NRA publication Shooting Sports USA (SSUSA) has thousands of articles online, all free for the reading. Many of these stories have been written by top competitors, including National and Olympic Champions. You will find SSUSA articles spotlighted every week on the NRA Competitive Shooting Facebook page. We recommend you bookmark that page as a valuable resource. Here are four notable SSUSA articles that have been featured on Facebook this month. Go to SSUSA.org to see even more current articles, with new content every day.
Here is an insightful, fairly lengthy 1850-word article about the phenomenon we call mirage. The article explains how and why mirage appears, how it can best be monitored, and how mirage can indicate both wind velocity and direction. Top competitors follow the adage “Mirage is your friend”, because mirage can often be the most important indicator of wind variables — sometimes even more important than wind flags. “The mirage is more sensitive than the flags since it has less inertia and momentum”, wrote Desmond T. Burke, in his book, Canadian Bisley Shooting, an Art and a Science.
Well worth reading, this SSUSA article talks about the properties of mirage. Here is a sample:
“Mirage — can make all the difference between a shot landing squarely in the X-ring or being victimized by an undetected downrange breeze. The true power of mirage is found in its ability to betray the subtlest of breezes downrange. Its fluid movement… can not only provide wind direction, but speed as well.
Typically, the ability to detect mirage is maximized on warm, sunny and sultry days. Expect mirage to be most pronounced in mid-morning or early afternoon, although it ignores these rules with regularity[.]
Mirage is extremely powerful at identifying winds of less than 12 mph, particularly those gentle breezes subtle enough to not even bother moving the flags.
When there is no wind, or a gentle head or tail wind, mirage will appear to be ‘bubbling’ directly up from the ground. Many call this ‘boiling’, and it is probably the easiest of all to detect.
As a general rule of thumb, when wind speed increases, overall height of the waves produced by the mirage is reduced. Large peaks and valleys in the waves mean that particular mirage is being driven by a very slight breeze. Conversely, crest size is reduced with wind speed, making it harder and harder to detect, until the mirage disappears entirely at somewhere around 12 miles per hour. In other words, the taller mirage’s waves appear, the slower the breeze.”
Authored by the late Glen Zediker, this article covers barrel break-in procedures. It is particularly useful for dealing with factory barrels. We CAUTION readers — with outstanding, hand-lapped custom barrels from top barrel-makers, you may want to do very little break-in — clean sparingly and keep barrel heat low. Do NOT use abrasives aggressively. On our Krieger and Brux barrels, we simply wet-patched every 2-3 rounds for 20 rounds and the barrels shot superbly from the start with minimal fouling. But for factory barrels, a moderate break-in process may prove beneficial.
Zediker explains: “Lesser, lower-cost barrels are going to have more pronounced … imperfections within the bore[.] These imperfections are largely tool marks resulting from the drilling and rifling processes. And if it’s a semi-automatic, like an AR-15, there might be a burr where the gas port was drilled. The goal of break-in is to knock down these imperfections, thereby smoothing the interior surface.”
As one who has experienced a cartridge case-head blow-out with a 9mm pistol, this Editor is very conscious of the risks involved and the damage a blow-out can do to the pistol, to the magazine, and (worst of all) to the shooter. Even with new brass, the possibility of a case failure is always present. And even if the case remains intact, we’ve seen primer failures that create a dangerous jet back towards the pistol shooter. That’s why shooters should always employ protective eyewear whenever they shoot.
We love our wheelguns, but there’s no doubt that forcing cone damage can occur, particularly with hot loads and if your cylinder-to-barrel gap is excessive. This article explains how to inspect your revolvers, and how to mitigate the likelihood of forcing cone damage. The article also explains how to clean your revolvers properly. This is very important to avoid build-up of lead and powder residues.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: SWBI) has opened a state-of-the-art training center in Tennessee. This new Smith & Wesson Academy replaces the former Smith & Wesson Academy and Shooting Sports Center which operated in Massachusetts between 1969 to 2017.
