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Gun Purchases for October were the Highest for the Month on Record

From NSSF

The October 2020 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System(NICS) figure of 1,769,553 is an increase of 60.1 percent compared to the October 2019 NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 1,105,335. For comparison, the unadjusted October 2020 FBI NICS figure 3,268,909 reflects a 40.5 percent increase from the unadjusted FBI NICS figure of 2,327,252 in October 2019.

Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting calculates gun sales came in slightly better last month—estimating a 65 percent increase.

The year-to-date total of 17.2 million background checks shatters the previous complete annual record of 15.7 million background checks set in 2016. Two months of sales still remain, traditionally among the busiest of the year.

Please note: Twenty-five states currently have at least one qualified alternative permit, which under the Brady Act allows the permit-holder, who has undergone a background check to obtain the permit, to purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer without a separate additional background check for that transfer. The number of NICS checks in these states does not include these legal transfers based on qualifying permits and NSSF does not adjust for these transfers. Michigan had law changes that affected their Brady Law standing which removed qualifying alternate permits usage for firearm transactions. These changes went into effect March 3, 2020. NSSF-adjusted NICS for the state of Michigan in October 2020 were 185.4 percent higher than October 2019 which accounts for an additional 43,817 checks over the same time period.

The adjusted NICS data were derived by subtracting out NICS purpose code permit checks and permit rechecks used by states for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases. NSSF started subtracting permit rechecks in February 2016.

Though not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provide an additional picture of current market conditions. In addition to other purposes, NICS is used to check transactions for sales or transfers of new or used firearms.

It should be noted that these statistics represent the number of firearm background checks initiated through the NICS. They do not represent the number of firearms sold or sales dollars. Based on varying state laws, local market conditions and purchase scenarios, a one-to-one correlation cannot be made between a firearm background check and a firearm sale.

For additional information on NICS or to view a complete set of the current monthly reports, please visit the NICS website.

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FN Honors Veterans in Forged from Freedom Campaign

From FN America

FN America, LLC, maker of the world’s most battle-proven firearms, is pleased to announce its Forged from Freedom campaign honoring veterans of the U.S. military. The campaign, launching November 1 and ending on November 11, Veteran’s Day, features a six-part video series that explores FN’s deeply rooted connection to the U.S. military and its veterans through the voices of its veteran employees and customers.

“Veteran’s Day is a particularly important day for our company,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “In just about every major conflict around the globe, an FN firearm was deployed alongside a U.S. service member, serving faithfully and reliably. It’s ingrained into every fiber of our business and is part of who we are as FN.”

“I’m incredibly proud to showcase the stories of our employees as they share their perspectives as veterans,” Cherpes continued. “My hope is that we all take time this November 11th to show our respect and give thanks to those who have served our country with distinction.”

The Forged from Freedom Series will be released on FN’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter channels, as well as available on the FN website. The series includes:

Born of the Battlefield | A reflection of FN’s legacy and current relationship with the U.S. Military and her allies, this short video will show key historic moments from the company’s history producing the world’s most battle-proven firearms. Watch now.

Voice of a Vet | Viewed through the lens of a prior servicemember, this series of four videos featuring FN’s veteran employees showcase their unique perspectives after having served in the U.S. Military. To be released November 3rd, 5th, 7th and 10th.

Operation Thanks | As the culminating feature on Veteran’s Day, this tribute to all of the veterans who have served in the U.S. Military will feature personal images and videos from FN’s veteran employees and customers. To be released November 11, 2020.

Additionally, there will be an opportunity for followers to enter to win a grand prize of an FN 15 Military Collector M16, part of FN’s Military Collector series and faithful replica of the M16A4 service rifle, as well as eleven gear bundles featuring a commemorative Veteran’s Day t-shirt and decal. To enter to win, please visit www.fnamerica.com/veterans-day.

For more information about FN’s Forged from Freedom campaign, please visit fnamerica.com and be sure to follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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TrueTimber AirPack Inflatable Ground Blind Now Available at TrueTimber Online Store

From TrueTimber

TrueTimber has announced the new patent pending TrueTimber AirPack™ inflatable ground blind is now available for purchase in two size configurations at TrueTimber.com. The revolutionary air beam construction gives hunters a smarter, faster and wildly more efficient option compared to traditional ground blind technology. Customers can purchase the AirPack™75 for $179.99 in TrueTimber Kanati camo and the AirPack™90 in TrueTimber Strata camo for $259.99.

