Guy J. Sagi/Fear And Loading

October 13, 2020October 13, 2020

Galco Jackass Rig Shoulder Holster System

From Galco

Galco’s predecessor, The Famous Jackass Leather Company, first introduced the Jackass Rig™ in the early 1970s. While it has changed and evolved in the decades since, it remains a great choice for any gun carrier who prefers a horizontally-oriented shoulder holster. One often-overlooked – but key – feature of the Jackass Rig is the ability to adjust it to a more butt-down and muzzle-up position. This often enables smaller-statured shooters to conceal bigger guns than a strictly horizontal holster.

The Jackass Rig’s magazine carrier has a streamlined yet secure design, carrying two spare magazines in a vertically-oriented position. The concealable, medium-width harness is made of comfortable Premium Center Cut Steerhide™ and quickly adjusts to fit virtually every body shape. All four points of the harness pivot independently and are connected by our trademarked clover-shaped Flexalon™ swivel back plate.

The Jackass Rig includes holster, harness, magazine carrier and a set of polymer harness fasteners. The Jackass Rig is fully modular, and optional accessories may be purchased separately. Made for a wide variety of semiautomatic pistols, the Jackass Rig is available in right and left hand draw in black finish.

See Galco’s complete line of shoulder holster systems at galcousa.com!

October 13, 2020October 13, 2020

CCI Maxi-Mag Clean-22 Segmented Hollow Point 22 WMR

From CCI

The Clean-22 coating technology that made rimfire clean is now being used to extend the range and power of 22 WMR. New CCI Maxi-Mag Clean-22 Segmented Hollow Point (SHP) uses an exclusive polymer bullet coating to greatly reduce copper and lead fouling in the barrel—without leaving a residue. Shipments of this new product have begun to arrive at dealers.

The 46-grain SHP bullet splits into three equal-size pieces on impact, tripling the number of wound channels. The polymer bullet coating allows this separation at much lower velocities and longer distances than a conventional copper jacket. The bullet’s overall geometry is optimized for accuracy, and dependable CCI priming and propellant provide flawless cycling through semi-automatics and all 22 WMR firearms.

“New Maxi-Mag Clean-22 SHP is the industry’s only segmenting hollow-point bullet in 22 WMR.” said CCI Product Line Manager Dan Compton. “Personally, I like its Olive Drab Green color on the bullet which gives it a hunting look, and I can’t wait to hear stories and see photos from our happy customers who use this new magnum rimfire round on prairie dog towns, in the squirrel woods and for their fur trapping efforts.”

Features & Benefits

The industry’s only segmenting hollow-point bullet in 22 WMR
Polymer bullet coating greatly reduces lead fouling in the barrel without leaving residue
Allows expansion at lower velocities than copper-jacketed bullets
Reduces the risk of penetration through the target and beyond
Optimized bullet geometry for improved accuracy
50-count box

Part No. / Description / MSRP

972CC / 22 WMR Maxi Mag Clean-22 SHP, 46-grain, 50-count / $18.99

CCI recently launched a new website which includes a fresh look and design, and a mobile-first approach to meet the needs of today’s consumer. Plus, the new site offers customers the ability to purchase select loads of CCI rimfire ammunition, Blazer handgun ammunition, branded merchandise and more direct from CCI. CCI’s online shopping cart features free shipping on orders of $99 or more.

And don’t forget to take a look at the company’s new Meateater series of rimfire cartridges.

October 11, 2020October 11, 2020

Are Black Sights Best for Self-Defense?

Handguns are the overwhelming favorite for personal protection, but many wear a serious shortcoming for the mission. Criminals attack fast, often at night, so I posed a question to an expert about target acquisition. Are black sights best for self-defense?

Pliny Gale, marketing manager for TRUGLO, provided some insight.

GJS—Are black sights best for self-defense or is white or color a better option?

PG—Simply put, bright dots attract the eye. A bright-colored sight is easier to find in low light. Even in full daylight, the increased contrast of a bright color makes it easier to properly focus on the sight. Bright white lines or dots increase contrast, but certain colors can improve visibility even further. Ultimately, it is the same reason tennis balls, warning signs and even things in nature like flowers or poisonous insects use bright colors—to be seen easily and quickly.

