Field & Stream magazine recently released a helpful guide to new ammunition offerings as seen at SHOT Show 2022. The article features 21 different new ammo types for pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Many of the new ammo types, such as Hornady CX and CCI Blazer, feature lead-free projectiles. The Blazer even employs lead-free primers. Among the most notable new ammo selections is the Berger line, which features high-BC projectiles and superb Lapua brass. New for 2022 is Berger 6.5 PRC and .300 PRC ammunition. Here are our selection of four notable, new-for-2022 Ammo products for rifle shooters. SEE all 21 new ammo types on Fieldandstream.com.
Berger 6.5 PRC and .300 PRC Hunting Ammo
Berger has added the 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC cartridges to its loaded ammo line which features great Lapua brass. The 6.5 load features the heavy 156gr Berger Elite Hunter bullet running at 2960 FPS. This bullet boast a very high G1 ballistic coefficient (BC) of 0.679. Packing even more powder, Berger’s .300 PRC load features the 0.631 BC Berger Elite Hunter bullet. Tested muzzle velocity is 2895 FPS.
Hornady Hunting Ammo with Solid Copper CX Bullets
For 2022, Hornady has introduced a new CX™ (Copper alloy eXpanding) hunting projectile. This CX bullet is designed to provide outstanding performance when hunting in areas where solid lead or lead-core bullets are prohibited. Hornady states: “The new CX™ bullet from Hornady represents the most advanced monolithic hunting bullet on the market. Its optimized design offers extended range performance, greater accuracy, high weight retention, and deep penetration.” The CX will be available in a number of calibers/bullet weights: 6mm, .25 Cal, 6.5mm, .270 Cal, 7mm, .308, .338, and .375.
Norma .22 LR Rimfire Ammo — Three New Offerings
Norma announced three new .22 LR rimfire ammo types to be released in 2022: Xtreme LR-22, ECO Power 22, and Hunter Power 22. The Xtreme LR-22 should prove popular in the growing long-range rimfire PRS/NRL disciplines. The LR-22 offers higher BC for better long-range performance. The new ECO Power 22 has a lead-free zinc hollowpoint bullet traveling at a very fast 1700 FPS — on the high end for any .22 LR on the market. Norma’s Hunter Power 22 features a 40gr bullet designed for controlled expansion. This Power 22 ammo runs at 1260 fps with 142 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.
Winchester New Lead-Free Copper Impact Hunting Ammo
Winchester’s new Copper Impact hunting ammunition features a tipped high-BC bullet. Winchester states that the Extreme Point helps create “immediate expansion”. Field and Stream’ reviewer states that “All this, combined with a lead-free bullet that will retain most of its weight, makes for a deep-penetrating big-game stopper[.]” Winchester’s new Copper Impact ammunition for over 12 different cartridge types, including the 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.8 Western, .308 Win, and even the .350 Legend.
Ammunition News — Ammo Inc. Acquires Gunbroker, Builds Wisconsin Ammo Factory
In this interview, Mark Hanish (Pres., Global Sales & Marketing) of Ammo Inc. (Nasdaq: POWW) talks about his company. This enterprise is making significant moves in the firearms/shooting sports industry. Hanish discusses Ammo, Inc’s modern new 160,000-sq.ft. ammunition manufacturing plant in Manitowac, WI, and the company’s 2021 acquisition of GunBroker.com. Through a $240 million merger in May 2021, GunBroker.com officially become an Ammo Inc. subsidiary.
Today is the final day of SHOT Show 2022. So we’re providing another FREE digital magazine covering many new products at the Show. Here is the digital version of the SHOT Daily print magazine provided to SHOT Show attendees. You can navigate page by page with the left/right white arrows in the gray box below. To quickly scan through the entire 60-page digital magazine, use the slide bar. When you find content you want to read, use the zoom control or click the FULL SCREEN brackets icon at lower right.
SHOT Daily Day 4 — 1/21/2022
CLICK Full Screen (brackets) icon at lower right of gray box to read.
There are two big feature articles you’ll want to read in this SHOT Daily Day 4 edition. On page 24 you’ll find a comprehensive guide to gun and shooting accessories from many manufacturers. This includes bipods, holsters, muzzle brakes, carry packs, hunting cams, eyewear and more. Then, on page 46 you’ll find a guide to Concealed Carry Gear. That includes multiple new holsters, belts, security kits, sights, lights and lasers. If you have a CCW or are considering getting a carry license, check out that article.
IMPORTANT: To read either story, click the full screen (brackets) icon in the gray box above and then zoom to the start page (page 24 for Shooting Accessories, page 46 for Concealed Carry Gear).
SHOT Show is one of the biggest trade shows of the year among ALL industries. This year there are thousands of exhibitors spread out over two exhibit halls the combined size of 14 football fields! Thankfully a number of YouTubers have been working hard, finding interesting new products in the miles of aisles. Today we feature some notable videos from SHOT Show 2022. The first video in our showcase comes from Backfire, a popular gun-centric YouTube Channel with 358K subscribers. This video spotlights numerous new rifles, pistols, shotguns, and optics. Then we feature other videos covering new pistols, ELR shooting, suppressors, and knives.
Notable New Products Revealed Including New-for-2022 Firearms
Browning’s new X-Bolt Target Max rifles were impressive. The actions are thicker and stiffer and a new DLX (double lever) trigger is fitted which adjusts down to two pounds. See discussion at 1:34 in video.
