Do you have trouble seeing your bullet holes (on paper) when shooting past 400 yards? That’s a common issue even with premium ($2000+) high-magnification scopes. Here’s a target that solves that problem. A hit creates a larger black circle “halo” that’s much more visible than a plain bullet hole, making this target ideal for use at longer range (500 yards and beyond).
The 12″ square Birchwood Casey white background Sight-In Target displays a black “halo” around each hit (like the yellow circle on a conventional Shoot-N-C). Larger than bullet diameter, the “halos” can be easily seen with a high-magnification scope at long range (see video below). The self-adhesive target features five diamonds with contrasting red box centers. For precise aiming, you can position your cross-hairs to align with the corners of the boxes. Or, you can put a target dot sticker in the middle.
This video shows Black Shot Halos on white background:
While we envision using this target with optics at long range, Birchwood Casey says that open sights show up well against the white background, making these targets well-suited for indoor ranges or use in low light conditions.
This reactive white background grid target has 5 aiming points and a 1-inch grid overlay for easy, precise sight adjustments. It comes with target pasters to cover up the bullet holes (halos). The White/Black Shoot-N-C 12″ Square GRID Sight-In Targets come in 5-packs with target pasters for $9.49 from MidwayUSA or $8.69 from Palmetto SA. If you prefer reactive Shoot-N-C circle targets, there is an 8″ circle target, a 12″ circle target, and a large 17.5″ circle target with red diamond center (photo right). These all have bullet pasters.
High-Viz Option — Yellow on Black Grid with Yellow Halos
If you prefer seeing ultra-high-contrast yellow/green “halos” for your hits, Birchwood Casey also makes adhesive grid targets with five yellow-edged diamonds. Red circles provide precise aiming points in the middle of each box. You can quickly estimate group size or dial-in your zero using the hi-viz yellow 1″ grid lines. These yellow-on-black targets are available in three sizes: 8″ square, 12″ square, and 17.25″ square. These yellow-on-black grid targets start at $9.99 for an 8″ six-pack.
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At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
Brownells — Howa 1500 Barreled Actions with HACT Triggers
⏺️ » Great barreled actions with nice trigger starting under $430.00
Howa M1500 barreled actions are great for hunting and varmint rifle projects. The actions run smoothly and boast a very good 2-stage trigger. And now you can get a complete barreled action (with trigger!) starting at $429.12. Many chamberings are offered, with a variety of barrel profiles: .223 Rem, 22 ARC, .22-250, 6mm ARC, .243 Win, 6.5 Grendel, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 7.62×39, 7mm-08, 7mm PRC, 7mm Rem Mag, .308 Win, 300 AAC, 300 PRC, .300 Win Mag and 350 Legend. These Japanese-made Howa actions are smooth running and the 2-stage HACT trigger is way better than most factory triggers. CLICK HERE to learn more about Howa M1500 barreled actions.
EuroOptic — February Deals on Vortex Scopes, Rifles, Gear
⏺️ » Big savings on Vortex Scopes, Bolt Guns, and Outdoor Gear
EuroOptic.com is running multiple major sales this week. Check out these major specials with savings up to 80% on Outdoor Gear. If you need scopes, spotter, binoculars, and/or rangefinders, check out the Vortex Promo — save 12% with Code VTX12. Next you can save hundreds on bolt-action rifles. There are huge discounts on major brands including SAKO, Tikka, Bergara, Christensen, SAUER, and more. Last but not least, EuroOptic is running a major sale on a wide variety of outdoor gear (clothing, accessories, packs etc.) with discounts up to 80%.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
Today’s Saturday Movies article spotlights dozens of new handguns, most of which were displayed at SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas. These new pistols range from ultra-lightweight carry pistols to big, long-barreled guns designed for IPSC and speed-shooting matches. Nearly all major makers have pistols featured in these videos, with new handguns from Beretta, Canik, CZ, FN, Glock, KelTec, Kimber, Ruger, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, Staccato, STI, Walther and more. Many of these videos include outdoor range testing footage as well as coverage from SHOT Show.
