Bang Clang! The 2022 Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Championship is featured on Shooting USA TV this week. The Shooting USA Steel Challenge episode runs June 22, 2022 on the Outdoor Channel. Show times are: Wednesdays, 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific, 8:00 PM Central. After those broadcast times, you can watch the show via Vimeo on Demand for $0.99 per episode.
This past April, the fastest speed shooters in the nation showcased their skills at the Steel Challenge Championship at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Complex in Alabama. The Steel Challenge course consists of multiple 5-target close-range stages. This discipline has been called “drag racing with guns”. Draw and shoot 5 steel targets with time as your score. The shooter with the lowest overall time wins.
There are multiple pistol and revolver classes, both rimfire and centerfire, iron sights and optics. Increasing in popularity (and speed) are the rimfire rifle and pistol-caliber centerfire rifle classes. There are 13 gun classes in total, the most for any shooting championship. In the centerfire handgun match, the fastest times are posted by competitors using enhanced open guns with compensators and red-dot optics.
Here is a full length Shooting USA Steel Challenge Episode from 2017:
Shooting USA Video covers Course of Fire, Firearms Classes, and Target Layouts (1:20)
Definitely watch the 4-minute video (above) produced by Shooting USA. It explains the classes, shows the stages, and illustrates ALL the different gun classes, pistol AND rifle. You can also see some of the world’s fastest shooters including Jessie Harrison (1:47, 3:44) and Max Michel (3:48). Be amazed by the speed of semi-auto rimfire rifles — five targets hit in under two seconds!
Here is Jessie Harrison, the fastest lady pistol shooter on the planet. At the 2022 World Speed Shooting Championship, Jessie won the Ladies High Overall title plus the Steel Master award. Harrison is the first woman to claim the Steel Master award, given to the competitor with the best aggregate score for two centerfire divisions and one rimfire division. Below Jessie celebrates with Taurus team-mate K.C. Eusebio, who took the High Overall title and first place in the Open division. This was K.C.’s ninth World Speed Shooting Title.
The Steel Challenge was founded in 1981 by Mike Dalton and Mike Fichman, in Southern California. The two Mikes wanted an exciting alternative to paper targets and came up with the all-steel format. The Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Championships have grown to one of the largest professional pistol competitions in America. In 2022, scores of competitors competed at the Talladega Marksmanship Park for glory and cash prizes. The Steel Challenge is governed by the Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA) that consists of eight standardized stages with three types of steel targets: small circle, big circle, and square. Here is a steel challenge layout in Germany.
If you need pistol ammunition or .223 Rem ammo for your AR or varmint rifles, head over to Natchez Shooter Supplies this week. Right now, through 11:59 pm on 6/24/2022, Natchez is offering serious discounts on 9mm, .40 SW, and .223 Rem (plus 5.56×45), and .308 Win ammo. Along with the very attractive prices, you can get FREE Shipping with a qualifying ammo purchase of $200 or more. Use CODE FS220622.
Ever find yourself sitting in an airport, bored out of your gourd? Well here’s how to make good use of your time — listen to a gun-centric Podcast. There are a number of interesting Podcasts for shooters and firearms fans. A Podcast is like an old-fashioned radio show, but delivered over the internet. You can listen “live” or save the Podcast file for later review. That’s great when you’re on an airplane and don’t have a web connection. Download some Podcasts to your smartphone before you get to the airport and then you can play them back during your flight.
The NRA Blog reports that podcasts are more popular than ever: “The Great Podcast Renaissance is upon us! It’s easier now than ever for anyone and everyone to make their own podcast, which is why the number of podcasts and variety of show topics have greatly increased.”
1. It’s Federal Season Podcasts
Ammo and components supplier Federal offers an excellent series of informative podcasts. These Federal podcasts cover a wide range of topics and shooting disciplines. This year Federal is celebrating its 100th year in business. Podcast Episode No. 36 covers Federa’s Centennial Celebration
In this latest Federal Season podcast, guest host Tom Sega discusses Federal’s first 100 years with Federal President Jason Vanderbrink and V.P. of Marketing Jason Nash. The podcase covers Federal’s foundation, pivotal moments in company history, and the iconic products that have propelled Federal to become a world-leading ammunition manufacturer.
