Are you feeling lucky? Here is one of the better hunting season prize packages we’ve seen in recent years. It’s easy enough to enter to win an impressive collection of products including a lever-action rifle, Taurus Tracker revolver, multiple Vortex optics products, knives and much more. There is no purchase necessary for a chance to win.
Alien Gear Holsters, American manufacturer of holsters and firearms accessories, has pulled together some of the top brands in the industry to create an impressive hunting season giveaway for 2022. There’s a massive collection of cool products for the 2022 Hunting Season Prize Package. Shawn Hostetter, CEO of Alien Gear Holsters, states: “All together this prize package is worth several thousand dollars and would make an incredible start to hunting season, or a fantastic gift for the hunter in the family.”
Products Included in the impressive Prize Package:
- A Rossi R92 Rifle .44 Magnum 16″ barrel, 8-round capacity
– A Taurus Tracker Revolver
– Eberlestock Vapor 500 Backpack w/ Scabbard
– Vortex Diamondback HD 16 – 48 X 65 Spotting Scope
– Vortex Diamondback HD 2000 Rangefinder
– Vortex Viper HD 10 X 42 Binoculars
– Tactacam Spotter LR Spotting Scope Camera
– A 103 Skinner Knife and A 657 Pursuit Large Guthook Knife
– O-Light Javelot Turbo Light and Mounting Hardware w/ Remote Switch
– A Quake Kits Reasonably Prepared Emergency Kit
– Aid-PAK Gen-2 from Urban Medical Gear
– Alien Gear Holsters Cloak Chest Holster and Cloak Slide Holster
– Bigfoot Gun Belts OD Green Tactical Belt
– Shot IQ Precision Pistol Course from Joel Turner
It’s easy to enter by filling out Online Entry Form. Eligible participants have until September 30, 2022, to enter for a random chance to win this ultimate hunting package.
As part of NRA Women TV, hunting guide Kristy Titus hosts a series of videos that explain important strategies and shooting skills for hunters. Titus, co-host of the Team Elk TV show, is a certified instructor who has hunted around the globe. She grew up in the outdoors, running pack mules in Oregon with her father. In these videos, Kristy discusses demonstrates field positions that can be employed during a hunt. She also explains preparation for a hunt, including fitness training.
Click each link below to watch other Kristy Titus Hunting Videos.
“When it comes to bolt-action rifle fit, there is no ‘one size fits all’,” says Titus. “When picking out your rifle [consider options] after the purchase to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.”
Varminting for Fun — With Rimfires and Centerfires
One of the most fun things you can do with a rifle is to shoot varmints such as ground squirrels, prairie dogs, rockchucks, and groundhogs. There’s great satisfaction making a perfect hit on a critter that sends the beastie spinning in the air. Varminting also affords a great excuse to acquire more rifles, because it really does make sense to own and use multiple varmint rifles in various calibers.
Having multiple rifles on a varmint safari lets you preserve barrel life, and shoot lesser-recoiling calibers at the shorter distances. For example, with California ground squirrels, we like a .17 HMR inside 125 yards, then switch to a 20 Practical (20-223 Rem). For prairie dogs, you may want that 20 Practical, plus a nice .22 BR for 250-400 yards, and a .243 Ackley (or 6XC or 6mm CM) for long shots.
Seven Varmint Rifles — Rimfire and Centerfire
With 525,000 subscribers, the Backfire YouTube Channel is highly popular. The capable hosts provide honest, candid reviews. This video covers seven different varmint rigs. First off is the Air Arms TX 200 (00:25). Then the excellent .22 LR CZ 457 is featured (01:33), followed by a .223 Rem AR15-platform rifle (02:30). Next up is the .22 LR Christensen Arms Ranger 22 (03:40), which proved to be “crazy accurate”. Then the video showcases a Bergara Premier in 22-250 (04:20), an “excellent coyote gun that you could use on varmints as well”. Last up is the Ruger American Predator (05:20) in .17 HMR.
