New or old its news to me the first time I hear about it.... dont know if you members knew this or not... This is a copy and paste...
Tom Knapp is a name likely recognized by few - but in the exhibition shooting circuit, the Elk River, Minnesota man is a legend, holding three world records for clay pigeon eradication, including one in which he shot 10 targets out of the air in 2.2 seconds. For the past 20 years he's been doing his crazy gun tricks with a Benelli shotgun.
But Knapp's been cut loose from the Italian gun manufacturer's roster, after he had to cancel his latest exhibition tour due to medical complications. Despite the end of his relationship with Benelli, Knapp's looking toward the future with hope. "I'm quickly regaining my health and looking forward to the next phase of my career," he said.
Benelli USA is very pleased that Tom Knapp’s health has improved enough for him to resume his exhibition shooting on a limited basis. Benelli USA has multiple agreements with Tom Knapp and the only one affected by his health condition was his exhibition show contract. As per Tom’s request his live show schedule for 2010 was cancelled indefinitely until his health allowed him to resume.
In January 2010, Tom informed Benelli USA that he had been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease that would require a lung transplant. It appeared, at the time, it might take two to three years for Tom to receive a lung transplant. Tom also informed Benelli USA that his condition required that he be on oxygen 24/7, causing the cancellation of his 2010 exhibition schedule and preventing him from attending the 2010 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.
Tom continues to be contracted by Benelli for his participation in the TV show, Benelli’s American Birdhunter. Tom told Benelli USA that he would be unable to participate in the hunts, but he could continue as the on-camera host while Benelli exhibition shooter, Tim Bradley could step in as co-host.
As clearly stated in a letter sent to Tom Knapp in January, “In reference to additional and future business relations and projects, Benelli USA looks forward to continuing a professional relationship with you (Tom Knapp), whenever and wherever opportunities may arise.”
“We at Benelli have been very concerned with Tom's health. It would seem that there has been a considerable misunderstanding that we intend to resolve. It has never been the intention of Benelli USA to sever ties with Tom Knapp,” said Stephen McKelvain, Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “To the contrary, it was our intention to give Tom the time he needed to recuperate fully from his illness in order that he can continue building his legacy as the World’s greatest exhibition shooter of our time.”
Kansas City, KS - Exhibition Shooter Tom Knapp has teamed up with firearms company CZ-USA. Tom has selected the CZ 712 to use in his upcoming shooting demonstrations.
The 712 as well as other CZ-USA models will be featured during his wing shooting clinics.
New videos and TV appearances are in the works where Tom will bring new ideas along with his special brand of excitement to the line of CZ shotguns, rifles and pistols.
CZ-USA is the exclusive US importer for firearms from Ceska Zbrojovka and Zbrojovka Brno in the Czech Republic as well as their line of shotguns from Huglu, Turkey. CZ-USA is the holding company for Dan Wesson, a premium handgun manufacturer in New York, and the Safari Classics line of custom sporting rifles.
CZ Model 712 Semi-Auto Shotgun 06031, 12 Gauge, 28 in, 3 in Chmbr, Turkish Walnut Stock, Black Finish
Price 476.64 off of able ammos site.
I read this off the net and the posters name is popeye.. he wrote...If you own/shoot a CZ Model 712 or a Model 720 semi-automatic shotgun, STOP USING IT!.
This week, two 712 shotguns have been returned to the shop BLOWN UP! It is a catastrophic failure. Neither of the shooters was seriously harmed but... Both guns were used extensively for trap shooting.
CZ USA was contacted, claims to "know" about the problem (telling me that these are NOT the only two guns with this problem) but has not yet issued a recall.
I am not knocking anything as I dont know but this was a copy and paste for you to make your OWN decisions on and hopefully you found it good reads.
Tom Knapp was originally from Sioux City, Iowa. My crow hunting mentor Boyd Robeson and Tom Knapp were pretty good friends, they hunted roosters together many years ago in Iowa.
Tom is just an old Iowa farm boy who can really shoot!
Bob A.
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To listen to this radio talk show go to episode 12, Bob Aronsohn
