http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/RSS.ashxShooting Industry September 2009 PagesTue, 01 Sep 2009 16:58:13 +0200http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=1http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=1MASTERS RAISES $25,000 FOR FIRST SHOTS! SEPTEMBER 2009 Honoring Service, Integrity, Innovation INTRODUCING THE NEWEST DESERT EAGLE NEVER WALK ALONE. Hunter Sell Everything For The HIGH-TECH Sales 6-SHOT, .380 AUTO MICRO DESERT EAGLE From Magnum Research, Inc. Hot Knives How To Sell! Sharing all the family traits of the world-famous Magnum Desert Eagle, Magnum’s Micro Desert Eagle pistol, chambered in .380 ACP, is the ultimate in compact personal protection. Small enough to nest comfortably at home, in a pocket or in a purse, the double action only Micro Eagle is proudly made in the U.S. and weighs less than 14 oz. But don’t let its size fool you. The Micro Eagle provides big-time protection with a gas-assisted blowback system for ultimate reliability and hammer-forged barrels for amazing accuracy. Which only goes to prove that good things do indeed come in small packages. EXTRA! CATALOG SHOWCASE www.shootingindustry.com www.magnumresearch.com CLICK HERE to request the next digital edition.2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=2http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=22009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=3http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=3Flies Like a Ballistic Tip ® Hits Like a Ballistic Missile ™ BTLeadFree.com | 800.285.3701 Metallic Polymer Tip Initiates Explosive Expansion on Impact Exclusive Soft Copper Core Technology™ Fragments Instantly Lead Free Design Means You Can Enjoy Your Favorite Recreational Activity, No Matter Where You Live2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=4http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=4BONUS SEPTEMBER 2009 • VOLUME 54 • NUMBER 09 Page 50 Features 24 31 35 41 Page 24 Academy Of Excellence A Salute To Service, Integrity And Innovation. Too Complex To Sell? Think Again! SI DIGITAL Hot Link Debbie Thurman Cash In On High-Tech Sales John Morrison Everything For The Hunter Carolee Anita Boyles Hunting Season Has Arrived. Here’s What Hunters Still Need. Hot Knives And How To Sell ’Em These Tips Will Keep Your Cutlery Sales Strong. Pat Covert 44 Benchmade’s Glory Knife Combat-Ready Knife Honors Navy SEAL. SI DIGITAL Shari LeGate VIDEO Page 31 Industry News 8 Masters Raises $25,000 For First Shots Hot Link 10 Ruger 2nd Qtr. Firearm Sales Up 94 Percent 11 NSSF Awards $245,000 To Shooting Facilities 15 Newsmakers Columns SI DIGITAL 16 18 20 Page 35 Lethal Force Expand Your Markets For The AR. SI DIGITAL Massad Ayoob Hot Link Outdoor Marketplace Here Are Gift Offerings To Boost Holiday Sales. J.K. Autry Arms And The Woman Market Non-Lethal Campus Security. Lisa Parsons-Wraith 22 58 6 46 Back Blast & Other Hot Gases Civic Literacy And Elected Officials? What? Commander Gilmore Industry Watch It’s Not About Bowling Balls. Russ Thurman Departments Page 41 Letters New Products SI DIGITAL Hot Link 49 56 Classifieds Reader Service SI DIGITAL VIDEO Visit www.shootingindustry.com to request a free subscription to SI Digital and view the special features in this edition. 4 SEPTEMBER 2009 SHOOTING INDUSTRY® (ISSN 0037-4148) is published monthly by Publishers’ Development Corporation at 12345 World Trade Dr, San Diego, CA 92128. Periodical Class Postage paid at San Diego, CA 92128, and at additional mailing offices. Subscription $25 yearly in U.S.A. Single copies $3 (except for the December SHOT SHOW issue, $25). Change of address: Four weeks notice required on all changes. Send old address as well as new. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: SHOOTING INDUSTRY® 12345 World Trade Dr, San Diego, CA 92128. PRINTING SERVICES/PREPRESS: Democrat Printing Company. CONTRIBUTORS submitting manuscripts, photographs or drawings, do so at their own risk. Material cannot be returned unless accompanied by sufficient postage. 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CLICK HERE www.shootingindustry.com Read SInext DIGITAL to request the digital edition.2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=5http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=5PRESENTING THE NEW SINCE 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 Built for the U .S . Military, the NEW lightweight MRDS delivers unsurpassed tactical performance . Available in either a 3 .5 MOA or 7 .0 MOA dot, the MRDS comes in black or tan, is adjustable for windage and elevation, weighs just 0 .85oz and features auto or manual dot intensity adjustment – making it the ideal accessory for tactical rifles and shotguns. The MRDS is available now in limited quantities and supported by national advertising . Don’t miss out, order today! FMG PUBLICATIONS shootingindustry.com Publisher & Editor: Russ Thurman Advertising: Anita Carson, 866.972.4545 email: anita@shootingindustry.com americancopmagazine.com Managing Editor: Suzi Huntington Advertising: Delano Amaguin, 888.732.6461 email: delano@americancopmagazine.com americanhandgunner.com Publisher & Editor: Roy Huntington Advertising: Steve Evatt, 800.533.7988 email: steve@americanhandgunner.com gunsmagazine.com Editor: Jeff John Advertising: Andrew Oram, 866.903.1199 email: andrew@gunsmagazine.com Editor: Sammy Reese Advertising: Scott McGregor, 800.553.7780 email: scott@gunsmagazine.com ONLINE ADVERTISING MANAGER: Tracy Moore, TEL: 888.651.7566, FAX: 858.605.0205, tracy@fmgpublications.com Commercial Distributors RSR Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 752-4867 RSR Wisconsin . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 832-4867 RSR Nevada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 634-4867 Simmons Gun Specialties . . . (800) 444-0220 Sports South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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Steele N. Gillaspey PRODUCED IN THE U.S.A. www.shootingindustry.com SEPTEMBER 2009 52009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=6http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=6Letters Letters to the editor Thank you for using my letter in your magazine (“Who Carried Us Best?” Letters, August 2009). As unpleasant as some truths are, they must be aired. The full-time independent retailer in this industry has long been taken for granted by the “main-line” firearm and ammo makers and the resentment, though little discussed, runs deep. We are asked to show the goods, explain the differences and answer the questions, the last two of which “big mart” can seldom do. Stocking is the easy part for big mart, with their vast financial resources. Knowledge, which gun stores are supposed to offer for free, whether they make the sale or not, comes a little harder. We are expected to enthusiastically promote all new products so that in a year or two the makers can use the momentum to blow out volume through the marts and outdoor superstores, not to mention the mail-order “distributors,” who sell to our Resentment Runs Deep gun-show-only competitors and directly to our potential customers through mailorder catalogs or even company-owned “outlet stores.” The full-time retailer is expected to answer for free questions on the value of individual transactions between private buyer/sellers (try that at your local car dealer, jeweler, etc.) and even, amazingly, answer calls from “customers” at gun shows and big mart/outdoor superstores as to whether they are getting ripped off on a purchase they are about to make there. Unbelievable! Note to consumers: We love our customers, enjoy our firearms and strongly believe in our rights as legal gun owners and sportsmen, but as full-time retailers, THIS AIN’T OUR HOBBY; IT’S OUR LIVING! This message also may need to be sent to the manufacturers in this business, who call all of the shots on how their products are distributed. As long as we have “distributors” who sell to anybody with or without a license, we will have root-level weakness. As long as we have manufacturers who look at this quarter’s numbers, with no eye to the long-term health of the industry through a clean, legal, tax-paying, community-involved distribution chain, we will have weakness. As long as we have sweetheart pricing going to the “bigs,” who will not help us in the inevitable legal and constitutional fights ahead, we will have a problem. As long as the full-time retailer is taken for granted as a low-level paying, but highly vocal supporter of our Second Amendment rights, we will have a problem. I have been in the firearms end of the outdoor industry for 26 years and the outdoor industry, in general, for 32. I have endured storefront/mail-order wholesalers, illegal home and flea markets, and gun-show dealers who had licenses, but evaded detection by an overloaded ATF audit system. I have witnessed the destruction of whole categories of merchandising from legitimate hometown retailers through distributor-direct sales of everything from archery to reloading to optics, etc. I do not understand a system that asks so much of a retailer network to “support the shooting sports” and expects them to do this on a profit margin that is nonexistent. Do an extensive poll amongst real, fulltime storefront retailers and ask them for an honest, anonymous disclosure of profits versus sales in this industry. I am sure the numbers will astound everyone and stand as a testament to the hard headedness and self-sacrifice of our legitimate retail fraternity. Pardon my long-winded rant on the state of our business, but believe me, if you were a storefront retailer, there is so much more to be said, and realistically for this industry, so little time to say it. We are one “tragedy” away from destruction and we had better get strong and smart fast. Lucky is never forever. Jack C. Little Owner, Whetstone Surplus High Point, N.C. Manufacturers, distributors, dealers, your thoughts? 9 E-mail the Editor russ@shootingindustry.com 6 SEPTEMBER 2009 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=7http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=7WHETHER YOU WEAR A BADGE, BLUE JEANS, CAMO OR KHAKIS Entry tactical REFLECT WHO YOU ARE LE Home Hunt Target Reflect who you are at www.rockriverarms.com NM A4 Coyote Rifle elite comp2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=8http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=8Industry Industry news Market Campus Security — pg. 20 Shooting Industry Masters Raises $25,000 For First Shots F MG Publications’ Seventh Annual thank FMG and the 200 industry partici- Shots. As always, we’d like to see more Shooting Industry Masters raised pants who came out and had a ball over companies step up to the firing line at the $25,000 during its July 25 raffle, two days, shooting a superbly thought out Masters,” Molde said. with the funds going to the First Shots course of fire.” Sanetti, who has participated in every program of the National Shooting Sports With this year’s raffle, FMG Publica- Masters competition, also called for comFoundation (NSSF). The panies to field teams. raffle concluded two days of “If you care anything competition by 200 shooters about the future of this infrom throughout the industry dustry, please start putting a at the Hartford Gun Club in team of your best shooters East Granby, Conn. together and plan on attend“We owe a tremendous ing the 2010 Shooting Industhank you to the very genertry Masters,” Sanetti said. ous companies that donated “You’ll have a great time for products for the raffle. The the best of causes — and you prizes were amazing and can help honor the best our those shooting in the Masindustry has to offer when ters couldn’t help but break the Shooting Industry Acadout their wallets. They also emy of Excellence meets at knew we were supporting its annual awards dinner as SI DIGITAL First Shots. Everyone knows part of the Masters.” Hot Link we need to support programs The 2010 Shooting Industhat help new shooters get in- Led by Ken Pfau (second from left), senior vice president of sales and try Masters will be held July volved, because it helps all of marketing, Team FNH USA reflects the fun factor of the 2009 Shooting 23-24 at the Heartland Pubour businesses,” said Randy Industry Masters. lic Shooting Park in Grand Molde, Masters chairman. Island, Neb. In conjunction “FMG Publications stepped up and hit tions has raised nearly $80,000 through with the Masters, FMG Publications will a home run for First Shots this year. They the Shooting Industry Masters to support host the presentation of the 2010 Shooting smashed their previous record and contrib- NSSF programs. Industry Academy of Excellence awards uted $25,000, which they raised in con“We’re planning a bigger shooting on July 23. nection with their most successful Shoot- event next year, which will also increase For more details, visit www.shootinging Industry Masters ever,” said Steve the number of shooters wanting to buy raf- industry.com. For information on First Sanetti, NSSF president. “We sincerely fle tickets and increase the support of First Shots, visit www.firstshots.org. Glock Inc. Posts First-Quarter Sales lock Inc. has announced a 71-percent increase in first-quarter pistol sales in comparison with the same period’s record sales in fiscal year 2009. The company also is seeing new pistol orders increase at a record pace as the company moves into the second quarter of the 2010 fiscal year. “With new product introductions, including the G22 RTF2 and G17 RTF2, Glock Inc. is extremely pleased with the resulting increase in sales,” said vice president Josh Dorsey. “With Glock G starting to conduct complete pistol manufacturing operations in the United States, we will enter the export market, further increasing sales.” For more information, call (770) 432-1202 or visit www. glock.com. $109.8 Million Industry Excise Taxes Paid See page 10 Ruger Firearm Sales Increase See page 10 94% NSSF Grants To Ranges See page 11 $245,000 Subscribe to SI Digital: 8 SEPTEMBER 2009 www.shootingindustry.com. Read SI DIGITAL It’s Free! www.shootingindustry.com2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=9http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=92009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=10http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=10Industry news Ruger 2nd Qtr. Firearm Sales Up 94 Percent turm, Ruger & Co. (NYSE-RGR) announced that for the second quarter of 2009, the company reported net sales of $72.4 million and earnings of 46 cents per share, compared with sales of $38.7 million and earnings of 5 cents per share in the second quarter of 2008. For the six months ending July 4, 2009, net sales were $135.9 million and earnings were 76 cents per share. For the corresponding period in 2008, net sales were $81.2 million and earnings were 12 cents per share. “Our firearms sales grew 94 percent from the second quarter of 2008 and 14 percent from the first quarter of 2009,” said CEO Michael Fifer. “The company estimates that its yearto-date sales growth of $54.7 million can be attributed to approximately 50 percent new products (LCP, LCR, SR-9 and SR-556), approximately 25 percent to an industry-wide surge in demand that began in the fourth quarter of 2008, and approximately 25 percent to increased marketshare.” Fifer said Ruger’s firearms unit production grew 63 percent from the second quarter of 2008 and 18 percent from the first quarter of 2009. “Our backlog dropped to 412,300 units as orders received in the second quarter decreased by 59 percent from the first quarter of 2009,” Fifer said. “This decline in orders received reflects a reduction in the industry-wide surge in demand that began in the fourth quarter of 2008.” Fifer also said the large backlog at the end of the first quarter discouraged further orders, and prolonged ammunition shortage at the retail level hindered retail firearms sales. “Stronger inventories throughout the distribution channel and normal product seasonality” also contributed to the decline in orders, Fifer said. Ruger also announced its board of directors declared a dividend of 12.3 cents per share for the second quarter, for shareholders of record as of Aug. 14, 2009, payable on Aug. 28, 2009. For more information, visit www.ruger. com/corporate. 10 SEPTEMBER 2009 Excise Tax Payments Jump 43 Percent S T he magnitude of the recent increase in firearm and ammunition sales is reflected in the most recent Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax Collection Report from the Department of the Treasury. Firearm and ammunition manufacturers paid more than $109.8 million in the first calendar quarter of 2009, an increase of 43 percent over the same time period in 2008. NSSF reports the increase follows a 31.3-percent increase in excise taxes from the previous quarter (4Q, 2008) and eight straight months of increased FBI background checks — another strong indicator of firearm sales. Manufacturers of firearms and ammunition pay a federal excise tax, which is a major source of wildlife conservation funding, on all firearms and ammunition manufactured (11 percent on long guns and ammunition and 10 First Quarter percent on handguns). 