In a second Federal Season podcast, ace shooter Julie Golob provides a fascinating history of the firearms industry. Julie served with the U.S. Army before embarking on her professional shooting career.:
2. The Firearms Radio Network
With more than a dozen different podcasts, the Firearms Radio Network (FRN) offers a large range of audio programming. Whether you’re a tactical shooter, or a handgunner, or a hunter, you’ll find something of interest. This network also offers a regular podcast dedicated to hand-loading. Here are some of our favorite FRN podcasts:
3. Tom Gresham’s GunTalk Podcasts
Tom Gresham’s GunTalk is the leading radio talk show about firearms, shooting, and gun rights. It is available as a live radio broadcast as well as recorded podcasts. Each week Tom host notable guests from the firearms industry and shooting sports. Along with the primary Gun Talk podcast there is a Gun Talk Nation Podcast and Gun Talk Hunt podcasts. All are accessisble from the Gun Talk Podcast Home Page.
4. Hunt Talk Radio
Randy Newberg’s Hunt Talk Radio covers hunting politics, access to public lands, and conservation topics. Expert hunters and guides join Randy each week, sharing their field skills and stalking tips.
With all the anti-gun rhetoric coming out of Washington these days, it’s great to know that some organizations are helping Americans celebrate their liberties and their Constitutional rights. U.S. LawShield is organizing a nationwide series of Summer Freedom Celebrations to be held in cities across America from early June through the end of August 2022. This weekend, Freedom Celebrations take place June 11th in three locations: Springfield, MO; Tulsa, OK; and Selma, TX. Other events are listed below.
“We are excited to connect with folks from all over the U.S. as we join in celebrating our unique heritage and honor our forefathers’ vision of freedom for future generations. Encouraging our members, their families, and friends to enjoy togetherness is especially important this summer. As the Summer Freedom Celebrations travel around our great nation, we’re proud to present education on local self-defense and gun laws in conjunction with the family-friendly festivities”, stated U.S. LawShield CEO P.J. Hermosa.
At these celebrations, U.S. LawShield Independent Program Attorneys (IPAs), officials, VIPs, and guest speakers with talk about gun laws and answer questions. Because regulations differ regionally, every Summer Freedom Celebration features local IPAs and authorities who can answer questions and educate folks about local requirements. Attendees will have the chance to get answers directly from experienced attorneys and local officials.
These Summer Freedom Celebrations feature fun attractions for people of all ages, including refreshments (food trucks and/or concessions), music/entertainment, and games with prizes. These will be family-friendly events, so parents are encouraged to bring their kids.
U.S. LawShield Summer Freedom Celebration Dates and Locations
Event activities, daily schedules, and speakers are subject to change. Visit this link to register and/or check for updates on times and venues. CLICK HERE for a full, updated schedule of events nationwide.
· June 11, Springfield, MO
· June 11, Tulsa, OK
· June 11, Selma, TX
· June 18, Springdale, AR
· June 18, Cleveland, OH
· June 18, Lubbock, TX
· June 25, Morton, IL
· June 25, Fort Wayne, IN
· June 25, Jacksonville, NC
· June 25, El Paso, TX
· June 25, Midland, TX
· June 25, Ashland, VA
· June 26, Littleton, CO
More Summer Freedom Celebration events are planned for July and August in states including: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Here are three current discount/rebate programs that can save you serious money on a new firearm. For example you can save $250 on a Christensen Arms Ranger 22. Or save $25-$75 on Browning rifles and shotguns. There are deals on pistols too — get $100 off a Beretta APX A1 Carry pistol.
Along with these gun discounts, RCBS is offering a $35 mail-in rebate on all its reloading presses and combo press kits. This $35 RCBS rebate works even on the lower-priced compact presses, such as the Partner Press.
Browning Firearms Summer Rebates
Receive a rebate of up to $75 when you purchase a new Browning firearm between May 27 and July 4, 2022. You get $50 off all X-Bolt Rifles, Citori CX and Hunter shotguns, and A5 and Maxus II shotguns. You can also get $25 back on all AB3 and Rimfire rifles, BPS shotguns, and pistols. The full $75 rebate is for the higher-end Citori shotguns (not CX or Hunter). CLICK HERE for Details.
The Beretta APX A1 Carry pistol retails for $399.00, and a $100 Factory Rebate lowers your net cost to just $299.00. The 9mm Luger APX A1 Carry has 4 frame color options: Black, Gray, Brown (FDE), and OD Green. This is an extremely compact pistol. OAL is just 5.63″, and it weighs a mere 19.8 oz. unloaded. CLICK HERE for Details.
