To help serve America’s many millions of new gun owners, Winchester has created a new online information site for first-time ammunition and firearms buyers as well as those just getting started in the shooting sports and hunting. Winchester’s New Shooters Site has many helpful articles plus a series of videos.
Winchester’s New Shooters Site also incorporates the NSSF’s WHERE-To-SHOOT Resource, the internet’s most comprehensive listing of gun ranges. The Where-to-Shoot section makes finding a local range easy. Simply input your location and max desired distance, and the site will generate a list of nearby indoor and outdoor ranges with a Google map.
“More than 12 million people since the beginning of 2020 purchased a firearm for the first time, and that is in addition to the more than 56 million people in the U.S. who currently target shoot,” said Matt Campbell, vice president of sales and marketing for Winchester Ammunition. “As an industry leader, we are committed to helping educate people about the many topics surrounding firearms, ammunition, safety and more. More and more people want to participate in the shooting sports and hunting. Our audience is diverse and growing, and this platform will be an excellent resource.”
— Skill-level filtering, allowing new shooters to find the most relevant content
— New video series and blog posts with entry-level topics
— Product recommendations for firearms and ammunition
— Tips and training (shooting fundamentals)
— Safety and storage
About Winchester Ammunition
Winchester was founded in 1866, 155 years ago. Winchester is now the largest small caliber ammunition enterprise in the world providing a huge variety of pistol, rifle, and shotgun ammunition. Learn more about Winchester by visiting Winchester.com or Winchester’s Facebook Page.
Legal Heat, a major firearms training firm*, has released the 2021 Edition of the 50 State Guide to Firearm Laws and Regulations. For each state, this $20 book covers key firearms laws, lists prohibited areas, and provides key statutory references for further research. With over 20,000 gun laws nationwide affecting concealed carry permit holders, Legal Heat’s 50 State Guide helps gun owners stay informed about important gun statutes and regulations.
The Legal Heat 50 State Guide is an authoritative reference guide on concealed carry and transport laws with concise synopses, including legal citations. Written and edited by attorneys and firearms instructors. This full-color, $20 book provides a comprehensive overview of state and Federal gun laws, serving as a quick reference guide for travelers.
GET FREE Legal Heat APP for Android or Apple
Along with the $20 print book, there is a FREE Legal Heat APP that provides the same information at no cost to you. Just download the App to your smartphone or tablet. CLICK HERE to learn more about the FREE 50-State Law App. There are FREE versions for both Android (Google) and iOS (Apple). This is the only APP with comprehensive Concealed and Open Carry Law summaries written by attorneys.
Key Topics Covered in Dedicated Sections
The Legal Heat 50 State Guide has specific sections dedicated to important topics, such as Gun Transport at Airports, Police Stops, Inter-State Travel, and Purchasing/Selling. Having these and other key topics clearly outlined is one of the compelling reasons to buy the book. Here are the Key Topics:
- Airports
– Police Encounters
– State-to-State Firearms Transport in Vehicle
– Purchasing/Selling A Firearm
– Castle Doctrines
– AMTRAK
- U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Land
– National Parks And Monuments
– BLM Land
– Indian Reservations
– May Issue Vs. Shall Issue States
– Contact Info For Attorney Generals
State by State Law Summaries
For every one of the 50 U.S. STATES, there is a dedicated summary covering:
1. All Prohibited Areas for Firearms
This Section Is Essential Knowledge For All Concealed Firearm Permit Holders. 2. Self-Defense and Firearms Laws 3. Reciprocity (Recognition of Other State’s Permits)
This lists ALL firearm permits from other states that are recognized. 4. Self Defense And Firearm Laws Statutory References (For Additional Research) 5. Ratings of Each State for “Friendliness” to gun owners.
Video Summary of 50 State Firearms Guide
This video covers the highlights of the Legal Heat 50 State Guidebook. This shows the 2018 Edition, but the latest 2021 Edition contains all those elements, updated with current law changes.
* With over 250,000 certified students, Legal Heat claims to be the nation’s largest firearms training company. Legal Heat provides in-person as well as online training, and works with major gun retailers including Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, and Sportsman’s Warehouse. CLICK HERE for more information on Legal Heat Training Programs.
