NSSF Announces 2021 SHOT Show is CANCELLED!
Despite earlier statements that everything was going smoothly, nobody had anything to worry about, and acres of mask material with tanker ships full of hand sanitizer to keep everyone safe and healthy, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) announced today that the 43rd Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trades show – a/k/a SHOT Show – has been cancelled.
Whether it was due to legitimate health concerns at the show itself, or vendor pull-out based on coronavirus worries, the 2021 gathering of the firearms industry in Las Vegas this January is no more.
Despite what NSSF President & CEO Joe Bartozzi called remarkable work by SHOT Show staff to “work around the clock to plan our largest show in history while keeping the health and safety of all involved” at the top of the list, he made the announcement this morning. Continue reading
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. Announces Record and Distribution Dates for American Outdoor Brands, Inc. Spin-Off
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc., one of the world’s leading providers of firearms and quality products for the shooting, hunting, and rugged outdoor enthusiast, today announced that its board of directors has approved the previously announced separation from Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. of its outdoor products and accessories business into an independent, publicly traded company. Upon consummation of the spin-off, the two companies will consist of:
- Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc., which will include the firearms business; and
- American Outdoor Brands, Inc., which will include the outdoor products and accessories business.
Smith & Wesson Brands will effect the separation through a spin-off whereby it will distribute 100 percent of the shares of American Outdoor Brands common stock to Smith & Wesson Brands’ stockholders of record as of the close of business on the record date of August 10, 2020 on a pro rata basis. The distribution of American Outdoor Brands’ shares is expected to be completed effective as of 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on August 24, 2020, with Smith & Wesson Brands stockholders receiving one share of American Outdoor Brands common stock for every four shares of Smith & Wesson Brands stock. No fractional shares will be distributed in connection with the spin-off. A cash payment will be made in lieu of any fractional shares. Continue reading
NSSF: 2021 SHOT Show Moving Forward
The Show Must Go On
In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has been shutting down businesses and grinding trade shows to a halt (I have missed exhibiting at two and attending another two already), firearms industry trade organization National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has announced that the 2021 SHOT Show will go on as planned.
The Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trades Show, scheduled for January 19-22, is the largest show of its kind. With the expansion into the brand new Caesars Forum, this 43rd iteration of the SHOT Show will be the biggest one yet – featuring nearly three-quarters of a million square feet (nearly 17 acres) of exhibit space.
Despite rumors that several big names are already pulling back from the show over Coronavirus concerns, NSSF said that the SHOT Show team has spent the past month working with industry manufacturers and suppliers to confirm exhibitors and plans to have nearly 3,000 booths on display.
“The health and safety of our attendees, exhibitors, media, and our employees is a foremost priority,” noted NSSF Senior VP, Chris Dolnack. “We are in constant contact with our partners monitoring the latest developments in the COVID-19 pandemic as well as clarifying important safety protocols and guidelines for large events.”
Dolnack said that, although the 2021 SHOT Show may feel a bit different thanks to health and safety precautions (likely meaning mask requirements, lower attendance, social distancing guidelines, and so on), the critical buying and networking opportunities should be very much the same.
From the opening shots of the invite-only SHOT Show Range Day to the 17 acres of exhibit floor, the GunLink team will be at the show to bring you the latest news, product releases, and reviews as we celebrate our 10th year of SHOT Show coverage.
Stay tuned to the GunLink Blog and GunLink Forums for full coverage and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for live updates before, during, and after the show.
Savage Now Building Southpaw Precision
In keeping with its long tradition of supporting southpaw shooters, Savage is pleased to announce the debut of new left-handed models of their dynamic Precision Series rifles. New Model 110 Elite Precisions and 110 Precisions will be available this summer, making precision long range shooting accessible to any left-handed marksman.
“Savage has built an extensive catalog of left-handed firearms, quite possibly the largest in the industry.” said Beth Shimanski, Director of Marketing for Savage Arms. “Our customers come to expect it from us and these new Precision rifles once again demonstrate our commitment to serving all of our customers, equally.”
110 Elite Precision Left Hand
The 110 Elite Precision has changed the way shooters think of off-the-shelf rifles. The Model 110 action rides in an Adjustable Core Competition chassis from Modular Driven Technologies (MDT). From its full-length ARCA rail to its nitride coatings, this is a rifle built for a lifetime of Elite Precision.
