Shooting Industry Magazine

August 2008

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“Senator Obama,
Where Do You Stand?”

Following the landmark Second Amendment ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) sent presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill.) a letter. Dated July 4, the letter asks the Senator whether he believes laws in the city of Chicago — his hometown — that ban law-abiding citizens from having firearms, including handguns in their home, violate the Second Amendment.

The letter, signed by Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior vice president and general counsel, referenced the District of Columbia, et al. v. Heller case, which held the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects the individual right of law-abiding Americans to “keep and bear arms.”

NSSF officials indicate they were prompted to send Sen. Obama the letter because of the candidate’s recent remarks in which he noted his agreement that the Second Amendment provides an individual right to keep and bear arms. This statement is in seemingly stark contrast to his support for banning the civilian ownership of handguns, a position he took as an Illinois state senator, and to his position supporting the D.C. gun ban.

The Supreme Court will likely hear new Second Amendment-related cases following the Heller decision and there remains a strong likelihood of the next president appointing at least one new Supreme Court Justice. These possibilities, NSSF points out, demand that candidates for office clearly articulate how they view firearms freedoms and the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans.

In the letter, Keane asked:

“In light of the Heller decision, NSSF would like to know whether you believe the city of Chicago’s gun ban violates the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Chicago residents? Do you continue to support banning an entire class of firearms from private ownership by law-abiding citizens, including your fellow Chicago residents? Do you believe the Second Amendment rights of Americans should depend on where they happen to live? If you do, which other individual rights enshrined in the Constitution do you believe are limited by municipal borders?”

The letter is available on NSSF’s Web site, www.nssf.org.

Academy Of Excellence Presents
2008 Awards

The Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence presented its 2008 awards July 25.

The 500 members of the academy considered 43 nominees for the prestigious awards. In a first round of voting, the academy considered 150 entries in the 14 categories before selecting the 43 nominees for the final ballot.

The awards were presented during a special reception in Windsor, Conn., in conjunction with the Shooting Industry Masters.

The 2008 recipients are:

Shooting Industry Award — Bob Hodgdon, Hodgdon Powder
Manufacturer of the Year — Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Distributor of the Year — Ellett Brothers
Citizenship Award — Brownells
Handgun of the Year — Ruger: LCP .380
Rifle of the Year — Winchester: Model 70 Reintroduction
Shotgun of the Year — Benelli USA: Ultra Light 20 Gauge
Ammunition of the Year — Hornady: Ruger Compact Magnum Cartridge
Optic of the Year — Leupold: Prismatic Shotgun/Muzzleloader/Rifle Scope
Accessory of the Year — SureFire: X300 WeaponLight
Specialty Product of the Year — SureFire: E1B Backup Flashlight
High-Tech Product of the Year — Crimson Trace: Model LG-660 Lasergrips
Knife of the Year — Leatherman: Skeletool Multi-Tool
Safety Product of the Year — BLACKHAWK!: Hawkhook Rescue Tool
Full coverage of the 2008 awards will be presented the September issue of Shooting Industry.
Click here to view all of the entries and nominees for this year’s awards.

BLACKHAWK! Pledges
$100,000 To NRA L.E.

BLACKHAWK! Products Group has pledged $100,000 to benefit the NRA’s Law Enforcement Activities Division (LEAD).

“BLACKHAWK! is an icon in the industry, not only for their products, but for their support of the military and law enforcement officers — and now the NRA’s Law Enforcement Activities Division,” said Glen Hoyer, LEAD director.

Officials say the endowment will enable LEAD to expand its program of training law enforcement officers to become firearms instructors through up-to-date, state-of-the-art gun safety and marksmanship education. Since its inception in 1960, LEAD has trained more than 50,000 U.S. law enforcement instructors.

“It is a very natural fit for BLACKHAWK! to increase its support through the NRA’s Law Enforcement Activities Division, and all of us at BLACKHAWK! look forward to helping the NRA in any way possible to make a difference,” said Mike Noell, BLACKHAWK! president and CEO.

For more information, visit www.blackhawk.com.

