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January 26th, 2024

Noteworthy Rifles Showcased at SHOT Show 2024

shot show 2024 springfield armory 2020 redline rifle

Literally hundreds of new rifle designs were displayed at SHOT Show 2024. Here are eight notable new (or recently introduced) rifles that were spotlighted in SHOT Daily magazine. We have seen trends to more modular rifles in recent years. And multiple rifle-makers are now offering very lightweight rigs for hunters.

shot show 2024 springfield armory 2020 redline rifle

The innovative Benelli Lupo HPR rifle boast an impressive sub-MOA, FIVE-shot factory accuracy guarantee. The new Lupo HPR combines a custom-fitment stock system with a heavy-contour, straight-fluted CRYO barrel. Many popular chamberings are offered: 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win, .300 PRC, .300 WinMag, and .338 Lapua Magnum. Benelli says the Lupo HPR “incorporates the function of a chassis rifle with the handling grace and accuracy of a custom bolt-action.” CLICK HERE for image with Lupo HPR details.

shot show 2024 springfield armory 2020 redline rifle

The Savage 110 Ultralight Elite is a modern very light rig designed for the higher-end hunting market. Offered in multiple chamberings, the 110 Elite features a carbon-wrapped 18″ or 20″ Proof Research barrel and skeletonized carbon composite stock. The whole rig (before optics) runs just 5.8 to 6 pounds — very lightweight. The weight savings are nice, but the $3299.00 MSRP makes this a pretty pricey Savage. Chamberings are: 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm PRC, .308 Win, .300 WSM, and .300 WinMag. This rifle is review in the Backfire Video below at the 19:14 time-mark.

shot show 2024 springfield armory 2020 redline rifle

Bergara B-14 Crest rifles are offered with two models for backcountry hunters. This 100% carbon monocoque fiber stock is designed with industry-leading technologies. The Squared Crest rifle comes with a detachable 5-round AICS compatible magazine. A wide selection of chamberings are offered: .22-250 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7 PRC, .308 Win, 300 Win Mag.

shot show 2024 springfield armory 2020 redline rifle

The Rock River Arms XM24 is offered in .308 Win and .338 Lapua Magnum. Priced at a hefty $5295.00, this features a non-folding MDT ESS chassis and 26″ cryo-treated barrel. The .338 LM version would be a decent out-of-the box choice for ELR shooting.

shot show 2024 springfield armory 2020 redline rifle

The Browning X-Bolt Ovix rifle features a Cerakoted barreled action (with brake) fitted in a handsome camo stock. The modern DLX trigger offers a crisp break and adjusts down to 3 pounds. The Veri-Tech stock, finished in Ovix camo pattern, has a unique modular grip design. This allows the sporter grip (as shown) to be swapped with a more vertical-style grip.

shot show 2024 springfield armory 2020 redline rifle

The CVA Cascade Long Range Hunter rifles feature 22″ or 24″ barrels with muzzle brake. Both action and barrel have a handsome tan Cerakote finish. The stocks have an adjustable cheekpiece plus a “soft touch” finish. A wide range of chamberings are offered: 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7mm Mag, 7 PRC, .308 Win, .300 PRC, and .300 Win Magnum. Prices start at $925.00 MSRP.

shot show 2024 springfield armory 2020 redline rifle

The Primary Weapons Systems UXR is an innovative, multi-caliber tactical rifle. The unique UXR (User Xchange Rifle) allows users to quickly switch chamberings by exchanging just three parts: barrel, magwell, and bolt head. Initially available in 5.56×45 and .300 BLK variations, the UXR platform will also be available in .308 Win and 8.6 BLK configurations later this year.

shot show 2024 springfield armory 2020 redline rifle

The new Springfield Armory Model 2020 Redline is lightweight, custom-grade hunting rifle currently available in 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win. Featuring a minimalist Grayboe Trekker stock and outfitted with a 16″ or 20″ carbon-wrapped barrel, the Redline is suppressor-ready and carries a .75 MOA guarantee.

38 More Guns in BackFire Video Review

If these Quick Pix just wet your appetite and you want to see even more rifles, watch this 41-minute Backfire Channel video. The host reviews 38 different firearms, mostly rifles. The gun he’s holding in the video “cover shot” is a custom rifle with a Rem-clone action in a Matterhorn metal plus wood laminate stock. (See 15:40 time-mark).

In the video you’ll notice a cameo appearance by Eric Cortina at 8:20 time-mark. Eric notes that Caldwell has a new radar chronograph that can calculate bullet BC. The host then showcases the new Caldwell VelociRadar chronograph at the 8:52 mark. It’s quite a bit bigger than the new Garmin Xero C1 Chrono, but it has a nice rugged housing and costs $100 less.

shot show 2024 caldwell velociradar garmin xero radar chronograph doppler

Permalink Gear Review, Hunting/Varminting, New Product No Comments »
January 22nd, 2024

BargainFinder 435: AccurateShooter’s Deals of the Week

AccurateShooter Deals of the Week Weekly Bargain Finder Sale Discount Savings

At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.

NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.

1. EuroOptic — 15% Off Vortex Optics

vortex scope sale
Significant savings on full line of Vortex optics

Vortex scopes are a top choice of hunters and target shooters alike. Vortex offers a superb warranty and a wide variety of optics types and zoom levels. If you’ve wanted to grab a new Vortex riflescope or spotting scope visit EuroOptic. Right now you can get 15% off the vast majority of Vortex products EuroOptic has in stock. Use CODE VTX15 to get the 15% savings.