GJS—Is there any advantage to certain colors in different atmospheric conditions?

PG—This is a question of brightness versus contrast. The human eye is most sensitive to green and green fiber tends to gather a lot of light, so it typically is the brightest at dawn/dusk. When shooting during the day, any color fiber is generally very bright so many shooters prefer to look for contrast. A red front sight easily contrasts brown dirt, green foliage and blue skies—making it the preferred option for most competitive target shooters of all varieties.

[Readers considering a laser for their pistol, should read my interview with experts on the advantages of green over red.]

Tritium and Fiber-Optic

GJS—Why tritium?

PG—Unlike reflective materials, photoluminescent paints and fiber-optics, tritium vials create their own light. Tritium does not require any light exposure to glow and shooters don’t ever have to worry about batteries running low or getting cold. If you want to see your sights in low light or complete darkness without needing an “on” button, tritium is the way to go—delivering reliable brightness for about a decade.

GJS—Why is a fiber-optic tube better than just paint?

PG—Bright paint is great, but with a single reflective surface it will only be as bright as the light around it. Fiber-optics are reflective on the inside, which means they gather light along the entire length of the fiber and channel it to the ends. Looking at the end of a cut fiber-optic optic will be brighter that its surroundings. Fiber-optics are a great passive way to increase brightness.

GJS—Is there anything you’d like to add?

PG—TRUGLO owns the patent to, and to is the exclusive manufacturer of TFX® technology (Tritium + Fiber-optic Xtreme). This technology combines the daylight benefits of fiber-optics with the night-time benefits of tritium to produce a dot that is bright both day and night. The fiber-optic and the tritium vial are sealed together in a capsule for strength and durability that endures far more than other fiber-optic sights.

Are black sights best for self-defense? Gale’s answers make it obvious: If you’re a new handgun owner and your sights are dark and dank, up front and at the rear, it’s time to consider and upgrade.

October 10, 2020October 10, 2020

Bolt-Action Rifle Photography 101: Perspective

Bolt-action rifle photography presents a challenge, regardless of the gun’s make or looks. If you take the image fully broadside the firearm’s length makes it look like a toothpick.

Backgrounds from that angle drown the subject in color and texture. That compromises the ability to inspect details and gauge overall proportions. For that reason all my editors request that every story includes full lengths on white. If you’re getting photos of your firearm collection for insurance purposes, you should too.

They’re not exactly attention-grabbing, though. The above image is the same Bergara B14 Ridge Rifle appearing at the top this story. Let me know if you agree the forest scene is better at catching your interest. Finding something right for my review in Predator Xtreme magazine was important.

On white is great stuff for an insurance claim or, God forbid, law enforcement use. It’s sterile and emotionless, though. Finding a dynamic angle is one solution if you want something a bit more entertaining.

Most firearm companies provide publicity photos for their rifles. The one above from Savage and has an angled perspective that effectively compresses the view. It’s also a bit more dynamic, with the scope’s glass reflecting light and muzzle visible.

Bolt-action rifle photography done this way makes the firearm look shorter than it is, unfortunately. That’s why editors, and insurance companies, lean toward including at least one broadside.

Perspective

Perspective is key in any image, but it is particularly critical on long guns. Move the camera even a few inches and it can ruin a technically correct firearm photo.

Below is the same Bergara B14 Ridge. It never moved from the same position as the photo above. The camera and tripod did, unfortunately.

My strobist style execution is spot on, but the image stinks. The editor never received that one and when I look at it now it’s like fingernails screeching across a chalkboard.

Final Thoughts on Bolt-Action Rifle Photography

Every photographer has a unique style, and not every firearm enthusiast likes the same guns or images of them. That’s part of what makes the industry fun and keeps it constantly evolving.

Keep that in mind as you take photos of your own guns. Some backgrounds will work with the right rifle if you’re taking full lengths. You might even prefer your digital camo M700 to sort of disappear into it, anyway.

There are, however, ways to highlight key features, even when its dusk in a dark forest. We’ll get deeper into those in the next few installments.

