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Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP Wins 2020 Best New Handgun Award

Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP Wins 2020 Best New Handgun Award

From Springfield Armory

Springfield Armory is proud to announce that the Hellcat OSP 9mm has won a NASGW-POMA Caliber Award for 2020 Best New Handgun, as selected by an independent panel of 18 judges from a pool of approximately 150 new products.

Each year, the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW™) awards the top optics, accessory, ammunition and firearms manufacturers who provide outstanding value and service. For this year’s awards, the NASGW partnered with the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) to also select the best new products in six categories, including the 2020 Best New Handgun.

“We look forward to setting a higher standard with the Caliber Awards for years to come. It is an honor to partner with NASGW to recognize the innovations within the shooting sports industry,” said Kevin Orthman, the Executive Director with POMA.

To qualify for the Caliber Awards, manufacturers must be a NASGW member in good standing and the product must have launched within the last year. Over the course of several weeks, the 18 judges analyzed the contenders and chose the Hellcat OSP 9mm as the best in its category.

“It’s truly an honor to be selected for this Caliber Award by NASGW-POMA,” says Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory. “The Hellcat has been a huge success in the concealed carry and self-defense market, and it’s gratifying to have it be recognized by such an esteemed group of judges.”

As the world’s highest capacity micro 9mm, the Hellcat combines exceptional ergonomics with outstanding performance and power. Additionally, the Optical Sight Pistol (OSP) version selected for the Caliber Award allows direct mounting of today’s smallest red dot optics for co-witnessing with the pistol’s excellent tritium U-Dot™ Tactical Rack sights.

For more information about the Hellcat, please visit: https://www.spr-ar.com/r/3496.

And if you’re relatively new to firearm ownership, you might want to read how long polymer handguns can be expected to last and which chemicals to keep them away from.

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Mossberg 940 JM Pro Wins 2020 Best New Shotgun Award

Mossberg 940 JM Pro Wins 2020 Best New Shotgun Award

From Mossberg

O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., a leading American firearms manufacturer, was honored with the 2020 Caliber Award in the “Best New Shotgun” category for the company’s 940 JM Pro competition shotgun. Presented virtually on October 20, 2020, by NASGW (National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers) and POMA (Professional Outdoor Media Association), these annual awards recognize the best new products in six categories along with top honors for the overall best new product.

To qualify for the Caliber awards, manufacturers must be a NASGW member, the product must have been introduced within the last year and the product must be submitted for consideration through the NASGW Expo website. Over 150 submissions were narrowed down by the panel to three finalists in each category. Judges were asked to consider the uniqueness, market need, the value of the product, the ingenuity and presentation.

The result of two years of development alongside world champion shooters, Jerry and Lena Miculek, the 940 JM Pro autoloading shotgun was designed to meet the needs of today’s competition shooter with the incorporation of an array of aftermarket modifications and accessories direct from the factory. Available in two 10-shot models, the 940 features a new gas-operating system; slim profile forend; adjustable stock for length-of-pull, drop and cast; oversized loading port and operating controls; HIVIZ® TriComp sight system; and Briley™ extended chokes.

“Recognition of the 940 JM Pro as the ‘Best New Shotgun’ is an acknowledgement of the efforts of the entire Mossberg team,” commented John MacLellan, Mossberg’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “From our talented engineers who worked closely with Jerry and Lena Miculek to design an out-of-the-box, competition-ready shotgun, to the sales and marketing team who implemented a well-timed and successful launch, and the manufacturing group who through the challenge of this year’s market demands, worked diligently to bring the 940 to the dealers’ shelves.” MacLellan continued, “On behalf of all those involved at Mossberg, our thanks to NASGW and POMA for this highly-coveted Caliber award.”

And if you’re a Mossberg fan, you’ll enjoy reading about how the company continues to thrive at more than 100 years old.  

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Ruger-57 Awarded Best Overall New Product by NASGW-POMA

Ruger-57 Awarded Best Overall New Product by NASGW-POMA

From Ruger

Sturm, Ruger & Company is proud to announce that the Ruger-57 pistol has been awarded the Caliber Award in the Best Overall New Product category by the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) in partnership with the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA).


“We are honored that the Ruger-57 pistol has been recognized by NASGW-POMA as the Best Overall New Product from the past year,” said Ruger President and CEO Chris Killoy. “New product innovation remains the cornerstone of our company, and we are proud of the exceptional team of folks who worked passionately to bring this product to market.”

