Gun Trade World - December 2022

OVER 11,000
COPIES EVERY
MONTH IN
MORE THAN
120 COUNTRIES
DECEMBER 2022
DEDICATED TO GROWING YOUR BUSINESS
FINALLY A GENUINE
FIREARM ALTERNATIVE
THE STEAMBOW AR-6 STINGER II
PISTOL CROSSBOW
Serious Performance, Low Legislation
W W W . S T E A M B O W . A T

C O V E R I N G T H E S H O O T I N G B U S I N E S S G L O B A L L Y
NSSF’s Larry Keane, SVP
for Government & Public
Affairs, Assistant Secretary
and General Counsel,
looks at gun control
advocates attempts to
ban firearm manufacturer
advertisements. PAGE 32
Archery, bowhunting and
firearms have more in
common than you might
think and archery products
can be a truly useful
addition to your product
range. PAGE 46
EU NATURE RESTORATION
LAW DISCUSSED
Recently, the European The event was chaired by MEP Álvaro proposal on binding restoration targets
Parliament’s Intergroup
Amaro (Portugal, EPP), President of the which aims at putting in place timebound
obligations for ecosystem
on “Biodiversity, Hunting, Intergroup, with introductory remarks
Countryside” hosted an online by MEP Maria Noichl (Germany, S&D), restoration together with an overarching
conference on Delivering the Nature
Restoration Law for rural stakeholders and
biodiversity, organised in conjunction with
the European Landowners’ Organisation
(ELO) and the European Federation for
Hunting and Conservation (FACE).
MEP Christine Schneider (Germany,
EPP), MEP Alexandr Vondra (Czechia,
ECR).
The conference discussed
opportunities and challenges for the
ambitious European Commission
EU target. The aim is to cover at least
20 per cent of the EU’s land and sea
areas by 2030 with nature restoration
measures, and eventually extend these to
all ecosystems in need of restoration by
2050.
• Continued on page 8
SENT TO MORE THAN 11,000 SHOOTING INDUSTRY
PROFESSIONALS IN OVER 120 COUNTRIES EVERY MONTH

GTW
DECEMBER 2022
ROB SMITH
Editor
rob.smith@dhpub.co.uk
Rob has a wealth of knowledge of the international
trade sector, having worked in B2B publishing since 2008.
A keen outdoorsman, Rob will bring you the important
news and leads from across the global hunting, shooting
and tactical sectors.
JUSTIN FOX
Publisher
justin.fox@dhpub.co.uk
Justin is hugely experienced in publishing and oversees the
entire David Hall Publishing portfolio which, as well as B2B
titles, also includes some enthusiast consumer brands. Justin’s
organisational and sales skills are invaluable to the business.
BART MANGANIELLO
Business Development Manager – North America
bartalm@optonline.net
For more than 35 years Bart has worked with international
B2B magazines. He specialises in providing the best
communication programs to companies, helping them
connect with current and prospective trade partners around
the world.
WILLEM BONNEUX
Business and Content Development
willem.bonneux@dhpub.co.uk
Always at the intersection of sales and marketing, Willem
has served in several roles in the international shooting
and hunting industry. Involved with GTW from the start,
his content-first approach helps brands go the extra mile.
WOUTER PEENE
Sales – Rest of World
wouter.peene@dhpub.co.uk
An avid outdoorsman, Wouter is a multilingual hunting
and shooting product specialist with extensive knowledge
of international B2B business development.
PAUL EVANS
Art Editor
paul.evans@dhpub.co.uk
A vital cog in the GTW machine, Paul has worked with
our publisher since 2008 across all areas of Production,
Design and Marketing. He makes everything we make
look even better.
JON IVERSON
Web Designer
jiverson@avtechmediausa.com
Jon is our wizard of the web – he helped create our
website and ensures the smooth running of it. He’ll make
sure our digital content is seen by key industry personnel
across the globe.
TIME TO
SUPPORT
OUR SHOWS
The Covid-19 pandemic
has had a huge impact on
companies across the globe.
Some were ‘lucky’ and
experienced a surge in sales
driven by more consumers getting out
into the countryside and taking up, for
example, air gun shooting – a branch
of our sport that has witnessed a huge
boost through the Covid-19 era.
An area of our sector that didn’t fare
so well was the exhibition division, a
vital cog in our business year and some
of the most important dates in our
calendar.
I attended SHOT Show in 2020.
Soon after the show ended the
pandemic swept across the globe. IWA
was cancelled as well as many other
trade and consumer shows.
We were all hopeful that, in a year’s
time, IWA would be able to go ahead
again but unfortunately the 2021 event
was also cancelled. SHOT Show 2021
also succumbed to the re-emergence of
Covid-19 through the winter months
of 2020/2021.
The organisers of both SHOT
and IWA came up with novel ideas
to fill the gaping holes left by these
cancellations. I suspect that the digital
events arranged in place of the physical
ones – although interesting – wouldn’t
have come close to recouping the
money lost from show cancellations.
It was great to see both the IWA
and SHOT back in 2022. SHOT
appeared as busy as ever with punters
content to wear masks allowing them
to walk freely through the exhibition
halls. However, IWA received
additional bad luck – on the eve of the
event, war broke out in Ukraine which,
I imagine, deterred many overseas
visitors from attending the event.
For 2023 I’m hoping for an IWA
event back to the levels of 2019 and
both fingers and toes are crossed for
an exhibition free of any more negative
global disasters.
If you’re sat on the fence with
regards to attending either event,
please think about how important
these events are to our trade as a
whole. Your attendance is key to
ensuring events like these are around
for years to come.
Have a great trading month.
Rob Smith
Editor
/guntradeworld
/company/guntradeworld
Custom-Made
GUN BARRELS
AND MORE
Your choice:
action thread:
M98; Rem700;...
different contours
chamber:
.223Rem;.308Win;6,5CM;...
fluting
different twist
material:
CrMo steel or stainless
muzzle:
-thread
-match
-hunting
-11° varmint
04 WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM

purplecrtv.com

GTW
november 2022
Contents
03 News
Up-to-the-minute, breaking news stories from around the global
industry, including the latest on the EU’s Nature Restoration Law.
22 Ek Archery’s Advances Defensive Archery Products
By combining feeding mechanisms with the familiar cocking
kinematics of firearms into its new products, Ek Archery Research
lays the foundation for a novel class of tactical archery platforms.
24 In Conversation with… Donato Sasso
GTW sits down with Streamlight’s new Director of International
Development, Donato Sasso, to talk international growth, challenges
and working closely with distributors across the globe.
26 Fokus on your mission
Heimdall has released the feature-packed Fokus X350 clip-on and
observation device. Perfect for rugged and precise operations, GTW
takes a deep dive into the key features of the much-talked-about
device.
28 Fausti creates wingshooting school in US
Fausti Arms has joined forces with Georgian sporting estate,
Hollywood Farms, to hold wingshooting courses. We discover more
about this interesting concept.
30 Sportsmatch Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Sportsmatch is celebrating its 50th year in business so GTW
visited the company to trace the journey from one-man band to
international brand.
32 Demonising Gun Ads is a Misguided Witch Hunt
NSSF’s Larry Keane, SVP for Government & Public Affairs, Assistant
Secretary and General Counsel, looks at gun control advocates
attempts to ban firearm manufacturer advertisements.
36 Industry Insight – Spotting Scopes
The latest in our series of Industry Insights delves deep into the world
of spotting scopes, helping you to select and then confidently sell the
correct spotting scopes to your customers.
44 Great Gear – Archery tArgets
As the amount of archery targets on the market is huge, this month’s
Great Gear splits them up in four basic types and covers all the
essentials that go with choosing the right target for your type of
sport.
46 Spotlight on… Archery
Archery, bowhunting and firearms have more in common than you
might think. If you are a wholesaler or retailer in the gun business,
archery products can be a truly useful addition to your product range.
50 Doing Business with… South Africa
South Africa represents perhaps the pinnacle of hunting for many
visitors but does the country merit exporting your products into?
24
36
26
50
Making Contact
56 EGE Arms 58 Tactacam
60 Nightpearl 62 Steambow 64 MTM
06 www.guntradeworld.com

THE LEADER IN LONG RANGE
FOUR DECADES OF ICONIC FIREARMS. As the USSOCOM and U.S. Army contract winner, the MK22 sets the standard with
Sub-MOA performance past 1500m in a modular package. The aluminum chassis features a folding stock with adjustable
length of pull and cheek piece, M-LOK® attachment system, 10 mil rail, and suppressor capable muzzle brake. The MK22 rifle
is chambered in 300 NM and the complete kit includes conversions to 338 NM and 7.62x51 NATO.
barrett.net
Professional user depicted. Observe all safety precautions and relevant laws while enjoying Barrett products.

GTW
NEWS
EU Nature Restoration Law discussions
• Continued from page 3
The opening message was
delivered by MEP Álvaro
Amaro: “The European
Parliament has a key role
to play as the institution
reflecting most of the reality
of the everyday life of land
users through is direct
link with citizens [...] It is
essential not to miss a ‘good
start’ for this legislation and
involve from the beginning
the countryside community
such as hunters, farmers, land
managers, environmental
groups, anglers and other
interested stakeholders (like
municipalities) in the planning
process”.
MEP Noichl: “We have
a rapidly closing window
of opportunity to secure a
liveable future in the EU
and the rest of the world.
The EU commitments until
now proofed to be a failure.
Therefore, we cannot allow the
nature restoration law to fail.
Possible loopholes to water
down our ambitions have to
be closed. Because restoring
nature is our best insurance
policy for climate adaptation
and thus also to preserve longterm
food security in Europe”.
MEP Schneider: “ Th e
European Commission’s
proposal overshoots its
objective and is too singlesided
directed against
agriculture and neglects the
important aspect of food
security. I will advocate
sustainable farming based
on the three pillars of
sustainability - economic
viability, environmental
protection and social equity”.
MEP Vondra: “I am still
somewhat disappointed. There
is not only the administrative
burdens for Member States,
but, above all, the risk that the
burden of meeting the EU
targets will not be shared fairly
amongst Member States. We
should also ask where we get
the money for all the proposed
measures at a time when
dramatically rising energy
prices and inflation are having
a significant impact on our
societies”.
Mr. Stefan Leiner, Head
of the Natural Capital and
Ecosystem Health Unit,
European Commission, in his
keynote speech highlighted that:
“The Commission proposal
breaks new ground. It is the
first EU-wide, comprehensive
restoration law of its kind and
follows suit to the European
Parliament Resolution on
the EU Biodiversity Strategy
for 2030 which called upon
the Commission to develop a
new law with legally binding
nature restoration targets.
All the scientific evidence,
including the latest IPCC
report, is clear: the biggest
threats to food production
and food security are climate
change and biodiversity loss.
By restoring healthy and
biodiverse ecosystems the law
will help ensure the sustainable
economic activity of those
who directly depend on such
healthy ecosystems for their
livelihoods: farmers, foresters
and fishers”.
Dr. Heidi Krüger, Restoration
expert at the Ministry of
Agriculture and Forestry of
Finland: “Landowners and
hunters are key operators in
mainstreaming biodiversity
on wetlands. Engaging local
communities in habitat
management promotes
cost-efficient restoration and
supports long lasting action on
multiple levels”.
Ms. Annegret Larsen, Soil
Geography and Landscape
Research, Wageningen
University & EGU Biodiversity
Task Force: “As geoscientists,
we are used to thinking on
longer time scales. For us, it is
clear that climate change and
human impact have been and
are at present the main driver
of habitat transformation and
biodiversity loss. We want
restoration projects to focus
on the recreation of ecosystem
functions and establish winwin
situations for biodiversity,
climate protection, climate
mitigation, and people”.
Mr. Ariel Brunner, Deputy
Director and Head of Policy,
BirdLife Europe and Central
Asia: “A strong and rapidly
implemented nature restoration
law is at this point a question
of survival. Not just for the
many wild species in dire
straits, but of our human
society. Farmers, foresters,
land owners and fishers are the
most exposed to the ravages of
climate change and ecosystem
collapse. They have the most to
gain from a serious restoration
push”.
Mr. Max Freiherr Von
Elverfeldt, President
Familienbetriebe Land und
Forst: “With the Nature
Restoration Law, the EU
chooses the wrong approach
to achieve the right goals.
Instead of the strict protection
of forests and other areas, we
need to strengthen sustainable
management methods in order
to promote biodiversity and
climate protection. In the
current situation, it would be a
fundamental mistake to restrict
European production of food
and renewable raw materials,
because production restrictions
not only jeopardize European
security of supply in a time of
serious market disruptions and
unpredictable global supply
chains. They also inevitably lead
to relocations of production to
non-European third countries
and thus to carbon leakage and
to the export of environmental
problems”.
VIDEO
RECORDING OF
THE MEETING
IS AVAILABLE
HERE:
08 WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM

GTW
NEWS
AMERICAN TECHNOLOGIES NETWORK
(ATN) ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP
WITH WORLD-RENOWNED HUNTER
American Technologies Network (ATN)
Corp. has announced a partnership with Fred
Eichler, a world-renowned outdoorsman,
whose hunting passion and knowledge will
help inspire outdoor enthusiasts to elevate
their own hunting experiences. ATN said
this partnership is timely and exciting for
both its customers and hunting enthusiasts as
many prepare for hunting season.
“People like Fred Eichler are the backbone
of the shooting sports industry and have
deep understanding and insight into this
community,” said ATN Corp. Chairman,
Founder and CMO Marc Vayn. “Having
Fred use our products and showcase his
success with them will help introduce the
ATN brand to the outdoors community on a
larger scale.”
As a legend in the predator hunting
community, which is a huge part of ATN’s
key audience, Eichler’s values and skills align
well with ATN’s. Eichler’s passion for the
outdoors and hunting speaks to the same
outdoor-loving audience that ATN serves.
Eichler said he loves ATN products
because the company constantly innovates its
night and thermal optics, helping him find
Remington Ammunition
has welcomed Ganka
Inc., a leading distributor
of high-quality outdoor
clothing and accessories, as
a new licensee partner.
Ganka represents
an extensive line of
leading brands, and this
partnership is designed to
provide essential apparel
and footwear to hunters,
hikers and outdoor
enthusiasts.
“We are thrilled to
begin working with
Ganka,” said Danny Evans,
Remington’s Director of
Licensed Products. “As a
prominent leader in import
and sale of a wide range
of outdoor apparel, they
have a great reputation in
the industry and showcase
their dedication to the
market through their
competitive and impressive
manufacturing.
Since 1935, Ganka has
produced durable and
innovative products catered
to the outdoor lifestyle.
Based out of Québec, CA,
the company supplies
apparel to more than 3,600
clients throughout Canada
and the U.S. Come fall
2023, Remington fans can
find an exciting line of
products for men, women
and children including base
layer clothing, handwear,
headwear, footwear and
more.
“Remington’s resurgence
has rekindled the public’s
love for this worldrenowned
emblematic
name. In association with
the new licensed and
passionate partners that we
are at Ganka Inc. you will
greater success against predators at night.
“I started using ATN products 11 years
ago,” Eichler said. “The durability, long
battery life, and functionality, as well as
multiple options in different price ranges are
what drew me to ATN. Those are the same
features that have kept me a fan of ATN
products for more than a decade.”
ATN customers and Fred Eichler fans
can watch Eichler hunt with flagship ATN
products and unveil brand new ATN gadgets
on Eichler’s Instagram: @fredeichler, MOTV,
and YouTube page. Hunting enthusiasts can
also follow ATN’s Instagram and Facebook
for additional hunting and gear updates.
ATN is focused on bringing partners like
Eichler front and centre to help its customers
see the gear in action and learn tips and
tricks from ATN pros. ATN will continue to
look for strategic partnerships that align with
the brand’s audience and values to further
expand ATN’s product awareness and help
customers experience the outdoors in a new
way.
+1 800 910 2862
www.ATNCorp.com
Remington announces new
partnership with Ganka Inc.
find products that meet the
highest standards of the
Remington brand,” said
Ganka CEO Martin Jobin.
“With more than 85 years
of expertise in the outdoor
industry, through design,
production and importation
of products, accessories
and clothing, Ganka Inc.
is proud to associate itself
with the Remington name
and to put its know-how
and knowledge to good use
by actively participating in
this wind of renewal.”
Remington is always
seeking quality partners to
represent the Remington
lifestyle in new product
categories. Please contact
Danny Evans with
inquiries.
danny.evans@remington.com
www.remington.com
About
American Technology Network
is an innovative industry leader
and manufacturer of night
vision and thermal Smart Optics
products. Founded in 1995, ATN is
known for creating high-quality
products that enhance the
outdoor experience and connect
more people with nature. ATN
Scopes offer user-friendly,
Smart features, enabling users
to record their experience and
share them directly online with
ease. Top-selling models include
the X-Sight 4K Pro series, ThOR
4 series, ThOR LT series and the
OTS LT series.
About Remington
Since 1816, generations of hunters
and shooters have trusted Remington
ammunition and accessories. A
brand of outdoor sports and
recreation company Vista Outdoor,
Remington is bringing a renewed
focus to ammunition, innovation, and
quality – all while staying true to
Remington’s legendary heritage and
stature as an American icon.
About Vista Outdoor
Vista Outdoor is the parent company
of more than three dozen renowned
brands that design, manufacture
and market sporting and outdoor
products. Serving a broad and
diverse range of consumers around
the globe, including outdoor
enthusiasts, golfers, cyclists,
backyard grillers, campers, hunters,
recreational shooters, athletes, as
well as law enforcement and military
professionals.
10 WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM

EYES ON
TARGET.
LATEST TRENDS
FOR THE TRADE
2–5.3.2023 . NUREMBERG, GERMANY
The get-together for the industry: You can handle and try out new
products, discover trends and interact with the community to make new
international business contacts. Experience all this and more at IWA – your
world-leading trade show for hunting, shooting sports, equipment for
outdoor activities and for civilian and official security applications.
For trade visitors only.
Proof of eligibility must be shown.
Set goals now and achieve them LIVE:
www.iwa.info/tickets

GTW
NEWS
ACTIVE-DUTY
SERVICE MEMBER
LAUNCHES KBF
FIREARMS
Kahlil “Blaze” Ford, an
active-duty service member
stationed at Fort Bragg,
North Carolina, launched
KBF Firearms with the
purpose of providing modern
guns, supplies, and accessories
to those enthusiastic
about responsible weapon
ownership.
But it’s not his only
mission. KBF is also deeply
dedicated to empowering
other active-duty and
veteran-owned businesses
and educating recreational
gun owners. Ultimately, KBF
Firearms aims to disrupt the
current perception of the
industry.
“I founded KBF because I
want to continue to keep guns
in the hands of responsible
owners. By educating future
and current customers about
gun safety, storage, and proper
usage, I hope to help prevent
common misconceptions
about weapons and
recreationalists,” Ford says.
“My primary goal is to allow
target shooters the ability to
enjoy what they love most.”
KBF Firearms currently
sells guns, archery supplies,
outdoors equipment and
accessories, including brands
such as: Q, Seekins, Beretta
and Glock. They offer a
range of high-end, innovative
products that aren’t typically
found in local gun shops as
well as classic, trusted brands.
“I use thorough research to
figure out what the leading
industry experts are using in
their fields. I find out what
the best competitive shooters
are using, what brands our
nation’s elite soldiers are
using, and also what our local
hunters are using for big and
small game,” Ford says.
However, that’s not all
Ford and KBF has in their
sights. They believe it’s
through building community
and service to others that
everyone thrives. And so, a
huge part of the company’s
mission is dedicated to
supporting other active-duty
service members and veteran
service members in their
development and progress.
“I believe in our service
members, veterans, law
enforcement, first responders
and all those who support
America. I want to help those
businesses and see them
thrive,” Ford says. “You can
find a list of those we support
on our site.”
In addition, education
is a key pillar to their
success. With a regularly
published newsletter and
other informational assets
on their platform, they
hope to inform current and
prospective gun owners about
the latest legislation and laws.
They hope this encourages
a responsible lifestyle while
giving everyone affordable
access to the latest products.
“We want to empower and
educate. It’s critical to our
operation,” Ford says.
www.kbffirearms.com
About
Kahlil “Blaze” Ford, the founder of KBF, was born and raised in New York City, where he discovered gun access and weapon education
were limited. He enlisted in the military at 20 years old because he wanted to serve his country and lead an active, purposeful life.
With a focus on advanced tactical training, his military career has taken him all over the world, and he currently resides in Fort
Bragg, North Carolina with his wife and children. Since founding KBF in 2022, he believes in putting people first and giving back to
the active-duty service member community and beyond.
Labour looks for Rural Voters
Shooting’s conservation credentials and
BASC’s work on firearms licensing were
just two of many topics raised by Labour
Ministers at the Rural Reception at the
Labour Party Conference, UK.
One of the issues raised at the reception
co-hosted by BASC and the Angling Trust
was the need for the Labour Party to win
rural seats to form a government.
Speeches by Shadow Minister for
Food Farming and Fisheries, Daniel
Zeichner MP, and Shadow Minister for
Policing, Sarah Jones MP, were warmly
welcomed by the more than 100 MPs,
peers, delegates and representatives of
organisations who attended.
Daniel Zeichner MP referred to his visit
to The Game Fair earlier this year saying,
“It’s always good to hear from the people
who understand the nuts and bolts of how
the countryside works.
“It has been said that Labour stopped
listening to the countryside and that was
a mistake.
“We still have work to do on our
manifesto but we have been working
hard on it and we appreciate the advice
that we have been given by BASC. There
will always be some differences but it’s
imperative we have good channels of
communication.”
Sarah Jones MP spoke about the
challenges facing rural Britain and firearms
licensing. She said: “I know BASC is
doing a lot of work on medical markers
and we need to work together on this. We
need an efficient licensing system that
gives all parties involved what they need,
which includes making sure that people
who are not well do not have licences.”
Following the speeches, BASC
vice-chair Claire Sadler said: “It was
fantastic to see such a well-supported
Rural Reception at the Labour Party
Conference.”
“Labour knows it needs to win rural
seats and to do that the Party needs to
listen to those who live, work and operate
in the countryside. BASC is working hard
to ensure the Labour Party understands
the needs of those involved in shooting
and conservation.”
www.basc.org.uk
12 WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM

IT’S A
JAN. 17–20
2023
Only at the SHOT Show ® will you find a full range of
manufacturers, products, businesses and opportunities
from around the world gathered in one place. Explore
the latest products from 2,000+ exhibits. Nowhere
else do the sport shooting, hunting, outdoor, law
enforcement and armed forces communities come
together to connect and share ideas. There’s nothing
like the SHOT Show experience.
Customized services and special amenities
are available for international visitors.
THE VENETIAN EXPO + CAESARS FORUM LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
REGISTER TODAY
SHOTShow.org/gtw
The SHOT Show is a trade-only event. Professional affiliation required.

GTW
NEWS
HENRY REPEATING ARMS INTRODUCES
LIMITED-EDITION RIFLES TO CELEBRATE
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF GUNMAKING
Henry Repeating Arms,
the leading US firearm
manufacturer, has revealed
two limited-edition models
celebrating the company’s
twenty-fifth anniversary.
Available at dealers USwide
while supplies last,
the rifles pay tribute to
the beginnings of Henry
Repeating Arms as a company
and the origins of the lever
action rifle’s enduring legacy
in America.
“In the gun-making
business, twenty-five years
makes us a new kid on the
block, but I am endlessly
proud of how far we have
come,” said Anthony
Imperato, CEO and Founder
of Henry Repeating Arms.
“These new rifles are not
only a toast to what we do
best, which is building guns,
but it’s a toast to every single
one of our employees and
customers that have made
Henry Repeating Arms a part
of their lives and keeps us
striving for our very best day
in and day out.”
Twenty-five years ago,
from a small manufacturing
facility near the Gowanus
Canal in Brooklyn, New
York, Henry Repeating
Arms began shipping the
now world-renown model
H001 Classic Lever Action
.22. Since then, the company
has sold more than one
million of the rifles. Now,
the company is introducing
the 25th Anniversary edition,
which features Semi Fancy
genuine American walnut
furniture and an engraved,
nickel-plated receiver
cover with 24-carat gold
plated highlights. Other
specifications include a tube
magazine with capacity for
15 rounds of .22 Long Rifle,
17 rounds of .22 Long, or 21
rounds of .22 Short, a fully
adjustable semi-buckhorn
rear sight, and a hooded blade
front sight. The H001-25 is
limited to 5,000 units with
a manufacturer’s suggested
retail price of $1,130.
Patented in 1860, Benjamin
Tyler Henry’s breakthrough
design for a reliable and
practical lever action
repeating rifle cemented itself
in American history with
a legacy that continues to
this day. The New Original
Henry Deluxe Engraved
25th Anniversary Edition is
a salute to this lever action
heritage with a unique
touch of rosewood furniture
hand-selected by Anthony
Imperato.
“It was love at first sight
with this rosewood, and I
immediately knew we needed
to do something special
with it,” said Imperato.
“The richness and warmth
of the wood is the perfect
complement to our hardened
brass and polished blued
steel.”
The rifle is a faithful
recreation of the original
patent except for more robust
materials and the concessions
needed to accommodate the
more modern .44-40 WCF
cartridge, of which the rifle
can carry 13 rounds. Other
features include a folding
ladder rear sight, a brass
blade front sight, a hardened
brass crescent buttplate with
a period-correct storage
compartment, and near full
coverage engraving on the
hardened brass receiver
flats. The H011D-25 New
Original Henry Deluxe
Engraved 25th Anniversary
Edition is limited to only
2,500 units with an MSRP of
$3,990.
+1 866 200 2354
www.henryusa.com
HM
The World’s Most Powerful Production Air Rifles
50 Caliber Texan - 800+ Foot Pounds
America’s Most Accurate Production Air Rifles
Rapid Air - HM1000x Chassis
www.airforceairguns.com
the USA
AirForce Texan and HM1000x shown with optional scope, and rings.
www.rapidairweapons.com
14 WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM

KEY FEATURES
8x Zoom Function
Image Stabilization
4K/60fps
One-Touch Operation
Haptic Feedback
Touchscreen Display
Ultra-HQ Lens
Low-Light Sensor
Waterproof Body (30ft)
Tactacam Remote
Compatible
WI-FI control via Connect
App
ULTRA HD RESOLUTION
TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY
IMAGE STABILIZATION
WATERPROOF
Experience 4K resolution quality, image stabilization,
8x zoom control, and the newly-integrated touch
display, all in a lightweight waterproof body. With this
next evolution to POV, you'll never have to compromise
between quality or convenience.

GTW
NEWS
FORMER NATO AFGHANISTAN COMMANDER
GENERAL SCOTT MILLER JOINS SIG SAUER
Sig Sauer has announced that
former JSOC Commander
General (Scott) Miller
has joined the company as
Defense Advisor.
General Miller served
in the United States Army
and most recently served
as the commander of
NATO’s Resolute Support
Mission and U.S. Forces in
Afghanistan. Prior to this
he was the commander of
the Joint Special Operations
Command ( JSOC), in
addition to participating in
numerous combat operations
including the Battle of
Mogadishu and the wars in
Iraq and Afghanistan.
“General Miller is an
exceptional addition to our
team and comes at one of
the most exciting times for
our company as we begin the
historic process of fielding
the Next Generation Squad
Weapons
with the U.S.
Army,” said
Ron Cohen,
President
and CEO,
Sig Sauer,
Inc. “General
Miller
knows the
complexities
of the
battlefield,
what’s necessary to achieve
overmatch, and most
importantly how to succeed.
His experience in close
quarters combat combined
with his proven leadership
ability will be invaluable to
us.”
General Miller is a
graduate of the United States
Military Academy and was
commissioned
as an infantry
officer in
the U.S.
Army. After
completing
Ranger
school, he was
assigned to
a platoon in
3rd Battalion,
325th
Infantry
(Airborne), 82nd Airborne
Division. After multiple
assignments he completed
the Delta selection course
and was assigned to the
Delta Special Operations
Detachment (1st SFOD-D)
at Fort Bragg, North
Carolina. Miller continued
to hold prestigious
leadership positions in
special operations commands
throughout his forty-year
career with the U.S. Army
and retiring as a decorated
four star General.
“It is an honour to join
the team at Sig Sauer. While
I served on active duty I’ve
always been a proponent of
ensuring that our service
members had the right lethal
capabilities available to them
in order to safeguard our
national interests, and I note
the relentless focus from the
Sig Sauer team in ensuring
their requirements are met,”
added Miller.
About
Sig Sauer, Inc. is a leading provider and manufacturer of firearms, electro-optics, ammunition, suppressors, airguns, and training. For
over 250 years SIG SAUER, Inc. has evolved by blending American ingenuity, German engineering, and Swiss precision. Today, Sig
Sauer is synonymous with industry-leading quality and innovation which has made it the brand of choice amongst the U.S. Military,
the global defense community, law enforcement, competitive shooters, hunters and responsible citizens. Additionally, Sig Sauer is
the premier provider of tactical training and elite firearms instruction at the Sig Sauer Academy. Headquartered in Newington, New
Hampshire, Sig Sauer has over 2,900 employees across eleven locations.
The DC Project Message
Resonates on Capitol Hill
The DC Project, Women for Gun Rights,
recently returned to Washington, DC, to
deliver its core message to Congress. The
group’s 51 delegates representing 48 states
met with legislators from both sides of
the aisle, advocating gun rights are human
rights. Their effort concluded with a rally
on the steps of the United States Supreme
Court.
DC Project Founder Dianna Muller
commented, “This was our fifth fly-in and
it was the most impactful trip we have
experienced. We built bridges by sharing
our personal and emotional stories of
violence while emphasising solutions
the firearms industry is spearheading in
mental health, school safety, and firearms
education.”
During the trip, the Congressional
Second Amendment Caucus, co-chaired
by Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) and Rep.
Thomas Massie (R-KY) hosted a reception.
The DC Project presented its pillars and
explained how legislators
can partner with the
group to provide armour
in the attacks on the
Second Amendment.
Rep. Marjorie
Taylor Greene (R-GA)
commented: “This
organisation of women
is a game changer. For
years, anti-gun women and politicians have
demanded Congress strip away the rights
of law-abiding gun owners; the DC Project
provides a counter to their misinformation.”
In total, the delegates not only attended
more than 135 meetings but made
countless impressions across the city
with personal interactions with residents
and tourists. The DC Project anticipates
continuing the momentum at the
individual state level.
www.dcproject.info
www.sigsauer.com
About
The DC Project is a nationwide
organisation of women committed to
safeguarding the Second Amendment.
A non-partisan initiative of daughters,
mothers, and sisters that believe
education is the key to firearm safety and
violence prevention, not legislation. We
counter the disinformation gun control
groups circulate by informing our friends,
families, communities, and legislators
with the truth that gun rights are human
rights.
16 WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM

If you are interested in
distributing and marketing
our products, contact us at:
info@noricaairguns.com
www.noricaairguns.com
info@noricaairguns.com
www.noricaairguns.com

