Finally… some good news in the shooting world. One of the most important ranges in the nation re-opens next week. Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama will open its gates on Wednesday, May 13, 2020.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has announced that its outdoor rifle, pistol and shotgun facility in Alabama, the Talladega Marksmanship Park, plans to resume activity in May with updated protocols for staff and guests. These requirements are designed to ensure the public well-being and safety during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Starting Wednesday, May 13, the facility will be open to the public Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 am – 5 pm and Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am – 5 pm.
Special Health Procedures
All park visitors will be required to have his/her body temperature checked and will also need to answer questions about current health and recent activities that could relate to COVID-19 before being permitted to use the ranges. The number of guests within the Clubhouse will also be monitored, and those on the ranges will adhere to social distancing guidelines put in place by CMP personnel.
Though staff members of Talladega Marksmanship Park will be equipped with face masks, they will not be required for visitors to the facility. However, for the protection of everyone present, masks are highly recommended. The CMP also asks that guests stay mindful of social distancing and hygiene practices in all areas of the grounds.
No Classes, Clinics, or Matches in May
While the park will be open effective 5/13/20, the regularly-held monthly classes, clinics, and have been cancelled for the entirety of May and June. All activities scheduled after June 30th will be reassessed at a later date. For updates on Talladega status, visit the Talladega Marksmanship Park webpage.
About Talladega Marksmanship Park:
The 500-acre Talladega Marksmanship Park features a 600-yard rifle range, 100-yard multi-purpose range, and 50-yard pistol range, each equipped with Kongsberg electronic targets and scoring monitors that allow shooters on the firing line to review shots in a matter of seconds. The Park also includes 15 action pistol bays and a trap field, 5-stand field, and a 15-station sporting clays field — all with automated trap machines. All firing lines are covered, so competitors and guests stay dry and shaded.
Here’s a feel-good story about two young people excelling in the shooting sports. We can use this kind of positive message in these times, when shooting ranges have been closed and major matches have been cancelled. It’s good to see two very talented young ladies making their mark in the shooting sports.
Colt’s Manufacturing Company (Colt) has signed two talented young ladies to the Colt professional shooting team – Jalise Williams and Justine Williams. This talented twosome will now represent Colt at shooting competitions and industry events. Jalise and Justine bring exceptional young talent to the sport. Justine is a USPSA Production Grand Master and Jalise is a Single Stack Master — that means these young ladies, even as high schoolers, rank among the top USPSA shooters. Both ladies continue into 2020 with full competition schedules, including Safariland Single Stack Classic Nationals, IPSC Nationals, and IPSC World Shoot XIX in Pattaya, Thailand.
Before Joining Team Colt, the Williams Sisters Shot for Team Springfield
Jalise Williams, 17, competes in USPSA, IPSC, 3-Gun, and Steel Challenge. At the young age of 15, Jalise became the youngest Single Stack Lady National Champion in USPSA history at the age of 15. She now holds more than 100 titles. Her 2019 titles include:
Limited Lady National Champion
Single Stack Lady National Champion
L-10 Lady National Champion
L-10 A-Class National Champion
IPSC Classic Lady National Champion
“My whole world revolves around my love for the shooting sports”, said Jalise. “Colt is a legendary company and I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to represent the brand. I am beyond excited…”
Justine Williams, 15, has competed in a variety of shooting disciplines for six years. At age 13 she became the youngest-ever Production Grandmaster and at age 15 earned the PCC Grandmaster title. The first and only female to become a two-time USPSA Grandmaster, Jusine won FIVE national titles in 2019:
USPSA High Lady in the Open, Carry Optics, and Productions Divisions
USPSA High Junior National Production Champion
IPSC High Lady Production Division
Interview with the Williams Sisters
Want to learn more about the Jalise and Justine Williams? Follow the girls on their Facebook Page. There’s also a great interview with the two young talents on GunGoddess.com.
Q: When was the first time you shot a gun, who taught you and why?
Jalise was 4 and Justine was 3 when we shot our very first gun. The gun was a .357 Marlin because our parents didn’t own any .22s. My dad is a big hunter and wanted us to learn how to hunt and shoot. Our dad taught us how to shoot shotguns and rifles.
Q: What drew you to competition and what do you like best about it?
We have always been thrill seekers. We look for the biggest adrenaline hype we can find. We love to find the biggest roller coasters or scary ride we can find. We participated in swimming, gymnastics, dance, and got our black belts in Karate. But when we started shooting, it was unlike anything we had done before.
We love the rush the timer gives you. The way you move through a stage like a dance or a form in karate. The way you have to be precise like hunting. It is so different and so interesting that we can’t stop! The people are also great — they are the nicest people you will meet.
And the girls keep on winning — Jalise Williams recently took home the High Lady and High Junior titles at the Western States Single Stack Championship. Justine Williams recently shot the Mesquite Mayhem Steel Challenge Match, taking home the 1st Overall Match title and 1st Overall PCC title.
Safari Club International Teams with Buckmasters Safari Club International (SCI) has entered into a joint venture agreement with Buckmasters to promote intelligent, practical wildlife and habitat management and conservation for future generations. “This venture is part of SCI’s strategic plan to enhance the organization’s ability to protect the freedom to hunt worldwide, including right here in the United States,” said SCI CEO W. Laird Hamberlin.
This joint effort aligns the leading whitetail organization in Buckmasters with the leading advocacy and conservation organization in SCI. The joint venture provides SCI a seat on the Buckmasters Board of Directors along with recognition as a premiere sponsor. Hamberlain believes this collaboration “will introduce new opportunities for members of both groups to continue their support and preservation of hunting and conservation.” The joint venture is anticipated to be approved during the SCI Board of Directors meeting on May 9, 2020.
SCI is a a global leader in protecting the freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. The SCI’s 200 Chapters represent all 50 states of the United States as well as 106 countries. Buckmasters was founded in 1986 by Jackie Bushman and is the largest whitetail deer hunting organization in the United States with over 160,000 subscribers.
Both organizations were excited at the new alliance. “Working with Buckmasters will enhance the effectiveness of SCI as we work to defend hunting on Capitol Hill, in state legislatures and in the minds of non-hunters” said SCI President Steve Skold. And Jackie Bushman, CEO of Buckmasters, stated: “Having SCI closely involved with Buckmasters will help us continue to represent and promote a positive image of ethical hunting and an awareness of the essential role of hunting as a necessary conservation tool”.
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
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