SK Customs® Introduces Gods of Olympus-Ares to the 1911 Series Lineup

HAYMARKET, VA – May 12, 2023 – SK Customs®, the Nation’s only series driven, limited edition manufacturer of custom firearms, proudly presents “Ares,” the third creation in the Gods of Olympus engraver series. This production of 200 custom model Smith & Wesson Full Size 1911 pistols cambered in 45 ACP embodies SK Customs’ talent in producing one-of-a-kind engraved firearms.

“Ares, known as the Greek god of war and courage, is one of the most prominent and recognized Olympians,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Customs. 1911 collectors and enthusiasts can now boast a beautifully designed firearm representing some of the oldest stories in the world.”

To exalt some of Ares’ powers, SK Customs showcases his shield, spear and Spartan helmet throughout the pistol. The grips are made of Kirinite® and feature the Greek Key border, illustrating Ares in battle armor along with the god’s vulture and dog, symbolizing loyalty and protection.

“Using our highly reflective conversion technique, SK Customs brings to life a fiery tone exposed from the steel and uses 24k gold to highlight the attributes of Ares in scenes of battle,” said Khiabani.

Each collector of the Ares gun will receive a commemorative silver coin that features the mark of the Bank of Greece in Athens and the year of production. The coin reveals a profile of the goddess Athena on one side and a depiction of Ares charging into battle on the other. Each coin comes in a protective case set inside a black velvet coin box, labeled in silver with the “Gods of Olympus - Ares” logo.

To learn more about the Gods of Olympus engraver series and new production offerings from SK Customs, visit skguns.com.

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About SK Guns/SK Customs

SK Guns® has changed the world of collectible firearms by being the industry’s only series-driven, custom, limited-edition, producer of manufactured collectible firearms. The SK Guns® brand has redefined what custom limited-edition means by being “Uniquely Custom®”.

SK Guns® has expanded their capabilities to manufacture “Uniquely Custom®” firearms with a level of unmatched quality and artistic concepts. The team of master engravers, expert finishers, historians and master gunsmiths dedicate themselves to every detail within the brand. Visit skguns.com to learn more.

Viridian’s Iconic, Completely Redesigned Rechargeable C Series Line is More Powerful Than Ever & Shipping NOW

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – May 11, 2023 – Viridian Weapon Technologies has reintroduced the original green laser and light C Series lineup. The enhanced line is made up of the brightest and best green lasers and tactical lights on the market. Taking the industry’s original green laser to the next level, the all new rechargeable C Series is now available for shipping.

The series includes the C5™, C5L ™, CTL ™ and CTL+ ™. Each is powered by a rechargeable battery and comes with Viridian’s new quick-release mobile power system, SAFECHARGE™. SAFECHARGE provides unmatched convenience and an innovative recharge process ensuring your C Series is ready when you need it most.

“The original C5L put Viridian on the map. We’re thrilled to announce the new and improved C Series line is now available for shipping,” said Viridian President and CEO, Brian Hedeen. “After almost 20 years, we are proud to pioneer the world of weapon lasers and lights with our technological advancements and continued commitment to innovation. Our SAFECHARGE rechargeable power system is a game changer, and we’re honored to finally get these accessories into the hands of civilians, military, and law enforcement professionals.”

The reintroduced C Series lasers feature Viridian’s advanced INSTANT-ON ® technology, a new Holster Retention Feature for compatibility never seen before, and adjustable universal rail mounts. The new and improved series includes:

The C5: It’s Not Just a Laser, It’s a LegacyWith a smaller size profile and a host of new features, the all-new C5 is officially reintroduced as the best pistol laser ever built. The tiny C5 packs in the industry-leading features you expect from Viridian. With a MSRP of $149.00 and weighing in at under 2oz, the C5 fits perfectly between your firearm’s muzzle and trigger guard.

The C5L: The Return of the G.O.A.T

The C5L started it all as the first ever compact green laser sight. Loaded with features that place it as the leader of the pack once again, the all-new accessory is back and better than ever. Maintaining a small footprint with a MSRP of $229, the classic C5L continues to usher in a new era of visibility.

