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. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Winchester .22 LR Wildcat, $219.99
⏺ Removable lower receiver, Picatinny rails, good trigger, great price
Here is a fun little semi-auto .22 LR rifle at a crazy low price — $219.99 at Sportsman’s Warehouse. The Winchester Wildcat takes Ruger 10/22 mags, and has some great features, such as field-removable lower receiver, ambidextrous controls, integral Picatinny rails and rear barrel access. It has a good trigger and shoots well. In many respects the Wildcat beats the Ruger 10/22 while costing considerably less. The lower receiver assembly is easily removed from the upper assembly by pushing a button — no tools required.
2. Bullet Central & Whidden — Bix’n Andy Dakota Trigger, $199
⏺ Outstanding trigger with safety for hunting or competition
Are you putting together a new build but still can’t decide on a trigger? The Bix’n Andy Dakota trigger is a great choice for both hunting and target applications. Easily adjustable for pull weight, this is one of the crispest triggers on the market. Find these superb triggers IN STOCK now at both Whidden Gunworks or Bullet Central.
⏺ Matched high-quality upper and lower receiver combo
Let’s face it, with Federal gun control looming, it will likely become more difficult to buy/build AR-platform rifle over the next few years. The threat of new AR bans is already leading to a shortage of parts. Here is a nice matched lower + upper receiver combo available in a wide variety of finishes. The Juggernaut Tactical AR-15 Combo Lower and Upper Receiver package comes in 4 different Cerakote and two anodized colors. These combos accept standardized fire control kits in the lower and mil-spec bolt assemblies in the upper.
4. Protektor Model — DR. Rear Shooting Sand Bags
⏺ Great competition rear bag — choose your ear height, spacing, material
Keeping your rifle stable while shooting is critical for accuracy. For benchrest shooting and F-Class, you need a stable rear bag. Among the best rear bags, favored by many top benchrest competitors, are the Protektor Model DR. Rear Bags. These boast a very solid leather base that sits flat. Chose angled or flat top, with or without carry handle. NOTE: These are “semi-custom” products. You can specify ear height, ear spacing, and ear covering type (leather, cordura, slick silver fabric).
5. Midway — Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm with Rings, $1999.99
Leupold is one of America’s leading scope-makers, and the Mark 5HD is Leupold’s latest flagship optic. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line First Focal Plane (FFP) scope with 1/10 Mil clicks, check out this killer deal on the Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25x56mm. NOTE: This product includes a set of Leupold’s fine Mark 4 rings. This optic offers great glass, outstanding low-light performance, zero-stop functionality, and plenty of elevation. Plus Leupold offers a superior lifetime warranty. To learn more about the Leupold Mark 5HD series, watch this 7-35x56mm Mark 5HD video review (MOA version).
6. Palmetto SA — SIG BDX Scope + Laser Rangefinder, $699.99
⏺ “Smart” Scope Shows hold-over calculated by linked BDX Rangefinder
Here’s a great set-up for a hunter — a riflescope and rangefinder combo that communicate. This SIG BDX Combo Kit ($699.99) includes a six-power KILO 1400BDX Laser Rangefinder that links to the SIG Sierra 3BDX 3.5-10x42mm scope. The rangefinder’s onboard Applied Ballistics calculator sends ballistic data (via Bluetooth) directly to the Sierra 3BDX’s reticle, providing an illuminated holdover dot. Just put the dot on the target — no turret dialing needed. If you want more magnification, there is also a SIG Combo Kit with SIG 3BDX 4.5-14x44mm Scope and KILO 1800BDX Laser Rangefinder for $899.99.
7. Midsouth — Caldwell BR Rock Rest, $139.99
⏺ Solid, reliable front rest at very good price
Do you need a solid front rest for target shooting or load development, but don’t require instant adjustments or fancy features? For shooters on a tight budget, the Rock Benchrest Competition Front Shooting Rest fits the bill. This easy-to-use rest is solid, stable, and has a large-diameter wheel for precise elevation adjustment. This is a great value at $139.99.
