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December 9th, 2023

Vista Outdoor Announces Ammo, Powder, Primers Price Hikes

Vista outdoor alliant remington cci federal speer ammo ammunition primers price increase inflation hike

Vista Outdoor has announced that it will be raising prices on ammunition, primers, and powder starting January 1, 2024. Last week, the Minnesota-based company sent a letter to commercial customers revealing across-the-board cost increases for ammunition, primers, and powder starting the first of the year. The price increases will range from one percent to ten percent, with projected 5% price hikes for primers. CCI/Federal/Remington .22 LR rimfire ammo will rise 1-5% while rifle ammo goes up 1-7%.

“Due to world events our suppliers have notified us of unprecedented demand for and an anticipated global shortage of gunpowder, and thus has increased our prices substantially,” Vice President of Sales, Sporting Products Brett Nelson said in the letter. “We must therefore raise our pricing to help offset those increases.”

Vista Outdoor Sporting Group entities that will increase prices include Alliant Powder, CCI, Federal, Remington, Speer, and HEVI-Shot. The projected increases are shown at right.

Projected Price Increases:

Primers: 5%
Alliant Powder: 10%
.22 LR/.22 Short: 1-5%
.22 WMR/HMR: 1-7%
Rifle Ammo: 1-7%
Handgun Ammo: 1-5%
Shotshells: 1-7%

Vista outdoor alliant remington cci federal speer ammo ammunition primers price increase inflation hike

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December 9th, 2023

Great Book — Modern Advancements in Long Range Shooting II

Bryan Litz Applied Ballistics Modern Advancements Volume 2 II testing pre-order

This is one of the very best books ever published about Long Range shooting. Based on sophisticated testing and research, this 356-page hardcover from Applied Ballistics offers important insights you won’t find anywhere else. Modern Advancements in Long Range Shooting – Volume II, a major treatise from Bryan Litz, is chock full of information, much of it derived through sophisticated field testing. As Chief Ballistician for Berger Bullets (and a trained rocket scientist), author Bryan Litz is uniquely qualified. Bryan is also an ace sling shooter and a past F-TR National Champion. Moreover, Bryan’s company, Applied Ballistics, has been a leader in the Extreme Long Range (ELR) discipline.

AUDIO FILE: Bryan Litz Talks about Modern Advancements in Long Range Shooting, Volume 2. (Sound file loads when you click button).

Volume II of Modern Advancements in Long Range Shooting ($44.95) contains all-new content derived from research by Applied Ballistics. Author Bryan Litz along with contributing authors Nick Vitalbo and Cal Zant use the scientific method and careful testing to answer important questions faced by long range shooters. In particular, this volume explores the subject of bullet dispersion including group convergence. Advanced hand-loading subjects are covered such as: bullet pointing and trimming, powder measurement, flash hole deburring, neck tension, and fill ratio.

Each topic is explored with extensive live fire testing, and the resulting information helps to guide hand loaders in a deliberate path to success. The current bullet library of measured G1 and G7 ballistic coefficients is included as an appendix. This library currently has data on 533 bullets in common use by long range shooters.

Bryan tells us that one purpose of this book is to dispel myths and correct commonly-held misconceptions: “Modern Advancements in Long Range Shooting aims to end the misinformation which is so prevalent in long range shooting. By applying the scientific method and taking a Myth Buster approach, the state of the art is advanced….”

Bullet Dispersion and Group Convergence
Bryan Litz Applied Ballistics Modern Advancements Volume 2 II testing pre-order

Part 1 of this Volume is focused on the details of rifle bullet dispersion. Chapter 1 builds a discussion of dispersion and precision that every shooter will benefit from in terms of understanding how it impacts their particular shooting application. How many shots should you shoot in a group? What kind of 5-shot 100 yard groups correlate to average or winning precision levels in 1000 yard F-Class shooting?

Chapter 2 presents a very detailed investigation of the mysterious concept of group convergence, which is the common idea that some guns can shoot smaller (MOA) groups at longer ranges. This concept is thoroughly tested with extensive live fire, and the results answer a very important question that has baffled shooters for many generations.

