American ammo companies helping Ukraine, and getting the family involved in hunting, are the lead topics this week on Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk Radio, the original nationally-syndicated radio talk show about guns and the shooting sports. Now in its 27th year of syndication, Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk radio show airs on Sundays from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM ET on more than 270 stations, and is live-streamed on the web.
This week, Tom Gresham talks with AMMO Inc’s Chairman and CEO, Fred Wagenhals, about the company’s decision to donate one million rounds of ammunition to Ukrainian armed forces. Read more about the donation on AmmoInc.com. It’s worth noting that Vista Outdoor recently announced that it was also donating one million rounds to the Ukraine military forces defending the country (STORY HERE).
Fred Wagenhals, Ammo Inc’s CEO, said “Ammo Inc., and we as Americans, stand firmly in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, as we stand for freedom and democracy everywhere. While we fervently hope for a quick and peaceful resolution to the crisis and that diplomacy will win the day, we condemn the Russian aggression and its threat to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and freedom.”
Also on this Sunday Julie Golob, a top competitive shooter and the first-ever Woman of the Gun Award winner*, explains how to get the whole family involved in hunting as a pastime.
Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk radio show airs live on Sundays from 2 PM to 5 PM Eastern time on 270+ stations. You can also live-stream the show via the GTRstream.
Everyday Carry Giveaway
And be sure to enter Gun Talk’s Everyday Carry Giveaway through March 31st for a chance to win one of three Grand Prize Packages that include a SCCY DVG-1 Red Dot Ready 9mm pistol, a CrossBreed Holsters gift card, a SuperTuck Deluxe Holster with Found Series Leather, and the SureFire Stiletto Pro flashlight. One First Prize winner will receive the SureFire X300U-B handgun weapon light, and a $100 CrossBreed gift card. And there are three (3) Grand Prize winners. Enter the Giveaway contest now 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 online. Here is a recent podcast about suppressors:
Gun Talk Podcast from 3/3/2022 — Silencer/Suppressor Questions Answered
In a wide-ranging conversation covering everything you want to know about suppressors, Gun Talk Nation’s Ryan Gresham talks with Silencer Central’s CEO Brandon Maddox about all things “can”. Topics include suppressor engineering, new ATF e-Forms, and legal qualifications.
* The NSSF named ace shooter and safety advocate Julie Golob the winner of its first-ever “Woman of the Gun Award” during the 2022 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. The award recognizes Golob’s achievements and contributions to shooting sports, as well as her work to promote the mission and message of NSSF’s Project ChildSafe program. NSSF President Joe Bartozzi stated: “Julie is a mom, veteran, hunter, and one of the most decorated handgun shooting champions in the world For more than a decade, she’s also been an invaluable partner to our Project ChildSafe program, giving of her time, her talents and her energy to promote firearm safety education.”
So you’re thinking of buying a suppressor (aka “moderator”, “silencer”). You can’t just get one off the shelf at Walmart. Acquiring a suppressor requires filling out paperwork and paying a Federal $200 Tax Stamp. Plus there is typically a pretty long wait. However, the good news is that suppressor ownership is now legal in 42 of the 50 American states — that’s 84%! For most American adults, getting a suppressor is legal, provided the buyer passes the required background checks (explained below). The 42 “suppressor-friendly” states are shown as RED in the illustration below.
States Where Suppressor Ownership is Allowed
These 42 states allow private ownership of suppressors: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY. Note: Even if you live in one of the states listed, you should still verify that owning a suppressor is legal in your area. Some states may have municipal- or county-based restrictions.
“Suppressor ownership [has] boomed in the 21st century. Thanks in part to companies like Silencer Central that streamline the purchasing process, the number of registered suppressors has grown from 285,000 in 2010 to over 2.6 million in 2020.” — GunsAmerica Digest
States Which Prohibit Suppressor Ownership
The eight states which prohibit suppressor ownership are: California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. These states are shown in GRAY in the map.
Qualifications to Obtain a Suppressor
To legally obtain a suppressor, you must fill out Federal Forms and pay a $200 fee to the ATF. You must also pass BATFE background checks and otherwise comply with Federal and state laws. States can regulate suppressor ownership or use, so be sure to check the laws in your area. On the federal level, the process to acquire a suppressor is regulated under the National Firearms Act of 1934. According to the American Suppressor Association, to own a suppressor in the United States you must:
1. Be at least 21 years of age to purchase a suppressor from a dealer.
2. Be at least 18 years of age to purchase a suppressor from an individual on a Form 4 to Form 4 transfer (contingent on state laws).
