Are you feelin’ lucky? Well here’s your chance to win. For 12 Days in December (Dec. 9-20), Powder Valley is giving away thousands of dollars worth of products from big name suppliers. This is top-of-the-line stuff, including Powder from Accurate, Alliant, Hodgdon, Ramshot, and Vihtavuori, Bullets from Berry’s, Lapua, Nosler, Sierra, Speer, and Zero, Ammunition from Hornady, Nosler, and Zero, plus Reloading Hardware from Hornady. Each day there will be a new set of prizes.
On the first Day of Christmas this year (12/9/2019) Powder Valley offered FREE Shipping on orders over $49.00, plus a free “Koozie” gift. Today, December 10th, the Second Day of Christmas, you’ll have a chance to win a Hornady LNL Classic Kit or Hornady Ammunition.
To enter the give-away contest, you need to visit Powder Valley’s Facebook Page and post a comment. Winners will be selected by lottery from those who comment as instructed. Each successive day, through December 20th, there will be another product giveaway post. On some of the 12 days Powder Valley will have additional discounts and/or FREE HazMat offers.
Powder Valley Daily Giveaway — New Prizes Every Day
For the Daily Powder Valley Contests, you need to go to the Powder Valley Facebook Page and post a Facebook Comment for the Daily Prize story. You don’t have to fill out any forms, but you must have a Facebook account so you can comment. You can enter multiple times by commenting on multiple days, but sorry, if you win, you are no longer eligible.
NOTE: You MUST post your comment on Powder Valley’s Facebook Site, NOT HERE. And you need to comment each day on the featured Daily Giveaway Post to be entered in that particular day’s contest. To have repeat chances to win you need to comment on multiple days. Got it?
Each day the folks at Powder Valley will select winners from among the visitors who commented. In days ahead there can be multiple daily winners. And on Day 12 there will be very special prize give-aways including Powder Valley Gift certificates.
Today, 78 years later, it remains important to remember what took place at Pearl Harbor, and to honor those soldiers, sailors, marines (and civilians) who lost their lives in the surprise attack. The tragic memory of Pearl Harbor reminds us that our nation should never be lulled into complacency. The world remains a dangerous place. The nation must remain alert to all dangers, and be prepared to respond to all threats, both known and unknown. As Wendell Phillips said famously: “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”
Thoughts on Pearl Harbor, by Dennis Santiago
When I think of December 7th, I remember it is the day my elders began the most difficult four years of their lives. I have seen in their eyes the fear, anger and resolve that come from experiencing what it was like to survive in territory occupied by the Empire of the Rising Sun. My mother had never heard of Pearl Harbor. For her, World War II began on the same day seeing the Japanese bomb a U.S. naval installation called Cubi Point, at the entrance to Manila Bay in the Philippine Islands.
My maternal grandfather never spoke of what horrors he had seen on the Bataan Death March or his years in the prison camps. When I look at my father, I think of my other grandfather’s memories of his son — my father — hanging off the side of a Japanese patrol boat in Subic Bay with an Arisaka pointed at him, forced to give up the catch needed to feed his family….
Time has passed but the poignancy has not faded. Each December 7th, I’m thankful my elders survived because I would not be here to muse about it, had they not. The echoes of their ordeal drive me deeply to make sure that such a thing will never happen again. Whether called the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere or some other name made up by the contemporaries of my day, the evil that lurks underneath those who believe their ideas justify the horrors they impose must always be confronted and defeated.
Taurus, a major handgun manufacturer, has opened its big new U.S. manufacturing facility and Operations Center in Bainbridge, Georgia. The grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was held Thursday, December 5, 2019, at the new corporate headquarters.
The move to Bainbridge, Georgia, follows an initial investment of over $22.5 million in infrastructure and the creation of over 300 new jobs in Decatur County. The 5-year plan foresees continued expansion in U.S. engineering and production for the Taurus, Rossi, and Heritage Manufacturing product lines, and significant capital and resource investment in the Bainbridge area.
