Well it’s come to this… Democratic Party legislators in New Mexico are seeking to make it a crime if parents teach their younger children how to shoot. These anti-gun politicians will stop at nothing to undermine gun rights and the Second Amendment, and their goal here is clearly to stop the next generation from becoming trained shooters.
As reported in GunsAmerica Digest, a new bill, SB 224, has been introduced in New Mexico that would “criminalize parents and other adults for allowing children under the age of 12 to use [the adults’] firearms at a gun range.” SB 224 was introduced by New Mexico State Sen. Sedillo Lopez, a far-left Democratic Legislator who has been endorsed by the anti-gun group Everytown for Gun Safety.
This Bill would effectively ban all organized gun training for young persons under 12 in New Mexico. This could eliminate 4H and Boy Scouts marksmanship training activities for boys and girls under 12. So much for that Marksmanship Merit Badge.
Bill Attacked for Demonizing Firearms Training
SB 224 has been slammed by The New Mexico Shooting Sports Association (NMSSA) which calls the proposed bill “an uneducated attempt to demonize firearms.”
According to the NSMMA, the bill “would make it a crime for a child to handle your firearm unless the child was 12 or older and had previously completed a firearms safety class. You would become a criminal for taking your child to go shooting if they had not previously taken some kind of formal class.”
Sen. Lopez and her anti-gun allies assert that SB 224 is merely a “safe storage” law. However SB 224 creates an “authorized user” category, defined as “an individual who has been specifically granted permission to have access to the firearm”. This authorized user restriction is how training will be forbidden. Minors can only be authorized users if they are at least 12 years old AND have successfully passed a firearm safety training course.” Any gun contact by a boy or girl under 12 is outlawed. The bill further requires that weapons remain in “direct control” of the owner or authorized user if they are not in a locked container. SB 224 defines “direct control” as having the firearm “within an arm’s length of the firearm’s owner or other authorized person”. Violation of the law could result in fines or prison.
Brownells is once again offering fans the chance to win a barrel full of freedom with its Super Barrel III contest. In connection with Super Bowl on Sunday February 7, 2021, Brownells will give away one huge red barrel full of 14,000 rounds of Winchester 55-grain FMJ 5.56x45mm M193 NATO ammunition. Right now through 11:59 pm CST on 2/7/2021, you can sign up online for a chance to win the big barrel of ammo.
One lucky Brownells fan will bring home the championship-worthy trophy of a barrel full of 14,000 rounds of ammo. With current prices of about $1.00 per round for Winchester 55gr 5.56x45mm (.223 Rem) ammo, that big read Winchester barrel could be worth $14,000.00!
The contest concludes at 11:59 PM on Sunday, February 7, 2021. To enter you must provide your email. Be aware that you will be added to Brownells’ email lists and will then receive messages from Brownells until such time as you unsubscribe. Is it worth being put on an email list for a very small chance of winning a very big prize? Only you can decide that. As Dirty Harry famously said: “Are you feelin’ lucky?”
If you want a chance to win, you can sign up at the Brownells Super Barrel III webpage. One lucky winner, name drawn at random, will win the big red barrel full of Winchester ammo.
Those 14,000 Rounds Could Stretch 870 Yards
Containing enough ammo to fill 70 standard-length belts for an M249, the Winchester barrel weighs more than even an NFL football lineman. If all 14,000 cartridges contained inside were laid to end-to-end, they would stretch over 870 yards — almost twice as far as the most passing yards ever in a modern pro football championship game.
About Brownells — 82 years in Business
Founded in 1939 by Bob Brownell, the Brownells enterprise has, for 82 years, been a leading source for guns, gun parts and accessories, ammunition, reloading supplies, gunsmithing tools, and outdoors gear. With a large selection of both common and hard-to-find items, and an extensive collection of videos, articles, and gun schematics, Brownells is a good source for everything shooting-related. For more information or to place an order, call 800-741-0015 or visit Brownells.com.
TALLADEGA SPRING CLASSIC (March 16-21, 2021)
The show goes on at Talladega! Next month the CMP will host a series of rifle and pistol matches at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama. The March 2021 Spring Classic event at Talladega includes a mix of both new and traditional rifle matches, along with pistol competitions, and training courses. There will be many new events not previously held at Talladega. CLICK HERE for full details.
NEW EVENTS include First-Ever Benchrest Garand Match
The Talladega Spring Classic will feature traditional matches plus innovative NEW EVENTS. Debuting this year (for the first time at Talladega) will be a Benchrest Garand Match, Mid-Range 3×600 Rifle Match, and Pistol 2700 Match. Along with the new events, there will be CMP staple events including Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match, .22 Rimfire Pistol EIC, Service Pistol EIC, and GSMM (Garand/Springfield/Vintage and Modern Military) Rifle matches.