3. Be at least 18 years of age to possess a suppressor as a beneficiary of a trust or as a member of a corporation (contingent on state laws).
4. Be a resident of the United States.
5. Be legally eligible to purchase a firearm.
6. Pass a BATFE background check with a typical process time of 8 to 10 months.
7. Pay a one time $200 Transfer Tax.
That fifth requirement, “be legally eligible to purchase a firearm”, involves a list of factors. The prohibitions are set forth in the “prohibited person” list found on ATF Form 4473.*
Some 39 of the 42 states that allow suppressors also permit the use of suppressors when hunting. However, three states which allow suppressor ownership DO prohibit the use of suppressors while hunting or shooting game. These states, all in the Northeast, are: Connecticut, Maryland, and Vermont.
There is an informative article on the NRA’s American Hunter website regarding suppressor use for hunting. The article, What Hunters Need to Know About Suppressors, answers common questions about licensing, tax stamps, and suppressor types. The article explains the history of the $200 tax stamp which must be paid when acquiring a suppressor:
“Why the Tax? In 1934 … the federal government, while battling gangsters such as Al Capone, heavily restricted silencers with passage of the first National Firearms Act. Hoping to gain an advantage on criminals that often had better weapons than cops, the Feds placed a mandatory ‘sin’ tax on silencers that was so high it would effectively ban their purchase by all but the wealthiest individuals. In 1934, $200 was the equivalent of $3,500 today. The $200 tax still stands despite no evidence that a simple metal tube is capable of causing crime.” — American Hunter
The American Hunter article also discusses how well suppressors actually reduce noise. User should be aware that the sound level of a large, centerfire hunting cartridge will still exceed 130 decibels (dB) on average, even with a typical suppressor (silencer) in place. For that reason, we recommend that hunters continue to wear ear protection even when they shoot suppressed.
Persons prohibited from acquiring a firearm, under Federal law, are those who fall into on or more of categories listed below. Prohibited individuals include any PERSON:
— Who was convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year;
— Who is a fugitive from justice;
— Who is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance (as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act, codified at 21 U.S.C. § 802);
— Who has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to any mental institution;
— Who is an illegal alien;
— Who has been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions;
— Who has renounced his or her United States citizenship;
— Who is subject to a court order restraining the person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or child of the intimate partner; or
— Who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
Report Based on Article by NSSF
Two anti-hunting groups, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Natural Resources Defense Council, want to severely restrict hunting in the USA. These two organizations have petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Department of the Interior (DOI) to ban transport of harvested wild animals and most birds across state lines. That would have a devastating effect on hunting throughout the USA.
The petition of the anti-hunting groups calls for a complete ban on interstate transport of not just live animals, but also the meat, hide, horns, antlers and skulls of harvested animals. The petition targets hunters who take animals in other states and transport them home, even if the game has been professionally prepared by a butcher or taxidermist.
These two groups are attempting to impose legislation through regulation. By petitioning the USFWS and DOI to promulgate rules to end the ability for hunters to fill their coolers in another state and bring home the meat, hides, antlers and horns, they’re attempting to bypass the legislative process. They’re abusing a rule-making process to impose a radical anti-hunting agenda without lawmaker input.
The NSSF considers this the most serious threat to hunting in the United States since Dan Ashe, former USFWS director, attempted to ban the use of traditional ammunition on federal lands. That attempt was rolled back by former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.
The groups’ petition would amend the Lacey Act regulations to prohibit the importation, transportation, or acquisition of wild animals. Since the USFWS regulates interstate transportation and importation of wild animals, that’s a death knell to hunting in the United States. That means the trophy Texas buck wouldn’t be able to be brought home to Virginia, or a Rocky Mountain elk would never fill a Florida freezer.
Extremist Anti-Hunting Groups Have Filed Hundreds of Lawsuits
Both the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) — are known extremist anti-hunting groups. The Center for Biological Diversity boasted of suing the Trump administration 266 times. And the Center attacked hunting by suing the Environmental Protection Agency for denying a petition to ban traditional ammunition. A federal judge dismissed that suit. But the group alleges that hunters shooting traditional ammunition is the same as industrial dumping of lead waste. The case was dismissed three times but is being appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit for the third time.
The Natural Resources Defense Council has been party to many of the same lawsuits as the Center for Biological Diversity. The NRDC will typically petition for a rule change and then sue the agencies when it believes the federal agency is taking too long.
