Pandemic Resurgence May be the Final Nail in the SHOT Show Coffin

Fifty thousand professionals across the globe are finalizing plans to attend the firearm industry’s largest annual event. The January gathering takes place in Las Vegas, but the latest COVID-19 pandemic resurgence may be the final nail in the SHOT Show coffin.

Update: SHOT Show has been cancelled

There are a variety of business reasons the National Shooting Sports Foundation likely hasn’t cancelled SHOT Show yet. I’ve covered some of them earlier this month in another article. Things have changed, though, and not for the better. The Nevada Governor’s Office will announce modified guidelines sometime in November and the odds are it will be bad news.

The Sept. 29 guidelines mandate a crowd-size limit of 1,000 people. They must attend in separate groups or rooms of 250. There are too many other requirements to mention here, but they are restrictive.

Changing Pandemic Landscape

The total number of documented COVID-19 cases in the state of Nevada on Sept. 25 was 602. On Oct. 26 that figure was up to 762. The jump’s significant, yet nothing compared to elsewhere.

Hospitals nationwide are once again filling to capacity with pandemic patients. Last week set an all-time high for new cases across the nation.

The SHOT Show attracts manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers and media from across the globe. And, according to the New York Times, “…the number of new cases is growing faster than ever worldwide, with more than 200,000 reported each day on average.”

That means the odds are better than ever that each attendee is a carrier. If you were governor would you be comfortable welcoming a convention this size? The Consumer Electronics Show scheduled scarcely a week before SHOT already cancelled. So did Safari Club International. The NRA has cancelled its Great American Outdoor Show.

National and international travel restrictions may come into play. The odds of nearly empty international aisles at the SHOT Show are increasing daily.

Final Nail in the SHOT Show Coffin?

It’s the odds working against the 2021 SHOT Show. And Vegas knows a lot about working statistics in its favor.

Chances are good things won’t improve dramatically by the time the Governor issues new guidelines in November. In fact, it’s looking like the timing of this latest pandemic resurgence may be the final nail in the SHOT Show coffin.

Those, like myself, who’ve already received confirmation of their credentials for the SHOT Show, may’ve overlooked this notice. I know I did.

Lipsey’s Exclusive GLOCK P80

Lipsey's Exclusive GLOCK P80

From Lipsey’s

Lipsey’s, the nation’s premier firearms distributor, has unveiled the new Lipsey’s Exclusive GLOCK P80. A historical reproduction of the original, innovative GLOCK pistol adopted by the Austrian Army in 1982.

In 1981, Gaston Glock assembled a team of engineers and designed his first firearm. The result was submitted to the Austrian Army pistol trials and won the contract in 1982. The Army then designated the first GLOCK as the Pistole 80. These guns were later known commercially as “G17s” and were only available in the US market for two years until the “Gen2” model was introduced in 1988. P80 marked GLOCKs were never imported into the United States.

After its American debut as the GLOCK 17 in 1986, the simple, yet proven, mechanics and materials have remained mainly the same. The original P80 and Gen1 G17 featured non-railed frames with no finger grooves and wrap around pebble grain texturing. Lipsey’s worked with GLOCK to recreate the Gen1 single pin frame and the original flat extractor. The P80 markings are the same font used in 1982. The classic “Tupperware” style container was also re-manufactured for this edition. Each GLOCK P80 includes a commemorative overbox and certificate of authenticity.

The new Lipsey’s Exclusive GLOCK P80 was developed to allow modern GLOCK enthusiasts to acquire a piece of the company’s unique history. The concept began with Jason Cloessner, Lipsey’s Vice President & Product Development Manager, who initiated the collaboration with GLOCK some three years ago. “I have always wanted to do a retro GLOCK pistol. GLOCK took painstaking measures to recreate the original frames and packaging to make this P80 edition as close to the original as we could get. Not only is this edition a great shooter, but it also helps tell the amazing story of how GLOCK came to be.”

