It is estimated that over 21.5 million Americans are currently licensed/permitted to carry concealed weapons.* And with the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision in NYSRPA v. Bruen, we can expect that number to increase significantly. That landmark case stated that the Second Amendment guarantees citizens the right to bear arms outside their homes.
There are now seven (7) major business entities which provide insurance coverage and legal services for CCW holders. These providers are listed below. We suggest, BEFORE you commit to any particular policy/membership, you comparison shop at least three different options. We also recommend you read the full 3400-word GunDigest Article that examines, in detail, the coverage offered by these seven companies:
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gun Insurance Program:
Attorney Fees and Expert Fees
The key benefit of any CCW insurance plan is coverage for attorneys fees. If you need a lawyer for a civil case or criminal defense, the fees pile up very fast. Good lawyers can charge $400-$500 per hour, and a trial can go on for many days. GunDigest explains: “If your case goes to trial you might find a bill that runs up to six figures.” You should check to see if a policy covers lawyer retainer, hourly fees, expert fees, AND potential damages.
Bail Bond Coverage
If you are involved in an incident, and an arrest is made, you want to avoid spending time in a jail cell. That’s why it’s important to have a CCW insurance plan that will quickly provide funding for bail bonds. As GunDigest notes: “bail-bond coverage is typically part of a sound concealed carry insurance policy”.
Multi-State Coverage
Gun laws vary among states, and state insurance laws vary as well. This affects the coverage an insurance program can and will provide. When choosing a policy, ask questions to determine how coverage may vary from state to state. With some programs you can purchase additional coverage for trips outside your home state. These can be time-limited for cost savings.
Policy Limits (Dollar Amounts)
When considering a CCW insurance program you need to look at the policy limits — the amount the program might pay to provide legal assistance and potentially settle a claim. You need to read the fine print here, just as you would with an automobile or home policy.
The detailed GunDigest article on CCW Insurance Coverage, notes that there are some additional factors to consider when choosing CCW Insurance:
“You’ll find there are other areas covered by some concealed carry insurance plans worth contemplating. Many of them fall within the policies themselves, however, some cost extra. In many cases, CCW policies go well beyond legal expenses and cover some other aspects you might not have considered:”
Crime Scene Clean Up
Negligent Discharge
Spouse And Family Self-Defense
Property Damage
Firearms Replacement
Work Loss Coverage
Personal Use Of Firearm (non-defensive)
* According to a recent estimate by the Crime Prevention Research Center (CPRC), over 21.5 million Americans are now licensed to carry a firearm in the United States. And the numbers are growing — the NRA-ILA posted that the number of concealed handgun permits reached 18.66 million in 2019 – a 304% increase since 2007.
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This report is from Bryan Litz and the ScienceofAccuracy.com website.
As long as there have been rifles, there has been a debate as to how much – if any – the rifle moves prior to the bullet exiting the bore. The first video below shows a Barrett MRAD chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum firing a 300gr Lapua Scenar bullet. Capturing projectiles at 100k+ frames per second allows us to visualize aspects of the firing sequence that are otherwise invisible to the human eye.
Click Video to see barrel with suppressor (on right) move with recoil before bullet exits.
What is clear from this video is that the rifle system is moving rearward while the bullet is traveling through barrel and subsequently through the suppressor. During the “in-bore” portion of bullet travel, any deviation of the muzzle orientation from the initial point of aim can cause a point of impact change. This is because the bullet will exit while the barrel is pointed somewhere different than when the shot was initially fired. Much of the shot’s point-of-aim orientation can be maintained through consistent marksmanship fundamentals and recoil management techniques. However, most shooters are not likely capable of managing it to less than 0.001″ for EVERY shot, especially given on lightweight magnum rifles.
Here’s another example with a 180gr bullet in a Rem 700 BDL .30-06 rifle. “Every time we watch a video like this it reminds us that guns like this, the majority of accuracy and precision come from the gun/sight/support system, not the ammo. When you consider that 0.005″ of muzzle deflection, (orthogonal to the bore) results in ~1.5 moa of dispersion (.75 in any direction) and you see this massive barrel movement prior to bullet exit, it’s clear that the vast majority of dispersion [for typical rifles] is coming from this movement”.
Precision rifle systems, such as benchrest, PRS, and F-Class rifles, tend to minimize the movement away from the bore axis prior to bullet exit to achieve the best possible precision. A common theme among the most precision systems is higher-weight rifles with lower-weight projectiles. This relates to basic physics: Newton’s Third of Motion “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” With all else held equal, if the rifle weighs more and the bullet weighs less, there is a lower magnitude of motion prior to the bullet leaving the barrel.
In our latest book, Modern Advancements in Long Range Shooting Volume III, Chapter 3 covers the Theory of Precision for Rifles which mathematically describes and estimates the precision potential of rifles based on rifle mass and kinetic energy of the bullet. The chapter includes all the live fire test data to support the theory and great discussion on the testing performed can be found on our podcast at the Science of Accuracy Academy website.