Hunting season begins next month in many areas of the country. If you are planning a deer or elk hunt, but need to add essential gear items, head over to Cabelas.com. Right now Bass Pro and Cabela’s are running a Fall Hunting Classic Sale, with major discounts on rifles, camo clothing, GPS units, trail cams, and more. And there is a program that lets you trade in old hunting gear and get credits toward new equipment. Here are some good deals we found today on hunting products at Cabela’s.com:
Get Discounts When You Trade In Older Hunting Equipment
Donate all working bows, crossbows, rifle scopes, binoculars, laser rangefinders, spotting scopes, game cameras, and gently worn hunting or rubber boots during trade-in dates and receive a discount coupon to be used toward the purchase of a new bow, crossbow, rifle scope, binoculars, laser rangefinder, game camera, hunting or rubber boots. Trade-ins will be inspected to ensure good working order, and then donated to local nonprofit organizations to help with their outdoor education programs.
One side has MOA (Minute of Angle) grid for MOA-based scopes. Flip target over for MIL adjustment grid.
Here’s a clever product that can speed up the process of sighting-in your rifles, whether you have a scope with MOA-based clicks or an optic with MIL-based clicks. Sport Ridge offers a pair targets that are printed on BOTH sides with precise grids based on your scope’s click values. One side has an MOA-based grid while the other side of the target has 1/10th Milliradian grid.
Choose between two, double-sided printed targets: the 16″x16″ 100-yard Precision Rifle Target and the 10″x10″ 25/50-yard AR15 Sight-In Target. For both target types, side one has an MOA-based grid for scopes with 1/4-MOA or 1/8-MOA click values. Flip the target over to use the grid for MIL scopes with 1/10th Milliradian click values.
Sport Ridge’s Premium Precision Sight-In Targets allow you to adjust the point of impact quickly because the target’s grid boxes precisely match the click values of MOA and MIL measurement systems. Sport Ridge states: “No more guesswork at matching your optic’s adjustment value, saving your ammunition and time spent sighting-in firearms.” Get the 16″x16″ Precision Target 8-pack for $7.99, or the 10″x10″ AR Target 10-pack for $5.99.
Manufacturer Video Explains How to Sight-In with MOA/MIL Grid Target:
For MOA-type scopes, Sport Ridge also offers a single-sided Reflex Sight-In target with an MOA-based adjustment grid. This has a large center sighting bullseye so it can be used to confirm MOA-based click values at longer ranges (300+ yards) with rifles. Or use it at close range (for 10, 25, or 50 yards) for red-dot equipped pistols or shotguns. A 10-pack is $5.99, or get a 25-pack for $13.99.
REFLEX DOT SIGHT-IN TARGET
• Large Central Bull with MOA Grid
• Table of distance MOA optic click values
• Grid adjustment in direction Up/Down, Left/Right
This video explains general principles of sighting-in rifles, including dialing to Point of Impact:
The NRA’s Shooting Illustrated magazine has a new website, with a smart-phone friendly layout and abundant photos and videos. A lot of work went into the new site, which offers a ton of content for firearms fans. The content mix is heavy on handguns, but you’ll also find features on Modern Sporting Rifles and long-range rifles. The main change in the site is the inclusion of many more photos and videos. ShootingIllustrated.com is now definitely “image-rich” and great for video fans. And the site is now easier to navigate thanks to an intuitive menu bar.
Shooting Illustrated’s new website boasts “a new user-friendly layout [that] enhances the experience for watching videos on smartphones, tablets and desktop computers. Look for “I Carry” videos featuring new everyday carry guns and gear, as well as “First Shot” videos highlighting new pistols and rifles.
Here are three top stories you can access right now on the new Shooting Illustrated website. If you like this type of content, then check out ’s Facebook and Instagram feeds for the latest coverage of new products with articles, imagery, and videos.
Click Photos to Read Shooting Illustrated Feature Stories:
Breaking News — The NRA has CANCELLED the 2021 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits scheduled for September 3-5, 2021 in Houston, Texas.
Here is the NRA’s official Statement:
Important Announcement: NRA Annual Meeting Cancellation
Due to concern over the safety of our NRA family and community, we regret to inform you that we have decided to cancel the 2021 Annual Meeting & Exhibits. This cancellation applies to all events and meetings that were scheduled in Houston. We will provide future notification regarding a rescheduled date for the annual Meeting of Members.
