For today’s Saturday at the Movies feature, we spotlight seven product comparison videos from a variety of skilled sources. Gun buyers should check out the comparisons of Affordable Hunting Rifles, AR Platform Rifles, and .22 LR Handguns. Hunters will appreciate the detailed, comparison review of Hunting Scopes. We also feature informative comparison tests of Suppressors and Muzzle Brakes. And any handloader should check out Gavin Gear’s remarkable review of 14 different single-stage presses.
Hunting season is right around the corner. If you need a quality riflescope but have a limited budget, this video from the popular Backfire Channel can direct you to some of the best current hunting scope values. The reviewer looks at models starting at $200, examining the magnification levels, reticle types, and glass quality. He finds that it IS possible to get a very good scope at an affordable price. The video also explains First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane considerations. NOTE: Backfire also recently released a video featuring scopes all under $500.00.
14 Single-Stage Reloading Presses Compared
Gavin Gear’s 14-Press comparison test for UltimateReloader.com is legendary. This detailed 41-minute video is the most comprehensive guide to single-stage reloading presses ever created. This remarkable 14-press review is the best place to start if you are in the market for a new press. Gavin notes the pros and cons of each press type, and explains which may be best suited for pistol loading vs. large rifle cartridges
Nine .30-Cal Muzzle Brakes Reviewed with Recoil Force Data
Here’s another great comparison test from Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com. Gavin measures the effectiveness of nine (9) different muzzle brakes. Using sophisticated electronic equipment, Gavin measures the recoil reduction of each brake. His equipment calculates the “peak force” as well as the recoil pulse (10:10 time-mark), with a chart of the total recoil impulse (10:40). Finally Gavin charts the total percentage reduction in recoil force (11:42). That last chart may be the best “quick reference” to decide which brake does the best job of reducing the load on your shoulder.
Affordable Hunting Rifles — Best Choices under $750.00
Here’s another good Backfire Channel video for hunters looking for a new rig. With hunting season starting soon, this video can save you time and help you get the most bang for your buck. The Backfire team review eight affordable under-$750 rifles: Bergara B-14, Howa 1500 Hogue, Kimber Hunter, Remington 700, Ruger American, Savage 110 Switchback, Tikka T3X Superlite, and Weatherby Vanguard. The Backfire reviewers tested all 8 rifles for function and accuracy (4-shot groups). These 8 rifles were chose for review based on input from Backfire channel viewers.
Best .22 LR Rimfire Handguns
We think every gun owner should have a .22 LR rimfire handgun. In this informative 25-minute video, a team from the Backfire Channel tests eight .22 LR handguns — seven semi-autos and one wheelgun (revolver). The guns tested are: Browning Buck Mark, Glock 44, Heritage Rough Rider 16″ revolver, Keltec CP33, Ruger MKIV Lite, Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory, Taurus TX22, and Walther PPQ. The test does a good job of showing feed reliablity and rapid-fire performance. Editor’s Comment: We have shot rimfire pistols for five decades for fun and in competition. We recommend the Smith & Wesson Model 617 revolver, and the Browning Buck Mark semi-auto.
Top Five AR-15 Platform Rifles
The donkey party politicians in Washington are up to no good again. The Democrats are seeking to ban and/or restrict mag-fed, semi-automatic rifles including popular AR-platform rifles. Because more gun bans may be coming out of Washington soon, you may want to get your own “Modern Sporting Rifle” while you can. This helpful Survival Channel video showcases five quality AR-15 type rifles: Daniel Defense DDM4V7, Daniel Defense DDM4V11, Ruger AR-556 MPR, Sig Sauer SIGM400 Tread, and Smith & Wesson M&P15T. In addition, the video reviews the Springfield Armory Saint Edge AR-15 Pistol.
Suppressors (Silencers) — How to Choose the Best Option
Suppressors are becoming increasingly popular with PRS/NRL shooters, pistol shooters, and hunters. Thankfully companies such as SilencerCo.com and Silencer Central are making it easier to comply with Federal rules on silencer acquisition. These vendors have made it much easier to prepare the paperwork needed to get the requisite ATF Tax Stamp and, if desired, set up a suppressor ownership trust.
+ONE Program to Encourage New Shooters
August is National Shooting Sports Month. As part of this effort, the NSSF encourages firearms owners to take one novice to the range this one. This +ONE Movement will help strengthen the ranks of shooters, which, in turn, can help protect our Second Amendment freedoms. The NSSF states: “If just one in three of America’s recreational shooters adds one new person to the shooting sports, we’ll secure a strong future for generations to come. So be the one. For all the thrills and excitement recreational shooting has given you, join the +ONE movement and invite someone to the range today. Share your experience on social media.”
As part of the +ONE Movement, the NSSF encourages all participants to practice gun safety and proper firearms handling and storage practices. This video covers basic gun safety procedures:
The NSSF has created a list of TEN Rules of Firearms Safety. While you’re at the shooting range or anywhere you handle a firearm, safety ALWAYS comes first. Here are the 10 Key Rules of Firearms Safety. NOTE: The first four rules are the most important.
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.
⏺ Good press, quality measure, and very complete set of tools
This fine RCBS Rebel Reloading Kit, $349.99 at MidwayUSA, contains all one needs to get started in reloading. This Kit includes: Rebel Single-Stage Reloading Press, Uniflow-III Powder Measure, 1500gr digital scale, hand priming tool, deburring tool, case loading block, powder funnel, hex key set, accessory handle with neck brushes, primer pocket brush, spray case lube, and Speer #15 manual. NOTE: If this sells out at MidwayUSA, this same kit is $374.99 at Brownells. That’s still a great deal — the exact same Rebel Kit is $439.99 at Cabela’s.
2. Palmetto SA — S&W M&P Shield 9mm Pistol w/ 5 Mags + Bag
⏺ Awesome $449.99 deal on pistol, five magazines, and quality carry bag
Smith & Wesson makes accurate, reliable carry pistols. Here’s a great package deal with a S&W 9mm M&P Shield pistol, plus five magazines, and a handy “Bug Out Bag” with first aid kit. This compact 9mm Shield features a 3.1″ barrel and “optics ready” slide. Guys — act soon, this $449.99 deal won’t last long. From most vendors, you could pay more just for the pistol and two magazines.
3. MidwayUSA — Loadbooks Reloading Manuals, $4.87 and up
⏺ Over 70 loadbook varieties — great for pistol and hunting loads
Loadbooks pack a ton of valuable load data in a single handy volume. These booklets efficiently summarize data from multiple bullet and powder manufacturers. We have used these Loadbooks for our pistol loading as well as common rifle hunting loads. Right now many of these loadbooks are discounted up to 27% at MidwayUSA, with prices as low as $4.87 (The 6.5 Creedmoor manual is $7.49, while the .45 ACP book is $7.99). Chose from over 70 cartridge types, including .380 ACP, 9mm Luger, .357 Magnum, .40 SW/10mm, .45 ACP, .204 Ruger, .223 Rem, 22-250, 6mm Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5×55, 7mm-08, .270 Win, .284 Win, .308 Win, .30-06, 300 WinMag, .338 LM, 12ga shotshell and many more. NOTE: On MidwayUSA’s landing page, click “Select Title” then scroll down to choose the cartridge type.
4. CDNN Sports — Gun Case Super Sale
⏺ Great low prices for rifle, shotgun, and AR cases (with mag pockets)
For local trips to the range, a good soft case is great for pistols, rifle, and shotguns. Right now CDNN Sports has a big selection of firearms soft cases on sale up to 60% off normal retail. Among the many cases on sale are modern sporting rifle case with magazine pouches, compact pistol cases, and traditional shotgun carry cases with carry handles.
5. KYGUNCO — Vortex Scope Sale
⏺ Super deals on good Vortex scopes for hunters and varminters
Need a good, lifetime-guaranteed scope for your hunting rifle or varmint rig? Right now KYGUNCO has huge discounts on Vortex 4-12x44mm Sonora and 4-16x44mm Viper HS riflescopes. Along with these discounted optics, there are dozens of other great deals offered to promote the opening of a new KYGUNCO store in Louisville. There are many pistols, rifles, and shotguns on sale. SEE KYGUNCO Flyer PDF.
6. Natchez — Big Discounts on LEE Dies and Powder Measurese
⏺ Complete 4-die set for $55 and bargain LEE powder measures
LEE dies work surprisingly well given their affordability. Right now Natchez offers complete Lee Ultimate Rifle Die sets for just $54.99. That’s a steal for a Four Die Set that includes Full Length Sizer, Collet Neck Sizer, Easy-Adjust Dead Length Bullet Seater, Factory Crimp Die, and universal shell holder. You could pay more than $55 for a single sizing die from another maker. Sets on sale include: .223 Rem, 22-250, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, .308 Win, .30-06 Springfield, .300 WinMag, and more. Along with these bargain LEE die sets, Natchez has LEE Powder Measures and LEE Pro moulding pots on sale.
7. Midsouth — Lyman Case Prep Express, $149.99
⏺ Popular unit performs multiple case prep tasks efficiently
When traveling by air with a handgun, the pistol must be in a case with a TSA-recognized lock. The Snapsafe Treklite XL Lock Box fits that role perfectly. It will hold two compact pistols or one larger pistol with magazing (which must be UNLOADED). Made with a strong polycarbonate case, This lightweight (2.2 lb) lock box is one-third the weight of a steel box. Right now the Treklite XL FDE Lock Box is just $29.99 at Midsouth, 25% OFF the regular price.
9. Amazon — Jialitte Scope Bubble Level, $10.99
⏺ Great value — works with both 1″ and 30mm rings
All serious rifle shooters need a scope level. This nicely designed Jialitte Scope Bubble Level features a 30mm milled inside diameter, plus an inner insert ring so it will also fit 1″-diameter main tubes — that dual-diameter versatility is a nice feature. We also like the way the unit is nicely radiused, and has a low profile in the middle. Price is $10.99 — a great value. You could easily pay $35.00 or more for a 30mm scope level. User reviews have been very positive, with 85% four- or five-star Amazon ratings.
⏺ Excellent, comfortable earplugs with 33 dB Noise Reduction Rating
These Howard Leight NRR 33 Max plugs are your Editor’s favorite foam earplugs. The flared outer edge creates a good seal and helps with fit. Between shooting, motorcycling and mowing lawns, I probably have Max plugs in my ears 2-3 days a week. This is a very good price for a bulk pack of 50 pairs (100 plugs). NOTE: With the lower NRR thin earmuffs (NRR 21-22), we recommend running plugs under the muffs.
Firearm instructors and range safety officers from Michigan and 13 other states came together at the end of July to give free shooting lessons to 1,222 Detroit-area women. The annual program, now in its eleventh year of continuous operation, was the brainchild of Rick Ector. Ector is a NRA Training Counselor and credentialed Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO).
Ector launched the program after watching a local news story in 2012 in which it was disclosed that a local woman was brutally attacked, raped, and murdered. Ector convinced a handful of fellow local firearm trainers to join him in providing free shooting lessons for women. The first iteration of this annual program trained just 50 women. But over the last 11 years, Ector’s training program has experienced remarkable growth, assisting 1,222 women this past July.
Last year, the program trained more than 1,000 women. And in 2020 almost 2,000 women were trained in fundamental firearm safety, given a range safety briefing, and were given a free 20-round shooting lesson with a 9mm pistol. The all-time tally of total women trained in the program now exceeds 7,400.
Firearms Training for Ladies supported by Michigan Gubenatorial Candidate
Gun industry groups and two local ranges made this event possible. Top Gun Shooting Sports (Taylor, MI) and Recoil Firearms (Taylor, MI) provided free use of their gun ranges and meeting rooms. Top Gun also provided free use of 9mm pistols for women to use during their training while American Tool and Engraving (ATEi) provided 9mm pistols at the Recoil Firearms range. Gun Owners of America (GOA) provided 8,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition and 1,000 bottles of water. The NRA/ILA donated 1,000 pairs of shooting glasses, and made a financial contribution. Firearms Legal Protection (FLP) provided catered food and refreshments for event volunteers.
Erich Pratt of the GOA shares why he supports the annual free shooting event in Detroit: “The Gun Owners of America has been grateful to help sponsor the ladies shooting event in Detroit for several years. Rick Ector’s team of firearm instructors are helping to train women to feel confident and empowered in how to use a gun … their very best means of self-defense.
GOA’s Eric Pratt (left) with Rick Ector (right).
We live in dangerous times, and many cities around the country are experiencing record-breaking violence. But that’s why Rick’s efforts are so important. He is helping to take away the ‘Fear Factor’ for thousands of women. This important work, and it’s why the GOA helps sponsor this event every year.”
Past “Top Shot” champion Chris Cheng traveled to Detroit to see the program: “I flew all the way from California to see Rick’s event because I’ve heard so many great things about it over the years. I look forward to returning and also thinking about how we could replicate Rick’s success across the country. We sure could use more free training events like this for new shooters to help continue building our ranks.”
If you load pistol ammo you should have a case gauge (aka “gage”) for each cartridge type you reload. Caliber-specific, precision-machined cylindrical gauges perform many important functions. They will instantly reveal if your rounds are too long or have excessive headspace. They will also show if your case is bulged or otherwise too fat to chamber easily. You can use the gauge with sized brass as well as loaded rounds.
Case gauges are a “must-have” for anyone loading handgun ammunition, particularly if you crank out large quantities of pistol ammo with a progressive press. An oversize round can cause a misfeed, jam, or other problem. That can ruin your day if you are in the middle of a shooting match. If you are relying on your handgun for self-defense, the last thing you want is a malfunction of any kind. This Editor personally runs every pistol round through a gauge before it goes into the ammo box.
UltimateReloader.com Video Shows How to Use Pistol Case Gauges:
Our friend Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com has prepared an excellent video that explains the benefits of pistol case gauges and shows how to use them. Gavin uses the quality gages produced by L.E. Wilson. These are available for the most popular handgun cartridges, both autoloader cartridges, and rimmed revolver cartridges. Gavin demonstrates gage use with .40 SW and .44 magnum cases.
Gavin states: “Using a case gage is very simple, and I would recommend that you add one of these gages to your reloader’s tool chest for each of the pistol cartridge types you reload. It may just save you a lot of time and hassle. Peace of mind is hard to put a price on!”
Most of our readers are rifle guys, but it’s definitely fun to shoot a pistol match a few times a year. You don’t need a lot of equipment, and if you shoot IDPA (Int’l Defensive Pistol Assn.) matches, you can really win with a $400 pistol and $20.00 worth of bulk 9mm ammo. That’s a bargain compared to what you’ll spend on a competitive Benchrest or F-Class rig and custom rifle hand-loads.
If you want to get into the IDPA game, Shooting Sports USA has a good article that explains the basic rules and classifications. IDPA is not your grandad’s bullseye pistol match. There is movement and action. Stages are timed, and competitors engage targets from cover if available. Singled-handed shooting is sometimes required, as is shooting while moving. You can compete with pretty much any handgun suitable for self-defense — but no $4000 Raceguns with fancy optics. The fact that you can be 100% competitive without spending a ton of money is what makes IDPA so popular.
Shooting Sports USA polled IDPA shooters at the 2016 IDPA Nationals to determine their favorite gun brands and models. The #1 choice was the 9mm Glock 34 for the SSP (Standard Service Pistol) and ESP (Enhanced Service Pistol) Classes. Next most popular was the Smith & Wesson M&P Pro.
Along with SSP and ESP, there are three other main IDPA classes: Custom Defensive Pistol (CDP) for .45 ACPs (mostly 1911 types), Concealed Carry Pistol (CCP), and Revolver (REV). All classes have a minimum power factor. Scores are based on time and shot placement on the IDPA target.
IDPA Scoring System
The official IDPA Target (right) has multiple scoring zones. If you don’t hit the target’s center mass zone or head zone (both appear green in illustration), you drop one or three points. Here’s the formula: Score (in seconds) = Time + Points Down + Penalties. In IDPA, “points down” (and penalties) are added to your time. If you hit the outer edge of the target, you get 3 points down. Nearer center can be 1 point down. Center hit or head shot is 0 points down. See IDPA Scoring for Dummies.
Five Tips for New IDPA Shooters
This Editor got his start in competitive shooting with local IDPA matches. I shot a 9mm Glock 34, and a 9mm SIG Sauer P226, and even did one match with a .38 Spl S&W Snubbie. I eventually settled on the SIG P226, as it fit my hand better than the Glock, was more accurate, and was every bit as reliable. The P226 also pointed better than the Glock for me — something that helps with target acquisition. Here are FIVE TIPS for new IDPA competitors:
1. Dry-Fire Practice at Home
You can improve your grip and sight acquisition dramatically with 30 minutes of dry-firing every week. Get some quality snap caps and go to it. One tip — don’t do this in your back-yard if the nosy neighbors can see. We had one friend who was dry-firing in his yard and got an unexpected visit from the local police (with guns drawn). That can turn out badly to say the least…
2. Practice One-Handed Shooting (Both Strong-Hand and Weak-Hand)
Most of the worst misses I saw during IDPA matches were during stages requiring one-handed shooting. A lot of pistol shooters have spent all their time shooting two-handed. That’s the best technique, but in an IDPA match, you may be required to shoot one-handed. If you’re a righty, shooting with the left hand only will feel really weird, and your accuracy will be poor unless you practice. We suggest starting your one-handed training with a rimfire pistol, then transition to your centerfire pistol.
3. For 9mm, Don’t Bother to Hand-load Your Ammo
This may seem like sacrilege, but if you’re only shooting one match a month, it’s probably not worth the time and money to reload 9x19mm. I did reload my 9mm ammo on a progressive for a couple years. After looking at money and time, I just started buying bulk commercial 9mm which worked fine. I was only saving a few cents per round by reloading, and that wasn’t worth the time invested.
4. Get a Good Holster That Fits Right
In IDPA matches you normally draw from holster during the match. I saw a lot of people struggle because they had Kydex holsters that would not release easily, or leather holsters that fit too tight or rocked during draw. Try a few different brands at the local store.
5. Be Smooth, Be Calm, and AIM Your Shots
Many folks come into IDPA thinking it’s all about speed. But there are score zones on the official IDPA target, so you need to focus and AIM. Don’t just “run and gun”. If you stay calm, align your sights in the center of the target for EVERY shot, you will end up with a higher score with fewer “points down”. Speed will come with time. It is better to make sure each one of your shots is a hit.
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. Bruno’s — Large Selection of McMillan Stocks 10% OFF
⏺ Great savings on quality McMillan fiberglass stocks
McMillan stocks are world-renowned for competition, tactical/precision, benchrest, and hunting applications. We found a rare deal on McMillan stocks at Bruno Shooters Supply. Find one for your next rifle project and save 10% instantly during checkout. Bruno’s has 60+ McMillan stocks available now for 10% OFF. There are many stock varieties — benchrest, hunting, tactical, F-Class. Some of these stocks may also qualify for FREE Shipping.
2. Midsouth — Berger Bullets In Stock!
⏺ Grab these great Berger Bullets before they sell out
Berger makes top-tier competition bullets but the most popular calibers have been in short supply lately. The good news is that Midsouth Shooters Supply just got a huge shipment of Berger bullets in many calibers and grain weights. This is one of the biggest Berger bullet drops we’ve seen in the past year, so don’t hesitate if you need good match bullets.
3. Graf & Sons — Ammo Sale with FREE TRI-Can Carrier
⏺ Good prices with excellent three-compartment ammo carrier
Here’s a great chance to stock up on quality .223 Rem ammunition. Right now Grafs.com is running a big sale on .223 Remington Ammo from leading makers such as Federal, Norma, Nosler, Barnes, and Winchester. As an additional incentive, if you spend $150 or more on in-stock ammo, you get the excellent Berry Tri-Can ammo carrier for free.
4. Amazon — Teslong Rigid Borescope with Monitor, $135.99
⏺ Excellent borescope complete with monitor — everything you need
Teslong borescopes let you evaluate barrel fouling and gauge the effectiveness of your cleaning regimen. We recommend the $135.99 Teslong Borescope with rigid shaft and Teslong monitor. This can use either the included monitor or your mobile device. There are other good Teslong models. We also like the rigid shaft no monitor version for $99.99 which plugs into your smartphone or tablet. There is also a less expensive flexible unit with monitor for $76.28. This uses a flexible cord rather than a metal shaft.
5. Natchez — Major Rifle and Pistol Ammunition Sale
⏺ Excellent prices, large selection of pistol and rifle ammunition
If you’re in the market for ammunition, check out the giant Natchez Ammo Mix Sale. You’ll find an great assortment of brands and calibers all at prices up to 35% off. This is a great time to stock up with quality ammo for pistols and rifles.
6. Midway — Magpul Bipod Sale
⏺ Strong high-quality bipods at significant savings, good for PRS
Whether you’re a hunter, plinker, or target shooter, a sturdy bipod is a must. And, right now, the excellent Magpul Bipods are available at significant discounts — up to 20% off normal retail prices. NOTE: You must add the bipod to your MidwayUSA shopping cart to see the near 20% Off prices: $89.99 for Magpul 933 M-Lok, $89.99 for 933 Picatinny Rail, and $104.99 for Magpul Sling Stud QD.
7. Midsouth — Lyman Tac-Mat Shooting Mat, $56.31
⏺ Thick padded mat offers more comfort with good length and carry handle
Comfort counts when you’re on the ground for hours. We like this Lyman Tac-Mat 71″ x 36″ shooting mat. It has more padding than most mats, providing significantly better comfort. Midsouth is currently offering these excellent Lyman mats for $56.31 in tan or $56.31 in black. That’s a great deal. This same Lyman shooting mat currently costs $75.19 on Amazon.
8. Amazon — OTIS Elite Cleaning Kit, $99.99
⏺ Very complete universal kit for all firearms
All firearms owners need quality tools for cleaning their pistols, rifles, and shotguns. A good choice is the Otis Elite Cleaning Kit. This universal gun cleaning kit comes complete with over 60 components for all rifles, pistols, shotguns and inline muzzleloaders, including a full tactical cleaning kit all contained in a lightweight, portable case and the best part is that it’s made in the USA.
9. Amazon — Crosman Legacy Air Rifle, $47.25
Here’s a great bargain in a basic airgun. This works for short-range plinking and can be a good training rig for someone new to shooting. The .177 Caliber Crosman Legacy air rifle which weighs just under five pounds boasts an all-weather synthetic stock and forearm. This Crosman Legacy can shoot .177 pellets or BBs with a built-in 850 BB reservoir. This inexpensive, little air rifle comes complete with 4x15mm scope and fiber optic front/rear blade sights.
10. Amazon — Tactical Pistol Light, $30.99
⏺ Good price on rugged lamp that fits pistol front rails
Do you own a Glock, Sig, HK, CZ, or Walther pistol with a standard under-barrel frame rail? A useful accessory is the 600 Lumen AUCLAYTEC Tactical Pistol Light. Get the unit with one battery for $30.99, or (as shown) with two batteries for $32.99. Crafted from aircraft aluminum, this pistol light comes with rechargeable battery and charger.
We are finally seeing prices drop a bit on loaded ammo, and there are some notable ammunition sales right now at Natchez and Palmetto State Armory. However, certain types of ammunition are in short supply — particularly 12ga shotshells and large-caliber hunting rifle ammunition.
Thankfully, if you shop around aggressively, you can still find most types of ammunition at reasonable prices. Everything from .22 Shorts to big hunting cartridges. For example, there’s a great deal right now on Norma Tac-22 .22 LR rimfire ammo at Palmetto State Armory. A good option for NRL22 training, this Norma ammo has shot very well in tests and is a steal at $3.99/per box ($0.08 per round).
If you haven’t sourced ammo online before, note that, for nearly all jurisdictions, it legal to order ammunition online and have it delivered to you at home in most states. But check your state and local laws! California, for example, has prohibited direct ammo shipments to ordinary customers.
AmmoSeek.com monitors more than a dozen online vendors — checking current pricing and available inventory, for pistol, rifle, and shotgun ammunition. Looking for .22 LR ammo for your rimfire trainer or .45 acp ammo for your 1911? Just select the cartridge type from the “Quick Seek” list on the right. Likewise you can find .223 Rem and .308 Win Rifle ammo with one click.
Got Ammo? Here’s just part of the vast inventory at Skagit Arms in Washington State.
Use Ammoseek.com to Find Reloading Components Too
Ammoseek.com also lets you search for reloading components, including powder, primers, brass, and bullets. This is a huge time-saver. You can instantly check a dozen or more vendors to see if a particular type of powder is in stock. Likewise, you can quickly check for primer availability. If you have a big match coming up and are short on primers — this could solve the problem. To search for components, from the AmmoSeek home page, click the gray “Reloading” Tab (see below), then select Bullets, Brass, Primers, or Powder from the pull-down menu.
If you want to stay current with trends in the firearms industry, and see important new product releases before they hit dealers’ shelves, you should check out Shooting Industry magazine. While tailored for firearms/outdoor gear retailers and industry professionals, this monthly journal also provides valuable information for all gun owners. We read Shooting Industry to learn about sales trends, new products, and current gun laws issues.
READ for FREE — Shooting Industry is now available in a digital format for FREE. There are free archives going back 15 years to December 2007.
Get FREE Digital Shooting Industry Magazines for the Past 15 Years
You can access, for free, 15 years of Shooting Industry back issues, plus all the recent 2022 issues. CLICK HERE for the current issue along with all issues back through January 2018. IMPORTANT — To access older issues (before 2018), you much first launch a recent digital edition. That will give you access to the full 15-year archive, as explained below.
Here are links for the most recent three issues — July 2022, June 2022, and May 2022. Simply click each cover to read full issue for FREE:
July 2022
Top Stories:
U.S. Firearms Industry Report
Shooting Ind. Buyer’s Guide
June 2022
Top Stories:
Fall Hunting Season Prep
2022 Ammo Market Report
May 2022
Top Stories:
Firearms Training Today
Advocacy on Capitol Hill
How to Access Magazine Archives Back to December 2007
Once you have launched the digital version of a recent issue, you can access the past 15 years of Shooting Industry back issues by using the ARCHIVE Button. First click on the MENU icon (three horizontal lines). Then click on the link for ARCHIVE. When you click on “Archive”, a list appears on the right. Scroll down to select any issue from July 2022 back to December 2007. Note: The index is divided, so some of the more recent Shooting Illustrated issues are found at the BOTTOM of the Archive, while others are at the top, or the middle. Be patient and look for “SIxxxx”
BONUS! FREE Back Issues of GUNS Magazine and American Handgunner
In the Shooting Industry Archives, you will also find free digital editions of GUNS Magazine and American Handgunner. These will be found in the archive tables on the right. Just look for GUNSxxxx in the list entry for GUNS Magazine back issues, or AHxxxx for American Handgunner back issues.
The Harry Reeves Distinguished Revolver and .22 EIC rimfire pistol matches are underway today, July 19th, at the 2022 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury. The lead photo above shows competitors on the covered firing line at the 2022 NRA Precision Pistol National Championships at Camp Atterbury, Indiana.
The pistol matches will continue throughout the week with both rimfire and centerfire competitions, concluding with the .45 ACP match on Saturday, July 23, 2022. For updates on the National Matches at Camp Atterbury this summer, visit the NRA Competitive Shooting Facebook Page.
National Pistol Championships
July 17-23, 2022
Camp Atterbury, Indiana
July 17 Registration
July 18 Un-squadded Practice
July 19 Revolver / .22 EIC
July 20 Prelim
July 21 .22 RF
July 22 Centerfire
July 23 .45 Cal
Awards Ceremony
NRA Second V.P. and NRA Nat’l Matches competitor David Coy (R) is pictured here with Chief Referee Jon Nortemann at the 2022 National Precision Pistol Championships at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. Congratulations to Jon, who has 40+ years of service as a volunteer at the NRA National Matches!
+ONE Program to Encourage New Shooters
Along with SSP and ESP, there are three other main IDPA classes: Custom Defensive Pistol (CDP) for .45 ACPs (mostly 1911 types), Concealed Carry Pistol (CCP), and Revolver (REV). All classes have a minimum power factor. Scores are based on time and shot placement on the IDPA target.
