Davidson’s Contributes to NSSF’s 2020 #GUNVOTE Campaign

From NSSF

NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, is pleased to announce that Davidson’s, Inc., a leading firearm wholesale distributor, has contributed $50,000 to NSSF’s #GUNVOTE® voter registration, education and mobilization campaign.

“Americans have seen during 2020 just how critical the Second Amendment is for law-abiding citizens to be able to purchase firearms to protect themselves, their loved ones and their property,” said Davidson’s President and CEO Bryan Tucker. “We’ve not seen a threat to the future of the constitutional right to keep and bear arms like we face on November 3rd and it’s why Davidson’s is proud to make this commitment to NSSF’s #GUNVOTE campaign. More than 5 million Americans will head to the polls with a new knowledge of what it means to be a firearm owner and the impact future policies will have on that freedom. #GUNVOTE ensures those rights aren’t risked at the ballot box.”

“The firearm and ammunition industry is fortunate to have a leader like Bryan Tucker 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, Davidson’s is going above and beyond to assist NSSF in registering, educating and activating voters ahead of November’s election. Davidson’s substantial contribution is vital now more than ever and is to be commended.”

Election Day is less than 50 days 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. NSSF strongly encourages all industry members to download the #GUNVOTE button to use on their websites and social media.

Federal Ammunition Supports the International Hunter Education Association

Federal Ammunition Supports the International Hunter Education Association

From Federal Ammunition

Federal Ammunition and Vista Outdoor announced its continued support of International Hunter Education Association-USA (IHEA-USA) with a large, dedicated sponsorship aimed at developing a new IHEA-USA website. This effort will help bring the organization into the modern digital age through the rebuilding of their digital presence and website infrastructure. Vista Outdoor, Federal’s parent company, has matched Federal’s donation and will be an active supporter as this project moves forward.

“IHEA-USA has been in need of these digital improvements,” says current IHEA-USA COO Alex Baer. “This change will allow us to modernize our benefits and the delivery of our content to our current members, including enthusiasts, instructors and new hunters. Visitors looking to become more involved with hunter education will feel more welcome with an improved user experience, and IHEA-USA will have an easier time managing the site in real-time through an enhanced, more flexible platform. Education is all about reach and relevancy. Thanks to Federal Ammunition and Vista Outdoor, IHEA-USA will be able to deliver on both moving forward.”

The International Hunter Education Association-USA is a 501c3 non-profit organization that works with State Wildlife Agencies, other national government organizations and the firearms industry to further the initiative of hunter safety and education on wildlife conservation. Federal has sponsored the IHEA-USA for more than a decade. Most notably, Federal sponsors the annual ‘Hunter Education Instructor of the Year’ award as well as the annual IHEA-USA Conference each year.

“The events of 2020 have sparked a resurgence in outdoor recreation and hunting across America. Millions of new users are engaging in the shooting sports and entering the field for their first hunts. IHEA-USA’s modernization is well-timed and will help the hunting community grow in safe, responsible ways while also supporting the transition from first-time hunter to lifetime enthusiast,” said Jon Zinnel, Federal’s Manger of Conservation and Youth Shooting Sports Programs. “Federal Ammunition and Vista Outdoor are dedicated to supporting firearm safety and growing our hunting heritage through educating safe responsible and knowledgeable hunters. Through our sponsorships of the IHEA-USA, we can accomplish those goals.”

For more on IHEA-USA and to learn how you can help support the future of hunting and hunter education, visit http://www.ihea-usa.org/.

Federal ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct from Federal. For more information on all products from Federal or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Benelli USA Contributes $100,000 to NSSF’s 2020 #GUNVOTE Voter Education Campaign

From NSSF

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

“Election Day 2020 represents the intersection of more than 5 million new first-time firearm owners in the United States and the possibility of what is widely regarded as the most antifirearm presidential ticket in modern history. The stakes for the firearm industry and the Second Amendment could not be higher,” said Benelli USA Executive Team General Manager Tom DeBolt. “NSSF is front and center in this effort with their #GUNVOTE campaign fighting for Americans’ right to keep and bear arms and we’re proud to contribute to their work to educate and activate millions of voters ahead of November 3rd.”

“The firearm industry is fortunate to have a leader like Tom DeBolt who is both dedicated to protecting the Second Amendment and ensuring the growth and success of our entire industry,” stated Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “Benelli USA’s generous contribution to NSSF’s #GUNVOTE campaign demonstrates their commitment to assist NSSF in educating and activating millions of voters ahead of November’s election. Benelli USA’s substantial contribution is vital and is to be commended.”

Election Day is less than 50 days 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. NSSF strongly encourages all industry members to download the #GUNVOTE button to use on their websites and social media.

