To support the growing community of new shooters and hunters, Nosler has released a useful, informative video that can help prepare beginners for their first experience at a shooting range. This video was filmed at the Redmond Rod & Gun Club in Central Oregon.
Editor: Regular readers — if you have a friend or family member who is new to shooting, have them watch this video. It does a good job outlining important range etiquette along with safe practices.
Training at a gun range is critical to building foundational firearms skills. Unfortunately, this process can be intimidating for new shooters who are unsure of what a trip to the range fully entails. In this video Randy Newberg (Nosler Pro-Staffer) illustrates key points to help shooters feel safe and confident at any range.
The 7-minute First Trip to the Shooting Range video covers key considerations that apply to all ranges: necessary equipment, firearm safety, range commands, and range etiquette. Differences between indoor and outdoor ranges, as well as range restrictions to consider before your visit are also covered. Newberg also notes: “Before you leave your house, double-check to make sure your firearm is empty”. (Editor: Yes we’ve seen people open their gun cases only to discover their rifle, pistol, or shotgun WAS loaded!)
Important Firearms Safety Rules at the Range
Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
Always keep your gun pointed in a safe direction.
Never point your firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot.
Always keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you are ready to fire.
Always be sure of your target and what is beyond it. (Do NOT shoot unless you know exactly what your shot is going to strike.)
Always comply with ALL Range Commands (and make sure you can hear commands).
Experienced Shooters Should Help Newcomers Learn Safe Procedures
Nosler’s video includes a call-to-action for experienced hunters and shooters to help mentor those new to the sport. As a seasoned shooter you can accompany a new shooter to the range, showing him or her the right procedures. This includes placing rifles on the bench, setting up targets during cease-fires, and properly unloading and clearing weapons. As a mentor, you can also share educational resources that benefit newcomers, and share your effective/safe reloading methods.
In April 2020, the National Rifle Association (NRA) launched NRAWomen.com, a website dedicated to the fastest-growing group of firearm owners — America’s women. This website serves the increasing number of female gun owners, huntresses, and competitive shooters. Female involvement in firearms is growing significantly. Consider these numbers: Statistica estimates that 19% of women in the USA owned firearms in 2020, while 23% of women surveyed in a 2011 Gallup Poll stated they owned a gun.
Jessie Harrison is one of the greatest female pistol shooters on the planet.
Here are three excellent Articles from the NRAWomen.com website, all worth reading. For each example, Click the Photo or direct link to read the full article on NRAWomen.com.
1. Flying with Firearms — What You Need to Know
We recommend that any gun owner, female OR male, should definitely read this article. It is one of the better discussions on the web of airline travel with firearms, covering international travel as well as domestic flights. The article notes that you should obtain U.S. Customs Form 4457 before flying overseas with a firearm.
“Flying with a gun is actually a lot easier than you’d probably expect. You need a couple of specific gear items, and you need to know the proper procedure, but it’s a relatively simple process. I’ve flown with long guns and handguns dozens of times around the country and around the world. The process is generally the same, but with some additional steps and maybe additional hassle depending on the airport [and personnel.]” READ FULL ARTICLE on NRAWomen.com.
2. Modular Safes — Smart Option for Easier Moving
The second article features a great video showing how to assemble a modular safe in under 30 minutes. This article also explains the benefits of modular gunsafes — primarily easier transport and installation.
“Modular safes have been around for a few years now and are becoming more popular. Here’s why: The safe comes delivered to you in panels, so you can bring them into your home one at a time and put it together anywhere you like. This makes it easy to carry up and down stairs, onto elevators or anywhere! Security — Is it as secure as one that comes pre-assembled? The answer is, absolutely.” READ FULL ARTICLE on NRAWomen.com.
3. Rimfire .22 LR Handguns for Self-Defense
This article looks at a wide variety of .22 LR pistols and revolvers. The author discusses the pros and cons of a rimfire defense gun, concluding that while the stopping power is limited, having some protection is better than going unarmed.
“Over the last few months we’ve seen the launch of new handguns chambered for .22 LR that sport the same looks and features as center-fire handguns designed for daily concealed carry. The models I’ve had a chance to work with so far include the compact Taurus TX22 semi-automatic pistol, the pocket-size Ruger Lite Rack LCP II, Kel-Tec’s P17 semi-automatic and the Taurus 942 8-shot snubnose revolver.” READ FULL ARTICLE on NRAWomen.com.
