Registration Open for 2020 Adaptive Defensive Shooting Summit

Registration Open for 2020 Adaptive Defensive Shooting Summit

From Adaptive Defensive Shooting Summit

Trevor Baucom has announced that the registration for the second annual Adaptive Defensive Shooting Summit is now open. Set for October 23 to 24, 2020, at the SIG Sauer Academy in Epping, NH, the event has expanded in competitor capacity and challenges.

In order to participate in the championship event, competitors will be required to attend a half day training and live fire shooting development seminar held on October 23. The session is included in the $95 registration fee and will be taught by renowned Learn To Shoot Again and SIG Sauer Academy instructors.

The SIG Sauer Academy is known for delivering world class training to elite military units, law enforcement and responsible citizens. With 110 courses held on 25 ranges spanning nearly 140 acres there is something available for everyone.

We are also pleased to announce that Chad Barber will once again take the reins as the Match Director for the eight-stage championship. With his better half Angie on the décor team, expect an even larger “Wow-Factor” from last year.

3DEO Posts Triple Digit Annual Growth with Next Generation Metal 3D Printing

3DEO Posts Triple Digit Annual Growth with Next Generation Metal 3D Printing

From 3DEO

3DEO started as a 3D printing company with its revolutionary metal 3D printing technology, Intelligent Layering, at the core. But in order to compete in high-volume traditional manufacturing, the company evolved into a vertically integrated, next-generation factory. This new business model meant manufacturers could gain the cost savings, design freedom, and manufacturing flexibility they need to compete—without having to shell out millions of dollars for a metal 3D printer and the supporting infrastructure. 

As evidenced by 3DEO’s success metrics for 2019, this paradigm shift could be a forerunner to building the factory of the future.

Editor’s Note: 3DEO makes 3-D metal printed parts for the gun industry, and if you missed it here’s an article on the company’s involvement in the industry and process.


“We are very proud of the growth that was accomplished over the last year. It is clear that 2020 will be another record-setting year for 3DEO as our pace of adoption across all industries is accelerating. More than a metal 3D printing company, 3DEO is a solutions provider helping our customers tackle their most challenging manufacturing problems. What’s more, almost every customer we are working with is using metal 3D printing in production for the first time. We are in the trenches with our customers, and our growth curve is a testament to the demand for these solutions. In the end, our mission is to do for manufacturing what Amazon’s AWS did for the internet by offering low-cost access to flexible, scalable, and world-class manufacturing infrastructure,” Matt Sand, the company’s President, said. 

Being “solutions oriented” has a significant impact in several key areas:

  • 600% growth in revenues for 2019 over 2018
  • 172% growth in the number of employees—3DEO has 60 employees compared to 22 employees in 2018
  • 566% increase in the number of production printers at 3DEO—printers are built with proprietary technology specialized for serial production—manufactured in USA.
  • 394% increase in number of parts shipped in 2019 over 2018 – with approximately 25% of parts being for aerospace, 35% for medical and 40% for defense   

“We’re doing things in manufacturing that previously couldn’t be done,” Matt Petros, 3DEO’s CEO, said. “And we’re doing it by leveraging several enabling technologies that are converging right now in manufacturing – in a way that finally allows metal 3D printing to shift the serial production paradigm.” 

Amidst a downcycle in manufacturing jobs in America, 3DEO’s new solution-focused business model is creating new jobs. High-tech production workers work with robotics and automation. The most noteworthy employee increase was in the R&D department. With over 25 engineers, 3DEO is continuously improving core processes and technology up and down the production line. 

Federal Sponsored Shooter Wins Pigg River Precision PRS Match

Federal Sponsored Shooter Wins Pigg River Precision PRS Match

From Federal Premium

Sponsored competitive shooter Tucker Schmidt takes home a title at the Pigg River Precision PRS Match in Rocky Mount, Virginia shooting Federal Premium Gold Medal 6 mm Creedmoor.

“My rifle and ammunition combo were just hammering all weekend. I shot a really good match and was fortunate enough to leave with the win,” said Schmidt about his match victory. “As good as Federal factory-loaded Gold Medal ammo is, I’d just prefer not to spend hours in the garage reloading and just run it for the remainder of my matches.”

“The Federal Premium Gold Medal 6mm Creedmoor 107-grain Sierra Matchking shot with an average velocity of 3,090 feet-per-second (fps) and only a standard deviation of 7.5 fps,” Schmidt reported. “Sight-in accuracy at 100 yards was sub-1/2 MOA, and it shot consistently at any distance.”

“Tucker is new to our team this year. He shoots USPSA, 3-Gun and Precision Rifle Series for us and he’s naturally gifted in all the different disciplines,” said Federal Shooting Sports Promotions Manager Jason Spradling. “The message that I preach to all our shooters is that you don’t have to be a handloader to be competitive. You can shoot factory ammo and compete on a national level. In the past two years, we’ve had many top finishes with team members shooting our Gold Medal ammunition. Tucker’s finish at this event is proof of that, and we congratulate him.”