Taurus USA is a subsidary of Taurus Armas, S.A., a publicly traded company based in Brazil. Taurus Armas S.A. manufactures a wide variety of consumer and industrial products that are distributed worldwide. For more information about Taurus, go to TaurusUSA.com.
The opening ceremonies included appearances by local politicians and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp who told the assembled crowd: “This is a big deal … for Taurus HQ to be located here. It continues the growth of our state. Our employment is at new highs and our unemployment numbers are the lowest in nineteen years — all that means great things for the state and all of us.” Georgia, Kemp added, leads the country in workforce development, competitive environment and “speed to permit”.
Taurus Holdings CEO David Blenker stated: “All of us at Taurus have been anticipating this moment for some time. It is the culmination of much hard work, intensive planning, and considerable investment in time and resources by many people—not only from Taurus, but also from the good people in the Bainbridge, Georgia, area. We are looking forward to this transition and the exciting opportunities this move will offer Taurus and its employees[.]”
Shooting Industry Magazine reveals scores of new products in its December 2019 issue, which you can read for free online. The 2020 New Product Showcase is a focal point of Shooting Industry’s December issue — with 88 brands represented. View the entire line-up of New-for-2020 products HERE: New Product Showcase.
Here are 10 Cool New Products our Editors spotted in the Shooting Industry New Product Showcase:
The CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis pairs CZ’s heavy-barreled 457 action with an aluminum chassis of the company’s own design. Equipped with an adjustable Luth-AR stock, AR-style grip, QD sling sockets, and M-LOK slots, proper fit and customization are made easy. Available in .22 LR with a 16.5″ or 24″ barrel, the CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis is threaded for use with rimfire suppressors.
The new 1 to 10-power scope from Konus boasts a class-leading 10X zoom system with a 1 MOA dot reticle. The 1-10x24mm riflescope features 30mm tube, fully multi-coated optics, dual color illumination, glass-etched reticle, removable zoom lever,adjustable locking turrets, and flip-up covers. The 1-10X Konus is waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof.
Christensen Arms unveiled a Steel-Barreled Modern Precision Rifle. Heavier than Christensen’s signature carbon fiber offerings, the steel-barreled Modern Precision Rifle weighs 8.4 and 9.6 lbs depending on barrel contour/length. The folding chassis features a carbon fiber comb, free-floating carbon fiber handguard, flat match-grade trigger, AR-style grip and a 20 MOA rail.
Target Factory is introducing a new target design, the Flip-R-Spin Target. This indoor/outdoor range and retail consumer target is actually a “3 in 1” target, as it can be deployed in several configurations: on the ground, vertical spinning or horizontal spinning target. With its unique 3D 2.5″ diameter “Target Ball” concept, it always self-resets.
Springfield Armory’s Hellcat is a micro-compact 9mm carry pistol. New for 2020 is a Hellcat Optical Sight Pistol (OSP) configuration. The Hellcat OSP features a removable cover plate to allow direct mounting of a Red Dot optics to the slide. Capacity is 11+1 — best in class. The U-Dot sight system is made of high visibility tritium and a luminescent front sight paired with a tactical rack U-notch rear. A high-hand beavertail and undercut triggerguard situate the pistol low in the hand.
The new 6X RangeTracker 1800 from German Precision Optics (GPO) incorporates state-of-the-art optical and electronic technology in a compact laser rangefinder built for long-range rifle hunting (up to 1,800 yards). It offers angle correction, Hyperscan (three readings per second), and an outside temperature reading in Fahrenheit or Celsius. The OLED system allows up to 25% more light to get through the optical system, ideal low-light situations.
Texan air rifles from AirForce Airguns now feature a carbon fiber tank and valve system — capable of energy levels of 750 ft. lbs. with a 520gr projectile. The carbon fiber tank holds 3,625 psi or 250 BAR of air. The power increase allows users to hunt larger game by delivering a heavy projectile to the target with up to 750 ft/lbs of energy.
The Firearms Guide 10th Edition is a comprehensive guns and ammo reference guide, available online or on a flash drive. Published since 2009, this Guide offers gun prices, gun schematics, blueprints, and manual. Guns are cross-referenced with the ammunition database. Guns and ammo are presented with prices, tech specifications, features, ballistic information and high-resolution color pictures.
