Mantis Upgrades Training Tool with New X10 Elite Device
When we first heard of the Mantis training aid several years ago, it was easy to see its value for shooters wanting to improve their skills without spending a lot of time or money at the range. And we weren’t let down when we got our hands on it. In our review of the original Mantis X model, we were quite tickled with the immediate feedback with both live fire and dry fire. It was no wonder that the device was awarded Best Accessory of 2018 by NASGW and POMA. We were impressed with the user support and continued growth of the MantisX – from quick responses from the company to frequent updates with new features and any bug fixes.
This is why we were so excited to hear about the new models being released at SHOT Show 2020 earlier this year. The company has continued to pour tons of development effort into the product, which has grown from just the original model into a handful of new models including the $99 X2 dry-fire-only model, the X3 for live-fire of both pistols and rifles, the X7 shotgun trainer, X8 archery model, and the top of the line X10 Elite model, which covers all of the bases for live fire and dry fire for pistols, rifles, and shotguns as well as archery. Yeah, they’ve been keeping busy.
Austin was kind enough to arrange for a Mantis X10 Elite unit to be sent to us to review and we had the chance to put it through its paces. Once again, we were not disappointed in the slightest! Continue reading
NSSF Opens 2020 Hunting Heritage Trust Grant Program Application Process
Our industry is invested in recruiting new participants, retaining current participants and re-activating lapsed participants in hunting and the shooting sports. These “R3” initiatives have gained traction over the past several years, including those supported by NSSF’s +ONESM Movement and National Shooting Sports Month.
To help further all R3 efforts in hunting and the shooting sports, in 2018 NSSF set aside $1 million and created the NSSF Hunting Heritage Trust Grant Program. Each year for 10 years starting in 2019, $100,000 in grants are made available for R3 projects across the country. Last year’s inaugural grant cycle awarded grants to five separate projects that focused on R3 programs as varied as building mentor databases, increasing participation by women, college-level recruitment efforts and building R3 marketing toolkits for state wildlife agencies.
The 2020 Hunting Heritage Trust Grant Program is now open for application. The deadline for submissions is May 15, 2020. Information on how to apply and grant requirements is available here.
Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Jim Curcuruto, NSSF Director, Research & Market Development, at jcurcuruto@nssf.org or 203-426-1320 ext. 234, or Melanie Knox, NSSF Marketing Assistant, at mknox@nssf.org or 203-426-1320 ext. 270.
Smith & Wesson Repurposes Portion of Manufacturing Capabilities to Produce PPE for Healthcare Workers
Smith & Wesson Inc. today reported that it has taken a variety of measures to support its employees and local communities during the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Leveraging its manufacturing capabilities and specialized equipment, Smith & Wesson has re-purposed a portion of its manufacturing capabilities to help alleviate a nationwide shortage of personal protection equipment (PPE) and help keep front line personnel safe.
Mark Smith, co-President and co-CEO of parent company American Outdoor Brands, said, “As a manufacturer, Smith & Wesson has talented engineers, specialized equipment, and production capability that we’ve been able to repurpose to help the local community during the coronavirus outbreak. Contributing to our local communities has always been important to Smith & Wesson, and we’ll continue to help wherever and however we can.”
Within a few days of the outbreak, the engineering team at Smith & Wesson had designed a process to produce face shields utilizing 3D printers and readily available materials and commenced building. Within two weeks, the company’s plastic injection molding facility had designed, manufactured, and tested molds allowing for large-scale production, and the company is now producing 1,000 face shields per day for use by employees, the medical community, and first responders. To date, the company has donated over 7,000 face shields and 12,000 pairs of eye protection to support front line personnel across the nation. Continue reading
Apex Announces Threaded Barrel for 3.7″ FN 509 Compact MRD
Apex Tactical Specialties is expanding its pistol barrel lineup with the addition of a new threaded barrel for the FN 509 Compact MRD model pistols. This new offering comes just days after Apex announced their new threaded barrel for the compact M&P9 M2.0. The new barrel is available now for pre-order and is slated to officially begin shipping on May 5th.
The Apex 9mm Threaded Barrel is designed specifically for the FN 509 Compact MRD model pistols with a factory 3.70″ barrel. The cold hammer-forged stainless steel barrel has a black Melonite finish and features a 1:10″ twist rate that is designed for optimal accuracy performance. The barrel features an undercut thread intercept to accommodate a wide variety of attachments and the thread pattern is 1/2-28. A thread protector with captive O-ring is included. Continue reading
Springfield Armory Releases .308Win Chambered Pistol SAINT Victor
Standard 9mm pistol on your hip not enough? AR pistols chambered for 5.56 still not quite there yet on firepower? Remington 700 bolt-action pistol just a little too slow for your taste? Springfield has you covered with their latest release – The SAINT Victor Pistol in .308.
As part of the SAINT Victor line, this pistol is loaded with premium components. Purpose built for defensive use, the SAINT Victor Pistol in .308 is a serious use firearm, featuring an HPT (High Pressure Tested) and MPI (Magnetic Particle Inspected) bolt to confidently handle a heavy round count schedule. From its Melonite finished barrel, to its pinned low profile gas block, to its crisp and grit free enhanced nickel boron coated, single stage flat trigger, the SAINT Victor Pistol in .308 adds a potent defensive platform to the SAINT pistol family.
This new SAINT pistol packs .30-caliber power into a 10.3″ CMV-barreled package that measures just over 28″ with the SB Tactical SBA3 five-position brace fully collapsed. Round that out with excellent appointments such as a BCMGUNFIGHTER Mod 3 pistol grip, 20-round Magpul PMAG Gen M3 magazine, a patented, rock solid, free float M-Lok handguard, and an SA 2-Piece Blast Diverter, and you have a pistol that easily tames the .308 cartridge while remaining handy and compact. Continue reading
SCOTUS Moots NY Gun Case, but Pending Cases Could Provide 2A Protection
While the U.S. Supreme Court has mooted the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association’s challenge of a now-defunct handgun law in the City of New York, there is a possibility for an important Second Amendment ruling coming from one of four cases now pending before the high court, the Second Amendment Foundation said today.
The hint came in a concurrence on the court’s decision from Justice Brett Kavanaugh. While he shares concerns voiced by Associate Justice Samuel Alito that some state and federal courts may not be properly applying the principles of the Heller and McDonald rulings.
“The court should address that issue soon,” Justice Kavanaugh observed, “perhaps in one of the several Second Amendment cases with petitions for certiorari now pending before the Court.”
While SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb was disappointed, but not surprised by the high court’s action on the New York Case, he is encouraged that one of SAF’s four cases now up for consideration by the Supreme Court may be granted a hearing. Continue reading