Gold Medal Sierra MatchKing 6 mm Creedmoor features a boat-tail hollow-point bullet to provide ballistic performance match shooters need; uniform match jacket ensures consistent, long-range accuracy; quality Federal brass; specially formulated propellant; and a benchrest-quality Gold Medal primer. The exclusive primer design provides the best sensitivity and most consistent ballistics in the industry. The precision-built Sierra MatchKing bullet has won more matches than any other rifle bullet. It’s the only choice for the world’s most elite shooters.

Primary Arms Optics Becomes Silver Sponsor Of SASP

Primary Arms Optics Becomes Silver Sponsor Of SASP

From Primary Arms

Youth shooting sports finds another huge supporter with Primary Arms Optics signing on as a Silver-Level Sponsor of the Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP).

“Primary Arms is dedicated to growing the firearms community, and we are proud to support the Scholastic Action Shooting Program,” said Dina Sanders, Primary Arms’ Brand Manager. “At a time where misinformation is everywhere, youth programs help grow the next generation of advocates.”

“Primary Arms was eager to support SASP ahead of the National Championships this year,” said Rick Leach, SASP National Director. “Key support from both big industry names and newer companies alike gives our mission of youth development through shooting sports continued momentum. We have seen consistent growth in both athlete participation and sponsor support throughout our existence. The future of youth shooting sports looks bright, no matter the current circumstances!”

And don’t forget to check out the new Primary Arms GLX series of riflescopes.  

Bushnell Named Official Optic of Realtree

Bushnell Named Official Optic of Realtree

From Vista Outdoor

Bushnell has become the “Official Optic” of Realtree. This new agreement expands the partnership between two of the industry’s most iconic hunting brands, with Bushnell optics enjoying exclusive placement across all Realtree television, digital and social channels.

Fans of the Realtree TV and digital properties will have the ability to see the latest Bushnell products in action every week. As the Realtree prostaff sets off in search of every wild game imaginable, viewers will have a front row seat to all the action along with a first-hand account of why these hunters put their trust in Bushnell products. Throughout the season, viewers will get an inside look at Bushnell’s newest products, helpful tips and tricks plus other product insights from the company’s full breadth of optics including: riflescopes, binoculars, rangefinders, spotting scopes and night-vision products.

“Hunters know great optics make all the difference for a lot of reasons. This partnership with Bushnell brings their quality optics in Realtree camo to hunters everywhere, and that will make for a lot of successful hunts,” said Realtree Designer and President Bill Jordan.

“At Bushnell, we have made it our primary mission to develop and bring to market quality, purpose-built products to improve our customers outdoor experience,” said Mark Bauman, Director of Optics for Bushnell. “Through our expanded partnership with Realtree, we’re excited that hunters will now have the opportunity to see how our products improve the hunting experience in real world situations across Realtee’s broad offering of quality outdoor programming.”

Bushnell will continue to sponsor both Realtree Outdoors® and Realtree Road Trips® TV in addition to extending its support to Realtree’s Monster Bucks® and across the Realtree 365 network. New video and digital series where viewers can now see Bushnell products include: Midwest Whitetail & Chasing November, Spring Thunder, Black Cloud, Whitetail TV, Pay Dirt, Hunt United, Grigsby and Sea Bucks.

Berger’s Long Range Hybrid Target Bullets Win K&M PRS Match

Berger’s Long Range Hybrid Target Bullets Win K&M PRS Match

From Berger Bullets

Congratulations to Berger Sponsored Shooter, Ken Sanoski, who dominated the entire field and brought home first place at the K&M/Kales Precision Rifle Competition. Sanoski outshined all competitors with the new Berger 6mm 109 Grain Long Range Hybrid Target bullets loaded in a 6mm Dasher.

The 2020 K&M/Kahles Precision Rifle Competition took place May 22-24 at the K&M Precision Rifle Training in Finger, Tennessee with over 200 of the top PRS shooters competing.

“Every year the best shooters from around the Country show up for the K&M Kahles Precision Rifle Competition. The course of fire this year was challenging with plenty of small targets. Berger 109 Grain Ling Range Hybrids performed awesome hitting 188 out of the available 199 targets for the 1st place finish,” stated Sanoski.

Berger 6mm 109-grain Long Range Hybrid TargetBullets provide competitive PRS shooters and long-range accuracy enthusiasts a level of precision and consistency unmatched by all other bullet manufacturers; an unrivaled Ballistic Coefficient (BC) variance of less than 1 percent. Utilizing advanced and proprietary manufacturing processes, Berger’s innovative Meplat Reduction Technology (MRT) System applies controlled pressure along the projectile nose, producing the most repeatable bullet profile.