2. Creedmoor Sports — ADG Brass IN STOCK

adg brass sale
ADG makes very good brass — now in stock for popular cartridge types

ADG brass was designed not only for consistency, but for durability. You can grab some quality ADG Brass cartridge types now at Creedmoor Sports. They have hard to find 6.5 PRC, 6.5 SAUM and more ready to ship. NOTE: Top F-Open shooters are necking up 6.5 PRC to 7mm, to create a very effective and efficient 7/6.5 PRC wildcat.

3. Palmetto SA — Ruger American Predator Rifle, $599.99

ruger rifle sale
Very solid deer-hunting rig with great Go Wild camo

Looking for a new hunting rifle? Consider the Ruger American Predator, a rugged, reliable hunting rifle without the high price tag. This 6.5 Creedmoor rifle has a nice synthetic stock in the popular Go Wild camo finish. The one-piece, three-lug bolt with 70° throw provides ample scope clearance and utilizes dual cocking cams for smooth cycling. This rifle comes with mounted Picatinny scope rail and threaded-end barrel with muzzle brake. The trigger is user adjustable between 3 and 5 pounds. The 6.5 Creedmoor round is more than adequate for normal deer hunting. For big elk, we recommend a larger cartridge.

4. Stocky’s Stocks — Quality Carbon Fiber Stocks on Sale

rifle stock sale
Excellent stock for varmint and hunting rifles — strong and light

Would you like a modern, high-tech carbon fiber stock for your next hunting or varmint rifle project? Stocky’s Stocks is running a major sale on UltraLite Carbon Fiber VG2 Rem 700 Stocks, UltraLite Carbon Fiber Hunter Rem 700 Stocks and UltraLite Carbon Fiber M50 Rem 700 Stocks. With a selection this big you’re bound to find one that fits your needs. These stocks are strong, light, and durable.

5. Bruno’s — Nightforce 15-55x52mm DEMO open box, $2150.00

nightforce scope sale
Save hundreds on open box Nightforce comp scope

The impressive Nightforce Competition 15-55x52mm ZeroStop is one of the best available optics for benchrest, F-Class, and ELR competition. The glass is very good, clicks are precise, and the scope has a handy ZeroStop. Right now Bruno’s has “open box” versions of these superb scopes for $2150.00 — hundreds less than they normally cost. These 15-55X NF demos still come with full factory warranties. Don’t delay — supply is very limited!

6. Natchez — RCBS TrimMate, $89.99

rcbs brass prep sale
Reliable, versatile case prep — $45 less than $135 Amazon price

Now offered at a big discount at Natchez, the RCBS Trim Mate Case Prep Center, is a good, versatile multi-station power unit. Five gear-driven rotating heads perform multiple tasks. Along with case neck cleaning, this Case Prep Center will do neck chamfering, deburring, primer pocket cleaning, military crimp removal, and flash hole deburring. This is a great price — the same RCBS machine is now $135.49 on Amazon.

7. Amazon — Lyman BrassSmith Funnel, $33.49

powder funnel sale
Very useful kit we use — avoids powder spills

Having a good powder funnel really helps precision reloading. The Lyman Products Brass Smith Pro Powder Funnel System is a great little system. Unlike plastic powder funnels, the aluminum DIE cast body and CNC-turned aluminum caliber-specific inserts are static free to eliminate powder cling. The precision fit to your case necks eliminates spilled powder. The kit includes six laser-marked aluminum inserts to fit calibers 22 to 338: .22, .243/6mm, .25/6.5mm, .270/7mm, .30, and .338.

8. Amazon — MAGID Gemstone Safety Bifocals, $14.99

shooting glasses sale
Great for shooters who need to read logs and smartphone App details

Are you one of the many shooters who need some magnification when adjusting your turrets, reading scores, or using phone Apps? You should try BIFOCAL SAFETY GLASSES that protect your vision while helping you see better. These MAGID Safety Glasses with Level 2 Diopters (#ad) boast a ANSI Z87.1 safety rating. With these safety bifocals you get quality eye protection when shooting plus the benefit of a little extra magnification as needed. These bifocal safety glasses also have side shields.

9. Amazon — Hiners 1/4″ Torque Wrench Set, $38.99 w/ coupon

rifle torque wrench sale
Smart addition for home tool set

Using a torque wrench is important when mounting scopes and installing actions. If you need a torque wrench, consider the Hiners 1/4-Inch Torque Screwdriver Wrench Set (#ad). This 31-piece kit features a driver that can be set from 10 to 70 inch-pounds with a nice, resin handle that’s comfortable to grip. There are color-coded steel Hex, Slotted, and Torx Bits.

10. Amazon — 50-Pack Bullseye 17″x17″ Targets, $14.99

shooting targets sale
Colorful bullseye targets work for indoor pistol and long-range rifles

Here’s a good, highly-visible target for close-range pistol practice or longer-range rifle shooting. The colors stand out for indoor pistol shooting, while the rings are good for competition rifle shooters. This 50-Pack of Bullseye Paper Targets (#ad) features a 5-color, 10-ring bullseye target with scoring values from 1 to 10. The targets measure an ample 17″x17″ square and include a log box for name, scores, and distance.

As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.

Permalink Hot Deals, Hunting/Varminting, News, Optics No Comments »
January 21st, 2024

Sunday GunDay: Straight-Pull Beretta BRX1 and BRX1 Tactical

brx1 beretta straight-pull rifle ambidextrous left right rotating bolt

The Beretta BRX1 is a modern rifle with some unique properties. It is a fast-cycling “straight-pull” rifle with the ability to quickly change the bolt position from right side to left side. It uses a rotating multi-lug bolt, similar to what you’ll find on AR-platform rifles. The closing system employs an 8-lug bolt (or 16-lug for magnums). Currently, three chamberings are offered in the USA: .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, and .30-06 Springfield. And there are also some previous production models in 6.5 Creedmoor. Multiple barrel lengths are offered: 20.1″, 22.4″, 24.4″ (51, 57, 62 cm). Barrel and chamber are cold-hammer forged together from a single steel piece. The trigger can be adjusted to three pull weights from 2.1 pounds (950 grams) to 3.3 pounds (1500 grams). CLICK HERE for factory specifications and more information.

