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. HQ Issue Handgun Carry Case
Do you often take multiple handguns to the range? Here’s a large (16″ x 13″ x 8″) handgun hard case that will easily haul your arsenal. The HQ Issue Case can hold up to eight (8) handguns, or six with room for magazines. Since the foam is customizable, you can also use this case to carry cameras, rangefinders, binoculars, Kestrels, or other valuable hardware. While we wouldn’t drop this in the water, the case does have an O-Ring seal for water resistance, and a manual valve for pressure modulation. NOTE: This nice case is just $34.99 for Sportman’s Guide Buyer’s Club Members.
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 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). In addition, these muffs are pretty comfortable and offer Headphone Functionality so you can connect to your smartphone, MP3 player, or other audio device. These muffs are a good value. They are currentely offered for $58.84 on Amazon.com.
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 blued 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, pens, target markers, and more. When finished, the mat can be rolled and stored neatly and compactly in the case, which fits most range bags.
4. Sellier & Bellot 9x19mm (9mm Luger) Ammunition
We have shot thousands of rounds of Sellier & Bellot 9x19mm Ammo through our 9mm Luger handguns. This ammo has proven very reliable, but also very cost effective. Right now Sportsman’s Guide Members can get 1000 rounds for just $167.19 — just 17 cents per round. We also favor Federal American Eagle 9x19mm ammo, which likewise offers excellent “bang for the buck”.
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.
Did you overlook your Memorial Day weekend shopping? There were some great bargains to be had at many of the USA’s best online vendors. But don’t fret. Many sales are still running, so you can take advantage of great sale prices. Here are SIX SALES that run through May 28th at 11:59 pm (or even later). But don’t hesitate too long.
1. Brownells — 10% Off $99+ and FREE Shipping
Brownells is effectively extending its Memorial Day Sale by 24 hours. Through 11:59 PM CDT on May 28th, you can get 10% Off Orders $99+ with Free Shipping. this applies to ALL products — Use Code PTD.
2. SWFA — 10% Off EVERYTHING — Optics, Rifles, Ammo & More
SWFA carries most of the top optics brands including Vortex, Schmidt & Bender, Kahles, Swarovski, Zeiss, U.S. Optics, Leupold, Leica, Nikon, Burris, IOR Valdada and more. SWFA also has a wide selection of rifles and pistols Everything in the store is 10% off through 11:59 PM CST 5/28/19. Plus FREE Shipping for $99.99+ purchases with code SHIP99.
3. Palmetto State Armory — 10% Off Guns and Ammo
Save on AR components, accessories, and ammo with Palmetto State Armory’s Memorial Day Sale running through 11:59 pm on May 28th (Tuesday). Get a stripped lower for just $39.99, or a complete lower with MagPul stock for just $149.99. There are dozens of other great deals.
4. Precision Reloading — $10 Off $100 or $30 Off $300
Through the end of the day today 5/28/19, at PrecisionReloading.com you can save $10 with Promo Code MD191 (for $100+ purchase) or $30 with Promo Code MD193 (for $300+ purchase).
The Memorial Day Sale at Creedmoor Sports is still underway. You get Free Ground Shipping and 10% Off Creedmoor-brand items. In addition, many other items are on sale.
6. Cabela’s — $10% Off Tuesday for Entire Order
This is a regular Cabela’s Promotion. Club members get 10% OFF the entire order with Code 19CLUB528. NOTE: You must be a Club Member.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every 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.
SUNDAY Special — We normally we release our Deals of the Week on Monday. However, because there are so many Memorial Day Specials that expire Monday night (or on Tuesday), we wanted to release this Deals Edition a day early. That gives our readers more time to take advantage of these great deals.
1. EuroOptic — 20% Off Nightforce NXS Scopes Through 5/28/19
Nightforce Optics scopes almost never go on sale. This weekend is one of those rare opportunities to acquire a Nightforce scope at a significant discount — 20% off. From May 23 through May 28, 2019, you can SAVE 20% on all Nightforce NXS scopes. This promotion covers the entire NXS line-up:
2. SWFA — 10% OFF Everything Including Optics, Ammo, Rifles
Wow — EVERYthing on the SWFA website (including big brand optics) is 10% Off now through 11:59 PM on May 28, 2019. Save on scopes, ammo, guns, and shooting accessories. SWFA carries top optics brands including Vortex, Schmidt & Bender, Kahles, Swarovski, Zeiss, U.S. Optics, Leupold, Leica, Nikon, Burris, IOR Valdada and more. If you are considering any of these brands, or a SWFA house-label optic, get over to SWFA.com. Along with a huge range of optics, SWFA also sells firearms including Howa (Legacy), Masterpiece Arms (MPA), Tikka, Ruger, Remington, Savage, and Weatherby rifles. And SWFA sells H&K, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, and Walther handguns (to name a few). SWFA’s 10% Off Sale runs through 5/28/19 at 11:59 pm. NOTE: You even get FREE Shipping for $99.99+ purchases.
