The New Tactical Optics of SHOT Show 2016
New Optics from Aimpoint, EOTech, and Vortex
There were several new tactical scopes on display at SHOT Show 2016, with three standout companies behind them.
Vortex’s US-made precision, red dot, and prismatic scopes
For precision shooters, Vortex was showing off their Razor HD AMG scopes. The Razor is a US-made first focal plane (FFP) scope that features apochromatic objective lenses, so the colors you see through the scope will remain true and the glass-etched reticle – available in MOA or MRAD versions- will remain in proportion to the target across the entire, substantial 6-24x zoom range. The constant reticle proportions and large, easy-to-use adjustment turrets will make this scope easy to use across a range of changing shooting conditions. All this comes with a price tag of around $3400.
Vortex also had a pair of tactical 1x scopes more suited for CQB, quick shots, and closer target shooting. Up first is the SPARC AR – an unmagnified AR-ready red dot. The new SPARC has a 2 MOA dot with 1 MOA adjustments and rear-facing digital brightness adjustments. It also includes an auto-off feature that shuts the unit down after 12 hours to save your battery – so no having a battle-ready rifle in your safe that is always-on and ready to grab and go. More good news: that battery is a standard AAA battery that is easy to find and easy on the wallet. That battery will net you anywhere between 300 and 5000 hours of run time, depending on which of the 10 brightness levels you choose. Continue reading
Girls with Guns Unveils New Hunting Gear at SHOT
Chances are if you are a female interested in the outdoors, hunting, or shooting, you have heard of Girls With Guns (GWG). GWG started in 2008 with apparel designed to be fashionable while still allowing a young woman to wear camouflage to the store. From humble beginnings in a garage, GWG started out designing and embroidering their own hats and now their items can be found in national chains such as Cabela’s and Dick’s.
Norissa Harman and Jen Adams are two friends who are young, fashionable, and avid hunters. They grew tired of having to wear small men’s, and probably large boy’s, clothing while hunting. When you are out in the field hunting, ill-fitting clothes can cause many problems, such as exposed skin, being noisy, and restricted movement. They eventually expanded their clothing line to include hunting clothes, designed by women for women. Continue reading
2016 SHOT Show Garners Rave Reviews
The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade ShowSM (SHOT Show®) rang up its second highest attendance total ever, attracting more than 64,000 industry professionals during a four-day run. Held at the Sands Expo Center Jan. 19-22, the SHOT Show also attracted a record number of buyers, sending a strong signal about the health of the firearms industry.
“We are ecstatic at the response to this year’s show,” said Chris Dolnack, NSSF Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “And we’re optimistic for a year of strong sales, shooter participation, business-to-consumer outreach efforts, safety education and technological innovation.”
This year’s SHOT Show offered several new features that were well-received. These included SHOT Show TV, which aired in more than 70,000 hotel rooms across the city, a new NSSF Members Reception and the SHOT Show NEXT Pavilion.
“It takes an in-depth knowledge of what our industry wants and where it wants to go to pull off a show of this size and have the vast majority of those attending state, unequivocally, that this is the best show they’ve attended in years,” said Dolnack. “That kind of positive response is the result of working hard to add value to the customer experience through new, innovative features.” Continue reading
Winners of 16th Annual Outdoor Sportsman Awards Announced During SHOT Show
Star-Studded Ceremony Included Appearances by GOP Presidential Frontrunner Donald Trump, Willie Robertson, John Fogerty, Taya Kyle, Eva Shockey, Kristi Lee Cook & More
Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel, part of Outdoor Sportsman Group – Networks, announced the winners of its 16th Annual Outdoor Sportsman Awards Powered by RAM. The ceremony was held in the Venetian Theater on Thursday during the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) annual Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show) and Conference in Las Vegas. The show was streamed live online and viewers were able to follow along through the networks’ respective social media platforms using the hashtag #OutdoorSportsmanAwards.
The OSAs were co-hosted by Michael Waddell of Outdoor Channel’s Realtree Road Trips with Michael Waddell and Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector, and Tom McMillan of Sportsman Channel’s MCMILLAN.
The awards show began with an introduction by Jim Liberatore, Outdoor Sportsman Group – Networks President and CEO, who then set the stage for a special appearance by GOP presidential frontrunner and business magnate Donald Trump.
The night included performances by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer John Fogerty, former lead singer for Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Kristy Lee Cook, former American Idol finalist and co-star of Sportsman Channel’s The Most Wanted List.
