http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/RSS.ashxShooting Industry March 2008 PagesMon, 22 Sep 2008 22:11:45 +0200http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=1http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=1SHOT SHOW SHATTERS RECORDS MARCH 2008 TARGET TURKEY HUNTERS LONG GUNS & ACCESSORIES Dump Summer Slump CharlesDaly ® DEFENSE For Law Enforcement, Military, Home Defense, Target and Varmint Shooters Blade Profits Charles Daly brings its long tradition of firearms expertise to the AR industry. Offering superb Mil-Spec quality at competitive prices, our CDD-15 line of rifles and carbines come in a variety of popular configurations with many standard features usually considered custom, all covered under our limited “Lifetime Repair Policy” . Your Cop Shop? — II www.shootingindustry.com Lethal Force CharlesDaly ® DEFENSE www .CharlesDalyDefense.com Visit CharlesDalyDefense.com for more information. P .O . Box 6625 • Harrisburg, PA 17112 • T elephone: 866-DAL Y GUN • Fax: (717) 540-8567 Circle No. 205 on Inquiry Card2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=2http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=2Circle No. 226 on Inquiry Card2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=3http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=3FN M249 SAW 5.56x45MM NATO LIGHT MACHINE GUN JUST LIKE THEY DO. THE FN PS90 IS AVAILABLE IN 5.7x28MM Every FN PS90 features: Circle No. 212 on Inquiry Card2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=4http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=4MARCH 2008 • VOLUME 53 • NUMBER 03 Features 24 29 Page 24 Target Turkey Hunters Carefully Timed Strategies Grab Gobbler Sales. Mark Kayser Dump The Summer Slump Carolee Anita Boyles Here Are Six Tips To Keep Your Long Guns And Accessories Moving! Blade Profits Put An Edge On Your Knife Sales! John Morrison 35 Industry News 8 SHOT Show Shatters Records In 30th Year. 9 USPSA Acquires Steel Challenge. 12 RSR Group Introduces RSR Defense Line. 13 MidwayUSA Aids School Gunsmithing Program. 14 Newsmakers. Page 29 Columns 16 18 20 22 Lethal Force Should You Start A Cop Shop? — Part II. Massad Ayoob Outdoor Marketplace Get Involved: Preserve Your State’s Hunting Heritage. Greg Staunton Arms And The Woman Deer & Turkey Guns Top Sellers With Women. Lisa Parsons-Wraith Back Blast & Other Hot Gases Under The Influence Of Acute Stupidity. Commander Gilmore Page 35 46 Industry Watch FMG Shines At SHOT Show 2008. Russ Thurman Departments 6 Letters 40 Reader Service 41 44 New Products Classifieds Page 18 4 MARCH 2008 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© 2008 by Publishers' Development Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any portion of this magazine without written permission is prohibited. www.shootingindustry.com2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=5http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=5SINCE 1955 — THE INDUSTRY’S BUSINESS MAGAZINE PUBLISHER Thomas von Rosen EDITOR Russ Thurman EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Roxanne Smith ART DIRECTOR Eric Tse ART ASSISTANT Andy Loy PRODUCTION MANAGER Kimberly Thorne ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR Anita Carson Steve Evatt, Jeff Morey, Delano Amaguin Randy Moldé PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR Lorinda Massey CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Massad Ayoob Shari LeGate John Morrison Carolee Anita Boyles Ray Oeltjen Lisa Parsons-Wraith With Millett Precision Hunting Optics and Mounting System Millett windage adjustable scope mount systems are the most significant improvement to the traditional Weaver-Style mount in many years. All components are made of heat treated nickel steel for rock solid durability. When compared to others, 3 - 12 X 44 AO Millett scopes & scope mounts can’t be beat! FMG Publications Editor: Dave Douglas Advertising: Delano Amaguin americancopmagazine.com Editor: Roy Huntington Advertising: Steve Evatt americanhandgunner.com Editor: Jeff John Advertising: Jeff Morey gunsmagazine.com Turn-In Mounts Millett New Generation Side Focus Scope Series Angle-Loc Mounts 4 - 16 X 56 Side Focus Available in three reticles Special Editions Editor: Sammy Reese Advertising: Delano Amaguin fmgpublications.com CUSTOMER SERVICE www.shootingindustry.com SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES . . . . . . 858.605.0250 EXPRESS SERVICE . . . . . www.shootingindustry.com General Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . Click: Contact Us EDITORIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 858.605.0243 PRODUCTION 1 (800) 645-5388 16131 Gothard Street • Huntington Beach, CA 92647 (714) 842-5575 • FAX (714) 843-5707 • www.millettsights.com Circle No. 220 on Inquiry Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . russ@shootingindustry.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 858.605.0202 . . . . . . . . . production@shootingindutsry.com National Advertising: 12345 World Trade Dr., San Diego, CA 92128 858•605•0209 866•972•4545 FAX: 858•605•0211 Glock / Kel-Tec Dealers Fax FFL for catalog Fingertip Extensions also fits many other small pistols in .22, .25, .32, and .380 calibers. Kel-Tec / Bersa PRODUCED IN THE U.S.A. cherer upplies Inc 205 Four Mile Creek Rd. Taxewell Tn, 37879 M-1 Garand One Shot FAX 423-733-2073 Adapter Circle No. 223 on Inquiry Card S Slug Plug #5 for The New Glock® Model 21SF www.shootingindustry.com MARCH 2008 52008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=6http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=6Tell Leah Madachik (“Out Of Control,” Letters, Jan. 2008) to stop crying, turn on the charm, sharpen those sales skills and raise her transfer fee. I charge $50 to transfer a firearm and will not give out an FFL on a new gun without the chance to quote. Most people will pay more to know they have a local dealer to turn to for service. Nick Lipschultz Liberty Guns Inc. West Palm Beach, Fla. It seems everyone in the industry is in love with the NRA now that it is an election year. I work at a gun store on the weekends and all the promotion items for “Insure Your Gun Rights” are everywhere. Have we all forgotten that the NRA only wants our help when they Turn On The Charm need members? Not all gun owners believe in what the NRA has done and what they push all the time. Please don’t publish the name of the gun store where I work. I don’t want the big shots from gun companies and the NRA attacking the owner. D.R. Matthews (Midwest) Mr. Matthews, while I haven’t agreed with every move the NRA has made in the 15 years I’ve been the editor of Shooting Industry, I fully support, as does FMG Publications, the “Insure Your Gun Rights” campaign. Often through the years, I’ve been told: “Thank God for the NRA, but . ,” followed by a statement of a “wrong” position/ statement/promotion/ campaign by the NRA. It seems we all love what the NRA does for NRA Non-Believer us as long as the organization and its leaders don’t make us “uncomfortable.” It’s remarkable that so many gun owners, and citizens in general, become “uncomfortable” about the NRA based on portrayals of the organization by an overwhelming anti-gun media. Doesn’t it seem odd that we don’t believe the liberal media on so many issues, but do so when it comes to the NRA? Mr. Matthews, your position is exactly what anti-gun forces want. Instead, do this: If you’re not an NRA member, join the organization. Then help as many of your customers do the same. The NRA is not the enemy. The bad guys are the ones who are not interested in insuring your gun rights, but taking them away. Visit www.insureyourgunrights.com. 9 E-mail the Editor russ@shootingindustry.com 6 MARCH 2008 Circle No. 201 on Inquiry Card www.shootingindustry.com2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=7http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=7N E W P R O D U C T Rugged, Reliable, Ruger ®LCP™ LCP | .380 Auto A reliable .380 Auto in a slim, comfortable and affordable package. Ruger. Ruger M77 ® Ruger Compact Magnum HM77RCM | .300 RCM Available in .300 RCM or .338 RCM. S F O R 2 0 0 8 ® Ruger ® NRA Mini-14 ® Rifle M-14/20C-NRA | .223 Rem. Ruger will make a donation to NRA-ILA for every NRA Mini-14 ® sold! Ruger ®SP101® KSP-32731X | .327 Federal Magnum Now chambered in the .327 Federal. KODBSR9 | 9mm 4'' Ruger ® Redhawk® KRH-45-4 | .45 Colt Now chambered in .45 Colt. SR9 | 9mm KBSR9 | 9mm Ruger ® 22 Charger ™ Pistol CHR22-10 | .22 LR Long-range .22 rimfire pistol with bipod included (Optics not included). Ruger ®SR9 ™ Slim 9mm pistol. Available with brushed stainless or blackened stainless steel slide. Also available in OD Green grip frame. With a continued focus on providing responsible citizens with the products they need, Ruger® keeps expanding their product line to include an extensive array of products for shooters of all interests. From magnum caliber rifles for hunting, to lightweight compact pistols for personal defense, Ruger® has a new product for you in 2008. F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N Circle No. 229 on Inquiry Card V I S I T W W W . R U G E R . C O M ©2008 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. www.ruger.com uger uge r com2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=8http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=8Preserve Your State’s Hunting Heritage — page 18 SHOT Show Shatters Records In 30th Year Tony Aeschliman he SHOT Show in Las Vegas smashed all-time records in its 30th year, posting new highs in attendance, exhibition space, exhibiting companies and media turnout. “What better way to celebrate the SHOT Show’s 30th anniversary than with a turnout that not only broke, but shattered, all previous records for attendance and exhibit space,” said Doug Painter, president of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), owner and sponsor of the SHOT Show. “The buying activity reported is a strong indicator of a good year to come and reflects the strength of the shooting, hunting and outdoor industry.” The show, held Feb. 2-5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, covered 715,000 square feet of exhibit space, a gain of nearly 60,000 over last year, with 1,950 exhibiting companies, up from last year’s 1,870. With a total registered attendance of 58,769, the show eclipsed last year’s attendance record of 42,216. The show attracted 30,686 buyers, 1,725 members of the press, 25,854 exhibiting personnel and 504 guests. T Business was better than ever at this year’s show, according to exhibiting companies and retailers. “I’ve been coming to the SHOT Show since 1982 and this is the busiest one I’ve ever worked. We didn’t even lose booth traffic during the Super Bowl,” said Randell Pence, Sturm, Ruger & Co.’s executive director of sales and marketing. Retailers were also impressed. “This is my first show, and it’s bigger than I expected,” said Chris Dunn, owner of Chevlon Canyon Guns Co. in Queen Creek, Ariz. “I’ve spent all four days here, and I have found some products that I think will really be big sellers for me.” Retailers, exhibitors and media from outside the United States continue to flock to the show each year. Attendees came from 75 countries. “I have been to all of the large European shows, but they can’t compare to the SHOT Show. This is the best. Everything is here. I have found five or six companies for which I will be their exclusive dealer in Spain,” said Rico Cabezas Roca, a dealer specializing in law enforcement from Madrid. Press attendance at this year’s show increased nearly 30 percent. Each year, the show is the largest gathering of outdoor media in the world, according to NSSF. “When it comes to media, there is nothing like SHOT, where nearly 2,000 members of the press are in one place,” said Tom Taylor, Smith & Wesson vice president of marketing. “This year was great. Press attendance was up, and, since our company has expanded, we were able to meet with many other publications that we hadn’t in the past.” NSSF reports that the outlook for next year’s SHOT Show in Orlando, Fla., is bright. Before the closing bell had rung on SHOT Show 2008, exhibitors had already booked 700,000 square feet of exhibit space for next year’s show in Orlando. Editor’s note: Shooting Industry will provide in-depth coverage of SHOT Show 2008 in the April issue, along with an expanded New Products Showcase. In the May issue, we’ll review the Law Enforcement news and products from the SHOT Show. SHOT Show 2008 set records, as dealers and other buyers converged on the 30th annual event. Beretta Awarded Army Contract eretta has been awarded a multi-year contract by the U.S. Army for 25,403 M9 pistols, with deliveries starting in June 2008 and continuing until February 2010. The U.S. Army, the contract provides, also reserves the right to purchase additional M9 pistols. According to Beretta, the M9 pistols will be manufactured at the Beretta U.S.A. facility in Accokeek, Md. “Beretta U.S.A. Corp. has supplied the Beretta M9 pistol as the standard sidearm for the U.S. Armed Forces since 1985, and continues to make investments in manufacturing capability, R&D 8 MARCH 2008 B and product development to serve the needs of the U.S. Military and Homeland Defense community,” said Jeff Reh, vice-general manager for Beretta U.S.A. Corp. In 2005, Beretta U.S.2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=9http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=9NSSF Boosts National Hunting and Fishing Day he Wonders of Wildlife museum has received a major sponsorship from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) to kick off the 2008 National Hunting and Fishing Day, set for Sept. 27. Congress officially authorized the NSSF-founded National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD) in 1972. In 2006, NSSF launched a commemoration partnership with Wonders of Wildlife. The 2008 sponsorship from NSSF will underwrite the museum’s national awareness campaigns and events. “We’re pleased to renew our partnership with Wonders of Wildlife. It’s all about helping Americans understand and appreciate the conservation benefits of traditional outdoor sports,” said Chris Dolnack, senior vice president of NSSF. “Hunting and fishing fees and excise taxes generate $100,000 every 30 minutes for wildlife and wild places. National Hunting and Fishing Day is a public reminder that conservation programs in our country are funded primarily through hunters and anglers.” Recent surveys show three of every four Americans support legal hunting and nine in 10 approve of recreational fishing. Overall, more than 34 million Americans hunt or fish, according to NSSF officials. “We’re grateful for NSSF’s historic leadership and ongoing sponsorship,” said Denise Wagner, NHFD coordinator for Wonders of Wildlife. Located in Springfield, Mo., Wonders of Wildlife is the only hunting- and fishingfocused museum that is both affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution and accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. For more information, visit www.nhfday.org and www.nssf.org. T USPSA Acquires Steel Challenge, Seeks New Members he United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) has acquired the Steel Challenge and the Steel Challenge Shooting Association from founders Mike Dalton and Mike Fichman. “The Steel Challenge is a natural fit for USPSA and we look forward to both growing the match as well as Steel Shooting in general,” said Dave Thomas, executive director of USPSA. The Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Championships were founded in 1981, with 70 shooters competing for $20,000 in cash and prizes. In 2007, more than 220 shooters competed for over $390,000 in cash and prizes. Dalton and Fichman will remain with USPSA through the 2008 championships to be held in Piru, Calif., Aug. 14-17. In addition, USPSA plans to expand its membership to 20,000 practical shooters. According to the USPSA, its members represent $45 million in industry revenue from firearms, accessories, ammunition