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Greetings!
Usually at the beginning of a new year there is an onslaught of "forecasts" and "trending analysis" from every armchair guru with an iPad, iPhone or computer at their fingertips. So, I thought, if you can't beat them, join them! Here are LBM's forecast of trends for our industry in 2013:
- Accessories will rule in retail.
- Manufacturers will up their advertising dollars come summer.
- Niche products will rule the day and the cash register by late summer.
- Product innovators will be the star of the late fall / early winter sales season.
You might ask what kind of crystal ball am I using but the answer is simpler than that. Remember 1994. Nuff said.
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Why Gene Kelly Founded American Gunsmithing Institute
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Gene Kelly, AGI Founder and President
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Gene Kelly is the president of the American Gunsmithing Institute. He is the force behind an incredible business that provides thousands of individuals with the tools to make an honest living from a hobby or starting their own business or leveraging an existing firearms storefront. But Gene is not only the face behind many of the videos on the AGI website. Gene is a certified gunsmith, a class II manufacturer, a designer and manufacturer of firearms and accessories. Gene has been living his passion for firearms and teaching people about firearms for over 30 years.
AGI is an approved post-secondary learning institute in the state of California. But AGI is a very different kind of gunsmithing school. Basically Gene saw an opportunity and like all successful entrepreneurs, he took the risk. He saw that there were three different options out there for individuals wanting to become gunsmiths: go to a brick and mortar school and pay for the school, living expenses, and spend several years doing it; be an apprentice and be willing to be paid minimal and take years learning the craft OR consider a distance education program such as AGI's Gunsmithing Program.
In the AGI program you get all the years of experience from a group of highly regarded and skilled gunsmiths. What might take you four years can be accomplished in the leisure of your own home at your own pace. And unlike traditional schooling, if you are not getting it, you can replay as many times as you like. The instructor will never stop you! What the AGI courses do for students is provide them with four sections of study; pistols, rifles, shotguns and rimfires. In each section, the instructors break down design and function, showing how it works, assembly and disassembly, troubleshooting and repair. When the student has completed the sections there is a written test for each in order to become a certified gunsmith in that particular firearms classification, then another test to become an official certified gunsmith. It's an extremely affordable choice for many individuals passionate about firearms and looking to make a living doing what they love. Rumors have it from some graduates that they are making well into six figures right out of the gate!
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American Technologies Network Odin-W Weapon Sight Kits Now Available
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What happens when you take the smallest thermal monocular system on the market and provide it with a rail mount? You have the ATN Odin-W Weapon Sight Kit. The compact Odin goes from a hand-held sight to a weapon-mounted thermal imaging sight with the ATN accessory weapon rail interface adaptor for light caliber rifles such as a M16 or M4. For those of you who prefer to use your head in a low light/no light situation, the Odin-W Weapon kit also comes with a head mount adaptor and head strap. Four Made in the US versions are available with MSRP running from $6,199.00 to $10,199.00.
Read the full press release after the jump.
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G4S ITI Introduces New One Day Tactical Shotgun Course at the Virginia Facility
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March is just around the corner and time to start thinking about getting back in the training grove again. G4S International Training is holding a new class; the One Day Tactical Shotgun course. This course is for anyone looking to enhance their ability to operate a tactical shotgun for home defense or within a tactical environment. Students will start off with the essentials such as loads, chokes and weapon manipulation. Students will also learn tactics and techniques, cover and positional shooting. It's a full day of 250 rounds of bird shot, 25 of buckshot and 25 of slug (ammo not included in student price). The course is being offered March 15 and March 18, 2013.Most items can be rented at an additional cost. Please contact us Toll Free at 1-800-604-4484 for inquiries. Cost per student for the course is $150 (U.S. Government employees) and $166 (civilians). This course is for 10 (minimum) to 12 (maximum) students.
To register for the One Day Tactical Shotgun Course, please visit here: http://www.g4siti.com/registration.php.
If you have any questions about the course, please contact Tim Peck, Open Enrollment Coordinator, at tim.peck@g4siti.com.
Read the full press release after the jump.
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GASTON J. GLOCK style LP Renews Sponsorship of the Dave Sevigny Performance Team for 2013
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IWI US Spreads Tavor Fever Throughout US
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Tavor Fever is now raging across the United States. Fans are drooling on the IWI US Facebook Page as IWI US President Michael Kassnar is posting delectable images of the Tavors as they are being produced! Michael is committed to getting these rifles out the door to distributors by early March and from the looks of it, he is right on target! Like the IWI Facebook page and get the latest on this initial production run!
