Right now reloading presses are in high demand. If you are shopping for a single-stage press, here’s a good press you may still find available at many vendors. The Hornady Iron Press™ features a super-strong, pyramid-style cast-iron frame with an open front. A clever optional “automatic” priming system shuttles primers from a vertical tube in the back to the shell-holder in the front. This is very clever engineering. You really should watch the video — it shows the patented auto-priming system in action. The Auto-Prime system is sold separately or as part of the Iron Press Reloading Kit.
Watch this Video to See Gravity-Fed Shuttle Priming System (00:45, 01:00):
Optional Automatic Priming System
The optional auto-priming system is a real selling point for this new press we think. When you move the press handle rearwards, a horizontal bar toggles back to pick up a primer from the column in the rear of the press. Then this same bar move forwards to place the fresh primer in the center of the shell-holder. Hornady explains: “The available gravity-fed Automatic Priming System (sold separately or with the Lock-N-Load® Iron Press™ Reloading Kit), combined with the Accessory Mounting Deck, increases reloading efficiency by allowing more processes to occur simultaneously. The Iron Press™ is the first of its kind to allow the ability to deprime, pause, and remove the case to chamfer & deburr … then replace and prime.” Do watch the video to see the priming system in action.
The broad top of the beefy (26-lb.) Iron Press can hold case prep tools (such as chamfer tool and case-neck brush) and/or a box for bullets or brass. NOTE: This is NOT a turret press — you can only use one die at a time. However, Hornady offers an accessory “Die Caddy” (sold separately) that can hold up to three (3) more dies. That way you can quickly switch from a sizing die to a seater die (or vice-versa). What Hornady calls the “Accessory Mounting Deck” gives quick access to items such as trays for bullets or cases, chamfer and deburr tools, case neck brushes, primer pocket cleaners and other accessories. The Iron Press comes with the Lock-N-Load® bushing system which allows for rapid die changes.
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At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. CZ 457 .22 LR Varmint Precision Chassis Rifle, $899.99
⏺ CZ 457 offers good .22 LR accuracy/function with modern chassis stock
NRL22 rimfire tactical matches are hugely popular. You see a lot of press about centerfire PRS. But there are more NRL22 matches every month than official PRS matches every year! If you want to get started in NRL22 competition, here is a great option. Choose either 16.5″ or 24″ barrel. We like the longer barrel for the extra velocity, but either choice works. Palmetto State Armory has the 16.5″ version for $899.99 while Midway USA has both 16″ and 24″ models for the same $899.99 price. Either way, just add an optic and you’re good to go. Top photo by owner MealTeam6ix9ine who is “super impressed by the rifle” which has the 16.5″ barrel with Rugged Oculus suppressor. The optic is a Vortex Gen II Viper 5-25x50mm on a +15 MOA Area 419 base.
2. Natchez — RCBS ChargeMaster Lite, $239.99
⏺ Best Deal on popular, speedy Scale/Dispenser
Do you need an electronic powder scale/dispenser? Most vendors charge $290-$310 for the popular RCBS ChargeMaster Lite. But now you can get it for just $239.99 at Natchez. You save $60.00, about 20%! The ChargeMaster Lite features an easy-to-use LCD touchscreen and claimed precision of plus/minus 0.1 grains. The unit comes with twin check weights and a convenient plastic cover for the powder pan.
⏺ Very good value for Tac Comp Scope; Good Lens Coatings
Do you enjoy PRS and NRL matches? Here is an excellent scope for that task, offered at a huge savings — 31% OFF normal retail. The Sightron S-TAC 4-20x50mm offers good glass, very accurate tracking, and a nearly ideal 4X to 20X power ratio. This FFP MRAD scope works great for tactical matches. It boasts 22.9 MRAD of elevation adjustment plus nice big, easy-to-turn turrets. This scope features a zero stop, throw lever, and side parallax control that works down to 10 yards. The S-TAC 4-20x50mm provides 22.9 MRAD of elevation adjustment. Note: This may say Duplex Reticle, but the Sightron product number 26016 on the Sightron site (and the product description) indicate this scope has the Mil-Hash-4 (MH-4) Illuminated reticle. That’s a good reticle for tactical disciplines.
4. Plano AirGlide Vertical Loading Rifle Case
⏺ Great case for range trips, sadly going out of production
The Plano AirGlide case is our favorite case for regular visits to the range. The rifle drops in from above. There is no pressure put on the scope turrets laterally or from above. This cases are good for rifles up to about 50″ overall (such as a benchrest rifle with a 27″-28″ barrel). We are listing this AirGlide case here because the AirGlide is being discontinued. In fact, it is no longer listed on the Plano website. So get one while you can. Here are two sources, but Airgun Depot is waiting for inventory:
Among injection-molded plastic rifle cases, Plano’s AirGlide™ case is unique in holding a rifle vertically, in foam cradles. This allows ample room for the 3″-wide fore-ends on BR and Varmint rifles. The foam blocks front and rear can even be trimmed for a custom fit, while velcro webbing straps hold the rifle securely. The AirGlide’s hinged top-opening lid provides ample clearance for large target scopes, with no side load on the turrets. Measuring 51 1/2″L x 7 3/4″W x 12 1/4″H, the AirGlide can handle rifles up to 50″ in length. SEE: Airglide Video Review.
