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October 12th, 2026

BargainFinder 577: 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.

Powder Valley — Big Powder Sale Plus Discounted HazMat

powder valley hodgdon varget H4350 H4895 Vihtavuori smokeless sale Hazmat discount
⏺️ » Great deals on popular powders plus $9.95 HazMat this week

This week Powder Valley is running a notable sale on many powders from Hodgden, Vihtavuori, IMR, and Accurate. You’ll find very good deals on ultra-popular powders including Varget, H4350, H4895, H4831sc and VV N133. In addition to the savings on 1-pound and 8-lb powder jugs, Powder Valley is offering discounted HazMat fees. From October 12 through October 18, Powder Valley is discounting its HazMat Fee to a $9.95 flat rate for all powder orders. That can save you $10-$20.

MidwayUSA — Fall Clearance SALE and Major Discounts

midwayusa fall october sale off guns ammo optics sale
⏺️ » Deals on optics, ammo, hunting gear, plus Free Shipping on $100+ Orders

MidwayUSA is running major discounts in conjunction with hunting season. There are good deals on optics, ammo, hunting accessories and much more. Visit MidwayUSA’s main Sale and Clearance Page to access hundreds of deals with discounts up to 75%. This is a great opportunity if you need trail cams, carry packs, camo clothing and other hunting gear. Plus MidwayUSA is now offering up to 40% off on Leupold Optics.

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October 12th, 2026

Weaver Rail vs. Picatinny Rail — Understand the Differences

Picatinny Rail specifications 1913 Mil-std

Readers often ask “What’s the difference between a Weaver scope rail and a Picatinny Rail?” The answer is not as simple as it seems. The dimensions of a Picatinny Rail should be consistent (from one rail-maker to another), since there IS a government spec. Conversely, there is some variance in “Weaver-style” rails. The width of the groove is the most important difference between Picatinny Rails and Weaver-type rails. “Mil-spec” Picatinny rails will have a grove width of 0.206″ while Weaver rails typically have a narrower, 0.180″ groove width.

Weaver Rail BAT action
Does your rifle have a Weaver Rail or Picatinny Rail? Check the dimensions to be sure.

A while back, Brownells had a helpful GunTech™ Article that discussed the Picatinny Rail vs. Weaver Rail. That article explained:

What are the differences between the ‘Picatinny’ and the ‘Weaver’ systems? The profile of the two systems is virtually identical. Depending on the quality of the machining done by the manufacturer, the two systems should be indistinguishable from the profile. The key difference lies in the placement of the recoil grooves and with width of the grooves. MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) grooves are .206″ wide and have a center-to-center width of .394”. The placement of these grooves has to be consistent in order for it to be a true Picatinny MIL-STD system. Weaver systems have a .180” width of recoil groove and are not necessarily consistent in a center-to-center measurement from one groove to the next.

Picatinny Rail specifications 1913 Mil-std

In many instances, a Weaver system has a specific application that it is machined for, so interchangeability is not necessarily an issue. A MIL-STD-1913 system must adhere to the specifications listed above in order for it to be considered MIL-STD, since the military desires uniformity in the recoil grooves to allow for different systems to be mounted on the weapon with no concern for compatibility.

Now, what does this mean? Boiled down, it means that accessories designed for a Weaver system will, in most cases, fit on a Picatinny system. The reverse, however, is probably not the case. Due to the larger recoil groove, Picatinny accessories will not fit a Weaver system. There are, of course, exceptions to every rule, but for a good rule-of-thumb, [full-width] Picatinny won’t fit Weaver, but Weaver accessories WILL fit Picatinny.

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October 11th, 2026

Sunday GunDay: Guns of the CMP Western Games 2026

CMP Western Games October Highpower high power rifle M1 Carbine Garand Sniper match

The CMP Western Games “Fall Classic” event — featuring CMP Highpower Rifle, Rimfire Rifle, and Pistol Matches — is underway now at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility near Phoenix, Arizona. This year the popular CMP Western Games rifle and pistol competition event runs October 9 through October 18, 2026 (10 days). This fall schedule has proven popular, as the October timing allows more affordable travel/accommodations for Western Games participants.