Learn more about the unmatched consistency of Berger’s Long Range Hybrid Target bullets at NoBSBC.com

3-D Printing of Metal Gun Parts

3-D Printing of Metal Gun Parts

3-D printed trigger photo courtesy of 3DEO

Firearm companies harness cutting-edge technology to improve quality or reduce price. When it comes to the 3-D printing of metal gun parts, they accomplish both.

It’s no DIY affair, though. The printers used in the process are exotic-car expensive, require advanced programming and the part isn’t finished until subjected to temperatures rivaling today’s forecast at the gates of hell.

3DEO was established three years ago and specializes in 3-D printing of metal firearm components. “We shipped 30,000 pieces in 2018,” company president and co-founder Matt Sand said.

Editor’s Note: Business is growing fast and the company is expanding according to this company press release.

The company’s customers today include somewhere around two dozen gun manufacturers, most small- and medium-sized firms. Sand is careful not to drop names, although at least one handgun currently available includes six 3-D metal printed parts.

“This industry is our priority,” the Air Force veteran and gun owner said. “We definitely found a home here….despite being located in California.”

Think again if you’re a handy gun owner who enjoys DIY projects. First, the machines are huge, and each of the eight 3DEO has in house (with another 12 available) rival the girth of today’s CNC machines. They’re extremely expensive, too, so much so that versions capable of crafting big items are the exclusive realm of the aerospace and defense industries.

Complex Process

The process is also complex. “Metal 3-D printing is really comprised of many different technologies,” Sand said. It starts with a layer of metal powder, a proprietary binder goes atop, then the layer is cut precisely, and the steps are repeated until the part is complete. “One of our early projects was a bolt release for a well-known gun company,” he explained. “That was 55 layers.”

A special powder is then applied, and it goes into a large furnace to bake at close to 1,350 Fahrenheit—just short of full melting point. The average density of a finished 3DEO component is 99.5, versus the average metal injection molding (MIM) results of 95 or 96.

There’s also less wasted material and, “It’s 35 percent below the cost of CNC machining,” Sand said. Tolerances are “Plus or minus 4 thousandths, but we’re upgrading and we’ll be holding 2 thousandths of an inch. That’s on par with the best of MIM.”

Although it sounds painstakingly slow, the machines can churn out 1,000 items a day and because, “We’re able to lay down one layer at a time…we’re able to validate the quality of the part,” he said. “If there are problems, we’re able to ID them.”

Once the stainless-steel product is complete, it can get a mirror or matte finish, black nitriding, polishing or tumbling. Computers monitor the process and “From the beginning we had a PhD software engineer who has written custom programs for us,” Sand said.

A printing process has another advantage. Changes in shape or dimension can be made overnight, unlike the expense and delay when doing so with MIM.

Antique/Discontinued Part

When asked if his company is exploring the possibility of making small, discontinued and impossible-to-find gun parts for collectors Sand said, “Undoubtedly, as our system becomes more automated.”

“Imagine someone that has a relic Colt Paterson revolver handed down through his family that sadly had lost a trigger or cylinder…,” Doug Wicklund, senior curator at the NRA National Firearms Museum commented. “With a 3-D printer, a missing minor component could be replicated.”

Another Advantage

Daniel Defense and SIG Sauer have already harnessed 3-D metal printing’s power in their suppressors. The former’s DD Wave is a one-piece baffle and tube constructed with a nickel-based superalloy.

John Hollister, national commercial sales trainer for SIG Sauer, noted another advantage showcased in his company’s new metal-printed ModX lineup. “In our SRD9 and SRD45 suppressor we used a titanium tube, steel booster components and all of the baffles are manufactured from 17-4 stainless for strength,” he explained As a result, the weight of the SRD9 comes in at 12.9 ounces.

“The MODX-9/MODX-45 Suppressors (which harness the 3-D printing technology) use similar steel components—the pistons from the SRD9/SRD45 are forwards compatible with the MODX handgun suppressors—but we forgo the tube and all the baffles are manufactured from titanium,” Hollister said. “By eliminating the already light titanium tube and making the baffles titanium, the MODX-9 only weighs 8 ounces, or a little under 2/3 the weight of the SRD9. Everyone that picks the MODX suppressors up comments on how light they are.”

The demand for 3-D printing of metal gun parts is there, and expanding, according to the experts. Improved quality, reduced cost, lighter weight and a potentially reliable supply of hard-to-find small parts makes it hard to argue with that conclusion.  

Walther Secures York County Sheriff’s Contract with PPQ 9mm Pistol

Walther Secures York County Sheriff's Contract with PPQ 9mm Pistol

From Walther

The York County Sheriff’s Office (PA) recently decided to switch from their issued .40 caliber pistols to the 9 mm caliber. As part of their selection process, the Walther PPQ M2 9mm 4” pistol was chosen as one of the issued pistols for the agency.

