One of the hallmark voices of the shooting sports for the past 30 years has left the range for the last time.

Jim Scoutten, anchor of Shooting USA TV for generations, reportedly passed away this week. In a brief statement posted Tuesday, Shooting USA noted, "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jim Scoutten. In his thirty years of reporting the shooting sports, Jim played a pivotal role in the industry and will be greatly missed."

Scoutten was the host of "American Shooter" for years before Shooting USA, pivoting to full-time firearms journalism in 1993 after working for All News Radio and mainstream broadcast television news stations in Minneapolis, Honolulu, Phoenix, Seattle, Greater Houston, and Savannah, as well as delivering automotive reporting with "Motor Trend" and "Car and Driver." Vintage newscasts from his anchor days abound online and showcase Scoutten's unmistakable golden baritone voice, perfect diction, and the best hair in local news. 

An example of Scoutten's easy presentation style is on excellent display in the below three-minute clip where he deftly explains the concept of Minute of Angle. 
 

Within hours of Scoutten's passing, those from throughout the industry were quick to share a memory of the beloved figure, who was arguably America's most-watched firearms reporter.

"I grew up with Jim Scoutten’s unmistakable voice narrating the stories and action of the shooting sports," said international shooting champion Julie Golob, sharing images of Scoutten to social media. "I was star-struck to meet him and later floored and honored to work with him through Shooting USA's Impossible Shots and Jim Scoutten's Shooting USA."

"Such a wonderful man and family, an icon in the industry that has changed so many lives including mine, I have so many incredible memories with Jim & his son John over the last 3 decades that I’ve known them, his incredible voice & legacy will live on forever, not just on the screen and through his family, but in all of us that knew him," noted Taran Butler of Taran Tactical. 

Thanks for lighting the way, Mr. Scoutten. We are all diminished in your passing.