and reloading equipment and components. Companies such as Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, Beretta USA, Rock River Arms and O.F. Mossberg & Sons are donating firearms for a series of drawings for USPSA members who recruit new members in 2008. “Our statistics show that an overwhelming number — 62 percent — of our membership learned about the sport from a friend,” Thomas said. For more information, call (360) 855-2245, e-mail: info@uspsa.org or visit www.uspsa.org. T We’re Calling You Out! Gun Valley Showdown. Page 34 Circle No. 202 on Inquiry Card www.shootingindustry.com MARCH 2008 92008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=10http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=10Weatherby Helps Youth Programs custom-made, limited-edition Mark V rifle donated by Weatherby helped raise more than $80,000 to support scholarship and leadership development programs of the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA). The NHSRA conducted a national drawing for the specially engraved Weatherby rifle, paired with a Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab truck, at the 2007 NHSRA finals in Springfield, Ill. “Not only are we able to raise much-needed funds for our scholarship programs, we are also able to award two fantastic items to the lucky winners. Weatherby’s sponsorship and partnership is invaluable,” said Kent Sturman, NHSRA executive director. “We very much appreciate the opportunity to partner with the NHSRA in helping these youngsters further their education and A develop their leadership skills,” said Brad Ruddell, Weatherby’s vice president of sales and marketing. Weatherby also donated two Vanguard Youth/Compact rifles to the Wyoming Fish and Game Commission last fall to encourage youth to get involved with America’s outdoor heritage. “We’re honored for the chance to work with the state of Wyoming to help educate future hunters and shooters,” said Ed Weatherby, company president. The donated rifles will be used in hunter education courses and women’s shooting clinics throughout the state. For more information, visit www.weatherby.com or www. weatherbynation.com. “TA has an enviable record of helping profitable companies accelerate growth, and we will leverage their proven industry and investment expertise to continue seeking new growth opportunities,” said Dan Costa, CEO of 5.11 Tactical. For more information, visit www.511tactical.com and for TA Associates, visit www.ta.com. TA Associates Invests In 5.11 Tactical A Associates (TA), a private equity and buyout firm, announced in December 2007 it has completed a $200 million investment in 5.11 Tactical. According to TA, it will hold a majority stake in 5.11 Tactical and the senior management team will remain in place. T2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=11http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=11Winchester Ammunition Launches Third TV Show W inchester Ammunition has a new television program, “Winchester Turkey Revolution,” on the VERSUS Network. “You’ll be on the edge of your favorite recliner watching these experts chase the elusive birds,” said Greg Kosteck, Winchester Ammunition’s director of marketing. “Each show is packed with great calling, impressive hunting tactics, challenging weather and great footage from all over the U.S.” The show debuted on VERSUS Jan. 3, 2008. Air times are Thursdays at 2 p.m. EST and Sundays at 10 a.m. EST. Visit www.versus.com/findversus for more information. “Winchester Turkey Revolution” is the third Winchester-titled sponsored series to air on VERSUS. The other two are “Winchester Legends” and “Winchester Whitetail Revolution.” All are produced by Orion Multimedia. For more information, visit www.winchester.com. RWS Rifle Cartridges Selects Bear Group R AcuSport Exclusive U.S. Fire Arms Distributor WS Rifle Cartridges has selected Bear Enthusiast Marketing Group to lead a fully integrated marketing, advertising and public relations campaign. “RWS is known and respected worldwide as a leader in rifle cartridges. Our team is eager to launch this globally recognized brand in the U.S. market, and take the brand to new levels of success,” said Bear President Bruce Bear. For more information, visit www.bearemg.com. A cuSport Corp. is now the exclusive distributor of U.S. Fire Arms Mfg. Co. (USFA) products. “We are always looking for ways to support and strengthen our customers’ business, and this line will give them an opportunity to expand their cowboy action products with a well-known brand that of- fers an attractive price-point and is very profitable,” said Chris Cole, AcuSport merchandising director. For more information, visit www.acusport.com and www.usfirearms.com. Circle No. 227 on Inquiry Card2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=12http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=12Circle No. 207 on Inquiry Card turm, Ruger & Co. repurchased 2.2 million shares of its common stock during the fourth quarter of 2007. The repurchases, worth $20 million in the open market, represent 9.7 percent of the total Ruger shares outstanding. Ruger officials reported the average price per share repurchased was $8.99. Currently, 20.6 million shares remain outstanding. The repurchases were funded with cash on hand. According to Ruger officials, the company has approximately $35 million in cash on hand and no debt. The company’s board of directors authorized a repurchase of up to $20 million of its common stock in January 2007. No further stock repurchases have been authorized. Visit www.ruger-firearms.com for more information. S Ruger Announces Stock Repurchase HELPS YOUR BOTTOM LINE BBA Brownells Business Advantage is an exciting new program that gives you big savings on four essential business services: • Full-service credit/debit card processing with rates as low as 1.38%. • Exceptionally low rates or cash back on Visa business credit card. • Generous discounts on UPS shipping. • Complete liability/property insurance coverage designed specifically for firearm-related businesses like yours. Source Code: BNY Get all 4 services for one low $100 annual membership fee. Call 800-741-0015 or visit BrownellsBusinessAdvantage.com to learn more about how BBA can save you money. Circle No. 204 on Inquiry Card SR Group Inc. has unveiled a new product line, RSR Defense. The RSR Defense systems are “the most affordable, fully adjustable, polymer retention holsters and double magazine pouches available on the market today,” according to company officials. The RSR Defense line currently offers holsters to fit a variety of firearms, including 1911s, Glock and Sig Sauer pistols. All models are available in black, OD green and tan. New holsters in the near future will accommodate Springfield XDs, Smith & Wesson M&Ps and HK USP pistols. Visit www.rsrdefense.com for more information. R RSR Group Introduces RSR Defense Line • SHOT Show® Review - Inside Business Report - Top 2008 New Products - Dealers Pick The Best Of The Show! BONUS: Spring Catalog Showcase 12 MARCH 2008 www.shootingindustry.com2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=13http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=13Newman Agency Expands Buck Knives Territory he Newman Agency, which has represented Buck Knives for more than four decades, has expanded its southeastern Buck territory to include Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky. The agency will continue to represent Buck in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. Agency founder James R. Newman started working with Buck in 1961. “We are excited to continue building strong retail partnerships in the Southeast area and we know the Newman Agency is just the group to help us achieve increased success there,” said Dave Duggin, vice president of sales for Buck. For more information, visit www.buckknives.com. T L MidwayUSA Aids School Gunsmithing Program arry and Brenda Potterfield of MidwayUSA recently donated more than $30,000 to Montgomery Community College in Troy, N.C. The money will be used to purchase handguns, rifles and shotguns for the school’s gunsmithing program. According to Wayne Bernauer, head of Montgomery’s gunsmithing program, participating students currently must provide their own firearms as learning tools. Bernauer said this results in a disparate and limited collection of firearms, creating instruction challenges. “On behalf of our faculty and staff, we are tremendously grateful for this gift from the Potterfields,” Bernauer said. “Gunsmithing programs at schools like Montgomery are critical to training the next generation of gunsmiths,” said Larry Potterfield, MidwayUSA president and CEO. For more information, visit www.midwayusa. com. For more information about the gunsmithing program at Montgomery Community College, visit www.montgomery.cc.nc.us. Connecticut Shotgun Imports B. Rizzini . Rizzini, the Italian shotgun manufacturer, has selected Connecticut Shotgun Manufacturing as its exclusive importer and distributor. The New Britain, Conn.-based company will manage B. Rizzini USA, which will provide sales, service, warranty and repair work. Founded in 1966, B. Rizzini makes double-barreled game and target shotguns, which reflect “a unique blend of modern manufacturing techniques and Old World craftsmanship.” Contact: B. Rizzini USA, 100 Burritt St., P.O. Box 1692, New Britain, CT 06053; (860) 225-6581. E-mail Michael Guerra at mguerra@rizziniusa.com or visit www.rizziniusa.com. B Savage Range Systems Selects Deep South Outdoors S avage Range Systems has selected Deep South Outdoors to represent the company in eight southeastern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. “Deep South Outdoors has a great deal of experience working with law enforcement agencies, as well as retailers and distributors who service both the commercial and law enforcement markets,” said Barry Witt, national sales manager for Savage Range Systems. “They will represent our newly expanded line of products, which includes the Porta Target line of targets and shoot houses, in addition to our line of ranges and bullet traps.” For more information, visit www.SavageRangeSystems.com or www.PortaTarget.com. New Cost-Sharing Legal Program Launched For Dealers he Chiafullo Group LLP, a law firm based in New Jersey, is offering dealers a new legal service called FFLGuard. The service provides legal assistance to independent gun retailers in the event of an ATF compliance investigation or civil litigation. AcuSport offered dealers a first look at the new service at their Dealer Show in January. “Our endorsement of FFLGuard supports long-term sustainability of these retailers’ businesses by providing a first line of legal defense against the one thing that can shut them down faster than anything else — the loss of their Federal Firearms License,” said Kenan Ikels, director of marketing for AcuSport. “Each year, the BATF conducts more than 7,000 FFL inspections for compliance,” said Chris Chiafullo, principal of the Chiafullo Group. “Furthermore, politically motivated lawsuits are not uncommon, as best evi2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=14http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=14Doug Evans is the new director of consumer markets for Envelop Protective Covers. In his new position, Evans will adapt the company’s military products for consumers, beginning with high-tech protective cases. Evans has more than 20 years experience in the industry. He joins Envelop from Austin & Halleck Gun Crafters, where he was vice president of sales and marketing. Previously, Evans served as president and CEO of Magnum Research Inc. He began at Magnum as a sales manager, rising to vice president and general manager within six years, and became the company’s president and D. Evans CEO in 1996. Envelop Protective Covers Hires Marketing Director outdoor and consumer recreational sports industry to her role at Bear, having worked closely with industry-leading manufacturers in all aspects of marketing, advertising and public relations. “We look for people with passion and energy, who can personally and professionally connect with our clients, and Sturgell fits the description on all accounts,” said Bruce Bear, president and CEO. Callis and Associates has hired Jaime Privitt as a public relations/media coordinator. Privitt assists with writing and distributing press releases for the agency’s clients and with researching and evaluating PR data. She also assists with media buying and coordination of agency accounts. Privitt has a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a master’s degree in speech communication from the University of Central Missouri in J. Privitt Warrensburg. Callis and Associates Adds PR/Media Coordinator Swanson Russell Associates (SRA) has added Maryanne Geringswald and Matt Linder to its Lincoln office. Geringswald joins SRA as an assistant traffic manager, monitoring resources and managing work activities to ensure clients’ project deadlines are met. She joins SRA from the Lenox Group Inc. in Bristol, Pa., where she was a material planner/forecaster for the direct marketing divisions. Linder is an interactive quality assurance specialist, responsible for ensuring all interactive projects meet SRA’s quality and usability standards. Prior to joining SRA, he was a Web/graphic designer and marketing specialist with Travel and Transport in Omaha, Neb. Linder holds two associate’s degrees from the Creative Center in Omaha — one in graphic design, computer graphics and illustration, and another in Web and multimedia design. Swanson Russell Associates Adds Personnel and Perazzi USA. His work within the industry spans more than 32 years. “Our goal at Sig Sauer has been to build a management team comprised of the best people this industry can offer. I am confident, with Bud at the helm of Sig Sauer’s marketing efforts, that our share of market will only increase,” said Ron Cohen, president and CEO. Wade previously was district and regional sales manager for the Western United States at Glock Inc. He served for 24 years in law enforcement and was chief of police in several Missouri and West Virginia cities. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Wade holds a degree in law enforcement from Northeast Missouri University and is a graduate of the FBI Academy LEEDS Division. As the newly promoted product manager, VonBosse is responsible for the development of new products, as well as the management and maintenance of current product listings. VonBosse joined Sig Sauer in 1999 and worked in a variety of capacities, including engineering configuration management, product development and as the custom shop manager. A U.S. Army veteran, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical B. Fini University. Bear Enthusiast Marketing Group has hired JoLee Sturgell as a managing account executive. Sturgell will help manage all public relations efforts, including client account management, and will help further expand business development opportunities in new and existing markets. Sturgell brings years of marketing experience within the J. Sturgell 14 MARCH 2008 Bear Enthusiast Marketing Group Selects Acco2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=15http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=15Circle No. 209 on Inquiry Card “As pro staff manager, it will be my Hunter’s Specialties own private consulting business. He holds responsibility to build on an already solid Hires Wildlife Biologist a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science Hunter’s Specialties has added wildlife from Auburn University. foundation of pro biologist Rodney M. Dyer to its team. Dyer, staff personalities,” Dyer will assist Hunter’s Specialties Issue Date: Ad Number: an avid hunter and Anderson said. “We with the development of the Vita-Rack Advertiser: Crimson Trace Agency: Advertising Expeditions accomplished guide, will be working seed mixes to optimize their performance, Lane Tobiassen (503.783.5343) Contact: Dan Cox 503.780.0963 / has conducted exwith our partners on as well as provide his expertise in managJohn Mulligan Mattand Warner 503.502.5168 tensive studies Photographer: on both the retail ing the deer herd on the Hunter’s SpecialArtsides Director: Matt Warner Pre-Press & Retouching: Bruce Harris whitetail deer formanufacturing ties properties. Copywriter: Dan Cox bruce@bruceharrisretouching.com 971-645-3744 age, herbicides and to build a staff that “Our goal is to have our Vita-Rack seed deer nutrition. He benefits all of us in products be the best on the market. We becurrently manages a very competitive T. Anderson lieve hiring Rodney will be a big step in over 10,000 acres environment.” that direction,” said co-CEOs David and of land through his R. Dyer Carman Forbes. 