The Safari Club International (SCI) convention returns to Las Vegas after a one-year hiatus due to the COVID Pandemic. The SCI convention will take place at the Mandalay Bay Hotel complex. This is a milestone for the Safari Club International, with the organization celebrating its 50th year. The SCI event, the world’s largest hunting convention, should attract thousands of visitors. Over 70 convention seminars will cover the full spectrum of hunting, fishing, shooting, and outdoor adventures.
Somewhat surprisingly, this year’s SCI convention overlaps SHOT Show, which runs January 18-21, 2022 at the Venetian Expo and Caesar’s Forum in Las Vegas. So both events will be happening the same week. That’s NOT good planning — the time conflict may affect attendance of both shows. CLICK HERE to register for the SCI event.
The SCI Convention has 320+ exhibitors registered currently. These will include gun-makers, optics companies, gear manufacturers, outfitters, and top hunting resorts. Outdoor industry companies will showcase the latest products — from firearms and accessories to optics, ammunition, archery, gear and equipment. Other offerings include furs, jewelry, furnishings, and outdoor clothing.
Impressive Selection of Auction Items This Year
The SCI show is famed for its gun, safari, and outdoor art auctions. At this year’s Convention, exotic firearms, once-in-a-lifetime hunts, and fine collectibles will be auctioned. Proceeds from SCI’s auctions support SCI Foundation’s conservation and education programs.
Established in 1971, SCI will mark its 50th year at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, January 19-22, 2022. Exhibits and daytime activities will be held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. The host hotel will be Mandalay Bay, a 43-story luxury resort and casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
This year’s lineup of guest speakers, entertainers, and hosts is something you won’t want to miss. Attendees can expect to see and hear from top pro-hunting political voices Donald Trump Jr. and Tucker Carlson. Entertainers include Larry the Cable Guy, Craig Morgan, Edward Byers and Jim Shockey — some of the hunting industry’s greatest champions.
The SCI’s annual Convention, known as the Ultimate Sportsmen’s Market, features the best hunts, firearms, equipment and wildlife art in the world — all in one place at one time. The video below shows highlights from past SCI conventions.
Holiday Greetings to Our Readers
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all our readers and especially our 60,000+ Forum Members. This marks our 17th Christmas “in business”, and the site is stronger than ever thanks to our Gold and Silver Forum members and industry sponsors. AccurateShooter.com is now accessed by over 500,000 visitors every month, who enjoy our Feature Articles, Daily Bulletin, Shooters’ Forum, and our Facebook Page. Part of the reason for that success is the hard work of our dedicated staff and volunteer helpers.
Unsung Heroes Deserve Recognition
I want to acknowledge those guys who have really helped out the site. Number one is skilled F-Class shooter Praveen K. who serves as our System Admin. Along with being a talented trigger-puller, Praveen is a super-smart computer wizard who has kept our servers running smoothly and helped with vital software upgrades. Praveen has also done some key product tests for the site. We also thank Andy B., our Xenforo ace who has contributed vital Forum software solutions.
A huge “thank-you” goes to F-Class John who finds weekly bargains for the Bulletin and tests new products. John produces gear/hardware reviews for the Daily Bulletin with informative videos showcased on his YouTube Channel. John’s work has become a highlight of our Bulletin content. We also regularly feature videos from wind wizard Keith Glasscock, and product tests from Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com. We thank Boyd Allen and EdLongRange who supply story leads for the Daily Bulletin. And we wouldn’t be here without Jeff Williams, who handles site donations by mail. We have a great place to test rifles thanks to our valued friend Joe Friedrich. Other important contributors include: Bryan Litz of Applied Ballistics, Bill Marr of Rifleshooter.com, Jason Baney of EuroOptic.com, and Dennis Santiago. These folks have contributed stories, reviews, and and videos. I also want to recognize Hunting Editor Colton Reid and Norway’s Thomas Haugland. All these men (and many others) have aided the site.
Praise for our Site Sponsors and Advertisers
We also want to thank our major sponsors, without whose support the site could not provide the full AccurateShooter.com experience, with an active Forum, an archive of in-depth articles, and fresh content 365 days a year in our Daily Bulletin. We’re grateful to ALL our sponsors and advertisers. In particular, we want to acknowledge the major companies which have been strong supporters of this site for many years: Capstone Precision Group (Berger, Lapua, SK, Vihtavuori), Bruno Shooters Supply, Bullet Central, EuroOptic, Graf & Sons, Krieger Barrels, Midsouth Shooters Supply, Powder Valley Inc., Precision Reloading, Whidden Gunworks, and Zeiss Sports Optics. Their continuing support helps us keep up the flow of information and serve our readers and Forum members.
