Will you be traveling out of state this spring? Or do you have questions about your own state’s firearms laws? Then you’ll want to have quick access to summaries of gun laws in America’s 50 states. Here’s a very valuable online resource you may want to bookmark.
The NRA-ILA (Institute for Legislative Action) has a great feature on the NRA-ILA’s homepage. There is a pull-down menu that includes all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, New York City, and Guam. This quickly provides a host of legal information for each region you select. From the NRA home page, NRA-ILA.org, you can instantly access a host of information for all 50 states. NOTE: Some of this information is not completely current, so you may want to check with more detailed, up-to-date reference, such as the Legal Heat $10 50 State Guide to Firearms Laws and Regulations (2023 Edition). Most of the information in the book is also available in the FREE Legal Heat Firearms Law APP for Android (Google) smartphones and Android mobile devices. Here are screenshots from the Legal Heat Android App.
Shown below is part of the NRA-ILA’s coverage for Texas. There is a summary of the most important Texas gun laws. Below that is a map showing the states that recognize Texas carry permits.
The 2024 National Pistol Matches take place July 14-21 at the Camp Perry National Guard Training Site in Port Clinton, Ohio. These matches are run by the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) and Ohio National Guard. If you want to shoot in the National Pistol Matches this year, it’s not too late to register (links below). CLICK HERE for more information about the National Pistol Matches.
The National Pistol events, open to adults and juniors of all experience levels, include several traditional matches like the President’s Pistol (President’s 100), National Trophy Individual, and National Trophy Team events alongside a series of 900 Aggregate matches for .22, .45, and centerfire pistol. The CMP Games competitions, such as the Military & Police and 1911 As-Issued Matches, will also be part of the National Matches schedule (see Calendar below). The last pistol matches run on Sunday the 21st, with Pistol Games Awards at the end of the day.
The GSSF GLOCK National Challenge returns to the schedule in 2024, while the Service Revolver EIC Match has been renamed the Philip Hemphill Memorial Service Revolver EIC Match in honor of Philip Hemphill, a celebrated national champion who passed in 2023. There will be plenty of talent on the firing line. In recent years, over 90% of the top 50 Service Pistol shooters were Distinguished.
CMP will also conduct indoor Air Pistol National Matches at the Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center. Rental air pistols are available for a modest fee.
This video shows .45 ACP centerfire pistol competitors at Camp Perry
Interested in competing in the Camp Perry Pistol Matches this summer with either a .22 LR rimfire pistol or centerfire pistol? It’s not too late to register. CLICK HERE for Pistol Match Online Registration.
In connection with the National Matches, a Pistol Small Arms Firing School (SAFS) will be held July 15, 2024. Participants in SAFS are instructed by some of the top military marksmen and women in the country on firearm safety and competition basics, both within the classroom and on the range. All firearms and ammo are provided for the live-fire portion of the clinic.
The 2024 National Matches will include a Pistol Small Arms Firing School.
For those looking for a little extra time on the range before competing, be sure to sign up for Pistol Practice on July 15 and 16 (cost: $5.00 per practice time). Competitors will receive a Pistol Practice card at check-in, with additional practice time open for purchase (if available).
About the National Matches:
The annual National Matches have been held at the Camp Perry National Guard Training Site since 1907. The month-long series is comprised of the CMP National Trophy Pistol and Rifle Matches, National Games Matches, National Smallbore Matches, National Air Gun Championships, and the National Mid-Range and Long Range Matches. The National Matches also include educational clinics for shooters of all experience levels. View National Matches schedule and programs at: Thecmp.org/cmp-national-matches.
We’ve found five great discount/rebate programs. These specials and rebates can save you big bucks on rifles, pistols, and/or shotguns. Some of these rebates are worth $100 or more. Note: Most of these promos are good into August 2024, but some expire at the end of this month — June 30, 2024.
Springfield Armory Gear Up Free Rimfire Rifle Promo
Brand: Springfield Armory
Final Qualifying Date: December 31, 2024
Offer: Get a FREE Rimfire rifle with purchase of Springfield Armory centerfire rifle. Plus scope discount.
Father’s Day AXIS Promo
Brand: Savage Arms
Final Qualifying Date: June 30, 2024
Offer: Purchase any AXIS or AXIS II and receive a $75 mail-in-rebate on your purchase. Note — this is listed as a Father’s Day Promo, but it applies to purchases through 6/30/2024.
Browning 2024 Summer Rebate
Brand: Browning
Final Qualifying Date: July 7, 2024
Offer: Receive a rebate of up to $75 when you purchase an eligible new Browning Firearm.
