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Lyman Products introduces the right-sized Brass Smith Ideal press, ideal for beginner or experienced reloaders thanks to several top features. Beginners using the C-Frame style press will appreciate its rugged frame of cast iron and all steel parts with a central handle position for easy ambidextrous use and a ball handle for a smooth, comfortable operation.The new Lyman Brass Smith Ideal press has features for beginner or experienced reloaders.Experienced reloaders will love the compact size that requires minimal bench space and its compound linkage for optimum leverage including a 1-inch diameter ram and a 3 7/8-inch press opening. The opening can handle all pistol calibers and rifle cartridges with a loaded length of up to 3.700-inches. The Ideal press is the perfect auxiliary press for reloaders wanting to perform a separate operation from their main press.All reloaders will find the compact size, rugged construction with a durable powder coat finish and ambidextrous design to be a welcome addition to their reloading applications. The Ideal press accepts all 7/8 x 14 thread dies and standard shell holders, and weighs just 12.6 pounds."The new Brass Smith Ideal Press is a single-operation press that really gives a reloader plenty of options," saidTrevor Mullen, VP of Global Marketing and Business Development for Lyman Products. "Very affordable, it makes a great starting press for a novice reloader that allows them to reload a variety of pistol and rifle ammo. For the seasoned reloader, this C-Frame style press gives them the advantage of adding to their operation without having to reconfigure an existing press or take up lots of bench space with another big press."Lyman® Brass Smith Ideal Press Specifications:Heavy duty cast iron frame and stainless parts Handles all pistol calibers and rifle cartridges up to 3.700 in length Compound linkage and 1" diameter ram Accepts all standard 7.8" x 14" dies and standard shell holders Ambidextrous operation Durable powder coat finish Weight 12.6 pounds Proudly made in the USA at Lyman Products MSRP: $99.95

The new Savage Model 110 Storm allows hunters to conquer hunting’s most punishing weather while extending their effective range. Shipments of these firearms are currently being delivered to dealers. The rugged rifle’s AccuFit system lets the shooter customize length-of-pull and comb height for comfort and consistency, and the user-adjustable AccuTrigger provides a light, crisp pull. Together with the AccuStock, which secures the action three-dimensionally along its entire length, the Savage 110 Storm provides the fit and function of a custom rifle—right out of the box. The rifle is built on Savage’s time-tested 110 platform but with a modern design and improved ergonomics. Available in a wide variety of right- and left-hand models. Features & Benefits • AccuFit system lets shooters quickly adjust comb height and length-of-pull • User-adjustable AccuTrigger • AccuStock rail system secures the action three-dimensionally along its entire length • Detachable box magazine • Stainless steel barreled action • Gray synthetic stock • Soft grip overmold fore-end and pistol grip surfaces • New Model 110 design and ergonomics • Drilled and tapped for scope mounts 110 Storm 57076 / 223 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $849 57081 / 22-250 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $849 57082 / 243 Win., 22-inch barrel / $849 57077 / 6.5 Creedmoor, 22-inch barrel / $849 57083 / 7mm-08 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $849 57078 / 308 Win., 22-inch barrel / $849 57079 / 270 WSM., 24-inch barrel / $849 57084 / 300 WSM., 24-inch barrel / $849 57080 / 338 Federal, 22-inch barrel / $849 57050 / 25-06 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $849 57051 / 6.5 X284 Norma, 24-inch barrel / $849 57052 / 270 Win., 22-inch barrel / $849 57053 / 30-06 Sprg., 22-inch barrel / $849 57054 / 7mm Rem. Mag., 24-inch barrel / $849 57055 / 300 Win. Mag., 24-inch barrel / $849 57049 / 338 Win. Mag., 24-inch barrel / $849 57146 / 280 Ackley Improved, 22-inch barrel / $849 110 Storm Left Hand 57085 / 223 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $849 57087 / 22-250 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $849 57086 / 243 Win., 22-inch barrel / $849 57088 / 7mm-08 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $849 57089 / 308 Win., 22-inch barrel / $849 57056 / 270 WSM., 24-inch barrel / $849 57057 / 30-06 Sprg., 22-inch barrel / $849 57058 / 7mm Rem. Mag., 24-inch barrel / $849 57059 / 300 Win. Mag., 24-inch barrel / $849 For more information about the Savage 110 Storm and other products visit www.savagearms.com

