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October 13th, 2026

Hunting Skills — How to Stabilize Your Shooting Positions

USAMU Michael McPhail position hunting prone kneeling treestand
For hunters in a tree stand, SFC McPhail recommends a position with your weakside leg pulled up and firmly braced on the front rail of the treestand. You can then rest your support arm on your leg. This provides a rock-solid position when shooting from a stand.

USAMU Michael McPhail position hunting prone kneeling treestandTeam USA Olympian and ISSF World Cup Winner SFC Michael McPhail is one of the world’s best smallbore rifle shooters. He is also an avid hunter, who enjoys harvesting game with centerfire rifles. In a USAMU video, McPhail shows how competition shooting positions can be adapted for hunters. McPhail shows how well-established positions can provide a more stable platform for hunters in the field. That can help ensure a successful hunt. McPhail demonstrates three positions: kneeling, supported prone, and sitting in a tree-stand.

Watch SFC McPhail Demonstrate Positions for Hunters (Good Video):

USAMU Michael McPhail position hunting prone kneeling treestand

McPhail first demonstrates the kneeling position. Michael notes: “I like kneeling. It’s a little bit of an under-utilized position, but it’s almost as stable as prone. It allows you get up off the ground a little bit higher to [compensate for] vegetation. For kneeling start by taking your non-dominant foot and put that towards the target, while at the same time dropping down to a knee on the dominant leg. At the same time … wrap the sling around wrist and fore-arm, lean slightly into the target and take the shot.”

USAMU Michael McPhail position hunting prone kneeling treestand

McPhail shows a nice “field expedient” use of your backpack. He shows how the basic prone position can be adapted, using the pack as a front rifle support. McPhail recommends pulling your dominant (strongside) leg forward, bent at the knee. According to Michael, this takes pressure off the abdomen, helps minimizes heart beat effects, and helps with breathing.

Permalink - Articles, - Videos, Hunting/Varminting, Shooting Skills Post comment »
October 13th, 2026

Excellent Books for Gun Collectors — Big Illustrated Resources

Illustrated History of Fireams NRA museum 320 page 1700 photos

Looking for a superb illustrated coffee table book about guns? Yes there is such a thing, a great book we highly recommend — The Illustrated History of Fireams (2nd Edition). This full-color 320-page hardcover book features more than 1,700 photos compiled by NRA Museums curators Jim Supica, Doug Wicklund, and Philip Schreier. This Second Edition includes 300 photos more than the original, plus dozens of new profiles of important persons who influenced firearms development.

This follow-up to the best-selling original NRA Museums book is loaded with great images, historical profiles, and technical data on old, new, and currently-manufactured firearms that have changed history. Covering the earliest matchlocks to modern match-grade superguns and everything in between, The Illustrated History of Firearms provides a fascinating education on how guns evolved, where they originated and how they worked.

The Illustrated History of Firearms, 2nd Edition

– Authored by the experts at the NRA Firearms Museums

– Published by Gun Digest Books

– 9 ½ x 11 1/2 inches, hardcover with dust jacket

– 1,700 full-color photos

– 320 Pages

– Price: $49.99 (MSRP); $29.33 on Amazon

The Illustrated History of Firearms, 2nd Edition is available from Amazon direct for $29.33. You’ll also find the book at major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble, but it’s probably easier to purchase online.

Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Guns

If you like big, illustrated hardback gun books, there’s a second title we recommend: The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Guns.

This hefty 516-page book covers “Pistols, Rifles, Revolvers, Machine And Submachine Guns Through History”. This major resource is illustrated with 1100 photographs, and covers the whole spectrum of guns.

Priced at $35.00 on Amazon (hardback), this book would make a great gift for a gun collector, and could be a nice addition to a local gun club library. The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Guns has proven very popular with buyers, earning 83% five-star ratings on Amazon among verified purchasers.