CLICK HERE to Download Beretta BRX1 Manual PDF »

Accuracy has been good by hunting rifle standards. Beretta offers a 3-shot, sub-MOA Guarantee for the BRX1, stating that “the accuracy certificate for each firearm is available online”. Testers have confirmed that this rifle should be capable of putting three shots in about 1″ at 100 yards.

brx1 beretta straight-pull rifle ambidextrous left right rotating bolt

You’ll find a good review of the Beretta BRX1 on the All4Shooters Website. In 100m outdoor range testing, they were able to get a 1.18″ five-shot group, and the testers confirmed the rifle was fast to cycle and operate: “The straight-pull repeater comes with a linear reloading system. In concrete terms, this means that no rotation or lever movement is required. This promises particularly fast reloading due to an especially smooth bolt action. Without any problems, it was possible to cycle the rifle with one finger.” The testers confirmed the rifle can change from right-hand to left-hand very quickly: “The bolt handle can be removed in a few seconds, and the shooter can change the ejection side. In combination with the central safety, you have a fully-fledged left- or right-handed gun within a short time.”

Overall the testers were impressed: “The new Beretta BRX1 has everything you need on board: a muzzle thread, a one-piece Picatinny rail, a high-quality red-orange magazine (5+1 rounds), ambidexterity, barrel change option, and a great, very smooth straight-pull action.”

January 2024 Field Test of BRX1 Latest Model

This is a good, recent review (1/19/2024) by the BackFire channel. The tester liked the straight-pull action, stating that cycling the BRX1’s bolt does not “jostle the rifle” as with a conventional bolt action. This allows smoother and faster follow-up shots.

brx1 beretta straight-pull rifle ambidextrous left right rotating bolt

brx1 beretta straight-pull rifle ambidextrous left right rotating bolt

We were concerned that the BRX 1 doesn’t have a conventional action frame. As you can see in the above photo, when the bolt carrier assembly is retracted there is nothing above the bolt except the scope rail. However, this rifle has been thoroughly tested by the Beretta team, including one rifle that saw 10,000 rounds of .300 Win Magnum (see Backfire video at 10:40). Beretta notes that the “BRX1 has successfully passed the same NATO tests carried by Beretta on military weapons. Thanks to the experience in the military and law enforcement world, BRX1 mounts a locking system featuring a rotating bolt head with 8 locking lugs — or 16 for magnum calibers.”

brx1 beretta straight-pull rifle ambidextrous left right rotating bolt

There was a safety recall on Beretta BRX1 rifles early on, shortly after the original release in 2021. The issue arose from users incorrectly installing the bolt handle: “a user has reversed the charging handle on the bolt without positioning it correctly in its seat.” A part was modified to eliminate the issue.

SHORT VIDEOS Showing BRX1 Features

Here are some helpful “short” videos. The first (top left) shows how to cycle the action rapidly. The second video (from Beretta Gallery Dallas) shows how to attach the bolt assembly, and notes that one must ensure the hammer is cocked/retracted before sliding the bolt assembly on to the action. The third video illustrates how to move the bolt handle from one side to the other.

brx1 beretta straight-pull rifle ambidextrous left right rotating bolt

Tactical Version with Extended Magazine TFB-TV Review

For 2024, Beretta has introduced a new, camo-finish version of BRX1. This has been dubbed the BRX1 Tactical. Like other BRX1 rifles, this camo BRX1 features a left/right swappable straight-pull action that is very fast to cycle.

In this video, released just last week (1/17/24), the TFB-TV team tests the new Beretta BRX1 Tactical: “This tactical edition, a standout with its multicam finish, is a specialized variant of the Beretta BRX-1, which has gained popularity in Europe for its precision and reliability. The BRX-1 Tactical is enhanced for practical functionality with a 3D printed magazine adapter, allowing it to accept Magpul P-Mags, adding to its versatility.” This video covers the BRX1’s notable features including smooth action, adaptability, and stock ergonomics. The video also compares the new BRX1 Tactical to the original European BRX-1 model, highlighting the main changes — principally the stock configuration and the new bigger magazine.

Permalink - Videos, Hunting/Varminting, New Product, News 5 Comments »
January 21st, 2024

Safari Club Int’l Convention in Nashville Jan. 31 through Feb. 3

safari club international 2024 convention nashville tennessee tn music hunter guide animals

Safari Club International (SCI) invites hunters and sportsmen to attend the 52nd Annual Hunters’ Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. This major event will be held January 31st through February 3rd, 2024 at the Nashville Music City Convention Center. “Safari Club International’s Annual Convention is an opportunity for hunters to experience the latest from leading brands in the hunting industry … our Convention [brings] the best of the hunting industry to our members” said W. Laird Hamberlin, SCI’s CEO.

safari club international 2024 convention nashville tennessee tn music hunter guide animalsThe large Music City Convention Center will host exhibitors from all over the world. Attendees can check out the latest firearms and hunting gear, take part in seminars, and book hunts from multiple continents. This year’s convention will host guest speakers Craig Boddington, Dan Adler, Dave Holt, and Ramsey Russell. There will also be over 20 live and online SCI auctions with bidding on once-in-a-lifetime guided hunts, exceptional firearms, fine art, and jewelry.

With outfitters and guides from around the world, plus gun and ammo manufacturers, the SCI Annual Convention has been called the “Superbowl of Hunting Shows”.

