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ACADEMY OF EXCELLENCE SELECTS FINAL NOMINEES

JUNE 2008

OPTICS
Fast-Focused Displays

WHERE’S
The MONEY?
HANDGUN
ACCESSORIES

MUZZLELOADING
OPTICS

Lethal Force

Sell Non-Gun
Self-Defense
www.shootingindustry.com Circle No. 225 on Inquiry Card
WORTH EVERY PENNY
Our full line of rimfires ranges from youth and entry-level rifles
to competition-worthy models — each delivering legendary
Savage accuracy you can bank on.

savage-rimfire.com
Circle No. 222 on Inquiry Card
Circle No. 229 on Inquiry Card
JUNE 2008 • VOLUME 53 • NUMBER 06

Features
24 Fast-Focused Displays Carolee Anita Boyles
Optimize Your Optic Presentations For Sharp Sales!
Page 24
29 Handgun Accessory Sales John Morrison
In a Galaxy of Gizmos, Where’s The Money?

41 Selling Today’s Muzzleloading Mark Kayser


For Success, Know The Trends, Your Hunting Seasons.

Industry News
8 Academy Of Excellence Selects Final Nominees
10 Remington Announces Consolidation Plan
11 Industry Shooters Ready For Masters
14 Newsmakers
Page 29
Columns
16 Lethal Force Massad Ayoob
Selling Non-Gun Self-Defense Products.

18 Outdoor Marketplace Greg Staunton


Foundation Takes A STAND For Hunter Safety.

20 Arms And The Woman Lisa Parsons-Wraith


Hosting Events Draws Women Into Your Store.

22 Back Blast & Other Hot Gases Commander Gilmore


Net-Bangers Tell Cops To “Come Get It!”

46 Industry Watch Russ Thurman


Page 41 The Magic Of www.shootingindustry.com.

Departments
6 Letters 44 New Products
40 Reader Service 45 Classifieds
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4 JUNE 2008 www.shootingindustry.com


SINCE 1955 — THE INDUSTRY’S BUSINESS MAGAZINE
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PUBLISHER
Thomas von Rosen
EDITOR Russ Thurman
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Roxanne Smith


ART DIRECTOR Eric Tse
ART ASSISTANT Andy Loy Stellar Strobe!
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We’ve engineered the XTI Procyon TM
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ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER Anita Carson
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Steve Evatt, after one of the brightest pulsating stars in the night sky.

Jeff Morey, Delano Amaguin, Scott McGregor Its high-tech LED light source produces an industry

PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR Randy Moldé leading 125 lumens of brilliant light, while the
PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR Lorinda Massey innovative strobe mode can be used to

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS disorient a would-be assailant,


Massad Ayoob Carolee Anita Boyles giving you the advantage
Shari LeGate Ray Oeltjen
of life-saving seconds.
John Morrison Lisa Parsons-Wraith

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Editor: Dave Douglas


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EXPRESS SERVICE . . . . www.shootingindustry.com
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General Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . Click: Contact Us
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PRODUCED IN THE U.S.A.

Circle No. 223 on Inquiry Card


www.shootingindustry.com JUNE 2008 5
Benchmade Collection tured and issued by Benchmade. Greg they spent hiring some marketing specialist
I am writing in hopes that you can Mooney, Benchmade’s president, said, to tell them that it would make sense to ac-
provide some information on the Acad- “One of the deterrents to selling them was tually have a gun or two on hand to sell be-
emy of Excellence, specifically regarding the set cost about $1,000 retail. The good fore you start spending thousands of dollars
past Knives of the Year. I have recently news is that if one is found in the market, advertising it, when any Joe off the street
seen pictures of a special set of knives, they should be worth quite a bit because of with a second-grade education could have
consisting of one each of the 1998, 1999, the limited number.” told then the same thing for free.
2000 and 2001 Knives of the Year. All are Wes, if you’d like more information, Of course, just because some of the “top”
Benchmades and all are individually num- call Benchmade at 1-800-800-7427 or e- dealers get a few of them doesn’t mean that
bered “___ out of 100.” On the other side mail: info@benchmade.com. the rest of us “normal” dealers still won’t
of the blade, all have the Shooting Industry Benchmade has been honored eight have to wait two years.
Academy of Excellence logo, along with times in the 10 years the academy has pre- Donald Lehman, owner
the year, the award won and the model sented the Knife of the Year award. The Don’s Snowmobile and ATV Repair
number. They are packaged in what looks company is nominated for the 2008 award
to be a gray-felt roll with both the academy for the 950 SBK Rift Folding Knife. We agree, it would seem obvious that the
and Benchmade logos on the front, along For more information on the academy, concept “would make sense.” To Ruger’s
with the words “Special Collection.” visit www.shootingindustry.com and click credit, they are the first major firearm man-
I am trying to find out if this is a set is- on the academy’s logo. ufacturer to break the long-held tradition of
sued in conjunction with Benchmade, or if announcing and advertising firearms that
it was done by a third party. Any informa- What A Concept aren’t ready for delivery. Are they doing it
tion you have would be helpful. I just read “Accelerated Business” (Feb- perfectly? No, but they deserve a salute for
Wes Thompson ruary 2008). Gee, Ruger is actually going starting — and being committed to — what
Via: russ@shootingindustry.com to have a gun or two in some of the dealers’ we all hope will become the norm. 9
hands before they announce a new product?
E-mail the Editor
The Special Collection was manufac- What a concept! Wonder how much money russ@shootingindustry.com

6 JUNE 2008 Circle No. 209 on Inquiry Card www.shootingindustry.com


www.shootingindustry.com Circle No. 224 on Inquiry Card
JUNE 2008 7
Selling Non-Gun Self-Defense — page 16

Academy Of Excellence Selects Final Nominees

T
he Shooting Industry Academy of the quality of products in all categories. nies with another requirement, but to re-
Excellence has announced the final That’s good for the industry. It does, how- inforce the already strong integrity of the
nominations for its 2008 awards. The ever, make it more challenging for the vot- academy,” Moldé said. “And it works. The
academy considered 150 entries in 14 cate- ing members of the academy. They have new requirement has eliminated the entry
gories before selecting 43 for the final ballot. some tough choices to make.” of ‘vaporware’ products.”
The 500 members of the academy are This is the second year the final nominees Established in 1992, the academy is
now considering the nominees for the pres- were selected using stricter screening guide- sponsored by FMG Publications, pub-
tigious awards, which will be lisher of Shooting Industry,
announced during a reception
on July 25 in Windsor, Conn.
“This year, we have two companies, GUNS, American Hand-
gunner and American COP
This year, a number of Leupold and Smith & Wesson, with three magazines. However, no
companies have a high num- one at the publisher is per-
ber of nominations, academy nominations, and an impressive four mitted to vote.
officials noted. The voting power is held
“It’s not unusual for a nominations for SureFire.” exclusively by the academy,
company to be nominated in which includes 500 industry
more than one category, but this year, we lines. After the academy members selected executives, gun dealers and outdoor writers.
have two companies, Leupold and Smith the top entries in each product category, dur- The awards presentation and reception
& Wesson, with three nominations, and an ing the first round of voting, manufacturers will be held in conjunction with the Shoot-
impressive four nominations for SureFire,” had 10 days to submit their products for veri- ing Industry Masters.
said Randy Moldé, academy director. “In fication to ensure they are “in production.” For more information, visit www.shoot-
addition, there is a significant increase in “The objective is not to burden compa- ingindustry.com.

The 2008 final nominees are: • Leupold: Prismatic Shotgun/Muzzleloader/Rifle Scope


Handgun of the Year • Trijicon: AccuPoint 3-9x40 Riflescope
• Ruger: LCP .380 Knife of the Year
• Smith & Wesson: Model 327 Night Guard Revolver .357 Mag. • Benchmade: 950 SBK Rift Folding Knife
• Taurus International: The Judge .45 Colt/.410 Magnum • Leatherman: Skeletool Multi-Tool
Rifle of the Year • SureFire: EW08 LEO Law Enforcement Utility Knife
• Browning: X-Bolt Rifle Safety Product of the Year
• Sig Sauer: Sig 556 SWAT • BLACKHAWK!: Hawkhook Rescue Tool
• Winchester: Model 70 Reintroduction • SureFire: EP400 SWAT Ears Hearing Protection
Shotgun of the Year • Waffentechnik Borkott & Eickhorn: SARD (Search and
• Benelli USA: Ultra Light 20 Gauge Rescue Device)
• Browning: Citori 625 Over/Under (The nomination details for the following service awards
• Remington Arms: Model 870 SPS ShurShot Synthetic Turkey appeared in Shooting Industry’s May issue. They may also
• Smith & Wesson: Elite Silver Over/Under be viewed at www.shootingindustry.com.)
Accessory of the Year Shooting Industry Award
• Brownells: Professional Magna Tip Tool Set • F. Hewitt Grant, Ellett Brothers
• RCBS: RASS Portable Shooting Bench • Bob Hodgdon, Hodgdon Powder
• SureFire: X300 WeaponLight • Tom Taylor, Smith & Wesson
Specialty Product of the Year Manufacturer of the Year
• Birchwood Casey: Dirty Bird Multi-Color Splattering Targets • BLACKHAWK! Products Group
• Leupold: MX Modular Flashlight System • Ruger
• SureFire: E1B Backup Flashlight • Smith & Wesson
High-Tech Product of the Year Distributor of the Year
• Crimson Trace: Model LG-660 Lasergrips • AcuSport
• Hodgdon Powder: Reloading Data Center Web-Site • Ellett Brothers
• Leupold: RX-IV Boone & Crockett Edition Digital Rangefinder • RSR Group
Ammunition of the Year Citizenship Award
• Federal: Black Cloud FS Steel Shotshell • Brownells
• Hornady: Ruger Compact Magnum Cartridge (RCMs) • Ellett Brothers
• Winchester: E-Tip Lead-Free Bullet • Hodgdon Powder Co.
Optic of the Year
• Aimpoint: Micro H-1 Red-Dot Sight

8 JUNE 2008 www.shootingindustry.com


Big Rock Names Top Vendor, Rep
B ig Rock Sports has announced its 2007 Vendor and
Rep Agency of the Year Awards.
The Vendor Awards recognize operational excel-
lence, marketing support, product innovation, top-line
sales and operational achievements. Companies in the
firearm industry honored with Vendor Awards were:
Winchester Ammunition: 2007 National Shooting
Sports Vendor of the Year.
Springfield Armory: 2007 Western Region Vendor of
the Year.
The Rep Agency of the Year Award honors excellence
in two-step distribution, field sales-force excellence, ex-
cellence in vendor partnering and professional excellence.
Awards were presented to:
Wild West Marketing: 2007 Western Region Rick Pappendick (second from left), Winchester Ammunition director of
Rep Award. wholesale distribution, and Brett Flaugher (second from right), Winchester’s
Sokol Associates: 2007 Central Region Rep Award. vice president of sales and marketing, accept the 2007 National Shooting Sports
RDO Marketing: 2007 Eastern Region Rep Award. Vendor of the Year award from Dennis Spindler (left), Big Rock Sports senior
For more information, visit www.bigrocksports.com. vice president of purchasing, and Ed Small (right), Big Rock Sports CEO.

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usa@minox.com • Phone (866) 469 - 3080
Remington Announces
Consolidation Plan
R emington Arms Company an-
nounced in April a strategic manu-
facturing consolidation move that will
close its Gardner, Mass., facility. In the
announcement, Remington officials not-
ed, “This integration will be seamless
and will not affect our customers or our
product offerings.”
“While it was a difficult decision to
close Gardner, we believe this consolida-
tion will enhance our ability to more effi-
ciently provide quality products at compet-
itive prices in an increasingly demanding
global marketplace,” said Tommy Millner,
Remington’s CEO.
The closure, which Remington says is
expected to be completed by the end of
the year, will result in “centralized sales
and marketing, streamlined operations,
standardized information technology in-
frastructure and common financial func-
tionality while vigorously maintaining
and promoting individual brand identity
and products.”
Circle No. 208 on Inquiry Card

Sightron Offers Buyers


Free NRA Membership
S ightron has joined forces with the
NRA to help the organization with its
major membership drive. Consumers who
purchase any Sightron scope (excluding
SI models) will receive a free one-year
membership to the NRA. Current NRA
members will receive a one-year renewal
with a purchase.
“With 2008 being a critical election
year, all of us at Sightron are concerned
about attacks against our right to bear
arms and about future generations having
the same rights we have enjoyed,” said
Sightron’s president, Scott Helmer. “We
are proud to do our part to help the NRA
defend our Second Amendment rights.”
For more information on Sightron, visit
www.sightron.com. For more information
on the NRA, visit www.nra.org.

