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Outdoor Recreation’s Positive National Economic Impact

From Outdoor Recreation Roundtable

The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released updated economic data on outdoor recreation’s powerful and positive economic impact on the U.S. economy showing $788 billion in economic output, comprising 2.1% of U.S. GDP and supporting 5.2 million jobs. The report includes national and state level data for both 2018 and 2019.

This is the third consecutive year that BEA, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has released data on the outdoor recreation economy and the third year the industry has shown growth across the board. Today’s release shows how this growing sector was growing rapidly prior to the pandemic and where it can lead again as an economic growth engine and job creator.

Key Highlights from BEA’s new report on the outdoor recreation economy:

• Outdoor recreation makes up 2.1 percent of U.S. GDP, generating $788 billion in gross output and supporting 5.2 million jobs.

• In terms of economic output, boating/fishing, RVing, hunting/shooting/trapping, motorcycling/ATVing, and equestrian sports are the five largest conventional outdoor recreation activities.

• The top states where outdoor recreation accounts for the largest percentage of each states’ total GDP are Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Vermont and Wyoming.

• The top five states where outdoor recreation accounts for the largest percentage of total U.S. GDP are California, Florida, Illinois, New York and Texas.

“This year’s data on the impact of the outdoor recreation economy is reaffirming for the entire outdoor recreation industry, particularly after the last few months we have all had,” said Jessica Turner, executive director of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR). “The fact the industry generates $788 billion in output, comprises 2.1% of U.S. GDP and supports 5.2 million jobs is huge for the U.S economy, rural and gateway communities and Americans looking for jobs or to start a career in a growing and powerful industry. This, combined with the recent passage of the Great American Outdoors Act, bolsters the benefits of the outdoor recreation economy and our efforts to ensure all Americans have access to our public lands and waters.”

“The BEA data reinforces what we in the powersports industry have known for some time,” said Erik Pritchard, president of the Motorcycle Industry Council, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, and the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association. “Motorcycles, ATV and side-by-sides fuel the outdoor economy through production, assembly, distribution and dealerships across the country. Our riders pay nearly $300 million per year in gas taxes into the highway trust fund and they spend millions more at hotels, restaurants, gas stations and sporting goods stores. We’ve seen record sales during COVID-19 as new and returning riders flock to powersports as a socially distant form of recreation that is fun for individuals and families alike.”

“The BEA release of economic data comes at a time when the health and wellness benefits of recreation cannot be overstated,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, executive director of the Outdoor Industry Association. “A recent poll showed 69 percent of Americans have gained a renewed appreciation for the outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic. People want to get outside for their physical and mental health. What’s more, they yearn for social connection, which they can find through safely distanced activities in neighborhood parks or national parks. The Outdoor Industry Association and our partners have and will continue to prioritize ways we can contribute to the economic, health, and well-being benefits across the U.S. in rural and urban communities. Now more than ever, we need the outdoors.”

“The National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds represents over 3,000 private park owners and vendors throughout North America,” said Paul Bambei, president & CEO of the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds. “We’ve used ORSA data to effectively open doors with both local, state and national legislators to make our case that we are a viable contributor to the economy, which has led to many positive outcomes. Going forward, we wouldn’t enter a political discussion without having ORSA data in our hip pocket.”

“In many ways, the uptick in outdoor recreation activity during the pandemic only reinforces the findings in the 2018 and 2019 data, showing that recreational boating, fishing, and the broader outdoor recreation industry are sectors we should further invest in as we look towards recovery,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association. “This report provides invaluable insights about the role of the outdoor recreation industry in boosting regional economies all over the country and will be vitally important as we work with policymakers to provide meaningful investments and expand access to our nation’s favorite pastimes.”

“The outdoor recreation data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis is invaluable in helping us grow and support the outdoor industry in North Carolina,” said Amy Allison, director of the North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. “These numbers show the strength of the outdoor recreation industry as a powerful economic driver in our state, and will help us to move the needle toward positive action that supports the industry and supports a healthy infrastructure of public lands that is vital to our economic growth.”

“In Montana we understand the far reaching benefits and impacts of a healthy and vibrant outdoor recreation economy on nearly every facet of our lives and livelihoods,” said Rachel Schmidt, director of the Montana Governor’s Office of Outdoor Recreation. “Having this economic data is vitally important to forming the best policy decisions to support and enhance the recreation economy at every level of government in the country.”