The SCI Convention Will Feature Live Music by Legendary Performers
The 2024 SCI Convention will also feature some great live music, with performances by big name musical artists .38 Special, Jason Aldean, Big & Rich, and Foreigner.

safari club international 2024 convention nashville tennessee tn music hunter guide animals

Map for Music City Convention Center in Nashville, TN:

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January 8th, 2024

NRA Golden Bullseye Award-Winning Rifles for 2024

golden bullseye nra publications ruger marlin springfield armory nosler 21

golden bullseye nra publicationsEvery year the NRA Publications group announces Golden Bullseye Award winners for various product categories (rifle, handgun, shotgun, optics, gear etc.). These awards are like the Oscars for the shooting industry. There are many Golden Bullseyes given out each year because there are separate awards given by different NRA Magazines — including American Rifleman, Shooting Illustrated, and American Hunter. Here are the 2024 Rifles of the Year (Golden Bullseye Winners) as chosen by each of those three publications.

springfield armory model 2020 golden bullseye winner rifle

American Rifleman 2024 Golden Bullseye — Rifle of the Year

Springfield Armory Model 2020 Rimfire

springfield armory model 2020 golden bullseye winner rifle

American Rifleman says the Springfield Armory 2020 Rimfire has impressive features: “Springfield 2020 Rimfire rifles come with an accuracy guarantee to shoot a three-shot group under one inch at 50 yards with match-grade ammunition. [The] new 2020 Rimfire bolt action [has] dual cocking cams and a 60-degree bolt throw. Rifles come supplied with an interrupted Picatinny optics rail[.] The trigger is user-adjustable [and is] compatible with 700-pattern aftermarket triggers[.] The rifle is fed with a detachable-box rotary magazine with a 10-round capacity of the 10/22 pattern.”

American hunter golden bullseye award Marlin model 336 classic

American Hunter 2024 Golden Bullseye — Rifle of the Year

Marlin Model 336 Classic

marlin model 336 classic golden bullseye winner rifle

American Hunter magazine likes the Marlin 336 Classic, with its smooth lever action and traditional appearance: “A gorgeous lever-action … this is a firearm as comfortable over the fireplace as it is in the deer woods. Its American black walnut stock blends beautifully with the satin-blued finish of the receiver and barrel.”

golden bullseye shooting illustrated

Shooting Illustrated 2024 Golden Bullseye — Rifle of the Year

Smith & Wesson FPC Carbine

smith and wesson fpc 9mm folding carbine shooting illustrated rifle year golden bullseye
smith and wesson fpc 9mm folding carbine shooting illustrated rifle year golden bullseye

S&W’s M&P FPC folding carbine is easy to transport and has smart on-board storage for magazines. The FPC’s buttstock has twin slots that hold 17-rd and/or 23-rd magazines compatible with S&W 9mm pistols. When folded, S&W’s FPC Carbine is just 16 3/8″. S&W delivers the new FPC in a cool zippered carry case with four internal pockets. That nice, padded carry case is included in the affordable $659.00 price.

New Award Category for Suppressor

New for 2024 is the Shooting Illustrated Suppressor of the Year Award. This new category reflects the growing usage of suppressors in many shooting sports. The first-ever Suppressor of the Year is the Silencer Central BANISH Speed K:

shooting illustrated golden silencer central banish speed k suppressor

Just 4″ long, the new Silencer Central BANISH Speed K suppressor offers outstanding noise/recoil reduction in a very small format. The BANISH Speed K features a unique baffle design and a finned blast chamber that minimizes blowback to less than 6% of unsuppressed shooting. The Speed K is built from 100% Inconel, allowing it to be durable and maneuverable.

About the Golden Bullseye Awards
Now in their 22nd year, NRA Publications’ Golden Bullseye Awards acknowledge top firearms and shooting sports products. Winners are selected by a team of editors, graphic designers, and NRA Publications staffers. To qualify for consideration for a Golden Bullseye Award, a product must have been:

— Recently introduced and available to consumers.
— Used/tested by a staff member or magazine contributor.
— Reliable in the field, meeting or exceeding the evaluator’s expectations
— Innovative in design and function.
— Readily perceived as a value to the purchaser.
— Styled in a manner befitting the shooting and hunting industry.

Golden Bullseye Awards are presented by three major NRA Publications: American Rifleman, Shooting Illustrated, and American Hunter. In addition, Golden Bullseyes were awarded by NRAWomen.com, an NRA Publication web property.

The 2024 Golden Bullseye Awards as well as the Pioneer Award and the Freedom Award will be presented in person at an invitation-only event during the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Dallas, Texas.

Permalink Gear Review, Hunting/Varminting, New Product, News 1 Comment »
January 7th, 2024

Sunday GunDay: Browning T-Bolt in .17 HMR for Varmints

Browning T-bolt rifle .17 17 HMR straight pull production rimfire .22 LR

This story features a unique, American-designed rimfire rifle, chambered for the potent .17 HMR round. The current generation Browning T-Bolt has a tang-mounted ambidextrous safety, a choice of barrel contours, lengths, and finishes, and a variety of stock options. What sets the T-Bolt apart from other rimfire rifles is the way the action cycles. There is not a conventional bolt that requires four distinct motions (lift bolt handle up/pull back/move forward/rotate handle down). With the T-Bolt you simply pull the handle straight back to extract a round, then return it forward to chamber a new round from the Double Helix magazine. The cocking effort is divided between back pull and forward movement so the effort is relatively light and easy.

Among current rimfire rifles, the Browning T-Bolt ranks high for fit and finish. The bluing is very nice and the T-Bolt even boasts a gold-plated trigger shoe. Many different stock types have been offered in recent years including some very nice AA Maple stock models as shown below (click to zoom). These T-Bolt rifles exhibit very fine craftmanship. Current models are made in Japan under license to Browning.

