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.
⏺ Remington 700 ADL $80 Off — good basis for many projects
Both Cabela’s and Bass Pro are now selling this rifle for $419.97 — a great price on a Rem 700 ADL rifle. Offered in .223 Rem, .22-250, 6.5 Creedmoor, or .308 Win, this 8.5-lb rifle can be a good hunting rig as is, or you can upgrade trigger and/or stock. Buyer reviews have been positive: “I bought this gun in the 6.5 CM with the intention of making it a PRS match gun. I put a Timney trigger in and a KRG Bravo stock and a weaver 20 MOA scope rail. It’s one heck of a great shooter! The trigger was crisp but way heavy on my gun. It’s made a great project gun … worth the money.” Stock is matte black, while factory barrel is 26″.
2. Palmetto SA — Stoeger STR-9 9mm Compact Pistol, $299.99
⏺ Smart CCW pistol choice — good ergonomics, reliable, great value
Compact carry pistols are in short supply right now. Inventories are selling out quickly at gun stores across the USA. If you’re look for a quality 9mm carry gun at a VERY good price, check our this this Stoeger STR-9. We’ve shot this German-made handgun and we like the ergonomics and trigger better than Glock. Weight, without ammo, is 24 ounces. It uses a 13-round doublestack magazine. The $299.99 price is about half what you might pay for a Glock 19. User reviews are very positive.
3. Midway USA — Factory Seconds Bullets Sale
⏺ Great prices on huge variety of major brand bullets
Here’s your chance to score major-brand bullets at very significant discounts. MidwayUSA is running a big Factory Seconds Bullets Sale. Right now a wide selection of bullets are offered with major discounts. For the most part, these “seconds” bullets just have slight cosmetic flaws, so they still meet the needs of 99% of shooters. MidwayUSA doesn’t list brand names, but you’ll probably recognize the bullets by shape, weight, and tip type. Grab what you need now — the most popular calibers will sell out.
4. Natchez — RCBS ChargeMaster Lite, $229.99
Do you need an electronic powder scale and dispenser? For the very popular RCBS ChargeMaster Lite most vendors are charging $290-$300. But now you can get it for just $229.99 at Natchez. You save $70.00, about 24%. The RCBS ChargeMaster Lite is the modern second generation Scale/Dispenser, descended from the original ChargeMaster. The ChargeMaster Lite features an easy-to-use LCD touchscreen. Dispenser precision is plus/minus 0.1 grains. The unit comes with twin check weights and a convenient plastic cover for the powder pan.
5. Midsouth — Wilson Micrometer Case Trimmer with Stand
⏺ High quality, holds case perfectly, micrometer gives precise length control
The L.E. Wilson Micrometer Case Trimmer ($145.99 at Midsouth) is easy-to-use and precise — cases are consistently trimmed square and to the desired length. The trimmer can also perform inside neck and primer pocket reaming with optional attachments. With the micrometer stop you can fine tune trim length in .001″ increments. Creedmoor Sports also offers this same kit for $154.95, including plastic carry case. NOTE these kits do NOT include the cartridge-specific case holder, sold separately.
Wet-tumbling brass with stainless media is fast and effective at cleaning off carbon, dirt, and residues. One of the best tumblers on the market is the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler. NOTE — this is the BIG unit that can tumble up to 1,000 cases of .223 Rem brass! Right now this Tumbler is on sale for $179.99, 18% off the regular price. And if you order now you can a FREE big magnet to pick up those stainless steel tumbling pins. You can also get this Big Platinum Series Tumbler by itself (no magnet) for $164.95 on Amazon.
⏺ Save 50% on Good Quality Electronic Muffs 26dB NRR
We like Electronic muffs when you need to hear range commands or get info from a team coach or your spotter. The Walker’s Ultimate Alpha Power Muff Electronic Earmuffs are comfortable with good 26dB NRR. The two hi gain omni directional microphones pick up sound equally from all directions. These Walker’s Alpha Muffs are on sale now at Midway for $51.35 a 35% savings off normal retail. For the price, about half what you’d pay for many electronic muffs, these are a very good value.
