them. You can’t do it all, see it
all or meet everyone, but if you work
out a plan and stick to it, you’ll build
your network every year.
“Relationships can make the difference in implementing such plans,”
says Cauley.
Nowhere else does our industry
meet but at the SHOT Show.
Introducing….
Diedra Cauley’s means of relaxing is swinging a 12-gauge shotgun on skeet or sporting
clay targets or a rising pheasant. As a woman who loves the outdoors, shooting sports
and a challenge, she has chosen the right job. Cauley, formerly with Armor Holdings, is
the NSSF’s new director of exhibitions and conferences. Cauley’s experience running
exhibits at the SHOT Show for Armor Holdings, in addition to working with commercial
distributors and retailers, helps her to see the show from the perspective of NSSF members. “As a law
enforcement and general shooting and hunting exhibitor, I worked with retailers and fellow employees, as
well as independent salespeople,” she says. “As an attendee, I met with domestic and international wholesalers and distributors, toured the floor and introduced them to new products. These experiences provided
a unique perspective. I am very sensitive and forward-thinking about how SHOT can both better meet
exhibitors’ expectations and help them meet their show objectives.”
f e at u r e
Changing the
timing of the
firearms and
ammunition
excise tax from
biweekly to
quarterly will
save manufacturers money
while still
assuring the
timely flow of
funds to the
Wildlife
Restoration Trust
Fund.
Excise Tax Reform:
Why We Can Get It
Done Now
Excise tax reform is good for the industry,
conservation and even the government By Marilyn Stone
istockphoto.com
I
f you take a few minutes now, you can strengthen our industry for the future. All you have to
do is pick up the phone. Call your U.S. senators and representative(s) and ask them to cosponsor legislation everyone supports—S. 632 and H.R. 510.
These companion bills will change
the timing of the firearms and ammunition excise tax (FAET) payment
from biweekly to quarterly.
Manufacturers pay an 11 percent tax
on the sale of rifles, shotguns and
ammunition and a 10 percent tax on
the sale of handguns. The bill doesn’t
lower the tax rate or decrease the total
tax collected, but it will save manufacturers money and reduce paperwork
for both manufacturers and for the
Alcohol, Tax and Trade Bureau
(TTB), the agency within the Internal
Revenue Service that collects the tax.
The FAET monies go into the
Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund, also
called the Pittman-Robertson Trust
Fund. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service (USFWS) distributes money
in the trust to the state wildlife agencies on a matching funds basis—75
percent from USFWS and 25 percent from the state. PittmanRobertson monies fund wildlife conservation to the tune of several hundred million dollars each year in the
U.S. For instance, in 2008, $345.2
million was collected in excise taxes,
overshadowing 2007’s total of $303.2
million by 13.9 percent. Brisk firearms sales in 2009 portend possible
record-breaking excise payments for
that year as well. In fact, the most
recent 12-month data available indicated a total of $377 million!
Paying the tax every quarter
instead of twice each month (and
three times in September) will save
manufacturers money because under
the current schedule, companies
must pay the tax weeks or even
months before being paid by their
customers. They may have to borrow
money from the bank to pay the tax
on time. The interest on the loan
amounts to a hidden tax, which does
not benefit conservation—only the
bank. The NSSF estimates a savings
of $22 million for the industry will
be achieved by transitioning to a
quarterly payment schedule. These
savings could be invested in growing
the company, research and development of new products and supporting the shooting sports, which could
boost the contributions for conservation. Industry growth and recruiting
more sportsmen and -women would
mean more sales with more excise
taxes paid on those sales.
Leveling the Field
Since only U.S. companies pay the
FAET, it will help level the playing
field against foreign competition,
also. The archery and fishing tackle
industries also pay their own version
of the excise tax to fund conservation, but they’ve always paid on a
quarterly basis.
Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior
vice president and general counsel,
compares the biweekly deposit
schedule to “a pebble in your shoe. It
doesn’t kill you, it’s just annoying.
Now we’re sitting down on the park
bench to take it out.”
Congressional Sportsmen’s
Caucus (CSC) has been effective in
garnering co-sponsors. Rep. Ron
Kind (D-WI), a past co-chair of the
CSC, introduced H.R. 510 in the
House in April 2009 along with
CSC House co-chair Rep. Paul
Ryan (R-WI). Illustrating the legislation’s bipartisan support, Senators
Max Baucus (D-MT) and Mike
Crapo (R-ID), current co-chair in
the CSC, introduced companion
legislation in the Senate.
TTB, U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service, sportsmen and conservation
groups such as the National Rifle
Association and Ducks Unlimited,
as well as the archery and fishing
tackle industry trade groups, all
support the legislation. In fact,
there is no organized opposition to
this bill, thus increasing the likelihood of passage.
But Congress has many demands
on its time, dealing with major headline-grabbing issues. That is why the
NSSF is working to build momemtum by adding as many co-sponsors
to the bill as possible.
“The more co-sponsors, the better
chance we have of passing this legislation,” says Keane.
It is a credit to the far-sighted
elected officials crafting the original
legislation that only minor amendments, such as the timing of the
payment, have been added over the
past 73 years.
Landmark Act
In 1937, Senator Key Pittman of
Nevada and Rep. A. Willis
Robertson of Virginia passed the
Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration
Act, also known as the PittmanRobertson Act. The landmark legislation, passed during an economic
depression, helped ensure wildlife
conservation in America for the rest
of the century. Beyond providing
millions of dollars of funding each
year, the Pittman-Robertson Act
stipulated that to be eligible for the
funding, a state must pass laws protecting hunter license dollars from
legislative raids to fund schools,
roads or any non-wildlife use. The
money was designated for state wildlife agencies only.
Americans have a proud history
of supporting conservation.
Manufacturers are only asking for a
fair break, not to dodge taxes or
abandon their support of wildlife. In
this case, what’s good for the industry
is good for America’s wildlife.
Contact your senators and
representative(s) to co-sponsor S. 632
and H.R. 510l by calling the U.S.
Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121
or via e-mail from CAP WIZ on the
NSSF website (nssf.org).
f e at u r e
Become an NSSF
Voting Member
Play an important role in shaping how the
NSSF carries out its mission By Cathy Glazer
F
rom crucial legislative, legal and political issues to promoting professionalism
among firearms dealers and range operators—the National Shooting Sports
Foundation (NSSF) is spearheading a variety of efforts aimed at ensuring the
future of America’s shooting sports heritage.
The NSSF’s success hinges on the support of
the companies, organizations and individuals who
believe in the foundation’s mission and support it
with their membership. At the top of this group
are the Voting Members, who pay dues based on
their annual sales and who play an important leadership role in shaping how the NSSF carries out
its strategic mission of promoting, protecting and
preserving hunting and the shooting sports.
Traditionally, Voting Members were an elite
group of the nation’s top firearms and ammunitions
manufacturers. Today, the trade association’s membership, which has more than doubled in recent
years, includes a broad spectrum of stakeholders in
the industry’s future. To more accurately reflect
this diverse membership, in 2009 the NSSF’s Board
of Governors agreed to invite more member companies into the Voting Member category.
“The NSSF is growing,” says Steve Sanetti, NSSF
president and CEO. “We have more than five thousand members—the largest it’s ever been. We welcome major players from all segments of the industry to become Voting Members. We want to be
more inclusive. We want their perspective on how
we can be more effective in achieving our mission.”
Voting Members, Sanetti notes, have a role in
choosing who will lead the NSSF. “They have a
voice in who will serve on the Board, who will set the
NSSF’s direction, policy, programs, control of the
SHOT Show,” he says. Becoming a Voting Member
“is a move from passive participation to active participation, directing the NSSF’s course. All major players should consider becoming Voting Members.”
In mid-2009, the NSSF launched a campaign to
add to its Voting Members base. “We started to see
more interest in the Voting Member category, partly
due to the political climate and an increasing recognition of the value of NSSF membership,” says
Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice president. “We
have been fortunate that a large portion of the
NSSF’s revenue is generated through the SHOT
Show, and that federal grants fund some of our large
research projects as well as our safety initiatives,
such as Project ChildSafe. Given that the NSSF is in
very good financial shape, we felt it was prudent to
adjust the dues structure for Voting Members.”
At the entry level, companies can now become
Voting Members for a quarterly payment of $500.
Why Be a Voting Member?
Michael Golden—president and CEO of Smith &
Wesson, a longtime Voting Member company—
summed up why his company values its membership in this top category: “It’s important as a major
player in the industry that we at Smith & Wesson
have a vote and a say. We value the programs the
NSSF provides to preserve and protect the industry
and appreciate being heard on certain decisions.”
Voting Members must be approved by the NSSF
Board of Governors. Voting Members consist of
manufacturers, importers, wholesale distributors,
retailers and manufacturer representatives of firearms, ammunition or related hunting and/or shooting products, supplies or accessories and publishers
or broadcasters of industry trade press or titles or
programs related to hunting or the shooting sports.
To discuss becoming a Voting Member and pick up
an application, which includes the new dues structure, stop by the NSSF booth (L221) and speak with
NSSF Membership Director Bettyjane Swann. After
the show, you can contact her at [email protected].
f e at u r e
Help Is on the Way
Got a hard-to-solve business problem?
We’re here to help By Robert F. Staeger
R
etailers have to deal with a plethora of nettlesome issues—they need to
order and stock merchandise that customers actually want to buy, they
need to hire and train competent sales associates that can forge a lasting
relationship with customers and they need to manage costs and budgets so that
the business posts a profit at the end of the year. None of this is rocket science...
and yet, every year we see businesses fail because they were unable to do just that.
Two of the most vexing issues SHOT Business hears about is how to keep in
more personal touch with customers and how to attract a younger customer base.
These are both key issues for the modern retailer, and both of the questions are
answered below.
I’m looking for ways to keep in
Q:
more personal touch with my
customers. How can I keep my store in the
front of their mind?
A:
The modern world provides us with
many ways in which to make our presence
known. We have websites, blogs, e-mail, social
networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace, text
messaging and Twitter, not to mention lower-tech
options like direct mail and print, radio and television
advertising. But when it comes to making sure you stay
on someone’s mind, Hallmark has the right idea: Send a
greeting card.
Actually, even something as simple as that is putting
the cart before the horse. The effectiveness of any outreach program—particularly something as personal as a
greeting card—is predicated on an existing relationship.
If you want your customers to be thinking of you,
you have to be thinking of them—not as a group, but
as individuals. And the start of that is a simple gesture
that gets more difficult with volume: Learning your
customers’ names.
There is a reason that Cheers
was such a popular television show,
and it can be summed up in one
word: “Norm!” The show spoke to
the yearning we all have for a place
we’re always welcome—“where
everybody knows your name.” It feels
good to be recognized, and it sparks
warm feelings in return. When
someone walks into your shop, if you
can greet him with a “Hey, Jerry,”
you’ve got a relationship you can
build on.
Instruct your staff to introduce
themselves to your customers by
name; name tags are not enough.
When they do so, it’s more likely
that the customer will respond by
giving his name, and from there, it’s
just a question of memory. The best
way to remember a name is simply to
use it once or twice when talking to
the person. It doesn’t hurt that this is also an effective
sales technique.
