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March 18th, 2023

Saturday at the Movies: Eight Great Revolver Videos

Korth Super Sport STX ATX revolver wheelgun .357 germany

Today’s Saturday video showcase is a wheelgun extravaganza. We offer eight videos covering some of the most famous double-action revolvers in existence. Check out reviews of Colt, Smith & Wesson, Korth, Dan Wesson, Ruger, and other models, in a variety of chamberings, both centerfire and rimfire. We think every serious gun enthusiast should have at least two revolvers in his collection — one centerfire and one rimfire. This Editor owns a stainless, 10-shot .22 LR Smith & Wesson Model 617. It has probably shot more rounds than all my other pistols combined, and it is still performing flawlessly after two decades.

Multiple Revolver Line-up: S&W, Colt, Ruger, Taurus, Dan Wesson, Chiappa, Charter Arms, Webley and More

This 12-minute video provides a quick introduction to eleven interesting wheelguns: Smith & Wesson Model 29 (00:22), Colt Python (1:22), Ruger GP100 (2:25), Taurus Model 66 (3:40), Smith & Wesson Model 686 (4:38), Charter Arms Bulldog (5:41), Chiappa Rhino (6:32), Webley Revolver (7:27), Dan Wesson 715 (8:21), H&R Model 929 (9:59), Taurus Judge Public Defender (10:52). NOTE: This video also includes a review of the Bersa .380 which is NOT a revolver, so the video title is a little misleading. There are 12 handguns, but only 11 revolvers.

Colt Python .357 Mag 1000-Round Test

How well do modern wheelguns hold up to extended use? This video provides an answer. Honest Outlaw’s testers put 1000 rounds through a new-generation Colt Python chambered for the legendary .357 Magnum round. The Python showed outstanding accuracy, and the tester praised the trigger. Testing was done indoors and outdoors, both rapid-fire and slow-fire. After a couple hundred rounds, the Python needed a thorough cleaning of cylinder and barrel, but otherwise the revolver performed really well.

Hickok45 Shoots the New Colt Anaconda in .44 Magnum

Hickok45 is a respected YouTube video reviewer. In this detailed 19.5-minute video, Hickok45 reviews and tests a new generation Colt Anaconda revolver, chambered for the powerful .44 Magnum cartridge. This is one of the most popular wheelgun videos on YouTube, having logged over 1.3 million views in less than two years.

Colt King Cobra Target .22 LR Revolver


This TFB Showtime episode examines the new .22 LR rimfire Colt King Cobra Target. The King Cobra Target .22 LR features a 10-shot cylinder, and the same adjustable target sights as the .357 Magnum version.

At the NRA Annual Meetings in 2022, Colt Manufacturing introduced an impressive new rimfire revolver — the King Cobra Target .22 LR. Colt states: “From competition to plinking and small game hunting, this baby Cobra does it all and packs 10-rounds of .22 LR in its cylinder”. The King Cobra Target 22 LR is available with 4.25-inch and 6-inch barrel lengths, both with 1:16″ RH rifling twist. MSRP is $999.00.

new colt king cobra target 22 LR .22 LR revolver rimfire wheelgun

The Massive Smith & Wesson 500 Magnum X-Frame

smith wesson .500 magnum revolver wheelgun .44 mag comparisonIf bigger is better, then a Smith & Wesson 500 Magnum should be in your collection. This jumbo-size wheelgun shoots a huge 50-caliber cartridge, the .500 S&W Magnum. Even with compensator slots on the end of the barrel, the recoil is massive — enough so that we would NOT recommend this big revolver to novice shooters.

For more information read the American Rifleman article The .500 S&W Magnum: Most Powerful Handgun Round In The World. S&W currently produces six different 500 Magnum models, including a huge 4.975-pound Performance Center Model with 10.5″ barrel.

In 2003 the engineers at Smith & Wesson wanted to deliver maximum power for serious handgun hunters. The power they sought required an entirely new frame, the massive “X-Frame”. That became the basis for the new Model S&W 500, the most powerful production revolver in the world.

smith wesson .500 magnum revolver wheelgun .44 mag comparison

Colt vs. Smith & Wesson

Here’s a pretty informative video, with two qualified experts, Bill Wilson and Ken Hackathorn. This covers the basic differences between Smith & Wesson and Colt revolvers. This video explores the classic “Ford vs. Chevy debate” of the revolver world. Both S&W and the Colt revolvers have their die hard loyalists. In this episode, the Gun Guys weigh the merits of Bill’s Colt Shooting Master and Ken’s S&W Registered Magnum.

Korth Super Sport STX Revolver — $4,393.00 Wheelgun

Germany’s Korth Arms makes some of the best revolvers on the planet. Korth’s machining tolerances are second to none. The triggers are superb and the accuracy is excellent. At the 2022 IWA Outdoor Classics Expo, Korth featured a “badass” black heavy-barreled wheelgun, the Super Sport STX Revolver. This features a full-length scope rail and slab sides, for use in Bianchi Cup-type competitions.