Features
- Savage factory blueprinted action
- MDT ACC aluminum chassis with fully adjustable stock
- ARCA Rail along the entire length of the chassis
- Stainless steel, flash nitride target receiver
- Titanium Nitride bolt body
- 1.5-4 lb user-adjustable AccuTrigger
- Self-timing taper aligned muzzlebrake (short action calibers only)
- MDT Vertical Grip and AICS magazine
110 Precision Left Hand
The 110 Precision pairs Savage’s legendary 110 action with a LSS XL chassis designed by the accuracy experts at Modular Driven Technologies. The 110 Precision is fully customizable. From the adjustable comb height and length of pull, to the capabilities of its AccuTrigger™, this aluminum-framed rifle is built for long-range accuracy and uncompromising performance.
Features
- Savage factory blueprinted action
- Matte black carbon steel heavy barrel, threaded 5/8-24
- MDT LSS XL Chassis with FDE Cerakote
- Exclusive skeletonized stock with fully adjustable comb height and length-of-pull
- 1.5-4 lb user-adjustable AccuTrigger
- 20 MOA 1–piece EGW rail
- AICS magazine
- BA Muzzlebrake
Southeast: States Provide Hunter Education Course Options and Ease Restrictions during COVID-19 Pandemic
As the nation continues to adjust to social distancing requirements, some state fish and wildlife agencies are providing alternatives to hunter education course requirements while other states are easing access restrictions for anglers that were imposed due to COVID-19.
These waivers and revisions allow sportsmen and women to participate in hunting and fishing activities as long as the necessary social distancing requirements are maintained. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) and conservation partners are promoting the #ResponsibleRecreation social media campaign that encourages people to hunt and fish while adhering to the Centers for Disease Control guidelines. In a related effort, CSF and other members of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners sent a letter to governors to encourage them to maintain open access for hunters and anglers.
Kentucky
The Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources altered the range day requirement for their internet-based hunter’s education course. In response to the COVID-related restrictions, a “virtual range day” has been instituted for those wanting to complete the hunter education course prior to May 15. A few different vendors offer an online hunter education course, including one that offers the course for free. Interested individuals can access the courses and the virtual range day here.
North Carolina
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (WRC) waived the field day component for their hunter education course for individuals who want to purchase their hunting license during the COVID-19 pandemic. The WRC offers three online hunter education courses, ranging from $13.00 to $29.00, as an alternative to the traditional classroom course. Upon successful completion, the hunter can print the temporary hunter education card to purchase their license. Those interested in this convenient alternative can access the online course offerings here.
Mississippi
In an effort to ease restrictions for anglers in Mississippi, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus Member Governor Tate Reeves issued Executive Order 1473, which allows the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) to reopen state lakes and state park lakes for fishing and boating on April 20. The MDWFP announced that bank fishing will also be permitted on these lakes as long as social distancing requirements are observed.
South Carolina
In similar fashion, Governor Henry McMaster granted authority to local governments or managing authorities to reopen public boat landings and ramps for launching and retrieving boats on April 17. Executive Order 2020-25 also clarified that while public access may be reopened for lakes, the rafting or beaching of boats is still prohibited for the duration of the State of Emergency.
With turkey seasons and fishing seasons underway across the South, CSF commends these efforts to ease restrictions for hunters and anglers during this time.
Ruger Expands Security-9 Pistol Line with New Pro Models
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. is proud to introduce the Security-9 Pro and Security-9 Pro Compact pistols. These Pro models maintain many of the same advanced features of the popular Security-9, but are offered without the external manual thumb safety. Security-9 Pro models also ship with three alloy steel magazines and factory-installed steel tritium night sights.
Like other models of the Security-9, these new Pro models include internal safety mechanisms such as an integrated trigger safety, neutrally balanced sear with significant engagement and strong spring tension, and hammer catch to help prevent the hammer from contacting the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled.
The Security-9 Pro is constructed around a rigid, precision-machined, anodized aluminum chassis with full-length guide rails and a blued alloy steel slide and barrel. The ergonomic grip-frame is comfortable in the hand and features a medium texture. The internal hammer and Secure Action trigger provide a short, crisp feel and positive reset.
The Security-9 Pro holds 15+1 rounds of powerful 9mm Luger ammunition with a mid-sized frame and 4″ barrel. Weighing under 24 ounces, and measuring just 5″ tall and approximately 1″ wide, it is the perfect size for your holster or a day at the range. The compact model shares the same features in a smaller package, holding 10+1 rounds in a flush-fit magazine and weighing under 22 ounces with a 3.40″ barrel (15-round magazines are also available on ShopRuger.com). Both models are ideal for everyday carry.