Looking for a superb illustrated coffee table book about guns? Yes there is such a thing, a great book we highly recommend — The Illustrated History of Fireams (2nd Edition). This full-color 320-page hardcover book features more than 1,700 photos compiled by NRA Museums curators Jim Supica, Doug Wicklund and Philip Schreier. This Second Edition includes 300 photos more than the original, plus dozens of new profiles of important persons who influenced firearms development.
This follow-up to the best-selling original NRA Museums book is loaded with great images, historical profiles, and technical data on old, new, and currently-manufactured firearms that have changed history. Covering the earliest matchlocks to modern match-grade superguns and everything in between, The Illustrated History of Firearms provides a fascinating education on how guns evolved, where they originated and how they worked.
The Illustrated History of Firearms, 2nd Edition
– Authored by the experts at the NRA Firearms Museums
– Published by Gun Digest Books
– 9 ½ x 11 1/2 inches, hardcover with dust jacket
– 1,700 full-color photos
– 320 Pages
– Price: $39.99
The Illustrated History of Firearms, 2nd Edition is available at gundigeststore.com, Amazon ($34.95), Barnes & Noble and most other major booksellers.
Historic American Arms — Teddy Roosevelt’s Lever Guns
These two lever action rifles, owned by President Theodore Roosevelt, are part of the NRA Museum collection. First is a Winchester 1886 rifle known as the tennis match gun because Roosevelt used winnings from a tennis match to buy it. Below that is a suppressed Winchester model 1894 rifle. Roosevelt liked to shoot varmints around Oyster Bay (Long Island, NY) with this gun so he wouldn’t disturb his neighbors — the Tiffany and Du Pont families.
About the NRA Museums
The NRA opened the original National Firearms Museum at its Washington DC Headquarters in 1935. In 2008 the Francis Brownell Museum of the South West opened at the NRA’s Whittington Center in Raton, NM. Then, in 2013, the National Sporting Arms Museum opened at the Bass Pro Shops store in Springfield, MO. Every year, at these three museum facilities, over 350,000 persons visit to see the impressive exhibits and many of America’s most famous firearms. For more information, visit www.NRAMuseum.org.
In an unprecedented move, the central government of Canada, without parliamentary vote or debate, has banned a vast number of rifles, including most modern mag-fed, semi-auto rifles currently for sale. This action banning the firearms was done by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau via “Order-in-Council”, with no political debate and no vote of elected representatives. It was essentially an Executive action, rule by fiat, like a decree issued by a dictator.
Starting now, around 1,500 models of long-arms have become illegal to sell, transport, import or use in the Canada, according to CBC News.
“The government implemented the ban immediately, and without the need for legislation in Parliament, by reclassifying about 1,500 firearm models as prohibited. In the meantime, a two-year amnesty is now in effect for Canadians who own the banned firearms and government officials said gun owners will also have the option to be ‘grandfathered’ in with weapons they currently own, although no details were available for that program yet”. Source: NationalPost.com
Nova Scotia Killer Posed as Police Officer
This action came in response to the Nova Scotia killings by a madman, Gabriel Wortman, who dressed in a police uniform and used vehicles with law enforcement markings and lightbars. Wortman was NOT licensed to possess his weapons and had obtained his firearms illegally. According to Global News: “During the shooting, the gunman was traveling in a replica police vehicle and wearing an authentic police uniform.”
Canadian Investigators said Gabriel Wortman had several semi-automatic handguns and at least two semi-auto rifles, which may have been AR-type rifles, but we are not certain about the exact configurations of Wortman’s long guns. Notably, most if not all of Wortman’s guns were already ILLEGAL for Wortman to own under existing Canadian laws. The crazed shooter had violated multiple firearms laws already on the books, and did NOT possess his weapons legally (it is believed he sourced them from outside Canada). AR-type rifles required a special permit in Canada. And of course he violated multiple laws in impersonating a law enforcement officer.
Trudeau Exploits Nova Scotia Shooting to Ban Guns without Normal Legislation
Prime Minister Trudeau used the Nova Scotia mass killing as the impetus to fulfill his campaign promises to ban so-called “assault-type” weapons. Seven months ago, Trudeau pledged to ban modern semi-auto rifles, which he called “assault rifles”. Trudeau opportunistically leveraged the mass shooting to execute his plan with no public debate and no vote by elected officials.
