U.S. Supreme Court Invalidates ATF Rule Classifying Bump Stock Rifles as Machineguns
In the Garland v. Cargill case, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled 6-3 that a semiautomatic rifle equipped with a bump stock is NOT a machinegun, and that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) exceeded its authority by issuing a rule that classified the device as a machinegun. Accordingly the Supreme Court has determined the ATF’s bump stock rule to be void and invalid.
SAF Hails U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Bump Stocks: “ATF Can’t Rewrite Law”
“This is a significant victory for gun owners because it reminds the ATF it simply cannot rewrite federal law,” said Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) Executive VP Alan M. Gottlieb. “The agency has just been reminded that it can only enforce the law, not usurp the authority of Congress.”
Writing for the majority, Associate Justice Clarence Thomas observed, “We hold that a semiautomatic rifle equipped with a bump stock is not a ‘machinegun’ because it cannot fire more than one shot ‘by a single function of the trigger.’ And, even if it could, it would not do so ‘automatically’ ATF therefore exceeded its statutory authority by issuing a Rule that classifies bump stocks as machineguns.”
For many years, the court ruling notes, ATF “took the position that semiautomatic rifles equipped with bump stocks were not machineguns” under the law. The agency “abruptly reversed course” in response to the mass shooting in Las Vegas in October 2017. The agency subsequently ordered bump stock owners to surrender them or destroy them within 90 days.
“Today’s Supreme Court decision demonstrates that it is impermissible for executive agencies to rewrite the law,” said SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut. “ATF exceeded its statutory authority by issuing a rule that was logically inconsistent with the plain text of the statute and cut into the prerogative of Congress. As the executive branch has continued to use ATF to implement its will and circumvent congressional authority, we are optimistic that today’s decision will send a message that such actions will not be tolerated and that the courts will strike down more regulations inconsistent with the law as Congress wrote.”
About the Second Amendment Foundation
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, SAF has grown to more than 720,000 members.
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One Pistol, Two Barrels, Two Playing Cards — here’s a trick shot we just had to share. The talented Kirsten Joy Weiss does something we’ve never seen before, splitting TWO (2) playing cards with a unique, twin-barreled 1911-style pistol. Watch the video to see Kirsten pull off this double-barreled doozy of a trick, firing two bullets at the same time.
It took a few tries, but Kirsten makes the shot at the 3:14 time-mark:
Kirsten was enthusiastic about this unique trick: “Splitting two cards with two bullets fired at once? The double-barreled 1911 was just begging for a trick shot application. Arsenal Firearm’s 2011 A1 twin-barrel, 1911-style pistol is a heavy monster to wrangle, but a lot of fun to shoot!”
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Photo shows Joseph (“Skeet”) Borden, with match rifle built by his son, Jim Borden.
On this Father’s Day 2024, we celebrate three pairs of fathers and sons who enjoyed competitive shooting together. This story can remind us how shooting together can help build life-long bonds between fathers and sons.
Joseph Borden and Jim Borden
A while back, Jim Borden made a post on his Facebook Page that made us think about how shooting can build important connections between father and son. Jim recalled how he would go to Piedmont, North Carolina with his father every year for a shooting match: “17 years ago this weekend was the last time dad was able to make the trek to North Carolina for the annual Groundhog contest and the match at Piedmont. Loved the time we spent together. Dad shot competitive benchrest with me from 1980 until June 2001. He passed in August 2001.”
This prompted others shooters to respond with cherished memories of their own fathers:
“I’d give a year’s pay to have my Dad back for an hour, let alone a day. Spend all the time you can with them while they’re here”. — Kerry S.
“I think how lucky some folks are to look back in life and have fond memories of doing things with their parents that both enjoyed. I have missed my dad for 44 years and think of him every time I hunt, fish, trap or work on a household project. We did it all together.” — Bill McC.
Another poster explained how he now attends matches with his own young son:
“The time you spent with your father meant as much or more to him. Always cherish [those memories], as I know you will. Last year, I spent … over 400 hours with my then 10-year-old son going to rifle matches. This year will be similar. This photo was from today of my 11-year-old son.” — John C.
So here’s a message to all dads — take some time to introduce your sons (and daughters) to the joys of shooting. Spend quality time with your youngsters while you can. Time passes quickly, boys grow up into men. Ensure you enjoy a life outdoors together whenever you can.
