Report by Ashley Dugan, CMP Staff Writer
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has announced redesigned discounts for Purple Heart recipients and Veterans at select competitions throughout the year.
Those who earned a Purple Heart during their military service will receive 50 percent off CMP administered events like the CMP Travel Games, CMP Highpower Warm-Up Events and the National Matches, while Veterans will receive 10 percent off entry fees.
To receive a discount, individuals must provide a one-time verification such as a Veteran (Retired) Military I.D. or a copy of military records. Once proof is given, the CMP will update each individual’s file for future reference. Those eligible for a discount may register for applicable events online through Competition Tracker but must call the office to apply payment information. Refunds for discounts will not be issued after registration and payment has been made.
To further express gratitude toward those with military backgrounds, the CMP has added new Veteran awards to the National Matches within the 2400 Rifle Aggregate, M1 Garand Match, National Trophy Individual Match for rifle and pistol along with the 2700 Pistol Aggregate — with the highest scoring veteran in each match earning special recognition.
For questions on CMP Veteran and Purple Heart discounts, please contact Christina Roguski at croguski@thecmp.org or 419-635-2141 ext. 714. Learn about upcoming CMP events by visiting https://thecmp.org/competitions.
At the 2013 Western CMP Games, SGT Robert Evans attained what many shooters seek their entire shooting careers — a Distinguished Rifleman Badge. Evans earned his DR badge with just one hand, after losing his right hand while serving in Iraq with the U.S. Army.
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UPDATE: On 2/5/2024, the 9th Circuit granted a stay of Judge Benitez’s injunction ruling. So Californians may NOT purchase ammunition from out of state. CLICK Here for CRPA update and watch video below for details.
NOTE: The Benitez Ruling Explained Below Has Been Blocked by the 9th Circuit
Big news for California gun owners. You can now purchase ammunition online and have it shipped directly to your residence in California. And you can purchase ammo at California gun shops without paying for a background check. A Federal Judge has issued an injunction that blocks application of California laws requiring costly background checks for ammo purchases. NOTE: Right now, Californians can buy ammo without these restrictions, but it is possible that the Ninth Circuit could change things very soon. Act now while you can. Being able to mail-order ammunition from major vendors outside California makes ammo more affordable for Californians.
On January 30, 2024, in the case of Rhode v. Bonta, U.S. Federal District Court Judge Roger Benitez issued an order blocking the application of California laws which place severe limits on ammunition purchases by Californians. Benitez ruled that California’s laws requiring background checks on ammunition purchases were unconstitutional and invalid on multiple grounds. As noted by the San Diego Union-Tribune: “U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez ruled that such restrictions violate the Second Amendment. He also ruled that the portion of the law restricting out-of-state purchases violated the dormant Commerce Clause and is preempted by federal law regulating interstate transportation of firearms.”
Washington Gun Law Video Explains the Key Legal Points of Judge Benitez’s Order:
The Associated Press reports: “California residents don’t have to pay for and pass a background check every time they buy bullets, a federal judge has ruled. The Tuesday [1/30/2024] ruling by U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez took effect immediately. California Attorney General Rob Bonta [then] asked Benitez on Wednesday to delay the ruling[.]” Subsequently, Judge Benitez issued an order denying Bonta’s stay request. So, until the 9th Circuit acts, the injunction stands and Californians can buy ammo without a background check.
Four years ago, in April 2020, Judge Benitez had issued a preliminary injunction blocking California’s ammo background check laws. But days later the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay of that injunction, effectively negating the Benitez ruling, and putting California’s unconstitutional laws back into effect. But there have been significant changes now based on recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, in particular the Bruen case: “After the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, the 9th Circuit sent the case back to Benitez to be relitigated under that new framework, which holds that modern gun laws must be ‘consistent with the nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation’.” (SD Union-Tribune).
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John Weber, a 70-year-old from England, was given a metal mug by his grandfather in 1945. Though his grandfather had a “good eye” for antiques, John never thought the metal mug was worth much. He played with it as a child, and even used it as a target for his air rifle. The mug, assumed to be brass, has languished in a shoe box under Weber’s bed for decades.