Trudeau’s actions were criticized by many in Canada. Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer declared: “Taking firearms away from law-abiding citizens does nothing to stop dangerous criminals who obtain their guns illegally”. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney stated: “Today’s order does little to target criminals … instead, Ottawa is singling out law-abiding gun Canadians who purchased their property legally”. And Alison de Groot, Director of the Canadian Sporting Arms and Ammunition Association, said Trudeau’s gun ban “will strand somewhere between $200 to $300 million worth of pre-paid merchandise in stores”. READ MORE.
Q: Would a Ban on Semi-Auto Rifles Have Prevented the Nova Scotia Tragedy?
A: No. The killer Gabriel Wortman also used pistols, and could have been just as deadly with a pump shotgun. And nine of the 22 killed “died in house fires” set by Wortman. (Source: RCMP per Reuters.) Remember that fact — 40% of the victims were burned to death: “Of the 22 people killed, 13 were shot and nine died in house fires.” Source: CNN.com.
The real reason for the high kill count was that Gabriel Wortman was an insane maniac wearing a police uniform and driving a police car. The important questions to ask are how did he get the uniform and why were vehicles sold complete with police markings?
Terms of Canada’s Broad New Gun Ban
Under the Canadian gun ban, owners of prohibited firearms now have two years to turn in their rifles. According to CTV News: “Owners will also have the ability to be compensated through a buyback program, though the details of these options have yet to be outlined. Gun owners must be in compliance with the law by April 2022. Those who have not disposed of any banned firearms by that time may face sanctions under the Criminal Code.”
Was Trudeau’s massive gun ban necessary? Consider this comment from a Canadian gun owner: “Handguns and AR15s in Canada [were] highly regulated already. To get the license you go through a 2-day course. There was a 3- to 6-month wait for your application. Spouse must sign. No history of metal disorders. [Authorities conduct] phone interviews with credible people who know you. When you get your licence you must join a shooting club[.] Now you have your restricted license … and a government issued travel licence.”
Here is a list of all the firearms that have been banned (without Parliamentary vote) by Trudeau’s government. This includes AR15-platform rifle, AR10 rifles, Ruger Mini-14s, Semi-Auto M14-type rifles, and many other varients. Some big bolt-action guns will banned as well. ELR Researcher notes: “Read down to section 96: ‘Any firearm capable of discharging a projectile with a muzzle energy greater than 10,000 joules[.]’. Well 10,000 joules is 7375 foot-pounds, meaning [this would ban] ALL firearms chambered for most commercially-available .408 CheyTac, .416 Barrett, and .50 BMG ammo.”
Use the scoll bar (on right) to move through the list of prohibited firearms.
Are you looking for a very high-quality, premium fiberglass stock for your next hunting rifle or tactical rifle project? Now’s a great time to buy — McMillan Fiberglass Stocks is running a Major Stock Sale with substantial savings — up to 33%. McMillan posted: “[Here’s our] first sale of the year and it’s a big one! McMillan has decided to empty out the stocks on our online retail store. Browse the stocks on the site for a chance to grab one at major discounts.” NOTE: Don’t delay — this sale ends Monday, May 4, 2020 at 11:59 pm. Here are some of the stocks on sale. A dozen other types are available at McMillanUSA.com.
Berger Ballistics Experts in 10-Part Podcast Series
Bryan Litz and Emil Praslick III will be featured guests on a 10-part Sniper’s Hide Podcast series about Ballistics. These 10 Podcasts will be delivered through The Everyday Sniper podcast platform. The series will help listeners learn more about Ballistic Coefficients (BCs), why BC consistency is important, and how BC effects both accuracy and precision.
In this 10-part series, Bryan Litz of Applied Ballistics and Wind Wizard Emil Praslick talk with Sniper’s Hide head honcho Frank Galli. Along with Ballistics, the ten podcasts will cover a variety of shooting-related topics including: long range shooting, precision rifle builds, training, wind effects, industry updates, and more.
