Greater Chicago Campaign Targets Illegal Gun Purchases

Des Plaines, Ill. — As part of an ongoing national effort to help prevent illegal “straw” purchases of firearms, the National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) are reminding the Greater Chicago area public that stiff penalties are in place for individuals convicted of such unlawful purchases. The campaign is in its 21st year and is a cornerstone of the cooperative relationship of the firearm industry, law enforcement and retailers.

Billboard, radio, streaming audio and digital advertisements for the Don’t Lie For the Other Guy program have been purchased by NSSF in key locations throughout the region with the message: “Buy a gun for someone who can’t and buy yourself 10 years in jail. Don’t Lie For the Other Guy.”

The month-long public awareness campaign was officially launched today with a short press conference program at Maxon Shooters Supplies and Indoor Range in Des Plaines, Ill. Present at the event were representatives of the ATF Chicago Field Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana and NSSF.

The Chicago area “Don’t Lie” includes more than 33 outdoor billboards, digital bulletin boards and posters. There are also more than 150 radio spots playing and more than 2 million digital streaming radio service impressions. On social media, “Don’t Lie” advertisements total nearly 2.5 million targeted geo-fenced online mobile advertisements and almost 1 million Facebook and Instagram impressions. Chicago was chosen for this special campaign by ATF. No taxpayer dollars are used. The program is funded in full by the firearm industry.

“The firearm industry has always been focused on keeping firearms out of the hands of those who should not possess them. We are proud of our more than two-decade cooperative relationship with the ATF, the DOJ and the entire law enforcement community to assist them in their collective efforts to reduce criminal acquisition and misuse of firearms,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. Read more

Firearms

Smith & Wesson M&P Spec Series Kit

Limited Edition M&P Spec Series Kit includes M&P9 M2.0™ OR pistol, M&P knife, and challenge coin

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Smith & Wesson announced today that it has released a new, M&P Spec Series Kit, complete with an exclusive M&P9 M2.0 OR Full Size Spec Series pistol and Crimson Trace optic. The limited edition M&P Spec Series kit also ships with an M&P fixed blade knife, a custom M&P Spec Series Challenge Coin, and custom fit plastic case. The new M&P9 M2.0 OR Spec Series pistol features a two-tone finish, threaded barrel, optics ready slide, suppressor height sights, and more.

Vince Perreault, Senior Brand Manager, said, “The M&P Spec Series is a limited edition offering with an exclusive pistol that features the best enhancements our M&P line has to offer – an optics ready slide, threaded barrel, two-tone color combination, and more. As an added bonus, the M&P Spec Series Kit includes an M&P fixed blade knife and a custom challenge coin that’s sure to excite enthusiasts.”

The new M&P9 M2.0 OR Spec Series full-size pistol is chambered in 9mm and features the full set of M&P M2.0 enhancements, as well as a 17+1 round capacity. Equipped with a 4.6” threaded barrel, this exclusive pistol features a two-tone finish with a black frame and a flat dark earth, optics- ready slide equipped with suppressor height night sights. The pistol also ships with a Crimson Trace® CTS-1500 red dot, providing the ultimate flexibility on configuration. Read more

Firearms

Bushnell® Releases New and Improved H2O™ Waterproof Binoculars

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OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Bushnell®, an industry leader in performance optics, has announced upgrades to its full lineup of H2O™ waterproof binoculars, with nine refreshed models now available.

The new and improved H2O line is built around an updated aluminum body which provides the binoculars with unmatched durability, as well as a lightweight, all-day carry design. Combine this with the H2O’s non-slip, aggressive texture rubber housing, and the results are purpose-built binoculars that can stand up to any conditions, whether camping in the woods, on a road trip, or at the beach.

Like previous models, the new H2O binoculars feature IPX7 waterproof and fogproof construction making them the ultimate on-the-water viewing companions. All H2O models are also standard with a fully multi-coated, all glass optical system. This combination of features, along with BAK-4 prisms, give these optics enhanced contrast, resolution, and light transmission – even in the worst conditions. Read more

Optics

Uncle Mike’s Adds New Long Gun Cases and Range Gear

New Padded Long Gun Cases and Range Bag Now Available

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. –– Uncle Mike’s announces the release of new pieces of range gear, including padded long gun cases and a multipurpose sportsmen’s range bag, each designed for maximum portability and protection.