Korth Super Sport STX ATX revolver wheelgun .357 germany

Korth states: “In addition to the National Standard Super Sport STX, we present the weight-reduced ALX version. Both weapon types are equipped with a 4-position rear sight”. You’ll need serious bucks to buy a Korth Super Sport STX. Currently the 8-shot STX model in .357 Magnum sells for €4,077.00 Euros (about $4,393.00 U.S.). Below are a trio of blued Korth revolvers:

Korth Super Sport STX ATX revolver wheelgun .357 germany

Smith & Wesson Model 648 in .22 WMR

We love Smith & Wesson rimfire revolvers. We have put thousands of rounds through S&W Model 617 revolvers, with 4″ and 6″ barrels. These stainless .22 LR handguns are accurate, superbly reliable, and they hold their value. In general we’ve found that Smith & Wesson rimfire revolvers may be less fussy with ammo, and more trouble-free than typical semi-auto rimfires. Bottom line, we feel that everyone should have an S&W rimfire wheelgun in their collection.

Along with its .22 LR wheelguns, S&W now offers another very impressive Rimfire Revolver option — the “revived” Model 648 in .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire). This stainless Model 648 brings a more powerful cartridge to S&W rimfire revolver fans.

smith wesson S&W model 648 revolver wheelgun .22 WMR Winchester magnum rimfire 6

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March 18th, 2023

Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) Seeks Director

SSSF scholastic shooting foundation executive director foundation job hiring opening

Are you looking for a job that will help bring new participants into the shooting sports, and thereby help protect the Second Amendment? Would you like to see American shooting teams and marksman on the podium at the Olympics and major shooting matches worldwide? Would you like to help schools maintain their shotgun, air rifle, and air pistol shooting teams? Then here is your opportunity — the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is seeking a Foundation Director. This is a key position, offering a salary of $80,000 to $90,000 per year with competitive benefits. Remote working is allowed, so candidates from throughout the nation are eligible.

CLICK HERE for NSSF Foundation Director Job Opening Details »

The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is now looking to hire a new Foundation Director — a business leader skilled in driving organizational success. For consideration please send your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements in a PDF format to SSSF Board Chair, Ed Fitzgerald at hr@sssfonline.com. Send the communication Attn: Ed Fitzgerald, SSSF Board Chairman.

SSSF scholastic shooting foundation executive director foundation job hiring opening

SSSF FOUNDATION DIRECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
The SSSF Foundation Director should provide executive leadership that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors. The Foundation and the Programs have collective revenues exceeding $4 million and 17 employees dispersed across the United States with corporate headquarters based in San Antonio, Texas. A successful candidate will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Foundation and ensure its overall successful long-term operations and mission success. The Foundation Director will interface regularly with the National Directors of programs.

A successful candidate will manage foundation staff, overseeing human resources, staff development, performance management, compensation, and benefits. The individual will have overall administrative management responsibility for the Foundation and two administrative direct reports. The Foundation Director will work alongside two National Directors and will help administer SCTP and SASP programs.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE and QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates should have experience in nonprofit, foundation, government, academic, or other complimentary industry positions. Here is a partial list of the stated qualifications for the position:

— 7-10 years serving in a significant strategic nonprofit role is desired or a Masters Degree is preferred in any of the following fields: business administration, nonprofit management, finance, marketing, and communications.

— Five years of prior experience as a senior or executive leader with an emphasis in operations, finance, and people management.

— Strong business and financial acumen to work with auditing firms for annual audits and 990 prep and a history of providing visionary leadership at a senior level.

— Proven experience working with and leading a nonprofit Board and working with diverse groups of people including board members, employees, and donors.

CLICK HERE for FULL Foundation Director Qualification List.

SSSF scholastic shooting foundation executive director foundation job hiring opening

About the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is 501(c)(3) public charity responsible for all aspects of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) and Scholastic Action Shooting Program (SASP) across the United States. SSSF serves as the primary feeder/pipeline for organized, sanctioned shooting organizations and teams, like USA SHOOTING, TEAM USA, and the NGBs (NSSA, NSCA, ATA). SSSF is an educational-athletic organization dedicated to providing shooting-sports education and opportunities to school-age youths around the United States.

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March 17th, 2023

Get FREE St. Patrick’s Day Targets — Shamrock and Pot of Gold

Free downloadable pot of gold Ireland St Patricks day shamrock target NRA

Today, March 17th, is St. Patrick’s Day. With the current rampant inflation, Biden’s anti-gun Executive Orders, and the war in Ukraine, it may be hard to feel lucky in 2023, but at least you can collect some lucky targets. Here are two free Irish-themed targets to provide some fun and a bit of challenge. Shoot these Shamrocks or the Pot of Gold and see if you have the “luck of the Irish”.

