http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/RSS.ashxShooting Industry August 2009 PagesMon, 03 Aug 2009 17:58:37 +0200http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=1http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=1SHOOTING SPORTS SUMMIT EXPLORES FUTURE SI DIGITAL VIDEO AUGUST 2009 HUNTING 2009 SEASON Cater To New & Seasoned Hunters PROMOTING LONG GUNS Incentives To Spark Sales FLASHLIGHT PROFITS For a single, precise shot to resolve a situation, it has to be fired from a special weapon. Enter the Savage LE Series. Special weapons. Exceptional accuracy. SPECIAL WEAPONS Right Lights Can Sizzle! LEVERGUN LEVERAGE p34 savagearms.com www.shootingindustry.com2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=2http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=22009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=3http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=3IntRoducInG the new ™ ® It looks like the legendary SIG556, but look again: It’s the SIG522 Rifle firing affordable .22LR. The new SIG522 has the look, feel and action of the classic military-style SIG556 rifle. yet it costs much less, and fires affordable .22LR rounds. The full-size semi-auto SIG522 features a cold hammer forged barrel with flash suppressor, metal receiver with integral Picatinny rail, gas piston and rotating bolt, Swiss-style folding stock, and a 30-round magazine. To find out more about how to get the look, feel, action and dependability of the SIG556, combined with .22 caliber affordability, check out the new SIG522 at www.sigsauer.com – on the double! ( Shown with Optional Mini Red Dot Sight and Tactical Light & Laser) ® Fo r m o re i n f o rm a t i o n v i s i t s i g s a u e r. c o m2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=4http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=4AUGUST 2009 • VOLUME 54 • NUMBER 08 Features 28 32 Page 28 Hunting Season 2009 Cater To New Customers, Keep Seasoned Hunters Buying. Carolee Anita Boyles Promoting Long Guns Manufacturers Roll Out Incentives To Spark Sales. Russ Thurman 34 36 Levergun Leverage Profit From Lever Actions For Hunting, Cowboy And Nostalgia. Sam Fadala Lighting The Path To Profits! When Other Products Stagnate, The Right Lights Can Sizzle. John Morrison Industry News Page 34 8 12 18 Shooting Sports Summit Explores Future Course Colt Recalls Pistols Newsmakers SI DIGITAL VIDEO Columns 20 22 Page 36 Lethal Force The Ammo Drought: Handling The Aftermath. Massad Ayoob Outdoor Marketplace Remington Invites Knife Army To Join The Club. J.K. Autry 24 26 46 Arms And The Woman Pink Arrow Project Takes Aim At Breast Cancer. Lisa Parsons-Wraith Back Blast & Other Hot Gases Run For Cover! Here Come The Pajama Police! Commander Gilmore Industry Watch Facing The Whiplash Challenge. Russ Thurman Departments Page 22 SI DIGITAL 6 40 Letters New Products SI DIGITAL Hot Link 43 44 Classifieds Reader Service VIDEO Visit www.shootingindustry.com to request a free subscription to SI Digital and view the special features in this edition. 4 AUGUST 2009 SHOOTING INDUSTRY® (ISSN 0037-4148) is published monthly by Publishers’ Development Corporation at 12345 World Trade Dr, San Diego, CA 92128. Periodical Class Postage paid at San Diego, CA 92128, and at additional mailing offices. Subscription $25 yearly in U.S.A. Single copies $3 (except for the December SHOT SHOW issue, $25). Change of address: Four weeks notice required on all changes. Send old address as well as new. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: SHOOTING INDUSTRY® 12345 World Trade Dr, San Diego, CA 92128. PRINTING SERVICES/PREPRESS: Democrat Printing Company. CONTRIBUTORS submitting manuscripts, photographs or drawings, do so at their own risk. Material cannot be returned unless accompanied by sufficient postage. PAYMENT will be made at rates current at time of publication and will cover reproduction in any or all of the editions of SHOOTING INDUSTRY®. OPINIONS expressed in bylined articles or columns are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the magazine or its staff. Copyright© 2009 by Publishers' Development Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any portion of this magazine without written permission is prohibited. Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=5http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=5SINCE 1955 — THE INDUSTRY’S BUSINESS MAGAZINE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Thomas von Rosen, CEO; Thomas Hollander, Randy Moldé, Marjorie Young PUBLISHER & EDITOR Russ Thurman Editorial Assistant Roxanne Smith Art Director Eric Tse Advertising Sales Director Anita Carson Advertising Sales Assistant Dana Hatfield Production Manager Dennaye Cusick Promotions Coordinator Elizabeth O’Neill Web Site Manager Lorinda Massey Staff Photographer Joseph Novelozo CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Massad Ayoob Shari LeGate John Morrison Carolee Anita Boyles Ray Oeltjen Lisa Parsons-Wraith FMG PUBLICATIONS shootingindustry.com Publisher & Editor: Russ Thurman Advertising: Anita Carson, 866.972.4545 email: anita@shootingindustry.com americancopmagazine.com Managing Editor: Suzi Huntington Advertising: Delano Amaguin, 888.732.6461 email: delano@americancopmagazine.com americanhandgunner.com Publisher & Editor: Roy Huntington Advertising: Steve Evatt, 800.533.7988 email: steve@americanhandgunner.com gunsmagazine.com Editor: Jeff John Advertising: Andrew Oram, 866.903.1199 email: andrew@gunsmagazine.com fmgpublications.com Editor: Sammy Reese Advertising: Scott McGregor, 800.553.7780 email: scott@gunsmagazine.com ONLINE ADVERTISING MANAGER: Tracy Moore, TEL: 888.651.7566, FAX: 858.605.0205, tracy@fmgpublications.com SPECIAL EDITION CUTLERY & SPECIALTY ADVERTISING: Jeff Morey, CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Lori Robbins, TEL: 800.426.4470, FAX: 858.605.0217, jeffm@gunsmagazine.com TEL: 800.633.8001, FAX: 858.605.0247, classads@fmgpublications.com FMG EAST COAST SALES: Sig Buchmayr, Buchmayr & Associates, NATIONAL ADVERTISING: 12345 World Trade Dr., San Diego, CA 28 Great Hill Rd., Darien, CT 06820, TEL: 203.662.9740, sigbuch@optonline.net 92128, TEL: 866.972.4545, FAX: 858.605.0211, anita@shootingindustry.com CUSTOMER SERVICE www.shootingindustry.com SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 858.605.0254 Express Service . . . . . . . www.shootingindustry.com and click “contacts” Colonial Arms offers the avid shooting enthusiast a wide variety of choke tubes in all standard constrictions. EDITORIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888.315.3638 email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . russ@shootingindustry.com PRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 858.605.0210 email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . production@shootingindustry.com email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .sng@g-glaw.com General Counsel/Legal Affairs: . . . . . Steele N. Gillaspey PRODUCED IN THE U.S.A. www.shootingindustry.com AUGUST 2009 52009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=6http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=6Letters Letters to the editor We are finally starting to see the signs of this ammo shortage starting to abate, due to a combination of a lessening of fear, no imminent legislation in sight, and a lack of funds left from a struggling consumer. I hope that as things start to normalize, we, the full-time retailers in this industry, remember who carried us best through this mess. Some ammo makers obviously spent a great deal of energy selling their wares, at a heavy discount, to Big Mart, leaving those of us who helped build the brand in the lurch, again: “Please sell our pre- Who Carried Us Best? mium ammo, but screw you when things are tight.” Others concentrated on their highermargin stuff while the consumer screamed for a supply of “shootin’ stuff.” Hornady, Federal, Magtech, PMC, CCI and even Fiocchi did a better job of trying to supply the consumer with what he actually wanted, and through the independent retailer, who will be fighting the good fight when the Feds actually do come after our businesses and the shooting sports in general. How much money, time and effort will Big Mart contribute to that fight? We will all be well served to remember who in the ammo business looked out for us in times like these and repay them with our business in better times. Jack C. Little Whetstone Surplus High Point, N.C. Leather for their superior workmanship and top-notch customer service. I recently bought a concealed handbag from a local retailer. After a couple of weeks, I started having some problems with it. I contacted Coronado about it, and without any questions, they asked if I would like to exchange it for something else. Within a couple of weeks, I had my replacement. I would also like to extend a special thanks to Miguel (sales rep) who made the whole transaction as smooth as possible and was extremely pleasant to work with. Thank you Coronado Leather, Miguel and American Handgunner magazine, and especially the NRA for all their hard work. Robin Giana Jacksonville, Fla. Via: American Handgunner Coronado Leather Service I want to give big kudos to Coronado Legendary German craftsmanship with a distinctly American accent. The winner of the Sporting Classics 2008 Award of Excellence, the new Merkel KR1 American Model has been specifically designed with the American market in mind. We added a classic American style stock, improved balance and pointability. We kept all of the quality, features and innovations that make the KR1 truly unique. The stuff, in other words, that led Steve Comus to write, “It is a true hunting rifle.it handles and functions fluidly and flawlessly. it thought it was a target rifle when it came to accuracy.”* Capture the opportunity to offer this exciting, new and profitable product in your store. Place an order today by calling Merkel USA at 1-800 821 3021. Preview the new American KR1 online at merkel-usa.com. Available to the trade, Fall 2009. The New American KR1 Visit www.coronadoleather.com. Recently I purchased a Ruger Mark III Competition for my son’s first handgun. Once we received it, we noticed the grips were too large for his hand. We contacted Ruger customer service and asked if we could exchange the grips for ones without the thumb rest. They told us they would make sure my son received a new set of grips for his gun. Two days later we received a new pair of cocobolo grips from across the country, free of charge. I can’t express my thanks enough to Ruger and their customer service department. The gun now fits my son’s hands perfectly. Great company! The Hightowers Cabazon, Calif. 9 Thanks, Ruger *“High Plains Pentahlon, Safari Magazine, May/June 2009 Extraordinary hunting arms since 1898. 6 AUGUST 2009 E-mail the Editor russ@shootingindustry.com Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=7http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=7REFLECT WHO YOU ARE Rock river Arms / VArmint a4 Air gauged stainless steel 1:8 twist bull barrel / rra two stage match trigger / .223 Wylde chamber / hogue rubber grip / winter trigger guard LE Home Hunt Target reflect who you are at www.rockriverarms.com Air gauged stainless steel 1:8 twist bull barrel / rra two stage match trigger / .223 Wylde chamber / hogue rubber grip / winter trigger guard Rock river Arms / VArmint a42009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=8http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=8Industry Industry news Joining A Knife Army — pg. 22 Shooting Sports Summit Explores Future Course T he two-day NSSF Shooting Sports at www.nssf.org/summit. seeking to exploit ongoing Mexican drug Summit held in early June in Florida cartel-related violence to advance their had a challenging goal: “To develop Message: “Don’t Lie” policy agenda in Congress. NSSF is continuing to cooperate strategies to increase participation in hunt“The Second Amendment and America’s ing and the shooting sports by 20 percent with law enforcement by expanding its firearms industry are, of course, not the cause over the next five years.” of violence in Mexico, or here at Attendees — manufachome, but as a responsible industurers, distributors, retailers, try we take the criminal acquisishooting ranges, sportsmen and tion and misuse of our products conservation groups, media and seriously, and cooperate with law nearly 40 state and federal wildenforcement where appropriate,” life agencies — “rolled up their said Lawrence Keane, NSSF sesleeves and hammered out hunnior vice president and general dreds of ideas.” counsel. “Our ‘Don’t Lie’ cam“NSSF would like to thank paign, run in conjunction with the more than 150 stakeholdATF, is an example of our indusers who came together to share try’s cooperative efforts.” ideas, provide feedback and Following a successful voice their concerns at this multi-city launch of “Don’t SI DIGITAL VIDEO year’s summit,” said Steve SaLie for the Other Guy” in netti, NSSF president. “Now the Texas in June, NSSF launched real work begins. The results of Frank Briganti, NSSF director of research and analysis, addresses the the program this month in the breakout sessions are being Shooting Sports Summit. Tucson, Ariz. collected and reviewed, and will To learn more about the serve as the basis for action plans as we move 10-year-old “Don’t Lie for the Other program, including how dealers can reforward in meeting our goal of 20-percent Guy” anti-straw-purchasing campaign ceive a free retailer tool kit, along with along the Southwest border — this in downloading a public-service announcegrowth over the next five years.” Webcasts of the summit may be viewed contrast to some gun-control groups ment, visit www.dontlie.org. Smith & Wesson Posts Record Annual Sales S mith & Wesson Holding Corp. announced in June its financial results for the fiscal year and the fourth fiscal quarter ending April 30. For fiscal 2009, Smith & Wesson announced record net sales of $335 million, a 13.2-percent increase over net sales for fiscal 2008. The company posted gross profits of $97.8 million for fiscal 2009, compared to $92.4 million for fiscal 2008. “Gross profit for fiscal 2009 increased as a result of the increase in sales, while gross profit as a percentage of revenue declined as a result of continuing weakness in demand for hunting rifles,” said William F. Spengler, S&W executive vice president and chief financial officer. Net sales for the fourth fiscal quarter were $99.5 million, an increase of $16.4 million, or 19.8 percent, over the fourth fiscal quarter last year. Gross profits were up 31 percent, and net income was $7.4 million, compared with $3.3 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. “Our fourth quarter results reflect a number of records for Smith & Wesson, including record quarterly revenue, record net income, record earnings per share, and record levels in both our cash balances and our firearms backlog. These results demonstrate that we continue to capitalize on the strong consumer demand for our products, particularly our handguns and tactical rifles,” said Michael F. Golden, Smith & Wesson president and CEO. Visit www.smith-wesson.com. $335 Million S&W 2009 Sales This page 40,000 Lbs. Guns Melted In LA See page 26 Say Fear Drove Gun Sales See page 45 57% Subscribe to SI Digital: 8 AUGUST 2009 www.shootingindustry.com. Read SI DIGITAL It’s Free! www.shootingindustry.com2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=9http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=92009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=10http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=10Industry news W Winchester Salutes USA Shooting Ruger Joins Russell 3000 Index inchester Ammunition is offering a commemorative USA Shooting Shotgun Team Value Pack. The Value Pack consists of four, 25-round boxes of 12-gauge AA in Light Target, Super-Handicap and Sporting Clays loads. Patriotic packaging highlights Winchester as the official ammunition of the USA Shooting Shotgun Team and features the four 2008 U.S. Olympic shotgun medalists. They used Winchester ammo to capture their medals. “This is an excellent opportunity to recognize these talented athletes, and allow our customers to stock their shelves with the famous AA Target Loads,” said Dick Hammett, president of Winchester Ammunition. For more information, visit www.winchester.com. To learn how you can support USA Shooting, visit www.usashooting.org. S turm, Ruger & Co. (NYSE:RGR) announced it joined the Russell 3000 Index when Russell Investments reconstituted its U.S. and global equity indexes on June 26. “We are very pleased to be included in the Russell 3000 Index, which reflects well on the company’s achievements over the past few years, and we are hopeful that it will broaden the company’s appeal to a wider spectrum of investors,” said Michael O. Fifer, Ruger CEO. Annual reconstitution of Russell’s U.S. Indexes captures the 3,000 largest U.S. stocks as of the end of May, ranking them by total market capitalization. Russell Indexes are widely used by investment managers and institutional investors for index funds and as benchmarks for both passive and active investment strategies. Total returns data for the Russell 3000 and other Russell Indexes is available at www.russell.com/Indexes/ performance/default.asp. For further information, visit www.ruger.com. Subscribe To SI Digital! 