We make this difficult decision after analyzing relevant data regarding COVID-19 in Harris County, Texas. We also consulted with medical professionals, local officials, major sponsors & exhibitors, and many NRA members before arriving at this decision. The NRA Annual Meeting welcomes tens of thousands of people, and involves many events, meetings, and social gatherings. Among the highlights of our annual meeting are acres of exhibit space featuring the latest and greatest firearms, the display of countless accessories, and the offering of adventures and group gatherings that many travel hundreds, and some even thousands, of miles to experience. We realize that it would prove difficult, if not impossible, to offer the full guest experience that our NRA members deserve.
The NRA’s top priority is ensuring the health and well-being of our members, staff, sponsors, and supporters. We are mindful that NRA Annual Meeting patrons will return home to family, friends and co-workers from all over the country, so any impacts from the virus could have broader implications. Those are among the reasons why we decided to cancel our 2021 event.
We would like to thank our members, attendees, exhibitors, and staff for their understanding and support. We are grateful for the many contributions of the George R. Brown Convention Center, state and local officials, community organizers, area hotels, and countless event venues across Houston. We receive enormous support from Houston and the State of Texas – and we hope to return to the Bayou City for a full annual meeting experience.
The NRA looks forward to a Celebration of Freedom in Louisville in May 2022. In the meantime, we will support many other NRA local events and smaller gatherings – in a manner that is protective of our members and celebrates our Second Amendment freedom.
We wish continued health and safety to our entire NRA family.
The Biden State Department has banned imports of Russian-made firearms and ammunition. Russian firearms and ammo importation will be blocked for a minimum of 12 months starting September 7, 2021. The State Department Notice states:
New sanctions imposed today under the CBW Act include:
Restrictions on the permanent imports of certain Russian firearms. New and pending permit applications for the permanent importation of firearms and ammunition manufactured or located in Russia will be subject to a policy of denial.
Action Will Harm U.S. Firearms Owners
The Gun Owners of America (GOA) criticized the action, stating it will NOT achieve its stated purpose, but will only harm American hunters, shooters, and gun owners:
“It is clear to us that the intention is not to harm Russia but rather to hinder the acquisition of firearms and ammunition by American citizens.
Once again, the Biden Administration’s actions are misplaced. Ending imports by licensed importers will not stop drug dealers, murderers, and other assorted street criminals. It will, however, harm legitimate U.S. businesses while driving up the cost of other ammunition due to more buyers chasing a smaller supply.
We recognize the devastating implications these sanctions would have on individual gun owners amidst a national ammunition shortage. We are currently exploring administrative, congressional, and legal avenues to respond to these new sanctions.”
Ammo Shortages Will Worsen Dean Weingarten cautions that the new ban will lead to more ammo shortages:
“This is the second round of sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States over the Aleksey Navalny incident. The first round of sanctions did not ban the importation of Russian ammunition or firearms.
It is unclear how long supplies in the pipeline will last. The announcement is likely to rekindle the ammunition bubble for calibers commonly imported from Russia, such as 7.62×54, 7.62×39, 5.45×39, 5.56×45, and even match grade .22 ammunition.”
The shape of powder grains has a profound effect on the performance of the powder charge, as it concerns both pressure and velocity. There are multiple powder shapes including flake, ball, and extruded or “stick” (both solid and perforated).
So how does powder grain shape affect pressure and muzzle velocity?
In general, it can be said that powder that burns progressively achieves a desired muzzle velocity at lower maximum pressure than a powder that burns neutrally, not to mention a degressive powder. As grain size increases, the maximum pressure moves towards the muzzle, also increasing muzzle blast. Muzzle velocity and pressure can be adjusted by means of the amount of powder or loading density, i.e. the relationship between the powder mass and the volume available to it. As the loading density increases, maximum pressure grows.
All Vihtavuori reloading powders are of the cylindrical, single-perforated extruded stick type. The differences in burning rate between the powders depend on the size of the grain, the wall thickness of the cylinder, the surface coating and the composition. Cylindrical extruded powders can also have multi-perforated grains. The most common types are the 7- and 19-perforated varieties. A multi-perforated powder grain is naturally of a much larger size than one with a single perforation, and is typically used for large caliber ammunition.