Bob Radecki, GLOCK, Inc. National Sales Manager was an instrumental partner in bringing this throwback concept to life. “GLOCK, in conjunction with Lipsey’s, is very pleased to commemorate the adoption of the GLOCK P80 by the Austrian Army with a recreation inspired by the original GLOCK Pistole 80. The P80 was GLOCK’s first pistol and was the catalyst that led to the introduction of the G17, which revolutionized the pistol market and launched GLOCK as the pistol manufacturer trusted around the globe for over 30 years.”

You can access GLOCK P80 technical specs and information here: Lipsey’s GLOCK P80

USCCA Emergency Preparedness Fundamentals Training Program

USCCA Emergency Preparedness Fundamentals Training Program

Ahead of “National Preparedness Month” in September, the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), which provides industry leading self-defense education, training and legal protection to over 400,000 American gun owners, recently launched a new training to help individuals become more prepared in the event of a disaster and confident in their ability to provide for themselves and their families.

Whether it’s a tornado, hurricane, wildfire, civil unrest, a public health crisis or a logistical strike, USCCA’s Emergency Preparedness Fundamentals Training will ensure people have the necessary information and resources to survive when the unthinkable happens. “National Preparedness Month” is recognized each September in communities across the country to encourage Americans and their families to take appropriate steps to educate themselves and prepare for emergencies that could occur in their homes, businesses, schools and communities.

This year, the coronavirus pandemic has opened our eyes to the critical importance of being prepared for when disaster strikes. The ease and convenience at which we access water, food, shelter and security has caused many of us to lose sight of how to fend for ourselves and loved ones without basic needs,” said Tim Schmidt, CEO and founder of the USCCA. “The importance of self-reliance will never be more real than in a survival situation, which is why the time to become educated and trained is now. No one should ever second-guess their ability to protect themselves and their families when the unthinkable comes knocking at the door.”

Schmidt recently spoke with Fox News about the surge of first-time gun owners in the United States – hitting nearly 5 million in 2020 so far – and the critical importance of training and education:

  • “The first thing I would explain to [a] new gun owner or concealed carrier is that the training required by your state is not even close to enough. I don’t care if you’re in the most stringent state in terms of training, it’s not enough. You need to find a way to educate yourself on firearms handling.”

USCCA’s Emergency Preparedness Fundamentals Training will help responsible Americans uncover the four core pillars of survival, build a 72-hour survival kit for any disaster, gain secret insights on sheltering in place and understand the fundamentals of home defense with a firearm.

Disasters happen, and the experts have some sound advice on how to prepare

ELEY Precision Club

ELEY Precision Club

From ELEY

ELEY is excited to launch its brand new ELEY Precision Club, allowing competitors from all over the world to compete against each other from the comfort of their local shooting club.

ELEY believe online competition provides the perfect opportunity for competitors to participate in global competitions and has an exciting ‘Masters’ series of events scheduled with the opportunity of becoming a ‘World Champion’. Not to mention, the amazing cash, ammunition and clothing prizes that are up for grabs.

Competition brings out the very best in us, not just because ELEY has the most successful ammunition in the world, but because we love to compete and connect with shooters across the globe. With an uncertain future, and the current global situation restricting travel, the ELEY Precision Club hopes to provide shooters with a fun, safe alternative for competing.

Michael Atkinson, brand manager for ELEY said: “ELEY is constantly striving to develop and revolutionise shooting sports. The ELEY Precision Club will provide shooters of all ages and abilities from a range of disciplines to compete on a global stage against other shooters internationally.”

The first competition to be hosted on the platform is the ELEY benchrest masters. Competitors will be shooting six targets, each with 25 bulls at a distance of 50m. Scores will need to be uploaded to the myELEY dashboard by the competition end date, 11:59pm 1st November 2020 (GMT).

You will need to register your interest on the Precision Club homepage. Once your dashboard is created, you will have instant access to any future ELEY online competitions.

Hosted by the myELEY.com platform, ELEY’s vision is to unite shooters by encouraging greater club interaction and securing a positive future for our sport.

To find out more about the masters series, or to enter the first benchrest match, head over to www.eley.co.uk/precisionclub.

74 People Facing Federal Charges for Portland Demonstration

From ATF

PORTLAND, Ore.—U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams announced today that 74 people are facing federal charges for crimes committed adjacent to or under the guise of peaceful demonstrations in Portland since at least May 29, 2020.

