The new 2025 Edition of the Blue Book of Gun Values is available now for immediate delivery. Purchase this popular price guide through Blue Book Publications for $24.95. Or you can order from Amazon for $24.95 with free delivery. The Blue Book of Gun Values by S.P. Fjestad is the leading gun valuation resource. There are now over 1.8 million copies in circulation worldwide. This paperback book continues to be the “Bible” for buyers, sellers, collectors, and connoisseurs in the firearms industry.
This latest 2025 Edition is very different from the huge volumes in the past, but it’s also just half the price. The 524-page* 2025 Edition of the Blue Book of Gun Values is more handy to use. It is smaller, thinner, and less costly. But it still offers key information on gun pricing.
Streamlined Format:
The previous edition was 2,500 pages. This new 2025 Edition is just 524 pages, making it easier to navigate and focused solely on pricing. But don’t worry — no information is lost! QR codes link to all the same product images and manufacturer info you know and love.
Simplified Grading System:
The Blue Book’s original grading system was groundbreaking, but this book introduces a simpler system: NEG (New, Excellent, Good). It’s easier to understand and aligns perfectly with the updated value model.
Updated Gun Value System — Real World Pricing:
Past editions relied on auction and show data. Now, the publisher has gathered real-world pricing from actual gun shops for more accurate and trustworthy values!
Review by Tom Gresham, Gun Talk Radio Host
“At some point, every gun owner asks the question, ‘What’s it worth?’ The leading reference for decades has been the Blue Book of Gun Values. Whether you are a seller, a buyer, a shopper, or just curious, this constantly-updated gold mine of research is your friend.”
Features of the new Blue Book of Gun Values:
· Includes the new 2025 firearms makes and models, with many new handguns and rifles.
· Covers over 1,800 manufacturers and trademarks, with over 35,000 gun model prices.
· Important pricing updates on current, antique, and discontinued models.
· 180,000+ up-to-date values are provided with QR Codes.
Pricing System in Blue Book of Gun Values 2025 Price Guide:
* The Blue Book Publisher site states the 2025 book is 524 pages. Amazon states this book is 470 pages.
Do you enjoy shooting pistols for sport, or perhaps you carry a handgun for self-defense? If you’re like most of us, you might benefit from a “refresher course” on the fundamentals of handgun shooting. The NRA has created a useful Infographic that covers important basics of handgun marksmanship — key things such as Sight Alignment, Trigger Control, and Handgun Hold.
Here are the first two (2) lessons. Click the link below to see all SIX (6) training topics: Sight Alignment, Sight Focus, Trigger Control, Breath Control, Hold Control, and Follow-Through.
Video Shows Sight Alignment, Grip, Stance, Trigger Control and More
In this USAMU video, SGT Shane Coley talks about the basics of sight alignment and trigger control. But then SGT Coley talks about other important control factors such as grip, arm position, and body stance. For rapid-fire shooting, you need to have a good arm and body positioning to control recoil and get back on target quickly. This video is a valuable complement to the NRA Infographic because it demonstrates all the important pistol fundamentals during live fire, at the range.
Photo shows Joseph (“Skeet”) Borden, with match rifle built by his son, Jim Borden.
On this Father’s Day 2025, 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 15. 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.
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.
To help celebrate Father’s Day, Savage Arms offers a $50 Rebate for its AXIS, AXIS II, AXIS 2, and AXIS 2 Pro rifles. You can SAVE $50.00 on Savage AXIS and AXIS 2 purchases made between 6/1/2025 through 6/30/2025. So, starting today, there are 16 more days to take advantage of this promotion. DEADLINE for mail-in or online submission is 7/31/2025. To redeem online visit SavageRebate.com.