Circle No. 212 on Inquiry Card


10 JUNE 2008 www.shootingindustry.com
Industry Shooters
Ready For Masters
A challenge is being sent to companies
throughout the industry: “Join us
at the 2008 Shooting Industry Masters.”
A number of companies that signed up
early to compete in this year’s event are
featured in “challenge ads” in this issue,
beginning on page 34.
Sponsored and produced by FMG Pub-
lications, the three-gun competition raises
awareness of NSSF’s Step Outside program,
along with money to expand the program’s Selling crossbows is an easy transition for a firearms-only dealer.
introduction of newcomers to shooting. If you are not selling them, you are missing out on one of the fastest
This year, the event will be held at the growing categories in the hunting industry.
Hartford Gun Club in East Granby, Conn.,
on July 26. A masters reception will be
held July 25 in conjunction with the pre-
“ Mostcareer
people don’t know that my competitive firearms shooting
developed out of my passion for hunting. I hunt all
seasons with all weapons, including compound bows and,
sentation of the Shooting Industry Acad- yes, crossbows.
emy of Excellence awards.
“The Shooting Like all of my equipment, I chose
Industry Masters is TenPoint because of its quality,
a great way to have durability, and accuracy.
fun and support
Step Outside,” said

TenPoint is the best.

Steve Sanetti, NSSF


president and CEO. Doug Koenig
“The event offers World Champion Professional Shooter
friendly competi-
tion, friendly kid- To find out how to get started, Call Randy
ding and fantastic Wood, TenPoint’s National Sales Manager.
raffle prizes that raise money for a great
cause. It’s just an unbeatable combina-
tion. I urge everyone in the industry to
TenPoint Crossbow
come out to the Shooting Industry Mas-
Technologies
ters. I look forward to seeing you there.”
1325 Waterloo Road
Sanetti, who become head of NSSF on
Suffield, OH 44260-9608
May 1, has competed in every Shooting In-
dustry Masters as the president of Ruger and 330.628.9245
has been a strong supporter of the event. 800.548.6837
“This is something companies
should support. We need to be visible
and show the shooters of America that QQQN?HJICHN=LIMM<IQM=IG
shooters populate gun companies. That
benefits all the companies in the indus- Circle No. 227 on Inquiry Card
try,” Sanetti said.
This year’s match sponsors are Aim-

We’re Calling You Out!


point, Benchmade, BLACKHAWK!, Black
Hills Ammunition, Brownells, Cor-Bon,
Gunsite, Howard Leight, Lansky, Midland,
Remington, Ruger and Smith & Wesson.
To raise money for Step Outside, a
raffle is held during the event’s awards
banquet. To donate products for the raffle,
enter a team or for additional informa-
tion, call 1-800-537-3006, ext. 279. Ho-
tel, airport and additional information is
available on Shooting Industry’s Web site,
www.shootingindustry.com. Gun Valley Showdown. Page 33
www.shootingindustry.com JUNE 2008 11
Pachmayr_Slip-On_4C_Ad_3rd_2 4/19/07 11:40 AM Page 1

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Pachmayr ®

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Combining the advanced recoil control of
Beretta USA Announces
the Decelerator® internal design and ultra-soft Customer Awards
B
material with Pachmayr’s patented insert, this eretta USA has announced its 2007
great looking slip-on pad is unmatched. In Customer of the Year awards, which
addition, the pad’s exclusive, extra soft
are based on overall program support, in-
material makes installation easier than ever.
No other slip-on pad can match Pachmayr’s
novation and creativity in representing
new Decelerator® Slip-On at any price. Beretta products and the overall growth of
the Beretta product lines.
Available in Black & Brown Models
(Sm. Med, Lg.) Sizes for all Shotgun/ Rifle Types The 2007 Beretta USA winners are:
Chain Store of the Year: Cabela’s, Sid-
No Other Slip-On Pad ney, Neb.
Has the Patented, Distributor of the Year: Sports South,
Pachmayr Speed- Inc., Shreveport, La.
Mount® Insert. Dealer of the Year: Shoot Straight,
Apopka, Fla.
A Pachmayr original
Retailer of the Year: The Orvis Com-
design, the Speed-
Mount insert delivers pany, Manchester, Vt.
smooth, snag-free “We congratulate each of our award
mounting when quick recipients for their increased focus on
shooting is as important Beretta products and the professional-
as recoil reduction. ism they display in representing the Be-
Swivel
Stud Clears retta lifestyle to all of our end users,”
For a new Lyman catalog: said Patrick McDonald, vice president,
With No Problem!
www.lymanproducts.com or 800-22-LYMAN sales and marketing.
Lyman 475 Smith St., Middletown, CT 06457 Dept 868 For additional information, visit www.
berettausa.com.
Circle No. 216 on Inquiry Card

Quit wasting your time or even jeopardizing your life searching by “trial
and error method” for a magazine to feed today’s semi-auto pistols.
MEC-GAR exclusively manufactures magazines recognized for
guaranteed fit, finish and totally reliable functionality by the majority of NSSF Honored By USSA
firearm manufacturers since 1965!

• We are the largest supplier


T he National Shooting Sports Foun-
dation (NSSF) has received a
Lifetime Giving Award from the U.S.
to military, government Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) for con-
and law enforcement tributing more than $700,000 toward
agencies worldwide. efforts to protect hunting and shooting
• Our magazines come in America.
standard with the Bud Pidgeon, president of the USSA,
firearms of more than presented the award to NSSF at the
50 prominent SHOT Show.
manufacturers like: “The NSSF
Smith & Wesson • Sigarms has been a stal-
Springfield Armory • NAA
wart defender of
Browning • Kel-Tec • Taurus
Kimber • Walther • CZ our hunting and
Styer • Remington shooting heritage
BUL • Charles Daly for our entire ex-
istence,” Pidgeon
said. “We see them as an invaluable part-
ner today and in the years to come.”
The NSSF has been a sponsor of the
USSA since 1989, helping programs like
World’s Finest Magazines the Families Afield initiative, Trailblazer
Adventure Program and U.S. Sportsmen’s
For a free catalog call toll-free or write to: Legal Defense Fund.
Mec-Gar USA, Inc., 905 Middle Street, Dept. SI, Middletown, CT 06457 For more information about the USSA, call
Tel: (800) 632-4271 Fax: (860) 635-1712 www.mec-gar.com (614) 888-4868 or visit www.ussportsmen.org.
Circle No. 217 on Inquiry Card
12 JUNE 2008 www.shootingindustry.com
Bushmaster, Magpul
Develop Combat Rifle
B ushmaster Firearms has announced
it has signed an exclusive licensing
agreement with Magpul Industries Corp.
for the production, future development
and sales of Magpul’s prototype MASA-
DA weapon system. The Bushmaster ACR
(Adaptive Combat Rifle) will initially be
offered in 5.56 NATO,
available for law en-
forcement and civilian
purchase in the second
quarter of 2008. The
release will be fol-
lowed by military ACR
versions in the third quarter of 2008.
“The opportunity to partner with such
an innovative company as Magpul is a very
exciting step in the growth and evolution
of Bushmaster’s product line,” said Chad
Brooks, CEO of Bushmaster Firearms.
For more information, contact Bush-
master Firearms at (207) 892-3594 or
www.bushmaster.com.

Ellett Brothers Named


Top Distributor
E llett Brothers, which marks its 75th
anniversary this year, is also cel-
ebrating being named the top distributor
by five companies.
Ellett Brothers was named Distribu-
tor of the Year for 2007 by BLACK-
HAWK!, Bulldog Cases, Dednutz Prod-
ucts, Leupold & Stevens and Carl Zeiss
Sports Optics.
The manufacturers honored Ellett
Brothers for “outstanding sales contribu-
tions and support of products received.”
For more information, visit www.ellett-
brothers.com.

Circle No. 205 on Inquiry Card

Buck Knives Honors Sales Reps


B uck Knives has honored its top sales reps for 2007.
ICOBA, which manages international distribution, was
named Sales Rep Group of the Year. ICOBA principals are Tom
Ritter and Mike Silverberg.
Rep of the Year was awarded to Jimmy Newman of the New-
man Agency. The agency, which covers Alabama, Tennessee and
Mississippi, has expanded its Buck Knives territory to Florida,
Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia Jimmy Newman (center), of the Newman Agency, is Buck Knives’
and Kentucky. 2007 Rep of the Year. Presenting the award are Dave Duggin (left),
Buck’s vice president of sales, and John Weaver, Buck’s vice president
For more information, visit www.buckknives.com.
of business development.

www.shootingindustry.com JUNE 2008 13


recently was an advertising specialist at “Brian brings a wealth of knowledge
MidwayUSA. She has a bachelor’s degree and experience to
in fine arts with an emphasis in illustration the position, and we
Callis & Associates from the University of Central Missouri. feel he is the right
Hires Designer person to help build
Callis & As- Hunter’s Specialties recognition and sales
sociates has added Hires Marketing Director throughout the Hunt-
graphic artist Adri- Hunter’s Specialties has named Brian er’s Specialties prod-
anne Fillinger to Thomas director of marketing. uct line,” said com-
its staff to provide Thomas previously owned and oper- pany co-owners Dave
graphic design for ated Thomas Consulting, a firm providing and Carman Forbes. B. Thomas
the agency’s shoot- business, financial and consumer product
ing sports clients. marketing services. Prior to that, Thomas Blaser USA
Fillinger most A. Fillinger was with Pure Fishing for 26 years. Names President, CEO
Brian H. Turk has been named presi-
dent and CEO of Blaser USA.
Turk was formerly global account man-
ager for BASF Group and achieved record
sales numbers with Akzo-Nobel and Dow
Chemical. He graduated with a degree in
chemical engineering in Istanbul, Turkey,
before moving to North America in 1979.
Turk is tasked with dividing North
America into smaller territories to establish
an in-depth service network for Blaser.
“Outstanding customer service will
play a vital part in Mr. Turk’s strategy and
we look forward to his international and
marketing expertise to play a key role in
growing the Blaser brand in the United
States,” said Bernhard Knöbel, CEO of
Blaser Germany.
“Blaser account managers will never
hide behind desks, but become active
members of the
hunting and shooting
communities,” Turk
said. “The message
will remain as strong
as ever: Safety is the
number-one qual-
ity feature of any of
Blaser’s products.”
B. Turk
NASGW
Appoints Director
The National Association of Sporting
Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) has appoint-
ed Jack Baumler, president and CEO of
W.L. Baumler Co., to its board of directors.
“This is my first time serving on the
board. I’m very happy to be able to do-
nate my time to help out the industry and
wholesalers alike,” Baumler said. “We
(W.L. Baumler Co.) probably would not be
here if not for the NASGW, as it’s played
such an important role over the years in
keeping the wholesale industry going.”
Baumler brings decades of experience
in the wholesaling industry. His father
founded W.L. Baumler Co. after World War
II, and since its early days, Baumler helped
the company transform from a “mom and
pop” shop to a large business. 9

Circle No. 206 on Inquiry Card

14 JUNE 2008 www.shootingindustry.com


Introducing the Pursuit II XLT. With its 28”
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For more information, visit your local


Traditions™ dealer or check us out online.


www.traditionsfirearms.com
860.388.4656 Circle No. 228 on Inquiry Card
Massad Ayoob

Selling Non-Gun Self-Defense Products

G
uns aren’t the be-all, end-all of tant to know what level of self-defense the they’re ready for, you’re likely to not only
defensive equipment. If they customer is ready to put into action. lose them as customers for today, but also
were, police duty belts would be If, when customers enter your store, never see them again.
considerably lighter. It has been my ex- you come across as a “gun shop com- If, on the other hand, customers leave
perience over the last three and a half de- mando” and attempt with some means of self-defense, some-
cades that cop and citizen are more likely to sell them a thing that makes them feel safer, more se-
to have to restrain a criminal or fend him higher-force cure and more confident with a “weapon”
off than to shoot one. level than of some sort, you’ve developed a new
Many of your customers have all the regular customer. You are the one
guns they need (though, hopefully, for the who purveyed the instrument of
sake of your business and their content- their newfound confidence. You
ment, not all the guns they want). are the one who proved you un-
However, when they’re on that derstood their needs, and therefore
business trip to California or a you are the one they’ll come back
family reunion in Chicago, they to when they’re ready for the next
won’t be able to carry firearms. step, and the next.
That’s when some sort of “less- To encourage this sort of customer,
lethal” option needs to be their be sure to have books or DVDs on self-
next purchase. defense, weapons safety and things of that
In addition, there are customers nature readily accessible and on display.
who are new to the whole self-defense The price will be small enough to make it
thing and are taking it in baby steps. They a natural impulse sale. Books and DVDs
are not ready to recognize that they might Kimber’s Guardian Angel contains two aren’t just sales in themselves; they help
have to end a human life to stop a particu- cylinders of concentrated, near pharmaceu- draw the customer back for more of what
larly violent attack. That’s why it’s impor- tical-grade OC (oleoresin capsicum). you have to sell.