EL54
High precision competition
sport pistols
Designed for champions
„Made in Germany“
In-house manufactured
parts made of finest
materials for the high
quality standards of STP
Reliable CNC parts only
Check out our 1911 and
2011 handguns on
www.stpgun.de
GTW
news
Elizabeth Kligge Joins NDA as
Pennsylvania Field to Fork Coordinator
Through a new partnership with the
Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), the
National Deer Association (NDA) has hired
Elizabeth Kligge as the Pennsylvania Field to
Fork Coordinator.
The new-of-its-kind, Field to Fork
Coordinator position will oversee the expansion
of Field to Fork, adult food-focused learnto-hunt
programs and other Recruitment,
Retention and Reactivation (R3) initiatives.
PGC and NDA currently host nine Field to
Fork events each fall, covering the state from
private land near Erie to the John Heinz
National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia. These
new programs will aim to increase hunting
participation and the societal acceptance of
hunting in Pennsylvania.
“I am so excited to embark on this journey
and be part of a team that is blazing a trail for
the future of conservation, said Kligge. “The
NDA has given me the opportunity to combine
so many of my skills and passions into one job. I
can’t imagine a better fit.”
Kligge is a former vegetarian who now sees
hunting as a way to educate and help others
explore their relationship with food. She believes
that it is the responsibility of today’s hunters to
pass on their knowledge and skills to the next
generation.
Kligge is an adult-onset hunter with vast
experience as a wilderness skills instructor, video
editor and project manager. Kligge has a been
an admirer of NDA for some time, and has had
a buck featured in the “Age This!” Feature of the
NDA’s e-newsletter in the past.
“We’re thrilled to bring together these two
organizations with significant experience and
success in converting people interested in
hunting into active hunters,” said Hank Forester,
NDA Director of Hunting. “With these
additional personnel and resources, we will be
able to do more for the thousands of aspiring
hunters in the Commonwealth.”
Over the years, she has gained experience
in survival education, project management,
self-discipline and served as an organizer and
instructor for a 6,000-plus member locavore
group. Additionally, she is a board member for
a land trust where she leads the group’s deer
management efforts. With this mindset and her
wide array of skills, she joins NDA to ensure the
fulfilment of the association’s mission.
PGC and NDA are looking for Pennsylvania
landowners interested in hosting new hunters on
their property, as well as experienced hunters to
help mentor new hunters. For more information,
please contact Elizabeth Kligge.
elizabeth@deerassociation.com
www.DeerAssociation.com
KelTec announces new Wyoming plant
KelTec CNC Industries is
expanding its production
capacity with the acquisition
of a 33,000 sq/ft facility
in Rock Springs, WY,
augmenting its 125,000 sq/ft
industrial space in Cocoa, FL.
“I am thrilled to be a part
of this new adventure in our
story,” said Adrian Kellgren,
director of industrial
production. “Wyoming has
a rich history as part of the
American frontier and it’s
fitting for our brand, being
that we constantly explore
the limits of performance and
design, to expand out here.”
KelTec says the new facility
will focus on cutting-edge
manufacturing technology,
next-generation research and
development, and production
of the newest trend-setting
firearms available.
“This is a milestone for
KelTec CNC Industries,”
said Director of Sales and
Marketing Derek Kellgren.
“While steady expansion
About
The National Deer Association is the leading
non-profit deer conservation group and works
to ensure the future of wild deer, wildlife
habitat and hunting. Formed by combining
the strengths of two long-serving, successful
organizations, the National Deer Association
has a combined 40 years of action that has
changed deer management for the betterment
of hunting and protected North America’s
most vital and admired game species for
future generations.
isn’t anything new to us, this
is our first expansion into
another State and we couldn’t
be more excited about
advancing our innovative
designs and production
processes in Wyoming.”
While the company’s initial
start-up will be small, the
facility is designed to grow up
to more than 250 employees
across multiple industrial
disciplines.
www.keltecweapons.com
A shot of passion
10 www.guntradeworld.com

PLANNING TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS
IN NEW COUNTRIES?
WE HELP YOUR BRAND QUICKLY BECOME VISIBLE
TO YOUR NEW AUDIENCES.
dupreeinternational.com

GTW
NEWS
TENPOINT CROSSBOWS
PROMOTES PHIL
BEDNAR TO PRESIDENT
& CEO AND STEVE
BEDNAR TO EXECUTIVE
VICE PRESIDENT & COO
Industry leader, TenPoint Crossbows, has
announced the promotion of Phil Bednar
to President and CEO of the company
(Hunter’s Manufacturing Co. Inc. dba
TenPoint Crossbows) and Steve Bednar to
Executive Vice President and COO.
Phil joined the company in 2008 and
most recently held the position of Executive
Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and
Product Development, while Steve joined
the company in 2013. Steve’s most recent
role was that of Executive Vice President of
Operations.
In 1994, Rick Bednar and his father, Bill
Bednar - an Archery Hall of Fame recipient
- founded TenPoint Crossbows. Since the
company’s inception, and even to this day, it
has remained family-owned and operated.
Now, over a quarter of a century later,
Rick’s sons, Phil and Steve, mark the third
generation to lead the company.
“This is another exciting moment in our
company’s remarkable 28-year history. I’m
excited to see these two fine young men
advance to the next chapter in their careers,”
said Rick Bednar, Executive Chairman of
TenPoint Crossbows. “Phil and Steve are
brothers, best friends, and business partners.
With their passion for business, our
customers, employees, and brand will greatly
benefit from these promotions.”
After graduating with an MBA from the
University of Akron, Phil Bednar joined
TenPoint as a Marketing assistant. Since
then, he has held multiple positions in
Phil Bednar.
marketing and sales. Most recently, Phil
was Executive Vice President of Sales,
Marketing, and Product Development. He
is the conceptual leader in bringing new
products to market.
“Phil is an incredible thinker and
strategist. He knows the numbers, the
market, and the customers better than
anyone,” added Rick.
During his tenure, Phil has been
responsible for the growth and success
of the crossbow market, perhaps most
noticeably in the launch and development
of the company’s Wicked Ridge brand in
2010. Built from the ground up under his
direction, the Wicked Ridge brand has
grown into an independently successful
crossbow brand with crossbows featuring
unmatched technology at its price.
“I am honored, excited, and humbled
for the opportunity to guide TenPoint into
the future,” said Phil Bednar, CEO. “From
day one, my dad established the guiding
principles for this company – family-owned,
Made in America, and hunter-focused.
With an incredible management team
and excellent employees, Steve and I will
continue these principles while moving
TenPoint forward for years to come.”
Steve Bednar joined the company after
graduating from Ashland University
in 2013 with a degree in Supply Chain
Management. Like Phil, he has filled
many roles on the operations side of the
business, most recently as the Executive
Steve Bednar.
Vice President of Operations, overseeing the
entire production process. Rick said, “Steve
is remarkable in his thought processes
for operational efficiencies, process flow,
manufacturing, and logistics.”
A Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, Steve
focuses on integrating technology into the
production and assembly process to increase
the production of crossbows and reduce
the number of errors during the process.
As a result, the company has expanded its
production of crossbows per person by an
astounding 20 per cent.
“I could not be more excited to lead
TenPoint into the next chapter,” said Steve
Bednar, COO. “Phil and I are dedicated to
continuing the company’s long-standing
legacy of excellence while operating the
business with the same values that our dad
has during his career.”
Rick will continue to be an integral
part of the business, serving as Executive
Chairman and focusing his efforts on
engineering. Along with his nephew,
Director of Engineering Mike Shaffer, Rick
will lead the company’s engineering team,
whose sole objective is to work with the
product development team to bring to life
tomorrow’s crossbows.
“I have 40 years of inventions sketched on
a notepad that I can finally start bringing to
market,” Rick added with a smile.
bflaherty@tenpointcrossbows.com
www.tenpointcrossbows.com
Shoot Like A Girl posts third quarter report for 2022
Shoot Like a Girl has released
its 2022 third quarter report,
showing it continues to
make lifelong impacts on the
shooting industry as it hits
record attendance with nearly
1,500 participants.
Reaching a wide array of
first-time to expert shooters,
the Sea to Shining Sea Tour
covered over 4,000 miles,
opening the door for women
to build confidence and
expand on their shooting
abilities.
“As we come up on almost
15 years of Shoot Like A Girl,
we’re thrilled at what we’ve
seen in 2022 and this year’s
third quarter,” said Karen
Butler, Founder and President
of Shoot Like A Girl. “The
turnout has been incredible
as we meet the need for
community and public safety
outreach while delivering a fun
experience. We’re honoured
to be a part of this amazing
impact and continue to work
to empower women, families
and communities across the
country as we look toward Q4
and 2023.”
Shoot Like A Girl made
lots of noise this quarter,
bringing its mobile range to
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s
locations in Lehi, Utah;
Auburn Hills, Michigan;
Columbus, Ohio; Hamburg,
Pennsylvania; Bristol Motor
Speedway in Tennessee
and Rocky Mountain Elk
Foundation’s Mountain Fest
in Park City, Utah. Hosting
a pheasant hunt for Bass Pro
Shops/Cabela’s Club Signature
Experience and an industry
hunt with Beretta, women
from all over the country
experienced the powerful
impact of connecting with
nature from the Shoot Like A
Girl team.
www.shootlikeagirl.com
20 WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM

GTW
FEATURE
EK ARCHERY
EK ARCHERY
REVEALS
DEFENSIVE
CAPABILITIES
By combining feeding mechanisms with the familiar cocking
kinematics of firearms into its new products, Ek Archery Research
lays the foundation for a novel class of tactical archery platforms.
As s a manufacturer of an extensive
range of archery products, Ek
Archery Research has been
in the business of product
development in both the sports
and hunting sectors of the industry for
three decades. It was from this perspective
that Ek saw the potential in providing
a new range of products for the multibillion-dollar
emergency-preparedness
market. In countries that have strict or
prohibitive firearm-control laws, urban
survivalists and “preppers” are a large
consumer base that lack effective, ranged
weapons for defensive purposes.
From Old School to New School
The problem with the sports recurve bow
or hunting crossbow pressed ad hoc into
a defense role is the two-fold problem
of low-rate of fire and the extensive
investment of time needed to become
proficient in a variety of environments.
Punching holes in paper and harvesting
game inform the design parameters of
modern archery equipment in ways that
make it unsuitable for kinetic defense
scenarios.
To resolve these problems Ek Archery
built a new platform from the ground up by
envisioning how a “non-firearm” device like
a crossbow could operate more effectively
in a CQC situation. Primarily, the need
for heavy draw weights and high velocities
are unnecessary as the effective operational
range would be within 50 meters. By
scaling down the limbs of the crossbow to
the threshold of effective bolt penetration
the device could become significantly
more compact. An interchangeability of
quick-change, recurve limbsets in different
poundages would allow the operator to
tune this carbine crossbow to personal
preferences. Eschewing the scopes of
hunting crossbows for a reflex-type red-dot
sight would allow a new user to develop
effective accuracy for defensive short-range
situations.
Resolving the Low Rate of Fire
While there is no doubt that staring
down the rail of a cocked crossbow is a
formidable deterrent; it is still a one-shot
affair. Only with the ability to produce
reasonably sustained fire could the crossbow
evolve into a true defense platform. Since
cocking a traditional crossbow is an
unwieldy affair of cranks and ropes, the
design team at Ek, inspired by lever action
rifles, incorporated a cocking arm into
the frame of the crossbow which allows
the weapon to be cycled at high speed.
The coupling of this cocking lever with an
integral top-loading magazine developed
by Ek Archery and Jorg Sprave realized the
possibility of a true tactical crossbow in the
Cobra System R-Series product line.
Leader of the Pack
The Cobra System Adder RX is the first
crossbow since the ancient Chinese “Chu-
Ko-Nu” that has the ability to lay down
continued suppressive fire. However, the
similarity stops there, because unlike its
underpowered progenitor, the Adder’s
magazine holds five 7.5” 190gr. carbon
fiber bolts that achieve 270fps. Held down
by spring loaded arm, the bolts reliably
feed through different shooting positions
and the magazine is easily reloaded in the
dark or on the move. Introduced this year,
a new 2.0 version of the magazine offers
an improved seven-shot capacity and is
completely compatible with earlier Adder
crossbows.
www.ek-archery.com
22 WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM

GTW
in conversation with…
I n
Conversation
With…
Donato
Sasso
Gun Trade World sits down
with Streamlight’s new Director
of International Business
Development, Donato Sasso,
to talk international growth,
challenges and working closely
with distributors across the
globe.
How long have you worked for Streamlight?
I have been with Streamlight for seven years, starting in 2015
as the Regional Manager for Latin America, and in 2018 we
added Spain and Portugal to my territory. Recently, I was
promoted to Director of International Business Development
where I now oversee all the territories outside of the United
States and Canada.
Tell Gun Trade World about your background in sales?
I have 30 years of sales experience at a local and
international level for both start-up and established
manufacturing companies ¬– mainly for industrial products.
Most of those years were spent in the Europe and Latin
America Regions.
As international sales manager, which territories do you see
growth in and how will you try and progress in these areas?
In Europe, we are working diligently to grow our presence
in the industrial segment with the addition of new accounts
and key strategic partners; in the Middle East, we are taking
advantage of the current situation of the oil markets, and
in Latin America, the mining sector has some good years
ahead for them with the high demand of precious and rare
metals. Our extensive portfolio allows us to have the proper
offerings for every one of those industries and segments.
Are there any changes you will look to make to ensure
continued international growth?
To continue growing internationally we will need to focus on
strengthening relationships with our distributors. We know
they are the foundation of our business and the closer we
are to them the closer we are to understanding the end user
needs and grow the business in the process. Another change
is to optimise our distribution centre in Europe to help our
European partners reach end users faster and more efficiently.
What do you believe are your biggest business challenges in
2022 and beyond?
The present one is the strengthening of the US dollar
versus other currencies, making it more expensive for our
international distributors to import our products. Supply
chain is also a problem that we have been facing for the last
two years and will likely need some more time to stabilise.
What are your key business objectives for 2023?
To consolidate our position in Europe where we have had a
strong presence for several years now, while at the same time
growing our market share in the emerging markets. Adapting
our marketing campaigns to the different international
cultures and trends will also be key to being successful in other
countries.
24 www.guntradeworld.com

streamlight
What are your key products and why are they so successful?
Our rechargeable line, specifically our multi fuel flashlights,
because they are convenient and more cost effective for the
end user. Customers know that even with an initial larger
investment, they are cheaper to operate in the long run.
Let’s also not forget our large portfolio of International
Safety Rated lights, vital for professionals in hazardous
locations.
Which Streamlight products excite you and which do you
see large sales from moving forwards?
The recently launched new Survivor X is definitely a
product that is going to keep us a step ahead of the
competition. It has more lumens and is lighter than the
current version, as well as multi-fuel, making it a very
exciting product. Also, our well established and known line
of weapon mounted lights continues to grow and now comes
with a green laser offering.
How has the job of international sales, or sales in general,
changed over the last decade?
In recent times COVID taught us that we can do the job
remotely, but at the same time it showed us the importance
of interpersonal relationships. When it comes to sales the
face-to-face and in-person contacts are key.
Also, over the last decade the internet has allowed
customers everywhere to search and buy products anywhere
at a higher speed, sometimes making pricing the same for
different regions despite distances and other factors.
Why should retailers across the globe stock Streamlight
products?
The pace of innovation is increasing as companies develop
new products. At Streamlight, we work hard to stay ahead
of the curve by manufacturing top quality flashlights to
satisfy the end users’ specific needs. Professionals trust our
products to keep them safe in dangerous environments for
their jobs.
www.streamlight.com
www.guntradeworld.com 25