Five Varmint and Predator Rifles Reviewed
This video covers three major manufacturer centerfire varmint rifles: Remington Model 700 PCR (01:39), Winchester Model 70 Varmint Rifle (03:36), and Henry Long Ranger in .223 (08:02). The video also covers the Ruger American Rimfire Target rifle (07:04), and the interesting Stoeger RX20TAC Varmint Air Rifle (05:31). Airguns can be effective at close ranges on small varmints such as squirrels. But for an effective kill, we recommend at least a .17 Mach 2 (HM2) beyond 50 yards.
Three Varmint Rifles Reviewed — Savage .17 HMR, Ruger .22 Magnum, Howa .243 Winchester
This video covers two rimfires and a nice .243 Win centerfire. First up is a Ruger 77/22 in .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire). This cartridge has a lot more punch than a standard .22 LR round. Next up is the very nice Savage A17 Thumbhole in .17 HMR. This semi-auto rifle offers nice ergonomics, good feed reliability, and very good accuracy at 100 yards (check out that 3-shot target at 100 yards). Last but not least, the video features the nice Howa 1500 Ranchland with Hogue stock, in this case chambered for the .243 Winchester. These Howas have a smooth-cycling action and nice HACT 2-stage trigger.
.17 WSM — The Most Powerful .17 Cal Rimfire
We think that every varmint hunter should own a nice .17 Cal rimfire rig. Out to 200 yards or so the .17 WSM or .17 HMR is very effective on small varmints. It’s nice to be able to shoot affordable ammo out of the box and not have to scrounge for hart-to-find powder and primers. This video features a superb .17 Cal varmint rig, the Primal Rights TS Custom chambered for the impressive .17 WSM cartridge.
Long Range Rockchuck Adventure with Gunwerks Crew
This Gunwerks video showcases varmint hunting in the Western USA. In this video Aaron Davidson and the Gunwerks crew try out some new rifles on some rockchucks. Most of the the rifles were suppressed but the host said the rockchucks took cover after the first shot, so this required good coordination among shooters and spotters. A 6XC varminter is featured at 2:44 and there’s some nice drone footage starting at 2:00.
.22-250 Nails Ground Squirrels and Rock Hyraxes in South Africa
Here’s an interesting video from South Africa. The video maker starts with shots on ground squirrels. His .22-250 blasts them into little pieces. They he switches to more distant targets, a furry ground-hog size animal called the Rock Hyrax, Cape Hyrax, or Dassie. Mature Rock Hyraxes weigh 4-5 kilograms and have short ears and tail. These Rock Hyraxes are found at higher elevations in habitats with rock crevices, allowing them to escape from predators (but not skilled varmint hunters).
The Henry AR-7 Survival rifle is a unique rifle. Weighing just 3.5 pounds, this little semi-auto rimfire can perform pest-control duties for a farmer or rancher, or serve as a utility rifle carried in a truck or ATV. The cleverly-designed AR-7 is affordably priced, just $289.99 at Sportsman’s Warehouse.
We think most gun-owners would enjoy adding an AR-7 to their collection. The Henry AR-7 breaks down for easy carry in a backpack or a vehicle. The barrel, receiver, and magazines all fit INSIDE the buttstock. That’s handy. And this little 3.5-pound rifle offers surprisingly good accuracy.
If you don’t like basic black, Henry offers two camo versions from the factory: True-Timber Kanati Camo, and Viper Western Camo. Click the photo below for full-screen (2048 pixel wide) image:
Or, if you have artistic skills (and confidence with spray cans), you can paint your AR-7 yourself, as this owner did. The talented gun-painter reports: “[This is a] great little gun that is accurate and I love how it packs away. I paint all my black guns. Already took a grouse at 16 yards.”
