Energizing business: new enthusism, new programs and new products open 2005 buying season
Foster cited improvements to the NASGW Web site (www.nasgw.org), a new quarterly news publication, additional membership benefits, and enhancement to the annual expo (no longer called the “Hunting Show”). The expo received high marks from exhibitors.
“The NASGW is to be congratulated on its efforts to improve,” said Sandy Chisholm, North American Arms president.
“Unlike the crazed scene at the SHOT Show, the NASGW show gives us the opportunity to have unhurried discussions. This show is not about noise level or showmanship. It’s about seeing very key people in the industry and doing business,” said Paul Erhardt, of Sigarms.
“This is a very efficient show for us. We not only met with our customers, but we established new contacts and potential partnerships. For a small accessory company like ours, that’s very important,” said Stan Smith, of Pro Mag Industries.
Wayne Smith, the newly appointed president of NASGW, emphasized that NASGW is “a much more user-friendly group.”
“We’re making changes. This was an excellent expo and we received many compliments on what we’re doing. And, we’re just beginning,” Smith said.
New Officers, NASGW Honored
NASGW conducted its annual business meeting the day before the expo opened, and amended its by-laws and reduced the size of the board of directors. The new board elected Richard Lipsey, of Lipsey’s Inc., as its chairman. Michael Brown, of Camfour Inc., is the new vice-chairman; Bryan Tucker, of Davidson’s, is the treasurer; Bill Foster is the secretary; and Bob Steger, of RSR Group Inc., is the assistant secretary. The board also appointed Smith, originally hired to be the executive director, as the group’s president.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Lipsey emphasized that NASGW is entering a new era.
“Better communications with all members, wholesalers and vendors is critical in the coming year. We must increase the awareness of the benefits and services offered by the NASGW,” Lipsey said.
During the annual meeting, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) recognized NASGW for its leadership in helping to establish a network of sportsmen’s caucuses in state legislatures.
“The NASGW was one of the very first groups to recognize the potential of the state caucus initiative, signing on as a founding partner in early 2003,” said Melinda Gable, CSF executive director.
2005 New Products
Manufacturers talked business and unveiled numerous new products at the expo.
ADCO’s PDPT tactical sight weighs 6 1/2 ounces, is 5 inches long, and features a 35mm objective lens, 30mm rear lens and a 3 MOA dot size.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
AirForce Airguns is now offering its adult airguns in Precision Shooting Combos. They include an airgun scope, 1-inch high mounting rings, and an air refill clamp with gauge.
Barnes Bullets continues to expand its Triple-Shock X-Bullet lineup with new offerings in .22, 6.5mm, 6.8mm, .270, 7mm, .30, and .338.
Bushmaster’s Carbon 15 .22 Rimfire Rifle closely conforms to the look, feel and function of Bushmaster’s traditional 5.56mm/.223 models.
The Carbon 15 Type 21S pistol features a Quick Detachable Compensator and full-length Picatinny rail on the upper receiver. The Carbon 15 Type 97S pistol, with many Type 21S features, has an auxiliary rail mounted to the underside of the foregrip.
Bushmaster now offers a dedicated .22 Rimfire Upper Receiver-Barrel Assembly that fits all Bushmaster lower receivers and other Mil Spec AR-15 lower receivers. The Carbon 15 Model 4 Carbine has an Izzy compensator, telestock and 30-round magazine.
Bushnell’s 10X35mm StableView binocular offers two stabilization modes. The normal mode compensates for up to 3 degrees of motion; the fine mode up to 1 degree of movement. The NightHawk Night Vision viewer features the Charged-Coupled Device, Thin Film Transistor and 2x optical magnification.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Charles Daly’s Field Grade Mauser SS features a fully adjustable trigger and forged stainless steel trigger guard. The Field Hunter VR-MC LH is available in 24-, 26- or 28-inch barrels. The Charles Daly Limited Edition NRA Commemorative Diamond Grade over-and-unders have the NRA logo on the receiver.