Kansas

The national media has been focusing on gun control as it relates to Modern Sporting Rifles and the role Modern Sporting Rifles play, or don't play in self defense and the need for private citizens to own such a rifle.  The reality is a large number of firearms are used for the sport of hunting which is part of the heritage and founding of our country.  Firearms and their availability for hunting is often overlooked in this debate but it is important for all of us outdoor sportsment to consider as this debate goes on.

There always seems to be confusion over the difference between a .223 and a 5.56 chamber. I often receive questions asking if someone can shove 5.56 ammo into their new Modern Sporting Rifle—AR-15. The quick answer is maybe. Just because a gun has .223/5.56 scribed on the barrel or lower receiver, does not mean it can handle either type of ammunition equally.

Reed Exhibitions has announced they will postpone the upcoming Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show.  Over 200 exhibitors, celebrities and potential attendees decided to not attend this year’s show because of Reed Exhibitions’ decision to not allow Modern Sporting Rifles to be shown or sold.  

Streamlight Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, added new High Lumen (HL) models to its popular Stinger LED and Strion LED series of lights. The Stinger LED HL, the Stinger DS LED HL and the Strion LED HL use state-of-the-art C4 LED technology to provide law enforcement, tactical, outdoor and other users with extreme brightness, delivering up to 640 lumens.

The same week that the Obama administration proposed new gun control measures and Governor Cuomo of New York signed the toughest gun laws in the country, the firearms business was meeting at their annual trade show, The Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show).  This comes on the heel of record sales being set as consumers are flocking to retailers to purchase firearms and ammunition in anticipation of new laws on the horizon.

Few things in this world are truly irreplaceable, but your sight and hearing are certainly two big ones. Most people are pretty good about protecting their eyes, but when it comes to hearing — as a whole — we still do not get it, or at least we are not doing it right. And for those that do, many do not put the effort into ensuring they are completely protected allowing noise to chip away at their hearing a little at a time.

Remington has long been known for its shotguns and rifles, but two years ago it introduced a new 1911 model.  And now, Remington is introducing the R1, a Commander-size format of their popular 1911. 

Groupon is the latest marketer to say no to guns and is now feeling the wrath of gun owners as the Texas gun shop who they are denying a Groupon coupon for is now calling for a Groupon boycott. This comes on the heels of the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show banning assault rifles and having more than 50 exhibitors and celebrities withdrawing from the show.  Based on response to articles on Outdoor Roadmap it appears a large number of consumers will also not attend the show.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and The Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF) released two new reports today documenting the importance of sportsmen's activities in America. NSSF's Hunting in America: An Economic Force for Conservation and CSF's America's Sporting Heritage, Fueling the American Economy reports provide detailed information about participation and expenditures by American sportsmen and women.

Dan Hanus is a 22-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, with a precision weapons background. Hanus built Marine Corps’ sniper rifles, the combat .45 pistol and the long-range M14 and guns for Special Ops and the U.S. Marine Corps Shooting Team. Today he’s the head of Bergara's Custom Rifle Shop, a part of Blackpowder Products, Inc. (BPI).