The actions by these two groups to limit the transport of legally-harvested wildlife across state lines is a direct threat to the 15+ million people who buy hunting licenses in America each year. These actions need to be challenged, since 23 states have statutes or State Constitutional provisions which guarantee citizens’ rights to hunt and fish.
The NSSF says hunters need to fight back: “The petition to halt hunting in its tracks is beyond irresponsible. It is dangerous and potentially harmful to America’s wild scenes. This is a moment not just for USFWS and DOI to reject political special interests, but for every hunter, outdoorsman and woman to recognize how extremist organizations are weaponizing government bureaucracies against them.”
Fighting Legal Challenges to Hunting on Federal Lands
In a related development, Safari Club International, Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and NRA-ILA have filed motions to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to expand hunting and fishing opportunities on more than 2.3 million acres of land at 106 National Wildlife Refuges. The suit is Center for Biological Diversity v. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“The National Wildlife Refuge System was created to increase opportunities for families to engage in traditional outdoor actives including hunting, fishing, hiking and more,” said Erica Tergeson, NRA-ILA’s director of hunting policy. “Denying access to more than 2.3 million acres runs counter to the entire concept of public lands.”
Where is hunting allowed in your state? Click the map below for more info:
On the WheretoHunt.org website, click any state on the interactive MAP, and resource links will load.
For today’s Saturday at the Movies special, we provide a selection of videos showcasing rifle and pistol cartridge types — from tiny .17 caliber cases to huge 20mm cases. Two of the videos use advance computer animation to provide 3D views of dozens of cartridge types. Then there are some expert commentaries by Jerry Miculek and Ron Spomer discussing the characteristics and performance of various cartridge types. Finally, we provide two videos that discuss rimfire cartridges and show how .22 LR rounds are produced in a modern CCI factory.
90 Different Rifle Cartridge Types in Computer Animation
In this rifle ammunition comparison animation there are 90 different cartridge types, from very small (.22 Flobert) to very, very big (20mm Vulcan). This video employs sophisticated, 3D CAD animation to showcase 90 different rifle cartridges, one after the other, in sequence. It covers from .17 Caliber up to 20mm. Obviously a lot of time and effort went into this video, but it really is cool to see so many different cartridge types in one 3.5-minute video.
After the full line-up is complete at 1:41, the video then provides other smaller comparison, such as multiple large hunting cartridges (2:15) and .22 Caliber cartridges (2:45, see above). All the cartridge models are made using Autodesk Inventor software, and then the “line-up” animation was completed with Autodesk Showcase.
Cartridge Types Included (in Caliber Order, then Metric Order):
1) .17 HM2
2) .17 HMR
3) .204 Ruger
4) .218 Bee
5) .22 Flobert
6) .22 Hornet
7) .22 LR
8) .22 Magnum
9) .22 PPC
10) .22 Short
11) .220 Jaybird
12) .223 Rem/5.56x45mm
13) .223 WSSM
14) .224 Weatherby Magnum
15) .225 Winchester
16) .240 Weatherby Magnum
17) .243 Winchester
18) .25 Remington Auto
19) .250 Savage
20) .25-06 Remington
21) .256 Winchester Magnum
22) .257 Roberts
23) .260 Remington
24) .264 Winchester Magnum
25) .270 Weatherby Magnum
26) .270 Winchester
27) .280 British
28) .280 Remington
29) .284 Winchester
30) .30 Carbine
31) .300 H&H Magnum
32) .300 Rem Ultra Magnum
33) .300 Savage
34) .300 Winchester Magnum
35) .300 Win Short Mag (WSM)
36) .30-06 Springfield
37) .303 British
38) .30-30
39) .308 Norma Magnum
40) .308 Winchester
41) .32 Winchester Special
42) .325 WSM
43) .338 Lapua Magnum
44) .35 Whelen
45) .350 Remington Magnum
46) .375 H&H Magnum
47) .376 Steyr
48) .408 Cheyenne
49) .416 Remington Magnum
50) .416 Weatherby Magnum
51) .444 Marlin
52) .450 Marlin
53) .450 Nitro Express
54) .458 Win Magnum
55) .45×70
56) .460 Weatherby Magnum
57) .465 H&H Magnum
58) .470 Nitro Express
59) .50 BMG / 12.7×99 NATO
