The CMP Eastern Games will run April 25 through May 4, 2025 at the Camp Butner Training Facility in North Carolina. This popular event, part of CMP’s Travel Games series, combines competitions and educational clinics open to adults and juniors of all experience levels. CLICK HERE to learn more about the CMP Eastern Games and to access the Eastern Games Registration Page.
There will be modern and vintage military rifle competitions, like the Springfield, Carbine, and John C. Garand Matches, as well as the .22 Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match and Vintage Sniper team event. Mid-Range 3×600 and 1,000-yard Long Range matches, added to Eastern Games in recent years, will also make a return in 2025, as well as CMP Cup Rifle Matches – comprised of 4-Man Team, 80 Shot and EIC Rifle competitions. All rifle matches will be fired on advanced CMP electronic targets, removing pit duty. That allows matches to be concluded more quickly.
Long Range Competition at CMP Eastern Games
The newest addition to the CMP Eastern Games is the Long Range program for Palma rifles, service rifles, and F-Class rifles. KTS (Kongsberg Target System) electronic targets were used for this match as well as all other rifle matches. Shown above is a Long Range competitor shooting with scoped Eliseo Tubegun. Note the viewing screen for electronic target. In addition to the Long Range Rifle matches, there will be a mid-range 3×600 match, EIC Rifle match, 80-shot HP match, Carbine Match, Vintage Sniper Match, 4-Man Team match, and other rifle competitions.
Garand, Springfield and Modern Military (GSMM) Matches
Like other Travel Games events, those competing in the John C. Garand Match with As-Issued M1 Rifles will have the chance to earn a GCA (Garand Collectors Association) Master Marksman medal.
Service Rifle Competition at CMP Eastern Games
There will be multiple matches for modern service rifles. Current rules allow ARs to be fitted with optics. In CMP and NRA service rifle competitions using AR-15 platform rifles, scopes are allowed with a maximum magnification of 4.5X and a maximum objective lens of 34mm, and the rifle, including the optic, must weigh no more than 11.5 pounds.
Rimfire Sporter Competition at CMP Eastern Games
The CMP expects a high turn-out of Rimfire Sporter class competitors. Rimfire Sporter competition is conducted with relatively inexpensive .22 LR production rifles and is a good way to enjoy a CMP match without a huge investment in rifle, fancy optics, and shooting gear.
Pistol Competition at the CMP Eastern Games
The Eastern Games will include multiple pistol competitions including Centerfire, .45 and .22 Pistol 900 Aggregates and a Service Revolver EIC Match. Those interested in learning more about the sport may also sign up for the Pistol Marksmanship 101 courses taught by certified CMP instructors.
For more information about the CMP and its programs, visit TheCMP.org.
This shocking Revolver Kaboom resulted from “user error”. Our friends at Midsouth Shooters provided this cautionary tale, noting that you must ALWAYS be careful when hand-loading any ammo. Check your loads and don’t have multiple powder containers in your reloading area.
“Ever wonder what happens when you don’t pay attention to detail? A word of advice from the reloader who brought this in — always double-check the load data.
Thankfully, the shooter was unharmed in the explosion. A live round we recovered from the remaining portions of the cylinder contained 12.8 grains of powder. The shooter had multiple powders on his bench and was unable to recall which one had been used while loading.” — Midsouth Shooters
How to Avoid Kabooms
1. Never have more than one powder container open on your reloading bench at the same time — when you are finished with a powder, seal the bottle and put it away.
2. If there is already powder sitting in your dispenser, and you’re not 100% sure what it is — throw it out. We suggest, whenever you fill a powder hopper, put a piece of paper in the powder hopper with the name of the powder and the date.
3. When loading a new cartridge or when using a new powder, get load data from more than one source. Always load conservatively to start!
4. Always double-check your Load Data before starting the loading process.
5. In short handgun cases, bullet seating depth can make a BIG difference in pressure levels. Be sure to check your Cartridge OAL.
