Shooting USA will broadcast a fun episode today, October 19, 2022. Today’s show covers Hornady’s Zombies in the Heartland multi-gun match. This popular event, hosted in Nebraska, is one of the biggest three-gun shoots in the nation. Held this past June, the Zombie Match attracted hundreds of shooters from throughout the nation. One nice thing about the match is that it’s not just for top-tier multi-gun shooters. There are also divisions for novices — first time shooters with pistol, rifle, and shotgun are welcome.
SHOW TIMES: This Shooting USA Episode airs Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific; 8:00 PM Central. If you miss the regular broadcast, you can stream the show at any time on Vimeo for $0.99 per episode.
The 10-stage 3-gun match was fun and challenging. A wide variety of reactive zombie targets kept shooters engaged and entertained. In years past one stage had a parked pickup truck where shooters were required to turn the steering wheel to see targets.
Zombies in the Heartland on Shooting USA TV
Pandemic: Zombies in the Heartland
Every year Hornady hosts the very popular Zombies in the Heartland event. This “Pandemic” 3-Gun fun match, one of the biggest three-gun shoots in the nation, took place June 3-5, 2022 at the Heartland Public Shooting Park in Grand Island, Nebraska. Traditionally this Zombies in the Heartland match features a rich prize table worth over $150,000. Prizes include pistols, rifles, shotguns, scopes, AR uppers, gun parts, and gear of all kinds.
The Pandemic is a veritable theme park for shootists, with many fun stages and innovative targets. Many unique, reactive zombie targets have been developed specifically for this match. The use of paper targets has been minimized — so it’s mostly “bang and clang”.
There were ten multi-gun stages this past year. Rifles, pistols and shotguns are used on most stages. There were also fun side-matches. We highly recommend you watch the video below to see highlights from a past Pandemic.
Zombies in the Heartland Highlights Video. Guys, this well-made video is WORTH WATCHING! This video offers Shooter’s POV views of many stages including full auto:
Protect Your Hearing — Wear Protection Whenever You Shoot
Noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus are two of the most common afflictions for recreational shooters and hunters. Everyone knows that gunfire is loud, but very few people understand the repercussions that shooting can have on their hearing until it’s too late.
The better quality suppressors can reduce the noise of a gunshot by 20 to 35 decibels (dB). Good muffs or plugs will reduce sound by 23 to 33 dB. By decreasing the overall sound signature, suppressors help to preserve the hearing of recreational shooters and hunters. Even the most effective suppressors, on the smallest and quietest calibers (.22 LR) reduce the peak sound level of a gunshot to between 110 to 120 dB. To put that in perspective, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), that is as loud as a jackhammer (110 dB) or an ambulance siren (120 dB). For normal caliber handguns and rifles, suppressed sound levels routinely exceed 130 dB, just shy of OSHA’s “hearing safe” threshold of 140 dB.
According to Dr. William W. Clark, the current Director of the Washington Univ. School of Medicine’s Audiology/Communication Sciences Program, a “serious threat to hearing comes from recreational hunting or target shooting”. This is in large part due to the fact that many people choose not to use traditional hearing protection devices like earplugs and earmuffs because they want to be able to hear their surroundings. Multiple studies have found that between 70 to 80% of hunters never wear earplugs or earmuffs, and nearly half of all target shooters don’t consistently wear traditional hearing protection. Thus, it should come as no surprise that for every five years of hunting, hunters become seven percent more likely to experience high frequency hearing loss.
This article is based on information from the American Suppressor Association (ASA). Since the ASA’s formation in 2011, three additional states have legalized suppressor ownership and 18 states have legalized suppressor hunting. For more information, visit www.AmericanSuppressorAssociation.com.