» CLICK HERE for Full CMP Western Games 2026 Schedule

For today’s Sunday GunDay story we feature popular rifles used in CMP competition: M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, Modern Service Rifle, Vintage Sniper, Rimfire Sporter, and some Pistol Classes.

CMP Western Games October Highpower high power rifle M1 Carbine Garand Sniper matchThe 2026 Western Games kicked off early Friday morning, 10/9/2026, with the Garand-Springfield-Vintage-Modern Military Match (GSSM), a 4-day event that continues through Monday 10/12/2026. There was also a Rifle Marksmanship 101/M16 EIC Match on Friday and there is Rimfire Sporter and Carbine Rifle competition this weekend.

On Monday, there is the Vintage Sniper Competition, along with CMP High Power Rifle events which continue throughout the week, concluding with the EIC Service Rifle match on Sunday 10/18/26. The Mid-Range 3X600 Match Runs Tuesday, with CMP 1000-yard matches on Tuesday and Wednesday. And rimfire and centerfire pistol events run 10/10/26 through 10/13/26.

CMP Western Games October Highpower high power rifle M1 Carbine Garand Sniper match

M1 Garand

CMP Western Games Highpower high power rifle M1 Carbine Garand Sniper match
CMP Western Games pistol rimfire sporter Highpower high power rifle M1 Carbine Garand Sniper match
CMP Western Games Highpower high power rifle M1 Carbine Garand Sniper match
Line-up of M1 Garands at the CMP Sales tent.

M1 Carbine

CMP Western Games Highpower high powder rifle M1 Carbine Garand Sniper match
CMP Western Games pistol rimfire sporter Highpower high power rifle M1 Carbine Garand Sniper match

CMP M1 Carbine Matches — Growing in Popularity
The CMP M1 Carbine Match is part of the CMP Games program that already includes Garand, Springfield and Vintage Military Rifle Matches. “As-issued” U. S. Military M1 Carbines are fired over a 45-shot course of fire at 100 yards on either the old military “A” target or the “SR” target. The course includes 5 sighters and 10 shots for record prone slow fire in 15 minutes, a 10-shot rapid fire prone series in 60 seconds, a 10-shot rapid fire sitting series in 60 seconds and 10 shots slow fire standing in 10 minutes.

Modern Service Rifle (AR15 Family)

CMP Western Games Highpower high power rifle M1 Carbine Garand Sniper match
CMP Western Games Highpower high power rifle M1 Carbine Garand Sniper match

Vintage Sniper Match Rifles

CMP Western Games Highpower high power rifle M1 Carbine Garand Sniper match

All competitors firing on the Highpower range will be firing on Kongsberg Electronic Targets (KTS) (see above center). The KTS system registers each shot and relays the location and score value to a monitor beside each shooter.

CMP Western Games Highpower high power rifle M1 Carbine Garand Sniper match

Rimfire Sporter Rifle

CMP Western Games rimfire sporter Highpower high power rifle M1 Carbine Garand Sniper match
CMP Western Games rimfire sporter Highpower high power rifle M1 Carbine Garand Sniper match
CMP Western Games rimfire sporter Highpower high power rifle M1 Carbine Garand Sniper match

Pistol Competitions

CMP Western Games rimfire sporter pistol Highpower high power rifle M1 Carbine Garand Sniper match
CMP Western Games pistol rimfire sporter Highpower high power rifle M1 Carbine Garand Sniper match

Information on the CMP Western Games

Get more information about the October 2026 CMP Western Games in AZ, with a full schedule and registration info, at https://thecmp.org/cmp-matches/western-cmp-highpower-cmp-games-matches.

Western Games Registration | Match Program | Photo Archive

CMP Western Games pistol rimfire sporter Highpower high power rifle M1 Carbine Garand Sniper match

Travel INFO for Ben Avery Shooting Facility

The Ben Avery Shooting Facility is located 25 miles north of Phoenix, AZ. It is one-half mile west of I-17 on the Carefree Highway (Exit 223). CLICK HERE for Ben Avery Camping/RV Information.


