The NRA Annual Meeting and Exhibits extravaganza is less than a month away. From April 10-12, the NRA will hold its annual gathering at the Music City Center in Nashville. This is a big event with over 550 exhibitors in a 450,000 square-foot facility.
One of the highlights this year will be the presence of the “Gun Gurus”, firearms experts Jim Supica and Phil Schreier of the NRA Museum. Jim and Phil will film an episode of NRA Gun Gurus while in Nashville. If you own an historic, collectible, or unique firearm, here’s your chance to have it evaluated by two of the foremost firearm experts in the world. You can apply today to have your firearm evaluated. If you make the cut, you (and your guns) may appear on a future episode of NRA Gun Gurus.
Interested in learning about your most prized firearm? CLICK HERE to request a session with the NRA Gun Gurus in Nashville on April 9, 2015. You’ll need to submit an image and description of your gun.
One of the great things about shooting is that one can excel in the sport even as an “elder statesman”. Senior citizen Tom Pampalone of Florida recently proved that in F-TR competition. Still “shooting and loving it” at age 76, Tom used his Eliseo R1 F-TR rifle to set not one but TWO Grand Senior National Records. Bravo Tom! Gary Eliseo of Competition Machine says Tom’s record-setting performance is an inspiration for all of us: “I don’t know about you, but I want to be like Tom when I grow up!”
Shown below is Competition Machine’s HD bipod system. Tom Pampalone used a similar set-up fitted to his red R1 F-TR rifle. The bipod “head” clamps around the fore-end, allowing the system to rotate around the barrel axis as needed to match the terrain. The long, ski-type feet distribute the load over a large surface area. This reduces hop and helps the gun track straight back during recoil.
Count this as a small victory for gun owners — the ATF’s proposed ban on “Green Tip” M855 ammo has been taken off the table — for now at least. The Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm and Explosives (ATF) announced that it will rethink its proposed ban on commonplace 5.56x45mm M855 “green tip” ammunition. ATF has shelved the M855 ban for the time being while it reviews the 80,000+ comments it has received on the issue. The Shooting Wire noted that: “In addition to those 80,000 comments from average citizens, letters from both houses of Congress warned the ATF [that its] proposal was…a violation of law as Congress had exempted M855 from armor piercing classification because of its widespread use for recreational and competition shooting.” Though the matter is “off the table” for now, ATF will continue to accept comments through March 16, 2015.
ATF Statement Regard Proposed M855 Ban
“Thank you for your interest in ATF’s proposed framework for determining whether certain projectiles are ‘primarily intended for sporting purposes’ within the meaning of 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(17)(C). The informal comment period will close on Monday, March 16, 2015. ATF has already received more than 80,000 comments, which will be made publicly available as soon as practicable. Although ATF endeavored to create a proposal that reflected a good faith interpretation of the law and balanced the interests of law enforcement, industry, and sportsmen, the vast majority of the comments received to date are critical of the framework, and include issues that deserve further study. Accordingly, ATF will not at this time seek to issue a final framework. After the close of the comment period, ATF will process the comments received, further evaluate the issues raised therein, and provide additional open and transparent process (for example, through additional proposals and opportunities for comment) before proceeding with any framework.”
“Forever”. That’s a serious concept. In a world where many products are guaranteed for just 30 days (or not at all), the Brownells “forever” 100% satisfaction guarantee is pretty darn impressive. In this video, Pete Brownell, company CEO, explains how the Brownells guarantee works. If any product Brownells sells ever proves unsatisfactory, at any time, Brownells will replace it or refund your money. That applies to both Brownells-branded products as well as third-party manufactured items sold by Brownells. Think about that the next time you buy a trigger or scope rail or other firearm accessory.