The newly established Academy will provide training in firearm proficiency, self-defense, and firearm safety. Situated on the 236-acre headquarters campus in Maryville, Tennessee, this state-of-the-art facility features pistol and carbine ranges, a multi-purpose flex range, a 300-yard rifle range, and a two-story immersive shoot house for simunition training.
The Academy also has classrooms, a fitness center, and offices that will house world-class training instructors. Starting this weekend, a registration portal will be available on the Smith & Wesson Academy website for a variety of training courses focused on pistol, carbine, and rifle platforms. These courses will range from introductory skills and safety to advanced techniques.
Outdoor Wire/Shooting Wire EIC Jim Shepherd attended the opening ceremonies at the new Smith & Wesson Academy. Jim noted: “One thing made obvious during the ceremonies was that Maryville, Tennessee definitely isn’t Springfield, Massachusetts. Having taken part in numerous media and training events in the former Shooting Sports Center in Springfield until its closure in 2017, the depth and breadth of the new facilities was testimony to the expansiveness of the Tennessee campus. This new facility not only includes enclosed ranges with acreage, but classrooms, a fitness center, and offices to house what the company says will be ‘world-class experts leading the training programs’.”
The Smith & Wesson Academy team will be led by renowned instructor Mark “Coch” Cochiolo. Mark is a retired U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer with over three decades of service in Naval Special Warfare. Mark completed four SEAL deployments to the Western Pacific and served eight years with the Navy’s premier counterterrorism unit. Following his retirement from active duty, Mark transitioned to instruction, training the next generations of Navy SEALs. As a contract instructor, he developed curriculum and trained more than 4,000 SEAL candidates in marksmanship and tactical weapons handling. Mark is recognized for his precision, discipline, and leadership in the special operations community.
Mark Cochiolo stated: “I have worked with a variety of firearm platforms, and I am grateful for the opportunity to leverage that experience in developing effective curriculum at the Academy, helping as many individuals become proficient with their firearms as possible. Smith & Wesson produces dependable, quality firearms – at the Academy, we’ll teach you how to use them”.
This can be very important — even life-saving. For example, with a hang fire, i.e. a round that does not fire immediately, it is vital to keep the gun pointed DOWN-RANGE. And with a squib load, which may have left a round inside the barrel, it is vital to UNLOAD and NOT take another shot! If you did, the gun could blow up in your hand when the second, full-charge bullet hits the trapped bullet.
The Five Topics Covered Are:
Misfeed (aka Tip-Up)
Double Feed
Stovepipe (Failure to Extract)
Misfire / Hangfire
Squib Load
1. Misfeed or Tip-Up: With any misfeed you should stop firing. With the muzzle pointed safely down-range, remove the magazine, then pull the slide back and remove the round that did not feed. Check the slide for dirt, debris, and check the round that did not feed. After re-inserting the magazine, make sure the mag is seated properly.
2. Double-Feed: This is a fairly common issue with some gun types with worn springs or cheap magazines. Again you want to remove the magazine. CTD states: “Remove the magazine and cycle the action until your double-fed rounds fall out — always keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction[.]”
3. Stove-Pipe: This occurs when the case of a fired round does not eject fully. There can be many causes — damaged extractor, low-pressure powder charge, dirty chamber, or greasy cartridge brass. In addition the issue is common with old, worn-out recoil springs. To avoid Stove-Pipes, replace the recoil spring every 4000 rounds, and make sure your chamber is clean and the extractor is not chipped or damaged.
4. Misfires and Hang-Fires: There are multiple causes for misfires (“click no bang”) and hang-fires (slow ignition). There can be a defective primer, the firing pin could be damaged, the powder many have been bad, or the case not filled properly. With a misfire, keep the gun pointed down-range at least one minute. If the case does not fire, eject it but leave it on the ground. With a hang-fire (delayed ignition after firing pin strike), keep the gun pointed down-range, then drop the magazine and eject the (new) unfired cartridge in the chamber and inspect the gun when completely empty.