5. Grafs.com — Frankford Platinum Case Prep Center
⏺ Versatile, easy to use unit with 4 powered heads
Grafs.com now has the Frankford Platinum Case Prep Center for $89.99 on SALE. This aluminum-body unit features 4 powered tool stations and comes with: (1) inside chamfer tool; (1) outside deburring tool; (1) small primer pocket scraper; and (1) large primer pocket scraper. The machine’s 8-32 threaded output shafts accept a wide variety of aftermarket case prep tools. The 200 RPM shafts are efficient. NOTE: If you want a tool that can TRIM cases, as well as prep cases, check out the Frankford Case Trim & Prep Center for $80 more — $169.95 at MidwayUSA.
6. EuroOptic — Trijicon Tenmile Scope Sale
⏺ These Trijicon optics compare well with NF for much less
Trijicon Tenmile scopes have quickly become popular with F-Class, PRS, and ELR competitors. Check out the Trijicon Tenmile scope sale where you can pick up any of these innovative scopes that feature lit reticles, large 34mm diameter tubes, and many other good features. These are really good scopes for the money. And now’s the time to buy with massive discounts during this sale. For example the Tenmile 4-24x50mm with MRAD ranging is marked down from $1799.00 to $1176.00. And the Tenmile 4.5-30x56mm LR scope is marked down from $2600.00 MSRP to $1699.99 — Save over $900!
7. Amazon — Tipton Best Gun Vise, $87.54
⏺ Versatile, stable, works with all rifles, including ARs
You need a stable platform when cleaning your long guns, but most gun cradles are too light or unstable to do the job properly. If you’re looking upgrade to a better solution, grab the Tipton Best Gun Vise. The vise was designed to accommodate the widest possible array of firearms for cleaning, maintenance, or gunsmithing. This vise is easily configurable to handle bolt-action rifles, break-open shotguns, AR-15s, and handguns. You can also purchase this excellent Gun Vise for $89.99 at Midsouth.
⏺ “Must Have” Upgrade for Harris Bipods — works great, low cost
This lever handle replaces the thumbnut on tilting bipods to make locking them down easier. With the Alpha-Bravo Bipod Lever installed, a quick rotation of the lever allows you to go from easily tiltable to completely locked down. That way you can level your rifle in seconds and then be rock solid. You can also set the tilt resistance to a medium level that holds steady but allows some rifle rotation (L/R tilt) when you want. The Long Model Bipod Lever is on sale now for just $10.99. You can also get a Shorter Lever for $14.99. Both lever handles fit Harris Model S and similar bipods.
⏺ A good deal at twice the price, with above average 27 dB NRR
This Walker’s Ultra Slim Muff and Eyewear Combo Kit is truly a GREAT deal. Buy this inexpensive kit as a spare Muffs/Glasses set to keep in your vehicle or range kit. Each combo kit includes earmuffs along with a nice set of wrap-around shooting glasses. The muffs have an excellent 27 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). And the Z87.1-approved glasses boast impact-resistant, polycarbonate lenses with 99% UV Protection.
10. Amazon — Jialitte Scope Bubble Level, $10.99
⏺ Effective and affordable — works for both 30mm and 1″ tubes
All serious rifle shooters need a scope level. This nicely designed Jialitte Scope Bubble Level features a 30mm milled inside diameter, plus an inner insert ring so it will also fit 1″-diameter main tubes — that dual-diameter versatility is a nice feature. We also like the way the unit is nicely radiused, and has a low profile in the middle. Price is just $10.99 with free shipping. User reviews have been very positive. You could easily pay $35.00 or more for a 30mm scope level.
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Probably 95% of all civilian rifle shooting is done from the bench — if you include fun shooting, load development, sight-in sessions, practice days, youth training, as well as actual benchrest and club competitions. If you shoot with iron sights, or a low-power optic, you’ll definitely need a spotting scope to see your shots on target. And if you’re shooting long-range, that spotting scope will help you see mirage, as well as hits on far targets.
It’s not always easy to place a spotting scope near your bench. There are short benchtop tripods, but they take up precious bench-top space and can interfere with your non-favored arm placement/functions. Or you can deploy a complete separate tall tripod, next to the bench, but, frankly, that’s inconvenient, and with some bench structures it’s difficult to get the scope close enough to the shooter’s eye.
Here is a smart solution from Creedmoor Sports — a specialized, clamp-on Spotting Scope Support that mounts directly to the side of your bench. This will work with heavy, thick range benchtops as well as thinner-top portable shooting benches.