Explaining The Less-Lethal Concept Modern Sprays, Electronic


S elf-defense sprays or ASRs (Aerosol Suspect Restraint) and
stun guns, or ERDs (Electronic Restraining Devices) and the
Restraints Prove Effective
like, used to be called “non-lethal.” That went by the board when
attorneys began suing cops on behalf of folks who were killed or
crippled after such force levels were applied. Just as X-number
T ear gas sprays go back to the mid-20th century and
they’ve always had a very spotty record. Sometimes
they worked, sometimes they didn’t.
of people die from being punched or kicked (or falling on their Pepper spray has worked
head) in a fistfight, X-number of people are going to die after in- much better. Oleoresin capsi-
haling substances to which they’re particularly sensitive, or after cum, or OC, is basically the ac-
having been shocked — or just from falling on their head at the tive ingredient in cayenne pep-
end of the fight. per. It doesn’t stop every bad guy
However, in legal arenas, when someone dies from something in his tracks, but it stops them
that shouldn’t have killed them, the argument arises, “If it’s non- much better than the old CN
lethal, then you, the one who applied it, must have used it exces- and CS tear gas formulae did.
sively or negligently to cause death!” That’s enough for a big- A brand used by police, such as
bucks, wrongful-death verdict in civil court, and enough to even Curb, Fox Labs, Sabre, etc., will
sustain a possible manslaughter conviction in criminal court. have more credibility with most
With this development, cops and the industry moved away from of your customers. It won’t hurt
the term “non-lethal” and adopted the current term, “less-lethal.” to also have fogger, streamer and
Now, you’re going to have customers who scoff, “What the hell is foam delivery systems for your
‘less-lethal’? Isn’t that kind of like ‘less-pregnant’ or ‘less dead’?”
Be able to explain the terminology. Basically, “less-lethal,” as Security Equipment Corporation’s
used for these products, is a term that means “It’s less likely to be SABRE RED formulation is used
lethal” than, say, a per se deadly weapon, which is what a gun or by many of the nation’s largest law
an aggressively wielded knife is seen as in the eyes of the law. enforcement agencies.

16 JUNE 2008 www.shootingindustry.com


3067 shooting industry JA_08 12/12/07 11:45 AM Page 1

PELICAN

customers to choose from.


Fogger is more likely to get into the at-

POWER
tacker’s eyes in a fast-breaking situation
because of its wide dispersal, but it has a
short range and doesn’t work well in high
winds. Streamer is more accurate and has
longer range, but needs to be aimed. Foam

COMBO
is the least likely to cross-contaminate the
user, and sticks to the suspect’s skin for
what seem to be longer-lasting effects.
Kimber offers two OC devices. Your
firearms customers will feel right at home
with the pistol-like JPX, which delivers
two “shots” of OC as far as seven paces.
The other Kimber OC product, the Guard-
ian Angel, clips to the belt like a big pager,
and has little more than half the range of the
JPX, but may be more palatable to nervous,
“non-gun people” customers.
Pelican 1750 CASE shown
with a Barrett M82A1/M107

BARRETT CHOOSES
PELICAN PROTECTOR™ CASES.
SHOULDN’T YOU?
TOUGH POLYMER CONSTRUCTION -
CRUSHPROOF AND TOTALLY
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leopard print. EASY OPEN DOUBLE-THROW
LATCHES
Among the electronic restraint devices, STEEL REINFORCED PADLOCK
there’s only one I could personally recom- PROTECTORS
mend in good conscience: the Taser. Taser
International has been selling a compact,
38 SIZES
short-range “civilian model” for some For more info, go to www.pelican.com/si
time. Many gun shops have taken advan-
tage of good manufacturer support with
displays and report the units are selling
well. When you go to Taser’s Web site,
www.taser.com, click on the “Consumer” 23215 EARLY AVENUE, TORRANCE, CA 90505 • 866.838.9160 (TOLL FREE)
310.326.4700 • FAX 310.326.3311 • WWW.PELICAN.COM/SI
link and then the “Legality — State & Lo- 3067 All trademarks and logos displayed herein are registered and unregistered trademarks of Pelican Products, Inc. and others.
cal Laws” link. There you’ll find valuable
information concerning how your state Circle No. 220 on Inquiry Card

views Taser as a carry weapon.

Less-lethal weapons help your bot-


tom line. Be able to point your customer
to competent training for the device you
sell them. If you don’t know an instruc- LOOKING TO THE FUTURE!
tor nearby, your local police department
or sheriff’s office can probably refer • SPECIAL: The Firearm Industry Today
you to one. Training builds confidence
that will lead to more sales. It also leads • Clean Up With Gun Care
to more satisfactory outcomes in life- • The Universe’s Greatest Buyer’s Guide
threatening situations. It’s ethical profit-
making at its finest. 9
BONUS: Web Site Showcase

www.shootingindustry.com JUNE 2008 17


Greg Staunton

Foundation Takes A STAND For Hunter Safety

D
ealers who offer bowhunting of safety equipment. Or, hunters are port of the outdoor community with this
products are already fine-tuning making mental mistakes. effort, including groups not necessarily
their inventory orders and plan- “It’s not enough to wear any old ‘safety focused on hunting, such as youth organi-
ning their fall promotions and displays. strap.’ We’ve learned a great deal about zations and emergency responders.
The National Bowhunter Education Foun- tree-stand safety in the past five years, “We are taking the lead with this
dation (NBEF) is urging dealers and oth- which, for the most part, the public is not initiative because hunter education is
ers in the industry to also present a strong aware of. Obsolete fall-restraint systems our responsibility. But, we can’t do it
message concerning the use of tree stands: are ticking time bombs,” Bentz said. alone. We need the help of the hunting
“Hunt Smart — Hunt Safe.” industry and safety community,” said
To help deliver this message, NBEF Joel Klammer, NBEF board president.
has launched Project STAND (Stop Tree “It takes money to research the problem
Stand Accidents ’n Deaths). The pro- and develop solutions. It takes money to
gram is designed to raise tree-stand safety deliver the message. The NBEF is a non-
awareness and significantly reduce the profit organization with limited
number of deaths and injuries caused by resources. The more finan-
tree-stand accidents. cial support we get from C

“Even though most hunter and bow- the hunting community,


hunter education courses emphasize tree- the more effective we M

stand safety, the problem persists,” said will be in attacking Y

Marilyn Bentz, NBEF executive director. the problem.” CM


“Studies suggest that 10 to 30 percent of Klammer
all tree-stand users will have an incident.” says the re- MY

New hunters and customers who pur- sponse NBEF has


Visit NBEF’s Web site, www.nbef.org, CY

chase tree stands are receiving safety in- received for Project
for details on Project STAND.
formation through hunter education cours- STAND from the hunt- CMY

es and safety materials, “but, obviously, ing community has been K

many are not,” Bentz said. Tree-stand safety, however, is more highly encouraging.
“We are going to get out there with a complicated than reminding hunters to “Virtually everyone we have
hard-hitting safety message that addresses wear safety gear, Bentz emphasized. talked to has offered support of
this problem. The bottom line is there are “We need to get to the root of the en- some kind. It seems as though everyone
millions of experienced hunters using tree tire problem and make tree-stand safety knows of someone injured in a tree-stand
stands incorrectly. They are at risk and they more than an afterthought. We have done a incident. It’s a very real issue, which
need to know it. It’s our job at the NBEF to wonderful job of addressing firearms acci- strikes very close to home. The entire in-
lead this charge,” Bentz said. dents; tree-stand safety deserves the same dustry appears to be rallying behind Proj-
Many injuries and deaths result from attention,” Bentz said. ect STAND,” Klammer said.
hunters not wearing the safety equip- Project STAND will deliver its safety For more information, contact Marilyn
ment supplied with their tree stands or message via mass media, magazines and Bentz at (479) 649-9036, e-mail: mbentz@
because they are using the wrong kind Web sites. The NBEF is seeking the sup- nbef.org or visit www.nbef.org.

Be Safe, Not Seen with climbing tree stands, hang-on tree


stands and ladder stands. It features a

G orilla Treestands’ 2008 Deluxe Full Body Vest Harness in


Mossy Oak Treestand is reflective of the new generation of
products that enhance hunter safety. The mating buckle system,
lineman’s climbing strap with mating
buckle, and a mating buckle tether
with pleated breakaways.
made of high-strength steel, features secure male/female locking Visit Gorilla Treestand at www.
for easy attachment and removal. gorillatreestands.com and Mossy
“The mating buckle system really makes this vest unique. It’s Oak at www.mossyoak.com for
simple for hunters to use and provides ultimate safety for an enjoy- more information. 9
able day in the field. The vest also features Mossy Oak Treestand
camo, so not only does it keep you secure, it keeps you hidden as Gorilla Treestands’ Deluxe Full Body
well,” said Stephen Graham, Gorilla’s director of marketing. Vest Harness in Mossy Oak Treestand
The Gorilla Deluxe Full Body Vest Harness can be used takes safety to a new level.