America’s outdoor recreation community, represented by ORR, continues to support the Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account (ORSA) – the official name for the project. Just like is the case for many other industries, the goal is to provide annual data on the economic importance of national and regional outdoor recreation economies that can be tracked for years to come. To learn more about ORR and outdoor recreation’s contributions to the economy, click here.

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LASD Approves Apex Barrel for Special Enforcement Bureau

From Apex Tactical

Citing “a significant accuracy enhancement for the tactical shooter,” the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has approved for duty use the highly accurate Apex Grade Barrel in the Department’s 9mm Smith & Wesson M&P pistols carried by the LASD Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB).

The decision to authorize the aftermarket barrel designed and manufactured by Apex Tactical Specialties followed stringent testing by the department that found not only a significant increase in accuracy over the original factory barrel but also 100% reliability during testing.

In its official authorization, LASD evaluators noted the following performance characteristics from the Apex Grade Barrel:

– Significant increase in the mechanical accuracy of the pistol evidenced by an over 200% decrease in group size at 25 yards

– 100% reliability with all ammo tested including Winchester SXT 147gr and Federal HST 147gr

– Over 30,000 rounds were fired over the test period in two pistols and no firearm related malfunctions were noted

Individual deputies assigned to the Special Enforcement Bureau may now purchase barrels for on-duty use directly from Apex, at special law enforcement only pricing, with barrel fitting to be performed by either the LASD department armorer or SEB armorer.

“Apex is extremely pleased to offer deputies of the Special Enforcement Bureau the most accurate barrel upgrade available for the M&P,” said Apex CEO Randy Lee, who received a U.S. Patent for his design of the Apex Grade Barrel.

The extensive testing conducted by LASD reaffirmed Apex’s own testing where the Apex Grade Barrel routinely outperformed the factory barrel, as well as other aftermarket barrels, shooting sub one-inch five shot groups at 25 yards. Apex has even shot groups under an inch out to 50 yards.

“If accuracy is a tactical advantage, then there is no greater advantage for the LASD deputies of the Special Enforcement Bureau than outfitting their duty pistol with an Apex Grade Barrel,” added Lee.

The LASD Special Enforcement Bureau joins the Port Authority of Allegheny County Police Department which has also authorized the Apex Grade Barrel for duty use. Law Enforcement agencies interested in evaluating the Apex Grade Barrel, or other Apex aftermarket upgrades, can contact Apex at (623) 322-0200 for product information and law enforcement agency pricing.

Don’t forget to take a look at the company’s new longslide for the FN509.

Features and Specifications:

– For 9mm M&P and M&P M2.0 Pistols

– Available in 5.00″, 4.25” and 4.00″ Barrel Lengths

– Cold Hammer-Forged Stainless Steel

– 1:10” Twist Rate

– Apex Part #: 105-052 (5.00″)

– Apex Part #: 105-053 (4.25″)

– Apex Part #: 105-049 (4.00”)

– Easy to Install

For more information on parts from Apex Tactical Specialties, visit www.ApexTactical.com, like Apex Tactical on Facebook or follow @ApexTactical on Instagram or Twitter. Instructional videos on the installation of Apex parts are available on Apex’s YouTube, Full30 and GunStreamer channels.

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Action Target “11-11-11 Fund” to Support Veterans

From Action Target

Action Target™ Inc., the leading manufacturer of modern shooting ranges, steel targets, shooting supplies, and aftermarket services launches the 11-11-11 Fund to support Semper Fi & America’s Fund that provides urgently needed resources and lifetime support for combat wounded, critically ill, and catastrophically injured service members.

Veterans Day started at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918. It was then the armistice of World War One was signed — ending The Great War that killed nine million soldiers and wounded 21 million. Since that day, Veterans Day has been observed on November eleventh. Here at Action Target, we are proud of those who have sacrificed their lives, suffered injuries, and left their families for long periods of time to defend our freedom and liberties. Many Veterans will tell you it’s just their duty, and feel it’s the most patriotic thing to serve our country. We feel our Veterans have set a precedence for us as Americans and it’s our job to give back to these heroes. That’s why, when you purchase a product from Action Target bearing the 11-11-11 seal on it, a portion of the revenue will directly support veteran charities.

In honor of Veterans Day, Action Target has designed a Veterans Day target and will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the sales of this target to Semper Fi & America’s Fund that has an A+ from CharityWatch (one of only two Veteran nonprofits to receive their highest rating), and a Charity Navigator 4-star rating for ten consecutive years.

