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December 30th, 2023

Saturday Movies: Six NRA Firearms Science Series Videos

NRA firearms science videos ballistics chronography mil-dot eye dominance

NRA Media offers a series of informative videos about the Science of Shooting, covering a wide range of topics, from eye dominance to long-range ballistics. These videos feature high production values, with super-slow motion segments, as well as helpful computer graphics to illustrate the principles covered.

The videos are narrated by Jessie Harrison, a top action pistol shooter (and the first women ever to achieve USPSA Grand Master status). Jessie is assisted by talented shooters such as Top Shot Season 4 Champion Chris Cheng. There are 40 videos in the Firearm Science Video Series. Here are seven good NRA science videos, with links to others below.

CLICK HERE to Access All 40 NRA Firearm Science Videos »

SHOOTING POSITIONS — Prone, Standing, Sitting, Kneeling

Olympic Gold Medalist Jamie Gray demonstrates the four positions used by competition shooters: Prone, Standing, Sitting, and Kneeling. Helpful overlay graphics show how the human skeleton aligns in each of these positions. This video should help hunters as well as competitive position shooters. If you shoot silhouette, definitely watch this video!

BULLET TRAJECTORY — Factors at Play and Zeroing Strategies

Host Jessie Harrison (formerly Jessie Duff) and Veteran Air Force Sniper and Long Range Expert George Reinas help us understand the factors behind bullet trajectory. NOTE: There are some exaggerations in the graphics in the videos, and inconsistent terminology use, but it’s still a helpful basic primer on the subject of trajectories. This popular video has over 1 million YouTube views.

INTERNAL Ballistics — Cartridge Ignition and Bullet in Barrel


NRA firearms science videos ballistics chronography mil-dot eye dominance

What happens inside the barrel of your gun when you pull the trigger? In this edition of Firearm Science, Jessie Harrison goes over internal ballistics, which studies the combustion of propellant, the pressure developed, and the motion of the bullet along the bore of the barrel. There are some good 3D animations showing how the powder charge ignites and the bullet moves through the barrel.

CHOKE TUBES and Shot Patterns — Shotgun Science

With over 2.2 million YouTube views, this shotgun-centric video is the most popular of all the NRA Firearms Science series videos. Here Olympic trap shooter Corey Cogdell explains how choke tubes affect a shotgun’s shot pattern in this edition of Firearm Science. We recommend that all Shotgun hunters watch this video — it explains the effect of choke tubes very well.

ZEROING RIFLES for Long Range — Tech Tips

The process of zeroing rifles for long range is covered in this Firearm Science video featuring George Reinas, a veteran Air Force sniper. George demonstrates how to adjust his scope to compensate for bullet drop at long range. Our friend Dennis Santiago was involved in the making of this video, which was filmed at the Burbank Rifle & Revolver Club in Southern California.

EYE DOMINANCE — How to Determine Which Eye is Dominant

Host Jessie Duff and longtime shooter Krystie Messenger demonstrate how eye dominance affects aim and teach you how to determine your dominant eye in this edition of Firearm Science. There are very simple tests you can do to determine your eye dominance. This Editor is right-handed but left-eye dominant. All competitive shooters should check for eye dominance. If you are cross-dominant, you can alter your head position or put a paper patch on one frame of your shooting glasses.

Other NRA Firearm Science Videos

Firearm Science: Using Mil-Dots to Estimate Range

Firearm Science: Terminal Ballistics

Firearm Science: Rimfire vs. Centerfire

Firearm Science: Eye Protection

Firearm Science: Shooting Moving Targets

Firearm Science: Trigger Control (Pistol)

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August 31st, 2023

Perfect Your Pistol Skills with Good Books for Handgunners

Pistol Marksmanship training book
Jessie Harrison — one of the greatest female pistol shooters on the planet. In the video below, Jessie offers good tips on safe handgun mag changes.

In this Pro Tip Video, Jessie Harrison talks about Dry-Fire Pistol Training:

One of our Forum members asked: “Are there any good books on pistol marksmanship? I’m looking for a book that covers techniques and concepts….” Here are eight recommended titles that can make you a better pistol shooter. These books run the gamut from basic handgun training to CCW to Olympic-level bullseye shooting.

More Good Guidebooks for Competitive Pistol Shooters
There are other good books which can help competition pistol shooters. For new pistol shooters, we recommend the NRA Guide to the Basics of Pistol Shooting. This full-color publication is the designated student “textbook” for the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course.

