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Pennsylvania Game Commission Uses Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 for Elk Research

Pennsylvania Game Commission Uses Pulsar Helion 2 XP50 for Elk Research

From Pulsar

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is one of the most effective wildlife conservation organizations in the USA. With 235,000 members, the RMEF manages elk habitats and monitors populations to ensure elk health and longevity. Top RMEF biologist and Pennsylvania Game Commission member Jeremy Banfield has been using Pulsar’s vauntedHelion 2 XP50 (PL77402) to assist in his work with excellent results.

According to Banfield, “The Helion 2 XP50 helped us locate and distinguish newborn elk calves, in a heavily forested landscape, as part of our calf survival research project.” Equally useful during day or night, the XP50’s 640×480 AMOLED display enables Banfield to observe elk at different times of day. In his words, “At night, the images were clear enough to distinguish elk from deer and to pick out small newborn calves.” Boasting a 2,000-yard detection range, 2.5-20x magnification, 8 color palettes and a rechargeable IPS7 battery, the XP50’s greatest benefit may be its ability to conserve our most precious resource—time. Banfield states, “You can carefully scan a hillside looking for a newborn elk calf with the Helion XP50 in less than 60 seconds, where it may take you 60 minutes to search it on foot.”

Banfield is confident the Helion XP50 will continue to outperform his expectations. He says, “We’ll definitely use the Helion XP50 for the next few years as we continue to research calf survival and I’m sure over time we’ll find other uses as well.”

 Here’s a look at the Pulsar Axiom XM30S if you’re looking for a handheld night vision monocular.

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NSSF Guide for Parents—Youth Mental Health, Preventing Unauthorized Access to Firearms

NSSF Guide for Parents—Youth Mental Health, Preventing Unauthorized Access to Firearms

From NSSF

A Guide for Parents: Understanding Youth Mental Health and Preventing Unauthorized Access to Firearms

NEWTOWN, Conn. – The National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®) today released a new guide, developed in consultation with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), that helps parents recognize signs their children may be struggling with mental health issues and offers advice on how to talk to kids about suicide, make homes safer for those who may be at-risk and help reduce the risk of suicide among America’s teens.

The free resource – “A Guide for Parents: Understanding Youth Mental Health and Preventing Unauthorized Access to Firearms” – can be downloaded at NSSF’s Project ChildSafe® website or AFSP’s Project 2025 website.

“Mental health may seem like a difficult topic to raise with children, but it doesn’t have to be,” said Doreen Marshall, AFSP’s Vice President of Mission Engagement. “Talking openly with our young people about mental health, just as we would physical health, can help protect our kids and give them the support they need, long before a crisis occurs.”

Multiple studies show today’s teens are dealing with higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression and other mental or emotional health concerns than any generation before them. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a new set of challenges for teens, including loss of structure, separation from peers and increased feelings of isolation—adding to the stressors young people are already bearing.

“With these realities, it’s crucial that parents take steps to secure potentially lethal methods of harming oneself or others. That may mean rethinking how and where you store your guns and other possible methods of self-harm,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO.

The new guide covers the health, environmental and historical factors that may lead to kids being more at-risk, as well as warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide, and critical advice on how and when to take action. There are also recommendations on how to secure firearms, prescription drugs, harmful chemicals and other lethal means so they can’t be accessed by a person in distress.

“Keeping guns out of the wrong hands is a firearm owner’s most important priority, and securing a firearm is one of the most important steps parents can take to protect at-risk teens and others in the home,” Bartozzi said. “Our Project ChildSafe website offers several resources on how to determine the best safe storage option for your home and family.”

NSSF and AFSP have developed supplemental resources, including A Tip Sheet For Parents: Mental Health, Suicide Prevention and Firearm Safety and Being There for Your Friends: A Guide to Helping Prevent Suicide, for teens who may be concerned about their friends but don’t know what steps to take.

“Suicide is preventable—increasing our knowledge of adolescents’ mental health, combined with secure firearm storage options, is a powerful combination to save lives,” Bartozzi said.