5. Squib Load: A squib load is when the gun fires, but the actual case ignition is very light with little noise, smoke, or recoil. This can be because the case had a primer but no powder. Or it can be because the powder did not ignite. Squib loads can be very dangerous in rapid-fire situations. If you EVER get a squib load STOP immediately! Do NOT fire another round! This is because the squib may have left a bullet inside the barrel.
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.
1. Palmetto SA — AR-15 M4 Rifle Starter Bundle, $699.99
⏺️ » Complete package for new AR shooters — gun, optic, case and much more
This combo kit includes all you need to get started with an AR carbine (except ammo). This handy $699.99 AR Package includes: PSA PA-15 Classic M4 Carbine (16″ barrel); Vortex Strikefire II 1x30mm 4 MOA Red/Green Dot optic; PSA 36″ Rifle Bag, Magpul PMAG A4/M4 30rd Magazine; Magpul MBUS AR-15 Rear Iron Sight; Real Avid Gun Boss AR Cleaning Kit; Walkers Electronic Muffs and Glasses Combo; and Champion 50-yard notebook target pack. With this package you save $62+ off the individual items total cost. For someone getting started with a Black Rifle, this is a very handy gun/gear collection.
⏺️ » Save $50 on compact Radar chronograph with FREE Shipping
Since its introduction, the Garmin Garmin Xero C1 Chronograph has been hugely popular with shooters. This radar chronograph is compact, accurate, reliable and easy to use. And right now you can save $50 off the regular $599.99 price and get FREE Shipping. This excellent compact chrono is on sale now for $549.99 at Precision Reloading with FREE Shipping or $549.99 at Midsouth with FREE Shipping. Now’s your chance to save $50 on one of the best chronographs on the market.
3. Amazon — Frankford Intellidropper + Case Prep CTR, $306.14
⏺️ » Two excellent, advanced products with combo discount
Here’s a great Frankford Arsenal combo — the impressive Intellidropper powder scale/dispenser PLUS the Frankford Platinum Series Case Trim & Prep System. The Intellidropper is fast and reliable and can be controlled via a free smart-phone App. The Case Prep Center boasts four power stations with VLD chamfering tool, Outside Chamfer Tool, primer pocket uniformers, and Adjustable Collet System for cases from .17 Rem to .460 Weatherby. You get BOTH advanced products for $306.14 on Amazon (#ad) — a $65 savings! NOTE: If you do not need the Case Prep Center, you can get the Intellidropper Scale/Dispenser by itself for just $159.99 on Amazon (#ad), $94 less than it sells for elsewhere at $253.99.
5. Peterson — 58 Types of Cartridge Brass, Direct Purchase
⏺️ » You can direct order excellent American-made cartridge brass
Good news — you can now buy excellent, long-lasting Peterson Brass directly from Peterson. Currently Peterson produces 58 types of cartridge brass and most are IN STOCK in Peterson’s Online Store. In addition to the direct purchase option, you can order Peterson brass through leading vendors including Brownells, Bruno’s, Bullet Central, Creedmoor Sports, EuroOptic, Graf’s, Midsouth, MidwayUSA, Precision Reloading, and Scheels. In addition Peterson 6mmBR brass is offered exclusively through Graf & Sons.
5. MidwayUSA — Hunting Ammunition Sale, Many Brands
⏺️ » Discounts on good hunting cartridges from top ammo-makers
Hunting season kicks off soon in many areas of the country. If you need ammo for your hunting rifle(s) head over to MidwayUSA which is running a major sale on hunting ammunition. You’ll find good hunting ammo for deer, elk, and other game. Choose ammo types from dozens of leading suppliers including Barnes, Berger, Federal, Fiocchi, Hornady, Lapua, Norma, Nosler, Remington, Winchester and more. NOTE: Nearly all Hornady ammo is now 10-20% Off.