Bryan Litz Applied Ballistics Modern Advancements Volume 2 II testing pre-orderPart 2 of this Volume is focused on various aspects of advanced hand-loading. Modern Advancements (Vol. II) employs live fire testing to answer the important questions that precision hand loaders are asking. What are the best ways to achieve MVs with low ES and SD? Do flash hole deburring, neck tension, primer selection, and fill ratio and powder scales sensitivity make a difference and how much? All of these questions are explored in detail with a clear explanation of test results.

One of the important chapters of Part 2 examines bullet pointing and trimming. Applied Ballistics tested 39 different bullet types from .224 through .338 caliber. Ten samples of each bullet were tested for BC in each of the following configurations: original out of the box, pointed, trimmed, pointed and trimmed. The effect on the average BC as well as the uniformity in BC was measured and tabulated, revealing what works best.

Part 3 covers a variety of general research topics. Contributing author Nick Vitalbo, a laser technology expert, tested 22 different laser rangefinders. Nick’s material on rangefinder performance is a landmark piece of work. Nick shows how shooters can determine the performance of a rangefinder under various lighting conditions, target sizes, and reflectivities.

Chapter 9 is a thorough analysis of rimfire ammunition. Ballistic Performance of Rifle Bullets, 2nd Edition presented live fire data on 95 different types of .22 rimfire ammunition, each tested in five different barrels having various lengths and twist rates. Where that book just presented the data, Chapter 9 of this book offers detailed analysis of all the test results and shows what properties of rimfire ammunition are favorable, and how the BCs, muzzle velocities and consistency of the ammo are affected by the different barrels.

Chapter 10 is a discussion of aerodynamic drag as it relates to ballistic trajectory modeling. You will learn from the ground up: what an aerodynamic drag model is, how it’s measure and used to predict trajectories. Analysis is presented which shows how the best trajectory models compare to actual measured drop in the real world.

Finally, contributing author Cal Zant of the Precision Rifle Blog presents a study of modern carbon fiber-wrapped barrels in Chapter 11. The science and technology of these modern rifle barrels is discussed, and then everything from point of impact shift to group sizes are compared for several samples of each type of barrel including standard steel barrels.

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December 8th, 2023

Find Best Holsters for Your Handguns with Holster Finder

Midwayusa holster finder database 125,000 holsters

Here’s a helpful, time-saving tool for handgun owners. MidwayUSA’s online Holster Finder lets you quickly find the right holsters for virtually all popular makes and models of pistols and revolvers. The wide variety of carry styles, materials, and features can make finding the right holster difficult or confusing. Drawing on a database of over 125,000 gun/holster combinations, the MidwayUSA Holster Finder turns that complex task into an easy three-step process.

Midwayusa holster finder database 125,000 holsters

The selection process is simple: 1. Choose Pistol or Revolver; 2. Select Make and Model of Handgun (and barrel type/length); 3. Click to view results. Just choose your gun type, select your make, model and barrel, then view the results. All major holster types are included: Ankle, Belly Band, Belt (outside waistband), Chest, Competition, Drop Leg, Inside Waistband (IWB), Paddle, Pocket, and Shoulder. Check out the MidwayUSA Holster Finder at MidwayUSA.com/holster-finder.

Midwayusa holster finder database 125,000 holsters
Midwayusa holster finder database 125,000 holsters

MidwayUSA’s Marketing VP Jeff Larkin says: “Our team built the Holster Finder so our customers could find all holsters we offer for their specific firearm without sorting through thousands of search results. Finding the perfect holster is now easier than ever — just a few clicks, and we’ll show you everything that fits!”

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December 6th, 2023

Ace S&W Pistol Instructor Offers Critic A Slice of Humble Pie

Smith Wesson pistol accuracy Grutter M&P 45 .45 ACP Winchester ammo
Shown is the Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm model. The M&P 45 is the same except for chambering.

You’ll hear some shooters complain loudly about the (perceived) lack of accuracy of their handguns. Well, sometimes the problem IS the gun, but other times the problem is “driver error”. At the range, we often hear guys blame their gun for poor accuracy, when in fact the real problem is lack of operator skill. This saga, posted a while back on Facebook, is a case in point.

Here’s the story. A gentleman attending an armorer’s course at Smith & Wesson was loudly dissing a S&W M&P 45, claiming it could not shoot. Very loudly he tells the instructor, “the M&P 45 one of our officers is carrying is sh*t”. He then trash-talks the gun, saying that both he and his officer couldn’t get the gun to shoot decent groups, either with FMJ or duty ammo.

