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Leica presents the new Trinovid Classic binoculars

Leica presents the new Trinovid Classic binoculars

From Leica

Leica Sport Optics has relaunched its observation classic: the Leica Trinovid Classic. Paying tribute to the iconic glass of the 1960s, the new Trinovids are shapely, slim and elegant in a classic binocular design featuring black leather. They are a statement, a timeless accessory and a rugged companion in one.

The precise, powerful premium optics with superior fields of view give an impressive orientation, while intuitive use makes for relaxed viewing. The latest glass types and coatings guarantee brilliant, natural colors and high-contrast, bright images from edge to edge. Protected by an ultra-light aluminum housing and state-of-the-art materials, the new Trinovid binoculars are robust, splash-proof and weatherproof. They are up to any challenge, even under harsh conditions, making them perfect for testing hunting trips.

Iconic design

In the 1960s, the original Leitz Trinovid glass with its classic, slim design was a style icon appreciated worldwide as a reliable companion. The original Leitz Trinovid featured innovations such as a newly developed internal focusing system, an extremely compact design and high imaging performance. It was no coincidence that, in July 1969, NASA opted to send a Trinovid along on the Apollo 11 moon mission.

New Leica Trinovid Classic in three variants

The Leica Trinovid Classic is offered in three magnifications.

  • The compact Leica Trinovid 7×35 mm wins users over with a superior field of view that guarantees the maximum overview. With 7x magnification, scenery can be scanned blur-free while remaining relaxed. Thanks to its compact dimensions, it fits in any pocket.
  • The Leica Trinovid 8×40 mm delivers impressively clear, bright images, best overview and detail recognition. The 8x magnification makes this model the ideal choice for hunters who are frequently outdoors.
  • The Leica Trinovid 10×40 mm with its 10x magnification lets users recognize even the smallest details and get deep insight into what’s going on. The slim, elegant shape keeps the binoculars light in weight.

Comes with a black neoprene carrying strap, calf leather pouch, eyepiece covers, and a lens cleaning cloth.

MSRPs

Leica Trinovid 7×35 mm – $1,425

Leica Trinovid 8×40 mm – $1,525.

Leica Trinovid 10×40 mm – $1,575

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Bear & Son Cutlery New Swing Guard Lockbacks

Bear & Son Cutlery New Swing Guard Lockbacks

From Media Direct Creative

Bear & Son Cutlery, manufacturer of premium made-in-the-USA knives, has added a new series of Swing Guard Lockbacks to its American-made knife lines. Available in Rosewood, Genuine India Stag Bone and White Smooth Bone handles, the new pocketknives will make a perfect gift.

The new Bear & Son Cutlery Swing Guard Lockbacks are made proudly in Alabama and feature a 3-inch hollow ground blade made from high carbon stainless steel that is rust resistant, easy to sharpen and holds an edge exceptionally well. Three models are available in this series, offering the choice of a Genuine India Stag Bone handle, rosewood handle or white smooth bone handle. Each handle provides a traditional look yet offers confident control with or without gloves.

The swing guards are attached to the base of the blade rotate out when the blade is deployed to prevent the hand from slipping onto the blade while in use. Each Bear & Son Cutlery knife comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

Bear & Son Cutlery New Swing Guard Lockback Specifications:

Model: WSB11 (White Smooth Bone) $92.99

Model: 511 (Genuine India Stag Bone) $92.99

Model: 211R (Rosewood) $79.99

  • Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
  • Handle Material: Genuine India Stag Bone, White Smooth Bone or Rosewood
  • Overall Length: 7-7/8″
  • Closed Length: 4-3/8”
  • Blade Length: 3″
  • Weight: 3.6 oz.
  • MSRP: $79.99 / $92.99
  • Extras: Nickel Silver Bolsters, Limited Lifetime Warranty
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Galco Holsters for the Beretta APX

Galco Holsters for the Beretta APX

From Galco

Galco has introduced a wide range of extremely popular holsters for the Beretta APX, including the belt holster Corvus, Switchback and TacSlide. Premium IWB designs from the company include the bestselling KingTuk series, Paragon, Summer Comfort and the new QuickTuk Cloud.