To help celebrate this traditional day of Irish pride, the NRA has created two (2) fun targets you can download, print, and shoot. Try out these free targets. Click each Irish target photo below to open a high-rez PDF file you can download and print.

The first target features a large four-leaf clover in the middle, with 17 other smaller three-leaf shamrocks around the outside. With five black bulls-eyes in the center graphic, that gives you a total of 22 aiming points for shooting fun. For added challenge we suggest you set this Shamrock Target at 100 yards for rimfire rifle and 200 yards for a centerfire gun.

CLICK Below for Big Shamrock 4-Leaf Clover PDF Target

Free downloadable pot of gold Ireland St Patricks day shamrock target NRA

The second target offers the legendary Pot of Gold at the end of the rainbow. Along with a big bullseye on the pot, there are 15 shamrocks in gold circles, plus five small gold, diamond-shaped nuggets with tiny bullseyes. Those small red dots will be a challenge even at 100 yards. You’ll need a half-MOA (or better) rifle to “clean” this Pot of Gold Target, hitting the tiny red dots on the diamond nuggets.

CLICK Below for Big Pot of Gold PDF Target

Free downloadable pot of gold Ireland St Patricks day shamrock target NRA

Whether you’re Irish or not, these targets will hopefully bring you a bit of luck. Click each image above to open a high-rez PDF file that you can print out. Then, this St. Patty’s day, wear your green, grab your gear, and head to range for some fun shooting.

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March 17th, 2023

SAKO S20 Rifle SALE with BOTH Hunter & Precision Stocks

sako s20 kygunco sale .30-06 6.5 creedmoor prc hunter precision

Right now KYGUNCO, a Kentucky firearms and gun gear store, is running a large Tax Time Sale. As part of that sale there are significant discounts on pistols, rifles, and shotguns. CLICK HERE for all sale items.

sako s20 kygunco sale .30-06 6.5 creedmoor prc hunter precision

Among the many special discounts, a SAKO Rifle sale stood out because of the large $494 discount*, and the fact that with each SAKO S20 rifle the buyer gets TWO complete stock sets. You essentially get two rifles in one — simply by changing the two-section stock configuration. You can run a thumbhole “hunter” version with narrow fore-end, and then change to a “precision version” with a more vertical grip, straight run on the buttstock keel, and straighter, more rectangular fore-end. Watch this video to see how the two stock types work with the interchangeable front and rear stock components:

This SAKO Video Shows How S20 Modular Stock Components Work (Worth Watching Guys!)

sako s20 kygunco sale 6.5 creedmoor rifle
SAKO S20 Hunter 6.5 Creedmoor with multiple stocks

sako s20 kygunco sale 6.5 PRC rifle
SAKO S20 Hunter 6.5 PRC with multiple stocks

sako s20 kygunco sale .30-06 springfield
SAKO S20 Hunter .30-06 Springfield with multiple stocks

sako s20 kygunco sale .300 Winchester win mag
SAKO S20 Hunter .300 Win Mag with multiple stocks

About the SAKO S20 Modular Rifle

The SAKO S20 is a modular rifle designed to allow the shooter to change the stock configuration easily for different applications. The S20 Hunter features an ergonomic, thumbhole stock with features any hunter will appreciate. The S20 Precision stock components have a more vertical grip and a straight section on the buttstock — good for riding a bag. Using spacers on the buttpad, the S20 stocks allow the shooter to adjust length of pull. And on both stock variations there is a handy quick adjustment for cheekpiece height. The S20 Hunter also features a specially designed 5-round Cartridge Plus magazine (three for magnum calibers), that provides extra length for those who load their own ammo. Additionally, the S20 Hunter/Precision features quick-detach points for mounting sling hardware on both sides of the stock and soft-touch inserts on the fore-end and pistol grip.


There are four (4) chamberings offered. 6.5 PRC, .30-06 Springfield, and .300 Win Mag are discounted $494.00, while the 6.5 Creedmoor is discounted $291.00.
This content is Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. No reproduction on any other website is authorized. Use of this content without payment of licensing fees is a violation of Federal law.

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March 17th, 2023

Pistols at Perry — Registration Opens for 2023 National Matches

Camp perry bullseye pistol championship

The CMP recently opened Registration for the 2023 National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. Since the turn of the 20th century*, Camp Perry has hosted major marksmanship events. While the rifle competitions get the most coverage, the Camp Perry National Matches also include bullseye pistol competition. Traditional Bullseye pistol shooting can bring nearly a thousand competitors to Camp Perry each summer, as part of the CMP National Championships. For these Camp Perry pistol matches, targets are set at 25 and 50 yards. The shooting position is standing and firing one-handed in slow fire, timed fire, and rapid-fire.

Since their inception over a century ago, the National Matches have become a major shooting sports festival with over 4,500 annual participants. Held at the Camp Perry Nat’l Guard Training Base, the National Matches now include both indoor and outdoor events. Adult and junior athletes are welcome.