The 10-part podcast series begins May 1, 2020. Each podcast is an in-depth discussion of Berger’s bi-weekly “No-BS BCs” ballistics articles, penned by Bryan Litz, Berger’s Chief Ballistician. In Episode One Litz defines BC and its purpose. Episode Two explains how BC can vary with velocity (and why that’s important). As the series continues, examining the key requirements for successful long range shooting, the experts explain why BC consistency is the most important factor in long-range bullet performance. Learn more about “The Everyday Sniper” BC podcast series at NoBSBC.com.
“This is a great opportunity to open up our platform to Berger with Bryan and Emil. Giving people this kind of access through the partnership is a Masterclass opportunity for anyone interested in long range shooting”, stated Frank Galli.
Podcast Schedule and Topics
5/1 What is a Ballistic Coefficient?
5/15 Variation in BC with Velocity
5/29 BC Effect on Accuracy, Short and Long Range
6/12 BC and Performance
6/26 Shot to Shot Consistency – Sources of BC Inconsistency
7/10 BC Effect on Precision, Short and Long Range
7/24 Comparing BCs
8/7 SC of BC, Bell Curve
8/21 Mfg. Effects on BC, Accuracy and Precision
9/4 MV-BC Trade Off and Different Brands
Here are some of the Ballistics Topics available on the Berger Website:
To learn more about Berger’s No-BS BCs and to read Bryan Litz’s bi-weekly articles, visit NoBSBC.com and Bergerbullets.com.
Lapua Re-Opens Ohio Rimfire Performance Center Capstone Precision Group has announced the re-opening of the Lapua Rimfire Performance Center (LRPC) at the Cardinal Shooting Center in Marengo, Ohio. Due to Covid-19 restrictions enacted in Ohio, the LRPC has been closed since March 23, 2020.
Patterned after the world-renowned Lapua Performance Center in Germany, both the Cardinal and existing location in Mesa, AZ give shooters the opportunity to test various types, and lots of Lapua ammunition, under tightly controlled conditions. Fully instrumented, with state of the art Meyton/Bollman electronic targeting systems, the centers offer the unique ability to test ammunition at both 50 and 100 meters, simultaneously with a single string.
Testing Resumes Monday May 4, 2020 | Customer Visits Begin May 11, 2020
Beginning May 4, 2020, Lapua will test customer rifles that are shipped to the LRPC. The following Monday, May 11, 2020, the Performance Center will open for customers with appointments to bring their firearms on site with safety restrictions in place.
“We’re extremely excited to re-open our second Performance Center, and the safety of our customers is our first priority. We have placed safety measures in place to keep our customers safe while we provide them with world class service”, said Adam Braverman, Director of Sales and Marketing.
Luke Johnson, Rimfire Test Center Manager, stated, “Lapua’s Second Performance Center in the United States will provide increased opportunity for competitors to find some of the highest quality rimfire match ammunition. We are eager to have our customers see our new facility, and are taking precautions to keep them and our employees safe.”
Customers interested in testing at the new Lapua Rimfire Performance Center, may call (480) 695-0744, email rimfiretesteast@capstonepg.com , or fill out an appointment request at www.capstonepg.com/rpc/.
We learned last week that the CMP had closed the Camp Perry CMP Championship Matches. Now the NRA has followed suit, cancelling the Pistol, Smallbore, and High Power National Championships slated for summer 2020 at Camp Perry (Pistol) and Camp Atterbury (Rifle). We know readers will be disappointed. The NRA High Power Championships were slated for mid-August — over three months away. Many shooters were hoping some normalcy would be restored by then. However the potential health risks of having hundreds of shooters in close proximity lead to the cancellation decision. On 4/29/2020, the NRA stated:
Due to the current state of affairs surrounding COVID-19, the uncertainties associated with this pandemic at present, and shutdowns across our country that have impeded vital preparatory work, the National Rifle Association has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 NRA Precision Pistol Championships scheduled for July 1-5, 2020), 2020 NRA High Power Championships scheduled for August 9-25, 2020, and the 2020 NRA Smallbore Championships scheduled for July 23-August 4, 2020.