The CTL: Tiny but Mighty

The new CTL is the smallest, most versatile tactical weapon light on the market. It boasts a 525-lumen peak output, 60 minutes of run time and weighs in at 1.73oz. With a MSRP of $109, this small yet strong light is a force to be reckoned with.

The CTL+: Where Performance Meets Functionality

As the most powerful weapon light ever built by Viridian, the CTL+ represents the ideal blend of performance and functionality. Kicking out 1,100 blinding lumens and up to 60 minutes of run time. With a MSRP of $149, CTL+ is capable of handling any of your low light situations.

SAFECHARGE: Mobile Power Supply

Viridian’s new patent pending SAFECHARGE system is the ultra-convenient rechargeable power source that ensures your Viridian accessory is ready when you are. Simply place the Viridian accessory near SAFECHARGE and attach the magnetic charging connector. The system automatically wakes up, charging the Viridian accessory, and shuts off when full, staying dormant until it is needed again. This allows the Viridian accessory to be charged wherever it is convenient without the need to unplug it after charging is complete ensuring maximum battery longevity. Whenever. Wherever. Forever ready. Included with ALL new C Series, the system is available for individual purchase with a MSRP of $19.

For more information on Viridian Weapon Technologies’ groundbreaking firearm innovations and self-defense products, visit ViridianWeaponTech.com.

About Viridian Weapon Technologies

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Viridian Weapon Technologies is devoted to applying cutting-edge technology to design compact, powerful self-defense products for the civilian, military and law enforcement markets. Viridian is the leader in weapon-mounted technology and responsible for a number of firearm accuracy, transparency, and ease-of-use innovations including green and red laser sights, LED weapon-mounted illuminators, gun cameras and several shooting accessories. Viridian products are designed and built in the USA. More information is available at ViridianWeaponTech.com.

Today is the National Deer Association’s 2nd Annual Giving Day

May 10, 2023 – Today, May 10, is the National Deer Association’s 2nd Annual Giving Day. All gifts to NDA on this day will be matched by donors who made previous pledges up to a total of $50,000. Visit deerassociation.com/donate to make your gift.

NDA is a “4-star charity” according to an independent review by Charity Navigator, the highest ranking given to charities that spend donations efficiently toward their stated mission. Donors can be confident all gifts will support NDA’s mission of ensuring the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat, and hunting.

In 2022 for NDA’s first Giving Day, more than 230 individual donors made contributions in 24 hours amounting to more than $120,000 for deer conservation, a record for the organization. That boost helped NDA achieve its most productive year ever in mission delivery. Some highlights from 2022 include:

• Had a significant impact on policy that impacts deer, hunting and conservation by sending 60 action alerts, authoring or signing 95 letters of support or opposition, and encouraging more than 3,000 letters from NDA constituants.  

• Addressed landscape-level access and forest health issues through the Public Lands Initiative by helping to improve 316,218 acres of public land in six states at a total value of $2,164,206.

• Continued to provide some of the best deer and habitat educational content in the world by publishing more than 100 combined articles and videos across various platforms. More than six million people were reached through NDA’s social media channels alone.

• Held 54 Field to Fork events across 19 states to introduce new people to hunting as part of NDA’s R3 initiatives while also graduating 300 new Deer Steward participants at various levels.

• Held 45 educational events, 67 fundraising events, 13 youth hunts and 10 Field to Fork hunts at the local volunteer level through NDA Branches and donated more than 12,000 pounds of venison to families in need.

• Finished another strong financial year, helped by securing a record number of corporate sponsors and conducting the organization’s first ever Giving Day.

“Your generosity will continue to fuel the success of our organization and help us ensure the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat and hunting,” said Lauren Varner, NDA’s Chief Development Officer. “Thank you on behalf of our Board of Directors and Staff for answering the call.”

About the National Deer Association

The National Deer Association is the leading non-profit deer conservation group and works to ensure the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat and hunting. Formed by combining the strengths of two long-serving, successful organizations, the National Deer Association has a combined 40 years of action that has changed deer management for the betterment of hunting and protected North America’s most vital and admired game species for future generations. Visit DeerAssociation.com or follow @deerassociation on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.