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November 24th, 2011
Need a fun and entertaining break from boring parade broadcasts, and post-feast kitchen duties? Then tune your TVs to the Discovery Channel tonight. At 8:00 PM Eastern, the Discovery Channel (and Discovery’s Science Channel) devote a full hour to America’s wildest display of agricultural artillery — Punkin Chunkin. Discovery’s hour-long special (repeated at 9:00 pm tonight) covers the 2011 World Punkin Chunkin Championship. This fun-filled event, held in Delaware each November, draws up to 70,000 spectators, raising money for charity. For the first time, the Punkin Chunkin special is hosted by Tory Bellici, Kari Byron and Grant Imhara from Mythbusters. View Chunkin Cannons Gallery.
At the annual Punkin Chunkin event, teams challenge each other to see how far they can fling a pumpkin, using some amazing contraptions — giant crossbows, Trebuchets, spinning turntables, and gigantic air cannons with 100-foot-long barrels. For the chunkin machine-builders, this is serious business. Many teams work all year on their entries. Tune in tonight to view the spectacle. Believe it or not, the largest air cannons have shot pumpkins over 5,000 feet — nearly one mile.
November 23rd, 2011
Stephen Hunter, creator of the Bob Lee Swagger sniper books, has produced a new action thriller, called Soft Target. This time it’s not Bob “The Nailer” Swagger who’s the center of attention. Instead the hero of Soft Target is Ray Cruz, an ex-Marine sniper introduced in Hunter’s last best-seller, Dead Zero.
 The book’s storyline involves an attack by Somali terrorists at a giant shopping mall in Minnesota (based on the Mall of America). On the day after Thanksgiving (“Black Friday”), 12 Somali gunmen open fire in the Mall, causing panic among the crowds of shoppers. Quickly the gunmen herd more than a thousand hostages into a cluster in the center of the Mall.
Ray Cruz, the USMC sniper gone “rogue” in Dead Zero, is trapped in the mall with his fiancée and her family. Cruz, a retired USMC Gunnery Sergeant (and Bob Lee Swagger’s son), develops a plan to challenge the terrorists and free the hostages. But first he needs to find a weapon….
Outside the Mall, FBI Sniper Dave McElroy has a gun. But, as positioned on the Mall roof, he is effectively cut off from his targets. Can Cruz somehow connect with the police and FBI teams? Taking place over a four-hour span, the story follows both hostages and gunmen, detailing the brutal actions of the terrorists, the crazed media coverage, and the struggle for control between the FBI and regional SWAT teams.
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QUICK REVIEW: We got hold of an advance copy of Soft Target. Overall, we like it. This is a well-written page-turner, combining action with deft social commentary. The terrorist attack within our borders is plausible. As a fictional hero, Ray Cruz lacks the hard-edged appeal of Hunter’s Bob Lee Swagger character (who was modeled after Carlos Hathcock). But Cruz is much more believable than the typical “action heros” who populate the military-thriller genre. Soft Target does have its shortcomings. The Harvard-educated, African-American Commandant of the Minnesota State Police (Col. Douglas Obobo) is an all-too-predictable Obama caricature. The Somali bad guys are stereotypical, ignorant Islamics. But, the diabolical young American mastermind of the attack is a fresh, clever creation. And, as you’d expect from Stephen Hunter, the gun/shooting elements of the story are delivered with technical proficiency and authenticity. Suspenseful to the end, the book is an entertaining read, with some clever takes on modern American culture/politics. Hunter’s fans won’t be disappointed. All things considered, we’d say this is one of Hunter’s better novels in recent years.
Soft Target is set for mass release on December 6, 2012. You can pre-order hardbacks and Kindle eBook editions from Amazon.com. |
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Stephen Hunter is the author of 17 novels. Prior to his retirement from The Baltimore Sun, he won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for his work as the Sun’s chief film critic. Hunter’s previous Bob Lee Swagger and Ray Cruz books have been popular best-sellers.
November 22nd, 2011
 Hodgdon® Powder Co. will release its 9th Annual Manual early next year. The 2012 Hodgdon Annual Manual features 100+ pages of rifle and pistol data with over 5,000 load recipes. The load data covers 30 Hodgdon, 19 IMR® and 10 Winchester® brand powders. New content this year includes: 300 AAC Blackout load data, and lead-free bullet recipes for 21 rifle cartridges. In addition, the new 2012 Manual spotlights Hodgdon’s new CFE™223 propellant. Tests of this new powder show that it can deter copper fouling in many cartridge types (“CFE” stand for “Copper Fouling Eraser”). The 2012 manual provides plenty of reloading recipes for the new CFE™223 — 147 loads for 27 cartridges.
