If you purchased Winchester or Browning 9mm Luger (9x19mm Parabellum) ammunition this year, you should check your lot numbers. Olin Winchester is recalling numerous lots of 9mm Luger 115 grain Full Metal Jacket and 115 grain Jacketed Hollow Point pistol ammunition. The problem is the ammo may yield “squib” loads that could leave a bullet in the barrel. With a subsequent shot, this could be very dangerous. The affected 9mm ammo products have symbols: Q4172, RED9, USA9JHP, USA9MMVP, USA9W, WW9B.
NOTE: The ammunition Lot Number is stamped on the cartons as shown below:
NOTE: Winchester states “If ammunition of the above Symbols was purchased BEFORE March 25, 2021, it is NOT subject to the recall.” This recall notice applies only to the above 9mm Luger 115 FMJ and JHP Symbols with the above Lot Numbers.
Safety Issue Leading to Recall: Winchester has determined the above lots of 9mm Luger 115 FMJ/JHP ammunition may contain propellant that does not properly ignite and burn when the cartridge is fired. Ammunition containing propellant that does not properly ignite and burn may result in a bullet remaining in the barrel (i.e. a bullet-in-bore obstruction). Firing a subsequent bullet into the bore obstruction could cause firearm damage, rendering the firearm inoperable and subjecting the shooter and bystanders to a risk of serious personal injury.
How to Check Your Ammo: To determine if your ammunition is subject to this recall, review the Symbol and Lot Number. If it is any of the above Symbols and Lot Numbers, immediately discontinue use and contact Winchester toll-free at 844-653-8358 for free UPS pick-up of the recalled ammunition. Upon receipt of your recalled ammunition, Winchester will ship replacement ammunition directly to you or issue you a reimbursement check.
If you have any questions concerning this 9mm Luger 115 FMJ / JHP pistol ammunition recall please call toll-free 844-653-8358, write to Winchester (600 Powder Mill Road, East Alton, IL 62024 Attn: 9mm Luger Recall), or visit our website at Winchester.com.
BROWNING 9mm Luger Ammo Recall NOTICE
Along with the Winchester ammo recalled, Browning Ammunition is recalling the following lots of Browning 9mm Luger 115 grain Full Metal Jacket pistol ammunition: Symbol B191800092 with Lot Numbers SC13LD20, or SD10LD20.
The reason for the Browning Recall is the same as for the Winchester 9mm Luger ammunition — possible “squib” loads that could leave a bullet in the barrel of the gun.
DO NOT USE BROWNING 9mm Luger 115 FMJ SYMBOL B191800092 THAT HAS LOT NUMBER SC13LD20 or SD10LD20. The ammunition Lot Number is stamped on the 50-round carton as indicated here:
Browning Ammunition has determined the above lots of 9mm Luger 115 FMJ ammunition may contain propellant that does not properly ignite and burn when the cartridge is fired. Ammunition containing propellant that does not properly ignite and burn may result in a bullet remaining in the barrel (i.e., a bullet-in-bore obstruction). Firing a subsequent bullet into the bore obstruction could cause firearm damage, rendering the firearm inoperable and subjecting the shooter and bystanders to a risk of serious personal injury.
This notice applies only to Symbol B191800092 with Lot Number SC13LD20 or SD10LD20. Other Symbols or Lot Numbers are not subject to this recall. Note: If ammunition was purchased before March 25, 2021, it is NOT subject to the recall.
If you have any questions concerning this 9mm Luger 115 FMJ pistol ammunition recall please call toll-free 844-653-8358, write to Browning Ammunition (600 Powder Mill Road, East Alton, IL 62024 Attn: 9mm Luger Recall), or visit our website at Browningammo.com.
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On August 9, 2021 the Vintage Sniper Team Match returns to Camp Perry, Ohio. We’re glad to see this popular match return after it (and other Nationals events) were cancelled in 2020 due to the Pandemic. This unique Sniper Team event is a two-man team competition using scoped rifles of WWI and WWII Vintage. This has become one of the most popular CMP rifle matches held at Camp Perry, with over 200 teams competing in recent years. Many competitors use some version of the M1903 Springfield, but you’ll also see scoped M1 Garands, M1917s, K31s, Mausers, and even a Lee-Enfield or two. There are both bolt action and semi-auto classifications, with each division being scored separately.