8. Midsouth Shooters — Bulldog Rifle Case Sale
⏺ Good quality; 54″ case holds PRS and Match Rifles; Bargain Cases too
Midsouth is running a sale now on the Bulldog Rifle Cases. For F-Class and PRS rifles with long barrels, we like the big 54″ Long Range Rifle Case shown above. It’s hard to find a nice, thickly padded case with this much internal length (what you new for F-class rigs). Bulldog also make great tactical cases for modern sporting rifles. And you’ll find affordable green/tan zippered cases for scoped hunting rifles (48″, $13.05) and long-barrel shotguns (52″, $13.25). These $13 Bulldog economy cases are a great bargain.
⏺ Very secure IWB paddle holster at incredible low price
This is a good, secure holster for a killer low price — just $15.68, 38% off normal retail. This has a paddle that slips inside the wast band, the shell for the pistol can be rotated to any angle. There are versions specifically molded for 20 popular pistols including m1911, SIG P226, Beretta 92, Glock models 19/23/26/27/32/33/34/42, Ruger LC9/LCP, S&W models M&P 9mm/Compact/380 bodyguard, S&W J-Frame Revolver, Taurus models PT800/24-7.
⏺ Ultra-Low price on high quality mat with assembly diagrams
TEKMAT makes great products for cleaning long guns. This large 36″ x 12″ vulcanized rubber mat includes a full parts diagram for AR-platform rifles, available in gray, black, and green. Get either type of 36″ x 12″ mat for just $9.99!. That’s 50% OFF the normal $19.99 price — a GREAT Deal. The oil- and water-resistant surface helps protect your firearm from scratches while the diagrams help with take-down and reassembly. MidwayUSA also has the 17″ x 11″ Tekmat Handgun Gun Cleaning Mat on sale for just $5.99 — a steal. At this price you can buy a pair, or give them as gifts to your shooting buddies.
⏺ Very positive user reviews, good selection of diameters
While bore cleaning should be done with a good cleaning rod and fitted bore guide, there are times when Bore-Snakes can be handy, such as when cleaning pistols and 10/22s. Now on Amazon you can get two (2) Gogoku Bore-Snakes for just $9.99. The twin-pack is for .223 (5.56) rifles and 12ga shotguns, but you can order other pair for .223 and .308 caliber rifles. There are also single Huntsen Bore-Snakes for $5.99 in a wide variety of calibers and shotgun bore sizes.
2020 has been the year of the gun. Firearm sales are up 95% in 2020. And, according to the NSSF, there were nearly 5 million first-time-ever gun buyers in the USA this year. A NSSF dealer survey estimates that 40% of all gun sales were conducted to purchasers who have never previously owned a firearm. Women accounted for 40.2% of all first-time gun purchases. Notably, firearm purchases among African American men and women increased 58% over last year, the largest such increase of any demographic group.
Gun Sales Up 95%, While Ammo Sales Are up 139% in 2020
Sales of guns and ammo have skyrocketed in 2020. Retailers noted that they are seeing a 95% increase in firearm sales and a 139% increase in ammunition sales over the same period in 2019. Several factors are contributing to the huge surge in firearm purchases. There were fears over the COVID-19 Pandemic and lock-downs. Then riots and social unrest followed. And many Americans believe they must “buy now” before Democrat-party politicians enact severe gun restrictions and national licensing schemes.
NSSF reports that nearly 5 million Americans purchased a firearm for the very first time in 2020.
Retailers reported a huge increase of first-time gun buyers, estimating that 40% of sales were to this group. (In the past just 24% of gun sales were to first-time gun buyers.) Semiautomatic handguns were the primary firearm being purchased by first-time buyers, outpacing the second-most purchased firearm, shotguns, by a 2:1 margin. Modern sporting rifles, revolvers, and traditional rifles rounded out the top five types of firearms purchased by first-time gun buyers.
Semi-Auto Handguns Are the Top Choice of First-Time Buyers
Retailers noted that these new customers were spending $595 on an average sale and that 40% of first-time gun buyers in the first four months of 2020 were female. The main purchase driver among the group was personal protection, followed by target shooting, and hunting. Also of note was that 25% of first-time buyers had already taken some form of firearms safety course.
