ZEISS Announces Holiday Promotions
From November 20 through December 31, 2023 ZEISS will be offering holiday promotions through participating ZEISS authorized retailers. These Holiday Promos will give buyers major savings on ZEISS scopes and ZEISS binoculars.
25% Off ZEISS LRP S3 and LRP S5 FFP Scopes
Get 25% off LRP S3 and LRP S5 First Focal Plane riflescopes. The LRP S3 is great for the long-range hunter or competitive shooter, with superb performance for the price. The LRP S3 comes in 4-24x50mm and 6-36x56mm versions, with two reticle options, ZF-MRi and ZF-MOAi. These LRP S3 riflescopes offer 160 MOA or 46.5 MRAD of elevation travel. These scopes feature an external locking windage turret and daylight-visible illuminated reticle.
Superb LRP S5 Scopes — 3-18x50mm and 5-25x56mm
Out of the box, both the ZEISS LRP S5 318-50 and 525-56 riflescopes provide 40.7 MRAD, or 140 MOA, of total elevation travel. These riflescopes feature a premium optical design with legendary SCHOTT glass, European-style fast-focus eyepiece, and tactile and highly repeatable turrets. The LRP S5 is available with a ZF-MRI or ZF-MOAi reticle. The LRP S5 525-56 was named 2023 Best Overall Long Range Rifle Scope by Outdoor Life magazine.
CLICK HERE for more information about ZEISS LRP S3 and S5 riflescopes.
$200 Instant Savings for ZEISS Conquest HD Binoculars
Enjoy a $200 instant savings on ZEISS Conquest HD binoculars. The seven models feature a sleek, ergonomic design and a rugged, lightweight magnesium body that is waterproof and fog proof. The large focusing wheel is easy to operate, allowing you to observe even the smallest details in sharp focus and neutral colors at close range. The 90% light transmission provides superior optical clarity for impressive dusk to dark observations.
CLICK HERE for For more information about Conquest HD binoculars.
$100 Instant Savings on ZEISS Terra ED Binoculars
Save $100 on ZEISS Terra ED 10×42 binoculars in coyote brown and 8×42 and 10×42 Terra ED binoculars in velvet green. ZEISS Terra ED binoculars are robust, reliable, and easy to use. Their state-of-the-art and sleek design makes them not only light but comfortably compact. The highest optical precision and the hydrophobic multicoating guarantee brilliant images down to the very last detail. The Terra ED binoculars are waterproof and nitrogen-filled, making them rough and ready for any adventure.
CLICK HERE for more information about Terra ED binoculars.
About ZEISS ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. There is global demand for ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses. and binoculars. ZEISS Consumer Products combines the company’s business with camera and cine lenses, binoculars, spotting scopes, and hunting optics. With over 41,000 employees, ZEISS is active globally in almost 50 countries with around 60 sales and service companies, 30 production sites and 25 development sites. Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. Learn more about ZEISS at www.zeiss.com.
Thanksgiving is just three days away. We know many of our readers will be traveling by air this week, and during the Christmas holidays. This article reminds folks who travel to alwasy comply 100% with rules. Don’t make an oversight that can land you in jail.
Handgun Transport During Flights — How to Do It Properly
It IS legal to take a handgun on an airline flight in checked baggage (if you follow the rules). But for goodness sake — declare the weapon as required by law and comply with all TSA and Federal regulations. Do NOT just toss your pistol in your carry-on and expect to board the plane. About 4,000 pistols were discovered in carry-on luggage in 2017. That can result in seizure and confiscation of the weapon, and just might land you in jail!
Gun writer Dean Weingarten has written an excellent article about handgun seizures at airports. Remarkably, in a single week a few years ago, 97 handguns were found in carry-on bags at U.S. airports.
TSA gives a list of the pistols found. The list shows the make, model and caliber of most of the pistols. There were 93 pistols where the caliber was identified.
9mm pistols were still the most common, with 36 represented. .380 pistols, known in Europe as 9X17, 9mm Kurtz, or 9mm Corto, were the next represented, with 24 present. That is 70 pistols, or 75% of the pistols found. There were a smattering of other calibers. There were eight .40 caliber pistols, seven .22 LR rimfire, six .45 caliber, five .32 caliber, four .38 caliber, one .410, and one .22 magnum.
Most of the pistols were semi-autos, there were a few revolvers, and three derringers.