Creedmoor Spotting Scope Bench Mount
This mounting system clamps to the bench, allowing your spotting scope to be suspended near your face, with nothing below it to get bumped. If your buddy wants to look through the scope, simply spin the horizontal boom piece away from the bench. This system adjusts up and down and left and right. Set the scope head in any configuration you prefer. The $219.95 kit has everything you need, including all clamps AND the blue adjustable scope head. Select either 3/4″ rod diameter or 1″ rod diameter. (Bigger is better for heavier scopes).
Creedmoor Bench Mount Spotting Scope Stand Features:
1″ or 3/4″ aluminum rods for vertical and horizontal support (18″ in length)
Anti-pivot pins to keep the mount from twisting on the edge of the bench
Includes high-grade Blue anodized adjustable scope head
Durable anti-slip rubber on the clamp
Micro-adjustment clamping stopper
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CMP Guide to Target Shooting with Vintage Military Rifles
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has released VMR: Target Shooting With Vintage Military Rifles, a new book by Gary Anderson, Director of Civilian Marksmanship Emeritus. Gary himself was a world-class marksman who earned two Olympic Gold medals in rifle shooting.
The CMP says this 284-page illustrated book is “likely the most comprehensive manuscript ever written about the methods of training and competing with popular American and foreign vintage military rifles.” Fans of vintage military rifles will likely find this 18-chapter book “to be the most complete coverage of the topic, from a competitor’s and historian’s point of view”, said Christie Sewell, CMP Programs Chief.
Anderson definitely has the credentials — he won Olympic Gold Medals in Tokyo and Mexico City in the 1960s. Gary also set multiple U.S. and international records. The originator of the CMP’s competitive vintage rifle program, Anderson set out to present a detailed manual covering all aspects of shooting vintage military rifles. The book covers 1903 Springfield, U.S. Krag, 1917 U.S. Enfield, M1 Garand, M1 Carbine and many more, including rifles from “across the pond.”
Target Shooting With Vintage Military Rifles Topics:
Origins and Fundamentals of Marksmanship
Operation, Cleaning, Loading & Unloading
Sight Adjustment, Zeroing & Fine Tuning
Highpower Rifle Match Procedures
Firing Rifles in Competition
Prone, Sitting and Standing Position Building
Using a Scorebook/Databook
Strategies for Improvement
Critical Value of the Sling
Rifle and Range Safety
Purchase Online at CMP E-Store
This new Gary Anderson book is sold through the CMP E-Store for $29.95. You can also print out and submit the CMP Publications order form (order item NLU # 792, $29.95). The CMP stores in Alabama and Ohio will also carry the new Gary Anderson book.
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Rimfire benchrest rifle of Forum member Peebles24.
With the variety of rimfire disciplines, from cowboy action to Olympic three-position smallbore, there are countless different rimfire designs on the market — bolt guns, lever guns, single-shots, toggle-links and more. These may shoot the same ammo, but they certainly vary in looks and ergonomics. This is testimony to human creativity.
In our Shooters’ Forum, you’ll find a long-running thread showcasing rimfire rifles for plinking, hunting, 3P Target Shooting, Silhouette, Rimfire F-Class, NRL22 and more. Here are some of the notable rifles in that Forum thread, with brief build/component details.
Anschutz BR-50 Benchrest Rifle with Upgrades
This is member BHarvey’s rare Anschutz 2013 BR50, with upgrades. This is actually a factory BR-50 stock, but the owner fitted a custom Benchmark barrel, along with a Fudd barrel tuner. That massive butt-plate is three POUNDS of custom-crafted copper, which helps with balance. This rifle was also featured in our popular Guns of the Week collection.
Rimfire F-Class Rig with Curly Maple Stock
This handsome, ultra-accurate Smallbore F-Class rig belongs to member RMist of Team Pro-Shot Products. It has a Holeshot (Stiller) 2500X, stunning Cerus Curly Maple wood stock, Nightforce scope. Up front is the joystick co-axial SEB Joy-Pod.
How does this impressive rimfire F-Classer shoot? Amazingly well. That target at right shows TEN (10) rounds fired at 100 yards. Most centerfire rifles would have trouble beating that level of accuracy.
Rimfire Tactical Rig with CZ Action and McRees Precision Chassis
Here’s a modern chassis rig built with a CZ 455 action. Forum member A-Rob upgraded the CZ 455 with a SCAR 2-stage trigger. This rifle features a Keystone Accuracy-fitted glue-in barrel, Athlon 10-40x scope and McRees Precision chassis. As you can see from the target, it shoots great. Note: CZ has replaced its 455s with the new CZ 457 series with available metal chassis precision model. CLICK HERE to see full target sheet with six 5-shot groups at 50 yards, averaging 0.270″.
IR 50/50 Sporter with 2500 XS Action and Muller 7R Barrel
Here is member doclu60’s Holeshot Arms (Stiller) 2500XS IR 50/50 Sporter. It features a polished action, barrel, rings/bases, trigger guard, and bolt knob. There are premium components: Bix ‘N Andy trigger, Peightal stock, and Muller 7R barrel. The optic is a Leupold Custom Shop VX3i 6.5-20x40mm wearing Rick Averill custom leather scope caps.
