Category: Firearm Industry News

Coverage of events for Fear and Loading by Guy J. Sagi and breaking news of interest to firearm owners.

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National Shooting Sports Month Gets Mossberg Gearbox Giveaway

From NSSF

NSSF, the firearm industry trade association, is pleased to announce that O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc., has agreed to sponsor a Gearbox Giveaway in support of 2020’s National Shooting Sports Month.

Founded in 1919 by Oscar Frederick Mossberg, a Swedish immigrant, and his two sons Iver and Harold, the company made its home in New Haven, Connecticut, where it remains to this day. The first firearm the fledgling company produced was a four-shot .22-caliber pistol for hunters and trappers, a pistol known as the “Brownie.” Today, Mossberg is a leading manufacturer of rifles, handguns, shotguns and accessories for military, law enforcement and civilian markets around the world.

The 2020 National Shooting Sports Month Mossberg Gearbox Giveaway, valued at nearly $2,600, includes:

1 Model MC2c 9mm handgun with Truglo Tritium PRO night sights

1 Model 590 Nightstick 12-gauge firearm with wood Raptor grip and corncob forearm

1 Model MVP Precision rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor

1 Shockwave firearm case

1 Mossberg T-shirt

1 Mossberg ballcap

“Three guns that do it all, from self-defense to handgun target practice and some serious rifle shooting, any shooter from novice to expert would be lucky indeed to win this Gearbox Giveaway,” said Zach Snow, NSSF Director, Retail & Range Business Development. “Many thanks to Mossberg for supporting National Shooting Sports Month and today’s firearm owners with this wonderful package.”

“We are very excited to see people being introduced to shooting sports through range visits with family and friends this August,” said Richard Kirk, Mossberg’s Senior Director of Marketing. “If our Gearbox can provide a little incentive to keep that movement going, then we know we’re helping to preserve our firearm traditions for future generations.”

National Shooting Sports Month, a celebration of the shooting sports and the firearm industry, takes place throughout the month of August. Firearms ranges and FFL retailers across the country have listed hundreds of special events, shoots and promotions on the calendar at ShootingSportsMonth.org. That calendar interacts directly with NSSF’s LetsGoShooting.org website, which consumers use to discover the August events taking place in their communities. Ranges and retailers can still get added to calendar by listing their August activities here. By doing so NSSF will send you a promotional package that includes shirts and hats.

And if you wanted to read about President Trump signing a proclamation in celebration of National Shooting Sports Month, you can read that here.

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Winchester Celebrates National Shooting Sports Month

From Winchester

August is National Shooting Sports Month, a time to celebrate recreational sport shooting and encourage others to visit a shooting range — and shoot. Now more than ever before, people all over the United States — more than 50 million in fact — participate in some form of target shooting each year. Their motivation? To spend time with family and friends and to enjoy the sport and recreation.
 
Winchester, a leader in the shooting sports industry for more than 150 years, is supporting National Shooting Sports Month with special events and promotions at its shotshell and pistol ranges in East Alton, Illinois, and at the NILO Sporting Clays course in Brighton, Illinois. For more information, visit www.WinchesterGunRange.com and www.NILOFarms.com.

In addition, follow along on Facebook @WinchesterOfficial and Instagram @winchesterammunition as Team Winchester competes and shoots for fun throughout August.
 
“National Shooting Sports Month is a great opportunity to take someone new to a shooting range and introduce them to the fun and recreation of the shooting sports,” said Matt Campbell, vice president of sales and marketing for Winchester Ammunition.

About National Shooting Sports Month

Millions of Americans participate in recreational shooting each year, a pastime that can provide a lifetime of enjoyment. National Shooting Sports Month celebrates the passion we all have for target shooting and is a reminder to share that experience with family and friends.
 
Many events will be hosted by ranges and organizations across the country, and you can search for an event in your area by visiting www.ShootingSportsMonth.org/Events or www.LetsGoShooting.org.

Winchester has a distinguished 154-year history of innovation in hunting, recreation, law enforcement and military ammunition products. In the field, on the range or in defense of freedom around the globe, Winchester has the right product for any ammunition need.