Well it seems that Gregory Grutter, S&W’s Chief Firearms Instructor, happened to overhear these vociferous complaints, so Grutter asked to test-fire the M&P 45 pistol. Grutter put a couple of his business cards up at 15 yards, then shot one with Winchester Ranger SXT and the other with Winchester White Box ammo. Grutter’s best group was about half an inch, measured with OnTarget. Check it out:

Smith Wesson pistol accuracy Grutter M&P 45 .45 ACP Winchester ammo

We’re told that, after hearing the litany of complaints, Grutter walked over to the loud-mouthed grumbler and asked: “Hey Sir, can I shoot it?

“Have at it, I don’t want that POS back!” said Mr. Negative.

Kharma time baby… In Grutter’s hands the M&P performed superbly. Here are Grutter’s two 5-shot groups, each shot at 15 yards with the .45 ACP Smith & Wesson pistol. Pretty darn impressive:

Smith Wesson pistol accuracy Grutter M&P 45 .45 ACP Winchester ammo

After seeing this, the complainer asked: “Why did you shoot your cards — Ain’t got no targets?”

Grutter smiled and replied: “Nah… in case you or your officer want to learn how to shoot [this way] you will have the numbers to call.” Badda Bing!

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December 3rd, 2023

Sunday GunDay: Tackdriver IV — Multi-Class 300m Challenge

Tackdriver 4 IV match south carolina bart sauter Wayne Campbell

The Tack Driver IV, November 2023

Last month, Orangeburg, South Carolina became the epicenter of rifle competition on November 4-5, 2023 as the Mid-Carolina Gun Club hosted the widely-acclaimed Tack Driver IV. The Tack Driver has rapidly grown in popularity and stature, becoming a yearly must-attend event. The match’s rise in popularity can be attributed to several factors, including its organizer, the spirited Jim Cline, renowned for his quick wit, larger-than-life persona, and affinity for pranks. The Tack Driver’s popularity and status is further boosted by its unique format: shooting a mix of group and score targets at 300 meters. It has a generous 22-pound rifle weight limit and extends an invitation to all precision shooting disciplines. Competitors get the opportunity to compete with some of the world’s best shooters, have a great time, enjoy fantastic food, and see if they have what it takes to earn the title of “Tack Driver”.

Tackdriver 4 IV match south carolina bart sauter Wayne Campbell

Tackdriver IV benchrest south carolina

What is the Tack Driver Match

For the uninitiated, the Tack Driver is a 300-meter “take-all-comers” match designed to answer the age-old question of which combination of caliber and shooting discipline is the most accurate. The rules are simple: all rifles will be fired from a bench, 22-pound weight limit, caliber must be .338 or smaller, and no one-piece rest is allowed. Each competitor will alternate shooting 5 group targets and 5 score targets over the course of two days. There are a few more rules, but those are the basics.

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The Tack Driver’s course of fire alternates between score targets and group targets. So competitors must demonstrate both precision and accuracy. The group targets test precision, measuring only the group size for 5 record shots. Meanwhile, the score targets demand accuracy with a goal of hitting 5 separate 1″-diameter bullseyes, each with a single shot (ideally obliterating the dot in the center). Each target has a designated area for unlimited sighters during the 7-minute match. At the end of the match, the shooter with the best combination of the highest score and smallest group aggregate wins.

Beginning of Tack Driver IV — Cool Temps and Light Winds

Bright blue skies, light winds, and cool temperatures greeted the 99 competitors in attendance to compete for the title of Tack Driver Champion. The match, since its inception, has attracted a deep list of “Who’s Who” in the world of precision shooting. In attendance are World Record Holders, National Champions, Hall of Famers, Shooters of the Year, and World Team members. Literally the “best of the best” from UBR, Score, Group, 600-yard, 1000-yard, and Ground Hog competitions, were competing in this unique contest of “precision and accuracy.”

Tack Driver IV Video — Many Images from Match

Wayne Campbell’s Tack Driver-Winning 6 PPC Rifle

Tackdriver 4 IV match south carolina bart sauter Wayne Campbell
Tackdriver 4 IV match south carolina bart sauter Wayne Campbell

Wayne Campbell won The Tackdriver IV with a modern 6 PPC rifle. The components included: BAT 3-Lug action, Bartlein 5-groove barrel, Scarborough stock, Nightforce 42x44mm fixed-power scope, Bix ‘N Andy trigger. Notably, Wayne did most of the gunsmithing himself.