Savage AXIS, AXIS II, and AXIS 2 rifles are reliable, budget-priced rigs for hunting/varminting. These rifles are currently offered in a variety of configurations, starting at $479.00 MSRP for the scoped AXIS XP. Both right-hand and left-hand actions are offered, with both polymer and wood stocks in a variety of colors, including many camo options. NOTE: The XP models include a mounted and boresighted 3-9x40mm optic. These scope-fitted AXIS XPs represent very affordable, ready-to go solutions for hunters.
Savage currently offers newly redesigned AXIS XP, AXIS 2, AXIS 2 Pro, AXIS 2 XP, and AXIS 2 XP Pro model rifles. The AXIS 2 PRO models are available with great Savage camo patterns and Cerakote finishes. The AXIS XP, AXIS 2 XP, and AXIS 2 XP Pro models come with a mounted 3-9x40mm scope. CLICK HERE to see current Savage AXIS rifles.
Father’s Day is Sunday, June 15, 2025, so now’s the time to 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 or works with his guns at home. All selections cost less than $100.00. For the items sold by Amazon, If you have Amazon Prime, you can get free shipping in most areas of the country.
Ten Great Father’s Day Gifts for Dad Under $100.00
Protect Dad’s hearing — Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Muffs 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 $69.99 at MidwayUSA which also has free shipping for combined orders over $99.
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 $57.24 on Amazon.
Here’s a good primary or secondary press for Dad. We’ve used this Lee Breech Lock Challenger press for many functions. It is sturdy and has a convenient primer ejection tube. This is just $83.99 at Midsouth, including a full 3-die set, plus Breech Lock quick change bushing. This is a great gift for a Dad who reloads — user reviews have been 97% Five-Star. Chose one of 5 die sets: 9mm Luger, .38 SPL/.357 Mag, .44 SPL/.44 Mag, .45 ACP, or .223 Rem.
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. Made from breathable nylon, this guide shirt is offered in over 70 colors. This is popular for fishing, sailing, hiking and other outdoors sports. A huge variety of colors and sizes are offered on Amazon starting at $28.80, with most versions under $45.00. There are also older model Bahama II Shirts with yet more color choices.
This modern Billconch Biometric Safe will hold two handguns. Equipped with a high-rez fingerprint scanner, the safe can be opened instantly with the gun owner’s finger. There is also a digital keypad for opening plus a key lock.
This the #1-Selling compact biometric gun safe on Amazon and costs just $69.98. User reviews are very positive. This safe features a rechargeable battery that can be charged with a USB cable. This safe is small enough to be placed inside a drawer for extra security.
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 $22.99 on Amazon for hardcover, and $14.99 on Amazon for Kindle version.
The Tipton Best Gun Vise is a popular design that works with a huge selection of rifles and shotgun. The rear section has two adjustable clamps for a secure grip on the buttstock. The front can fit a variety of forearms and adjusts for height. There is also a movable center support. The solvent-resistant frame contains storage spaces for jags, brushes and tools. Wheeler center supports for ARs will also fit the center rail on the Tipton Best Gun Vise. This impressive product is on sale now for $87.99 at MidwayUSA, a 27% discount.
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 $19.94 on Amazon with orange or black top section. Models with other colors (Day-glo Green, Silver, Blue) are $20.99 or $25.99.
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 Amazon prices are $27.10 for green, $32.99 for red, and $34.99 for black.
The model 1911 pistol, designed by John Moses Browning, is an American classic. Originally manufactured as .45 ACP military pistols, modern 1911s have evolved to be superb competition pistols, and carry pistols. With a Single-Action-Only (SAO) configuration, the 1911 design is different than most modern pistols. You must have the hammer cocked to fire a 1911 — like a single-action revolver. But the positive side of the Single-Action design is than modern 1911 pistols enjoy superb triggers with very positive release and fast reset. There is a reason the 1911 design is the basis for so many modern competition pistols.
In today’s Saturday at the Movies feature, we showcase videos that cover the history, design, and function of 1911-type pistols. We also include videos that explain how to field-strip a 1911 and how to accessorize/upgrade 1911 pistols.
