Enjoy the Shooting Sports USA Archives
As we head into spring, many Americans will be spending more time at the range. And competitors will be shooting in rimfire and centerfire rifle matches throughout the country. Here’s an opportunity to learn competition skills, gun tuning methods, and reloading techniques from leading experts. A vast resource of great gun-related content available online for FREE. Check out the Shooting Sports USA Articles Archive. SSUSA maintains a vast digital library with hundreds of articles going back to June 2009.
It’s easy to find back issues of Shooting Sports USA magazine. Here’s how: First, navigate to the latest SSUSA Online Issue (March 2024). Then click on the “ARCHIVES” icon in the upper right area (indicated with red arrow). When you click on “ARCHIVES”, a window will open with a selection of Shooting Sports USA magazine covers/dates in a vertical column. The most recent issue (March 2024) will appear at the top left. You can then scroll down — use the vertical scroll bar to go from March 2024 all the way back to June 2009. Click any issue cover to read.
How to Find and Save Articles
To search back issues, select “MORE OPTIONS” from the toolbar (top left). Then click the “SEARCH” button. When that opens, select either “Search Archives” for ALL back issues or “Search Only this Issue”. When you’ve made your choice, enter your search term(s). For example, you can search for “Camp Perry” or “Palma” or “F-Class Championship”. You can also save any archived issue as a PDF for viewing offline. Just click “SAVE” to download the article you’re currently viewing/reading.
Read Sample Articles
Here are a three of our favorite SSUSA feature stories from recent years. There are hundreds of other informative articles worth reading.
F-Class fans will enjoy the coverage of the 2023 F-Class World Championships in the June 2023 issue of Shooting Sports USA. On the cover is our friend and Forum member Erik Cortina.
This 600+ 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 $19.99 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. FYI, the upcoming Gun Digest 2025 (79th Edition) will be released in late August 2024. Pre-order price is $39.63.
There are dozens of photo-illustrated feature articles. Among the notable stories are a guide to the new Hornady 7 PRC cartridge, a detailed history of .45-70 Gov’t rifles (from 1878 to the present day), an extensive review of single-shot falling block rifles, and a feature on custom and engraved rifles.
Gun Digest 2024 Editor-in-Chief Phil Massaro has assembled a large team of respected industry authors for the new book, including Kristin Alberts, Joe Arterburn, Craig Boddington, Joe Coogan, Rick Hacker, Jay Leyendecker, Robert Sadowski, Ron Spomer, Patrick Sweeney, Wayne van Zwoll, and many more.
Gun Digest 2024 covers hunting, personal defense, target shooting, gunsmithing, and collecting. There are Updated Ballistics Tables, and the catalog section shows off the newest offerings in rifles, handguns, shotguns, muzzleloaders and air rifles. The new 78th Edition has a vast collection of gun histories, in-depth reviews, and new product roundups. Written by top gun writers, the feature stories cover every aspect of guns and shooting — hunting, personal defense, target practice, gun making, and collecting. In addition to this, the Gun Digest 2024 book includes gun field tests, ballistic tables and more.
Reports from the Field cover the newest firearms and accessories. A Testfire section brings readers up to date on product performance. And there are over 30 feature stories, including the Guns of Western Movies/TV, Rimfire Handguns, and Hunting rifles.
Other Good Books from Gun Digest Media
Gun Digest Media produces numerous other quality books for rifle, pistol, and shotgun owners. Here are four books we recommend. These are offered in both paperback and eBook versions:
The Gathering is a special event presented by Palmetto State Armory that allows gun writers and regular shooters to try out a variety of firearms and accessories. The Gathering 2024 runs March 22-23, 2024 in Clinton, SC. There will be live-fire demonstrations along with opportunities to try various products. Guns on display included firearms from SIG Sauer, Glock, Springfield Armory, Taurus and more.
The Gathering is a Firearm Range Day and Expo presented by Palmetto State Armory. The Gathering brings together the firearms community, media and public to showcase new and existing firearms, optics, and accessories. This year’s event is held at The Clinton House Plantation, a 2000-acre facility that houses 17 live-fire shooting bays, two clay courses, a 1000-yard range, and a mile-long range.
At The Gathering 2024, Silencer Central will have live-fire demonstrations suppressors. CEO of Silencer Central, Brandon Maddox notes: “We’ve reinvented the process of buying a silencer and are thrilled to showcase… our products at The Gathering[.]” Attendees will be able to purchase a silencer, have required ATF ID logged, generate their free NFA Gun Trust, and digitally sign their ATF application all at the event.
