The 2023 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will take place at the Indiana Convention Center on April 14-16, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Exhibit Hall is open all three days and will showcase over 14 acres of guns and gear from hundreds of manufacturers and retailers.
A bigger-than-ever Exhibit Hall will host approximately 800 exhibitors, events, receptions and demonstrations. Attendees can see the latest guns, knives, optics, ammo and accessories available on the market today. Organized events include the NRA Foundation Banquet and Auction, the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum, plus multiple seminars. There will be appearances from notable celebrities, and a major Saturday concert with leading musical artists.
At this 152nd Annual NRA Convention you can also book the hunt of a lifetime, purchase shooting and hunting accessories, view impressive gun collections, and hear influential, pro-2A experts.
The big event is just six weeks away. If you plan to attend the 152nd NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits we recommend you register soon and get your hotel booked well ahead of time. With the current policies coming from the White House, there has been no more important time to support gun rights and the Second Amendment.
New for 2023, ZEISS offers added protection for ZEISS riflescopes in the form of ‘Flip-Up and Fold-Flat Pro Lens Covers’. These heavy-duty lens covers are designed with several key – and proprietary – features that set them apart from similar products currently available. Retail prices are $34.99 for the ocular (eyepiece) lens covers and $49.99 for the objective lens cover. The new accessories will be available from Authorized ZEISS Retailers in North America, beginning late April 2023.
“Our all-new flip-up lens covers are manufactured with a robust stay-secure dual-clamping system and provides OEM fitment for current ZEISS riflescopes; they also offer a few extra unique features as well,” said Kyle Brown – Director of Marketing/Product for Carl ZEISS SBE, LLC. “These lens covers remain open and secured in place when in the folded-flat, shooter-ready position — even under heavy recoil. They offer great protection from the environmental elements and will help keep those valuable lenses from getting scratched. The benefit is simple: clean and scratch-free optics at-the-ready. And clean optics will help you deliver precise and accurate hits on target.”
ZEISS will offer a total of nine unique lens covers sizes, each providing an excellent OEM fit for each ZEISS riflescope. All are made in the USA with Nylon 11 material to resist harsh UV light and maintain proper fitment – even with extreme shifts in temperature – and reduce weight. Each lens cover utilizes dual clamps with stainless steel hardware and springs to ensure long-term fit and serviceability. Both ocular and objective lens covers provide a fold-flat securing system which allows for the flip-up cap to be held in the shooter-ready position parallel with the scope’s main tube, and then remain there, secure during recoil.
Additional Proprietary Features
The design of the objective lens cover offers two unique, proprietary features: 1) The integrated spare battery containment system provides a spare battery when and where it’s needed most; 2) The on-board Torx® wrench containment system provides a secure and out-of-the-way, yet handy, location for keeping this valuable turret tool where it belongs. These features provide great benefits for hunters and shooters.
In January, much to the surprise of the shooting world, Henry introduced its first-ever semi-automatic firearm, a compact 9mm rifle dubbed the “Homesteader”. Unveiled at the 2023 SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range, this new rifle impressed those who tried it. It is easy to handle, has good ergonomics, was reliable, and fun to shoot (particularly with an optic and suppressor). The Homesteader features a black-finished anodized aluminum receiver and sealed walnut buttstock and forearm. We include five Homesteader test videos below, two from the debut at Industry Range day.
We like this new 9mm Homesteader carbine. The main reason is that it can be a fun rifle used at a local range with steel targets. As it shoots a 9x19mm (9mm Luger) pistol round, it can be used at many ranges limited to pistol cartridges. The other big advantage is that you can shoot the same cartridge you use in your handgun — the 9mm Luger (aka 9x19mm). That’s a huge plus if you don’t have time to reload for your rifle. And 9mm Luger ammo is also some of the least expensive centerfire ammo you can find, available for just $0.35 (thirty-five cents) per round or less.*
To top it off, there are versions of the Henry Homesteader that can even use Glock or SIG/S&W pistol mags — so you can literally take a magazine out of your handgun and use it in this handy new Henry 9mm carbine. The stock is also designed to be ambidextrous so it works for both lefties and right-handed shooters plus the charging handle can be installed on either side.