The NASGW-POMA Caliber Awards honor the highest caliber new products in six product categories, as well as a Best Overall New Product. The winners for each category are chosen by an independent panel of 18 industry professionals. In order to qualify, manufacturers needed to be a NASGW member in good standing, the product must have been publicly released between the end of last year’s NASGW Expo and the beginning of this year’s Expo, and submission of the products was required through the NASGW Expo New Product Showcase.

And if you’re a big fan of Ruger—like who is not—here are three things about the company you may not even know.

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ALPS OutdoorZ Announces the Ghost 30 EDC Pack

ALPS OutdoorZ Announces the Ghost 30 EDC Pack

From ALPS OutdoorZ

ALPS OutdoorZ, known for its extreme-duty packs and innovative gear for hunters, announces its first “everyday carry” solution for personal defense practitioners. The new ALPS OutdoorZ Ghost 30 was developed to provide discrete carry options in a practical, daily use platform.

While on-body carry of defensive firearms is not always practical or possible, daypacks and business/office backpacks are increasingly common. The Ghost 30 is built to satisfy both daily- and work-related needs as well as recreational activities. By incorporating firearm carry options within the pack, the Ghost 30 allows personal defense and 2A advocates to maintain a defensive condition anywhere they go.

Built with the same rugged-use intent as ALPS OutdoorZ’s heralded hunting packs, the Ghost 30 is ergonomically designed to wear comfortably and to withstand hard use thanks to its tough, lightweight CORDURA® fabric. Padded shoulder straps with an integrated sternum strap and a padded back panel provide optimal load distribution and a custom fit for comfortable carry. Included are multiple interior and easy-access pockets for storing up to two laptops and other essentials.

The heart of the Ghost 30 is its ability to accommodate personal defense handguns. An ambidextrous-access carry pocket is positioned behind the back panel and secured via left- and right-side zippers. The material inside the pocket is lined with loop fabric, allowing holsters with hook-and-loop backing material to attach inside the pocket for quick firearm deployment. Similarly, the Ghost 30’s front panel also features loop fabric so that users can position their holster for front-panel access, or adding additional accessories.

ALPS OutdoorZ Ghost 30 Specifications

  • Ambidextrous concealed carry pocket will accommodate hook and loop style holsters
  • Rugged, lightweight CORDURA® fabric
  • 2 padded laptop sleeves for versatility
  • The front panel is lined with loop fabric for attaching accessories
  • The top lid offers additional storage
  • Padded sunglasses case pocket located on top of the pack
  • Hidden daisy chain
  • Interior pockets for extra magazines and writing utensils
  • 5 interior zippered mesh pockets to make it easy to keep items organized and visual
  • Side pockets with compression straps
  • Unique full-access zipper path
  • Hydration compatible with two side-outlet hydration ports
  • Rain cover included

When you need to carry a defensive handgun, but on-body-carry is not an option, the Ghost 30 from ALPS OutdoorZ is your everyday solution.

For more information about this and other innovative products from ALPS OutdoorZ, visit http://www.alpsoutdoorz.com/.

The company also recently released a new Pursuit Bow Pack.  

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HUK Adds Kryptek Obskura Patterns to Lineup of Fin Fleece Hoodies

HUK Adds Kryptek Obskura Patterns to Lineup of Fin Fleece Hoodies

From HUK

Just in time for cold weather, two brand new Kryptek Obskura patterns are now available in HUK’s Fin Hoodie.

The Fin Hoodie from HUK is made with a durable, water-resistant fleece. The cuffs and hem are fitted to help keep the cold out, keeping the end-user warm and comfortable.

The popular hoodie is now available in Kryptek Obskura Shallows and Signa.

Obskurais a brand new family of camouflage patterns from Kryptek including multiple color ways with well-defined edges that cause abrupt transitions between colors and a multi-directional flow. Six unique colors were developed with HUK’s popular Kryptek collection in mind, including the Fin Hoodie.

In summary, the macro-pattern of Kryptek’s original family of patterns became the micro-pattern for Obskura, and elements inspired by the extensively proven Tiger Stripe Camo became the macro-pattern. Obskura is designed to dynamically break-up the user’s outline and improve effectiveness of concealment at longer ranges.

