2/26/2010

Even though the U.S. Biathlon Team didn’t earn a medal at the 2010 Olympics, they will benefit from GunBroker.com auctions of 50 custom Savage Mark II BTVS rifles through a partnership with the Hunting Heritage Trust.

The 50 “Team USA 2010” Olympic Biathlon rifles—one for each state—feature a highly collectible serial number, which include the state designation and 2010. The New York rifle, for example, carries the serial number NY-2010. In addition to the unique serial number, the "Team USA-2010" rifles feature the authorized use of the official Olympic rings and the official "Team USA-Vancouver 2010" logo.

"Team 2010"is a major initiative by the United States Biathlon Association to broaden shooting sports industry support of Biathlon. The team has received a major boost from the firearms and ammunition industry in recent months. The National Shooting Sports Foundation, Hornady, ATK-Federal, Glock, Ruger, Henry Repeating Arms and Winchester Ammunition all provided support leading up to the Olympics. Several, including NSSF, have already pledged their continued support.

"The production of this Special Edition rifle and its purchase by a dedicated sportsman will help support the outstanding athletes who represented our nation in 2010 Winter Olympic competition," said Max Cobb, Executive Director of the United States Biathlon Association. "We are particularly pleased and proud to see that several of the rifles have already sold for the $1,000 ‘Buy Now’ price."

For the past year, International Biathlon experts have been saying that the U.S. team is "the most improved in the World" and may be poised for its first-ever medal in Vancouver. The much-anticipated medal performance did not materialize but supporters of our U.S. team can still show their support for the team and own a unique piece of Olympic history in the process.

Bidding on the rifles that do not sell for the $1,000 "Buy Now" price will remain open at Gunbroker.com until Sunday evening, February 28—closing day of the Olympics.