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January 12th, 2026

BargainFinder 538: AccurateShooter’s Deals of the Week

AccurateShooter Deals of the Week Weekly Bargain Finder Sale Discount Savings

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.

NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.

Creedmoor Sports — Major Berger Bullet Sale

Berger Bullet Sale
⏺️ » Great savings on high quality Berger match and hunting Bullets

When it comes to competition, Berger Bullets are among the very best with countless wins in PRS, High Power, F-Class, and other disciplines. Berger also makes great varmint and hunting bullets. With the current Berger Sale at Creedmoor Sports you can enjoy major savings on hunting and match bullets in all popular calibers. Save now with this major sale, which includes top benchrest, fullbore, and F-Class bullets.

Graf & Sons — Lyman Ultimate Reloading System, $549.99

lyman ulimate reloading system turret press Gen 6 powder dispenser scale Sale
⏺️ » Complete system with turret press, powder measure, tumbler and more

Here is a truly great combo reloading kit at a fantastic price, just $549.99 at Grafs.com (Save $74!). The Lyman Ultimate Reloading System includes top-of-the-line tools including 8-station Turret Press, Gen 6 Digital Powder System, Universal Case Trimmer, Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler, and everything else needed to turn out high quality rounds fast. Here is a list of everything you get with this Lyman combo kit:

All American 8-Station turret press
Gen 6 Electronic Powder Dispenser/Scale
Universal Case Trimmer
Pro 1200 Turbo® Tumbler
E-ZEE Prime Hand Priming Tool
Case Prep Multi-Tool
Magnum Inertia Bullet Puller
Lyman Reloading Handbook (51st Ed.)
Stainless Steel Calipers
Calibration Check Weight
Universal Loading Block
Quick Slick™ Case Lube
Bench Wrench

NOTE: A similar Lyman combo kit is $845.99 at MidwayUSA — so you can save $296 with this deal!

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As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Gear Review, Hot Deals, Optics No Comments »
January 12th, 2026

Firearm News Marks 80th Year with January 2026 Issue

firearm shotgun new 80th year anniversary edition

Firearms News marks its 80th Anniversary with the release of its January 2026 issue. For eight decades, this magazine, originally “Shotgun News”, has served as a cornerstone for the firearms community. This 80th Annniversary edition is packed with exclusive reviews, historical deep dives, and cutting-edge commentary about modern gun issues. Firearms News is available now at newsstands, including Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and other major book retailers.

“For 80 years, from its beginnings as Shotgun News to its current standing as Firearms News, this publication has been an unwavering voice and an essential resource for the Second Amendment community,” said Vincent L. DeNiro, Editor-in-Chief. “This anniversary issue is more than just a magazine; it’s a testament to our enduring commitment to providing our readers with the most comprehensive reviews, in-depth historical content, and unfiltered industry news. We are immensely proud of this legacy and are excited to continue serving firearms enthusiasts for many years to come.”

To commemorate the publication’s history, Editor-in-Chief Vincent L. DeNiro wrote a special feature, “Happy 80th Anniversary Shotgun News/Firearms News!” This reflects on the magazine’s journey over the last 80 years. In this landmark issue DeNiro also provides an in-depth review of the MKE/Century AP51 pistol, which is based on the HK 51 rifle. In addition to hardware reviews, the January edition has important industry news and legal updates.

Other Feature Stories in the 80th Anniversary Firearms News Print Edition:
Product Showcase: New and exciting gun stuff (for 2026)
The Tokarev TT-12 Pro Shotgun
Springfield Armory Hellcat .380 Pistol
The L34A1 Sterling Suppressed Submachine Gun
Carrying Concealed: Aimpoint’s ACRO Handgun Optic
Through the Looking Glass: Five Reasons to Consider the PVS-14 Night Vision Optic
Remington Goes to War! From the Mexican Revolution to the Global War on Terror
Gemtech Neutron 762 Suppressor by Patrick Sweeney

Firearms News Website Has Tons of FREE Content

Firearms News also has a modern website with hundreds of articles and gun reviews — which you can read for FREE. Here are examples of current features online at www.FirearmNews.com:

firearm shotgun new 80th year anniversary edition

Permalink - Articles, Gear Review, Handguns No Comments »
January 11th, 2026

Sunday GunDay: Impressive F-TR Rifle Built from Varmint Rig

Brandon .223 Rem F-TR Pac-Nor PacNor Varmint Remington VSSF John Pierce Hydro-dip Hydrographics

Yes, as we start 2026, there’s snow on the ground in many parts of the nation. There have been some big snow-storms in the northeast, with very cold weather in many parts of the country.

