http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/RSS.ashxShooting Industry March 2010 PagesFri, 11 Feb 2011 20:14:43 +0100http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=1http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=1INDUSTRY POSTS STRONG START TO 2010 MARCH 2010 TURKEY PRODUCTS What Your Customers Want &Accessories Where's The Market? Long Guns Knife Sales Sharpen Your The Fiocchi Tundra Tungsten compound is the breakthrough innovation in waterfowl hunting. Shotshell Hunting Line Deforms like Lead, can be used with ALL chokes AND is non toxic. Outdoor Marketplace Available in 9.5 g./cc (superior weight to Bismuth) and 12.5 g./cc (superior weight to lead). ASAP Survival Gear For the Fiocchi dealer near you, Call 417.449.1043 / visit www.fiocchiusa.com www.shootingindustry.com2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=2http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=22011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=3http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=3Flies Like a Ballistic Tip ® Hits Like a Ballistic Missile Metallic Colored Polymer Tip Initiates Explosive Expansion on Impact Patent Pending Fragmenting Copper Core Technology™ BT Lead Free™ is Certified For Use In California’s Non-Lead Zone Same Retail Price As Standard Ballistic Tip® BTLeadFree.com | 800.285.37012011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=4http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=4MARCH 2010 • VOLUME 55 • NUMBER 03 Features 26 Page 26 What Do Turkey Hunters Want? Accessories Galore And Your Expertise! Carolee Anita Boyles 31 37 Long Guns & Accessories Despite A Sour Economy, Sales Will Be Steady In 2010. Russ Thurman Cutting Edge On Knife Profits Five Tried-And-True Tips To Sharpen Cutlery Sales. John Morrison Industry News Page 31 8 9 10 16 Industry Posts Strong Start To 2010 NSSF Addresses SHOT Show Complaints KBI Ceases Operation Newsmakers SI DIGITAL Hot Link Columns 18 Page 37 Lethal Force When Tragedy Strikes, Be Prepared. Massad Ayoob 20 22 24 46 Outdoor Marketplace Selling Preparedness With ASAP Survival Gear. J.K. Autry Arms And The Woman Airguns Expand Training Options For Dealers. Lisa Parsons-Wraith Back Blast & Other Hot Gases Watch Out! Hollow-Point Gherkins Overhead! Commander Gilmore Industry Watch In A Word: “Massachusetts!” Russ Thurman Departments Page 20 SI DIGITAL 6 41 Letters New Products SI DIGITAL Hot Link 44 45 Reader Service Classifieds VIDEO Visit www.shootingindustry.com to request a free subscription to SI Digital and view the special features in this edition. 4 MARCH 2010 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© 2010 by Publishers' Development Corporation. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any portion of this magazine without written permission is prohibited. Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=5http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=5SINCE 1955 — THE INDUSTRY’S BUSINESS MAGAZINE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Thomas von Rosen, CEO; Thomas Hollander, Randy Moldé, Marjorie Young PUBLISHER & EDITOR Russ Thurman Editorial Assistant Roxanne Smith Art Director Eric Tse Advertising Sales Director Anita Carson Advertising Sales Assistant Dana Hatfield Production Manager Dennaye Cusick Promotions Coordinator Elizabeth O’Neill Web Site Manager Lorinda Massey Staff Photographer Joseph Novelozo CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Massad Ayoob Shari LeGate John Morrison Carolee Anita Boyles Ray Oeltjen Lisa Parsons-Wraith FMG PUBLICATIONS shootingindustry.com Publisher & Editor: Russ Thurman Advertising: Delano Amaguin, 888.732.6461 email: delano@shootingindustry.com americancopmagazine.com Editor: Suzi Huntington Advertising: Denny Fallon, 800.426.4470 email: denny@americancopmagazine.com americanhandgunner.com Publisher & Editor: Roy Huntington Advertising: Steve Evatt, 800.533.7988 email: steve@americanhandgunner.com gunsmagazine.com Editor: Jeff John Advertising: Andrew Oram, 866.903.1199 email: andrew@gunsmagazine.com Editor: Sammy Reese Advertising: Scott McGregor, 800.553.7780 email: scott@gunsmagazine.com ONLINE ADVERTISING MANAGER: Tracy Moore, CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Lori Robbins, TEL: 888.651.7566, FAX: 858.605.0205, tracy@fmgpublications.com TEL: 800.633.8001, FAX: 858.605.0247, classads@fmgpublications.com Built for the U .S . Military, the NEW lightweight MRDS delivers unsurpassed tactical performance . Available in either a 3 .5 MOA or 7 .0 MOA dot, the MRDS comes in black or tan, is adjustable for windage and elevation, weighs just 0 .85oz and features auto or manual dot intensity adjustment – making it the ideal accessory for tactical rifles and shotguns. Commercial Distributors RSR New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 458-4867 RSR Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 752-4867 RSR Wisconsin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 832-4867 RSR Nevada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 634-4867 Simmons Gun Specialties . . . . . (800) 444-0220 Sports South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 388-3845 All Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 452-8500 Bonitz Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 825-7060 Ellett Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 845-3711 Gun Accessory Supply . . . . . . . . (800) 755-4867 Jerry’s Sport Center . . . . . . . . . . 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(800) 359-6912 SPECIAL EDITION fmgpublications.com For More Information Find Us At: InsightTechnology.com Toll Free: 866-509-2040 FMG EAST COAST SALES: Sig Buchmayr, Buchmayr & Associates, NATIONAL ADVERTISING: 12345 World Trade Dr., San Diego, CA 28 Great Hill Rd., Darien, CT 06820, TEL: 203.662.9740, sigbuch@optonline.net 92128, TEL: 866.972.4545, FAX: 858.605.0211, anita@shootingindustry.com CUSTOMER SERVICE www.shootingindustry.com SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 858.605.0254 Express Service . . . . . . . www.shootingindustry.com and click “contacts” EDITORIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888.315.3638 email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . russ@shootingindustry.com PRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 858.605.0210 email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . production@shootingindustry.com email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .sng@g-glaw.com General Counsel/Legal Affairs: . . . . . Steele N. Gillaspey PRODUCED IN THE U.S.A. www.shootingindustry.com MARCH 2010 52011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=6http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=6Letters Letters to the editor I was recently in a store in Southern Ohio, Lock Stock & Barrel Gun Shop. At the register, I was asked if I was a NRA member. I was embarrassed, but said, “No, not at this time.” I had been a member at different times over the years, and had let my membership expire. The first thing I did when I got home was renew my membership. I don’t know if it is a common practice for gun stores to ask if their customers are members of the NRA, but I think it is a good idea. If all the firearms stores asked their customers if they are NRA members, just maybe it would embarrass some and/or encourage others to join. Bob Boyd via: American Handgunner Magazine As we continue to witness the slow abatement of the ammo “crisis,” I hope full-time, independent firearms retailers do not forget lessons learned from this period. As avail- Are You An NRA Member? Taken For Granted ability improves, one should shift buying patterns to manufacturers who made efforts to supply us, and not the big marts — at our expense and our distributors’ expense. Likewise, we should not forget to bestow future business on distributors who took care of us, instead of those who took our past business for granted and used our “potential” allocations to either jack up prices or to pursue and lock in new accounts (including gun-show-only “dealers”), leaving us “good old saddles,” upon whom they rode so well until now, without a horse to carry us! Being taken for granted, whether by makers or sellers, is not only destructive to our beleaguered retailers, but is insulting, as well. We who write the checks don’t have to take it. Jack C. Little, Owner Whetstone Surplus High Point, N.C. seen three of the nicest sales reps no longer with the distributors we use. All three were friendly, courteous and kind. They would greet you with “Hi, how you doing, today?” or other kind words. They always had a few seconds to be “non-business.” It was “Did you have a nice Thanksgiving?” “How was your Christmas?” We felt welcome. Have the distributors gotten to the point where sales reps have to start out with “Joe, what do you want?” We have now said that if our rep doesn’t call once in a while, hasn’t got time to say “Hi,” then we will find another distributor who will welcome our business. With firearms sales at an all-time high, you would think distributors would let their sales staffs be a bit friendlier. F.A. Hoffmeyer, Owner/Manager Hoffmeyer’s L.E. Sales Cedar Ridge, Calif. 9 Where Are The Friendly Reps? In the last month and a half, we have E-mail the Editor russ@shootingindustry.com 6 MARCH 2010 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=7http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=7www.shootingindustry.com MARCH 2010 72011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=8http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=8Industry Industry news Industry Posts Strong Start To 2010 By Russ Thurman he industry began 2010 with a strong boost from a record-setting 2009, an impressive number of sales in the final weeks of December and a notable number of firearm background checks in January 2010. In contrast to much of the nation’s business, and defying economic trends, the industry is poised for a favorable year. “I think we’re going to have a good year. I don’t think it’s going to be a robust year like last year, but I think it will be a decent year,” said Ron Coburn, Savage Arms CEO. “I don’t believe this year will match the increases we had in 2009, but I think 2010 will be a good year,” said Bryan Tucker, Davidson’s CEO. “We thought it would slow down (from 2009), but business is strong. We’re expecting another record year,” said Jeff Hoffman, Black Hills Ammunition president. Consumers provided a much-appreciated boost in business during December, with a surge of sales, especially during the last two weeks of the year. Manufacturers, distributors and dealers reported high sales numbers during the closing weeks, which greatly reduced inventory. Selling Preparedness With ASAP — pg. 20 T “ “It was a very good December for us, especially the last couple of weeks. Last year was extremely good for us; we were up 60 to 70 percent,” Tucker said. In December, the National Instant Background Checks Systems (NICS) conducted 1,407,155 investigations, the thirdhighest monthly number in the history of the system. For the year, NICS conduced a record 14,033,824 checks, a 10.4-percent I don’t think it’s going to be a robust year like last year, but I think it will be a decent year. increase over 2008. With that level of record-setting numbers, many in the industry approached 2010 with some trepidation, believing consumer buying would cool greatly. However, consumers continued to make purchases, with NICS reporting it conducted 1,119,229 background checks during the first month of the year. While this was 7.8-percent fewer investigations than in January 2009 — the third month of the ’08/’09 buying surge — it was an impressive 18.7-percent increase over January 2008. ” The combination of December sales, reduced inventory and consumer confidence set a positive tone at SHOT Show 2010 in January. “I was a little more pessimistic about 2010 prospects before coming to this show, but that’s changed after listening to the dealers and seeing their enthusiasm,” Tucker said. While there are clear signs to justify such enthusiasm, there are still a number of factors that can challenge the industry: unemployment that hovers near 10 percent, an uncertain economy that lurches in a different direction daily, and a turbulent government that continues to send mixed messages affecting large and small businesses. These factors generate concern, even for those who forecast a good 2010 for the industry. “You’ve heard this term many times: cautiously optimistic, and I think it applies more now than prior years,” Coburn said. Note: The number of NICS background checks does not reflect the actual number of firearms sold. However, the data is the most reliable, up-to-date indicator of consumer activity. Freedom Group Acquires Barnes Bullets he Freedom Group Inc., through a wholly owned subsidiary, has acquired certain assets of Barnes Bullets. The transaction closed Dec. 31, 2009. Barnes Bullets will continue day-to-day operations at its Mona, Utah-based location under the guidance of company president, Randy Brooks. T “We welcome Randy and his team to the Freedom Group family,” said Ted Torbeck, CEO of the Freedom Group. “With the acquisition of Barnes, the Freedom Group continues to demonstrate our commitment to the ammunition business. Barnes offers a premium line of high-performance bullets. We are excited about their research and development capabilities, and the breadth of the products they bring to our portfolio.” For more information, visit www.freedom-group.com and www.barnesbu2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=9http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=9Industry news NSSF Addresses SHOT Show Complaints S HOT Show 2010 was a show of contrasts, with most exhibitors rating it as very successful for business, despite a seemingly continuous stream of complaints concerning the show’s venue. The Sands Convention Center presented problems for NSSF, with some exhibitors clustered in smaller halls and those on Level One dealing with a low ceiling that did not lend itself to the atmosphere associated with the SHOT Show. NSSF officials say they are addressing the complaints. At the same time, they emphasize there is a challenge if the show is to be held in Las Vegas in January. “I don’t think many of the complaints are deserved,” said Steve Sanetti, NSSF president. “In survey after survey, attendees and exhibitors want the SHOT Show to be in Las Vegas in January ‘no matter what.’ The Las Vegas Convention Center is not available to the NSSF during January. The only place we can get everyone under the same roof is the Sands Convention Center.” The contrast of a great business show and the complaints is frustrating, according to Chris Dolnak, NSSF senior vice president. “A lot of the complaints are legitimate, we know that,” Dolnak said. “But the frustrating part is, some of them come from the same folks who were pleading three months ago, ‘Please, I’ll take anything, if you can just get me into the show.’ Then, we get them into the show, and we visit with them and ask, ‘How’s floor traffic?’ ‘Great.’ ‘How’s business?’ ‘We’re writing more orders than we did last year or perhaps more than we ever have.’ ‘Great.’ ‘How’s the show overall?’ ‘It sucks, I want to be upstairs, next to Remington.’ We can’t fix that.” Dolnak said next year’s SHOT Show at the Sands Convention Center is already sold out “in terms of exhibit space, under contract, under deposit.” He said NSSF has withheld space for more seating and rest areas. “We know we need more signage in the halls and common areas. We know we need to have more seating available and we know we need more information staff,” Dolnak said. “We’re also going to do some of the same things we tried to do for 2010. On the SHOT Show Web site, we gave everyone a navigation tool, that, unfortunately, people didn’t learn about or didn’t use.” Following this year’s show, NSSF officials conducted a number of surveys and Internet-based “chats” to gather information, including complaints and suggestions, to improve the venue for SHOT Show 2011 at the Sands Convention Center. “We recognize it’s not the easiest place to navigate and the signage to get people around the show was a bit confusing. However, I have no doubt that next year’s experience will be better, because of the actions we will be taking and because everyone will be back in a more familiar venue,” Sanetti said. Shooting Industry will have full coverage of SHOT Show 2010 in the April and May issues. NSSF conducted a live Internet chat concerning the 2010 SHOT Show on Feb. 16. It SI DIGITAL Hot Link can be replayed at www.nssf.org/shotshowchat. www.shootingindustry.com MARCH 2010 92011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=10http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=10Industry news FBI Makes Arrests he FBI announced on Jan. 19 that “22 executives and employees of companies in the military and law enforcement products industry have been indicted for engaging in schemes to bribe foreign government officials to obtain and retain business.” The arrests were made on January 18. Twenty-one defendants were arrested in Las Vegas and one in Miami, according to a Department of Justice release. “The indictments stem from an FBI undercover operation that focused on allegations of foreign bribery in the military and law enforcement products industry,” the release said. T KBI Ceases Operation I On behalf of EMA Tactical, we want to address certain confusion that may have been caused by an advertisement that we, at EMA Tactical, recently placed in this publication. EMA Tactical is a company that is entirely separate and distinct from another company called Command Arms Accessories ("CAA"). EMA Tactical is not affiliated with CAA, and is not an authorized distributor of CAA products. Furthermore, EMA Tactical is not a successor in interest to CAA. Contact information for both parties is as follows: Command Arms Accessories 1208 Branagan Drive, Tullytown, PA 19007 T: 215-949-9944 • F: 215-949-9191 E: info@ematactical.com www.ematactical.com 780 Haunted Lane, Bensalem PA 19020 T: 267-803-1518 • F: 267-803-1002 E: info@commandarms.com www.commandarms.com n late January, Michael Kassnar, KBI Inc. president, sent a letter to the industry, announcing the longtime importer was going out of business, effective Jan. 29, 2010. The letter did not go into specifics. “I don’t want to go into each and every detail as to why this has occurred, except to say there have been a multitude of events over the past five years that have contributed to our current situation,” Kassnar wrote. Kassnar said the company was making arrangements to service the firearms it sold. “For those of you with ongoing service requirements, please be advised that we are currently negotiating with several companies that will be performing aftersale service of Charles Daly, CD Defense and Jericho firearms. As soon as we have finalized a contract with one of these companies, we will post the name, address and contact details of that company on www. CharlesDalyForum.com, so you will know who to contact to obtain service on your KBI firearm,” Kassnar wrote. “Again, I wish to thank all of you who have supported our company, Charles Daly, and all the other fine firearms we have sold over the years. This spells the end of KBI, but I imagine it will certainly not mean the end of Charles Daly and CD Defense. Look for this excellent brand to resurface in the very near future,” Kassnar concluded. 10 MARCH 2010 Read SI DIGITAL 1/29/10 3:14 PM www.shootingindustry.com EMA_0053_1-3_BW_RetractSI_4.625x5.indd 12011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=11http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=11Pelican Sends Survival And Rescue Items To Haiti P elican Products Inc. has contributed $100,000 worth of headlamps and flashlights to the Haiti relief effort. The in-kind donation is aiding and assisting rescuers, volunteers and emergency response teams in their relief efforts. “Our prayers go out to the people of Haiti,” said Lyndon Faulkner, Pelican’s president and CEO. “It is impossible to see the devastation and not want to help. We hope that our donation, along with the donations of others across the county, will help bring some relief to the people of Haiti.” Pelican cases also are being used by emergency response teams to transport and carry supplies to Haiti. Pelican has added a link to the American Red Cross donation page on its Web site, www.pelican. com. Visit the site for more information about Pelican products or call 1-800-473-5422. n the wake of Haiti’s earthquake devastation in January, Magnum Boots USA answered an appeal to fill a basic need — shoes. The company donated 900 pairs of boots and shoes via soles4souls.org. The footwear has been distributed to both victims of the earthquake and rescue/relief workers. “Our hearts go out to our Haitian neighbors as we struggle to comprehend the magnitude of this disaster, and we cannot forget how important basic necessities such as shoes will be in the ongoing rescue and rebuilding efforts,” said Bill Berta, CEO of Mag- I Magnum Boots USA Lends Support To Haiti num Boots USA. “We deeply appreciate the work of Soles4Souls, and encourage everyone to look into their own closets in support of this tragedy.” Berta adds that those wishing to help may donate gently used shoes to Souls4Souls. For more information, visit www.soles4souls. org. For more information about Magnum Boots USA, call 1-800521-1698 or visit www.magnumboots.com. NEW FEATURE! New from Visit Shooting Industry’s New Product Index Feature www.shootingindustry.com/productindex.html AR-15 8-Sided Forends Put any accessory exactly where you want it! Rails install at 45˚ increments around forend! Shoot comfortably with or without rails! ATI’s new AR-15 8-Sided Forends give you the ability to place rails at 45˚ increments so your options for adding accessories and customizing is virtually infinite! • Rail Locations at 45˚ Increments Around Forend • Position Rails to Exact Location Along Length of Forend • Military-Grade Anodized T6 Aluminum • Very Tough, Extremely Lightweight www.shootingindustry.com MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN • 800.925.2522 ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL MARCH 2010 112011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=12http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=12Industry news Benchmade Wins Business Of The Year Award enchmade Knife Co. has received the Oregon City Chamber of Commerce 2009 Business of the Year Award. “Benchmade is honored to be recognized by the Oregon City Chamber of Commerce,” said Les de Asis, company founder and owner. “As a Clackamas County business based in Oregon City for the past 14 years, Benchmade remains committed to supporting our local community.” The award is based on business responsiveness and employee involvement in serving the community, business growth in the past year and participation in the local community. The award was the latest business honor received by Benchmade in 2009. In November, the Portland Business Journal presented Benchmade with the 2009 Manufacturer of the Year award for a medium-sized company. In December, the journal recognized Benchmade as one of Oregon’s Most Admired Companies within the manufacturing companies division. In other Benchmade news, the company has announced a partnership with USA Shooting to help prepare American athletes to win Olympic medals and promote the B shooting sports throughout the United States. Benchmade is offering two exclusive USA Shooting Team knives, featuring the USA Shooting Team logo on the blades. A portion of the proceeds from every knife sold will be donated to the USA Shooting Team. “Benchmade takes great pride in supporting American athletes and manufacturing quality, USAmade products,” said Rob Morrison, director of marketing for Benchmade. “We are very excited about the partnership with USA Shooting.” “As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, USA Shooting relies on support from those who take a strong interest in the development of the U.S. Shooting Team,” said Buddy DuVall, executive director of the USA Shooting Team Foundation. “As our program continues to grow, we are excited and optimistic about the sponsorship efforts from Benchmade.” For more information about Benchmade Knife Co., call 1-800-800-7427 or visit www.benchmade.com. For more on USA Shooting, visit www.usashooting.com. Protect Yourself. Protect Your Rights. SABRE Red Maximum Strength Pepper Spray is an ideal self defense option—allowing you to defend yourself from a distance when lethal force is not justified. Your purchase of these officially NRA-licensed SABRE Red products helps support the NRA’s Training Programs. www.sabrered.com/nra For information on SABRE Civilian Safety Awareness Programs call 1-877-326-1880 or visit www.sabrered.com. Practice Canisters Available for NRA Instructors 12 MARCH 2010 747 Sun Park Drive, Fenton, MO 63026 • (636) 343-0200 • (800) 325-9568 Prospective purchasers should consult with a local attorney regarding laws which may govern the purchase, possession, carry or use of this product. Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=13http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=13Rigid steel receiver ® Exceptional Performance and Reliability! Ambidextrous safety Mini Red Dot Sight included Full length gas piston Ergonomic design for balance 30-round AR integrated connecting polymer magazines The SIG 556 rifle delivers unmatched reliability with virtually no cleaning or maintenance. At the very core of SIG 556 is a stainless steel upper housing that completely encloses a hardened steel monoblock. Threaded to a cold hammer forged barrel, this unique design provides an ultra rigid platform delivering unparalleled accuracy and performance. Gas volume is regulated by a two position valve that practically eliminates carbon build-up and firing residue, insuring reliable function under the most extreme conditions. 2 position gas valve Cold hammer forged barrel Folding buttstock for portability ® www.shootingindustry.com Fo r m o re i n f o rm a t i o n v MARCH i s i t s i g s a u2010 e r. c o m 132011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=14http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=14Industry news SCIF, Salvation Army Feed The Hungry he Salvation Army and the Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF) hosted their 11th Annual Feed the Hungry Feast in Reno on Jan. 19, 2010, as part of the SCI Annual Hunters’ Convention. More than 150 volunteers served nearly 2,000 meals, featuring elk meatloaf, to Reno’s needy citizens. The SCIF’s Sportsmen Against Hunger program contributes game meat to the Salvation Army, which helps organize the event. Over 800 pounds of Roosevelt elk and beef were donated by the Northern Nevada Chapter of Safari Club International and by Multiple Use Managers, a wildlife management service. “The economic difficulties being faced by families throughout the country have created a severe need for a healthful and safe source of protein. Our SCIF hunting family is proud to step up to the plate to provide thousands of highly nutritious, protein-packed meals by way of our continued donations of harvested game meat through our Sportsmen Against Hunger program,” said Gene Rurka, SCI Foundation Humanitarian Services chairman. For more information on Sportsmen Against Hunger, visit www.safariclubfoundation.org. T Hodgdon Powder Corrects Error In Manual odgdon Powder Co. has corrected a printing error that occurred in the 2010 Hodgdon Annual Manual. Pages 108 and 109 in the manual appear in reverse order. Contact Hodgdon Powder Co. for a free reprint of pages 108-109. Hodgdon asks that the 7mm caliber data as it appears in the 2010 Hodgdon Annual Manual be disregarded until the corrected copy is received. All Hodgdon, IMR and Winchester reloading data is also available in the Reloading Data Center at www.hodgdon.com, www.imrpowder.com and www.powder.com. For more information, call (913) 362-9455 or visit www.hodgdon.com. H Winchester Supports CSF inchester Ammunition has committed $15,000 to support the mission of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF). The organization provides a voice for all sportsmen and women in Congress to promote sportsmen’s issues. “It’s important to our company, our customers, our industry and the future of our hunting heritage that we step up and support organizations such as the CSF that play such a vital role in voicing our concerns for land management, hunting practices and other related issues that impact our industry,” said Dick Hammett, Winchester Ammunition president. For more information, visit www.winchester.com and www.sportsmenslink.org. W 14 MARCH 2010 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=15http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=15“America’s Choice for Recoil Reduction” Buck Knives Reports Successful 2009 uck Knives reports it posted steady retail sales for 2009, led by strength in the hunting segment of the market, despite a tough year for American business. Company officials say their Buck Knives American Commitment played a major role in the successful year. The commitment, begun in early 2009, pledged a significant increase in the percentage of knives made in the Post Falls, Idaho, plant. “We had absolute faith in this major step; that’s why we made the commitment,” said CJ Buck, president and CEO. “We fully anticipated a positive reaction and a successful year.” The American Commitment attracted a positive response from dealers and consumers. “Dealers welcomed the change,” Buck said. “They and their customers verified our belief that, given a choice, most people prefer products made in America.” Buck says the company plans another upsurge in domestic production in 2010, and they anticipate a 10-percent increase in their Idaho workforce. For more information about Buck Knives Inc., call 1-800-326-2825 or visit www.buckknives.com. The Most Advanced A Lyman Brand Ultra-Soft Slip-On Pads, Ever! Pachmayr ® B Combining the advanced recoil control of the Decelerator internal design and ultra-soft material with Pachmayr’s patented insert, this great looking slip-on pad is unmatched. In addition, the pad’s exclusive, extra soft material makes installation easier than ever. No other slip-on pad can match Pachmayr’s new Decelerator Slip-On at any price. Available in Black and Brown Models and Small, Med, & Lg. Sizes for all Shotgun/Rifle Types. No Other Slip-On Pad Has the Patented, Pachmayr SpeedMount® Insert. A Pachmayr original design, the SpeedMount insert delivers smooth, snag-free mounting when quick shooting is as important as recoil reduction. For a new Lyman catalog: www.lymanproducts.com or 800-22-LYMAN 475 Smith St., Middletown, CT 06457 Dept 3 081 Swivel Stud Clears With No Problem! Lyman ATF Offers Reward In Gun Store Burglary he ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the Nov. 4, 2009, burglary of the Yard Shop in Belvedere, S.C., a federally licensed firearms dealer. Twenty firearms, mostly handguns, were stolen from the store. Anyone with information about the crime may call the ATF Columbia Field Office at (803) 251-4600, the ATF Gun Hotline at 1-800-ATF-GUNS or 1-800283-4867 or the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 642-1763. All information will be treated confidentially and the callers will remain anonymous, if requested. www.shootingindustry.com MARCH 2010 15 T2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=16http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=16Industry Newsmakers newsmakers The board of directors of Sturm, Ruger & Co. Inc. has voted to increase the number of directors to nine, and has appointed Amir P. Rosenthal and Phillip C. Widman as its newest board members. Rosenthal is the CFO of Bauer Hockey. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College, a law degree from the New York University School of Law, and a Masters of science-management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. Widman is the senior vice president and CFO of Terex Corp., and is a director, nomi16 MARCH 2010 Sturm, Ruger & Co. Appoints Directors, Sales Executive nating and governance committee member and audit committee chairman of Lubrizol Corp. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Michigan, and a Masters of business administration in finance from Eastern Michigan University. Ruger also has named Robert W. Gates II as director of law enforcement, military and export sales. Gates will be responsible for the domestic L.E., federal agency, military and export trade channels, and will oversee independent distributors serving the L.E. community, all international distributors and representatives, in-house L.E. support activities and the Ruger Armorers training program. He will work closely with the Ruger engineering staff in related new product development. Gates previously served in L.E. and military sales and management positions with Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc., Alliant Techsystems (ATK), Smith & Wesson and Glock USA. He served as a South Dakota State Trooper and is a U.S. Army veteran. “Bob will be a very valuable addition to our staff due to his extensive experience in law enforcement and military sales,” said Chris Killoy, Ruger vice president of sales and marketing. “He has a track record of developing and implementing successful programs that yield positive results.” Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=17http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=17Newsmakers Industry newsmakers Crimson Trace has named Lewis Danielson its CEO and chairman of the board, and promoted Lane Tobiassen to president. Danielson served as president and CEO of Crimson Trace for the past 15 years. “Lew started Crimson Trace with the simple idea of inventing a product to save lives. The success of Crimson Trace has been based on the foundation of Lew’s vision, dedication to the technology and hard work,” said Jack Durrett, member of the Crimson Trace board of managers. Tobiassen previously held the position of director of marketing, and most recently was vice president of sales and marketing at Crimson Trace. He will oversee company strategy, growth and profitability objectives, as well as sales, marketing, manufacturing, product development and execution of multichannel commercial, OEM and military growth initiatives. “Lane’s proven track record on the sales and marketing side of Crimson Trace, and his understanding of our product development and market strategy, makes this promotion a natural progression in his career,” Danielson said. “With his high degree of professionalism, drive and strategic thinking, Lane will take Crimson Trace to that next level of success.” USA PROUD ©2010 B E N C H MA D E KN I F E C O. OR E GON C I T Y, OR , US A . B E N C H MA D E .C O M Crimson Trace Advances Executive Team consumer goods sector, and held several significant sales and marketing leadership positions with Coca-Cola and Frito-Lay. “We are extremely proud to have Tom Taylor join our team. Tom has extensive knowledge of the firearms industry, and understands the value the Mossberg family places on product safety, innovation and technology, keeping them at the forefront of all the products we produce,” said Iver Mossberg, company CEO. “I am excited to start a new role with Mossberg, and I have tremendous respect for this company as the oldest familyowned company in our industry,” Taylor said. “I’m honored to become a part of such a highly respected brand, and look forward to driving our sales and marketing team to the next level.” T. Taylor L. Danielson L. Tobiassen Tom Taylor has been appointed vice president of sales and marketing for O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. Taylor most recently was executive director of the Remington Outdoor Foundation, where he led strategy development and implementation for the startup of the nonprofit organization. Prior to Remington, Taylor served as vice president of marketing at Smith & Wesson. Prior to the firearms industry, Taylor worked for more than 24 years in the O.F. Mossberg & Sons Hires Sales & Marketing VP Aimpoint has appointed Kristi Elrod Hinton to the position of marketing director. Formerly an account supervisor for Aimpoint at JA Integrated Thinking in Nashville, Hinton has worked in support of NASCAR, KFC, International Hunter Education Association, National Bowhunter Education Foundation and most recently supported the Aimpoint brand as the principal at Hinton Consulting. Hinton has spearheaded all the creative design for Aimpoint’s commercial, law enforcement and military markets, and managed each step of brand building and market-education advertising campaigns that Aimpoint has run during the past four years. “Kristi Hinton is an outstanding marketing professional,” said Brian Lisankie, president of Aimpoint Inc. “She has already had a profound impact on how the market regards Aimpoint products, as well as how we support our dealers, and has shown that she’s equally at home in a deer blind as she is in the board K. Hinton meetings.” 9 Aimpoint Names Marketing Director 5 5 1 B K -1 0 1 G R I P T I L I A N® a thing of beauty NEW FEATURE! Visit www.shootingindustry.com/productindex.html to view products featured in all the magazines of FMG Publications. www.shootingindustry.com CA R B O N F IB E R H A N D L E C PM M4 TO O L S T E E L I A X I S® LOCK MARCH 2010 172011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=18http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=18Lethal Lethal force When Tragedy Strikes, Be Prepared Massad Ayoob hould tragedy strike your place Unknown to the staff, one customer 19, was watching from a window in the of business, be prepared for an had signed in to use the range that day main building. undeserved and sometimes sick- under a false name. The 28-year-old male “The deputies Tased him,” Bell said. ening aftermath. had reportedly savagely beaten his wife “He went down on his back in the parking Such was the case last year at the Shoal earlier. She signed a complaint and told lot. I saw the man pull a small auto pistol River Sporting Clays Club, a privately Okaloosa County deputies her husband from somewhere on the right side of his owned shooting range in Crestview, Fla., was planning to go to the Shoal River body. He shot at the deputy who had Tased that has served the sporting him and the deputy ran to his firearms community for many patrol car for cover. I saw the years. Range bays for pistol man with the gun roll over, lyand rifle shooters compleing on his back shooting over ment the ample clay-bird fahis left shoulder at the second cilities. A favorite rendezvous deputy, who ran to take cover in the area, the club offers behind another car.” something for every stripe of One of the deputies was recreational shooting. down, and the perpetrator had The clubhouse serves as jumped into his pickup truck a pro shop where shooters to make an escape. The other can buy ammunition, accesdeputy, believed to have alsories and firearms. Located ready been wounded, tried to on historic Route 90, someget into the truck to apprehend times called “the Route 66 of him. The man fired again, and the South,” the club has been the deputy fell from the vehithere since the early 1980s, cle. The offender gunned his according to Shoal River Nathan Bell points to where a wanted man shot two deputies. The clubhouse and pickup out of the main gate of staff member Lynn Orr, and gun shop is in the background. The shooting range is down a slope to the left. the club. was acquired five years ago Inside the clubhouse, Bell by Larry Orr and Marshall Frazure. Gun Club. Three deputies visited the facil- and a female employee, both unarmed, It is one of those pleasant places where ity, but none of them knew the suspect by had taken refuge in an office and called people gather around a table in the club- sight, and not seeing his name on the list 911. Police were soon in pursuit. Some 30 house and talk. It’s a safe haven where of signed-in shooters, left. miles east, they rammed the wanted man’s patrons relax after a pleasant day of recShortly before 1 p.m., two other dep- truck off the road. He came out shooting reation. But the day came in April 2009 uties pulled into the parking lot to check and the lawmen returned fire, killing him. when that changed horrendously. Gunfire again, and one of them recognized the Both wounded deputies were flown by heerupted in the parking lot instead of on the wanted man, who soon became aggres- licopter to a trauma center, but both sucdesignated firing ranges. sive. Club staff member Nathan Bell, cumbed to their wounds. S Club Became Target Of Critics he shooting instantly became national news. I visited the facility three weeks after the incident. “For the first two weeks after it happened, we had less than half the business we usually do,” Lynn Orr said. “This week, it’s starting to get back to normal.” The shooting created a small firestorm of negative publicity. “There’s a column in the local newspaper called ‘Spout Off’ where readers can post their opinions. There were a bunch of people saying we should be shut down,” Orr said. Even on pro-gun Internet chat rooms, there were “chair-borne commandos” who implied that both the staff and the patrons at the club must have been cowards, because “real men” would have whipped out their own guns and shot the cop killer. What these 18 MARCH 2010 T safely distant “net ninjas” did not understand was that it would h2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=19http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=19Lethal force e learn from tragedy. One lesson is the importance of armed staff at ranges. When I visited the club, Lynn Orr was openly wearing a Springfield Armory 1911 loaded on his hip. Shoal River also has instituted a policy of requiring shooters to leave their driver’s licenses at the desk while on the range. If the wanted man could have been identified when police first visited on the fateful day, it is conceivable the three deputies present might have been able to forestall the violence. Anti-gunners dance in the spilled blood of murder victims to advance their political agenda. It has happened before, it happened here and, unfortunately, it likely will happen again. Be prepared. Armchair quarterbacks from what should be your own side will pontificate that they could have handled it better. That, too, has happened before. Be prepared. In this column in the past, we’ve touched on other tragedies. For instance, W Thinking About The Unthinkable Gail Pepin people who present themselves as normal, rent a gun and buy some ammunition and commit suicide on your range. Elsewhere in Florida last year, a woman murdered her son on a commercial range and then killed herself. We’ve touched on the times gun shop owners and their employees have used their own guns to save their lives and those of customers and other staff when they were set upon by armed robbers. All this isn’t to draw attention to gun ranges and shops. How many small diners are considering such things following the killing of four officers last year in Tacoma, Wash.? You need to know beforehand what you’ll say to the horde of responding media people. How will you provide psychological counseling for your staff and customers in the wake of a traumatic, fatal incident that occurs through no fault of your own? And, of course, you need to have your staff ready to protect themselves and customers. It’s difficult to think about the unthinkable — to prepare for something you hope never happens. But you must. You owe it to your staff, to your customers and to yourself. We thank the owners of Shoal River Sporting Clays Club for their assistance in relating this tragedy in order to help others be prepared. In addition, this column is respectfully dedicated to the memory of Deputies Burt Lopez and Warren “Skip” York of the Okaloosa County, Fla., Sheriff ’s Office. 