If you’re interested in bullseye shooting, get the USAMU’s The Advanced Pistol Marksmanship Manual. This pistol marksmanship guide has been a trusted resource since the 1960s. Action Shooters should read Practical Shooting: Beyond Fundamentals by Brian Enos, a well-known pistol competitor with many titles. Julie Golob’s popular SHOOT book covers pistol marksmanship, along with 3-Gun competition. Julie holds multiple national pistol shooting titles.

AccurateShooter.com may earn a small Affiliate commission on books sold through Amazon.
Permalink Competition, Handguns, Shooting Skills No Comments »
August 23rd, 2023

Steel Challenge 2023 on Shooting USA TV Today

2023 steel challenge talladega alabama world speed shooting championship pistol rimfire rifle

Bang Clang! The 2023 Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Championship is featured on Shooting USA TV this week. The Shooting USA Steel Challenge episode runs August 23, 2023 on the Outdoor Channel. Show times are: Wednesdays, 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific, 8:00 PM Central. After those broadcast times, you can watch the show via Vimeo on Demand for $0.99 per episode.

CLICK HERE for Full 2023 Steel Challenge Program (PDF) »

This past April, the fastest speed shooters in the world showcased their skills at the Steel Challenge Championship at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Complex in Alabama. The Steel Challenge course consists of eight 5-target close-range stages. This discipline has been called “drag racing with guns”. Draw and shoot 5 steel targets with time as your score. The shooter with the lowest overall time wins. This is a very popular event — when registration opened for the 2023 Steel Challenge, more than 700 slots filled in just 12 minutes.

2023 steel challenge talladega alabama world speed shooting championship pistol rimfire rifle
The 2023 Steel Challenge at Talladega was featured this month on the NRA Shooting Sports USA site.

There are multiple pistol and revolver classes, both rimfire and centerfire, iron sights and optics. Increasing in popularity (and speed) are the rimfire rifle and pistol-caliber centerfire rifle classes. There are 13 gun classes in total, the most for any shooting championship. In the centerfire handgun match, the fastest times are posted by competitors using enhanced open guns with compensators and red-dot optics.

Here is a full length Shooting USA Steel Challenge Episode from 2017:

Shooting USA Video covers Course of Fire, Firearms Classes, and Target Layouts (1:20)

Definitely watch the 4-minute video (above) produced by Shooting USA. It explains the classes, shows the stages, and illustrates ALL the different gun classes, pistol AND rifle. You can also see some of the world’s fastest shooters including Jessie Harrison (1:47, 3:44) and Max Michel (3:48). Be amazed by the speed of semi-auto rimfire rifles — five targets hit in under two seconds!

2021 steel challenge talladega alabama world speed shooting championship pistol rimfire rifle

2023 steel challenge talladega alabama world speed shooting championship pistol rimfire rifle

The Steel Challenge was founded in 1981 by Mike Dalton and Mike Fichman, in Southern California. The two Mikes wanted an exciting alternative to paper targets and came up with the all-steel format. The Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Championships have grown to one of the largest professional pistol competitions in America. In 2022, scores of competitors competed at the Talladega Marksmanship Park for glory and cash prizes. The Steel Challenge is governed by the Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA) that consists of eight standardized stages with three types of steel targets: small circle, big circle, and square. Here is a steel challenge layout in Germany.

rimfire steel challenge outer limits germany

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May 19th, 2023

2023 Bianchi Cup Competition Runs May 23-26 in Missouri

NRA Bianchi Cup Missouri Hallsville Green Valley Dough Koenig Jesse Harrison Duff
Photo from DougKoenig.com.

2023 cmp bianchi cup pistol match missouriStarted in 1979 by former police officer John Bianchi, the Bianchi Cup is a prestigious and challenging action pistol tournament. The event, the second longest-running action pistol championship, attracts top pistol shooters from around the world. Shooters compete in multiple events including the Barricade, Falling Plate, Practical, and Moving Target.

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) now oversees the Bianchi Cup. Christie Sewell, CMP Programs Chief, stated: “The Civilian Marksmanship Program is honored and excited to be the governing organization for the historic and treasured Bianchi Cup International Pistol Competition.”

This year’s competition will be held May 23-26 at the Green Valley Rifle & Pistol Club in Hallsville, Missouri. Spectators are invited to attend the championship each day. For more information, visit the CMP 2023 Bianchi Cup Web Page.

