WED | DECEMBER 6, 2023

HEVI-Shot Ammunition has added more choices of high-quality branded apparel for sale direct to consumers. Besides the new offerings, classic favorites such as popular short sleeve and long sleeve shirts have also been restocked.
SKRE Gear is now available at select retailers nationwide. The company has begun partnering with sporting retailers nationwide to bring its customers world-class gear with a dealer program that offers low initial order requirements, free freight programs, second-to-none customer service, and attractive margins that can be realized without discounting.
Easton announces the new 2024 product line-up. At the forefront of this groundbreaking trio of new product is the X10 4mm Parallel Pro.

Dan Wesson’s DWX wins “Best Full-Sized Handgun of 2023" among competitors in Outdoor Life’s annual handgun testing and evaluation. This year, the testing took place at the Gunsite Academy in Paulden, Arizona, where more than 10,000 rounds of 9mm, 10mm, and .45 ACP were fired during a week-long assessment of the latest handguns on the market.
Fiocchi announces Rachel Barringer as the newest member of the Fiocchi Pro Shooting Team. Rachel found her passion in skeet shooting while competing on the Schreiner University Shooting Team. Since then, she has continued to excel in this discipline and has racked up some impressive accomplishments.
Gun Owners of America (GOA) and the Gun Owners Foundation (GOF) joined Gun Owners of California (GOC) and several other plaintiffs in filing a second lawsuit challenging California’s concealed carry statutes.

The Second Amendment Foundation has filed a federal lawsuit against the Los Angeles County Sheriff and California Attorney General Rob Bonta challenging the constitutionality of carry permit issuance policies and laws that make it difficult, if not impossible, for citizens to obtain permits.
The NRA Youth Education Summit is a six-day, all-expense paid leadership and scholarship experience for rising high school juniors and seniors in the Washington, DC area. Y.E.S will be held July 16th-21st, 2024.
The Canyon Elite from Tagua Gunleather provides a comfortable, reliable solution for concealed carry. Constructed with premium, extra thick cowhide leather, the Canyon Elite is double-stitched for added durability and features a thumb break to aid in retention.

Available in tan, black (select fits) and havana brown (select fits), and constructed of premium steerhide, the Galco DAO™ is now available for the Taurus Raging Hunter.
The THAW Heated Wrap is the perfect way to stay warm in comfortable out in the elements. This rechargeable wrap will keep the wearer stylishly toasty while providing up to eight hours of wearable warmth.
Mission First Tactical announces they have added Forest Night as a color option to their Achro line. These versatile, everyday-carry bags and packs offer a discreet firearm storage system.
American Defense Manufacturing will be giving away 12 Awesome ADM Products to 12 lucky winners during the month of December. Prizes include (4) Red Dot Mounts, (3) Recon Scope Mounts, (2) Delta Scope Mounts, (1) UIC Lower Receiver, (1) UIC Builder Set and (1) UIC Mod-1 Rifle.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) has released a new video featuring NRA firearms instructor Robin Evans of Chicks With Triggers, highlighting the empowerment of women through self-defense training. The video, set in South Carolina, showcases the personal defense journeys of six women.
JX Tactical, a holster and Kydex accessory company, announced its acquisition of T5 Kydex, a brand known for its Semi Custom Duty holsters and magazine carriers.

Outdoor Sportsman Group announces the departure of Jason Brist, Executive Vice President of Advertising Sales, effective December 1, 2023. After more than 16 years of service with the company, Brist was instrumental in assisting the organization in pushing advertising sales and establishing strategic partnerships.
Hornady recently donated $56,138.50 to the GRACE Cancer Foundation in Grand Island, NE with a matching amount going to the American Cancer Society for a total donation of $112,277 split evenly between the two organizations.
Now on NRA’s America's 1st Freedom, check out this exclusive video interview with Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen explaining why NRA v. Vullo is a critical U.S. Supreme Court case—one in which the state of New York attacked the NRA’s First Amendment rights.

