FMG Publications presented the NSSF a check for $281,000 during the SHOT Show State of the Industry Dinner, Jan. 20. The money was raised during FMG's Shooting Industry Masters and is designated to help fund NSSF's First Shots Program.

"We're all aware of the vital role First Shots plays in ensuring new shooters get started correctly, safely and fully understand the responsibility of owning a gun. First Shots also helps us infuse and grow our ranks and build our businesses," said Randy Molde, FMG Publications VP of business development and Masters chairman. "As one of the few original SHOT show exhibitors and celebrating 60 years of providing useful information to gun enthusiasts, we at FMG Publications will continue to support this key NSSF program through the Shooting Industry Masters."

Steve Sanetti, president of NSSF, praised FMG Publications for its support of First Shots.

"It's safe to say no other group has invested as much capital to make First Shots the success it's been over the last decade than FMG Publications. Each year, the Shooting Industry Masters donates the lion share of profits to the First Shots program, and for this we are forever grateful," Sanetti said.

Molde also thanked the industry for its support of the Shooting Industry Masters, including the record-setting 65 sponsors for the 2014 event in Sebastian, Fla.

"The generosity and support from the people in our industry is astounding," Molde said. "The folks who attend the Masters understand the importance of supporting programs to preserve the future of the shooting sports. We could not hold the Masters without them. We thank all those who support this industry-only event."

The 2015 Shooting Industry Masters will be held at the Claythorne Lodge in Columbus, Kan., July 24-25.

For more information on the Shooting Industry Masters, visit www.shootingindustry.com.