SHOT Daily 1 2014

DAY 1, JANUARY 14, 2014 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ 1

S H O O T I N G H U N T I N G O U T D O O R T R A D E S H O W 1 9 7 9 – 2 0 1 4

DAY 1, JANUARY 14, 2014

The Daily News of the 2014 Las Vegas SHOT Show Brought to You by The Bonnier Corporation and the NSSF

SHOT Show’s Future Remains Bright T hough the more than

60,000 attendees at the 2014 SHOT Show may not notice it, the

National Shooting Sports Foundation made a big change last year in how this premier show is run. Reed Exhibitions, which had managed the SHOT Show for many years, decided to restrict certain types of firearms at its consumer hunting and fishing shows. As a result, NSSF embarked on a nation-wide search for a new show man-ager, one that supports the values of NSSF and the shooting-sports industry. The new exhibitor is Las Vegas–based ConvExx, which has had years of experience managing large shows.

Given that the sold-out 2014

SHOT Show will be home to more than 1,600 exhibitors for four days, the selection of a new show manager was critical to the contin-ued success of the show, now in its 36th year.

NSSF president Steve Sanetti, noting the many challenges the shooting-sports industry has faced over the past year, says, “As we come together for our annual show-case, this year’s SHOT Show is a genuine manifestation of our resolve to display the positive achievements and successes of this oldest American industry. We continue to bring in new participants to recre-ational shooting and hunting in record numbers. And if the record interest in this show is any indica-tion, our future remains bright!”

Penn & Teller will appear at the State of the Industry dinner tonight.

The Big QuestionFarm to Feet wants to know, “What does 100 percent American mean to you?”

The company, makers of 100 percent American socks, invites SHOT Show attend-ees to stop by its booth and share their answers to the question. You’ll receive a pair of Farm to Feet socks for your trouble and have a chance to win a sock-drawer makeover. The drawing will be made on Thursday afternoon. Booth #10840. (877-805-5254; nesterhosiery.com)

NEW PRODUCT REPORTSSHOT Daily tracks down the hottest new rifles P. 16, shotguns P. 30, handguns P. 44, and boots P. 54. Also: Our first look at the hottest gear on the floor P. 118.

NEWS*WINCHESTER’S NEW TURKEY LOADTight-patterning Long Beard XR ammo seems poised to be the hot shotshell of 2014. SEE PAGE 4

*SHOT SHOW AUCTIONA 50th Anniversary Buck 110 and the first Original Henry Rifle in 150 years to benefit the Hunting Heritage Trust. SEE PAGES 8, 12

*5 MINUTES WITH... We talk about recent acquisitions with ATK’s president and CEO, Mark DeYoung. SEE PAGE 10

*McINTYRE NAMED ZEISS OUTDOOR WRITER OF THE YEAR Carl Zeiss honors Thomas McIntyre with prestigious outdoor writing award. SEE PAGE 112

FEATURES*EDUCATION AT SHOTFor retailers and law enforcement officers, there’s plenty to learn. SEE PAGE 66

*REMINGTON 2020 The 2020 Tracking Scope draws a bead on the future of hunting. SEE PAGE 88

*BROWNELLS CELEBRATES 75 YEARSHow a small mail-order business yielded a legacy of gunsmithing know-how. SEE PAGE 98

Remington Defense Supports Special Forces Charitable TrustThe Special Forces Charitable Trust provides ongoing support and assis-tance to the U.S. Army Special Forces Community and their fami-lies. SFCT programs not only help Green Berets navigate transitions and life issues, but they provide important financial support for a wide range of assistance not covered by the federal government.

To help support this noble cause, Remington Defense will hold a fund raiser during the 2014 SHOT Show. First Prize is a Remington Precision Sniper Rifle in .338 Lapua

Magnum. The rifle comes with a case of Barnes .338 Lapua Magnum precision match ammo as well as a certificate for 50 percent off the price of any silencer from Advanced Armament Corp.

Second Prize is a 300 AAC Blackout Multi-Purpose Weapon. Also included is a case of 300 Blackout ammo. Third Prize is a Model 700 SPS Tactical AAC-SD rifle in .308. Tickets are $5, five for $20, and 30 for $100. Booth #14262.(800-852-7634; remington defense.com)

NSSF

Remington Defense is supporting the Special Forces Charitable Trust by auc-tioning off this SOCOM Precision Sniper Rifle in .338 Lapua.

4 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ DAY 1, JANUARY 14, 2014

N E W S

Daniel Defense Helps Combat-Wounded Vet

F ounded a little more than 10 years ago, Daniel Defense has grown from its humble beginnings as a start-up company cre-ating rails and accessories for the MSR platform in small batches to a well-regarded manufacturer known for a premium line of rifles and firearms accessories. This growth fueled expansion, and now the company has two facilities (one located in Georgia, the other in South Carolina) with a total of 128,000 square feet of available manufacturing space.

“Daniel Defense looks forward to continued growth, as well as the opportunity to better serve our customers,” says president and CEO Marty Daniel.

Daniel has always admired the men and women citizens who join the armed forces to defend our country, and not too long ago, he got an opportu-nity to show his appreciation in a very tangible and meaningful way. Through the Military Warriors Support Foundation, Daniel Defense learned of a soldier who had been injured during his time of service. Specialist Justin Foley sus-tained injuries when the armored vehicle he was in struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Due to the injuries he sustained, Foley now awaits medical retirement from the U.S. Army.

Military Warriors Support Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, founded by Lt. General Leroy Sisco, USA (Ret.), in 2007. The foundation’s mission is to provide support for our nation’s combat-wounded heroes and Gold Star Families as they transition out of the mili-tary and into their new civilian life.

“This is a very fragile time for these heroes and their families, and our goal is to provide programs that facilitate a smooth and successful transition,” says Josh Kinser, spokesman for the Military

Warriors Support Foundation. The programs include home donation, employment assistance, academic assistance, and even some recreational activities.

“What we want to provide is hope for these warriors and their families,” Kinser says. “By partnering with great, patriotic companies like Daniel Defense, we are able to put these heroes in mortgage-free homes and help them transition to a successful civilian life.”

To that end, Daniel Defense, with gratitude, pre-sented Foley and his wife with the gift of a mort-gage-free home. During a military tribute at the Inaugural Patriot Weekend in Pooler, Georgia, a check for $22,500 was presented to the Warrior Transition Battalion on Ft. Stewart. Shortly after, Specialist Foley, assigned to WTB Bravo Company, was given a ceremonial key to the home.

“We at Daniel Defense recognize the personal sacrifice the men and women of the United States Armed Forces make every day, and we wanted to ensure that their dedication and care for the safety of their fellow Americans does not go unnoticed,” Daniel says. “These men and women have heroically given up their bodies in defense of our freedoms. While we can’t give them their health back, we can acknowledge their sacrifice, thank them and their families for their service, and provide spiritual support.” Booth #20171. (866-554-4867; danieldefense .com)

Specialist Justin Foley was wounded during his military service overseas. Here, thanks to a dona-tion from Daniel Defense through the Military Warriors Support Foundation, he and his family are receiving a ceremonial key to a new home, in gratitude for his heroic service.

SHOT 2014 Offers International Trade ResourcesI nternational trade can be a

lucrative option for many manu-facturers. According to the U.S.

Department of Commerce, U.S. merchandise exports in 2013 are up $8 billion over 2012. But getting in the game can be confusing. To help sort out all the issues, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Commercial Service International Buyer Program (IBP) stands ready to enhance your international trade efforts. A visit to the IBP’s International Trade Center (ITC), in the Venetian Hotel, Level 4, Delfino Ballroom (attached to the Sands Expo & Convention Center), could be well worth the time for U.S. exhibitors looking to export and international businesses looking to source U.S. shooting sports, hunting, and law enforcement products and services.

Nearly 20 international delega-tions are coming to SHOT 2014 from Canada, Thailand, Romania, Argentina, and other countries. U.S. Commercial Service specialists travel with delegations and help organize their plans for doing business at the

show. For U.S. companies wishing to meet with these delegations or gain insights into various markets, the ITC has plenty of meeting space.

For the international visitor, the ITC offers private meeting rooms, interpreter services for language assistance, matchmaking with U.S. companies, a lounge area, refresh-ments, and computer capabilities with internet access. You can meet with delegation leaders, U.S. compa-nies, or just relax. For those interest-ed in setting up appointments with U.S. suppliers attending the show, visit the ITC to find out more.

The IBP offers free, 15- to 20-minute appointments for U.S. exhibitors, in the ITC or in your booth, with commercial specialists from Thailand, Bulgaria, Canada, Netherlands, Argentina, Kazakhstan, Finland, Poland, Romania, and Brazil. These special-ists will brief you on market oppor-tunities and challenges in the shoot-ing sports, hunting, and law enforcement sectors. Export coun-seling services are also available.

Winchester’s Long Beard XR ammo will be the hit of the first quar-ter of 2014 in shotshells. The innovative load offers near-tungsten performance at lead prices. I had a chance to try a few of the new loads this fall, and they shot turkey-killing patterns at 50 yards and beyond, out-patterning any other lead turkey loads I have tested.

By encasing the shot in an epoxy-like substance that shatters when the gun is fired, Winchester has created a buffering material that protects every pellet from deformation as it travels down the bore. The copper-plated pellets stay round, fly true, and deliver out-standing long-range patterns and more energy on target as well.

Long Beard is expensive to make because the loading machines have to run slowly to add the epoxy. So the price will be higher than other lead loads, but far below that of tungsten-iron. Initial offer-ings will be 3- and 3½-inch 12-gauge loads of 4, 5, and 6 shot, and I guarantee turkey hunters will be looking hard for these this year. Booth #13329. (618-258-3358; winchester.com)—Phil Bourjaily

WINCHESTER’S NEW TURKEY LOAD

Winchester’s Long Beard XR loads encase their shot in an epoxy-like substance that protects every pellet from deformation, yet shatters when the gun is fired, making it more likely the shot will fly true.

N E W S

Slaton L. White, EditorMargaret M. Nussey, Managing EditorDavid E. Petzal, Shooting EditorMaribel Martin, Senior Administrative AssistantJames A. Walsh, Art DirectorJudith Weber, Production Manager

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Larry Ahlman, Barbara Baird, Scott Bestul, Philip Bourjaily, Chris Christian, Christopher Cogley, David Draper, Jock Elliott, William F. Kendy, Mark Kayser, Peter B. Mathiesen, Brian McCombie, Tom Mohrhauser, Robert Sadowski, Robert F. Staeger, Peter Suciu, Wayne Van Zwoll

Eric Zinczenko, Executive Vice PresidentADVERTISING: 212-779-5316Gregory D. Gatto, PublisherPaula Iwanski, National Sporting Goods DirectorBrian Peterson, West Katie Logan, Sporting Goods SalesJohn Driscoll, Vice President, Corporate SalesElizabeth A. Burnham, Chief Marketing OfficerIngrid Reslmaier, Marketing Design Director

BUSINESS OPERATIONSTara Bisciello, Business Manager

CONSUMER MARKETINGRobert M. Cohn, Consumer Marketing DirectorBarbara Brooker, Fulfillment Manager

MANUFACTURINGLaurel Kurnides, Group Production DirectorStefanie La Bella, Associate Production Director

BONNIER

Chairman, Jonas BonnierChief Executive Officer, Dave FreygangExecutive Vice President, Eric ZinczenkoChief Content Officer, David RitchieChief Financial Officer, Nancy CoalterChief Operating Officer, Lisa EarlywineChief Human Resource Officer, Leslie GlennChief Brand Development Officer, Sean HolzmanVice President, Consumer Marketing, Bruce MillerVice President, Corporate Communications, Dean TurcolGeneral Counsel, Jeremy Thompson

SHOT Business (ISSN 1081-8618) is published 7 times a year in January, Feb ruary/March, April/May, June/July, August/September, October/Novem-ber and December by Bonnier Corporation, 2 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5695, and is the official publication of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Flintlock Ridge Office Center, 11 Mile Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470 (203-426-1320). Volume 22, issue 1. Copyright © 2014 by the Na-tional Shooting Sports Foundation. All rights reserved. Editorial, circulation, production and advertising offices are located at 2 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5695 (212-779-5000). Free to qualified subscribers; available to non-qualified subscribers for $25 per year. Single-copy issues are available for $5 each. Send check, payable to NSSF, to: SHOT Business, c/o NSSF, 11 Mile Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470-2359. SHOT Business accepts no re-sponsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. All correspond-ence should be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Re-quests for media kits and advertising information should be directed to Katy Marinaro, Bonnier Corporation, 625 N. Michigan Ave., Ste. 1270, Chicago, IL 60611. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY, and at additional mailing offices.

Printed in the USA. For Customer Service and Subscription questions, such as Renewals, Address Changes, Email Preferences, Billing and Account Status, go to: shotbusiness .com/cs. You can also email shotbusiness@emailcustomer service.com, in the U.S. call toll-free 866-615-4345, outside the U.S. call 386-246-0188, or write to SHOT Business, 2 Park Ave., New York, NY 10016. For editorial inquir-ies, write to Slaton L. White, SHOT Business, 2 Park Ave., New York, NY 10016

For editorial inquiries, visit Venetian Level 3, San Polo 3501, in the Sands Expo & Convention Center.


N E W S

SHOT Show to Auction Yellowhorse Buck 110

A Buck Knives 50th Anniversary Model 110 folding hunter, created by leg-endary knife maker David Yellowhorse, has been selected as the

2014 SHOT Show auction knife. H.H. Buck & Son revolutionized the knife industry in 1964 with the Model 110 folding hunter. In 2014, Buck Knives Inc. will observe the 50th anniversary of the 110’s prominence in the hearts and hands of America’s outdoorsmen.

A cornerstone of the 50th anniversary obser-vance is the creation of a one-of-a-kind 110 fold-ing hunter by David Yellowhorse. This special knife will be featured as the 2014 SHOT Show Auction Knife and will be available at auction for millions of outdoorsmen at GunBroker.com.

The special David Yellowhorse creation will feature a 3¾-inch Damascus-steel blade with a hand-inscribed 50th anniversary tribute. The handle will feature a nickel-silver cutout in snake wood with inlays of black jet, bloody red jasper, and web turquoise.

“The following that our Buck 110 folding knife has received from sportsmen all over the world for the past 50 years is deserving of a special trib-ute, and we are indeed proud that legendary knife maker David Yellowhorse has agreed to partner with us in this one-of-a-kind effort,” says C.J. Buck, Buck Knives president and CEO. “Buck Knives is proud to hold the record for the highest amount ever bid for a SHOT Show auction knife, and we are hopeful that we can exceed that record in 2014.”

The knife will be displayed at the SHOT Show in the Buck Knife booth (#14504). Bidding will close at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (that’s 2 p.m. here in Las Vegas) on Friday, January 17, 2014, the final day of the 2014 SHOT Show.

The SHOT Show auction is administered by the Hunting Heritage Trust for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. All proceeds from the auction will benefit programs to further America’s hunting and shooting sports heritage.

A 50th Anniversary Buck 110 folder is the official SHOT Show Auction knife. Created by legend-ary knife maker David Yellowhorse, the one-of-a-kind knife features a Damascus-steel blade.

Taurus Creates Junior Shooter Program

W hen Taurus entered the world of competitive shooting, it had this goal in mind: to grow the sport by reaching new shooters—women

and youths. So, in 2011, when Taurus recruited top-ranked competitive shooter Jessie Duff as its team captain, she was charged with developing a new generation of shooting ambassadors.

According to Taurus president and CEO Mark Kresser, these ambassadors had to meet stringent requirements both on the range and in public. “Taurus Young Guns must maintain a positive pub-lic image in accordance with our corporate values regarding conduct and safety, both on and off the firing range, including social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter,” he says. They also must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, or B average, at school.

With such stringent criteria in place, Duff was determined to find an exemplary person to be the first member of the Young Guns. After several months of scouting junior shooters, Alex Larche was selected to join the team.

“I was very impressed with the level of talented young shooters competing these days,” says Duff. “Alex Larche is not only a talented shooter, but portrays himself in a positive manner when he is both on and off the range. He exemplifies what we are looking for in our future shooters’ program.”

Larche will be competing in the Production and Single Stack classes at local, regional, and national matches.

“The industry constantly talks about the new gun

owners and how we need to recruit more of these folks into the shooting sports,” Kresser says. “Well, we are finished talking. Taurus has implemented a program to encourage young shooters to be safe, responsible, and respectful at home, in school, and on the shooting range. We are very excited to have Alex as a part of our Taurus family and look forward to a very bright future.” Booth #14140. (800-327-3776; taurususa.com)

Alex Larche has joined Taurus’ Young Guns team, competing in Production and Single Stack.

Havalon Knives Are a Sharp Idea

H avalon Knives is one of those success stories founded on a “why didn’t I think of that?” product. Officially launched in

2005, Havalon manufactures knives with replace-able, razor-sharp blades. It’s a spin-off company from Havel’s Inc., a specialty medical supplies dis-tributor. Patrick Carrothers, the president and CEO of both Havalon Knives and Havel’s, noticed taxidermists were buying surgical blades from Havel’s. There was no pocketknife-style scalpel on the market to meet their needs, so he decided to manufacture one.

“We are experiencing unprecedented growth among national retailers as the word spreads about our knives being the sharpest in the woods,” says John Barrett, vice president of sales and marketing.

Havalon Knives are rapidly growing in popularity among hunters as well. An aggressive marketing campaign centered on sponsorships of top hunting shows is driving awareness of the brand and the benefits of using the knives. Havalon sponsors Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures, Jim Shockey’s The Professionals Uncharted, Steven Rinella’s MeatEater, Mathews TV, and Life at Table Mountain.

Havalon’s popularity is currently skyrocketing with survivalists, too. The sterilized, surgically sharp blades and extreme lightweight design are both highly prized attributes of survivalist gear.

At the SHOT Show, Havalon will be introduc-ing the new Shock Green Bolt, which expands its line of knives with hard-to-lose color handles; a new camo knife that customers have been clamor-ing for; and a limited-edition aluminum handle with a scrimshaw-style inlay laser-engraved with a soaring eagle.

“We will also have prototypes of a totally new revolutionary design,” Barrett says. “It brings the benefits of several of our knives into one handle, but that’s all I’m going to say right now. Everyone will just have to come by our booth and see it.”

Havalon is going to have an active booth at the SHOT Show. Many of the hosts of the various hunting shows they sponsor will be making appearances, and Havalon will be giving away shirts, hats, and more than 300 knives. Booth #757. (888-836-3204; havalon.com)

—Brandon Butler

Havalon’s new Shock Green Bolt continues the company’s tradition of adorning its knives with hi-vis handles.


MINUTESWITH…

Mark DeYoungPresident and CEO, ATK

Positioned for SuccessA number of key acquisitions have placed ATK in the driver’s seat

By Slaton L. White

I n the past year, ATK recently completed the acquisition of Bushnell Group Holdings Inc., a leading global designer, marketer, and distributor of sports optics, outdoor accessories, and performance eyewear, and Savage Sports Corporation, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of hunting rifles and shotguns. SHOT Daily sat down with ATK’s president and CEO Mark DeYoung to get his insight on the company’s strategy.

SHOT Daily: Many people in the shooting sports business probably think of ATK as a defense contractor. But recently you’ve made adjacent moves into the sporting market space. What’s the thinking behind this strategy?

Mark DeYoung: We’ve been intricately involved in this industry for more than a decade now. In 2001, we acquired Federal Premium Ammunition and many other iconic consumer brands such as RCBS, Alliant Powder, Weaver, Speer, CCI, and more. It has been a successful investment, and our steady growth and market leadership have allowed us to expand even further.

Almost four years ago, we acquired Blackhawk! and we have seen encouraging growth by that brand. Last year in June, we added firearms to our portfolio by purchasing Caliber Company, the parent compa-ny of Savage. Finally, we closed Bushnell last November. This acqui-sition increases ATK’s exposure to adjacent, higher-growth hunting and outdoor markets. Nearly half of ATK’s sales will be generated by our expanded Sporting Group.

ATK Sporting Group is a strategic and profitable business. The shooting and hunting industry has seen great growth, and remains a major focus across the enterprise. That being said, we are still a company well- positioned in a variety of industries. We continue to see successes, win business, and look for opportunities in our aerospace and defense businesses as well as our sporting business.

SD: You have said the shooting sports have gotten a boost from the continuing surge in firearms sales. This surge has also brought new partici-pants into our world, especially women. Will ATK be doing any special marketing to women, and other new shooters?

MD: The presence of new consum-ers in our industry is unprecedented. We want to make sure we serve these new customers. Regardless of why they got here, we want to do our best to welcome them, teach them, listen to them, and help them pursue their respective areas of interest. So yes, you’ll see some non-traditional marketing and com-munication efforts that are directed toward new shooters—women included. The diversity of the new arrivals to our industry is great. It’s an exciting time to lead a company with strong and innovative consum-er brands and quality product lines.

SD: Your role as chief executive of ATK provides you with a unique per-spective on the shooting-sports indus-try as a whole. What would you say is the current state of the industry?

MD: The growth of our industry has been well documented. What I have observed, as a CEO and shoot-ing-sports enthusiast, is a sustainable trend of growth. Sure there have been some big peaks, but there haven’t been deep valleys or sharp declines in sales and participation. From an industry perspective, ATK is the largest company in the shooting sports. We have a signifi-cant influx of new shooters and hunters—and now it’s up to us to keep the momentum going by lis-tening and serving these newcom-ers. Of course, we won’t forget our traditional customers and what they mean to us as a company and an industry.

SD: Given the size of ATK, how do you maintain and promote the individ-ual identity of such iconic brands as

Federal Premium, Blackhawk!, and now Savage and Bushnell?

MD: With such a large number of consumer brands, our focus is on making sure our end consumers trust and value our products. We work very hard to maintain the integrity of our brands. We want people at retail (or online) to look for brands like Federal Premium, Savage, Bushnell, and Blackhawk!, and to find what they need in an ATK offering.

Brand integration is a focal point for ATK, and we do our home-work. As we acquire a new brand, we do our research and listen to customers. We have teams of tal-ented people from all areas of the company involved in integrating a new brand. And on the consumer-facing side, we study the brand’s identity, where it is going—and most importantly, create a vision for its future. I think we’ve done a good job of creating and enhancing the equity of our brands while ensuring they maintain an individu-al identity. The recent addition of Bushnell gives us a diverse portfolio of 19 respected and well-known brands. This latest addition to our Sporting Group will allow us to bring our customers and consumers a better mix of unique, innovative, and value-based products.

SD: When you wake up, what gets you excited about your business?

MD: I love the energy in the shoot-ing and outdoor industry. Personally, some of my favorite times of the year are spent with my sons in the fall. We hunt in our home state and across the globe. Having that chance to spend time with my sons doing something we love is special, and it’s a tradition passed on from my father. Booth #14551. (800-322-2342; atk.com)

Mark DeYoung with a mule deer taken on a recent hunt. “I love the challenge of running a large and diverse corporation,” he says. “Being able to make a positive difference in a complex world and marketplace is rewarding.”

12 ■ SHOT BUSINESS DAILY ■ DAY, JANUARY XX, 2014

N E W S

Henry Repeating Arms Tribute to B. Tyler Henry Selected as 2014 SHOT Show RifleT he names Henry and Henry Repeating Rifle have echoed through the annals of the American firearms industry since 1860.

This year the Henry name will again take center stage. A historic rifle created in tribute to B. Tyler Henry has been selected as the 2014 SHOT Show Auction rifle.

The Henry Repeating Arms Company recently announced that it will begin production of the Original Henry Rifle for the first time in 150 years, and the first rifle produced has been set aside to receive very special treatment in honor of the rifle’s designer, Benjamin Tyler Henry. This revolutionary lever-action rifle was the most important firearm of its time and went on to become one of the most legendary American fire-arms of all time. Patented in 1860 and used during the Civil War, the rifle’s rapid-fire capability and high-capacity tubular magazine stood in amazing contrast to its single-shot musket counterparts.

The Henry rifle became known as the rifle you could “Load on Sunday and shoot all week long.” After the war, the Henry rifle headed West to help tame the frontier.

Now, the Original Henry Rifle is back in all its American-made glory. The Original Henry Rifle is virtual-ly identical to its history-making

forerunner in all aspects except cali-ber. The modern rifle is .44-40 cali-ber. (The 1860 version was made in .44 Rimfire, an obsolete cartridge.) Every other facet remains true to its inventor and, in his honor, each gun’s serial number will begin with the initials BTH. The only excep-tion will be the SHOT Show Henry Tribute rifle, which will feature seri-al number BTHENRY0001.

“The Henry Rifle and its designer,

B. Tyler Henry, are deserving of the most thoughtful tribute we can cre-ate, and Henry Repeating Arms is proud to create this special tribute and make it available to Henry Rifle enthusiasts,” says Anthony Imperato, president of Henry Repeating Arms. “Often a special firearm like this will end up locked away in the company vault or in the collection of the com-pany president. We are tremendous-ly excited that this rifle will be made

available as the 2014 SHOT Show rifle, where it can be viewed and bid on by collectors and fans.”

The SHOT Show Henry is being hand-engraved at Baron Engraving of Trumbull, Connecticut. Engraving will feature the likeness of B. Tyler Henry on the right side of the receiver and a hand engraving of the original Henry factory on the left side. In addition, the rifle will feature the historic inscription “Load on Sunday and Shoot All Week Long.”

The rifle will be auctioned exclu-sively on GunBroker.com. (The rifle is available for viewing at the site.) Bidding will close at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (2 p.m. here in Las Vegas) on Friday, January 17, the final day of the 2014 SHOT Show.

The SHOT Show auction is administered by the Hunting Heritage Trust for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. All proceeds from the auction will bene-fit programs to further America’s hunting and shooting sports heritage.

Henry Repeating Arms has built the 2014 SHOT Show Auction Rifle. This Original Henry Rifle in .44-40 is sure

to become a valuable collectible.


2014

Pick Your TargetFrom rimfire plinkers to precision thousand-yard tools, 2014 offers a large and diverse selection of new products By Chris Christian

T his year offers retailers one of the richest and most varied selections of new rifle introductions in memory. The modern sporting rifle is well represented with introductions in both 5.56mm and 7.62mm NATO, while new tac-tical bolt guns also appear from several makers. In the hunting field, new camo finishes and caliber additions appear in many product lines, and a surprising number of new rimfire models will also be available. Lever-action aficionados will find some surprises as well. Regardless of the target, 2014 offers a new way to hit it.

ArmaLite ➣ For 2014, ArmaLite introduces the AR-31 rifle system. It shares the same design features as the compa-ny’s AR-30A1 (detachable magazine, precision accuracy), but there are some differences. The AR-31 is a short-action version chambered in 7.62 NATO/.308 Win., and as such it accepts ArmaLite double-stacked AR-10B magazines. That allows shooters to choose between maga-zines with a capacity of 5, 10, 15, and 20 rounds to suit current requirements.

Like its predecessor, the AR-31 is built upon a through-hardened receiver, which for this gun has been optimally sized for the 7.62 NATO cartridge. The 24-inch barrel is capped with ArmaLite’s one-piece muzzle brake with industry-standard 5/8-24 threads, which allows many suppressors to be screwed directly to the barrel without an adapter.

The wide and deep magazine well extends under the receiver, which makes magazine insertion fast and easy while in a shooting position. The magazine catch is conveniently located so that the shooter can release the magazine and catch it with the same hand. This not only makes loading/reloading quick, it virtually assures that magazines won’t be lost in rough terrain. The bolt-mounted safety locks the firing pin to the rear to prevent accidental discharges.

The stock system allows the butt-stock to be interchanged between the same standard and target models used on the AR-30A1, with only the use of an Allen wrench. The cheek-pieces are metal with a pad, and the cheekpiece supports contain an inte-gral cleaning rod guide that pre-vents bore damage caused by improper cleaning-rod guidance. The included top Picatinny rail is

canted 20 MOA to allow for shoot-ing at extended ranges.

Multiple sling-swivel installation locations allow the simultaneous use of both sling and bipod, and the rear sling-swivel mount can be moved to the right or left side of the buttstock. Optional 1913 rails can be installed on the sides or bot-tom of the forearm to allow multi-ple accessory attachment points. Military-grade anodizing and phos-phate finishes provide durability and corrosion resistance. Booth #11711. (800-336-0184; armalite.com)

Browning➣ New in Browning’s 2014 catalog is the AB3 bolt-action, designed to give consumers a value-packed rifle that has Browning quality and accuracy, but at a more affordable price. The new AB3 will be offered

with a composite stock and a matte blued finish receiver and barrel. Other features include a 60-degree bolt lift, detachable box magazine, top-tang safety, bolt-lock override button, free-floating barrel, and an Inflex Technology recoil pad. Average weight is 6 pounds 13 ounces in standard calibers, and 7 pounds 3 ounces in magnums. The new AB3 will be available in .270 Win. and .30/06 Sprg. with a 22-inch barrel length, and 7mm Rem. Mag. and .300 Win. Mag. in 26-inch barrel. SRP: $599.99.

In addition, Browning will expand the X-Bolt bolt-action lineup to include the new X-Bolt Eclipse Hunter model for 2014. Features include a matte blued finish on a free-floating barrel and receiver. A laminated gray satin-finish stock has a thumbhole grip with Monte Carlo cheekpiece. Other standard features found on all X-bolt rifles include a

RIFLESArmaLite The AR-31’s wide magazine well makes maga-zine insertion nearly effortless while in a shooting position.

Browning The AB3 Composite Stalker now comes with a composite stock and a matte blued finish receiver and barrel. The X-Bolt features a free-floating barrel for enhanced accuracy.

AB3 Composite Stalker

X-Bolt Eclipse Hunter


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detachable rotary magazine, adjust-able Feather Trigger, 60-degree bolt lift, and the Inflex Technology recoil pad. Available in most popular short-action, long-action, and mag-num calibers. SRP: $1,019.99 to $1,059.99. Booth #12740. (801-876-2711; browning.com)

CZ-USA➣ CZ’s popular 455 bolt-action rimfire will see four new models this year. The 455 Training Rifle (SRP: $374) moves the popular .22LR training rifle into the 455 bolt-action rifle platform. Like its prede-cessor, it has a 24.8-inch barrel, a tangent rear sight that is adjustable for distance, and a beechwood stock with a Schnabel forend. The biggest difference is the ability to change the barrels and stocks, a trait pos-sessed by all 455 models. The 455 Training Rifle is shipped with a five-round polymer magazine, but a single-shot adapter and 10-round magazines are available.

The 455 Precision Trainer (SRP: $940) is designed to provide the same look and feel as a full-size tac-tical bolt-action rifle while allowing

for economical .22LR training. It features a Manners Composite T4 stock (made up of multiple layers of carbon fiber and fiberglass hand-laid in high-temperature epoxy resins that are vacuum heat cured) with a new camouflage paint pattern and a .866-inch-diameter heavy barrel.