2008 2009 According to NSSF, the latest excise tax report, which $40M $38.9 covers Jan. 1, 2009, through $37.8 March 31, 2009, shows that $33.0 $33 million was collected in $30M $30.3 $26.4 taxes for pistols and revolvers, $38.9 million for long guns and $20M $19.9 $37.8 million for ammunition. Compared to the same quarter in 2008, collections were up $10M 65.5 percent for handguns, 42.9 percent for ammunition and Handguns Long Guns Ammunition 28.3 percent for long guns. 1,500 Young Shooters Compete In Championship Y outh shooting teams from 24 states competed in the 2009 Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) National Championships held in Sparta, Ill., in July. Over 1,500 young shooters competed in trap, skeet and sporting clays. The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) conducted the event with the support of NSSF and other major sponsors, including Beretta, Browning, Remington and White Flyer. “We are happy to report that the 2009 SCTP National Championships had the atmosphere and excitement of an Olympic competition and was, without a doubt, the most successful youth shooting championships held to date,” said2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=11http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=11Industry news NSSF Awards $245,000 To Shooting Facilities T he National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has awarded grants totaling $245,531 to 12 shooting facilities around the country to help them develop strategies for motivating people to target shoot and hunt. This is the second year NSSF has provided funding to qualifying target ranges through its Range Partnership Grant Program. “Research tells us that millions of Americans would like to try target shooting and hunting, and the place to get started is at one of the thousands of shooting ranges across the country,” said Steve Sanetti, president of NSSF. “These grants will help shooting range managers implement creative marketing strategies that will introduce newcomers and reactivate former shooters so they can enjoy lifetime activities that are fun and can be shared with family and friends. Time and again, we see that when newcomers go target shooting, they like it — a lot. We just need to help get them started.” Thirty-eight proposals were submitted by shooting facilities nationwide. The NSSF says the grants help test projects that, if successful, will be shared with shooting facilities around the country. The 2009 Range Partnership Grant Program recipients are: Wyoming Antelope Club, Florida Chapter, Saint Petersburg, Fla. Turcotte Education and Shooting Facility (partnering with Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Foundation), Jackson, Miss. Pocono Pistol Club, Stroudsburg, Pa. The National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, Harrisburg, Pa. West Coast Armory Indoor Range, Issaquah, Wash. Grizzly Ranch (partnering with California Waterfowl Association), Sacramento, Calif. Mid-Carolina Rifle Club, Rocky Creek, Harris Springs Sportsman’s Preserve and Little Mountain Gun & Supply Inc. (partnering with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources), Columbia, S.C. Seymour Fish & Game Club, Seymour, Conn. Cardinal Shooting Center (partnering with U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance), Columbus, Ohio Border Tactical Range, El Centro, Calif. Silverton Sporting Ranch, Canaan, Maine Openrange Inc., Crestwood, Ky. IntroducIng the new ™ The new SIG522 has the look, feel and action of the classic military-style SIG556® rifle. yet it costs much less, and fires affordable .22LR rounds. The full-size semi-auto SIG522 features a cold hammer forged barrel with flash suppressor, metal receiver with integral Picatinny rail, gas piston and rotating bolt, Swiss-style folding stock, and a 26-round magazine. To find out more about how to get the look, feel, action and dependability of the SIG556, combined with .22 caliber affordability, check out the new SIG522 at www.sigsauer.com – on the double! ( Shown with Optional Mini Red Dot Sight and Tactical Light & Laser) Fo r m o r e i n f o rm a t i o n v i s i t s i g s a u e r. c o m ® SIG SAUER 522 HP_Shoot-Ind__Sept 09.indd 1 8/3/09 11:07 AM www.shootingindustry.com Publication: Shooting Industry Magazine Trim Size: 7 x 5 Bleed Size: 7.250 x 5.250 SEPTEMBER 2009 Issue: September 09 Date of Creation: July 2009 112009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=12http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=12Industry news Beretta Announces June Sales, Dealer Tool “J une sales were up 219 percent compared to last year,” said Gary Ramey, vice president of sales and marketing. “All of our pistol families are performing very well, with the Px4 Storm family up an amazing 451 percent. Our Cx4 Storm Carbine is also doing extremely well, up 1,249 percent compared to last year.” Beretta also has released the 2.0 version of its proprietary dealer tool, Beretta Interactive Order Form (BIOF), via the www.berettausa.org dealer site. BIOF allows dealers direct access to Beretta USA’s ordering system, as well as allowing them to view available inventory and enter orders 24 hours a day. According to Beretta, it worked closely with TOPGRAF, the developer of the site, to ensure the technologies successfully used in other industries were adapted to meet the unique needs of firearms dealers. The site includes product images and descriptions, in addition to detailed mechanical drawings to help in specifying parts orders. Once a dealer places their first order, any future forms opened on the system are nearly 80-percent complete, with pertinent account information already filled in, according to Beretta. For additional information, visit www.berettausa.com. S&W Acquires Universal Safety Response Inc. S Nikon Announces Fall Rebate ikon Sport Optics announces the “Move up to Monarch Fall Rebate Program,” offering consumers cash incentives to buy some of the company’s most popular products. For a limited time, consumers will receive a $50 rebate on Nikon’s 42mm Monarch ATB binocular purchased between Aug. 1 through Oct. 31, 2009. “The Move up to Monarch Fall Rebate offer makes Nikon’s best-selling Monarch ATB binocular even more affordable for consumers,” said Jon Allen, Nikon Sport Optics general manager. For complete details, visit www. NikonPromo.com/Monarch or call 1-800-645-6687. N mith & Wesson Holding Corp. has completed its acquisition of Universal Safety Response Inc. (USR), a privately held, full-service security systems solutions provider. USR is the creator of the patented GRAB vehicle safety barrier. The company serves a number of clients in the defense, transportation and petro-chemical industries, plus Fortune 500 companies and national laboratories. “USR is a highly respected brand name in the industry, and its state-of-the-art, turnkey security systems embody innovation, expertise and the highest levels of quality. We look forward to building and expanding our businesses across the globe,” said Mike Golden, president and CEO of Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. For more information, visit www.smith-wesson.com. BLACKHAWK! Selects First Master Distributor B Auto-Numatic Acquires BKL Technologies uto-Numatic Corp., parent company of AirForce Airguns, has acquired the assets of BKL Technologies, former manufacturer of air rifle and rimfire scope mounts. BKL manufacturing has been moved to the main production facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Auto-Numatic is now adapting the line to in-house production equipment to ensure future availability. BKL accessories are designed to fit all standard 11mm airgun rails as well as 3/8" rails on rimfire rifles. Also in the product family is the BKL Picatinny rail adapter. For more information, contact Yvette Hicks at 1-877-AIR-GUNS (247-4867). A Bushmaster Secures Contract ushmaster Firearms International LLC was recently awarded a contract to supply the Alabama Department of Public Safety with 300 M4 Type Patrolman’s Carbine. “We continue to produce our rifle barrels with high-quality steel and hard-chromed bores and chambers for long life and accuracy, which police agencies desire in a patrol or special operations rifle,” said John DeSantis, president and general manager of Bushmaster Firearms. For more information, visit www.bushmaster.com. 12 SEPTEMBER 2009 B LACKHAWK! Products Group has announced it has signed its first Master Distributor agreement in the outdoor and shooting sports market with AcuSport Corp.2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=13http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=13Industry news Ruger Contributes $10,000 To USA Shooting R uger presented USA Shooting with a $10,000 check following the Academy of Excellence awards in Windsor, Conn., July 24. The proceeds are from the sale of a TALO Distributors limited-edition Ruger Mark III .22 pistol. This is the fourth collaboration between TALO Distributors and Ruger on USA Shooting projects. Since 2003, Ruger has produced two USA Shooting series Ruger 10/22 rifles and a Ruger Mark II pistol. Proceeds from these limited-edition Ruger firearms have Michel Fifer (center), Ruger CEO, and Chris Killoy (second from left), generated more vice president of sales and marketing, present a $10,000 check to than $300,000 in Corey Cogdell of USA Shooting. They are joined by USA Shooting funding for USA team members Sean McLelland (left) and Haley Dunn. Shooting. For more information on Ruger, visit www.ruger.com. For more on TALO exclusives, September Shooting Industry Ad3:Layout 1 7/31/09 3:12 PM Page 1 visit www.taloinc.com. For more on USA Shooting, visit www.usashooting.org. Insight Tech-Gear Selects Eastern U.S. Sales Group nsight Tech-Gear has appointed Jones & Co. as its factory sales representatives for the Eastern United States. “We have selected Jones & Co. based on their extensive knowledge of and close ties to the firearms and outdoor retailer network,” said Brent Hanson, Insight’s director of commercial sales. “Unbelievably high-quality, innovative products, well-funded initiatives, personnel who know the business and now field sales reps who have a track record in creating enthusiasm and excitement for the products will translate into tremendous sales opportunities for dealers,” said Greg Block, president of Jones & Co. For more information, visit www. insighttechgear.com. I Over 300 Manufacturers Silent Auction Lots Of Giveaways Over 1000 Dealers Attended Last Year!!! Were You One Of Them?? State Fairgrounds • Columbia, SC Make Your Plans Today To Come To The 2010 Shooting Showcase Sale Mark Your Calendars! January 6 - 9, 2010 4th Consecutive Honor ® 267 Columbia Ave. • Chapin, SC 29036 1-800-845-3711 • www.ellettbrothers.com www.shootingindustry.com SEPTEMBER 2009 132009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=14http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=14Industry news Beretta USA Names New Western Rep Group eretta USA recently selected Maschmedt & Associates, headquartered in Seattle with offices in Anaheim, Calif., as its new sales representative group covering the Western sales territory. Tom Frane, principal and partner at Maschmedt, will head the Beretta sales team. “We’re very happy to have Maschmedt & Associates as part of the Beretta sales team,” said Jay Pitassi, Beretta’s director of sales. “Their philosophy of representing fewer, but quality, lines is one reason the company was selected.” For more information, visit www. berettausa.com and www.maschmedt.com. B Glock / Kel-Tec Dealers Fax FFL for catalog Fingertip Extensions also fits many other small pistols in .22, .25, .32, and .380 calibers. 14 SEPTEMBER 2009 unslick, maker of specialized guncleaning solutions and tools, has added “Pro” to its name, packaging and marketing materials “to better reflect the consumer perception of the brand,” according to company officials. The change is already reflected in new products and in new packaging. “Since we strategically placed Gunslick on its own in the marketplace four years ago, we’ve learned a lot from the field. We take input from our sales force and customers seriously, and what we heard from them is that Gunslick is the brand customers turn to for their precision gun-care needs,” said Raluca Simian, brand manager of Gunslick Pro. Gunslick Pro’s advertising will reflect new independent lab test results for GunFoam, Gun-Seal and Ultra-Lube, the company’s leading chemicals. For more information, visit www. gunslick.com. Gunslick Adds “Pro” To Better Reflect Brand G 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 Subscribe to SI Digital www.shootingindustry.com Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=15http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=15Newsmakers Industry newsmakers Insight Tech-Gear has named Brent Hanson director of commercial sales. In addition to overseeing Insight’s commercial programs and sales team, he is responsible for distributor relations and dealer outreach. Hanson joins Insight with more than 38 years of firearms industry retail and sales experience, having worked with such brands as Boyt Harness, Hoppe’s, Kershaw Knives, Rizzini, Schmidt & Bender, SIG SAUER and Weatherby, among others. At the retail level, he worked for Fowler Sports Center and Weisser’s Sporting Goods, where he rose to the position of vice president and general manager. “With Brent’s extensive experience working with distributors, dealers and end users, Insight will be better positioned to work with its channel partners to increase sales and profits,” said Devin Standard, executive director of Insight Tech-Gear. Insight Tech-Gear Adds Sales Director also brings several years of industry experience selling to government and military agencies to the team. First Choice Armor & Equipment Inc. has added Jim Hodges to its senior management team as senior vice president of the U.S. federal government and military sales division. Hodges has more than 35 years of federal government service, with 20 years in the U.S. Army. He is experienced in research, development, test/evaluation, purchasing and fielding items to soldiers. Hodges also has worked in the body armor industry in senior sales management positions for more than five years. “Jim is a welcome addition to our senior management team and will be a meaningful contributor to the future growth of our federal/military sales division,” said Daniel Walsh, president of First Choice. First Choice Armor & Equipment Hires Senior Sales VP Crimson Trace announces that Dale Suzuki, Jeff Hoblitt and Michael Langley have joined the company to form the military, government and law enforcement sales division. As the division’s director, Suzuki will lead sales efforts targeting military and government channels. He was formerly federal government business development manager for BE Meyers Electro Optics, and senior government manager for Danner. He brings more than 22 years of industry experience to Crimson Trace. Hoblitt is the division’s senior manager of programs and applications and Langley is the division coordinator. Hoblitt is a retired Navy SEAL with extensive federal government sales management D. Suzuki experience. Langley Crimson Trace Hires Military/L.E. Sales Team Beretta USA has hired Gary Ramey as vice president of sales and marketing. He is responsible for sales and marketing for Beretta’s commercial and law enforcement divisions. Ramey is experienced in consumer package-goods sales and strategic branding across multiple categories and channels. In addition to the sporting goods industry, he also has worked with USA Shooting. “I believe Gary’s work both outside and inside the shooting, hunting and outdoor industry will bring valuable new thinking to how we approach the marketplace,” said Christopher Merritt, general manager. Beretta USA Names Sales/Marketing VP J. Hoblitt M. Langley Wilcox Industries Corp. announces that Tim Bortz is its new director of business development. Bortz, a 20-year U.S. Navy veteran, will promote new product development, market research and the development and implementation of strategies to meet operation and strategic objectives for Wilcox. “Bortz’s experience will provide the Wilcox team with added knowledge to help create and distribute the products that provide a tactical advantage for all who go into harm’s way,” said Travis Mitchell, vice president of marketing and sales for Wilcox. 