In the meantime, thank you for visiting my modest blog. Feel free to leave a complaint in the comments and I’d particularly love to hear from any of the 5 million new gun owners. I sure hope everyone has a glorious and healthy day.

Don’t miss the next installment on bolt-action rifle photography by hitting the subscribe button on the right side of this page.

October 9, 2020October 11, 2020

Which Guns are Selling in 2020?

Firearms are flying off the shelves at a record pace, but can we really determine which guns are selling in 2020? The short answer is no, although there’s no lack of guesstimates circulating. Some are more educated than others, but even the best are a microtone-thin snapshot of the market.

The fact that companies closely guard their real-time volume of sales doesn’t help. They file a mandatory volume-of-manufacturing report with BATFE at the end of the year. That information does not become public for many months, however.

Vertical Report

GunBroker.com tracks the make and model of guns sold by vendors that use the company’s services. It issues accurate monthly and annual reports, but the numbers are exclusive to those processed through its website. The figures represent only enthusiasts comfortable buying from what is often a stranger, through the Internet.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation issued a solid report [PDF] this week based on those numbers. It provides a detailed glimpse at the trends and preference of model by geographical region. Unfortunately, it’s not the all encompassing study some claim.

There’s no denying it’s a great snapshot, but it doesn’t encompass a significant—likely majority—of sales this year. The figures do not include purchases made in person at brick-and-mortar FFLs. Enthusiasts still prefer to see if a firearm fits and inspect condition.

Add the volume of first-time gun owners this year, seeking one-on-one advice in their purchase, and there’s good reason sporting goods dealer shelves are empty.

But why can’t we tell which guns are selling in 2020 accurately? I caught up with Tom Taylor, SIG Sauer chief marketing officer and executive vice president, commercial sales, a few months ago and asked about the situation. He provided some great information I used in an American Rifleman article, but my complete interview provides a few more tidbits. It’s below, edited for brevity.

On Which Guns are Selling in 2020

GJS—Do firearm manufacturers have any way to track overall industry sales by make and model, including those from their competitors?

TT—Tracking industry sales is one of the most challenging parts of the firearms industry. There is no one source that gives firearms manufacturers a complete landscape. There are many vehicles that can be combined and/or extrapolated to give us some ideas, but no one consistent reporting for the industry or especially by brand. NICS is a good directional indicator for the over industry performance, but even that is fraught with numerous issues, including used guns being part of the mix.

GJS—Was there ever such a resource?

TT—At one time, a fairly good tool existed to at least help us understand local retail (did not include box stores) and it was AcuSport CLX data. It was a POS [point of sale] measurement tool at the local retail level across over 300 stores, which is enough to be statistically valid. We used that data quite extensively, but it went away when they went out of business. Some have tried to revive the technology, but to no avail so far.

Non-Endemic Detailed Tracking

GJS—Isn’t that somewhat odd for an industry this large?

TT—It is unfortunate that an industry of our size does not have any consistent data management tools. I’ve been in this industry for 16 years and even looking back at my career at the Coca-Cola Company prior to that, our measurement tools were infinite. We knew so much about our own product mix, our competitors, our customers, consumers and more. Many CPG companies have this level of data, but it has alluded our industry.

GJS—Does the BATFE annual report fill the information gap?

TT—The BATFE annual manufactures report is good to know, but it is so old by the time we get it, it’s just interesting and doesn’t help us run our respective businesses. And even that is just U.S. manufacturing. You have to combine that data with import reports, and it gets even more confusing with the manufacturers that import some of their products and make some in the U.S. So it mostly ends up being “nice to know” information a year to a year and half after the fact.

SIG’s Best Selling for 2020?

GJS—What’s your best selling handgun so far in 2020?

TT—We do have very good internal data for our own products and it has been interesting to watch the P365 become our best-selling product. The P320 stays on its heals, but the P365 is our best seller. And what market data we can accumulate tells us the P365 is the best-selling product line in the U.S. today.

GJS—Gunbroker.com retailers, however, indicated your P320 was the top seller the past two months, why the difference?

