New York, NY - March 31, 2010 - Handguns, the only program on any television network that focuses solely on handguns, is debuting its sophomore season this week with new host, Brian Stas, joining Aaron Roberts as they set their sights on new targets, tackle new challenges, and rip off even more ammunition than last season. Handguns airs Thursday nights at 8:30 p.m. EST, exclusively on Sportsman Channel, during the "Lock and Load" shooting programming block.

New co-host Stas joins firearms and tactics expert, Roberts, to create a powerful firearm duo. Stas has served in both covert and overt capacities as a law enforcement specialist, a Master-at-Arms with the U.S. Navy, a Trooper with the Connecticut State Police, and a Police Officer for the NYPD in the South Bronx. "I hope to add some of my life experiences and knowledge learned from years on the beat," said Stas. "Viewers can expect a fun journey and be educated and entertained in the world of handguns."

Handguns is the only television show in America focused exclusively on the most popular firearm: handguns. Each week, Handguns examines pistols, revolvers, ammunition and accessories used in a core handgun environment such as police service, home defense, competitive shooting and hunting. Handguns is dedicated to "Showing How Handguns Get it Done."

"We continue to push the envelope in television production across the firearms industry to find a combination of programming concepts and show hosts that will get the viewer excited to watch week after week," said Willy Burkhardt, president of Sportsman Channel. "Roberts and Stas are a great combination; they really love what they do, they're deeply knowledgeable in the field and they are effective in communicating their expertise and excitement to the viewer."

This season of Handguns begins with the "Guns of the Gun Fight," showcasing revolvers used by the legendary gunslinger Frank James, the trusty 1911 deployed by the heroic Sgt. Alvin York, and the Smith & Wesson M10 .38 favored by Jim Cirillo of NYPD's famous Stakeout Squad. In addition, the show will debut a recurring feature called "Extreme Exposure" in which hosts Roberts and Stas will put a Springfield XDm 9 mm handgun through a series of "torture tests" over the course of the season. The firearm will be dragged behind a car for a mile, submerged in water for 24 hours, buried in mud for a day, and dropped off a building. For the first time on television, viewers can watch as the hosts subject the XDm to extreme limits and then examine whether or not it is capable of firing accurately.

"When viewers watch, it's like they get mini-classes on how to use their handgun," said Roberts. "We not only tell you why you need to shoot this way, but also provide tips on how to practice to become safer and surer around handguns."

The season continues with the hosts reviewing military revolvers as they look back on why the revolver was the preferred sidearm of the military for so many years. Specifically, they review a British Colt .45. They also review "Small versus Medium versus Large Handguns" in the third episode by outlining how certain handguns-the Taurus PT25, the medium-sized Ruger SR9 and the large Double Star 1911 A1 - perform different tasks better than others.

Returning this season are the popular features, "Handgun Flashback with Gary James," a noted handgun historian who looks back on the evolution of the handgun; "Hot Shots" where the hosts demonstrate what today's newest guns can really do; and "Handgun Homework" for the best tips on practicing with your handgun.

Roberts served in the 75th Ranger Regiment and the 10th Mountain Division LRSD (Long Range Surveillance Detachment). After leaving the military, Roberts first became a Texas State Trooper and then a Lead Staff Firearms and Tactics Instructor at Blackwater Training Center. Roberts has trained various levels of civilian, local, state, federal law enforcement, military and special operations personnel. He's a nationally recognized competitive shooter with numerous local, state, and regional championships, as well as numerous Top 10 finishes at National Championship events. Currently, Roberts is the President of Tactical Shooting Solutions Inc., a firearms training provider, and the owner of Roberts Precision Rifles, a custom builder of precision rifles.

Stas has been a law enforcement professional for 12 years. Now retired from law enforcement, Stas continues with his passion to teach and train with law enforcement and military professionals from all over the world. He works in a series of capacities including as a training coordinator for the International Tactical Officers Training Association, an NRA Instructor and a designer of tactical equipment for Evolution Gear. Stas also writes for SWAT Digest magazine and Officer.com. He volunteers for organizations in New York who are advocates for disabled veterans, police, firefighters and their families.

About Sportsman Channel: Launched in 2003, Sportsman Channel is the only television and digital media company fully devoted to the more than 82 million sportsmen in the United States, delivering entertaining and educational programming focused exclusively on hunting, shooting and fishing activities. Sportsman Channel is now available in HD, check with your local cable or satellite provider. Acquired by InterMedia Outdoors Holdings in 2006, Sportsman Channel reaches more than 25 million U.S. television households and is a part of the nation's largest multimedia company targeted exclusively to serving the information and entertainment needs of outdoors enthusiasts. Visit www.thesportsmanchannel.com, follow on Twitter, @SPORTSMANchnl (www.twitter.com/SPORTSMANchnl), or become a Fan on Facebook, www.facebook.com/sportsmanchannel.