TETRA Announces #HearsToDad Contest

TETRA Announces #HearsToDad Contest

From TETRA

Instead of giving your dad another tie, a dozen golf balls or a yard tool this Father’s Day, win him what he really needs: a pair of TETRA hearing devices. Bonus: you’ll win a pair, too. Enter TETRA’s #HearsToDad Contest and salute your dad this Father’s Day.

To enter the #HearsToDad Contest, entrants must share their story about how their dad or father figure has been influential in shaping their passion for the outdoors, and follow TETRA on Facebook or Instagram.

  • Instagram: upload a photo or video with your tribute to dad and use the hashtag #HearsToDad.
  • Facebook: reply on TETRA’s posts in the comments section with your photo or video along with a tribute to your dad.

Winner will be chosen based on originality, creativity, and quality of writing, and will receive one pair of TETRA Multi-Pursuit AlphaShield devices ($1499 value) and one pair of TETRA AlphaShield 60-level hearing devices ($699 value). In addition, all entries will receive a $100 coupon to be used on any TETRA device purchase made at tetrahearing.com.

TETRA AlphaShield devices are designed to protect hearing from repetitive high-volume shooting, whether you’re on the range or in the field, while still being able to communicate clearly with those around you and have an enjoyable experience.

TETRA’s goal is to change the industry’s attitudes and behaviors around the need to protect our ears from all the things we do that damage our hearing, and ensure every hunt is enjoyable. TETRA isn’t just joining the hearing protection category, they’re redefining it.

Contest ends June 14, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. CST. Salute your dad and enter to win today.



Primos Custom Mill Shop—The Perfect Gift for Father’s Day

Primos Custom Mill Shop—The Perfect Gift for Father’s Day

From Primos 

Primos Hunting, a pioneer in game calls and hunting accessories, has the perfect Father’s Day gift for the outdoorsman in your life with personalized options through the company’s Custom Mill Shop. With multiple options available including customized authentic box calls, euro plaques and more, Father’s Day shoppers can help create a one-of-a-kind gift sure to impress any dad.

The online Custom Mill Shop offers users the ability to design a customized version of some of Primos’ most famous calls including the GameKeeper Box Call, Heart Breaker Box Call and Grunt Call. And while these calls are works of art worthy of display, they also produce a sound that only the finest, select, hand-tuned hardwoods can create.

Other popular options available from the Custom Mill Shop include euro plaques and a boot puller. From these hand-crafted products, users can select custom patterns, laser-etched hunting scenes, as well as custom inscriptions and messages.

Custom Mill Shop items range from $55 to $150 and each item receives a mark of authenticity from a Primos Master Craftsman prior to completion. All items are shipped in a protective package and are guaranteed to be delivered by Father’s Day if the order is completed by June 15th.

Federal Ammunition Introduces New MeatEater Bismuth Loads for Waterfowl and Upland Hunting

Federal Ammunition Introduces New MeatEater Bismuth Loads for Waterfowl and Upland Hunting

Bring back the performance of lead—without the heavy metal—with new Federal Premium Bismuth, the freezer-filler shotshell ammunition of MeatEater’s Steven Rinella. This new line of ammunition features high-quality 9.6 g/cc density bismuth pellets. Its payloads pattern and hit birds like traditional lead, providing more killing power at longer ranges. Twelve cartridge options are available in the new Bismuth product line. Options span from 12-gauge, 3- and 2 3/4-inch to 20-gauge, 3-inch in shot sizes of 3, 4, or 5. Shipments of this new product have begun to arrive at dealers.

Memories and a meal are riding on every hunt. No one knows this better than MeatEater’s Steven Rinella, who travels the world looking to put wild game on his plate. Federal has partnered with the conservationist, author and hunter on this exclusive new line of Bismuth shotshell ammunition. Look for Rinella’s photo on the box, along with one of his own mouth-watering wild game recipes.

“Our Federal Premium Bismuth’s impressive ability to effectively harvest upland game and waterfowl, due to its dense material construction, is what our customers love about it the most. Bismuth is also legal on public lands for all upland game and waterfowl, so it is a popular steel-shot alternative,” said Federal Shotshell Product Director Rick Stoeckel. “And as a bonus, Grandpa’s old shotgun isn’t limited to just the trap range anymore. It could be used on a hunt, without the worry of damaging it with steel shot.”

Federal Premium Bismuth shot is softer than tungsten and steel, allowing use in older shotguns as well as modern guns. The loads’ FLITECONTROL FLEX wad tightens patterns and increases lethality over comparable steel loads. This ammunition provides enhanced performance over steel that some waterfowl and upland hunters are seeking.