During this free webinar, Monday, December 11 from 3pm to 4pm ET, NSSF compliance consultants Judy LeDoux and Wally Nelson will discuss common hotline questions from 2023 and will answer them in detail. Afterward, there will be time for you to ask your own compliance questions on any ATF compliance topic.
Along with the recent acquisition of the Athlon Outdoors portfolio, Bleecker Street Publications has selected GAT Marketing as their agency of record.
Sonoran Desert Institute (SDI) has announced the launch of its new Certificate in Firearms Technology - Handgun Specialist (CFT-HS) program, expanding the school's online certificate and degree program offerings.

SIG SAUER, a Diamond-level Second Amendment Foundation corporate partner, continues to show their support of the organization's legal efforts with an exclusive partnership giveaway. The grand-prize winner will receive a coveted SIG SAUER P365 XMacro pistol with a ROMEO-X Compact red dot sight.
WATCHTOWER has announced that Lou Leamont Sales & Marketing, an independent sales representative agency, has been appointed to handle sales for the company’s full line of American-made AR-15, AR-10, suppressors, and 1911 high-quality products on the east and west coasts.
The November 2023 NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 1,595,476 is an increase of 5.0 percent compared to the November 2022 NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 1,519,524. For comparison, the unadjusted November 2023 FBI NICS figure 2,594,906 reflects a 5.6 percent decrease from the unadjusted FBI NICS figure of 2,747,862 in November 2022.

EAA Corp and Girsan Firearms announce the commencement of shipments for the anticipated EAA/Girsan Witness2311® Government model in 9mm. The Witness2311® stands out as EAA/Girsan's double stacked 1911, offering an impressive array of features.
Mossy Oak announces its new partnership with cellhelmet. The partnership will leverage cellhelmet's track record of creating high-quality, impact-resistant mobile device cases and power banks with Mossy Oak's distinct camouflage designs, including Original Bottomland, Breakup Country, and more.
Caracal USA announces the Enhanced F pistol, a smaller, faster, full-size pistol, made in the USA, is now available. The 9mm polymer, striker-fired pistol offers users a snag-free carry in a low-profile design with superior ergonomics.
Armasight announces the release of the Sidekick 640 handheld Thermal Monocular. The Sidekick is available immediately online and in select retail outlets.
Remington Ammunition announces the release of the highly anticipated 2024 edition of their iconic Bullet Knife. This annual tradition has become a favorite among collectors, often hailed as America's most sought-after pocketknife.
GetZone.com "went live" with the 6th Annual Sootch00 Holiday Gift Guide on December 1, announced Media Lodge, owner of the platform.
Now on A1F.com: Too often, the U.S. government skews statistics on gun use to push false narratives.
NASP and S3DA are now issuing a challenge to any and all youth shooting sports organizations to get on board and help the kids of St. Jude in the month of January, 2024. NASP and S3DA collaborated on a joint fundraiser during April 2023 giving program participants the opportunity to help others by donating. Archers in both NASP and S3DA raised a total of $6,544.00 for the children of St. Jude.
James (Jim) Easton passed away at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by family and friends. He was 88 years old. His family-owned archery companies, Hoyt Archery, and Easton Technical Products, employ more than 400 workers in Utah and Indiana. Mr. Easton is survived by his wife of 29 years, Phyllis, son Greg, daughter Lynn, and three grandchildren. The family will celebrate Jim’s life at a private memorial observance.
The newest addition to the family of digital magazines is the 1911 DS Prodigy issue, just recently released. The digital magazine features a deep-dive consideration of the 9mm pistol family, covering its design and capabilities.
The Armory Life announced the release of the Winter 2023 issue of The Armory Life print magazine, featuring a cover story on the Springfield Armory 17-round Hellcat Pro 9mm pistol.
Going by measurements of foot-pounds of energy, Liberty Ammo tops all other brands with a combination of velocity and bullet weight as key factors.
Powder Valley is offering customers even more options with the addition of Norma products to its inventory. Powder Valley is now carrying the company’s Norma products, the world-famous cartridge cases, to provide reloaders with superior options to replenish their ammunition supply.
This Week on Shooting USA it’s the Scholastic Action Shooting College Nationals from the Talladega Marksmanship Park where the top College teams come together to settle the question, which team is the best in the nation.
MyOutdoorTV welcomes new episodes from legendary hunter, Fred Eichler, in his JUST SHOT: Hunting with Fred Eichler series, available to stream on any device using MyOutdoorTV (MOTV), Outdoor Sportsman Group’s No. 1 global subscription streaming platform.
See the very best in western big game hunting with Into High Country with Jason Matzinger airing on Sportsman Channel, Mondays at 9:30 p.m. ET.
 