9 www.shootingindustry.com MARCH 2008 152008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=16http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=16Massad Ayoob Should You Start A Cop Shop? — Part II ast month, we looked at two gun ers tend to first address firearms, the L.E. officers. Make a point of learning what shops that have excelled in law market is particularly accessory-heavy. the cops in your area carry as primary enforcement sales. That’s important for your profit. firearms. If the duty weapon is a fullRiley’s Law Enforcement Sales in “There isn’t much money to be made size Glock, compact versions in the same Hooksett, N.H., is extremely successful, starting out in this business,” Shore said. caliber will sell particularly well for offcontributing 25 percent of the income to “People don’t realize we only make 10 duty use. In addition, subcompact “baby the overall operation of Riley’s Sports percent on a new gun.” Glocks” in the same caliber will be in deShop. What are some of the keys to RiMany dealers have added to their earn- mand for off-duty function, and on-duty ley’s success in the L.E. market? ings by reselling firearms traded in by wear as backup weapons. “We found it was really important to departments on new guns. This no longer Look for brands that your local comnail down some of the best, petition does not carry, yet most popular product lines and have credibility with street be certain we could provide the cops. Some dealers haven’t best prices and best delivery. We yet gotten the word on the have Glock, CCI and Federal vast BlackHawk brand. The as core lines in the firearms and SWAT cops, the gun buffs ammunition area,” said owner on the police departments, Ralph Demicco. In gun leather, and any officers back from Riley’s offers Bianchi, Galco, reserve military deployUncle Mike’s and Safariland. ment in Iraq or Afghanistan In body armor, Riley’s stocks sing the praises of Blackthe Armor Holdings line. Hawk tactical equipment. In Lincolnwood, Ill., just The line is expanding, with outside Chicago, Shore Gallersome outstanding plainies is the dominant retailer of clothes holsters like the firearms to law enforcement. At SERPA line of concealable, Shore, the key to success, acfast security scabbards. The cording to owner Mitch Shore, SERPA is also available in is knowing the local market At Riley’s Law Enforcement Sales, former police officer Joe Gurick (right) a tactical thigh holster that discusses L.E. products with a department firearm trainer. and stocking accordingly. is simply outstanding. Shore is a distributor for The Dynamic Entry line Beretta, Mossberg, Remington, Ruger and offers as much profit as it did during the of breaching tools by BlackHawk will Sig Sauer. Today, the overwhelming best decade of the infamous Clinton Gun Ban, be of interest to ordinary police departseller from the Chicago PD approved list where the grandfathered 15-round maga- ments, not just SWAT teams. Most are at is the Sig Sauer, with the DAK feature. zines sweetened the pot and made a 9mm an affordable enough level that they can “Out of one recent class of 115 recruits, or .40 with three full-capacity magazines be purchased out of the department’s dis85 bought Sig DAK pistols,” Shore said. much more desirable to customers from cretionary funds without going through an Discovering and stocking the right L.E. the private sector. exhaustive bidding process. products, like any segment of the market, A good way to start is by selling offBlackHawk also is aggressively seeking is crucial to being successful. While deal- duty guns and backup guns to area police new dealers. Visit www.blackhawk.com. L Hiring Your Staff, Gaining Knowledge t is commonly believed that in the police weaponry business, cops only take their own kind seriously. All the staff at Riley’s Law Enforcement Sales is retired law enforcement officers. At Shore Galleries, Shore notes, “Some cops only listen to other cops.” Shore presently has a dozen full- and part-time employees, but says, “Only one, plus me, are cops, currently. However, at least eight of our former employees have joined the Chicago Po2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=17http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=17T It’s Worth It he police equipment market is a tough one to break into. Large departmental purchases are made on bid. Some elements of the market — body armor, for instance — are particularly cutthroat in nature. Some manufacturers of firearms and body armor will deal direct with large departments, bypassing you — sometimes after you’ve done the work to break the ground for that product’s acceptance at that agency. The easiest way to break in is through off-duty and backup gun sales. Check with your police customers for a high-ranking contact at their law enforcement fraternal association or union. Offer discounts to their members on guns and related accessories. Many cops are more loyal to their police associations than they are to their departments, and vote with their wallets for those who support the association. Ammo sales can be particularly tough, since smaller departments often “buy in” on state bids for ammunition. The key to cracking this market is having the ammo on hand for immediate delivery. A SWAT lieutenant, who heads his department’s firearms training unit, told me, “I stopped going in on state bids last year. Buying locally saves time and saves my department money in the long run, when you count overtime on the range and other factors that come into play when a police instructor has to reschedule training because the cheaper ammo wasn’t available when needed.” Yes, it’s a tough market to crack — but it can be worth the effort. Ask Mitch Shore and Ralph Demicco. 9 There’s no lack of L.E. products available for you to sell. You already know that, especially if you were at the SHOT Show, where the L.E. Section is an impressive show within the show. Gaining product knowledge is one thing, however, knowing what police officers want is another. A great source of “police” knowledge is contained in the pages of American COP magazine, a sister publication of Shooting Industry. Wealth Of Information www.americancopmagazine.com American COP is written by cops for cops and is packed with information that will help you address this important and — if done right — profitable segment of the market. FMG Publications, publishers of American COP, has a program to allow gun dealers to sell the magazine in their shops. For details on the program, call 1-800-597-8065. If you wish only to subscribe to the magazine, call (858) 605-0253 or visit www.americancopmagazine.com. www.shootingindustry.com Circle No. 215 on Inquiry Card MARCH 2008 172008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=18http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=18Greg Staunton Get Involved: Preserve Your State’s Hunting Heritage T Studies show that youth who start hunting at a younger age are more likely to remain hunters. he future of hunting is in the hands of today’s young hunters. We all know that. If hunting is to continue, and hopefully grow, bringing young hunters into our ranks is vital. A lot of organizations in and out of the industry are working to increase the number of young hunters. They report a lot of good news, as well as some not-so-good news. Nebraska is one state that is proactive in its efforts to introduce young hunters to the field at earlier ages than previously allowed by law. Legislative Bill 690 would lower the mentored deer-hunting age in the state from 12 to 10. The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), among other outdoor organizations, is urging enactment of the bill. “Our studies show that mentored youth hunters are the safest in the field, and also youth who start hunting at a younger age are more likely to remain hunters for life,” said Brett Bayer, NWTF Nebraska state chapter president. The NWTF, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) are working together through the Families Afield initiative to remove barriers to youth hunting. With additional support from the National Rifle Association (NRA) and state and local sportsmen’s organizations, this partnership has helped to influence 21 states to pass legislation similar to Nebraska’s. Data from six of those states show that apprentice hunting programs introduced more than 35,000 young people to America’s outdoor tradition of hunting. “Allowing mentors to get young people interested in hunting at an early age lays the foundation for being good conservationists,” said NWTF CEO Rob Keck. “By removing barriers at the state level, we’re ensuring our hunting heritage remains strong.” NWTF Regional Biologist Brandon Houck notes, “Hunters help fuel Nebraska’s economy with the dollars they spend on their sport and on travel. Signing this bill into law means great things not only for Nebraska, but for the future of wildlife conservation as well.” Note the reference to “economy.” We’ll talk about that later. NWTF Try Before You Buy V irginia also has good news for hunters. In early February, the Apprentice Hunting License legislation passed unanimously in both houses of the Virginia Assembly. The new legislation will allow newcomers to experience the outdoors and participate in the traditions of hunting prior to taking the 10-hour Hunter Education course. It’s being referred to as “try-before-you-buy.” Essentially, parents, family members and adult mentors will be able to take young people hunting on a trial-run basis. The next step would be to take the education course and become a fully licensed hunter. “The Apprentice Hunting License Bill is a valuable recruitment tool to introduce people to the outdoors — not only youngsters, but adults as well,” said Delegate Scott Ligamfelter, who introduced the bill in the Virginia House of Delegates. “My hope is that families and young people who take advantage of this opportunity will come to enjoy the natural resources of Virginia much as the 857,000 resident sportsmen and those 278,000 visitors who travel here from other states now do. We can never forget how valuable sportsmen are to our state’s economy.” There’s another “economy” reference. MARCH 2008 NWTF Many states have programs that encourage youngsters to take up hunting with adult mentors. www.shootingindustry.com 182008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=19http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=19wo of Virginia’s neighboring states, Maryland and West Virginia — each a longtime haven for outdoorsmen — are taking very different approaches to youth hunting. Maryland — definitely in the bad-news column — is seeking to put restrictions on young outdoorsmen who may want to hunt. Del. Barbara Frush (D-Beltsville) and Virginia P. Clagett (D-Annapolis) have jointly introduced legislation (HB 655) that would prohibit anyone under the age of 13 from receiving a hunting license. Under current Maryland law, youth under the age of 15 must pass a hunter education course and be under the supervision of a licensed hunter. There is no current minimum age requirement for hunters in the state. “If passed, this bill will have a devastating effect on recruiting young hunters and the future of wildlife conservation in Maryland,” said Rob Sexton, USSA vice president for government affairs. “The bill is a deliberate attempt to sabotage the future of hunting. Parents, not the government, are far more equipped to know when their sons and daughters are ready to hunt.” T To Hunt Or Not To Hunt House Bill 655 has been referred to the House Environmental Matters Committee in Maryland. The “devastating effect” Sexton mentions not only damages efforts to introduce youngsters to hunting, but it also will impact the state’s economy. What can industry companies in Maryland, along with the state’s gun dealers and their customers, families and friends do? Contact your legislators and voice your opposition to the proposed restrictions on youth hunting. If you don’t know how to contact your legislators, call (410) 946-5400 or visit the Legislative Action Center of USSA at www.ussportsmen.org. While some in Maryland’s legislature are taking steps to discourage young hunters, “wild, wonderful” West Virginia is seeking to go a step further than other states in support of youth hunting — by proposing youngsters receive hunter training in school. Already, children as young as 10 are eligible for hunting licenses in the state, once they’ve completed a hunter training and safety course. However, the overall numbers of hunters in West Virginia have declined in recent years, which has raised budget concerns among state officials. State Sen. Billy Wayne Bailey (D-Wy- In-School Courses Step Forward! Take Action! ou noted, of course, all the references to the various states’ “economy” and “budget.” It’s the same with all states. Hunting plays a much bigger role in contributing to states’ economies than most people realize. How many hunters are in your state? How much economic impact do they have? It only take a few minutes to find out where your state ranks when it comes to hunting, thanks to a new report by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF). And just because your state has a wonderful hunting program, don’t assume all is well. Maryland is hardly the only state where anti-hunting activists and legislators reside. The new CSF report, “Hunting and Fishing: Bright Stars of the American Economy — A force as big as all outdoors,” was released in December. It spotlights the immense impact sportsmen have on the national economy — 34 million sportsmen spending $76 billion dollars annually on their pastimes of hunting and fishing. In this election year, the report is especially helpful in defining the economic impact of sportsmen and their political clout. “Because sportsmen enjoy hunting or fishing alone or in small groups, they are overlooked as a constituency and as a substantial economic force. When you compare spending by hunters and anglers to other sectors, their impact on the nation’s economy becomes more tangible,” said Jeff Crane, CSF president. Crane points out that on a state-by-state scale, “The economic impact that sportsmen have on state economies should be a wake-up call to state governments to welcome and encourage hunting and fishing in their states. The evidence is clear: States that encourage hunting and fishing benefit many times over through jo2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=20http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=20Lisa Parsons-Wraith Deer & Turkey Guns Top Sellers With Women hen it comes to the women’s market, there’s a lot of confusion about what women are buying and how they are spending their leisure time. To help the shooting industry get a handle on what women really want in regards to the outdoors, the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) commissioned a study in 2005 of women from every state about their participation in outdoor activities. The study is full of information about why women participate in outdoor activities and the equipment they buy. Considering women make up 51 percent of the population and are estimated to control 80 percent of a household’s purchases, it makes sense to cater to this growing market. The NWTF survey consisted of six focus groups and 1,200 telephone surveys. Some