9 Wilcox Industries Corp. Hires Director www.shootingindustry.com SEPTEMBER 2009 152009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=16http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=16Lethal Lethal force Expand Your Markets For The AR Massad Ayoob F irearms retailers are seeing a slacking off from the mad demand for ARs and such that began shortly before Barack Obama was elected president last November. In the June 22, 2009, online edition of the financial journal Barron’s, Bill Alpert wrote the prediction that skyrocketing stock values for companies were due to fall as demand for guns returned to previously established norms. Alpert noted, “ . now the gun industry’s leading indicator — the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s monthly count of the instant background checks it runs for gun dealers — is settling back toward pre-election levels. While November background checks were 42 percent above the year-earlier level, last month’s (May 2009) were up just 15 percent.” The latest data from the FBI shows the number of firearm background checks during June, while up 18 percent over June 2008, were 5.37-percent less than in May, 21.03-percent less than in April and 28.02-percent less than in March. Some implications of this are more obvious than others. DPMS is generally recog- tive at the company’s New Hampshire plant where their rifles are produced reports some flattening of demand for their popular Mini-14 semiautomatic .223 rifle. We all know how drastically prices went up during what some have called “the Obama gun run.” No dealer wants to purchase inventory at top-dollar prices driven by short-term, unnatural demand, only to be unable to sell them later at a fair profit when demand returns to the more DPMS says it developed the Panther Sportical predictable patterns of in .223 “for the average recreational shooter the past. Local and regional who just wants a solid, dependable rifle at an affordable price. With that shooter in mind, the trends do not always LR-308 Sportical has enough power and range exactly mirror nationto take medium and big game.” al trends. Where you are, there may still be nized as the nation’s second-largest pro- huge demand for these rifles. If so, good ducer of AR rifles. Randy Luth, DPMS for you. If not, some big bucks may be CEO and founder, says he’s seeing a tied up in inventory that may move more distinct slackening of demand from the slowly than you expected, and therein lies previous panic levels. A Ruger execu- a problem. There Are Added AR Markets R-style rifles have established a reputation for versatility in recent years. Back in the late ’70s, a bunch of us went deer hunting with Heckler & Koch’s law enforcement representative in South Carolina. Among the guns our group used to bring venison down were HK91 rifles in .308 Winchester. The purpose of the outing was to demonstrate that rugged military rifles made great hunting guns. Now that point has been known since the first firearms were invented, but what should have been obvious needed to be reinforced with this particular type of rifle. We’ve all come a long way since then. The AR has become the competition match rifle in venues from the National High Power Championships at Camp Perry to three-gun “action shoots.” The Shooting Industry Masters featured the AR in .223 and .22 during the rifle stages at FMG Publications’ seventh annual competition held in July. While you might think your customers know of the AR’s versatility, don’t assume they realize its full potential. In its original caliber, .223 Remington, it has proved to be an excellent coyote gun. In its most accurate form, it’s one fine varmint rifle and perhaps the ideal prairie dog gun. Remind your customers of this. A masterful marketing move by Ruger was naming one ver16 SEPTEMBER 2009 SI DIGITAL Hot Link A Ruger is targeting its new Ruger SR556 rifle at a number of markets, including target shooters and small-game hunters. sion of the Mini-14 .223 the “Ranch Rifle.” Mini-14s have been in farm pickups and ATVs ever since. The AR does the same job, and somewhat more ergonomically. And now Ruger has its own AR-style rifle, the SR-556, which the company is ma2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=17http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=17Lethal force Facing The Challenge t DPMS, Luth said a number of dealers during the height of the buying spree were desperately ordering, say, 20 ARs each of Brand A, Brand B and Brand C as a way of satisfying 20 orders from customers. Then, as soon as they got 20 rifles in, dealers began canceling the other orders they’d made as “insurance.” “America’s Choice for Recoil Reduction” A The Most Advanced A Lyman Brand Ultra-Soft Slip-On Pads, Ever! Pachmayr ® “ Combining the advanced recoil control of the Decelerator internal design and ultra-soft material with Pachmayr’s patented insert, this great looking slip-on pad is unmatched. In addition, the pad’s exclusive, extra soft material makes installation easier than ever. No other slip-on pad can match Pachmayr’s new Decelerator Slip-On at any price. Available in Black and Brown Models and Small, Med, & Lg. Sizes for all Shotgun/Rifle Types. It may be time to expand your sales presentations that feature the versatility of the AR beyond self-defense. No Other Slip-On Pad Has the Patented, Pachmayr SpeedMount® Insert. A Pachmayr original design, the SpeedMount insert delivers smooth, snag-free mounting when quick shooting is as important as recoil reduction. For a new Lyman catalog: www.lymanproducts.com or 800-22-LYMAN 475 Smith St., Middletown, CT 06457 Dept 2052 This over-ordering and cancellation is probably going to lead to some hard feelings between certain dealers and distributors down the road. Of course, over-ordering without cancellation may lead to overstocking for some retailers. If that happens, it may be time to expand your sales presentations that feature the versatility of the AR beyond selfdefense. Hopefully that will help you move those ARs. Finally, we have to remember that the “Obama gun run” may not be just one big tidal wave. It all grew from the Obama presidential campaign’s announced goals to permanently reinstate the old “assault weapons ban.” A lot of current and potential gun owners have sat out the “gun run” in the belief that the Democrats don’t want to anger “red state” voters. If — or, perhaps more likely, when — the administration actually introduces such legislation, the buying wave will rise again, perhaps even bigger than before. And that wouldn’t be a bad time to have an “overstock” of ARs in inventory. 9 ” Swivel Stud Clears With No Problem! Lyman Read SI Digital www.shootingindustry.com SEPTEMBER 2009 172009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=18http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=18Outdoor Outdoor marketplace ith the holidays just around the corner, gun dealers are brainstorming about what products to offer for the upcoming shopping season. With the vast number of products available, it’s easy to overlook options that may not be grabbing headlines, but are profit-builders that appeal to many types of consumers. Here are four must-have products that will catch your customers’ attention and make great gifts for the holidays. For transporting firearms or even jewelry, GunVault offers the MicroVault, an incredibly compact and lightweight solution to keep your valuables secure. The MicroVault goes beyond security, proving a mini-safe doesn’t have to be clunky or ugly. At 4 1/2 lbs., 2" wide and with a circumference the size of a sheet of paper, this notebook-style safe can easily slip inside a briefcase or purse. The standard MicroVault offers easy access via a No-Eyes keypad, which features 12 million user-selectable codes, plus audio feedback to confirm correct keypad entries. To prevent tampering, a built-in computer blocks access after repeated incorrect keypad entries and logs all invalid entry attempts. But don’t worry — if your customers forget the entry code, a backup key is provided. The MicroBioVault provides fingerprint recognition for even quicker access. This feature will catch the eye of your high-tech savvy customers. A high-performance algorithm speedily identifies up to 60 enrolled fingerprints and allows for a very low False Reject Rate. The fingerprint sensor records minute changes in enrolled fingerprints over time, enabling the low FRR. The suggested retail price for MicroVault is $139.95, and $215.95 for the MicroBioVault. Visit www.gunvault.com or call 1-800-242-1055. 18 SEPTEMBER 2009 J.K. Autry Here Are Gift Offerings To Boost Holiday Sales W Sleek And Secure warmers, allowing the whole upper body to be warmed. And if that isn’t enough to sell customers, the Próis Sherpa Vest comes with a large Heat Factory Body Warmer, which provides wearers with more than 20 hours of generated body heat. The vest also comes complete with a spacious lumbar compartment to pack lightweight gear like additional warmers or lip balm, an essential item to keep lips from cracking on cold hunts. Available in two feminineinspired camo patterns, the Próis Sherpa Vest will be a guaranteed favorite among styleconscious huntresses. The suggested retail price for the Próis Sherpa Vest is $99.99. Visit www.proishunting.com or call (970) 641-3355. The MicroVault proves a mini-safe doesn’t have to be clunky or ugly. With cold weather on the way, many of your customers will be buying clothing to keep them toasty when braving chilly temperatures on the hunt. For women, Próis Hunting Apparel offers the Próis Sherpa Vest, a stylish, feminine-cut vest that can take your female customers from the woods to work to back home and more. The Próis Sherpa Vest features plush sherpa fleece to provide warmth and comfort even in sub-zero temperatures. If the vest alone isn’t enough to keep your customers toasty, the scapular pockets — strategically placed across the shoulder blades — are the perfect spot for air-activated The Próis Sherpa Vest is stylish, with a feminine cut. For Women Who Hunt No hunter wants to get caught in the dark, and Streamlight helps ensure that won’t happen with the PolyStylus, an ultra-slim, durable FiberWrap fiberglass polymer penlight equipped with a highintensity LED. Best of all, the PolyStylus is available in four versatile LED colors, or can be purchased in a combo pack. “The PolyStylus penlight provides a versatile tool to help with a wide variety of tasks,” said Streamlight CEO Ray Sharrah. “The red or green LEDs, for example, can help preserve night vision for police when on night patrol. The green LED, which doesn’t spook game, also provides an all-purpose light for sporting enthusiasts. Automotive mechanics are able to see under the hood or chassis while making repairs with the white LED, while2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=19http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=19Outdoor marketplace and boasts a 100,000-hour lifetime. The PolyStylus was designed for continuous use, and provides up to 24 continuous hours for the red LED beam and 48 continuous hours for the white, blue and green LED beams. The suggested retail price for the PolyStylus Combo Pack, which includes a white LED PolyStylus and three interchangeable green, red and blue LED lamp modules, is $35. The PolyStylus with a single LED in white or any one of the three colors is $25. It is backed by Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime warranty. Call 1-800-523-7488 or visit www. streamlight.com. A good knife shouldn’t need to be sharpened repeatedly, and for customers with an eye for quality, Bear & Son Cutlery offers the 3 1/2" Red Stag Bone Barlow, a folding, double-bladed pocket knife. Crafted with 1095 high carbon steel, this knife is easy to sharpen and will hold an edge longer than other steels. The Red Stag Bone Barlow is an addition to Bear & Son’s popular 4th Generation line of knives, and features traditional, distinctive red stag bone handles with an inlaid 4th Generation shield, giving it instant collector appeal. The knife boasts a tough bolster of nickel silver, thick brass liners, a comfortable tear-drop-shaped handle and two hol- A Great Gift Knife low-ground polished blades. If the Red Stag Bone Barlow’s features aren’t enough to sell customers, mention Bear & Son products are manufactured in the U.S. and highly collectible, often passed from generation to generation. And, to put the icing on the cake, George Washington used a Barlow knife and Mark Twain immortalized the brand as a “real Barlow” in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The suggested retail price for the Red Stag Bone Barlow is $56.99. Call (256) 435-2227 or visit www. bearandsoncutlery.com. 9 The PolyStylus is an ultra-slim polymer penlight, with a high-intensity LED. The Red Stag Bone Barlow has instant collector appeal. www.shootingindustry.com SEPTEMBER 2009 192009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=20http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=20Arms Arms and the woman Market Non-Lethal Campus Security Lisa Parsons-Wraith S easonal changes remind us it’s time to freshen up the look of store displays, and perhaps regroup products for maximum marketability. As summer wanes it’s time to start thinking about what’s happening in your customer’s lives and how your displays can encourage them to buy more in your store. Most gun stores concentrate their fall display efforts on the hunting season, but there’s another lucrative market dealers should be tapping into — non-lethal defense for college coeds. Parents packing their kids off to school want to make sure they’re safe and protected, and gun stores have plenty of merchandise for personal protection that isn’t on a back-to-school list, but should be. Young adults living in a group situation for the first time are going to encounter challenges and threats to their safety they may not be Mace’s Pepper Gun — perfect for back-toequipped to handle. But a little clever marketing on your part could school safety — sprays up to 25 feet and provide some safety tips and give them the tools they need to make features an LED light for better aim. campus life safer. with a keychain attachment. They are small and easy to use,” Burruss said. “We also carry a Police model and a Personal model both with keychain attachments, a gel pepper spray and a Screecher alarm can. All models sell well, but our best seller would have to be the Jogger model.” Mace recently introduced their Pepper Gun, a model that should prove popular with your customers. It features Mace’s super-strength, pepper-spray formula (.74 capsaicinoids) in a disposable cartridge that can be replaced when empty. Special “BagIn-A-Can” technology allows your customer to spray a constant stream up to 25 feet from any angle. Another nice feature on this spray is a trigger-activated LED light that provides better accuracy when aiming and can distract an attacker in the dark. The self-defense unit includes a 28-gram OC pepper cartridge and a water test cartridge so women can familiarize themselves with the operation on the Pepper Gun. Batteries for the LED light are also included. Due to popular demand, Mace just introduced Hot Pink Mace Pepper Spray with a maximum strength pepper-spray formula of 1.4 capsaicinoids. In addition to its hot pink color, the spray features a flip-top safety cap to prevent accidental discharge, and a finger-grip dispenser to help aim. This model contains 10 short bursts of spray with an effective range of 10 to 12 feet. Burruss recommends Mace’s pocket model for on-the-body carry and the Pepper Gun for other defensive purposes. Pepper sprays will most likely be the most popular and easyto-use equipment in your campus-safety corner, but don’t overlook items like flashlights, whistles and kubatons. Tasers could be included in this area, as well. Recently, there has been an effort to make Tasers more visually appealing to women by adding patterns, colors and packaging that disguises their true nature. Finally, small items like door/window alarms and locks are simple personal-security items anyone can use. Look To Pepper Spray F ind a corner of your store you can devote to “Campus Safety.” Use signage to label the area and make it a highlight of your shop for the next couple months. Use the Internet, local police or campus security to create a campus safety flier full of tips on how to avoid dangerous situations, and safety features to look for in dorms, such as automatically locking exterior doors and adequate lighting. The flier should also encourage students and parents to check campus rules on items like pepper spray and tasers, because many schools ban these items. The next step is to stock your campus safety corner with the non-lethal defense items you already sell in your store. One of the most popular items to place in this area is pepper spray. Tiffany Burruss, a buyer for Outdoor World in Northern California, said she’s noticed two spikes in pepper2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=21http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=21DPMS_SB_0809 7/14/09 5:47 PM Page 1 Arms and the woman Universal Mag Loader G etting the last cartridge loaded in a magazine can really test the strength of some women’s hands. Ladies might not like to admit it, but their hands can get sore and worn out from loading up magazines. There’s help for this problem in the form of the UpLula universal pistol magazine loader. It’s a handy tool that works with any pistol and makes loading cartridges in magazines a cinch. The UpLula slides over the magazine and uses a metal tongue to press down on the top round in the magazine. The next round just drops into the magazine with no effort. A product of Maglula Ltd. in Israel, the The UpLula fits any UpLula is imported ex- pistol and makes clusively in the U.S. by loading cartridges Bushnell Outdoor Prod- a breeze. ucts under the Butler Creek brand. At a MSRP of about $30, the UpLula is a great add-on sale with any pistol purchase. Visit www.butler-creek.com for more information. Randy Luth, DPMS President and founder, shot this elk from 220 yards away at the Lazy F Bar Ranch in Crested Butte, CO. He used the Panther LR-338L with 200 gr., .338 Federal Fusion ammo and a Sightron 4-16 mil dot scope. C Safety Gear For A Cause Please check all state laws pertaining to the use of semi-automatic rifles for hunting purposes. Made In The USA! Scopes and Mounts Not Included hampion Eyes & Ears recently introduced a new line of ladies gear. The new pink shell pouches, shooting glasses and electronic muffs are ergonomically engineered for hours of shooting action and comfort. The double box shell pouch is constructed of nylon/canvas with pink accents, features an adjustable waistband and contoured shape for comfort, and divided compartments for loaded shells and empty hulls. For decoration, the pouch is embroidered with the Federal Premium Ammunition and Champion Traps & Targets logos. The pink electronic earmuffs provide a 25dB noise reduction and feature an adjustable fit for maximum comfort. The muffs sport the Champion logo and collapse for easy storage. Rounding out Champion’s pink products are shooting glasses with pink frames and rose lenses. OSHA compliant with an ANSI Z87.1 safety rating, these shooting www.shootingindustry.com glasses feature scratch-resistant lenses for clear viewing. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, consider ordering a few extra “pink” items from manufacturers who are donating a portion of their proceeds to breast cancer awareness. Visit www.championtarget.com and www.networkofstrength.org for more information. 