How many times have you grabbed your electronic earmuffs only to find the batteries are dead. To avoid the hassles (and cost) of battery replacement, consider Walker’s Rechargeable Razor Ear Muffs (#ad). These rechargeable muffs have an estimated 80 hours of run time. That’s enough to get through several DAYS at the range. Then you can recharge the muffs conveniently at home or in your vehicle. To hear range commands clearly, the muffs have HD speakers. Plus there’s a handy audio jack. These muffs are comfortable and boast a 21 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR).
7. Amazon — Night Vision Binoculars, $85.49
⏺️ » Top-seller with 4k HD image that can be recorded
Here is a great product for hunters that can also serve for home security, allowing you to scan your property at night. These Hexeum 4K Night Vision Binoculars (#ad) can “watch live” as well as record stills and video. Now available for just $85.49 (39% off), these view-screen binoculars can take high definition photos and record/playback video in daytime or night time. The recording is 4K HD quality with playback via a 3″ wide view screen. This unit is Amazon’s #1 Best-Seller among Night Vision Binoculars and Goggles. This Hexeum unit comes with a 32GB storage card and offers USB Type-C fast charging.
8. Amazon — Vevor 50″ Rifle TSA-Std Hard Case, $108.99
⏺️ » Good waterproof hard case with wheels — big size, great price
Protecting your firearms requires a good, tough transport case. The VEVOR 50″ Rifle Case (#ad) features 3 layers of fully-protective foam, solid locking points, wheels, and a IP67 waterproof case. This VEVOR gun case meets all TSA gun case requirements, making it a good choice for marksmen and hunters who travel by air. At just $108.99 this is a fantastic deal — cheaper than other sturdy, wheeled rifle cases of similar size. Try to grab one at that $108.09 low Amazon price.
9. Natchez — CCI 9mm Blazer FMJ Ammo, $219.99/1000 rds
⏺️ » Very good, reliable pistol ammo at just $11 per 50 rds
We have had very good luck with CCI Blazer ammunition in our handguns. Here’s a great deal on CCI Blazer 9mm Luger ammo. Right now at Natchez you get a 1000-round bulk case for just $219.99 — that works out to just $11 per 50 rounds. This ammo boasts durable brass cases that can be reloaded many times. This ammo is consistent, reliable, and feeds smoothly in virtually all 9mm handguns.
⏺️ » Great price on handy targets that display hits brightly
These handy 6″ Splatter Targets (#ad) make it easy to identify where your shots are hitting. The target design is good for aiming with bright red vertical and horizontal lines, plus a center “X”. When a shot lands on the target, a bright yellow on black circle instantly appears at point of impact. These 6″-diameter stick-on targets are easy to apply to any target backer. Get a handy 100-target roll now for $26.99 on Amazon.
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This 12″ Bullseye Pistol Diagnostic Target helps improve handgun marksmanship. The target diagnoses common problems with one-handed shooting based on shot impact zones. While this target is designed for righties, left-handed shooters can use the target too. Just observe the opposite tips.
Do you know someone who wants to get started in pistol shooting? Here’s a helpful resource. The NRA now offers its Basics of Pistol Shooting Course in an online format. That makes it easy to cover the “classroom” phase of the course on your own time. The $60.00 online course includes 11 step-by-step lessons (to be followed by live range training). CLICK HERE to enroll in online Pistol Training Course.
Train Online, Then Register for a Range Session
For the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course, Phase 1 is conducted in an online environment, completed on your own time (cost is $60.00, non-refundable). After successfully completing the online exam, students can register for Phase 2, the instructor-led training session. Phase 2 is conducted at your local range with an NRA-Certified Instructor. NOTE: There will normally be an additional fee for Phase 2. You must successfully complete BOTH Phase 1 and Phase 2 in order to receive your NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course certificate.
Designed and developed by experts to accommodate busy schedules, the web-based course takes a blended learning approach to firearms training with both online and physical components. Students have 90 days to work through 11 online lessons before registering for Phase 2, the NRA Certified Instructor-led phase at a local range.