For those frequently transporting firearms, the new Uncle Mike’s padded long gun cases are shaped to accommodate most scoped rifles or shotguns. Balanced, wraparound nylon handles make for a more comfortable carry, while a full-length zipper allows the case to open flat. Most importantly, these cases are built to protect. Each features thick padding to cushion long guns from bumps and bruises, and the smooth, snag-resistant lining means it’s easier to get the firearm in and out of the case.

Options include black and forest green scoped rifle cases, available in sizes to fit up to 40″, 44″ or 48″ rifles. The same color options are available for shotgun cases in sizes to fit up to 48″ or 52″ shotguns. MSRP for all cases is $19.95. Read more

Firearms

Navigation Made Easier with BaseMap

Introducing BaseMap’s New Industry-Leading Navigation Features.

Bothell, WA – In the spirit of innovation and drive to enhance the hunter’s outdoor experience, BaseMap Inc. has launched their industry-leading XDR (Exact Direction & Range) Navigation tool in 5.0, the latest version of the BaseMap app. The latest release also includes a hyper-accurate digital compass, and an all-new user interface engineered by hunters to make navigating and using the app even easier.

“Our goal is to provide the best hunting app on the market, and that means listening to our customers,” said Jeff Balch, CEO of BaseMap. “We have received many requests to include more navigation features in the app, and we delivered with our latest update. These new features will help everyone recreating outdoors plan their travel in the field, navigate to their location with greater efficiency, and feel confident in using the BaseMap app in their outdoor pursuits.”

With BaseMap’s new XDR navigation tool, users can immediately get the exact distance between their current location and desired destination, determine the most precise route, and pinpoint an area on the map to navigate to.

Other 5.0 features include:

  • A distance scale bar that allows users to determine the exact distance between their location and a landmark or area on the map.
  • XDR navigation and compass, so users know the exact direction they are moving in and the distance between them and a location on the map.
  • The ability to set the compass bearing on a Smart Marker on the map and stay on course to that location.

BaseMap’s new industry-leading navigation features are the most advanced on the market, helping hunters stay safe, legal, and en route to their destination. Read more

Fishing, Hunting

What is your Focal Point?

As we grow older there comes an age when our arms are not long enough to focus on small letters, bluntly, we can’t see clearly without the aid of glasses. For this writer, conservation worker, active hunter and target shooter, it was at the age of 40 when I went to read the back of the toothpaste tube when brushing my teeth. I called out to my wife that they had messed up the printing. It was blurry to unreadable. She took a fast look and told me there was nothing wrong with the printing. My eyes changed that fast from 20/20.

Off to the optometrist for my first set of glasses and yes, I needed bifocals. I remember stepping off the curb after putting them on the first time and feeling like I had stepped off the edge of the earth. The doctor told me the first change most likely would be the most significant. It was, not to mention a new learning process.

I operate tractors, bulldozers and about every other kind of equipment there is on the farm, even my truck was hard to see the dashboard display at times with the glasses. Conclusion, even with the new specs I could not see clearly in some circumstances. It was not until the VA took over my eye care that a great doctor told me the mystic secrets of eye ware. I learned there are adjustments that can be made to glasses when made. To me that is improving my quality of life.

What is your focal point? All glasses are made to a standard focal point that was set when people did not work on monitors and held books to read at a standard approximately 16 inches. That will not cut it when operating machinery or monitors that are 24 inches or more from your eyes. Measure the distance from your eye to the monitor for example and see what it is. Mine are about 24 inches to 28 inches (second monitor), not 16. Measure the distance from your eye to the dashboard display of your truck or car and you will find it is even farther. If your glasses are made to the 16-inch focal point, it will be hard to see especially at night. Have your new glasses set or made to your focal point, it does not cost more. Read more

General

Michigan: Great Lakes Beach Safety Is Key to Great State Park Visits

As the summer heats up and people begin flocking to Great Lakes beaches, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources urges everyone to keep water and pier safety in mind.

