Legendary competitive shooter and Team Vihtavuori member Bruce Piatt has claimed his eighth Bianchi Cup title, securing victory at the 2025 Bianchi Cup with the only perfect score of 1920 in the match. The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) now oversees the Bianchi Cup competition, previously run by the National Rifle Association.
The 2025 Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Bianchi Cup, known as the gold standard in action pistol shooting, was hosted once again at the Green Valley Rifle and Pistol Club in Hallsville, Missouri, May 20-23, 2025. Participants from all over the world competed in the Falling Plates, Moving Target, Barricade, and Practical events.
“The 2025 Bianchi Cup is coming home with me for the 8th time!” Piatt said after the match. “Dealing with a nasty cold the entire time and having to switch to my backup gun at the last minute didn’t exactly boost my confidence — but focus and determination paid off.”
Piatt won his impressive 8th Bianchi Cup title running the .38 Super cartridge powered by high-qualty Vihtavuori N320 powder. Beyond his individual triumph, Piatt also accompanied his 4-man team to victory, achieving a team score of 1918-175X. The winning quartet included Piatt, Mark Itzstein, Joey De Leon, and fellow Team Vihtavuori athlete, Doug Koenig.
Editor’s Note: Vihtavuori N320 is our favorite powder for .45 ACP target loads. It is very accurate and burns cleaner, with fewer sparks, than any other brand of powder we have tried for the .45 ACP. We highly recommend N320 and the slightly faster N310.
Our .45 ACP loads showed superb accuracy with coated lead bullets. This combination provided great performance and also had our pistols running very clean, reducing maintenance chores.
Bruce Piatt 3-Gun Skills on Display
Bruce Piatt also competes in 3-Gun Matches. This short video shows Bruce completing a 3-gun stage (shotgun 0.09 time-mark, pistol 0.18, then rifle 0.53) at the Rockcastle 3-Gun Pro-Am event. His speed with the AR-type rifle was very impressive as was his long-range accuracy.
About Vihtavuori
Vihtavuori is renowned its clean burning and temperature stable smokeless powders that have great lot-to-lot consistency. Vihtavuori is imported by Capstone Precision Group, exclusive U.S. distributor for Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori and SK-Rimfire products. For more information, visit Vihtavuori.com.
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. Natchez — Weaver Optics Sale
⏺️ » Major savings on Weaver scopes, spotting scopes, binocs and more
Are you putting together a new build and need optics that won’t break the bank? Then check out the Weaver Optics Sale at Natchez. You’ll find competition scopes, hunting scopes, red dots, and binoculars at prices up to 60% off. A 3-9x40mm hunting scope is now just $89.99, and a 6-24x50mm SFP Weaver Classic scope is just $199.99. If you need a new optic, you can save big bucks this week at Natchez.
2. Midsouth — Federal Gold Medal Primers on Sale
⏺️ » Great prices on top-quality primers including 205M.
For quite some time, top-quality American-made primers have been in short supply, or have been extremely expensive. Take heart, you can get great primers at good prices with Midsouth’s Federal Gold Medal Match Primer Sale. Offering optimum ignition and great consistency, Federal Premium Gold Medal primers are the choice of match shooters everywhere. These are some of the best primers on the market at prices lower than we’ve seen in years.
3. Creedmoor Sports — TriggerTech Trigger Sale
⏺️ » Good prices on triggers for bolt-actions and ARs.
If you need to replace a factory trigger in your AR or Rem 700 action-type rifles, TriggerTech Triggers are tough to beat for the price. With a very crisp break and adjustable pull weight, these easy-to-install triggers are an affordable upgrade that can improve your on-target results.
4. Graf & Sons — Shooter’s World Powders In Stock, Good Value
⏺️ » Positive field reports on these powders — good value, good ES/SD
If you need very good propellants at reasonable prices consider Shooters World Powders. Customers report these powders rival top Hodgdon and Alliant brands delivering good accuracy, temp stability, and low ES/SD. With its wide range of powders, Shooters World offers good choices for most popular cartridge types — small to magnum. Best of all, these Shooters World Powders are IN STOCK now at great prices.