2023 Camp Perry Pistol Schedule | Pistol Online Registration | Pistol Registration Form PDF

CLICK HERE for CMP Camp Perry National Matches INFO PAGE »

Camp Perry Pistol bullseye

Camp Perry Bullseye Pistol Competition
Camp Perry is synonymous with the oldest and most prestigious annual trophy matches in our nation’s history. And in a venue renowned for service rifle matches, the sport of precision pistol is no less important, no less challenging, and no less respected. The National Trophy Pistol Matches is all about traditional handgunning — the stance, the intense concentration, and of course, the one-handed grip. It’s all unmistakable as the game of Bullseye Pistol. Every year there are no fewer than 24 separate match trophies for the top Bullseye Pistol shooters, both military and civilian. And the very best will claim National Match Trophies and receive the President’s 100 Tab.

This video shows .45 ACP centerfire pistol competitors at Camp Perry

NTT National Trophy Team Pistol Match Camp Perry Gold Cup
Civilians and military shooters competed together at the 2019 NTT Pistol Match.

The 2021 National Matches encompass multiple pistol competitions, including a Centerfire Pistol 900 Aggregate, a .45 Pistol 900 Aggregate, and a CMP Revolver Match. To learn more about CMP events at the 2021 National Matches at Camp Perry, visit the CMP Nat’l Matches Website.

Camp Perry Pistol


* The first National Matches at Camp Perry were held in 1907. SEE: A Short History of Perry and the National Championships by Hap Rocketto.
This content is Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. No reproduction on any other website is authorized. Use of this content without payment of licensing fees is a violation of Federal law.

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March 16th, 2023

Shoot Like a Champion — How to Drill Tiny Groups at 200 Yards

200 yard benchrest group charles huckeba australia tiny group 6 PPC

This site is for and about accurate shooters. So today we feature the short-range group Benchrest game, where it’s all about shooting tiny groups in the ones and even “zeros”. Seeing the tiny groups 6 PPC aces produce, it’s easy to think the precision is all about the equipment. But there is a lot more involved. A talented human still has to watch the flags, run the gun properly, and tune his loads for the conditions. Here are some tips from one of the world’s best benchresters, Charles Huckeba.

Texan Charles Huckeba was the top individual shooter at the 2013 World Benchrest Championships (WBC) held near Sydney Australia in October 2013. In this video, 2013 WBC Two-Gun Overall winner Charles shoots a 1/8th MOA group at 200 yards — “a little bitty dot” as a fellow Team USA shooter observes. That’s impressive. If you can describe Huckeba’s style in a nutshell it would be “smooth, consistent, and rapid but not hurried”.

Charles also employed some unusual hardware. In the video, take a close look at the joystick on the Farley Coaxial front rest. There’s no knob at the end. In its place is a small, wood ammo caddy. Charles removed the standard knob from the handle of his Farley rest and replaced it with a home-made wood block that holds cartridges for the record target. The 10.5-lb Light Varmint rifle is chambered in 6PPC with a BAT Machine Action and a composite wood and carbon-fiber stock.

Watch Charles Huckeba Shoot 1/8 MOA, 200-yard group at World Benchrest Championships

Here is the actual 200-yard, 5-shot group Charles shot in the video. Photo (by Stuart Elliot) taken through the lens of Huckeba’s 50X March scope (reticle has 1/16th MOA Dot).
200 yard benchrest group charles huckeba australia
200 yard benchrest group charles huckeba australia

Analyzing the Fine Points — What Makes Huckeba So Good

Short-range benchrest shooter Boyd Allen saw some interesting things in Huckeba’s WBC performance, as captured on video. Boyd noticed Huckeba’s smooth gun-handling and efficient loading. But Boyd also spied some interesting equipment, including an innovative joystick “handle-caddy”.

1. Low Friction Bags — When Huckeba slid his rifle, there was very little apparent friction. The front bag features the new 3M material (ScotchLite) on the sliding surfaces. The rear Protektor bag has ears of the same low-friction material.

2. Pause Before Chambering — While he was watching the flags and deciding when to start firing, Charles kept his first round in the action, but out of the barrel’s chamber, probably so as not to heat the cartridge and change the round’s point of impact.

Charles Huckeba PPC World Benchrest joystick handle3. Ammo Caddy on Joystick Arm – Charles shoots a Right Bolt/Left Port action, so he pulls his rounds with his left hand. Note that Huckeba’s record rounds rest in a small, wood ammo caddy attached to the end of the joystick shaft. Look carefully, you’ll see the wood ammo block in place of the normal black ball at the end of the joystick. That allows Charles to pull shots with the absolute minimum of hand movement. Ingenious! Huckeba is very fast, with a great economy of motion. I believe that because his ammo was literally at hand, Charles was better able to keep his focus on aiming and the flags.