About Jim Borden and Borden Accuracy
Jim began shooting high power silhouette and benchrest matches in the mid 1970s while working for a Fortune 500 company as an engineer. In the early 1980s he began building rifles for himself and then for others. Jim has a background as a gunsmith, machinist, registered mechanical engineer, engineering instructor, project manager, hunter, and benchrest competitor. In benchrest competitions he has set ten world records and won 11 National Championships thereby earning induction into the Benchrest Hall of Fame. Jim also served six terms as President of the International Benchrest Shooters (IBS).
Jim operates Borden Rifles/Borden Accuracy with his wife Joan, sons Jim Junior and John, daughter Andrea Mecca and son-in-law John (Mike) Mecca. Jim is also an outstanding photographer.
Another Father/Son Duo — Sam Hall and Hunter Hall
Sam Hall is a multi-time IBS 600-yard Shooter of the Year, who holds many IBS mid-range records. It’s tough to beat Sam when he’s on his game. But it looks like Sam has a worthy challenger — his own son Hunter Hall, now in his late teens. At age 12, Hunter won the North Carolina State 1000-yard Light Gun Group Title.
At a very young age, Hunter Hall showed an interest in his father’s shooting hobby. It turns out Hunter has the God-given talent for hitting the target. Yes there would be another champion in the Hall family. Here is Hunter, at age 12, winning the NC 1000-Yard Group title. Not bad for a kid not even in High School yet!
Even at just 6 years of age, Hunter showed a keen interest in shooting. Back in 2012 Sam reported: “This weekend we practiced freehand shooting with his BB gun at cans. After that I was needing to zero my Light Gun and get started with a few loads at 100 yards. To my amazement my 6-year-old wanted to accompany me. I could not believe it when he wanted to shoot my competition rifle. I had just put a new barrel and scope on it and needed to zero it. After two shots to get it zeroed he hit a .25 inch dot at 100 yards. I let him do everything — loading it, ejecting rounds, and even working my Farley joystick rest.”
Ken Klemm and Ian Klemm — Father and Son F-TR Aces
Over the last 30 years, a family saga has been playing out in rural Wisconsin: a father fosters within his son the joy of competitive target shooting. It started in a basement shooting range of a small-town elementary school, shooting single-shot rimfire target rifles while cementing the fundamentals of sight alignment, breathing, trigger control, and safety. With a background of competitive smallbore shooting in school and the U.S. Navy, Ken Klemm coached his son, Ian, in a father/son indoor winter shooting league. Ian was determined to shoot as well or better than his Dad and would pursue that goal for the next 30 years. Even after his engineering career took him to the Washington DC area for defense-related work, Ian continued to compete with his Dad by mailing “postal match” targets back and forth for many years.
Father and son shooting together. Her Ian spots for his father Ken Klemm, who is shooting.
Ian has now risen to the pinnacle of his F-TR discipline. Ian Klemm has now won three National F-TR Championships in four years. Ian captured back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018, winning at Lodi, WI in 2017, and Raton, NM in 2018. Ian also finished second at the 2019 Nationals. Ian put on another great performance to win the F-TR National title in 2020 under very challenging conditions.
Here is Ian with proud parents Karen and Ken Klemm after Ian won his Second Straight F-TR National Championship in 2018. Father Ken also competed at the 2018 F-Class Nationals, shooting great in both individual and team events.
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Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16, 2024, so now’s the time get a great gift for the “Old Man”. If your father enjoys the shooting sports and hunting, here are some recommended items. These will all benefit “Pops” when he goes to the range. All selections cost less than $100.00. If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you can get FREE shipping in most areas of the country.
Eight Great Father’s Day Gifts for Dad Under $100.00
Protect Dad’s hearing — Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic 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. These Impact Sport Muffs are currently $59.99 on Amazon.
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.
The versatile MTM Ultimate Range Box includes cradles so you can do gun maintenance while at the range. A lift-out tray holds small items such as patches and jags. This is a durable product that can hold ammo and other gear. It is now on sale for $49.99 at Midsouth.
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 $90.45 on Amazon, including one Breech Lock quick change bushing.
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. It is currently on sale (in various sizes and colors) for $43.50 from Columbia.com
Walkie-Talkies are “must-have” items for long-range shooting. The MOICO 22-CH Long-Range Walkie-Talkie Set is an Amazon Favorite in FRS Handheld Radios. These MOICO units offer VOX hands-free functionality plus a handy built-in LED flashlight.
This MOICO 2-Radio set is now just $23.85 on Amazon. Models with other color inserts (Day-glo Green, Silver, Black, Blue) are $24.95 on Amazon, just $1.10 more.
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 $20.86 at Amazon.