SSSF Awards Scholarships To Student Athletes

SSSF Awards Scholarships To Student Athletes

From SSSF

Continuing the SSSF Scholarship Program, the 501(c)(3) foundation has awarded 150 graduating senior athletes with $500 scholarships for the 2019/2020 season. Since 2013, the SSSF has awarded over $500,000 in scholarship funds benefiting over 600 student-athletes, from nearly all 50 states in the Scholastic Clay Target and Scholastic Action Shooting programs.

Qualified graduating seniors were considered for academics, college registration, state, regional, and national-level shooting sports participation, and a personal essay. These statements described personal goals, educational ambitions, achievements, talents, and experiences in their shooting sports career.

To view the scholarship recipients please visit the respective announcements from the Scholastic Action Shooting (SASP) and Scholastic Clay Target Programs (SCTP):

SCTP 2019/2020 Scholarship Recipients
SASP 2019/2020 Scholarship Recipients

Coast Guard Foundation Announces 167 New Scholarships for 2020-2021 Academic Year

Coast Guard Foundation Announces 167 New Scholarships for 2020-2021 Academic Year

From the Coast Guard Foundation

The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to strengthening the Coast Guard community and service by supporting members and families, announced today that it awarded 167 scholarships in 2020, totaling $503,000 in support. Since the program began in 1990 the Coast Guard Foundation has awarded more than $6 million in scholarships to Coast Guard children ensuring they can afford to reach their higher education dreams.

Awardees include scholars such as Cierra DeCuire, the daughter of BMCS Kevin DeCuire, USCG (Ret.). She resides in Katy, Texas and graduated from Obra D. Tompkins High School this past Spring. DeCuire has been accepted into the pharmacy program at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. She was a two-year captain of the cheer team and volunteered throughout her community. An engaged student-leader, she is focused on her chosen career path, and will graduate with a PhD in pharmacy sciences in five years.

Landis Limon graduated from First Flight High School in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina in June 2020, where she excelled as a student-athlete, playing varsity volleyball and basketball and earning the status of AP Scholar. As part of a Coast Guard family, she lived in both Oregon and North Carolina, and participated in community building activities in both locations. Limon is enrolled in William Peace Unversity in Raleigh, North Carolina this fall. She is the stepdaughter of AST1 Benjamin Morris, USCG.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5HMW-zyO6s&feature=youtu.be

Quentin Ramos is enrolled for his freshman year at Rochester Institute of Technology this fall after graduating from the BASIS School in Washington, D.C. in June. As an AP Scholar, Ramos was involved in a variety of community service activities, and served as a peer tutor for his fellow classmates. He practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and works with younger students to further develop their skills. He is the son of Petty Officer First Class Quentin Ramos, USCG (Ret.).

Alejandro Romero of Bega Atta, Puerto Rico is in his senior year at Brown University, where he is double majoring in computer science and psychology. He is a teaching assistant in the computer science department and, back home in Puerto Rico, he is involved with his community by organizing beach clean-ups and volunteering at the local library’s summer reading program. Romero also volunteers as a Taekwondo instructor for youth in his community. He is the son of MKC Francisco J. Romero, USCG (Ret.).

“We are honored to provide support to Coast Guard youth who are pursuing their higher education goals,” said Susan Ludwig, president, Coast Guard Foundation. “Our support is only possible because of generous investments from individuals, families and foundations all across the country. When Coast Guard kids receive a Coast Guard Foundation scholarship, they incur less debt, and deepen their engagement with their communities by volunteering, working and interning in their chosen fields of study.”

To learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation or to help support its work, please visit www.coastguardfoundation.org.

The Coast Guard Foundation also recently released its disaster relief program to help families affected by Hurricane Laura.

GLOCK Prevails After Extensive Lawsuit

GLOCK Prevails After Extensive Lawsuit

From Glock

On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, a Federal Judge for The United States District Court, Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division, issued a decision in the case of GLOCK, INC. v. THE WUSTER INC., d/b/a AirSplat.com, Civil Action No. 1:14-cv-00568. The Defendant operated AirSplat retail locations and an Internet retail store at AirSplat.com that sold airsoft guns and related products. The Court’s decision yesterday ended a six and a half year lawsuit between the parties in favor of GLOCK.


In February of 2014, GLOCK filed a multi-count complaint against the Defendant for trademark infringement, trade dress infringement, and related claims under federal and state law.

The Defendant imported Glock Replicas, marketed, advertised for sale, and did sell the Glock Replicas using GLOCK’s trade dress and trademarks. The Court found that the Defendant “intended to, and did, create actual market confusion in the minds of the consumers as to whether they were genuine or licensed GLOCK products, in violation of Glock’s registered trade dress and legally protected rights.”