9 After the shooting, Lynn Orr began carrying his Springfield Armory .45 at work. Customer Service Is Our #1 Priority competitive Pricing 2-Day Delivery To Most Locations Orders Placed By 2:00 pm Ship The Same Day We Have Product In Stock From over 600 Vendors 3 Ways To Order: By Phone 1-800-845-3711, By Fax 1-800-323-3006 And Through Our Real Time Website www.EllettBrothers.com 267 Columbia Ave. Chapin, SC 29036 www.shootingindustry.com 1-800-845-3711 www.EllettBrothers.com MARCH 2010 192011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=20http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=20Outdoor Outdoor marketplace Selling Preparedness With ASAP Survival Gear J.K. Autry D evastating hurricanes, crippling of sales and marketing. extreme cold to flooding. blizzards, catastrophic earthASAP offers four starter packs — For the dealer, the beauty of these quakes and shattering tornadoes Sidekick, Sentinel, Survivor and SOS packs lies in the fact that they are fully — virtually every geographic area of Marine — that contain “everything customizable, meaning customers can add the United States is hit with items specific to their needs. natural disasters. When faced All customers, from serious with the next Hurricane Kahunters to everyday Ameritrina or California wildfire, cans, can find a pack that appreparation for survival may peals to them. make all the difference in a “Not only are there four life-or-death situation. starter packs that are preasIt’s easy to think “a natusembled, but there are 10 ral disaster will never afmodules that can be added fect me,” but what happens to meet specific needs,” Tayif you’re in a hunting aclor said. “Say a couple has cident or you’re lost in the two kids and they want to be woods overnight in sub-zero prepared for survival after a temperatures? These, and disaster. There are modules other everyday scenarios, that come in separate bags hit a lot closer to home. To they can put in the pack that help everyone from hunters enhances it for survival, to housewives be prepared from natural disaster to vewhen disaster strikes, O.F. hicle emergencies.” Mossberg & Sons has intro- Ian Connor, Mossberg’s marketing coordinator, says ASAP Survival Gear The 10 modules currently duced ASAP Survival Gear. helps dealers become a one-stop shop for survival needs. offered — Natural Disas“Dealers will like this ter, Winter Home Survival, product, since it meets a need that’s on you need, nothing you don’t” when Communications, Vehicle Emergency, a lot of peoples’ minds, and dealers will faced with an emergency. The packs are Body Care and Hygiene, College Bound, recognize many of the brand names of chock-full of essential items to help one Children’s Care, Travel Comfort, Pet Care products that are in the packs,” said to two people survive for 24 to 72 hours and Food and Water — can satisfy virtuTom Taylor, Mossberg vice president in a variety of conditions, ranging from ally any survival need. Russ Thurman One-Stop Shop For Survival any dealers already offer individual products customers need for disaster preparedness. And, there is a growing market for such products as more consumers realize they should be prepared for worst-case scenarios. Carrying ASAP Survival Gear provides an opportunity for the dealer to become a one-stop shop for survival needs, explains Ian Connor, Mossberg marketing coordinator. “People are out shopping; they want to be prepared, but they don’t know where to get everything they need in one place,” Connor said. “People don’t have the time to go looking around for all the supplies they need. What this does is takes the thinking out of it for the customer, so for the dealer it’s easy to sell.” Not only are the ASAP Survival Gear packs easy to sell and attractive to customers, but prices ranging from $119 to $500 give customers an 20 MARCH 2010 M affordable, preassembled pack they might spend significantly more on if they tried to put it together on their own. Plus, the variety of starter packs and modules available ensure customers will get the pack that perfectly suits their needs. For example, customers looking for a basic pack to assist them if their car runs out of gas in a remote area could choose the Sidekick. Intended for short-term emergencies and lower-risk situations, the rip-stop pack includes emergency food and water rations for two people for one day, a compact firstaid kit, headlamp, emergency blankets, waterproof matches, wet fire tinder, signaling whistle, lightstick Mossberg has developed a number of promotional pieces to help sell ASAP Survival Gear. Read SI2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=21http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=21Outdoor marketplace ossberg has created attractive packaging, fliers, advertisements and other promotions. “The packs have nice packaging for retail shops,” Connor said. “Brand-name and permanent marker. In contrast, customers needing a pack to keep them alive if injured or stranded on a multi-day hunting trip in freezing temperatures could purchase the Survivor, which includes emergency food and water rations to feed two people for three days, GPS, multi-tool, weather radio with light and cell phone charger, advanced first-aid kit, headlamp, Camelback water bottle, thermo-lite emergency bivvies, rain ponchos and emergency blankets. Additionally, each pack comes with a copy of “Your Survival: Complete Resource for Disaster Planning and Recovery” by Dr. Bob Arnot, host of the series “Dr. Danger,” who helped promote the packs at Mossberg’s SHOT Show booth in January. www.shootingindustry.com M Pulling In ASAP Customers items will remain in their original packaging. Someone can open the pack and see a Leatherman tool, a headlamp by Black Diamond, Adventure Medical Kits or Bushnell products. The presentation is very nice.” Indeed, the packs are filled with namebrand goodies, including Pur Water Filtration Systems, ACR Electronics, Motorola, Garmin and more. The packs don’t compromise when it comes to quality. To further help dealers, Mossberg has launched an ASAP Survival Gear Web site, www.ASAPSurvivalGear.com, as a resource for disaster preparedness. The site includes amazing survival stories, tips for surviving a natural disaster and new product updates. “We want the Web site to be as much of a product as the bags and the gear that goes into them,” Connor said. The site also features social networking, viral marketing and mobile applications. “We want the soccer mom to say, ‘That’s really cool. That’s what I want,’” Connor said of the packs. And, to reach as many consumers as possible, Mossberg has launched ASAP as a separate brand. “We aren’t trying to distance ourselves from the Mossberg name. We never want to do that. But for people who aren’t shooters or aren’t into firearms, we don’t want that association to scare them away,” Connor said. Considering the eye-catching de- sign and high-end gadgets found in the ASAP line, the packs will surely impress more customers than just soccer moms — particularly those who want to be prepared when disaster strikes. And for consumers who would like a firearm as part of their survival package, Mossberg offers the new-for-2010 JIC (Just In Case), a disassembled 12-gauge Model 500 pump-action packed in a grab-and-go case. For more information, visit www.ASAPSurvivalGear.com. To become an ASAP dealer, contact your Mossberg sales representative or call (203) 230-5300. 9 www.ASAPSurvivalGear.com MARCH 2010 212011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=22http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=22Arms Arms and the woman ntroducing new shooters to the shooting sports is a major goal of everyone involved in the shooting industry. New shooters are the lifeblood of the shooting sports and the only way to ensure its future. Dealers need to actively court new shooters to keep profits up — and women are an excellent group to focus on because they tend to direct their family’s leisure activities. If a woman is a fan of shooting, her family will follow. Ladies respond very favorably to firearm education, and basic handgun classes are a great way to draw in new customers. Gun shops that don’t have a range or are not in partnership with a nearby range may struggle to cash in on lucrative firearms classes. Students want hands-on gun experience, and without a range, gun shops will find it hard to compete. Airguns, however, offer a handgun training option that is simi- Lisa Parsons-Wraith Airguns Expand Training Options For Dealers I lar to the real thing — but doesn’t require a regulation gun range. Response, conducts the class. “This is a safety course,” Leanda said. “I teach basic handgun safety, marksmanTeaching The Fundamentals ship, gun cleaning and range etiquette.” Faith Armory, located in Temecula, He covers all the basic aspects of handgun shooting, and then incorporates airgun training as a safe way to introduce novice shooters to the basic rules of firearms. “Our reason for going to airsoft is mostly safety and teaching the fundamentals,” he said. “We have found that after this training, the stuThe KP45 Tactical (left) dent is more prepared to and the M1911DS, both attend more advanced from KWA, mimic the courses. Novice stustyle and action of most dents are less intimidated semiautos on the market. in handling a real gun.” Calif., hosts a women-only basic handIn his class, Leanda uses the KWA gun course in a regular classroom facil- KP45 Tactical and KWA M1911DS. He ity that incorporates airguns. Joel Le- emphasizes that because the airguns are so anda, owner and operator of Defensive realistic, students are trained to treat them Choosing Proper Self-Defense Guns T he class featuring airguns is a basic introduction to firearms. Leanda recommends that his students attend a follow-up class held at the gun range to get experience with standard firearms. When it comes time to buy self-defense guns, he has some advice. “I recommend internal hammer J frames — Model 442 Smith & Wesson or similar models — to be carried in a purse, bag or in jacket pockets,” Leanda said. “These types of hanguns can be fired from inside a purse, a bag or from jacket pockets. If you try to fire a semiauto or a revolver with an exposed hammer inside a bag or purse, there is a chance it will jam because of the action of these types of guns.” For regular carry, Leanda recommends handguns that do not require a lot of manipulation to get them into action. “Again, a revolver is great for regular carry, but for semiauto, I recommend Springfield XD series, Glock pistols, Smith & We generally don’t see the scared look of a first-time shooter at the range after airsoft training. “ Wesson M&P series and similar pistols. The less buttons to manipulate, the better for the shooter,” Leanda said. “Bottom line, regardless of my recommendation, it is still the buyer’s choice.” Regarding caliber, he says .38, 9mm, .40 and .45 all do the job. “I carry a 9mm most of the time, but some will say that it does not have the stopping power of the .45,” he said. “That’s true, but this is where training comes in. We cannot rely on the assumption that a .45 will stop an assailant. We have known instances when a .22 stopped an attacker.” If the lack of a gun range has kept you from conducting hands-on firearms classes, consider the airgun option. It’s a great way to ease students into firearms and show them how fun and rewarding shooting can be. Airguns also offer customers a less expensive training option — which is sure to appeal to budgetconscious women. ” 22 MARCH 2010 Rea2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=23http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=23DPMS_SB_0809 11/10/09 12:34 PM Page 1 Arms and the woman Made In The USA! Scopes and Mounts Not Included like standard firearms. “The 1911 airsoft functions the same as a regular 1911,” he said. Students can learn proper range techniques with this gun that will translate directly to a standard firearm, Leanda says. They learn stance, grip and movement with the airsoft that is identical to practicing with a regular firearm. Leanda finds that the advantage with shooting the airsoft is students are less fearful when shooting and tend to flinch less, but still get the sensation of recoil. He also noted that, while airguns are still dangerous, if a student makes a mistake, it is a non-lethal one. “In advanced courses, we review what they have learned during the basic course/airsoft portion,” he said. “Literally, all they have to learn with the real firearms is recoil management and trigger reset. We generally don’t see the scared look of a first-time shooter at the range, and we don’t usually see anyone flagging anybody at the range.” There is a huge variety of airsoft guns suitable for realistic training available. Companies like KWA, Crosman and Daisy have guns that mimic the style and action of almost any gun on the market. Leanda says many students purchase airsoft guns after attending one of his courses because they appreciate the versatility and training options an airgun offers. Shooting Stars hotgun shooter Kim Rhode has been selected as the 2009 USA Shooting Female Athlete of the Year. Rhode, who has won the title three years in a row, was chosen based on a points system that rewards performance in major competitions. A four-time Olympic medalist, Rhode shot her way to two World Cup medals in 2009, claiming the silver in Republic of San Marino and the bronze in Munich, Germany, in the Women’s Skeet event. Rhode was also the 2009 National Champion, and finished in first place at the 2009 Shotgun Fall Selection Match, earning a spot on the 2010 World Shooting Championship team. Rhode also finished seventh at the 2009 Shotgun World Championships. Our congratulations go out to Rhode. 9 Kim Rhode is the 2009 USA Shooting Female Athlete of the Year. www.shootingindustry.com MARCH 2010 23 S2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=24http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=24Back Blast Back Blast & other hot gases Watch Out! Hollow-Point Gherkins Overhead! Commander Gilmore I f you weren’t selling guns over the holidays, you could have been trying to sell these notso-popular gift items. First, we have the iCarta iPod Dock & Toilet Tissue Dispenser. Yup, a stereo iPod dock built into a toilet-paper dispenser! Easy installation, and plug-in-and-play music for those peaceful — or unpleasant — solo rides on the porcelain pot! No joke, folks; it’s advertised on Amazon.com for only $29.99, and we’re betting the margin is at least 50 percent! Next, there’s Handerpants! C’mon, you wearers of tighty-whitey jockey shorts — haven’t you always wanted cotton and spandex gloves that look just like miniatures of your skivvies, but with five “leg holes” for your fingers? There’s even a matching Undercap, a pair of jockey shorts with no leg holes, which, of course, is worn on your head. The elastic “waistband” is advertised to “fit most adult heads,” but looks best on gourds with tiny, closeset eyes, we’re thinkin’. Third, the Pickle-Pult looks like a skeletonized pistol, but it’s actually a spring-powered catapult specially made for pelting your adversaries with pickles — sweet or dill, but only whole. No chips — instead, high-velocity, hollow-point gherkins might be your best ammo. To avoid sticky messes while zeroing your Pickle-Pult, a small supply of apparently terrified synthetic pickles is included. If you’re not ready for such a fearsome weapon, the same company offers a nifty “Yodeling Pickle.” Now, aren’t you glad you’re in the gun business? Illustration by Nick Petrosino When you think of Chuck E. Cheese, do you think of a fun place to throw a birthday party for your kids and their pals? Or just bad pizza and whether or not you should take a weapon with you? Apparently, brawls at Chuck E. Cheese’s have become so common that according to a Chicago journalist, the kiddie-restaurant chain is getting more of a reputation for its fights than for its foods. The Wall Street Journal noted that the Brookfield, Wis., outlet had prompted more calls for police intervention than any other restaurant in the area, and in Flint, Mich., the record number of patrons involved in a single free-for-all is 80. That outlet has since stopped serving alcohol. Maybe it’s just having adults penned into one big room with dozens of screaming kids? Or the incessant racket of ’em pumping tokens into the games? Some toxic preservative in the pizza sauce, perhaps? I’ve got it — maybe it’s just the gnaw24 MARCH 2010 Looking For A Birthday Party — Or A Fight? ing, infuriating mystery of Chuck Cheese’s middle initial: What the heck does that “E” stand for anyway, and why is it a secret? News? We think not, except, perhaps, someplace other than Hoboken. A little after 2 a.m. on a frosty Saturday morning, a plainclothes cop stepped out of his unmarked black Crown Victoria because, police reports said, “he noticed three people urinating in public.” That ain’t news in Hoboken. OK, to be fair, it ain’t news in a lot of other places either, but it just seems funnier when it happens in Hoboken, doesn’t it? Then the fun begins. As he was writing citations to the public piddlers, a cab driver stopped and advised the officer that a woman had jumped into his idling Crown Vic and pulled smoothly down the block. When the officer turned, all he saw was his disappearing taillights. Can you guess what he said after “Oh — ”? The Ford was found empty and resting at 1033 Bloomfield St. The officer’s sense of humor is still missing. Motorists driving Greece’s six-lane highway between Athens and Thessaloniki apparently just thought the “new decorative plants” in the center island were, well, pretty! They and the highway authorities didn’t pay much attention to them as the exotic-looking plants shot up to about six feet tall, displaying deep green clumps of leaves with serrated edges. Finally, when motorists reported a “distraction” — a man harvesting the plan2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=25http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=252011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=26http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=26What Do Turkey National Wild Turkey Federation Turkey hunters, of course, want a gobblertaking shotgun, but they’re looking for much more in the way of products. From dealers, they want calls, chokes, facemasks, camo clothing, insect protection and plenty of information. 