30 New Handguns from SHOT Show 2026
In this 17-minute video, our friends at GunsAmerica examine 30 new handguns, from striker-fired carry guns to all-metal competition pistols. The video also features revolvers, 2011s, and some truly wild new designs. Featured brands include: Alpha Foxtrot, Archon, Beretta, Bersa, Chiappa Rhino, CZ, Flux Defense, KelTec, Kimber, Laugo Arms, OA Defense, Ride Out Arsenal, Ross Martin, SAR, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Springfield, and STI with some brands having multiple offerings.
Timestamp
0:19 – 0:57 Ross Martin
0:57 – 1:35 Chiappa Rhino
1:35 – 2:03 SAR
2:03 – 3:24 Springfield
3:24 – 4:09 KelTec
4:09 – 5:09 Archon
5:09 – 5:49 Rideout Arsenal
5:49 – 8:05 Smith & Wesson
8:05 – 10:26 Bersa
18 New Handguns (or Pistol Kits) at SHOT Show 2026
This 55-minute video covers 18 pistol products displayed at SHOT Show 2026. There is a vast selection of semi-auto handguns plus a couple build kits and revolver frames. All the footage from this video was taken indoors at SHOT Show at the display booths. There is no supplemental video of pistols being shot at a range.
NOTE — If you want to see something truly radical and unique, check out the Third Bay “Ounce” folding rimfire pistol — one of the lightest-weight carry pistols ever created (see 18:33 time-mark and photo right). This folding handgun weighs about 8 ounces as loaded with ten .22 LR rounds.
Timestamp
02:17 – The Zermatt Waltz
07:49 – Staccato C4X
10:11 – Miller Precision
14:26 – Ride Out Arsenal Dragon
18:33 – Third Bay Ounce .22LR
20:19 – Jacob Grey Nox 9
Timestamp
39:47 – SDS Model 2035
41:28 – Canik Radian Prime
42:47 – PSA Sabre 11
44:31 – Midwest Industries
46:03 – Shadow Systems Axio
51:09 – Glock Gen 6
Top 15 New Handguns at SHOT Show 2026
In this video, God Family and Guns explores 15 new handguns from SHOT Show 2026. The video showcases a diverse range of firearms, from classic designs to innovative new models. A personal perspective is offered, comparing different features and price points.
14 New Pistols at SHOT Show 2026
This video covers 14 new handguns, ranging from tiny micro-compacts to full-size duty pistols. This 52-minute video covers all 14 guns, examining their triggers, optics-ready slides, integrated compensators, magazines and other features. Whether you’re into concealed carry, competition shooting, or home defense, this line-up provides a wide range of options. Here are the video time-marks for the 14 pistols:
Timestamp
00:33 — SIG Sauer P365 XMacro Comp
04:02 — Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro OSP
08:00 — Glock 43X MOS Gen 2
12:02 — Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 Carry Comp
16:02 — Walther PDP Pro-E
19:33 — CZ P-10F Optics-Ready 2026
23:21 — FN 509 Tactical Limelight
Timestamp
27:05 — Beretta APX A1 Carry
30:34 — Staccato C2 DPO
33:50 — Canik Rival S Extreme
37:17 — Shadow Systems CR920 Combat
40:58 — Ruger LCR in .32 H&R Magnum
44:22 — Kel-Tec P17 Competition .22 LR
47:52 — Hudson H9A
Steyr ATD Pistol and ATC Comp Pistol
Steyr Arms released some impressive pistols at SHOT Show 2026 — the new ATD and ATC models. The ATD is for general defensive use while the ATC models are designed for rapid-fire competition, so the ATCs boast light triggers and steel frames. The ATC comes in three models: ATC Base, ATC Rock with 5″ Barrel and ported slide, and ATC ROCK with with longer 6″ barrel plus ported slide. STEYR ARMS developed the ATC series to meet the stringent requirements of IPSC, PPC (Police Pistol Combat), and USPC (U.S. Practical Shooting) competition. The new Steyr ATD and ATC pistols are covered in this Firearms Blog TV video, with the ATC Rock models featured in the lead photo for today’s Video Showcase.