Importantly, anyone experiencing a crisis is urged to reach out to any of the following resources:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
  • Lifeline Chat: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
  • Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741741
  • Emergency Response: Call 911 or contact your local emergency room
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Safari Club Cancels its 2021 Convention

Safari Club Cancels its 2021 Convention

From Safari Club International

After much contemplation and exhaustive effort, Safari Club International (SCI) has made the difficult decision to cancel its 2021 Hunters’ Convention. COVID-19-related restrictions imposed by the state of Nevada and city of Las Vegas to ensure a safe event environment during the ongoing pandemic has made it impossible to conduct a successful event for our members and exhibitors, or serve the greater good of wildlife conservation.

For 49 consecutive years SCI has conducted its annual convention, bringing together from around the world, hunters, exhibitors, conservation stakeholders, and generations of SCI members. This annual event celebrates hunter advocacy, raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for wildlife conservation, and enables the planning of hunts that further support conservation on every continent. It is one of the most anticipated gatherings of the year not only for the reasons above but
also because it is the one week that our community can rely upon to renew friendships and reignite the fire that drives us all to carry on the traditions of hunting. We did not reach this decision lightly.

Throughout the turmoil of 2020 SCI has remained on watch. We have defended hunting in California and on Capitol Hill; we have supported wildlife conservation on the plains of Wyoming and plateaus of Africa; and we worked with legislators and the Trump Administration on the Great American Outdoors Act, history’s greatest outdoor legislative achievement. Working hand in hand with the Safari Club International Foundation (SCIF), we were able to raise a record amount of
money for hunter education and conservation. Our work will proceed apace despite this unfortunate cancellation.


Despite our disappointment with this development, SCI will be there for our members and exhibitors in 2022 to reflect on all these accomplishments and celebrate them together. The 2022 Convention will take place in Las Vegas and will be a celebration of our hunting heritage and the perseverance we all needed to get through this, together.

The announcement, along with the cancellation of the Great American Outdoor Show, adds emphasis to the question whether there will even be a SHOT Show in 2021.

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Beretta Launches New Line of Hunting Knives

Beretta Launches New Line of Hunting Knives

From Beretta

Beretta is excited to announce the launch of a brand-new line of Beretta hunting knives. Characterized by handles made from a combination of walnut wood bonded with orange G10 fiberglass for enhanced durability, these high-quality knives are made in Italy with French 440C Inox Steel.

Designed in cooperation with Maserin, an Italian knives manufacturer, this new line utilizes hand-selected materials chosen for their quality standards. The French 440C Inox Steel used to craft the blades is ideal for hunting as it is hard enough to keep the edge sharp after repeated use, yet soft enough for easy sharpening (when needed) and guarantees high resistance to rust and corrosion.

“When our first Gallery store opened in the US in the late 1990s, the search was on to fill the store with products that reflected the hunting pursuits. The clear objective outside of apparel and gun accessories was to find ways to round out the customer experience, and knives became a key focus. Throughout the years, we have worked with top Global and US suppliers to explore ways to bring the Beretta innovation from firearms into this adjacent category. Our relationship with Maserin knife supplier has strengthened, and we are excited to launch this new series of hunting and gentleman knives to the US market. A classic approach to a new steel mold and stamping technologies mixed with clever branding aesthetics gives authentic personality to this collection,” Patrick Mocorro, Digital P.A.C. Sales Manager & Clothing – Accessories Business Leader, said.

This new hunting knives collection features various fixed blade knives, folding knives, and three-blade knives.

The Beretta Eland Fixed Blade Knife features a four-inch blade made of AISI 440 Stainless Steel with a walnut and G10 grip and a durable cow leather sheath. The lightweight knife, weighing 0.5 lbs., also contains a hole for additional string and a loop on the sheath for attachment to a belt. When the screws are removed, this knife features a hidden compartment inside.

The Beretta Bushbuck Folding Knife is a practical folding knife designed with certain size specifications that make it suitable for most situations hunters find themselves in. This hunting knife features a 3.3-inch AISI 440 Stainless Steel blade and walnut and G10 grip with grooves designed to provide a more secure grip and measures at an overall length of 8.8 inches long.

