Eurooptic vortex burris nightforce sale




teslong borescope digital camera barrel monitor


As an Amazon Associate, this site earns a commission from Amazon sales.









December 19th, 2019

Get Genuine Military-Issued SIG Sauer M17 Pistols

Sig Sauer M17 pistol milsurp surplus U.S. Army Modular Handgun system

Here’s a great opportunity for pistol collectors…

SIG Sauer is offering a limited number of authentic M17 pistols originally issued by the U.S. Army and fielded during the initial domestic and in-theater deployment of the Modular Handgun System. These unique firearms feature the original Coyote controls, the original government-issue markings and serial numbers, along with the U.S. Army specified orange rear and green front Night Sights. As these were fielded by the U.S. Army, their condition will vary, making each one uniquely different, and making this truly an opportunity to own a piece of history. Tom Taylor, SIG Executive VP notes: “These handguns [will be] coveted by both military and firearms collectors alike.”

The M17 Surplus handgun is a 9mm, striker-fired, P320-based handgun platform, featuring a coyote-tan PVD coated stainless steel slide, coyote-tan controls, a coyote-tan medium carry grip module, with the U.S. Government slide markings and serial numbers. The handguns are equipped with SIGLITE sights (orange rear & green front), removable night sight rear plates, and the same optic cut as specified by the MHS contract, ready to fit a SIG Sauer Electro-Optics ROMEO1Pro Optic. The M17 features an ambidextrous manual safety, ships with (1) 17-round and (2) 21-round magazines, includes an official SIG Sauer M17 Certificate of Authenticity, and comes packed just as the handguns are delivered to the U.S. Military. Limited quantities available soon. Call your local dealer for pricing/availability.

Sig Sauer M17 M18 P320 pistol modular handgun Army

Permalink - Videos, Handguns, News No Comments »
December 18th, 2019

Get FREE Christmas Tree Target for Holiday Fun Shoots

Sierra Christmas Tree Target

CLICK HERE for printable PDF version of this target.

NOTE: The contest is OVER, so ignore information on the PDF about submitting targets — that’s from back in 2013.

Here’s a target for the holidays that can provide some fun at the range. This Christmas Tree Target was created by Sierra Bullets for a 2013 contest. This contest is now over, but you can still have fun with the target. This tree target is designed to be shot at 15 yards with pistol, or at 100 yards with rifle.

Sierra Christmas Tree TargetSanta’s Extra Accuracy Challenge
Start with the big circles, and then work your way down to the small circles (7,8,9,10) as you build your confidence. Shoot the gifts for bonus points.

For an extra challenge (with an accurate rifle), try working your way back up to the top, aiming for the X-Marks in the circles and finishing with the small, inset star at the top. Try to hit each X-Mark and then put your final shot in the inner star. Have fun!

Permalink Handguns, News No Comments »
December 16th, 2019

Rimfire Plate Shooting — Tons ‘O Fun at Low Cost

rimfire steel challenge keltec cp33 plate rack
The Action Target Sport Plate Rack is specifically designed for .22 LR Rimfire shooting. This rack features six 4″-diameter plates that reset with a provided cable.

Shooting plates is fun. You get immediate feedback — “instant gratification” when you make a hit. When shooting steel inside 100 yards, we like to use .22 LR rimfire guns. The ammo is inexpensive, noise levels are lower (though you still need ear protection), and at close ranges there are fewer issue with ricochets and bullet splash-back. Additionally, for busy folks who don’t have time to reload, you can pick up a .22 LR rifle or pistol, grab a couple $5 boxes of ammo, and get to the range in a few minutes. The convenience means it is easier to shoot every week if you like.

Above, SFC Joel Turner from the USAMU’s Action Shooting Team offers a few pointers on how to shoot plates quickly and accurately. He’s using a centerfire pistol, but the same principles apply for rimfire handguns. Click speaker icon to activate audio.