Start Date: 5/3/2022
End Date: 8/15/2022
RCBS Reloading Press and Press Kit $35 Rebate
If you buy any RCBS Reloading Press or multi-product Press Kit, RCBS will give you a $35 Rebate. While that’s great on a $350+ press kit, the rebate is a bigger percentage on a lower-cost press. Submit your Rebate Request ONLINE or with Mail-In Form. Here are products that qualify for the RCBS Rebate:
Today Shooting USA features the Palmetto State Armory (PSA) Gathering, the largest industry Range Day on the East Coast. The PSA Gathering allowed industry representatives and the general public to try out a huge collection of new products. Attendees got to shoot new pistols, rifles, and shotguns. View this Shooting USA episode on the Outdoor Channel Wednesdays at 9:00 PM (Eastern/Pacific), 8:00 PM Central.
The PSA Gathering is a Firearms Range Day and Expo presented by Palmetto State Armory. The Gathering brings together the firearms community, gun media, and public to showcase new and existing products. The 2022 Gathering took place March 18-20 in Clinton, SC at the Clinton House Plantation, a 2000-acre facility with 17 shooting bays, 2 clay courses, a 1000-yard range, and a one-mile range.
One major shooting industry impact of the COVID Pandemic was the cancellation of the 2021 SHOT Show and range day. That inspired Palmetto State Armory to launch its own Industry Range Day called the Gathering. The first Gathering was a big success in 2021. So for 2022, PSA had its second-ever Gathering, which was even bigger and better.
SHOOTING USA TV Air Times
View Shooting USA on the Outdoor Channel Wednesdays 9:00 PM (Eastern and Pacific) + 8:00 PM Central.
NOTE: If you miss today’s 6/8/22 broadcast, you can still view the show on Vimeo for a small 99-cent fee, or just $1.99 per month unlimited. LINK HERE: Shooting USA on Vimeo.
Shooting USA is available On Demand via Vimeo.com. Watch a single episode for $0.99, or get a full-month subscription for $1.99 and watch as many shows as you like with limited commercial interruptions.
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.
1. Creedmoor Sports — Sightron Scope Sale, Save $200
⏺ Save $200 on highly-rated Sightron Scopes now through June 30, 2022
If you’re looking for a great deal on a solid, competition-worthy optic, check out the Sightron Sale at Creedmoor Sports. Many of the most popular scopes in the Sightron lineup are offered this month at prices you can’t pass up. You can save $200 on the SIII 8-32x56mm and save $200 on the SIII 10-50x56mm model. Both are great choices for benchrest or F-Class competition. Varminters should consider the S-TAC 4-20x560mm, now discounted from $529.99 to $449.99.
2. Amazon — RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Press, $132.26
⏺ Great deal on classic single-stage press
The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme single-stage reloading press will provide decades of service. We still use a Rock Chucker that is nearly 30 years old. Right now you can save big on a new Rock Chucker Supreme. Amazon has this beefy, cast-iron-frame reloading press on sale for $132.26. That’s 38% off Amazon’s regular price. This is a great deal — other vendors are selling the Rock Chucker Supreme for $200!
3. Palmetto SA — Taurus G2C 9mm, $199.99 After Rebate
⏺ Get excellent 9mm carry pistol for under $200 with Rebate
Here’s an insanely good deal on the Taurus G2c 9mm pistol. On sale now at Palmetto State Armory, the G2c is just $224.99. But a $25 Taurus factory rebate lowers your net cost to just $199.99 — less than half what you’d pay for a similar-sized Glock 9mm. At 6.25″ OAL, and weighing just 21.2 oz. unloaded, this affordable 9mm handgun is a true compact. We like the fact it has a left-side manual safety (unlike the Glock), plus a 3-Dot Adjustable Rear Sight, and textured grip. CLICK HERE for Taurus Rebate INFO.
4. Bruno’s — .22 LR Large Lot Rimfire Ammo Sale
⏺ Good value on case lots of quality .22 LR ammo
Do you compete in NRL22, rimfire silhouette, or rimfire benchrest competitions and struggle to find quality ammo at decent prices? Right now Bruno’s has a good selection of quality ELEY and Lapua rimfire ammo, with large volume discounts. You’ll find significant quantity discounts on full 5000-round CASES (100 boxes) of .22 LR ammo. NOTE: For starters you can also purchase just a box or two to test before committing to a big buy.