We expect 200+ teams to compete for the Vintage Sniper Trophy this summer. Two-person teams will fire 10 rounds in 20-second intervals from scoped vintage military rifles set on sand bags. One team marksman shoots from the prone position at 300 and 600 yards, while the other serves as a spotter to relay shot position. Marksman and spotter switch positions on the firing lines, allowing each teammate to play both roles. Scores are then combined for an Aggregate team total.
Who can identify this rifle, with its unusual scope mount?
“Walking down the … line one can find a plethora of various rifle models. Although 1903A4 and USMC M1941 builds made up a significant majority of the rifles on the line, other models such as the K98, M1C, M1D, M91/30, Swedish Mausers, and the No4 Mk1 (T) had their place in the hands of various shooters.” — Criterion Barrels Article
Our friends at Criterion Barrels have published a great article about the Vintage Sniper Rifle Match. This story offers a fascinating “insider’s perspective” on the Match, plus Vintage Sniper gunsmithing tips, Anyone considering shooting the Vintage Sniper match for the first time should definitely read this article.
About the Match and the Rifles
The Vintage Sniper Match was the brainchild of Hornady’s Dave Emary. The competition was inspired by his father, a World War II scout sniper, who carried a rifle similar to the 1903A4 rifle builds that can be found today on the Camp Perry firing line. Bob Schanen worked alongside Dave and the CMP staff in establishing the various competition rules prior to the first official Vintage Sniper Match in 2011. The match developers made a point to offer some level of flexibility in rifle configuration, allowing specific types of non-issue optics and rifle rebuilds. This helped make the match more inclusive.
Hornady’s Dave Emary and “Gunny” R. Lee Ermey (RIP):
Camp Perry — The Venue
The hallowed grounds of Camp Perry have hosted some of the nation’s finest shooters each summer for more than a century. Some of the world’s greatest marksmen have accomplished remarkable feats on the ranges of this lakeside military outpost. Located on the coast of Lake Erie, Camp Perry is positioned just outside of the scenic town of Port Clinton, Ohio. It is our firm belief that every shooter should make the pilgrimage to the Camp Perry at least once in their lifetime. If not participating in an event, visitors should at least make an attempt to meet the competitors, witness the wide selection of firearms used by participants, and pay a visit to the various vendors on base.
Did you know that there’s a free online resource that provides key data for thousands of bullet designs? The ShootForum Bullet Database provides profiles with weight, length, SD, and Ballistic Coefficient for nearly 3900 bullet types from all the major manufacturers. You can access all this info for free. This is a great place to start when you’re considering bullet options for a new rifle, or a new chambering for an existing rifle. To be fair, not all the latest, greatest match bullets are listed here. Could the database benefit from updates — yes, but it is still a great info source. You should definitely bookmark this resource for easy access in the future.
The massive ShootForum.com Bullet Database includes over 3900 bullet designs in all. We counted nearly 200 different 6mm bullets! The bullet info comes from the makers of QuickLOAD Software. Access to the online database is FREE. Most database entries include Caliber, Manufacturer, Stated Bullet Weight, True Bullet Weight, Length, Sectional Density (SD), and Ballistic Coefficient. In many cases multiple BCs are provided for different velocity ranges. Having bullet length lets you know right away if your cartridge/bullet combo can fit your magazine.
NOTE: This database has not been fully updated for a few years, so it certainly does not include all the latest and greatest projectiles, such as new match bullets from Sierra and Berger, or the Hornady A-Tips. However, as far as we can determine, this is still the largest bullet-database on the internet. Even without recent updates, this remains a hugely valueable resource.
The database is great if you’re looking for an unusual caliber, or you want a non-standard bullet diameter to fit a barrel that is tighter or looser than spec. You’ll find the popular jacketed bullets from major makers, plus solids, plated bullets, and even cast bullets. For those who don’t already own QuickLOAD software, this is a great resource, providing access to a wealth of bullet information.