The 455 American Synthetic Suppressor-Ready (SRP: $421) fea-tures a 16.5-inch barrel in .22LR that is factory-threaded to accept muzzle devices using ½-28 threads. The stock is black synthetic with a soft-touch finish. The 455 Varmint Tacticool Suppressor-Ready (SRP: $549) sports a 16.5-inch varmint barrel with a factory-cut ½-28 thread pattern that accepts many aftermarket suppressors.

The CZ 557 bolt-action is a new addition to the line and a departure from the Mauser-style bolt found on the company’s 550 models. It fea-tures a short extractor and plunger-style ejector, commonly called a “push-feed system,” that provides smooth operation with enhanced ejection and also makes it easier to load single rounds into the cham-ber—a feature many shooters prefer for range work. The new receiver is

machined from steel billet, and has CZ’s integral 19mm dovetails for scope mounting. Equipped with a two-position safety, the bolt can be cycled while the safety is in the “on” position. The trigger mechanism is fully user-adjustable to tune pull weight, creep, and overtravel. The 557 will be available in both short- and long-action models, depending upon caliber, and in three distinct model variations.

The 557 Sporter Manners (SRP: $1,268) is available in .30/06 Sprg., .270 Win., and 6.5x55mm. It fea-tures a 20.5-inch barrel (without sights), a hinged floor-plate maga-zine with a four-round capacity, and the Manners composite carbon-fiber stock in Coyote Tan. Empty weight is 6.7 pounds.

The 557 Sporter (SRP: $792) will be available in .30/06 Sprg., .243 Win., .270 Win., 6.5x55mm, and .308 Win. It features a classic wal-nut stock without a cheekpiece and a 20.5-inch barrel without sights. Empty weight is 7.8 pounds.

The 557 Carbine (SRP: $812) is available in .30/06 Sprg., .243 Win., .270 Win., 6.5x55mm, and .308 Win. It features a walnut stock with

cheekpiece as well as a 20.5-inch barrel with an elevation-adjustable fiber-optic front sight and a wind-age-adjustable rear sight.

Four new models enter the classic Mauser bolt-action 550 line this year. The 550 Badlands (SRP: $2,599) is chambered for the .338 Lapua and designed to deliver mas-sive energy at extended ranges. At 800 yards the .338 Lapua 300-grain hunting loads deliver more than 2,000 foot-pounds of energy, mak-ing it more than adequate for any North American game, as well as most African species.

The 550 Badlands action is anchored in an American-patterned Kevlar-reinforced stock with a full-length aluminum bedding block. The premium 25-inch medium-weight barrel is equipped with a custom muzzle brake to reduce recoil and redirect muzzle blast. A thread protector is included for those who choose to dispense with the muzzle brake. Empty weight is 9.2 pounds.

The 550 Sonoran (SRP: $3,199) is built to be more of a long-range hunting rifle than a lighter-weight mountain rifle, but the empty

CZ-USA A number of new bolt-actions are joining the CZ line this year, including the 455 Training Rifle, the 550 Badlands, and the 557 Sporter Manners. Each is available in a variety of calibers and configurations. Also joining the crowd is the 500 Magnum H.E.T. II, a high-energy tactical platform.

455 Varmint Precision Training

550 Magnum Western Badlands

557 Sporter Manners

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weight is kept under 8 pounds through the use of the Manners composite stock and fluted barrels. Designed for rough use, the Sonoran is ferritic-nitrocarburized inside and out. That results in a Rockwell hardness of R72 while providing excep-tional corrosion resistance. The stock is an olive drab Manners carbon-fiber composite, with all metalwork finished in flat black QPQ nitride.

The Sonoran is available in 7mm Rem. Mag. and .300 Win. Mag. with 26-inch No. 4 contour fluted barrels. Empty weight is 7.8 pounds. It is also available in standard chamberings (.30/06 Sprg. and .270 Win.) with a 24-inch No. 3 con-tour fluted barrel. Empty weight is 7.6 pounds.

The 500 Magnum H.E.T. II (SRP: $3,929) is a redesign of the High Energy Tactical precision long-range platform. A 550 Magnum action rides in a Manners tactical series stock with an adjust-able cheekpiece and is covered with a molded-in midnight camo finish. It is fed by Accuracy International detachable magazines that are secured in the chassis by custom Badger Ordnance bottom metal. A low-mount Picatinny rail provides the optics mounting platform. The 25-inch barrel is fitted with a Badger Ordnance FTE muzzle brake. Chambered for .338 Lapua, CZ claims sub-MOA accuracy with quality ammunition. Overall length is 48 inches, and empty weight is 14 pounds. Length of pull is 13.75 inches.

The 550 Varmint Tacticool (SRP: $924) is the CZ 550 Varmint platform upgraded with a Boyds foliage-green Tacticool stock. Chambered for .308 Win., it is fed from detachable magazines. Booth #16351. (800-955-4486; cz-usa.com)

FNH USA➣ For 2014, FNH announces the release of a new modern sporting rifle line. It consists of the FN 15 Carbine and the FN 15 Rifle.

The FN 15 Carbine features a 16-inch chrome-lined barrel and is chambered for 5.56mm NATO. A black two-piece, ribbed, round polymer forearm and a six-position collapsible buttstock are standard and provide a length of pull from 9.9 to 13.2 inches, with an overall extended length of 35.2 inches. It uses a 1:7 twist barrel and an A2-style compensator and A2 fixed front sight. The rear sight is a removable A4-style carry han-dle rear sight. Empty weight is 6.9 pounds.

The FN 15 Rifle features a 20-inch chrome-lined bore in 5.56mm NATO chambering (1:7 twist) with an A2 fixed front sight and compensa-tor and an A4 removable rear sight. It also has a two-piece ribbed round polymer forearm, but this version sports a fixed A2-style buttstock. Length of pull is 10.6 inches. Overall length is 39.5 inch-es, and the empty weight is 7.9 pounds. Booth #13462. (703-288-3500; fnhusa.com)

Legacy Sports International➣ New camo stock finishes for the Howa rifle line, a new rifle/scope combo, and an interesting M1 Carbine model highlight Legacy Sport’s new rifle offerings this year. The new Howa/Kryptek camo rifle features the venerable Howa bolt-action rifle with the HACT two-stage trigger, three-position safety, and a Hogue overmolded stock. Three Kryptek camo patterns will be avail-able: Typhon, Highlander, and Raid. The new models will be available in Howa’s short-action, long-action, and magnum calibers. A No. 2 con-tour hunting barrel or a No. 6 contour heavy bar-rel are available as options. Scope packages fea-turing the Nikko Stirling Gameking scope are

also available as full-camo-dip packages that include matching camo rings and one-piece scope bases. All stock dip rifle/scope combos are avail-able with blued or stainless barrels.

The new Howa/Zeiss Combo package features the Howa bolt-action rifle with HACT two-stage trigger, three-position safety, and Hogue over-molded stock (the Hunter walnut stock is also available as an option), mated with a Zeiss Terra 3x 3–9x42 scope. It features a 1-inch tube, anti-reflection coating, the No. 20 Z-Plex second-focal-plane reticle, ¼-MOA adjustments, hunting turrets, and a DNX one-piece base.

The new Citadel M1 carbine could emerge as one of the true “fun guns” for 2014. Chambered for 9mm, it uses a blowback action and Beretta M92 steel magazines. Two magazines are supplied with each carbine, in either 10- or 17-round capacity. The front and rear sights are steel, as are the trigger and barrel band spring. The barrel

Mossberg The Duck Commander 702 Plinkster, left, and the MVP Patrol in 7.62 NATO, right, join the Mossberg line in 2014.

P R O D U C T S

length is 18 inches, and overall length is 35 inch-es. Empty weight is 5.5 pounds. Booth #3036.(800-553-4229; legacysports.com)

Marlin Firearms➣ In the process of revamping production facili-ties, Marlin has added new barrel and receiver production equipment. For 2014 that means that some previously suspended product offerings will be making a reappearance. According to Marlin, production efforts will now heavily focus on the 39A and 1894 product lines. Among the planned reintroductions are the Model 1895 CB in .45-70 Gov’t (SRP: $839.74), the Model 444 Marlin (SRP: $668.91), the Model 338 MX in .338 Marlin Express (SRP: $682.51), and the Model 338 MXLR in .338 Marlin Express (SRP: $900).

In addition, a Marlin 336C Limited Edition is planned, and it is projected to be the first of a multi-year series. It features the Marlin horse-and-rider logo engraved on the left side of the receiver in 24-carat gold, with scrollwork on the right side. The trigger is gold-plated, and the stock is Grade B walnut. As a finishing touch, the words “Limited Edition” are stamped onto the barrel. Booth #14229. (800-54-8892; marlinfirearms.com)

Mossberg➣ Significant additions to Mossberg’s MVP Patrol bolt-action line and a couple of fun rim-fires in the new Duck Commander series com-prise Mossberg’s new rifle products for 2014. The basic MVP Patrol is a bolt-action chambered for 5.56mm NATO and features a 16.25-inch 1:9 twist medium bull barrel. It is available as a straight barrel or threaded for a supplied A2-style flash suppressor. Fed from a detachable magazine, a 10-round magazine is supplied but the gun also accepts standard MSR-style magazines. A Picatinny rail rides atop the receiver, and there is an adjustable rear sight with a fiber-optic front. The LBA trigger is user-adjustable for pull weights of 2 to 7 pounds. The synthetic stock is finished in flat black. Added to that basic MVP

Patrol 5.56mm line is the new Model 27709, which is available in a textured tan stock instead of matte black. This version includes the A2 flash suppressor.

The big news, however, is the addition of the 7.62 NATO/.308 Win. and the .300 ACC Blackout to the MVP line. Offering all of the standard specifications of the MVP line (synthetic stock, 16.25-inch barrel, A2-style flash suppressor, 10-round magazine), the new Model 27718 is chambered for .300 ACC Blackout. It has a 1:7-twist barrel fitted with the A2 flash hider and a textured black-matte stock. The new Model 27738 is chambered for 7.62 NATO/.308 Win. It features a 1:10-twist barrel with a fitted A2 flash suppressor and a textured black stock. The new Model 27742 is the same gun, but with a textured tan stock.

The new Model 27739 is the Patrol Scoped Combo in 7.62 NATO/.308 Win. It differs from the standard MVP Patrol in that the stock fea-tures a neoprene comb-raising kit to achieve the proper comb height for use with the mounted 3–9x32mm scope with a lighted reticle. All of the new .30-caliber models are supplied with 10-round magazines, but they accept M1A/M14 and AR-10 style magazines that allow a capacity increase.

The Mossberg FLEX TLS system allows a wide range of interchangeability within stock components, letting shooters change length of pull, stock type, and recoil pads quickly and with-out tools. This year Mossberg extends the FLEX TLS system to the MVP bolt-action rifle line, with barrel lengths that go beyond the 16.25-inch length of the standard MVP Patrol line, and with-out the A2 flash suppressor. The same FLEX components are interchangeable with Mossberg’s FLEX TLS-equipped hunting rifles and tactical shotguns, while including all the features of the MVP Patrol line. Six models are available.

Model 27760 is chambered for 5.56mm and features a 18.5-inch medium fluted barrel with a 1:9 twist. A Picatinny rail on the receiver accepts optics. There are no iron sights on the barrel. The stock is a six-position adjustable CAR-style with a full-pistol grip in a textured tan finish.

New this year is the Operator III MSR in 5.56mm. Building upon the existing Operator series, the Operator III adds some newly patented premium features to the platform. Designed exclusively for this new model is the new RRA Operator Brake, which not only reduces recoil but ports the muzzle blast outward and away from the shooter. The Operator III is equipped with the RRA Operator CAR Stock with a Hogue rubber pistol grip, and features a 16-inch chrome-moly HBAR barrel with a 1:9 twist. The free-floated barrel is fitted with the RRA TRO-Mid Free Float Mid-length handguard, which is vented to quickly dissipate heat.

The forged upper receiver is an A4 design and carries a mil-spec rail for optics or iron-sight mounting. The forged RRA LAR-15 lower receiver has a custom “RRA Operator Series” laser engraving on the mag well.

The trigger is RRA’s two-stage model, and the trigger guard is the oversize winter model for easy operation with gloves. The safety is the RRA Star safety. Empty weight is 8 pounds, and RRA claims MOA accuracy. The Operator III ships with two RRA Poly Mags, case, owner’s manual and RRA warranty. SRP: $1,065. Booth #14271. (309-792-5780; rockriverarms.com)

ROCK RIVER ARMS

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The Model 27761 is chambered for 7.62 NATO/.308 Win. and features a 18.5-inch fluted medium bull barrel with a 1:10 twist. It also has a Picatinny rail (no iron sights) and a six-position adjustable buttstock with a full-pistol grip and a tan finish. The Model 27751 is the same gun with a black matte stock. The Model 27750 also is the same gun, but with a 20-inch fluted Sporter con-tour barrel and a black matte stock.

The Model 27752 features a six-position adjust-able buttstock with a full-pistol grip. It’s cham-bered for 7.62mmNATO/.308 Win. It has a 20-inch Sporter contour fluted barrel in a 1:10 twist and a Picatinny rail with no iron sights. It comes with a 3–9x32mm scope with an illumi-nated reticle. The Model 27753 is the same pack-age, but sports an 18.5-inch medium bull fluted barrel.

Two new “fun” rimfire rifles join Mossberg’s

new Duck Commander series. The International 702 Plinkster (Model 37022) is a semi-auto cham-bered for .22LR with a 18-inch blued barrel with a 1:16 twist. The synthetic stock is covered in Realtree Max-5 camo with Duck Commander engraving. It features adjustable iron sights and feeds from a 10-round detachable magazine.

The International 715T Flat Top Duck Commander (Model 37230) is a MSR-style semi-auto chambered for .22LR. It features a 16.25-inch barrel (in a 1:16 twist) with a A2 flash sup-pressor, a quad-rail forearm, upper Picatinny rail with an adjustable rear sight and a A2-style front sight, and a six-position CAR-style adjustable buttstock. It is covered in Realtree Max-5 camo and feeds from a 25-round magazine. A magazine loader is supplied.

The same gun is also available as Model 37217 in the Muddy Girl line, with Mossberg’s trade-

mark Muddy Girl camo finish. Booth #12734. (800-363-3555; mossberg.com)

Remington➣ Line upgrades and new caliber additions mark Remington’s new rifle offerings this year. The Remington Model 783 bolt-action line expands significantly with four new black synthetic stock models in .243 Win. with a 22-inch barrel, a .300 Win. Mag. with a 24-inch barrel, and two new compact versions in .243 Win. and .308 Win. with 20-inch barrels. SRP: $451.10.

Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camo synthetic stocks will also be available in the Model 783 line with the addition of the .270 Win, .30/06 Sprg., and .308 Win. (22-inch barrels) and the 7mm Rem. Mag. and .300 Win. Mag. (24-inch barrels). SRP: $503.34.

Model SPS in .260 Rem.

Limited Edition Model 700 CDL

P R O D U C T S

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the .223 Remington cartridge, 2014 will see a Limited Edition Model 700 CDL chambered for the .223 Rem. It features a satin-finished American walnut stock with a 24-inch stainless-steel fluted barrel. The trigger mechanism is the X-Mark Pro exter-nally adjustable trigger that is factory-set at 3.5 pounds. “Limited” is marked on the left side of the receiver, and it wears a 50th anniversary com-memorative floor plate. SRP: $1,225.95.

The Model SPS bolt-action adds the .260 Rem. chambering to its line with the addition of a black synthetic–stock model featuring a 24-inch barrel for increased velocity and a new 1:8 twist designed to more effectively stabilize the 140-grain bullet (considered by many experts to be the most effective medium-game weight in this cali-ber). This rifle features the X-Mark Pro external-ly adjustable trigger. Existing .260 Rem. chamber-

ings in the Model Seven CDL and Synthetic rifles will now use the 1:8 twist rate. Booth #14229. (800-243-9700; remington.com)

Ruger➣ New from Ruger this year is the SR-762 auto-loading rifle ($2,195). The SR-762 retains the features of the SR-556, but offers the downrange power of the 7.62 NATO/.308 Win. cartridge.

The rifle sports Ruger’s patented chrome- plated two-stage piston-operating action that fea-tures a chrome-plated bolt and chrome-plated one-piece bolt carrier with an oversize, radiused rear bearing surface. A four-position chrome- plated gas regulator can be adjusted to the load pressure for optimum reliability, or it can com-pletely close for manual operation when training or using a suppressor.

A heavy contour 16.12-inch chrome-lined bar-rel is cold-hammer-forged from mil-spec 41V45 chrome-moly vandium steel with a 1:10 RH twist; it is fluted to reduce weight. It sports an SR-556/Mini-14 style flash suppressor that is mounted with a 5/8-24 thread.

The handguard is Ruger’s smooth-sided Lightweight Adjustable model. The flattop receiver features a mil-spec 1913 Picatinny rail at the 12 o’clock position that extends the full length of the handguard. It is drilled and tapped for additional rails at the 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock, and 9 o’clock positions to provide ample space for lights, lasers, and other accessories. Two rail sec-tions are included. Riding atop the 12 o’clock rail are folding back-up iron sights with a windage-adjustable rear and elevation-adjustable front.

The six-position, black synthetic M4-style buttstock is mounted on a mil-spec-diameter tube and allows a length of pull from 11.50 to 14.75 inches. Overall length is 34.75 to 38 inches. A Hogue Monogrip pistol grip is standard. It weighs 8.6 pounds empty, and all metalwork is manganese phosphate/hardcoat anodized. The gun ships with three 20-round MAGPUL PMAG magazines, a soft-sided case, and three finger-grooved rail covers.

On the rimfire side, the big news is the intro-duction of the Ruger American Rimfire series. This new bolt-action rifle combines features from the centerfire Ruger American line with a number of innovations from the rimfire line.

The new rimfire series consists of four models (SRP: $320). The full-size model (.22LR and .22WMR) has a 22-inch barrel. Length of pull is 13.75 inches. The compact version (also in .22LR and .22WMR) has an 18-inch barrel. Length of

Remington New calibers and line upgrades are the highlights of Remington’s 2014 rifle offerings. The .223 Remington cartridge is cele-brating its 50th year, and to celebrate Remington is issuing a Limited Edition Model 700 CDL chambered for the load. Meanwhile, the Model SPS bolt-action adds the .260 Rem. to its lineup.

P R O D U C T S

pull is 12.5 inches. All models feature a composite stock with front and rear sling swivels.

Each model in the line has two interchangeable stock modules that provide comb height options for scope or iron sights. Standard models come with the longer length-of-pull stock while the compact models feature the shorter length-of-pull. Changing buttstocks is as simple as remov-ing the rear sling-swivel stud and installing the buttstock of choice (available at ShopRuger.com). All modules are completely interchangeable across all models, so shooters can virtually hand-fit their buttstock.

Models chambered for the .22LR feature the detachable, flush-mounted 10/22 BX-1 rotary magazine and accept all 10/22 rifle magazines, including the BX-25 and BX-25x2 magazines. Those models chambered for the .22 WMR use the detachable JMX-1 nine-round magazines. The 10/22 extended-magazine release allows for smooth magazine removal. The 60-degree bolt throw provides ample scope clearance while the receiver-mounted bolt release allows bolt removal without the need to pull the trigger.

The American Rimfire bolt-action series also incorporates features of the Ruger American cen-terfire series, including the Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger and the patent-pending Power Bedding integral bedding-block system that posi-tively positions the receiver while free-floating the barrel. Additional features include a satin-blued, target-crowned hammer-forged barrel, Williams fiber-optic front sight and the 10/22-style adjustable V-slot folding rear sight. A 3/8-inch rimfire tip-off scope base groove is machined into the receiver, which is also drilled and tapped for Weaver No. 12 base plates (not included). Booth #11840. (203-259-7843; ruger.com)

SIG Sauer➣ Two new modern sporting rifles using a gas-piston operating system enter the SIG Sauer line this year. The SIG516 Carbon Fiber (SRP: $2,504) is chambered for 5.56mm NATO. It fea-tures a 7075-T6 aircraft-grade upper and lower

receiver with a hard-coat anodized finish, and a 16-inch 1:7-twist six-groove chrome-lined barrel. The gas-operating system is a four-position adjustable short-stroke, advanced push-rod system with a rotating bolt. The action is mated to an A1 carbon-fiber stock with an extended 12-inch free-float carbon-fiber handguard. The match-grade two-stage trigger has a final break of 4.5 pounds. This flattop rifle has a Picatinny rail upper receiv-er that is equipped with flip-up adjustable iron sights and plenty of room for optics mounting. Overall length is 35.1 inches, and the empty weight is 7 pounds. The rifle accepts all MSR-type magazines.

The new SIG556xi Russian (SRP: $1,599) is chambered for the 7.62x39mm. It features a 16-inch chrome-lined barrel with 1:9.5 twist four-groove rifling. It uses a three-position advanced push-rod gas-operating system. A new SIG three-prong flash hider with ½-28 threads caps the bar-rel. The trigger is a standard mil-spec with a 7-pound pull weight.

The forearm is a low-profile polymer hand-guard, and the buttstock is a Swiss folding side stock. A Picatinny upper rail is equipped with SIG flip-up adjustable sights, with room for optics mounting. The extended overall length is 35.85 inches. The empty weight is 7.5 pounds. The magazines are the AK-47 type, and it accepts U.S. Palm magazines. Booth #12240. (603-772-2302; sigsauer.com)

Weatherby➣ For 2014 Weatherby adds “Range Certified” (RC) accuracy assurance to its Mark V rifle line with the new Ultra Lightweight RC model. All RC rifles are guaranteed to shoot sub-MOA (a three-shot group of .99-inch or less at 100 yards) with specified Weatherby factory ammunition or other premium ammunition.

The Mark V Ultra Lightweight series features a CNC-machined 6061 T-6 aluminum bedding plate to provide a stable platform for the barreled action. The trigger is factory-tuned and fully adjustable. Barrels are blackened and fluted stainless steel and

Ruger The SR-762 is based on the design of the SR-556, but is refitted for the 7.62 NATO/.308 Win. car-tridge. Meanwhile, the new Ruger American Rimfire series combines features from Ruger’s centerfire American line with a variety of innovations from its rimfire offerings.

SR-762 autoloading rifle

American Rimfire .22 LR

Weatherby A “Range Certified” version of its Mark V rifle, Weatherby’s Ultra Lightweight RC is guaranteed to shoot sub-MOA groups at 100 yards with specified ammunition.

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are available in lengths of 22, 24, 26, and 28 inches (depending upon caliber), and feature a recessed target crown. Stocks are hand-laminated composite material with a raised Monte Carlo cheekpiece; a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad comes standard. The finish is matte gel coat with spiderweb accents. The rifle’s empty weight is 5.75 to 6.75 pounds, depending upon caliber and barrel length.

The Mark V Ultra Lightweight will be avail-able in .240 Wby. Mag., .270 Win., .308 Win., .30/06 Sprg., .257 Wby. Mag., 7mm Rem. Mag., 7mm Wby. Mag., .300 Win. Mag., and .300 Wby. Mag. Those rifles chambered for the .300 Wby. Mag. come standard with an Accubrake installed to significantly reduce felt recoil. SRP: $2,400 to $2,600. All production models are right-hand actions, but left-hand actions will be available via special order through the Weatherby Custom Shop.

This year Weatherby expands its popular WBY-X line with new rifle models for hunters and shooters who want to make a statement about who they are and what they carry afield. The new WBY-X models feature edgy, unconventional camouflage patterns such as Kryptek’s Highlander and Typhon as well as Proveil’s Reaper Black and Boneyard Camo’s Legends Blaze.

The WBY-X rifles are built on the popular Vanguard Series 2 platform, which is guaranteed to shoot sub-MOA (three shots into .99-inch at 100 yards) with Weatherby factory or other premium-grade ammunition. The line offers a lightweight composite Monte Carlo stock, match-quality two-stage trigger, and a three-position safety.

They will be offered in the Vanguard Series 2 caliber line and will be produced as the following models: Series 2 Kryptek (with Kryptek Highlander pattern and a 24-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel), Series 2 Typhon (with Kryptek Typhon pattern and 24-inch cold-hammer-forged barrel), Series 2 Typhon TR (Threat Response) that features a 22-inch No. 3 contour barrel with a .740 muzzle diameter and a recessed target crown, and Series 2 Blaze, featuring Boneyard Camo’s Legends Blaze pattern and a 24-inch

cold-hammer-forged barrel. SRP: $749. Booth #12729. (805-227-2600; weatherby.com)

Winchester Repeating Arms➣ Last year Winchester Repeating Arms announced the return of the Model 1873 lever-action rifle touted as “The Gun that Won the West.” For 2014 Winchester Repeating Arms will expand its offerings in the Model 1873 to include a new color case-hardened model, along with adding the .44-40 Win. and .45 Colt calibers. The receiver and steel crescent buttplate on the new model have a color case-hardened finish with wal-nut straight grip stock and forearm in a satin oil finish. This short rifle version of the Model 1873 has a blued round 20-inch barrel with full-length magazine tube, as well as a semi-buckhorn rear sight and a Marble Arms gold-bead front sight. It will be available in .357 Mag./.38 Special as well as the new calibers noted above. SRP: $1,579.99.

Also new in the company’s line of historical rifles is the Model 1885 Hunter Rimfire single-shot. For something a little unusual, this low-wall rimfire edition of the 1885 rifle is chambered in .22LR, .22 WMR, .17 HMR, or the new .17 Winchester Super Magnum. The new 1885 Hunter Rimfire will feature a checkered walnut pistol-grip stock and Schnabel-style forearm with an oil finish. The 24-inch barrel is button rifled for outstanding accuracy. The receiver and barrel have a blued steel finish. SRP: $1,469.99.

Another Winchester Repeating Arms historical rifle that will be re-introduced for 2014 is the Model 1892 Large Loop Carbine. It will feature a walnut straight-grip stock and classic carbine-style forearm in a satin finish. A round 20-inch barrel with a full-length magazine is also featured. The receiver, barrel, steel carbine strap buttplate, and steel barrel band are all in a blued finish. The large lever loop adds to the authentic look of this classic carbine. Available in .357 Mag., .44 Rem. Mag., .44-40 Win., and .45 Colt. SRP: $1,259.99. Booth #13129. (801-876-3440; winchester guns.com)

Winchester The new Model 1892 Large Loop Carbine (above) will feature a walnut straight-grip stock and classic carbine-style forearm. The new version of the Model 1873 has a blued round 20-inch barrel with full-length magazine tube, and is available in .357 Mag./.38 Special, .44-40 Win., and .45 Colt.

Model 1892 Large Loop Carbine

Model 1873 Color Case Hardened

Weatherby The WBY-X is based on the company’s Vanguard Series 2 series of rifles, and comes in a variety of aggressive camo patterns, including Boneyard Camo’s Legends Blaze.


2014

Going Full BoreRetailers will see a full spectrum of shotguns in 2014, ranging from

high-end engraved over/unders and magnum waterfowl semi-autos to models designed expressly for personal defense By Chris Christian

T his year’s selection of new models encompasses the entire smoothbore spectrum, from personal defense and seri-ous 3-Gun competition to high-end engraved over/unders and practical field and clay-target models. And that’s not all: We’re also seeing new magnum waterfowl guns, turkey guns, and some interesting new sub-gauge field and Mounted Cowboy competition guns. In addition, a number of new camouflage patterns will now be available on proven designs from several manufacturers.

Benelli USA➣ The big news from Benelli this year is the rollout of the new Ethos 12-gauge recoil-operated semi-auto shotgun. According to Benelli, the Ethos is the next generation of the Inertia Driven System, and it will reliably handle 12-gauge loads as light as 7/8-ounce target loads right on up to the stoutest 3-inch mag-num shells.

Built on a new platform, the Ethos is the culmination of Benelli’s latest innovations and refinements. The new design includes a patented easy-locking system, which features a detent mechanism that has been added to the bolt body that guaran-tees the rotating bolt will positively lock up even if it is eased forward without force. A new two-part bolt carrier latch, beveled loading port, and redesigned carrier provide fast and positive shell feeding. An enlarged bolt release and improved cartridge drop lever allow easy oper-ation, even if the shooter is wearing gloves.

Ethos stocks are cut from figured

AA-Grade European walnut and incorporate Benelli’s patented Progressive Comfort recoil- reduction system to reduce felt recoil and muzzle climb. The barrel sports interchangeable carbon-fiber ribs that reduce weight and are engineered for quick replacement. Inter changeable fiber-optic bars in the front sight are supplied in red, green, and yellow, allowing for quick changes in order to match lighting or background conditions. The receiver, available in either a black anodized or engraved nickel-

plated finish, is fitted to a blued barrel.

Common specifications to the model line include 12-gauge 3-inch chamber, 4+1 capacity, Crio choke tubes supplied in C, IC, M, IM and F, and interchangeable fiber-optic front sight bars. Length of pull is 143/8 inches, drop at heel is 2¼ inch-es, overall length is 47.5 inches, and empty weight is 6.5 pounds. SRP: $1,999, black anodized receiver; $2,199, engraved nickel-plated receiver. Booth #13356. (301-283-6981; benelliusa.com)

Browning➣ The Browning High Grade pro-gram moves into its second year with a pair of full-side-plate Citori over/unders. The extended side-plates create a larger canvas that is perfect for additional embellishment by highly skilled engravers. Sharply checkered, finely finished high-grade wood is hand fit to the colored, case-hardened receiver. A Grade III and Grade VI 12-gauge model will be offered, each with a 28-inch ventilat-ed top rib barrel. A combined total of up to 500 of these High Grade shotguns will be produced.

The new Grade III Citori High Grade receiver features high-relief scroll engraving with a colored, case-hardened finish. The stock and fore-arm feature Grade III/IV walnut in a gloss finish and 22-lpi cut checkering. An ABS Elite case is included with the Grade III Citori. SRP: $4,669.99.

The new Grade VI Citori High Grade receiver has a colored, case-hardened finish with full-coverage high-relief engraving that features gold enhancement and mallards on

CZ-USA CZ’s 620 Youth and 612 Home Defense are pump-actions, in 20 and 12 gauge, respectively. The 712 Practical is a semi-automatic for 3-Gun competition.

CZ-620 Youth

CZ-712 PracticalCZ-612 Home Defense

Browning Citori 725 Field in 20 gauge (top) benefits from reduced weight and a mechanical trigger system. Citori 725 12-gauge skeet with an adjustable comb features a high-post rib and can be had with 28- or 30-inch barrels.

SHOTGUNSBrowning New High Grade Citori models feature elaborate engraving on the enlarged side-plates.


