Inside Firearms March/April 2024

APRIL 2024 www.insidefirearms.com

april 2024 | insidefirearms.com | 3 april 2024 | contents Inside the Industry First Round New Gear Giddy By Patrick Meitin Industry News The latest on news, events, and people in the firearms industry Company Profile EAA Corp Company Profile Key Arma USA Industry 5Q Five Questions with Kinsey's People Horizon Firearms Fundamentally Different By Michaelean Pike 2024 SHOT Show Highlights A visual recap of the annual gathering of the industry Market Trends Ammo Report Black Hills Ammunition Honey Badger Handgun Ammo By Patrick Meitin Tacti-Cool Must-Have Gear By Inside Firearms Staff Gear Report Kick’s Industries NWTF Series Choke Tubes By Patrick Meitin 2024 Hottest-Selling Firearms Products By Patrick Meitin 4 6 28 40 50 8 32 18 20 30 42 28 20 18 8 40 42 32 30

4 | inside firearms | april 2024 inside the industry | first round New Gear Giddy F or certified gun loonies and gear junkies, attending the annual Las Vegas SHOT Show represents a proverbial candy store. Everything from the latest firearms and ammunition to hunting togs and boots can be found under a single roof (more or less). Although months ago, the excitement and enthusiasm are still palatable. It always comes as a surprise that despite economic downturns the Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor and Trade crowd continues to turn the most jaded among us covetous. Just off the top of my head, I came home absolutely burning to own one of Carl Cosico’s ingenious Fastarmed units, Iray’s latest thermal-imaging technology, some of Key-Arma USA’s accessories to jazz up an AR, to hunt Texas hogs with EAA’s 2311Witness Hunter 10 pistol, to build a rifle on one of Stiller’s new ultralight Wombat actions, or test a Horizon Firearms 22 Creedmoor rifle. Davidson’s always manages to make standard Ruger firearms sexier, and Hawke Optics to produce riflescopes to fill particular shooting niches. We were so busy preparing for the Show and dealing with the logistics of wrangling thousands of copies of Inside Firearms (and Inside Archery), I missed Industry Day at the Range for the first time in years, so didn’t get to do any shooting in Vegas this year. I’ll do my best to rectify that situation in the coming months, with spring weather improving daily and several new firearms on my must-test list. I’m just a little obsessed with varmint shooting, so much of what attracts my attention while roaming the isles of SHOT are rifles, new cartridges, optics, and bullets to make those frequent pursuits more profitable and enjoyable. Ruger’s new American Rifle Generation II Predator, chambered in Hornady’s new 22 ARC (6.5 Grendel necked to .224 caliber), holding Zero Compromise Optic’s ZC527 riflescope (5-27x56mm) and shooting Hornady’s new 62-grain ELD-VT (.395 G1 BC with explosive terminal performance) sparks visions of warm Wyoming summer days posted above a horizon-stretching prairie dog town. Just a single easy example… I’m not alone in these gear-related fantasies. Not 10 minutes pass at SHOT that you do not hear someone saying something to the effect of, “Wow! This would be perfect for…” Fill in the blank... Of course, we are all at the annual show because we make a living in the shooting and outdoor industry. Some are there to discover new products to write about in the interests of keeping readers up to date. Others attend in the interests of filling store shelves with the latest hotness guaranteed to coax customers to part with hard-earned cash. I shared daily Uber rides from hotel to Show with a SWATteam commander looking for gear to make his department safer and more efficient. Of course, those rows of booths are filled with vendors hoping their latest vision will prove as consuming as the passion that went into creating, nurturing, and bringing that gear to market. It really is something to see—if you are truly a consummate gear junkie. Patrick Meitin, Executive Editor Inside Firearms is a publication of Apollo Creative Inc Printed in the USA. Publisher Apollo Creative Inc Owners • Stephen Mack | Patrick Meitin | Ed Rother Executive Editor Patrick Meitin • [email protected] Associate Editor Michaelean Pike • [email protected] Online Editor Stephen Mack • [email protected] Copy Editor Aaron Buehler • [email protected] Contributors Michaelean Pike Sales & Marketing Stephen Mack • [email protected] • 814.341.9313 Aaron Buehler • [email protected] • 616.520.3244 Design & Production ER Graphics / Ed Rother • [email protected] Social Media Manager Jason Ashe Video Editor Marc Balistreri Account Manager Pam Ludlam • [email protected] Subscription Services & Change of Address: Inside Firearms Circulation Department Inside Firearms, PO Box 986, Levittown, PA 19055-9998 Phone: 844.862.9286 • Fax: 888.965.9961 [email protected] Publication Office Inside Firearms / Apollo Creative Inc P.O. Box 15827, Colorado Springs, CO 80935 Phone: 719.495.9999 • www.InsideFirearms.com Inside Firearms Copyright © 2024 Apollo Crreative Inc. 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Always follow state and local hunting safety rules, and get required permits or licenses before hunting. Apollo Creative Inc uses reasonable efforts to include accurate and up-to-date information in our publications; however, we do not make any warranties or representations as to accuracy or completeness. All information in this magazine is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. Apollo Creative Inc is not responsible for researching and investigating the accuracy of the contents of articles or advertisements published in this magazine. Readers use the information in this magazine at their own risk. Apollo Creative Inc assumes no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this magazine, or arising from use by any person of the information in this magazine.

6 | inside firearms | april 2024 inside the industry | industry news Big Green Supports Children’s Hospitals & Disease Research Nationwide Remington Ammunition continues to help families nationwide by donating a portion of its Gun Club Cure ammunition sales to benefit children’s hospitals and disease research. The company recently presented a check to the inaugural benefitting nonprofit partner, Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Remington added the popular Gun Club Cure offerings to its Gun Club line of target shotshell loads in 2022 with the goal of providing an economical, top-quality product, while giving back to the community on a national level. Combined with Remington’s annual Shoot to Cure charity fundraiser, this unique line of ammunition has raised more than $35,000 for children’s hospitals and disease research. “Remington has always been focused on giving back to our community. These loads are a fantastic opportunity to partner with trap, skeet and sporting shooters to break clays and give back to kids in need,” said Remington’s Shotshell Product Line Manager Ronnie Evans. Remington’s Shoot to Cure fundraiser will take place Friday, September 20, 2024 at the historic Remington Gun Club—steps from Big Green’s factory in Lonoke, Arkansas. Interested sporting clay shooters can contact kris.carson@ remington.com to reserve their team’s spot at the benefit tournament. Now in its 3rd year, Shoot to Cure brings together the shooting sports industry, top sporting competitors from Team Remington and the public for an annual 100-target benefit tournament. Shoot to Cure has sold out each year, with 2024’s event due to be the biggest yet. Gun Club Cure shotshells are available in the recent award from the U.S. Army to stand up manufacturing capabilities for .50-caliber Saboted Light Armor Penetrator (SLAP), which will be ready for production in 2024. Winchester is the largest supplier of small caliber ammunition to the U.S. military, providing advanced small caliber capabilities to the American Warfighter with manufacturing and engineering expertise. The Winchester legacy in support of the U.S. military runs deep, dating back to early 1900s. | TO LEARN MORE VISIT WINCHESTER.COM. Czechoslovak Group Buys Perazzi Michal Strnad’s Czechoslovak Group (CSG) has purchased the majority stock in the familyowned Italian Armi Perazzi S.p.A., manufacturer of top-quality shotguns. Perazzi manufactures about 1,500 shotguns annually, guns often chosen by Olympic medalists and serious competitive shooters. Gunsmith Daniele Parazzi founded Armi Parazzi in 1957 with the goal of producing the highestquality shotguns in the world. Perazzi is led by the founder’s descendants, Mauro and Roberta Perazzi, who will retain a 20 percent equity in the company; CSG owning the remaining 80 percent. The company will continue to be operated by the Perazzi family and the current management team. This represents CSG’s second major Italian purchase, with the company acquiring majority stock in ammunition manufacturer Fiocchi Munizioni last year. Fiocchi owns production facilities in Italy, the U.K. and the U.S. (Ozark, Missouri, and Little Rock, Arkansas). Perazzi USA serves the American market from Azusa, California, and is the sole U.S. distributor. The Armi Perazzi acquisition will be managed by CSG investment director Stanislav Kuba, who says the company’s goals are to maintain the excellence and exclusivity of the Perazzi legacy, bring new customers to the brand and more deeply connect CSG to the shooting sports. CSG also recently announced signing an agreement with Vista Outdoor to purchase its Sporting Products division, including Federal, Remington and CCI ammunitions and other brands. Strnad says this is part of a strategic plan to build itself into a global leader in the sport shooting and hunting marketplace. 12-guage 2 ¾-inch, 1 1/8-ounce sending #8 shot at 1,145 fps; and Gun Club Cure Low Recoil in 12-guage 2 ¾-inch, 1 1/8-ounce shooting #8 shot at 1,100 fps. Both retail for $13.99 per 25 rounds. | FIND REMINGTON AMMUNITION AT DEALERS NATIONWIDE AND ONLINE. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON REMINGTON AMMUNITION AND ACCESSORIES, VISIT WWW.REMINGTON.COM. Winchester to Begin Construction on New Facility to Manufacture Next Generation Squad Weapon Ammunition Winchester has been awarded a contract for the construction of the Next Generation Squad Weapon—Ammunition (NGSW-A) manufacturing facility at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (LCAAP). The project will be the first new manufacturing facility built at LCAAP in decades. The new manufacturing facility will provide safe, reliable, and advanced NGSW-A to the Joint Warfighter. Winchester will manage all aspects of the construction process, which is projected to start in the second quarter of 2024. “A dedicated team of Winchester experts have been working on this project in collaboration with the U.S. government and other industry stakeholders to design a state-of-the-art, small caliber ammunition manufacturing facility,” said Brett Flaugher, president of Winchester Ammunition. “This new facility will ultimately employ hundreds and utilize innovative and transformational small caliber ammunition manufacturing and safety processes.” Winchester continues to partner with the U.S. Army to bring transformational technology and capabilities to LCAAP, as the NGSW-A manufacturing facility award comes on the heels of

8 | inside firearms | april 2024 Horizon Firearms is having quite a year. Last year, the company that pioneered the 22 Creedmoor signed a two-year exclusive distribution agreement with Hornady and, in August, announced the 22 Creedmoor had been submitted to SAAMI for approval. SAAMI officially announced approval for the cartridge in January 2024. Since then, the company’s sales have exploded, with a 1,200 percent jump in production in the last few months of 2023. So far this year, they’ve already doubled their 2023 numbers. BY MICHAELEAN PIKE

april 2024 | insidefirearms.com | 9 That kind of growth could be a double-edged sword for the average company, stressing production limits and testing processes. But Horizon Firearms isn’t your average company. Not by a long shot. Founded by Derrick Ratliff with help from his brother Austin, Horizon has always prided itself on doing things differently. What started as a custom rifle builder in Derrick’s garage has grown to employ 60 people. But the company’s focus—providing premium products that are built to be handed down to the next generation—hasn’t changed a bit. A Chance Opportunity Derrick fell in love with archery through Tom Miranda’s VHS tapes. A Texas native, he attended Texas A&M University to become a veterinarian but quickly discovered he was Horizon Firearms founder Derrick Ratliff (right) and his brother Austin.