Top 7 Concealed Carry Pistols for 2026
This video covers seven pistols suitable for concealed carry. The featured handguns are: Kimber CDS9 Classic; Taurus GX2; Heckler & Koch (HK) CC9; Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C Comp; Canik Mete MC9 L; SIG Sauer P211-GT4 Carry; and Glock 19 Gen 6. The price range is very significant among these models, starting at $269.99 for the Taurus GX2. And some of the pistols, to be honest, are really bigger and heavier than optimal for everyday carry.
Hornady will host the Zombies in the Heartland 3-Gun Match, May 29-31, 2026, at the Heartland Public Shooting Park in Grand Island, Nebraska. This is one of the nation’s most popular multi-gun reactive targets match. It attracts 400+ competitors each year. For complete event information, visit the official Zombies in the Heartland website or follow the Zombies in the Heartland Facebook page.
With an unusual and challenging course of fire, Zombies in the Heartland attracts shooters from across the country. Shooters will find exciting new reactive targets developed specifically for this match, with most targets breaking, falling over, or moving. Most participants will compete with a pistol, rifle, and shotgun. Alternatively, shooters can compete with a pistol-caliber carbine and shotgun in the PCC Division.
Reserve lodging at Best Western Plus, 2707 S. Locust Road, Grand Island, NE. Call (308) 675-5656 and mention Zombies match for reduced rates.
2025 Zombies in the Heartland 3-Gun Match Highlights
Ten competitive stages mimicking post-apocalyptic situations were featured. Professional and amateur shooters from across the country enjoyed specially developed reactive zombie targets. The Heartland Zombies match is a veritable theme park for shootists, with many fun stages and innovative targets. Many unique, reactive zombie targets have been developed specifically for this match. The use of paper targets has been minimized — so it’s mostly “bang and clang”. Rifles, pistols, and shotguns are used on most stages. There were also fun side-matches. Watch the video above to see this year’s action.
Are you looking for a new carry pistol or defensive handgun? Are you curious as to what handguns are most popular with American buyers? Well Gunbroker has published its Top 10 handguns based on sales through the end of 2025. You’ll find these ten pistols ranked below, starting with the SIG Sauer P365.
Gunbroker, via the GunGenius.com site, publishes a monthly Top Sales Report featuring the Best Sellers for each major category of firearms on GunBroker.com. This culminates in a year-end report listing the Top Selling Firearms of the Year. Illustrated below are the Top 10 handguns based on 2025 sales:
Here Are the Top 10 Handguns in 2025:
1. SIG Sauer P365
2. Glock G19
3. Glock G43X
4. Taurus TX22
5. Sig Sauer P320
6. Glock G17
7. Colt Python
8. Springfield Armory Kuna
9. SIG Sauer P226
10. Heckler & Koch CC9
Here is a video review of the SIG Sauer P365, the #1 Selling handgun in 2025:
Beretta USA officially kicked off its 500-year anniversary with a celebration at the 2026 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, marking the start of a yearlong global tribute to the world’s oldest gun-producing company. The celebration began ahead of the show with Beretta’s exclusive, invite-only Beretta Range Day on Sunday, January 18. The event welcomed more than 200 media members and industry partners for a hands-on preview of Beretta’s newest product releases. Throughout the week, attendees had the opportunity to meet and engage with members of Team Beretta. Beretta’s 500th anniversary celebration will continue throughout 2026 with special product releases, storytelling initiatives, and global events honoring the company’s heritage and forward-looking vision.
Beretta is a huge gun industry company — the Beretta Holding Group now owns Sako, Tikka, Burris, Steiner, and Norma. Sako and Tikka were acquired in 2000, Burris Optics in 2002, and Beretta added Steiner-Optik and Norma via RUAG Ammotec. Beretta Holding provides a complete range of firearms, optics, and ammunition through these and a dozen other brands.
“SHOT Show 2026 marked the beginning of a once-in-a-lifetime celebration for Beretta”, said Cristian Capelli, Beretta USA General Manager. “From the range to the show floor, we were proud to bring together our partners, media, and friends of the brand to honor five centuries of innovation while showcasing the future of Beretta.”
