Getting Women Involved
Earlier this year, as I prepared for SHOT Show 2018 coverage, I asked some of my girlfriends who own firearms or are involved in the shooting sports what they were wanting to see this year from the show. During our conversations, an unexpected theme emerged. In addition to the same requests for better concealed carry options, and weapons/gear that are designed to better fit a woman’s anatomy, there was a more intangible concern: the social aspect of women in shooting. Almost all of my friends wanted three things: to know more women like themselves, ideas on how to get more involved in shooting, and to feel more included in the shooting world.
There are enough women becoming involved in the shooting sports that the NSSF felt it necessary to do an extensive study on the female shooting demographic and the NRA now has an entire section (including a TV channel) dedicated to women’s interest. Many manufacturers make specific models of rifles (like Savage and Weatherby), shotguns (such as Syren), and handguns (such as EAA) that have been designed specifically with a woman in mind. These companies did not simply take an existing model and then apply the “Shrink It and Pink It” (SI-PI) cosmetic makeover. There was actual thought put into these weapons to improve the shooting experience for women. Firearm design is not the only part of the shooting world trying to play catch-up. There are now many concealed carry options that were designed specifically with a woman in mind, including more and more in off-body carry options. Several companies have even tackled the gear portion by designing hunting clothes, law enforcement uniforms, and backpacks, to name just a few, to fit the female body better. While many women may not be happy with the available options, many more choices are coming to market every year. Many companies are also open to suggestions for how to improve existing designs, but changes do not happen overnight. Continue reading
Marine Corps Scout Snipers Choose Nightforce Optics MIL-SPEC ATACR 5-25×56 F1 Day-Scope
Nightforce Optics today announced their MIL-SPEC ATACR 5-25×56 F1 riflescope will be integrated as part of the Mk13 Mod 7, .300 Winchester Magnum sniper weapons system, soon to be issued to Unites States Marine Corps Scout Snipers. The new rifle and scope combination is a completely new system from the M40 sniper rifle, which has been in service since the Vietnam War. The Mk13 Mod 7, .300 Winchester Magnum sniper weapons system and Nightforce MIL-SPEC ATACR 5-25×56 F1 day scope will provide increased lethality at extended ranges for the elite Scout Snipers of the United States Marine Corps.
“The increased capability of the newly issued Mk13 Mod 7 sniper rifle requires a scope that is as rugged, reliable, repeatable, and dependable as the United States Marines tasked with using it,” said Nightforce’s MIL-GOV-LE Business Development Manager, Tod Litt. “The Nightforce MIL-SPEC ATACR 5-25×56 F1 was chosen as the day scope to take full advantage of the rifle systems’ competencies,” he said.
“The optic features a Horus™ TReMoR3™ Reticle and provides operators with an integrated milliradian based grid that incorporates time-of-flight wind dots. Those dots are calibrated to the rifle and ammunition and aid in making quick, formula-free wind calls by judging direction and wind speed in miles per hour. The advanced reticle incorporates the Accuracy 1st speed shooting formula that makes engagement of moving targets easier and reduces engagement times for a substantial improvement in first round hits,” Litt added.
“The Nightforce MIL-SPEC ATACR 5-25×56 F1 is an over-engineered, military-grade scope built with the military’s extreme endurance in mind,” stated Litt. “It offers numerous mission-critical features including the state-of-the-art Nightforce ZeroStop™ for elevation, a capped windage knob with windage limiter, 120 MOA/35 Mils of elevation adjustment, and the Horus TreMor3 illuminated reticle with Nightforce’s Digillum™ illumination system,” he said. “The fully, multi-coated ED glass results in superb light transmission, brilliant image rendering and exceptional color contrast for accuracy in virtually any conditions the Marines find themselves in.”
“The new system is to augment the venerable M40 weapon system and I’m pleased the Corps chose a Nightforce to partner with the new Mk13 Mod 7,” said Frank Galli, a former U.S. Marine Corps Scout Sniper himself and owner of the popular Sniper’s Hide Forum. “Marine Snipers have used variations of the M40 for more than 50 years and by selecting the Mk13 and Nightforce day scope, this allows the Marines to truly capitalize on the necessities for longer engagement distance such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said.