Bianchi Cup — the Richest Handgun Match on the Planet

Over the past 30+ years the Bianchi Cup has become the richest handgun event in the world, with cash and prizes for the best scores on four stages of fire for both revolver and semi-auto pistol divisions.

19-Time Bianchi Cup Winner Doug Koenig
NRA Bianchi Cup Missouri Hallsville Green Valley Dough Koenig Jesse Harrison Duff

Women of the Bianchi Cup

About the CMP Bianchi Cup
The Bianchi Cup International Pistol Tournament was first held in 1979, making it the second longest running action pistol championship in the world. This year, it will be hosted by the CMP for the first time, May 23-26, 2023, at the Green Valley Rifle & Pistol Club in Missouri. The Bianchi Cup has been called the world’s most prestigious pistol tournament. Due to the high accuracy required in each stage of the Bianchi Cup, the tournament is considered one of the most difficult handgun championships on the planet.

The Bianchi Cup is Comprised of Four Events:

Practical Event: Competitors fire at distances from 10 yards to 50 yards under varying time limits from the shooting line.

Barricade Event: Competitors fire at targets on either side of the barricade at different distances and under varying time limits from within shooting boxes and behind barricades.

Falling Plate Event: Competitors fire at eight-inch round steel plates arranged in banks of six at distances from 10 to 25 yards under varying time limits.

Moving Target Event: Competitors fire from within shooting boxes at distances ranging from 10 to 25 yards at a target moving from left to right, with the target exposed for six seconds.

Bianchi Cup Open Class Pistol — Features in Review

Position Shooting with Pistols at Bianchi Cup
Competitors shoot from both standing and prone positions and are also required to shoot with both strong and weak hands at various stages. There are no make-up shots in the Bianchi Cup, adding to the difficulty.

2023 cmp bianchi cup raffle prize

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February 4th, 2023

Saturday Movies: Jessie Harrison — Best Lady Pistol Shooter

Jessie Harrison Abbate Duff pistol shooting lady female champion video youtube showcase movies saturday taurus

Jessie Harrison is arguably the best female action pistol shooter in history. No other lady has amassed as many championships or set so many speed-shooting records. Over the past two decades Jessie Harrison (who has also competed with with married names Jessie Duff and Jessie Abbate) has earned dozens of major titles including twenty-two U.S. Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) Ladies Championships. Jessie won her 22nd USPSA title at the USPSA Race Gun Nationals in October 22–24, 2021 at the Talledega Marksmanship Park in Alabama.

Jessie Harrison Abbate Duff pistol shooting lady female champion video youtube showcase movies saturday taurus

This Saturday at the Movies feature showcases Jessie Harrison shooting in competition as well as Jessie offering shooting and firearms safety tips. You can see dozens more action pistol videos featuring Jessie on the Jessie Harrison YouTube Channel.

Jessie Harrison Abbate Duff pistol shooting taurus lady female champion video youtube showcase movies saturday

Jessie Harrison Abbate Duff pistol shooting taurus lady female champion video youtube showcase movies saturday

Jessie Harrison Abbate Duff pistol shooting lady female champion video youtube showcase movies saturday

Jessie Harrison Abbate Duff pistol shooting lady taurus female champion video youtube showcase movies saturday

Jessie Harrison Abbate Duff pistol shooting lady female champion video youtube showcase movies saturday

Jessie with Team USA at 2022 IPSC World Shoot

Jessie Harrison Abbate Duff pistol shooting lady taurus female champion video youtube showcase movies saturday

American shooter Jessie Harrison was part of a victorious USA Team and took second in the Ladies Open Division at the IPSC Handgun World Shoot held in November, 2022 in Pattaya, Thailand. The IPSC World Shoot is considered by many to be the most prestigious action pistol competition in the world. “The IPSC Handgun World Championships are our equivalent to the Olympics, the pinnacle of matches,” said Harrison.

Blast From the Past — Young Jessie in Cowboy Action Mode

Early in her shooting career, Jessie enjoyed Cowboy Action Shooting. She honed her skills shooting revolvers and lever guns “on the clock” with steel targets. For this Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) sport, all competitors use an official “alias” at matches. Jessie’s SASS alias was “Jasmine Jessie”. Watch this video from 2009 to see a young Jessie in action with a slick shotgun-loading trick.

