ICYMI: Headlines From
April 25-29, 2022

Application Period Open for $100,000 in NSSF Hunting Heritage Trust Grants

NSSF announces the application process for the 2022 Hunting Heritage Trust Grant program featuring $100,000 in awards is open.

The Hunting Heritage Trust Grant program is designed to support recruitment efforts benefitting hunting and the shooting sports.
Qualified non-governmental organizations (NGOs) may apply for a portion of this year’s $100,000 grant total, to be used to support recruitment, retention and reactivation programs, known collectively as R3 efforts.

In its grant award process, NSSF will place an emphasis this year on programs assisting non-traditional participants.

“We encourage eligible organizations to apply for assistance with this new round of Hunting Heritage Trust grants,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF president and CEO. “With an increase in firearm sales and also interest in hunting and recreational shooting among diverse, non-traditional audiences, we’ll be focusing on assisting programs that address the needs of this growing participant base. If you’ve got a program in mind that meets the criteria, one of these grants can help get it off the ground.”

Grant applications may be submitted only by and in the name of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) seeking funding for hunting and shooting sports R3 efforts. Project proposals from organizations other than non-NGOs will not be accepted. All grant applications must be submitted to NSSF by May 13, 2022, for consideration. All projects awarded grant funding in 2022 must be completed by March 10, 2023. Organizations are eligible for only one grant award from the Grant Program.

To see the complete grant application criteria, visit: nssf.org/grants/nssf-hht-grant-program.

Aimpoint Awarded New Contract For Fire Control Systems By U.S. Armed Forces

Aimpoint has been awarded a new contract for supply of the Aimpoint FCS13RE Fire Control Systems to the U.S. Military. The system is currently being deployed as the primary Fire Control on the M3E1 MAAWS lightweight 84mm Carl-Gustaf produced by SAAB Dynamics for use by the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Special Operations Command.

The FCS13RE is a direct view, Dynamic Universal Reflex Sight, which utilizes an integrated laser range finder and ballistic computer to give the gunner an aiming point corrected for range, type of munition, terrain angle, and environmental conditions. In addition to the 84mm Carl-Gustaf, the system can also be utilized on other weapons including the AT4, 40mm high velocity grenade launchers (Mk19, Mk47, and GMG), .50 caliber heavy machine guns (M2) and the M134D Minigun. The FCS13RE provides an extremely high probability of first round hits on both stationary and moving targets during day and night. The system can be enhanced with a magnifier, a thermal imager, and is compatible with all generations of military night vision.

“The FCS13RE has a proven hit probably of over 90% for the max effective range of the Carl Gustaf weapon system and is also capable of mounting to various crew-served weapons,” said Thane Smith, Aimpoint Inc. professional sales director. “Aimpoint will continue to produce the highest quality weapon optics that increase lethality and survivability of our service members.”

For more info: aimpoint.us.

Hornady Critical Duty Awarded FBI 9mm Service Ammunition Contract

Hornady has been awarded a Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) agreement with the FBI for its 9mm+P Luger 135 gr. Critical Duty ammunition.

“Having our 9mm+P 135 gr. Critical Duty selected for 2 consecutive 9mm FBI contracts showcases the hard work and dedication our team puts forward to provide the finest law enforcement ammunition available,” said Scott Javins, Hornady LE/military product manager.

Critical Duty is loaded with the tough Hornady FlexLock bullet that delivers “barrier blind” performance when shot through common urban barriers. The patented FlexLock bullet incorporates two revolutionary Hornady features, delivering superior barrier penetration and consistent performance in FBI tactical handgun ammunition tests.

The patented Hornady Flex Tip design eliminates clogging and aids bullet expansion. A large mechanical jacket-to-core InterLock band works to keep the bullet and core from separating for maximum weight retention, excellent expansion, consistent penetration, and terminal performance through all FBI test barriers.

Other features of Critical Duty that make it desirable for law enforcement, such as the FBI, include its bright nickel-plated cases, which simplify chamber checks in reduced light; and low-flash, clean burning propellants, which preserves night vision in low-light firing.

For more info: hornady.com

APEX Ammunition Congratulates Linda Powell On Winning Alabama Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt

The APEX Ammunition team congratulates Mossberg’s Linda Powell on her impressive performance at this year’s Alabama Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt. Powell’s 25+ lb. gobbler with an 11.75″ beard and 1.125″ spurs was taken with a Mossberg 940 Pro Turkey autoloading shotgun and APEX Turkey Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) # 9s. It was the largest bird bagged during the event and earned Powell the title of Grand Champion with a combined score of 71.13. A total of 64 hunters participated in this invitation-only event, including CEOs, corporate presidents, outdoor and entertainment celebrities, media representatives, and sponsors.

Powell and her guide, Justin Rock of Riverview Farms, had to work for this savvy tom – calling and ultimately repositioning three times to get in position to take him.

“I’ve used the APEX Tungsten Super Shot on all of my turkey hunts this spring and have been so impressed with how well it patterns in my 940 and how effective it is in the field,” Powell said. “Everywhere I’ve hunted, the guides, landowners and other hunters have all asked what I am shooting and where can I buy that gun and ammo.”