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by Sierra Bullets Ballistic Technician Paul Box
All of us who have been in reloading and shooting for any period of time have read how sectional density has been regarded as a bullet’s ability to penetrate. Back before high velocity came along and modern bullet design, the easiest way to get more “power” and penetration was by increasing the diameter and mass. After all, a bowling ball will hurt more than a golf ball, right?
Let’s take a closer look at sectional density.
The formula for calculating sectional density is pretty simple and straight forward. Take the bullet weight and divide by 7000. This number is then divided by the bullet diameter squared. Two bullets of equal weight and the same diameter will have equal sectional sectional density. No regard is given to the bullet construction. This is where the fly hits the soup in considering sectional density as far as penetration is concerned.
Section Density Formula: (Bullet Weight divided by 7000) divided by Bullet Diameter squared.
Bullet construction is the biggest factor in how it is able to penetrate. The best example I can think of here is to look at the Sierra .224 55 Gr. FMJBT GameKing #1355 compared to the 55 Gr. BlitzKing #1455. Both are .224 and weigh 55 grs. Both have a sectional density of .157. But there is a huge difference in their construction. The FMJ has a thick jacket and is designed to penetrate. The BlitzKing is designed for fast and rapid expansion with little concern for how deep they will penetrate.
The next time you’re choosing a bullet, look at the construction and less at the sectional density number. It’s all about the construction anyway. If you have any questions or would like to discuss sectional density or bullet penetration further, please give us a call at 800-223-8799 or shoot us an email at sierra@sierrabullets.com.
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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.
⏺ Nicely equipped semi-auto .22LR — Good for NRL22 matches
Are you looking to get into the NRL22 discipline but don’t have a rifle to do it with? Check out the Thompson Center T/CR22 .22 LR Rimfire Rifle. This features a 17″ barrel (with front and rear sights) and the stock has a handsome Mossy Oak Camo finish. Equipped with a Picatinny Rail, this is ready to mount a scope for competition. This is a good starter rifle for NRL22 and other tactical rimfire games. Plus it can serve for fun plinking and hunting small varmints.
⏺ Save $110-$125 on quality spotters with Big 82mm objectives
Having a quality spotting scope is critical for a successful hunt or for reading wind and mirage at a match. One of the absolute best scope for the money is the Kowa 82sv and right now you can take advantage of the Kowa Scope Specials over at Creedmoor Sports. You can pick up the 82sv along with a cover plus your choice of the 25x LER eyepiece or the 20-60x eye piece and be ready for whatever adventure is next on your list.
3. Bullet Central — Berger 7mm 180gr Hybrid Bullets, $63.99
⏺ Choice of Champions — Get Berger 7mm 180s while you can
One of the most sought-after match bullets right now is the Berger 7mm/.284 180gr Hybrid Match Bullet. Many vendors are sold out. But we found them in-stock at Bullet Central and ready to ship. Considering the demand, we wouldn’t wait long to order and we’d probably order enough for your upcoming matches this year (including the F-Class Nationals).
4. Amazon — Roll-Up Shooting Mat with Bonus Sand Bag, $34.99
⏺ Great value, rolls-up into small format, free support sandbag
Traveling for matches can often mean stripping down to the bare minimum of gear and that usually mean leaving behind large padded shooting mats. A good option instead is a packable shooting mat such as this 78.5″ x 28.5″ Depring folding mat. This mat folds up into a very small footprint making it great for throwing in your checked baggage. FOUR Colors are offered, all priced at $34.99: Tan (shown), OD Green, Black, and Camo. These Depring shooting mats ship with a FREE 6″ x 3.75″ “Unfilled Gun Rest Sand Bag” which can be used for front or rear support.