Still haven’t gotten the gifts purchased? Me either. It’s time to get off the dime. For shooters, there’s a range of hobby-work related gifts that can fit – or you can go to the old standbys without my help.

For gun people, it depends on the interests. As this is #wheelgunwednesday, I’ll start with something generic and easy. That wouldn’t include holsters; there are few gift items that are so personal in the field of shooting sports. Add to that, It’s late enough that custom makers, like Barranti Leather, Simply Rugged Holsters and Ritchie Leather, may not be able to get you the product on time. Simply Rugged does have a “GEAR-TO-GO” page and you may luck into something there.

 

For wheelgunners, a good choice can be loading strips; various types are available, including those from Bianchi,Tuff Products, DeSantis, Galco. Other makers are coming on line with new products soon – I’m evaluating some of them now.

If you know specifics about your revolver owner, speed loaders are still available for DA revolvers. While there are others, I gravitate mostly toward HKS Speed Loaders.

While you’re looking around, apparently new from Galco is a flashlight. A rebranded Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA, which they distribute as a match for their belt-mounted Flashlight Carrier. Everyone should have a flashlight to hand all the time – this non-shooting gift is good for the gun pro on your list as well as the nonshooter.

Image from Fix It Sticks.

As we go up in price, tools are helpful to keep various firearms running and in good condition. Recently, the fine folks at Fix It Sticks announced their Hardcase Rifle and Optics Toolkit. At $234, it may fit the right space on your shopping list for those who need tools for “ … properly torquing rifle actions, optics mounts, scope rings, sights, and other accessories.”

Packed in a Nanuk 225 hard case with a custom fitted foam interior, it’s useful on range trips, in the hunting lodge or in the home shop. The Fix It Sticks Torque Limiters – or the All-In-One Torque driver – are critical to get just the right amount of pressure on the fastener without breaking anything.

More expensive – and evaluated here – the Garmin Xero C1 chronograph appears a home-run for pro-consumer speed detection devices, ideal for ammunition reloaders, precision rifle shooters, archers, airgunners and more.

The MSRP of $599.99 may look high, but in my testing it’s the least aggravating chronograph I’ve used. Its ease of use has caused a great deal of interest and the results are close to the light-based consumer units I’ve used in the past.

Rechargeable and with a mobile application for data storage and transfer, it makes projectile speed assessment easy. I’m still hoping to get with Garmin engineers to discuss best use of the new unit. For now, it’s in great demand. For the serious shooter on your Christmas list, it’s a sure winner.

Looking for a place to shop online? Various manufacturers have online shopping for non-firearms gear, accessories, etc. Some are ShopRuger/ShopMarlin, Springfield Armory Store, SIGSauer.com (“Store” tab), and S&W “Authorized Licensed Products,” among others. Look for spare magazines (can’t ever have too many) or gear like that. And ammo is always appreciated.

It’s not about the stuff, but the appreciation of those on your gift-giving list. Feeling like you hit just the right spot in giving a gift is a pleasure too rarely experienced. It’s worth seeking.

— Rich Grassi

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