These Walker’s Silencer Electronic Ear Plugs provide effective 25dB NRR hearing protection while allowing you to hear range commands and conversations. This is a good option for shooters who don’t like heavy, bulky electronic muffs. Just $49.57 on sale, these high-tech plugs are now 66% off the regular $149.99 MidwayUSA price — a stellar bargain.
6. Amazon — Caldwell Steady Rest, $23.62
⏺ Works as front/rear rifle support or detach to use as separate pistol rest
Priced at just $23.62 on Amazon, this Caldwell Steady Rest is a great value for sighting-in hunting rifles and/or pistol use. Use the front section by itself as a pistol rest (see above), or connect both units for rifle use. This vertically-adjustable Steady Rest offers a cushioned front cradle and V-Shaped padded rear cradle, plus a neoprene hand rest.
7. Amazon — RCBS Bench Priming Tool, $71.42
⏺ Rugged, reliable, and reduces hand fatigue when priming
Hand priming tools work well but if you’re looking to give your hand a break, consider the RCBS Auto Priming Tool. This tool mounts easily to your bench, and holds a large column of primers in a vertical feed-tube. This rugged, bench-mounted priming tool has plenty of leverage, and reliably feeds one new primer after each priming operation.
8. Amazon — Tactical Range Bag, $39.99
⏺ Large capacity, good quality, plenty of magazine slots
Having a good, large-sized pistol bag simplifies trips to the range. This ample-sized tactical range bag will hold multiple handguns along with magazines, ammo, earmuffs, and other accessories. Four different color options are offered: Black, Olive Drab, Tan, and Black with hot pink straps. One side pocket includes six vertical mag pockets.
9. Amazon — Huntsen Double Gun Cases, $39.82 to $49.99
⏺ Nice padding — good for NRL22 shooters or 3-gun competitors
With these Huntsen 2 Gun rifle cases you can efficiently load TWO long guns, side by side. These double cases come in a wide range of sizes, from 38″ to 52″ (a 52″ case is big enough for a long-barrel match rifle). Along with holding two rifles or shotguns, these cases have handy storage pockets for magazines or other gear. These cases have waterproof outer fabric and fairly thick padding.
10. Midsouth — Fiocchi 9mm Pistol Ammo, 1000 rounds $339.99
⏺ Very good, reliable 9mm ammo at significant discount
Midsouth currently offers 1000 rounds of quality Fiocchi 9mm Luger ammo for only $339.99. That works about to about $17.00 per 50rd box — an excellent deal. This is reliable ammo that functions well in 9x19mm pistols and has reloadable brass cases.
Are you in the market for your first handgun, for target use or for self-defense? The Winchester Blog has a good article for handgun buyers. This story, “Things You Should Know When Purchasing Your First Pistol”, provides many smart tips that can help you choose the right handgun, and save money in the process. In addition, the article explains how to train with your new pistol and handle it safely. READ Full Article.
If possible, you should test a variety of different pistols, to determine which works best for you. Check the feel, the ergonomics, the sight picture, and the controls. And, if possible, test the pistols with live-fire at a range which rents samples.
How do you know if your choice is right for you?
Once you’ve narrowed down choices, try to get time shooting the pistol(s) you are considering. You can usually rent guns at commercial ranges. This is an excellent way to “try before you buy.” NSSF has a list of places to shoot[.] When looking for a range that rents firearms, an online search and then a phone call to confirm what options are available is a solid plan. If you have friends and family who own a model you are interested in, ask if they will go to the range with you so that you can try it.
Take pistols for a test drive
First, dry-fire and manipulate the pistol. Can you easily lock the slide open? Are the sights suited to your vision? Then, fire a magazine or two of ammo [in a supervised range facility]. — Winchester Blog
The Winchester Blog article lists techniques that can help you get the “feel” for a particular firearm:
1. Practice the 4 Rules of Firearm Safety and make sure the gun is empty.
2. [After confirming the gun is empty] manipulate the slide, safety, magazine release, and dry-fire.
3. Perform a dry or empty magazine change — make sure you can hit the release and also reload a new magazine easily.
4. Perform a draw, or if you’re at a range where that is not allowed, simply pick the pistol up off the table and bring it up to your eye level and align the sights. Do this a few times. Can you acquire the sights quickly?