60) .500 jeffery
61) .505 Gibbs
62) .577 Nitro Express
63) .577 Tyrannosaur
64) .600 Nitro Express
65) .700 Nitro Express
66) .950 JDJ
67) 4.6×30 mm
68) 4.6x30mm
69) 5.6×50 Magnum
70) 5.7x28mm
71) 5mm/SMc
72) 6mm LEE
73) 6.5×55 Swedish
74) 6.5×6 mm Schuler
75) 6.8mm Remington SPC
76) 6mm PPC
77) 6×45 mm
78) 7mm Weatherby Magnum
79) 7mm Remington Magnum
80) 7mm Rem Ultra Magnum
81) 7.62×39 mm FMJ
82) 7.7×58 Arisaka
83) 7.95×57 Mauser
84) 8mm Remington Magnum
85) 9.3×62 mm
86) 9.3×64 Brenneke
87) 14.5×114 mm
88) 20mm Vulcan
89) 25mmx137mm
90) 30mmx173 mm
Ammunition Size Line-Up — from Tiny to Massive
This animation video shows the size comparison of ammunition from a 2.34mm rimfire caliber to the massive 800mm caliber shell of the Schwerer Gustav railway cannon used by German forces in World War II. This video includes many common rifle and pistol cartridges/calibers, but also includes large artillery ammunition. This video has very good CGI Graphics. Below is part of the line-up from the .17 Remington Fireball (far left) to the famed .50 BMG (far right):
Ammunition Types Showcased in this video:
2.34mm rimfire
2.7mm Kolibri
3mm Kolibri
4.25 mm Liliput
.17 Hornady Mach 2
.17 Remington Fireball
.17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire
.22 Long Rifle
.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire
HK 4.6×30mm
4.6×36 Loffelspitz
5.45mmx18 MPTs
5.7×28mm SS190
.280 British 7×43
.297/230 Morris Short
.297/230 Morris Long
.30 Pedersen 7.65×20mm
7.92×33mm Kurz
.300 Winchester Short Magnum
8×50mmR Mannlicher
.499 LWR
.577/450 Martini–Henry
.600 Nitro Express
.470 Nitro Express
.50 Beowulf
.50 BMG
20×102 M55A3
25×137 M793
Popular Cartridges/Calibers for Self-Defense and Hunting
This video focuses on popular calibers/cartridges used for self-defense and hunting. It provides a quick but informative overview of the capabilities (and intended uses) of many types of pistol, rifle, and shotgun ammunition. The video discusses the pros/cons of various cartridge types and explains how you would select ammo for a particular purposes (e.g. skeet loads vs. defense shotshells). If you are considering buying a carry pistol and are undecided about caliber choice, this is a good video to watch.
Flattest-Shooting Cartridges by Caliber (Ron Spomer)
In this 15-minute video, hunting expert Ron Spomer examines a variety of standard and wildcat cartridges from .17 caliber all the way to .338 caliber. For each caliber, Ron picks a flat-shooting “winner” and provides some ballistics comparison tables. This video is quite popular, with over 550,000 views on YouTube.
Ammo Types and Calibers — Jerry Miculek Explains the Basics
In this video, legendary shooter Jerry Miculek talks about popular types of pistol and rifle ammunition and the various bullet options used for plinking, competition, and self-defense. Jerry, one of the greatest pistol shooters on the planet, provides useful insights on cartridge selection and bullet choices. Jerry notes: “There are a TON of different types of ammunition” so he explains the basics. And Jerry answers common questions such as: “What is the difference between ball and hollow-point bullets?” and “What type of gun takes rimmed cartridge versus rimless?”.
.22 Caliber Rimfire Cartridges — Some Key Facts Revealed
We recommend all .22 rimfire shooters watch this video from Old English Outfitters. It explains some important facts and clarifies some common misconceptions about to .22 caliber ammunition. To learn more about modern .22 LR rimfire ammo, we also recommend the video below, which shows how CCI .22 LR ammunition is manufactured, start to finish.
BONUS Video — How .22 LR Ammunition Is Made
YouTube host 22Plinkster toured the CCI/Speer production facility in Lewiston, Idaho. While touring the plant, 22Plinkster was allowed to capture video showing the creation of .22 LR rounds from start to finish. This is a fascinating video, well worth watching.
This revealing video shows all phases of .22 LR ammo production including cupping, drawing, annealing, washing, drying, head-stamping, priming, powder charging, bullet seating, crimping, waxing, inspection, and final packaging. If you’ve got ten minutes to spare, we really recommend you watch the video from start to finish. You’ll definitely learn some new things about rimfire ammo.