Forum member Kevin (aka “N10Sivern”), revealed he needs some help with a compulsion — a compulsion to keep buying more and more guns and ammo. Particularly ARs, all shapes and sizes of ARs. Way too many ARs. You could say he has an ARdiction….
In a Forum Thread from a few seasons back, Kevin posted:
“I may need an intervention. Trying to clean my office and pulled this stuff out. I’m missing an AR10 lower somewhere and an AR15 upper. I’ll find them before the day is done. I have a big box full of parts as well, and 4 barrels still in the cardboard tubes. Sigh. This is gonna be a lot of Cerakoting for me.”
Another Forum member said: “For the love of God, man. Delete this thread lest you be accused of hoarding!”
Kevin replied: “I guess I am hoarding a little. But it’s good hoarding right?”
And then he posted this “Mail Call” photo:
Kevin’s caption: “It only gets worse. Mail Call today: 20″ .308 Ballistics Advantage barrel, 26″ Savage 25-06 barrel, 700 pieces of .38 special, 300 pieces of .357 magnum, 500 pieces .308 Win, gas tube, Hornady Modified Case Gauge. I have more crap on the way too.”
Forum Member’s Chime In…
Kevin’s “Need Intervention” post drew plenty of comments from other Forum Members:
“God! It is so refreshing to see that my illness is widespread with little hope (or desire) for a cure. I smiled reading each post.” — Gary0529
“You know you have a problem when you open a drawer and find components you forgot you bought.” — JoshB
“It’s not hoarding if you intend to use it. Says he who has 12,000 primers.” — Uthink
“I guess I’ll go ahead and volunteer to help you with your obviously much needed intervention… send me the pictured items and then you’ll no longer have to deal with those nasty temptations. Just think about it, you’ll have less clutter in your office plus you’ll not have to fret over the need for any cerakoting either. I’m just one human being volunteering to help out another fellow human who needs help!” — PikesPG
You’ve heard the adage — “The couple that plays together, stays together.” Here’s a story about a talented husband and wife who compete together in precision rifle matches. Shooters Tim and Regina Milkovich have done well in competition, including both placing in the Top 10 at the popular CowTown Accurized AR Match a while back. Regina took third with a nearly-clean run, dropping only one shot on Stage 5 to end with 49 points and an overall time of 49.50. Tim followed closely behind, placing sixth with 48 points and a time of 37.95.
This match, held at the CowTown Range in Peoria, Arizona, is designed to test and build shooters’ long range skills. Shots are taken from normal PRS-style positions and supports. Each match consists of five stages with targets ranging from 100 to 700 yards. Each stage has a 20-round maximum, and the match typically requires 40 to 50 hits.
Tim and Regina, who are both sponsored by Nosler, can often be found competing together at individual and team matches. At this match, both shot ARs chambered in .223 Rem loaded with Nosler .22 caliber 77gr Custom Competition bullets.
This video is from a past Cowtown Accurized AR match.
Regina is a Top Female PRS Shooter
Regina is one of the top female precision rifle competitors in the country. She is one of only two women to ever win a national-level Precision Rifle Series (PRS) match. Just a few years ago Regina was a novice in the PRS/NRL game. Now ranked as a Master Class shooter, today she is a respected, top-level competitor.
Time is a Veteran Who Shoots Many Disciplines
Tim is a military veteran with service in the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, and U.S. Air Force. He has been shooting competitively since 1986 in multiple disciplines including Pistol Silhouette, Bullseye Pistol, USPSA, IDPA, and 3 Gun. Tim has a Master Class ranking in most of the disciplines he shoots.
Tim also shoots bolt-action rifles. Below are his 6.5×47 Lapua cartridges loaded with Nosler 140gr RDF bullets and Varget powder. Photos from Tim Milkovich Facebook Page.