New .22 LR CP33 Pistol is Great for Plates

If you like shooting plates, one of the better new handguns for the job is Kel-Tec’s CP33. We tested this interesting handgun at the 2019 SHOT Show Media Day at the Range, and were impressed. The pistol is big, but balances well. The sights are easy to see, and the full-length rail lets you easily mount a variety of optics. The trigger is surprisingly good — better than 90% of rimfire handguns out there. For the plates game, this “quad-stack” gun can handle long stages without mag changes. The standard clear-sided CP33 magazine holds 33 rounds of .22 LR ammo.

rimfire steel challenge kel-tec cp33

If you are interested in an affordable, but very accurate, high-capacity semi-auto rimfire pistoldefinitely consider Kel-Tec’s new CP33. 22 Plinkster agrees — this is a nice pistol. In his video review below 22 Plinkster reports: “This handgun has been 100% reliable IF I load the magazine the right way… and it’s pretty dog-gone accurate.”

Shooting Sports USA (SSUSA) tested Keltec’s CP33 with a variety of ammo. The CP33 consistently shot about one-half-inch for five shots “from a 25-yard sandbag bench rest using the iron sights.” SSUSA noted that the gun disassembles quickly and easily by removing one central pin. SSUSA’s tester, Chris Christian, was impressed with the gun, saying it balanced well and the sights aligned naturally.

SSUSA notes: “The rapid growth of rimfire competition in Steel Challenge has prompted some gun makers to enter the fray. Kel-Tec is one, and their new CP33 .22 LR pistol has a lot of potential.

GunsAmerica also reviewed the Keltec CP33, which it called “The Most Innovative Gun of 2019″. Reviewer Riley Baxter liked the ergonomics and sights. He tested a variety of ammo, getting the best results with Norma Match-22. Baxter concluded: “I thoroughly enjoyed every moment that I spent shooting the KelTec CP33[.] The magazines took a little bit of trial and error… but once I had this down, the CP33 ran reliably and loading 33 rounds took no time at all. This is a gun that I would recommend to anyone who may be interested in buying a .22 pistol[.]”

rimfire steel challenge kel-tec cp33

Permalink - Videos, Handguns, Shooting Skills No Comments »
December 14th, 2019

That’s a Gun Collection! $1.9 Million Worth — Elmer Keith

Elmer Keith Gun auction guns & Ammo magazine

Back in 2015, the firearms collection of famed gun writer Elmer Keith went to auction. The Keith Estate auction drew interest from around the globe, and bidding was strong. When the dust settled, and all the individual lots were totaled, Keith’s remarkable collection sold to various bidders for $1,905,458!

High-priced highlights from the auction are shown below. NOTE: You can see more than 60 other Elmer Keith firearms, along with a list of final auction prices. The Guns & Ammo website has a detailed, illustrated report on the Elmer Keith auction with dozens of high-quality photos.

CLICK HERE to see dozens more firearms from the Elmer Keith Estate Auction.


Lot 1038: Colonel Jim Corbett’s .450/.400 “Tiger Rifle” (Sold for $264,500.00)

Elmer Keith Estate Auction Corbett Rifle Tiger boxlock

Dangerous Game Rifles in Collection
The legendary “Corbett Tiger Rifle”, a Jeffery boxlock .450/400 was used by famed hunter Edward James “Jim” Corbett. This rifle was featured in Corbett’s book Man-Eaters of Kumaon. Two of the man-eating tigers Corbett hunted were believed to have killed over 800 humans in the Kumaon Hills of India.

Elmer Keith Estate Gun Collection auction


Lot 1005: Colt SAA No. 5 .44 Special “The Last Word in Sixguns” (Sold for $80,500.00)
This famous revolver started as a Colt SAA, but then was heavily modified. The top strap of the frame was welded up into a flat-top target configuration, with an adjustable rear sight added. The hammer was modified with a Bisley-type target spur. The unique grip of the Number Five was created by marrying a modified Bisley backstrap to a Single Action Army trigger guard. His most famous pistol, Keith called this handgun “The last word in fine six-guns”.

Elmer Keith Estate .357 Magnum bisley elmer keith

(more…)

Permalink - Articles, Gear Review, Handguns No Comments »
December 9th, 2019

Bargain Finder 220: AccurateShooter’s Deals of the Week

Accurateshooter Bargain Finder Deals of Week

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. Walmart — 80th Anniversary Red Ryder BB Gun, $24.47

teslong digital borescope

Who can forget the 1983 movie “The Christmas Story” which focused on young Ralphie Parker’s overwhelming desire for a Red Ryder BB gun. The year 2020 marks the 80th year in production for Daisy’s classic Red Ryder BB gun. And now it is available in an 80th Anniversary Special Edition for just $24.47 at Walmart. If you want one of these for a young shooter in the family, act soon — these are selling fast.