“Thanks to our online courses and network of more than 125,000 NRA Certified Instructors, it has never been easier to learn basic firearm skills,” said Kyle Weaver, NRA General Operations Exec. Director. The NRA offers other online training courses at Onlinetraining.nra.org. Along with pistol course, these offerings include Rifle Training, Shotgun Training, a Range Safety Office (RSO) course, and a Range Development and Operations course.
Know someone getting started with handguns? Here is a useful video focusing on safety:
Do you often carry a concealed handgun? Then you can benefit from Beretta’s FREE 15-page e-book, Ten Essential Tips for CCW Holders. This eBook, in handy PDF format, helps gun owners select an appropriate handgun (and holster), understand legal obligations and responsibilities, and train effectively with the firearm. This short PDF eBook offers many useful tips to consider, in particular for gun owners who are contemplating the pros and cons of everyday carry for themselves.
As the Beretta CCW booklet says, “Carrying a concealed handgun requires a certain amount of confidence. You need to be confident in your knowledge of laws and regulations. You have to have confidence in your accuracy, and you need to trust that you can carry a gun effectively, securely and comfortably. If a gun is a burden for you to carry, you probably won’t.”
Surprising Facts About Actual Defensive Handgun Use
You may be surprised to learn when and how handguns are actually used for self-defense. Most defensive uses are at very short range and the incident only lasts a matter of seconds. You need to be prepared, and train to be proficient drawing and aiming your weapon. And remember, shooting is a last resort, when a safe retreat is not available.
55% of gunfights take place in 0-5 feet.
20% of gunfights take place in 5-10 feet.
20% of gunfights take place in 10-21 feet.
95% of gunfights take place in 0-21 feet. (Source: FBI)
The average man can cover 21 feet of ground in 1.5 seconds.
The average gunfight is over in 3-5 seconds.
3 to 4 shots are usually fired.
Most gunfights take place in low-light conditions.
On average, one shot in four strikes someone.
Here are two (2) sample pages from Beretta’s CCW eBook.
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.
1. EuroOptic — Sauer 100 Hunting Rifle Sale, $499.99 and up
⏺️ » Excellent hunting rifle with savings up to 49%
Hunting season is coming soon. If you’re looking for a handsome, reliable, and accurate hunting rig, check out the Sauer 100 rifles at EuroOptic. Many models have close-out pricing with discounts up to 49%. Choose among 10 standard and magnum chamberings including .223 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .270 Win, 7mm-08, 7mm Rem Mag, .308 Win, .30-06, and .300 Win Mag. Both synthetic and handsome wood stock options are offered.
2. Midsouth — RCBS Promo FREE Hazmat and FREE Powder
Here’s a great offer if you need reloading hardware, such as a press, powder scale/dispenser, or reloading tools. With the RCBS Buy Green Get Black Promo you get FREE HazMat with purchase of $200+ of RCBS products, you get FREE Powder if you spend at least $350 on RCBS items. NOTE: This offer expires at 11:59 PM CST on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Here are the terms:
1. Buy $200-$349.99 in RCBS Products and get FREE HazMat on an order with Hodgdon, Ramshot, Accurate, IMR, or Winchester Powders.
2. Buy $350-$549.99 in RCBS Products and get FREE HazMat and 1 FREE pound of select Hodgdon, Ramshot, Accurate, IMR, or Winchester Powders.
3. Buy $550+ in RCBS Product and FREE HazMat plus 2 FREE pounds of select Hodgdon, Ramshot, Accurate, IMR, or Winchester Powders.
3. Grafs.com — Frankford Arsenal F-1 Press, $124.99
⏺️ » Versatile press, good primer exit, plus built-in light
Here’s a handy, single-stage press with some cool features. The new Frankford Arsenal F-1 press has an open front for easy case placement, plus a built-in LED lamp at the top (great for inspecting cases). And after decapping, spent primers go straight down a tube into a handy, clear, twist-off catch cylinder (as on a Forster Co-Ax). We think this would be an excellent secondary press used for decapping or bullet seating. This intro price — just $124.99 at Graf & Sons — is a great deal. NOTE: This press does NOT have priming capability — you must prime cases with a separate tool. Also, the power cord for the LED light is NOT included. For more details see Frankford Arsenal F-1 Press Review.