Backfire, a popular YouTube Channel with 357K subscribers) has done a very comprehensive, 16-minute run-down of many interesting products at SHOT Show including chassis systems, new cartridges, optics, and 17 new-for-2022 rifles. The host also declared “the coolest thing I’ve seen wasn’t a rifle at all — it’s a new cartridge [8.6 Blackout]”. This video covers a LOT of ground, so we’ve provided a time-marked index with the notable highlights. You can use the video slide bar to navigate back and forth:
1. Canik Arms (0:40): TP9 SFX Rival competition pistol. 2. Browning Rifles (1:34): New X-Bolt Target beefed up action with 2-lb trigger; Speedline rifles with new camo finish and suppressor-ready muzzle threads. 3. Kriss (3:36): New DMK 22P AR-type Pistol. 4. Palmetto State Armory (3:46): New 5.7mm pistols with 23rd capacity. 5. Nemo (4:24): Deluxe over-under imported shotguns 6. Backfire Channel (4:58): 8.6 Blackout cartridge discussion — new .338 Caliber with 1:3″ twist. Optimized for short-barreled rifles (Faxon Barrels, Gorilla Ammunition). 7. Taurus (7:38): TX-22 SCR (“Steel Competition Ready”) compensated rimfire pistol and new G3X 9mm. 8. Zeiss Sports Optics (9:48): New LRP S5 First Focal Plane Scopes, 3-18x50mm and 5-26x56mm. 9. Bergara (10:36): Divide Rifle with carbon stock/carbon-wrapped barrel, Also MGLite carbon rifles. 10. Rokman (13:02): Lightweight Packs with carbon fiber “CORE-Flex” construction. 11. Gorilla Ammunition (13:30): New 8.6 Blackout Ammunition for AR10s and bolt-guns. 12. Daniel Defense (13:50): New PRO Chassis for Rem 700 Clone actions. 13. Christensen Arms (14:48): Modern Hunting Rifle with modular stock. 14. KRG stocks (15:34): New KRG C4 metal alloy chassis for PRS/NRL comps.
New 8.6 Blackout Cartridge with 1:3″-Twist Barrels The new 8.6 Blackout “is a 6.5 Creedmoor shortened case, blown out for a .338 bullet. For supersonic… between 150 and 160 grains. Out of a 12″ barrel, we’ll be able to get somewhere close to 2400 FPS with that. We’ll have subsonic up to about 360 grains. A Barnes 210-grain bullet [is] about 2,000 feet per second out of a 12″ barrel.”– Q’s Kevin Brittingham It is claimed that there is more energy on target than with a .308 Win, even with a very short barrel
The cartridge inventors are running a very radical 1:3″ twist rate. Yep you read that right — one in three. According to Kevin B: “Fast twist … gives you several things. The first being better accuracy because when the bullet is long and slow, you need to spin it faster. For expanding subsonic bullets, it has more reliable expansion at lower velocities, which is great for hunting with subsonic [ammunition]. This is going to be the first subsonic, sub-MOA cartridge, and that’s due to the fast twist.”
Hi-Power Returns — FN Brings Back the Browning Hi-Power
TFB TV visited the FN Herstal booth to see the reintroduction of the legendary Hi-Power, first manufactured by FN in Europe. While the Hi-Power is a traditional, revered gun, FN has made a few tweaks to the new-for-2022 model to bring it up to date. This release is interesting given that just last month Springfield Armory released its own updated Hi-Power clone, the SA-35, which won the NRA’s American RiflemanHandgun of the Year award. STORY HERE.
So which is better — the modernized American-made SA-35, or FN’s version of the classic Hi-Power? Time will tell as the market decides. We like some of the features of the SA-35 but prefer the fit and finish of the FN.
Video of ELR Shooting at Raton in New Mexico
The SHOT Show TV video below has a great sequence from Cutting Edge Bullets with big-bore rifles shooting at extreme long range in Raton, NM and elsewhere. This is a nice intro to ELR shooting. Look carefully and you can see advanced optics, Doppler Radar, and other high-tech gear.
NOTE: The ELR sequence in the video below starts at 23:48 mark, but if you click the center arrow start button the video should start at 23:48:
How to Order a Suppressor the Easy Way — E-Filing
Are you considering getting a suppressor this year? There are important Federal regulations regarding suppressors, because they are considered a Class III device. You may also want to consider having the suppressor owned by a trust. The process of getting a suppressor is covered in this helpful video. It explains Federal rules and how to e-File your application through the Silencer Shop.
New Knives at SHOT Show — Reviews by Knife Center
Despite the name, SHOT Show isn’t all about guns and shooting. There are also many knife vendors displaying their wares at the big trade show. Here are two videos from the Knife Center, showing new knives from Spyderco, and Artisan/CRJB.
SHOT Show 2022 continues in Las Vegas. Attendance is down compared to years past, but there are still many innovative products on display in the “miles of aisles”. This year’s SHOT Show encompasses two facilities — the Venetian Expo AND the new Caesars Forum. Combined, these facilities provide over 800,000 square feet of exhibit space. The two trade show halls are connected by a new elevated walking bridge.
New Rifle Systems
There were some interesting new bolt-action chassis rifles for the PRS/NRL crowd, along with some impressive, high-end hunting rifles on display, such as the eye-catching Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR). In addition there were quite a few new rimfire rifles. With the increasing cost of components, and the difficulty of finding primers and powder, many riflemen are shooting more rimfire than ever before.
Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR)
The Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR) features an interesting multi-piece, modular stock with a metal center section and composite fore-arm and buttstock sections. The barrel is carbon-wrapped. The MHR’s modular design lets the customer select from a variety of different forearm and butt section components. That allows you to configure the rifle for field carry or long-range work from prone.