History of the Henry AR-7 Rifle
Starting in 1959 the AR-7 was provided to U.S. Air Force fliers as a survival rifle to use if they were stranded in a remote area. Today the AR-7 is a favorite of bush pilots, backpackers, and backcountry adventurers who, like their Air Force counterparts, need a rifle that’s easy to carry yet can take down small game. Like the original Henry U.S. Survival Rifle, this innovative, semi-automatic rimfire rig is lightweight (3.5 lbs.) and highly portable. At just 16.5″ long, with all components stowed, it easily fits into a backpack, or the cargo area of an ATV, truck, boat. or plane. The AR-7 is chambered in .22 LR so you can carry plenty of ammo without adding much weight to your gear. When disassembled, all the pieces fit inside the impact-resistant, water-resistant stock.
Assembly is as easy as attaching the receiver to the stock, inserting the barrel, and screwing on the barrel nut. In a few seconds, without any tools, the Henry U.S. Survival AR-7 is ready for action. It now comes standard with a steel barrel covered in tough ABS plastic with a protective coating for corrosion resistance. The Henry U.S. Survival AR-7 is available in three finishes; Black, True Timber Kanati Camo Pattern, and True Timber Viper Western Camo Pattern. All models are equipped with an adjustable rear sight and a blade front sight. As you can see below, the built-in storage can be used to hold magazines and ammunition as well as the rifle components.
Another AR-7 owner posted this review:
Simple Goodness: Henry AR-7 — Fun Modern Version of a Classic
Henry got this modern take of the AR-7 right. Gentle finger-tighten is all it takes to assemble. The funky orange plastic sight on the end of the barrel is kind of loud, but was also easy to target with. Brand spanking new, I was getting grapefruit-sized patterns out of each 8-round mag at 50 feet. For a compact take-down, was surprised that length-of-pull was satisfactory for a six-foot guy. It didn’t feel cramped.
For realistic backpack, bail-out, or bug-out situations this would be a smart choice. It was fussy with a single Rem Golden in the first mag… but after that no problems, and no issues at all with Federal and CCI. The safety is right-handed but large and easy to get used to. The charge handle retracts so [you must] pull it up before pulling back, but that motion seemed to become reflexive pretty quickly. The mag eject is in front of the trigger and pushes forward. All in all, [the AR-7 offers a] really nice, compact form factor. [It is] light, perfect for backpack plinking and … low-rent varmint sniping.
This is a great resource for firearms fans. The Gun Digest 2023, 77th Edition, can be pre-ordered now for $37.99 through the Gun Digest store or Amazon.com. Gun Digest states “Orders Anticipated To Ship Early August 2022″, while Amazon lists a 9/6/2022 publication date.
This 592-page resource covers rifles, shotguns, handguns, muzzleloaders, airguns, optics and more. We like the print edition, but there is also a Kindle eBook version for $16.00 on Amazon. Both paperback and Kindle versions provide hundreds of photos plus new product roundups, in-depth product tests, and scores of articles and stories.
Gun Digest 2023 Editor-in-Chief Phil Massaro has assembled a large team of respected industry authors for the new book, including Craig Boddington, Joe Coogan, Ron Spomer, Patrick Sweeney, Jim Supica, Thomas Gomez, Tom Turpin, Wayne van Zwoll, Bob Campbell and many more.
Gun Digest 2023 covers hunting, personal defense, target shooting, gunsmithing, and collecting. Historical articles look at the role played by firearms in our country. There are Updated Ballistics Tables, and the catalog section shows off the newest offerings in rifles, handguns, shotguns, muzzleloaders and air rifles. Here are some of the key topics from last year’s 2022 edition:
Reports from the Field cover the newest firearms and accessories. A Testfire section brings readers up to date on product performance. And the annual photo essay spotlights the finest custom and engraved guns.
Other Good Books from Gun Digest Media
Gun Digest Media produces numerous other quality books for rifle, pistol, and shotgun owners. Here are four volumes we recommend. These are offered in both paperback and eBook versions:
CZ-USA has released its new 600 Lux model, part of the CZ 600 series. With an $849.00 MSRP, this handsome rifle features a nice walnut stock, traditional ergonomics, and 60-degree bolt throw. Notably, each 600 Lux rifle comes with a sub-MOA guarantee. The 600 Lux features a dark nitrided barreled action with a very handsome oil-finished, select-grade walnut stock.