18 JUNE 2008 www.shootingindustry.com


Circle No. 210 on Inquiry Card

www.shootingindustry.com JUNE 2008 19


Lisa Parsons-Wraith

Hosting Events Draws Women Into Your Store

I
nventive ways to bring new customers Lace president. “We get them there and “Supporting women will hopefully
into your store can really help boost then — hopefully — get them to take an help that segment grow,” Campeau said.
your bottom line. You need to bring interest in the outdoors.” “The more we get women involved, the
new customers in to get your cash registers more likely they are to buy. It definitely
ringing, and where women are concerned, Community Support brings new people into hunting and shoot-
food and fun are serious draws. Camo & Lace is able to put together such ing, and that can do nothing but good for
Hosting or sponsoring events that intro- an incredible event at a low cost because the whole industry.”
duce women to the outdoors and outdoor the community supports them — especially Campeau said supporting Camo &
gear gets a dealer’s name out into the com- Williams Gun Sight and Outfitters. Lace events has been a very low-cost
munity and increases a store’s way to introduce women to
customer base. One gun shop the store and range.
and range in Michigan has had “It doesn’t cost us more than
great success in increasing their opening the facility and provid-
profile with women by partner- ing a few donations,” Campeau
ing with the women’s outdoor said. “From our standpoint,
group Camo & Lace. they do a lot for us. They rep-
Camo & Lace is a nonprofit resent us in a positive manner
group whose motto is “Putting and do a lot of volunteer work.
the mother back in nature.” We help each other out.”
They accomplish their goal by As a result, Campeau has
introducing women to the out- seen a lot of new shooters come
doors through hunter education to the range.
courses designed for women and “They bring new people and
taught by women. The courses new customers to us and those
include important hunter safety people are buying guns and
information, but to keep it fun, accessories,” Campeau said.
Camo & Lace always tries to “Women are a segment of the
incorporate door prizes, raffles market with buying power.”
and refreshments. The organiza- With Camo & Lace, women teach women, adding to ladies’ comfort level. The Expo is also a chance
tion also offers classes in hand- for manufacturers to reach a
gun shooting, shotgun shooting, target audience. Charles said
birding, camping, fishing, hiking, archery “Tom Wright, the owner of Williams, representatives from scope, ATV and
and wild game cooking. is always supportive of women,” Charles trailer companies have all taught classes
For the past six years, Camo & Lace said. “He donates his facility and really at the Expo and have had a chance to
has teamed up with Williams Gun Sight helps us out.” share their products with female attend-
and Outfitters in Davison, Mich., to con- Dan Campeau, chief operating officer ees. Bringing in a representative from
duct a Spring Expo for women. The event at Williams Gun Sight, said supporting one of the big firearm manufacturers can
includes four classes, a one-year Camo & the Expo and working with Camo & Lace really provide great feedback as to what
Lace membership, a continental breakfast is good business. women want from their guns.
and a wild game lunch and prizes — all
for just $40 per person.
This event is unique in that the Expo
doesn’t focus solely on shooting — the Dealer Advantages as a shooting expo or as simple as a fash-
ion show or gear demonstration. By work-
organizers try to offer a little something
for everyone. Traditional outdoor semi- T eaming up with a local shooting club ing with a local shooting club, you share
to hold a fashion show is sure to gen- some of the responsibilities and guarantee
nars like Beginning Handgun, Shotgun erate interest in the line and bring more a motivated base of attendees. It’s a great
and Archery; Fly Casting; Tanning and women into your store. Dealers have a way to test interest in new products and
Skinning; and Clay Shooting share the greater advantage over the Internet be- get feedback on what women need from
bill with unusual classes such as Asset cause in a store, women are able to feel your gun store, as well.
Management; Learning to Handle ATVs; the fabrics and try on the clothing, making The real benefit, though, is solidifying
Trailering and even Yoga. a sale much more likely. your female customer base while drawing
“We try to incorporate something for Hosting events for women can be as big in new customers.
everyone,” said Laura Charles, Camo &

20 JUNE 2008 www.shootingindustry.com


Próis Hunting Apparel
For Serious Hunters
I f your store isn’t equipped to handle a
full-scale firearms expo, consider host-
ing a women’s hunting-wear fashion show.
Several companies are testing the waters in
women’s hunting clothes, and while most of
the offerings are found online, some compa-
nies offer dealer and wholesale pricing.

Circle No. 201 on Inquiry Card

Your Source For Everything 1911!

Próis apparel is for serious female hunters.

One newcomer in the women’s hunting


clothing market is Próis Hunting Apparel. Our New 1911 Catalog #3 includes
This line of clothing is for the serious fe- just what you need for building, maintaining and
male hunter who has been looking for the shooting the most popular pistol in history. No rifle, shotgun, or
perfect combination of technical hunting "other pistol" stuff.
components and functional fabrics engi-
Packed with barrels, frames, slides, safeties, triggers, springs, grips, and more, plus all the tools you need
neered to fit the female form. to install them. The highest quality products from today’s most respected, custom 1911 suppliers. And,
Founder Kirstie Pike said the line con- all the sights and scope mounts you’ll need for these fine pistols and the gear you need when you head to
sists of eight functional pieces that are the range or field.
“pretty tricked out and technical.” Pike put The Brands you know and trust: Ajax, Briley, Brown, Brownells, Caspian, Clark, Cominolli, Cylinder & Slide,
a lot of thought into what women really EGW, Essex, Hi-Viz, Heinie, Kart, Les Baer, McCormick, Nowlin, Navidrex, Novak, Millett, MGW, Pachmayr,
Rescomp, Trijicon, Safariland, Schuemann, Sprinco, Smith & Alexander, Storm Lake, STI, Truglo, Wilson
need in the field and her clothing line has Combat, Weigand, Wolff, XS and lots more.
a lot of unique details women want.
“This is high-performance techni-
cal gear,” Pike said. “We want to sepa-
800-741-0308 • brownells.com Source Code: BP2
rate ourselves from entry-level products.
Circle No. 207 on Inquiry Card
Those are out there. Our product is for the
serious hunter.”
Pike said she searched for just the
right fabric for her clothing. The fabric Show, Pike said women were constantly have been through the Internet. She does
had to provide strength, warmth and be coming up to her saying, “Do you know have a two-tiered dealer pricing plan and
breathable and low bulk. Pike went with a how long we’ve waited for this?” the minimum order for Level One pricing
triple-bonded fabric so she could incorpo- Women at the show were “excited to is $500. This low minimum makes it very
rate fleece, Windstopper fabric and poly- have something built for their form. I had easy for gun dealers to test the waters and
wicking fabrics. women hugging me they were so happy,” see if their female customers are ready for
All of the clothing is designed to fit a Pike said. serious hunting gear.
woman’s body, which is its greatest selling Since the Próis line was just recently For more information, call (970)
point. When she showed her line at SHOT launched, Pike said most of their sales 641-3355 or visit www.proishunting.com. 9

www.shootingindustry.com JUNE 2008 21


Commander Gilmore

Net-Bangers Tell Cops To “Come Get It!”

I
nexpensive, simple-to-operate digital video cameras are uniforms and guys with big guns.
plentiful, and posting your own videos on Web sites like We don’t think they’ll be getting any awards for cinematogra-
YouTube is so easy that even three-times-convicted gang- phy — or for brains, either.
sters can make their own cinematic masterpieces —
and then go to prison for being idiots.
“Net-banging” is a new pastime for crimi-
nal gangs — posting videos essentially braggin’
about what bad boys they are. Rudy Villanueva,
the reputed leader of the Bird Road Boys and his
sidekick, Tony Logan, really enjoyed their 15
minutes of fame on YouTube, where they danced
and postured with a variety of firearms while
making death threats against Miami PD’s Metro
Dade Gang Unit.
“Here I am, baby,” Rudy challenged the cops.
“Come get it!” he leered, pulling the trigger on an
AK-47.
The Gang Unit saw it, all right — and then they
went and got it. Somebody should have reminded
Villanueva that as a thrice-convicted felon on pa-
role, he is prohibited from even touching guns, or
hangin’ out with fellow felons like Tony. The Dan-
gerous Duo were prob’ly hitting “replay” on their
video when the doors and windows of their hideout
came crashing in, filling the place with black ninja-
Illustration by Nick Petrosino

Now You’ve Done It! Herrera’s house, but police picked him up off, Smokey popped him with one round
Seventy-two year old Long Island resi- quickly. In the chill December night, he right in the forehead — and was almost hit
dent Reinaldo Herrera was plumb tuck- was the only idiot running around without by the slug as it bounced off!
ered out last December when he finally a coat on. Zelaya’s coat was still clenched “That boy had the hardest head I’ve
finished putting up his outdoor Christmas in one of Herrera’s fists. ever seen,” Taylor said after his “trial.”
lights and shuffled into his house. He was The burglar sorta stumbled and fell, re-
so tired he didn’t notice he was being fol- One Hard Head covered enough to crawl, and then ran out
lowed — by wannabe crook Santos Zela- Smokey Taylor, an 80-year old retired Taylor’s door and into the street, where
ya, 21. Suddenly Herrera was confronted U.S. Army Special Forces sergeant, is the he was arrested a short time later suffer-
in his living room by an angry, violent, oldest member of Chapter XXXIII of the ing from a bad bruise, a splitting headache
threatening young man brandishing what Special Forces Association. Widely re- and “aromatic trousers.” He had involun-
turned out to be a pellet pistol, which Her- spected by all, he never dreamed he would tarily — and explosively — evacuated his
rera thought was quite real. Zelaya blus- be brought up on charges in a special tri- bowels during the incident.
tered, demanding jewelry and money, bunal of that organization. Following an Witnesses against Smokey complained
and Herrera was inclined to give in. Then incident with a knife-wielding burglar, his that he could have saved the county and
Zelaya gratuitously kicked over Herrera’s fellow association members charged him taxpayers the expense of a trial, postulat-
Christmas tree and nativity scene — and with “failing to use a weapon of sufficient ing that he should have used a .45 or at
the fight was on! caliber” to get the job done right, as he had least a .38 Special to assure “mission
“Jesus, Mary and the wise men all fell been trained to do. success.” His “defense counsel,” another
to the ground,” Herrera later explained to Smokey’s “trial” was all in fun. He had retired Special Forces weapons expert,
officers. That’s when Zelaya went down been awakened by an intruder breaking into argued that Smokey’s choice was sound,
under a barrage of punches. “I don’t know his Brevard, N.C., home. Smokey grabbed assuring low penetration and precise con-
where I got the power. I punched him the closest weapon at hand — a .22-caliber trol, but the ammo was probably old and
many, many times, and he got afraid,” said pistol — and investigated. He found him- defective. Smokey was cleared of charges
the five-foot six-inch supermarket worker. self face to face with a knife-wielding thug. and congratulated. He reported that he had
Zelaya finally fought his way out of When the burglar refused to submit or back also purchased some new ammunition. 9

22 JUNE 2008 www.shootingindustry.com


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Circle No. 221 on Inquiry Card

www.shootingindustry.com JUNE 2008 23


FAST-
Carolee Anita Boyles

FOCUSED
DISPLAYS
Optimize Your Optic Presentations For Sharp Sales!

O
ptics sales are icing on a cake. and anglers and birdwatchers. ers don’t know you have them. And they
Firearms form the foundation of “You don’t make money on guns,” won’t know you have them if you don’t
your business, but the sweet prof- said Ron Wright, owner of Wright’s Sport display them in a way that makes them
its are spread on top. And, manufacturers Shop in Newport, Vt. “But you can make say, “Come pick me up and see what I can
offer a vast number of riflescopes, spot- money on optics.” do for you!”
ting scopes and binoculars for hunters — You can’t sell optics if your custom- “There are some dealers who do a very
good job of presenting and selling optics,”
said Arnd Abraham, director of sales and
marketing for Minox USA. “But at most
stores, there’s room to improve. If optics
aren’t displayed in the right place and the
right way, they won’t get customers’ atten-
tion, and they won’t be sold in the quantity
they could be sold.”
At his shop in Vermont, Wright said
the most important part of selling optics is
to have them where customers can’t miss
seeing them.
“That’s 99 percent of selling them,” he
said. “I display my optics where custom-
ers walk in the door. I have nice glass and
mahogany showcases with curved glass.
All the optics sit on glass shelves and are
laid out so you can see them well.”
And Wright keeps them absolutely
spotless.

Carson’s packaging offers award-winning graphics


that attract customers’ attention and increase
sales.

24 JUNE 2008 www.shootingindustry.com


Ron Wright, owner of Wright’s Sport Shop, says displaying optics properly is 99 percent of the sale.

