FRI | DECEMBER 20, 2024

Today is our final edition for 2024. All the wires of the Outdoor Wire Digital Network will be back on their regular distribution schedules starting Monday, January 6, 2025. The Supplier Wire will begin publishing on Friday, January 3, 2025, and publish weekly through January in support of the SHOT Show’s Supplier Showcase. If you have news for the January 6 editions, please submit releases by 4:30p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025. We look forward to being back with you in January and wish you and yours a safe, happy and healthy holiday season. While we’re bringing down our curtain for 2024, it’s not too-late for you to help those in need. In addition to the many not-for-profits that help wildlife, fund conservation and continue to defend our individual rights, there are also companies onboard with the spirit of giving. Redneck Blinds, for example, is doing their part, giving away $25,000 in prizes to five lucky holiday contest winners, in addition to donating $1 per contest entry up to $25,000 to Convoy of Hope. Convoy is a nonprofit, humanitarian organization that serves impoverished, hurting and hungry people worldwide. And…if you make a donation to Convoy, Redneck Charities will match that, too, up to an additional $25,000.
After years of testing, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) announces the full use of eTargets at the 2025 National Rifle Matches. The CMP’s use of eTargets will include all highpower rifle matches, National Trophy rifle competitions and rifle Games events.
The NRA Foundation announces its fundraising events at the upcoming 2025 NRA Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, PA, running from February 1st through 9th. The first fundraising event kicks off a day earlier on Friday, January 31st, with the highly anticipated Sportsmen's Auction. Following that, the Wall of Guns will be available for viewing and participation throughout the entire duration of the show.

Each year, the Civilian Marksmanship Program hosts a premier series of hands-on, informative Junior Rifle Camps for high school-age students and coaches during the summer months. Participants in the camps receive valuable lessons on intermediate and advanced marksmanship skills through various exercises and demonstrations, all led by current collegiate rifle athletes.
DeSantis Gunhide announced three new leather holsters made for the Ruger RXM. These include the #001 Thumb Break Scabbard, #002 Speed Scabbard and the #127 Inside Heat.
Elite Tactical Systems Group announced the release of the Omega 9mm, 17-round ETS Magazine for the SIG Sauer P320 pistol. Representing a decade of engineering excellence, the Omega Magazine blends the robust strength of steel with the lightweight durability of ETS polymer.

The Hornady Security® Fireproof Keypad Safe is a user-friendly safe to secure one or two handguns, ammo, and valuables when space is limited. It is constructed from heavy-duty 16-gauge steel for the body, thicker 8-gauge for the door, and capable of withstanding fires reaching temperatures of 1400°F for 30 minutes.
TH Holsters announced the addition of the Shadow Systems CR920XP and Streamlight TLR7 sub combination to their holster lineup. The holster features .08” Kydex, an open muzzle design, sweat shield and adjustable retention.
Introducing an advanced security system for firearms, the AR Gun Locker. This system from Hornady Security ensures top-notch protection and access control. Unlocking is effortless with RFID technology, activated through a wristband, key fob, or sticker. You can program up to five RFID tags.

When there’s a deer hunter on the Christmas shopping list, sometimes it can be a little daunting to find just the right gift for the holiday season. Millennium Outdoors has the perfect products: the M300 and M350 tree seats, which will help any hunter stay on top of the action while maintaining comfort during long waits in the woods.
Versacarry® unveils the new Crusader Dual Carry (IWB/OWB) Holster. Proudly made in the USA with premium water buffalo leather, the Crusader offers innovation and versatility for modern firearm users.
Henry Repeating Arms announced that Founder and CEO Anthony Imperato was honored with the prestigious Humanitarian Award by the New York Police Department Committee of Police Societies. The award recognizes Imperato’s outstanding charitable contributions through Henry’s “Guns For Great Causes” program and his dedication to supporting America’s law enforcement.
Kimber, Mfg., Inc. will be exhibiting selected firearms at the Upcoming 2025 CAMFOUR Dealer Show January 4th and 5th in New Orleans. With the Kickoff to the 2025 show season, Kimber will be showcasing their new lineup of next generation firearms with the KDS9c, CDS9, Carbon Compact, and the biggest introduction of the fall 2024, the high Capacity 1911 Variant, the 2K11.
Maxim Defense is wishing a Merry Christmas to all their loyal dealers and customers this holiday season.
Powder Valley Outdoors announces the appointment of Willie Vernon as its new Vice President of Marketing. With a distinguished career spanning the firearms and outdoor industries, Vernon brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic vision to the company.