8. Amazon — Bluetooth Digital Anemometer, $39.99
⏺ Measures wind velocity with Bluetooth connection to Smartphone App
To shoot successfully at long range, you need precise wind speed readings. This “smart” Digital Anemometer (windmeter) records Max/Min/Average wind speeds and ambient temperature which display on-screen. Importantly, the unit also outputs wind readings to your smartphone via Bluetooth. This allows you to mount the wind meter downrange and view wind speeds via a smartphone App. The unit’s base is threaded for tripod mounting. This is a pretty impressive system for under forty bucks.
9. Amazon — Vanguard Porta Aim Gun Rest, $44.99
⏺ Handy, ultra-portable rest for casual duties — rifle or pistol
Do you ever find yourself out for a day of shooting or hunting but there’s nothing to rest your rifle on? Worry no more as you can keep the Vanguard Porta Aim Gun Rest easily tucked away in your vehicle or range bag and it’ll always be there for you when you need it. This can be used to support pistols as well.
10. Amazon — MTM 30 Rd Rimfire Ammo Wallet, $5.19
⏺ Convenient case holds rimfire ammo cartridges securely
Yes this MTM Ammo Case holds .17 and .22 caliber rimfire ammo types including .17 HM2, .17 HMR, .22 Short, .22 LR, .22 WMR (but not .17 WSM). Each round is held securely with an individual clasp. The 8.66″ x 6″ box is small and thin enough (0.7″ thick) that you can easily carry it in a coat pocket. Owner review: “Sturdy case, bullets fit tight into it and don’t move around, case is small and fits right in your back pocket.”
You may want to monitor Gun Talk Radio this Sunday, March 28, 2021. This Gun Talk episode will be one of the most important of the year. The broadcast covers efforts in Washington to throttle the Second Amendment along with a shocking decision by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals denying citizens the right to carry firearms. This broadcast airs Sunday, 3/28/21 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Eastern time. You can interact with the Gun Talk team by calling 866-TALK-GUN with comments and questions.
Multiple Gun Rights Issues Covered on Sunday
Important topics include the 9th Circuit’s recent ruling in Young v. Hawaii that the Second Amendment does not guarantee the right to bear arms outside the home, state preemption laws, a bid to end the FOID card, examining the partnership between the gun industry and the mental health industry. The show also covers the recent Boulder, Colorado shooting and a U.S. Senate hearing on the prevention of gun violence. Top Shot’s Chris Cheng testified in the Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on Gun Violence Prevention. Chris stops by to talk about the hearing. CLICK HERE for Video of testimony at Senate Hearing.
In this Gun Talk episode journalist Emily Miller examines the Ninth Circuit’s latest decision regarding open carry. CLICK HERE to read Miller’s analysis of that Circuit Court decision issued Friday, 3/24/2021.
Young v. Hawaii Decision Goes Against Supreme Court Precedents
Speaking about the 9th Circuit’s recent 7-4 ruling in Young v. Hawaii, the NSSF says that upholding Hawaii’s ban on carry ignores the clear language of the Second Amendment and U.S. Supreme Court precedent of the landmark 2008 Heller decision and 2010 McDonald decision, which displayed the exact opposite findings. The Ninth Circuit’s ruling underscores the need for the U.S. Supreme Court to accept firearm-related cases for review to settle the long-standing disputes. Lower courts have failed to apply Supreme Court precedents and are effectively treating the Second Amendment as a second-class right.
“The blatant defiance of the Supreme Court to undermine Heller and hollow out rights afforded to individuals by their Creator and clearly protected by the Constitution is unconscionable,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior VP and General Counsel. “It is with amazing boldness that the Ninth Circuit brazenly sets aside not just the previous findings of the Supreme Court, which legally they are bound to apply, but actively chooses to ignore plain English and refuses to acknowledge the right to bear arms. We look forward to filing an amicus brief when this heads to the Supreme Court.”