Record Numbers of Gun Sales by Month
For most of 2020, the month-by-month levels of firearm sales have set new records, based on FBI NICS checks. For example, in July 2020, firearms sales were up 122.5% over July 2019, based on NSSF-Adjusted* background check numbers. And, previously, in March 2020, gun purchases were up 80.4% compared to the year before (based on Adjusted NICS checks).
March 2020
Many New Gun Buyers Are Women and Minorities
NSSF surveys revealed a 58% increase in firearm purchasing among African American men and women, the largest increase of any demographic group. Women comprised 40% of first-time gun purchasers. Gun sales have set records in 2020 — retailers reported a 95% increase in firearm sales and a 139% increase in ammo sales over the same period in 2019.
Several factors are contributing to the sustained surge in firearm purchases. Sales spiked in March, with a record-setting 2.3 million NICS background checks conducted for a firearm sale, the same month the coronavirus pandemic struck. There were also major concerns after protests lead to large scale rioting and social unrest. Additionally, Americans are concerned that, if Joe Biden is elected, and the Democrats capture the U.S. Senate, there will be draconian gun control measures enacted, including outright bans on semi-automatic rifles.
* The adjusted NICS data sets were derived by subtracting out NICS purpose code permit checks and permit rechecks used by states for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases. NSSF started subtracting permit rechecks in February 2016.
Everyone should have a 9mm Luger (9x19mm) pistol. The 9mm Luger round feeds/cycles great, recoil is moderate, and a vast array of excellent 9mm handguns are available. Before the Pandemic, quality 9x19mm factory ammo was affordable and widely available. Unfortunately, with the surge in gun buying, and people hoarding ammunition, 9mm ammo is getting hard to find, or has become fairly expensive when you do find a source with ample inventory. To help with that problem, we have located four online vendors who still have 9mm Luger pistol ammo in stock today. You can find other sellers with current, available 9mm inventory on AmmoSeek.com.
NOTE: Inventories change rapidly. If ANY of these entries sell out, check AmmoSeek.com for updates.
9mm Luger (9x19mm) Factory Ammunition — Where to Buy
1. Source: Cabela’s | Product: Remington 9mm Luger Mil 115gr FMJ Brass Case
Cost: $9.99 for 50 rounds ($0.30/round)
Check for availability store by store on 10/20/2020
2. Source: AmmoShop Online | Product: Norma 9mm Luger 115gr FMJ
Cost: $24.39 for 50 rounds ($0.49/round)
In-Stock and available on 10/19/2020
3. Source: Gunslinger Ammo | Product: Belom 9mm Luger 115gr FMJ
Cost: $27.95 for 50 rounds ($0.56/round)
In-Stock and available on 10/19/2020
4. Source: ZincPoint | Product: Venom 9mm Luger 115gr FMJ Steel Case
Cost: $27.50 for 50 rounds ($0.55/round)
In-Stock and available on 10/19/2020
Back in the Good Old Pre-COVID Days…
Yes today’s price of 9mm pistol ammo is high. Consider this — in February 2018 you could get 1000 rounds of CCI 9x19mm PLUS a new Kahr CW9 pistol, all for less than the cost of the ammo alone these days.
There’s a good episode of Gun Talk Radio this Sunday, 10/18/2020. This week’s broadcast will cover a variety of topics. First the broadcast will focus on the importance of confirming Judge Amy Barrett as the new U.S. Supreme Court Justice. In addition, the show will explain the best way to purchase and register a silencer in compliance with all Federal laws and regulations.
This week, Tom Gresham talks with the Second Amendment Foundation’s Alan Gottlieb. They discuss what’s at stake when filling Justice Ginsburg’s seat, and what major gun rights cases SCOTUS might decide in 2021. Plus Brandon Maddox of Silencer Central discusses how his company makes it easy to get a suppressor — Silencer Central will prepare AND file the ATF paperwork for you. Call 866-TALK-GUN with your comments and questions.
Big Prizes for “Enter… If You Dare” Contest
In addition GunTalk Radio is running a great “Enter… If You Dare” contest right now. The giveaway Grand Prize winner receives a Springfield Armory XD-M Elite Optics Ready 9mm pistol, a SilencerCo compact Omega 36M modular suppressor, a Crimson Trace red dot reflex sight, AND a $400 gift certificate from Galco. Four First Prize winners will take home a $150 Galco gift certificate, plus one of four triggers from Timney Triggers. Enter now through Friday, October 30th at GunTalk.com/WIN.