Celerant Technology announced a new partnership with Streetwise Security Products. The collaboration and new integration allow FFL dealers to offer merchandise geared towards unique self-defense and personal safety products.
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is seeking a General Manager for its newly acquired shooting sports facility in Columbia, Missouri. The General Manager will be responsible for all aspects of the Prairie Grove Gun Club and will manage the day-to-day operations.
The Firearms Policy Coalition announced Wednesday that it has filed a new federal lawsuit challenging Washington D.C.’s ban on firearm magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds.

Sturm announces the release of a new lightweight 10/22. Weighing in at a mere 3.5 lbs., the .22 LR sports a 16.1" cold hammer-forged tensioned barrel with a carbon fiber sleeve and is threaded 1/2”-28 for the addition of muzzle devices.
Davidson’s has collaborated with Springfield Armory on an exclusive Hellcat Pro pistol. This Hellcat Pro OSP has a Robin’s Egg blue polymer frame with adaptive grip texture, which pairs nicely with the stainless slide finish. This particular SKU, however, is part of Springfield’s GearUp program and thus ships with FIVE magazines.
Knight & Hale announces the reintroduction of their highly acclaimed turkey and deer calls. These iconic calls are making a comeback, offering hunters the exceptional quality and performance they have come to expect from the legendary brand.
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) introduces the latest edition of the Ruger Precision® Rifle. This new and improved design is the result of years of feedback from competitive shooters and yet another example of Ruger's commitment to product innovation.
MidwayUSA Foundation announces donations on Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2024, totaled $566,205. Thanks to the generosity of Larry and Brenda Potterfield, those donations are matched, raising over one million dollars for youth shooting sports in just one day.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) has just released the results of a national survey it commissioned which reveals a majority of American voters believe incoming President Donald Trump and a Republican majority in Congress will better protect Second Amendment rights than Democrats.
NSSF announced that Winchester has donated an additional 40,000 rounds of rimfire ammunition in support of NSSF’s First Shots program. This year’s support brings Winchester’s total donation to more than 160,000 rounds of rimfire ammunition to the First Shots program over the past three years.
The Second Amendment Foundation announced that Daniel Defense has renewed and upgraded their commitment to the organization as a Platinum-level corporate partner.
HeadHunters NW announces a special year-end episode of the HeadHunters NW Podcast, bringing together a curated highlight reel of insights from esteemed guests across the global defense, small arms, and shooting sectors..
Meprolight announces their End-Of-Year-Sale running until December 31st. If you missed the Black Friday Sale, now is your chance to save 10% on all the top red dot optics and self-illuminated pistol, rifle, and shotgun sights you have been looking for.
The Fiocchi Shooting Sports Complex will be closed to the public Jan. 13-Feb. 10 for substantial renovations to the facility’s shooting stations. Contractors with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will construct a variety of safety improvements to the firing ranges during the closure.
European American Armory Corp has begun shipping its latest striker-fired pistol to all authorized distributors: the new Girsan MC9 Disruptor X.
FALCO Holsters will showcase its freshly released products and concepts at the 2025 SHOT Show. Attendees and media are invited to explore four new holster categories developed and designed by FALCO.
Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, World Fishing Network and MyOutdoorTV are dropping a new lineup of expert lifestyle and adventure series beginning on December 30, 2024. With robust schedules of fresh content across all platforms, outdoor enthusiasts can stay connected to their favorite pursuits year-round, whether tuning in from home or on the go using MyOutdoorTV.
 