On Gun Talk Radio this week, Tom Gresham covers the shooting in Boulder and the calls for new gun control laws that were launched within minutes of the breaking news. With random attacks always comes talk of mental health, and Walk the Talk America’s Michael Sodini will address mental health issues on the Sunday show. In addition, Illinois State Senator Neil Anderson talks about lifting the Illinois requirement to have a Firearm Owners Identification Card (FOID) in order to purchase or own a gun.
Gun Talk Radio Broadcast Times — and Podcast Archive
This broadcast airs Sunday, March 28, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM Eastern time on radio stations nationwide. Past podcasts can be heard online via the GunTalk Podcast Center and Apple iTunes. The Gun Talk podcast archive has many great shows. Click the link below to hear a recent show (1/3/2021) about mainstream media and financial industry bias against firearms and shooting sports enterprises.
Podcast about Boulder Colorado Shooting and Gun Control
Podcast about Impending Gun Control Laws:
Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk Radio show airs live on Sundays from 2PM-5PM Eastern, and runs on more than 270 stations. Listen on a radio station near you or via LIVE Streaming. All Gun Talk shows can also be downloaded as podcasts through the GunTalk Podcast Center or Apple iTunes. Gun Talk is also available on YouTube and GunTalk.com.
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. Whidden Gunworks — Barnard Model SMS Action, $1150
⏺ Outstanding, smooth-running action, takes Rem 700 triggers (like Jewell)
Building a new gun these days can be challenging at best, especially because action manufacturers now have lead times up to one year. If you want a great custom action with no long wait, check out the Barnard Model SMS Action in stock and ready to ship from Whidden Gunworks. With a Remingon 700 footprint it fits a huge variety of inletted stocks. You can order it with either a .223 Rem or .308 Win bolt face. The Barnard SMS action compatible with Remington 700 Triggers, AICS & HS Precision magazine systems and is Picatinny rail compatible. This is a great way to get started on that next precision build.
3. Stocky’s — Rem 700 Stock with Alum. Bedding Block, $249.99
⏺ Great value — nice stock with built-in Aluminum bedding block
We helped find you an action, now it’s time for a quality stock. Stocky’s Stocks carries a wide assortment of great looking stocks that work great. You can pick up this Remington 700 BDL Laminated With Aluminum Bedding Block for under $300.00! Choose among seven different color combinations. Stocky’s EuroStocks feature OEM-quality fit and finish, stippled laser-engraved checkering, and a nice, 1″ thick, vented recoil pad. Stocky’s ships these stocks complete with mil-spec takedown screws, washers, and Allen wrenches.
3. EuroOptic — SIG Sauer P320 M18 Carry 9mm, $699.99
⏺ Civilian version of U.S. Military 9mm pistol — accurate, high capacity
SIG Sauer continues to be one of the most respected pistol makers for good reason. SIG pistols are reliable, accurate, and trusted by law enforcement/military around the world. Here’s the civilian version of the U.S. Military’s M18 sidearm: SIG Sauer P320 M18 Carry 9mm. The P320’s modular design allows the shooter to easily change the size and fit of the handgun making for a great experience no matter the owner. Order now for $699.99 and you can get a free bonus extra magazine, for three mags total.
4. Creedmoor Sports — DLX 55″ or 60″ Rifle Case Blue, $149.95
⏺ Truly one of the highest-quality soft rifle cases you can buy
Tired of poorly-made soft cases that wear out after one season? If you want to get a top-quality case that will last for years, check out the Creedmoor Blue Deluxe 55″ or 60″ Rifle Case. These hand-made cases provide superior protection with quality fabrics and padding. Smart design, high-grade zippers, and top-quality sewing make a noticeable difference. You will see many of the nation’s top Palma and F-Class shooters using these cases.
⏺ Remarkable 8 times magnification range — great for hunting and tactical use
Vortex offers excellent optics with one of the best warranties in the business. Here’s a good choice for an AR or hunting rig. The 1-8X power range offers a wide field of vision plus plenty of magnification when you’re on target. Right now the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8X24mm is on sale for $429.99 at Brownells. This includes a cantilever mount that works great with AR-platform rifles and many tactical-style actions.