Rifle Transformed from Ordinary Varmint Rig to a Stunning F-TR Machine
As an antidote to these weather-related worries, for this Sunday GunDay we’re offering a bit of beauty amidst snow — a handsome rifle showcased in a white winter wonderland. This handsome rifle started life as a rather ordinary .204 Ruger Rem VSSF varmint rig. With a new barrel, a new stock, and a stunning flame-pattern hydro-dip coating, this is now an ultra-accurate .223 Rem F-TR competition rifle.

Flames in the Snow…

Forum Member Brandon Schlund (aka “Bois Blanc Boy”), photographed this handsome flame-themed F-TR rifle against the snowy background of Michigan’s Bois Blanc Island. Brandon posted this to our long-running Pride and Joy Rifle Forum thread. He notes: “This is my first F-TR build, which started out as a stock Remington .204 Ruger. I had the action blue-printed, firing pin was bushed by Speedy, and I had a new bolt handle and knob installed by John Pierce.” This rifle is now fitted with a 3-groove Pac-Nor 1:6.5″-twist barrel chambered in .223 Remington to shoot the 90gr Bergers. Other components are: Kelbly KTS stock, Phoenix bipod, and Sightron 8-32x56mm SIII scope. Brandon says: “It took a long time to get this gun where it is now but I’m truly happy with it!” Here’s the “before” photo:

Brandon .223 Rem F-TR Pac-Nor PacNor Varmint Remington VSSF John Pierce Hydro-dip Hydrographics

The Transformation — F-TR Comp Rig Made from Rem .204 Ruger Varminter
Report by Brandon Schlund
This rifle started out as a “plain Jane”, factory Remington VSSF II. I shot it on varmint hunts in factory configuration. Then I decided to transform the rifle into a .223 Rem F-TR gun. As the .204 has the same bolt face as a .223 made sense to go in that direction since I would be able to use the gun for varmint hunting as well as F-TR.

While I had shot some F-Class matches with my dad (Joe Schlund aka Bench on AccurateShooter) it wasnt much. When we did a PD hunt in Wyoming I primarily shot my .204 but I decided I wanted a cartridge that could reach out a little further and also do double duty — competition and varminting.

Brandon .223 Rem F-TR Pac-Nor PacNor Varmint Remington VSSF John Pierce Hydro-dip Hydrographics
CLICK HERE for full-screen photo.

The first step in transforming this rifle was selecting a barrel. We ordered a Pac-Nor, 1:6.5″-twist, 3 groove, 30.5″ heavy Palma contour. This was then chambered with a PTG .223 ISSF reamer with 0.169″ freebore to run the .224 caliber heavies. I went with Pac-Nor because both my father and my brother Mark (aka Labrador2 on AccurateShooter) owned Kelbly-built F-TR rifles with the same barrels. Mark and my father couldn’t be happier with the results. Pac-Nor has great customer service along with a short wait time.

I sent the barrel and the factory Remington 700 action down to Kelbly’s where they did the chambering and cut the threads. While Kelbly’s had my action I had them blueprint it. A Kelbly KTS stock with the three-way buttplate and adjustable cheek piece came next. After getting behind Dad’s rifle and Mark’s gun there was no reason to look any further. With all its adjustments, the KTS stock fits very comfortably.

Loading for the .223 Rem with H4895 and 90gr Bergers
As a .223 Rem, this rifle has proven very accurate — it’s a bullet-hole cutter at 100 yards (low twos easy). Our best load is with Hodgdon H4895, 90gr Berger VLDs, CCI BR4 primers. This load is running at about 2835 FPS but YMMV (remember this is a LONG 30.5″ barrel). The Bergers are loaded .008″ into the lands with base-to-ogive of 2.035″.

