NEW PRODUCTS

by slaton l. white

The Texas Star is a new reactive target developed by Birchwood Casey to build the shooter’s speed, boost their ability to acquire targets quickly, and to train them to engage multiple targets with precision and confidence. Rated for handguns, rifles and shotguns, the Texas Star stands four feet tall and offers five six-inch-diameter easily resettable targets that pivot backward on impact. The assembly is made of strong AR500 steel for long life and durability, and it disassembles easily for transport. MSRP: $349.99. Booth #12669

(birchwoodcasey.com)

The Hydra QE features Hatsan’s patented Versi-Cal Technology, an interchangeable caliber system that allows a user to trade calibers with a single thumbscrew. The VCT system couples a caliber-specific receiver and barrel into a single interchangeable module. Now, a user can switch out the receiver and barrel, enabling the use of another caliber, without disturbing the scope. A knurled screw located at the rear of the receiver locks the upper module onto the lower receiver, allowing these caliber changes in just a few seconds. The Hydra QE also utilizes Hatsan’s S/Roto-Index magazine system, a caliber-specific self-indexing rotary magazine made from a lightweight-yet-durable synthetic polymer. Each module features Hatsan’s QuietEnergy shrouded barrel that reduces downrange noise by up to 50 percent. The Turkish walnut stock is laser engraved with ample texturing on critical grip surfaces that enhance the feel and control of the rifle. A fixed 165cc air cylinder fills to 2,900 psi, providing up to 35 shots. Weighing in at just 6.8 pounds, this modular-platform airgun will be easy to carry and shoot. Available in .177, .22, or .25 caliber. Additional barrel/receiver modules are available separately. MSRP: starts at $499.99. Booth #72449

(hatsanusa.com)

The new Divided Ammo Crate combines the sturdy protection of MTM’s trusted Ammo Crates with the capacity and modularity of MTM’s 4-Can Crate. The ACDC30’s spacious interior features three removable partitions for a variety of storage options. Organize gear with all four sections or remove partitions completely for items up to 17.5 inches long. Intended for stackable storing, the ACDC30 securely nests with all five of MTM’s standard Ammo Crate Utility Boxes. Other notable features include a water-resistant O-Ring seal, heavy-lift handles, strong snap latches, four padlock tabs, tie-down points at each handle, and two strap-over grooves. Carrying capacity is 75 pounds. Booth #72719

(mtmcase-gard.com)

Built to organize, protect and carry firearms, the 985 AR15 waterproof hard case is made with a lightweight yet tough NK-7 resin shell. Four PowerClaw latches ensure the case stays closed while in transit. High-grade pre-cut foam is engineered to fit a standard 36-inch AR-15 along with space for up to eight magazines. The high-quality PEF closed-cell insert also features storage areas to accommodate popular accessories and two dedicated slots for desiccant canisters. Two TSA-accepted locking latches feature an integrated TSA-accepted key lock to keep your equipment securely locked during transit but accessible for inspection by the TSA when required. Polyurethane wheels and a soft-grip ergonomic handle make it easy to transport. This transport case is also equipped with an automatic pressure-release valve and is backed by a lifetime warranty. MSRP: $308. Booth #10119

Driven by air and equipped with two full-length arrows, the Elite X2 is a double-barrel air rifle. Features include Umarex’s Quick Valve Release, PCP Release, HighPressure Shaft, Adapta Point and Straight Flight technologies. The combination of these Umarex technologies ensures that each 376-grain Straight Flight arrow delivers maximum impact and accuracy at over 450 feet per second and 169 foot-pounds of energy. Cocking effort for this scoped lever-action is eight pounds, and the trigger pull for the single-stage trigger is three pounds. The unit is capable of 25 shots before the tank needs to be refilled. MSRP: $449.99. Booth #12469

Increasingly, professional shooters, recreational shooters and hunters are favoring the comfort and digital control of earbud-style sound-management systems to protect their hearing and to amplify and discern ambient sound. Although earbuds perform these tasks admirably, fitment and security can vary between shooters — especially during high-activity, high-mobility scenarios such as competition shooting and hunting.

The all-new ATACS Sport Earbuds from Walker’s address these challenges by incorporating a dual-retention system into a sophisticated and ergonomic platform. Since shooters come in all shapes and sizes, Walker’s engineers set out to develop an earbud system that would work for everyone. They did this by incorporating soft and flexible ear hooks and a behind-the-neck retention strap into a freshly designed earbud chassis. This unitized retention system, combined with multi-sized foam ear tips, means the ATACS Sport Earbuds are comfortable to wear under any condition and will remain in place even during high-mobility activities.

Beyond the comfort and ergonomic features, the ATACS Sport Earbuds include the latest in sound-suppression/enhancement technology and operational control. Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, for example, pairs the ATACS Sport Earbuds to your phone via the Walker’s LINK 2.0 app, providing remote control of the listening mode settings (universal, clear voice, power boost and high-frequency boost) as well as auto shutoff times (off, two, four and six hours), volume control, battery level, ambient mute and social media links. The new ATACS Sport Earbuds come with three different-size foam ear tips and a USB-C charging cable to deliver up to 7.5 hours of battery life per charge. Booth #12669

(gsmoutdoors.com)