FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2025   |   SUBSCRIBE

Awards & Honors
Once again, Birchwood Casey has earned multiple Gold Awards in the Shooting Target category from the Shooting Sports Retailer and Tactical Retailer Choice Awards. Birchwood Casey’s renowned Shoot-N-C target lineup received top accolades from Tactical Retailer in its respective category.
Fishing
The new 3.25" Slinko from Yamamoto Baits is a bite-sized version of the original 5.5" Slinko. Built from the same Mega Floater Formula as its bigger brother, the 3.25" Slinko is designed for scenarios in which smaller bait is the ticket.
The all-new Thresher Worm from Big Bite Baits is a drop shot bait that can do so much more. Featuring a short, stubby body with a long tail, the 4" Thresher Worm is based on a design from Big Bite pro Chris Noffsinger.

In Memoriam
Brownells sadly announces the death of long-time family patriarch Frank Brownell, who successively held the positions of President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board at Brownells. Frank passed away in Grinnell, Iowa on June 18, 2025, after a lengthy illness. He was six days shy of his 86th birthday.
Industry Update
SLG2, Inc. will be making a stop with its Shoot Like A Girl experience at Cabela’s in Billings, Montana, on Saturday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This interactive event offers a welcoming and safe environment designed to introduce women and their families to the exciting world of shooting sports.
Gun Owners of America (GOA) is calling on Congress to stand firm in support of Section 70436 of H.R. 1—the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—which would fully repeal the unconstitutional excise taxes on suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and any other weapons under the National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA).

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced that the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has withdrawn the flawed 3-judge panel opinion in United States v. George Peterson, an FPC-backed criminal case challenging the federal government’s regulation of suppressors through unconstitutional registration and taxation requirements.
The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) called on the full United States Senate to support and pass the Finance Committee’s firearm law and tax reforms in the budget reconciliation package. These critically important reforms include the elimination of unconstitutional taxes, restrictions, and red tape on the lawful purchase and possession of popular, constitutionally protected firearms and firearm suppressors.
The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) praised the Senate Finance Committee on its wise and courageous leadership in proposing a number of critically important and constitutionally required firearm law and tax reforms in the budget reconciliation package (at section 70436, “Elimination Of Tax On Certain Devices Under The National Firearms Act”).

The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced that Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has signed FPC-supported House Bill 407, which repeals residency restrictions and expands access to the right to bear arms in the state.
Celerant Technology has announced the release of version 2.8.2, the most significant software update in the company's recent history. This major release for both versions of Celerant’s retail technology offerings, Cumulus Retail & Stratus Enterprise, represents intensive development work.
NSSF® has confirmed with the ATF that the Demand 2 Program is ending. That program, begun in February of 2000 during the antigun Clinton administration, required FFLs that have 25 or more firearms traced back to them subsequent to the recovery at a crime scene and the time from retail sale to trace is three years or less (what ATF calls “time-to-crime”).