NSSF Summit Concludes, Challenges Remain

The NSSF’s 2008 Shooting Sports Summit concluded its final sessions on June 25. For two days, leaders from throughout the industry and the shooting and hunting communities sifted through new research, listened to detailed presentations and took part in discussions on the challenges confronting the future of hunting and the shooting sports.

While industry veterans and newcomers alike rated the summit a great success, NSSF officials note that the real challenge has just begun.

“Now comes the true test,” said NSSF President Steve Sanetti. “We have to meld the results of the summit and the information and suggestions we have gleaned into a coherent, concrete and effective plan of action.”

A volunteer Summit Task Force will be given the responsibility of taking what was presented at the summit and building on it “in order to grow active participation in hunting and the shooting sports.”

“It is an awesome responsibility. But we have to do it, and together we can,” Sanetti said.

Sports South, ARS Form Partnership

Sports South, LLC and ARS Business Solutions have announced a strategic partnership to assist firearm retailers in managing their businesses. Sports South has selected the ARS point-of-sale and inventory management software as an optional upgrade to its SINSO point-of-sale product offering.

The partnership offers retailers advanced integration between Sports South and the ARS software, including seamless EDI interfaces for electronic submission of purchase orders, downloading advanced shipping notices, promotions, price changes and catalog updates.

“The integration with Sports South creates a new opportunity for Sports South customers to leverage their historical sales data to improve cash flow and profitability. We’re excited about the affiliation as we believe it’s a win-win-win for the customers, Sports South and ARS,” said Larry Noethlich, ARS Business Solutions general manager.

Sports South says its customers will have the ability to better manage their inventory through ARS’s Auto Replenishment System (ARS2). In addition, retailers will have access to ARS’s support staff, not only during system implementation, but also for the life of the product.

“Each week I would spend hours entering hundreds of item numbers to check stock for reordering. Now I let my ARS Interface with Sports South do it for me in minutes,” said Mark Daniels, president of Mega Sports in Plainfield, Ill. “I also used to spend hours each week reordering items for the shelf, but now with Sports South and ARS I can do this in minutes, as well.”

For more information about Sports South LLC, visit www.internetguncatalog.com.

Investors Purchase Dakota Arms Equity

Dakota Arms LLC announced in April the first closing in an equity round of financing that will provide additional capital for day-to-day operations.

An investor group led by Patrick Gilligan will receive shares of Dakota Arms and two seats on the Dakota Board of Directors as a result of its investment.
“Knowledgeable investors like Pat Gilligan understand that there is always going to be a customer base willing to pay for the value in a premium product with the superior fit and finish, reliability and accuracy, and sheer beauty of a Dakota rifle,” said Patrick Franklin, Dakota Arms COO and senior vice president.

Gilligan, a former chairman of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, is the company’s new chairman of the board.

“We are delighted to become a part of the Dakota Arms legacy,” Gilligan said. “Dakota Arms is an industry icon that has earned an outstanding reputation over the last three decades, and we believe that we can build on that history at the same time that we improve production and increase revenues.”

According to company officials, cash proceeds from the new investments will be used to expand production levels and implement a production schedule that will shorten the time frame for fulfilling existing customer orders.

For more information, call (605) 347-4686 or visit www.dakotaarms.com.

Maryland Police Select Beretta’s Px4 Storm

The Maryland State Police have chosen the Beretta Px4 Storm to replace the Beretta 96D pistols. The department will issue 1,065 Px4 Storm D Model pistols in .40 S&W to its officers.

“After rigorous testing by Maryland State Police experts, the Storm has proven that its simplistic design, safety features, ability to individualize fit, ease of maintenance, and overall dependability make it the firearm ideally suited for use by Maryland State Troopers,” said Colonel Terrence B. Sheridan, Maryland state police superintendent.
“Law enforcement agencies including the Maryland State Police, Providence Rhode Island Police Department, Canadian Border Services Agency and over 100 other law enforcement agencies are now carrying Px4 Storm pistols,” said Elio Oliva, vice president of sales and marketing, L.E. and defense division.

For more information, visit www.berettaLE.com.

