ATK attack

COEUR d'ALENE - It's big, it's black, and it's filled with almost every type of ammunition on the market.

But it's not a U.N. helicopter or a federal agency looking over everyone's shoulder, it's an ATK/Federal fifth-wheel trailer parked at Black Sheep Sporting Goods displaying the wide line of products made by the company and sold at the store.

"The trailer is really cool," said Brian Knoll, store manager. "The regulars are eating it up. The guys who sleep with their guns love it."

So much so, he said, that the planned Friday and Saturday visit will be extended to Sunday, at least the first half of the day.

"It's something new," said John Childs, Northwest representative for the company.

Black Sheep carries, and sells, a large number of ATK/Federal merchandise and ordered extra for the show. With only two of the trailers to service all 50 states, the visit is reserved for the stores that top the sales charts, Childs said.

"There are a lot of new products that people don't know exist, and a lot we wouldn't normally stock," Knoll said.

Displays throughout the air conditioned trailer show the history of the company from 1922, with highlights of products and personnel.

"We have cutaways showing how things are built," Childs said.

That includes ammunition and many of the accessories, such as the RCBS reloading systems and Weaver scopes.

Those who arrive early, before the temperature heats up, will have a chance to sight through the scopes on board through the open back window. Brochures of ATK/Federal products are available, along with a catalog for shopping and several forms for rebates.

Inside the store, scopes, parts, accessories and specialty items such as targets are on sale through the weekend.

"Black Sheep is always good," said Mike King of Anacortes, Wash., visiting the store during a trip to Spokane for a trap shoot.

"It's interesting to see the history," added his wife, Rita.

ATK/Federal covers the field with product, Childs said.

"There is nothing in the shooting sport we don't have our hand in, except firearms," he said. "We build everything. We are a pretty much a one-stop shop, A to Z.

That includes ammunition for everything from primers, percussion caps, balls and bullets for muzzleloaders to shotgun slugs for every application, each displayed on the cutaways.

Black Sheep is at 308 W. Seale Ave. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.