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 $34.99 for black, a few bucks more for green or red.
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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.
* My father was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in WWII. He was part of three different amphibious landings — North Africa, Sicily, and Operation Dragoon in the South of France. During one conversation about the French invasion, he showed me the invasion armband he wore in 1944. He had kept that band, with its faded American flag, for over 50 years. It is now a cherished memento of his life and service to his country.
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Today’s Saturday Showcase features Palma rifles and Palma competition. The Palma discipline is a prone Iron Sight competition that originated in 1876, making it the second oldest continuing rifle match in the world. Except for a hiatus in the late 1900s, there is a nearly 150-year history of Palma matches. The Palma Course of Fire includes stages at 800, 900, and 1000 yards. At each yard-line you get two (2) sighting shots followed by 15 shots for record, for a grand total of 51 shots.
Under U.S.A. Palma rules the gun must be a rifle with metallic sights chambered for .308 Win (7.62×51) or .223 Rem (5.56×45). Most of the rifles featured in these videos are chambered for .308 Winchester, but we do have a video of John Whidden shooting his .223 Rem Palma gun — you’ll notice the significantly reduced recoil. CLICK HERE for more information on Palma Rules.
Components of Modern Palma Rifle and Palma Competition Basics
We definitely recommend you watch this video. Hosted by SSG Robert Germanelo of the U.S. Marine Corps Shooting Team, this video explains the basic rules of Palma competition and covers the key features of a modern, tubegun-style Palma rifle. The featured rifle has a Eliseo Competition Machine stock, Krieger 30″ 1:13″-twist barrel, Defiance Machine single-shot Rem 700-compatible action, Jewell trigger, Warner Tool Aperture Rear Sight, and Stallings Machine “Right Sight” in the front.
John Whidden Shoots His Modern .223 Rem Palma Rifle
With the latest bullets, long barrels, and strong Lapua brass, the .223 Rem CAN compete successfully in modern Palma competition. Here we feature a .223 Rem Palma rig belonging to 5-time NRA Long Range Champion John Whidden. Watch video at 00:25 and you’ll see the recoil of Whidden’s .223 Rem Palma rifle is significantly less than a .308 Win Palma rig. John joked: “With the .223 Rem there is just a pop and a wiggle after the shot.” CLICK HERE for full 1200-word report on this rifle with many more photos.
Modern .308 Win Palma Rifle with Custom Anschutz-style Stock
Here a Palma competitor showcases his modern .308 Win Palma rifle built with an custom-made, Anschutz 1913 model-style stock with the main frame crafted by the host’s father. This rig has a 30″ barrel chambered for 155gr bullets. The video explains how the components were chosen, why the barrel is so long, and how the stock adjusts in numerous ways to fit the shooter’s particular prone style. Below is a diagram of the sight picture. This is covered at 1:56 in the video.
Palma Rifles Shooting 1000 Yards at Bisley in the UK
This UK-produced video features Palma matches at the Stickledown Range at Bisley. This video showcases the Inter-Counties match, where competitors use iron-sighted Palma rifles on targets at 1000 yards. This video provides a good introduction to the Palma discipline as practiced in Great Britain.
Canadian Palma Fun — Nova Scotia Shooters at 900 Yards
In this video, filmed at a beautiful range in Nova Scotia, two Canadian shooters compete at 900 yards with their iron sighted .308 Win Palma rifles. The video combines three different views into one frame, so you can simultaneously see downrange, see the shooters, and see the shot impact on the electronic target display. The shooters fired .308 Win cartridges loaded with Vihtavuori N140 powder and 155gr Sierra #2156 PALMA bullets.
Ballistics Guru Shoots Palma at 800 Yards
The talented Bryan Litz, head honcho of Applied Ballistics LLC, demonstrates his shooting skills in this video. Watch Byran complete the 800-yard phase of the Palma course shot at Camp Atterbury, Indiana in the summer of 2008.
Brass Test in .308 Win Rifle — Lapua vs. Norma Brass
This video by our friend Keith Glasscock is not specifically about Palma rifles. But it does provide key information about the .308 Win cartridge, the most popular chambering for Palma rifles. Keith tests two different brands of .308 Win brass — Lapua and Norma. The results are enlightening. We have observed that Lapua brass can probably take higher loads and has greater longevity. NOTE: For this test a .308 Win F-TR rifle chambered for heavier bullets was used. But it’s still a good comparison test for .308 Win brass.