We are trying to make the best of the current situation by moving forward with range construction and other improvements as we look towards the 2021 NRA National Championships season. The NRA is also exploring the feasibility of hosting a variety of new NRA events at Camp Atterbury (if conditions are favorable) [in] the state of Indiana later this year.
We share your disappointment that we had to cancel these competitions. The NRA wishes everyone good health and the best of luck. Stay safe and healthy. For more information, visit Competitions.NRA.org.
The NRA had previously cancelled all sanctioned matches through April 30, 2020. Read story HERE.
We’ve found eight great discount/rebate programs. These can save you money on ammunition, security safes, optics, or a new firearm. Some of these rebates are worth $75 or more. For example you can save $75 on a Rem varmint rifle or $75 on a Savage rifle. Note: most of these promos are good through summer, but some deals expire April 30, 2020 — just two days away. So don’t delay if you want these deals!
Remington Rifle and Shotgun Rebates
Get $100 rebate on Remington Versamax Shotguns. Receive a $75 rebate on Rem V3 Shotguns and Model 700 Varmint Rifles. Get $50 rebate on Rem Model 870 Super Mag Shotguns.
Start Date: 2/1/2020 End Date: 4/30/2020 ACT SOON!!
Get up to $75 Back From Savage
Purchase any Savage MSR and receive $75 back with a mail-in rebate. Or, buy any Savage A or B series rifle and receive $50 back with a mail-in rebate.
Start Date: 2/27/2020
End Date: 5/1/2020
Free Ammo with Rimfire Gun Buy
Buy any brand rimfire rifle or handgun plus 2 boxes of CCI rimfire ammo and CCI will rebate the purchase price of one box of ammo up to $20.
Start Date: 1/1/2020
End Date: 12/31/2020
Get up to $100 BACK ON Federal Ammo
Receive $5 back per box when you purchase select Federal Premium varmint and predator ammo. Minimum of 4 boxes and maximum of 20.
Start Date: 1/1/2020
End Date: 4/30/2020 ACT SOON!!
Springfield M1A Mags + Scope Mount
Receive a FREE Scope Mount and 2 additional magazines with the purchase of any new M1A rifle. This is a $265 Value!
Star Date: 3/1/2020
End Date: 5/31/2020
20% REBATE on Browning Ammo
Receive 20% back on all Browning ammunition with mail-in rebate. Maximum rebate of $25.
Start Date: 4/16/2020
End Date: 5/12/2020
Leupold Binocular Bonus
Here’s a nice bonus that hunters can really use. If you buy Any Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide Binoculars and receive a FREE Leupold Binocular Chest pack, a $99 value. These packs are nicely may and comfortable, and can also be used to carry a Laser Rangefinder, Kestrel or more.
Start Date: 3/30/2020
End Date: 5/31/2020
Free Ammo with Hornady Security Products
Hornady is offering FREE Critical Defense® Ammo (value $68) when you purchase Hornady Security products: RAPiD Safe 4800KP RFID, RAPiD Safe 2700KP/2600KP, RAPiD Safe AR Wall Lock or AR Gunlocker, RAPiD Safe Shotgun Wall Lock, RAPiD Safe Night Guard, RAPiD Safe Ready Vault, RAPiD® Safe 2700/2600, and RAPiD® Vehicle Safe RFID.
Start Date: 1/1/2020
End Date: 12/31/2020
Bad news for California gun owners. On April 23, 2020 Judge Roger Benitez of the U.S. District Court issued an injunction blocking California’s ammunition background check system. That injunction held for just one day. California’s Atty. General Xavier Becerra immediately sought an emergency stay of the injunction, and a two-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals granted that request late on Friday, April 24, 2020. So, as of today, April 25, 2020, the California ammo purchasing restrictions REMAIN IN EFFECT.
The Truth About Guns website noted: “The California judiciary giveth and the California judiciary taketh away. As we expected, the state filed an emergency motion to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, asking the Judge Roger Benitez’s injunction be lifted.
Benitez’s injunction issued in response to a motion in Rhode v. Becerra, had stopped enforcement of California’s ammunition background check law. That injunction allowed Golden Staters to once again buy ammo freely and out-of-state retailers to ship directly to California buyers.