9 Champion will donate a portion of the proceeds from their line of pink shooting accessories to the Breast Cancer Network of Strength to help fight breast cancer. SEPTEMBER 2009 212009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=22http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=22Back Blast Back Blast & other hot gases n a nationwide test of “civic knowledge,” elected officials not only failed, but failed an average of five points lower than ordinary citizens. The test, put together and administered by scholars of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute, was sort of a “civic literacy” examination, covering how laws are made, American history, economics and the balance of power according to the U.S. Constitution. Elected public officials averaged correct answers only 44 percent of the time, while members of the general public averaged 49 percent. “How,” asked Josiah Bunting, chairman of the National Civic Literacy Board at ISI, “can political leaders make informed decisions if they don’t understand the American experience?” Hmmm. Are they supposed to make informed decisions? One of the questions posed to the 2,500 participants asked them to “name two countries that were our enemies during World War II.” Among the commonly incorrect answers were Canada, Britain, Mexico and Spain. Commander Gilmore Civic Literacy And Elected Officials? What? I Illustration by Nick Petrosino When Louisiana state auditors discovered over $200,000 in cash was missing from the New Orleans Police Department’s evidence and property room, they gently brought it up to PD officials — who said something like, “Sure! That money? Oh, yeah, we knew it was missing. What about it?” A report from the auditor’s office released to the public said New Orleans Police Superintendent Warren Riley “didn’t know” that state law required him to notify the auditor and the district attorney about missing public funds. For his part, Superintendent Riley said he was asking the state attorney general’s office if that audit law applies to money confiscated by police — or maybe, only to, well, umm, “other money.” Knowing something about New Orleans’ history, we’re sure the state attorney general will confirm that dang law don’t apply to confiscated monies, which comes under the time-honored “Finder 22 SEPTEMBER 2009 Playin’ Dumb? Keepers & Sometimes Losers Keepers Too” doctrine. The audit report also modestly suggested NOPD could improve their safekeeping and cash-tracking systems, which, for some people, seem to be workin’ just fine. Shootin’ off your mouth can also result in gettin’ your butt shot off, say police in Euless, Texas. That’s what nearly happened to an 18-year-old burglar, half of a duet of dummies who hit the jackpot while rifling through a safe they innocently ran across inside someone else’s home. Word quickly spread through their ’hood in Fort Worth — mostly spewin’ from their own loose lips — that the boys had netted almost $60,000 cash from the burglary of a quiet, not-so-prosperouslookin’ place in Euless. The lads quickly ran through a lot of the money buying things like a Nissan, a Cadillac Eldorado, a brick of marijuana, gold grills for their teeth and some steppin’-out clothes. We’re Redistributing The Wealth guessing both idiots were too young to realize that when you spill blood in the water, it attracts sharks. Police in Fort Worth responded to a report of an armed invasion involving a masked man with a big gun who demanded to know where his share of the redistribution-of-wealth was. We’re guessing he didn’t want to wait for his “stimulus check.” His impolite request was denied by the 18-year-old’s older brother, who had his own gun. Officers said about 10 shots were exchanged during negotiations, wounding the masked man and the older brother, but, wouldn’t you know it, missing the burglar, later identified as Christopher Norman. When officers arrived in response to the gunfight, they ran Norman for warrants and found one had just been issued from Euless. His partner, one Keith Black, was also arrested. We presume they’ll have to give back those gold-tooth grills, which may be available at a discount price, if you’re interested. 9 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=23http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=23www.federalpremium.com Premium®.410 personal defense® Only Federal Premium® has shotshell .410 handgun offerings with special features for the best personal defense performance. The wad houses all four pellets— preventing cut off in the chamber — for the best patterns. And with the additional stopping power of four 000 buck pellets — Federal has your back. Also available in #4 shot.2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=24http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=24A Salute To Service, Integrity And Innovation F rom its opening moments, the 18th Annual Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence awards captivated all those in attendance. The lights dimmed, a wounded veteran stepped forward, a USA Shooting color guard smartly presented the American flag, and the ceremony was underway to honor the industry’s best of the best for 2009. Presented by FMG Publications, more than 250 guests enjoyed the pageantry of the evening’s ceremonies, held July 24 in Windsor, Conn., in conjunction with the Seventh Annual Shooting Industry Masters. With praises resounding from every corner of the ballroom, along with JB Hodgdon thanks the academy for the Shooting Industry Award. “This is quite an honor,” he said. 24 SEPTEMBER 2009 SI DIGITAL Hot Link a few award surprises, this year’s event did not disappoint those gathered to celebrate excellence. “I felt like I was at the Academy Awards. All that was missing was the red carpet,” said Ann Hodgdon, wife of JB Hodgdon, after her husband received the Shooting Industry award. “JB was so touched. It meant very much to him. I am always proud of him, and tonight I am incredibly proud.” “I admit I was impressed, myself, when I stepped back and took a look around the room and saw all the people there for the Academy of Excellence awards,” said FMG’s Randy Molde, Academy director. “Seeing so many faces representing different parts of the industry from around the country was inspirational. They were just there to see who the industry selected as the best of the best for this year.” The mood of those honored was summed up by Benchmade founder and owner Les de Asis, who accepted the Knife of the Year award — an honor the company has claimed nine times — and the Safety Product of the Year award. “We’re so very happy that our products continue to have relevance with our customers and members of the Academy. If Benchmade can continue to sustain our passion for excellence and improve our ability to execute, we will only be dupli- Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=25http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=25Randy Molde, Academy director, congratulates all the award recipients for 2009. Other FMG Publications staff helping to present the awards this year were (on stage, left) Russ Thurman and (from left) Andrew Oram, Suzi Huntington, Delano Amaguin, Steve Evatt, Elizabeth O’Neill, Stephanie Jarrell, Scott McGregor, Sammy Reese, Roy Huntington and Anita Carson. cating what FMG continues to do in this industry. No easy task, one reserved only for truly great organizations with exceptional people,” de Asis said. The awards ceremony had a number of highlights, including Hodgdon receiving the Shooting Industry award, joining his father, Bruce, and brother, Bob — the 1996 and 2008 recipients of the coveted award — in the Academy’s Hall of Fame. As industry representatives accepted the awards the Academy bestowed on their companies for innovative products or outstanding services, many credited their employees for making such recognition possible. “ “It boils down to having good people, working hard and doing the right thing — honesty, ethics and integrity,” said Lew Danielson, Crimson Trace president, after It boils down to having good people, working hard and doing the right thing — honesty, ethics and integrity. his company was recognized as recipient of the Self-Defense Product of the Year, one of two new awards for 2009. “Lew and I get the recognition. We go up and get the trophies. It’s the organi- ” zation, it’s the people in our companies who do the work, and they deserve the honor,” said Mike Golden, Smith & Wesson president and CEO. Smith & Wesson received Manufacturer of the Year as well as Rifle of the Year awards, the latter a unique honor for a traditional handgun company that only recently ventured into rifle-making. Other highlights of the evening included Hornady winning its sixth Ammunition of the Year award in a row, Ellett Brothers garnering its fourth-in-a-row Distributor of the Year award, Trijicon taking home its first-ever award — Optic of the Year — and Mossberg also receiv- Smith & Wesson employees join Mike Golden (center), president and CEO, in celebrating receiving the Manufacturer of the Year and Rifle of the Year awards. SI DIGITAL SI DIGITAL Hot Link VIDEO www.shootingindustry.com SEPTEMBER 2009 252009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=26http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=26Hewitt Grant thanks the Academy for the Distributor of the Year award, crediting his employees “for making it possible.” Tom Sullivan, Ruger, thanks the Academy for the Handgun of the Year award. SI DIGITAL SI DIGITAL Hot Link VIDEO ing its first Academy honor, the Shotgun of the Year award. For 2009, Academy members honored 14 award recipients after considering 44 nominees representing 32 companies. The Academy’s final votes were kept secret until the awards were presented. This year, Molde and Russ Thurman, publisher and editor of Shooting Industry magazine, were joined by 10 other members of FMG Publications to salute the industry. “For many years, Randy and I have been honored to present the awards. This year, it was important to include other members of our team as a way of introducing them, and to say to the industry, ‘All of us at FMG salute you for your innovation, integrity and service,’” Thurman said. JB Hodgdon was honored with the 2009 Shooting Industry award: “For over 50 years of dedication to the family business, co-owned by brother, Bob Hodgdon, and serving as its chairman of the board. For his untiring passion for the youth shoot- 2009 Academy Honors SI DIGITAL VIDEO Les de Asis (right) is joined by Benchmade employees to celebrate receiving the Knife of the Year and Safety Product of the Year awards. 2009 ing sports and his devoted service on the boards of the Boy Scouts Philmont Ranch and National 4-H Shooting programs. For being a longtime member of the NRA, SCI and DU, and for being a committed hunter, reloader, shooter and active member of the North-South Skirmish Association.” “It’s very humbling that a group of my peers chose me to join them,” Hodgdon said. “This industry is head and shoulders above any other I’ve ever had anything to do with. This is quite an honor. Thank you all very much.” Smith & Wesson received the Manufacturer of the Year award: “For continued support of the firearms industry and shooting sports at the highest levels of NSSF, NRA and USA Shooting as well as playing an instrumental role in the NRA’s Insure Your Gun Rights program by promoting industry-wide participation. Also, for driving business at the dealer level with the constant introduction of new products, including M&P and Night Guard series products, and for creating the largest consumer, dealer and distributor incentive program in the industry’s history.” “To be even on the list with ATK and Crimson Trace is very flattering for us,” Golden said. “To be recognized by the industry — to me, it’s just hard to find words to put around it. Our employees will really appreciate this. I’m really proud of the company.” Ellett Brothers was honored as Distrib- 26 SEPTEMBER Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=27http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=27SI DIGITAL VIDEO SI DIGITAL SI DIGITAL VIDEO VIDEO “This is quite an honor,” said Mark Kresser, Mossberg, in accepting the Shotgun of the Year award. Steve Hornady (center), Neil Davies (left) and Steve Johnson, Hornady, proudly display the Ammunition of the Year and Accessory of the Year awards. utor of the Year: “For taking great pride in serving and supporting the independent retailer for 76 years. For its continued work with manufacturers to develop new and innovative products. For its continued support of industry organizations and its commitment to the future of the shooting sports by working with organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and Youth Shooting Sports Foundation.” “On behalf of all the employees at Ellett, I want to thank the Academy. This is number four in a row, and a great statement and contribution to the employees for making it possible. I’ve got the greatest team on earth, and they make it happen. They work hard. Our goal is to satisfy our customers and do it with integrity. It’s the only way. Thank y’all,” said F. Hewitt Grant, Ellett Brothers president and CEO. Kimber received the Citizenship award: “For years of tremendous support of the shooting sports, gun owners and law enforcement through donations totaling $1,350,000. For donating $675,000 to USA Shooting, making Kimber the largest donor of any firearms company in USA Shooting’s history. For donating $75,000 to the Los Angeles Police Department Memorial, and $600,000 worth of firearms to the NRA.” Ruger’s LCR Polymer Frame Revolver was selected as Handgun of the Year. “On behalf of the almost 1,500 Ruger employees in Newport, N.H., Southwww.shootingindustry.com port, Conn., and Prescott, Ariz., I’d like to thank the Academy for this award,” said Tom Sullivan, vice president of Newport (N.H.) operations. Smith & Wesson’s M&P 15 MOE Semi-Automatic was named Rifle of the Year. “A couple of years ago, we were a revolver company, and our employees have worked really hard to evolve the company. So, this will mean a lot when they see this,” Golden said. O.F. Mossberg & Sons received Shotgun of the Year honors for the Model 930 SPX 8 Shot Semi-Automatic 12 Gauge. “This is quite an honor for Mossberg, and certainly for me. From everybody at our factory, thank you very much,” said Mark Kresser, senior vice president of sales and marketing. Hornady’s Critical Defense Ammunition was named Ammunition of the Year. Travis Noteboom (center), Kevin Lahart (left) and Andrew Peters, Crimson Trace, show off the Self-Defense Product of the Year award. SI DIGITAL VIDEO SEPTEMBER 2009 272009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=28http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=28SI DIGITAL SI DIGITAL SI DIGITAL Hot Link VIDEO VIDEO “You don’t know how much this one means to us. Thank you very much,” said Steve Hornady, president. Hornady also received the Accessory of the Year award for the Lock-N-Load AP with EZject System. “Wow, that was really tough competition. I didn’t pick us. I didn’t think we were going to win this one, but thank you very much. For the two other companies that were also nominated ( B L A C K H AW K ! and SIG SAUER), I think you have phenomenal products,” Hornady said. Crimson Trace received the SelfDefense Product of the Year honors, a new award for 2009, for its LG-431 Laserguard Model for the Ruger LCP. “First of all, thank you from all the employees at Crimson Trace,” said Travis Noteboom, Crimson Trace director of public relations. “We appreciate this award like no other. The word that comes to mind is integrity. The Academy is number one “ Seeing so many faces representing different parts of the industry from around the country was inspirational. with its integrity, and Crimson Traces tries to live up to that each and every day.” Trijicon received its first-ever Academy award, the Optic of the Year, for its RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) Sight. “Both Stephen Bindon and Tom Munson from Trijicon want to say thank you very much to the Academy, the industry and to all of you,” said Bruce Bear, Bear Enthusiast Marketing president, accepting the award for Trijicon. Benchmade received the award for Knife of the Year for its 585 Mini-Barrage Folder. “This is huge for us,” said de Asis, “It’s a new class of product for us. It’s a great opportunity for us to provide innovation, convenience to our customers, and also a great way to make our stake in the world as a legitimate product and a real industry.” Benchmade also received Safety Product of the Year honors for the Houdini AET (Automotive Escape Tool). SI DIGITAL VIDEO ” “This is very important to us and our staff, and we appreciate whatever our contribution is to safety and living a great life,” de Asis said. Bushnell received the Hunting Product of the Year award, a new award for 2009, for its BackTrack GPS. The Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence was established in 1992 by FMG Publications, publisher of GUNS, American Handgunner, American COP, Shooting Industry magazines, and Special Edition publications. While FMG Publications administers the Academy and produces the awards ceremony, no one at the company is permitted to vote on the awards. The voting power is held exclusively by the academy, which includes 500 industry executives, gun dealers and outdoor writers. They vote twice for each award, first to consider all entries and then to determine who will receive the awards. “We have invested a significant amount of resources, both time and money, to ensure the Academy’s procedures are based on integrity. We encourage everyone in the industry to review our Academy brochure, which includes our stringent Standards of Conduct,” Molde said. “We also welcome additional membership in the Academy.” To download the Academy’s brochure, membership application and to review all the nominees for this year’s awards, visit www.shootingindustry.com. 9 SI DIGITAL Hot Link The Academy To open the awards ceremony, retired Marine Lt. Col. Tim Maxwell (right), wounded Iraq War veteran, a guest of LaserMax, receives the colors presented by U.S. Shooting team members (from left) Corey Cogdell, Sean McLelland and Haley Dunn. 28 SEPTEMBER 2009 