Operation of 1911 Pistol with 3D Animations
Here are two excellent videos that show how a classic 1911-type pistol functions. 3D computer graphics animation offers a X-Ray view inside the pistol, showing how cartridges feed and how the slide cycles during the firing process.
How to Field-Strip and Re-Assemble a 1911 Pistol
There are a few tricks to field-stripping a 1911-type pistols, and it helps to have a couple specialized tools. This helpful TFB-TV (The Firearm Blog) video shows the process of disassembling a 1911 pistol from start to finish, and notes components that require lubrication or special attention.
History of the Classic Model 1911 Pistol
The model of 1911 pistol is an American classic with a long and illustrious history. These two videos cover the interesting origins of the 1911 pistol, and explain how J.M. Browning designed the remarkable 1911 pistol which became the iconic American sidearm of the U.S. Military, the longest-serving pistol in American military history.
A fascinating article by Rock Island Armory covers the complete evolution of the 1911 pistol, including its earlier prototype variants, starting with the model of 1905. SEE: Road to the 1911 Article (with Model 1905, 1907, 1909, and 1910 prototypes).
Over time the 1911 design has evolved into many variants, including the modern “race gun” used in rapid-fire pistol competitions. Here is an STI DVC Open model fitted with a C-More sight, and front compensator.
Pistol Shooting Skills Demonstrated with 1911
How to Grip a 1911 Handgun Properly
World Champion pistol ace (and 18-time Bianchi Cup winner) Doug Koenig demonstrates how to grip a handgun. While the fundamentals are demonstrated on a 1911 pistol they are effective for establishing a proper grip on any handgun.
Trigger Press and Trigger Control
In this video Champion shooter Doug Koenig talks about key techniques that apply to all pistol marksmanship — not just speed shooting “on the clock”. With any handgun, Doug explains, you should focus on consistent trigger control. You want to avoid yanking the trigger or anticipating recoil.
How to Accessorize Your 1911
The Brownells YouTube Channel has a series of videos showing how to accessorize a 1911. The videos show procedures for upgrading the magazine release, slide release, hammer, guide rod, mainspring housing, and grips. There are also good videos on barrel replacement and drop-in trigger group installation. If you want to upgrade your 1911, these videos are worth watching. Below are links to three of these 1911 videos.
Are you feelin’ lucky? Here’s a chance to win a $499 pistol safe. As part of the Gun Storage Check program, which commenced in the first week of June, there are giveaways each week in June with some noteworthy prizes. This week’s Gun Storage Check Giveaway has a nice prize — the Vault Pro Model H-7 Handgun Pro II Safe. Valued at $499.00, the Vault Pro HandgunModel H-7 Pro II Safe has a 7-gauge steel body, military grade PE foam, and digital lock. The safe can be bolted down at home or in a vehicle.
Each week throughout June 2025, you have the chance to win premium firearm storage units and safety gear thanks to Gun Storage Check Week™ sponsors — Regal Products, Vault Pro, and ShotLock.
How it works:
➢ One winner will be selected each week
➢ Sweepstakes resets weekly — enter again for a new chance to win!
➢ Enter now and help promote responsible firearm storage practices in your community.
To ENTER go to GunStorageCheck.org then scroll down the page to see the entry form:
Legendary competitive shooter and Team Vihtavuori member Bruce Piatt has claimed his eighth Bianchi Cup title, securing victory at the 2025 Bianchi Cup with the only perfect score of 1920 in the match. The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) now oversees the Bianchi Cup competition, previously run by the National Rifle Association.
The 2025 Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Bianchi Cup, known as the gold standard in action pistol shooting, was hosted once again at the Green Valley Rifle and Pistol Club in Hallsville, Missouri, May 20-23, 2025. Participants from all over the world competed in the Falling Plates, Moving Target, Barricade, and Practical events.
“The 2025 Bianchi Cup is coming home with me for the 8th time!” Piatt said after the match. “Dealing with a nasty cold the entire time and having to switch to my backup gun at the last minute didn’t exactly boost my confidence — but focus and determination paid off.”