There will also be multiple training sessions including: Long Range Rifle Clinic, Team CMP 600-Yard Clinic, Rifle Marksmanship 101 Course/M16 Match, and Pistol Marksmanship 101 Course/M9 Match. These classes allow participants the opportunity to learn marksmanship from skilled, certified instructors.
COOL VIDEO — This 22-second drone video shows the Talladega Rifle Range — Worth watching!
Electronic Targets + No Pit Duty = More Fun
Competitors will be firing all matches on electronic targets for pistol and rifle matches. Each firing point of the 500-acre facility is equipped with a state-of-the-art, KTS electronic target and scoring monitor. Located beside the shooter, on the firing line, each monitor allows the competitor to see his/her shot value in a matter of seconds. Spectators can view the results in real time on large monitors.
Off of the firing line, the Club House holds a fully-stocked Pro Shop that includes a collection of rifles, ammunition, marksmanship accessories and CMP memorabilia.
NOTE Regarding Health and Safety: Although it is CMP’s hope to hold our upcoming events, please keep in mind that we may have to cancel due to COVID-19 issues. For those events that we do conduct, we will follow the appropriate state’s guidelines and recommendations. We continue to monitor the venue states’ guidelines and adjust our procedures based on those guidelines and common sense. As always, the safety of our customers and employees is our priority.
Beretta Holding has acquired Holland & Holland (H&H), a legendary British gunmaker founded in 1835. H&H has built guns for Royalty, and some of its high-end rifles and shotguns top $170,000.00 in price. H&H still builds guns with exquisite hand craftsmanship, including elaborate engraving. The purchase agreement, effective 2/1/2021, transfers 100% ownership of Holland & Holland Ltd. to Beretta Holding.
Beretta Holding stated: “One of the most iconic gunmakers in the World, Holland & Holland is steeped in history and represents the pinnacle of handmade premium firearms. To become custodians of this famous name is an enormous honor and bears a huge responsibility, as we wish to preserve its precious heritage and dedication to skilled craftsmanship. This acquisition further solidifies the Beretta Holding Group’s commitment to the key UK market in this post Brexit era.” Included in the agreement are the prestigious Holland & Holland Shooting Grounds in West London, England, UK.
Holland & Holland Double Rifle with Fitted Case
Beretta Will Preserve Holland & Holland Heritage
Pietro Gussalli Beretta, Chairman and CEO of Beretta Holding stated: “In Beretta Holding’s quest to acquire a luxury brand, Holland & Holland proved to be the ideal partner to meet all aspects of the most sophisticated gun manufacturing: a rich history, independent manufacturing facilities, and exceptional products. Beretta Holding is keen to preserve Holland & Holland’s valuable heritage in the UK and its unrivalled tradition of craftsmanship.”
“This is a very exciting development and a great achievement for the Beretta family, which further enhances the Group’s international presence. Faced with the challenges of Brexit, I am very pleased to increase our direct involvement in the important UK market, where we are already active with our well-established distribution subsidiary.”
Holland & Holland Craftsmanship — Video Showcase
What goes into a £125,000.00 ‘Royal’ model hand-crafted side-by-side shotgun? Watch this remarkable video from Holland & Holland to find out. Filmed in the Holland & Holland factory, this nine-minute video shows all the key stages in the creation of H&H’s prized shotguns and rifles. The video shows barrel-making, stock checkering, metal engraving and more…
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) now offers Podcasts! The CMP will release a series of informative Audio Podcasts throughout 2021 (and beyond). This is part of the effort to help shooters improve their skills and learn more about the shooting sports.
Podcast episodes will cover a variety of topics, including CMP facilities and upcoming competitions. There will also be interviews with top shooters and shooting sports industry professionals. The first Podcast was released on 1/23/2021. In that episode, Brad Donoho, CMP smallbore manager, talks about the history of CMP Smallbore Rifle Competition and how the program has evolved. Click below to listen. The next Podcast (Coming Soon) will cover the Talladega Marksmanship Park.
PODCAST TOPICS Wanted – If you have topics you would like to see covered on the CMP podcasts, or specific questions answered, contact Ashley at abrugnone@thecmp.org. She will pass on your comments to the programming team.
Among other topics, Marksmanship training will be covered on the podcasts
One of the most important responsibilities of the CMP is to train and educate citizens. Since 1996, the CMP has implemented new ways of fulfilling this purpose through additional programs, competitions and publications. For 2021, the CMP introduces the new CMP Podcast series, with the goal of increasing Marksmanship knowledge through the USA.