“One thing about Brownells that sets it apart from any other organization inside or outside the firearms industry is our return policy. Here’s how it is… it’s guaranteed forever. What this means is, if you buy [a product] from Brownells… whatever it is, it’s guaranteed forever. Not just lifetime, but forever.” — Pete Brownell, CEO
100% Satisfaction Guarantee on Everything We Sell
If you aren’t completely, 100% satisfied with any purchase you receive from Brownells, for any reason, at any time, return it for a full refund or exchange. No hassle, no problem. And, we won’t bog you down in endless paperwork. [This statement appears on Brownells.com].
Many of our readers travel far and wide during summer months, both on family vacations and to participate in shooting matches. When transporting firearms across state lines, it is vital to understand the laws and regulations that apply in each jurisdiction. Moreover, all of us need to stay informed about gun laws in our home states, since new laws are passed every year.
Indiana attorney Brian Ciyou has created an outstanding resource, Gun Laws by State (2015 Ed.) (GLBS), that explains firearms laws in all 50 states. Ciyou’s gun law treatise, available in both book and online (web) formats, covers state laws as well as key federal laws that apply in federal buildings, airports, National Parks, and school zones. There is a handy Reciprocity Map showing which states recognize concealed weapon permits issued in other jurisdictions. Moreover, GLBS covers Reciprocal Carry for all 50 states, Constitutional Law, Federal Statutory Law, Use of Force, Criminal Provisions, Civil and Criminal Liability, Preemption, Federal Property Rules, and Interstate Transportation.
Amazingly, you can access all this important legal information for FREE on the GLBS website. Click on an interactive map to quickly review gun laws in any state. Navigation links provide quick access to particular topics, such as rules for Airline Travel, Amtrak, National Parks, and Federal properties. The web version of Gun Laws by State is updated regularly, and Ciyou even provides a GLBS Gun Laws Blog with current “news and views” on gun regulations nationwide. This Editor regularly references the Gun Laws by State website. I suggest readers bookmark the site, and consider buying the book if you frequently travel with firearms outside your home state. The printed book version costs $19.95, while a digital eBook is $9.95. Click here to purchase GLBS books and eBooks.
You may not have heard of Vista Outdoor (NYSE: VSTO), but you’ll know many of the brands under its corporate umbrella: Alliant Powder, Blackhawk, Bolle, Bushnell, CCI, Federal Premium, Outers, RCBS, Savage Arms, Simmons, Speer, Weaver. To learn more about Vista Outdoor’s operations and products, visit www.vistaoutdoor.com or Vista Outdoor’s Facebook Page.
So what is Vista Outdoor? This corporate giant used to be the sporting division of ATK (Alliant Techsystems*). In February of this year, ATK split into two separate companies. The outdoor sports/hunting/shooting brands (with annual revenues of $2.3 billion) were consolidated into Vista Outdoor. The aerospace/military contract operations of ATK were continued in a second company, Orbital ATK. Vista Outdoor, now head-quartered in Clearfield, Utah, is a standalone, publicly-traded outdoor sports and recreation company with approximately 5,800 employees worldwide.
In a recent interview with GearJunkie.com, Vista Outdoor’s Chairman/CEO Mark DeYoung revealed that Vista Outdoor will release scores of new products in 2015:
Q: Looking ahead for this year, what to-be-released products are you most excited about?
A: Bushnell has a rangefinder for golf that is innovative. We introduced it at the PGA Show. The A17 rifle from Savage is big news — we sold out of a whole year’s capacity at the SHOT Show. Overall, there are about 130 new products coming this year from our brands[.]
Vista Outdoor Started Trading as VSTO on February 10, 2015
Vista Outdoor “went live” as a separate, publicly-traded company on the New York Stock Exchange on February 10, 2015. Here is the official press release:
Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO), which previously operated as the Sporting Group of Alliant Techsystems Inc. (“ATK”), announced today the successful completion of its spin-off from ATK (NYSE: ATK) into a standalone, publicly traded outdoor sports and recreation company.
On February 9, 2015, ATK distributed to its stockholders two shares of Vista Outdoor common stock for every share of ATK common stock held as of record on February 2, 2015. Vista Outdoor common stock will begin “regular-way” trading under the symbol “VSTO” on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) today, February 10, 2015, when markets open.