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=29http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=292009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=30http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=302009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=31http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=31HIGH-TECH SALES Too Complex To Sell? Think Again! CASH IN ON By John Morrison I n researching sales of high-tech gear, SI staff initially contacted 19 retailers selected at random across the country. Not a single one of those surveyed stocked or sold any products more technologically complex than a simple, straightforward tactical flashlight or a traditional, liquiddamped compass. Several retailers said they didn’t have time to learn about complicated electronics like GPS devices or night-vision equipment — and, said some, “It’s already tough enough just keeping up with all the new guns and ammo.” But, when asked how that end of the business was going, the usual answer was, “Slow! Lots of backorders, but there’s not much stock coming in, so sales are down.” Our final realization? Too many dealers aren’t cashing in on the bounty of high-tech sales, believing those products are too difficult to learn about, and too complex to show and demonstrate confidently. Market analyses show the target audience — shooting sportsmen and women — are keenly interested in new technology, especially when it makes their hunts or competition easier and more efficient, and they are willing to spend the money. Higher-dollar items may be beyond many dealers’ means, but there are still lots of opportunities to “pluck the low-hanging fruit” and reap a cash harvest. High-tech items are rapidly being designed for simpler, more intuitive use, which translates to lower learning curves for dealers, easier, more impressive in-shop demonstrations and less costly items, reflecting the natural payoff of R&D costs against more sales volume — and as a result, creating more opportunities for you to pluck that The palm-sized Trophy Cam trail camera from Bushnell has low-hanging fruit! true night vision with 24 illuminating infrared LEDs. A Bold Example From Bushnell showing north and the direction in degrees the user is facing. Using only two pushbuttons, a backcountry hunter, boater or hiker can designate a start point plus up to two other locations, then receive clear compass bearings back to their last checkpoint or home — with a digital readout of distances in their choice of feet, yards and miles, or meters and kilometers. The Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence voted the BackTrack the 2009 Hunting Product of the Year (see page 24). At an MSRP of only $77.49, the BackTrack is quickly learnable — and also quickly sold as a time-saver, foot-saver and, potentially, as a lifesaver. The HD (High Definition) Torch looks like a conventional flashlight, but with surprising features. Half of its 9" waterproof length is packed with sophisticated yet SEPTEMBER 2009 31 half-dozen surveyed dealers stock Bushnell’s more conventional products like riflescopes and binoculars, but not their electronics. Bushnell is a terrific example of a company producing exciting, innovative and affordable technology. Bushnell’s BackTrack is “GPS made easy.” Having the appearance of a large, but lightweight, pocket watch, this extraordinary device offers a digital compass www.shootingindustry.com2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=32http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=32rugged electronics, producing a startlingly clear, 165-lumen, ultra-bright, perfectly square beam. HD light, which is even in intensity from edge to edge and corner to corner with no blobs, coronas or weak spots, just has to be seen — and shown. Depth perception outdoors is tremendously enhanced, making it ideal for blood trailing and finding lost objects, while a glowing “B” in the tailcap assures the flashlight won’t become lost. A rescue/distress signal strobe feature completes this $86.49 package. Comparing older trail cameras to Bushnell’s new Trophy Cam is like comparing an antique wall-mounted crank telephone to the latest cell phone. The palm-sized unit sports true night vision with 24 illuminating infrared LEDs that will not spook game. A sensor picks up movement out to 45 feet, triggering a high-resolution camera recording images or video. The Trophy Cam comes in a standard model, listing for $207.99, plus a model equipped with an onboard color viewer, listed at $269.99. This product can be tough to demo in your store — but the size, weight and technical abilities will help out considerably! Any outdoor sportsman — and just busy people — can appreciate the wireless, “plug-and-play” Internet-based WeatherFXi. It delivers a constantly updated seven-day forecast by AccuWeather, tracking conditions at up to five user-selected locations around the world. No sensors or subscriptions are necessary. Weather data downloads automatically to your PC and is transmitted wirelessly to the FXi, including temperature ranges, chance of precipitation, wind direction and speed and much more. For technology that wasn’t available at any price a short time ago, an MSRP of only $98.99 is sure to please. Now those were just four lower-priced offerings from one company — albeit a stellar one — but you can see the appeal high-tech gear can have to a broad range of your customers. These items may not 2009 SI DIGITAL VIDEO Hunting Product Of The Year Bushnell’s BackTrack is “GPS made easy.” burn gunpowder and throw lead downrange, but their margins can beat those of high-priced handguns. Visit www.bushnell.com for more information. The Law Enforcement Connection C Feeding High-Tech Hunger And there’s a world of it to sell. SIG SAUER’s new STOPLITE, for example, is the multi-mission, 700-lumen light-blaster officers have been waiting for. This tool provides “light as a weapon”-level blinding power, and range that will reach down long alleys and into deep canyons. It’s a light behind which an officer can stand virtually unseen by suspects trying to peer around that blazing light source. It is so bright you can easily display its power in daylight, in a well-lit shop. A good sales tactic is to just shine a typical 80-lumen tactical light beside it — the beam will be swallowed with the STOPLITE. Designed for both handheld use or mounted on a rail as a vertical rifle foregrip, the STOPLITE features ergonomic touch control of momentary, constant-on and disorienting strobe modes, plus a powerful aiming laser. There’s even a “hot” connection to power up additional accessories, like an IR illuminator or IR laser for use with night vision. Priced at $215 retail, it costs the same as some tactical lights that have one-fifth the power and half the mission flexibility. Visit www.sigsauer.com. 5.11 Tactical’s Light For Life tactical flashlight looks high-tech — and it is. In only 90 seconds, the Light for Life UC3.400 goes from zero charge to fully charged! Runtime is 120 continuous minutes, and cycles down so the user will never be suddenly left in the dark. The unit is rated for 50,000 charge/discharge cycles. That’s a charge per day for over 135 years! Additionally, pressing and holding the “on” button instantly delivers 270 lumens of brilliant light for close-in shock effect and long-range illumination, and clicking the button twice blasts it into strobe mode — extremely effective on hostile suspects. If your customer hesitates at the $169.99 MSRP, remin2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=33http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=33Higher Tech With Lower Prices, Bigger Profits ight-vision equipment is another area in which products are becoming more user-friendly and budget-friendly on an almost monthly basis. Capability levels, which cost thousands less than a decade ago, literally run about $100 per past thousand, putting many models well within range of typical consumers. Also, thanks to better optics and more efficient intensifier tubes, even the lowestranking category of night-vision devices — Gen-1 — can deliver crisper images at longer ranges than in the past, which is plenty of performance for most sportsmen. An excellent example is the new Night Cougar binocular-goggle system from ATN — American Technologies Network Corp. The Night Cougar, weighing only 1.2 lbs., is the smallest, lightest night-vision binocular commercially available. It offers a hands-free, flip-up head mount, in addition to handheld use. A built-in, wide-angle infrared illuminator offers vision in total darkness, and detection and N recognition range is about triple the performance of original Gen-1 gear. Digital controls and a runtime of 10 to 20 hours on a single Lithium CR123A battery make the Night Cougar ideal for hunters, campers, boaters, security users — and also for dealers new to the world of night-vision gear. The Night Cougar retails for $569. Check it out at www.atncorp.com, where you’ll find a wide array of nightvision gear. From night-vision gear to programmable flashlights, digital chronographs and laser rangefinding systems, the world of high-tech outdoor equipment is booming — and your sales can be too. We’ve only presented a CAT-scan slice of the countless products available, and one of the best sources of info in the in- ATN’s lightweight Night Cougar delivers crisp IR-illuminated night vision at a surprisingly affordable price. dustry? It’s right here, in the pages of Shooting Industry. 9 HIGH-TECH MARKET See Reader Service, page 56, for a listing of high-tech manufacturers. www.shootingindustry.com SEPTEMBER 2009 332009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=34http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=34CALL FOR DEALER INFORMATION. 866-223-9388 WWW.FUSIONAMMO.COM ©2008 ATK2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=35http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=35By Carolee Anita Boyles HUNTER Hunting Season Season Has Has Arrived. Arrived. Here’s Here’s What What Hunters Hunters Still Still Need. Need. Hunting EVERYTHING FOR THE N ow that the hunting season is underway, the real heavy lifting in gun shops begins. Hunters may have bought their guns, ammo and all the basics, but there are still all kinds of products they are looking for, particularly if you’re in an area to which hunters travel. And with the holidays coming, there is a lot of opportunity for selling hunting-related gifts. Blaine Bailer is the hunting manager at Jay’s Sporting Goods in Clare, Mich. He said their high-selling season doesn’t stop when hunting season begins; at that point, it’s just getting started. “We do a lot of planning ahead,” Bailer said. “We look at all the new product out there, and try to get the best products for our customers’ dollar.” In the hunting department, Bailer said, this includes blinds, treestands, deer scents and calls. “For instance, around the first of November, everyone wants a grunt call,” he said. “Then, right after deer season, we have coyote season and hunters want distress sounds. In January and February they want barks and howls for challenge calls.” Bailer said the brands that appear in television hunting shows are the ones customers ask for the most. “They look on the Outdoor Channel or the Sportsman’s Channel and see what those guys are using, and then come in and ask for Primos, Hunter’s Specialties or Knight & Hale,” he said. Ameristep’s Non-Typical Avenger hang-on “The perception of treestand offers a flip-up padded seat and the customer is, ‘It worked for him, it reversible Speed Strap System. can work for me.’” Jay’s Sporting Goods also continues to sell treestands right into the season. “We carry all the top lines, including Ameristep and many others,” he said. Eric Hickey, vice president of sales for shooting sports for Big Rock Sportsman, says many times hunters get everything ready to go but their treestand. “Then they come in and buy that at the last minute,” Hickey said. “They think, ‘I can spend that $200 this month, or I can spend it the week before I go hunting.’ Either way, they’re going to spend it, and you need to be ready for them to do that.” Other brands to carry include Big Game Treestands, Landmark Outdoors and Rivers Edge Treestands. Don’t overlook optics and firearms accessories as the season progresses. Binoculars get lost. A dropped rifle may mean a new scope. “Everything we have, we carry all season long,” Bailer said. “That includes scopes, binoculars, ammunition and rifles. No matter what time of the season it is, if you need a new scope you can come in and get one, and have it bore sighted. We’ll even sight it in for you.” In optics, Jay’s carries Nikon, Bushnell, Swarovski, Leupold and several other brands. Jay’s also carries camping equipment right through hunting season, which is very helpful to hunters from out of town. “We have a giant camping department with everything from Lodge cookware to tents,” Bailer said. “We try to have everything here that hunters can possibly need.” SEPTEMBER 2009 35 Provide Last-Minute Products www.shootingindustry.com2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=36http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=36Blaine Bailer, Jay’s Sporting Goods hunting manager, says dealers need to be prepared for sales through the hunting and holiday-buying seasons. Hickey said it’s crucial for retailers to keep impulse-type items well stocked throughout the season. “Hunters are going to buy things they left at home, particularly things that are replaceable,” he said. “This includes orange vests and hats, game bags and cleaning supplies. When I say cleaning supplies, I mean game care and cleaning supplies such as gloves, knife sharpeners and even hunting knives, game saws, game shears and bird shears. You’ll sell a lot of knifesharpening equipment during this time of year. Those are all things hunters forget to bring and need to pick up.” Popular knife and knife-sharpener brands include Benchmade, Lansky Sharpeners, Buck Knives, Diamond Machining Technology and Columbia River Knife & Tool. Other basics, Hickey said, include firstaid kits, lighters, Space Blankets and firestarting equipment. “Think about what hunters would use in emergency situations,” Hickey said. Additionally, basic gun-cleaning equipment, which sells year-round, has a higher sales push during the season. “Most of those sales happen after the opening day of hunting season,” Hickey said. “Hunters have their guns, ammo and optics, and they go out and shoot and get their game. Then they’re ready to put their guns away and they want to clean them.” Good brands to include in your product mix include Otis Technology, Outers Gun Care, Gun Butter, Sentry Solutions and Battenfeld Technologies. Although many of these products aren’t true impulse items, customers will treat them that way during hunting season, Hickey said. Consequently, end caps are excellent places to merchandise them. “Besides all of those things, be sure you have plenty of clothing in stock,” he said. “Base what you have in the store on the area you’re in; have heavier clothing in colder 36 SEPTEMBER 2009 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=37http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=37The Game Cleaning System from Hunter’s Specialties contains fielddressing gloves, big game field-dressing tool, deer field-dressing bag and Scent-A-Way Field Wipes. The Pocket Survival Pak from Adventure Medical Kits contains instructions, survival plan, signal mirror, whistle, fire starter, waterproof fire-starting material and a survival compass. parts of the country and lighter-weight items in warmer areas. Be sure you have plenty of last-minute items such as gloves and hats.” Do not overlook women’s clothing. The number of women hunters has remained fairly steady for quite a while, but in the past few years an increasing number of younger women have taken up hunting. These women want clothing that’s stylish, comfortable and functional, and a number of companies — including Foxy Huntress, Próis Hunting Apparel, and SHE Safari — have stepped into that niche. Bailer points out some less-than-obvious regional differences in product sales. “For instance, there’s an Ameristep Regional Differences BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION INC. PO BOX 3090 RAPID CITY, SD 57709 Phone: 605.348.5150 Fax: 605.348.9827 www.shootingindustry.com SEPTEMBER 2009 372009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=38http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=38blind called the Choice that’s a very openair, leafy blind,” he said. “That blind may sell really well down South where it’s warmer, but up here (Michigan) it’s a harder sell because hunters want something they can stay warm in.” Another regional difference is in calls. “You’re not going to sell a lot of elk calls in Alabama,” Hickey said. “But you’ll sell a bunch of them in Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.” It all comes down to matching what you have in your store to your area, and that means knowing what your customers want. “That includes last-minute clothing additions, such as orange,” Hickey said. “In some states you only need an orange cap. In other states you have to have 400 square inches of orange, which means vests.” Also look at the weight of clothing and boots, and the kind of insulation in tents and sleeping bags. In preparation for the holidays, Jay’s Sporting Goods makes shopping easy for the significant others of hunters. “We have a Jay’s gift card customers can purchase,” Bailer said. “They make a good Christmas present because recipients can come in and buy whatever they want to.” Look To Holidays Jay’s also has a big outdoor gift department they keep well stocked with items hunters like. “We have all sorts of things for a customer’s home,” he said. “We handle curtains, shower curtains, comforters, pictures and sculptures. If you came in here to decorate a log home you’d be in seventh heaven, because everything is outdoorsy and appeals to hunters. Those items move well as we get into The Portable SCENTite Original Tent Chair Hunting Blind is a one-man the holiday season.” Companies to con- blind that weighs 12 pounds and includes a full-sized folding chair. sider include Rivers Edge Products, Woolrich, Big Sky Carv- need to be prepared for early in the seaers, River Oak Outdoors and United son, even though it might not sell right Weavers of America. away. Hunters will remember you have As hunting season winds down, put those products and come back to purout your antler- and horn-mounting chase them.” 9 kits, Hickey said. “And there’s a ton of business in HUNTING MARKET smokers, smoker chips, meat grinders, food savers, jerky makers and the See Reader Service, page 56, for a listing of hunting manufacturers. like,” he said. “That’s a big market you2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=39http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=39N P R IC E . IO T C U D O R P D R A D S TA N Q UA LI T Y R IF LE S . C E P -S IL M T, IL U B C U S TO M was called on to fight by economic crisis young nation paralyzed ic During World War II, a es in uncertain econom . Today, we find ourselv nts fro two on l evi d nte unprecede & Tool truction. 