At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every 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. Bushnell 30% Off Optics — Scopes, LRFs, Spotters, Binoculars
This may be the best optics rebate you’ll see all year. Now through March 30, 2018, Bushnell will rebate thirty percent (30%) of the purchase price of a qualifying Bushnell optics product. This 30 for 30 Promotion applies to select Bushnell binoculars, riflescopes, laser rangefinders, or spotting scopes. After purchase, submit the rebate form and you’ll receive 30% of your purchase price back in the form of a Bushnell Visa Prepaid Card. You can save a bundle with this rebate on some popular products. NOTE: Offer excludes Bushnell Golf, Bushnell BackTrack GPS, Bushnell Trail Cameras, Bushnell Elite Tactical Riflescopes, and Bushnell TRS-25 products.
2. DJ’s Brass — Free Brass Annealing with Paid Hydro-Forming
DJ’s brass hydro-forms other cartridge types not shown. Call 205-461-4680 for more info.
DJ’s Brass Service, operated by Darrell Jones, is offering a “March Madness” ANNEAL DEAL this month. If you pay DJ’s to hydro-form your brass, Darrell will also anneal the cases for FREE. That’s right — now through March 31, 2018, DJ’s Brass will anneal your cartridge brass for free when you pay to have it hydro-formed. DJ’s offers case hydro-forming for a variety of popular cartridges including: 6 PPC, 30 PPC, 6 Grinch, 6 BRDX, 6 BRX, 30 BR, and of course the very popular 6 Dasher. (Ask about larger cartridges too!) After hydro-forming, DJ’s can also neck-up or neck-down the cases. For example, if you shoot a 22 Dasher, DJ’s can hydro-form the cases and then neck them down to .22 caliber. Hydro-forming by DJ’s Brass Service costs $0.60 (sixty cents) per case with a minimum order of $60. With his March Madness promo, DJ’s will anneal all the hydro-formed cases for no extra charge.
Darrell Jones is a hydro-forming wizard who has perfected the process. Without revealing any trade secrets, we can say that Darrell has very special dies and Darrell doesn’t use a mallet or hammer — he has a unique system that is much more consistent. Darrell tells us: “Many of my customers take this brass and load it ‘as is’ and go straight to a match and shoot some very nice groups.”
3. RCBS Buy Green Get Green Promo — Rebate up to $175.00
RCBS has announced a new Buy Green, Get Green Rebate program. Here’s how it works — buy ANY RCBS product over $49.99 and you qualify. There’s no restricted list of “qualifying” products. The more you spend, the more you get back — up to $175.00 total in the form of a prepaid Visa Card. If you are considering purchasing a single-stage press, electronic powder dispenser, progressive press, or a full reloading kit, save big with this promotion. It is good for purchases made through March 31, 2018. Purchase any RCBS item between $49.99-$99.98 and receive $10 rebate. Purchase any RCBS item between $99.99-$299.98 and receive $25 rebate. Purchase any RCBS item between $299.99-$499.98 and receive $100 rebate. Purchase any RCBS item between $499.99 or more and receive $175 rebate. Rebate form must be submitted by April 30, 2018. NOTE: Amazon.com purchases are ineligible for this offer. REBATE INFO PAGE.
NOTE: In addition to this RCBS Manufacturer’s Rebate, Grafs.com is offering 10% Off all in-stock RCBS products, now through March 7, 2018. So you save even more!
4. CDNN Sports — Ruger 17 HMR American Compact, $269.99
Varmint season is coming up. For the smaller critters, such as ground squirrels, the little .17 HMR is a great chambering choice, offering ow noise, near-zero recoil, and good accuracy out to 150 yards and beyond. It offers ballistics far superior to the .22 LR, yet is still relatively cheap to shoot. If you’re looking for a very affordable .17 HMR rifle, This is a good little rifle in our favorite varmint chambering. Now you can get a reliable, name brand 17 HMR rifle for a very attractive price. CDNN Sports is selling the 17 HMR Ruger American Rimfire Compact, with 18″ barrel, for just $269.99. That includes two (2) comb units and a FREE padded carry sling. FFL required.