Aero Precision Bolt-Action Rifle with Barrel Nut
At SHOT Shot 2022, Aero Precision displayed its new bolt-action rifle. This features a 3-lug (60-degree throw) bolt with three interchangeable bolt face sizes (standard, medium, magnum). Notably the rifle features a Savage-style barrel nut so pre-fit barrels can be used. The rifle has a metal chassis with modular fore-arm, extended forward bipod mount, quick-adjust length of pull, and rear bag-rider keel.
Rock Island TM22 — AR Style .22LR Semi-Auto Rimfire
Rock Island Armory’s new TM22 Rifle employs AR-type design and construction, being made from 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum. It also has a AR-type grip and an M-LOK capable fore-end that can accept a wide variety of accessories. The TM22 is available in both 20″ barrel (TM22-A20) and 18″ barrel (TM22-A18) versions. The TM22 ships with a 10-round magazine, but aftermarket 15- and 25-round mags are available. In the video below, the GunsAmerica Digest team tests the TM22 at the Industry Day at the Range earlier this week.
Timbercreek Outdoors Colorful AR Platform Build Kits
Tired of that boring black rifle? Would you like your AR-platform rifle to stand out from the pack? Then consider bolting on some bright-colored components from Timbercreek Outdoors. This Oregon-based company offers build kits with handguards, grips, buffer tubes, and other components in a variety of eye-catching colors — red, orange, purple, green, blue… you name it. If you like bright-colored rifles, this is your solution.
Notable Handguns — Semi-Autos, Revolvers, and a Bolt-Action
There were scores of handguns on display at SHOT Show. There was certainly an emphasis on small carry pistols, even at the Smith & Wesson booth. Gun sales have been at record levels in the past couple of years, as more states are authorizing concealed carry. Accordingly the gun-makers are providing new pistols suited for everyday carry.
SIG Sauer P365 in Rose Gold Plate with Jewells
To learn more about this gold-plated pistol, watch SHOT Show TV video starting at 4:16 time-Mark.
There was a stunning SIG Sauer P365 pistol on display at SHOT Show 2022. This little carry pistol had a stunning 18-carat Rose Gold finish with dozens of diamonds embedded in the slide. This sets a new standard for Carry Pistol Bling. This one-of-a-kind handgun was created by the Seattle Engraving Center.
The P365 is a very popular carry gun that is very thin with good ergonomics. SIG Sauer claims the P365 series is now “America’s #1 Selling Handgun”. Multiple P365 models are currently offered including: P365X, P365 SAS with flush sights, the P365 Nitron Micro-Compact, the P365 Romeo Zero with integrated Red Dot, and the P365 XL with longer slide and barrel.
Savage 110 PCS Bolt-Action Pistol
The new Savage Arms 110 PCS bolt-action pistol features a Savage model 110 blueprinted action secured in a one-piece aluminum chassis from Modular Driven Technologies (MDT). The 110 PCS features a 10.5″ barrel, a user-adjustable AccuTrigger (2.5-6 lbs.), and AICS-style detachable box magazine. There are five chamberings: .223 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 AAC Blackout, .308 Winchester, and .350 Legend.
.44 Auto Mag — Beautiful Stainless Semi-Auto with Power
The .44 Auto Mag semi-auto pistol is literally a “blast from the past”. First released decades ago, this is the latest version of a handsome, powerful handgun. In this video, TFB’s testers try out the legendary .44 Magnum Auto Mag pistol at Industry Day at the Range. Other gun journalists at the event who tested this latest Auto Mag gave very favorable reviews. And we think it is one handsome pistol. In a world of polymer pistols, we love the all-stainless steel construction.
Korth .357 Mag Revolver from Nighthawk Customs
Korth revolvers are produced in Germany and distributed in the USA through Nighthawk Custom. For 2021 Nighthawk is offering the spectacular Korth Heritage Edition in .357 Magnum. This six-shot double-action wheelgun features an heirloom-quality color case-hardened and charcoal-blued finish by Turnbull. The 5.25″ precision cold-forged barrel is chambered in Korth’s traditional .357 Magnum. The trigger has been highly polished with a roller trigger system for single- and double-action shooting. A fully adjustable rear sight pairs with an 18k gold bead front sight. The grips have been carved from figured Turkish walnut.
After Monday’s Media Day at the Range, Tuesday, January 18, 2022 is the official opening of SHOT Show 2022. This is an important “return to normalcy” as SHOT Show 2021 was cancelled due to COVID. While some large companies such as Ruger and SIG Sauer have pulled out of the Show, it will still be a huge event, with over 800,000 square feet of exhibits — an area the size of 14 football fields. Over 50,000 persons are expected to attend the event, which runs through Friday, January 21, 2022.
Download FREE SHOT Show Mobile App
The 2022 SHOT Show Mobile App provides part of the SHOT Show experience even if you can’t be there in Las Vegas. The SHOT Show Mobile App provides SHOT Show video feeds, product-information downloads, real-time show announcements, interactive floor maps, and more. The Mobile App is available for IOS and Android devices, with smartphone and tablet versions. You can also access many of the App’s features from a desktop computer with this WEB LINK to the SHOT Show Desktop Site.