10 AUGUST 2009 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=11http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=11Sports South Offers Free, Upgraded Software S ports South LLC announces the release of SSIWIN 3.2, which allows dealers to fill in and print out their portion of the Form 4473 for each customer transaction. “We are excited about introducing this new version of our popular SSIWIN software to the firearms industry. We are confident dealers will be able to save time, avoid mistakes and ultimately, cut costs by printing out their 4473s from SSIWIN,” said Ezra Weinstein, Sports South IT director. SSIWIN is an electronic catalog designed to offer inventory research, while allowing dealers to simplify purchasing through an automated ordering process. The program can be used to view Sports South’s entire inventory of over 27,000 SKUs, including item quantities, cost, detailed picture information and complete item specifications. The Form 4473 wizard is a builtin component of the new SSIWIN 3.2 software. It allows dealers to print a 4473 that is pre-filled with their information, saving valuable time. Each form can be completed in three steps, and up to five firearms can be added to one 4473. The pre-filled form is then printed out and completed by the customer. Dealers using both software programs offered by Sports South — SSIWIN 3.2 and FMS, the Firearms Management System — will benefit by having all their gunbook data available for pre-filling the Form 4473. Although the Form 4473 wizard will run without FMS installed, it will not be available to the dealer unless SSIWIN 3.2 is running on their computer. Dealers who are currently using SSIWIN 3.1 will be automatically upgraded to SSIWIN 3.2 and will receive their complimentary copy of the new software as part of that update; there is no purchase necessary. Dealers not currently using Sports South software, and who are interested in receiving their free copy of SSIWIN 3.2 with the built-in Form 4473 printing capability, should contact Sports South at 1-800-772-4287. For more information about SSIWIN 3.2 and other Sports South services, visit www.internetguncatalog.com. www.shootingindustry.com AUGUST 2009 112009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=12http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=12Industry news Colt Recalls Pistols C AcuSport Adds Russian American Armory cuSport Corp. has added Russian American Armory (RAA) to its shooting sports offerings. RAA is the manufacturer of the Saiga rifles and shotguns, plus firearm magazines. The Saiga firearms, which use the AK system, represent a popular segment of the shooting sports market. RAA firearms are available in 12- and 20-gauge and .410 shotguns, and .223, .308 and 7.62x39 rifles. AcuSport will carry all of the Saiga models in the RAA lineup, along with the firearm’s magazines. Retailers may purchase RAA products by contacting their AcuSport sales professional, or online at www.acusport.com. olt’s Manufacturing Co. is recalling certain Colt pistols. The models are the Colt 1911 WWI Replica, 1918 WWI Replica, Combat Elite, New Agent and Defender models, including the TALO Night Defender, sold since March 2007. Colt says the Slide Lock Safety and/or the Recoil Spring Guide Pad in these models were not manufactured to Colt specifications and must be replaced. “Although there have been no reports of personal injuries or property damage, safety is our number-one concern. Therefore, we are requesting the affected pistols not be loaded or used until the part or parts have been replaced. We have promised to promptly retrofit these pistols to minimize customer inconvenience,” said Joyce Rubino, Colt vice president for operations. For the range of serial numbers for the models covered by the recall, visit www.coltsmfg.com. Colt is offering to replace the affected parts at no cost to its customers. Instructions for obtaining the recall service or replacement parts are posted on Colt’s Web site at www.coltsmfg. com, and can also be obtained by e-mailing Colt at: recall@colt. com, or by calling 1-800-962-COLT (2658). A Viridian Green Laser Sights Hires Reps V iridian Green Laser Sights, a subsidiary of Laser Aiming Systems Corp., has hired two new sales and marketing groups, H&G Marketing and ProActive Sales and Marketing. ProActive has account responsibilities in the Southeast while H&G covers the rest of the country. For more information, visit www.viridiangreenlaser.com. 12 AUGUST 2009 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=13http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=13Remington Acquires Dakota Arms R emington Arms Co., through its fully owned subsidiary DA Acquisitions LLC, has acquired certain assets of Dakota Arms, LLC, including the Dakota, Miller Arms, Dan Walter and Nesika Bay Precision brands. Established in 1982 and headquartered in Sturgis, S.D., Dakota Arms manufactures custom and semi-custom rifles, and employs 35 people. “Dakota Arms is an icon within the industry, and its fine products exemplify quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail. Dakota is the perfect complement to our industry-leading family of brands. We look forward to continuing to develop and expand the Dakota brand, and thank all its employees for their continued dedication and success of Dakota Arms,” said Ted Torbeck, CEO, Remington Arms Co. and Freedom Group Inc. For more information, visit www.remington.com. Dakota Arms Model 10 Savage Ships Rifles To Philippine Police S avage Arms has joined the global war on terror with the delivery of 111 custom Model 10 sniper rifles to the Philippine National Police (PNP). The rifles were delivered in May, and already have been utilized successfully in operations with the Special Action Force, which is the main counterterrorism unit of the PNP. The rifles are built on the Savage Model 10 action, with a 22" Savage heavy barrel and HS Precision fiberglass tactical stock. The barrel has a machined taper and thread to accommodate an Ops-Inc. Suppressor. The PNP-SAF model also includes the Sav- age AccuTrigger, Karsten adjustable cheek piece, one-piece scope rail and detachable box magazine. Each rifle was shipped with a bipod and Storm case. Visit www.savagearms.com for more information. www.shootingindustry.com AUGUST 2009 132009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=14http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=14Industry news K.B.I. Begins Shipping Jericho 941 Pistols Benelli USA Names Sales Rep Group .B.I. Inc. has been selected by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Ltd. as the new U.S. marketing agent for Jericho 941 pistols. The pistols have a proven 25-year performance record as the pistol of choice for the Israeli military, police and homeland security forces. Jericho 941 pistols are available in 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP, and in full, mid-size and compact size, with polymer and steel frame options. Suggested retail prices range from $674 for the blued steel and polymer frame models to $749 for the chromed/steel model. K.B.I. Inc. reports the pistols are available for shipping. Full specifications are available on the Jericho Web site at www.Jericho.US.com. K enelli USA announces that Core Line Marketing (CLM) will represent Benelli USA and Stoeger Industries in five Southeastern states. CLM’s Chris Otway will be covering North Carolina and Eastern South Carolina. Pete Woods will cover northern Georgia and western South Carolina. Jonathan Harrington will cover the Florida Peninsula and southern Georgia, and Kenneth Thomaston will cover Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. “As always, Benelli USA is committed to promoting effective and positive customer service, while at the same time maintaining our dedication to a successful dealer-direct sales network,” said Joe Troiani, Benelli’s VP, sales. To assure a seamless transition within these territories, the following Benelli USA sales administrators will be responsible for assisting sales representatives and dealers: Dan Edelbaum (1-800-264-4962, ext. 139): covering Alabama, Florida and Southern Georgia; and Christina Day (1-800-264-4962, ext. 424): covering North Carolina, South Carolina and Northern Georgia For more information, visit www. benelliusa.com. B Own a Piece of History, Buy a Genuine Winchester Limited Edition Today. 1892 DeLuxe TAke-DOwn “LimiTeD seRies” Only 501 Made of Each Caliber Special Serial Numbers: 0000-0500 Certificate of Authenticity Separates Easily Without Tools! 44-40 Caliber: 534154140 45LC Caliber: 534154141 Capacity: 10+1 BBL: 20” Stock: Walnut, Satin, Grade II/III Checkered with Pistol Grip EXCLUSIVE The Model 1892 weighs around six pounds, and it is an easy handling levergun, perhaps the best ever. In addition to being a great gun for Cowboy Action Shooting, the Winchester Model 1892 makes a fine close range deer rifle when properly loaded. These Davidson’s Exclusives feature a grade II/III satin walnut checkered pistol grip and a 20” tapered octagonal barrel. $ 128999 msRP $187495 eACH Don’t miss out on these great deals, supplies are limited to quantities on hand. www.davidsonsinc.com 800-367-4867 CALL TODAY Does Davidson’s GuaranteeD Lifetime Replacement make that much of a difference? I t w I l l w h e n yo u n e e d I t ! 14 AUGUST 2009 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=15http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=15Brownells Sets 2010 Gunsmith Fair Dates rownells has announced it will hold its Fourth Annual Gunsmith Career Fair on April 23 and 24, 2010, in Des Moines, Iowa. The fair will include career improvement seminars and job seeking and networking opportunities for soon-to-graduate gunsmithing students, recent graduates and working gunsmiths. “We see the career fair as an important networking opportunity for everyone involved. At this year’s event I saw a small group of students talking gunstock design with Jerry Fisher, one of the industry icons. Attendees also had the opportunity to talk one-on-one with several other industry professionals, including the ATF,” said Pete Brownell, company president. Visit www.gunsmithcareerfair.com for further details. B Birchwood Casey Acquires RIG, Bore Runner irchwood Casey has acquired RIG and Bore Runner gun-care products from the Fenton, Mo.-based Jackson Safety Co. Products under the RIG brand include Universal Gun Grease, RIG + P Stainless Steel Lube, Cleanpower Breech Brushes and Bore Runner shotgun cleaning rods. “We’re excited Birchwood Casey will be selling the popular line of RIG gun greases and Bore Runner rods and accessories,” said Todd Binsfeld, Birchwood Casey’s marketing manager, sporting goods. “The products will continue under the RIG brand, but will be incorporated into the Birchwood Casey program.” For more information, visit www.birchwoodcasey.com. B Insight Tech-Gear Offers Grant-Writing Support nsight Tech-Gear is offering its law enforcement and public safety customers assistance with the grant-writing process. “Since the passage of the recent federal stimulus package, more funding has been made available to the first-responder community for the purchase of vital equipment like Insight Tech-Gear’s Mini Thermal Monocular (MTM). We look forward to working with departmental purchasing agents to help them equip their officers with the latest in state-of-the-art thermal imaging technology,” said Paul Cunningham, director of law enforcement sales. Through the grant-writing support effort, Insight will help departments and agencies navigate the grant process to find available funding, as well as assist with the actual grantwriting process. Law enforcement agencies interested in grant-writing assistance should contact Insight Tech-Gear via e-mail at grants@insighttechgear.com. I Umarex USA Hires Out Of Bounds Creative marex USA, supplier of sporting air guns and small-bore firearms, has announced the naming of Out of Bounds Creative as its agency of record. “Our partnering with Out of Bounds Creative originated from a desire to make sure we’re sending the right marketing message about Colt .22 Tactical Rimfire rifles,” said Justin “JB” Biddle, Umarex USA marketing manager. “Working with a firm that understands the firearm market and is willing to grow with our developing firearm business was an essential part of our selection.” Out of Bounds Creative is tasked with developing and executing plans and creative material for multiple advertising mediums to assist in the long-term success of Umarex USA’s firearm sales. For more information, visit www.UmarexUSA.com and www.outofboundscreative.com. AUGUST 2009 15 U www.shootingindustry.com2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=16http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=16Industry news Beretta Announces Individual Officer Program eretta USA announces a new Individual Officer Rebate Program. Individual law enforcement, security officers and qualified first responders who purchase a Beretta Px4 Storm and/ or 92/90-Two series pistols from participating dealers will receive a $50 rebate per pistol directly