Browning T-bolt rifle .17 17 HMR straight pull production rimfire .22 LR
Click image for full-screen T-Bolt photo with detail.

Browning T-Bolt Sporter AA Maple Model
RECEIVER – Steel; High polished finish; Drilled and tapped for scope mounts
BARREL – Medium Sporter; Blued finish; Free-floating; Semi-match chamber; Recessed crown
ACTION – Straight pull bolt action; Top-tang safety; Adjustable trigger
STOCK – AA Maple; Gloss finish; Checkered
FEATURES – Sling swivel studs installed
PRODUCTION – Limited quantities

Browning T-bolt rifle .17 17 HMR straight pull production rimfire .22 LR

Browning T-bolt rifle .17 17 HMR straight pull production rimfire .22 LR

T-Bolt Owner Talks about Function and Accuracy
“I have a Browning T-bolt in .17 HMR, but with the maple stock. It is probably my favorite .17 HMR rifle (also the most expensive). The rifle feels smaller than some of my other .17 HMR rifles. I think the length of pull is a little shorter. I do like the light weight and trim handling of the rifle and the straight-pull bolt can be cycled really quickly. Mine is quite accurate and will shoot one-inch groups at 100 yards with both Hornady ammo and the CCI A17 ammo.” — RexRay, Varminter.com Forum member.

Browning T-bolt rifle .17 17 HMR straight pull production rimfire .22 LR

Pros and Cons of the Browning T-Bolt

The T-Bolt has a reputation for good accuracy, provided you have a good lot of .17 HMR ammo (we recommend checking for bullet run-out before you shoot for groups). The straight-pull action works as advertised — it is fast, smooth, and easy-to-operate. The Double Helix magazine (covered below) is excellent. It is very compact yet ultra-reliable. Another plus is that the T-Bolt has been produced in many different versions, with a variety of stocks, and even a stainless action version.

Browning T-bolt rifle .17 17 HMR straight pull production rimfire .22 LR

Browning T-bolt rifle .17 17 HMR straight pull production rimfire .22 LRWhat are the negatives? Some of the stocks have a somewhat short length-of-pull, but this is easily solved with spacers. The main complaint is the factory trigger — some owners say it is too heavy at about 4 pounds, though the break is clean. For varmint work, we could live with the stock trigger and put money saved into optics.

If you prefer a very light trigger, JARD makes a T-Bolt replacement trigger. Featuring an aluminum housing, the JARD T-Bolt trigger can be ordered with 12-, 16-, or 20-ounce pull weights. The JARD trigger offers a crisp, clean break significantly lighter than stock. But at $254.95 the JARD trigger is fairly expensive. Additionally there have been a couple complaints about slam fires at the lowest weights so we recommend the 20-ounce. Here is one owner review, from a Rimfire Central thread: “The new Browning T-Bolt is a great rifle in all aspects except for the trigger. In my case when I received my JARD trigger it was an almost drop-in installation with very little adjusting or fooling around. For me it made a decent little rifle a great little rifle.”

Browning Double Helix 10-Round Magazine

Browning T-bolt rifle .17 17 HMR straight pull production rimfire .22 LR
Browning T-bolt rifle 17 HMR straight pull production rimfire .22 LR

The T-Bolt’s patented 10-round rotary Double Helix™ magazine is a unique design that feeds very reliably and is easy to load. The Double Helix magazine uses a torsion drive spring and interlocking gear design to maintain correct timing and exact cartridge alignment for smooth, reliable feeding. The translucent gray body allows for easy verification of the number of remaining cartridges. We like the fact that the Double Helix provides TEN-round capacity while fitting nearly flush with the bottom of the action.

The Browning Double Helix rotary box magazine system is easy to load, easy to carry, and easy to use. The smooth, rounded exterior contours of the Double Helix, along with twin gripping grooves, tapered shape and a slightly extended baseplate design make insertion positive, while the spring-assisted drop-free magazine ejection feature allows for rapid magazine changes. T-bolt owners confirm that feeding and reliability is excellent — the magazine design puts cartridges in perfect alignment with the chamber.

Other Browning T-Bolt Variants

Browning T-bolt rifle 17 HMR limited discontinued current production rimfire .22 LRIn recent years, Browning has produced T-Bolt rifles in a variety of models, with many different stock types and various barrel lengths/contours. Most of the photos above showcase the AA Maple Sporter T-Bolt, which is currently out of production, though still available from some dealers (if you search). We like the looks of the AA Maple T-Bolt, but there many other stock options including dark brown, Black, Green, and various camouflage finishes. Use the links below to see other T-Bolt configurations.

Current production T-Bolts are offered in four rimfire chamberings: .17 HMR, .22 LR, .22 Magnum, and .22 WMR. Barrel contours and lengths (from 2″ to 22″) vary from model to model. Shown below is the New-for-2024 T-Bolt Target SR (Suppressor Ready) and two other current models. Then we feature five notable discontinued T-Bolt rifle models. CLICK HERE to see all discontinued T-Bolt variants — many of which are still available if you search gun vendors.


Browning T-Bolt Current Models | T-Bolt Discontinued Models

Browning T-bolt rifle 17 HMR limited discontinued current production rimfire .22 LR
Browning T-bolt rifle 17 HMR limited discontinued current production rimfire .22 LR

.17 HMR Cartridge — Fast and Deadly on Small Varmints

We are big fans of the .17 HMR round. It’s just about perfect for ground squirrels, and is effective on prairie dogs out to about 200 yards. The three main .17 HMR producers have been CCI, Federal, and Hornady, but you will also see Browning and Remington .17 HMR ammo. Choose from 17gr or 20gr bullets — both work well in the varmint fields. A good source for all types of .17 HMR ammo is TargetSports USA.