Now that you’ve established that personal relationship
with your clientele, it won’t be so surprising when they
get a greeting card from you in the mail. To do this,
you’ll need their address, of course; provide sign-up cards
for people interested in receiving promotions and sale
information.
One good incentive to get people to give you this
information is to offer a birthday discount. Sending out
birthday cards is also a nice way to bring in business.
(Coupons can be for the birthday itself or valid for the
whole month, but it’s best to give an expiration date to
encourage a quick visit.)
Birthdays happen year-round, but holidays come just
once a year. If you’re thinking about sending out holiday
cards to your customers, it’s best to do so as early as possible, to remind people that they can take care of some
holiday shopping at your store—or suggest that their
spouse does. It’s best to get the envelopes addressed
before Thanksgiving; hopefully, you’ll be too busy to do
it afterward.
Thank-you notes are another good reason to send out
greeting cards. You might want to thank your customers
for their business in your holiday cards, but other times
are appropriate, too, such as after they bring in their rifle
for gunsmithing, or if they’ve introduced a friend to your
store.
If sending greeting cards seems like it would take too
much time, there are businesses that can help you out.
Cardsdirect.com can provide custom cards for your shop,
and sendoutcards.com will send the cards out for you.
That said, there’s nothing like a hand-signed card for the
truly personal touch.
All in all, it’s pretty simple: The best way to make sure
your customers are thinking of you is for you to be thinking of them.
My customer base is getting older
Q:
and older. How do I attract a younger
crowd?
A:
First of all, you should know you’re not alone.
Attracting a younger clientele is an issue for every
business. The most prized demographic group in television advertising is 18- to 34-year-olds. Not only do they
have a lot of discretionary income, but also, most advertisers know that attracting a customer now could very
well mean keeping him or her for life.
Which makes attracting younger customers
doubly important for your business. Not only can
they boost your bottom line immediately, but they can
grow into the rock-solid base that your business can rely
on as it matures.
Certainly, the hunting and shooting sports have
their share of outreach programs to youth and new
shooters. In a sense, the philosophy behind them is similar to that of television advertisers: People who begin
hunting and shooting at a young age are more likely to
stay with the sport throughout their lives. Programs like
the NSSF’s Step Outside mentoring initiative, National
Hunting and Fishing Day, and especially the Scholastic
Clay Target Program (now administered by the
Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation) all motivate and
inspire new shooters.
But how can you turn those new shooters into new
customers?
Probably the most direct way to do so is by sponsoring
a program or an event. There are plenty of ways a retailer or range can sponsor a SCTP team: Retailers can offer
discounts to team members and their families, or provide
equipment to the team itself; ranges, of course, can provide valuable space and time to practice. Getting these
young shooters to your business is the hard part; once
they find it, many will come back again and again, long
after they graduate from the youth program.
Contact the SSSF for details on sponsoring SCTP;
the NSSF certainly has suggestions on how to partici-
f e at u r e
To attract
younger
customers,
your best bet is to
go where they are.
First and foremost,
this means
utilizing the Web.
pate in Step Outside as well. And if you position
your store as a local headquarters for National
Hunting and Fishing Day, you can probably
expect to see some of the new hunters it attracts
come through your doors again in the weeks and
months thereafter.
Other than events that attract younger customers, your best bet is to go where they are. First and
foremost, this means utilizing the Web. Setting up
a blog for your business is one way to do that.
Converting your newsletter to an e-mail mailing
list is another big step. The online experience penetrates young people’s lives much more deeply
than it does for older folks.
Two more options to consider are stocking
and staffing. Tweaking your stock doesn’t have
to be as extreme as installing a climbing wall in
your store. But you might want to take a closer
look at youth-oriented sports like action-pistol
shooting. If you stock it—and market it—they
will come.
Finally, take a look at your staff. Are any
of them in the same age range as the customers
you’re trying to attract? It’s not impossible to sell
to someone half your age, by any means, but having a couple of younger employees is a crucial step
in reaching out to a new generation. These
employees will effortlessly know how to relate to
members of their own generation—and how to sell
to them as well.
f e at u r e
Buck Knives Buck’s
“American Commitment”
demonstrates that the
company truly wants to
make knives in the
United States.
Back in the USA
Buck Knives has decided that, for quality,
there’s no place like home By Slaton L. White
O
utsourcing is always a sore subject, and when a company with long ties to the
American outdoorsman shifts its operations overseas, unhappy customers can be
the result—even if the product retains its high standards. So it was welcome
news indeed when early last year, Buck Knives announced its “American
Commitment.” Put simply, the company says it wanted to make as many knives as
possible in its Post Falls, Idaho, plant. The idea was to greatly reduce offshore
outsourcing, which, at its peak, totaled about half of all the manufacturer’s knives.
It was a huge risk. The knives market, like that of
firearms, is highly competitive, with a relentless
focus on cost control. And though a renewed commitment to “Made in America” warms the heart, the
acid test, as always, is sales results. Would it work?
Positive Reaction
A year later, Buck knows the answer. Even in the
face of today’s prolonged economic turmoil, Buck
sales have been stronger than expected. Imports
are down markedly, and Buck intends to continue
to increase domestic production. The move has
also paid off in improved quality and shipping
performance. As another significant sign of
progress, Buck Knives actually has been adding
workers. First, the manufacturer converted some
temps to full-time employees, and recently it
added 10 new people.
“These may not be huge numbers on a national
scale, but they represent a very significant percentage increase for our company, which has two hundred and twenty employees,” says C.J. Buck, president and CEO of the 107-year-old American fami-
ly business. “The other very important sign of success has been the positive reaction of our customers—dealers and consumers—to our emphasis on
products made in America.”
Buck says the manufacturer had come to realize
that “Buck Knives is held to a different standard
than other American manufacturers.” As a result,
he says, Buck had fielded many complaints about
imported products, even though the products
reflected the firm’s longstanding commitment to
quality and were backed by the company’s same
lifetime warranty.
Reversing a Trend
“We are proving that manufacturing here is very
viable and we are proud to be reversing a trend,”
Buck says, attributing success to the fine-tuning of
its rapid-response “lean manufacturing” methods,
replacing its traditional assembly-line processes,
and the move from California to an efficient plant
that requires 30 percent less space, in more business-friendly Idaho in 2005. Booth #12013. (800326-2825; buckknives.com)
f e at u r e
The Sitka Incinerator
jacket takes advantage of Gore’s latest
Optifade pattern,
designed for whitetail hunters who hunt
from tree stands.
Into the Trees
Gore’s latest camo pattern gets off
the ground By Slaton L. White
L
ast year, W.L. Gore announced the development of Gore Optifade, a visual
concealment technology based on how deer and other hooved animals see.
The new technology incorporates two types of patterns. The micro-pattern
considers the way a deer perceives color, the ratio of positive to negative space and
other visual elements to create an effect that allows the hunter to blend in with the
animal’s perception of the environment. The macro-pattern breaks up the symmetry of
the human body so that if a hunter is detected, the animal will not be able to identify
the hunter as a predator.
To get the technology into the hands of hunters,
Gore partnered with Sitka Gear, a manufacturer of
high-performance clothing for hunters. One year
later, hunters have clearly signaled their acceptance of the new technology.
“Gore Optifade Concealment is truly working,
both from a retail perspective and in the field,”
said Les Hausauer, general manager of Schnee’s.
“It has great shelf appeal, and the consumer
response to Optifade has been very positive.”
Gore also noticed how readily hunters embraced
Optifade. “Gore Optifade Concealment is a gamechanging technology,” said David Dillon, hunting
category leader at Gore. “Since the successful
launch of the Big Game/Open Country pattern,
we have put our scientific expertise toward developing gear and a concealment pattern that
addresses conditions unique to tree stand hunting
in a wooded environment.”
So, it should come as no surprise that the company recently announced plans for a new pattern
developed specifically for tree stand hunting for
whitetails in heavily wooded areas. Like its predecessor, the Big Game/Forest pattern is based on
how deer see.
According to Dillon, the original Big Game/
Open Country pattern was optimized for spot-
and-stalk hunting in Western mountain environments. The new Big Game/Forest pattern takes
into account circumstances unique to tree stand
hunting, including the elevated shot angle and the
closer distances at which shots are taken.
“We adjusted the micro and macro patterns to
account for these differences,” he said. “The pattern’s contrast—its shading and color—has been
manipulated to account for how deer see when
looking up in a wooded environment.”
Sitka Gear will incorporate the new pattern in a
line of gear that will be available at retail this summer. Since the tree stand hunter often endures
long waits in adverse conditions, the system will
also incorporate Gore’s waterproof, breathable
Gore-Tex and windproof, breathable Windstopper
technical fabrics.
Sitka Gear founder Jonathan Hart also has been
buoyed by the success of the new line. “We far
exceeded our sales expectations,” he said.
But he also knows a thing or two about human
psychology, specifically that technology is only
part of the equation. “I think many people are
buying it because it looks cool,” he said. “They
may only have a small inkling about all the science behind it.” Booth #10238. (877-748-5264;
sitkagear.com)
f e at u r e
Freedom Group’s
J
Brand Management
Strategy
It’s all about promoting the individual brands,
not a corporate entity By Slaton L. White
Though Freedom Group now encompasses 13 well-known brands, including Remington (above), the
company does not intend to run the business in a way that would blur the individual brand identities.
Freedom Group also intends to grow market share and grow the market as well.
ust under three years ago, Cerberus
Capital Management, a private equity
firm, bought Remington Arms. Since
that time, it has also acquired Marlin
(including NEF and H&R 1871),
Bushmaster, DPMS, Dakota Arms, Eotac
and others (a total of 13) and grouped
them under the corporate umbrella
Freedom Arms Group. Frankly, it’s all a
bit confusing. Dealers and consumers certainly recognize the individual brands, but
just what is Freedom Group?
According to Marc Hill, Freedom Group’s chief
marketing officer, Freedom Group is simply a way
to manage the individual brands while allowing for
some back-office consolidation to save money.
“Our owners love firearms. They love the industry, and their intent is to grow the business,” Hill
says. “The new owners have spent millions in capital to improve facilities. We’re here for the long
run. We want to be the best.”
That said, Hill emphasizes that “Freedom
Group is not a brand, and it will not be marketed
as such.” At the same time, he says, the owners
have resisted the temptation to merge brands.
“There is no intent to merge brands,” he says.
“We can’t afford to mesh brands. We’re dealing
with smart, well-educated consumers, and we have
to have a separate strategy for each brand.”
As an example, he cites the difference between a
centerfire rifle built by Remington and one crafted
by Dakota, noting that each product appeals to a
different customer. “We can’t build a Dakota at
Ilion,” he says.
What’s Next?
This is a key point, one amplified by John Trull,
Remington’s vice president of firearms product
management and marketing. “The brand isn’t
what I want it to be,” he says. “It’s what the consumer says it is. We understand that these brands
have to remain separate; otherwise, we risk alienating the consumer. A Marlin is a Marlin; a
Remington is a Remington.”