“Everything is cleaned and dusted


every day,” he said. Reduce Customer Confusion
Abraham suggests placing some op-
tics at eye level.
“Display optics in a place where the
O ne thing customers can find very confusing, said Pat Mundy, marketing commu-
nications supervisor at Leupold, is the number of products in a given display.
“Many bigger stores have a lot of products,” Mundy said. “It’s easy to get those
customer can comfortably have a look products mixed together so the customer gets overwhelmed at the counter. Because
at them,” Abraham said. “A very com- smaller stores often have less to display, they sometimes do a better job of both dis-
mon, but not perfect place, for example, playing optics and of explaining one-on-one to the customer what a particular product
is under the counter. Then the customer does.”
has to kneel down to have a look at One role of a good display, Mundy said, is to separate products into categories and
them, or the items are only put on the brands so customers can see very clearly what you have available for them.
counter on request. This doesn’t create “If you don’t have a good display, or a display that stands out, you run the risk of
additional sales.” your store losing ground to retailers who do good displays,” Mundy said. “A good
Abraham says dealers should have display really separates your products out, and is particularly helpful when a customer
at least one well-placed showcase comes in with a preconceived idea of what he wants to buy — it’s much easier for him
where they really present the mer- to find what he’s looking for.”
chandise to their customers. To improve optics displays, Mundy said, one of the best things you can do is utilize
“Even better is having an open manufacturers’ point-of-sale displays.
display so the customer can touch “All optics manufacturers try to supply good displays to help retailers do their
and test the optics. Place that display jobs,” Mundy said. “But sometimes that’s hard to do because some of the displays are
in a good location near a window, large and take up too much room.”
and people will start trying the items. If you don’t have room for some of those larger displays, Mundy said, finding a
This will create additional sales,” way to keep the brands separated in a smaller display area can reduce the customer’s
Abraham said. confusion and make it easier for him to find what he wants.

www.shootingindustry.com JUNE 2008 25


Knowledge Is Power Among a variety of in-store displays offered by
Minox to its dealers, the tall, vertical display is the

I ncreasing your optic sales goes beyond


good displays. Selling optics effectively
also means qualifying your customer and
most popular.

ers, and as a company we back that up with


going through the sales process. training initiatives. We have someone who
“The first thing I ask every customer is provides training to retail sales force peo-
what kind of money he wants to put into ple, and he also provides training to our
his purchase,” Wright said. sales reps to help them do a better job. All
He also makes sure his frontliners of that allows the sales force at the point
are educated. of purchase to be better informed, and to
“Education is a big thing in optics,” do a better job of separating features and
Wright said. “My whole crew knows what benefits between brands and between lines
they’re selling, and are very familiar with within a brand.”
the details of the products.” Knowledge is power, Mundy said.
Abraham agrees that education is vital. “That’s never more true than at the
“Good training of salespeople is just point of sale, no matter what you’re sell-
as important as good displays,” Abraham ing,” Mundy said. “The more the sales-
said. “This not only will improve sales on person knows, the better job he or she will
sport optics, it also gives the customer bet- be able to do explaining the product to the
ter service because the salesperson can an- customer, and making customers feel more
alyze what the customer is going to use the comfortable.”
item for and can sell him the right product. Wright makes a point of letting his
The customer will enjoy the product much customers handle optics, and encourages
more because it perfectly fits his needs.” them to take optics outside and see how
Being sure frontliners are well trained they perform in “real-light” situations.
is not only in the retailer’s interest, Abra- “It’s hard to look through binoculars
ham said, but in the manufacturer’s inter- or a scope inside the store and see how
est as well; as a result, many manufactur- they’re going to perform,” he said.
ers provide information and training for Wright always goes outside with the
retailers. customer and takes that opportunity to
“Education is huge,” Mundy said. “Our discuss the features and benefits of the
sales reps are excellent at educating retail- particular item the customer is holding.

Don’t Forget Add-Ons


I f you’re selling optics, you also need
to stock all the bases, mounts and rings
that go with them.
Wright said. “I have probably $7,000 to
$8,000 just in mounts on display.”
Mundy agrees that a good selection of
“Dealers should take every opportunity these smaller items is important.
to sell add-on products, such as mounts for “There are myriad firearms out there
riflescopes and products such as cleaning and often one firearm can take a number of
accessories for optics,” Abraham said. rings and bases,” Mundy said. “Knowing
Wright makes sure he has whatever the the best application of mounts and rings
customer needs when he purchases a gun/ for the caliber and the type of firearm,
scope combination. and for the type of shooting the person is
“I have every mount for every rifle,” doing, is just as important as picking the
right type of scope.”
You can take this concept a little
further, Mundy said, and include oth-
er scope accessories, such as flip-up
covers to protect lenses, retractable
ballistics charts that can be attached
to the tube of the scope and lens-
cleaning equipment.
“And mounting tools are really
great for the guy who wants to mount
his own scope,” Mundy said.

Leupold’s display presents its riflescopes


in an inviting manner.

26 JUNE 2008 www.shootingindustry.com


Get Results
G ood displays and attentive customer
service get results.
“I sell a scope with every gun I sell,”
Wright said. “I sell binoculars to bird
watchers. I sell everything.”
Displays take you only so far to help
increase sales, Mundy said, and then it’s
up to the salesperson’s expertise.
“When you have a well-trained sales-
person, that helps reinforce everything
that’s on a good display,” he said.
To learn what displays your optics
manufacturers offer, contact your distribu-
tors or sales reps. 9 With Millett Precision Hunting Optics
and Mounting System
Millett windage adjustable scope mount systems are the most
significant improvement to the traditional Weaver-Style
mount in many years. All components are made of
heat treated nickel steel for rock
solid durability. When
compared to others, Turn-In
Millett scopes 3 - 12 X 44 AO Mounts
Vortex Optics offers a variety of sales tools, & scope mounts
including a Binocular Riser and counter mats
that highlight product features. can’t be beat!

Millett
OPTICS SALES New Generation
Side Focus
Scope Series
ADCO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Aimpoint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Alpen Outdoors Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . 250 Angle-Loc
Mounts
Barska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Brunton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252 4 - 16 X 56 Side Focus
BSA Optics Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253 Available in three reticles
B-Square Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Burris Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255 1 (800) 645-5388
Bushnell Outdoor Products . . . . . . . .256 16131 Gothard Street • Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Butler Creek Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257 (714) 842-5575 • FAX (714) 843-5707 • www.millettsights.com
Canon USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Circle No. 218 on Inquiry Card
Carson Optical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
CenterPoint Precision Optics . . . . . . 260
Conetrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261 Millett Sights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273 Swarovski Optik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Dynamit Nobel RWS . . . . . . . . . . . . 262 Minox USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 Swift Instruments Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Elcan Optical Technologies . . . . . . . 263 Nikon Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275 Tasco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 410
Fujinon Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264 Pentax Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276 Thompson/Center Arms . . . . . . . . . . 287
Horus Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265 Quake Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277 Trijicon Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Kahles N.A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266 Redfield Optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278 U.S. Optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Kowa Optimed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267 Schmidt & Bender . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279 Vortex Optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Kruger Optical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268 Sightron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280 Warne Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Leica USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269 Simmons Outdoor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281 Weaver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Leupold & Stevens . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270 Smith Abrasives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282 Winchester Optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Meopta Sports Optics . . . . . . . . . . . 271 Springfield Armory . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283 Yukon Advanced Optics . . . . . . . . . . 294
Meprolight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272 Steiner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284 Zeiss Sports Optics . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295

www.shootingindustry.com JUNE 2008 27


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Circle No. 203 on Inquiry Card
HANDGUN John Morrison

ACCESSORY
SALES
In aa Galaxy
In Galaxy of
of Gizmos,
Gizmos, Where’s
Where’s The
The Money?
Money?

J ust keeping track of all the new


handgun models is tough enough
for a busy retailer, but along with
every new gun brochure seems to come an
encyclopedia of accessories. Individual
bers can be dizzying.
To find out what’s hot, what’s not
and which stars shine in a galaxy of
gizmos, Shooting Industry asked sev-
eral industry experts and savvy deal-
the carefully chosen few rather than
the confusing many, look for high-vis-
ibility products with broad appeal and
specific advantages for buyers — and,
of course, look for the best margins to
items can be dazzling, but the sheer num- ers for input. Their advice? Focus on increase your profits.

Ed Santos (left), owner of Center Target Sports, doesn’t let a handgun purchase go out the door without an accessory sale — in this case, an
appropriate holster.

www.shootingindustry.com JUNE 2008 29


Get a Grip, And Keep Sights In Sight!
“H andgun grips are by far the most
popular add-on accessory,” said
Raj Singh, owner of Eagle Grips. “And they
they’re even less attractive, and cracked or
worn original grips almost guarantee a gun
will gather dust, not make you money,”
can also be your easiest accessory sale.” Hines said. “Put a new set of contrasting
Singh is the second-generation owner Ergo XTRs and a GRIPITS frontstrap in
of family-operated Eagle Grips, with 35 coyote brown or foliage green on that vet-
years of retail and wholesale experience. eran Beretta, and you’ve renewed about
“Grips enhance both the appearance and 50 percent of the pistol, given it a great
ergonomics of a handgun, and they’re one new feel, and increased its perceived value
of the few accessories a buyer can install at far beyond your investment.”
home with a screwdriver in two minutes. But Hines recommends another add-on.
they won’t sell themselves,” Singh warned. “About the only thing you could add to
“Grips have great visual appeal, espe- make it look even better is a new set of
cially the exotics like sambar stag, buffalo sights,” Hines said.
horn and mother of pearl. To maximize that “That’s true,” said Richard Nasef, presi-
appeal, display them right alongside your dent of WrenTech Industries and the inven-
handguns where buyers can easily visual- tor of Advantage Tactical Sights. “Dingy,
ize them on their own guns,” Singh said. banged-up sights are a major turn-off for buy-
“Also, knowing your customers is key. Eagle Grips’ Buffalo Horn grips are ers. Highly visible new sights coupled with
popular with single-action customers.
Cowboy-action shooters are very en- new grips make for terrific appeal.”
thusiastic grip buyers, sometimes own- Nasef says that one of the best
ing multiple sets of grips for the same things a dealer can do to sell sights is
gun. They’ll change them to comple- to create a small area dedicated to af-
ment their colorful period costumes. termarket sights.
That’s why we offer our CASS- and “Call it ‘Sight Central’ or whatever
CMSA-approved gunfighter and cow- you like, but clearly state ‘Competition
boy-action grips in so many materials — Tactical — Self-Defense: We Have
and colors,” Singh said. Your Sights!’ or something similar,”
“When a handgunner comes in Nasef said. “On four handguns, you
wearing a cap or other garment indi- could mount one set of quality micro-
cating they’re a veteran, a patriotic adjustable target sights, like LPAs from
citizen or a Second Amendment sup- Precision Sights International, two guns
porter, all it may take is saying, ‘Let with popular tritium-lit sights like Triji-
me show you these Patriot grips,’ to con or Meprolight, and how about a set
pick up a quick sale,” Singh said. of my Advantage Tactical Sights?”
Steve Hines, president of Ergo Nasef has one final sales tip.
Grips, says grips can help you move “The best sights won’t sell just
used guns. sitting in a box. Invite customers to
“Tactical and defensive pistols tend New sights, such as these from Advantage Tactical, pick up those guns and sight in! Noth-
to have flat, non-reflective finishes — are best sold when mounted on a handgun. ing beats having a customer actually
not very eye-catching. With hard use, sighting down them,” Nasef said.

Accessorizing Glocks Shepard emphasized that


these are true drop-ins.

I t’s almost unbelievable that Lone Wolf


Distributors, the world’s largest source
of Glock aftermarket parts and accessories,
“No gunsmithing required,
and they’re spreading like wild-
fire with competitive shooters,
carries over 1,500 SKUs for a pistol with hunters and plinkers — .40
only 32 parts. Lone Wolf’s founder, J.R. Smith & Wesson to 9mm and
Shepard, surveyed his dealer sales sheets .357 SIG, .357 SIG to the hot
and told us what the top performers are. rod 9x25 Dillon,” Shepard said.
“Sights are always strong,” Shepard “And the top dog is the 10mm
said, naming AmeriGlo and XS 24/7 Glock 20, which converts to
sights as frontrunners, with Advantage any of those four calibers. These
Tactical Sights coming on fast. “Stainless have enormous appeal and nice
steel replacements for OEM plastic guide margins. Dealers should look at
rods and our drop-in improved trigger and every Glock pistol out there as
spring systems are hot. But the real siz- a source of potential accessory
Lone Wolf Distributors offers hot-selling Glock
zlers — and best moneymakers — are our profits. Those who do are mak-
drop-in caliber conversion sets.
drop-in caliber conversion sets!” ing good money.”