Results of The Tack Driver IV — Combined Grand Aggregate

Tackdriver 4 IV match south carolina bart sauter Wayne Campbell

The Tack Driver IV Grand Aggregate Winner is Wayne Campbell! Congratulations to Wayne who was also the Tack Driver Group Shooting Champion with a .7028 Aggregate! This is Wayne’s second year in a row to win this honor.

Tackdriver 4 IV match south carolina bart sauter Wayne Campbell

The “agony of defeat” award goes to Jeff Thompson. Jeff lead in group after targets 3 and 4 and appeared untouchable. However on target 5, Jeff shot an uncharacteristic 1.031″ group, which allowed both Greg Ellis and Wayne Campbell to surge past.

Top 5 Group Results
1. Wayne Campbell .7028
2. Greg Ellis .759
3. Jeff Thompson .7758
4. Jeff Summers .794
5. Dewey Hancock .804

Fun Group Fact: Jeff Summers and Wayne Campbell were the only competitors to keep all 5 groups below an inch.

Top 5 Score Results
1. Derick Loflin 245-2X
2. Stevie Salter 244-3X
3. Rober Seeman 244-3X
4. Dave “SuperMan” Way 244-1X
5. Gavin Peinhardt 243-2X

A big congratulations goes to Derick Loflin, the new Tack Driver Score Champion with a 245-2X. Once Derick moved into 1st place (after target 4 was posted) he never relinquished the lead.

Chambering Selections of Competitors — 6 PPC Most Popular

Of the 98 recorded chambering types for participants, the 6 PPC was the most popular with 39 entries. Next was the 30 BR with 27 entries. There were a dozen 6 BRAs (aka 6mmBR Ackley), plus 11 6mmBRs. There were three 22 PPCs and two each 30 Dasher and 6.5×47, with one Grinch and one 30 WW.

Tackdriver 4 IV match south carolina bart sauter Wayne Campbell

Saturday Morning Tack Driver Interviews with Top Shooters

tack driver trophyClick NAME to view YouTube Interview Video:

Jeff Peinhardt, Tack Driver I Champion
Hall of Fame Member

Samuel Hall, 600-Yard Shooter
3-Time National Champion

Jeff Godfrey, Leading 600-yard Competitor

Alex Wheeler, Leading Long Range Gunsmith

Roy Hunter, “The Renaissance Man”

Andy Shifflett, aka “Wayne Campbell’s SideKick”

Jeremiah Keefe, Ground Hog Match Competitor

Pat Regan, Head Honcho at PMA Tool

Jackie Schmidt, Long Time Benchrest Shooter

Dave “Superman” Way

Best Group of the Match

Here is the 0.337″ group shot by George Cabrera. George was shooting a 6mmBR rifle with Panda action (right bolt, left port, no ejector), Kelbly stock, Krieger 1:10″-twist barrel, Jewell trigger, Nightforce 12-42x56mm BR scope. George loaded his 6mmBR rifle with H4895 powder and Berger 90gr HPBT bullets. At 300 meters this 0.337″ group works out to 0.098 MOA (one MOA is 3.435″ at 300 meters).

Tackdriver 4 IV match south carolina bart sauter Wayne Campbell

Saturday Night Cookout with Smoked Prime Rib
With the range closed and targets hung, shooters and family members began gathering at the pavilion (on top of the hill) for the 6:30 feed. With a main course of Smoked Prime Rib, it was a packed house. Previous nights the shooters were treated to a low country boil and grilled chicken. The food throughout the event, lunch and supper is simply amazing. It’s a 5-Star dining experience served with paper plates and napkins. Here is a video of folks enjoying the festivities.

