Jim Scoutten, 77, who was a member of the Shooting USA team, has passed away

July 19th 2023 Sadly, Jim Scoutten, the respected outdoor sports journalist and host of Shooting USA, has passed away at age 77 after a brief illness. Jim Scoutten, a popular cable television broadcaster and “one of the industry’s most iconic voices”, hosted the popular Shooting USA program for decades. He was a leader in the firearms business. This Editor met Jim many times at SHOT Show and can confirm that he is a talented and honest man who was committed to advancing shooting sports and protecting Second Amendment rights. The Shooting USA will be hosted by Jim’s son John Scoutten. Yesterday, the Shooting USA page on Facebook stated: “It was with great sadness that I announced the passing of Jim Scoutten.” Jim Scoutten played a crucial role in the industry during his thirty years of shooting sports reporting. He will be missed. Jim’s famous closing message was: “As usual, shoot safely, often, and keep them in the ten-ring.” Here are a few of more than 1,000 comments on Facebook. What a treasure trove of knowledge he had. Your legacy will continue to live on. Thank you Jim! Even though I rarely shoot in the “ten-ring”, I will continue to shoot often! Rest in peace, Sir! There are many heavy hearts tonight. Jim is a LEGEND. My condolences go out to the family. Thank you, Sir, for all your dedication to the industry and shooters everywhere. Rest easy. He was a shooting icon! Was so proud that I made one of his shows using Bianchi Cup. My condolences go out to the family. He always made Wednesday night television something to look forward too. He was passionate about the shooting sports and outdoor communities. Jim did so much for industry and was respected. We send our prayers to his family. Jim Scoutten was a notable defender of the Second AmendmentJim worked for the American Shooter TV show in the early 1990s, which was followed by the popular Shooting USA series. Jim’s contribution to shooting and his role protecting Second Amendment Rights was praised by media leaders. “Jim leaves behind a strong legacy of being a tireless defender for shooting, firearms and our Second Amendment rights. His voice was powerful and unique; we will continue to fight for the Constitution and support his family as they forge ahead a new future for Shooting USA. — Mitch Petrie, V.P. Programming of Outdoor Sportsman Group Networks. “Jim Scoutten has been reporting on the shooting industry and competitive shooting disciplines since the year 1993. In [30] Years of broadcasting on Four National Networks, he has done more than any individual or organization to popularize shooting sports, reaching multiple generations by inviting them to get their guns out and enjoy some competitive shooting. — Garry Mason, Outdoor Legends Hall of Fame.FirearmsNews.com reported: During [Jim Scoutten’s] tenure, the American Shooter TV program became the highest-rated outdoors television program in history, garnering more than one million fans nationwide. Scoutten has appeared in the Shooting USA show, which he co-hosted along with his son John, as well as the Sighting in with Shooting USA series, both of which were broadcast on Outdoor Channel, with full seasons also being shown on My Outdoor TV. Scoutten is a Franklin, Tennesse native. His firm but gentle voice, along with his familiar smile, were welcomed into the homes and hearts of America’s gun enthusiasts for over three decades.