Other types of powder grain shapes include sphere or ball, and flake. The ball grains are typically used in automatic firearms but also in rifles and handguns. The ball grain is less costly to produce, as it is not pressed into shape like cylindrical grains. Flake shaped grains are typically used in shotgun loadings.
Web thickness in gunpowder terminology means the minimum distance that the combustion zones can travel within the powder grain without encountering each other. In spherical powders, this distance is the diameter of the “ball”; in flake powder it is the thickness of the flake; and in multi-perforated extruded powders it is the minimum distance (i.e. wall thickness) between the perforations.
The burning rate of powder composed of grains without any perforations or surface treatment is related to the surface area of the grain available for burning at any given pressure level. The change in the surface area that is burning during combustion is described by a so-called form function. If the surface area increases, the form function does likewise and its behavior is termed progressive. If the form function decreases, its behavior is said to be degressive. If the flame area remains constant throughout the combustion process, we describe it as “neutral” behavior.
The cylindrical, perforated powders are progressive; the burning rate increases as the surface area increases, and the pressure builds up slower, increasing until it reaches its peak and then collapses. Flake and ball grains are degressive; the total powder surface area and pressure are at their peak at ignition, decreasing as the combustion progresses.
With shortages of factory ammunition, many more gun owners are reloading their own ammo these days. Redding offers handy, printable files for load data records and box labels.
Redding Reloading offers a handy Handloader’s Data Sheet in printable PDF format. This FREE form allows hand-loaders to document their tool settings, bushing size, powder charge, load specs (COAL etc.), and case prep status. In addition, the form allows you to enter your load testing information, complete with chronograph data, group size, zero range, and wind/temp conditions. With this single, handy form you can document all the vital information for your particular cartridges and loads. We suggest you print these out, 3-hole-punch them, and then keep them in a three-ring binder.
We’ve seen various reloading log templates, but this Redding form (shown below) is better than most because it combines both reloading data AND range-test data in one place. You can see all key details of the reloading process (tool settings etc.) plus the end results — how the load actually performed over the chronograph and on paper. This form allows the user to capture a large amount of information for later use, while accurately track load development. Go to Download Page.
FREE Ammunition Box Label Template Redding Reloading has also developed a printable template for your ammo boxes (see photo at top of article). This lets you put all vital load info on your ammo boxes. There are fields for: Date, Cartridge, Powder, Grains, Bullet, Weight, Primer, Case type. Designed for Avery 5260 (or similar) label sheets, this label template allows you to print 30 labels at one time. You can purchase the Avery 5260 peel-off printable label sheets at office supply stores.
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. Midsouth — Major RCBS Product Sale
⏺ 13 popular items and reloading kits on sale this week
Midsouth is running a huge sale this week on 13 of the most popular (and useful) RCBS tools, Powder Dispensers, and Reloading Kits. You can save up to $100 on popular items such as the ChargeMaster Scale/Dispenser, and the Rockchucker complete Reloading Kit. Go to Full RCBS Sale Page or click individual products below.
2. Amazon or Champion’s Choice — Plano AirGlide Case, $58.00
⏺ Get the last ones! Great range case, but no longer in production
The Plano Airglide is a unique, vertical-loading rifle case. The rifle is supported by foam blocks so there is no side-pressure on your scope turrets. The AirGlide’s hinged top-opening lid provides clearance for all but the most massive target scopes. Airglides are VERY popular with our Forum members, and this Editor uses Airglides to transport his own rifles to the range. Unfortunately, Plano has halted production of the AirGlide case. However, there are still a few available from Champion’s Choice for $58.00 (plus shipping) or from Amazon for $71.75 (free shipping). Grab one while you still can!
NOTE: Despite the name, AirGlides are NOT recommended for airline transport, but for regular range use AirGlides are a great option. Another advantage is the AirGlide holds your rifle in a muzzle-down orientation so any residual solvents drain OUT the muzzle, not back into the action.