4. Smooth-Cycling BAT Action — Note how smoothly Huckeba’s action operates. When Charles lifts the bolt handle (to extract a round and cock the firing pin), this does not disturb the rifle. Likewise, as he closes the bolt, the gun doesn’t wobble. The smooth action allows Charles to hold point of aim even when shooting relatively quickly. Huckeba’s BAT action is chrome-moly steel. Some shooters believe this metal makes for a smoother action than stainless steel or aluminum.

5. Long-Wheelbase Stock — The wood and carbon fiber stock is light, long, and stiff. Yet, importantly, the stock is also well-damped. The longer-than-average stock length (with extended forearm) seems to help the gun track well without jumping or rocking. The longer forearm allows a longer “wheelbase”, effectively shifting the weight distribution rearward (less weight on the front, more weight on the rear). This places a greater share of the gun’s weight on the rear bag, as compared to a more conventional benchrest stock. Huckeba’s stock, built by Bob Scoville, is at the cutting edge of short-range benchrest design. Its light-weight balsa wood and carbon fiber construction provides a combination of stiffness and vibration damping that allows its relatively long fore-end to be fully utilized to increase the weight on the rear bag (always an issue with 10.5-pound rifles).

To learn more about this benchrest stock design, read the comments by stock-builder Bob Scoville in our PPC with Pedigree story in our Gun of the Week Archives. Bob observed:

“There is a lot more to the structure of the stocks than meets the eye. The carbon fiber skin with which I cover the stocks creates a light, tough exterior surface. However, this contributes very little to the overall performance of the stocks. The real strength and stiffness is the result of an internal beam utilizing balsa core/carbon fiber technology.

This type construction can be found in aircraft, race cars, powerboats, and sailboats. It is interesting to note, balsa has the highest strength to weight ratio of all woods and carbon fiber is one of the lowest stretch (modulus of elasticity) relative to weight of all materials. The marriage of these two materials is common in the high-performance world. Additionally, balsa is used commercially for vibration dampening and sound reduction.”

Video find by Boyd Allen. Video by Stuart Elliot of BRT Shooters Supply, Brisbane, Australia.
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March 16th, 2023

Save Big Buck$ with Brownells Discount Codes

Brownells discount code savings bargain

If you’ve been thinking about a big purchase at Brownells, here are some money-saving codes. Brownells is currently offering $200 Off a $1000+ purchase, $125 Off a $500+ purchase, $50 Off a $200+ purchase, 10% (or $15) Off a $150+ purchase, and $10 Off a $100 purchase. It’s simple to get these discounts — there are no buyers’ clubs to join, no forms to fill out. Just use the appropriate Discount Code during online check-out.

Listed below are the Codes to use. Simply use the appropriate Code for your purchase at Brownells.com. NOTE: Most of these codes have no listed expiration date, so Brownells could terminate them at any time. Accordingly, we recommend you do your shopping soon. Also if the highest value code no longer works, try a lesser value CODE.

Brownells discount code savings bargain

Coupon Code: MARCH200 — $200 Off Orders $1000+
(Excludes Firearms)
Expiration date: Unknown

Coupon Code: MARCH125 — $125 Off Orders $500+
(Excludes Firearms)
Expiration date: Unknown

Coupon Code: MARCH50 — $50 Off Orders $200+
(Excludes Firearms)
Expiration date: Unknown

Coupon Code: CART30 — $30 off $200
Expiration date: Unknown

Coupon Code: TRIGGERED — 10% Off $150+
Expiration date: Unknown

Coupon Code: TA10 — 10% Off $150+
Expiration date: Unknown

Coupon Code: BACK15 — $15 Off $150+
Expiration date: Unknown

Coupon Code: SMSAVE — $10 off $100+
Expiration date: Unknown

Coupon Code: HOME10 — $10 OFF $100
Expiration date: Unknown

Free Shipping with EDGE Program
NOTE: None of the above codes include FREE or Discounted Shipping. But if you join the Brownells EDGE Program for $49.95 (12 months) you’ll get FREE 2-DAY SHIPPING on most orrders. There is also discounted overnight shipping for many items.

With a $49.95 EDGE Membership, orders ship directly free of charge — every order, no matter how many. Most orders qualify for FREE 2-DAY SHIPPING. Your membership will pay for itself after only a few orders! Also Brownells typically charges a $10 processing fee on orders containing FFL items. However, with an Edge membership, the $10 FFL processing fee is waived every time.

Brownells discount code savings bargain

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March 16th, 2023

Cold-Weather Coyote Load-Out from Vortex

Vortex scope rangefinder coyote load-out gear blog Bill Krivanek

The Vortex Blog contains an interesting article featuring recommended gear for a coyote hunting trip in late winter/early spring. This Vortex article covers all the items you’ll need: rifle, optics, shooting sticks, insulated clothing, Laser Rangefinder, game calls, carry packs and more.

