Guy J. Sagi/Fear And Loading

June 2, 2021June 2, 2021

The Escort DF12 Modern Sporting Shotgun

From Escort Shotguns

A bold design loaded with smart features, the Escort DF12 stands out in an ever-growing world of modern shotguns. This auto-loader is a sporting enthusiast’s dream and is ideal for close-range hunting applications. Using the modern sporting rifle design and capitalizing on adaptable features, the DF12 reaches beyond its potential as a mere shotgun. Its 5-piece multi-choke system accommodates heavy slugs as well as it does light bird shot, making it a great all-around option for a wide variety of game.

With an overall weight of 8.9 lbs., this shotgun is manufactured from tough aircraft grade alloy. The upper and lower receivers are overbuilt with a robust construction that is meant to take a beating. The semi-automatic DF12 runs on a gas-powered system, similar to those found in traditional autoloading shotguns, but without the added bulk of a tube below the barrel.

This 12-gauge magazine fed shotgun is chambered in 3″ magnum and will cycle both 3″ and 2 ¾” loads without hesitation. The DF12 comes outfitted with an Escort standard oxidation-proof, chrome plated, drilled steel barrel. To ensure the utmost strength, each barrel is proof tested at the factory. A muzzle cover protects the barrel and locks the forend into place, adding to the robustness and modularity of this shotgun platform.

The DF12 makes field-stripping and cleaning a breeze. The upper and lower receivers are detachable, much like their modern sporting rifle brethren, allowing enthusiasts to feel at home with this shotgun.

Escort helps usher shotguns into the 21 st Century with amenities that make the DF12 a joy to shoot. A reversible bolt-cocking handle enables ambidextrous operation and ease of use for all shooters. Picatinny rails have been meticulously crafted into upper receiver forend, providing real estate for shooting accessories. An elevation adjustable cheek rest allows optimal sight alignment with both open sights and mounted optics.

DF12 Features

Capable of firing both 3″ and 2 ¾” shells
Oxidation-proof chrome plated barrel
Gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun
Steel shot suitable multi-choke system (F, IM, M, IC, CYL)
Includes a 5-round magazine (optional 2-round magazine available)
Durable aircraft-grade aluminum alloy upper and lower receivers in a tough matte black finish
Familiar modern sporting design
Picatinny rails on forend for accessories
Removable, front and rear sights
Adjustable rear sight built into the carrying handle
Additional flip-up front and rear sights with TruGlo fiber optics
Elevation adjustable comb
Soft rubber butt pad for recoil absorption

DF12 Specifications

12 gauge, 3″ magnum chamber
18″ barrel
5 chokes included (F, IM, M, IC, CYL)
5+1 capacity
37.6″ overall length
8.9 lbs.

MSRP: $699.99

June 2, 2021June 2, 2021

ALPS Mountaineering Announces Radiance Camping Quilt

From ALPS Mountaineering

ALPS Mountaineering, manufacturer of performance-driven technical support gear for wilderness adventures, exploration, and family camping, has just introduced its new Radiance Quilt for campers who desire extra room for their wilderness sleeping comfort.

Designed for use with a sleeping pad, the Radiance Quilt is generously sized for adventurers who prefer ample room to accommodate multiple sleeping positions or who need more space than that offered by standard-size quilts and sleeping bags. With a top width 55 inches wide and measuring 72 inches long, the Radiance also comes with an oversized footbox (16×12 inches) that is big enough for integrating a sleeping pad.

Constructed of a nylon ripstop shell, the Radiance Quilt earns a 35° F temperature rating courtesy of its TechLoft Micro insulation fill. For cold nights, the quilt can be closed at the top with an adjustable drawstring to minimize drafts. Given the Radiance Quilt’s ample proportions, this model is perfect to use in extreme cold weather as an over-quilt in combination with a conventional mummy sleeping bag.

Included with the Radiance Quilt is an adjustable retention system. This allows the quilt to be secured to a sleeping pad, preventing accidental uncovering when turning over or slipping off the pad when sleeping on uneven ground.

The Radiance Quilt is available for purchase at alpsmountaineering.com and at retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information on ALPS Mountaineering, visit alpsmountaineering.com and alpsbrands.com

June 2, 2021June 2, 2021

U.S. firearms sales May 2021—Year-over-year decrease from 1.7 million to 1.4 million firearms

From Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting

Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting (SAAF) estimates May 2021 U.S. firearms unit sales at a little over 1.4 million units, a year-over-year decrease of about 300,000 firearms, a 16.8% drop relative to May 2020.

Detailed data by firearms type and state are available for purchase at https://SmallArmsAnalytics.com/shop/.