2. Amazon — Teslong Borescope $49.99 or NEW $74.99 WiFi Version (iOS Apple, Android, and Windows Capable)

teslong digital borescope

Video Review of Teslong WiFi Version:

The impressive Teslong digital borescope has been a huge success. This compact, electro-optical, cable-type borescope outputs sharp, high-resolution images and VIDEO to desktop computers, laptops, as well as Android tablets and smartphones. Check out our Full Teslong Review complete with inside-the-barrel videos. NOTE: There is a NEW WiFi Version that works with Apple iPhones and iPads, as well as all other WiFi devices and tablets. Get the Wifi Teslong for $74.99.

3. Midsouth Shooters — Berger Bullets 10% Off Sale

berger bullets 10% off sale

Berger Bullets are proven winners for all forms of centerfire rifle competition and Berger hunting projectiles are also excellent. Now you can save on high-quality Berger bullets through the end of this December. Visit Midsouth Shooters this month to get 10% Off All Berger Bullets in stock. This sale covers both competition and hunting bullets.

4. Gander Outdoors — .308 Win Ruger Precision Rifle, $783.82

ruger precision

The Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) is hard to beat for the price among entry-level chassis rifles. And here is one of the best prices for an RPR that we’ve ever seen. If you’re in the market for an RPR, grab this .308 Win RPR for a just $783.82. If you’re looking for a 6mm version, check out this Ruger Precision Rifle in 6mm Creedmoor for $995.99.

5. Tractor Supply — Cannon 40-Gun Safe $649.99

Cannon 40-gun security safe gunsafe fire rated

The Cannon TS5934 40-Gun Safe, has a large 19.1-cubic foot capacity with an impressive 45-minute fire rating. This beefy 497-lb safe features 8 locking bolts and TRUlock internal hinges. This safe includes a door organizer kit and attractive interior upholstery, adjustable shelving, and a chrome 5-spoke handle. This is a great value at $649.99. On the outside, the safe is 59″ high and 34″ inches wide.

6. EuroOptic.com — HUGE Nikon Scope Close-Out Sale

Nikon tactical scope close-out sale

EuroOptic.com is running a huge close-out sale on quality Nikon riflescopes. This sale includes the excellent Black FX1000 (FFP), and Black X1000 (SFP) tactical scopes, plus the M-Tactical and P-Tactical series optics. If you are looking for a great tactical or hunting scope at a crazy low price, head over to EuroOptic this week. For example the 4-16x50mm FX1000 MRAD is marked down from $749.95 to just $369.95, a 50% savings! And the 2-7x32mm P-Tactical and M-Tactical series scopes are just $99.95! Nikon scope mounts are also discounted.

7. Amazon — RCBS Explorer Plus Reloading Kit, $373.99

Nikon tactical scope close-out sale

Here’s a great Reloading Kit for someone getting started in reloading, or for folks who need a compact secondary press plus accessories. Right now you can get the RCBS Plus Reloading Kit for just $373.99 on Amazon.

8. Midsouth Shooters — Lyman Case Prep Center, $114.99

Lyman Case Prep Center Sale

Case prep is key to consistent accuracy, so a powered prep center is a good investment. Midsouth Shooters now has the 5-station Lyman Case Prep Center for $114.99 on SALE. With this Case Prep Center you can save time, and reduce repetitive hand fatigue dramatically. This is a real bargain — this unit sells for up to $150.00 elsewhere.

9. Midsouth — Frankford Arsenal Perfect Primer Seater, $56.99

As part of its Christmas Sale, Midsouth has the Frankford Perfect Primer Seater Tool for $56.99 (21% Off). This is a GREAT primer seating tool. It has good feel, plenty of leverage, and the primer feed-from-tray works well. Importantly, it has a click-adjust wheel for precise primer seating depth control. Read our Frankford Primer Seating Tool Product Review by gunsmith Jim See. The tool comes complete with 12 precision shell holders.

10. Midsouth — Tipton 13-Piece Jag Kit, $11.99

Lyman Case Prep Center Sale

The 13-piece Tipton Brass Jag Kit includes jags sized to fit all popular calibers from .17 to .45. Priced at just $11.99 at Midsouth, this handy Jag Kit is a perfect stocking stuffer for shooters in the family.