Jessie Harrison, Successful Huntress

Jessie also enjoys hunting. Back in 2019, the chance to bag a Muley buck drew action-shooting ace Jessie Harrison out to Wyoming’s Bighorn Mountains region. Jessie, who is probably the best lady action pistol shooter on the planet, had a successful hunt with Big Horn Outfitters. Jessie, Shooting Team Captain for Taurus USA, really enjoyed getting out into the Wyoming wilderness. And she got her buck!

Jessie Harrison Abbate Duff pistol shooting lady female champion video youtube showcase movies saturday

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December 8th, 2022

Jessie Harrison Wins Medals at IPSC World Shoot

IPSC World Jessie Harrison Pattaya Thailand World Shoot

American shooter Jessie Harrison was part of a victorious USA Team and took second in the Ladies Open Division at the IPSC Handgun World Shoot held in November, 2022 in Pattaya, Thailand.* The IPSC World Shoot is considered by many to be the most prestigious action pistol competition in the world. “The IPSC Handgun World Championships are our equivalent to the Olympics, the pinnacle of matches,” said Harrison.

Jessie won a Silver Medal in individual competition and shared a Gold medal in team competition. “It’s an honor to represent the USA and to be able to bring home a gold and silver medal in the teams and individual divisions!” Harrison added. Jessie took second place overall in the Ladies Open Division shooting a .38 Super Comp cartridge with Hornady 125gr HAP bullets.

IPSC World Jessie Harrison Pattaya Thailand World Shoot

The International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) was established to promote, maintain, improve, and advance the sport of practical shooting, safeguard its principles, and regulate its conduct worldwide for the safe, recreational use of firearms by persons of good character.

IPSC World Jessie Harrison Pattaya Thailand World Shoot

This MS IPSC video shows the action in Pattaya, Thailand at the very green tropical range.

This was filmed in 2022 though the logo says 2020 (match was postponed two years).

* The logo says “2020” but this is from November 2022 — the original logo was made for the event in 2020 but that was rescheduled to 2022 due to COVID restrictions.

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June 22nd, 2022

2022 Steel Challenge on Shooting USA TV Today

2022 steel challenge talladega alabama world speed shooting championship pistol rimfire rifle

Bang Clang! The 2022 Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Championship is featured on Shooting USA TV this week. The Shooting USA Steel Challenge episode runs June 22, 2022 on the Outdoor Channel. Show times are: Wednesdays, 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific, 8:00 PM Central. After those broadcast times, you can watch the show via Vimeo on Demand for $0.99 per episode.

This past April, the fastest speed shooters in the nation showcased their skills at the Steel Challenge Championship at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Complex in Alabama. The Steel Challenge course consists of multiple 5-target close-range stages. This discipline has been called “drag racing with guns”. Draw and shoot 5 steel targets with time as your score. The shooter with the lowest overall time wins.

There are multiple pistol and revolver classes, both rimfire and centerfire, iron sights and optics. Increasing in popularity (and speed) are the rimfire rifle and pistol-caliber centerfire rifle classes. There are 13 gun classes in total, the most for any shooting championship. In the centerfire handgun match, the fastest times are posted by competitors using enhanced open guns with compensators and red-dot optics.

Here is a full length Shooting USA Steel Challenge Episode from 2017:

Shooting USA Video covers Course of Fire, Firearms Classes, and Target Layouts (1:20)

Definitely watch the 4-minute video (above) produced by Shooting USA. It explains the classes, shows the stages, and illustrates ALL the different gun classes, pistol AND rifle. You can also see some of the world’s fastest shooters including Jessie Harrison (1:47, 3:44) and Max Michel (3:48). Be amazed by the speed of semi-auto rimfire rifles — five targets hit in under two seconds!

2021 steel challenge talladega alabama world speed shooting championship pistol rimfire rifle

Here is Jessie Harrison, the fastest lady pistol shooter on the planet. At the 2022 World Speed Shooting Championship, Jessie won the Ladies High Overall title plus the Steel Master award. Harrison is the first woman to claim the Steel Master award, given to the competitor with the best aggregate score for two centerfire divisions and one rimfire division. Below Jessie celebrates with Taurus team-mate K.C. Eusebio, who took the High Overall title and first place in the Open division. This was K.C.’s ninth World Speed Shooting Title.