Our loading technique may be tedious — with lots of sorting and measuring. But brother Mark, father Joe, and I all enjoy the steps. Our three .223 Rem match guns all love the same load which makes loading much easier. Believe it or not we use a Hornady Lock-N-Load progressive ammo plant, which is great when loading for three guns. Our consistency is fantastic with run-out a mere .001-.0015.

We also turn necks and weigh our primers. Does neck-turning and primer weighing really make a difference? Who knows but we try to eliminate more variables since we have to the time to do it, and we actually enjoy the procedures.

Pierce Engineering Installed Action and Modified Bolt
Being from Michigan, Pierce Engineering has done a lot of work for my family’s guns. For this project the Pierce team bedded the action and glued in a single-shot follower. The stock bolt handle/knob was too short for comfort in the KTS stock. Pierce added a longer handle and tactical knob to the bolt. I then installed a .223 Rem Lapua case base into the knob.

Brandon .223 Rem F-TR Pac-Nor PacNor Varmint Remington VSSF John Pierce Hydro-dip Hydrographics
The complete .223 Rem rifle ready to shoot F-TR, as fitted with 8-32X56mm Sightron and Phoenix Bipod, weighs 17 pounds, 15 ounces.

Brandon .223 Rem F-TR Pac-Nor PacNor Varmint Remington VSSF John Pierce Hydro-dip HydrographicsFlame Graphics by Camo Creek Hydrographics
After the action was bedded by Pierce, the stock was sent to Camo Creek Hydrographics in Fenton, Michigan. I selected a flame-style design which Camo Creek applied through hydro-dipping. The stock went back to Pierce’s shop, which applied three coats of clear over the entire stock. The clear-coating really enhanced the flame graphics.

Firing Pin Bushed by Speedy
I sent the bolt to Thomas “Speedy” Gonzalez to have the firing pin hole bushed as otherwise the load could crater the primers pretty bad. Knowing I’d be shooting heavy-weight .22-Cal bullets with a stout load this was a good idea. Speedy also cut his trademark grooves into the bolt shroud which looks amazing. His work is top notch! There is zero cratering now, even with the hottest of loads.

Competition Components — 8-32x56mm Sightron and Phoenix Bipod
For an F-TR rig you need a quality high-magnification optic and a premium, wide-base bipod. I installed a 8-32x56mm SIII Sightron. This was another easy choice because of the attractive price and because my family has four other Sightrons that work great.

I installed a fore-end Picatinny rail to attach a Phoenix Bipod. I extended the Mariners wheel handles by adding short sections from an aluminum arrow shaft. This lets me adjust elevation without stretching forward. I also installed a Calvin Elite Timney Trigger set at 6 ounces.

$2500.00 Invested in Rifle Transformation and Upgrade
How much did this all cost? Brandon tells us “I have roughly $2500 into the rebuild of the gun from a .204 Ruger to the .223 Rem.”

Bois Blanc Island in Michigan
Here on Bois Blanc Island we don’t have many amenities, but we do have the ability to shoot 550 yards at our local gravel pit on state land. It’s snow-bound right now as you can see. But later in the year this will be our close-to-home training center.

Brandon .223 Rem F-TR Pac-Nor PacNor Varmint Remington VSSF John Pierce Hydro-dip Hydrographics

Winter at Bois Blanc Island, Michigan — Here’s the gravel pit where we can load test during
warmer weather. When I took this photo, it was a “balmy” 10-degree day.

Permalink Competition, Gear Review, Gunsmithing No Comments »
January 11th, 2026

Engraving Artistry by Master Engraver Jesse Kaufmann

Jesse Kaufmann Black Hills engraving remington stock checkering
Impressive engraving by Jesse Kaufmann. Note how the scope rings have been engraved to perfectly match the engraving pattern on the Remington 547 action.