Former Army Ranger sniper instructor Ryan Cleckner is the author of the best-selling Long Range Shooting Handbook. Cleckner hosts a series of videos that cover shooting techniques appropriate for tactical and PRS-type disciplines. Here are five short videos that cover various aspects of shooting techniques and rifle set-up. We think PRS/NRL competitors (and long-range hunters) can benefit from these videos.
“Consistency is the key to accuracy.
You need to think about a system of how you’re going to shoot that is not only comfortable, but [is] repeatable when you’re shooting.” — Ryan Cleckner
In this first video, Cleckner explains proper scope position. Ryan finds that some shooters place the scope too far forward or too far rearward. If the scope is too far back you may have issues with eye relief and stock reach to shoulder. If it is too far forward, you may have cheek-weld problems or get neck strain.
Cleckner offers a simple method to check your scope position: “To see if your scope is set up properly … close your eyes, lay your head on your gun, get completely comfortable, and only when you are set-up, then open your eyes. If you can’t see clearly through your scope, CHANGE something [such as comb height or scope position]”. “When you open your eyes, if you see some scope shadow [i.e. the black ring around the edge of the scope picture], figure out which way you need to move your head to get rid of that shadow, and then make adjustments to either your position, the rifle, or the scope.”
Cleckner prefers shooting off a bag when in the prone position, when that is practical. The bag provides a more stable support than a small Harris-type bipod, doesn’t require pre-loading the rifle, and there is less bounce or hop on recoil.
Former Army Ranger sniper team leader Ryan Cleckner explains how important it is to keep your rifle straight up and down when long-range precision shooting. Cleckner demonstrates with an AR-10 modern sporting rifle how slight cant to your rifle can cause a miss over long distances.
Here Cleckner covers some of the basic points of trigger control on tactical-style rifles. These basic principles apply to both single-stage and two-stage triggers. NOTE: For benchrest rigs, with ultra-light pull weights, more refined techniques may be appropriate.
In tactical events, when you’re shooting on the clock and loading from a detachable magazine, you should manipulate the bolt smoothly but strongly. Here Cleckner demonstrates how to cycle a tactical-type rifle. He says, “You should be running the bolt on your rifle with authority. Run it like you mean it!” NOTE: Completely different techniques are appropriate for custom benchrest rifles that manually feed.
Long Range Shooting Handbook — A Good Resource
Cleckner’s Long Range Shooting Handbook covers a wide range of topics important for precision marksmanship — both shooting skills and technical matters. You can view Sample Chapters from Ryan’s Book on Amazon.com. Cleckner’s book is designed as an intro to key concepts such as MOA vs. Mils, External Ballistics, and Environmental Effects. Included are personal tips and advice based on Cleckner’s years of experience as a sniper instructor and special operations sniper.
The Long Range Shooting Handbook is divided into three main categories: What It Is/How It Works, Fundamentals, and How to Use It. “What It Is/How It Works” covers equipment, terminology, and basic principles. “Fundamentals” covers the theory of long range shooting. “How to Use It” gives practical advice on implementing what you’ve learned, so you can progress as a skilled, long range shooter. Overall, this is one of the best resources available for tactical shooters and PRS/NRL competitors.
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GunsAmerica Digest has a new Suppressor Academy webpage that provides host of helpful information about suppressors (aka “silencers” and “cans”). The Suppressor Academy online resource page features in-depth articles with important information for anyone considering acquiring a suppressor. The articles explain the key benefits of suppressors, how to choose a suppressor, and how to comply with Federal and state laws regulating suppressors. Below we link to four Suppressor Academy articles. Click the title for each topic to read the full-length article.
Suppressors are now legal in 42 U.S. States. There are certain legal requirements for obtaining a suppressor, including paying a $200 Tax Stamp. To own a suppressor you must be legally eligible to purchase a firearm, pass a BATFE background check, pay a one time $200 Transfer Tax, and satisfy age requirements. (SEE ALL Requirements). In most (but not all) of those states you can use a suppressor for hunting. The eight (mostly blue) states which still prohibit civilian suppressor ownership are: California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. READ FULL ARTICLE on GunsAmerica Digest.
Suppressors serve one main purposes — to reduce the sound levels produced when firing pistol or rifle rounds. But GunsAmerica Digest editor True Pearce notes there are many other reasons to own a suppressor. A suppressor can reduce muzzle blast and felt recoil. The suppressor may prevent hearing damage that occurs through bone conduction better than earplugs and muffs because it reduces the noise energy at the source. When hunting, the reduced shot noise can help avoid spooking game. Having a suppressor also makes it easier to communicate when working as a team on a hunt. And, when compared to a muzzle BRAKE, suppressors are much less likely to kick up dust, dirt, sand, and snow when you shoot prone. READ FULL ARTICLE on GunsAmerica Digest.
There is some confusion surrounding the laws concerning suppressors, which are now legal in 42 U.S. States. In most jurisdictions that allow suppressor ownership, no additional state permit or license is required. But you do have to comply with Federal requirements when acquiring the suppressor. You may wish to create a trust to own the suppressor — there are some important practical advantages to having a suppressor trust. The Traditional NFA Gun Trust allows multiple responsible parties, i.e. “trustees”, to legally have possession of the suppressor. Each trustee must be verified and for each suppressor owned by the trust there will be a $200 Tax Stamp. READ FULL ARTICLE on GunsAmerica Digest.