Rampro .22 LR Pistol by Gre-Tan
This is a very rare .22 LR bolt-action silhouette pistol. It is a RamPro 22 LR single-shot crafted by Greg Tannel of Gre-Tan Rifles. Member Tonedaddy says this is the only .22 LR Rampro bolt-action pistol built by Gre-Tan in existence. Not the beautifully-figured wood stock.
Benchrest Rimfire with Turbo V3 Action and Owner-Crafted Stock
Member J.J. Coe reports: “Here is a little side project I recently finished. It features a
Turbo V3 action, Benchmark 3-groove barrel chambered by Mark Penrod, Jewell trigger, and Leupold 40X barrel in Harrell’s offset rings.” Notably, J.J. made the 5-piece laminate stock himself. Nice work! Yes this gun is very accurate as you can see from the match target. Below that is another one of J.J.’s rimfires, an Anschutz 54 in another handsome stock he made himself. This guy has talent!
SAKO P94S Rimfire Trio
This trio of SAKO P94S rimfire rifles belongs to Forum member “Thomasconnor”. He tells us: “The one in the middle is probably the most accurate .22 LR rifle I’ve owned. It was about 6 pounds (without the scope or rings) before I made a heavy buttplate for it. In its current configuration it’s under 8 pounds with a giant scope and steel rings. It now has a Jewell trigger, Benchmark barrel, oversized action screws, and Alex Sitman stock”.
Springfield Model 1922s
Member SnapDraw posted: “Here are my Springfield Model 1922s. One is an M1 I got from a shooting club back East. It has an NRA stock with upgraded M2 bolt and Lyman super target spot 15X scope. And the other (below) is an unmolested (except front sight) M2 with military stock. Both are amazing shooters!”
Benchrest Modified Anschutz 2013
Member Esk308 Picked up this pre-owned rifle in the summer of 2020. Along with the Anschutz 2013 action it features a 27″ Lilja barrel, laminated Shehane stock, and Nightforce 15-55x52mm scope in Kelbly rings. On the end of the barrel is a Harrels tuner with Don Blue tube. Esk308 now uses a John Loh front rest with SEB Bigfoot rear bag.
Anschutz 2013 in M. Werks Stock
Here is another Anschutz model 2013, but in a completely different configuration. This is a rimfire prone match rifle upgraded with a Bartlein gain-twist barrel and an M. Werks tuner stock. Note how the barreled action is secured. This handsome rig belongs to Forum member Jeffrey.
Factory-Class Ruger with Big Bipod
Forum member DavidJoe from Texas put together this rig for a local factory-class rimfire series. He reports: “There’s a discipline where a factory rifle under $1000.00 gets to shoot at a bigger-ringed target. I’m going to try out this new Ruger combination in those limited matches, weighed down with an enormous Valdada scope on a Sinclair bipod.”
Wood-Stocked Trio — Two Remingtons and a Kimber
Here are three .22 LR rigs belonging to member Alamo308. Note the competition iron sights on the middle rifle, a Remington M37 which features a Custom Birdseye Maple stock. The Kimber 82G was sold directly by the CMP as a training rifle. These CMP Kimbers were often extremely accurate.
Marlin 980S Custom with Owner-Crafted Stock
The rifle is based off a Marlin 980S action with a Green Mountain 20″ fluted barrel. The action was bedded with a one-piece aluminum bedding block and Devcon 10110. Owner Kakotoch tells us: “Trigger is a Rifle Basix I took down to just over 16 oz. by using a different pull weight screw. The scope is a Japanese-made Tasco 36x that I picked up NIB for $100 and is surprisingly clear. The stock was my winter project — it’s laminated carbon fiber and walnut, finished with Tru-Oil. I cut, shaped, and polished the buttplate by hand.”
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AIM SMALL, MISS SMALL: At 25 yards, this is a fun rimfire plinking target. At longer distances it can be a great training target for precision centerfire shooters.
We’re seeing great interest in .22 LR rimfire tactical cross-training. With a rimfire rig, you can practice regularly for a fraction of the cost of centerfire training. That way you can build your skill set without breaking the bank. Decent rimfire ammo can be had for five cents a round. Compare that to fifty cents (or more) for handloads and maybe $1.20 per round for factory ammo.
To help with rimfire cross-training, here are some of our favorite rimfire tactical targets, all in easy-to-print PDF format. Click each target image to download the FREE target. You’ll find more free targets for load development, precision practice, and fun shooting on our AccurateShooter FREE Targets Page.
Targets for Rimfire Training and Fun Matches
Here’s a rimfire training target with “big to small” target circles. Start with the largest circles, then move to the smaller ones in sequence. This systematic drill provides increasing challenge shot-by-shot. Novices often are quite surprised to see their accuracy improve as they move from bigger to smaller aiming points. That provides positive feedback — always a good thing.
Right Click and “Save as” to download printable PDF versions of target.
Rimfire Practice Targets
SPECIAL BONUS–Rimfire Tactical Precision Targets
These FREE targets by DesertFrog are offered in Adobe Acrobat format for easy printing. CLICK HERE to download all six targets as a .ZIP archive.