How does this happen? It is the principle of rare occurrences. While an event may be extremely rare for each individual, if enough individuals are involved, the occurrence of rare events becomes a statistical certainty. About 4,000 pistols were discovered in carry-on luggage in 2017. There were about 770 million travelers passing through TSA checkpoints in that year. That is one pistol found for about 194,000 passengers. Each passenger presumably went through TSA checkpoints at least twice, once going, once returning. Some passengers go through multiple checkpoints, depending on the route taken.
I believe it happens in ways most people do not consider, because they are RARE. One way is to be distracted at a critical moment. Perhaps a business owner has made the decision to move a pistol from his briefcase to his locked desk [but then is distracted] and he has to rush to make his flight. The pistol remains in the briefcase and is discovered by the TSA.
The quality of the pistols found suggest most were taken from people who can legally carry them in most places. There are over 17 million people with carry permits in the United States. There are 13 states where no carry permit is required.
No one is perfect. Everyone makes mistakes. It is part of the human condition.
Another rare scenario is for a third party to put the pistol in the carry-on without the carrier knowing about it. In at least one case, this was done to a school student, maliciously. In that case, it was put in a teens’ backpack[.]
Some [handgun violations] occur because the traveler borrowed a piece of carry-on luggage, and missed a small pistol tucked into a dark recess of the luggage, where another family member kept it. I suspect that most pistols are discovered precisely because the carriers are NOT attempting to smuggle them.
Most of these errors are recognized as honest mistakes by the TSA. The TSA is not the end of the legal problems for a person who finds themselves in this situation. The biggest players are the states. How the situation is handled depends on where the situation occurs.
When traveling, check your carry-on twice. If you discover you have made a mistake, correct it.
Congratulations to Team Lapua-Brux-Borden (“Team Lapua”) winning the F-Open Grand Aggregate Team Award at the 2023 F-Class Long-Range Championships with a superb score of 1593-95X. Team Lapua members are Tod Hendricks, Ted Wedell, Jeremy Smith, David Christian, and Jay Christopherson, with Bob Sebold as coach and Erik Cortina as Team Captain.
In Match 1 of the F-Open Team Championship, Team Lapua also set a new National record of 800-53X, breaking the previous record by 11 Xs (set by Team Long Shots in 2014). In the 2023 Match 1 four Team Lapua members fired 20 rounds for record at 1000 yards, not dropping a single point.
“We noticed in the forecast that the wind conditions were going to be mild, and there was a chance to set a new National record”, commented Team Captain Erik Cortina. “The previous record was an 800-42X, so we knew we all had to shoot perfect scores to claim the record. It felt great when the 80th shot came up an X! We managed to score 800-53X, beating the old record by 11 Xs.”
Additionally, team members Jay Christopherson, David Christian, and Erik Cortina finished in the top 10 of the individual F-Open LR championship. Along with its record-breaking Long Range 2023 win, Team Lapua finished 3rd place overall in the Mid-Range F-Open team championships, adding an exclamation point to Lapua’s dominating results.
The 2023 United States F-Class Long Range National Championships were hosted by the Desert Sharpshooters and held November 1-5, 2023 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, Arizona. The Long Range National Team Championship consists of eight (8) 20-shot strings fired at 1000 yards. There are 160 shots total with a max score of 10-1X per shot.
About Lapua
For 100 years, Lapua has been producing superb small caliber cartridges and components for civilian and professional use. Lapua is a part of the Capstone Precision Group, exclusive U.S. distributor for Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori and SK-Rimfire products. For more information, visit Lapua.com
The 2024 SHOT Show is now just nine-and-a-half weeks away. The NSSF SHOT Show is the leading gun/hunting/shooting industry trade show. The huge event takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum. At SHOT Show, visitors can see thousands of new guns, optics, accessories, and ammo offerings. This is the premier opportunity to have a “hands-on” view of new products, network with industry leaders, and attend informative seminars. This year’s event runs Tuesday through Friday, January 23-26, 2024, preceded by Media Day at the Range on January 22nd.
Book Hotels Now to Save Money
Unfortunately, we are seeing that, for SHOT Show week, Las Vegas hotel rates are up to 50% higher than before the pandemic. And numerous hotels are deceptively adding extra “resort fees” and processing charges, which worsen the high costs. Before you confirm a reservation, make sure you know ALL the COSTS, including room rates, taxes, resort fees, parking charges, and non-refundable deposits.
The longer you wait, the higher the cost of Las Vegas rooms will be. NSSF notes that: “It is important for attendees to book hotel rooms sooner than later to get better room rates and to get a room in a preferred location. Hotels like The Flamingo, Harrah’s and The LINQ are great options to consider.” Learn more about hotels here: https://shotshow.org/official-hotels/.