Hill says he’s focused on two core strategic
goals: “First, we want to grow our market share.
Second, we want to grow the market.”
With regard to this, he notes that the Obama
administration has actually helped further the second goal. “There are now 1.2 million more handgun owners than there were before the election,”
he says with a smile. But he also is well aware of
the legislative challenges that lay in wait down the
road. Commenting on California’s recent enactment of an onerous new law regulating ammo
sales, he says, “The state is treating consumers as
criminals. Hunting is fun, shooting is cool. This is
who we are as Americans.”
Firearm sales were strong in 2009, especially for
ARs, though Hill acknowledges demand for that
platform has begun to soften. “We need to drive
sales here,” he says, and he expects the new
Remington-branded AR products to help bolster
sales because they’re built especially for hunters.
The new .30-caliber chambering (think whitetail
deer) for the R-15 should help do just that.
Finally, the recent flurry of acquisition activity
has spurred relentless rumors that Freedom Group
is looking to acquire a handgun manufacturer.
Doing so would plug a huge gap in its product
line. Is an acquisition in the works?
“We like guns,” Hill says. “We like short guns,
we like long guns, we like fat guns, we like skinny
guns. Do we want handguns? Absolutely, but it has
to be the right fit.”
f e at u r e
Mossy Oak
The new BreakUp Infinity
pattern takes
advantage of
digital technology to help a
hunter disappear
in two ways:
First, the pattern
helps a hunter
blend in to his
surroundings;
second, it helps
break up his
silhouette
for better
concealment.
Magnificent
Obsession
ing from an elevated position, for
example. Though those patterns
were successful, Haas says the company recognized the need for a more
versatile, general-purpose pattern.
Mossy Oak’s latest ultra-realistic pattern is designed
to let hunters hide in plain sight By Slaton L. White
T
elevision has gone High Definition, so why not camo? Mossy Oak’s new multi-dimensional,
ultra-realistic Break-Up Infinity has been designed to help a hunter both blend in to his surroundings and break up his silhouette for more effective concealment.
Creating the pattern was a threeyear process, says Larry Moore,
director of research and development. “Many new concepts were
adapted for this new pattern, with
emphasis on depth of view. We took
thousands of photos of woods settings across the country to see how
we could accurately replicate looking
into the forest with no real end to
the view to create the depth in the
pattern. We developed a whole new
way of photographing our background and elements in natural settings to enhance them.”
Moore says that one of the challenges was to place elements in the
proper “in and out of” focus, to
encourage the eye to look deep into
the pattern. “Several companies have
tried to simply blur the background,
but this is not the complete solution,” he says. “We spent months
selecting the perfect digital images
and hours laying them out onscreen
and readjusting to create that depth.”
Moore and his team also had to
deal with an unusual company culture issue as well. Mossy Oak has
always tried to link the look of its
original Bottomland to its new pat-
terns (as a background pattern), but
in this case, “we couldn’t get it to
work,” Moore says. Instead, Moore
and his team developed an overlay of
Bottomland to match the bark texture of the main tree trunk. “This
gave us a realistic bark to develop all
the light and dark elements around
and create the perfect breakup of the
human form, with unlimited field of
view,” he says.
The competitive nature of the
business requires camo companies to
keep working furiously to stay a step
ahead of the competition. But in the
case of Mossy Oak founder and CEO
Toxey Haas, it’s also fair to say he is
obsessed with the process.
Get Closer
“Mossy Oak was founded on the
obsession to get closer to critters,
which led to creating effective camouflage patterns,” Haas says. “We still
have that obsession today. Our experiences in the field inspire us to create
new patterns to get hunters in closer.
We’re constantly seeing elements and
details in nature that, if applied to our
clothing, guns, boots and other gear,
will help us blend in and get closer.
Developing new camouflage patterns
is important to feed the hunger all
outdoorsmen and -women have for
being outdoors and remaining undetected. We stay hungry, so we’ll keep
developing new patterns.”
The camo world is a far cry from
what it was when Haas unleashed his
first patterns. These days, hunters
are demanding a level of sophistication and realism unheard of 20 years
ago, and Haas says an unrelenting
focus on utilizing new technology
“helps us give hunters the most realistic patterns available.”
Those new, more realistic patterns
are a key element in keeping Mossy
Oak an industry leader. “When you
look at the patterns available today,”
he says, “your eyes move around the
elements, but then they reach a stopping point. There’s a background or
dead space. But Break-Up Infinity
keeps the eye moving into the pattern for infinite depth.”
Break-up Infinity is also a departure from the course of highly specialized patterns Mossy Oak has pursued for several years—Duck Blind
for waterfowl or Treestand for hunt-
Depth of Field
“Since 1995, Break-Up has been our
most successful pattern, and was built
on the goal of literally ‘breaking up’
the outline of a hunter by using contrasting elements,” Haas says. “This
latest evolution of Break-Up uses
advanced digital technology to create
never-before-achieved depth of field,
eye-confusing contrast and perfect
realism. You look into the pattern
just like you’re looking into the
woods. Break-Up Infinity works
equally well on the ground or in a
tree. It both breaks up the hunter’s
silhouette and blends in with elements that surround it.”
Haas also knows there’s a big difference between creating a design
and how it ultimately looks to the
consumer on a garment. And though
Mossy Oak no longer manufactures
products, it actively manages the pattern quality on fabric and film to
assure high quality. “Over the past
few years, we’ve invested heavily in
improving and managing our supply
chain,” he says. “Our goal is to provide the best possible quality and
consistency of print on fabric and on
film for hard-goods decoration at the
best prices. We have made exceptional headway on this and now consider our processes to be the best in
the industry. In fact, this year we
have committed to make every effort
to meet or beat pricing on any competing camouflage with qualified and
like specifications with a validated
quote.” Booth #11033. (662-4948859; mossyoak.com)
f e at u r e
Celebrities that believe in a product and can connect with
consumers can be a powerful marketing tool. Shooting
champion Jerry Miculek (left) is a valuable extension of
the Gunslick brand, and Duck Commander Willie
Robertson helps promote Federal Premium Ammunition.
Persona Power
Do celebrity endorsements really work?
M
ichael Jordan and Nike. Derek Jeter and Ford. Tony Stewart and Burger
King. U2 and Apple’s iPOD. Ed McMahon and…well…just about anything. Welcome to the world of celebrity endorsements, where familiar
faces lend their talent, experience or sheer popular appeal in order to promote a
product. From product packaging, point-of-purchase displays and sporting events
to movies, television and even a NASCAR car whizzing by at 170 mph, consumers are constantly exposed to these celebrity-endorsed messages. But do they
work? And what, exactly, makes a celebrity a natural choice for a brand?
One company that seems to have
found the delicate balance between
brand and celebrity is Alliant
Techsystems (ATK). As manufacturers
of some of the industry’s most recognizable hunting and shooting products, ATK has steadily signed a collection of outdoors celebrities to promote its various brands. And while the
roster of notable faces represents an
impressive lineup of talent and star
power, ATK’s celebrities have, according to ammunition brand manager
Rick Stoeckel, “been carefully selected
to promote specific brands under the
ATK umbrella.” These celebrities
include such famous personalities as
legendary duck hunters Phil and
Willie Robertson and the Duck
Commanders (Federal Premium
Ammunition), MMA heavyweight
champion Brock Lesnar (Fusion),
international IPSC superstar Eric
Grauffel (CCI), 32-time shooting
champion Jerry Miculek (Gunslick
Pro), world-renowned exhibition shooters Tom Knapp and
Tim Bradley (Champion Traps & Targets and Federal
Premium Ammunition) and Jim Scoutten of Shooting
USA (Weaver Optics).
Natural Fit
“We are very particular when signing celebrities to
endorse our products,” Stoeckel says. “Each must be an
expert in his field and be a recognized and trusted personality in the outdoor industry. Each must also be an
end-user of the endorsed brand and believe in it 100 percent. This familiarity of the product translates into the
credibility that drives sales. Bottom line: The celebrity
tie-in must be a natural fit in order to be legitimate.”
Stoeckel believes this careful attention to endorsements
is working for ATK. As an example, he cites “the astonishing growth of the Black Cloud shotshell line, which is
heavily linked to the Duck Commanders. When combined
with an innovative product and strong marketing efforts,
industry authorities such as Phil Robertson and his crew of
Duckmen are critical to pushing a brand to the next level.”
Another ATK ammunition brand—Fusion—has its
own celebrity face, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) heavyweight champion and whitetail fanatic Brock Lesnar.
“His passion for hunting and his support of Fusion
ammunition is matched only by his passion to win in the
ring,” Stoeckel says. For the edgy, aggressive Fusion
brand, Stoeckel believes this kind of celebrity matchup is
a winning combination.
As someone who knows a thing or two about dirty firearms, 32-time shooting champion Jerry Miculek turns to
Gunslick Pro for all his gun care needs. Accessories
brand manager Raluca Simian says, “Jerry is the perfect
example of an ideal celebrity endorsement. He’s at the
top of his game and is respected in the industry.”
Credibility Into Sales
In addition, Simian echoes Stoeckel’s belief that the
secret to solid endorsements is converting credibility into
sales. “We see Jerry as an extension of our Gunslick Pro
brand,” Simian says. “His expertise certainly translates
into credibility, which in turn helps him connect with
retailers and consumers.”
When it comes to matching a personality with a brand,
Simian points out that ATK engages consumers to measure their affinity toward a celebrity. “We are attentive to
our consumers and consistently monitor their reactions
to our celebrities. This enables us to determine whether
or not a celebrity continues to personify the brand.
Ultimately, the consumer will tell us if we are on the
right track.”
But it’s not all photographs and autographs. ATK is
careful to leverage its celebrity lineup for maximum
exposure of its brands without saturating the market.
ATK requests that sponsoring celebrities, in addition to
appearing at major trade shows and consumer shows, use
and promote its products on camera whenever possible
and at shooting events and hunting camps. ATK also ties
its celebrities to the usual marketing tools, such as print
ad campaigns, products packaging, websites, TV commercials and POP displays.
So, ultimately, do celebrity endorsements work? If you
ask the folks at ATK, they would say there is definitely a
place for celebrity-endorsed products in the outdoors
industry. But first and foremost, consumers need to
believe the celebrities and envision they are actual users
of the product.
f e at u r e
Columbia
Sportswear
New Wader
Widgeon and
Quad parkas
take advantage
of a patentpending reflective lining that
enhances the
jackets’ heatretaining insulation qualities.
The result is
more warmth,
less bulk.
Columbia’s Great
Leap Forward
There’s no reason for hunters to let tradition stand in
the way of comfort By Slaton L. White
O
ne of the most appealing aspects of the hunting industry is its traditions. And one of the least
appealing aspects of the industry is…its traditions. Honoring the past is an important part of
who we are as hunters, but sometimes it gets in the way. Consider technology. Many hunters
initially resisted the ongoing technological revolution in electronics, especially in optics and navigation. Somehow it just wasn’t right to have a device that told you exactly how far away that deer was
or exactly where you were in the woods. And though I know older hunters who still refuse to be
seen in the woods with a GPS unit or a laser rangefinder, younger hunters have readily adapted to
this emerging technology—and now expect a constant stream of new, innovative products.