Prime Rib Night Video

Prelude — Tack Driver Lite (November 2, 2023)

This year started with a new event, “The Tack Driver Lite,” held on Thursday morning. two days prior to the regular Tack Driver. The match has two goals: first, to give early-arriving competitors something to do, and second to get the match director, Jim Cline, out from behind his computer and see how he stacks up against the competition. The Tack Driver Lite format is similar to the regular Tack Driver but with a couple of twists. The match consists of 4 targets (2 Score & 2 Group) instead of the usual 10 (5 Score & 5 Group). Each competitor was allowed to put out one flag. Prior to drawing a bench the shooter had to state at what range he would put his flag. Competitors have 7 minutes to shoot one Score and one Group target. The next twist is the targets were hung sideways, one on top of the other, instead of the normal straight up and down. It really shouldn’t make a difference, but visually and mentally it did. With the temperature in the low 30s and light and variable winds, twenty shooters took to the line.

Results of Tack Driver Lite
When the dust had settled Roy “The Renaissance Man” Hunter (photo below) found himself the winner of the score portion of the match, shooting clean with a perfect score of 100. Top dog was Billy Stevens who won both the Overall Grand Aggregate (combined score and group) and the Group Aggregate with a 0.689.

Tackdriver 4 IV match south carolina bart sauter Wayne Campbell

Target by Target Progress of the Main Tack Driver IV Match

(more…)

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December 1st, 2023

Vista Outdoor Rejects Merger Proposal from Colt CZ — Continues to Pursue Sporting Products Division Sale to Czechoslovak Group

Vista outdoor sporting group Colt CZ CSG Federal CCI Remington Ammo Speer Hevi-Shot VSTO

Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO) announced that its Board of Directors, following consultation with its financial and legal advisors, has rejected the unsolicited proposal received on November 22, 2023 from Colt CZ Group SE to combine Colt CZ and Vista Outdoor. It appears that the main reason the Colt CZ proposal was rejected is that the proposed $30.00 share price was too low and “did not take into account the value created by splitting the outdoor and sporting divisions” (Reuters). Vista Outdoor will continue to move forward with sale of its sporting products operations to the Czechoslovak Group A.S. (CSG), as announced this past October.

“The Board of Directors has determined that the (Colt CZ proposal) would not be more favorable to Vista stockholders from a financial point of view than the transactions contemplated by the CSG (agreement) and does not provide a basis for engagement with Colt CZ,” Vista Chief Executive Gary McArthur said in a letter posted on the company’s website.

Vista Outdoor will continue to proceed to sell its outdoor sporting products business to Czechoslovak Group (CSG) for $1.91 billion. This will involve transfer of some of the biggest names in the shooting/reloading world including: Federal, CCI, Remington Ammo, Speer, and Hevi-Shot. The sale and take-over is expected to be completed in 2024. CSG stated: “From the outset, we have believed that, compared to Colt’s offer, our agreement with Vista makes much more sense for Vista shareholders and for the future success of both (Vista) segments.”

Vista Outdoor’s Board of Directors stated that the determination to reject the Colt CZ proposal was made based on a number of factors, including:

The “purported value of $30 per Vista share in the November 22 [Colt CZ] Proposal significantly undervalues Vista”;

The November 22 Colt CZ Proposal “does not provide adequate details relating to the debt and equity financing contemplated thereby and does not include any binding commitments with respect to such financing”;

The November 22 Colt CZ Proposal “does not take into account the significant stockholder value that is expected to be created by the separation of the Outdoor Products and Sporting Products segments of Vista into two independent companies, each with its own dedicated strategic focus, enhanced ability to attract and retain top talent, tailored capital allocation philosophy, and set of competitive advantages.”

An official release stated: “The Vista Outdoor Board continues to recommend the acquisition of the Sporting Products business by Czechoslovak Group a.s. (“CSG”) and remains committed to acting in the best interests of Vista Outdoor stockholders.” And CSG has stated: “From the outset, we have believed that, compared to Colt’s offer, our agreement with Vista makes much more sense for Vista shareholders and for the future success of both (Vista) segments.”

The acquisition of the Sporting Products business by Czechoslovak Group is expected to close in calendar year 2024, subject to approval of Vista Outdoor’s stockholders, receipt of necessary regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

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December 1st, 2023

NSSF Enhances First Shots Funding for Shooting Ranges

nssf free targets training first shots funding

The NSSF First Shots program helps ranges get new participants involved in the shooting shorts. First Shots provides free targets, eye and ear protection, rimfire ammo, and other resources. In addition, the NSSF recently announced that it can provide enhanced direct funding. Participating ranges will get $15 for each new shooter, up to $1500 maximum. To qualify, ranges must host at least 3 First Shots events, and provide event reports. More information about First Shots is available at NSSF.org/firstshots.