The pandemic-caused cancellation of the 2021 SHOT Show range day inspired Palmetto State Armory to launch its own Industry Range Day called The Gathering. The first Gathering was a big success in 2021. In 2022, PSA had its second Gathering which was even bigger and better — see the video above. And last year, the 2023 edition of The Gathering was held with great success. See the video below:
UltimateReloader.com offers some of the most thorough firearms and reloading tool tests on the internet. And UltimateReloader’s YouTube Channel has over 1040 great videos that showcase reloading tools, accurate firearms, precision optics, gunsmithing methods, and top-tier reloading components. For today’s Saturday at the Movies feature, we showcase five videos recently created by Gavin Gear and his UltimateReloader team. These videos highlight a superb Long-Range Target Camera, the remarkable AMP Press, the new Hornady PRC cartridges, and other interesting topics.
Since starting his channel in 2007, Gavin has released over 1040 videos showcasing reloading products, gunsmithing, and gun testing. Thanks to Gavin’s movie-making skills and hard work, his YouTube Channel now has 335,000+ subscribers. And over the years Gavin’s videos have received over 73.8 million views. Gavin’s videos have benefited shooting enthusiasts and hand-loaders around the globe.
Multiple Muzzle Brake Performance with .224 Bullets
This video includes some serious testing of muzzle brakes in three bore sizes. One each designed for .224 caliber, 6.5mm caliber, and .308 caliber. The goal of the project was to see how brake bore affected recoil reduction, and accuracy. Gavin’s team uses two rifles, one AR and one 22-250 bolt action. Gavin’s testing equipment allows him to plot recoil force with great precision. What did they find: “With optimized clearance [.224 brake] we got the lowest recoil”.
New LongShot Ranger and Ranger Plus Target Cameras
Longshot offers superb, reliable, high-resolution target cameras favored by top shooters around the world. Now LongShot is introducing a new Ranger series of target cameras starting at just $199.00 for the basic Ranger which runs at 100 yards. For those who regularly shot at longer distances, the new Ranger Plus reaches out to 1000 yards. Right now you can get the impressive Ranger Plus for a $299.00 “Pre-Order” sale price. The features of these two systems are compared in the graphic below:
Bergara Premier Competition Rifle in 6GT
The 6GT is a popular new cartridge originally developed for the PRS/NRL discipline. It has a case capacity and case length between the 6 Dasher and the 6mm Creedmoor. This allows it to rival the accuracy of the 6 Dasher with less recoil than a 6mm Creedmoor, and potentially longer barrel life because less powder is burned with each shot. In this video Gavin tests the new Bergara factory precision rifle chambered in 6 GT. This rifle is based around the Bergara Premier action with a stainless No. 7 taper 1:7.5″-twist barrel, set in an MPA BA chassis. CLICK HERE for full test article on UltimateReloader.com.
AMP Mark II DB and RAMP Bipod at SHOT Show 2024
Top Benchrest, F-Class, Palma, ELR, Silhouette, and PRS/NRL shooters use AMP annealers. These impressive, computer-controlled annealing machines allow you to get optimal, consistent neck tension. In addition, regular AMP annealing can significantly extend the life of cartridge brass. With good brass now running $130-$160 per 100 cases, you definitely want your brass to last as long as possible.
Shown above is the innovative RAMP Bipod from the New Zealand team that created the revolutionary AMP Annealing machine. This new RAMP Bipod allows easy yet secure elevation changes with the front bipod.
Caldwell Flash Bang Target Impact Indicators
We like reactive targets for the instant gratification that comes with a hit. When shooting steel it’s great to get that rewarding “ping” on impact. But sometimes it’s hard to hear, especially when the targets are far away. Caldwell’s Flash Bang target hit indicators solve this problem, providing visual feedback for the shooter, spotter, and spectators. Gavin notes that: “These small units will mount to any steel target and are incredibly affordable. At $37, replacing them if they are accidentally shot is not a huge loss. In fact, Caldwell is the first company to bring a hit indicator to market that doesn’t eat a hole in your wallet.”
This Week on Shooting USA – The 2024 SHOT Show
SHOT Show 2024 is featured on Shooting USA today on the Outdoor Channel. SHOT stands for “Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Tradeshow”. This is a huge event attracting over 2,500 exhibitors. This year was the biggest ever, with exhibits occupying 800,000+ square feet in the Venetian EXPO and Caesars Forum. If you watch just one episode of Shooting USA TV this year, this might well be a top choice. This episode has very good coverage of products from leading manufacturers including Colt, Smith & Wesson, Hogue, Hornady, Ruger, Mossberg and more. CLICK HERE for 3/6/24 SHOT Show episode highlights.