TT—Gunbroker.com is very misleading when they report “top sellers.” It is only the top sellers in their individual environment (on their website). This can be vastly misleading if guns are not listed there. For instance, the P365 did not show up on their most recent “Top 10” report and it is the best selling gun in the market. I believe the reason for this is that retailers do not need to list hot guns such as the P365 and others if they sell in-store and therefore do not need to be sold on-line.

GJS—Do you think guns from your competitors are under-represented in the Gunbroker.com listing?

TT—I’m sure there are others such as the G43 didn’t show up in the top 5.

Is there a way to tell which guns are selling in 2020? Taylor’s comments make it obvious there is not, unfortunately. In the meantime we’ll have to rely on the few thin, vertical slices of the market made available. Hopefully more of today’s “journalists” will report them as such, instead of the declaring them some sort of comprehensive study.

October 9, 2020October 11, 2020

Irish Setter VaprTrek Hunting Boots

From Irish Setter

Irish Setter continues to expand the successful VaprTrek franchise with the addition of higher insulation levels, an all leather option using proprietary Irish Setter Earth Field Camo camo-dyed leather and easy on/off options – one with a side zipper and one with the BOA® Fit System.

The original Irish Setter VaprTrek® 8″ hunting boots were 40% lighter than traditional Irish Setter big game hunting boots without sacrificing support or stability. After their launch in 2014, this family of extremely lightweight boots quickly became a top seller. Since then the product team has introduced new technologies and construction methods to enhance the line. After conducting materials testing and field wear trials, Irish Setter is proud to introduce the new VaprTrek lineup, which is even lighter while delivering better traction on rough terrain, all with improved durability and outstanding all-day comfort.

The great fit and go-all-day comfort that made VaprTrek boots so popular with hunters and hikers remains a top priority. A contoured last mirrors foot shape for excellent fit while, lace-to-toe eyelets help customize fit.

An EVA footbed with a memory foam top layer is highly breathable and durable, providing all-day comfort and less fatigue. The uppers provide other comfort and performance features like waterproof, full grain leather, lightweight Rip Stop fabric, military-grade quick dry linings which wick away foot moisture, UltraDry™ waterproofing for long-lasting protection, a memory foam collar for instant comfort in all temperatures, a Cushin™ Comfort Tongue that provides comfort in the shin area and ScentBan™ scent control that eliminates odors within the boot. Select models feature Primaloft® insulation for warmth in cool environments.

Hunters look to Irish Setter for durable footwear and the new VaprTrek does not disappoint. Armatec™ XT technology adds durability and abrasion resistance in high wear areas of the heel and toe while leather reinforcement is strategically placed to protect flex points for enhanced durability.

These ultra-lightweight boots provide greater traction and support to allow for more time in the field with less fatigue. A lightweight, nylon shank adds arch support and EnerG technology within the dual density midsole delivers extra comfort in the heel and forefoot impact zones. A harder durometer RPM material is used in the midsole and it also extends to the outsole. Rubber sections of the outsole with multi-tiered lugs provide superior traction on uneven terrain and self-cleaning lugs shed debris with every step. Rubber pods are utilized for enhanced traction and durability. Tiered toe treads offer grip control when walking up steep inclines. The wrap-around instep provides protection from, and extra grip for tree stand rungs or ATV foot pegs. The outsole provides best-in-class slip-resistance.

VaprTrek snake boots feature easy on/off convenience. Style #2846 includes the BOA® Fit System which securely tightens and loosens the stainless-steel laces with the turn of a dial on these 17” knee boots. Style #2848’s convenient side-zip makes entry/exit easy in these waterproof, non-insulated knee boots.

“Based on the successful launch of our newest VaprTreks, we’ve added more styles to the line,” explained Charley Bryant, Irish Setter Product Merchant. “Based on our own hunting experiences and talking with consumers, we know hunters are looking for comfort in their boots, including getting them on and off easily and keeping their feet warm in the field.”