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October 11th, 2026

New ATF Policies on Purchasing Suppressors and NFA Items

ATF guidance suppressor silencer NFA short barrel rifle shotgun brownells

Good news for suppressor fans. On Friday 10/9/2026, the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) issued an important new official policy statement that confirms the elimination of federal fees and most paperwork when acquiring a suppressor. The 10/9 ATF statement also covers other NFA items including short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns.

For additional details, review the official ATF Guidance Instructions and FAQ.

Here is the News Release from the ATF:
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives today released an Open Letter and Frequently Asked Questions explaining how it will treat ownership, transfer, and transportation of the National Firearms Act firearms for which Congress eliminated the making and transfer taxes in the One Big Beautiful Bill.

The guidance follows an announcement by Attorney General Todd Blanche that the Department of Justice will not appeal an August decision made by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, which held that certain provisions of the NFA were unenforceable. In that decision, the court enjoined enforcement of those NFA provisions only for the plaintiffs in the suit; however, using the Department’s enforcement discretion, the Attorney General … made the policy decision to apply the guidance to everyone, and not only to those covered by the injunction in Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF[.]

Under ATF’s guidance, ATF will not enforce the requirements for individuals to apply and receive ATF approval before making or transferring short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, suppressors (silencers), and certain other concealable firearms known in the law as “any other weapons.” ATF also will not enforce the NFA’s registration, tax-stamp or related requirements for those covered items. The $200 tax remains in place for machine guns and destructive devices[.]

The guidance does not supersede state and local laws that restrict NFA firearms. Because many state laws require individuals to register NFA firearms, ATF will continue to process NFA applications that are submitted. The guidance also does not affect the Gun Control Act’s requirement to obtain ATF approval before transporting short-barreled rifles and short-barreled shotguns in interstate commerce.

Suppressor Purchasing under New ATF Policies (Brownells)

ATF guidance suppressor silencer NFA short barrel rifle shotgun brownells
Image from Brownells Suppressor INFO page.

Based on the ATF “Guidance” letter issued 10/9/2026, Brownells has released a helpful summary of factors to consider when purchasing a suppressor.

Understanding the New ATF Suppressor and NFA Policies
Under the new ATF guidance, ATF will no longer enforce federal NFA approval and registration requirements before making or transferring certain NFA items, including suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), and certain other regulated items.

For eligible purchases through an FFL, standard federal firearm transaction requirements still apply, including completing a Form 4473 and, unless exempt, passing a NICS background check. Additional requirements may apply to certain firearm types.

State and Local Laws Still Apply
These changes do not apply the same way in every state. State and local laws may restrict or prohibit certain items or require additional registration, documentation, or transfer procedures. Before making a purchase, customers should review their current state and local laws and regulations to understand what is legal and what requirements apply where they live.

Important Things to Know
— State and local laws are NOT superseded by this ATF guidance.
— Availability and transfer requirements vary by location.
— Federal, state, and local eligibility requirements still apply.
— Some transactions may require additional documentation.
— Customers may still voluntarily use applicable NFA forms and registration processes.
— The federal nonenforcement policy could change, and unregistered items are not guaranteed to be grandfathered if enforcement resumes.

ATF guidance suppressor silencer NFA short barrel rifle shotgun brownells

Suppressor Purchases by State
The following classifications outline general suppressor purchasing requirements under the current guidance and applicable state laws. Requirements may change and should be confirmed before purchase.

Open States (27) — No NFA Process Required
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. In these states, eligible customers can generally purchase a suppressor through the standard firearm transfer process, using applicable background checks and eligibility requirements, without completing an NFA Form 4.

NFA States (15) — Form 4 Still Applies
Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin. These states retain legal requirements tied to federal NFA registration or compliance. Customers should expect to complete the traditional Form 4 process where required under applicable state law.

Banned (8 States + Washington, D.C.)
California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island, plus Washington, D.C. — Suppressors remain generally prohibited for civilian ownership in these locations, subject to limited legal exceptions.

