Big news in the gun industry. Smith & Wesson (S&W) announced today it will move its headquarters out of Massachusetts and relocate in Tennessee. In addition, a large share of S&W’s manufacturing operations will be transferred from Massachusetts to the Second Amendment-friendly state of Tennessee. Smith & Wesson will also shut down facilities in Connecticut and Missouri, in connection with the Tennessee relocation.
The main reason for the move was recent anti-gun legislation in Massachusetts. According to Fox News: “The legislation, if enacted, would prevent Smith & Wesson from manufacturing products that accounted for more than 60% of its revenue last year.” Specifically, pending bill SD. 2588 (“An Act to Stop Mass Shootings”) would bar the manufacturing of “any assault weapon or large capacity feeding device”.
When the process is complete, S&W will have just three manufacturing and distribution facilities in the USA. S&W will continue to make revolvers in Massachusetts, however, and S&W Operations in Holton, Maine will continue without change. Approximately 1000 S&W jobs will remain in Massachusetts after the move. But 750 jobs will be re-located to the new S&W headquarters/production center in Maryville, Tennessee. The move is slated to take place in 2023 at an estimated cost of $138,000,000 to build new facilities and transfer tooling/machinery.
Manufacture of most S&W semi-auto rifles and pistols will be moved out of Massachusetts.
Fox Business noted that restrictive, Democratic Party-sponsored legislation in Massachusetts is compelling S&W to leave: “Gun maker Smith & Wesson Brands Inc. will relocate its headquarters to Tennessee next year due to proposed firearms legislation in its home state of Massachusetts. The legislation, if enacted, would prevent Smith & Wesson from manufacturing products that accounted for more than 60% of its revenue last year.” Smith & Wesson was founded in Connecticut in 1856, and has been headquartered in Springfield Massachusetts for most of its 165 years of operation. Smith & Wesson was founded by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson as the “Smith & Wesson Revolver Company” in 1856.
A S&W press release cited these key factors in the decision to move:
1. Support for the Second Amendment
2. Business friendly environment
3. Quality of life for employees
4. Cost of living and affordability
5. Access to higher education institutions
6. Availability of qualified labor for its operations and headquarter functions
7. Favorable location for efficiency of distribution
Recently proposed legislation in Massachusetts, if enacted, would prohibit the company from manufacturing certain firearms in the state. Mark Smith, S&W CEO/President said:
“After an exhaustive and thorough analysis, for the continued health and strength of our iconic company, we feel that we have been left with no other alternative. These bills would prevent Smith & Wesson from manufacturing firearms that are legal in almost every state in America and that are safely used by tens of millions of law-abiding citizens every day exercising their Constitutional Second Amendment rights, protecting themselves and their families, and enjoying the shooting sports. While we are hopeful that this arbitrary and damaging legislation will be defeated in this session, these products made up over 60 percent of our revenue last year, and the unfortunate likelihood that such restrictions would be raised again led to a review of the best path forward for Smith & Wesson.”
Smith further praised Tennessee’s leaders: “The strong support we have received from the State of Tennessee… combined with the quality of life, outdoor lifestyle and low cost of living in the Greater Knoxville area has left no doubt that Tennessee is the ideal location for Smith & Wesson’s new headquarters. We would like to specifically thank Governor Lee for his decisive contributions and the entire state legislature for their unwavering support of the Second Amendment and for creating a welcoming, business-friendly environment.”
S&W’s Tennessee factory and headquarters construction will commence in the 4th quarter of this year and is expected to be completed by mid-2023.
Bang Clang! The 2021 Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Championship will be featured on Shooting USA TV tomorrow. The Shooting USA Steel Challenge episode runs September 22, 2021 on the Outdoor Channel. Show times are: Wednesdays, 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific, 8:00 PM Central.
This past April, the fastest speed shooters in the nation showcased their skills at the Steel Challenge Championship at Alabama’s 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. This year, KC Eusebio has set out to become the only eight-time World Speed Shooting Champion.
