The Social Media Reload: October 2, 2015

Gone are the days of newspapers, magazines and network television. Social media is today’s top source for news, entertainment and information. But with the quick pace of trending topics and 140-character updates, unless you live online, you’re bound to miss something. Luckily for you, that’s my job. The Social Media Reload features the most popular, interesting, entertaining and controversial content in the firearms and outdoors industry from the past week and repackages it into a quick list with a bang. Read on and see what you missed this week.

THE DRY ICE TEST
We’ve seen torture tests melt guns, but it’s not often we see videos that test the other side of the temperature spectrum. Matt and Adam of LFD Research (also of Geeks Gadgets and Guns) have released a video series testing frozen firearms using dry ice. Packing a crate with dry ice, the guys shoot, freeze and attempt to shoot again a number of guns, including a Yugoslavian SKS M59/66, Ruger Mini-14, AK-47, IWI Tavor, AR-15 and Glock 17. They even froze the ammunition. As you can probably predict, shooting and handling the frozen guns was no easy task. It should be noted that dry ice itself can be dangerous, let alone flash freezing guns with it. For their sake, we’re just glad the worst thing that happens is a gun not firing. (via Outdoor Hub)

GUN RETURNED AFTER 33 YEARS
Here’s a story that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Recently, Richard Montague of Lee Township, Michigan received a visit from the Calhoun County Sheriff Department who surprised him with his Remington Nylon 66 .22 caliber rifle that had been stolen 33 years ago. Stolen during a home burglary on Sept. 1, 1982, the gun was recently recovered more than 600 miles away in Covington, Tennessee. Police said the gun was purchased at an estate sale years ago, but when the new owner attempted to sell it recently the serial number was checked and it was recorded as stolen in Michigan. Montague was understandably dumbfounded, telling the Battle Creek Enquirer “I hadn’t thought about it in years and we never expected to get it back.” More good news for Montague, the rifle still fires and is in great condition. (via Guns.com)

BROWNING AMMUNITION COMING SOON
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably seen or heard that Browning has partnered with Winchester to introduce Browning Ammunition, a new line of “superior performance ammunition for hunting, personal defense and target shooting.” Winchester will be responsible for product development, manufacturing, marketing and sales, according to a press release from Browning. In what seems like an obvious move for Browning, its initial offerings will including 12 gauge, .380 Auto, .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, rimfire and more. And while we can expect to see these in action and on display at SHOT Show in a few months, the public will have to wait until February 1, 2016 to find out if they truly are “The Best There Is.”

Did we miss something interesting, entertaining or controversial? Shoot us a link in a comment below and stay up to date with our Social Media Reload archive.

The Command Arms AK47SFSP Side-Folding, 6-Position AK47 Stock Tube Now Available

CAA USA is pleased to announce the CAA  ambidextrous, side-folding, 6-position, polymer, collapsible stock tube is now available and shipping to retailers across the country.  The CAA side-folding, stock tube (AK47SFSP) allows the installation of M4-style stocks on most AK-style rifles with Saiga stamped receivers. The CAA side-folding stock tube provides rifle enthusiasts and professionals with CQB and covert carry capabilities and easily converts from left-hand to right-hand folding positions.

The polymer construction of the stock tube features an internal aluminum lock and latch parts for extra strength. Installation is quick and easy and requires no gunsmithing or tools. The horizontal tube mounting to the stock also improves sight picture. An oversized, ridged push button makes it easy to locate and fold the stock, even under stress. To move the stock from the folded to extended position, a pull on the stock is all that is required (no push button).  The 6-positions allow the user to customize the fit of the stock for a personalized and comfortable fit.

The CAA side-folding, 6-position, collapsible tube accepts all commercial AR15/M4 collapsible stocks including CAA’s skeletonized (SKBS) and collapsible (CBS) buttstocks. Available in black only with an Unconditional Lifetime Warranty, the CAA AK47SFSP collapsible tube for AK47’s has an MSRP of $ 124.99.

For more information on CAA USA, visit www.commandarms.com. Join the conversation on Facebook.

Kalashnikov USA’s New American Weapons Now Available

Kalashnikov USA Model US132SS
(Image may not represent final product)

Kalashnikov USA , manufacturer of Kalashnikov style firearms, proudly announce that the new American Kalashnikov models are now available through Acusport, Big Rock Sports, Bill Hicks, Ellett Brothers, RSR, Sports South and others.

“We have made good on the promise delivered at SHOT Show, to provide our customers with a quality product at a competitive price by the second quarter of this year,” Thomas McCrossin, CEO of Kalashnikov USA said.

Under the new banner “Russian Heritage / American Innovation,” the new US models are built on the classic AK 47 rifle and shotgun platforms with a focus on designing firearms for the American shooter using the latest manufacturing technologies. New features on the Kalashnikov USA models include a nitrocarburized case hardening on barrels and chambers to extend life and provide a high corrosion resistance. Also, the barrels have been threaded to accept muzzle breaks and suppressor systems. The bolt and bolt carrier have been enhanced for a smoother action, and an integrated hold open feature has been added to the safety lever.

“Our customers will be pleased with the quality of our American weapons and our new designs,” Bill Silver, VP of sales for Kalashnikov USA added. “American innovation has provided a better weapon at a better price.”