Kryptek is also available in Wiley-X sunglasses.

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Riton Optics Patrioptic Series

Riton Optics Patrioptic Series

From Riton Optics

Riton Optics is proud to announce the first release of the new Patrioptic series of products.

As the World’s only Military and Law Enforcement Veteran Owned optics company, Riton has made their mark in the industry by providing quality, value and service superior to market competitors. In their mission to provide best-in-class products and service, Riton’s core focus is always on the customer, including customer product testing and customer influenced product development.

The Founder and CEO of Riton Optics, Brady Speth, stated the following: “It has always been a goal of ours to bring manufacturing to the United States, and the Patrioptic line is our first step in that direction.”

The Patrioptic series features the high-quality components and Riton HD/ED glass that consumers have come to expect in Riton’s product line.

The Riton Patrioptic 1-8×28 is a limited edition scope and the first release of the U.S. assembled line. This scope features the First Focal Plane, illuminated CM1 reticle with daylight bright green illumination to ease eye strain. As a tactical riflescope, the Riton Patrioptic 1-8×28 is perfect for close quarters combat, while also offering the ability to accurately engage targets and range estimate once the magnification is increased. The optic also features an integrated, removable throw lever, and is adorned with a special American flag engraving on the turret cap.

As Riton embarks on this journey to produce U.S. assembled products they are eager to continue the process of developing high quality optics for their customers and are excited for the future.

And if you’re looking for a red dot for your handgun, here’s a quick look at Riton’s latest.

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Apex Announces 5-inch LongSlide For FN 509

Apex Announces 5-inch LongSlide For FN 509

From Apex Tactical Specialties

Apex Tactical Specialties is pleased to announce its much-anticipated 5.00″ LongSlide for the FN 509 will be available for pre-order on Tuesday, October 27th.

Designed by Apex’s engineering team and manufactured at the company’s state-of-the-art Arizona manufacturing facility, the new custom longslide assembly is packed with features. The fully machined slide is optics ready with the RMR pattern cut. It’s lightened to mimic factory slide mass with both front and rear cocking serrations. The sight dovetails accept FN sights.

The slide comes fully assembled with Apex’s Heavy Duty Striker, the Apex Failure Resistant Extractor and an Apex premium hammer-forged 9mm barrel with a 1:10” twist rate. Customers can select between a standard length 5.00” barrel or a 1/2-28 threaded barrel with thread protector and captive O-ring. All internal slide components and a yellow recoil assembly are included.

While red dot ready, the slide is shipped with either standard height XS 3-Dot night sights or suppressor height sights (black/black), depending on the customer’s preference. The slides will be available in stainless or black Melonite finish.

This slide is complete, fully assembled and ready to shoot.

Features and Specifications:
– 9mm Hammer-Forged Premium Barrel (Threaded or Standard)
– Apex Heavy Duty Striker
– Apex Failure Resistant Extractor
– RMR Pattern Optic Cut w/ Cover Plate
– Standard XS 3-Dot Night Sights or Black/Black Suppressor Sights
– Front & Rear Cocking Serrations
– Stainless or Black Melonite Finish
– MSRP: $600.00 (complete)

The new 5.00” custom longslide is the latest of several Apex aftermarket upgrades designed specifically for the FN 509 series of pistols.

For more information about Apex Tactical Specialties, visit www.ApexTactical.com.

And if you own one of Springfield’s new Hellcats, don’t forget to take a look at the new triggers from Apex Tactical.

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Bergara Wins “Best New Rifle” NASGW-POMA Caliber Award

From Bergara

BPI Outdoors / Bergara is pleased to announce that it has been recognized by the NASGW (National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers) and POMA (Professional Outdoor Media Association) with their NASGW-POMA Caliber Award for “Best New Rifle” with the Bergara Mountain 2.0. The award was presented virtually at the 2020 NASGW online awards presentation.

In a recent press release, Kenyon Gleason, NASGW president stated, “This has been crazy year indeed, but in its 4th year, the NASGW and POMA voters narrowed down some incredible products to a list of three finalists in each category,” He continued with, “Our expert panel of 18 judges were challenged in choosing the best of the best in a year where everything seemed to be flying off the shelves.”