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October 11th, 2026

Registration for SHOT Show 2027 Is Now Open

shot show 2027 las vegas registration nssf gun industry register attendee

Attendee registration for SHOT Show 2027 is officially open! The 2027 show will run January 19-22, 2027 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The SHOT Show event welcomes industry personnel, retail/vendor representatives, and media staffers. NSSF members can save money on SHOT Show registration fees and take advantage of member benefits during SHOT Show week. The NSSF encourages attendees to book their hotel reservations and airline flights soon — book early to save money. CLICK HERE to REGISTER.

shot show 2027 las vegas registration nssf gun industry register attendee

The latest SHOT Show Insider INFO page is ready. Exhibitors can get the latest need-to-know information to stay ahead of the game for SHOT Show 2027. Get information on hotel bookings, print publication opportunities, booth information and more.

Product Previews — New Guns for 2027

TIPS for Getting Ready for SHOT Show 2027 in January:

➢ Plan ahead: Lock in better hotel and airline rates early. There are multiple shows happening in Vegas during SHOT Week, so don’t delay.

➢ Supplier Showcase runs all 4 days on the Venetian 5th Floor Palazzo Ballroom. But there are TWO showcases. The first runs Monday 8:30 to 4:00 and Tuesday 8:30 to 4:30, while the second — the “Supplier Showcase Reloaded” — runs Wednesday 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM and Thursday 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM.

➢ SHOT University will provide 22 educational sessions/seminars aimed to help retailers and shooting ranges enhance management and improve business in competitive and regulated marketplaces.

shot show 2027 las vegas registration nssf gun industry register attendee

Event Schedule & Highlights

• Main Show Dates: January 19–22, 2027
• General Exhibit Hall Hours: Tuesday–Thursday: 8:30 AM–5:30 PM | Friday: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM
• Supplier Showcase (Palazzo Ballroom): Monday and Tuesday, January 18 and 19, 2027
• Supplier Showcase Reloaded (Palazzo Ballroom): Wednesday and Thursday, January 20 and 21, 2027.
• Additional Events: SHOT University, training sessions, New Product Center, and nightly SHOT After Dark networking receptions.

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October 10th, 2026

Saturday Movies: Factory Videos from Gun, Optics, Ammo Makers

Saturday movies video factory showcase BAT Machine Norma SAKO ZEISS Nosler

Ever wonder how rifles, actions, stocks, optics, suppressors, and ammo components are produced in factories around the world? Today’s Saturday at the Movies installment features fascinating videos filmed inside major firearms industry factories including BAT Machine, ZEISS, Norma, SAKO, Nosler, CCI and Federal.

BAT Custom Rifle Actions — Factory Tour and Owner Interview

BAT Machine Co. makes some of the finest custom actions you can buy. Numerous national and world records have been set with BAT actions. To create this video, Ultimate Reloader’s Gavin Gear visited the BAT Machine production center in Post Falls, Idaho. Gavin talked with BAT’s founder Bruce Thom. The video features extensive footage of advanced CNC machines used to produce the superb BAT actions. If you own a BAT action, or hope to acquire one some day, definitely watch this video. CLICK HERE for Full Story.


YouTube Ultimate Reloader Video BAT Machine

Norma Ammunition Factory — Cartridge Creation Start to Finish

Norma has released a fascinating video showing how bullet, brass, and ammunition are produced at the Norma Precision AB factory which first opened in 1902. You can see how cartridges are made starting with brass disks, then formed into shape through a series of processes, including “hitting [the cup] with a 30-ton hammer”. After annealing (shown at 0:08″), samples from every batch of brass are analyzed (at multiple points along the case length) to check metal grain structure and hardness. Before packing, each case is visually inspected by a factory worker.

The video also shows how bullets are made from jackets and lead cores. Finally, you can watch the loading machines that fill cases with powder, seat the bullets, and then transport loaded rounds to the packing system. Guys, watch this video! You won’t be disappointed. The camera work and editing are excellent — there are many close-ups revealing key processes such as annealing and head-stamping.


Norma factory ammo production video

SAKO Factory Tour in Finland

SAKO produces some of the best hunting rifles you can buy. SAKO, along with its sister company Tikka, operates sophisticated production facilities in Finland. In the video below, Canadian journalists visit the SAKO factory where rifles are made. It is interesting to see how stocks are made and barrels are bored and contoured. SEE More HERE.