Who says fine craftsmanship is dead? There’s a modern day engraving wizard up in South Dakota, Jesse Kaufmann, who produces some of the most handsome engraving we’ve seen. Jesse, who operates Black Hills Gunstocks and Engraving LLC, is a true master at metal engraving and he also does superb stock checkering. Here are some examples of Jesse’s engraving work:

Jesse Kaufmann Black Hills engraving remington stock checkering

Jesse Kaufmann Black Hills engraving remington stock checkering

This 14-minute video showcases dozens of Jesse Kaufmann’s Engraving examples:

CLICK HERE to see many more engraving examples »

Jesse Kaufmann Black Hills engraving remington stock checkering

Jesse Kaufmann Black Hills engraving remington stock checkering

Jesse Kaufmann Black Hills engraving remington stock checkering

Jesse Kaufmann engraving stock checkering black hillsAbout Jesse Kaufmann, Master Engraver
Jesse Kaufmann was a professional stockmaker for Dakota Arms for over a decade. In 2009, he was inducted in the American Custom Gunmakers Guild as a checkering specialist. In January 2017, Jesse was awarded his Master Engraver certification by the Firearms Engravers Guild of America. With his broad skill set, Jesse is able to offer his clients a unique and complete package of stock work, finish, checkering, and engraving for a custom package that is all completed under one roof by his own hands.

Jesse Kaufmann’s work has been featured in American Rifleman, American Hunter, FEGA’s The Engraver, Sports Afield, Waidmannsheil Journal of German Gun Collectors Assn., Gun Digest 71st Edition, Modern Custom Guns Volume 2, Dangerous Game Rifles 2d. Edition. For more info, visit BlackHillsgunstocksandengraving.com, email blackhillsgunstocks [at] gmail.com, or call Jesse at (605) 499-9090 after 5:00 pm. SEE Gallery of Work.

Jesse Kaufmann Black Hills engraving remington stock checkering

Permalink - Videos, Gear Review, Gunsmithing 1 Comment »
January 9th, 2026

Find Great Holsters with MidwayUSA Holster Finder Database

Midwayusa holster finder database 125,000 holsters

Here’s a helpful, time-saving tool for handgun owners. MidwayUSA’s online Holster Finder lets you quickly find the right holsters for virtually all popular makes and models of pistols and revolvers. The wide variety of carry styles, materials, and features can make finding the right holster difficult or confusing. Drawing on a database of over 125,000 gun/holster combinations, the MidwayUSA Holster Finder turns that complex task into an easy three-step process.

Midwayusa holster finder database 125,000 holsters

The selection process is simple: 1. Choose Pistol or Revolver; 2. Select Make and Model of Handgun (and barrel type/length); 3. Click to view results. Just choose your gun type, select your make, model and barrel, then view the results. All major holster types are included: Ankle, Belly Band, Belt (outside waistband), Chest, Competition, Drop Leg, Inside Waistband (IWB), Paddle, Pocket, and Shoulder. Check out the MidwayUSA Holster Finder at MidwayUSA.com/holster-finder.

Midwayusa holster finder database 125,000 holsters

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January 8th, 2026

Craft Your Own Ammo Caddy with Wood Knife-Holder Block

Wood Knife Holder ammo caddy

Looking for a fun, DIY project this winter? Here’s a useful project — a handy ammo caddy you can craft at home pretty easily. And your shooting buddies will be impressed with your ingenuity. Plus the wife won’t mind having a spare knife-holder for the kitchen.

Forum member Alex W. (aka “zfastmalibu”) came up with a clever adaptation of an item you may already have on your kitchen counter. By drilling a few strategically-placed holes in a wood knife-holding block, Alex created a handy, 20-round ammo holder for the bench. We’re not sure the wife will appreciate the new holes in her kitchen accessory, but we think this is a smart invention. Alex asked fellow Forum members: “What do you think, is there a market for it?” We think there is. Of course, with a ruler and an electric drill you could probably make your own version easily enough.

Get a Solid Wood Knife Block for under $35.00
Henckels Hardwood Knife Blocks can be purchased for $34.99 through Amazon. Similar blocks are also available in Bamboo ($26.00), Rubberwood ($28.95) and Acacia wood ($29.95).

ammo caddy wood source amazon bamboo hardword rubberwood acadia

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January 7th, 2026

Protect Valuable Guns with Bore-Stores and Anti-Rust Bags

Bore-Store Gun Sacks fleece

Our take on Bore-Store Gun sleeves is simple: They work great, so buy them and use them — for ALL your valuable firearms.