In April 2020, the National Rifle Association (NRA) launched NRAWomen.com, a website dedicated to the fastest-growing group of firearm owners — America’s women. This website serves the increasing number of female gun owners, huntresses, and competitive shooters. Female involvement in firearms is growing significantly. Consider these numbers: Statistica estimates that 19% of women in the USA owned firearms in 2020, while 23% of women surveyed in a 2011 Gallup Poll stated they owned a gun.
Here are four videos from the NRAWomen.com website, all worth watching. For each example, click the links to read the related articles on NRAWomen.com.
1. How to Sight-In Your Hunting Rifle
This video and related article offer good basic advice for sighting-in a hunting rifle. There are a series of six points covered. Here’s Tip #1: “Find a safe place to shoot your rifle with a backstop. If possible, use a bench and a rock-solid shooting rest. Sighting-in is all about consistency, so the less human error you have, the better. For safety, be sure to also bring ear and eye protection.” READ FULL ARTICLE on NRAWomen.com.
2. Buying Your First Handgun — Factors to Consider
Buying your first firearm can be overwhelming, with all the choices available. And personal preference/fit are especially important with handguns that may be carried on your person. This video follows two first-time buyers as they select their first handgun. The video explains factors to consider: Ergonomics, Accuracy, Caliber, Concealability, Recoil, Reliability, and Price. RELATED Articles on NRAWomen.com.
3. Cartridge Case Material Varieties — Brass, Nickle-Plated Brass, Aluminum, Steel Alloy
The case of a cartridge holds bullet, powder, and primer. Brass cases are most popular, but nickle-plated brass cases are also common and reloadable (though they generally don’t last as long as plain brass). Major manufacturers produce aluminum-cased pistol ammo, such as CCI Blazer. Aluminum pistol cases can shoot great, but are not (normally) reloadable. Finally, some large manufacturers, mostly foreign, produce steel-cased ammo. All different case types have certain advantages and disadvantages, though conventional brass is definitely the best choice for hand-loaders. This video explains pros and cons of each type of cartridge case construction. RELATED Articles on NRAWomen.com.
4. Modular Safes — Smart Option for Easier Moving
This article features a great video showing how to assemble a modular safe in under 30 minutes. This article also explains the benefits of modular gunsafes — primarily easier transport and installation. “Modular safes have been around for a few years now and are becoming more popular. Here’s why: The safe comes delivered to you in panels, so you can bring them into your home one at a time and put it together anywhere you like. This makes it easy to carry up and down stairs, onto elevators or anywhere! Security — Is it as secure as one that comes pre-assembled? The answer is, absolutely.” READ FULL ARTICLE on NRAWomen.com.
For 2022, Hornady has introduced a new CX™ (Copper alloy eXpanding) hunting projectile. This monolithic CX bullet is designed to provide outstanding performance when hunting in areas where solid lead or lead-core bullets are prohibited. Hornady states: “The new CX™ bullet from Hornady represents the most advanced monolithic hunting bullet on the market. Its optimized design offers extended range performance, greater accuracy, high weight retention, and deep penetration.” The Heat Shield tip is made of a heat-resistant polymer that … provides a consistently high BC for the bullet’s entire flight path. The grooves on the CX bullet are claimed to “maximize aerodynamic performance while effectively reducing bearing surface and fouling”. Fully California-compatible and appropriate for use in other areas that prohibit lead in bullets, CX bullets are a good option for hunting medium-size to large game. The CX will be available in a number of calibers/bullet weights: 6mm, .25 Cal, 6.5mm, .270 Cal, 7mm, .308, .338, and .375.
Along with the CX bullets by themselves, Hornady will offer factory ammunition loaded with these monolithic copper alloy bullets. CX bullets are offered in Hornady’s Outfitter, Superformance, and Custom ammunition product lines.
Read full story in GunsAmerica Digest for all 18 reasons to own a suppressor.
Do you own a suppressor yet? If you live in a state where silencers are allowed, there are many good reasons to get a modern suppressor. The process for acquisition has been streamlined. Vendors such as SilencerCo can now handle most of the legal paperwork required. And the choice of suppressors is greater than ever before.
Along with basic noise reduction, what are the key reasons to get a suppressor? There are actually many. True Pearce, Editor of the GunsAmerica Digest, has written an excellent article about the benefits of suppressors: Why a Silencer Might Prevent Dementia & 17 Other Reasons You Need a Suppressor. Here are FIVE of the 18 reasons outlined in the article. We recommend you read the full story to access ALL 18 reasons. That full article has worthwhile insights for anyone considering getting a suppressor.