Here’s a good video from Henry that shows all the features of the new Henry Homesteader with closeups of the sights, magwell, charging handle, tang safety, mag release, and buttstock:
With a simple change of the magwell unit, the Homesteader can use Glock mags, SIG mags, and S&W mags as well as 5- and 10-rd Henry mags. Below left is a Glock mag, with factory mags on the right.
PROS of Henry 9mm Homesteader
1. Affordable — $928.00 MSRP basic version; $959.00 with Glock, or SIG/S&W M&P magwells.
2. Uses inexpensive, readily available 9x19mm (9mm Luger) ammunition.
3. Easy to handle at 36″ overall and 6.6 lbs. (before optics).
4. Can be used on same ranges and targets as 9mm pistols.
5. Rail can be installed to mount Red Dots and other optics.
6. The blued barrel is 1/2×28 threaded to allow suppressor use.
7. Charging Handle can be placed on either right side or left side.
8. Good trigger out of the box.
CONS of Henry 9mm Homesteader
1. Only one cartridge choice at this time — 9x19mm (9mm Luger).
2. Aftermarket rail required to fit all optics (receiver has no built-in slots/rails).
3. Length of pull is not adjustable at this time.
4. Rear sight is primitive and blocked if scope rail is fitted (see frame below).
We see Henry’s 9mm Homesteader as mainly a fun plinking rifle for use inside 100 yards. But it certainly could serve for home defense and small varmint chores. Henry boasts: “For home defense, walking the fence line to protect your livestock, in the truck, at the range, or slung across your back on a deep woods excursion, the Homesteader is ready to deliver on all fronts.”
Details of 9mm Homesteader Design and Operation
The Homesteader has a semi-automatic blowback action that uses expanding cartridge gases to cycle the bolt. When the magazine is empty, the bolt will lock back, and you can see through the action port. An ambidextrous bolt release lever is positioned by the trigger guard. The ambidextrous theme continues with a central, top-mounted thumb safety switch, a bottom-mounted magazine release switch, and a movable charging handle for left- or right-handed operation.
The Homesteader is currently available in three different models — a basic model that runs 5-rd and 10-rd Henry magazines. There is second version with a magwell for Glock magazines, and there is a third model that takes SIG Sauer and/or Smith & Wesson M&P magazines. For all versions, Henry 5-round and 10-round magazines are included.
Here GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pearce tests a Henry 9mm Homesteader fitted with optic and suppressor. Pearce was quite impressed with the new 9mm carbine:
Product Information from Henry:
“The Homesteader 9mm boasts premium materials and an adaptable feature set to provide effortless versatility for various roles, including home defense, protecting livestock from the predators that threaten them, and as a fun, approachable firearm for the shooting range using ammunition both widely available and affordable. To provide compatibility for the most common magazine patterns, the Homesteader 9mm utilizes removable magazine well adapters to accept Glock®, SIG Sauer®, or Smith & Wesson® M&P® style magazines, in addition to the included 5-round and 10-round Henry 9mm magazines.
Other notable features include a threaded barrel for suppressor use to minimize noise for neighbors at the range or at home and thoughtfully laid out, centrally located controls that will appeal to right- and left-handed users. Its compact size and lightweight frame provide maneuverability for close quarters and allow the firearm to be stored where some standard-sized rifles and shotguns may not fit. Intuitive, fast target acquisition is achieved with … reciprocating mass inside the forearm to counteract recoil and non-slip leather-like texturing on the genuine American walnut furniture.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $928.00 for the version with a Henry magazine well only and $959.00 for the versions that include an additional magazine well [for Glock, SIG, or S&W magazines].”
MORE RESOURCES — Other Henry 9mm Homesteader Reviews
* This is a typical price for major-brand 9mm brass-cased ammo from a large online vendor. However if you use AmmoSeek.com, you can find 9mm Luger ammo for significantly less. For example, Sentry Ammo is offering 1000 rounds of quality Norma 124gr 9mm bulk pack ammunition for $207.99. That’s just $0.21 (twenty-one cents) per round! Plus you get a FREE ammo can.
Text in this article is Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. NO reproduction on any other site is permitted without advance authorization and licensing fees.
For today’s Saturday at the Movies compilation, we feature eight informative videos showcasing relatively new semi-auto pistols and revolvers. There are some great new guns from Smith & Wesson, Savage, Colt, CZ, FN, Taurus, Rock River, SAR USA, Stoeger, Nighthawk and more. NOTE: Some of these pistols were officially released in 2022, but are still just reaching the market. After watching these videos, you can view other new pistols and revolvers on the SHOT Show Daily Report from last month.