There is one day left before Christmas, but there are still bargains to be had. if you’re shopping for a new riflescope, you’re in luck. ScopeList.com is running a Holiday Sale on a variety of popular optics brands. Most sale prices are good through the end of the year. CLICK HERE for Special Bargains.
Here are the featured deals on ScopeList.com. However, there are many dozens of other optics products on sale — rifle scopes, red dot scopes, spotting scopes, binoculars, and more:
CLICK HERE. That will launch a PDF version of the sale flyer below. While viewing the PDF file, you can then click on individual sale items. You will also see rifles on sale.
Thousands of new products will be on display at SHOT Show 2022, the major gun industry trade show held each January in Las Vegas. The official SHOT Show Product Planner offers a “sneak peak” at 258 new-for-2022 products for hunters and shooters. More will come in the weeks ahead. Here are TEN interesting new products for gun owners and reloaders. Since these are all recently-released items, we haven’t been able to test them yet. Product profiles are based on descriptions provided by the manufacturers. We will run a separate feature on new pistols and rifles that will debut in 3022.
This is an important new product. These Impact Sport In-Ear plugs provide serious 29 dB NRR noise protection. The plugs automatically compress amplification when loud impulse sounds (like gunshots) exceed 85dB. Internal amplification allows you to hear range commands and conversations. The cord connecting the plugs includes twin, handy volume controls. These plugs come with moldable earhooks with 3 different ear tip sizes. The base unit (dark green color) is $85.39 on Optics Planet. A deluxe model with BlueTooth is also available for $113.62 on Amazon.
The 2022 Omega III is a Sight, Rangefinder, and HD Video Camera all-in-one! It boasts independently adjustable reticle dots that can spaced apart as desired for any distance one wishes. For use on rifles, shotguns, and crossbows, this precision sight/camera replaces the scope. It also works as a 600 meter rangefinder. It has power zoom, instant video replay, 2X-6X digital power zoom, low-light enhancement, and FOV dimming control. Comes complete with mounting bracket for Picatinny or Weaver rail, 32GB micro SD Card, batteries, and 12 hour rechargeable power bank.
New SwitchCover® scope lens covers open with a simple press. But then the SwitchCover rotates 180° and folds flat against the scope body. That way the lens covers do not obscure your vision (away from the scope). That will be appreciated when you take your head off the scope to look downrange. The SwitchCover is easy to mount with a cam action lock lever. The SwitchCover can be mounted onto scopes, round reflex optics, binoculars, spotting scopes, or any optic with a round profile. 30+ different sizes, from 30mm to 63mm, are offered. (Pricing not yet available.)
This new Frankford Arsenal 10-station auto-indexing reloading press features steel construction, multiple ball bearings, and a proprietary 10-station shell plate. This advanced unit includes a case-actuated powder measure. The press offers advanced features including dual de-capping stations, in-line primer pocket swaging capability, and the ability to run both powder check and case trimming dies. Swapping calibers is easy with removable tool heads and shell plates. The press features a roller handle, integrated LED light, and spring-loaded case locator buttons.
Designed primarily for gun stores, these caliber ID rings can help anyone with a large gun collection. Color coded Caliber Bands™ eliminate guesswork and save time. Caliber Bands wrap around gun barrels, stocks, or trigger guards or price tags. Chose among 32 different colors with the caliber clearly marked on each one for quick recognition. These are sold in color-coordinated assortments for Rifles, Shotguns, Pistols, and Black Powder.
The Gentry Quiet Muzzle Brake reduces recoil up to 85% while directing noise and gas away from the shooter. The installation of a Quiet Muzzle Brake does not impact the firearm’s velocity or accuracy. Muzzle jump is minimized allowing for faster follow-up shots and many of our customers have told us they can see the impact of the bullet through their scopes.
This affordable ($138.99) AR15 Tool Kit offers key products for working on AR-platform rifles. Included are: Modular AR15/ M4 Upper Receiver Block, Lower Receiver Magwell Vice Block, Pro Series AR15 Barrel Wrench, Pro Series AR Lower Receiver Wrench, Heavy-duty castle nut wrench stock buffer tubes, Front sight adjustment tool, and handguard removal tool. In addition, there are multiple hand tools: 5/64″, 3/32″, 1/8″ steel punch, Mallet with nylon & brass ends, 1/4″ Hex screwdriver handle with Hex driver tool bits, Nylon Cleaning Brush.