For More information about 11-11-11 Fund, visit www.actiontarget.com/11-11-11-fund.

And don’t forget to take a look at KelTec’s video tribute to veterans.

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Galco’s WheelGunner & Ironhide Belt Holsters

From Galco

Galco’s extremely versatile WheelGunner™ and Ironhide™ belt holsters offer ambidextrous design as well as quick on-off capability. Suitable for casual concealment and outdoor sportsman’s carry, they both carry a large handgun high and close to the body.

The WheelGunner secures a large revolver with a combination of hand molding and an adjustable hammer thong. Simply slip the hammer thong off and the gun is cleared for a fast, smooth draw.

I interviewed several custom holster experts, and you may be surprised at how affordable they are.

The Ironhide secures a semiautomatic pistol with a combination of hand molding and a reversible retention strap with a glove-friendly polymer tab. Release the strap and the pistol is cleared for a fast, smooth draw. The retention strap accommodates both hammer-down and cocked-and-locked carry on 1911-type pistols.

Both designs allow right or left hand carry by unsnapping the holster from the belt slide, moving the belt slide to the opposite side of the body, reversing the retention strap (on the Ironhide), and reattaching the holster. Leaving the belt slide attached to the belt, the holster body can also be quickly detached, should the carrier need to enter a “non-permissive environment” and temporarily store the holstered handgun.

Constructed of premium steerhide, both holsters fit belts up to 1 3/4”.

Don’t forget to take a look at the company’s Walkabout 2.0.

See Galco’s complete line of belt holsters at galcousa.com!

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Savage Announces Backcountry Xtreme Series Rifles

From Savage

Savage Arms is pleased to announce the creation of a dynamic new series of performance-driven rifles designed for the most rugged and demanding hunts: The Backcountry Xtreme Series. These rifles are purpose-built and define the top tier of the 110 hunting line. Though each is unique, they all embody the most functional refinements Savage builds into its bolt action designs. These 110s can do it all.

“The Model 110 has been evolving for more than six decades,” said Jessica Treglia, Sr. Brand Manager at Savage Arms. “That’s longer than any other bolt-action rifle in production. The new Backcountry Xtreme Series is building on this legacy. These rifles mark the apex of the 110’s incredible journey. These rifles are more capable than any 110’s we’ve ever built. They feature protective finishes, innovative product features, and the best of our patented technologies. These rifles have premium features added and can do it all. The Backcountry Xtreme Series shows what it means to be Savage.”

The extras that define the Backcountry Xtreme Series are all built on the tested foundations that make the 110 so successful. AccuTrigger™ allows users to set pull weights as low as 1.5 pounds. AccuStock™ provides the receiver with the solid bedding needed for repeat accuracy, and AccuFit™ allows for a tailored fit—without the need of a gunsmith.

With the official designation of the Backcountry Xtreme Series, Savage is launching two new Model 110s:

The 110 Ultralite Camo:

Savage teamed up with PROOF Research® to craft a 110 that comes in under 6 pounds. The carbon fiber wrapped stainless steel barrel and melonite skeletonized receiver help minimize weight. This new Ultralite features a KUIU® Verde 2.0 camo for the ultimate concealment.

If you have a youth shooter on your upcoming holiday shopping list, take a look at the Savage Rascal Minimalist.

The 110 Timberline:

The 110 Timberline is built to maximize accuracy with a fluted barrel, overmold surfaces, target crown, and omni-port muzzlebrake. The Model 110 action is secured three-dimensionally along its entire length within the AccuStock internal chassis and AccuFit system lets hunters customize length-of-pull and comb height of the Realtree® Excape synthetic stock. The OD Green Cerakote® on the barrel, receiver and other critical parts protects against corrosion. It will be available in both left-handed and right-handed configurations.

The full line of Backcountry Xtreme rifles can be found here, and include these models:

110 Bear Hunter: A true heavy hitter designed for dependability.

110 Ridge Warrior: Take on targets one day, and trophies the next.

110 Timberline: Built to be concealed and to withstand the elements.

110 High Country: Maximize accuracy on long range shots.

110 Ultralite: A featherweight designed for tall peaks and treacherous terrain.

110 Ultralite Camo: Built for endurance and concealment at the highest altitudes.

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Weatherby Introduces New Vanguard and Element Synthetic Models

From Weatherby

Weatherby is proud to announce the addition of the increasingly popular 6.5 PRC cartridge into the Vanguard® family, including the brand new Synthetic Green model. Weatherby® is also excited to release the Element Tungsten, a version of the extremely popular Element® Synthetic.