GTW
FEATURE
FOKUS ON
YOUR MISSION
Heimdall, the German experts in thermal imaging, has released the
feature-packed Fokus X350 clip-on and observation device. Perfect for
rugged and precise operations, Gun Trade World takes a deep dive into
the key features of the much-talked-about device.
The Heimdall Fokus X350 is a
unique thermal imaging clip-on
and observation device using
the most recent generation of
highly sensitive VOx detectors.
Use it out of the box for highest
precision shooting with any rifle scope
and switch between the clip-on function
and observation mode within seconds.
precision, ruggedness, and reliability
under all conditions can be found in the
DNA of the Fokus X350.
The most important aspect of being out
in the field is to be ready at any time and
to not miss the most important moment -
the shutterless image algorithm provides
your customers with exactly that. Based
on a sophisticated factory calibration
process of the thermal core, the Fokus
X350 does not need a shutter at all. Each
single device goes through this 48-hour
process for a seemless and absolutely
quiet operation without any noise or
freezing of image.
A primary application of the Fokus
X350 is enabling users to shoot with the
highest precision, but besides that the
X350 is also an excellent observation
device. The dual-use function is made
possible by Heimdall’s patented True-
Fokus technology, allowing users to
change between both modes within
seconds. Fully automatic, no tools, no
additional hardware, no adjustments.
For an easy introduction into thermal
imaging and using clip-on devices, the
Fokus X350 has a unique optical design
and is factory pre-aligned for any kind of
rifle scope and ammunition. This means
it is very easy to shoot precisely, without
being an expert in electronics or studying
many pages of an instruction manual first.
‘Keep it simple” was the main guideline
when Heimdall’s expert team of inventors
designed the X350’s easy to navigate user
interface. With only three knobs your
customers will have full control in their
hands, easily setting the most important
image parameters and zoom or taking
a photo or video. Of course, they’ll still
have the opportunity of setting the
extensive choice of parameters such an
optoelectronic device offers, easy and
structured in a graphical menu.
The FOKUS X350 uses only highest
quality components – the guarantee for
ruggedness.
All structural components are made
from high strength 7075 aluminum,
milled from the whole piece. The final
quality inspection steps include an
intense recoil test and a 100 per cent
water immersion test. In that way the
26 WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM

HEIMDALL
RED HOT BLACK HOT WHITE HOT NIGHT MODE
proper assembly of the whole device is
ensured. And since the Fokus X350 is
designed for harsh conditions, all surfaces
are corrosion protected or made from
stainless steel, meaning they’re resistant
to saltwater.
With up to eight hours of operating
time, the Fokus X350 gives your
patrons enough time for any mission.
If even more time is needed there’s an
additional set of 18650 batteries or
the interface port to power it with an
external USB power source. After years
of use zero battery degradation means
your customers will be operating at full
capacity.
KEY FEATURES
DUAL USE – Clip-on and Monocular
The FOKUS X350 is two devices in
one. The patent pending True-Fokus
technology allows you to observe or to
shoot with highest precision. The change
between both modes is fully automatic
and can be done in seconds. All this with
an outstanding accuracy and repeatability
under all conditions.
PRECISE – From the first round
A unique alignment process of
mechanical and optoelectronic
components guarantees an excellent
match with any optics and ammunition
from the first round. You can use the
Fokus X350 out of the box as a clipon
and in addition with the integrated
electronic fine-tuning set it to even
higher precision.
NO SHUTTER – Don’t miss a second
Can you image the moment, ready to
shoot, and exactly now the shutter freezes
the image?
We developed a special image
algorithm1 and thermal core calibration
process that makes a shutter obsolete.
In this 48-hour process, for each
single device, data over the complete
temperature range is computed and
stored in the software. Thanks to this
no shutter is needed and you are always
ready for action. Nice side effect is a
noiseless operation.
EXCELLENT IMAGE – HD Sensor System
Each sensor is calibrated individual with
the lens as a system to guarantee best
image quality. Sensors from European
production for highest reliability and
recoil resistance.
RUGGED – Only highest quality
components
The Fokus X350 is made from high
strength 7075 aluminum, each part
milled from the full material. For the key
electronic components, we work in close
collaboration with our European partners
with great experience even in military
applications. The full rubber armoring
is also contributing to an outstanding
ruggedness and makes it a great to handle
in all environments.
RESISTANT - Waterproof and Saltwater
Each device is nitrogen purged 100 per
cent leak checked. This approach for a
guaranteed water proofness also prevents
internal fogging in cold conditions. All
surfaces are anodized or made from
stainless steel and therefore resistant to
harsh environments.
EFFICIENT – eight hours runtime with
18650 batteries
The Fokus X350 uses standard 18650
batteries for up to eight hours of
operating time. The set-up of two
batteries works redundant, so you can use
it with only one battery in place. Keep
the second in a warm place until use for
maximum operating time even in very
cold environments.
Multifunctional Interface
The included industrial grade connector
and cable gives you access to the internal
storage of 8GB with photos and videos. It
can be used to power the device by USB
as well.
www.heimdall.vision
WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM
27

GTW
feature
Fausti creates
wingshooting
school in US
Fausti Arms, the Italian manufacturer of fine shotguns, has joined forces with Georgian
sporting estate, Hollywood Farms, to hold wingshooting courses. We discover more about
this interesting concept.
The USA represents Fausti’s
largest overseas market, so
the decision to partner with
a stylish shooting estate
and attract even more US
consumers to the Fausti Arms range of
shotguns can be considered a wise move.
The Hollywood Farms Estate is an
impressive set up, and seems to align
perfectly with the Fausti image of style
and high quality.
“Over 75 years ago, in 1948, our father
started Fausti Arms,” says Giovanna
Fausti, general manager at the familyowned
company.
“He created a company to pass along
to his daughters and their children that
would carry on the mission of fine Italian
firearms. Our past has been forged in a
tradition of excellence and it has been
strengthened by our experience and
traditions and we have run the company
with the same values and passion that
have always driven our family.”
To meet demand in the US and
other markets, Fausti Arms and it’s US
division – Fausti USA - has formed
an increasingly solid team, as well as
developing a new branding and mission
statement to meet the ever-changing
demands of the market
“We believe that teamwork and respect
for professionalism are necessary to
guarantee high performance across the
board,” continues Giovanna.
“From the production of individual
mechanical components to finishing
operations, each process is carried out
internally to allow us to offer you the best
product we can.”
Hollywood Farms Vision
“We are investing in the new way forward
to ensure the future of Fausti Arms for
our sons and their next generation,” says
Giovanna.
“Our vision is constantly turned
towards innovation and so we have started
this shooting school with Hollywood
Farms. They feel the same as we do
about family and carrying on traditions
through the next generations. We want
to help shooters find the joy we do in
Wingshooting and taking their skills to
28 www.guntradeworld.com

fausti
the next level. We will help shooters to
find their style and Fausti will be your gun.
In a message to potential customers,
Giovanna commented: “Whether it’s your
very first shotgun, your first Fausti shotgun
or finally upgrading with a custom model
that you’ve always dreamed about made
just for you, we hope you’ll come and
experience our guns at Hollywood Farms
in Jeffersonville, Georgia.”
Hollywood Farms has a rich and
interesting history with can be traced
back to 1850 when Mr. John Chapman,
one of Twiggs County’s wealthiest midnineteenth
century citizens, became the
first owner of the estate.
In the 1930’s Mrs. Elois (Lois) Gettys
Duggan (daughter of former owner
William B Gettys) married Charles
Duggan in 1931. They, along with their
son, Dr. Charles A. Duggan, Jr, developed
the plantation into a modern agricultural
operation; including commercial dairy,
cattle breeding stock, timberlands, highquality
Bermuda hay, and contract grass
and tree planting.
Dr. Charles Duggan, Jr, officially
retired as a radiologist in 1993 and
became fully immersed in his farming
roots at Hollywood. Along with his son,
Chuck, they enjoyed the land and timber
management and hosting quail hunts for
friends and family.
Before his death in 2019, Dr. Charles
Duggan, Jr, created the Duggan Family
Partnership with his four children as
partners to ensure the continued heritage
of this family landmark.
Today, the Duggan children and
grandchildren have decided to shape
responsibly the next 100 years of
Hollywood Farms.
The family continually invests in
preserving the architecture, ensuring
the well-being of the land, helping their
community, and enriching the wildlife; all
while welcoming guests from across the
United States and the world to enjoy the
uniqueness of this magical place.
The Courses
There are three Fausti courses on
offer at Hollywood Farms - Beginner/
Introduction School, Improve Your
Shooting Skills School and Ladies Only
School – meaning there’s something for
every skill level on offer.
Each course is a two-night, threeday
affair, offering an unrivalled wing
shooting school where guests will learn
the fundamentals of the instinctive wing
shooting method; all while learning
of the varied sustainable initiatives
benefiting the land, its neighbours,
and its invaluable wildlife. Whether
a beginner or an advanced shooting
enthusiast, be prepared to shoot over 200
clay targets a day as expert Fausti wingshooting
instructors teach the ways to
improve your shooting ability.
An all-inclusive, three-day twonight,
experience:
- Overnight stay in historic 1850
Antebellum home
- Five bedrooms welcoming single or
double occupancy
- Fine, table-served meals
- All libations, wine and spirits
- One-on-one instruction with Fausti
shooting instructor.
Beginner/ Introduction School
No knowledge of shotgun handling or
shooting required.
Learn how to handle, shoot, and
manage a shotgun. Understand the proper
shooting thought process amongst the
natural surroundings of a place entirely
dedicated to bettering tomorrow.
Improve Your Shooting Skills
School
Sound shotgun knowledge & foundational
shooting ability recommended.
Learn the path of taking your existing
shooting skills to the next level. Know
how breaking more targets and missing
less game birds afield will be deeply rooted
in how you approach every target, whether
shown at longer or shorter distances.
Ladies Only School
Welcoming women across the country
with no basic shooting knowledge who
have been looking forward to learning and
appreciating the shooting traditions. This
school also welcomes women with good
basic knowledge of shotguns and wing
shooting.
For more information about Hollywood
House and the Fausti Wingshooting
School visit:
www.hollywoodfarmsga.com
www.guntradeworld.com
29

GTW
feature
Sportsmatch Celebrates
50th Anniversary
Sportsmatch, the UK-founded manufacturer of high-quality scope mounts, is
celebrating its 50th year in business. Gun Trade World visited the company to
trace the journey from one-man band to international brand.
The history of Sportsmatch U.K.
Ltd can be traced back to 1972,
when John Ford created the
company.
Initially the business was
named J&J Ford Ltd but was later
changed to reflect the strong brand and
registered trade mark of Sportmatch. It
also caused confusion as consumers were
aware of Sportmatch but not J&J Ford
Ltd.
John sadly passed away in 2015 and the
reins were taken by John’s son, Matthew.
Emergence of Sportsmatch
Matthew tells us that in the early days of
the business there were no good quality,
reasonably priced scope mounts on the
market.
“The Japanese versions would ‘creep’ and
the German versions were very expensive
and difficult to get hold of,” says Matthew.
So, John Ford designed and produced his
own. He was a competitive air rifle shooter
and won several national competitions.
Matthew was National Junior Field
Target Champion in 1982. The demand of
Sportsmatch mounts began to grow.
“The Sportsmatch mounts were much
better quality than the best the Far East
could offer and more reasonably priced and
superior than the German versions,” says
Matthew.
John was an exceptional designer and
designed the wheels for Thrust 2’s Land
Speed World Record attempt and all
Minilite Magnesium competition wheels
used by BLMC and Ford’s competition
department. John also designed the X-ray
tube which was used to discover DNA.
“This was all before the mounts came to
shape,” continues Matthew.
In 1985 Sportsmatch began development
of the GC2 - a top end precision pre
charged air rifle.
“This went on to become the Rolls Royce
of air rifles and is still arguably the best air
rifle ever built,’ says Matthew.
Despite the GC2 being an exceptional air
rifle production costs meant that it was not
cost effective to continue manufacturing the
product and production ceased in 1993.
“We wanted to concentrate all our
resources on the mounts where demand was
growing,” says Matthew.
“The GC2 cost many hundreds of
thousands to develop (once you start when
do you stop) and the rifles were only just
about breaking even. Not a good financial
move but we did make the best air rifle
ever produced. We still get asked for them
regularly and a 30-year-old gun is still
worth good money. The name and quality
of the rifle also helped further strengthen
the brand and encouraged sales of the
mounts.”
30 www.guntradeworld.com

sportsmaTCh
Company Growth
As demand for air rifles grew and the use of a telescopic
sight became almost essential Sportsmatch also flourished.
People liked, and still do like, a product that is totally
manufactured in the U.K. Interest began from overseas
from markets such as USA, Germany and Sweden and
Sportsmatch now exports to 40 countries but the U.K.
remains the major market.
Another key decision was to heavily invest in the
latest CNC (computer numerically controlled) automatic
Machinery.
“This allows us to keep up with demand and also the
accuracy is higher,” says Matthew.
“We concentrated on mounts for .22 rimfire rifles and
air rifles as we had the most knowledge in this area. We
now however produce a range of mounts for centrefire
rifles including the Tikka, Brno / CZ as well as Picatinny
models.
Another key decision was to target the Military and
Police markets with mounts for sniper rifles. This as
all additional business which doesn’t interfere with the
civilian markets
“We also realized that we need to concentrate on
being a manufacturer and not trying to be a wholesaler,”
continued Matthew.
“There is more to managing several hundred accounts
than some manufacturers realise. We have seen a few try
and do both and do a poor job of it. These days dealers
want to be able to buy most of their everyday stock from
as few sources as possible.”
Plans for future
“Our most popular product is still the two-piece double
screw medium height mount, designed to fit rimfire rifles
and air rifles. It always has been. It just fits most of the
scopes and most of the rifles,” says Matthew.
The company was a one-man band to start off with
but has grown and now employs 10 members of staff and
boasts a 4000 sq. ft factory.
Sportsmatch is constantly investing in new machinery
to produce its products in the most efficient way possible,
with new ways of manufacturing.
“We also will continue to promote the Sportsmatch
brand for everyone’s benefit and not leave it all to our
distributors who have plenty of other products to market,”
says Matthew.
“Sportsmatch is constantly
investing in new machinery to
produce its products in the most
efficient way possible.”
Latest Product
The latest addition to the Sportsmatch range is a QD
1-piece mount which Mark Ripley (‘260 RIPS’ on
YouTube) had a hand in designing. “There is no better way
to field test a product than shooting crows at 800 yards!
More variations of this model are due in the coming
months,” says Matthew.
“We are always busy but since the Covid-19 pandemic
and the associated Airgun boom it has been absolutely
crazy. It’s a good problem to have but we are not happy
with our lead times and constantly working on ways to
increase production. Generally, over the last 50 years we
have seen the gun trade become harder to do business in
and it feels as though we are constantly under fire with
bad press and potential new legislation. However, if you
have a solid, dependable brand and product range you can
still grow year-on-year.
+44 152 538 1638
info@sportsmatch-uk.com
www.sportsmatch-uk.com
www.guntradeworld.com
31