6. MidwayUSA — Frankford Case Tumbler Master Kit, $72.99
⏺ We’ve used this Combo Kit for many seasons — very good value right now
Keeping your brass clean is one of the best ways to keep your dies (and reloading presses) clean as well. If you’re looking for a new, affordable setup to clean cartridge brass, consider the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler Master Kit. You get everything needed to dry-tumble your brass and remove the media. This is all available now for a very low $72.99. You could pay that much for a good vibratory tumbler alone.
7. Amazon — 36″ Carbon Fiber Cleaning Rod, $29.99
⏺ Good cleaning rod with ball-bearing handle and coated rod
Cleaning rods break and bend or just plain wear out, but they can be expensive to replace. We found this 36″ Carbon Fiber Cleaning Rod that features a ball bearing handle and a threaded tip to add any jag or brush of your choice. The shaft is nylon coated so it is easy to clean. User Reviews have been very positive.
⏺ Well-designed case for two pistols, mags, protective gear
Storing and transporting pistols can be a challenge since some cases are too small and while others are too big and heavy. If you need to transport a pair of pistols to the range, this Tactical Double Scoped Handgun Case is a good option. It has twin zippered pistol compartments plus straps for 6 magazines. This soft case perfectly fits two scoped pistols and has extra space for other gear such as glasses and earplugs.
9. MidwayUSA — Competition Shooting Mat $24.99
⏺ Good versatile mat that does the job for just $24.99
Here’s a good deal from MidwayUSA: $24.99 Competition Shooting Mat. Regularly priced at $33.99, these mats are now 9 bucks off — that’s a 26% savings. We’ve used this mat many times. It’s obviously not the most deluxe mat you can buy, but it does the job and should last a long time. This mat rolls up into a nice package with carry handle. Most purchasers give this 4 or 5 stars. One verified buyer posted: “Very nice basic mat for the money. Well-made and quality materials. I use it at the range on concrete pad. Very comfortable without a lot of bulk. Highly recommend this mat.”
We know many readers are still having trouble sourcing ammunition, particularly for popular cartridge types such as .22 LR, 9x19mm (9mm Luger), .357 Mag, .223 Rem (5.56×45) and 6.5 Creedmoor. In this article we list 15 reliable online sources for factory-loaded ammo. You may want to bookmark this page so you can quickly scan and price-check multiple vendors. In addition, you can use a service such as AmmoSeek.com.
Why Should You Shop for Ammo Online?
By shopping online for ammo, you can save money, get a wider selection, and often get bulk discounts. GunDeals.com explains the advantages: “Online purchases will save you a lot of money, and that is the biggest advantage, but that is not all, it will also save your time, deliveries are usually really fast, but one of the most important advantages is definitively the huge selection. You will be able to find any ammo brand online[.]” With online retailers you can quickly compare prices, and you will often get a discount on a large order (300 rounds or more) that is not available in local stores. Note, with some large vendors such as Cabela’s and Sportsman’s Warehouse you can order online then pick up in a local store.
Are There Restrictions on Online Ammo Purchasing?
In most (but not all) U.S. states is it legal to order ammunition online to be shipped to your residence. However, you MUST check your State and local laws and regulations. In some states and/or cities, it is ILLEGAL to purchase ammunition online for shipment across state lines with direct delivery. For example, in California, all ammo must be purchased from a licensed ammo dealer/vendor with a state background check (so much for the Second Amendment)*. Likewise Washington DC, Hawaii, and Alaska do not allow online ammunition purchases. And there are restrictions in New York City.
*In some instances ammo can be purchased online from an out-of-state seller who will then ship to an authorized, in-state California vendor who may transfer the ammo for a fee with background checks as required by CA law.
On Thursday, March 11, 2021 the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8, a bill that would impose mandatory Federal NICS background checks on ALL firearms transfers, including private sales. Some states, such as California, already have this restriction in effect, but in a few other states intra-family or person-to-person long gun sales are allowed. The House also passed a second gun control measure, H.R. 1446, which would extend the initial background check review period from three to 10 business days. Previously if the NICS check was not completed by the FBI within 3 business days, a sale could (in most circumstances) proceed.