from Beretta USA. “By simply filling out a rebate form and providing an agency purchase authorization letter, these qualified individuals can receive up to $100 back when they purchase two pistols from their dealer,” said Gabriele de Plano, vice president of tactical marketing. “The program details and documentation are available to any dealer interested in participating and supporting these fine officers.” B Information and forms on the new program may be downloaded from www.berettale.com. “This program complements the existing Beretta Project Allegiance perfectly, which provides $10,000 lineof-duty accidental death benefits for three years at no cost to the lawenforcement officer,” said Ryan Muety, director of marketing. Project Allegiance is offered with the purchase of law enforcement-configuration Px4 Storm pistols. Visit www.berettale.com for more information. Bushnell Acquires Cébé Eyewear M idOcean Partners, a private equity firm, and Bushnell Outdoor Products, announce that Bushnell has acquired the Cébé brand from Marcolin S.p.A., which is listed on the Milan Stock Exchange. The terms of the purchase agreement were not disclosed. Founded in 1892, Cébé produces optical frames, sport performance sunglasses, ski goggles and helmets. “Cébé provides us with an excellent opportunity to differentiate our product lines and distribution channels in order to expand the Bushnell family of eyewear. Cébé will be a nice complement to our Bollé and Serengeti brands. With its focus on the win- ter sport market as well as running and biking, Cébé will only strengthen and broaden our opportunities for growth,” said Olivier Ciaravino, vice president and managing director, Europe, of Bushnell Outdoor Products. This marks the ninth acquisition Bushnell has made since 2000. During the past year, Bushnell has acquired Simmons Optics and Millett Industries as part of its stated goal of growth through acquisition. For more information, visit www.midoceanpartners.com and www.bushnell.com. 16 AUGUST 2009 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=17http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=17N P R IC E . IO T C U D O R P D R A D S TA N Q UA LI T Y R IF LE S . C E P -S IL M T, IL U B C U S TO M was called on to fight by economic crisis young nation paralyzed ic During World War II, a es in uncertain econom . Today, we find ourselv nts fro two on l evi d nte unprecede & Tool truction. Lewis Machine s similarly bent on our des times and facing enemie e GTH on the hom front lder of UNITY and STREN bui a as lf itse es prid Company front lines. FINEST FIREARMS for the as well as a builder of the otent, home defense or sho ernment, law enforcem Whether for military, gov with your current and rs complete compatibility ing sports, only LMT offe -spec QUALITY rifle ivers a custom-built, mil ongoing needs. LMT del production price. upgrades at a standard with the tactical accessory OM LMTD EF EN SE .C61 264 Milan, IL 1305 11th Street West, 309.787.7193 (T) 309.787.7151 • (F) sales@lmtdefense.com IFI ED ISO 90 01:2 00 0 CE rT www.shootingindustry.com AUGUST 2009 172009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=18http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=18Newsmakers Industry newsmakers Non Typical Inc., manufacturer of Cuddeback digital scouting cameras, has hired Neil Sanders as vice president of sales and marketing. “I look forward to helping Non Typical manage the remarkable growth they’ve experienced in the few short years since they first introduced the Cuddeback brand,” Sanders said. Sanders comes to Non Typical from WildComm, an outdoor industry branding and marketing company he helped launch. Prior to that, he worked for Thompson/ Center Arms and PRIMEDIA. Non Typical Inc. Hires Marketing VP designs and overseeing the development of new products. Prior to joining Cerf Brothers, Drosihn was vice president of product research and development at 180s, where he added new product categories while implementing “green initiatives” programs to incorporate sustainable materials into products. Before that, Drosihn managed the product development and operations of Sierra Designs in Boulder, Colo., helping the company earn 21 innovative product awards in four years. salesmen and dealers face every day,” said Dustin Woods, national sales manager for Swarovski Optik North America. Benchmade Knife Co. has hired Damascus Hopes as value stream components manager and Chris Harper as design engineering manager. Hopes joins Benchmade from Sealy Mattress Co., where he was the assistant plant superintendent. He has a bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University. Harper comes to Benchmade from FMC/PPM Technologies in Newberg, Ore., where he was the operations/manufacturing manager. He served 21 years in the U.S. Navy as a submarine mechanical systems and equipment engineer. Harper received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Evansville in Indiana and his master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif. Benchmade Adds Managers Callis & Assoc. recently added Tim Carr to its staff as a public relations account executive. Carr will work with media and other agency personnel to generate publicity for clients. A graduate of the University of Central Missouri, Carr brings to Callis more than 20 years of public relations, managerial and law enforcement experience. Callis & Associates Names PR Account Executive EOTAC, makers of tactical and discreet garments, has selected Rob Viner as national sales director. Viner, who previously held several sales positions with Beretta USA, including national account manager for distributors and chain stores, will be responsible for managing EOTAC’s team of sales representatives, developing dealer programs and overseeing new product introduction to the distribution channel. EOTAC Names Sales Director BLACKHAWK! Products Group has promoted Tom O’Sullivan to director of international business. He will lead efforts to introduce the full line of BLACKHAWK! products, establish strategic business partnerships and develop new sales channels outside of the continental United States. O’Sullivan previously was director of government and military programs and brand manager for tactical gear and hydration at BLACKHAWK! A retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Military Institute. T. O’Sullivan BLACKHAWK! Appoints Director Cerf Brothers Bag Co. has hired Lonnie Drosihn as vice president of operations. He will be responsible for establishing standards of operations for Cerf Brothers’ hunting, camping and hiking bags, extending the company’s overseas sourcing contacts, directing new product Cerf Brothers Bag Hires Operations VP Greg Enos has joined Swarovski Optik North America Ltd. as eastern territory sales manager for the U.S. market. Before joining Swarovski, Enos was a manufacturer’s representative for Dunkin Lewis Inc. Prior to that, he worked for Gill North America and Johnson Outdoors. “Greg’s experience as both a sales manager and sales representative has given him a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities that factories, Swarovski Optik Hires Sales Manager Retired Army Reserve Co2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=19http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=19the mystery lives The evidence is in and the facts are the facts: Sasquatch exists, and could be found in your store. Customers have reported seeing large, branch-covered structures lurking in store aisles; apparently attracted to the lightning fast set-up and silent window adjustments of this roomy, hunterfriendly blind. The fact remains—Sasquatch is out there. Bring the mystery to your store. Contact your sales rep or Dealer Services at (866) 223-9388. www.sasquatchblinds.com get on target ™2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=20http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=20Lethal Lethal force The Ammo Drought: Handling The Aftermath Massad Ayoob I t’s hard to imagine a situation more lots of ammunition. frustrating for a retailer: Customers Then, the mainstream media got a hold who are desperate to buy huge quanti- of it. TV stations and newspapers all over ties of products you can’t get. the country ran stories too big to miss While the hot-buying spree attributed about the run on ammunition and guns, to the Obama Factor is cooling, there is still plenty of catching up for dealers. This is especially evident in ammunition sales. The election of President Obama set off record sales of firearms and ammunition. Before the national election, then-Senator and Presidential nominee Obama made it clear he wanted to permanently reinstate the old Assault Weapons Ban, and he opposed concealed carry. In several states, Ammunition Accountability Acts were (and continue to be) considered. These acts would eliminate normal ammunition as we know it, and raise the cost of a box of ammunition by several hundred percent. The panic buying by gun enthusiasts that followed wasn’t paranoia. As the old saying goes, “It isn’t paranoia if they really are coming after you.” Gun shops did record Matt Sawicki, of Maxon Shooters Supply and Indoor business selling not only fire- Range in Des Plaines, Ill., reaches for some ammo for arms that might soon be pro- a customer. When supplies were short everywhere, hibited, but ammunition — Maxon’s had to institute ammo rationing. causing the second wave of buyers: casual gun owners. There’s the customer who goes deer hunting one weekend a year, and makes a box of ammo last for years. When told that an Ammo Accountability Act might include a provision giving future ammunition a limited shelf life, he suddenly wants enough ammo for the rest of his life. Then there is the customer who likes to take his kids out shooting with a .22 once a month or so, and looked forward to enjoying the same ritual with his grandchildren. He suddenly saw no light at the end of the tunnel, and was ready to buy a lifetime supply. Folks like him who bought .22 ammo by the 50or 100-round box were now buying by the 500-round brick, perhaps several bricks at a time. Shooters who bought .22 Long Rifle by the brick now ordered by the case. The same was happening with the larger calibers. People who reload their own ammo were ahead of the game, but even they ran into a wall of empty shelves, as components were being hoarded, too. Small and large pistol primers were the first to disappear from gun-shop shelves. Types Of Casual Owners Effects Beyond The Gun Shop un clubs and public shooting ranges — particularly those that host competitive shooting matches — are feeling the impact of the Great Ammo Drought, as well. While teaching in Arizona in April, I learned that rifle shooters in a league that shot .223s and .308s weekly were now including .22 matches, because so many of the regular shooters either couldn’t afford or couldn’t get centerfire ammunition. At an East Coast club, attendance at the IDPA shoot dropped from 100 competitors in March to 56 in April. One of the match directors attributed it to the fact that a big gun show was going on locally the same day, and a good number of the regular shooters were attending in hopes of buying quantities of scarce ammunition before the show vendors ran out. 20 AUGUST 2009 G Reloaders found empty shelves, as well. Maxon’s had to ration the few primers they could get in stock. Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=21http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=21PRESENTING THE NEW Lethal force What’s A Dealer To Do? F “ irst, think long term: “This, too, shall pass.” When it’s over, your customers will remember where everybody stood during the shortage crisis. If the state where you do business is one of those that has an Ammo Accountability Act before the state legislature, make sure you have petitions opposing it on hand in your shop. Give your customers a chance to take action. Check www.ammunitionaccountability.org for state listings. When it is defeated — and legislation hasn’t gone far yet — your customers will remember that you were one of the ones attacking the problem on their behalf. Built for the U .S . Military, the NEW lightweight MRDS delivers unsurpassed tactical performance . Available in either a 3 .5 MOA or 7 .0 MOA dot, the MRDS comes in black or tan, is adjustable for windage and elevation, weighs just 0 .85oz and features auto or manual dot intensity adjustment – making it the ideal accessory for tactical rifles and shotguns. The MRDS is available now in limited quantities and supported by national advertising . Don’t miss out, order today! Your customers will remember where everybody stood during the shortage crisis. Commercial Distributors RSR Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 752-4867 RSR Wisconsin . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 832-4867 RSR Nevada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 634-4867 Simmons Gun Specialties . . . (800) 444-0220 Sports South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 388-3845 Bonitz Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 825-7060 Ellett Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 845-3711 Gun Accessory Supply . . . . . . (800) 755-4867 Jerry’s Sport Center . . . . . . . . (800) 234-2612 Jerry’s Sport Center NE . . . . . (800) 456-5595 Night Optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 306-4448 Outdoor Sports Headquarters . . (800) 444-6744 RSR Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 541-4867 RSR New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 458-4867 Also, if you establish a waiting list for backordered ammo, consider giving your regular customers priority. Be forward thinking in your pricing. In market situations like this, consumers are particularly sensitive to price gouging. If you doubt that, spend a few minutes on some of the Internet shooting forums and do a search on the topic. Shooters have long memories. Consumers will boycott a retailer for life because of one perceived transgression. Be prepared to explain why your costs are going up, too, and why your prices are fair right now. “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Yes, there are a lot of clichés in this column, but clichés are born from momentous experiences and special circumstances. The greatest demand ever, coupled with the maddening frustration of not being able to get product to satisfy that demand, will long be remembered. 9 ” Law Enforcement CampCo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (888) 922-6726 Kroll International . . . . . . . . . (800) 359-6912 For More Information Find Us At: InsightTechGear.com Toll Free: 877-744-4802 POLISH TTC PISTOL, CAL. 7.62X25MM POLISH TT-33 PISTOL, CAL. 7.62X25MM Tough Times Curio & Relic Comes with holster. 