Rimfire plinking with reactive targets is FUN and affordable. We always like to include REACTIVE TARGETS during a trip to the range with our .22s. Decent .22 LR rimfire ammo is not expensive, and a wide variety of affordable steel targets are available. Rimfire-class steel is much less costly than the heavy AR500 steel plates used for centerfire rounds. In fact, Birchwood Casey makes a wide variety of reactive steel rimfire targets that retail for under $50.00. These offer great “Bang for the Buck”.
A fast-cycling, semi-auto .22 LR rifle like the Savage A22 is great for shooting reactive targets.
GunsAmerica Digest has reviewed a variety of reactive rimfire target systems from Birchwood Casey. We recommend you read this detailed article Little Targets, Big Fun, by Jordan Michaels. He acquired four different steel target systems and tested them at his Texas range. Michales was impressed: “At $30-$55 a pop, Birchwood-Casey’s targets are small enough to be challenging and cheap enough to buy four or five for the price of one centerfire-rated target. They’re also light, portable, reactive, and easy to set up.”
B/C Gallery
B/C Back Drop
B/C Qualifier Spinner
B/C King of Diamonds
Check out how these Birchwood Casey steel targets perform. These animated GIFs show actual shooting sessions with .22 LR rifles and pistols. The targets hold up well, though the black paint comes off. The reviewer notes: “You shouldn’t worry about durability as long as you stick to .22 LR. I shot the heck out of these targets with rifles and handguns using both standard and high-velocity cartridges, and I didn’t notice any denting or cracking. If the targets are going to be kept outside, however, keep an eye out for rust – the black paint comes off immediately.”
Safety Considerations with Steel Reactive Targets
The tester said the targets worked best with a .22 LR ammo with at least 1000 fps MV at the targets. He tested with .22 LR pistols as close as 7 yards, and .22 LR rifles out to 100 yards. Be advised — when shooting steel targets at relatively close ranges ALWAYS wear full-coverage eye protection because ricochets and splash-backs are definite risks. Also comply with all range rules.
You have probably watched one of the excellent shooting sports videos Ryan Cleckner has done for the NSSF. Ryan’s Understanding Minute of Angle (MOA) video (see below) has been viewed over 3.4 million times! Ryan is noted for his ability to explain complex topics in an easy-to-comprehend manner.
Cleckner has also authored a hugely popular book, the Long Range Shooting Handbook, which expands on the topics covered in his popular video series. This book is the #1 Best Seller on Amazon in its category. You can view Sample Chapters from Ryan’s book — just click “Look Inside” on the Amazon product page.
As a long-range shooting expert, Ryan Cleckner has impressive credentials. Cleckner was a special operations sniper (1/75 Rgr) with multiple combat deployments, and he has served a U.S. Army sniper instructor. Currently he works as a firearms industry executive and attorney.
The Long Range Shooting Handbook is divided into three main categories: What It Is/How It Works, Fundamentals, and How to Use It. “What It Is/How It Works” covers equipment, terminology, and basic principles. “Fundamentals” covers the theory of long range shooting. “How to Use It” gives practical advice on implementing what you’ve learned, so you can progress as a skilled, long range shooter.
Ryan Cleckner’s best-selling Long Range Shooting Handbook is designed as an introduction to important fundamental concepts such as MOA vs. MILs, External Ballistics, and Environmental Effects. Included are personal tips and advice based on Cleckner’s years of experience as a sniper instructor and special operations sniper.
Iain Harrison, editor of Recoil Magazine, said: “Whether you’re looking to dip a toe into the complex world of long range shooting, or you’re a seasoned shooter with years of trigger time, Ryan Cleckner’s book will prove to be excellent reference material. Well written and easy to understand, it covers all the essential topics that a well-rounded shooter needs to master.”
In this video, Ryan Cleckner reviews proper technique for rifle shooters. A stable platform, sight alignment, sight picture, and trigger control are key fundamentals to shooting properly.
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
This six-part series by Brownells provides step-by-step instruction on how to accessorize your 1911. The videos cover changing out the mainspring housing, magazine release, slide release, hammer, guide rod, and installing a group gripper. If you want to upgrade your 1911, these videos are worth watching.