P R O D U C T S

the left, pheasants on the right. The stock and forearm feature Grade V/VI walnut in a gloss finish with sharp 22-lpi checkering. The new Grade VI Citori will be supplied with a Browning High Grade Canvas/Crazy Horse Leather fitted gun case. SRP: $7,339.99.

For 2014 Browning will expand the 725 Citori line to include nimble new 20-gauge models that offer reduced weight along with Browning’s Fire Lite mechanical trigger system, full-width hinge pin and tapered locking bolt design, InFlex II recoil pad, and Browning’s new Invector DS choke tube system. The new Citori 725 20-gauge will be offered in Field and Sporting models. The 725 20-gauge Field will feature a Silver nitride- finish receiver accented with high-relief engraving of game-bird scenes. The stock and forearm are in gloss oil finish in Grade II/III walnut, and it’s available with 26- or 28-inch bar-rels. SRP: $2,469.99. The new Citori 725 20-gauge Sporting model will feature a Silver nitride-finish receiver with gold-accented target engraving. Ventilated top and side ribs are fea-tured in 28-, 30-, or 32-inch barrel lengths. The stock and forearm fea-ture a gloss oil finish Grade III/IV walnut stock with close-radius pistol grip and palm swell. SRP: $3,529.99.

Other new additions in Browning’s 725 Citori lineup are the new 725 Trap and 725 Skeet models in

12-gauge only. The 725 Trap will be offered with 30- or 32-inch barrels with a high-post rib, and it will be available with standard or adjustable comb-stock options. SRP: $3,339.99 to $3,739.99. The new 725 Skeet will be offered in 28- or 30-inch bar-rel lengths with a standard or adjust-able comb stock. SRP: $3,139.99 to $3,529.99. Booth #12740. (801-876-2711; browning.com)

Cimarron Firearms➣ For 2014, Cimarron Firearms is introducing new side-by-side shot-guns from Daudsons Armory. They will be available in the Model 1883 side lock and the Model 1889 box lock, 12-gauge, and .410.

The 12-gauge models include an 1883 28-inch barrel field gun (SRP: $687.70) and a 1889 Coach Gun with 22-inch barrels designed for Single Action Shooting Society competition (SRP: $617.50). The .410 models consist of an 1883 field-grade gun (SRP: $812.50) and a 1889 version designed for Cowboy Mounted Shooting. It will be available with barrels of 18.5 or 20 inches. SRP: $739. Booth #16527. (880-749-4861; cimarron-firearms.com)

CZ-USA➣ New models in CZ’s pump-action, semi-auto, and over/under

line become the additions to CZ’s new smoothbore offerings this year. Leading the pump-action introduc-tions is the 612 Field (SRP: $389). It is designed as a moderately priced pump-action shotgun that can han-dle most smoothbore chores. Chambered for 12-gauge 3-inch shells, it can also handle 2¾-inch loads. It features a walnut stock and a 28-inch barrel and is threaded for interchangeable choke tubes (IC, M, and F are included). The metalwork is finished in satin chrome.

The 620 Youth (SRP: $349) pump-action 20-gauge is chambered for 3-inch shells, but also handles 2¾-inch loads. It features a synthet-ic stock with a reduced 12¾-inch length of pull to appeal to smaller-framed shooters, and a 24-inch bar-rel. The barrel is threaded for inter-changeable choke tubes (IC, M, and F), which are included with the gun.

The 620 Big Game (SRP: $399) is a 20-gauge pump-action, a synthet-ic-stocked smoothbore designed for use with slugs. Threaded for inter-changeable chokes, the 22-inch bar-rel is equipped with an extended rifled choke tube to improve accura-cy with Foster-style slugs. A Weaver-style cantilever rail rides atop the barrel to allow the mount-ing of a scope or red-dot sight.

The 612 Home Defense (SRP: $409) is a no-frills 12-gauge pump-action with a synthetic stock. It fea-

tures an 18.5-inch barrel with a fixed-cylinder choke and a promi-nent blade front sight. In addition, a 26-inch field barrel with a vent-rib barrel is included to make it a more versatile gun. The 26-inch barrel is threaded for interchangeable choke tubes, and accepts all CZ choke tubes. The shotgun comes with a Modified choke.

CZ’s new semi-auto shotguns include a number of very useful mod-els. The 712 Practical (SRP: $699) is the first CZ shotgun designed specifi-cally for the increasingly popular 3-Gun games. Chambered for 12-gauge shells, it features a 22-inch barrel threaded for CZ choke tubes. Five flush-mounted choke tubes are included. An ATI fluted magazine extension provides a 9+1 capacity; it extends slightly past the barrel to help protect the muzzle and flush chokes when firing from barricade positions. The buttstock is a six-posi-tion adjustable model that is installed on a commercial-spec tube that allows aftermarket customization.

The 720 ALS (SRP: $599) is a 20-gauge semi-auto with a 24-inch barrel fitted with the fully adjustable ATI Akita buttstock. This allows shooters to change the length of pull from 12 to 14 inches with the push of a button. It also allows three different comb heights via easy screw adjust-ments, meaning the 720 ALS can be fitted to a number of shooters.

Mossberg Mossberg is going all out for 2014. Its Muddy Girl line aims at the female market, while the company also embraces bold new camo patterns like Kryptek’s Yeti. Meanwhile, its Flex 500 Hunter 20-gauge takes advantage of the Flex system, allowing the gun to be easily customized by the user.

Muddy Girl 20-gauge

High Performance Field

Flex 500 Hunter 20-gauge

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The Sporter Standard Grade Adjustable Rib (SRP: $3,122) is an over/under designed to allow shoot-ers to adjust their point of impact from a flat-shooting gun for Sporting Clays and Skeet to a higher pattern for Trap. Chambered in 12 gauge, and available with a 30- or 32-inch barrel, it is based upon CZ’s Standard Grade Sporter, but equipped with Moneymaker Guncraft’s adjustable rib and a butt-stock with a four-way adjustable par-allel comb. The combination allows discriminating shooters to alter the point of impact to suit any clay tar-get game. It is supplied with a set of six interchangeable Kick’s Tom Mack stainless-steel choke tubes.

The Canvasback Gold (SRP: $827 to $959) is a reimagining of the CZ Canvasback O/U. The black chrome receiver is lightly engraved with two gold birds inlaid on each side, and the are solid mid-ribs between the barrels for a nostalgic look. Pistol grip stocks offer full control. The Canvasback features a single selective trigger; an extractor lifts shells partially from the chamber when the action is opened. The Canvasback Gold will be avail-able in 12, 20, and 28 gauge, as well as in .410. All models are made on gauge-specific sized frames. The 28-gauge and .410 are available with 28-inch barrels only; the 12- and 20-gauge models are available with

either 26- or 28-inch barrels.The new Lady Sterling (SRP:

$1,281) is built upon CZ’s Upland Sterling platform, but with stock dimensions that make it easier for female shooters to properly mount the gun while keeping their heads up and eyes on target. The design reduces length of pull and changes the pitch angles. It is equipped with a single extractor rather than individu-al ejectors, features laser-stippled grip panels, and is chambered for 12-gauge 3-inch shells (but will han-dle 2¾-inch shells), and is available with a 28-inch barrel. Booth #16351. (800-955-4486; cz-usa.com)

Harrington & Richardson 1871➣ The H&R Excell Auto is a 12-gauge with a 3-inch chamber. The proven gas-operating system is adjustable for light or heavy loads. The magazine capacity is five rounds. The shotgun has an empty weight of about 7 pounds, thanks to its synthetic stock and forearm. It will be available in four models, three of which feature interchange-able Remington choke tubes.

The Excell Auto Black Synthetic 12/28 (SRP: $499) features a black synthetic stock with a 28-inch vent rib barrel and ships with Remington chokes in IC, M, IM, and F. The

Excell Auto Camo 12/28 (SRP: $579) is the same gun as the Black Synthetic, but wears a waterfowl camouflage finish. It ships with the same choke tube selection.

The Excell Auto Camo 12/22 (SRP: $579) uses the same platform, but with a 22-inch barrel and a tur-key camouflage finish. It ships with Remington chokes in IC, M, F, and an XF turkey tube. The Excell Auto Tactical 12/18 (SRP: $499) is designed for home defense with a black synthetic stock and an 18.5-inch barrel with a fixed-cylinder

choke. Booth #14229. (978-632-9393; h&r1871.com)

Mossberg➣ The Mossberg 930 field semi-auto shotgun line expands this year with two new 12-gauge/3-inch High-Performance models featuring an extended magazine tube that offers a 12+1 capacity. For those times when 13 shells might not be appropriate, a five-round magazine tube is also included with each.

Model 85123 features a stock fin-

Mossberg The 500 JIC Flex 6-Shot 12-gauge and pack will keep customers’ minds at ease for those “Just In Case” home-defense situations.

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ished in Kryptek Yeti camo, while Model 85122 is in plain matte black. Both models feature a synthetic stock with a 28-inch vent-rib barrel and a fiber-optic front sight thread-ed for Accu-Set choke tubes. A for-ward barrel clamp is supplied for the extended 12-shot magazine tube.

Three new models featuring Kryptek’s distinctive Typhon camo pattern on synthetic stocks enter Mossberg’s Competition and Tactical lines in 2014. The 930 JM Pro Series-10 Shot (85133) is built on the 930 semi-auto action and chambered for 12-gauge 3-inch shells. The 24-inch barrel is cham-bered for Accu-Set choke tubes, fea-tures a matte blue finish, and sports a fiber-optic front sight. An extend-ed magazine tube with a stabilizing barrel clamp provides a 10-round capacity with 2¾-inch shells. The synthetic stock features Mossberg’s adjustable stock-drop spacer system.

The 930 SPX Pistol Grip-8 Shot (85373) is built on the 930 12-gauge/3-inch semi-auto action with an extended magazine tube to provide an 8-round capacity with 2¾-inch shells. The 18.5-inch barrel is a fixed-cylinder choke and sports a Picatinny rail on the upper receiv-er. It is supplied with an adjustable ghost-ring rear sight and a fiber-optic front sight enclosed in protec-tive wings. The full-length buttstock has a finger-groove pistol grip.

The 590A1-6 Shot (51522) is built on Mossberg’s 590 pump action in 12-gauge/3-inch chambering. The 18.5-inch barrel has a fixed-cylinder choke and sports an adjustable ghost-ring rear sight with a blade front sight. Magazine capacity is six 2¾-inch shells.

Two new Mossberg 500 Tactical Rail models enter the line this year with an innovative Center Mass LaserLyte laser designed specifically

for tactical shotguns. The Center Mass laser displays a ring of red dots surrounding a center aiming dot. The outer ring of dots expands at the rate of 1 inch per yard—approxi-mating the spread of shotgun loads at close range—while the center aiming dot remains constant in the pattern center. This “spreader pat-tern” laser provides quick and posi-tive target acquisition while showing a visible reference relating to the pattern spread at any range.

The Center Mass laser is mounted on the bottom rail of two new 500 Tactical Tri-Rail 12-gauge/3-inch 500 series pump-actions, the 500 Persuader Tactical Tri-Rail (50599) and the 500 Cruiser Tactical Tri-Rail (50600). Each offers a full-length bottom rail on the forearm and two smaller side rails to allow the use of lights. The 500 Persuader is a full-stocked gun in black synthetic with a 20-inch Cylinder bore barrel sport-

ing a bead front sight and an 8-round capacity. The 500 Cruiser features a compact black synthetic pistol-grip-only stock with a 18.5-inch barrel and a 6-round capacity.

The Mossberg Flex system allows for easy, toolless changing of fore-arms, buttstocks, and recoil pad assemblies on any shotgun or rifle within the Flex system line. For 2014, Mossberg brings the 500 pump-action series 20-gauge shot-gun into the Flex system with four new base model guns for field use and personal defense.

The Flex 500 Hunting (54319) features a 24-inch ventilated rib bar-rel chambered for 3-inch 20-gauge shells and sports an adjustable fiber-optic front sight. It uses the X-Factor PTD, a ported, inter-changeable choke-tube system. The full-length synthetic stock and fore-arm is finished in Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camo; the metalwork is

WBY-X SA-08 GH2

Weatherby With 22-lpi precision, Weatherby’s SA-08 28-Gauge Deluxe sports a classic look. The WBY-X SA-08 GH2 (Girls Hunt 2) is wrapped in a pink spiderweb pattern to appeal to today’s growing female market.

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an OD green finish.The Flex 500 Hunting (54316) features a

26-inch barrel chambered for 20-gauge/3-inch. It has a ventilated rib, threaded for the Accu-Mag Set choke tubes and includes a twin-bead sighting system. The stock is a matte-black-finished syn-thetic. The metalwork is finished in a matte blue.

A number of self-defense experts believe that for an urban home-defense environment—where one is defending an apartment, condo, town house, or another close-quarters situation—a 20-gauge stuffed with a standard load of No. 3 buckshot is more than adequate to the task. In fact, due to its lighter weight and recoil, the 20-gauge can be a better choice than the 12-gauge for many. Mossberg brings two 20-gauge home-defense shotguns into the Flex 500 line this year.

The Flex 500 Tactical Adjustable (54318) features a black matte synthetic stock with a 6-position adjust-able buttstock, a full-pistol grip with finger grooves, and a Tri-Rail Tactical forend for the installation of lights or lasers. Chambered for 20-gauge/3-inch shells, it has a 6-round capacity. The 20-inch barrel is a fixed-cylinder choke with a bead front sight.

The Flex 500 Tactical Cruiser features an 18.5-inch barrel (20-gauge/3-inch chamber) with a stand-off muzzle device, a white-dot front sight, and a fixed-cylinder bore choke. The buttstock is a pistol grip that produces a compact 31-inch overall length, and a Tri-Rail Tactical forend allows for the easy mounting of lights and/or lasers. It has a 6-round capacity with 2¾ inch shells. The stock is a matte black synthetic and the metalwork is finished in matte blue.

The Mossberg JIC (Just In Case) line provides compact, pistol-gripped pump-action shotguns that can conveniently be tucked away until “Just In Case” happens. For 2014, the product line expands with two new models. The first of them, the new 500 JIC Flex 6-Shot 12-gauge (57340), arrives as a 18.5-inch fixed-cylinder choked barrel chambered for 3-inch shells. It has a Tri-Rail Tactical Forend, a pistol-grip stock, bead front sight, and a matte blue finish. It ships with a soft carrying case with a shoulder strap.

The second of the new JIC entries, the 500 JIC Patriot, is a basic 500 series 12-gauge/3-inch chamber pump-action with a pistol-grip stock. It has an 18.5-inch cylinder bore barrel, a bead front sight, and a matte blue finish. It features a NRA logo engraved upon the receiver and ships with a waterproof hard-plastic carrying tube featuring a full-color U.S. flag and Second Amendment graphics on the tube. In partnership with the NRA, Mossberg will direct a portion of all sales of this model to the NRA.

Mossberg’s partnerships go even further this year when they link up with the Robertson clan, who have become a national phenomenon with their top-rated TV series Duck Dynasty. The result is the Duck Commander series of shotguns, which all fea-ture Realtree’s new Max-5 camo pattern on a syn-thetic stock and the Duck Commander logo engraved on the stock or receiver.

The 835 Ulti-Mag Duck Commander With Recoil Reduction System Pump Action (62151) features the 835 pump action with a 3.5-inch 12-gauge chamber, 28-inch ventilated rib barrel threaded for Accu-Mag Set choke tubes, and a fiber-optic front sight. The synthetic stock incor-porates Mathews Harmonic Damper technology to reduce recoil. This model also features a Duck Commander–engraved receiver. The 835 Ulti-Mag Duck Commander Pump Action (62150) is the same gun, but without the recoil-reducing stock. The engraving is on the synthetic stock.

The 535 ATS Duck Commander Pump Action is chambered for 12-gauge/3.5-inch shells. It has a 28-inch vent-ribbed barrel equipped with a fiber-optic front and Accu-Set choke tubes, and uses the Flex stock system. The Flex 500 Duck Commander Pump Action (50130) is a 12-gauge chambered for 3-inch shells. It features the Mossberg Flex system and sports a 28-inch vent-ribbed barrel with a fiber-optic front sight and Accu-Set choke tubes. The 500 Duck Commander Pump Action is the same gun without the Flex stock system.

The 500 Super Bantam Duck Commander Pump Action (543211) is a 20-gauge chambered for 3-inch shells. Designed with younger shooters in mind, it features an adjustable buttstock that allows length of pull to be set between 12 and 13 inches with supplied stock spacers. The 22-inch vent-rib barrel features a fiber-optic front sight and the Accu-Set choke system. This lightweight gun tips the scales at a slim 5¼ pounds.

Although pump-action guns make up a big chunk of the new Duck Commander series, semi-autos are also represented with three new models. The 935 Magnum Duck Commander Autoloader (82038) is a 12-gauge chambered for 3.5-inch shells. The 28-inch barrel features a fiber-optic front sight and is threaded for the Accu-Set choke tubes.

The 930 Duck Commander Autoloader (85131) is chambered in 12-gauge with 3-inch chambers. It features a 26-inch vent-rib barrel with a fiber-optic front sight and accepts Accu-Set choke tubes. The Mossberg International SA-20 Duck Commander Autoloader (75784) is a trim 20-gauge chambered for 3-inch shells. It features a 28-inch vent-rib barrel threaded for Sport Set choke tubes and features a fiber-optic front sight.

Ruger After its discontinuation in 2011, the Red Label is back,

featuring refined inner workings and reduced recoil.

P R O D U C T S

Empty weight is 6 pounds.Duck Commander isn’t the only new branding

to enter the Mossberg line this year. The vivid Muddy Girl camo pattern is a dynamic combina-tion of pinks, purples, and neutral colors that cre-ate a sharp, high-definition look that has a lot of appeal to the fastest-growing segment of the recre-ational shooting fraternity—women. For 2014, Mossberg will offer the Muddy Girl camo finish in four shotgun models for sport or personal security.

The 500 Persuader Adjustable 8-Shot (54303) is a pump-action with a synthetic stock chambered for 20-gauge/3-inch shells. The 20-inch barrel has a fixed-cylinder choke and wears a ghost-ring rear sight and blade front. The tactical buttstock has a full-pistol grip and allows length-of-pull adjustments from 10¾ to 145/8 inches.

The 500 HS410 Home Security 6-Shot (50363) is a .410 pump-action chambered for 3-inch shells. It has an 18.5-inch barrel that sports a bead front sight and a Spreader choke. The synthetic stock features a conventional buttstock with a full pistol grip on the forend.

The 510 Mini Super Bantam Field is a 20-gauge/3-inch chamber pump-action with a four-round capacity and an 18.5-inch barrel equipped with the Accu-Set interchangeable choke tubes. Length of pull can be set at 10.5 or 11.5 inches.

The Mossberg International SA-20 Field is a semi-auto shotgun chambered for 20-gauge/3-inch shells. It has a five-round capacity and a synthetic stock. The 26-inch ventilated-rib barrel features a bead front sight and is equipped with the Sport Set interchangeable choke tube system. Booth #12734. (800-363-3555; mossberg.com)

Ruger➣ The American-made Ruger Red Label over/under shotgun has been an American classic for years. Discontinued in 2011, it returns this year in a redesigned format that features refined inner workings, a new center-of-gravity balance point, and reduced recoil.

The new Ruger Red Label (SRP: $1,399) is

available in 12-gauge (chambered for 3-inch shells but able to handle all 2¾-inch shells) and can be had with a 26-, 28-, or 30-inch barrel. All barrels now feature 2-inch lengthened forcing cones and maximum backboring to produce tighter patterns and reduce recoil. The Red Label’s traditional low-profile receiver is enhanced with a new stain-less-steel top lever.

The Red Label sports an American walnut stock with a 1.5-inch drop at comb and a 2.5-inch drop at heel, with a 14.5-inch length of pull. A Pachmayr butt pad helps reduce felt recoil. The finely polished stainless-steel receiver mates with blue steel barrels that are topped with a ¼-inch dovetailed ventilated rib and a front bead sight. The barrels are threaded for interchangable choke tubes, and five Briley steel-shot-compatible choke tubes (two Skeet, and one each of IC, M, and F) are included, as is a Briley choke-tube wrench.

The action incorporates a single selective trigger that allows a second shot without recocking. It also features rebounding hammers for easier action opening. An automatic two-position top tang safe-

VersaMax Wood Tech

P R O D U C T S

ty/barrel selector switch allows quick barrel selec-tion and positive visibility. Each Red Label ships with a custom-molded semi-soft case and a safety lock. Booth #11840. (203-259-7843; ruger.com)

Remington Arms➣ The VersaMax Tactical 3 Gun (SRP: $1,699) is designed to be a serious competitor in increasingly popular 3-Gun events. Built on the proven 12-gauge VersaMax gas-port action, it features a 22-inch barrel, a green Cerakote receiver with an enlarged feeding port for faster reloading, an enlarged bolt closure, safety button, and cocking handle, and an adjustable XS rear sight for increased accuracy with slugs while still providing proper shot load placement. It is equipped with an 8-round one-piece carbon-fiber magazine tube, with a two-shot carbon-fiber extension tube that can provide a 10+1 capacity. QD sling swivel cups are provided on stock and forend.

The new VersaMax Wood Tech provides the look of wood with the ability to adjust comb height

via interchangeable comb inserts in low, medium, and high comb. The 28-inch barrel features extended Pro Bore choke tubes. SRP: $1,630.

The VersaMax Waterfowl Pro (SRP $1,730) fea-tures a 28-inch barrel that uses extended Pro Bore choke tubes, a tactical bolt handle, bolt button, and safety for easy use with gloves, and a flat-faced carrier. The shotgun is fully covered in Realtree Max-5 camouflage and comes with a sling.

The VersaMax Left Hand (SRP: $1,630) offers the same 28-inch barrel VersaMax action to southpaws and is covered in Water Fowl camou-flage. An additional left-hand model is available in a black synthetic stock with a 26-inch field barrel. SRP: $1,427.

Two new 870 pump-action 12-gauge models join the Tactical line. The 870 Magpul FDE (SRP: $898.16) features an 18.5-inch barrel with an extended tactical ported choke tube, a one-piece magazine tube, and a fully-adjustable XS ghost-ring sight rail with a removable front white bead sight. The receiver and barrel are covered with an FDE Cerakote coating.

The 870 Tactical Pistol Grip (SRP: $496.50) features an 18.5-inch barrel with an extended tac-tical ported choke tube, a Pachmayr pistol grip stock, bead front sight, matte black finish, and a one-piece magazine tube. It ships with a black synthetic stock. Booth #14229. (800-243-9700; remington.com)

Weatherby➣ Weatherby’s new SA-08 28-Gauge Deluxe (SRP: $849) offers upland hunters a light-recoiling smoothbore with reliable wingshooting perfor-mance and a distinctively handsome look. This SA-08 model features a frame that has been scaled down to a true 28-gauge size. Weighing in at a petite 5.5 pounds, it will be available with a 26- or 28-inch barrel and a 2¾-inch chamber.

The SA-08 28-Gauge Deluxe sports a select-grade walnut stock with 22-lpi precision-cut check-ering. Other key features include a CNC-machined receiver constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy that reduces overall weight without compromising strength, a drop-out trigger system that can be quickly removed for cleaning, a chrome-lined bore for durability and easy cleaning, lengthened forcing cones for improved patterns and a slight reduction in the already modest recoil, a ventilated rib, and a brass front-bead sight. Each gun ships with three interchangeable choke tubes in Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full.

Weatherby has expanded the popular WBY-X line into its shotgun lineup. The WBY-X concept features established Weatherby models covered in edgy and unconventional camouflage patterns for those shooters who favor a distinctive look. (In that respect, the concept is similar to that used by some

Remington New additions to Remington’s VersaMax line include the VersaMax Wood Tech, which sports a 28-inch barrel and three inter-changeable inserts for adjusting comb height, and the VersaMax 3-Gun, a competition 12-gauge with an enlarged feeding port for fast reloading.

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competitive shotgunners who decorate their fire-arms in bright colors and eye-catching wrap-on scenes.) The new WBY-X shotguns feature either the Kryptek Typhon pattern, the Proveil Black Reaper, or an attractive black stock with pink spi-derwebs. Four new WBY-X models appear in the 2014 smoothbore lineup.

The SA-08 GH2 (Girls Hunt 2) is the estab-lished SA-08 semi-auto model, but with a short-ened (12.5 inches) length of pull and a 24-inch barrel. It features a full black stock with an attrac-tive pink spiderweb pattern (SRP: $699).

The PA-459 Typhon TR (SRP: $549) and the PA-08 Typhon TR (SRP: $399) are pump-actions, available in 12 and 20 gauge, designed for home defense. (TR stands for “Threat Response.”) The guns feature 18.5-inch barrels and are finished in the Kryptek Typhon camo pattern.

The SA-459 Black Reaper (SRP: $749) is the semi-auto version of the PA-459 and is also avail-able in both 12 and 20 gauge with an 18.5-inch barrel. It will be finished in Proveil Reaper Black camo. Booth #12729. (800-227-2600; weatherby.com)

Winchester Repeating Arms➣ New in Winchester Repeating Arms’s SX3 semi-auto shotgun line for 2014 is the SX3 12-gauge 3.5-inch Long Beard. Unique features found on this turkey gun include a Briley X-Full Long Beard Invector Plus extended choke tube designed for Winchester Long Beard ammunition, a pistol-grip stock with three interchangeable recoil pads to adjust length of pull, and three inter-changeable comb pieces to adjust drop on the comb. Other features include a TruGlo fiber-optic front sight with an adjustable folding rear sight and Weaver-style cantilever scope-mount-rail design on the bar-rel. With a 24-inch barrel, it’s offered in Realtree Xtra Green camo. SRP: $1,269.99.

Winchester’s new offering in the SXP pump shotgun line for 2014 is the Field Compact. It has a compact, 13-inch length of pull that is scaled down to fit younger shooters and those of smaller stature. The SXP 12-gauge Field Compact (chambered for 3-inch shells) will have a satin finished stock and forearm with traditional checkering to maintain a sure grip. Other features include black chrome protection on the bolt and other components—it lasts longer than traditional blu-ing—and a hard chrome chamber and bore. It uses the Invector-Plus choke tube sys-tem, features .742-inch Back-Bored barrel technology, a drop-out trigger group, and InFlex recoil pad. Available with a 24-, 26-, or 28-inch barrel. SRP: $399.99. Booth #13129. (801-876-3440; winchesterguns.com)

Winchester The SX3 Long Beard features a Briley choke tube, three interchangeable butt pads and comb pieces, and a TruGlo front sight.


2014

A Little Bit of EverythingThere’s no discernible theme to this year’s new crop of handguns, but there will be something of interest for everyone By Chris Christian

Manufacturers are offering an interesting mix of new handguns this year, running the gamut from several new .22 rimfire models through dedicated competition guns. You’ll also see a number of new compact concealed-carry pistols, plenty of 1911 models, and more than a few new polymer-framed guns, including those designed specifi-cally for use by officers of the law.

Browning ➣ The new A1 Desert Tan and Compact Desert Tan 1911-22LR models feature a new composite frame in the popular color. The 1911-22LRs are scaled down to 85 percent of John M. Browning’s orig-inal .45 ACP Model to make them ideal for plinking, hunting, and tar-get shooting. These new lightweight models are even lighter than the aluminum frame 1911-22LR mod-els: The Desert Tan A1 weighs only 14 ounces and has a 4.5-inch barrel, while the Compact Desert Tan ver-sion weighs 13.5 ounces, with a 3 5/8-inch barrel. Both feature machined aluminum slides in a matte black finish. SRP: $579. Booth #12740. (801-876-2711; browning.com)

CZ-USA➣ The CZ P-09 is CZ’s full-size polymer 9mm semi-auto pistol offer-ing 19+1 capacity with a flush-fitting magazine in a standard service-size pistol. Featuring the versatile Omega DA/SA trigger system, the gun is shipped with decocker levers installed, but can be converted to a manual safety-system pistol with the included parts and instructions. The CZ P-09 also includes interchange-able backstraps (small, medium, and large) that allows the shooter to cus-tomize the pistol’s grip to their hand size for the optimal trigger-finger positioning. An integral Picatinny 1913 rail on the dust cover allows the use of lights or add-on lasers.

The P-09 Suppressor-Ready (SRP: $577) is available in 9mm. It has low sights and an extended muz-zle that is threaded with ½-28 threads to accept a variety of after-market suppressors. The P-09 Flat Dark Earth (SRP: $596) features a flat dark earth frame coupled with Tritium three-dot night sights.

The CZ P-07 is the updated ver-

The 2014 SHOT Show will see the reintroduction of the Thompson Custom 1911TC. Although it debuted in 2008 with a limited production run of just 100 units, production was halted after the 2008 presidential elections in order to best utilize existing Auto-Ordnance production facilities to meet the high demand for concealed-carry pistols. A revamping of production facilities, including the installa-tion of high-precision machinery, has allowed production of the 1911TC to resume—and at a reduced cost over the original models.

The Thompson Custom 1911TC (SRP: $813) is chambered for .45 ACP in a full-size 5-inch barrel 1911. Overall length is 8.5 inches; empty weight is 39 ounces. The frame is constructed from 420 stainless-steel casting, the slide from solid stainless-steel billet. The 1911TC features black low-profile front and rear sights that are dovetailed into the slide. The ejection port is flared, and the slide has front and rear cocking serrations that are machined with a slight angle. The mainspring housing is checkered, and the front strap is machine-checkered at 20 lpi. Additional features include an adjustable trigger, combat hammer, full-length recoil guide rod, extended beavertail grip safety, extended magazine release but-ton, a single side-checkered slide-stop lever, and checkered laminated grip panels. A matte finish with laser-engraved markings complete the package, including the distinctive Thompson bullet logo on the slide and a bullet inlay on the grip panel. It ships with one 7-round magazine. Booth #15949. (508-795-3919; auto-ordnance.com)

AUTO-ORDNANCE

HANDGUNSBrowning The new 1911-22LRs are scaled at 85 percent of John M. Browning’s original .45 ACP.


P R O D U C T S

sion of the compact CZ 75 P-07 Duty. The debut of the full-size P-09 last year brought refined lines and interchangeable backstraps to the CZ Omega polymer pistol line, and this year the P-07 follows suit. Available in 9mm (SRP: $510) and .40 S&W (SRP: $524), the new CZ P-07 offers the same ability to shift from a decocker to a manual safety in mere minutes and with simple tools. It features a new nitrate slide finish and a snag-free hammer. The entire pistol has been dehorned to remove any sharp edges to make it comfortable for all-day carry. Interchangeable backstraps (small, medium, and large) allow shooters to fit the gun to their hand for the proper trigger reach, and a newly designed trigger shape improves shooter control and comfort. A 1913 dust cover rail, metal three-dot sights, front and rear cocking serra-tions, and a beefed-up magazine spring complete the upgrades.