Our “inside source” at EuroOptic.com just let us know about a very hot deal coming up. Next week a bunch of overstock Vortex 6-24x50mm PST EBR-1 MOA scopes will be arriving, and you can save hundreds on these excellent optics. EuroOptic.com will offer this scope for $569.99. It sells elsewhere for up to $800.00. You can Pre-order now for delivery by the end of March with Free Shipping (these scopes are expected to arrive next week). Download Scope Manual. Note: This scope has 1/4-MOA clicks with a Second Focal Plane reticle with MOA-based hash marks.
6. Bullets.com Going Out of Business SALE — Huge Discounts
This is big news. Bullets.com, a leading vendor of components, reloading supplies, and tools, is closing up shop. Some of the product lines will still be carried by Grizzly.com, but bullets, brass, powder, and ammo inventories are being liquidated along with many reloading products and gunsmithing tools. You’ll find huge discounts on many top-tier products — such as Lapua brass, Berger bullets, and Hodgdon powder. Every serious shooter should visit Bullets.com right now to take advantage of these one-time super savings. This Editor will be purchasing rimfire ammo, cartridge brass, and bullets. We’re very sad to see Bullets.com close up shop — it was the key source for some unique products, such as the 6mm Dasher Brass which Bullets.com President Shiraz Balolia commissioned from Norma.
Ruger Precision Rifle in 6mm Creedmoor for $799.00 — that price is the lowest we’ve ever seen for a Gen 2 model. If you’ve been thinking of purchasing a Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) chambered for the 6mm Creedmoor cartridge, this is a killer deal. Right now GrabAGun is offering this popular tactical rig for under $800.00, in the 6mm Creedmoor chambering. This shoots faster and flatter than the 6.5 Creedmoor — so many PRS guys have switched to it. This is a good choice for the PRS production class, or take it to another level of performance with a Pre-Fit 26″ cut-rifled barrel from Krieger. This is the lastest RPR Gen 2 version with the upgraded handguards.
8. GunBuyer.com — S&W M&P 9mm M2.0, $419.00
Here’s a good deal on a very reliable, accurate full-size 9x19mm pistol — the Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm in handsome Flat Dark Earth finish. We like the distinctive color with contrasting matte black ambidextrous controls. This 9mm pistol is now on sale for $419.00. When we featured this same pistol in September, it proved very popular and sold out at the vendor. If you like it, you might want to act soon.
9. Midsouth — Hornady BTHP Varmint Bullets, $52.29 for 500
Need a boatload of bullets for varmint safaris, or high-volume .223 Rem training sessions? Then check out this deal from Midsouth Shooters Supply. Right now you can get 500 .22-Cal 62gr BTHP bullets for $52.29. That works out to just $10.46 per 100 bullets. You can also get 250 for $28.29. If you have high-volume applications for .224-diameter projectiles, this deal is hard to beat. You could easily pay two times as much (per hundred) for similar bullets elsewhere. Buying in bulk saves big bucks.
10. Amazon — Jialitte Scope Bubble Level, $10.99
All serious rifle shooters need a scope level. This nicely designed Jialitte Scope Bubble Level features a 30mm milled inside diameter, plus an inner insert ring so it will also fit 1″-diameter main tubes — that dual-diameter versatility is a nice feature. We also like the way the unit is nicely radiused, and has a low profile in the middle. Price is just $10.99 with free shipping. User reviews have been very positive. You could easily pay $35.00 or more for a 30mm scope level. Purchasers have praised this product — nearly all verified buyers rated this five stars.
Could you hit an 18″ x 24″ target at a distance of 435 yards (roughly 400 meters)? Sure, you’re thinking, that would be easy with a good rifle fired from the bench or prone position. OK, now think about making that shot, OFF-HAND with a pistol. That’s something entirely different. We doubt many marksman would wager they could hit a plate 400 meters away with a handgun.
That’s exactly the challenge legendary shooter Jerry Miculek undertakes in this interesting video. Shooting a Smith & Wesson 9mm M&P pistol with a red-dot optic, Jerry makes the 400m shot look easy, hitting the steel plate with his first shot. This takes good eyes, a solid grip, perfect trigger control (and a bit of luck). Jerry was shooting 115gr Hornady HAP® ammunition.