Shooting USA SHOW TIMES: This Shooting USA Episode airs Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific; 8:00 PM Central on the Outdoor Channel. If you miss the regular broadcast, you can stream the show online at any time on Vimeo for $0.99 per episode.
More SHOT Show 2024 Videos
Interested in more SHOT Show 2024 product coverage? Here are videos that cover new guns, plus the VelociRadar Chronograph and AMP Annealer displayed at SHOT Show 2024.
Day 2 of the IWA Outdoor Classics event (aka “Euro SHOT Show”) is underway. There will be two more days, with the show concluding on Sunday, March 3, 2024. This year’s event has been very popular, with high attendance. The show directors say there are over 1080 exhibiting companies from 53 nations at this year’s event. CLICK HERE to see hundreds of hi-rez photos from manufacturers’ displays at the 2024 IWA Outdoor Classics.
European Market for Civilian Firearms is Thriving
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.
You’ll find over 130 new products on the IWA Outdoor Classics NEW Product Showcase. Product names are listed alphabetically, and you can also search by product type and/or country. Along with the new products you can also access ALL Products at the show. Here are three notable new products we found:
AZ-P1 Giant .38 Special Match Pistol from ARMA ZEKA s.r.o.
Ares LRF Thermal Scope from Thermtec
FZ-8 Hardshell Eco-Leather Full-Length Gun Case from Acropolis
IWA Outdoor Classics Special Programs
There are some cool special programs at this year’s IWA Outdoor Classics. Along with the expert speaker program, there is a Knife Demo Area, an Airsoft Shooting Range, and a very cool Optics Testing Area. We’d like to see that at SHOT Show in the USA.
New Product Showcase Video (English and German)
This video covers a variety of pistols and rifles on display at the 2024 IWA Outdoor Classics event. NOTE: This runs in English for 17 minutes, then the second half of the video is in German language.
This video shows Hornady’s AR-compatible, 22 ARC cartridge and Hornady’s new polymer-tipped ELD-VT bullet.
This video shows new Victrix model Tactical Bolt-action rifles suitable for PRS/NRL matches.
Blast from the Past — Eye-Catching Guns from 2023 IWA
If you like high-grade wood and handsome engraved metal, then watch this video compiled at the 2023 IWA Outdoor Classics. Similar eye-catching firearms are on display this year as well. In a world of polymer pistols and bland black MSRs it’s great to see classic high-grade wood and beautiful metal work.
The IWA Outdoor Classics show is very much about hunting. Here’s a display of the latest and greatest camo and Hi-Viz (day-glo) apparel for hunters.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: SWBI) is selling a matched set of its new model 1854 Lever-action rifle and a matching Model 29. Both firearms feature handsome engraving with 22-karat Gold Inlay. These are great-looking guns as you can see. Just 100 copies of this matched pair, both chambered for .44 Magnum, will be sold. NOTE: We don’t have a price yet for the matched pair of engraved guns, but we expect it will be over $5000.00 as a limited edition Model 1854 Rifle is $3499.00 by itself.
In addition, S&W is now auctioning off the special Commemorative Edition engraved Model 1854 rifle and matching Model 29 revolver, set number 001. This Gunbroker Auction ends March 10, 2024.
With just 100 units being produced, this pair of .44 Magnums is extremely rare and boasts striking engraving with 22-karat gold inlay done by Baron Engraving. The limited-edition set features a PVD gloss black finish, complemented by high-grade walnut furniture that highlights true craftsmanship, and yields a classic aesthetic. Included with the nicely-designed display case is a letter of authenticity from Smith & Wesson President & CEO, Mark Smith, offering documentation on the set’s origin and limited status. Rifle/handgun set Serial number 001 of 100 is now available for auction on GunBroker.com.
Exclusively on Gunbroker Smith & Wesson is auctioning off No. 001 of 100 of S&W’s extremely limited edition Model 1854 accompanied by a Model 29. With custom gold inlay and high-grade walnut stocks, this is a great chance to own a piece of history!
Auction Proceeds Will Go to Rocky Mtn. Elk Foundation and Safari Club International
Proceeds of the auction are being donated to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Safari Club International. The current bid is now over $25,000.00! The auction ends on March 10, 2024.