The Alabama Governor’s One-Shot Turkey Hunt is a premier event that was started in 2002 and last held in 2015. The event raises funds that benefit the many projects of the Alabama Conservation & Natural Resources Foundation, including scholarships at the University of Alabama and Auburn University.

For more info: apexammunition.com.

Project ChildSafe Safety Sweepstakes Raises Nearly $90,000

The Project ChildSafe Safety Sweepstakes recently concluded with the random selection of seven prize winners, who along with thousands of other donors made contributions in support of NSSF’s Project ChildSafe firearm safety education program. The sweepstakes raised a total of $89,639.00 thanks to the generous donations of 3,608 donors.

The sweepstakes was promoted by NSSF, SHOT Show and the Project ChildSafe Foundation.

Such a successful fundraising sweepstakes /would not have been possible without donations of fabulous prizes from Swarovski, Beretta, OpticsPlanet, Negrini and NSSF. Prizes included: Swarovski NL Pure 10 x 42 binoculars; Beretta Silver Pigeon shotgun; Benelli Montefeltro shotgun; Mossberg JM Pro Series shotgun; Vaultek Rugged Safe; Negrini Pistol Case; Project ChlidSafe Yeti Tumbler
Prize winners hailed from Alaska, New York, New Mexico, Hawaii, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

“We are grateful to the thousands of donors who stepped up to support Project ChildSafe and its mission of promoting the safe handling of firearms and their secure storage when not in use,” said Joe Bartozzi, chairman of the Project ChildSafe Foundation and president and CEO of NSSF. “Project ChildSafe is one of the most respected and widely used safety programs in the country, with some 15,000 law enforcement department partners bringing the Project ChildSafe message of responsible gun ownership to their communities.”

For more info: projectchildsafe.org.

Orchid & Williams Mullen Donate $15,000 To Project ChildSafe

At the Firearms Industry Conference taking place April 26–27, hosts Orchid and Williams Mullen demonstrated their support for promoting responsible gun ownership by making a donation of $15,000 to the Project ChildSafe Foundation.

The contribution will help support NSSF’s Project ChildSafe firearm safety education program, the largest and most comprehensive firearm safety initiative in the country.

Jon Rydberg, CEO of Orchid, Charles E. “Chuck” James, Jr., and Camden Webb, partners at Williams Mullen, presented the donation to Zach Snow, NSSF’s director of member development.

As organizers of the Firearm Industry Conference, Orchid and Williams Mullen pledged to donate a portion of conference registration and sponsorship proceeds to support Project ChildSafe.

“NSSF extends its deep appreciation to Orchid and Williams Mullen, and to the attendees of this conference, for supporting our nationwide gun safety efforts through Project ChildSafe,” said Snow during remarks at the conference.

For more info: orchidadvisors.com, williamsmullen.com, projectchildsafe.org.

Kinsey’s Outdoors To Host Kid’s Day 2022

May 7, 2022, Kinsey’s Outdoors will host their 23rd annual Kid’s Day. The event takes place on the grounds of Kinsey’s retail location, well-known for supplying South Central Pennsylvania’s outdoor enthusiasts at 1658 Steel Way in Mount Joy, Pa.

Entry is free and participants will be treated to more than 20 fun outdoor activities/stations including: archery shooting, clay bird shooting, fly tying and casting, catch and keep trout fishing, TechnoHUNT, a smoke maze and more.

Brady Lesher, General Manager, expressed his excitement, “Kid’s Day is an opportunity for the Kinsey’s family to join local families in a fun filled outdoor event focused on teaching and passing down our heritage to future generations.”

Kinsey’s Outdoors would like to thank key contributor sponsorships from the Lehigh Valley Chapter Safari Club International, Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited, Finns and Flies, QDMA, Harvey’s Bar-B-Q, PA Trapper’s Association, Wild Pursuit Podcast, NWTF and Dutch Country Hand Rolled Soft Pretzels. The contributions from these partners help to make the community event possible.

For more info: kinseysoutdoors.com.

Embracing Incentive Travel In The Shooting Industry

As companies in the shooting, hunting, and outdoor industry strive to retain and replace staff during the “Great Resignation,” business leaders are using incentive travel programs to improve employee relations and attract high-quality talent. Founded by firearms industry expert Paula Iwanski, The Art of Travel Company is a women-owned travel agency focused on improving corporate performance and enhancing organizational culture through incentive travel opportunities.

A veteran of the United States Air Force, Iwanski spent more than 20 years as a marketing and sales professional in the shooting industry. Since 2017, she has designed bucket list adventures for her travel customers. The Art of Travel Company recently expanded to feature corporate incentive travel.

“Educating my colleagues and customers in the firearms marketplace about creative marketing trends outside our industry has always been important,” said Iwanski. “It’s an open secret we struggle with retention and hiring from outside our own walls, so the time is ideal for helping companies excel. Incentive travel is an excellent way to connect with, motivate, and reward your workforce. It pulls people in and builds morale and loyalty in a unique way.”

The Art of Travel Company is an affiliate of Virtuoso’s Valerie Wilson Travel.

The partnership facilitates the most exclusive, ultra-customized experiences using trusted global connections. As a master in the art of luxury travel, the Art of Travel Company specializes in incentive travel and corporate retreats, custom European itineraries, Scotland and Ireland, the Caribbean, luxury golf and fishing journeys.

For more info: theartoftravelcompany.com.