Guy J. Sagi/Fear And Loading

August 10, 2020August 10, 2020

Sightmark’s Rugged Ultra Shot M-Spec

From Sightmark

On a sweltering summer day, an officer for a Texas law enforcement agency was patrolling in his Tahoe cruiser. Suddenly he smelled smoke and felt heat from the rear of his vehicle. He quickly parked and exited the vehicle, standing guard to ensure that no traffic, innocent civilians or bystanders got too close to the burning vehicle. After a few short minutes, the entire Tahoe was engulfed in flames.

Upon later inspection, the entire interior was incinerated, and the cause was determined to be accidental. Amidst the ashes, nothing functional remained…except for the officer’s Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec, mounted on a rifle in his range bag. Even more amazing, the M-Spec was still fully operational. To quote the law enforcement agency, “We stand fully behind Sightmark products.” Sightmark replaced the burned M-Spec and continues to enjoy a healthy relationship with the law enforcement agency as well as its individual officers.

Sightmark’s Ultra Shot M-Spec is known for its quality and durability:

·Rugged Magnesium Alloy Housing

·Protective Aluminum Shield

·Withstands recoil up to .50 BMG

·IP68 Waterproof Rating

·Dustproof

·Shockproof up to 8 feet

·Scratch-resistant lens coating

·Operates in temperatures from -22 to 160 Fahrenheit

And if you’re looking for a red-dot optic, one that’s solar powered, take a look at the Sightmark Element Mini Solar.

August 8, 2020August 8, 2020

4 Companies Making Custom Guns for Self-Defense

By Guy J. Sagi

Photo courtesy of Wilson Combat

Elaborate engraving, inlays and bright embellishments were once the signature touches of custom guns, but standing out in the crowd or serving as the safe’s crown jewel is no longer the exclusive mission. There are good reasons—potentially lifesaving ones, too—for personalization, and taking out a second mortgage is no longer mandatory.

Smith & Wesson

In 1989 Smith & Wesson officially assembled an elite team of highly skilled gunsmiths under its Performance Center banner. It thrives to this day, and some of its most popular services have nothing to do with precious metal, although there’s no the missing golden touches added to otherwise “stock” firearm.

“AllPerformance Center firearms are purpose-builtfor specific uses, including personal protection, hunting, competition and many more,” explained Matt Spafford, media manager for Smith & Wesson. “…tuned actions are one of the most popular enhancements that are performed.”

Engraving, inlays and nearly everything imaginable can be added, although the changing look of enthusiasts was reflected when Spafford was asked about the most popular models coming out of the shop. “The new Performance Center M&P380 Shield EZ pistol is a great example…the Performance Center has added custom features such as porting, lightening cuts in the slide, a flat-faced trigger, and tuned action at a compelling price.”

Wilson Combat

Specialty shops that tweak and modify firearms come and go, some even thrive, but few can rival the success of Wilson Combat—established in 1977. Founder Bill Wilson is an avid shooting competitor, appreciates improvements that increase hit count and understands the value they bring to the average gun owner.

Knowledge and experience are one thing, but Wilson said key ingredients that built the company include, “The quality of the components we use, our attention to detail and the amount of testing the product gets prior to shipping.” The firm has expanded exponentially and now manufactures a line of already upgraded firearms, including its popular EDC X9 handgun and Recon Series of ARs.

Mission focus hasn’t blurred, though. “Unlike many companies that seem to deviate away from what got them started in the first place as they grow, Wilson Combat still offers the same services we did when we started in 1977,” he said. “We’re primarily a firearms and firearms accessory manufacturer now, but we still offer custom work on the customer’s firearm like we did day 1.”

What’s the most common gun they receive for tuning and enhancement? “…[I]t’s probably Glock work right now,” Wilson said.

Ruger

Ruger may be the relative newcomer to the trend, but the launch of its custom lineup made headlines a few years ago—rightfully so. Today enthusiasts can own an SR1911 Competition Pistol, 10/22 Competition Rifle and Super GP100 Competition Revolver, tweaked, tuned and polished by the same company building the timeless firearms.

“Our customers have been craving high-end performance variations of our popular models for a long time,” Chris Killoy, Ruger president and CEO said when the special brand was introduced. “We are thrilled to respond to the call and bring the Ruger Custom Shop to fruition. We are confident that these new products represent the very best in craftsmanship and performance.”

SIG Sauer

Custom guns from SIG Sauer will be available in 2020 although custom engraving and other services are already available. “SIG Sauer offers the ability to order new firearms with logos, text and scroll engraving through its engraving program,” said Tim Butler, general manager of SIG Custom Works. “We will be offering products in several categories. Catalog items, limited runs and eventually configurable product. The first products will be Custom P320 and 1911 offerings.”