But one key area hasn’t quite kept
up with the times. Although outdoor
clothing is light-years ahead of where
it was in the days when hunters routinely endured wet feet and cold
hands “as part of the experience,” in
some ways the industry remains stuck
in the past.
“Too many companies are relying
on twenty-year-old technology,” says
Mick McCormick, executive vice
president of global sales and marketing for Columbia Sportswear
Company. “Look at the broad consumer market. Do you see Nike or
Apple still trying to sell designs that
old? Of course not.”
To McCormick, what makes a
great brand is innovation, something
he believes is in short supply right
now. “You make your difference
through innovation, and that innovation allows you to get discretionary
dollars from the competition.”
Columbia, which has always
believed itself to be a step ahead of
the pack, intends to make a great
leap forward at this year’s SHOT
Show, with the introduction of a
whole new concept for keeping hunters warm.
Smart Tech
“Our new system not only will provide insulation for warmth, but the
system’s patent-pending reflective
lining enhances that warmth by
delivering an average heat boost of
20 percent,” says Woody Blackford,
director of global research and development. “It’s smart technology.”
As he says this, we’re standing in
an ice-storage freezer at -20º F wearing prototype jackets equipped with
the liners, as well as hats, gloves and
boots. Frankly, I’m warm as toast and
note that the system delivers a lot of
warmth without the bulk.
“Just wait till you see the new
Quad and Wader Widgeon parkas,”
says McCormick. “It’s all about
delivering increased thermal efficiency, as well as improved
breathability, in a far less bulky
package. We’ve also built in flexibility with a removable liner.”
The last time I hunted in temperatures this cold, I had to wear seven
layers. I felt like the Michelin Man.
And now that traveling hunters are
subject to all sorts of extra baggage
fees, anything a manufacturer can do
to cut bulk and improve efficiency
(so you don’t need to pack so many
garments) is a big plus.
So, how does this system work?
Essentially Columbia is combining
its current Omni-Tech waterproofbreathability technology with a new
system—Omni-Heat—that has two
components. The Omni-Heat ther-
mal reflective technology consists of
the aforementioned reflective lining
to provide more warmth with less
bulk. In addition, the system helps
dissipate moisture as well as excess
heat to keep a hunter more comfortable. The Omni-Heat thermal insulation portion has been designed to
provide, according to Blackford, “the
highest warmth-to-weight measure
of any branded insulation in the
industry. It would take 30 percent
more of our closest competitor’s
insulation to match the performance
of Omni-Heat, and our proprietary
construction also delivers an industry-leading loft resilience.”
Sit a Spell
The hunter who sits for long spells
in tree stands in cold weather will
certainly appreciate Columbia’s
solution to cold feet. The
Bugathermo Techlite Omni-Heat
boot, based on the company’s existing Bugathermo boot, incorporates
a state-of-the-art rechargeable carbon-heating unit that can deliver
several hours of continuous heat.
The partial reflective lining also
regulates temperature by retaining
body heat and dispersing moisture.
The prototype boots I wore in the
freezer were slimmer and weighed
far less than traditional cold-weather
hunting boots. The heat unit is activated by a three-position switch (easily manipulated with a gloved hand)
located near the top of the boot. All
you do is dial in your comfort level.
Turn off the heat for the walk in,
then turn it on for the long wait.
What could be simpler? And smarter.
Booth #11018. (800-547-8066;
columbia.com)
news
Beretta Expands
LE Sales Force
L
ast year, Beretta U.S.A. dramatically increased its commitment to the law enforcement sector by undertaking a reorganization that increased the number of sales personnel
calling on LE customers from five to more than 20. “Beretta
U.S.A. offers a deep and broad line of high-quality tactical products—including the new Beretta Px4 Storm pistol, the Benelli
line of tactical shotguns, the Sako TRG and Tikka T3 sniper
and marksman-level rifles—as well as supporting services such as
armorer and firearm transitional training and specialized product
engineering,” says Gary Ramsey, vice president for sales and
marketing. “What we needed to match these products and capabilities was a strong team of on-the-ground sales staff who could
meet with the numerous law enforcement agencies, dealers and
distributors throughout the country to learn more about their
needs and to introduce them to our remarkable products.”
To expand its penetration of the
LE market, Beretta U.S.A. hired four
sales agencies to focus on law
enforcement agency and dealer sales.
Covering the East Coast is Sports
Marketing South, headquartered in
Norcross, Georgia (Skip Dahlstrom,
president). The mid-central region is
handled by Schueler, LaFond, Spry
& Associates in Palatine, Illinois
(Robert Schueler, president).
Western Frontier Sales, headquartered in Jackson, California, serves
the Western region (William
Kuchan, president), and the southcentral region is covered by Owens
Outdoor Sales, of Bourne, Texas
(Waylan Owens, president).
Beretta U.S.A.’s customer support
for law enforcement agencies and
officers has also been consolidated
under a focused new internal structure that reports directly to the
company’s vice-general manager,
Jeff Reh.
“We’ve add several new programs
The Beretta PX4 Storm is just one
of many LE products in the Beretta
lineup. Other models include Tikka
T3 and Sako TRG sniper rifles as
well as Benelli tactical shotguns.
aimed specifically at law enforcement personnel and first responders,” says Reh.
One such program is the
Individual Officer Program, which
provides a $50 rebate whenever law
enforcement officials and designated
first responders purchase certain
models of Beretta handguns. The
rebates are available for purchases
made at authorized Beretta dealer
locations.
In addition, at the 2010 SHOT
Show, many of the company’s law
enforcement sales representatives
will be at the law enforcement
booth to meet with dealers and to
answer questions about Beretta
products and programs.
Increasing the company’s commitment to the law enforcment market
is just good business sense, as it’s a
fast-growing segment that shows no
signs of slowing down. Booth
#13460. (301-283-2191; berettausa.
com) — Rob Staeger
news
The first acquisition for Altus was
RidgeLine, which
brought Pro Ears
into the fold.
That was followed by
BenchMaster
and, recently,
Concealment
Industries and
Nature Vision.
On the Move
W
hen Charles Ricci, Brian
Breneman and Gary Lemanski
decided to leave their corporate jobs and venture out on their own,
it was done with a sense of conviction
and united purpose. Each was dedicated to creating a diverse holding company loaded with quality products for the
sporting goods and law enforcement
markets. To do that, they formed Altus
Brands. Their strategy was to focus on
small entrepreneurial companies that
required brand building or product
development to create a more complete
and appealing product line. Altus also
intended to create more efficient marketing programs as well.
The first acquisition was RidgeLine, a leader
in the field of electronic hearing protection/
amplification products, which brought Pro
Ears and the CrossFire Sling into the fold.
Shortly thereafter, Altus acquired BenchMaster
and its line of rifle rests. Under Altus management, Pro Ears added the Rifleman HP line of
hearing protection and BenchMaster began
marketing a new shooting table.
So far, so good.
The next step was to open corporate offices in
Traverse City, Michigan, and move the various
product lines to the new location. They now
faced a classic management issue: owning good
brands is one matter, selling them is another.
So, they set out to create a team that could
do just that, by hiring new manufacturer reps
as well as hiring and training new employees to
stock the production, shipping and administrative departments. Meanwhile, Ricci and his
team took to the road to expand sales outlets
both in the U.S. and abroad.
Altus fully understood how critical dealers
would be to its success. “Training is an important function of any company,” said Ricci, who
serves as executive vice president of marketing
and sales. “We knew we had to create a complete dealer-assistance program.”
Aware that helping the dealer ultimately
Charles Ricci,
executive vice
president of marketing and sales
for Altus, says
the company’s
mission is to
deliver a wide
range of quality
products.
helps Altus, Ricci and his colleagues undertook
a complete restructuring of its sales and training programs.
“This entailed meeting with dealers and
assisting them with product training so every
salesperson was familiar with, and knowledgeable about, the intricacies of the product lines
and selling features,” Ricci said.
Ultimately, the sales programs were streamlined to help retailers achieve higher margins
as well as making the buying process simpler
and more efficient.
By now, some teams might have paused for
a breather. Instead, Altus decided to ramp
things up, and last fall started another aggressive acquisition project. As a result, they welcomed Concealment Industries (Concealor
Boonie Bug Hat) into the fold. That was soon
followed by the acquisition of Cass Creek
Game Calls, Woodland Whisper, QuikSit and
Digital Game Scales, brands formerly owned
by Nature Vision.
“We have a great team of dedicated professionals in place and are looking forward to
growing these brands and our company,” said
Ricci. “We also are dedicated to working closely with our sales force and our retail outlets to
ensure each plays a greater contributing part
on our team. We understand the value of our
retail partners. We will continue to ensure they
have a say in everything that affects their ability
to sell effectively.” Booth #2258. (800-8913660; altusbrands.com)
—Slaton L. White
Starline Purchase
Improves
Efficiencies
It’s certainly no secret that the reloading industry
is experiencing unprecedented demand in all
component categories. So, it would follow logically that anything a supplier can do to improve
manufacturing efficiencies (increasing production and quality) would be greatly appreciated by
its customer base.
That was the thinking behind Starline’s decision to invest in new equipment designed to better serve the needs of its customers and to
ensure continued superior quality. “We are doing
our best to produce the highest quality unprimed
brass possible to satisfy our customers’ orders,”
said vice president Robert E. Hayden. “That’s why
we purchased a belt annealer and other production-related equipment last summer. It is rare to
purchase a piece of equipment that can improve
both efficiency and consistency at the same time,
but we have been able to do just that.”
Hayden said that Starline anneals between
each draw to ensure the correct metallurgy in
every piece of brass. “This machine cuts the process time in half, while improving the consistency
of the grain structure of the brass,” he said. “This
results in both a higher rate of production and a
better brass case.”
Cutting production time could not have come
at a better time. Customers are pleading for
quality reloading brass, and the manufacturer is
working around the clock to provide that.
Starline has also added additional draw presses
and material-handling equipment to increase
the rate of production.
“Starline is a leader in the development, production and worldwide distribution of both standard and unique brass calibers for handguns and
rifles,” Hayden said. “We offers customers more
than eighty different calibers, and we know that
after thirty years in business, we supply a superior product.”
But, as Hayden noted, these days no one can
afford to sit on his laurels. “We believe we make
the best brass, but we still need to continue
working hard to make the best even better.”
Booth #14934. (800-280-6660; starlinebrass.com)
An investment
in new
equipment
has helped
Starline to not
only cut
production
time, but
increase quality and output
as well.
news
Otis Technology, Kim
Rhode Join Forces
Olympic shooting medalist Kim Rhode will now
be sponsored by Otis
Technology.
O
tis Technology, a manufacturer of gun-cleaning products,
recently announced that it will sponsor four-time Olympic
medalist Kim Rhode as she attempts to make American
Olympic history by earning her fifth consecutive Olympic medal
in the 2012 London Olympic Games. Rhode is an American
international double trap and skeet shooter, whose passion for
shooting sports originated while hunting as a youngster. This
early start in the field led to her first women’s skeet championship title at age 13.