New Savage 1911 Pistol
You read that right, rifle-maker Savage Arms is now producing a 1911-type pistol and it looks very good. It has ambidextrous controls, a forward rail, target crown, and nice sights. The new Savage 1911 is built from stainless steel, has a dual recoil spring, machined sear and disconnector. It is offered in three styles: Black Nitride, Stainless, and Two-Tone (black slide, stainless frame). MSRP is $1499.00.
New Handguns for 2023 — Video Previews
Hundreds of handguns were showcased at SHOT Show 2023. This video covers seven relatively new design pistols that were on display at SHOT Show 2023. These are: The CZ P-10F (0:35 time-mark); Rock River Arms STK 100 (2:06); SAR9 Compact (03:44); Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 10mm (5:04); Bond Arms Roughneck Derringer (6:22); Mossberg MC2sc (7:08); and Cabot Guns Apocalypse (8:39).
New Handguns on Display at SHOT Show 2023
Here’s a good Ballistik Channel video featuring five impressive new (or nearly new) pistols. This video starts off with the eye-catching CZ TS2 “Racing Green” model (0:42) (other grip colors are offered).
Next is the Stoeger STF9F (2:32), a value offering. Third up is the potent S&W M&P 2.0 chambered in 10mm (4:25). The fourth pistol is the modern, Red-dot equipped, suppressor-ready, Shadow Systems XR 920. Last but not least, the video features the pricey Nighthawk Custom President (7:24), a 1911-type pistol chambered for the new Federal 30 Super Carry ammo.
Best .22 LR Pistols and Revolvers for 2023
Everyone should have at least one .22 LR handgun. Definitely check out this 13-minute video if you’re in the market for a new rimfire pistol. The video has great product images and is one of the best compilations of new (and recently introduced) .22 LR semi-auto pistols and revolvers you’ll find. Definitely worth watching.
1. FN 502 Tactical (1:05 time-mark)
2. SIG Sauer P322 (2:52)
3. Walther WMP (4:22)
4. Browning Mark Plus Vision (5:30)
5. Charter Arms Target Pathfinder Revolver (6:15)
Five New Pistols including S&W 5.7 and Taurus TX22
This video showcases five new pistols featured at Shot Show 2023. Leading off is the new Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 (00:34 time-mark). Next is the Rock Island Armory RIA 5.0 (02:42), followed by the Rossi RP63 (04:58). Then comes the FN 510 Tactical (7:04). Last but not least is the .22 LR Taurus TX22 Compact. The full-size TX22 rimfire pistol has become quite popular since its introduction.
New Glock Performance Trigger for Gen 5 Pistols
In this episode of TFB-TV, James Reeves interviews champion shooter Shane Coley. The key topic is Glock’s new factory-built Performance Trigger. Yes, Glock is now making a high performance trigger for its Gen 5 pistols. Shane explains all of the relevant details, including a surprisingly reasonable price. This new trigger should be available very soon.
Top Five New Revolvers for 2023
For wheelgun fans, this video covers five recently-introduced revolvers: Wrangler Sheriff model (1:25 time-mark), Colt Python 3 (3:03); Diamondback Sidekick (4:38); Rough Rider Tactical Cowboy (with Pic Rail, 6:03), and Taurus 325 carry revolver (7:30).
Bonus Video: Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 with 22-Rd Magazine
Bushnell unveiled a new set of 15-power binoculars at SHOT Show 2023. These have a MilRad reticle for ranging and determining shot locations. The new Match Pro ED 15×56 Binoculars with Shot-Call reticle combines a high-magnification binocular with an MRAD-based reticle for ranging, target sizing, and shot correction. The benefit is that this 15X binocular optic could replace a bigger, heavier reticle-equipped spotting scope. This Match Pro ED Binocular can be quickly mounted on a tripod for enhanced stability. We recommend that because it is pretty hard to hold a 15X optic very steady with hands alone.
The Match Pro ED’s offset SHOT-CALL reticle, located in the right barrel, has a dedicated focus adjustment and can be rotated for leveling after IPD (interpupillary distance) adjustment (i.e. how far the eyepieces are spread apart). Users can secure their preferred IPD with the included BRIDGESET stabilizer, which ensures the binocular is set for quick use and is stable when mounted on a tripod. Claimed light transmission is 92%. Suggested MSRP for the Match Pro ED 15×56 binoculars is $699.99.
