Guy J. Sagi/Fear And Loading

August 4, 2020August 4, 2020

Gun Sales Continue to Boom

From Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting

Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting (SAAF) estimates July 2020 U.S. firearms unit sales at 2.0 million units, a year-over-year increase of 134.6% from July 2019. Likely single handgun sales (1.2 million) increased year-over-year by 152.0% whereas single long-gun sales (0.6 million) increased year-over-year by 108.2%. All other likely background check-related sales (0.16 million) increased year-over-year by 125.3%. This includes so-called “multiple” sales where the exact split between handguns and long-guns cannot be determined from the data record.

Detailed data are available for purchase at https://SmallArmsAnalytics.com/shop/.

SAAF’s firearms unit sales estimates are based on raw data taken from the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), adjusted for checks unlikely to be related to end-user firearms sales. For example, the FBI’s raw numbers (for July, some 3,614,192) cannot be taken at face value as large numbers of background checks are unrelated to end-user sales. As a case in point, in July the state of Kentucky conducted about 260,000 so-called permit checks and rechecks alone whereas end-user unit sales at firearms retailers likely amounted to about 37,000. SAAF makes certain other adjustments to the data based on retailer reports and other information; nonetheless, the estimates still likely understate the true number of sales.

SAAF Chief Economist Jurgen Brauer comments that “…the firearms market continues at its far accelerated pace. Our estimates suggest that the market for the first seven months of 2020 now has nearly matched that of the entire year of 2019.”

August 4, 2020August 6, 2020

Concealed Carry Positioning with Galco

From Galco

Holster choice, and particularly the exact positioning on the body, is intensely personal. What’s comfortable, fast and concealable for one gun carrier may not work at all for another. That’s why Galco offers holsters for just about every position on the body, and even includes a helpful “body clock” diagram on most package labels and website product details.

Carry at the appendix position, roughly 12 o’clock to 2 o’clock for a right-handed shooter, has rapidly increased in popularity over the last decade. Galco has, of course, kept up with the trend and makes multiple holsters suitable for this carry method. The newest of these is the Paragon™ Kydex IWB, which is optimized for appendix carry. But many other Galco holsters are suitable for this position, including the new QuickTuk Cloud™, Scout 3.0™, Stow-N-Go™, Triton™ 2.0 and Tuck-N-Go™ 2.0 IWBs. For those who prefer OWB holsters, the Hornet™ is designed to be perfect for both appendix and crossdraw carry.

Carrying a handgun on the point of the strong hip, at about 3 o’clock, has been a popular choice for many years. Holsters with vertical angle (or neutral cant) are best suited for this method, and Galco has it covered with holsters like the Avenger™, BlakGuard™, Halo™, Quick Slide™, TacSlide™ and Yaqui Slide. The vertically-oriented IWBs suitable for appendix carry are also very useful in this position.

None of these guidelines are written in stone, of course, and once again it comes back to the personal preferences of the shooter. Some gun carriers will, for example, place an Avenger in front of their hip and be perfectly happy with it. If that works most comfortably and efficiently with their body type, Galco fully supports them!

Finally, many Galco holsters can be adjusted for angle, from crossdraw to vertical to strongside, at the user’s discretion. This makes them the most versatile of all.

Here’s Part II of the series from Galco.

August 4, 2020August 4, 2020

White House Celebrates National Shooting Sports Month

From NSSF

NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, is proud to share the Presidential Message on National Shooting Sports Month® 2020, in which President Donald Trump commemorates “…our Constitutional right to bear arms by celebrating America’s cherished past time of recreational and competitive shooting sports.” National Shooting Sports Month was developed by NSSF to celebrate, share and invite newcomers and grow participation in the shooting sports.

The Presidential Message recognizes America’s “rich history of fostering responsible gun ownership.” President Trump notes in his message the shooting sports’ history of community events early in the nation’s growth, bringing communities and families together. Those competitions grew and gave rise to 19th century sharpshooters, including Pawnee Bill and Annie Oakley celebrating shooting skills and a national pioneering character.