The 10th Annual GA Precision/Elite Tactical GAP Grind PRO-AM was held September 30 through October 2, 2022 at the K&M Shooting Complex in Tennessee. The GAP Grind, the largest, most popular PRS match in the world, drew hundreds of amateur and pro shooters from across the USA and from many other nations. Recognized as the premier PRO-AM precision rifle match with individual and team competition, the GAP Grind has introduced thousands of new shooters to the sport since its inception. It was great to see the GAP Grind successfully mark its 10th Anniversary.
In overall standings, Daniel Hereid (photo below) finished first among Pro shooters, while Toby Phillips was top Amateur Overall. The Top Five Pros and Amateurs, along with Top Five Teams are listed overall below. There were four hardware-based divisions: Gas Gun, Open, Production, and Tactical. Pro shooter Robert Brantley led the Tactical Division and pro Ryan Kerr topped the Production Division. Notably, both Brantley and Kerr were running Bushnell Elite Tactical XRS3 riflescopes.
1st – Daniel Hereid
2nd – Francis Colon
3rd – Chad Heckler
4th – Chris Simmons
5th – Nathan Cushman
Top 5 Amateurs:
1st – Toby Phillips
2nd – Tyler Yauch
3rd – Jeff Johnson
4th – Ryder Smith
5th – Caleb Purinton
Top 5 Pro/Am Teams:
1st – Tate Streater + Toby Phillips
2nd – Chad Heckler + Jacob Strutt
3rd – Joey McConnell + Ryder Smith
4th – Daniel Herald + Vince Yarling
5th – Troy Livesay + Rick Lovely
Excellent Attendance at 10th Annual GAP Grind Event
The year’s largest PRS match drew hundreds of attendees, and more than 80,000 rounds were fired throughout the three-day event. In addition to competition stages, the GAP Grind featured a vendor area, live music and entertainment. Bushnell gave out $5,000 to the top place finishers and added over $5,000 worth of product to the prize table.
The PRS website explains how the GAP Grind is conducted and scored: “Competitors will compete as individuals and as a team; scores will be maintained for both. Trophies will be awarded to the top 5 teams, top 5 professionals, and to the top 5 amateurs. Each team member will shoot a similar course of fire with slight modifications for the Amateurs. Professionals will shoot first and unassisted. The Amateur will shoot each stage with the Professional’s assistance. Scores for both days will count toward team standings and individual standings. This allows Precision Rifle Series shooters the ability to earn 2 day PRO Series points for this match. Amateurs … may earn PRS Regional Series points.”
In this video Eagle Eye Shooting Shares Highlights from the 2022 GAP Grind
Lots of Action, with 20+ Stages
The GAP Grind is a challenging, “high tempo” match with minimal down-time between stages. Over the course of 20+ stages, competitors will fire 200+ shots at a variety of steel, paper, moving, and reactive targets out to 1,200 yards. Targets vary in size/difficulty based on the shooter’s position, distance, and time allotted. Most stages include “stressors” — i.e. time limits or required movement(s).
This extensive, 45-minute video shows many of the 2022 GAP Grind Stages
“Sponsoring the GAP Grind is always a privilege, and this 10-year mark made it especially fun,” said Matt Rice, Bushnell senior media relations manager. “GAP Grind is all about giving both experienced and new shooters a welcoming place to test and hone their skills, and our partners at K&M, G.A. Precision and PRS have done a fantastic job of making that goal a reality.”
Creedmoor Sports produces premium precision shooting equipment, and is a major online vendor of ammo, reloading supplies, optics, tools, triggers, targets, rimfire rifles, and shooting accessories. It offers some of the best range carts, mats, shooting coats, and other shooting gear on the market. To assist its operations, Creedmoor Sports recently completed the purchase of four acres immediately adjacent to its current Alabama facility. The acquisition will support Creedmoor Sports’ “long-term growth objectives” and allow for facility expansion in the future.