For decades, Winchester has supported the Shooting Sports in many forms, including but not limited to:

  • Official ammunition of:
    • Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and SCTP National Team
    • National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) Championship Tour
    • Ducks Unlimited
    • Kim Rhode, Team USA, Six-Time Olympic Shooting Sports Medalist
    • Frank Thompson, Team USA, Two-Time Olympian
    • Dania Vizzi, Team USA, World Skeet Champion
    • Zach Kienbaum, World Champion Sporting Clays Shooter
    • Desirae Edmunds, World Champion Sporting Clays Shooter
    • Yackley Family, Competitive Sport Shooters
    • Kids & Clays Foundation

In addition, Winchester supports shooting sports events held by organizations such as:

  • 4-H
  • National Rifle Association (NRA)
  • Boy Scouts of America
  • National Wild Turkey Federation 
  • Learn more about the history of Winchester by visiting Winchester.com or connect with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/WinchesterOfficial.
     
    Gun owners care. You care about safety. You care about preventing unauthorized access to firearms. You care about bettering your community, helping those in need and conserving wildlife and wild places for generations to come. It’s time for gun owners to tell their stories, to show how they’re making a difference. NSSF®, the trade association for the firearms industry, has established the Gun Owners CareSM campaign to unite gun owners and the firearms industry in this common cause. Visit GunOwnersCare.org for more information.

And don’t forget to pick up your free e-book on how to celebrate the shooting sports this month, complements of the National Shooting Sports Foundation. President Trump also made an official proclamation.  

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SIG Sauer Firearms Win Awards

From SIG Sauer

SIG Sauer is pleased to announce that it has been recognized with two 2020 Industry Choice Awards. The Industry Choice Awards are awarded to manufacturers based upon a comprehensive independent evaluation by industry experts including competitive shooters, trainers, enthusiasts, law enforcement personnel, and retail associates for fit, form, finish, and functionality.

SIG Sauer was the recipient of the following 2020 Industry Choice Awards:

2020 Frank Desomma Innovation of the Year Industry Choice Award —SIG Sauer CROSS Bolt-Action Rifle: The SIG Sauer CROSS features a precision free-floating stainless-steel barrel fitted to a one-piece aluminum receiver, with no need for bedding or action screws, to deliver extreme accuracy; an aluminum M-LOK™ handguard for quick and easy attachment of bipods, rails, night-vision or thermal clip-on optics; familiar AR-15 styled controls for a seamless transition to the CROSS platform; a unique two-stage match-grade trigger that can be adjusted from 2 to 4.5lbs, and AICS pattern magazines for the ultimate compatibility across calibers, platforms, cartridges, and loads. The unique folding and locking precision stock of the CROSS offers toolless adjustment that can be modified for any shooting position while in the field. With folded stock the CROSS measures as short as 25” making it the ideal hunting rifle to fit in any backcountry backpack.

The SIG Sauer CROSS was recognized by the judges for its “adjustability” to fit a wide range of hunters and shooters, it’s “smooth loading cycles,” and having the, “adaptability of a modern PRS chassis except that this rifle is very pleasantly light weight.”

SIG Sauer CROSS Bolt-Action Rifle Now Shipping

“When our product management team and engineers researched developing a bolt-action rifle from SIG, they looked at what was missing from the market, and what new innovation SIG could bring to hunters and precision shooters,” began Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “Hunting rifles are typically focused on less weight, and accuracy is secondary. Precision rifles are designed for extreme accuracy, with no weight limitations. What was missing from the market was a true crossover. The SIG CROSS is the best of both worlds, featuring the characteristics of a hunting rifle, with the accuracy of a precision rifle, and we are very honored to be recognized for this innovation with an Industry Choice Award.”

2020 Handgun of the Year Industry Choice Award—P320 XFIVE LEGION: The SIG Sauer P320 XFIVE LEGION is a 9mm striker-fired pistol, with the TXG tungsten infused heavy XGrip module, a Legion Gray PVD Slide with lightening cuts, 5” match grade bull barrel, and a lightened and skeletonized trigger. The recoil assembly of the P320 XFIVE Legion has been upgraded to include a one-piece stainless steel guide rod and a 14lb. 1911-style spring, plus an extra 12lb. spring, allowing the end user to easily adjust the recoil spring for a customized shooting experience. The pistol comes optic ready and is compatible with a SIG Sauer Electro-Optics ROMEO1Pro Optic or a standard DeltaPoint Pro Optic, features Dawson Precision® Fiber Optic front and adjustable rear sights, and comes with three 17-round magazines with anodized aluminum Henning Group base pads.

The SIG Sauer P320 XFIVE LEGION was recognized by the judges for its, “overall feel and ease of use,” its “ability to place accurate shots quickly,” and noted that the, “the new material is innovative, and the additional weight allows for more control on the handgun making follow up shots faster.”

