July 19th, 2023

Shooting USA’s Jim Scoutten Passes Away at Age 77

Jim James Scoutten shooting usa television American Shooter

Sadly, Shooting USA host and respected outdoor sports journalist Jim Scoutten has passed at age 77, following a brief illness. Noted as “one of the most iconic voices in the shooting sports industry”, Jim Scoutten hosted the popular Shooting USA cable television broadcast for decades. He was a leading force in the firearms industry. This Editor had the chance to meet Jim on many occasions at SHOT Show, and I can confirm that he was a talented man of high integrity who was dedicated to advancing the shooting sports and protecting Second Amendment freedoms. The Shooting USA series will continue hosted by Jim’s capable son John Scoutten.

Yesterday, the Shooting USA Facebook page stated: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jim Scoutten. In his thirty years of reporting the shooting sports, Jim played a pivotal role in the industry and will be greatly missed.” Jim’s concluding message from each show was, famously: “As always, shoot safely, shoot often, and keep ‘em in the ten ring.”

Here are just a few of the 1,000+ comments on Facebook:

I watched Jim for many years. What a wealth of knowledge he was. Thank you Jim for all you did for the shooting sports, your legacy will live on! Even though I am rarely in the “ten ring”, I will keep shooting often! Rest in peace Sir!

There are a lot of heavy hearts tonight. Jim is a LEGEND. My condolences to the family. Thank You, Sir, for your devotion to the industry and to shooters everywhere. Rest easy.

He was such an icon in the shooting industry! Was so proud I made one his shows from Bianchi Cup. My condolences to the family.

He always made Wednesday night TV something to look forward to. He was so passionate towards the shooting sports and outdoors communities.

Jim did so much for the industry and was truly respected. Prayers to his family.

Jim James Scoutten shooting usa television American Shooter

Jim Scoutten Was a Notable Defender of the Second Amendment
In the early 1990s Jim worked on the American Shooter TV program, which was then followed by the very popular Shooting USA series. Media leaders praised Jim’s contribution to the shooting world and his role in protecting Second Amendment Rights.

“Jim leaves a strong legacy as a tireless defender of shooting, firearms, and our Second-Amendment rights. His voice was unique and powerful; we will honor Jim by carrying on in the endless fight to defend the Constitution and will support his family and team as they forge a new future for Shooting USA.” — Mitch Petrie, V.P. Programming of Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks.

“Jim Scoutten [reported] the stories of the shooting industry and the competitive shooting disciplines since 1993. In [30] years of broadcasting on four national networks, he’s done more to popularize the shooting sports than any other individual or organization, reaching multiple generations with the invitation to bring out your guns and enjoy some competition.” — Garry Mason, Outdoor Legends Hall of Fame.

FirearmsNews.com reported:

During [Jim Scoutten’s] tenure, the American Shooter TV program became the highest-rated outdoors television program in history, garnering more than one million fans nationwide. In recent years, Scoutten has been a part of the Shooting USA program, a show that he has co-hosted with his eldest son John, and the Sighting In with Shooting USA program, both series appearing on Outdoor Channel along with full seasons on My Outdoor TV (MOTV).


In this Shooting USA episode, Jim Scoutten showcased High Power Silhouette Rifles.

A Franklin, Tennesse resident, Scoutten’s firm but gentle voice and familiar smile were eagerly welcomed into the homes of America’s shooting enthusiasts for three decades, an invitation that made him the most watched firearms reporter in industry history thanks to his knowledge of firearms, his passion for the shooting sports, and journalistic integrity that marked his long career.

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