3 Boating Safety Tips Just Right for Fall Boating

Annapolis, Md. – Fall boating season has arrived, and with it come different types of risks that cold water and air temperatures bring. Here are three boating safety tips from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water just right for leaf peeping season.

  1. A float plan is needed: A float plan is as simple as telling a responsible person where you will be going and when you’ll be back. With fewer other boats on the water (potential Good samaritans) after Labor Day, a float plan ensures rescuers will be notified if you ever fail to check back in after your outing. Additionally, leaving a note under your vehicle’s windshield wiper at the launch ramp can help trigger an alarm.
  2. Got a way back into the boat? Falls overboard may be ranked #5 on the 2021 U.S. Coast Guard’s list of the “Top Five Primary Accident Types” with 273 accidents, but they also led the most number of deaths (170 fatal), as well as more fatalities than all the other 4 top accident types combined (#1 collision with vessel-1226 accidents/31 fatal; #2 collision with fixed object- 508 accidents/43 fatal; #3 flooding/swamping-461 accidents/55 fatal; #4 grounding-308 accidents/23 fatal). Your boarding ladder should be functional and accessible as cold water can quickly sap strength. If your boat doesn’t have a built in-ladder, a compact emergency ladder or even a looped line attached to a cleat, pre-rigged with foothold loops every few inches and hung over the transom, can substitute.
  3. For life jackets, camo styling hides a danger: Dark green, tan and black camo patterns are remarkable at doing exactly as designed, blending you into your surroundings. However, that’s not a benefit if you happen to be floating in the water and rescuers are searching. If possible, make their job easier and wear a life jacket with high visibility. For smaller vessels and paddlers, leaf peeping season is also a really good time to secure the life jacket to your body – that includes using buckle snaps.

 

Fishing

The Necessity of Fall Arrest Systems

Hunters love gear, gadgets and widgets. Give us a multi tool and we are fascinated for hours! An accessory that is new or different will make its way into our backpack. But truly, some are not ‘accessories’ at all… they are essential to being a safe, responsible hunter.

One such essential item is an FAS (Fall Arrest System). In fact, the National Bowhunter Education Foundation doesn’t refer to an FAS as an accessory. An FAS is an integral part of an elevated stand. Since 2004 every stand manufactured must come shipped with an FAS manufactured to industry standards. Even aftermarket vest FAS are not accessories. They are an upgraded FAS; an item which is essential to using your elevated stand.

The issue with calling an FAS an accessory is that most accessories can be left at home without causing any life-or-death consequences. Accessories may be nice-to-have but not a necessity. Multi-tools can be an extremely useful item but somewhere in the depths of your pack, you may have those same tools just as a single knife or screwdriver. But where do you have another FAS?  Many people have a favorite premium vest FAS they choose to wear but they also keep the FAS that came with their tree stand in their hunting vehicle just in case. It’s recommended that you put on your FAS at home when putting on your hunting clothing – and have a backup plan. Remember to read manufacturer’s instructions and follow them closely.

Along those same lines, the latest trend in elevated stand usage is actually not a ‘stand’ at all. They are called Hunting Saddles. You might be tempted to use a Hunting Saddle as an FAS. DON’T!  Read more

Archery, Hunting

Smith & Wesson Launches New GUNSMARTS Series 3

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Smith & Wesson announced today the launch of a new GUNSMARTSTM campaign. Evolving from our first two series, this new video lineup focuses on intermediate and advanced training topics to further promote skill growth and continue the journey of firearm education and ownership. Series 3 stars Smith & Wesson Brand Ambassadors and Professional Shooters Jerry Miculek and Julie Golob, in addition to exciting new industry partners.

“Our third year of S&W GUNSMARTS takes an even deeper dive into gun ownership, skills, and knowledge. Each episode features useful tips, helpful drills, and plenty of insight. I love being able to share what has helped me become both proficient and confident as a shooter. Jerry and I had so much fun putting these together,” said Julie Golob – GUNSMARTS Host & Brand Ambassador.

The all-new series will feature expanded content topics that provide beginner, intermediate, and advanced shooters with valuable education and instruction around firearm safety, personal defense, shooting sports, and recreational firearm use. All GUNSMARTS video content can be accessed for free and is available to view on our website.

To learn more about SMITH & WESSON GUNSMARTS, click here. Read more

Firearms

HatsanUSA Releases its Vortex Big-Bore Supreme Slugs

Rogers, AR – HatsanUSA is proud to announce the release of its Vortex Big Bore Supreme ammo, a new line of big bore caliber, PCP air rifle slugs.

Made in Argentina, these slugs are individually CNC machined in .45 and .50 calibers. Each precision-made slug measures to tolerances within +/- .03mm. This is unprecedented in the manufacturing of airgun ammunition and sets the Vortex Big Bore Supreme slugs apart. Initially designed for use in Hatsan’s line of big bore PCP air rifles, they will give superior results in all .457 and .510 caliber PCP air rifles currently on the market.

