|
|
January 12th, 2011
 The 2011 SHOT Show kicks off January 18 in Las Vegas at the Sands Convention Center. Running for four days through the 21st, SHOT Show, the largest gun- and hunting-related trade show in the world, will attract over 1600 exhibitors and more than 30,000 attendees, plus nearly 2,000 media representatives.
Those attending SHOT Show can create a customized booth visit guide using the NSSF’s web-based interactive Show Planner. You can also access a List of Exhibitors and a Show Floorplan through the official SHOT Show Website, www.ShotShow.org.
Problems with Hotel Bookings — Check your Reservations!
Unfortunately, it appears that there are some problems with Las Vegas hotels reserved through third-party booking agencies. Jim Shepherd of the Shooting Wire reports: “Apparently, some who have booked their hotel rooms through third-party booking companies are finding out they’re out the money, but their rooms were never booked. At least one hotel room reseller (HDMC) appears to have taken payments from SHOT Show attendees without actually booking rooms.”
Chris Dolnack, representing SHOT Show organizer NSSF, advises show attendees to double-check their reservations. Those who booked through HDMC should call their hotels right away to ensure rooms were actually booked. Dolnack adds: “As a safety precaution, anyone who booked using a third party (not the SHOT Show reservation desk or the hotel directly) should contact the hotel to confirm their reservations.”
January 12th, 2011
SGT Sherri Gallagher, winner of the 2010 NRA High Power Rifle Championship at Camp Perry, was recently named the U.S. Army’s Soldier of the Year (SOY). SGT Gallagher, who comes from a family of champion shooters, is the first female to win the SOY Award. The Soldier of the Year competition is an intense 12-month event evaluating simulated battle operations, urban orienteering, first aid, marksmanship, and other soldiering skills. In October, 2010, Sherri beat a talented field of other soldiers at the final stage of the SOY Competition — the ‘Best Warrior’ event held at Fort Lee, Virginia.
 Last week, Sherri appeared on the Fox News show Fox and Friends to discuss her Soldier of the Year accomplishment as well as her background in competitive shooting. SGT. Gallagher began shooting at the age of five, as part of America’s leading family of rifle shooters. Sherri’s older sister Michelle Gallagher, mother Nancy Tompkins, and step-father Mid Tompkins have all won major championships. Only two women have ever won the National High Power Championship. The first was Nancy Tompkins, and the second was her daughter, Sherri.
SGT. Gallagher Deploys to Afghanistan Soon
Sherri is getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan where she will help train Afghanistan National Army soldiers in marksmanship. As part of a U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) training group, SGT Gallagher will pass on some of the rifle skills that have made her a champion. As she heads off to the Afghan war zone, we wish her (and all U.S. Service personnel) a safe and successful deployment.
Story by KJillson, courtesy NRA Blog; video courtesy of Fox News Insider.
January 9th, 2011
 If you want to learn about the latest new guns and shooting accessories for 2011, log on to ShootingIndustry.com and check out the FREE January 2011 Digital Edition of Shooting Industry Magazine. The special January SHOT Show edition is packed with new products. The New Product Showcase spotlights hundreds of new product offerings from manufacturers across the industry. Firearms, ammunition, optics and accessories are included.
SHOT Show Guide and Exhibitors’ Map
The January edition of Shooting Industry Magazine also provides invaluable info for SHOT Show attendees. You’ll find planning tips, last-minute updates, and the official SHOT Show Exhibitors Guide complete with floor map of the convention center.
Last but not least, the January issue of Shooting Industry Magazine includes an up-to-date list of manufacturers’ promotions, sweepstakes, rebates, and dealer incentives.
January 8th, 2011
The popular TOP SHOT TV show was a hit in its first season, so the producers immediately started working on Season 2, which will run later this year. Since Hollywood can’t have too much of a good thing, the History Channel is now seeking seeking skilled marksmen for the third season of the “Survival”-style TV series. If you missed the show last summer, it features teams of shooters competing in weapons skill scenarios. One cast member is eliminated in each round. Near the end, the show shifts to one-on-one competition, with the “last man standing” earning a $100,000 cash prize.