AR-Type Rifle Event in April at Camp Atterbury, Indiana
The NRA Competition Shooting Division is launching the America’s Rifle Challenge, an all-AR-based program to build and test skills for shooters of all levels. On April 19, 2025, at Camp Atterbury, Indiana (south of Indianapolis), the NRA will hold the America’s Rifle Challenge, a one-day, AR-based competition with two levels giving participants a fun intro to the action shooting sports with AR-15 type rifles. The NRA will provide prizes and awards for competitors and winners (plus a free lunch). Match Fees are $45 for NRA Members and $55 for non-members.
After the action concludes, the NRA will provide a FREE BBQ lunch for all competitors and one immediate family member or friend. American Rifleman TV and ShootingUSA will be filming the match and conducting interviews with competitors and spectators.
America’s Rifle Challenge Event Levels:
Level 1: The Level 1 course of fire is conducted from 10 out to 100 yards with competitors firing from different positions under time constraints. Level 1 is intended for AR owners new to competitive shooting. This event focuses on building skills to improve accuracy, speed, and mechanics. L1 matches are conducted from 100 yards and inward, with a balance of both time and accuracy being measured in every event. There are currently five total stages of fire in this match, with more in development. NOTE: Level 1 is limited to the first 32 competitors (4 squads). Space in level 1 is limited, so sign up quickly.
Level 2: The Level 2 course of fire covers the full spectrum of what is possible with an AR. L2 matches are conducted from 500 yards inward. Competitors will face a variety of stages designed to test skills — shooting and moving, positional shooting skills, long-range precision, speed, stage planning, and use of barricades, as well as close-quarters exercises. Level 2 offers a higher round count and more dynamics to the stages. NOTE: Level 2 is limited to the first 60 competitors (6 squads).
America’s Rifle Challenge Match Gear Requirements:
AR rifle in .223/5.56, .300 Blackout, or .308 Win
Level 1 Ammo Requirement: 125 Rounds (bring 180 Rounds)
Level 2 Ammo Requirement: 150 Rounds (bring 200 Rounds)
All firearms must have Empty Chamber Indicator
At least three magazines
Magazine holders
AR Sling required
Hearing protection
Eye protection
NOTE: The NRA plans to release the full NRA America’s Rifle Challenge rule book as well as NRA ARC requirements for clubs/ranges no later than August 1, 2025. Follow the NRA Competitive Shooting Facebook page for more information.
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.
1. Peterson Cartridge — New Direct Sales, with 10% OFF
⏺️ Now buy cartridge brass direct from Peterson and save 10%
If you’re looking to grab some top shelf brass consider going straight to source with the Peterson Cartridge ‘Buy Direct’ Sale. Peterson brass is now available direct from the manufacturer and for a limited time you can save 10% on your entire purchase. This 10% Off promo is good through March 31, 2025. With direct sales you also get fast delivery.
2. Graf & Sons — Hornady Lock-N-Load Kit, $526.49
⏺️ Full-featured complete reloading system, now 10% Off
If you are getting started in reloading Hornady makes it easy with its Lock-N-Load Classic Deluxe Single Stage Reloading Press Kit. This combo, the most complete single stage reloading package Hornady offers, includes Single Stage Press, powder measure (with bracket), digital scale, case prep tools, powder trickler, bullet puller, priming tool, reloading manual and much more. This big kit includes 21 different tools — basically everything you need to reload except dies.
3. CDNN Sports — Walther Pistol Sale, plus 3 Free Mags with PDP
⏺️ Sale on centerfire and rimfire Walther handguns, FREE Mags or StopBox
We like the triggers, ergonomics, and accuracy of Walther handguns — both rimfire and centerfire types. And right now you can get major savings (up to 50%) with the CDNN Walther Pistol Sale. Plus, along with a major discount you can get 3 FREE Magazines with a Walther PDP model pistol. Or, with the purchase of a Walther P22 rimfire pistol you get a FREE StopBox locking case ($99 MSRP).
