Click here to download the catalog as a PDF file. To view this site you need Adobe Flash Player and your browser must allow javaScripts. Go here to get the latest Flash Player. Russ Thurman Saluting Excellence, Shooting For The Future he accolades continue to pour into our office, praising last month’s Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence awards presentation and the Shooting Industry Masters competition. Held in the heart of Gun Valley, the two events drew praise from leaders throughout the industry. “Please allow me to thank all the FMG Publications personnel for the superb job done at the Masters and Academy of Excellence awards presentations,” said Steve Sanetti, NSSF president. Sanetti praised FMG for “the fun and camaraderie all the participants shared during those two memorable days.” “What a terrific event and evenings! This is singularly the best shooting industry event available and a testimony to our cohesiveness and passion for the sports. Thank you again for all that you do — we are a better industry because of your efforts and energy,” said Ron Coburn, Savage Arms CEO. “You (FMG) sure know how to throw a party. We’re impressed with the company T you keep and we made a bunch of new friends and got back together with a bunch more old ones. A really good time,” said Susan Houde-Walter, CEO, LaserMax. “You (FMG) have, as usual, done a helluva job in the prep and delivery of the event. If there is more that Gunsite can “Thank you again for all that you do — we are a better industry because of your efforts and energy.” industry in the academy, and we thank them for their commitment to these prestigious awards. It’s also satisfying to witness the growth in the Shooting Industry Masters. We had a record number of shooters at this year’s event. We’ve already begun planning for next year’s Masters, which will be held July 24 and 25 at the Hartford Gun Club in East Granby, Conn. Yes, we’re returning to Gun Valley. Now is the time for you to plan to join us at this three-gun competition, Ron Coburn, Savage Arms CEO. which raises money for NSSF’s Step Outside prodo to ensure future successes, just let me gram. This year, we raised $16,500 for the know; we will be there for you folks,” said program. (Full coverage of the Masters will Buz Mills, Gunsite CEO. be featured in the October issue of SI.) The Academy of Excellence awards In addition to supporting a great procontinue to be highly regarded and it’s gram, the Masters strengthens the bonds gratifying to see the awards receive the within the industry, bringing us together recognition they deserve. (See page for a day of shooting and reinforcing what 28.) The recipients of the awards are a great industry we’re in — one that we not determined by me, or an editorial must continue to fight to preserve. board, or our advertising department, For more information on the but by the Academy’s members. There Academy and Masters, visit www. are 500 members from throughout the shootingindustry.com. o help boost its sales of shotguns this fall, Beretta USA launched its Beretta Bucks promotion on Aug. 1, which offers customers a free Beretta shopping spree. Customers who purchase any Beretta Urika 2, Xtrema 2, 686 White Onyx, 687 Silver Pigeon II or 687 Silver Pigeon V shotgun will receive up to $300 in Beretta Bucks that can be redeemed online at Beretta USA’s e-Store for Beretta clothing, accessories or pro shop products. The promotion runs through Dec. 31, 2008. “The promotion offers customers an additional incentive to buy one of our shotguns for the hunting or holiday season,” said Patrick McDonald, vice president of sales and marketing. “This promotion also provides a free and easy way for our customers to experience some of our other products, like Beretta clothing and accessories.” Visit www.berettausa.com for more information. 62 SEPTEMBER 2008 T Beretta Billboards Bucks Promotion Changing Perceptions S alutes to NSSF for placing full-page ads in The Washington Post, The Washington Times and The Hill on August 6, promoting the safe and responsible use of firearms. The ad is part of a public awareness campaign that includes inviting Washington, D.C., residents to take part in the NSSF’s First Shots program. “Now that the law-abiding citizens of Washington, D.C., are able to freely exercise their Second Amendment rights, NSSF’s First Shots seminars are the perfect match for interested residents,” said Steve Sanetti, NSSF president. The ad looked particularly good in The Washington Post, given the publication’s stance on firearms and gun ownership. Holding a First Shots event in Northern Virginia is also a bold move. That part of Virginia is not exactly gun-friendly. The NSSF ad and First Shots event is a great first step in changing perceptions. Continued on page 61 www.shootingindustry.com