30 JUNE 2008 www.shootingindustry.com


Ranges Rule When Selling Lights, Lasers Liberator and Tomahawk tactical lights
as top sellers, as well as SureFire’s L-7

F amily Indoor Shooting Range in India-


napolis, Ind., is a full-spectrum gun shop
as well as a booming recreational shooting
of jerking the trigger, they’re immediately
impressed with the value of a laser in rapid
target acquisition.”
and E-Gear PDL-2. Fast movers in hol-
sters at Center Target Sports include the
Holsters Plus Sure-Lock 3-10 retention
and training facility. Mike Hilton says hav- Of course, Hilton offers the sights and holster and the cost-effective Master
ing a range is a great aid to accessory sales. other accessories in the retail section of line from JBP Holsters.
“When conducting basic or advanced his operation. “Your staff should be skilled and
handgun training, students get to see and “In displays in the shop, we’ll place a smooth at using and explaining the fea-
use lots of the products we carry, and that LaserMax box next to a Glock,” Hilton tures of these accessories and guiding
really boosts sales,” Hilton said. “For said. “We also have a monitor showing a buyers in trying them out. That,” Santos
example, we’ve carried LaserMax laser video of LaserMax lasers in use, and keep emphasized, “is your fast track to sales.”
sights for years. We keep several lasers laser-equipped blue guns on the counter.
on range guns and use them when teach- They’re a visually oriented product, so No Range? Try Blue Guns!
ing trigger control. Not only can you have to keep them visible.” “The value of blue guns simply can’t be
students clearly see Ed Santos, owner of Center Target overstated,” said Lane Tobiassen, director
the effects Sports, in Post Falls, Idaho, also capital- of marketing for Crimson Trace. “Our La-
izes on his range and extensive training serGrips are far more easily demonstrated
programs to expose shooters to avail- than explained. The basics — use of the
able accessories. master on/off and activation switches,
“Our students frequently purchase the windage and elevation adjustment and
same holsters, lights and other acces- battery replacement — can be quickly
sories we use in training,” Santos followed by a demonstration of using the
The Holsters Plus said. “The real practical value of laser to shoot from awkward or concealed
Sure-Lock 3-10 is a these products is demonstrated positions, and speed of target acquisition.
hot seller at Center by our instructors and then When the user feels the intuitive activation
Target Sports. An underscored by personal use — and sees how much it adds in speed and
innovative retention
on the range.” accuracy — the product sells itself.”
feature makes it both
fast and secure. Santos named First Light’s Tobiassen pointed out that blue guns

DARK, SLEEK, AND CURVY


SEEKS LIFE LONG RELATIONSHIP
I ENJOY LONG DAYS AT THE RANGE
AND I LOVE TO BE HELD.
I’M TRUSTWORTHY, I’M RELIABLE,
AND I’LL BE FAITHFUL TO THE END.

THE AR-24.
FALL IN LOVE.
Circle No. 202 on Inquiry Card
www.shootingindustry.com JUNE 2008 31
Lone Wolf Knives
makes cutting anything also provide a “comfort defense or home-defense
“Look Good!” factor” for novice shoot- needs, like specialized
ers and are irresistible to ammunition, lights, less-
browsers who may not lethal products? These
have been in the market clues tell you the custom-
Paul Executive for a laser sight. er’s interests and willing-
with Cocobolo “Since it’s not an ac- ness to buy.”
Handle LM23410 tual firearm, many cus-
tomers will be more The bottom line? Train
Paul® Executive, 2.5 comfortable handling yourself and your staff to
inch blade, Patented it, pointing it and try- always keep accessory
Paul lock system ing out the controls,” sales in mind, no matter
locks blade open and Tobiassen said. “Too, what the customer is in
closed, marble simply having a laser- Blue guns help sell accessories, your shop for.
Cocobolo handles, equipped blue gun dis- like Crimson Trace’s LaserGrips. • Watch and listen for
1.6 oz. LM23410. play on your counter clues that will tip you to
draws curious customers like a magnet. show off specific products appealing to
Also available with 3-D “Our displays are user-friendly and in- the customer’s individual tastes, affilia-
Carbon Fiber handles viting,” he said. “They say ‘Try Me!’ and tions and interests.
LM23415. ‘Aim Here!’ And, it’s fun for the customers, • Be smooth and practiced in demon-
as well as a great introduction for a sale.” strating operating features and advantages.
Echoing the advice of others, Tobias- • Place the most visually appealing
sen said training your staff is important, products in your customers’ line of sight
not just in a product’s features and use, but and eagerly offer “hands-on” experience
in determining who is a likely buyer. with grips, sights, lights, lasers and more.
“Have they purchased a handgun for • Remember, a low price-point doesn’t
concealed carry?” Tobaissen said. “Have mean a low margin — a pile of fast nickels
they purchased or asked about other self- beats a slow dime every time! 9

LaserLyte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
HANDGUN LaserMax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329

Diablo-DA
ACCESSORIES Lone Wolf Distributors . . . . . . . . . . 330
Lyman Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Micarta® Ajax Custom Grips . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296 Mag-na-port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
LD23153 AmeriGlo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297 Mec-Gar USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Beretta USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298 Meprolight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Scale release Bianchi International . . . . . . . . . . . 299 MidwayUSA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
Birchwood Casey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 Millett Sights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
automatic or manual
BLACKHAWK! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 Milt Sparks Holsters . . . . . . . . . . . 337
one-handed-opening. Mitch Rosen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338
3.3 inch CPM-S30V Blade-Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
MMC Sights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
blade, locking-liner, Break-Free . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Novak’s Sights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340
Brownells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
green/black layered Otis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Browning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Micarta®, 4.1 oz Outers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
B-Square Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
LD23153. Pachmayr Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 343
Butler Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307 Pearce Grip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Chip McCormick Corp . . . . . . . . . . . 308 Precision Sights International . . . . . 345
Also available in Crimson Trace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309 ProMag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 346
one-handed-opening’ Decal Grip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310 Ranch Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Non-automatic version DeSantis Holsters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 311 Safariland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
LC23156. Eagle Grips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 312 Scherer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Ed Brown Products . . . . . . . . . . . . 313 Sig Sauer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
ERGO Grips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314 Silencio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351
First Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315 Speer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Fobus U .S .A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316 Springfield Armory . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Galco International . . . . . . . . . . . . 317 SureFire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Glock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318 The Hunter Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 355
Gould & Goodrich . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319 Trijicon Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Gunslick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320 Triple K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
HiViz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321 TruGlo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
9373 SW Barber Street, Ste A. HKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322 Uncle Mike’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359
Hogue Grips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323 Wiley-X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 360
Wilsonville, OR 97070 Holsters Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324 Williams Gun Sight . . . . . . . . . . . . 361
Dealer Locator At Hoppe’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325 Wilson Combat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 362
Insight Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . 326 WrenTech Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . 363
www.lonewolfknives.com Laser Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327 XS Sight Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Circle No. 215 on Inquiry Card

32 JUNE 2008 www.shootingindustry.com


SHOWDOWN IN GUN VALLEY
We’re Calling You Out!
TIME TO STEP OUTSIDE
AND SHOOT! 2008 Sponsors:
Limber up your trigger finger, practice your steely eyed
stare and plan to join teams from inside the industry for
the Sixth Annual Shooting Industry Masters.

July 25-26, 2008


Hartford Gun Club • East Granby, Conn.
This three-gun shooting match features handgun, rifle
and skeet/trap events. Shooters will be able to shoot in one of two
classes: the Open Class for those who want to compete against pro-
fessional shooters, and the Industry Class for everyday shooters who just
want to have fun without the stress. A raffle of incredible items donat-
ed by companies throughout the shooting industry will be held during
the event to raise funds for the NSSF’s Step Outside® Program.

SIGN UP YOUR TEAM TODAY!


EVENT SCHEDULE:
Friday, July 25, 2008
Masters Team Check-In at the Shooting Industry
Academy of Excellence Awards presentation
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Handgun, Rifle & Trap/Skeet team events & lunch
Saturday Evening
Masters Awards Banquet with Raffle to benefit the
National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Step Outside® Program
For additional information, including donating raffle prizes, raffle tickets, area
airport and hotel information, please visit www.shootingindustry.com or contact
Elizabeth Jarrell at (800) 537-3006 ext. 279. E-mail: elizabeth@shootingindustry.com

BENEFITTING: To download team entry form, go to:


National Shooting Sports Foundation’s
http://shootingindustry.com/08SIMstrs.html

Mail or FAX with payment to:


SPONSORED BY: FMG Publications
12345 World Trade Dr.
San Diego, CA 92128
FAX (858) 605-0247
Open Class Champions ’07: Team Smith & Wesson

No Gun? No Excuse. Loaner guns will be available for each event.


Match Ammunition, Shooter’s Goody Bag, Match Lunch and Awards Dinner
www.shootingindustry.com JUNE 2008 33
ALL Included with your Entry Fee!
Quality time with family and friends
doesn’t just happen around the dinner table.
Introduce newcomers to the shooting activities you love and win yourself $1,000.

##(" ")'(&, '(&''&(


+,(#*)""')$$#&(
 ®




*"(#&'&" ,#!$((#"
''##(&,#)/&")"%)$#'(#"(# '#!"(#&,'&"
&" ,"""('(& 
,#)&"#+ ""()''!+(&"#& #*#",'$""
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""(&#)(!(#('$#&(,#)
##(" ")'(&, #*"( )'#)((#)/ )(#!( ,"(&(#win one of
'(&'" ## five $1,000 prizes. (/'  &( ""(* (# #" +((#',#)"#,
#&+&(#'" '$""(!+( (/' '#($&(+,(#')$$#&("$&#!#((
,#)(& &(#)(##&'",#)&$''#"#&#)(##&'$#&('

.Steve Sanetti, #")'



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president, NSSF '#+(!)'(#+&((&(#)(##&'"

'(HuntandShoot.org/StepOutside #&!#&( '


Circle No. 244 on Inquiry Card
Shooting Industry Masters Industry Challenge

FMG Publications Salutes Our 2008


Shooting Industry Masters Sponsors

Ellett Brothers proudly


supports and participates in the
Shooting Industry Masters

Join us at the Sixth Annual


Three-Gun Match Set
For July 25-26
Hartford Gun Club
Thank You For Stepping Up East Granby, CT
To Help The Step Outside Program!
Circle No. 237 on Inquiry Card

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For more information on the Shooting Industry Masters, call 1-800-537-3006 ext. 279, or visit www.shootingindustry.com
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www.shootingindustry.com JUNE 2008 35


Shooting Industry Masters Industry Challenge

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Circle No. 243 on Inquiry Card Circle No. 236 on Inquiry Card

Circle No. 230 on Inquiry Card

For more information on the Shooting Industry Masters, call 1-800-537-3006 ext. 279, or visit www.shootingindustry.com
36 JUNE 2008 www.shootingindustry.com
Circle No. 238 on Inquiry Card Circle No. 233 on Inquiry Card

Three Teams,

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®

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Circle No. 247 on Inquiry Card

For more information on the Shooting Industry Masters, call 1-800-537-3006 ext. 279, or visit www.shootingindustry.com
www.shootingindustry.com JUNE 2008 37
Shooting Industry Masters Industry Challenge
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Circle No. 235 on Inquiry Card Circle No. 232 on Inquiry Card

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38 JUNE 2008 www.shootingindustry.com


ImpactSport_1-4pg_SI_0408:2008 3/25/08 2:07 PM Page 1

Amplifies Sound While


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Circle No. 240 on Inquiry Card Circle No. 241 on Inquiry Card

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www.shootingindustry.com JUNE 2008 39


The companies listed have featured advertisements or
products in this issue. Look to them first when you are
ready to make a purchase.

