Editor’s Letter: 2016 in review

by
posted on December 31, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
newyears2016-a.jpg

It is New Year’s Eve, and as another year comes to an end it is a great opportunity to reflect on the changes we faced in 2016. The across-the-course service rifle matches during the National Championships are now completed in three, rather than four days, in response to busy schedules and higher travel costs. With what some have called a “tumultuous” change, the high power rifle portion of the Nationals is moving to Camp Atterbury, Ind., in response to scheduling challenges among overlapping sponsoring organizations. This year’s rule changes included limiting team captains to membership in only one team, restructuring who can qualify for a national record, and refining equipment restrictions to avoid becoming a gunsmithing contest—all in response to changing times.

We are experiencing a very different world than the one that existed when Shooting Sports USA was conceived more than 100-years ago—not only a different world in terms of equipment and competitive shooting formats, but a completely different generation of competitive shooters with different needs.

Mobile apps geared for shooting sports continue to be developed at a relentless pace, and social media reigns supreme for sharing accomplishments on the range. With the increasing dependence on social media as a source for news—short, catchy content is replacing articles of substance. We work hard to continue to provide in-depth material with Shooting Sports USA—with both the free, monthly digital edition (subscribe here), and the daily blog (website) that cover everything from the Olympics to cleaning tips.

While there are many who lament these changes, they are a reality and Shooting Sports USA is committed to addressing change by meeting the needs of our readers. Despite the challenges, Shooting Sports USA has remained at the forefront of reporting news in the shooting sports arena. Readers can help make SSUSA even better in 2017 by emailing us at [email protected] with your suggestions.

Ralph Waldo Emerson is quoted as saying “Life is a progress, and not a station.” My military friends are a bit more pointed, with “Lead, follow or get out of the way.” If we embrace change, we can manage it. To ignore it puts us at risk of becoming obsolete.

As the year draws to an end I’d like to thank all our regular readers for their loyalty and contribution through their many posts and comments, both on ssusa.org and our various social media channels. I’d particularly like to thank our writers without whose efforts this site could not exist. To all of you scattered across the country and the world, I wish you a healthy, peaceful and prosperous New Year. And of course—good shooting in 2017!

—John Parker, Managing Editor, Shooting Sports USA

Latest

CMP Buynow 1
CMP Buynow 1

CMP Streamlines Legacy M1 Garand Sales With Easy ‘Buy Now’ Feature

CMP’s new fixed-price “Buy Now” system makes it easier than ever to own a legacy, non-reclaimed M1 Garand rifle.

Watchtower Firearms, Demolition Ranch Team Up For Limited-Edition DEMOLITIA Blackout 1911

Watchtower Firearms releases limited-edition double-stack 1911 chambered in 9 mm designed with input from Demolition Ranch.

Federal Ammunition Honored With National 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneer Award

Federal Ammunition receives 2025 4-H Shooting Sports Pioneer Award for over 40 years of support for youth programs.

New: Smith & Wesson M&P 15 AXE Rifles

Smith & Wesson launches the M&P 15 AXE lineup of suppressor-ready rifles with reduced gas blowback and modern features.

Review: Savage Arms Mark II & Winchester’s .21 Sharp

As demonstrated in the Savage Mark II FV-SR, Winchester’s .21 Sharp cartridge offers higher velocity and greater precision than .22 Long Rifle rounds.

Marsh Edges Stine In Canadian Showdown To Win Lapua Monarch Cup Opener

Justin Marsh edges Jake Stine by one point to win the Canadian NRA Smallbore Silhouette Nationals and first stage of the 2025 Lapua Monarch Cup.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.