Popularly-priced Carry Lite IWBs from the firm include the Stow-N-Go and Tuck-N-Go 2.0. Galco also offers women’s holster handbags, the versatile Underwraps 2.0 belly band, day planners and ammo carriers for the Beretta APX.

With holsters in every price range and multiple carry methods, Galco can help outfit owners of the Beretta APX with the highest-quality American-made holsters and accessories. Visit Galco’s website today and see the complete line!

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Retailers Report that 40% of Their Customers are First-Time Gun Owners During COVID-19

Retailers Report that 40% of Their Customers are First-Time Gun Owners During COVID-19

By Jim Curcuruto, NSSF Director of Research and Market Development

The early part of 2020 has been unlike any other year for firearm purchases—particularly by first-time buyers—as new National Shooting Sports Foundation research reveals millions of people chose to purchase their first gun during the COVID-19 pandemic.

January 2020 started out with a strong SHOT Show, followed by buzz surrounding background check figures on firearms with NSSF-adjusted NICS data showing year-over-year increases of 19 percent in January and 17 percent in February.

Mid-March brought the COVID-19 pandemic to the front of every news cycle, and firearm sales during this time were a lead story. Thanks in large part to the work done by NSSF’s legislative team, the firearms industry was deemed essential in most states, and firearm retailers were allowed to stay open to conduct business. And conduct business they did, with NSSF-adjusted NICS figures showing year-over-year increases of 80 percent in March and 69 percent in April 2020. These strong increases led to more than 6.5 million NSSF-adjusted background checks in the first four months of 2020, up 48 percent from 4.4 million during the same period in 2019.

NSSF has been the go-to source for information on the firearm industry, providing insights on topics such as women gun owners, first-time gun buyers and shooting sports participation for more than a decade. In May 2020, NSSF surveyed firearm retailers to learn more about what they were seeing pertaining to sales during the first four months of 2020.

Not surprisingly, retailers reported an increased number of first-time gun buyers, estimating that 40 percent of their sales were to this group. This is an increase of 67 percent over the annual average of 24-percent first-time gun buyers that retailers have reported in the past. Semiautomatic handguns were the primary firearm being purchased by first-time buyers, outpacing the second-most purchased firearm, shotguns, by a 2 to 1 margin. Modern sporting rifles, revolvers and traditional rifles rounded out the top five types of firearms purchased by first-time gun buyers.

Retailers noted that these new customers were spending $595 on an average sale and that 40 percent of first-time gun buyers in the first four months of 2020 were female. The main purchase driver among the group was personal protection, followed by target shooting and hunting. Also of note was that 25 percent of first-time buyers had already taken some form of firearms safety course and 63 percent inquired about taking a firearms safety course in the near future.

All this equates to more than 2.5 million new gun owners in a very short period of time. Past NSSF research has shown that in order to keep these new owners active and avoid them becoming lapsed participants, they will need information on topics such as how to safely own, operate and secure their new purchase. Additionally, these new gun owners will need an invitation to go to the range or to the field to learn about firearm safety, personal protection and the recreational side of gun ownership, so be sure to add a +ONESM and invite some of these first-time gun owners with you as the nice weather returns and social distancing requirements are relaxed.

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The SureFire SOCOM50-SPS

The SureFire SOCOM50-SPS

From SureFire

 

SureFire is proud to announce the SOCOM50-SPS suppressor. This innovative suppressor tames the violent recoil, flash and sound of.50-cal. precision rifles resulting in immense tactical and health benefits for the shooter.

The SOCOM50-SPS utilizes an integrated muzzle brake which decreases recoil by 66 percent to greatly reduce impact on the shooter and allow faster follow-up shots. This reduction in recoil occurs all while maintaining muzzle flash reduction by an amazing 99 percent to conceal the shooter’s location. 
 
The violence of the .50-caliber rifle platform isn’t confined forward of the muzzle. Blast overpressure and acoustic exposure from unsuppressed .50-cal rifles have a substantial negative impact on the end user. Recent testing by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) has shown the SOCOM50-SPS to virtually eliminate blast overpressure. Additionally, the sound from unsuppressed .50-cal rifles is typically so high that most hearing protection does not provide enough noise reduction to sufficiently protect the shooter from hearing damage. The SureFire SOCOM50-SPS reduces sound at the shooter’s ear by approximately 30 dB, preserving the shooters hearing, aiding their ability to communicate, and increasing their operational performance overall.