TOP SHOT Season 3 Casting Call — Applications Due by February 1st, 2011
The History Channel is actively soliciting new TOP SHOT cast members right now. Deadline for submission of entries is February 1, 2011. Interestingly, for season 3, the Show’s producer, Pilgrim Films & TV, hopes to find some paired contestants (such as two co-workers, or a husband and wife). The casting call notice states:
“We are looking for anyone with unrivaled shooting skills and a big personality to take on exciting physical challenges with multiple guns and mystery projectile weapons. It doesn’t matter if you’re a professionally-trained shooter or a self-taught average Joe or Jane! As long as you’re in good physical shape, have mastered a firearm and can adapt to new weapons and demanding physical situations, you could be America’s next ‘Top Shot’. We’re also looking for MARKSMEN PAIRS: Husband/Wife, Father/Son, Co-Workers or Siblings. If you and a close friend or relative are excellent shots, we want to hear from you both.”
Detailed eligibility requirements are found in the forms linked below. You can also use these forms to apply for Season 3 of TOP SHOT. Otherwise, simply email TopShotCasting [at] gmail.com with your name, city/state, phone number, a recent photo of yourself and a brief explanation of why you should be selected. If you have questions, call the TOP SHOT casting hotline: (818) 478-4570.
Casting Requirements and Eligibility Form – PDF (Print Hardcopy and Fax or Mail Back)
Casting Requirements and Eligibility Form – Editable PDF (Fill Out with Computer and Email Back)
Remember the Deadline for Applications is February 1, 2011.
January 5th, 2011
 The CMP has recently posted its 2011 schedule for its CMP Summer Youth Rifle Camps (see chart below). The CMP Summer Rifle Camps are primarily designed for junior shooters participating in three-position air rifle. These popular five-day camps have been a staple of the CMP Summer line-up since 2000. Registration opens on 17 January. Cost is just $225 for each junior shooter, a fee kept low through CMP camp subsidies.
 Campers receive classroom instruction by top air rifle experts, and personal attention on the range from established collegiate athletes. National Rifle Team Members and Olympians contribute to the camp curriculum. For the third straight year, Sommer Wood, a collegiate shooter at Clemson, will be Camp Director.
Just like 2010, all full-length three-position air rifle camps will take place at the CMP North and South ranges, in Port Clinton, Ohio and Anniston, Alabama respectively. There will also be a three-day Advanced Standing Camp and several Outreach Clinics at various locations in the country. But note: All camps and clinics will be commuter only — the CMP removed the program’s housing option in 2010.
Outreach Clinics in Four States Supplement Summer Camp Offerings
To reach a wider base of young shooters, the CMP will also be offering summer Outreach Clinics, in addition to the scheduled Camp programs in Alabama and Ohio. In 2011 Outreach Clinics will be held in Texas, Arizona, South Dakota, and New York.Registration for Outreach Clinics opens April 1, 2011.
For more information regarding the 2011 Summer Camps please visit the CMP homepage, www.odcmp.com and click on the Summer Rifle Camps link. You can also contact Sommer Wood at swood [at] odcmp.com.
January 4th, 2011
 Didn’t get ALL the gear you wanted for Christmas? WebyShops.com, an online optics vendor, is sponsoring a special sweepstakes with over $1000.00 in prizes. Entry into the contest is FREE — no purchase is necessary. The Grand Prize Winner will be awarded a $1000.00 shopping spree from Webyshops.com. Additionally, one in ten entrants will win one of these four prizes:
1) Scopecoat Neoprene Cover
2) Laser Boresight
3) Accuscope Sighting Chart
4) Surefire CR123 3V Battery 12 Pack
How to Enter Contest
It’s simple to enter the contest. No purchase is required, but you will be asked for your name and email address. (If you prefer NOT to provide an email, just stop here — that’s a contest entry requirement.)
- Go to WebyShops’ Facebook Page: www.FaceBook.com/Webyshops
- Click the “LIKE” button at the top center of the page.