For more information on Kalashnikov USA, visit www.kalashnikov-usa.com. Stay up-to-date on the latest news from Kalashnikov USA on Facebook.

Kalashnikov USA Launches New Website

Kalashnikov USA, manufacturer of Kalashnikov style firearms, has launched a new website at http://www.kalashnikov-usa.com/, reflective of their new branding efforts under the “Russian Heritage / American Innovation” tag line. The new site allows users to effortlessly navigate to the various pages and Kalashnikov USA social sites.

Users can quickly navigate between the Home page and other pages using the clearly defined tab buttons at the top right. The Firearms tab is a drop down design providing a choice of currently offered products. Each product page highlights the features, benefits and specifications of the firearm.

To find out where to purchase a Kalashnikov USA firearm, click the Dealers tab button and a map of the continental United States appears. Type in a zip code and acceptable travel radius and the Dealer map will provide the nearest store carrying Kalashnikov USA firearms. Retailers and distributors are also listed alphabetically. Click on one and the address and location will appear on the map.

The Gallery features several lifestyle images and the About tab provides Kalashnikov firearms fans a brief background on the company and their mission to design and manufacture first-rate American-made Kalashnikov style firearms. The recently updated catalog of Kalashnikov USA products is available in a downloadable PDF. Contact information includes Customer Service, the US Sales Team and an address for technical and installation questions.

For more information on Kalashnikov USA, visit www.kalashnikov-usa.com.

Kalashnikov USA Announces Move

Kalashnikov USA , manufacturer of Kalashnikov style firearms, announces the company will relocate to South Florida. The new facility will include corporate offices and allow for manufacturing, warehousing and shipping functions to occur in one location. The move, which will take place over the next several months, will not affect the projected 2015 second quarter shipping of the new Kalashnikov USA firearms.

“With the growth of the company, manufacturing requirements and the rebranding efforts now underway, Kalashnikov USA felt the time was right to move the headquarters where we can incorporate our new manufacturing capabilities,” Thomas McCrossin, CEO of Kalashnikov USA said. “Our new facility in South Florida offers the opportunity to expand as we grow while offering customers increased customer support and firearms produced using the latest manufacturing technologies and materials.”

The new US132 modern rifle and US109 tactical shotgun are on target to be released by early summer 2015 incorporating the new Kalashnikov USA slogan “Russian Heritage  / American Innovation.”

For more information on Kalashnikov USA, visit www.kalashnikov-usa.com. Stay up to date on the latest news from Kalashnikov USA on Facebook.

Industry Veteran, Bill Silver, Joins Kalashnikov USA to Grow Sales of Iconic Firearm Platform

Kalashnikov USA , manufacturer of Kalashnikov style firearms, announces the hiring of industry veteran Bill Silver as the vice president of sales for Kalashnikov USA.

Over the last two decades, Bill has worked in a variety of capacities in the firearms industry, from national sales manager of a distribution house with east and west coast locations, to, most recently, as vice president of commercial sales at Sig Sauer®. During Bill’s career as a sales professional, he has demonstrated notable success by increasing sales significantly. His ongoing mission is to bring quality firearms to the commercial marketplace by assuring availability of product through distribution to local dealers who are anxious to serve the firearms enthusiasts in their area.

“Kalashnikov USA is very pleased to have Bill join our team as vice president of sales,” Thomas McCrossin, CEO of Kalashnikov USA said regarding Bill’s hiring. “Bill’s combination of experience, skill-set and reputation in our industry will fast track sales through our distribution channels. He will be instrumental in bringing to our customers the new line-up of firearms bearing a noble Russian heritage.”

“I welcome the opportunity to serve this industry by representing a line of products that through our distribution channels, dealers will want to sell and consumers will purchase with confidence,” Bill Silver, vice president of sales for Kalashnikov USA added.

For more information on Kalashnikov USA, visit www.kalashnikov-usa.com.

IWI US, Inc. Introduces the Galil ACE® Pistol for the US Market

IWI US, Inc.,  a subsidiary of Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Ltd., proudly announces the IWI US Galil ACE® pistol for the American market. The first descendant of the world famous Galil rifle to come to the US since 1993 will hit US dealer’s shelves in the first quarter of 2015.

The IWI US Galil ACE® pistol will be available initially in 7.62x39mm with an 8.3” barrel and an overall length of 18″. The Galil ACE pistol has a 2-piece Picatinny rail with adjustable front and rear sights with Tritium post on the front site. The Tri-Rail forearm system features removable covers, including a protected pressure switch area. The Galil accepts standard AK-style magazines.

A feature of the IWI US Galil ACE® is the new location of the charging handle. It has been moved to the left side enabling the user to maintain control over the pistol while charging and also allows for faster target re-acquisition. The safety selector is available on right and left sides.

MSRP is $1,749.00. Shipping begins February 2015.

IWI US Galil ACE® Pistol Specifications:

Item#	GAR39
Caliber	7.62x39mm
Barrel Length	8.3”
Overall Length	18”
Weight	6 lbs.
MSRP	$1,749.00

For more information, visit IWI US, Inc. at our website – www.iwi.us , on Facebook, or contact us via e-mail at: marketing@iwi.us.