10 | inside firearms | april 2024 more interested in other options. He added a business minor with an emphasis in wildlife. He also joined the archery team, eventually ranking 13th in the country. Thanks to that, Derrick landed a job with Bowtech after he graduated college. “I worked in new product procurement,” he said. “It was kind of a hybrid role between marketing and engineering to get new products done.” As much as he enjoyed the work, Derrick had a hard time adjusting to the weather in the Pacific Northwest. “The weather really got to me,” he said. “One day the rain stopped and we went to the front window of the R&D building because the sunlight was coming through. I felt like I was a plant. I called my wife on the way home and said we were going back to Texas. I didn’t care what it took.” It was back in Texas that Derrick saw the ad for a hunting TV show contest. “I was always watching outdoor television,” he explained. “We had The Sportsman Channel on, and I saw an ad for the North American Hunt for the Dream. Basically, you film and edit your own show. The winner of the popular vote would win their own TV show. My wife wasn’t a big hunter, but she’s always been supportive of following dreams. I said we were going to do this. She laughed and said there was no way.” As it turns out, she was wrong. Derrick called the phone number from the ad and learned there was one spot left. With his experience at Bowtech, he was able to secure some sponsors: Bowtech, Leupold, and Stiller Actions. “We worked during the day and hunted in the evenings and on weekends,” he said. “I’d stay up late and edit the shows. We actually ended up winning the show, which was crazy. When I won the show, we got a full year of airtime on The Sportsman Channel.” It was through the show that Derrick became interested in building custom rifles. “One of the guys on the show with us was a custom rifle guy,” he said. “Bowtech had been acquired by Savage while I was there, so I’d played around with guns a bit from a manufacturing standpoint. He and I began to talk, and he said he’d like to supply me with a custom gun to use for the show. We started shooting that rifle on the show, and people started calling us and asking where they could buy the rifle we were using. I came home and told my

april 2024 | insidefirearms.com | 11 wife, ‘I’ve got a crazy idea.’ I thought I could make and sell custom rifles.” A New Venture That was the start of Horizon Firearms. In 2012, Derrick and his wife moved back to College Station, Texas, and Derrick went fulltime with the new business. “We had an office in our house, and customers would come to the house,” he said. “I built rifles in our two-car garage. I got busy enough that I needed help, so I hired my youngest brother, Austin, to build rifles while I did sales and marketing.” At the time, Austin was still attending Texas A&M earning a visualization degree. “That’s kind of a blend between a computer science degree—very technical—and an artistic degree,” Austin, who now serves as director of operations, explained. Growing the Company Austin’s skillset quickly proved valuable at Horizon. In 2014, the company ran into a problem—it simply couldn’t get enough stocks from its vendors to accomplish its goals. “Austin has an engineering mindset,” Derrick said. “So, we decided to start our own stock company, iota Outdoors. We started making our own carbon fiber stocks for ourselves and selling them to other gun builders. That took us to the next level.” A year after that, Horizon took another big step—it merged into Kaspar Companies. “Kaspar Companies is a 125-year-old multicompany conglomerate,” Derrick explained. “It’s a fifth-generation family business on my wife’s side. The family was very interested in guns and the outdoors, and it made sense. That took us again to the next level—making the move from my garage to our first building with retail space and room to grow.” Then, around 2021, a new opportunity arose. “Stiller—the company that originally sponsored me—had sold to a different guy,” Derrick said. “He had not done very well with the company. This was a Texas-based brand. If it wasn’t for them, I probably wouldn’t have had the show and I wouldn’t have been making guns. We ended up acquiring them and then moved it down to merge it into what we’re doing. Now we do our own stocks and our own actions. And we started Texas Ammunition, a pretty large ammo distribution company to buffer us from the crazy COVID ammo stuff. So, we have our own actions, stocks, and rifles. And our own supply of ammo. We do it all outside of making the triggers and metal barrel blank.” “We try to vertically integrate as much as possible,” Austin said. “That allows us to maintain our quality standards. We can also try to leverage and control lead times for our customers, and we get to balance the production flow between Horizon, iota, Stiller, and whomever we bring on or develop in the future. It’s really important for us to be able to control that in-house so we can pull the appropriate levers and deliver the product that we’re looking for, both in terms of quality and the timing.” A Counter-Cultural Company From the beginning, Derrick and Austin knew they didn’t want to do things like everyone else. “In the archery industry, it was all about new cool stuff,” Derrick said. “You would work your tail off, release a product, and about eight months later the market was thrashing that product as old stuff. From a visionary perspective, that was hard. You feel like you’ve put your heart into these things, and you realize in ten years no one will remember that bow model. “So Austin and I knew we wanted to build legacy products. We wanted to make products for the grandkids of the guy who’s buying them. When I looked at guns, so many custom guys were making grandpa guns in a garage somewhere. They were non-fluted, non-painted, they were about accuracy only. They just had to shoot. They didn’t have to look cool. They didn’t have to have any personality. That was the way you did it.” Not Horizon. Derrick and Austin weren’t about to do things just because that’s how they’d always been done. “It started with bold paint jobs,” Derrick said. “Colors that weren’t stainless steel and black. Then we looked at things people said you shouldn’t do because they hurt accuracy. We decided we were going to do those things and prove there are a lot of myths.” “You didn’t see a whole lot of wild fluting,” Austin said. “Someone told us you can’t flute carbon fiber because it messes with the harmonics and it doesn’t shoot accurately. So,

12 | inside firearms | april 2024 we would do a heavy-fluted 338 and throw it on a tiny lightweight stock. It looked cooler, and we still guaranteed accuracy.” “Some people love our insanely fluted barrels, and some hate it,” Derrick said. “But we’ve shown that our guns are incredibly accurate, and customers who want that individual feel have something to gravitate toward. Someone told me something I thought was so cool. He came into the shop and said, ‘You know what I love so much about your stuff? I feel so popular when I go to the gun range and pull the gun out. They all come over to look at it. I’m not capable of shooting what your gun can shoot, but it gives me a different feeling.’” Because Horizon started as a custom rifle builder, the company was able to deliver the kind of personalized features and details each customer wanted, all without sacrificing performance and accuracy. “If the customer wants something, we’re going to do it,” Austin said. “We’ll help steer them in the right direction, but if they want something particular, we can do it. Like a stock shaped like a battleship—that’s something we’ve done. The customer was a Navy veteran, and so we made the front of the stock look like a ship. That’s something no one else is going to do, and we still guarantee accuracy.” “When we talk about being countercultural, it’s doing things like the 22 Creed-

april 2024 | insidefirearms.com | 13 moor,” Derrick added. “It’s a hot-rod round and Hornady describes it as being on the fringe—much faster and it doesn’t work, much slower and it’s not important. We found a gap, and we harp on those gaps. Take the Vandal rifle—our most popular model right now has really wild fluting and it’s got red paint splatters in the stock. What we try to do is take that mentality and we try really hard to push that through the entire organization. It’s a ‘You say I can’t. We say we Can IF.’ And that helps culturally.” That counter-cultural attitude influences everything the company does. “We released a new action with Stiller this year,” Derrick said. “We could have called it ‘tactical this,’ or ‘hunting version that.’ But I said we were going to call it the Wombat. Everyone was like, ‘Wombat? That’s a little fuzzy creature.’ Which was exactly why I wanted to call it that. There are all these little facts about wombats, and we went with the tagline ‘Nature’s Cuddliest Little Death Machine.’ It’s kind of a marketing shock but it works. “We’ve got a bunch of little stuffed wombats around the office that we put in tactical vests. Yesterday I noticed that the people on the floor and in the stock department have caught on to the culture, so they’ve got their own little mascots in tactical vests all around the shop. I like to think of it as a rallying mantra.” And though the new Wombat has an unexpected name, it still has the premium features one would expect from Stiller and Horizon. “It’s our newest flagship product,” Austin added. “It’s a very well-executed step for Stiller. I think it’s the first new product that Stiller has delivered to the market in years, so it was really important to us to make sure that action was what customers wanted and that it pushed the boundaries while also having a foundation that still was Stiller. We made a lot of improvements. We’re manufacturing the bolt inhouse. We’re able to hold quality standards on the component side of things. I think it’s going to be a really exciting new action for our customers.” A “Can If” Mentality A big part of Horizon’s product development is its “can if” approach, something Derrick credits to the Kaspar Business System that governs businesses under the Kaspar Companies umbrella. “We have a lot of meetings,” he said. “At these meetings, if you suggest doing something absurd—say, adjusting the price of a rifle by $5,000—immediately people will want to tell you why you can’t do it. But if you say the word ‘can’t’ at these meetings, you have to put money in a till. It’s all about the phrasing: ‘We can do that if we also do this.’” It’s a mentality that works well thanks to the combination of Derrick’s and Austin’s skillsets. “Derrick is for sure the ‘We can do this’ individual,” Austin said. In fact, he said, Derrick has always focused on making things

14 | inside firearms | april 2024 wild product ideas from conversations we had with customers. I’m usually the one who has to tame that expectation down a bit and take it from an idea to execution. It’s challenging, but that’s what makes it fun.” For his part, Derrick attributes much of Horizon’s success to the support he gets from Austin and others in the organization. “As an entrepreneur, there’s a book I really love called Rocket Fuel,” he said. “It talks about having both visionaries and implementers. It’s a partnership between an influencer and an integrator. I’m very much a visionary. Trouper, our GM, and my brother, Austin, are very much implementers. I’m lucky—the book talks about how less than 12 percent of visionaries actually find an implementer who can work with them. You figure that 80 percent of businesses are failing coming out of the gate. I got lucky that I ended up with implementers around me who were visionary enough to make it happen.” The 22 Creedmoor That “can if” approach to new products was on full display in the development of the 22 Creedmoor, a dream that took nearly a decade to fully realize. It started back in 2014 with a love for predator hunting and an interest in getting more youth into the field. “People said you can’t kill whitetail with a 22 caliber bullet,” Derrick said. “Well, you can if you’ve got a fast twist barrel and 80-grain bullets.” To that end, Derrick began wildcatting the 6.5 Creedmoor into the 22 Creedmoor. The result was a round he knew was going to be big. And that’s when the real work began. “There have been very, very few times that a rifle company has actually introduced a round to the market,” he said. “It’s normally an ammo company that develops it. Then they call the rifle builders and say they’re making a new round and ask us to make guns for it. So, the 22 Creedmoor is hyperunique in that way.” The process of taking a round from wildcat to SAAMI-approved was a learning experience for Horizon. “What most people don’t realize is how difficult it is to get a round SAAMI approved,” he said. “All the wildcatters want is speed. Safety is not really their concern. They want the performance. happen. “When we first started Horizon, we’d have customers come to the house and pick up rifles. I was always in the garage and Derrick would talk to them in the house. Sometimes a customer would come in and, on a whim, want to make a change. And Derrick’s side of it was always, ‘Yeah, we can do that. No problem. Have it out to you in fifteen minutes.’ Then he would always balance that on the back end and make sure I could execute and get it to them. “Derrick can be a loose cannon when it comes to ideas and innovation and all kinds of crazy things he wants to do from a product standpoint. We’ll be driving to a trade show and it becomes a brainstorming session with

april 2024 | insidefirearms.com | 15 “We started like that. Higher pressure, fast stuff, and then we started loading our own ammo. We realized certain powders are actually easier, better, cleaner, and more reliable to load, so we made some changes. Then we ended up having a large company load ammo under our name. We needed to have certain margins of safety, so the round got adapted again.” Manufacturing the round on a larger scale meant even more tweaking. “When you got to someone like SAAMI working with Hornady, now all of a sudden the factors are becoming more layered,” Derrick said. “You have some OEM rifle companies who use some lower quality barrels. Bad barrels or rough barrels imprint the bullet, which then at high velocities causes more of those bullets to come apart or do funny things. Then you throw in the modern sporting rifle crowd, and those guys have even more factors. That round has to be somewhat nimble to manipulate to reach more and more markets before it gets stabilized with SAAMI. I think that’s been the interesting thing, from us making ammo to sourcing ammo, to working with Hornady, to now factory ammunition. It’s funny because the wildcatters point out they can shoot their guns 300 feet faster than with factory ammo. That’s true. You can do it, but now you’re out of those safety zones.” Partnering with Hornady “We knew early on the 22 Creedmoor was going to be special, but we couldn’t do it without a major ammo company,” Derrick explained. Luckily, one of the things Derrick excels at is networking. “I absolutely love networking,” he said. “I love learning about people. Because of that, we have a lot of random connections that we shouldn’t have for a company of this size.” At trade shows, Derrick went out of his way to stop by the Hornady booth. A few years ago, he introduced himself to Jason Hornady and Neil Davies, who handles marketing for Hornady. “I told them we would love to work with them on the 22 Creedmoor,” he said. “I showed them all the things we were doing. I knew we were not important enough to meet anybody important. But I like building relationships.” He also met Ryan Damon, an engineer for Hornady. “He’s a super smart guy,” Derrick said. “We hit it off. Ryan started working with us on a 22 Creedmoor test rifle we sent to him. He loved the 22 Creed project just as much as I did—so much so that he developed the 80-grain ELD-X bullet over six years ago. They hire really good people and then their interests help drive the company.” Every year Derrick made a point of stopping by the Hornady booth at trade shows to talk a little about the 22 Creedmoor. And finally, after six years, it paid off. “We were at the DSC Convention,” he said. “We needed to make some moves with some other ammo companies in order to supply the demand we were seeing for the 22 Creedmoor. We just believed in the round that much. But I was washing my hands in the bathroom and Neil Davies came in. He said, ‘Hey, Derrick. How’s it going?’ I was looking around—I thought there had to be someone else in there. I didn’t think he even knew who I was. But then he asked how the 22 Creedmoor was going. I told him it was great, told him how much we were selling, and said we’d love to work with them. And he said, ‘We need to do this.’ “We went to dinner that night, and a week later we were at SHOT Show in the booth with Jason Hornady.” All those years of planting seeds paid off in a big way. And while working with a company the size of Hornady is a major win for Horizon, it’s not just the size and scale of Hornady that makes it an ideal partner. It’s also their values. “When you’re outside looking in, you might wonder how Horizon managed to partner with the largest ammo company in the world. A lot of people don’t realize that we’re a 125-year-old family company and they’re a 75-year-old family company. We operate in similar ways, so it’s just a good relationship.” Derrick said the Horizon team learned a lot about the process of getting a round approved by SAAMI. “It’s a whole new perspective, which has been super helpful,” he said. “With Texas Ammunition, we’re a massive distributor for all the ammo manufacturers so we have inside information. At the same time now because we understand all the rules of the game with Hornady, it would not be unreasonable for us to do this multiple times with different calibers again. Now we understand how to get there.” Custom at the Core For many years, Horizon was strictly a custom gun builder. But a few years ago, the company got a phone call that changed that. “I got a call from Sports Inc.,” Derrick said. “They said their shops were having people come in, learn about the guns, and then have someone else build a gun for them. Their dealers were losing a lot of sales to small custom guys when they’d done all the work educating the consumer, and they wanted to