The Beretta Duiker Three Blade Knife is a foldable knife that contains a plain blade, a serrated blade, a screwdriver, and a skinner. This three-blade knife weighs 0.4 lbs. and is a total of 7 inches long with a 3-inch blade and a distinctive walnut wood grip.

The entire hunting knives collection is now available for purchase and retails for an MSRP ranging between $99-$229.

For additional information, visit www.Beretta.com.

You might also want to take a look at the Bear OPS Titanium pocketknife.

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1791Gunleather Holsters for Optic-Ready Glock G43x and G48

1791Gunleather Holsters for Optic-Ready Glock G43x and G48

From 1791 Gunleather

Optic ready firearms are not a new concept and manufactures today continue to expand existing models as well as bring out several new firearms that are optic capable as well as OEM equipped. There is a major shortage in quality holsters that perform at the highest standard for today’s variety of optic ready firearms. At 1791 Gunleather we identified that shortage and challenged it head on with now over 20 holsters that fit over 100 models of optic ready firearms. We are excited to introduce 2 more optic ready holsters for the popular Glock G43x and G48.

I interviewed several custom holster experts, and you may be surprised at how affordable they are.

Glock first introduced the slimline G43x and G48 in July of 2019. Since then the slimline frame and 10-round capacity firearms have become incredibly popular with shooters of all shapes, sizes, and skill levels. Now, Glock has introduced a new feature to these two popular models, a Micro Optic System (MOS) configuration, and 1791 Gunleather has holsters ready for the new versions of these sidearms.

“We will continue to create new designs and modify existing models to meet the needs of armed America,” said Alex Toussieh, COO of 1791 Gunleather. “Leather is a very obliging material and our leather working artisans are the best in the world.”

The new design is a great feature for the two, already popular, firearm models. Many shooters have come to love the MOS-style optics for self-defense and other close-quarters shooting scenarios. The quick target acquisition and improved shooter accuracy are benefits that shooters of all skillsets can enjoy. With 1791 Gunleather, users of these new models have premium quality holster options offering the perfect blend of comfort and functionality.

For more information on holsters for the new optic-ready G43x and G48, visit www.1791gunleather.com.

The company also recently released paddle optics-ready holsters.

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CMC Triggers Releases KRAGOS Glock Aftermarket Slide

CMC Triggers Releases KRAGOS Glock Aftermarket Slide

From CMC Triggers

CMC Triggers’ new KRAGOS Glock-compatible slide symbolizes victory and strength, much like that of the Greek God in which the name was inspired. The KRAGOS™ Slide solidifies CMC’s reputation for producing premium aftermarket Glock® parts and accessories. The aggressively sleek design and enhanced aesthetics of the KRAGOS™ improve accuracy and performance without sacrificing reliability or concealment.

The KRAGOS™ is manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility to tighter tolerances than factory slides for increased consistency in barrel lockup, improving accuracy. Constructed from 17-4 stainless-steel billet, CMC’s KRAGOS™ Glock® Slides are then heat-treated to H900 42-44RC and coated with a Diamond-Like-Carbon (DLC) finish for added corrosion resistance and durability. DLC coatings exhibit a desirable combination of low coefficient friction and high micro-hardness, making it the perfect upgrade in high wear applications.

The KRAGOS™ features a wraparound scalloped serration pattern that improves grip while manipulating the slide, like press checking the chamber or clearing a malfunction. The 45-degree chamfer edge eases holster ingress and egress, preventing snags on gear. All slides come with standard Glock® sight cuts equipped with tritium night sights and pre-cut optic pocket for the easy, secure, low-profile mounting that accommodates all red dot pistol optics that share an RMR® footprint.

The KRAGOS™ Slide accepts factory or aftermarket barrels and parts, is the ideal upgrade for your factory Gen 3 Glock® 17 or Glock® 19 pistols and pairs nicely with Polymer 80 frames for new custom gun builds.