5. Midsouth — LEE Breech Lock Reloader Press, $41.99
⏺ Great deal on compact press with breech lock quick die changes
Every handloader can benefit from a compact, secondary press for decapping at home and/or seating bullets at the range. Weighing under 2.5 pounds, this LEE Breech Lock Reloader Press is easy to transport. The open front design makes it easy to insert/remove cases. This LEE press offers Breech Lock functionality for rapid die changes. With the Breech Lock bushing in place, you can instantly swap dies with a twist of the wrist. Right now this LEE Reloader Press is on sale for $41.99 at Midsouth
6. Natchez — Federal XM193 5.56×45 Ammo 400rds, $399.99
⏺ Big savings on CCI 9mm ammo and XM193 ammo for ARs and .223 Rem rifles
Natchez is running a special ammo deal right now. You can save on rifle and pistol ammo AND get FREE SHIPPING. Choose one of three bulk packs: CCI Blazer 9mm 500 rounds for $549.99; or Federal XM193 5.56×45 400 rounds in can for $369.99 ($319.99/400 rds if you buy two cans); or Winchester Lake City M193 5.56×45 1000 rounds in box for $779.99. NOTE: The rifle bulk packs are officially 5.56x45mm ammo, but it should also shoot fine in most modern rifles chambered for .223 Remington. The CCI 9mm and Winchester M193 are priced very competitively, so don’t hesitate.
7. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Allen Soft Rifle Case Sale, 20% OFF
⏺ Huge selection of soft-side rifle cases on sale starting at $16
You can never have enough protection for your rifles while transporting them which means having a quality soft case. A great place to start is with the Allen soft case sale over at Sportsman’s Warehouse. You’ll find everything from simple single gun cases to deluxe double rifle cases — all at 20% off.
⏺ Durable, fitted pistol cases for 3 or 6 handguns
Do you find yourself needing to transport several pistols at a time but are tired of having a case for every gun? A handy, affordable solution are the MTM Tactical Pistol Handgun Cases. These fitted cases are offered in different sizes to accommodate 3 to 6 pistols with ease. These can also be locked up to comply with just about any state requirement. They also feature a rubber O-Ring for weather protection.
⏺ Versatile knife for camping and home, sharp stainless blade
Sometimes you just need a simple, no-nonsense knife in the field that doesn’t cost a lot in case it’s lost or broken. We found this Morakniv Craftline Pro S Fixed Blade Utility Knife which fits the bill exactly. It’s stainless steel, comes with a sheath, and is 3.6″ long making it well-suited for a multitude of cutting tasks. It also makes a good marine safety knife.
10. Amazon — MTM 50rd Deluxe Ammo Carry Box, $11.49
⏺ Hinged top, bullet tip protection, secure latches
Carrying 50 rounds of .20 Practical, .222 Rem, .204 Ruger, or .223 Rem/5.56×45 ammunition has never been easier thanks to the MTM H50-RS Deluxe 50-Round Rifle Ammo Case. These stackable MTM ammo boxes feature a strong, durable mechanical hinge. This provides years of use and allows the lid to sit flat. This MTM Deluxe case also has specially designed slots that hold the cartridges in place while protecting the bullet tips. Maximum Overall Cartridge Lenthe is 2.37″ bullet up and 3.45″ bullet down.
Sinclair Internationalhas released an interesting article about Case Concentricity* and bullet “run-out”. This instructional article by Bob Kohl explains the reasons brass can exhibit poor concentricity, and why high bullet run-out can be detrimental to accuracy.
Concentricity, Bullet Alignment, and Accuracyby Bob Kohl
The purpose of loading your own ammo is to minimize all the variables that can affect accuracy and can be controlled with proper and conscientious handloading. Concentricity and bullet run-out are important when you’re loading for accuracy. Ideally, it’s important to strive to make each round the same as the one before it and the one after it. It’s a simple issue of uniformity.
The reason shooters work with tools and gauges to measure and control concentricity is simple: to make sure the bullet starts down the bore consistently in line with the bore. If the case isn’t properly concentric and the bullet isn’t properly aligned down the center of the bore, the bullet will enter the rifling inconsistently. While the bore might force the bullet to align itself with the bore (but normally it doesn’t), the bullet may be damaged or overstressed in the process – if it even it corrects itself in transit. These are issues we strive to remedy by handloading, to maintain the best standard possible for accurate ammunition.