The Modular Drive Technologies (MDT) ACC chassis is now available for the CZ 457 rimfire action, making it a great option for rimfire cross-training or NRL22 competitino. The MDT ACC offers a customizable steel weight system allowing over nine pounds to be added to the buttstock and/or fore-end. The ACC Chassis comes with a SRS-X Elite buttstock with adjustable LOP. A full ARCA rail runs the entire length of the 17.75″ fore-end. This stock can accept variety of pistol grips.
The new Otis Long Term Gun Storage Kit provides what you need to protect and store a firearm for an extended period of time corrosion-free. The kit includes Rust Stopper Rust Prevention Gun Storage Bags (pistol and rifle/shotgun), microfiber towels, chamber flags, an all purpose receiver brush, Shooter’s Choice MC-7 bore cleaner (2-oz. bottle), FP-10 Lubricant Elite (4-oz. bottle) and Rust Prevent (6-oz. aerosol).
Yes Americans cherish their Second Amendment rights. Despite what the Mainstream Media may say, gun ownership is alive and well in America, as 30% of U.S. adults say they personally own a gun, while a larger percentage, 43%, report living in a gun household. This is according to a recent Gallup Poll Survey. The same survey reveals that 40% of Conservatives own a firearm vs. 28% of Moderates and 18% of Liberals. 43% of Republicans own guns vs. 16% of Democrats — that’s a big gap. And more men than women own firearms, by a large margin. 43% of men polled say they own at least one gun, compared to 17% for women.
Gun Production Figures — 423 Million Civilian Guns in America
Based on Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) records, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), now says there are nearly 423 million guns owned by civilians in the United States. The estimated total number of firearms in civilian possession from 1986-2018 is 422.9 million, according to data from the BATFE’s Firearms Commerce Report in the United States 2019 report and preliminary 2018 Annual Firearms Manufacturing and Exportation Report (AFMER) figures.
While Gun Ownership Rises, Crime Rates Have Fallen
The NSSF’s 2017 Firearms Production Report also notes that as lawful firearms ownership in America continues to grow, criminal and unintentional misuse of firearms is falling. During the 25-year period covered in this report (1993–2017) the violent crime rate has decreased by 48.6 percent and unintentional firearm-related fatalities have declined by 68 percent.
Black Rifles Are Big Sellers — 17,740,000 Modern Sporting Rifles in Private Ownership
There are some very interesting figures in the NSSF’s 2017 Firearms Production Report. One telling finding is that 17.74 million AR-Type Modern Sporting Rifles are now privately owned in the United States. Yes black rifles remain very popular — More than half (54%) of all rifles produced in 2017 were modern sporting rifles. Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President states: “The Modern Sporting Rifle continues to be the most popular centerfire rifle sold in America today and is clearly a commonly-owned firearm with more than 17 million in legal private ownership today.”
7.66 Million Firearms Were Produced or Imported in 2018
An interim 2018 estimate showed a total 7,660,772 total firearms were produced and imported. Of those 4,277,971 were pistols and revolvers, 2,846,757 were rifles and 535,994 were shotguns. These interim reports will be updated as complete information becomes available.
8.1 Billion Rounds of Ammunition Produced Last Year for the U.S. Market
An estimated 8.1 billion rounds, of all calibers/gauges, were produced in 2018 for the U.S. market. Firearms-ammunition manufacturing accounted for nearly 12,000 employees producing over $4.1 billion in goods shipped in 2017.
Story tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
What did you really want for Christmas? A new rifle? Maybe a new reloading press? A poll of sportsmen and firearm owners by Southwick Associates’ HunterSurvey.com / ShooterSurvey.com asked, “What hunting or target shooting gear are you most hoping to receive this holiday season?” Respondents could select three items from a long list of products. The most-wished-for items were in the Hunting Apparel category, with 22.3 percent of respondents asking Santa for new hunting duds. A new Handgun was second-highest on the list, followed by a Trail Camera at #3, Ammunition at #4, and a Laser Rangefinder at #5. How do your choices stack up against the survey responses?