“Arming our Scout Sniper teams with an upgraded system that extends their range and lethality is a huge win,” said Galli. “By identifying targets at longer distances, friendly troop locations are obscured, and enemy’s obstacles become even greater. The Nightforce ATACR delivers rapid engagement capabilities even at extended distances, keeping our forces farther from harm,” Galli added.
“The new Mk13 Mod 7, .300 Winchester Magnum sniper weapons system equipped with Nightforce MIL-SPEC ATACR 5-25×56 F1 riflescopes are ready to hit the fleet very soon,” stated Litt.
Newly Developed Winchester Deer Season Slug Coming Fall, 2018
Shotgun slug technology has certainly advanced over time and Winchester Ammunition is at the forefront of product innovation. The Deer Season slug benefits from those technological advancements and is an ideal option for deer hunters throughout North America.
The Deer Season Slug is new for 2018 and looks similar to a traditional Foster-style slug, but is unique in that it is paired with a rear stabilizer that is inserted into the heel of the projectile. The slug and stabilizer travel as one downrange, resulting in accuracy that deer hunters need in the field. In addition, this shotshell is designed to be used in smooth bore, rifled choke tube or fully rifled barrels to make ammunition selection easier than ever for deer hunters. Additionally, the large diameter impact tip of the slug will provide rapid energy transfer on deer.
Deer Season Slug is packed five rounds to a box and will be available to hunters for as little as $6-$7/box.
“The new Deer Season slug will be a great addition to our slug-hunting cartridge options, particularly for those looking for excellent performance at an exceptional value,” said Matt Campbell, vice president of marketing and sales for Winchester Ammunition.
M&P Shield M2.0 with Integrated Crimson Trace Laser Now Available in .45 Auto
New Models Available with Red or Green Integrated Crimson Trace Laser
Smith & Wesson Corp. today announced that it has expanded its M&P Shield M2.0 pistol series with the addition of the new M&P®45 Shield™ M2.0 pistol with integrated Crimson Trace® red and green laser, chambered in .45 Auto. An ideal choice for those looking for a concealed carry firearm in a larger caliber, the new M&P45 Shield M2.0 pistol builds off of the proven M&P Shield M2.0 pistol series, providing confidence and reliable performance, day or night, in a slim, lightweight, and easy-to-carry profile.
The M&P45 Shield M2.0 pistol with integrated Crimson Trace red and green laser delivers all of the familiar M&P Shield pistol operating features, including a slim profile and 18-degree grip angle for a natural point of aim. The M&P45 Shield M2.0 with integrated laser features two laser modes and ambidextrous laser activation. The pistol is designed with a compact 3.3” barrel and the enhanced M2.0 feature set, including a light, crisp trigger and the M2.0 aggressive grip texture for enhanced control. The M&P45 Shield M2.0 pistol ships with two magazines: one seven round extended grip magazine, and one six round flush magazine.
The M&P45 Shield M2.0 pistol with integrated Crimson Trace red laser has an MSRP of $499, while the configuration with integrated Crimson Trace green laser has an MSRP of $549.
USA Shooting Presented by 4Outdoors Raising Awareness and Crucial Funding for America’s Shooting Team
Brett Favre Hosts New Multi-Part Series on GetZone.com
As a lifelong outdoorsman wishing to share his reverence of the outdoors, NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback Brett Favre, began an organization called 4Outdoors to provide meaningful experiences in the outdoors to people in need. Given his background and interest in the shooting sports, USA Shooting recently selected Favre as one of their honorary Team Captains. In a new, multi-part series airing on GetZone.com titled “USA Shooting Presented by 4Outdoors,” show host Favre talks with Olympic and Paralympic athletes about their struggles, victories, and the importance of raising awareness and funds for USA Shooting’s athletes.
In the premier episode of “USA Shooting Presented by 4Outdoors,” Favre shoots clays and talks with two-time Olympic bronze medalist Corey Cogdell-Unrein where he learns, “A lot of people don’t know shooting is one of the most expensive Olympic Sports. People think that we’re funded by the government…and that’s just not the case,” Cogdell says. “I’ve watched so many of my teammates struggle, and scratch, and fight to pay just their training expenses, and go in debt financially to pursue this sport. I’ve thought, how good could we be if we had the funding that we needed? It’s such a great sport, and we just need your help,” she said.