In the 1996 Summer Games,
Rhode won a gold medal, making her
the youngest female gold medalist in
the history of Olympic shooting.
Rhode won a second gold medal at
the 2004 summer Olympics in
Athens. After the International
Olympic Committee eliminated
Women’s International Double Trap,
she set her sights on International
Skeet. In her first World Cup competition, Rhode not only won the
gold medal, but also set a world
record.
“Otis is excited about our partnership with Kim. She not only shares
our passion for shooting sports, but
encourages more women to participate,” says CEO Doreen Garrett.
Garrett, one of the few female CEOs
in the industry, believes teaming with
Rhode will benefit not only women
shooters, but the industry as a whole.
“Our company has a strong commitment to firearm education and sharing our sport with the next generation,” she says. Founded in 1985,
Otis Technology is now celebrating
its 25th Anniversary. Booth #10047.
(800-684-7486; otisguns.com)
Nominate
a “Hero”
Hunters and fishermen have
been conservation leaders in
this country for well over a
century. True outdoorsmen
don’t just take from the environment; they give back, volunteering to do grass-roots
conservation projects. The
Field & Stream Heroes of
Conservation Presented by
Toyota, now entering its fifth
year, is a special program that
honors individuals who have
shown, by deed and spirit,
their devotion to maintaining
America’s wild heritage.
If you’d like to nominate a
conservation hero in your
area, stop by the booth. Once
there, you can also enter a
contest to win camping gear
provided by Big Agnes and
Gerber. Prizes include a Lynx
Pass 3 tent, Encampment
15-degree synthetic sleeping
bag and insulated Air Core
sleeping pad, Freeman Folder
knife, Metolius fixed-blade
knife, Gator Jr. machete , Flik
multi-tool and Option 60
flashlight. Booth #652.
news
Survival Skills
Old-time horse sense and modern-day savvy
make for a winning combination By Scott Bestul
T
alk to Larry Barnett for a few minutes, and he’ll utter enough simple, home-spun
advice to script half an episode of “This Old Gun Shop.” Okay, so the television
show has yet to be made, but Barnett could be the star when it does. Barnett,
owner of Larry’s Pistol & Pawn in Birmingham, Alabama (which received the SHOT
Business Retailer of the Year Award at the 2009 SHOT Show), has kept his shop thriving for 35 years. He does so by employing a combination of old-time horse sense and
modern-day savvy. Barnett offered some tidbits recently that can help other retailers
enjoy a long run.
Adopt a “Milk and Bread”
Attitude
“People who keep and shoot guns want to take care
of them,” Barnett says. “Set up common cleaning
items—solvent, patches, brushes, etc.—in a prominent place so that regulars can pick them up as easily as swinging by the local market for the basics.”
Clear Out the Old Stuff
“Customers don’t want to keep seeing the same
guns with different scratches,” Barnett notes. “Get
rid of slow-moving or dead inventory by offering a
three-month layaway plan with three equal payments. Slow money is better than no money.”
Use E-mail
“We collect customer e-mail addresses every
chance we get, and use that to notify customers of
sales, promotions and new merchandise,” Barnett
says. “It’s the best deal going—all the young people
use it, and the old folks who don’t won’t be around
long anyway. If someone doesn’t want e-mail notification, they’ll let us know and we’ll drop them.”
Use Free Advertising
Barnett values manufacturer reps for many reasons,
but perhaps biggest is the promotions and sales
events they host. “Usually they’ll provide advertis-
ing dollars for media exposure, and the pullthrough is priceless,” he notes. “We attract thousands of customers to our store each year this way.”
Keep Your Ears Open
“You’ve got to listen to your customers—especially
your regulars—and stock what they want,” Barnett
stresses. “Our ideas about what sells can be
dead-wrong sometimes. If a customer can find the
gun he wants cheaper on the Internet, I’m probably beat. But if I can get some gun he wants and
can’t find, I’ve got a sale.”
Plum Part-Timers
Larry Barnett has found a rich vein to mine
when hiring part-time help: retirees. “I have
an ex-cop, an ex-military man and a former
businessman who all come in and work a
couple of days per week,” he says. “We’re
lucky to have them. They not only love
guns, but they know business and have a
great work ethic. Even better, they don’t
ignore older customers and they understand them. I like the atmosphere of our
shop to be like an old country store with
wooden floors, where the clerks wore an
apron and a tie and greeted you at the
door. These guys are perfect for maintaining that feeling.”
Hire Wisely
“The toughest thing for any business is
getting good help,” Barnett says. “We’ve placed
a lot of emphasis on finding good part-time
workers that can fill in on odd hours and weekends. You can take care of a small cadre of fulltimers by hiring part-time guys ready and
available to work.”
Hold the Pickles…Really
“We’ve all been to the fast-food joint where
we ask for no onions and get them anyway, and
we’re probably guilty of that sin more than I
want to know,” he quips. “But we really try to
commit to quality customer service, even to our
regulars. It’s like that waitress at the diner who
takes your order every day. When it’s busy, the
easiest thing in the world for her is to ignore you.
Just because it’s easy doesn’t make it right. The
biggest tool we have to stay competitive is customer service.”
Offer Freebies
“We have thirty range guns that customers
can shoot in our shop free of charge when they
buy Federal or ATK ammo,” Barnett says.
“Also, it costs $9.26 to shoot our range, and that
gets you free hearing protection, and your first
target and range instruction, if at all possible.
Our tallest order is getting people through our
doors so they can have a positive experience, and
this helps. We get more than 10,000 shooters
annually.”
Back a Winner
“Back in the 1960s, I worked in a gun shop for
David Wylie, who said, ‘Pick a quality line [of firearms/ammo] that you can promote and your competition doesn’t have.’ He built a successful business on that philosophy, and it still works today.”
Fit In
“Present yourself as a positive, contributing
member of the community,” Barnett says.
“When people in our city think guns, I want
them thinking of us.”
news
How to Smell Invisible
Hunter’s Specialties wants to make you a more effective
deer hunter By Slaton L. White
T
wo years ago, I was hunting in south
Alabama out of box blind. Just before
dark, a nice whitetail buck moved
into the field and began moving toward
me. He was a mature deer, leisurely moving with all the regal grace such bucks can
command. Suddenly, at 250 yards (I know
because I hit him with a rangefinder), he
jerked his head to the side, snorted and
retreated. I had no idea why. About 30
minutes later, he re-emerged and began
feeding once again. When he got 250
yards out, he repeated his behavior. This
time I got a good look at him through my
binoculars. His face was contorted in a
familiar expression; it was a look I had
seen countless times on the faces of passengers on the New York City subway
when someone who has vastly different
ideas about personal hygiene enters a car.
So, that buck had somehow winded me. Up
until then, I had thought scent control clothing
was strictly for bowhunters.
Odor control—i.e., helping hunters “smell
invisible”—has been a goal of Hunter’s Specialties
for years. The company believes its line of ScentA-Way products has proven to be a very effective
way to control human odors. And judging from its
sales, many hunters would agree. Now Hunter’s
Specialties has taken the next step by entering the
scent-control clothing market with Scent-A-Way
TEK 4 base-layer clothing, which is making its
debut at the SHOT Show
According to CEO David Forbes, Scent-A-Way
TEK 4 uses state-of-the-art proprietary silver technology developed by Hunter’s Specialties to permanently inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
“Scent-A-Way TEK 4 garments use nylon threads
encapsulated in pure silver, much like what you see
in Medalist, but we use 33 percent more silver for
Hunter’s Specialties’
new line of scentcontrol clothing, ScentA-Way 4TEK, utilizes a
proprietary silver technology to inhibit the
growth of odor-causing
bacteria. The garments
also have been
designed to yield
improved thermal
characteristics, which
should help hunters be
more comfortable.
greater odor and thermal control,” he says.
In addition, Forbes says those nylon threads are
permanently encapsulated in pure silver and are
woven into the garment, “as opposed to the silver
being sprayed on, dyed or dipped.” In this manner,
Hunter’s Specialties claims, the odor-eliminating
properties last the life of the garment.
“We have been a leader in odor-control technology for years,” Forbes says. “When we made the
decision to enter the scent-control clothing market, our goal was to produce high-quality, effective
clothing. We feel our Scent-A-Way TEK 4 garments offer everything a hunter could want—odor
control, perspiration management, excellent thermal properties, comfort and durability.”
He also says the garments offer easy care. “They
are durable and fade-resistant, and can be washed
with other clothing. Unlike carbon-based clothing,
which has limits on how much odor it can absorb
and requires special treatment to be recharged,
Scent-A-Way TEK 4 will control odors on the last
day of the hunt as well as it did on the first.”
The garments are also designed to manage moisture. “They incorporate what we call ‘catch, move
and release’ technology,” says Forbes, “which traps
moisture and perspiration and moves it away from
the body, where it can be treated by the silver and
evaporated. This keeps the hunter dry and comfortable under a wide range of weather conditions.”
Forbes also emphasizes that “Scent-A-Way TEK
4 has unique thermal properties, keeping users
warm when it is cold and cool when the temperature rises. Silver is one of the most thermally conductive elements on the planet, helping to optimize body temperature control. The clothing is
breathable, extremely comfortable and is comparable to wearing silk. We believe hunters now have a
complete scent-control system to help them
increase their success in the field.”
TEK 4 clothing will be available in base-layer
pants and tops, head nets, gloves, socks, boxer
briefs, baseball caps and fleece caps in Realtree AP
and Champagne Brown with Realtree accents.
SRP: tops, $39.95 to $69.95; bottoms, $39.95 to
$69.95; gloves: $6.95 to $12.95; caps, $9.95 to
$17.95; socks, $9.95 to $18.95. Booth #1814. (319395-0321; hunterspec.com)
news
shot
show
2010
Industry
Q and A
F
or the past 18 months, SHOT Business has run a feature
titled “Industry Q & A.” The purpose of the column was
to put a face and a voice to selected industry professionals. Each was sent a standardized set of questions. The answers
we received were illuminating, to say the least, especially the
answers to the question: “If you could enter the animal kingdom for a day, which species would you be? Why?” From our
perspective, the answers to all the questions demonstrate the
caliber (as well as the dedication and commitment) of the people in the shooting-sports business. Above all, the answers
showed that these are people who obviously enjoy what they
do...and there aren’t many businesses in which that can be said.
Herewith, a sampling.
involved in the industry because of
my interest in it and enjoyment of
it.—Pat Mundy, Leupold & Stevens
What is your greatest
frustration?
People who don’t understand our
great industry and make crude
assumptions based on their lack of
knowledge and experience. I live in
Seattle—on the Left Coast. Most of
my neighbors neither hunt nor own a
firearm. I’d like to believe most are
still tolerant of my rights in both
regards, but I know that’s not always
the case. While this is a continuing
frustration of mine, I try to educate
the open-minded with stories, photos
and, most important, meat. You can
say what you want about hunting,
but once you taste a tender quail
breast wrapped in bacon, it’s hard to
disparage the sport. —Matt Ryan,
Rivers West
Hunting has legacy, but that
doesn’t translate very well to the
youth of today. We have to make
hunting “cool” again. We have to be
clear that we are the outdoors.