The CMP runs pistol competitions as well as rifle events.
About the Civilian Marksmanship Program
The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to firearm safety and marksmanship training and to the promotion of marksmanship competition. For more information about CMP programs, visit TheCMP.org.
The U.S. Military has a new machine gun and a new rifle in a new caliber. SIG Sauer has confirmed the final delivery of the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) systems to the U.S. Army, consisting of new 6.8x51mm Hybrid ammunition, the NGSW-AR lightweight belt-fed machine gun, the SIG NGSW-R rifle, and SIG suppressors. Ron Cohen, SIG Sauer President/CEO stated that work with U.S. soldiers has “led to rapid advancements over the current weapons systems and resulted in our delivery of the most innovative Next Generation Squad Weapons system to the U.S. Army.”
The new systems will shoot 6.8×51 Hybrid ammunition — a lightweight cartridge designed to handle higher pressures resulting in increased velocity and terminal performance. In civilian form, SIG Sauer calls this cartridge the 277 SIG FURY. The 277 SIG Fury and the military 6.8x51mm cartridges feature a conventional brass upper case body with a steel alloy bottom, case-head section. The hybrid design allows the ammo to run at significantly higher pressures than conventional ammunition. SIG Sauer states that “despite its revolutionary design, [this] hybrid ammunition can be manufactured on a widespread basis immediately.”
The SIG Sauer 6.8mm hybrid ammunition is designed for increased penetration at greater distances. Cohen continued, “using patent-pending technology the SIG Sauer Ammunition Division has engineered a completely new cartridge resulting in a more compact round, with increased velocity and accuracy, while delivering a substantial reduction in the weight of the ammunition.”
This video shows gun features and includes firing sequences with thermal cameras (1:50 time).
The new 6.8x51mm Hybrid ammo gives the new guns significant advantages: “The SIG Sauer Lightweight Belt-Fed Machine Gun (NGSW-AR) doubles the effective range and is 40% lighter than the current M249 while maintaining the preferred belt-fed operation, with reduced felt recoil to increase accuracy. The SIG SAUER Rifle (NGSW-R) is built on the foundation of the battle tested MCX platform with the added firepower of the 6.8×51 round; both the NGSW-AR and NGSW-R feature familiar AR-style ambidextrous ergonomics designed for a seamless transition from the legacy weapons to the SIG NGSW system.”
SIG SAUER Lightweight Machine Gun (NGSW-AR)
The SIG Sauer NGSW-AR is a light-weight (under 15-lb.), medium-caliber machine gun chambered for 6.8x51mm Hybrid ammunition. SIG Sauer designed the NGSW-AR to be 40% lighter than current systems, and dramatically reduce felt recoil while maintaining traditional belt-fed operation to increase downrange capability. This 6.8mm machine gun features ambidextrous AR-style ergonomics, quick detach magazines, increased M1913 rail space for optics, folding buttstock, and quick-detach suppressor. SIG Sauer claim this NGSW-AR “vastly improves upon the operation and function of the legacy M249.”
SIG SAUER Rifle (NGSW-R):
The NGSW-R lightweight rifle (aka MCX-Spear) is derived from existing SIG military rifles with the added firepower of the 6.8mm round. Features include a fully collapsible and folding stock, rear and side charging handle, free-floating reinforced M-LOK™ handguard, fully ambidextrous controls, and quick-detach suppressor.
277 SIG FURY (6.8x51mm) from SIG Sauer
The 6.8x51mm cartridge will be offered by SIG Sauer in a civilian version called the 277 SIG FURY. This boasts a SAAMI maximum average pressure of 80,000 psi, driving a 135-grain bullet to 3,000+ fps. That 80K PSI pressure is WAY higher than almost all other cartridge types. To achieve these high pressures, the 277 FURY uses a hybrid case with a brass body and harder alloy metal case head. This design allows the cartridge to run very high pressures. Dan Horner of SIG Sauer told us: “When the handloaders get hold of this brass, it will be a game-changer for sure”. We envision this cartridge could be necked down to 6.5 mm and it would dramatically out-perform the 6.5 Creedmoor. And yes the official name of the cartridge is all caps “277 SIG FURY”.
With the Democratic Party taking control of the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, and the White House, smart Americans know that aggressive, unconstitutional gun control measures are going to be pushed over the next few years in Washington. There is already a bill, H.R. 127, that would require all gun owners to have a Federal License, to pay $800 annual insurance, and to make the type and location of their guns a matter of public record. (See H.R. 127 Video below). And both President Biden and VP Kamala Harris have said they wish to restrict semi-auto rifles, possibly even with mandatory confiscation.