Advancing beyond cumbersome and breakable rod and pole frames, TrueTimber AirPack blinds are supported by ultra-durable beams filled with air, giving the blinds a strong support system while maintaining flexibility and an ultralightweight design. The beams have the ability to bend under stress from elements such as wind and heavy snow or ice accumulation without risk of breaking to ensure a season long reliable setup. The included anchoring system keeps the blind in place and ready to hunt at a moment’s notice.

“We are really excited to have the AirPack ground blinds now available through the TrueTimber store,” said TrueTimber CEO Rusty Sellars. “There simply isn’t another blind like this on the market. Our running line at TrueTimber is the AirPack definitely isn’t the ground blind your father used, and this product is just that. Hunters no longer have to be restricted by bulky, inconvenient blinds that sit for the whole season with no versatility. The AirPack has the durability to be a season long option—or can easily be moved to a new location, by one person, in only a few minutes. This versatility and lightweight design gives hunters the ability to utilize a ground blind where never before imagined.”

The AirPack blind can go anywhere a hunter can—it fits into a standard-sized backpack in matching TrueTimber camo and weighs between 15 and 20 pounds depending on the model. The package includes the backpack, a one-handed silent air pump and blind with additional pockets for extra gear. TrueTimber air blinds are simple to inflate by pump and deflate with no need for special instructions and can be completed easily by one person in less than two minutes.

AirPack blinds come equipped with snap-on, removable shoot-through mesh curtains that can be moved up or down to accommodate hunters’ preferences. The air beams also provide a steady rest for firearms and additional gear. The AirPack™75 features 11 windows and silent mesh curtains to maximize shot angles and offer all season comfort. The AirPack™90 features a 270-degree curtain design for firearms enthusiasts and an archery focused door providing hunters a multitude of shot angles.

TrueTimber AirPack blinds feature extremely durable construction and offer a five-year bladder warranty on all models. The exterior is constructed of an ultra-durable fabric resistant to tears or abrasion and is highly resistant to fading ensuring the blind will maintain the ability to conceal itself season after season.

To see the AirPack inflatable ground blind in action, please visit: TrueTimber Inflatable Ground Blind | Patent-Pending Air Blind Technology

And don’t forget to check out the new Cabela’s boots in TrueTimber.

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Gun Sales up 65 Percent in October

From Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting

Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting (SAAF) estimates October 2020 U.S. firearms unit sales at 1.9 million units, a year-over-year increase of 65 percent from October 2019. Likely single handgun sales (1.0 million) increased year-over-year by 81 percent, whereas single long-gun sales (0.74 million) increased year-over-year by 48 percent. All other likely background check-related sales (0.14 million) increased year-over-year by 58 percent. This includes so-called “multiple” sales where the exact split between handguns and long-guns cannot be determined from the data record.

NSSF estimates the increase was 60 percent.

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, the FBI’s raw numbers (for October, some 3,268,909) cannot be taken at face value as large numbers of background checks are unrelated to end-user sales. As a case in point, in October the state of Illinois conducted about 429,000 so-called permit checks and rechecks alone whereas end-user unit sales at firearms retailers likely amounted to about 51,000. SAAF makes certain other adjustments to the data based on retailer reports and other information; nonetheless, the estimates still likely understate the true number of sales.

SAAF Chief Economist Jurgen Brauer commented that “2020 continues on its record firearms sales pace, with the year-to-date total now reaching 18.6 million units sold. Handguns continue to outsell long-guns but at a continuously declining rate since June of this year. (In June, the rate was 2.2 handguns per long-gun; in October, it was 1.4 handguns per long-gun.)”

By the end of September U.S. gun sales had already shattered all previous records.

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Rival Arms ST-3X Precision Stock

From Rival Arms

Recognized for premium aftermarket handgun and rifle components, Rival Arms® expands its offering to the precision long-range shooter with its introduction of the new adjustable ST-3X Precision Rifle Stock.

Many precision rifle chassis systems utilize a buffer-tube style attachment based on available AR-15 rifle stock systems; few of these options translate well to precision bolt-action rifles. The ST-3X stock uses the same mounting system but is purpose built for chassis rifles and creates a narrow profile by using an adjustable cheek riser that passes through stock, which is not possible with typical AR-15 stocks.