ATF requires notification of certain transactions that may take place at your FFL. There are two defined transactions that you must notify ATF about if they take place. We will discuss both and want to emphasize there are different requirements for each, so don’t assume one is the same as the other.
Attorneys for George Peterson have filed a brief in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals responding to the federal government’s latest filing in United States v. George Peterson, an FPC-backed criminal case challenging the federal government’s regulation of suppressors through unconstitutional registration and taxation requirements.
NSSF®, in partnership with the National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) and the National Skeet Shooting Association (NSSA), announces the release of a new educational content series designed to help new and non-traditional shooters confidently get started in shotgun sports.
Register now for NSSF’s free seminar, Hot ATF Topics from the NSSF Compliance Hotline, Friday, June 27. Join NSSF compliance consultants Judy LeDoux and Wally Nelson as they address frequently asked questions from the NSSF Member Compliance Hotline over the past year.
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) praised the filing of an important “friend-of-the-court” brief by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in support of FPC’s lawsuit challenging the Illinois Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA), which bans so-called “assault weapons” and “high-capacity magazines”, all constitutionally protected arms.
Gun Owners of America (GOA) is celebrating a massive legislative victory as the Senate Finance Committee officially advanced language to fully repeal the unconstitutional excise taxes imposed under the National Firearms Act (NFA).
Steiner Optics has partnered with Bruiser Industries to further develop enhanced tactical training scenarios and mission-specific instruction using Steiner’s LVPO, red dots, lasers, and more.
Maryland delegates from both sides of the aisle attended an afternoon of education, target shooting and fun on June 16 at the Loch Raven Skeet and Trap Center in Phoenix, Maryland. Hosted by sporting industry professionals, the event was organized to help attendees better understand the relationship between shooting sports retailers, manufacturers and recreational shooters.
SLG2, Inc. will be making a stop with its Shoot Like A Girl experience at Cabela’s in Post Falls, Idaho, on Saturday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This interactive event offers a welcoming and safe environment designed to introduce women and their families to the exciting world of shooting sports, focusing on safety, responsibility and empowerment.
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Whitetails Unlimited Inc. is seeking part-time Field Directors to execute program services in Montana and Kentucky. As a Field Director the candidate will organize volunteers and conduct membership events. Additionally, the Field Director will act as a liaison between all regional activities and National Headquarters.
Newsstand, Radio & TV
Streaming live on MLFNOW!® on MyOutdoorTV from Richmond, Va., a field of top pro anglers are competing in the 2025 Major League Fishing (MLF) Tackle Warehouse Invitationals Stop 5 Presented by 7Brew Coffee at the James River.
Now Shipping
RETAY USA announces that the RXP22 Pistol is now in stock and shipping to dealers and customers across the U.S. The .22LR RXP22 delivers a superior training experience with the feel and function of a full-sized pistol without the high price tag or heavy recoil.
The all-new Burris XTR PS riflescope – introduced in early of 2025 and engineered most for exceptional precision, clarity and reliability – is now shipping and available at dealers across North America.
Product News
Laser Ammo USA announces the launch of its Recoil Enabled H&K USP training pistols, offered in both Compact and Full-Size .45 models. These innovative training pistols, officially licensed Heckler & Koch USP from Umarex, are outfitted with Laser Ammo’s REAL (Recoil Enabled Airsoft Laser) Conversion Barrel and feature a PST (piston) cap in Red or Infrared laser.
DeSantis Gunhide adds fit for the Springfield Hellcat OSP to the Hidden Truth. The #160, Hidden Truth, is an appendix holster with integral Mag Pouch.
Celebrate American excellence with the exclusive 45th/47th President of the United States Commemorative Holster—a masterpiece of limited production. Crafted from the finest American prime steerhide, this right-hand, tan, unlined holster is designed for Glock 19 sized models or traditional 5” 1911s.
Liberty Ammunition announced the launch of its newest product: the Liberty OverWatch 5.56 77gr Rifle Round. Engineered for superior accuracy and performance, the OverWatch 5.56 77gr marks Liberty’s continued expansion into premium rifle ammunition.
Christensen Arms announces the release of the Evoke rifle chambered in the powerful 450 Bushmaster cartridge. This exciting addition to the Evoke line brings cutting-edge design and performance to hunters, particularly in states where straight-wall cartridges are now legal for whitetail deer hunting.
Shortly after teasing the launch of their new trail camera functionality at the 2025 SHOT Show, Stealth Cam has announced that On Demand Live Stream is now available via the Command Pro app*.
Sturm, Ruger & Company introduces two new manual safety models of the LCP® MAX. Both pistols (models 13749 and 13754) are equipped with an easy-to-use manual safety on the left side of the frame. Model 13754 also includes a magazine disconnect and loaded chamber indicator on the top of the slide that allows for visual confirmation of a loaded or empty chamber.
By popular demand, Blocker Outdoors reintroduces ‘Ol Hank – the accurate, effective, and transportable 3D whitetail buck decoy. The decoy breaks down easily and stores conveniently into a storage bag for transport. The soft tail creates a lifelike motion to draw in big bucks.
Chiappa Firearms is expanding its acclaimed Rhino series by introducing two new revolvers chambered in the powerful, versatile 10mm Auto. Available in a 6-inch matte black model and a 3-inch nickel-finished variant, these new handguns blend the unmistakable Rhino design with the hard-hitting performance of 10mm.
SnapSafe Under Bed Safes secure larger firearms, ammunition, and valuables, allowing quick and convenient slide-out access. Available in three sizes, SnapSafe Under Bed Safes are engineered with a slim profile for mounting under most beds.
Mission First Tactical (MFT) introduces the new Cypher 3 Liter Waist/Sling Bag; the perfect everyday commuter bag. Designed with both functional storage and convenient firearm access in mind, the MFT Cypher 3L Waistpack/Sling features a dedicated, discreet and secure firearm storage area.
CVA is pleased to announce their new Elite Muzzleloader Range & Cleaning Kit. This comprehensive kit delivers everything you need in one convenient package, and is designed for multiple calibers including: .40, .45, and .50 caliber.
The brand new, highly versatile Sultan riflescope offers a broad range of powers from 1x-10x in a 30mm straight tube design. The engraved reticle provides the shooter flexibility for close quarters with a dual illuminated ballistic circle and dot in red and green, as well as bullet drop compensating marks for longer distances. Tactical turrets with a Zero-Stop adjustment easily bring you back to zero.
Shows
SIGHTRON is gearing up to attend the ultimate outdoor media extravaganza: The Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) 2025 Annual Meeting. The event will take place Monday, June 23rd through Wednesday, June 25th at Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center in Oregon, OH.
Continue your journey in harnessing the power of AI by attending our follow-up live event at NSSF’s Range-Retailer Business Expo™ on July 16-17 in West Palm Beach, FL. Join Ryan Boylston, founder of 2TON, for an engaging session titled “Craft a Smarter AI Assistance That Speaks Your Brand’s Language.”
Adrenaline Research Labs will be in attendance at the 2025 Oklahoma Full Auto Shoot and Trade Show, happening June 21st and 22nd in Wyandotte, Oklahoma.
 