Our friend Jonathan Ocab reviewed the new Match Pro ED 15x56mm binoculars: “Bushnell Optics showed off their new Match Pro ED 15×56 binocular, which is based off of their Forge binocular design. The Forge 15×56 has a good reputation as a budget-friendly binocular with good performance at its price range. The Match Pro ED 15×56 is a hefty binocular with a magnesium chassis coming in at 51 ounces with what is dubbed the SHOT-CALL MRAD reticle. The reticle [rotates in the right barrel] so that it can be leveled for the user’s eyes after the barrels are adjusted to the pupil distance.”
Jonathan added: “My initial impressions of this binocular are positive. It is definitely a bigger, heavier binocular and is not going to be one for field use. This is definitely the type of binocular one would employ on the range at NRL/PRS matches to spot for a shooter.” CLICK HERE for full SHOT Show 2023 Optics report by Jonathan Ocab.
Recoil Web also did a review of these new 15×56 binoculars stating: “The new Bushnell Match Pro ED 15×56 binoculars [offering] is a big deal, but maybe just to a niche crowd. For a long time, spotting scopes have often come with a MIL or MOA reticle in the eyepiece so one could spot shots at long range and call corrections or for use in ranging a target if a laser rangefinder wasn’t available. With a reticle in the right barrel, you get a MIL grid for ranging and shot correction like a spotting scope but the [wide] field of view and outstanding glass of the binoculars.”
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. Midsouth — Hornady Get Loaded Promo with 500 Free Bullets
⏺ Get 500 or 100 Free Bullets with Hornady hardware
Hornady is now running its 2023 Get Loaded® promotion. Now through 12/31/2023 get up to 500 FREE BULLETS with qualifying purchases of Hornady reloading products. You can also get significant up-front savings and/or FREE Shipping when you buy Hornady reloading presses and other products at Midsouth. For example, you can save $90 on the Hornady Iron Press Kit. Depending on the products purchased, customers can get 500 or 100 free bullets, valued up to $234.33.
⏺ Quality USA-made hunting rifle at good price; many chamberings
Looking for a good hunting rifle with a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee? Right now the Weatherby Vanguard with synthetic stock is ON SALE for just $499.97 at Sportsman’s Warehouse. This Vanguard model features a gray, Griptonite Monte Carlo composite stock. For this $499.97 bargain price, many chamberings are offered: .223 Remington, .22-250 Remington, .243 Winchester, .25-06 Remington, .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and .240 Weatherby Magnum. Overall weight (without scope) is 7.75 pounds.
3. Midsouth — Fiocchi .223 Rem Ammo with V-Max Bullets
⏺ Good deal on factory ammo with quality Hornady V-Max bullets
Here’s excellent varmint ammo on SALE at a bargain price. If you’re planning a Prairie Dog safari this spring, but don’t want to handload, grab some Fiocchi Field Dynamics .223 Rem ammo. Choose the 40gr V-Max, 50gr V-Max, or 55gr V-Max versions, all with 50-rd boxes for just $34.99 on SALE. That’s $0.70 per round, a darn good price. This Fiocchi .223 Rem ammo has earned very positive reviews from purchasers.
⏺ Fast, programmable, accurate dispenser at great price
The Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper is a high-quality powder scale/dispenser. It’s accurate to +/- one-tenth of a grain, dispenses in seconds, and can be controlled by a handy mobile App that stores charge weights for different cartridges. This unit has a 7000-grain capacity with both auto and manual trickle capability. This is a great deal — you save fifty bucks (21%) off the regular MidwayUSA price, and the same Intellidropper is now $239.96 on Amazon.
5. Natchez — Frankford Quick-N-Easy Case Tumbler Kit, $79.99
⏺ We’ve used this Combo Kit for many seasons — very good value right now
Keeping your brass clean is important (and essential if you anneal). If you’re looking for a new, affordable setup to clean cartridge brass, consider the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler Master Kit. You get everything needed to dry-tumble your brass and remove the media. This is all available now for a very low $79.99. You could pay that much for a good vibratory tumbler alone, yet this combo kit includes tumbler, media separator, bucket, brass polish, and media.