In the article intro, Vortex notes: “Winter snow and cold temps don’t get Vortex’s Bill Krivanek down. In fact, quite the opposite. This time of year, he’s fired up about calling coyotes and putting a little fur on the ground. “There’s so much to love about these crafty critters”, said Bill. “They nearly always have the advantage. When you get one to come in to shooting range, you’ve really accomplished something. It’s as exciting as hunting gets.” Click the links below for more information about the Vortex Scope and Rangefinder used by Krivanek.

Complete Gear List for Cold Weather Hunting

A. Gloves
B. Milwaukee 2103 Headlamp
C. King’s Camo Snow Shadow®, Insulated Bibs
D. King’s Camo Snow Shadow®, Insulated Jacket
E. Vanguard Scout B62 Bipod
F. Knit Hat
G. Vortex Viper HD3000 Laser Rangefinder
H. FOXPRO® Shockwave Electronic Game Call

I. Open Reed & Closed Reed Mouth Calls
J. Red Rock Outdoor Gear Pack
K. HS Strut Deluxe 2-Way Strut Seat
L. Hornady 55gr V-Max Varmint Express
M. Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44mm Scope
N. Aero Precision AR-15
O. Banish 30 Silencer Central Suppressor

CLICK HERE to read the FULL Article with a complete description of each item, shown in the lead photo above. Here are three gear commentaries:

Aero Precision AR Rifle: Bill primarily hunts the Midwest where harsh winters are the norm. You can tell that from the custom rattle-can, snow-camo paint job on his well-worn AR-15. Chambered in .223 Rem, he likes the practical functionality and fast follow-up shots the AR-platform offers — particularly when you call in multiples. His AR is from Aero precision and been an absolute workhorse. Brand of AR-15 doesn’t matter much to Bill, but it does need to be accurate and reliable.

Shooting Sticks: In coyote country, you often need to bring your own rest. A set of shooting sticks is a necessity for Bill. He runs the Vanguard Scout B62 Bipod. These B62 units are fast to deploy, stabilize the rifle, and are easy to adjust when that dog comes in from a spot you didn’t anticipate. They have a swivel head for smooth panning when tracking a moving dog in your scope and easy turns to get on target fast with minimal movement.

Riflescope: Shots are shorter in the Midwest, with a general max of 300 yards. Most are much closer. Bill’s riflescope is the tried-and-true Vortex Viper HS 2.5-10x44mm. The low end of 2.5 with its wide field of view is just as important as the high end of 10. It’s incredibly durable and the optics speak for themselves.

Vortex scope rangefinder coyote load-out gear blog Bill Krivanek

Winter Solace in the Backcountry

There is a nice thread in our Forum appropriately entitled “Winter Time”. You’ll find some great backcountry images taken by our Forum members. Winter is a special time in the outdoors. Forum member JDP explains: “Winter is the best time to shoot! One of the few of life’s ironies that works in my favor. The range is empty and barrels keep cool, no bugs, no waiting on people, no mirage. Yup, this world needs more thin blooded snow birds. This cool weather is terrible and dangerous, tell your friends! Do people get lonely while shooting or something? It’s the true holiday season in multiple ways.”

Winter hunting snow photography outdoors
Forum member DNorton posted: “I live way up north where our white sandy beaches look like this!”

Permalink Hunting/Varminting, Optics, Tech Tip No Comments »
March 15th, 2023

New Super Lite Howa Rifles — Just 4 Pounds, 7 Ounces

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

Howa claims that its new Super Lite rifle is the “absolute lightest centerfire rifle on the market”. We can’t confirm that. But at a listed 4 pounds, 7 ounces (without optics), the carbon-fiber stock Super Lite model is certainly very low in weight and mass. That’s an important plus for hunters carrying their gear for long hours in the field.

The Howa Super Lite rifle is currently available in 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester, two of the most popular hunting chamberings. And Howa’s distributor, Legacy Sports Int’l, states that Super Lite rifles in .243 Winchester and 7mm-08 chamberings should be available by summer 2023.

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

The Howa Super Lite rifles were first introduced in Kryptek Altitude and Kryptek Obskura designs (see Kypteck Altitude camo in photo above). For 2023 the Howa Super Lite is offered in three new solid color designs — gray, tan, and green. All using the strong but light Stocky’s Carbon Fiber stock, these new Super Lite models feature a black webbing and soft touch for added texture and enhanced grip on the low-mass carbon stock. For 2023, Howa will also offer a walnut-stocked version of the Super Lite rifle. This weighs a bit more — 5 pounds, 9 ounces.