Sako finland rifle factory tour

Nosler Bullet Manufacturing

Nosler bullets nosler.com website ecommerce

Ever wanted to see how Nosler bullets and cartridges are made? Here’s your opportunity. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) has produced a video (“Quality First”) that offers a behind-the-scenes look inside Nosler’s Oregon factory that produces bullets, brass, and ammunition. RMEF representatives visited Nosler’s famously-guarded manufacturing plant to show the technology used by Nosler to produce bullets and ammunition. After the intro, this video illustrates Nosler’s bullet construction techniques with a cool animation sequence. The video then showcases the Nosler ballistics lab, inspection room, and packaging line. SEE more HERE.

Video Showcases Nosler Production Facility and Ballistics Lab

ZEISS Sport Optics

ZEISS is a world leader in lens and optics technology. Along with ultra-high quality lenses used in production of computer chips and special optics for high-tech medical equipment, ZEISS produces great optics for hunters and shooters. ZEISS lenses are renowned for their sharpness, clarity, and high light transmission. ZEISS has a new series of LRP S3 and LRP S5 First Focal Plane scopes which promise to be favorites among PRS/NRL competitors and long-range hunters.

Silencerco Suppressor Fabrication Start to Finish

Here’s a cool video that shows the entire production process for a SilencerCo Octane pistol suppressor start to finish. Beginning with the raw materials, this video shows a wide variety of cutting, milling, drilling, burnishing, fitting, metal bathing, surface finishing, and laser etching processes. If you have any interest in production methods you’ll want to watch this video all the way through, and maybe a second time.

Computer-Controlled Milling
Silencerco suppressor factory video production metal fabrication can silencer baffle
Hand-Finishing Internal Components
Silencerco suppressor factory video production metal fabrication can silencer baffle

Rimfire Ammo Production at CCI/Speer and Federal Factories

YouTube host 22Plinkster got a chance to tour the CCI/Speer production facility in Lewiston, Idaho. This large plant produces both rimfire and centerfire ammunition. While touring the plant, 22Plinkster was allowed to capture video showing the creation of .22 LR rounds from start to finish. This is a fascinating video, well worth watching.

This revealing video shows all phases of .22 LR ammo production including cupping, drawing, annealing, washing, drying, head-stamping, priming, powder charging, bullet seating, crimping, waxing, inspection, and final packaging.

Field & Stream Tours Federal Ammo Plant in Minnesota
A while back Field & Stream toured the Federal ammunition production facility in Anoka, Minnesota. This large plant produces both rimfire and centerfire ammunition. While touring the plant, the reporter was allowed to capture video showing the creation of .22 LR rounds from start to finish. This is a fascinating video, well worth watching. Click speaker icon for sound.

Note to Viewers — After Starting Video, Click Speaker Icon to HEAR audio!

The Manufacturing Process for .22 LR Rimfire Ammunition
Shooting Sports USA explains: “Rimfire cartridge cases are the oldest self-contained cartridge in existence, having been in continuous production since the mid-1850s. Rimfire cases are drawn from a thin piece of brass and formed with a hollow rim. A priming compound is then forced into the case using centrifugal force, where it is charged with powder and a bullet is seated in the mouth of the case. The case is then crimped around the bullet to ensure sufficient push and pull when the round is fired. When the firing pin strikes the thin brass rim of the case, the hollow rim is crushed and the primer is ignited.” Source: SSUSA.org 9/2/2017.

.22 LR ammunition photo
Photo courtesy BulkAmmo.com.

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October 10th, 2026

Download FREE F-Class Training Targets for 300 Yards

F-Class Target center NRA training reduced size
Ben Avery Match Photo by Sherri Jo Gallagher.

The 2026 F-Class National Championships run October 25 through November 1, 2026 at the Ben Avery Range outside Phoenix, Arizona. SEE F-Class Nationals 2026 INFO Page. With inflation and the high price of gasoline we know some F-Class shooters can’t make it to Nationals this year. For them, and other folks who are getting started in the sport, here are some special targets that let you train at your home range, even if it does not have target bays at 600 and 1000 yards. These special 300-yard Target Centers let you duplicate the exact MOA size of the official longer range F-Class targets, but at closer range.