Gun Talk Radio — Podcast Archive
If you miss the live show broadcast or Live Streaming, past broadcasts can be heard online via the GUNTALK PODCAST Site and Apple iTunes. The Gun Talk Podcast Archive has hundreds of past shows you can access via the internet. Here’s an informative podcast focusing on firearms selection for self-defense.
Gun Talk Podcast from 5/31/2020 — Security, Riots, and Gun Choices:
All Gun Talk shows are also archived as podcasts for download or online listening. Gun Talk is also available on YouTube, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, 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. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Tikka T3x SS Superlite, $699.99
⏺ Very good choice for hunting rifle — light, accurate, good action
We are fans of Tikka rifles for hunting. Build quality is good, and Tikkas have nice triggers and smooth-running actions. The Tikka T3x SS Superlite Rifle, a Sportsman’s Warehouse exclusive, is now on sale for $699.99 — a $100 savings off the regular price. Offered in numerous chamberings, this rifle features stainless action and barrel, light overall weight, and nice, 2-4 lb. adjustable trigger. Weight (without scope) is just 5.9 pounds. The T3x has a “noise reduction” synthetic stock.
2. Amazon — Tipton Ultra Gun Vise, $129.95
⏺ Very strong and versatile — use for all kinds of firearms
You need a solid, secure platform to clean and work on your guns. Most gun cleaning stands aren’t adjustable enough or are too flimsy. Not so with the Tipton Ultra Gun Vise. Weighing-in at about 10 pounds, this beefy gun vise provides a steady base. The frame is metal for strength. This Ultra Vise boasts stout adjustable jaws, specialized AR holder, and several accessory trays. Threaded feet allow the vise to be leveled on your bench. With this system you can work on just about anything including bolt-action rifles, AR-platform rifles, shotguns, pistols, and even compound bows. To fit wide forearms, you may have to remove or modify the front pads. Our Deals Editor, who owns this gun vise, reports this is an outstanding product, well worth the $129.95.
3. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Leupold Scope Sale with Gift Cards
⏺ Great prices on Leupold scopes — cash gift cards too
Hunting season is upon us. If you’re looking for a tough, “go anywhere and never lose its zero” hunting scope, think Leupold. Sportsman’s Warehouse is running a Leupold Gold Event Sale right now. You’ll find riflescopes, binoculars and more at very good prices. PLUS you’ll earn free gift cards worth $10, $25, $50, or $75 depending on how much you spend.
Nearly every firearm, press, ring set, or other gun accessory relies on hex or torx wrenches. You need the right tools for the job. Check out this SAE/Metric/Hex/Torx P-Handle Driver Set 30 Piece tool kit at Midsouth. It features popular driver types/sizes you’ll need, held in a convenient stand. These special “P-handle” drivers provide two different lengths and leverages ensuring you’re always in control of any threaded fastener.
⏺ Everyone needs a good .22 LR pistol — this is complete kit
Everyone should own a good .22 LR pistol. Rimfire pistols are fun and great for training. Plus .22 LR ammo is cheap! If you’ve been looking for a nice, yet affordable .22 LR pistol, the Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory is a good option. And right now you can get a complete SW22 Victory Pistol plus STS RANGE KIT for just $389.88. Not only do you get a great stainless .22 LR handgun (with fiber optic sights and included Picatinny rail), but you also get a range bag, ear muffs, safety eyewear, a bore snake, and a 10-pack of Caldwell Orange Peel bullseye targets.
⏺ Good spotter for price that includes tripod and carry case
Spotting scopes are vital tools for shooters. But they can be pricey, especially those with large front objective lenses. Enter the Konuspot 80 20-60x80mm Spotting Scope from Creedmoor Sports. The big 80mm objective gathers plenty of light —- good for low-light shooting and observing. For the money, this is a surprisingly good spotter (though don’t expect it to compare with a high-end Kowa, Swaro, or Zeiss). And if you order now you get a small tripod, protective case, camera adapter, and smartphone adapter at no extra charge. Very good package deal.