17 HMR ammunition t-bolt browning rifle

Here is a Comparison Test of Multiple Types of .17 HMR Ammo

CCI .17 HMR TNT offers 2650 FPS Velocity
For varmint work we like CCI’s modern .17 HMR VNT ammo. This boasts class-leading 2650 FPS muzzle velocity. Engineered to combine good accuracy with high impact energy, this CCI TNT ammo features a 17gr polymer-tipped bullet designed for rapid expansion. We also like the Hornady .17 HMR Varmint Xpress ammo, rated at 2550 FPS with 17gr V-Max bullets.

Browning T-bolt rifle .17 17 HMR straight pull production rimfire .22 LR

Permalink - Videos, Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Gear Review, Hunting/Varminting 1 Comment »
December 25th, 2023

TEN Winter Shooting and Hunting Tips and Tricks

Winter hunting Norway Marcus Hom Haugland

Today is Christmas, and there is plenty of snow on the ground in many parts of the country. 2023 has brought some unusually cold weather to many regions, and we can expect a pretty cold January and February in the higher elevations.

If you plan to go shooting or hunting in the weeks ahead, while the weather is below freezing and snow is on the ground, you need to be prepared. You should always have the right equipment and make sure that you can contact help if something goes wrong (such as not being able to start your vehicle).

The folks at the Precision Rifle Network have created a good video on winter shooting and hunting. Host Marcus Hom provides his TOP 10 TIPS for wintertime shooting/hunting adventures. We recommend that any 4-season shooter watch this video.

TOP 10 TIPS for Winter Shooting and Hunting:

1. Wear Good Sunglasses — With snow on the ground, wearing sunglasses is a must because of the extra reflected light. You can get good sunglasses that also have ANSI Z87.1-approved impact protection.

2. Wear Protective, Moisture-Proof Clothing — Wear a set of Bibs and a long jacket. This will prevent you from getting snow inside your clothing when shooting prone.

3. Take Care of Your Hands — Bring good winter gloves, preferably with a waterproof outer layer. Make sure the inner gloves can work with your trigger/trigger guard.

4. Bring a Good Tripod — A tripod keeps you elevated so you can avoid laying down in snow or slush. That, in turn, avoids body heat loss. “Keeping out of the snow and shooting from an elevated position is pretty important in the wintertime.”

5. Protect Optics and Action — Keep your scope lenses and action clear of moisture, snow, and fog. You will want to have good caps on both lenses. Make sure the action remains closed, and consider some kind of wrap over the action until you’re ready to load and shoot.

6. Ranging Challenges — Laser range-finders don’t perform optimally with intense, bright, ambient light. Also, if it’s showing you may get false readings from snow particles. So take multiple readings to ensure you have the right distance. Also, if you have a reticle with MOA or MIL marks, and you know the size of your target, then you can range the target with the scope.

7. Drop and Windage Info (DOPE) Chart — Bring a waterproof, hard copy dope chart. Out in the field on cold days, a phone battery dies fast, and you’ll want to preserve that battery for emergency phone use if needed. So, you should keep a good old-fashioned drop chart in a waterproof laminate.

8. Muzzle Velocity Issues — Cold temperatures can lower muzzle velocity. Before you go, get an idea of how your velocity will change with low temperatures. Some powders are more sensitive to temperature than others, causing a noticeable reduction in muzzle velocity. A load you’ve worked out in summer may shoot LOW in winter because the actual velocity is low. Even with a “temperature stable” powder you may see a 10 fps slow-down. Do some winter velocity testing if you can before you go.

9. Keep Your Ammo Warm — A simple way to avoid muzzle velocity changes with low ambient temperatures is to keep you ammunition ON YOUR BODY. Have a pouch under your layered clothing where the ammo can be kept relatively warm. See video: 07:50

10. Safeguard Keys and Valuables — Keep keys and valuables in a secure, zippered pocket. “There is nothing worse than losing something… keys, phone, wallet. It’s really hard to find something when its buried under [many] inches of snow”. We also recommend keeping a spare vehicle key hidden on your car/truck. There are magnetic holders that can keep that spare key secure but safely hidden from view.

Winter hunting Norway Haugland

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November 29th, 2023

Hornady NRL Hunter Challenge Featured on Shooting USA TV

NRL Hornady Precision Hunter Challenge price utah north springs shooting complex

The NRL Precision Hunter Challenge features a multi-distance, walk-around shooting course similar in some ways to PRS/NRL, but limitations on weight and cost of equipment make this more affordable and more practical. This relatively new discipline is catching on — the 2023 NRL Hunter Challenge match, held June 16-18, 2023, in Price, Utah, drew nearly 150 competitors. Hornady was the title sponsor of the event.

Shooting USA SHOW TIMES:
The 2023 Hornady NRL Hunter Challenge is featured this week on Shooting USA television. This Shooting USA Episode airs Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific; 8:00 PM Central. If you miss the regular broadcast, you can stream the show online on Vimeo for $0.99 per episode.

Shooters from all over the country competed in 20 challenging stages. The course of fire consisted of 160 rounds with hiking between stages at the North Springs Shooting Complex. The Precision Hunter Challenge featured target distances from 200-850 yards, and angled shots between 0-10°. At the North Springs Shooting Complex, there were natural terrain obstacles and tree stands. Competitors had to navigate the terrain to establish their shooting positions — very much the opposite of a benchrest match!