Reason — Protect Your Hearing
Owning and using a suppressor helps prevent hearing loss. Hearing loss is a legitimate health concern that all firearms owners should be concerned about. Firearms are loud. The average firearm without a suppressor is between 140-165 dB and creates what is called an impulse noise (i.e. a noise that lasts for less than one second).
OSHA’s limit for impact/impulse noise is 140 dB…. Every time you fire a gun (including a .22 LR) without hearing protection or a suppressor, you can permanently lose hearing and it never returns. Surgery and hearing aids cannot restore the hearing you lose — it’s gone forever. Suppressors do not make your gun silent! However, they can make the impulse noise much less than 140 dB.
Reason — Reduce Muzzle Blast
A suppressor reduces or eliminates muzzle blast. Traditionally, we associate flinching with recoil, and while recoil can contribute to flinching, many shooters are finding that when using a suppressor on a caliber with no recoil they don’t suffer from the concussion, noise, and blast. As a result, they don’t close their eyes, flinch, or jerk the trigger.
Reason — Reduce Felt Recoil
A suppressor … reduces recoil or kick. Nobody that’s telling the truth enjoys getting punched in the shoulder, and that’s essentially what happens when you shoot a lightweight centerfire magnum rifle. Suppressors are very effective at slowing the recoil down or [reducing it significantly]. I personally observed a small (70-lb) 12-year-old boy shoot a 5.5-pound 6.5 PRC with a suppressor. After shooting he got up smiling and said, “That didn’t kick at all!”.
Reason — Reduce Muzzle Rise to Keep Your View on Target
Suppressors reduce muzzle rise and make it possible to stay on target through your shot [so you can watch the trace and impact]. This allows you to make your own wind calls and corrections.
Reason — Reduce Dust and Dirt Kicked Up from Muzzle Blast
Suppressors prevent snow, dust, dirt, or other debris from blowing up when you shoot prone. If you’ve shot much with muzzle brakes, you know this is a real thing.
Right now the IWA Outdoor Classics trade show is underway in Nuremberg, Germany. Hosted six weeks after SHOT Show in Las Vegas, the IWA event is Europe’s biggest gathering for the hunting and shooting sports industries. Many new products have been unveiled for the first time this week in Germany, including many interesting new rifles, pistols, and shotguns.
For today’s Sunday GunDay edition we provide “quick takes” on six guns showcased at the 2022 IWA Outdoor Classics shows. Most of these highlighted firearms have been released in the last year or so. Some of the guns are older, but still probably “new” to American readers/viewers.
TTS Xceed R Bullpup Hunting Rifle with Integrated Silencer
This is a very unique bolt-action bullpup hunting rifle boasting an “integrated silencer”. That built-in suppressor, a great feature for hunters, keeps the rifle’s overall length to just 33.5 inches (85 cm) with a 19.7 inch (50 cm) barrel. The manufacturer, Tec Target Schneider (TTS) states that this Xceed R rifle has great ergonomics and low perceived recoil. All major metal parts, including the stainless barrel, have a protective matte black coating.
The barrel can be swapped in minutes. The barrel locks directly into the action liner via six lugs in two rows. A variety of calibers/chamberings are offered. IWA Show Link.
Pedersoli Howdah Deluxe (.45 LC plus .410 Gauge)
This unique, double-barreled handgun is a reproduction of the famous Auto & Burglar pistol produced by the Ithaca Company in the 1920s. This Pedersoli Howdah Deluxe version features rifled barrels and special cartridge chambers enabling the interchangeable use of either .45 Long Colt cartridges or .410 gauge shot-shells. The firearm featured manual extractors, plus an automatic safety on the hammers. This unusual, eye-catching pistol has a nice, case-hardened action and oil-finished premium walnut stock. As shown, the Howdah Deluxe version features dark-finished (high polish) barrels, engravings on the action and the opening lever, plus a bright gold-plated trigger. IWA Show Link.
Bergara BA13 Take-Down Rifle
The Bergara BA13 Take Down single-shot rifle can be carried easily in a hunter’s backpack, and then assembled quickly and easily without tools. This makes the BA13 a great stow-away gun for camp, boat, or truck. Along with the wood-stocked version shown, there are composite-stocked versions, either thumbhole (shown above) or standard in black, Wood Camo, and Realtree Edge Camo. In the USA the BA13 is available in .223 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Winchester. In Europe a variety of other chamberings are offered. The button-rifled fluted barrels are either AISI4041 carbon steel or AISI416 stainless steel. This compact rifle comes complete with iron sights plus a mounted Weaver-type rail. IWA Show Link.