Men’s VaprTrek Boots (sizes 8-12, 13, 14 in D and EE widths)

·#2829 is a 5″ hiker in brown leather and fabric, $154.99*

·#2830 is an 8″ non-insulated boot in brown leather and fabric, $159.99*

·#2831 is an 8″ non-insulated boot in Realtree Edge™ camouflage, $159.99*

·#2837 is an 8″ non-insulated boot with Mossy Oak® Break-Up Country® camouflage, $159.99*

·#2854 is an 8″ boot with 400 grams of PrimaLoft® insulation in Realtree Edge™ camouflage, $169.99*

·#2832 is an 8″ boot with 400 grams of PrimaLoft® insulation in Mossy Oak® Break-Up Country® camouflage, $169.99*

·#2815+ is a 7″ non-insulated, all leather camo boot in Irish Setter Earth Field Camo, $179.99

·#2867+ is a 7″ non-insulated side-zip boot in stone fabric, $169.99*

·#2894+ is a 7″ non-insulated boot in Realtree Edge™ camouflage, $179.99*

·#3816+ is a 9″ boot with 800 grams of PrimaLoft® insulation in Realtree Edge™ camouflage, $189.99*

·#3817+ is a 9″ boot with 1200 grams of PrimaLoft® insulation in Mossy Oak® Break-Up Country® camouflage, $199.99*

Women’s VaprTrek Boots (sizes 5-11 medium width)

·#2839+ is an 8″ boot with 400 grams of PrimaLoft® insulation in Mossy Oak® Break-Up Country® camouflage, $169.99

VaprTrek Snake Boots for Men & Women

Irish Setter has created men’s and women’s snake boots that combine a non-woven material with leather to defend against fangs, thorns and other threats.

·#2875 is a men’s 17″ non-insulated, lace-up snake boot with Realtree Xtra® Green camouflage, $214.99

·#2846 is a men’s 17″ non-insulated, BOA® Fit System snake boot with Mossy Oak® Obsession camouflage, $249.99

·#2848 is a men’s 17″ non-insulated, side-zip snake boot with Realtree Edge™ camouflage, $229.99

·#2869 is a men’s 17″ non-insulated, lace-up snake boot with Mossy Oak® Obsession camouflage, $214.99

·#1821 is a women’s 16″ non-insulated, lace-up snake boot with Mossy Oak® Obsession camouflage, $214.99

Irish Setter VaprTrek boots are available now at leading outdoor retailers. Visit www.irishsetterboots.com to learn more.

And for those times when your boots gets totally soaked, don’t forget to take a look at this new Ozone Boot Dryer.

October 9, 2020October 9, 2020

SIG SAUER Introduces SIG Custom Works P320 AXG Scorpion

From SIG SAUER

Utilizing the new AXG (Alloy XSERIES Grip) metal grip module as a foundation, and a carefully selected set of premium options and performance upgrades, SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to introduce the SIG Custom Works P320 AXG Scorpion Pistol.

“The P320 AXG Scorpion is an exciting product introduction because it’s our very first commercially available metal P320, and the first pistol release from SIG Custom Works,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “The P320 AXG Scorpion combines the weight and balance of a metal framed pistol with the performance and reliability of the P320, delivering a uniquely refined shooting experience unlike anything else. This SIG Custom Works exclusive delivers performance you can feel.”

The SIG Custom Works P320 AXG Scorpion is a metal, 9mm striker-fired pistol, with the AXG Carry grip module featuring custom Hogue G10 grip panels and backstrap insert, precision machined deep undercut, and an extended beavertail for an ergonomic, comfortable fit. The pistol features an XSERIES optic-ready slide compatible with three direct-mount options for the SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEO1Pro, Delta Point Pro, and RMR Reflex Optics, XRAY3 Day/Night Sights, and an XSERIES flat skeletonized trigger. The P320 AXG Scorpion has an FDE Cerakote finish and ships with (3) P320 magazines, featuring new enhancements including witness holes for each loaded round and a high-visibility follower, a Negrini SIG Custom Works case, challenge coin, and an official SIG Custom Works Certificate of Authenticity.

P320 AXG Scorpion:

Overall length: 7.4 inches

Overall height: 5.5 inches

Overall width: 1.3 inches

Barrel length: 3.9 inches

Sight Radius: 5.8inches

Weight (w/magazine): 31.3 oz.