If this were your last note to someone, what would you write?


Not that simple, is it? I totally get that. One simple, direct question that triggers lots of thoughts and emotions, along with the sobering realization that one day a note, or thought, or word will be your last.

In the long view, we’re really not that different from the mayfly. We come, we go, and the world keeps going. I doubt the mayfly wonders whether fellow mayflies will mourn its passage or reflect fondly on its time with them. More likely, they simply go about enjoying their brief time on earth doing whatever mayflies do.

Years ago, an expression wrote itself in my subconscious the way a tagger’s graffiti marks a rail car: “No one on their deathbed ever wished for another day in the office.”

I beg to differ. For the past quarter century, my office has included the outdoors.

What I do regret is having not spent more of my days actually being outside instead of indoors writing about it. The Outdoor Wire began to fill what I perceived as an information void in the outdoors. Ultimately, it created a dream that requires doing things most people have to burn up vacation time and money to enjoy.

There have been occasional misfires: a shooting trip came to an abrupt end when impromptu bass fishing went sideways, a turkey hunting trip in Texas that ended with a rattlesnake hatband and a funny story; and my personal favorite misadventure story about an Oklahoma dove shoot. It never fails to get a laugh, especially when retold over drinks.

Like life, the worst adventures make the most memorable stories. A fishing guide in Louisiana essentially wrote “What to Do If Your Fishing Guide’s Awful.” A hunting camp I described as “a long night in a Motel Three” got a lot of laughs, but reminded readers you can’t believe everything you read in a marketing brochure.

When the good, the bad, and the unexpected align, storytelling’s easy. Really good stories tell themselves.

Unfortunately, not every story is fun. Sometimes, it they require acknowledging the fact that loss is hard, friends can disagree, or that a much-ballyhooed product is more “hooey” than “bally.”

There are also the disappointments as you re-learn the difference between industry acquaintances and friends. One walks away whenever it’s expedient. The other you can’t chase off.

It’s all part and parcel of a job/calling I’ve pursued for over 50 years: journalism.

This isn’t what I’d planned to write as a year-end wrap-up. But I don’t really worry about what I write to close out each year until I actually sit down to begin writing.

That’s why this “holiday column” is different. 2024 has been everything but normal. So I guess it’s time for me to realize there really aren’t that many “normal” years.

Sure, they all have similarities, but they all contain jarring, unexpected occurrences for someone.

If you weren’t among the “jarred” in 2024, congratulations.

The rest of us feel, as 007 might say, that we’ve been “shaken, not stirred.”

That doesn’t mean I don’t have high hopes for 2025. In fact, I have very high hopes for the coming year.

In 2024, a whole cohort of our society has come to the startling realization that much of the “information” they’ve been consuming was actually misinformation. Thankfully, I don’t share their ideological values, but I totally understand their disappointment. Seeing the craft I’ve worked at mastering for more than a half century so far off the rails is disheartening, at best.

To win back trust, journalists need to remember to stick to answering seven simple questions: who, what, why, when, where, how, and how much. Stick to delivering facts, then trust the recipients to be intelligent enough to interpret them. History seems to prove that, given the true facts, Americans tend to do the right thing. I’m hoping for more “right things” in 2025.

Here’s my simple fact for today: this is the final publishing date for all our services.

Through January 6, we’re stepping away from the daily deadlines to enjoy our families. We’ll also clean up our computer systems and prep for the inevitable sprint that is January in the outdoor industry.

Going from family time to the trade show sprints have been just the proven remedy for the “itchy” sensations I get after only a couple of days away from deadlines. My first deadline was in 1967, I’ve been pushing them ever since.

Now, however, it’s time to wish everyone a blessed holiday (Christmas and Hannukah coincide this year)…and a prosperous 2025. When our first editions reappear in your inbox in January 2025, we should be relaxed, rested and ready-to-go….again.

We’ll keep that promise I made 25-years ago:

“We’ll keep you posted.”

God bless you all.

-- Jim Shepherd

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