SPS suppressor. This innovative suppressor tames the violent recoil, flash and sound of .50-cal precision rifles resulting in immense tactical and health benefits for the shooter.

Long-distance shooting isn’t the exclusive realm of .50-calibers rifles, either. Here are more civilized cartridge picks, as recommended by the experts.  

And, believe it or not, here’s a company that will help finance that suppressor purchase.

   
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How to Choose the Best Long-Range Cartridge

How to Choose the Best Long-Range Cartridge

There’s a whole new generation of high-performance and flat-shooting ammo available and it’s more confusing than ever. So I asked the experts how to choose the best long-range cartridge.  

Some of the answers were surprising, making is obvious that improved powders and projectile design has created the kind of downrange predictability that have bumped up the game.

“Recently, I’ve seen more shooters using 6.5 Creedmoor,” said Buck Doyle, founder and owner of Follow Through Consulting. He served in the Marine Corps for 21 years—as a sniper, team leader, ops chief, part of MARSAC and saw multiple deployments— and draws on that expertise in teaching precision shooting. He adheres to a different terminology, however, because most factory loads in that cartridge are still traveling faster than sound at 1,000 yards. “People will see my Scoped Carbine courses, which focus on the tenets of gunfighting and maximizing the capability of their rifle, and think I’m teaching long-range, precision shooting. We may be shooting out to 1,000 plus meters, but we’re staying in the supersonic realm. My definition of long range, personally, is shooting beyond transonic flight.”

Nomenclature aside, he’s not the only instructor witnessing changes at the firing line. William “Bart” Bartholomew is the lead instructor/coordinator for Bergara Academy. The former Marine Corps long-rifle instructor, sniper team leader and sniper for the Baltimore County Police Department, said, “6.5 Creedmoor seems to be the caliber of choice today with long-range shooters because of its impressive ballistic trajectory and ballistic coefficient.”

Walt Wilkinson, precision instructor at Gunsite Academy, has a slightly different take. “The primary long-range cartridge for distances out to 1,200 yards varies. In competition, it would be the 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5×284 [Norma]. Outside competition it tends to be the .300 Norma and .338 Lapua [Mag.].

The former Army Special Forces Sergeant Major and four-time 1,000-Yard World Champion noted a long-term trend, though, one particularly on display in the past few year. “As with all aspects of the rifle shooting world, as new calibers come out, people drift to them,” Wilkonson said.

The 6.5 Creedmoor was originally introduced by Hornady back in 2007, and it’s extremely popular right now. The company’s never been much about resting on its laurels, though, so it wasn’t a shock when it introduced the heir apparent.

The Hornady 6.5 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) arrived late last year. “You get a 200 plus FPS improvement over the 6.5 Creedmoor,” said Neal Emery, company communications manager. Based on the .300 RCM cartridge, its bullet remains supersonic past 1,300 yards. Despite its soft-shooting demeanor, projectile impact at 1,000 yards takes only 1.4 seconds—easing those tough wind DOPE calls.

A few weeks later a new player entered the game. “The .224 Valkyrie is based on a .30 Rem./6.8 SPC case necked down to .224 caliber,” explained Mike Holm, Federal Premium Centerfire Ammunition global product lane director.  “It beats the ballistics of all other MSR 15 cartridges, including the .22 Nosler, .223 Rem. and 6.5 Grendel. Plus, it offers comparable performance to larger rounds like the 6.5 Creedmoor, with roughly half the felt recoil…” It’s also remains supersonic at 1,300 yards.

Cartridge potential is one aspect, but the rifle must deliver. Every major company has introduced firearms to wring the most out of a chambering, including Mossberg with its MVP-LR (Long Range), Weatherby’s AccuMark, Savage’s Long Range, Ruger’s Precision Rifle and many others.