Hunters are the reason we have open
spaces, access and wildlife. Let’s face
it, we all take that for granted. As
brands, we have to innovate and lead,
we can’t just sell guns and binoculars
the same way we did 20 years ago.
Pat Mundy, Leupold & Stevens
—Jason Kintzler, Brunton
It is hard for me to watch firearms
largely be portrayed by the mainstream news media as negative. For
me and my family, firearms and their
responsible use have been a source of
great enjoyment for three generations. —Pat Mundy
I am continually frustrated with
the level of misinformation about our
products and our industry that is
broadcast by the mainstream media
and politicians and celebrities with
an agenda. I am frustrated that people do not hear enough about the
great things that this industry does.
People experience the fruits of our
efforts and do not even realize it. Just
take conservation, for example. Most
of the world has no clue what our
industry does for wildlife habitat and
the environment. Most do not realize
that hunters were the first environmentalists. —John Trull
If you could enter the
animal kingdom for a
day, what species would
you be? Why?
Matt Ryan, Rivers West
John Trull, Remington Arms
What inspired you to
enter the shooting-sports
business?
Remember the excitement you had
when you first walked down the aisle
in the gun department of a retail
store? Well, that’s what drew me to
this industry, and I’m happy to say I
still get that feeling every day. Not
only have my dreams come true,
they’ve exceeded my wildest expectations. —Travis Noteboom, Crimson
I would love to spend a little time as
every single one of them—elephant,
giraffe (so I could be a much taller
blonde), penguin, mountain gorilla,
trout, elk and duck to name a few of
my favorites. Since you’re making me
choose just one, however, it would be
the eagle—for the power and freedom of flight and the astonishingly
beautiful views. —Shannon Jackson,
Trace Corp.
Shannon Jackson Public Relations
I grew up shooting and hunting
with my family and friends, and I had
always wanted to somehow be
First and foremost, I would want
to be whatever animal isn’t in season
that day! Seriously, though, I would
I grew up hunting. Mostly doves and
small game. I developed a love for
the outdoors early in life. To be able
to get outdoors and take in all that it
has to offer to me is just part of living. When I discovered an opportunity existed for me to pursue a career
that was also my passion, it was just a
no-brainer. —John Trull, Remington
Arms
have to say an elk. A bull elk is one
of the most majestic creatures I have
ever encountered. They are big powerful animals that can be elusive and
mysterious. To me, along with the
whitetail deer, the elk is synonymous
with our pursuit of the outdoors.
—John Trull
The idea of flight intrigues me.
But I wouldn’t want to migrate twice
a year through heavy winds and
piercing cold just to be lured by a
duck call. And I would still like to
hunt. An eagle sounds good to me.
Just to keep it all-American, let’s
make it a bald eagle. —Matt Ryan
A mule deer. That way I could figure out how they can sneak away
from me year after year in the high
deserts of Oregon where I hunt.
—Travis Noteboom
A peacock, because he sends a
warning to the flock if danger is near.
Plus, he likes to show off. —Mark
Schaeffer, Bushnell Outdoor Products
A red-tailed hawk. I think it’d be
incredible to see the world from that
perspective for a day. —Pat Mundy
I’ve always been fascinated by
antelope. They’re one of a kind.
They are the fastest animals on the
planet. Cheetahs can only run in
short bursts, while antelope can do
60 mph continuously for hours. Plus,
they don’t jump fences, they crash
through them (similar to my days as
a rugby player). —Jason Kintzler
What is the most important issue facing the
shooting sports today?
Lack of new entrants, an issue that is
clearly understood, but tough to
solve. —Mark Schaeffer
As frustrated as I am about the
voice of misinformation about our
industry, the voice of indifference is
truly our greatest issue. For every
voice out there with an agenda, there
are scores of folks out there that have
no strong opinion toward the preservation of our constitutional right to
bear arms or the rights of hunters. If
we do not educate the masses, those
who stand against us will. Just listen
to a speech from an anti-gun politician about “reasonable gun laws.” It
is so critical for us as an industry to
stand behind the NRA and to bolster
their ranks. We should strive to constantly bring new members to the
NRA. Start with your co-workers.
We all have a stake in this together.
Everyone in our industry should be a
NRA member. The NRA and the
National Shooting Sports
Foundation are the voice of our
industry. —John Trull
With a slim 5-4 Supreme Court
ruling upholding our Second
Amendment rights and a forthcoming president who would like nothing
better than to re-examine the issue, I
think we are on the precipice of serious change. And I don’t think it is a
change we can believe in. This won’t
just be bad for our industry or our
heritage as hunters, a reversal of our
news
Handgun Sales Boom
at Elk Foundation
Fund-Raisers
Mark Schaeffer, Bushnell
Jason Kintzler, Brunton
“Right to Bear Arms” will be bad for
America. In the words of Benjamin
Franklin, “Those who would give up
essential Liberty, to purchase a little
temporary Safety, deserve neither
Liberty nor Safety.” —Matt Ryan
Beyond politics, fewer and fewer
children are exposed to the shooting
sports. Cultivating those next generations of hunters and shooters is paramount to the health of our industry.
I was blessed to grow up in a home
where hunting was as natural a part
of my life as school, church and tennis. It was something important to
who we were as a family, and we all
cherish the memories of our time
outdoors together. I wish more families had that opportunity today.
—Shannon Jackson
It goes back to the perception and
advancement of our cause. This
industry has to adapt or it will not
survive as it exists today. There is a
reason the newspaper business is in
trouble. They had it good for so
many years, then technology changed
all that. They saw it coming, but
never adapted. We see it coming. We
cannot simply rely on the NRA or
even today’s parents to lead the way,
that’s unrealistic. As businesses, we
have to find a way to speak to new
generations, now. —Jason Kintzler
Ask an elk hunter about his favorite caliber, and
chances are you’ll hear nary a peep about the .45
ACP. Venerable handgun round? Certainly. Big-game
round? Hardly.
That’s why Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation officials are pleasantly surprised that a Kimber 1911 in .45
ACP has emerged as the top-performing firearm at
the foundation’s 2009 fund-raisers for elk habitat
conservation. The gun, blued with an RMEF logo
laser-etched into rosewood grips, was the first-ever 1911 in the organization’s core lineup of firearms for auctions and raffles nationwide.
“Hunting rifles and shotguns are always the centerpiece of our fundraising efforts, but last year we sold 325 of these pistols and generated well over $600,000 gross for elk and other wildlife,” said Steve
Decker, director of field programs for the RMEF. “At several events, this
gun sold for more than $5,000, which we certainly never expected.”
That money has definitely been put to good use. In 2009, RMEF
passed the 5.6-million-acre mark in habitat protected or enhanced
for elk and other wildlife. And that’s not all. The foundation also
achieved another milestone by hitting the 600,000-acre mark in
hunting lands opened or secured for the public.
Decker said he’s not sure whether the Elk Foundation’s 2009 handgun sales were related to the nationwide boom in handgun sales last
year, or if the big-game hunters who are the prime supporters of the
organization were simply enthusiastic about the new offering.
Either way, the inaugural 1911 was so successful that the RMEF
will offer a Kimber .45 ACP companion model in stainless steel,
with matching logo engraving, in 2010. Booth #447. (800-2255355; rmef.org.)
news
Quality designs,
first-rate materials and the
ability to
customize on
any level helps
Eagle Industries
attract—and
keep—loyal
customers.
ATK Acquires Eagle Industries
T
actical action. It’s all the rage. AR-style rifles have joined
polymer handguns and silhouette targets as common
equipment at local shooting ranges since rapidly growing
three-gun events are springing up across the nation. Tactical
shooting has certainly experienced an incredible surge in popularity, and one company at the forefront of this sensation is
Alliant Techsystems (ATK), manufacturer of such household
names as Federal Premium Ammunition, CCI, Gold Dot, Speer,
RCBS and Shooters Ridge. Recently, ATK made a move to bolster its tactical business by acquiring Eagle Industries.
Established in 1974, and located in
St. Louis, Missouri, Eagle Industries
had its beginnings as a maker of
motorcycle racing gear. By 1982, the
company had refocused its product
line to fill a noticeable void in the
availability of nylon tactical products
for military and law enforcement
agencies. Over the next 20-plus
years, Eagle’s tactical nylon gear
went on to become the go-to gear
for professionals across our nation,
famous for its “will-not-fail” reputation and lifetime guarantee. As a
force in the shooting industry, Eagle
has been a longtime SHOT Show
exhibitor, unveiling cutting-edge
technology and designs in the tactical
market. And now, as part of ATK,
Eagle is poised to bring its customers
more product innovations as it takes
advantage of the marketing savvy and
distribution power of ATK.
“This partnership will provide our
customers with an efficient ordering
process, a strong distribution channel
and unmatched dealer support for
our entire commercial and law
enforcement line,” said Scott Carver,
president of Eagle Industries.
Currently, Eagle produces more
than 5,000 items, including tactical
vests, holsters, gear bags, rappelling
harnesses, packs, weapon cases and
miscellaneous pouches and weapon
slings. “Eagle products have proven
themselves time and again in tactical
situations,” said Kyle Tengwall, ATK
director of marketing. “From the
deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan to
some of the toughest streets in
America, Eagle has been the gear
operators turn to for dependable service and quality. Eagle Industries is
the real deal, and we are thrilled to
have them as part of ATK.”
The company has long been
acknowledged for its versatility, which
was one of the key attributes that
appealed to ATK. “Eagle is a very
nimble company for its size,” said
ATK product line manager Chris
Laack. “Each of their products is
built to requirement and can be modified to satisfy the specific needs of an
individual police department or mili-
tary unit. This versatility makes it
much easier to promote Eagle in the
marketplace. Quality designs, firstrate materials and the ability to customize on any level are attractive features for such a large company. It’s no
wonder their customers are so loyal.”
Currently Eagle Industries distributes
directly to the Department of
Defense and sells a commercial prodThough Eagle
Industries built
its reputation by
fulfilling contracts for the
military and law
enforcement, the
company also
caters to the
civilian market.
uct line through more than 650 dealers in 45 countries.
While Eagle built its reputation on
fulfilling contracts for the military and
law enforcement, it also caters to the
civilian market with the same professional-grade products, a fact that will
not be overlooked by participants in
three-gun matches. Booths #11168,
#14038. (800-627-3640; le.atk.com)
news
sponsor of the U.S.
Corrections Special
Operations Extreme (US
C-SOG CorSpecOps) Mobile
Tour. (US C-SOG is the
nation’s largest private government contractor specializing in
corrections in the United
States, and its staff provides
instruction in special operations, risk and mitigation for
corrections personnel.)
The American Mobile Tactical Lab
Tour will visit 34 correctional organizations and provide training for
more than 1,000 agencies.