Features
• New Premium payloads of high-quality 9.6 g/cc bismuth pellets
• Shot is almost as dense as lead for greater lethality at longer ranges than steel
• Meets non-toxic requirements for waterfowl and upland hunting
• Bismuth is safe and effective for use in all shotguns
• FLITECONTROL FLEX wad for dense, consistent patterns
• Consistent, reliable components and Federal’s lead-free Catalyst primer

Part No. / Description / MSRP
PBIX137 3 / 12 gauge 3 inch 1 3/8 ounce 3 Bismuth / $71.99
PBIX137 4 / 12 gauge 3 inch 1 3/8 ounce 4 Bismuth / $71.99
PBIX137 5 / 12 gauge 3 inch 1 3/8 ounce 5 Bismuth / $71.99
PBIX144 3 / 12 gauge 2 3/4 inch 1 1/4 ounce 3 Bismuth / $65.99
PBIX144 4 / 12 gauge 2 3/4 inch 1 1/4 ounce 4 Bismuth / $65.99
PBIX144 5 / 12 gauge 2 3/4 inch 1 1/4 ounce 5 Bismuth / $65.99
PBIX244 3 / 20 gauge 3 inch 1 1/8 ounce 3 Bismuth / $62.99
PBIX244 4 / 20 gauge 3 inch 1 1/8 ounce 4 Bismuth / $62.99
PBIX244 5 / 20 gauge 3 inch 1 1/8 ounce 5 Bismuth / $62.99

Federal ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct from Federal. For more information on all products from Federal or to shop online, visit https://www.federalpremium.com/.

CMMG Offers Select Fire Coffee

CMMG Offers Select Fire Coffee

From Chevalier Advertising

For those who believe tea belongs in the harbor, CMMG is pleased to offer Select Fire Coffee. Select Fire Coffee expands CMMG’s provisions line, complementing Tactical Bacon, which has 54 slices of fully cooked, ready-to-eat bacon in every can: The perfect breakfast combination for every freedom loving American.

Select Fire Coffee will be offered as either ground or whole bean in a 12oz bag. Coffee drinkers can choose their rate of fire with Safe, Semi-Auto and Full-Auto, which correlate to Light, Medium and Dark Roast.

CMMG Select Fire Coffee delivers all the firepower needed to start your day off with a bang. Select Fire Coffee is roasted locally in Missouri by an artisan roaster, holding true to CMMG’s American Made status.

Select Fire Coffee is rigorously tested for reliability, functionality and accuracy before shipping. Each batch of Select Fire Coffee is test fired by CMMG team members to ensure quality control. CMMG tested, CMMG approved.

The company’s been busy this week, also introducing firearms chambered in the new 6 mm ARC cartridge.

Make $70,000 Fast by Turning in These Looters Targeting Guns

Make $70,000 Fast by Turning in These Looters Targeting Guns

Florida $15,000 and $5,000 Rewards

MIAMI—The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Miami Field Division and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF)—the trade association for the firearms industry—have announced a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft of firearms from the Airport Pawn & Gun Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL). ATF is offering a reward up to $10,000, which will be matched by the NSSF up to $5,000 for a total reward of $15,000. 

The suspects burglarized the shop at approximately 1:30 a.m., June 1. A total of eight suspects entered the premises, located at 831 NW 42nd Avenue, Miami, FL, 33126, removed 31 handguns from the store and fled the scene. 

WEST PALM BEACH—ATF and the West Palm Beach Police Department announce a reward today of up to $5,000 for information related to any information that will lead to arrest on the attempted burglary of the Queen of Pawn in West Palm Beach.

In the early morning hours of June 1, 2020, a group of unidentified suspects broke the front door of Queen of Pawns, located at 4900 Broadway Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL. One suspect fired a handgun into the entrance of the business. Several other suspects were armed with machetes, rocks, bricks, and hammers. The suspects were unsuccessful at gaining entry into the closed business.

The suspect who fired the handgun was riding on the passenger side of a white (over black) Range Rover bearing New York license plate JLF8429.

Texas $5,000 and $10,000 rewards

PFLUGERVILLE—Investigators with ATF and the Pflugerville Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in locating three suspects involved in the burglary of Red’s Indoor Range located at 1908 West Pecan Street, Pflugerville, Texas.  The burglary took place at 3:32 a.m., Monday morning, June 1. 