TrueTimber announces a new partnership with The Murray Road Agency and CMG Marketing and Events. The teams will handle all marketing, public relations, media buying, social media, partnership and related duties and act as an extension of the TrueTimber team. TrueTimber is a rapidly growing camouflage and lifestyle brand, finished goods manufacturer and raw materials supplier. The company offers everything from fabric by the yard to the latest technologies in hydrographics. It has formed relationships and partnerships with hard goods manufacturers, accessories and apparel companies in all categories of the shooting and hunting industry. TrueTimber patterns and products can also be found in countless other markets and continues to expand its presence to new channels.TrueTimber is available in multiple patterns for different hunting situations throughout the country.“We’re happy the Murray Road and CMG teams are on board at TrueTimber,” said TrueTimber Founder and CEO Rusty Sellars. “Their experience in the hunting and shooting sports makes work with our existing partners turnkey. The new team will be directly responsible for taking the TrueTimber brand and products to new levels. Our growth plans are very aggressive and we need to quickly expand our marketing presence and sales support. Activation with several other brands and companies in the fishing, power sports, racing, food and beverage and other categories will also fall under the new marketing team’s area of responsibility.” TrueTimber camouflage and hunting products can be found at retailers across the nation. A related lifestyle brand and complete product line with partners like Mountain Dew builds inroads to huge audiences across many markets as well. “We’re thrilled to partner with TrueTimber,” said Murray Road owner Tim Brandt. “Rusty and the team have achieved substantial and impressive growth. Their presence in the hunting, shooting and outdoor space continues to expand. They are also well-known in several other markets and industries. We look forward to supporting their sales efforts and driving new marketing initiatives.” About TrueTimber Founded in 2005, TrueTimber is based in Inman, S.C., and is the most realistic, performance-driven camouflage brand in the industry. TrueTimber offers a wide variety of clothing items and accessories featuring leading hunting camouflage patterns. The company is also provides fabric by the yard (27 different patterns), apparel, finished goods and printing services, including hydrographics. TrueTimber and licensee products can be found in retailers across the United States and Canada. TrueTimber partnerships span numerous industries and it continues to be one of the fastest growing camouflage companies in the world. For more information about TrueTimber, visit www.TrueTimber.com.

There are bright spots in a down market. Get out and sell!

Guns practically sold themselves 10 years ago. Now, the market is a bit softer, and digital and social platforms have changed the way you should be marketing your business.

Just back from SHOT or another trade show? How much of the trip can you deduct on your taxes?

Trying to increase gun sales? Try taking a look at what your competition is doing — and what they aren't.

Marketing through Instagram is a great way to reach new customers and increase brand loyalty. Here's what you need to know.

The French National Police recently awarded Speer with a long-term contract for its 124-grain, 9mm Luger Gold Dot Duty ammunition. This contract reflects the company’s industry-leading technologies and longstanding commitment to excellence. “The French National Police are one of the world’s finest law enforcement agencies. We’re proud to provide Speer Gold Dot for their duty ammunition needs,” said Jason Nash, Senior Director of Marketing, “and are honored they selected us for this important contract.” Gold Dot was the first handgun ammunition loaded with true, bonded-core bullets. Speer’s exclusive Uni-Cor construction process bonds the jacket to the alloyed lead core one atom at a time. This process virtually eliminates core-jacket separation while guaranteeing uniform jacket thickness for superior accuracy. Each Gold Dot hollow-point cavity is tuned by caliber and bullet weight to ensure optimum expansion and penetration. Additional Gold Dot features include ultra-reliable CCI primers, plus high-powered, clean-burning propellants and nickel-plated brass cases for smooth function and extreme durability. Headquartered in Lewiston, Idaho, Speer has a long-standing reputation for making the world's finest bullets and in 1996 became one of the first U.S. ammunition manufacturers to achieve ISO 9001 certification for quality. The company manufactures a variety of bullets and cartridges for law enforcement, reloading and sporting applications. Speer is a brand of Vista Outdoor Inc., an outdoor sports and recreation company. For more information on Speer, go to www.speer-ammo.com.