When shopping for a suppressor there are many factors to consider: price, build quality, materials, sound level reduction effectiveness, weight, ease of mounting, and ease of cleaning and maintenance. We recommend that all suppressor buyers research the options. Check the manufacturer’s reputation, check diagrams for disassembly and maintenance. There are always trade-offs. Shorter suppressors may save some weight, but if they don’t cut the decibels as well you may be disappointed. You also need to consider the caliber — will your suppressor be used on multiple firearms? If so then get one that fits the largest caliber you will shoot. READ FULL ARTICLE on GunsAmerica Digest.
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Hodgdon Powder Company (Hodgdon) offers a series of professionally-produced, “how-to” instructional videos on its online Reloading Data Center. These 3.5-minute videos present rifle, pistol, and shotshell reloading basics in an easy-to-understand, step-by-step format. These mobile-friendly, informative videos can also be viewed on a smart phone or tablet.
Along with these videos, you’ll find a ton of useful information on Hodgdon’s updated Reloading Data Center at hodgdon.com. From the landing page choose rifle, pistol, shotgun, or muzzle-loader, and then click “Get Details”. This will launch a page where you can find loads by selecting Cartridge, Bullet Weight, Powder Maker, and Powder Type (such as Varget or H4350).
Click to Watch Hodgdon Rifle Reloading Video:
Click to Watch Hodgdon Pistol Reloading Video:
In addition to these videos, Hodgdon’s Reloading Data Center (RDC) provides a wealth of information on Hodgdon®, IMR®, Accurate, Ramshot®, and Winchester® propellants. Along with reliable load data, you’ll find explanations of reloading basics, safety procedures, plus answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ).
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by Sierra Bullets Ballistic Technician Paul Box
One thing that plays a major role in building an accuracy load is neck tension [one of the factors that controls the “grip” on a bullet]. I think a lot of reloaders pretty much take this for granted and don’t give that enough thought.
So, how much neck tension is enough?
Through the years and shooting both a wide variety of calibers and burn rates of powder, I’ve had the best accuracy overall with .002″ of neck tension. Naturally you will run into a rifle now and then that will do its best with something different like .001″ or even .003″, but .002″ has worked very well for me. So how do we control the neck tension? Let’s take a look at that.
First of all, if you’re running a standard sizing die with an expander ball, just pull your decapping rod assembly out of your die and measure the expander ball. What I prefer [for starters] is to have an expander ball that is .003″ smaller than bullet diameter. So for example in a .224 caliber, run an expander ball of .221″. If you want to take the expander ball down in diameter, just chuck up your decapping rod assembly in a drill and turn it down with some emery cloth. When you have the diameter you need, polish it with three ought or four ought steel wool. This will give it a mirror finish and less drag coming through your case neck after sizing.
Tips for Dies With Interchangeable Neck Bushings
If you’re using a bushing die, I measure across the neck of eight or ten loaded rounds, then take an average on these and go .003″ under that measurement. There are other methods to determine bushing size, but this system has worked well for me.
Proper Annealing Can Deliver More Uniform Neck Tension
Another thing I want to mention is annealing. When brass is the correct softness, it will take a “set” coming out of the sizing die far better than brass that has become too hard. When brass has been work hardened to a point, it will be more springy when it comes out of a sizing die and neck tension will vary. Have you ever noticed how some bullets seated harder than others? That is why.
Paying closer attention to neck tension will give you both better accuracy and more consistent groups.
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For many Americans, real incomes have stayed flat in recent years, while inflation has increased the cost of living very significantly in the past four years. Accordingly, it’s important to save money whenever possible. Prices are going up, but wages aren’t following (for most of us). Here are six ways shooters can save money on gear purchases and other shooting-related expenses.
1. Watch for Our Deals of the Week. Every Monday, in our Daily Bulletin, AccurateShooter.com offers some of the best deals to be found. We search the web to find great deals on ammo, reloading components, optics, tools, firearms, gun safes, electronics and more. It’s not unusual to find savings of 20-35% through our Deals of the Week. And many of our vendors are now offering special deals just for AccurateShooter.com readers.
2. Check Out the Forum Classifieds. There are great deals to be found every day in the AccurateShooter Shooters’ Forum. The latest deals are displayed in the right column of every Forum page. To see all the listings, browse through the Forum MarketPlace section which has four main categories:
Guns, Actions, Stocks, & Barrels
Tools, Dies, Rests, Reloading Components & Misc
Scopes, Optics, Sights, Rings, Bases Etc.
Commercial Sales by Paid Sponsors
3. Share a Ride to Matches. Fuel prices are on the rise — regular-grade gasoline is $5.13 per gallon in California now and around $3.54/gallon nationwide. With many shooters living 30-100 miles from the nearest range, fuel remains a big part of a shooter’s hobby budget. We’d say 90% of shooters drive solo to matches, often in large, gas-guzzling trucks. If you drive 200 miles round-trip to attend a match in a 20-mpg vehicle, you’ll burn over $35.40 worth of gasoline on your trip. That adds up. By simply sharing the ride with one fellow shooter you cut your fuel expenditures in half. And, if you alternate vehicles with a buddy from one match to the next, you save on vehicle wear and tear. At $0.58/mile (overall operating costs) consider the savings.