7. Graf & Sons — Alternatives for Hodgdon H4350 & H1000
⏺ Can’t find H4350 or H1000? Try these powders instead
Powder shelves are empty in stores, and popular powders like H4350 and H1000 are even out of stock at online vendors. Did you know there are some great alternatives out there That ARE in stock? If you’re looking for a great alternative to H4350 that shoots cooler and is temp-stable, consider Vihtavuori N165. If you’re searching for H1000, we recommend IMR 7977 Enduron as a fine substitute. Both of these choices are in stock now at Graf’s, which has very reasonable shipping and HazMat fees.
8. Brownells — MagPul 30rd PMAG Gen M2 10-pack, $119.99
⏺ Insanely good deal on quality MagPul PMAG® AR magazines
In today’s world, AR owners can use plenty of high-quality, reliable “full-capacity” magazines. Right now Brownells is running a great sale on MagPul PMAGS — some of the best you can buy. MagPul’s TEN-Packs of AR-15 PMAG Gen M2 30-round MOE Magazines are on sale now for just $119.99. But it gets better — on checkout use Brownells CODE PTT to save another $10, for a net cost of $109.99. This is a killer deal on excellent AR PMAGs.
9. Amazon — Silicone Gun Socks with Multiple Sizes, From $3.79
⏺ Long guns should be in gun socks or borestores when in gunsafes
Most people think that once you put a gun in the vault it’s safe from corrosion but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We can’t count the number of people who have left guns in a safe for years only to pull them out and find rust all over them. Avoid future surprise and disappointment by using these affordable silicone treated socks. Offered in assorted sizes for pistols, rifles, and shotguns, prices range from $3.79 (pistol) to $7.39 (tactical rifle). We also recommend using Eezox or other good corrosion inhibitor on metal parts. With that and a good treated gun sock and a Goldenrod, rust should not be a worry anymore.
According to the NRA-ILA, the number of concealed handgun permits reached 18.66 million in 2019 – a 304% increase since 2007. And many more have been issued in 2020.
In America, a violent crime happens every 26 seconds (FBI statistics). Because of this, and growing concerns over social unrest and riots, more Americans than ever before are buying handguns and getting CCW permits. To help Americans understand concealed carry laws, get trained properly, and have legal support after an incident, the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) was created. This organization has been very successful, experiencing more than 30% year-over-year growth since 2016.
CCW holders can definitely benefit from USCCA membership, primarily because of the legal services that are offered by the USCCA. If you even draw a firearm in an encounter, you will probably need a lawyer, and need one immediately. The USCCA states: “If you ever have to defend yourself or your family, you’ll have access to a local attorney, the financial funding to protect against criminal charges and civil suits, and instant connection to our emergency response team.”
Proper Training is Very Important for CCW Holders
The USCCA recently announced that its organization has reached over half a million members, keeping pace with record-breaking 2020 firearm sales across the nation. This surge in membership demonstrates that firearms education and training remains a top priority. The USCCA also reported a 620% increase in online training/education courses through the first nine months of 2020 compared to all of 2019.
“Record numbers of Americans are embracing their Second Amendment rights and in doing so, they are turning to the USCCA for industry-leading self-defense education, training and legal protection”, said Tim Schmidt, president and founder of the USCCA. “Our mission is to help save lives and so it is both incredible and humbling that more than 500,000 Americans have now joined the USCCA[.]”
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. 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.
2. 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 $66.13 on Amazon.com complete with a set of safety eyewear.
3. Range Station for Pistol Shooters
The Range Station combines an ammo compartment with a roll-out mat. Great idea. Some gun ranges only have concrete benches, or shooting stations with horizontal surfaces covered with dirt, powder residues, and other debris. You don’t want to put your $2000 Colt Python on that mess. The 12″x24″ Padded Gun Mat stays put on the counter-top and holds guns and gear. The case snaps to either the right or left side of the mat. Interior trays are sized for standard ammo boxes and magazines. Separate compartments hold smaller range gear such as rulers, target markers, and more. When finished, the mat can be rolled and stored neatly and compactly in the case. This handy Range Station is $29.99 on Amazon.
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 $34.37. 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.