of the women were current or former members of NWTF’s Women in the Outdoors — an introductory program that teaches women about outdoor sports, including shooting and hunting — and the rest were members of the general public. According to the study, 77 percent of women in the general public approve of legal hunting, and 95 percent said it is okay for women to hunt. More than 80 percent W of all the women surveyed said they prefer to hunt deer. Jim Appenzeller, owner of Jim’s Sports Heaven in Oconomowoc, Wis., has been in business for 52 years and his experience confirms the results of the study. “There are a lot more women hunting now,” Appenzeller said. “A lot of women are going into deer and turkey hunting.” One of the most popular calibers for deer hunting is the .243, Appenzeller said. “I sell, in .243, the Savage 11 and H&R’s single-shot .243,” he noted. “The nice thing about the .243 is its light recoil.” Savage’s Hunter Series Model 11 boltaction rifle is available with both wooden and synthetic stocks, and Appenzeller said many women prefer the youth model because of its lighter weight and smaller size. H&R’s single-shot Handi-Rifle comes in youth and adult sizes, with the youth model having a shorter overall length and a shorter length-of-pull. Appenzeller said most of his rifle sales include the purchase of a sling and scope, which adds to his bottom line. When it comes to turkey guns, Jim’s Sports Heaven does a brisk business in 12 gauges. “Women go for the big guns,” Appenzeller said. “They like the automatic guns with less recoil. We sell a lot of Remington 1187s and H&R’s Excell turkey gun — it’s one of my best sellers.” He said women like this gun because it’s lightweight and has light recoil. “The camo version is very popular and getting more popular every year,” he added. Appenzeller said women are still a small portion of his business, but he’s noticed a trend towards more women getting involved in the shooting sports. “Now, with the guys’ wives and daughters getting interested in shooting, it’s good for the sport,” Appenzeller said. “Every person who gets interested helps increase our profits.” The NWTF study discovered that women who participate in Women in the Outdoors often immediately purchase equipment, sometimes spending $1,000 or more. Current members spent an average of $500 on outdoor equipment, while former members spent $300, money that could be spent in your store. Another way to increase your bottom line is to make shooting a family affair. According to the study, the majority of the women surveyed participate in an outdoor activity because they are equally interested in the sport and spending time with family and friends. To draw in more lady shooters, offer group discounts on ammo and range time. If you have a range, offer a “Son or Daughter Shoots Free” range session or a “Bring a Friend” night. If you make it easy and fun for a woman to shoot, she’s more likely to stay with the sport and be a loyal customer. H&R’s Excell turkey gun in camo is a favorite of women because of its light weight and light recoil. A 20 Embrace The Internet for information about programs teaching outdoor skills. If you’ve been 2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=21http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=21First-Aid Kits utdoor sports carry inherent risks, and there is always the potential for minor as well as serious injuries. The truly prepared outdoorswoman needs a good first-aid kit to accompany her on her outdoor adventures. Adventure Medical Kits has created a series of Sportsman medical kits designed for hunters and fishing enthusiasts that your customers are sure to appreciate. O The kits range in size from the Outfitter, which contains medical supplies for up to seven people, to the personal-size, lightweight Field Kit. The larger kits include tools, medicine, bandages and even a book titled, “A Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness and Travel Medicine.” There are also helpful cards on how to treat a variety of injuries, ranging from removing a fishhook to gunshot wounds. Stock some of these kits near your register. Women are often the triage nurses for their families and will appreciate having everything they need prepackaged in a handy kit. Contact Adventure Medical Kits at 1-800-324-3517 or www.adventuremedicalkits.com. 9 STI International, Inc has been building 1911s longer than Kimber, SIG, Taurus, Smith & Wesson, & Dan Wesson. www.adventuremedicalkits.com Caliber: .45 ACP O.A. Length: 8.5” Weight: 37 oz the LAWMAN a mass e-mail to direct mailing, the advantages of electronic communication become obvious. New customers also have a better chance of finding you if you have a Web site. Embracing Internet technology is the fastest way to see your profits soar. And it shows. Circle No. 228 on Inquiry Card “New customers have a better chance of finding you if you have a Web site.” The National Wild Turkey Federation study can be found at www.womenintheoutdoors.com under the heading “Outdoors Her Way.” Take advantage of the valuable research this study provides. You’ll gain new insight into the women’s market, why women participate in the outdoors and their impact on the future of the shooting sports. www.shootingindustry.com MARCH 2008 212008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=22http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=22Commander Gilmore Under The Influence Of Acute Stupidity I t’s just human nature. Anytime somebody does something unnecessarily dangerous, bizarre, weird in a wacky way or anything that seems patently, absurdly stupid, we kinda tend to think he must have been “under the influence of” something — especially if it reflects such a bone-deep level of stupidity that it would lead us to ask, “How could this person have lived and breathed to adulthood — and still be this dumb?” Here’s an example: Deputies didn’t ask how this 66-year-old man ever lived to that age — they only knew that he wasn’t intoxicated or in a drug-daze when he tried a unique approach to loosening a lug nut on his Lincoln Continental. The unnamed man had been working on his ride at home, about 10 miles from Seattle, and had removed all but one lug nut off the right rear wheel. Naturally — wouldn’t you try this? — he fetched his trusty 12-gauge shotgun, stood away at about arm’s length and blasted it! The man was liberally peppered with buckshot and miscellaneous metallic debris from his feet to his chin, resulting in severe but not life-threatening wounds. Apparently his stance and the position of a fender prevented shot from hitting his face and eyes. Deputies scooped him up and rushed him to Tacoma General Hospital, where they insisted on drug and alcohol tests, which proved negative. The lug nut, by the way, was still frozen solidly in place. Which, we can clearly state, was also the condition of his frontal lobe functions. Illustration by Nick Petrosino Will you take dentures for collateral? You might not, but Robert Henry Stahl does, or did, anyway. He was sort of in the loan business. A dude named Billie Townsend apparently owed Stahl some money, and met him at a bar in Yorktown, Ind., to work out a deal. Seems like negotiations didn’t proceed very smoothly though. The 62-yearold Stahl took Townsend for a walk outside and commenced whoppin’ him like Tony Galento’s punching bag. Then he grabbed Townsend in a headlock, reached into his mouth and yanked out his dentures. “He said, ‘You ain’t getting these back,’” Townsend told police. Stahl was charged with robbery and battery and possibly, poor customer service. With fists like those, who needs a gun? At least, that’s what we’re bettin’ 27-yearold ex-pickpocket Jesse Daniel Rae is thinking. He might also be reconsidering his mental image of “an easy mark.” 22 MARCH 2008 Harsh Conditions No Easy Mark That’s how he saw 72-year-old Bill Barnes when he spotted the seasoned citizen in a gas station convenience store near Grand Rapids, Mich. Barnes had just pulled a wad of cash out of an ATM, purchased a $2 lottery ticket and shoved the remainder of the $300 into the left-front pocket of his shorts. That’s when Jesse slid up — and screwed up, big time. The instant Bill felt a hand stealthily slippin’ into that pocket, he seized Jesse’s wrist in an iron grip with his left hand and commenced launching rapid-fire jackhammer punches with his right. At 72, he likes his punching targets to remain within optimum range and not have to chase ’em. The result? “There was blood everywhere,” store manager Abby Ostrom told reporters. Another employee jumped in and slammed Jesse to the deck, probably saving him from further injury at the hands of Battlin’ Bill, who told police, “I guess I acted on instinct.” We think those were some refined instincts. Jesse messed with the wrong guy. Barnes was a regional runner-up in Golden Gloves boxing competition in both the novice and open-class divisions before he enlisted in the Marines in 1956. After service as a Leatherneck, he squeezed steel as an ironworker for over 20 years before retirement. And, Barnes admitted, he had a sorta special motivation not to let some bad guy grab his bucks. “I wouldn’t want my wife to give me hell for lettin’ that guy get my money,” he told officers, smiling. After being pummeled into pudding by a guy nearly three times his age, Jesse is lookin’ at 15 yea2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=23http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=23a snoring drunk burglar. When police arrived, they found a guy passed out with an empty communion wine bottle at his side. Charlie Chug-a-Lug had broken into the church hoping to score some cash from the office. People give donations in U.S. currency, not plastic, right? A fair presumption, but he couldn’t find the office. So naturally, he began peeling paneling off the walls looking for it. This strenuous activity plumb tuckered the lad out — and made him fiercely hungry, too. He stepped into the kitchen, made a big mess and an even bigger sandwich, grabbed a jug of communion claret out of a cabinet, and sank into a comfy sofa. You can guess the rest: He liked the wine a little too much. And it wasn’t even imported. Remember when Mom told you never to run with scissors, pencils or other sharp pointy things in your hand? And you were smart enough to figure out that meant you shouldn’t run with sharp-stickers in your shorts, either? An unnamed dude in Grand Rapids, Mich., didn’t log that lecture, it seems. Police say Einstein Jr. was pretending to check out several hunting knives at Meijer’s on East Beltline when he suddenly scooped ’em up, stuffed ’em down his pants — apparently with some pointing up, some pointing down, and all without sheaths, no less — and hoofed it for the front door. He had almost made it when alert employees put the grab on him and a shirt-rippin’ party commenced. Knifey-Boy almost broke loose. Well, he broke just loose enough to spin, stumble and fall, and that was the end of his crime spree. An ambulance hauled him from that exact spot to a hospital, where he went right into surgery for treatment of multiple stab wounds. The saga begins in Framingham, Mass., with Middlesex County Sheriff’s deputies serving warrants on 19-year-old Justin Breakspear. No big deal, and had he simply stepped out his door, he prob’ly woulda made bail on a couple of misdemeanors and been home for dinner. But no, Justin had to run and hide in the basement — you know, a basement with no exit or possible That Tattoo Is So You Oh, That Hurts! escape route. Smart, huh? While draggin’ Justin outta the cellar, deputies spotted two sawed-off shotguns and a .380 pistol in plain view. They called Framingham PD to get a warrant for the guns and come join the party. From the start, Justin vehemently denied possessing those guns, pointing out the basement is a “common area” with free access to any apartment-dweller in the building, and those guns could belong to anyone. Sounds like his last defense attorney coached him, right? And that “common area access” issue has gotten tons of charges tossed out for piles of perpetrators. Not Justin, though. An officer noticed with a start that although Justin had been patted down for weapons, he appeared to have a pistol stuck in his pants. Examination revealed it to be a highly detailed tattoo of a .380 pistol, inked on his abdomen so it looked like it was shoved in his shorts. Then officers looked at the tattoo even closer. Hey! Not only did the tattoo depict the very same make and model as the .380 Justin claimed not to know anything about, but the tattooed pistol even bore serial numbers — which matched the serial numbers of the seized pistol. 9 NEW GLOCK 26 LEVEL II We are proud to introduce the newest addition to our Level Two Lever Action line, the GL26PB. This new holster fits the popular Glock 26, 27 and 33 models, providing quick access and level two retention. No need to alter presentation or grip, your handgun is released using a natural draw stroke. With a smooth and quick motion, your thumb falls naturally on the release lever, making for an extremely fast draw. A revolutionary retention concept engages the trigger guard upon holstering to keep the handgun secure. All Lever Action holsters feature a rivetless design for strength and are available in our patented Roto-Holster™ design. PROMOTION For a limited time only, FOBUS will send you a FREE double magazine pouch when you purchase any2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=24http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=24TARGET Mark Kayser Mossy Oak’s Obsession pattern is featured on a wide range of products eagerly sought by turkey hunters. Carefully Timed Strategies Grab Gobbler Sales iming is everything in building your profits. This is especially important if you want to benefit from seasonal sales. Take turkey season. To take full advantage of the spring turkey sales you need to time your product rollout to the period when hunters are thinking about the season and ready to reach for the dough. And for turkey hunters, that may be earlier than you think. Although opportunities for hunting turkeys have expanded across the United States, the window for sales has actually shrunk. You can hunt turkeys in all of the lower 48 and several Canadian provinces. The narrow sales window is partly due to hunters no longer needing to T apply well in advance for turkey permits. They are readily available in over-thecounter options or unlimited applications. Retailers also point out that many avid turkey hunters have already stocked their vests and no longer need to “gear up” as they did in the years leading up to the turkey boom. With these circumstances in mind, you need to have your inventory ready and in view when the time is right. “For our store, turkey sales begin six weeks prior to the opening of the season and run strong until about a week and half before the season closes,” said Fred Jobe, manager for Rogers Sporting Goods in Liberty, Mo. “The greatest sales surge is two to three weeks before the season opener, especially with Internet sales. After the opener, there is a real drop in sales and you really begin to notice it one week after the opener.” Even with a short window of opportunity, Rogers Sporting Goods keeps an area of the store stocked year-round with turkey equipment. “We want customers to know that when they are ready to purchase a turkey product, they know we have it. It’s the mentality of shoppers. If they don’t see it they think we don’t have it,” Jobe said. Remington Model 11-87 ShurShot Turkey 24 MARCH 2008 www.shootingindustry.com2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=25http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=25TURKEY HUNTERS Expand Your Turkey Sales Season S ean Mahoney, owner of Mahoney’s Sporting Goods in Johnson City, Tenn., also dedicates shelf space to yearround turkey sales, and his reasoning goes beyond letting hunters know they are a turkey-hunting headquarters. “We keep our turkey-hunting equipment out all year because there are always