DEMONISING GUN
ADS IS A MISGUIDED
WITCH HUNT
New York Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul’s new gun restrictions have
taken effect and there’s one common feeling across the state: confusion.
By Larry Keane, SVP for Government & Public Affairs, Assistant Secretary and General Counsel, NSSF.
Gun control advocates are
ready to start grabbing
pitchforks and torches in
their attempt to drive out
firearm manufacturer advertisements.
They fear that today’s advertising is
running to a tipping point where they
need to rally the villagers to chase the
monster pieced together by mad gun
advertisers out of town.
Today’s gun ads, they claim, are a
horrific menagerie of “toxic masculinity,”
fearmongering and anti-government
militancy. Except none of that is true.
Gun control’s efforts are more like
a witch hunt, and more like Monty
Python’s version of one depicted in the
cult classic, “The Holy Grail.”
They’re too busy clanging alarm
bells to roust of the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) to realize that the
monster they’re chasing doesn’t exist.
The real monsters are the criminals,
not the law-abiding gun owners who
are lawfully purchasing firearms for
self-defence, recreational shooting and
hunting.
They want to muzzle and silence our
industry so the American heritage and
tradition of hunting and the shooting
sports is not passed on to the next
generation.
Defining Acceptable Ads
Adweek was the latest to weigh in.
The advertising trade publication,
32 www.guntradeworld.com

nssf
which regularly highlights efforts by
various gun control groups to demonize
lawful gun ownership, posted a feature
claiming that today’s gun ads are turning
America’s children into “extremists.”
The article focuses on an effort by
lawmakers to pressure the FTC to
abandon their neutrality and deny gun
manufacturers the ability to advertise.
They say the ads of yesteryear of plaidclad
hunters unwrapping a rifle under
the tree are acceptable, but today’s
advertising that draws on patriotism
and self-reliance is a bridge too far.
They want the FTC to burn gun
manufacturers at the metaphorical stake
and cut out their tongues.
That is a pretty big leap to suggest
that Americans – even youth – exposed
to firearm ads will poison their minds.
Guns have been advertised for decades,
even guns offered in youth models.
Mechanix Illustrated ran an ad in
1954 for a Remington .22-caliber
rifle, featuring a youth holding a rifle
he received as a Christmas present.
Sears Roebuck listed firearms in their
catalogue in 1897, featuring a shotgun
for $7.95 and would even deliver a
revolver to a mailing address.
Clearly, government regulations
restricted that years ago. Even toy guns,
like Mattel’s #2 M-16 were featured in
1967 with “braap, brra-a-a-a-ap, brap,
brap,” sounds were advertised. None
of that turned America’s youth into
murderers. In fact, recreational shooting,
including the scholastic shooting
sports, ranks among the safest sporting
activities. Golf, walking and tennis
report more injuries than hunting and
trap and skeet shooting reports just 0.1
percent of injuries.
Intellectually Dishonest
That is because the shooting sports are
heavily supervised. Basic foundational
safety rules are a must and are drilled
into every gun owner. Children are
admonished to only handle firearms
under the direct supervision of a
responsible adult.
Critics of lawful firearm ownership
are being intellectually dishonest when
they say it is advertising that is causing
out-of-control crime rates or horrific
murders. They know this is not true. It
is not as if these are individuals who are
not academically accomplished. U.S. Sen.
Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) was once
a professor at Harvard University. Sen.
Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) was Yale
Law School graduate who also served
as Connecticut’s attorney general. They
are not uneducated. They are just being
dishonest.
They do not want to admit that the
soft-on-crime policies they espouse
are not making our communities safer.
They would rather latch onto every gun
control notion they can and mispresent
to America that the societal ills are the
fault of the firearm industry that they
have made a career demonizing. It plays
well to their voters when they do not
have to admit their policies are failing.
It is easier to cast blame and malign an
industry, tell America that murderers
are not individuals with craven hearts
who couldn’t care less about the law,
much less the value of human life. It
is easier to ignore that the responsible
firearm industry offers Real Solutions®
than admit law-abiding gun owners
are invested in safe and responsible
ownership.
Do not believe their false and
misleading claims that the firearm
industry is evil. They are the ones selling
pitchforks and torches.
www.nssf.org
www.guntradeworld.com 33

SDASS PRO STAGE 2
ACCURATE
The TRIBORE HP barrel 20 “ long ,
drilled from solid chrome molybdenum
steel bars provides an unequalled
accuracy and distribution, with slug or
pellets ammunitions. The MIL-STD 1913
CANTILEVER rail is attached directly to
the barrel such that the firearm can be
assembled or disassembled
without having to reset the optics.
ERGONOMIC
The parallel comb construction, the
precise pump mechanism, the flip-up
sights and its well-balanced weight make
the SDASS PRO STAGE 2 extremely fast
on the target, with a less felt recoil
on the operator face.
SAFE
FABARM is the only manufacturer to have
agreed to a test protocol of 1630 BAR with
the National C.I.P Proof House when the
legal C.I.P. test allows for a pressure
of only 1320 BAR.
ATTRACTIVE
CERAKOTE coating on the frame and
cooling jacket, 2-tons logo, satin surfacing
of all components, the SDASS PRO STAGE 2
is a pump shotgun with extremely
high quality standard.
www.facebook.com/fabarm.fabbricabrescianaarmi
For more information please visit our website www.fabarm.com

SDASS PRO TELESCOPIC STAGE 2
SDASS PRO FORCES STAGE 2
AVAILABLE FROM OCTOBER 1 ST , 2022.

I N D U S T R Y I N S I G H T
spotting
scopes
36 WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM

I N A S S O C I A T I O N W I T H
The latest in our series of Industry Insights delves
deep into the world of spotting scopes, helping
you to select and then confidently sell the correct
spotting scopes to your customers.
WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM 37

I N D U S T R Y I N S I G H T
You can look back to Dutch
spectacle-maker Hans Lippershey
as the individual credited as the
inventor of the first refractor
telescope, way back in the 17th
century and to Galileo Galilei, who pointed
the telescope towards the skies, as the initial
architects of the telescope and therefore also
the modern spotting scopes that hunters,
shooters and law enforcement specialists use
today.
Over the years, advancements in lens
technology led to the creation of reflecting and
catadioptric telescopes. Interestingly, one of the
main advancements that enhanced the creation
of spotting scopes was the employment of
prism-erecting systems to correct image
orientation, discovered in 1854 by Ignazio
Porro and Jean Georges Hofmann.
Today, there are many telescopic units
available on the market. While large-scale
telescopes are the main optical instruments
scientists utilize to study the universe, both
seasoned users and enthusiasts can choose
from a wide range of telescopes, spotting
scopes, binoculars, and monoculars. Telescopes
38 WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM

I N A S S O C I A T I O N W I T H
are regarded as the most powerful units
that can be used for both terrestrial use
and amateur astronomy. While there are
abundant portable telescopes, spotting
scopes and monoculars are also defined
as portable telescopes that are ideal for
terrestrial view and outdoor adventures.
Spotting scopes often require the use
of a tripod, just like telescopes, whereas
monoculars are held in one’s hand like
binoculars. Binoculars, on the other
hand, require the use of both eyes and are
defined as two telescopes mounted on a
single frame. An noteworthy question is
where does monocular end and a telescope
start? Usually, telescopes and spotting
scopes have high magnification rates of
over 20X and an aperture between 50mm
and 90mm, while popular parameters for
monoculars and binoculars are 7×25, 8×30,
8×42, and 10×42, with monoculars being
the smallest units on the market.
Selecting the Perfect Spotting
Scope
By Nick Laufenberg, Customer
Engagement Specialist - Precision Rifle,
Vortex Optics
First and foremost, the intended utilization
of a spotting scope is going to be the
primary driver in what determines the
ideal tool for the job. Spotting scopes
range dramatically in form factor as well
as magnification. Although the means
in which these devices are utilized is
overwhelmingly similar, the setting, activity
parameters, and expectations of the images
through said optic will determine which
spotting scope best suits that user. Being
much of your evaluation will be subjective,
much of what determines the ideal optic
also falls under personal preferences.
Another prominent differentiator from
one spotting scope to another is price.
In selecting a spotting scope, you should
always push yourself towards the upper end
of your budget because one of the primary
factors in what dictates price, is optical
quality. Optical quality is paramount to the
most successful utilization of a spotting
scope in all applications. Not everyone has
the same budget, but fortunately, there
are a multitude of options available in all
budget ranges.
Spotting scopes are commonly used
by hunters, birders, competitive shooters,
and in professional settings such as in a
military or law enforcement role. For all
applications, magnification is a common
place to begin your search for the perfect
spotting scope. All forementioned
applications of use may benefit from an
observation optic with high magnification,
but there is such a thing as too much.
The question of what is too much, is
largely a question of optical quality, the
size of your intended subjects, as well as
the expected observation distance. Take
for example the midwestern whitetail
deer hunter. In areas such as Wisconsin,
Minnesota, and Iowa, the observation
distances are commonly close enough
where a compact pair of binoculars would
likely do the job well. That said, getting
an up close and personal view of potential
trophy animals may be desirable leading up
to the hunting season.
In this case, ranges of observation
are often around 300 yards. Should the
observer wish to magnify that animal to
make it appear as if it were 10 yards away,
the observer would need 30x magnification
to accomplish this. I was able to determine
that, by taking the actual distance to the
subject (300 yards) and dividing that by
the distance I would like the subject to
appear (10 yards).
Actual Range / Desired Apparent
Range = Required Magnification
300 / 10 = 30
Spotting scopes capable of 30x are
extremely common making this a very
typical scenario. So, is that the answer?
Just go pick up a spotting scope with at
least 30x magnification? Not necessarily.
Remember what I said about optical
quality being paramount to success? Well,
as you increase magnification to the top
end of its given range, optical quality
typically decreases. For example, if you
have a spotting scope with a magnification
range of 15-30x, it is all but guaranteed
that the image quality at 15x will far
surpass the image quality at 30x. As
you increase magnification, field of view
decreases, resolution decreases, and light
transmission decreases.
One way to increase the light
transmission of an optic is to increase the
objective lens diameter. A larger objective
lens will increase the optic’s threshold for
light transmission but can significantly
increase the form factor and weight of the
optic. Even so, increasing the objective
lens diameter is only part of the equation
and does have diminishing returns. The
optical design and quality of components
used, is another factor which needs to be
weighed into how well the optic transmits
light. This too has its own limitations and
diminishing returns. These diminishing
returns do not correlate to diminishing
cost.
For this reason, I like to pick out a
spotting scope based on its mid-range
magnification. For example, if I wanted
to have a spotting scope which will
primarily be used around 30x, I would
likely lean toward one with a range like
15-50x or 20-40x. With this range in
magnification, in the bright mid-day sun,
the full magnification range will be usable
WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM 39

I N D U S T R Y I N S I G H T
VORTEX RAZOR
HD 27-60x85 ANGLED
VORTEX RAZOR
HD 11-33x50 ANGLED
with only observable changes in field of view
and resolution being prominent. It is the late
morning and early evening hours where light
transmission will become a much larger factor.
During low light hours, simply decrease the
magnification of the optic to increase the
amount of light being transmitted to your eye.
The image will become brighter due to exit
pupil diameter increasing as magnification
decreases. Again, this is only part of the
equation, so you must consider magnification,
objective lens diameter, as well as optical
performance and design.
In a related example, lets look at the western
mule deer hunter. In this case, the observation
distance may be much further than one
could expect in the mid-west. It is not
uncommon for hunters in the western
states to observe potential quarry from
distances over a mile. This is just one
factor to consider but it will be the first
piece of the puzzle.
In this case, having adequate
magnification to make the deer appear
10 yards from you, may just not be in the
cards. One mile is 1760 yards, meaning it
would take 176x magnification to achieve
this feat. Even if you were able to find a
spotting scope which yielded a quality
image at that kind of magnification, the
form factor would make it unwieldy and
impractical. For this scenario, it is best to
identify what you are willing to sacrifice
to experience adequate results rather than
pursuing what may seem to be optimal.
Looking back at the mid-west
whitetail deer example, we determined
that the optimal magnification would
allow the deer to look 10 yards away, for
that up close and personal effect. Being
this will not be probable for quarry a
mile away, we must now consider what
an adequate magnified image will look
like. If we were to use the same spotting
scope which we selected for the midwest
whitetail example with a mid-range
magnification of 30x, that mule deer at a
mile would appear about 59 yards from
you.
This may be adequate for many
individuals in which case the same
spotting scope from the previous example
could be a great option, but others may
want to bring that image in a little
closer for better results. Let’s say you
want a closer view of that mule deer and
believe bringing the image in to appear
40 yards away will be ideal under the
circumstances. In that case, we’d want to
look at spotting scopes with a mid-range
magnification around 44x. Something
like a 20-60x spotting scope would likely
do the trick best if this was the case.
Low light performance is still
important to keep in mind, but the
objective lens of the optic will be
increased in the design of higher
magnification optics. That said, there is
a new potential roadblock to consider,
and that is atmospheric distortion.
Atmospheric distortion, mainly mirage,
will diminish the overall quality of your
image and its appearance. This effect
becomes more intense in bright sunlight
as well as with the increase of distance
40 WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM

I N A S S O C I A T I O N W I T H
between you and your subject.
If you are unfamiliar with mirage, it
is the wavey lines that appear over the
surface of a hot road. Although that is
where mirage is commonly seen by the
naked eye, mirage can appear in fair
weather as well as cold temperatures.
Anytime there is a notable change
between a surface’s temperature and air
temperature, mirage will appear, and
becomes more visible in bright light. This
image distortion is exacerbated by high
magnification optics.
Sadly, there is not much you can
do to mitigate the effects of mid-day
mirage besides waiting for the sun to
go behind a cloud. Most users tend to
reduce the magnification of their optic to
compensate for the disruptive effects of
mirage, however this only reduces how it
is perceived and does not eliminate it all
together.
The weight and form factor of the
optics you consider, can often “make or
break” it for your application. Depending
on the activity parameters, you may find
yourself in a situation where you can only
afford to carry an optic which fits into a
given weight and/or form factor. Someone
attempting to achieve a more minimalist
setup, such as a mountain sheep hunter,
may traverse many miles on foot through
some very nasty terrain. In this case, the
mantra of “ounces equal pounds, pounds
equals pain” becomes a very important
determining factor when deciding what
you plan to pack with you.
If this is your situation, you’ll need to
“weigh” out each item in your pack by
level of importance and all things you
bring are scrutinized to determine what
sacrifices can be made to your equipment
to fall within your predetermined
parameters. For many, this may mean
setting aside the spotting scope and just
leaving it at home, but for some, it means
trying to locate the most lightweight
spotting scope they can find. This desire
to go ultra-lightweight usually means
decreasing the amount of magnification
their optic offers, scaling down the
objective lens size, and reducing the
weight and form factor.
A scaled down optic will still typically
yield a higher magnification than most
binoculars and can be a beneficial piece
of gear on a hunt of a lifetime. This is
not only true for hunters, but anyone who
falls into an activity where the weight and
form factor of their equipment matters to
the success of said activity.
Like those who prioritize weight and
form factor, others may prioritize features.
One feature that does not get discussed
as often, is the benefit of a reticle. A
reticle, similar to the crosshairs found
in a riflescope, can be useful to hunters,
competitive shooters, as well as those in
a military or law enforcement role. If the
application of use may benefit from the
ability to measure a subject downrange, a
spotting scope with built in reticle or one
which will accept an accessory eyepiece,
may be quite useful.
A hunter can use a reticle to measure
the antlers of a deer, a competitive
shooter can measure the width of their
target to better compensate for the effects
of wind, and someone in a military or
law enforcement role can use a reticle to
fulfill a multitude of mission needs.
In the case of the Vortex Razor HD
85mm spotting scope, a reticle eyepiece
can be installed to replace the standard
27-60x adjustable magnification
eyepiece, which will add a reticle to the
viewing image but will also give the user
additional eye relief as well as create a
wide-angle image for more comfortable
viewing.
By having a long eye relief wide angle
eyepiece, the user can have their eye
further from the optic and have a much
more forgiving area for head placement
while using the spotting scope. Due to
the added comfort of using this accessory,
this can be very advantageous for
someone spending a significant amount
of time looking through their optic.
WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM 41

I N D U S T R Y I N S I G H T
VORTEX RAZOR
HD RETICLE EYEPIECE
(MRAD)
VORTEX RAZOR
15-45x65 ANGLED
In recent years, “digiscoping” has become very
popular for nature photographers and outdoor
enthusiasts alike. The process of “digiscoping”
involves utilizing your spotting scope as
the magnified lens for a digital camera or
smartphone. With the ever-growing popularity
of this activity, there has been a surge in
technology for adapting your smartphone
to your spotting scope, creating a super high
magnification camera system.
For this, optical quality is king. Even the
smallest spotting scopes offer significantly
more optical magnification than your typical
smartphone, and for the best images and videos,
spending a little extra money on a quality
spotting scope will ensure significantly better
results.
When searching for the right spotting
scope, you may notice two general design
features which may have you scratching
your head. Some spotting scopes have the
eyepiece attached at an angle, while others
have the eyepiece attached straight into
the spotting scope, either directly in line
with the objective lens or offset above the
objective lens. In this, you may ask yourself
why this is, and which one is best for
you. Fortunately, this is mostly a point of
personal preference. With that said, there
are some key considerations which are
worth knowing.
First, with the exception of some
compact spotting scopes, most have a
collar near the midpoint of the optic which
allows the user to rotate its orientation. This
feature can be extremely advantageous for
someone with an angled spotting scope.
Take for example someone who shoots
stationary competition. Having a rotating
collar on the angled spotting scope means
you can now orient the eyepiece from
being angled upward to now being angled
to the side. With a little preparation, you
can set your spotting scope up next to you
so that from the prone position, you can
switch back and forth between looking
through your riflescope and your spotting
scope without changing body positions. The
benefit of this is all about efficiency and
keeping things simple for the end user.
Where an angled spotting scope may
make things simpler and more efficient for
someone competing in a shooting discipline
such as F-Class, many individuals find the
process of locating distant targets rapidly
and easily through an angled spotting
scope, to be somewhat less intuitive. In my
experience, this is a hurtle that can easily be
overcome with time, however for others, a
straight spotting scope is the key.
With a straight spotting scope, your eye
is placed directly in line with the optic and
your subject downrange. This can be more
intuitive for many, especially when quickly
locating and animal which is prone to
quickly relocating.
Remember, there is no right or wrong
here and like so much else that goes into
selecting the ideal spotting scope for you,
personal preference is the most important
factor. Nine times out of ten, the best way
to determine which spotting scope is the
right spotting scope, requires some “hands
on” testing. A quality spotting scope can be
a significant investment, so it is important
to ensure the one you pick, adequately suits
your needs. GTW
42 WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM

I N A S S O C I A T I O N W I T H
product focus
WATCH A VIDEO ON THE
RAZOR HD 22-48X65 HERE >>
VORTEX OPTICS
RAZOR HD 22-48x65
Setting the standard in high-end optical technologies, precision craftsmanship and ultra-sleek functionality,
the Razor HD is one of the finest spotting scopes on the market. Advanced optical elements eliminate aberrations for distortion-free, flat
field images with unmatched edge-to-edge sharpness, as well as remarkable clarity, resolution and color accuracy. Hunters, shooters and
observation enthusiasts who need a premium spotter that performs at the highest level have found their match with the Razor HD series.
Vortex says that one look at the Razor HD 22-48x65 and your customers will know they’re looking at a quality product.
* Directly mounts to Arca-Swiss tripod heads without the use of additional plates.
OPTICAL FEATURES
APO System Index-matched lenses correct color across the entire visual spectrum.
HD Lens Elements Premium extra-low dispersion glass delivers the ultimate in resolution and color fidelity, resulting in high-definition images.
XR Plus Fully Multi-Coated Ultimate anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces provide maximum light transmission for peak clarity
and the pinnacle of low-light performance.
Plasma Tech Cutting edge coating application process provides unparalleled coating durability and performance.
CONSTRUCTION FEATURES
Angled Body Design Valued for allowing an overall lower mounting height which maximizes stability in wind, offers greater comfort when
glassing for extended periods, and permits the use of a smaller, lighter tripod.
Waterproof O-ring seals prevent moisture, dust and debris from penetrating for reliable performance in all environments.
Fogproof Argon gas purging prevents internal fogging over a wide range of temperatures.
ArmorTek Ultra-hard, scratch-resistant coating protects exterior lenses from scratches, oil and dirt.
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
Adjustable Eyecups Twist up and down for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses.
Arca-Swiss Compatible Directly mounts to Arca-Swiss tripod heads without the use of additional plates. Also accepts 1/4-20 threads for use on
alternate style tripod heads.
Helical Focus Allows for fast and fine adjustments.
Built-in Sunshade Reduces glare and shields the objective lens from raindrops and snow.
Rotating Tripod Ring Allows rotation of the eyepiece to a sideways position, providing adjustable viewing angles.
www.vortexoptics.com
WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM 43

GTW
FEATURE
AIM FOR
THE
BULLSEYE
Becoming proficient with bow and arrow takes time, dedication and lots of practice.
This is why archery targets are one of the most important pieces of gear every archer
should have lined up and readily available for practice. As the amount of archery targets
on the market is huge, this month’s Great Gear splits them up in four basic types and
covers all the essentials that go with choosing the right target for your type of sport.
FOAM BLOCK TARGETS
These targets consist of either solid or
layered blocks of high-density synthetic
foam. They can be made of solid foam or a
softer foam type. When an arrow impacts
a foam block target, friction is generated
as it passes through the foam material,
making the arrow slow down until it
finally stops. Foam targets are not easily
destroyed as the layers of foam absorb the
impact of arrows by spreading their power
rather than centralising it in a single
location. The most damage one can do to a
foam target might arise by pulling out the
arrow too fast and taking a chunk of foam
with it. What is great about foam targets
is that they are equally capable of stopping
simple field points as well as sharpened
hunting broadheads. Not only are they
lightweight and easily portable but also
very durable. Take into account that bows
with a heavier draw weight might be too
powerful to use with these lightweight
foam targets, since the arrows can become
deeply lodged in the foam, making it
rather difficult to remove them. Some
targets even require an arrow removal tool.
Always set up the foam target in a way the
foam layers are arranged vertically rather
than in a horizontal position. You want
to shoot through the foam layers and not
across them. Solid foam blocks meanwhile
are more weather resistant than layered
blocks. Keep this in mind when the target
is going to stay outside for longer periods
of time. Foam block targets come in a wide
variety of styles, from simple bullseyes, to
multi-faceted targets that look like dice.
Although foam targets are generally more
expensive than the bag targets we’ll be
covering later on, they outlast the latter
type and are more convenient at the same
time.
3D FOAM TARGETS
For the bowhunters among us, there
is a whole range of lifelike 3D targets
available. These are made of the same foam
material as the foam block targets we’ve
already covered. Instead of in the form of
a simple block, they do come in life-sized
44 WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM

GREAT GEAR
“Whatever target type you choose, always remember
it should be able to withstand the impact of arrows as
well as the weather.”
shapes of various animals ranging from
deer, wolves, bears... to more exotic beasts
such as dinosaurs. You can find virtually
any animal species in 3D form. Due to
their size, they are not as portable as foam
block targets yet still remain lightweight.
They offer a more realistic target practice
experience for the bowhunter community,
not to mention more fun. This target type
is ideal for lifelike hunting simulations
from any angle or distance imaginable.
When for example practising from a
tree stand you can set your target up in
a realistic scenario. This way it will help
you get accustomed to looking through
your bowhunting sight and shooting at
the silhouette of an actual game animal.
Many of these 3D targets contain different
overlays, such as exposing the vitals on the
outside to help you improve your ability to
deliver a clean kill shot. Others have point
values intended for competitive shooting.
Most 3D archery targets also contain
replaceable midsections, prolonging their
lifespan. Both field points and broadheads
can be used for these targets, although
as with regular foam block targets,
broadheads can get lodged too deeply,
making for a difficult removal.
BAG TARGETS
As their name suggests, these targets are
big bags made of a sturdy fabric filled with
a stopping material such as synthetic fibre
or other porous materials. When an arrow
hits the bag target, it punches through
the external covering to hit the internal
material. The kinetic force of the arrow
is thus absorbed by the internal material
so that the arrow will not overpenetrate.
Bag targets are designed to withstand
repeated use, and will hold together
through hundreds of hits. They are simply
ideal for taking the high volume of shots
that comes with target practice. Add more
stopping power to the target simply by
adding more stopping material to the bag.
Because they don’t penetrate too much,
arrows are also easily removed from bag
targets, which is another plus. Always
make sure to use field tips with bag targets
since using broadheads will usually result
in difficult to remove arrows and a ripped
up bag cover. These bag targets come in
a rectangular shape and are designed to
stand alone or rest against another object
or be mounted on a target frame. While
some bag targets are marketed as weatherresistant,
it is wise to keep them out of the
rain as being soaked wet can make their
material deteriorate faster, shortening
their lifespan. The filling material of a bag
target will usually last longer than the
cover material itself which is why some
bag targets come with replaceable covers.
They also tend to be heavier than their
foam counterparts, which can make setup
and take-down more cumbersome.
PAPER TARGETS
Essentially just sheets of paper, these
archery targets mostly feature the
traditional white-black-blue-red-yellow
bullseye pattern every archer knows really
well. Putting these targets up on a simple
bale of hay might have been a good idea
in the past but not nowadays with modern
bows. As both longbows and crossbows
have become so powerful they are fully
capable of blowing an arrow clean through
a bale of hay, making for lost arrows in
the best of cases and potentially unsafe
situations in the worst. So do make sure
when you use paper targets that you have a
backstop that is sturdy and durable enough
to stop and hold a number of arrows on
the spot. Also beware of targets that are
too hard, such as wood, since these can
damage the arrows on impact. Although
simple paper targets and DIY backstops
might sound like money easily saved, they
are in most cases far from ideal, especially
considering dedicated archery targets are
readily available and do not require a hefty
budget at all.
PARTING THOUGHTS
Whatever target type you choose,
always remember it should be able to
withstand the impact of arrows as well
as the weather. Also keep in mind the
compatibility with your arrowhead. While
some may offer optimum performance
for one particular type of arrowhead,
versatile targets allow you to broaden your
practising experience by allowing you
to shoot both field tips as well as actual
hunting arrowheads. Whether starting
out and learning to shoot with bow and
arrow, practising for competition or simply
improving your skills and accuracy for next
hunting season, there is an archery target
designed specifically for your type of
shooting. Whether bag, foam or 3D target,
every target type can help you become a
better, more confident archer in a safe and
fun way, regardless of your skill level. GTW
WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM
45

GTW
spotlight on…
EYES ON
THE TARGET
Recreational archery, target shooting and bowhunting are all
growing market niches. Especially since covid-pandemic when
lots of families had to stay at home, having some quiet fun
with bows and arrows. Archery, bowhunting and firearms have
more in common than you might think. If you are a wholesaler
or retailer in the gun business, archery products can be a truly
useful addition to your product range.
SILENT YET DEADLY
Archery is getting better known and
loved all around the world, especially by
the hunting community. Country after
country is opening up the possibility
of bowhunting as a valid alternative to
hunting with firearms. The advantages
of bowhunting are numerous compared
to hunting with firearms. Especially in
crowded urban areas the advantages of
a bow to control populations of game
animals are numerous. An arrow has a
limited range and is absolutely quiet
– nothing or no one will be disturbed
by an arrow being released - yet the
lethality of a well-placed arrow is
tremendous. No wonder bowhunting
is a key area for archery sales in many
parts of the world. In some areas
it is even expanding significantly.
Proper training is vital though. Bows
remain weapons that, depending on
the configuration, can be extremely
powerful. Which is why they must be
handled accurately and safely to ensure
a clean and safe kill. All in all, the
silence with which an archer can enjoy
his, or her, sport remains an absolute
dream. In a world where people are
living closer and closer together,
backyard fun with a firearm or even
an airgun might be considered a thing
of the past. A bow on the contrary,
when safely handled, is the ideal way
of honing your shooting skills without
anyone ever knowing about it. Thanks
to its limited range and utter silence,
a bow is the perfect tool for backyard
shooting fun as well as your next
hunting trip.
BOW TYPES
There is no single accepted system of
classification of bows. Bows may be
described by various characteristics
including the materials used, the length
of the draw that they permit, the shape of
the bow in sideways view, and the shape
of the limb in cross-section. Basically,
there are two types of bow that have to
be considered. The traditional bow, which
46 www.guntradeworld.com

ARCHERY
Archery Survey Results
OVER THE LAST
12 MONTHS…
TOP-SELLING BRANDS
(ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
Barne, Bowtech, carbon express,
eK archery, hoyt, petron, tenpoint
APPROXIMATE NUMBER
OF BOWS SOLD PER YEAR
BEST-SELLING
TYPE OF BOW
1-50 25%
51-100 55%
101+ 20%
crossbow 15%
recurve 55%
compound 30%
TYPE OF ARCHERY YOUR
CLIENTS TAKE PART IN
TOP FEATURES IN
MAKING A SALE
hunting 27%
target 30%
recreational 43%
price 35%
performance 20%
Brand name/Make 20%
Build Quality 15%
accessories 10%
IS THE TARGET ARCHERY/
RECREATIONAL MARKET…
IS THE BOW HUNTING
MARKET…
Up 65%
Down -
same 35%
Up 40%
Down 10%
same 50%
is typically held vertically in one hand
with the bow string pulled back with the
other, and the crossbow, held horizontally
and usually fired with a trigger. We can
further split the bow into two distinct
designs as well: recurve and compound.
A recurve bow is formed from a single
piece, with its outer ends curving back
away from the archer, giving it its unique
shape. This provides extra string-pull
length for a greater acceleration period
on the arrow, improving power, control,
and accuracy. Compound bows meanwhile
use a complex system of cams and strings
to produce the power via special limbs
that form the bow. The cams allow the
bow weight to appear much lighter
NUMBER OF LADIES
TAKING UP ARCHERY
Up 20%
Down 20%
same 60%
SALES OF DEDICATED
BOW HUNTING APPAREL
Up 45%
Down 20%
same 35%
NUMBER OF YOUTHS/JUNIORS
TAKING UP ARCHERY
Up 55%
Down 20%
same 25%
SALES OF
ELECTRONIC BOW SIGHTS
Up 55%
Down 15%
same 30%
www.guntradeworld.com 47

GTW
spotlight on…
“As with many
branches of the
shooting trade,
price plays a
huge role in the
decision-making
process.”
spotlight on… archery
through mechanical advantage once the
string has been drawn back to its full
extension. They are also more compact,
making them particularly useful for
hunting and outdoor simulated hunting
competitions because a high-poundage
bow can be used for greater arrow
speed and kinetic energy. The result is
faster arrow speed and a less parabolic
trajectory, which helps provide potential
accuracy improvement, especially as range
increases.
Crossbows also have an avid following.
In essence, a crossbow is a bow mounted
horizontally on a frame similar to the
gunstock, which has a mechanism for
holding the string at full draw, enabling
it to shoot the crossbow when the hunter
has carefully placed the shot. Over
the years crossbow designs have been
improved and refined, so the bodies have
become more and more futuristic and
effective, as have the bolts (essentially a
shorter arrow), rails, limbs and strings;
not to mention cocking mechanisms
and trigger arrangements. All this
makes today’s crossbows amazing pieces
of equipment, capable of great power,
accuracy and consistency. Crossbows
come in conventional (with single curved
limbs), recurve and compound types,
just as bows do, with the same respective
advantages. They are versatile weapons
that can easily be deployed, as well as
enjoyed by a wide variety of people.
Those who, through age, injury, or lack
of strength, cannot draw a regular bow
can still experience the thrill of archery
by using a crossbow. The ease of use
of a crossbow also allows it to be used
effectively with little training, while
other types of bows take far more skill
to shoot accurately. What’s more, with a
crossbow, archers can release a draw force
far in excess of what they could have
handled with a regular bow. Furthermore,
a crossbow can hold the tension for a
long time, whereas even the strongest
longbowman can only hold a drawn
bow for a short period of time. Modern
crossbows allow hunters who may not
be able to draw a bow to deliver an
extremely precise and powerful shot.
GROWING STEADILY
The archery business is nothing but
healthy and thriving. Not a single one
of the retailers in our yearly survey state
sales have declined. Year after year this
indicates the archery business is in full
bloom. The average number of bows sold
last year grew in the entry level of the
market. The number of retailers claiming
to sell up to 100 bows grew to nearly 60
per cent. It’s interesting to see there is
a gap between shops selling entry-level
volumes and those selling up to and over
100+ bows on a yearly basis. This could
be an indication of a market that is still
quite niche, featuring only a couple of
big, specialised retailers.
WHAT’S THE USE?
When asked what all these bows sold are
primarily being used for, our respondents
claim products sold are most used for
recreational shooting, target shooting
and hunting in that specific order.
BEST SELLERS
In this issue’s archery survey, recurve
bows came out on top as best-selling
bow type. Compound bows meanwhile
still make up for one third of the market.
The classic longbow has fallen back a bit
in favor of the crossbow, according to the
retailers in our survey.
BUYING DECISIONS
As with many branches of the shooting
trade, price keeps playing a huge role in
the decision-making process. According
to most of our survey respondents,
performance and price are one of the top
two features when deciding to purchase
a bow. These features come in first after
brand and quality of manufacture. This
makes it rather clear that products with
a great quality/price ratio are absolutely
key.
LADY AND YOUTH SHOTS
Women and juniors are major markets
in the archery world, even more so than
in the gun business. The majority of
retailers in our survey felt the number
of juniors taking up archery is on the
up. This makes the future of archery
and bowhunting look very promising.
When asked about the number of ladies
taking up archery, the retailers in our
survey remain confident. About the same
numbers as in the youth category pop up,
which is rather positive as well.
48 www.guntradeworld.com