Trijicon Expands The Evans Group Role

Trijicon Inc. has announced that The Evans Group, a sales agency, began representing the company nationwide (except Alaska) on May 1.

“Trijicon has had tremendous success throughout all of our target markets, and it is thanks, in part, to the collaboration we’ve enjoyed with strong industry partners like The Evans Group,” said Tom Munson, Trijicon’s director of sales and marketing.
“The foundation of our business is strong partnerships with industry leaders like Trijicon. Without this relationship, our growth would not be possible,” said Mike Evans, The Evans Group president.

For more information, visit www.trijicon.com and www.theevansgroup.net.

Smith & Wesson Arms Worcester Police

Smith & Wesson has shipped 500 M&P45 pistols to the Worcester, Mass., Police Department (PD) for issue as the department’s primary duty firearm.

“The M&P45 supplied our officers with the best combination of features to suit our duty needs while being chambered in the more powerful .45 ACP cartridge,” said Gary J. Gemme, Worcester chief of police.

Other agencies in the Massachusetts area that have converted to the M&P pistol include the Brookline Police Department; West Springfield Police Department; Agawam Police Department; Swampscott Police Department; Winthrop Police Department; Sharon Police Department; Palmer Police Department and the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office.

S&W officials report that the M&P pistol also has been selected as the primary duty firearm by the Waterbury, Conn., and Hartford, Conn., Police Departments.

For more information, visit www.smith-wesson.com.

Legacy Sports Intl. Distributes Kahles Optics

Legacy Sports International is the new distributor of Kahles Optics in the United States. The importer is offering the full range of Kahles binoculars and riflescopes, including the Helia KX series of riflescopes.

For more information, contact Legacy Sports at (775) 828-0555 or visit www.legacysports.com.

Help Educate Voters

Educating hunters, sportsmen and firearms owners and enthusiasts on where political candidates stand on hunting issues and the Second Amendment is imperative.

Today’s political climate is ripe with contempt for politicians — in many cases rightfully so. It won’t take more than a few drops of rain to stop a would-be voter from traveling to the polls.

We, as members of the industry, need to understand this voter malaise and fight back through education. Voters don’t need to be passionate about a candidate; they just need to be passionate about hunting, shooting and the Second Amendment.
The NSSF can help with its Voter Ed Web site. Easy to navigate, loaded with information and updated regularly, this site will not only mobilize sportsmen to vote, but it will demonstrate the significant differences on where the candidates stand on hunting- and firearms-related matters.

“Hunters, sportsmen and firearms enthusiasts must understand that the same gun-control advocates who refuse to discuss firearms now, for fear of losing their races, will be emboldened should they take office,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF senior vice president and general counsel. “This is especially true if they share in their ranks other gun-ban proponents controlling the White House, Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.”

Sportsmen and gun-rights supporters must become educated about the candidates running for office and must register to vote. For more information on how to register to vote and where the candidates stand on hunting and our firearms freedoms, visit www.nssf.org and click on “Voter Education” on the home page, and encourage your customers to do the same. — Ted Novin, NSSF.

Remington Arms
Appoints Director

B. Behn

Bob Behn, former president of Marlin Firearms, has been elected to the board of directors of Remington Arms Co., and will serve as a senior advisor to Paul Miller, chairman of the board.

Signing on with Marlin Firearms in 1969 as an assistant advertising manager, Behn dedicated 39 years of service to Marlin and the shooting sports industry. He was elected to the board of governors of the National Shooting Sports Foundation in 1990, serving as executive vice president in 1995 and, more recently, in the role of co-vice chairman.

“Bob was the grinding force behind Marlin Firearms for decades,” said Tommy Millner, Remington Arms CEO. “His product visions are too numerous to list, but all contributed to Marlin’s position as one of the world’s finest firearms manufacturers. I could not be more pleased that he chose to stay deeply involved with Remington and Marlin, as well as in his various industry roles, instead of choosing retirement.”