8 rd. mag. Barrel: 5.13”, Overall: 7.63”, Weight: 1.85 lbs. Curio & Relic 8 rd. mag. Barrel: 5”, Overall: 8.5”, Weight: 1.85 lbs. HG1066-X Condition: Excellent HG1066-G Condition: Good HG1854-X Condition: Excellent HG1854-V Condition: Very Good HG1854-G Condition: Good Dealers please call for pricing. For available ammunition visit www.centuryarms.com 430 South Congress Ave. Suite 1 Dept.0908SI Delray Beach, FL 33445 Toll Free:1.800.527.1252 Tel: 561.265.4530 Fax: 561.265.4520 www.shootingindustry.com AUGUST 2009 212009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=22http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=22Outdoor Outdoor marketplace Remington Invites Knife Army To Join The Club J.K. Autry ustomers who collect Remington dedication to the Remington cutlery brand. ured the best way to get information to cutlery are more than just fans of “A lot of Remington knives are highly them was to create a club. It makes them “Made in the USA” collectible, and there is a huge army of feel they are part of what we do as a comknives. These knife buffs pany,” said E. Scott Lester, Remington’s are a “community” dedidirector of licensing and accessories, who cated to the high-qualalso serves as RCCC president. ity materials and finely Those who join the Remington Cutlery crafted construction that Collector’s Club will receive the club’s has been synonymous biannual newsletter, catalogs, information with Remington knives on the newest knives, a “Remington Cutsince their introduction lery: Past and Present” booklet, knife in 1920. valuation assistance through Smoky Remington knows Mountain Knife Works and eligibiltheir knives are widely ity to purchase the club’s Knife sought after and collected, and of the Year, the exclusive New the cutlery brand has attracted Member Knife and limiteda devoted legion of followedition knives. ers. With these collectors “The number of knives in mind, the company being offered is fairly launched the Remington limited because we don’t Cutlery Collector’s Club want to dilute the idea of (RCCC) in January. exclusivity. The knives The club offers a forum will have the member’s for collectors to stay up-to- RCCC’s first New Members Knife is the RC6163 Senator Pattern, which number on the bolster, and date on the latest knife news replicates a design introduced in the 1920s. there’s also a Junior Memand gain a behind-the-scenes ber Knife, also with the look at the newest knives. The club also serves collectors who follow our brand and they club member’s number on the bolster,” as a unique way to reward members for their love information on what we do. We fig- Lester said. C Dealers Benefit Through “Community” t January’s SHOT Show in Orlando, Fla., Remington presented the club to the industry. “The reaction from dealers was, without a doubt, 100-percent positive. The dealers we spoke to understand the power of creating community and community-type programs, such as the collectors club,” Lester said. “Since then, our membership has gone through the roof. We have been pleasantly surprised at how fast we’ve grown in the short period of time we’ve been up and running.” Dealers can promote the club by setting up an 11" x 17" freestanding counter display with a tear-off sheet of information on how to sign up for the club. Being involved in club promotion allows dealers to build relationships and be engaged with their customers, Lester said. “Even though from a sales standpoint the dealer is a little out of the loop on the knives sold through the club, they still like the idea of being able to educate their customers about what’s going on in the marketplace. And it helps bring their customers back into their stores,” he said. Dealers interested in a countertop display or seeking more information about the club may call 1-800-243-9700 or e-mail contact@ 22 AUGUST 2009 A remingtoncutlery.com. Additionally, the club wants dealers to be involved in the Remington Cutlery Collector’s Club newsletter, which will be launched later this year. “One of the things we’re doing is featuring our cutlery dealers around the country as guest writers for the newsletter. What that does is promote dealers as the experts in their areas in certain disciplines of the cutlery business. It’s just another way we’re engaging our dealers to be part of the club,” Dealers can use a RCCC counter display to build their knife community. Lester said. Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=23http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=23Outdoor marketplace Club Offers Historical Knives he inaugural Knife of the Year is the RC103 Jack Knife, based on the first knife manufactured by Remington Cutlery in Bridgeport, Conn., in 1920. The RC103 features two 440 stainless steel blades, and a beautifully reproduced handle made from the original jig used on Remington knives between 1920 and 1940. Additionally, the exclusive knife is shipped in a special RCCC wooden box and arrives with a Moisture Guard-coated knife pouch. The RC6163 Senator Pattern New Member Knife replicates a pattern introduced in the 1920s. The knife features a Spey blade measuring 2 11/16", a Pen blade measuring 2 3/16" and a tang stamp from the final production facility in Bridgeport. The knife arrives in a two-piece box that resembles an older box pattern. The Barlow Pattern RBC41 is the Junior Member Knife, which Lester describes as “the perfect first knife for young knife collectors.” The knife is made of 440 stainless steel and features a Remington etch. The handle is saw-cut green bone T and is inlayed with the club crest. Additionally, club members have the opportunity to attend annual club events, the first of which was hosted by Smoky Mountain Knife Works and The National Knife Museum in Sevierville, Tenn. Attendees had access to a members-only retail showroom special opening at Smoky Mountain and the inaugural RCCC board members’ meeting. The event also featured outdoor knife-forging demonstrations, door prizes, giveaways and 10 percent off all Remington products. The National Knife Museum displayed exclusive Remington knife collections. Collectors can join the RCCC by logging onto www.remingtoncutlery.com and clicking “Join the Club.” Regular memberships cost $20 for the first year and junior memberships are $10 annually. Memberships can be renewed each year for $18. Ultimately, according to Lester, encouraging club membership and dealer involvement will result in additional knife collecting, which, in turn, will help grow Remington Cutlery, ensuring the company can continue to produce quality, collectible knives for years to come. www.remingtoncutlery.com Customer Loyalty “It’s important for everyone to understand that we’re trying to perpetuate the customer base by keeping our customers interested in what we do as an industry and what we do as a cutlery manufacturer,” Lester said. “These types of marketing initiatives keep our customers activated or engaged. Anytime we can do that, it motivates the customer to stay around for all of us. Our knife business draws attention to our firearms business and so forth. It’s a big effort toward brand building and retaining customer loyalty.” 9 www.shootingindustry.com AUGUST 2009 232009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=24http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=24Arms Arms and the woman Pink Arrow Project Takes Aim At Breast Cancer Lisa Parsons-Wraith C olored shooting gear is a huge Cancer Foundation and arranged for a por“It took off like crazy,” Lawhorn said. trend in the shooting world, and tion of the proceeds from the pink arrows “We’ve been able to donate thousands pink has quickly shot to the top as to go the organization. and thousands of dollars to the Breast the color of choice for women. Cancer Foundation.” Pink has also become synonyCurrently, the pink armous with breast cancer awarerows are available in all three ness, and many companies in sizes of Victory Archery’s the shooting industry donate a Vforce premium carbon arportion of the proceeds from rows and shafts. In 2008, pink product sales to help fight Victory Archery sold more breast cancer. than 15,000 pink arrows and Victory Archery’s Pink Ardonated nearly $6,500 to row Project started with pink the National Breast Cancer arrows made to please a young Foundation. archer. Bart Lawhorn, general Lawhorn quickly realmanager of Victory Archery, ized other archery-related said his wife, an oncology companies would like to be nurse, saw the pink arrows and involved with the cause, and suggested Victory Archery sell invited Bohning Archery the arrows as a fundraiser to and Innerloc Broadheads to fight breast cancer. Lawhorn become a part of the Pink contacted the National Breast Shemane and Ted Nugent are supporters of the Pink Arrow Project. Arrow Project. Bohning’s NRA Honors Four Women T he National Rifle Association recently honored Linda Walker, Susan Bierly, Marlene Duncan and Donna Vandermolen for their outstanding contributions to the Second Amendment and the shooting sports in support of the NRA’s goals. Walker, of Alexandria, Ohio, received the Sybil Ludington Women’s Freedom Award, recognizing exceptional accomplishments of modern heroines through their legislative activism, as well as advocacy, volunteerism and education on a national level. A positive presence in the Ohio Statehouse, Walker was instrumental in the passage of SB 184, Ohio’s Castle Doctrine. Walker, an NRAcertified instructor, regularly holds CCW and other firearms classes at her private firing range. Walker also serves as NRA’s election volunteer coordinator for the 12th Congressional District for the state of Ohio. The Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award recognizes the achievements of women who have worked at the local, state or regional levels. This award was given to Bierly of Stewartville, Minn.; Duncan of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; and Vandermolen of Conroe, Texas. “ As long as Mom is involved in the shooting sports, the kids will stay involved. Bierly has helped promote many NRA programs. As a regional counselor for Refuse To Be A Victim and an NRAcertified training counselor in multiple disciplines, Bierly has trained more than 1,000 students at NRA programs and other events. Duncan has volunteered for 15 years with Friends of NRA, and has helped direct many Women On Target instructional shooting clinics. Together with her husband, who is also an NRA training counselor, Duncan has trained over 3,000 NRA-certified firearms instructors since the 1980s. “When it comes to the shooting sports, it’s the kids who count,” Duncan said. “As long as Mom is involved in the shooting sports, the kids will stay involved.” Vandermolen became the first woman five-gun expert with the International Defensive Pistol Association, and is an NRA-certified pistol instructor. She has introduced women to the safe use of firearms, and is helping overcome preconceived notions that the shooting realm is for just men. For more information on the awards, or to find out how to nominate a deserving woman, visit www.nrahq.org/women/ awards or call 1-800-861-1166. ” 24 AUGUST 2009 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=25http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=25Arms and the woman contribution is white double-lock Blazer nocks and vanes in hot pink and white. Innerloc joins the fight with a pink three-blade 100-grain broadhead featuring Innerloc’s tunable Blade Alignment Technology. Victory Archery sponsors several television shows, and Lawhorn asked the stars to have one pink arrow in their quiver. He said it really shows support, and other television shows have even picked up on the idea. Women aren’t the only ones using the pink arrows, Lawhorn noted. He said many men have discovered how easy it is to find the pink arrows in the woods, and they are choosing to shoot with them for that reason. “I’m going on a moose hunt next year, and I will use all pink arrows,” Lawhorn said. “You can definitely find them really easily.” October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Consider creating a showcase of all the shooting products and accessories that give donations to help fight breast cancer. It would be an eye-catching display that supports a good cause, features many great products and proclaims your store to be woman-friendly. Visit www.victoryarchery.com or call 1-866-934-6565 for more information. “America’s Choice for Recoil Reduction” The Most Advanced A Lyman Brand Ultra-Soft Slip-On Pads, Ever! Pachmayr ® Combining the advanced recoil control of the Decelerator internal design and ultra-soft material with Pachmayr’s patented insert, this great looking slip-on pad is unmatched. In addition, the pad’s exclusive, extra soft material makes installation easier than ever. No other slip-on pad can match Pachmayr’s new Decelerator Slip-On at any price. Available in Black and Brown Models and Small, Med, & Lg. Sizes for all Shotgun/Rifle Types. No Other Slip-On Pad Has the Patented, Pachmayr SpeedMount® Insert. A Pachmayr original design, the SpeedMount insert delivers smooth, snag-free mounting when quick shooting is as important as recoil reduction. For a new Lyman catalog: www.lymanproducts.com or 800-22-LYMAN 475 Smith St., Middletown, CT 06457 Dept 2052 Swivel Stud Clears With No Problem! Lyman Compact Camo Shotgun M ajor manufacturers are making a huge investment in the compact gun market — good news for petite women. The new compact guns have all the features of regular-sized guns, but include adaptations that make them easier to personalize. Remington recently introduced their 11-87 Compact Sportsman Shotgun in Mossy Oak Break-Up camouflage, great for the beginning shooter or a person of smaller stature. The 11-87 Compact is a gas-operated semiautomatic. The gas operation uses the energy of the shotshell ignition to operate the action and cycle the action, taking away much of the felt recoil. Length of pull is 13", can be easily adjusted up to one more inch with the Length of Pull kit included with each gun. The 11-87 Compact weighs 6.5 lbs. and comes in Mossy Oak Break-Up camouflage. 9 Remington 11-87 Compact Sportsman Shotgun SEPTEMBER 2009 • AcademyofExcellenceAwards • Power-UpHigh-TechProducts • SellEverythingForTheHunter • BladeReport: -Knives&Trends BONUS:FallCatalogShowcase L O OK IN G T O T H E FUTU R E ! www.shootingindustry.com AUGUST 2009 252009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=26http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=26Back Blast Back Blast & other hot gases n response to the widespread social phenomenon of people in Shanghai, China, wearing their PJs out in public at all hours of the day, squads of “Pajama Police” are being organized to combat the problem. “We’re telling people not to wear pajamas in the street because it looks very uncivilized,” party official Guo Xilin told foreign journalists. He did not say what the punishment might be for first-time or repeat offenders. Xilin’s statement immediately drew hostile response from many people who were enjoying their newfound comfort, especially in the sticky heat of summer. An elderly man was quoted as protesting, “Pajamas are a legitimate type of clothes. They’re comfortable and no big deal.” Once the pajama-wearing-in-public craze was established, it quickly became a fashion contest, with more affluent people wearing more and more expensive pajamas to more exclusive public places. In Beijing, police have been ordered to stamp out other “embarrassing” social faux pas, like men wearing white cotton socks with black shoes, and even worse, businessmen who roll dress trousers up to their knees to cool off. We suspect that “stamp out” thing might be literal. Commander Gilmore Run For Cover! Here Come The Pajama Police! I Illustration by Nick Petrosino Now the Taliban knows we’re serious. When we send soldiers out to battle in pink skivvies and flip-flops, they know we’re fearless — and fashion conscious! At a U.S. Army firebase in Afghanistan’s Kunar Province, soldiers rushed out to their perimeter defense positions when the Taliban took them under fire, perhaps in preparation for an attack. One of those soldiers caught the eye — and lens — of a news photographer present. Spec. Zachary Boyd, 19, hustled out to his firing position wearing his helmet, body armor, a fire-engine red T-shirt, bright pink boxer shorts covered with little hearts and “I Love NY” graphics and flipflops. The photo wound up on the front page of The New York Times. Boyd told his parents he might lose his job if President Obama saw him “out of uniform” while on duty. The President did not respond, but Defense Secretary Robert Gates said, “Any soldier who goes into battle against the Taliban in pink boxers and flip-flops has a special kind of courage.” 