3. Precision Reloading — Intellidropper $189.99 with Code
The impressive new Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper™ powder scale/dispenser can be controlled by your mobile device. And right now you can get the Intellidropper for just $189.99 at Precision Reloading. It’s sale-priced at $199.99 but you get an additional $10.00 Off with Code MD191 Code (good through 5/18/19).
The Intellidropper features an advanced brain that can “talk” to a Mobile App on your smartphone via BlueTooth. This way you can store powder and load information on your smartphone and then control the scale/dispenser from the App. The App also has bullet, cartridge, and powder databases. The Intelli-dropper can also manually trickle.
4. Graf and Sons — 10% Off All Lyman Products
Last year, Lyman Products rolled out three great new reloading presses — an 8-station turret press, a beefy O-frame press, and a versatile C-Frame compact press. This year, Lyman introduced a cool variable-speed case trimmer along with a high-quality shooting mat. There are many Lyman products we like and use, including Reloading Presses, the Case Prep Center, the Lyman BoreCam, and the new Case Trimmer. Here’s your chance to save on the full line of Lyman Products — Grafs.com is offering 10% Off all Lyman products. For example, the Case Prep Xpress is marked down from $149.99 to $134.99. To sweeten the deal even more, if you buy at least $100 of Lyman products you get a Universal Bore Guide for FREE.
5. Natchez — 10% OFF, OR Free Hazmat, OR Free Shipping
Natchez offers three ways to save with this Memorial Day Promotion. With a $99.99+ purchase you can either: 1) Get 10% off the purchase price; OR 2) Get FREE HazMat for primer/powder purchases; OR 3) Get FREE Shipping for your entire order. You, as the customer, decide which option saves you the most money (there are different discount codes for each offer). That FREE Hazmat is good for at least $20.00 savings, but the 10% off saves you more if you buy an item over $200.00. NOTE: Don’t delay, act soon. This triple-option promo ENDS Monday May 27, 2019 at 11:59 pm EST.
6. Midsouth — Hornady 6.5mm Bullets, $59.99 for 250
If you shoot a 6.5 Creedmoor or 6.5×47 Lapua in PRS or Tactical matches, these Hornady 123gr bullets may perform quite well, while saving you money. Yes the BC is a bit lower than the 140gr class of 6.5mm bullets, but these 123-grainers are accurate, and not “fussy” about seating depths. Plus you can drive them much faster than 140s, even at modest pressures. Get some H4350 or Reloder 16, and you’re good. You may be surprised that you get better accuracy, with less recoil, than the 140s. Right now with this Midsouth deal you get 250 bullets for $59.99. That’s just 24 cents each, or $24 per hundred — half what you might pay for other 6.5mm match bullets.
7. Remington — $75 Cash Back on Rem 700 Varmint Rifles
Right now Remington is offering $75 Cash Back on all Model 700 Varmint rifles purchased from May 1st through the end of July, 2019. Many different configurations are available. For example you can choose either a synthetic stock or a wood laminated stock. NOTE: This Rebate Offer is valid on Rem 700 Varmint rifle purchases made from 5/1/19 through 7/31/19. All requests must be postmarked by 8/31/19. Important — Firearms Consumer Rebates are MAIL-IN ONLY. You MUST include your original cash register receipt AND the barcode from your owners manual (no exceptions). CLICK HERE for REBATE FORM (PDF).
8. Mc3 Stocks — 20% Off All Mc3 Stocks with Code
Mc3™ Stocks is running a big Memorial Day sale. Now through May 28, 2019 ALL Mc3 stocks are available for 20% OFF with promo code Memorial19. All Mc3 stocks come from the factory with precision inletting and aluminum pillars for a precise, drop-in fit. Mc3 stocks combine field-proven designs with advanced materials to deliver a custom feel in a cost-conscious package. Visit www.MC3STOCKS.com and use promo code MEMORIAL19 at checkout to receive 20% OFF.