archery
Matrix Of Suppliers ARCHERY
BELGIUM
SSA Sporting Goods
info@ssa-archery.be
www.ssa-archery.be
CANADA
Excalibur Crossbow
sales@excaliburcrossbow.com
www.excaliburcrossbow.com
CHINA
Jandao Sanlida
chinacrossbow@yahoo.com.cn
www.chinacrossbow.com
GERMANY
Beier
info@beier-distribution.de
www.beier-distribution.de
Black Flash Archery
mail@black-flash-archery.de
www.black-flash-archery.de
Umarex
sales@umarex.de
www.umarex.com
ITALY
Advance Group
info@advancegroup.it
www.advancegroup.it
Artax
info@artax.net
www.artax.net
KOREA
Win&Win Archery
win@win-archery.com
www.win-archery.com
netherlands
ek archery
sales@ek-archery.com
www.ek-archery.com
JVD archery
archery@jvd-group.com
www.jvd-archery.com
RUSSIA
Armcross
inter@armcross.com
www.armcross.ru
Taiwan
Poe Lang
poelang@poelang.com
www.poelang.com
Armex
sales@armex.co.uk
www.armex.uk.com
Merlin Archery
info@merlinarchery.co.uk
www.merlinarchery.co.uk
Petron Sports Ltd
info@petron.info
www.petron.info
USA
Alpine Archery
info@alpinearchery.com
www.alpinearchery.com
APA Archery
via website
www.apaarchery.com
Arrow Precision
sales@arrow-precision.com
www.arrow-precision.com
Athens
amanda_lyntech@rtcol.com
www.athensarchery.com
Barnett Outdoors
via website
www.barnettcrossbows.com
Barnsdale Archery
via website
www.barnsdalearchery.com
Bear Archery
jpickerill@beararcheryproducts.com
www.beararcheryproducts.com
Black Widow Custom Bows
info@blackwidowbows.com
www.blackwidowbows.com
Bloodsport Archery
via website
www.bloodsportarchery.com
Bowtech Archery
via website
www.bowtecharchery.com
Browning Crossbows
via website
www.browningcrossbows.com
Carbon ExprESS
via website
www.carbonexpressarrows.com
Concept Archery
sales@conceptarchery.com
www.conceptarchery.com
dArton Archery
via website
www.dartonarchery.com
Diamond Archery
via website
www.diamondarchery.com
Elite Archery
via website
www.elitearchery.com
High Country Archery
sales@highcountryarchery.net
www.highcountryarchery.net
Horton
See TenPoint
Hoyt
via website
www.hoyt.com
Liberty Archery
info@libertyarchery.com
www.libertyarchery.com
Martin Archery
via website
www.martinarchery.com
Mathews
via website
www.mathewsinc.com
Mission Archery
via website
www.missionarchery.com
New Breed Archery
via website
www.newbreedarchery.com
Obsession Bows
via website
www.obsessionbows.com
pArker Bows
via website
www.parkerbows.com
Pearson Archery
customerservice@pearsonarchery.com
www.pearsonarchery.com
Prime/G5 outdoors
via website
www.g5prime.com
PSE Archery
via website
www.psearchery.com
rEnegade Archery
sales@renegadebows.com
www.renegadebows.com
Southern Crossbow
via website
www.southerncrossbow.com
TenPoint
via website
www.tenpointcrossbows.com
GEAR UP
Whether for hunting, recreation or
target shooting, archery has been
enjoying a worldwide boom in recent
years. The sales opportunity in this
niche industry is huge, ranging from
bows to arrows, arrowheads, targets,
sights, apparel… and many more. It
takes hours of practice to skilfully shoot
a bow. In the same sense, it takes real
skill to sell archery gear well. There’s far
more to selling archery products than
stocking a couple of bows and arrows
and hoping these will fly off the shelves
by themselves. Retailers should clearly
be able to advise buyers about equipment
selection or point buyers in the direction
of well-informed sources. For a retailer
to succeed in the archery business you
need a decent working knowledge of
bow types, the pros and cons of each
type: why a compound bow can prove
best for hunting, poundage weights
that provide sufficient arrow or bolt
speed to ensure a clean kill but are also
manageable, which types are best suited
for youth and lady shooters, which
arrow weights and arrowheads should
be used and so on. This is a whole new
world, including its own language you
have to get acquainted with when you
want to immerse yourself in archery.
Nevertheless, if you know what you are
talking about, archery will prove to be a
very good revenue source and a welcome
diversification for your business. GTW
www.guntradeworld.com 49

GTW
doing business with…
SOuth
AFRICA
D o i n G B U S i n E S S w i t h . . .
South africa represents perhaps the pinnacle of hunting for many visitors but
does the country merit exporting your products into? Gun trade World finds out
the key aspects to think about when dealing with the rainbow nation.
S
outh Africa, the southernmost
African country, is seen by
many as the premier hunting
destination in Africa and
perhaps the world. It has an
unmatched diversity of species
— more than 45 major plains
game species and all of the ‘Big
Five’ may be hunted here.
Prevalent species include
the vaal rhebok, black
wildebeest, bontebok, blesbok,
Cape mountain zebra, Cape
bushbuck, Eastern Cape greater
kudu and Cape grysbok.
There is also a large array of
game birds, some presenting
very interesting shooting, are
on licence with substantial bag
limits.
South Africa is the only
African country that borders
both the cold South Atlantic
Ocean and the warm Indian
Ocean. This, together with a
varied topography, contributes
to an astonishing variety of
natural environments. The
arid Karoo and Kalahari, the
unique Cape fynbos region, the
coastal forests along our eastern
seaboard, the snow-capped
Drakensberg and Eastern
Cape mountains, the central
grasslands, and the magnificent
bushveld and savannah areas in
the eastern and northern parts
of the country all offer unique
and captivating experiences.
Despite the negative
publicity in some quarters, it is
well-known to those educated
in wildlife conservation that
big game hunting in South
Africa is crucial to the survival
50 www.guntradeworld.com

SoUth africa
fact filE
Capital: Pretoria (executive),
cape Town (legislative),
Bloemfontein (judicial)
Dialling code: +27
Population: 60,142,978
Currency: South african rand
President: cyril ramaphosa
Official languages: English plus 10
others
Time zone: UTc +2
of many species in the region.
Successful landowners are
purchasing more property to
add to their existing properties,
especially in marginal
agricultural areas. Landowners
are forming conservancies and
are dropping fences between
their properties. Communities
are buying into the concept
of conservation through
sustainable utilisation and are
opening their large tracts of
land to trophy hunting.
A number of provincial
nature reserves offer hunting in
large, unfenced areas with freeranging
game populations. The
dangerous game-hunting in
some of these reserves is of the
finest on offer in Africa today.
In certain parts of the country,
a significant portion of hunting
takes place on unfenced private
land that is home to freeranging
game populations.
South Africa has so much to
offer and every foreign hunter,
regardless of their specific
requirements or preferences,
will find a suitable hunting
destination to meet their
needs.
Travelling to and in South
Africa is easy. There are daily,
direct international flights to
Johannesburg and Cape Town.
There is an extensive network
of domestic airports and a
number of domestic airlines to
choose from.
World-class medical
facilities are available in all
major centres.
South Africa has 21 national
parks, including the famous
Kruger National Park, and
a large number of provincial
parks, including the beautiful
parks of KwaZulu-Natal, all
with camps and lodges to suit
everyone’s taste and budget.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
South african Police
Service
The South African Police
Service (SAPS) is the current
national police force of
South Africa, formed after
www.guntradeworld.com 51

GTW
doing business with…
“A number of provincial
nature reserves offer
hunting in large, unfenced
areas with free-ranging
game populations.”
DOING BUSINESS WITH… SOUTH africa
Blue Wildebeest
Hunting blue wildebeest, or the
brindled gnu, as he is also known,
can be most exciting. This large,
bearded antelope, native to the
acacia savanna and short grass
plains is often referred to as the
‘poor man’s’ buffalo. His numbers
have dwindled somewhat in
many of his old habitats, but
he is as plentiful as ever on the
Serengeti ecosystem where
his numbers may well exceed
one million. The game ranches
of southern Africa maintain
managed populations of this
‘beest’, which offer wonderful
opportunities for hunting blue
wildebeest. As both sexes carry
horns and are of similar body size
and colour, sorting out the bulls
from the cows can sometimes
be difficult. Look for heavier
muscled individuals with thicker
horn bases and more droop.
the end of Apartheid and
during Transformation in the
late 1990s. The SAPS came
to replace the Apartheid
national police force, the
South African Police in 1994.
The Constitution of South
Africa states that the SAPS’
responsibilities are to prevent,
combat and investigate crime;
maintain and protect the
public, their property and the
overall security and safety
of the Republic; uphold and
enforce the law; and maintain.
Furthermore, the South
African Police Service Act
(No. 68) of 1995 states that
the SAPS is “to provide for the
establishment, organisation,
regulation and control of the
South African Police Service;
and to provide for matters in
connection therewith.”
Despite the vision of a new
South Africa with a security
force that upholds the ideals
of serving and protecting
the entire public, unlike the
previous law enforcement
agencies, there have been
numerous accounts and
accusations of police brutality.
Municipal Police Units
Metropolitan municipalities
also maintain their own
municipal police units, which
are tasked mainly with traffic
policing and the enforcement
of municipal bylaws. Municipal
Police have fewer powers
than the South African Police
Service, and do not investigate
major crimes.
Special Units
In addition to general policing
units, some municipalities
maintain their own specialised
units that focus on particular
issues.
The Anti-Land Invasion
Unit was established in
2009 by the City of Cape
Town to prevent the illegal
occupation of land and the
erection of unauthorized
dwellings throughout the city.
It was reported that the unit
demolished over 300 shacks in
the past year.
South African Police Service
officers generally carry a Vektor
Z88 9mm pistol and pepper
spray. Officers in Cape Town
are equipped with Beretta
92, or the Beretta PX Storm.
Each patrol car is usually
also equipped a R5 rifle. To
quell disturbances a variety of
firearms are used, including
R1 semi-automatic rifles, BXP
sub-machine gun, Musler 12
gauge shotgun (capable of
firing anti-riot rubber bullets
contained in standard 12 bore
shotgun cartridges), as well as
tear gas and pencil flares. The
R1 rifle has been withdrawn
from all front-line police
armouries since the mid-1990s,
but is still used by elements of
the Special Task Force.
52 www.guntradeworld.com

south africa
Nyala Antelope
This elegant, slender
member of the spiral
horned tribe is native
to Zululand. His name
translates in the Zulu
language to “shifty one”,
descriptive of his elusive
nature. An interesting note
here: the nyala marks the
dividing line between the
large and smaller species of
antelope. While the sexes
are distinguished as bulls
and cows for the larger
species and the smaller
varieties use the terms ram
and ewe, the Nyala male is
referred to as a bull while
the female is called an
ewe. Closely related to the
bushbuck, the nyala bull
is significantly larger and
has a characteristic white
chevron between the eyes,
a white mane, yellow socks
and hanging body hair. The
female is a very prominent
orange-brown colour with
white strips on the flanks.
Cape Buffalo
The Cape Buffalo is considered by some
to be the most dangerous of all of the
Big Five. While he seems docile enough
when viewed undisturbed in the herd,
when agitated or wounded this bovine
can be extremely aggressive and
cunning. Found all over southern Africa
in herds of various sizes, the buffalo
can weigh up to 1800 pounds. He is
primarily a grazer but an occasional
browser who must drink every day.
They favour the thick bushveld during
the day, leisurely moving and grazing
as they go. At night they tend to herd
up to protect the young from their
archenemy, the lion. Both sexes carry
horns, however, the horns of a bull can
be quite spectacular in spread, with
a deep curl and a solid boss covering
the forehead. Cows lack the boss, but
can have a very wide spread; in fact,
the world record buffalo on file in the
Roland Ward record book is a cow with
a spread of some 62 inches.
www.guntradeworld.com 53

GTW
doing business with…
economy focus
$419 billion
GDP (2022 estimate)
$6,979
GDP (2022 estimate)
- 0.7 %
GDP growth rate
(Q2: 2022)
33.5%
Unemployment rate
84 ‘easy’
Ease of doing business index
(out of 190 economies)
Top trading partners:
- China
- Germany
- USA
- India
- United Kingdom
useful contacts
Dallas Safari Club
Since 1972, Dallas Safari Club
has been the gathering point
for hunters, conservationists
and wildlife enthusiasts. An
international organisation,
we offer members a world of
options: Annual conventions and
expositions, Annual sporting clay
events, Monthly meetings and
other member activities, World
class publications and a Grant
in aid program that contributes
millions of dollars each year to
programs and projects promoting
our mission to conserve wildlife
and wilderness lands, to educate
youth and the general public
and to promote and protect the
rights and interests of hunters
worldwide.
www.biggame.org
Department of
Environmental Affairs
www.environment.gov.za
Professional Hunters’
Association of South Africa
PHASA was formed in 1978 by
a group of pioneering men – men
who became icons in the fields of
both hunting and conservation:
‘Uncle Stevie’ Smith, Basie
Maartens, Coenraad Vermaak,
Norman Deane, Nico van Rooyen,
Bill Daly, Gary Kelly and Bertie
Guillaume, to name but a few.
The PHASA founders were
all true visionaries; firm in
their belief that hunting, and
the trophy hunting industry, in
particular, has a significant role
to play in conservation in South
Africa. Today, PHASA is the
largest association of its kind in
the world, with more than 1,200
members.
www.phasa.co.za
South African Police Service
SAPS is the national police force
of the Republic of South Africa.
Its 1,154 police stations in South
Africa are divided according to the
provincial borders, and a Provincial
Commissioner is appointed in
each province. The nine Provincial
Commissioners report directly to
the National Commissioner. The
head office is in the Wachthuis
Building in Pretoria. On 31 March
2022, the President of South
Africa, his Excellency President
Cyril Ramaphosa, announced
the appointment of General
Sehlahle Fannie Masemola as the
National Commissioner of the
South African Police Service. The
Ministry of Police introduced the
new National Commissioner to
the Top Management of the SAPS
from all provinces on 01 April
2022 when he officially took up his
position.
www.saps.gov.za
Sources
www.phasa.co.za
www.africanskyhunting.co.za
54
www.guntradeworld.com

show business
huntex
WHAT: HuntEx
WHERE: Gallagher Convention Centre,
Midrand, South Africa
WHEN: 21-23 April 2023
LEARN MORE: www.huntex.net
HuntEx is an
international consumer
exhibition catering for
hunters, sportshooters,
game farm owners and
game breeders, people
with personal and
defensive protection
requirements,
outdoorsmen, anglers,
security and trade
professionals. The
expo offers a full
immersion experience
with demonstrations
and informative talks by
experts.
On show is the latest
in hunting, sports,
tactical and defensive
firearms, ammunition,
gear, accessories, shooting
and reloading equipment,
optics, hunting, outdoor
and tactical garments,
footwear, knives, archery,
taxidermy, hunting and
fishing destinations,
vehicles, camping,
outdoor equipment,
wildlife art, and much
more. All of it presented
by experts who believe in
the products they sell. GTW