26 AUGUST 2009 Pink Skivvies In Battle The next thing we know, the Department of Defense will be issuing lavendercolored helmet liners. In June, Los Angeles city officials proudly announced they were melting 40,000 pounds of guns acquired through “buy-back” programs and confiscations, and having the resulting metal made into “rebar” for construction. Just think, Angelenos, you could have the honor of being robbed and possibly killed in a building made with guns you might have used to protect yourself! We noted that on the same day as the gun-melting announcement, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger told reporters that the state is facing a $24 billion deficit, and “has to return to 1999,” slashing programs and expenditures that have been added to the budget since then. How many guns do you suppose are in that 40,000 pounds of melted metal — and what might they be worth? We wonder what they might have sold for if offered at auction to law-abiding citizens? I Feel Safer Already Just when you think you’ve heard everything. But wait — this might be a great opportunity to increase your sales and bring in a whole new customer group! Go to www.BulletProofBaby.net and check it out. This outfit markets ballistic protection for babies 6 months old to 3-year-old toddlers. Products in the lineup include armored strollers, “bulletproof” cribs, baby-sized body armor, and, their best seller at only $59, the Baby Bomb Blanket. The company claims it is effective against most pipe bombs and hand grenades, plus miscellaneous “fragmentation caused by pressure or electrical explosion.” Of course, the inside surface of the Baby Bomb Blanket is “lined with a soft fleece ensuring your baby stay2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=27http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=27PURE POWER. Introducing IMR White Hots 6231 Robinson Shawnee Mission, KS 66202 pre-formed charges, the only white gunpowder. Put a new kind of speed and accuracy into your muzzleloader with the pure power of White Hots. For more information, visit www.imrpowder.com or your IMR dealer. TM Phone 913-362-9455 www.imrpowder.com2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=28http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=28HUNTING Cater To To New New Customers, Customers, Keep Keep Seasoned Seasoned Hunters Hunters Buying Buying Cater By Carolee Anita Boyles T A he hunting market has been far from robust in recent years, and the recent buying spree targeted mostly self-defense firearms. However, there are signs of improvements in hunting sales. Some of that is due to new customers coming into the industry, many during the recent upswing in sales. Retailers need to serve these new customers differently, while still catering to their traditional customer base. Stock Firearms, Apparel For Families t Bill Jackson’s, in Pinellas Park, Fla., hunting specialist Mark Rutan says he’s seeing a strong influx of new, family-oriented customers. “Hunters have to put in for their State of Florida quota hunt permits around June 1,” he said. “That’s when parents start bringing in their kids to get the guns they’re going to shoot so they have time to practice. No matter what the economy is, people are going to do the things they enjoy in life, especially when those AUGUST 2009 things are family oriented like fishing and hunting.” In the Southeast, if the parents have a hunting lease, the whole family goes along. “We get families who are getting ready to hunt and a lot of the kids are first-time hunters,” Rutan said. “We’re seeing new youth hunters constantly.” Bill Jackson’s offers everything a hunter in the region could possibly want, from guns and ammunition to the smallest accessories. And, in addressing the “whole family” market, the most important thing, Rutan says, is to ensure you have firearms and hunting apparel in stock that will fit young hunters. “Every manufacturer has youth firearms,” he said. “Those guns are good for both the kids and for moms. Most women don’t have the same length-ofpull as men, and the youth guns fit the moms, also.” Remington has renamed its “youth” firearms “compacts,” as a way to avoid turning 28 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=29http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=29Savage’s Package Guns are top sellers at Bill Jackson’s. For 2009, Savage added a fullcoverage Realtree Hardwoods Snow camo model to the line. SEASON 2009 away women who aren’t about to pick up a firearm with “youth” attached to it. At Bill Jackson’s, Savage’s Packages Series guns are the best-selling hunting riles, along with Remington’s vast Model 700 line. In shotguns, Remington’s 870 pump actions top the list of best sellers, along with Benelli’s Super Nova, which Rutan labels a “tremendous buy.” Rutan points out that kids have fun with game calls, and keeping lots of calls in stock is important. His best-selling game-call brand is Knight & Hale. “Kids pick up how to use turkey calls faster than some adults do,” he said. “I can show young hunters how to use a call and they can go home and practice, particularly if they have a tape they can watch. Right now I’m working with a family with two boys who are new hunters. One is 12 and the other is 14. Both of them are going crazy over all the new ‘toys’ — the new calls, the new guns — and one of them has a new bow. I’ve equipped the entire family.” For seasoned hunters, Rutan keeps new camo clothing in stock all year. Products from Rocky Outdoor Gear fly off the shelves. “Those customers want hats, socks, gloves, face masks and boots — the accessories you wear out,” he said. “They also buy a lot of calls. An experienced customer may buy a new gun every four or five years, but he wants new clothing and accessories www.shootingindustry.com pretty much on a yearly basis.” Bill Jackson’s also keeps a good supply of hunting ammo in stock all year. “Many experienced hunters start scouting as early as June,” Rutan said, “and they start shooting their guns then, as well.” One strong category for Bill Jackson’s is soaps and other scent-reducing products, with Rutan rating products from Code Blue as the best sellers. “We sell a lot of body soap and laundry soap, as well as sprays for de-scenting in the woods, and unscented deodorant,” Rutan said. “Recently, we’ve also started selling a lot of field wipes. Our hunters have to replace all of those pretty regularly here in Florida.” When hunting guns aren’t selling as well as he’d like, Rutan said, Bill Jackson’s holds a “Flag Sale.” “We identify guns that we want to move, and we put little American flags in the barrels,” Rutan said. “Customers ask why there are flags in the guns, and we tell them it’s our Flag Sale. That gets them interested and they buy.” Mark Rutan, of Bill Jackson’s, says their “Flag Sale” grabs attention, resulting in sales. AUGUST 2009 292009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=30http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=30Help Customers Select Right Hunting Firearm im McClain, owner of Jim’s Firearms in Baton Rouge, La., is also seeing crossover interest from new buyers. “With the political climate we’ve had for the last few months, I’m seeing a wider variety of consumers — particularly first-time purchasers — coming into the store,” McClain said. “Most first-time buyers are looking at personal-protection products, but we’re seeing some associated increased interest in both shooting and hunting.” When he talks to a firsttime hunter, McClain said, he makes sure the customer gets what he or she needs, with guidance. “Many times the person has been hunting with a friend, and the friend has said, ‘You should get Gun A.’ However, when I talk to the customer, many times ‘Gun A’ isn’t what he really needs. So what I do at that point — without damaging the integrity of his friendship with the person who recommended that gun — is find out what kind of hunting he’s going to do with the gun,” McClain said. The biggest mistake McClain sees first-time huntinggun customers make is buying a gun for a hunt that is suitable for only that hunt. “I try to steer him toward a gun that’s going to be suitable for a wide variety of game species,” he said. “I start by finding out what brought the customer in, what he’s going to hunt, and what gun he thinks he wants to buy.” If a customer zeroes in on a one-use firearm, McClain gently makes suggestions to broaden the customer’s J field of view. “Sometimes I say, ‘That would be a good gun, but for what you’re going to do, this might be a little more versatile for you,’” he said. “I make subtle suggestions that allow the customer to make up his mind himself, but with guidance.” This way, the customer has the sense of being helped to purchase the right firearm for the job, rather “sold” something. Federal’s FLITECONTROL wad in 10- and 20-gauge turkey loads, with Mag-Shok offerings, is now available in lead and HEAVYWEIGHT options. than being McClain treats his seasoned hunting customers as carefully as he does new hunters. “When someone comes in and asks for something really specific, I know he knows what he wants,” he said. “However, if someone comes in and says, ‘I’m looking for a box of ammo for my .308,’ I know he needs some guidance.” McClain goes through a quick process of qualifying the customer, asking him where he’s going, what he’s going to be shooting and whether or not he has a preferred brand. “I also ask him what he sighted his gun in with last,” McClain said. From there, he can make a couple good recommendations for the customer. Even highly experienced hunters need guidance now and then. “Sometimes a longtime customer will be invited on a totally different kind of hunt than he’s been on before,” McClain said. “He may know a lot about hunting, but doesn’t know what kind of gun and caliber are suitable for what he’s going to do. I first help him pick a gun of the appropriate caliber. We discuss which ammo is more readily available, and which one is cheaper to shoot. The discussion is similar to the one I have with a first-time hunter, but this customer already knows the basics.” A seasoned hunter also needs help when a factory discontinues a load he’s been hunting with for years. “I help him try to pick something that will perform like the load he was using,” McClain said. One thing McClain never forgets: The first-time hunting buyer represents a great Guide Experienced Customers opportunity to create a lifelong customer. “I don’t want to sell that customer one gun and never see him again,” he said. “I want to be sure that when he leaves, he says, ‘Those guys at Jim’s were right. Not only was this a great gun for this hunt, it’s also a good gun for the next hunt I’m going on and the one I’m going on next year.’ I want to open the door not only for our retail sales, but also for that customer into the world of hunting and shooting.” 9 HUNTING MARKET See Reader Service, page 44, for a listing of hunting manufac2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=31http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=312009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=32http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=32By Russ Thurman LONG GUNS Manufacturers Roll Out Incentives To Spark Sales Remington’s director of communications. “This is a good time for dealers to take advantage of our promotions, plus our co-op program to help promote them through advertising.” Remington is offering a significant number of consumer cash rebates to spark sales, with over $175 in cash back on firearms and ammo. In rifles, Remington is giving $40 cash rebates to customers who purchase new Model 700 SPSs, Model 700 ADLs and Model 770s. In shotguns, Remington is offering a $50 cash rebate on the purchase of Model 1187s and $30 on the Model 870 Express. The promotions begin this month and run through Dec. 31, 2009. To boost sales, Remington is also offering cash rebates on its longgun ammunition. Customers who buy Remington STS and Nitro 27 Target Loads will receive a $2-per-box cash rebate, with a required four-box minimum purchase and a maximum rebate limit on 50 boxes ($100 per household). The promotion began in June and will end Oct. 31, 2009. In its Core-Lokt ammo, Remington is offering a $2.50-per-box cash rebate, and customers purchasing Premier Copper Solid Sabot Slugs will receive a $5-per-box cash rebate. The promotions begin this month and end Dec. 31, 2009. Remington is backing the promotions with advertising, Web-site promotion and in-store displays, including barrel hang tags. Visit www.remington.com. For the first time, Marlin Firearms is offering cash rebates, with up to $75 cash back on selected firearms. The promotions begin this month and end Dec. 31, 2009. Consumers will receive $20 cash rebates when they purchase a new Model 795 Auto-Loading Rifle, and select models of new Marlin .22 Bolt Actions (Models 925R, 925RM, 917VR, 980S, 981T, 983T). A $35 cash rebate goes to consumers buying select models of Model 336 Lever-Actions (336W, 336C, 336SS, 336XLR). PROMOTING PROMOTING First-Time Marlin Promos M anufacturers are launching numerous long-gun promotions in hopes of stimulating sales during the fall and holiday-buying seasons. With the white-hot buying frenzy cooling, long-gun manufacturers, along with the rest of the industry, are leery of what the final quarter holds. “We’re always concerned about our fall long-gun sales,” said Al Russo, The Marlin promotions also will be backed by advertising, Web-site promotion and in-store support, along with barrel hang tags. Visit www.marlinfirearms.com Browning is offering a check for $150 to consumers who trade in their used firearm and purchase any new Browning Citori or BT-99 on the same day at participating Browning retailers. The National Browning Rewards Trade-Ins 32 AUGUST 2009 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=33http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=33Teknys and 686, 687, 682 Gold E clay target models, plus the SV10 Prevail. “Beretta’s newest promotion — Beretta Gear — offers customers a huge bonus. Not only will they be shooting the best shotgun available today, they also get a great package of free gear valued at up to $300 to use while shooting their new Beretta. It’s