26 MARCH 2010 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=27http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=27By Carolee Anita Boyles Hunters here’s no doubt about it — turkey hunting is hot. A quick look at the number of turkey-related products is all it takes to confirm that this segment of the marketplace is one of the bright spots in hunting. First, there are a staggering number of turkey guns available, with new models being introduced this year. And shotguns are just the beginning. With the seemingly endless list of turkey-related products available, it can be a challenge for dealers to know what to stock and what to promote. In a Shooting Industry survey of selected turkey hunt- Really Want? Want? Accessories Galore And Your Expertise! T ers, the most-mentioned products weren’t firearms, but rather shotshells, camo, turkey calls and other accessories — which is good news for your bottom line. These mostly expendable items offer better margins than firearms, bring customers through your door frequently Stephen Bauer/National Wild Turkey Federation and put dollars in your pocket. Fulfill Accessory Needs — From Shotshells To Decoys ne almost universal comment from hunters is that they can’t find enough shotshells. “The most important item is ammunition in a variety of brands and sizes,” said Frank Freshwater, of central Texas. “I also want to see a wide selection of chokes. Some guns won’t pattern well with new chokes until you’ve tried six or more combinations of brands and shot sizes.” David Nicholson, from Tallahassee, Fla., is loyal to Federal ammo, while Don Gasaway, from Marion, Ill., favors Winchester ammo. “I use Federal Premium Turkey Loads in #4 and #6,” Nicholson said. Also, don’t forget hunters who like 20-gauge. O “Sometimes it’s hard to find a wide selection of 20-gauge ammo,” said Tammy Sapp, from Aiken, S.C. “I especially would like to be able to find Hevi-Shot.” Rick Story, from Pickerington, Ohio, agrees. “I’ve been using a lot of 20-gauge in recent years,” Story said. “I really like Winchester Elite Extended Range shells in both 12 and 20.” Nicholson looks for a variety of products. “I want an assortment of turkey calls, both mouth and friction calls, More Brands To Choose From and lots of decoys,” he said. “I use those things often, and purchase as my supplies run low or when new and better items are offered.” Stan Kirkland, from Lynn Haven, Fla., is a wildlife agency information specialist who says insect repellent ranks high on his “must-have” list, and fellow hunters agree. “I particularly want to be able to get ThermaCELL products and the accompanying mats and fuel,” he said. “Some days you find yourself in a place with a mos- The H.S. Strut Ultimate Waist Pack has 15 storage compartments for diaphragm calls, pan calls, shotgun shells, strikers, license and other hunting gear, plus external box call holster. www.shootingindustry.com MARCH 2010 272011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=28http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=28The Winchester Super X3 NWTF Cantilever Extreme Turkey has a 24" barrel with 3 1/2" chamber and an Extra-Full Extended Turkey choke tube. quito hatch and desperately need relief from bugs,” Story said. “Nothing beats ThermaCELL. They work on black flies, mosquitoes — even tsetse flies.” Sapp wants to see more kinds of products available during the season. “I’d like to see a wider variety of brands offered for decoys, calls, facemasks, gloves, gun rests, binoculars and vests,” she said. “Some stores offer only one or two of the major brands of anything.” Larry Reese, from Quincy, Fla., wants products that are dependable in function. “I want to see turkey decoys that collapse and redeploy with no wrinkles,” he said. “Also, comfortable unfolding chairs that won’t break down while holding 250-pound guys, turkey vests with attached ‘flip seats’ that fit 6' and up guys, and real raingear.” Mark Strand, from Woodbury, Minn., defined good rain gear. “Quiet, breathable camo rainwear is something turkey hunters really need,” he said. “I wear rain pants every day, because who knows when it’s going to rain. Good- quality rain pants are more a necessity than a luxury.” Many retailers forget box call chalk. “I like Penn’s Woods No Mess Box Call Chalk,” Story said. “It comes in a plastic tube so you don’t have to worry about chalk dust everywhere.” Chris Lalik, from Lenexa, Kan., is vice president of marketing and operations of Puma Knife Company, and likes portable blinds. “I particularly like some of the Ameristep blinds that come with straps and a case so you can carry them on your back,” he said. “These are great when hunting with kids and adults who don’t quite understand the importance of sitting still yet.” Gasaway says he buys camo clothing every couple of years. “Camo suits are important to me as I seem to outgrow my suits each year or two — or maybe they shrink in the wash — and I have to buy a new one,” he said. “Stores have a good supply early, but are soon out of my size before the season begins.” Don’t overlook facemasks and gloves. “I especially like the Hunters Specialties 3/4 masks and Long Paws gloves,” Story said. Remember to take care of your women hunters’ clothing needs, as well. “It’s hard to find a vest that fits my small frame,” Sapp said. “I’ve tried several vests, and I’m satisfied for the time being with my HS Strut Sport Utility vest. Also, I’m always looking for a facemask, hat and gloves that fit me. Fit is very frustrating for me as I’m petite.” Clothing & Boots Chris Lalik’s daughter, Caroline, took her second-ever gobbler outside Paola, Kan. Caroline, seen with her little brother, Jack, took the tom with a Remington 1187 20-gauge youth gun, using HeviShot #6. Provide Service & Expertise All Season Long any turkey hunters want help patterning their shotguns. “I’d like to see the retailers utilize a pattern board for customers to bring in their guns, chokes and shells,” said Randy Clark of Newtown, Conn., and the managing director of business development for NSSF. “This would give customers the opportunity to see what combinations of guns, chokes and loads perform best.” Allen Ricks, from Morristown, Tenn., agrees. “It’s always fairly expensive to pattern 28 MARCH 2010 M a new shotgun or choke tube,” he said. “Several different brands and sizes of ammo are needed to adequately do this. It would be very helpful if a shop had a location to allow a person — for a reasonable fee — to try different ammunition.” Hunters want a chance to “test drive” products. “I would love it if stores had ‘test’ calls on the shelf that I could run before I buy,” Sapp said. “It would be nice to get my hands on test decoys as well, so I can see how easy they are to stow in my vest and how easy Remington’s value-priced Nitro Turkey Buffered Loads offer copper-shot performance, featuring Nitro Mag extra-hard lead shot. Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=29http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=29I’d like a local map with pins in the sites where birds were taken. It gives me an idea of areas with lots of birds. they are to set up and stabilize. Being able to get hands-on with test products would make me feel more confident about my selection and thus encourage me to purchase.” Keep a gunsmith on staff — or at least have one you can ask for help quickly. “I appreciate a gunsmithing service that can promptly handle any problems that may pop up midseason,” said Glenn Sapir, of Putnam Valley, N.Y., and editor of The Range Report, a publication for managers of shooting facilities. “ Hunters also love to hear stories about other hunters. “I’d like to hear stories about successful hunters in the area, and what it took for them to get their birds,” Sapir said. “I’d like to get hints of places to hunt, although I have my own favorites.” Don’t forget about safety. “It would be wonderful if stores provided the basics of defensive turkey hunting and gun safety,” Sapp said. ” Even if you’re stocking everything “It would be nice if there were com- hunters want, remember to educate puter kiosks in the store where I could get your employees. online and read more about a product,” “I’m always eager for knowledgeable Sapp said. “I often do research online sales personnel who can tell me the difbefore I shop, but I’d like to be able to ferences between the various products and refresh my memory while at the store. do it in a respectful way,” Sapp said. “I can Or perhaps I run across a brand I haven’t be persuaded to buy something if I’m beconsidered that I would like to know more ing helped by somebody who knows what about. Even with a knowledgeable sales they’re talking about.” 9 associate, I’d still like to ‘seal the deal’ in my mind by having that research option.” One almost universal request is for information about hunting seasons and See Reader Service, page 44, for a listing of places to hunt. turkey hunting product manufacturers. Visit “Season information — simple stuff www.shootingindustry.com/productindex. such as dates and bag limits — would html for a look at all products reviewed in be excellent, if it was FMG Publications magazines. printed out and made available,” Sapp said. “I’d also love a list of public hunting areas and guides and outfitters.” Gasaway likes to see a bulletin board with photos of successful turkey hunters and their birds. “I’d also like a local map with pins in the sites where birds were taken,” he said. “It gives me an idea of areas with lots of birds.” Several hunters mentioned seminars, both before and during the season. “I’m relatively new to the sport, and am trying to work on my calling, and really want to get Tammy Sapp took this Eastern turkey in central Georgia with a good on a mouth call,” Remington 870 youth model 20-gauge; note the custom camousaid Bruce Deadman, flage paint job. She used HeviShot #6 and a Quaker Boy push-pin from Denmark, Wis. turkey call. Hunters Crave Information Train Your Frontliners Turkey Hunting www.shootingindustry.com MARCH 2010 292011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=30http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=302011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=31http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=31By Russ Thurman Long Guns Despite A Sour Economy, Sales Will Be Steady In 2010 & Accessories Accessories Where’s The Market? a T T burn, Savage Arms CEO. “I don’t see any reason to be concerned about the economy in 2010 as it relates to the firearms industry. I think we’re going to have a good year. I don’t think it’s going to be a robust year like last year, but I think it will be a decent year, maybe a plateau year. But the bar is still higher than it was years ago, so I’ll take that.” In January, SHOT Show 2010 boosted the optimism of many exhibitors. “I was a little more pessimistic about 2010 prospects before coming to this show, but that’s changed after listening to the dealers and seeing their enthusiasm. They’re talking about pretty good foot traffic in their stores,” said Bryan Tucker, Davidson’s CEO. “I don’t believe this year will match Ron Coburn, Savage CEO, says “People are looking for better value, the increases we had and they want a traditional product.” Visit www.shootingindustry. in 2009, but I think com/savagearms.html. 2010 will be a good www.shootingindustry.com he long-gun market for 2010 is forecasted to be steady, according to executives in the industry, with a leveling, somewhat, of the AR segment, and a hoped-for increase in the traditional market. “You’ve heard this term many times: cautiously optimistic, and I think it applies more now than prior years,” said Ron Co- ArmaLite’s new SPR Mod 1 has three detachable rails for quick changing of accessories. Visit www.shootingindustry.com/armalite.html. year, if we do our blocking and tackling, and do our work.” “The consensus of the people here is that it’s going to be a strong year, especially for ammunition,” said Dick Hammett, Winchester Ammunition president. “Our customers, almost to a person, are very enthusiastic — more enthusiastic than I would have been. They’re lifting my spirits. They all look forward to a good year.” During 2009, the challenge manufacturers faced was making enough firearms to meet the demand. For 2010, with the cooling of white-hot sales, consumers are looking for value. “For Remington, our firearm sales are being driven by the economy. In our lower price-point guns, anything under $600, we’re seeing very good demand, so we’re really excited about that,” said Ted Torbeck, Freedom Group CEO, at the SHOT Show. “We’re expecting this year to be level with 2009. Not a whole lot of growth, but a steady business for us.” MARCH 2010 312011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=32http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=32Versatility Drives Sales Of ARs T he sale of AR-style firearms in 2009 was unprecedented. While the actual number of AR rifles sold is not available, it’s safe to say the “Modern Sporting Rifle” was the favorite of consumers — and the industry — last year. While most experts expect a return to “more normal sales” in this segment of the market, there is ample opportunity for profits. The AR platform is accessoryheavy, with a seemingly endless number of add-ons available for dealers to offer and for consumers to scramble to purchase. There are extensive offerings in AR forends, which accommodate a variety of grips, lights, lasers and other accessories. Consumers, it seems, can’t add enough attachments to their ARs. ArmaLite is highlighting the forend features of its new SPR Mod 1. The rifle’s 3-o’clock, 6-o’clock and 9-o’clock rails are detachable, offering quick changing of accessories. The SPR Mod 1 comes