Beretta’s 500th anniversary celebration will continue throughout 2026 with special product releases, storytelling initiatives, and global events honoring the company’s heritage and future plans. To learn more about Beretta Anniversary news and special releases, visit Beretta500.com.
Beretta Range Day Recap Product Review Videos
Beretta showcased numerous new firearms at the exclusive Range Day hosted just before SHOT Show 2026. A wide variety of guns were available for test firing including Beretta shotguns, SAKO and Tikka rifles, and multiple Beretta pistols, including the new Jaguar B22.
New Beretta Jaguar .22 LR Pistol
The new Beretta Jaguar B22 pistol is an advanced .22 LR rimfire pistol that comes in two variants, both tested in the above TFBTV video. The higher-priced competition model features a bronze-colored frame and substantial ported muzzle brake.
Tikka T3X Ace — Great New Chassis Rifle
The Tikka T3x ACE Target rifle has been named the 2026 American Rifleman Golden Bullseye Rifle of the Year, a highly coveted award presented annually by NRA Media. This impressive factory rifle is a great choice for PRS/NRL competition. It boasts a good chassis with full-length ARCA rail, modular magwell, and adjustable cheekpiece. The action is smooth with a nice fluted bolt and big bolt handle knob. On top of the action is a +20 MOA Picatinny rail which helps with long-range shooting. This rifle has shown very good accuracy with factory ammo, aided by an excellent 2-stage trigger that adjusts from 2 to 4 pounds. T3x Ace Target available chamberings are .223 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Win, all priced at $1799.00 at EuroOptic.com. The 6.5 Creedmoor with 26″ barrel would be our choice for PRS/NRL competition.
SAKO S20 — Great Hunting Rifle
About Beretta: Established in 1526, Beretta is the world’s longest-standing gun-making enterprise, with a legacy spanning 16 generations of continuous family ownership. For 500 years, firearms bearing the Beretta name have been trusted and used around the world. Beretta USA Corp. was established in 1977 and became the provider of the most widely deployed sidearm in the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, Beretta USA is part of Beretta Holding Group, which includes over 50 global subsidiaries and 20 noted brands. Beretta manufactures and distributes a complete range of firearms, accessories, and apparel.
Will you be traveling (with firearms) to other states this year? Are you concerned about the laws that might apply when you are transporting guns across state lines? Or are you puzzled about the requirements for obtaining a carry permit in your own state? If you have any of these questions, you should definitely get expert guidance on State statutes and regulations controlling firearms. To do that, you can purchase Attorney Scott Kappas’s Traveler’s Guide to the Firearms Laws of the 50 States (2026) for just $16.95 from the publisher or $21.95 with 1st Class Shipping. You can also get an eBook version for $15.95 (or $23.90 for eBook/Print combo). The latest 2026 edition includes 100+ updates since last year.
This very popular resource has sold over 2,000,000 copies since it was first released in 1996. The 2026 Edition just started shipping a few days ago — so this book is up to date. The print book is just $16.95 with FREE Shipping, or $21.95 with first-class shipping for quicker delivery.
Free State Law Summaries Online
If you don’t want to spend the money on the book, there is a FREE alternative. There’s a very helpful set of State Law Summaries on the web, presented by PewPewTactical.com. Despite the silly name, the PewPewTactical website has an abundance of information that is particularly beneficial for pistol shooters and CCW holders.
One of the best features of PewPewTactical.com is the Gun Laws by State online reference guide. We looked through four of these State Law Summaries and were impressed by the depth of the coverage. But we caution — if you have specific legal questions, particularly with recently-enacted statutes, you should consult a licensed attorney for your state (or the state to which you will travel). In addition, many of the State Law Summaries have not been updated for 3-5 YEARS! But they are still a good place to start. Below are links to state law articles from PewPewTactical.com. To access any State summary, simply click the State name below:
With the huge popularity of NRL22 and PRS rimfire matches, along with the growth of rimfire benchrest events, and local rimfire fun matches, we’ve seen heightened demand for all types of .22 LR ammunition. Plus the high cost of centerfire bullets and limited availability of powders and primers has pushed many centerfire shooters into the rimfire fold. Accordingly, prices have been rising for quality .22 LR ammunition. Thankfully, if you use Ammoseek.com, you can find most types of .22 LR ammunition, from bulk-pack plinking fodder to high-end Lapua, ELEY, RWS, SK, and Norma ammo.