5. How does the backstrap fit your hand? Can you get both hands on the gun with enough “purchase” that you can really grip it well?
This Winchester Blog article is by Becky Yackley. Becky has competed in 3-Gun, Bianchi pistol, Service Rifle, NCAA air rifle, smallbore and air pistol events around the world since 1989.
Gunsite Academy, the oldest and largest civilian firearms training academy in the USA, now offers 96 videos cover the full spectrum of the Gunsite Academy curriculum. In most of these videos, instruction/demontrations are provided by respected Gunsite instructors with commentary by gun writer Richard Mann.
There are a wide range of videos covering pistol, rifle, and shotgun shooting. In addition, there are videos covering gun maintenance, optics, and accessories. Nearly 100 videos are currently available on the Gunsite Academy Video Page. Most of the videos are also available the Gunsite YouTube channel.
Here are Five of our Favorite GunSite Academy videos:
Proper Bipod Use with Rifles
Dry-Fire Training — Save Your Ammo
MIL vs MOA in Riflescopes
Drawing a Handgun from Concealment
AR Platform Rifle Take-Down and Maintenance
In this video, Gunsite Academy instructor/gunsmith Cory Trapp demonstrates the proper way to field-strip, clean and lubricate an AR-15 carbine. Trapp also offers important technical tips for maintaining your modern sporting rifle, including lube points. This video has nearly 2.5 million views on YouTube.
Gunsite Academy — 45-Year Heritage of Excellence
Founded in 1976 by Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper (WW II and Korean War combat veteran, author, and professor), Gunsite Academy has been providing elite firearm instruction for more than 40 years. It enjoys a reputation for serious, no-nonsense training. Cooper built the facility just west of Paulden, Arizona. Originally it was called the American Pistol Institute (API).
At the NRA Annual Meetings in Houston, Colt’s Manufacturing introduced an impressive new rimfire revolver — the King Cobra Target 22 LR. Colt states: “From competition to plinking and small game hunting, this baby Cobra does it all and packs 10-rounds of .22 LR in its cylinder.” The King Cobra Target 22 LR is available with 4-inch and 6-inch barrel lengths, both with 1:16″ RH rifling twist. MSRP is $999.00.
The King Cobra Target 22 LR features USA-forged stainless steel construction. Designed and crafted for outstanding accuracy, new King Cobra Target 22 LR features a one-piece barrel/shroud with fiber optic front sight. The cylinder holds ten (10) rounds. The frame is fitted with an adjustable target rear sight and Hogue overmolded rubber grips.
This TFB Showtime episode examines the new .22 LR rimfire Colt King Cobra Target. The King Cobra Target 22 LR features a 10-shot cylinder, and the same adjustable target sights as the .357 Magnum version.
“We are very excited to debut this new Baby Snake to our customers at NRA Annual Meetings,” said Justin Baldini, VP of Product Strategy, Colt CZ-USA. “Shooting .22 LR is such an important part of shooting sports. It’s where we come to learn as a beginner; and where we return as seasoned shooters to cost-effectively enjoy more time at the range. We’re confident that new and old Colt fans will love what we’ve done with the new King Cobra 22 LR.”
All-American built, the King Cobra Target 22 LR was designed and made to be shot — a lot! It should deliver exceptional accuracy and good reliability. Expect to see these revolvers at formal and informal rimfire competitions at gun clubs around the nation.
Commentary: We applaud Colt for introducing this new .22 LR wheelgun. Rimfire revolvers are great. This Editor owns a Smith & Wesson Model 617 ten-shot rimfire revolver that has easily fired more rounds than all his other handguns combined. A .22 LR revolver is great for training and fun for plinking. Like the Model 617, this new Colt .22 LR wheelgun offers minimal recoil, great reliability, a nice sight radius, and affordable shooting. In addition, if you shoot single-action slow-fire, the trigger pull is light and crisp — better than the vast majority of semi-auto pistols. We think this new “Baby Snake” will be a great addition to any shooter’s collection.
At these celebrations, U.S. LawShield Independent Program Attorneys (IPAs), officials, VIPs, and guest speakers with talk about gun laws and answer questions. Because regulations differ regionally, every Summer Freedom Celebration features local IPAs and authorities who can answer questions and educate folks about local requirements. Attendees will have the chance to get answers directly from experienced attorneys and local officials.