25 Feet Hold-over to Make Shot at 435 yards
The shot wasn’t dead center, but Miculek still hit the steel plate on the first try. This is doubly impressive because Miculek had to hold well over the target. In fact Jerry figured he was aiming “25 feet over [the target]”. The lesson to be learned here is that a good pistol, in the hands of a master, may be capable of astonishing long-range accuracy — as long as you work out the ballistics in advance. Jerry knew that he had to hold high to arc the bullet into the target.
Want to see the best semi-auto pistol and revolver shooters on the planet in action? Then check out Shooting USA TV later today. Today’s broadcast features in-depth coverage of the 2017 Bianchi Cup. Shooting USA’s John Scoutten and Julie Golob report from the NRA Action Pistol Championship, better known as the Bianchi Cup, after one of its founders, John Bianchi.
ShootingUSA AIR TIMES FOR 2018 (Outdoor Channel)
Wednesday 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific, 8:00 PM Central
NOTE: Shooting USA is listed as a one-hour show in your cable menu.
In the past 30 years the Bianchi Cup has become the richest handgun event in the world, with cash and prizes for the best scores on four stages of fire. Shooting USA will spotlight top male and female Bianchi Cup competitors in both wheelgun and and semi-auto pistol divisions. Along with North American shooters, the Bianchi Cup draws top handgun competitors from around the globe.
In 2017 shooters from as far away as Australia, New Zealand, and Japan traveled to Columbia, Missouri in search of the perfect 1920 match score. Each round is the aggregate of the four (4) fired events: Practical, Barricade, Falling Plate, and Moving Target Events. Each of the four events requires 48 shots to complete. 480 points possible on each event. Three of the four are scored on the NRA tombstone P1 target. You must hit in the 10-ring or inner X-Ring on EVERY shot to shoot a “clean” 1920.
27 Years ago Doug Koening set the standard with a 1920. Since then, every Open shooter knows that he or she must “clean” this match (i.e. score a “1920”) to have a chance to take the title of “Champion”. The X-Count is the tie-breaker.
In this video, 18-Time Bianchi Cup Winner Doug Koenig demonstrates Fast Follow-up Shots
Here are the top four women shooting the Practical Event during the Colt Championship Final. From top: 2017 Bianchi Women’s Champion Cherie Blake, third place SFC Katie Bahten, second place Anita Mackiewicz, and fourth place Jessie Duff. Shooting Sports USA Photo
This Bianchi Cup Preview offers the perspective of newcomers to the game…
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every 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.
Ruger Precision Rifle in 6mm Creedmoor for $899.99 complete — what’s not to like? That price, which includes rings, is the lowest we’ve ever seen for a Gen 2 model. If you’ve been thinking of purchasing a Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) chambered for the 6mm Creedmoor cartridge, this is a killer deal. Right now CDNN Sports is offering this popular tactical rig for under $900.00, in the 6mm Creedmoor chambering. This shoots faster and flatter than the 6.5 Creedmoor — so many PRS guys have switched to it. This is a good choice for the PRS production class, or you can take in to another level of performance with a Pre-Fit 26″ cut-rifled barrel from Krieger. This is the lastest RPR Gen 2 version with the upgraded handguards. Heck of a bargain boys — you can pay $1250 or more elsewhere for the same rifle.
2. MidwayUSA — RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaning Machine, $76.98
The new RCBS ultrasonic cleaner features a large 3-liter capacity, 60 watt transducer, and 100 watt ceramic heater. This popular unit is now just $76.98 on clearance at MidwayUSA. This is a killer deal — the replacement RCBS Case Cleaner 2 model costs a whopping $349.99 at MidwayUSA.com. NOTE: If the $76.98 MidwayUSA price on the original RCBS Ultrasonic unit is gone when you read this, try Amazon, which offers $89.91 pre-order pricing.
Here’s a great deal on a 9mm carry pistol. Now at Cabela’s, you can get the Taurus Millenium G2 pistol for just $199.99. That’s a bargain — this pistol normally retails for about $300.00. But the deal gets even sweeter. When you buy a 9x19mm G2, Taurus will pay for your first year of NRA membership. That’s right — buy this compact carry gun and get a FREE one-year NRA membership. The Taurus Millenium G2 has a 3.2″ barrel and weighs just 22 ounces, unloaded. Overall length is 6.3″, and capacity is 12+1 rounds.