October 8, 2020October 11, 2020

How to Avoid Counterfeit Gun Parts

Counterfeiting cash is so yesterday. The real money is in copying a patented product’s specs, mass producing it using inferior materials at some off-shore slave-labor camp—with eight-year-old floor supervisors—and selling it on the Internet. Those cheap knockoffs carry a price that attracts unknowing firearm enthusiasts like moths to a flame, but performance is sub-par, sometimes dangerous, even illegal. The pros have some good advice on how to avoid counterfeit gun parts.

The growth of the firearm accessories industry has made it lucrative target for counterfeiters. While Covid-19 has paralyzed other industries, gun sales are setting records and demand doesn’t show any signs of slowing.

Small Gun Part Counterfeits

Even low-cost items aren’t immune. In August 2019, for example, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 52,601 firearm parts being shipped in from China, many of them knockoffs.

A genuine Glock magazine sets you back around $35, but in February 2017 U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in Savannah, GA, stopped a 591-carton shipment—total street value of $2 million—illegally wearing the company trademark. Many of the fakes could have wound up in law enforcement hands.

A few weeks later, MagLula’s website posted, “Low quality Chinese counterfeit loaders cloning our patented UpLula universal pistol magazine loaders are offered for sale on Amazon and eBay…Please refrain from ordering loaders at Amazon or eBay until further notice…shop at local gun stores you trust and from companies we ship to direct: Brownells, MidwayUSA, Cabela’s, BassPro, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Turner’s, CheaperTheDirt, Sportsman’s Guide, ShopRuger.” The situation was so bad the company sued Amazon in January 2020.

Magpul’s Angled Fore Grip (AFG) has been targeted, too. “We’ve got a very aggressive program in place with U.S. Customs to stop counterfeit imports, but it can be more difficult to catch those that try to slip things through without using the actual Magpul name and logos on the packaging or in the descriptions,” company Executive Vice President Duane Liptak said. “So if you see something that really looks like an AFG in an online listing that doesn’t actually call it an AFG….it’s a counterfeit for sure, and it’s likely molded from used Pringles lids and water bottles. These things pop up regularly and we’re playing whack-a-mole with dishonest folks that are bringing them in.”

Even those CR123 batteries that are so popular in tactical flashlights are counterfeited and smuggled in without an important safety feature—the tiny vent designed to prevent overheating and fire. A report by the FAA has some harrowing stories when the subpar cells suffered full-blown incidents on airplanes.

Eye Protection Counterfeits

Revision aided in busting an illegal knockoff manufacturer at the SHOT Show a few years ago, but it didn’t end the illegal activity. Twelve months later another “company” was caught selling the counterfeits at the SnowSports Industries America Snow Show. “We created these products and it is simply unacceptable to have low-level con artists steal our property and profit from it, especially at the expense of our end-users—the soldiers and police who protect us each and every day,” said Jonathan Blanshay, CEO of Revision.

Knife Counterfeits

Knifemakers aren’t immune, either. Rod Bremer, chair of the Anti-Counterfeiting Committee of the American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) and Chairman and Founder of CRKT, said counterfeiters cost U.S. business 10 percent of their revenue. “We conservatively estimate that counterfeit products cost the sporting knife and tool industry around $95 million annually…,” he added. Daniel Defense, Blackhawk, Trijicon, Kinetic Development Group and more have been victimized, and the list grows daily.

How low will the counterfeiters go? Try the March seizure of 40,000 fake and non-functioning condoms on for size. Small ticket items aren’t where the real money is, though, and according to the International Trademark Association there’s big cash involved—$460 billion in counterfeits were purchased last year alone.

Lucrative Optic market

Firearm optics provide added profit cushion for counterfeiters, and American-made Leupold has a warning on its website that reads, “Leupold is issuing a customer alert to purchasers of products, particularly via Internet sales, in regards to bogus Leupold products that are commonly illegally imported from the People’s Republic of China. These products bear many of the trademarks and trade dress of current Leupold & Stevens riflescopes making them very hard to distinguish externally from authentic Leupold products.”