CZ 600 Series Rifles: Range, Alpha, Lux, Ergo, Trail
CZ recently introduced the new CZ 600 line of centerfire rifles. The series includes four unique models, with a variety of stock types, barrel profiles, action lengths, and chamberings. User-friendly CZ 600 features include 60-degree bolt throw, adjustable triggers, and the ability to swap barrels/chamberings using optional conversion kits. The CZ 600 Series includes four brand new models: Alpha, Lux, Trail, and Range.* These are designed for accuracy, modularity, and smooth cycling. Expect CZ 600s at dealers in early 2022.
Controlled-Feed Action with 60° Throw: CZ 600 Rifles have a 60-degree bolt throw. This cycles faster than a 90-degree bolt, with more clearance between bolt and optic, allowing for larger scopes. All CZ 600 models boast an oversized bolt knob for improved control with gloved hands. And the actions have controlled-round-feed. The 2-position safety allows bolt cycling with the safety engaged.
Bergara Premier MGLite Rifle with Carbon-Wrapped Barrel
This new lightweight chassis rifle, was just revealed by Bergara North America. This 6.8-lb rig features a lightweight suppressor-ready carbon wrapped barrel in a modern alloy/composite chassis. Our friend Gavin Gear got his hands on a 6.5 Creedmoor Bergara’s NEW MGLite rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. Gavin was impressed. The rifle shot half-inch 3-shot groups with Hornady factory ammo. The bore looked good and the trigger broke at a crisp 3 pounds. Get more details on UltimateReloader.com:
Featuring CURE Carbon barrel technology, this is a step forward for Spanish gun-maker Bergara, though we were a bit shocked at the $3229.00 MSRP. You can buy a very nice custom rifle for that much money.
Nosler Model 21 with Carbon Composite Stock
Nosler’s new Model 21 rifle boasts a crisp, single-stage TriggerTech Field model trigger, with user-adjustable pull weight of 2.5–5 lbs. and top safety. The new Model 21 features a hand-lapped Shilen match-grade barrel with a threaded muzzle. The stock is a synthetic carbon-fiber composite model that is lightweight yet durable. The Model 21 features a spiral-fluted, one-piece, 4340 chromoly steel bolt that is Nitride-coated for smooth operation and corrosion resistance. The Model 21 is available chambered in 22 Nosler, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 26 Nosler, 27 Nosler, 280 Ackley Improved, 28 Nosler, .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, 30 Nosler, 33 Nosler and .375 H&H. With its light weight (under 7 lbs. without optics), Nosler’s new Model 21 should be popular with hunters.
Huskemaw — Dial Elevation AND Windage from Same Turret
An interesting riflescope was on display during Media Day at the Range on Monday. This 5-20x50mm Huskemaw Blue Diamond scope offers the ability to dial BOTH windage and elevation from the same central turret. Huskemaw says this is a patented feature which makes their optics unique. We can see that the central windage control offers some advantages in the field, and left-handed shooters will certainly appreciate the central control.
Edgewood Bags — Twisted Gator Bag
Edgewood offers an innovative rear bag with a unique design that provides arm/hand support. The new Edgewood Twisted Gater Bag has an unusual asymmetrical footprint. This provides support for the shooter while still providing superb rear support for your bench rifles. Bag owner Richard L. posted on Facebook: “I called Edgewood and explained what was going on with my current set up. When I said I used a pad for my hand support this bag made the most sense. Really only a few dollars more.” The Twisted Gator is $250.00 with a choice of Cordura or 3M Slick Ear fabrics. Standard ear spacing options are 3/16″, 3/8″, and 3/4″.
Hornady CX Copper Alloy Lead-Free Bullet
For 2022, Hornady has introduced a new CX™ (Copper alloy eXpanding) hunting projectile. This CX bullet is designed to provide outstanding performance when hunting in areas where solid lead or lead-core bullets are prohibited. Hornady states: “The new CX™ bullet from Hornady represents the most advanced monolithic hunting bullet on the market. Its optimized design offers extended range performance, greater accuracy, high weight retention, and deep penetration.” The CX will be available in a number of calibers/bullet weights: 6mm, .25 Cal, 6.5mm, .270 Cal, 7mm, .308, .338, and .375.
RCBS Electronic Powder Scale/Dispensers — ChargeMaster Link and Supreme
On display at RCBS are the latest generation ChargeMaster™ Link and ChargeMaster Supreme. The new Link is built off the rock-solid load cell and electronics found in the popular RCBS ChargeMaster Lite, but now offers best-in-class Bluetooth® technology to make reloading easier than ever. The ChargeMaster Supreme also features Bluetooth as well as “Learning Mode” which uses feedback loop algorithms and automatic adjustments to throw accurate charges faster than ever.
DECKED Piecekeeper Firearm Storage Racks for Vehicles
Piecekeepers securely transport firearms in a DECKED vehicle drawer system. Designed for traditional rifles and shotguns, these are available in two sizes, with three slots (as shown) or two slot for the narrow DECKED drawer sets. The WIDE Piecekeepers are compatible with ALL full-size truck and cargo van drawers. Both versions contact a pair of brackets and cost $75.00.
CCI — Polymer-Coated .22 LR and Lead-free Blazer 9mm Ammo
CCI has introduced new reduced lead rimfire and centerfire ammo. For .22 LR shooters, the CCI Clean-22 Realtree bottles hold 400 rounds of polymer-coated bullets. The polymer coating reduces copper and lead fouling in the barrel, and cuts lead buildup in suppressors 60-80 percent. Handgun owners will appreciate CCI’s new Blazer Brass Lead-Free Clean-Fire Ammo. The bullets contain no lead and the primers are even lead-free. The lead-free Clean-Fire primer and flat-nose, lead-free projectiles are as safe and accurate as traditional FMJ bullets. This way you can train indoors or outdoors without leaving any lead behind on the range or in the air.