4. MidwayUSA — President’s Day Sale — Save $10, $20, $30
Here’s a great offer for MidwayUSA Shoppers. Now through 2/20/2018 at 11:59 pm, you can save $10, $20, or $30 on qualifying orders. For example, if you buy $200 worth of products, you get $20 off. If you buy $300 worth of products, you save $30. To get these deals you must use the following coes during check-out: 1M1018 (for $10 Off); 1M1018 (for $20 off); 1M1018 (for $30 off).
5. CDNN — Winchester XPR Hunting Rifle, $264.99 After Rebate
We like the Winchester XPR as an affordable, entry-level hunting rifle. The three-lug bolt has a short throw, the mags seat easily and a wide range of chamberings are available. Right now CDNN is offering the XPR for just $339.99. That’s a great price, but it gets even better. Winchester is offering a $75.00 factory rebate, lowering your net cost to just $264.99. That’s less than you’ll pay for a new custom barrel! The $75 Rebate applies to any NEW Winchester XPR rifle purchased from February 1 through March 31, 2018. For more info, visit rebates.winchesterguns.com.
6. Stocky’s — LR Stocks with Aluminum Bedding Block, $179.99
Here’s a good deal on a versatile Stocky’s Long Range Stock with aluminum V-block bedding system. For just $179.99, order this for Rem/Rem Clone long actions or short actions, with either narrow or wide (varmint/tactical) barrel channel. This would be a good choice for a varmint rifle. This is also offered with handsome hydrographic or web-pattern baked-on textured finishes for $199.99.
7. RCBS February 2018 Bucks or Bullets Promotion
Get Bucks or Bullets with purchase of Qualifying RCBS Products now through the end of February, 2018. This offers buyers a choice of money or bullets. You get a $10 Prepaid Card or 100 Free Bullets with: Qualifying Die Sets, Hand Priming Tool, Universal Hand Priming Tool, Trim Mate Case Prep Center, or a M500 Mechanical Scale. Alternatively, you can get a $50 Prepaid Card or 500 Free Bullets with: Rock Chucker Supreme Kit, Universal Case Prep Center, Explorer or Explorer Plus Kits, Pro Chucker 5 or 7, or an Ultrasonic Case Cleaner 2. NOTE: To qualify for this promotion you must submit your RCBS Rebate Form no later than March 31, 2018
8. Amazon — Howard Leight Electronic Muffs, $34.98
Every shooter should own a pair of Electronic muffs, even if you prefer shooting with earplugs and/or standard muffs. Electronic muffs are great when you are doing spotting duties or are working near the firing line. They allow you to hear ordinary conversations while still providing vital hearing protection. Right now Amazon.com has the Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Muffs on sale for just $35.98, with free Prime Shipping. This is good deal — these NRR 22 muffs are currently Amazon’s #1 seller in the category.
9. Amazon — Neiko Digital Calipers, $16.85
Even if you have a good set of calipers, you may want to get one of these Neiko 01407A Digital Calipers. The #1 best-selling digital caliper on Amazon.com, this Neiko tool features a large LCD Screen and measures up to 6.0 inches. With over 3000 customer reviews, this product has earned an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. It’s hard to go wrong for $16.85, even if you just use these as a spare set for measuring group sizes and case trim lengths.
We use 1″-diameter Target Spots for sight-in and practice at 100-300 yards. These bright red/orange self-adhesive dots are easy to see. At 100 yards the high-contrast black diamond centers provide precise aiming points. We found this 10-pack of target spots on Amazon at a rock-bottom price. You get 630 total stick-on dots for just $9.65 with FREE Shipping. You can also get 360 Birchwood Casey 1″ dots from Midsouth for just $3.15, but shipping is extra. If you’re already ordering something from Midsouth, you may want to add the dots to your order.
Put the short “J” end of the UV Bore Light in the chamber area. Always make sure your firearm is unloaded. Doubles as a chamber flag for most calibers.