The .45 caliber slugs are available in 180, 295, and 525-grain weights, with the 295-grain slug being a hollow point and the other two flat points. They are packed in screw-top tins with 30 rounds to a tin. The .50 caliber slugs are available in 520 and 550 grains; both are hollow points and packed 22 pieces per screw-top tin. Read more

Ammunition

Wildgame Innovations Hits the Trail With the Mirage 2.0 Trail Camera

Save time and money! Do just that with the new Mirage 2.0 trail camera from Wildgame Innovations. Built for hunters who want maximum coverage of their hunting territory, the Mirage 2.0 is a simple-to-use camera with exceptional image recording, a long capture range, and an aggressive performance-to-cost ratio that allows for multi-camera setups without draining your hunting budget.

The Mirage 2.0 is a 30-megapixel camera that delivers brilliant 16:9 ratio stills and 15-second 720p HD video clips to provide the imaging you need to observe, inventory, and target the alpha bucks in your hunting area. The Mirage 2.0’s half-second trigger speed combined with 42 nearly invisible infrared LEDs and a long 90-foot illumination/detection range guarantees a camera that is both discrete and can get the shot in any setting. A built-in automatic exposure control ensures top-quality image captures in all lighting conditions—from the dark woods to the bright and wide-open green fields. Read more

Optics, Wildlife

Ruger Introduces Small-Frame Autoloading Rifle

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is pleased to announce the latest addition to its modern sporting rifle lineup, the Small-Frame Autoloading Rifle, or SFAR™. Chambered in 7.62 NATO / .308 Win., the SFAR combines the ballistic advantages of .308 Winchester with the size of a traditional MSR. The smaller of the two initial configurations of this rifle features a 16” barrel model and weighs in at just 6.8 pounds unloaded. By utilizing superior materials and engineering, the SFAR is bigger and stronger where it needs to be and remains smaller and lighter than comparable .308-sized rifles.

Utilizing many mil-spec-compatible components and fitted with the Ruger® Elite 452® trigger, the construction and operation of the Ruger SFAR will be familiar to the millions of Americans who have already adopted traditional modern sporting rifles. The upper and lower receivers are both CNC-machined from 7075-T6 forgings and feature an oversized magazine well, forward assist, dust cover and brass deflector. Barrels are cold hammer-forged with 5R rifling, a 5/8”-24 muzzle thread, and finished with black nitride for accuracy, longevity and easy cleaning. CNC-machined from high-strength super alloy steel, the bolt and barrel extension feature tapered lugs that strengthen the breech by adding material in key areas.

“Over the course of this rifle’s development, we fired hundreds of thousands of rounds to assess and enhance real-world performance and wear,” noted Ben Parker, Lead Design Engineer for SFAR. “The proprietary design and material selection of the bolt and barrel extension help deliver a rugged, reliable, and safe rifle that we are proud to call a Ruger.”

SFAR rifles are fitted with a 4-position regulated gas block to achieve ideal function across the wide range of ammunition available in the marketplace today, whether running the rifle dirty or clean, suppressed or unsuppressed. The included, on-board 3/16” ball-end wrench makes for easy regulator adjustment, while the 2-port Boomer muzzle brake makes the SFAR exceptionally soft shooting.

The handguard features Magpul® M-LOK® accessory attachment slots at the 3:00, 6:00, and 9:00 positions and sockets for QD sling swivels on both sides. Model 5610 features a 16” barrel, a mid-length gas system and a 15” Lite free-float handguard whose top rail has been docked in the middle for improved grip access and lighter weight. Model 5611 has a 20” barrel, a rifle-length gas system and a 15” handguard with a full Picatinny top rail. Both models feature Magpul MOE SL® stock, MOE® grip and ship with one, 20-round Magpul PMAG® magazine. Read more

Firearms

New Threats to Second Amendment Rights

Today, an Op Ed from Alan Gottlieb of the Second Amendment Foundation and Dave Workman, Communications Director of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms:

In the wake of another Supreme Court ruling that strengthens and more clearly defines Second Amendment protections, anti-gun politicians have developed another way to threaten those rights, and rights protected by the First Amendment in an effort to silence gun owners and penalize them for fighting back.

In California, where such strategies are typically developed and then spread across the map, this plan of attack is already in progress.

A federal court case known as Junior Sports Magazines, Inc. et.al. v. Bonta cuts to the heart of the problem. Several plaintiffs including gun rights organizations are challenging changes in state law created by passage of Assembly Bill 2571, which makes it unlawful for any firearm industry members to advertise, market, or arrange for placement of an advertising or marketing communication concerning any firearm-related product in a manner that is designed, intended, or reasonably appears to be attractive to minors. Plaintiffs are asking for a preliminary injunction against enforcement of the law.