Creedmoor Sports’ facilities are located on the grounds of historic Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama. The former U.S. Army installation is now home to a mix of private industry, government, and military training facilities. Since relocating to Alabama in 2013, Creedmoor Sports has enjoyed strong business growth. The company has recently become more vertically integrated by expanding its in-house manufacturing capabilities. This additional acreage will provide the infrastructure for further expansion in the areas of manufacturing, product development, and retail distribution operations.
“Expanding our operational footprint has been a key element of our long-term growth plan for quite some time” said Bill Gravatt, Creedmoor Sports President. “The efforts of our hard-working, talented Creedmoor Sports team in areas such as product development, marketing, and operational efficiencies have created this need to expand. We’ve outgrown our current space, and to support our growth in current and new markets, we need to expand our campus. The fact we can do so right here on McClellan is really an honor. The historical significance of the area is appreciated by all of us at Creedmoor[.]”
“Our growth just over the past two years has us really pushing the limits of our current facility,” said John Teachey, V.P. of Operations and Marketing. “Bill touched on a critical point that the real impetus behind this endeavor has been our investment in growing the company; and that investment is working. Fueling this growth are aggressive new product development programs and market expansion plans which will push this need even greater in the not-to-distant future. Continuing to provide our best-in-class customer service, and delivering the products our customers want requires expansion”, added Teachey.
Tour of Current Creedmoor Sports Production/Warehousing Facilities
Here is a cool video that shows the entire production process for a SilencerCo Octane pistol suppressor start to finish. Beginning with the raw materials, this video shows a wide variety of cutting, milling, drilling, burnishing, fitting, metal bathing, surface finishing, and laser etching processes.
If you have any interest in production methods you’ll want to watch this video all the way through, and maybe a second time.
SilencerCo states: “From cutting metal to chemical baths, to extensive quality control every step of the way, our streamlined process is more than just a few steps.” We think you may be surprised by how many steps are involved in producing this silencer (aka “suppressor”).
The Octane is a user-maintainable, multi-caliber centerfire pistol silencer featuring a modular mounting system for use across a wide range of hosts. High strength, stainless steel CTA™ (Click Together Assembly) baffles are easily disassembled for cleaning. This design makes the Octane one of the most durable small-caliber suppressors on the market.
In its Octane 45 review, SilencerShop notes: “When it comes to ease of maintenance, the Octane 45 is probably the simplest .45 suppressor on the market. It uses the new click-together baffle system from Silencerco/SWR – which allows the suppressor to come apart like a monocore suppressor, while providing performance that is closer to a K-Baffle design.””
Ammoland is a popular website hosting tons of gun-related content. Every day Ammoland releases multiple stories about new firearms, gun industry trends, and important Second Amendment legal and political developments. Along with gun news, Ammoland now offers regular tests of new rifles and pistols. Here are four recent Ammoland video reviews of new-for-2022 handguns, two 9x19mm pistols, and two rimfire handguns (one .22 LR and one .22 WMR). Ammoland feature articles supplement all four videos.
SIG Sauer P365 X-Macro 9mm
AmmoLand recently tested the 17-round Sig Sauer P365 X-Macro pistol. It determined that this is a very good pistol, as are other P365 variants, including the basic P365 and the P365XL. Ammoland’s tester, Jim Grant, was very impressed: “The P365 X-Macro 9mm is just a great all-around handgun. In my opinion, the new SIG P365 X-Macro is a must-have concealed carry piece for shooters who still carry either a micro sub-compact and want more rounds or guys who carry the larger P320 9mm pistol. The Macro is a level-up upgrade over SIG’s other concealed carry guns yet still allows shooters to customize it to meet their exact needs completely.” CLICK HERE for full review on Ammoland.com.