Throughout the “USA Shooting Presented by 4Outdoors” series, several episodes will be hosted by Favre as he interacts with Olympic and Paralympic USA Shooting athletes including Cogdell-Unrein as well as 2016 pistol Paralympian Marco De La Rosa and 2016 Paralympic rifle bronze medalist McKenna Dahl.
Together, they conduct shooting drills, and share tips and tactics on the range. Each episode features a sponsor’s products including pistols, shotguns, rifles, etc., and encourages viewers to consider donating to USA Shooting to help American shooting athletes win gold. McMillan Firearms stepped up as one of the first major sponsors for this series, and will be featured in an upcoming episode of the “USA Shooting Presented by 4Outdoors.”
According to Favre, “Raising awareness for our Olympic and Paralympic athletes and their individual journeys is an important component of our mission at 4Outdoors. In addition to helping at-risk youth, Veterans, people with disabilities, victims of natural disasters, and people who are simply dealing with difficult issues life has thrown at them, “we’re glad to help our fans appreciate what organizations like USA Shooting provide to the shooting sports community and to the athletes that represent us in competition,” he said.
“Can you remember that first time nature took your breath away?” asks Favre. “Can you remember the first fish you ever caught, the first trail you ever hiked, or the first time your own family dog came running across the backyard when you called? That rush is unforgettable, and we feel whole when we get out there. At 4Outdoors, nothing is more important than ensuring that everyone, regardless of status, ability, or circumstance is part of the great, wild, welcoming world we call home,” stated Favre.
“The 4Outdoors program is all about encouraging outdoor-related sports and activities, and fostering our next generation,” Favre said. “We believe getting people outside helps them grow, which is why we have committed ourselves to fostering connections in, with, and around the great outdoors.”
Episodes of “USA Shooting Presented by 4Outdoors” are now streaming on GetZone.com. The new show is distributed exclusively by Media Lodge. Media Lodge is the Outdoor Industry’s largest content production and digital distribution platform including owned websites, exclusive websites, social media, and third-party syndication.
“We have athletes in real need and we appreciate Brett, 4Outdoors, GetZone.com and Media Lodge for recognizing what the stature of USA Shooting should be within the outdoor and shooting industry and then creating content that can help showcase our need for support,” said Keith Enlow, CEO of USA Shooting. “By capturing the story and drive of our athletes, this series projects exactly what we’re all about and that’s finding any way possible to get these athletes on the podium and represent the shooting industry.”
“We are honored to connect our 40 million Media Lodge users with an amazing organization like USA Shooting,” states Jeff Siegel, Media Lodge CEO. “This video series features compelling stories of remarkable athletes. We’re proud to shine a light on their organization and hope to raise awareness and funding for their sport.”
For details on how you can help USA Shooting and its Olympic and Paralympic athletes by making donations to USA Shooting, please visit usashooting.org/donate.
Winchester Ammunition Awarded U.S. Army Order
The U.S. Army has recently awarded Winchester an $8.1 million order for 7.62mm ammunition under an existing “Second Source” contract. The ammunition will be manufactured in Winchester’s state-of-the-art facility in Oxford, MS with an estimated completion date of Dec 31, 2019. Winchester has received more than $285 million in orders on this contract since it was initially awarded in January 2016.
“Winchester has a proud history of developing products for the military and is honored to have a role in supporting the American war fighter with the ammunition they depend on.” said Matt Campbell, vice president of marketing and sales for Winchester.
About Winchester
Winchester has a distinguished 150-year history of innovation in hunting, recreation, law enforcement and military ammunition products. In the field, on the range or in defense of freedom around the globe, Winchester has the right product for any ammunition need. Winchester is The American Legend, a brand built on integrity, hard work and a deep focus on its loyal customers. Learn more about the history of Winchester by visiting Winchester.com or connect with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/WinchesterOfficial.