birthday presents to be bought and believe it or not, Christmas is almost as big of a sales season as is the normal turkey hunting season,” Mahoney said. “December is a great season for selling turkey calls, vests and other stocking stuffers. New turkey hunters also drop hints that they’d like to get into the sport and the gift buying takes off.” deer winds down, we tear down, but since deer season is big like turkey season, we keep a selection out for year-round sales,” Mahoney said. “Our turkey sales actually peak at the end of February or March 1, and there is a noticeable slump approximately one month before the season closes and it’s real noticeable at least two weeks into the season. Serious hunters already have bought new products and those that were going to buy have already done so by the end of the two weeks.” To keep sales hot during the season you need to keep your prime display locations stocked with the year’s hottest products. Manufacturing representatives can keep you up-to-date on what they believe will be the best products, but don’t overlook the information you can glean on your own at the SHOT Show and, better yet, the National Wild Turkey Federation annual convention. At the events, it won’t take much investigation to discover what products are sure sellers in the midst of a convention center full of turkey-hunting fanatics. Both events are held during the first part of the year, which will help prepare you for the gift-giving/Christmas/pre-turkey hunting sales. Rotating turkey products in and out of premier locations such as end caps and near the checkout counter is common practice prior to the season. Even stores that keep a full-time lineup of turkey equipment on the shelves rotate their end caps and checkout displays with other products that require equal time. Spring fishing, summer sporting clays and, of course, fall hunting all demand time in the limelight when the season nears. “We start moving our displays immediately when deer season closes Sean and Dan Mahoney of Mahoney’s Sporting Goods in Johnson City, Tenn., dedicate year-round shelf space to in the fall. As soon as turkey-hunting products. Stock Hottest Sellers www.shootingindustry.com MARCH 2008 252008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=26http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=26Meet The Must-Have-Now Demand ven gun dealers who have never considered stocking turkey-hunting firearms, ammunition and associated gear are aware of the tremendous surge in the number of products available in this market category. During the past decade, virtually every major manufacturer has E addressed this segment with a wide range of products. In addition, a good indicator of whether turkey hunting continues to be profitable is to note the vast number of new products introduced each year. Turkey hunting is particularly profitable for dealers because of its “accesso- Turkey decoys and portable blinds are major sellers in this accessory-heavy segment of the hunting market. ry-heavy” aspect. Your turkey-hunting customers need shotguns, ammo, sights, calls, decoys, portable blinds and an array of camo clothing from head to toe. And turkey hunters are ready to spend money on hot-selling products. “This year, the Primos B-Mobile turkey decoy was a hot seller and last year it was the Pretty Boy and Pretty Girl decoys by Carry-Lite. When you suddenly discover a hot-selling item, it’s helpful if the manufacturers are prepared for a rush. That way we don’t have to stock as much initially, but we can reorder straight from the factory and have product shipped immediately,” Jobe said. Knowing which manufacturers and distributors are prepared — and willing — to rapidly fill your “must-have-now” orders is vital to taking advantage of heavy customer demand. “We didn’t run short this year, but last year we couldn’t keep the Pretty Boy and Girl in stock. I don’t know how many times we reordered Pretty Boy and Pretty Girl decoys, but when we ran out, CarryLite made sure we had inventory in less than a week and a half from order to delivery. Most of the time you get one, maybe two shots to make great sales, but CarryLite really did well with shipments.” nventory is just an expense unless you let potential customers know you are ready to serve their turkey-hunting needs. This means using advertising outlets including newspaper, radio, television, direct mail and the Internet to reach your customers. Finding ways to get the message out in an economical fashion is always a challenge. Rogers Sporting Goods has been in business for 28 years and heavy into the I Use Manufacturer’s Advertising To Boost Sales turkey end of profits for more than a dozen agrees that decoys are hot items years. Jobe combines activities in adver- with turkey hunters. He also tising campaigns to increase traffic and notes that portable blinds like save marketing dollars. the Big Game Eclipse and Es“We usually tie our spring turkey- cape were also hot sellers. Mahunting advertising together with our spring fishing campaign so customers know we are a one-stop shop,” Jobe said. “We’ll run a full-page ad in the local paper and back that up with Internet promotions that include daily updates.” Do these concentrated promotions work? “Take the Primos B-Mobile decoy. Using this approach, 50 of them wouldn’t last very long with this much promotion and I can’t begin to tell you how many Hunter’s Specialties helps hundreds we sold, but it drive sales through its was a bunch,” Jobe said. advertising. The company’s In Tennessee, Mahon- newest turkey call is the ey follows a similar ap- H.S. Strut Voo Deuce. proach to marketing and 26 MARCH 2008 www.shootingindustry.com2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=27http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=27honey suggests you also stock items that are supported by strong manufacturing advertising and branding, since it saves you advertising dollars. “Primos is our best-selling brand of calls and it’s strictly because of Primos’ commitment to print and television advertising, which results in an enormous amount of impressions. Hunter’s Special- ties runs a close second and also backs their product well with company advertising, which helps our sales,” Mahoney said. Thanks to massive turkey restoration efforts and careful management, turkey hunting has come a long way in North America during the past two to three deDK Flatwoods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246 Doskocil Manufacturing . . . . . . . . 247 DownWind 3D Camouflage . . . . . . 248 Feather Flex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249 Federal Premium . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 Flambeau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251 Game Tracker/Eastman . . . . . . . . . 252 H&R 1871 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253 Haydel's Game Calls . . . . . . . . . . 254 HiViz Sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255 Hunter's Specialties . . . . . . . . . . . 256 Kahles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257 Kick's Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258 Knight & Hale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259 Lohman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260 Lynch Outdoor Products . . . . . . . . 261 Leupold & Stevens . . . . . . . . . . . 262 M .A .D . Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263 MOJO Outdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264 Plan Now cades. Mahoney recalls working in the store during his high school years when there was one end cap of turkey calls. Now the display runs more than 40 feet. Turkey hunters are looking to buy from you. The time you invest in planning your turkey inventory, displays and promotions now will pay nicely this fall and into next year’s hunting season. 9 Mossy Oak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265 New England Arms Corp . . . . . . . . . 266 New England Firearms . . . . . . . . . 267 O .F . Mossberg & Sons . . . . . . . . . 268 Outland Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269 Pape's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270 Penn's Woods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271 Pentax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272 Primos Hunting Calls . . . . . . . . . . 273 Quaker Boy Game Calls . . . . . . . . . 274 Realtree Camouflage . . . . . . . . . . 275 Remington Arms Co . . . . . . . . . . . 276 Schawbel Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277 Shannon Outdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . 278 Simmons Outdoor Corp . . . . . . . . . 279 TruGlo Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280 Whitewater Outdoors . . . . . . . . . . 281 Winchester Ammunition . . . . . . . . 282 Winchester Repeating Arms . . . . . 283 TURKEY SALES ADCO Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230 Advantage Camouflage . . . . . . . . . 231 Ameristep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232 Benelli USA Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233 Beretta USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234 Browning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 B-Square . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236 BuckWing Products . . . . . . . . . . . 237 Burris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 Bushnell Outdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . 239 Butler Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240 Carry-Lite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241 Charles Daly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242 Cody Turkey Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243 Comp-N-Choke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244 Delta Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245 www.shootingindustry.com Circle No. 221 on Inquiry Card MARCH 2008 272008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=28http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=28All scopes and rings are not included. Cal: .338 Federal RFLR-338L Weighs Just 7.9 lbs! Cal: 6.5 Creedmoor RFLR-65 Also Available in .308 Win. & .260 Rem. Cal: .308 Win. RFLR-308L Also Available in .260 Rem. Weighs Just 7.9 lbs! Cal: .204 Ruger RFA3-204 Also Available in .223 Rem. Cal: 5.56 x 45mm RFLP-WCP Bridges the Gap Between Sporting and Tactical! Weighs Just 6.3 lbs! Made in the USA! Please send your FFL for our new catalog. ONLINE ORDERING AVAILABLE! DPMS Firearms, LLC • 3312 12th Street SE, Dept. SIND • St. Cloud, MN 56304 • 1-320-258-4448, Ext. 7463 • 1-320-258-4449 (Fax) • dpms@dpmsinc.com Circle No. 210 on Inquiry Card WWW.DPMSINC.COM2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=29http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=29Carolee Anita Boyles During the summer, your store doesn’t have to be deserted. You can draw crowds, like this one at Sprague Sports in Yuma, Ariz., by carefully timing your promotions. These dove hunters are lined up to make purchases at a July promotion, even though dove season doesn’t start until Sept. 1 in Arizona. DUMP THE SUMMER SLUMP SUMMER SLUMP your friends, Halls says. “When you buy ads on TV stations, they’re no longer vehemently anti-gun because they’re getting paid by us,” Hall said. Think you can’t create a television ad? Fortunately, you don’t have to. “The NSSF has a wonderful TV spot we use for long-gun sales,” Hall said. “It features Doug Koenig — who is a real talented shooter — and it shows the energy and the excitement of deer hunting. It’s a great commercial to promote long guns.” Here Are Six Tips To Keep Your Long Guns And Accessories Moving! I n the gun business, summer often means a slump. Hunters generally aren’t making many purchases, long-gun and accessory sales are in the pits and your bottom line looks like it’s six feet under. “For us, summer is when sales are really at a low point for long guns and accessories,” said Miles Hall, owner of H&H Gun Range in Oklahoma City, Okla. What can you do to make the most of long-gun and accessory sales during slow periods? Different retailers take different approaches, but they all have the same goal: To promote long guns and accessories in their stores to create sales. Tip #1: Television Is Your Friend. “You’d be amazed how inexpensive television advertising can be,” Hall said. “And if you have a consistent presence on the tube, it brings a lot of legitimacy to what you do. There are a lot of TV stations that are pretty negative about guns. But they have to pay for their high-dollar anchors, so they need advertisers.” Buy TV ads and you make the stations www.shootingindustry.com MARCH 2008 292008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=30http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=30Marlin Model 1894 Leupold VX-7L Long Range Birchwood Casey Dirty Bird Keep your customers’ interest during the summer by offering a full line of long-gun and accessory products, like Marlin’s Model 1894, Birchwood Casey’s Dirty Bird Multi Color targets and Leupold’s new VX-7L Long Range scope. Hall runs a teaser across the bottom of the ad that reads, “Don’t wait until the last minute.” “It works wonderfully well,” he said. “The NSSF already has the ad done; all we have to do is modify it.” Check out the ad Hall uses, along with other ads from the “NSSF Original Outdoor Challenge” campaign. Visit www. nssf.org, click “Member Services & Industry” on the home page and then “Member Benefits.” For assistance placing commercials for your business, e-mail Dave Miles, NSSF’s director of promotions and advertising, at dmiles@nssf.org, or call (203) 426-1320. Tip #2: Hold A Long-Gun “Event.” “We do a summer expo every year in July,” Hall said. “We bring in as many long-gun companies as we can and have them set up on tables. Customers can come in and meet the factory guys and talk about the guns. We run specials on the guns, and if customers want to, they can even go out on the range and shoot them. It’s a way of getting people to act in what otherwise would be a dead time.” Greg Tropino, owner of GAT Guns in Dundee, Ill., has found success in focusing on target shooters. “We always make sure we have plenty of guns and ammo in .223 and .308 for our target shooters,” Tropino said. He noted, however, that with the decrease in places to shoot, sometimes focusing on target shooters is less effective than it has been in the past. To offset the downturn, Tropino permits rimfire and handgun caliber rifles on his 25-yard indoor range. Promoting .22s and other rimfire rifles is an important part of summer sales, says Tony Aeschliman, formerly of Marlin Firearms and now director of public rela- tions for the NSSF. “Those guns tend to get quite a lot of use in the summer,” Aeschliman said. “Rimfires are used for varmints such as woodchucks and ground squirrels and things like that. So run a varmint special on rimfire rifles for small varmint hunting.” Tip #3: Educate Frontliners About Accessories. “Selling accessories is really the job of the salesperson,” Hall said. “When someone buys a gun, if you just run to the register, all you’re going to sell is the gun. When you’re only making 10 or 11 points on a gun, accessories are a big deal. We pay our staff a commission based in part on the accessories they sell, because you can make a higher margin on accessories than you can on guns.” Besides the sales aspect of accessories, Hall said, you’re really doing your customer an injustice if you don’t sell him everything he needs — including a case, ammunition and cleaning supplies — at the same time he buys a gun. “And be sure you cover both gun-cleaning equipment for inside the house and in the field, because there are two different versions of cleaning supplies,” Hall said. Optics should be a part of accessories sales as well. “If you don’t cover all those things, your customer will get to the range and say, ‘I didn’t get that and I need it!’” Hall said. Tip #4: Create An Advertising And Promotions Calendar. “Here, it’s desert and it’s hot,” said Richard Sprague, owner of Sprague Sports in Yuma, Ariz. “It’s hard to focus on longgun sales when it’s 110 degrees outside.” Sprague’s solution is to create a calendar according to what’s going on durwww.shootingindustry.com Miles Hall of H&H Gun Range in Oklahoma City, Okla., has successfully used the commercials from NSSF’s Original Outdoor Challenge to draw customers into his store during the summer. 