New Direct Funding for Ranges — up to $1500
NSSF funding for First Shots partners, which was previously limited to marketing co-op efforts, is now available to qualifying NSSF member ranges, instructors, and shooting sports organizations to help cover expenses related to First Shots hosting efforts. Hosts are eligible to receive $15 per First Shots participant, up to a maximum of $1,500.

To enroll as a First Shots host and sign up for the new First Shots incentives program, contact Ann Gamauf at agamauf@nssf.org or Zach Snow at zsnow@nssf.org.

Traditional First Shots Program Support
nssf free targets training first shots fundingIn addition to the new incentives listed above, First Shots host ranges can receive the program’s regular no-cost support materials, including:

— Eye and ear protection
— Rimfire ammunition
— Birchwood Casey Shoot-N-C targets
— Up to $500 annually in monetary support for clay target and shotgun ammunition expenses
— First Shots handbooks and other firearm safety literature for each student
— $25 rewards coupon for each student for completing a survey, cost covered by NSSF, to use at the host range
— Up to $3000 in annual co-op advertising funds to promote your First Shots event offerings

nssf free targets training first shots funding

This Video Shows How First Shots Programs Work

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November 27th, 2023

CMP Adds Rimfire and Provisional Divisions for Bianchi Cup

cmp 2024 bianchi cup pistol competition rimfire provisional optics

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has approved new divisions for adults and juniors that will be implemented at the 2024 CMP Bianchi Cup and added to the CMP’s Action Pistol Program. The major development is the approval of a new Rimfire Division. That’s a very big deal that makes the Cup competition much more affordable. We applaud this move by the CMP.

Along with the new Rimfire Division, the CMP will add new “Provisional Divisions” for Production and Production Optics. CLICK HERE to learn more about the new Bianchi Cup Rimfire and Provisional Divisions.

2024 Bianchi Cup Full Program | 2024 Bianchi Cup Registration

The 2024 CMP Bianchi Cup is set for May 21-24, 2024 at the Green Valley Rifle & Pistol Club in Hallsville, Missouri. This prestigious 40-year-old action pistol match includes four featured events: Practical, Barricade, Falling Plate, and Moving Target. Hundreds of competitors from around the world compete in the event each year.

New Competition Classes: Rimfire, Provisional Production and Production Optics
In 2024, Bianchi Cup participation should increase significantly as the CMP is introducing new competition classes. Awards will be presented for all three new divisions: Rimfire, Production, Production Optics. The biggest change is the inclusion of a Rimfire Division. This division will encompass the same basic rules for each of the current setups — Open, Production/Production Optics, Metallic and Revolver.

The Rimfire Division is designed to encourage participation from juniors not shooting centerfire pistols as well as adults who want to warm up for the Bianchi Cup in a less expensive manner.

Provisional Divisions for Production and Production Optics will also be added to action pistol (with current Production and Production Optics divisions remaining unchanged). The rules for the new Provisional Divisions will be derived form USPSA rules.

Competitors will be divided into their divisions — Metallic, Production, Open, Production Optic, Provisional Production, Provisional Production Optic, or .22 Rimfire — per current CMP Action Pistol Rules.

Handguns for Bianchi Cup’s New Rimfire Division


cmp 2024 bianchi cup pistol competition rimfire provisional optics

If you’re looking for a reasonably-priced semi-auto .22 LR pistol for the new Rimfire Division, we recommend the Browning Buck Mark series. Buck Marks are accurate and very reliable. This rimfire pistol is available in a variety of models starting at under $370.00. A good Buck Mark will serve you for a lifetime.

cmp 2024 bianchi cup pistol competition rimfire provisional optics
CLICK HERE for a detailed review of the S&W Model 617 in the RevolversOnly.com site.

For Rimfire Revolver competition we recommend the 10-shot Smith & Wesson 617 and the relatively new 10-shot Colt King Cobra Target .22 LR, both with available 6-inch barrel lengths. CLICK HERE for a good, side-by-side video review of these two rimfire revolvers by popular YouTube host Hickok45.


These German-language video (with English subtitles), showcases Bianchi Cup Revolver Class guns, and explains how to clean and maintain these high-tech wheelguns.