“The P320 XFIVE LEGION embodies the forward-thinking mindset we have at SIG SAUER when it comes to product development, and we are very proud that this has resulted in the 2020 Industry Choice Award for Best Handgun of the Year,” continued Taylor. “The P320 XFIVE LEGION changed the game for competition pistols, and its innovative features beginning with our patented tungsten infused grip module, giving it the weight of steel with the flex of polymer, are designed to enhance the overall shooting experience by substantially reducing felt recoil and muzzle flip for outstanding on-target accuracy.”

The 2020 Industry Choice Awards was sponsored by Oneida Molded Plastics and hosted virtually on July 28, 2020.

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Sightmark’s Rugged Ultra Shot M-Spec

From Sightmark

On a sweltering summer day, an officer for a Texas law enforcement agency was patrolling in his Tahoe cruiser. Suddenly he smelled smoke and felt heat from the rear of his vehicle. He quickly parked and exited the vehicle, standing guard to ensure that no traffic, innocent civilians or bystanders got too close to the burning vehicle. After a few short minutes, the entire Tahoe was engulfed in flames.

Upon later inspection, the entire interior was incinerated, and the cause was determined to be accidental. Amidst the ashes, nothing functional remained…except for the officer’s Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec, mounted on a rifle in his range bag. Even more amazing, the M-Spec was still fully operational. To quote the law enforcement agency, “We stand fully behind Sightmark products.” Sightmark replaced the burned M-Spec and continues to enjoy a healthy relationship with the law enforcement agency as well as its individual officers.

Sightmark’s Ultra Shot M-Spec is known for its quality and durability:

·Rugged Magnesium Alloy Housing

·Protective Aluminum Shield

·Withstands recoil up to .50 BMG

·IP68 Waterproof Rating

·Dustproof

·Shockproof up to 8 feet

·Scratch-resistant lens coating

·Operates in temperatures from -22 to 160 Fahrenheit

And if you’re looking for a red-dot optic, one that’s solar powered, take a look at the Sightmark Element Mini Solar.

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4 Companies Making Custom Guns for Self-Defense

By Guy J. Sagi

Photo courtesy of Wilson Combat

Elaborate engraving, inlays and bright embellishments were once the signature touches of custom guns, but standing out in the crowd or serving as the safe’s crown jewel is no longer the exclusive mission. There are good reasons—potentially lifesaving ones, too—for personalization, and taking out a second mortgage is no longer mandatory.

Smith & Wesson

In 1989 Smith & Wesson officially assembled an elite team of highly skilled gunsmiths under its Performance Center banner. It thrives to this day, and some of its most popular services have nothing to do with precious metal, although there’s no the missing golden touches added to otherwise “stock” firearm.

“AllPerformance Center firearms are purpose-builtfor specific uses, including personal protection, hunting, competition and many more,” explained Matt Spafford, media manager for Smith & Wesson. “…tuned actions are one of the most popular enhancements that are performed.”

Engraving, inlays and nearly everything imaginable can be added, although the changing look of enthusiasts was reflected when Spafford was asked about the most popular models coming out of the shop. “The new Performance Center M&P380 Shield EZ pistol is a great example…the Performance Center has added custom features such as porting, lightening cuts in the slide, a flat-faced trigger, and tuned action at a compelling price.”

Wilson Combat

Specialty shops that tweak and modify firearms come and go, some even thrive, but few can rival the success of Wilson Combat—established in 1977. Founder Bill Wilson is an avid shooting competitor, appreciates improvements that increase hit count and understands the value they bring to the average gun owner.

Knowledge and experience are one thing, but Wilson said key ingredients that built the company include, “The quality of the components we use, our attention to detail and the amount of testing the product gets prior to shipping.” The firm has expanded exponentially and now manufactures a line of already upgraded firearms, including its popular EDC X9 handgun and Recon Series of ARs.

Mission focus hasn’t blurred, though. “Unlike many companies that seem to deviate away from what got them started in the first place as they grow, Wilson Combat still offers the same services we did when we started in 1977,” he said. “We’re primarily a firearms and firearms accessory manufacturer now, but we still offer custom work on the customer’s firearm like we did day 1.”

What’s the most common gun they receive for tuning and enhancement? “…[I]t’s probably Glock work right now,” Wilson said.

Ruger

Ruger may be the relative newcomer to the trend, but the launch of its custom lineup made headlines a few years ago—rightfully so. Today enthusiasts can own an SR1911 Competition Pistol, 10/22 Competition Rifle and Super GP100 Competition Revolver, tweaked, tuned and polished by the same company building the timeless firearms.