The Court found the Defendant liable to GLOCK for the following:
• Infringement of GLOCK’s registered trademarks and trade dress in violation of the Federal Lanham Act;
• Unfair competition in violation of Georgia statutory and common law; and
• Unjust enrichment in violation of George common law.

The Court awarded monetary damages to GLOCK totaling $ 2,253,078.28, consisting of:
• Disgorgement of the Defendant’s profits realized from selling infringing Glock Replicas;
• Pre-Judgement interest; and
• Attorneys’ fees, costs, and expenses.

The Court also awarded a Permanent Injunction to GLOCK prohibiting Defendant and various other persons from selling GLOCK replica pistols in the future or otherwise infringing GLOCK’s trademarks or trade dress.

“This is a resounding victory for GLOCK against a seller of replica airsoft products,” said Carlos Guevara, Vice President and General Counsel of GLOCK, Inc. “This ruling puts potential infringers like Airsplat on notice that GLOCK will vigorously prosecute its intellectual property rights against those who would infringe.”

And Glock fans will want to take a close look at the new Glock P80s available exclusively from Lipsey’s.

NSSF Releases 2020 Congressional Report Card

NSSF Releases 2020 Congressional Report Card

From NSSF

NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, released its 2020 Congressional Report Card, grading all 431 U.S. Representatives and 100 U.S. Senators on key legislation that was of critical importance to the firearm and ammunition industry, Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens and America’s hunters and target shooters. Four seats in the U.S. House of Representatives remain vacant.

“This scorecard is of vital importance to voters as we head into November elections. This tells voters exactly where their lawmakers stand on issues they care about like recreational shooting and hunting and the right to keep and bear arms,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “The unparalleled firearm sales this year reflect the importance of ensuring lawmakers continue to protect and support the industry that makes it possible for Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights. This nonpartisan scorecard reflects the voting record of each legislator. These grades indicate their public voting record as well as the weight and importance of these lawmakers sponsoring and co-sponsoring key legislation, their work on committees, letters signed to support issues and leadership to stand for our industry.”

NSSF awarded 17 U.S. Senators and 97 U.S. Representatives the highest rating of “A+.” This includes U.S. Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), David Perdue (R-Ga.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). Congressman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) was also among the lawmakers awarded the highest rating.

Grades are meant to analyze the level of support of each lawmaker during the 116th Congress and do not constitute an endorsement or opposition to a candidate’s election. The entire report, including the list of key legislation that comprised the scores, is available here.

Browning Arms Company and FN America Contribute $50,000 to NSSF’s 2020 #GUNVOTE Campaign

Browning Arms Company and FN America Contribute $50,000 to NSSF’s 2020 #GUNVOTE Campaign

From NSSF

NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, is pleased to announce that Browning Arms Company and FN America have together contributed $50,000 to NSSF’s #GUNVOTE voter registration, education and mobilization campaign.

“With more than 5 million new first-time firearm owners in the United States, November’s election will have a profound impact on the lives and ability of these Americans to continue to lawfully and responsibly exercise their Second Amendment right,” said Browning Arms Company CEO Travis Hall. “Americans of all backgrounds have been moved to purchase firearms and NSSF’s efforts to educate and engage gun-owning voters with the #GUNVOTE campaign will encourage these voters to make their voices loudly and clearly heard at the ballot box. We are proud to contribute to this worthy cause.”

Hornady has already donated a half million dollars, and so has Smith & Wesson.

“Safeguarding the Second Amendment is a foundational element of FN’s core philosophy and beliefs. Our drive as a manufacturer is to protect the rights and liberties of all firearms enthusiasts across our nation,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO, FN America, LLC. “In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever for Americans to understand the issues at stake with their constitutional right to gun ownership and self-protection. We applaud NSSF’s #GUNVOTE campaign and the push to provide clarity to the most important issue of our generation. The support of this effort reaffirms our commitment to protecting those rights and preserving them for future generations.”

“The firearm and ammunition industry is fortunate to have leaders like Travis Hall and Mark Cherpes who are both dedicated to protecting the Second Amendment and ensuring the growth and success of our industry,” stated Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “With their generous contribution to NSSF’s #GUNVOTE campaign, Browning and FN America are going above and beyond to assist NSSF in registering, educating and activating voters ahead of November’s election. Their substantial contribution is vital now more than ever and is to be commended.”

Election Day is less than 50 days 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.

Primary Arms Optics Now Shipping SLx GEN III Prism Scopes

Primary Arms Optics Now Shipping SLx GEN III Prism Scopes

From Primary Arms

 Primary Arms Optics is now shipping the latest generation of their renowned SLx Prism scopes. Slx optics built Primary Arms’ reputation for innovation, reliability and value. All SLx optics undergo rigorous field-testing during development to best serve you in any environment. The SLx Gen III 3x and 5x Prisms host a number of significant upgrades over the previous generation, touting even greater value at their budget-friendly pricing. These upgrades include an all-new factory mount design and a number of ACSS® reticle updates.