And the advanced instruction available today has never been better. Gunsite is the granddaddy of them all, but companies like Follow Through Consulting and newcomer Bergara Academy—more like higher education with bed and breakfast—offer different training camp flavors. Each teach the basics needed to connect at long-distance.

And regardless of the cartridge you select, it’s important you care for the ammo while afield. Here are some tips from other experts in the industry on how it needs to be done, and why.

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Leupold Adds Burnt Bronze Model to VX-3i CDS-ZL Riflescope Line

Leupold Adds Burnt Bronze Model to VX-3i CDS-ZL Riflescope Line

From Leupold

Leupold & Stevens has announced the addition of a burnt bronze model to its award-winning VX-3i line of riflescopes. The VX-3i CDS-ZL 4.5-14×40 mm will feature a 1-inch maintube and the company’s ZeroLock CDS dial.

Built for performance, the VX-3i line appeals to hunters and shooters alike. Earlier this year, the line was upgraded with one of Leupold’s most popular attributes—the ZeroLock dial. The ZeroLock feature prevents unintended adjustments and ensures an accurate return to zero. Fast and easy to use with a low-profile, one revolution, and CDS-ready dial. It marks the first time Leupold has made ZeroLock technology available at a price point below that of the popular VX-5HD.

“The VX-3i is already one of the most versatile and successful Gold Ring riflescopes we’ve ever built,” said Vici Peters, product line manager for Leupold & Stevens. “But we wanted to give our consumers more value. That’s why we added the ZeroLock dial, and why we’re adding a burnt bronze finish to the production line—more factory rifles are being made available in bronze, and we want hunters and shooters to be able to match those rifles with the very best optics.”

Should you insist on an etched reticle in your scope, or go with wire? I interviewed experts in the field and the answers were surprising.

Also included is Leupold’s proprietary CDS (Custom Dial System) feature. One free dial is included with the purchase of each CDS-compatible scope. Leupold will customize an elevation dial to match an exact load, velocity and average atmospheric conditions. The resulting dial allows shooters to easily compensate for bullet drop and make ultra-quick adjustments on the fly.

Like all VX-3i riflescopes, the new VX-3i CDS-ZL in burnt bronze features the Twilight Max Light Management System, which intensifies ambient light in low-light environments, offers excellent glare management, and delivers premium edge-to-edge clarity. An ultra-lightweight construction disperses recoil energy for unrivaled durability.

Waterproof, fogproof, and guaranteed to perform for life, all VX-3i riflescopes are backed by Leupold’s legendary Lifetime Guarantee.

And don’t forget, the company’s popular DeltaPoint is  now night-vision capable.

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TacSol Offering .22 Charger Takedown Pistol Barrel

TacSol Offering .22 Charger Takedown Pistol Barrel

From TacSol

Tactical Solutions (TacSol), the market leader in quality rimfire firearms, upgrades and accessories, is offering its lightweight, highly accurate XRP 9-inch 22 Charger Takedown Pistol barrel for order from June 1st thru June 30th. The lightweight .22 LR XRP barrel weighs in at 9.9 ounces and comes standard with all takedown locking hardware needed for easy click-and-shoot installation. These barrels are highly accurate and have a threaded end allowing easy installation of a compensator or suppressor.

“The 22 Charger Takedown has been a popular firearm the past few years”, said Keith Feeley, TacSol director of brand. “We are excited to offer this great lightweight upgrade for all those 22 Charger owners.” The barrels are offered in a variety of colors including Matte Black, Quicksand, Gun Metal Gray, Matte Olive Drab, and Silver.

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Grayguns Releases ELS for P-Series DA/SA SIGs

Grayguns Releases ELS for P-Series DA/SA SIGs

From Grayguns

The SIG Sauer P-Series traditional double action platform is one of the most recognizable in the firearms industry. Recently, SIG refreshed the line with the introduction of the Legion models, and Grayguns has great news for fans and owners of all P226, P229 and P228 variations.

The Grayguns Enhanced Leverage System (ELS) consists of either straight or hybrid-shaped trigger—both with dual adjustability for over-travel and pre-travel—mated to an enhanced custom-designed trigger bar. It’s designed to reduce both double and single action pull weights while providing dramatically improved pull characteristics.