If you want to stay current with trends in the firearms industry, and see important new product releases before they hit dealers’ shelves, you should check out Shooting Industry magazine. While tailored for firearms/outdoor gear retailers and industry professionals, this monthly journal also provides valuable information for all gun owners. We read Shooting Industry to learn about sales trends, new products, and current gun laws issues.
READ for FREE — Shooting Industry is now available in a digital format for FREE. There are free archives going back 13 years to December 2007.
Get FREE Digital Shooting Industry Magazines for the Past 13 Years
You can access, for free, nearly 13 years of Shooting Industry back issues, plus all the recent 2020 issues. CLICK HERE for the current issue along with all issues for the last three years: 2018, 2019, 2020. IMPORTANT — To access older issues, you much first launch a recent digital edition. That will give you access to the full 13-year archive, as explained below.
Here are links for the last three issues — July, August, and September 2020. Simply click each cover to read full issue for FREE:
SEPTEMBER 2020
Top Stories:
Gun Storage in Pandemic
Tracking Big-Game Hunters
AUGUST 2020
Top Stories:
Self-Defense Long Guns
Pandemic Spurs Hunting
JULY 2020
Top Stories:
First-Time Gun Buyers
U.S. Firearms Industry Today
How to Access Magazine Archives Back to December 2007
Once you have launched the digital version of a recent issue, you can access the past 13 years of Shooting Industry back issues by using the ARCHIVE Button. First click on the MENU icon (three horizontal lines). Then click on the link for ARCHIVE. When you click on “Archive”, a list appears on the right. Scroll down to select any issue from September 2020 back to December 2007.
BONUS! FREE Back Issues of GUNS Magazine and American Handgunner
In the Shooting Industry Archives, you will also find free digital editions of GUNS Magazine and American Handgunner. These will be found in the archive tables on the right. Just look for GUNSxxxx in the list entry for GUNS Magazine back issues, or AHxxxx for American Handgunner back issues.
What a tale this rusty Colt could tell — this M1911 pistol is more than a vintage military side-arm. It is a symbol of courage, determination, and triumph over adversity. This pistol was carried on a 2,060-mile open-boat ocean crossing from the Philippines to Australia. In May of 1942, the skipper and 17 crewmen of the Minesweeper U.S.S. Quail courageously decided to sail from Manilla to Darwin, Australia rather than surrender to the Japanese. Lt. J.H. Morrill and his crew made that long ocean journey in a 36-foot launch, braving enemy air and sea forces and dangerous ocean conditions.
This pistol is part of the NRA Museum Collection in Fairfax, Virginia. This historic Colt M1911 was a featured “Gun of the Day” on the NRA Museum Facebook Page where you’ll find hundreds of other interesting firearms. We believe the remarkable story of this pistol deserved to be told here…
Colt M1911 Pistol — Escape from Corregidor
The minesweeper U.S.S. Quail was the last operational American naval vessel in the Philippines when Japan began its occupation of the country in May 1942. After his vessel was disabled at the strategically-important island of Corregidor near the entrance to Manilla Bay, Lt. Commander J. H. Morrill scuttled the ship and gave his crew a choice: either surrender to the Japanese or attempt to escape, by sea, to Allied territory thousands of miles away. Rather than surrender, 17 crew members elected to join Morrill on a dangerous passage in a 36-foot open launch/lifeboat. Gear was scavenged including this M1911 recovered from a dead serviceman. With few charts or navigational aids, Morrill and his men successfully completed an epic 58-day 2,060-mile journey to Australia and safety.
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. MidwayUSA — Vortex Viper Scope Scale, under $300
⏺ Huge discounts on Vortex Vipers with lifetime warranty
Need a scope for that hunting rifle or varmint rig? Here are two great deals on quality Vortex Viper scopes. For a deer rifle choose the 2.5-10x44mm Viper HS scope priced at just $249.99 — a 39% savings. This scope weighs just 16.5 ounces — that’s important on a hunting rig you’ll carry all day long. For varminting duties, where you need more magnification, there’s a 6.5-20x44mm Vortex Viper on sale for just $299.99, that’s 30% off. Either way you get a good scope with superb Vortex lifetime warranty for under $300.00.