SHOT Show Information
We expect over 50,000 people will attend SHOT Show 2024. As in 2023, this year’s SHOT Show encompasses two facilities — the Venetian Expo AND the new Caesars Forum. Combined, these facilities provide over 800,000 square feet of exhibit space. The two trade show halls are connected by an elevated walking bridge.
Volquartsen Firearms now offers two new versions of its innovative Summit straight-pull toggle bolt rimfire rifle. Along with the original .22 LR Summit and a .17 Mach 2 variant, Volquartsen is now offering a Summit .17 HMR and Summit .22 WMR. We think the .17 HMR version would be one of our top choices for ground squirrels and small varmints inside 250 yards.
These new .17 HMR and .22 WMR offerings will be available in stainless steel and lightweight aluminum configurations, with various barrel and stock options. All configurations will feature a 2.25-pound trigger pull, 0 MOA integral Picatinny rail, and a 9-round magazine capacity. Both 1/2 x 28 threaded barrel and non-threaded barrel options will be available.
“When we started manufacturing the Summit in .22 LR, we knew that caliber was only the beginning of what was possible from the straight-pull toggle bolt design. We applied what we learned in refining the Summit 22 LR and knew it would be ideal for a .22 WMR and .17 HMR version,” commented Volquartsen President Scott Volquartsen.
From the ranch to the range, the Summit rifle is designed to be versatile but, most importantly, reliable. Assembled with Volquartsen’s signature, wire-EDM cut internal components, the Summits are built to perform from a bench but are durable enough for the toughest field use.
Specifications:
·Stainless steel or aluminum barreled action
·TG2000 with 2.25 lb. trigger pull weight
·Rapid Magazine Release installed
·Muzzle threaded 1/2 x 28 (unthreaded optional)
·0 MOA integral Picatinny rail
·9 round magazine
“On that day, let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting and enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”
– 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Veterans Day proclamation.
105 Years Later…
On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918, bugle calls signaled the ‘cease fire’ ending the First World War. (The official Armistice was signed earlier that morning.) To those who endured it, WWI was the “Great War”, “the War to End All Wars.” Tragically, an even greater conflict consumed the world just two decades later.
Today, 104 years after the end of WWI, Americans mark the anniversary of the WWI Armistice as “Veterans Day”. In Canada it is known as Remembrance Day. On this solemn occasion we honor all those who have served in the military in times of war and peace.
While more veterans pass away each year, there are still about 19 million veterans in the United States. Take time today to honor those soldiers, sailors, and airmen who have served their nation with pride. Today we remember that… “All gave some, and some gave all.” History of Veterans Day.
Former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James Peake asked Americans to recognize the nation’s 19 million living veterans and the generations before them who fought to protect freedom and democracy: “While our foremost thoughts are with those in distant war zones today, Veterans Day is an opportunity for Americans to pay their respects to all who answered the nation’s call to military service.”
On Veterans Day we especially need to remember the seriously wounded combat veterans. These men and women summon great courage every day to overcome the lasting injuries they suffered in battle. Some of these soldiers have lost limbs, yet volunteered to return to combat duty. That is dedication beyond measure — true patriotism.
Brothers in Arms — Army veteran Dennis Phelps hugs Navy veteran Norman L. Floyd during an Armed Forces Day Parade in Torrance, CA on May 20, 2023. Photo by: Army Reserve Spc. Mebea Demelash.
Photo Sgt. Ken Scar, U.S. Army.
World War II Hero — Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III and Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher Mullinax stand with former Master Sgt. Charles N. Shay in Saint-Laurent-Sur-Mer, France, June 5, 2023. The ceremony honored Shay and Native American soldiers who fought on D-Day. Photo by: Army Spc. Daniela Lechuga.
National Veterans Day Ceremony
The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony commences precisely at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations. The ceremony is intended to honor and thank all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major regional ceremonies and events are also held throughout the country.
Thanksgiving is coming soon — so many of our readers will soon be on the road traveling to visit friends and family members. LawShield, America’s largest provider of Legal Defense for Self Defense® coverage, offers a National Travel Guide for Gun Owners and state-specific Travel Guides for Gun Owners. These guides feature practical information for people traveling through nearly every state in the USA.
State-Specific Travel Guides — Access for FREE
State-specific Travel Guides and a National Travel Guide for Gun Owners can be accessed for FREE on the the U.S. LawShield website. For planning future travel, bookmark Resources.uslawshield.com/travel-guide,
According to Kirk Evans, President of U.S. LawShield, “Because there are so many details for people to understand before they leave home, we developed state-specific guides to help folks stay on the right side of the law. Take the time to learn the laws before hitting the road because they are not the same everywhere. Don’t wait until after the fact to plan for your guns when preparing for your trip.”