11. Amazon — Samsung 10.1″ Tablet plus 64GB card, $156.32

samsung android tablet mobile wifi computer Android 64 gb

Need a budget-priced tablet for your TargetCam, Ballistics Apps, and Endoscope? Check out this Samsung 10.1″ Tablet Computer. It’s just $157.64 complete with 80GB of Ram (16GB onboard plus 64GB on MicroSD card). Or, if you don’t need the extra RAM, get the same tablet with 16GB onboard for $147.99. These are 2019 production tablets with modern Android OS.

12. CDNN — Zebra Muffs and Fashion Safety Glasses Set, $4.99

Champion Zebra Muffs tortoise shell sunglasses safety glasses eyewear

Here’s a great “stocking stuffer” gift for your wife or girlfriend who enjoys shooting. For just $4.99 you can get a combo set of “high-fashion” ear muffs and ANSI-rated safety glasses. The comfortable, zebra-print muffs provide 21 dB of noise reduction. The stylish, tortoise-shell pattern Bella Ballistica™ shooting eyewear has passed MIL-PRF-31013 ballistic tests and meets ANSI Z87+ high-velocity requirements with a chic designer appearance. The lady in your life just might appreciate the stylish eyewear and distinctive muffs, earning you “bonus points”. And she’ll never suspect you only spent five bucks!

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Handguns, Hot Deals, Optics, Reloading No Comments »
December 6th, 2019

Taurus Opens Big New Factory in Georgia

Taurus factory center bainbridge georgia pistol revolver factory

Taurus, a major handgun manufacturer, has opened its big new U.S. manufacturing facility and Operations Center in Bainbridge, Georgia. The grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was held Thursday, December 5, 2019, at the new corporate headquarters.

The move to Bainbridge, Georgia, follows an initial investment of over $22.5 million in infrastructure and the creation of over 300 new jobs in Decatur County. The 5-year plan foresees continued expansion in U.S. engineering and production for the Taurus, Rossi, and Heritage Manufacturing product lines, and significant capital and resource investment in the Bainbridge area.

Taurus factory center bainbridge georgia pistol revolver factory

Taurus USA is a subsidary of Taurus Armas, S.A., a publicly traded company based in Brazil. Taurus Armas S.A. manufactures a wide variety of consumer and industrial products that are distributed worldwide. For more information about Taurus, go to TaurusUSA.com.

Taurus factory center bainbridge georgia pistol revolver factory

The opening ceremonies included appearances by local politicians and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp who told the assembled crowd: “This is a big deal … for Taurus HQ to be located here. It continues the growth of our state. Our employment is at new highs and our unemployment numbers are the lowest in nineteen years — all that means great things for the state and all of us.” Georgia, Kemp added, leads the country in workforce development, competitive environment and “speed to permit”.

Taurus factory center bainbridge georgia pistol revolver factory

Taurus Holdings CEO David Blenker stated: “All of us at Taurus have been anticipating this moment for some time. It is the culmination of much hard work, intensive planning, and considerable investment in time and resources by many people—not only from Taurus, but also from the good people in the Bainbridge, Georgia, area. We are looking forward to this transition and the exciting opportunities this move will offer Taurus and its employees[.]”

Permalink Handguns, News No Comments »
December 5th, 2019

New Product Showcase — New Guns, Scopes, Gear for 2020

GPO german laser rangefinder 1800

Shooting Industry Magazine reveals scores of new products in its December 2019 issue, which you can read for free online. The 2020 New Product Showcase is a focal point of Shooting Industry’s December issue — with 88 brands represented. View the entire line-up of New-for-2020 products HERE: New Product Showcase.

Here are 10 Cool New Products our Editors spotted in the Shooting Industry New Product Showcase:

CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis Model Rimfire

CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis Model

The CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis pairs CZ’s heavy-barreled 457 action with an aluminum chassis of the company’s own design. Equipped with an adjustable Luth-AR stock, AR-style grip, QD sling sockets, and M-LOK slots, proper fit and customization are made easy. Available in .22 LR with a 16.5″ or 24″ barrel, the CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis is threaded for use with rimfire suppressors.