2. Bullet Central — Berger Bullets in Stock
⏺ Good prices on high-demand target bullets from Berger
With concerns over social disorder, reloading components have been harder to find. For you match shooters looking for quality bullets, head over to BulletCentral.com. There you’ll find a large selection of Berger target bullets in stock. Not only does Bullet Central has a large supply of Berger bullets, but the prices are about as low as you can find now. That’s a win-win.
Who doesn’t love a good waterfowl hunt? It’s a great outdoor escape that can put food on the table. Right now Sportsman’s Warehouse is offering a quality waterfowl shotgun at a great price. The Winchester SXP Waterfowl Hybrid Hunter in 12ga or 20ga is on sale now for just $354.99. These well-made, 3-1/2″-shell-capable shotguns feature an ultra-tough Mossy Oak and Permacote protective finish.
⏺ Wireless photos and videos, good controls, USB Charging
In the quest for better borescope performance, manufacturers are improving their electro-optics offerings. At the forefront is Lyman, the company that pioneered the affordable, digital borecam. Lyman has released its new Borecam PRO 24″ wireless borescope. This boasts wireless WiFi operation, 720P resolution for sharp images, and adjustable light intensity. The BoreCam Pro has a 24″ long rod that will fit all .20 caliber and larger-diameter barrels. The Borecam PRO takes photos and video with the push of a button and has easy to use Apps for iOS and Android mobile devices.
5. Amazon — WIREGEAR Gunsmith Punch Set, $39.99
⏺ Versatile punch set performs multiple gun tasks
When working on firearms and removing or assembling component, you definitely need a good set of precision punches to keep from damaging anything. We found this great WIREGEAR Gunsmith Punch Set that even comes with a punch block too. With this punch set you can feel confident that you can remove any pin without harming your finish or damaging holes.
6. Palmetto State Armory — Taurus G2c 9mm Pistol, $299.99
⏺ Good CCW 9mm carry pistol for under $300.00
Right now compact 9mm carry guns are in very high demand. Many gun vendors have limited inventory and have raised prices. Here’s a good little compact carry gun at an attractive price — half what you might pay for a 9mm Glock 19 these days. Palmetto State Armory has the black-on-black Taurus 9mm G2c for just $184.99. This affordable 9mm handgun is a true compact, 6.25″ OAL, and weighing just 21.2 oz. unloaded. Despite its small size, the G2c has a 12-round magazine. We like the fact it has a left-side manual safety (unlike the Glock).
7. Graf & Sons — MTM Promotion FREE Patch Catcher
⏺ Buy $40 of handy MTM containers, get FREE Patch-Catcher
Right now, if you buy at least $40 of MTM products at Grafs.com you can get a FREE MTM Patch Catcher or Hat. The patch catcher is great and allows you to keep all your soiled patches off your bench or table and easily throw them away. Trust us, you’ll find it easy to get your money’s worth for the $40 purchase — MTM makes high quality ammo carriers, range boxes (with cleaning cradles), pistol storage boxes, ammo crates, cleaning rod carriers, bore guides, and compact rests. We use and recommend MTM range boxes and MTM ammo carriers.
⏺ Inexpensive, ultra-lightweight gun support — good for sight-in or ARs
If you’re tired of carrying heavy sandbags to rest your guns, consider a new alternative. The BenchMaster Weapon Rack XBlock Gun Rest costs less than $20 and weighs just 7.1 ounces! Sized 8″ x 6″ x 4″, it can be used in multiple ways to support your firearms. Made from lightweight, high-density foam, this rest is impervious to moisture and mildew. This XBlock is a good inexpensive option for sighting in a deer rifle before your annual hunt. Or keep an XBlock behind your truck seat as an “anytime” rest. BenchMaster also makes an adjustable 3-section Bench Block Gun Rest ($27.99) that works well with ARs.
9. Amazon — Hornady One Shot, $9.99
⏺ Dry-Film Lube — not sticky, easy to apply, used by top shooters
If you’re looking for a mess-free way to lube cases before sizing give Hornady One Shot a try. Get 7 oz. can for $9.99, or 14 oz. can for $13.99. It’s easy to apply and leaves a grease-free, friction-reducing film that works great for full-length case sizing. Here’s a good video that shows application methods with tips to ensure great results with your brass.
March 2020
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.