Right now you can get HUGE SAVINGS on Sightron competition scopes at Creedmoor Sports. Save $630 on fixed-power optics, save $680 on 8-32x56mm SIII models, and save a whopping $1440 on the latest, advanced 10-50x60mm SV ED models. Other Sightron competition scopes are discounted $680 to $740, so you can save up to 40%. Don’t hesitate — these prices are good for just ONE MORE WEEK. This Sightron SALE concludes on February 29, 2024.
Save $1440-$1500 on Outstanding SV ED Series
The Sightron SV ED 10-50x60mm SFP is a great choice for F-Class, ELR, and long range target shooting. The 34mm body tube with ED glass provides 70 MOA elevation and 60 MOA windage. Large oversized tactical turrets with 1/8 MOA clicks provide 10 MOA per revolution. The patented F.A.S.T focus system provides two focus dials; the first operates like a standard quick acquisition focus knob, and the second provides a 4 to 1 gear reduction for smooth fine focus. Models include the 10-50×60 ED Target Dot .1 and 10-50×60 ED Zero Stop Target Dot .1.
Save $630 on SIII 36X and 45X Competition Models
Sightron SIII riflescopes are high-quality, non-zoom, single high-magnification optics for competitive shooting disciplines. Choose 36 power or 45 power. These are great choice for benchrest for score and group shooting. Models with Instant Savings are the 36×45 ED with Fine Cross Hair reticle, 36×45 ED Target Dot .125 reticle, 45×45 ED with Fine Cross Hair reticle, and 45×45 ED Target Dot .1 reticle.
For this Saturday Showcase, we feature some top-tier products that have set new standards for quality and effectiveness. First off is the impressive new NEXUS single-stage press from Short Action Customs. Then we feature Bix’N Andy triggers, which have found favor with competitors in many disciplines from short range Benchrest to ELR competition. Now that Jewell triggers are becoming harder to source, Bix’N Andy units will be seen on more rifles than ever. For those who turn case-necks, we feature the remarkable IDOD machine from F-Class Products — simply the best automated neck-turner ever created.
As a bonus we offer two very informative interviews from SHOT Show 2024. The first covers the product line at Bullet Central, while the second reviews the latest and greatest rifle actions from BAT Machine.
Short Action Customs NEXUS Press
One of the most notable new products at SHOT Show 2024 was an innovative single-stage press from Short Action Customs (SAC). The new $775 NEXUS press has impressive design features. The NEXUS Press boasts dual cam-over pucks, which precisely stop the movement of the floating die block. SAC explains: “We wanted to have the Nexus press cam-over independently of the shell holder. Every single cycle of the press, your hard cam-over pucks limits the travel, which gives you the same amount of cam over every single cycle.” The press can adapt to various diameter dies with floating inserts in the top section (see video). The NEXUS also has a floating shell holder system, which is quick change and tool-less. SAC states that this shell holder system “allows .010″ more sizing than all other shell holders on the market”.
Bix’N Andy Triggers
German-made Bix’N Andy triggers, available from BulletCentral.com, are among the very best you can buy. Available in both single-stage and two-stage designs, Bix’N Andy triggers are extremely precise, repeatable, and smooth. The unique internal, friction-reducing roller ball system allows for extremely low reset force, yielding an ultra-crisp let-off. Bix’N Andy triggers can be fitted with a variety of trigger shoes according to shooter preference. Bullet Central is currently the exclusive official USA importer for Bix’N Andy triggers.
Bryan Blake, a very clever machinist and gunsmith, has created an ultra-precise and speedy neck-turning machine. Bryan, who runs Blake Machine, Blake Barrel, and F-Class Products has created a system that uses twin precision cutter tips to turn case necks inside and out quickly and efficiently, with superior precision. This advanced IDOD Neck Turning Machine holds cases securely in a precision-machined spindle attached to an electric motor. Twin blades move precisely during the cutting process, milling the necks inside and out. The turned necks come out perfect every time, with the shoulders trimmed exactly (with doughnut removed) as well.
If you turn hundreds of cases during a shooting season, you may want to buy an IDOD from F-Class Products. The secret to the efficiency of the Blake IDOD is a vibration-free motor, high-mass case-holder, precision OD/ID-adjustable cutter, along with an advanced tracking system that moves the cutter heads towards the case neck (and back again) with absolute, 100% repeatable precision.
Interviews from SHOT Show 2024
Bullet Central — Major Product Lines
This F-Class John video features a lengthy interview with Bullet Central representative Zachery, covering the many products Bullet Central offers. Products featured include Bix’N Andy triggers (0:55 time-mark), Micron Dies (5:20); Dual-Ram Press (8:08); Custom Barrels (12:00); BAT Actions (14:57). During this video Zachery also explains the wide range of rimfire ammo Bullet Central carries.