F-Class Nationals

• F-Class Mid-Range Nationals: October 25–28, 2026 (Ben Avery)
• F-Class Long Range Nationals: October 29 – November 1, 2026 (Ben Avery)

2015 F-Class Championship Ben Avery
Here is the sleek, carbon-stocked .308 Win rifle Bryan Litz used to win both the 2015 Mid-Range AND
Long-Range F-TR Championship at the Ben Avery Range in Phoenix, Arizona.

These reduced-size target centers were created by Forum member SleepyGator, an F-Class competitor who needed practice targets he could use at 300 yards. There is an official reduced-distanced standard for 300-yard F-Class matches. This utilizes the NRA No. MR-63FC – F-Class Target Center which is pasted over the MR-63 target. It provides a 1.42″ X-Ring, 2.85″ 10-Ring, and 5.85″ Nine-Ring. (The dimensions of F-Class targets are found in the NRA F-Class Highpower Rules, Sec. 4, part 4.1-4.7, pages 13-14 — link below.)

F-Class Reduced Target Centers

CLICK HERE to Download F-Class 300-yard Target Centers (.Zip archive with three targets)

To duplicate the 300-yard target, SleepyGator has prepared a printable version of the MR-63FC Target Center, along with a pair of training targets with two bulls and five bulls. The two-bull and five-bull targets mirror the scoring rings on the MR-63FC, but they display only the innermost three rings and two rings respectively. All three targets are Adobe Acrobat (PDF) files that can be easily printed. You may need to adjust the scale (sizing) on your printer to get the dimensions exactly correct. As noted above, when printed, the 10-Ring on all three targets should measure 2.85″. This should provide some handy practice targets you can use between matches. Thanks to SleepyGator for providing these targets. You can download all three as a .Zip archive. After downloading the .Zip file, just click on the .Zip archive to extract the individual targets.

CLICK HERE to Download NRA F-Class Rules with F-Class Target Dimensions

F-Class Target Paste Center

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October 10th, 2026

Guide to Milliradians — Understanding Mils, Milrads, and Mil-Dots

mildot ranging milliradian Milrad

We first ran this article it was very well received. Since then, many Forum members have requested an explanation of MILS and mildots, so we decided to run this feature again…

1 Milliradian (Milrad or ‘Mil’) = 1/1000th of a radian | 1 Milliradian = 0.0573 degrees.

Mildot scope reticleIn this NSSF Video, Ryan Cleckner, a former Sniper Instructor for the 1st Ranger Battalion, defines the term “MilliRadian” (Milrad) and explains how you can use a mildot-type scope to range the distance to your target. It’s pretty simple, once you understand the angular subtension for the reticle stadia dots/lines. Cleckner also explains how you can use the milrad-based reticle markings in your scope for elevation hold-overs and windage hold-offs.

Even if you normally shoot at known distances, the hold-off capability of milrad-reticle scopes can help you shoot more accurately in rapidly-changing wind conditions. And, when you must engage multiple targets quickly, you can use the reticle’s mil markings to move quickly from one target distance to another without having to spin your elevation turrets up and down.

WEB RESOURCES: If you want to learn more about using Milliradians and Mildot scopes, we suggest the excellent Mil-dot Explained article from targettamers.com Guide. This covers the basics you need to know, with clear illustrations.

targettamers.com mildot mil milliradian

Also informative is The Truth about Mil Dots by Michael Haugen. Mr. Haugen begins with basic definitions: 360 degrees = 2 x Pi (symbol π) Radians. That means 1 Radian is about 57.3 degrees. 1 Milliradian (Milrad or ‘Mil’) = 1/1000th of a radian. Thus 1 Milliradian = .0573 degrees.

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October 9th, 2026

Howa Super-Lite Rifles Under 4.5 Lbs for Fall Hunts

Howa superlite super lite lightweight hunting rifle stocky's carbon stock varmint 6.5 creedmoor .308 win

deer scope reticleFall hunting season is here. When we ask serious deer/elk hunters to name the #1 thing they’d like to improve about their equipment, most say they want to reduce the overall weight of their gear. Weight savings can start with a lighter rifle. This article features the very affordable Howa Super Lite rifles, which are under 4.5 pounds without scope.

When you’re trekking many miles in the back-country on a hunt, rifle weight DOES matter. Many hunters want to keep their rifle weight as low as possible to reduce the overall load they must carry in the field. Howa now offers a series of Super Lite rifles that weigh under four and a half pounds (without scope, sling, or ammo). That’s impressive.

