So, a few years ago, FMG started the Shooting Industry Masters shoot to benefit the NSSF’s “Step Outside Program” that brings new shooters to the range. Take a minute and read the article about it in this issue. All the money raised goes directly to support this great, grass-roots program, and it really works. Thousands of non-shooters have been introduced to the shooting sports and afterward, a majority go on to buy guns, accessories, attend shooting schools and otherwise support the industry we all love so dearly.

But the real fun here is the chance for industry people to get together in a non-business environment and simply visit, tell jokes, make fun of each other’s shooting and have fun doing what they are always telling other people to do — “Go shooting!” There were many company presidents, vice-presidents, marketing types and a wide cross-section of “just plain folk” who get the jobs done in the many businesses in our industry. For many, it was a genuine “Step Outside” experience for them, being their first time shooting.

We elected to use cowboy guns, with able assistance by the “Cowboys”, a local cowboy shooting club, chock full of simply great people. Single action revolvers were kindly supplied by Ruger; Marlin supplied lever actions in .45 Colt and ADCO handled the 12 gauge coach gun category. Cor-Bon and Black Hills generously managed the handgun and rifle ammo needs, and Winchester came through with shotgun ammo for the sporting clays and shotgun stages. There were too many other sponsors to list here, so go to www.americanhandgunner.com and click on the “Web Blast” icon to see more pics, video and sponsors.

This event generates new industry friendships, often resulting in new collaborations which can — and do — translate into interesting new products that end-up on dealers shelves. Not to mention the heartless jokes told about exactly how bad some of the shooting truly was.

For more info: www.NSSF.org, www.shootingindustry.com.