NOTE: H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446 have NOT (yet) been approved by the U.S. Senate, or signed into law. But given Democratic Party control of the Senate and White House, there is a good chance that both these House bills may well become the law of the land.
About H.R. 8 — What It Would Require
This bill would change the law in states where certain types of person-to-person sales do not currently require the purchaser to have a Federal background check. USA Today explained: “The legislation would expand the cases in which a background check is required for the sale or transfer of a firearm, including for private individuals and groups, closing the ‘Gun Show Loophole'[.] The bill would make it illegal for anyone who is not a licensed firearm importer, manufacturer or dealer to trade or sell firearms to another person; current federal law requires background checks only for [sales made by] licensed gun dealers.”
As it stands now, this Universal Background Check bill would not mandate a National Registry of all firearms, but we know that many Democratic Party politicians, including Pres. Biden and V.P. Harris, support a National Registry. This would provide the Federal government with a database of all firearms owned by Americans, along with the location of the guns. Such a Registry would facilitate gun confiscation, as is happening right now in Canada. (READ about Canadian Gun Confiscation.)
NRA-ILA Finds Flaws with H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446
After the House of Representative passed gun control bills HR 8 and HR 1446, on a nearly party-line vote, NRA-ILA Exec. Dir. Jason Ouimet released the following statement:
“These bills are a transparent attempt by gun control advocates in Congress to restrict the rights of law-abiding Americans under the guise of addressing the violent criminal culture in America. The truth, however, is that neither of these bills will do anything to solve that problem. By giving full power to unelected government bureaucrats to indefinitely delay and prevent lawful firearm transfers, H.R. 1446 could ultimately destroy the Second Amendment rights guaranteed to every law-abiding American by turning it into a privilege enjoyed by a select few. H.R. 8, so called ‘universal’ background checks, cannot be enforced without a federal gun registry, will not prevent crime, and will turn otherwise law-abiding citizens into criminals for simply loaning a firearm to friends or family members. If Congress is serious about the safety of law-abiding citizens, it should have passed concealed carry reciprocity so that Americans can safeguard themselves and their families across state lines and throughout our country during these dangerous times.”
Video Explains Important Provisions of H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446:
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. Midsouth — RCBS Explorer Reloading Kit, $399.99
⏺ RCBS Kit includes all vital tools — good for new hand-loaders
In recent months, there has been very high demand for reloading tools. Many popular presses and combo kits have been sold out. Here’s good news — Midsouth has received Press Kits from RCBS. Great for folks getting started in reloading, this kit includes the single-stage press, powder measure, priming tool, trickler, digital scale, load manual, and various accessories. Get the RCBS Explorer Kit 2 for $399.99. But don’t delay. Midsouth also had a Hornady L-N-L Classic Kit for $373.91 but that sold out in 3 days.
2. Grafs.com — BOG Deathgrip Camo Tripod, $179.95
⏺ Versatile tripod mounts quickly, securely — use for PRS/NRL or hunting
If you are a long-range hunter, or shoot PRS/NRL matches, this is a great tripod. The Clamp-type head quickly secures to your rifle’s forearm for a secure shooting solution. Hunters will favor the BOG Deathgrip Tripod with New-for-2021 RealTree Excape Camo offered by Grafs.com for $179.95. If you are happy with a basic black aluminum version, MidwayUSA has the older black BOG Deathgrip Tripod for $129.99 on sale (ADD to cart to see this price).
3. Palmetto SA — Typhoon AR-style 12 GA Shotgun, $599.99
⏺ Formidable 12ga power with familiar AR15 ergonomics
This mag-fed, semi-automatic X12 shotgun offers familiar AR-15 ergonomics and controls. This Typhoon Defense 12ga scattergun features a 7075 T6 aluminum upper receiver constructed and a lightweight polymer lower receiver. The X12 ships with three (3) 5-round magazines and multiple chokes. Recent purchaser was pleased: “Once [broken in] cycles through weak and hot ammo easily.” The mags, which require some effort to load, hold both 2 3/4″ and 3″ 12ga shells.