For more than 90 consecutive nights, Portland has been home to large demonstrations and protests against police use of force and anti-Black racism. On many nights, after peaceful demonstrations end, various public and private buildings have been the target of vandalism and destruction. Local, state, and federal law enforcement working to protect these buildings and ensure the safety of peaceful demonstrators have been subjected to threats and assaults from violent agitators while performing their duties.

“Violent agitators have hijacked any semblance of First Amendment protected activity, engaging in violent criminal acts and destruction of public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners are expeditiously working with local and state law enforcement to identify, arrest, and prosecute these individuals that are disrupting the rule of law in our communities and physically attacking our law enforcement officers and destroying property. Violent agitators not only delay real reform, but make our community less safe by keeping law enforcement from responding to other critical calls for service.”

“While the FBI supports and safeguards Constitutionally-protected activity and civil rights, there is no permit for assault, arson or property damage and these are not victimless crimes,” said Renn Cannon, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon. “Among the victims of violent crime are business owners, residents and individuals exercising their First Amendment rights through protests or other legitimate forms of expression.”

“The nightly violence has to stop,” said Russel Burger, U.S. Marshal for the District of Oregon. “It is drowning out the voices of the many who are calling for change, and pulling police resources away from their primary mission of keeping this community safe. We must all come together to find a productive way to move forward.”

“As the nation’s primary source for fire investigative knowledge, ATF remains committed to investigating those responsible for committing arsons in our communities and holding them responsible for their illegal actions,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jonathan McPherson. “As a reminder, there is a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for arson. ATF takes these violent actions seriously and will work diligently to bring justice to the victims.”

“It is vitally important that all Americans have the ability to exercise their first amendment rights to freedom of speech,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations Seattle Eben Roberts. “Unfortunately, much of what we’re seeing in Portland is the antithesis of that. Instead tragic events are being used as excuses for individuals with ill intent disguising themselves as activists to commit violent crimes against their communities and law enforcement officers. Progress can only be made if community leaders, law enforcement and the public come together in the name of social change, justice and peace.”

Since May 26, 2020, federal law enforcement authorities have arrested 100 people for crimes committed during local demonstrations. Seventy-four face federal charges, including felonies, misdemeanors, and citation violations. Crimes include assaults on federal officers, some resulting in serious injuries; arson and attempted arson; damaging federal government property; failing to obey lawful orders; and unlawful use of a drone; among others.

Charged defendants include:

  • Edward Carubis, 24, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 1, 2020;
  • Rowan Olsen, 19, is charged (photos available) with creating a hazard on federal property, disorderly conduct, and failing to obey a lawful order on July 2, 2020;
  • Shant Singh Ahuja, 28, of Oceanside, California, is charged with destruction of federal property on July 4, 2020;
  • Gretchen Blank, 29, of Seattle, Washington, is charged (photos available) with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Andrew Faulkner, 24, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Christopher Fellini, 31, is charged (photos available) with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Theodore Matthee-O’Brien, 21, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Cody Porter, 28, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Taimane Teo, 24, of Eugene, Oregon, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Benjamin Wood-Pavich, 21, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 5, 2020;
  • Jacob Gaines, 23, a Texas resident, is charged (photos available) with assaulting a federal officer on July 11, 2020;
  • Lillith Grin, 22, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 12, 2020;
  • Benjamin Bolen, 36, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 13, 2020;
  • Kevin Weier, 36, is charged with attempted arson on July 13, 2020;
  • Wyatt Ash-Milby, 18, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
  • Jerusalem Callahan, 24, is charged with damaging government property on July 21, 2020;
  • Zachary Duffly, 45, is charged with creating a disturbance on July 21, 2020;
  • Caleb Ehlers, 23, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
  • Paul Furst, 22, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
  • Jennifer Kristiansen, 38, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 21, 2020;
  • Ella Miller, 26, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
  • Marie Sager, 27, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
  • Giovanni Bondurant, 19, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 22, 2020;
  • Bailey Dreibelbis, 22, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 21, 2020;
  • Gabriel Huston, 22, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 22, 2020;
  • Joseph Lagalo, 37, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 22, 2020;
  • Taylor Lemons, 32, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 22, 2020;
  • Joseph Ybarra, 21, is charged with arson on July 22, 2020;
  • David Hazan, 24, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 23, 2020;
  • Nicholas Kloiber, 26, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 23, 2020;
  • Cameron Knutson, 28, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 23, 2020;
  • Carly Ballard, 34, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 24, 2020;
  • David Bouchard, 36, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 24, 2020;
  • Dakota Eastman, 30, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 24, 2020;
  • Josslynn Kreutz, 28, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 24, 2020;
  • Ezra Meyers, 18, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 24, 2020;
  • Mark Rolycanov, 28, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 24, 2020;
  • Pablo Avvocato, 26, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Douglas Dean, 34, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Rebecca Mota Gonzales, 37, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Thomas Johnson, 33, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Richard Lindstedt, 33, is charged with violating national defense airspace on July 25, 2020;
  • Nathan Onderdonk-Snow, 21, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Stephen O’Donnell, 65, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Joshua Webb, 22, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 25, 2020;
  • Jeffree Cary, 30, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
  • John Tyler Gabriel, 22, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
  • Noelle Mandolfo, 30, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
  • Patrick Stafford, 35, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
  • Travis Williams, 27, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
  • Caleb Wills, 29, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 26, 2020;
  • Brodie Storey, 28, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 27, 2020;
  • Edward Schinzing, 32, is charged (photos available) with arson on July 28, 2020;
  • James Hickerson, 54, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order on July 28, 2020;
  • Ian Wolf, 26, is charged with failing to obey a lawful order and creating a hazard on federal property on July 28, 2020;
  • Sabastian Dubar, 23, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 29, 2020;
  • Jordan Johnson, 32, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 29, 2020;
  • Evan Kriechbaum, 31, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 29, 2020;
  • Christine Margaux, 28, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on July 29, 2020;
  • Gabriel Agard-Berryhill, 18, is charged (video available) with arson on July 30, 2020;
  • Isaiah Maza, 18, is charged (photos available) with assaulting a federal officer on July 31, 2020;
  • Dakotah Horton, 24, is charged (photos available) with assaulting a federal officer on August 17, 2020; and
  • Dakota Means, 20, is charged with assaulting a federal officer on August 24, 2020.

Eleven others have been issued citation violations. All defendants, unless noted, are presumed to be local residents.

Several of the charges being used to prosecute violent agitators carry significant maximum prison sentences. For example, felony assault of a federal officer with a dangerous weapon is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Arson is punishable by up to 20 years in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years.

It is important to note that while some federal charges require crimes be committed on federal property, others do not. Violent acts committed throughout the city of Portland under the guise of peaceful protest are being evaluated by local federal prosecutors for prosecution.

These cases are being investigated by the FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; and Federal Protective Service. They are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

Indictments, complaints, and informations are only accusations of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

To help identify actors who are actively instigating violence in the city of Portland, the FBI is accepting tips and digital media depicting violent encounters during demonstrations. If you have witnessed unlawful violent actions, we urge you to submit any information, photos, or videos that could be relevant to investigations at fbi.gov/PDViolence.

Specifically, the FBI is assisting partner agencies by asking for the public’s help in identifying individuals who participated in or may have been a witness to criminal activity at the following locations:

  • Near or inside the Multnomah County Justice Center in downtown Portland on the night of May 29, 2020 or into the morning of May 30, 2020. Details here: Justice Center
  • Near the Chase Bank branch located at 811 SW 6th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, shortly before 1 a.m. on May 30, 2020. Details here: Chase Bank

Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or (503) 224-4181. They can also be submitted online by visiting: tips.fbi.gov.

Winchester Law Enforcement Launches New Website

Winchester Law Enforcement Launches New Website

From Winchester

Winchester® Ammunition announces the launch of its redesigned website for its Law Enforcement products.
 
The new website utilizes cutting-edge technology and additional features including a mobile-first design. The site is also optimized for search engines and features a best-in-class experience, providing customers with an engaging user experience.
 