The SLx 3x32mm Gen III Prism Scope is a general-purpose, mid-range prism optic with exceptional durability and value. Priced at $289.99, this scope is suitable for most budgets, while its impressive optical clarity has made it one of the best-selling prism optics in America. With a forgiving eyebox, brightly illuminated reticle, and proven durability, the SLx 3x Prism is highly regarded by both enthusiasts and professionals. The third-generation update brings a fully-reengineered factory mount that greatly improves the optic’s shock resistance and zero retention. In addition, this optic has two new ACSS reticle designs, including the ACSS-5.56-CQB-M2 and ACSS-CQB-300BLK/7.62X39. After extensive testing in the field, this optic has been recommended for duty use by the National Training Officers Association.

The SLx 5x36mm Gen III Prism Scope is a precision-oriented, long-range prism optic that offers exceptional accuracy at any distance. At 18.4oz, this optic weighs less than comparable mounted LPVOs, and the integrated picatinny rail section allows for a vertically offset red dot. In addition to the mount upgrade, the SLx Gen III 5x is also Primary Arms’ first prism optic to feature the ACSS Aurora reticle, a metric-based BDC that allows for precision holds out to 800 meters. When tested in the field, the SLx 5x36mm Gen III Prism with ACSS Aurora M 5.56 Reticle received a gold-medal rating for duty use by the National Training Officers Association. Both the ACSS Aurora and Standard ACSS 5.56/.308/5.45 Reticles are now available for $329.99.

Should you insist on an etched reticle in your scope, or go with wire? I interviewed experts in the field and the answers were surprising.

“Our Prism Scopes have set the standard in the category and we’ve just made them even stronger,” said Terry Mears, Primary Arms’ Director of Product Marketing. “How do you improve upon an already strong line of Prism Scopes? Make them even stronger and add a proven reticle to the mix.”

Both the SLx Gen III 3x and 5x Prism Scopes can be ordered on primaryarms.com or your favorite Primary Arms Optics dealer. These optics are supported by Primary Arms’ lifetime warranty and total commitment to customer satisfaction, making them a guaranteed win for all interested customers.

White Flyer Targets Donates to NSSF First Shots Shotgun Programs

White Flyer Targets Donates to NSSF First Shots Shotgun Programs

From NSSF

The National Shooting Sports Foundation®(NSSF®), the firearm industry trade association, is pleased to announce that White Flyer Targets has donated $5,000 in support of outdoor ranges hosting NSSF’s newly revamped First Shots® “Introduction to Shotgun” events. Headquartered in Ringoes, New Jersey, White Flyer Targets manufactures a wide variety of pitch and biodegradable targets for use in skeet, trap, sporting clays, five-stand and FITASC shotgun games.

“Indoor ranges across the country have seen how First Shots handgun introduction events provide an easy, safe and genuinely fun way to let people experience their first time shooting, while also serving as a lynchpin for customer engagement that encourages and produces returning clients,” said Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Retail & Range Business Development. “We are making a concerted effort this year to expand involvement by outdoor ranges with an identically modeled ‘Introduction to Shotguns’ format, and this support from White Flyer will go a long way towards helping host ranges offset the costs associated with these events.”

“The clay target sports are some of the fastest growing in our industry, in no small part because anyone can be successful in them, but also because they offer a great deal of excitement and entertainment,” said Robert Crow, White Flyer’s National Sales Manger/Northeast Sales Manager. “We are proud to help outdoor ranges realize the benefits of NSSF’s First Shots program and introduce an entirely new audience of shooters to all the clay games have to offer.”

NSSF’s flagship First Shots program is designed to educate first-time firearm owners and those seeking to purchase their first gun about the fundamentals of safe handling, responsible storage and basic handling skills. Events are small, usually no more than 15 people, and participants receive one-on-one range time with qualified instructors after time in the classroom.

To support its First Shots host ranges, NSSF supplies eye and ear protection, classroom workbooks and other materials for each class, helping to minimize the costs incurred by the host ranges. Those hosting “Introduction to Handgun” events also receive targets and ammunition. Those hosting the updated “Introduction to Shotguns” events will receive a $100 credit from NSSF for every 15 participants that complete their training (up to $500), to help offset the cost of clay targets and any ammunition the range chooses to supply its class participants.

First Shots is intended to produce repeat business for its host ranges. To accomplish that goal, participants taking a quick survey about their event at the end of their First Shots experience receive a $25 voucher from NSSF to be used on a return visit to their host range to take additional classes or for purchases. The majority of host ranges say they regularly see First Shots participants return to their facilities as a result of this incentive, with many becoming regular, loyal customers.