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LMT del production price. upgrades at a standard with the tactical accessory OM LMTD EF EN SE .C61 264 Milan, IL 1305 11th Street West, 309.787.7193 (T) 309.787.7151 • (F) sales@lmtdefense.com IFI ED ISO 90 01:2 00 0 CE rT2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=40http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=40ONE GOOD THING LEADS TO ANOTHER PELICAN CASE Double Throw Latch Press & Pull Latch > INTRODUCING THE PELICAN STORM CASE IN 23 SIZES with simple Press & Pull Latches Whether you prefer the solid “thunk” of a Pelican Double Throw Latch or the ingenuity of the Pelican Storm Press & Pull Latch, now you’ll find both at your Pelican Dealer. 23 new sizes that include all the features you’d expect in a Pelican: watertight, crushproof, dustproof and all backed by Pelican’s legendary lifetime guarantee. You can count on Pelican to transport and protect all your firearms and other outdoor gear. Visit Pelican.com/si to see our full line of cases and tactical lights. PELICAN PRODUCTS , INC. 23215 Early Avenue, Torrance, CA 90505 n TOLL FREE 866.838.9160 TEL 310.326.4700 n FAX 310.326.3311 n www.pelican.com/si All trademarks and logos displayed herein are registered and unregistered trademarks of Pelican Products, Inc. and others.2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=41http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=41Story and Photos By Pat Covert HOT KNIVES AND AND HOW TO TO HOW SELL ’EM! Spyderco marketing director Joyce Laituri says the company hasn’t felt the economic downturn, thanks to its military programs. “Our military sales are strong right now, as are military models among consumers. We’re doing some models in Digicam handles that are selling extremely well,” Laituri said. “On other fronts, our new Tenacious model with a MSRP of $50 is doing well, as are our new line of Slip-It non-locking folders with pocket clips. “ BLACKHAWK! is also looking at the bottom line for consumers, and it’s paying off in increased sales. “We have devoted much time over the past year and a half to redesigning our knives — particularly the old Masters of These Tips Tips Will Will Keep Keep Your Your Cutlery Cutlery Sales Sales Strong Strong These I f the new knife offerings and healthy attendance at the 2009 Blade Show in May are indicators, the cutlery industry has remained solid despite a slow economy. Tactical knives still remain the most popular genre among customers, but sporting knives have experienced a recent surge, as consumers are finding tactical knives perform perfectly well as sporting knives. Additionally, plenty of knives are geared straight at the hunter and outdoorsman, as well as a plethora of conventional pocketknives. More than ever before there is an abundance of knives in all shapes, sizes and forms to choose from, offering dealers an excellent opportunity to tailor cutlery to fit their customers’ needs — a great way to achieve multiple sales. Cutlery manufacturers are eager to provide dealers insight into hot sellers, plus tips to help get a leg up on the competition. at a great value at under $100.” Great value does not necessarily mean “cheap,” according to Benchmade Knives CEO Les de Asis. “Our sales have remained strong because we have a large group of loyal customers who know we make knives they can depend on. In tough times, consumers tend to go with a company with a strong reputation because they can’t afford to take a chance on a product that doesn’t deliver,” de Asis said. The new Benchmade Barrage, which features premium 154CM stainless steel and the popular Axis lock, is a hot seller for the company and has a low suggested retail of $130. Value and affordability were two words heard frequently at Blade, no doubt a reflection of the economic climate. Because consumers are watching their budgets, knives with inherent value are hot in the marketplace. “I recommend that dealers take a hard look at their inventory and try to give their customers a lot of knife for their money,” said Rod Bremer, president and founder of Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT). “We’ve just released some new knives with natural materials like jigged bone and buffalo horn, called The Naturals, and these have been very good for us. These are designed by knifemakers Pat and Wes Crawford and we sell them www.shootingindustry.com Delivering For Customers Multi-tools and specialized cop tools are hot. Shown are the Boker Plus Wilson Tactical Cop Tool (left) and the SOG Power Assist multi-tool. SEPTEMBER 2009 412009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=42http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=42Joyce Laituri, Spyderco marketing director, and company founder Sal Glesser display Spyderco’s new Tenacious model. Defense line — to be more value-oriented so law enforcement and military personnel can readily afford them,” said Michael Janich, category manager for BLACKHAWK! Knives. To tap into the youth market, check out Mantis Knives’ progressive offerings. This young company created a niche for themselves overnight with youthful, futuristic designs packaged at affordable prices. Founder Jared West says the hot knives are fixed blades and folders selling in the $40 to $80 range. “The youth market is our main demographic,” West said. “They identify with the fact that we market specifically to them, and we offer many knives in the $35 to $50 price range so they can afford them.” Boker, a brand typically synonymous with traditional pocket and hunting knives, has experienced rapid growth and popularity in the tactical arena. According to Boker USA CEO Dan Weidner, the Boker Plus line is their hottest seller right now. “We’ve teamed up with different designers and we manufacture overseas where it’s more affordable. We use the best steels and best handle materials available, and they are manufactured under our tight stipulations. The key to it is affordability. You’ve got to give the user a high-quality product they can afford to buy,” Weidner said. Spring-assisted folders continue to be highly desirable among knife consumers, says Chris Cashbaugh, SOG Knives marketing director. “Our assisted-opening knives, like our new Aegis series, are very hot sellers right now,” Cashbaugh said. “Our SOG PowerLock multi-tools are also selling well, and recently we’ve come out with an all-new model that incorporates a spring-assist main blade, a first in the industry.” Buck Knives has had great success with their new ErgoHunter series, said C.J. Buck, company president. “The innovative design makes it easy for customers to visualize the advantages, so the knife virtually sells itself,” Buck said. “They can see and feel the handle’s ergonomic contouring (called ‘palm swell’ in firearm grips) for maximum comfort and reduced hand fatigue; the thick 4 3/4" full-tang blade, with special grip texture plus grip ridges; an extra large choil for better gripping and control; and a generous belly design perfect for skinning. Customers realize how many ways they can hold and use this knife, and the flexibility it will give them in their large animal hunts.” Add to this Buck Knives’ new “goodbetter-best” program, called Select, Avid and Pro. Here, knives offer the same basic Hot Sellers, New Offerings Yes, old-time pocketknives still sell. Moore Maker Inc.’s five-blade Sowbelly (top), the Moon Pie Trapper by Canal Street Cutlery (middle) and Sunfish by Great Eastern Cutlery represent the traditional market. Tactical folders remain the hottest ticket in town. Shown here are the Benchmade Axis Barrage (top) and Kershaw Hawk R.A.M. 42 SEPTEMBER 2009 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=43http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=43features, but are available at three different price levels depending on which materials the consumer chooses. “Dealers have found this to be a very effective sales tool in meeting today’s economic challenges,” Buck said. And don’t forget traditional pocketknives. In recent years there has been a huge upsurge in the old pocketknives reminiscent of the ones Grandpa used to carry. Old-time companies like W.R. Case, Queen and Schatt & Morgan still make these folding knives, and many new companies have jumped into the market, including Great Eastern Cutlery — which also makes knives under the Great Eastern, Tidioute Cutlery and Northfield UnX-LD brands — Moore Maker Inc., Canal Street Cutlery and others. In today’s tight, competitive environment, it pays to have a sound strategy to sell knives. The cutlery industry’s heavy hitters recommend dealers keep a variety of inventory, constantly bring in fresh product and continually acquire knowledge of the knives they are selling. “It is important to offer consumers quality, value and a great selection. Offering a good variety of pocket knives at different price levels is just crucial,” Spyderco’s Laituri said. SOG Knives’ Cashbaugh says keeping new knives in stock gives people a reason to come back to your store. “I would recommend keeping a wide variety of different shapes and different colors, but also rotating new knives in throughout the year,” Cashbaugh said. Boker’s Weidner advocates keeping product fresh and exciting. “When a consumer goes into a store, they want to see what’s new. If a consumer Clinch The Sale wants to see a product we are advertising and the dealer doesn’t have it, they don’t make the sale. You have to keep the new product coming,” Weidner said. Training and education are also key to strong sales, says de Asis, Benchmade. “If a retailer and his or her employees know our product, not only does it make it easier to sell Benchmade knives, it allows the salesperson to better equip their customer,” de Asis said. Benchmade offers their dealers a variety of informational tools including Web site assistance, printed materials and a DVD that walks them through all aspects of the product. BLACKHAWK!’s Janich recommends dealers determine what their client base is all about and buy knives for them. “Do the homework for your customers so when they come in, you educate them and convince them you have the knives to meet their needs. They’ll appreciate that and buy your products,” Janich said. Mantis Knives’ West recommends staying on top of your product by being keenly aware of what is selling. “We do a lot of direct Internet sales so we have instant feedback as to what’s hot. We pass that on to our dealers to help them stock our best-selling products. Our dealers get everything within two days, which helps them get their inventory on the shelf fast,” West said. Keeping your cutlery sales hopping is simple. Give customers a good selection to choose from, include fresh new merchandise in your inventory and come to the display case armed with product knowledge. 9 KNIFE MARKET See Reader Service, page 56, for a listing of knife manufacturers. Buck Knives’ ErgoHunter series of fixed-blade knives has been a hit with hunters and other outdoorsmen. Shown here is the mid-level Select model. www.shootingindustry.com SEPTEMBER 2009 432009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=44http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=44GLORY KNIFE Combat-Ready Knife Honors Navy SEAL “We had an opportunity to honor the dedication and sacrifice of a local hero and we didn’t need to think twice. The amount of support Benchmade has gotten from the military is incredible and it gave us the opportunity to give back,” explained Rob Morrison, director of marketing. The Glory is more than a tribute knife, de Asis points out. “We were committed from the start to producing a commemorative knife that would look great on the mantle, but also could be used hard in the field. It’s a beautifully designed product that has been manufactured with hardcore, extreme duty in SI DIGITAL mind,” de VIDEO Asis said. The Glory has a 154CM stainless steel re-curve 7.30" blade. The knife is aesthetically designed to resemble the propeller of a ship to honor the Navy. The blade has a lot of belly and the weight is more forward so it’s perfectly balanced. The handle scales provide a firm grip no matter how it’s grabbed, and the extra finger indexes along the bottom make the longer blade shorter for detail work. On the pommel, the grooves provide better gripping power. The sheath is a Spec Ops design, specifically crafted for the Glory. Benchmade began making knives in 1988, becoming a leader in innovative knife design and quality. But this knife, unlike other commemorative products that are meant to sit in a display case, is “combat ready” — it’s ready for use in the field. “It’s a large chopper that’s meant to be used. That’s why our dealers like it. As one of the largest fixed blades in our line, consumers can feel confident that the Benchmade’s Benchmade’s By Shari LeGate L es de Asis, founder and owner of Benchmade Knife Co., didn’t hesitate when he was approached with the idea of making a knife to honor Oregonian Petty Officer Second Class Marc Lee, the first Navy SEAL killed in Iraq. Within days, de Asis set his team into action, and the result is the “Glory” knife. Petty Officer Lee, 28, from Hood River, Ore., was killed on Aug. 2, 2006, while on patrol in Ramadi, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. For his actions on that day, he was awarded the Silver Star Medal. The medal’s citation reads, in part: “To protect the lives of his teammates, he fearlessly exposed himself to direct enemy fire by engaging the enemy with his machine gun and was mortally wounded in the engagement. His brave actions in the line of fire saved the lives of many of his teammates.” His others medals include the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Benchmade, an Oregon-based company, knew making the Glory knife was the right thing to do for one of their own. The Benchmade Glory knife has a 7.30" blade of 154CM stainless steel and comes with a MOLLE Compatible nylon sheath. Petty Officer Second Class Marc Lee was the first Navy SEAL killed in Iraq. There is a tribute to him on www.navyseals.com. 44 SEPTEMBER 2009 high-grade materials will get the job done,” Morrison said. As a knife maker, Benchmade is committed to their product and their customer, but as a company, it has another ongoing commitment that isn’t as well known. “Supporting organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project and the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund is not just a policy for the company, it’s a privilege,” Morrison explained. “And the Marc Lee Glory knife continues that tradition. When our customers purchase the Glory, they are honoring the legacy of a true American hero, and we are pleased to donate a portion of the proceeds from every knife sold to the Marc Lee Foundation.” The knife retails for $350 and, according to Morrison, response from dealers has exceeded the company’s expectations. “We debuted the knife at SHOT Show (2009) and dealers couldn’t wait for it,” he said. Benchmade is supporting the knife by featuring it in their national advertising campaign and their 2009 catalog. For more information on the Marc Lee Glory knife, visit www.benchmade.com or call 1-800-800-7427. 