Features:

  • Fits GEN3 Glock® 17 & 19 Pistol Frames and Components
  • 45-Degree Chamfer Edge to Ease Holster Ingress and Egress
  • Machined from Corrosion Resistant 17-4 Stainless Steel Billet
  • Heat Treated to H900 42-44RC
  • Precision Wire EDM Breach Face
  • Wear Resistant Black Diamond-Like-Carbon (DLC) Coating
  • Preinstalled Tritium Night Sights on factory Glock® Front/Rear Cuts
  • Accepts Factory and Aftermarket Barrels and Parts
  • Pre-Cut RMR® Footprint Mounting Slot Fits Trijicon®, SOUSA® RAID™ RPD
    and Holosun® HE508T, HS507C, HS407C
  • CMC’s 100% Lifetime Warranty

The KRAGOS™ Slide is complemented by CMC’s Drop-in Glock® Trigger and CMC Barrels® Glock® Match Precision Barrel.

All CMC products come with a Lifetime Warranty and are made in the U.S.A. CMC proudly designs all its products for Law Enforcement, Military, and Civilian use.

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Expand Your Handgun’s Capabilities With Meprolight

Expand Your Handgun's Capabilities With Meprolight

From Meprolight

Should you upgrade the sights on your handgun? Chances are, you’re one of a million or so Americans who purchased a new handgun this past year. Thus far, you’ve done everything right; you religiously follow the four rules of gun safety, you’ve trained with your new gun at the range, you are confident with your aim point and point of impact. Most likely your training occurred under bright ideal conditions, but what happens if you have to defend yourself in less than ideal conditions—dimly lit parking garage or at night on a poorly lit street—will you be able to quickly acquire your sights, especially your front sight while under duress?

Meprolight’s engineers knew there had to be a better way to direct the eyes focus on the sight and solved this dilemma with the MEPRO Self-Illuminated Day/Night Sights . They were the first to develop contrasting, Tritium powered, colored sight combinations in order to provide the ideal day or night sight. Meprolight Tru-Dot sight dots are perfect for day, night or low-light conditions.

The highly visible MEPRO HVS Sights are available with green Tritium vials at the front and rear. To accentuate the front sight contrast, a colored ring encircles the front tritium dot . Orange and green, colors are available together with a glowing phosphoric yellow activated by light.

Models are available for over 24 handgun brands including Glock, H&K, Sig, IWI, Ruger, Springfield Armory, Smith & Wesson and CZ. Models for rifles and shotguns as well.

Like all Israeli citizens, Meprolight’s engineers served in the Israeli Defense Forces and from experience knew the limitations and demands of shooting iron sights on handguns and rifles. As a result of their hands -on learning, you can increase your capabilities to protect those around you.

All self-illuminated sights come with a 12 yr. warranty on the tritium illumination. To find your closest Meprolight™ Dealer or to learn about other outstanding Meprolight™ optics, self-illuminated day/night sights and thermal imaging devices, visit: Meprolight.US.

For more on selecting the handgun sights, an expert from Truglo explains why black sights aren’t necessarily best in my interview, and here are some more tips from a pro at HiViz.

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MidwayUSA Foundation presents the 2020 Hometown Challenge

MidwayUSA Foundation presents the 2020 Hometown Challenge

From Midway USA Foundation

MidwayUSA Foundation’s 2020 Hometown Challenge is an online shoot and sweepstakes for the entire shooting sports community. With just over a week left there are two ways to participate. Purchase a sweepstakes entry for the chance to win over 100 prizes, including ammunition, firearms, apparel, coolers, shooting glasses, and more. Those interested can purchase additional sweepstakes entries as well for additional chances. The second way to participate in MidwayUSA Foundation’s Hometown Challenge is by registering to shoot at your local range. The virtual shoot welcomes all ages and features seven different disciplines. Shooting categories include air rifle, air pistol, trap, skeet, smallbore rifle, SASP rimfire pistol, and SASP rimfire rifle. Additionally, all virtual shoot competitors will earn a sweepstakes entry for participating!