16 | inside firearms | april 2024 know if we could help them. They wanted us to create fast-turnaround customs that allowed their dealers to offer something different. And that’s what we did.” Today, Horizon offers two lines: the Select Series and the Core Series. “Our Core Series—what you might call a factory rifle—is custom at the core,” Derrick said. “We control every single part. If you look at iota, they’re custom stocks that we make for other custom rifle builders. Stiller was the first custom action company. It’s the most proven custom action on the market. Period. And Horizon started as a custom shop. So, when you buy a Core rifle from us, you’re getting the same custom components that you can go down the street and have your neighborhood gunsmith build for you. The difference is those are the components that we are making in-house for the market.” Horizon is able to offer dealers the ability to stock guns that give them an edge in today’s marketplace. “Because we’re custom, we’re super nimble,” Derrick said. “We had a dealer here yesterday who had a concept in mind for a 100- gun run in various calibers that no one else can offer, something that looks like a special line for his store. We told him we could do it in six weeks. There are a lot of dealers who, during the ammo shortage, bought whatever ammo they could get. So a dealer might call and say, ‘Hey, I’ve got a pallet of 300 WSM that I can’t move. Nobody makes a 300 WSM rifle. Can you make me 15 so I can sell this ammo?’ No problem. “Our dealers can call us with an idea to do some new shop special that makes their local customers feel unique, and we can do a micro custom run for them. It’s a different level of service.” Horizon can also help dealers respond quickly to changing trends. “Let’s say a new caliber comes out,” Derrick said. “It can take months—even years— for some OEM rifle companies to release a new caliber. We could have product rolling to our dealers in a matter of weeks.” At one point during our interview, Derrick did something that surprised me: He told me about an area in which he thought Horizon could improve. “We understand what our shortcomings are,” he said. “I love our customers. At one point, I knew every customer by name. If you told me a name, I could tell you what they shot, where they live and the story behind their build. And we lost a little of that as we grew. We went from five or 10 phone calls a day to more than 100 calls a day, and we have not been able to scale customer service yet to what it needs to be. I know sometimes people can’t get ahold of us and that frustrates me too. Now that I’m aware of it, I’m personally jumping in the middle of it and building back our customer service experience to change it back to what it always was. That’s the hardest thing. “So, we have growing pains in that area, and we know it. I don’t want a dealer to read this article and think they had a bad experience with Horizon so we’re not great. It’s small, but these are the things I’m passionate about. We know that will be fixed very, very quickly.” Building a Legacy For Derrick and Austin, integrity is simply part of how they were raised. “My mom raised us to act and do things in certain ways because we’re Ratliffs,” Derrick said. “And if you want to be a Ratliff, this is what it looks like. Part of that is trying to be honest and transparent.”

april 2024 | insidefirearms.com | 17 Derrick also feels the weight of his responsibility to uphold the values that drive Kaspar Companies. “My wife’s grandfather was the third generation to run Kaspar, and he was a big influence on me,” he said. “I asked him once what the secret to all this was. If you look at how many companies make it to the fifth generation, it’s a tiny, tiny percentage. He said, ‘We don’t make cheap sorry products. It’s as simple as that.’ It really stuck with me. “My wife is the fifth generation. We’ve got two boys who are the sixth generation. There’s a very unique responsibility to look long-term. We’re not in it to get rich quick and sell this thing. We’re in it to create legacy brands.” The idea of legacy isn’t limited to just keeping the company running well for the next generation. It’s built into Horizon’s products themselves. “We make products for the long-term,” Derrick said. “I make products for your grandkids, not for you. We stand behind our stuff, and we’re going to be here. “Anyone can put a gun together and sell it. For us, we use the term ‘horizon’ because it’s more about making the product for the generations down. People are going to be able to use them to go on adventures. Early on, Austin and I realized there were a lot of places we’ll never be able to go that our product can. It’s so cool to know that you can be a part of it. “When we were getting started, I was at the funeral of one of my wife’s relatives. I flipped over the program—I’ve still got it somewhere—and it said, ‘The horizon is nothing but the limit of your sight. Don’t be limited.’ And I left there thinking that’s how we’re going to do this.” That unlimited vision has guided Horizon to where it is today—supported, of course, by smart business practices and a strong team. “We have a fantastic team across the board,” Austin said. “It’s about the culture that we’ve cultivated here within Kaspar, which is one of the things that sets us apart.” When I asked what the future held for Horizon, Austin told me that we could expect to see more. “We’re going to push the envelope year after year and improve upon ourselves,” he said. “We’re building out a very robust new product development team. And the focus for us going forward is developing new products every year. We basically went from zero engineering staff in the garage days to having a full-fledged team.” Of course, both brothers agree that the products must fit into Horizon’s edgy counter-cultural mindset. “A guy on a podcast recently asked me when people could expect a chassis gun from Horizon,” Derrick said. “Look, I’m not going to go buy a chassis, throw a barrel and action in it, and sell it because I know I can sell it. If we do a chassis, it will be something fundamentally different or we won’t do it. I’m not going to do a me-too product. That makes it harder because if it’s not different, we won’t do it. “Practically, we’ve done a big revamp on Stiller. The Wombat action is incredible. I know I’m biased, but it’s the best dang action out there. We pulled out all the stops in making it super lightweight, super smooth, and super accurate. It’s a really, really great product. We’re going to expand that line and call it the Combat Wombat. Then we’ve got a couple of pretty revolutionary action ideas that are in beta stages. “The big push for 2024 is adding a lot of design stuff to our stocks. We’re going to be looking at iota on the stock side to test whether you can do chassis differently and 2024 is the year of the stocks. And the 22 Creedmoor is very important to us. We have a two-year deal on that, and we know there’s a lot of fire behind it. I’m excited about that. I want to be able to take my future grandkids into Academy and see that on the shelf and know it’s something I left an imprint on. “But there’s always going to be a wildcat round in the Horizon catalog. That’s who we are. We’re working with several different calibers now.”

18 | inside firearms | april 2024 market trends | ammo report Black Hills Ammunition HoneyBadger Handgun Ammo F amily-owned Black Hills Ammunition of South Dakota offers serious performance and innovation notable enough to land the company large military contracts. Black Hills supplies match-grade 5.56 NATO ammunition to all branches of the U.S. military, as well as many U.S. law enforcement agencies. Co-owner Jeff Hoffman worked full-time in the police department for three years before getting into the ammunition business in 1982. Jeff has 38 years of combined full-time and reserve experience, with 27 years of service as a sniper on the special response team in Pennington County, South Dakota. Every round of Black Hills ammunition is hand-inspected before delivery, a drive for excellence that has led many firearms manufacturers to choose the company’s ammo for development testing. These companies include some of the biggest names in the firearms industry. Since its initiation in 1981 dealers have represented the foundation of Black Hills. When vendors and customers seek high-performance, precision-made ammunition, excellent customer service, and reasonable pricing, they turn to Black Hills. One of Black Hills’ most unique and effective offerings is HoneyBadger defensive handgun ammunition. HoneyBadger uses a Lehigh Defense-manufactured, nondeforming/non-fragmenting mono-copper projectile including sharp flutes that cut through barriers that can cause hollow points to fail. The overall result is an increase in penetration and wider wound channels ideal for defending against hostile threats to life or family. By Patrick Meitin

april 2024 | insidefirearms.com | 19 Black Hills HoneyBadger Handgun Loads ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Extreme 5-shot / Velocity 15-yard Load Velocity Spread Group (grains) (fps) (fps) (inches) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 60-gr. 380 Auto, Taurus TCP/PT 738 1,063 17 2.19 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 60-gr. 380 Auto, Ruger TC380 1,095 76 2.07 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 127-gr. 357 Magnum, Kimber K6s DASA Combat 1,347 88 2.47 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 127-gr. 357 Magnum, American Western Arms Longhorn 1,418 49 1.39 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 115-gr. 10mm Auto, Springfield Armory Ronan 1911 1,572 33 1.36 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 115-gr. 10mm Auto, Girsan Witness2311 Hunter 10 1,583 21 2.20 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 135-gr. 45 ACP, Springfield 1911-A1 1,224 55 2.11 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 135-gr. 45 ACP, Astro Model A-100 Double Stack 1,151 28 2.13 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– All velocities established with a LabRadar Doppler unit. Current options include a 60-grain 380 Automatic (1,150 fps from a 3.25- inch test barrel, 176 foot pounds of energy), a 100-grain +P 9mm Luger (1,250 fps from 4-inch barrel, 347 foot pounds), 125-grain Subsonic 9mm Luger (1,050 fps, 306 foot pounds), 100-grain 38 Special (1,200 fps from 4-inch barrel, 320 foot pounds), 127-grain 357 Magnum (1,365 fps from 6-inch barrel, 526 foot pounds), 115-grain 40 S&W (1,325 fps from 4.5-inch barrel, 448 foot pounds), 115-grain 10mm Auto (1,600 fps from 5-inch barrel, 654 foot pounds), 125-grain 44 Special (1,250 fps from 4.75-inch barrel, 434 foot pounds), 160-grain 44 Magnum (1,700 fps from 6.5-inch barrel, 1,027 foot pounds), and a 135-grain 45 ACP (1,250 fps from 5-inch barrel, 468 foot pounds). A 325-grain 45- 70 rifle load is also offered with 1,775 fps/2,274 foot pounds KE. The auto-loading rounds include rounded corners with fluted sides for reliable feeding, and the 357 Magnum round has a more aggressive “missiletail” tip profile to better disrupt any encountered vital tissues. The auto-loading ammo was loaded in Jagemann brass, and the 357 Mag in quality Starline cases, all loaded with clean-burning powder. HoneyBadger pistol ammo retails from $1.85 to $2 per round. We tested a variety of HoneyBadger ammunition at 15 yards, shooting fiveshot groups. These included 380 Auto (2.75-inch Taurus TCP; 3.12-inch Ruger LC380), 357 Magnum (3-inch Kimber K6 DASA Combat; 4.75-inch American Western Arms Longhorn), 10mm Auto (5-inch Springfield Armory Ronan; 6-inch Girsan Witness2311 Hunter 10) and 45 ACP (5-inch Springfield A1; 3.7- inch Astro A-100). HoneyBadger ammo fed flawlessly through all autoloading pistols tested. Pistols were shot offhand at 15 yards, final group sizes often including a single flier, but recorded as shot. Accuracy and velocity results are found in the chart above. To learn more go to black-hills.com.