9 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=45http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=45Mouse Hunt Mouse Hunt You need one to read these. A computer mouse, that is, to read the new Digital Editions of Shooting Industry, American Handgunner, GUNS Magazine and American COP online. They’re exactly the same as the print editions without the paper. Same valuable information. Same favorite authors. Even turning pages with sound. But there’s more. Lots more. • • • • • • Search issues for a word, product or phrase. Zoom pages for a closer look and easier reading. E-mail a friend or customer to share what you find. Visit advertiser web sites just by clicking their ad. Download the issue as a .pdf file to read later. Print and save your favorite articles. The best part? They’re free. That’s right, free. If you have a mouse, computer and Internet connection, you can read the latest issues of Shooting Industry, American Handgunner, GUNS Magazine and American COP. No charge. No obligation. Just click, flip and read. While you’re there, sign up for free digital subscriptions to be notifi ed each time new issues are ready for viewing. What are you waiting for? Go tr y them now by visiting: www.shootingindustry.com www.gunsmagazine.com www.americanhandgunner.com www.americancopmagazine.com2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=46http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=46New products See Your Product Here! Text First Line Text Address all releases to: New Products Editor SHOOTING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE 12345 World Trade Dr. San Diego, CA 92128 SHOOTING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE www.shootingindustry.com If you are a manufacturer, importer, distributor or entrepreneur with a newsworthy, new or revised product available Company to dealers or distributors, let us know! Phone # Website We have room for about 80 words. Pictures should be color, if possible. Electronic images, transparencies and glossy SIprints DIGITAL are acceptable. Product releases are printed on a Hot Link space-available basis at the discretion of the editorial staff. FMG Publications American COP 2010 Special Edition The American COP 2010 Special Edition contains the best stories of the past year from American COP magazine. Features include “Rock River Elite Comp & Rock River LAR-15 Pistol,” “Stance Nonsense: We Don’t Shoot with our Feet” and “Super SIGs: DutyReady Jewelry,” plus columns on leather holsters, sights, tourniquets and more. A Buyer’s Guide, new for 2010, of currently available law enforcement handguns, rifles, shotguns, knives and lights is also included. FMG Publications 1-800-628-9818 www.americancopmagazine.com SI DIGITAL Hot Link Walker’s Game Ear Power Muff Quads Walker’s Power Muff Quads amplification earmuffs are now available in Realtree, Mossy Oak and Blaze Orange, in addition to black models. The earmuffs incorporate four high-frequency response directional microphones for up to 9x sound amplification, and a sound activated compression (SAC) circuit with a 24 dB noise reduction rating for hearing protection. The Muff Quads include two independent volume and bass/treble controls for sound tuning. Batteries are included. Buck Knives Bravo Rescue Tactical The 7-oz. Bravo Rescue features a 3 1/2" 420HC Besh Wedge tanto blade, glass bead-blasted for corrosion resistance, with a thumb stud. The stainless steel handle has a Santoprene rubber overmold. Its butt-end has a solid point for breaking tempered glass and an integrated seat-belt cutter, both made of 154CM stainless steel. Included is a black nylon sheath. Open blade length is 8 3/4" and closed is 5 1/4". Made in the USA and backed by Buck’s Forever Warranty. GSM-Walker Products 1-877-269-8490 www.walkersgameear.com SI DIGITAL Buck Knives Inc. 1-800-326-2825 www.buckknives.com SI DIGITAL Hot Link Hot Link 46 SEPTEMBER 2009 Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=47http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=47EOTAC Operator-Grade Mechanic Shirt EOTAC’s operator-grade mechanic short-sleeve shirt — in black, gray and navy — is styled after the mechanic shirts worn by industrial workers. Each shirt comes with four different sew-on “workforce-look” patches and is made from preshrunk, pre-washed, 5.5-oz. cotton poplin treated with DuPont Teflon fabric protector. With a straight bottom hem and side vents, the shirt is worn untucked. The two lower front buttons are false, disguising a hook-and-loop closure for faster access. Sizes small to 3XL are available. EOTAC (803) 744-9930 www.eotac.com SI DIGITAL Hot Link World’s Finest Magazines MEC-GAR is proud to offer “Optimum” - our new and unique series of high capacity flush-fit pistol magazines. “OPTIMUM”. THE WORLD’S BEST MAGAZINES Fidogear Dog Life Jacket Fidogear’s dog life jacket is constructed with heavy-duty materials and Coast Guard-grade UL 1911 floatation foam. The outer shell consists of durable, 1,000-denier, highly visible fluorescent orange Cordura, with reflective ribbon and black pack cloth base for comfort. A handle assists with retrieval. The new design of the magazine housing and interlinked magazine components, together with a special Anti-Friction Coating offer far superior performance even in difficult operational environments. The increased firepower of MEC-GAR “Optimum” magazines can be further raised by an optional “Plus Two” adapter. “Plus Two” is a new set of hollow butt-plate and inner base to raise the capacity of the MEC-GAR “Optimum” magazine by 2-rounds and stick out only 5/8” from the butt of the pistol! Available For: Beretta 92FS 9mm 18rd / 20rd Beretta 96FS .40S&W 13rd / 15rd Para-Ordnance P14 .45ACP 14rd SIG P226 9mm 18rd / 20rd SIG P226 .40S&W 13rd / 15rd Springfield XD 9mm 18rd Springfield XD .40S&W 13rd Taurus PT92 9mm 18rd / 20rd Taurus PT100 .40S&W 13rd / 15rd Mec-Gar USA, Inc., 905 Middle Street, Middletown, CT 06457 Tel: (800) 632-4271 Fax: (860) 635-1712 www.mec-gar.com SEPTEMBER 2009 47 Fidogear 1-877-FIDOGEAR (343-4327) www.fidogear.com SI DIGITAL Hot Link www.shootingindustry.com2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=48http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=48Birchwood Casey Sharpshooter Targets Sharpshooter targets are constructed of corrugated plastic and are available in animal silhouettes and traditional bullseye or sight-in versions. Animal-shaped targets include 7 1/2" crows and prairie chucks and a 24" x 48" bear silhouette. Crow and prairie chuck models come with Shoot-N-C overlay targets. The bear includes two Shoot-N-C 12" crosshair targets and 48 repair pasters. Two 24" round Sharpshooter targets are available in bulls-eye or sight-in versions that can be used with any Birchwood Casey adhesive target. Firearms Business Insurance Wholesalers & Distributors • Retail Sales • Manufacturers & Importers Ammunition & Bullet Manufacturers • Indoor & Outdoor Ranges Trap, Skeet & Sporting Clay Fields • Gunsmiths • Firearms Instructors Birchwood Casey 1-800-328-6156 www.birchwoodcasey.com SI DIGITAL Hot Link Providing Quality Insurance Products to the Firearms Industry for Over 25 Years. Coverage Available in All 50 States. Burris Co. XTR Xtreme Tactical Riflescopes Endorsed By info@jcinsco.com • www.guninsurance.com • 800.526.2199 Read Shooting Industry Magazine’s All-Digital Edition. Visit www.shootingindustry.com. 48 SEPTEMBER 2009 Burris introduces three XTR riflescopes. The 3x-12x-50mm, in “desertcamo” coyote brown, has an illuminated ballistic mil-dot 12x reticle. The 1.5x-6x 40mm, in a matte finish, has a ballistic 7.62 illuminated reticle for close- to medium-range, fast-target acquisition, with optimized drop compensation. The 6x-24x-50mm, also in matte finish, has a ballistic mil-dot 14x reticle and 1/4 MOA elevation increments for long-range shooting. All XTR scopes are shockproof, fogproof, crafted in the USA and warranted forever. Burris Co. Inc. (970) 356-1670 www.burrisoptics.com SI DIGITAL Hot Link Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=49http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=49Carson Optical Outlaw, Caribou Binoculars Carson Optical’s 10x25mm Outlaw binocular features fully coated optics. The10x42mm Caribou binocular features BAK-4 prisms and has a nitrogenpurged, waterproof body. It is covered with rubberized armor for shock resistance and comfort and provides extralong eye relief for eyeglass wearers. Both binoculars are available in Mossy Oak Treestand camouflage. Safariland Model 18 IWB Holster The Model 18 Inside-the-Waistband concealment holster is designed for plainclothes and civilian carry. Made with SafariLaminate, with an open-top design, a synthetic suede outer material grips clothing, while the holster’s lining helps protect the weapon’s finish. A doublesnap belt loop allows for easy overall positioning within the waistband. The holster fits 1 1/4" (38mm) to 1 1/2" (45mm) belt widths and is designed to fit pistols and revolvers with barrels ranging from 2" to 5". Available in black suede finish. Stealth Cam Rogue Scouting Recorder Stealth Cam’s Rogue IR digital video recorder uses 36 IR emitters to produce “no-flash” illumination out to 40 feet. When motion is detected, the camera captures VGA video clips ranging from 5 to 180 seconds. The Rogue has time/ date/moon/temperature stamping. Stealth Cam’s patented Burst Mode technology can capture one to nine still images of up to 5 megapixels. The camera, programmable from 1 to 59 minutes between motion activations, includes a 32mb built-in memory and a 12V auxiliary power jack. Carson Optical 1-800-967-8427 www.carsonoptical.com SI DIGITAL Safariland LLC (904) 741-5600 www.safariland.com SI DIGITAL 1-888-304-6125 www.stealthcam.net SI DIGITAL Stealth Cam LLC Hot Link Hot Link Hot Link 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 SI DIGITAL Classified ads are: $2.00 per word per insertion Hot Link minimum OR $1.50 per word with a 20-word per insertion for three or more issues with a 25-word minimum. No charge for CAPS. Bold words add $1.00 per word. Copy and rerun orders must be accompanied by PAYMENT IN ADVANCE. NO AGENCY OR CASH DISCOUNTS ON LISTING OR DISPLAY CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING. All ads must be received with advance payment BY NO LATER THAN THE 15th of each month. EXAMPLE: Closing for NOVEMBER 2008 issue is September 15th. Ads received after closing will appear in the following issue. Please type or print clearly. PLEASE NOTE: NO PROOFS WILL BE FURNISHED. Include name, address, post office box, city, state and zip code as counted words. Abbreviations count as one word each. Mail to SHOOTING INDUSTRY CLASSIFIEDS, 12345 World Trade Dr, San Diego, California 92128. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR CLASSIFIED AD IN SI DIGITAL SHOOTING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE, CALL OUR HotREPRESENTATIVE Link SALES AT (858)605-0235. FMG Publications Defensive Thinking DVD New for 2009, firearms training expert Clint Smith, of Thunder Ranch training facility, teaches “Defensive Thinking: Logical Solutions for Home, Car and Carry.” This two-disc set includes Mental Preparation and Logic Lecture; Home Defense, including Locks, Lights, Guns and Brain Power; Vehicle Defense; and Concealed Carry Options, including guns, platforms and drawing techniques. Filmed at Thunder Ranch in Oregon, “Defensive Thinking” is full of tips, techniques and Clint’s personal observations about the tactics and gear that work best. Revision Eyewear Photochromic Sunglasses Revision Eyewear introduces the Photochromic Hellfly Ballistic Sunglasses. Featuring Revision’s rapid light-changing technology, the sunglasses automatically darken when exposed to sunlight and return to clear in the absence of UV rays, providing a tactical edge in rapidly changing environments. Like the entire Hellfly Sunglass lin2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=50http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=50Fall ’09 Catalog Showcase The sales resources listed in this Catalog Showcase are just a click or phone call away. To acquire the literature featured here, use the contact information included with each listing. You can also view more catalog order options online through Shooting Industry’s digital edition at www. shootingindustry.com. Once there, simply click the listings for special dealer pricing, sales or delivery options. AG Russell Knives American Handgunner Magazine win this cover gun! $5.95 OUTSIDE US ArmaLite $9.50 ® P remierII .45 45 One accurate autO! BEER BUDGEt Les Baer SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 Lead Bullet Secrets Taffin Tests: MAG-NA-PORt . 380s REvOLUtIONARy OLUt OLU tIONAR IONARy y RUGER's HigHTecH gear LCR Focus: Benchmade Glory Knife Carry Options: Rosen Leather Handloading: .357 Magnum Winning Edge: Pocket Autos WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM Since 1964, A. G Russell™ Knives has supplied the knife needs of customers worldwide. The A. G. Russell name means quality, dependability and knowledge. Catalogs and web site includes most quality production brands and many handmade knives, some available only from A. G. Russell. 479-571-6161,www.agrussell.com. FREE Dept SI0909C A. G. Russell Knives 2900 S. 26th St. Rogers, AR 72758 Maximize your profits! Build repeat traffic and earn profits by selling Handgunner Magazine In your store. Order desired number of issues at huge savings off the cover price. For more information, call 1-800-597-8065. ArmaLite 2009 Catalog 13 ArmaLite. A name steeped in history, and reinforced in innovation. ArmaLite has a long history of providing the latest and greatest rifles. Our new catalog showcases our full line of AR-10®, M-15™, AR-30™, and AR-50™ rifles, as well as the AR-24 pistol and accessories. Visit us online at www.armalite.com. ArmaLite Inc. PO Box 299 Geneseo, IL 61244 800-336-0184 SI DIGITAL SI DIGITAL SI DIGITAL Bonus 50 SEPTEMBER 2009 Bonus Bonus Click To View Digital Catalog www.shootingindustry.com Read SI DIGITAL2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=51http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=51Battenfeld Technologies Bill Hicks & Co. 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Black Hills provides the 5.56mm ammunition used by all of the U.S. military shooting teams. They offer outstanding personal service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. SI DIGITAL SI DIGITAL SI DIGITAL Bonus Bonus Bonus Buffer Tech Colonial Arms Competitive Edge Dynamics Buffer Technologies prides itself as an innovative manufacturer and distributor of tactical weapons accessories for military, law enforcement and shooting sports applications. Its signature products include patented recoil buffers for most automatic pistols and rifles and the MagCinch dual-magazine system. For more information or to order on-line, see us at “http://www.buffertech.com” www. buffertech.com or call 877-628-3337 for a free catalog. Colonial Arms manufactures over 700 different screw in choke tubes for 10, 12, 16, 20, 28 and 410 gauge shotguns. “Elite Series” ported tubes and ported turkey tubes; “Golden Series” sporting clay tubes, stainless sporting clay tubes, flush cardshooting tubes. 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Call 1-800-845-3711 To Get Yours www.EllettBrothers.com Federal Premium® Federal Premium® carries over 180 Premium® centerfire rifle options to cover all the needs of big game hunters. And waterfowlers just can’t get enough of Black Cloud®. Hunters and shooters of all types will find just what they need for a day in the field or at the range. Fusion® Fusion® brings deer hunters the best performance at a price that can’t be beat. This advanced technology is designed specifically for deer and has proven itself in the field. Fusion now has an option for all modern disciplines of deer hunting. Across the board, Fusion is Tough. Accurate. Lethal. SI DIGITAL Bonus 52 SEPTEMBER Click To View Digital Catalog 2009 SI DIGITAL SI DIGITAL Bonus Bonus Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=53http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=53Glock Guns Magazine ® Kahr Arms RELIABILITY • ACCURACY • ORIGINAL TECHNOLOGY ANNUAL '09 NEW 20/29 SFs DYNAMIC DUO DEBUT! Compact-Precise-Perfect 10mm AUTOS! Denmark’s SIRIUS Patrol’s Extreme Missions! 10MM PROTECTING THE ARCTIC EUROPEAN POLICE SPOTLIGHT ■ ■ ■ GLOCK Annual 2009 98-page full color magazine of GLOCK-specific articles written by some of the most talented writers in the industry. You also get the first glimpse of the hottest new GLOCK products to hit the market and a full catalog section in the back. SI DIGITAL Bonus DuraCoat, the industry’s leading firearm finish, is the most durable and long lasting coating on the market. Available in over 150 colors and 40 patterns, you can do almost anything with DuraCoat from basic black to a military digital pattern. Now available in DuraCoat SL for internals and moving parts. SI DIGITAL Bonus www.shootingindustry.com GLOCK ANNUAL • 2009 Printed in U.S.A. Cobra Task Force Monaco’s LE Swedish Police NEW GLOCK 22 GLOCK DELIVERS! With New Serration Pattern And Polymid Traction Grip EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK! RTF2 .40/9x19/.45 AUTO/.45 G.A.P./.380 AUTO/.357 Tests•Specs•Options•Accessories•More! $4.95 • www.glock.com GUN BUYER’S GUIDE DIGITAL SPINE: Perfect 1/8” 5th: 877 C 6th: NONE CLIENT SHIP GRP: 12/16/08 12/08/08 IMGD TX1 CX1 Maximize your profits! Build repeat traffic and earn profits by selling Guns Magazine In your store. Order desired number of issues at huge savings off the cover price. For more information, call 1-800-597-8065. Kahr’s latest catalog has detailed information and specifications on Kahr’s line of 9mm, .40S&W and .45 ACP double action only compact pistols. Kahr’s products are made entirely in the USA at Kahr’s state of the art factory in Worcester, MA. SI DIGITAL SI DIGITAL Bonus Bonus Lauer Custom Lewis Machine & Tool Magnum Research 2009 Product catalog introducing the micro desert eagle pistol magnum research, inc Quality Policy We offer exceptional quality products to our customers by continuously striving to exceed their expectations. 