NRL Hornady Precision Hunter Challenge price utah north springs shooting complex

“The NRL HUNTER Series is designed to help educate new and seasoned hunters about their skills, gear, and personal limitations. The Hornady Precision Hunter Challenge did just that!” said Travis Ishida, President of the NRL. “With a well-designed course of fire that was both challenging and fun, this match encompassed everything we are looking for. With over 50% new faces at this match the NRL HUNTER Series is growing faster than we ever imagined” he added. Verl Dallin, Match Director, added: “With the help of the staff and ROs, the Hornady Precision Hunter Match turned out simply fantastic”.

This video features highlights from the 2022 Hornady Precision Hunter Challenge:

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November 26th, 2023

Sunday Gunday through Cyber Monday: Great Gun Bargains

woox browning savage wood metal aluminum chassis system sale cyber monday black friday rifle

Black Friday, the major discount day, was two days ago. For many vendors, Black Friday discounts continue all weekend through Cyber Monday, 11/27/23. So there are some spectacular pistol, shotgun, and rifle bargains offered today and tomorrow. In addition, many very high-quality rifle chassis systems are on sale. If you’re looking for a new handgun, rifle, or shotgun, or need a chassis for a new rifle project, now’s a great time to shop.

Here are some of the best long gun deals we’ve found. Don’t hesitate, as these deals are short-lived. Most of the specials are good through 11:59 pm on Monday, November 27, 2023. However, some of the sales expire tonight, Sunday 11/26/2023 at 11:59 pm Central Time.

Browning X-Bolt Stalker Long Range in .300 Winchester Magnum

browning x-bolt stalker 300 win mag wm cdnn

The Browning X-Bolt Stalker in .300 WinMag features a 26″ barrel with muzzle brake, removable magazine, extended bolt handle, and black composite stock with adjustable comb. Complete with a Browning 4-12x40mm AO scope, this rifle was originally $1149.00. Now CDNN has discounted the price to $949.00. And it gets even better. For purchases November 22-27, Browning is offering a $100 factory mail-in rebate. That lowers your net cost to just $849.00 — a great deal for a serious large-game hunting rifle.

Savage 110 Hunter XP with 4-12x40mm Vortex Diamondback Scope — Multiple Calibers

browning x-bolt stalker 300 win mag wm cdnn

If you want a solid, accurate hunting rig with a top-tier camo stock, look no further. Right now at Cabela’s/Bass Pro, the Savage 110 Hunter XP with TrueTimber VXP camo stock is on sale for $749.98, a $70.00 savings. This handsome rifle is available in a wide variety of calibers/chamberings: .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, 7mm Rem Mag, .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, .30-06 Springfield, and 350 Legend. NOTE: Today 11/26/2023 is the last day for this Cabela’s/Bass Pro discount pricing, so don’t delay.

Christensen Arms Ranger .22 LR with Carbon-Wrapped Barrel

christensen arms ranger 22 .33 LR carbon barrel rimfire rifle

The Ranger 22 brings a rimfire back to the Christensen Arms lineup. The bolt-action Ranger 22 features an aluminum receiver with Picatinnny rail, Christensen Arms carbon fiber tension barrel with Bentz match chamber, and carbon fiber composite stock. The Ranger 22 rifle boasts a nice “match grade” Rem 700 style trigger. These rifles shoot well — Christensen Arms backs the Ranger 22 with a Sub-MOA at 50 Yards Guarantee. Right now the Ranger 22 is on sale at Palmetto SA for $729.99, a $270.00 savings off the regular $999.99 price.

Winchester SXP 12ga Shotgun, $179.99 After Winchester Rebate

winchester rebate 12ga shotgun sxp waterfowl cyber monday black friday sale

This may be the shotgun steal of the year. Right now you can get a Winchester SXP 12ga pump shotgun with 26″ or 28″ barrel for just $254.99, marked down from $324.99. But it gets even better. Winchester has a $75 factory rebate good for Super X Pump (SXP) firearms purchased November 20-27, 2023. So if grab one of these today or tomorrow your net cost is just $179.99! That’s a steal — you could pay twice that just for a barrel these days. If you want something fancier, Kygunco also has a wood stocked SXP for $244.99 (after rebate) and a nice SXP waterfowl with Mossy Oak Camo for $294.99 (after rebate).

WOOX Metal/Wood Hybrid Chassis Systems — $100-$300 Off

woox wood metal aluminum chassis system stock sale

WOOX offers unique, handsome hybrid chassis systems that combine modern high-tech metal frameworks with fine-finished highly-figured wood forearms, grips, and butt-stock segments. Right now, a variety of these Woox metal and wood chassis systems are deeply discounted, so you can save from $100 to $300. NOTE: These sale prices on hybrid chassis systems are good through 11:59 pm on Monday 11/27/2023.


Video shows how WOOX hybrid chassis is crafted with metal and high-grade wood components.

woox wood metal aluminum chassis system stock sale

Palmetto State Armory (PSA) EPT AR-15 Platform Rifle

PSA palmetto armory AR15 AR AR-16 EPT M-lok semi-auto rifle cyber monday sale

This rifle, a top seller among PSA’s extensive AR line-up, has earned overwhelming 5-star reviews from verified buyers. Now through Monday get this great PSA AR15-platform rifle for just $579.99 complete with MBUS sights and adjustable buttstock. This PSA EPT rifle has a 16″ chrome-moly vanadium steel barrel chambered in 5.56 NATO, with a 1:7″ twist rate, and mid-length gas system. This rifle features a lightweight M-LOK handguard for easy accessory attachment. The upper includes a Picatinny rail for mounting optics. This PSA EPT rifle even comes with FREE Shipping.

Permalink Gear Review, Hot Deals, Hunting/Varminting No Comments »
November 23rd, 2023

Wild Game Recipes For Thanksgiving Family Feasts

Thanksgiving recipes NRABlog.com

Looking for culinary inspiration for your holiday gatherings? The NRA Blog offers three special (and delicious) Wild Game Recipes for your family feasts: Honey Mustard Planked Wild Turkey Breast, Mushroom-Stuffed Wild Boar Roast with Black Truffle Sauce, and BBQ Brined Pigeon. These recipes come from some of the country’s best chefs, and they all seem mouth-watering. You’ll find a full list of ingredients plus step-by-step cooking tips.