⏺ Smart new Die System simplifies loading multiple cartridge types
Are you tired of buying another expensive seating die every time you try a new cartridge type? With the unique Frankford Arsenal Universal Bullet Seating Die you can have one die that loads multiple cartridge type. This cleaver bullet seating system includes 3 different stems and 9 sleeves allowing you to seat .224 to .338-caliber bullets with this one die system. Forum members using this system have praised it. NOTE: the universal seating die comes with the .308-caliber sleeve pre-installed. The other 8 sleeves are provided in the box.
5. Bushnell — 20% OFF Hunting Scopes ($150.00 Max Rebate)
⏺ Great Rebate program for Bushnell scopes purchased this month
Need a hunting scope? Then check out this 20% OFF Bushnell Rebate. Get 20% Back on any BUSHNELL hunting riflescope priced OVER $179.99. Product must be purchased in the month of March between 3/1/2021 through 3/31/2021. Maximum rebate value is $150 per person or household. NOTE: This Rebate excludes Bushnell tactical riflescopes. DEADLINE for mail in or online submission 4/30/2021. CLICK HERE for REBATE FORM.
6. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Lite Tumbler, $79.99
⏺ Great price — save 44% on Wet Tumbler for brass
Wet tumbling works very effectively to get your brass “squeaky clean” inside and out. And right now you can get a good mid-sized tumbling system at huge savings. The Frankford Arsenal Lite Tumbler is just $79.99 at Amazon, a 44% savings off the regular price. This direct-drive unit with 3.3L capacity can hold up to 300 pieces of .223 Rem brass. We recommend adding Frankford’s Rotary Tumbler Straining Cap, sold separately.
Putting together a varmint rifle for the spring. Here’s a killer deal on a 5-20x44mm Bushnell Nitro. This is a second focal plane scope with a nice, MOA-based reticle. With this deal you can save 54% off the regular $499.99 price. If you are looking for a lower-magnification scope, consider the 2.5-10x44mm Nitro for just $169.49 a $180 savings.
⏺ Sweet deal on Ear and Eye Protection — good spare set for friends
Every shooter needs good eye and ear protection. Get BOTH the E-Max Muffs and Shooting glasses for just $28.69 on Amazon with free shipping. This combo can be an affordable spare set for yourself or to have on hand for your guests. The E-Max earmuffs offer a 23 dB Noise Reduction Rating while allowing you to hear range commands.
⏺ Great deals for AR500 steel targets — watch video above right
On sale now at Midsouth Caldwell’s new bright, easy-to-see targets come in all shapes and sizes for competition, training, and recreational use. Made of AR500 hardened steel, these targets can withstand thousands of rounds. Rated up to a 3000 fps impact velocity and a 3500 ft-lb impact energy, these targets come in seven various sizes with three hanging solutions. These bright yellow AR500 targets are On Sale now at Midsouth, starting at just $14.79 for 5″ Gong Target.
10. Amazon — Motion-Sensor LED Interior Light, $13.99
⏺ Activates when door opens, Rechargeable, 3 LED Light Levels
Here’s a great accessory for your Gun Safe or closet. This rechargeable LED Lamp turns itself on when you open the door, and off when you close the door. Select three brightness levels: 10LED, 20LED, 30LED. With the supplied 3M adhesive magnetic strip you can easily attach the light to the inner walls of your gun safe. And then quickly remove the unit for charging with a standard USB cord (no batteries to replace!). It works, it’s handy, and it’s inexpensive — just $13.99 on Amazon. These motion-sensor LED lamps can also be used in garages or stairwells. NOTE: this is Amazon’s choice for rechargeable LED Motion-Sensor lights.