The website offers content that is easily accessible and features detailed information on its full line of high-performance ammunition products for law enforcement such as the new Ranger One® ammunition. Visit the new www.winchesterle.com for enhanced ballistics data, imagery and videos.

ArachniGRIP Offers Slide Spider for Ruger-57

ArachniGRIP Offers Slide Spider for Ruger-57

From ArachniGRIP

ArachniGRIP, creator and manufacturer of the innovative Slide Spider® adhesive slide grip, is now offering a slide grip for the Ruger-57®.

ArachniGRIP’s newest Slide Spider design is for the Ruger-57. The Ruger-57 is a semi-automatic pistol introduced in December 2019 by Sturm, Ruger & Co. It is the first traditionally-styled semi-automatic pistol to be chambered for the 5.7×28mm cartridge since 1998 when the FN Five-Seven was introduced. The 5.7x28mm is a small bottleneck cartridge with a reputation for high velocity, flat trajectory and mild recoil.

Shooters of the 5.7x28mm love the high speed performance — it can travel over 2000 fps– and have compared it to the .357 SIG. Fans of 5.7x28mm pistols appreciate the capability of fast follow-up shots due to low recoil, and the flat trajectory, permitting accuracy past 50 yards. The Ruger-57 is Ruger’s most cutting-edge platform yet. The magazine is a double-column design with two-position feeding rather than the standard single-feed. Capacity is an impressive 20 rounds. It also is machined to accept red dot sights. ArachniGRIP is proud to be making Slide Spider slide grips to fit and complement this innovative pistol.

The Slide Spider grip by ArachniGRIP is available for most semi-auto pistols. It is easy to install and extremely durable. The Slide Spider grip products enable the shooter to gain increased control through a safe and secure hold. The products offer additional tactical advantages under challenging operating conditions, including extreme moisture and temperature. In addition, these products aid shooters with weak or weakened hand strength and those with medical conditions such as arthritis.

For more information about ArachniGRIP products, visit www.arachnigrip.com. The company also makes versions for pistols fitted with optics.

SIG SAUER Electro-Optics OSCAR8 Spotting Scope Receives “2020 Editor’s Choice” Award

SIG SAUER Electro-Optics OSCAR8 Spotting Scope Receives “2020 Editor’s Choice” Award

From SIG Sauer

SIG SAUER Electro-Optics is pleased to announce the OSCAR8 HDX Variable Power Spotting Scope has received the Outdoor Life “2020 Editor’s Choice Award” for Best New Spotting Scope.

The prestigious “Editor’s Choice” honor from Outdoor Life magazine is given to the best new products of 2020, across multiple product categories, after a rigorous testing and evaluation process. The official award noted that the OSCAR8 27-55×80 Spotting Scope featured, “excellent optics in a hard-wearing package,” with “tight, responsive controls, from the removable angled eyepiece to the rubberized center-barrel focus, and the sunshade seemed to glide as though mounted on ball-bearing tracks.”

Andy York, SIG SAUER Electro-Optics President began, “the OSCAR8 offers hunters and shooters our highest-powered magnification capabilities, along with durability, versatility, and the latest advancements in glass, coatings and technology, resulting in a superior performance that can be counted on in the field.”

The OSCAR8 HDX Variable Power Spotting Scope combines extra-low dispersion glass with high light transmittance glass, a SCHMIDT-PECHAN prism, and fully multi-coated lenses to provide unmatched resolution, image contrast, color clarity, and image brightness. Also featuring Spectracoat™ anti-reflection lens coatings to reduce surface reflections across the entire visible spectrum for superior light transmission.

The OSCAR8 has a 45-degree angled eyepiece and comes equipped with a rotating tripod collar for multiple viewing angles, a variable power eyepiece (can be locked into place or removed to accept other variable or fixed power eye-pieces), fast focus adjustment, and an ergonomic rubber armor for durability to accommodate setup and built specifically for hunters and shooters that demand the best in all-weather performance and durability in the field.

“We are honored to receive this top honor from Outdoor Life and have our continued advancements in product development recognized by our peers,” concluded York.