Joel Harris has been hired as Director, Media Relations & Communication, for SIG SAUER with responsibility for managing all aspects of media relations, shooting sports initiatives and Team SIG.Joel HarrisHarris will be an integral part of the key initiative leadership team. Team SIG includes world class professional shooters Max Michel and Lena Miculek. Harris will report to Allen McCormick, Vice President of Marketing. Harris will be responsible for overseeing communications to the media, including preparation of articles, press kits, press releases, and other content initiatives as well as shooting sports management. Harris will ensure that the company protects and promotes its image in a proper, coordinated and consistent manner, across all forms of media. “We are excited for Joel to join the SIG SAUER team,” McCormick said. “This is an exciting time for SIG, and I look forward to leveraging the vast industry experience Joel brings, in conjunction with his collaboration in pushing and evolving our team to new mediums, channels, and how SIG SAUER tells our story.” Harris comes to SIG SAUER with 20 years of industry experience and has held the titles of Head of Global Public Relations, Brand Manager, Marketing Manager, International Sales Manager and Key Accounts Manager, to name a few. Harris also has product development and product management experience including inventor of patents in the shooting sports and archery industries. “In my comprehensive and successful career, I’ve had the pleasure of working for some of the industry’s biggest brands, both domestically and internationally," Harris said. "Working for the iconic SIG SAUER brand is definitely the pinnacle of my career." For more information on SIG SAUER, visit sigsauer.com.

TriStar Arms awarded its Distributor of the Year and Retailer of the Year for 2017 during a celebration of accomplishments at the annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas. TriStar has earned a reputation and following for providing exceptional value, from home defense to upland hunting, and 3 1/2-inch semi-auto magnums to trap guns. A variety of distributors and retailers have provided that value. But in 2017 it was Zander's Sporting Goods earning Distributor of the Year and Wal-Mart earning Retailer of the Year.TriStar Viper G2 BronzeTriStar is looking forward to a strong 2018 with upgrades in its various lines. Interest also is high for the new Viper G2 Bronze in .410, which reliably cycles both 2.5-inch and 3-inch shells. The Viper G2 Bronze is a gas operated, semi-automatic shotgun that allows you to shoot 3-inch light target loads to heavy waterfowl loads interchangeably. The removable choke system uses Beretta/Benelli Mobile Threads, and includes three choke tubes (IC, M, F), choke box, and wrench. The Viper G2 Bronze features a cerakote receiver, high-grade Turkish walnut with cut checkering and semi-gloss finish.TriStar Arms is a primary importer of quality shotguns and handguns. The company is driven to provide high-performance firearms for hunters, recreational shooters and home defense at a fraction of the price and to deliver fast and friendly service at all times. Every firearm that TriStar Arms imports is rigorously tested throughout each stage of production to ensure that its customers receive value that can be passed down for generations.For more information on TriStar Arms visit www.tristararms.com.