Given this new political environment, it’s no surprise that Americans are rushing to gun stores in droves. And they are buying vast quantities of firearms of all types — pistols, rifles, and shotguns. There were over 2 million NICS-adjusted gun buyer background checks in January 2021. That’s an increase of 75% compared to January 2020.*
“Americans are continuing to purchase firearms at a blistering pace. That’s undoubtedly connected to President Joe Biden’s plans to attack the firearm industry.
Americans are claiming their Second Amendment rights to provide for their own safety in record numbers.” — NSSF
The NSSF Comments: “January’s NICS figures clearly spell out that the demand of law-abiding Americans to purchase firearms isn’t abating. It is growing. Three of the top 10 weeks and one top 10 single day for the highest number of FBI NICS background checks occurred in January. Taken into context that all but one of the top 10 weeks and four other top 10 single-day records occurred during the 2020, when 21 million background checks were conducted, these are jaw-dropping figures to start the New Year.”
Analysis from Mark Oliva, NSSF Director of Public Affairs:
It can’t be discounted that many of these background checks for the purchase of a firearm are attributed to threats by the Biden administration to enact the most radical and far-reaching gun control agenda ever proposed. Americans are continuing to purchase firearms at a blistering pace. That’s undoubtedly connected to President Joe Biden’s plans to attack the firearm industry by undoing and rewriting regulations and executive actions to target the firearm industry, which started with freezing the publication of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s “Fair Access” banking rule. The Biden administration interfered with an independent government agency to further an agenda and perpetuate the illegal Operation Choke Point by farming it out to corporate banks. That was just the opening salvo.
Mental Lapses by Joe Biden: In the South Carolina Presidential Debate, Biden stated that 150 million Americans have been killed by firearms since 2007. That was completely wrong (it would be roughly 45% of the U.S. population). Biden’s defenders claimed it was a simply an over-statement. At best this stupid error shows that Biden is totally misinformed about gun issues. At worst it shows that 78-year-old Biden is suffering from senile dementia.
President Biden [has also] promised to pursue the repeal of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), weaponize the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to revoke licenses for minor clerical errors and ban entire classes of firearms from lawful ownership and tax or seize modern sporting rifles (MSRs), or AR-15 style rifles, and magazines in a scheme that would cost those owners an estimated $34 billion for the privilege to own what they already lawfully own.
And the NSSF notes that while the Biden Admininistration is 100% committed to attacking the rights of law-abiding firearms owners, that same administration “has yet to put forth a single proposal to tackle the crime, lawlessness, rioting and looting that has plagued this nation for the year.” Violence and rioting in the name of “equity” and a socialist agenda seem to be fine with Biden, Harris and their advisors.
H.R. 127 — Nightmare Bill Could Destroy Second Amendment
* For comparison, the unadjusted January 2021 FBI NICS figure 4,288,240 reflects a 61.7 percent increase from the unadjusted FBI NICS figure of 2,652,263 in January 2020. Though not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provide an additional picture of current market conditions. It should be noted that these statistics represent the number of firearm background checks initiated through the NICS. They do not represent the number of firearms sold or sales dollars. Based on varying state laws, local market conditions and purchase scenarios, a one-to-one correlation cannot be made between a firearm background check and a firearm sale.
Due to the continued effects from the Covid-19 pandemic the NRA has made multiple adjustments to the 2021 Competitive Shooting Calendar. Notably, the 2021 Collegiate Rifle Championships in March 2021 have been completely cancelled. The NRA states: “We are trying to make the best of the current situation during these difficult times. We share your disappointment that we had to cancel some of our competitions and we look forward to the remainder of the 2021 competitive shooting season.”
• The 2021 NRA Collegiate Rifle Championships, which were scheduled for March 20-22, 2021, have been completely cancelled.
• The 2021 NRA Silhouette Championships will be held and hosted by the Ridgway Rifle Club in Ridgway, Pennsylvania, this summer beginning July 27, 2021 and ending on August 14, 2021. Specific match dates and times will be posted on the NRA Silhouette Championships Website.
• The NRA is now sanctioning the 2021 NRA sectional and regional events. Programs will be posted soon on the NRA’s Competitive Shooting Division website: Competitions.NRA.org
• At this time the NRA will continue to sanction localized NRA competitive shooting tournaments and we will continue to monitor the situation and make additional statements as the Covid-19 pandemic unfolds.