4. Amazon — Vevor 50″ Rifle TSA-Std Hard Case, $134.99
⏺️ Good waterproof hard case with wheels — great value (may be $107.09)
Protecting your firearms requires a good, tough transport case. The VEVOR 50″ Rifle Case features 3 layers of fully-protective foam, solid locking points, wheels, and a IP67 waterproof case. This VEVOR gun case meets all TSA gun case requirements, making it a good choice for marksmen and hunters who travel by air. At just $134.99 this is a good deal — cheaper than other sturdy, wheeled rifle cases of similar size. NOTE: This has bounced down to $107.09 multiple times on 3/17/2025 (See PHOTO). Try to grab one at that $107.09 low price.
⏺️ Quality Electronic muffs plus rest good for rifle sight-in
For sighting-in rifles and load testing a quality rest is important. One affordable option is the Birchwood Casey Alpha Shooting Rest. With a combo sale now at MidwayUSA you can get this Alpha Rest PLUS Walker’s Razor Slim Electronic Earmuffs ($60 value), both for just $139.99 total. This rest works well for sighting-in hunting and varmint rifles and it also can secure your rifle for cleaning and maintenance. This Birchwood Casey rest/muffs combo is now $120.00 off the regular MidwayUSA price — a 46% discount.
6. Midsouth — 2000 Rounds Aguila .22 LR Ammo, $114.99
⏺️ Good reliable rimfire ammo for just six cents a round
Here is one of the best deals on rimfire ammunition that we’ve seen in years. Right now at Midsouth, you can get 2000 rounds of Aguila .22 LR High Velocity 40gr ammo for just $114.99 on sale. As shipped in four 500rd boxes, that works out to just $2.87 per 50 rounds (6 cents per round). This Aguila ammo works well for both rimfire pistol shooting and rimfire rifle plinking.
Ever serious shooter should have a handy shooting mat that protects you and your gear on the ground. One very affordable and versatile option is the BZTAC Waterproof Tactical Foldable Shooting Mat (#ad). Lightweight, comfortable and water resistant, this mat has a closed-cell-foam interior plus a sealed surface layer that’s easily wiped clean. Fully extended this mat measures a big 75″ long x 22″ wide, yet weighs just 1.25 pounds. Folded in half it works for sitting or kneeling positions. Conveniently, this mat can fold up into a compact 15″ x 11″ rectangle that’s easy to store and transport.
8. Creedmoor Sports — Hornady One Shot Case Lube, $11.95
⏺️ Very effective and handy case lube favored by users
Are you looking for a easy way to lube a lot of brass without having to manually rub each case with lube? Try Hornady One Shot Spray Case Lube. This popular lubricant has no petroleum, teflon, or synthetic silicone ingredients so it will not contaminate your powder or primers. Just “spray and go” to prep cases for sizing (both in single stage and progressive presses). This One Shot lube is popular with handloaders from many disciplines — F-Class, ELR, PRS/NRL and more.
9. Amazon — Kynup 6″ Digital Calipers, $19.99 with Coupon
⏺️ Digital waterproof calipers for use at home and at the range
Every handloader needs a good set of calipers. One affordable option (now just $19.99 with coupon), is the Kynup 6″ Stainless Digital Calipers (#ad). These “waterproof” calipers have a highly visible screen plus a 6-inch (150mm) measurement range with accuracy to ±0.001 inches or 0.02 mm. The Splash Proof micrometer is constructed of stainless steel and has a strong frame with lockable head. Note: List Price is $29.99, but you can click a $10.00 Off coupon button to lower your net cost to $19.99.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
Today, March 17th, is St. Patrick’s Day. On this day when the world celebrates Irish history and culture, you can print out some lucky targets and have fun at the range. Here are two FREE Irish-themed targets to provide some fun and a bit of challenge. Shoot these Shamrocks or the Pot of Gold and see if you have the “Luck of the Irish”.