The stock’s comb geometry is optimized for use with both optics and the fiber-optic equipped iron sights while retaining the iconic look of the Bavarian-style comb. Fish-scale checkering and a decorative fore-end complete the look.
The 600 Lux is offered with four popular chamberings: .223 Remington, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and .300 Winchester Magnum. The 600 Lux has a hammer-forged light (sporter) contour barrel with a suppressor-ready muzzle. Depending on the cartridge, barrels are available from 20 to 24 inches. The Lux features an oversized wooden bolt knob for improved control with gloved hands. There is controlled round feed, plus cocking indicator.
For enhanced reliability the CZ 600 Lux employs a short extractor, controlled-round-feed design. A patented, 2-position tang safety is intuitive to use and virtually silent. The detachable magazine allows quick reloads, and the magazine can be topped-up via the ejection port for convenience.
CZ 600 Lux Specifications:
Chambering: .223 Rem, .308 Win, .30-06, .300 Win Mag
Rate of Twist: 1:7, 1:10, 1:10, 1:10
Magazine Type: Detachable, with mag lock
Magazine Capacity: 5, 3 (.300 Win Mag)
Stock: Turkish walnut, Bavarian-style
Length of Pull: 14-inches
Sights: Iron rear and fiber-optic front
Scope Mount: Receiver drilled & tapped for Rem 700-type bases
Barrel: Cold hammer forged and threaded (suppressor-ready)
Barrel Length: 20-inches; 24-inches (.300 Win Mag)
Trigger: Single-stage, adjustable (4-positions)
Overall Length: 39.26″, 40.94″, 41.45″, 45.46″
Safety: Vertical, silent 2-Position
MSRP: $849.00
Do you plan to use factory ammo in your hunting rifles? Perhaps you buy bulk centerfire ammo for your AR15s or varmint rifles. And you’ll certainly consider using factory ammo in all your rimfire guns. Then this book can definitely benefit you.
If you ever shoot factory ammo, you should consider getting Ammo & Ballistics 6. This resource lists over 2,600 different loads for 200+ cartridge types from .17 Mach 2 up to .700 Nitro Express, including the most popular centerfire and rimfire cartridges (both rifle and handgun). In this updated-for-2020 Sixth Edition, there are over 3,000 tables covering virtually every caliber and every load for all commercially-loaded hunting ammunition sold in the USA. Tables include velocity, energy, wind drift, bullet drop, and ballistic coefficients up to 1,000 yards.
Ammo & Ballistics 6 helps you select ammo for a hunt — quickly compare the velocity and knock-down power of various commercial ammo. This book can also help you choose a caliber/chambering for your next hunting rig.
Verified Book Purchaser Reviews
“Outstanding reference guide for shooters and ballistic enthusiasts alike. Has data on velocity, energy delivered, Taylor KO index, windage and elevation on numerous loadings for hundreds of [cartridge types]. Each cartridge has all dimensions labeled (i.e rim, case length, neck, etc.), and has an informative description of the cartridges history/relevance.” — S. Step, 2017
“Great heaps of data! This volume has pages and pages of new data for .22 LR like the hot Velocitor, and also on the .22 WMR from 30 grains up into the 50s. Most importantly there is lots of range data, drop, windage, kinetic energy, etc. — Terrific reference guide….” — E. Svanoe
Ammo & Ballistics 6 contains data and illustrations on virtually every sporting cartridge sold in the USA. This latest edition covers 200-plus cartridge types from .17 Mach 2 up to .700 Nitro Express.
Sako, and its subsidiary Tikka, make some of the finest hunting rifles you can buy. These offer smooth actions, and very good out-of-the-box accuracy for factory rifles. In addition, Sako and Tikka now offer high-tech carbon fiber stocks, along with Sako’s handsome wood stocks. With the three videos showcased today, you get a virtual tour of the Sako/Tikka production facilities in Finland.