The Weatherby Vanguard® series of bolt action rifles provides the confidence of a match quality, two-stage trigger that breaks crisp and clean plus guaranteed SUB-MOA accuracy out of the cold hammer forged barrel. That’s why the Vanguard® has become one of the most popular rifle options and the best rifle value on the market today.

The 6.5 PRC cartridge is now available in most of our Vanguard® models, including our new Synthetic Green model. The new Synthetic Green features the classic Monte Carlo Griptonite® green stock with a bead blasted matte black blued finish. https://weatherby.com/store/vanguard-synthetic-green/ MSRP $619

If you’re thinking about adopting a cartridge for long-distance work, here are some tips from the pros I interviewed.

The Weatherby® Element® series of semi-automatic shotguns are built on the proven inertia system that provides the most reliable cycling in an evenly-weighted gun. The single piece receiver is precision machined from billet aluminum for strength and has been designed and built for shooters that require superior reliability with high volume shooting. The new Element® Tungsten Synthetic model features a black polymer stock set paired with tungsten Cerakote® metal work for maximum corrosion resistance. https://weatherby.com/store/element-tungsten-synthetic/ MSRP $599

“We developed these new models based on feedback from our customers and are happy to be able to deliver them in the midst of all the craziness this year,” said Luke Thorkildsen VP of Sales, Marketing, and Product Development at Weatherby. “We have already begun to ship these models and consumers should be able to find them at a Weatherby retailer very soon.”

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GoatGuns Rolls out M16A1 Today

One hundred and sixteen Vietnam vets received a 1/3-size, highly detailed replica of the M16A1—the gun used most widely during the war in Southeast Asia—complements of GoatGuns. Recipients were nominated on the company’s website and there was no charge for those who received the collectibles. In celebration of Veterans Day, the company made them available for purchase by the general public today.

This month I interviewed company owner Brad Lunt about the heavy metal replicas, with working charging handles, tiny inert cartridges, trigger capable of being pulled and removable handguard. GoatGuns has been in business for three years and is based in Utah.

GJS—Is there anything else like GoatGuns out there?

BL—There are miniature pin fire guns that shoot 2 mm objects.  These are much more costly ($200+ per unit) and regulated due to firing capabilities. There are also 1/8-scale model guns and keychains whereas ours are 1/3 scale; much higher quality. 

GJS—What sets you apart from the competitors?

BL—Our models are made from authentic die cast metal. The first reaction we get from most people that handle them is a surprise in the weight. They weigh 8 to 16 ounces per model. Our gun models are 1:3 scale (aside from the 1911 which is 1:2.5), which makes the size big enough to handle and play around with.  

GJS—The detail is incredible, how much research goes into making each one?

BL—Time from idea conception to working product is 12 to 18 months. Lots of work goes into mold creation, testing and refining. We are currently working on a M1 Garand which is proving to be very meticulous and hard! We are also testing loading a round in the chamber and then have it eject the dummy round (all GoatGun models have a closed barrel and are non-firing) 

GJS—Is the metal cast, 3D printed? How is it created?

BL—Die cast metal via dozens of molds. 

GJS—Coming up with patterns on anything is expensive, can you give me an idea how much it cost in time or labor to create each?

BL—Lots of labor. The patterns are done through a Hydrofilm process, which is handled one unit at a time. We have done Electroplating before (Red AK47 for any fans out there who have it “RedTeam”), but this didn’t prove to be a quality product for the long run as the Red dipped parts began flaking. 

GJS—Is the final product hand inspected?

BL—Yes, we have quality protocols in place and working to improve quality continually.  For any users that get a defective product or if a piece breaks, we replace the part free of cost no questions asked. 

GJS—Why are you doing the special promotion for Veteran’s Day?

BL—Although we don’t currently have Veteran Employees; as a company owner I have a deep love and respect for Veterans. I appreciate the Freedoms we have in America and it is a brand goal to continually support and give back to those in service and those who have already served our great country. 

The M16A1 was the predominant rifle used in the Military during the Vietnam war. We had a previous M16 model unit sold during 2019 but then stopped selling it to recreate it to be an exact version of the M16A1.  We are proud of the new model (it is 12.5” in length and a pretty hefty little sucker at 13 ounces). 