9. Palmetto State Armory — Memorial Day Sale on AR Stuff
Save on AR components, accessories, and ammo with Palmetto State Armory’s big Memorial Day Sale. Get a stripped lower for just $39.99, or a complete lower with MagPul stock for just $149.99. There are dozens of other great deals. Put the money you save into a premium barrel and first-rate optics. In addition, a wide variety of ammunition is on sale. Some of the .223 Rem ammo is so inexpensive, you may think twice about loading your own.
If you enjoy hunting small varmints (such as ground squirrels), or plinking out to 200 yards, you really should get a 17 HMR. This little rimfire cartridge is very effective on small varmints and is much flatter shooting than a .22 LR. What 17 HMR to buy? Well if you’re on a tight budget, consider the Rossi RB17. This handy bolt gun boasts a nicely designed stock, a 5-round magazine, 21″ barrel, plus scope bases attached to the action. And you can get one for just $125.60! Right now the RB17 is just $125.60 at Guns Midwest. If that sells out, the RB17 is $135.99 at Gensec Armament. (Compare More Vendors).
11. Amazon — Neiko Digital Calipers, $17.85
Even if you have a good set of calipers, you may want to get one of these Neiko 01407A Digital Calipers. The #1 best-selling digital caliper on Amazon.com, this Neiko tool features a large LCD Screen and measures up to 6.0 inches. With over 3800 customer reviews, this product has earned an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. It’s hard to go wrong for $17.85, even if you just use these as a spare set for measuring group sizes and case trim lengths.
Nightforce Optics scopes almost never go on sale. This weekend is one of those rare opportunities to acquire a Nightforce scope at a significant discount — 20% off. From May 23 through May 28, 2019, you can SAVE 20% on all Nightforce NXS scopes. This promotion covers the entire NXS line-up:
You can purchase Nightforce NXS scopes from major retailers including EuroOptic.com, Cabelas.com, and Midway USA. We recommend EuroOptic because of its excellent customer service and after-sale support.
From Nightforce: “As we honor the fallen heroes of this great country we would like to extend an amazing offer to our loyal customer base! May 23rd – May 28th visit one of our many online or in-store dealers to get exclusive pricing on our legendary NXS series of optics!”
Do you go through a lot of rimfire ammo every season? Looking for quality “major brand” .22 LR ammo that’s still affordable? This CMP Deal may fill the bill. ELEY, the UK-based rimfire ammo-maker, has teamed up with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) here in the USA. Now you can purchase 5000 rounds of quality ELEY-made ammo for $354.95. That works out to just seven cents a round (or $3.55 per 50rd box). This ELEY CMP Standard ammunition features a 40-grain bullet with an average velocity of 1090 fps. This particular round has a paraffin wax coating to feed reliably through all .22 LR firearm platforms.
ELEY CMP Standard ammo will be available exclusively through the CMP. Though budget-priced, it “will still be incredibly accurate compared to other ammo at this price point”. There is a limit of two (2) cases per individual per year, priced at $354.95 for 5000 rounds. The CMP even offers Free S&H to all contiguous U.S. States. IMPORTANT: Purchasers must have a CMP account, which requires proof of eligibility, e.g. membership in a CMP-affiliated club.
Mike Corkish of ELEY America states, “ELEY is excited to partner with the CMP to offer an accurate, affordable ammunition for shooters in a true bulk package. With the CMP working to encourage youth shooting, ELEY finds this partnership a perfect fit”. NOTE: To purchase this ammo you must register and provide proof of eligibility.
In addition, says Corkish: “As shooters continue to improve they have the opportunity to purchase other grades of ELEY ammunition through the CMP. This will continue to help the CMP grow competition shooting and encourage safe firearm practices.” ELEY also produces premium rimfire ammo used by benchrest shooters, Biathletes, World Cup competitors, and Olympic marksmen.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every 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. Weatherby Rifles — Save up to $200
Weatherby rifles and attention to detail go hand in hand but it’s always at a cost but that’s about to change. For a limited time you can pick up a Weatherby rifle and save $100 or $200 with factory rebate. It’s as simple as heading to your favorite Weatherby dealer, purchase an approved rifle, complete the Weatherby rebate form and mail it in. With 25 models to choose from there’s no better time to pick one up. Some qualify for $100 rebate; other models have a $200 rebate.