As for quality, look no further than the company’s M17 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Pistols currently standing guard at Arlington National Cemetery—conceptualized and designed only after months of study. “Someone could quite literally give a history lesson about the Tomb of the Unknown by explaining the details of the pistol,” Butler said.

Why custom?

“The customer can get the firearm spec’d out exactly like they want it,” Wilson explained.

And what attracts people to perform the painstaking work? “I couldn’t ask for a better place to take these products and add some creativity to make custom firearms that cover a wide category, from very technical competition and tactical products to very refined and classic works of art,” Butler explained.

August 8, 2020August 8, 2020

Maglite introduces Punisher Series Tactical Lights

From Maglite

The ML300LX LED 3-Cell D Flashlight has Special “The Punisher” Engraving and will run up to 298 Hours in Ecomode without changing batteries. With Maglite’s “Quick-Click” system users can choose from: – Full Power, Low Power or Eco Mode. It also has 3 additional function sets – Outdoor; Law Enforcement; and Military. And the focus system adjusts from spot to flood with less than a 1/4 turn of the head. This is not your average flashlight.

If you’re looking for something a little smaller, consider the MAG-TAC CR123 LED Flashlight – Crowned Bezel with Special “The Punisher” Engraving.This Matte Black ML300LX D-cell LED will run up to 298 Hours in Ecomode without changing batteries. With Maglite’s “Quick-Click” system users can choose from: – Full Power, Low Power or Eco Mode. It also has 3 additional function sets – Outdoor; Law Enforcement; and Military. And the focus system adjusts from spot to flood with less than a 1/4 turn of the head. This is not your average flashlight.

And if you want to learn more from the experts on how tactical lighting has evolved, here’s my article with interviews on today’s technology.

August 8, 2020August 8, 2020

Outdoor Industry Leader Addresses America’s Greatest Crisis in New Book

From Fathers in the Field

Fathers in the Field, a 501c3 charitable organization whose mission is, “To rekindle and establish the spirit of boys who have been abandoned by their fathers; mentoring them one-on-one in life skills through outdoor activities, and by sharing a Christian understanding of our Heavenly Father’s love and sacrifice for His children,” is pleased to announce publication of the new book The Great American Rescue Mission.

The Great American Rescue Mission, authored by outdoor industry veteran and Fathers in the Field founder John Smithbaker, takes a deep look into the leading societal issue that is destroying America’s families and eroding the very fabric of the country — fatherlessness and the growing epidemic of generational fatherlessness. Smithbaker, who was abandoned by his own father at an early age, lays out the personal and societal dangers of fatherlessness to our society and our country as a whole, and explains how the Fathers in the Field ministry, with the support of local churches and volunteer mentors, is making positive changes in the lives of abandoned boys across the nation.

Considering that 50-percent of American children (over 25 million kids under 18 years of age) are growing up without fathers in the home, the organization’s central mission to “Defend the cause of the fatherless…” (Isaiah 1:17) is daunting, yet achievable, as Fathers in the Field mentors prove every day through the nurturing and guidance they provide to their young Field Buddies.

“The Great American Rescue Mission is about hope in the midst of an existential crisis facing our beloved nation,” said author John Smithbaker. “We believe there is always hope if we, as a church, will follow the biblical mandate to rescue the fatherless in their time of great need. The truth is that the family is losing the battle in America today and things are not trending up. Courageous, committed, and heroic Christian men and women, in and through the local church, must join us if we are to stem the tide of generational fatherlessness that is eroding American exceptionalism every day.”

The Great American Rescue Mission is available for purchase direct from Fathers in the Field. To learn more about the Fathers in the Field ministry and how you can become involved or help this important cause, visit FathersintheField.com.

August 8, 2020August 8, 2020

Federal Launches Virtual Shows for Its Buy Group Partners and Distributors

From Federal

Federal developed a series of virtual sales shows to support its Buy Group customers. This effort is due to many of the industry’s sales shows being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting on August 10, and running throughout the month, Federal will launch four virtual Buy Group shows for its business partners. Each Buy Group will receive its own dedicated week to review the digital content through an online portal. At the end of the week, attendees will get their questions answered by Federal’s sales staff and product teams through live chats.

“Our distributors and retailers are hungry for information and product news. They need to hear from us and since we cannot be there in person, we created our own virtual experience,” said Federal SVP Hunting & Shooting Sales Jim Bruno. “As a result, our efforts will benefit the end consumer because we will provide the latest and greatest products and information to be made available from our distribution customers who attend these virtual shows.”