100% US Made in compliance with the Berry Amendment. lmtdefense.com (309) 787-7151 Totally redesigned 2009 catalog introduces the new Micro Desert Eagle, provides the latest information on the legendary Desert Eagle Pistol—including the deluxe 25th anniversary edition—and offers expanded coverage of rimfire and centerfire rifles and Magnum’s Biggest Finest Revolver. Full-color, 20page catalog also highlights custom finishes, as well as holsters, grips, sights, scopes, shirts, caps and other accessories. Request a catalog, or download catalog PDF for free at MagnumResearch.com. SI DIGITAL SI DIGITAL Bonus Bonus SEPTEMBER 2009 532009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=54http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=54Nighthawk Nosler Archangel Manufacturing/ ProMag Industries Nighthawk Custom, located in Berryville Arkansas, is a manufacturer of custom 1911 handguns, bolt-action tactical and hunting rifles as well as tactical shotguns. Recently Nighthawk started offering full custom leather belts, holsters and magazine pouches for any type of handgun. Only premium grade leather hides are used and include many exotics Contact info: www.nighthawkcustom.com, Toll free: 877-268-4867, or write: info@nighthawkcustom.com. Celebrating 60 years of business, Nosler will always be the benchmark for premium bullet manufacturing and innovative design. The 32 page catalog highlights the best bullets, brass, ammunition and rifles available today accompanied with Nosler’s full line of offerings for each product. The Archangel brand of shooting accessories and rifle stocks are engineered and manufactured to exceed expectations. The Advanced Rimfire System (ARS) for Ruger 10/22 carbines and Charger pistols take the tried and true classic to new heights. Models are also available for the Remington 597 .22 LR rifle. A product brochure is available by contacting: Archangel Manufacturing / ProMag Industries, 10654 South Garfield Avenue, South Gate, CA 90280 Toll free 800438-2547 Website: promagindustries. com or archangelmanufacturing.com SI DIGITAL SI DIGITAL SI DIGITAL Bonus Bonus Bonus Redding Reloading Rock River Arms Sports South, LLC The 2009 Redding Catalog features new die sets for the 30 Remington AR, 338 Marlin Express and 416 Ruger as well as a new Competition Seater for the 357 Sig. It also introduces a completely new die system to remove the bulge from 40 S&W cases fired in some autoloaders. For up-to-the-minute Redding information and helpful tech tips, visit our website at www.redding-reloading.com. Redding Reloading Equipment 1089 Starr Road, Cortland, NY 13045 607-753-3331 Since 1996, brothers Mark and Chuck Larson have grown to operate a state-of-the-art facility in Colona, Illinois that produces a full line of custom production rifles, parts and accessories, all built with focus on providing the finest fit, finish and function at an affordable price, rockriverarms.com. FREE electronic ordering system. FREE electronic gunbook available. Largest single-location, full-line distributor offering firearms, ammo, shooting accessories, black powder guns and reloading products. Toll Free 800.388.3845 www.internetguncatalog.com SI DIGITAL SI DIGITAL SI DIGITAL Bonus 54 SEPTEMBER 2009 Bonus Bonus Read SI DIGITAL www.shootingindustry.com2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=55http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=55Taurus International Trijicon Inc. W.L. Baumler Taurus, the worlds’ foremost pistol maker, features many new and exciting products in its 2009 catalog including the 3” Magnum Judge, Taurus Compact Pistol and new additions to the 1911 line. The company is also proud to offer its Unlimited Lifetime Repair Policy(TM) and free one-year NRA membership with all models purchased. For a free catalog visit www.taurususa.com. Trijicon is the world leader in the development of any-light aiming systems for the military, law enforcement, hunting and shooting sports markets. Trijicon’s exclusive self-luminous technology has made their sights and scopes the preferred choice among leading firearm manufacturers. Free catalog available on request. “The Sportsmen’s Supplier” 100% wholesale. Full line hunting and fishing distributor. Family owned and operated for over 60 years. Guaranteed same day UPS shipping on orders called in by 2 p.m EST. Competitive pricing and experienced, professional sales people. For more information contact: W.L. Baumler 1744 Iowa Ave. Lorain, OH 44052 1-800-321-2501 SI DIGITAL SI DIGITAL SI DIGITAL Bonus Bonus Bonus What Your Customers Are Reading Now! our customers read FMG Publications — American Handgunner, GUNS, American COP and our assorted Special Editions — to find out what’s hot in the world of firearms. Here is what they are reading this month. “Right up front, I’ll tell you I’m not a big fan of small calibers for self-defense. I don’t have any problem carrying something smaller than a 9mm, .40 S&W or .45 as a backup piece, though.” Writer Pat Cascio was surprised by what budget guns he tested and eventually bought. Read more in “.380: Mostly Beer Budget Blasters” in the September/October issue of American Handgunner. “The Ruger/Hornady alliance has provided some very interesting developments. It seems they agree on a common goal and then work in their own area of expertise to meet the goal,” said writer Dave Anderson, when profiling Ruger’s M77 Hawkeye Compact Magnum in Hornady’s new .300 RCM. Read more i n the October issue of GUNS Magazine. “Shields and Guns: A Bunker Mentality” explains the importance of shields in a cop’s life: “It gets us in close to the threat, and after that closure a wise selection of firearms is required to terminate the threat.” What firearms are the best in this scenario? Find out in the American COP 2010 Special Edition. “For years SWAT guys and cops in general have been breaking the tips off of their knives by using them as pry tools.” The folks at BLACKHAWK! have solved this problem with their new tool, the Small Pry. Read all about it in the September/ October issue of American COP. Dealers, to stock these FMG titles in your store, contact FMG’s Distribution Manager, Sergio Jauregui, at 1-800-597-8065. For a look at the magazines, visit www.fmgpublications.com. www.shootingindustry.com SEPTEMBER 2009 55 Y2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=56http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=56Reader Reader service Companies ADVERTISERS American Tactical Imports ArmaLite ATN Black Hills Ammunition Inc. Brownells Command Arms Accessories Diamond Machining Technology DKG Trading Inc. DPMS Ellett Brothers Federal FMG Digital Publications Fobus USA Fusion Glock Inc. Hallmark Cutlery Insight Tech-Gear Joseph Chiarello & Co. Lewis Machine & Tool Lyman Products Magnum Research Inc. Mec-Gar USA Inc. NC Manufacturing Nosler Pearce Grip Pelican Products ProMag Industries Rock River Arms Scherer Supplies SHOT Show SIG SAUER Sports South, LLC Springfield Armory STI International Taurus International Valor Corporation Page 14 9 19 37 48 38 6 47 21 13 23 45 33 34 30 43 5 48 39 17 1 47 43 3 5 40 15 7 14 29 11 2 59 17 60 36 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 Companies Outers Paha Qué Wilderness Pella Products Primos Hunting Calls Próis Hunting Apparel Quaker Boy Game Calls Realtree Remington Arms Rinehart 3D Targets River Oak Outdoors Rivers Edge Treestands Robinson Outdoors Rocky Boots Rocky Outdoor Gear Savage Arms SCENTite Blinds Scent-Lok Technologies Sentry Solutions SHE Safari Shooters Ridge Sightron Simmons Smith & Wesson Stealth Cam Stoney Point Products Sturm, Ruger & Co. Swarovski Optik Tasco Taurus International TenPoint ThermaCELL Thompson/Center Arms Tink’s Traditions Performance Firearms Trijicon Under Armour United Weavers of America Walls Industries Weatherby Whitewater Outdoors Wildlife Research Center Winchester Repeating Arms Woolrich Inc. Zeiss Sports Optics Page 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 Companies Remington Arms Savage Arms Schatt & Morgan Cutlery SIG SAUER Smith & Wesson Smith Abrasives SOG Specialty Knives Springfield Armory Spyderco Inc. Strider Knives Sturm, Ruger & Co. Swiss Army Taylor Cutlery TigerSharp Technologies Tighe Knives Timberline Knives W.R. Case & Sons William Henry Knives Wilson Tactical Page 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 41 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 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 48 46 48 49 47 47 46 49 49 49 49 46 HIGH-TECH MARKET HUNTING SEASON Advantage Adventure Medical Kits Aimpoint Ameristep Bagmaster Barska Battenfeld Technologies Bear Archery Benchmade Beretta USA Bianchi International Big Game Treestands Big Sky Carvers Birchwood Casey Browning Brunton B-Square Buck Knives Buck Stop Lure Co. Buck Wear Inc. Buckwing Products Bushnell Outdoors Butler Creek Code Blue Colt Mfg. Columbia River Knife & Tool Diamond Machining Technology DoskoSport Down Wind Scents Easton Outdoors Feather Flex Decoys Fieldline Filson Fiocchi Ammunition Flambeau Products FM Optics Foxy Huntress GameTamers Gun Butter Haydel’s Game Calls HeatMax Henry Repeating Arms Hogue Inc. H&R 1971 Hunter’s Specialties Johnny Stewart Knight & Hale Kolpin Outdoors Landmark Outdoors Lansky Sharpeners Leupold & Stevens Liberty One Archery Lodge Mfg. Co. Lohman M.A.D. Calls Mad Dog Gear Marlin Firearms Millett Mossy Oak Mothwing Camo Tech. Mrs. Doe Pee’s Buck Lure MTM Molded Products Natural Gear Nikon Ol’ Man Treestands Otis Technology Inc. KNIFE MARKET A.G. Russell Knives Al Mar Knives Atlanta Cutlery Bear & Son Cutlery Benchmade Knife Co. Beretta Knives BLACKHAWK! Blade-Tech Industries Boker USA Browning Buck Knives Canal Street Cutlery Chris Reeve Knives Coast Cutlery Co. Cold Steel Colt Knives Columbia River Knife & Tool Combat Elite Diamond Machining Tech. Edgecraft Corp. Elishewitz Custom Creations Emerson Knives EZE-LAP Diamond Products Frost Cutlery Co. Gerber Le2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=57http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=57Industry watch Give ADBuilderHQ A Try Continued from page 58 E-mail the Editor russ@shootingindustry.com D Bogs Boots Rates High With Consumers ealers, have you tried NASGW’s new ADBuilderHQ feature? If not, you’re missing an opportunity to create effective advertising, with NASGW doing all the heavy lifting. Visit www.adbuilderhq.com to see a demo of the easy-to-use, five-step program. Also, visit NASGW’s new Web site, www.nasgw.org, to learn of all the programs the association offers its members and the services it provides the industry. B ogs Boots is a relative newcomer to the hunting market, yet the company is grabbing the attention of consumers. Their boots are very comfortable, waterproof and breathable, and they keep your feet warm and dry, no matter what the conditions. The company’s patented MT (Moisture Transfer) technology is the reason for all this — it solves the perspiration problem that leads to wet feet, cold or hot. Water cannot get in, but perspiration can get out, so they’re three-season boots. Bogs “We are the only company in the world with Outfitter MT the waterproof, breathable neoprene MT system that provides the ultimate in comfort, warmth and moisture protection,” said Bill Combs, Bogs president. “Now we have expanded our line to include more boots with the MT advantages, including the new Outfitter MT for all active outdoorsmen.” The Outfitter MT boot, comfort-rated to minus 40 degrees, has a thermomolded EVA midsole, Ortholite sockliner, neoprene pad and tumbled leather/rubber overlay. The mid-height boot is available in sizes 8 to 14, with an MSRP of $110. For more information, call 1-800-201-2070, e-mail info@ bogsfootwear.com or visit www.bogsfootwear.com. purchase the firearms they wanted. Most of those would-be customers won’t be back. And the impressive sales weren’t kind to every segment of the industry. The focus of most sales centered on the self-defense market and firearms believed most vulnerable to banning by the Obama administration. Many firearm-related and outdoor categories suffered for lack of attention and a declining economy. In June, Remington acquired Dakota Arms, a company that had suffered financially over the years, and, undoubtedly, experienced further setbacks during the recession. The rescue by Remington saved the company and its custom-made rifles. Expect similar acquisitions, by Remington and others, this year. In August, Buck Knives announced a pay reduction. “Due to continued slowness in the economy, Buck Knives has implemented a company-wide 10-percent reduction in pay and/or work hours,” said CJ Buck, president and CEO. “We hope the economy is transitioning to a more robust state; however, we must prepare in case it does not.” Finally, dealers are not optimistic about the prospects for the rest of the year. “I expect this fall to be lousy due to an ever-declining hunting market, an ongoing unemployment figure and the cost of everything essential for the consumer going up due to government policies leaving less in the wallet of Joe the plumber,” said Jack Little, owner of Whetstone Surplus, High Point, N.C. Most of the industry is keeping a cautious eye on the fall months, concerned that consumers may have satisfied their firearm-buying quota for the year, or the weak economy will keep many of them away from gun shops — or both. 9 White-Hot Sales Cool he blistering sales, which began last fall, have cooled, with those throughout the supply channel reporting sales have returned to “normal” levels. And the return has been rapid. Ruger reports its backlog dropped 59 percent, down to 412,300 units, from the company’s first and second quarters. “This decline in orders received reflects a reduction in the industry-wide surge in demand that began in the fourth quarter of 2008,” said Ruger CEO Mike Fifer. Fifer also said the large backlog at the end of the first quarter discouraged further orders, and prolonged ammunition shortage at the retail level hindered retail firearms 2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=58http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=58Industry Industry watch he 2009 Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence and Shooting Industry Masters were remarkably successful (see pages 8 and 24). The accolades keep pouring in. The praise is, in truth, a bit overwhelming. We are grateful for the kind words. While much can be said about the effort we put into making these programs successful, there’s more at work here. It’s the passion. When you sort through all the factors of why we do what we do as companies in this industry, it goes way beyond manufacturing, distributing, selling — and publishing. With no slight intended, I can’t image the bowling industry displaying the type of camaraderie and passion experienced at the Academy and Masters events in July. It all goes way beyond business. It has to, Russ Thurman It’s Not About Bowling Balls T “ or very few of us would put up with the overregulation, the anti-firearm bombardments from a myriad of groups, clueless campaigns by lawmakers and attacks from a misguided media. If it was about bowling balls, I’d have If profit fuels the industry, passion creates the spark. been outta here long ago. So would a lot of you. Yes, there’s the business factor, and we’re all interested in making a profit — or should be. It’s what fuels business. In the firearms industry, however, there has to be more than the bottom line. If profit ” fuels the industry, passion creates the spark that drives us beyond the does-thisreally-make-sense process. We see this during industry events throughout the year, when we gather to do business, and it was in full evidence at the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence awards reception and the Shooting Industry Masters competition. You can count on us to continue to honor the industry through the Academy and support the introduction of new shooters to our industry with the Masters — along with fueling the passion. Mark July 23-24, 2010, on your calendars. We’d be honored if you joined us at next year’s events in Grand Island, Neb. Visit www.shootingindustry.com for more information. Well Done, USA Shooting alutes to our USA Shooting team for finishing second in the overall medal tally at the 2009 ISSF Shotgun World Championships in Maribor, Slovenia, in August. The United States, represented by 30 shooters, brought home 10 medals, while breaking two world records and equaling another. They competed against approximately 600 shooters from 70 countries. The U.S. earned three individual medals. Vincent Hancock, 2008 Olympic gold medalist, won his second world championship title in Men’s Skeet. Jeff Holguin took home his first world championship medal, capturing the silver in Men’s Double Trap. Amber English won the only individual medal for junior USA shooters, capturing the silver in Junior Women’s Skeet. The U.S. also won seven team medals — three gold, three silver and one bronze — out of the possible nine team events at the World Championships. S We all should be extremely proud of our USA Shooting team and — more important — support the team through sponsorships. We at FMG Publications are unabashed supporters and sponsors of USA Shooting. You should consider doing the same. Yes, I know, the athletes don’t use your products during competitions, and it’s difficult to justify a sponsorship. I understand. However, no one represents our industry better — or carries our colors — on the shooting ranges of the world — including the Olympics — like USA Shooting. Before dismissing such a sponsorship, visit www.usashooting.com and check out what USA Shooting is doing. Then call Buddy DuVall, director of marketing, at (719) 866-4880, or e-mail him at buddy. duvall@usashooting.org. Ask him about how you can help support our U.S. shooters. LaserMax Helps Dealers Sell L aserMax’s new point-of-sale countertop display will help dealers sell more of the company’s popular laser sights. This display has two red dummy guns equipped with three of LaserMax’s sights: the Uni-Max Rail Mount Laser (red), J-Max Side Mount Laser 2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=59http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=592009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=60http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/ShootingIndustry/Sep2009/?Page=60Taurus856MODEL New for 2009, Taurus pushes its small frame revolvers to the next level with the Model 856. Offering 6-shot capacity in a two-inch barrel model, these ingenious little revolvers give you an extra life-saving round. The Model 856 is lightweight and easy to carry, offering multiple configurations including the Hy-Lite magnesium model weighing in at only 13.2 ounces. In addition, the Model 856 features a rugged, hammer-forged frame that will last a lifetime, and the Taurus Security System® . • Exclusive 6-Shot Cylinder • .38 Special or .38 Special +P • Lightweight and Rugged Frames • Long Ejector Rod • Soft Rubber Grip • Also Available in Blue or Matte Stainless TaurusUSA.com FREE one-year NRA membership with the purchase of any new Taurus firearm.2009-09-01T16:58:13+02:00