Get your gun instantly with the Fast-Armed Biometric Gun Case. The Auto-Eject deploys the firearm directly into the owner’s hand. Biometric fingerprint capability is used for rapid deployment of a single pistol. Stores up to 100 fingerprints and includes backup key. 110 volt AC primary power source with rechargeable backup battery. Fits most handguns with interchangeable caliber pins to accommodate various size pistols.
The patented, WiFi-based Pro-Shooter Series 2 Smart Electronic Target System uses a base station to connect up to 15 targets that can be used simultaneously. Feedback from the target(s) are instantly recorded onto the free Pro-Shooter App. Once your training session is complete you can check the shot placement for each target. The target system can be used with: Pro-Shooter Series 1/2 Dry-Fire Trainers; Pro-Shooter vibration-activated laser; and Laser cartridge systems in regular firearms.
The NANUK 933 5 UP Pistol Case provides secure storage for five full-frame handguns with trigger locks and eight (8) magazines. This hard case fits all pistols with barrel lengths up to 5″, and accommodates the weapons with their trigger locks in place. This case features semi-rigid closed cell Synergy® PEF foam for long term performance. The NANUK 933 5 UP Pistol Case has a lifetime guarantee and is waterproof, dustproof, and indestructible. NANUK™ Lid Organizer keeps accessories in a full-size folder or three transparent zippered compartments. Optional TSA latch kit provides extra security when traveling.
Talented sharpshooter Kirsten Joy Weiss is featured in an episode of NRA All Access. The show covers Kirsten’s development as a competitive shooter, and her success as a trick-shot artist with her own popular YouTube channel. Here’s the All Access segment featuring many of Kirsten’s most famous trick shots.
During the video Kirsten also talks about her background in shooting and how she wants to be a good ambassador for the shooting sports, “spreading the positive reality of shooting”. Kirsten explains: “The fun challenge and joy of shooting is important to me because I really wanted to be a positive example. So when the media says the ‘guns are a bad thing and nobody does anything good with guns’, they can say ‘Well, what about her [Kirsten]’?”
Kirsten: “I think that it’s important for young girls to have somebody that they can look up to… I feel responsibility to show young shooters coming up, especially females, that you can respect yourself and shoot a gun as well.”
A gifted “natural” shooter, Kirsten started shooting fairly late — at age 16. Despite her relatively late start, she learned very quickly, and managed to earn a place on the University of Nebraska shooting team. That literally opened up a new world for Kirsten: “During the course of my career, I’ve had a lot of success. I’ve gone to World Cups… in Zagreb, Croatia, in Munich, Germany. I’ve won National Championships, and got on to the U.S. Olympic short list, so it’s been a good career.”
Kirsten tells us: “A lot of people don’t think of shooting as a sport, but it absolutely is, and I would even go so far as to say that it is an art form.” We don’t know if this is art, sport, or magic, but very few shooters have the skill or flexibility to make this upside-down shot…
Forum member 1LessDog calling in coyotes in a cold North Dakota winter landscape.
Forum member DNorton posted: “I live way up north where our white sandy beaches look like this!”
There is a nice thread in our Forum appropriately entitled “Winter Time”. You’ll find some great backcountry images taken by our Forum members. Winter is a special time in the outdoors. Forum member JDP explains: “Winter is the best time to shoot! One of the few of life’s ironies that works in my favor. The range is empty and barrels keep cool, no bugs, no waiting on people, no mirage. Yup, this world needs more thin blooded snow birds. This cool weather is terrible and dangerous, tell your friends! Do people get lonely while shooting or something? It’s the true holiday season in multiple ways.”
These two images come from Forum member Bill K on a winter varmint safari. He posted: “This was Varmint Shooter’s truck [showing the outside temperature] when we set up.” Brrrr… that’s cold.
The above photo is from Forum member 1LessDog, who posted: “The mound behind the Coyote is a Indian burial mound. There are six of them within a half mile of this one. I would really like to know how many coyotes I have shot off the mound. I would guess 4-5 a year over 35 years. It is one of my favorite spots to call from… any time I have a South to Southeast wind[.]”
Forum member Bojo posted images of his hunting trip in Northwestern Pennsylvania last week. Bojo wrote: “It was an early winter for us — temps from low 20s to mid 40s through a week’s swing. Our cold hits hard in January/February.”