Along with comprehensive load data, the 2012 manual offers seven authoritative articles by top gun and outdoor industry writers. One interesting article covers economical hand-loading with lead free “green” bullets. Both competitive shooters and hunters will find other articles of interest.
You’ll find the 2012 Hodgdon manual at newsstands and gun stores in early 2012, priced at $8.99. You can also order direct by visiting Hodgdon.com or calling (912) 362-9455. (Direct sales price is $11.99.)
Story tip by EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
November 19th, 2011
Looking for a great deal on a firearm, hunting gear, or reloading supplies? Well dozens of vendors nationwide are putting shooting sports products on sale next week, as part of the Black Friday/Cyber-Monday sellathon. But how do you find all the good deals without spending hours surfing the web? Here’s a tip: Slickguns.com has scanned multiple websites, assembling a four-page collection of bargain offers that commence on Black Friday (November 25th). To check out scores of upcoming bargains, visit the Slickguns.com Black Friday Sale Page.
Many of the sale prices are good through the end of the month. At Cabela’s, you’ll find deals on everything from rimfire ammo to Bushmaster AR15s. Gander Mountain has some great deals on firearms, including a special on scope-equipped Remington 700 ADL rifles. November 24-27, the Rem 700 ADLs are just $399.99, including a 3-9×40 scope.
Story tip by EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
November 19th, 2011
 This Sunday, November 20th, is “Ladies’ Day” on Gun Talk Radio. Tom Gresham’s popular syndicated radio show will feature interviews with handgun ace (and author) Julie Golob, and talented photographer Lindsay McCrum, creator of the hot-selling photo book, Chicks with Guns. Both Julie and Lindsay will talk with Tom about their new book releases.
 No stranger to competition, Team Smith & Wesson’s Julie Golob has taken on a challenge of a different type in her latest role as a published author. Her book, SHOOT: Your Guide to Shooting and Competition serves as both an introduction to firearms and shooting for novices (with an emphasis on safety) and a primer to help experienced shooters improve their skills. Julie’s new book comes out in 2012, but can be pre-ordered from Amazon.com and other large book-sellers. Find out more at www.juliegolob.com.
Photographer Lindsay McCrum’s new book, Chicks with Guns, presents dozens of photographs with women and their guns, and a caption about how guns play a part in their lives. “I was so surprised by the variety and breadth and diversity of these women,” McCrum said. “There are so many stereotypes about guns, mostly derived from popular culture, but the reality is so much more complex and varied than you can imagine.” More info is available at www.chickswithgunsbook.com.
In its 17th year of national syndication, Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk Radio airs live on Sundays from 2PM-5PM Eastern, and runs on more than 130 stations, plus on XM (Ch. 165) Satellite Radio. All Gun Talk shows can be downloaded as podcasts at http://www.guntalk.libsyn.com and Apple iTunes.
November 17th, 2011
 The U.S. House of Representatives has passed an important self-defense measure that would enable millions of Right-to-Carry permit holders across the country to carry concealed firearms while traveling outside their home states. H.R. 822, the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act, passed by a majority bipartisan vote of 272 to 154. All amendments aimed to weaken or damage the integrity of this bill were defeated.
H.R. 822, introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.), allows any person with a valid state-issued concealed firearm permit to carry a concealed firearm in any state that issues concealed firearm permits, or that does not prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms for lawful purposes.
 This bill does not affect existing state laws. State laws governing where concealed firearms may be carried would apply within each state’s borders. H.R. 822 does not create a federal licensing system or impose federal standards on state permits; rather, it requires the states to recognize each others’ carry permits, just as they recognize drivers’ licenses and carry permits held by armored car guards.
Editor’s Note: This is good news, but this bill, H.R. 822, has to pass the U.S. Senate AND survive the possibility of a Presidential veto, before it can become law. While being considered in the Senate, the bill could be modified or weakened.
NRA Institute for Legislative Action Supports H.R. 822
“The NRA has made the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act a priority because it enhances the fundamental right to self-defense guaranteed to all law-abiding people,” said Chris W. Cox, executive director of NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action. “People are not immune from crime when they cross state lines. That is why it is vital for them to be able to defend themselves and their loved ones[.]”
November 17th, 2011
When you’re passing the turkey and stuffing around the Thanksgiving dinner table, here’s a story to tell — one that would not be possible without the generosity of hunters. A new study commissioned by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and conducted by Mile Creek Communications reveals that last year 11 million meals were provided to the less fortunate through donations of venison by hunters. Nearly 2.8 million pounds of game meat made its way to shelters, food banks and church kitchens and onto the plates of those in need.