6. Palmetto State Armory — Norma Tac-22 .22 LR 500rds, $32.99
⏺ Very good .22 LR ammo at extremely low price — GREAT VALUE
If you love .22 LR rimfires and want quality ammo at an ultra-low price, grab some Norma TAC-22. Priced at just $3.30 per 50-ct box, this is a true bargain, yet the TAC-22 is good enough for NRL22 matches as well as fun target shooting. We’ve shot this Norma ammo and been very satisfied. You’ll be hard-pressed to find better .22 LR ammo at anywhere near this price. Don’t delay ordering — at this price, we expect this TAC-22 ammo will sell out soon.
7. KYGUNCO — Rock Island Armory TM22 Rifle, $278.00
⏺ Slick, AR-style rimfire rifle with new features
Looking to get started in NRL22 competition, or want a rimfire varmint rifle with familiar AR look and feel? Then check out the Rock Island Armory TM22. This handsome semi-auto .22 LR rimfire rig weighs 6.5 lbs. with its 18″ barrel. The modestly-priced TM22 sports an AR-type grip, commercial buffer tube adapter, top rail, and M-LOK fore-end. The rifle is set up with right-handed controls, but the TM22 can easily be modified for left-handed operation. The TM22 ships with two 10-rd aluminum magazines with aftermarket 15- and 25-round magazines available.
8. Midsouth — 1000 Rounds Federal 9mm FMJ Ammo, $314.99
⏺ Great DEAL on quality Federal 9mm Luger (9x19mm) ammo
Here’s a great ammo offering, with major-brand quality 9mm cartridges from Federal. Get 1000 rounds of 115gr FMJ American Eagle ammo for just $314.99 at Midsouth. This works out to just $15.75 per 50rd box — a great deal. We have shot this ammo in a variety of 9x19mm pistols and it is very reliable. This is NOT loose bulk-pack, there are twenty convenient 50rd boxes.
⏺ Super-low prices on compact binoculars — up to 63% Off
Need a spare pair of compact, lightweight binoculars? Now you can get a decent set of weatherproof binoculars for under $25.00. Choose from Bushnell, Simmons, and Tasco binoculars on sale now at CDNN Sports starting at just $9.99. We like the Bushnell H20 8×25 waterproof binocs at $17.76 — 61% off the $44.99 MSRP. NOTE: None of these are truly excellent binoculars that can compete with a $400+ Nikon, Leica, Sightron, or Zeiss. But these are small, handy, and can fit in a vehicle glove box or a fanny pack. So they can be used regularly when you’re hiking, camping, or game-watching.
⏺ Versatile eye protection — 4 colors of lenses plus adjustable frame
Walker’s Adjustable Sport Glasses feature FOUR interchangeable lenses made of high-grade polycarbonate that exceeds ANSI 287.1-2003 High Impact Requirements. The interchangeable lenses come in four colors (Smoke Gray, Amber, Yellow, and Clear). The frames adjust for length and angle. These safety glasses ship with a soft carrying pouch that holds the extra lenses. This is a good deal — the same combo kit sells for $23.53 on Amazon!
There are some interesting topics covered today, Sunday 1/29/2023, on Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk® Radio, the original nationally-syndicated radio talk show about guns and the shooting sports. The episode covers the acquisition of Barrett Firearms by the Australian NIOA group. In addition, there is coverage of a new gun-related novel and gear from Vertx.
NOTE: If you miss the live broadcast on 1/29/2023 at 2-5 PM, just visit the Gun Talk Podcast archive.
Barrett Firearms recently changed hands. Rob Nioa, CEO of the NIOA group which acquired Barrett Firearms, joins Tom to discuss the recent purchase. The transaction promises to increase the production and visibility of Barrett Firearms while introducing new and innovative product. Rob Nioa assured Tom that Barrett production would remain at Barrett’s Tennessee factory: “We are going to make sure nothing changes in the quality of the product. Nothing changes in where the products are manufactured.”
This Sunday, Tom talks with Pulitzer-prize winning author Steven Hunter about his new book The Bullet Garden. This just-published novel features legendary Marine and father of literary icon Bob Lee. The book visits battlefields of World War II as Earl Swagger embarks on a top secret and deadly mission. CLICK HERE to read FREE 49-page preview of The Bullet Garden. Or listen to FREE Audio Sample on Amazon.
