Hornady Manufacturing recently received the coveted “Golden Keiler 2010 Jager (Hunter) Award” for Hornady’s innovative Superformance® ammunition. The award was presented at the 2011 IWA & Outdoor Classics show in Nuremberg, Germany. “It is an honor to have been selected to receive this award,” said Jason Hornady, a Vice President of Hornady.
Superformance ammo, now offered in 20+ calibers, features custom-blended powders tailored for particular cartridge and bullet combinations. Some of these blends consist of regularly available powders, but Hornady actually commissioned some new custom propellents that are not available to the general public. First introduced in 2009, Superformance ammunition was created to deliver extra speed. In some cartridge types, Superformance ammo runs as much as 200 fps faster than conventional factory ammunition loaded with the same bullets. You can usually count on getting at least 100 fps additional speed compared to factory ammo from from Federal, Remington, and Winchester.
How does Hornady deliver such high speeds with its Superformance ammo? That is explained in detail in AccurateShooter.com’s 2009 Interview with Dave Emary, Hornady’s Senior Ballistician. Emery identified five main factors that yield the enhanced performance:
Superformance ammo uses advanced new Ball Powders (not yet for sale).
The powders are BLENDED, with different “recipes” for different cartridges.
The new powders maintain high-energy longer in barrel (like Reloder 17).
The new powders burn almost completely, reducing ejecta, for less exit pressure, and less felt recoil.
Superformance ball propellants pack very densely, so more grains of powder can fit inside a case, compared to typical extruded stick powders.
In a major policy change, which could have a ripple effect in the outdoor industry, major catalog retailer L.L. Bean announced on 3/24/2011 that it will offer free shipping on virtually all products, all the time. This free shipping policy was a because L.L. Bean found that 25% or more of its web customers abandoned online orders once they saw the shipping charges in their online shopping cart. L.L. Bean’s website now declares: “Free Shipping: No minimum order, no end date, just free.”
Currently, Cabelas.com regularly offers free shipping promotions, and Amazon.com offers free shipping on major orders totalling $25.00 or more. The adoption by L.L. Bean of an “All free shipping, all the time” is expected to put pressure on other catalogers to follow suit. This may be a good thing for shooters, whose products may be heavier, on average, than the typical consumer purchasing clothing, or travel accessories.
Free Shipping is a Growing Trend in Online Retailing
According to Businessweek.com, we can expect more large companies to offer free shipping: “Andrew Lipsman, an analyst at Internet research firm comScore Inc., says the industry is moving in that direction. He says that in in 2009, 30 to 35 percent of online holiday purchases involved free shipping; this past holiday season, the figure grew to 40 to 45 percent.”
The Freedom Group, Inc. (FG) announced that Bushmaster Firearms Int’l production has been moved to the Freedom Group’s Ilion, New York facility, where Remington rifles (and other FG family brand firearms) are crafted. Bushmaster guns were previously built in Bushmaster’s Windham, Maine factory which is slated to close its doors at the end of this month, with a loss of 73 jobs. Freedom Group expects to create 40-50 new positions at the Ilion, New York facility as a result of the relocation.
The Freedom Group is one of the largest firearms manufacturers in the world. Among its product brands are: Remington, Bushmaster, DPMS/Panther Arms, Marlin, H&R, Parker, EOTAC, Mountain Khakis, AAC, and Dakota. A Freedom Group press release states: “The Bushmaster brand and products remain key strategic assets within the Freedom Group portfolio. The manufacturing relocation will have no impact on customers or the existing supply base”. John Trull, the Freedom Group’s Firearms Marketing VP, added: “We are committed to the Bushmaster brand, its core product offerings and bringing innovative new Bushmaster firearms to our customers.”
The 5th Annual Brownells Gunsmith Career Fair will feature some of the biggest names in the gun trade. These experts will share their knowledge to help budding gunsmiths learn new skills and grow their businesses. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) representatives will also be on hand to answer questions. The Gunsmith Career Fair runs April 15 and 16, 2011, at the Downtown Marriott Hotel in Des Moines, Iowa. The event is FREE to gunsmiths and exhibitors.
