Stepping outside to build the industry

Shooting Industry, June, 2007 by Russ Thurman

The Shooting Industry Masters, to be held next month in Southern California, is grabbing a lot of attention in the industry. Company representatives are calling, asking about the course of fire, checking on what class they should enter and challenging others to join them on the firing line.

We at FMG Publications produce the three-gun competition to raise money for NSSF's Step Outside program, which introduces new shooters to our sport--and new customers to our products.

This year's event will be held July 27-28 at the Raahauges Shooting Complex in Corona, Calif., and will include sporting clays, and cowboy action rifle and handgun stages.

In addition to raising money for Step Outside, the Masters also increases the awareness of the program and the importance of being involved.

"I look forward to being part of Team NSSF at the Masters," said Doug Painter, NSSF president. "In our industry, we should remind ourselves and make sure all of us are active and get involved and get more people to step outside. That's really what the Masters has done for this industry. It's our moment to remind ourselves to get out together and say, 'You know, we need to be active, as well.' We can't just ask others to be involved."

During this year's SHOT Show, we were delighted to hear company shooters commenting about how much fun they had at the 2006 Shooting Industry Masters. It was rather interesting to see teams actually argue about who had the most fun, which is another reason Painter is encouraging companies to take part in the Masters.

"We're going to beat the drum and get everyone out there," Painter said. "It's a great reminder of how much fun our sports are. You know, we work a lot, but I was talking to Steve Sanetti (Ruger president) and he said, 'I don't get out to shoot very much,' and none of us really do in the business. The Masters reminds us what a great opportunity we have to get out, get involved and have the sort of experience we hope all our customers are having."

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Painter, Sanetti and Mike Golden, Smith & Wesson president, can be seen in a new promotion for this year's Masters on www.shootingindustry.com. As you'll note, there's some good-natured ribbing about who is the better shooter.

We're pleased at the number of company presidents and CEOs who will be at the event, making it unique in the industry.

"At the Shooting Industry Masters, you see presidents and CEOs of major companies turning out to support it, and that's important," said Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice president, who competes as a member of Team NSSF. "It sends a real message to shooters at the event and the industry, that they believe the Step Outside program is important to the industry. I encourage other industry executives to be part of a team this year."

In addition to top company executives, we encourage all shooters to join us at the event, whether you're assembling firearms on the factory floor or making sales calls across the nation. Even if you've never fired a firearm, you're welcome. Concerned about not shooting well? No problem! We don't release your scores, except to your team captain.

Of course, for those who are highly competitive, we recognize the top teams and individual shooters. There are two classes. The Open Class is for professional shooters and those who want to compete with them. The Industry Class is for everyday shooters and beginners.

Team DPMS is the undefeated Open Class champion.

"The Masters is a great event and one we support every year," said Randy Luth, DPMS president and team captain. "Every company should be represented at the Masters. It's a great day of fun and it supports a great cause."

Team Ruger is the reigning Industry Class champion.

"This is a perfect opportunity to get out of the office and actually go shooting," Sanetti, Team Ruger's captain, said. "We've been at every Masters event and we look forward to this year's competition. There's no reason why you shouldn't be there, also."

In addition to fielding a team, we welcome the donation of your company's products for the Masters raffle. All the money raised during the raffle goes to Step Outside. Last year we raised $12,000 for the program. Help us exceed that this year.

During this year's three-gun competition, we will present our 16th annual Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence awards on Friday evening, July 27, in conjunction with the Masters reception. As always, we hold in secret who will receive the awards. Visit www.shootingindustry.com to see who is on the final ballot.

Are you ready for the firing line? Isn't it time you actually got out of the office and went to the range? Here's your opportunity. Join us at this year's Shooting Industry Masters.

Call Elizabeth Jarrell at 1-800-537-3006, ext. 279 for more information. Details are also available on our Web site, www.shootingindustry.com.