5. Palmetto State Armory — Walther PPQ .22 LR, $269.99
⏺️ » Affordable .22 LR pistol with good trigger, great ergonomics.
When developing handgun skills, we recommend starting with a .22 LR pistol. The mild recoil helps with follow-up shots, and ammo is inexpensive. It’s also fun to shoot a .22 LR at reactive targets. If you’re shopping for a rimfire pistol, check out the Walther PPQ .22 LR 4″ PISTOL on sale now for just $269.99. The PPQ .22 delivers advanced design and ergonomics with the cost savings of .22 rimfire. The sculpted grip is comfortable and the trigger is very good — crisp and reasonably light.
6. Amazon — RCBS Auto Priming Tool, $129.99
⏺️ » Excellent benchmounted tool with primer dispensing tube
Are your hands tired of hand priming and you’d like an alternative? Consider the RCBS Automatic Priming Tool. This bench-mounted Automatic Priming Tool is fast, accurate and highly sensitive due to its single-stage lever system. Primers feed through the auto primer feed tube one by one, preventing potential contamination by oily fingers. Two primer rod assemblies and two primer feed tubes are included.
7. Amazon — Caldwell Wind Wizard II, $35.99
⏺️ » Good, reliable and affordable wind gauge
To calculate precision ballistics you need the current wind speed and ambient temperature. The Caldwell Wind Wizard II can provide that key information (wind speed and temp) at a very modest $35.99 price. The Caldwell Wind Wizard II Wind Meter may well be the best value wind meter on the market. It reads wind speed quickly and accurately, with various unit options (e.g. Mph, km/hr). A easy-to-grip rubber sleeve helps protect the unit and ensure a firm grip.
8. Amazon — Lyman Case Prep Tool, $26.99
⏺️ » Handy double-ended tool with internal parts storage
Do you need a simple but effective tool to help with case prep? We like the Lyman Case Prep Multi-Tool which has essential case prep accessories in one compact, double-ended tool. This handy tool can perform key case prep tasks (e.g. neck chamfering/deburring) on rifle and pistol brass from .17-.45 caliber. Both handle ends of the handle are threaded so two tool heads can be used simultaneously. In addition the Case Prep multi-Tool can be used with any other standard case prep tools and brushes.
9. Amazon — Rifle Storage Rods, Assorted Packages
⏺️ » Handy rods help organize in-safe storage
Need to fit more long guns in your safe? Want them to be secure and not lean on each other? Gun Storage Solutions Rifle Rodscan help you store more long guns more securely. A 5-rod set is just $21.95 (orange) and $20.70 (black). There are also rod sets with 10, 20, 30, or 40 rods. These Rifle Rods utilize a hook & loop (Velcro-type) system to stabilize long guns in the upright position. These rod sets work great with a variety of gun safes and come complete with the nylon loop fabric placed on the underside of shelves.
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If you’re looking for a space-saving handgun storage system, consider the Easy Use Gun Hangers from AmeriGun Club. These vinyl-coated, wire hangers organize handguns below the shelves in your gunsafe, freeing up storage space above the shelves. To use the handgun hangers, simply slide each hanger on the shelf and then slip your pistol’s barrel over the lower rod. Handgun Hangers are intended for guns with an overall length of 10 inches or shorter. They will fit shelves that are at least 11 inches deep and 5/8-1 inch in thickness. Handgun Hangers will hold handguns .22 caliber and up, though the fit is a bit snug on .22s. A four-pack of AmeriGun Club Handgun Hangers costs $9.99.
WARNING — ALWAYS Make Sure Handgun is UNLOADED when using Handgun Hangers!!
Boomstick also offers Over-Under Hangers that hold two handguns — one above the shelf, and one below. A two-pack of Over-Under Hangers (capable of holding four handguns) costs $9.99 on Amazon. This may be a good solution for you. This Editor personally prefers standard hangers which place pistols BELOW the shelf. That way I can use the upper surface of the shelf to hold odd-shaped items such as cameras, binoculars, and miscellaneous valuables.
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.
Could you hit an 18″ x 24″ target at a distance of 400 meters (437 yards)? 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 437 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.