Companies Circle # Page Companies Circle # Page Companies Circle # Page


ADVERTISERS Millett Sights 273 24 Safariland 348 29
2008 Shooting Industry Masters ---- 33 Minox USA 274 24 Scherer 349 29
Amchar Wholesale 201 21 Nikon Inc. 275 24 Sig Sauer 350 29
Armalite 202 31 Pentax Corp. 276 24 Silencio 351 29
ATK/Shooters Ridge 203 28 Quake Industries 277 24 Speer 352 29
ATK/Weaver 204 48 Redfield Optics 278 24 Springfield Armory 353 29
Barska 205 13 Schmidt & Bender 279 24 SureFire 354 29
Bianchi 206 14 Sightron 280 24 The Hunter Co. 355 29
Brownells 207 21 Simmons Outdoor 281 24 Trijicon Inc. 356 29
DKG Trading 208 10 Smith Abrasives 282 24 Triple K 357 29
Fobus Holsters 209 6 Springfield Armory 283 24 TruGlo 358 29
Gametamers 210 19 Steiner 284 24 Uncle Mike’s 359 29
Insight Technology 211 5 Swarovski Optik 285 24 Wiley-X 360 29
Kinsey’s Archery 212 10 Swift Instruments Inc. 286 24 Williams Gun Sight 361 29
Kwik-Site 213 43 Tasco 410 24 Wilson Combat 362 29
Lewis Machine & Tool 214 44 Thompson/Center Arms 287 24 WrenTech Industries 363 29
Lone Wolf Knives 215 32 Trijicon Inc. 288 24 XS Sight Systems 364 29
Lyman 216 12 U.S. Optics 289 24
Mec-Gar USA 217 12 Vortex Optics 290 24 MUZZLELOADING
Millett 218 27 Warne Manufacturing 291 24 Accurate Arms Co. 365 41
Minox USA 219 9 Weaver 292 24 American Pioneer Powder 366 41
Pelican Products 220 17 Winchester Optics 293 24 Barnes Bullets 367 41
Remington 221 23 Yukon Advanced Optics 294 24 Bushnell Outdoor Products 368 41
Savage Arms 222 2 Zeiss Sports Optics 295 24 CCI 369 41
Scherer Supplies 223 5 Cheyenne Cartridge Box Co. 370 41
Sightron 224 7 HANDGUN ACCESSORIES Circle Fly Wads 371 41
Smith & Wesson 225 1 Ajax Custom Grips 296 29 Connecticut Valley Arms (CVA) 372 41
Springfield 226 47 AmeriGlo 297 29 Dixie Gun Works 373 41
Ten Point Crossbow 227 17 Beretta USA 298 29 E.M.F. Co. 374 41
Traditions Performance 228 15 Bianchi International 299 29 Federal Premium 375 41
Trijicon 229 3 Birchwood Casey 300 29 Goex 376 41
BlackHawk 301 29 Hodgdon Powder Co. 377 41
SI MASTERS Blade-Tech 302 29 Hornady Mfg. Co. 378 41
Aimpont 230 36 Break-Free 303 29 Knight Rifles 379 41
Benchmade 231 38 Brownells 304 29 Leupold & Stevens 380 41
Brownells 232 38 Browning 305 29 Lyman Muzzleloaders 381 41
Bull Dog Barrel, LLC. 233 37 B-Square Co. 306 29 Mountain State Muzzleloading 411 41
Corbon-Glaser 234 35 Butler Creek 307 29 MTM Case-Gard Co. 382 41
Crimson Trace 235 38 Chip McCormick Corp. 308 29 Navy Arms 383 41
DPMS/Panther Arms 236 36 Crimson Trace 309 29 New England Firearms 384 41
Ellett Brothers 237 35 Decal Grip 310 29 Nikon 385 41
Galco Gunleather 238 37 DeSantis Holsters 311 29 Nosler Inc. 386 41
Gunsite Academy 239 39 Eagle Grips 312 29 PowerBelt Bullets 387 41
Howard Leight by Sperian 240 39 Ed Brown Products 313 29 RCBS 388 41
LaserMax, Inc. 241 39 ERGO Grips 314 29 Redding 389 41
Marlin 242 39 First Light USA 315 29 Remington Arms Co. 390 41
Mayville Engineering Company 243 36 Fobus U.S.A. 316 29 Savage Arms 391 41
NSSF 244 34 Galco International 317 29 Shiloh Rifle Mfg. 392 41
Remington Arms Co. 245 38 Glock 318 29 Taylor’s & Co. 393 41
RSR Group 246 35 Gould & Goodrich 319 29 Tennessee Valley Mfg. 394 41
Sturm, Ruger & Co. 247 37 Gunslick 320 29 Thompson/Center Arms 395 41
HiViz 321 29 Traditions Performance Firearms 396 41
OPTICS SALES HKS 322 29 Triple K Mfg. 397 41
ADCO 248 24 Hogue Grips 323 29 United States Fire Arms 398 41
Aimpoint 249 24 Holsters Plus 324 29 Vihtavuori 399 41
Alpen Outdoors Corp. 250 24 Hoppe’s 325 29 Walters Wads 400 41
Barska 251 24 Insight Technology 326 29 White Rifles 401 41
Brunton 252 24 Laser Devices 327 29 Winchester Ammunition 402 41
BSA Optics Inc. 253 24 LaserLyte 328 29
B-Square Co. 254 24 LaserMax 329 29 NEW PRODUCTS
Burris Co. 255 24 Lone Wolf Distributors 330 29 Hallmark Cutlery 403 44
Bushnell Outdoor Products 256 24 Lyman Products 331 29 FMG Publications 404 44
Butler Creek Corp. 257 24 Mag-na-port 332 29 Minox USA 405 44
Canon USA 258 24 Mec-Gar USA 333 29 Down Wind Scents 406 45
Carson Optical 259 24 Meprolight 334 29 Lansky Sharpeners 407 45
CenterPoint Precision Optics 260 24 MidwayUSA 335 29 Winchester Ammunition 408 45
Conetrol 261 24 Millett Sights 336 29 Steiner Binoculars 409 45
Dynamit Nobel RWS 262 24 Milt Sparks Holsters 337 29
To request FREE information and materials from these
Elcan Optical Technologies 263 24 Mitch Rosen 338 29
companies, use the Reader Service Card. Or, just send us
Fujinon Inc. 264 24 MMC Sights 339 29 a postcard, indicating the issue’s date, company’s number
Horus Vision 265 24 Novak’s Sights 340 29 and include your business address. Send to: Reader Service,
Kahles N.A. 266 24 Otis 341 29 SHOOTING INDUSTRY, P.O. Box 502794, San Diego, CA
Kowa Optimed 267 24 Outers 342 29 92150-9833. If the company doesn't have a number, write them
Kruger Optical 268 24 Pachmayr Ltd. 343 29 directly and say you saw their ad, product or name in SHOOTING
Leica USA 269 24 Pearce Grip 344 29 INDUSTRY. You can also download the Reader Service page and
Leupold & Stevens 270 24 Precision Sights International 345 29 Reader Service Card from our Web Site and fax, (858) 605-0247,
Meopta Sports Optics 271 24 ProMag 346 29 or mail it to our office. Go to www.shootingindustry.com and
Meprolight 272 24 Ranch Products 347 29 click on Reader Service.

40 JUNE 2008 www.shootingindustry.com


Mark Kayser

SELLING TODAY’S

MUZZLELOADING
For Success, Know The Trends, Your Hunting Seasons

T
T
o be a successful, safe black- surveys, according to the U.S. Fish and
powder enthusiast, muzzleloaders Wildlife Service’s 2006 National Sur-
constantly adopt new trends and vey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife
upgrade their current setups — which is Associated Recreation.
exactly how dealers should approach their Sporting-goods stores and gun shops
black-powder sales. Embracing what’s still have a base of more than 10 million
been selling in the past will result in lack- deer hunters and more than 12 million
luster sales. To keep your black-powder big-game hunters to sell to — folks who
sales strong, learn the current muzzleload- are serious spenders. Overall, U.S. hunt-
er trends and what’s driving sales. ers spent $23.5 billion in 2006 on hunt-
Nearly every state offers special muz- ing-related pursuits, the bulk of which
zleloader hunting seasons or, at the very was for big game. That’s a 24-percent
least, the use of muzzleloaders during increase from 1991 to 2006.
big-game seasons. Hunters living in states What does that mean to you, the
with shotgun-only zones also embrace the dealer? Times are changing, and in
new class of muzzleloaders, because of order for your profits to increase,
their increased accuracy and range over your knowledge and attitude about
conventional shotguns. muzzeloading must mature as well.
This is good news for dealers. Un-
Hornady’s Lock-N-Load
like many hunting and sporting pur- Speed Sabot allows
suits, big-game hunting has not lost preloading pellets onto
participants in more than 10 years of Hornady’s SST-ML bullet.

Traditions’ Yukon inline muzzleloader features a unique drop-breech action.

www.shootingindustry.com JUNE 2008 41


Longer Seasons Create More Sales
G .A.T. Guns, a full-service dealer with
more than 1,500 firearms on display
at any given time, understands the im-
portance of keeping up with trends in the
muzzleloader market. Located 45 minutes
west of Chicago in Dundee, G.A.T. has
served Illinois gun owners since 1979.
Store Manager Randy Potter says his
sales have increased because of the state’s
longer hunting seasons.
“One of the biggest changes I’ve wit-
nessed in the last 10 years or so is the
guy who came in and bought the cheap-
est muzzleloader he could because he was
only going to hunt with it for three or four
days,” Potter said. “Now he has the op-
portunity to hunt with it more throughout
the entire season and he’s spending more
to ensure success.”
Potter recalls when most hunters would
spend $400 for everything, from the muz-
zleloader to accessories. Today it’s a dif- Randy Potter, G.A.T. Guns store manager, ensures solid sales by offering a wide variety of muzzle-
ferent story. Now customers spend $500 loaders and accessories.
to $800 on a muzzleloader. Then they
shop for a riflescope, spending $300 to something they are not afraid of; they The store dedicates 70 square feet solely
$400, and complete their shopping spree have more opportunities to hunt and it’s to muzzleloader accessories. G.A.T. Guns
with $100 in accessories. a great way to kill a big buck in Illinois,” has at least 25 muzzleloaders on display
“They are investing more because it’s Potter said. and they handle custom-order requests.

Current Trends Draw Customers


H ow often do hunters update their
muzzleloader setup? Potter believes
modern enhancements have increased
“We are seeing hunters who bought their
equipment six to eight years ago coming in
and updating, but the guy who purchased a
Thompson/Center topping G.A.T. Guns’
best-seller list.
Customers who walk in and ask to see
updates from a one-time purchase 10 T/C Omega or Encore is still pretty satis- the T/C brand first are “an everyday occur-
years ago to a purchase every three to fied with its performance, and it will take a rence,” Potter said. He also stocks Tradi-
five years. major change for them to change.” tions, Knight and CVA brands.
“Even though great updates hit the mar- According to Potter, the traditional Potter says T/C’s marketing plan and
ket each year, most of our customers are market accounts for approximately 10 per- their technology, which makes cleaning
sticking with their current muzzleloader cent of muzzleloader sales, if that. His re- easier, are the two components that drive
setup for three to five years,” Potter said. maining sales fall to modern in-lines with customers to T/C models. His strong sell-
ers are the Encore Endeavor, which comes
with Speed Breech XT, and the Triumph,
T/C’s new magnum muzzleloader.
Even though 99 out of every 100 muz-
zleloaders sold go to the hunting crowd,
Potter sees a small burst of traditional
sales around Christmas, particularly with
kit guns and Hawken-style muzzleload-
ers. From Thanksgiving until Christmas,
nearly 50 percent of all muzzleloader sales
at G.A.T. Guns are for traditional black-
powder rifles or kits, including muzzle-
loader pistol kits.
“They are small, easy to assemble and
relatively cheap with a price of less than
$120. It’s the perfect gift for the muzzle-
loader enthusiast who has everything,”
Thompson/Center models are the top-selling muzzleloaders at G.A.T. Guns. Potter said.