“Today marks the creation of a new leading commercial and consumer-products company focused on innovative solutions, strategic customer partnerships, execution excellence and creating long-term shareholder value,” said Mark DeYoung, Vista Outdoor Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our consumers depend on our products to deliver quality and performance in a variety of outdoor environments and activities. Our mission is to bring the world outside, and to support and facilitate the success of outdoor enthusiasts as they strive to achieve their own rugged independence.”
About Vista Outdoor Inc.
Vista Outdoor is a leading global designer, manufacturer and marketer in the growing outdoor sports and recreation markets. The company operates in two segments, Outdoor Products and Shooting Sports, and has more than 30 well-recognized brands that provide consumers with a wide range products in the ammunition, firearms and outdoor accessories categories. Vista Outdoor is headquartered in Utah and has manufacturing operations and facilities in 10 U.S. States, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Canada.
*Alliant Techsystems Inc. (ATK) came into being as an independent company in 1990 when Honeywell spun off its defense businesses to shareholders. ATK got into the ammo business in 2001 when it acquired Blount International. ATK grew with later acquisitions of Weaver Optics (2008), Blackhawk (2010), Savage Arms (2013), and Bushnell (2013).
Story tip by EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Here’s a dream gun industry job for a skilled engineer. Weatherby, one of America’s leading firearms manufacturers, is seeking an experienced Design Engineer. The Design Engineer is responsible for the development of new and existing firearms products, and equipment from concept to production. This includes R&D, design, testing, troubleshooting, improvements, procedure development, and documentation.
If you have an engineering degree and at least six (6) years of experience in firearms design and product development, you may want to apply for this job at Weatherby’s facility in Paso Robles, CA. Weatherby offers competitive compensation with healthcare and 401K plans. As for the venue, we can assure potential candidates that Paso Robles is a great place to live and work. (There are some great shooting ranges nearby.) If you are interested, and meet the guidelines, send a cover letter and current resume to Jalene John, jjohn [at] weatherby.com .
Additional Qualification requirements include the following:
· CAD experience in two-dimensional drafting and three-dimensional solid design. Extensive experience with SolidWorks CAD software. A high level of proficiency is required.
· Familiarity with manufacturing processes including machining, metal finishing, heat treating, plastic & metal injection molding.
· Ability to travel domestically and internationally to industry trade shows and vendor factories to support production and product development.
· Strong communication, presentation and organizational skills. Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
Germany is the center of the gun world this week. Now through March 9, 2015 Nuremberg (Nürnberg) hosts the IWA Outdoor Classics trade show, Europe’s largest gun-related exposition. Nearly 1400 exhibitors will be displaying new guns, shooting accessories, and hunting gear. We know many of our readers would love to experience the IWA trade show first-hand, but traveling to Europe is impractical. Well for you guys, here are the keys to the castle. Just follow the tips below and you can preview thousands of products currently on display in Germany.
4707 Products in 2015 IWA Product Showcase
If you want to see all the guns and gear featured at the 2015 IWA show, visit the IWA Products Page on the web. There you’ll find descriptions of 4707 featured products, everything from ballistics software to safari rifles. Click on the “New Products” link to see 554 featured new items. You can browse all new products, or Choose Product by Category. For the main product categories (Such as Guns, Ammo, and Optics), you can further search by subcategory (e.g. Guns > Rifles, or Optics > Rangefinders).
Newcon Optik 12,000-meter LRB 12K Night GPS-Enabled Smart Rangefinder:
The LRB 12K and LRB 12KNIGHT from Newcon Optik are built to outperform any handheld laser rangefinder binocular available today. Features include: A 12,000m (NATO target) measuring range, built-in digital magnetic compass, built-in GPS receiver, and in the LRB 12KNIGHT a Gen 3 night-vision channel. Through USB and RS-232 interfaces, the LRB 12K and LRB 12KNIGHT can be operated remotely, and transmit data to external GPS systems and ballistic computers. Both units can communicate with Android™-based smartphones and tablets.