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 2021 World Speed Shooting Championship, Jessie won the Ladies Overall Open title for the 13th time with a total time of 93.03 seconds. Full Report on SSUSA.org.
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 2021, 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.
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. EuroOptic — Mauser M18 6.5 PRC, $429.99
⏺ European quality hunting rifle, save $269 with this deal
If you are looking for a refined, well-designed hunting rifle, this Mauser M18 fills the bill. And right now this Mauser M18 in 6.5 PRC is just $429.99 at EuroOptic.com. That’s a huge $269.01 savings off the regular $699.00 price. This M18 rifle features a modern 3-lug bolt with 60-degree bolt lift. Reviews have been excellent! Action and barrel are black nitride coated for durability. The 6.5 PRC is a modern potent hunting cartridge that can drive 140gr bullets at 2950 FPS. Mauser short- and long-action M18s with other chamberings are offered by EuroOptic for $499.99 to $699.99 with choice of black or Savannah brown stock. Other chamberings include .223 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, 7mm Rem Mag, .308 Win, .30-06 Sprg, and 300 Win Mag.
2. Locked & Loaded — Stevens Shotguns 12ga or 20ga under $190
⏺ Shockingly low prices on reliable home defense pump shotguns
⏺ Devices offer GPS and Satellite Communication — Backcountry Safety Item
If you’re headed far into the backcountry on a hunt, you definitely need a GPS with In-Reach communication capability. This will ensure you can contact help in the event of emergency, and transmit your exact location. Many hunters use the regular size Garmin inReach Explorer+, priced at $449.99 at Sportsman’s Warehouse. We like and use the Garmin inReach Mini because it is so light (3.5 oz) and compact (4″x2″), and can clip to your shoulder straps. The Mini can send maps to your cellphone. Grab it now for $349.99 from either Sportsman’s Warehouse (black or orange) or Amazon (black only).
4. EuroOptic — Vortex Viper & Razor Close-Outs, Save Hundreds
Here is an awesome deal on the popular Vortex Viper scopes, a top choice for hunters and tactical shooters. EuroOptic has slashed prices on last year’s model Vipers so you can save hundreds. Varminters will love the Vortex Viper PST 6-24×50 MOA EBR-2C for $479.99, a whopping $470 off the original MSRP. Or get the First Focal Plane (F1) 4-16x50mm Viper PST for $449.99 — $450 off the original price. Or, grab the higher-magnification F1 6-24x50mm Viper PST for $599.99, a $350 savings. Click Here for all Vortex Close-Out Scopesthe Vortex warranty is second to none.
⏺ Fast, programmable, accurate dispenser at great price
The Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper is a high-quality powder scale dispenser. It’s accurate to +/- one-tenth of a grain, dispenses in seconds, and can be controlled by a handy mobile App that can store various charges weights for different cartridges. This unit has a 7000-grain capacity with both Auto and manual trickle capability. IMPORTANT: Act quickly to secure the Intellidropper for $199.95 on Sale. NOTE: You must add item to cart to see $199.95 price.
⏺ Benchsource machine works great — cycles brass through twin-torch flame
The state-of-the-art, computer-controlled AMP Annealing Machine is our first choice for precision annealing. But for folks on a budget, the Benchsource Gas Annealer machine is excellent for the $561.99 price (with $9.95 flat-rate shipping). Many national and world records have been set with brass annealed on a Benchsource. A built-in, user-controllable timer sets the annealing time, and the system rotates the brass during the annealing process. You can process about 500-600 cases per hour. The Benchsource Annealer includes machined brackets with twin, high-quality torch heads. Purchase gas containers separately.