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. Midsouth — Summer Clearance Sale, up to 50% Off
⏺️ » Huge savings on reloading kits, ammo, and other gear
Midsouth is running a major Summer Clearance Sale right now, with discounts up to 50%. There are major savings on ammo, reloading presses, gun cases and more. For example, you can save $100 on a LEE Six Pack Pro 6000 progressive press with FREE shipping.
2. Graf’s — Hornady Aero Match Bullet Sale w/ FREE Hit Indicator
⏺️ » Get cool target hit device with Hornady Bullet Purchases
Here’s a cool deal — you get two flashing Hit Markers with the purchase of 500 bullets. Hornady Aero Match bullets are quality, high-BC projectiles in a variety of calibers and weights. These come in 500-count boxes. Order now and get a FREE Target Hit Marker 2-Pack with every 500-count AeroMatch box ordered. Plus your Aero Match bullet order ships for free. NOTE: If you purchase six of the same type of AeroMatch bullets Graf’s will pull a full case, making the 3000 bullets sequential — guaranteeing great consistency.
3. Amazon — KAER 57″ Gun Safe, $239.99
⏺️ » Great deal for a medium-size, multi-compartment gun safe
Keeping firearms safe and out of the wrong hands is a critical part of gun ownership. If you need a good, affordable gun safe consider the KAER 8-12 Gun Safe (#ad). This 57″ x 21″ x 15″ safe will hold up to a dozen long guns, and has adjustable shelves to hold pistols, ammo, and other valuables. While we recommend a larger and heavier primary safe, this is a good starter safe or a good secondary safe for your reloading room or vacation home. This safe has a numeric KeyPad lock plus an emergency key.
4. Midsouth — ELEY Rimfire Ammo In Stock
⏺️ » ELEY offers really good .22 LR ammo for rimfire matches.
Rimfire shooting is rapidly growing in popularity because ammo is affordable and you don’t have to spend hours hand-loading. If you need great .22 LR ammo for NRL22, rimfire benchrest, or smallbore competition, you’ll definitely want to consider ELEY. Right now Midsouth has a very large supply of ELEY Rimfire .22LR Ammo. A wide variety of popular ELEY ammo types are in stock including: Match, Tenex EPS, Tenex Biathlon, Club, Force, Semi-Auto BR Outlaw, High-Velocity, Subsonic, Team and Bullseye Pistol.
5. Natchez — SIG Sauer Scope Sale
⏺️ » Good scopes for hunters and tac shooters — sale discounts up to 40%
SIG Sauer optics offer good very good performance, features, and quality for the price. And right now SIG Sauer scopes, red dots, binoculars, and weapon lights are on sale at Natchez. With discounts up to 40%, there are some very good choices for hunting and tactical applications. For example, the SIG Sauer 4-16x44mm Tango SPR scope is just $179.99 on sale.
⏺️ » 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.
7. Amazon — Revasri 1000 Yard Rangefinder, $37.98
⏺️ » Very low price, but many good features
If you need a basic laser rangefinder and don’t want to spend a lot of money, consider the Revasri 1000yd Rangfinder (#ad). This laser rangefinder for hunters has 7 functions: ranging mode, all-in-one mode, scanning mode, speed measurement mode, two points height measurement mode, golf distance compensation mode and storage mode. This rangefinder has a convenient memory function which will open the mode you used before shutting down.
8. Amazon — Plano Pro-Max 53″ Hard Gun Case, $32.40
⏺️ » Popular case for large rifle, now 35% off
Sometimes you just need a simple case either to ship a rifle or get to the range. Check out the Plano Pro-Max Series Single Gun Case (#ad) now just $32.40 on Amazon. The Pro-Max’s molded latches and padlock tabs offer good security. Measuring 53″ this Pro-Max case is big enough to hold long-barrel F-Class, High Power, and ELR rifles. The case employs patented PillarLock technology for crush-resistant strength.