Alexander Arms Ulfberht .338 Lapua Rifle:
Here is the Ulfberht semi-automatic, .338 Lapua Magnum rifle from Alexander Arms. The rifle features a custom-designed gas piston operating system, steel receiver, 27.5-inch chrome moly barrel with 1:9.3″ twist, three-prong flash hider, folding Magpul PRS stock, and Geissele SSA® two-stage, match-type trigger. The rifle is 41.25 inches long with the stock folded and 50 inches long with the stock extended. Total rifle weight is 19.8 pounds.
Bluetooth-Enabled Ear Muffs with Retractable Microphone.
The Swedish-designed Hunter SMART Active Hearing protection system lets a hunter communicate with his guide or hunting companion. This works with reachargeable AA batteries and it can also play music. These electronic muffs boast bluetooth connectivity, with a retractable mic, and mini-USB port.
You have to love this — a shooting facility in Western Pennsylvania has its own ammo vending machine. This is the same kind of machine normally used to sell snack foods. But at the Beaver Valley Rifle & Pistol Club (BVRPC), you can get .38 Specials instead of Pretzels. The vending machine offers a wide assortment of pistol cartridges, packaged in 50-round bags. Fifty 9mm Luger rounds cost $21.00 and yes the machine takes credit cards.
The machine was installed by Sam Piccinini, owner of the Master Ammo Company. Sam says the machine is a convenience for club members, who had trouble finding ammo that complied with Club rules prohibiting jacketed bullets: “Most conventional commercial ammunition manufactured today is jacketed, and jackets can separate from the lead when it hits the backstops in gun ranges.” All the ammo in the vending machine features non-jacketed bullets. Piccinini states: “The machine sells pretty much everything — from .22 long rifle to .45 Long Colt and every standard caliber in between except .32 and .25 automatic. It’s got 380, 9, 38, 40, 45, .357 SIG.” (Source BeaverCountian.com)
Mainstream media reports of the ammo vending machine have spurred controversy. ATF rules prohibit an ammo-maker from selling handgun ammunition to persons under 21 years of age. The machine is located inside a locked, private facility restricted to persons over 18. On the machine is the warning: “You must be over 21 to purchase handgun ammunition from this machine.” BVRPC President Bill Fontana states: “It’s nobody’s business, it’s our club, we can do as our members allow us. Legally there’s nothing anybody can do about it.”
CMP Board Members and a few CMP staff members enjoyed a visit to the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park yesterday. They fired a few shots downrange from the 200-yard line. Here’s an image from the Kongsberg electronic target system. Shot impacts are precisely triangulated with sonic target sensors, then shot locations (and scores) are displayed on monitors placed next to each shooter. For more information on the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park, visit http://thecmp.org/competitions/talladega-marksmanship-park/.
The 13,000-square-foot CMP Park Club House overlooks the 600-yard range. Panoramic windows look out towards the firing line and the Alabama woodlands beyond.
Register Now for Inaugural D-Day Match at Talladega
The first official matches at the new CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park will be fired on the weekend of June 6-7, 2015. The celebration is a two-day event which includes tours of the facility. A special John C. Garand “D-Day Anniversary” Rifle Match On Saturday, June 6th will officially open the facility. On Sunday there will be an EIC Service Rifle Match, EIC Service Pistol Match, and a CMP .22 Rimfire EIC Pistol Match. The inagural event is limited to the first 350 Competitors, so register soon via the CMP’s Competition Tracker website.
ATF Statement Regard Proposed M855 Ban
Here’s a dream gun industry job for a skilled engineer. Weatherby, one of America’s leading firearms manufacturers, is seeking an experienced Design Engineer. The Design Engineer is responsible for the development of new and existing firearms products, and equipment from concept to production. This includes R&D, design, testing, troubleshooting, improvements, procedure development, and documentation.