To help celebrate this traditional day of Irish pride, the NRA has created two (2) fun targets you can download, print, and shoot. Try out these free targets. Click each Irish target photo below to open a high-rez PDF file you can download and print. NOTE: The PDFs should open up in your browser, then you can click the download icon. Save to your device and then print.
The first target features a large four-leaf clover in the middle, with 17 other smaller three-leaf shamrocks around the outside. With five black bulls-eyes in the center graphic, that gives you a total of 22 aiming points for shooting fun. For added challenge we suggest you set this Shamrock Target at 100 yards for rimfire rifle and 200 yards for a centerfire gun.
CLICK Below for Big Shamrock 4-Leaf Clover PDF Target
The second target offers the legendary Pot of Gold at the end of the rainbow. Along with a big bullseye on the pot, there are 15 shamrocks in gold circles, plus five small gold, diamond-shaped nuggets with tiny bullseyes. Those small red dots will be a challenge even at 100 yards. You’ll need a half-MOA (or better) rifle to “clean” this Pot of Gold Target, hitting the tiny red dots on the diamond nuggets.
CLICK Below for Big Pot of Gold PDF Target
Whether you’re Irish or not, these targets will hopefully bring you a bit of luck. Click each image above to open a high-rez PDF file that you can print out. Then, this St. Patty’s day, wear your green, grab your gear, and head to range for some fun shooting.
The much-loved Shilen SWAP MEET is happening today. The popular event takes place in Ennis, Texas this Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 8:00 am through 2:00 pm CDT. This will be at Shilen’s new, bigger and better production facility. If you are looking for some great bargains on gun gear, and are near the Dallas-Fort Worth area, definitely mark this date on your calendar. The Shilen Swap Meet is one of the best events of its kind, and Team Shilen will even deliver a complimentary lunch to attendees. Plus machines will run from 8:00 am to 11:00 am so you can see how Shillen crafts top-quality barrels.
No Vendor Fees, No Entry Fees, and FREE Lunch!
ANYONE can come and ANYONE can be a vendor. There are NO entry or vendor fees and the event will proceed rain or shine. There will be gun stuff everywhere –buy and sell as much as you like. There will be free lunch, as always.
There will be prize drawings — get signed up when you arrive so you can have a chance to win some free stuff. If you want to sell products let Shilen add you to the list of vendors on Shilen’s website. This is not required, you can just show up and set up. Call 972-875-5318 or send email to comments@shilen.com.
SHILEN SWAP MEET HIGHLIGHTS
Watch Barrel-Making. A Shilen crew will run barrel-making machines from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. Watch precision barrels being made. The techs will answer all your questions about the process.
Sign up for Door Prizes — Shilen Merchandise. There will be multiple drawings for free or discounted Shilen apparel or merchandise. Go to the sign-up table to be entered in the drawings.
Get Shilen Barrels and Actions at Huge Discounts. Shilen Barrels, Actions, and Barreled Actions will be sold at huge discounts on Saturday. “Swap Meet Barrels” were originally ordered by Shilen customers throughout the year, but orders were canceled or customers changed their mind on contour, chamber, etc. These barrels were placed back in stock for resale. When Swap Meet Time arrives any such barrels still remaining in stock are sold at huge discounts. NOTE: These barrels are in NO WAY factory “seconds” or any lower quality. The warranty on these barrels is the same as any other Shilen barrels.
Sell Your Own Gear. At the Shilen Swap Meet, you can Bring Your Own Table (BYOT). Register to sell anything gun-related: presses, reloading gear, stocks, triggers, scope rings — you name it. Vendor Space is available on a first come-first served basis, starting Saturday morning at 7:00 am. Email or call Shilen for more information. Email: comments@shilen.com. Call: 972-875-5318.
TIPS for Visitors: The SWAP MEET concludes at 2:00 pm. The best stuff sells fast, so if you are looking for something particular get there early! Keep an eye on the Shilen’s Swap Meet page for a preview of Vendors and the products they’ll be selling.