The redesigned AXIS II XP package rifle from Savage offers hunters even better out-of-the-box performance at the same affordable price, in a wide variety of full-size and compact models and a complete spectrum of popular hunting calibers. Shipments of the new AXIS II XP packages are currently being delivered to dealers. In addition to a new look with improved ergonomics, the AXIS II XP is loaded with features. Among those are improved accuracy, a user-adjustable AccuTrigger, thread-in headspacing, and a factory-mounted, bore-sighted Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm scope. Features & Benefits • User-adjustable AccuTrigger • Improved ergonomics • Button-rifled barrel • Bushnell Banner 3-9x40mm scope • Detachable box magazine • Thread-in barrel headspacing Description / MSRP AXIS II XP 223 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $484 22-250 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $484 243 Win., 22-inch barrel / $484 6.5 Creedmoor, 22-inch barrel / $484 7mm-08 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $484 308 Win., 22-inch barrel / $484 25-06 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $484 270 Win., 22-inch barrel / $484 30-06 Sprg., 22-inch barrel / $484 280 Ackley Improved, 22-inch barrel / $484 AXIS II XP COMPACT 243 Win., 20-inch barrel / $484 AXIS II XP COMPACT MUDDY GIRL CAMO 243 Win., 20-inch barrel / $539 AXIS II XP STAINLESS STEEL 223 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $579 22-250 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $579 243 Win., 22-inch barrel / $579 6.5 Creedmoor, 22-inch barrel / $579 7mm-08 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $579 308 Win., 22-inch barrel / $579 25-06 Rem., 22-inch barrel / $579 270 Win., 22-inch barrel / $579 30-06 Sprg., 22-inch barrel / $579 280 Ackley Improved, 22-inch barrel / $579 Savage is a brand of Vista Outdoor Inc., an outdoor sports and recreation company. To learn more about Savage, visit www.savagearms.com.

Guessing at distances for targets at the range or in the field is useless for accuracy when dialing in a bow or firearm optic, and especially on a hunt. Laser rangefingers are almost a must-have item for any big game hunter. Whether you're glassing for pronghorn in Wyoming or on deer hunting near a swamp in Alabama, pinpoint accuracy for the shot is what most folks want. Halo’s new XL600 Laser Rangefinder has several top performance features along with an affordable price. It's a solid item to suggest for hunters and target shooters if you're looking to make additional sales. The Halo XL600 quickly ranges to 600 yards  with accuracy to +/- 1 yard. Its 6X magnification provides bright, clear viewing and fast target acquisition. The internal LCD displays the reticle, battery status, mode setting, numerical display and unit of measure, which is selectable by yards or meters. The Halo XL600 Laser Rangefinder operates in dual modes. Standard mode provides a single precise distance reading with one push of the button, while Scan mode enables users to quickly range multiple targets without having to reactivate the laser for each target. Angle Intelligence technology automatically detects and compensates for slope in both mode settings, providing users with an accurate, "shoots like" reading, regardless of topography. The XL600’s has a water resistant housing and comfortable, ergonomically correct grip for easy handling. HALO XL600 Laser RangefinderMaximum of 600 yards to reflective target 6x magnification AI™ technology accounts for slope to the target Scan Mode allows for constant ranging Precise to +/- one yard Water resistant One-year warranty Powered by one CR2 lithium ion battery (included)MSRP is $119.99

Kurt Worden has joined Crosman Corporation as Director of Sales for LaserMax Products. Worden is a seasoned sales and marketing executive with more than 20 years of experience in servicing customers and driving organizational revenue growth.Kurt Worden“I’m honored to join Crosman Corp and be part of a company with a deep tradition of developing product innovation with all of its categories,” Worden said. “I am looking forward to bringing these technology advances to our customers to ensure we continue to bring solutions that will help our consumers train and protect themselves better.” Prior to joining Crosman, Worden spent three years at Beretta as Director of Sales, retail chains. He has also held a number of sales leadership roles at various companies including a stint at LaserMax from 2012-15, prior to Crosman’s acquisition of the commercial business. “The LaserMax family of products leads the market in terms of innovative, quality laser aiming solutions,” said Steve Upham, Senior Vice President of Sales. “We are confident that the addition of Kurt to the team will give us the dedicated focus to be able to grow our business with the retail channel as well as further develop our strategic partnerships with firearms manufacturers.” Worden will be based in the Crosman corporate headquarters in East Bloomfield, N.Y.

