Dark Storm Industries Introduces DS15 Hunter


Dark Storm’s new DS-15 Hunter availble as a Fixed Mag, Featureless and Standard rifle in .300 Blackout.

Oakdale, N.Y. (December 2017)

Dark Storm Industries (DSI), a New York based firearms manufacturer, is proud to introduce a new special edition Hunter Rifle in Standard, Fixed Mag and Featureless in .300 Blackout. The DS-15 Hunter rifle features a custom hydro-dripped finish in Next G2® Camo.

The Hunter is built on Dark Storm’s own DS-15 billet 7075 aluminum lower receiver and a DSI forged upper with forward assist and an ejection port cover. The DS-15 Hunter features a 90-degree safety selector, the M16 bolt carrier group, steel micro gas block and Ultralight Narrow Profile M-LOK 12-inch forearm.

“The Hunter is our first Special Edition designed specifically for those individuals that are looking for an AR style hunting rifle with a Camo finish. The Next G2 Camo is an excellent wide format traditional limb and leaf camo pattern that allows the firearm to perform in more environments and terrain,” Ed Newman, co-founder and owner of Dark Storm Industries explained. “This DS-15 Hunter is also incredibly light weight at 6 lbs., 15 ounces, including the magazine. Extremely accurate and very portable, we are looking forward to offering our customers a variety of calibers under the new Hunter line within the next few months.” Read more

Savage Introduces All-New 224 Valkyrie MSR

WESTFIELD, MA — Savage is pleased to introduce a modern sporting rifle built to squeeze the maximum performance from the hottest new round in long-range shooting. The new Savage MSR 15 Valkyrie is chambered for Federal Premium Ammunition’s 224 Valkyrie. Together, rifle and cartridge take the popular MSR 15 platform to unheard of heights in long-range precision and ballistic performance. Savage will showcase the new 224 Valkyrie MSR at the 2018 SHOT Show January 23-26 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The 224 Valkyrie produces flat trajectories, supersonic velocities up to 1,300 yards downrange and match-grade accuracy. Plus, it produces only half the recoil of larger cartridges needed to achieve comparable trajectories.

The competition-ready MSR 15 Valkyrie gets the most from the new cartridge’s unprecedented capabilities with an upgraded 18-inch barrel with 5R rifling and a crisp two-stage trigger. Its Elite Series Cerakote finish forms a tough, protective layer on the upper and lower, and its adjustable mid-length gas system can be customized to specific ammunition for the most reliable cycling.

Features & Benefits Read more

Springfield Armory’s 1911 TRP Now Available in 10mm

GENESEO, IL, December 15, 2017 – Springfield Armory’s most elite production 1911, now available in the potent 10mm cartridge. Two new 10mm TRPTM Operator® models – one with a 5-inch barrel, and a long-slide with a 6-inch barrel – deliver tactically proven engineering, greater terminal velocity and now more stopping power.

The TRPTM (Tactical Response Pistol) line is based on the custom Professional ModelTM that met the stringent specifications to win the FBI’s coveted HRT 1911 pistol contract. Until now, Springfield’s TRP Operator 1911s were available in .45 ACP only. Since its introduction, the TRP has become the standard for serious fighting handguns – a tradition the feature-rich 10mm models continue.

“We have offered 10mm 1911s from our Springfield CustomTM Shop for many years but this is the first production 10mm 1911 offering in the Springfield Armory lineup,” says CEO Dennis Reese. “The TRP 10mm is soft shooting, built for accuracy and takes advantage of the full potential of the hottest 10mm rounds, just as the cartridge was originally intended.”

Forged steel frames and slides are precision fitted to Match Grade stainless steel barrels with fully supported ramps. Frames and slides are coated in Black-T®, a self- lubricating, highly corrosion resistant finish that is engineered to shield the firearm from the heaviest use and toughest conditions. Integrated three-slot accessory rails allow rock-solid attachment of lights and lasers. Sights are 3-dot tritium night sights, featuring a tactical-rack rear in the 5″ version, and a fully adjustable rear in the 6″ model.