Illustrated world encyclopedia of guns book amazon 1100 photos

Historic American Arms — Teddy Roosevelt’s Lever Guns
These two lever action rifles, owned by President Theodore Roosevelt, are part of the NRA Museum collection. First is a Winchester 1886 rifle known as the tennis match gun because Roosevelt used winnings from a tennis match to buy it. Below that is a suppressed Winchester model 1894 rifle. Roosevelt liked to shoot varmints around Oyster Bay (Long Island, NY) with this gun so he wouldn’t disturb his neighbors — the Tiffany and Du Pont families.

Roosevelt NRA Museum lever gun suppress 1886 1894
Roosevelt NRA Museum lever gun suppress 1886 1894

About the NRA Museums
The NRA opened the original National Firearms Museum at its Washington DC Headquarters in 1935. In 2008 the Francis Brownell Museum of the South West opened at the NRA’s Whittington Center in Raton, NM. Then, in 2013, the National Sporting Arms Museum opened at the Bass Pro Shops store in Springfield, MO. Every year, at these three museum facilities, over 350,000 persons visit to see the impressive exhibits and many of America’s most famous firearms. For more information, visit www.NRAMuseum.org.

Permalink Gear Review, Gunsmithing, Handguns Post comment »
October 13th, 2026

Three Great NRAWoman.com Articles — Not Just for Ladies

NRAwomen.com website NRA lady shooter hunting

In April 2020, the National Rifle Association (NRA) launched NRAWomen.com, a website dedicated to the fastest-growing group of firearm owners — America’s women. This website serves the increasing number of female gun owners, huntresses, and competitive shooters. Female involvement in firearms is growing significantly. Consider these numbers: Statistica estimates that 19% of women in the USA owned firearms in 2020, while 23% of women surveyed in a 2011 Gallup Poll stated they owned a gun.

Pistol Marksmanship training book
Jessie Harrison is one of the greatest female pistol shooters on the planet.

Here are three excellent Articles from the NRAWomen.com website, all worth reading. For each example, Click the Photo or direct link to read the full article on NRAWomen.com.

1. Flying with Firearms — What You Need to Know

We recommend that any gun owner, female OR male, should definitely read this article. It is one of the better discussions on the web of airline travel with firearms, covering international travel as well as domestic flights. The article notes that you should obtain U.S. Customs Form 4457 before flying overseas with a firearm.

NRA Women airline travel flying with gun TSA International domestic

“Flying with a gun is actually a lot easier than you’d probably expect. You need a couple of specific gear items, and you need to know the proper procedure, but it’s a relatively simple process. I’ve flown with long guns and handguns dozens of times around the country and around the world. The process is generally the same, but with some additional steps and maybe additional hassle depending on the airport [and personnel.]” READ FULL ARTICLE on NRAWomen.com.

2. Modular Safes — Smart Option for Easier Moving

The second article features a great video showing how to assemble a modular safe in under 30 minutes. This article also explains the benefits of modular gunsafes — primarily easier transport and installation.

NRA Women modular safes assembly video

“Modular safes have been around for a few years now and are becoming more popular. Here’s why: The safe comes delivered to you in panels, so you can bring them into your home one at a time and put it together anywhere you like. This makes it easy to carry up and down stairs, onto elevators or anywhere! Security — Is it as secure as one that comes pre-assembled? The answer is, absolutely.” READ FULL ARTICLE on NRAWomen.com.

3. Rimfire .22 LR Handguns for Self-Defense

This article looks at a wide variety of .22 LR pistols and revolvers. The author discusses the pros and cons of a rimfire defense gun, concluding that while the stopping power is limited, having some protection is better than going unarmed.

.22 LR rimfire pistols defense

“Over the last few months we’ve seen the launch of new handguns chambered for .22 LR that sport the same looks and features as center-fire handguns designed for daily concealed carry. The models I’ve had a chance to work with so far include the compact Taurus TX22 semi-automatic pistol, the pocket-size Ruger Lite Rack LCP II, Kel-Tec’s P17 semi-automatic and the Taurus 942 8-shot snubnose revolver.” READ FULL ARTICLE on NRAWomen.com.

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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.

Permalink Optics, Tactical, Tech Tip Post comment »
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.

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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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