Well, it turns out Weber’s old mug may be the world’s most expensive plinking target! The cup is actually made of solid gold, and is a rare, ancient artwork, crafted over 2300 years ago. The unusual mug, decorated with twin, opposite-facing female heads, was appraised with a value exceeding one-quarter million dollars ($250,000)!
According to news reports, Weber decided to have the old mug (thought to be brass) appraised when he moved from his house. He was shocked to learn that the mug is a Persian gold treasure, beaten out from a single sheet of gold before the time of Alexander the Great. Experts said the type of gold and the way the cup was hammered was “consistent with Achaemenid gold and gold smithing” dating back to the third or fourth century BC. The Achaemenid Empire ruled most of the Middle East and was conquered by Alexander the Great in 330 BC. Could this cup be one of Alexander’s war trophies? What stories could it tell from the past 2300 years?
Ancient Gold Cup Brings $99,000 at Auction
The rare cup was sold at auction by Duke’s Auction house in southwest England in June, 2008. Though the Cup was valued much higher by experts, it only fetched £50,000, or roughly $99,000 U.S. Dollars (at 2008 exchange rates). John Webber said he was still very pleased with that result.
In April 2020, the National Rifle Association (NRA) launched NRAWomen.com, a website dedicated to the fastest-growing group of firearm owners — America’s women. This website serves the increasing number of female gun owners, huntresses, and competitive shooters. Female involvement in firearms is growing significantly. Consider these numbers: Statistica estimates that 22% of women in the USA owned firearms in 2020, while 23% of women surveyed in a 2011 Gallup Poll stated they owned a gun.
Here are three excellent Articles from the NRAWomen.com website, all worth reading. For each example, Click the Photo or direct link to read the full article on NRAWomen.com.
1. Flying with Firearms — What You Need to Know
We recommend that any gun owner, female OR male, should definitely read this article. It is one of the better discussions on the web of airline travel with firearms, covering international travel as well as domestic flights. The article notes that you should obtain U.S. Customs Form 4457 before flying overseas with a firearm. GET Form 4457 HERE.
“Flying with a gun is actually a lot easier than you’d probably expect. You need a couple of specific gear items, and you need to know the proper procedure, but it’s a relatively simple process. I’ve flown with long guns and handguns dozens of times around the country and around the world. The process is generally the same, but with some additional steps and maybe additional hassle depending on the airport [and personnel.]” READ FULL ARTICLE on NRAWomen.com.
2. Modular Safes — Smart Option for Easier Moving
The second article features a great video showing how to assemble a modular safe in under 30 minutes. This article also explains the benefits of modular gunsafes — primarily easier transport and installation.
“Modular safes have been around for a few years now and are becoming more popular. Here’s why: The safe comes delivered to you in panels, so you can bring them into your home one at a time and put it together anywhere you like. This makes it easy to carry up and down stairs, onto elevators or anywhere! Security — Is it as secure as one that comes pre-assembled? The answer is, absolutely.” READ FULL ARTICLE on NRAWomen.com.
3. Rimfire .22 LR Handguns for Self-Defense
This article looks at a wide variety of .22 LR pistols and revolvers. The author discusses the pros and cons of a rimfire defense gun, concluding that while the stopping power is limited, having some protection is better than going unarmed.
“Over the last few months we’ve seen the launch of new handguns chambered for .22 LR that sport the same looks and features as center-fire handguns designed for daily concealed carry. The models I’ve had a chance to work with so far include the compact Taurus TX22 semi-automatic pistol, the pocket-size Ruger Lite Rack LCP II, Kel-Tec’s P17 semi-automatic and the Taurus 942 8-shot snubnose revolver.” READ FULL ARTICLE on NRAWomen.com.
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SHOT Show 2024 concluded 1/26/24, but another big shooting/hunting event is right around the corner, and this time the public is invited! (SHOT Show is restricted to outdoor industry personnel and media). The Great American Outdoor Show runs February 3-11, 2024 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This 9-day event celebrates hunting, fishing, and the outdoor lifestyle.