Wide Range of Scheduled Seminars
Seminars range from advancing your career in the gunsmithing profession to starting or expanding a gunsmithing business. View the full seminar schedule at gunsmithcareerfair.com. Scheduled Seminars are listed below:
Seminar Title and Seminar Leader
Am I Gunsmithing or Manufacturing — ATF Technology Branch (4/15)
Alternative Careers in the Industry — Bill Gravatt, Sinclair Int’l (4/15)
Essential Components of a Business Plan — Tom Shay (4/15)
Creating Your Niche in Life — Doug Turnbull (4/15)
Marking Variances & When are They Required — ATF Technology Branch (4/15)
Finding Your Specialty in the Industry — Sharon Dressel (4/15)
Small Businesses Don’t Die; They Commit Suicide — Tom Shay (4/15)
Responsible, Professional Gunsmith Opportunities (Keynote Address) — Ron Power (4/15)
Professional Techniques on Gunsmithing Guns — Ron Power (4/16)
Creating a Great Customer Experience — Bart Miller (4/16)
Understanding Ballistics — Paul Dressel (4/16)
Communicating with the Public — Reid Coffield (4/16)
It’s Not Too Late to Register
There’s still time to register to attend or exhibit, just go to gunsmithcareerfair.com or call 641-623-5401 and ask for Stacy or Jill. Attendees and exhibitors are urged to book hotel rooms and flights early.
The 2011 15th Edition of the CMP Competition Rules is now available. These Rules govern Service Rifle, Service Pistol, and CMP Games shooting events. CLICK HERE to download the complete 2011 CMP Rule Book as a digital PDF file.
Here are highlights of the Rule changes:
NEW Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Matches
Rules for the new Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Match for two-person teams are now available in the 2011 edition of the CMP Competition Rules. This year, Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Matches will be fired at the Eastern CMP Games on 10 May, the National Matches on 3 August and the Western CMP Games on 18 October. In addition, any CMP-affiliated club that has 300- and 600-yard firing distances on their club range may now apply to conduct a Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Match as a CMP-sanctioned competition.
This match is for two-person teams. One team member shoots while the other serves as a spotter. After ten shots at either the 300- or 600-yard distance, the two change roles for another ten shots. Each shooter fires a total of 20 shots and team rankings are based on their 40-shot totals.
All teams are required to use as-issued rifles employed for military sniping purposes in 1953 or earlier. The M1903A4, the M1C, M1D and many foreign military sniper rifles are legal for this match. Rule 6.4.3 includes a Table with a complete list of the permitted rifles, which may be either originals or replica rifles. The Table also lists the allowed original scopes and permitted replica (non-issue) optics such as the Lyman Alaskan, Weaver K2.5 and K4 and Stith-Kollmorgen.
Service Rifle Rear Sight Inserts, Rule 6.1.2 (3)
The CMP approved two commercial rear sight inserts that serve as visual aids especially for older shooters for use in Service Rifle competitions. The rectangular rear aperture insert produced by ShootingSight LLC and the SR MicroSight produced by Stallings Machine are both now legal for use in CMP-sanctioned Service Rifle matches.
Bullet Button Magazine Locks, Rule 6.2.3 (15)
California residents only are now authorized to use AR-type service rifles equipped with Bullet Button or similar magazine locks that replace the standard magazine catch.
Quad Rails on M16/ARs, Rule 6.2.3 (14)
Service Rifle competitors must use rifles similar to weapons issued to military personnel. Since quad rails are now common on M16s used by military personnel, M16/AR competition rifles will also be allowed to have quad rails. This authorization is limited to the standard 12-inch military quad rail or its commercial equivalent. NOTE: the front sling swivel must still be attached to the front of the hand guard.
Repaired Stocks, Rule 6.3.1 (11)
Shooters of As-Issued Military Rifles frequently have to deal with cracked or broken stocks. Under previous rules no glue, epoxy or synthetic substances could be used anywhere in the stock due to concerns over the use of epoxy or fiberglass for bedding. This restriction has now been modified so that shooters can use “epoxies or other chemical adhesives” to repair cracked or broken stocks as long as this material is not used to bed the action or barrel.
How to Get 2011 CMP Rulebook
Download the new CMP Rulebook at http://www.odcmp.com/Competitions/Rulebook.pdf. You can also order printed copies ($3.00 each) from the CMP E-Store or contact: CMP Competitions Department, P.O. Box 576, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452, phone (419) 635-2141, ext. 1122.