4. KYGUNCO — Mossberg Night Train Rifle Combo, $758.99
⏺️ » Good hunting rifle, complete with 6-24x50mm scope
Here’s good hunting rifle package — rifle AND 6-24X scope — at a very attractive price. For $758.99, you can get a Mossberg Patriot Night Train Rifle and Scope combo package in 6.5 Creedmoor, or .308 Win. For a few bucks more ($768.76) more get the .300 Win Magnum version. A high quality 6-24x50mm scope and rings are included with all three models, and the .308 Win and .300 WinMag models include a fitted muzzle brake. This is a nice, complete package with good chamberings for deer and elk.
5. Palmetto SA — Taurus GX4 T.0.R.O. 9mm Pistol, $269.99
⏺️ » Great Value plus FREE 50rds of Hornady 9mm ammo
Here’s a compact modern 9mm carry pistol with great owner reviews and a bargain $269.99 price. The Taurus GX4 T.O.R.O. can mount modern red/green dot optics on the slide. The trigger is good and the grip adjusts with swappable backstraps. Here’s one buyer review: “My new and favorite EDC pistol. Paired it with a Holosun green dot and love it… perfect compact.” BONUS AMMO: If you purchase a G-series Taurus this month you get two FREE 25rd boxes of Hornady Critical Defense HTX 9mm ammo. Qualifying purchases must be made between August 1st, 2025 and August 31st, 2025.
⏺️ » Save $100 (40%) on good armored 10X bioculars
Hunting season is just around the corner. Here’s a good set of 10-power HD Burris Binoculars for just $149.00. That’s $100 discount off the regular price — a massive 40% savings. These Burris Droptine Binocs feature fast focus, plus a durable rubber armored coating. The optics chambers are nitrogen filled for waterproof and fog-proof performance in harsh weather.
7. Precision Reloading — Frankford Arsenal Tumbler Lite, $99.99
⏺️ » Good compact tumbler under $100 with FREE Shipping
You can save $18 on a good tumbler at Precision Reloading AND get free shipping. The Frankford Arsenal Tumbler Lite features a clear viewing window, simple ON/OFF switch, and leak-proof cap design. The 3.3L capacity holds up to 300 cases of .223 brass. This unit is big enough for most popular varmint and match rifle cartridge types. And it’s plenty big for pistol cases. Sold elsewhere for $118 or more, this is on sale for $99.99 with FREE Shipping.
⏺️ » Popular NRR24 electronic ear plugs now 60% Off MSRP
Protecting your hearing is vital when at the range. One popular option is the NRR24 Walker’s Silencer 2.0 Bluetooth Electronic Ear Plugs. These have a good 24-dB sound reduction rating, are pretty comfortable, and can communicate with your smartphone via wireless BlueTooth. Auto-Shut off helps preserve battery life (6-8 hours). Available in black, FDE, or Olive Drab, these rechargeable electronic ear plugs feature a free control App for your SmartPhone. These $99.99 plugs come with: USB Charging Dock with rechargeable lithium battery, 3 sizes of Sure-Lock fins and foam tips, and cleaning brush.
9. Amazon — Universal Gun Cleaning Kit, $44.99
⏺️ » Great value for cleaning kit for pistols, rifles, and shotguns
This Universal Gun Cleaning Kit (#ad) has just about everything you need to clean any firearm, all packed in a handy case. This $44.99 kit includes jags, brushes, bore mops, slotted tips, and lots more. The fitted jags and slotted tips are made from solid brass and marked by caliber. The cleaning rods and accessory adapters are also made from brass. Included in this easy-to-carry kit are: 6 gun rods, 13 gun jags, 4 slotted tips, 9 gun mops, 14 bore brushes, 3 muzzle guards, 3 utility brushes, 3 accessory adapters, 4 polishing cloths, 100 cleaning patches, 2 oil bottles (empty), and even a gun cleaning mat. NOTE: For competition rifles, we recommend using high-quality ONE-PIECE cleaning rods.