a win-win, and winning is what Beretta Team Shooters are all about,” said Mike Vrooman, Beretta’s shotgun marketing manager. The promotion began in June and ends Sept. 30, 2009. Visit www.berettausa.com. Thompson/Center and Nikon are teaming up to offer up to $225 in rebates to customers who purchase an ICON rifle and a Nikon riflescope. “Essentially, customers get a $150 rebate from T/C on any new ICON rifle purchased from August 31 through November 30. In addition, if they purchase a Nikon riflescope, they can get up to $75 in rebates. That’s $225 on a top-of-the-line rifle and scope combo — that’s a great deal,” said Craig Cushman, T/C director of marketing. The promotion also includes rebates of $50 on other T/C firearms and Nikon binoculars. T/C is planning a massive promotional campaign to drive customers to gun dealers. “We’re going out to the market with 12.5 million fliers dropped into newspapers nationally and regional sporting newspapers. The fliers began in mid-August,” Cushman said. Visit www.tcarms.com and www. nikonhunting.com. Winchester is offering customers the chance to load up with “The Choice of Champions And Save!” Consumers can earn $2 on a Winchester AA Debit Card for each box of AA Target Loads purchased. The card can be redeemed anywhere Winchester Ammunition is sold. There is a minimum four-box purchase requirement, with a maximum 50- box rebate limit. The offer began June 1 and ends Oct. 31, 2009. Winchester is also offering a $25 Gear Card to customers who purchase 10 individual boxes (any combination or one full case) of Winchester Super-X, Supreme or Supreme Elite Waterfowl loads. The Gear Card is redeemable for Winchester Gear only at the Winchester online store at www.winchestergear.com. The promotion began July 1 and ends Jan. 31, 2010. Visit www.winchester.com. Customers who purchase Federal Premium Gold Medal Target loads will receive a $2-per-box rebate. A minimum purchase of four boxes is required, with a maximum rebate limit of 50 boxes ($100 rebate). The promotion, which began June 1, ends Oct. 31, 2009. With the purchase of one box of Federal Premium Ultra-Shok High Density or HEAVYWEIGHT Waterfowl ammunition, customers will receive a $10 rebate per box, with a maximum $20 rebate for two boxes. The promotion began July 1 and ends Jan. 31, 2010. Federal is offering customers a free collapsible/packable dog dish with the purchase of four boxes of Federal Premium Ultra-Shok. The promotion ends Jan. 31, 2010. Customers who purchase four boxes of Federal Premium Black Cloud ammunition will receive a free Duck Commander T-shirt. Purchase must be made between July 1 and Jan. 31, 2010. Visit www.federalpremium.com. Ruger is planning a variety of promotions for the fall and holiday season, but at press time the details were not available. Stay tuned to www.ruger-firearms.com. 9 Federal Targets Rebates T/C, Nikon Team Up Trade-In Days promotion began June 1 and runs through Nov. 30, 2009. Used-gun consignment sales do not qualify. In its Citori Locked And Loaded promotion, Browning is offering up to a $150 reimbursement for the cost of shotshells to customers who purchase any new Citori over-and-under. The promotion, which began in February, runs through Dec. 31, 2009. The shotshells and shotgun must be purchased at the same time from participating Browning dealers. Browning is offering a special promotion for parents or legal guardians of 4-H and Scholastic Clay Target Program members. Shotguns purchased through the promotion and the rebate offered are Cynergy: $200, Citori: $200, BT-99: $100, Silver: $75 and BPS: $50. The promotion, which began in February, ends Nov. 30, 2002009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=34http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=34LEVERGUN By Sam Fadala LEVERAGE The Flex-Tip bullet is also the heartbeat of a cartridge coauthored by Marlin and Hornady, the .308 Marlin Express FTX LEVERevolution with 160-grain FlexTip. It offers just shy of 2,700 feet per second from the Marlin 336 XLR 24" barrel, arriving at 300 yards with close to threefourths of a ton remaining energy. The Flex-Tip plays a major role in improved trajectory because tubular magazines castrated longer-range shooting. The Flex-Tip spire-point squashes down under pressure so it can be safely loaded one round behind the other, whereas a hard, sharp-pointed bullet resting on the primer of the cartridge in front of it in that tubular magazine could act as a firing pin. The Flex-Tip springs back to original shape, flying flatter downrange than blunter missiles. Lever-action versatility is therefore markedly improved, another great selling point. In order for a salesperson to interest a customer in a lever-action rifle, he or she must be able to speak of the rifle’s qualities: potential power, cartridge selection, reliability and, of course, a hint of red, white and blue. Profit From Lever Actions For Hunting, Cowboy And Nostalgia ever-action rifles may not grab headlines as the hottest-selling firearm, especially in the most recent panic to buy more modern rifles. However, sharp gun-store salespeople know leverguns are strong sellers — and why. Levers handle like quick silver, racing from empty chamber to battery with a flick of the wrist. They carry flat-sided in a saddle scabbard and are equally friendly in hand or on a rifle sling. Multiple shots sound like a popcorn machine. Power and accuracy are sufficient for the job. Plus, “lever-action” and “reliable” are synonyms. Customers, also, know this, plus, there is the strong nostalgia factor. John Wayne galloped across the silver screen, leveraction rifle at the ready. Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, comic-book hero, Red Ryder — they all packed the rifle of the red, white and blue. Leverguns are Americana. All this, some say, has set the leveraction rifle on the comeback trail. But in reality, the design never went away, and the levergun is better than ever. Today’s lever-action rifles can handle ammo for all types of hunting, from ground squirrels to elephants — a huge selling L point. My PH (professional hunter) rifle in Africa is a lever action. Yes, I’ve caught flack from fellow PHs, who accuse me of misplaced loyalty to the USA and “B Westerns.” But I can lay four bullets into a bull at 100 meters before a double rifle gets off three; the bolt-action faring no better. I rely on my Marlin 1895 .45-70 because it works — ideally. Carried empty chamber for safety with clients, a big, fat round slicks into battery in one tick of a stopwatch. My brother and I downed two Cape buffalo with my Marlin .45-70 — neither demanding a second bullet. But it’s not all about power. Browning’s BLR chambers the versatile 7mm Remington Mag., or if your customer prefers short and fat, Browning offers the BLR in WSM calibers of .300, .270, 7mm and .325. Hornady rewrote the lever-action cartridge rules with its LEVERevolution Flex-Tip bullet. The .30-30 Winchester LEVERevolution has a 21st-century, pointed 160-grain bullet. The .44 Magnum, .45-70, .450 Marlin and .35 Remington are also treated to longer-range bullets. Hornady Expands Market For 2009, Marlin introduces the Model 338MX, chambered in the .338 Marlin Express cartridge. The Model 338MXLR has a gray-black laminate stock. Uberti’s 1873 is available in five models, including the 1873 Short Rifle, with 20" octagonal barrel. 34 AUGUST 2009 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=35http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=35Hornady vastly increased the versatility of leverguns with the introduction of LEVERevolution, featuring Flex Tip technology. For dealers looking to profit from these rifles, the lever-action choices are oceanwide. Hunting accuracy was never a problem with lever-action rifles. That’s why millions of Winchester Model 94s and Marlin 336s were sold. Cowboy-action shooting has also played a major role in the expanded popularity of leverguns. There’s a whole world of replica lever-action rifles for cowboy-action shooting, as well as pure enjoyment in handling the rifle used in earlier frontier America. The new Marlins are the most accurate ever, and the Marlin levergun offerings are vast. There are two models each of the 308 and 338 Marlin Express, five models in the XLR line, six Big Bore Lever Actions, five in the Model 336, three in Model 1894, two Cowboy Rifles, and the Model Golden 39 in .22 short, long and long rifle. Visit www.marlinfirearms.com. Navy Arms’s 1866 Yellow Boy is a dandy, along with the same company’s Model 1873 Winchester and a Henry copy in .44-40 that holds 13 rounds. Visit www.navyarms.com. Pedersoli’s handsome Hartford 1892 lever-action carbine comes in .357/.38 Special and .45 Colt, as well as .44 Mag- Leverguns Aplenty num. Visit www.davide-pedersoli.com. Uberti’s 1876 lever-action rifle carries the repro-theme a step further with chamberings for old-time cartridges, such as the .45-60 and .50-95. Uberti celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Visit www.uberti.com. Legacy Sports International offers a number of notable leverguns, including the Puma Model 92, which is made by Italian manufacturer Chiappa Arms. It’s available in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .44-40 and .45 Colt. Octagonal barrel models are in 20" and 24" barrel lengths, while round barrel carbines come in 20" barrel lengths with full-length magazine tubes and a saddle ring on the left side of the receiver. Legacy also has a 16" round barrel carbine with large loop lever, and a Scout model with 20" round barrel and 2.5x32 extended eye relief Nikko Stirling riflescope with rings included (Scouts are not available in .44-40). Visit www.legacysports.com. Winchester Repeating Arms offers three leverguns. The Model 92 Short Rifle has a classic round barrel configuration. It’s chambered in .357 for hunting and cowboy-action duties, and .44 Rem. Mag. for hunting in brushy conditions with fast-moving game. The rifle was offered at a 2009 SHOT Show special, and is available through Winchester distributors. Winchester also offers the Model 1885 Low Wall with a 24" octagon barrel, and the Model 1885 BPCR, with a Badger half-round, half-octagon 30" barrel. The Theodore Roosevelt Model 1895 and the John Wayne 100th Anniversary Model 92, both in custom and high grade, are also available from Winchester. Visit www.winchesterguns. com. Browning offers six leverguns in its BLR line, including the BLR Lightweight with Takedown Pistol Grip and 20", 22" and 24" barrel lengths, depending on caliber. It’s available in 14 calibers. Visit www. browning.com. Mossberg entered the levergun market last year with its 464 Lever-Action Rifle. There are two models chambered in .30-30 Winchester, both with 20" barrels, one with a pistol grip, the other featuring a straight grip. The 464 LeverAction .22LR has an 18" barrel. Visit www.mossberg.com. Charles Daly has an impressive lineup of lever actions, including the 1892 Lever Action Large Loop Carbine in .45 Colt, and the 12-gauge 1887 Lever Action Shotgun. Visit www.charlesdaly.com. You can’t dismiss the .22s. Henry’s lever action shucks .22 Long Rifle empties like a hit on a Las Vegas slot machine. Want a little more pasta? Choose .22 WMR or, for extra speed, the .17 HMR. Visit www.henryrepeating.com. Gun dealers can make the most of leverguns by highlighting them, especially during the upcoming hunting and gift-giving seasons. Put a few sharp, color photos of lever-action rifles on display, especially those with successfu2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=36http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=36By John Morrison LIGHTING PATH THE TO PROFITS! Manufacturers set goals and maintain standards based on the needs of professionals — for example, in power consumption and runtime — but their biggest consumer block is the private sector. As one dealer told SI, “Civilians don’t necessarily want tactical lights because they’re tactical, but because they’re the best — the most rugged, reliable, water- and shockproof.” The field of tactical lights has exploded in recent years — just consider the number of thriving manufacturers not even 10 years old — and they are proven moneymakers for savvy dealers. We contacted a pair of retailers known for successful sales of “tac lights” to pick up some sales tips. anything like that. Guns are the core of our business, and basically, if you can’t put it in or on a gun, or stick a gun in it, you won’t find it under our roof.” And it’s a very big roof, with 10,000 square feet of showroom and display space, plus 16,000 square feet of offices, workspace and stocking room. In keeping with McClain’s “in or on” policy, stock includes weapon-mounted tactical lights and handheld models. “Yes, tactical lights are significant in Joseph Novelozo When Other Products Stagnate, The Right Lights Can Sizzle N J ot so long ago, tactical lights, whether handheld or weapon-mountable, were almost exclusively demanded and employed by professional users — military, law enforcement and emergency service and security personnel. Now, however, those users represent a statistical minority of tactical-light consumers. Staying Ahead Of The Curve im McClain, the owner of Jim’s Firearms in Baton Rouge, La., will tell you the name of his business means exactly what it says. “We’re all about firearms,” McClain said. “I don’t sell clothes, camping gear or Insight Tech-Gear’s Proxima series, with Smart-Power Technology, includes the 2009 HX120 Proxima Covert, which provides 120 lumens out to 300 feet. 36 AUGUST 2009 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=37http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=37our overall sales,” McClain said. “I don’t think it’s any secret why we’re successful in that area. First, we sell only the highestquality goods; no cheap knock-offs or loss-leader junk. “Second, we target professional users and make sure they get exactly what they need in one stop, right now. Third, we assure that by stocking selectively and deep, we never have to tell a customer, ‘Sorry; we carry it, but we’re out right now. We can order it for you.’” That, McClain says, often leads to not only the loss of a sale, but it may also mean the loss of a long-term customer — and those customers define his business. McClain says word spreads rapidly when you carry only the best and you always have it in stock. “You can hardly imagine the value of it when, say, a veteran LEO (lawenforcement officer) comes in needing three high-end products, and he not only gets them immediately, but he can get an informed briefing on similar or newer products, or upgrades coming soon,” McClain said. “He tells his coworkers, friends and acquaintances. That’s one reason why we rarely advertise or have sales.” Word of mouth, McClain reported, helped build sales assets like his highly effective, 40,000-name direct-mailing list. SureFire’s X400 WeaponLight, a top seller at gun shops, has an integrated red-laser sight mounted below its LED. McClain also noted the training of sales staff is critically important to superior service. “I fully train each new hire personally before they take the floor, and training is both ongoing and forward-looking,” he said. “You’ve got to stay on the cutting edge and looking ahead of the