MAKINGCONTACT
EGE ARMS
EGE Arms gets tactical
with MAG12
Fast-growing Turkish manufacturer, EGE Arms, introduces its latest
manufacturing marvel, in the shape of the MAG12 Tactical Shotgun,
which looks to be a well-engineered, must-stock product.
TECHNICAL
SPEC:
Barrel Length: 20in
Overall Length: 39in
Magazine Capacity: 5 + 1
Stock: Light Alloy
Chokes: F, M, C
Average Weight: 8.1lbs
EGE Arms Technologies
PTS – No Pin Trigger System
ERB – Easy Removable Barrel
Tactical Trigger Design
Magazine Release Button
Easy Magazine Load
Monoblock - Solid Piece Front
Carrier
Thinnest Handguard – Design
Patented
The new MAG12 is
packed full of exciting
features to get the global
trade excited including a No
Pin Trigger System (PTS)
which makes removing of the
upper frame extremely easy.
Elsewhere, following on with
the ease of removing parts
theme, we have the ERB or
Easy Removable Barrel, its
design means there are no
barrel nut loosening issues –
these have been completely
eliminated.
The Solid Piece Front
Carrier is extremely strong
with no welded parts and the
handguard is very thin, at 1.5”,
whilst still retaining ultimate
strength. The butt stock with
buffer tube is designed out of
light alloy, the trigger features
a tactical design, whilst the
enlarged magazine release
button and the tactical bolt
handle are both designed with
ergonomics in mind.
About
After years of experience with
some of the biggest companies
in the Turkish Firearms
industry, Ertugrul Saydamoglu
and Berat Ozan Ozsahin
established, in 2018, their own
trading company called EGE
Group. The company trades
in the firearms sector as well
as hunting equipment and
ammunition. The company
office is located in Istanbul,
Atasehir.
The company’s product
portfolio covers all of the
shotgun range from single
barrel to side-by-side, over
& under, inertia system
semi-automatic, gas operated
semi-automatic, pump action,
magazine fed and bullpup,
all with different calibers
and stock options such as
Synthetic, Camo or Fine
Turkish Walnut.
The product portfolio of the
company is growing, with the
diversity of its manufacturers
all around Turkey. EGE has
its own quality control team
to check each customer order
prior to shipping.
The products of EGE meet
CIP and SAAMI standards
which are the quality level
expected by demanding
customers.
The motto of “Reliable
Trading” is placed just under
the logo of EGE GROUP
to demonstrate the most
important criteria for the
business.
www.egearms.com
56 WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM

GET IN THE FIELD!
.22LR • 10 RD • 17” Carbon Barrel • 4.25 lbs • 35.125” O/A Length
BLACK PEPPER
SSEBP22G
RED
SSER22G
FOREST CAMO
SSEFC22G
BLUE
SSEB22G
The extraordinary SwitchBolt .22LR rifles are an evolutionary extension of the famously lightweight
and accurate MLR rimfire rifles from Magnum Research. Built in the USA, the SwitchBolt
receivers, with integral Picatinny rail, are machined from a 6061-T6 extrusion, then hard coat
anodized for an extremely durable finish. SwitchBolt rifles come equipped with a bolt handle
on the left side of a right handed bolt. The result is an extremely fast and handy configuration for
a right-handed shooter, whose trigger hand never has to leave the stock to charge the rifle. The
bolt handle can be switched easily in the field with an allen wrench for a left-handed shooter.
Shown with Vortex ®
RAZOR ® HD LHT
Photo: Max Jacobsen
@PNW_PEW
European Distributor: Ferkinghoff International GmbH & Co. KG
Phone: 49 9384 882 12-00 | Fax: 49 9384 882 12-19 | www.waffen-ferkinghoff.com
@magnumresearchinc
WWW.MAGNUMRESEARCH.COM
JOIN US AT ANME WINTER 2023
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS TRADESHOW
WESTGATE RESORT & CASINO | LAS VEGAS | JANUARY 15-17, 2023
Tactical Gear
Holsters & Gun Cases
Knives & Optics
Patriotic Gifts
Self-Defense Supplies
Workwear & Boots
Outerwear
Camping & Outdoor Gear
Military T-Shirts & Hats
Military Surplus
Emergency Preparedness
Bags & Packs
REGISTER ONLINE FREE AT: WWW.ANMETRADESHOW.COM | 810.225.9801

makingcontact
tactacam
The most anticipated
sequel of the year
From the leading U.S. manufacturer of trail and POV cameras comes
the next evolution of action-capturing technology. Tactacam’s new
POV model – the 6.0 – advances previous technology and introduces
a sleek new industrial design to capture the needs of outdoor
enthusiasts.
With the debut of
the 6.0, Tactacam
successfully merges
convenience and advanced
computing power. The 6.0
features faster processing
power to deliver better image
quality with crystal-clear
4K footage at an astounding
60fps. The superior lens
and low-light sensor are
only matched by the newlyintegrated
touchscreen
display that brings control
and ease-of-use to the literal
fingertips of its users. Onetouch
operation and haptic
vibration pulses also indicate
mode changes for quick and
seamless handling.
The Tactacam 6.0 is a
necessary addition for the
modern-day sportsman,
providing enviable footage,
sturdy design, and effortless
control all in one.
Product features
include:
- Touchscreen display
- Up to 8x zoom
- Ultra-HD video
- Image stabilization
- One-touch operation
- Haptic feedback indicator
- Low-light sensor
- Sleek, waterproof body (up
to 30ft)
- Tactacam Remote
compatible
- Wi-Fi control to your
smartphone via Tactacam
Connect App
About
U.S.-based Tactacam has
experienced huge growth in
its seven years of business
and now the camera system
enterprise is looking to expand
further into Europe. The video
camera recording brand, has
created a fantastic segment
for itself, offering affordable,
easy-to-use and feature-packed
products. It’s easy to see why
Tactacam has become a huge
hit across America, with well
over 30 million shares per day
over its APPs, which are freely
available to download.
+1 630 853 0855
sboaler@tactacam.com
www.tactacam.com
58 www.guntradeworld.com

We sell globally.
Dealer/Distributor and Procurement
Agency Inquiries Welcome.
Shop online at
armament.com
USE PROMO CODE GTW-10 FOR
10% DISCOUNT ON TENEBRAEX ® FLIP COVERS
Armament Technology Incorporated (ATI) specializes
in professional-grade weapon sighting systems,
including optical combat weapon sights, long-range
precision rifle sights, and OEM mounting solutions.
Tangent Theta and Tenebræx ® are both divisions of ATI.
ATI is also the master distributor for ELCAN
optical technologies, SAI and XOPTEK.
No export requirements on any of our products shipping from Canada.
(Some restrictions may apply, depending on Country), contact us for information.

MAKINGCONTACT
NIGHT PEARL
Night Pearl sets sights
on sales with new ALOR
series
ALOR Hunt (Orange)
& ALOR Max (Green).
The new run of
handheld thermal
monoculars
from Night Pearl
offers traditional
design, easy to
use features with
visible and classic
colours.
There are three ALOR
models in the range,
offered in a range of
attractive colours.
One of these is orange, which
makes the device as visible
as its user. It is therefore not
only a modern look but also a
hi-vis thought process behind
the monoculars. The orange
colour also evokes modern
hunting with a reference to
safety and tradition. All ALOR
monoculars have a wide screen
for comfortable observation.
Night Pearl’s Project manager,
Jiří Burian, explains more of the
key features behind the ALOR
range of monoculars. He said:
“The ALOR series thermal
monoculars have a unique
feature as wake up from standby
mode. Turn off the display
when you don’t need to use the
device and save the battery life.
As soon as you put your eye to
the eyepiece, the display will
turn on and you can use the
device again.
“New series has three image
quality levels based on different
sensor resolutions. The middle
level PRO and high-level MAX
are easy to use for older hunters.
These monoculars offer the
perfect fit into a hunters’ hand,
there are not small toys, but
real equipment. The entry level
HUNT was design for young
hunters or hunting at shorter
distances.
“Night Pearl ALOR is
designed for users who require
high image quality combined
with a favourable purchase
price. ALOR HUNT has a
sensor with resolution 256x192
px. ALOR PRO has a sensor
with resolution 400x300 px.
ALOR MAX has a sensor with
resolution 640x512 px.
“ALOR models offer a wide
range of image colour palettes,
and user-friendly controls
as well as 4x digital zoom,’
continues Jiří.
Competitively Priced
“The mid-range model ALOR
25 PRO has an impressive
image quality with, with
its price point, effortlessly
competes with competitors’
models with a smaller objective
diameter,” says Jiří.
“All ALOR models are
equipped with a stadia metric
rangefinder. You can easily
calculate the approximate
distance to your observed
object, animal or person with
four predefined heights and one
user customisable height.
“Wi-fi connectivity of ALOR
models can bring you to the app
world. Share images and videos
or stream a video to your cell
phone.
“Thanks to automatic
focusing, when you do not have
to refocus the lens at different
distances, the ALOR series
is an ideal helping hand for
stalking animals and getting
to know the terrain,” continues
Jiří.
“Due to the mechanical
design of ALOR the monocular
can withstand all hunting
conditions. IP67 resistance
protect your device from severe
weather conditions, and the
robust main body of the device
can withstand a fall from two
meters. The ALOR range also
comes with a lifetime software
update.”
www.nightpearl.eu
60 WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM

Ranchproducts
Quality Firearm
accessories
Manufacturer of:
• FULL MOON CLIPS
• SCOPE MOUNTS
• SPECIALITY TOOLS
• MAGAZINE RELEASES
SEE US AT THE
SAR SHOW, PHOENIX
DECEMBER 2ND - 4TH
www.ranchproducts.com
email: stevenacrawford@msn.com
phone: 1-419-966-2881
STADIAMETRIC RANGEFINDER
Calculates the approximate distance to your
observed object, animal or person.
LIGHT SENSOR
Wake up your device from stand by mode
by simply putting your eye to the eyepiece.
BEST QUALITY SENSORS
ALOR PRO: sensor 400x300 px
Alor HUNT: sensor 256x192 px
Alor MAX: sensor 640x512 px
N I GHTPEARL.COM
+420 732 132 872
SALES@NIGHTPEARL.COM

MAKINGCONTACT
Is the Stinger II
the answer to
changing public views?
This repeating
pistol crossbow is
your way to tap
into the growing
trend both in
and outside city
areas. Here’s why
you should take
advantage before
your competition
does…
Views are changing
The public attitude to self-reliance is changing.
Beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, the number
of natural disasters has lately been on the rise,
and our public institutions haven’t been able
to cope as well as they expected. Trust in the
authorities’ ability to handle crises is at an
all-time low. Increased interest in personal
contingency plans, necessary equipment, and
weapons reflects this.
This is also changing the market. The audience
interested in what’s commonly referred to as
“prepping” is getting younger, increasingly more
urban, and the number of women is on the
rise. This has opened up new opportunities for
producers and retailers.
Increasingly strict legislation is making it
difficult for many to address their self-defense
concerns. As the interest in survival gear
broadens, entire markets, among them most
European Union member states, are taking an
extremely restrictive stance.
Meanwhile, a 2021 Pew study found that 67
per cent of U.S. weapons purchases alone are
motivated by self-defense purposes. A similar
study conducted at Harvard says the number of
women buyers is also increasing, soon expected
to be on par with men.
Since at the same time, the target group
focus is shifting towards a more urban-minded
clientele at home in a part of society less
tolerant of firearms, these trends have led to
a reemergence of a long-ignored category of
weapons: bows and crossbows.
old concepts, new applications
Pistol crossbows in particular offer a
lightweight, technically simple, minimally
legislated alternative to firearms. On the side of
regulation, authorities around the world have
taken relatively little interest in them, and they
have largely remained out of the media as well.
They are generally considered to be safe,
quiet, and easy enough to handle to make them
an excellent backyard pastime. At the same
time, they are powerful enough to effectively
hunt small to medium-sized game, with all
the according implications to a self-defense
situation.
To outdoors, hunting, and weapons retailers,
they offer an interesting product that needs
no more than a proof of age to make the sale.
It is already popular with male buyers, whether
they want a recreational pursuit, or as firearms
enthusiasts wanting a new experience. Even
simple pest control is a reason to buy.
62 www.guntradeworld.com

steambow
“Pistol crossbows in particular
offer a lightweight, technically
simple, minimally legislated
alternative to firearms.”
Furthermore, some people are simply
not comfortable with the idea of a firearm
in the home. When that is the case,
such small crossbows are an acceptable
compromise between legislated and
expensive firearms and no self-defense
option at all.
Pistol crossbows don’t suffer from the
same hurdles or concerns associated with
buying and using firearms. And the rising
share of women buyers and couples in
this sector will also take these things into
account in their choices.
Let’s take the example of Steambow’s
AR-6 Stinger II.
A genuine weapon by design
The AR-6 Stinger II is a light, powerful,
easy to operate, and accurate repeating
crossbow. Beyond all that, there is another
reason to consider it in this context: it
was designed by its creators, Steambow of
Austria, to be a genuine weapon.
This detail alone already sets it apart
from other products on the market.
It’s often bought purely for recreation
(which it delivers by the bucketload), but
often for protection, too. Until the Stinger
II came on the scene, there hadn’t been
a crossbow that could have substituted
for a firearm in terms of size, operational
ease, accuracy, or rate of fire. The notable
exception being Steambow’s Stinger I,
which this improved version replaced.
A firearm may be more powerful,
but tests in ballistic gel as well as online
hunting accounts against mediumsized
game show the Stinger repeating
crossbows have the necessary power to
perform well when the chips are down,
making it a credible deterrent as well as
good fun shooting backyard targets.
The Stinger II is also minimally
affected by legislative restrictions. It is
easily accessible in the US without the
need for background checks or the like.
In Europe, about two thirds of EU states
allow someone of 18 years or older to buy
a crossbow.
An opportunity not to be missed
So, you’ve got a lightweight, technically
simple, minimally-legislated crossbow on
the one hand, and an established market
of men as well as a growing one of women
on the other. Buyers of the Stinger II
needn’t worry about any kind of stigma,
culture, or law surrounding firearms either.
This is just as true in some US states
with more stringent firearms policies as it
is in Europe or other countries the world
over.
This is a very potent combination
with all the traditional appeal for male
customers that also attracts the interest of
a female clientele. The likes of the Tactical
also serve as an excellent, unintimidating
way to let younger members of the
family learn the basics of firearm safety
and handling, since the principles are
the same: there is something in it for
everyone.
If the Stinger II interests you, and you
want to attract like-minded men and
women to your cash register, give the
Stinger II’s maker, Steambow, a call or
write them an email before the rush sets
in.
+43 2230 20 270 150
support@steambow.com
www.steambow.com
www.guntradeworld.com 63

MAKINGCONTACT
MTM CASE-GARD
MTM Case-Gard adds
Double Scoped Rifle
Case
MTM Case-
Gard, an expert
in innovative
polymer-based
solutions
for shooting
and hunting
enthusiasts, has
expanded its line
of firearm storage
options with the
introduction of the
all-new Double
Scoped Rifle Case.
The new Double Scoped Rifle Case, as its x 11.3 x 3.2 inches inside and 51.5 x 14.4 x 4.3
name implies, is sized to hold two scoped inches outside.
rifles or any combination of long arms
up to 50.5 inches long. Moulded out of highimpact
plastic and featuring thick egg-crate-
MTM Case-Gard is family owned and operated
About
style foam for maximum firearm protection since 1968. MTM strives to be innovative in its
during harsh transport conditions, the Double approach to shooting sports. All of its products
Scoped Rifle Case boasts a structured clamshell were either designed by one of the MTM team,
design for enhanced rigidity.
as a solution to a problem they ran into, or
Four strong snap latches ensure the case because the Case-Gard user suggested it. The
stays closed while strategically placed padlock results are innovative quality products that last.
holes allow for additional padlock security (up For more information and availability, check
to four padlocks). Additional features include with your local sporting goods dealer.
piano-style lid hinges and tie-down grooves for
securing the case to an ATV or a UTV cargo
bed.
+1 937 890 7461
The Double Scoped Rifle Case measures 50.5 www.mtmcase-gard.com
IT'S TIME FOR A
BRAND-NEW
AR-15/AR10
BARREL
GUN BARRELS
AND MORE AR15 /
AR10
available in:
- stainless or Life-HD coated
- different calibers
www.lothar-walther.com
64 WWW.GUNTRADEWORLD.COM