More Free Targets…
These and many other free targets are available at MyTargets.com.
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A firearms magazine vendor, GunMagWarehouse (GMWH), has compiled one of the most comprehensive online guides to new-for-2021 guns and gear. If you are looking for new firearms and accessories this is a good place to start. You’ll find plenty of images plus videos showing important new rifles such as Savage’s new Straight-Pull Impulse, featured above.
One huge article showcases New Firearms (Rifles, Shotguns, Pistols) while another covers New Optics. You’ll find 30+ new pistols, 25+ new rifles, and 25+ New Optics, with photos and/or videos for each entry. Here are four highlights from the New Rifles section.
Savage Impulse Straight-Pull Rifle
Savage Arms has just introduced the new Impulse series of straight-pull bolt rifles. This is the first American-designed and crafted straight-pull centerfire rifle. The new Impulse features an innovative Hexlock bolt-locking mechanism with six spherical bearings that move radially outward into a ring in the barrel extension, thereby locking the bolt in place. That barrel extension is held in the receiver assembly by four cross-bolts on the lower front section. Ahead of the barrel extension is a conventional recoil lug and a familiar Savage barrel nut.
Savage Impulse Straight-Pull Rifle — Action Operation
Savage claims the new system offers the cycling speed of a semi-auto, with the accuracy of a bolt-action. There have been some initial field tests, and it looks like the performance has been good. However, based on the videos that Savage has posted, the cycling of the Impulse’s straight-pull bolt does not seem to be as smooth as some European straight-pulls, such as the Blaser R8, Merkel RX Helix, and Strasser RS 14.
Accuracy International AT-X Tactical Rifle
The new AI AT-X rifle is marketed as a PRS/NRL competition rifle, but it can also server admirably as a military sniper rifle. As teste, this AT-X is chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor and features a 24″ barrel with a 1:8″ twist. If the barreled action looks familiar, that’s because it’s the same proven action found on AI’s popular AT and AX models.
Uberti USA Courteney Lever Stalking Rifle
Uberti USA offers the 1885 Courteney Stalking Rifle. Named after the celebrated English hunter, explorer and naturalist Courteney Selous (1851-1917), this rifle gives today’s shooter the looks, feel, and usability of the turn-of-the-century British single-shots that were first taken to the British colonies—but at a fraction of the cost. The 1885 Courteney is built on the ultra-strong 1885 action. It is offered in 45/70 as well at the classic .303 British cartridge — the most used caliber in the British Empire. The action has a quarter-rib slotted for Weaver rings with a fully-adjustable shallow-V rear sight. It also comes with a traditional hooded ramp front sight and barrel-mounted sling-swivel.
Colt C20 Sniper Rifle for Canadian Military
Colt Canada’s C20, 7.62×51 NATO, Semi-Automatic Sniper Weapon was developed to support the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) requirement for an Intermediate Sniper Weapon. The Canadian army will receive the new C20 sniper rifle in the 7.62 NATO caliber produced by Colt Canada to replace the C8 used by sniper teams. According to Canadian military sources, the new C20 should be more accurate and an improvement over the current C8 used by Canadian soldiers.
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March makes some of the most advanced riflescopes on the planet, many with features you can’t find on any other optics. March recently released a new Dual Focal Plane (FFP/SFP) 1-10x24mm Tactical Shorty scope, and the big March X 8-80x56mm scope offers the highest magnification you’ll find in any riflescope on the market. And if you are looking for world-class ELR performance, the March Genesis 4-40x52mm is truly a game-changer. This revolutionary optic offers an incredible 86 Mils of elevation (vertical) adjustment range. Adjustments to the point of impact are made with adjustments to the integral scope base/mount.
Whatever your discipline — Benchrest, F-Class, ELR, service rifle, High Power, or long-range hunting you will find a good optics offering in the March scope lineup. And right now you can SAVE 10% on all March Scopes at EuroOptic.com. But act soon. This sale ends Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 11:59 PM.
Here are nine of March’s best selling scopes. There are many, many other models. ALL March Scopes are ON SALE, 10% OFF through Sunday 1/24/2021 at 11:59 pm EST.
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If this were a normal year, our team would be reporting from SHOT Show in Las Vegas right now. But the COVID-19 Pandemic changed all that. There is no SHOT Show 2021. However, the organizers of SHOT Show have created a virtual gallery of new products, SHOT Show “On Demand”. We scanned through over 500 new products to create this selection of “new and notable” guns and gear. Today we feature a dozen new-for-2021 products: three pistols, three rifles, four new types of Lapua brass, a new March scope, and a variety of other innovative products.
1. Taurus TX-22
For 2021, Taurus introduces the all-new TaurusTX™ 22 Competition chambered for .22LR. The Taurus TX 22 Competition is built on the same full-size polymer receiver as the Taurus TX 22 but has a newly engineered slide and barrel assembly designed to work with red dot optics. The TaurusTX™ 22 Competition features a “skeletonized” slide with a cutout between the ejection port to just behind the front sight. The mounting system allows the use of the following (but not limited to) sight models: Trijicon RMR, C-More STS 2, Vortex Venom, Doctor Noblex, Burris Fast Fire, Sightmark Mini, Holosun HS507C, Leupold Delta Point Pro.