SAAF’s firearms unit sales estimates are based on raw data taken from the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), adjusted for checks unlikely to be related to end-user firearms sales. For example, although the FBI’s raw numbers (for May 2021, some 3,206,589 checks) increased year-over-year by about 100,000 checks, this is largely due to background checks unrelated to end-user sales. As a case in point, in May the state of Illinois conducted close to 1,000,000 total checks whereas end-user unit sales at likely amounted to about 41,000. SAAF makes certain adjustments to the FBI’s raw data based on retailer reports and other information; nonetheless, the estimates likely understate the true number of sales.

SAAF Chief Economist Jurgen Brauer comments that “the May 2021 number of about 1.4 million firearms is the second monthly decline recorded in the first five months of 2021. Nonetheless, the overall firearms sales pace thus far this year clocks in at nearly 9.2 million units as compared to 8.7 million units for January to May 2020.”

June 2, 2021June 3, 2021

Joe Harold Graham, Former NRA Publications Executive Director, Passes Away

By Guy J. Sagi

Joe Graham, former executive director of the NRA Publications Division, died over Memorial Day weekend. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia, son William Graham and daughters Mary Atkins and Marilyn Graham. Preceding him in death were his parents and brother, John Graham.

Graham grew up in Cadiz, KY, and graduated from Vanderbilt University, where he lettered in football and was named All-SEC. He went on the play for the Minnesota Vikings until injuries forced premature retirement from the gridiron. He served in the Air Force and was stationed at Da Nang, Vietnam, from 1968 to 1969, at the height of the Tet Offensive.

He worked at Pentax Corporation from 1972 to 1998, rising from the position of Senior Vice President to CEO. He left to serve as publisher of Petersen’s Hunting and Petersen’s Bowhunting magazines, but in January 2000 assumed the role of Executive Director of NRA Publications Division.

Graham’s vision was different from that of his predecessors, who traditionally thought periodicals produced by non-profits were incapable of generating an organization any profit. The publications division quickly became a revenue source for the NRA, using many of the approaches he fine-tuned on the newsstand at Petersen’s. In June 2007 he launched Shooting Illustrated magazine. He was at the helm as NRA’s stable of magazines launched sister television shows, established websites, fully harnessed video and introduced apps. He drilled into every staff member the importance of honesty, uncompromising ethics and that every NRA member deserves solid reporting and quality in their publications.

On Jan. 5, 2014, he officially retired from the NRA and moved from Northern Virginia to Castle Rock, CO, to be close to family. His legacy will thrive for decades in the organization and continue to protect the Second Amendment through the team members he mentored.

June 2, 2021June 2, 2021

Vaccinated West Virginians Could Win a Gun

By Guy J. Sagi

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) announced on May 27 that state residents vaccinated for COVID-19 may qualify for lottery drawings with a long list of prizes, including firearms. The program is an effort to bolster the state’s inoculation rate, which currently stands at 51.1 percent of those eligible having received at least one dose. “There are going to be so many wonderful prizes that you can win, it will blow you away,” he said. “We are going to make a few West Virginians millionaires before this is over. Some people will win trucks and scholarships and on and on, but we’ve got to get you vaccinated first.”

On June 1 Gov. Justice provided more detail on the vaccine incentive lottery, which runs June 20—the state’s 158th birthday and Father’s Day this year—to Aug. 4. Grand prize will be $1.588 million and the runner-up will receive $588,000. Custom rifles and shotguns will also be awarded, as well as in-state college scholarships, trucks, lifetime hunting and fishing licenses and more.

Currently 40.9 percent of the West Virginia’s residents are fully vaccinated. The effort’s goal is to move that figure up to at least 65 percent.

You must sign up, however. “West Virginians who have been fully vaccinated will need to register to be entered to win the prizes,” the June press release from the Governor’s office explains. “A registration website will soon be available and will be announced by the Governor at a press briefing.”

Firearm enthusiasts in Illinois also reaped benefits for receiving a vaccination last month. The Worldwide Shooting and Recreation Complex, in Sparta, IL, provided 100 free targets of trap, skeet or sporting clays good through October for those receiving doses at the facility over a two-day period. Other states have introduced a variety of vaccination incentives, as well. When Ohio introduced its $1 million giveaway, for example, NPR reported the inoculation rate soared.

“Not only are a bunch of people going to win all kinds of great stuff, but, by getting vaccinated, it’ll protect your life and it’ll protect your family and friends all around you,” Gov. Justice said.

June 1, 2021June 1, 2021

Meprolight Advanced Mepro MOR Pro

From Meprolight

Born out of necessity, red-dot optics revolutionized rifle aiming solutions for CQB—Close-Quarter Battle— engagements. From the beginning, Meprolight® was in the forefront of this category of optics. As a result of their required military service in the IDF, the Meprolight® team learned first-hand the need for an advanced red-dot optic. Out of their experience, the Mepro MOR family of advanced red-dot optics was designed. Whether you are LE, a defense-minded individual or a hunter, the Mepro MOR Pro warrants your consideration.

