NEWS

Crimson Trace Establishes New Military Division, CTC Defense

Crimson Trace Corporation, manufacturer of Lasergrips® and Laserguard® laser-sighting systems, has launched as new division targeting military supply channels with military grade product: CTC Defense.

Different from the commercial Crimson Trace brand, all new products have been built from the ground up using new technologies and resources that are innovative solutions for today's hostile environments requiring white light, IR (infrared) and quick change day-to-night sighting systems.


San Francisco Flips Policy, Allows Gun Rights Policy Conference Ads

Huge advertisements promoting the 25th annual Gun Rights Policy Conference September 24-26, 2010 are up at prominent transit locations around the City of San Francisco after the San Francisco MTA waved their anti-gun policy and allowed the ad to run despite a guideline prohibiting advertising that "appears to promote the use of firearms."


Sentry Solutions Announces Launch Of Official Facebook Fan Page

Sentry Solutions announces the official launch of the Sentry Solutions Facebook Fan Page. The goal of the page is to create a place for fans and dealers to interact directly with the company and with other enthusiasts.


USA Shooting Team Available for NHF Day Interviews

National Hunting and Fishing Day is approaching (September 25, 2010) and this year's honorary chair-the entire USA Shooting Team-is available for media interviews.


Flanagin Joins Impossible Shots, Attempts World Record

Tonight on Outdoor Channel, Shooting USA's Impossible Shots introduces the latest member of the team, extreme shooter Patrick Flanagin. Flanigan will attempt a new world record, breaking seven hand-tossed clays, from the hip, one-handed.


Winchester Awarded "Best Of The Best" From Field & Stream

The Winchester® Ammunition Ballistic Silvertip® lead-free bullet recently received the "Best of the Best" Award from Field & Stream magazine.


Greg Jordan Wins Limited-10 Title at Area 8

Greg Jordan of New Freedom, Pennsylvania won the Limited-10 division title at the USPSA 2010 TechWear USA Area 8 Regional Handgun Championship this past weekend at the Fredericksburg Rod and Gun Club in Fredericksburg, Virginia.


Abbate Edges Out Francisco for Lady's Open USPSA Win

In what is sure to be a preview of October's USPSA Nationals, Jessie Abbate of McDonough, Georgia narrowly edged out the reigning national champ, Megan Francisco of Gainesville, Virginia, to take the Lady's Open division title at the USPSA 2010 TechWear USA Area 8 Regional Handgun Championship.


Ruger Named 2010 "Manufacturer of the Year"

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. (NYSE:RGR) is proud to have been named "Manufacturer of the Year" for 2010 by the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence.


NRA Club University Set for Albuquerque

NRA Clubs & Associations has opened registration for their September 25, 2010 Club University workshop at the Albuquerque Grand Airport Hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico.


McGinty Wins USPSA Area 8 Single Stack

James McGinty came from behind to win the Single Stack title at the U.S. Practical Shooting Association's (USPSA) 2010 TechWear USA Area 8 Regional Handgun Championship this past weekend at the Fredericksburg Rod and Gun Club in Fredericksburg, Virginia.


RCBS® Protects Presses and Die Sets

RCBS® has announced the creation of two new kits meant to safeguard reloading equipment. The new Press Maintenance Kit (MSRP: $22.95) and Die Maintenance Kit (MSRP: $28.95) contain the cleaning gear needed to keep reloading equipment lasting longer and working harder. Available now, these two maintenance kits come with the essential chemicals, oils and brushes to clean reloading presses and dies.


Walsh Holds of Olhasso for Area 8 Wheelgun Win

Cliff Walsh held off two other USPSA Grand Masters, and a late charge by Smith & Wesson's Olhasso, to win the 2010 TechWear USA Area 8 Regional Handgun Championship this past weekend at the Fredericksburg Rod and Gun Club in Fredericksburg, Virginia.


Glock's Sevigny Goes for Four at Area 8

For the fourth year in a row, and the sixth time in his career, Glock's Dave Sevigny has won the Area 8 Production division title, this time winning seven of the 10 stages at the USPSA 2010 TechWear USA Area 8 Regional Handgun Championship.


Glock's Randi Rogers Claims Area 7 Lady's Production Title

Team Glock's Randi Rogers won all but two stages to take the Lady's Production division title at the USPSA 2010 TechWear USA Area 8 Regional Handgun Championship this past weekend at the Fredericksburg Rod and Gun Club in Fredericksburg, Virginia.


30 Days Left on ZEISS FIELD DAYS Riflescope Promotion

Hunters have 30 days left to take advantage of the ZEISS Field Days promotion on all Victory and Conquest Riflescopes with the RAPID-Z VARMINT reticle. The $150 mail-in rebate on these riflescopes is good through September 30, so varmint hunters looking to save money on these ZEISS scopes should take action now.