10. Amazon — Digital Trigger Pull Gauge, $18.99
⏺️ » Cool sub-$20 tool that works really well — great buy
The Pridefend Professional Digital Trigger Pull Gauge (#ad) offers great performance for a very low price. We’ve used this “smart” pull gauge with success on match rifle triggers. This gauge measures in 1 oz. increments from 0 to 12 pounds. The gauge display is easy to read and you can choose ounce, pound, or Kg units. Though it costs just $17.99, this digital gauge offers better consistency than many conventional spring-type gauges. Plus, when you do a sequence of multiple pull tests on one gun, the unit automatically calculates maximum, minimum, and average pull weights.
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The Smith & Wesson Model 41 is a classic American rimfire target pistol. Beautifully crafted, the Model 41 boasts a superb trigger, comfortable grip, and excellent accuracy. New or used, a Model 41 is a fine addition to any firearms collection. We’ve shot a few Model 41s, and they will spoil you if you go back to a lesser rimfire pistol. First released commercially in in 1957, a special 50th Anniversary Model (shown above top) came out in 2007 (hitting the market in 2008). Perhaps it should have been named the 60th Anniversary edition, as the first prototypes of the Model 41 were crafted way back in 1947. READ American Rifleman article about Model 41.
The Model 41 is one of those classic American designs that has stood the test of time. Many feel the Model 41 represents the apex of American .22 LR pistol design, much like the Colt Python is the “crown jewel” of double-action revolvers. One YouTube poster noted: “After [65] years the Model 41 is still near the top of the game in precision .22s. Very few if any of the current day pistols can match the workmanship, fit, and balance that makes having a Model 41 so enjoyable to own.”
The Stunning 50th Anniversary Edition Model 41
Probably the most sought-after Model 41 is the handsome, machine-engraved 50th Anniversary Model, released in 2007. This was offered in a hardwood, glass-covered case. This would be a prized addition to any gun collection. For $2000.00 to $3700.00 you can find the fully engraved, 50th Anniversary Model 41 in presentation case on various auction websites. First released in 2007, the engraved model 41 combines superior accuracy with stunning appearance.
The 50th Anniversary Model was machine-engraved with Class A+ coverage, 24 carat gold striping, and special serial number range FYA0001 – FYA0500.
Smith & Wesson Model 41 — An American Classic Rimfire Pistol
The Smith & Wesson Model 41 is an American classic — one of the great, iconic .22 LR target pistols. Accurate, well-balanced and built-to-last, model 41s have been in production for over 50 years. The Model 41 remains one of the most accurate pistols ever produced by Smith & Wesson.
Model 41 photo by Mightymoo01, creative commons released CC BY-SA 3.0.
Beautifully crafted, the Model 41 boasts a superb trigger, comfortable grip, and excellent accuracy. Whether an older classic or a newer model, the S&W Model 41 is something every gun owner would prize for target shooting. And “like new” high-grade models are now appreciating in value!
Field Test of Current Generation S&W Model 41
So how do modern production Model 41s shoot? Very well indeed, based on the results from popular gun Vlogger 22plinkster. He took a new Model 41 to his test range and tested it for handling and accuracy. Watch the 22plinkster video below:
22plinkster runs of the most popular gun-centric YouTube channels. His videos have been watched by hundreds of thousands of firearms fans. Some of .22 Plinkster’s videos involve trick shots, but he’s actually a very competent marksman who has shot a vast collection of .22 LR/22 WMR pistols and rifles, making him a qualified rimfire expert.
A three-judge panel of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked New Mexico’s 7-day waiting period on firearm purchases. In the Ortega v Grisham case, the 10th Circuit panel ruled that the law infringes on Second Amendment rights. Judge Tymkovich, writing for the court, determined that the right to keep and bear arms necessarily includes the lawful acquisition of firearms and, therefore, “cooling off” waiting periods infringe on Second Amendment-protected conduct. The court noted that waiting periods are a modern invention that are unsupported by our nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation. The case has been sent back to a lower court for injunction specifics. CLICK HERE for full 10th Circuit Decision.
