SUBSCRIBE    ARCHIVES   
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2024

- EDITOR'S NOTE -
In observance of the Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day holiday we will not be distributing any of our services on Monday, October 14. The Outdoor Wire Digital Network will resume our normal distribution schedule on Tuesday, October 15. Due to the holiday weekend, we request you submit news for Tuesday’s editions no later than 2:30pm ET Saturday.
- AWARDS -
Stoeger Air Guns announces that its XM1 Scout PCP model has been named the inaugural Guns & Ammo Air Gun of the Year for 2024. This prestigious award was determined by the Guns & Ammo editors, contributors, and staff, following a rigorous evaluation of new products across the firearms industry.
Holosun announces its remarkable achievement of winning the Gold Choice Awards for Red Dot/Reflex Sight categories from both Tactical Retailer and Shooting Sports Retailer. These prestigious accolades were presented to Holosun during the recent NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits held in Dallas, Texas.
- COLLEGIATE FISHING -
On EP. 217 of the Rapala #WeAreCollegiateBass Podcast, host Kyle Curry is joined by Mat Higby from Arkansas Tech University. p p
In just a few short days, the Association of Collegiate Anglers will contest another event during its historic 20th season. The second stop of the 2024-25 Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series is the AFTCO Collegiate Bass Open.

- EVENTS -
Rost Martin announces that it will exhibit at the NASGW Expo from Tuesday, October 15th, through Friday, October 18th, 2024, at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Rost Martin will exhibit its introductory pistol, the RM1C, its premier compact striker-fired 9mm, at booth #1442.
Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets will attend the 2024 NASGW Expo and Annual Meeting held in Kansas City, Missouri on October 15-18, 2024. Both brands will exhibit and hold meetings in booth #614.
HSM Ammunition will be exhibiting in booth #1318 at the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) Annual Expo at the at the Kansas City Convention Center.
1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group announces they are exhibiting and meeting with wholesale partners at the NASGW Expo and Annual Meeting in Kansas City, MO. Located in booth #229, 1791 Outdoor Lifestyle Group will showcase new products as well as meet with existing and new wholesale partners.

WATCHTOWER Firearms announced its participation in the upcoming National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers Annual Expo. Dealers, distributors, and members of the media are invited to visit booth #1043 at the Kansas City Convention Center from October 15-18, 2024, to explore WATCHTOWER's innovative line of firearms and accessories.
Century Arms and Canik USA will be attending the upcoming 2024 National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) Expo and Annual Meeting in Booth #430. The conference will take place on October 15th-18th, 2024, in Kansas City, MO.
- FISHERIES -
There are many joys of fall fishing: the salmon run, cooler weather and gorgeous fall foliage. Another benefit is the opportunity to help with important fisheries research by telling the Michigan Department of Natural Resources about any tagged or marked fish you catch.
- FISHING TOURNAMENTS -
Outdoor Action TV is excited to be onsite and livestream the weigh-in of the 2024 AFTCO Collegiate Bass Open this weekend. Outdoor Action TV, in partnership with the Association of Collegiate Anglers, will be on-site live streaming the weigh-in during both tournament days.

The Association of Collegiate Anglers will contest another event during its historic 20th season. The second stop of the 2024-25 Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Series is the AFTCO Collegiate Bass Open. The no-entry-fee, nationally televised, double points tournament will be contested at Lake Dardanelle in Russellville, AR on October 12-13, 2024.
- FORESTRY -
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife reports acorn production is strong in red oak trees according to the 2024 acorn mast survey. The survey is a useful report for hunters, which many may use to help guide them when it comes to finding wildlife during hunting seasons. The survey found an average of 68% of red oaks and 34% of white oaks bore fruit on 31 Ohio wildlife areas.
- GIVEAWAYS -
Waypoint TV announces the Get Out & Grill Giveaway presented by COBB®. From October 14 through October 28, outdoor cooking enthusiasts have the opportunity to enter to win premium COBB® grilling essentials designed to elevate their outdoor culinary game.
- HUNTING -
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds hunters who applied for 2025 spring hunts that 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Oct. 15, is the deadline to update credit card or debit card account information.