Konus 1-10X Hunting Scope

Konus hunting scope 1-10X

The new 1 to 10-power scope from Konus boasts a class-leading 10X zoom system with a 1 MOA dot reticle. The 1-10x24mm riflescope features 30mm tube, fully multi-coated optics, dual color illumination, glass-etched reticle, removable zoom lever,adjustable locking turrets, and flip-up covers. The 1-10X Konus is waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof.

Christensen Arms Modern Precision Rifle

Christensen Arms steel barrel chassis rifle

Christensen Arms unveiled a Steel-Barreled Modern Precision Rifle. Heavier than Christensen’s signature carbon fiber offerings, the steel-barreled Modern Precision Rifle weighs 8.4 and 9.6 lbs depending on barrel contour/length. The folding chassis features a carbon fiber comb, free-floating carbon fiber handguard, flat match-grade trigger, AR-style grip and a 20 MOA rail.

Flip and Spin Target

flip and spin spinning target

Target Factory is introducing a new target design, the Flip-R-Spin Target. This indoor/outdoor range and retail consumer target is actually a “3 in 1” target, as it can be deployed in several configurations: on the ground, vertical spinning or horizontal spinning target. With its unique 3D 2.5″ diameter “Target Ball” concept, it always self-resets.

Springfield Armory Hellcat Optical Sight Pistol

springfield hellcast osp pistol 9mm

Springfield Armory’s Hellcat is a micro-compact 9mm carry pistol. New for 2020 is a Hellcat Optical Sight Pistol (OSP) configuration. The Hellcat OSP features a removable cover plate to allow direct mounting of a Red Dot optics to the slide. Capacity is 11+1 — best in class. The U-Dot sight system is made of high visibility tritium and a luminescent front sight paired with a tactical rack U-notch rear. A high-hand beavertail and undercut triggerguard situate the pistol low in the hand.

RangeTracker 1800 LRF with Hyperscan and OLED

GPO german laser rangefinder 1800

The new 6X RangeTracker 1800 from German Precision Optics (GPO) incorporates state-of-the-art optical and electronic technology in a compact laser rangefinder built for long-range rifle hunting (up to 1,800 yards). It offers angle correction, Hyperscan (three readings per second), and an outside temperature reading in Fahrenheit or Celsius. The OLED system allows up to 25% more light to get through the optical system, ideal low-light situations.

Powerful Texas Airgun

Texas airforce airgun carbon fiber

Texan air rifles from AirForce Airguns now feature a carbon fiber tank and valve system — capable of energy levels of 750 ft. lbs. with a 520gr projectile. The carbon fiber tank holds 3,625 psi or 250 BAR of air. The power increase allows users to hunt larger game by delivering a heavy projectile to the target with up to 750 ft/lbs of energy.

Firearms Guide 10th Ed. Online Database and Flash Drive

digital online Firearms guide 10th edition

The Firearms Guide 10th Edition is a comprehensive guns and ammo reference guide, available online or on a flash drive. Published since 2009, this Guide offers gun prices, gun schematics, blueprints, and manual. Guns are cross-referenced with the ammunition database. Guns and ammo are presented with prices, tech specifications, features, ballistic information and high-resolution color pictures.

MDT ACC Chassis for CZ 457 Rimfire Actions

Modular Drive Technologies (MDT) ACC chassis cz 457 rmifire

The Modular Drive Technologies (MDT) ACC chassis is now available for the CZ 457 rimfire action, making it a great option for rimfire cross-training or NRL22 competitino. The MDT ACC offers a customizable steel weight system allowing over nine pounds to be added to the buttstock and/or fore-end. The ACC Chassis comes with a SRS-X Elite buttstock with adjustable LOP. A full ARCA rail runs the entire length of the 17.75″ fore-end. This stock can accept variety of pistol grips.

Otis Long-Term Storage Kit

Otis Long-Term Storage Kit rust prevention

The new Otis Long Term Gun Storage Kit provides what you need to protect and store a firearm for an extended period of time corrosion-free. The kit includes Rust Stopper Rust Prevention Gun Storage Bags (pistol and rifle/shotgun), microfiber towels, chamber flags, an all purpose receiver brush, Shooter’s Choice MC-7 bore cleaner (2-oz. bottle), FP-10 Lubricant Elite (4-oz. bottle) and Rust Prevent (6-oz. aerosol).