In hour three, Tom talks with Dan Groce of Vertx about concealed carry equipment. Vertx sells backpacks, duffles, cases, and cloth pouches designed to carry guns, ammo, and accessories.
In its 26th year of syndication, Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk Radio show airs live on Sundays from 2:00 to 5:00 PM Eastern and runs on more than 270 stations weekly. Listen to a Radio Station near you or listen via internet Live Streaming. All Gun Talk shows can be later accessed and downloaded for free as Podcasts online. Below is last week’s Gun Talk Radio Podcast which covered recent ATF rulings about AR pistol braces:
GetZone.com has released its annual “What’s Hot at SHOT” video series covering notable new products. There are now nearly 30 new product videos available on YouTube and the GetZone website. You’ll find three of these videos below, featuring the Christensen Arms MHR Rifle, Mossberg Patriot Rifle, and Hornady 7mm PRC cartridge. You’ll find more product videos on GetZone.com and the GetZone YouTube Channel.
Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle
The Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR) is a versatile, modular design built on an aluminum mini-chassis with V-block bedding. The maker claims that the “MHR provides the accuracy potential of a chassis rifle and the ergonomics of a hunting rifle all while offering exceptional modularity.” The MHR’s stock, forearm, and grips can be swapped out to create a variety of different configurations. You could have one forearm/grip for field carry and another for varmint shooting from a portable bench. This versatility doesn’t come cheap — the MHR starts at a very serious $3499.00 MSRP.
New Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical Rifle
Mossberg showcased a new rifle that should prove popular — the Patriot LR (Long Range) Tactical. This $1085.00 rifle has many excellent features: MDT chassis with V-Block, 20 MOA Picatinny rail, 22″ or 24″ barrel pre-threaded for suppressor, and adjustable cheekpiece and LOP. And like all Patriot rifles, the Patriot LR Tactical has Mossberg’s patented LBA™ (Lightning Bolt Action) user-adjustable trigger with 2 to 7-pound adjustment range. Priced at $1085.00 MSRP, the rifle is currently offered in 6.5mm Creedmoor and .308 Win with 22″ barrel, and 6.5 PRC with 24″ barrel. FULL Specs HERE.
Hornady 7mm PRC Cartridge
The 7mm PRC cartridge is the newest offering in Hornady’s Precision Rifle Cartridge series. The 7mm Precision Rifle Cartridge from Hornady delivers long, heavy caliber bullets in a standard long action. Fitting the niche between the 6.5 PRC and the 300 PRC, the 7mm PRC features temperature-stable, magnum speed propellants for consistent velocity and longer barrel life. Factory rifles are already available or simply swap the barrel on your 7mm Rem Mag or 300 Win Mag and reap the benefits of this long-action, centerfire rifle cartridge. For more details on ballistics and loading, watch this Ultimate Reloader.com video:
VIEW More GetZone SHOT Show Product Videos
Now in its 6th year, What’s Hot at SHOT is featured on GetZone.com, the online video destination that takes you from targets to trophies — and everywhere in between. Additionally, episodes air across the Media Lodge Platform of websites, on social media, and on GetZone’s YouTube channel.
At SHOT Show 2023, Legacy Sports Int’l introduced a new line of Howa rifles that should be popular with hunters as well as PRS/NRL Factory-Class competitors. The new Howa Hera H7 rifles features an internal aluminum V-block chassis with modern composite external stock body. The forearm (aka “forestock”) is aluminum with M-LOK slots. The rear half of this German-engineered stock is fiberglass-reinforced polymer. These rifles are VERY affordable, with an $839.00 base MSRP.
The stock features a removable cheekpiece plus adjustable length-of-pull with 3 LOP inserts. The butt panel itself can be removed, allowing a bit of internal storage. The rifle ships with two AICS-compatible 5-round magazines.
The Hera H7 is offered in three colors: Tan, Black, or OD Green. Notably there are THREE barrel options: 24″ Carbon-wrapped, 24″ Heavy Contour, and 22″ Light Contour. These all have “suppressor-ready” threaded muzzles. We expect hunters will chose the Carbon-wrapped barrel, while PRS/NRL shooters will choose the Heavy-barrel configuration.