Winter’s here, with rain and snow in much of the country. We known readers will have their guns in the safe for long periods. For winter storage, we recommend Bore-Stores. These thick, synthetic-fleece sacks cushion your guns, preventing nicks and scratches. The breathable fabric wicks away moisture, and the fibers are coating with corrosion inhibitors. I personally use Bore-Stores for in-safe storage with all my guns, and I have never had one of my guns rust inside a Bore-Store, even when I lived a stone’s throw from the ocean and its salty air.

Bore-Stores are offered in a range of sizes to fit everything from a snub-nosed revolver to a 33″-barrelled Black Powder Rifle. Bore-Stores can be purchased for $9.99 – $28.99 from Borestores.com. For most scoped rifles, we recommend the 10″x46″ SCR-1 case ($25.99). The Bore-Store manufacturer, Big Spring Enterprises will also craft custom sizes on request. For a long-barreled F-Class or ELR rig you may need a custom length. Or you can remove the scope and use the 7″x52″ SG-1 Shotgun Bore-Store for up to 32″ barrel ($28.99).

Bore-Store fleece storage Gun Sacks

Bore-Store Handgun Cases | Bore-Store Rifle Cases | Bore-Store Shotgun Cases

Bore-Store fleece scoped rifle Gun Sacks

API-Brand Anti-Rust VCI Storage Bags — Affordable and Effective

API VCI anti-rust gun storage bag

Consider VCI Bags for Long-Term Storage
While we prefer Bore-Stores for regularly-used guns, if you have heirloom firearms that will be kept in storage for very long periods without seeing any use, you may want to grease them up and place them in the thin, but rugged API brand VCI Storage Bags. The interior VCI lining emits a safe corrosion inhibitor vapor. The multi-layer exterior locks out humidity and airborne contaminants. These bags are also resistant to petroleum-based chemicals and seal out moisture. They have a handy velcro opening.

3-layer Brownells storage bagHere’s one VITAL bit of advice for using sealed gun storage bags. Be absolutely sure, before you seal up the bags, that your guns are DRY and that all metal surfaces have been coated with an effective anti-corrosive, such as BoeShield T9 or Eezox. NOTE: If you can’t afford the $15 API sacks, Brownells offers a three-pack of 12″x 60″ anti-rust rifle sacks for $22.99 — under 8 bucks a gun. That’s certainly cheap insurance for rifles and shotguns that may cost many thousands of dollars.

Get Your Guns Out of Foam-lined Cases — They Are Rust Magnets
Just about the worst thing you can do for long-term storage (short of leaving your rifle outside in the rain) is to store firearms in tight, foam-padded cases. The foam in these cases actually collects and retains moisture from the air, acting as the perfect breeding ground for rust. Even in warm summer months, humid air can leave moisture in the foam.

Foam-lined hard caseRemember, those plastic-shelled cases with foam interiors are for transport, not for long-term storage. Don’t repeat the mistake of a wealthy gun collector I know. He stored four valuable Colt Single Action Army (SAA) revolvers in individual foam-padded cases, and locked these away in his gun safe. A year later, every one of his precious SAAs had rusted, some badly.

Permalink Gear Review, Tech Tip 1 Comment »
January 6th, 2026

Shooter Science: Eye Dominance, Eye Protection, Irons vs. Optics

firearm science NRA Jessie Duff Harrison

NRA Media offers a series of 40 informative videos about the Science of Shooting, covering a wide range of topics, from eye dominance to long-range ballistics. These videos feature high production values, with super-slow motion segments, as well as helpful computer graphics to illustrate the principles covered.

The videos are narrated by Jessie Duff, a top action pistol shooter (and the first women ever to achieve USPSA Grand Master status). Jessie is assisted by talented shooters such as Top Shot Season 4 Champion Chris Cheng. There are forty videos in the Firearm Science Video Series. Here are five NRA videos, with links to others below. You’ll find all 40 NRA Firearm Science Videos HERE.

Eye Dominance — How to Determine Which Eye is Dominant

Host Jessie Duff and longtime shooter Krystie Messenger demonstrate how eye dominance affects aim and teach you how to determine your dominant eye in this edition of Firearm Science. There are very simple tests you can do to determine your eye dominance. This Editor is right-handed but left-eye dominant. All competitive shooters should check for eye dominance. If you are cross-dominant, you can alter your head position or put a paper patch on one frame of your shooting glasses.