- After the new page loads, Click ENTER at the bottom of the picture.
- Complete the entry fields (name, email, hobby preference) and click ENTER.
The contest ends January 30th. The Grand Prize winner will be notified by email and his/her name will be posted on Webyshops’ Facebook Page on January 31, 2011. Additionally, one out of every 10 entrants will win a free gift. For more info, visit WebyShops.com, or call (800) 851-9321.
January 4th, 2011
 Do you have the gift of gab, can you turn a phrase, and can you read a spreadsheet? Would you like to work with new guns, and get paid for attending gunshows? If so, this may be a ‘dream job’ for you. Remington Arms Co., the nation’s oldest firearms manufacturer, is looking for a new Public Relations Manager.
This is a high-profile job, with responsibility for both long-term media planning and managing the day-to-day Press Relations responsibilities for the Freedom Group companies. The PR Manager also represents Remington at trade shows, works with TV and radio broadcasters, and manages media tests of company products.
Among the required qualifications are: Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university; minimum of five years PR experience; journalist and writing skills; and knowledge of hunting and shooting. We know that many of our readers possess these qualifications. Who knows — perhaps you could become the new “voice of Remington” — the man (or woman) with primary responsibility for spreading the word about Remington firearms and products.
How To Apply
Visit the Remington Website to see the complete PR Manager Job Description. On the bottom of that page, you’ll find a link to Apply for the PR Position.
Other Remington Job Openings
In addition to the PR Manager job, Remington is looking to fill a number of other sales, contracts, and customer service positions. Current openings include:
- Senior Key Account Manager, Cabella’s
- Sr. Sales Support Operations Analyst
- Law Enforcement Contracts Analyst
- Domestic Customer Service Representative
- Senior Law Enforcement/Military Customer Service Representative
- Field Service Support Specialist
- Technical Consumer Services Representative
- Senior Consumer Services Rep
- Internal Retail Sales Manager – Bushmaster
January 3rd, 2011
 As you know, on AccurateShooter.com, we provide 100% FREE content — including our FREE Classifieds. On January 1st, we made a pitch for donations to help the site. Readers have responded positively and we’ve raised over $1000 in just three days. Thanks to all who have donated so far. Hopefully more readers will answer the call.
It does cost a lot of money to test products and to provide new content every day. We’re going to SHOT Show soon. Covering that big event with daily updates will cost over $1500 (for three people), when all is said and done.
There have even been some recent $100 donations! Special thanks go to our latest “Century Club” contributors: Terry B. (WI), TR Butler (Australia), Richard C. (CO), Mark LaF. (CA), Herman H. (VA), Carl P. (TX), Scott O. (MN), Ben W. (TX), Gene Z. (TX). We really appreciate their generosity! But remember, all donations, large and small, are appreciated. For regular site readers, we suggest “a buck a month” or $12 per year.
| How to Contribute
Making a donation to the site is simple and easy. Just click on the PayPal “Donate” button at right. If you have a credit card, you don’t need a Paypal account to contribute. All donations — large or small — are welcome. |
Help Support this Site by Making a Secure Donation.
|
If you don’t like Paypal, you can send a check. Make the check payable to our Asst. Editor Jason Baney, list your Forum Name (if any), and mail the check to:
Jason Baney
P.O. Box 105
Montoursville, PA 17754 |
January 2nd, 2011
 Last week, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) issued an important ruling affecting gunsmiths. The ruling covers the obligations of dealer-gunsmiths who work as sub-contractors for a licensed firearm manufacturer. Specifically, the ruling addresses record-keeping requirements and whether dealer-gunsmiths must have a manufacturers’ license to complete certain types of production work. We recommend that all gunsmiths involved in external finish work (such as cerakoting or parkerizing) review the ruling carefully.
The ATF explains: “The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has received inquiries from firearms industry members asking whether licensed dealer-gunsmiths who would be engaged in the business of repairing, modifying, embellishing, refurbishing, or installing parts in or on firearms for, or on behalf of a licensed importer or manufacturer are required to be licensed as manufacturers and abide by the requirements imposed on manufacturers.