4. Use Discount Codes to Save. It’s always smart to check for discount codes before you buy. In the Daily Bulletin, we feature “Deals of the Week” every Monday morning, and we provide discount Coupon Codes when available. These can reduce the price substantially or lower shipping costs. Search codes for Brownells, Creedmoor Sports, EuroOptic, Graf’s, Midsouth, Powder Valley, Sportsman’s Warehouse, KYGUNCO, MidwayUSA, and Precision Reloading. Check your email also — some discount codes are only announced in email newsletters. If you can’t find a Coupon Code for your preferred vendor, visit Gun.deals and/or RetailMeNot.com. Both those sites list current coupon codes, and RetailMeNot.com covers thousands of vendors.
5. Shop for “Demo” Optics. Modern high-quality optics can easily cost $1500.00 or more, often exceeding the value of the rifle on which they are mounted. However, you can often save 20-30% by purchasing demo optics. These are normally display units used at trade shows. They may have slight ringmarks, but otherwise they are “as new”, having never been carried in the field or used on a rifle that has fired live ammo. When purchasing demo scopes, you should always ask about the warranty before consummating the sale. However, most demo scopes from name-brand manufacturers come with full factory warranties. EuroOptic.com and SWFA.com are two respected vendors that offer a good selection of demo optics.
6. Train with Rimfire Rifles. Good match-grade centerfire, hand-loaded ammo, counting premium bullets, powder, primers, and brass (figuring 10X loads), can now exceed $1.50 per round. And if your $600 (as chambered and fitted) competition barrel is toast after 1500 rounds, add $0.40 for barrel deprecation per shot. So you’re approaching two bucks a round total! By contrast, you can get quite good .22 LR target ammo for under $0.18 per round. Good rimfire barrels last a long, long time, so you don’t have to be concerned about wearing out your barrel quickly. A quality rimfire barrel can retain its accuracy for 7,000 rounds or more. If you run the ballistics, a .22 LR round at 100 yards can emulate the wind drift experienced by a centerfire cartridge at long range. This allows for effective cross-training with much less expensive ammo.
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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. Bullet Central — Bartlein Barrels In Stock
⏺ Avoid the wait — top-tier Bartlein barrels in stock
Getting competition-grade barrels typically requires long waits when ordering from the barrel-makers. But here’s good news — Bartlein Barrels are in stock now at Bullet Central in a wide variety of calibers and profiles. From straight 1.25″ profile to slim tapers there’s a quality Bartlein for most applications.
2. Midsouth — Peterson Brass in Stock with Savings
⏺ Great brass for popular cartridges including magnums
Midsouth now has a large selection of Peterson Brass in stock. Known for consistent quality and wide range of cartridge types, Peterson brass is very popular with hunters, PRS/NRL shooters, and high power competitors. Currently, 20 Peterson brass cartridge types are in stock now at Midsouth including 22 Creedmoor, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5×47 Lapua, 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Rem, 7mm-08, 7mm PRC, 28 Nosler, and a wide selection of magnums.
3. Powder Valley — Barnes Bullet Sale
⏺ Save 10% on excellent all-copper varmint and hunting bullets
Whether for hunting or target shooting, Barnes Bullets are quite popular, particularly where lead-containing ammo is prohibited. From all-copper hunting bullets to polymer-tipped competition bullets there’s something for everyone on sale now at Powder Valley. Barnes all-copper TSX bullets are a good option for game hunters who need non-lead bullets.
4. Creedmoor Sports — Redding Boss ProPak Kit, $284.95
⏺ Big discount on single-stage press and tools, 50% Off MSRP
This Boss ProPak combo combines popular Redding products into one neat, money-saving package for reloaders. The Redding Boss ProPak Kit combines a single-stage Redding Boss Press, Beam Scale, Powder Trickler, Case Prep Kit (with brushes), Deburring tool, Powder Funnel, and Case Lube Kit. Get all this for just $284.95, half the MSRP. Just add dies and start reloading.
5. Graf & Sons — Cutting Edge Bullets
⏺ Superb consistency and quality — great for ELR comps and LR hunting
Are you looking for NO-LEAD solids for hunting and ELR? Check out Cutting Edge Bullets at Grafs.com. These are machined from lead-free solid copper bar stock on a CNC swiss lathe. These are high-BC, solid bullets designed for target and hunting use. A unique feature of Cutting Edge Bullets is the patented SealTite™ band — a band slightly larger than caliber diameter around the bullet which was designed to eliminate fliers by preventing gas blow-by.
