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

Longtime Shooting USA host and outdoor celebrity Jim Scoutten has died. Scoutten, 77, died yesterday in Franklin, Tennessee, following a brief illness. A Newton, Iowa native, Scoutten has been a well-known and respected figure in the shooting industry, serving as the longtime host of Shooting USA. As managing editor of Tier One Media, LLC, he created two of the most successful cable television shows on Outdoor Channel. In 2018, the twenty-fifth year of his shooting sports TV career, Scoutten was inducted into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame. There, Scoutten said the message about shooting was always a simple one: “Doesn’t this look like fun? Don’t these people seem like folks you’d enjoy shooting with? Now, here’s how to get involved.” Arrangements are incomplete.

Lawrenceville, GA – Bergara is excited to announce the Bergara Summer Shootout! Click Here to learn more and enter to win a complete rimfire package. This package consists of everything you need to get started in competition rimfire. Our Bergara B-14R will be topped with a Vortex Venom 5-25×56, accompanied by a Banish 22 can from Silencer Central (Tax Stamp not included), Warne Skyline Precision Bipod, one thousand rounds of Lapua Center X .22LR ammo, a Wiebad shooting bag, and a pair of protective shooting eyewear from Gatorz.

Enter now through August 8th for a chance to win!

www.bergarausa.com Read more

GENESEO, ILL. – New from Springfield Armory® is the Model 2020 Redline, a lightweight and easy to maneuver bolt-action rifle. Embracing attributes of the classic scout rifle, the new Model 2020 Redline takes the concept into the 21st century with the use of modern materials and cutting-edge design. The result is a lightweight and compact rifle ready for hunts where every ounce counts.

Designed to deliver a lightweight, custom-grade hunting rifle, the Model 2020 Redline is available chambered in .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor. Offered with a choice of 16” or 20” carbon fiber-jacketed barrels, the threaded muzzle as well as the compact dimensions of the rifle — with an overall length as short as 36.5” — make the Redline an ideal host for a suppressor on your next backcountry hunt.

Further enhancing the capabilities and light weight of the Redline is the use of a unique skeletonized Grayboe Trekker stock, combining light weight with unyielding performance. With an overall weight of just 28 ounces, the stock features an adjustable length of pull system — featuring .25” adjustment increments, with a range of 13.25” to 14.25” and adjustable up to 16” with additional spacers — for customizing it for a perfect fit. In addition, the stock features three sling studs — one in the rear and two in the front — as well as lightening cuts in both the forend and the radically relieved buttstock. Read more

July 18, 2023

This FREE event also offers fun for the whole family and a chance to win prizes.

BARNEVELD, Wis. – Vortex® invites hunters to register today for one of two free, family-friendly “Hunter Sight-In” events held at the company’s state-of-the-art shooting facility in Barneveld, WI. Read more

Colona, IL – Rock River Arms, one of the industry’s most respected names in Modern Sporting Rifles and pistols, proudly introduces the BT3 Operator ETR Carbine. Engineered with precision and tailored for law enforcement applications, this rifle exemplifies Rock River Arms’ unwavering commitment to building the finest MSR platforms on the market.

The RRA BT3 Operator ETR Carbine stands as a testament to Rock River Arms’ dedication to providing law enforcement professionals with the utmost accuracy and reliability in their firearms. The new .308 rifle is equipped with a 16-inch chrome-lined barrel featuring a 1:10 twist rate, allowing shooters to consistently achieve tight groupings and superior performance. The chrome lining enhances durability and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for demanding law enforcement applications. With its optimized twist rate, the BT3 Operator ETR Carbine barrel can stabilize a wide range of bullet weights, providing versatility and effectiveness in various shooting scenarios.

The RRA BT3 Operator ETR Carbine incorporates several components that enhance its performance and user experience. The RRA Two Stage Ultra Match Trigger provides shooters with a smooth and precise trigger pull for optimal control and accuracy. The RRA 6-Position NSP-2 Car Stock offers adjustable length of pull and a comfortable and customized fit for each operator and the Hogue®Beavertail Grip enhances ergonomics for a secure and comfortable grip. Additionally, the RRA 13-Inch Lightweight Free Float Rail is M-LOK® Compatible, offers ample space for accessories and attachments for customization and adaptability to specific mission requirements. Together, these components contribute to the BT3 Operator ETR Carbine’s overall professional-grade performance, making it a reliable and versatile firearm for law enforcement professionals. Read more

Up to $100 Cash Back Rebate PLUS Free Virtual Pistol Training Valued at $120 on Qualifying Purchases of FN 509 Pistols

(McLean, VA – July 17, 2023) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce the launch of its Summer Sizzle rebate program for 50 skus of new FN 509 pistols. Available through September 30, 2023, the two-tiered program has a total value of up to $220.00 and features a consumer rebate along with free virtual pistol training classes through Sheepdog Response.

All qualifying purchases of FN 509 pistols are eligible to receive three virtual pistol training classes valued at $120.00 along with a consumer rebate of up to $100.00 depending on the model purchased. FN 509 Standard, optics-ready MRD model or MRD-LE qualify for a $75.00 consumer rebate while a purchase of an FN 509 Edge Series or Tactical model qualifies for $100.00 consumer rebate. Read more