Sturm, Ruger & Co.
Makes Major Changes

K. Reid

R. Stutler

With Steve Sanetti becoming the president and CEO of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) on May 1, Ruger has promoted Kevin B. Reid Sr., to the position of vice president and general counsel. Sanetti, in addition to holding the position as Ruger’s president, was the company’s general counsel.

Reid joined Ruger in 2001 and until 2007 served as assistant general counsel. In June 2007, Reid was named director of marketing.

“Kevin has been a valuable member of the management team and his expertise, work ethic, keen eye and fresh approach to problem solving make him uniquely well suited for the role of general counsel,” Fifer said.

Prior to joining Ruger, Reid was a partner at the law firm Wildman, Harrold, Allen & Dixon in Chicago. He is a member of the Illinois and Connecticut Bars. He received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Akron and a doctor of jurisprudence from Washington & Lee University School of Law. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1980 to 1984.
With the retirement of Robert R. Stutler as vice president of Ruger’s Prescott, Ariz., operations, the company has hired Mark T. Lang as group vice president. He will initially be responsible for management of the Prescott firearms division.

Stutler joined Ruger in 1987, becoming general manager of Prescott operations in 1990 and vice president of Prescott operations in 2006. During his 20-year career, Stutler made significant contributions to the success of the Prescott division and the design of some of the company’s most popular firearms.

Lang has held senior management positions in manufacturing and operations in the consumer goods and industrial products markets. He most recently was the president of the Custom Products Business at Mueller Industries Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental engineering from the University of Florida and a Masters of Science degree in industrial engineering from the University of Tennessee.

“We sincerely thank Bob Stutler for his dedication, hard work and creativity, which led to his many important contributions to Ruger and the success of our Prescott, Ariz., operations,” Fifer said. “We believe Mark’s experience and achievements in successful divisional management, product development, lean manufacturing and acquisition integrations will help to ensure Ruger’s continued success.”.

Blaser USA
Names Sales Manager

Blaser USA has selected Keith V. Lay as national sales manager. Lay has established successful sales and marketing teams for Fortune 500 companies, including Mobil Chemical, International Paper and Sekisui TA Industries.
“Mr. Lay is confident his experience and passion as an avid hunter, combined with his professional business experience, will complement the long-term goals and aggressive growth of Germany’s leading rifle and shotgun manufacturer,” said Brian Turk, president and CEO of Blaser USA.

Lay is a graduate of Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Big Rock Sports
Names Accounts VP

Scott Hogsett, former president of Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, has been named vice president of national accounts at Big Rock Sports.

Hogsett has 18-plus years of experience in the outdoor sporting goods markets. He was instrumental in the launching of dealer-focused brands at Shakespeare and previously held the positions of vice president of sales and marketing and general manager there. Prior to joining Shakespeare, Hogsett held several sales positions at Lego Toys, including director of national accounts.

In his new role at Big Rock, Hogsett will oversee the company’s national account team. Mac Stout, director of national accounts, will continue managing the needs of Big Rock’s chain store and big-box partners.

DoubleStar
Adds Tactical Consultant

D. Alwes

Don Alwes, a 23-year veteran of law enforcement and tactical training, has joined the staff of DoubleStar Corp. Alwes works as a liaison with DoubleStar’s L.E. customers and is establishing a tactical training program at the company’s Winchester, Ky., headquarters, where he will serve as lead instructor.

“Don has an extensive background in law enforcement and training, and we’re excited to have someone of his caliber join our organization,” said Teresa Starnes, company president. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in the law enforcement segment of our business in the past few years, so we’re looking forward to offering these customers an additional outlet for relevant training.”

During his more than two decades in law enforcement, Alwes has taught courses for the National Tactical Officers Association, the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training and the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors.

Glock
Promotes Sales Manager

Glock Inc. has promoted Bob Schanen to central region sales manager for law enforcement and commercial sales. Schanen was a Glock rep in the central region, which includes Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, for more than seven years.

“Mr. Schanen has been a key part of our success in the central region and we are thrilled to promote him to this important position. With his dedication, work ethic and superior principles, we will continue to transition agencies to Glock pistols in the Heartland,” said Gary Fletcher, vice president of sales and marketing.