20 | inside firearms | april 2024 It is a complete cliché to say it, but the mantra sticks because it hits home for so many shooters: ARs are like Legos for gun geeks. And, because the entire platform is modular in design, the intimidation factor of manipulating a firearm quickly subsides after the first few modifications. Let the list of “tacti-cool” gear below serve as inspiration for your customer’s next build, whether they are looking for a new stock or planning to build from the bolt up. Vantac International ■ Vantac’s D.A.D.S. (Direct Access Defense System) allows adjusting length of pull (LOP) while maintaining sight picture, cheek weld and with both hands remaining on the rifle. The patented system adds just 1.1 ounces to rifle mass. Controlling LOP is accomplished through an ambidextrous actuator with one hand and is compatible with any standard AR-15 platform. The sleek actuators, located above and behind the shooter’s thumb, are large enough to offer sure manipulation, yet streamlined enough to blend and eliminate snags. The actuators engage the pull-bar after about 8 pounds of pressure, which pushes the stock plunger pin from the buffer tube and allows the choice of six LOP positions by pulling into the shoulder or allowing the weapon to move away from the shoulder and releasing to lock in place. Should the actuator become damaged, the stock can be adjusted with its original adjustment lever. Learn more by going to vantac.com. Brigand Arms ■ The Hoplite is Brigand Arms’ latest evolution of their low-profile AR-15/M4 carbon fiber handguard design, providing improved grip ergonomics and lower mass while maintaining exceptional strength. The molded carbon Hoplite handguard comes in lengths of 4.25, 4.5, 5, 5.5, and 10.5 inches weighing from 2.7 to 4 ounces. The Hoplite mounts via the company’s proprietary mil-spec hard anodized 7075 aluminum, 1.25x18 UNEF barrel nut, which is compatible with all M4-style upper receivers and does not require timing during installation. It includes M-LOK mounting slots at the 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions and the design leaves the barrel free floating. Like all Brigand Arms carbon fiber parts, these handguards are molded and polished, never sanded, to ensure unbroken fibers and greater strength, while the carbon weave shows through to provide that tacti-cool look. The carbon fiber is also conditioned for thermal stability to ensure front iron-sights and other aiming accessories remain accurate at any rate of fire. Learn more by going to brigandarms.com. Black Talon Tactical ■ Black Talon Tactical’s Small Pin Calibrated Adjustable Drop-in Single Stage Triggers provide clean, crisp single-stage triggering with zero creep or overtravel. They have the feel of a fine bolt-action rifle trigger

april 2024 | insidefirearms.com | 21 instead of the gritty, sloppy pulls of standard-issue AR triggers—which translates into improved accuracy. Straight Profile and Improved Finger Position (IFP) Profile triggers are available. Both utilize a calibrated scale plainly laser-etched into the trigger housing, allowing quick, repeatable adjustments from 2 to 5 pounds, consistent to 1 ounce. They are made from A2 tool steel core hardened to near 60 Rockwell C, the 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum hardened to a T6 temper. They include anti-walk pins that screw together from opposite sides of the lower and include preapplied Lok-Tite for even greater dependability. All tools needed for installation are included. Learn more by going to blacktalontac.com. Amend2 Magazines ■ New Amend2 Mod-3 magazines are crafted from uncompromising materials, making these mags heat-resistant, impact-resistant, and rigid—ensuring flawless performance in any environment. All Mod-3 magazines have been put through rigorous testing to guarantee resilience, from extreme temperatures to high-impact and high-round-count situations. All this combines to make the Mod-3 the perfect magazine to load into a duty rifle for everyday use, or to be stored for long periods of time in kit. To add to the cool factor, Anmend2 offers an extensive and unique line of magazine customization options, highlighted by pre-cut Cordura wraps. Not only do these wraps allow shooters to customize their magazines, but it helps to identify specific magazines as well. Learn more by going to amend2mags.com. Adaptive Tactical ■ Upgrading a stock on an AR15 is often the easiest and most impactful way of making a big difference on any build. Knowing this, Adaptive Tactical has used an advanced design and high-impact polymer construction to make the EX Performance Adjustable Stock the ideal initial upgrade. The M4-style stock features an easy-to-reach adjustment lever for customizing the length-of-pull, and it includes an integrated QD swivel attachment and molded-in, non-rust standard sling swivel attachment—as all new aftermarket stocks should. Further features include a covered takedown pin to reduce snags and ease operation and Black Talon Tactical Calibrated Adjustable Drop-in Single Stage Trigger Brigand Arms Hoplite Adaptive Tactical EX Performance Adjustable Stock Amend2 Mod-3 Magazines Vantac International D.A.D.S.

22 | inside firearms | april 2024 a recoil-eating butt pad for more pleasurable shooting. Perhaps most appealing is that the EX Performance Adjustable Stock is 100 percent made in the USA. Learn more by going to adaptivetactical.com. Bowden Tactical ■ The AirRail Series is Bowden Tactical’s newest entry in what the company has called their “AR*chitect” program. The engineering team at Bowden has combined a bolt-on handrail design that offers excellent strength and durability, while weighing less than 6 ounces (and that’s in the 15-inch length). AirRail is available in both standard and M-Lok configurations, 13- and 15-inch lengths, and two top designs— full flat top and competition. A pre-heat treated 6061 aluminum barrel nut, and all fastening hardware, are also included with each handrail. AirRail is also available as part of Bowden’s Custom Design program, which allows shooters to see their visions come to life in the handrail of their dreams. Learn more by going to bowdentactical.com. Sling Steady ■ Serious hunters and longrange shooters seeking a more stable and reliable rifle squeeze bag system can depend on the Sling Steady for greater shooting accuracy. The Sling Steady creates a lightweight and effective rear squeeze bag that attaches directly to the sling, which allows quicker deployment and steadier shots while shooting from atop a bipod in the field. The Sling Steady is fast and simple to install onto a standard rifle sling, as the system includes draw strings and a clevis/quick disconnect system. The system also utilizes Velcro media ports to add or subtract fill as needed to provide the desired pliability. The Sling Steady Sport Series measures 7 inches long by 2.5 inches wide, weighs 6.3 ounces, and is perfect for AR-style platforms. The Sling Steady Pro Series is better suited to hunting rifles and measures 9 inches long by 2.5 inches wide and weighs 9.5 ounces. Learn more by going to slingsteady.com. InfiRay Outdoor / iRayUSA ■ The InfiRay Outdoors Rico Micro Thermal Imaging Device is ultra-compact and designed to provide an all-in-one solution for nearly all customers. The price has also recently been reduced by $1,000. The Rico Micro includes 640-by-512 resolution, 50Hz refresh rate, and 12-micron sensor technology. It also features a machined aluminum housing with a flat-dark-earth Cerakote finish and operates on common 18650 rechargeable batteries. iRayUSA offers various mounting solutions for use with night vision helmets and weapon-mounted configurations. A collaboration with American Defense Manufacturing resulted in the “MQD” mount, enabling the Rico Micro to function as a dedicated weapon sight/clip-on thermal imager for dot/prism sights, or variable scopes with up to 4x magnification—and with proper collimation. The Rico Micro was designed for easy, foolproof operation while nighttime scouting or hunting. Learn more by going to irayusa.com Reap Weaponries ■ Reap Weaponries’ Scy transforms a standard AR-15 into a bullpup platform by moving the trigger 9 ¾ inches forward. The bullpup layout improves mobility and weight distribution while providing a sleek, anti-snag design that maintains AR-15 modularity. The kit comes with a Scy “lower,” hardware pack and mounting block. Customers supply an AR-15 Mil-Spec lower receiver, full upper, standard M-LOK or KeyMod handguard, pistol grip, and butt assembly. The system can be set up to be ambidextrous, or for right- or left-hand use. It uses Mil-spec components, lightweight polymer, 5052 and 6061 aluminum construction, weighs just 2 pounds, and measures 16-by-4-by-4 inches. The linear trigger system adds less than 1.5 pounds to the trigger pull. The system is compatible with AR cartridges up to the .50 Beowulf. Learn more by going to reapweaponries.com. Key Arma■Not all AR and AK stocks are created equally, and bigger rarely means better. Key Arma’s Basic Atom-CP Kit is built around the Atom CP stock, which incorporates a minimalistic design yet offers an adjustable cheek riser, which is a must-have for any precision work being done with an AR or AK. The stock also features high-quality, fiberreinforced polymer compound injection, a QD sling mount at the bottom, and a nonslip rubber butt pad. The kit’s 6-position buffer tube comes with a left- and right-folding mechanism and is easily installed. Among a plethora of unique AR and AK accessories, Key Arma offers the Bi-Pod Front Key Arma Bi-Pod Front Grip Key Key Arma Basic Atom-CP Kit Bowden Tactical AirRail Series Sling Steady InfiRay Outdoors Rico Micro Reap Weaponries Scy

april 2024 | insidefirearms.com | 23 Grip Key. In short, this front grip includes a bipod, which is extended from the bottom of the front grip by engaging the release button on the mount, and it collapses manually by pushing it back in. It is designed to fit any Pic-rail system and can tilt and rotate 15 degrees. Learn more by going to key-arma.us. MagPul ■ The Magpul M-Lok bipod brings strength and versatility to any setup, at a price designed to provide excellent value. The bipod’s hard anodized 6061 T-6 aluminum and injection-molded polymer bring together the best qualities of each of those two materials, merging ergonomics, functionality, and strength. Its low-profile design conceals and protects internal hardware, nearly eliminating the potential for snags. The bipod is also designed for rapid one-handed adjustments, and it is easily loaded with shot-stabilizing forward tension, without fear of failure or warping. Leg extensions slide and lock securely via a button on any of the seven, half-inch-spaced adjustment detents, extending from 6.8 to 10.3 inches while weighing a mere 11 ounces. Also, 50 degrees of tilt and 40 degrees of pan are easily controlled by a locking knob. Every gun worth its weight in ammunition is worth a high-quality case, and every case should have a top-notch organization system to protect hard-earned gear from hard knocks. Magpul alleviates the frustrating single-use foam found within most hard cases with the unique Daka Grid Organizer. As a fully customizable drop-in organization solution, the foam system secures shooting gear and configures—and then reconfigures—to the current gun of your choosing. The design revolves around the use of expanded polypropylene panels and blocks that nest together to create a completely customizable retention system. These blocks can be quickly removed and reinstalled for the next use as needed. Plus, the Grid system doesn’t absorb contaminants, creating an ideal in-case environment and that promotes years of use. Learn more by going to magpul.com. SureFire ■ Designed and engineered to work with nearly any rail-equipped pistol or handguard, the X400 Ultra offers an outstanding lighting and aiming solution for bottom-mounted rails. With a recoil-resistant LED and TIR lens, the Surefire X400 generates and focuses 1,000 lumens of light into a clean, far-reaching hybrid beam: a large central bright spot for identifying threats and ample “spill” light for seeing the big picture. This setup creates an extremely effective mixture for close- to medium-range engagements, such as homedefense ARs. Plus, there’s a 5-milliwatt laser integrated into the tube below the main light, with a red or high-vis green option, to get on target quickly and accurately. Learn more by going to surefire.com. Luth-AR ■ Getting top performance out of any AR isn’t just a matter of upgrading bits and pieces to ensure it hits accurately every time—it’s also about ensuring that the rifle runs like a well-oiled machine every time the trigger is pulled. Luth-AR went out of its way to deliver this peace of mind to shooters with the unveiling of its Titanium Nitride Coated Complete AR-15 Bolt Carrier. Known for its unparalleled resistance to friction-induced wear, thus improving overall reliability of the AR’s functionality, the titanium-nitride-coated bolt carrier group provides a nearly failsafe enhancement to a carbine’s internal components. If that isn’t enough, the fact that the coating also reduces carbon buildup should sell any demanding customer—because minimizing the need to clean an AR is always a welcomed benefit. Learn more by going to luth-ar.com. Mission First Tactical ■ Mission First Tactical makes certain your magazine isn’t what lets you down, because a rifle is only as good as its weakest component, and that includes the magazine. Built with a unique longglass fiber, the EXD Magazine uses a 50-percent stronger and three times more impact-resistant design compared to traditional glass-filled nylon. Mission First has also crafted these mags for easier carry and manipulation during all disciplines of shooting. The flared floorplate’s slim bottom design allows for draw protection and easy handling, while still allowing for a proper fit in double and triple magazine pouches. The ribbed finger impressions on the front and rear of the mags make them Mission First Tactical EXD Magazine Luth-AR Titanium Nitride Complete AR-15 Bolt Carrier SureFire X400 Ultra MagPul Daka Grid Organizer MagPul M-Lok Bipod