2. KelTec P-50 Pistol — 50-Round Magazine on Top
The new Keltec P-50 features a top-mounted, horizontal-feed magazine, as pioneered by the FN P90 select-fire carbine. You feed the Keltec P50 by opening the top like a machine gun feed tray cover and insert the FN-made magazine. The new KelTec P50 comes with two FN P90 50-round magazines and is chambered for 5.7x28mm ammunition. This big pistol retails for $995.00 MSRP with availability in “Q1 2021″.
This John Wesley Hardin replica revolver is part of Uberti USA’s Outlaw & Lawmen Series, which pays homage to famous heroes and gunfighters such as Jesse James, Frank James, Doc Holliday, Bob Dalton, Wild Bill Hickok and William “Billy the Kid” Bonney. Chambered in .45 Colt, this is a replica of Hardin’s Smith & Wesson 1875 No. 3, 2nd Model Top-Break. This pistol boast a stunning blued barrel and cylinder, with color-case-hardened main frame and simulated Buffalo-horn grip. MSRP is $759.00.
4. Springfield Armory Waypoint Rifles
Springfield’s new Waypoint rifles feature steel or carbon-wrapped barrels, TriggerTech triggers, and carbon-fiber, hand-painted camo stocks with five QD mounts for versatile carry plus M-Lok slots. The actions are impressive too — with precision machining, enlarged ejection port, and integral recoil lug. These Waypoint rifles rival full-custom hunting rigs, yet are reasonably affordable. Starting price is $1699.00 with stainless barrel, while the deluxe model with carbon-wrapped barrel and adjustable cheekpiece is still under $2,400.00. All Model 2020 Waypoint rifles feature strong, light-weight, carbon-fiber-reinforced stocks with hand-painted camouflage finishes. You could easily pay $700-$800 just for an equivalent camo-painted stock from McMillan or Manners Composite Stocks.
For 2021, J.P. Sauer & Sohn enhances the S404 series with the Synchro XTC, a carbon fiber, bolt-action rifle in camouflage green. Weighing 6.1 pounds, this lightweight S404-series rifle features a hand-laid, carbon-fiber, thumbhole stock with adjustable comb. The hammer-forged barrel is fluted for balance and weight reduction. The adjustable trigger offers four pull weights from 1.2 to 2.7 pounds. Adjusting the pull weight is easy using settings marked above the trigger. Like all J.P. Sauer S404-series rifles, the new Synchro XTC allows easy changing of bolt heads and barrels for quick caliber conversions. If you want something even lighter, the S101 Highland XTC carbon-fiber rifle weighs just 5.5 pounds for short action version. This features a hand-laid, carbon-fiber stock with fluted barrel. The manufacturer guarantees sub-MOA accuracy at 100 yards.
6. March Scopes — 4.6-28x52mm Compact Scope
The new March-FX 4.5-28×52mm FFP riflescope is designed for tactical shooting and hunting. It is extremely compact — just 12.5″ overall! It is also very light weight (29.8oz, 845 grams). Notably, this new scope offers a very wide apparent field of view — 25 degrees throughout the 6.2X Magnification range. That’ great for hunters and PRS/NRL competitors. The March-FX 4.5-28X scope also offers excellent eye relief, another big plus for shooters in the field (Eye relief: Low power 70‐93.7mm, High power 72‐90mm). Lastly this scope features a “Temperature Anti-Drift Lens System” that adapts to changes in temperature to maintain focus and clarity. DOWNLOAD Product Brochure PDF with reticle illustrations and product details
Lapua will offer four new types of ultra-premium cartridge brass in 2021. The four new Lapua cases are: 6.5 PRC, .284 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .300 PRC. The .284 Win cartridge still dominates the F-Open game, so this is good news for F-Class shooters. Lapua is excited about the PRC offerings: “The new Lapua 6.5 and .300 PRC cartridge cases provide competitive shooters, hunters, and accuracy enthusiasts a premium selection for precision hand loads, an option that’s been missing from the market since the PRC’s inception.” The venerable .300 Winchester Magnum remains a top choice for hunting.
8. Mid-Evil Industries — Rail Vise Platform
The new Mid-Evil Rail Vise Platform securely holds a Picatinny-rail equipped firearm during cleaning and maintenance operations. The Rail Vise clamps onto the firearm’s rail system. For ARs this provides easy access to the breech for cleaning of chamber, locking lugs and bolt interface. The anodized aluminum mounting platform is a 29” long aluminum extrusion with two integral T slots for mounting the Rail Vise. Each platform includes polymer end caps, rubber feet and Rail Vise mounting hardware. The RAIL VISE kit includes: Main Body, Mag Well Adapter, Barrel Support, Adapter Rail and Platform.