The second prong of this anti-gun strategy is legislation enacted to thwart such challenges by financially penalizing anyone, including an attorney or an entire law firm, if they seek declaratory or injunctive relief from any firearms-related California state statute or local ordinance, or even a rule or regulation by making them liable to pay attorney’s fees and costs of the prevailing party. Simply put, anybody seeking to enjoin a California gun restriction faces the prospect of liability for the state’s attorneys’ fees if the plaintiff does not win on all aspects of the case, even if their case prevails on the merits, settles a claim without a waiver or voluntarily dismisses any portion of the case for any reason.

In essence, California politicians are effectively silencing debate on issues directly affecting rights secured by the Second Amendment, by legislating against those who would challenge their laws. What began as an attack on one constitutional right has now become an attack on another right, yet civil libertarians are silent.

Democrats led by Gov. Gavin Newsom are saying, “You have freedom of speech only if you agree with us.” That is not how the Founders perceived this country, and it is why they included the First Amendment in our Bill of Rights.

If this were about any issue other than guns, the media would be going crazy. Where are the editorials in the New York Times and Washington Post? Why aren’t there reports about this in every newspaper? Are stories being spiked, or is the situation simply being ignored?

One might expect this sort of censorship in Putin’s Russia, but it is here, now in Joe Biden’s America. When anti-rights fanatics take their fight to this level, it’s really an attack on all Americans, not just 100 million gun owners.

Today, they’re coming after gun rights. Tomorrow, perhaps they’ll be coming after a right you cherish or your right to protest, publish or provide an alternate viewpoint.

That’s not the country in which our parents and grandparents grew up, and it shouldn’t be the country our children and grandchildren are forced to accept.

— Alan Gottlieb and Dave Workman

Alan Gottlieb is founder and executive vice president of the Second Amendment Foundation. Dave Workman is the communications director for the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.

Gun Control

Covert Scouting Cameras Introduces WC20 Wireless Scouting Camera

COVERT SCOUTING CAMERAS INTRODUCES WC20 WIRELESS CAMERAS

More features and More for the Money

Russellville, KY – Covert® Scouting Cameras, #1 in Trail Camera Technology introduces the WC20 series wireless scouting cameras. Continuing to build better value from their industry-leading scouting camera systems the WC20 offers more features, fast trigger speeds and better connection in a competitively-priced format.

Available with cellular data service from either AT&T or Verizon wireless the feature-rich WC20 continues to deliver on a long-standing legacy Covert Scouting Cameras has become widely recognized for. With a new-for-2022 body housing the compact design of the WC20 measures 5.5”H x 4.5”W x 3.0” D. With faster recovery and better features the Covert WC20 features ultra-sensitive .30 second trigger speeds for better subject centering. With the ability to capture and transmit photos and capture video locally, those seeking intel of all types will appreciate the cameras’ ability to store high resolution images and 1080p videos on SD cards up to 32GB (not included) while transmitting previews to the Covert Web Portal and mobile app. Read more

Optics, Wildlife

Swarovski Optik 17-40×56 Compact Spotting Scopes

THE NEW ATC/STC 17-40×56 Compact Spotting Scopes from SWAROVSKI OPTIK – Adventure Awaits

Cranston, Rhode Island – SWAROVSKI OPTIK NORTH AMERICA, a subsidiary of the Austrian based company, is pleased to announce the new ATC and STC line of compact spotting scopes. These compact spotting scopes are an outdoorsmen’s dream in the field. With our innovative removable half shell, this product can be used with or without a tripod. Allowing those who are seeking to cut as much weight as possible, an amazing viewing experience.

The new ATC and STC compact spotting scopes available in green or orange armor, weighs in at under 35 oz. The STC comes in at 11.2 inches in length and the ATC at just 10.2 inches. Making both options a versatile optic to pack on any adventure.

Featuring 17-40 magnification and SWAROVISION technology, the
compact spotting scopes impresses with spectacular color intensity
and razor-sharp images. This technology allows you to experience crucial details with optical perfection. Read more

Optics

The FN 509 CC Edge Pistol

(McLean, VA) FN America, LLC announces the release of the FN 509 CC Edge™, a compact compensated pistol and the newest addition to the FN Edge™ Series of performance-driven products. Featuring a novel quick-detach FN compensator that is self-indexing, the compensator effectively mitigates recoil for faster shot recovery, improving speed to target, accuracy, and overall control of the pistol. The FN Edge Series is comprised of high-performance firearms developed with four key pillars: speed, accuracy, versatility and control. The Edge Series deliver unrivaled firearms performance over standard models, dramatically improving the user’s shooting experience.

“With the FN Edge Series of products, our team of engineers addresses the challenges facing today’s gun enthusiasts in a unique and no-holds-barred way. It’s a combination of aesthetics and performance that have been fine-tuned to perfection directly from the factory and delivered against the promise of FN innovation,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “The FN 509 CC Edge is a high-performance, premium 9mm carry gun that offers improved sight recovery, shootability and more, all without sacrificing on overall size for concealed carry.” Read more

Firearms
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