The Lapua Monarch Cup, one of the most prestigious smallbore rifle silhouette competitions in North America, has officially announced its 2025 schedule. Now in its fourth year, the Cup features a two-part series of smallbore standard rifle silhouette matches contested in the United States and Canada. For registration details and complete information on the Lapua Monarch Cup, visit Lapuamonarchcup.com.
The Lapua Monarch Cup includes the annual U.S. Smallbore Rifle Silhouette National Championships, along with a second host country event, this year in Canada. The 2025 competition schedule is as follows:
1st Match – Canadian National Smallbore Silhouette Championships
Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada
June 20 – July 1, 2025*
2nd Match – NRA National Smallbore Silhouette Championships
Raton, New Mexico, USA
July 20-22, 2025
Competitors earn scores from each match within their respective classifications (Master, AAA, AA, & A), allowing participants to compete for a share of $25,000 in cash prizes across the two events.
“We are excited to continue the tradition of the Lapua Monarch Cup and provide competitors with an unparalleled competition experience,” said Adam Braverman, Lapua’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing and an advisor to the Cup. “This event not only showcases top-tier marksmanship but also fosters camaraderie among shooters across North America.” The Lapua Monarch Cup Board consists of esteemed members of the shooting community, including Erich Mietenkorte, Daniel Salazar, Jason Marsh, Jose (Pepe) Valdes, and Chris Cawthorne, with Adam Braverman serving as an advisor.
Basics of Smallbore Silhouette Competition
Smallbore Silhouette shooting is a fun and challenging shooting discipline that has competitors taking aim at a variety of steel chickens, pigs, turkeys, and rams. Shooters, standing and unsupported, take aim at four banks of silhouettes at increasing distances, shooting 40 targets in all. For every silhouette knocked down, the competitor earns one point. Smallbore Silhouette competitors typically shoot at distances of 40, 60, 77, and 100 meters at metric matches.
For more info on the North American Silhouette Shooting Association (NASSA), visit NASSAsilhouette.org.
*NOTE: The official Monarch Cup webpage lists June 20 as the Canada event start date. However the official graphic states the event runs June 29 through July 1, 2025.
An accurate, self-loading .22 LR rifle, such as this Volquartsen, is our gun of choice for speed shooting with rimfire reactive targets.
Reactive targets offer “instant gratification” — with every hit your target moves, spins, or falls. Shooting reactive targets with a rimfire rifle is fun AND affordable. Times are a-changin’ — rimfire ammo prices have dropped dramatically, so you can now get very decent rimfire ammunition for under $4.50 a box, such as Norma Tac-22 or Aguila Super Extra. Currently on sale for just $3.11 for 50 rounds at KYGUNCO, the Aguila is just six cents a round! At that price, you can afford to shoot every weekend.
Rimfire Know Your Limits Target Rack Challenge Targets offers the popular Know Your Limits (KYL) rimfire target for $139.00. This KYL target has become popular for NRL22 and PRS Rimfire shooters. Start on the left by engaging the 2″ round target and work your way to the right. Each shot gets progressively harder as the target sizes decrease. With each solid hit, the target plate will spin giving providing hit confirmation. The target rack easily breaks down for transport in a couple minutes.
Make Your Own Shooting Gallery with Reactive Rimfire Targets
For .22 LR fans, the folks at Action Target have created a whole series of steel rimfire targets. Much lighter than their centerfire counterparts, these rimfire targets are easier to transport and easier to set up. With this wide selection of reactive targets, you can create your own shooting gallery.
Rimfire Dueling Tree
Rimfire Spinning Jack
Rimfire Plate Rack
Rimfire Buffalo
In this video, Michael Bane reviews Action Target’s line of rimfire targets, which includes plate racks, spinners, dueling trees, and more. As Michael explains: “This line of targets is very well thought out. For example — dueling trees are a lot of fun. But a centerfire dueling tree weighs a lot, it’s hard to cart it around. A rimfire dueling tree is easy to set up, easy to carry around.”