In addition to winning great prizes, this event directly benefits young shooting athletes. All shooter registration and sweepstakes entry fees double as a donation to the MidwayUSA Foundation endowment of the participant’s choice and will be matched by the Foundation’s current Matching Program. Shooting teams and organizations can use this event as a fundraiser for their MidwayUSA Foundation endowment. Local gun clubs and shooting ranges can encourage members to compete at their range and choose a shooting team to receive the registration fees. Every donation to a shooting team’s endowment grows the team’s annual cash grant. That grant assists the team with expenses like ammo, entry fees, travel, and more!

Shooting programs and ranges wishing to promote the 2020 Hometown Challenge are encouraged to download logos and flyers on the MidwayUSA Foundation website. In addition, participants can post and share photos from their local range on social media. See the Foundation’s entire toolkit for this event at midwayusafoundation.org/htctoolkit.

Registration for the shoot and sweepstakes are now open at midwayusafoundation.org/htc. This webpage also provides a mail-in registration form and a place to submit your scores. The shooter registration deadline is October 28th and the Sweepstakes deadline is October 31st.

The MidwayUSA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity working to sustain and grow the shooting sports industry by providing long-term funding to youth shooting teams. Every donation made is tax-deductible and allows the Foundation to assist in expanding and enhancing the leadership skills, confidence, and discipline of Today’s youth through shooting sports activities. The Foundation supports all shooting disciplines. For more information about how the MidwayUSA Foundation is changing the future of youth shooting sports, please visit midwayusafoundation.org.

And here’s a look at one of the other efforts the Foundation is undertaking.

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Pennsylvania COVID Restrictions Prevent NRA’s Great American Outdoor Show for 2021

Pennsylvania COVID Restrictions Prevent NRA’s Great American Outdoor Show for 2021

From NRA

To the great disappointment of tens of thousands of sportsmen and women, COVID-related governmental restrictions in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will prevent the 2021 Great American Outdoor Show from being held as scheduled on February 6-14, 2021.

Since the NRA created the Great American Outdoor Show in 2014, the show has been a much-anticipated annual event and a major boon for the state and local economy. More than 1,100 exhibitors and tens of thousands of people from Pennsylvania and indeed around the country and globe would converge on the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex each year contributing approximately $75 million to area businesses and state coffers, according to official local estimates.

The NRA will certainly miss the opportunity to celebrate America’s great firearm, hunting, fishing and outdoor heritage, but we look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones at the Great American Outdoor Show scheduled to be held February 5 – 13, 2022.

The cancellation, along with Safari Club’s, raise even more questions about whether there will be a SHOT Show 2021.

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Hornady Named 2020 Ammunition Manufacturer of the Year

Hornady Named 2020 Ammunition Manufacturer of the Year

From Hornady

Hornady Manufacturing has once again been recognized as the Ammunition Manufacturer of the Year by the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW).

This marks the 10th consecutive year that Hornady has taken the Ammunition Manufacturer of the Year title.

Hornady received the award on October 20th at the Annual Appreciation and Caliber Awards during the associations virtual Expo and Annual Meeting.

“We are honored to accept this prestigious award for demonstrating commitment to the two-step distribution process” said Hornady Vice President, Jason Hornady.

“We would like to thank the NASGW for recognizing our efforts made throughout the year to produce innovative, high quality products and outstanding marketing and sales promotions” Hornady added.

Each year at this event, NASGW Awards the top accessory, ammunition, and firearms manufacturers who best demonstrate a commitment to two-step distribution and who provide outstanding value and service. Wholesaler members evaluate the performance of this manufacturer on key criteria that includes distribution policy, marketing, sales and promotion, logistics and operations, and NASGW and industry support.

Founded in 1949, Hornady Manufacturing Company is a family owned business headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska. Proudly manufacturing products that are made in the USA, Hornady Manufacturing is a world leader in bullets, ammunition, reloading tools and security products design and manufacturing.

For further information regarding Hornady products, visit the company web site at http://hornady.com.

For a glimpse of the company’s innovation, take a look at the 6 mm ARC cartridge it rolled out earlier this year.