But late last night, the Ninth Circuit quashed the injunction. That means it’s back to asking state permission to buy .22 LR rounds for plinking or JHPs for personal defense. Ammunition Freedom Week turned out to last less than two days.
As we’ve said before, this case still has a long way to go. Watch this space.”
Look for a lighter barrel for your latest hunting or PRS/NRL rifle? Well there’s a new option on the market. Bartlein Barrels, makers of premium benchrest, F-Class, tactical, ELR and hunting barrels, is now offering carbon fiber-wrapped barrels. These will be available in a variety of lengths/contours, and multiple carbon colors. Bartlein posted on Facebook: “We are thrilled to announce that Bartlein Barrels is now offering carbon fiber-wrapped barrels! With the help of Mission Specific Worldwide LLC, another Wisconsin-based company, we will be offering these barrels in limited contours and calibers.
Bartlein’s Matt Buettgen told our Forum: “Bartlein Barrels is proud to introduce its new line of Carbon Fiber-wrapped barrels. We will start off with three (3) contours, the #4 Bull Sporter, #13 Rem Varmint, and the #14 M24/M40. Lengths will be 20″, 22″, 24″, and 26″ finished lengths in any twist you like including Gain Twist and Left-Hand Twists. And just to make it a little more interesting, there are four colors: Black, Red, Green, and white/black marble. For more information give us a call at the shop or check out our Facebook Page.”
Here is more information from George Gardner of GA Precision:
It’s been a hard thing to keep under wraps, no pun intended. But Bartlein Barrels is now offering carbon-wrapped barrels! We have been helping test these for a few months now and all I can say is they are very impressive. Same Bartlein accuracy and no point of impact shift at all as the barrel warms. Plus as a bonus, GA Precision will be offering colors: Red/Brown, Green and White. These colors really pop against the sunlight and accent various colors offered by composite and painted chassis stocks (see below). These color-wrap barrels are special order for 4-month delivery.
GA Precision already has good inventory of Standard Black Carbon barrels in all four contours in popular calibers and twists. See GA Precision website for details. These are available for immediate delivery.
NOTE: GA Precision currently offers FOUR (4) contours:
Bartlein #4 B Sporter | Bartlein #13 Remington Varmint
Bartlein #14 M/24-M40 | Bartlein 1.200″ Straight
Price is $700 + shipping for standard black carbon wrap, or $750 + shipping for colored carbon wraps.
Serious shooters know Bill Gravatt. He served as President/co-owner of Sinclair Int’l, worked with Creedmoor Sports for many years, then became President of the Capstone Precision Group (Berger, Lapua, SK, Vihtavuori). Bill guided Capstone through the successful acquisition of Berger Bullets by the Lapua Group, introducing new products and increasing product availability. His time at Capstone was marked by one success after another. Now that Bill has achieved his goals with Capstone (which he may continue to serve as a board member), he is returning to Creedmoor Sports in the role of Managing Director.
As the Managing Director of Creedmoor Sports, Bill will direct all operational and marketing activities for the company. Gravatt had worked for Creedmoor Sports as a consultant several years ago before taking over as Capstone President. Previously, Bill was President/Co-owner of Sinclair International, now owned by Brownells. Gravatt has over 27 years of experience in the shooting industry.
“I’m excited to re-join the customer-focused and talented team at Creedmoor Sports. Having served them as a supplier for three years, it’s good to be back in retail to directly serve our precision shooting customers”, said Gravatt.
“The entire staff at Creedmoor Sports is extremely excited to have Bill back! Bill’s leadership skills and commitment to customer satisfaction is second to none. Creedmoor Sports is committed to continuing our quest to be the leader in the precision shooting market and Bill is the right person for this journey”, said Greg Kantorovich, President of Creedmoor Sports.
Watch for Bill Gravatt Interview Soon
Last week AccurateShooter’s Editor conducted a wide-ranging interview with Bill Gravatt, covering numerous topics. We discussed trends in competitive shooting, development of new products and new cartridges, how to grow the shooting sports, and Bill’s goals at Creedmoor Sports. We hope to present this interview in early May. Stay tuned.