When shooting pistols do your shots normally land smack dab in the middle of the target? If not, you may have some technique problems that are causing your shots to move off center. Top Shot Champion Chris Cheng has produced a good video for the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) that helps handgunners diagnose accuracy issues. By shooting 3-shot groups and looking at the pattern and location of the shots, you can see what you’re doing wrong (or right). Here are some examples. Note, this process works best for shooters whose shots fall typically in one target zone. If your shots are all over the target, your form is inconsistent and problems will be harder to diagnose.
1. Low Left — Jerking Trigger: Here we see three (3) shots at the 7 O’clock position. This shows that the shooter is jerking the trigger, meaning that the shooter is pulling the trigger too quickly and therefore forcing the barrel to drop when breaking the shot. This is a very common problem, particularly with novices who are reacting to the noise/recoil of the pistol.
2. 9 O’Clock — Too Little Trigger Finger: If we see three (3) shots at the 9 O’clock position, what this can be indicative of too little trigger finger on the trigger. And therefore with every shot, the shots are getting pushed to the left. Try moving your trigger finger on to the pad of your index finger. Also try dry firing drills.
3. High Left — Anticipating Recoil: In this next example, we see three shots around the 11 O’clock position. What could be happening here is that the shooter is anticipating the recoil, and is actually lifting the gun up when he shoots. We recommend slowing down, working on your breathing, and, again, do dry-firing drills.
4. 3 O’Clock — Too Much Trigger Finger: Finally, if you see three (3) shots at the 3 O’clock position, this can indicate that there is too much trigger finger on the trigger. Therefore when the shot breaks the shooter is pulling each shot to the right. Note: Each of these descriptions is for a RIGHT-handed shooter. If you are a left-handed shooter you’ll want to reverse those descriptions.
The Vernal Equinox (March 20, 2026) is the official start of Spring. With spring commencing in just 10 days, here’s your chance to prepare for some springtime fun shooting. Here are six “fun and games” targets that can provide some fun springtime shooting opportunities, both indoors and outdoors. While each requires good conventional marksmanship skills — hitting a small aiming point — there are other strategies involved, such as playing darts or hitting the right combination of poker cards. Most of us started shooting as kids, just plinking for fun. Here’s an opportunity to be like a kid again — to spend a day at the range just having fun with friends and family members.
Dartboard Target with Colored Rings
This printable Dartboard Shooting Target has the numbers inside the outer dartboard ring to allow a larger target. With this target you can shoot for the center bull, or actually play pub-style dart games, aiming for numbers and particular rings. If you don’t know how to play traditional dart games, visit NiceDarts.com for complete darts rules. One popular game is “Around The World”. The object is to hit the numbered zones, starting with number 1. Then you try for 2, 3, and so on. After hitting all the numbers 1 through 20, then hit the bullseye to win. CLICK HERE for Other Dart Board Color combinations.
Atomic Target — Aim for Protons, Neutrons, and Electrons
The Atomic Target was originally created as a contest for our readers. The design is by Michael Forester of Auckland, New Zealand. First aim for the bigger green and red neutrons and protons, then try your luck with the smaller, more challenging blue electrons. You can also use the four black and yellow Atomic warning symbols as bullseye targets.
Slot Machine Jackpot Target
Enjoy a little Las Vegas-style fun on your next trip to the range. This cool Slot Machine Target has four sets of slot machine patterns each with three rows of three symbols. Connect three in a row to win — and hit the Jackpot! This is one of many colorful, free targets available from Targetz.com.
Poker Target — Get the Best Hand
Poker players will enjoy this target. With this playing card-themed poker cards target, each shooter takes five shots and the one with the highest hand wins. You can also shoot for four-of-a-kind, against the clock, fastest four (without a mistake) wins.
Flies in Circles Target
Now you can boast to your buddies that you hit a fly on your target — 16 times. On this target, 16 flies with bright red eyes are arranged in a inside circles, 16 to a page. There are various ways to use the fly targets. Some shoot to hit the head only — so aim for those red eyes. There are 11 other variations of this Fly Target available on the Targets.WS website.
And here three FREE fun targets, courtesy the NRA Blog. Right-Click for printable PDFs.
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.
MidwayUSA — RCBS Rock Chucker Reloading Combo Kit, $615.99
⏺️ » Great RCBS Combo Set with electronic Powder Scale/Dispenser
The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Elite Press Kit features nearly everything you need to get started reloading. This kit includes the ChargeMaster Link Electronic Powder Scale/Dispenser plus the rugged Rock Chucker Supreme single-stage press. This kit also includes pretty much everything else you need (except dies): hand priming tool, powder funnel, inside/outside chamfer tool, dial caliper, loading block, case lube, base plate, bullet removal tool, primer pocket brushes, and load manual.
Sportsman’s Warehouse — Leupold Optics Sale
⏺️ » Save big bucks on Leupold scopes, binocs, LRFs, spotting scopes, red dots
Whether you’re looking for a rifle scope, spotting scope, binoculars, laser rangefinder, or red dot optic, you can find it now at at the Leupold Optics Sale over at Sportsman’s Warehouse. This is a great time to pick up quality optics for that next hunt or trip to the range all at prices up to 25% off.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
U.S. Senator Mike Lee (Utah) has introduced notable new legislation, the National Constitutional Carry Act. Senator Lee’s U.S. Senate Bill restores the right to carry firearms in ALL 50 states. This bill would ensure that law abiding American citizens are able to carry around the country without fear of antigun states arbitrarily restricting or criminalizing their chosen self-defense tool. Residents of antigun states would no longer have to endure second class Second Amendment treatment, whether through outright hardware bans or policies that indirectly discourage the exercise of Second Amendment rights.
The Gun Owners of America (GOA) endorses the National Constitutional Carry Act. Erich Pratt, GOA Senior Vice President, issued the following statement: “In a time of war, Americans cannot afford to have the right to bear arms delayed by arbitrary state permitting processes. Public safety is threatened not only by ordinary criminals, but also bad actors working for foreign adversaries, and Americans need to be armed for the security of our free state. That’s why Gun Owners of America is proud to endorse Senator Mike Lee’s National Constitutional Carry Act. Under this GOA-backed legislation, the right to carry a firearm without a government permission slip will be fully restored, and unconstitutional states regulations on firearms, ammunition, and magazine size will be preempted.”
Here is GOA’s Minuteman Moment video analysis of the proposed National Constitutional Carry Act:
Todd Jarrett is one of the world’s best handgun shooters. A multi-time World Champion, Todd knows a thing or two about semi-auto pistols, particularly 1911s and 1911-based raceguns. Jarrett has been IPSC Open Division World Champion, has won the Steel Challenge World title four times (Limited Division), and has won than 100 Area championships, as well as many other action shooting events. Jarrett is the only USPSA Triple Crown Winner and he holds four USPSA National titles: Open, Limited, Production, and Limited-10. Jarrett revealed in an interview that between 1988 and 2001 he shot about 1.7 million rounds during practice: “I had a gun in my hand for two hours every day for 10 years to develop my skill level”.
In the video below, Todd explains how to get the proper grip on your handgun, and how to employ a proper stance. We’ve watched many videos on pistol shooting. This is one of the best handgun instructional videos we’ve seen. Todd explains, in easy-to-understand terms, the key elements of grip and stance. One very important point he demonstrates is how to align the grip in your hand so that the gun points naturally — something very important when rapid aiming is required. If you watch this video, you’ll learn valuable lessons — whether you shoot competitively or just want to have better control and accuracy when using your handgun defensively.
Recommended Thumbs-Forward Shooting Grip for 1911s
“Shooting semiautomatic pistols using the thumbs-forward method really becomes useful … where speed and accuracy are both needed. By positioning the thumbs-forward along the slide (or slightly off of the slide) you are in essence creating a second sighting device: wherever your shooting thumb is pointing is where the pistol is pointing. This makes it incredibly fast to draw the pistol, get your proper grip, and press forward to the target without needing to hunt around for the front sight.” — Cheaper Than Dirt Blog.
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.
Brownells — Match Ammunition Sale, Major Brands, Many Types
⏺️ » Big savings on match ammo from Berger, Federal, Hornady and more
This week Brownells is running a major sale on top-tier Match Rifle Ammunition. You can save 10-25% on high-quality ammo for .223 Rem, 6mmGT, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, .30-06 Springfield and more. Brands on sale include Berger, Federal, Fiocchi, Hornady, and SIG Sauer. If you need factory ammo for an upcoming match or want to use it to test a new rifle, this is a good opportunity.
MidwayUSA — Major Athlon Optics Sale, Save up to 53%
⏺️ » Major discounts on wide selection of Athlon scopes and more
Athlon makes a variety of high-quality products, including rifle scopes, spotting scopes, thermal scopes, rangefinders, radar chronographs, and binoculars. Right now at MidwayUSA you can get discounts up to 53% on a large selection of quality Athlon products.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
S&W Model 617 now has a 10-round cylinder, but early models were six-shooters.
In recent years, the ranks of first-time gun buyers have grown dramatically. Millions of Americans have purchased their first-ever handgun. With so many handgun options (from derringers to Desert Eagles) many first-time buyers have trouble making a choice. What should those millions of new gun buyers have acquired first? Perhaps it should have been a rimfire revolver. Here is why…
The Argument for a Rimfire Revolver Some years back, a close relative contacted this Editor. Wanting to get started in handgunning, he sought my advice on purchasing his very first handgun. “Should I get a Glock?”, he asked. “No” was my response. “Well how about an M&P?” he inquired. “Better ergos” I said, “but ‘No’ is still my reply.” “OK, how about a KelTec, they’re cheap…”
“Absolutely not”, I replied.
I could tell he was getting annoyed, when he said “OK, Mr. know-it-all, so what handgun should I get?” Calmly, I replied: “Get a .22-caliber rimfire revolver. You will never out-grow it. You will learn sight alignment and trigger control. You can practice with inexpensive ammunition. A good .22 revolver will be considerably more accurate than 90% of the self-loading pistols you could buy. If you get a Smith & Wesson, you will keep the gun for the rest of your life and pass it on to your kids. If you or your heirs ever wear out the barrel or cylinder, Smith & Wesson will replace the parts for free, forever.”
This Editor’s first really accurate handgun was a .22 LR Smith & Wesson Model 617 that could easily stack ten shots in a dime at 10 yards. It remains my favorite and most-used handgun. What can we say about the Model 617? The single-action trigger pull is superb, and the accuracy surpasses most any semi-auto rimfire pistol, except for a few, very expensive target pistols. We like the 6″ version for the longer sight radius, but the 4″-barrel 617 is also very accurate, and it balances better.
You can learn all the fundamentals with this ultra-reliable handgun, shooting inexpensive .22 LR ammo. The model 617 is rugged, durable, and can give you a lifetime of shooting fun. Once you have mastered the basics of shooting with a .22 LR, you can move on to larger caliber handguns suitable for self-defense. Below is a slide-show illustrating a S&W model 617 ten-shot, with 6″ barrel. S&W also makes a 4″-barrel version of this revolver. (See: Shooting Demo Video with 4″ model 617.)
Another .22 Revolver Option, the Smith & Wesson Model 63
The current S&W Model 63 is a J-Frame .22 LR with 3″ barrel and fiber optic front sight. The Model 63 is compact enough for comfortable carry and well-balanced. The older Model 63, aka the “Kit Gun”, is an appreciating classic.
The 2026 IWA Outdoor Classics trade show kicked off yesterday in Nuremberg, Germany. This major outdoor/hunting/shooting trade show, the largest event of its kind outside the USA, runs February 26 through March 1, 2026. A vast selection of new rifles, pistols, and shotguns are on display.
In addition there are large selections of optics, bipods/tripods, rangefinders, and other accessories. Plus the IWA show features outdoor clothing, packs, and hunting gear. Vendors also showcased collections of beautiful hardwoods suitable for fine rifle and shotgun stocks.
For more than 50 years, outdoor and shooting industry companies have come together in Nuremberg to present the latest products and services for hunting and shooting sports. For 2026, Europe’s leading outdoor trade show will host more than 1,080 German and international exhibitors in nine exhibition halls. In addition, there will be a wide variety of seminars, meetings, and interactive demonstrations.
This video covers some notable new hunting rifles at the IWA show. Whether you want the best straight-pull rifle for rapid follow-up shots or the one of the top quality new, affordable hunting rifles, this video explores notable current options. Video highlights are listed with time-marks:
1:18 – Haenel Jaeger EVO (Classic)
2:45 – CZ 600+ Series (Good Modularity)
4:20 – Mauser M25 (Straight-Pull)
5:50 – Blaser R8 Professional 2.0 (High-End Rig)
7:25 – Walther RS3 (Bullpup Revolution)
9:00 – Final Thoughts
Notable Products at IWA Outdoor Classics 2026
Manufacturers and vendors from the hunting, shooting sports, and outdoor segments offer a vast range of products this year. From hunting, sport shooting, and airsoft firearms to optics and technologies, ammunition, knives, hunting accessories, clothing and outdoor equipment, there is plenty to discover in the nine halls at IWA Outdoor Classics 2026. IWA Outdoor Classics allows buyers and retailers from around the world to see thousands of new products in one location.
Some years back, a close relative contacted this Editor. Wanting to get started in handgunning, he sought my advice on purchasing his very first handgun. “Should I get a Glock?”, he asked. “No” was my response. “Well how about an M&P?” he inquired. “Better ergos” I said, “but ‘No’ is still my reply.” “OK, how about a KelTec, they’re cheap…”