If you’re heading to Camp Perry this summer, the NRA has a new downloadable resource that should come in handy. The 2011 National Matches Information Guide (digital edition) includes all the essential information for the National Matches such as a map of Camp Perry, championship calendar, and schedules for important events. The guidebook also includes ads from local businesses in Port Clinton, Ohio with information on restaurants, lodging, and more. There are special promotions and discounts for Camp Perry competitors.
The National Matches Ad & Information Guide also has a directory of our sponsors, many of whom are on vendor row. Check out the National Matches Ad & Information Guide online to see what’s happening at Camp Perry at the 2011 National Rifle and Pistol Matches.
Zeiss Victory RF Binoculars recently received the 2010 Sporting Classics Award of Excellence. The Zeiss Victory 8×45 and 10×45 T* RF Binoculars, the world’s first premium binoculars with rangefinding capability, LED display and integrated BIS™ ballistic calculator, were described by Sporting Classics magazine as “the finest example of an integrated binocular and laser rangefinder yet manufactured.” While other binoculars, most notably the Leica GeoVid, have a built-in laser rangefinders, only the Zeiss Victory RF Binoculars provide a built-in Ballistics solver.
Here’s more of what the testers at Sporting Classics had to say: “The RF eliminates the hassles of carrying two separate units, especially the all-too-familiar struggles when switching between them in excitable moments……. In our tests, the RF outperformed all rivals in ease of operation, speed, distance, accuracy and optical quality…….Best of all, resolution, contrast, flare control and overall optical quality showcase Zeiss’s commitment to impeccable performance.”
In a review of the Zeiss RF Binocular for his LongRangeHunting.com website, Len Backus writes: “I was able to show the Zeiss Victory RF 10×45 Rangefinder Binocular unit to several other hunters. Without exception, the first comment was always to marvel at the speed with which the unit returned a range. Only one touch of the main control button is needed. The hunters also liked the ergonomics. The focus wheel turns easily, but not too easily, and it is well located. [The] two control buttons are located well and the unit has a good, solid feel to it. The glass is superb. I thought it was slightly better than that of my Swarovski 10×42 SLC binoculars. Edge to edge sharpness was very good.”
Available in 8×45, 10×45, 8×56 and 10×56, the Victory RF Binoculars have also been recognized by National Geographic Adventure magazine, Outdoor Life and Gray’s Sporting Journal.
Tonight, on the Outdoor Channel, you can watch four of America’s best female action and multi-gun shooters. In tonight’s episode of the Shooting Gallery on the Outdoor Channel, ace USPSA shooters Julie Golob, Tasha Hanish, Lisa Munson, and Randi Rogers show off their skills with pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Golob, captain of Team Smith & Wesson, is a National Champion Pistol Shooter who is now taking up the multi-gun challenge. Hanish, one of the top shooters for Team FNH, is a two-time USPSA Multi-Gun National Champion (Women’s Tactical Division). Lisa Munson has captured 11 National Pistol titles over the years, and now competes with Team Smith & Wesson, along with Golob. Randi Rogers (aka ‘Holy Terror’) is a multi-time Cowboy Action Ladies World Champion who has been shooting modern pistols with Team Glock for the past few years. Randi has won numerous tournaments for Glock. If you ever get a chance to watch Randi shoot a lever gun (from her cowboy action days) — you will be amazed. In speed events, using her lever gun, she could beat most male competitors who are using modern semi-auto rifles. She is that fast and accurate.
Preview Tonight’s Shooting Gallery Episode
Here is a preview from Tonight’s Shooting Gallery, hosted by Michael Bane.
Outdoor Channel Airtimes are: 03-16-11 at 3:30pm, 7:00pm, 9:00pm | 03-17-11 at 3:00am.
Tasha Hanish at Multi-Gun Nationals — You Go, Girl!
In the following video, taken at the 2010 USPSA Multi-Gun Nationals, you can see Tasha Hanish blaze through a 3-gun stage. Tasha starts with her 9mm pistol, then grabs her shotgun to blast steel plates, and finally engages a bank of 200-yard targets with her FNH SCAR rifle. Tasha won the Ladies’ 2010 Multi-Gun Championship in the Tactical Class.
Here’s the perfect part-time job for a web-savvy gun aficionado. Berreta is seeking a free-lance Social Media Manager to work with gun blogs, gun forums, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and other social media outlets on the internet. Beretta’s Social Media Manager will be tasked with promoting Beretta’s products and direct-marketing initiatives through non-traditional digital media. What does that mean? Well, you’ll send press releases to sites like this one, you’ll update Beretta’s facebook page regularly, and you’ll monitor gun forums to “spread the word” about Beretta firearms and sporting products.
