ICYMI: Industry News
From Oct. 28–Nov. 1, 2024
DIVA-WOW Presence At NSCA Nationals
DIVA-WOW (Women Outdoor Worldwide), the worldwide sisterhood that provides a warm, inclusive and supportive environment where women come together to celebrate their love for outdoor sports, hunting, fishing and the outdoor lifestyle, sponsored and hosted the Ladies’ Beginner Shotgun Clinic and Ladies’ Open at the National Sporting Clays Association Nationals for the fifth consecutive year. Held in San Antonio, Texas, October 19–27, DIVA WOW introduced 90 new shooters to the art of sporting clays at the sold-out clinic.
Five dedicated DIVA Lifetime members/NRA instructors brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to support newcomers in their shooting journey. In addition, 10 NRA Range Safety Officers ensured safety protocols were met while fostering a fun environment.
Saturday’s DIVA-WOW-sponsored Ladies’ Open would be the start of embracing the new challenges head-on. One hundred fifty-five competitors took to the course. Some were first-timers, while others had years of experience under their belts, but all, like DIVA-WOW, shared the spirit of camaraderie.
DIVA-WOW is celebrating 25 years of dedication to introducing women and youth to shooting sports through clinics across the country. This commitment has not only empowered countless individuals but has also fostered a vibrant community where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their experience level.
DIVA-WOW is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit worldwide organization to introduce women and youth to the world of the outdoors. All women and youth demographics are welcome to participate in the events, clinics and leagues, which are designed for all levels, especially beginners of recreational shooters, hunters and anglers. DIVA-WOW is a uniquely all-volunteer-based organization that truly reflects its passion for the outdoors and teaching.
For more info: divawow.org
Luth-AR Acquires ACRO Machine Inc.
Luth-AR announced its purchase of all assets of ACRO Machine Inc., including several CNC turning and milling machines, all fixtures, programs, designs and knowledge.
A release from the company states, “Luth-AR looks forward to another new chapter of improving our barrel expertise with new ideas and technology. Our barrel product line will advance to other calibers, contours and coatings.”
For more info: luth-ar.com
Nearly 16K Students Participated In Record USACTL Fall Season
The season is complete, and the awards are on their way for 15,823 student athletes who participated in USA Clay Target League (USACTL) programs this fall. Those athletes are competing on 873 high school, college and homeschool teams nationwide.
“Athletes and parents want safe, school-based, non-traditional outdoor activities in which to participate. The League’s school-approved programs provide a sense of team, belonging and camaraderie without the high costs and limited playing opportunities of traditional high school sports,” said John Nelson, president of the USACTL.
“Every year 95% of non-graduating students return to participate in the League’s programs, and over 13,000 new athletes joined the League this year through their school’s teams. In the League there are no benchwarmers — everyone participates thanks to the efforts of the shooting ranges, coaches and parents that make teams flourish.”
With over 52,000 participating athletes in 2024, the non-profit USA Clay Target League is America’s largest clay target shooting organization. The League offers trap, skeet, sporting clays, and 5-stand leagues to secondary and postsecondary schools across the country.
The League is the only 100% school-approved clay target shooting sport program in America. Every team must have school approval to participate. Most participating schools have lettering programs as well as yearbook inclusion for the teams. In addition, tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships are provided to qualifying seniors by the League and post-secondary institutions each year.
The League’s co-ed and adaptive nature are key attractions to schools nationwide: it’s fully Title IX compliant with both male and female athletes competing on the same team, and it’s an “adaptive’ sport,” which allows students with physical disabilities to take part.
For more info: usaclaytarget.com
Waterbury PD Adopts The FN 509 MRD-LE
FN America announced the Waterbury Police Department of Waterbury, Conn., has selected the FN 509 MRD-LE 9mm striker-fired pistol as its new sidearm and has issued the pistols to their 300 sworn officers. The order was fulfilled through FN Law Enforcement Distributor, Atlantic Tactical.
“Waterbury Police Department approached us in search of a new duty pistol that was reliable, durable and offered them future-proof, optics-ready technology, and we answered that request with the FN 509 MRD-LE,” said Doug Grier, law enforcement business development director for FN America LLC. “The FN 509 MRD-LE delivered against their need for a factory optics-ready solution that was instantly adoptable department-wide and exceeded officers’ expectations with its ergonomics, modularity and ambidextrous controls.”
Sergeant James O’Brien of the Waterbury PD said, “Since its adoption, we have seen a dramatic improvement in our officers’ test scores for accuracy, and we have received nothing but positive feedback on the pistol’s capabilities.”
Topped with a 4-inch slide that houses the FN-signature cold hammer-forged barrel, the FN 509 MRD-LE was designed for accuracy and features the company’s patented optics-mounting system that enables the direct mounting of several miniature red-dot optics, along with adjustable three-dot night sights.
For more info: fnamerica.com
Federal Ammunition Continues Support Of IHEA-USA
Federal Ammunition is continuing its longtime support of the International Hunter Education Association-USA (IHEA-USA).
“Hunter safety is vital to every hunter’s success in the field. Having quality programming and an organization that proudly stands up to strong standards ensures the future of hunting and the shooting sports,” said Jon Zinnel director of Federal’s industry and government relations team. “This excellent organization supports the state wildlife agencies and their volunteers nationwide to create a safe environment for those that pursue game each year.”
IHEA continues to innovate by creating critical firearm and hunting safety programs as well as education to increase hunting knowledge. In addition to these hunter-safety-related efforts, they have also increased their programming around recreational shooting sports.
“We love to see their continued support of their YouTube platform with more ‘Hunters Connect’ content. This series covers everything from pre-scouting to field dressing with robust video content from experienced hosts,” continued Zinnel. “They also launched an educational module at learnhunting.org that provides adult hunters who have been through a course but still have some unsettled nerves the ability to get connected with a mentor and have a safe and successful hunting experience.”
For more info: ihea-usa.org, federalpremium.com