We sent out 116 units to nominated Vietnam Veterans for free on Oct. 15. The model itself will be available for public on Veterans Day, 11/11/20. 

GJS—Do you have any other charitable efforts throughout the year or organizations you support that I should mention?

BL—Me and my small staff here in Spanish Fork volunteered at the local food bank during summer months to help give back to the community. In times past we have given to Operation Gratitude and later this year we will make more contributions to other nonprofits. 

GJS—Is there anything else you’d like to add that I didn’t ask?

BL—It is our company goal to make the ‘Greatest of All Time’ Gun Models.  This will mean in long term, historical packs such as ‘Axis’ and ‘Allies’ along with modern day firearms.  We love to have a little fun in our marketing which has led to creators using our products achieving virality. Many posts with GoatGuns on TikTok recently have received 7+ Million views!  We love seeing how much fun users are having with them with their pets (see @tactipet on Instagram), their kids, action figures etc.  We are a new company but love the direction the company is headed to and people can expect to see bigger name brand gun companies getting their lineup ‘miniaturized’ by Sgt. Gunner.

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More Deer Season XP® Copper Impact™ Offerings for Your 2020 Season

From Winchester

Deer Season XP® Copper Impact™ ammunition provides devastating terminal performance on deer with increased weight retention and deeper penetration, now available in even more popular calibers including 6.5 Creedmoor, 270 WSM, 300 WSM and shotgun sabot slugs.

Deer Season XP Copper Impact ammunition features an oversized hollow-point bullet that initiates rapid expansion on impact and is protected by a polymer tip in flight for an improved ballistic coefficient. The solid copper construction of the bullet offers improved weight retention over standard jacketed lead-core bullets, which lead to deeper penetration and more consistent pass-throughs.

“With Deer Season XP Copper Impact ammunition, Winchester continues its long-standing tradition of creating innovative ammunition that meets the needs of hunters and shooters,” said Matt Campbell, vice president of marketing and sales for Winchester Ammunition. 

The new loads are now available at a retailer or dealer near you. Make sure you are ready for hunting season!

Deer Season XP Copper Impact ammunition is available in 20-round boxes and can be used in areas that require lead-free ammunition.

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3DEO Takes Gold Medal in the 2020 LEAP Awards for Additive Manufacturing

From 3DEO

3DEO, a metal 3D printing technology company, has won a Gold Medal in Additive Manufacturing from Design World’s Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program (LEAP) Awards. More than 100 entrants were received for the annual competition which celebrates the most innovative and forward-thinking products serving the design engineering space. Winners were chosen by an independent judging panel of 14 engineering and academic professionals. One of the judges commented, “To integrate the CNC milling into the process should really help 3D Metal parts move from prototype to production.” This award is recognition of 3DEO’s unique ability to scale metal additive manufacturing and compete with traditional manufacturing methods such as CNC machining and metal injection molding.

3DEO was awarded Gold over some of the largest companies in the industry, highlighting how the cutting-edge startup from California is breaking new ground in metal additive manufacturing—particularly in the mass production of end-use components. “Recognizing the nonexistence of high-volume production in the industry, we founded the company specifically to break into high-volume production. The entire 3DEO team is honored to receive such a prestigious award and be recognized for our hard work over the years,” said Payman Torabi, PhD, Chief Technology Officer of 3DEO.

3DEO is one of the highest volume manufacturers in metal 3D printing. The company has shipped over 300,000 production parts to date, including shipping 35,000 parts shipped in a single week last month. Many of 3DEO’s production customers are in annual production quantities of more than 50,000 pieces per year.

Matt Petros, PhD, CEO of 3DEO, said, “While it is true that we are shipping a lot of parts, we are really just getting started on the path to production. I think that is what is most exciting about 3DEO today. Building an end-to-end production line took time to fully develop the technology stack, which includes 3D printing, automation, robotics, software integration, IoT, and machine learning. 3DEO is more than a parts company. It’s more than a metal 3D printing company. It’s a digital industrial platform poised to transform manufacturing.”

With the entire technology stack and production line operational, the company is in the position to scale up volumes dramatically. “Expect to see very big things from us in 2021. We are breaking into new industries, taking down larger and larger orders, and starting to compete head-on with metal injection molding from a cost and quality perspective,” said Dr. Petros. “When you can offer customers all of the game-changing advantages of 3D printing with similar pricing and quality as MIM, it’s a manufacturing revolution in the making.”

Here’s more on 3-d printing of metal gun parts, taken from my interview with the company founder.

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