BAT Machine Actions — Showcasing Different Sizes and Features
This video features the impressive, latest generation BAT Machine sctions. The video covers the full range of actions from the smaller SV/DS actions, to Model B, then Model M with integral lug and Picatinny Rail. The BAT representative then explains the features of BAT’s Nuevo actions (2:28 time-mark), which BAT builds for Bullet Central. For ELR and large Magnums BAT makes the model L and Model EXS. You can see all the current BAT actions at BatMachine.com/bat-actions. NOTE: From that page, scroll down and then select your particular discipline, such as Short-Range Benchrest, F-Class, Long-range Benchest. You can also select repeater actions for hunting and/or PRS/NRL.
SHOT Show 2024 had thousands of new products on display, including interesting lightweight hunting rifles, innovative optics-ready pistols, cool new compact Radar chronographs, and a variety of high-quality optics. In today’s video showcase we feature four new product videos from SHOT Show 2024. Plus we include a fifth bonus video — an interesting interview with Montana Governor Greg Gianforte.
Backfire (Jim Harmer) Channel at SHOT Show
Here’s a lengthy, 41-minute video from the Backfire YouTube Channel. Host Jim Harmer (a bright chap and trained attorney) visits dozens of booths to showcase new firearms and new products. This video is worth watching start to finish (but perhaps in multiple sessions). Hunters should check out the offerings from Tikka (13:57), Howa (16:54), Savage (18:27), and Bergara (25:56). If you’re considering buying a new chronograph, check out the hot-selling Garmin Xero C1 (8:08 time-mark) and brand new, compact LabRadar LX (7:42 time-mark).
Classic Fireams — Rifles, Pistols, and Vivek Ramaswamy
Here is another lengthy video that covers a wide variety of products and includes an interview with the very bright and articulate Vivek Ramaswamy, who was a Republican presidential candidate. The interview with Vivek starts at the 10:55 time-mark. In the gun realms, there were some interesting rifles shown by Stag Arms (13:48), and upper receivers and stock accessories from VLTOR (28:39). And at 17:18, new pistols from Ed Brown are featured. The video begins with new suppressors for HUXWRX at 2:23.
2:23 HUXWRX
10:55 Vivek Ramaswamy Interview
13:48 Stag Arms
17:18 Ed Brown
24:10 Shadow Systems
28:39 VLTOR
40:24 Modlite
46:20 Hi-Point
48:38 Toast Target
57:26 Range System
March Scopes — F-Class John interviews Gary Costello
Our friend F-Class John visited the March Optics booth to interview UK Ace F-Class shooter Gary Costello and March representative Mary, who traveled from March headquarters in Japan. John and Gary talked about the March-X 8-80x56mm Majesta “High Master” scope which John has fitted on his own match rifle. This is an amazing SFP optic offering a full 10X magnification range and six reticle choices.
New Handguns from SHOT Show — James Reeves of TFB-TV
In this video, James Reeves of The Firearm Blog (TFB-TV) reviews five notable new or recently-updated pistols. James uses some fairly rough language at times, but he is a knowledgeable fellow who gets to shoot more different guns in a year than most of us can shoot in a decade or more. The five featured pistols are: Smith & Wesson “Ultimate Carry” Revolver (00:46), Zev OZ9c (his favorite of the show (2:20), Beretta PX4 Compact Carry 2 (3:33), Daniel Defense H9 (4:36), Beretta 30X Tomcat (see below).
Bonus: Interview with Montana Governor Greg Gianforte
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte attended the 2024 SHOT Show and joined the NSSF tems to discuss the Second Amendment rights of Montana citizens and the importance of the firearm industry to his state. We wish more states had leaders like this who understand the heritage of the Second Amendment and how hunting fees support wildlife conservation efforts. If you can’t load this Facebook Video, CLICK HERE for YouTube version.
It’s easy to find back issues of Shooting Sports USA magazine. Here’s how: First, navigate to the latest SSUSA Online Issue (March 2024). Then click on the “ARCHIVES” icon in the upper right area (indicated with red arrow). When you click on “ARCHIVES”, a window will open with a selection of Shooting Sports USA magazine covers/dates in a vertical column. The most recent issue (March 2024) will appear at the top left. You can then scroll down — use the vertical scroll bar to go from March 2024 all the way back to June 2009. Click any issue cover to read.