Parting Shot — Some Folks Are Happier without Snow
While he acknowledged that these “white winter” photos are lovely to look at, Forum member D-4297 prefers warmer climes: “Just lookin at all those pictures of that white stuff makes me get chills. You hearty souls can keep it. I grew up in the ‘Snow-belt’ on the east side of Cleveland. Moved to Phoenix forty years ago, and don’t miss the snow at all. And nobody has tried to sell me a shovel or broom for keeping the sunshine off my driveway, either.”
The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and fourteen firearm manufacturers, distributors, and retailers has filed a major lawsuit in Federal Court, NSSF et al vs. Letitia James (N.Y. Atty. General). This action seeks to overturn New York States “public nuisance” law which targets gun makers for the criminal misuse/unlawful possession of firearms in New York no matter where they were purchased. The plaintiffs also moved for a preliminary injunction challenging the misguided New York statute as unconstitutional.
The NSSF brought this legal action to “uphold the foundations of tort law, fight government overreach, and protect the firearm businesses that lawfully operate and employ over 340,000 Americans.” Along with the NSSF, the other 14 plaintiffs include: Beretta USA, Central TX Gun Works, Davidson’s, Glock, Hornady Mfg., Lipsey’s, Osage Co. Guns, RSR Group, Shedhorn Sports, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Sports South, Sprague’s Sports, and Sturm Ruger & Company.
The challenged law, signed by disgraced Democratic Party Governor Andrew Cuomo, allows civil lawsuits by municipalities, such as the city of New York, as well as the State of New York, against the firearm industry for the criminal actions by non-associated third parties. The “public nuisance” statute also permits private lawsuits by persons who have been harmed or threatened by criminals using firearms. Both New York State and the City of New York were part of a wave of similar lawsuits filed over twenty years ago that led to Congress passing the bipartisan PLCAA in 2005.
New York’s “public nuisance” law subjects firearm industry companies to civil lawsuits for the criminal misuse or unlawful possession of firearms in New York. The law would impose liability on industry members for firearms lawfully sold anywhere in the United States that end up being criminally misused or illegally possessed in New York thereby allegedly contributing to a “public nuisance” in the state. The NSSF lawsuit challenges the New York law as preempted by the Federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). It also challenges the law as unconstitutionally vague in violation of the Due Process Clause of the United States Constitution. The lawsuit further challenges the law as an impermissible attempt by New York State to regulate interstate commerce in violation of the Commerce Clause of the Constitution.
The NSSF states that “New York is trying to use the threat of crushing liability to coerce out-of-state businesses to adopt sales practices and procedures not required by Congress or the law of the state where they operate. The Constitution reserves the power to regulate interstate commerce solely to Congress.”
NOTE: The contest is OVER, so ignore information on the PDF about submitting targets — that’s from back in 2013.
Here’s a target for the holidays that can provide some fun at the range. This Christmas Tree Target was created by Sierra Bullets for a 2013 contest. This contest is now over, but you can still have fun with the target. This tree target is designed to be shot at 15 yards with pistol, or at 100 yards with rifle.
Santa’s Extra Accuracy Challenge
Start with the big circles, and then work your way down to the small circles (7,8,9,10) as you build your confidence. Shoot the gifts for bonus points.
For an extra challenge (with an accurate rifle), try working your way back up to the top, aiming for the X-Marks in the circles and finishing with the small, inset star at the top. Try to hit each X-Mark and then put your final shot in the inner star. Have fun!
Katrina Demerle, 17, of Hamilton, Ohio, is a living legend of the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Gary Anderson Invitational. Katrina has now claimed four straight overall wins in the junior air rifle event in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. That’s four straight titles for the talented Katrina. And she could make it five in 2022: “I will be back to try to win again next year!”.
Over 340 athletes competed in the 2021 match, held annually at the 80-point electronic air gun ranges at the CMP Competition Centers at Camp Perry, Ohio and Anniston, Alabama. This is a three-position (3P) match with shooters firing from prone, standing. and kneeling positions.
Last year, Demerle fired a national Precision Individual 3×20 plus Final record score of 701.4 using her Pardini GPR1. Shooting 700.6 overall this year with the same Pardini air rifle (which she named “Giorgio”), Katrina took top spot in the precision category. “There was a little bit of added pressure [this year] since I wanted to have another consecutive win and also wanted to beat my national record from last year.”