The White House message, issued during a time of record-setting firearm sales, encourages Americans to participate in the shooting sports, practice safe firearm storage and handling and seek proper instruction. President Trump reiterated his commitment to preserving and safeguarding America’s Second Amendment rights and individual liberties.

“Since my first day in office, I have made clear that my Administration will always protect and defend the Second Amendment,” President Trump wrote in his message. “We will continue to oppose those individuals and policies that attempt to tread on this essential and cherished liberty.”

The President also encouraged all Americans to share their valued shooting sports traditions with others.

“NSSF is honored President Trump recognizes and celebrates the shooting sports with all law-abiding Americans,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and Chief Executive Officer. “The firearm industry is proud of the safe and responsible example of today’s gun owners who participate in these cherished traditions and the vital role they play in teaching and reinforcing the safe and responsible ownership of firearms.”

The entire Presidential Message on National Shooting Sports Month 2020 can be found here.

NSSF is also offering a free e-booklet as a resource for safe activities during National Shooting Sports month, which is August. Here’s a link for more info.

August 4, 2020August 4, 2020

Night Fision Releases Night Sights for CZ-USA P-10 C OR

From Night Fision

Night Fision, a leader in advanced tritium insertion solutions, has created the Stealth Series night sights for the CZ-USA P-10 C Optics-Ready pistol.

“We are excited to launch the first lower 1/3 co-witness, after-market tritium nights sights for the CZ P-10 C OR pistol,” said CJ Karchon, Vice President of Night Fision. “The Stealth Series is designed to not interfere with aiming the primary optic, but provide the shooter a top-notch tritium sight picture.”

The Stealth Series night sights have serrations on both the front and rear sight. They feature tritium vials with an optically engineered domed lens design for superior visibility. The rear sight has a black ring around the tritium vial while the front ring is available in yellow, orange and black. The rings are made of a ballistic polymer and guaranteed to not chip, crack, fade or peel under even the most adverse conditions.

Unlike Night Fision’s other night sights, the Stealth Series features a smaller front sight with a ring diameter of 2.4 mm and a wider notch in the rear sight. These sights have a lower 1/3 co-witness with most leading optics.

Night Fision’s Stealth Series night sights are CNC machined out of high-quality steel and the lenses are constructed from the same materials used for bulletproof glass. Night Fision packs more tritium gas into every sight, ensuring their sights are the brightest available.

Night Fision’s Stealth Series night sights are available for purchase now for the CZ P-10 C OR pistol.

And don’t forget to take a look at the company’s Costa Ludus night sights.

August 4, 2020August 4, 2020

Outdoor Edge Introduces the Swinky

From Outdoor Edge

Outdoor Edge, America’s leading manufacturer of knives and tools for all things outdoors, is proud to introduce the company’s latest multi-purpose tool, the Swinky. This new compact multi-tool is simple in design, but long on performance.

The Swinky combines stylish form and practical functionality to give you a compact multi-purpose tool. The sleek 2.0-inch Wharncliffe/Cleaver blade performs cutting tasks with surgical precision. The 7Cr17 stainless steel blade is precisely heat treated and then hand finished to a shaving-sharp final edge. By simply rotating the blade, the user then has a choice between a bottle opener, flathead screwdriver, and pry bar tool. The Grivory glass/nylon handle has a non-slip basket weave pattern surface that fits the hand comfortably, and is mounted to sturdy stainless steel liners. A stainless steel pocket clip allows easy access and storage, and also serves as a handy money clip.

At just 5.1 inches overall length and weighing a mere 1.9 ounces, the Swinky is perfect for backpacking, camping, and everyday carry. It will fit easily into a pants pocket or inside the glove box of your vehicle without taking up much space. MSRP is $24.95. For more information on the Swinky CLICK HERE.

SPECS

Blade: 2.0 inches

Overall: 5.1 inches

Weight: 1.9 ounces

Color: Black

If you’re looking for something more suitable for home use, take a look at the company’s Wildgame Steak Knives.