Travel Guide for Gun Owners Topics:
Permits/licenses recognized by specific states
State laws you should know, including vehicle carry, duty to notify law enforcement, and open and concealed carry laws
Where you can legally carry your gun
Federal laws you should know
Carrying in National Parks
Transfer of firearms
Traveling from state to state and the Safe Passage provision
Flying with a firearm, including TSA requirement warnings and how to pack ammunition
Driving with a firearm
Two Knowledgeable Attorneys Explain State Law Issues When Traveling
In this video U.S. LawShield Independent Program Attorneys Richard Hayes and Emily Taylor provide essential information for traveling with firearms. Discussion includes essential information needed to stay safe and responsible while traveling with firearms.
Know the Laws of Every State You Travel Through
“There is no standardization of gun laws within the 50 individual states, so even if a state recognizes your handgun license or permit, they may have additional restrictions on certain types of firearms, magazines, or ammunition,” said Evans. “In some states, it’s illegal for a non-resident to possess a firearm in the passenger compartment of their vehicle. And, because you are subject to a state’s laws when you are in that state, if you break their laws, you could be committing a crime — whether you think you intentionally broke the law or not,” he added.
“Remember, not knowing the law is not a valid defense,” stated Evans. “Use our Travel Guide for Gun Owners for whatever state you’re traveling through, and learn which states honor your carry license or permit before you go.”
We congratulate Ian Klemm (F-TR, left below) and Matthew Basalla (F-Open, right below) — the 2023 NRA F-Class Long Range National Champions! The NRA F-Class championships were held at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility outside Phoenix, Arizona. The 2023 Long Range F-Class Nationals ran November 2-5, following the Mid-Range F-Class Nationals held October 29 through November 1st.
F-Open Long Range Championship
Matt Basalla (1594-101X) earned an impressive victory in F-Open, followed by Peter Johns (Second) and Norm Harrold (Third). Matt only dropped just 6 points across the three days, while Peter dropped 7 and Norm 8. Impressively Matt recorded 101 Xs during the match. Mid-Range winner John Masek told us that this was “Crazy good shooting in some tricky conditions”.
Team Lapua/Brux/Borden Wins F-Open Team Event
It went down to the wire in the F-Open Team Competition. Team Lapua/Brux/Borden finished first with 1593-95X. Team Long Shots was tied on total points with 1593 but took second on X-Count with 93X. Both those teams had shooters with superb 400-24X scores. Team Lapua also set a Nationals one-phase team record of 800-53X, breaking the previous record of 800-42X set in 2014 by the Long Shots. The top individual performance in the Team match was a 400-29X by Johnny Ingram of Team Bayou Boyz.
Conditions at the Long Range Championships
John Masek, 2023 F-Open Mid-Range Nat’l Champion, told us about the conditions during the Long Range phase of the F-Class Nationals: “Conditions for the Long Range F-Class Nationals were oddly deceiving. We started out Thursday with some mild cross winds that would switch quickly, but if you were patient you could shoot in steady conditions. It was clear that those at the top of the leaderboard had figured that out as there were quite a few shooters who dropped from zero to a just a couple points.
Friday was a pretty close repeat of the previous day and if you had figured out the previous day’s conditions you were in the top half, but there were plenty of people who struggled and dropped quite a few points. The final individual day on Sunday started in totally different conditions with a pretty decent head wind that was quickly moving the flags left to right. If you weren’t paying attention, you could easily get blown out to the left or right in the blink of an eye. The final relay was back to a crosswind with some tricky angle changes. Over the three days there was plenty of wind to help push the top shooters up, leaving no doubt that Matt Basalla was top F-Open shooter, and earned his victory.”
F-TR Long Range Championship — Ian Klemm Wins Again
In the F-TR division, Ian Klemm put in a great performance to secure his fifth National F-TR LR Championship finishing with both high score and top X-Count (1580-82X). Ian has previously won in 2021, 2020, 2018, and 2017. To secure FIVE titles in 7 years is mighty impressive. Certainly it can be argued that his FIVE F-TR Long Range Championships earn Ian the “F-TR GOAT” title (greatest of all time). Keith Trapp finished second (1578-74X) while Oleg Savelyev took third place (1575-72X).
Team Vortex Wins F-TR Team Event
As captain of Team Vortex, Ian Klemm also was part of the winning F-TR squad which scored 1588-76X. Team Vortex member Keith Trapp finished with a 400-19X, not dropping a point. He was the only F-TR shooter to have a 400 in team competition. The Bridgeville Long Range F-TR squad took second place with a 1580-61X score.