Montana’s annual youth-only deer hunt is set for Oct. 17 and 18. This year, the hunt happens over the two-day Montana teachers’ convention, when students are out of school.
- INDUSTRY -
Outtech is excited to welcome Geoff Whited as our new Regional Manager for the independent channel. In this role, Geoff will work closely with retailers in New Mexico, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma, fostering strong partnerships and driving success.
NSSF has developed a webpage containing resources for military veterans, including a fact sheet discussing mistaken beliefs that cause some veterans to forego seeking health care from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) because of concerns about having their firearms taken away.
Anderson Manufacturing announced the appointment of Jennifer Tuttle as the new Director of Marketing. With over 20 years of experience in the firearm and 2A space, Tuttle is poised to lead the marketing team as the company continues its growth.

- NEW PRODUCTS -
Dickinson Arms has a new gun lube and cleaning kit just in time for fall hunting seasons. Dickinson’s new nanoparticle Gun Oil will keep your firearm working smoothly and help prevent corrosion and wear. The new 12-Gauge Cleaning Kit is designed to be portable, allowing you to clean up your shotgun at home, on the road, or in the field.
The November 5th election is approaching fast, and it’s being called one of the most pivotal moments in U.S. history. To celebrate the importance of every vote, Ruger and TWN Industries have teamed up to bring you something truly special: the all-new "Vote 2024" 10/22 rifle.
Mesa Tactical introduces the new Truckee forend for the Remington V3 and Remington Tac-13 shotguns. Truckee forends are machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and are equipped with M-LOK® slots on the sides and bottom, providing versatile options for accessory attachment.
High Speed Gear® (HSG®) announces the launch of its newest addition to the GEN 2 TACO® line up - the GEN 2 AR10 X2R TACO®. This pouch has been optimized to accommodate larger AR10 style magazines, meeting the demand for versatile magazine carriers in today's evolving battlefield.

Iceland Coolers introduces the Cushion Cooler and the unbeatable Berserker Series, both perfect for the dove hunting season and other outdoor pursuits.
The Game Changer X is a marked improvement over the bag that changed precision rifle shooting forever. The increased surface area creates the feel of shooting off a benchrest bag with the portability that precision shooters have come to love in the Game Changer line.
- OPTICS -
C&H Precision announces the availability of the all-new EDC Enclosed (EDC-EN). This rugged and compact pistol optic is specifically designed for concealed carry, but offers exceptional performance for duty, home defense and recreational shooting as well.
Dark 30, an innovative new company in the outdoor technology sphere, announces the launch of the Dark 30 Defiance, a state-of-the-art 360° pan tilt zoom (PTZ) vehicle-mounted thermal camera. The D30 Defiance enhances the capabilities of nocturnal hunters and law enforcement professionals who have previously had to use thermal handheld devices on foot and through vehicles.

iRayUSA, the United States distributor of InfiRay Outdoor thermal optics, announces the second generation of the RICO MICRO Multi-function Thermal Optic, available in 640 or 384 resolution models.
- ORGANIZATIONS -
After 28 years of collaboration on worldwide conservation initiatives, DSC and Conservation Force (CF) have officially joined forces to form one of the most impactful conservation partnerships in the world.
Safe LivinG announces its new collaboration with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service. Safe LivinG will visit Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph and Fort Cavazos this month to celebrate the collaboration. Safe LivinG offers attendees a unique opportunity to engage in various activities centered around personal security and firearm safety.
- PUBLISHING -
The power of evidential beauty is on full display in the Nov/Dec issue of American Handgunner, courtesy of the expert craftsmen at Santa Fe Stoneworks. Additional highlights of the Nov/Dec issue include a perspective from Pat Covert on how Kershaw Knives has endured over five decades to celebrate its golden anniversary in 2024.
- RADIO -
This week, Outdoors Radio features Serpent Arms chief operations officer Kevin Grotelueschen and his son Eli, Huntworth pro-staffer and bear hunting outfitter Bernie Barringer, and Remy Battery president Mike Moeller.
- STATE AGENCIES -
Members of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission heard good news about the results of the August roadside quail survey and pheasant survey during their regular meeting Oct. 7.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has partnered with Nativ, a leading Arkansas-based outdoor apparel brand, to launch a limited edition collection of apparel benefitting the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation.
- STATES -
Whether you’re staying at home to clean up the yard or traveling north for a little fall color, keep fire safety in mind. Due to dry conditions, fire danger is elevated throughout the state.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds hunters who applied for 2025 spring hunts that 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time)Tuesday, Oct. 15, is the deadline to update credit card or debit card account information.
- TELEVISION -
Savage Arms® announces the new episode of Serve the Land is featured on multiple platforms. “Serve the Land” debuted on Carbon TV and premiered on YouTube on October 10th.
- WILDLIFE -
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Montana Audubon Center are hosting Bat-Stravaganza, a family-friendly event focused on learning about and celebrating bats. The free event will take place Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Montana Audubon Center (7026 S. Billings Blvd.) from 6-8 p.m. All ages are welcome.
 