Tour of Finland SAKO/Tikka Factory — 22-Minute Video
In this informative video, the Canada in the Rough team tours the Sako/Tikka factory in Riihimäki, Finland. All aspects of the production process are covered — crafting actions, barrel-making, stock fitting and more. It was interesting to see the hammer-forging process for barrels, and the exacting measurements that are performed on the actions and bolt assemblies. If you have an interest in rifle production and the type of modern, computer-controlled machinery now being used, definitely watch this video.
Visit to SAKO/Tikka Carbon Fiber Stock Factory
This Sako-produced video shows how the company’s modern carbon-fiber stocks are produced. The stock production process is highly automated, to ensure that the finished stocks have very precise dimensions. These carbon Sakos are some of the nicest carbon-fiber stocks we’ve ever seen.
SAKO Factory Tour in Riihimäki, Finland
In this segment, huntress and outdoor video host Mia Anstine tours the Sako manufacturing facility in Riihimäki, Finland. This video covers both firearms production and ammunition manufacturing. In a follow-up video posted below, Mia tests Sako rifles and Sako ammunition at a Finland range. Mia also reported on her Sako factory tour in the Beretta Blog. She notes: “Sako built its original manufacturing facility during World War I. To this day they still utilize the original buildings but have also grown over the years to include larger production areas and updated equipment.”
Canada in the Rough Video Tip from Boyd Allen — we welcome reader submissions
In years past, one of our favorite features on the NRA Blog was the Friday Feast Recipe of the Week. In the past, the NRA Blog offered up a new delicious food recipe each Friday. Sadly the Friday Feast has not been updated for quite some time, but you can still see dozens of past Friday Feast recipes with this link:
Today’s featured Friday Feast combines two things we love — Italian pasta and Elk meat. Article author Emily Rupertus shares our passion for pasta: “I love pasta. I can’t get enough of it! So when I came across this Classic Elk Lasagna, I couldn’t resist sharing with you! You have to try this perfect twist on a classic comfort food.” After assembling your Lasagna in a big cast-iron skillet and covering with tin-foil, bake the Elk Lasagna in a 400° oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil, add more cheese and continue to bake uncovered for ten more minutes.
Ingredients
1/2 Package of Lasagna Noodles
1 lb Ground Elk Meat (you can substitute ground venison or antelope)
1 Medium Sweet Onion (chopped)
2 Cloves Garlic (chopped)
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
3 Cups Tomato Sauce
32 oz. Ricotta Cheese
1 Cup Parmesan Cheese
1 8 oz. Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (sliced)
2 eggs
The NRA Hunters’ Leadership Forum (HLF) supports the Hunters for the Hungry (HFH) program. A total of $60,000 has been committed to fund affiliates throughout the country. An NRA-supported initiative, Hunters for the Hungry donates millions of meals to charities and programs focused on feeding the less fortunate every year.
“Last year, HFH affiliates across America applied for and received funding totaling $50,000″, said Joseph P. De Bergalis, Jr., Executive Director of NRA General Operations. “Due to the generosity of the NRA Hunters’ Leadership Forum, these subsidies went towards processing and distributing millions of pounds of harvested meat to feed those in need in our communities. We are grateful to HLF for again offering funding support for this meaningful program.”
Hunters for the Hungry utilizes state and independent programs that have provide millions of pounds of venison to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and food banks across the USA. Working with the NRA, these programs connect interested individuals with programs in their area while fostering public awareness through education and fundraising. Available through subsidy awards up to $1,500, the fund covers the cost of processing, shipping, and distributing donated meat.
The NRA encourages all members and supporters to donate to those programs either financially or by donating harvested game meat. To find where you can donate in your area, or to support HFH, visit HFTH.nra.org.
Hunters for the Hungry utilizes state and independent programs that have provide millions of pounds of venison to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and food banks across the USA. Working with the NRA, these programs connect interested individuals with programs in their area while fostering public awareness through education and fundraising. Available through 