Three suspects forced entry into Red’s Indoor Range while it was closed. The suspects are described as light skinned, 5’2”-5’6”, dark hair, and thin builds. Thirty two firearms were stolen, to include both handguns and long guns.

“Recovering these firearms quickly before additional crimes are committed remains a top priority for ATF,” said ATF Houston Field Division Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski.

DALLAS—The ATF is offering a $5,000 reward, combined with an additional $5,000 offered by the NSSF, for a total reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the burglary and theft of 46 firearms from a federal firearms licensee (FFL) in Dallas, Texas.

On Sunday, May 31, 2020, at approximately 1:25 a.m., three suspects forced entry into the DFW Gun Range, located in the 1600 block of West Mockingbird Lane in Dallas. Video surveillance captured the suspects gain access through a door on the west side of the building.  The suspects removed 43 handguns and 3 long guns from the business in under 2 minutes, and then fled on foot.   

Suspect 1 is a young, black male, height and weight undetermined. At the time of the burglary, Suspect 1 wore dark-colored athletic pants, a gray, hooded jacket, black tennis shoes with a white swoosh and light-colored gloves.

Suspect 2 is a young, black male, height and weight undetermined. At the time of the burglary, Suspect 2 wore medium-colored jeans with areas of distress, a red-colored sweat jacket, dark tennis shoes with a white swoosh, white soles and white laces and a dark mask covering the lower half of his face. During the burglary, Suspect 2 wore a multi-colored, school-style backpack with black straps. Suspect 2 and Suspect 3 alternated carrying a dark-colored, pet carrier-style bag with mesh sides.

Suspect 3 is a young, black male, height and weight undetermined. At the time of the burglary, Suspect 3 wore dark-colored pants, a dark-colored long sleeve shirt or jacket, tennis shoes with a dark and light pattern and a dark cloth covering the lower half of his face. During the burglary, Suspect 3 carried a light blue-colored athletic bag with a dark-colored bottom and a gray-colored strap. Suspect 3 and Suspect 2 alternated carrying a dark-colored, pet carrier-style bag with mesh sides.

This incident is one of three attempted or actual thefts from Dallas Federal Firearms Licensees reported within a four-hour window late Saturday night into Sunday morning. At this time, it is unclear if any of the incidents are connected.

California $10,000 reward

HAYWARD—ATF and NSSF have announced a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft of firearms from Richardson’s Tactical LLC Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL).

ATF is offering a reward of up to $5,000 and the NSSF is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for a total reward of up to $10,000.

On May 31, 2020, at approximately 10:18 PM, 30-40 individuals broke into the shop located at 1984 National Ave in Hayward, CA.  The suspects stole 29 firearms from the store before fleeing the property. 

Georgia $10,000 reward

ATLANTA–The ATF and NSSF are seeking information on the burglary and theft of firearms from Chuck’s Firearms Inc. in Atlanta. ATF is offering a reward up to $5,000, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward up to $10,000.

“We take this crime very seriously,” said Atlanta Field Division Special Agent in Charge Arthur Peralta. “Firearms trafficking is a serious offense that results in significant federal prison time for the person or persons responsible.”

This theft happened Saturday around 2:30 a.m. from Chuck’s Firearms Inc. at 761A Miami Circle, Atlanta. The burglary occurred during the protests and looting in the Atlanta area.

The 42 stolen firearms pose a potential danger to citizens and communities. ATF is soliciting the public’s assistance with any information that leads to those responsible for this crime.

Delaware $5,000 reward 

NEWARK– ATF and NSSF have announced a combined reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible for the theft of 35 firearms from a federal firearms licensee in Newark. ATF Special Agents from the Wilmington Field Office are working with Delaware State Police Troop 2 on this investigation.

At approximately 1:35 a.m. on Sunday, a group of five suspects broke into American Sportsman, located in the 2600 block of Capitol Trail. They stole 35 firearms, including both handguns and long guns, as well as firearm accessories like magazines.

The suspects are described as black males in their early 20s-early 30s, all with slim builds except for one heavy-set suspect who also has a thick beard. One of the slim suspects wears glasses.

“Recovering these firearms as quickly as possible before any additional crimes are committed is a top priority,” said ATF Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Timothy Jones. “We will continue to work closely with our partners in the Delaware State Police and ask anyone in the community who may know something to please come forward.”

New York Case 

BUFFALO–ATF and the Buffalo Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the individuals in the photographs below who may have information regarding the theft of firearms from Metro Loan Pawnbrokers located at 42 Broadway in Buffalo.