24 | inside firearms | april 2024 easier to handle, especially when wearing gloves. And, equally as important, tool-free takedown and re-assembly makes cleaning and maintenance easy. Learn more by going to missionfirsttactical.com Holosun ■ The DRS-NV (Digital Rifle SightNight Vision) is a red-dot and digital night vision fusion sight that combines Holosun’s red dot sight technology with digital night vision capability, all in one tidy package. The sight features an LED Multi-Reticle System that boasts three digital reticle options, 1024-by-768 resolution digital night vision sensor with up to 60fps and 8X digital zoom. Better still, digital image and video recording with on-board storage are available to record shots. An onboard magnetic coupler connects DRS to USB power for charging the batteries, or to a personal computer for downloading recorded images and video. Simply put, DRS-NV units amplify light to improve low-light visibility, meaning that moonlight and starlight provide sufficient lighting in most cases. During periods where there’s not enough external light, such as under cloud cover, external IR illumination is needed. Learn more by going to holosun.com. Timber Creek Outdoors ■ Timber Creek Outdoors’ new Enforcer Rifle Chassis features the designs and colors Timber Creek has become so well-known for with ARs, and brings those features to bolt-action firearms. Machined from aircraft-grade aluminum, the Rem700 Enforcer chassis is built for any right-hand, short-action Remington 700—or clone—barreled action. The skeletonized design weighs a wieldy 22 ounces and is built for precision rifle stocks that are compatible with MSR buffer tubes. Timber Creek also offers an Enforcer Rifle Chassis for the most popular rimfire platform available, The Ruger 10/22. It, too, is machined from aircraft-grade aluminum, ready for any righthanded Ruger 10/22 barreled action. The skeletonized design is very lightweight and built for precision rifle stocks compatible with MSR buffer tubes. Learn more by going to timbercreekoutdoorsinc.com. ATI Outdoors ■ The TactLite GEN2 adjustable stock from ATI Outdoors weighs in at an easily maneuverable 6.2 ounces, but that is not even the best part about the design. The stock’s streamline design has zero snag points, an ambidextrous QDmount setup and multiple sling locations for completely customized carry. Also, TactLite’s TracLock System creates simple, secure and smooth adjustment on the Mil-spec buffer tube. This system limits horizontal and vertical movement without requiring an often cumbersome secondary locking feature. The sleek and non-slip rubber pad maximizes any shooter’s control when shouldering the firearm, and the stock allows for the addition of a cheekrest or X1/X2 Series butt pad for exceptional comfort while shooting. Plus, the TactLite is designed—and made—in the USA. Learn more by going to atioutdoors.com. Unbranded AR■The all-American made V5 MLOK Rails from Unbranded AR feature a streamlined profile that today’s AR shooters demand, with an interrupted top rail, creating a lightweight system with Pic rails just where you need them—fore and rear sections of the handguard. But that doesn’t mean there is nowhere to attach sights and accessories. M-Lok slots run the length of the handguard on the sides and bottom, and sections of M-Lok bars are certainly available so shooters can add rail sections everywhere they’re wanted, and nowhere they’re not. Each V5MLOK features aircraft-grade aluminum construction and anti-rotation tabs. Overall weight, with hardware, is 13.4 ounces, and all aluminum hardware is included. Learn more by going to unbrandedar.com. SilencerCo ■ Shoot enough suppressed ARs and it is easy to notice that cans produce gas blowback. Having gas sprayed back into your face isn’t just unpleasant—it’s not good for you. If any of your suppressed rifle setups have this problem, SilencerCo may just have exactly what you need to remedy the situation. At first glance, the Gas Defeating Charging Handle looks a lot like any other ambidextrous AR charging handle. But, it’s cleverly designed to combat gas blowback in the form of a simple, yet effective, O-ring. This O-ring simply keeps the hot, toxic gases trapped within the system and allows them to Unbranded AR V5 MLOK Rail SilencerCo Gas Defeating Charging Handle ATI Outdoors TactLite GEN2 Adjustable Stock Timber Creek Outdoors Enforcer Rifle Chassis Holosun DRS-NV Continued on Page 26

26 | inside firearms | april 2024 dissipate at a slower rate and in a more conducive direction, like, not in your face. Learn more by going to silencerco.com. Sightmark ■ The internals within Sightmark’s original Wraith lineup were already capable of seeing in complete darkness due to their built-in CMOS sensors and IR illuminators, but the new Wraith Mini Thermal takes things to an entirely new level. The Wraith boasts a 384-by-288 resolution thermal sensor and five thermal colorpalette display modes. The unit also has a 1,400-yard max detection range, a 2X optical magnification range with 1-8X digital zoom—and an OLED display with a 1024-by768 resolution, which keeps images crisp at high zoom levels. Users can use a micro-SD card to record shots, store five personal firearm profiles, and choose between a wide variety of reticle and color options. Learn more by going to sightmark.com. MDT ■ If you’ve been previously unaware that MDT has been producing bipods as top-notch as their aftermarket rifle chassis, it’s time to expand your horizons. Every model is remarkably over-engineered for any style of shooting and abuse thrown their way, yet not a single model will break the bank. The company has expanded its recently introduced base model GRND-POD to include an all-black option because, well, aesthetics matter on an all-black AR build. The bipod still boasts all the bells and whistles, making it the bar-setter within its class. A few features include terrainadaptive legs, abundant cant adjustment, single-handed controls, a variety of interface options, and, most importantly, absolutely rock-solid stability. Designed as a do-all bipod option, it is ideal for nearly any shooting discipline or situation. Learn more by going to mdttac.com. StopBox Chamber Lock ■ It’s a smart move to restrict the unauthorized use of any firearm, and that’s exactly where the StopBox Chamber Lock shines. Uniquely, it keeps a firearm safe yet at hand and at the ready due to the lock’s minimalistic design. Constructed from Type II hard-anodized 6061 T6 aluminum, the Chamber Lock features a mechanical “finger button” code lock, which ensures and promotes intuitive use—even in lowlight or high-stress situations. The lock offers six configurable combinations, which are easily expandable to 16 configurable combinations with the Actuator Accessory Pack. StopBox’s Chamber Lock is compatible with most AR-15s and shotguns. Learn more by going to stopboxusa.com. Woox GunStocks ■ Boasting heirloom aesthetics with state-of-the-art performance, the Woox Titano aftermarket rifle chassis stands out in the field of competition-worthy aftermarket upgrades. Designed primarily for Benchrest and F-Class shooters, the Titano wears a stunning American walnut stock and an aircraft-grade aluminum chassis. With a wide barrel channel supporting up to 1.2-inch diameter barrels, it accommodates large bull-style tubes commonly found on competition rifles. Woox’s Suspense weight system allows shooters to precisely balance the entire shooting system with six 2.5-ounce weights. The buttstock is fully adjustable for both the lengthof-pull and cheek rise. Other features include a smooth-bottom bag-rider butt and integrated thumb rests to enhance grip comfort and downrange accuracy. Learn more by going to wooxstore.com. NightStick ■ Whether experiencing a home invasion or dealing with something like, say, a nighttime wounded hog, a bright and dependable weapon light can make all the difference. Nightstick’s compact Handgun TCM-10 weapon light produces 650 lumens of on-demand light that will reach up to 136 meters. The Nightstick is compatible with full-sized and compact handguns including a lower Picatinny accessory rail (or AR’s with hand guard pic rails) and weighs only 2.5 ounces. The unit provides 2 hours of continuous illumination and is quickly and intuitively switch-activated. It includes both strobe and battery-safe modes and is IP-X7 waterproof to 1 meter. The Nightstick comes with a light, five rail risers, and six screw sets to ensure compatibility with nearly any handgun, a CR123 battery, the needed instillation Allen wrench, and an instruction manual. It includes a limited lifetime warranty. Learn more by going to nightstick.com. NightStick Handgun TCM-10 Light Woox GunStocks Titano Rifle Chassis StopBox Chamber Lock MDT GRND-POD Sightmark Wraith Mini Thermal Continued from Page 24

28 | inside firearms | april 2024 inside the industry | company profile EAA Corp E AA was launched in 1990 to provide “Good products and innovative products at a good price.” From the beginning, EAA demanded safety, quality, exciting features, and reasonable pricing from its suppliers, aspects that remain their No. 1 objective. EAA Corp president, Keith Bernkrant, says, “We believe looking forward is the correct business plan, so addressing history is not where we are going.” This overreaching approach drives EAA to think outside the box and refuse to follow their competition. This becomes evident when observing EAA’s unique products, the company’s advertising approaches, and even in their trade show displays. EAA has certainly made its mark as a leading American importer of European firearms offering top quality combined with affordability. EAA’s two main product lines are Girsan Firearms handguns, which are manufactured in Turkey, and German-made Weihrauch revolvers. Girsan has played a large role in the company’s success. Girsan Firearms is an ultra-modern manufacturer that has been crafting highquality handguns since 1994, including a wide selection of original designs, plus models inspired by 1911, Browning High Power, and Beretta classics. EAA/Girsan Firearms are certainly feature-packed, generally including details found in handguns retailing for much more, but Bernkrant emphasizes that safety comes first and that quality is a standard, not an option. A prime example is the feature-rich 2024 Witness2311® handgun series, which includes an option for any taste or need, and with additional models being promised in the coming year. One of the most popular Witness2311® models is the 5-inch 9mm, but from the same series, buyers can also choose the 4.25-inch Commander Optic Ready 9mm, 4.15-inch Commander Optic Ready 10mm Auto, 5-inch Government Optic Ready 10mm Auto, 6-inch Hunter 10mm Auto, 4.25- inch Commander Optic Ready 45 ACP and 5-inch Government Optic Ready 45 ACP. The Witness2311® Series are innovative double-stack, 1911-style handguns providing up to 17+1 round capacity fed from reliable steel magazines and sporting flared mag wells for slicker magazine exchanges. The classic 1911 grip safety creates an inherently safe weapon, even when carried locked and loaded. The safety is ambidextrous, slides include deep front and rear serrations, triggers are skeletonized and vertically knurled, and a three-slot laser or weapon-light accessory rail comes standard. Comfort is provided by a beavertail grip extension and generously checkered synthetic grips. The Witness2311® Series is also optic ready (save the Hunter 10mm Auto model), allowing streamlined integration of RMS- or RMSc-style dot sights (like EAA’s FAR-DOT Solar models), though quality white-dot irons are provided from the factory. For all this, the series includes retail prices just south of $1,000. EAA Corp has drawn its roadmap for the future, which it promises will bring even more exciting models and userfriendly features. EAA is aggressively driving ahead, unwilling to rest on its laurels. Go to eaacorp.com to take in the full lineup. European American Armory Corporation, or EAA Corp, is headquartered in Cocoa, Florida, a location that serves its corporate offices, warehousing, and distribution.

30 | inside firearms | april 2024 market trends | gear report Kick’s Industries NWTF Series Choke Tubes I often joke that I don’t know for the life of me how we once killed turkeys with our every day, do-it-all dove/quail/duck/rabbit shotguns and high-brass 2 ¾-inch shells. Today turkey hunters not only have specialized turkey shotguns, but also ultraadvanced shotshells engineered to reach across wide pastures—and obviously dedicated choke tubes to maximize pellet count when that fancy shot gets there. Of course, it could be rightfully argued that with soaring popularity, today’s wild turkeys are subjected to increased hunting pressure and have become understandably more wary of our most practiced sweet talk. In some areas, that little bit of extra reach can mean the difference between success and failure. This has made highly-specialized screw-in choke tubes standard-issue gear with the modern spring turkey hunter, and family-owned, Sylvania, Georgia-based Kick’s Industries makes some of the best. Kick’s manufactures premium choke tubes for all types of hunting and shooting sports, but after decades in the business, their turkey products truly stand out. The newest turkey-targeted offering from Kick’s is the all-new NWTF (National Wild Turkey Federation) Series of choke tubes. “We are excited to launch a specific NWTF Series of choke tubes,” said Kick’s Industries Vice-President, Jake Boswell. “Turkey hunting is a passion of mine and we are excited to be working with the NWTF on this dedicated series of choke tubes.” Kick’s NWTF Series choke tubes, like other products from the company, are precision machined to the highest possible tolerances using computer-controlled milling equipment. Each NWTF choke tube is created from best-quality 17-4 ph grade stainless steel to provide uncompromising durability, reliability, and consistency. These NWTF choke tubes were designed specifically to handle new TSS ammunition, though they also shine while shooting modern lead-shot turkey loads. The meticulously engineered chokes provide turkey hunters with superior pattern performance out to 40 yards and beyond. Kick’s accomplishes this by utilizing a unique conical/parallel internal design and the company’s exclusive outward angled/diagonal ports. Combined, these features improve pattern density by up to 20 percent, while the extended ported section reduces recoil and muzzle rise to be easier on the shoulder and promote faster follow-up shots. This is especially beneficial to youth or woman hunters who might be more sensitive to hardkicking turkey ammunition. Kick’s NWTF Series choke tubes are available in 12-, 20- and 28-guage, and .410 bore, and in various constriction ratings. Turkey hunters can expect to see 12- to 14-inch shot patterns out to 40 yards after choosing the right choke match for their particular shotgun, and the right shotshell and pellet-size combination. With spring turkey seasons upon us or just around the corner, your customers will be looking for an added edge during this highly competitive and historically frustrating passion. Kick’s new NWTF Series chokes provide that edge, allowing hunters to reach that hung-up gobbler and turn what might have been a frustrating morning into a successful outing. For more information call (800) 557- 2779 or visit kicks-ind.com. By Patrick Meitin