Sheriff Richard P. Keuerleber cited the superior ergonomics of the pistol as one of the main reasons the agency decided to select the pistol. “Combining the outstanding handling capabilities, along with the smooth trigger pull of the Walther PPQ, simplified the selection process,” stated Sheriff Keuerleber. In addition to the purchase, a Walther Armorers Program was conducted, ensuring that the agency was fully qualified to inspect the Walther PPQ M2 pistols.

And if you’re curious how long polymer-framed handguns will last, I asked the experts.

Meprolight Increases Supply to Meet Demand

Meprolight Increases Supply to Meet Demand

From Meprolight

Israel, like the U.S. and the rest of the world had to deal with economic shutdowns due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Meprolight’s business managers recognized going forward there would be supply issues so they made early decisions to ship inventory to the U.S. before the shutdown and to order component materials in order to be prepared when production was allowed to resume.

Because of their planning, Meprolight US was able to meet product demand during the pandemic and has received product to replenish what has been sold. Bill Yerby, Meprolight’s U.S. General Manager shared, “Meprolight took preventive actions that put us into position to continue filling orders during the virus crisis. Having materials on hand in Israel allowed them to begin production as soon as the restrictions were lifted that allowed us to continue to meet the increased demand for the RDS Pro V2, M-21 and the MEPRO HVS Highly Visible Day/Night Self-illuminated Sights.”

The picture shows RDS Pro V2 units being inspected prior to be shipped to the U.S. It is the latest and most technical MIL-SPEC red dot optic from Meprolight. New features include 16 levels of brightness for any lighting condition, day or night. Shooters can choose from numerous reticle patterns— such as 2.0 MOA dot, Bullseye or 300 Blackout—in either red or green reticle. Shooters can expect thousands of hours of use from a single AA battery depending on level of reticle brightness selected. The RDS Pro V2 is battle proven and trusted by militaries, law enforcement agencies and professional shooters world-wide. It comes with a Picatinny rail mount and is compatible with NVGs and magnifying scopes.

Unique Advantages:

  • Advanced LED Technology for low power consumption
  • Auto shut-off mechanism for additional energy savings
  • 16 distinct reticle brightness levels for varying conditions
  • Multiple reticle patterns — 2 MOA Dot, Bullseye, 300 Blackout—Available
  • Red or Green Reticles
  • Compatible with all standard NVGs& Magnifying Scopes
  • Wide, crystal-clear display window allowing increased FOV
  • Low-battery Indicator
  • MIL-STD

ASP LE Agency Program Addresses Need for Disposable Restraints

ASP LE Agency Program Addresses Need for Disposable Restraints

From ASP

Armament Systems and Procedures (ASP), a leading manufacturer of law enforcement products, has announced a multi-tiered response to new guidelines and recommendations related to the use of disposable restraints. First, addressing the sudden surge in demand, the company has dramatically ramped up production of its Tri-Fold single-use restraints. Second, ASP is communicating the latest industry guidelines and potential equipment funding opportunities to agencies and the distributors who supply them. And finally, the company rapidly rolled out a program to make it fast and easy for agencies to deploy a turnkey disposable restraint solution. The program includes free equipment to help outfit officers, while reducing the overall cost to the agency.

“The health crisis obviously changed everything overnight,” says ASP CEO Kevin Parsons, “and urgently finding ways to protect the health of first responders became an immediate priority.” Parsons says that in addition to the need for things like masks and gloves, emphasis has been placed on minimizing the re-use of equipment like handcuffs, that might carry surface-borne pathogens. He points out that the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and others are specifically recommending that law enforcement officers use disposable restraints. “Based on the spike in demand and requests for large-scale availability, we have dramatically increased production of our Tri-Folds and we are currently manufacturing these restraints and related accessories around the clock,” says Parsons.

In conjunction with the spooled-up production, ASP quickly turned around a comprehensive communication and education effort, beginning with an informational video, and continuing with disseminating the latest industry recommendations, as well as information on a federal funding program that offers subsidies to help agencies acquire the equipment they need.

Finally, in the span of 24 hours, ASP put together and distributed an efficient, cost-saving product acquisition program for distributors and agencies. The Agency Set program offers a bulk pre-packed solution with everything needed to get disposable restraints in the field. Each set includes 300 Tri-Fold Restraints, 25 Scarab Safety Cutters, and 25 system carrying cases that can be worn on belts or vests. ASP is providing the cases at no cost, to help reduce the overall cost, while ensuring that officers have everything they need to carry and use the system.

“Officer safety has always been the cornerstone of everything we do,” says ASP’s Parsons. “The public health crisis has just expanded the definition of what it means to protect the people who protect us.”