August 3, 2020August 3, 2020

Savage’s Rascal Minimalist Brings Style to Micro Rimfire

From Savage Arms

Savage Arms has taken the quintessential introductory rimfire in another bold direction. The new Rascal Minimalist mirrors the stylish lines and laminate stock of its bigger brother, Minimalist, yet retains the features and compact sizing that has made Rascal America’s favorite firearm for teaching kids marksmanship and safety skills.

“The laminate stock and bright color combinations of Rascal Minimalist make this a stylish rifle,” said Beth Shimanski, Director of Marketing for Savage. “And it demonstrates, again, Savage’s commitment to providing the very best tools to every shooter—even those who are just learning to shoot.”

Savage’s Rascal is built on the industry’s safest micro rimfire action. Like the rest of the Rascal family, Rascal Minimalist is a single-shot rifle that cocks by lifting the bolt. It unloads just as easily – without the need to pull the trigger. The design builds superior shooting skills thanks to full-size rifle features, including Savage’s user-adjustable AccuTrigger™ system and a threaded (1/2-28) barrel.

These new Rascals will start shipping this August. Visit your local Savage dealer and place your order today. Find your local Savage dealer at https://savagearms.com/where.

FEATURES:

Reliable, single-shot action
Manual Safety
Unload without pulling the trigger
User-Adjustable AccuTrigger
Feed ramp
Modern aesthetics and ergonomics
ChevCore™ Laminate technology in Pink/Purple or Teal/Gray
11.5” Length-of-Pull
16 1/8” Carbon Steel Matte Black Barrel with 11 degree target crown
Threaded ½-28 with cap
Includes ear plugs and firearms lock

Part No. / Description / MSRP

13797 / RASCAL MINIMALIST (PURPLE/PINK) 22 S/L/LR 16.125-inch barrel / $279

13802 / RASCAL MINIMALIST (TEAL/GRAY) 22 S/L/LR 16.125-inch barrel / $279

And don’t forget to take a look at the company’s new Star Spangled Rascal.

August 3, 2020August 3, 2020

Vortex Diamondback HD Spotting Scopes

From Vortex

The way you hunt demands more of an optic, whether you are picking a tine out of dense cover or seeing the telltale flick of an ear on the next ridge. In any scenario, the last thing you want is to doubt if your gear is up to the job.

The Diamondback HD line of spotting scopes from Vortex is taking the next step forward with two new configurations, the 16-48×65 and the 20-60×85, providing power and clarity in a redesigned package that’s high on performance and low on sticker shock.

The power behind the new Diamondback® HD spotters is an HD optical system that delivers crisp resolution, brighter images, and edge-to-edge sharpness, reducing eye strain during long glassing sessions. All air-to-glass surfaces are fully multi-coated for increased light transmission and powerful low-light performance, giving you an edge when you need it most.

In addition to rethinking the Diamondback® HD’s internal components, Vortex® took a fresh approach to the spotter’s exterior, introducing a streamlined, snag-free profile. The helical focus wheel provides fast, fine adjustments, and an Arca-Swiss compatible foot means the Diamondback® HD mounts quickly to compatible tripod heads without additional plates. Plus, a neoprene cover comes included, keeping your spotter protected in the field.

MSRP:

· $499.99 – Diamondback® HD 16-48x65mm Angled Spotting Scope

· $499.99 – Diamondback® HD 16-48x65mm Straight Spotting Scope

· $599.99 – Diamondback® HD 20-60x85mm Angled Spotting Scope

· $599.99 – Diamondback® HD 20-60x85mm Straight Spotting Scope

I love the Vortex spotting scope I picked up.

August 3, 2020August 3, 2020

Armscor Pledges Ongoing Mental Health Awareness Support

From Armscor

Armscor International, Inc. has partnered with Walk the Talk America to provide funding for mental health awareness in the form of a $2,500 ongoing monthly donation.