“I poured everything we learned from 40-plus years of performance-tuning classic DA/SA SIG pistols into my uniquely effective Enhanced Leverage System,” said Bruce Gray, president and founder of Grayguns. “The ELS utilizes our advanced trigger geometry and exclusive trigger bar design to reduce DA pull weight by 25 percent with duty springs, without affecting ignition reliability or safety.”

The system is designed to be a drop-in kit that can be installed by a gunsmith or enthusiast familiar with the pistol. Owners may select additional components to improve the package. Grayguns recently released a custom-designed strut system to fully support the main spring, reducing friction, spring bowing and fatigue.

“When paired with our Fat Custom Strut System and Master Spring Kit, nothing else comes close,” said Gray. “The ELS is the ultimate upgrade for classic SIG pistols, bar none.”

Grayguns developed the hybrid trigger contour to optimize shootability, combining the double-action comfort of a traditional curved face with the perfect single-action control and optimal breaking angle of a straight trigger. “Our customers tell us they thought the hybrid looked funny until they shot with it,” said Gray.

Grayguns also offers the ELS as an in-house custom option for the SIG Sauer P220. “For the P220, the kit does require professional fitting here at our shop,” said Gray. “We can offer the installation at a reasonable fee for our customers.”

Along with selecting a trigger face, customers will need to identify if they have a DAK-compatible or non-DAK-compatible frame to ensure they order the correct version. The product description for the ELS includes photos to help buyers identify their frame.

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CZ-USA’s All Terrain Series of Shotguns

CZ-USA’s All Terrain Series of Shotguns

From Source Outdoor Group

Several of CZ-USA’s most popular shotguns are now available in the new All-Terrain Series, which features an OD Green Cerakote finish and walnut stock for the best in all-season durability and elegant design. Likewise, four break-barrel models feature an innovative patent-pending earth magnet design to keep shotgun shells in place when bird hunters are most active in the field.

Perfect for chasing every species from doves and ducks to turkey and grouse, the new All-Terrain Series includes the semi-auto 1012 and break barrel Bobwhite G2, Drake, Redhead Premier and Upland Ultralight models. Barrels and receivers feature an OD Green Cerakote finish that delivers the ultimate in durability no matter how nasty the elements get. Whether you’re hunkered down in a duck blind or traipsing through the timber, the All-Terrain Series shotguns are built to take whatever abuse gets thrown their way. Paired with a walnut stock and foreend, the series combines rugged dependability with a stunning look that’s anything but ostentatious.

The stand-out feature on break-open models is the utilization of an earth magnet included in the design of the extractor/ejectors. Ideal for duck blinds or when dog handling, the magnets allow modern shells to be retained even when the gun is turned upside down. Likewise, the magnets make it easy to load the shotgun in a blind and prevent dropping shells when bending down to work with a dog.

Available in 12- or 20-gauge variants, as well as 28- or 30-inch barrel lengths depending on model, the All-Terrain Series shotguns come with extended chokes and sling swivel studs. Form meets function with these thoughtfully designed and highly durable shotguns from CZ-USA.

All-Terrain Series Features:

  • OD Green Cerakote finish for ruggedness in the worst elements
  • Premium walnut stock and forend
  • Extractor/ejector earth magnets on break-open variants to retain shells even when the gun is turned upside down
  • Sling-swivel studs
  • Extended chokes

1012 All-Terrain Specs:

  • 12 GA
  • Barrel: 28″
  • MSRP: $690


Bobwhite G2 All-Terrain Specs:

  • 12 or 20 GA
  • Barrel: 28″
  • MSRP: $828

Drake All-Terrain Specs:

  • 12 or 20 GA
  • Barrel: 28″
  • MSRP: $790.80

Redhead Premier All-Terrain Specs:

  • 12 or 20 GA
  • Barrel: 28″ or 30″
  • MSRP: $1,122.72

Upland Ultralight All-Terrain Specs:

  • 12 or 20 GA
  • Barrel: 28″
  • MSRP: $889.98

And the company has also recently introduced a Redhead Premier in 16 gauge, if you’re ready for a “Sweet 16.”