Eye Protection — Effect of Different Color Lenses

No matter what you’re shooting, eye protection should always be worn. But with so many choices, what should you wear? In this edition of Firearm Science, two-time Olympic trap shooter Corey Cogdell explains lens color options for protective eyewear. Different colors may be selected according to the light conditions and the sport. For most rifle shooters using magnified scopes, clear lenses are probably the best choice, except on very bright summer days.

Iron Sights vs. Optics

Host Jessie Duff and shooter Krystie Messenger demonstrate the benefits and drawbacks of using iron sights and optics in this edition of Firearm Science. For AR-type rifles, choosing the right option depends on the intended use of the rifle and the rules of competition. For example, a “Standard military Rifle” for CMP competition must have iron sights. But current NRA service rifle competition (and CMP unlimited military rifle class) allows scopes. Olympic smallbore shooters and Palma shooters have shown that extreme accuracy IS possible with sophisticated target sights. Below is the iron-sights Palma rifle with which John Whidden (Whidden Gunworks) won NRA Long-Range National Championships.

John Whidden .308 Win Palma rifle

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January 5th, 2026

Case Prep — Uniforming Primer Pockets & Deburring Flash Holes

USAMU Handloading hump day flash hole primer pocket uniforming case prep RCBS Lyman
Case Prep Xpress photo courtesy Lyman Products.

In the past the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit published a series of reloading “how-to” articles on its USAMU Facebook page. One “Handloading Hump Day” article covered two basic case prep chores — uniforming primer pockets and deburring flash-holes. Visit the USAMU Facebook page for other tips.

USAMU Handloading hump day reloading tips

Primer Pocket & Flash-Hole Conditioning

This week, we’ll address a question that frequently arises: “Do you uniform primer pockets and deburr flash-holes?” As we tailor our handloading methods to the specific needs of each instance, the answer, not surprisingly, is “Sometimes!” However, don’t flip that dial just yet, as what determines our approach may be helpful in deciding how to address one’s own techniques. Moreover, we have a buried “Easter Egg” morsel that may bring a chuckle, as well as useful safety information!

Generally, the USAMU Handloading Shop does not uniform primer pockets (PP) or deburr flash holes (FH) of our rifle brass. We’re certainly not against it… Rather, this reflects the very high volume of ammunition we load, the fact that very few cases are ever re-loaded for a second firing, and the types of brass we use. However, as a need is perceived, we DO deburr flash holes. Of interest, we have fired many very small, 1000-yard test groups and aggregates using weight-selected, domestic brass that had not had PPs uniformed or FHs deburred.

USAMU Handloading hump day flash hole primer pocket uniforming case prep RCBS Lyman

Before and After — On the left is a fired, deprimed 7.62×51 case with primer residue intact. On the right the primer pocket has been uniformed to SAAMI specs. Note the shiny finish at the bottom of the pocket — evidence of the the removal of metal when uniforming the primer pocket.

As to the type cases we use, many thousands of our long-range 5.56mm cases come to us from the arsenal with the primer of our choice pre-installed and staked-in, per usual practice. Obviously, we cannot uniform either FHs or PPs on this live, primed brass. However, after careful sorting, inspection and preparation, we do obtain match-winning results with it.

Shooters who reload their brass several times may decide to uniform PPs and deburr FHs, especially on their “300-yard and beyond” brass. Here, they will use the cases many times, while the uniforming is performed only once. Also, most handloaders only process moderate amounts of brass, compared to our multi-thousand round lots.

Having high quality Long Range (LR) brass helps. Many of the better brass manufacturers [make] their flash holes so that no burrs are created. Still, it does pay to inspect even THESE manufacturer’s products, as occasional slips are inevitable. Very rarely, some of the best makers will have a significant burr in, say, 1 per 1000 or 2000 cases, and it’s worth catching those.

Exceptions can always be found. Recently, we began processing a large lot of match brass from a premier manufacturer. We were startled to find that every case had a significant burr in the FH — something we’d never before seen from this maker. We then broke out the FH deburring tools and went to work.

Some observers have noted that it can be difficult to truly verify the contribution to accuracy of these procedures — particularly when firing from the shoulder, in conditions. Members of this staff, as individual rifle competitors, do often perform these operations on their privately-owned LR rifle brass. One could ascribe this to the old High Power Rifle maxim that “if you think it helps, then it helps.”

However, a World Champion and Olympic Gold/Silver medalist here commented on his own handloading (for International competition, which demands VERY fine accuracy). He noted that he did seem to see a decline in accuracy whenever he did not uniform FHs, deburr FHs and clean primer pockets before each reloading. (One might be tempted to counter that only a truly World Class shooter could reliably detect the difference.) However, with the wisdom of decades experience, our Champion also remarked that “It could have been that I just wasn’t shooting as well that day.”

For those who do opt for these procedures, note that various tool models may have adjustable depth-stops; pay attention to the instructions. Some FH-deburring tools (which enter the case mouth, not the primer pocket) are dependent upon uniform case length for best results.

USAMU Handloading hump day flash hole primer pocket uniforming case prep RCBS Lyman

Above is a flash-hole deburring tool on an RCBS powered case-prep unit. These case prep machines can save a lot of pain and misery, helping one perform various functions quickly and efficiently.

Permalink - Articles, Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Gear Review, Reloading No Comments »
January 4th, 2026

Sunday GunDay: Notable New Rifles — SHOT Show 2026 Preview

2026 shot show new rifles bolt action ruger savage Proof research

SHOT Show 2026 kicks off 16 days from now in Las Vegas. The biggest gun industry trade show on the planet, SHOT Show will showcase a huge variety of new products including firearms, optics, electronics, reloading hardware, ammunition and more. For today’s Sunday GunDay article we feature seven new (or nearly new) rifles that will be on display at SHOT Show 2026. You’ll see a wide variety of long guns here, at all price levels — from $300 to $7999. This Sunday showcase features bolt guns, semi-autos, and lever-action guns offered with a huge selection of chamberings, rimfire and centerfire.

Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Stealth Hunter

Chamberings: .30-30 Win, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .45 Colt, .45-70 Govt | MSRP: $1399.00

2026 shot show new rifles smith wesson 1854 stealth hunter

The Smith & Wesson (S&W) Model 1854 Stealth hunter is modernized lever-action rifle featuring a black finish, optics rail, and threaded barrel. This combines the slimness and easy cycling of a classic lever-action with the ability to mount modern optics and fit brakes and suppressors. The Stealth Hunter is currently offered in four chamberings: .30-30 Win, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, .45 Colt, .45-70 Govt. The 45-70 delivers significant stopping power for big game hunting.

Ruger American Rifle Gen II — Prairie

Chamberings: 22 ARC, .223 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm PRC, .308 Win, .300 Win Mag | MSRP: $729.00

2026 shot show new rifles ruger american prairie
2026 shot show new rifles ruger american prairie

The updated Ruger American Rifle Gen II “Prairie” is a modern hunting rifle with nice features including a Cerakote coating on the receiver, bolt handle, and barrel. This rifle also includes a patented bedding block system with free-floating barrel and a Ruger Marksman adjustable trigger. This is a good value with a $729.00 MSRP.

Savage A22 and B Series Timber Tactical Rimfire

Chamberings: .22 LR (A22); .17 HMR, .22 LR, .22 WMR (B Series) | MSRP: $599.00

2026 shot show new rifles bolt action savage timber a22 b series
2026 shot show new rifles bolt action savage timber b series

Savage has released a pair of “Timber Tactical” rifles in matching green laminated stocks. The A22 is a semi-auto available in .22 LR only. The B Series Timber Tactical rifles are offered in three rimfire chamberings: .17 HMR, .22 LR, .22 WMR. These look like a good option for a plinking rifle or for someone looking for a small varmint rifle. We might get the A22 for rapid-fire steel target rimfire matches, while for shooting ground squirrels we’d opt for the B-Series in .17 HMR. CLICK HERE for detailed American Hunter review of both Timber Tactical variants.

The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR)
varmint hunting varminter sage rat oregon 20 vartarg .17 hmr sunday gundayThe .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR) was introduced in 2002 by Hornady as a high-velocity, rimfire cartridge derived from the .22 Magnum case necked down to .17-caliber. The .17 HMR gained popularity among varmint hunters and target shooters for its good accuracy and hitting power out to 200 yards or more — all with low recoil and relatively low cost (compared to centerfire ammo).

Most .17 HMR ammo runs 17-grain or 20-grain hollow-point or plastic-tipped bullets at speeds around 2375-2550 FPS (lower for 20-grainers). Though lightweight, these small projectiles do deliver a powerful impact on small game while maintaining low recoil. Compared to the .22 LR, the .17 HMR offers superior ballistic performance, with flatter trajectories and higher energy at extended distances. It’s good for shooting prairie dogs, ground squirrels, sage rats, and other small critters.

Savage 110 Magpul Scout Rifle

Chamberings: .223 Rem (5.56), 6mm ARC, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, .350 Legend, .400 Legend, .450 Bushmaster | MSRP: $1099.00

2026 savage 110 magpul scout rifle

The Savage 110 Magpul Scout is a new, versatile rifle with interesting features. With a modern Magpul Hunter stock and a 16.5″ barrel it is relatively compact and fairly light. It boasts a long rail on top of the action plus AR-style sights. It ships with a factory muzzle brake which can be removed for placement of a suppressor. Both black and FDE (flat dark earth) stock colors are offered. NOTE: MSRP is $1099.00 but dealers are selling Savage Magpul Scout 110s for under $820. (See Bud’s Gun Shop.)

Proof Research Tundra TI-X

Chamberings: 6.5 CM, 6.5 PRC, 7MM PRC, 7 BC, .308 Win, .300 WSM, .300 PRC, .300 WinMag | MSRP: $7999.00

2026 shot show new rifles bolt action tundra ti-x Proof research

The Proof Research Tundra TI-X is a high-end ultra-lightweight hunting rifle, with a 1/2-MOA accuracy guarantee. Priced at $7999.00, this is one of the most expensive hunting rifles on the market. But you do get a titanium action, a carbon fiber stock, and high-tech carbon-wrapped barrel. The Tundra Ti X sports an adjustable TriggerTech Special Trigger and BDL-style magazine. A wide variety of chamberings is offered with barrels ranging from 20 to 26 inches. Listed starting weight (with shorter barrels) is 6 pounds, 5 ounces. Five different stock appearance types are offered: Green Granite, Green Jungle Camo, TFDE, Black, Black Jungle Camo.

Weatherby Model 307 Alpine ST

Chamberings Short Action: 22 Creedmoor, 25 Creedmoor, 6.5 CM, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win | MSRP: $1999.00
Chamberings Long Action: 240 Wby Mag, 257 Wby Mag, 6.5 Wby RPM, 6.5-300 Wby Mag, 280 Ackley Imp, 7mm Backcountry, 7mm PRC, 300 Wby Mag, 300 PRC, 300 Win Mag, 338 Wby RPM | MSRP: $1999.00

The new Model 307 Alpine ST is light-weight, carbon-stock “backcountry bolt gun” built on Weatherby’s newest bolt-action rifle platform, the Model 307. Meant to complement the historic Mark V and Vanguard lineups, the Model 307 action is a 2-lug, fully cylindrical action compatible with aftermarket accessories. Model 307 is designed to accommodate a wide variety of stocks, triggers, rails, and mounts. Weatherby teamed up with PEAK 44 to produce an ultra-light rifle that can own the range and dominate in the field. The PEAK 44 Bastion stock weighs in at just 24 ounces and uses a proprietary 3D-Hex recoil pad to reduce the effects of recoil. The lightweight, spiral fluted barrel delivers good accuracy and comes with Weatherby’s recoil-reducing Accubrake ST.

Savage RXR22 Semi-Auto Rimfire

Chamberings: .22 LR Rimfire | MSRP: $299.99

2026 savage rxr 22 semi auto rifle

The Savage RXR22 is a new budget-priced semi-auto rimfire rifle. This is a good choice for plinking and small varmint work. It features an optics rail on top, a short rail on the forearm (for bipod mounting) and a detachable 10/22 compatible rotary magazine. This is designed to compete with the Ruger 10/22 with better bolt/chamber access and a better stock trigger. The RXR22 has a 16.25″ barrel and weighs just 4.6 pounds without optic.

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