Howa Super Lite Rifle Features

Stock Options: Gray, Tan, Green, and Krypteck Carbon Fiber Stock 4 lbs. 7 oz. (Walnut Stock, 5 lbs. 9 oz.)
Chamberings: 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win (.243 Win and 7mm-08 in June 2023)
Stock: Stocky’s Carbon Fiber Stock with Accublock patented Lug Bed
Barrel: 20″ Blued barrel threaded (½”-28) and Suppressor Ready
Trigger: 2-Stage Match Trigger with 3-position Safety
Optics Mounting: Included one-piece Picatinny Rail
Stock Feature: Limbsaver Butt Pad
Warranty: Lifetime Howa Warranty

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

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

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

Permalink Gear Review, Hunting/Varminting, New Product 2 Comments »
March 14th, 2023

Three Modern Pistols Reviewed: .22 LR, .380 ACP, and 9x19mm

ammoland tv video pistol review youtube channel ammoland.com

AmmoLand.com has a very active website, releasing new stories every day of the year. Along with its articles archive, AmmoLand has an active AmmolandTV YouTube Channel, with hundreds of videos. For today we are featuring three notable handguns, one each in three different calibers: .22 LR, .380 ACP, and 9x19mm (9mm Luger). These videos all premiered on the Ammoland TV channel.

ammoland tv video pistol review youtube channel ammoland.com

SIG Sauer P322 Edge in .22 LR

In this video AmmoLand Editor Jim Grant checks out a modern .22 LR handgun from SIG Sauer, the SIG P322 in .22 LR. The relatively new SIG P322 is a single-action only, semi-automatic, magazine-fed handgun chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. It has an optics-ready slide and takes double-stack 20rd magazines. The P322 pistol worked extremely well for AmmoLand’s tester, demonstrating excellent reliability with 950+ rounds fired (700 standard, 250 with suppressor).

READ FULL SIG P322 AMMOLAND REVIEW HERE

0:00 Intro
0:37 What is the SIG P322?
1:03 Blowback Operation
1:42 Threaded Barrel
2:25 Ambidextrous Controls
2:40 Two Triggers
3:14 Ergonomics
3:40 Grip
3:50 Remarkable Magazine
4:30 Sights
5:15 Optics Compatability
6:30 Reliability
7:57 SIG P322 Worth a Buy?

We should say that one tester had some reliability issues with an early P322 production model. See LuckyGunner.com TEST. However, the P322 performed excellent for a Guns.com tester. The P322 showed superb reliability for 600+ rounds, including 300 fired during a high-speed Steel Challenge match:

Ruger Security .380 ACP

The .380 ACP cartridge is smaller and less powerful that the 9mm Luger (9x19mm) round, but the .380 ACP can still be a effective defense cartridge. The smaller cartridge allows .380 pistols to be a bit smaller, thinner, and more compact than typical 9mm handguns. The Ruger Security 380 is a locked breech, magazine-fed, sub-compact handgun chambered in .380 ACP. It feeds from staggered-column, box-type magazines that hold either 10 or 15 rounds of ammo.

AmmoLand’s reviewer states: “The Ruger Security 380 isn’t like other .380 ACP guns. Between its action and capacity, it is a different beast entirely. The fact that it’s made by a company like Ruger with a rock-solid reputation for building reliable, dependable guns only further sweetens the deal.”

READ FULL RUGER SECURITY .380 AMMOLAND REVIEW HERE

0:00 Intro
0:31 What is the Ruger Security 380?
1:12 What Makes it So Impressive?
1:33 Ruger Security 380 Features
2:44 Security 380 Features
3:43 Easy-to-Rack
4:10 Soft Felt-Recoil
4:28 Ruger Security 380 Reliability
4:54 Ruger Security 380 Verdict

FN 509 Long Slide (LS) Edge

READ FULL FN509 LS EDGE AMMOLAND REVIEW HERE

The FN 509 series of handguns, including the FN 509 LS Edge featured here, are polymer-framed, striker-fired pistols, boasting rugged construction and impressive reliability. The “LS” in the moniker stands for “Long Slide” making the gun more suitable for IDPA and other gun games.

American Rifleman states: “FN America expanded its handgun lineup in 2021 with a feature-rich addition based on its popular FN 509 pistol. The FN 509 LS Edge builds on the success of the original FN 509 pistol line by adding a number of factory-tuned features designed to enhance performance and put the platform on par with customized competition guns.

Built on the full-size frame paired with a lengthened slide, the FN 509 LS Edge features a 5″ barrel complete with a target crown. The slide itself is topped with a green fiber-optic front sight, and the lengthened slide gives you a longer sight radius for improved accuracy. Lightening cuts along each side of the slide reduces slide weight and speeds up cycling.”

AmmoLand’s tester noted: “Around the rear sight, the FN 509 uses an interesting set of protective wings that feature horizontal serrations at the front. These are there to assist a shooter charging the slide from the top or performing a press-check. They’re also integral to the sight plate cover but aren’t attached to the rear sight itself. This is because FN wanted shooters to be able to retain the rear sight with a micro red dot installed – pretty clever. Beneath the rear sight, the FN 509 LS Edge’s slide features attractive, traditional vertical serrations at the rear, and lightening cuts at the front. The slide itself is coasted in a graphite PVD finish which is incredibly durable and resists corrosion very well.”