With 7 million new gun owners, and ammo hard to find at reasonable cost, hundreds of thousands of Americans are looking to get started with handloading. While we always recommend new reloaders have a living, breathing human teacher/mentor. It is possible to learn important skills through instructional videos. Here’s a good 4-part series that can help reloading novices AND serve as a refresher course for those who need to brush up their skill set).
This 4-part video series first guides the new hand-loader through the gear/hardware selection process. Then the videos cover, step-by-step, all the key processes of reloading from start to finish. If you are new to hand-loading, or just want a reloading refresher course, we recommend you watch this 4-part series from Tactical Life, part of the Athlon Outdoors Network.
WARNING!! We have embedded the Videos below. You can watch ALL four videos, but each will play back at the TOP. NOTE: They are all the same for the first 30 seconds, so you may want to skip forward. These videos may play back better if you go to the Tactical Life Website. Access: CLICK HERE.
Learn More in Tactical Life’s The Complete Book of Reloading (2020 Edition)
This publication includes over 2000 handgun and rifle loads. In addition, The Complete Book of Reloading (2020) reviews 8 modern Progressive Presses. Take note — there is a special report on the LabRadar Chronograph. Long-range Hunters will enjoy a feature article on the new 6.5 PRC Cartridge. In the “Handloaders’ Stockpile” a variety of new products to make your hours at the bench more productive are reviewed. The issue also has feature stories on Wildcat Cartridges, Subsonic loads, and .44 Magnum loads for both rifle and pistol. There is a Bonus 33-Page Hodgdon and Alliant Load Data Guide.
This article based on story by Jason J. Brown, EditorNRABlog.com
Americans are purchasing firearms at historically high levels, with more than 7 million new gun owners in 2020 and gun sales setting new records. There were over 2 million NICS-adjusted gun buyer background checks in January 2021, a 75% increase compared to January 2020.
Gun ownership is a great responsibility, entailing not only a well-formed understanding of the basic rules of gun safety while shooting, but at all times. Gun safety is never more important than inside your own home. Gun safety isn’t just for gun owners — it’s a critical skill for everyone.
In the Home Firearm Safety Course, students will also learn about gun parts, ammunition, basic gun cleaning and care, and provide hands-on training on how to safely unload select types of guns. Each participant receives the NRA Home Firearm Safety handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Basic Firearm Training Program brochure, and a course completion certificate.
The NRA’s network of more than 128,000 NRA Certified Instructors delivers the Home Firearm Safety Course at locations nationwide. To find a course near you or learn about other NRA Training programs, visit the NRA Training portal.
While this site focuses primarily on accurate rifles, we know that most of our readers also own pistols (and many shoot them competitively). After rimfire pistols, probably the most popular handguns in America are 9mm semi-auto pistols. Here are five products we use with our favorite 9mm semi-autos — H&K P7M8 and SIG Sauer P226. You’ll find a great carry case, high-quality electronic muffs, a pistol “range station”, affordable 9mm ammo, and two cool training targets.
1. Mantis Systems — X2 for Dry-Fire, $99.99
Built for dry-fire use only, the Mantis X2 ($99.99) provides real-time, shot-by-shot feedback for both pistol and rifle users. You can track multiple training sessions with data-driven insights, and monitor your progress. This unit has earned high user reviews such as: “As a new gun owner the Mantis X is a game changer for me. I have not been able to get to the range during the lockdowns and being able to practice at home [is great].” And another: “Easy to install[.] The App is free and easy to use.”
The Mantis X2 is a good value. The manufacturer states: “There is nothing at this price point that will give you this level of feedback for dry fire.” There are actually four Mantis models: X2 ($99.99), X3 ($169.99), X7 Shotgun ($199.99) and X10 Elite ($249.99). The X3 adds live fire functionality. MORE INFO HERE.