with three extra rails. Weaver’s AR Quad Rail Forend has full-length Picatinny quad rails and two-piece, interlocking design. Visit www.shootingindustry. com/weaver.html. Bushmaster is calling its new ACR “the world’s most adaptive modular rifle.” Targeted at the L.E. and personal-defense markets, the rifle — a collaboration of Bushmaster, Magpul and Remington — offers the ability to change calibers, barrel lengths and stock configurations quickly without the use of tools. FNH USA continues to grab attention with its SCAR offerings. The black SCAR 16S is the semiauto version of the U.S. Special Operations Command’s newest service rifle. The SCAR 17S, chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO, is slightly heavier than the SCAR 16S. The 2010 FNH USA Feature Dealer Program offers three tiers, two of them directed at enhancing long-gun sales. Details are available at www.fnhusa.com/ SDpackages. Legacy Sports International introduces the Citadel LE (law enforcement) shotguns this year. Built in the USA, the Citadel LE comes in three models: Spec-Ops, Talon and Standard. They have lightweight receivers, 7+1 round capacities, 20" barrels and stocks from BLACKHAWK!. Smith & Wesson continues to enjoy brisk sales of its M&P rifle series. For 2010, S&W introduces three M&P15-22 rifles, chambered in .22 LR, including a model with a threaded barrel, along with two multi–state compliant models. Crimson Trace’s new Modular Vertical Foregrip has green laser and white light. Visit www. shootingindustry.com/ crimsontrace.html. Extreme Shock’s Lightwell permits the mounting of a light on either side of the company’s Magwell. Visit www.shootingindustry.com/extremeshockammunition.html. Smith & Wesson’s M&P15-22 is among a number of AR offerings in .22 LR, extending the popularity of the platform. Visit www.shootingindustry.com/smithwesson.html. The semiauto black FNH USA SCAR 16S, with high “musthave” factor, is hugely popular. Visit www.shootingindustry. com/fnhusa.html. 32 MARCH 2010 Read ReadSI SIDIGITAL DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com www.shootingindustry.com2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=33http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=33T Look For Increases In The Traditional Market he sluggish economy may be playing a favorable role in stimulating sales of traditional firearms, including those in the hunting segment. When discretionary funds are low, Americans tend to purchase firearms that have a “comforting” factor, good value and can help the household budget. “People are looking for better value, and they want a traditional product,” Coburn said. “They’ve bought the non-traditional firearms — black guns and similar firearms — because of the politics. That market seems to be satisfied. Now people are turning to more traditional firearms.” For 2010, Savage introduces a 20-gauge slug shotgun. “It’s extremely accurate, easy to handle and feels like a rifle, but it’s lightweight and smaller-framed than the 12-gauge,” Coburn said. “We’re also getting big into the long-range market. Our forte is price-point and accuracy, and with the economy, that puts us in a good position.” Beretta adds versatility to its U22 Neos pistol, with the 2010 introduction of a carbine kit. Aimed at the target-shooting and small game–hunting markets, the U22 Neos Carbine Kit transforms the pistol into a plinker carbine or lightweight camp gun. Browning’s Citori and Cynergy overand-unders receive a performance upgrade for 2010 with the addition of a Vector Pro lengthened forcing cone in all 12- and 20-gauge models. Benelli is banking that consumers will be attracted to the 2010 Legacy 28. “At 5 lbs., the lightest shotgun on the market is the Legacy 28, chambered in a gauge that many skilled hunters and sportsmen will find not only a delight to Galco’s new Field Grade Zippered Gun Case is constructed of khaki cotton duck, lined with acrylic fleece and trimmed with dark Havana leather. Visit www.shootingindustry.com/ galco.html. “ handle, but wonderful to shoot,” said Stephen McKelvain, Benelli USA’s VP of marketing and communications. For 2010, Winchester returns the Model 94 lever-action, with two limitededition models commemorating the 200th anniversary of Oliver F. Winchester’s birth in 1810. A Model 1894 Custom Grade and When discretionary funds are low, Americans tend to purchase firearms that have a ‘comforting’ factor, good value and can help the household budget. a Model 1894 High Grade are offered in .30-30 Win. Ruger continues to upgrade its traditional offerings, now chambering the Ruger No. 1 Medium Sporter in .300 Holland & Holland Magnum. The company also has added true left-hand models of its M77 Hawkeye in .300 and .338 Ruger Compact Magnum. “One of the bright spots in 2009 was in our sales of hunting rifles,” said Mike Fifer, Ruger CEO and president. ” Could hunting make a strong comeback in 2010? “Strong” may be more than can be hoped for, but there are signs that hunting has some traction in the marketplace. Hunting-license sales rose 3.5 percent in 2009, according to NSSF’s Hunting License Sales Index, a new project involving Southwick Associates, a research firm. The 12-state index comprises several states from four main regions of the United States. “While the reasons for the 3.5-percent increase are speculative, past research shows that during slowdowns in the nation’s economy, it is possible that people have more time to hunt and that hunters take the opportunity to fill their freezers,” said Jim Curcuruto, NSSF’s director of industry research and analysis. While not as accessory-heavy as modern sporting rifles, traditional firearm accessories are numerous — and profitable. Galco International is addressing the economic climate with offerings that maintain the company’s quality, but carry a lower price-point. Positive Hunting Signs Plenty Of Accessories Winchester Repeating Arms offers two limited-edition Model 1894s. Visit www.shootingindustry.com/winchester.html. Remington’s new Model 700 XCRII has an improved TriNyte corrosion-control finish. Visit www.shootingindustry.com/remington.html. Benelli’s new Legacy 28 weighs 5 lbs., and is available in 24" and 26" 2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=34http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=34Source Code: CHR HEVI-SHOT introduces a new line of Performance Choke Tubes for 2010. Visit www. shootingindustry.com/hevishot.html. 231.26630 Shooting Industry Mar2010 1 THE REGENT 12/9/09 10:53 AM .45 ACP 1911A1 “In my opinion, the Regent 1911A1 .45 is, without doubt, the best 1911 type .45 automatic on the market today for under $800. Robert H. Dunlap NOT ALL 1911’s ARE CREATED EQUAL The Regent Model R100, was created in Trabzon, Turkey at a modern, high-tech state-of-the-art factory that also manufactures firearms for NATO under the strict requirements: FOR DETAILS, PLEASE GO TO Master Gunsmith, Mechanical Engineer, Lassen College Gunsmith Instructor Emeritus ISO 9000 & AQAP 120 NATO Quality Standards WWW. IACIMPORTS.COM MFG. IN TURKEY – IMPORTED BY IAC BILLERICA, MA MSRP: $559.95 “New for this year, for the sport-oriented shooter, we have our Field Grade Line, which is composed of some new gun cases, some shell bags and a new belt. They allow someone who is new to shooting to get into the sport at a very, very reasonable price,” said Mike Barham, Galco’s media liaison. Introduced just in time for the 2010 spring turkey seasons, Nikon’s 1.65-5x36mm TurkeyPro Shotgun Scope with Ballistic Turkey Reticle (BTR) has a removable Anti-Reflective Device (ARD), a first for turkey hunters. “Using an ARD in a turkey-specific scope is a first, but it makes perfect sense given a turkey’s amazing eyesight and spooky nature,” said Jon Allen, Nikon Sports Optics general manager. “The new TurkeyPro uses input from some of the country’s best turkey hunters, and is the first scope to combine all those years of experience into one scope.” Shooters Ridge has expanded its line of Ruger 10/22 thumbhole synthetic stocks, adding a variety of unique colors and patterns. Colors include standard Realtree Hardwoods HD, and the Realtree Hardwoods HD pattern in pink and blue. There is also a White Mothwing pattern and Digital Woodland Camo. 9 Long Guns & Accessories See Reader Service, page 44, for a listing of long gun manufacturers. Visit www. shootingindustry.com/productindex. html for a look at all products reviewed in FMG Publications magazines. 34 MARCH 2010 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=35http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=35JOIN US! JULY 23-24, 2010 (2-day event!) SU PPORTI NG MASTERS Heartland Shooting Park Grand Island, Neb. SHOOTING INDUSTRY Eighth Annual It’s Time To Enter Your Team The Shooting Industry Masters is much more than a threegun shooting match. In fact, it doesn’t even matter how well you shoot. The two-day match offers you a chance to get to know other big shots in the industry, form business alliances, build team bonds and most importantly, support the NSSF’s First Shots program, which introduces new people to the shooting sports. Here’s the best part — you’ll have fun shooting. The combination of pistol, rifle and shotgun events are beginner friendly and shooting-pro challenging. Your shooting scores? Only you and your team will know. We don’t publish scores so you can brag all you want. So clear your calendar for the weekend of July 23-24 and make plans to attend the Eighth Annual Shooting Industry Masters. SPONSORED BY: National Shooting Sports Foundation’s BENEFITTING: EVENT SCHEDULE TEAM CHECK-IN Handgun, Rifle & Shotgun team events & lunch at The Heartland Shooting Park Friday, July 23, 2010 2010 MATCH ENTRY FORM EARLY BIRD BONUS: Enter your team, with payment by April 25, 2010 and pay only $1,250 for your four-man or $1,500 for your five-man team entry. You will also receive a free 1/4 page, 4C Shooting Industry Masters Challenge Ad in the June issue of Shooting Industry magazine. Early Bird Four-Man Team Entry $1,250 Early Bird Five-Man Team Entry $1,500 After April 25th, Four-Man Team Entry $1,500 After April 25th, Five-Man Team Entry $1,750 Team Welcome Reception AT THE Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Awards presentation at The Holiday Inn Grand Island-Midtown Friday Evening Sponsor Team Entry Four-Man Team, $1,000 Five-Man Team, $1,250 Saturday, July 24, 2010 Handgun, Rifle & Shotgun team events & lunch at The Heartland Shooting Park Contact Name: Company: Address: City/State/Zip: Phone: Payment Type: Card No: Exp. Date: Initial: No Gun? No Excuse. Loaner guns will be available for each event. Match Ammunition, Shooter’s Goody Bag, Match Lunch and Awards Dinner ALL Included with your Entry Fee! Masters Awards Banquet with Raffle to benefit NSSF’s First Shots Program at The Holiday Inn Grand Island-Midtown Saturday Evening E-Mail: MC/Visa/AmEx/Dis Check Enclosed For additional information, including our great hotel group rate, contact Elizabeth O’Neill at 888.315.3641 e-mail: elizabeth@shootingindustry.com Mail or FAX with payment to: ATTN: Elizabeth O’Neill, FMG Publications 12345 World Trade Dr., San Diego, CA 92128 FAX 888.651.75682011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=36http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=362011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=37http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=37Put A A Cutting Edge On Your Five Tried-And-True Tips To Sharpen Cutlery Sales By John Morrison t doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for a hardworking hunting knife, a topof-the-line tactical folder or a collectible custom creation — if you’re anywhere in the area of San Antonio, Texas, just ask around for the best source and it’s likely you’ll be referred to Nagel’s Gun Shop. Founded by Homer Nagel in 1942 and still successfully operated by the family, Nagel’s is one of the best-known gun shops in Texas, and one of the most successful knife dealers, too. A full 1,500 square feet of Nagel’s total 8,000 feet of display space is dedicated to knife sales. Typically, more than 2,000 knives are found in stock, including popular names like Benchmade, Kershaw, Spyderco, Case, CRKT and Al Mar Knives. Nagel’s is also one of the few dealers for Randall Made Knives, and carries many handmade full-custom knives. And the point is — they all sell. “We have knives that retail for $20, and Knife Profits! The Paul Defender (top) and Blackfoot folder, both from Lone Wolf Knives, won the Blade Show’s 2009 awards for Best Overall Knife and Best Buy of the Year, respectively. It’s no accident they are in great demand. I others running into thousands of dollars,” said Robin Fisher, knife manager. “And that’s one of the big reasons we’re successful: We have something for everyone and almost every taste.” Study The Trends Homer Nagel was Robin’s grandfather, Robin Fisher (left), knife manager at Nagel’s, acquaints a customer with a new folding knife design. www.shootingindustry.com and she has been working at the store since graduating from college, gaining 30 years of industry experience, first in gun sales and then in knives. As with guns, she says the keys to success are simple. Here is the tried-and-true “Fisher Formula.” “First,” Fisher said, “study the magazines — Blade Magazine, Tactical Knives and others.” Fisher says she’s always on the lookout for emerging consumer interests and new developments. “It’s easy enough to see what’s popular or rapidly gaining popularity, and if you don’t have it in stock, customers will turn to the Internet or other sellers,” she said. For example, Lone Wolf Knives won two Best of 2009 awards at the Blade Show — Best Overall Knife of the Year for the Paul Defender, and Best Buy of the Year for the Blackfoot folder. Do you stock them? “Second,” Fisher said, “study knives as you would guns. You need to be able to talk knowledgeably about steels and their different properties; edge grinds and what kind of cutting they are best suited for; handle materials; action and lock types; finishes and corrosion resistance — every aspect. Product knowledge is critical because it’s the one thing you can give MARCH 2010 372011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=38http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=38buyers that the Internet and big-box stores can’t — expertise and advice.” On Spyderco’s Web site, www. spyderco.com, click the “Edge-U-Cation” tab to find a wealth of information on steels, “knife anatomy,” handle and sheath materials, and a complete glossary of knife terms. “Third, study your market,” Fisher said, referring both to the market you have, and the market you’re missing and would like to have. “For instance, we’re in the heart of great hunting country, so we pay a lot of attention to learning what hunters want and need in field and skinning knives,” she said. The same applies to tactical designs, gentlemen’s knives and collectible custom blades. If you’re lacking sales in these areas, visits to dedicated cutlery stores can give you solid leads about what’s hot in the markets you’re not tapping. To get a better idea of styles wildly popular with younger buyers, check out Mantis Knives’ Web site, www.mantisknives.com. Radical designs can generate radical profits! “Fourth,” Fisher continued, “recognize and capitalize on the value of brand loyalty — names that command respect; makers whose names alone can open and close a sale.” She cited Browning knives as an example. “People see the name Browning or the Buck Mark logo, and they’re assured of high quality,” Fisher said. Very popular with younger buyers, Mantis Knives like the Jyro offer innovative designs, solid construction and low MSRPs. For 2010, Browning adds Model 111 lockback folding models, designed by Russ Kommer for Browning. Many customers are very brand loyal and are drawn to logos and company names they favor. Logo Loyalty & Building Relationships “Case knives are seen not only for their excellent quality, but also as pure American history. They have tremendous appeal for those who appreciate tradition and want 100-percent, made-in-the-USA goods. Buck is another name people recognize immediately and associate with sturdy, quality knives. The Buck folding Model 110 Hunter is a classic, and still a modern favorite.” Fisher says another thing to remember is that logo loyalty extends to the knives offered by gunmakers, too. “Smith & Wesson, Remington and Beretta are good examples,” she said. “And Continued on page 40 Countdown Magazine Pistol Carbine Conversion Kit Magazine well Grips Always know how many rounds exactly are left at a glance. The innovative & unique CountDown magazine has a color-coded & numeric indicator on the rear & bottom of the magazine, showing the exact number of left rounds. .223 30 round polymer magazine with stainless steel spring and anti-tilt follower. 