Let there be light… Here’s a handy new device for pistol shooters. Birchwood Casey has come up with a large-diameter “J”-shaped fiber optic tube designed to illuminate pistol barrels without the need for batteries. The Birchwood Casey® UV Bore Light allows gun owners to quickly check the bore of their firearm for obstructions, dirt and fouling.
The UV Bore light is an innovative design that uses ambient light instead of batteries. Simply put the short “J” end of the bore light in the chamber area of your unloaded gun and it will provide enough illumination to check the bore.
The UV Bore Light also doubles as a safe-chamber flag for most guns. To use the UV Bore Light as a chamber flag, place the LONG end of the Bore Light in the CHAMBER end of the barrel — see photo.
The Birchwood Casey UV Bore Light is inexpensive. It’s sold by the pair in a two-pack priced at $5.40 MSRP.
What if we said you could buy a brand new, quality 9mm handgun, AND 1000 rounds of American-made, brass-cased CCI 9x19mm ammo for under $430? Or get the pistol plus 350 rounds for under $320? Not possible? Yes it is. Here’s the deal:
Chambering: 9×19 mm (9mm Luger)
Action: DAO, 5.5 lb pull weight
Capacity: 7+1
Barrel length: 3.565″
Frame: Black polymer with 4140 steel inserts
Magazine: 7 round stainless (included)
Slide: 416 stainless steel with matte finish
Overall length: 5.90″
Overall width: 0.90″
Overall height: 4.50″
Overall weight: 15.8 oz.
Or Get the Even More Compact Ruger LC9s for $259.99
If you want a more compact 9mm semi-auto pistol, Sportsman’s Guide also has the Ruger LC9S for $259.99 ($246.99 member price).
Both these guns are light, slim, and reliable. The Kahr has a longer, smoother trigger pull. The Ruger is thinner and shorter, and can be purchased with a thumb safety. Bottom line — there are both excellent carry guns. Both pistols are reviewed in this video:
If you prefer a German-made gun, get the Walther Creed for $269.99. We like the grip on the Walther. It has a very short trigger reset. Like the Kahr CW9 and Ruger LC9s, the Creed represents an exceptional value.
With any of these options (Kahr, Ruger, Walther) you can get your gun and 1000 rounds of ammo for less than $450.00. 1000 rounds should last all year, even if you practice every other week.
Our friend, ace S&W pro shooter Julie Golob, stars in a series of handgun instructional videos for Shooting USA. While Julie uses pistols mostly for competition, this U.S. Army veteran also values handguns for self-defense. In this video series, Julie first talks about important gun safety rules, then she offers training advice for persons who carry concealed handguns. The third video covers options for carry a weapon “off-body”, i.e. not in a normal holster on concealment rig on one’s person.
1. GUN SAFETY — Whether you own 1 gun or 100, gun safety must always be your main priority. Here Smith & Wesson Team Captain Julie Golob covers the basics of gun safety.
2. PRACTICE for CONCEALED CARRY — Engaging a threat from concealment could be the most important skill of your life and it takes practice to be proficient. In this video, S&W’s Julie Golob demonstrates some practice drills for concealed carry.
3. OFF-BODY CONCEALED CARRY OPTIONS — There are instances where carrying a concealed weapon on your body in a holster (or deep cover pouch) is not always practical. Here Julie explains various techniques to carrying a concealed handgun “Off Body”.
Julie — pistol champion, Army veteran, wife and mother, is also an accomplished author, who has written about the shooting sports in many shooting publications, newswires, and internet blogs. Her book, Shoot: Your Guide to Shooting and Competition, serves as both an introduction to firearms for novices and a primer to help experienced shooters improve their skills.
Ever since Congress passed the 2018 Defense Authorization Act authorizing the U.S. Army to transfer surplus 1911 pistols to the Civilian Marksmanship program, folks have wondered “When are we going to be able to buy these 1911s?” Well that day is growing closer. The CMP HAS received 8,000 pistols and is doing an inventory this week. But before the CMP can start selling the 1911s, it must first inspect/grade/repair and then test-fire the handguns. We’re figuring that sales are now still 4-6 months away. For more updates, visit the CMP 1911 Sale INFO page.
