Some of the latest shooting sports industry news:

Walther is now shipping its popular PPK stainless pistol, one of the most sought concealed carry pistols on the market since its introduction more than 80 years ago.

To fill the need for performance in a concealable package, Walther broke the mold of pocket pistols and full-size military pistols to bring undercover officers a more-practical and practical option, the PPK. Chambered in.380 ACP, the PPK provides the power needed in a self-defense pistol without sacrificing on critical functions.

Few guns have withstood the test of time like the PPK. To this day, the PPK is still one of the most sought after concealed carry pistols on the market. This demand serves as a testament to Walther’s long-enduring legacy of excellence and unparalleled performance. The timeless design and superior engineering make the PPK a true legend amongst firearms.

“We are very excited about the release of the PPK," said Bret Vorhees, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Walther Arms, Inc. "This series is truly an icon in the history of concealed carry pistols. Every employee at Walther is proud to be a part of the reintroduction of this legendary series, and we take pride in maintaining the attention-to-detail from the original manufacturing over 80 years ago.” 

Federal, Knives of Alaska Promotion Underway

Federal’s Bucks, Bulls & Blades promotion program, in conjunction with Knives of Alaska, is currently underway. Customers who buy qualifying Federal Premium medium/big ammunition can get up to a $20 rebate, or a free Federal branded Knives of Alaska Cub Bear Suregrip caping knife, or the rebate and a knife.

Qualifying Federal products are limited to Edge TLR, Nosler AccuBond, Trophy Bonded Bear Claw, Trophy Bonded Tip, Trophy Copper, Sierra GameKing, Nosler Ballistic Tip, Nosler Partition, Cape-Shok, Barnes Triple-Shock X, Berger Hybrid Hunter, TruBall rifled slugs, Trophy Copper sabot slugs and Vital-Shok Buckshot.

Rebate options include: 

1.   Spend $30 on qualifying product and get $10 back.

2.   Spend $90 on qualifying product and get one (1) knife. Retail value $64.99.

3.   Spend $120 on qualifying product and get $10 and one (1) knife.

Maximum $20 rebate and/or two (2) knives per person or household and Minimum purchase $30 are required. Product must be purchased between Aug. 1, 2019 and Dec. 31, 2019. Exclusions apply. See official terms and conditions for details.

Knives of Alaska’s Cub Bear Caping Knife has an overall length is 6-1/2 inches with a cutting edge of 2-3/4 inches. This blade is ideal for fine caping. Double finger choils provide excellent grip for safety and control. The extremely fine point razor-edged blade is perfect for close detail work. Knife features Suregrip handles that provide a slightly elastic soft sticky feel. A leather sheath is included. Learn more about Knives of Alaska, visit www.knivesofalaska.com. 

For complete details on the Bucks, Bulls & Blades (Promotion No. P3851R), visit: http://www.federalpremium.com/news/promotions_rebates.aspx.

New Taurus G3 9mm Shipping to Dealers

Taurus has begun shipping its new G3 9mm semi-auto pistol to its dealer and distributor networks.

The new G3 9mm semi-auto represents the next generation in the Taurus G-series polymer-frame handguns, being the first full-size pistol in the series.

For the last several years, the Taurus G2c pistols have been among the most popular everyday carry 9mm handguns due to their ergonomic design, reliable performance, ease-of-operation, and class-leading cost-to-performance ratio.

The G3 continues the proven polymer-frame profile of the G2c but in a full-frame configuration. Highlights include generous stippling patches across the grip for maximum control and retention in any shooting condition, an ergonomic palm swell and side-frame Memory Pads that provide quick, positive, and repeatable hand positioning. The frame also incorporates an integrated Picatinny rail. A manual safety and slide release lever are optimally positioned above the thumb for easy manipulation.

Another refined element of the G3 is the 6-lb. trigger. It is designed with a smooth take-up and a surprisingly crisp, clean break exceeding that of typical striker-fired pistol trigger performance. A short reset promotes quick, controlled follow-up shots. Unlike most single-action firing systems, the G3 offers second-strike capability.

Although full-frame in size, the G3's profile makes it well-suited for concealed carry. Uniform beveling along the front of the slide and frame combined with a steep contoured bevel along the back of the slide minimize clothing snags. Generous front and rear machined serrations along the slide ensure a no-slip grip for cartridge chambering and slide manipulation. Additional slide features include a drift-adjustable rear sight, loaded chamber view port, steel guide rod and spring assembly, and the choice of carbon steel or stainless-steel finish. 

The Taurus G3 will be available in Matte Black (with either 15 or 17 round mags – i.e. two 15-round mags, or one 15- and one 17-round mag), with MSRPs of $345.23 or $360.70, depending on the model configuration.

For more information visit taurususa.com.