Action Target — New Technologies for Indoor Ranges
At SHOT Show Both #12816, Action Target is showcasing some impressive high-tech range equipment, including advanced target retrievers and new Shooting Stalls. The Citadel stalls feature floor-to-ceiling LED lighting and customizable bold materials. This works with Action Target’s smart range AXIS system providing advanced computerized control over lighting levels, color, and target retriever settings.
HunterShield Legal Protection Plan for Hunters (from U.S. LawShield)
U.S. LawShield’s new HunterShield program supplements U.S. LawShield’s regular legal defense coverage. Starting at $13.90 per month, the HunterShield add-on protection features a network of attorneys knowledgeable about wildlife laws throughout the nation. U.S. LawShield’s CEO, P.J. Hermosa, notes: “HunterShield recognizes the fine print, red tape, and confusion surrounding wildlife laws. Even the most experienced hunters and anglers find themselves at risk of unintentionally breaking the law. Without proper legal defense, a violation could cost you more than just time and money. It could cost your rights to ever hunt and fish again.” The U.S. LawShield core plan provides coverage for all legal firearms.
Here is the Capstone booth on Monday evening — nearly ready for the big opening Tuesday morning. We will have reports on new products from Lapua, Berger Bullets, Vihtavuori, and SK. Stay tuned!
Stub Gauge — Useful Device
Forum member Rich DeSimone uses a handy “Stub Gauge” for setting shoulder “bump” and seating depth. The gauge is made from a section of barrel lopped off when the muzzle is crowned. The chambering reamer is run in about 1/4 of the way, enough to capture the neck and shoulder area of the case. Rich then uses his full-length die to “bump” a master case with the ideal amount of headspace for easy feeding and extraction. He takes that case and sets it in this Stub Gauge, and measures from the front of the gauge to the rim. He can then quickly compare any fired case to a his “master” case with optimal headspace. Since the gauge measures off the shoulder datum, this tells him how much to bump his fired brass.
In addition, the Stub Gauge can be used to set bullet seating-depth. Rich has a channel cut transversely on one side of the gauge, exposing the throat area. Since the interior of the gauge is identical to the chamber in his gun, this lets him see where a seated bullet engages the rifling. He can tinker with bullet seating length until he gets just the right amount of land contact on the bullet, confirmed visually. Then he measures the case OAL and sets his seating dies accordingly. This is much handier than using a Hornady Tool to measure distance to the lands.
But what happens when the throat wears and moves out on your live barrel — making the actual length to lands different (slightly longer) than before. Well, the stub gauge is still valuable as a known starting point. As your barrel’s throat wears, you may seat your bullets out further to “chase the lands”, but the gauge provides a constant land engagement point, in the barrel’s “as new” condition. By measuring the difference between the land contact point on the gauge and the actual contact point on your barrel, you can determine throat “migration”.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Graf’s — Peterson Brass and Loaded Ammo
⏺ New loaded ammo offering and excellent cartridge brass
Accurate loads start with high-quality brass. American-made Peterson Brass is VERY high-quality. It’s extremely uniform and long-lasting. Right now you can get a large selection of Peterson cartridge brass at Grafs.com. Peterson offers both popular as well as hard-to-find brass types. Along with the match-grade brass, Peterson now offers excellent loaded ammo for many cartridge types, including 6×47 Lapua, 6.5-284 Norma, and .308 Win.
2. Amazon — Frankford Universal Case Trimmer, $79.99
⏺ Smart system fits drills and trims nearly all popular rifle case types
Here is a good option for trimming cases, if you shoot many different cartridge types. Frankford Arsenal Universal Precision Case Trimmer handled most popular cartridges from .17 Rem all the way up to .460 Weatherby. Just choose the right collet then attached the unit to the end of your power drill for fast, easy trimming. The built-in depth micrometer allows for fast trim-length adjustments, and the brass-shaving ejection port ensures a clean trim. The universal collet system indexes on case shoulders for precise and consistent trimming. This trimming system works with just about any 1/2″ power drill.
3. Sportsman’s WHSE — Sig Sauer P365XL Package, $549.99
⏺ Most popular new SIG pistol with holster and 3 mags
SIG Sauer P365 pistols are a fine choice for a carry gun — they are slim, well-made, and accurate. And right now Sportsman’s Warehouse has a great SIG Sauer P365XL package on sale. The P365 series now ranks second among Gunbroker’s top-selling handguns of 2021. Given the proven reliability, small form factor, and class-leading accuracy, the SIG P365XL is very popular. With an attractive price, PLUS 3 magazines and a molded belt holster, this is a good pistol package deal.
4. Bullet Central — Micron Dies In Stock
⏺ Superb quality dies can produce match-grade ammo
If you’re in the market for a new sizing die and want a premium die with superb tolerances and excellent internal finish, consider Micron Precision Series Sizer Dies. These are some of the straightest, best-crafted dies you can find. Each die blank is caliber-specific in length. JGS resize reamers are used to chamber the dies which are hand-polished and inspected before surface treatment. These Micron Sizers boast sub-0.0002″ runout from OD to bushing pocket and die chamber. All dies come with a bushing retainer cap for full neck sizing.