2022 steel challenge talladega alabama world speed shooting championship pistol rimfire rifle

2021 steel challenge talladega alabama world speed shooting championship pistol rimfire rifle

The Steel Challenge was founded in 1981 by Mike Dalton and Mike Fichman, in Southern California. The two Mikes wanted an exciting alternative to paper targets and came up with the all-steel format. The Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Championships have grown to one of the largest professional pistol competitions in America. In 2022, scores of competitors competed at the Talladega Marksmanship Park for glory and cash prizes. The Steel Challenge is governed by the Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA) that consists of eight standardized stages with three types of steel targets: small circle, big circle, and square. Here is a steel challenge layout in Germany.

rimfire steel challenge outer limits germany

Permalink - Videos, Competition, Handguns, Shooting Skills No Comments »
May 21st, 2022

Handgun Marksmanship Skills — Six Great Books for Pistoleros

Pistol Marksmanship training book

One of our Forum members asked: “Are there any good books on pistol marksmanship? I’m looking for a book that covers techniques and concepts….” Here are six recommended titles that can make you a better pistol shooter. These books run the gamut from basic handgun training to Olympic-level bullseye shooting.

Pistol Marksmanship training book 1911 race gunGood Guidebooks for Pistol Shooters
There are actually many good books which can help both novice and experienced pistol shooters improve their skills and accuracy. For new pistol shooters, we recommend the NRA Guide to the Basics of Pistol Shooting. This full-color publication is the designated student “textbook” for the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course.

Serious competitive pistol shooters should definitely read Pistol Shooters Treasury a compilation of articles from World and National Champions published by Gil Hebard. You could work your way through the ranks with that book alone even though it is very small. It is an excellent resource.

If you’re interested in bullseye shooting, you should get the USAMU’s The Advanced Pistol Marksmanship Manual. This USAMU pistol marksmanship guide has been a trusted resource since the 1960s. Action Shooters should read Practical Shooting: Beyond Fundamentals by Brian Enos, and Practical Pistol by Ben Stoeger. Brian Enos is a well-known pistol competitor with many titles. Ben Stoeger is a two-time U.S. Practical Pistol shooting champion. Last but not least, Julie Golob’s popular SHOOT book covers pistol marksmanship, along with 3-Gun competition. Julie holds multiple national pistol shooting titles.

Jessie Harrison is one of the greatest female pistol shooters on the planet. In the video below, Jessie offers smart tips on purchasing a handgun, and getting started in competition. Jessie covers caliber choice, handgun fit/ergonomics, concealability, holster options, and other key factors.

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April 21st, 2022

Print Resources for Pistoleros — Eight Great Handgun Books

Pistol Marksmanship training book
Jessie Harrison — one of the greatest female pistol shooters on the planet. In the video below, Jessie offers good tips on safe handgun mag changes.

In this Pro Tip Video, Jessie Harrison talks about Dry-Fire Pistol Training:

One of our Forum members asked: “Are there any good books on pistol marksmanship? I’m looking for a book that covers techniques and concepts….” Here are eight recommended titles that can make you a better pistol shooter. These books run the gamut from basic handgun training to CCW to Olympic-level bullseye shooting.

Pistol Marksmanship training book 1911 race gunGood Guidebooks for Pistol Shooters
There are actually many good books which can help both novice and experienced pistol shooters improve their skills and accuracy. For new pistol shooters, we recommend the NRA Guide to the Basics of Pistol Shooting. This full-color publication is the designated student “textbook” for the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course.

If you’re interested in bullseye shooting, you should get the USAMU’s The Advanced Pistol Marksmanship Manual. This USAMU pistol marksmanship guide has been a trusted resource since the 1960s. Action Shooters should read Practical Shooting: Beyond Fundamentals by Brian Enos, and Practical Pistol by Ben Stoeger. Brian Enos is a well-known pistol competitor with many titles. Ben Stoeger is a two-time U.S. Practical Pistol shooting champion. Julie Golob’s popular SHOOT book covers pistol marksmanship, along with 3-Gun competition. Julie holds multiple national pistol shooting titles.

AccurateShooter.com may earn a small Affiliate commission on books sold through Amazon.
Permalink - Articles, - Videos, Handguns No Comments »
April 16th, 2022

Saturday at the Movies: Firearms Science Series — 7 Smart Videos

NRA firearms science videos ballistics chronography mil-dot eye dominance

NRA Media offers a series of informative videos about the Science of Shooting, covering a wide range of topics, from eye dominance to long-range ballistics. These videos feature high production values, with super-slow motion segments, as well as helpful computer graphics to illustrate the principles covered.

The videos are narrated by Jessie Harrison, a top action pistol shooter (and the first women ever to achieve USPSA Grand Master status). Jessie is assisted by talented shooters such as Top Shot Season 4 Champion Chris Cheng. There are 40 videos in the Firearm Science Video Series. Here are seven good NRA science videos, with links to others below.