“Our customers have been craving high-end performance variations of our popular models for a long time,” Chris Killoy, Ruger president and CEO said when the special brand was introduced. “We are thrilled to respond to the call and bring the Ruger Custom Shop to fruition. We are confident that these new products represent the very best in craftsmanship and performance.”

SIG Sauer

Custom guns from SIG Sauer will be available in 2020 although custom engraving and other services are already available. “SIG Sauer offers the ability to order new firearms with logos, text and scroll engraving through its engraving program,” said Tim Butler, general manager of SIG Custom Works. “We will be offering products in several categories. Catalog items, limited runs and eventually configurable product. The first products will be Custom P320 and 1911 offerings.”

As for quality, look no further than the company’s M17 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Pistols currently standing guard at Arlington National Cemetery—conceptualized and designed only after months of study. “Someone could quite literally give a history lesson about the Tomb of the Unknown by explaining the details of the pistol,” Butler said. 

Why custom?

“The customer can get the firearm spec’d out exactly like they want it,” Wilson explained.

And what attracts people to perform the painstaking work? “I couldn’t ask for a better place to take these products and add some creativity to make custom firearms that cover a wide category, from very technical competition and tactical products to very refined and classic works of art,” Butler explained.

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Federal Launches Virtual Shows for Its Buy Group Partners and Distributors

From Federal

Federal developed a series of virtual sales shows to support its Buy Group customers. This effort is due to many of the industry’s sales shows being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting on August 10, and running throughout the month, Federal will launch four virtual Buy Group shows for its business partners. Each Buy Group will receive its own dedicated week to review the digital content through an online portal. At the end of the week, attendees will get their questions answered by Federal’s sales staff and product teams through live chats.

“Our distributors and retailers are hungry for information and product news. They need to hear from us and since we cannot be there in person, we created our own virtual experience,” said Federal SVP Hunting & Shooting Sales Jim Bruno. “As a result, our efforts will benefit the end consumer because we will provide the latest and greatest products and information to be made available from our distribution customers who attend these virtual shows.”

New product videos with detailed information on features and benefits will be the focus of the shows. Other digital content that will be provided include: messages from Federal Ammunition President Jason Vanderbrink and Senior Vice President of Sales Jim Bruno; examples of upcoming product advertising; trade marketing tools and displays; plus, pricing, terms and hot show specials for Buy Group members.

“We want attendees of our virtual shows to get the same access to assets that they would if they attended our booth at a physical show,” said Federal Events Director Michael Kinn. “During this challenging time, we needed to change our approach to how we do business, while still delivering everything our retail customers need to get our products in the hands of the end consumer. We know these virtual sales shows will deliver on that effort.”

New-for-2020 ammunition from Federal’s sister companies Speer and CCI will also be featured. Highlights include:

Federal Premium Terminal Ascent – Bonded construction penetrates deep, while the patented Slipstream polymer tip initiates expansion even at lower velocities and long range. AccuChannel groove technology improves accuracy and minimizes drag. Available in eleven of the most popular hunting cartridges and as component bullets.

Federal Premium Force X2 – Nine copper-plated 00 FX2 buckshot pellets split into two equal-size pieces on impact. Double the wound channels, improved energy transfer to the target, and less potential for over-penetration.

Speer Gold Dot Carry Gun – Speer has built upon the law-enforcement proven Gold Dot G2 bullet, optimizing the design and loading to provide superior feeding, ballistics and terminal performance through compact concealed handguns. Available in 9mm Luger 135-grain, 40 S&W 165-grain and 45 Auto +P 200-grain.

CCI MeatEater Series – CCI has partnered with MeatEater’s Steven Rinella on this exclusive new series of ammunition. CCI’s rimfire products available in this series includes Copper-22 22 LR 21-grain HP, Mini-Mag 22 LR, 36-grain CPHP and Maxi-Mag 22 WMR, 40-grain JHP.

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NSSF Statement on NYAG’s Intent to Dissolve the NRA

From NSSF

NSSF, the trade association for the firearm industry, is troubled by the politically-driven decision of New York Attorney General Letitia James to seek to dissolve the National Rifle Association, America’s oldest civil rights organization. The lawsuit filed today by Attorney General James seeks to punish the over five million members of the National Rifle Association based on mere allegations of possible wrongdoing by a few individuals.

NSSF is deeply concerned about the apparent political agenda to silence the strongest voice in support of the Second Amendment ahead of the election in November.

This lawsuit, and one filed today by the District of Columbia Attorney General, should concern all Americans who cherish both the First and Second Amendments to our Constitution regardless of their views on what laws and regulations are appropriate to address the criminal misuse of firearms.