Competing in nearly 400 matches since 2014, the talented young athlete is a member of the USA Shooting National Junior Team for both international and three-position air rifle. Before the GAI, she had already recorded a memorable year — earning second at the Junior Olympic 3P National Championships and the overall top score at the CMP 3P National Championships, becoming the overall winner at the Junior World Championship in Lima, Peru, and winning the Junior Air Rifle National Championship in international air rifle. And the talented Ms. Eberle currently holds six national records in total.
Katrinia has nicknamed her Pardini GPR1 Air Rifle “Georgio”: CLICK HERE for large Pardini GPR1 photo.
Finishing second behind Demerle in the precision individual competition was Isabella Baldwin, 17, of Nashville, Tennessee, with a score of 697.8. Gracie Dinh, 15, of Starkville, Mississippi, fired 693.9 for third.
Shoot Like A Girl is proud to announce that the Sea To Shining Sea Tour will hit the road in early 2022, bringing a mobile range to locations across the country. This organization is dedicated to educating women and their families about the importance of firearms safety. The Shoot Like a Girl’s signature semi-tractor trailer, fitted with state-of-the-art firearms simulators, will allow attendees to gain experience in handling and shooting handguns, long guns, and compound bows. The experience is FREE for participants.
Stops on the 2022 Sea To Shining Sea Tour include:
Dallas Safari Club Expo (Dallas, TX) – January 6-9, 2022
SHOT Show Industry Day at the Range (Boulder City, NV Restricted) – January 17, 2022
Cabela’s (Fort Worth, TX) – February 5-6, 2022
National Wild Turkey Federation Convention (Nashville, TN) – February 17-20, 2022
Bass Pro Shops (Spanish Fort, AL) – March 5-6, 2022
Bass Pro Shops (Bossier City, LA) – March 19-20, 2022
Bass Pro Shops (Little Rock, AR) – April 2-3, 2022
Bass Pro Shops (Olathe, KS) – April 23-24, 2022
Cabela’s (Grand Junction, CO) – May 14-15, 2022
Bass Pro Shops (Reno, NV) – June 4-5, 2022
Cabela’s (Springfield, OR) – June 25-26, 2022
Cabela’s (Tulalip, WA) – July 9-10, 2022
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s Mountain Festival (Park City, UT) – July 21-24, 2022
Bass Pro Shops (Auburn Hills, MI) – August 6-7, 2022
Cabela’s (Columbus, OH) – August 20-21, 2022
Cabela’s (Hamburg, PA) – September 3-4, 2022
Bristol Motor Speedway NASCAR Event (Bristol, TN) – September 15-18, 2022
Bass Pro Shops (Morgantown, WV) – October 1-2, 2022
Cabela’s (Round Rock, TX) – October 15-16, 2022
Cabela’s (Glendale, AZ) – November 5-6, 2022
What To Expect
At any Shoot Like A Girl event, guests 16 years of age or older can train with handguns and long guns under guidance from certified female instructors. The mobile range features a state-of-the-art, military-grade firearm simulator which provides realistic recoil, impact, and sound feedback. Archery coaches will also be onsite to assist guests with shooting bows. Outside the range, at the Shoot Like A Girl gun counter, visitors can handle non-firing firearm samples, including revolvers, semi-automatic pistols, shotguns, and rifles. Additional products will be on display, including optics, conceal carry bags, holsters, TrueTimber camouflage gear, SABRE pepper spray products and more. More information about Shoot Like A Girl’s mission, partners, and event schedule is available at ShootLikeAGirl.com.
“Shoot Like a Girl” long-sleeve shirt from Savage Infidel.
Check the ShootLikeAGirl.com Website for Mobile Range 2022 Travel Schedule.
About Shoot Like A Girl
Shoot Like A Girl is committed to growing the number of women and their families who participate in the shooting sports by empowering them with confidence. The Shoot Like A Girl semi-tractor trailer, utilizing InVeris Training Solutions state-of-the-art military grade firearm simulator, travels to cities all across the United States. This allows attendees to shoot pistols, rifles, and bows in a fun, safe, and comfortable atmosphere. The event is free to each guest thanks to Shoot Like A Girl’s corporate partners.
Holiday Greetings to Our Readers
A gifted “natural” shooter, Kirsten started shooting fairly late — at age 16. Despite her relatively late start, she learned very quickly, and managed to earn a place on the University of Nebraska shooting team. That literally opened up a new world for Kirsten: “During the course of my career, I’ve had a lot of success. I’ve gone to World Cups… in Zagreb, Croatia, in Munich, Germany. I’ve won National Championships, and got on to the U.S. Olympic short list, so it’s been a good career.”
Santa’s Extra Accuracy Challenge