Find Rimfire Ammunition Fast with AmmoSeek.com
Here’s a great search service that can help you locate hard-to-find ammunition and reloading components — while saving money in the process. AmmoSeek.com monitors scores of online vendors — checking current pricing and available inventory, for pistol, rifle, and shotgun ammunition. Looking for .22 LR ammo for your rimfire trainer or NRL22 rifle? Just select “.22LR” from AmmoSeek’s “Quick Seek” menu. NOTE: In mobile view type “22LR” in the “Search Ammo by Caliber” field top center.
And here are the 1/29/2026 search results for .22 LR ammunition. These are six of the 1000+ entries, starting with the least expensive, just three cents ($0.03) per round:
How to Search by Manufacturer and Bullet Weight
You can also search for a particular .22 LR ammunition manufacturer, and/or search by bullet weight. Just click on the “Modify Search Link”. Once you see the “Modify Search” column on the left, scroll down and you can sort by price (cost per round) and/or shipping cost. Here are the results of a search for SK .22 LR rimfire ammunition, which is very popular with NRL22 and Silhouette competitors:
In today’s high-inflation economy, FREE is good. Here’s a list of classic, older shooting books that can be downloaded for FREE from Google Books. This list includes many classic treatises on rifle marksmanship that still have value for today’s competitive shooters. In addition, we’ve included notable, illustrated firearm histories, such as Townsend Whelen’s fascinating book, The American Rifle, and The Gun and its Development (9th Ed.), by William Wellington Greener.
In the list below, the title link will take you to the Google Books page for each book. You can read the entire book online, or (in most cases) you can download it to your computer as a PDF file and save it (or print it). You can also create your own Google Library and save the books there for access from any computer.
To download a book, first click the title from the list above. Then, on the Google book page, look for the row of buttons under the book title. Click the “Download PDF” Button. This will load the full book as a PDF into your browser. You can then save this to your computer or tablet hard drive. Choose a location to hold your new e-book, and click “save”. Alternatively, click the blue “READ for Free” button and the book will appear right on the Google site, with navigation (forward/back) arrows at the top of the page.
SHOT Show 2026, America’s big firearms trade show, just concluded last Friday, 1/23/2026. But another massive gun/hunting trade show kicks off in four weeks. The IWA Outdoor Classics 2026 show will be held from February 26 to March 1, 2026, in Nuremberg, Germany. This premier international trade fair for hunting, shooting sports, and outdoor equipment features four days of exhibitions. Every year the show features thousands of impressive firearms. Here are some images of handsome handguns on display at past IWA Outdoor Classics trade shows. Enjoy this Pistol Preview.
Custom Walther Pistols with Deluxe Engraving and More…
Stunning, custom Walther pistol with engraved, fancy blued metal and deluxe grip.
While we envision using this target with optics at long range, Birchwood Casey says that open sights show up well against the white background, making these targets well-suited for indoor ranges or use in low light conditions.
This 55-minute video covers 18 pistol products displayed at SHOT Show 2026. There is a vast selection of semi-auto handguns plus a couple build kits and revolver frames. All the footage from this video was taken indoors at SHOT Show at the display booths. There is no supplemental video of pistols being shot at a range.
In today’s high-inflation economy, FREE is good. Here’s a list of classic, older shooting books that can be downloaded for FREE from Google Books. This list includes many classic treatises on rifle marksmanship that still have value for today’s competitive shooters. In addition, we’ve included notable, illustrated firearm histories, such as Townsend Whelen’s fascinating book, The American Rifle, and The Gun and its Development (9th Ed.), by William Wellington Greener.