30 MARCH 20082008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=31http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=312008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=32http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=32ATK has a well-developed dealer program that offers a number of benefits, including reimbursement for advertising. 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Trademarks owned by Hardigg Industries, Inc. ©Hardigg Industries, Inc. 2008 Circle No. 216 on Inquiry Card ing different periods of the summer, and find ways to promote guns and accessories around those events. “For instance, May to early June is the application timeframe for some of our fall big-game hunts,” Sprague said. “So we get people thinking about big game during that time period, and do some long-gun business as a result of that.” Also in May, Sprague holds a Marlin rimfire sale for 10 days. “It’s still decent outside then for some target shooting,” he said. As the weather begins to warm up, Sprague starts thinking about bringing his customers indoors. “In June, we do a Father’s Day promotion,” Sprague said. “Generally we work with one of the major manufacturers on that promotion. Lately we’ve been working with Smith & Wesson, and since they now have long guns in their lineup, we feature that line.” In July, the average temperature in Yuma is 108 degrees. Again, Sprague turns to some of the major manufacturers, particularly Springfield Armory, Bushmaster and Mossberg, for promotional support for events held indoors. “We do a big sale with Mossberg and call it our ‘Mossberg Preseason Sale,’” Sprague said. In August, it’s still high summer, but the gun-selling season starts to pick up. “By then, hunters have gotten the results from the Arizona fall hunting draw, and they’re starting to think about what they need,” Sprague said. “Plus, dove season starts September 1, and hunters have that in mind. We start focusing on all of that in the latter part of July.” Tip #5: Take Advantage Of Manufacturer Support. 32 MARCH 2008 Circle No. 222 on Inquiry Card www.shootingindustry.com2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=33http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=33Sprague doesn’t do all his advertising and promotion out of his own pocket. “We take advantage of all the co-op dollars we can,” he said. “Our attention is always drawn by available co-op funds.” Most industry companies have coop programs that help dealers offset the cost of advertising. ATK has a welldeveloped co-op advertising component in its Premium Partner dealer program. ATK offers its top-level dealers, those at the Premium Level, reimbursement for up to $5,000 in advertising media costs. For more information on ATK’s dealer program and the co-op program, call 1-866-223-9388. “Get reps in from the various suppliers such as gun companies, and rep groups that handle ammunition and all sorts of accessories,” Aeschliman said. “Have an open house in the middle of summer and give Tip #6: Hold An Open House. away a lot of door prizes. This is a good time to push accessories, particularly if you can get reps in. Sometimes, especially if you’re a larger independent retailer, you can even get reps to come in and work in the store for a weekend. That creates a lot of interest and a lot of traffic.” One retailer who is particularly successful at this type of event is Kittery Trading Post in Kittery, Maine. “Every year they have September Fest,” Aeschliman said. “They give away door prizes every day, give out free sodas and popcorn, and have people doing all kinds of demonstrations. That generates a tremendous amount of customer traffic.” Summer may be slow, but it doesn’t have to be dead. Take advantage of these tips from the experts to improve your bottom line and make some summertime money. 9 Hogue Grips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320 H-S Precision Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321 Hunter Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322 Kel-Tec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323 Kimber Mfg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324 Kleen-Bore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325 Kolpin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326 Les Baer Custom . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327 Lyman Products Corp . . . . . . . . . . . 328 Leupold & Stevens . . . . . . . . . . . . 329 Marlin Firearms Co . . . . . . . . . . . . 330 McMillan Fiberglass Stock . . . . . . 331 Midwest Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . 332 MTM Molded Products . . . . . . . . . 333 Navy Arms Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334 New England Arms Corp . . . . . . . . . 335 New England Firearms . . . . . . . . . 336 O .F . Mossberg & Sons . . . . . . . . . 337 Outers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338 Pachmayr Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339 Plano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340 Remington Arms Co . . . . . . . . . . . 341 Rossi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342 Samson Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . 343 Savage Arms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344 Shooters Ridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345 Sig Sauer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346 Smith & Wesson . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347 Speedfeed Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348 Springfield Armory . . . . . . . . . . . . 349 Stoney Point Products . . . . . . . . . . 350 Sturm, Ruger & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . 351 Taurus International . . . . . . . . . . . 352 Thompson/Center Arms . . . . . . . . . 353 Traditions Performance Firearms . . 354 Uncle Mike's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355 Weatherby Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356 Winchester Repeating Arms . . . . . 357 Circle No. 217 on Inquiry Card LONG GUNS & ACCESSORIES A .R .M .S . Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284 Action Target . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285 Advanced Technology . . . . . . . . . . 286 ArmaLite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287 Barrett Firearms . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288 Battenfeld Technologies . . . . . . . . 289 Bell and Carlson . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290 Benelli USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291 Beretta USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292 Birchwood Casey . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293 Boyds' Gunstocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294 Boyt Harness Co . . 2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=34http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=34SHOWDOWN IN GUN VALLEY We’re Calling You Out! TIME TO STEP OUTSIDE AND SHOOT! Limber up your trigger finger, practice your steely eyed stare and plan to join teams from inside the industry for the Sixth Annual Shooting Industry Masters. 2008 Sponsors Include: July 25-26, 2008 Hartford Gun Club • East Granby, Conn. This three-gun shooting match features handgun, rilfe and skeet/trap events. Shooters will be able to shoot in one of two classes: the Open Class for those who want to compete against professional shooters, and the Industry Class for everyday shooters who just want to have fun without the stress. A raffle of incredible items donated by companies throughout the shooting industry will be held during the event to raise funds for the NSSF’s Step Outside® Program. SIGN YOUR TEAM UP TODAY! National Shooting Sports Foundation’s BENEFITTING: SPONSORED BY: EVENT SCHEDULE: Masters Team Check-In at the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Awards presentation Handgun, Rifle & Trap/Skeet team events & lunch Friday, July 25, 2008 Saturday, July 26, 2008 Masters Awards Banquet with Raffle to benefit National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Step Outside® Program For additional information, including donating prizes, raffle tickets, area airport and hotel information, please contact Elizabeth Jarrell at (800) 537-3006 ext. 279. E-mail: elizabeth@shootingindustry.com Saturday Evening To download team entry form, go to: www.shootingindustry.com/sim08entry.pdf Mail or FAX with payment to: FMG Publications 12345 World Trade Dr. San Diego, CA 92128 FAX (858) 605-0247 EARLY BIRD BONUS: Enter your team, with payment by March 3, 2008, and pay only $1,000 for your team entry ($1,200 after March 3). You will also receive a free 1/4 page 4C Shooting Industry Masters Challenge Ad in the June issue of Shooting Industry magazine. No Gun? No Excuse. Loaner guns will be available for each event. 34 MARCH 2008 Match Ammunition, Shooter’s Goody Bag, Match Lunch and Awards Dinner ALL Included with your Entry Fee! www.shootingindustry.com2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=35http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=35John Morrison BLADE PROFITS Put An Edge On Your Knife Sales! knives, utility and specialized cutters for every chore, taste and budget. Just like guns, knives demand some study time and familiarization to properly present them to customers. A little knowledge of commonly used blade steels and handle materials will go a long way toward establishing your credibility and expertise — and the payoff is disproportionately higher than with many other product lines. Knife knowledge abounds for those who seek it. Click the “Edge-U-Cation” tab on Spyderco’s Web page, www.spyderco.com, lance around your shop and ask yourself what you can offer that has sales potential to almost every customer, provides a higher profit margin on a $140 sale than you typically get from a $650 handgun, takes up very little real estate on your shelves and counters, has models available over the widest possible range of prices and features, and has a terrific “repeat sale” track record? The answer: Knives. And there is a full range of blades to offer your customers: hunting knives, tactical folders, commemoratives and gift www.shootingindustry.com A custom version of CRKT’s Kit Carson-designed M4 sells for thousands. The production version lists for $99.99. That’s an “ice breaker.” G Our Industry Experts Agree: •Knowledgeoffeaturesisnumberonein knife-sales importance . •Presentanddisplayknivesashigh- quality, high-tech tools . •“Breaktheice”withcommentson value for the money, the designer and specialized functions . •Rememberto“accessorize”yourknife sales . •Takethetimetofittheknifeorcarry option to the buyer . •Aboveall—showyourownenthusiasm for the product! MARCH MARCH 2008 2008 352008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=36http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=36and you’ll find in-depth info on everything from folding knife action types to a complete glossary of cutlery terms. Ka-Bar’s Web site, www.ka-bar.com, details 200 years of American cutlery-making history, and even walks you through a short course on knife manufacturing. Columbia River Knife & Tool’s home page, www.crkt.com, has links to biographies of their famous custom knife designers. Many other knife companies provide sales-making education on their Web sites. Log on. Learn. Sell. There’s also a wealth of “walking information” in the industry. Before being recruited as Benchmade’s law enforcement and commercial sales manager, Charles Darby owned and operated his own knife store, King of Knives, in San Diego, so he knows the business from both sides of the counter. “We advises retailers to know all the features, advantages and benefits of the knife. This is the single most important aspect of selling a knife. You, as a retailer, have to know why it is worth its value, as well as relay that to the customer,” Darby said. “We will visit your location to train employees on our product lines. I notice a substantial increase in the sales at retail stores who have taken the Benchmade training program. A lot of what you do in a retail store is explaining how and why the customer needs your product.” Darby advises dealers to always look at a knife sale as a potential to accessorize. “Do you want to super-size your order? Seems like a crazy idea, but it works,” Darby said. “Add-ons can really boost sales. When I ran King of Knives, accessories were a sure bet to increase dollars. If someone is willing to purchase a $200 knife, they’d better not leave the store without a proper sharpener or maintenance tool kit to complement their purchase.” For those who appreciate gift-grade, yet reasonably priced hunting blades, Katz Knives offers the Adventure Series, with models ranging from gut-hook skinners and capers to classic camp knives, sporting handles of rich woods and stag. “Display and presentation are important, but the most important thing is to get the knife into the customer’s hand,” said owner Keith DerKatz. “Let them feel the grip and balance — how it handles is critical to closing a sale.” Al Mar Knives bridges the gap between true custom and full-production knives. CEO Gary Fadden says he sells to “the world’s toughest customers: retail dealers” — and he’s learned a lot from that experience. Advice From Experts Ka-Bar’s long, rich history can help you sell knives. Learn the story on Ka-Bar’s informative Web site, www.ka-bar.com. BlackHawk Blades’ Mike Janich (center) says versatility and carry options are key selling — and buying — considerations. Florida gun dealer Steven Fishman (left) visits with Al Mar Knives CEO Gary Fadden. Fishman says, “Sell one Al Mar Knife and you’ve created a collector.” 36 MARCH 2008 www.shootingindustry.com2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=37http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=37“If you’re selling highend knives, you need to present and display them reflecting their value,” Fadden said. “Think of how you would display fine watches or jewelry. Keep glass displays spotless and counter mats neutral in color to show the knives off. Arrange lighting to highlight the blades, edges and markings. Clean off fingerprints and smudges regularly — they detract from perceived value.” Fadden recommends keeping a magnifying glass handy so you can show your customer the precise fit of handle scales to tangs or bolsters, and the handfinished surfaces. “And remember, enthusiasm is contagious!” Fadden said. “If you’re enthused about the quality, Dave Duggin, Buck Knives V.P. of sales, says the company’s utility and value of a knife, blades, like the Omni Hunter, are ideal for gift-giving and it will leap right across the seasonal sales. counter to your customer.” Much of Columbia River Knife & Tool’s success can be traced to its aggressive recruitment of some of the best-known and most successful custom knife designers, like Kit Carson, Allen Elishewitz and Knifemakers’ Guild founder A.G. Russell. CRKT takes the best of their custom designs — many costing thousands of dollars — and renders them into affordable production versions. This provides, according to Pat Haudbine, CRKT’s national sales manager, “your opening pitch.” “The toughest moment of a knife sale can be the icebreaker, striking up a conversation with a browsing customer. If a buyer is hovering over a Kit Carson M4 folder, you can simply ask, ‘Did you know the handmade version of that knife costs from $900 to several thousand dollars — and this one lists for $99.99?’ That’s powerful appeal and it puts you on the fast track to a sale. Custom designs and affordability are a great combination,” Haudbine said. The folks at Buck Knives are keenly tuned to the sales potential of knives as great gifts for many occasions. Buck sales reps will even help dealers develop Selling Gifts, Seasonal Knives Circle No. 214 on Inquiry Card www.shootingindustry.com MARCH 2008 372008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=38http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=38annual plans to maximize opportunities and profits. “Every dealer should develop a ‘sale calendar’ to maximize their knife sales throughout the year, built around gift giving and seasonal activities,” said Dave Duggin, vice president of sales. “Christmas is a given, of course, but don’t forget the double targets of a ‘Dads & Grads’ sale. Your regular knife customers, and others, will be looking for gift ideas for their friends and family members, whether they are hunters, campers, collectors, fishermen or just knife fans.” Duggin recommends dealers also develop sales promotions that target key seasons: fishing, camping, hunting — something Buck has done to increase their market reach. “Whatever their taste, hobby or pastime, we’re confident that Buck has the perfect knife for a gift or to fit the season,” Duggin said. “Among our hottest, most appealing models right now are the new X-Tract one-hand multi-tools; Nobleman pocket knives; the Twin Peaks, so popular with campers and hikers; one of the many Omni Hunters, delivering top quality at surprisingly low prices; and the Eagle Sirus, one of Buck’s popular assisted-opening knives.” Duggin says the key to success in addressing the gift-giving and seasonal markets is preplanning. “At the beginning of the year, determine the dates that work best for you. Then work with your sales rep to see how you can maximize your buy and be sure you have enough of the right knives in inventory,” Duggin said. From its military origins, SOG Knives has diversified into high-technology cutting tools for law enforcement, outdoor sports and even models for electricians Technology Talks — And Sells! The Adventure Series from Katz Knives are hard-working blades that make great gifts. The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for exceeding speci c volume and distribution objectives for assigned accounts. May be required to assist in various assignments other than speci c National Accounts responsibility. Duties require extensive travel and considerable judgment to work independently, devising and suggesting new or modi ed methods, techniques and procedures to meet new or unusual requirements. The successful candidate will liaise with retail sales team to optimize customer relations. The position will report to the Vice President of Sporting Goods Sales. Principle duties include, but are not limited to: Establish and maintain e ective business contacts with National Accounts. Understand the needs of each individual account. Help them pro tably grow their business. Develop and constantly monitor and adjust a detailed marketing plan for each assigned account. Present new products and programs enthusiastically and e ectively. Conduct sales and training meetings for assigned accounts. Maintain account records and analyze same regarding growth potential. Seek new accounts. Maintain constant view of credit worthiness. Protect company from accounts receivable loss. Attend and participate in sales meetings, planning meetings, product demonstrations, shoots etc. Consolidate analyze and communicate market data to HQ. Conduct surveys and complete special assignments. Develop and maintain a high level of product knowledge of all company and competitor products. Communicate regulation changes, changes in account corporate direction and competitor activities. Investigate and resolve complaints. Submit weekly call reports detailing travel plans and speci cs of account call. The successful candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and 5+ years experience with national sporting goods retailers. Firearms experience is preferred. Interested candidates should submit their resumes by email to: ksalvador@smith-wesson.com or mail to: Smith & Wesson, Human Resources Dept., 2100 Roosevelt Avenue, Spring eld, MA 01102-2208. AAE/EOE 38 MARCH 2008 Circle No. 224 on Inquiry Card www.shootingindustry.com2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=39http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=39and auto racing fans. SOG marketing coordinator Chris Cashbaugh says technology isn’t all exotic metals and machining — it’s sales power, too. “Technology sells,” he said. “And even better, technology talks. From cell phones to cars and TVs, high-tech is the big consumer draw and knife buyers today demand more than a sharp edge and a good grip. With SOG knives and tools, the technology is there — you just have to know the features and speak the language.” Cashbaugh points out several valuable “high-tech talking points,” ranging from the Arc-Lock folding knife action to spring-opening S.A.T. (SOG Assisted Technology) models, and SOG’s “black TiNi” titanium nitride finish. “Tech-talk not only opens conversation with a customer, it can be the most convincing element in a customer’s choice, and one that carries you right through the sale. Learning the features and language is essential and the payoff in sales is virtually guaranteed,” Cashbaugh said. Mike Janich, BlackHawk’s category manager for knives — both premium MOD (Masters of Defense) and lowerpriced BlackHawk Blades — is not only a gifted knife designer, but also an expert trainer in the defensive use of knives. Years of feedback from his students have shaped both his knife designs and his marketing strategies. “Functionality, versatility and carry options are critical for the buyer who carries a knife, either as a backup for a handgun or as a primary defensive tool in environments where a firearm is not an option,” Janich said. “That’s why we’ve developed so many designs with input from serious users, like Massad Ayoob, James Keating, Kelly McCann and retired Navy SEAL Chief James ‘Patches’ Watson, all renowned selfdefense experts with real-world credentials. If a prospective buyer doesn’t recognize those names, filling them in is a great ‘conversation carrier’ while you’re demonstrating a knife’s features.” Janich says BlackHawk’s designs create selling options for every customer. “Most of our folders offer tip-up or tip-down, right or left-hand carry,” Janich said. “Carry clips can be repositioned in less than a minute — that can be a very profitable minute for a dealer. Some models come with the TCCS (Total Concealed Carry Solution), which offers over 70 carry options — something unique to BlackHawk’s designs. Buyers have named it as a key consideration in their decision to purchase.” 9 KNIFE MARKET A .G . Russell Knives . . . . . . . . . . .358 Al Mar Knives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .359 Atlanta Cutlery . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360 Bear & Son Cutlery . . . . . . . . . . .361 Benchmade Knife Co . . . . . . . . . .362 Beretta Knives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .363 BlackHawk Blades . . . . . . . . . . . .364 Blade-Tech Industries . . . . . . . . .365 Browning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .366 Buck Knives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .367 Chris Reeve Knives . . . . . . . . . . .368 Coast Cutlery Co . . . . . . . . . . . . .369 Cold Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .370 Colt Knives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .371 Columbia River Knife & Tool . . . . .372 Combat Elite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .373 Diamond Machining Tech . . . . . . .374 Edgecraft Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .375 Elishewitz Custom Creations . . . . .376 Emerson Knives . . . . . . . . . . . . .377 EZE-LAP Diamond Products . . . . .378 Frost Cutlery Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . .379 Gerber Legendary Blades . . . . . . .380 Glock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381 Great American Tool Co . . . . . . . .382 GT Knives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .383 Gutmann Cutlery . . . . . . . . . . . . .384 HallMark Cutlery . . . . . . . . . . . . .385 Heckler & Koch . . . . . . . . . . . . . .386 Ka-Bar Knives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .387 Katz Knives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .388 Kershaw Knives . . . . . . . . . . . . .389 Kimber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .390 KutMaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .391 Leatherman Tool Group . . . . . . . .392 Lightfoot Kniv2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=40http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=40The companies listed have featured advertisements or products in this issue. Look to them first when you are ready to make a purchase. Companies ArmaLite Benchmade Bond Arms Brownells Charles Daly Charter Arms Cobra Enterprises of Utah Colonial Arms Crimson Trace DPMS/Panther Arms Elite Sports Express Ellett Brothers FNH USA Fobus Galco GunsAmerica Hardigg Cases Kwik-Site Leupold & Stevens Lone Wolf Knives Millett MTM Case-Gard Pearce Grip Scherer Supplies Smith & Wesson Sporting Products Sports South Stag Arms STI International Sturm, Ruger & Co. Circle # 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 ----211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 Page 6 9 43 12 1 43 12 43 15 28 21 42 3 23 37 17 32 33 47 39 5 27 32 5 38 48 2 10-11 21 7 Companies Winchester Ammunition Winchester Repeating Arms Circle # 282 283 Page 24 24 Companies Beretta Knives BlackHawk Blades Blade-Tech Industries Browning Buck Knives Chris Reeve Knives Coast Cutlery Co. Cold Steel Colt Knives Columbia River Knife & Tool Combat Elite Diamond Machining Tech. Edgecraft Corp. Elishewitz Custom Creations Emerson Knives EZE-LAP Diamond Products Frost Cutlery Co. Gerber Legendary Blades Glock Great American Tool Co. GT Knives Gutmann Cutlery HallMark Cutlery Heckler & Koch Ka-Bar Knives Katz Knives Kershaw Knives Kimber KutMaster Leatherman Tool Group Lightfoot Knives Lone Wolf Knives Masters of Defense McHenry Knife Co. Meyerco USA MicroTech Knives Moteng Outdoor Edge Cutlery Randall Made Knives Remington Arms Savage Arms Sig Sauer Smith & Wesson Smith Abrasives SOG Specialty Knives Springfield Armory Spyderco Inc. Strider Knives Sturm, Ruger & Co. Swiss Army Taylor Cutlery TigerSharp Technologies Tighe Knives Timberline Knives W.R. Case & Sons William Henry Knives Cutlery Wilson Tactical Circle # 363 364 365 366 367 368 369 370 371 372 373 374 375 376 377 378 379 380 381 382 383 384 385 386 387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 395 396 397 398 399 400 401 402 403 404 405 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 413 414 415 416 417 418 419 Page 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 ADVERTISERS ADCO Sales Advantage Camouflage Ameristep Benelli USA Corp. Beretta USA Browning B-Square BuckWing Products Burris Bushnell Outdoors Butler Creek Carry-Lite Charles Daly Cody Turkey Calls Comp-N-Choke Delta Industries DK Flatwoods Doskocil Manufacturing DownWind 3D Camouflage Feather Flex Federal Premium Flambeau Game Tracker/Eastman H&R 1871 Haydel’s Game Calls HiViz Sight Hunter’s Specialties Kahles Kick’s Industries Knight & Hale Lohman Lynch Outdoor Products Leupold & Stevens M.A.D. Calls MOJO Outdoors Mossy Oak New England Arms Corp. New England Firearms O.F. Mossberg & Sons Outland Sports Pape’s Penn’s Woods Pentax Primos Hunting Calls Quaker Boy Game Calls Realtree Camouflage Remington Arms Co. Schawbel Corp. Shannon Outdoors Simmons Outdoor Corp. TruGlo Inc. Whitewater Outdoors TURKEY SALES 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 A.R.M.S. Inc. Action Target Advanced Technology ArmaLite Barrett Firearms Battenfeld Technologies Bell and Carlson Benelli USA Beretta USA Birchwood Casey Boyds’ Gunstocks Boyt Harness Co. Browning B-Square Bushmaster Butler Creek Caesar Guerini Caldwell Shooting Supplies Century International Arms Champion Charles Daly Colt’s Mfg. Inc. Command Arms Accessories CZ-USA Dakota Arms Inc. DPMS EMF Co. Inc. FNH USA Galco International GG&G Gunslick H&R 1871 Harris Engineering Heckler & Koch Inc. Henry Repeating Arms Hi-Point Firearms Hogue Grips H-S Precision Inc. Hunter Co. Kel-Tec Kimber2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=41http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=41See Your Product Here! If you are a manufacturer, importer, distributor or entrepreneur with a newsworthy, new or revised product available to dealers or distributors, let us know! We have room for about 80 words. Pictures should be color, if possible. Electronic images, transparencies and glossy prints are acceptable. Product releases are printed on a space-available basis at the discretion of the editorial staff. Address all releases to: New Products Editor SHOOTING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE 12345 World Trade Dr. San Diego, CA 92128 SHOOTING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE www.shootingindustry.com FMG Publications Defensive Shotgun DVD New for 2008, Clint Smith brings his unique teaching style to this two-DVD set (1 hour, 26 minutes) on “Defensive Shotgun: Logical Solutions For The Real World.” Filmed at Thunder Ranch in Oregon, the DVDs are packed with tips, techniques and Smith’s personal observations about the tactics and gear that work best, including a Mental Preparation and Logic Lecture; Proper Technique and Application; Single, Double, Pump and SemiAuto; Loading, Carry and Presentation; Room Clearing and Proper Light Use; Range Drills; Demonstration and more. Sabre Defence Industries M5 Tactical Rifle Sabre Defence Industries (615) 333-0077 www.sabredefence.com The M5 Tactical rifle is available in 5.56mm, 6.5 Grendel and 7.62x39. The M5 has a 14.5" chrome-moly-vanadium barrel with a 1:7 twist, and comes with an A2 flash hider, mid-length gas system and railed handguard. The stock is adjustable for length-of-pull. The rifle features an Ergo Grip and 552 EOTech Holographic weapon sight. FMG Publications 1-800-628-9818 www.americanhandgunner.com Circle # 429 Circle # 424 Caesar Guerini Trap Guns Caesar Guerini’s new trap guns are available in three models: Summit Trap, Magnus Trap Limited and Maxum Trap — as unsingle, over-and-under and combo sets, in 30", 32" and 34" barrels. The Dynamic Tuning System allows custom tuning and adjustments, plus the guns have an adjustable rib and stock. The guns include the Maxis Bore/Choke System and a factory-installed release trigger is available as an option. The guns features Turkish walnut stocks and 26 linesper-inch checkering. Caesar Guerini (410) 901-1131 www.gueriniusa.com SureFire WeaponLight SureFire’s X300 combines the features of the two versions of the X200 WeaponLight. The X300 provides a maximum output of 110 lumens and offers a tightly focused beam for extended reach and a wider-angle beam for CQB (closequarter battle) situations. Circle # 423 A. Uberti 1876 Rifle A. Uberti Uberti has reproduced the 1876 Rifle, originally introduced as the Winchester 1876 “Centennial Rifle.” True to the original, the Uberti 1876 rifle is chambered in .45-60. Future chamberings will include the .40-60, .45-75 and .50-95. The rifle has a 28" octagonal barrel, color-case hardened receiver and A-grade walnut for the straight stock and forend. It is 48" long and weighs 10 lbs. (301) 283-6300 www.uberti.com SureFire 1-800-828-8809 www.surefire.com Circle # 420 www.shootingindustry.com Circle # 432 MARCH 2008 412008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=42http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=42S&K Gunstocks Ultra Walnut Stock S&K Industries The Ultra Walnut Bull Barrel Stock for the Ruger 10-22 has a wider and deeper barrel channel to accommodate the larger-dimension .920 barrel. As with all Ultra Walnut stocks, it is drop-in ready with no semi-inletting or gunsmithing required. It also features 18 linesper-inch checkering on the grip and forend. The stocks are available in fancy and extra-fancy grade walnut. 