The term “concentricity” is derived from “concentric circle”. In simple terms it’s the issue of having the outside of the cartridge in a concentric circle around the center. That goes from case head and center of the flash hole, to the tip of the bullet.
Factors Affecting Concentricity
The point of using this term is to identify a series of issues that affect accurate ammunition. Ideally this would work best with a straight-walled case; but since most rifle cartridge cases are tapered, it equates to the smallest cross section that can be measured point by point to verify the concentric circle around the center. For the examples below, I’m working with .308 Winchester ammo.
Figure 1: The cartridge.
Figure 2: Centerline axis of the case, extending from flash hole to case mouth.
The case walls have to be in perfect alignment with the center, or axis, of that case, even if it’s measured at a thousandth of an inch per segment (in a tapered case).
Figure 3: Case body in alignment with its axis, or centerline, even in a tapered case.
The case neck must also be in alignment with its axis. By not doing so you can have erratic bullet entry into the bore. The case neck wall itself should be as uniform as possible in alignment and in thickness (see the M80 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge in Figure 5) and brass can change its alignment and shape. It’s why we expand the case neck or while some folks ream the inside of the neck and then turn the outside for consistent thickness, which affects the tension on the bullet when seated.
Figure 4: Neck in alignment with center of the case axis.
Figure 5: Variations in case neck wall thickness, especially on some military brass, can cause an offset of the bullet in its alignment. This is an M80 ball round. Note the distinct difference of the neck walls.
Having a ball micrometer on hand helps, especially with military brass like 7.62x51mm in a semi-auto rifle, where there are limits as to how thin you want the neck walls to be. In the case of 7.62 ball brass you want to keep the wall to .0145″.
Figure 6: A ball micrometer like this RCBS tool (#100-010-268) can measure case neck thickness.
Turning the outside of the neck wall is important with .308 military cases regardless of whether you expand or ream the neck walls. There are several outside neck turning tools from Forster, Hornady, Sinclair, and others. I’ve been using classic Forster case trimming (#100-203-301) and neck turning (#749-012-890) tools for 40 years.
Bullet Run-Out
The cartridge, after being loaded, still needs to be in alignment with the center of the case axis. Figure 7 shows a bad example of this, a round of M80 ball. A tilted bullet is measured for what’s known as bullet “run-out”.
Figure 7: An M80 round with the bullet tilted and not aligned with the axis. This will be a flyer!
Run-out can be affected by several things: (1) improperly indexing your case while sizing, which includes not using the proper shell holder, especially while using a normal expander ball on the sizing die (it also can stretch the brass). (2) The head of a turret press can flex; and (3) improper or sloppy bullet seating. This is also relevant when it comes to using a progressive press when trying to load accuracy ammo.
Mid Tompkins came up with a simple solution for better bullet seating years ago. Seat your bullet half way into the case, back off the seater die and rotate the case 180 degrees before you finish seating the bullet. It cuts down on run-out problems, especially with military brass. You also want to gently ream the inside of the neck mouth to keep from having any brass mar the surface of the bullet jacket and make proper seating easier. A tilted bullet often means a flyer.
Figure 8: Proper alignment from the center of the case head to the tip of the bullet.
(NOTE: This links to a Web Archive of the original Sinclair Int’l article.)
*Actually some folks would say that if we are talking about things being off-center or out-of-round, we are actually talking about “eccentricity”. But the tools we use are called “Concentricity Gauges” and Concentricity is the term most commonly used when discussing this subject.
Story Tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
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The 2021 NRA National Rifle and Pistol Championships will be held July 6 through August 28, 2021 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. Registration for the 2021 NRA National Championships for Smallbore Rifle, High Power Rifle, F-Class, and Precision Pistol is now open. Competitors can REGISTER ONLINE for the 2021 NRA National Championships via the NRA Competitive Shooting Web Portal.