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November 26th, 2023

CCI Now Producing Catalyst Lead-Free Primers in Idaho

cci speer federal ammunition catalyst unleaded no-lead primer priming ammunition

CCI is now producing Catalyst lead-free primers and Catalyst-primed CCI and Speer ammunition at the CCI factory in Lewiston, Idaho. The proprietary Catalyst lead-free primer was first developed in 2016 by Federal Ammunition, a CCI/Speer partner company. The advanced lead-free Catalyst primers have been used in CCI- and Speer-brand pistol ammo, and are featured in Federal’s Syntech Range ammo and American Eagle lead-free ammo. Eventually, CCI may eventually offer lead-free primers for the reloading market.

Writing for the MagLife Blog, Kat Ainsworth described Catalyst lead-free primers: “Many manufacturers use lead styphnate mixtures in the production of primers, but Federal Ammunition states the proprietary design utilized in the Catalyst is not only lead-free but outperforms those other methods. The company also says the Catalyst primers are safer to manufacture and provide a host of benefits over lead designs. For example, the Catalyst primers deliver greater compatibility with modern powders, produce less pressure from the gases generated during live fire, and don’t cause degradation in the powder they touch.

The company says these primers are extremely clean-burning which helps them perform more uniform and complete propellant combustion. Even better, the Catalyst has minimal velocity variation[.] These primers are also non-hydrophilic, meaning they don’t attract water molecules like DDNP-based mixes that are found in other brands[.]”

cci speer federal ammunition catalyst unleaded no-lead primer priming ammunition

Catalyst Primers Promise Best-in-Class Performance
“We are extremely proud of this new production capability which continues the rollout of an incredible primer technology” said Federal/CCI/Speer President Jason Vanderbrink. “This product has proven to be the best in its class after nearly seven years of continuous production. Its consistent performance has been tested over hundreds of millions of rounds. Most notably, the product is featured in Federal’s innovative Syntech Range ammo and American Eagle Lead-Free.”

The extremely clean-burning Catalyst primer creates more uniform and complete propellant combustion, yielding minimal velocity variation and consistent bullet launch for improved accuracy. It is also non-hydrophilic, so it does not attract water molecules like DDNP-based mixes found in most lead-free primers, resulting in better reliability.

“Catalyst lead-free priming technology provides the cleanest, most consistent ignition possible. We are excited that our Lewiston plant is now set up to run Catalyst priming in our target pistol products”, said Speer and CCI’s Director of Factory Operations Mike Overberg. “The Anoka facility has proven this to be the best lead-free priming technology available. Our staff here has done a fantastic job of working across factories to extend this product into Speer and CCI Blazer ammunition products made in Lewiston, Idaho.”

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November 24th, 2023

Black Friday 2023 Sales and Discounts — Part Two

Black Friday deal coupon bargain sale promotion discounts

Yesterday we featured ten great Black Friday SALES from leading vendors. With those sale programs you can save hundreds of dollars on firearms, gun safes, optics, reloading hardware and more. Here are ten more Black Friday specials, many of which run through end of day on November 27th, Cyber Monday. PRS/NRL shooters should definitely check out the MDT Sale, while hunters will find many great deals at Cabela’s and Bass Pro.

Bullet Central Black Friday Sale

Black friday sale discount bullet central cyber monday

The Black Friday Sale at Bullet Central runs from Friday 11/24/2023 through Sunday 11/26/2023. This is a great sale — there are significant savings on custom actions, stocks/chassis systems, pre-fit barrels, reloading dies, and optics. Here are the key sale items. We are not sure if the discounts have already been applied automatically to the listed prices. You should check with Bullet Central.

10% Off All Stocks & Chassis
12% Off Kelbly Actions
12% Off Defiance Machine Actions
12% Off Impact Precision Actions
15% Off Micron Precision Dies
15% Off BC Custom Pre-Fit Barrels
20% Off Element Optics

K&M Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sale

Black friday sale discount K&M KM tool arbor press cyber monday

K&M Precision Shooting Products (K&M) makes great arbor presses and precision reloading tools. Now through Monday 11/27/2023 you can save $20-$75 on Arbor Presses and other K&M Gear and accessories. The more you spend the more you save with codes KMBF20, KMBF30, KMBF45, KMBF60, and KMBF75. Pick the code that fits the amount you spend from $100 to $500. For example, save $20 (20%) on a $100 purchase with code KMBF20. NOTE: This promotion excludes Mitutoyo products, Arbor Press Cases, and Gift Certificates. Spend value for coupons excludes shipping fees.