2. EuroOptic — MASSIVE Nightforce Scope Sale, May 23-28
We’ve seen Nightforce scopes on sale before but never this many for this cheap. Head over to EuroOptic.com and check out what is easily the best Nightforce Optics sale we’ve seen in a long time. You can pick out any of the new NXS scopes for an amazingly low 20% off. Deals like this don’t come often on Nightforce and especially the newest models so if you’re in the market don’t hesitate to jump on this deal. NOTE: The 20% OFF discounted prices will not appear on the website until May 23, 2019!
3. Graf’s — Buy 8-lb keg of select powder, get FREE 1-pounder
This is one of the best Powder Promos of the year. Right now at Graf & Sons, if you buy an 8-lb keg of select Hodgdon or IMR powders, you get a FREE one-pound or 14-ounce container of the same powder. This deal works with fourteen (14) popular Hodgdon and IMR powders. So if you’re running low and need to stock up on your favorite powders, here’s your chance to cash in on some savings. That free one-pounder can be worth up to $32.00. CLICK HERE for POWDER DEAL.
4. Grizzly Bald Eagle — Great rifle Case and Range Bag Sale
Grab one of these Bald Eagle rifle cases or range bags at up to 50% off. These are way better than typical too-skinny rifle cases or flimsy fabric bags. The rifle cases have plenty of storage for your match needs and the padding is very good. The box-style range bags have thick closed-cell foam panels in the base, top, and sides. That gives these bags good “wall strength”, so they don’t collapse like typical range bags. These are more like a quality camera-case.
Here’s a very handy gun cradle that helps you clean and maintain your rifles while at the range. The Compact Range Vise folds and collapses to 11-1/4″, so it is easily transported. Two padded “V” brackets hold the rifle while protecting the finish during cleaning/maintenance operations. Made from solvent-resistant polymer, the Compact Range Vise is durable and should last for years. Note this is not suited for wide-forearm benchrest or F-Open rigs, but for typical hunting and varmint rifles it works well. This is really a great option for travel because it is so light and compact when folded.
6. Amazon — CVLIFE 6-9″ Adjustable Bipod with Adapter, $18.99
Do you have multiple rifles that are all sharing one bipod and you’re tired of switching it back and forth? Grab a couple of these CVLIFE 6-9″ Tactical Rifle Bipods for the crazy low price of $18.99 and outfit all your rifles properly. At that price you can even give some bipods to your buddies as gifts. Though inexpensive, this CVLIFE bipod has earned a 4.5 Star rating with more than 3,800 buyer reviews.
7. Graf’s — Hornady Ammo with FREE Vest, Targets, Ammo Can
With this promotion, when you buy Hornady ammo from Grafs.com, you get free stuff — lots of free gear. Here’s how it works — first purchase $100 or more of select Hornady tactical ammo. Then when you view your shopping cart you’ll automatically see a FREE Tactical Vest, FREE ammo can, and FREE targets. You even get FREE shipping. This deal applies to 44 varieties of Hornady ammunition.
8. Creedmoor Sports — Barrelcool Mini Brass Drying Tray, $40.95
If you wet-tumble or ultrasonically clean your brass you’re always left with wet brass that needs to be dried before you can reload. People use a variety of processes to dry their brass, but most take a lot of time, or use a lot of space. The people over at Barrelcool have come up with a brass dryer that’s compact and effective. This brass drying tray holds 50 pieces of brass and runs off a simple USB plug. It delivers high air flow in a small footprint. With most people struggling for bench space that’s a win-win for most reloaders.
9. Bullet Central — 10% off cleaning supplies and accessories
You can’t shoot without having to clean your guns, and nobody likes paying too much for cleaning supplies. Now you can save on gun cleaning products with the Bullet Central’s Spring Cleaning Sale. Save 10% off all cleaning supplies and accessories. Simply spend $30 or more, enter Code SPRINGCLEAN19 during check-out and you’ll save 10% on all your cleaning supplies.
If you’re shopping for a new varmint or hunting rifle this summer, Remington wants your business. Right now Remington is offering $75 Cash Back on all Model 700 Varmint rifles purchased from May 1st through the end of July, 2019. Many different configurations are available. For example you can choose either a synthetic stock or a wood laminated stock.
NOTE: This Rebate Offer is valid on Rem 700 Varmint rifle purchases made from 5/1/19 through 7/31/19. All requests must be postmarked by 8/31/19. Important — Firearms Consumer Rebates are MAIL-IN ONLY. You MUST include your original cash register receipt AND the barcode from your owners manual (no exceptions). CLICK HERE for REBATE FORM (PDF).