1-866-419-2163 www.sandkgunstocks.com Circle # 428 SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Visionary Folders SOG’s Visionary folders feature the same blade design as the Spec Elite series. They feature handles of an XRay Vision design, and Arc-Lock. The Visionary I (VS-01) has a 3" blade and is 7" overall. The Visionary II (VS-02) has a blade length of 3.75" with an overall length of 8.37". Smith & Wesson Stainless i-Bolt Smith & Wesson Smith & Wesson has added a stainless version of the i-Bolt bolt-action rifle to its line. The i-Bolt Stainless is available in .25-06, .270 Win., .30-06 Win., 7mm Mag. and .300 Win. Mag. It features a box-style magazine and a Realtree AP synthetic stock. 1-800-331-0852 www.smith-wesson.com SOG Specialty Knives & Tools 1-888-405-6433 www.sogknives.com Circle # 430 Circle # 431 42 MARCH 2008 Circle No. 211 on Inquiry Card www.shootingindustry.com2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=43http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=43Gould & Goodrich Leather K-Force Holster The Model 320 has a compact body, molded sight protector and a patented mid-ride belt loop. It also features dualtriggerguard locks, a forward-then-up draw and wraparound construction of molded polymer laminate, plus a wicking suede lining. Circle No. 203 on Inquiry Card With a revolver you have choices… Gould & Goodrich 1-800-277-0732 www.gouldusa.com Circle # 425 Charter Arms revolvers give you choices in your ammunition selection. You can pretty much cover any threatening situation all in one cylinder load. Since most threats take place at a range of 10' or less - whichever response you choose, it needs to be quick AND effective! Choose a Charter revolver for personal protection—they’re rugged, reliable and always at the ready. For more information on Charter firearms or to locate the dealer nearest you, visit www.charterfirearms.com. Advanced Technology AR-15 Collapsible Stock The AR-15 Six-Position Collapsible Stock with pistol grip and buttpad fits all AR-15 variants and includes a sling swivel stud and slot for a tactical sling attachment. The Mil-Spec stock uses the original buffer tube and has a removable cheekrest, and is adjustable up to 3/8". Made from matte-black, glass-filled nylon, the stock installs with no gunsmithing. www.charterfirearms.com Circle No. 206 on Inquiry Card The Mag Pug 357 MAG Now, withShooting a greater selection of choke tubes, Colonial Arms will have everyone asking MKS/Charter: Industry_Quarter Page_ March 08 New to the already vast selection of choke tubes: » 16 gauge True-Size flushmounted lead shot and 3/8” extended knurled sporting clays in Cylinder, Skeet One, Improved Cylinder, Skeet Two, Modified, Improved Modified and Full constrictions. » Beretta/Benelli Optima Choke Plus in flushmounted lead shot, extended knurled Made in the USA of USA Materials. sporting clays and “Elite Series” ported in Cylinder, Skeet One, Improved Cylinder, Skeet Two, Modified, Improved Modified and Full constrictions as well as ported Full and Extra Full Turkey constrictions. » 3/8” extended knurled end choke tubes in Skeet Two constriction for most choke tube systems in 12 gauge and 20 gauge True-Size. Huge selection of choke tubes for the ever popular Spartan by Remington, Baikal and Savage 411 shotguns in 12, 16, 20, 28 and 410 gauges. If your barrels are not threaded for choke tubes, Colonial Arms can install a new system at very reasonable prices with an extremely quick turnaround. WHAT’S IN YOUR BARREL? Advanced Technology 1-800-925-2522 www.atigunstocks.com 800.949.8088 • 251.580.5000 • 251.580.5006 1 504 Highway 3 1 South • Bay Minette AL 36507 Circle # 421 www.shootingindustry.com www.ColonialArms.com ™ 1504 Hwy. 31 POB 250 Bay Minette, AL 36507 “Heart of Dixie” Circle No. 208 on Inquiry Card MARCH 2008 432008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=44http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=44ACCESSORIES Bianchi International Pocket Change Holster The Model 4501 Pocket Change holster features rubberized grip material on both sides of the holster’s exterior, allowing it to be slipped into a pocket, yet stay firmly in place. The nylon material inside the holster allows for a smooth draw and the design reduces “imprint” and minimizes bulk. The Pocket Change is available in two sizes: one for small-frame 2" revolvers and one for .380 medium-size semiautos such as the Sig Sauer P230, Walther PPK and similar pistols. Fiocchi Ammunition .45 Auto XTPHP Fiocchi’s .45 Auto XTPHP ammunition features Hornady’s XTP 230-grain bullet and a nickel-plated brass case. At the muzzle, the cartridge is rated at 900 fps velocity with an energy of 355 Gold foot pounds. Plated COLLECTORS IDENTIFY YOURSELF THIS BADGE MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE Police Quality Gold Plated 100% LEGAL FOR PERMIT HOLDERS Badge Case & Shipping FREE With Order Order Toll Free Size 2” x 3” Money Back Guarantee MSRP: $58.00 You Save $20.00 PO Box 970057 Coconut Creek, FL 33097 $38 Bianchi International 1-800-477-8545 www.bianchi-intl.com Fiocchi Ammunition 1-800-721-2666 $49.00 www.fiocchiusa.com Add $4.00 S/H 1-877-332-2343 www.maxarmory.com Circle # 422 Circle # 427 Classified ads are: $2.00 per word per insertion 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 word each. Mail to SHOOTING INDUSTRY CLASSIFIEDS, 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. TAPCO Vertical Grip The TAPCO Fusion Vertical Grip firmly locks to any Picatinny rail and is contoured for maximum comfort and grip. The Vertical Grips feature an internal, waterproof storage area to hold two 123A batteries. They are available in most standard colors and finishes and match all other Fusion components. Laser Devices Aiming Laser The ITAL-HP (Inline Tactical Aiming Laser) beam, when focused, provides pinpoint aiming and pointing. When defocused, it provides supplemental infrared illumination. The ITAL-HP has a low-power setting for use indoors, and for closerange and in force-on-force training. The ITAL-HP is activated with a remote cable pressure pad switch with momentary and continuous modes, and automatically shuts down after 5 minutes of continuous operation. The ITAL-HP is available to L.E. and military only. L OOKI N G T O T HE FUT URE ! • Shot Show® Review Law Enforcement - New L.E. Guns - New Gear - Best Deals • Increase Your Handgun Sales BONUS:L.E. 2008 New Products TAPCO Laser Devices 1-800-554-1445 www.tapco.com 1-800-235-2162 www.laserdevices.com Circle # 433 44 MARCH 2008 Circle # 426 www.shootingindustry.com2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=45http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=45Continued from page 46 A Clint Smith DVDs Hot Sellers C Birchwood Casey Celebrates 60 Years ongratulations to Birchwood Casey on 60 years of providing shooters, collectors and gunsmiths innovative products, including Tru-Oil Gun Stock Finish, Perma Blue Liquid Gun Blue and ShootN-C Targets. Company officials marked the anniversary during a dinner at the SHOT Show. Visit www.birchwoodcasey.com. hot seller at our SHOT Show booths was the DVD firearm training series featuring Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch. The DVDs, filmed at Clint’s training facility in Oregon, were produced by FMG Publications and are offered exclusively by Thunder Ranch and FMG. Given the overwhelming response to the DVDs at the show, Randy Moldé, our promotions director, is considering offering the series to dealers for sale in their stores. There are six training sessions in the series, each featuring two DVDs of Clint’s unique teaching style. The DVD titles are “Defensive Handgun,” “Urban Rifle,” “Defensive Tactics,” and new for 2008: “Defensive Revolver,” “Defensive Shotgun” and “Defensive Firearms.” Visit www.americanhandgunner.com for more information on the series. While you’re on the Web site, you may purchase each twoDVD set for $49.95. Better yet, e-mail Randy Moldé and let him know you want to sell the series in your store. Randy’s e-mail: randy@ shootingindustry.com. I llinois gun dealers have banded together as the newest state chapter of the National Association of Firearms Retailers (NAFR), a division of NSSF. The Illinois Association of Firearms Retailers (ILAFR) will represent the rights of the 1,750 federally licensed firearms retailers in the Prairie State. And, as in all states, there are plenty of challenges. “Whether facing anti-gun legislation, overzealous regulations or frivolous lawsuits, firearms retailers in Illinois have been bullied into a corner,” said Larry Keane, NSSF senior V.P. and general counsel. “With the birth of the ILAFR, retailers in the Land of Lincoln will now have an opportunity to more effectively combat anti-gun entities seeking to legislate or regulate them out of existence.” Illinois is one of many states that have organized a state association with NAFR. On a national level, NAFR provides dealers with a unified voice in Washington, D.C., on regulatory and legislative affairs that impact their business. For more information on NAFR, visit www.nafr.org. I Illinois Gun Dealers Form Alliance n addition to the massive SHOT Show, there are many other trade shows conducted in the early part of the year, along with the NASGW event in November. Unique among them is RSR Group’s virtual trade show. In mid-January, RSR held its seventh “E-Show: New Year Expo” and reports “record dealer attendance.” Instead of those “miles of aisles,” dealers attend the E-Show via their computers, visiting “virtual booths,” entering giveaways and placing orders online 24 hours a day. “A retailer doesn’t have to leave their store and can sit at home in his or her bathrobe and fuzzy slippers and attend our show via the Internet,” said Bob Steger, RSR Group president and CEO. “I think the show concept is an industry hot button right now. Everybody has an opinion on this subject and I think it would make a good story.” We agree and are developing a story on RSR’s virtual trade show concept. What is your opinion on such shows? E-mail me your thoughts: russ@shootingindustry.com. For more information on RSR group, visit www.rsrgroup.com. RSR Pioneers Virtual Trade Show E-mail the Editor russ@shootingindustry.com www.shootingindustry.com e’ve promoted the new report “Hunting and Fishing: Bright Stars of the American Economy” several times in SI, and for good reason. The numbers in the report, presented by state, carry political clout, which is invaluable, especially during an election year. Say you’re in Maryland, a state rife with anti-hunting, anti-gun legislators. Do you think letting your political representatives know that hunters spend $265 mil2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=46http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=46Russ Thurman FMG Shines At SHOT Show 2008 he world’s “largest trade show of its kind” keeps getting larger and larger and larger. If you attended the 30th annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas in early February and you’re not bone-tired, stumbling-weary, bleary-eyed (you get the point), you either went to the wrong convention center or you know something the rest of us don’t. SHOT Show 2008 lived up to its billing as “a must-attend celebration,” with NSSF reporting records in virtually every measurable category of size and attendance. I’m grateful NSSF didn’t remind us of the number of “miles of aisles” at the show. Exhibitors were understandably delighted in the number of dealers and buyers crowding their booths, with many reporting record sales. We at FMG Publications were immensely pleased with the crowds that descended on our two booths, one in General Hunting and Shooting, the other in Law Enforcement & Tactical Gear. Visitors crowded in to talk business, meet our staff and deliver new-product information. Dealers eagerly snatched up copies of Shooting Industry, GUNS Magazine, American Handgunner and American COP, along with extra copies of our everElizabeth Jarrell T popular SHOT Show floor map. A new attraction this year at our booth was campaign-style buttons, which proclaimed our election-year positions, while promoting our magazines, of course: “Put GUNS In Every Home,” “Every American Should Be A Handgunner,” “Say No To Catch And Release: American COP,” and my favorite: “New Economic Policy: Buy. Shoot. Repeat — Shooting Industry.” Dealers and other attendees collected the buttons as if they were cast in gold. Also on display at our booth was a commemorative print, recognizing FMG Publications as a “30-Year Exhibitor.” Eighty companies have exhibited at every SHOT Show since the first one in 1979. We’re proud to be one of them. Our president, Tom von Rosen, accepted the commemorative artwork from Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice president. Representatives from the NRA also stopped by our booth on the first day of the show to present a framed “Insure Your Gun Rights” poster, designating FMG as one of the industry companies contribut- Buy. Shoot. Repeat. Supporting The Industry ing to this important, election-year membership drive. Again, we’re proud to step forward as one of the companies that’s always there, whether it’s being at every SHOT Show, supporting industry-driven initiatives or holding special events. That includes the Shooting Industry Masters, which raised $15,000 for NSSF’s Step Outside program in 2007. While we sent the money to NSSF shortly after the July 2007 match, von Rosen presented a symbolic check to Doug Painter, NSSF president, during the organization’s board of directors meeting. We also presented “thankyou” plaques to our 2007 Shooting Industry Masters sponsors at the show. We appreciate their support in helping us raise money for and awareness of the Step Outside program. Finally, I’d like to thank all of you who stopped by our booth to present your new-product information, explain new programs and discuss what is happening at your companies and gun shops. Next month, I begin my 15th year as the editor of Shooting Industry and it is always nice to have the family stop by for a chat. Continued on page 45 At left, Steve Sanetti (center), Ruger president, accepts a thank-you plaque for Ruger’s sponsorship of the Shooting Industry Masters from Russ Thurman (left), SI editor, and Randy Moldé, Masters chairman. Above, Susan Houde-Walter (left), CEO of LaserMax, stops by FMG’s booth for a visit. We’re Calling You Out! Gun Valley Showdown. Page 34 46 MARCH 2008 www.shootingindustry.com2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=47http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=47It took a company obsessed with light transmission to come up with an idea this good: MX Modular Flashlights. TM We’ve spent 100 years perfecting the world’s best sports optics. In that time, we’ve learned that one size doesn’t fit all. So we set out to build a flashlight that could cater to anyone, by giving you the power to build it yourself. The new MX Modular Flashlight is completely customizable. Choose a bezel – ultrabright Xenon or True WhiteTM LED – and pair it with a two- or three-cell maintube. Then add the Dual Mode Tail Switch to cast light wherever you need it most. Or, choose one of our two preconfigured models, each with interchangeable components. Plus, each MX is rugged and waterproof to four atmospheres. To learn more, visit www.leupold.com and step into the light. MX-020 Two-Cell Maintube MX-100 Xenon Single Mode Bezel MX-200 True WhiteTM LED Single Mode Bezel MX-300 True WhiteTM LED Multi-Mode Hunter Bezel MX-400 True WhiteTM LED Multi-Mode Tactical Bezel 1-800-LEUPOLD » www.leupold.com © 2008 Leupold & Stevens, Inc. MX-030 Three-Cell Maintube MX-001 Dual Mode Tail Switch MX-121 Xenon Modular Flashlight MX-221 True WhiteTM LED Modular Flashlight Circle No. 218 on Inquiry Card2008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=48http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2008/?Page=48www.JPSauerUSA.com Circle No. 225 on Inquiry Card 866-219-85522008-09-22T22:11:45+02:00