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LaserLyte® Announces the UTA-SH Laser Designed for the Smith & Wesson® M&P Shield™ Pistol
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LaserLyte® has announced the highly anticipated UTA-SH pistol laser for the popular Smith & Wesson® M&P Shield™ pistols are ready for shipping.
The LaserLyte® UTA-SH laser mounts easily and quickly on the M&P Shield trigger guard and snugs-up securely to the dust cover. The MSRP is $99.95.
Read the full press release after the jump.
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MasterPiece Arms Increases Stock on 30 Round Polymer Magazines
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MasterPiece Arms has heavily increased their stock of the MPA20-70P 30 Round Polymer Magazine. Visit the MasterPiece Arms website for more information and / or to make a purchase.
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Morphix Technologies® Develops and Releases New Cyanide (AC / CK) Cassette
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Morphix Technologies, in response to the demand from the firefighting community, has released its newest chemical detection cassette, Cyanide (AC/CK), for the detection of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), as well as cyanogen chloride. Increasingly, firefighters are experiencing exposure to hydrogen cyanide in fire smoke due to the combustion of products such as plastics, polymers, foam, melamine, polyacrylonitriles, synthetic rubber and common materials such as silk, wool and cotton. Hydrogen cyanide is 35 times more toxic than the more common carbon monoxide gases. Because HCN does not have a discernible odor, investigators, fire responders and civilians within the area may not be aware of the danger still present after the fire has been resolved.
The new Cyanide (AC/CK) cassette, developed by Morphix Technologies, is part of an easy-to-use, low-cost Chameleon® Detection Kit that can be used alone or in addition to chemical protective suits and masks to identify dangerous levels of hydrogen cyanide during or after a fire. More information can be found at www.morphtec.com or "like" Morphix Technologies on Facebook for an ongoing discussion.
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Pre-Order NavELite's NEW HzO WaterBlocked Model Compass and Receive $15 off MSRP
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Receive $15 off MSRP by registering to be on NavELite's pre-order mailing list for the NEW HzO WaterBlocked Model NavELite Compass
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NeverLost® Has a Thermos to Suit Your Liquid Needs
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It doesn't matter if you are a hunter, a cop, a target shooter or even a soccer mom, there is one thing we all share in common - hot coffee on demand! NeverLost has a Thermos in 3 sizes to suit your liquid requirements. These thermoses are made by the world's leading thermos manufacturer and feature the familiar traditional screw cap. The body is stainless steel and keeps your coffee HOT, or whatever your choice of beverage may be. It comes in three sizes; a 0.35 liter, 0.5 liter and a 0.75 liter(two mugs for the big guy in case you feel like sharing). But what's one of the best features about this thermos? It's WAKE-UP orange! You won't leave it in the deer stand, or on the bleachers or lost amid the kid crap, hunting gear or shopping debris in your car. MSRP ranges from $21.21 to $27.86.
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Test Your Shotgun Skills with the Redring Shot Simulator
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Often people ask me if I get to go out shooting a lot since I'm in this industry. The answer is no; I'm too busy working! But Redring understands this plight and has given us a chance to choose between shooting a few clay pigeons, a deer and ducks all the while never missing a phone call or an email. Thanks to the Redring Shot Simulator you can practice with a Redring on your very own web-based shotgun. I enjoyed shooting clays and making a lot of dust; the deer were easy, but those darn ducks had me occupied for at least 15 minutes while trying to write this blurb up. I suggest you take time out today and let the phone ring and see what the Redring Optical Shotgun Sight can do for you. At least as an armchair shotgunner!
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General Maintenance and Care of SOG Knives with Sentry Solutions' Marine TUF-CLOTH
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Your SOG knife is made from high quality stainless steel. With proper care and maintenance it will last a lifetime. Below is information that will help keep your knife looking and performing it's best.
- After becoming dirty or after exposure to salt water, perspiration, or chemicals, rinse the product with fresh water and dry completely. Use Sentry Solutions' Marine Tuf-Cloth® on all metal surfaces.
- While it is not in use, keep the blade stored in a dry area outside of the sheath, with desiccant (a drying agent) to help prevent rust.
- Should rust appear, use a light steel wool pad to buff off rust, then oil.
- Should you knife become dull SOG offers sharpening services for their products at the minimal charge of $9.00 (serrations cannot be restructured).
Please use this product safely and according to your local municipal, state, and federal laws.