CLICK HERE to Access All 40 NRA Firearm Science Videos »

BULLET TRAJECTORY — Factors at Play and Zeroing Strategies

Host Jessie Harrison (formerly Jessie Duff) and Veteran Air Force Sniper and Long Range Expert George Reinas help us understand the factors behind bullet trajectory. NOTE: There are some exaggerations in the graphics in the videos, and inconsistent terminology use, but it’s still a helpful basic primer on the subject of trajectories. This popular video has over 1 million YouTube views.

SHOOTING POSITIONS — Prone, Standing, Sitting, Kneeling

Olympic Gold Medalist Jamie Gray demonstrates the four positions used by competition shooters: Prone, Standing, Sitting, and Kneeling. Helpful overlay graphics show how the human skeleton aligns in each of these positions. This video should help hunters as well as competitive position shooters. If you shoot silhouette, definitely watch this video!

INTERNAL Ballistics — Cartridge Ignition and Bullet in Barrel


NRA firearms science videos ballistics chronography mil-dot eye dominance

What happens inside the barrel of your gun when you pull the trigger? In this edition of Firearm Science, Jessie Harrison goes over internal ballistics, which studies the combustion of propellant, the pressure developed, and the motion of the bullet along the bore of the barrel. There are some good 3D animations showing how the powder charge ignites and the bullet moves through the barrel.

CHOKE TUBES and Shot Patterns — Shotgun Science

With over 2 million YouTube views, this shotgun-centric video is the most popular of all the NRA Firearms Science series videos. Here Olympic trap shooter Corey Cogdell explains how choke tubes affect a shotgun’s shot pattern in this edition of Firearm Science. We recommend that all Shotgun hunters watch this video — it explains the effect of choke tubes very well.

ZEROING RIFLES for Long Range — Tech Tips

The process of zeroing rifles for long range is covered in this Firearm Science video featuring George Reinas, a veteran Air Force sniper. George demonstrates how to adjust his scope to compensate for bullet drop at long range. Our friend Dennis Santiago was involved in the making of this video, which was filmed at the Burbank Rifle & Revolver Club in Southern California.

CHRONOGRAPHS — Calculating the Speed of a Bullet

pistol shooting science Jessie Duff NRA Ballistic PendulumThis video shows a conventional chronograph with front and rear light sensors. The bullet first trips the front sensor and then the rear sensor as it flies over the unit. The difference in sensor time is used to calculate bullet speed. This is not the only kind of chrono in common use today. The popular MagnetoSpeed chrono works by tracking the bullet as it passes over two magnetic sensors mounted on a bayonet-style fixture on the barrel.

The high-tech LabRadar chronograph employs Doppler Radar to measure the speed of a bullet without the need to send the round directly over sensors. No need to set up tripods down-range. Just set the unit near your rifle’s muzzle, on the side. There is also an inertial trigger accessory for LabRadars. Interestingly, this video also explains how, in the days before electric lamps, digital processors, and radar, scientists used a mechanical “Ballistic Pendulum” to calculate bullet velocity using Newtonian physics. The Ballistic Pendulum (shown at right) was first used in the mid 1700s.

EYE DOMINANCE — How to Determine Which Eye is Dominant

Host Jessie Duff and longtime shooter Krystie Messenger demonstrate how eye dominance affects aim and teach you how to determine your dominant eye in this edition of Firearm Science. There are very simple tests you can do to determine your eye dominance. This Editor is right-handed but left-eye dominant. All competitive shooters should check for eye dominance. If you are cross-dominant, you can alter your head position or put a paper patch on one frame of your shooting glasses.

Other NRA Firearm Science Videos

Firearm Science: Using Mil-Dots to Estimate Range

Firearm Science: Terminal Ballistics

Firearm Science: Rimfire vs. Centerfire

Firearm Science: Eye Protection

Firearm Science: Shooting Moving Targets

Firearm Science: Trigger Control (Pistol)

Permalink - Videos, Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Competition, Handguns, Tech Tip No Comments »
January 25th, 2022

Handguns for 2022 — Nine Notable Pistols and Revolvers

shot show 2022 new handgun pistols revolvers ccw carry gun show

A large selection of new handguns have been introduced in recent months, with manufacturers racing to meet unprecedented high consumer demand. Millions of Americans have joined the ranks of gunowners in the past two years. At least 5.4 million people purchased a firearm for the first time in 2021 based on NSSF retailer surveys and NICS background checks adjusted data. And, for most new firearms owners, their first purchase was a handgun, most likely a 9mm compact. Here are nine notable new handguns* introduced over the last 12 months. Many debuted at SHOT Show 2022, while others were introduced in 2021.