9. Faneema Cutlery — Hand-Forged Damascus Knives
Shown above is the 7″ Damascus Stage and horn knife. There are many other equally handsome Damascus knives in the Faneema Cutlery 2021 Catalog. Faneema’s Damascus knives are handcrafted from high-quality materials for the highest level of cutting performance with unparalleled sharpness plus striking aesthetics. Each knife is a unique work of art, crafted by master bladesmiths. The Damascus blade is created by forge welding multiple layers of steels into a solid block called a billet. The billet is folded and re-welded several times to produce several layers. Patterns are created by manipulating the steel during the forge welding process.
10. Caldwell Company — AR500 Steel Targets
Caldwell’s new bright, easy-to-see targets come in all shapes and sizes for competition, training, and recreational use. Made of AR500 hardened steel, these targets can withstand thousands of rounds. Rated up to a 3000 fps impact velocity and a 3500 ft-lb impact energy, these targets come in seven various sizes with three hanging solutions.
11. Telor Tactical — Comfort-Air IWB Holster
The Comfort-Air Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) holster has some notable features. It is made with medical-grade 2X Cool diamond spacer fabric that actually cools down while you wear it. The design sits flat against your body, so there are no pressure points. This holster features a patented Sil-Air Silicone Foam insert that prevents your gun from digging into your body while still providing a snug/secure fit. The 2 spring-steel clips ensure a strong, reinforced hold on your clothing or belt and will never bend out of shape. The two stretch-to-fit holster sizes will accommodate most handguns. Sub-compact will fit most small framed handguns (e.g. Ruger LCP or Glock 43) while the Compact will fit larger-framed guns (such as a Glock 19 or S&W M&P M2.0 Compact).
12. Do All Outdoors — Spinner Targets Attach to Wood
For 2021 Do All Outdoors offers a new series of pellet and .22-caliber targets. The new Tree Spinners, offered in a Single, Double, and Triple paddle style, can be screwed into almost any wood for a quick and fun shooting experience. We like these innovative targets that can be transported easily and mounted to a fence post or tree stump.
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There is no SHOT Show in Las Vegas this year, but in its stead Brownells is presenting a NOT-Show featuring products from major manufacturers. In addition, on every day from January 18 through 22, 2021, Brownells has offered a PRIZE Giveaway.
Today, the final day of Brownells NOT-Show, Brownells features Stag Arms products. Along with .223 Rem ARs, Stag Arms offers AR-platform rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor (Stag 10 Marksman) and 6mm ARC (Stag 15 Covenant). Stag is one of the first manufacturers to offer complete 6mm ARC rifles.
In addition, Brownells’ tech team looks at the impressive new Area 419 Zero Turret Press (photo right). This press sets new standards for precision repeatability in a turret press.
A major unveiling today was the all-new, illuminated 1-8x24mm Match Precision Optic (MPO) from Brownells. This could become very popular with hunters because this compact scope offers a true 1-power for wide field of view, plus max 8 power to spot details at long range. This Japanese-made optic is on sale today for $799.99 complete with cantilevered AR mounting bracket.
On Thursday, January 21, 2021 the Brownells NOT-Show covered Hornady’s new line of RFID safes. These offer some very sophisticated features with fast-open technology.
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Even with high-quality brass from Lapua, Peterson, Norma, Alpha and RWS, occasionally you may find one or two cases per box which have a small flake or obstruction in the flash-hole. This will appear like a thin crescent on one side of the flash hole (see photo). You should inspect ALL new brass before loading to identify any pieces with a partially-obstructed flash hole. It’s a good idea to remove any flake or thin crescent left as an artifact of the flash-hole forming process. Because the flash-hole itself is normally centered and of the correct diameter, it is not necessary to ream the flash-hole to a larger diameter. All you really need to do is remove the small obstruction(s). This can be done quickly with inexpensive tools.
Use a Small Pin Vise to Remove Flash-Hole Obstructions
Folks have asked if there is a tool that can remove obstructions from a Lapua small, BR-sized flash hole without opening the hole size. The Lapua PPC/BR flash hole is spec’d at 1.5mm, which works out to 0.059055″. Most of the PPC/BR flash-hole uniforming tools on the market use a 1/16″ bit which is nominally 0.0625″, but these often run oversize — up to 0.066″.
If you want to just clear out any obstructions in the flash hole, without increasing the flash hole diameter, you can use an inexpensive “pin vise” with an appropriate drill bit. For $0.99, eHobbyTools.com sells a 1.5mm drill bit, item 79186, that matches the Lapua flash hole exactly. Other vendors offer a #53 pin vise drill bit that measures .0595″ or .060″ (depending or source). An 0.0595″ bit is close enough. You can find pin vises and these small-diameter drill bits at hobby stores.
