Product Showcase
Short list of a broad range of products the industry delivers to eager consumers every year.
By Slaton L. White
New products are the lifeblood of this industry. They create interest with consumers, and that curiosity can drive those same consumers to retailers to get a hand’s-on look. The transactions that follow help support thousands of jobs, whether it’s a firearm designer, optical engineer, tool-and-die operator, or the part-time employee who stocks the shelves at a retailer. The following products represent the broad range of products the industry delivers to eager consumers every year.
PARD
SA62-35LRF
The SA62-35LRF is a compact, lightweight, thermal-imaging device with a 35mm lens that integrates a laser rangefinder with an effective range of up to 6,890 feet. At only 15.5 ounces, it features a 1-4X digital zoom magnification. Resolution of the eyepiece is 1024x768 OLED and backs up the 640x480 thermal sensor, allowing it to detect targets up to 5,900 feet. With the next-generation vanadium oxide IR detector pixilation of 12µm (micrometers) and a Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) of ≤25mK, you get an extremely sensitive device.
It offers five thermal display colors for varying conditions and a refresh rate of 30 Hz. The 18650 removable/rechargeable battery provides up to five hours of use and can operate between -20 and 140 degrees F. The Ingress Protection (IP) factor rates at an industry leading IP67, providing 100-percent security against dust and submersion in up to three feet of water. It also features technologically advanced features such as a ballistics calculator, one-shot zero, PIP mode, time/date image stamp, auto hot target tracking, Wi-Fi connectivity to your mobile device, and video recording that can be saved to a removable 128GB SD card. SRP: $4,099. (pard-tech.com)
Kick’s Industries
High Flyer shotgun choke tubes
Designed specifically for the waterfowl hunter, High Flyer extended and angle-ported chokes can handle both steel shot or non-toxic loads. Manufactured from 17-4PH stainless steel with a black finish, the chokes are offered in four sizes: Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full, and XFull. The conical parallel design improves the pattern, and the diagonal ports reduce felt recoil and muzzle jump for faster, more accurate follow-up shots.
Kick’s chokes are both externally marked and laser marked for quick identification and do not require a wrench for installation or removal. Available in 10, 12, and 20 gauge and .410 bore, sizes that fit virtually any factory shotgun on the market today. Whether it is decoying ducks or high-flying geese, Kick’s has a High Flyer choke specifically made for any waterfowler. SRP: $67-70. (kicks-ind.com)
Black Hills Ammo
10mm HoneyBadger
The 10mm 115-grain HoneyBadger has deep flutes designed for optimum terminal performance without reliance on hollow points. The bullet penetrates deeply, cutting through bone and muscle to get to vitals. This is an important performance aspect of all hunting rounds, but particularly so when relying on your handgun for protection, including the possibility of bear attack.
The 10mm provides a velocity of 1,600 fps from a 5-inch-barrelled handgun. Penetration in 10-percent ballistic gelatin is more than 50 percent greater than that of hollow points while generating larger wound cavities. (black-hills.com)
American Tactical
Cavalry Shotguns
The Cavalry line of over/under shotguns is available in 12, 20, and 28 gauge as well as .410 bore. The laser-engraved receivers are made from lightweight high-grade 7075 aluminum, and the barrels are 4140 chrome-moly steel. Other features include single selective triggers, oil-finished Turkish walnut stocks, and brass bead front sights. The line is chambered for 3-inch shells (except for 28 gauge, which is chambered for 2 3/4-inch shells). The line also features auto ejectors—except for the 28 gauge, which uses extractors. Each gun weighs just over 6 pounds and comes with five interchangeable Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style chokes. (americantactical.us)
General Inspection
Gi-6v
General Inspection manufactures a complete line of gauging, sorting, and inspection systems incorporating laser, eddy current, and vision technologies for dimensional measurement, determining metallurgical properties, and detecting visual irregularities as a method for achieving zero defects. Gauging, inspection, and sorting systems assure quality in product size, shape, and structure. In today’s zero-defect environment, the quality of your inspection technology is a critical factor in your ability to compete.
GI’s 6V is a high-speed ammunition-inspection system that uses patented, precision laser gauging for unmatched accuracy and repeatability for all profile dimensions. In the same system, an eight-camera multi-view vision system provides 360-degree part coverage for visual defect detection, resulting in complete dimensional and visual inspection. The 6V is flexible, and changeover for different-sized calibers can be completed in a matter of five minutes or less. (geninsp.com)
ProTek
All Terrain Watches
The new ProTek brand of watches is the brainchild of watch industry veteran Barry Cohen, founder and former owner of Luminox Watch, which was known for timepieces that featured non-stop illumination—a great asset for someone who has to work under the cover of darkness. ProTek’s rugged watches are built to endure some of the world’s toughest working conditions. That was one reason ProTek was recently named an official watch of the United States Marine Corps. The accuracy, durability, and superior ProGlo illumination (an array of tritium gas-filled borosilicate glass tubes aglow in a variety of colors) make these ideal timepieces to serve Marines, not only in the line of duty, but in their daily lives as well.
All Terrain Watches in the Series 1000 have a carbon-composite case and a tight 60-click unidirectional ratcheting bezel for dive timing, with a stamped, embossed stainless-steel case back. The watches also have sapphire crystals with antireflective coatings and run on dependable Japanese Miyota (a division of Citizen) quartz movements.
And all use the ProGlo self-powered illumination system that enables them to glow nonstop for 25 years. Series 2000 and 300 watches will launch in the near future. (protekwatch.com)
American Precision Firearms
AF2011 Dueller
American Precision Firearms is the distributor of Arsenal Firearms, an Italian manufacturer of artisanal firearms, best known for inventing the AF2011 Dueller, the only double-barrel pistol in the world. Based on the design of the M1911, the pistol is chambered in .38 Super Auto and .45 ACP and features a short-recoil 1911 system. In essence, it is two M1911 pistols built into a single side-by-side frame. Other features include a double hammer with a single spur, an interchangeable grip, adjustable or fixed rear sight, and compensated barrels with hybrid side brakes. (americanprecisionfirearms.com)
Ballistol
Cleaner and Lubricant
Developed in 1904, Ballistol has been battle-proven for over 112 years. Ballistol lubricates, penetrates, cleans, protects, and preserves all materials ranging from wood and leather to metal and plastics. With such a wide range of uses, customers will buy Ballistol year-round for firearms, leather, knives, tools, locks, marines use, and so much more.
Ballistol removes all bore fouling and carbon residue while being completely skin safe. Furthermore, it’s biodegradable and contains no carcinogens. As a lubricant, Ballistol will never gum up, harden, or freeze. It’s safe to use on all stocks, including wood and camo-dipped synthetic stocks.
Ballistol seals and protects rubber and leather from drying and cracking. Being slightly alkaline, Ballistol protects against all types of corrosion, including galvanic, acidic, and salt water.
When emulsified with water, Ballistol instantly neutralizes blackpowder and corrosive ammo residue on contact. Even as little as 5 percent Ballistol in water will prevent rust. Ballistol is available in several sizes of aerosol and non-aerosol containers as well as individually wrapped wipes. (ballistol.com)