Permalink Handguns, Hunting/Varminting, New Product, News, Optics No Comments »
December 5th, 2019

Gun Ownership — 43% of Americans in Gun-Owning Households

Gun ownership BATFE NSSF report statistics

Yes Americans cherish their Second Amendment rights. Despite what the Mainstream Media may say, gun ownership is alive and well in America, as 30% of U.S. adults say they personally own a gun, while a larger percentage, 43%, report living in a gun household. This is according to a recent Gallup Poll Survey. The same survey reveals that 40% of Conservatives own a firearm vs. 28% of Moderates and 18% of Liberals. 43% of Republicans own guns vs. 16% of Democrats — that’s a big gap. And more men than women own firearms, by a large margin. 43% of men polled say they own at least one gun, compared to 17% for women.

Gun Production Figures — 423 Million Civilian Guns in America
Based on Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) records, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), now says there are nearly 423 million guns owned by civilians in the United States. The estimated total number of firearms in civilian possession from 1986-2018 is 422.9 million, according to data from the BATFE’s Firearms Commerce Report in the United States 2019 report and preliminary 2018 Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Exportation Report (AFMER) figures.

While Gun Ownership Rises, Crime Rates Have Fallen
The NSSF’s 2017 Firearms Production Report also notes that as lawful firearms ownership in America continues to grow, criminal and unintentional misuse of firearms is falling. During the 25-year period covered in this report (1993–2017) the violent crime rate has decreased by 48.6 percent and unintentional firearm-related fatalities have declined by 68 percent.

gun crime rates

Black Rifles Are Big Sellers — 17,740,000 Modern Sporting Rifles in Private Ownership
There are some very interesting figures in the NSSF’s 2017 Firearms Production Report. One telling finding is that 17.74 million AR-Type Modern Sporting Rifles are now privately owned in the United States. Yes black rifles remain very popular — More than half (54%) of all rifles produced in 2017 were modern sporting rifles. Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President states: “The Modern Sporting Rifle continues to be the most popular centerfire rifle sold in America today and is clearly a commonly-owned firearm with more than 17 million in legal private ownership today.”

Gun ownership BATFE NSSF report statistics

7.66 Million Firearms Were Produced or Imported in 2018
An interim 2018 estimate showed a total 7,660,772 total firearms were produced and imported. Of those 4,277,971 were pistols and revolvers, 2,846,757 were rifles and 535,994 were shotguns. These interim reports will be updated as complete information becomes available.

8.1 Billion Rounds of Ammunition Produced Last Year for the U.S. Market
An estimated 8.1 billion rounds, of all calibers/gauges, were produced in 2018 for the U.S. market. Firearms-ammunition manufacturing accounted for nearly 12,000 employees producing over $4.1 billion in goods shipped in 2017.

Story tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.

Permalink - Articles, Handguns, News No Comments »
December 4th, 2019

Important Rules for Firearms Gift Transfers

firearm gun gift law rules NSSF
Image Courtesy NSSF. This story is based on an NSSF Article.

‘Tis the season of gift-giving — Christmas is just 3 weeks away. Perhaps you’re considering giving a a first rifle to your grandson or perhaps a carry pistol to a spouse. When making a gun gift to a friend or family member, however, there are some very important legal considerations. Also the rules on firearms gift transfers vary from state to state. Bottom line here — you need to know the law BEFORE you deliver that shiny new firearm to a family member, close friend, or relative.

firearm gun gift law rules NSSF

The first thing to remember if you’re thinking about giving someone a gun is that … it’s a gun! You already know that ownership of a firearm brings with it some serious legal and ethical obligations that other consumer products don’t. So let’s look at some questions you may have about giving a firearm as a gift.

firearm gun gift law rules NSSF
Image Courtesy NSSF

ATF Firearms gun giftsThe first question you have to ask is whether the intended recipient can legally own the firearm where he or she lives. With more than 20,000 different gun laws on the books, even the kinds of firearms that law-abiding citizens can own vary from place to place. For example, juveniles (under age 18) generally speaking are precluded by law from possessing a handgun. Check out the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) website for an overview of local laws and, whatever you do, don’t forget that you can never under any circumstances transfer a firearm to someone you know — or have reasonable cause to believe — legally can’t own one. That’s a federal felony, so be careful.