For quite some time, Sinclair Int’l has sold a similar device for small (PPC and BR-size) flash holes. Like the 07-3081 unit for large flash holes, the 073000 Reamer for small flash holes works from the outside, so it can index off the primer pocket. It reams to .0625″, and also costs $29.99. The standard dimension for Lapua 220 Russian and 6mmBR flash holes is 1.5mm or .0590″. This tool will permit standard-size decapping rods with .0625″ tips to work without binding. However, note that both Forster and Redding normally supply .057″ decapping pins with their PPC and BR dies. So, it is NOT necessary to ream your Lapua BR/PPC flashholes, unless you prefer to do so for uniformity. It IS, however, a good idea to check BR/PPC flash holes for burrs before loading the first time.
NOTE: If you purchase either the 073081 or 073000 Sinclair Flash Hole Reamer tools, we recommend you mic the cutter tip before you process a bunch of cases. Sometimes a tip comes through that is oversize. This will ream the flash holes larger than you may intend.
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Reloading components are in short supply these days, particularly powder and primers. But primers may be the biggest challenge these days — finding them may seem like a Quest for the Holy Grail. That’s a big problem for handloaders. You may be able to find substitutes for your favorite powder and bullets, but if you don’t have primers, you can’t even get started.
To locate primers these days, you must consider ALL possible sources: local gunshops, local private sales, sale tables at shooting club meetings, gun/hunting forum classifieds, large outdoor stores, and mail-order vendors. Then yes, worst case scenario, look at the auction sites such as GunBroker.
You need to be looking at multiple places — local vendors, gun clubs, big retailers such as Cabela’s and Sportsman’s Warehouse. And get creative — talk to shooting buddies, check for estate sales.
Consider all Possible Sources — Not Just Online Vendors
The guys who are scoring primers these days are resorting to old-fashioned methods — visiting small, mom-and-pop gunstores, checking local estate sales, and “networking” with local shooting club members. First, if you are not a member of a local shooting club, you should join for a multitude of reasons. We recently acquired some powder at a local shooting club meeting, exchanging some H4198 for Hodgdon Varget straight across. A Forum member recently scored both powders and primers at the estate sale of a shooting club member.
For the best chance of success, regularly check 6-10 brick-and-mortar locations in your region. One good way to do this is by combining forces with shooting buddies. Get together with 3 or 4 guys and collectively scout ALL the local gunshops and outdoor stores with shooting supplies. You CAN get lucky. For example, we regularly check a small gunstore in a nearby mall. Just last week we were able to find CCI pistol primers! Yes, deliveries are happening, you just need to check. And check often.
How to Find Primers — SEVEN STRATEGIES
1. Make a list of ALL local gunshops and outdoor supply stores within a 70-mile radius. Call them on a regular basis.
2. Join a local shooting club. Attend meetings where you can sell/exchange products. (We recently exchanged pistol primers for rifle primers we needed).
3. Join local/regional gun forums. You may find listings for “face-to-face” transactions where you can buy/exchange primers. Our AccurateShooter Forum also has a thread on Where to Find Primers.
4. Bookmark multiple vendor websites and check daily (we provide a list below).
5. Combine resources with some shooting buddies. Get together with 3 or 4 guys and collectively scout ALL the local gunshops and outdoor stores with shooting supplies. Assign each guy a different “territory” (perhaps close to his work locations).
6. Search your garage and storage areas. This Editor recently found 5000 Winchester Small Pistol Primers in an unopened box. These were left over from his IDPA and 3-gun days, years ago.
7. Consider APS Primers. CCI sells APS primers pre-loaded in plastic strips. These can still be found gathering dust in some shops. You can remove the primers from the strips, or simply buy an APS priming tool and use them as intended.
Online Vendors for Primers
Here are leading online retailers that sell primers (along with other reloading components). NOTE: Most of these vendors are sold out of most primers most of the time (as of 1/21/21). However, you should check regularly. Persistence will pay off, eventually. Primer shipments DO arrive, they just sell out fast.
Best Strategy for Online Primer Purchasing (Not Auctions)
With these (and other) online vendors, you need to check “early and often”. Primers may arrive and sell out in a matter of minutes. You should bookmark multiple sources and check them multiple times each week.
The primer shortage has been worsened by dramatically reduced imports of Russian primers.
Last Word — About Online Auctions for Primers
We are seeing persons selling primers at crazy high prices ($200/1000!) via online auctions at Gunbroker and elsewhere. Be careful… very careful. Primers are a HAZMAT product. They may ONLY be shipped legally by Hazmat-certified businesses. Some of the Auction sellers are not HAZMAT-certified. If your primer shipment is seized or not delivered because the seller was not properly certified, don’t expect to get your money back.
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This handsome, ultra-accurate Smallbore F-Class rig belongs to member RMist of Team Pro-Shot Products. It has a Holeshot (Stiller) 2500X, stunning Cerus Curly Maple wood stock, Nightforce scope. Up front is the joystick co-axial SEB Joy-Pod.
March makes some of the most advanced riflescopes on the planet, many with features you can’t find on any other optics. March recently released a new Dual Focal Plane (FFP/SFP) 
Today, the final day of Brownells NOT-Show, Brownells features Stag Arms products. Along with .223 Rem ARs, Stag Arms offers AR-platform rifles in 