New product videos with detailed information on features and benefits will be the focus of the shows. Other digital content that will be provided include: messages from Federal Ammunition President Jason Vanderbrink and Senior Vice President of Sales Jim Bruno; examples of upcoming product advertising; trade marketing tools and displays; plus, pricing, terms and hot show specials for Buy Group members.

“We want attendees of our virtual shows to get the same access to assets that they would if they attended our booth at a physical show,” said Federal Events Director Michael Kinn. “During this challenging time, we needed to change our approach to how we do business, while still delivering everything our retail customers need to get our products in the hands of the end consumer. We know these virtual sales shows will deliver on that effort.”

New-for-2020 ammunition from Federal’s sister companies Speer and CCI will also be featured. Highlights include:

Federal Premium Terminal Ascent – Bonded construction penetrates deep, while the patented Slipstream polymer tip initiates expansion even at lower velocities and long range. AccuChannel groove technology improves accuracy and minimizes drag. Available in eleven of the most popular hunting cartridges and as component bullets.

Federal Premium Force X2 – Nine copper-plated 00 FX2 buckshot pellets split into two equal-size pieces on impact. Double the wound channels, improved energy transfer to the target, and less potential for over-penetration.

Speer Gold Dot Carry Gun – Speer has built upon the law-enforcement proven Gold Dot G2 bullet, optimizing the design and loading to provide superior feeding, ballistics and terminal performance through compact concealed handguns. Available in 9mm Luger 135-grain, 40 S&W 165-grain and 45 Auto +P 200-grain.

CCI MeatEater Series – CCI has partnered with MeatEater’s Steven Rinella on this exclusive new series of ammunition. CCI’s rimfire products available in this series includes Copper-22 22 LR 21-grain HP, Mini-Mag 22 LR, 36-grain CPHP and Maxi-Mag 22 WMR, 40-grain JHP.

August 7, 2020August 7, 2020

Nexbelt Frances EDC Gun Belts

From Nexbelt

Nexbelt, “The Gun Belt With No Holes” introduced their new Frances EDC Gun Belts, designed especially for Women, today.

Let’s face it, there are times when a woman wants to dress up but still needs the protection of her firearm by her side and she doesn’t want to sacrifice style for safety. Nexbelt has the answer. Introducing the new fashion forward Frances EDC Gun Belts for Women.

The ratchet style buckle of the Frances EDC Gun Belt is a stylish take on the traditional equestrian D ring and features a 1 3/8” smooth leather strap in either Black or Brown. The strap backing is made of nylon to resist sweat from penetrating the outer belt surface and fits up to a 50” waist.

So don’t sacrifice style for safety, with the new Frances EDC Gun Belt from Nexbelt, you can have the best of both worlds!

Nexbelt’s EDC Gun Belts will secure your defensive tools and look good while doing it. Whether you are dressed to impress, training on the range, competing, or just running errands Nexbelt has you covered. All the EDC Gun Belts have a stiffener in the strap to prevent belt sag or rollover when carrying your firearm.

Nexbelt’s “Gun Belt With No Holes” features a unique ratcheting system called PreciseFitTM that allows the wearer to adjust his or her belt in ¼ inch increments instead of the normal 1-inch adjustment that a traditional belt with a pin/buckle system allows. This ability to “fine-tune” a belt in ¼ inch increments not only provides unprecedented comfort but is especially important for those practicing open or concealed carry. Having just the right amount of tension to safely secure your firearm is critical, and the ability to quickly switch from an IWB (inside the waistband) holster to an OWB (outside the waistband) holster is something that no other gun belt offers. These belts are great for light duty tactical or every day carry and are much more comfortable than a normal rigger belt.

Company Founders, Tom Hunsucker, and Eddie and Francis Rowland started Nexbelt in 2010 with a vision to reinvent the way Americans buy, sell and wear their belts. Tired of the old outdated pin/buckle system, they set their sights on creating a belt that would be both adjustable and highly fashionable at the same time. Out of this passion, Nexbelt, “The Belt With No Holes” was born.

August 7, 2020August 7, 2020

Blackhawk T-Series L2C Holsters for Colt 1911 and Springfield XD

From Blackhawk

Blackhawk, a leader in law enforcement, military and shooting sports for over 25 years, announced today that it has expanded its popular line of T-Series holsters with the introduction of the Level 2 Compact (L2C) models specifically engineered to accommodate Colt 1911 and Springfield XD pistols.