The show features over 1,000 exhibitors with booths and displays covering 650,000 square feet of exhibit hall space. At the Outdoor Show you’ll find firearms and optics makers, hunting outfitters, fishing guides, and RV experts. Each day there will be special events including seminars, featured speakers, archery competitions, celebrity appearances, outdoor skills demonstrations and much more.
Along with the 400+ outfitters, there will be experts giving instruction on archery, fishing, and hunting skills. CLICK HERE for profiles on the experts and featured speakers. Here are four of the leading hunting and firearms speakers on the schedule:
Big Country Concert on Saturday Night
Country music fans have reason to cheer this year. On Saturday February 10, 2024 (from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm), there will be a major 2024 NRA Country Concert. Warren Zeiders and Randy Houser will be rockin’ the house with special guest Jacob Bryant. CLICK HERE to pre-order Concert Tickets.
Wall of Guns — $10 for a Chance to Win One of 40 Firearms
Right in the middle of the action will be The NRA Foundation’s Wall of Guns. Located at booth #39 in the PA Farm Show Complex’s main hallway, the Wall, which has display cases on both sides, will offer chances to win firearms during all nine days of the show.
The Wall of Guns has been a favorite since the NRA took over the show in 2014. For only $10, attendees have a 1 in 100 chance to win a brand new firearm or a $400 cash prize. After every 100 tickets are sold, a winner is drawn. With over 40 firearms to choose from, the $10 ticket is an easy buy for most attendees. All of these firearms have been graciously donated to The NRA Foundation in support of preserving the Second Amendment. Click HERE to view all 2024 Wall of Guns ticket packages.
Text in this article is Copyright 2024 AccurateShooter.com. Any site republishing this story agrees to pay damages and/or licensing fees.
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Wednesday, 1/24/2024 was a big day at SHOT Show 2024. There were major political forums with state Governors and state Attorney Generals. New products were showcased including some impressive new electronic components, as well as innovative new rifles, pistols, and shotguns. In today’s summary we include two video “shorts” by F-Class John, who found a new laser chronograph from Caldwell, plus the impressive new AMP Annealing machine, the AMP Mark II DB. Scroll down to see those previews.
SHOT Show Day 2 RECAP
Our friend F-Class John found a new Radar Chronograph, the $499 Caldwell VelociRadar. This compact chrono will compete directly with the popular new Garmin Xero X1 Pro and the new compact Labradar LX.
F-Class John also checked out the new, advanced AMP Mark II DB Annealing system. With a digital display, this stores cartridge settings, has an auto-run feature, and a case counter. John will have a full video on the new machine very soon.
Governors Forum at SHOT Show
The major policy event of SHOT Show Day 2 was the third annual Governor’s Forum. Seven Governors, mostly from “red states”, attended the event. They discussed the importance of the Second Amendment and how states can work to promote the shooting sports industries. Laurence Keane, NSSF Sr. V.P. and General Counsel, acted as moderator.
Later in the afternoon there was the first-ever Forum with state Attorney Generals. Topics included how law enforcement officials handle Second Amendment issues.
SHOT Show New Product Center
Hundreds of new products were on display at the New Product Center on Level 1 of the Venetian EXPO. Among the most-scanned products were the new Ranger and Ranger+ systems from LongShot Target Cameras. We hope to test the impressive $399.00 Ranger+ this spring. It ha a guaranteed 1,000-yard capability and connects directly to your phone or tablet via WiFi.
New Suppressors from SilencerCo
SilencerCo is one of the nation’s leading suppressor vendors. SilenceCo has also streamlined the process of buying a suppressor and complying with Federal requirements. In this 2.5-minute interview, SilencerCo’s Mike Allen talks about the benefits of suppressors and notes some new developments in compact Spectre 9mm and Velos suppressor models. These feature new mounting systems.
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Starting at 1:00 pm PST, SHOT Show will host two very important meetings that are key to the defense of Americans’ Second Amendment Rights in this country. First, the Governor’s Forum will be held. Many governors (mostly from “red” states) are expected to attend. This will be followed at 4:00 pm PST with the NSSF State Attorneys General Forum.