In recent years, licensed firearms importers and manufacturers have contracted certain firearms manufacturing activities on their behalf to specialized licensed firearms manufacturers. Such activities include applying special coatings and treatments to firearms (e.g., bluing, anodizing, powder-coating, plating, polishing, heat/chemical treating).
 This has caused confusion over which importers and manufacturers are required to identify/mark firearms and maintain permanent records of importation or manufacture. For this reason, licensed importers and manufacturers have asked whether licensed dealer-gunsmiths, who are not required to mark firearms and keep production records, may engage in such manufacturing activities on their behalf.”
Summary of ATF Ruling 2010-10
ATF Ruling 2010-10 addresses questions about activities such as bluing, anodizing, powder-coating, plating, polishing, heat and chemical treating. There has been confusion over whether these activities require a federal firearms manufacturers license, and what are subcontractors’ firearms-marking and record-keeping requirements. As stated by the BATFE in a 12/30/2010 Press Release:
Ruling 2010-10 holds that licensed firearms dealer-gunsmiths are not engaged in a manufacturing business, and are not required to hold a manufacturers license, under certain specified conditions. The ruling was issued to address modern firearms manufacturing processes, which often involve a number of contractors other than the manufacturer whose name is marked on the firearm.
Under the ruling, licensed dealers may perform manufacturing services if:
(1) The firearms are not owned by the licensed dealer-gunsmith;
(2) The licensed dealer-gunsmith returns the firearms to the licensed manufacturer or licensed importer upon completion of the manufacturing process and does not sell or distribute the firearms to any other person; and
(3) The firearms were properly identified and marked by the importer or manufacturer in accordance with the law and regulations.
We recommend that gunsmiths whose activities may be covered by ATF Ruling 2010-10 read the complete text of the ruling: ATF RULING 2010-10 Official Complete Text.
January 1st, 2011
 Here is great news for high-power shooters, tactical competitors, and hunters. Lapua will be producing .260 Remington brass starting in 2011. The official announcement will be made at SHOT Show 2011 in Las Vegas, and brass should start arriving in early spring. With Lapua’s introduction of .260 Rem brass, precision shooters now have a “no-brainer” first choice for cartridge brass in this popular chambering. No longer will you have to sort and cull (and re-sort) Rem-brand .260 brass. And you won’t have to fool around necking-up .243 brass or necking down .308 brass, with the problems that come with case-reforming operations.
The .260 Rem offers ballistics similar to the 6.5×55 with a cartridge size that fits short actions. For long range, the .260 Rem works great with 120gr to 142gr bullets, making it highly suitable for both hunting and target shooting. Here is what Lapua says about its new brass:
The .260 Rem was used to stunning effect at Camp Perry to win the 2010 Championships setting an incredible new national record in the process. .260 shooters have hammered their way into the winner’s circles of a wide variety of competitive disciplines, a real testament to the capability of this outstanding cartridge.
The .260 isn’t just a target round. It has also shown itself to be a fine performer in the field for medium game. Effectively duplicating the ballistic performance of the time-honored 6.5×55, the .260 has already developed a well-earned reputation for dependable stopping power on deer, antelope and similar game. Given the tremendous selection of bullets for every conceivable application, the 260 is an extraordinarily versatile cartridge. With such a solid history already established in such a short time, Lapua is proud to add the .260 to our line of premier components for the handloader.
[Editor’s Comment: I shot the .260 Rem extensively for 3 years, testing many powder/bullet/primer combinations. I tried both Remington-brand brass (very inconsistent), and necked-up Lapua and Norma .243 brass. If you want a reliable, accurate “go-to” load for the new Lapua .260 brass, I recommend Lapua 123gr Scenars with Hodgdon H4350 powder, running at about 2950 fps. Both Fed 210M and CCI large rifle primers work well. If you run the ballistics, you’ll find you give up little or nothing shooting the 123s vs. the 140gr class bullets because you can achieve significantly higher velocities with the lighter bullets, when using most powders. If you simply MUST shoot the 140s, try Reloder 17 to get higher velocities.]
|