FEATURE

Family-owned businesses have formed the backbone of the outdoor industry. Over the past week, that realization has been brought home by the loss of two patriarchs, JB Hodgdon and Frank Brownell.

While neither were directly involved in day-to-day work, both were instrumental in building their companies to the point there was a significant family business to be continued. JB was one of the founders of his business; Frank learned it from his father, then passed the torch on to son, Pete.

Having had the opportunity to know these men, ask them questions about everything from how they arrived at prices to how they recognized good hires, I quickly realized there were life lessons in there for me as well. When I first met them, the dozen services we now distribute every week were only figments of my imagination. Neither man claimed to understand exactly how I hoped to accomplish what I described, but both encouraged me to keep going.

When JB passed last week, I sent a short note to Joel Hodgdon, the next generation of Hodgdon. His response reminded me that it’s relationships and connections that keep our industry going at times. “JB has passed into the realm of legend now….the first thing JB and Bob had me do as I was learning about the industry as a teenager was to subscribe to your newsletter and read it daily.”

His closing sentence reminded me that what all of us do matters: “I still do.”

Word of Frank Brownell’s death hit me far harder than I’d anticipated. I knew he was fading, but knowing about something is different from finding out it has come to pass.

Frank and Pete Brownell have become more than industry contacts. They’re trusted friends. The kind of friends who quietly step up to help when you hit a rough time more in your business or personal life. The kind you don’t have to call, the kind that just show up.

Since then, I’ve often taken advantage of having a pair of good men more than willing to be everything from sounding boards to drinking buddies. Whether we were sampling bourbon flights or talking about hard personnel decisions, their advice and counsel have been both valued and on-target. I didn’t always like what they told me, but Like my long conversations with Joel Hodgdon, they were honest, non-judgemental and on-point.

Writing this, I’m sitting in the Denver airport, headed home from a visit with another family company, Buck Knives. What I’d planned to write, a piece about the difference between spending decades watching skilled craftsmen making precision items versus being handed a bag of parts and being told “put this together” -was another of what I call those “light and shopper” stories, the kind that are designed to put a smile on your face at the recounting of just how hard simple-seeming things really are.

During my visit, I’d talked with several of the senior members of the Buck team. And I’d been impressed at their commitment to carrying on the tradition of quality and craftsmanship begun by an apprentice blacksmith named Buck more than 100 years ago.

Instead of the light piece, I find myself reflecting on the fact that we are seeing some of the long burning lights of our industry flickering and going out. The thing I realize most is that the work they’ve poured themselves into continues, principally because they’ve built their businesses on trust, dependability, and accountability. But they also recognized the importance of pouring those character traits into their successors.

Today, I’m headed home after another of those successful and enjoyable work weeks. But I’m also realizing that those of us still here and working need to be mindful of the culture we’re building, the messages we’re sending, and, most importantly, the great people who have helped us get where we are.

As always, we’ll keep you posted.

— Jim Shepherd

 
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