Editor’s Notebook: Outreach

Feb 3, 2021

In the age of massive growth in the population of gun-owning Americans, the industry has stepped up to provide some education, putting ‘best practices,’ safety and skills in front of the new members of the ‘gun culture.’

One such organization is GLOCK Professional. The company recently announced firearms training for new shooters, “GLOCK Brilliance in the Basics.” The course is one-day long, open to those aged 16 and up who meet the background requirements.

According to the release, “The course provides all firearm related equipment and is taught by GLOCK Professional trainers that have years of experience working around North America with clients of all knowledge levels.”

A part of GLOCK Training, the firm also offers the Armorer’s Course, GLOCK Operator Course, GLOCK Modular Optic System (MOS) Operator Course, GLOCK Low Profile Carry Course, and Instructor Workshop. The new course is a reflection of the changing times: “With an increase in first time firearm purchasers and a priority in education for safe firearm handling, GLOCK Professional recently introduced its newest training course, GLOCK Brilliance in the Basics.”

GLOCK Training image.

I’ve had the GLOCK Armorer’s Course several times – need to take it again – as well as a couple of tours through the previous Instructor Workshop and the current Operator Course. GLOCK Professional is a great outfit with solid trainers. Applying their experience to instructing new gun owners is outstanding.

It’s smart – and needed.

Photo from Warne Scope Mounts.

Further, in the “good news” department – something we can all cherish – a release from Warne Scope Mounts. A friend of Ken Flood, VP of Sales for Warne, has a son, Paxton Spencer, who was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome – a congenital disorder in which he was “born with half a heart and only one functioning lung.” This is rarely survived and the child has endured many operations. Paxton’s compromised immune system is further complicated by the pandemic. He’s not been able to leave the property since the fall of 2019.

The Spencers live in the country and can shoot on the premises. Paxton’s dad was interested in a rifle the boy could shoot for distance and to hunt whitetails. So, in the words of the Warne release, “The firearms industry came together to present a special gift to a special kid.”

The industry came together with a package to meet his needs – without his having to leave the premises. From the story:

Warne was able to orchestrate a solution with donations from the following generous companies:

  • Masterpiece Arms: PMR Pro Rifle in 6mm Creedmoor
  • Swarovski: Kahles K624i scope
  • Warne: Skyline Mount, accessories and Skyline bipod
  • Kestrel: 5700 Elite Ballistic Computer with HUD
  • Midway USA: a combo rifle case
  • Armageddon Gear: shooting bags and rifle case
  • Hornady: 2 cases of match ammo
  • MK Machine: steel targets and a scope lever.

It’s great when we can join to help someone and Warne deserves accolades for this effort. The companies that stepped in likewise deserve our support. Best wishes to Paxton and his family and many thanks to all for a job well done.

When reading the Monday NSSF Bullet Points mailing of February 1, I saw a link to a release from Beretta Holding. It seems that it acquired the British gun-making firm Holland & Holland. Maker of magnificent shotguns and rifles, H&H is described in the release as “ … a fitting partner, fulfilling all the elements of finest gun making; a rich history, independent manufacturing facilities and outstanding products.”

According to the release, the Holland & Holland Shooting Ground of West London, is included in the acquisition. This deal helps Beretta maintain a presence in the UK market post-Brexit.

-- Rich Grassi