On Sunday between 12:15 a.m. and 1:00 a.m., a large group of unidentified individuals broke into the Metro Loan Pawnbrokers located at 42 Broadway in Buffalo. During the course of the burglary, the suspects stole 12 firearms – nine shotguns and three rifles. One of the stolen firearms is an AR-15.

Still camera shots of suspects in a Buffalo Pawn Shop burglary.

New York Field Division

Mississippi $5,000 reward

Columbus—ATF and NSSF today announced a combined reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the persons who participated in the theft of a firearm from a gun store in Columbus, Mississippi.

ATF New Orleans is offering a reward of up to $2,500, which will be matched by the NSSF of up to $2,500, for a total reward of up to $5,000.

On May 27, 2020, at approximately 2:20 p.m., two unidentified suspects entered K&S Outdoors, a federal firearm licensee (FFL), located at 2010 Hwy. 45 North, in Columbus, MS. One suspect engaged the owner in a conversation while the other suspect reached beyond the counter and stole a pistol. Both suspects exited the store and fled in an unknown direction. Store personnel did not discover the firearm was missing until later that day.

The ATF New Orleans Oxford Field Office, Columbus Police Department, and Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office are jointly investigating this crime.

Alabama $5,000 reward

BIRMINGHAM—ATF in conjunction with the Alabaster Police Department and NSSF are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction for those responsible for the theft of firearms from Family Pawn, a federal firearm licensee (FFL).

On May 26, 2020, Family Pawn, 873 1St Street N, Alabaster, was burglarized where approximately four firearms were reported stolen to the Alabaster Police Department. ATF Industry Operations Investigators responded to the FFL and are in the process of conducting an inventory to determine the exact number of firearms stolen.

ATF is offering the reward for the amount of up to $2,500, which will be matched by the NSSF for a total reward of up to $5,000. This reward is part of a larger national cooperative initiative between the NSSF and ATF in which NSSF matches ATF’s reward in cases involving the theft of firearms from federally licensed firearms retailers.

“ATF works closely with members of the firearms industry to curb the criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms. ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge, Frank Haera said, “ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence will leverage investigative resources combined with community partnerships to recover the stolen firearms.”

Anyone with any information about these crime should contact ATF at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (800-283-4867) or by visiting www.reportit.com or through the mobile “Reportit” app, available both on Google Play and the Apple App Store. All calls will be kept confidential. Callers can also text ATFMIA to 63975 to report information.

Great American Outdoors Act Continues to Gain Momentum in Congress

From the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation

The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) continues to gain momentum in Congress after a recent announcement by Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) member and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY) that the Senate will soon take up GAOA, likely next week. Yesterday, a House companion of GAOA was introduced by a number of Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) members.

Prior to bill introduction, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) and partners including the National Wildlife Federation, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Delta Waterfowl, Mule Deer Foundation, the Boone and Crockett Club, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, led the effort to secure the inclusion of funding to restore the crumbling infrastructure on public lands and waters that are most important to sportsmen and women in the Great American Outdoors Act.

As a result of these efforts, GAOA will provide $9.5 billion over 5 years to address the deferred maintenance backlog on federal public lands and waters with roughly $3 billion set aside to restore the infrastructure on hundreds of millions of acres that provide access and opportunity for America’s sportsmen and women. In total, our federal public land management agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, face nearly $20 billion in deferred maintenance backlog that will be addressed by GAOA.

Furthermore, the Great American Outdoors Act will provide permanent and dedicated funding to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at $900 million annually, building on the success of S. 47, the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, which permanently authorized LWCF, but did not provide any funding. GAOA will also ensure that $15 million of LWCF funding is set aside for the purpose of increasing access for hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, and other forms of outdoor recreation on public lands and waters.

“The resources provided through this legislation represent one of the most significant contributions ever made to addressing the federal lands maintenance backlog and increasing public access for sportsmen and women,” said CSF President Jeff Crane. “This legislation also serves as a way to stimulate the economy and to create new employment opportunities through shovel-ready jobs during a time when Americans need them most.”

The Great American Outdoors Act in the Senate (S. 3422) is led by CSC Member Sen. Cory Gardner (CO), CSC leaders Martin Heinrich (NM), Joe Manchin (WV) and John Boozman (AR), along withnearly 30 other CSC members. The House bill is led by CSC Member Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC) and is cosponsored by CSC members Representatives TJ Cox (CA), Jeff Fortenberry (NE), Mike Simpson (ID), and Xochitl Torres Small (NM), among others.