42 JUNE 2008 www.shootingindustry.com


Cash In On Accessories
F or years, muzzleloader wannabes com- hot-ticket items these days in muzzleloader
plained about the time it took to keep a sales, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have
traditional muzzleloader clean and the time products in stock. You just need to realize
it took to work up an accurate load. Those what sells the best, and stock what custom-
days are gone. Modern muzzle- ers demand,” Potter said.
loaders clean easily, don’t In powder, Potter
need to be cleaned as often says Pyrodex is his sales
and shoot more accurately. leader with Jim Shock-
Potter sees this as both ey’s Gold from Ameri-
a positive and a negative. can Pioneer Powder
Easier care means less gaining market share.
sales in cleaning products, “(Shockey’s) Gold ac-
but it also means more counts for 25 percent of
overall sales in muzzle- powder sales with Pyro-
loaders and other products. dex pellets making up 65
“Cleaning products and percent. Loose powder
the tools required to main- rounds out the rest of pow-
tain a muzzleloader are pret- der sales,” Potter said.
ty important to us,” Potter As for muzzleloader
said. “Even so, accessories bullets, Potter stocks a
aren’t as big as they used to wide selection of Power-
be a decade or so ago. You belt bullets, but says he
don’t need as many tools sells more sabots, with
to run a modern in-line as T/C’s line making up the
compared to a traditional majority of the sales.
muzzleloader. That said, we In optics, Potter sells
still carry an extended line of riflescopes with 60 to
accessories including T/C, 70 percent of all muz-
Traditions and CVA clean- zleloaders purchased at
ing products. Muzzleloaders G.A.T. Guns.
still require cleaning — just “Leupold and Nikon
not as often.” are the biggest sellers in
Potter doesn’t see as muzzleloading scopes.
many “must-have” muzzle- Customers are big into the
loader accessories as he Omega scope by Nikon
did before the mass intro- with its BDC reticle. It
duction of in-lines. The in- Outers’ Black Powder allows them to hold over,
Cleaning Kit includes an
creased number of hunters aluminum rod, bore cleaner with exact aiming for lon-
now drives his strong sales. concentrate and other ger shots, and that’s today’s
“There are not as many cleaning accessories. trend,” Potter said. 9

MTM Case-Gard Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 382


MUZZLELOADING SALES Navy Arms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 383
New England Firearms . . . . . . . . . . . 384
Accurate Arms Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365 Nikon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
American Pioneer Powder . . . . . . . . . 366 Nosler Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Barnes Bullets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 367 PowerBelt Bullets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 387
Bushnell Outdoor Products . . . . . . . . 368 RCBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388
CCI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 369 Redding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389
Cheyenne Cartridge Box Co. . . . . . . . 370 Remington Arms Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Circle Fly Wads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 371 Savage Arms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Connecticut Valley Arms (CVA) . . . . . . 372 Shiloh Rifle Mfg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Dixie Gun Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373 Taylor’s & Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393
E.M.F. Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374 Tennessee Valley Mfg. . . . . . . . . . . . . 394
Federal Premium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 375 Thompson/Center Arms . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Goex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376 Traditions Performance Firearms . . . . 396
Hodgdon Powder Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . 377 Triple K Mfg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
Hornady Mfg. Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378 United States Fire Arms . . . . . . . . . . 398
Knight Rifles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379 Vihtavuori . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399
Leupold & Stevens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380 Walters Wads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 400
Lyman Muzzleloaders . . . . . . . . . . . . 381 White Rifles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 401
Mountain State Muzzleloading . . . . . . 411 Winchester Ammunition . . . . . . . . . . 402
Circle No. 213 on Inquiry Card

www.shootingindustry.com JUNE 2008 43


Text First Line
Text
See Your Product Here! Address all releases to:
If you are a manufacturer, importer, distributor or
entrepreneur with a newsworthy, new or revised
New Products Editor
product available to dealers or distributors, SHOOTING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE
let us know! 12345 World Trade Dr.
Company
We have room for about 80 words. Pictures San Diego, CA 92128 Text First Line
Phone
should#be color, if possible. Electronic images,
transparencies and glossy prints are acceptable.
Website
Product releases are printed on a space-available SHOOTING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE Text
basis at the discretion of the editorial staff. www.shootingindustry.com
FMG Publications
Defensive Tactics DVD
Waffentechnik Learn important defensive tactics
Search and Rescue Device from firearm training expert Clint Smith
including Room Clearance, Proper
The SARD (Search and Rescue Device) by Technique and Application and Flash-
Waffentechnik is designed for military, police, light Use and Technique. The two-disc
firefighters and special forces. Blade options in- set, which was filmed at Thunder Ranch
clude: drop tanto, wave, tanto and rescue. Con- in Oregon, includes a Terminator Live
structed of the new layered material plakarta, Fire Demonstration.
the SARD has fewer parts for reliability and
easy maintenance. The knife features a patented
“blade lock” safety pivot, with integrated lubricate Company
FMG Publications
Hallmark Cutlery reservoir and polished hardened axle; awl, with Phone #
1-800-628-9818
either plastic handcuff or seat belt cutter; wire Website
www.americanhandgunner.com
1-866-583-3912
cutter; crimper; window breaker and integrated
belt clip. Available through Hallmark Cutlery. Circle # 404
Circle # 403

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MinoxFirst
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Digital Camera Module
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128 MB, and a port for SD memory cards
Circle No. 214 on Inquiry Card with up to 4 GB capacity.

• Hot-Selling Long Guns Company


Minox USA
Phone #
1-866-469-3080
• Increase Your Flashlight Sales
Website
www.minox.com
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE!
• Your Hunting Season Profits
Circle # 405
44 JUNE 2008 www.shootingindustry.com
ACCESSORIES

Lansky Sharpeners
Pro Grade Industrial
MultiTool
Down Wind Scents
Inferno Buck Foam Lansky Sharpeners launches a new
product line with the Professional Grade
Down Wind Scents’ Inferno attractant Industrial MultiTool (LMT 100). Con-
uses natural deer essence combined with structed of 420 HC stainless steel, the
modern technology to create an alluring tool measures 6 1/4" open and folds to
100-percent natural blend of urine from 4 1/8", weighing 9.6 oz. The tool offers
does in estrus. The scent attracts mature 20 functions, including spring-loaded,
bucks, while masking a hunter’s scent. The needle-nose pliers; wire cutter; clip blade;
innovative nozzle permits proper dispersal serrated clip blade; small and medium
of the foam, and Inferno is formulated not screwdrivers; file and ruler; awl; mag-
to dissipate into soil, but to remain on the netic bit holder; can/bottle opener; plus a
surface to prolong its usefulness. It can be 1/4" socket drive with nine assorted bits.
applied to mock scrapes, deer trails and Included is a reinforced, ballistic nylon
around tree stands. sheath with snap closure.
COLLECTORS
Down Wind Scents Lansky Sharpeners
1-877-647-8451 (702) 361-7511 IDENTIFY YOURSELF
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Winchester Ammunition Steiner Binoculars
Add $4.00 S/H
Classified ads are: $2.00 per word per insertion with a 20-word mini-

Reduced Recoil .460 S&W Night Hunter


mum OR $1.50 per word per insertion for three or more issues with
a 25-word minimum. No charge for CAPS. Bold words add $1.00 per
word. Copy and rerun orders must be accompanied by PAYMENT
The Winchester Super-X .460 S&W Steiner introduces the XP Night Hunt- IN ADVANCE. NO AGENCY OR CASH DISCOUNTS ON LISTING OR
Reduced Recoil round features a 250-grain er binoculars, with NANO Protection on DISPLAY CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING. All ads must be received with
jacketed hollowpoint bullet, a muzzle ve- extra-large objective and ocular lenses advance payment BY NO LATER THAN THE 15th of each month. EX-
locity of 1,450 fps and 1,517 foot-pounds and Steiner HD Optic coating technology. AMPLE: Closing for NOVEMBER 2008 issue is September 15th. Ads
of muzzle energy. received after closing will appear in the following issue. Please type
Binoculars include roof prisms, dialectic
or print clearly. PLEASE NOTE: NO PROOFS WILL BE FURNISHED.
mirror coatings and HD-XP lens technol-
Include name, address, post office box, city, state and zip code
ogy, and the bodies of the binoculars are as counted words. Abbreviations count as one word each. Mail to
pressure-sealed and shock- and water- SHOOTING INDUSTRY CLASSIFIEDS, 12345 World Trade Dr, San
proof. The Night Hunter XP 10x50 has a Diego, California 92128. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARD-
field-of-view of 315' at 1,000 yards and ING YOUR CLASSIFIED AD IN SHOOTING INDUSTRY MAGAZINE,
weighs 35 oz.; and the Night Hunter XP CALL OUR SALES REPRESENTATIVE AT (858)605-0235.
12x56 has a field-of-view of 258' at 1,000
yards, with a weight of 41 oz.

Winchester Ammunition Steiner Binoculars


(618) 258-3242 1-800-257-7742

Visit Us Online 24/7


www.winchester.com www.steiner-binoculars.com

Circle # 408 Circle # 409


www.shootingindustry.com JUNE 2008 45
Russ Thurman

The Magic Of www.shootingindustry.com

O
ne of the most unintended best- Goschinski’s Fin Feather Fur Outfitters. the address. You try again. “%4#9++#!”
kept secrets of Shooting Industry You read the story and say, “let me check Again. Finally, you give up.
magazine is its Web site: www. these sites out,” and you type: “www. Instead of creating new and interesting
shootingindustry.com. It’s magical. At first premiumpartners.atk.com” or “www.fin- words, read Shooting Industry magazine,
glance, it may not seem so, but it is. Really. featherfuroutfitters.com” into your Web place paperclips on the pages with Web
Yes, like many other Web sites, it has a browser. Likely, just like me, you get sites you want to examine, sign onto www.
lot of information of interest to everyone an error message because you mistyped shootingindustry.com and click on the “Ta-
in the industry, but it has one major differ- ble Of Contents” in the upper right-hand
ence: It’s a great tool for dealers. corner. There you’ll find links to all the
All the articles in the printed version features and columns in the month’s issue.
of Shooting Industry are posted on the site In addition, at the bottom of the “Table Of
every month. What so special about that? Contents” page, there are links to all the is-
Well, all the Web site addresses we pub- sues for this year. So if you missed, say the
lish in the magazine are “active” in the on- “2008 New Products Showcases and Gal-
line version. Meaning, when you click on, leries” in our December, January, April and
say “www.ruger-firearms.com,” the Ruger May issues, they’re still available.
Web site opens on your computer. Magic! The person who creates all this magic
In addition to being a great timesaver, is Lorinda Massey, our promotions coor-
the “active” links save you a lot frustra- dinator. It takes a tremendous amount of
tion. You can move quickly through doz- work and patience to maintain the SI Web
ens of Web sites and avoid the invari- site. There are more than 75 “active” Web-
able outbursts of “%4#9++#!” when you site links in May’s online edition. For our
continuously mistype the Web addresses mega December and January Web editions,
you’ve noted in the printed magazine. there were more than 100 each. I thank her
For example, in May’s Industry News for all she does. You should, also.
section, there’s a story “ATK Honors 2007 Sign onto www.shootingindustry.com and So, read Shooting Industry magazine, ear-
Dealer Of The Year.” At the end of the click on “Click for More” under the “Table mark the pages with Web sites you want to
story, there are Web addresses for ATK’s Of Contents” heading in the upper right- visit, then sign onto www.shootingindustry.
Premium Partner program and to Mike hand corner. com and experience the magic.

We Have The Numbers Making That Million


W hat 2008 new products did dealers select as the best on
our April blog? What were the 2007 top-selling brands
in firearms, ammunition and accessories? Who was the top U.S.
R emember the $1 million Lansky Sharpening Systems dis-
played at its 2008 SHOT Show booth?
“We want dealers to know they can make a lot of money
firearm manufacturer in 2006? selling our sharpeners,” said Arthur Lansky, company founder
We know and we’ll present all the data in next month’s is- and president.
sue. In addition to our unique “U.S. Firearm Business Report,” To help dealers make that
we’ll present a look at trends and concerns facing the industry. million, Lansky is offering re-
In addition to examining data from the ATF, NSSF, For- tailers new point-of-purchase
eign Trade Division and others, we’ve partnered with South- displays, which allow custom-
wick Associates (info@southwickassociates.com). Here is ers to try a variety of Lansky
their latest report on top-selling brands. Sharpeners before making a
purchase. In addition, a new
Top-Selling Brands seven-minute DVD is avail-
March able to retailers and consum-
Category Brand MS* ers. It demonstrates the ease
Rifles Marlin 16.9% and effectiveness of Lansky
Shotguns Remington 23.2%
Sharpening Systems. You also
Handguns S&W 28.0%
can view the video online at
Rifle Ammo Remington 31.9%
www.lanskysharpeners.com.
Riflescopes Bushnell 26.1%
Game Calls Primos 33.3%
To begin making your million, contact Lansky at (702)
* Marketshare 361-7511, e-mail: info@lansky.com or visit www.lansky.com. 9

46 JUNE 2008 www.shootingindustry.com


Circle No. 226 on Inquiry Card
Since 1930

THE PERFECT PAIR

When it comes to rugged performance,


hunters have always relied on the trusted
name of Weaver®. From legendary optics
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outdoorsmen in the hunt since 1930. Keep
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the brand that symbolizes hunting optics in
the minds of millions of hunters—Weaver.

For more information on the entire line of Weaver products—including optics, rings and bases—contact ATK Dealer Services at (866) 223-9388.
©2008 ATK WE330 Circle No. 204 on Inquiry Card

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