The Octo-GripTM front strap and mainspring housing coupled with G10 VZ Grips® assure a confident hold. Once the ambidextrous safety lever is flipped, the Springfield Armory Gen 2 Speed Trigger, tuned to a crisp 4.5- to 5-pound pull, delivers custom- grade feel and performance. The 10mm recoil is tamed by properly balancing the recoil impulse with a heavier slide/barrel combination in conjunction with an optimized recoil spring making it an unbelievably soft-shooting pistol. Each 10mm TRP Operator is shipped with two 8-round magazines.

The new 10mm TRP Operator models weigh in at 40 oz. (5-inch barrel) and 45 oz. (6- inch barrel), making these full-sized 1911 pistols soft-shooting and well-balanced options in a serious fighting handgun. Read more

‘Tis the season for Christmas bird counting


Michigan DNR and Audubon Great Lakes working together for conservationBy HOLLY VAUGHN
Michigan Department of Natural Resources

This holiday season tens of thousands of Americans will fan out across the country with one goal in mind: finding and counting as many species of birds as they can find.

These observations will add to a large data set going back 117 years to Dec. 25, 1900, when the Christmas Bird Count, known then as the Christmas Bird Census, was first established.

The Christmas count remains one of the most important citizen science datasets today, helping scientists understand population declines and range shifts in North American birds.

“From beginning birdwatchers to experts, participants in Christmas counts gather to identify and census birds within 15-mile diameter count circles,” said John Pepin, DNR deputy public information officer. “The Christmas counts are a great opportunity to learn more about the winter birdlife of a particular area, and for beginners to gain experience birding alongside experts. Some participants count for an hour or so, some birdwatch for the whole day, some count at their bird feeders at home.” Read more

Federal Premium Introduces All-New 224 Valkyrie Cartridge


Federal Premium is pleased to introduce an all-new cartridge that takes the popular MSR 15 platform to unheard of heights in long-range precision and ballistic performance. The 224 Valkyrie produces flat trajectories, match-grade accuracy and supersonic velocities beyond 1,300 yards downrange.

“The 224 Valkyrie is based on a 30 Rem./6.8 SPC case necked down to .224 caliber,” explains Mike Holm, Federal Premium Centerfire Ammunition Global Product Lane Director. “It beats the ballistics of all other MSR 15 cartridges, including the 22 Nosler, 223 Rem. and 6.5 Grendel. Plus, it offers comparable performance to larger rounds like the 6.5 Creedmoor, with roughly half the felt recoil—and at a more economical price.”

Learn more and see the cartridge perform in the 224 Valkyrie intro video.

Shooters can review the technical specifications for the new round once it is approved by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) which is expected in January at the 2018 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. At that time, information such as chamber specifications and cartridge pressure standards, proof pressure range and barrel length/twist recommendations will be communicated. Cartridge and chamber drawings will also be available soon after SAAMI approves the cartridge for standardization. Read more

Otis Launches Mission Critical MC-10 Cleaner & Lubricant

Lyons Falls, NY: Otis is excited to announce the launch of their revolutionary new product, Mission Critical MC-10 High Performance Cleaner & Lubricant. This product will be the highlight of the Otis booth at the Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas, NV in January 2018.

When failure is not an option, the Mission Critical MC-10 High Performance Lubricant ensures ultimate performance for firearms. It withstands extreme conditions and will not freeze, burn or carbonize. MC-10 is recommended for use on any metal on metal contact points, such as slides, slide rails, bolt/bolt carriers and actions. It also has protectant qualities.