Piatt won his impressive 8th Bianchi Cup title running the .38 Super cartridge powered by high-qualty Vihtavuori N320 powder. Beyond his individual triumph, Piatt also accompanied his 4-man team to victory, achieving a team score of 1918-175X. The winning quartet included Piatt, Mark Itzstein, Joey De Leon, and fellow Team Vihtavuori athlete, Doug Koenig.
Editor’s Note: Vihtavuori N320 is our favorite powder for .45 ACP target loads. It is very accurate and burns cleaner, with fewer sparks, than any other brand of powder we have tried for the .45 ACP. We highly recommend N320 and the slightly faster N310.
Our .45 ACP loads showed superb accuracy with coated lead bullets. This combination provided great performance and also had our pistols running very clean, reducing maintenance chores.
Bruce Piatt 3-Gun Skills on Display
Bruce Piatt also competes in 3-Gun Matches. This short video shows Bruce completing a 3-gun stage (shotgun 0.09 time-mark, pistol 0.18, then rifle 0.53) at the Rockcastle 3-Gun Pro-Am event. His speed with the AR-type rifle was very impressive as was his long-range accuracy.
About Vihtavuori
Vihtavuori is renowned its clean burning and temperature stable smokeless powders that have great lot-to-lot consistency. Vihtavuori is imported by Capstone Precision Group, exclusive U.S. distributor for Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori and SK-Rimfire products. For more information, visit Vihtavuori.com.
FPC Urges U.S. Senate to Pass Suppressor Reforms
The Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) has urged the U.S. Senate to pass H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, with the legislation’s current suppressor reforms intact.
Last month, the House of Representatives passed the Act with three important provisions relating to suppressors, one removing these hearing protection devices from the extreme regulations of the National Firearms Act (NFA) and two others zeroing out the current significant Federal fees that must be paid when acquiring a suppressor.
Research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shown that “[t]he only potentially effective noise control method to reduce students’ or instructors’ noise exposure from gunfire is through the use of noise suppressors that can be attached to the end of the gun barrel.” The CDC’s conclusion has been affirmed by many other health experts. The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery has endorsed “the use of firearm suppressors as an effective method of reducing the risk of hearing loss, especially when used in conjunction with conventional hearing protective measures”.
See Through Suppressor in Super Slow Motion (110,000 fps) — Click Arrow to Watch:
“Firearm suppressors are incredibly important hearing protection devices that reduce the risk of permanent damage and hearing loss for shooters and others nearby”, explained FPC President Brandon Combs. “These important safety tools are no different than hard hats, safety glasses, and fire extinguishers and should be widely available for personal use, not taxed out of the reach of ordinary Americans.”
Suppressors, On Average, Reduce Noise Levels about 30 Decibels
Suppressors work similar to a car’s muffler, redirecting exhaust gases. In an article for Ammoland, gunwriter Sam Hoober says that you can expect about 30 decibels (dB) of noise reduction from the average suppressor: “Looking at a few different products, SilencerCo attests their suppressors reduce the sound pressure of a 9mm gunshot to anywhere from 125.7 dB to 131.5 dB, depending on the model. Advanced Armament Co, another popular supplier, attests a 23 dB to 33 dB reduction or down to 127 dB. In short, we can [expect] 30 dB of attenuation as an average.” Reducing gun shot noise to the 130dB range means that the sound level with NOT permanently damage hearing.
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:
Legendary competitive shooter and Team Vihtavuori member Bruce Piatt has claimed his eighth Bianchi Cup title, securing victory at the 2025 Bianchi Cup with the only perfect score of 1920 in the match. The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) now oversees the Bianchi Cup competition, previously run by the National Rifle Association.
Editor’s Note: Vihtavuori N320 is our favorite powder for 
FPC Urges U.S. Senate to Pass Suppressor Reforms
