Skinner Sights: Trust, Tradition, Accuracy

Skinner Sights is a behind-the-scenes view of the company. It is a aiming solutions company that is equal parts tradition and innovation. What does a man’s character have with making peep sight? The best sights will be made by someone who can clearly see you, your targets, and yourself. Mental clarity is more important to good marksmanship than your ability to operate a lathe. Larsson states, “I have been an outdoorsman, hunter, shooter, and reloader almost from birth.” I was able to use a lathe and mill, shaper, welding equipment and a welder in high school. I also applied the skills to gunsmithing by re-barreling guns and rifles in my school shop class. As the ‘in-house gunsmith’ in a sporting goods store, I was also in college. After college, I became a Christian minister and continued gunsmithing as an interest. For a few years, I also owned and operated an archery shop. Larsson became more familiar with firearms and his life and he set his sights on new goals. Larsson explains, “I started my career at Buffalo Bore Ammunition and then I had the opportunity to purchase Skinner Sights through Dr. Tim Skinner, a friend of 30 years.” “I purchased the business in August 2010 and have never looked back. Because Andy Larsson does most of his product development in the woods, he creates sights that hunters will love. Larsson is a constant tinkerer and can often solve big problems with small solutions due to his ability to see the needs for shooters so clearly. Larsson didn’t buy Skinner Sights out of impulse. Larsson’s work for Skinner Sights had made Skinner and Larsson friends for many years. Skinner Sights was born out of the vision of Larsson. Larsson says that my initial goal was to pay Dr. Skinner the first payment. Larsson says that the next step was to expand our product line and grow the six basic products that he was offering. I was the only person responsible for all marketing, machining and assembly as well as shipping. It was a fast learning curve and I had two employees by January 2011. Larsson was a dreamer, as much a realist as any straight-shooting person should be. He is a dreamer with enough grit to see his dreams come true. Skinner Sights has become a trusted brand by some of the most respected firearms manufacturers in the world, such as Henry and Marlin. Larsson states, “I am passionate about bringing new product to the market.” It’s very satisfying when you have an idea and then spend the night working out details to hold, cut, finish, and apply the results in a way that will benefit shooters. It is very motivating to see it come to fruition when the orders arrive. Larsson’s mechanical aptitude was machine-matched with a work ethic, moral values, and high expectations. Larsson states that my core value is to first follow the golden rule. “We treat our customers as we would like to be treated. Customer service is key. Don’t sell gimmicks. Never steal from another company. Be honorable. Always give back. Your business will reap the rewards of what you sow. Listen to your customers and show appreciation. Don’t lend against your company. Make it profitable. Invest in people, infrastructure. All people can benefit from your efforts. Help others. Loyalty to others is a virtue. A great idea combined with a strong work ethic is not enough to be successful in today’s highly competitive outdoor industry market. Larsson had to learn how to market Skinner Sights, and he did. Larsson states, “Everything now has the name of our company on it.” Larsson says that Dr. Skinner hadn’t been marking any of his products. After Skinner registered his name, Skinner was now the only person who could use it in the firearms market. I purchased a small Pantograph engraving machine and added Skinner to everything I built. “Larsson had an idea of his goals when he started. “I want Skinner to remain relevant in the market, appearing as an OEM product by other manufacturers, and expand to outdoor products. I am currently working on products for ORVs, the fishing/boating market, and possibly something for the adult airgun market. “Once Skinner Sights was established, Larsson added value to the brand. Larsson is a dedicated family man who is often found with Sheila, his wife and a world-class hunter. Larsson states that he would link his website to any customer who contacted him. “We got the name out there using online blogging and forums. Photos were used everywhere because I am visual. Our unique design and shape are distinctive. The Black Gold line was introduced in late 2010 and became a huge success. Today, more than half of our sales include the Black Gold option. We also incorporate the colors in our logos and advertising. Larsson said, “Getting our sights in the hands of real users and gun writers around the globe was important.” “I love people, especially hunters and shooters, so we quickly formed lasting relationships in firearms industry. These people are now our family. “Get More Information on Sights:What is a Skinner? So, what exactly are Skinner sight? Larsson claims that his sights are made from solid steel, stainless and brass bar stock. Larsson proudly stated, “No aluminum except for our Picatinny railway products.” A Skinner Sight looks as if it grew on your rifle. It’s designed to enhance the beauty of your firearm, be rugged and reliable, and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Our products are used daily on the range and in the field. Our customer service ranks among the best in this industry. Your success is our goal. These products are the result of a lifetime spent outdoors and shooting. They are my life and you can too. Larsson’s vision, plan, ethics, skill, and vision have rewarded his customers, his employees, and his family. Skinner Sights has seen a significant increase in sales since 2010. Larsson’s business acumen is largely validated by word-of-mouth referrals. “We just celebrated our 10-year anniversary. We still love our association in the industry, the friendships we have made, and bringing our ideas and dreams to market to help other shooters or companies succeed. “Skinner Sights makes many systems for many manufacturers. What is Larsson’s biggest battle cry as a business owner?” Larsson says, “Never get so deep that you can’t keep your head up.” “I only work with manufacturers that I trust. I trust manufacturers until they give me reason to doubt. Remember that we reap what our efforts have borne. It will backfire on a company if they are dishonest in their business deals, steal product ideas, or sell you out for their profits. Larsson said that the most telling thing about him was when he revealed his top and most influential mentors in business, hunting, and shooting. “My father, who introduced to me to shooting, hunting, and reloading.” “My boss in college: He trusted me with the customers. Many friends who share outdoor passions. Tim Sundles, Buffalo Bore Ammo, has been a friend, mentor, and employer.” Dr. Larsson thanked Skinner for his trust and innovation, as well as his vision.” “Coni Brooks and Randy Brooks, who made Barnes Bullets a world-recognized and standard-setting company. Their innovation, inspiration, and ethics are a testament to the potential of a business model that works. Coni inspired Sheila to get involved in the outdoors and firearm industry. Skinner Sights can help. “Anthony Imperato (and his crew) of Henry Repeating arms reached us early on and trusted us to create sight solutions for Henry Rifles. This set a high standard in customer service, generosity, and made-in the USA loyalty. Eric Lundgren, Remington/Marlin, is innovative, well-informed and clearly communicates how Skinner Sights will benefit their product line. My employees and staff: They are the backbone for production, customer satisfaction, and service. Every day, my crew helps to grow the business. My wife, Sheila: Every morning we get up ready for whatever adventure lies ahead. My relationship with Sheila and my respect for her inspire me to do better, achieve higher and be more successful. Skinner Sights continues its efforts to reach its goals, both with its customers as well as its future. We are growing. Larsson said, “I have some cool ideas for this fall and we continue to be relevant in the market without chasing the latest ‘fads’.” “We are not another company with a CNC machine, a can of spray paint, and we’re not just another company. Our products and designs must withstand the test of time. “For more information on Skinner Sights, please visit skinnersights.com.Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the November 2020 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Storm Tactical Printable Target Pack 62 Printable MOA Targets with DOT Drills – Rifle Range in YARDS This impressive target pack from our friends at Storm Tactical contains 62 printable targets for rifle and handgun range use. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be downloaded in MOA. Perfect for long-range shooting! Get free targets