6. Amazon — Lyman Case Prep Xpress, $159.99
⏺ Great price on excellent 5-station case prep center
The popular Lyman Case Prep Xpress has five stations (with a high torque gear motor) so you can run multiple case prep tools on one machine. This allows you to chamfer cases inside and out, brush case-necks, clean/uniform primer pockets, and ream military crimps. The Case Prep Xpress ships with case neck brushes and multiple tool heads. Included with the machine are: Inside Deburr (VLD) Tool, Primer Pocket Uniformers (Sm/Lg), Primer Pocket Reamers (Sm/Lg), Primer Pocket Cleaners (Sm/Lg), Case Neck Brushes (.25, .30, .38, .45 Cal), and Clean-up Brush. A dump pan provides easy clean up of brass shavings.
⏺ Save $229 on solid hunting optic with good reviews
Need a very affordable yet reliable scope for your hunting rifle? Consider the Burris Fullfield E1 Rifle Scope 3-9x50mm, a real steal for $99.99 ($229 off). This has a handy Ballistic Plex E1 reticle with hold-over marks. The latest Burris Fullfield II riflescopes have upgraded windage/elevation knobs, a new integrated power ring, and an eyepiece that accepts flip-up lens caps.
8. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Depriming Tool, $39.99
⏺ Convenient tool — no press needed to deprime anywhere
Decapping fired brass can be tedious when using a reloading press and decapping die. Make things easier with the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Hand Deprimer Tool. You can deprime cases while watching TV. This handheld unit features an easily removable spent primer catch tube and an assisted-ejection case holder for easy removal of deprimed cases. The handle is spring-loaded to return the deprimer to the start position automatically.
9. Palmetto SA — CMMG Bravo .22 LR Conversion Kit, $169.99
⏺ Save big buck$ by shooting .22 LR ammo in your AR15
Do you own an AR but want to shoot low-cost .22 LR ammo? A good, proven solution is the CMMG Bravo .22 LR AR Conversion Kit. With this kit you can use your AR15 in rimfire tactical matches. The Conversion Kit offers a bolt replacement and comes with three magazines that hold small rimfire rounds while fitting securely in a standard AR15 magwell. This kit is compatible with MIL-STD AR upper receivers.
10. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Hinged Ammo Box, $2.95 and up
⏺ Compact, durable box with lid that lays flat when open
Frankford Arsenal Hinge-Top Ammo Boxes are now discounted. These see-through boxes are well-made with a good mechanical hinge and secure closure. The hinge design allows the lid to lie flat when open — it doesn’t spring back like some other ammo boxes. These boxes are made from durable, high-density polymer and the boxes can be stacked vertically in your loading room or during transport. NOTE: The $2.95 #509 box holds FIFTY (50) rifle rounds. The Amazon description incorrectly refers to Frankford’s larger #1009 100-rd capacity hinged box which costs $5.99.
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With the growing popularity of tactical shooting competitions, unfortunately more and more young males are now suffering from psychological issues, some of which are quite serious. For this reason, the National Institute of Healthe (NIH) recently published an advisory stating that health professionals should watch for worrisome issues that commonly arise with participants in PRS and NRL competitions:
“Notice: Individuals who compete in PRS/NRL activities may exhibit multiple mental and emotional issues. This is related primarily to competition stress and financial anxiety over excessive costs of PRS/NRL participation. We recommend immediate intervention, particularly if the individual is married.”
These PRS/NRL shooters may exhibit “anger, anxiety, and inability to control emotions” warned the NIH. This typically happens after a poor shooting performance or when the individual contemplates the vast sums of money he has spent on PRS/NRL guns, gear, optics and ammo. The anger and anxiety can be most extreme when a competitor is soundly defeated at the range by other shooters with very inexpensive rifles. This can create anger and even lead to violence or worse, suicidal thoughts.
Compulsive Spending Behavior Among PRS/NRL Participants
In addition, the NIH warned that the initial “rush” and thrill of PRS/NRL competition has lead to compulsive spending behavior, similar to a “gambling addiction”. The individual spends more and more money on gear and equipment when there is no good reason to do so and no performance gain. Analysts explain that the very act of shopping and spending provides an addictive brain reaction which can cause PRS/NRL participants to spend more and more money even after they stop shooting matches. The spending becomes compulsive.
Post Range Shooting Disorder — PRSD
Analyzing the behavior and emotions of precision shooters, psychotherapists have adopted a new terminology for the mix of troublesome issues that PRS/NRL competitors exhibit in great numbers. The disturbed condition has been deemed “PRSD” which stands for Post Range Shooting Disorder (PRSD).
PRSD is most acute with PRS/NRL competitors who spend huge sums of money yet perform poorly at matches. The anxiety is increased with young married men who cannot reveal to their spouses the true costs of their precision shooting hobby. That in turn leads to guilt, conflict, and higher rates of divorce.
Psychotherapists have observed multiple symptoms of PRSD among competitive shooters, particularly those who have spent over $5000 on their shooting gear yet regularly get beaten by others with cheap factory rifles. That leads to anger, frustration, and other negative emotions.