The following 2021 NRA Rifle and Pistol Championships will be held at Camp Atterbury this summer, starting with Smallbore Rifle. Camp Atterbury has hosted the High Power Rifle Nationals since 2017. Here is the schedule for the Major events. NOTE: There is NO ELR event this year:
Smallbore Rifle Championship: 6-18 July, 2021
Precision Pistol Championship: 20-25 July, 2021
F-Class Mid-Range Championship: 22-26 July, 2021
F-Class Long Range Championship: 27-30 July, 2021
Fullbore Championship: 1-7 August, 2021
High Power Mid-Range Championship: 9-13 August, 2021
High Power Long Range Championship: 14-19 August, 2021
Over-the-Course (OTC) Competition: 22-28 August, 2021
View Latest Match Calendar (6/18/21) — CLICK TO ZOOM!
Note, this year the Smallbore Nationals will include Rimfire F-Class, starting on July 11th. Among notable specific rifle matches include: Fullbore America Match (August 7); Palma Team Match (August 15); Wimbleton Cup Match (August 18). For 2021, the NRA will NOT host an Extreme Long-Range Championship. Specific start dates are listed at end of article.
In addition to the main NRA matches, there are Indiana State Rifle and Pistol Association (ISRPA) events including: Junior Intermediate Smallbore Clinic, Ladies’ Day on the Range, Family Day on the Range, Basic Safety Class, Introduction to Shooting Sports Class, Laser Range.
Lodging Options at Camp Atterbury — Summer 2021
Shooting Sports USA (SSUSA) recently released information on the NRA Championships at Camp Atterbru. The SSUSA article states: “As for lodging, there are several options. The most convenient are on-base, with Camp Atterbury offering hotel-style buildings with suites, along with standard rooms, and ‘open military squad bay’-style quarters available by reservation. Camp Atterbury also offers a limited number of RV spots, plus the MWR campground and cabins. NOTE: Lodging is controlled by the Camp Atterbury Lodging Office, not the NRA.
Click Photo for Large Map of Camp Atterbury, Indiana
Key NRA Championship Start Dates by Discipline
6 July — Smallbore Nationals 3-Position
11 July — Smallbore Nationals Prone and Rimfire F-Class
17 July — Metric Smallbore Prone and Rimfire F-Class
20 July — Precision Pistol (including Revolver)
22 July — F-Class Mid-Range Individual
26 July — F-Class Mid-Range Team Match
27 July — F-Class Long-Range Individual
29 July — F-Class Long-Range Team Match
1 August — Fullbore Match
7 August — Fullbore America Match
9 August — Midrange Cycle
14 August — Long Range Cycle
15 August — Palma Team Match
16 August — Palma Individual Match
18 August — Wimbleton Cup Match
22 August — OTC (Over the Course) Week
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On Father’s Day, time spent together is more important than any gift that comes in a box…
Today is Father’s Day, a special Sunday when we acknowledge our patriarchs and show our gratitude for all their hard work and sacrifice on our behalf, and the love they have shown us over the years. If you’re lucky, you’re reading this after having spent a day at the shooting range (or the local fishing hole, or golf course) with your Dad. The important thing is to be together with “Pops” and do something you both enjoy together. If you haven’t finalized your Father’s Day planning, here are some suggestions:
1. Hand-wash and wax your father’s truck or car.
2. Clean your dad’s rifles, or help him put together some handloads.
3. Take your dad out to a live music concert, go to a ball game, or maybe head down to the local fishin’ hole.
4. Go for a hike together or just a drive in the country.
5. Head down to Sears or the local hardware store and let you Dad pick out some new tools.
6. Sit down with your dad, bring a note pad, and ask him to tell you some stories about his youth, or his military experience. This Editor learned some amazing things about his own father this way.
Whatever you choose to do with your father, use your time wisely. Turn off your computer, and go be with your father today. Do something with him that makes him smile. The time spent together is more important than any gift that comes in a box. And, if he lives far from you, give him a call and let him know how important he is to your life. Remind him of the old adage: “Good fathers make good sons”.
When my father, a disabled WW2 Army vet, passed away I received the flag that was draped on his coffin. On most days I fly one of those nylon flags that you can pick up at hardware or department stores. But on holidays, like today, and his birthday, Dad’s flag is out there snapping in the breeze on top of the pole. I find myself talking to him as it gets put up in the morning and comes down at sunset. Hope when the time comes one of my boys will fly my flag. — Bill Slattery Jr.
