In the latest shooting sports industry news:
National Shooting Sports Month in August provides the perfect opportunity for experienced target shooters and newcomers alike to head to a shooting range in your area and experience what millions of Americans have long appreciated — that a day at the range is a day of fun!
This 31-day celebration of the shooting sports, developed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation in 2017, reminds people that everyone can enjoy these safe, fun and social activities. It’s also the perfect time for an experienced shooter to mentor a newcomer in a sport that can provide a lifetime of enjoyment at every skill level.
National Shooting Sports Month has been growing steadily since its inception three years ago. This year’s celebration includes more than 2,000 events at ranges and retailers across the country — a record — and new Gearbox Giveaway drawings for prize packs. Experienced shooters also will discover how they can give the shooting sports a boost when they mentor someone new as part of NSSF’s nationwide +ONESMMovement.
“When you take someone to the shooting range, whether a newcomer or an experienced shooter, youth or adult, you’re going to have a good time,” said Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Retail & Range Business Development. “Whether it’s breaking clay targets, knocking down steel plates or shooting long distance, the shooting sports are exciting, safe and social. A day at the range is a day making memories.”
The information hub for National Shooting Sports Month and its numerous Gearbox Giveaways is LetsGoShooting.org. There you can learn information about dozens of target-shooting sports involving rifle, shotgun and handgun either in a recreational or competitive format. You’ll also find the shooting ranges and firearms retailers near you, learn about National Shooting Sports Month events in your state, enter the Gearbox Giveaways, print targets, watch instructional videos and learn how to safely handle and store firearms.
Evolve Range Solutions at NSSF Range-Retailer Expo
Evolve Range Solutions will showcase three of its popular systems and discuss how to help range operators and retailers at the NSSF Range-Retailer Expo in Denver.
The expo is Aug. 19-21 and will attract hundreds of attendees interested in the latest information on shooting ranges and retail possibilities. Evolve Range Solutions is based in New Castle, Ind.,
Evolve will display its EV-R Target System, EV Shooter Check-In and EV Secure Display Cabinets at the expo. Evolve, on its site, describes these three as:
EV-R Target System — Imagine using real guns and ammunition at digital targets that react when hit. No special attachments or lasers, this is real shooting in a gaming scenario.
EV Shooter Check-In — Our state-of-the-art shooter check-in solution eliminates the old paper legal consent forms. Customers can check in quickly and accept legal and safety requirements with ease.
EV Secure Display Cabinets — Display firearms, NFA and related accessories in full view of your customers. Our cabinets are individually lighted and can hold pistols and long guns that are within easy reach of your staff. During non-store hours these cabinets can be closed/locked to achieve improved security.
Shaw Barrels Opens New Factory
Shaw Barrels, formerly E. R. Shaw, has opened a new factory in Pennsylvania dedicated to its custom barrel, custom rifle and re-barreling divisions.
Eleven new state-of-the-art CNC machines now make possible drastically reduced lead times that are the shortest in the industry. An order for a custom barrel, for example, now takes 4-6 weeks; re-barreling a customer’s action 6-8 weeks, and custom rifle orders for both bolt action and AR platform rifles are filled within 4 months.
“Though this sizeable investment in equipment greatly reduces our lead times,” says Shaw’s President, Bud Behling. “Our commitment to produce the finest, most accurate barrels and complete rifles at value prices remains unchanged and unmatched in the industry. In fact, we now offer a MOA guarantee when our rifles are paired with premium ammunition.”
This increased production capacity enables Shaw Barrels to have a large inventory of finished barrels ranging from 10/22 barrels to AR-10 and AR-15 barrels, as well as finished Mk VII and Mk X custom rifles.
As America’s largest independent gun barrel manufacturer, Shaw Barrels has been making rifle, shotgun and pistol barrels for the government, OEMs and consumers for more than 100 years. To see its comprehensive line of AR-10 and AR-15 platform rifles — Mk VII and Mk X bolt action rifles; gun barrels and gunsmithing services — visit www.shawcustombarrels.com where you can build your own custom rifle and see it materialize onscreen.
Burris Rebate on Eliminator III Riflescope
Hunters and shooters can gain great savings on Burris’ optics promotion running through Dec. 31.
Incentives range from $500 in savings with the purchase of an Eliminator III laser range-finding smart riflescope to $180 with the purchase of a Fullfield II and $210 with the purchase of a Fullfield E1.
For a limited time, the Burris Eliminator III 4-16x50mm smart riflescope is available for $999, an instant $500 savings. The Eliminator combines outstanding optics, pinpoint laser ranging out to 1,200-plus yard and push-button automatic trajectory compensation across virtually all rimfire, centerfire and muzzleloader rifles and ammunition. Precision optics, a built-in digital inclinometer, integrated smart dope card and laser rangefinder combine four tools into one advanced optic.