5. Precision Reloading — Hornady Auto Charge Pro, $299.99
⏺ Save over $70 on advanced powder scale/dispenser
A good electronic scale/dispenser is a vital tool for precision handloading. Right now you can get the high-tech Hornady Auto Charge Pro at significant savings. The Auto Charge Pro is precise to within +/- 0.1 grain, and offers customizable trickle speeds and custom time settings. This machine has its display screen on top so the unit takes up less space on your loading bench. This is an excellent deal — the Auto Charge Pro sells for up to $380 elsewhere (e.g. $373.99 at MidwayUSA).
6. Natchez — Frankford Quick-N-Easy Case Tumbler Kit, $79.99
⏺ We’ve used this Combo Kit for many seasons — very good value right now
Keeping your brass clean is important (and essential if you anneal). If you’re looking for a new, affordable setup to clean cartridge brass, consider the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler Master Kit. You get everything needed to dry-tumble your brass and remove the media. This is all available now for a very low $79.99. You could pay that much for a good vibratory tumbler alone, yet this combo kit includes tumbler, media separator, bucket, brass polish, and media.
7. Amazon — Real Avid Torque Wrench, $70.79
⏺ Essential tool for mounting scope rings, rails, and accessories
Every serious gun owner should have a good tool to properly set torque values for scope mounts and other accessories. Here’s a good product at an attractive price. The Real Avid torque wrench kit includes a torque wrench, 12 common bits/drivers, a force lever, and a hard case. The adjustable torque wrench adjusts from 10-70 inch-pounds with precise one-lb increments. The special “force assist driver” increases torque power when needed to tighten screws and fasteners.
8. Amazon — Tipton Action Cleaning Kit, $11.99
⏺ Get inside of actions clean with inexpensive kit
Everyone knows to clean your barrel but do you know that cleaning your action and lug recesses is equally important? Pick up the Tipton Action Cleaning Kit and you’ll be able to get into every nook and cranny of your gun. With a rod that accepts standard 8/32 brushes and tips as well as a specially-designed lug recess tool that uses cotton rolls to get the gunk out of there you’ll be clean in no time.
9. Amazon — Caldwell Pivot Bipod, $38.39
⏺ Good basic bipod with legs that can swivel around center axis
For both prone shooting and bench work, a good bipod is a vital accessory. The Caldwell Pivot Bipod provides a stable shooting support that conveniently attaches via a sling swivel stud. The legs can spring out to the shooting position with the touch of a button, and height is easily adjusted via leg notches. The bipod is able to cant 18 degrees left or right around the center axis (essentially rotating left or right). This allows your firearm to be quickly leveled on uneven ground.
⏺ Quality name-brand shooting eyewear — buy multiples at this price
Every shooter needs eye protection EVERY TIME you go to the shooting range. Right now Midsouth has the good Radians clear lens Outback Shooting Glasses for just $5.88. These ANSI Z87.1 Radians Shooting Glasses provide 99.9% UVA/UVB protection with the coated lenses. These offer excellent wrap-around protection and are fairly light and comfortable. A handy neck cord is included. With this low $5.88 price, you can buy 3 or 4 sets and keep spares in your vehicles, so you always have protective eyewear for yourself and your friends.
For today’s Sunday GunDay story, we look at the legendary Remington 700, perhaps the most popular American bolt-action rifle of all time. After covering the history of the Rem 700 rifle, we provide an inside look at the Rem 700 through a series of cutaway animations. Then we explain how gunsmiths can enhance a Remington 700 action through “blueprinting” procedures.
Remington 700 Origins and History
After World War II, Remington Arms engineer Mike Walker began designing lower-cost alternatives to the Model 30, which resulted in the Model 721. These used a cylindrical receiver produced from cylindrical bar stock that could be turned on a lathe, rather than machined in a series of milling operations, which significantly reduced the cost of production. Further developments of the basic 721 action under the direction of Walker produced the Model 722 and Model 725, and ultimately in 1962, the Model 700.
Walker sought to increase the accuracy of the rifles, by utilizing tight tolerances in the chamber and bore, a short leade, and a very fast lock time. Like the earlier 721, the Remington 700 action was designed for mass production. Remington initially produced two variants of the Model 700, the ADL and BDL, in both long- and short-action versions. In 1969, Remington introduced upgrades for the rifle, including a longer rear bolt shroud, a jeweled bolt, and improved stock finishing. Four years later, production of left-handed Rem 700s began, to compete with the Savage Model 110, at that time the only major American-made left-bolt rifle.
Other Rem 700 versions include the titanium receiver 700ti, the 700 SPS (which replaced the ADL in 2005), and the CDL model. In addition to its development as a hunting rifle, the Model 700 also provided the basis for military and police sniper rifles, starting with the M40 rifle in 1966, which was initially ordered by the U.S. Marine Corps. The U.S. Army adopted the M24 Sniper Weapon System in 1986.
The Remington 700 is sold in both short action and long action variants. This photo is from the Big ED YouTube video comparing the two action lengths.
The Remington 700 is a manually-operated bolt action with two forward dual-opposed lugs. The bolt face is recessed, fully enclosing the base of the cartridge, The extractor is a C-clip sitting within the bolt face. The ejector is a plunger on the bolt face actuated by a coil spring. The bolt is of 3-piece construction, brazed together (head, body and bolt handle). The receiver is milled from round cross-section steel.
Chassis Systems for Remington 700s
With the popularity of the Remington 700 series rifles, and the availability of Rem 700 barreled actions by themselves, many companies have created after-market chassis systems. This Brownells Video reviews modern Accuracy Int’l chassis systems configured for Remington 700 barreled actions. Modular chassis systems have become particularly popular with PRS/NRL competitors.