S&W Summer Freedom Days
Brand: Smith & Wesson
Final Qualifying Date: August 18, 2024
Offer: Get $25 or $50 Off Select Handguns
2024 Summer Savings Rebate
Brand: FN
Final Qualifying Date: August 15, 2024
Offer: Get up to $500 Off on select FN handguns.
Article based on NSSF Report by Matt Manda
There has been a very significant trend since 2020. Firearm industry data reveals something very notable. The NSSF reports: “In a major shift since 2020, a population the size of Florida has become first-time, brand-new gun owners. That’s right — more than 22.3 million people who previously had decided firearm ownership wasn’t for them looked around, decided they didn’t like what they were seeing, jumped off the fence and lawfully purchased a gun at retail. 22.3 million. One thing’s for sure, those Americans can make a difference on Election Day.”
We hope those new gun owners vote for candidates that support their Second Amendment rights. Four more years of Biden will not be good for our Second Amendment rights, as the NSSF explains:
“It is abundantly clear that there is a brand-new Florida-sized population that is giving gun rights a heavier weight as they consider how to cast their ballots. Those 22.3 million Americans need to register and on Election Day to #GUNVOTE® so they don’t risk their rights. With federal elections just five months away, control of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate are up for grabs while crime and neighborhood safety continue to be at top of mind for voters. And above all, voters will decide whether or not to give President Biden, who continues to support severe gun control restrictions and uses executive actions to implement them on his own, another term.”
Nearly 30% of all firearm purchases in 2021 went to new gun owners, according to data from the Firearm Trade Industry Association.
About the Surge in First-Time Gun Buyers
Midway through 2020, first-time gun owners accounted for approximately 40% of buyers, according to retailers. The “normal” is usually somewhere around 20-24%. All told in 2020, there were approximately 8.4 million new first-time gun owners. In 2021, the initial surge in first-timers subsided a bit and the number totaled about 5.4 million first-time gun buyers. The percentage dropped to around 30% of all buyers. In 2022, totaled approximately 4.2 million and 2023 actually rose just a bit to 4.3 million, according to industry data.
The 2024 figures aren’t finalized yet, but so far there have been just north of 6 million total FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) verifications processed for the sale of a firearm. If the percentages hold to average, that could mean another million more first-time gun buyers for the year so far. According to industry data, those first-time buyers are spending an average of $500-$700 on their purchase (mostly for 9mm handguns).
One Pistol, Two Barrels, Two Playing Cards — here’s a trick shot we just had to share. The talented Kirsten Joy Weiss does something we’ve never seen before, splitting TWO (2) playing cards with a unique, twin-barreled 1911-style pistol. Watch the video to see Kirsten pull off this double-barreled doozy of a trick, firing two bullets at the same time.
It took a few tries, but Kirsten makes the shot at the 3:14 time-mark:
Kirsten was enthusiastic about this unique trick: “Splitting two cards with two bullets fired at once? The double-barreled 1911 was just begging for a trick shot application. Arsenal Firearm’s 2011 A1 twin-barrel, 1911-style pistol is a heavy monster to wrangle, but a lot of fun to shoot!”
SSG Greg Markowski of the USAMU at Camp Perry, Ohio.*
The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) fields pistol teams as well as rifle and shotgun competition squads. Consequently the USAMU’s Reloading Shop loads tens of thousands of pistol rounds every year. In this article, the USAMU’s handgun experts talk about reloading for handguns — with smart tips on how to achieve superior accuracy with 100% reliability. This article, which offers important insights on COAL, primers, crimps and more.
This video shows .45 ACP centerfire pistol competitors at Camp Perry
Precision Pistol Reloading — Recommended Methods
Optimize the Taper Crimp
One often-overlooked aspect of handloading highly-accurate pistol ammunition is the amount of crimp and its effect on accuracy. 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. It is not unusual for our Shop to vary a load’s crimp in degrees of 0.001″ and re-test for finest accuracy.
Use Consistent Brass
Brass is also 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/handloader to use brass of the same headstamp and ideally one lot number, to maximize uniformity. Given the volumes of ammunition consumed by active pistol competitors, using inexpensive, mixed surplus brass for practice, particularly at the “short line” (25 yards), is understandable. However [at 50 yards], purchasing and segregating a lot of high-quality brass to be used strictly for slow-fire is a wise idea.
Importance of Uniform COAL
Uniformity of the Case Overall Length (COAL) as it comes from the factory is also 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, and so on. Cartridge case-length consistency varies from lot to lot, as well as by maker. Some manufacturers are more consistent in this dimension than others. [Editor’s note: It is easy to trim pistol brass to uniform length. Doing this will make your taper crimps much more consistent.]
Primers and Powders — Comparison Test for Accuracy
Pay attention to primer brands, powder types and charges. Evaluating accuracy with a Ransom or other machine rest at 50 yards can quickly reveal the effect of changes made to handload recipes.
Bullet Selection — FMJ vs. JHP
Bullets are another vital issue. First, there is the question of FMJ vs. JHP. A friend of this writer spent decades making and accuracy-testing rifle and pistol bullets during QC for a major bullet manufacturer. In his experience, making highly-accurate FMJ bullets is much more difficult than making highly-accurate JHPs, in large part due to the way the jackets are formed. Small die changes could affect accuracy of FMJ lots dramatically. The CMP now allows “safe, jacketed ammunition” in Excellence-in-Competition (EIC) Service Pistol matches, although wadcutter ammunition is prohibited. Thus, the option to use very accurate JHP designs simplifies the life of CMP Service Pistol shooters in pursuit of the prestigious Distinguished Pistol Shot badge.
Hopefully, these tips will be helpful to any pistol shooters interested in accurate handloads, not just “Bullseye” shooters. Small tweaks to one’s normal routine can pay big dividends in improved accuracy and make practice and competition more rewarding. Stay safe, and good shooting!
TOP IMAGE: SSG Greg Markowski, a shooter/instructor with the USAMU, fires his pistol during the 2018 Civilian Marksmanship Program’s National Pistol Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio. At that event, Markowski claimed the General Mellon Trophy, General Patton Trophy and the General Custer Trophy. U.S. Army photo by Maj. Michelle Lunato/released by Defense Visual Information Distribution Service.
Shooting ranges have gone upscale with the development of the “Guntry Club”. This new kind of recreational/social facility combines a shooting range with Country Club style amenities. Imagine a high-tech indoor range with “Pro Shop”, restaurant, and maybe outdoor shooting facilities as well. In the past five years, more and more of these deluxe “Guntry Clubs” have opened nationwide.
An episode of GunVenture TV featured some of the country’s finest gun clubs. Tom Gresham and RECOIL Magazine’s Iain Harrison checked out of the original “Guntry Clubs” — the Scottsdale Gun Club. Then, Tom visited a high-end facility in Centennial, Colorado. The upscale Centennial Gun Club features a retail store, range, training center, and lounge.
Here’s a CBS News report on upscale “Guntry Clubs”, luxurious facilities that target younger, more affluent patrons. Chip Reid reports on a high-end gun club in Manassas, Virginia: “This is not your Grandfather’s shooting range. Elite Shooting Sports is 65,000 Square feet of bright lights, polished wood, flat-screen TVs, and state of the art equipment”. Unfortunately for private shooters, this range closed to the general public in April 2023. Prince William County has agreed to purchase the Elite Shooting Sports facility as its new law enforcement training center, county officials announced Tuesday night.
Brownells, a cornerstone of the firearms community since 1939, celebrates its 85th anniversary this month. To mark this special occasion, Brownells has announced exclusive sales and promotions, offering customers discounted deals and opportunities to join in the celebration.
A Legacy of Innovation and Commitment
Founded by Bob Brownell in 1939, Brownells has grown from a small family business into a leading supplier for gun owners, hunters, and gunsmiths. Over the decades, Brownells has maintained its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, always staying true to the values instilled by its founder. For a journey through Brownells’ rich history and significant milestones, visit the History of Brownells timeline page. To mark this special anniversary, Brownells has major promotions, plus thousands of items on sale.
Special Anniversary Offers
To mark this historic milestone, during June 2024 Brownells is offering month-long deals:
15% Off Brownells Branded Products:
Enjoy major 15% OFF savings on our extensive range of high-quality products. Free Shipping on Orders of $85 or More:
Take advantage of free shipping for qualifying orders. This can save you $20, $30 or more! No FFL Fee and Flat-Rate Gun Shipping:
Gun sales have no seller FFL Fee plus flat-rate shipping on firearms.
Pete Brownell Reflects on the Legacy
“As we celebrate our 85th anniversary, we reflect on the remarkable journey that began with my grandfather, Bob Brownell. He was a visionary gunsmith and writer who understood the importance of sharing knowledge and providing quality tools to the firearms community. His mission to professionalize the gunsmithing trade laid the foundation for what Brownells has become today. Our commitment to innovation, education, and customer satisfaction continues to drive us forward. We are proud to honor his legacy and look forward to serving the next generation of firearms enthusiasts and professionals.” — Pete Brownell
Hornady Hosts 12th Annual Zombies in the Heartland 3-Gun Match
Over 450 zombie hunters descended on Grand Island, Nebraska, May 31 through June 2, 2024, to battle the “undead” during the 12th annual Zombies in the Heartland 3-Gun Match hosted by Hornady and the Heartland Public Shooting Park. Shooters from all over the country armed with handguns, shotguns, and rifles, tested their talent in 10 zombie-themed stages. Specifically developed reactive zombie targets kept everyone engaged and entertained.
The Heartland Zombies match is a veritable theme park for shootists, with many fun stages and innovative targets. Many unique, reactive zombie targets have been developed specifically for this match. The use of paper targets has been minimized — so it’s mostly “bang and clang”. Rifles, pistols and shotguns are used on most stages. There were also fun side-matches. Watch the video above to see this year’s action.
2024 Zombies in the Heartland Match Division Winners
Open: Nate Schmidt
Tactical: Ryan Calhoon
PCC: Jay Carillo
“A special thanks to the Heartland Public Shooting Park staff for their preparedness in dealing with inclement weather,” said Jeremy Millard, Hornady Engineer and Match Director.
Looking for a superb illustrated coffee table book about guns? Yes there is such a thing, a great book we highly recommend — The Illustrated History of Fireams (2nd Edition). This full-color 320-page hardcover book features more than 1,700 photos compiled by NRA Museums curators Jim Supica, Doug Wicklund, and Philip Schreier. This Second Edition includes 300 photos more than the original, plus dozens of new profiles of important persons who influenced firearms development.
This follow-up to the best-selling original NRA Museums book is loaded with great images, historical profiles, and technical data on old, new, and currently-manufactured firearms that have changed history. Covering the earliest matchlocks to modern match-grade superguns and everything in between, The Illustrated History of Firearms provides a fascinating education on how guns evolved, where they originated and how they worked.
The Illustrated History of Firearms, 2nd Edition
– Authored by the experts at the NRA Firearms Museums
– Published by Gun Digest Books
– 9 ½ x 11 1/2 inches, hardcover with dust jacket
– 1,700 full-color photos
– 320 Pages
– Price: $39.99 (MSRP); $31.61 on Amazon
The Illustrated History of Firearms, 2nd Edition is available from Amazon direct for $31.61. Amazon also lists lightly used versions of the book starting at $22.00 (plus $3.99 shipping) from a variety of other book vendors. You’ll also find the book at major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble, but it’s probably easier to purchase online.
This hefty 516-page book covers “Pistols, Rifles, Revolvers, Machine And Submachine Guns Through History”. This major resource is illustrated with 1100 photographs, and covers the whole spectrum of guns.
Priced at $29.77 on Amazon, this book would make a great gift for a gun collector, and could be a nice addition to a local gun club library. The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Guns has proven very popular with buyers, earning 83% five-star ratings on Amazon among verified purchasers.
Historic American Arms — Teddy Roosevelt’s Lever Guns
These two lever action rifles, owned by President Theodore Roosevelt, are part of the NRA Museum collection. First is a Winchester 1886 rifle known as the tennis match gun because Roosevelt used winnings from a tennis match to buy it. Below that is a suppressed Winchester model 1894 rifle. Roosevelt liked to shoot varmints around Oyster Bay (Long Island, NY) with this gun so he wouldn’t disturb his neighbors — the Tiffany and Du Pont families.
About the NRA Museums
The NRA opened the original National Firearms Museum at its Washington DC Headquarters in 1935. In 2008 the Francis Brownell Museum of the South West opened at the NRA’s Whittington Center in Raton, NM. Then, in 2013, the National Sporting Arms Museum opened at the Bass Pro Shops store in Springfield, MO. Every year, at these three museum facilities, over 350,000 persons visit to see the impressive exhibits and many of America’s most famous firearms. For more information, visit www.NRAMuseum.org.
The National Pistol events, open to adults and juniors of all experience levels, include several traditional matches like the President’s Pistol (President’s 100), National Trophy Individual, and National Trophy Team events alongside a series of 900 Aggregate matches for .22, .45, and centerfire pistol. The CMP Games competitions, such as the Military & Police and 1911 As-Issued Matches, will also be part of the National Matches schedule (see Calendar below). The last pistol matches run on Sunday the 21st, with Pistol Games Awards at the end of the day.
Use Consistent Brass