MDT Black Friday Sale — 10% to 40% Off

Black friday sale mdt chassis scope rings factory seconds Blem safe

MDT is a top-tier rifle chassis-maker, favored by PRS/NRL competitors. MDT says that its 2023 Black Friday promo is MDT’s “Only sale of the year”. This year’s Black Friday Specials include chassis systems, buttstocks, bipods, support bags, scope rings, magazines and more. Some of sale items are “blem” and/or “factory second” items. Though offered at huge discounts these products are still fully covered by the MDT lifetime warranty.

Cabela’s and Bass Pro Black Friday Sale

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Cabela’s and Bass Pro are running a big sale through 11/26/2023. Notable discounted items include the superb Garmin Inreach SatCom (Save $150), Moultrie Trail Cams (Save $80), Savage Axis XP scoped rifle (Save $60), Bog Tripods (Save $40), Browning Safes (Save $200 with rebate), Leupold VH-5 HD Scope (Save $200), and Leupold HD Binoculars (Save $80).

KYGUNCO Black Friday Sale

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Shooting sports store KYGUNCO has dozens of items deeply discounted for Black Friday. CLICK HERE to see ALL the Black Friday Sale listings. We saw some great CZ pistol and rifle deals, plus huge discounts on Sports Afield gun safes.

Creedmoor Sports Black Friday Extended Sale

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Creedmoor Sports has many popular products on sale for Black Friday (through 11/28/23). The TRX-925 Precision Reloading Scale, regularly $374.95, is on sale for $350.00. The Big Shot BST-40 Rotary Wet/Dry Tumbler is on sale for $329.95 ($50 savings). Plus some Creedmoor Rifle Rest Bags are 15% off. In addition to these specials, there are ongoing discounts on a variety of brands, including Peterson Brass, ADG Brass, Hornady Bullets, Kowa Spotting Scopes, AMP Annealers, and much more. But that’s not all! During Black Friday, when you place an order over $200, you’ll receive a FREE, Creedmoor Sports 45th Anniversary T-Shirt. And through Tuesday 11/28/2023 at noon, customers also get FREE SHIPPING with orders over $99.00.

Midsouth Black Friday Specials

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A large selection of products are deeply discounted for the Midsouth Black Friday Sale. You’ll find big price reductions on everything from bullets to big progressive presses. Our top picks are:
1. Hornady LNL Loading Combo Kit w/ Free Case Prep Duo ($299.99, Save $100)
3. Lyman Gen 6 Powder Dispenser/Scale ($179.99, Save $80)
2. Hornady 17 HMR Ammo ($134.99/500 rounds, Save $55)
4. Frankford Arsenal Tumbler and Depriming Tool ($99.99, Save $65)

Horus Vision 20% Off Sitewide

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Horus Vision produces quality riflescopes, rangefinders, spotting scopes, and electronic weather meters. In addition Horus offers combo kits with multiple products. For example the HoVR™ Complete Shooter Package mates the HoVR 5-20x50mm scope with the HoVR 2000 BT Laser Rangefinder and HoVR weather meter. Right now you can save 20% on virtually all products sold through the Horus Vision online store.

Protector Model Shooting Bags — 15% Off with Code THANKFUL

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Protektor model read bag sandbag black friday saleProtektor Model will be discounting its leather shooting bags 15% for Black Friday through 11:59 pm on November 24, 2023. NOTE: You won’t see a “Black Friday Sale” prompt on the website or product descriptions. However, when you put your order in the shopping cart, the 15% OFF savings will be applied via discount code THANKFUL. We just confirmed that on the ProtektorModel.com website at 8:00 pm on 11/23/23.

Winchester Black Friday Special — 20% Off The Entire Store

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For Black Friday weekend, the Winchester Gear Store is offering 20% off all merchandise. NOTE: This offer does NOT apply to Winchester brand ammunition, powder, or primers. This is ONLY for clothing and accessories such as hats, sweatshirts, and shotgun shooting vests. To save 20% on all items use code SHOP23 at Checkout.

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