100% reliability and lifetime guarantee. Item #: CDMAG Convert your pistol to an accurate assault rifle in less than 5 seconds. EMA’s new RONI is a hinged polymer and aluminum carbine frame that opens to allow the operator to insert their handgun. All NFA Rules apply. No pistol disassembly required. Item #: RONI Our new grips provide a comfortable solution. These ambidextrous grips are positioned at a balancing point on the rifle providing a comfortable no slip carry option. Three different models provide the user with their choice of magazine grip. Item # MGRIP MGRIP1 MGRIP2 www.ematactical.com info@ematactical.com P: 215.949.9944 • F: 215.949.9191 1208 Branagan Drive, Tullytown PA, 19007 CK TO S IN W! TS NO C G DU IN RO HIPP P L AL & S 38 MARCH 2010 EMA_0052_SI_4-10_HalfEMA_7x5.indd 1 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com 1/29/10 3:20 PM2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=39http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=39Industry Pros Offer Advice hink of how you would display fine watches or jewelry,” says Gary Fadden, CEO of Al Mar Knives. Fadden strongly believes that dealers should display high-end knives in keeping with their value — and in such a manner as to enhance their perceived value. Proper spacing, clean, contrasting backdrop materials in neutral colors, and good lighting to show off details of design and finish all add up to increased sales. Fadden even suggests that dealers keep a magnifying glass handy to show off precise wood-tometal fit and fine finish polishing. SOG Knives has always been heavy on high-tech: exotic, extremely durable finishes like their TiNi titanium nitride, corrosion-resistant powder coatings and innovative actions like S.A.T. “SOGAssisted Technology.” Chris Cashbaugh, marketing coordinator for SOG, says the technology not only makes for better, more durable knives and tools, but gives dealers great conversational material and strong selling points. “From cell phones to cars and TVs, technology is the big consumer draw,” “T Cashbaugh said. He urges dealers to learn the language, and use it to point out what may seem like hidden, but very important, differences between knives — because those differences can make or break sales for you. A long line of sales execs from Buck Knives has advocated creating a sales calendar every year to plan special sales and advertising efforts around dates like Father’s Day, Veterans’ Day, Christmas and other holidays. You should also take into account seasonal sales opportunities. When will fishing, camping and hunting knives be most in demand? Develop definite sales strategies to capitalize on them. The right knife can be a great gift for many occasions, but you may have to plant that idea in your customers’ minds! “Knife buyers are hands-on people,” said Joyce Laituri, of Spyderco Knives. “Anything you can do to get them holding your product moves you closer to a sale.” When you see a customer focusing on a knife in your display, take the initiative — get it out, put it in their hands and start talking about its features and advantages. Nothing seals a deal better than the customer holding your knife and appreciating its grip and balance. Now go cut yourself a slice of those profits! SOG Knives’ Stingray 2 has sophisticated features like abalone thumb studs, stabilized inlaid Japanese Mino paper and, of course, lots of high-tech in the action and blade steel. There’s a lot to show off — and to discuss with your customers. 1892 DeLuxe TAke-DOwn LimiTeD SeRieS EXCLUSIVE 44-40 Caliber: 534157140 45LC Caliber: 534157141 Sights: Open Capacity: 10+1 Octagon Barrel Length: 24” Stock: Satin Walnut Grade II/III Checkered with Pistol Grip 32-20 Caliber: 534157166 38-40 Caliber: 534157167 Certificate of Authenticity Special Serial Numbers: 0000-0250 Limited Series Box Sleeve “Limited Series” Barrel Rollmark Separates Easily Without Tools! Only 251 of Each Caliber Made mSRP: $1,899.95 $ Buy 2 or more • mix & match 114999 eACH $ 109999 eACH Does Davidson’s GuaranteeD Lifetime Replacement make that much of a difference? Don’t miss out on these great deals, supplies are limited to quantities on hand. www.davidsonsinc.com www.shootingindustry.com 800-367-4867 CALL TODAY I t w I l l w h e n yo u n e e d I t ! ©2010 DAViDSOn’S, inC. ALL RiGHTS ReSeRVeD. MARCH 2010 392011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=40http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=40Firearms Business Insurance Wholesalers & Distributors • Retail Sales • Manufacturers & Importers Ammunition & Bullet Manufacturers • Indoor & Outdoor Ranges Trap, Skeet & Sporting Clay Fields • Gunsmiths • Firearms Instructors Providing Quality Insurance Products to the Firearms Industry for Over 25 Years. Continued from page 38 what better time to sell a knife as an addon sale than when your customer is picking up a new gun?” Fisher’s fifth and final tip is never to simply sell a knife to a customer. “Instead, build a relationship,” she said. “We have lots of multigenerational customers: people whose grandparents bought their guns, ammunition, knives and gear from us, then their parents, and they keep on coming — and bringing in friends and more family. If you’re in the shooting and outdoor field for the long haul, look down the road!” Why? The reason is simple, according to Fisher. “We have always placed customer service and satisfaction first. We take our time to make sure the customer gets the best-suited knife for their intended use; we get it into their hands to make sure it’s a good, natural fit; answer all their questions; and make it clear we’re always here, always interested in their feedback and ready to help them with their next purchase,” Fisher said. Nagel’s Gun Shop’s success is unquestioned. Considering Robin Fisher’s five strong points, we don’t think there’s any question why they’re successful. Why not give the “Fisher Formula” a try? 9 Coverage Available in All 50 States. Endorsed by info@jcinsco.com • www.guninsurance.com • 800.526.2199 JCI-68 InsJournalMagAd_20091007.indd 1 10/7/09 10:31 AM Knife Market See Reader Service, page 44, for a listing of knife manufacturers. Visit www. shootingindustry.com/productindex. html for a look at all products reviewed in FMG Publications magazines. Glock / Kel-Tec Dealers Fax FFL for catalog Fingertip Extensions also fits many other small pistols in .22, .25, .32, and .380 calibers. 40 MARCH 2010 Kel-Tec / Bersa cherer upplies Inc 205 Four Mile Creek Rd. Taxewell Tn, 37879 M-1 Garand One Shot FAX 423-733-2073 Adapter S Slug Plug #5 for The New Glock® Model 21SF Benchmade now offers their best-selling MiniGriptilian folder in pink, with a portion of the proceeds going to breast cancer research. Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=41http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=41New products See 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 New Feature: Visit www.shootingindustry.com/productindex.html to view products featured in all the magazines of FMG Publications Alliant Powder Power Pro Series Alliant’s Power Pro series is designed for magnum pistol, light varmint and light/medium/magnum rifles. The five spherical reloading powders are denser for more efficient metering and loading, and offer improved velocity. They are available in 1-lb. bottles and 8-lb. canisters. Manufactured in the USA and engineered for specific cartridges and applications. Alliant Powder 1-800-276-9337 SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com/alliantpowder.html Hot Link FMG Publications Concealed Carry for Ladies The new Ladies Basic Guide To Concealed Carry training course from Thunder Ranch offers a comprehensive look at concealed carry from a woman’s perspective. Instructor Heidi Smith presents her concepts on gun selection and carry options in an easy-to-follow, relaxed format. Heidi’s range demonstrations, guided by husband Clint Smith, provide a complete picture on how to safely carry a concealed handgun, and draw and fire from several effective platforms. Command Arms Accessories Redesigned Bipod Command Arms introduces its upgraded bipod, featuring a lower mounting design, which provides a wider stance and lower center of gravity. A 3" Picatinny rail has been added to the base of the mount, allowing for the addition of a light, laser or vertical grip. The feet and leg extension push buttons have also been redesigned. The bipod’s steel legs fold parallel to the barrel when not in use, and ergonomic finger grooves allow for a better grip. FMG Publications 1-800-628-9818 SI DIGITAL Command Arms Accessories (267) 803-1518 SI DIGITAL www.americanhandgunner.com/TRvids Hot Link www.shootingindustry.com/commandarms.html Hot Link www.shootingindustry.com MARCH 2010 412011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=42http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=42Blaser USA R 93 Professional Success Blaser’s R 93 Professional Success features a synthetic thumbhole stock. Based on the R 93 Professional, the rifle’s dark green stock is shatter-proof and stable in extreme temperatures, and is equipped with elastomer inlays on the pistol grip and forend. The stock is ergonomically optimized for comfort and efficient trigger pull, and is available for all barrel contours. Every R 93 Standard, Semi Weight and Safari barrel fits into the R 93 Professional Success stock. Righthanded only. SIG SAUER E2 Enhanced Ergonomics The E2 Enhanced Ergonomics P226 and P229 pistols feature a one-piece, textured modular grip, plus reduced area in the backstrap and overall circumference. The modular grip snaps in place. The Short Reset Trigger (SRT) system reduces trigger reset by 60 percent. A redesigned decocking lever can combine with an optional ergonomic slide catch lever for reduced profile. The frames are machined from 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum with black hard-coat anodized finish and integral accessory rails. Both models ship with three 15-round magazines. Fieldline Dwight Schuh Pack Fieldline’s Dwight Schuh–designed Tree Stand Pack attaches to any tree via a large compression strap. The pack has 14 specialized gear compartments, including a large, top-loading main compartment, four side-mesh pockets and two smaller side-zippered external pockets. Also includes a two-liter hydration bladder, bungee compression-system straps, multiple lashing straps, daisy chain loops, padded back, articulated shoulder straps and sternum strap. Dimensions are 21 1/2" high, 16" wide and 9 1/4" deep. Available in New Mossy Oak Breakup camo. SIG SAUER Fieldline (603) 722-2302 www.shootingindustry.com/sigsauer.html SI DIGITAL 1-800-438-3353 www.shootingindustry.com/fieldline.html SI DIGITAL Blaser USA Inc. (210) 377-2527 SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com/blaserusa.html Hot Link Hot Link Hot Link catalog #32 The only source that you’ll ever need for current, obsolete and military gun parts, gunsmith supplies, military surplus and shooting accessories. ONLY $22.95! (for the set) ITEM#TP-32 Our new, two-volume Catalog #32 features our 1,180 page Reference Guide and our 352 page Accessory Catalog. Order your catalog NOW! Our latest edition features more than 180,000 individual items, over 650 schematic drawings and parts lists, and a store brand name to original manufacturer cross-reference. We carry products for hundreds of manufacturers including: • Heckler & Koch • Colt • High Standard • Ruger • Marlin • Mauser • Mossberg • Remington • Savage • SigArms • Glock • Uberti • AMT • Benelli Pelican Products Weapons Cases Pelican Products’ 1750 and 1720 Weapons Cases now have two extra locking points, for a total of four locking points (two with stainless steel protector hasps). The holes will accept standard padlocks or Pelican TSA-accepted locks. Features include watertight/crush-resistant armor, high-impact, heat- and chemical-resistant polymer shell, stainless steel hardware and double-throw latches, automatic pressure-equalization valve and tongue-andgroove lid construction with a polymer oring for watertight seal. Both cases come in black and desert tan with OD green available by request. Backed by Pelican’s Lifetime Guarantee. Order @www.GunPartsCorp.com to receive a $5.00 rebate on your 1st web order! U.S. Orders: Shipped bulk mail. Shipping charges included. Foreign Orders: Shipped air mail (30 day delivery) or surface (90 day delivery). Shipping charges additional. Mail: PO Box 299 West Hurley Ny 12491 — or — 226 Williams Lane, Kingston Ny 12401 Order Toll-Free: 866-686-7424 • Toll-Free Fax: 877-GUNPART • Web: GunPartsCorp.com Pelican Products Inc. 1-800-473-5422 SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com/pelican.html Hot Link 42 MARCH 2010 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=43http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=43Harness the power of the world-wide-web to bring new customers to your door. Increase Your Sales Offer Customers A Fully Stocked ONLINE STORE Now Your Website Can Offer Over 10,000 Products 5.11 Tactical Series Cargo Pants The newest tactical cargo pants from 5.11 are made of 8.5-oz. peached cotton canvas and feature two large cargo pockets, front top hidden pockets (sized for two 15-round AR15/M4 magazines), deep rear welt pockets and deep dual front pockets (one zippered). The pockets can hold up to 180 rounds. The pants have double- and triple-stitch construction, bartacks in high-stress areas, Cordura nylon lining in select zones, sideelastic waistband and a D-ring. Available in khaki, coyote, OD green and tundra. EAA Ported Carry EZ Pistol EAA’s ported carry version of its EZ pistol has a 3 3/4" barrel and overall length of 7 1/2". The