Palma Chambering and Bullet Weight Limits
There is, understandably, quite a bit of confusion concerning caliber limitations for Palma rifles and Palma competition. Some folks say you can shoot a .308 Winchester (or 7.62×51) with a bullet weight up to 156 grains. Others say you can shoot a .308 Win (or 7.62×51) with any bullet weight. Still others opine that you can shoot EITHER a .223 Rem (5.56×45) or a .308 Win (or 7.62 NATO).
So who is right? Well, all these viewpoints are correct in part. That’s because different rules apply in different venues. In most, but not all United States Palma competitions, you can shoot either a .223 Rem or .308 Win with no restriction on bullet weights. But in some U.S. Matches, most notably the Spirit of America, certain prizes are limited to .308s with 156gr max bullet weights OR .223s with 81gr max bullet weights. What’s the bottom line? In most USA Palma competitions you can shoot either a .308 or a .223 with no limit on bullet weight. In International Palma competitions you can shoot either a .308 or a .223 but the max bullet weight is limited.
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Father’s Day is tomorrow, June 16, 2024. To mark this important occasion, Creedmoor Sports is running a Father’s Day promotion — Get FREE Shipping with a purchase of $149.00 or more this weekend. Use Code DAD24 to get FREE Shipping for purchases made through Monday, June 17, 2024 at noon CST.*
Along with the FREE Shipping offer, there are many popular items now on sale. Here are some of the notable current Sale Items at Creedmoor Sports:
*Spend $149.00 (or more) and receive Free Shipping valid for 48 contiguous states only. Use Promo Code DAD24. Not valid on previous purchases. Offer valid through 06/17/24 at noon CST.
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Here’s a simple task you can do that will give your seater die a more perfect fit to your match bullets. You can lap the inside of the seater stem so that it matches the exact profile of the bullet. This spreads out the seating force over a larger area of the bullet jacket. That allows smoother, more consistent seating, without putting dents, creases, or sharp rings in your bullets.
This process is demonstrated here by our friend Erik Cortina of Team Lapua-Brux-Borden. Erik, one of the nation’s top F-Class shooters and a skilled machinist, explains: “Here I’m lapping my new seater die stem with lapping compound. I chuck up a bullet in the lathe and lap the inside of the seating stem. I put lapping compound on the bullet and also in the stem. You can do the same with a hand drill and bore paste. You can see in the piture below how much contact area the stem has on the bullet after being lapped. This bullet is a Berger 7mm 180-grain Hybrid. ”
It can be helpful but it’s not necessary to make your seating stem an exact match to a bullet, particularly if you’re loading hunting or varmint rounds. But it is helpful to do some mild internal stem polishing. This should eliminate any ring (or dent) that forms on the bullet jacket during seating.
Sharp edges on a seating stem can cause a ring to be pressed into the bullet jacket — especially with compressed loads that resist downward bullet movement.
Q2: Is there any down-side to the process?
Not really. However, if you shoot many different bullet types for a particular cartridge, you may not want to conform the stem aggressively to one particular bullet design. Lightly lap the inside of the stem to remove burrs/sharp edges but leave it at that. A light lap will prevent a ring forming when seating bullets.
Editor’s Note: The CMP National Matches at Camp Perry are less than a month away. This article covers key points for rifle competitors at major matches. To do well, you want to be an “informed competitor” with a positive attitude and full knowledge of the course of fire and match rules.
Don’t Be “That Guy” (The Bad Apple on the Firing Line)
By SFC Norman Anderson, USAMU Service Rifle Team Member
You know the guy, he’s still talking at the coffee jug when his preparation period begins, then his magazines aren’t loaded when the command “STAND” is given, and finally, he doesn’t know the rules when he argues with the block officer as his target comes up marked “9 and No”. Although this guy might be the highlight of the “after match” activities, he is the proverbial bad apple on the firing line. With this example fresh in your mind, let’s go over how not to be “that guy”.
While the sport of High Power shooting is a hobby for most, all are passionate about performance throughout the day. In order to achieve your maximum performance each and every day, it is essential that you conduct yourself as a professional competitor. As a competitor, you have a personal responsibility to know the course of fire as well as the rules and procedures that apply to it and to be prepared to follow them. Knowing this will not only make you a better competitor, but it will enable you to resolve situations with other targets besides your own. So what does all this mean? I’ll explain…
Know the Course of Fire
Know the course of fire. It sounds easy enough, as we all shoot plenty of matches, but it’s more than that. If you think about it, how many people in the pits, for example, do not really know what is happening on the firing line? This leads to targets being pulled early during a rapid fire string or missing a shot during a slow fire string. In cases like this, the result is the same, delays in the match and upset competitors. To avoid being “that guy,” it is imperative that you stay tuned to the events as the day progresses. When you are at the range shooting a match, be at the range shooting the match.