Do you know someone with PRSD? Look for these common symptoms and behavior patterns:
1. Lack of control over purchasing and spending
2. Challenged relationships (esp. Wife issues)
3. Inability to control emotions
4. Lack of focus during working hours
5. Negative self-perception and self-loathing
6. Avoidance of certain places (such as ranges where scores were poor)
7. Sleep disturbances and nightmares
8. Making grumpy posts on social media
9. Boredom in reloading room
10. Increased beer consumption
How to Cope with PRSD
Psychotherapists and counselors have found that PRSD can be significantly lessened with conscious, sustained effort over the course of many weeks. They recommend a five-stage plan:
1. Stop buying new tactical rifles and optics, and maxing out your credit cards.
2. If married, give $3 to your wife for every $1 you spend on your gun hobby.
3. Limit monthly PRS/NRL spending to one-half of your rent/mortgage.
4. Stop keeping score at PRS/NRL matches — chill and relax.
5. Get another hobby.
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Over the past month, many of the world’s best long range shooters competed in South Africa. First was the South African Open Championship, held March 9-15, 2024 for “Target Rifles”. This was followed by the 32nd World Long Range Championships for Fullbore/Palma rifles, with individual and team competitions held March 16-23, 2024. The World LR Championships event was for “hard-holders”, shooting iron-sighted rifles prone with sling. There were shooters from at least 12 countries: Australia, Canada, Channel Islands, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Kenya, Ireland, N. Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the USA.
The World LR Championships and the South African Open Championships were held at the Genl De Wet range West of Bloemfontein in South Africa. Conditions were very challenging — with very hot temperatures on the range and challenging winds.
Individual Top 20 Results 32nd World Long Range Championships
Australian Ash Bidgood won the Individual World Championship with an impressive 739-92V score. Great Britain’s Glyn Barnett was a close second (on V-Count) with 739-86V. In third place was another Brit, J.C. Underwood, who tallied 738-78V.
Two Americans finished in the top 15, Brandon Green (733-82V, 8th place) and Amanda Elsenboss (659-59V, 11th place). Both Brandon and Amanda are past USA National Champions who previously served in the U.S. Army and shot with the USAMU Team.
Other Grand Aggregate Divisional Winners include:
Veterans: B. Carter, New Zealand, 661-60V
Ladies: R.L. Furniss, Great Britain, 662-73V
Veterans Over 70: J. Jeffrey, Australia 548-51V
Under 25-21 Age: M. Baily, Australia, 661-84V
Under 21: T. McGowen, USA, 648-61V
Team Results: 32nd World Long Range Championships
1. Australia Total: 7172.996 | Day 1: 3580.474 Day 2: 3592.522
2. Great Britain Total: 7168.1005 | Day 1: 3578.469 Day 2: 3590.536
3. South Africa Total: 7153.869 | Day 1: 3562.405 Day 2: 3591.464 Click HERE for All Team Scores
4. United States Total: 7140.876
5. New Zealand Total: 7030.703
6. Canada Total: 6946.592
7. Germany Total: 6683.465
Team Australia won the Long Range World Championship with leading scores on both days of competition. The Aussies shot well, earning the Gold medal with a 7172.996 total vs. 7159.1004 for the Brits. Team Australia reported on its Facebook page: “We’d like to summarize how the 2024 Palma in South Africa evolved and highlight just how extraordinary it was. World records were repeatedly smashed and, while Australia defended and retained our world championship title earned in 2019, this was only the 4th time Australia has won the Palma since its inception in 1876.”
All four leading teams smashed the old full match Palma record of 7106.825 set by Great Britain in 2015, with Australia setting the new Palma world record with 7172.995. On Day 2, Australia set a new single-day world Team world record of 3592.521. That’s 37 points higher than the previous team record of 3555.424 set by GB in 2015.
The new individual World Record (during team competition) went to Australia’s Brett McCauley with 450-73V — breaking the world record of 449-55V set by Toby Raincock of GB in 2015. And, on Day 2, Great Britain’s Theo Dodds set a one-day individual world record with 225-40V.
USA’s Brandon Green Wins South African Open Championship
Former USAMU shooter Brandon Green topped the field in the South African Open Championship, which took place before the World Championships. Brandon won the SA Open individual title in a dramatic shoot-off. Congratulations to Brandon Green for an impressive come-from-behind victory to win the South African Nationals. Brandon finished with 924-93V, edging out Great Britain’s M.J. Ensor (923-101V) by a single point. Now that’s close!
Photo credit Chris Wheeden, GB Veterans Team
Shooter’s Report from South Africa by Paula Crenshaw
The first week of competition was the South African National Championships which was (for some) a warm-up to the World Long Range Championships. The U.S. National Rifle Team had five teams there. These were: Palma Team, the Veterans Team (those over 60), Goodwill Team, Junior Under 25, and Junior Under 21 teams. Competitions included team competitions and individual competitions.
I was not happy with my performance but I’m not particularly disappointed either. I know what I need to do. My .223 Rem caliber Palma rifle was also not ideal, and I’m eager to shoot my new .308 Win rifle. My Goodwill Team did take second in the Chairman’s Match.
Photo from last day of individual World Championship. The heat was tough.
The entire experience was amazing. It was also incredibly challenging with the heat wave and the winds. My teammates are outstanding people and I met many wonderful fellow shooters from other countries. Shooting while wildebeests and ostriches roamed the range (see above) was … interesting! Captain Bob’s wild dash to get me my forgotten bolt from the hotel was one for the storybooks … and his comment that he’d do it again despite being banned from the range warmed my heart. To my teammates John, Mark, Seth, and our coach Yvonne: Thank you!