The new CZ 75 B Omega (SRP: $544) features a simpler and more robust version of the CZ-75 trigger system. The interlocking design of the new trigger system allows for easier detail stripping without the need for tools. The trigger parts themselves are made from more durable materials for enhanced ser-vice life.

Under the Dan Wesson banner, 2014 will see a new high-end 9mm competition pistol and a compact carry model. Serious action-pistol competitors get a new high-capacity double-stack-magazine 9mm 1911 that offers 21+1 rounds on tap with the DW Elite Series Chaos (SRP: $3,829). Hand-built on a double-stack frame, the Chaos features a black matte finish, fiber-optic sights with a fully adjustable rear sight, front and rear cocking serrations, a 1913 Picatinny rail, and a match-tuned trigger.

The DW Guardian (SRP: $1,558) is a Commander-size 1911 with an anodized-aluminum bobtail frame and mainspring housing, black Duty finish, tritium night sights, and a Commander-length steel slide. While this was already available in 9mm and .45 ACP, 2014 sees the introduction of a chambering in .38 Super. Booth #16351. (800-955-4486; cz-usa.com)

Glock➣ Two new models join the Glock product line this year: a new Gen4 Tactical .45 ACP and an ultra-com-pact .380 ACP. The new Glock 41 Gen4 .45 ACP is a practical/tactical pistol designed to maximize the sight radius and barrel length while main-taining light weight and balance. It is built with a G34 slide width on a G21 Gen4 frame, and at 24 ounces empty weight, it is 1.5 ounces lighter than the G21 Gen4. The G41 Gen4 features a 5.31-inch barrel. The sight radius is 7.56 inches with its polymer sights. The width is 1.28 inches. The standard trigger is the 5.62-pound module, and the double-stack maga-zine holds 13 rounds. It features all of the standard Gen4 features, including the Modular Back Strap design, rough-textured frame surface, and dual-recoil-spring assembly. Overall length is 8.90 inches. Height is 5.47 inches with the magazine inserted.

That’s a full-size pistol. But for those who want something smaller, the new Glock 42 .380 ACP should do. It is the smallest pistol Glock has ever made. This ultra-compact .380 pistol weighs in at 12.35 ounces empty. Overall length is 5.94 inches; barrel length is 3.25 inches. It fea-tures the standard 5.62-pound trig-ger module, polymer sights, and a six-round magazine capacity. Booth

#12254. (770-432-1202; glock.com)

Kahr Arms➣ New for 2014 is a larger-frame addition to the Kahr CT, a 4-inch barrel handgun with a single-stack magazine and double-action-only trigger series. The new CT4043 is chambered for .40 S&W and ships with one 7-round stainless-steel magazine, for a 7+1 capacity. It is built on a black polymer frame with a stainless-steel slide and wears Kahr’s very effective white bar-dot fixed sights. Empty weight is 19.7 ounces. The overall length is 6.5 inches, and the height is 5.13 inches. The slide width is a slim .94 inches.

The new CT4543 is also built on a black polymer frame with a stain-less-steel slide and also features Kahr’s white bar-dot sights. Chambered for .45 ACP, it has a 7+1 capacity and ships with one 7-round stainless-steel magazine. Empty weight is 21.4 ounces. Overall length is 6.57 inches, height is 5.25 inches, and the slide width is 1.01 inches. SRP for both: $499.

In addition to the new compact models, Kahr will also introduce a new full-frame CT40 and CT45. The first value-priced full-frame fire-arm offering from Kahr, the new CT4043 (.40 S&W) and the

CT4543 (.45 ACP) feature a polymer frame with a stainless-steel slide and white bar-dot sight configuration.

The CT4043 has a 4-inch barrel. Overall length is 6.5 inches; height is 5.13 inches. The slide width is slightly less than one inch and it weighs 21.8 ounces with the maga-zine, making it very slim, light-weight, and perfect for concealed carry. The CT4543 has a barrel length of 4.04 inches. Overall length is 6.57 inches, and the height is 5.25 inches. Slide width is 1.01 inches, and the gun weighs 23.7 ounces with the magazine. Both models fea-ture a 7+1 capacity and ship with one 7-round stainless-steel maga-zine. SRP: $499. Booth #15949. (508-795-3919; kahr.com)

Magnum Research➣ John Browning’s 1911 is a hand-gun design that not only refuses to retire after more than a century of service, but seems to grow more popular among handgun owners every year. For the last three years, Magnum Research has offered the classic 1911 Gov’t model .45 ACP in a full-size 5-inch model and in a Commander-length version. For 2014, the company will now expand that line with a 3-inch ultra-com-pact model—the Undercover (model DE1911U). SRP: $946.

CZ-USA The P09 Suppressor Ready accepts a variety of aftermarket suppressors (above), while the CZ 79B Omega is a more robust version of the original CZ 75.

Glock The Glock 41 Gen4 .45 ACP (left) is built with a G34 slide width on a G21 Gen4 frame. The idea here is to maxi-mize sight radius and barrel length while maintaining light weight and balance. The Glock 42 ultra-compact .380 ACP (right) is the smallest pistol ever made by Glock, making it an excellent candidate for concealed carry.

P R O D U C T S

The Undercover is chambered for .45 ACP and features a 3-inch bull barrel with an 11-degree muzzle crown. It uses the Series 70 operat-ing action that is much admired by 1911 aficionados. Built on an ultra-light frame constructed from air-craft-grade aluminum alloy, it incor-porates a 4140 high-carbon-steel slide. The sights are a fully adjust-able (windage and elevation) rear and a ramp front sight. Standard

features include a checkered front strap and mainspring housing, dou-ble-diamond checkered wood-grip panels secured with stainless-steel hex screws, a skeletonized combat-style hammer, an aluminum trigger, and a high-rise beavertail safety. Overall length is 6.85 inches. Height is 5 inches, and the empty weight of 25.8 ounces. The Undercover has a 6+1 capacity and is shipped with two 6-round maga-

zines. Booth #15949. (508-635-4273; magnum research.com)

Mossberg➣ The International 715P semi-auto pistol is a synthetic-stocked MSR tactical-style platform, with no butt-stock and just a pistol grip, but it is chambered for .22LR with a 6-inch 1:16-inch-twist barrel that sports an A2-style flash hider. Feeding from a detachable magazine, standard fea-tures include an upper Picatinny rail with a short, ventilated quad rail on the forearm. Rail-mounted, remov-able, and adjustable iron sights are standard on all models. Empty weight is 3 pounds with iron sights, 3.5 pounds with the UTG 1x30mm red-dot sight. The 715P will be available in five models for 2014.

The Model 37235 is the basic iron-sighted pistol with a 25-round magazine (a magazine loader is included). The Model 37236 is the same pistol, but with a 10-round magazine (to comply with regula-tions in certain states) that has the same profile as the 25-round maga-zine. The Model 37251 is the base gun with a 25-round magazine. Additional features include a UTG 1x30mm electronic red-dot sight that sits high enough above the iron sights to overlook them. The UTG sight is adjustable for windage and

elevation and allows the shooter to choose between red or green illumi-nation. The Model 37252 is the UTG-equipped pistol, identical to the 37251, but with the state-man-dated 10-round magazine. The above four pistols are finished in a black matte. For those who prefer camo, the Model 37237 joins the Duck Commander line with a cov-ering of Realtree Max-5 camo. It sports the UTG sight and 25-round magazines. Booth #12734. (800-363-3555; mossberg.com)

Para USA➣ Three new 9mm 1911 patterned handguns enter the Para line this year. The Expert 9mm (SRP: $663) is a classic full-size single stack 1911 with a 5-inch match-grade barrel. It features a carbon steel frame, over-size and flared ejection port, beaver-tail grip safety, adjustable skeleton-ized trigger, polymer grips, green fiber-optic front sight, and a black nitride finish. It ships with two 9-round magazines.

The Black Ops Recon 9 (SRP: $1,299) is built on a double-stack stainless-steel frame/slide with a ramped 4.25-inch match-grade bar-rel. It features an oversize and flared ejection port, beavertail grip safety, ambidextrous thumb safeties, adjust-able skeletonized trigger, black

Kahr The new CT4543 is cham-bered for .45 ACP; it comes with a seven-round stainless-steel mag-azine, giving it a 7+1 capacity. Also new, a full-frame CT40.


P R O D U C T S

IonBond finish, VZ G10 grip panels, and three-dot Trijicon sights. It ships with two 18-round 9mm magazines.

The compact Warthog 9mm (SRP: $884) is built on a double-stack aluminum frame with a black anodized finish. The barrel is a stainless-steel 3-inch match grade. Features include a beavertail grip safety, adjustable skeletonized trig-ger, polymer grips, black nitride fin-ish, and a green fiber-optic front sight. Booth #14229. (704-930-7600; para-usa.com)

Remington Arms➣ Remington recently surprised the firearms industry by entering the handgun market with a line of 1911 semi-auto handguns. This year the manufacturer springs another sur-prise with the introduction of the new R51 compact 9mm semi-auto.

Designed for concealed carry, the R51 uses a fixed barrel based upon the original Pedersen action design that incorporates a separate breech block within the slide to allow for the use of high-pressure rounds such as the 9mm. This design places the recoil spring around the barrel instead of the more common spring-under-the-barrel designs. That, in turn, produces a lower bore axis to help reduce muzzle flip. The ejection port is lowered and flared for improved ejection of empty cases.

Built on a compact single-stack frame from high-strength aluminum alloy, it features a 3.4-inch 416 stain-less barrel. The trigger mechanism is what Remington refers to as a “light, long, and crisp CCW trigger” that provides a lighter pull weight from a longer, consistent, double-action-only style pull. A grip safety is incor-porated, eliminating the need for secondary safety levers on the frame.

The frame features interchange-able grip panels to allow the installa-tion of larger grips for those with big hands. The trigger guard is undercut to allow a higher hand hold, and the front strap is checkered at 25 lpi. Ambidextrous magazine-release levers make it southpaw-friendly, and all edges have been smoothed and rounded for comfortable concealed carry. Sights are fixed and dovetailed

into the slide to allow drift adjust-ment for windage. The finish is black matte, and the empty weight is 20 ounces. Magazine capacity is seven rounds, and the gun ships with two flush-fit magazines. SRP: $420. Booth #14229. (800-243-9700; remington.com)

SIG Sauer➣ The new P320 Modular Pistol was designed for law-enforcement use. It allows departments to take a basic pistol and, through the use of interchangeable grips, interchange-able grip/frame shells with steel inserts, and different barrels and slides, modify one basic model to full-size duty configuration or com-pact and sub-compact models for plainclothes or back-up use. It will be available in 9mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, and calibers can also be interchanged with the modu-lar design.

The base pistol features a polymer frame with a 1913 rail and a Nitron-

finished slide equipped with Siglite Night Sights. The striker-fired operating action produces a trigger pull of 5.5 to 6.5 pounds. The P320 will be offered in three complete pistol models (SRP: $713 for each) that are ready for service as is, but can be modified to any of the other model configurations.

The Full Size model features a 4.7-inch barrel and weighs in at 29.4 ounces, empty. Overall length is 8 inches, width is 1.4 inches, and height is 5.5 inches. Magazine capacity in this model is 17 rounds in 9mm, 14 rounds in .357 SIG and .40 S&W, and 10 rounds in .45 ACP.

The Carry model features a 3.9-inch barrel and the empty weight is 26.9 ounces. Overall length is 7.2 inches, width is 1.3 inches (using the standard grip), and height is 5.1 inch-es. Magazine capacity is 15 rounds in 9mm, 13 rounds in .357 SIG and .40 S&W, and 9 rounds in .45 ACP.

The Sub-Compact model features a 3.6-inch barrel and an empty weight of 24.9 ounces. Overall

width is 1.1 inches, length is 6.7 inches, and height is 4.7 inches. Capacity is 12 rounds in 9mm, 10 rounds in .357 SIG and .40 S&W, and 6 rounds in .45 ACP.

The P290RS-380 (SRP: $570) is a .380 ACP addition to the sub-com-pact line. Built on a polymer frame, it features a 2.9-inch barrel and weighs in at 17-5 ounces. It uses a DOA action with repeat-strike capa-bility, and SIG claims a trigger pull of 9 pounds. Siglite Night Sights are included.

The M11-A1 Desert (SRP: $1,221) is built on an alloy frame using poly-mer grip panels with a stainless-steel slide. Frame and slide are coated in flat dark earth Cerakote, and internal parts are corrosion resistant. Chambered for 9mm with a 15-round magazine capacity (it ships with three 15-round magazines), it uses a traditional DA/SA operating trigger system. SIG states the DA pull is 10 pounds and the SA pull is 4.4 pounds with a short reset trigger. Barrel length is 3.9 inches. Overall

Remington Designed for concealed carry, the R51 incor-porates a separate breech block within the slide to allow for the use of high-pressure rounds such as the 9mm. The low-ered and flared ejection port improves the ejection of spent

cases. Grip panels are interchangeable to accommodate larger hands.

SIG Sauer The MK-25 Desert (left) is built on an alloy frame using polymer grip panels. The 1911 Railed-Nickel (middle) is a full-size 5-inch barrel SA built on a stainless-steel frame. The M11-A1 Desert (right) also uses an alloy frame and polymer grip panels. The frame and slide are coated with Cerakote.

P R O D U C T S

length is 7.1 inches and width is 1.5 inches. Empty weight is 32 ounces. Siglite Night Sights are standard, and this model does not sport an accessory rail.

The MK-25 Desert shares all the features of the M11-A1 Desert except that it uses a 4.4-inch barrel, weighs 34.4 ounces, and has a 1913 rail on the dust cover. SRP: $1,213.

The 1911 Railed-Nickel Compact (1911CO-45-NI) shares all of the features of the full-size model except it is a Commander-size gun with a 4.2-inch barrel. It uses seven-round magazines and does not have a rail on the dust cover. Empty weight is 35.5 ounces, the length is 7.7 inches, height is 4.8 inches, and the overall width is 1.4 inches. SRP: $1,185. Booth #12240. (603-772-2302; sigsauer.com)

Walther Arms➣The PPQ M2 5-Inch (SRP: $749) is available in a 15-round capacity in 9mm and an 11-round capacity in .40 S&W. It features a 5-inch barrel with the PPQ Quick Defense Trigger that operates from a pre-cocked position and provides a con-stant 5.6-pound trigger pull weight.

Finished in a matte black, the overall length is 8.1 inches, and it has an empty weight of 23 ounces. Each PPQ M2 is supplied with

three interchangeable backstraps to allow a shooter to custom-fit the pistol to the hand. An ambidextrous slide stop, which is extended for easy operation with gloved hands, and a reversible magazine-release button make the PPQ M2 suitable for right- or left-handed shooters. The new rimfire version is the PPQ M2 .22LR. It utilizes a blowback action, has a 12-round magazine capacity, and boasts a 4.85-pound trigger-pull weight. A firing-pin block and trigger safety and loaded-chamber indicator are standard. The polymer-frame handgun features a slide-stop lever. The slide is anod-ized aluminum, and a Picatinny rail is incorporated into the dust cover.

It will be available in a pair of 4-inch barrel models (weighing 19 ounces empty with an overall length of 7.1 inches). They both feature a polymer front sight with a metal rear that is adjustable for windage and elevation. The PPQ Tactical version in the 4-inch-barrel length features a threaded barrel for the installation of a suppressor.

A 5-inch Target Model (20 ounces empty weight, with a 8.1-inch over-all length) has a high-visibility fiber-optic front sight, in addition to the fully adjustable rear sight. SRP: $429 to $469, depending upon model. Booth #14545. (479-242-8500; waltherarms.com)

A new compact DA concealed-carry small-framed revolver enters Taurus’ product line this year. The View, named for its distinctive translucent polycarbonate right side plate that reveals the internal action mechanism, is a five-shot DA revolver based upon the Model 85 and chambered for .38 Special. The aluminum frame, 1.41-inch titanium barrel with a steel liner, and titanium cylinder result in an empty weight of 9 ounces. A new grip shape and rigid polymer grip is designed to sit back in the palm and reduce muzzle flip. Sights are a fixed rear and fixed serrated ramp front. It includes a transfer bar safety and the Taurus Security System. SRP: $599. Booth #14140. (800-327-3776; taurususa.com)

TAURUS


2014

FOOTWEARPromising Country

Footwear companies are taking advantage of technological developments to create new lines of durable but comfortable boots

By Peter B. Mathiesen

M ilitary footwear contracts have peaked for most companies, yet investment spending continues in the general hunting-military category. New products continue to shed weight through molded soles and lightweight insulation. In addition, many companies have expanded women’s lines and added lasts while retailers have added SKUs in both ladies and work-related footwear. The 2014–15 buying season looks promising, if for no other reason than many retailers cleared inventory from last year and are now looking to restock.

Danner➣ Modeled after a specialty Danner style built for military operators in treacherous Afghanistan terrain, the Gila is designed for alpine hunting in

rocky environments. The boots fea-ture durable nubuck leather and nylon uppers with Gore Optifade Open Country camo. There is an abrasion-resistant rubber rand with a

highly controllable speed hooks lace system. The lining uses a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex bootie, and the cushioning polyurethane footbed will keep feet less fatigued when on unstable ground. There’s a layer of open-cell construction for increased air circulation. The polyurethane midsole has an integrated polypropyl-ene board to provide support while reducing perspiration.

The outsole has pentagonal lugs for optimal surface contact, and to pro-vide support when transitioning later-ally and side hilling. The Gila will ship July 2014. Sizes include men’s 6 to 14 with half sizes in D, and from 8 to 14 with half sizes in EE widths. SRP: Starts at $180. Booth #10770. (800-345-0430; danner.com)

Georgia Boot➣ Expanding its Diamond Trax col-lection with a slip-resistant outsole, Georgia Boot will include styles with a durable Goodyear Welt. The boots feature the proprietary Diamond Trax outsole, which actually improves its slip resistance with wear.

The new Goodyear welt styles fea-ture full-grain and split-suede leather,

the Georgia Waterproof system, and a moisture management lining inside the boot. For comfort, the boots include an inner layer of EVA for cushioning without the added weight, and the Comfort Core 5 footbed adds stability and arch support.

Styles include 6-inch, 8-inch, and an 11-inch Wellington. Both soft and composite toe options are available, in men’s sizes 7 to 13 in D and EE widths. SRP: $164.99 to $209.99. Booth #11170. (877-795-2410; georgiaboots.com)

The 10-inch-high Avalanche boot brings a new level of performance to Bushnell Footwear, along with a modern look. A HydroGuard membrane will keep feet dry while 600 grams of Thinsulate Ultra will help ward off the chill of a frosty morning when sitting in a treestand. At the same time, the boot will not overheat when a hunter moves. A Breathe Right lining is paired with the membrane to aid in moisture management, and ScentMask keeps unwanted foot odors at bay.

In addition, a TPU toe guard and counter protect toes and high-wear areas to ensure durability, a TPU brushguard adds rigidity to the upper (and ties directly into the lace loops for an extremely lightweight lacing system). The slip-resistant optimized outsole provides reliable traction with minimal weight (less than 4 pounds). Meanwhile, the dual-density EVA midsole and heel-cushioning system sets a new standard for comfort. Sizes include men’s from 7 to 13. SRP: $149.99. Booth #12519. (800-325-6116; bushnellfootwear.com)

BUSHNELL

Irish Setter VaprTrek boots use RPM Technology to shed weight while still delivering performance.

Danner The waterproof and breathable Gila has

been modeled after a spe-cialty boot built for use by

the U.S. military in Afghanistan. That alone

should tell you it will handle treacherous

mountain terrain.


P R O D U C T S

Hi-Tec➣ Paying homage to the original Hi-Tec Altitude boot created nearly a decade ago, the company will launch its newest member of the Altitude family, the Altitude V 200 i WP. Outside, a waterproof, Dri-Tec breathable membrane offers excellent vapor transmission and exceptional performance in the wettest environ-ments. In addition to the membrane, the company’s i-shield DWR (durable water repellent) has been applied to the exterior for water repellency, along with stain and dust resistance.

An OrthoLite insole improves odor control and breathability; a Thinsulate lining gives the wearer a secure, comfortable fit during winter. An impact-absorbing midsole improves cushioning and comfort. The Vibram outsole has a kick-off heel notch, and a wraparound rubber rand improves toe protection and provides stable walking on slick sur-faces. Size range: Men’s 7.5 to 11.5, whole sizes from 12 to 17 in D; E siz-ing is also available. SRP: $120. Booth #11164. (800-521-1698; us.hi-tec.com)

Irish Setter ➣ The new VaprTrek boots are 40 percent lighter than traditional Irish Setter big-game-hunting boots with-out sacrificing support or stability. The boots use RPM Technology, a composite material which significant-

ly reduces weight while delivering comfort and added endurance.

The RPM sole features a bi-direc-tional lug pattern for improved trac-tion and balance during heel strike and toe-off. The wrap-around instep provides protection and aids in grip-ping treestand rungs or ATV foot-holds. Armatec heel and toe protec-tion guard against ground hazards. Underfoot comfort is enhanced with an anatomically correct polyurethane and high-rebound foam footbed with a ScentBan top cover to control odor-causing bacteria.

The boots incorporate UltraDry waterproofing so feet stay dry and boots stay breathable. The memory foam collar forms to fit the ankle for

comfortable stability in the boot shaft, and the padded tongue pro-vides comfort in the shin area. A speed-lacing system with one-tug tightening provides fast, snug lacing.

Style #2868 is an 8-inch non-insu-lated boot with Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camouflage; #2870 is an 8-inch non-insulated boot with Realtree Xtra camouflage; #2863 is an 8-inch non-insulated boot in stone leather and fabric; #2864 is an 8-inch non-insulated boot in black leather and fabric; #2875 is a 17-inch non-insulated, lace-up boot with Realtree Xtra Green camouflage. Offered in men’s sizes 8 to 12, 13, and 14 in D and EE widths. SRP: $149 to $209. Booth #10047. (888-738-8370; irishsetterboots.com)

Kenetrek➣ Built to cover miles of trails and to transition to day wear around the house or work, Kenetrek’s next-level design of the Bridger Ridge Hikers delivers exceptional support and com-fort normally found in much heavier boots. This ultralight hiker weighs only 2.2 to 2.6 pounds. Based on the platform of the popular Kenetrek Mountain boots, the Bridger Hikers featherweight support system utilizes reinforced K-ankle straps to tie the outsoles directly to the fortified uppers. This actual support network eliminates the need for weighty com-fort measures, resulting in hiking boot performance with all-day tennis-shoe comfort.

The Low and Mid versions are perfect warm-weather breathable boots. If you add in a heavier sock,

these boots will stretch into three seasons. If you need additional pro-tection in harsh weather, the High boot offers a waterproof and breath-able Event membrane. The Low, Mid, and High Ridge Hikers include a leather/nylon upper outsole transi-tion system for solid ankle support, extra-thick padded collars and tongues, reinforced toes and heels for extended durability and protection, and Kenetrek supportive insoles.

The outsole combines the polyure-thane midsole with a high-traction molded-rubber tread to keep feet sta-ble on any terrain. Speed-lace hooks will hold lacing securely in place. SRP: $150 to $200. Booth #1318. (800-232-6064; kenetrek.com)

Offered in both a mid-cut and high version for men and women, the 2014 Lowa Yukon Ice GTX is designed for hunting in cold weather. Constructed with a full-grain leather upper, it features both Gore-Tex Partalana wool/polyes-ter blend fleece and PrimaLoft’s proprietary blend of ultrafine microfibers for double warmth and comfort. Lowa’s Trac Lite out-sole is combined with slip-resistant fibers embedded throughout the sole’s rubber for traction on snow and ice. U.S. men’s sizing include 7.5 to 12, 13, 14. Women’s sizing is 5.5 to 11. SRP: $295. Booth #10232. (203-353-0116; lowaboots.com)

LOWA

Georgia The Diamond Trax collection expands with a new slip-resistant outsole and a durable Goodyear Welt. Each boot also boasts a moisture-management system.

LaCrosse The refreshed Alphaburly offers improved function, durability, and comfort.

Kenetrek Bridger Hikers utilize a featherweight support system that provides comfort for long walks.


P R O D U C T S

LaCrosse➣ LaCrosse has refreshed the Alphaburly Sport with the Alphaburly Pro series. The line delivers a new design, improved function, lighter construc-tion, and superior performance. Designed with a more comfortable fit, the rubber upper cuff has been replaced with a stretchable durable neoprene band, improving the slip-on and removal of the boot. The remaining exterior is composed of a higher percentage natural rubber, which decreases weight while increasing strength and flexibility. A bi-directional embossed neoprene sock lining deliv-ers improved air circulation within the boot.

The new Alphaburly Pro’s outsole features supe-rior traction and stability with no mud buildup. The Alphaburly Pro series also includes two side-

zip models. The series is constructed with women’s and men’s specific fit and designs and includes styles with Advantage Max-4 HD, Realtree Xtra Green, Realtree Xtra, Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity, and Forest Green to support all seasons. Sizes include men’s 6 to 15 and women’s 5 to 11, both in whole sizes only. SRP: $129.99 to $169.99. Booth #10770. (800-323-2668; lacrossefootwear.com)

Reebok ➣ The Reebok Dauntless series, a new line of all-terrain hot-weather boots that are lightweight and flexible, is built on a TPU bruise plate for superior stability in rugged terrain. Ideal on hard, hot rocky terrain, these boots provide an extra rebound with every step, and bruise protection on any surface.

Side air and drain ports and an AEGIS Shield antimicrobial lining ensure dry feet in both arid and wet conditions. Available colors include desert tan (8-inch and 6-inch models), black (also available in waterproof and seamless construction, 8-inch and 6-inch), and sage green (8-inch only).

A number of new prototypes will also be shown at the company’s booth, including two completely new lines of Reebok military and tactical footwear. SRP: $150.99. Booth #10179. (877-753-2426; warsonbrands.com)

Wolverine ➣ The Ridge hunting boot combines performance and customizable comfort with Wolverine ICS+, an all-new integrated support system with multi-densi-ty layers. This combination works together to pro-vide firm support when carrying a heavy load or protection from impact and bruises on rocky terrain while delivering a solid foundation for stability. Paired together with the small, lightweight nitro-gen-filled disc in the heel, the technology lets the wearer adjust to an ideal comfort setting by select-ing from cushioned, firm, inner, or outer support.

The Ridge also has a waterproof leather and 900-denier polyester upper that offers lasting dura-bility and protection. A Wolverine PC Dry Gold Waterproof membrane provides breathable water-proofing to ensure feet stay dry and comfortable in wet or snowy conditions.

A removable, open-cell polyurethane footbed cushions the foot and is treated with NXT scent control to help prevent odor. The nylon shank is supportive on rough, rocky terrain, and the boot’s Exogrip rubber-lug outsole features rows of biting edges and gripping lugs for excellent traction.

The Ridge is available in a 7-inch height with 400-gram Thinsulate Ultra insulation, and a 9-inch height with 800-gram insulation. Available in Mossy Oak Break-Up II, Brown/Realtree All Purpose HD, Green Mini and Brown. Sizes, men’s medium 7 to 12, 13, 14; and wide 7 to 12, 13. SRP: Starts at $180. Booth #10540. (800-545-2425; wolverinebootsandshoes.com)

Since stealth is a vital to a successful stalk, Rocky has created the SilentHunter collection. The pull-on boots use minimalist outsoles combined with neoprene-and-rubber uppers for silent operation. The minimalist Vibram outsoles help a hunter feel what’s under his feet, giving him the advantage of being able to feel, not look, while walking in the woods. Inside, the boots offer a foam footbed for all-day comfort, as well as Climate IQ waterproof pro-tection and scent control. The SilentHunter collection includes an Oxford style as well as 10-inch and 16-inch neoprene pull-on styles. Whole sizes include men’s 7 to 14. SRP: $104.99 to $119.99. Booth #11170. (877-795-2410; rockyboots.com)

ROCKY

Wolverine The Ridge takes advantage of the ICS+ integrated support system with multi-density layers to provide support.

This cold-weather boot is composed of full-grain crazy-horse leather with an insulating 6mm neoprene base. The Peak Hardcore provides controlled lacing support with serious warming insulation. Rated at -40 F, this waterproof boot is ideal for any outdoor task, from shoveling snow to treestand hunting.

Extremely lightweight and durable, the Spandura exterior will last many seasons. The aggressive and gripping outsole works well and sticks on all types of surfaces.

Inside, a fleece lining combined with 6mm CR flex-foam and a new sock liner allow the wearer to effectively deal with managing moisture. There are toe and heel rubber guards along with a cushioned EVA midsole. Sizes: men’s whole 7 to 14, women’s 8 to 13. SRP: $199.95. Booth #10951. (877-438-6825; muckbootcompany.com)

MUCK

F E AT U R E

Under New ManagementNew management company is changing SHOT Show for the better

L ast spring, when then-current SHOT Show management company Reed Exhibitions made the surprising move to restrict certain types of firearms at its consumer hunting and fishing shows, the National Shooting Sports Foundation decided it was time to look for a new SHOT Show partner. It wasn’t an easy

decision to end what had been a very successful 30-year run, but NSSF’s mission to serve the shooting sports industry took priority. After an exhaustive national search involving the trade show industry’s top management companies, NSSF announced it had found the perfect fit with ConvExx, based right here in Las Vegas.

“ConvExx offers a unique combination of extensive large-show and Las Vegas experience, which will serve our exhibitors and attendees well,” says Chris Dolnack, NSSF’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “By taking on the SHOT Show, ConvExx will now manage two of the top five trade shows in Las Vegas—SHOT and the SEMA Show.”

That kind of experience will serve both NSSF and ConvExx well, considering an estimated 60,000 people are expected to walk a SHOT Show floor that will cover 630,000 square feet of booth space filled by more than 1,600 exhibitors.

To further ensure that the transition to a new management team went as smoothly as possible, NSSF brought SHOT Show sales in-house by hiring a cou-ple of SHOT Show veterans. Former Reed Exhibitions employees Dave Jeannette and Chris Tatulli have been hired as senior director of sales and director of exhibit and sponsorship sales, respectively. They will now be responsible for developing sales and sponsorship opportunities and forging strong relationships with members and industry customers.

“Both Dave and Chris have contributed to the success of the SHOT Show,” says Deb Kenney, NSSF’s vice president, human resources and administration. “We are thrilled they will continue their success in expanded roles working as NSSF employees alongside the rest of our great team.”

While ConvExx is new to the SHOT Show team, its experience with large exhibitions helped

the NSSF negotiate new agreements with incum-bent vendors such as Freeman, CompuSystems, onPeak, and Sherpa Solutions to maintain as much familiarity and continuity as possible while providing exhibitors with cost certainty. “The ConvExx team has been incredible to work with, and Freeman has helped educate both NSSF and ConvExx staff,” says Dolnack. “Our goal is for the 2014 SHOT Show to be seamless for our cus-tomers to help make their show experience the best it can possibly be. The transition has gone as well as we had hoped.”