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March 14th, 2023

Bump Buster Recoil Reduction System for F-Class Rifles

Bret Solomon Speedy Thomas Gonzalez hydraulic recoil reduction F-Class F-Open accurateshooter.com

Many of our Forum members have expressed interest in a recoil-reduction system for prone F-Open competition rifles shooting heavy bullets from powerful cartridges. A .300 WSM shooing 200+ grain bullets can definitely take its toll over the course of a match. One system that has been used with considerable success is the hydraulic “Bump Buster” recoil system. This definitely reduces the pounding your shoulder gets during a long match. To illustrate this system, we’ve reprised an article on Bret Soloman’s F-Open rifle from a couple years back. Watch the Videos to see the Bump Buster in action.

Bret Solomon Speedy Thomas Gonzalez hydraulic recoil reduction F-Class F-Open accurateshooter.comOn his Facebook page, Hall-of-Fame shooter and ace gunsmith Thomas “Speedy” Gonzalez unveiled an impressive new F-Open rifle built for Bret Solomon. The rifle features Speedy’s new low-profile F-Class stock.

Bret’s gun is chambered for his 300 Solomon wildcat, shooting heavy 210gr bullets, so it can can be a real shoulder-buster, without some kind of buffer. The stock is fitted with a Ken Rucker’s Bump Buster hydraulic recoil reduction system to tame the recoil. The Bump Buster was originally designed for shotguns and hard-hitting, big game rifles. It is interesting to see this hydraulic buffer adapted to an F-Open rig.

Here you can see Bret shooting the gun, coached by Nancy Tompkins and Michele Gallagher:

Bret’s gun features a stainless Viper (Stiller) action, barrel tuner, and an innovative Speedy-crafted wood stock. Speedy says this stock design is all-new: “It is a true, low Center-of-Gravity F-Class stock, not a morphed Palma stock merely cut out on the bottom”. See all the details in this short video:

Stock Features: Glue-in or Bolt-In and Optional Carbon Pillars and Cooling Ports
Speedy explained the features of the new stock design: “Terry Leonard and I started working on an F-Class version of his stocks last year during the F-Class Nationals and came up with what he and I consider the first true low-CG stock in the sport. As you can see by the videos, there is very little torquing of the stock during recoil. I add the carbon fiber tunnel underneath the forearms to save Terry some time. This bonds very well to his carbon fiber skeleton within the stock adding addition stiffness to the forearm to support the heavy barrels found on the F-Class rigs.

We are playing with both glue-ins like we benchresters use and bolt-ins as well. The rifles on the videos are glue-ins. Bret just took delivery today of his first bolt-in employing carbon fiber pillars and the first Leonard stock ever to have cooling ports.”

Need for Recoil Reduction Follows F-Class Trend to Bigger Calibers and Heavier Bullets
In recent years we have seen F-Open competitors move to bigger calibers and heavier bullets in pursuit of higher BC. There is no free lunch however. Shooting a 210gr .30-caliber bullet is going to produce much more recoil than a 140gr 6.5mm projectile (when they are shot at similar velocities). Does this mean that more F-Open shooters will add hydraulic buffers to their rigs? Will a recoil-reduction system become “de rigueur” on F-Open rifles shooting heavy bullets?

Our friend Boyd Allen observes: “You may imagine that shooting a short magnum, or even a .284 Win with heavy bullets, involves a fair amount of recoil, and in the prone position this can be more than a little wearing. It can in fact beat you up over the course of a match. Some time back, Lou Murdica told me about having a hydraulic recoil absorbing device installed on one of his F-Class rifles, chambered in .300 WSM. Lou is shooting heavy (210-215gr) bullets so the recoil is stout. According to Lou, the hydraulic recoil-reduction system made all the difference.”

Story tip from Boyd Allen. We welcome reader submissions.
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March 13th, 2023

Berger Bullets Sale at Precision Reloading — Save up to 20%

Berger bullets 2023 bullet discount sale Precision Reloading VLD hybrid jacketed match

Berger bullets are in high demand. It’s pretty rare to find a large inventory of Berger bullets, and even more rare to find popular Berger bullets at a significant discount. But count your blessings — right now at Precision Reloading, a wide selection of Berger bullets are on sale, with savings up to 20%. There are currently 58 Berger bullet offerings ON Sale now. Check out some of the samples below. CLICK HERE to view ALL the Berger bullets on sale. The available calibers include: .224, .243 (6mm), .257, .264 (6.5mm), .270, .284 (7mm), .308, .338, and .375.

But don’t delay — you need to act quickly. This Berger Bullets Sale concludes at 11:59 PM central time on Thursday, March 16, 2023. So you’ve got three and a half more days to grab the deals. Here are some of the most notable Berger bullet offerings, but there are dozens more deals!

Berger bullets 2023 bullet discount sale Precision Reloading VLD hybrid jacketed match
NOTE: This is a PARTIAL LIST! 49 Other bullet offerings (50, 500, and 1000 ct) are on sale.

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Hot Deals, News No Comments »