My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, “You’re tearing up the grass”! “We’re not raising grass,” Dad would reply, “We’re raising boys”. — Harmon Killebrew.
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The NRA Convention will be in the Lone Star State this year — in September. Originally slated for May 2021, the National Rifle Association’s 2021 Annual Meetings & Exhibits are now scheduled for September 3-5, 2021 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. The 2021 NRA Annual Meetings will celebrate NRA’s 150th anniversary as the oldest civil-rights organization in the country. The Exhibits Hall will be full of product and outfitter displays. More than 850 exhibitors will provide show-goers with a look at the latest firearms, ammunition, and accessories.
The NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits is free for all NRA members, while some special events do require tickets. The organization plans to have a powerhouse lineup of political speakers, as well as an event exclusively for women exploring their right to keep and bear arms. Country music artists, seminars, workshops and more are available for the celebration of a lifetime.
Get the latest information on the 150th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits at NRAAM.org.
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Father’s Day is Sunday, June 20, 2021, so now’s the time to shop for a great gift for the “Old Man”. If your father enjoys the shooting sports and hunting, here are some recommended items. There are a couple items for home use as well. All selections cost less than $100.00. If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you can get two-day shipping in most areas of the country.
TEN Great Father’s Day Gifts for Dad Under $100.00
Protect Dad’s hearing — Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Muffs These high-tech muffs provide NRR 22 dB sound protection with the ability to still hear conversations and range commands. These muffs offer Headphone Functionality via external audio jack, so Dad can listen to music. We recommend using muffs over plugs for maximum hearing protection.
Teslong Digital Borescopes are “game-changers”, hugely popular with our Forum members. These Teslong borescopes display clear, sharp digital images on your mobile device. Shown here is the latest rigid version. Get the Rigid Borescope for $69.98, or flexible cable model for $45.98.
It’s hard to find quality tactical gun cases that fit long match rifles. This Savior Gun Case (55″ model) can hold two rifles up to about 54″ OAL. Multiple colors and five lengths are available: 36″, 42″, 46″, 51″, 55″. This is a great choice for PRS. The 51″ case is $94.12 at Amazon while the 46″ version is $84.99.
Are you looking for a secondary press to handle basic tasks such as decapping? We’ve used this inexpensive Lee Breech Lock Challenger press for many functions. It is sturdy and has a convenient primer ejection tube. This is a great value for $99.99 on Amazon, including one Breech Lock quick change bushing.
Does your father enjoy golf and hunting? Here is a economical Laser Rangefinder rated for 650 yards. The Gogogo Rangefinder features easy controls and an ergonomic grip. It also has a “flagpole” range locking feature that’s great for golfers. An Amazon’s Choice for rangefinders, this unit is on sale for $99.99 at Amazon.
This Columbia Bahama II guide shirt is durable and comfortable. More importantly it provides UPF 30 protection from the sun’s damaging rays. The added cape over the shoulder area provides extra protection for shooters in the prone position. This is offered in 17 colors in breathable nylon. This is popular for fishing, sailing, hiking and other outdoors sports.
Walkie-Talkies are “must-have” items for long-range shooting. The 22-CH Motorola T100 Two-Way Radio is an Amazon Favorite in FRS/GMRS Handheld Radios. This is a 2-Radio set for under $30.00.
The latest 2020 Edition of The Wind Book, is the best wind resource in print for competitive shooters. The Wind Book analyzes key aspects of wind reading — vectors, cycles, vertical elements, and mirage. This excellent resource is now $19.48 at Amazon.
The Corque Gun Cleaning Kit boasts 12 jags, 9 bronze brushes, 9 mops, nylon brushes, 100 patches, oil bottles, plus 6 brass rods and other gear. This even comes with a mat and gloves. NOTE: we recommend one-piece rods for rifles.
This cleverly-designed Shotshell thermos will make Dad smile. Styled just like a 12ga shotgun shell, the Stansport Thermo Bottle holds 25 oz. of hot or cold liquids. Current price is about $29 for Black or Green, or $41 for red.