As if all these changes weren’t enough in 2013, the NSSF solidified its mission to make the 2014 SHOT Show the best yet by retaining CSG

Creative as the show’s agency of record. CSG Creative was not only responsible for developing the energetic and lively look and feel of this year’s show with new and

increased signage, but it also focused hard on increasing the number of qualified attendees.

“We ran concurrent campaigns to attract more international buyers and to recruit domestic retail buyers who previously attended SHOT Show, but have not attended recently,” says Dolnack. “We’ve also made a concerted effort to reduce the num-ber of non-qualified attendees. I’m really pleased with where we are and I think our exhibitors and attendees will be, too. SHOT Show is our indus-try’s signature event where you can see everyone and everything you need to gain a competitive edge. It’s too good to miss.”

Dave Jeannette (left) and Chris Tatulli have joined the NSSF staff as senior director of sales and director of exhibit and sponsorship sales, respectively. Formerly at Reed Exhibitions, the men have taken their SHOT Show expertise and are applying it to the 2014 show, as ConvExx handles the management.


F E AT U R E

Higher Education Takes AimNSSF, through the Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative, is helping

fledgling college shooting programs get off the ground By Christopher Cogley

T he National Shooting Sports Foundation developed the Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative as a way to give more college students the chance to participate in shooting sports and possibly transform an interest into a lifelong pas-sion. The initiative has been so successful that this year, the NSSF had to revise the parameters of the program to accommodate the growing interest.

“In the first four years of the program, it’s been so popular that it has exceeded any of our expectations,” says Zach Snow, manager of shooting promotions at the NSSF. “More than 80 colleges applied for grants last year, but a lot of those were schools that had received grants previously.”

With increasing demand for limited resources, the NSSF had to make a difficult choice.

“We decided that we really wanted to get other schools involved and use this money as a way to help them get new programs started at their schools,” Snow says.

So starting last year, the CSSI began focusing on providing grants for up to 20 schools who hadn’t previously received assistance and who were interested in using the funds to start a new program. By focusing solely on helping new clubs get established at additional colleges across the country, the CSSI not only provides an extra incentive for people who might be con-sidering organizing a shooting sports program, but it also gives them the resources they need to turn the idea into a reality.

“Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to just get a program started,” Snow says. “But if you can get it off the ground and generate some ini-tial interest, the programs begin to naturally expand and grow as word spreads that there is an opportunity to participate in the shooting sports at that school.”

The challenge of starting a new program can

be even more difficult at smaller colleges, where funding for clubs and activities is minimal, or at colleges where the administration might be too wary of the idea of supporting a club that is pro-moting the use of firearms. It’s at these schools where the assistance of the CSSI can be most beneficial.

“Middlebury is known for its active and outdoors-loving students, so we thought a trap and skeet club would fit perfectly into the col-lege campus and would allow us to continue to do what we love with our friends and enjoy all the amazing things Vermont has to offer,” says Brett Harasimowicz, who, along with Collier Proctor, established a shooting club at Middlebury College, one of the 2013 CSSI grant recipients.

“But the process of getting our program off the ground was arduous,” Harasimowicz says. “The college was very leery of sponsoring a shooting program in light of recent news events. We had to do a great deal to allay their fears and show the college that we were taking this as seriously as they were.”

Harasimowicz’s and Proctor’s hard work and persistence paid off. But once they finally received approval from the administration, they faced the even more daunting task of figuring out how to secure the funds to establish the kind of program that would not only attract the interest of students, but also alleviate any of the lingering concerns the administration had about

the legitimacy of the club. That’s when they turned to the NSSF for help.

“This grant will give us the financial support to allow us to run a great program for years to come,” Harasimowicz says. “At Middlebury, we pride ourselves on being a top-rate institution, and our club wants to do the same. This grant will give us the support to grow our club and ultimately accomplish our goal of promoting and facilitating sport shooting amongst the Middlebury student body in a safe and con-trolled environment.”

Which is exactly what the overriding purpose of the CSSI has been from the very beginning.

“This is what we’ve always envisioned for this initiative,” Snow says. “Not only do new pro-grams like the one at Middlebury allow young men and women who already have a love of shooting to take their passion to the next level, they also provide a way to get people involved who might not otherwise ever have the chance to pull a trigger. And by helping to establish new programs at different schools across the country, we’re giving more and more students that opportunity.”

And when that happens, it isn’t just the students and the colleges that benefit—it’s the entire shooting sports industry. If you know a college that needs some help getting a shooting sports program off the ground, visit nssf.org/college for more information on how the CSSI can help.

Numerous college and university shooting clubs have received aid from NSSF’s Collegiate Shooting Sports Initiative, including Harvard University (bottom left), Fort Hays State University (above), University of Vermont (top far left), and Stetson University (top near left).


F E AT U R E

Targeted LearningNSSF retailer education and law enforcement seminars aim to inform By Robert F. Staeger

S HOT Show isn’t just a place for learning about the latest product innovations and industry news—it’s also an excellent place for pro-fessionals to learn vital new information and techniques. The National Shooting Sports Foundation provides a variety of educa-tional opportunities throughout the show as a bonus feature for both retailers and law enforcement personnel.

The learning kicks off with SHOT Show University, a full day of retailer seminars that takes place the day before the show. Before and after a catered lunch, the day is packed with semi-nars on the hottest topics and most requested subject matter, ending in a networking reception.

“We try to make it a day they just cannot do without,” says Randy Clark, NSSF’s managing director of business development.

Retail Education➤ But even beyond SHOT Show U, the show itself features Retailer Education Seminars each day, packed with information that will make it worth your time to leave the show floor for a lit-tle while. Topics include attracting and retaining new customers, increasing sales per square foot, and loss-prevention strategies. “We try to mix up the subjects there so we can offer the retailers opportunities to take advantage of these different subject matters,” says Clark.

Classes are announced in advance to help retail-

ers manage their schedules. “Say we have a human resources class that we offer at one o’clock that afternoon,” he says. “You can schedule your meetings for the morning, so that later you can go bone up on a human resources issue you need to address.”

Classes generally run in one-hour increments, because with the show as big as it is, time on the floor is precious. Exceptions are classes presented by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), which each year may run as long as two hours. However, in 2014 the ATF classes won’t be offered, but they are expected back in 2015.

“The material that ATF covers quite honestly can’t get done in an hour,” says Clark. “They may pick up a two-hour slot in an afternoon, but it’s necessary because of the format of the presentation and the material, and the questions and answers that come out of that class.”

Despite the length, the ATF compliance class-es are always well-attended.

Some of the most popular seminars, says NSSF

director of retail development Patrick Shay, are presented by NSSF’s FFL Compliance Consultants. This is thanks in part to the sheer lineup of exper-tise NSSF has mustered. “We’ve got six former ATF officials who work with us. Each one has more than 25 years of experience in the ATF. We have two retired deputy assistant directors—both of them were Number Three at the ATF. They’ll be providing information on the 4473s, the A&D books, inventory procedures, and your role during an inspection. That’s all really critical, especially right now, with the market the way it is. If you can get product, you can sell product. So I’ve found that a lot of retailers are more interested in compli-ance programs right now.”

Determining SHOT Show’s slate of classes is a year-long process, which begins at the end of the previous year’s show. Last year’s SHOT Show University participants were surveyed on what topics they’d like to see in the future.

“The attendees are very open and very candid about what subject matter they need for them to run a better business,” says Clark. “So when we all get back from SHOT, we pore through these surveys, and we list all the categories these guys are looking for. The list gets pretty long.”

In addition to that, NSSF also has an advisory committee consisting of a number of the coun-try’s top retailers. “We talk to them about what are they seeing out there, or what are they hear-ing that needs to be discussed,” Clark says.

And then there are the road trips. NSSF con-ducts retailer education seminars across the coun-try for compliance training (it held 13 last year), and they talk to retailers at those as well. “We’ve got our finger on the pulse, if you will, of what the retailers are needing to help them do better. And it can be anything, from social media to online marketing to figuring out gross markup,”

SHOT Show is awash with educational opportunities. There are a wide variety of seminars for new and vet-eran retailers, and every day also has valuable training for law enforcement personnel. All classes are just a quick stroll away from the show floor.


F E AT U R E

Clark says. From a list of 30 to 40 topics, Clark and Shay narrow the field to a dozen or so, matching them up with experts in the field.

Tomorrow’s panel discussion on marketing to women is one example. “That’s the biggest growing segment out there right now,” says Clark. “And let’s face it, the guys have struggled with talking to women about what they need. It’s a new, growing segment coming into your business, and you need to know how to address it. Because if the customers are in your store and you don’t take care of them, they’re going to shop somewhere else.”

“We’re doing a series of classes that go from introductory all the way up to advanced class-es,” says Shay. “We’re trying to appeal to a wider range of retailers. In the past, some of the retailer education seminars have been focused more on retailers who had been around for just a couple of years, but we’re trying to reach out and meet the needs of retailers who have been in business for 10 or 15 years, too.”

One of the more advanced classes is Building a Gunsmith, which is being held today at 10:30 a.m. Gunsmithing is a canny service for retailers to offer because it provides two points of contact with the customer: when they drop off their fire-arm for repairs, and again when they pick it up.

“If you have a nice, clean, well-merchan-dised store, the customer who comes in isn’t going to walk out empty-handed,” says Clark.

For that reason, plenty of retailers want to know the ins and outs of putting a gunsmith in their store. NSSF selected Montgomery Community College in North Carolina, one of the largest gunsmithing colleges, to lead the seminar. The school is offering a different angle on the subject.

“This class isn’t so much about how to add a gunsmith to your store—it’s about how to get the right person in there,” says Clark. “These are the qualities you need to look for.”

After the classes end, there’s a chance to talk specifics with the instructors. “They make themselves available,” says Clark. “There’s a 30-minute break between each class, when they can answer any one-on-one questions. We tell our instructors: When you come in for your hour, you’re more than like-ly going to be there for an hour and a half, just for a one-on-one Q&A after the fact.” Such access to expertise makes the panels hard to resist.

Registration should be done in advance, to make sure you get a seat. The cost per semi-nar is very reasonable at $20.

Law Enforcement ➤ Retailer Education isn’t the full extent of the educational opportunities at SHOT Show. There’s also the Law Enforcement Education Program, begun in 2009 and man-aged in partnership between NSSF and Law Officer magazine. “The law enforcement area

of the show has been growing incredibly, attracting more law enforcement exhibitors. And in order to attract more LE personnel to the show, we added the classes so there would be a great educational component for them,” says Debbie Murray, conference director at Law Officer. “It’s also justification for their agencies to send them to the event.”

When law enforcement personnel—which can include people in corrections and military police as well as police officers—register for SHOT Show, they have the option of regis-tering for any seminars in the Law Enforcement Education Program at no extra charge. Instruction is being provided by the National Tactical Officer’s Association, as well as trainers from such companies as Trijicon, Streamlight, and SIG Sauer.

“Obviously, because of the sponsor, the education is going to be focused around what their product is, but it is not a product demo,” says Murray. “If they’re in handguns, then they’re going to be talking about hand-gun training, aiming systems, or lighting. It’s meant to provide very practical training for the end user that they may not be able to get—for free—in their local area. What we’ve heard from some participants is that it’s a way to justify coming to the show to their agency. If they can go to their training officer and show there are all these great classes that are free, they may get reimbursed for all or part of their SHOT Show experience.”

Attendees also get certificates of atten-dance. Their SHOT Show badges are scanned when they go to the classes, and they’re sent an e-mail of what they attended. They can put that certificate into their job jackets when they’re up for promotion, as proof that they attended these classes.

At press time, this year’s seminars include The Tactical Patrol Officer, Response Planning for Critical Incidents, and Recruiting and Retaining Today’s Tactical Officer. Last year’s slate of classes included Barricaded Subjects, Low-Light Training, Emergency Breaching Techniques, Aiming Systems, and more. Similar subject matter is on deck for this year’s seminars.

Needless to say, the classes are extremely popular. “We tend to max out the classes every year,” says Murray. Popular classes include Low-Light Training, along with any-thing tactical. “Sessions that are provided by the NTOA are always popular, because of the credibility of the organization and the types of topics. They’re very close to this group, so they know what they need, educationally. At the end of the classes, people keep coming up to thank us for the educational content. They say, ‘We really need this, our budgets are so tight.’ Having it free and having it at the show just works really well for them.”

And getting a good education is one sure-fire way of leaving Las Vegas a little richer.

After the classes end, there’s a chance to talk specifics with the instructors. “They make

themselves available,” says Clark. “There’s a 30-minute break between each class,

when they can answer any one-on-one questions.”

Honed on the RangeNSSF lets media and buyers shoot first By Cathy Glazer

T wo events prior to the SHOT Show are designed to give exhibitors a unique opportunity to interact with the media and buyers. To let select members of

the media try out some of the firearms and accesso-ries they may be writing about in the coming year, the National Shooting Sports Foundation sponsors a pre–SHOT Show “Media Day at the Range.”

This year’s event was held yesterday at the Boulder City Pistol & Rifle Range. The event is perennially popular with both exhibitors and the media, who attend by the hundreds. To connect exhibitors with the writers and editors they would most like to speak to, last year NSSF adopted a new format for the day.

“We asked participating exhibitors to give us their ‘wish list’ of media personnel they would like to see,” said Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice presi-dent and chief marketing officer. “The morning ses-sion is now by invitation only, for that select group. The afternoon session is open to other pre-qualified members of the media—people who generate edito-rial. The new format cuts down on long lines and wait time. It’s all about the quality of the experience for both the exhibitors and the media attendees.”

“Media Day at the Range, from my perspective and the comments of annual attendees, is getting better and better each year,” said Glenn Sapir, NSSF director of editorial services. “What we strive to do is provide an opportunity for exhibiting personnel and media to talk about what’s new, for the communica-tors to actually use the new products, and for the media to photograph and video the products close-up and in use. And we keep striving to provide this opportunity in the most organized and safe manner.”

To provide exhibitors with that same up-close-and-personal experience with select buyers, this year NSSF added “Buyer Day at the Range.” Held today, also at the Boulder City Pistol & Rifle Range, the event is invitation-only, with the guest list based on exhibitor input.

The event will feature hands-on workshops to assist attendees with their buying decisions. “They may not otherwise have the opportunity to try the product and ask questions of the manufacturers’ reps at the same time,” Dolnack said. “We regret we cannot accommodate everyone, but we will evaluate this first event and possibly expand it.”

For information about next year’s Buyer Day, contact Chris Dolnack, [email protected]. For next year’s Media Day, contact Bill Brassard, [email protected].

NSSF’s range days give journalists and retail buyers hands-on experience.


F E AT U R E

The Hunter’s ApprenticeNSSF Families Afield has produced 1 million new hunters By Robert F. Staeger

A t the turn of the last century, the question was on everyone’s lips: Where are the next genera-tion of hunters coming from? Research was showing that youngsters tend to continue with the hobbies they choose early in life, but in most states, hunting wasn’t even an option for

kids until they were older. If their recreational habits weren’t etched in stone, it was at least rapidly drying cement. So in 2004, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, along with the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance and the National Wild Turkey Federation, created Families Afield to help address the issue.

The purpose of Families Afield is to break down barriers in state hunt-ing regulations, allowing parents to decide for themselves when to allow their children to go hunting.

“Really, the key to recruitment and retention of new hunters and shooters is access,” says NSSF senior vice president and chief mar-keting officer Chris Dolnack. “Access and opportunity.” Families Afield provides both, giving pro-spective hunters a chance to get a

feel for the sport before committing to a hunter-safety course.

“It’s a try-before-you-buy pro-gram,” says Melissa Schilling, NSSF’s director of recruitment and retention. “You can buy an appren-tice license and go out on a men-tored hunt with a licensed hunter, and see if hunting is for you.”

The program has proven extremely popular. To date, 35 states have adopted Families Afield legislation, and in the nine years of the program’s

existence, it’s created more than 1 million new hunters. One million apprentice licenses have been sold in the Families Afield states—and that doesn’t even count the handful of states that don’t track such numbers.

“We’re very excited about the 1 million marker,” says Schilling. “It’s a huge impact, and it’s just going to continue to grow. As far as recruit-ment efforts go, it’s an excellent example of how a program should look and be structured.”

In recent years, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and the National Rifle Association have joined the effort. “It’s grassroots,” says Schilling. “It’s important, of course, to get the state fish and wildlife agencies behind the effort, as well as other hunting organiza-tions at the local level.”

But making a lasting change can be quite a long process. “It’s a lot of footwork on the grassroots level,” she says. “We actually just created a video that we’re going to have states use to see the progress of the pro-gram over the past several years.”

There are a number of compelling reasons for states to sign on. One is economic. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife survey estimates that the average economic impact of a hunter to the shooting-sports industry is $17,120.

“And that’s just in firearms, ammunition, optics, clothing—all the core equipment you’d need to go hunting,” says Dolnack.

It doesn’t include the economic impact hunters have on local econo-mies in other areas as they pursue their sport, and it doesn’t include the multiplier effect, as that $17,000 becomes profit and salary and is spent and re-spent. But even so, the number is impressive, considering the number of participants in Families Afield.

“It’s $17,120 times a million,” Dolnack says.

A second reason for states to enact Families Afield legislation is that apprentice hunters are demonstrably safer. “The safety rate is actually five times safer than the general hunting population,” says Schilling. “When an apprentice hunter goes out into the field with a licensed hunter, the rate of safety has been shown to rise. They’re always the safest hunt-ers out there.”

Dolnack has a theory for why that is. “I would liken it to a teenage driver with a learner’s permit with a parent in the passenger seat, as com-pared to someone who doesn’t have an authority in the passenger seat,” he says. “In a lot of the states, apprentice hunters aren’t even per-mitted to carry a firearm. The men-tor has to carry the firearm, and once they’re in position, the appren-tice can take possession of it. It’s a matter of direct supervision. They’re trying to demonstrate that they have the maturity and responsibility.”

Families Afield has broadened from

its initial mission statement of intro-ducing youth to hunting, however. A significant contributor to the 1 mil-lion apprentice hunter licenses sold has been the recent broadening of Families Afield legislation to include adult apprentice hunters as well. In 2011, for instance, there were more than 52,000 apprentice licenses sold to adults. That accounts for about 35 percent of the apprentice licenses sold in Families Afield states.

“It makes a lot of sense if you think about it,” says Dolnack. “You can take a youngster out hunting, and let’s say he or she likes it. They’re still dependent on an adult to take them again. If you take an adult hunting—whether it be a coworker, a relative, or a wife, girlfriend, boy-friend, or husband—presumably they have a job, and the means and wherewithal that if they like hunting, they can go take a hunter safety class and they can get a hunting license and buy the equipment.”

Pennsylvania and North Carolina are the most recent states to add adult access to apprentice licenses, says Schilling. “An apprentice license holder could be eight years old or 80. It’s opening the doors for anyone who wants to try hunting and see if they want to take the next step.”

That next step is hunter-education classes, and Families Afield has an excellent track record there, too. A Minnesota DNR survey indicates that 50 percent of apprentice hunt-ers go on to enroll in hunter-educa-tion courses. And only 24 percent of the Minnesota apprentices said that they would have hunted had the apprentice hunting license not been available. That’s a 76 percent pick-up, a pretty impressive figure that proves that Families Afield is really opening the doors for new hunters.

That same Minnesota survey sug-gests that at least some of those new hunters are coming from new popu-lations, too. “The apprentice license recruits women at a rate that is near-ly three times higher than occurs with regular hunting licenses,” says Schilling. “That was something we were really pleased to see, that Families Afield is creating that.” In addition, the apprentice license recruits urban and suburban folks at a 50 percent higher rate than occurs with regular hunting licenses, as well.

Looking forward, the Families Afield program is making a two-pronged effort to expand. “We’re continuing to look at the Western states to implement Families Afield in general,” says Schilling, to lower the barriers to youth hunting. “We’ll also revisit some of the states that have already implemented Families Afield legislation, in order to include the adult apprentice opportunity. That is going to be our heavy focus.”

With 1 million apprentice hunter licenses already sold, the momen-tum for expansion is clearly there.

According to the number of apprentice licenses sold, Families Afield has recruited more than 1 million new hunters. This amazing feat was accomplished one hunter at a time, through individual mentoring.

F E AT U R E

NSSF Goes LocalHunting Works for America works for you By David Draper

F ormer speaker of the house Tip O’Neill once famously quipped, “All pol-itics are local,” a sentiment that accurately defines just exactly what the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Hunting Works for America ini-tiative is all about. The award-winning program was developed in 2010 to align sportsmen and sporting organizations with the many businesses and workers, both inside and outside the industry, whose livelihood depends on hunting and the dollars hunting infuses into local economies.

“Local businesses, chambers of commerce, and state and county tourism and convention and visi-tors bureaus know how important hunters are to their businesses and communities,” says Chris Dolnack, NSSF’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “I’m not just talking about sporting goods stores or your local gun shop owners. I’m talking about gas stations, resorts, hotels, restaurants, convenience stores, grocery stores, repair shops, and countless other business-es that know that when they see hunter orange, they’re going to get a little hunter green. As hunters, we like to support businesses that sup-port us and our sport. Hunting Works for America is one way that hunters and businesses can support each other.”

In the seven states where Hunting Works for America chapters have been formed, more than 700 member-organizations representing thou-sands of business owners and employees monitor public poli-cy decisions and weigh in on hunting-related issues that affect their respective local economies. They facilitate important public policy dialogue and tell the story of how America’s hunting heritage positively affects conservation, jobs, and the economy across the United States. “Hunters contribute locally, and their spending at convenience stores, roadside diners, sporting goods stores, hotels, and hardware and clothing stores has an absolutely astounding ripple effect on local economies and jobs across America,” says Dolnack. “Hunting Works for America provides local businesses that depend on hunting for their livelihood with a voice on issues that impact hunting and hunting participation. Legislators and regulators expect the NSSF to advocate on behalf of our members. That’s a major part of what we do. But when you enlist up to 100 busi-nesses that have an economic stake in hunting

issues, even though they are not directly involved in our industry, it sends a powerful message.”

Dolnack and the NSSF have seen firsthand the impact HWFA chapters have had on local issues. Hunting Works for Iowa was instrumental in defeating a ban on traditional ammunition for dove hunting that would have negatively impacted par-ticipation and local rural economies. In Arizona, the Hunting Works for America chapter members submitted letters to media outlets and made calls to their congressional members when a ban on recreational shooting in the Sonoran National Monument Area was proposed, ensuring the ban would be overturned.

“These actions helped maintain the economic lifeblood that hunting provides to local busi-

nesses,” he says.As local organizations notice how a unified voice delivered by HWFA

chapters can influence local, state, and even national policies, more and more are getting on board.

Most recently, Pennsylvania and Utah—two states with rich and sto-

ried outdoors heritages—have formed state chapters. In states where HWFA is

firmly established—including Arizona, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, and North Dakota—orga-

nizations and businesses are joining up to ensure the voice of hunters and those who depend on hunter dollars are heard at all levels of govern-ment. All indications are that, as Speaker O’Neill implied, even top-level politics affect Main Street, especially when it comes to the economy.

“We started this program to help connect the dots on the economics behind hunting,” says Dolnack. “Not only is hunting beneficial to the hunter, it’s beneficial to everyone, hunter and non-hunter alike. Hunting is a key driver in conserva-tion efforts and economic activity, and Hunting Works for America has been a great success in spreading that message.”

The economic impact of hunters and shoot-ers goes far beyond transactions around the gun case. Hunting Works for America highlights the impor-tance of the shooting sports to the economy at every level.


INTERVIEWFive Years of Growth

An interview with NSSF president Steve Sanetti By Brian McCombie

S ince 2008, Steve Sanetti has been the president and CEO of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). A self-described “gun nut” who loves shooting and hunting, Sanetti, 64, came to NSSF after 28 years at Sturm, Ruger, and Company, where he served in numerous positions, including president, vice chairman, chief operating officer, and gen-eral counsel. Sanetti took some time recently to talk with SHOT Daily about NSSF’s growth curve.

SHOT Daily: NSSF has expanded in so many ways over the past five years. If you had to start with one growth area, what would it be?

Steve Sanetti: Our big stretch goal was to increase participation in hunting and the shooting sports by 20 percent by 2014. [Editor’s Note: A goal set by the Task Force 20/20 initiative follow-ing the 2008 Shooting Sports Summit.] Frankly, we thought that was pretty near impossible five years ago, a time when the entire industry was bemoaning the downward trend in hunting license sales and the general lack of new partici-pants. What a difference five years have made!

Beginning with the election of Barack Obama, sales shot upward, and have remained there, featur-ing 38 consecutive months of month-over-month growth. And our retailer surveys show that this was not only due to repeat purchases, but also by a mass influx of new people interested in personal protection, home defense, hunting, and recreation-al shooting. By all indications, most of the shoot-ing sports have had at least a 20 percent growth in participation, a phenomenon not seen in any com-parable five-year period in recent history.

SD: That tremendous surge in firearm and ammuni-tion sales has also spurred a lot of interest in firearms instruction and safety training?

SS: Definitely. One outgrowth of that upsurge is the phenomenal success of our First Shots pro-gram, which was intended to give prospective new shooters an introduction to firearms and their safe handling, and to encourage them to join our ranks.

I’m proud to say that this program has succeed-ed beyond all our expectations. First Shots Big City Tour events are always sold out, and most of the attendees are women who wish to satisfy their curiosity about firearms under the watchful eye of a trained, non-threatening instructor.

SD: First Shots is also a boost to the host retailers and ranges, correct?

SS: It’s been great for the participating retailers and ranges where these events are held, as more than 43 percent of First Shot participants return to these locations an average of six times within the following six months. Some of these returnees make purchases, some take formal firearms safety courses, while others begin the process to obtain their hunting license.

SD: As someone who’s constantly on the Internet, I can’t help but notice that NSSF has really beefed up its website and Facebook presence.

SS: Social media have grown by leaps and bounds during the last five years, and we have exponentially expanded our successful efforts in this area as well. “Pull the Trigger,” our monthly e-newsletter, now consists of hundreds of video clips available on our website, with all sorts of suggestions and tips to get beginners started. Our Wheretohunt.org, Wheretoshoot.org, and Wingshootingusa.org web-sites offer prospective hunters and shooters literally thousands of places where recreational shooting and hunting opportunities exist near whatever loca-tion they select, increasing access and opportunities to get out and go shooting and hunting.

SD: We can’t discuss NSSF growth without men-tioning all the great changes that have occurred with the SHOT Show.

SS: The SHOT Show has grown to be the 13th largest trade show in North America. We have listened to exhibitors and attendees alike and have not simply expanded for the sake of mere growth. In fact, we have slightly downsized the show in order to focus on its original purpose, discourag-ing attendance by would-be exhibitors and pro-spective non-trade attendees who fall outside the boundaries of our core hunting, shooting sports, and personal protection offerings.

SD: SHOT’s educational opportunities seem to keep expanding, too.

SS: There are an unprecedented number of edu-cational and networking seminars for our industry available only at the SHOT show. And, we have lis-

tened to those in the outdoor media who wished to report new product developments to the eager dev-otees of the shooting sports by expanding Media Day at the Range. For the first time, in 2014 there will also be a Buyers’ Day at the Range.

SD: NSSF is taking more and more of the SHOT Show administration in-house, in order to make sure it is constantly improving.

SS: We are going to make sure the SHOT Show remains the one show all industry members abso-lutely want and need to attend in order to kick off another successful year.

SD: Politically speaking, what is NSSF’s role in defending our industry?

SS: Our government relations efforts have taken on a far more significant role in protecting the entire industry from legislative and regulatory threats at the federal, state, and local level. These threats, sadly, weren’t even dreamed of by the worst pessimists in our industry five years ago. We have an administration that has taken positions overtly hostile to our industry and the lawful man-ufacture, sale, ownership, and use of our products.

And since the terrible tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, we have seen a number of states enact ineffective and draconian gun-control legis-lation, aided and abetted by politicians who have said the most outrageously erroneous things about us. They’ve been frequently helped by an equally—and, unfortunately, I have to say, willful-ly—misinformed mass media, which uncritically accepts virtually everything that maligns firearms and their owners. We’ve repeatedly publicized that firearms accidents and crime have decreased dramatically, even as the number of firearms and their owners have surged upward.

SD: What can NSSF do about these realities?

SS: We have greatly expanded our efforts to thwart such ill-conceived attacks, opening an office on Capitol Hill and forming a Political Action Committee. We have enhanced our programs intended to help prevent unauthorized access to firearms by unauthorized persons. We have also appeared in the mainstream media on many pro-grams discussing the effects of gun control upon our industry. With all that work, it’s rewarding to see the favorable public-opinion polls, which, again and again, indicate we are having a significant impact in restoring the legitimate place which fire-arms hold for the American way of life—and for a significant portion of the American public.

In the five years since the 2008 Shooting Sports Summit, the industry has seen a remarkable uptick in its participation rates.


F E AT U R E

NSSF Files Legal Challenges to State Gun-Control LawsPutting the courts to work in protecting hunt-ing and the shooting sports By Shane Townsend

T he National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) was chartered in 1961 to promote a better understanding of and a greater participation in hunting and the shooting sports. Some 52 years later, the mission has evolved to include the promotion, protection, and preservation of those same traditions, something perhaps unforeseen by NSSF founding mem-

bers. Today, NSSF helps fulfill that mission through a variety of means, including a government relations team that educates elected officials, agency representatives, and other government bodies about industry issues to ensure the interests of NSSF mem-bers are well represented and supported at the federal and state level; a Political Action Committee (PAC) that supports the election and re-election of candidates to the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate who respect the firearms and ammunition industry and America’s hunting and the shooting sports heritage and will advance NSSF’s government relations priorities (nssfpac.org); and a legal team that constantly monitors and defends against unlawful infringements on the rights of its members to hunt, target shoot, and defend themselves, as well as freely engage in the lawful commerce of firearms—their business and their livelihood.

In recent years, NSSF has taken on an ATF firearms tracking mandate targeting federal fire-arms licensees in the Southwest border states; fought efforts by anti-hunting extremists to ban traditional ammunition made of lead compo-nents; supported a challenge to the federal minimum- age requirement to purchase hand-guns; and supported a longstanding gun-rights struggle in Chicago.

Now, NSSF is taking on controversial state and local gun-control laws spawned by the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy. According to Jeffrey Yue, NSSF associate gen-eral counsel, “The NSSF is cur-rently involved in legal battles in Connecticut, Colorado, Maryland, California, and New York, and is looking into pursu-ing other possible lawsuits chal-lenging newly enacted gun- control laws that burden its

retailer members and have zero impact on reducing gun violence or making our communities safer.”

Connecticut: A challenge based on procedure and democratic process➤ On July 8, 2013, the NSSF filed a lawsuit in Connecticut federal court against Governor Dannel Malloy, House Speaker Brendan Sharkey, Senate President Donald Williams Jr., and other state officials. The lawsuit alleged that the manner

in which SB 1160 was enacted was “an abuse of the ‘emergen-cy certification’ procedure, cir-cumvention of the normal legis-lative process, and violation of Connecticut statutory law.”

Senate Bill 1160 was filed in the Connecticut state Senate on April 3, 2013. The following

day Governor Malloy signed it into law as one of the strictest gun-control laws in the country. The law, in part, restricts long guns and handguns and magazines with a capacity of 10 or more rounds, establishes a deadly weapon offender registry, and requires an ammunition certificate or other gun credential when buying ammunition. The bill was fast-tracked by way of the state’s special “emer-gency certification” process, which allows consid-eration of a bill without a public hearing. That emergency certification, says NSSF, was invalid.

In a July 10, 2013, interview on the Sportsman Channel, Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF assistant sec-retary, senior vice president and general counsel, said that the emergency certification process requires a Statement of Fact that explains the emer-gency and why the normal democratic process was not required; the legislature never filed the required Statement of Fact. On this basis, the NSSF lawsuit sought a judgment declaring SB 1160 invalid and an injunction against its enforcement.

The court, however, ruled that NSSF did not have legal standing to challenge the improperly enacted gun- control measure. NSSF is reviewing the ruling and evaluating its legal options.

Colorado: A challenge based on Constitutional rights➤ On May 17, 2013, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, 54 Colorado sheriffs, and more than a dozen others filed a lawsuit against Gov. John Hickenlooper in Colorado federal court. Two March 2013 gun-control laws are in question: House Bill 13-1229, which most notably requires universal background checks with the transfer of firearms, including private transfers; and House Bill 13-1224, which prohibits the sale, transfer, or possession of magazines with more than 15 rounds and requires identification mark-ings on all large-capacity magazines manufactured in Colorado after July 1, 2013.

The lawsuit challenges HB 1224 and HB 1229 as unconstitutional under the Second and Fourteenth Amendments and charges that the laws violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and place insurmountable difficulties upon the sheriffs who must enforce them. And, says Yue, “The new gun-control laws are vague and provide little to no guid-ance on what is or is not permitted, yet firearm retailers must somehow comply with the new laws.”

NSSF and the other plaintiffs are seeking an injunction prohibiting the enforcement of HB 1224 and HB 1229 on the premise that the laws “severely restrict citizens’ rights to own, use, manufacture, sell, or transfer firearms and fire-arms accessories.”

The National Shooting Sports Foundation faces a divisive gun-rights debate that is creating a cultural disunion of the American people. NSSF’s education and outreach efforts will help promote safe participation in the shooting traditions and encourage discussions. Political participation will help shape national firearms dialogue and, ulti-mately, gun policy. But, litigation is part and par-cel of governance in America, so, the courtroom will play no small part in determining NSSF’s success as it works to promote, protect, and pre-serve hunting and the shooting sports. NSSF is preparing itself, and according to Keane, further legal action is being considered.

NSSF has been working diligently to oppose and overturn the recent spate of state-level gun- control laws, challenging them in the courtroom on both procedural and Constitutional grounds.

F E AT U R E

Spreading the Word, DigitallyBadlands relies on social media to build customer loyalty By Slaton L. White

L ast summer hunting pack manufacturer Badlands, based in Jordan, Utah, launched a redesigned website. The guiding idea for the new site, according to marketing director Blake VanTussenbrook, “was

to make it user-friendly, visually pleasing, and basically the best thing since sliced bread—or internal-frame hunting packs. We completely revamped the feel of the site by lightening it up, adding more visually stunning imag-es, and offering more information about the products.”

VanTussenbrook believes the site is the best way Badlands can show the consumer that it is committed to providing first-class products and customer service. “It is important for us to pro-vide a seamless avenue for customers to order directly from the website,” he says. “We are con-tinually improving the buying experience by add-ing additional pictures, videos, user manuals—essentially, anything possible to educate the con-sumer about the product line. We also made it a point to highlight the technology and innovation that Badlands is using in our packs, apparel, and accessory lines. Visitors to the website will see icons throughout the site that will educate them about the cutting-edge technologies and top-of-the-line materials we use in all of our products.”

But the manufacturer’s efforts in this arena

move past the company’s website to embrace all forms of social media.

“The social media boat has been at sea for several years now, and if you aren’t on it, you are missing out on opportunities to not only be seen worldwide but opportunities to educate, interact, and have fun in general. Badlands currently has solid followings on all the major social media sites. We use our Facebook page as our main source of social media interaction, and it has been very fulfilling to have an avenue in which we can interact in almost real time with fans, customers, buyers, retailers, and potential consumers who are still shopping for the gear that will best work for them. It is also important to us to show the users of the equipment that we value them as customers and we genuinely love to see our gear out in the field where it is meant to be used and

abused. Our favorite thing about social media is being able to post pictures of people out doing what they love most. If the legendary red bull skull [Badlands’ company logo] pokes his head out, then all the better!”

It’s no secret that many retailers in the shooting sports/hunting industry are woefully behind the curve when it comes to using all the tools of social media to reach their customers. VanTussenbrook says that more retailers need to embrace social media.

“Social media involvement is only a must if your goal is to do everything in your power to succeed and grow,” he says. “Badlands makes a practice of doing a Facebook shout-out to all the new dealers we set up. I am continually amazed at the number of shops I try to link to in my shout-outs that don’t have a Facebook page. This is a wonderful and valuable opportunity to reach out to the world and tell them why you are the best. We firmly believe that we are the best at what we do and we want the world to know that on a daily basis. Why wouldn’t everyone in the industry want to take advantage of that opportunity, as well? The wonderful thing about social media is that all it takes is an Internet connection, some time, and a little creativity. We run contests, post blogs, answer questions, post pictures, and link to other sites we enjoy or work with. The possibilities are endless. It is imperative that you find a way to connect to your audience, because if you aren’t sincere or bringing something enjoyable or of worth to the table, the followers won’t come. The key is to be consistent, be inter-active, show people you care about your product, and perhaps most importantly, work with other sites and pages to drive traffic back and forth. We are in an age of ‘link clicking’ because it is so con-venient. Why not have your links out there in as many places as possible?”

VanTussenbrook says that the company’s invest-ment in social media has really paid off because it has helped Badlands build brand awareness and customer loyalty. “Badlands is coming into its 20th year, and it is continually recognized as the leader in hunting pack technology,” he says. “How did we build that awareness? It started by continually producing the best product available and showing the consumers that we care about their well-being and their feedback. As the age of social media has progressed, it has opened up new opportunities for brand awareness.”

“The key to social media is to have fun with it, tell people why you are the best at what you do, and enjoy the experience. Only when all of those items come together will you see an increase in customer loyalty. Take care of the customers and they will take care of you.” Booth #10119. (800-269-1875; badlandspacks.com)

Badlands packs are prized for

design quality, as well as their ability to with-

stand hard use.


F E AT U R E

The Gerber 39 Series Pocket Knife (top) and the 39 Series Sheath Folder (bottom) are made of 420HC steel. Both feature smooth and sleek

nickel-plated handles.

A Big MilestoneGerber celebrates 75 years by focusing on the future By Christopher Cogley

T his year marks the 75th anniversary of Gerber Legendary Blades. And while there will definitely be some celebrations associated with this impressive milestone, don’t expect an overload of nostalgia and a big retrospective.

“2014 is an opportunity to showcase the rich heritage of our company, and we’re not going to spend the year talking too much about the past,” says Joe Mattson, Gerber senior brand manager. “The foundation of Gerber is American-made innovation. What we’re thinking about today is what the next 75 years are going to look like. We’re also asking what we’re doing to honor our roots by continuing that tradition.”

One thing Gerber is doing is releasing the new 39 Series of knives that are designed to pay trib-ute to 1939—the year Gerber was founded. The knives in the line carry a classic, elegant, no-frills look that gives them a distinctive 1939 feel, but they’re crafted with the materials and expertise that Gerber has spent 75 years developing.

The 39 Series Sheath Folder and the 39 Series Pocket Knife are both made of 420HC steel with a nickel-plated zinc handle that’s smooth and sleek. The Sheath Folder has a 3-inch blade with dual thumbstuds and comes with a tradi-tional leather sheath, while the Pocket Knife has a 2.8-inch blade with a classic nail nick for opening.

“As we developed the 39 Series, we did so not as a single 75th anniversary set but as a greater collection that will evolve and build over time,” Mattson says. “Our vision is an array of timeless

products that honor Gerber’s deep American-made heritage while pointing to our bright future ahead.”

Mattson says that the company is hosting a 75th anniversary celebration during the SHOT Show; another event will occur later in the year at the company’s Portland headquarters. But other than that, the coming year is about focus-ing on where the company is going rather than where it’s been.

“As an American brand and leader in the indus-try for 75 years now, we are incredibly proud of where we’ve come from, and ever-grateful to those who have been a part of this journey along the way,” Mattson says. “As we celebrate that her-itage, our focus is on the future as we continue to evolve from a knife and tool company into a glob-al gear manufacturer.”

As that evolution occurs, there will undoubtedly be much about the company that will change, but Mattson says there are some things that will remain constant.

“The tenets on which Gerber was founded—innovation, quality, and reliability—will always remain the core of our business model and will continue to drive the brand for the next 75 years and beyond.” Booth #13614. (800-950-6161; gerbergear.com)

The Ultimate Product TestOklahoma tornado shows Crimson Trace knows how to build a tough product

W hen a powerful tornado (rated by the National Weather Service as an EF-4, with winds up to 200 mph) ripped through central

Oklahoma in May 2013, homeowner Pat Brand lost everything. He huddled along with 10 neigh-bors in a protective underground shelter as the violent storm roared overhead. When he emerged after the tornado passed, his home, truck, and a Smith &Wesson handgun that was equipped with Crimson Trace Lasergrips were nowhere to be seen.

“When I came out of that shelter, I was shocked to see everything I owned was completely gone,” Brand says. “All I had then were the clothes and boots I wore when I went into that shelter.”

That handgun—a S&W M&P chambered for .40 S&W—was later found more than 600 yards away. The gun was so coated in mud that it was initially hard to recognize it as a handgun. The neighbor who discovered the pistol returned it to Brand, who then took the firearm to a local gun shop for cleaning. There gunsmiths began the cleaning process and were amazed to see the Crimson Trace Lasergrips activate when they grasped the firearm. The gun—and the Crimson Trace Lasergrips with Instinctive Activation—had not only survived the powerful tornado, but also nearly a week outdoors in the rain and mud. Both passed the gun shop’s inspection and were deter-mined to be fully functional.

“Our products are tested in extreme conditions, including intense range testing, before they become a part of the Crimson Trace family,” says Fred Karl, Crimson Trace product development manager. “This is one test that we wished never happened, but surviving this terrible event only tells us we are developing the best product for the extremes of everyday carry and the tough con-ditions.” Booth #16731. (800-442-2406; crimsontrace.com)

Pat Brand displays his Smith & Wesson M&P with Crimson Trace Lasergrips. The pistol and sighting system took a beating during an Oklahoma tornado.

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The Rodeo ConnectionWeatherby spokesperson Dallas Beshears is the real deal By David Draper

I t’s been a pretty big year for cowgirl and competitive shooter Dallas Beshears, who spent 2013 serving as both the Brownells/NRA National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassador for the National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) and a spokesperson for Weatherby’s fundraising program supporting NHSRA scholar-ships. The 18-year-old college student from Gilbert, Arizona, traveled across the U.S. promoting rodeo and the shooting sports to hundreds of young people.

Beshears kicked off the year with her very first visit to the SHOT Show last January, where she discovered just how welcoming the shooting frater-nity can be.

“The SHOT Show was one of the best things I’ve ever been able to attend,” says Beshears. “Everybody is so inviting. They love to share their experiences and are all so willing to help you succeed. Nobody is selfish. It’s all about helping others.”

One of those that helped Beshears make the tran-sition from high-school rodeo star to industry up-and-comer was competitive shooter and Weatherby teammate Jessie Duff. The two hit it off on a hog hunt near Weatherby’s headquarters in Paso Robles this past summer, where Duff eased Beshears through a slight bout of stage fright when filming for Weatherby’s television and promotional assets.

“It was a new experience for me to be filmed, and

the one-on-one interviews were scary at first,” says Beshears. “It was nice having Jessie there. She helped me a lot with that. Just watching her, and being on a hunt with her, I learned so much. She is one of the nicest people I have met in my life, and we still talk all the time.”

Building strong relationships, along with empha-sizing the importance of family, is what initially drew Beshears to work with Weatherby. The California gun manufacturer was already well known among the rodeo circuit Beshears competed in growing up, thanks to the company’s ongoing support of the NHSRA. Since 2001, Weatherby has helped raise more than $1 million for NHSRA scholarships by donating custom-made, limited edi-tion Mark V rifles as well as Vanguard rifles, which are raffled off by the NHSRA.

“I’m excited to represent Weatherby and help with NHSRA scholarships,” says Beshears. “I’m very big into family and Weatherby is all about family. It’s amazing to be welcomed into that com-pany. They are always so inviting and give you that family feel.”

Shooting, hunting, and rodeo have always been family affairs for Beshears, whose father, Charles, first took Dallas out shooting when she was just 5 or 6 years old. “We’d go shoot in the forest and in the desert near our home,” says Beshears. “It was a family thing we did and I always enjoyed it.”

Beshears took that early shooting experience and built on it, going on to win regional champi-onships in light rifle and trap and competing in both events at the 2012 National High School Finals Rodeo. She’s also made it her mission to educate the younger generation about the shoot-ing sports, emphasizing that girls are just as wel-come into the family.

“I think it’s kind of my duty,” says Beshears, about her role as a youth shooting sports ambassa-dor. “It’s something I love, and I need to preserve it. That’s exactly what I’m trying to do.” Booth #12729. (800-227-2016; weatherby.com)

College student/cowgirl/competitive shooter Dallas Beshears is serving double-duty, both as the Brownells/NRA National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassador for the National High School Rodeo Association, and as a Weatherby spokesperson, with whom she also raises money for NHSRA scholarships.


F E AT U R E

Meopta Aims HighPremium quality, affordable prices are helping to establish this import optics manufacturer By Slaton L. White

W hen retailers begin stocking Meopta’s new MeoStar R2 riflescopes, they’ll notice a new wrinkle; the first scope in this new product line—the 30mm MeoStar 1–6x24 RD—is also the manufacturer’s first scope with a 6X zoom ratio. For hunters more accustomed to 3X to 9X zoom scopes, the

new configuration may take some getting used to, but according to Reinhard Seipp, general manager and COO of Meopta USA, the 6X offers a lot of advantages.

“The advantage of a 6X zoom is the wider field of view when the scope is on its lowest power,” he says. “This is espe-cially important when hunting dangerous game, such as Cape buffalo, but it’s also beneficial when hunting wild hogs in thick cover. And, at its highest power, the detail is extremely sharp. It truly provides the best of both worlds, and hunters today like that versatility.”

Seipp believes the MeoStar R2 1–6x24 RD provides many other significant advantages to the hunter as well.

“It has a true 1X magnifica-tion, a wide field of view, and exceptional edge-to-edge clari-ty,” he says. “We have a new, proprietary lens coating in the R2 series called MeoLux. This advanced technology, combined with premium Schott glass lenses and our expert design, enables 99.8 percent light transmission per glass surface, resulting in 95 percent transmission through the entire scope. Put simply, this allows hunters to see better and hunt longer. We know how important it is to be able to make a safe, lethal shot in the lowest light of morning and into the last light of evening—I’ve been in this situation myself—and our scopes are designed for this.”

Another strong selling point of the scope, Seipp says, is a pair of red-dot reticle options, both of which can be easily seen in

bright sunlight. “The reticles allow for very fast target acqui-sition, which is, again, a great benefit when hunting dangerous game. But they also help a deer hunter take that buck of a life-time, which typically gives you just seconds to take the shot.”

The new RD8 illumination system features eight levels of reticle intensity. “In this manner, the brightness level of the red dot can be adjusted to accom-modate ever-changing light and weather conditions in the field, from the brightest sunshine and snow to the dimmest light,” he says. “A low-profile third turret controls the illumination setting by simply turning it forward to increase brightness and back toward you to reduce the bright-ness level. We also offer two extremely popular red-dot reti-cle options in this 1–6x24—the K-Dot 2 or 4C-RD.”

Meopta has really put itself on the map the past couple of years, winning, among other honors, a Best of the Best Award from Field & Stream. Along the way the manufactur-er has developed a reputation for offering hunters superior “European” glass at an afford-able price. Indeed, the quality is so good, consumers may won-der how the company can get that quality at the asking price.

“When we introduced the Meopta brand to the United States in 2006, we opted to

focus on the product, not the brand,” Seipp says. “We have invested in research, advanced design, and new technologies, such as MeoLux, instead of big marketing campaigns. Sourcing low-cost components from Asia and using the margins to mar-ket would have built our brand faster, but we aimed for the premium segment and required premium product to get there. The downside of this strategy is that one cannot ask a premium price until the brand position-ing and recognition is estab-lished. I am sure our products will become more expensive as we grow, but we aim to provide good value and performance.”

One program that has really helped build consumer aware-ness is Meopta’s partnership with Cabela’s.

“Our strong partnership with Cabela’s—we manufacture their Euro riflescopes and binocu-lars—coupled with our own increased communications efforts are helping to increase brand awareness,” Seipp says.

He does admit, however, that much of this increase in brand awareness has been more of a grassroots effect. “Hunters try our optics. They are pleased with the performance, and then they go tell their friends.”

Word of mouth is truly the way to go. SRP: $1,595. Booth #3544. (800-828-8928; meoptasportsoptics.com)

The MeoStar 1–6x24 RD is Meopta’s first scope with a 6X zoom ratio. The new ratio offers a

wider field of view when on lower power.

Swiss Army Fuses Brands

F or generations, the familiar red handle and inlaid Swiss cross have been an icon-ic symbol for anyone who has carried a pocketknife. But because Victorinox and

Wenger have both made these official Swiss Army knives, consumers and retailers have often been confused as to which brand was the genuine article. That confusion will finally become a thing of the past. Late last year, Victorinox and Wenger knives merged into one brand.

Technically, Wenger had been part of the Victorinox company for several years, but despite having the same owner, the two companies contin-ued to operate as separate brands, each maintain-ing its own identity and its own Swiss Army knives. But about a year ago, the owners decided that it would make sense to merge the two brands.

“Having two separate brands was creating a great deal of confusion for consumers, and that wasn’t helping either brand,” says René Stutz, president and CEO of Victorinox Swiss Army. “As a way to help eliminate that confusion, we are integrating the Wenger knife business into the Victorinox knife business. The Wenger brand will continue to exist in the watch, as well as the licensing business.”

When it comes to the iconic Swiss Army knives, however, starting in 2014, they will all carry the Victorinox name. “The biggest benefit is that we won’t be competing with each other anymore,” he says. “We can be much stronger together than we were as two separate companies, and we’ll actually be able to offer retailers a better assortment of prod-ucts than what they’re currently carrying.”

One aspect that won’t change, despite the merger, is the employees who design, create, and distribute the knives. “When we started discussing bringing the two companies together, the first order of busi-ness from our owners was that no one should lose his or her job,” Stutz says. “The Wenger company will be integrated into Victorinox as seamlessly as possible, and everyone who wants to stay on will continue to have a job—from our factories in Switzerland to our sales force across the U.S.”

And with the same employees paying the same kind of attention to the details that have made both Wenger and Victorinox trusted names in the knife industry, it’s a safe bet that while much will change in the coming months, one thing will remain constant—that same genuine Swiss Army knife that so many of us have carried will continue to be an iconic symbol for many generations to come. Booth #14202. (800-243-4032; swissarmy.com) —Christopher Cogley

Victorinox and Wenger, mak-ers of the iconic Swiss Army Knife, are now one company.


F E AT U R E

The Future Is NowRemington breaks new high-tech ground By Brian McCombie

F ew firearms deserve to be called “traditional” more so than the Model 870 shotgun and the Model 700 centerfire rifle. Both firearms, of course, are flagship brands of Remington Arms Company and have been counted on by generations of hunters, recreational shooters, and law-enforcement personnel for their solid, traditional functionality. But Remington is also a major firearms innovator, and it’s that drive toward the new and the improved that has Remington once again at the forefront of firearms technology with its newest offering—a rifle system packaged with the Remington 2020 Networked Tracking Scope.

The new package came out last September and pairs up three rifles with the digital, computerized Networked Tracking Scope made in conjunction with Tracking Point, a technology company based in Austin, Texas. The rifles are the Remington Model 700 Long Range in .30/06, the Remington Model 700 SPS Tactical in .308, and a Bushmaster Varminter in .223 Rem. (Bushmaster is now owned by the Freedom Group family of compa-nies, Remington’s corporate parent.) More rifle options will be made available in the future.

Remington claims that a shooter using the rifle and optic system can consistently make accurate shots out to 500 yards. I had a chance to use all three rifles, each outfitted with a Networked Tracking Scope, last summer during three days of shoot-ing and hunting in a variety of condi-tions, so I can state the claim is true.

Tagging the Target➤ At first glance, the Networked Tracking Scope seems right out of NASA. It contains a laser rangefind-er, sensors that determine air tem-perature and humidity, and gyro-scopes to judge the angle of the rifle. Your specific ammunition and its ballistics data is also programmed into the scope’s software. The shoot-er does need to enter the estimated wind speed and the direction of the wind, easily accomplished by using a directional lever atop the optic.

The optic also has 3X to 21X zoom capability. It also makes a

video record of all shots, and even has the Wi-Fi capability to live-stream video of what is being seen through the optic to a nearby iPad.

Looking through the optic, a shooter places the center white dot on the target. Then the shooter depresses the “TAG” button atop the optic housing; the optic “tags” the target, changing the white dot to a red dot. A number also pops up in your field of view; this is the range in yards to the target.

Once the target is tagged, the Tracking Point optic immedi-ately creates what Tracking Point design-ers call the “ballistic solution” to put your bullet on target. In essence, the optic has figured the range, the bullet drop, wind drift, and the other factors. All a shooter needs to do is place the center circle of the blue four-post reticle (this appears as soon as you tag) over the red dot. When the two align perfectly, the entire blue reticle changes to red, telling you it is time to pull the trig-ger.

Shooters can also use an “offset tag,” a technique many hunters will employ. Lining up the red tag dot with the reticle’s blue center circle is easy enough when the target is sta-tionary and you are firing from a solid rest. However, a deer foraging on acorns under an oak tree, for example, will be shifting around enough to make aligning the red

dot and blue circle very difficult. In this case, a hunter tags the animal anywhere, allowing the Networked Tracking Scope to figure the ballis-tic solution. Then the hunter aims with the reticle, firing when he or she has aligned the blue circle over the desired aiming point.

The optic can also be switched to the “Traditional” mode, which pro-vides a military-style reticle and the zoom function but not the ballistic solution. The Traditional function is well suited to close-in, quicker shots,

such as when doing drives or tracking wounded game.

I used the rifle sys-tem on a hunt in Texas, taking an axis deer at 240 yards and three hogs at distances from 60 to 144 yards. The rifle

and optic pairing worked as advertised,

especially when hunting from a steady shooting blind

or stand. The hog I took at 60 yards was done with the optic set on the Traditional mode—a black sow that suddenly popped out of heavy brush and presented a quick shot. It worked perfectly.

Helping Hand➤ So, how does a retailer sell this $5,000 wonder rifle? The sales pro-cess starts with a helping hand from Remington.

“We recognized that a system this unique was going to require some educational and support resources,

for both consumers and retailers,” says Alan Serven, Remington’s direc-tor of new technology. “So, one of the things we’ve done is to create a dedicated website for this system. The site has all sorts of easy-to-understand product information, plus a series of instructional videos. The videos, for example, will show you how to do everything from setting up the optic to making various adjust-ments to it. We think the videos will be especially educational and help-ful—for consumers and sales staff.”

You can access this dedicated web-site via Remington’s main site (remington.com). Remington will also supply its retailers with a four-page printed brochure detailing the system.

Given the digital nature of the Remington 2020 Networked Tracking Scope, a good sales tech-nique is to have an iPad on the sales counter, programmed with Wi-Fi and connected to the optic. Once the optic is activated, the scope can transmit a live video feed to the iPad. Use the iPad to instruct potential customers on what the scope’s red tag and blue reticle look like. Here, you might want to use a taxidermy mount at the other end of the store as a target. You can also use the iPad to point out the various data collection features of the optic.

As with any new product, a sales staff that has actually used the fire-arm is always a plus. Here, it may be a necessity, as the rifle and optic package represents a considerable investment. Booth #14229. (800-243-9700; remington.com)

Far left: The author with an axis deer taken at 240 yards with the Remington 2020. Near left: The author zeroes in on a hog using the 2020 system. Below: The blue reticle changes to red when the system locks on target.


F E AT U R E

Walther’s Big MoveWalther Arms Inc. takes over all aspects of Walther business in the U.S. By Christopher Cogley

Walther firearms have been well-known and well-used across the United States for decades, but until recently, the company, based in Arnsberg, Germany, didn’t have a corporate presence in the U.S. Instead, it part-nered with Smith & Wesson to handle the sales, distribution, and ser-vicing of all Walther firearms and accessories. All that changed on

May 1, 2013, when Walther Arms Inc.—the U.S. division of Walther that is headquar-tered in Fort Smith, Arkansas—officially took over all aspects of the U.S. business.

“We are extremely excited to offer the entire Walther line, including all aspects of market-ing, sales, distribution, and ser-vice,” says Adam Blalock, chief executive officer of Walther Arms. “We’re moving forward with plans to re-ignite the Walther brand, and this is another major step.”

The entire process began a year ago with the formation of Walther Arms Inc., in Fort Smith.

“Forming Walther Arms Inc. allowed the company to intensi-fy the focus on the U.S. fire-arms market with a dedicated team of sales, marketing, and product development profes-sionals in an ever-changing environment,” Blalock says.

With the transition of all aspects of the business over to Walther Arms Inc., Blalock says that retailers can expect more direct communication and per-sonalized attention as well as an increased focus on customer service. But it won’t just be the

retailers who will benefit from Walther’s increased presence in the U.S.

“The consumer will definitely have a stronger voice and closer connection to the company now,” Blalock says. “But the biggest benefit to the U.S. con-sumer will be product develop-ment that is focused on them, because now our dedicated staff will be able to gather more market information and react quicker to meet the needs of our U.S. customers.”

Walther and Smith & Wesson will maintain a strong

strategic partnership on several fronts. Smith & Wesson will continue to manufacture the PPK for Walther Arms Inc., and Carl Walther will continue to manufacture the M&P22 for Smith & Wesson, but the day-to-day operations will all be handled by Walther Arms Inc.

“Walther is extremely excited about having a more prominent presence in the U.S. firearms market. Walther has been a well-known worldwide brand for more than 130 years, and this new entity will only enhance the brand and make it stronger in the U.S. market,” Blalock says. “With the boom in the firearms industry as a whole, and with our strong presence in Fort Smith, we don’t see any limits in expanding our product lines and brand equity in the U.S. and worldwide.”

And there are plenty of U.S. fans who would definitely like to see that. Booth #14745. (479-242-8500; walther arms.com)

In addition to an exten-sive line of centerfire and rimfire pistols, Walther also manufac-tures a wide assort-ment of licensed prod-ucts. Examples from the tactical rimfire divi-sion include the H&K 416 D145RS (top) and the Colt M4 carbine (bottom). The Uzi semi-auto pistol is also available in .22 (below). All of these products are designed and made in Germany.Founded in 2005, Sitka Gear brings

the technology and design of climbing and mountaineering wear into the hunting market. And while Sitka’s original clothing was designed for high-country deer and elk hunters, the company has a strong waterfowl line of clothes and packs designed by and for real hunters.

The Full Choke Pack is a perfect example, combining a backpack and a blind bag into one. Using it last fall I found it to be the perfect solution for the walk-in hunter who needs to carry shells, thermos, snacks, calls, gloves, and other waterfowling necessities into the marsh. With a 1,700-cubic-inch capacity, the Full Choke holds a lot of gear.

Zippers run across the top and down one side of the Full Choke pack. The bottom and the other side are water-resistant Cordura. Once you reach your spot you can set the bag down on its side and use it as a blind bag. All seams are taped and sealed to keep water out. It has handles on the top and one side as well as a loop to hang over tree branches in flooded timber. The waist belt has two shell pockets, and it detaches if you don’t need it. Duck straps tucked into the top of the bag let you haul your limit out at the hunt’s end. There is also a smaller, 1,200-cubic-inch Half Choke pack for those who don’t need to pack quite so much gear. Available in Optifade camo. SRP: $189.

New and worth checking out are the Boreal Bib Pants. They are perfect for the late-season goose hunter who lies in a cold field waiting for the birds to fly. The Bib Pant is insulated with a blend of down and PrimaLoft for warmth. SRP: $589. Booth #10328. (877-748-5264; sitkagear.com)

—Phil Bourjaily

SITKA FULL CHOKE PACK COMBINES BACKPACK AND

BLIND BAG

The Full Choke Pack from Sitka Gear combines a backpack and blind bag into one versatile item.


F E AT U R E

Weatherby Embarks on a New CourseManagement changes and product redirection help move the company down a new road By Slaton L. White

Y ou might not have noticed, but Weatherby has undergone a radical management restruc-turing over the past two years, a program devised by company president Ed Weatherby to better position the company to meet the challenges of the future.

“We took a complete look at the company’s core values and its direc-tion,” he says. As part of this process he looked at the management struc-ture and found it wanting. “In the past, we had one person that oversaw sales and marketing. What I realized is that we could do a better job in sales and a better job in marketing if we had one person in each of those positions. That way they could really focus on one area exclusively.”

So, in 2011, Weatherby brought in industry veteran Mike Schwiebert as director of marketing, and last year he hired Jason Evans (who had spent many years at Benelli) as vice president of sales and product devel-opment. That was just the tip of the iceberg; he brought in other key personnel as well.

“We now have a whole lot more people, and we’re able to achieve a whole lot more,” he says.

When you talk to his team, you can feel the passion they have—both for the company and the shooting sports. This is no accident.

“We look for people who have a passion for our sports—people who love shooting, people who love hunt-ing,” Weatherby says. “I also believe

that if you’re going to give a person some responsibility, you also need to give them the authority to get the job done. I don’t like micromanaging. I have confidence in them and let them do what they need to do. In this way, we get new ideas and new methods.”

Handing off the ball can be diffi-cult for many managers, but accord-ing to Schwiebert, the company president does just that. “Ed allows the team to run,” he says.

Schwiebert also says that as part of the restructuring, the manufac-turer examined the product mix. “We decided we needed more cate-gory differentiation,” he says. “So now our product mix is divided into three clearly distinct areas: Sporting, Threat Response, and WBY-X.

The latter category, initiated a little more than a year ago, was perceived as a huge departure—and a big risk. It consisted of dressing a selection of Vanguard rifles and the PA-459 and PA-08 semi-auto shotguns in highly unorthodox garb that would appeal to a much younger demographic. The edgy camo patterns were designed to get, and keep, the attention of this notoriously fickle group.

This program was the result of

Weatherby taking a long, hard look at its customer base. In doing so, it realized that times had changed, and it couldn’t grow if it continued to makes the kinds of products that appealed to the types of customers it had 20 years ago.

“We looked at the kinds of prod-uct a new generation wanted,” Weatherby says. “We also asked, ‘How do we communicate with them?’”

The short answer: social media.“Weatherby was actually

ingrained in social media before there was a ‘social media,’” says Justin Moore, assistant director of marketing and communications. “We had a forum called Weatherby Nation that actually allowed us to talk to our consumers.”

That experience led the company to build a website, which was recently redesigned. “We recently rebuilt our website,” he says. “It needed to be edgier and have a more modern, techie look.”

Weatherby has also jumped into Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. “The idea was to take it slow, to get people to really engage with us,” he says.

As a result, he says, the company has seen a big jump in younger demographics. Given that the aver-age age of the Weatherby customer is 44, creating portals that appeal to customers half that age is vital to continual growth. Moore says that before this recent campaign kicked off, “Facebook Likes by the 13- to 17-year-old demographic group was zero. It’s now 18 percent. Likes by the 18- to 24-year-old crowd before were in the single digits,” he says. “Now they’re up to 21 percent.”

In all, Facebook Likes jumped by 14,000 in just five days. “Best thing, we didn’t buy these Likes,” he says. “These are people who really want to engage with us.”

Team Weatherby is also a great help here. Rather than hire the “usual celebrity,” Weatherby set out to find people outside the industry who reso-nated with younger customers. Team members include Major League Baseball player Willie Bloomquist, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association world champion steer wrestler Luke Branquinho, Professional Bull Riders World Finals qualifier Brendon Clark, champion pistol shooter Jessie Duff, Ultimate Fighting Championship feather-weight title contender Chad Mendes, National Football League player Bear Pascoe, country music artist Darryl Worley, and American Motorcyclist Association Pro Motorcross Rookie of the Year Jessy Nelson.

“We feel these people, who truly have a passion for the shooting sports and hunting, uniquely connect with our customers,” Schwiebert says. “They’re always taking risks, and they’re innovative and bold, attri-butes that reflect back on us.”

Moore notes that Team Weatherby Twitter feeds “have been very important. Each member has a strong following here, and they each appeal to different market segments.

Print ads that feature team mem-bers (posing with rifles and shotguns that represent all three categories) are running in non-endemic publications, such as FIGHT!, which covers the UFC, American Cowboy, and Humps N’ Horns (bull riding). “By taking our company outside the industry, we’ve moved into an unclut-tered market. We expect big divi-dends with this approach,” he says.

Moore also believes social media is a vital tool to help the company connect with new hunters and shooters. “We know people are interested in hunting and shooting, but many won’t come to us through the traditional channels. If you’re not reaching outside of our market, you’re missing a big opportunity.” Booth #12729. (805-227-2600; weatherby.com)

The WBY-X line dresses up a selec-tion of Vanguard rifles and shotguns in unorthodox garb that appeals to younger shooters.


F E AT U R E

Zeiss Glasses Mainstream Territory Creating a more affordable product line helps manufacturer and retailer alike

W hen industry veterans Mike Jensen and Todd Pearson arrived at Zeiss a little over two years ago (as president and vice president of sales and marketing, respectively), they were presented with a rare opportunity—transform the company. Easier said than done, but it was a challenge they both embraced wholeheartedly.

“Zeiss traditionally has been a brand that consumers aspired to own. But, normally, most would place financial reality over aspirations and settle for a product in a realistic price range,” says Jensen. “There is nothing wrong with a serious optical user who wants the best and can afford to reach into his or her pocket and drop $2,500 for a Zeiss Victory HT binocular. But top-shelf products like this simply do not create a reve-nue stream large enough to support a retailer’s business. At that level, you are dealing with only two percent of the consumers. I knew that whatever direction I took the company, I need-ed to include the independent retail-er. He needs to prosper from our decisions.”

In other words, Jensen needed to take a boutique manufacturer main-stream.

“Retailers need traffic flow,” he says. “Manufacturers carry the responsibility to drive consumers into the retail stores. At the same time, we have to give the retailers a product that is desirable to a broad range of consumers and provides a good mar-gin. Mainstreaming a top-shelf prod-uct brand accomplishes this. Zeiss now offers retailers binoculars and riflescopes in three classes of products that range from $349 to $2,500.”

The three distinct product lines

are Terra, Conquest, and Victory. “Each has its own swagger,” Jensen

says. “The Terra line is the introduc-tion to our premium line. With a 2–7x42, a 3–9x42, and a 4.5–14x42 offering, it is ideal for any hunter in the U.S. Starting at $359, the Terra features a 1-inch tube, extraordinary light transmission, and a multiple reticle option. The Conquest line is pure hunting. It offers five-times zoom in a sleek, 1-inch tube. The Victory line is the best of the best. Handcrafted in Germany, these scopes are each a work of art. They feature a 30mm tube design and offer the highest light transmission in the industry—more than 95 percent through the entire scope. No other scope can make that claim.”

Jensen notes that as the company

developed its new portfolio, he and his team knew they would have to sell select products only to select independent retailers to protect their profitability. The decision was made to clean up the distribution model. As a result, Zeiss pulled all new Conquest products from dis-tributors. Doing so offered selected retailers protection from over-distri-bution, which, in turn, protected their margins.

“We split our products by customer groups,” he says. “Conquest and Victory are now dealer-only product lines. We then brought to market our mainstream product line, Terra. Terra is offered to all channels of trade and gives the independent retailer the opportunity to offer a broader selec-tion of products, from $349 to $499, all wrapped up under a luxury brand. In essence, we are using Terra as the driver, and retailers can offer a full line of Zeiss Victory, Conquest, and Terra, a boutique broad selection of products to a much larger consumer group. It’s working.”

“Terra has changed the dynamic of the Zeiss brand,” says Tom Gallagher, Cabela’s director of mer-chandising. “These two guys get it. They understand the industry, retail point of sale, packaging, and, of course, the products we offer to our customers.”

Jensen understands that in order for this transformation to work, Terra needs to be the driver. “Retailers large and small will want to put it on their shelves,” he says. “The product needs high consumer demand, broad distribution, distin-guished packaging, and point-of-sales support that self-sells the prod-uct line. We had strategy meetings revolving around every one of these topics. I think we got it done. Terra can’t be kept in stock. Consumers are looking everywhere for the line, and as they are driven to the inde-pendent retailer, the retailer has the opportunity to upsell higher- featured, higher-priced products to someone seeking Zeiss.”

Ultimately, Jensen says, the long-term health of the shooting-sports industry revolves around the inde-pendent retailer. “We thrive within an industry where we are blessed to have a constitutional amendment that drives consumers into licensed retailers to transact firearms,” he says. “No other industry has such a gift. My opinion is that it’s a moral obligation, a responsibility of all top industry executives that run top brands to support this bloodline. We see competitive brands now selling consumer direct, extracting revenue and profit from the inde-pendent retailer. In our eyes, that’s just shameful. We didn’t want to go that route. Consumers aspire to own a top-shelf brand. They enjoy showcasing their purchases to their friends, and they carry a sense of pride when they use the products. Retailers now have a boutique brand that has gone mainstream, and they are selling more product at all price points because of it.” Booth #13913. (800-441-3005; zeiss.com/sports)

The Terra line is a more mainstream product designed to deliver Zeiss quality at a more affordable price.

Zeiss Conquest (top) and Zeiss Victory (above) represent the pinna-cle of the line, offering superb optics that command premium prices.


F E AT U R E

Light ’Em Up!Crimson Trace’s Midnight 3-Gun Invitational marathon gains steam

A s 3-Gun competitions rise in popularity across America, so do the challenges. Topping the 3-Gun challenge list could be the second annual Crimson Trace Midnight 3-Gun Invitational (M3GI), which was held near Bend, Oregon, last summer. At the dusty desert range, more than 150 competitors dashed and shot their way through nine stages.

In the dark.With lasers and lights. Using handguns, rifles, and shot-

guns.So, what were the many challenges

competitors faced, you may wonder?Shooters had to run, shoot, hit,

and topple or punch more than 70 metallic targets, more than 50 clay shotgun targets, and more than 80 paper silhouette targets. The dis-tance run was approximately five football field-lengths on uneven and rocky ground.

Then the fun—or frustrating—part was shooting at and hitting tar-gets. On average, the competitors shot 145 rounds of 9mm handgun ammunition, and more than 100 rounds each of .223 Remington and 12-gauge shotshells. A range safety officer ran along and observed over the shooters’ shoulders to be certain all shots were safely fired. Any safety infraction resulted in instant dis-qualification.

Adding to the challenge was try-ing to stay awake—and motivated. The first shots were fired around 9:30 each evening, and the final ones between 3 and 5 each morning. That’s nearly 30 hours of shooting for a large group of the competitors.

Yes, it seems like a lot of work. So what was the reward?

First Place–winner Daniel Horner went home with a check for $10,000 ($6,000 first prize, plus an additional $4,000 because he used Crimson Trace products on all his competi-tion firearms). The other shooters won prizes ranging from MSR-style firearms to Leupold scopes to gun-

cleaning kits to range bags and ammunition.

So, exactly what strategy did Horner deploy to shoot his way into the winner’s circle? He practices for the night competition by shooting at night. As a soldier, Horner also teaches shooting skills, including shooting in the dark.

To him, 3-Gun competitions are not only fun, but a valuable learning experience as well.

“We do quite a bit of nighttime shooting with night vision and lasers, so it was a pretty easy transi-tion to the 3-Gun world,” Horner says. “However, I did learn a few things to bring back from the com-petition world to make me a better instructor.

“I put the Crimson Trace lasers on every gun and co-witnessed them to the sights,” Horner says. “In other words, I don’t zero the laser by shooting it. If the sights are zeroed, just move the laser to the sights. The lasers held zero very well. I was able to shoot plates at more than 50 yards with my pistol. The Crimson Trace lasers are sim-ple to use and extremely effective.”

If you are looking for a top tip to help you grab the winner’s check at

your next 3-Gun competition, this valuable insight could help you make better shooting plans and develop critical gear strategies.

“If I could give one tip to every-body, it would be to know your equipment, and keep it simple,” he says. “A light, a laser, and a button for both should be the only change you make to your normal guns. I love the quote, ‘Beware the man with only one gun. He might know how to use it.’ I pretty much live by that.”

Horner also does something few other 3-Gunners do—he’s constant-ly moving as he shoots. Many com-petitors stop or briefly pause before they move their trigger finger and shoot at a target. Horner (a member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship unit) seems to always be on the move—and shooting.

Horner is widely recognized as one of the top 3-Gunners in America now, and he’s earning the checks and shooting the scores to prove it. All in all, his payday wasn’t bad for two long nights of work involving running—and gunning. For more details on the shoot, go to m3gi.com. Booth #16731. (800-402-2406; crimsontrace.com)

Night Moves The second annual Crimson Trace Midnight 3-Gun Invitational attracted more than 150 competitors willing to forgo sleep for nonstop action.

First Place Daniel Horner went home with a check for $10,000. Not bad for two nights’ work.


F E AT U R E

A Legacy of KnowledgeMail-order giant Brownells celebrates 75 years dispensing parts and professional know-how By Robert F. Staeger

I n 1939, a young man was struggling to keep his Shell service station afloat in Montezuma, Iowa. Things weren’t going well. He didn’t realize he was allergic to the alcohol used in car radiators back then; he only knew he that some days he had dizzy spells that would knock him for a loop. It was there, laid out in bed and unable to con-duct business, that perennial tinkerer Bob Brownell began fixing and restoring guns.

“In those days, there were no restrictions,” says his son, Frank, cur-rent chairman of the board of Brownells, the company his father founded. (Frank ran the company as president from 1983 to 2008.) “They’d just sell them like silverware and teapots. He’d buy them, tear them apart, rebuild them, and resell them. Most of it was pistol work, which he could do lying on his back.”

That started him down the road that created the all-things-firearms retailer that’s celebrating its 75th year. When Bob was on his feet again, he began looking into a way for gun shops to blue the metal in guns on their own. Using a combi-nation of fertilizer and lye, he per-fected the concoction, boiling and packaging it in the basement of his home. He set up a gun shop in young Frank’s bedroom; Frank’s bed folded up and was hidden behind a drape during business hours.

Bob began carrying hard-to-find parts and tools for gunsmiths. “He couldn’t find what he wanted,” says Frank, “and so he figured other people couldn’t, either.” He set up a small sales brochure and began tak-ing mail-order sales from around the country, often acting as middle-man between buyers and firearms manufacturers. “In those days, there wasn’t immediate anything,” says Frank. “The process might take sev-eral weeks.”

He’d also create some of his own specialized tools for gunsmiths, finding them through other gun-smiths or making them himself. “His brain was always thinking of how to do it better, how to commu-nicate it better,” says Pete Brownell, Frank’s son, Bob’s grandson, and current CEO of Brownells.

One of those innovations was glass bedding. The process, which bonds the uneven surfaces of a gun’s action to its stock, had been used in other industries, but it was Bob Brownell who brought it to gunsmithing. “He came up with the packaging and the name, and ballyhooed the hell out of it,” says Frank. “It became a staple of the industry.”

Meanwhile, Bob was also pursuing a writing career, penning a column in American Rifleman called “The Jack Leg Journal,” among other endeav-ors. And the business itself kept mov-ing—from the furnace room of a bakery to the basement of a Masonic hall to a rehabbed old movie theater. “All of this time, he kept finding these new products,” says Frank. “In a really great year, there might be eight or 10 new products. I grew up following him around—learning to hunt, learning to fish, and getting involved in the business.”

Frank was far from the only per-son Bob taught. “Grandpa wanted to professionalize the gunsmithing trade,” says Pete. One of the ways he did this was through his gun-smithing newsletter, called Gunsmith Kinks. Packed with tips and information, mechanical and otherwise, the newsletters have been collected into four large volumes, the first one published in 1968.

“He loved to write,” says Frank. “He was a journalist at heart.” Collecting techniques from his cus-tomers and passing them on through the newsletter, Bob Brownell was crowdsourcing before it was cool—all in the service of making gun-smithing a viable, knowledgeable profession, with information resourc-es professionals could draw upon.

After going to college for pre-med

A Company Evolves 1. Bob Brownell, at work loading polish, in the 1940s. 2. Bob, right, at the 1949 NRA show in Dallas. 3. Throughout the 1960s, Brownells added inventory, requiring more space to store it before shipping it out. 4. Bob and Frank manage a busy call center in the pre-computer 1980s.

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and doing a stint in the Navy, Frank discovered he took after his dad: “I found out what I really like to do is to write and to peddle,” he says. By the time he got back to the compa-ny, the catalog that had begun its life as a tri-fold brochure had become a saddle-stitched book.

Another Brownells publication, 1959’s Encyclopedia of Modern Firearms, was a breakout hit. The book consisted of exploded manufac-turers’ diagrams of all guns in pro-duction, with descriptions of every piece, as well as information from military firearms manuals. “Our buyer ordered three of every gun part,” says Frank. “Screws, springs, pins, all the stuff that held them together. Then he measured all of those, and wrote down the average. Nobody had that kind of accuracy in those days. It brought together all the information a small gun shop needed to know which screw to buy, and then he could go ahead and put the gun back together.”

“That was probably the one book that we did that really defined Brownells as the information source to the gunsmithing trade,” says Pete. “Because it gave all the gun-

smiths out there the kind of infor-mation they needed to be successful. And then we started to layer on more and more information about being a good gunsmith. It was infor-mation like that that we’ve had as a mandate in the marketplace for the past 60, 70 years.”

In the meantime, the parts and tools business blossomed. “In the early days we’d add maybe 10 new products in a year,” says Frank. Under his stewardship, Brownells began to carry more and more new products. “Today we’re looking at 2,500 to 3,000 every year”—all of them backed by Brownells’ original money-back guarantee.

“Dad liked the products he select-ed well enough that if you as a cus-tomer were not happy with it, you could send it back and trade it in or get a refund,” says Frank. “It was all about making the customer happy, because if you had a happy customer and one product didn’t work out, they’d be back. Because they knew they could trust you.”

That generosity extended to time and knowledge. In the company’s early days, Bob wrote countless let-ters to customers helping them use

That’s Showbiz 1. Printing of the Gunsmith Kinks newsletter was always done in-house. 2. The Monte Theatre, a moviehouse in Montezuma, Iowa, became home to the company for a time. 3. A view from the balcony into the rehabbed theater, now the packing department.

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products. “The CEO of the business was the tech support,” remembers Pete. “And as phones took over for letters, he became the first helpline.” The Brownells call center now has 63 phone agents answering customer questions.

“As the world has gotten so much closer together, we make sure we stay right at the cutting edge,” says Frank. “With next-day delivery, and with a person answering the phone, not a menu. You will get somebody that can help you, immediately, with a smile and a real live voice.”

Pete agrees. He’s overseen adding informative videos and other tools to the Brownells website: “The thing that’s changed over time is the media through which we communi-cate, and the speed at which we communicate, but not the core phi-losophy of keeping the customer well informed.”

There have been other ways the business has changed over the years. The military’s move to the M-16 platform spurred an interest in AR-15 rifles at home, and a corre-sponding interest in accessories…and in fixing their own guns. “At the time when the gunsmith disappeared from

the local community, these guys had to learn to do it themselves,” says Frank. “And the modern sporting rifle platform is perfect for that. It’s like a Christmas tree; you can hang anything you want on it.”

Frank’s tenure as president saw the company’s first major increases in product line, as the company began carrying not just parts, tools, and springs, but sights, grips, no-skid-wraps, and more. Frank’s basic crite-ria was simple: “If you could hang it on a gun, or use it to improve your ability to use that gun, then it was something we’d seriously look at.”

“That’s part of Frank’s legacy,” says Pete. “The accessorizing really start-ed to come into the marketplace in the ’50s and ’60s. Before that it was replacement parts from the factory.”

“We helped a lot of young gun-smiths achieve their success by giv-ing them a channel to the market-place,” says Pete. Manufacturers like Ed Brown, Bill Wilson, and Ron Power all enjoyed greater exposure through the Brownells catalog. Timney Triggers made just one model before they were carried by Brownells; the exposure helped them understand the national market, and

Growth, Change 1. Brownells headquarters, circa 1977. Behind it, an old schoolhouse served as the bulk warehouse. 2, 3. Deliveries changed from trips to the post office (1950s), to pallets on loading docks (1970s). 4. A modern office replaced the old schoolhouse. 5. Assembling some clay pigeon throwers.

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helped them expand their offerings. “For three generations we’ve really been helping young entrepreneurs find a market quickly.”

And in helping these entrepre-neurs, Frank helped Brownells grow, as well. Recalling an idea he heard at a business seminar, he explains: “The first generation finds a blank spot, creates an idea, puts a wall around it, and calls it a business. The second generation’s responsibility is to put in a management team and grow it at a pace they can manage. But it’s still under the management and brain of that second-generation leader. It puts together a treasury—a cash pile.”

And that’s where the third genera-tion comes in, to make the most of the accumulated funds. “The third generation immediately fires the second generation—because with any luck you’ve outgrown their abil-ities—and spends the cash pile growing the company,” says Frank. “We basically did that.”

“There was a leadership style that Grandpa had, there’s one that Frank had, and there’s one that I have,” says Pete. “They really match the size and the industry’s growth. I think we’ve matched it up really well. As the industry got really big

and professional, our organization has been agile enough to adjust to the customer demands of the time.”

Pete’s tenure has overseen more changes for the company. In 2011, Brownells expanded into carrying ammunition, by acquiring Crow Shooting Supply. Crow’s owner, Steve Crow, approached the company with the idea, as he was getting bogged down with the minutia of running a business. “We had some-one who was extremely talented in the ammunition market,” says Pete. “He understood who the companies were, he understood the product really well, he understood who the customers were. But he was also so encumbered with back-office stuff. We knew if we could supply him with the back office support, we could let Steve do what he loved the most.”

Another upcoming change is a move to a new facility this year. “We were out of space to grow in Montezuma,” says Pete. “We also needed a larger pool of people to recruit from. We just couldn’t sup-port that kind of workforce out of Montezuma.”

So after a nationwide search, the company chose nearby Grinnell. “Iowa had the best combination of

culture and values and workforce.”The new, 200,000-square-foot

warehouse in Grinnell will begin operation this spring. Soon after-ward, the offices will move to the same area. The current facility in Montezuma will house Crow’s ammunition business, now expand-ing into firearms themselves.

The new site will also have a showroom and pickup location. Pete is hoping to use it to train some gunsmiths in valuable away-from-the-bench skills. A nearby gun-smithing school could be sending some students out as interns, so they’ll be more employable in the retail market. Professionalizing gun-smiths goes deep into this compa-ny’s DNA, beginning with its founder. (For another example, you can read about the Brownells Gunsmith Job Fair in tomorrow’s SHOT Daily.)

“Grandpa took a passion, and took a skill set that included writing and communicating and inventing, and put ’em all together to create a business that today we still follow the main tenets of,” says Pete. At every level, one generation teaches the next. Booth #805. (800-741-0015; brownells.com)

Time Passages 1. Frank Brownell, rejoining the company fresh out of the Navy in 1964. 2. Frank grew up following his dad around, learning lessons in hunting, fishing, and business (circa 1946). 3. Bob in 1990, having nurtured his fledgling company into an indispensible stalwart of the industry.

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New FieldPods ‘Push the Envelope’Battenfeld Technologies expands Caldwell’s DeadShot series By Brandon Butler

C aldwell is best known for its innovative recoil-reducing line of Lead Sled shoot-ing rests. The diverse shooting sports man-ufacturer found the second coming of the

Lead Sled when they released the DeadShot FieldPod at the 2011 SHOT Show. Like the Lead Sled, which has grown from the original into an expanded series, the DeadShot FieldPod is now the flagship product in a lineup that includes the Magnum DeadShot FieldPod (SRP: $269.99), the DeadShot TreePod (SRP: $149.99), and the ChairPod (SRP: $179.99).

“Battenfeld Technologies continues to push the envelope in new product development and has experienced tremendous growth in the past 12 months. We are prepared to bring some of our most innovative and exciting ideas yet to the market in 2014,” says marketing manager Kyle Smith.

The DeadShot FieldPod made an immediate splash in the hunting community as the answer to achieving benchrest accuracy for in-the-field shots. The FieldPod consists of an adjustable tri-pod base with a DeadShot shooting rest on top that adjusts for length and height. The rest fits most shotguns, rifles, muzzleloaders, and cross-bows. The FieldPod adjusts in height from 20 inches to 42 inches, so it is ideal for hunting on the ground or from a chair. The Magnum DeadShot FieldPod adjusts from 18 inches to 60 inches, so it offers a much greater range for shots, from prone all the way to standing.

The real ingenuity of the DeadShot is the adjustability of the rest. It’s made of lightweight aluminum tubing that slides for length and has front and rear rubber molded grips for securing your firearms or crossbow. A hub system allows the rest to pivot up and down and rotate left to right. The DeadShot rest is the key component of the FieldPod, Magnum FieldPod, TreePod, and ChairPod.

The DeadShot TreePod is a shooting rest for a treestand. It consists of mounting the DeadShot rest on a swinging base that mounts to the plat-form of a stand. The base includes a height- adjustment bar, so you can adjust the TreePod to the perfect height for any shooter. The swing arm assembly simply slides into the base, and it smoothly adjusts to provide a full range of motion. Caldwell also offers the TreePod Add-A-Base. Extra bases may be installed on multiple stands, so a hunter can move the TreePod from tree to tree by simply transporting the swing arm assembly.

The DeadShot ChairPod provides a stable shooting platform that allows you to silently rotate 360 degrees. Smooth and silent movement, combined with rock-solid support, makes the TreePod a product any serious ground hunter should be interested in learning more about. The ChairPod collapses for easy transport and is ready for use in under a minute. The chair swivels, and the gun support is height adjustable for any size shooter.

No matter if you are using a FieldPod, Magnum FieldPod, TreePod, or ChairPod, the DeadShot rest holds your firearm or crossbow in the ready position, making target acquisition faster and smoother and spooking less game. Booth #15335. (877-509-9160; battenfeldtechnologies.com)

Rifle Rest Caldwell’s new DeadShot TreePod provides treestand hunters with a con-venient, adjustable, and secure rest for their rifle.

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Yeti Coolers Finds the FormulaPremium product gains quick market share By Peter B. Mathiesen

Many great ideas are lost in the excruciating minutiae of getting a product made, bringing it to market, and creating sell-through in the retail environment. Other pitfalls include delivery timetables and cash flow, but the biggest issue just might be determining whether your idea is strong enough to be competitive. The “If you build it, they will come” philosophy really only gets you so far.

In the case of Yeti Coolers, Roy and Ryan Selders were frustrated that every time they needed a cooler, whether for big-game hunts or fish-ing from a boat, their purchase could not withstand hard use. It was also apparent that most coolers were not really made to sit on, stand on, or ship with airlines. The purchase would often be rendered useless in just a couple of outings, if not before.

Out of frustration, Roy, a roto-mold boat builder, constructed his own coolers and added them to his boats. When he discovered that the coolers were getting more attention than the boats, he didn’t waste any time adjusting his business strategy away from his boats and toward the coolers.

Fast-forward five years. Today Yeti is a $100-million-a-year busi-ness that sells the most expensive coolers in the industry (between $250 and $500 per unit). There

even are special-order coolers that can turn for as much as $1,500.

“The goal was to make a cooler that was indestructible, one that could withstand years of abuse. The exceptional ice retention turned out to be a bonus,” says Cory Maynard, vice president of marketing.

As a result, Yeti rapidly developed a reputation for bear-proof coolers that could be used as shipping containers, workbenches, and keeping game cool in the hottest conditions. Those attri-butes attracted the attention of retail-ers, many of whom, though, were ini-tially skeptical about adding the line because of a pair of realities of the cooler market. First, coolers take up a large amount of floor space; second, mainstream coolers stocked at chain stores were going out the door for 85 percent less than the cost of a Yeti.

Fortunately, a few retailers took a leap of faith. Yeti’s contribution was aggressive marketing support.

“A customer would take the plunge and try one, often coming back for a second unit. Then, so would his buddies,” Maynard says.

It wasn’t long before word spread about the incredible performance of Yeti coolers in the field, and cus-tomers flocked to those retailers who carried the line. Stocking deal-ers quickly found out the coolers were a high-margin item and ordered more to meet the demand. As a result, the company has been growing rapidly.

At this year’s SHOT Show, Yeti is looking to expand beyond its Gulf States presence with aggressive mar-keting efforts to the rest of the country. With strong margins for retailers, they are setting their sights on the hunting community in the Midwest and the western mountain states. The company would not share its margins for retailers, but it’s clear that selling a $500 cooler may just be the ticket to a happier customer…and more cash in your register. Booth #1627. (512-394-9384; yeticoolers.com)

Yeti coolers are virtually indestructi-ble and can withstand years of use.

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CVA Defies the WeatherAccura Mountain Rifle is specially treated to withstand even the harshest of elements By Slaton L. White

L ast year CVA introduced the Accura MR (Mountain Rifle), the result of a collaboration among the company’s pro-staff members. They wanted a rifle that was

light, so it could be carried easily all day by spot-and-stalk hunters, but they also wanted a rifle that was maneuverable enough for use in the cramped quarters of a treestand or ground blind. Those design parameters led to an aluminum—rather than steel—frame, which yielded a rifle that weighs just 6.35 pounds, more than 1 pound lighter than the manufac-turer’s popular Apex.

For 2014, CVA has decided to improve the rifle’s weather resistance through the use of a technique known as salt bath nitride. Widely used in military applications, the nitride process actually hardens the outer layer of the steel, making it significantly more durable and more corrosion-resistant than even chrome lining, previously the highest standard in bore-toughen-ing techniques. The process turns the 416 stain-

For 2014, the Accura MR will benefit from a salt bath nitride. The process greatly improves the weather resis-tance of the barrel.

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less-steel barrel a dark black, giving the rifle a distinctive look.

Dudley McGarity, CEO of BPI Outdoors (owner of the CVA brand), says the move to use the nitride process on a muzzleloader was a no-brainer. “We’ve been using the nitride process on many of the OEM barrels we pro-duce for other manufacturers under our Bergara Barrels brand, so we were well aware of the benefits for centerfire barrels. We felt it would even be a greater enhancement for muzzleloaders.”

Given that muzzleloaders are particularly sus-ceptible to corrosion, such an enhancement is a welcome development.

“The process makes this rifle the most weath-er-resistant muzzleloader on the market,” says Chad Schearer, director of advertising and media relations for BPI Outdoors. “The process is not simply a surface coating. It actually changes the molecular structure—both outside and inside the barrel.”

An extra benefit of the process, according to Schearer, is that the nitride-treated muzzle-loader is easy to clean, something I saw first-hand on a whitetail hunt in Saskatchewan last fall. After we sighted in the rifle, we ran one patch through it before taking a few more practice shots. After my deer was down, we cleaned the barrel. It took only three passes with a patch to restore a mirror-like luster to the barrel.

Schearer stresses that the features that made the original Accura MR so desirable are also found in the Accura MR Nitride. “The rifle comes with our Quick Release Breech Plug (QRBP), Trigger Guard Actuated Breeching

Action, Bergara Barrel, Neutral Center of Gravity Trigger, and premium SoftTouch stock with rubber grip panels,” he says.

One of the hallmarks of this rifle line is the aforementioned QRBP. CVA is so confident that the breech plug will always unscrew with just finger pressure that it no longer ships rifles with a breech-plug wrench.

“I don’t recommend this as standard operat-ing procedure, but as a test we’ve installed breech plugs without grease, then shot the rifles.” Schearer says. “In all cases, we were still able to unscrew the plug without tools.”

Another nice feature of the rifle, he notes, is that the stock and cocking jag are ambidextrous. Lefties should like that, as they aren’t charged a premium to use a left-handed model.

To get the best performance out of the Accura MR Nitride, Schearer recommends using 250-grain Powerbelt Aerolite .50 bullets and IMR White Hots pellets. “This bullet is designed to be shot with 100 grains of powder,” he says. “We’ve found that a lot of hunters in treestands never shoot past 100 yards, so there was no need to use 150 grains.”