We think Beretta is smart to utilize modern digital media to deliver its marketing message. Here are the specific job requirements:
Beretta Social Media Manager Position
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Work with Marketing team to take existing collateral and promote it on all applicable social networking touch points. Ensure social media tools are kept up to date. Manage social media campaigns and daily activities to include: on-line advocacy, writing editorial, consumer-outreach efforts and promotions. Be an advocate of Beretta in social media spaces, engaging in dialogue and answering questions. Manage presence in social networking sites including Facebook, Twitter, and other similar community sites, posting on relevant blogs, and seeding content where applicable. Monitor trends in social media tools.
MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field, or combination of education and related work experience.
• Minimum of 5 years experience representing a recognized brand.
• Knowledge of Beretta products and services required.
• Advanced pc skills including Microsoft Office/Internet.
• Ability to troubleshoot pc-related technical problems.
• Strong command of the English language.
• Attention to detail and accuracy required.
Remington issued a Safety Warning And Recall Notice on 3/14/2011 concerning Remington’s .223 Rem ammo. Remington states that four (4) lots of its .223 Rem 62gr Hollow Point (Match) Ammunition may have been improperly loaded. The affected LOT numbers are H03RAI, H04RDI, H16NAI, and H17NDI. Lot numbers are found on the inside flap of each box. Do NOT use these lots of ammo — the cartridges may develop excessive pressure, causing “damage to the firearm, serious personal injury or death.” If you have any of the recalled ammo, contact the Remington Consumer Service Dept. at 1-800-243-9700, Prompt #4.
Remington .223 62 GR (MATCH) Hollow Point Ammunition
LOT NOS. H03RAI, H04RDI, H16NAI or H17NDI
Remington has determined that four (4) Lot Numbers of its .223 Remington 62 Gr Hollow Point (Match) Ammunition may have been improperly loaded. The four (4) Lot Numbers are identified above. Improper loading may cause a malfunction of the cartridge when the firearm is fired resulting in higher than normal pressures. This malfunction may result in damage to the firearm, serious personal injury or death.
Do Not Use REMINGTON .223 62 GR (MATCH) HOLLOW POINT AMMUNITION WITH
LOT NOS. H03RAI, H04RDI, H16NAI or H17NDI
To identify if you have one of these Lots of ammunition:
* If you have a case of .223 Remington 62 Gr Hollow Point (Match) Ammunition the Lot Number is stenciled on the outside of the case; and,
* If you have a box of .223 Remington 62 Gr Hollow Point (Match) Ammunition the Lot Number is stamped on the inside flap of the box.
If you have any of this .223 Remington 62 Gr Hollow Point (Match) Ammunition, as identified above, immediately discontinue use of this ammunition and contact Remington at the below telephone number. Remington will arrange for the return shipment of your ammunition and upon receipt will send you replacement ammunition at no cost to you. If you are unsure whether or not you have one or more of these Lots of ammunition or if you have mixed boxes of ammunition; please immediately discontinue the use of the ammunition and contact Remington at the below telephone number — we will replace this ammunition for you.
For any consumer questions or instructions on how to return of your .223 Remington 62 Gr Hollow Point (Match) Ammunition with one of the following Lot Numbers H03RAI, H04RDI, H16NAI OR H17NDI, please contact the Remington Consumer Service Department at 1-800-243-9700, Prompt #4.
Hornady Manufacturing recently received the coveted “Golden Keiler 2010 Jager (Hunter) Award” for Hornady’s innovative Superformance® ammunition. The award was presented at the 2011 IWA & Outdoor Classics show in Nuremberg, Germany. “It is an honor to have been selected to receive this award,” said Jason Hornady, a Vice President of Hornady.
In a major policy change, which could have a ripple effect in the outdoor industry, major catalog retailer 
The 
The 5th Annual Brownells 
The 2011 15th Edition of the CMP Competition Rules is now available. These Rules govern Service Rifle, Service Pistol, and CMP Games shooting events. 
Service Rifle Rear Sight Inserts, Rule 6.1.2 (3)
Tonight, on the 
Here’s the perfect part-time job for a web-savvy gun aficionado. Berreta is seeking a free-lance 
Remington issued a 