7. Midsouth — Tipton Basic Gun Vise, $39.99
⏺ Durable, easy to move around, versatile — at great price
The original Tipton Gun Vise is ON SALE for just $39.99 at Midsouth. Great Deal — this sells for up to $59.99 elsewhere. This is a tough, versatile product you’ll use for years. This Editor has used one of these for more 16 years (with all sorts of rifles) and it is still going strong. This vise has handled everything from an 18″-barreled lever gun to a 32″-barreled F-Class rifle. The unit works well for many tasks: cleaning barrels, stock refinishing/bedding, scope mounting, trigger adjusting, bore-scoping barrels, and checking throat length with a Hornady OAL tool.
8. Brownells — KRG Bravo Chassis Rem 700, $329.99 with Code
⏺ Versatile internal frame stock for PRS or hunting — tan, black, or green
The Kinetic Research Group (KRG) Rem 700 Bravo Chassis is a good dual-purpose choice for PRS and hunting. This chassis features an internal aluminum frame with polymer exterior in Flat Dark Earth, Sako Green, or Black. The stock fits Rem 700 and Rem clone actions, accepts AICS-pattern mags, and is M-LOK compatible. The 2.9-lb KRG Bravo chassis features adjustable cheek riser and length-of-pull, built-in thumb shelf, plus quick-detach sling-swivel and bipod mounts. The KRG Bravo stock costs $349.99 at Brownells in Black or FDE (shown above). Get $20 Off with Brownells code SRG, lowering the net cost to $329.99.
⏺ Good inexpensive system for varminters or sight-in duties
Need a good basic front rest and rear bag to sight-in that hunting rifle? Here’s a solid, functional benchrest set-up at a great price. This Caldwell Rock BR Rest and Bag Combo is great combo deal for just $109.99. This will more than suffice for testing a hunting rifle or basic bench-work. Upgrade the rear bag later. The front rest adjusts for both windage and elevation. This is a very good deal — consider that the Rock BR Rest by itself sells for $163.13 on Amazon.
10. Amazon — 12″ x 12″ Splatter Grid Targets, 10 for $10.99
⏺ Great for hunting rifle Sight-In and easy to estimate group size
This 12″x12″ Splatterburst Target combines splatter shot marking with a grid background, with five aiming points. The bright neon shot circles make it easy to see your shots. And the handy grid lets you quickly estimate your group size. Get a 10-pack for $10.99, or a 25-pack for $18.99 (better deal). This particular target has earned rave reviews — 87% of verified buyers gave this a FIVE-Star rating. One example: “Excellent quality and durability. The adhesive is really strong and the splatter contrast is [great].”
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 four (4) 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.
While AccurateShooter.com focuses on rifles, we know that a large percentage of our readers own handguns, with 1911-style pistols being particular favorites. For you 1911 owners, here are six short videos from Brownells showing how to customize a 1911-style pistol with after-market upgrades.
How to Accessorize Your 1911
This six-part series by Brownells provides step-by-step instruction on how to accessorize your 1911. The videos cover changing out the mainspring housing, magazine release, slide release, hammer, guide rod, and installing a group gripper. If you want to upgrade your 1911, these videos are worth watching.
Model 1911 Components and Cycling — Cut-Away Animation Video
If you’re not familiar with M1911 type single-action pistols, this video animation provides an inside look at the M1911’s components and shows how the M1911 cycles:
To help serve America’s many millions of new gun owners, Winchester has created a new online information site for first-time ammunition and firearms buyers as well as those just getting started in the shooting sports and hunting. Winchester’s New Shooters Site has many helpful articles plus a series of videos.
Winchester’s New Shooters Site also incorporates the NSSF’s WHERE-To-SHOOT Resource, the internet’s most comprehensive listing of gun ranges. The Where-to-Shoot section makes finding a local range easy. Simply input your location and max desired distance, and the site will generate a list of nearby indoor and outdoor ranges with a Google map.