After a long hiatus, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Advanced Maintenance Classes (AMC) will return in 2024. These clinics, run by expert instructors, show students how to assemble vintage rifles. Those interested in the AMC may register through the CMP website. Registering for multiple classes is permitted, but no applicant will be selected for more than one slot.
The Advanced Maintenance Class (AMC) is a three-day course in Anniston, Alabama with training from the CMP Custom Shop staff. Topics such as head space, barrel installation, component purpose/function, general rifle assembly, rifle/component maintenance and various accuracy techniques will be covered using instructional videos and visual presentations. Along with classes for individuals, the Custom Shop will host four “Buddy Class” dates — reserved for applicants wishing to attend with a designated partner.
This is not an inexpensive program. Total cost for the 3-day 2024 AMC sessions will be $2,350 ($1,200 for tuition + $1,150 for Expert rifle). The $1,200 tuition fee will be billed immediately after purchasing the course from the CMP eStore (with $150 of class tuition fee considered as a nonrefundable “registration fee”).
CMP Advanced Maintenance Clinics 2024 Class Dates:
Class 1: February 27 – 29, 2024
Class 2: March 1 – 3, 2024 – BUDDY CLASS
Class 3: June 25 – 27, 2024
Class 4: June 28 – 30, 2024 – BUDDY CLASS
Class 5: August 20 – 22, 2024
Class 6: August 23 – 25, 2024 – BUDDY CLASS
Class 7: October 22 – 24, 2024
Class 8: October 25 – 27, 2024 – BUDDY CLASS
In conjunction with the classroom sessions, students will receive individualized instruction and assistance from Custom Shop staff. Students will also visit Talladega Marksmanship Park to view the grounds and test-fire their personally-crafted rifles.
NOTE: As the classes are very popular, registration will be based on a lottery system. Registration for the lottery will open November 27 and run through December 22, 2023.
The Fine Print:
Total cost for the 2024 AMC will be $2,350 ($1,200 for tuition + $1,150 for Expert rifle). The $1,200 tuition fee will be billed immediately after purchasing the course from the eStore ($150 of the class tuition fee is a nonrefundable “registration fee”). Late cancellations, made within 30 days of the class start date, will be subject to forfeiture of an additional $300. Deadline for class payment is 2/16/2024.
Registration Lottery:
Registrants will become part of an electronic lottery used to randomly assign the 20 available seats for each class date. An additional 20 participants will be assigned to a stand-by list for each date. These stand by lists have been established due to a historically high cancellation rate.
Questions:
For any questions regarding the 2024 AMC or for online registration questions, please contact Hector Lopez-Perez in the Custom Shop at hlopez.perez@thecmp.org or call (256) 835-8455, ext. 513.
Curious about suppressors (aka “silencers”, “moderators”, or “cans”)? Below you’ll find an informative NSSF Infographic that covers the history, legal status, design, and operation of modern-day suppressors.
Here’s a cool video showing how suppressors work. This video features see-through rifle suppressors filmed with ultra-high-speed (110,000 frame per second) cameras. When played back in super-slow-motion, you can see the flame propagate through the suppressor and the bullet move through each baffle before it exists the muzzle. Check it out!
See Through Suppressor in Super Slow Motion (110,000 fps) — Click Arrow to Watch:
Suppressor Facts — What You Need to Know
In this infographic, the NSSF provides the history, specifications, benefits and uses of firearm suppressors. Don’t suppress your knowledge!
Suppressors reduce gunfire sound levels by using baffles that contain expanding gasses exiting a firearm’s muzzle when ammo is discharged. Suppressors are similar to car mufflers that were, in fact, developed in parallel by the same inventor in the early 1900s. Well-designed suppressors typically reduce the gun sound levels by 30-35 decibels (dB).
Suppressors are now legal in 42 states nationwide. Suppressors are becoming more popular even though it still takes many months to get approved. In fact, the total number of suppressors registered in the NFRTR is 2,664,775 as of May 2021. This represents a 30% increase (622,056) since April 2020. That’s a remarkable growth rate. And we believe the numbers have increased substantially in 2022 and 2023.
ZEISS Announces Holiday Promotions
ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. There is global demand for ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses. and binoculars. ZEISS Consumer Products combines the company’s business with camera and cine lenses, binoculars, spotting scopes, and hunting optics. With over 41,000 employees, ZEISS is active globally in almost 50 countries with around 60 sales and service companies, 30 production sites and 25 development sites. Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. Learn more about ZEISS at www.zeiss.com.
The Fine Print:
