Here’s a helpful, time-saving tool for handgun owners. MidwayUSA’s online Holster Finder lets you quickly find the right holsters for virtually all popular makes and models of pistols and revolvers. The wide variety of carry styles, materials, and features can make finding the right holster difficult or confusing. Drawing on a database of over 125,000 gun/holster combinations, the MidwayUSA Holster Finder turns that complex task into an easy three-step process.
The selection process is simple: 1. Choose Pistol or Revolver; 2. Select Make and Model of Handgun (and barrel type/length); 3. Click to view results. Just choose your gun type, select your make, model and barrel, then view the results. All major holster types are included: Ankle, Belly Band, Belt (outside waistband), Chest, Competition, Drop Leg, Inside Waistband (IWB), Paddle, Pocket, and Shoulder. Check out the MidwayUSA Holster Finder at MidwayUSA.com/holster-finder.
Everyone should have a heavy-duty, thick-walled steel gunsafe for their firearms and valuables. Ideally this should weigh 400+ pounds and offer fire protection for the contents. However, a gun owner may also want more rapid access to defensive arms and security items, in a different part of the home. That is where the “hidden in plain sight” concept comes into play. Metal Art of Wisconsin has some unique wall-hanging products that provide hidden storage.
Freedom Cabinet Holds Long Arms and Pistols — RFID Access
The unique Freedom Cabinet, shown above, is a patriotic, wall-mounted Stars & Stripes Flag-themed concealment unit, offered in three sizes starting at $324.95. Available in Wood, Steel, or Carbon Fiber, each secure Freedom Cabinet features inlaid steel with optional RFID ($39.95) or Biometric ($49.95) locking systems. There is also the Decor series of Freedom Cabinets with simpler, single flip-up covers. CLICK HERE to view all the Decor Freedom Flip-Up Cabinets, ranging from $249.95 for small size (23″x12″) to $449.95 for large size (41″x22″), with 7 different graphic styles. Along with Metal Art’s flip-up Freedom cabinets in various sizes, there is a “Slider” version priced at $294.95.
In addition to the basic, budget-priced TX 22 pistol, Taurus offers an impressive Comp model set up for optics. The Taurus TX 22 Competition model is built on the same full-size polymer receiver as the basic Taurus TX 22 but has a newly engineered slide and barrel assembly designed to work with red dot optics.
The Taurus TX 22 Competition features a “skeletonized” slide with a cutout between the ejection port to just behind the front sight. The mounting system allows the use of the following (but not limited to) sight models: Trijicon RMR, C-More STS 2, Vortex Venom, Doctor Noblex, Burris Fast Fire, Sightmark Mini, Holosun HS507C, Leupold Delta Point Pro.
Talented Jessie Harrison Demonstrates TX22 Competition
In this video, Jessie Harrison, the world’s best female action pistol competitor, shoots the TX 22 on steel, starting at 0:14 time-mark. She shows how the pistol’s low recoil allows amazingly quick follow-up shots.
There is an additional model, the Taurus TX 22 SCR (Steel Competition Ready) which offers a forward compensator. This TX 22 SCR was designed for steel plate competition and action pistol games. We like the balance and ergonomics of this pistol, and the integrated forward compensator does reduce muzzle flip, allowing faster follow-up shots and better split times.
We think all shooters should have a quality .22 LR rimfire pistol — something with a good trigger, ergonomic grip, and excellent accuracy out of the box. Right now, with the Walther P22 Target Model, you can get all those things for just $239.99 at CDNN Sports. We that that’s one of the best mag-fed rimfire handgun deals you’ll currently find anywhere.
This pistol has a good trigger and ergonomic grip. Accuracy is very good and the forward ported compensator reduces muzzle flip dramatically, allowing very rapid follow-up shots — good for gun games. The K22 ships with two (2) 10-round magazines. This pistol does not have an integral plate for fitting a red dot optic, but the adjustable iron sights are quite good.
The P22 is a very nice rimfire handgun with a 5″ barrel plus a forward ported compensator. The ergonomic grip boasts an interchangeable backstrap. Walther states: “Best-in-class ergonomics, supported by interchangeable backstraps, establishes the P22 as one of the most comfortable handguns available today.” Compared to most other rimfire pistols in this class, the trigger is very good right out of the box with a light, crisp pull. We also like the ambidextrous controls. A rare feature for a rimfire, the P22 is covered by the Walther Legendary Lifetime Limited Warranty.
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 — GRS Riflestocks up to 43% Off
⏺️ » Amazing discount prices on modern, ergonomic stocks
If you need a modern ergonomic stock for hunting, varmint shooting, or tactical competitions, here’s your chance to get premium GRS stocks at big savings. Crafted in Hornindal, Norway, these GRS stocks have very comfortable grips, mate well with rear bags, and have tailored inletting for specific action types. There are both laminated wood and fiberglass models offered, plus designs with metal M-LOK fore-ends for PRS/NRL. Right now EuroOptic is running a super sale on GRS stocks with most discounted 30%. In addition, some GRS close-out model stocks are discounted a whopping 43%.
2. Natchez — LEE Reloading Products Sale with Major Discounts
⏺️ » Great sale on presses, dies, accessories and more
Natchez is running a major sale on LEE reloading products — various press kits, dies, powder measures, priming systems, and much more. Over 1000 products are on sale. For a limited time you get LEE Products at significant discounts. This is a good opportunity if you need dies, a reloading press, or complete reloading kit with press, scale, powder measure, and priming tool.
⏺️ » Great price on good ammo for ARs and service rifles
Here’s a great deal for AR owners. Midsouth offers 1000 rounds of Winchester 5.56mm M193 Lake City ammo for just $424.49. That works out to just 42.5 cents per round. This ammo is loaded with 55gr FMJ bullets — good for defense as well as target shooting. Winchester White Box ammo is very reliable and offers great “bang for the buck”. This is a good low-cost ammo choice for service rifle training.
4. Graf & Sons — Unis GINEX Primer Sale, $222.30 for 5000
⏺️ » Save 50% on primer costs with good, reliable Unis-Ginex primers
Primer prices are finally starting to moderate as primer production has increased. But some primer types, such as large rifle, are still not widely available at reasonable prices. But there’s good news — Graf’s has obtained a large inventory of Unis GINEX primers in most popular sizes, all offered at significant discounts. These Unis GINEX primers typically run $222.30 for 5000, which works out to just $44.46/1000, a great deal. This is a fine time to stock up before things change again.
5. Amazon — RCBS Auto Priming Tool, $129.99
⏺️ » Handy reliable tool with vertical primer stack tubes
If you’re tired of priming brass with hand tools consider the RCBS Automatic Bench Priming Tool (#ad). It is fast and very consistent, and its single-stage lever system provides good seating “feel”. Primers feed through the auto primer feed tube one by one, preventing potential contamination by oily fingers. You can seat both small and large primers with this bench tool — Two primer rod assemblies and two primer feed tubes are included.
6. Amazon — High Grade Bullet & Headspace Comparator, $45.00
⏺️ » Good product with precise bushings
How would you like an all-in-one bullet, brass, and loaded round comparator kit for an affordable low price? The High Grade Bullet & Headspace Comparator Set (#ad) by Derraco Engineering costs $45.00. This tool features a screw-on stainless steel bushing system that provides better concentricity and consistency than most comparators. High-grade CNC machining ensures precise dimensions. The color-coded bushings make it easy to identify caliber size. These bushings have a ceramic-like Type II hard anodic coating for durability.
7. Palmetto SA — Beretta Model 84 BB .380 ACP Pistol, $299.99
⏺️ » Good, handsome, metal carry pistol at bargain price
Every gun collector eventually may want a nice Italian pistol. Used by Italian “Polizia”, the Beretta 84 is compact, reliable, and nicely crafted. Right now Palmetto State Armory offers police trade-in Beretta Model 84 Pistols for the low price of $299.99. These pistols are chambered for the .380 ACP cartridge and come with one 13-rd magazine.
8. EuroOptic — MDT Send-It Level, $163.99
⏺️ » Smart device that signals when rifle is level for shot
The Send iT MV3 Electronic Level lets you rapidly and precisely level your rifle for more accurate long-range shooting. The Send iT MV3 overcomes the shortcomings of traditional spirit levels, which forced the shooter to look away from the target and wait for the bubble to move. Instead of a bubble, the Send iT MV3 uses five LEDs to determine the cant/angle of the rifle. When the green middle light appears you know your rifle is perfectly level. When the blue or red LEDs appear, that indicates the rifle needs to be adjusted.
9. Amazon — Pelican 40″ Vault Case, $169.95
⏺️ » Strong impact-resistant case good for air travel
Looking for a crushproof, high-impact multi-purpose case? Consider the Pelican 40″ Vault Case (#ad). It features heavy duty handles, push-button latches and stainless steel lock hasps. While only 40″ long, it works well if you remove your barreled action from the stock before traveling. Or it can hold a 16″-bbl AR or shotgun plus mags, binoculars and rangefinder. This TSA-compliant case offers strong construction. If you need a larger case, Amazon offers a 51″-long version for the same $169.95 price (#ad).
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About Jerry Miculek… The Man, The Myth, The Legend
The video above begins: “My name is Jerry Miculek. Guns are what I do.” Jerry Miculek is a true legend in the firearms community. Acknowledged as the best wheelgun speed-shooter in history, Jerry is also an accomplished rifle and shotgun shooter with many class victories in 3-Gun competition. He also has been a prolific YouTube Video creator. For this Saturday Showcase, we feature seven notable Jerry Miculek videos. You will find over 500 more interesting videos on the Miculek “Trigger Tribe” YouTube channel Jerry shares with his daughter Lena Miculek.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes with Semi-Auto Rifles and Pistols
In this second video, Jerry explains common mistakes people make when handling and shooting three classic, semi-auto firearm types — the M1 Garand, the SKS carbine, and the M1911 pistol. Jerry shows handling faults that can cause out-of-battery detonation or early primer strikes, or cause jams in the Garand and SKS. Then Jerry explains why you should never release the slide on a M1911 pistol with a round already in the chamber. This is a must-watch video for Garand owners.
Hitting Target at 400 Meters with a Pistol
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).
Take-Down and Full Cleaning of AR-15
If you want to keep your black rifle running smoothly and reliably, you must clean it regularly and follow the correct maintenance procedures. In this video, Jerry Miculek takes down and cleans an AR-platform rifle belonging to his daughter Lena. This is a good video because Lena’s rifle was “run hard and packed up dirty” so you can see where carbon and grease build up. This 35-minute video is very thorough. Jerry is one of the nation’s top action carbine shooters, so listen carefully to his advice on cleaning and lubrication.
Ammo Types and Calibers — Jerry Miculek Explains the Basics
In this video, legendary shooter Jerry Miculek talks about popular types of pistol and rifle ammunition and the various bullet options used for plinking, competition, and self-defense. Jerry, one of the greatest pistol shooters on the planet, provides useful insights on cartridge selection and bullet choices. Jerry notes: “There are a TON of different types of ammunition” so he explains the basics. And Jerry answers common questions such as: “What is the difference between ball and hollow-point bullets?” and “What type of gun takes rimmed cartridge versus rimless?”.
Wheelgun Wisdom — How to Avoid Problem with Revolvers
Jerry Miculek has won multiple revolvers championships, and has set amazing records for revolver speed shooting (with reloads). Yes Jerry, “Mr. Revolver”, knows a thing or two about wheelguns. In this video, Jerry explains how you can damage your revolver by using the wrong methods to open and close the cylinder and extract ammo. Jerry shows what NOT to do, and then he very carefully explains the proper procedure to release the cylinder, and swing it out of the frame. In addition, Jerry shows how best to swing a loaded cylinder back into place.
80,000 Philippine M1 Garands in One Place
Back in 2020 Jerry Miculek visited the CMP’s HQ in Alabama. There he looked at the vast inventory of military rifles, including 80,000+ M1 Garands recently received from the Philippines. CMP tech staff showed Jerry some rare Garands that had never been issued. If you’re interested in classic military arms, you should definitely watch Jerry’s video. Gina Johnson, CMP’s general manager, told Guns.com that: “We have roughly 86,000 rifles from the Philippines and roughly 13,000 rifles from Turkey in our possession”.
Along with the 80,000+ Philippines Garands, the CMP received 13,000 from Turkey. The arrival of these 99,000 M1 Garands is great news for rifle collectors. Garands have been in short supply in recent years.
SSG Greg Markowski of the USAMU at Camp Perry, Ohio.
On July 13, 2025, pistol competition commenced at the National Matches at Camp Perry. Many of the best pistol shooters in the country have been on the firing lines, including members of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Service Pistol team. After the last pistol match on Saturday, July 19th, trophies and awards will be presented to the top shooters.
Below is a schedule for the 2025 Pistol Competitions at Camp Perry. For more information about the National Trophy Pistol & Games Matches, visit the CMP’s Pistol Match INFO Page.
This video shows .45 ACP centerfire pistol competitors at Camp Perry
Loading Precision Centerfire Pistol Ammunition
If you want to compete in top competitions like the CMP matches at Camp Perry, you’ll need good ammo. The following USAMU article provides rock-solid reloading advice, explaining how to load accurate, reliable handgun ammo.
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.
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, 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.
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 U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit and native of Poland, fires his pistol during the 2018 Civilian Marksmanship Program’s National Pistol Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio July 13, 2018. 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.
Mark and Ryan, co-hosts of the Vortex Nation Podcast, have released an informative video about gun choice for home defense. Mark and Ryan examine the performance of pistols, rifles, and shotguns in home defense scenarios. The podcast looks at the practical side of ballistics, comparing the pros and cons of these three gun types. The hosts assess the effectiveness (and penetration power) of these weapon types via field tests with cardboard silhouette targets, ballistics gel, and drywall. The eye-opening tests show how pistols, rifles, and shotguns perform in terms of accuracy, penetration power, and likely lethality.
At an indoor range, the Vortex team tests these three gun types (rifle, pistol, and shotgun) used for protection of home and family. They run a simulated home defense scenario, aerate some dry wall for science, and hit the ballistics gel to give you the real-world testing and fun you expect with plenty of surprises along the way. Click HERE for video.
Vortex invites viewers to share their thoughts in the YouTube comments section. You can access other interesting Cartridge Talks episodes by subscribing to the Vortex Nation YouTube Channel. To see more from Vortex visit VortexOptics.com or follow Vortex on Instagram and/or Facebook.
Gun Owners of America (GOA) and Gun Owners Foundation (GOF), together with Pennsylvania resident Bonita Shreve, have filed a lawsuit against the United States Postal Service (USPS), seeking to overturn the Prohibition-era federal ban on the mailing of handguns. The Complaint alleges that this ban is “inconsistent with Founding-era historical tradition” of firearm regulation.
Since 1927, federal law has denied ordinary Americans the right to utilize the mails to ship handguns. Yet all the while, the USPS handles handgun shipments on behalf of businesses and government officials every single day. This ban is as arbitrary and discriminatory as it is violative of the Second Amendment — and its criminal penalties are steep.
Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America, stated: “This complaint demonstrates that the federal government’s Prohibition-era ban on mailing handguns violates the Second Amendment. GOA is proud to stand with its members and supporters to ensure that their constitutional rights are protected, and we are committed to ending all anti-gun ‘rules for me, but not for thee’, in any form they may take.”
Sam Paredes, speaking for the Gun Owners Foundation, added: “This law was passed in a different time. Our complaint makes clear that every day this ban remains in effect, it infringes on the rights of law-abiding Americans who are fully entitled to exercise all of their Second Amendment freedoms. In America, using the Postal Service to mail handguns to other law-abiding individuals should not be a felony.”
Smart Option for Shipping Handguns Currently
Until Federal policy changes, persons without FFLs cannot use USPS to ship handguns — doing that can get you arrested! But there IS an efficient, cost-effective way to ship handguns — ship via UPS (United Parcel Service) using ShipMyGun.com labels.
If you want to ship handguns, as a private party (non-FFL), there are now very limited options. You cannot use the U.S. Postal Service, and, since September 2021, you cannot use FEDEX. Yes, that’s right, FEDEX no longer allows non-FFLs to ship handguns.
So UPS is currently the only choice for handguns (for non-FFLs). But this can be very expensive because of rules requiring overnight shipping. There IS an alternative that can save you significant money. By ordering your shipping labels from ShipMyGun.com, you could save $50 or more on UPS handgun shipping. It is quick and easy.
ShipMyGun.com has a large FFL database, so you can verify the recipient’s address and FFL status. The ShipMyGun.com website has a simple to use label-printing process. All handgun shipments are fulfilled via next day air. Long guns are shipped quickly via ground and typically arrive within 3-5 business days. (NOTE: For rifles and shotguns it is still possible to use U.S. Postal Service following USPS rules.)
Do you know someone who recently purchased his/her first handgun and is getting started in the shooting sports? Or do you need to brush up your own pistol skills? Then check out a new FREE video training series from the SIG Sauer Academy: Shooter’s Edge — Learning to Shoot.
Here is the Second Video from the Shooter’ Edge series, covering Basic Rules of Firearms Safety:
This video series features foundational handgun classes at the SIG Sauer Academy in New Hampshire. The ten-episode series takes viewers into the classroom and onto the range as the instructors walk through the fundamentals of handgun safety, shooting techniques, practice and training exercises, along with instruction in equipment options and handgun selection. The series was shot on location during several of the Academy’s introductory classes.
Click Below to Access Full Video Series on SigSauer.com:
The Shooter’ Edge Series includes the following episodes: Learn to Shoot at SIG Sauer Academy; Basic Rules of Safety; Types of Handguns and Ammunition; Foundational Shooting Techniques; How to Practice and Train Effectively; Choosing the Right Gun; Equipment and Its Purpose; Holsters — Presentation and Recovery; Magazines — Loading and Unloading; and What Happens After Learning to Shoot.
Use Consistent Brass
ShipMyGun.com has a large FFL database, so you can verify the recipient’s address and FFL status. The ShipMyGun.com website has a simple to use label-printing process. All handgun shipments are fulfilled via next day air. Long guns are shipped quickly via ground and typically arrive within 3-5 business days. (NOTE: For rifles and shotguns it is still possible to use U.S. Postal Service following USPS rules.)