“More than 12 million people since the beginning of 2020 purchased a firearm for the first time, and that is in addition to the more than 56 million people in the U.S. who currently target shoot,” said Matt Campbell, vice president of sales and marketing for Winchester Ammunition. “As an industry leader, we are committed to helping educate people about the many topics surrounding firearms, ammunition, safety and more. More and more people want to participate in the shooting sports and hunting. Our audience is diverse and growing, and this platform will be an excellent resource.”
— Skill-level filtering, allowing new shooters to find the most relevant content
— New video series and blog posts with entry-level topics
— Product recommendations for firearms and ammunition
— Tips and training (shooting fundamentals)
— Safety and storage
About Winchester Ammunition
Winchester was founded in 1866, 155 years ago. Winchester is now the largest small caliber ammunition enterprise in the world providing a huge variety of pistol, rifle, and shotgun ammunition. Learn more about Winchester by visiting Winchester.com or Winchester’s Facebook Page.
Legal Heat, a major firearms training firm*, has released the 2021 Edition of the 50 State Guide to Firearm Laws and Regulations. For each state, this $20 book covers key firearms laws, lists prohibited areas, and provides key statutory references for further research. With over 20,000 gun laws nationwide affecting concealed carry permit holders, Legal Heat’s 50 State Guide helps gun owners stay informed about important gun statutes and regulations.
The Legal Heat 50 State Guide is an authoritative reference guide on concealed carry and transport laws with concise synopses, including legal citations. Written and edited by attorneys and firearms instructors. This full-color, $20 book provides a comprehensive overview of state and Federal gun laws, serving as a quick reference guide for travelers.
GET FREE Legal Heat APP for Android or Apple
Along with the $20 print book, there is a FREE Legal Heat APP that provides the same information at no cost to you. Just download the App to your smartphone or tablet. CLICK HERE to learn more about the FREE 50-State Law App. There are FREE versions for both Android (Google) and iOS (Apple). This is the only APP with comprehensive Concealed and Open Carry Law summaries written by attorneys.
Key Topics Covered in Dedicated Sections
The Legal Heat 50 State Guide has specific sections dedicated to important topics, such as Gun Transport at Airports, Police Stops, Inter-State Travel, and Purchasing/Selling. Having these and other key topics clearly outlined is one of the compelling reasons to buy the book. Here are the Key Topics:
- Airports
– Police Encounters
– State-to-State Firearms Transport in Vehicle
– Purchasing/Selling A Firearm
– Castle Doctrines
– AMTRAK
- U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Land
– National Parks And Monuments
– BLM Land
– Indian Reservations
– May Issue Vs. Shall Issue States
– Contact Info For Attorney Generals
State by State Law Summaries
For every one of the 50 U.S. STATES, there is a dedicated summary covering:
1. All Prohibited Areas for Firearms
This Section Is Essential Knowledge For All Concealed Firearm Permit Holders. 2. Self-Defense and Firearms Laws 3. Reciprocity (Recognition of Other State’s Permits)
This lists ALL firearm permits from other states that are recognized. 4. Self Defense And Firearm Laws Statutory References (For Additional Research) 5. Ratings of Each State for “Friendliness” to gun owners.
Video Summary of 50 State Firearms Guide
This video covers the highlights of the Legal Heat 50 State Guidebook. This shows the 2018 Edition, but the latest 2021 Edition contains all those elements, updated with current law changes.
* With over 250,000 certified students, Legal Heat claims to be the nation’s largest firearms training company. Legal Heat provides in-person as well as online training, and works with major gun retailers including Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, and Sportsman’s Warehouse. CLICK HERE for more information on Legal Heat Training Programs.
The NRA’s Shooting Illustrated magazine has a new website, with a smart-phone friendly layout and abundant photos and videos. A lot of work went into the new site, which offers a ton of content for firearms fans. The content mix is heavy on handguns, but you’ll also find features on Modern Sporting Rifles and long-range rifles. The main change in the site is the inclusion of many more photos and videos. ShootingIllustrated.com is now definitely “image-rich” and great for video fans. And the site is now easier to navigate thanks to an intuitive menu bar.