Howa claims that its Super Lite rifle is the “absolute lightest centerfire rifle on the market”. We can’t confirm that. But at a listed 4 pounds, 7 ounces (without optics), the carbon-fiber stock Super Lite model is very low in weight and mass (4.4375 pounds to be exact, without scope). And there is a Super Lite Short Barrel model (with 16.25″ barrel) that is just 4 pounds, 3 ounces (without scope). Either version is VERY light indeed — an important plus for hunters carrying their gear for long hours in the field.

Both standard and short-barrel versions of the Howa Super Lite rifle are currently available in .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Rem, and .308 Winchester, four very popular hunting chamberings.

Howa superlite super lite lightweight hunting rifle stocky's carbon stock varmint 6.5 creedmoor .308 win
Photo shows Howa Super Lite Rifle with Kyptek Altitude Camo finish.

For 2024 the Howa Super Lite is offered with six carbon stock finishes, including three impressive camo types: Kryptek Obskura Transitional, Kryptek Altitude, and XK7 Kings Camo. Fitted with the strong but light Stocky’s Carbon Fiber stock, these Super Lite models feature a black webbing and soft touch for added texture and enhanced grip on the low-mass carbon stock. Howa also offers a walnut-stocked version of the Super Lite rifle. This weighs a bit more — 5 pounds, 9 ounces.

Howa Super Lite Rifle Features

Stock Options: Gray, Tan, Green, Kryptek Obskura Transitional Camo, Kryptek Altitude Camo, XK7 Kings Camo, and Walnut Wood (no wood for short barrel models)
Rifle Weight: Standard 4 lbs. 7 oz. | Short Bbl 4 lbs. 3 oz. | Walnut Stock, 5 lbs. 9 oz.
Chamberings: .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08, .308 Win
Stock: Stocky’s Carbon Fiber Stock with Accublock patented Lug Bed
Standard Barrel: 20″ Blued barrel threaded (½”-28) and Suppressor Ready
Short Barrel: 16.25″ Blued
Trigger: 2-Stage Match Trigger with 3-position Safety
Optics Mounting: Included one-piece Picatinny Rail
Stock Feature: Limbsaver Butt Pad
Warranty: Lifetime Howa Warranty

Accuracy Claim: Sub-MOA 3-shot group at 100 yards with premium factory ammo

Howa superlite super lite lightweight hunting rifle stocky's carbon stock varmint 6.5 creedmoor .308 win

The Howa Super Lite also has some interesting mechanical features, including machined receiver and gorged bolt, tool-less firing pin removal, and a reliable M-16 style extractor/ejector. CLICK HERE for more INFO on HOWA Super Lite rifles and the rest of the Legacy Sport International product line.

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October 9th, 2026

Firearms Sales and Gift Transfers — What You Need to Know

Firearms straw sale transfer buy sell

Are you planning to purchase or sell a gun? Or perhaps you want to give one to a family member. Maybe you want to transfer a gun to a friend out of state. These are all situations that demand you understand the law before you buy, sell, or transfer a gun. Thankfully the NRA Blog has a series of helpful articles that can guide you through firearms transfers and transactions.

Do note that laws on private transfers vary from state to state. Also, some of these articles are a few years old. Laws do change, typically becoming more restrictive. You should carefully review current laws in your state before buying/selling any firearm. For a summary of state gun laws, we recommend Legal Heat’s 50 State Guide to Firearms Laws and Regulations reference book. Even this reference was released in 2023, so you should still check for recent changes in state laws.

Here are five articles providing key facts you need to know.
Click each title to read the specific article.

Firearms straw sale transfer buy sell


Firearms straw sale transfer buy sell gift giving


Firearms straw sale transfer buy sell gift family


Firearms straw sale transfer buy sell private gift

Firearms straw sale transfer buy sell private gift

IMPORTANT: All five of these articles reference general rules that apply nationally and in MOST states. However, some states, such as California, New Jersey, and New York (and others) have very special rules and regulations on gun transfers. If you have ANY questions about gun transfers in your state/region, you should consult an attorney familiar the laws of YOUR state and municipality.

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