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SIG Sauer CROSS Bolt-Action Rifle Now Shipping

From SIG Sauer

SIG Sauer is pleased to announce the SIG SAUER CROSS Bolt-Action Rifle is now shipping and will be available in retail stores soon. Whether you’re hunting the steep terrain of mountains or densely forested hills, the CROSS delivers PRS performance, built for the backcountry hunter.

The SIG CROSS rifle is the first-ever true crossover bolt-action precision hunting rifle, engineered to meet the demands of today’s hunter. The SIG CROSS was designed and built, from concept to completion, at the SIG SAUER research and development facilities in New Hampshire with the input of the industry’s premier competitive shooters, some of the world’s best long-range shooters, and a team of professional hunters that the CROSS is built for.

The SIG SAUER CROSS features a precision free-floating stainless-steel barrel fitted to a one-piece aluminum receiver, with no need for bedding or action screws, to deliver extreme accuracy; an aluminum M-LOK™ handguard for quick and easy attachment of bipods, rails, night-vision or thermal clip-on optics; familiar AR-15 styled controls for a seamless transition to the CROSS platform; a unique two-stage match-grade trigger that can be adjusted from 2 to 4.5lbs, and AICS pattern magazines for the ultimate compatibility across calibers, platforms, cartridges, and loads.

The unique folding and locking precision stock of the CROSS offers toolless adjustment that can be modified for any shooting position while in the field. With folded stock the CROSS measures as short as 25” making it the ideal hunting rifle to fit in any backcountry backpack.

The SIG SAUER CROSS is available in .308 WIN and 6.5 Creedmoor with an 18” barrel, and the all-new 277 SIG Fury Hybrid cartridge with a 16” barrel.

CROSS Bolt-Action Rifle Specs (6.5 Creedmoor):

Overall Length: 35.5””

Folded Length: 27.0”

Barrel Length: 18”

Barrel Twist: 1:8

Weight (w/o magazine): 6.4 lbs.

CROSS Bolt-Action Rifle Specs (308 WIN / 277 FURY):

Overall Length: 36.5””

Folded Length: 25.0”

Barrel Length: 16”

Barrel Twist: 1:10 / 1:85

Weight (w/o magazine): 6.2 lbs.

Here’s the original announcement for the rifle during the SHOT Show in January. If long-distance is your thing, I interviewed several experts and they had some surprising tips.  

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Hornady Wins DoD Contract for 300 Blackout 190-grain Sub-X TAP Ammo

From Hornady

A specialized group from the U.S. Department of Defense has purchased an undisclosed amount of 300 Blackout 190 gr. Sub-X TAP ammunition from Hornady for close quarter operations.

Hornady 300 Blackout features a 190 gr. Sub-X (Subsonic eXpanding) bullet with patented Flex Tip® technology, specifically designed to expand at subsonic velocities yet meet FBI protocol.

This cartridge is loaded with a powder that is optimized to provide flash suppression, clean burning yet function in short barrel to carbine length rifles.

The 300 Blackout features proven Hornady bullets, specially selected cases, carefully matched powder and stringent quality control.

The company also filled an order from the DoD for 6 mm ARC cartridges.

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When Quality is Tested and Inspected and Personal it’s Meprolight

From Meprolight

Meprolight employees, like every Israeli citizen, serve in the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces)—Women serve two years, men serve three years and officers serve longer. Most likely, long before they were employees, they depended on Meprolight optics and sights on their weapons. Today, they may have sons, daughters, bothers or sisters serving in an active capacity, and they will be making the very sights these soldiers will be using. So yes, quality is very personal to everyone at Meprolight.

Meprolight’s highly trained and experienced engineers are recognized for utilizing the latest state-of-the-art technology to design and manufacture premium targeting solution products. Precision engineering in conjunction with precision ISO-9001:2008 and ISO-14001:2004 manufacturing provides accuracy and proven product durability.

Each product undergoes multiple quality control inspections and testing to ensure the highest quality. Optics built to MIL-SPEC requirements undergo additional testing. All optics are tested on the Recoil Simulator to make sure the product functions properly. 

When you purchase a Meprolight product, like the RDS Pro V2 (seen in the photo) or any Meprolight product, you are receiving an outstanding value for your investment. Meprolight is the vendor of choice among military forces, law enforcement agencies, defense agencies, and weapon manufacturers. It should be for you too.

If you’re looking for a red-dot optic, make sure you check out the company’s new no-battery model.

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