Meprolight’s engineers utilized the latest state-of-the-art technology to create a rugged multi-purpose reflex sight incorporating a red dot sight and lasers with multiple power sources that exceeded MIL-Standard requirements. The Mepro MOR Pro is unique in that it is an
all-in-one red dot reflex sight/ IR and choice of green or red Visible Laser in a single unit. Shooters can choose from one of the reticles – 2.2 Dot/4.3 MOA Bullseye or 2.2 MOA Dot. The Mepro MOR Pro’s incorporated co-witness sighting system allows you to zero in one of the systems—Reticle, Visible Laser or IR Laser—and the other systems automatically zero in at the same time. Reticle intensity is adjustable to the shooter’s preference.

Understanding that consistent power is vital to the operating system, the MEPRO MOR Pro has four independent power sources—Fiber Optic, Tritium and two independent, commonly available AA batteries—that back each other up in the unlikely event one system goes down. The AA batteries, operate as standalone sources and will power the system if one goes dead allowing you to stay in the action. The large, 30mm crystal viewing window provides a crisp clear point of aim with both eyes open for increased situational awareness.

The Mepro MOR Pro has all the advantages:

·Operates under all weather and temperature conditions

·Totally integrated day/night operation

·Passive self-illuminated system

·LED for extra bright modes

·Laser Configuration: IR and visible red or green

·Special cable sensor diagnostics

The Mepro MOR Pro is used by the IDF and other special forces units worldwide to meet critical day, low-light and nighttime conditions. If you need to increase your CQB capabilities, check it out.

For more information or to find your local Meprolight® Dealer, visit Meprolight.US or call (717) 985-4482. You can also visit our online partners: OpticsPlanet, MidwayUSA or Photo4Less.

June 1, 2021June 1, 2021

Vortex Venom 5-25×56 FFP Riflescope

From Vortex Optics

Vortex Optics is launching the all-new Venom® 5-25×56 FFP, the first in a new series of optics aimed at giving shooters all the tools they need to get into the game at an affordable price without compromising optical quality, or giving up the features they need to be competitive.

The Venom® 5-25×56 FFP is a perfect example of what shooters should expect from the Venom® lineup, providing new shooters an entry-level price with next-level tools. There are some obvious features that showoff the Venom® 5-25×56 FFP’s long-range pedigree. There’s the 34mm tube, maximizing turret travel. There’s the RevStop™ Zero System, a fast, easy, rock-solid return to zero. And, an included throw lever means rapid, smooth magnification adjustments are a snap.

But take a look inside the Venom® 5-25×56 FFP and you start to see how this riflescope makes it easier for new shooters to learn, all while keeping them in the game. The First Focal Plane reticle ensures subtensions are accurate throughout the mag range, which shooters will love because the EBR-7C reticle makes it easy to measure and range targets in scope. The 5x zoom range takes shooters farther, letting them punch out to 1,000 yards and beyond.

Just because a shooter is new to the game doesn’t mean they should be limited by inferior optics, and the Venom® 5-25×56 FFP is a perfect example of how the Venom® line makes it easier to not just get started, but to have the tools shooters need to be competitive right away.

How does the Venom® 5-25×56 FFP compare to current optics in the Vortex Optics lineup? Check out this helpful video on our YouTube page.

June 1, 2021June 1, 2021

NRA Announces New Dates for 150th Annual Meetings & Exhibits

From NRA

The National Rifle Association is pleased to announce its 150th Annual Meeting & Exhibits to be held in Houston Sept. 3 through 5, 2021. The bigger-than-ever exhibit hall will feature more than 800 exhibitors and acres of the latest guns, knives, optics, ammo and accessories available.

The NRA is excited to host its 150th anniversary celebration in Texas this fall. This event is a much-needed and anticipated gathering for tens of thousands dues-paying members and millions of gun owners after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of our 2020 convention.

We are proud to announce MidwayUSA is returning as the official sponsor of this three-day event to be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Patriots will gather to enjoy this family-friendly event featuring the most spectacular displays of every imaginable firearm on the market. NRA members can also book the hunt of a lifetime, purchase shooting and hunting accessories, view priceless gun collections and see celebrities walking the aisles. In addition to the exhibition floor, NRA members will enjoy the camaraderie of other freedom-loving members as they attend the many events, receptions and demonstrations happening throughout the weekend.

For more information, visit www.nraam.org.

June 1, 2021June 1, 2021

EOTECH Vudu 1-8×24 SFP Riflescope

From EOTECH

Competition shooters and hunters demand speed and precision from their riflescopes for close quarters to mid-range shooting applications. Vudu’s 1-8×24 SFP riflescope offers a versatile 8x zoom range so that shooters can quickly dial in the optimal magnification for any target presentation. Ideal for any MSR, bolt action, lever action or single-shot rifle, the Vudu 1-8×24 SFP provides tactical precision when every shot counts.