Note, the totals of all selections exceeds 100% because survey participants could elect three total choices. Also, since this 2012 survey was specifically directed at hunters (rather than just firearm owners), a number of responses relate to bows and archery equipment.
Above and below — the world’s best female Action Pistol shooter, Jessie Harrison.
The shooting sports are not a “man’s game” these days. Far from it. More and more women have taken up target shooting. A recent survey showed an 80% increase in the number of women target shooters from 2001 to 2016. In total, six million American ladies participated in target shooting in 2016. Likewise hunting has become more popular with American women. Female hunters in the USA numbered 1.1 million in 2016. That represents a 104% increase from 2001.
Recognizing that ladies are an ever-increasing part of the shooting sports, Shooting Industry Magazine published its first-ever Woman’s Issue dedicated to female shooters and huntresses. This 2019 special issue can be accessed for FREE online. CLICK HERE to READ.
While the issue is focused primarily on SELLING products to women, there is some very useful information that can help match directors and club officials. The magazine interviews many business owners and range directors who have developed female-focused shooting and training programs.
Female Participation in Shooting Sports and Hunting
The Shooting Industry Woman’s Issue spotlights female participation in target shooting and hunting. One key article summarizes a nationwide survey conducted by Southwick Associates. One interesting finding was that much of the increase in female participation can be tracked to younger ladies: “Female participation in both hunting and shooting may be highest among younger women[.]” Notably, 16% of respondents among target shooters in the 16-24 age category were female. Southwick concludes: “Future generations of hunters and shooters will contain more women than ever before”.
During this long holiday weekend, some major snowstorms have stranded many travelers. That’s problematical if you’re stuck far from home. But if you want to go shooting this weekend, don’t let a little snowfall stand in your way. Heck, just grab your snow shovel and head to the range. Here’s how Forum Member Nick (aka “ChevyTruck 83″) coped with winter’s fury back in 2012. Never underestimate the resourcefulness of a dedicated AccurateShooter Forum member….
We admire the fortitude of Forum Member Nick who, a few sesons back, braved wintry weather to enjoy a day at the range in his native Pennsylvania. A little snow on the ground couldn’t stop this intrepid shooter, who brought snow shovel and arctic gear to his range session. Folks, here’s a true “hardcore” fan of shooting! Despite the “relentless snow”, Nick reports that “at least it wasn’t windy”. Nick shot a variety of long guns, including his .22 LR rimfires, a .223 Rem, and a .308. Not daunted by the cold, Rick said it was fun to “play like a kid once in a while.” That’s the spirit!
Nick reports: “There was no wind to speak of — just relentless snow. I’ll tell you what — it’s awesome to get out and play like a kid once in a while.”
Nick’s foray into the winter wonderland really puts things in perspective for “fair-weather” shooters. After viewing Nick’s Forum thread about his snowy range session, fellow Forum member DennisH observed: “I will never complain about our super hot sugar cane fields in south Louisiana ever again! We can hold matches 12 months a year. I have NEVER had, owned, or used a snow shovel.”
Want to build your own accurized M1 Garand? Then consider signing up for the CMP’s Advanced Maintenance Class (AMC), a 3-day program for students with mechanical aptitude and a desire to work on M1 Garand rifles. Each student will assemble his own CMP Special M1 Garand Rifle with a USGI receiver. This will be a “keeper” Garand that the AMC student takes home. Tuition cost for the 2020 AMC is $1018.50. In addition, participants purchase a rifle at extra cost — $850 for a Field Grade Special, or $1050 for a CMP Special. Students must provide their own accommodations in Anniston, Alabama.
Class Registration is Now Open
You can now register for the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) 2020 Advanced Maintenance Clinics. Interested persons may register now through January 31, 2020 with a lottery held 2/1/20 to choose participants. Individuals may register through the CMP Website HERE.