Taurus TX22 Competition SCR (Steel Challenge Ready)

Taurus TX 22 SCR pistol steel challenge
Taurus TX 22 SCR pistol steel challenge

The Taurus TX22 SCR (Steel Competition Ready) was designed as a fun rimfire for steel plate competition and action pistol games. We like the balance and ergonomics of this pistol, and the integrated forward compensator does reduce muzzle flip, allowing faster follow-up shots and better split times.

In this video, watch Jessie Harrison, the world’s best female action pistol competitor, shooting the TX22 on steel, starting at 0:14 time-mark.

Girsan MC P35 Hi-Power from EAA

Girsan high-power hi-power FN clone EA

This is the year of the Browning Hi-Power revival. Springfield Arms brought out the SA-35, FN Herstal has a new High Power, and the Turkish company Girsan now produces the MC P35 (sold in the USA by EAA). Based on the original John M. Browning pistol design, EAA’s MC P35 by Girsan pays homage to one of the most widely-used military handguns in history. The steel-framed MC P35 boasts a 15+1 capacity in a staggered column magazine. With classic styling, good machining, and a sub-$600 MSRP, this MC P35 may be the best bargain among the latest generation of Hi-Power clones. It is offered in three finishes: Two-tone (gray/black), Black, and Dark Earth.

Uberti 9mm Single-Action Classic Revolvers

Uberti classic single action revolver 9mm luger 9x19mm pistol

Italian gun-maker Uberti expands its portfolio of classic single-action revolvers with the addition of new 9mm wheelguns. For 2022, Uberti offers select El Patrón and Cattleman Brass single-action revolvers chambered for the 9mm Luger (9x19mm) cartridge. These revolvers headspace at the cartridge mouth without the need for moon clips, allowing cartridges to be loaded individually into the cylinder and ejected in the regular fashion. With 9mm Luger ammo being available at a lower price than many other handgun cartridges, revolver shooters can put more rounds on target without breaking the bank.

Stoeger Introduces STR-9SC subcompact

Stoeger sub-compact str-9sc optics ready

Based on the original STR-9 compact 9mm introduced in 2019, Stoeger’s new STR-9SC Sub-Compact series offers three models: SSTR-9SC Sub-Compact Optic-Ready, STR-9SC Sub-Compact with Tritium night sights, and base model TR-9SC Sub-Compact. All come with a medium backstrap, left- or right-side mag release, trigger safety, accessory rail, front post/square notch rear sight configuration, and a 10-round magazine. These are all very affordable — the basic STR-92C Sub-Compact has a $329.99 MSRP.

Shadow Systems DR-920P Pistol with Integral Compensator

shadow systems DR920P pistol 9mm luger compensator steel challenge

Shown at the top of this article, the new Shadow Systems DR920P 9mm Luger pistol features a built-in, multi-port compensator at the end of the barrel. This reduces felt recoil and muzzle flip allowing faster split times on multi-target scenarios. NOTE that the front sight is mounted on the forward compensator so it does not reciprocate with the slide.

If you are an 3-Gun or Steel Challenge shooter, you may want to consider this new pistol. The DR920P fits Glock 34 holsters, and ergonomics are similar to Glock, but we like the Shadow DR920P’s trigger better than a standard Glock trigger.

Savage Stance 9mm Compact Pistol

This is the first compact pistol produced by Savage Arms in a century. Outdoor Life notes: “For the first time since 1920, Savage is back in the pistol market, diving right into the most competitive category — the micro 9mm. The Stance is an ultra-thin, polymer-frame semi-automatic striker-fired 9mm with a 3.2-inch barrel. It’s less than an inch thick, but an abrasive stipple finish on the grip and interchangeable back straps should make this one a pleasure to shoot.”