At any firearms competition — be sure you know (and understand) the course of fire.
Know the Rules
Now, let’s discuss rules. As you have probably heard more than once, the rulebook is your best friend. Here is why. I can virtually guarantee that most competitors know some of the rules based only on the old “this is how we do it at home” adage. The funny part of that is, the same green NRA rulebook and orange CMP rulebooks are used to govern High Power matches all over the country.*
It is vital that all shooters be familiar with the rules as they are written, not with “how they are applied at home”. This creates consistency and continuity in how matches are conducted, from local club matches to state tournaments to National Championships. Knowledge is power when it comes to scoring targets under contention, what to do in the case of a malfunction, or even how to file a protest correctly. These rules are in place for a reason and it benefits everyone to both know and operate by these rules.
Maintain Composure and Humility — Exhibit Good Sportsmanship
One aspect of competing that cannot be forgotten is bearing. As I mentioned earlier, you must be prepared for both good and bad to happen. All too often we all see “that guy” (or that “that guy’s” gear) flying off of the firing line in disgust. Remember that we all must maintain our composure and humility in all conditions, not matter what happens. After all, it’s just a game. To put it into perspective, if it were easy, attendance would be a lot higher. Sportsmanship must be displayed in an effort to keep from ruining the day for all those around you. It doesn’t cost anything to smile, and smiling never killed anyone. So turn that frown upside down and keep on marching, better days will come.
Like a Boy Scout — Always Be Prepared
Lastly, I would like to cover preparedness. Being prepared goes beyond simply having your magazines loaded and a zero on your rifle. It means approaching the firing line, knowing what you are about to do, being ready for what is going to happen (good or bad), and being ready for the results. If you approach the firing line to merely shoot 10 shots standing in your next LEG match, you are not going to be pleased with the result. You must be prepared mentally and physically, not only for the next stage, but also the next shot. By being prepared physically (equipment ready), you give yourself peace of mind which is an essential part of being prepared mentally, and by being prepared mentally, you are less likely to become distracted and are more likely to maintain focus for each and every shot.
Conclusion — Informed Competitors Make for Better Matches
The culmination of these efforts results in a shooter that knows how to be ready for success on the range, but also and perhaps more importantly, a shooter who knows what it means to be a competitor. When you have a range full of competitors who know and follow the rules and proper match procedures, the match runs smoothly, everyone shoots well, and a good time is had by all. In the end, isn’t that what it’s all about?
* After this article was originally written, the CMP separated its rules into multiple Rulebooks, which can all be downloaded from the CMP.org/rulebooks page:
The CMP Highpower Competition Rules 2024 (27th Ed.) for CMP-sponsored and sanctioned matches for Highpower Rifle events in National Trophy Matches, Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) Matches, CMP Cup Matches and other CMP-sanctioned competitions.
The CMP Pistol Competition Rules 2024 (27th Ed.) for CMP-sponsored and sanctioned Pistol Matches in the National Matches, National Trophy Matches, Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) Matches, and other CMP-sanctioned competitions.
Today, June 14th, is Flag Day. The stars and stripes flag of the United States is honored and celebrated this day every year. Wikipedia explains: “Flag Day…commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The Flag Resolution stated ‘That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation’.” Super Sabre Society notes: “While we have added stars to that original flag as our country has expanded, the ideals it represents never fade — courage, liberty and loyalty“.
America Celebrates Flag Day on June 14 Thanks to Woodrow Wilson
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation designating June 14 as Flag Day. On August 3, 1949, National Flag Day was officially established by an Act of Congress. Flag Day is not an official Federal employment holiday with Federal employees off work. However, it is at the president’s discretion to officially proclaim the observance. On June 14, 1937, Pennsylvania became the first state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday, beginning in the town of Rennerdale.
Interesting Historical Fact — Today is Also the Birthday of the U.S. Army
June 14 is also a day to celebrate our Army. The United States Army celebrates the U.S. Army birthday on this date, as Congress officially adopted the American Continental Army on June 14, 1775.
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Lapua now offers a FREE Ballistics App. This was the first mobile ballistics App utilizing the 6DOF calculation model, making it one of most accurate ballistics Apps on the market. With this free mobile App you can calculate trajectories, range, bullet drop, turret adjustments and more.