Read more tips and advice from Sentry Solutions on their blog after the jump. |
Sphinx SDP Compact to be Distributed in the US
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Sphinx is proud to announce that it will begin distribution of the Sphinx SDP Compact 9mm starting Q1 2013 in the US. The highly anticipated pistol is the evolution of the popular Sphinx pistols and designed specifically for law enforcement and military personnel. The new Sphinx SDP Compact brings the high performance features of the SDP series into a smaller, more concealable package. The slide of every SDP Compact is CNC machined from high-grade steel and hand fitted to each frame. Its full length, machined guide rails and recoil buffer ensure consistent accuracy for the most demanding users. List price will be $1,295.00.
 Read the full article after the jump.
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Laura Burgess Marketing provides public relations and marketing services to companies within the law enforcement, tactical, military, shooting sports, fire, EMS, boating and recreational fishing markets. With over 21 years of experience in marketing, corporate management and public relations, Laura Burgess Marketing helps companies to build better brand awareness to the media and their customers through traditional and the new social media methods.
Sincerely,
Laura Burgess
Laura Burgess Marketing |
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TacProGear Signs LBM for Public Relations and Marketing
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LBM is very proud to announce our latest client to come aboard our marketing train, TacProGear.
TacProGear makes a variety of accessories, gear and hard and soft armor for private security, law enforcement and military personnel. This is not another gear company. This stuff is already battle-proven. The brand has flown under the radar for most of us except for the operators that are using it here in the US, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. They already have a healthy catalog of gear but expect this young company to grow fast!
Read the official announcement after the jump.
Visit TacProGear's Press Room here.
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KRISS Arms Announces the KRISS Vector in .22LR
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KRISS Arms is excited to announce that it will design and manufacture the KRISS Vector in .22LR. The Vector .22LR is the ideal platform for users desiring to maintain shooting skills with minimal cost.
The Vector .22LR will be available in both Carbine and SDP (Special Duty Pistol) configurations and released in Q4 of 2013. Pricing will be announced soon.
Read the full press release after the jump.
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Update on Production and Shipping from Molon Labe Industries
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Molon Labe Industries is currently running behind schedule in production and shipping. They are working around the clock to get magazines into the hands of their customers. They ask that all be patient in light of the current market conditions.
If you placed an order with Molon Labe Industries and you have a confirmation email, then you have a guarantee that you will receive magazines from them. All orders placed online will be fulfilled.
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PISTOLPAY: What They are Saying!
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"In these trying times for gun owners, firearms manufacturers, ammo manufacturers, retailers and 2nd amendment advocates across the nation, sales volume has dramatically increased and it's forced businesses to have to increase staff and supplies to fulfill orders, take calls, respond to emails and take care of their customers' demands. Your company has done an exceptional job at handling that increased demand and I applaud your collective efforts.
The firearms industry as a whole should look at to this exemplary display of teamwork and know there are still leaders out there that are willing to step up in these challenging times to meet and exceed customer expectations, regardless of the struggles they are faced with. My hat's off to you folks. Thanks again for your help and may we all stand united and stay strong. God bless!"
~Customer M.W.
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Nominations Open for 2013 Class of Revision Military Remarkable Heroes
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Every hero has a story and Revision Military wants to hear your hero's story. Go over to the Remarkable Heroes tab on Revision Military's Facebook page and nominate your hero to become a member of 2013 class of Revision Remarkable Heroes.
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Win Free Swag from Your Favorite Firearms and Accessory Manufacturers
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Who DOESN'T love a chance to win free gear. Want to find out who is giving away what and where you can find it? Weapon-Blog.com hosts a page on their site where they list ALL the running contests on Gun Gear Giveaways.
Visit Weapon-Blog.com today to find out what YOU could win!
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LBM Wants YOU...To Be a Contributing Blogger
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LBM is looking to expand The LBM Blogger and we're looking for upstanding bloggers to contribute. We've already been able to get some fantastic bloggers to start posting content on our site. Perhaps you've seen their work. If you are a blogger who has contributed outstanding work to the industry, we'd like you to share your wisdom with our readers.
Getting started as a contributing blogger is easy. Contact Ashley Burgess to have your profile created.
Once your user profile is created, feel free to contribute as often or as little as you'd like!
All posts will be publicized through our Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn accounts. We may even feature you in our monthly newsletter as well!
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LBM Now Offers Advertising in Monthly Newsletter
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Are you looking to gain exposure but don't have the budget to launch a full scale PR / Marketing campaign? LBM is proud to announce that we are now accepting advertising in our monthly newsletter for companies large and small. Contact us today to schedule your ad in the next LBM newsletter.
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