CLICK HERE for Three Great Wild Game Recipes »

One of the many advantages to hunting is the assortment of game you can gather that lasts for an extended period of time. Just because it’s Thanksgiving doesn’t mean you have to stick with a whole turkey from the store and a ham hock.

We have three unique spins on wild game recipes that will suit your dining table perfectly. Even if you’re one of those hunters who enjoys a quick hunt the morning of Thanksgiving, these recipes will make your holiday more delicious than ever. — NRABlog.com


Mushroom-Stuffed Wild Boar Roast with Black Truffle Sauce

Thanksgiving recipes NRABlog.com
Photo and recipe courtesy of D’Artagnan.

Gettin’ Gobblers — Turkey Hunting Tips on GetZone Video
And for those folks who hope to harvest their own gobbler for the Thanksgiving holiday, GetZone.com offers a turkey hunting video with expert guidance on Turkey hunting, specifically stalking and shot placement: “When it comes to shotgun hunting, you don’t want to get BBs in the meat, so the most common (and lethal) shot with a shotgun is a headshot.”

turkey hunting
This photo is from GetZone.com, a website that provides information on shooting and hunting. CLICK HERE to watch a GetZone video on turkey hunting. Work Warning: When you click photo, a loud audio track may start immediately, so turn down the audio volume.

Permalink Hunting/Varminting, News No Comments »
November 22nd, 2023

6.5 Grendel Load Data from Sierra Bullets

6.5 Grendel load data Sierra Bullets

CLICK HERE for Sierra Bullets 6.5 Grendel LOAD DATA PDF »

Sierra Bullets has released load data for the 6.5 Grendel, a popular cartridge that works equally well in bolt guns and AR15-platform gas guns. Sierra published comprehensive 6.5 Grendel load data, covering 19 powders and eight (8) different bullets from 85 to 130 grains. NOTE: Hornady-brand brass (see below) was used for Sierra’s 6.5 Grendel tests, not the stronger Lapua 6.5 Grendel brass. Hand-loaders using Lapua 6.5 Grendel brass may need to adjust their loads. Also Winchester WSR primers were used. We imagine most precision hand-loaders will prefer CCI or Federal primers.

Sierra Bullets Tested for 6.5 Grendel Load Data
85gr HP (#1700)
100gr HP (#1710)
107gr HPBT (#1715)
120gr Spitzer (#1720)
120gr HPBT (#1725)
123gr HPBT (#1727)
130gr HPBT (#1728)
130gr TMK (# 7430)

In developing its 6.5 Grendel load data, Sierra tested a very wide selection of propellants, 19 in all. For the 85gr to 100gr varmint bullets, modern powders such as XMR 2230, Power Pro Varmint, and Ramshot TAC offered the best velocity in the 24″ test barrel. For the heavier 120gr to 130gr match bullets, Sierra tested a selection of powders. Highest velocities came with Power Pro Varmint and TAC. If you’re looking for best accuracy, consider the slower burn-rate powders such as IMR 8208 XBR and Varget — but you’ll sacrifice some speed. Overall, Sierra’s latest 6.5 Grendel load data is an excellent addition to the 6.5 Grendel knowledge base. Thanks Sierra!

Here are Sierra’s 6.5 Grendel Load Data Charts for Sierra’s 123gr HPBT, 130gr HPBT, and 130gr TMK. There are a five other tables for lighter-weight Sierra bullets.

6.5 Grendel load data Sierra Bullets

6.5 Grendel load data Sierra Bullets

6.5 Grendel load data Sierra Bullets

History of the 6.5 Grendel Cartridge
The 6.5 Grendel originated as a 6mm PPC necked up to 6.5 mm. After Alexander Arms relinquished the “6.5 Grendel” Trademark, the 6.5 Grendel was standardized as an official SAAMI cartridge. It has become popular with target shooters and hunters alike because it is accurate, efficient, and offers modest recoil. Good for small to medium game, the 6.5 Grendel is available in lightweight hunting rifles, such as the Howa Mini Action Rifle. And the 6.5 Grendel is one of the most accurate cartridges suitable for modern AR-15 platform rifles.

6.5 Grendel Saami Hornady Brass

CLICK HERE for 6.5 Grendel Cartridge History (Wikipedia entry).

Sierra Bullets Load Data 6mm Creedmoor reloading tips

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Hunting/Varminting, Reloading No Comments »
November 21st, 2023

Have Thanksgiving Week Fun with Free Turkey Targets

Varmint Turkey Free Targets Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just two days away. What better way to celebrate the Thanksgiving season than to practice your marksmanship shooting some bearded gobblers (of the paper variety). Here’s our custom Turkey Target, ready for family fun. This special Turkey Bullseye Target was created by our friend and Forum member Pascal (aka “DesertFrog”). CLICK HERE for FREE Turkey Target.

If you prefer color targets, here’s another turkey target, courtesy of the NRA. Hone your skills on a trio of turkeys. The target features three red bullseyes, centered on the gobblers. You can print the target in black and white, but they look best in color. Click the image below to download a FREE printable PDF file.

NRA color turkey target thanksgiving

Get a Full Set of Animal Targets
For your convenience, we’ve packaged the Turkey Target along with five (5) other varmint/animal-themed targets. These are all offered in .pdf (Adobe Acrobat) format for easy printing.

CLICK HERE to download all SIX targets in .Zip archive.

Varmint Turkey Free Targets Thanksgiving

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