The CMP declared this week: “The CMP has been authorized to receive 8,000 1911 type pistols from the United States Army. The 1911s have been received by the CMP. A complete inventory will be conducted over the course of this week. The pistols will then be securely stored until the Army-approved 1911 building and armory infrastructure is completed. That completion is anticipated to be approximately 60 days from now. Once the 1911 armory is completed, inspection, grading, repair, and ultimately test firing of the pistols will begin.”
Sales Process Explained
The CMP explained: “The CMP 1911 order packet will be posted 90 days prior to the order acceptance date and opening sales date. No orders will be accepted prior to that date. CMP customer service has been inundated with calls and emails concerning the 1911s and no further information is available at this time. The CMP will keep everyone posted as we move through this process.”
About The Civilian Marksmanship Program: The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearm safety and marksmanship training and to the promotion of marksmanship competition for citizens of the United States.
We had a great time on Day One of SHOT show. We saw some amazing products, including a remarkable upgrade to the Annealing Made Perfect system — a computer-controlled automated case feeder. We met with legendary Champions Carl Bernosky and David Tubb. David’s son-in-law Nate Stallter recently set a World Record at the first-ever ELR Challenge match, hitting 3 of 3 shots at 2011 yards with no sighters. We also attended a seminar with Bryan Litz and saw a host of new rifles and pistols which we will showcase in the next few days.
New ELR World Record Holder Nate Stallter with David Tubb
We met with Nate Stallter, the young marksman who dominated the first-ever ELR Record match held January 21, 2018 in Nevada. Shooting a Tubb LR rifle chambered for the .375 CheyTac cartridge, Nate went 3 for 3 at 2011 yards, after doing the same at one mile. Nate’s spotter was his father-in-law David Tubb, 11-time National High Power Champion. We recorded a long interview with Nate and David that provides many interesting insights into the ELR game.
AMP Induction Annealer — New Automated Power Feeding System
The micro-processor controlled AMP Annealer, already the most advanced personal annealing system on the planet, is now even better. The Annealing Made Perfect team of Alex (father) and Matt (son) Findlay showcased the new automated case-feeding option for AMP owners. This can load brass from a hopper, completely processing each case in about 10 seconds. We filmed video we’ll run in a follow-up story. There is also an important new software upgrade that allows AMP owners to precisely determine the right setting for their brass.
Kelly McMillan Shows Off ‘The Beast’
At the McMillan Stocks booth, we met with Company President Kelly McMillan. We talked about the growing popularity of Extreme Long Range (ELR) shooting. Kelly showed us the stock McMillan has developed for the ELR discipline, fittingly named ‘The Beast 2′. This is a very long stock designed to tame the recoil of big cartridges like the .375 CheyTac and .338 Lapua Magnum.
TargetVision Offers New High-Rez and 2-Mile TargetCam Systems
We talked at length with Clay Rhoden, the talented young owner of TargetVision, producers of the most highly-rated target cam systems on the market. Clay showed us his best $899 high-end systems, the UltraHD targetcam, along with the new Extreme Long Range product rated for two miles. TargetVision, which outputs WiFi signal directly to your smartphone or tablet, is the official Target Camera of the U.S. F-TR Rifle team.
Litz Talks Kestrels and ELR
At the Kestrel booth, Bryan Litz of Applied Ballistics, along with firearms trainer Todd Hodnett, gave a short seminar on Kestrel features/capabilities, ballistics, and bullet design. We asked Bryan “Should competitive shooters tip their bullets?” He answered “It depends…”. Bryan explained that if the bullets are very uniform, with small meplats out of the box, the benefits of tipping may not be so obvious.
Wheelguns Galore at the Smith & Wesson Booth
No SHOT Show experience would be complete without a stop at the Smith & Wesson booth. There were some new Performance Center revolvers on display. The long-barreled wheelguns in the foreground below are chambered for the mighty 500 S&W Magnum cartridge.
Sierra Bullets Has New High-BC MatchKings
We visited the Sierra Bullets booth to pick up samples of the new High-BC 95gr .224 MatchKing and 150gr 6.5mm MatchKing. While there we spotted this stunning F-Class rig decked out in Sierra Green livery. This beautiful rifle was crafted by Kelbly’s. It has a Panda action and a stunning green, metal-flake paint finish.