Other savings include:
Burris Fullfield II
3-9x40mm was $209, now $159, SAVE $50 item #200162
4.5-14x42mm was $299, now $189, SAVE $110 item #200183
6.5-20x50mm was $399, now $219, SAVE $180 item #200193
Fullfield E1
3-9x40mm was $279, now $189, SAVE $90 item #200320
4.5-14x42mm was $379, now $219, SAVE $160 item #200338
6.5-20x50mm was $499, now $289, SAVE $210 item #20034
Zanders Attending NSSF Range-Retailer Expo
Zanders Sporting Goods, a leading national distributor of firearms, shooting accessories, and hunting products located in Sparta, Ill., will attend the inaugural National Shooting Sports Foundation Range-Retailer Business Expo in Denver.
The event is scheduled for Aug. 19-21 and designed to connect ranges and retailers with products, services and education. As an exhibitor, Zanders will be able to use this opportunity to network with those retailers, as well as manufacturers, to show them the benefits of partnering with them.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of the first-ever NSSF Range-Retailer Business Expo,” said Stefanie Zanders, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Zanders Sporting Goods. “This expo presents a great opportunity for Zanders to meet with range and retail shop owners and discuss the benefits of partnering with Zanders.”
Apex Announces Upgrades for FN 509 Model
Apex Tactical Specialties announces available Apex upgrades for the new FN 509 Midsize MRD.
The following is a list of currently available Apex upgrades compatible with the new FN 509 Midsize MRD:
– Action Enhancement Kit (part# 119-125)
– Apex 9mm Threaded Barrel - 4.00" (part# 105-072)
– Apex Heavy Duty Striker (part# 119-185)
– Apex Failure Resistant Extractor (part# 119-168)
– Apex Optic Mount for the Aimpoint® Acro P-1 optic (part# 119-109)
Retailers and wholesale distributors interested in stocking Apex upgrades for the FN 509 Midsize MRD, and other FN 509 models, can contact Apex at dealer@apextactical.com or (623) 322-0200 for pricing and quantity availability.
Hoppe's, STI Firearms Announce Partnership
Hoppe’s and STI Firearms have partnered, with STI Firearms to begin using Hoppe's products in its shop and shipping a sample of Hoppe's Black with its 2011 handgun.
"We are excited to announce a product partnership between STI and Hoppe’s,” said Laurie Kokoruda, Senior Product Manager of Hoppe’s. “The two legacy brands are a natural fit, and when joined together, they offer a remarkable customer experience."
“We launched the “To Shoot it is to Love it” 2011® Experience Campaign in 2019 to partner with dealers, retailers and events throughout the United States,” said Tony Pignato, CMO for STI Firearms.
Outtech Names Cody Barton Managing Director
Cody Barton has been promoted to Managing Director for Academy Sports + Outdoors at Outtech.
“Cody has proven himself to be not only an asset to the Outtech organization but to our manufacturing partners as well," said Outtech President Scott Blackwell. "We are excited to have him leading our Academy sales team. We know Cody has the expertise, creativity, and relationships to continue to offer a high level of service and drive sales for our vendors.”
Cody has more than 15 years of experience in the outdoor industry. Prior to joining the Outtech team in 2007 he worked as a retail buyer.
Starline Brass Rebrands Cartridge Headstamp
Starline Brass has been asked by the trademark holder to cease using the name .50 Beowulf on cartridge cases. To comply with this request, as of July 1, 2019, Starline Brass is no longer manufacturing cartridge cases with the .50 Beowulf headstamp.
Starline Part #3055 will still be manufactured to its original design, but now with the headstamp 12.7x42mm.
These cartridges with the updated 12.7x42mm jeadstam are now available from a dealer near you or at www.starlinebrass.com.
Lucas Oil Giveaways at Sturgis Rally
Lucas Oil Outdoor Line has multiple giveaways for the 79th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota.
Lucas Oil Outdoor Line will be attending the Sturgis Bike Rally from Aug. 2-11. Lucas Oil and Lucas Oil Outdoor Line will have daily giveaways and two grand prize drawings. Every day of the rally, two winners will be drawn: one for a Lucas Oil Outdoor Line product package and one for a Lucas Oil Motorcycle product package. A Grand Prize drawing will be held Aug. 6 and 8 for and oil change prize package.
Attendees must register for the giveaways in person at the Lucas Oil Outdoor Line station outside the Mobile Tactics Live Fire Mobile Shooting Range. Participants may register by pen and paper or by using the iPad signup at the table. Winners will be chosen by random drawing.
The Mobile Tactics Live Fire Mobile Shooting Range, sponsored by Lucas Oil, will open daily at 9 a.m. for free live-fire shooting. Lucas Oil Outdoor Line and other industry manufacturing partners will be set up to display their brands outside the mobile shooting range.
"We are excited to announce these giveaways in celebration of the Sturgis Bike Rally," said Lisa Marie Young, Business Development Manager for Lucas Outdoor Line. "We look forward to meeting new potential customers and introducing them to our product lines."