Students will build and purchase either a CMP Special Rifle or a CMP Field Grade Special during the 3-day course. The receiver will be a USGI manufacture. Each 3-Day Advanced Maintenance Class will be led by highly-qualified Custom Shop staff members. On the third day, students will visit the Talladega Marksmanship Park as VIP guests of the CMP. At Talladega, each AMC student will have a chance to fire the M1 Garand they built in the class, shooting at Talladega’s high-tech electronic targets.
CMP 2020 Advanced Maintenance Class (AMC) Dates:
February 25-27; February 28-March 1 (Buddy Class)
March 31-April 2
April 3-5; April 17-19; April 20-22 (Buddy Class)
May 12-14; May 15-17
June 9-11; June 12-14 (Buddy Class)
August 18-20; August 21-23
October 13-15 (GCA Event); October 16-18 (Apple Seed Event)
December 8-10; December 11-13 (Buddy Class)
This class is not intended for gunsmiths — no prior armorer experience is required. Students will assemble their own CMP Special rifle, priced at $850 or $1050. Class topics will include:
– Commercial barrel installation, chambering, and headspace
— Component function, selection, and inspection
— Fitting and proper assembly of a complete CMP Special rifle
— Discussion of malfunctions and their remedies
— Accurizing techniques for the M1 Garand
How to Register
Applicants must register via the CMP Competition Tracker system website before February 1, 2020. An electronic Registration Lottery will randomly assign the 20 available seats for each class date. NOTE: Registering for multiple classes is permitted, but no applicant will be selected for more than one slot. Total cost for the 2020 AMC will be $1,868.50 or $2,068.50, depending upon rifle selection (Field Grade or CMP Special). FORMER AMC PARTICIPANTS MAY REGISTER FOR 2020.
If you have been shopping for premium, top-of-the-line European-made laser rangefinder binoculars, here’s the Deal of the Year. Leica is now offering a $1000.00 Rebate on the 10×42 HD-B 3000 Geovids, so your purchase price is just $1999.00. That’s a great price for an ultra-sharp, 3000-yard-rated LRF binos. You can also get a $500 Rebate on the 8×42 or 8×56 HD-B 3000 LRF binoculars.
Now through December 4th, take advantage of HUGE instant rebates on select Leica Geovids, Trinovids, and Rangemaster Compact Rangefinders — including an unbelievable $1000 OFF the Black Leica 10×42 Geovid HD-B 3000! See ALL DEALS HERE.
EuroOptic sales exec Jason Baney, who helped launch AccurateShooter.com [as 6mmbr.com] over a decade ago, states: “$1000 off a Geovid 3000-yard Bino Rangefinder — this is our best Black Friday Deal for sure. If they go to backorder status that is OK, as we have 100 due today or Friday. This is the deal of the year on something like this!”
If you just want a basic compact rangefinder, there is also a $100 instant rebate on the Leica CRF 2800.COM rangefinder, and a $50 instant rebate on the CRF 2700-B rangefinder. These Leica CRF units are very good performers. We have used them in the field and can recommend them.
What did you really want for Christmas? A new rifle? Maybe a new reloading press? A poll of sportsmen and firearm owners by Southwick Associates’ HunterSurvey.com / ShooterSurvey.com asked, “What hunting or target shooting gear are you most hoping to receive this holiday season?” Respondents could select three items from a long list of products. The most-wished-for items were in the Hunting Apparel category, with 22.3 percent of respondents asking Santa for new hunting duds. A new Handgun was second-highest on the list, followed by a Trail Camera at #3, Ammunition at #4, and a Laser Rangefinder at #5. How do your choices stack up against the survey responses?
We admire the fortitude of Forum Member Nick who, a few sesons back, braved wintry weather to enjoy a day at the range in his native Pennsylvania. A little snow on the ground couldn’t stop this intrepid shooter, who brought snow shovel and arctic gear to his range session. Folks, here’s a true “hardcore” fan of shooting! Despite the “relentless snow”, Nick reports that “at least it wasn’t windy”. Nick shot a variety of long guns, including his .22 LR rimfires, a .223 Rem, and a .308. Not daunted by the cold, Rick said it was fun to “play like a kid once in a while.” That’s the spirit!
Class Registration is Now Open