The study revealed that donations were largest in the Midwest and the South. The Midwest provided 1.3 million pounds of game meat, amounting to 46.1 percent of total donations, with the South close behind at 1.25 million pounds and 45.7 percent. The Northeast contributed 7.2 percent of total donations and the West 1 percent. Though lower than other regions, the West’s contribution still accounted for 108,520 meals. “These figures are from confirmed sources, but annual donations could easily be double this amount if ‘direct’ donations from hunters to friends and family are included”, noted Jim Curcuruto, NSSF’s Research Director.
Many hunters choose to work with organizations dedicated to the cause of helping the hungry, such as Hunters for the Hungry, Farmers & Hunters Feeding the Hungry, Hunt to Feed, and Buckmasters, among others. The game meat satisfies shelters’ need for nutritious food items. Dave Williams, who manages food resources for a Georgia food bank, said that “Deer venison is such a low-fat, high-protein item, agencies greatly appreciate getting it.” Another recent news report pointed out that one deer can feed up to 200 people. Ground venison is a versatile food, with cooks using it in pasta sauces, chili, tacos, meatloaf, burgers and other dishes.
November 16th, 2011
 Here’s a great gift item produced by one of our Forum Members. Tom Sziler (aka Tomekeuro85) makes CNC-machined aluminum coasters designed to look like cartridge headstamps. Tom’s coasters are first milled from a solid piece of 6061 aluminum, then anodized in a brass color. Anodizing provides color and protects the finish.
Headstamp Coasters come in sets of four (either matching or mixed) with rubber pads on the bottom. Tom can engrave his coasters to look like most actual production headstamps, for almost every cartridge. (Buyers need to specify the Cartridge name and brass manufacturer.) Cost is $35.00 for set of four (4) matching coasters, or $40.00 for a mixed set with various calibers or mfg. names. Shipping is $5.00 flat rate. Discounts are offered with five (5) or more sets. Order from Tom.Sziler [at] gmail.com.
Tom is taking orders now for Christmas delivery. He told us: “I will set a limit of 60 sets so that I can have them all shipped out in time for Christmas. If you’re interested please get your order in ASAP. I would very strongly prefer to have payment by November 25th at the latest to have everything ready to go as soon as I can. If the payment is not received by that date, I cannot guarantee delivery by Christmas.” To order, send email to Tom.Sziler [at] gmail.com .
November 16th, 2011
The MidwayUSA Foundation, Inc. is making a special limited offer to any not-for-profit group that wants to participate in the Scholastic Shooting Trust endowment for high school and college shooting teams.
In cooperation with Winchester, the Foundation is offering The “Nearly-Perfect” Rifle Battery — a matched set of four Winchester Model 70 Super Grade rifles in calibers ranging from varmint to dangerous game and limited to 100 sets. The MidwayUSA Foundation will donate these sets to not-for-profit groups to be raffled and the proceeds used for their local youth shooting programs and their local high school or college shooting team Scholastic Shooting Trust endowment.
The MidwayUSA Foundation works with shooting teams, conservation groups and the shooting industry to raise funds in support of high school and collegiate shooting programs. For more info, contact Dick Leeper, Exec. Director, MidwayUSA Foundation, Inc. atdleeper [at] midwayusafoundation.org.
Note: Optics NOT included in Rifle Battery Offer.
November 14th, 2011
Last week we reported that Smith & Wesson was recalling certain Thompson/Center (T/C) Venture rifles because of potential defects in the sear mechanism. Well it looks like the problem is worse than first thought. As a result, Smith & Wesson has expanded its recall to include ALL T/C Venture Rifles manufactured prior to October 28, 2011. The sear issue could possibly cause a Venture rifle to fire without the trigger being pulled. READ Recall Notice.
Expanded Recall of Thompson/Center (T/C) Venture Rifles
This broadens the recall announced by Smith & Wesson on November 8, 2011. This recall applies to ALL Venture rifles manufactured prior to October 28, 2011. To determine if your rifle is affected, please reference the serial number list located at www.smith-wesson.com/venturerecall or by calling Smith & Wesson directly at 1-800-713-0356. If your serial number does not fall within the list of affected serial numbers, your rifle is not part of this recall.
REMEDY/ACTION TO BE TAKEN: STOP USING YOUR RIFLE. Any unintended discharge of a firearm has the potential to cause injury or death, and we ask that you stop using your rifle until we have an opportunity to inspect the sear to make certain that there is no condition which will allow the rifle to fire without the trigger being pulled. To facilitate the inspection and, if necessary, repair of your rifle, please contact Smith & Wesson’s customer service department to receive instructions and a prepaid return label for the return of your rifle to Smith & Wesson. When you return your rifle to Smith & Wesson, be sure to attach the completed information card received from Smith & Wesson, so that your rifle can be returned to you as quickly and efficiently as possible.
CONSUMER CONTACT: Please contact Smith & Wesson directly at 1-800-713-0356, or at venturerecall@smith-wesson.com to arrange for the inspection and repair of your rifle.
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