“We are humbled by this gesture from Armscor,” Mike Sodini, WTTA’s founder, said Friday. “We have slowly and incrementally been gaining support from across the gun community and to have this ongoing contribution really means a lot.”

“WTTA’s mission statement is something Armscor/Rock Island Armory believed in from the start and look to continually support WTTA further in years to come. We look forward to working with other manufacturer’s in the coming months and years as we are stronger as a group than individually on mental health and firearms,” Armscor CFO Dustin Jones said.

Walk the Talk America’s mission is to bring the communities of firearms and mental health closer in order to prevent suicide and improve mental wellness within the gun community while also increasing firearms cultural competence among mental health practitioners. The efforts span gun ranges, retail stores, law enforcement, military veterans, and many more demographics.

Armscor, originally founded in 1905 in the Philippines, entered the United States market in 1985 and operates a manufacturing plant in Pahrump, NV, just 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Armscor owns the Rock Island Armory brand, known for its 1911 model pistol, and produces approximately 110 million rounds of ammunition annually.

Sodini expressed further gratitude and optimism, “We have come a long way in the two years we’ve been around and doing what we have with very limited funding,” he said. “My sincere belief is that other big industry manufacturers and dealers will see Armscor’s commitment and want to help too.”

“Preventing suicide within the firearm community is something everyone should be able to get behind and I am excited to see what we can do in the coming months and years,” he said.

Walk the Talk America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

August 3, 2020August 3, 2020

From Boker

Boker USA is proud to introduce the Legion by Boker Plus.

The straight, slim line build of the Boker Plus Legion makes this lightweight pocket knife the perfect everyday tool. It has a rugged stonewashed blade of 9Cr13CoMoV steel, that is easy to open thanks to its ball bearings and flipper. The textured handle of rugged, non-slip G10 has a fishbone texture, making it easy to handle even when wet. Includes a detachable, deep carry pocket clip.

Blade length: 3.43″ | Blade thickness: 3.7mm | Overall length : 7.87″ | SRP: $89.95

The Boker Plus Legion (model #01BO242) is now available for purchase through Boker USA, Inc.

And if the outdoors is part of your lifestyle, take a look at the company’s new Boker Plus Outdoorsman Mini.

August 3, 2020August 3, 2020

Streamlight Renews COPS Support for 21st Year

From Streamlight

Streamlight, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices for the law enforcement market, has donated nearly $127,000 to Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), renewing the company’s support for the 21st year in a row. Streamlight’s donations over the years have helped to underwrite ongoing programs and activities for survivors of fallen officers.

In addition to sponsoring a variety of C.O.P.S. programs and events, each year Streamlight earmarks $1.00 from the sale of each Blue Nano Light® to C.O.P.S. The keychain flashlight boasts a super bright white LED and a double-sided FOB that features the C.O.P.S. logo on one side and Streamlight’s logo on the other side. Streamlight also donates $2.00 from the sale of each Blue Siege® AA lantern, featuring one white and two blue LEDs, and the C.O.P.S. logo on its globe.

This year, Streamlight will hold its 6th Annual 5K/1 Mile Fun Walk virtually, with participants completing a virtual run or walk at the location and time of their choice between August 15-29. The first 250 registrants to sign up by August 1 will receive an event t-shirt by mail. Click HERE to register.

Participants can join Streamlight’s Facebook event by clicking HERE or follow #SLCOPS5K to watch people participate nationwide.

“Streamlight is proud to support C.O.P.S. in their efforts to provide education and resources to the law enforcement community, including survivors of the fallen,” said Streamlight President and Chief Executive Officer Ray Sharrah. “As avid supporters of first responders, we are committed to making sure that the law enforcement community has the tools they need to keep themselves safe.”

Today, more than 50 C.O.P.S. chapters nationwide provide resources to some 50,000 survivors, including immediate and extended families and co-workers of officers who have died in the line of duty.

For more information about C.O.P.S., please visit nationalcops.org.

And, if you’re among the many preparing for the hurricane season, take a look at the new Streamlight Duty-Ready Stinger 2020.