Woolrich Elite
Tactical Tour
I
f you view Woolrich only in terms of its famous
“Pennsylvania Tuxedo,” the classic red-and-black-checked
wool hunting garb, you’re a bit behind the times. Though it
still makes this classic wear, the company recognized the huge
potential of the tactical market, and a couple of years ago created a separate division devoted exclusively to tactical clothing—
Woolrich Elite Series Tactical apparel—to give it a footprint in
this fast-growth arena. It also took steps last year to build brand
awareness in the law enforcement community by becoming a
Clearly the company saw value in
this type of commitment because it
recently announced it will increase
its annual commitment by becoming
the anchor sponsor for 2010, to
what is now known as the American
Mobile Tactical Lab Tour. As such,
the manufacturer will outfit US
C-SOG’s trainers exclusively in
Woolrich Elite Series Tactical
apparel.
Joseph Garcia, one of the world’s
most decorated experts in corrections
special operations, will continue to
lead this effort, utilizing a newly
engineered US C-SOG Mobile
Tactical Lab (a rapid deployment
trailer). The 48-foot vehicle, branded
with the Woolrich Elite Series
Tactical logo, carries munitions, body
armor, medical triage kits and ballistic shields, part of the more than 150
components necessary for this specialized training.
Classified technologies, which can
be disclosed only to law enforcement
and special operations units, will also
be onboard.
The tour will visit 34 correctional
organizations and provide training
for more than 1,000 corrections and
police agencies in officer survival,
tactical firearms and high-risk inmate
transport, among others.
“The mission of the tour is consistent with our dedication and commitment to the law enforcement
community,” said Ron Bernstine,
sales manager for Woolrich Elite
Series Tactical. “We had to double
the number of stops this year in
order to meet demand. Not only did
Joseph and his team raise awareness
of our product attributes, but they
also fulfilled a growing need for critical training. This is a partnership
that will endure.”
“It has been a pleasure and honor
working with Woolrich this past
year, and I am most grateful for their
support since beginning this tour
more than two years ago,” said
Garcia. “You can’t beat their reputation for quality, design, fit, performance features and heritage. Having
the right apparel is as essential as
having the right weapon to accomplish your mission. Woolrich has
taken great care to engineer apparel
that exceeds operatives’ needs.”
Booth #10560. (800-996-2229;
woolricheliteseriestactical.com)
news
Black Cloud Builds a
Social Network
S
ocial media marketing is the new hot
thing, but some companies have
shied away from it because it is an
unfamiliar two-way street. It’s no longer
about command and control, with the
company calling all the shots. Nowadays,
consumers are fully engaged, and if they
don’t like the product, you’ll hear about it.
But the smart companies have stepped up
anyway; they know it’s the way to build a
lasting relationship with younger hunters.
Federal Premium Black Cloud has embraced
this brave new world with both barrels, and last
fall announced its latest venture, a new social
media website in which consumers who join the
Stormchasers Network can build points (which
lead to prizes) by posting photos and videos, starting a discussion on the message board, crafting an
individual profile or recruiting new members.
“We’re excited to host an online community
space where waterfowl hunters can interact,” says
ammunition brand manager Rick Stoeckel. “Our
new social media site is a great place to go, whether you’re looking for tips, funny videos or want to
create a little friendly competition with your buddies.We’ve made sure there’s an interactive element for everyone.” Booth #14038. (800-3222342; federalpremium.com)
Federal Premium Black
Cloud was an early
advocate of social
media and has reaped
the benefits. Its
Stormchasers Network,
which launched last fall,
is designed to be an
interactive site that
builds community—and
brand loyalty.
Think Small
Little things count. Just ask a firearms dealer. He knows the margins on POS accessories are often far higher than those on the
nice bolt-actions in the rack behind the
counter. Firearms manufacturers know the
value of thinking small as well. That’s one
reason many often offer a line of accessories designed to promote their brand and
keep a customer “in the family.”
“Many customers look to aftermarket
accessories at retail to enhance the firearms they have just invested in,” said
Shandra Roberts, Remington product
manager of accessories and licensing.
Remington’s approach, according to
Roberts, is to deliver “one-stop shopping”
for its customers. That’s why it offers such
a broad range of accessories, from cleaning chemicals and ear-and-eye protection
to knives and boots. One line of these
accessories is Remington Genuine Gun
Parts, including shotgun magazine extension kits and tactical choke tubes and integral scope mounts for centerfire rifles, all
backed by a factory warranty.
“The design of our integral mounts eliminates the mechanical joint between a separate base and ring, which makes the mount
virtually failproof,” she said. “The idea is that
the customer will spend less time mounting
the scope and more time actually sighting
in. And the Z2 alloy we use weighs less than
steel and is stronger than aluminum.”
Roberts noted such an accessory should
be an instant up-sell: “When a guy buys a
Model 700, he’ll need optics as well. The
smart dealer will have Remington Integral
Scope Mounts readily available so that
when he selects a scope, he’s ready to go.
It’s just smart dealer service.”
Other accessory areas include such
everyday items as cleaning chemicals
(who doesn’t recognize the ubiquitous yellow-and-green packaging of Rem Oil, and
who doesn’t need another bottle, just in
case?) as well as eye and ear protection.
These take up little room on the counter
and shooters always need them.
Another important accessory category is
knives. The Heritage Collection is a series
of affordable fixed blades and folders with
a nostalgic look and feel that retail
between $25.99 and $75.99. Of particular
note is an authentic re-creation of the
Official Boy Scout Knife ($99.99), just in
time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of
the founding of the Boy Scouts of America.
Booth #13827. (800-243-9700; remington.
com) —Slaton L. White
Snap Fast gun
cleaning kit is
packaged for
traveling
hunters and
shooters.
news
GunBroker.com Reaches
Sales Milestone
G
iven the poor state of the economy, odds are most businesses would consider the year that just passed a complete
write-off. Not GunBroker.com. The online auction site
for firearms and hunting and shooting accessories celebrated its
10th anniversary last March, and in September reached another
milestone when it hit $1 billion in cumulative merchandise sales.
Steve Urvan, GunBroker’s founder
and CEO, says, “One billion is a
huge number, and it would not have
been possible without the support of
millions of hunting and shooting
sports enthusiasts, as well as gun collectors, retailers and other firearms
industry partners. A key factor in our
sales growth is the increasing number of firearms retailers around the
country who use our site to expand
their business.”
GunBroker.com continues to grow,
with more than 1.4 million registered
users. The site currently draws
around 2.7 million unique visitors
per month and hosts more than
300,000 auctions daily.
GB Investments, which operates
GunBroker.com, is number 1,749 in
the latest Inc. 5000, an exclusive
ranking of the nation’s fastest-grow-
ing private companies. Quantcast, an
online measurement service, ranks
GunBroker.com among the 1,000
largest U.S. websites.
But the company doesn’t intend to
rest on its laurels. It recently
launched a mobile site (http://m.
gunbroker.com) for cell phone and
PDA users. Urvan and his staff also
are working with firearms industry
veteran Bob Delfay on an initiative to
form marketing/advertising partnerships with selected companies. And
GunBroker.com also partners with
the industry through support of the
National Rifle Association, National
Shooting Sports Foundation,
Hunting Heritage Trust, Shooting
Sports Summit and USA Shooting.
In addition, the site hosts the
Hunting Heritage Trust’s Treasures
and Traditions auctions and the
The online auction site celebrated its 10th anniversary last spring, and in the
fall hit $1 billion in cumulative sales.
Shooting and Hunting Outdoor
Trade (SHOT) Show auctions, as
well as numerous charity auctions to
benefit a variety of causes.
To plan for future growth, GB
Investments and Triton Value
Partners recently combined to form
TVP Investments, LLC, which provides executive management, strategic direction and corporate development to its subsidiaries GunBroker.
com and other related companies.
Urvan serves as CEO and chairman
of TVP Investments.
“GunBroker.com is an informative,
secure and safe way to buy and sell
firearms and hunting/shooting accessories,” Urvan says. “We promote
responsible gun ownership. Aside
from merchandise bearing our logo,
GunBroker.com sells none of the
items listed on the website. Thirdparty sellers list items on the site,
and federal and state laws govern the
sale of firearms and other restricted
items. Ownership policies and regulations are followed using licensed
firearms dealers as transfer agents.”
Booth #13121. (720-223-0164;
gunbroker.com)
news
Medalist Starts Rebranding Campaign
F
or more than a century, Pennsylvania-based clothing manufacturer Medalist has
been committed to keeping hunters comfortable in the field. And yet, many hunters aren’t really aware of the brand. Though Medalist now offers a full line of
outerwear, it remains best known for base layers, underwear and accessories such as
socks and caps. Essential gear, no question, but not exactly top-of-your-mind stuff.
Medalist clothing takes
advantage of the
company’s proprietary
SilverMax technology,
designed to keep hunters comfortable as well
as control their scent.
That’s about to change. Medalist intends to
raise brand awareness this year with a new campaign designed to give the company a higher
consumer profile.
“We’re a high-performance sports-apparel
company, one that truly understands the performance demands of the expert hunter,” said David
Vogrin, director of marketing. “We make our
own line of hunt apparel, and we believe our
SilverMax technology sets a new standard in
scent elimination.”
SilverMax is created by integrating a layer of
pure silver into the fabric. Once embedded, this
antimicrobial layer helps the clothing eliminate
odor and contain scent. But that’s not all. The
natural reflective and conductive material of
silver also helps the body more efficiently regulate
temperature.
“SilverMax inactivates the ammonia and
denatured proteins found in perspiration before
they can have a chance to create odor-causing
bacteria,” said Vogrin. “At the same time, it reacts
to body temperature, drawing heat away from the
skin when it’s hot, and keeping it in when it’s cold.
Finally, SilverMax’s temperature-regulating
properties keep moisture to a bare minimum,
preventing chill-inducing perspiration as well as
other moisture-related discomfort. All this helps
ensure maximum comfort for the hunter when he’s
in the field.”
Vogrin expects the re-branding effort to “bring
the brand and the marketing communication to
the same premium level already provided by the
multi-platform performance technology that
SilverMax delivers. We’ll get the message out
through public-relations efforts and advertising. In
addition, we intend to sponsor a minimum of five
national hunting television programs as well as
develop a pro-staff program that should create
word-of-mouth awareness.” The intent of the latter effort is to influence the “early adopters,” those
all-important hunters whose opinions help influence their peer group.
Vogrin also said that dealer support is crucial to
Medalist’s re-branding. Medalist will support its
products through trade-publication advertising as
well as through a strong presence at key trade
shows, such as at the SHOT Show.
“We also have a network of roughly forty independent sales reps poised to call on the hunt dealer base,” he said. Booth #10849. (800-543-8952;
medalist.com) —Slaton L. White
Rugers’s New
Website
Websites are now considered an integral
part of doing business. Problem is, some
companies don’t bother updating content
and features to reflect the changing
nature of the Digital World. Not Ruger; its
redesigned site, which debuted last fall,
not only delivers a wealth of product
information, but also has social media
aspects that allow customers to continue
their relationship with their customers.
“We are constantly working on improving
communication with our customers,” says
Chris Killoy, vice president of sales and
marketing. Booth #11538. (203-259-7843;
ruger.com)
news
shot
show
2010
New
Products
Montana Decoy's
Mr. T strutting
longbeard boasts
an ultra-realistic,
two-sided image.