9. Amazon — Lyman Brass Smith Xpress Case Trimmer, $133.95
⏺️ » Good unit for fast trimming of multiple cartridge types
Trimming brass is critical for precision reloading. One fast, precise, and efficient power trimmer is the Lyman Brass Smith Case Trim Xpress (#ad). The Case Trim Xpress is equipped with an adjustment wheel, which allows case lengths to easily be “dialed in” to .001″ increments. This Xpress trimmer comes with a set of 10 precision bushings to fit most popular bottleneck rifle cases.
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Monday, May 26, 2025 is Memorial Day. Many leading shooting sports/outdoor vendors are now running Memorial Day Sales over the next few days. You’ll find savings on guns, ammo, reloading supplies, brass, optics, hunting gear and more.
Brownells Memorial Day Sale — Save 15% with Code MD15
Brownells has kicked off a major Memorial Day Sale. Use Code MD15 to get 15% Off $250+ orders. This discount applies to vast range of products, and there are other featured deals with specific discounts. You’ll find great deals on Howa products, optics, AR components and more.
Powder Valley — Big Memorial Day Weekend Ammo SALE
Need ammo? Now’s a great time to buy from Powder Valley, which is running big discounts on factory ammo from many leading sources. Save on rifle, pistol, rimfire, and shotgun ammo from Federal, CCI, Barnes, Hornady, Remington, Frontier, and other leading brands. Savings typically range from 10% to 22% on loaded ammunition during this big Memorial Day Sale.
Precision Reloading Memorial Day Sale
Leading vendor Precision Reloading is offering site-wide discounts this Memorial Day Weekend. With all orders over $99.00 you can get 10% Off your total costs (not including shipping). To take advantage of this 10% Off deal, use Code SAVE at checkout. This sale ends Tuesday, May 27th at 11:59 pm Mountain time.
Palmetto State Armory (PSA) Memorial Day Sale
Palmetto State Armory has a major Memorial Day Weekend Sale underway now. Save on guns, optics, triggers, ammunition and more. A wide variety of AR-platform parts are discounted and there are some great deals on handguns. For example, the Taurus TX22 pistol is now just $229.99, a $170.00 savings off the regular $399.99 price. There are also major savings on optics, with big discounts on Vortex, SIG Sauer, Holosun, and Pulsar Optics. For example, SIG Sauer Buckmaster 10X Binoculars are now just $119.99, a whopping 29% off the regular $169.99 price.
Primary Arms Memorial Day Sale
Primary Arms is running a huge Memorial Day Weekend Sale. Many popular product types are on sale with savings up to $200. You’ll find big discounts on Geissele triggers, FN AR lowers, Magpul Mags, Eotech and Trijicon optics. Plus Benchmark, Kershaw, and Spyderco knives are on sale. NOTE: This is a multi-part sale so discounted items may vary from day to day and new items are added daily.
OK this is no novice. But even champion pistol shooter Jessie Harrison, Captain of Team Taurus, had to start with the basics. Jessie says that safety should always be your number one priority.
At AccurateShooter.com, our primary focus is precision target shooting with rifles. But it’s definitely fun to shoot pistols too, and we bet most of our regular readers own handguns. Here are six tips for shooting safely and accurately with handguns. These pointers will help you advance your skills and have more fun with your pistols and revolvers.
1. Make Sure Safety Is Number One
Whether you own one gun or one hundred, gun safety must always be your main priority. In this video, Smith & Wesson Team Captain Julie Golob covers the basics of gun safety.
2. Start with a .22 LR Handgun
We strongly recommend that new pistol shooters start off with a .22 LR rimfire handgun. The .22 LR cartridge is accurate but has very low recoil, less “bark” than a centerfire, and very little smoke and muzzle flash. New shooters won’t have to fight muzzle flip, and won’t develop a flinch from the sharp recoil and muzzle blast common to larger calibers. With the .22 LR, the trainee can focus on sight alignment, breathing, and trigger pull. When he or she has mastered those skills, move on to a .38 Special or 9mm Luger (9x19mm).
What gun to use? We recommend the 10-shot Smith & Wesson Model 617. Shooting single action, slow-fire, this is ideal for training. Shown above is the 4″-barrel Model 617version which balances well. There is also a 6″-barrel version. It has a longer sight radius, but is a little nose-heavy. Both are great choices. They are extremely accurate and they boast a very clean, precise trigger.
If you prefer a semi-auto .22 LR pistol, we recommend the Browning Buck Mark series. Buck Marks are very accurate and very reliable. This rimfire pistol is available in a variety of models starting at under $350.00. Like the S&W Model 617, a good Buck Mark will serve you for a lifetime.
5. Use Quality Targets with Multiple Aim Points
It’s common for new pistoleros to start shooting at cans or clay birds at a public range. That can be fun, but it’s better to start with proper targets, placed at eye level, at 7-10 yards. We like to use targets with large, brightly colored circles. Focus on putting 5 shots in a circle. We recommend targets that have multiple bullseyes or aiming points — that way you don’t have to constantly change your target. There are also special paper targets that can help you diagnose common shooting problems, such as anticipating recoil. EZ2C makes very good targets with bright, red-orange aim points. You can also use the bright orange Birchwood Casey stick-on Target Dots (right). These come in a variety of diameters. We like the 2″ dot at 10 yards.
3. Shoot Outdoors If You Can
We recommend that new pistol shooters begin their training at an outdoor range. There are many reasons. First, the light is better outdoors. Indoor ranges can be dark with lots of shadows, making it harder to see your target. Second, sound dissipates better outdoors. The sound of gunfire echoes and bounces off walls indoors. Third, an outdoor range is a more comfortable environment, particularly if you can get out on a weekday morning. Indoor ranges, at least in urban areas, tend to be crowded. Many also have poor ventilation. If you can make it to an outdoor range, you’ll be happy. Many outdoor ranges also have some steel pistol targets, which offer a fun alternative to paper. When shooting steel however, we recommend polymer encased or lead bullets to avoid ricochets.
Too many new pistol shooters try to move right to rapid fire drills. It’s better to start slow, practicing the basics, under the guidance of a good mentor. If you belong to a club, ask if there are certified instructors who will help out. This Editor learn pistol shooting from a seasoned bullseye shooter, who got me started with a .22 LR revolver and very close targets. Over the course of a few range sessions we progressed to farther targets and faster pace. But the fundamentals were never forgotten. When starting your pistol training, it’s wise to view some instructional videos. Top Shot Champion Chris Cheng hosts an excellent Handgun 101 Series produced by the NSSF. We’ve linked one of these Handgun 101 videos for Tip #6.
6. SLOW DOWN — This Is Not a Race
When you learned to ride a bicycle, you started slow — maybe even with training wheels. The same principle applies to pistol shooting. When you get started with handguns, we recommend you shoot slowly and deliberately. Start with the handgun unloaded — just work on your sight alignment and breathing. With snap caps in place, try some dry-firing drills. Then progress to live fire. But be deliberate and slow. With the target at 20 feet, see if you can get three successive shot-holes to touch. Believe it or not, many common pistols are capable of this kind of accuracy (but you won’t see many shooters at indoor ranges who pursue that kind of precision). Once you master your form and accuracy, then you can work on your speed.
AccurateShooter.com is more about rifles than pistols. But we know that the majority of our regular readers own handguns, and many also have concealed carry (CCW) permits. And with the prospect of social unrest following the election, we expect more reader than ever will be “packing” a sidearm. Accordingly, we’ve found a great resource for CCW holders that can help you select a holster. On the Shooting Illustrated website you’ll find a detailed review of 30 different holster types. Each holster is illustrated, with pros and cons explained. These are all EDC holsters, meaning those designed for “Every Day Carry”.
Shooting Illustrated calls this article “HolsterPallooza” and it really does provide a ton of helpful information. Most other holster reviews on the web may feature a half-dozen holsters at the most. In this Holsterpallooza article you can see 30 holsters, with a wide variety of materials, designs, and applications. There are small molded IWB holsters for CCW, conventional on the belt holsters, leather shoulder holster rigs, and even ankle holsters. This is a great place to start if you are in the market for a holster.
Here’s sample of the many holster options reviewed, an innovative hybrid IWB holster constructed with leather over Kydex. That gives you the “best of both worlds” — the secure fit/retention of a molded Kydex shell, with an attractive leather exterior.
Shooting Illustrated explains: “As the interface between your gun and your body, the holster is a vital component of your carry rig. In many cases, the circumstances of your daily life will determine the method of carry you choose. This, in turn, will determine what type of holster you need, which may end up determining the handgun you carry. Therefore, choosing the method and type of holster may be as, or even more important than, choosing a firearm.”
MORE Reviews — Hickok 45 Reviews 15 CCW Holsters:
If you want to see even MORE holsters for “Every Day Carry” (EDC), check out this video from Hickok 45. This popular YouTube host looks at 15 different IWB holsters from a number of manufacturers. Hickok 45 examines many hybrid holsters that combine Kydex or plastic with leather for increased comfort. He has his favorites… and they might not be what you’d expect. NOTE: As this video has been watched over 900,000 times, you may also want to read the viewer comments. There are many helpful suggestions from CCW holders who carry daily.
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 — Major Vortex Discounts Plus 12% Off Promo
⏺️ » Big savings on all Vortex optics, plus 12% Discount Code
EuroOptic.com is running a major sale right now on Vortex products. You can save a full 12% on nearly all Vortex products including Scopes, Spotting Scopes, Rangefinders, Reflex Optics, Binoculars, Rings and more. Get your 12% Savings by using Code VTX12 during checkout. Along with the 12% discount, many Vortex products have major mark-downs. For example the Vortex Venom 5-25x56mm FFP scope is now just $499.99, a 29% savings, and the Viper HD 3000 Rangefinder is just $399.99, a 33% discount.
2. Palmetto SA — Memorial Day Sale, Save up to 68%
⏺️ » Huge savings on guns, ammo, optics, and more
Palmetto State Armory is running a major Memorial Day Sale this month. You’ll find significant discounts on a wide range of products — rifles, AR lowers, pistols, optics, magazines, ammo and more. From the Memorial Day Sale landing page you can see over 1600 sale items. You can then use the Category tabs on the left (or FILTER button on cellphones) to search by product type.
3. Brownells — FREE $0 HazMat for Powder and Primer Orders
⏺️ » Save $20 to $35 with FREE HazMat now at Brownells
Brownells is currently offering $0 Hazmat Fee on Powder and Primer orders. This is a tempting promo that can save you $20 to $35 on a shipment (compared to fees charged by other vendors). But act soon. This $0 HazMat deal won’t last long. Brownells doesn’t list an end date for the promotion, so it could halt very soon. CLICK HERE for the Brownells Powder and Primers Sale Page.
4. CDNN Sports — HK 416 .22 LR Rimfire, $349.99
⏺️ » Great option for AR cross-training or rimfire gun games, save $200
If you own an AR for Service Rifle competition or 3-Gun matches, here’s a great option for inexpensive rimfire cross-training. An AR-type .22 LR rifle can also be effective in NRL22 matches. Right now you can save $250 on the HK 416 .22 LR rifle. This rifle boasts a 16.1″ barrel, retractable stock, M-LOK rail, and adjustable flip-up sights. With authentic AR dimensions and ergonomics, this is a great cross-trainer.
⏺️ » Great complete system for reloading multiple cartridge types
This Lyman Ultimate Reloading System Kit includes 8-station BrassSmith turret press, Gen 6 Powder Scale/Dispenser, Universal Case Trimmer, Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler, Case Trimmer, Case Prep Tools, Priming Tool, Calipers, Bullet Puller, Bench Wrench, Case Lube, Reloading Manual and more. This is one of the most complete reloading systems you can buy. With 8 turret stations you can load 3 or 4 different cartridges types, with sizing and seating dies for each. This system is on sale now for $629.99 at MidwayUSA.
⏺️ » Great portable Satellite GPS with Applied Ballistics
The Garmin Foretrex 701 Ballistic Edition device is an amazing bit of technology. This unit combines SATNAV GPS technology with Applied Ballistics software. It’s a great option for ELR and Long-range Tactical Match competitors. It will locate you precisely and also calculate windage and elevation. The Garmin Fortrex is currently $249.99 on Amazon (#ad), 50% off the original asking price.
7. Amazon — KAER Storage Safe, $149.99
⏺️ » Decent secondary safe at super-low price
Here’s a good secondary safe for a garage, work room, or large RV. This KAER gun cabinet hold rifles up to 45″ long. This steel cabinet, now $149.99 on Amazon (#ad) measures 57″ H x 17.7″ W 18″ D and has a handy 18″x9″ inside lockbox. This safe has 3 polymer barrel holders that adjust for height. You can unlock the safe with a touchpad combo or metal key. NOTE: This metal safe comes UNASSEMBLED. You’ll need to put it together with basic tools. This safe is also offered in black for $159.99 on Amazon (#ad).
⏺️ » GREAT Deal on rimfire silhouette steel target 20-Pack
There are few things as fun as plinking with a .22 LR Rimfire rig at steel targets. It’s fun for kids and adults alike and right now you can grab a 20-ct pack of RIMFIRE animal targets in assorted sizes and shapes. They are 1/5 size and made from A36 steel plate. IMPORTANT: These small steel targets work great for rimfire shooting, but should NEVER be used with centerfire rifle cartridges.
9. Amazon — MOZETO Shooting Mat, $39.99
⏺️ » Nice 78″-long padded nylon mat stows conveniently
Whether in the field or at the range, having a comfortable mat to keep you and your gear dry and clean is critical. The Mozeto XL Shooting Mat is made from durable 1000D nylon with EPE padding fabric for long-lasting durability. There is an extra-thick padded section for elbows and knees. This big 78″ x 28.5″ mat has convenient straps and carry handle, plus storage pockets. To transport, just roll it up, fold it over and attach the quick release plastic snap buckles.
10. Locked & Loaded — CCI Blazer 9mm Ammo, $214.99 1000 rds
⏺️ » Quality 9mm brass-cased ammo at a super-low price — $22 cents/round
CCI makes very reliable pistol ammo with reloadable brass cases. Right now you can get 1000 rounds of CCI Blazer 9mm FMJ ammo for just $214.99 at LockedLoaded.com. The price for this 124gr CCI Blazer 9mm ammo works out to just $10.75 per 50-round box — a fantastic price. This very affordable CCI 9x19mm ammo is excellent for practice/training, and it is more reliable than commercial reloads.
⏺️ » Get TWO good compact lock boxes for home or when traveling
Keeping handguns safe from theft or unauthorized use is vital. One good travel option is the TSA-compliant STOPBOX Gun Safe lock box. The button-activated mechanical lock offers quick access to your firearm. This lock box is also padlock-compatible. This $159.00 deal gives you TWO portable handgun safes, each measuring 9.25″ x 7.15″ x 1.75″ inside — big enough to handle full-size pistols. The patented glass-reinforced polycarbonate ABS and steel-reinforced lock boxes pass tough drop tests and come with a limited lifetime warranty.
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Legendary competitive shooter and Team Vihtavuori member Bruce Piatt has claimed his eighth Bianchi Cup title, securing victory at the 2025 Bianchi Cup with the only perfect score of 1920 in the match. The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) now oversees the Bianchi Cup competition, previously run by the National Rifle Association.
Editor’s Note: Vihtavuori N320 is our favorite powder for .45 ACP target loads. It is very accurate and burns cleaner, with fewer sparks, than any other brand of powder we have tried for the .45 ACP. We highly recommend N320 and the slightly faster N310.
The popular AmeriGun Club 
It’s common for new pistoleros to start shooting at cans or clay birds at a public range. That can be fun, but it’s better to start with proper targets, placed at eye level, at 7-10 yards. We like to use targets with large, brightly colored circles. Focus on putting 5 shots in a circle. We recommend targets that have multiple bullseyes or aiming points — that way you don’t have to constantly change your target. There are also special paper targets that can help you diagnose common shooting problems, such as anticipating recoil. EZ2C makes very good targets with bright, red-orange aim points. You can also use the bright orange Birchwood Casey stick-on Target Dots (right). These come in a variety of diameters. We like the 2″ dot at 10 yards.