There’s no federal law that prohibits a gift of a firearm to a relative or friend who lives in your home state. Abramski v. United States, a recent Supreme Court decision involving a “straw purchase” of a firearm did not change the law regarding firearms as gifts. The following states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington State) and the District of Columbia require you to transfer a firearm through a local firearms retailer so an instant background check will be performed to make sure the recipient is not legally prohibited from owning the gun. Maryland and Pennsylvania require a background check for private party transfer of a handgun. There are exceptions, so it’s important to check the law of your state or ask your local firearms retailer.

ATF Firearms gun giftsConsider a Gift Card Instead of Direct Gift
The ATF recommends that if you want to give someone a new firearm, rather than going to a gun store and buying the gun on your own, consider instead purchasing a gift certificate/card from your favorite gun retailer. Then give that gift card as the present. That way the recipient can choose the exact gun he or she wants, and there’s no question about who is “the actual buyer of the firearm,” which is a question any purchaser must certify on the Federal Form 4473 at the time of purchase. The Gift Card option avoids any “straw purchaser” issues.

Intra-Family Transfers and Antique Arms
What if you want to give “Old Betsy,” your favorite old deer rifle, to your son or daughter as a college graduation gift? Again, in most states, there’s no law that says you can’t, but some states require even intra-family transfers to go through a licensed dealer. Remember, you can never transfer a firearm directly to another person who is a resident of a different state. In that case, you must transfer the firearm through a licensed dealer in the state where the person receiving the gift resides. Using a gift certificate from a firearms retailer near where the recipient lives might be a good solution. Pre-1898 antique firearms are generally exempt from the dealer requirement. [But check with the laws in your jurisdiction]. Be safe and check with your dealer or local law enforcement before you hand over your prized possession.

Regulations on Firearms Shipping to Third Parties
When you intend to transfer a gun, there are important rules on interstate shipping*. Generally speaking, you can only ship a handgun by common carrier (but not U.S. Mail) and a long gun by U.S. Mail or common carrier to a federally licensed dealer, but not to a non-licensed individual. With all carriers, federal law requires you to declare that your package contains an unloaded firearm. To be safe, always consult your carrier in advance about its regulations for shipping firearms. Also check your state laws on transfers.


*Different rules may apply to shipping to parties IN-STATE or shipping firearms to yourself in temporary care of others. Always consult your own state laws, but here are some FAQs copied directly from the ATF.GOV website:

(more…)

Permalink - Articles, Handguns, Tech Tip No Comments »
November 26th, 2019

SIG Sauer Ships 100,000th M17/M18 Pistol to U.S. Military

Sig Sauer M17 M18 P320 pistol modular handgun Army

SIG Sauer recently announced the delivery of the 100,000th M17/M18 Modular Handgun System (MHS) pistol to the U.S. Military. The 100K delivery milestone came ahead of schedule and SIG Sauer says it has surpassed the performance standards of the government MHS contract. The SIG Sauer M17/M18 replaces the Beretta M9 (aka 92F) which served the U.S. Miltary since 1985. The M17 has a close civilian equivalent, the SIG Sauer model P320 pistol.

Sig Sauer M17 M18 P320 pistol modular handgun Army

“In the month of October 2019 SIG SAUER exceeded our manufacturing requirements by 30% and delivered a record-setting 12,100 handguns to the U.S. Military to achieve this historic milestone for SIG Sauer and the MHS program”, stated Ron Cohen, SIG President & CEO. “With the strict accuracy and acceptance specifications that the M17 and M18 are continuously exceeding, it’s clear that the success of this program can be directly attributed to the reliability, durability, and accuracy of the handgun, which has resulted in the high demand for both the M17 and M18 from every branch of the U.S. Military.”

The M17 and M18 handguns are a 9mm, striker-fired, P320-based handgun platform, featuring coyote-tan PVD coated stainless steel slides with black controls and utilize both 17-round and 21-round magazines. The M18 is a compact version of the M17. Both handgun types are equipped with SIGLITE front night sights, removable night sight rear plates, and manual safeties. To date SIG SAUER has delivered M17 and M18 handguns to all branches of the U.S. Military and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Sig Sauer M17 M18 P320 pistol modular handgun Army
P320/M17 image from KSGunGuy YouTube Video.

Permalink - Videos, Handguns, News No Comments »