The design of the
decoy allows for
quick set-up and
takedown.
Montana Decoy
Boss gobbler giving you the cold
shoulder? Show him the new tom in
town and watch the feathers fly.
Montana Decoy’s new Mr. T strutting longbeard takes the full-strut
decoy to a new level of realism and
ease of use.
The High Definition (HD) process
and two-sided strutting image make
Mr. T the most realistic decoy on the
market, as well as providing several
set-up options. No more carrying
bulky full-body decoys—Mr. T takes
up less space than a seat cushion.The
easy-assembly twist and stake set-up
is a hallmark of all Montana Decoys,
and the new Mr. T turkey decoy is
no exception. Measuring a
super-small 9x9x2 inches
(folded), Mr. T takes the
field at a full 28 inches tall
and 17 inches wide, and
weighs only 10.5 ounces.
SRP: $34.99. Booth #965. (888-
each pistol and are ideal for the
popular polymer frame models
with non-replaceable grips. In
addition, Pachmayr’s Decelerator
material delivers recoil reduction
and enhanced control, and the
ventilated side panels and finger
grooves offer more instinctive gun
orientation than older, one-size-fitsall rubber-band models. Booth
#12810. (800-225-9626; lyman
products.com)
Wenger
The Swiss Army knife is the original
multi-tasker, but even so, Wenger
knows it can’t stand still. That’s why
it continues to develop new, highly
332-6998; montanadecoy.com)
Pachmayr
Pachmayr is adding three new models to its line of Tactical GripGloves.
The new models fit Springfield XD
and XM, Smith & Wesson M&P and
the Glock Compact. These “stretchto-fit” gloves are custom-molded for
New Pachmayr
Tactical GripGloves
now fit Springfield
XD and XM, S&W
M&P and the Glock
Compact.
news
Wenger adds three new
knives in 2010: the
RangerGrip 178 (green),
RangerGrip 75 (red)
and Ranger 178 (black).
All feature the new
EvoGrip for improved
handling.
functional but ultra-cool knives. Building on the
success of the EvoGrip, Wenger has applied the
same concept to the Ranger series. Just as with the
EvoGrips, the new Ranger’s handle increases safety, performance and efficiency by embedding special non-slip rubber just where the user needs it
most—on the four major areas of contact between
the hand and the knife. The RangerGrip 178
boasts a 4-inch one-hand-opening blade as well as
a double-cut wood saw, a Phillips-head screwdriver
and other tools. The RangerGrip 75 adds needlenose pliers to the basic design. The Ranger 178
features a patented locking screwdriver as well as a
one-hand-opening, 4-inch partially serrated blade.
SRP: $64.95–$104.95. Booth #10244. (800-4312996; wengerna.com)
CamelBak
Keeping in step with the need for speed, the
Camelbak TriZip tactical pack incorporates siderelease buckles so users can quickly detach their
packs from shoulder harnesses, upper and lower
compression straps and waist belt. The unique
three-zip design allows for fast access to gear from
multiple points. Also integrated into the design is
a hook-and-loop panel for the hassle-free removal
of nametags and unit badges, an elastic drawstring
pocket in the main storage compartment that
accommodates a second reservoir or laptop and
zippered side pockets and clips. The printed
MOLLE AUC webbing provides the same disruptive pattern of camouflage fabric both visually and
through night-vision equipment, while maintaining the full functionality, durability and
reliability of standard-solution dyed webbing.
The pack is constructed of 500D Cordura,
which has a tighter weave and is lighter in weight
than standard 1,000D Cordura. The TriZip also
utilizes the Futura Harness by Mystery Ranch,
allowing the user to custom-fit the harness to a
specific torso size, as well as make adjustments if
the pack is being worn with or without armor.
Other features include a fully integrated
Camelbak hydration system, the HydroLink Big
Bite Valve, HydroGuard Anti-Microbial
Camelbak TriZip tactical pack uses side-release
buckles to detach pack quickly from the shoulder
harness.
news
The Dynamic Entry Collapsible Stainless
Hallagan Tool utilizes a counter-angled friction ridge to provide stability during breaching
operations.
Technology, and HydroLock for secure shut
off. Available in Army Universal Camo,
Black, Coyote or MultiCam. Booth #11873.
(800-767-8725; camelbak.com)
Dynamic Entry
Dynamic Entry, a division of the Blackhawk
Products Group, is introducing three new
tools in its Collapsible Tool Series. Each tool
utilizes an exposed fiberglass core surrounded
by two interlocking stainless-steel shafts that
house a specially designed dual-locking
mechanism. The entire handle system is surrounded by a durable molded jacket that provides the operator with a grip surface and also
protects the locking mechanism from dirt and
debris.
The 7.4-pound Collapsible Breacher features a tempered stainless-steel wedge that
includes counter-angled friction ridges on all
contact surfaces. Designed specifically to grip
breaching surfaces securely, these ridges also
provide stability during breaching operations
and prevent slippage. The Collapsible
Breacher is 16.75 inches when collapsed, 24.5
inches fully extended. SRP: $399.99.
The Collapsible Mini Thundersledge features a
6-pound drop-forged head and weighs 10.2
pounds. The collapsed length is 14.5 inches, fully
extended length is 22 inches. SRP: $349.99.
The 7.7-pound Collapsible Stainless Hallagan
Tool features the same wedge as the Breacher, and
the counter-angled friction ridges also provide stability during breaching operations and prevent
tool slippage. The Collapsible Stainless Hallagan
Tool is 16.75 inches long when collapsed, and 24.5
inches when extended. SRP: $399.99. Booth
#13760. (800-694-5263; blackhawk.com)
Gerber
The Grappler is like having an entire toolbelt
compressed into a single tool. It features easy,
one-hand-opening pliers with V-cut wire cutters
(the same pliers that convert to a vice-grip) and
13 readily accessible outboard components, all of
which lock into place. The knife blade is half
fine-edge, half serrated, and is crafted from
S420J2 steel.
Additional components include a nail puller, pry
bar cross driver, wire stripper, one-finger open/
close button, ruler (inches and centimeters), large
flat driver and bottle opener. Sheath included.
SRP: $100. Booth #13122. (800-950-6161;
gerbergear.com)
Battenfeld Technologies
Most shooters know the importance of using a
bore guide to protect a rifle’s chamber and bore by
reducing “bowing” of the rod and preventing solvent from leaking into the action. Tipton’s new
Rapid Deluxe Bore Guide Kit takes the tool a step
further with the Rapid patch insertion and retention device.
Once the bore guide is installed in the gun, the
Rapid allows the user to insert a patch and simply
The Gerber Grappler features easy
one-hand-opening pliers as well as
13 outboard components, all of
which lock into place.
push the sliding rear guide
forward, securing the patch in
place. The patch is held in position under a convenient port,
allowing for easy
solvent application. Then simply insert the rod with a jag
and push.
The Rapid retains the
patch with enough tension to allow the jag to
penetrate it and then
automatically releases it
as the rod is advanced
forward. The unique
design accommodates
patches from .17 up to
.45 caliber. No more
patches falling off the
jab before they make it
into the bore; no
more solvent running
into the action or
onto the stock.
The kit also includes two guide tubes (one
standard and one extra-long), two chamber
collars (one for bolt rifles and one for AR-15s),
three brass muzzle guides, a 10/22 slip-on
.920-inch muzzle guide, three tapered chamber
guide tips, a rear guide tube end with solvent
port, two pipettes for applying solvent and a
news
Browning is
rolling out
new safes in
three of its
lines: Silver
Series, Select
Series and the
Tactical
Series. The
Tactical Mark
II AR36F (left)
boasts several
anti-pry features, including Pry-Stop
End Bolts.
HEVI-Shot
HEVI-Shot’s new non-toxic HEVI13 turkey shells will be available in
three configurations, all of which use
No. 7 shot: 12-gauge 3-inch 2-ounce;
31⁄2-inch, 21⁄4 ounce; and 20-gauge
11⁄4 ounce. The HEVI-13 Magnum
Blend turkey loads will offer a uniform mixture of shot sizes 5, 6 and 7.
The idea is to provide a good balance
between knockdown power and high
pellet counts.
To harness this new HEVI-13
arsenal, HEVI-Shot is also introducing HEVI-Shot Turkey
Chokes. The chokes, made
from aircraft-grade stainless
steel, use internal rings to
ease the wad away from the
shot cloud for maximum
pattern density. Booth
#2514. (928-776-1627;
hevishot.com)
Hobie Cat
convenient hard case to keep all the
components organized. SRP: $30.
Booth #15135. (573-445-9200;
battenfeldtechnologies.com)
Browning
New Browning ProSteel safes for
2010 are the Silver Series safes, Select
Series safes and new models in the
Tactical Series safes. Browning’s popular Tactical Series safes will be offered
in Mark II and Mark I models for
2010. Two sizes will be offered in
each model to give consumers plenty
of choices to store all types and sizes
of firearms. The Tactical Mark II
models have an external accessory rack
to hang gear on the side of the safe.
New anti-pry features include PryStop End Bolts, tight-tolerance door
fit 1¼-inch chromed locking bolts,
fully reinforced integrated door
frame and extended throw locking
bolts. The Tactical Mark II AR35F
is 60 by 37 by 27 inches and weighs
860 pounds. SRP: $3,129. Booth
#15138. (801-876-2711; browning.com)
Waterfowl hunters who prefer
to be on the water instead of in a
duck blind have a new option this
year from Hobie Cat. Because the
Mirage Outback duck boat relies on
human pedal power (MirageDrive)
rather than a motor, it allows access
to areas not normally open to motorized boats. The patented pedal technology provides mobility, and the
stable boat design allows hunters to
pedal quietly while leaving their
hands free for shooting.
The low-profile boats are available
in a moss-green color that is easy to
camouflage, and waterfowlers have a
choice of four models. Gun mounts
and grass kits are available as options.
SRP: $1,749. Booth #1263. (800462-4349; hobiecat.com)
Fobus
The new LCR Evolution RU101, a
polymer holster designed to fit the
Ruger LCR, uses the Fobus passiveretention system to secure the pistol.
Fobus’s new LCR Evolution holster
allows for instant presentation,
without disengaging mechanical
securing devices.
An advantage of this system is that it
allows instant presentation without
the need to disengage mechanical
securing devices. Other features
include an adjustable retention screw,
one-piece holster body construction,
steel-reinforced rivet attachment system and a protective sight channel.
Available in right-hand paddle
(RU101), belt (RU101BH), rotopaddle (RU101RP), Roto-belt 1 ¾
inch (RU101RB), roto duty belt 2 ¼
inch (RU101DB) and ankle holster
(RU101A). Booth #13464. (267-8031517; fobusholster.com)
The Mirage Outback duck boat relies on human pedal
power (Mirage Drive), so users can hunt in areas that are
off-limits to motorized boats. The boat’s stable design
allows hunters to pedal quietly and leave their hands free
for shooting.

Day 1 PDF - National Shooting Sports Foundation

Transcription

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