The new dual-injected molded holsters are available in a right-hand configuration. Like previously introduced Blackhawk models, the L2C holster is designed to provide users a compact holster with level 2 retention. Each holster model is standard with a new speed cut to help with a faster draw and features a low-profile design for ease of concealment. The L2C holster is also RDS-compatible, giving users the ability to add a red dot to their carry firearm.

Blackhawk L2C holsters are duty-rated and come standard with an all-new Quick Dual Release (QDR) attachment method. Using an intuitive button release, the QDR allows the holster to be easily added and removed from a belt without weaving it through traditional belt loops. The QDR can easily accommodate belts ranging from 1.5 to 2.25 inches. In addition to the QDR attachment, all T-Series L2C holsters come standard with a 2-slot belt loop. The 2-slot belt loop has an asymmetrical design that tucks the grip of the handgun towards the body for improvement in concealment.

As the world’s first thumb driven, dual-injected molded holster, each T-Series holster is standard with a soft touch inner layer that is both super slick and sound-dampening. This durable and efficient, low-friction design translates into a smooth, quiet draw or re-holstering of the sidearm.

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.

And if you’re looking for this holster for the Glock 20/21, here’s info.

August 7, 2020August 7, 2020

Apex Announces New Hellcat Trigger

From Apex Tactical Specialties

Apex Tactical Specialties is pleased to announce the introduction and upcoming release of its new Action Enhancement Trigger for the hugely popular Hellcat pistol from Springfield Armory. Starting at just $79.95, the package includes an Apex Action Enhancement Trigger, Apex Sear Spring and Apex Striker Spring, which, when installed, significantly improves the feel of the trigger pull while reducing trigger travel and pull weight to that appropriate for a duty or carry pistol.

Apex’s engineering and design team developed the Action Enhancement Trigger as a direct drop-in replacement of the factory polymer trigger and springs of the Hellcat. The new trigger will be available in Black, Red, Thin Blue Line, and Black anodized Freedom Edition versions. Pre-ordering will begin soon.

Features and Specifications:
– Reduces trigger pull weight to 5.0 to 5.5 lbs after break-in period
– Smooths uptake and reset
– Reduces overall trigger travel and reset distance
– Crisp trigger break
– Direct drop-in replacement of factory polymer trigger
– Maintains factory safety values

– Apex Part #: 115-112 (Black)
– Apex Part #: 115-152 (Red)
– Apex Part #: 115-B112 (Thin Blue Line)
– Apex Part #: 115-F112 (Freedom Ed. Black)
– Apex Part #: 115-B112-F (Freedom Ed. TBL)
– MSRP: $79.95 to $89.95

And don’t forget to take a look at the company’s threaded barrels for the Smith & Wesson Compact.

August 7, 2020August 7, 2020

NSSF Statement on NYAG’s Intent to Dissolve the NRA

From NSSF

NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, is troubled by the politically-driven decision of New York Attorney General Letitia James to seek to dissolve the National Rifle Association, America’s oldest civil rights organization. The lawsuit filed today by Attorney General James seeks to punish the over five million members of the National Rifle Association based on mere allegations of possible wrongdoing by a few individuals.

NSSF is deeply concerned about the apparent political agenda to silence the strongest voice in support of the Second Amendment ahead of the election in November.

This lawsuit, and one filed today by the District of Columbia Attorney General, should concern all Americans who cherish both the First and Second Amendments to our Constitution regardless of their views on what laws and regulations are appropriate to address the criminal misuse of firearms.

August 7, 2020August 14, 2020

Fourth Edition Ruger Collector’s Series 10/22 Rifle

From Ruger

Sturm, Ruger & Company is proud to introduce the Fourth Edition of the Ruger Collector’s Series—the Vote 2020 10/22 Carbine. Accompanied by unique collector’s memorabilia, this Fourth Edition of the Collector’s Series is a great way to start a 10/22 collection, add to an existing collection, or simply celebrate your right to vote.

This collectible rifle features an exclusive Collector’s Series bolt marking and comes packaged with a Ruger Collector’s Series commemorative decal in the box. Also included are a Fourth Edition Ruger Collector’s Series “Vote 2020” metal street sign and pin as well as a $25 ShopRuger gift certificate.

This patriotic rifle features a synthetic stock that is hydro-dipped with a full-length American flag and ships with one detachable, 10-round rotary magazine. The rifle also features a protected, non-glare blade front sight, ghost ring adjustable rear aperture sight, and Picatinny rail while retaining popular 10/22 features like the push-button, cross-bolt manual safety and cold hammer-forged barrel that is threaded ½”-28 to accommodate popular muzzle accessories.

Don’t forget to take a look at the Ruger 10/22 Target Lite version, and if you’re a relatively new gun owner, here are 3 things you probably didn’t know about Ruger.