This legislation comes at a time that is most critical for sportsmen and women, and when more people are realizing the value of the outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic while participating in the #ResponsibleRecreation campaign.

CSF is working to generate even stronger support for this legislation to ensure this bill quickly passes the Senate and the House on a strong bipartisan vote.

Hornady is one of the many firearm companies supporting the act.

Vortex introduces the HD 15×56 mm Binoc

Vortex Diamondback HD 15x56 mm Binocular

From Vortex Optics

Hunting open country is demanding enough without having to carry inadequate or unnecessary gear. For the dedicated hunter looking for a binocular powerful enough to replace a spotter in their pack, the new Vortex Diamondback HD 15×56 packs all the optical strength you need into a lightweight package that will keep you in the field and on budget.

15x magnification gives you the raw power to glass at distance, while the HD optical system provides superior image resolution and improved light transmission to make long glassing sessions easy on your eyes. And, crucial to hunters, the HD system also helps make the Diamondback HD 15×56 extremely effective in low light, such as first and last light, when game animals tend to be on the move.

You might think all that optical strength would make these binoculars hang heavy on your neck, but a lightweight, Magnesium alloy chassis keeps them under 35 ounces, and ensures a tough build capable of handling tough country. Plus, the Diamondbac HD 15×56 mm comes standard with a GlassPak for worry-free carry and storage, and a tripod adapter for rapid mounting and dismounting to keep you mobile.

Simplify what you carry into your hunt with all the power and clarity you need to help make sure you’re packing more out.

Due to this optic’s magnification, we recommend use with a tripod.

MSRP: $474.99

Federal Adds New Trophy Copper .280 Ackley Improved to Its Exclusive MeatEater Rifle Ammunition Lineup

Federal Adds New Trophy Copper .280 Ackley Improved to Its Exclusive MeatEater Rifle Ammunition Lineup

From Federal

Extract maximum performance from your favorite cartridge with Federal Premium Trophy Copper, the freezer-filler rifle ammunition of MeatEater’s Steven Rinella. Nineteen cartridge options are available in the Trophy Copper product line. Options span from .223 Rem. and .243 Win. to .300 Win. Mag. and .338 Lapua Mag. New for 2020, is the flat-shooting .280 Ackley Improved cartridge. The new 140-grain load delivers the accuracy and expansion the product line is known for, yet produces limited, manageable recoil. Shipments of this product have begun to arrive at dealers.

MeatEater is a media company and lifestyle brand founded by renowned outdoorsman, TV and podcast host, and conservationist Steven Rinella. MeatEater’s passionate fan base is already well acquainted with the field to table ethos that is at the center of the brand’s content, from podcasts and TV to articles and social media. To match that core value, every centerfire box of MeatEater ammunition will include a favorite recipe from MeatEater’s experienced kitchen.

“I’ve used Federal Ammunition for most of my life because it’s the best on the market,” said Steven Rinella. “Our whole team is excited to be partnering with the brand we depend on for quality and consistency in the field, which leads to quality and consistency in the meals we share with our families.”

Trophy Copper loads provide pinpoint accuracy and aggressive expansion, yet the copper, polymer-tipped bullet retains up to 99 percent of its weight for deep penetration on a wide range of medium and big game.

Features & Benefits
• New 140-grain .280 Ackley Improved load offers long-range accuracy, manageable recoil and ample power
• Official ammunition of MeatEater, with new packaging that highlights this partnership
• Copper bullet construction provides up to 99 percent weight retention for the deepest penetration in an expanding bullet
• Tipped bullet cavity is optimized for expansion across a broad velocity range
• Grooved bullet shank for increased accuracy across a wide range of firearms
• Polymer tip and boat-tail design increase the ballistic coefficient for higher downrange velocity, energy and less bullet drop

Blackhawk Adds New T-Series L2C Holster for SIG P320 TLR 7/8

Blackhawk Adds New T-Series L2C Holster for SIG P320 TLR 7/8

Blackhawk announced today that it has expanded its popular line of T-Series holsters with the introduction of a light bearing Level 2 Compact (L2C) version engineered specifically for the SIG Sauer P320 pistol with TLR 7/8 light.

As with other L2C holsters, the latest model retains key features designed to assist with concealed carry. Among these features include a new speed cut to assist with a faster draw, a low-profile design for ease of concealment and RMR-compatibility.

Designed to follow Blackhawk’s Master Grip Principle, all T-Series holsters have been specifically developed to allow the user’s hand to land naturally where it should in order to deploy the sidearm. This efficient movement pairs with a sound-dampening, low-friction, dual-density internal material that translates into a smooth, quiet draw. Externally, the L2C holster features a proprietary, glass-reinforced nylon to ensure the highest degree of durability available in a duty rated holster.