Fake Leupold Mark 4s, VX-IIIs, CQ/Ts riflescopes, LCOs, Deltapoint Pros and more are being sold and, for obvious reasons, are not covered by the Leupold Full Lifetime Guarantee. “When hard-working men and women buy a Leupold product, they are putting faith in the Gold Ring and all that it stands for: American engineering, quality and relentless performance,” said Bruce Pettet, Leupold CEO. “When they purchase a counterfeit product, they are not only being taken advantage of, but potentially putting their match, their hunt or, in extreme cases, their lives at risk. We will not stand by and let this happen.”

How to Avoid Counterfeit Gun Parts

Liptak said counterfeiters cut corners, the first indicator something is amiss. “Much of the counterfeit packaging is not quite ‘right,’ although this isn’t always a dead giveaway,” he said. “Sloppy looking mold lines, messy text and old logos are other indicators….buying from known retailers and distributors really is the best defense.”

Visit the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center for more information or to report suspected counterfeits. You can also visit StopFakes.gov.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection

October 8, 2020October 8, 2020

Magpul Contributes to NSSF’s 2020 #GUNVOTE Campaign

From NSSF

NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, is pleased to announce that Magpul Industries Corporation, a leading firearm accessories manufacturer, has contributed $100,000 to NSSF’s #GUNVOTE® voter registration, education and mobilization campaign.

“Election Day is less than four weeks away and it’s imperative that all gun owners new and old and every supporter of the Second Amendment get to the polls and vote. This is a critical election for the entire firearm industry, the several hundred thousand Americans working in firearm-related businesses and the millions of Americans who own and use their firearms every day,” said Magpul Industries Corporation Executive Vice President Duane Liptak. “NSSF’s #GUNVOTE campaign is second to none when it comes to educating and engaging Second Amendment supporters. Contributing to their #GUNVOTE initiative is our way of showing appreciation for all they do for the success of the entire industry.”

“The firearm and ammunition industry is fortunate to have a leader like Duane Liptak, whose dedication to protecting the Second Amendment and ensuring the growth and success of our industry is unquestioned,” stated Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “With their generous contribution to NSSF’s #GUNVOTE campaign, Magpul Industries is going above and beyond to assist NSSF in registering, educating and activating voters ahead of November’s election. Magpul’s substantial contribution is vital now more than ever and is to be commended.”

Election Day is less than one month away when tens of millions of voters, including more than 5 million first-time gun buyers, will head to the polls to cast their ballot in the most consequential election for the Second Amendment.

#GUNVOTE is a campaign by the NSSF to encourage America’s gun owners, target shooters and hunters to register to vote, to become educated on where the candidates stand on the Second Amendment and, on election day, not to risk their rights and #GUNVOTE. The campaign’s website provides links to help voters register and find their polling place.

Magpul joins a growing list of manufacturers helping the effort. Federal, CCI and Speer Ammunition recently donated, as well as Bushnell, Leupold and many others.

October 8, 2020October 8, 2020

Galco Speed Master for the S&W M&P Compact and Subcompact

From Galco

Galco introduces the Speed Master™ 2.0 for the very popular 3.6″ S&W M&P Compact/Subcompact!

Holsters for defensive handguns need to be quick, and we designed the Speed Master 2.0 for exactly that. Its open top design combines with full firing grip accessibility and adjustable tension to create a holster that’s as fast as it is
versatile.

Rather go with a custom holster? Here are tips from the manufacturers themselves.

Speed isn’t the only criterion for choosing a concealment holster, of course. The highly versatile Speed Master 2.0 also brings convenient on/off ability to the equation when set up as a paddle holster. Versatility comes from the included interchangeable belt slot attachment, which enables it to be configured as a solid and stable belt holster at the user’s option. The paddle and belt slot attachments are quickly and easily swapped out using only a flat-headed screwdriver.

Speed of draw sometimes competes with security, but the Speed Master 2.0 offers an adjustable tension unit, allowing the user to set the tension as tight or as loose as they personally prefer.

Finally, concealability is obviously important in a concealment holster! The Speed Master 2.0 rides high and close to the body, offering good concealment of handguns in all sizes.

Constructed of premium saddle leather, the professional-grade Speed Master 2.0 fits belts up to 1 3/4″. Available in tan or black color in right hand draw for the S&W M&P Compact/Subcompact series (original and 2.0 with 3.6” barrel), it has an MSRP of $86.