Peterson Brass Showcases New Cartridge Brass Peterson Cartridge Company showcased a quartet of new brass products that will enter production later this year. Peterson is expanding its line of American-made cartridge brass to include 6mm Creedmoor (both large and small primer), 6XC (both large and small primer), .270 WSM, and .300 WSM. We like the availability of 6XC in with a small primer pocket option. This should be very popular with the PRS crowd. Peterson’s .270 and .300 Win Short Mag brass gives hunters and target shooters new options.
New Faster-Reacting Electronic Muffs from Howard Leight
We wanted to take home these new Howard Light electronic muffs with advanced, faster internal circuitry. Offered in a variety of colors, the new Impact Sport Bolt muffs offer a lighting-fast 0.5 millisecond reaction time, plus improved digital sound compression and wind noise reduction. These new muffs carry a 22 db total noise reduction rating (NRR).
There are literally thousands of handguns on display at SHOT Show, most of which you can hold, cycle, and test the trigger pull. Among the hordes of handguns, we found some very eye-catching examples, such as the very serious-looking Walther PPQ M2 Q4 TAC above. It comes standard with Red Dot sights and threaded muzzle for suppressor. Also shown (in negative) is a Smith & Wesson Performance Center S&W500 Revolver with a 10.5″ barrel. Below are some other interesting handguns we saw at SHOT Show 2017.
Lone Wolf Modified Glock 17 Signature Series
Why in Heaven’s name would anyone pay $1400.00 for a Glock? Well Lone Wolf Distributors thinks someone will fork over that princely sum for a Glock fully pimped out with a Titanim Nitride (TiN) gold-tone slide, Red dot sights, plus suppressor-friendly tall sights. Oh, it’s also fitted out with a TiN Gold PVD adjustable trigger. But underneath all that bling it’s still a Glock. What do you think? Glorious or Gaudy? It is certainly eye-catching. As they say, the “Bling’s the Thing”.
Smith & Wesson Performance Center Tuned, Unfluted 686
For 2018, the Smith & Wesson Performance Center is rolling out a pair of specially upgraded 7-shot model 686 revolver. Offered in two barrel lengths, these special wheelguns feature the Performance Center® Speed Release Thumbpiece, which speeds cylinder release for fast reloads. These special comp guns boasts a PC-tuned action, vented/ribbed barrel, chromed trigger, and chromed, teardrop hammer (nice). The distinctive, unfluted cylinder is relieved for moon clips which can also speed up loading.
Walther PPQ M2 Q4 TAC 9mm
Our top photo shows the new PPQ M2 Q4 TAC, which is “race ready” right out of the box. Based the popular Walther PPQ, this TAC model adds a mount and threaded muzzle, plus some other features. “The Q5 Match has been very popular and we have had a lot of interest in a 4″ more tactical version. We are excited to combine a suppressor-ready and optics-ready pistol into a best-of-both worlds platform,” said Luke Thorkildsen, Walther VP of marketing. The 9mm Q4 TAC comes with two recoil springs. One for normal shooting and one for use with suppressors. The optics-ready slide features an LPA sight system with a fiber optic in the front and competition iron sight at the rear. The rear optics mounting system fits many popular red dots including Doctor, Leupold, and Trijicon. Trigger pull weight is a moderate 5.6 lbs. but the reset is ultra-short — just 0.1″. Priced at $799 MSRP, the Q4 TAC is backed by Walther’s lifetime warranty.
SIG Sauer P365 9mm Carry Pistol
SIG Sauer has just released an impressive new compact pistol, the SIG P365. This boasts excellent build quality and reliability in a slim package. It offers 10+1 round capacity in a gun that’s just 5.8″ overall and 1.1″ wide. Guns America got an early production model and their reviewer was impressed: “I have to applaud SIG. I was amazed by how much I liked shooting the P365. With its capacity advantage, small size, and good controls, it’s possible that the P365 will be the next go-to everyday carry handgun solution.” The gun comes with Tritium night sights and a good trigger. Each P365 also comes with an extra 12-round extended mag. With a $599.00 MSRP, expect street price around $500.00.