The USA women competitors. Right to left: Trudy Fay, Paula Crenshaw, Yvonne Roberts, Kacie McGowan, Amanda Elsenboss, Jessica Hudson.
Here is a cool overhead photograph of the Genl De Wet shooting range outside Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Photo credit Chris Wheeden, GB Veterans Team
About the Long Range World Championship — Rifles and Course of Fire by Paula Crenshaw
Fullbore and Palma are different courses of fire, but both shot with similar rifles. The 87th South African Open Bisley Championships was a fullbore event held March 9-15, 2024. There were individual and team matches. The 32nd World Long Range Championships was a Palma event held March 16-23, 2024. A Palma match is shot at 800, 900, 1000 yards (or 700, 800, 900 meters) and has 15 shots for record at each distance using a .223 Rem or .308 Win (7.62×51) caliber iron-sighted rifle. A Palma rifle is always shot with a sling and iron sights.
Fullbore competition has 2-3 shooters to the mound (except in the USA where sometimes string fire is allowed at 1000 yards), 10 shots (sometimes 15) and shot at 300, 500, 600, 900, 1000 yards (or the equivalent in meters).
The Palma discipline has evolved into the “The World Long Range Championships, Individual and Palma Team Matches”. It has gone through many changes since 1876 and has developed its own set of rules and requirements for target, rifle, and cartridge. The match is now held at 4-year intervals. Teams consist of 16 firing members and two alternates along with a support group of a team captain, adjutant, five coaches, and a non-firing armorer, with total team size not to exceed 26 members. The match in South Africa was shot at 700, 800, and 900 meters.
The Palma is a match of great distinction. While the long range championships include individual matches and a nation’s other teams such as the Veterans teams, Under 25, Under 21, and USA’s Goodwill team, it is the Palma teams that hold the highest honor. The World Long Range Championships culminate with the Palma teams competing from each country. For an excellent detailed history I recommend A History of the Palma Match by Hap Rocketto, first published in 1996 (CLICK HERE FOR PDF).
Photo Credits: Credit top image, range flags image, and Brandon Green Chair image Great Britain Rifle Team. Other images credit Paula Crenshaw, Team USA, Team Australia, Chris Wheeden.
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Today is Easter Sunday, so the outdoor season will be underway soon. Do you have a good first-aid kit in your vehicle to deal with possible injuries to family members of all ages? For just $20.00 on Amazon you can get an excellent kit from Be Smart/TRI, the #1 maker of First Aid Kits in the USA. Don’t delay, we expect this sale price to go up soon.
TRI’s Be Smart Get Prepared First Aid Kit has 201 items inside a sturdy case with shoulder strap and carry handle. There is also a handy, detachable mini pouch with key essentials for first aid on-the-go. You can easily bring the mini-pouch along on a bike ride or hike.
This multi-purpose First Aid Kit includes:
• 50 – Bandages 3/4 x 3
• 30 – Bandages 3/8 x 1 1/2
• 6 – Bandages Closure
• 3 – Knuckle Bandages
• 1 – Tapes – .5 x 2.5yd Waterproof
• 10 – Cotton Tips – 2.75″”/10 Pack
• 4 – Finger Splints
• 1 – First Aid Guide
• 4 – Gauze Pad – 2 x 2 / 4 ply
• 4 – Gauze Pad – 4 x 4 / 4 ply
• 1 – Gauze Pad – 5 x 9
• 2 – Nitrile Gloves
• 1 – Instant Cold Pack – 5 x 6
To help ensure that outdoor adventures remain safe and trouble-free, the CTD Shooters’ Log has a helpful Essential Summer Survival Guide. This is worth reading before you venture away from civilization.
Here are some highlights of the article with links for MORE INFO:
First Aid Kits for Campers
You should never venture outside without a first aid kit close at hand. While exploring the outdoors, all types of accidents can occur—from cuts, scrapes, and burns to broken limbs and severe allergic reactions.
Basic Survival Skills
Basic survival skills are a necessity if you plan to spend any amount of time outdoors. These five tips, plus a how-to on what to pack in a lightweight, basic survival kit will help if you are ever stuck, lost, stranded or injured in the field.
How to Treat Burns
Fireworks, barbeques and campfires — in the summer we are frequently around fire, which increases our chance of getting burned. A first-degree burn is most likely home treatable, while a third degree burn requires immediate medical attention. Learn how to spot the differences between minor and severe burns.
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Creedmoor Sports has recently expanded and updated the Creedmoor Sports InfoZone. This web resource contains valuable information about reloading, rifle maintenance, marksmanship skills, and gunsmithing. In addition, the InfoZone has Competition Reports, numerous Gear Reviews, and general Shooting Sports News.
For this Saturday Showcase, you’ll find five InfoZone Videos hosted by Bill Gravatt, President of Creedmoor Sports. There are over 85 other videos on the Creedmoor Sports YouTube Channel. Bill Gravatt is an expert on reloading processes and gear. He developed many of the popular tools for Sinclair Int’l, and now he directs operations for Creedmoor Sports.
