Click here to download the catalog as a PDF file. To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. framed hand and have significant appeal to women. The “pinkness” of a gun automatically moves it into the “products for women” category, but that doesn’t necessarily make it a good product for women. However, I’ve found the J Series line, including models with pink grips, are very functional for women. A new gun from S&W has a lot of women talking: the Model M&P9 JG Champion Series. Designed in collaboration with champion shooter Julie Goloski, it incorporates several competition-specific features that Julie recommends. Engraved with the “Awareness Ribbon” on the pistol’s slide, it comes with two pink grip inserts (small and medium), along with standard black grips. Portions of the proceeds from each pistol sold are donated to a breast cancer awareness charity, a thoughtful consideration from S&W, who understands the world of women. I recommend this gun for the woman who has shot before and is looking for a second purchase. The gun is superb, but may be a little intimidating for the first timer. More information on all S&W products can be found at www.smith-wesson.com. Speaking of colored guns, Remington recently introduced two new versions of their Model 597: the Mossy Oak Pink Camo and the Mossy Oak Blaze Orange Camo synthetic stock rifles. Chambered in .22 LR, the rifles are ideal for target shooting, small-game hunting and plinking — all at minimal expense. Plus, they are a fun and easy gun for learning to shoot. Again, while I’m not a fan of pink guns (or blaze orange), I like these guns, because they work. Lightweight, they have virtually no recoil, making them even more enjoyable for women. Remington’s Web site is www. remington.com. At last year’s SHOT Show, Ruger introduced the LCP .380 Auto and at first, Women like the Ruger .380 LCP’s small frame and ergonomic design. I was skeptical. This is a gun that wasn’t specifically designed for women, but it has all the features that are attractive to women. I wasn’t sure if there wasn’t a gimmick involved to attract women. There isn’t. The gun is an excellent choice. Strictly used for personal protection, it is lightweight, compact and easy to use, making it a perfect choice as a concealed carry gun. It has smoothness, which women like, and it feels comfortable to hold in one hand. Details on the .380 Auto, as well as other Ruger products, can be found at www.ruger.com. Years ago, smaller-framed shotguns with short stocks were called Youth/Ladies Models. Implying a woman has a body similar to a 14-year-old boy does not build customer loyalty. Thankfully, Browning stayed away from the label with their new Silver Micro. This 20-gauge autoloader has a stock designed with a woman’s build in mind. The slight humpback comb is perfect for the structure of a woman’s high cheekbone and it has an adjustable length-ofpull. With soft recoil, it’s a perfect shotgun for women. It’s my gun of choice for bird hunting. For target shooting, the new 12-gauge Silver Sporting Micro has the adjustable pull length. Both shotguns have the Active Valve gas system for lighter recoil. There are several other models in the series you can see at www.browning.com. Two of the biggest challenges women in the outdoors face are good, comfortable hunting clothing, and boots that fit. Over the years, when I walked into a major sporting goods store and asked for either women’s camouflage or target shooting vests, I always was met with that “look.” Yes, you know the one. Many times, I was steered to the “small men’s area.” Now I ask you, would you men wear a women’s large or extra large pair of pants or jacket? I didn’t think so. Then, don’t ask women to wear men’s products and expect them to be happy about it. I wore men’s clothing in the field for many years, as it was the only option available. Happily, times have changed and, as a retailer, here is an opportunity to cash in on an area that been badly underserved. Today, more companies are realizing that women are a huge part of the market. Several larger companies have added a women’s division to their soft goods line such as Wrangler, but I have always preferred the smaller companies, mostly because they specifically tailor their clothing to a woman’s needs. As a hunter, my biggest challenge was finding good, comfortable and functional hunting boots — that also were somewhat attractive. Without a doubt, Danner’s Pronghorn CamoHide GTX Hunting Boots are unsurpassed when it comes to function and form. Whoever designed Danner’s Pronghorn CamoHide GTX Hunting Boots wear like slippers, even in the field. Soft Goods Remington Model 597 Browning’s Silver Micro Series Danner Pronghorn Boots Ruger LCP .380 Remington’s Model 597 in Mossy Oak Pink Camo might draw snickers from some, but it’s very popular with women. Browning’s Silver Sporting Micro Auto Loader Shotgun is a claytarget dream come true for women. SHOT SHOW EXTRA SUPER ISSUE 2009 • www.shootingindustry.com 87