Kimber R7 Mako Optics Installed

Kimber R7 mako optics installed carry handgun pistol

Released in 2021, the R7 was Kimber’s first Polymer-framed handguns. The latest optics-installed R7 Mako ($799.00 MSRP) features a factory-installed CTS-1500 reflex sight for fast target acquisition and accurate shot placement. Capacity is 12+1 with flush-fit mag or 14+1 with extended. This little pistol features co-witnessed tritium night sights, and Hooded ejection port to vent gasses/brass away from the optic. For other features see this video review from Colion Noir:

Taurus Defender 605 3″-barrel .357 Magnum Revolver

Taurus defender 605 revolver 3

The new 3″-barrel Taurus Defender 605 wheelgun comes in four versions, starting at $472.63 MSRP for matte black stainless with rubber grip. Show is the Altamont wood grip model with Tungsten Cerakote finish (MSRP $517.33). These are significantly less expensive than similar S&Ws. Unlike many 3-inch barrel revolvers, the Defender 605 comes with an extended ejector rod for quicker reloads. The Defender 605s come with factory-installed tritium front night sight with an orange outline.

Ruger PC Charger 9mm Large Format Pistol

Ruger PC charger Pistol carbine


Pistol brace, sling, suppressor, optic, and Glock Magazine NOT included.

The Ruger PC Charger pistol was is a handgun version of Ruger’s PC Carbine. This pistol was actually introduced last year, but now it is being sold without the legally problematic folding stock (err, make that a “pistol brace”). The 2022-model PC Charger still has a quick detachable barrel system, MLOK rail, and a 1913 rail up top for accessories. The PC Charger runs Ruger pistol magazines, and there is a handy, drop-in conversion for Glock magazines. This is hardly a carry pistol, but we can see how someone might favor this for home defense or fun shooting on steel.

CLICK HERE to view MORE New-for-2022 Pistols and Revolvers »

Good Handgun Transport Case — Discrete Gun Luggage

Here’s a sensible transport option for range trips with handguns. This discrete, double-sided unit from Elite Survival Systems allows you to transport four pistols — as well as eye protection, cleaning kits, magazines and ammunition — no more conspicuously than a laptop. There are two identical 2-gun compartments for pistols, plus a top section for your muffs, targets, and other accessories. This bag system earned the U.S. Concealed Carry Magazine Editor’s Choice Award.

laptop computer pistol transport case

* We count the two Uberti single-action revolvers as one new design because they are nearly identical in layout and operation. However there are some differences (e.g. the brass-frame option on Cattleman model only).

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October 27th, 2021

22 is Jessie’s Lucky Number — USPSA Ladies Title #22

jessie harrison uspsa nationals talladega ladies women championship title
Jessie Harrison won the Ladies title at this year’s USPSA Open Gun National Championship, marking the 22nd time she has done so in the category.

Jessie Harrison is arguably the best female action pistol shooter in history. No other lady has amassed as many championships or set so many records. And Jessie scored yet another milestone recently, winning her 22nd U.S. Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) Ladies Championship. Jessie won the title at the recent USPSA Race Gun Nationals held October 22–24, 2021 at the Talledega Marksmanship Park in Alabama.


“Fun field course from USPSA Race Gun Nationals! Getting to stretch the legs and do a little run-n-gun is always nice!” — Jessie Harrison

jessie harrison uspsa nationals talladega ladies women championship title
Jessie Harrison at the 2021 USPSA Race Gun Nationals in Talladega Marksmanship Park.

On her Facebook Page, Jessie posted:

“I’m very excited to share that I’ve won my 22nd USPSA Ladies National Title. I defended my Ladies Open title this year against some of the best women shooters in this country and it was an honor to share the range with them. With USPSA bringing the ladies Super Squad back, it has invigorated the competition and brings the best out of all of us. There’s nothing more intense than stepping to the line amongst your competitors and having to perform. It also creates a camaraderie between everyone that you can’t find anywhere else. Each of these ladies pushed me the entire weekend to do better and I respect all of them as competitors and friends!

Thank you to USPSA for understanding the need for our squad again and making it happen AND for hosting such a great Nationals!

A big round of applause to the match staff for their hard work and long days on the range for us competitors, it’s a selfless job and you’re appreciated!

A big heartfelt thank you to all of my sponsors for your support and encouragement for the past 21. I never could have dreamed I’d be doing what I love for so long and it wouldn’t be possible without all of you!”

jessie harrison uspsa nationals talladega ladies women championship title

Jessie, who is captain of the Taurus Shooting Team, also congratulated fellow winners at the 2021 USPSA Nationals: Christian Sailer (221.44, match winner), Justine Williams (64.89, Ladies Limited) and Mason Lane (79.5, Limited winner). Learn more about the USPSA competitions at USPSA.org.

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