32 | inside firearms | april 2024 Each January a virtual who’s-who of the outdoor industry assembles in Las Vegas, Nevada, to view, handle, exhibit and demonstrate the newest firearms- and outdoorsrelated products. SHOT Show is the largest congregation of firearms, ammunition and outdoor-related manufacturers, outdoor journalists, celebrities and influencers, distributors and dealers in the world, a phenomenon that has become large enough it is now nearly impossible to comprehensively cover the entire show floor in the relatively short time allotted. Roaming the vast and seemingly endless aisles of SHOT Show is a voyage of discovery, seeking the latest wonderous rifle, shotgun or handgun incarnations, new ammunition offerings or reloading components offering greater accuracy, longer reach or helping to fill a specific niche. There are inventive firearms accessories to fill every need and desire, hunting gear promising to increase success rates, and footwear and attire to help us do so in greater comfort and, in some cases, invisibility. Overall, there is something for everyone in the pursuit of feeding our shooting, hunting and outdoor passions. Inside Firearms was on hand seeking the latest concepts and products sure to fuel that passion—gear that drives retail by bringing customers through your doors, while also making all-important contacts and rekindling old friendships. This is what SHOT Show is all about! 2024 SHOT SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

april 2024 | insidefirearms.com | 33 clockwise from top left: ■ Riptide Armory’s Tyler and Karsten, left to right, pose with Inside Firearms’ Executive Editor Patrick Meitin to discuss their advanced gun-cleaning products, which include CLP+ and Graphene formulas for superior firearms cleaning and protection. ■ Tommy Dkay, left, and Alisande Morales were on hand at SHOT Show to discuss Hernon Products’ bullet and primer sealants and application machinery used by many major ammunition companies. ■ EAA Corp’s Omar Martinez shows off the new Girsan MC1911 Liberador, just one of a multitude of new handguns introduced at the 2024 SHOT Show by the newest firearms powerhouse. ■ Fastarmed owner and inventor Carl Cosico, center, is flanked by Brad Junge, left, and Avery Rickard, right, who help him produce his revolutionary Biometric Gun Case, which keeps handguns safe but available in just one second. ■ Tyler Holloway shows what is possible when using Key Arma accessories to trick out an existing AK- or AR-style rifle. The AK rifle he holds is decked out in Key Arma products, improving both ergonomics and function.

34 | inside firearms | april 2024 2024 SHOT SHOW clockwise from top left: ■ Inside Firearms’ Patrick Meitin, left, and AG Composites owner Matt Tandy show off a couple of the company’s new Fiberglass Rifle Stocks, based on the same ergonomic and rugged carbon designs the company is known for but offered at lower prices. ■ Ike Bekmez, left, and Andrew Garcia, right, of Dickinson Arms, show off some of the company’s gorgeous Prestige sidelock side-byside shotguns. These Turkish-made shotguns offer beautiful options at affordable prices. ■ American RAC partners Tia Baker and William McMurray take time to talk with the Inside Firearms crew about the company’s revolutionary firearms safety and storage products, which keep guns safe but handy at home or in the vehicle. ■ Legacy Sports’ marketing manager Chad Peters was quick to grab Howa’s new Carbon Stalker when asked what was new at the company. These lightweight rifles are perfect for backcountry hunters. ■ While attending a Congressional Sportsmans Foundation get-together at SHOT Show, the Inside Firearms crew ran into the organization’s Communications Director Corrine Yohann, left, and Western Director Keely Hopkins, right.

april 2024 | insidefirearms.com | 35 clockwise from top left: ■ Larry Case, who often writes for Inside Firearms, and J.J. Reich, marketing manager for The Kinetic Group (CCI, Federal, Speer, and others) chat new ammo and upcoming shooting projects. ■ Las Vegas has hosted the SHOT Show for decades, because they have the facilities for such a large event, and because so many enjoy visiting this exciting vacation destination due to sights such as the Las Vegas Dome. ■ Ruger’s marketing head, Paul Pluff, was excited to show Inside Firearms the company’s new LC Carbine 45 Auto. This fast-handling rifle would be ideal for tight-quarters hog hunting or just plinking. ■ Doug Koenig, multi IPSC Handgun, Bianchi Cup, and PRS champion—among other prestigious shooting titles—took a moment out of his busy SHOT Show schedule to say hello to Inside Firearms’ Patrick Meitin. ■ Remington Ammunition’s Joel Hodgdon explains the inner workings of the company’s new 22 Golden Hunter Hollow Point 22 Long Rifle ammo to Inside Firearms’ head of Sales & Marketing Stephen Mack. ■ Reap Weaponries owner Colton Reap, left, and Ben Jacobsen were on hand at SHOT 2024 to demonstrate how customers can use their products to create a fast-handling bullpup rifle from an ordinary AR-15 platform.

36 | inside firearms | april 2024 2024 SHOT SHOW clockwise from top left: ■ Zeta6 Speed Loaders offer a faster, easier-to-carry option for reloading popular revolver models. Nyssa Barnes and owner Michael Lyle were at SHOT to talk to dealers about the advantages of these affordable products. ■ The guys at Vantac International demonstrate the convenience of their D.A.D.S. (Direct Access Defense System) buffer-tube system, which allows nearly instant length-of-pull adjustments by pressing an ambidextrous lever without taking your face off the stock. ■ Linda Powell shows off Mossberg’s new International Silver Reserve Eventide Turkey, an overunder break-action shotgun that holds head-to-toe Mossy Oak camo and is optics-ready. ■ Cadex Defense’s Emili Joi climbed into a helicopter fuselage to demonstrate one of the company’s many advanced weapons systems. ■ The crew at Huskemaw Optics/Best of the West were excited to discuss the company’s latest Tactical Hunter riflescopes, Altopo rifle system, left, and custom Mountain Hunter rifle, right. ■ Inside Firearms’ Patrick Meitin stopped by the Realtree booth to see his old friends Tyler Jordan, who Meitin has known since Tyler was a kid, and Bill Jordan’s right-hand-gal, Sherry Graddy.

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38 | inside firearms | april 2024 2024 SHOT SHOW clockwise from top left: ■ Ben Frank, Marketing Manager for Winchester Ammunition, holds display boxes for 125th Anniversary AA Trap and Sporting Clays loads and newer Bismuth waterfowling offerings. ■ Don Trump, Jr., son of former president Donald Trump and avid hunter and shooter, makes the annual pilgrimage to the Las Vegas SHOT Show to take in the latest firearms and hunting wares. ■ Rock River Arms (RRA) released a 17 HMR AR-15 rifle for 2024, which Inside Firearms was able to see for the first time while attending SHOT Show. The LAR-15M .17 HMR provides the feel of a full-sized AR-15 in the popular rimfire round. ■ Circulation Manager Lacy Polacek, left, and Wolfe Publication Company (Handloader, Rifle and Varmint Rifles & Cartridges magazines) Associate Publisher and Editor Jeremiah Polacek were at SHOT to take in the newest firearms products. ■ Eddie Stevenson, owner of Driftwood Media, holds Trijicon’s two newest riflescope additions, the Credo HX 1-10x28, left, and Tenmile HX 5-25x50, right, expanding the company’s growing number of “Brilliant Aiming Solutions.”

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40 | inside firearms | april 2024 inside the industry | company profile Key Arma USA K ey Arma also maintains a backup space in Colorado where shipments are often stored in the event Interstate Highways are temporarily closed due to harsh winter weather. This allows Key Arma USA to ship directly from their Colorado location during particularly severe weather events. Key Arma USA was founded in May 2023 with the mission of bringing high-quality yet affordable firearm accessories to the U.S. market. Key Arma believes the 2nd amendment is truly meant for all and that the price tag of an item should not prevent customers from being able to defend their property, themselves, or their families. Key Arma USA is a small businessfriendly company that imposes no minimum order requirements on dealers or distributors. Key Arma wants those who do business with them to be as successful as possible. Their customer service offers fast shipment, with their sales team contacting dealers after receiving an order to ensure they are satisfied with their product. One of the hurdles faced by Key Arma involves the inherently competitive nature of firearm accessories. However, what Key Arma USA has to offer dealers and distributors is outstanding quality, high-profit margins, and exceptional customer service. Key Arma USA recognizes that while its products aren’t made in the U.S., the company still provides jobs for not only people within their own company but they are also a source of income for the services they use within the U.S. Key Arma USA products are manufactured in Turkey, a NATO ally. Key Arma has more than 18-plus years of manufacturing for the firearm industry and understands what makes a high-quality product. Many of Key Arma’s products include a polyamide composition with a high percentage of glass fiber content. This makes these products impact-resistant and extremely durable. Key Arma’s rubber overmolded products bolster the same workmanship and offer slip-resistant surfaces where customers need them the most. Key Arma’s aluminum products are CNC machined, including 7075 aluminum construction for the company’s buffer tubes, and 6000 aluminum for their handguards and charging handles. Due to manufacturing in Turkey, Key Arma USA can offer their dealers and distributors generous profit margins, a welcomed reprieve from today’s meteoric inflation. Key Arma holds costs down by manufacturing their own molds. Molds wear over time, especially when adding a high percentage of glass fiber to the product composition. Key Arma enjoys almost zero delay in replacing a mold when it has gone past its recommended production use. In today’s market, it’s difficult to find a unique product. However, Key Arma USA offers dealers many solutions. Their unique designs give their customers’ AR or AK a new look, all while giving back a high-profit margin to dealers and distributors. The company also offers almost every other upgrade. This includes, but is not limited to, pistol grips, handguards, charging handles, foregrips, and magazines. Key Arma products are an excellent starting point for customers who are new to the AR-15/AK-47 scene, while also serving customers on a tight budget. Price is truly something that sets Key Arma apart. Key Arma products are generally more affordable than those made in the U.S. but do not sacrifice the high Key Arma USA is headquartered in Laramie, Wyoming, where the company operates a small warehouse. standards American consumers expect. Key Arma subjects every shipment to a thorough quality inspection to ensure their products will meet the demands of any customer. Key Arma USA welcomes any and all businesses. Whether you are just getting started putting together AR15s in your garage, or you operate a major gun shop in your area, Their customers enjoy highprofit margins, fast shipment of in-stock items, and a personal touch that is often missing with other manufacturing companies. Go to key-arma.us to learn more.