A SIG representative said SIG’s goal was to create a compact gun that shoots well — like a larger pistol: “We wanted to come up with a pistol that served the purpose — that gave people the capacity they have always wanted in this size gun, but something they could shoot. We’re busting paradigms, this is a game-changer.”
Taurus Raging Hunter .44 Mag and Model 692 Multi-Caliber
The new Raging Hunter from Taurus is an impressive beast. This six-shot .44 magnum has some interesting features. That red strip on the grip is extra padding to deal with the heavy recoil. Up front the dark gray slab is actually an aluminum barrel sleeve with Picatinny rail on top. This saves weight and provides a distinctive two-tone look. The actual 8.375″ barrel, which is ported, sits inside the sleeve.
Taurus also has another interesting long-barreled revolver. Shipping with TWO cylinders, the new Taurus Model 692 shoots .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and 9x19mm cartridges through the same barrel. That’s possible because 9x19mm bullet diameter is 0.355″. The nominal bullet diameter for .357 Magnum is 0.357″ or 9.1 mm, so you can see the diameters are very close. The 692 wheelgun ships with TWO cylinders — one for .38/.357, and a second for 9mm with moon clips. We like the ability to shoot inexpensive 9mm Luger ammo. Now you can take your favorite 9mm semi-auto pistol AND a wheelgun to the range and feed them both with the same box of ammo. Cool.
Kimber Full-Size and Compact 1911s
Kimber is releasing a host of new pistols for 2018. There are 23 new semi-auto pistols plus three new wheelguns. Most of the new Kimbers are 1911 varient. Our favorite new full-size Kimber is the Aegis Elite Custom OI, offered in both .45 ACP and 9x19mm. Shown above, the Aegis Elite has all the bells and whistles: custom G10 grips, bobbed backstrap, and stylized slide cuts front and rear. The $1395.00 MSRP includes a 6-MOA Vortex Venom 6 MOA Red Dot sight plus back-up iron sights.
Kimber also has an impressive compact-size 1911-style pistol in 9mm Luger. The Micro 9 Covert (at right) features gray camo LaserGrips plus a distincive Carry Melt treatment (softening the hard corners), plus a bobbed backstrap. Nice option for someone wanting a 1911-style pistol for concealed carry.
Ruger LCP II with Viridian Laser
Small, thin, and light — that’s what you want an everyday, pocket carry gun to be. The new Ruger LCP II with Viridian Red Laser is just 5.17″ long and 3.71″ tall, with a 3/4″-wide slide. That’s thin. Weight is 11.8 ounces. The compact size and low mass is the main reason to carry this .380 ACP rather than a more powerful 9mm pistol. This new version also features an integral, factory-installed Viridian E-Series red (635-650 nm) laser. Mounted on the trigger guard, the laser features ambidextrous push-button activation. Like other LCP II models, this pocket pistol features textured grip frame, easy-to-rack slide, bladed trigger safety, and low-profile snag-free sights. This latest LCP II with Viridian E-Series red laser has a $439.00 MSRP, including a handy pocket holster.
Beretta — The APX Family Grows in 2018
Beretta will greatly expand its line of polymer-framed APX pistols in 2018. And Beretta has models with a Red Dot optic mounting plate on the slide top. Interface adaptors will be supplied for Burris Fast Fire, C-More, DeltaPoint PRO, and RMR Red Dot sights. MSRP for the Red Dot-capable Full Size APX is $725. Expect street price around $685. The new tan model APX should be popular. Seen above, this features a Cerakote FDE (Flat Dark Earth) slide.
Parting Shot: S&W Double Trouble — Two Super-Sized Revolvers
At the Smith & Wesson booth last year, one visitor showed off two mega-sized S&W Performance Center hunting revolvers. These jumbo S&W500™ wheelguns, chambered for the mighty 500 S&W Magnum cartridge, feature massive 10.5″ barrels plus muzzle brakes. Overall length is 18″. Size counts right?
The UV Bore light is an innovative design that uses ambient light instead of batteries. Simply put the short “J” end of the bore light in the chamber area of your unloaded gun and it will provide enough illumination to check the bore. 
Kimber
