NSSF® tracks and reports monthly U.S. import units for several sporting arms, ammunition, and optics categories from the US International Trade Commission. Below are the results for March 2023 compared to March 2022. Additionally, in the first quarter (January-March) 2023, total units imported in the four sporting arms categories dropped 25.0 percent while the two ammunition categories decreased 40.7 percent over the same time period in 2022.

• March Handgun imports decreased 14.8 percent from 459,928 to 391,649 units. Within the handgun category, Pistol import units dropped 16.7 percent from 426,465 to 355,053 units while imported Revolver units increased 9.4 percent from 33,463 to 36,596 units. Read more

NSSF tracks and reports monthly U.S. export units for several sporting arms, ammunition, and optics categories from the US International Trade Commission. Below are the results for March 2023 compared to March 2022. Additionally, in the first quarter (Jan-March) 2023 total units exported in the four sporting arms categories rose 33.9 percent while the two ammunition categories increased 54.5 percent over the same time period. Read more

Springfield Armory® is proud to announce the release of the Model 2020 Rimfire family. Offered in both wood-stocked and synthetic-stocked versions, the blued Model 2020 Rimfire in .22 LR offers shooters a refined bolt-action rifle with all the quality and performance you’ve come to expect from Springfield Armory.

The Model 2020 Rimfire bolt-action rifle is offered in two primary versions — the wood-stocked Classic Model and the synthetic-stocked Target Model. The Classic is offered in four grades of Turkish walnut with a satin finish, while the Target features a reinforced polymer stock modeled after the popular Model 2020 Waypoint.

Featuring premium Turkish Walnut, the Classic Model is offered in four grades of wood: Select Satin, Grade A, Grade AA, and Grade AAA. Each grade of wood offers classic style and craftsmanship, allowing you to choose the degree of figure and grain to suit your style. The Target Model’s synthetic stock is offered in either black or sage with black webbing finishes and has a target-style configuration.

Dual standard sling swivels on the Model 2020 Rimfire give shooters twin interface points for the sling of their choice. The rifle’s rubber recoil pad, artfully shaped and contoured with the lines of the rifle, shoulders intuitively and comfortably. In addition, a length of pull of 13.45” ensures the maximum in handling and performance.

Outperforming other rifles in its class, the bolt-action Model 2020 Rimfire action features dual cocking cams and a hard chrome bolt for smooth cycling and flawless operation. The 60-degree bolt throw enhances speed and ease of use while the interrupted picatinny rail delivers a solid foundation for the optic of your choice. A threaded bolt handle also allows for customization by the shooter. Read more

FirstSpear Belt Systems available now.

Whether you are law enforcement, military or a squared away civilian, you need reliable equipment that you can count on. FirstSpear belts offer durability and performance for when it counts most — on the X.

Discover FirstSpear’s flagship tactical belt, the Assaulter’s Gun Belt (AGB). This versatile belt is designed to handle tough situations and provide users with the best possible comfort and security. The AGB utilizes a two-point, high strength metallic buckle that facilitates combat-equipped buddy drags. It can integrate with the AGB Padded Sleeve for enhanced comfort and provide you with additional 6/12 attachment points.

Upgrade to the classic AGB, the Modular AGB was developed to be as close to an overt tactical load carriage belt as possible without compromising strength. The Modular AGB allows you to mount small 6/9 or MOLLE pockets directly to the belt, making it ideal for those who need a more secure way of carrying their gear. Read more

If you’ve always wanted to try something outside of your own discipline without the hassle of buying or borrowing new equipment or you are just looking for something fun to do between matches, come check out the CMP’s new Laser Shot Simulators. The simulators are set up in the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center and is the perfect place to cool off after a hot match in the baking sun.

The simulators have two projection screens and plenty of options for firearms including M4 rifles, M17 pistols, shotguns and a sniper weapon system. The simulators have capabilities for civilian, military qualifications and law enforcement training, with a mobile system that can be taken on the road to competitions and matches. The permanent set-up at CMP operates with the game function and costs $5 to run three simulations.

The gun acts as the game controller, so you can point at the screen to choose the course and calibrate the firearm sights before entering the simulated course. There are different difficulty levels depending on each person’s abilities. A CMP staff member will be present to assist with game operation. Read more

From Jim Shepherd

Hearing a deep “So… whattaya know” when answering my phone always brought a smile to my face.

It was a standard greeting from my longtime friend Jim Scoutten when he initiated one our too-infrequent catch-up phone calls. Calls that went on considerably longer than either of us would admit -and were marked with bursts of raucous laughter.

On Tuesday, a text message from his eldest son and TV successor, John, told me there wouldn’t be any more of those calls coming. Our friend, Jim Scoutten, 77, passed away yesterday after a brief illness.

For some of us, this loss is deeply personal.

For the thousands of us in the shooting community, it’s a sense of collective loss.

We’ve lost a friend and fellow shooter, an unapologetic Second Amendment supporter, and a guy we happily invited into our homes for more than three decades.

Jim Scoutten has been a permanent, positive figure -a celebrity, if you will- in the shooting industry and with outdoor television enthusiasts’ TV screens for three decades. He played a pivotal role in helping launch the careers of many of our sport’s best-known figures. He helped turn shooters into personalities by showing them as people. Read more

DENVER – With sad hearts, Outdoor Sportsman Group (OSG) learns of the passing of Jim Scoutten, co-host of the Shooting USA television program on Outdoor Channel and one of the most iconic voices in the shooting sports industry. Scoutten was 77 years old.

Scoutten was a vital figure at OSG, with his TV series and resilient voice for Second-Amendment rights.

“Jim leaves a strong legacy as a tireless defender of shooting, firearms, and our Second-Amendment rights,” said Mitch Petrie, Vice President of Programming for Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks. “His voice was unique and powerful; we will honor Jim by continuing the endless fight to defend the Constitution and support his family and team as they forge a new future for Shooting USA.”

A Franklin, Tenn. resident, Scoutten’s firm but gentle voice and familiar smile were eagerly welcomed into the homes of America’s shooting enthusiasts for three decades, an invitation that made him the most watched firearms reporter in industry history thanks to his knowledge of firearms, his passion for the shooting sports, and journalistic integrity that marked his long career. Read more

Faxon Firearms Introduces the Faxon ION-X Hyperlite 5.56 Rifle: A Lightweight Powerhouse for Competitive Shooters and Firearm Enthusiasts

Cincinnati, Ohio – Faxon Firearms, a leading provider of high-quality firearms and components, is proud to announce the release of the Faxon ION-X Hyperlite 5.56 Rifle, the newest take on Faxon’s beloved ION FX5500 Rifle. Engineered to meet the exacting demands of today’s competitive shooters and firearm enthusiasts, this rifle sets a new standard for performance and precision.

At the heart of the Faxon ION-X Hyperlite 5.56 Rifle lies its outstanding lightweight design. Weighing in at under 5 lbs, this rifle delivers exceptional maneuverability and ease of handling, making it the perfect companion for competition shooting and lightweight AR enthusiasts alike. Its 16″ 5.56 NATO pencil profile barrel, combined with the slim 3-port muzzle brake, provides an unparalleled shooting experience. Notably, the slim profile of the muzzle brake allows for easy removal of the gas block and barrel nut without disturbing the muzzle device. Read more