High Speed Gear Adds Sports South for Distribution

High Speed Gear has expanded even further into the nation’s network of firearms retailers with the addition of Louisiana-based wholesale distributor Sports South, LLC.

“High Speed Gear is very pleased to add Sports South to our list of distributors," said Bill Babboni, HSGI® vice president of sales and operations. "Sports South is a key member of the firearms retail community and has an excellent reputation. HSGI® looks forward to working with Sports South to provide accessory retailers around the county with our Battle-Proven Tactical Gear.”

As the country’s oldest and largest distributor of firearms, ammunition, and accessories, Sports South, LLC maintains its leadership position through the relentless pursuit of new ideas and new thinking to drive long-term success and growth. With the nation’s largest concentration of shooting sports inventory from all the leading manufacturers under one roof, Sports South can deliver unmatched distribution services to its customers, including a wide range of High Speed Gear TACO pouches both MOLLE and belt mount.

Among the popular products from High Speed Gear now in stock and available from Sports South, LLC are the:

—X2R™ TACO® - MOLLE
—POLYMER PISTOL TACO®
—DOUBLE DECKER® TACO® - ADAPTABLE BELT MOUNT
—TACO® - MOLLE
—EXTENDED PISTOL TACO® - BELT MOUNT

Dealers can place an order with Sports South, LLC. by calling 866-297-4676. To establish an account with Sports South, contact them through their website www.theshootingwarehouse.com.

Federal Secures $13M Ammo Delivery Order

Federal Ammunition was awarded a new delivery order worth $12.9 million under its MK311 Mod 3 Frangible Ammunition contract. Orders were placed under the company's small-caliber ammunition contract, issued by the U.S. Army Contracting Command in 2017.

5.56mm MK311 Frangible Ammunition, better known by its ordnance code, “AA40”, is loaded with a 50-grain frangible bullet comprised of a non-toxic, copper and tungsten powder matrix in a gilding metal jacket. The frangible ammunition is designed to disintegrate into small fragments on impact, minimizing over-penetration and ricochet hazards. The polymer compound round produces limited splash back, which vastly decreases ricochets, making it ideal for training applications.

“This latest order continues our long history of supplying only the highest quality, most reliable ammunition,” said Federal Ammunition President Jason Vanderbrink. “At Federal we use innovative technology, with industry-leading components to produce specialized products for training and the battlefield. The ammunition we produce serves the U.S. military, and we are humbled to do so.”

Federal is one of the world’s leading manufacturers in 5.56mm tactical and training ammunition.

Apex Tactical Shipping New AEK for CZ 75 B Pistols

Apex Tactical Specialties is shipping its new Action Enhancement Kit specifically designed for use in decocking models of the CZ 75 B pistol.

Designed by Apex’s engineering team, the new Action Enhancement Kit reduces the large difference in trigger pull weight that exists between the double-action first shot and the subsequent single-action shots, to approximately 2 pounds.

The hammer and sear feature matching Apex engineered single-action engagement surfaces that yield a clean, consistent single-action style trigger break while providing a smooth stack-free double-action. These matched engagement surfaces are precisely machined so as to eliminate the need for any polishing or stoning, providing the shooter with the kind of drop-in trigger performance expected from Apex.

Features and Specifications:
– Fits CZ 75 B Decocking Models (steel and aluminum frame versions only)
– Reduces trigger pull to approx. 7 lbs. DA with 5 lbs. SA, using Carry Mainspring
– Reduces trigger pull to approx. 6 lb. DA with 4.5 SA using Competition Mainspring
– Delivers crisp trigger break
– Maintains factory safety values
– Direct replacement of the factory hammer and sear
– Easy to install
– Apex Part #: 116-143
– MSRP: $144.95

The new Action Enhancement Kit for the CZ 75 B decocking models is available for purchase at ApexTactical.com.

Galco Gunleather Returns in Latest Rambo Movie

Galco Gunleather has been known for five decades as America’s premier maker of best-quality handgun holsters. What’s lesser known is Galco’s long association with the knife sheaths from Sylvester Stallone’s Rambo movie franchise, an association that continues this year with the release of Rambo: Last Blood and the selection of Pohl Force as the knifemaker for the final installment of the series.

Galco’s history with Rambo began in 1985. Knifemaker and Cutlery Hall of Fame member Jimmy Lile, a longtime Galco holster user, was selected to make the knife in Rambo: First Blood Part II. Unsatisfied with the quality of sheaths made by other companies, Lile came to Galco. Lile’s knife and a Galco sheath were both featured in the second Rambo film, and Galco partnered with Lile Knives to manufacture thousands of OEM sheaths for twelve different knife models.