Holding more than 20% of the world’s fresh water, the Great Lakes are large, powerful water systems. These lakes reign supreme for many during warmer months, but they also are prone to dangerous currents that can threaten even the most experienced swimmer. Adverse weather patterns can create dangerous rip and structural currents along piers and breakwalls, too. Crashing waves can create slippery surfaces and conditions strong enough to knock a person into the water.

“The DNR eagerly welcomes millions of visitors to Michigan state parks each summer,” said Sean Mulligan, Holland State Park manager. “Visitors should keep in mind that winds can come up quickly, changing conditions without warning, so always pay attention to the weather. The Great Lakes can become very dangerous, especially when waves get higher than 4 feet.”

Unfortunately, several emergencies and drownings have occurred along the beach and breakwall areas. Many of these incidents happened during red flag days when the wind and waves are strong with greater potential for dangerous rip currents. Read more

Fishing, General

Luth-AR Announces New Lo-Drag™ Upper Receiver

Available Now at Luth-AR.com

The Luth-AR Lo-Drag upper receiver is made from extruded 6061 Aluminum. Designed to be lightweight, without a forward assist, shell deflector or dust cover.

Specifications:

  • Extruded 6061 Aluminum
  • Hard coat anodized black
  • Thick wall for added strength
  • Picatinny top rail

*Note: Due to the lo-profile design, the Lo-Drag™ upper receiver is not compatible with the Luth-AR Palm Handguard™ or the Luth-AR Widebody Hand Guard™ at this time. Compatible hand guards will be available soon. Read more

Firearms

CMP Now Offering Mid-Range 3×600 Local Match Sanctioning

As part of an ever-growing list of competitive opportunities, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has prepared a Mid-Range 3×600 Long Range event to its list of available matches able to be sanctioned at local clubs.

Match sanctioning allows CMP Affiliated Clubs to host a number of competitions and clinics, including air rifle, highpower rifle, pistol, rimfire, smallbore rifle and long range disciplines, on their own ranges. CMP’s Long Range program is one of the latest installments to the safety-and-education-based organization and is rapidly growing in popularity.

For sanctioned Mid-Range 3×600 matches, clubs may choose to have service rifle and/or match rifle categories. The match and service rifle are the same used in across-the-course competitions.

With the 3×600 match, various rifles can compete side by side. Service rifles, match rifles and AR tactical rifles shoot at the regular MR1 600-yard targets. F-Class rifles shoot at the MR-1FC, which is an F-Class target. Scoring rings are similar, making it more difficult, with individuals shooting off of rests and/or bipods. Read more

Firearms

How to Avoid Moose Conflicts

SALT LAKE CITY — You are in the middle of a hike to your favorite waterfall. You come around a corner and notice a large moose in the middle of the trail. What should you do? Here are a few things to know about moose in Utah and how to avoid conflicts with them:

Utah is home to between 2,500 and 3,000 moose. The largest animals in the deer family, moose can be found along the Wasatch Front and in northern and northeastern Utah, typically in forested areas. Moose generally eat aquatic vegetation during spring and summer, and then switch to a diet of bark and twigs in the winter.

Due to drought conditions this summer, people may see more moose in urban areas in search of water sources. Moose are also more impacted by ticks during drought seasons because winter ticks have a higher survival rate during mild winters and springs, like we experienced this year. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources biologists have reported up to 10,000 ticks on a single moose. As a result, people may see an increase in “white moose” in Utah next spring, due to the animals rubbing off hair in an attempt to get rid of the ticks.

Adult moose can weigh between 800 to 1,200 pounds, and bulls can stand 6 feet tall at the shoulder. Due to their large size, moose can be dangerous when they feel threatened. In some areas of the U.S., wildlife agencies report that more people are injured by moose than bears each year. Read more

Wildlife
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