42 | inside firearms | april 2024 ● BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION New for 2024, Black Hills Ammunition is offering loads for the 6mm ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) holding 90-grain Dual Performance bullets. The 6mm ARC maximizes AR-15/M4 performance, providing increased projectile weight, higher ballistic coefficients, more energy, and less wind drift than any 5.56 NATO round. Black Hills’ 90-grain Dual Performance bullet provides a versatile hunting option, shooting flatter to 600 yards when compared to the 103 ELD-X load introduced last year, and opening immediately on impact to create a 7-inch diameter wound channel. Velocity is 2,650 fps, which delivers more than 1,400-foot pounds of energy. The monolithic copper bullet was milled to create petals that spin outward after impact, while the solid base penetrates deep, improving terminal performance. Learn more at black-hills.com. ● HAWKE SPORT OPTICS Hawke has earned a reputation for delivering quality sporting optics with outstanding value. Hawke’s new Vantage 30 WA 4-12x42mm IR 6.5 Creedmoor Marksman is ready-made for that extremely popular cartridge. The popular and value-packed Vantage 30 WA lineup was expanded to include this 6.5 Creedmoor-ready package, with an MSRP of just $359. The new Vantage 30 WA 4-12x42 IR is based on a 30mm There are a lot of exciting products coming down the pike for 2024—products sure to spark excitement with customers that results in ringing cash registers. There is obviously not enough space here to cover them all, but we have assembled a bevy of innovative and useful items to get you started on stocking for a successful sales year. From ultraeffective firearms cleaning products to new ammo, optics and firearms, 2024 has a lot to offer. BY PATRICK MEITIN

april 2024 | insidefirearms.com | 43 ● KICKS INDUSTRIES Kicks Industries is proud to announce the launch of the new NWTF Series of choke tubes designed especially for turkey hunting. NWTF Series choke tubes are precision machined to ultra-tight tolerances using computer-controlled machinery utilizing 17-4 ph grade stainless steel. The result is the best quality shotgun chokes around. NWTF choke tubes were designed specifically for the latest TSS- and lead-shot turkey loads to provide exceptional shot patterns to 40 yards and beyond. They feature an innovative conical/parallel internal design and Kicks’ exclusive outwardangled/diagonal ports that improve pattern shot density by up to 20 percent while also reducing felt recoil and muzzle rise. NWTF Series choke tubes are offered in .410, 28-, 20- and 12-guage options, each providing gobbler-getting 12- to 14-inch patterns at 40 yards with the right combination of choke, shotshell, and pellet size. Learn more at kicks-ind.com. ● HORIZON FIREARMS Horizon creates rifles that are not only aesthetically appealing and highly unique but also supremely accurate. The newest offering is the Horizon Venatic Rifle. Venatic means “all things hunting” and the new-for-2024 Venatic was designed specifically for the backcountry hunter looking for a lightweight rifle. The stock is an iota EKO X featuring thumb detents, a long grip, and a negative comb with sleek and lightweight sporter-style geometry. The new Venatic also includes several premium build components hand-picked by Horizon’s designers and long-range hunting enthusiasts, including the newly-released featherweight Stiller Wombat action, a best-in-class Benchmark 416R stainless steel barrel, and a silky TriggerTech trigger. The Venatic will be offered in 22 Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7 PRC, 308 Winchester, 300 PRC, and 300 Winchester Magnum. MSRP is $3,799. Learn more at horizonfirearms.com. ● ROTHCO Rothco’s recently released V2 Concealed Carry Vest was designed for discreet firetube and sports a wide-angle optical system allowing maximum light transmission and clarity in low-light conditions. Hawke’s H2 optics system features 11 layers of multi-coating for optimal durability and viewing quality. It provides 3.5 inches of eye relief and the exposed turrets include ¼-MOA corrections. The Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC) reticle is scaled from 100 to 700 yards for the ultra-popular 6.5 Creedmoor and includes multi-level, red/ green illumination. Other features include a fast-focus eyepiece and removable magnification-ring throw lever. Like other Hawke products, this optic comes with a No-Fault Lifetime Warranty, covering the scope for life. Learn more at hawkeoptics.com. ● STILLER RIFLE ACTIONS The all-new Wombat Action from Stiller borrows its moniker from nature’s cuddliest little death machine. The newlyreleased Wombat Action from Stiller includes a unique skeletonized design that makes it impressively lightweight, but without sacrificing the deadly accuracy the brand is renowned for. The action weighs in at just 22.5 ounces, made possible through a skeletonized stainless steel body that reduces weight while maintaining the industry-leading tolerances that Stiller is renowned for, in a design that’s never been seen before. The in-house manufactured, two-lug bolt features a three-piece assembly that allows the bolt handle and bolt knob to be customized and personalized to individual shooters. Wombat Actions are available in short and long actions and come standard with a 20 MOA rail. They are manufactured in Shiner, Texas, USA, and retail for $1,299 for the short action and $1,399 for the long action. Learn more at stilleractions.com. Horizon Firearms Venatic Rifle Black Hills Ammunition 6mm ARC Hawke Optics Vantage 30 WA 4-12x42mm IR Stiller Rifle Wombat Actions Kicks Industries NWTF Series choke tubes

44 | inside firearms | april 2024 arm carry and everyday functionality. It includes a universal handgun concealment pocket crafted with durable padding and a two-layer design to accommodate both left and right-handed carry preferences. The design ensures handguns remain securely concealed while offering easy access when needed. Two inner magazine pockets allow carrying spare ammunition close at hand for quick reloading. Two zippered chest pockets and two zippered side pockets offer abundant space for toting essentials such as phone, wallet, keys, and more, keeping everything organized and readily available. Two-way zipper access allows quick and easy access to an IWB holster. The vest is constructed with a high-performance soft shell three-layer fabric system that turns wind while breathing and retaining heat. They are available small to 3XL, and in Coyote Brown and Black. Learn more at rothco.com. ● TARGETTACK® TargetTacks are the ultimate solution to securely anchoring paper and vinyl target faces to target backstops. USA-made TargetTacks are durable, infinitely reusable, eliminate range waste, are easy to pack, and will not cause ricochets, while providing a firm hold following impact while also including an affordable price tag. In addition to original hunter orange, pink, and lime green options released last year, they are now offered in a new teal color. All colors are offered in 6- and 12-pack options, as well as loose bulk bags of 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 or 1,000. The patent-pending TargetTack Impact-Hold-Resistant-Shaft makes securing targets easier and tidier. One-inch sizes are offered for cardboard/ corrugated vinyl or plywood backers, and 3-inch sizes for archery targets. Learn more at targettackllc.com. ● KEY ARMA Key Arma specializes in rugged and inventive aftermarket hardware for AR- and AK-style firearms, accessories that make these weapons more practical and “tacticool.” There are a multitude of options to choose from, but one of the most popular is Key Arma’s KEY 301 Flip-Up Back-Up Sights. These iron sights are designed to withstand harsh treatment and provide a clean and precise sight picture for the shooter. They can even be used in the folded-down position via the emergency sight channel built into the top of the sights. They are constructed from high-quality fiber-reinforced polymer compound injection and include a high profile. The spring-loaded flip-up design deploys with the push of a side button and both front and rear are adjustable. They can be attached to any standard Picatinny rail. Learn more at key-arma.com. ● ROCK RIVER ARMS RRA’s new 17 HMR Rifle LAR-15M should prove popular with small game and varmint hunters who favor AR-15-style controls. It includes a forged RRA LAR-15M lower receiver, RRA 17 HMR Billet A4 upper, and holds an 18-inch Chrome Moly Barrel with 1:9 rifling twist. The barrel is 1/2x28 threaded and is delivered with an A2 flash hider. Other features include a low profile gas block, RRA two-stage Ultra Match trigger inside an RRA Winter Trigger Guard, RRA 15–inch lightweight free float M-LOKquipped hand guard, Magpul MOE Sl-K stock, and Magpul MOE pistol grip. The rifle weighs 6.75 pounds out of the box and measures 33.5 inches long. It comes with a magazine, case, owner’s manual, and warranty information. Learn more at rockriverarms.com. ● FORTRESS DISPLAY Fortress Display’s newest line extension is the HS-32. The HS-32 HS Display Backwall was designed and engineered for long guns but is also able to accommodate shelving units from the HS-20 handgun display, allowing more display flexibility. Requests for horizontal shelving led to this Rothco V2 Concealed Carry Vest TargetTack new teal color Key Arma KEY 301 Flip-Up Back-Up Sight Rock River Arms 17 HMR Rifle LAR-15M

april 2024 | insidefirearms.com | 45 newest offering, which includes five glass shelves, each 48-by-16 inches deep in a vertical display that is 84 inches tall. Horizontal display allows tastefully displaying expensive scopes, suppressors, and high-end electronics and allows ample display space for all (including handguns) with the security that Fortress Display is known for. Fortress Display offers a variety of “smashand-grab-proof” display cases ideal for any firearms or sporting goods outlet. Learn more at fortressdisplay.com. ● KOR TECHNIK / ZARGES USA KOR Technik’s VRC technology replaces existing foam of compatible rifle cases, allowing one case to serve multiple long guns. Vacuum Rigidizing Structure (VRC) and its twoway pump system allow creating a customized fit for any firearm. More recently KOR partnered with Zarges USA to offer a quality line of aluminum protective cases compatible with a customizable panel system developed by KOR Technik. This provides a versatile “One Case, Every Mission” system that is instantly reconfigurable to provide improved protection and resilience to contaminants like sand, oil, and moisture. Zarges has launched several sizes of VRS-equipped cases, including optimized rifle, bow, and gear cases, with several more options to be added to the lineup before the fall hunting season. Complete systems and individual VRS panels are available now. Learn more at zargesusa.com/pages/kor-x-zarges. ● EAA CORP EAA Corp’s commitment to providing unique and highly functional handguns at competitive prices continues with the 2024 Witness2311® lineup. One standout in this series is the Witness2311 Hunter 10mm Auto. This is a feature- and power-packed autoloading handgun that is both practical and affordable. The Hunter includes a 6-inch barrel to get the most out of the powerful 10mm Auto chambering. It includes a 15+1 round capacity, fed from a quality steel magazine, and has a flared mag well for efficient reloading. The white-dot irons include adjustable target-style rear sights, other user-friendly features including an Davidson's GuaranteeD Lifetime Replacement Program EEA Corp Witness2311 Hunter Kor Technik / Zarges USA Rifle Case Fortress Display HS-32 Display Backwall

46 | inside firearms | april 2024 ambidextrous thumb safety, 1911-style grip safety, comfortable extended beavertail and wrap-around/textured grip, and accessory rail to accept a light or laser. The enhanced hunting trigger promotes greater accuracy. For just $1,028 (MSRP) buyers also get a limited lifetime warranty. Learn more at eaacorp.com. ● DAVIDSON’S Davidson’s maintains facilities in Prescott, Arizona, Greensboro, North Carolina, and Chapin, South Carolina, in addition to Remote Sales Executives and Customer Relationship Managers in more than 20 states. This allows them to efficiently serve customers and dealers across the nation with exceptional customer service. Davidson’s extensive firearms inventory ranks among the nation’s largest, with an impressive inventory of ammunition, optics, suppressors, and other accessories also available. Davidson’s serves as a time-saving onestop shop for any firearms needs. Davidson’s is driven by a commitment to their customers’ convenience, including expedient hours and actual people answering the telephone. Davidson’s GuaranteeD® Lifetime Replacement Program ensures customers against problems with any firearm purchased from the company, and Davidson’s has enjoyed a 60-year history of providing unique Davidson’s Exclusive firearms. Learn more at davidsonsinc.com. ● INFIRAY OUTDOORS / IRAY USA InfiRay Outdoor’s new RICO Mk1 V2 640 50mm Thermal Weapon Sight—distributed through iRayUSA—offers upgraded and added features based on the RICO (Rugged Infrared Compact Optic) Mk1 series of thermal weapon sights. The V2 now includes improved audio recording, a speedy 60Hz refresh rate, and an upgraded ≤20mK sensitivity rating. The heart of the Mk1 V2 is a high-performance InfiRay Micro II core and high-contrast AMOLED HD display. Image processing is improved via Advanced Image Correction and Automatic Image Optimization using a MATRIX III processor. Image quality is unmatched, operation intuitive, the picture-in-picture function allows more precise shot placement on longer shots, there is 32GB of internal memory, and the unit comes with two battery packs each providing 6-plus hours of run-time. Ruggedness comes through its aluminum-alloy housing and 1000G/s2 shock resistance. The V2 also provides a smaller profile and a dual-locking quick-detach mount. It is compatible with the ILR-1000-1 rangefinding module and American Defense Manufacturing RQD mount. MAP price is $4,799— impressive for a unit with these features. Learn more at irayusa.com. ● REAP WEAPONRIES The Scy by Reap Weaponries allows creating a bullpup platform from a standard AR-15 by shifting the trigger 9 ¾ inches forward. Shooters get improved mobility and superior weight distribution while introducing a sleek, anti-snag design that maintains AR-15 modularity. The complete kit comes with a Scy “lower,” hardware pack and mounting block. Customers supply an AR-15 Mil-Spec lower receiver (must have removable trigger guard), full upper, standard M-LOK or KeyMod handguard, pistol grip and butt assembly. The system can be set up to be ambidextrous or for right- or left-hand use. It uses Mil-spec components, lightweight polymer, 5052 and 6061 aluminum construction, weighs just 2 pounds, and measures 16-by-4-by-4 inches. The linear trigger system adds less than 1.5 pounds to the trigger pull. The system is compatible with AR cartridges up to the 50 Beowulf. Learn more at reapweaponries.com. ● LUCID OPTICS Lucid Optics’ P8 Combat Optic is the company’s latest offering, carefully engineered for both modern and traditional combat firearms and ease of installation. It is made from 6061 aluminum and nitroInfiRay Outdoors RICO Mk1 V2 640 50mm Thermal Weapon Sight Reap Weaponries Scy Lucid Optics P8 Henry Side Gate Lever Action 360 Buckhammer