curve. With tactical lights, that means brighter, tougher, more ergonomic and power-conserving products, plus new capabilities like strobing and night vision-compatible IR illumination. You’ve got to use your imagination, sense what’s coming and keep your customers informed.” Big Sellers SureFire products are McClain’s big- gest sellers, with Streamlight and Insight Tech-Gear close behind. SureFire’s X300 LED and X400 LED are in great demand, as are Streamlight’s TLR-1 and TLR-2. Insight Tech-Gear’s XTI Procyon offers 125 lumens of LED light, with momentary and constant-on controls. SIG SAUER’s powerful Stoplite is also catching on fast. Although McClain does brisk sales in higher-end illumination tools, he says SureFire’s lowest-priced handheld or weapon-mounted light is a bread-andbutter seller. “I order 40 to 80 incandescent G2 Nitrolons every six weeks,” he said. “It’s the perfect marriage of price point and features.” The Value Of A Point Man t U.S. Tactical Supply in Albany, Ore., William Abbott has a background in private security, firearms training and range operation, and a personal interest in illumination tools. He’s a natural to serve as U.S. Tactical’s point man for lights. “Streamlight’s products are in big demand, especially the TLR-1 and TLR2,” Abbott said. “The Scorpions are always good movers, and among military and other tactical users, the Sidewinder is huge, and everyone wants the new A Sidewinder Compact.” SureFire’s offerings also are top sellers. “There’s enormous interest in SureFire’s X400, and we’re glad to learn it’s hitting full production. The A2 Aviator is a classic, and the G2 Nitrolon is always a steady seller,” Abbott said. U.S. Tactical Supply sells a lot of Pelican Products, too, Abbott says, with their best-seller being the LAPD Light, the Model 7060. This light was designed to spec for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), and is a 130-lumen LED rechargeable unit with dual neck and tailcap switches controlling momentary and constant-on features. Few dealers seem to know about Pelican or their offerings. LAPD’s name recognition alone may spark strong sales. Abbott also points out another littleknown tactical line from Energizer. Their Hard Case Tactical line includes an inter- Pelican’s Model 7060 LED was designed specifically for the Los Angeles Police Department, which draws buyers’ attention. www2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=38http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=38Over 30,000 In-Stock Items The Brands You Need & Want Includes 133 Pages of OEM Parts All 100% Guaranteed — Period! EvErything you nEEd to work on handguns, riflEs, and shotguns, plus “Custom Build” sECtions fEaturing guns Built By pros. Big Book Source Code: BX2 esting handheld light and a helmet-mount unit, which can also clip to clothing, straps or web gear. “There’s not much interest in them yet, but that could change,” Abbott said. Abbott relies heavily on conversations with U.S. Tactical Supply’s customers for guidance as to which features are most desired, giving him sound ideas about future product development and, ultimately, sales. “Talk to the users,” he advised. “Listen, learn and order. We get a lot of serious users in here, and they’re great sources of intelligence.” Certainly, different demographics and economics shape the customer profile for your retail operation. Like Jim McClain’s shop, yours may allow you to exclusively offer highest-quality goods, but even in his case, sales of SureFire’s lowest-priced model help pay the electric bill. Both stores share the need to inform customers why they need tactical lights — because they’re better than “dimestore” lights — and must be able to articulate the lights’ features and advantages. Also, in every financial demographic group, there will be those who will buy tactical lights out of personal interest or simply because they are new and different. 9 Streamlight’s 2009 Night Com features a white C4 LED, two Nichia Ultra-Bright red LEDs and a red night-vision protection indicator LED. Your Retail Success brownells.com • 800-741-0015 Wholesalers & Distributors • Retail Sales • Manufacturers & Importers Ammunition & Bullet Manufacturers • Indoor & Outdoor Ranges Trap, Skeet & Sporting Clay Fields • Gunsmiths • Firearms Instructors Firearms Business Insurance Providing Quality Insurance Products to the Firearms Industry for Over 25 Years. Coverage Available in All 50 States. Endorsed By info@jcinsco.com • www.guninsurance.com • 800.526.2199 Glock / Kel-Tec Dealers Fax FFL for catalog Fingertip Extensions also fits many other small pistols in .22, .25, .32, and .380 calibers. 38 AUGUST 2009 Kel-Tec / Bersa cherer upplies Inc 205 Four Mile Creek Rd. Taxewell Tn, 37879 M-1 Garand One Shot FAX 423-733-2073 Adapter S Slug Plug #5 for The New Glock® Model 21SF FLASHLIGHT SALES See Reader Service, page 44, for a listing of flashlight manufacturers. Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=39http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=392009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=40http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=40New products See Your Product Here! Text First Line Text Address all releases to: New Products Editor SHOOTING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE 12345 World Trade Dr. San Diego, CA 92128 SHOOTING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE www.shootingindustry.com If you are a manufacturer, importer, distributor or entrepreneur with a newsworthy, new or revised product available Company to dealers or distributors, let us know! Phone # Website We have room for about 80 words. Pictures should be color, if possible. Electronic images, transparencies and glossy SIprints DIGITAL are acceptable. Product releases are printed on a Hot Link space-available basis at the discretion of the editorial staff. FMG Publications Defensive Thinking DVD New for 2009, firearms training expert Clint Smith, of Thunder Ranch training facility, teaches “Defensive Thinking: Logical Solutions for Home, Car and Carry.” This two-disc set includes Mental Preparation and Logic Lecture; Home Defense, including Locks, Lights, Guns and Brain Power; Vehicle Defense; and Concealed Carry Options, including guns, platforms and drawing techniques. Filmed at Thunder Ranch in Oregon, “Defensive Thinking” is full of tips, techniques and Clint’s personal observations about the tactics and gear that work best. Weatherby SA-08 Synthetic The SA-08 Synthetic features a dual-valve system with interchangeable valves, an alloy receiver, chrome-plated bolt, a dropout trigger system and chrome-lined barrels with a lengthened forcing cone. The shotgun has three (Improved Cylinder, Modified and Full) screw-in Integral Multi-Choke Systems compatible with the Briley thread pattern. The shotgun is available in 12 and 20 gauge. Weatherby (805) 227-2600 www.weatherby.com SI DIGITAL FMG Publications 1-800-628-9818 www.americanhandgunner.com SI DIGITAL Hot Link Hot Link Stag Arms Stag 7 Hunter Stag Arms presents the newest member of its AR family of rifles, the Stag 7 Hunter and 7L Hunter. The 6.8-caliber Stag 7 weighs less than 7 lbs., with a 20.77" stainless-steel barrel, four-groove rifling and a 1/11 twist. A custom, non-reflective S7 finish also seals and prevents corrosion. The rifle features a Hogue pistol grip, free-float handguard with overmolded rubber, twostage match trigger and a five-round magazine. An integral scope rail and a railed gas block are included. Stag Arms (860) 229-9994 www.stagarms.com SI DIGITAL American Broadhead Co. Super Sonic Super Sonic broadheads combine American Broadhead’s proprietary threebladed “cut on impact” design with a high-strength center ferrule and a new machine-threaded locking nut. Machined components are 10X more concentric than molded heads, and the blades are .036" thick. Super Sonic broadheads are available in 85, 100 and 125 grain, all with an 1 1/8" cut diameter. Hot Link Spyderco Knives C123 Sage Spyderco’s C123 Sage, made of CPM-S30V steel, features handles made from twill-woven carbon fiber with layered weaving that creates ridges and textures. Inside are full stainless liners, skeletonized for weight reduction, and phosphor bronze washers for smooth open/close. There is jimping on the spine and finger choil. Overall length is 7 1/8" and blade length is 3". Spyderco Knives 1-800-525-7770 www.spyderco.com SI DIGITAL American Broadhead (603) 332-2730 www.americanbroadhead.com SI DIGITAL Hot Link Hot Link 40 AUGUST 2009 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=41http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=41Triple Eight Professional Folding CopTool Triple Eight Professional (858) 382-0055 www.888professional.com SI DIGITAL Hot Link The Folding CopTool, designed by a retired police officer, features a heavy-duty axle-sized pivot point, seatbelt/line cutter, prying/scraping blade, pocket clip and 440C power blade, with a serrated cutting edge. The anodized scales open securely and quickly. The CopTool also can be engraved. GunVault Shotgun BreechVault The BreechVault, which fits nearly all Mossberg, Remington and Winchester shotguns, inserts into the breech and locks in place with a key-lock system, making the firearm inoperable and virtually impossible to pry with hand tools. The BreechVault allows a round to rest in the shotgun’s carrier when locked. It can be chambered quickly by removing the BreechVault and activating the breech bolt-release button. Made with glass-reinforced nylon, it will not harm the inside of the shotgun. Approved by the California Department of Justice. GunVault 1-800-242-1055 www.gunvault.com SI DIGITAL Hot Link Boker USA Inc. MA2 Fixed Blade Boker Plus has teamed with Miltner Adams to offer the MA2 Fixed Blade knife. The compact, lightweight MA2 has a blade length of 2 1/2", an overall length of 5 1/8" and weighs 1.5 oz. It features a topgrip design and is made of 440C stainless steel with a titanium coating. The FRN sheath system allows for multi-position carry and snaps in for safe transport. Birchwood Casey Shoot-N-C Targets Birchwood Casey’s newest Shoot-NC targets leave a bright chartreuse halo around bullet holes. The 8" Laser target has 8 1/2" reflective Laser Spots that attach to the bull’s eye with an adhesive backing. The X target, available in both 8" and 12" sizes, features a scope-simulating crosshair overlay and comes with extra pasters to match the aiming point. The Crow target features a 3" bull’s eye centered on the target for aiding in keeping score. Boker USA Inc. (303) 462-0662 www.bokerusa.com SI DIGITAL Birchwood Casey 1-800-328-6156 www.birchwoodcasey.com SI DIGITAL Hot Link Hot Link www.shootingindustry.com AUGUST 2009 412009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=42http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=42Elvex Corp. Avion Vo Shooting Glasses The Avion Vo shooting glasses from Elvex meet the U.S. military Vo ballistic test standard that requires lenses to resist impact of a 15-caliber projectile at 640 fps, four times ANSI Z87+. The Avion glasses fit both men and women. The mono lenses have a clear line of sight and are designed for both field and range use. Available in clear, amber and gray lenses. Hunter’s Specialties Strut Pouch, Ultimate Waist Pack The Strut Pouch fits on a belt and has a padded, zippered main compartment, an external box call holster and an internal organizer that holds one diaphragm call case, one pan call, five shotgun shells and two strikers. It includes a clear, zippered internal pocket. The Strut Ultimate Waist Pack, with a padded, adjustable waist belt, has 15 storage compartments with spaces for calls, shotgun shells and strikers and an external box call holster. Walker’s Game Ear Archer’s Ear Archer’s Ear amplifies high-frequency sounds with 48 decibels of power, providing bowhunters up to 7X hearing enhancement. In a micro-sized, lightweight package, with High Definition Digital Signal Processing, Archer’s Ear comes with three different sized soft, pliable silicon ear buds for a customized, comfort fit. An included foam plug should be worn when using the Archer’s Ear in loud environments. The foam plug provides a 22 dB Noise Reduction Rating. Elvex Corp. 1-800-888-6582 www.elvex.com SI DIGITAL Hunter’s Specialties (319) 395-0321 www.hunterspec.com SI DIGITAL Walker’s Game Ear 1-877-269-8490 www.walkersgameear.com SI DIGITAL Hot Link Hot Link Hot Link What Your Customers Are Reading Now! MG Publications’ four consumer magazines are read by your customers each month, and contain influential buying recommendations. Here are some of the articles and products they are reading about and looking for on your shelves. Senior field editor Dave Douglas recently visited Ruger’s New Hampshire plant to preview the LCR. “They’ve managed to take high-tech materials coupled with high-tech manufacturing methods to produce a high-tech revolver. There, I put the words ‘high tech’ and ‘revolver’ in the same sentence. If you’d told me I’d do that prior to this trip, I’d have laughed right in your face and bet you a bottle of scotch.” Read more in the September/October issue of American Handgunner. For cops, shotguns “can do some jobs rifles just can’t . not surprisingly, the folks at Remington have noticed.” Read more in “The Immortal One: The Remington 870 Keeps Finding New Lives” in the American COP 2010 Special Edition. After spending some time with the Browning BLR .30-06 takedown, Mike “Duke” Venturino says the lever action “definitely has a place in the modern world. Traveling to hunt is necessary for most of us nowadays, so this rifle may just get there in better shape.” Read about his findings in GUNS Magazine’s September issue. Former cop Dave Douglas profiles FNH’s FNAR 7.62X51 in the September/October issue of American COP, finding it to be “one heck of a gun to augment a precision rifle team.” Dealers, to stock these FMG titles in your store, contact FMG’s Distribution Manager, Sergio Jauregui, at 1-800-597-8065. For a look at the magazines, visit www.fmgpublications.com. F2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=43http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=43BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Consider all your employment options in the Shooting, Hunting, Knife, LE/Tactical & Outdoor Industry. Industry specific, key employee search firm. Candidate contact encouraged, confidential, free. All fees paid by employer. Shooting Search, Inc. 407-321-5822 www.shootingsearch.com. search@shootingsearch.com Classified ads are: $2.00 per word per insertion Hot Link with a 20-word minimum OR $1.50 per word per insertion for three or more issues with a 25-word minimum. No charge for CAPS. Bold words add $1.00 per word. Copy and rerun orders must be accompanied by PAYMENT IN ADVANCE. NO AGENCY OR CASH DISCOUNTS ON LISTING OR DISPLAY CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING. All ads must be received with advance payment BY NO LATER THAN THE 15th of each month. EXAMPLE: Closing for NOVEMBER 2008 issue is September 15th. Ads received after closing will appear in the following issue. Please type or print clearly. PLEASE NOTE: NO PROOFS WILL BE FURNISHED. Include name, address, post office box, city, state and zip code as counted words. Abbreviations count as one each. Mail to SHOOTING INDUSTRY SIword DIGITAL CLASSIFIEDS, Hot Link 12345 World Trade Dr, San Diego, California 92128. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR CLASSIFIED AD IN SHOOTING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE, CALL OUR SALES REPRESENTATIVE AT (858)605-0235. SI DIGITAL Minox 8.5x43, 10x43 APO HG Minox presents the 8.5x43 and 10x43 APO HG apochromatically corrected binoculars. The APO HGs feature SCHOTT fluoride ED-glass lens elements, producing natural color rendition, high contrast and minimal glare, and Minotec multicoating, repelling dirt, dust and water. Aspherical lenses offer consistent sharpness. Also featured are 21 layers of M*multicoating, the silver-bearing Minobright reflection of the phase-corrected roof prisms, Minox Quick-Close-Focus (QCF) and rubber armor coating. Binoculars are watertight to 16'. GripSwell Gloves GS-44 Model Glove The GS-44 glove, designed for shooters of high-powered pistols and rifles with pistol grips, helps dampen high-shock recoil and protect hands from bone bruising. Dual-use Palm Swell shock absorbers are constructed with soft, plush leather on the face sides to provide a high degree of tactile sensitivity. The backs of the gloves are made of SYN fabric, featuring a polyurethane shell and micro-fiber weave for wicking away moisture. Available in both men’s and ladies’ sizes. Minox 1-866-469-3080 www.minox.com SI DIGITAL GripSwell Gloves (714) 379-9413 www.gripswell.com SI DIGITAL Hot Link Hot Link Antonio Zoli North America Kronos Sport Antonio Zoli introduces the Kronos Sport series of competition guns to U.S. shooters. The Kronos Sport series uses the same forged, Boss-type boxlock action as the Z guns, with a removable trigger mechanism in hardened steel. Barrel lengths are 28", 29.5" and 32". The Kronos are offered in a number of stock designs, from parallel comb and trap to adjustable comb sporting styles in eight dimensions. The Kronos Sport series is available in trap, skeet and sporting configurations, and is offered in 12, 20 and 28 gauge. Antonio Zoli North America (585) 394-1271 www.zoli.it SI DIGITAL Hot Link Sign Up For A Free Subscription To SI’s All-Digital Edition. Visit www.shootingindustry.com. Savage Arms Palma Target Rifle Savage has added the Model 12 Palma to its line of 1,000-yard target rifles. In .308, the rifle has a 30" stainless steel barrel with Palma taper, and the receiver is tapped to mount standard micrometer-type sights. It has a single-shot stainless target action, with right bolt, right port configuration. The rifle also has the target AccuTrigger, adjustable from 6 oz. to 2.5 lbs. The gray, vented laminate stock, with integral rail for bipod and hand stop, has an adjustable comb and three-way adjustable buttplate with Pachmayr pad. Savage Arms 1-866-233-4776 www.savagearms.com SI DIGITAL Hot Link www.shootingindustry.com AUGUST 2009 432009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=44http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=44Reader Reader service Companies ADVERTISERS ArmaLite BLACKHAWK! Brownells Buck Wear Camfour Century International Arms Colonial Arms Columbia Marketing Tools Davidson’s Inc. European American Armory Fobus USA Galco Gunleather Hodgdon Powder Company Insight Tech-Gear Joseph Chiarello & Co. Kel-Tec Lewis Machine & Tool Lyman Products Magsafe Ammo Merkel USA ProMag Industries Rock River Arms Savage Arms Scherer Supplies Shooter’s Ridge SIG SAUER Sports South, LLC Springfield Armory Taurus International USA Shooting Page 10 11 38 15 13 21 5 12 14 9 16 5 31 21 38 23 17 25 25 6 41 7 1 38 19 3 2 47 48 39 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36 Companies Smith & Wesson Springfield Armory Streamlight SureFire TacStar Tool Logic Page 36 36 36 36 36 36 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 Companies Mrs. Doe Pee’s Buck Lure MTM Molded Products Natural Gear Nikon Ol’ Man Treestands Otis Technology Inc. Outers Paha Qué Wilderness Pella Products Primos Hunting Calls Quaker Boy Game Calls Realtree Remington Arms Rinehart 3D Targets Robinson Outdoors Rocky Boots Rocky Outdoor Gear Savage Arms SCENTite Blinds Scent-Lok Technologies Shooters Ridge Sightron Simmons Smith & Wesson Stealth Cam Stoney Point Products Sturm, Ruger & Co. Swarovski Optik Tasco Taurus International TenPoint ThermaCELL Thompson/Center Arms Tink’s Traditions Performance Firearms Trijicon Under Armour Walls Industries Weatherby Whitewater Outdoors Wildlife Research Center Winchester Repeating Arms Woolrich Inc. Zeiss Sports Optics Page 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 HUNTING MARKET Advantage Aimpoint Ameristep Bagmaster Barska Bear Archery Beretta USA Bianchi International Birchwood Casey Browning Brunton B-Square Buck Stop Lure Co. Buck Wear Inc. Buckwing Products Bushnell Outdoors Butler Creek Code Blue Colt Mfg. DoskoSport Down Wind Scents Easton Outdoors Feather Flex Decoys Fieldline Filson Fiocchi Ammunition Flambeau Products FM Optics GameTamers Haydel’s Game Calls HeatMax Henry Repeating Arms Hogue Inc. H&R 1871 Hunter’s Specialties Johnny Stewart Knight & Hale Kolpin Outdoors Leupold & Stevens Liberty One Archery Lohman M.A.D. Calls Mad Dog Gear Marlin Firearms Millett Mossy Oak Mothwing Camo Tech. FLASHLIGHT SALES ASP BLACKHAWK! Browning Brunton Coast Products Coleman Cyclops Energizer Essential Gear Gerber Legendary Blades Glock First-Light FNH USA Heckler & Koch Inova Insight Tech-Gear Kimber Laser Devices LaserMax Laughing Rabbit Leupold Maglite Night-Ops NovaTac Pelican Products Pentagon Lights Petzl Pila Princeton Tec Safariland SIG SAUER AUGUST 2009 NEW PRODUCTS American Broadhead Co. Antonio Zoli North America Birchwood Casey Boker USA Elvex Corp. FMG Publications GunVault GripSwell Gloves Hunter’s Specialties Minox Savage Arms Spyderco Knives Stag Arms Triple Eight Professional Walker’s Game Ear Weatherby 40 43 41 41 42 40 41 43 42 43 43 40 40 41 42 40 To receive an advertiser’s catalog, see this page in our Web-based edition: SI Digital. Each of our advertisers’ listings on the Reader Service page is hot-linked to their Web site, providing a near-instant means of requesting information. Not yet a subscriber of SI Digital? Visit www.shootingindustry. com. Click on “FREE: Sign Up For Digital Subscription.” Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com 442009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=45http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=45Industry watch Continued from page 46 Gun-Control Fear Drove Sales ear of more gun control was the major factor in the unprecedented number of gun sales since last November, according to a Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey released in June. Fifty-seven percent of those surveyed say the fear of increased government restriction of gun ownership was the reason sales were up. Only 23 percent said increased crime was the main issue, and 21 percent were not sure. A staggering 71 percent of Americans said it is “at least somewhat likely” that tougher guncontrol laws will be sought by President Obama, while 43 percent said it is “very likely.” Rasmussen Reports also released data on another June survey that shows 70 percent of U.S. voters disagree that restricting U.S. guns sales will reduce drug-related violence in Mexico and oppose such restrictions. Only 20 percent believe such restrictions would reduce Mexico’s drug-related violence. The survey also indicated that 75 percent of Americans believe “the right of an average citizen to own a gun” is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. ithout fanfare, the Remington Outdoor Foundation has begun operation. “Mission: Remington Outdoor Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports hunting, shooting, outdoor sports and conservation through land preservation, access, education, training, safety, awareness and wildlife enhancement,” reads a brochure that was available at the NRA’s annual event in May. No official releases or public announcements have been made about the new foundation. At this writing, it doesn’t have a Web site. The National Forest Foundation (NFF) announced in early May that the Remington Outdoor Foundation had sponsored NFF’s 15th Annual Sporting Clays Invitational in Bedford Hills, N.Y., May 8 and 9. The NFF, according to the Remington Outdoor brochure, is one of three organizations that “are cornerstone partners.” The other two are the NRA and Ducks Unlimited. The director of the foundation is Tom Taylor, former vice president of marketing at Smith & Wesson. He is joined by Carl Brown, who spent 28 years at the National Wild Turkey Federation. Paul Miller, who is the chairman of the board of The Freedom Group, which includes a number of companies — Remington Arms, Marlin, DPMS/Panther Arms and H&R1871 among them — is a member of the board of the Remington Outdoor Foundation. This all translates to high-level involvement, with the full impact of the foundation yet to be felt. And the impact is likely to be significant. While details may be lacking, it’s obvious Remington is committed to the foundation’s goal of creating “opportunities for more people to enjoy the outdoors.” W Remington Outdoor Foundation Emerges F 57% Plan An Event Around NHF Day ealers, there’s still time to plan a sale-enhancing event around National Hunting and Fishing Day, September 26. Past events conducted by dealers in conjunction with the day have proven profitable in sales and establishing new customers. Wonders of Wildlife, the official home of National Hunting and Fishing Day, offers a wealth of planning and promotional material for free. Visit www.nhfday.org. D Davidson’s, Winchester Offer 1892 Takedown am Fadala offers dealers sales tips in this issue’s “Levergun Leverage” (page 34). Winchester Repeating Arms announced in mid-July a new lever action. A High Grade 1892 Takedown is now being offered by Davisdson’s Gallery of Guns in conjunction with Winchester. It features Grade II-III walnut, pistol grip, buckhorn-style rear sight and crescent butt plate and is drilled and tapped for tang sights. The 20" barrel version is available in .44-40 and .45 LC, with an MSRP of $1,874.95. The 24" barrel model comes in .44-40, .38-40, .32-20, .45 LC and has an MSRP of $1,899.95. Visit www.galleryofguns.com or call 1-800-367-4867. S Winchester 1892 Takedown Revision Offers Must-Buy Sunglasses evision Eyewear’s light-changing feature in its new Photochromic Hellfly Ballistic Sunglass make2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=46http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=46Industry Industry watch Facing The Whiplash Challenge Russ Thurman I t’s August, the traditional start of the marketing sprint to the end of the year. Every level of business is focused on garnering sales during the fall and holidaybuying season in order to reach projected goals — and in some cases — keep the doors open. Projected goals for 2009 were thrown off course by the buying frenzy that began in November 2008, most of it attributed to the “Obama Factor.” The whitehot sales did a number of things. First, it caught most in the industry off guard. Sure, many thought if then-Senator Obama were elected president, there would be a surge in sales. But few, if any, projected the historic level of purchasing. Manufacturers didn’t have the inventory to meet the demand. Dealers quickly featured empty shelves. Second, the rocketing sales diverted consumer dollars away from other product areas. Most of the sales centered on selfdefense handguns and AR-style rifles — and ammunition. Yes, there were associated sales, and some wash-over into other product area, but not much. Traditional handguns, especially revolvers, and traditional long-guns suffered, as did products not associated with potential banning by the new administration and Congress. That hurt a lot of companies, especially “ those who were already on the verge of closing their doors at the end of 2008 and early 2009. Numerous business owners, at all levels of the industry, have shared that the sales surge saved their businesses. A weak economy — a recession, which was long in place before it was declared official — crippled a lot of businesses. In truth, a number of these businesses were “drafting,” pulled along by larger compa- Clear thinking is critical. Avoid at all costs ‘when in doubt, run and shout’ management. nies. When the downturn in the economy hit, larger companies saw fewer sales, which had a greater impact on the “drafting” companies. Now, with the cooling of sales to a more normal level, no one should be surprised when a number of companies and dealers go out of business between now and the end of 2009. We’ll also see more acquisitions by larger companies. That’s a major effect of whiplash; when sales slow dramatically, some businesses are going to be hurt. Yes, there are challenges and many unanswered questions. Have consumers satisfied their craving ” for “ban-potential” firearms? Likely, yes. The latest data from the FBI shows that the number of firearm background checks during June, while up 18 percent over June 2008, was 5.37-percent less than in May, 21.03-percent less than in April and 28.02-percent less than in March. Will consumers now turn their attention to non-firearm and ammunition products? How will the hunting market fare this year? How severe will the economic downturn become, along with unemployment and significant reduction in disposable and discretionary income? Not all, however, is doomand-gloom. The dollars pumped into the industry since late last year stabilized numerous businesses — manufacturers, distributors, importers and dealers. Those with solid business plans will weather, if not prosper, in the latter part of 2009. Planning is vital. Clear thinking is critical. Avoid at all costs “when in doubt, run and shout” management. Promote. Look beyond what’s happening today. Never make long-term decisions based on short-term events. Run businesses as businesses. Yes, there are challenges, but we have all been here before. And, our company is already planning a great presence at SHOT Show 2010. Weatherby Nation Grows Past 25,000 eatherby Nation, the company’s online community for hunters and shooters, recently passed the 25,000-member milestone. “Weatherby Nation is one of the first, if not the first, standalone online communities created by a firearms company,” notes Brad Ruddell, Weatherby’s vice president of sales and marketing. “It’s been exciting to watch the rapid growth of Weatherby Nation and see how active it has become.” Launche2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=47http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=472009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=48http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Aug2009/?Page=48No, Probably Not. Witness the destructive power of the Taurus Judge 3” MAGNUM. The most overwhelmingly successful revolver in recent history. Capable of firing .410 GA 3-inch MAGNUM shotshells. .410 GA 2.5-inch shotshells. And .45 Colt ammunition. It’s personal protection in a class by itself. FREE one-year NRA membership with the purchase of any new Taurus firearm. Check out the new ‘Melon Head’ video at TaurusUSA.com. www.TaurusUSA.com2009-08-03T17:58:37+02:00