Shooting Illustrated’s new website boasts “a new user-friendly layout [that] enhances the experience for watching videos on smartphones, tablets and desktop computers. Look for “I Carry” videos featuring new everyday carry guns and gear, as well as “First Shot” videos highlighting new pistols and rifles.
Here are three top stories you can access right now on the new Shooting Illustrated website. If you like this type of content, then check out ’s Facebook and Instagram feeds for the latest coverage of new products with articles, imagery, and videos.
Click Photos to Read Shooting Illustrated Feature Stories:
“Whether it is a 9mm pistol, or a rifle, it is ridiculous. I am continuing to push to eliminate the sale of those things.” — President Biden, CNN Townhall, 2021.
CCRKBA TV Notice Quotes President’s Aim to Ban Common Handguns
The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) has a new 60-second TV message on several cable networks which exposes the Biden Administration’s true gun control agenda. The focus of the message are the President’s own, undeniable admission that he wants to ban 9mm handguns.
“Neither Joe Biden nor his White House handlers can sugar-coat the president’s acknowledgement during a CNN Townhall program that he intends to ban some of the most popular pistols in the country,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb. “This was no Biden gaffe[.] It was an admission … that his hope is to ban 9mm handguns owned and used by tens of millions of Americans, including thousands of police officers.”
Biden was responding to a question about gun control when he told his audience: “Whether it is a 9mm pistol, or a rifle, it is ridiculous. I am continuing to push to eliminate the sale of those things.”
“Biden cannot walk that one back no matter how hard he tries,” Gottlieb said, “and we’re going to keep reminding America about what he said. This is not going to be swept under the rug as just another one of Joe Biden’s famous slips of the tongue.”
“When Joe Biden ran for the presidency,” Gottlieb recalled, “his gun control plan was already extreme, but now he’s exposed himself as a handgun prohibitionist. We’re going to energize every American gun owner possible to stop Biden’s radical agenda.”
CCRKBA’s 60-second message will be broadcast on multiple major cable outlets and networks, including AMC, CNN, MSNBC, FOX, The Weather Channel, HLN, Dish TV, CNBC, the Outdoor Channel and Sportsman Channel and many more.
With more than 650,000 members, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms is one of the nation’s leading gun rights organizations. The non-profit Citizens Committee is dedicated to preserving firearms freedoms through active lobbying of elected officials and grass-roots organization of gun rights activists throughout the USA. For more information, visit CCRKBA.org.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently signed legislation that provides a Constitutional Right to Carry in the state of Texas. This new law goes into effect September 1, 2021. To help Texans understand how the new Constitutional Carry law works, U.S. LawShield has prepared a free, 28-page downloadable Guide.
Guide Prepared by Texas Attorneys
The U.S. LawShield Texas Constitutional Carry Guide was prepared by the Independent Program Attorneys. The FREE 28-page Guide covers the essential information gun owners need to know, explaining the new law in an easy-to-understand way. Download the free U.S. LawShield Texas Constitutional Carry Guide here: www.uslawshield.com/txcarry.
U.S. LawShield cautions that there are some pitfalls with the new Texas Carry Law: “You could say Constitutional Carry is as simple as carrying without a permit… but you’d be wrong. There’s a reason why gun owners refer to this law as ‘complicated carry’ — it can be an easy trap with severe penalties for the uninformed and irresponsible.”
P.J. Hermosa, CEO of U.S. LawShield, warns: “Constitutional Carry doesn’t mean that anyone can just carry a gun – you must meet the requirements of the law. If not, then you are now a criminal”. That is why we recommend that all Texans who currently carry a firearm, or contemplate doing so in the future, download the FREE TX Constitutional Carry Guide.
More Information for Gun Owners with Carry Permits
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently signed legislation that provides a Constitutional Right to Carry in the state of Texas. This new law goes into effect September 1, 2021. To help Texans understand how the new Constitutional Carry law works, 