Ruger and Carhartt Team Up AGAIN for Free Jacket Promotion

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. (NYSE: RGR) announces the return of the very popular free jacket promotion. Between September 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010, customers who purchase any new, American-made Ruger® bolt-action rifle will receive a free Ruger-branded, American-made Carhartt® jacket.


Aimpoint Pledges Support to First Shots Program

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has announced the addition of Aimpoint to the growing list of industry supporters of First Shots®, the NSSF-developed program that introduces newcomers to target shooting. Aimpoint has pledged its support and sponsorship of First Shots through 2010.


FEATURE

New Kid Lighting the Block

Elzetta....not your typical boy named Sue.

There's a new kid on the block. He's smart, tough, and adaptable, and he listens to his customers. And on top of that, he is 100% American. His name is Elzetta.

It only takes a few minutes with Dave Barnett to feel the passion and commitment that he and Brian Marcum bring to the production of high quality tactical flashlights and accessory clamps. Barnett knew that when he opened his own company, it would bear the name of his grandmother, Elzetta Mae Smith. The name is a little unusual, but so is the product.

Since 2007, he and Brian have developed an outstanding product line that would make his grandmother proud. As mechanical engineers, Dave and Brian have chosen to use their interest in guns to design and build tough, practical, and innovative products of real value to the tactical market.
Their first offering was the ZFH 1500 Tactical Light Holder that fits AR-15, M16, and M4 rifles with standard A-frame front sight bases. The ZFH 1500 does not require an expensive rail system, a feature that in itself can save hundreds of dollars. Installation is quick and easy. It requires only the hex wrench (included with the clamp).

Mounting under the front sight (above) means the Elzetta won't prevent your using a gun rack (below). Larry Bailey photo.

In less than five minutes I mounted the clamp and light securely in place under the front sight. The light can be installed or removed quickly by using the thumb nut, which is conveniently slotted to allow the use of any coin for added torque. Many rail-mounted clamps make it difficult to fit the weapon securely and safely into a gun rack. Since the Elzetta design places the accessories under the front sight, there is no problem fitting the weapon in your car, or home gun rack or safe.

Elzetta's philosophy is to design accessories that are adaptable and can be upgraded without buying a whole new clamp. When customers wanted a side sling swivel, the folks at Elzetta developed the ZSS 1500 that attaches directly to the ZFH 1500 by simply replacing two of the short screws with longer ones. They also offer two other low-profile mounts for those who already have or want a rail system.

I am not the first in line to buy new and unproven. I am a skeptic about companies and technologies, especially when it seems technology changes almost daily. But when Elzetta announced the release of their ZFL-M60 tactical light, I bought one of the first in the store. I have not been disappointed. The M60 has the feel of a fine weapon. The grip area is banded with fine knurling that produces outstanding control. The unit is not only functional, but very pleasing to the eye as well. The crenellated bezel is deep and sharp, making it an effective striking weapon of last resort. The inside of the light is as well- or better- engineered. A Malkoff M60 is the light source and features fully potted electronics for an almost indestructible package.

One of the first things I noticed was the lack of heat generated by the 235 lumen lamp, even after it had been on for some time. Elzetta has developed a technique to dissipate the heat through the aluminum body, leaving all parts barely warm to the touch.

In keeping with their philosophy of designing for adaptability, the various parts of the ZFL-M60 are interchangeable and can the upgraded without buying a new light. To change the bezel, tube or tailcap switch, you simply buy the new part. Currently, there are three tail caps available - rotary, click, and high/low. I will be in line for the new pressure tailcap that can be added to an existing light when it is released in October.

The ultimate proof of my faith in a product is when I give it to my daughter. She got the Elzetta, and I kept the comparison brand. Dad will either buy himself a ZFL-M60 or make some really obvious hints for his Christmas stocking.

One word of caution - there are inferior imitations being sold under the Elzetta name. You can make sure you have the real thing by visiting their web site, http://www.elzetta.com, or another reputable dealer.

-- Larry Bailey

Bailey is a regular contributor to The Shooting Wire.

Sep 4
Gem City Gun Club, Erie, PA
Sep 4
Gem City Gun Club, Erie, PA
Sep 6
Sep 9
Desert Sportsman Las Vegas, Neveda
Sep 10
River Bend Gun Club
Sep 10
Harvard Sportsmen's Club
Sep 11
York Izaak Walton, Dallastown PA
Sep 12
Mid County Rod & Gun Club in LaGrangeville, New York
Sep 18
Central Florida Rifle & Pistol Club
Sep 18
Heartland Public Shooting Park 6788 W. Husker Highway Grand Island, NE 68801
Sep 19
Medford, Oregon
Sep 24
North Tennessee Practical Shooters in Dickson, TN
Sep 24
North Tonawanda, New York
Sep 22-25
United States Shooting Academy, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Sep 25
Hanson Rod & Gun Club, Hanson, Massachusetts
Sep 24-26
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport Hotel, San Francisco, CA

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