Safe on all gun metals and finishes, the Mission Critical MC-10 Cleaner prepares the surface for the MC-10 Lubricant and removes oils and contaminants. In addition, it is formulated specifically to remove the Lubricant, if desired and is the only surface cleaner that will do so. Read more

CenterPoint Archery Introduces the Volt 300

Bloomfield, NY – CenterPoint Archery, a division of Crosman Corporation, a leading supplier of archery crossbows has introduced the next crossbow in its series of high performance archery products. The Volt 300 crossbow features a reduced draw weight of 130 pounds for an almost effortless cocking/drawing experience along with an anti-dry fire and auto-safety trigger mechanism, and the quad limbs and fully machined cams system provides the ultimate smooth shooting experience.

“The Volt 300 Crossbow by CenterPoint Archery is a great option for those looking for a lower draw weight crossbow. Easier to cock, smaller frame, and at 300fps, still delivers plenty of energy, said CenterPoint Archery Director, Andy Fulton. Read more

Michigan DNR announces new Urban Deer Management Zone in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties

Archery deer season extends through Jan. 31, 2018, for these counties…
Beginning in 2018, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will initiate a pilot program for an extended archery season in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, known as the Urban Deer Management Zone. This program will extend the archery season until Jan. 31, 2018 in these counties.All rules and regulations for the archery season apply. The DNR reminds hunters that baiting is not allowed after Jan. 1. Bait may not be used during this extended season. Licenses including a deer license, combination deer license or antlerless deer license will be valid during the extended season.

This season will continue for three years, with an evaluation completed after the 2019 season to determine if the season should be extended. Read more

Potterfields Donate Over $1,000,000 to Support Youth Shooting Sports


GW: Thanks for your generosity, Mr. and Mrs. Potterfield!
COLUMBIA, MO – Larry and Brenda Potterfield, owners of MidwayUSA, recently donated $1,047,090 to the MidwayUSA Foundation to benefit youth shooting sports. A large portion of the donation stems from a 2017 matching program administered by the MidwayUSA Foundation and is further proof of the Potterfields’ commitment to provide sustainable financial support to youth shooting sports teams across America.This year, Larry and Brenda have committed to a 2:1 matching program, administered by the MidwayUSA Foundation. The program allows private donors to designate a specific shooting team to benefit 100% from their donation. Funds returned to Team Endowment Accounts that teams generate from MidwayUSA Foundation fundraisers are also eligible for a donation match. In 2016, the Potterfields’ commitment to the MidwayUSA Foundation match program and youth shooting sports resulted in their donation of over 2 million dollars. Read more

Teachers Trained to Stop Active Killers

COLUMBUS, OH – Five years ago, a 20-year-old murdered his mother, stole her guns, and went to Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut to slaughter 6 staff and 20 young children. It was a horrific event that forever changed the concept of what school security means in the modern world.

Gun control groups called for new gun laws. However, because none of the proposed laws would have stopped this event, and because new laws have never proven effective at stopping determined killers, one nonprofit organization chose to take a different approach.

“I remember an ABC News town hall in Columbus, Ohio,” said Jim Irvine, Chairman of Buckeye Firearms Foundation. “Gun control advocates kept talking about having a so-called ‘national conversation’ about school safety. It was so frustrating because we’d been having a conversation for years and nothing had changed.

“So in the middle of the town hall we said we were done talking. It was time for action. We announced a program to train teachers and other school staff to carry guns in schools so they would be ready to stop active killers quickly. There were literally gasps from the audience.”

The announcement was met with widespread disbelief and criticism, including editorials claiming that no school would ever participate and no teacher could possibly be interested. But when the organization contacted Ohio schools offering to train 24 teachers, more than 1,000 applied.

With support from private donations, that original class grew into what is today called the FASTER Saves Lives program. Created by concerned parents, law enforcement, and nationally-recognized safety and medical experts, FASTER Saves Lives is a groundbreaking, nonprofit program that gives educators practical violence response training, including emergency medical care.

To date, more than 1,300 teachers and staff from 225 districts across 12 states have received training, including educators in 76 of Ohio’s 88 counties. Up to 400 additional educators are set to go through training in 2018. Read more

1 1,040 1,041 1,042 1,043 1,044 1,898