Rem 700 Cutaway Video Shows Components + Operation
Ever wish you could look inside your rifle, to see how the trigger and fire-control system work? Well now that is possible with the magic of 3D computer graphics. Modern software allows detailed “cutaway” side-views (see below), as well as 3D views with 360° rotation. The software can also provide X-Ray-type views into the gun’s internals — as you can see above. And computer animation can show the complete firing process from trigger pull to chambering of the next round.
READERS — Do take the time to watch the video! This Rem 700 animation is really outstanding! EVERY bolt-action shooter should watch this video all the way through.
The Model 700 series of bolt-action rifles have been manufactured by Remington Arms since 1962. All are based on basically the same centerfire bolt action. They are typically sold with an internal magazine depending on caliber, some of which have a floor-plate for quick-unloading, and some of which are “blind” (no floor-plate). The Model 700 is a development of the Remington 721 and 722 series of rifles, which were introduced in 1948.
The Remington 700 is a manually-operated bolt action with forward, dual opposed lugs. It features “Cock On Opening”, meaning the upward rotation of the bolt when the rifle is opened cocks the firing pin. A cam mechanism pushes the firing pin’s cocking piece backward. The bolt face is recessed, fully enclosing the base of the cartridge. The extractor is a C-clip sitting within the bolt face. The ejector is a plunger on the bolt face actuated by a coil spring. The bolt is of 3-piece construction, brazed together (head, body. and bolt handle). The receiver is milled from round cross-section steel.
Blueprinting Rem 700 Action — Making a Good Action Better
You may have heard the phrase “blueprinting an action”, but do you know what that really means? Do you know what operations are done to an action during the blueprinting process? To help you understand, gunsmith Bill Marr of RifleShooter.com has created a helpful article showing a Rem 700 blueprinting job start to finish. This article spotlights how the procedures can be done with manual tools. Bill, who runs 782 Custom Gunworks Ltd., can also perform many of these operations with modern automated machinery. In fact, Bill has written a follow-up article on Truing a Rem 700 receiver with a Lathe.
Bill explains: “Blue-printing, or truing a rifle action, ensures the receiver face, threads, lugs, bolt lugs, and bolt face are square to the center line of the receiver.” In Bill’s informative article, Bill shows how he blueprints a Remington 700 short action receiver with .308 Win bolt face. He covers the following procedures step by step:
Action Disassembly
Ream Minor Diameter of Receiver Threads
Square the Receiver Lugs
Square the Face of the Receiver
Lap the Bolt Lugs
Square the Bolt Face
Using the receiver facing tool, the front of the receiver is trued. The tool is placed over the tap and turned by hand. We used Do Drill to lubricate it.
2. Lapping the Lugs
The bolt lapping tool screws into the front of the action and applies rearward pressure on the bolt face. A little bit of lapping compound is placed on the front of the receiver lugs. The bolt handle is then raised and lowered repeatedly. Note — it is critical that we do not get any lapping compound on any other surfaces.
3. Truing the Bolt Face
On this bolt, the central part of the bolt face was low. After the truing operation, this Rem 700 bolt face is now completely square to the action.
IMPORTANT: Rifleshooter.com states: “This article highlights our project and is presented for information purposes only. This provides an overview of the process and should not be attempted without the guidance and supervision of an experienced gunsmith“.
If you like the idea of a Blueprinted action, but do not have a good gunsmith nearby (or don’t want to wait many weeks), you can order high-grade blueprinted Remington 700 actions from Pacific Tool & Gauge starting at $637.99 (see above).
This new mobile App helps shooters make the right wind hold and/or dial the correct amount of windage.
High Power Wind Lab Mobile App Product Review by F-Class John
When it comes to long range shooting, there are few things that make a bigger difference in hitting your target than being able to accurately adjust for wind angle/velocity changes. While it’s one thing to learn how to read the speed and direction of wind by looking at flags, mirage, or surface conditions, it’s another to know what to do with that information (how much to hold off/correct). Knowing how to process changing wind cycles and determine the right hold-off/correction often takes years or decades of practice to master.
Enter the High Power Wind Lab App which stands out as the only dedicated WSYWIG hold-off calculator on the market. Enter a few simple numbers from your favorite ballistic calculator and you’re ready to make adjustments to the wind direction and power dials, leaving the App to do the rest by telling you what your hold should be and if any additional windage should be added to your scope or sights. So after you input the data, then the App suggests the proper correction(s). Download the Wind Lab App for iPhones/iPads via the Apple App Store. NOTE: Android availability via Google Play is pending.
F-Class John Review of High Power Wind Lab App:
Starting up the App you’ll see a simple menu to start a session. The first field is for naming the session. This is helpful for those who save their strings and want to refer to them later but it’s not a required field. The next field is for choosing your target. The App offers the choice of High Power or F-Class targets at mid-range (600 yards) or long range (800-1000 yards). After picking the appropriate target, input the actual distance at which you’ll be shooting. After that, you’ll have to enter your load data. The next two fields will auto-populate for the date and then the shot list once you are done saving shots. The lower section allows you to change what’s visible on the screen (selecting the features you want to view). You can also choose MOA or MILS (milliradians) click values. For wind velocity values, you can select MPH, kilometers per hour, or meters per second.
High Power Wind Lab iPhone App in horizontal mode.
Once you’re done with the setting page, simply tap “start” to bring up the target display. The App can be used in portrait or landscape mode but for the best user experience I’d recommend using it in landscape. On the target page you’ll see four distinct sections. Along the bottom you’ll see the windage dial where you can add or subtract windage simply by moving it left or right. Above the windage dial, you’ll see wind flags that represent the power and above that the direction dial. On the right is the actual target where you see the bracket of where you should hold for the shot based on the information you put in along with color coded brackets to show you the margin of error. The target section also features a great shot calling feature that allows you to tap where you held, then tap where your actual impact was. These shots can be saved for future reference and the ability to do this really helps while you’re training.