Pedersoli 86/71 Lever Action Boarbuster Mark II Lever-Action
The latest version of Pedersoli’s Boarbuster 86/71 MARK II is a lever gun for the 21st century. Unlike most lever guns, the stock has an adjustable comb, so that it works with an optic. The rifle comes with Weaver/Picatinny scope base on the barrel, plus a provision for fitting a scope offset over the action (see photo). Pedersoli also supplies front and rear iron sights with superluminova technology, which improves sight visibility in poor light conditions. The action, lever, barrel, and feed tube are all Cerakoted, providing extreme protection against both wear and corrosion. IWA Show Link.
Chiappa Firearms Rhino Nebula Revolver
Chiappa’s eye-catching Nebula Rhino revolvers feature a unique vivid colors with a blue laminate grip and signature 6 O’clock lower barrel placement. The Nebula 60DS was first introduced with a 6″ barrel in .357 Magnum. Now, for 2022, the Nebula 30DS is also offered in .357 Mag with 3″ barrel. The Chiappa Rhino revolver’s design features a lower bore axis compared to other revolvers so the Rhino’s barrel is directly in line with the shooter’s hand, wrist and arm. This reduces muzzle rise significantly and also reduces the amount of recoil felt by the user. Other Chiappa Rhino revolvers are available in four different finishes (Black, Chrome, OD Green Cerakote, PVD Gold) in 2″, 3″, 4″, 5″, and 6 barrel lengths with a variety of chamberings (9mm Luger, .357 Magnum, .40 SW). IWA Show Link.
Kahr GEN2 Premium Pistols
Kahr’s new GEN2 Premium Series pistols have upgrades that make the pistols better for rapid-fire gun games. The 6″ barrel model comes with compensated barrel, a mounted Leupold Red Dot, plus tall target sights. Both the 5″ barrel and 6″ barrel models have front slide serrations, double recoil springs (for reduced felt recoil), and a redesigned magazine base and grip. This model also has a 30% shorter trigger stroke for quicker firing rates. These striker-fired Kahr Gen2 Premium pistols will be offered in a total of 12 models, four barrel lengths, and three calibers including 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. IWA Show Link.
Pardini FR22 Smallbore 3-Position Rifle
The new Pardini FR22 .22 LR rimfire rifle is optimized for 50 meter 3P shooting events. Key features are the modular, adjustable stock, and a trigger with a very wide range of adjustments. The innovative stock allows the shooter to save time when transitioning from one shooting position to the next in 3-Position events. By unscrewing a single knob, one can completely remove the butt pad, cheek piece, and pistol grip. Pardini states: “The FR22 offers new and original features that give an advantage to the competitor during every stage of the match, especially when time makes a true difference.” FR22 Components include: Centra Spy rear sight, Centra Score front sight, Pardini butt-plate, wood/ergal hand-rest with internal and external weight set, slim cheek piece. The grip is available in 3 different sizes. IWA Show Link.
This video explains the features of the Pardini FR22 Smallbore Competition Rifle
BCM Europarms Barrel Block Rifle
This interesting rifle is definitely not new-for-2022. It has been around for a decade or so, but it is still noteworthy. This Italian-designed rifle was created for F-Class and long-range prone competition. The key feature is an integrated barrel block that allows the action itself to free-float. We’ve seen this design on rail guns and some 1K benchrest heavy guns, but it is very uncommon to see a barrel block on an F-Class rig. This BCM Europarms rig can be ordered from AmmoTerra in a wide variety of chamberings, with your choice of barrel length and barrel manufacturer. The manufacturer states: “This system allows a complete floating action, avoiding all the possible tensions due to an incorrect tightening. The stock can be made in any available color through anodizing process: light grey, anthracite grey, black, army green, electric blue, red, bright green, or bronze.” The action, which is single-shot only, features a conventional two-lug bolt. The barrel block employs 8 bolts. IWA Show Link.
The Francolin Arms XR 410 is a revolver-action .410 gauge shotgun with a 5-round capacity. It features an exposed hammer, checkered Turkish Walnut stock, and 20″ or 24″ barrel. The XR 410 comes with adjustable rear sight, and Fiber Optic front sight on the 20″ or 24″ barrels. This unusual rig is manufactured in Turkey by Tugra Silah, and is distributed in Europe by Francolin Arms. In North America this is sold as a “Lazer Arms” product. IWA Show Link.