The ST-3X Precision stock is proudly made in the USA and is finished with a Type III hardcoat anodize finish. Weighing in at only 28 ounces, the stock is machined from billet aluminum for maximum consistency, strength, and rigidity. Shooters can easily adjust the comb height and length of pull, and the recoil pad can be adjusted vertically and canted to better fit the shoulder “pocket.” The cheek pad is also reversible to fit shooters of all sizes.

The machined aluminum frame of the stock includes a downward-facing M-LOK® slot for monopods or Picatinny-rail sections. Ambidextrous flush cups are also machined into the stock for use with quick-detach sling systems. Similar to an AR-15 stock, the ST-3X installs onto any chassis with a 1-3/16”-16 thread and locks into place with a castle nut (included). An anti-rotation set screw allows builders to properly set the alignment before fully tightening the castle nut.

The ST-3X stock (Item number RA91R101A) is now available on www.rival-arms.com and is currently shipping to dealers and distributors nationwide. Manufacturer suggested retail price is $236.99. For more information on Rival Arms precision-manufactured firearm components and accessories, visit rival-arms.com.

The company has also recently released aftermarket slides for select SIG Sauer pistols.

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SIG Sauer to donate $500,000 to NSSF

From SIG Sauer

SIG Sauer announced on Oct. 30 it was donating $500,000 to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) to support the important work the NSSF is doing on behalf of the entire shooting, hunting, and outdoor industry. During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NSSF was instrumental in defending the industry and insuring retailers and manufacturers alike were declared essential to personal safety and the defense of America and kept our respective businesses open.

“It’s disappointing that we will not be able to gather as an industry in 2021 at SHOT Show. However, given the recent rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the world we fully support the difficult decision of the National Shooting Sports Foundation to cancel SHOT Show,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “The NSSF, and its staff, are truly remarkable and all of us at SIG SAUER are thankful for their continued efforts. In the absence of SHOT Show, SIG is pleased to announce a $500,000 donation to support the NSSF’s ongoing work in education, safety initiatives, compliance and security resources, import/export guidance, consumer activation initiatives, government relations, and operational needs for 2021.”

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NSSF Announces 2021 SHOT Show Cancellation

Statement from NSSF President & CEO Joe Bartozzi:

Due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the world, NSSF, the firearm industry trade association, today makes the difficult announcement that the 2021 SHOT Show has been cancelled.

NSSF has remained in constant communication with Nevada officials throughout the year in our planning for the 2021 show. While there has been a concerted effort to expand the allowable levels for large gatherings by the county and state, with positivity rates peaking during our key planning period we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 show. Sadly, these spikes are currently transpiring worldwide. Given the sheer complexities, diminishing timeline and immense logistical planning required to conduct a trade show as large as SHOT, NSSF simply could not move forward at this point with so many unknowns and variables. We truly appreciate the guidance of Nevada and Las Vegas officials in allowing us to communicate this news to our exhibitors and attendees well in advance of the show. We would also like to thank the Sands directly for their help and efforts to navigate this unprecedented situation.

Here is more on why it needed to be cancelled.

The planning and work that has gone into the 2021 SHOT Show has been nothing short of remarkable. Since the pandemic began in early 2020, the NSSF staff and our show partners have been working around the clock to plan our largest show in history while keeping the health and safety of all involved as paramount.

The support of our show exhibitors this year has also been nothing short of remarkable. With three months to go until the show, floor space for both the Sands Expo Center and our expansion to the new Caesars Forum was nearly sold out, with more companies than ever before represented at the SHOT Show.

All of this positions us for a 2022 SHOT Show that will be undoubtably the best in our industry’s history, and we look forward to bringing our entire community together again at a show that will be one to remember.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT REFUNDS, HOTEL CANCELLATIONS AND OTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

During the coming year, NSSF asks for our industry’s unwavering support as we continue our fight to promote, protect and preserve our industry in these unsettling times.

Throughout this year, NSSF has remained at the forefront for our industry. As thousands of businesses across the country were shuttered as being “non-essential” during the pandemic, NSSF worked nonstop to have firearm retailers, ranges, manufacturers and distributors listed as “essential” which allowed them to remain open for business.