For regular updates on NRA Match schedules, visit the NRA Competitive Shooting Facebook Page. You can also subscribe to the free Shooting Sports USA Insider newsletter for the latest competitive shooting news and information. For specific questions, contact the NRA Competitive Shooting Division at comphelp@nrahq.org.
NRL22 — a rimfire tactical discipline — is one of the fastest-growing shooting sports in the country. Right now there are more NRL22 matches in one month than there are official rankings-counted PRS matches in a year. It’s easy to understand why. Ammo is cheap, and you can have plenty of challenge even on a 200-yard range. Plus good .22 LR barrels can last 30,000 rounds or more.
For anyone looking to get serious about rimfire competition shooting without the costs of a full-on custom rifle, a new day has dawned. CZ-USA now offers a CZ 457 for rimfire precision matches that has important accuracy upgrades. The CZ Varmint Precision Trainer MTR is now available with the match-grade MTR chamber with tighter tolerances. The MTR chamber has proven itself via the CZ 457 Varmint MTR rifle, which has garnered an excellent reputation for accuracy.
The VPT MTR variant will feature orange accents in the camo finish on the Manners Composite Stock
CZ states: “The MTR variant of the VPT allows shooters to buy an affordable, match-chambered rifle that’s ready to compete right out of the box. This eliminates the perceived need to upgrade any major components[.]” It also lets you compete in rimfire classes restricted to “box stock” 100% factory configuration.
The 457 VPT MTR comes with a cold hammer-forged and lapped 16.2″ barrel with 1/2×28 threads at the muzzle for a suppressor or muzzle device. The barreled action is mounted in a Manners carbon fiber stock. For the new VPT model with MTR chamber, MSRP is $1449.00. Expect “street price” around $1250.00″
Overall Length: 42″
Weight: 7.49 lbs.
Trigger: Adjustable
Sights: Integrated 11MM Dovetail for Optic
Safety: Two-Position, Push to Fire
Misc.: Barrel Threaded 1/2×28 for suppressor
New CZ 457 VPT Replaces 455 VPT — Major Action Changes
The previous CZ 455 VPT was replaced with the new-generation CZ 457 Varmint Precision Trainer, which still boasts a Manners Composite stock, based on the PRS1 design with a more tapered forearm. The new 457 VPT has some very notable upgrades. First, the stamped bottom metal of the 455 is gone, swapped for a two-piece interlocking system. To make scope fitment easier, CZ ditched the 90° bolt rotation in favor of a 60° bolt, allowing for larger ocular bell diameters with lower ring heights. And the 457 VPT now features a trigger adjustable for weight, creep, and over-travel. MSRP for the basics CZ 457 VPT (not the MTR Chamber model) is $1189.00, with street price around $990.00.
CMP Guide to Target Shooting with Vintage Military Rifles
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has released VMR: Target Shooting With Vintage Military Rifles, a new book by Gary Anderson, Director of Civilian Marksmanship Emeritus. Gary himself was a world-class marksman who earned two Olympic Gold medals in rifle shooting.
The CMP says this 284-page illustrated book is “likely the most comprehensive manuscript ever written about the methods of training and competing with popular American and foreign vintage military rifles.” Fans of vintage military rifles will likely find this 18-chapter book “to be the most complete coverage of the topic, from a competitor’s and historian’s point of view”, said Christie Sewell, CMP Programs Chief.
Anderson definitely has the credentials — he won Olympic Gold Medals in Tokyo and Mexico City in the 1960s. Gary also set multiple U.S. and international records. The originator of the CMP’s competitive vintage rifle program, Anderson set out to present a detailed manual covering all aspects of shooting vintage military rifles. The book covers 1903 Springfield, U.S. Krag, 1917 U.S. Enfield, M1 Garand, M1 Carbine and many more, including rifles from “across the pond.”
Target Shooting With Vintage Military Rifles Topics:
Origins and Fundamentals of Marksmanship
Operation, Cleaning, Loading & Unloading
Sight Adjustment, Zeroing & Fine Tuning
Highpower Rifle Match Procedures
Firing Rifles in Competition
Prone, Sitting and Standing Position Building
Using a Scorebook/Databook
Strategies for Improvement
Critical Value of the Sling
Rifle and Range Safety
Purchase Online at CMP E-Store
This new Gary Anderson book is sold through the CMP E-Store for $29.95. You can also print out and submit the CMP Publications order form (order item NLU # 792, $29.95). The CMP stores in Alabama and Ohio will also carry the new Gary Anderson book.
Beretta Will Preserve Holland & Holland Heritage