The Vudu 1-8×24 SFP features a wide field-of-view and a daylight-visible, illuminated aiming dot for fast target acquisition in all lighting conditions. The scope’s field of view at 100 yards is 105.8 ft. at 1x and 13.2 ft. at 8x. The reticle features a 0.5-MOA illuminated center dot with quad-level BDC suspensions. The Vudu 1-8×24 SFP’s HC3 reticle has four hold-over points providing the fastest compensating method for bullet drop on targets at different distances.

The Vudu 1-8×24 SFP features a rugged 30mm T6 aircraft-aluminum tube with a matte-black hard-anodized finish. This virtually indestructible housing protects the scope’s internal components. Bright and ultra-clear multi-coated HD lenses enhance light transmission, which is critical to shooting in low light. Like all Vudu scopes, the 1-8×24 SFP is waterproof, fog-proof and shockproof—essential for real-world shooting conditions.

Low-profile capped turrets add to the riflescope’s sleek profile, while the finger-adjustable turrets, with 0.5 MOA clicks, make adjustments in the field a snap. The power and brightness buttons are intuitively combined with the battery compartment. The auto power-down to sleep mode kicks in after two hours should the shooter forget to turn off the switch, helping squeeze up to 500 hours run-time out of its CR2032 battery.

For distant targets, more magnification is an asset for delivering accurate shots. The one-piece eyepiece makes transitioning from low to high magnification easy and fluid. The removable throw lever, which is included, is easy to locate and allows shooters quick magnification changes.

Vudu 1-8×24 SFP Riflescope Features:

1-8x Magnification Range
Bright HD glass with fully multi-coated lenses
30 mm tube with 100 MOA elevation, 80 MOA windage adjustments
Daylight-visible illuminated aiming dot
Second Focal Plane fixed reticle size maintains a small center aiming dot
Low-profile turrets streamline the scope’s profile
HC3 BDC Reticle with elevation hold marks for 2-, 5-, 8.5-, and 12.5-MOA (@ 8x)
Throw lever included
Fast-focus eyepiece

Vudu 1-8×24 SFP Riflescope Specifications:

Magnification: 1-8x
Objective Lens: 24mm
Overall Length: 10.6 in.
Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane
Eye Relief: 4.1″ – 3.9″ (1x – 8x)
Battery Type: CR2032
Turret Adjustment: 0.5 MOA
Auto Power-Down to Sleep Mode: Approx. 2 hrs
Battery Life: Approx. 500 hrs at middle brightness setting 5* (room temp)
Tube Diameter: 30mm 1-Piece Tube
FOV (100 yard): 105 ft at 1x; 13.2 ft at 8x

June 1, 2021June 1, 2021

SIG AIR MCX Rattler Canebrake Air Rifle

From SIG SAUER

From the SIG AIR division, SIG SAUER is pleased to introduce the MCX Rattler Canebrake Airgun Rifle mirroring the same design cues as the original rifle.

“The SIG AIR line of products combines the unmatched reliability, performance, and exacting standards that the consumer expects of SIG SAUER firearms, and the MCX Rattler Canebrake Airgun Rifle is true to these standards,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, SIG SAUER, Inc. “The SIG AIR Canebrake has the same look, weight, and balance of its traditional firearm counterpart, given the immense popularity of the MCX platform, and the Canebrake specifically, combined with the current realities of the consumer market, this SIG AIR release is the perfect training tool. The Rattler Canebrake is the first of many exciting new products soon to come from SIG AIR.”

The SIG AIR MCX Rattler Canebrake Airgun Rifle is a .177 Cal. CO2-powered pellet, semi-automatic action airgun that utilizes the SIG proprietary 30-round rapid pellet magazine (RPM). The MCX Canebrake .177 airgun features a metal receiver, paired to a synthetic handguard with integrated M-LOK™ modular locking accessory mounting system, flip-up sights on top of a full-length Picatinny rail, a shrouded barrel, and flat blade trigger.

SIG AIR MCX Rattler Canebrake Airgun Rifle:

Caliber: .177CAL/4.5mm Pellet

Operating System: CO2

Muzzle Velocity: 600FPS

Muzzle Energy: 8 Joules / 6 FPE

Overall length: 30.13 inches

Overall height: 6.9 inches

Overall width: 4.73 inches

Barrel length: 4 inches

Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds

Weight (w/magazine): 7.6lbs

The SIG AIR MCX Rattler Canebrake Airgun Rifle is now shipping and available at retailers and sigsauer.com. A full line of SIG SAUER Airgun accessories is also available on the SIG SAUER webstore at sigsa uer.com.

To learn more about the SIG AIR MCX Rattler Canebrake Rifle or watch the product video visit sigsauer.com.