Lapua’s sophisticated FREE Ballistics App has many great features — much more than you’d expect for a free App. If you do much shooting past 300 yards, or use a wide variety of bullets and/or cartridge types, definitely download the App and give it a try. For more details, read the Lapua Ballistics App User Manual. This handy PDF file explains how to set up the App and utilize all its powerful features.
Utilizes 6DOF, the most accurate calculation method
Always available with latest Lapua cartridge / bullet information
Quick and easy to change inputs like distance, wind speed and angle
Several result outputs available, with numerical, reticle, table and graph views
Create and clone your own firearm / reticle combinations
Choose between metric and imperial values
Set Point Blank-range to different sight-in distances and impact windows
Set Aiming point to moving target
Add custom bullets (calculations based on BC G1 or G7 and Siacci method)
Features include Sight-in-POI, Coriolis, Max Range and Cant Angle calculation
Compare up to 3 Lapua cartridge/bullet performances to each other
Custom trajectory tables
After downloading the FREE Lapua Ballistics App for Android device or Apple iPhone/iPad, you’ll want to access the Lapua Ballistics App Guide which shows how to use all the features and options. In addition, Lapua offers a handy FAQ Page with User Tips and Answers to frequently Asked Questions. After downloading the FREE App, you should definitely go to the FAQ page. It has helpful illustrations showing how to set up the App for your firearms and cartridge types.
Watch Video for Explanation of Lapua Ballistics App Features
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Pistol shooting is fun — that’s reason enough to head to an indoor range. In addition, all CCW permit holders should definitely practice regularly. For many people, indoor shooting can be done in the evening, after work, relatively close to home. Indoor ranges are most convenient for those who live near urban centers, where the biggest threats to public safety currently exist. This article talks about indoor firearms training and the proper procedures you should follow at indoor ranges.
This Video Covers Basic Gun Range Safety Rules and Etiquette
FIVE IMPORTANT SAFETY PROCEDURES for Indoor Ranges
1. Follow the Three Fundamental Rules for Safe Gun Handling
ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
2. Follow ALL Range Officer Instructions
ROs are the first and final authority on any range and their decisions are generally final. Arguing with a Range Officer may just get you thrown out.
3. Don’t Bother Others or Touch Their Guns
Respect other shooters’ privacy unless a safety issue arises. Do NOT engage other shooters to correct a perceived safety violation unless absolutely necessary – inform the RO instead. NEVER handle or touch another shooter’s firearm without their permission!
4. Know Your Range’s Rules
Review and understand any and all range rules and requirements/expectations. For example, what is the range’s maximum rate of fire? Are you allowed to collect your brass?
5. Know What To Do During a Cease Fire
IMMEDIATELY set down your firearm, pointed downrange, and STEP AWAY from the shooting booth (or bench). Range Officers do not want shooters trying to “secure/unload” their firearms in a cease fire situation — they want the shooters separated from their guns instantly.
BAD RANGE BEHAVIOR — Five Things NOT to Do at the Range
Here are the five worst behaviors we’ve seen at indoor ranges. These behaviors are both dangerous and inconsiderate. Any one of these behaviors can get you permanently banned from an indoor range.
1. Sweeping other individuals after loading a weapon behind the firing line is very bad. All your weapons should be empty until you reach your shooting station.
2. Turning the handgun sideways while trying to clear a malfunction or insert/remove a magazine. This will point the muzzle at a fellow shooter. Or, after shooting a gun, the shooter fails to clear the weapon and then places the gun somewhere near the shooting station with the muzzle in an unsafe position.
3. Reacting unpredictably when firing a high recoil handgun. We’ve seen people take a second shot by accident with the muzzle way off target.
4. Not obeying range commands — in particular continuing to shoot during called cease-fires.
5. Poorly aimed shooting that hits target frames or carriers, causing ricochets.
Double-Up on Hearing Protection When Shooting Indoors
When shooting indoors we recommend quality muffs with earplugs underneath, offering double protection. When inside an enclosed range, with other shooters blasting away right next to you, you really need effective hearing protection. But you also need to hear range commands and be able to communicate. That’s why we recommend electronic muffs with plugs underneath.
For indoor pistol shooting, we like the Howard Leight Impact Pro Muffs. These offer an impressive 30 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). In addition, the electronic functionality allows you to hear all range commands clearly. These muffs are a good value. These are on sale now at Amazon for just $38.97 (#ad). You can also get these NRR 30 muffs bundled with protective safety eyewear for $55.72 on Amazon (#ad).
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Joseph Borden and Jim Borden
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:
Know the Rules