All the Hera H7 models feature a smooth-running Howa action fitted with the excellent HACT 2-stage trigger (see below). We’ve used this adjustable 2-stage trigger and it is among the best factory triggers you’ll find. These rifles all come with a Sub-MOA guarantee and a Lifetime Warranty. Two chamberings are currently offered: 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester. We hope Howa eventually offers a 6mm chambering in the future — 6mm Creedmoor, 6XC, 6GT, or 6mmBR.
We like all the key features of the Howa Hera H7 rifle — the action, the barrel options, the excellent 2-stage trigger, and the very affordable price (MSRP starts at just $839.00). However, we question the design of the lower part of the rear stock section. This starts with a downward angle like a normal hunting stock, but then it angles upward to the butt-pad. That V-shaped design might not work so well with a conventional rear bag. We suspect some owners will add a straight piece of Delrin or aluminum to act as a bag-rider.
Hera Arms H7 Chassis System
The Hera Arms H7 Chassis is a modern and easy-to-use stock system for the Howa (short action) system. Made of fiberglass-reinforced polymer, with aluminum V-block and aluminum forestock, this stock system comes with two spacers, a polymer cheekpiece and an AICS-compatible, 5-round magazine. The H7 stock system has M-Lok mount points for mounting various accessories. Shown above is the Tan version with carbon-wrapped 24″ barrel.
Howa 1500 HACT 2-Stage Trigger
Howa 1500s feature the very nice Howa HACT trigger. This is an adjustable, two-stage trigger, set for about 3 pounds (combined stages). Crisp and repeatable, this is an excellent trigger for a factory gun. There is no annoying Glock-style safety lever in the middle of the trigger blade. The 2-stage design and pull weight range works well for a hunting rifle or a rig for PRS competition. Rifleshooter.com says the Howa trigger is “one of the best factory triggers, along with Tikka. I’ve found the Howa trigger superior to a Remington 700 — the Howas doesn’t need to be replaced.”
Writing for the Western Outdoor News, WONews.com, Steve Comus has field-tested the HACT Trigger. Steve writes: “I always liked two-stage triggers, because of the way I could take-up the slack and then actually know when the rifle was going to go off. The take-up on the [HACT] trigger was fast and easy. The crisp, positive release when pressure was put on during the second stage [reminded me] of some of the target rifles I shot through the years.”
Here’s a radical new product from Accu-Tac — the first-ever Hydraulic Bipod. It works via a hydraulic piston in the top center of the bipod. The upper part of the piston attaches to a rifle’s fore-arm. The piston is connected via a hydraulic hose line to a remote cylinder with a red crank handle (dial) on top. When the shooter rotates the 4-pronged red dial this raises the rifle up/down slightly by moving the piston.
There is a full write-up GunsAmerica Digest (GAD) with more photos. GAD Reviewer Levi Sim explains:
“The big deal about this bipod is that red column under the rifle mount. It’s a piston that moves up and down with a dial that sits on the table.
This dial uses hydraulic pressure with oil in the hose to raise the rifle mount. Each 180° turn of the dial raises the piston 19mm. This precise adjustment should allow a shooter to make minute adjustments to the rifle’s elevation without shrugging their bodies around and should lead to greater precision.”
The new Accu-Tac Bipod has an adjustable leg spread which can extend to 27″. At the end of the legs are F-TR type skids that allow the rifle to slide back during recoil. These skids are bolted in place so it appears they do not rotate. This new bipod should be available for sale later in 2023 with an anticipated price around $800.00. SEE Other Accu-Tac Bipods.
The Match Pro ED’s offset SHOT-CALL reticle, located in the right barrel, has a dedicated focus adjustment and can be rotated for leveling after IPD (interpupillary distance) adjustment (i.e. how far the eyepieces are spread apart). Users can secure their preferred IPD with the included BRIDGESET stabilizer, which ensures the binocular is set for quick use and is stable when mounted on a tripod. Claimed light transmission is 92%. Suggested MSRP for the Match Pro ED 15×56 binoculars is $699.99.
We like all the key features of the Howa Hera H7 rifle — the action, the barrel options, the excellent 2-stage trigger, and the very affordable price (MSRP starts at just $839.00). However, we question the design of the lower part of the rear stock section. This starts with a downward angle like a normal hunting stock, but then it angles upward to the butt-pad. That V-shaped design might not work so well with a conventional rear bag. We suspect some owners will add a straight piece of Delrin or aluminum to act as a bag-rider.
Howa 1500 HACT 2-Stage Trigger