As for the White Hots, he says the propellant not only delivers increased velocity, but also burns cleaner for faster cleanup.

I’ve taken two deer with this particular com-bination. Both deer fell quickly. Given the way the animals dropped, I don’t think a hunter is giving up anything by using the bullet with 100 grains of propellant. The reduced recoil might even make them spend more time at the range before the season opener. As they say, practice makes perfect. SRP: $592. Booth #14586. (770-449-4687; bpioutdoors)

TROY & JACOB LANDRYHistory Channel’s Swamp People will be signing auto-graphs at ATK Sporting (Booth #14551) from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

TODD JARRETTNational and World Practical Shooting Champion Todd Jarrett will be demonstrating Blackhawk tactical gear at ATK Sporting (Booth #145622) from 11 a.m. to noon.

FRED EICHLERTalk with the Predator Nation star about serious airgun hunt-ing at Crosman (Booth #13940) from 11 a.m. to noon.

RANDI ROGERSCowboy Action and modern competition championship shooter Randi Rogers will make her first appearances with Smith & Wesson (Booth #13731), beginning today from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

ON THE FLOOR

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Brunton “Powers Forward”Debuts ground- breaking hydrogen fuel technology By Slaton L. White

Under the slogan “Power Forward” Brunton, which has established a well-regarded reputation for its navigation and optics products, is

expanding its portable power collection with a new line of innovative power devices, the Reactor Series.

“The Hydrogen Reactor is a high-science device that combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity on the go, under any conditions,” says Ryan Perry, Brunton’s product line manager. “To operate, users lock a Hydrogen Core into the device’s fuel cell. Once powered on, the solid-state hydrogen converts to gas power and issues a 5-volt, 2-amp output.”

Perry says the standard USB output is optimized

to power tablets, smartphones, UV water purifiers, rechargeable lights, portable games consoles, GPS transceivers, and other personal devices. The cores can be recharged (takes two to three hours) using Brunton’s corresponding hydrolyser refill station (sold separately) or at select retailers that are part of the recharging program. Each Reactor comes with two cores. “That’s the equivalent of more than 30 AA batteries,” he says. “Each core is capa-

ble of five to six smartphone recharges.”Perry says the heart of the system is the “proton

exchange membrane fuel cell.” Sounds like something out of Star Trek, doesn’t

it? Without delving into college-level physics, Brunton has built a system in which hydrogen and oxygen are channeled in such a way that hydrogen is split into positive ions (protons) and negatively charged electrons. He notes that at the molecular level more is going on, but outdoorsmen don’t need to grasp the physics behind the system to enjoy the benefits of this portable power.

The biggest obstacle Brunton faced in the devel-opment stage, Perry says, was “mainly fitting all the necessary components into a very small form factor and still allow the unit to ‘breathe.’”

Given that images of the 1937 Hindenburg zep-pelin disaster still abound, some potential users might think twice about using a “combustible gas” for recharging their electronic devices. Perry says this is a non-issue.

“Our HydroCore stores hydrogen in a solid state,” he says. “This means when the hydrogen gas enters the fuel canister it actually bonds with the metal and becomes a ‘hydride.’ Accomplishing this is a big part of the secret sauce. It allows for safe transit and use. It also helps make the power last forever, unlike batter-ies, which drain over time.”

Based on my use, you plug the smartphone into the fuel cell, and push the button to activate. A red light comes on (initializing the system) followed shortly by a green light—which means power is flowing. During the charging, you will occasionally hear a sound like escaping gas. That’s actually harmless water vapor, a byproduct of the process.

I’ve noticed that after I disconnect my device the green light stays on. Perry says that even when you disconnect your device, the fuel cell will continue to make power, so the cannister should be discon-nected to maximize efficiency. When the cannister needs recharging the indicator light will glow red. SRP: $149.99.

Brunton is so confident in the Reactor series that it is being “offered with an indestructible guaran-tee,” Perry says. “We call it the ‘You Proof Promise.’ No matter wherever, whenever, or how-ever you use a Brunton product, if you break it, we’ll fix it or replace it.” Booth #4046. (307-857-4705; bruntonhunting.com)

Brunton’s new portable power system harnesses hydrogen (in a solid state) to create electricity to charge all sorts of accessories, including smartphones, rechargeable lights, UV water purifiers, and GPS transceivers. Each of the power cores is capable of charging a smartphone five to six times before it needs to be recharged (this charger is sold separately).

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The Wonder of WoolNature’s ultimate performance fiber is tailor-made for hunters By Slaton L. White

S everal years ago, while sitting in an unheated deer stand in northern Saskatchewan in below-zero temperatures, I learned a fundamental truth about hunting: You can hunt when you’re uncomfortable, but when you’re miserable, you’re done. I managed to stay just warm enough (through a combination of seven layers of fleece and polypropylene) to take a nice whitetail, but at the end of week, I had also learned a hard truth about poly-propylene underwear. Though it did a good job of wicking away moisture, and dried quickly when wet, even after several washings it retained a musky odor. And that smell only got worse on subsequent hunts.

That’s when a hunting partner told me about wool base layers.

“Are you kidding?” I said. “Wool is itchy and scratchy.”

“Not merino wool,” he said.And so I embarked on an odyssey,

one that has transformed my hunting. The Merino sheep is custom-built

by nature to survive in extreme environments. Its thin, lightweight summer coat allows it to stay cool even when temperatures rise to 95 degrees; in winter, the animal grows a second, thicker coat that allows it to retain warmth even if the mercu-ry drops below zero. In addition, the wool also is breathable. It wicks water vapor away from the skin

quickly, allowing it to evaporate before you begin to feel clammy.

Sealing the Deal➤ Above all, merino wool is very soft; it has none of the scratchy feel of ordinary wool. That final quality sealed the deal for me. So, two sea-sons ago I ordered base layers from Icebreaker (icebreaker.com), a New Zealand–based merino wool cloth-ing manufacturer. I wore light-weight shorts and T-shirts, and a heavier pullover as well. In essence, the two layers work like the natural fibers found on the sheep itself.

So equipped, I went on a four-day

elk hunt in Oregon’s Blue Mountains, where every day before dawn we hiked to the top of a drain-age and then spent a chilly hour or two glassing. The rest of the day was spent moving from drainage to drainage, trying to catch a bull as the herd moved between feeding and bedding areas.

At one point my guide and I sat atop a bluff for five hours. That’s when I realized another big plus for the spot-and-stalk hunter: Merino wool provides a lot of warmth in a very light, compact package.Garments made from it roll up easi-ly and take up hardly any space in a daypack, which allows you to bring

along extra layers in case the mercu-ry takes a tumble—or when you’re sitting for a long time in a breeze.

But the clincher was when my nose weighed in. At the end of a week, the base layers didn’t stink—and I sweated completely through them every morning on those long climbs to the top. Merino wool sim-ply doesn’t retain odor the way polypropylene does.

When I got home, I threw out all of my old underwear. Since then I’ve hunted elk in northern New Mexico, mule deer in Montana, and grouse in Wisconsin in merino wool base layers. I even went back to Saskatchewan, this time properly clothed for the cold.

Merino wool base layers aren’t cheap (some tops top $100), and they certainly aren’t for every hunt-er. Your primary candidate is the spot-and-stalk big-game hunter. In this case, you’ll want to emphasize the wool’s extraordinary warmth–to-weight ratio. But treestand hunters will also like the low-bulk aspect, which makes it easier to mount a rifle or draw a bow.

Recognizing that hunters of all stripes are ready to fully embrace merino wool, last fall Icebreaker announced that it was teaming with Mossy Oak to produce a line of base layers, mid layers, and jackets in Mossy Oak’s Break-Up Infinity camo.

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Breaking the Ice Merino wool base layers from Icebreaker are now available in Mossy Oak’s

Break-Up Infinity camo.

Active Fiber➤ “Unlike synthetics, Icebreaker merino is an ‘active’ fiber that works to keep your body at its ideal temperature in all conditions, whether you’re an early-season hunter doing a spot-and-stalk in open country or a late-season hunt-er sitting in a treestand in bone-chilling weather,” says Jeremy Moon, founder and CEO of Icebreaker.

“Icebreaker merino combines all the best performance qualities of traditional wool, synthetics, cotton, and everything else you’ve worn hunting or fishing.”

Moon notes the unique qualities of Icebreaker that should appeal to outdoorsmen (and outdoorswomen) of all stripes.

“It’s warm in the cold, but cool in the heat,” he says. “It’s also odor-resistant, very quiet, and low bulk.”

But one great advantage, he says is that merino wool “is easy-care. To clean, simply put it in a washing machine, no special detergent required, and wash on the gentle cycle.” The one caution: Keep it out of the dryer. Let it line-dry.

“Hunting and fishing is all about reconnecting to the outdoors, so it makes sense to wear a natural fiber in nature,” he says. Sure does. Booth #11035. (662-494-8859; mossyoak.com)

N E W S

Thomas McIntyre Named Zeiss 2013 Outdoor Writer of the YearC arl Zeiss Sports Optics has named

Thomas McIntyre, a contributing edi-tor to Field & Stream and a field edi-tor with Sports Afield, as its 2013 Carl

Zeiss Outdoor Writer of the Year.The award was presented last night at the com-

pany’s annual writers’ event. In honor of his con-tributions to outdoor writing and to the hunting and outdoor sports, McIntyre received a custom-ized crystal accolade and a premium Zeiss product of his choice.

McIntyre was not able to attend the event as he is currently on safari in Africa. But he told SHOT Daily, “It is a distinct honor to be selected by Zeiss. As much as I wish I could have been there to receive the award in person, I do prefer being where I am, field-testing their products in Africa.”

Established in 2003, the Carl Zeiss Outdoor Writer of the Year award marks its 10th anniver-sary. Each year, the award recognizes an outstand-ing outdoor writer who has achieved excellence in outdoor communications, has made significant contributions to the hunting and outdoor indus-try, and is an active supporter of wildlife conser-vation. McIntyre joins a Who’s Who list of out-door writers who have positively shaped and informed the public about hunting and outdoor sports experiences and issues.

Previous Carl Zeiss Outdoor Writer of the Year award winners have included Wayne van Zwoll,

David Fortier, David E. Petzal, Ron Spomer, John Barsness, Terry Wieland, Craig Boddington, John Zent, Andrew McKean, and Mike Schoby. Carl Zeiss Sports Optics also has honored two outdoor writers with Lifetime Achievement awards: Bill McRae and Jim Carmichel.

“Tom is an extremely talented writer, author, and champion of the outdoors,” said Michael A. Jensen, president of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics. “He masterfully communicates the experience of the hunt with colorful insight along with accurate and in-depth technical information that increases the knowledge and understanding of his many,

many fans. His passion and appreciation for the outdoors, combined with 37 years of seeking writ-ing excellence, make Tom the perfect choice for this year’s Outdoor Writer of the Year award.”

Since 1976, McIntyre, a resident of Sheridan, Wyoming, has distinguished himself in several areas of the outdoor writing industry. As a maga-zine and newspaper writer, McIntyre has had hundreds of articles published by Sports Afield, Field & Stream, Gray’s Sporting Journal, Petersen’s Hunting, American Hunter, Men’s Journal, Outdoor Life, Bugle, Sporting Classics, Fly Rod & Reel, Wyoming Wildlife, Texas Sporting Journal, The Hunting Report, Garden & Gun, and The Field in England. He has been the co-winner of Best Magazine Story for Best Sports Stories, awarded by The Sporting News. McIntyre also writes a col-umn about hunting for The Sheridan Press.

As a book author, McIntyre has penned sever-al critically acclaimed books, novels, and anthol-ogies, including Days Afield, Dreaming the Lion, Seasons & Days, Shooter’s Bible: Guide to Optics (2012), and The Snow Leopard’s Tale.

“You need only to read one line of a McIntyre story to know instantly who wrote it,” said Anthony Licata, editorial director for Field & Stream. “Tom’s prose is an astounding blend of comprehensive technical knowledge, keen intelligence, biting wit, and deep pathos. He offers one of the most inter-esting and original voices in the sporting press.”

Wyoming resident Thomas McIntyre has distin-guished himself in several areas of outdoor writ-ing, most notably in magazines and books.

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Pulling the Ripcord!Otis Technology launches one-pass cleaning tool By Slaton L. White

Talk to a grizzled shooting veteran about rifle cleaning and you’ll come away with an earful about the amount of elbow grease needed to really keep the barrel clean. That may be true, but newer shooters are looking for easier—and faster—ways to clean

their firearms. That’s the impetus behind the Ripcord, a new cleaning product from Otis Technology.

Composed of heat-resistant Nomex fibers braided over a mold-ed rubberized-core cable combina-tion, the Ripcord is designed to clean firearms properly from breech to muzzle in one quick-and-easy pass. Nomex is the same material used in the protective gear trusted by firefighters, racecar drivers, and the U.S. military, and since it is heat-resistant to 700°F, it can be used right off the firing line without fear of it melting into a gelatinous mess in your barrel.

Part of the appeal of this system is that the Nomex acts as both a brush to loosen and a patch to cap-

ture fouling particles. The molded rubberized core keeps the Nomex cleaning surface pressed tight against the bore, ensuring aggres-sive all-around cleaning. In addi-tion, the core is a helix shape, which helps engage the rifling throughout the length of the rifle’s barrel.

Some added features to this one-pass cleaning tool are its abili-ty to act as an obstruction remover for jammed cases and other block-ages (because of its rigid construc-tion) and its 8-32 threaded ends that will accommodate any addi-tional Otis cleaning components,

if the shooter so desires. “Otis Technology recognizes the

need for engineering innovation, servicing our retail customers, and providing new solutions to grow category margins,” says Len Nelson, vice president of sales and marketing. “We made the decision to introduce a new one-pass clean-ing tool—the Ripcord—that can be conveniently used anywhere, including the range, field, or bench. We consider this to be the ultimate one-pass solution because it allows shooters and hunters to clean their bore at any orientation, any temperature, and any degree of

fouling. Equally important, we’ve priced this new product competi-tively but with a strong margin for our retail partners.”

The Ripcord is simple to use; just insert the longer, narrower end in the chamber and then pull it through from the breech to the muzzle. Because of the rigidity of the Ripcord, there is no need to gravity-feed it through the barrel.

According to Nelson, the Ripcord is currently available in .22/.223, .308/7.62, 9mm, and .45, but “other calibers are coming soon.” SRP: $14.99. Booth #14213. (800-684-7486; otisgun.com)

Many new shooters are looking for sim-pler and easier ways to clean their rifles. The Ripcord, from Otis Technology, is designed to clean from breech to muzzle in one quick-and-easy pass. Fireproof Nomex construction means it can be used right off the firing line.

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Hunt Line Debuts at SHOTBenchmade sets standards high with new knives By Christopher Cogley

F or 25 years, Benchmade has been delivering knives to military, law enforcement, and emergency services personnel that consistently exceed expectations for quality and functionality. So naturally when the Oregon City, Oregon, company decided to create a new line of knives for hunters, it set its sights high.

“We wanted these knives to be the ones that hunters would reach for every time they’re in the field,” says Matt Elliott, marketing manager at Benchmade. “We knew the only way to do that was to design these knives around the customers’ needs, not our own.”

To find out exactly what those needs were, Benchmade surveyed more than 5,000 hunters from all areas of the country and all walks of life. Elliott says that the four things that nearly every one of them men-tioned as the attributes that were most important to them in a hunt-ing knife were edge retention, dura-bility, ease of sharpening, and corro-sion resistance.

“When we started this new line, we started with the goal of absolutely making sure we incorporated all of those attributes into every knife in the line,” he says.

The solution they came up with for accomplishing that goal was to

use CPM-S30V steel. This steel is created through an extensive process that involves turning metal into a powder, then reforming it into use-able steel through a specialized heat-treatment process. Elliott says that while other hunting knives use the same kind of steel, every compa-ny’s heat-treatment process is differ-ent, and that the specific process used makes a huge difference in the quality of the finished product.

“Our heat-treatment method meets the highest standards in the industry,” Elliott says. “By using the

CPM steel and taking advantage of that heat-treatment method, we were able to create blades that provide the best blend of all of the things the hunters we talked to said they were looking for in their knives.”

Although the hunters they surveyed were fairly consistent on the blade attributes that were most important, when it came to the functionality, the needs and preferences of hunters weren’t nearly as uniform.

To accommodate individual pref-erences, Benchmade developed six different models —two fixed blades and four folders—and each one is crafted for a different purpose and a unique taste. From the Hidden Canyon Hunter deep-bellied skin-ner to the traditional Summit Lake general-purpose hunting knife, Benchmade designed the knives in the hunt line to meet the functional needs of all sportsmen while also taking into account the aesthetic preferences of both the traditional

and modern hunter.To satisfy the tastes of both kinds of

hunters, the two fixed-blade knives in the line are available with either a tra-ditional wood handle and leather sheath or a more modern G10 handle and molded sheath. A similar mixture of classic and modern styling can be found in the selection of folders. The Summit Lake is a traditional folder with a wood handle, classic blade design with nail nick, and standard lock-back mechanism, while the North Fork and Grizzly Creek feature a more modern design that incorporates Benchmade’s Axis locking mechanism and ambidextrous dual-thumb studs.

The North Fork is available with either a wood or G10 handle. The Grizzly Creek is only available in a wood-handled version, but it also fea-tures a separate gut hook to meet the needs of those hunters who never open up an animal without one. Booth #10357. (800-800-7427; benchmade.com)

The new hunting knives use heat-treated CPM-S30V steel to achieve edge retention and durability.

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An Ounce of PreventionAdventure Medical Kits helps keep your customers safe By Christopher Cogley

A s a general rule, hunters and shooters are the kind of people who believe in the importance of being prepared. Unfortunately, far too many of them don’t have the simple tools they need to handle some of the most critical situations that are an

inherent risk of hunting and shooting. But by sacrificing a small amount of shelf space to display some basic first-aid and survival equipment, not only can you help keep your customers safe, you can increase your store’s profits in the process.

“Because they spend a lot of time in the woods when it’s dark and cold, survival is something that tends to resonate really well with hunters,” says Frank Meyer, co-founder and chief marketing officer at Adventure Medical Kits. “When you’re sitting in the woods as it’s getting dark, it’s pret-ty natural to start imagining what would happen if you couldn’t find your way back to camp.”

Because of that, Meyer says that survival products, such as the ones in

Adventure Medical Kits’ Survive Outdoors Longer (SOL) brand, are often an easy sell for independent retailers, but when it comes to first-aid equipment for the field, the “it won’t happen to me” mindset is still very prevalent.

“Typically, the only people who are carrying medical kits in the field are medical professionals and people who have been hurt before and have learned how important it is to have some basic first-aid equipment with

them,” Meyer says. It’s a lesson that doesn’t necessarily

have to be learned the hard way.“If you display outdoor first-aid

equipment on the shelves, people can connect the dots pretty easily,” Meyer says. “People realize that they’re out there with guns and knives and accidents can happen, and that medical help won’t be right around the corner.”

Meyer says that it typically doesn’t take much for hunters and shooters to come to that realization.

“You don’t have to carry a huge line, but if you have a few essentials and display them in a place where your customers will see them, those products will sell very well,” he says.

One of those essentials that would be a great choice to stock is Adventure Medical Kits’ new

Advanced Clotting Gauze. The gauze is impregnated with Kaolin to help quickly stem the flow of blood from even a serious wound. It’s compact, lightweight, and designed to be easy to use in an emergency.

Another survival essential that Adventure Medical Kits is releasing at this year’s SHOT Show is the new SOL Sport Utility Blanket. Unlike most survival blankets, the Sport Utility Blanket is made from a copper vacuum-metalized woven polyethyl-ene, which reflects 99 percent of body heat back onto you. Instead of the shiny surface of most survival blankets, it features a muted, discreet color so that hunters can use the blanket as a makeshift blind without worrying about a reflective surface alerting game. Booth #3841. (800-324-3517; adventuremedicalkits.com)

Quik Clot Advanced Clotting Gauze is impreg-

nated with Kaolin to quickly stem the flow of

blood. In an emergency, all you do is rip open the

package and press the gauze to the wound. It

works so well that impreg-nated gauze is now the

go-to hemostatic agent for the U.S. military.

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Bright IdeaNite Ize celebrates 25 years of innovation and light

S ometimes, inspiration comes in a blinding flash. At other times, it’s a gradual awakening. In the case of Nite Ize, a manufacturer of lighting products for sportsmen that is celebrating its 25th year of opera-tion, inspiration came from a fishing trip.

In 1989, company founder and CEO Rick Case was an undergrad-uate at the University of Colorado. Like many students who attend this school, he was an ardent out-doorsman.

“I was on a fishing trip, using a brand-new mini flashlight my family had given me as a gift,” he says. “I was fishing at night, holding it in my mouth. Sure enough, I opened my mouth, and the flashlight fell out. I was staring down into the water, watching my still-lit flashlight on the bottom when an idea hit me. That idea became the first product I ever made, the Headband Mini Flashlight Holder.”

In the years that have passed since that fishing trip, Nite Ize has grown from one bright idea into a compa-ny that makes and sells a wide vari-

ety of innovative accessories. “Every product we offer is designed

for superior functionality and is man-ufactured with top-of-the-line mate-rials for optimum durability,” Case says. “We’re here to make your life easier, safer, and a little more fun.”

To help celebrate its 25th anniver-sary, Nite Ize is introducing the Inova STS Headlamp, an innovative twist on the classic headlamp. Rather than a button or switches to turn the lamp on and off, all the user has to do is swipe his finger across the top of the headlamp.

“This headlamp is the first multi-mode, dual-color LED headlamp with a simple user interface that allows the user to easily turn on the light in any color or mode,” Case says. “I think hunters in cold weather will find it incredibly

bright and very easy to use.”The Nite Ize Inova STS

Headlamp is water resistant to 1 meter and features a white high-power, three-mode (high, low, and flashing) dimming LED and two red LEDs with three-mode (high, low, and flashing) dimming. It uses AAA batteries (alkaline or lithium) that sit in a fully sealed O-ring battery box with a solid latch. A programmed lock-out mode helps prevent acci-

dental on during transport and stor-age. Available in three colors (black, blue, and orange). SRP: $34.99.

“If you’d asked me 25 years ago what I thought I’d be doing today, I’d have told you the same thing I would now—my mission is to bring innovative, solution-driven products to market that address the daily frustrations and problems outdoors-men face.” Booth #3846. (800-678-6483; niteize.com)

To help celebrate its 25th anniversary, Nite Ize is introducing the Inova STS Headlamp, an innovative twist on the classic headlamp. Rather than a button or switches to turn the lamp on or off, all the user has to do is swipe his finger across the top of the lamp. Hunters wearing gloves in cold weather should find this a useful feature.

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SOG Expands LineTactical knifemaker steps up its commitment to the outdoor market By Christopher Cogley

F or years, the SOG name has been synonymous with tactical knives, and the Seattle-based company has been committed to provid-ing law enforcement, mili-

tary, and tactical enthusiasts with quality knives and tools specifically designed for combat and emergency situations. But as SOG started looking at better ways to serve its consumers, the company realized that its commitment to its customers wasn’t necessarily complete.

“When we looked at our core consumer, we realized that when most of these guys aren’t on duty, they’re out in the field hunting, fishing, camping, or backpacking,” says Nando Zucchi, vice president of sales and marketing for SOG. “These are all law enforcement or military guys who know SOG already and probably carry one of our knives when they’re on duty. But when it came to the outdoors, our knives were always a little too tactical for them.”

SOG started to rectify that situation last year when it introduced a line of knives specifically designed to meet the needs of hunters. But this year SOG has significantly expanded its commit-ment to the outdoors market with several new knives and tools geared toward a wide range of outdoor pursuits.

“It didn’t feel like a big leap for any of us, it just seemed like a natural progression,” Zucchi says. “When you think about it, the Special Ops and military guys who love our knives are really just extreme outdoorsmen. At their core, they love climbing and camping and backpacking and hunt-ing and all the other outdoor activities—they just do it in extremes. For us, it was just a matter of taking what we knew these guys needed in their knives and applying it to the outdoor pursuits that they’re engaging in when they’re off duty.”

The result of that effort is a line of knives and tools that retain a strong tactical feel but are very obviously designed for specific outdoor purposes. Among them is SOG’s new BladeLight line, which includes hunting, camping, and tactical fixed-blade knives as well as a 6- and 7.5-inch fil-let knife that all feature a set of three LED lights on either side of the blade to make it easier to clean a daily limit of bass, shave wood for a fire, or perform countless other critical outdoor tasks in the dark.

“It’s one of those instantly recognizable benefits that anyone who spends time in the outdoors can appreciate,” Zucchi says. “But the lights are just one small aspect that makes these knives so func-

tional. From the blade to the sheath, these are all-purpose-built knives that address the needs of outdoorsmen, anglers, and hunters as well as our core tactical customer.”

Zucchi says that the mentality of designing pur-pose-driven knives is one of the reasons why SOG has been so successful in the tactical world, and it’s a mentality that they carried through to all of the new products for the outdoors market—from the knives and machetes to the axes and saws and shovels.

“We’ve always been the tactical guys, and we want to keep that at the core of everything we do,” he says. “But we also want to create some-thing functional and practical for all those active outdoorsmen. With these new lines, we combined

the best of both worlds.”Zucchi says that the transition into the out-

doors market has been so seamless and the recep-tion they’ve received has been so positive that he expects that SOG will continue to look at devel-oping additional knives and tools that are specific to other outdoor pursuits.

“We’re always trying to look at different activi-ties that our core consumers participate in and figure out ways we can help make that experience better,” he says. “And that’s what we’ll continue to do.”

To see SOG’s entire line of outdoor products, as well as all of its new tactical knives for 2014, swing by the booth during the SHOT Show. Booth #425. (888-405-6433; sogknives.com)

SOG’s new BladeLight fixed-blade line includes the Hunter (top) and Tactical (above). Each fea-tures a set of three LED lights on either side of the blade to make it easier to use in the dark. The knives are available with 6- or 7.5-inch-long blades.


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Browning Camping ➤ The Shadow Series of pop-up ground blinds (Powerhouse, Phantom X, Phantom, and Mirage) have now been upgraded with the new Silent Track window curtain system. This system is designed to offer multiple window opening options that are cus-tomizable on the fly. Each curtain has a track on each end that allows it to be slid quietly to any position or opening height on the blind’s win-

dows. This lets the hunter set up for what he’s planned and adapt for the unexpected. Other features include durable custom carry bags that can carry a bow or gun and blind chair, oversize zippers, a bow hanger, over-size stakes, and strong and flexible poles. Booth #15538. (800-344-2577; browningcamping.com)

Simmons Optics➤ The Whitetail Blackout trail cam-era allows hunters to covertly moni-tor game and land activity around the clock, thanks to the black LED night-vision technology. The camera features 18 black LEDs with a 30-foot flash range, and the passive infrared (PIR) sensor detects motion and animal activity at up to 40 feet. Other features include a six-month battery life and a fast 1.2-second trigger speed as well as a 5MP cam-era that captures full-color high-res daytime images and high-quality B&W nighttime images. In addition to crisp, clear images, the trail cam-era gives hunters the ability to cap-ture VGA video clips either day or night. Date, time, and moon stamps are displayed on every image and video, and a ¼-20 socket on the base of the camera and an adjustable web

belt make it easy to attach the cam-era to a tree or bracket. For added security, the camera is also cable-lock-compatible. SRP: $129.99. Booth #12519. (800-423-3537; simmonsoptics.com)

Zippo Outdoor➤ When Zippo Outdoors looked at the LED light market, the company determined what was needed was a truly rugged lantern capable of enduring hard use in camp. The Rugged Lantern features a metal sup-port cage and rubberized corners to cushion it from everyday use; in fact, the lantern can survive drops up to five feet. The lantern is water resis-tant (it will float if knocked into the water) and has three brightness set-tings. Power is via a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (runtime is as long as 40 hours on low). The lantern also incorporates a flashing SOS fea-ture should an emergency arise. SRP: $89.95. Booth #13905. (814-368-2700; zippooutdoor.com)

Umarex➤ The Colt Commander is an authentic replica of a Colt 1911 that fires steel BBs and has a cycling slide to boot. It features a skeletonized trigger, a commander-style hammer, and an eight-round drop-free maga-zine. SRP: $119.99.

The spirit of weapons history is captured by legendary replicas such as the new Legends C96, a simulation of a 19-round semi-auto Mauser. The magazine drops free for easy loading, and it has an adjustable rear sight above the simulated wood grip, con-cealing the 12-gram CO2 compart-ment that powers this replica airgun. SRP: $99.99.

Built upon the success of the first Makarov air pistol introduced by Umarex, a variant of the well-known Russian pistol—the Makarov Ultra—

still has an all-metal frame, but it now includes the blowback slide cycle of modern-day airguns. Its drop-free magazine holds 16 steel BBs, and it shoots at 350 feet per second. SRP: $89.99. Booth #14745. (479-646-4210; umarexusa.com)

LaserLyte➤ The Laser-Plinking-Can (SRP: $104.95) reacts by jumping up and falling over just as a real can would when hit with a laser from any of LaserLyte’s training cartridges or other laser trainer tools. The cans are powered by a 9V battery and come three to a pack. The Training Tyme Kit (SRP: $199.95) combines the LaserLyte Trigger Tyme Compact Pistol, the LT-PRO uni-versal pistol laser trainer, and a Reaction Tyme Target to register hits. The kit offers a $40 savings over the same products sold sepa-rately. Booth #11214. (928-649-3201; laserlyte.com)

Browning➤ New in Browning’s shooting vest line for 2014 are the men’s Summit Shooting Vest and Summit Shooting Vest For Her. Both feature durable shooting patches on right and left shoulders with sewn-in REACTAR G2 pad pockets (pad sold separate-ly), 100 percent mesh body for ven-tilation, two-way front zipper, bel-lows shell pockets, side tab adjust-ment, and large back pocket for empties or other gear. Men’s Summit Shooting Vest is available in Tan/Chocolate/Taupe, Black/Gray/Charcoal, or Tan/Green/Dark Grey in sizes S–3XL. SRP: $85. Summit Shooting Vest For Her available in Cream/Plum/Dark Grey, Tan/Sage/Pink, or Tan/Brown/Cinnamon with women’s cut sizes S–2XL. SRP: $85. Booth #12740. (800-876-9326; browning.com)

Zippo The water-resistant Rugged Lantern from Zippo Outdoor has rubber-ized corners to protect it from the shocks of hard use. It has three settings (plus an SOS feature), and on the low setting it can run for 40 hours on its rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

Simmons The Whitetail Blackout trail cam has a 5MP camera and a motion sensor with a 40-foot range.

NEW PRODUCTSBrowning Both the men's and women's versions of the Summit Shooting Vest feature a large back pocket for empty shells.

SHOT Daily 1 2014

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