On Wednesday, SIG SAUER took another step forward in support of the foot soldier.

Formal dedication of their 210,000 square foot Jacksonville Arkansas Ammunition Center (JAAC) was irrefutable proof that the company has become a major player in the military contracting world, and an economic driver in a state that eagerly supports SIG’s expansion efforts.

But it is also part of a longer vision, a vision formed more than a decade ago by a former Israeli Defense Force foot soldier named Ron Cohen.

Nearly a decade ago, Cohen told me an ambitious goal he had in mind for SIG SAUER. At that time, it was far closer to the near-bankrupt status of yesterday than the ten-digit-plus juggernaut it has become under his leadership.

His goal?

To change the world of the foot soldier. In his vision, that would be achieved by SIG developing weapons that would make them better warfighters. I was intrigued, because I knew Cohen was speaking from experience. As an IDF footsoldier, Cohen had humped the weapons he knew in his heart SIG was capable of improving.

The dignitaries speaking at the groundbreaking Wednesday validated Cohen’s faith in the engineers and abilities at SIG.

United States Senator John Boozman (top) told attendees it was “never more important to invest in our military” and the “entire Arkansas delegation supports the efforts. Arkansas Governor Sara Huckabee Sanders (bottom) said her administration’s goal was to “make Arkansas a state as positive as possible for the creation of an infrastructure positive to the defense industry.” She was also adamant that Arkansas “stands with our military- and with Israel.”

 

Arkansas’ Senator John Boozman recounted Arkansas’ support of the military, and said he was impressed with the new facility, but he most “looked forward to touring the plant when it was bustling..and maybe shooting some of your stuff.”

That played well, as did Governor Sara Sanders making it plain that Arkansas was pro-military, pro-defense, and very pro gun. She also told how the development of a working relationship with SIG and CEO Cohen helped her see the dual benefits for defense of the United States and the economic prosperity of Arkansas.

But it was Cohen who brought home the single-minded goal he has had throughout SIG’s move into the military arena.

“I’m proud to be a soldier,” Cohen told the crowd, “and this is a revolution for the soldier.”

In explaining why SIG chose Arkansas, CEO and President Ron Cohen told the crowd how a phone call from Governor-elect Asa Hutchinson convinced him to take a serious look. “We’re not accustomed to government working with industry,” he said, “but that’s from being in the north.”

The soldier Cohen identifies most with isn’t like one of the many generals in the crowd. The soldier Cohen identifies most with is “the soldier who walks on the ground…the one who will have to shoot someone.”

His goal - and SIG’s has been simple: to support the foot solder. To make their load-out lighter, their weapons more lethal and their ability to do the job better.

“For the people of SIG,” an occasionally emotional Cohen explained, “this is not a job, it is a calling. We chose to do something that matters. We understand the mission. And we believe we are on a mission to change the world.”

“If I were an enemy of the U.S.,” he said, “I would not want to start a war with us.”

To prove his point, attendees were invited to tour the displays that will soon be replaced by manufacturing machines. The displays demonstrated how the JAAC facility would make the half-billion rounds they estimate producing annually, along with the rifles, pistols, optics, and suppressors being supplied to the military by SIG.

SIG’s Daniel Horner explained the advantages of SIG products currently in use by the U.S. military to attendees (top). One product not currently being offered, but under development is a drone equipped with a SIG P365 pistol. Drones are changing the face of warfare.

At the end of his remarks, Cohen made it clear that Wednesday’s event was only a lull in the action for the 3500 people of SIG, especially the nearly hundreds that work in Jacksonville, many of whom will soon be moving into the new building.

“Christmas is not far away,” he told everyone, “this building will look very different by then. And in a year, you probably won’t be able to find a place to park.”

He’s probably not exaggerating.

We’ll keep you posted.

— Jim Shepherd

 
Outdoor Wire - 155 Litchfield Rd., Edgartown, MA 02539
Copyright © 2024, OWDN, All Rights Reserved.