Reloading Procedures with Bill Gravatt
Here are five helpful videos Bill Gravatt created for the Creedmoor Sports InfoZone. These videos cover a variety of essential processes for handloading. In addition Bill Shows how to find the exact twist rate in your rifle barrels.
How to Determine a Barrel Twist Rate
Bill Gravatt of Creedmoor Sports demonstrates an easy method to determine your barrel’s twist rate. Knowing the twist rate is essential to selecting suitable bullets for your discipline.
How to Seat Bullets with Inline Press
Many top Benchrest and F-Class shooters favor inline presses for bullet seating. With good hand dies (such as Wilson) and a inline Arbor press (such as a 21st Century), you can get great results with super seating depth consistency and very low run-out.
How to Trim Cases with L.E. Wilson Trimmer
There are many ways to trim cartridge brass. If you need to trim hundreds of cases it may pay to have a dedicated power trimmer. However, for most rifle shooters, a good hand trimmer will do the job very well. We regularly use a Wilson trimmer to trim our cases, as demonstrated in this video.
How to Clean Cartridge Cases
It is important to regularly clean cartridge brass. There are many different means. Wiping the outside with a solvent is a good start. For more thorough cleaning inside and out tumbling or wet-tumbling will do the job. After tumbling in media, you should always check the primer pockets and flash holes before loading.
How to Clean Reloading Dies
Cleaning your reloading dies is something that many who reload often neglect. In this 60-second Tech Tip, Bill Gravatt provides some tips on cleaning your reloading dies.
BONUS Video: How to Fine Tune Seating Depth
Now that you’ve learned Reloading Basics from the Creedmoor Sports videos, here’s a great video from our friend Keith Glasscock that will help you get optimal results when seating bullets. Keith is one of America’s greatest F-Class competitors, with multiple podium finishes at F-Class National Championships. With over 213,000 views, this is the most popular video Keith has created for his Winning in the Wind YouTube Channel.
About Creedmoor Sports — 45 Years of Service to Marksmen
For the past 45 years, since 1979, Creedmoor Sports has been supplying quality equipment and supplies to avid shooters in a wide variety of disciplines: Rimfire, F-Class, PRS/NRL, Silhouette, Service Rifle, Benchrest, and more. Specializing in competitive centerfire, smallbore, and air rifle accessories, as well as reloading components and tools, Creedmoor Sports seeks to provide its customers with the right gear to help them achieve their personal shooting goals.
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2. Check Out the Forum Classifieds. There are great deals to be found every day in the AccurateShooter 
3. Share a Ride to Matches. Fuel prices are on the rise — regular-grade gasoline is $5.13 per gallon in California now and around $3.54/gallon nationwide. With many shooters living 30-100 miles from the nearest range, fuel remains a big part of a shooter’s hobby budget. We’d say 90% of shooters drive solo to matches, often in large, gas-guzzling trucks. If you drive 200 miles round-trip to attend a match in a 20-mpg vehicle, you’ll burn over $35.40 worth of gasoline on your trip. That adds up. By simply sharing the ride with one fellow shooter you cut your fuel expenditures in half. And, if you alternate vehicles with a buddy from one match to the next, you save on vehicle wear and tear. At 
4. Use Discount Codes to Save. It’s always smart to check for discount codes before you buy. In the Daily Bulletin, we feature “Deals of the Week” every Monday morning, and we provide discount Coupon Codes when available. These can reduce the price substantially or lower shipping costs. Search codes for Brownells, Creedmoor Sports, EuroOptic, Graf’s, Midsouth, Powder Valley, Sportsman’s Warehouse, KYGUNCO, MidwayUSA, and Precision Reloading. Check your email also — some discount codes are only announced in email newsletters. If you can’t find a Coupon Code for your preferred vendor, visit 
5. Shop for “Demo” Optics. Modern high-quality optics can easily cost $1500.00 or more, often exceeding the value of the rifle on which they are mounted. However, you can often save 20-30% by purchasing demo optics. These are normally display units used at trade shows. They may have slight ringmarks, but otherwise they are “as new”, having never been carried in the field or used on a rifle that has fired live ammo. When purchasing demo scopes, you should always ask about the warranty before consummating the sale. However, most demo scopes from name-brand manufacturers come with full factory warranties. 
6. Train with Rimfire Rifles. Good match-grade centerfire, hand-loaded ammo, counting premium bullets, powder, primers, and brass (figuring 10X loads), can now exceed $1.50 per round. And if your $600 (as chambered and fitted) competition barrel is toast after 1500 rounds, add $0.40 for barrel deprecation per shot. So you’re approaching two bucks a round total! By contrast, you can get quite good .22 LR target ammo for under $0.18 per round. Good rimfire barrels last a long, long time, so you don’t have to be concerned about wearing out your barrel quickly. A quality rimfire barrel can retain its accuracy for 7,000 rounds or more. If you run the ballistics, a .22 LR round at 100 yards can emulate the wind drift experienced by a centerfire cartridge at long range. This allows for effective cross-training with much less expensive ammo.