Ben Fleming, Bergara’s Vice President of sales said, “We are so honored to be receiving the 2020 Caliber award for Best New Rifle! In a year that has had its fair share of challenges for everyone, this award means more than anyone could imagine. The Mountain Rifle 2.0 is built by the most dedicated and hard-working group of people that any company could dream of. The rifle combines some of the best components our industry has to offer, and is hand assembled to create one of the finest hunting rifles you could ever bring into the field. I would like to express our gratitude to the wonderful folks at POMA and NASGW for this honor and very meaningful award. We wouldn’t be able to receive these awards if it weren’t for the most loyal team of people at Bergara rifles. This award goes to them!”

The company makes striking rifles. Here’s a look at a B-14 I recently tested and reviews….and it shoots better than it looks.

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Ruger Embraces New Shooters With +ONE Gearbox Giveaway

Ruger Embraces New Shooters With +ONE Gearbox Giveaway

From NSSF

NSSF, the firearm industry trade association, is pleased to announce that Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., is backing the +ONESM Movement with an all-new Gearbox Giveaway.

NSSF’s +ONE Movement, now in its second year, was developed to encourage experienced gun owners to invite someone new to the range or field to experience the joys that shooting sports and hunting offer. The initiative has gained exceptional support from firearm industry members and the public, especially this year, with the unprecedented rise in people who have purchased their first firearm.

“For the last two years, our Gearbox Giveaways have been central to the success of August’s National Shooting Sports Month® and participation in the +ONE Movement,” said Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Retail & Range Business Development. “Thanks to Ruger’s support, we can build on the +ONE momentum this fall to increase campaign awareness while inspiring gun owners to introduce someone new, welcome and mentor a new gun owner and by encouraging year-round participation in the shooting sports.”

“We are proud to support NSSF’s +ONE Movement beyond National Shooting Sports Month this year,” said Ruger Vice President of Marketing, Rob Werkmeister. “The +ONE mission is more important than ever, as we focus on welcoming new gun owners everywhere into our community.”

The Ruger +ONE Movement Gearbox Giveaway, valued at more than $1,000, includes:

1 Ruger® Collector’s Series “Vote 2020” 10/22® .22 LR rifle

2 BX-25® Magazines

1 Red BX-Trigger™

1 10/22® Rifle Case

1 Ruger Range Bag

1 Ruger Sling Backpack

1 Ruger Cleaning Kit

1 Ruger Hearing Protection and Ballistic Eyeglass Combo

1 Ruger Double-Sided Halo-Lit Sign

1 Ruger Vintage-Design Wooden Storage Box

1 Ruger Hooded Sweatshirt

1 Team Ruger Ballcap

1 Ruger Patriotic Bandana

1 Ruger “It’s Mine and It’s American” Decal

Enter to win the Ruger +ONE Movement Gearbox Giveaway here. For more information on the +ONE Movement, including how you can take the +ONE Pledge and invite someone new to the range, visit LetsGoShooting.org.

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Savage Arms Supports Aiming for Zero Great Nor’easter

Savage Arms Supports Aiming for Zero Great Nor’easter

From Savage Arms

Savage Arms was proud to be a part of the Aiming for Zero Great Nor’easter shooting competition. More than 200 competitors came out to help prevent veteran suicide and support the local veteran community. Despite COVID-19 restrictions and challenges, participation grew from last year and more than $25,000 was raised.

“We were happy to play a small part in a great event for our veterans,” said Beth Shimanski, Director of Marketing at Savage Arms. “Seeing the community come together for such an important cause means a lot to our team and we hope everyone’s combined efforts can make a difference.”

Aiming for Zero provides the national competitive shooting community a channel through which to focus their efforts to support ending veteran suicide. Individuals, groups and clubs hosted side stages, full matches and other creative methods at their local ranges. Active Heroes is a 501c3 charity that hosts these events and works with these ranges to target veterans who are struggling and pair them with trained peer mentors.

It has proven to be very successful in supporting veterans within the community. Active Heroes has partnered with ranges that hosted over 1000 veterans, military family members and supporters. The ultimate purpose of Aiming for Zero is to reduce veteran suicide and assist Military Families by:

  1. Targeting struggling veterans within the competitive shooting community.
  2. Establishing camaraderie to cope with Post Traumatic Stress (anger, depression, loneliness, substance abuse and suicidal tendencies).
  3. Uniting veterans, families and supporters to care for each other in times of need.
  4. Training shooting clubs and ranges how to interact with suicidal veterans and the steps to assist them.