april 2024 | insidefirearms.com | 47 gen purged to be fog and waterproof, while also being magnum-rated. The P8 has received best-in-class optical upgrades, including high-end, phase-corrected, silvercoated prisms that provide extraordinarily clear viewing via a mix of polymer and ED glass lenses providing 92 percent light transmission. The 4x prismatic optic includes Lucid Optics' blue reticles, based on a 16 MOA quick-acquisition center circle, 9, 12, and 3 o’clock sighting wedges, 2- MOA center dot, and three 1 MOA reference points for elevation and windage corrections. It provides 3 inches of eye relief and includes eight-position illumination. The 3.4-inch, 8.4-ounce P8 is also priced attractively and covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Learn more at lucidoptics.com. ● HENRY REPEATING ARMS Henry’s Side Gate Lever Action Rifle was introduced in 2019, creating a modern interpretation of the brass-receiver, tubeloading 1860 Henry. The hardened and polished brass receiver is robust and aesthetically pleasing, the brass buttplate and barrel band accenting the 20-inch blued barrel and fluted bolt. This rifle sports a quality American walnut buttstock (14- inch length of pull) and forearm, both holding deep and intricate checkering. The iron sights consist of a fully-adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight dovetailed and secure by a setscrew and a .062-inch ivory front bead screwed onto the round blued steel barrel. The tubular magazine holds five rounds. The rifle includes no halfcock position but a patented transfer bar design provides ample safety while carrying the rifle with a round in the chamber. The Side Gate is available in 38-55 Winchester, 30-30 Win, 45-70 Springfield, 35 Fastarmed Auto-Eject Biometric Gun Case Remington 22 Golden Hunter Riptide Advanced Gun Cleaner & Advanced Oil 2-Step Kit

48 | inside firearms | april 2024 Remington—and new for 2024, the new 360 Buckhammer cartridge. Learn more at henryusa.com. ● FASTARMED Fastarmed’s Auto-Eject Biometric Gun Case keeps handguns safe from theft or unauthorized access but leaves them instantly available via the biometric fingerprint scanner and spring-loaded ejection system. The unit weighs just 7.4 pounds, measures only 20-by-10-by-3 inches, and can be used in the vehicle, office, a place of business, or at home. The biometric fingerprint scanner is programable for up to 100 users and individual fingerprint access can be added or subtracted easily. Hold an approved finger on the biometric pad just one second and the contained handgun instantly ejects into the hand. Power is supplied by a 110w plug or vehicle cigarettelighter cord, and should the power fail, an internal backup battery keeps the unit in service for up to 30 hours. A backup key lock is included. Fastarmed is compatible with handguns measuring up to 5 inches long. Learn more at fastarmed.com. ● REMINGTON AMMUNITION Long providing quality rimfire ammunition that is popular with consumers, Remington introduced its new 22 Golden Hunter rimfire ammunition for 2024. This is 22 Long Rifle ammo designed to provide small game hunters with an improved level of precision and terminal performance. This 22 LR ammo was designed to enhance effectiveness on small game such as tree squirrels, rabbits, and burrowing rodents. This is precision hollow point ammo designed to expand reliably on impact, even at extended ranges after velocity bleeds off. The 40-grain plated HP ammo is being offered in 100- and 550-round options and includes an attractive price point. Learn more at remington.com. ● RIPTIDE ARMORY Riptide’s Advanced Gun Cleaner & Advanced Oil 2-Step Kit is what customers need to clean, lube, and protect their valuable firearms. Veteran-owned and formulated by a former Navy SEAL, U.S.-made Riptide offers targeted, long-lasting formulas with Nano Coat Technology. The 2-Step Kit pairs Advanced Gun Cleaner and long-lasting Advanced Oil formulation, which include advanced surfactants and chelates that target carbons, mineral deposits, metals, and tough residues while remaining safe for all gun finishes and parts, including barrel, bore, stock, internals, wood, polymer, and all metals. CLP+ allows more shooting with significantly less buildup, and Graphene creates an ultra-durable nano-protective shield providing anti-corrosion and surface smoothing properties for faster clean-up and lasting protection. Learn more at riptidearmory.com. ● TRIJICON The new Credo 1-10x28mm Riflescope from Trijicon provides serious shooters fully multi-coated, broadband, anti-reflective glass, a 34mm tube and 28mm objective lens for exceptional light transmission, true detail, and color with zero distortion. The Segmented Circle Enhanced cross-dot reticle features dual red/green user-selectable LED illumination and off positions between intensity settings. The Credo 1-10x28mm holds a durable matte finish and easy-grip controls allowing fast, intuitive adjustments, while a repositionable magnification lever accommodates different shooting positions and rifle configurations. It comes with a Scopecoat protective cover, a 3mm hex key, one CR2032 battery, a quick reference guide, a warranty card and a Trijicon vinyl sticker. Learn more at Trijicon.com. ● IOSSO Iosso Case Polish is now offered in bottles featuring the company’s signature cobalt blue color. Iosso Case Polish works in conjunction with tumbling media to reduce tumbling time and give brass casings a like-new finish. It removes powder fouling, residue, oxidation, tarnish, and discoloration. It brings casings to a high luster and protects them from further tarnishing. It is available in a variety of sizes Trijicon Credo 1-10x28mm Riflescope Iosso Case Polish Dickinson Arms RA-9 9mm Comp-N-Choke ARC Series

april 2024 | insidefirearms.com | 49 for everyone from the home to the commercial reloader. The USDA Certified biobased formula is environmentally and user friendly and includes no odors, so is ideal for those with allergies. Suggested retail price for an 8-ounce bottle is $13.50, with quarts priced at $35.95 (it is also available in larger sizes up to 55 gallons). Learn more at iosso.com. ● DICKINSON ARMS The affordable and adaptable RA-9 9mm polymer semiauto handgun from Dickinson Arms is a striker-fired, single-action 9x19mm Parabellum offering accuracy and excellent ergonomics. It includes a 4.15- inch steel barrel and a 7.57-inch overall length. The trigger-actuated safety makes it inherently safe. The handgun offers 17+1 capacity, and the polymer frame accepts two interchangeable backstraps to create an ideal fit for individual shooters. The slide includes a QPQ non-glare finish and comes in matte black, OD Green, FDE, and camo. There is also an aluminum-framed competition version holding a longer 7.92- inch threaded barrel, optic-ready slide, and an aluminum competition mag-well for faster magazine exchanges. Learn more at dickinsonarms.com. ● COMP-N-CHOKE Industry leader Comp-N-Choke uses stainless steel bar stock and cutting-edge machining to create seamless, stout, and reliable choke tubes. Comp-N-Choke choke tubes are also available to accommodate nearly any major shotgun brand and model and in all gauges—including oddball 28 and 16 gauge and .410 bore options. CompN-Choke’s newest tube is called the ARC Series—non-ported, stainless steel choke tubes ideal for settings such as sporting clays or confined duck blinds where less SCY : Build a custom-tailored bullpup configured AR-15! Reap Weaponries • 320-223-5983 •reapweaponries.com • [email protected] • Relocates trigger interface 9 ¾” forward • M-LOK, KeyMod™ compatible • Designed for all mil-spec lowers with a removable trigger guard • Recoil rated for up to .50 Beowulf • Ambidextrous setup • Mil-spec components • Weights 12 ounces • Linear trigger system • Less than 1.5 lbs. trigger weight added • All components made in the USA CALL OR EMAIL FOR ORDERS • FREE SHIPPING! muzzle blast and noise are appreciated. The company’s proven slot-ported designs are still popular, reducing muzzle rise and improving shot recovery, especially with magnum shotshells, but some customers wanted a quieter option. These non-ported ARC tubes provide the same consistency and performance the company’s made its reputation on, creating tight patterns for all shotgun sports for more than 30 years. Learn more at compnchoke.com ● RUGER Ruger’s American Rifle Generation II, available in Standard (20-inch barrel), Ranch (16.10-inch barrel) and Predator (22-inch) models, offer a substantial refinement of the company’s most popular rifle model. The Gen II provides an innovative modular stock (which improved aesthetics and allowed length of pulls between 12 and 13.75 inches), interchangeable comb pieces, and spiral-fluted barrel with radial muzzle brake, while only adding about $130 to the original price. These rifles are chambered in a wide variety of popular cartridges, with newer rounds promised soon, such as the 22 and 6mm ARC and Legend series. They include a polymer detachable magazine, Cerakote finish, user-adjustable trigger, and safer three-position tang safety. The bolt includes three lugs with 70-degree cycling, dual cocking ramps for easier use, Sako-style extractor, and plunger ejector. A top Picatinny rail allows easy optics mounting. Learn more at ruger.com. ● ALTUS BRANDS Altus Brand’s Pro Ears Stealth 28 HTBT hearing protection was designed for experienced shooters seeking a behind-thehead electronic hearing solution combining cutting-edge technology, Bluetooth connectivity, durability, and exceptional comfort. They feature multi-setting DLSC, a 28 decibel sound-protection rating, Bluetooth 5.0 with a range of 10 meters, and weigh just 27 grams with tips installed. They provide up to 5X sound amplification while protecting hearing from sudden decibel spikes. The noise-isolating microphones offer universal fit and the internal battery provides 15 hours of continuous operation with a 2-hour charge. They come with four sets of foam tips (XS, S, M, L), three sets of silicone tips (S,M,L), a durable carry case, a USB-C charging cable, optional wind filters, and 1-year warranty. Learn more at altusbrands.com. Ruger American Rifle Generation II Predator Altus Brands Pro Ears Stealth 28 HTBT

50 | inside firearms | april 2024 inside the industry | industry 5Q Five Questions with Kinsey’s K insey’s has become a distributor touchstone in the archery industry, stocking all of the latest products archery pro shops need to keep customers geared up. More recently Kinsey’s extended their distributor talents to the firearms industry. We chatted with Phillip Dixon, Kinsey's Director of Dealer Sales, to learn more. When did Kinsey’s enter the firearms distribution arena and what inspired this new direction? ■ We entered the firearms space in 2020. Our primary motivation for entering the FFL space was to evolve and add more business segments to strengthen our offerings and widen our distribution potential year round. How difficult has it been to break into the firearms distribution market? Are you finding more success with dealers who also sell archery gear and have an existing relationship, or are firearms-only dealers also coming on board? ■ One of the appeals of the firearms industry is the fact that it is massive. We have just begun scratching the surface of what is possible for Kinsey’s and our distribution footprint across the United States. We have found incredible success in the Northeast thus far and are beginning to stretch our legs south and west. Our existing archery customers have been fantastic partners for us in this time of growth. Many of them have also taken the leap into the FFL and ammo space and are seeing sustainable yearround gains because of it. Exclusive firearm dealers alike have also come on board and many of them have been instrumental in providing feedback on how we can continue to be competitive and thrive in the everchanging world of firearms and ammo. We are also thrilled to report that many exclusive FFL customers of ours are also taking steps into the archery space, typically with the introduction of crossbows. What specific firearms-related product categories has Kinsey’s enjoyed the most success with and how do sales compare to the established archery market? ■ Ammunition of all categories and hunting specific bolt action firearms have been a place that we have found great success thus far. It was a natural stepping stone for us with our already hunting-centric customer base at our disposal. As our customer base continues to expand we have found that the ammunition space continues to be a staple year-round and that tactical offerings show great potential. What benefits does Kinsey’s offer dealers operating an independent sporting goods shop (or even larger operations) selling both archery and firearms gear? ■ Here at Kinsey’s, we are truly your one-stop shop, servicing the nation from our two warehouse operations. Our ability to provide dealers with more than 30,000 items across the outdoor, hunting, archery and shooting industry with services often shipping same day allow us to help dealers better serve their communities. We pride ourselves on having the operational capacity of a large corporation with a touch of a family business that is sustained on the longevity and health of our partnerships. What types of programs or incentives does Kinsey’s offer dealers that can help make their operation more efficient and profitable? ■ We pride ourselves on our warehouse capabilities that support our customer base and being able to have access to a four-season selection and get it in front of customers fast. We understand that in this modern world dealers having access to the fastest available solution at the best possible price and the most preferred terms will make us the optimal partner. We have made countless optimizations to our webstore, warehouse operations, sales staff and overall pricing over the past 24 months and we will continue to optimize into the future.