NSSF is your trade association. Everything we do—from education, safety initiatives, compliance and security resources, import/export guidance, consumer activation initiatives, government relations, and the SHOT Show—is aimed at helping businesses in our industry succeed. Now, more than ever, we need your continued support.


Thank you – NSSF SHOT Show® Registration

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Walmart is Pulling Ammo from Shelves

Walmart is pulling ammo from shelves in certain locations due to renewed social unrest to prevent looters from gaining access. According to this news report from CNN, customers in stores impacted by the move can still ask for and purchase the items still in inventory.

The current demand for cartridges, particularly those for self-defense, remains low nationwide however, indicating inventory even the big-box stores supply is extremely limited. In the company’s most recent quarterly report, CEO of Olin—the parent company of Winchester—said, ““We expect this elevated level of demand to continue at least until the end of the year.”  Walmart’s move comes at a time when firearm sales have already set an annual record and are streaking toward a total volume expected to exceed 20 million this year.

Philadelphia has been the center of renewed civil unrest and rioting this week and the city is under a 9 p.m. curfew. The National Guard will be on station in the city tonight. Adding to the unease is the fact that law enforcement confiscated a van full of explosives this week.

Walmart is pulling ammo from the shelves for public safety according to company spokesmen. The experts advise certain precautions should be observed during civil unrest, particularly with the Presidential election next week.

Mother Nature added to the mix this week with Hurricane Zeta. Whether during a storm, or rioting, it’s critical to stay informed on the changing situation and heed all evacuation orders or curfews. Cell phones often go down, making it important to have a portable backup radio on hand. This one from Midland is a good choice, but there are many others.

Stay safe and thank you for visiting my modest blog. I hope you come back and have a glorious day.

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McMillan Introduces the Game Stalker Upgrade Rifle Stock

From McMillan Fiberglass Stocks

McMillan Fiberglass Stocks, the industry leader in custom stocks for competition, hunting, and tactical applications, expands its line of premium hunting stocks with the introduction of the new Game Stalker model.

The Game Stalker was developed for hunters who appreciate the familiar profile of traditional hunting rifle stocks but who desire the precision performance of a true custom fiberglass stock. Based on McMillan’s popular Game Hunter model, the Game Stalker distinguishes itself with a more conventional grip slope (versus the Game Hunter’s vertical grip configuration). The grip angle combines with a high Monte Carlo-style cheek piece to provide optimal fit and alignment for use with high-mount rings and scopes with large objective lenses. For hunters who favor a lighter weight setup, the Game Stalker forend is designed to accommodate carbon fiber-wrapped barrels.

A broad range of barreled actions will fit the Game Stalker, and the stock is offered in several hand-applied custom colors and finishes.

For more information on the new Game Stalker hunting rifle stock or to view the complete McMillan product line, visit McMillanUSA.com.

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New Lapua Brass Cartridge Cases for 2021

From Lapua

Lapua, world-renowned for producing the finest cartridge cases and ammunition products, announces the addition of 6.5 PRC, 284 Winchester, 300 Winchester Magnum, and 300 PRC cartridge cases to their 2021 product offering.

The new Lapua 6.5 and 300 PRC cartridge cases provide competitive shooters, hunters and accuracy enthusiasts a premium selection for precision hand loads, an option that’s been missing from the market since the PRC’s inception.

The 284 Winchester cartridge has experienced a recent resurgence in F-Class competition, where shooters compete to distances out to 1,000 yards. Members of the US Rifle Team, which Lapua sponsors, will enjoy having cases readily available in this classic cartridge.

The 300 Winchester Magnum has been a staple within the firearms industry since its development in the early 60’s. It is still used for competitive target shooting, hunting, and Mil/LE platforms to-date. Despite being outperformed by several other 30’s, it remains the top choice in North America for hunting.

“Our new Lapua cartridge case offerings for 2021 display our continued commitment to the precision shooting disciplines which are popular in the USA and globally,” stated Erkki Seikkula, Lapua Sales & Marketing Manager.

Lapua’s newest cartridge cases will be available from your favorite dealer beginning Q2 of 2021. Lapua is exclusively distributed in the USA by Capstone Precision Group. Find a dealer near you by visiting capstonepg.com

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