All T-Series L2C holsters include an all-new attachment platform called the Quick Dual Release, or QDR. This attachment method features an intuitive dual button release that allows for easy attachment to and removal from a belt without weaving it through traditional belt loops. The QDR can easily accommodate belts ranging in size from 1.5 to 2.25 inches and allows the holster to be canted at various angles, depending on user preference.

All L2C holsters also come standard with a two-slot belt loop attachment for belt carry and the intuitive design provides the user the ability to cant the sidearm following the body’s contour.

Trijicon ACOG—More than One Million Served

Trijicon ACOG—More than One Million Served

The ACOG success story is no accident. It’s the result of Trijicon’s genetic tradition of engineering and innovation—a trait passed on from firm founder Glyn Bindon, who immigrated to the United States from South Africa in the 1950s, received a degree in aeronautical engineering and worked on a variety of different technically challenging projects.

Fans of the movie “Apollo 13” may understand how perilously close the flight came to disaster, but there’s a gun connection to the real-life spacecraft making it back to earth safely. Bindon, while working for Grumman Aerospace, was part of the team that collaborated with NASA on a lunar module valve that outperformed its design specs and played a critical role in averting catastrophe. Bring that story up the next time somebody at the range tells you connecting at 1,000 yards “Isn’t rocket science.”

During a family visit to South Africa in the 1980s, though, Bindon’s career changed course. He met the developer of the Armson OEG gunsight and upon his return, began importing them for sale in the United States. By 1985 he was developing his own ideas for self-illuminated aiming systems and as he branched out, family-owned and operated Trijicon was formed.

When the first ACOG rolled out of the factory in 1987, the TAO1, it employed fiber optics in a configuration many experts claimed wouldn’t work. Wrapped in a package tough enough to survive combat, it performed so well it was included in the Army Advanced Combat Rifle program the same year. Small military contracts followed and the company’s sights served on the Front Line of Freedom in Panama’s Operation Just Cause (1989) and Iraq’s Desert Storm (1990 to 1991).

In 1992, the Bindon aiming concept (BAC)—a both-eyes-open approach developed by the company founder—was finally harnessed in the company’s TA11 model (seen above).  In 1995 an ACOG version was adopted by Special Operations Command.

Civilian sales grew steadily, but in 2004, the TA31RCO, which is based on the company’s TA31F version and employs the BAC, became history’s first official Rifle Combat Optic (RCO) of the Marine Corps. The four-power ACOG’s chevron-shaped reticle had tritium illumination for sighting in low-light conditions and employed fiber optics to ensure daytime brightness.  Unfortunately, Glyn Bindon didn’t get to witness his creation as it became the world’s most effective combat optic. He died in a plane crash only months before the contract was announced.

The performance was nothing less than sterling during Operation Iraqi Freedom. First Marine Division Commanding General at the time, Maj. Gen. J.N. Mattis, said, “The ACOG mounted on the M16 service rifle has proven to be the biggest improvement in lethality for the Marine infantryman since the introduction of the M1 Garand in World War II.” By April 2005, the 100,000th ACOG was produced, plated in gold and put on display at its headquarters in Wixom, MI.  The 4×32 RCO version was selected as the Army’s field carry optic in 2007 and the same year the 4×32 ECOS with a miniature reflex sight was in the hands of our Special Forces troops.

When the company celebrated its silver anniversary in 2006, Stephen Bindon, Trijicon’s President/CEO and eldest son of the founder modestly claimed much of the firm’s success is due to its staff. “When you’ve been in business as long as the Bindon family, you learn a few things along the way. One is that if you treat all of the members of your team as one big family—trusting their input and valuing their ideas—your employees, your company and your customers all reap the rewards. Another is that innovation is an ongoing process, because there is always a way to make something better.”

In 2017 the millionth American-made, limited-lifetime warrantee ACOG rolled out of the plant. “We’re excited to celebrate this one millionth milestone, but we’re also not content to rest on the ACOG’s success,” the company said in a statement on the feat. “We have exciting plans for the line. Every day, we work to earn the trust of those whose lives depend on the ACOG.”

In celebration, a Stars & Stripes Limited Edition ACOG was produced “to share the story of the ACOG and the incredible men and women who manufacture it and use it around the world.”

The company also makes higher magnification optics now, include the new for 2020 Credo. You can get a peek at it here.