Korth Super Sport STX Revolver — $4338.00 Wheelgun
Germany’s Korth Arms makes some of the best revolvers on the planet. Korth’s machining tolerances are second to none. The triggers are superb and the accuracy is excellent. For 2022, at IWA Outdoor Classics, Korth featured a “badass” black heavy-barreled wheelgun, the Super Sport STX Revolver. This features a full-length scope rail and slab sides, for use in Bianchi Cup-type competitions. Korth states: “In addition to the National Standard Super Sport STX, we present the weight-reduced ALX version. Both weapon types are equipped with a 4-position rear sight.” You’ll need serious bucks to buy a Korth Super Sport. The STX model in .357 Magnum sells for 3970.00 Euros (about $4338.00 U.S.). IWA Show Link.
The IWA Outdoor Classics trade show, aka “Euro SHOT Show”, runs March 3-6 at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre in Germany. IWA Outdoor Classics is Europe’s biggest combined trade show for the hunting, shooting, and civilian/military security industries. This year 918 exhibitors from a total of 54 countries will present their latest products and services in ten exhibit halls. We are pleased to see the IWA Outdoor Classics return in 2022 after the event was cancelled due to COVID in 2020 and 2021.
We featured some notable images from the IWA Outdoor Classics trade show in yesterday’s Daily Bulletin. Here is our second installment of IWA images. CLICK HERE for MORE PHOTOS.
Three long years have passed since the last IWA Outdoor Classics in 2019. In years past this been a hugely popular event, attracting over 45,500 trade visitors from 115 countries.
European Market for Civilian Firearms is Thriving
While IWA show attendance may be lower this year, Europe’s civilian firearms industries are thriving, based on data from the European Institute of Hunting and Sporting Arms (IEACS). “Global production of civilian firearms has increased in recent years, as has European production, which recorded 3.6 million firearms produced in 2020, of which 2.7 million were pistols and 900,000 were shotguns and rifles. Compared to the previous year, this represents a 34% increase in European firearms production,” said Nicola Perrotti, IEACS president.
The IWA Outdoor Classics trade show, aka “Euro SHOT Show”, opened yesterday, March 3rd, in Nuremberg, Germany. For four days (March 3-6, 2022), exhibitors from around the world will show their products at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre. IWA Outdoor Classics is Europe’s biggest combined trade show for the hunting, shooting, and civilian/military security industries. CLICK HERE for MORE PHOTOS.
Three long years have passed since the last IWA Outdoor Classics in 2019. In years past this been a hugely popular event, attracting over 45,500 trade visitors from 115 countries. This year 918 exhibitors from a total of 54 countries will present their latest products and services in ten exhibit halls. We are pleased to see the IWA Outdoor Classics return in 2022 after the event was cancelled due to COVID in 2020 and 2021.
Anschutz straight-pull action Biathlon rifle with interesting skeletonized grips.
European Market for Civilian Firearms is Thriving
While IWA show attendance may be lower this year, Europe’s civilian firearms industries are thriving, based on data from the European Institute of Hunting and Sporting Arms (IEACS). “Global production of civilian firearms has increased in recent years, as has European production, which recorded 3.6 million firearms produced in 2020, of which 2.7 million were pistols and 900,000 were shotguns and rifles. Compared to the previous year, this represents a 34% increase in European firearms production,” said Nicola Perrotti, IEACS president.
About the IWA Outdoor Classics Trade Show
What is now the IWA Outdoor Classics trade show began 49 years ago as Germany’s national product show for gunsmiths and gun retailers. That product show started modestly in 1973 with less than 100 exhibitors. Over the past five decades IWA Outdoor Classics has grown into a massive event, drawing the major players in the hunting, security, and shooting sports industries. In the firearm universe, the IWA event is second only to America’s SHOT Show in importance.
IWA Live Talks – Long Range Shooting and Hunting
In this IWA-hosted video, Nic Kytlica, Shooting Sports Marketing Manager at Leupold, explains how modern optical and electronic technology has enhanced long-range shooting. Nic also explains key equipment used for long-range shooting and hunting. The video also covers the rise of long-range competition shooting in Europe. To view other IWA Live Talks, CLICK HERE.
Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk radio show airs live on Sundays from 2 PM to 5 PM Eastern time on 270+ stations. You can also live-stream the show via the GTRstream.
