Shooters from throughout the industry stepped to the firing line at the 6th Annual Shooting Industry Masters July 26 to blast clays and ring steel, all in support of NSSF’s Step Outside program.

More than 150 shooters, including company CEOs, sales reps and factory craftsman, competed in the three-gun competition at the Hartford Gun Club in East Granby, Conn. Produced by FMG Publications, the event’s raffle raised $16,500 for the Step Outside program, which introduces newcomers to shooting.

“Once again, we were impressed with the enthusiasm of industry shooters during the competition. The good-natured kidding about who was the best shooters was overshadowed by the unity and support of the industry and the Step Outside program. We also thank Smith & Wesson, who provided invaluable assistance and numerous volunteers for the event,” said Randy Moldé, FMG promotions director and masters chairman.

The Step Outside program is important to the future of the industry, according to NSSF President Steve Sanetti, who has competed in every Masters competition

“On behalf of the National Shooting Sports Foundation I’d like to thank FMG Publications for its support of all the Step Outside programs we’ve done. We all know that introducing new people to the shooting sports is important to the preservation of our industry and our heritage. Step Outside does that and we thank all those taking part in the event for your support,” Sanetti said.

This year’s match sponsors were Aimpoint, Benchmade, BLACKHAWK!, Black Hills Ammunition, Brownells, Cor-Bon, Gunsite, Howard Leight, Lansky Sharpeners, Midland, PACT, Remington, Ruger and Smith & Wesson.

“We could not hold this event without the strong support of our sponsors. We continue to be impressed with these companies’ commitment to the future of the industry,” said Russ Thurman, Shooting Industry magazine’s editor and match director. “In addition, we thank the many companies that donated products for the raffle.”

The event’s top shooters were recognized with team and individual trophies.

In the Industry Class, the first place trophy went to Ruger Team-1, with Colt placing second and XS Sights taking third place. The top three individual shooters in the Industry Class were: (1st) Kevin Skinner, Ruger Team-1 (2nd) Scott McGregor, FMG and (3rd) Dennis Veilleux, Colt.

In the Open class, for pro shooters, DPMS took first place, with Smith & Wesson Team-1 placing second and BLACKHAWK! taking third. Individual trophies went to (1st) Jim Clark, DPMS, (2nd) Tate Moots, DPMS and (3rd) Randy Luth, DPMS.

FMG Publications has announced that the Shooting Industry Masters will return to the Hartford Gun Club for “an even bigger event” July 24-25, 2009.

(Full coverage of the masters will be featured in the October issue of Shooting Industry.)