Background: New Mexico enacted a law requiring a 7-day waiting period for firearm purchases. The law was challenged by the NRA and Mountain States Legal, arguing it infringed on the Second Amendment. The lawsuit cited concerns about delayed access to firearms for victims of domestic violence and other crimes.
After the Second Amendment victory in Ortega v. Grisham, John Commerford, NRA-ILA Executive Director, released the following statement:
“In courtrooms across America, the NRA is successfully leading the charge to protect law-abiding Americans’ Second Amendment rights. The 10th Circuit has sided with the NRA and held that radical waiting period laws are indeed unconstitutional. This decision not only impacts gun owners in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma, but serves as a key piece in dismantling similar gun control laws across the country.”
History of the case
On May 15, 2024, the NRA, in coordination with the Mountain States Legal Foundation, filed Ortega v Grisham, a lawsuit challenging New Mexico’s radical seven-day waiting period law.
On Monday, July 22, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico denied the plaintiffs’ motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against New Mexico’s law requiring individuals to wait seven days before taking possession of any firearm they purchase.
Today, August 19, 2025, the 10th Circuit Court reversed and remanded this decision, ruling the law is unconstitutional and ordered a preliminary injunction to ensure the rights of law-abiding citizens are no longer infringed. The full ruling can be found HERE.
This ruling was based on the landmark NRA-backed Supreme Court case New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which held that gun control laws are unconstitutional unless they are consistent with our nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation.
On Thursday, August 14, 2025, the Federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has issued its mandate striking down California’s “one-gun-per-month” purchase restriction law. This was noteworthy as it was the first time the notoriously liberal 9th Circuit has issued a final judgment striking down a law as unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. This follows CA Attorney General Bonta declining to ask the 9th Circuit to rehear the case en banc (i.e. with full panel of all judges).
“California has managed to do what many thought impossible: violate the Second Amendment so blatantly that even the Ninth Circuit won’t uphold it”, explained FPC Action Foundation President Cody J. Wisniewski, counsel for FPC. “We are proud to have secured the rights of peaceable people and look forward to many more wins against California’s unconstitutional laws.”
California “1-in-30″ Firearm Ban Struck Down in Ninth Circuit Decision
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that a California law restricting gun purchases to just one every 30 days is absolutely unconstitutional. With a unanimous 3-0 decision, a Ninth Circuit panel held that California’s “one-gun-per-month” gun ban law clearly violates the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The Ninth Circuit ruling in Nguyen v. Bonta can be viewed at firearmspolicy.org/nguyen.
“California has a ‘one-gun-a-month’ law that prohibits most people from buying more than one firearm in a 30-day period. The district court held that this law violates the Second Amendment. We affirm. California’s law is facially unconstitutional because possession of multiple firearms and the ability to acquire firearms through purchase without meaningful constraints are protected by the Second Amendment and California’s law is not supported by our nation’s tradition of firearms regulation”, wrote Ninth Circuit Judge Forrest. At the end of the 24-page decision, Judge Forest added: “The Second Amendment expressly protects the right to possess multiple arms. It also protects against meaningful constraints on the right to acquire arms because otherwise the right to ‘keep and bear’ would be hollow.”
Plaintiffs in the case included two FFL gun dealers, the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), San Diego County Gun Owners PAC, and six private citizens including Michelle Nguyen, for whom the case is named.
The Nguyen v. Bonta lawsuit challenged the California statute that only allows for the purchase of one handgun or semi-automatic centerfire rifle, from a licensed dealer within a 30-day period. Plaintiffs secured a summary judgment win at the District Court, which California then appealed to the Ninth Circuit. The Ninth Circuit affirmed the District Court decision, striking down the gun rationing law as impermissible under the Second Amendment.