Kel-Tec PMR-30 .22 WMR Pistol
Kel-Tec’s innovative PMR-30 .22 WMR pistol has a huge 30-round capacity. You read that right — this new semi-auto rimfire holds THIRTY rounds. Ammoland’s reviewer, Jim Grant, notes: “While a firearm chambered in the low-recoil .22 Win Magnum Rimfire will never have the fight-stopping ballistic efficacy of a big-bore caliber… the capacity of the rimfire round shouldn’t be discounted either. That’s why Kel-Tec’s introduction of both PMR-30 and CMR-30 is so revolutionary. It makes short work of any varmints within range and is a great pistol for teaching new shooters that isn’t terribly expensive to shoot and has very soft felt recoil.” CLICK HERE for full review on Ammoland.com.
Taurus GX4XL T.O.R.O. 9mm
The Taurus GX4XL T.O.R.O. 9mm pistol boasts a low price, good ergonomics, and high capacity. Ammoland notes: “On paper, it should be the go-to concealed carry gun — but in a market saturated with solid alternative carry pistols, can Taurus’ latest iteration of its GX series of handguns hold its own?” Tester Jim Grant concluded: “So, is the new Taurus GX4XL T.O.R.O. EDC worth its $420 MSRP? If you already own the original Taurus GX4, no. The XL is harder to conceal and, while easier to shoot, doesn’t increase performance to a large enough extent to warrant buying a new pistol. But if you don’t have a good subcompact pistol and aren’t flush with cash, the GX4 XL will do the job.” CLICK HERE for full review on Ammoland.com.
Hands-On P322 Testing by Ammoland’s Jim Grant
Ammoland’s Jim Grant did a very thorough review of SIG’s P322 rimfire pistol. Grant shot hundreds of rounds both with and without a suppressor. He concluded that the P322 was extremely reliable and fun to shoot: “SIG P322 Verdict — Is the SIG P322 worth a buy? Abso-freaking-lutely yes. The P322 ships with two mags, a threaded barrel, two triggers, and an optic cut. That is an already impressive package but add… that the gun is literally peerless in terms of reliability and you have a recipe for total market dominance. What’s even better is that the gun has a MAP of $399.” CLICK HERE for full review on Ammoland.com.
In this video series host Sean Utley covers many gear-related topics including rifle configuration, scope selection, chambering choices, ammunition options, bipods/tripods, and chronographs. In addition, the series covers training methods, bullet ballistics, wind reading, and rifle handling.
Most of this is pretty basic stuff, but it can be helpful for newcomers to long range shooting. For example, Season 3 Episode 1 covers rifle set-up and fitting, so you can set LOP, cheek height, and scope position optimally. And Season 1 Episode 4 covers chambering choices such as 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester.
Season 1, Episode 5: Anatomy of Bullet Flight
This is a cool video that shows ballistics testing at the Barnes Bullets underground testing lab. The video also includes interesting 3D animations showing how bullets run through a barrel and then fly down-range.
Season 1, Episode 6: Critical Equipment for Long Range Shooting
If you’re getting started in Long Range Precision Shooting, this video is worth watching. The video covers key equipment for long range shooting, including LabRadar chronograph, tripods, spotting scope, and mobile Ballistics Apps.
Season 1, Episode 1: Anatomy of a Long Range Precision Rifle
Season 3, Episode 1: Gun Fitting
Season 2, Episode 6: Choosing the Right Optic
Season 1, Episode 3: Mechanics of Long Range Shooting
Season 1, Episode 4: Best Calibers for Long Range Shooting
Watch All 17 Long Range Precision Videos
Along with the seven videos linked above, ten other Long Range Precision videos can be watched via the Ballistic Magazine Video Archive. And if you are interested in learning how Doppler Radar is used to develop bullet designs, we recommend Episode 7 from Season 2. This 7-minute video covers the latest technology in ballistics radar. CLICK HERE to watch video.
Pandemic: Zombies in the Heartland