EZ Carry features a two-tone finish, black frame and matte stainless slide. Available in 9mm and .40 S&W, the double-/single-action pistol has ambidextrous controls, three-dot sights, skeletonized hammer, lightweight frame, integral accessory rail, full-length claw extractor, firing pin block safety and a tactile loaded chamber indicator. Weight is 32 oz. DISTRIBUTOR CATALOG 5.11 Tactical Series 1-866-451-1726 SI DIGITAL EAA Corp. (321) 639-4842 www.shootingindustry.com/eaacorp.html SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com/511tactical.html Hot Link Hot Link www.outdoorbusinessnetwork.com Call Today for a Free Consultation and Online Demo Toll Free: 1-800-699-0820 - Distributor Product & Inventory Link - One-Click-To-Ship - Custom Design & Branding Lipsey’s Exclusive Ruger Bisley Flattop .44 Special Lipsey’s LLC is the exclusive distributor for the Ruger Bisley Flattop .44 Special. The revolver has a blue finish, rosewood laminate grips and adjustable sights, along with the Bisley features. It is built on the midsize .357 Magnum frame, and offered in 4 5/8" and 5 1/2" barrel lengths. Boker USA Pry-Mate The Boker Pry-Mate knife has a blade thickness of nearly 7mm, milled Micarta handles and deep thumb notches. Blade length is 3 2/8" and overall length is 6 1/2". The satin-finished N690BO blade is corrosion-resistant. Includes a Kydex sheath. Lipsey’s LLC Boker USA 1-800-666-1333 www.shootingindustry.com/lipseys.html SI DIGITAL 1-800-835-6433 www.shootingindustry.com/bokerusa.html SI DIGITAL Hot Link Hot Link Read SI Digital MARCH 2010 43 www.shootingindustry.com2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=44http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=44Reader Reader service Companies ADVERTISERS Advanced Technology International AirForce Airguns ArmaLite Battenfeld Technologies Benchmade Knife Company BLACKHAWK! Brownells Colonial Arms Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. Crimson Trace Corp. Davidson’s Inc. DPMS Ellett Brothers EMA Tactical Fiocchi Ammunition Fobus USA Galco Gunleather Insight Technology Interstate Arms Corp. Joseph Chiarello & Co. Lyman Products MKS Supply Inc. MTM Case-Gard Nosler Numrich Gun Parts Outdoor Business Network Pearce Grip ProMag Industries Scherer Supplies Security Equipment Corp. Shooting Search SIG SAUER Sports South LLC Springfield Inc. STI International Inc. Trijicon Inc. Page 11 15 7 25 17 21 34 5 29 16 39 23 19 38 1 14 9 5 34 40 15 40 6 3 42 43 34 41 40 12 43 13 2 47 10 48 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 Companies Lyman Products Corp. Leupold & Stevens Marlin Firearms Co. McMillan Fiberglass Stock MTM Molded Products Navy Arms Co. New England Arms Corp. New England Firearms Nikon O.F. Mossberg & Sons Outers Pachmayr Ltd. Peltor Plano Primos Pro Shot Remington Arms Co. Rossi Savage Arms Shooters Edge Shooters Ridge SIG SAUER SKB Sports Smith & Wesson Springfield Armory Stoeger Stoney Point Products Sturm, Ruger & Co. Sweet’s Taurus International Thompson/Center Arms Tipton Torel Traditions Performance Firearms Uncle Mike’s Weatherby Inc. Weaver White Flyer Winchester Repeating Arms Page 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 Companies Randall Made Knives Remington Arms Savage Arms SHUN Cutlery SIG SAUER Smith & Wesson Smith Abrasives SOG Specialty Knives Spyderco Inc. Strider Knives Taylor Brands LLC Timberline Knives Victorinox Swiss Army W.R. Case & Sons William Henry Knives Cutlery Wilson Tactical Zero Tolerence Knives (ZT) ADCO Sales Advantage Camouflage Aimpoint Ameristep Benelli USA Corp. Beretta USA Browning B-Square Birchwood Casey BuckWing Products Burris Bushnell Outdoors Butler Creek Charles Daly Cody Turkey Calls Conetrol DK Flatwoods Feather Flex Federal Premium Flambeau H&R 1871 Haydel’s Game Calls Hevi-Shot HiViz Sight Hunter’s Specialties Kahles Kick’s Industries Knight & Hale Leupold & Stevens M.A.D. Calls MOJO Outdoors Mossy Oak New England Arms Corp. New England Firearms Outdoor Prostaff O.F. Mossberg & Sons Penn’s Woods Primos Hunting Calls Quaker Boy Game Calls Realtree Camouflage Remington Arms Co. Shannon Outdoors Simmons Outdoor Corp. Trijicon ThermaCELL TruGlo Inc. Whitewater Outdoors Winchester Ammunition Winchester Repeating Arms Page 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 43 41 42 43 41 43 42 41 43 42 42 TURKEY SALES LONG GUNS & ACCESSORIES AA&E Leathercraft Allen Co. A.R.M.S. Inc. Advanced Technology ArmaLite Barrett Firearms Battenfeld Technologies Bell and Carlson Benelli USA Beretta USA Birchwood Casey BLACKHAWK! Boyds’ Gunstocks Browning B-Square Bushmaster Bushnell Butler Creek Caesar Guerini Caldwell Shooting Supplies Century International Arms Champion Charles Daly Colt’s Mfg. Inc. Command Arms Accessories Conetrol Crimson Trace CZ-USA DAC Technologies Dakota Arms Inc. Do All Outdoors Doskocil DPMS EMF Co. Inc. Extreme Shock Ammunition FNH USA G96 Products Co. Galco International H&R 1871 Harris Engineering Heckler & Koch Inc. Henry Repeating Arms HEVI-Shot Hi-Point Firearms Hogue Grips Hoppe’s H-S Precision Inc. Kel-Tec Kimber Mfg. KNIFE MARKET A.G. Russell Knives Al Mar Knives Atlanta Cutlery Bear & Son Cutlery Benchmade Knife Co. Beretta Knives BLACKHAWK! Blade-Tech Industries Browning Buck Knives Chris Reeve Knives Coast Products. Cold Steel Colt K2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=45http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=45Industry watch Continued from page 46 russ@shootingindustry.com E-mail the Editor BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Consider all your employment options in the Shooting, Hunting, Knife, LE/Tactical & Outdoor Industry. Industry specific, key employee search firm. Candidate contact encouraged, confidential, free. All fees paid by employer. Shooting Search, Inc. 407-321-5822 www.shootingsearch.com. search@shootingsearch.com industry, whether you’re a professional shooter or have never fired a gun. We have two classes: The Open Class, for professional shooters and those who want to compete at that level, and the Industry Class, for the rest of us. We even host an NSSF First Shots session the first morning of the Masters to help new shooters get started. Second, we don’t release the scores of teams or individuals. Yes, we present awards to the top three teams and individual shooters, but this is a fun event. In addition to supporting NSSF’s First Shots, the Masters has the goal of getting everyone from throughout the industry away from computers, off factory floors and out of shipping departments — and to the range — to do what we want all Americans to do: Go Out And Enjoy Shooting! Safety, of course, is not compromised. We design courses of fire that are fun — and safe — with a crew who knows how to smile while ensuring that all-important safety. Our 2010 Masters course of fire has two stages of rifle and handgun shooting, and a true sporting clays course. Plus, we’ll have a number of side matches to challenge shooters — and raise additional money for First Shots. This year’s Masters will be held at the impressive Heartland Public Shooting Park in Grand Island, Neb., July 23-24. To welcome the industry to their city, the Grand Island Economic Development Corporation and Grand Island Sports Council are hosting a Masters Welcome Reception for all participants at the Stuhr Musuem on July 22, beginning at 6 p.m. You need to be at this year’s Masters. To enter your team, or for more information, visit www.shootingindustry.com, or contact Elizabeth O’Neill, Masters coordinator, by e-mail: elizabeth@shootingindustry.com or call 1-888-315-3641. If you’ve entered a team for the 2010 match, recruit another company to enter a team and you’ll both receive a full-page ad in one of FMG’s Special Editions. Ask Elizabeth for details. If you would like to donate prizes for the Masters raffle to help raise money for First Shots, contact Elizabeth.We thank all of our sponsors. Without them, we could not hold this match, which is a true industry event. Yes, the Shooting Industry Masters is about the industry. It’s not about our company, or any one company in the industry. It is about all of us — the firearms industry. That’s also why the Masters is held in conjunction with the presentation of the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence awards. Yes, that’s another FMG Publications-sponsored program — but we have no vote in determining who receives the awards. It’s about the industry. ACCESSORIES Enter Your Team Vote For Pete Brownell ere’s one of the easiest, makes-sense endorsements: Vote for Pete Brownell for a seat on the NRA Board of Directors. Pete, president of Brownells, is smart, a clear thinker and just the kind of young industry executive we need representing all of us who are NRA members. “I’ve grown up believing the NRA is the best way to protect our Second Amendment rights and our shooting and hunting heritage. I grew up in the industry, and believe I can serve as an effective link between the people who built our traditions, and those who are enjoying them today,” Brownell said. H 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 a2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=46http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=46Industry Industry watch assachusetts! It was remarkable how much excitement just mentioning the state’s name created at the SHOT Show. If you wanted to bring a smile to someone’s face, you just had to say, “Massachusetts!” You were rewarded with a wide grin and often a round of high-fives. Those at the SHOT Show kept a close watch on the U.S. Senate election in Massachusetts throughout Jan. 19, the first day of the trade show. Republican Scott Brown was pulling ahead of Democrat Martha Coakley for the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by the late Ted Kennedy. There was no doubt that most of those attending the show were cheering for Brown. A win for Brown meant breaking the 60-vote, filibuster-proof majority in Congress. It would also send a clear message to the Obama administration and Congress that “change” was coming, re: November midterm elections. If there were folks cheering for Coakley at the show, they kept their exuberance private. Then, on Tuesday evening, as more than a thousand gathered at the NSSF reception before the State of the Industry Russ Thurman In A Word: “Massachusetts!” M “ Dinner, word began moving through the room, “Brown is ahead.” Throughout the large crowd, there were groups with designated news announcers, their eyes focused on smartphones. Suddenly, a roar erupted in one section of the large reception, then rolled through the crowd: “Coakley has conceded!” The evening was off to a great start. Dennis Miller, the evening’s en- To those who covet our votes: ‘Start leading or find another job.’ tertainer, used Brown’s election to good effect, keeping the 1,500-plus in attendance in laughter. The smiles continued for the rest of the show, prompted by the declaration: “Massachusetts!” It has begun. Or, at least it appears there is momentum building for restoring conservative sanity to Washington, D.C. The election of Brown sent a high-magnitude quake through the White House and the Democrat-controlled Congress. Suddenly, Democrats in Congress are considering ” other “callings.” The latest Democrat, as of this writing, to find Congress too taxing (pun intended) is Senator Evan Bayh, who announced he would not run for reelection in November. There will be other Democrat defections. While this has all the makings of good news, there’s the nagging knowledge that those who claim to be conservative champions are incapable of leading and are bogged down in the politics of the inept. No matter the political party, incompetent representation is not acceptable. Yes, we need to return conservative reasoning to D.C., but perhaps not with the same “conservative” politicians. Just because someone claims to be a conservative or has been around a long time, it doesn’t necessarily qualify him or her to represent those of us who consider ourselves conservatives. We don’t need seat-warmers in Washington, nor mushy-mouthed politicians who spend most of their time running for reelection. We need leaders. We must send the message — and make it very clear — to those who covet our votes: “Start leading or find another job.” That’s change we all can believe in. Industry Prepares For 2010 Masters he 2010 Shooting Industry Masters promises to be the best match in the eight-year history of the FMG Publications’ event. At the SHOT Show, many exhibitors were as interested in talking about the Masters as they were about their 2010 new products. “It’s a great event. We are excited to be a sponsor,” said Brian Lisankie, Aimpoint president. “I’ll be there this year. All those in Freedom Group who have shot in the match talk about how much fun it is,” said Ted Torbeck, Freedom Group CEO. “We’re looking forward to it. You have to be at the Masters,” said Lew Danielson, Crimson Trace chairman and CEO. “I think this will be the best shoot in the history of the Masters. The range has phenomenal facilities. And the Hornady people are practicing,” T said Steve Hornady, Hornady president. Hornady Manufacturing is hosting this year’s match. The go2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=47http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=472011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=48http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Mar2010/?Page=4817,000 Hours of Battery Life — Or More LED model works up to 35,000 hours on one battery when stored in complete darkness. No Special Tools Required Can be adjusted with a cartridge case or common multi-tool. Waterproof to 66 Feet Completely sealed against the elements. Ultra-Clear Lens Tempered for scratch resistance and strength. Minimal Weight. Maximum Effect. Scaling down shouldn’t mean scaling back on aiming precision or technical sophistication. That’s why demanding hunters look to the Trijicon RMR™ (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex). Built to provide ultimate red-dot visibility against the target, this tiny sight enables you to acquire and hit your target with speed and precision. Encased in a tough but ultra-light forged aluminum housing it’s the most durable red-dot on the market and will stand up to anything you or nature can throw at it. The RMR™ also offers you the choice of either a reliable LED model that automatically adjusts for brightness in any lighting situation, or a dual-illuminated, battery-free configuration featuring Trijicon fiber optics and tritium. When you take a minimalist approach and you want maximum effect, you need Trijicon RMR™. For the Trijicon dealer nearest you, call Trijicon at 1.800.338.0563 or visit www.trijicon.com. 4 MOA 8 MOA Trijicon RMR™ Model RM01 LED Version Trijicon RMR™ Model RM03 Dual-Illumination Version Available Reticles 7 MOA 9 MOA 13 MOA LED Model Dual-Illumination Model 3 Modes Available Other related Trijicon products: Trijicon® Bright & Tough™ g Night Sights Dual Illuminated Fixed Power Magni ed Sight Trijicon ACOG® Variable Power Ri escopes Trijicon AccuPoint® Brilliant Aiming Solutions™ Assembled in the U.S.A. © 2010 Trijicon, Inc. | Wixom, Michigan USA 1.800.338.0563 www.trijicon.com2011-02-11T20:14:43+01:00