Many guest presenters were on hand to give out awards as well: Taya Kyle, wife of late U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, the most prolific sniper in American history and frequent Outdoor Channel guest star; Krissy Wejebe, daughter of late legendary angler and Spanish Fly star Jose Wejebe; Willie Robertson, star of Duck Dynasty and Buck Commander protected by Under Armour on Outdoor Channel; Eva Shockey co-star of Outdoor Channel’s Jim Shockey’s Hunting Adventures; Louie Tuminaro, host of Outdoor Channel’s The Gunfather presented by Brownells; Jana Waller, star of Sportsman Channel’s Skull Bound TV; David and Karin Holder of Outdoor Channel’s Raised Hunting; National Rifle Association Vice President Pete Brownell; and Bass Pro Shops Director of Conservation Rob Keck.
In total, 17 Outdoor Sportsman Awards were presented during the ceremony. Two were awarded for the Fan Favorite Host(s) category, one going to Michael Waddell, Travis “T-Bone” Turner and Nick Mundt, the stars of Outdoor Channel’s Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector, and the other going to Tim Wells of Sportsman Channel’s Relentless Pursuit.
Outdoor Sportsman Awards went to the following winners…
- Best Overall: Trev Gowdy’s Monster Fish
- Best New Series – Outdoor Channel: GunnyTime with R. Lee Ermey
- Best New Series – Sportsman Channel: Huntin’ Fool
- Best Deer Hunting: Crush with Lee & Tiffany
- Best Big Game: Driven with Pat & Nicole
- Best Bird Hunting: Arrow Affliction presented by Mossy Oak
- Best Fishing: Trev Gowdy’s Monster Fish
- Best Shooting Sports: NRA All Access
- Best General Interest: MidwayUSA’s Gun Stories
- Best Comedy: The Reluctant Outdoorsman
- Best Commercial: Minn Kota – Ulterra
- Best Graphics: Drury’s THIRTEEN
- Best Show Open: Bow Madness
- Best Sound Design: Arrow Affliction presented by Mossy Oak
- Best Videography: Hunt Masters
- Fan Favorite Host(s) – Outdoor Channel: Michael Waddell, Travis “T-Bone” Turner and Nick Mundt – Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector
- Fan Favorite Host(s) – Sportsman Channel: Tim Wells – Relentless Pursuit
GLOCK Celebrates 30 Years in the United States
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the introduction of GLOCK pistols to the U. S. market. GLOCK, Inc., was established in the United States in 1986 and revolutionized the firearms market forever. GLOCK pistols are now the sidearm of choice for over 65 percent of the law enforcement agencies across the U.S., and they are used in more than 50 elite military units worldwide.
“When I brought the GLOCK 17 to America in 1986, I could not have imagined or predicted the success GLOCK enjoys today,” said company founder, Gaston Glock. “Our pistols are the choice of millions for personal and home protection and target shooting.”
GLOCK has launched a year-long 30th Anniversary celebration. GLOCK has commissioned a limited edition of thirty hand-engraved G17 Gen4 pistols to honor groups and organizations that have contributed to the overall success of the company in the U.S.
Each of the thirty pistols has been uniquely by one of five Master Engravers who have been certified by the Firearms Engravers Guild of America (FEGA) to commemorate the relationships cultivated during the company’s thirty-year history. The exclusive pistols will be presented throughout the year to exceptional individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the success of GLOCK. The engraved G17 Gen4 pistols carry a limited production serial number and come with a certificate of authenticity signed by Mr. Glock. The pistols will be presented throughout 2016.
To learn more about 30 years of GLOCK in the United States and how to win one of the limited edition pistols, visit 30th.glock.com.
SHOT Show Range Day 2016
The NSSF’s Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show) opens today and, as it is every year, the start of the show is preceded by SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range outside of Las Vegas in Boulder City.
With more than 170 exhibitors and over half a million rounds fired, Industry Day bills itself as the largest, most influential one-day event in the hunting and shooting industry. The event provides the opportunity for outdoor media and buyers to get hands on, live-fire experience with the newest firearms and products that will hit the market in the upcoming year. It is the perfect chance to see what is coming down the pipe and, as we have in past years, the GunLink team took advantage of that opportunity at the 2016 Range Day so that we can share the latest and greatest with you.
One of the new products at Range Day that is sure to create some buzz came from Kimber. Long known for their fine bolt-action rifles and 1911 pistols, the company is carving a path into new territory: the revolver market. Enter the Continue reading