Turkey hunters can be persnickety about their ammunition and usually give the side-eye at anyone touting something as the latest and greatest for thumping gobblers. Downrange density is important, especially for hunters who encounter turkeys at 40 or more yards. Inside that is the magic zone for many older hunters who want to get 'em in as close as possible. And there's a group of hunters who are stretching their ranges out to 60 or more yards. As with anything in the hunting world there'll be a variety of opinions about these situations. With spring turkey seasons on hand, laying stock with Winchester's Long Beard XR ammuntion and providing solid competition data could sway a hunter's decision on a purchase. Long Beard XR is specifically designed for turkey hunting with a combination of the shot pellets, hull, powder and primer engineered for performance. The ammo was used during the National Wild Turkey Federation’s annual 2017 Still Target Championship, arguably a great proving ground for turkey loads. The Long Beard XR 12- and 20-gauge ammo was used to set records in October 2017, with both gauges in the popular No. 6 size. When hunters ask whether they should buy Long Beard XR, you could tell them this:Joseph Sloan shattered the record of 63 pellets in the 12-Gauge Open Class by filling his 3-inch target with 80 pellets, fired from a custom bolt-action shotgun. Cody Waters set a record in the 20-Gauge Hunter Class, breaking the record of 23 pellets with 35. He was using a pump action 20-gauge. Chris Scott broke the 20-Gauge Open Class record, shooting 39 pellets into the target with a specialty shotgun outfitted with a .555 constriction choke tube.“We are fortunate to have Long Beard XR ammunition as the most technologically advanced turkey load in the industry. This competition truly showcases its capabilities for turkey hunters on the range and in the field.” said Matt Campbell, vice president of marketing and sales for Winchester Ammunition.  “Winchester is proud of its long-time association with the NWTF, the leader in wild turkey conservation across North America.”

Making additional sales with quality ammo accessories that can help shooters and hunters is a great way to put extra revenue in the company till. Ammunition accessories are good to have on hand and suggest. Whether it's a veteran hunter set in his ways or someone new to shooting, being able to provide quality advice is helpful. For 40 years, MTM has designed products for shooting enthusiasts, reloaders and hunters. This year one of the company's new introductions is its Ammo Racks. They're designed for AR9M (9mm) and ARRS (Rifle Small).  The AR9M has eight P50-9 ammo boxes capable of storing up to 400 rounds, while the AARS has four RS-50 boxes that can hold up to 200 rounds. Racks may be stored standing, stacked flat or hung on a wall. They're also good to use in gun safes for extra security. The racks also can be mounted to a wall and have adjustable shelves. The MSRP is $20.99 and $18.49, both of those being easy price points to suggest as a helpful accessory at the counter. MTM also has a wide variety of other ammo boxes, accessories and items that could be stocked and offered. I've used several MTM products the last few years, including larger storage containers and small .22 rifle ammo boxes for hunting and range use. They're tough, durable, designed well and will be a solid addition to retailers looking for quality items to sell.

Trends, innovations and high-quality products – that’s what can be expected from those who attend IWA OutdoorClassics 2018, one of the biggest shows in the world for the hunting, shooting sports and outdoors industry.New products from around the world will be showcased at IWA OutdoorClassics, offering visitors the best chance to see them in person under one roof.IWA OutdoorClassics 2018 will feature approximately 1,500 exhibitors from around the world displaying items for hunting, shooting sports, equipment for outdoor activities and for civilian and official security applications. The show will be held March 9-12 at the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg, Germany. Whether hunting and sporting accessories or personal protection, IWA OutdoorClassics shows a comprehensive range of products from international suppliers. In 2017, 49,253 trade visitors came to Nuremberg to meet 1,504 exhibitors from all over the world. The selling, buying and networking opportunities at the show and during the week are outstanding. Along with the exhibits, attendees will find an array of workshops on relevant topics to help stay abreast of industry trends and changes. For more information on IWA OutdoorClassics 2018, click here.Outdoors enthusiasts can find a wide array of products at IWA OutdoorClassics.