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Palmetto State Armory (PSA) is running a big Father’s Day Sale right now. Scores of popular products are deeply discounted — typically 20-30%. For some products the prices have been cut in half! Save on AR Uppers/Lowers, Handguns, Shotguns, Rimfire rifles, Triggers, Optics, Chassis Systems, Magazines, and more. Don’t delay as inventory is limited for many of these items, and the sale prices may expire after Father’s Day (Sunday, June 20, 2021).
Here are EIGHT GREAT Father’s Day Deals at PSA today. CLICK HERE view ALL items on sale (over 250 total as this is released):
Click on Photos to Access Sale Items at Palmetto State Armory
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Are you thinking of getting involved in Pistol Competition? Along with IDPA, the U.S. Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) offers fun, sanctioned matches throughout the country. The USPSA production division allows you to be competitive without spending a fortune on a custom-built handgun. Hundreds of handguns are approved for competition on the USPSA Production Gun List. But some Production Division guns are better than others — at least in the opinion of active competitors. Two guns dominated the rankings — representing 51% of all pistols shot in Production Division:
At last year’s USPSA Nationals, competitors were surveyed. From the shooter surveys, we are able to determine the most-favored USPSA Production handguns. Here we present the top five, as ranked in the January/February 2021 issue of USPSA webzine.*
The most popular USPSA Production Division pistol, by far, is the CZ-USA Shadow 2 ($1350 retail). A full 39% of all Production class competitors at Nationals used CZ’s Shadow 2. With an all-metal frame, this beefy (46.5 oz.) pistol handles recoil well. It offers excellent accuracy out of the box. The Shadow 2, offered in various colors, features an ambidextrous safety, fiber-optic front and HAJO rear sights, and 17-round magazine. Shooting Sports USA states that: “Competitive shooters will also appreciate the double-action trigger, which is smooth and light with little to no reset.”
Here is the latest “Optics Ready” version of the CZ-USA Shadow 2 Pistol:
Being used by 12% of Production Division shooters, the EAA Tangfolio Witness Elite Stock II ($1302 MSRP) is the second most popular USPSA Production pistol. Crafted with chrome-finished metal slide and frame, this is a handsome pistol. Weighing a hefty 45 ounces (2.69 lbs), this pistol handles recoil well. This pistol has a 4.5″ barrel and holds a 17-round magazine.
Three Other Popular USPSA Production Division Pistols
Tied for third place among USPSA Production pistols are two SIG Sauer 9mm handguns along with the well-known 9mm Glock 34. The long-slide Glock G34 ($700 retail) was used by 9% of the Production Division shooters at the USPSA Nationals. Likewise 9% of the shooters used SIG Sauer’s P320 ($600 retail) or the uprated P320 X5 Legion model ($900 retail). The P320 and P320 X5 are very similar, but the X5 offers an optics-ready slide, a longer frame, flared magazine bases, and skeletonized trigger. Shooting Sports USA states: “A heavy gun at 41.7 ounces, the X5 is a specially-designed version of the P320 for competitive shooting. Equipped with a grip module that has a weighted insert and an elongated slide… the X5 is not only popular for Production division, but also for Carry Optics competition.”
This Editor owned a Glock 34 for many years. My gun was very accurate, helping me win local IDPA matches. With its low bore axis, the Glock 34 comes back on target very quickly so you can make fast follow-up shots. As you’d expect, my Glock was extremely reliable. However, I was not a fan of the Glock’s trigger pull, which was somewhat vague and inconsistent. I think one reason for the #1 ranking of the CZ Shadow 2 is its superior trigger.
* This link takes you to the USPSA digital magazine archive. However, you must be a registered member of the USPSA to view the digital magazines or download PDF versions.
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Today is Father’s Day, a special Sunday when we acknowledge our patriarchs and show our gratitude for all their hard work and sacrifice on our behalf, and the love they have shown us over the years. If you’re lucky, you’re reading this after having spent a day at the shooting range (or the local fishing hole, or golf course) with your Dad. The important thing is to be together with “Pops” and do something you both enjoy together. If you haven’t finalized your Father’s Day planning, here are some suggestions:
