If you are looking for a versatile, well-crafted semi-auto .22 LR pistol, here’s an option you should definitely consider — the SIG Sauer P322. Introduced in 2022, this .22 LR rimfire pistol that should be popular with SIG’s centerfire handgun owners and anyone who wants a quality polymer-framed .22 LR pistol. The optics-ready P322 offers excellent ergonomics and 20+1 capacity, making it good for cross-training and fun rimfire shooting.

The P322 is built by SIG Sauer in the USA. It has many premium features, including an optics-ready removable rear sight plate allowing installation of a red dot optic without adapter plates. The P322 offers ambidextrous controls, interchangeable flat and curved triggers, and fiber optic front and rear sights. The P322 even comes with a threaded barrel adapter making it suppressor-ready right out of the box. And with a 20-rd magazine for 20+1 total capacity, the new P322 is the highest-capacity .22 LR pistol in its class. (Plus a 25-rd mag extension is offered).

The P322 is offered in both all-black and stainless-slide versions at affordable prices. Right now the handsome stainless version is just $339.99 at Sportsman’s Warehouse, a $60 savings.

The SIG P322 is a hammer-fired, single-action-only design (the hammer is enclosed by the rear of the slide). The P322 is blow-back operated with a fixed (non-tilting) 4″ barrel. This helps contribute to excellent accuracy and reliability.

Hands-On P322 Testing by 22Plinkster

SIG Sauer P322 Pistol Features:

Ambidextrous Controls With Reversible Magazine Catch
Optics-Ready Removable Rear Sight Plate
Fiber Optic Front and Rear Sights
Hammer-fired, Single-Action-Only, Fixed 4″ Barrel
Suppressor-Ready With Included Threaded Barrel Adapter
Interchangeable Trigger Shoes (flat and curved included)
20 Round Magazine Capacity (with +5 optional mag extension)
SEE PRODUCT PAGE

The 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America is coming up on July 4, 2026 — just 24 days from now. To help celebrate this event, Colt has created a Colt 1911 USA 250th Anniversary Special Edition pistol. This impressive, engraved 1911 Colt pistol will be sold exclusively through Iron Valley Supply, based in Birmingham, Alabama.

This handsome Colt 1911 Classic Government Special Edition pistol is adorned with gold embellishments that exhibit the signing of the Declaration of Independence while honoring those who have fought to defend America’s freedoms.

Colt 1911 Classic Government — USA 250th Special Edition

These exclusive pistols are serialized, with limited supply. The price is $2625.00. If you’re interested in owning this unique Colt Model 1911 pistol, visit IronValleySupply.com and view the Colt 1911 250th Anniv. Special Edition webpage.

About Iron Valley Supply: For decades, Iron Valley as been a leading supplier of shooting sports and outdoor products. Based in Birmingham, Alabama with offices across the country, Iron Valley distributes more than 150 of the nation’s leading brands of shooting and outdoor products.

Over the years, the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) published a series of reloading articles on its Facebook Page. In this article, the second in a 3-part series, the USAMU covers the process of loading competition pistol ammunition. The authors focus on two key elements — the taper crimp and the quality/uniformity of the original brass. If you shoot pistol competitively, or just want to maximize the accuracy of your handguns, read this article. The taper crimp tips are very important.

Loading Accurate Competition Pistol Ammunition — Part 2 of 3

One often-overlooked aspect of handloading highly-accurate pistol ammunition is the amount of taper crimp used, and its effect on accuracy. (NOTE: this article pertains to loading for semi-autos — revolver crimp techniques involve some quite different issues.) Briefly, different amounts of taper crimp are used with various handloads to obtain best accuracy. The amount is based on bullet weight, powder burn rate and charge, plus other factors such as case neck tension. During machine-rest testing of experimental Service Pistol ammunition, many variables are examined. Among these, our Shop often varies a load’s crimp in degrees of 0.001″ when re-testing for finest accuracy.

How to Measure Taper Crimp on Pistol Cartridges
One question that often arises is, “How do I measure the taper crimp I’m putting on my cartridges?” Using the narrow part of one’s dial caliper jaws, carefully measure the case diameter at the exact edge of the case mouth on a loaded cartridge. It’s important to take several measurements to ensure consistency. Also, be sure to measure at several places around the case mouth, as case wall thickness can vary. After measuring 2-3 cartridges with a given crimp setting, one can be confident of the true dimension and that it can be repeated later, if needed.

However, for good results, one must use brass from one maker due to variances in case wall thickness. For example, the same degree of crimp that imparts a measurement of 0.471″ with Brand X brass may result in 0.469″ with Brand Y. Thus, for best accuracy, using brass from the same manufacturer is important — particularly for 50-yard Slow Fire. In a perfect world, it is better still to use brass from one lot number if possible. With the popularity of progressive presses using interchangeable tool heads, keeping separate tool heads adjusted for each load helps maximize uniformity between ammunition lots.

Brass Uniformity and Accuracy
Brass is important to pistol accuracy. While accurate ammunition can be loaded using brass of mixed parentage, that is not conducive to finest results, particularly at 50 yards. It is important for the serious competitor to pay attention to his brass – even if only for the 50-yard “Slow Fire” portions of “Bullseye” matches and practice. By segregating brass as described above, and additionally keeping track of the number of times a given batch of cases has been fired, one can ensure case neck tension and case length are at their most uniform.

Given the large volumes of ammunition consumed by active pistol competitors, using inexpensive, mixed surplus brass for practice, particularly at the “short line” (25 yards), is understandable. In NRA Outdoor Pistol (“Bullseye”), the 10-ring is relatively generous — especially for a well-trained shooter with an accurate pistol and load. However, for the “long line” (50 yards), purchasing and segregating a lot of high-quality brass to be used strictly for slow-fire is a wise idea. To keep track of your brass on the line, use a unique headstamp marking with 1 or 2 colors of marking pen ink.

Uniform Cartridge Overall Length is Important
Cartridge case Overall Length (OAL) uniformity as it comes from the factory is important to achieving utmost accuracy. More uniform case lengths (best measured after sizing) contribute to greater consistency of crimp, neck tension, ignition/burn of powder charge, headspace (rimless cartridges), etc. Cartridge case-length consistency varies noticeably by maker and, with lesser manufacturers, also from lot to lot. Some manufacturers are more consistent in their dimensions than others, and also in the hardness/ductility of their brass. Similarly, pay attention to primer brands, powder lot numbers, etc.

Consider Using a Lock-Out Die with Progressive Presses
When reloading pistol ammo with a Progressive press, we strongly recommend the use of a lock-out die, or other system that can detect double charges or low charges. If your progressive is manually advanced, the possibility of a double charge is very real — and that can have disastrous consequences.

On UltimateReloader.com website you’ll find an excellent two-part series on the function and set-up of the RCBS Lock-Out Die. This die prevents loading if a high or low powder charge is detected. The video below shows setup of the RCBS Lock-Out Die on the Dillon XL-650 progressive press.

Congratulations to Team Vihtavuori member Doug Koenig on winning the 2026 CMP Bianchi Cup Championship, one of the world’s most prestigious pistol tournaments. Koening took the 2026 title with an impressive Grand Aggregate, shooting a Ruger SR1911 pistol. Koenig’s 2026 Bianchi Cup title marked a major milestone — his 21st Bianchi Cup Championship. The 2026 Bianchi Cup Championship brought together top competitors from across the country, making Koenig’s first place finish a major accomplishment. Throughout the Bianchi Cup match, Koenig demonstrated consistency, precision, and competitive excellence.

“I’m proud to represent Ruger and grateful for their continued support,” said Koenig. “This victory means a lot to me personally. I put in the work, trusted my preparation and trusted the products backing me.” To learn more about Doug’s accomplishments, visit KoenigShooting.com.

The 2026 CMP Bianchi Cup International Pistol Tournament was held at the Green Valley Rifle & Pistol Club in Hallsville, Missouri. The renowned competition, hosted by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), took place May 21–24, 2026 — just last week. The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has governed the international competition for the past few seasons. In partnering with Green Valley, the CMP seeks to grow the event with more shooters and new divisions. The Bianchi Cup, known as the gold standard in action pistol shooting, has a 40+ year history and attracts the world’s leading competitive pistol shooters.

These two videos show Doug Koenig in action in past years at the Bianchi Cup Range.

Q: What is the most popular gun book in the history of the planet?

A: That distinction goes to the Shooter’s Bible, which has sold over 7 MILLION copies since it was first published over 80 years ago.

Released in October 2025, the 117th Edition of this respected resource is better than ever. This latest Shooter’s Bible boasts 608 pages with over 270 color photos and more than 1000 black-and-white photos. The latest 117th Edition features many new firearms as well as new optics. This paperback book is now just $24.92 on Amazon, 17% off the $29.99 list price.

Published annually for more than eighty years, the Shooter’s Bible is one of the most comprehensive firearms reference guides in print. The publishers claim that “nearly every firearms manufacturer in the world” is included. The 117th Edition also contains new and/or enhanced sections on ammunition, optics, and accessories, along with updated handgun and rifle ballistic tables. There are also extensive charts of currently available hunting and match bullets for hand-loaders.

While many shooters are now using the internet to get reloading data and equipment specifications, the Shooter’s Bible remains a valuable resource with a great legacy. As one recent Shooter’s Bible purchaser explains: “While it’s true that much of the information contained in the Shooter’s Bible can be found on the Internet, there are many of us who would first rather relax in our easy chair and page through the book at our leisure. If you find an item that catches your fancy, you can then follow up by going to their Web site.”

Another buyer observed: “This [2020 edition] is proof that, even with all the attacks on our 2nd Amendment right over the years, the industry has persevered and grown. I hope the day never comes when there will no longer be a reason to publish the Shooter’s Bible.”

The Shooter’s Bible contains a vast collection of firearms product information and descriptions. Hundreds of firearms are listed, complete with specifications and photos. Products from nearly all commercial gun makers on the planet are included.

More Great Gun Books From Shooter’s Bible Publishers

Here are three other books from the publishers of the Shooter’s Bible that you may want to add to your library: Guide to Cartridges; Gun Trader’s Guide; and Guide to Firearms Assembly, Disassembly & Cleaning (Vol. 2). These are all available in softback print and Kindle (digital) editions.

There a number of good rebate programs going on right now, but some conclude in just a few weeks. To take advantage of these deals you’ll need to start your shopping soon. Here are some current 2026 Rebate Programs for rifles, optics, ammunition, reloading gear, and shooting accessories. You can save up to $300.00 with these direct Rebate offers.

Find More Rebates at Gun.deals and Sportsman’s Outdoor Superstore.

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.

Palmetto SA — Memorial Day Sale

⏺️ » Great deals on rifles, AR components, ammo

Many leading vendors are running major Memorial Day Sales. Palmetto State Armory has hundreds of popular items on sale this week. Enjoy major discounts on AR components, complete rifles, handguns, optics and more.

Midsouth — Primers Sale and Free Shipping or Free Hazmat

⏺️ » Primers SALE plus Free Shipping or Free Hazmat on powder/primers

Midsouth is running notable promos right now with significant discounts on primers plus savings on powder shipping and hazmat. This sale includes major brands including Hodgdon, CCI, Winchester, Accurate, Remington, Ramshot and many others. Choose FREE Shipping or FREE Hazmat on orders over $99! Use Code MD26FS for Free Shipping on orders over $99 or use Code MD26FHM for Free Hazmat on orders over $99. Order Must Include $99 of In Stock Items – Up to 49lbs. NOTE: These codes expire Monday 05/25/26 at 11:59pm CST.

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

Monday, May 25, 2026 is Memorial Day. Many leading shooting sports/outdoor gear vendors are running Memorial Day Sales over the next few days. You’ll find savings on guns, ammo, reloading supplies, brass, optics, hunting gear and more.

Check with vendors Brownells, EuroOptic, Creedmoor Sports, Bruno Shooters Supply, Graf & Sons, Midsouth, Precision Reloading, Bullet Central, Powder Valley, and MidwayUSA to see all the current offers. Here are some of the best sales we found. You can find other promos and sales with web searches. And check out Gun.Deals, which has a great selection of current bargains on guns, ammo, and gear.

Memorial Day is one of the best times of the year to score deals on firearms, ammunition, and hunting gear. Major retailers are offering significant site-wide discounts, plus significant price cuts on top-tier brands like Vortex, Burris, Smith & Wesson, Tikka, and Walker’s.

Here Are Some Top Memorial Day Sale Opportunities:

MidwayUSA

Prices are slashed on thousands of products with the MidwayUSA Memorial Day Sale. Enjoy major savings on optics, reloading tools, ammo, hunting gear and more. Many popular items are discounted 45% or more! For example the Vortex 4-12x40mm Vanquish hunting scope is now just $99.99, a 58% discount! In addition MidwayUSA is offering FREE Shipping with orders of $100 or more.

Brownells

Definitely visit Brownells.com this weekend. There are featured deals on gun parts, optics, and gear. In addition, Brownells is offering 12% Off a huge selection of products with Coupon Code MEM12.

Precision Reloading

Save on a vast product selection with the Memorial Day Bargain Program at Precision Reloading. With Code MEM26 you save 10% (ten percent) on all purchases of $99 or more. This great 10% savings offer applies to virtually all in-stock products purchased from now through Tuesday, 5/26/26.

Palmetto State Armory

Palmetto State Armory is running a major Memorial Day Weekend sale right now, with significant discounts on ammo, optics, AR components and more. There are also major markdowns for complete firearms — pistols, rifles, and shotguns.

Sportsman’s Warehouse

Sportsman’s Warehouse: Save up to 25% on hunting, camping, and fishing gear. They are also offering an additional 10% off for veterans, active duty, and first responders. You can check out their deals on the Sportsman’s Warehouse Memorial Day Sale hub.

GrabAGun

The GrabAGun website offers a vast inventory of firearms. GrabAGun is now offering Daily Price Drops plus limited-time markdowns on leading firearms. Check out the inventory on the GrabAGun Sale page.

Guns.com: This large web vendor offers offers major warehouse clearance events on handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Browse the Memorial Day Weekend offers at the Guns.com Deals page.

Primary Arms: Find the full list of markdowns on the Primary Arms Memorial Day Sale page. For the next few days, you can get significant discounts on Optics, AR-15 parts, complete uppers, and triggers.

Capstone Precision Group and Team Lapua USA announce with deep sadness the passing of Steve Reiter, one of the most accomplished competitive pistol shooters in history and a foundational member of Team Lapua in the United States. Steve passed away on May 18, 2026. In the slow-fire pistol shooting disciplines, Steve is probably the greatest American shooter ever.

Reiter was among the original members of Team Lapua USA when the program was established in 2009, helping to define the standard for excellence, sportsmanship, and brand representation that continues today. Throughout his career, he served not only as a world-class competitor, but also as a dedicated ambassador for the shooting sports.

Steve Reiter’s record in high-level competition is extraordinary:

34 National Championship titles, including five National Championships at Camp Perry
63 National Records, including a historic .22 Aggregate score of 899, the highest ever recorded
40+ Regional Championships
First-ever Quadruple Distinguished Marksman under the CMP
Triple Distinguished Marksman under the CMP
Two-time President’s 100 Champion in Pistol
Two-time National Trophy Individual Match Champion in Pistol
10-time Winner of the National Match High Senior Pistol Trophy
Five-time Winner of Citizens’ Military Pistol Trophy
Canada International Service Pistol Champion
Two-time Free Pistol National Champion
Seven-time Interservice Champion
Standard Pistol National Champion
Member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team (Free Pistol)

Reiter continued to compete at an elite level well into his later years, achieving many Senior titles. Following his retirement from active competition, Reiter remained an integral part of Team Lapua as an Emeritus Member, continuing to mentor shooters and support the sport he loved.

Steve Reiter Senior Championships:
2017 NRA National Pistol Championships — 1st Place, Super Senior
2013 NRA National Pistol Championship — Grand Senior Champion
2014 Mid-Winter Championship — 1st Place
2014 Indoor National Sectional Championship — 3rd Place and new Senior National Record

“Steve Reiter was more than a champion—he was one of the foundational figures of Team Lapua in the United States,” said Adam Braverman, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Capstone Precision Group. “His achievements speak for themselves, but what truly set Steve apart was the way he carried himself and the impact he had on others. He represented our brand with integrity, passion, and a genuine love for the shooting sports. Steve helped shape what Team Lapua stands for today, and his legacy will continue to inspire our team and the broader shooting community for years to come.”

In 2022, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) honored Reiter by establishing the Reiter Cup National Champion Trophy. This award is presented to the winner of the Match Pistol 2700 Any Sights National Championship, which recognizes the highest combined scores from the .22, .45 ACP, and Centerfire 900 Aggregate matches held during the annual National Matches at Camp Perry.

Beyond his competitive accomplishments, Reiter was widely respected for his humility, sportsmanship, and commitment to growing the shooting sports community. His influence extended far beyond the firing line, impacting countless shooters, teammates, and fans across generations. Capstone Precision Group and Team Lapua extend their deepest condolences to Steve’s family, friends, and the entire shooting sports community.

To understand the heart and mind of a champion, watch this video profiling Jessie Harrison. This talented lady is arguably the best female action pistol shooter in history. No other woman has amassed as many championships or set so many speed-shooting records. Over the past two decades Jessie Harrison (who has also competed with with married names Jessie Duff and Jessie Abbate) has earned dozens of major titles including twenty-two U.S. Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) Ladies Championships. Jessie won her 22nd USPSA title at the 2021 USPSA Race Gun Nationals in Alabama.

Jessie is one of the hardest-working athletes in the shooting game. Jessie is America’s “leading lady” — perhaps the winningest female pistol shooter in the game today. The drive and dedication that has made Jessie a success are revealed in this video from Weatherby.

Jessie Harrison’s Will to Win
Jessie explains how hard work brings titles: “To prepare for a championship, I’m on the range constantly.

My office is the gun range — that’s where I do my work.

I travel the country pullin’ the trigger, makin’ brass, smelling gunsmoke. I have to make sure that I’m in control because… there is no other person on the line with me, helping pull the trigger.

I have to pay attention to my foot placements, my set-ups, my positions, gettin’ the gun clean out of the holster, my reloads. I can’t think about it when I’m shooting. I can’t think about these small things. I have to focus on the sights and pulling the trigger. It’s just me and the gun.

[When] I step out on to the range, I simply have to be perfect — I have to be the best… I won’t settle for anything less.”

First-Ever Female Grand Master
Jessie Duff is the first woman in history to earn the title of USPSA Grand Master (GM), the highest rating conferred by the U.S. Practical Shooting Association (USPSA). To earn this prestigious ranking, Duff had to maintain an average above 95% in shooting classification courses, something never before achieved by a lady shooter. Jessie finished 2013 with a 95.39% average.