2. CaseCruzer Handgun Cases
A California company, CaseCruzer, makes the nicest multi-pistol hard cases we’ve ever seen. With capacities from 3 pistols to 6 pistols, these lockable range cases hold handguns securely in angled “quick-draw” slots. In addition to the molded pistol carriers, there are slots for magazines together with a separate compartment for muffs, ammo, and other accessories. Starting at $240.00 MSRP for the Quick Draw 3-Pack, these boxes are expensive, but they offer great protection with great usability. Water-tight and dust-proof, CaseCruzer cases are airline approved (ATA 300).Now that you’ve spent thousands of dollars on the new benchrest, PRS, ELR, or hunting rifle (and thousands more on optics), how are you going to get it to the range or hunting grounds? It’s important to transport your valuable firearms in very high quality gun cases. Good padded soft cases can work, but for long-distance hauling (and all air transport), we recommend hard cases with quality foam inside.
3. Impact Pro Electronic Muffs 30 dB Noise Reduction Rating
When shooting pistols indoors we recommend quality muffs with earplugs underneath, offering double protection. When inside an enclosed range, with other shooters blasting away right next to you, you really need effective hearing protection. But you also need to hear range commands and be able to communicate with your fellow shooters. That’s why we recommend electronic muffs with good foam plugs underneath. That gives you serious hearing protection during live fire, with the ability to hear voices and converse.
For pistol shooting, we like the latest Howard Leight Impact Pro Muffs. These offer an impressive 30 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), an exceptional NRR. In addition, these muffs are pretty comfortable and offer Headphone Functionality so you can connect to your smartphone, MP3 player, or other device. These quality muffs are currently $62.23 on Amazon.com.
4. MTM AC4C Ammo Crate with 4 Ammo Boxes
The versatile MTM AC4C Ammo Carrier features four lockable polymer ammo cans in a fitted, four-slot 23.5″ x 11.3″ x 7.5″ carry crate. This makes it easy to haul four full ammo cans. Actual purchasers have raved: “Moments after I received this storage box set I ordered another. Very well-built and great design — a steal at the price.” This popular product is available now at Midsouth for $32.66. The system includes four lockable, O-Ring 11.3″ x 7.2″ x 5″ ammo cans (AC30T) for multi-caliber ammo storage. The crate even includes tie-down points for transport in a cart or ATV.
5. High Contrast Pistol Training Targets
Here are two of our favorite pistol targets. The Splatterburst 12″ x 12″ sight-in target works great for handguns in indoor ranges. Bullet holes appear as bright neon yellow halos. And the contrasting grid lines let you quickly estimate your group size. Each target has five diamonds, and the top of each diamond provides a precise aim point for your front sight. The 12″ Bullseye Pistol Diagnostic Target diagnoses common problems based on shot impact zones. While this target is designed for righties, left-handed shooters can use the target too. Just observe the opposite tips.
Do you enjoy shooting pistols for sport, or perhaps you carry a handgun for self-defense? If you’re like most of us, you might benefit from a “refresher course” on the fundamentals of handgun shooting. The NRA has created a useful Infographic that covers important basics of handgun marksmanship — key things such as Sight Alignment and Trigger Control.
Here are the first two (2) lessons. Click the link below to see all SIX (6) training topics: Sight Alignment, Sight Focus, Trigger Control, Breath Control, Hold Control, and Follow-Through.
Video Shows Sight Alignment, Grip, Stance, Trigger Control and More
In this USAMU video, SGT Shane Coley talks about the basics of sight alignment and trigger control. But then SGT Coley talks about other important control factors such as grip, arm position, and body stance. For rapid-fire shooting, you need to have a good arm and body positioning to control recoil and get back on target quickly. This video is a valuable complement to the NRA Infographic because it demonstrates all the important pistol fundamentals during live fire, at the range.
Learn More in Tactical Life’s The Complete Book of Reloading (2020 Edition)
When shooting pistols indoors we recommend quality muffs with earplugs underneath, offering double protection. When inside an enclosed range, with other shooters blasting away right next to you, you really need effective hearing protection. But you also need to hear range commands and be able to communicate with your fellow shooters. That’s why we recommend electronic muffs with good foam plugs underneath. That gives you serious hearing protection during live fire, with the ability to hear voices and converse.
