Shooters from throughout the industry will step to the firing line later this month to shoot for bragging rights and to support the future of the industry.

The Sixth Annual Shooting Industry Masters will be held in the heart of Gun Valley July 26 to raise awareness of and money for NSSF’s Step Outside program.
“The event offers friendly competition, friendly kidding and fantastic raffle prizes that raise money for a great cause. It’s just an unbeatable combination,” said Steve Sanetti, NSSF president. Sanetti, who will compete in this year’s event as a member of Team NSSF, shot in all previous Masters events as president of Ruger.

A record number of industry shooters are scheduled to compete in the three-gun event at the Hartford Gun Club in East Granby, Conn. After a day of shooting, we’ll hold our annual Masters raffle during the evening’s awards banquet. All money raised during the raffle goes to Step Outside.

Since the beginning of Step Outside, we’ve supported the program, which helps introduce new shooters to shooting, which translates into new customers and increased business for industry companies. It’s a program that makes sense. We all were asked, at one time, to Step Outside as part of our introduction to shooting, whether by a relative, friend — or the military services. The Step Outside program formalizes the process — and it builds the future of the industry. That’s why we’re dedicated to supporting its efforts.

Last year, we raised $15,000 for Step Outside during the Masters raffle. This year, we’re expanding the raffle, making it available to everyone in the industry — even if you’re not competing in the event.

“Not shooting? No problem. Purchasing a handful of prize raffle tickets is as easy as visiting www.shootingindustry.com/08SIMstrs.com,” said Elizabeth Jarrell, match coordinator. “I’ll be happy to send you as many raffle tickets as you and your office mates want — all I need is a credit card number.”

What could you win? Only the most fantastic prizes from companies throughout the industry! There are firearms, optics, high-tech products and great accessories. Once you’ve reviewed the list of prizes on the Web site, click on “Get Raffle Tickets.” They are only $5 each or five for $20 — this for an opportunity to win prizes worth thousands of dollars.

We are grateful to the many companies that donated prizes for the raffle. If you’d like to donate your company’s products to raise money for Step Outside, contact Elizabeth at 1-800-537-3006, ext. 279; e-mail: elizabeth@shootingindustry.com.

Our 2008 sponsors also deserve a special salute for their overwhelming support of the match. Without them, the Shooting Industry Masters — and the support for Step Outside — would not happen. Thank you.

If you haven’t signed up to compete in the match, we can still make room for you. Call or e-mail Elizabeth and tell her you want to be on the firing line in support of the industry’s future.