NOTE: Remington is also offering $75 Cash Back on all Remington 1911 R1 handguns. The terms of this 1911 Pistol Rebate is similar to the Varmint Rifle Rebate — Purchase from 5/1/19 through 7/31/19, and submit Pistol Rebate Form by mail.
Need primers? Here’s a great way to save on primers this summer. Now through August 15, 2019, There is a 25% factory rebate on Winchester primers. Here’s how it works. If you purchase at least $80 worth of Winchester-brand primers, you qualify for a $20 manufacturer’s rebate. That works out to a 25% savings ($20 is one-quarter of $80). Money saved is money earned!
And if you buy a larger quantity of primers you save even more. For example, if you buy $100 worth of Winchester primers, you get a $25.00 rebate. If you buy $200 worth of Winchester primers you get the maximum $50 back under this promotion.
This Winchester Rebate is good on purchases made on or before August 15, 2019, so you have plenty of time to shop. The rebate offer applies to virtually ALL Winchester brand primers – pistol, rifle, and shotshell. While we use Federal and CCI primers for most of our rifle hand-loads, we’ve favored Winchester pistol primers for many of our pistols. We’ve found Winchester pistol primers to be very reliable with all types of pistols and revolvers, and they work great with progressive reloading presses.
If you’ve been thinking about a big purchase at Brownells, now is the time. Right now, May 16, 2019, Brownells is offering $35 Off a $300+ purchase or $70 Off a $600+ purchase. That’s a great bargain, effectively a 11.6% savings. Use Code MFX to save $35 on $300+, or use Code MFY to save $70 on the purchase of $600 or more.
These Discounts Expire at 11:59 pm CDT 5/16/19:
Coupon Code: MFY — $70 Off $600 + Free S/H
Expiration date: May 16, 2019 at 11:59 PM CDT
Coupon Code: MFX — $35 Off $300 + Free S/H
Expiration date: May 16, 2019 at 11:59 PM CDT
Take note guys. These are one-day only discounts that expire at 11:59 pm CDT. Don’t delay if you’re thinking about a big purchase, such as a firearm or a barreled action.
More Brownells Discount Codes
If you miss these deals listed above, Brownells is still running some discounts for $99-$200 purchases. With a purchase of $200 and up, save $20 with Code M8Y. Or, with a purchase of $99 or more, you can save $10 with Code MDX. You can also get free Shipping/Handling for all purchases over $49 with Code VB5. That free shipping/handling could save you another $10-$20 easy. NOTE: These codes have no listed expiration date, but Brownells could terminate them at any time, so you should still act soon.
If you’re shopping for a First Focal Plane Mil/Mil scope for tactical use and hunting, here is one of the best deals of the year. No doubt about it. Right now you can get the Vortex Viper PST Gen II 5-25x50mm MRAD FFP scope for just $699.00. That’s a whopping $300.00 off normal retail. This is a very good scope, and a killer deal for $699.99. We are told: “The Gen II PST scopes have been very reliable and they may well be the best sub $1K option out there. This scope is full-featured with well-thought-out FFP reticle, great feeling turrets, and illumination.”
This comes with the excellent EBR-2D reticle, which provides hold-over and windage hold-off indicators in a Christmas-tree style layout. This kind of reticle is preferred by many top PRS/NRL competitors. The EBR-2D is similar to Vortex’s most popular EBR-2C reticle but with a complete cross in the middle instead of an open pixel and the hold-over numbers (in the lower section) on the right edges rather than near the center line. Our tester Jason Baney notes: “I actually like this 2D better than the 2C.”
Here is an actual buyer’s review: “The EBR-2D is my new favorite reticle. It is definitely an upgrade from the EBR-2C which has poorly placed [hold-over] numbers. The glass is on par with my Viper HST… which is good. The turrets are nice, but less audible and less tactile than the Gen I turrets which were only 5 mils per rotation. Overall, it was a nice scope at a good price.”
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 plugs underneath. That gives you serious hearing protection during live fire, with the ability to hear voices and converse.
The impressive new Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper™ powder scale/dispenser can be controlled by your mobile device. And right now you can get the Intellidropper for just 
Mike Corkish of ELEY America states, “ELEY is excited to partner with the CMP to offer an accurate, affordable ammunition for shooters in a true bulk package. With the CMP working to encourage youth shooting, ELEY finds this partnership a perfect fit”. NOTE: To purchase this ammo you must register and provide proof of eligibility.