This year, Galco has partnered with Pohl Force to produce leather sheaths for the two new knives that appear in this year’s Rambo: Last Blood, the Pohl MK-8 and MK-9. Galco met with Pohl Force founder Dietmar Pohl at SHOT Show 2019. As with Jimmy Lile in the 1980s, Galco is honored that Dietmar recognized Galco’s quality and workmanship, and we’re very proud to produce sheaths for Pohl Force’s finest-quality blades!

Knives and sheaths may be purchased at Pohl Force.

Catalyst Arms Offers New Bag Rider for Ruger Precision Rifles

Catalyst Arms has introduced the Apex Bag Rider for the rear stock of the Ruger Precision Rifle to help RPR shooters improve shooting position stability and make rapid elevation aiming adjustments.

The Apex is wider than the factory bottom Picatinny rail, providing better support on bags, packs or even the support hand, to help remain steady while taking a shot. To help get on target the Apex Bag Rider’s angled shape allows for generous amount of rapid elevation adjustment. Simply slide your rear support bag forward or backward to raise or lower the butt stock.  This lets the stock rest on the bag rather than relying on uneven applied grip pressure to maintain the desired shooting position. 

The Apex bag rider is the latest in true RPR performance upgrades from Catalyst Arms. These include the Mag Release Extension, Hammerhead Bolt Knob and Fast Track arca rail handguard.

The Apex fits short action and magnum action Ruger Precision Rifles. It slides over the factory bottom Picatinny rail and is locked down with a single screw without any modification or disassembly of the rifle. Designed specifically for the Ruger Precision Rifle stock it is lightweight and snag resistant.

The new Catalyst Arms Apex Bag Rider is now available, is made from Nylon 11, available in matte black and has an MSRP of $44.95.

Barrett Adds Zanders for Distribution

Barrett has partnered with Zanders, one of the largest independently owned, single location firearm distributors in the country.

Leading the nation as a wholesale supplier, Zanders sells only to federally licensed dealers. Zanders has served U.S. firearms dealers for more than 50 years. Zanders has more than 40,000 products that now include archery, archery accessories and camping products.

Barrett is a family-owned and operated company and the world leader in large-caliber, long-distance, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military and more than 73 State Department approved countries around the world. The Barrett Quality Management System (QMS) has received the prestigious ISO 9001:2015 certification for the design and manufacture of firearms, ammunition and accessories, and to provide training for those systems.

Winchester Wins Army Contract for Lake City

Olin Winchester has been selected by the U.S. Army to operate and manage the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Mo.

Following a one-year transition period, Winchester will assume full operational control of the Lake City plant on Oct. 1, 2020. The contract has an initial term of seven years and may be extended by the U.S. Army for up to three additional years.

“Winchester is honored to have been selected by the Army to operate, maintain and modernize this unique, strategic asset of the U.S. Government’s munitions industrial base,” said Brett Flaugher, President of Winchester. “Our team is fully prepared and 100 percent committed to the safe, reliable, and responsible operation of Lake City, in the best interest of and service to the U.S. Military.”

Winchester is one of the world’s most recognizable and respected brands. Currently in its 153rd year of operation and 89th year as part of Olin, Winchester is a premier developer and manufacturer of small-caliber ammunition for sale to domestic and international militaries, law enforcement agencies, and commercial distributors and retailers.

Winchester has been providing ammunition to the U.S. Military since World War I and is currently the U.S. Army’s largest producer of small-caliber ammunition outside of the Lake City plant. Winchester’s manufacturing operations are located in East Alton, Ill., and Oxford, Miss., with an international distribution facility in Geelong, Victoria, Australia.

Spaces Available for Industry Day at the Range

Industry Day at the Range, the largest and most influential one-day shooting and demo event in the hunting and shooting sports industry, invites potential exhibitors to register before Oct. 31, 2019.

The 15^th annual Industry Day at the Range will take place Jan. 20 at the Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club in Boulder City, Nev. That's one day prior to SHOT Show. Remaining exhibitor opportunities for Industry Day at the Range include:  

— 10x10 shooting area

— 100-yard rifle

— 200-500-yard rifle

— 100-1,000-yard rifle

— Shotgun (clay targets)

— Shared exclusive bay

— 25-yard full-auto capability

 — Media Lunch Sponsorship: 100-yard Exclusive Bay

— Archery

— Airgun

— Less-lethal

— ATV/truck demo

— Show trailer space

— Non-shooting

The event allows media and buyers to see and handle product before SHOT Show begins, giving them an opportunity to sell new products through firsthand experience. Exhibiting manufacturers get a jump on their competition with early exposure to their most important accounts and have a chance to receive exclusive coverage from print, digital, broadcast and social media outlets. You do not need to be an exhibitor of SHOT Show to exhibit. 

For those interested in exhibiting in 2020, potential participants are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Exhibitor registration is expected to close on Oct. 31, 2019 or when spaces sell out.

More information can be found at SHOTShowRangeDay.com.