3. Brownells — Smith & Wesson Bullpup 12ga Shotgun, $999.00
⏺ Brand new pump-action, home defense 12 gauge 14 shell capacity
Smith & Wesson just introduced a brand new home-defense shotgun. The all-new S&W M&P12 Shotgun is a compact (28″ OAL) pump shotgun with ergonomics familiar to AR owners. With two shell tubes, the gun holds 14 rounds of standard 2-3/4″ shells. You can put slugs in one tube and regular shells in the other, and switch quickly. The new M&P12 features ambidextrous controls, with an action release that can be engaged from either side, and a familiar AR-style ambidextrous safety selector. There are interchangeable palm-swell grips and M-LOK® slots for lights and lasers. Use Brownells code SRJ at check-out to save $100, lowering net cost to $999.00. This is a good deal for a new product with a $1165.00 MSRP.
4. EuroOptic — Free Extra Stock/Fore-end with Sako S20
⏺ Free factory stock and fore-end with Sako S20 Purchase
Here’s a great deal from Sako. Purchase a new Sako S20 Hunter Rifle and receive a free S20 Precision Stock and S20 Precision Forend. OR purchase a new Sako S20 Precision Rifle and receive a free S20 Hunter Stock and S20 Hunter Forend. Eligible guns include all new Sako S20 Precision and Hunter rifles purchased from July 31st through October 15th, 2021. Stocks and fore-ends are delivered by Sako 10-12 weeks after submission (deadline 11/15/2021). Click this link to REDEEM Sako Promotion.
5. Midsouth — RCBS Rotary Case Tumbler with SS Media, $169.99
⏺ Wet tumbling works great, big capacity kit includes SS Pins
Want to get your old, used brass looking like new again? Try wet-tumbling your cases with stainless media. You’ll be impressed. For wet-tumbling, a good option is the RCBS Rotary Case Tumbler. On sale now for $169.99, this comes with everything you need to get started including 5 pounds of stainless steel pin media. This is a good unit with plenty of capacity.
6. Amazon — Tipton Best Gun Vise, $84.95
⏺ Versatile, stable, works with all rifles, including ARs
When cleaning long guns, you need a secure, stable platform. We recommend the Tipton Best Gun Vise, now $84.95 on Amazon. This 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 the Best Gun Vise for $89.99 at Midsouth.
Need a varmint rifle scope? Here’s a killer deal on a 5-20x44mm Bushnell Nitro. This second focal plane scope boasts a handy Deploy reticle with MOA hashmarks for hold-overs/hold-offs. With this $219.49 deal you can save 56% off the regular $499.99 price. If you are looking for a lower-magnification scope, consider the 2.5-10x44mm Nitro for just $149.49 a $180 savings.
There are many other great deals on Bushnell products at Natchez, with 15 different products on sale up to 57% OFF. For example, the Bushnell 1300 Laser Rangefinder is marked down to $119.49 from $199.99, while the price of the Bushnell Tac Optics Red Dot has been slashed from $299.99 to $127.50.
8. Amazon — BOG Deathgrip Aluminum Tripod, $139.13
⏺ Versatile tripod mounts quickly, securely — use for PRS/NRL or hunting.
This is a great tripod for long-range hunters and PRS/NRL competitors. The Clamp-type head quickly secures to your rifle’s forearm for a secure shooting solution. The BOG Deathgrip Aluminum Tripod is on sale now on Amazon for $139.13. If weight is critical, there is also a lighter BOG carbon fiber tripod for $199.99. For the extra $60 you save a pound in total weight (7.5 lbs for carbon vs. 8.5 lbs for aluminum).
⏺ Sweet deal on Ear and Eye Protection — good spare set for friends
Every shooter needs good eye and ear protection. Get BOTH the E-Max Muffs and Shooting glasses for just $28.10 on Amazon with free shipping. This combo can be an affordable spare set for yourself or to have on hand for your guests. The E-Max earmuffs offer a 23 dB Noise Reduction Rating while allowing you to hear range commands.
10. Amazon — Allnice Digital Calipers, $19.99
⏺ Effective digital read-out calipers at bargain price
Every handloader needs a set of calipers for multiple reloading/measurement tasks. In fact we recommend you have at least two sets of calipers, one being an inexpensive unit that you can take to the range. These $19.99 Allnice Digital Calipers fill the bill. These calipers have a stainless steel construction and a large digital readout. User reviews have been quite positive, with 88% four- or five-star ratings.
For MOA-type scopes, Sport Ridge also offers a single-sided 
Redding Reloading has also developed a 