Once you get used to how the wind direction and power inputs work the real power of this App comes to life as you can sit and practice what your calls should be from the comfort of your home. There are countless nights where I’ll sit in bed and spend ten minutes moving the power or direction through strange changes just so I can guess or track what happens and the more you practice with it, the more you’ll feel confident when you see those conditions occur at the range.
App Available Now for Apple and Android Mobile Devices
The High Power Wind Labs App is available now for iOS (Apple) mobile devices and Android devices. At $12.99 this App costs less than twenty 7mm match bullets. You could easily save that much in sighters in a couple range sessions. With its ability to calculate nearly every condition you’d encounter at a match you owe it to yourself to download it and start practicing. This interactive application is an invaluable tool for shooters that want to better understand the affects of wind on bullets over long distances.
High Power Wind Lab Description by Accuracy Software Ltd.
High Power Wind Lab is a visualization tool that helps shooters determine wind value based on observed conditions. The App efficiently calculates the sight correction necessary to hit the center of a target. Use High Power Wind Lab on and off the range to explore scenarios and better understand how wind affects the trajectory of a bullet. By interactively changing the wind velocity and wind angle, the display dynamically updates to show the calculated correction and a visualizes a range of possible outcomes if the shooter misreads the wind conditions. By changing the wind velocity and wind angle, the High Power Wind Lab shows the calculated correction as well as possible outcomes if the wind angle and velocity are misread. This interactive tool is invaluable for exploring the interplay of wind direction and velocity and the tradeoffs you need to make when deciding when to shoot and what correction to put on your gun.
The High Power Wind Lab is also a shot plotting and wind plotting tool that shows how wind conditions have developed over time and what the predominant conditions have been throughout a string of fire. That can be a very powerful “hindsight” tool when analyzing your results in a shooting session.
High Power Wind Lab Key Features Include:
Shot Plotting
Score Calculation
Record Keeping
Tablet Support
True MOA Corrections
Support for Custom Ammunition
Library of commonly-used Midrange and Long Range F-Class and High Power Rifle Targets
Hold-Over Function in High Power Wind Lab
This video, from the creator of the High Power Wind Lab, explains how the Hold-Over feature works. Holding over is commonplace in long range target shooting among those who use scoped rifles. This video demonstrates how to use High Power Wind Lab’s hold-over feature to accurately calculate the needed hold-over when engaging long range targets.
NOTE: If this Hold-Over video is not displaying on your browser, try another browser and/or use this YouTube link: https://youtu.be/WhpyymG15HE
Every month, GunGenius.com publishes a Top Selling Report. This reveals the Best Selling Guns for each category of firearms sold on GunBroker.com. This culminates in a GunGenius year-end report on the Top Selling Firearms of the Year in multiple categories, both new and used. As a special Feature, GunGenius now offers the Top 21 of 2022 for each category. In addition, GunGenius has Top 10 lists for specific types of firearms — rifles, handguns, and shotguns:
Here are the overall listings — the Top 21 among all gun types:
Top 10 Best-Selling Bolt-Action Rifles of 2021
We know most of our readers favor very accurate bolt-action rifles. In 2021, on Gunbroker.com, the Top 10 best-selling bolt-action rifles were, in order:
1. Ruger American Rifle
2. Tikka T3x
3. Savage Arms 10/110
4. Ruger Precision Rifle
5. Ruger Precision Rimfire
6. Bergara B-14
7. CZ-USA 457
8. Savage Arms Axis
9. Ruger American Rimfire
10. Remington 700
This video compares the top-selling Ruger American Rifle with second-ranked Tikka T3x:
The popular CZ 457, ranked #7 overall, is offered in various different configurations, including metal chassis and carbon-stocked versions. Here’s a field test.
CZ-USA 457 Varmint Precision Trainer and Chassis Models
Buying a Handgun? See What Others Choose
Looking to acquire a handgun for personal protection of home and family? There are countless options on the market. Your buying decision may be simplified by seeing what other consumers have chosen, as revealed by nationwide sales trends. You can check firearms sales figures using “Gun Genius”, a new data-crunching service of Gunbroker.com. On GunGenius.com you can select any type of firearm (handgun, rifle, shotgun) and see the top sellers for that category.
Along with pistols and revolvers as shown above, there are separate categories for: semi-auto rifles, bolt-action rifles, lever-action rifles, single-shot rifles, pump rifles, semi-auto shotguns, pump shotguns, over-and-under shotguns and more. You can also filter for sales trends (upwards and downwards). Drill down to see detailed product specifications and current prices.
The new 8.6 Blackout “is a 6.5 Creedmoor shortened case, blown out for a .338 bullet. For supersonic… between 150 and 160 grains. Out of a 12″ barrel, we’ll be able to get somewhere close to 2400 FPS with that. We’ll have subsonic up to about 360 grains. A Barnes 210-grain bullet [is] about 2,000 feet per second out of a 12″ barrel.”– 
The SHOT Show TV video below has a great sequence from Cutting Edge Bullets with big-bore rifles shooting at extreme long range in Raton, NM and elsewhere. This is a nice intro to ELR shooting. Look carefully and you can see advanced optics, Doppler Radar, and other high-tech gear.
Stub Gauge — Useful Device