NSSF Governors Forum
NSSF will host several governors to speak about the importance of the firearm industry to their state, efforts to attract firearm- and ammunition-related businesses and the benefits of those businesses to their state economies today. The Governors’ Forum will be held today from 1-2 PM at The Venetian Expo, Palazzo M (5th Floor).
NSSF Attorneys General Forum
Several state attorneys general will gather for a first-ever event involving the top law enforcement agents in several states. “Boots & Badges” will be a laid back and interactive discussion with several state attorneys general fighting the legal battle against the Biden administration and other politically-driven attacks against the firearm and ammunition industry and Second Amendment rights. The event will be held today from 4-5 PM on the Great Outdoors Plaza, right outside Caesars Forum.
Here is a recording from last year’s 2023 Governors Forum:
SHOT Show 2024 is well underway. Attendance has been great and the event is bigger than ever, now occupying 800,000+ square feet on multiple floors in two adjacent Convention Centers, the Venetian EXPO and Caesars Forum. Here is an update video from SHOT Show TV. This lengthy, 33-minute Day One Recap shows many new products, so be ready to hit the “pause” button as you watch.
SHOT Daily Digital Magazine Now Available
SHOT Show Attendees get free copies of the large-format SHOT Daily Magazine. And the publication is also available on the internet. The lead story is about Smith & Wesson’s new Model 1854 lever-action rifles. Click the image below to load the SHOT Daily landing page where you can read the entire issue for free:
The indoors aspect of SHOT Show 2023 kicked off yesterday with the SHOT Week Supplier Showcase upstairs at the Venetian 5th Floor Palazzo Ballroom. 500+ suppliers had displays showing materials, products, tools, and manufacturing solutions. Along with some very cool tools, many interesting new products were on display.
The SHOT Week Supplier Showcase is a dedicated event for suppliers to display their shooting, hunting, and outdoor material supplies, off the main trade show floors, including tools, machinery, plastics, fabrics, OE materials, logistics, software or other products and services for the shooting, hunting, outdoor and law enforcement industries.
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Industry Day at the Range is a unique event. Gun industry representatives get to inspect and shoot scores of new rifles, shotguns, and pistols provided by 100+ manufacturers from around the globe. In addition, new optics and shooting accessories are on display. Hundreds of media members and gun industry personnel visited the Boulder City, Nevada gun range on Monday, 1/22/24 to get a “hands on” experience testing guns with live ammo. There were many notable new products, with new rifles, pistols, and optics on display, plus new ammo types.
Conditions this year at the range were less than optimal. It was cold and damp, with drizzle and rain during the day. Still most of the shooting was at targets inside 50 yards so the raindrops didn’t stop the show. It did make it more challenging to hit the longer range targets set up on the upper rifle bay.
This Outdoor News America video covers the action at the start of Industry Day at the Range 2024. The reporter visits five different gun makers (Armscor, Walther, Diamondback, SDS Imports, American Tactical) and tests handguns on steel targets.
Radical New Reciprocating Barrel Rifle from Olympus Arms
The New Olympus Arms Vulcan is an AR10-style rifle that has a unique mechanism. The rifle’s barrel cycles back and forth, absorbing most of the recoil energy. GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pearce tests this rifle. At the 2:02 mark in video, you can see the barrel cycle after shots. With its new Vulcan, Olympus Arms has revived a classic firearms mechanism with a unique long-action reciprocating barrel similar to the Browning Automatic 5 shotgun. The Vulcan is currently offered in .308 Win, with a .277 Sig version in the works.
Early SHOT Show Reveal from SIG Sauer
GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pearce was checking out new products at Industry Day at the Range, including the new line of Staccato Ammunition. Back in Vegas, True managed to get an early look at an interesting rifle from SIG Sauer, the Cross Trax Compact Hunting Rifle. With a skeletonized, folding stock, the lightweight Cross Trax can be easily carried in a day pack. While SHOT Show doesn’t officially start until Tuesday morning, Pearce and crew managed to get this exclusive preview before SHOT Show 2024 officially opened to the public. The Cross Trax weighs just 6.1 pounds as chambered in .308 Winchester.
Beretta Range Day — Wide Variety of Guns Tested
This 51-minute Classic Firearms video covers a huge variety of Beretta pistols, rifles, and shotguns. These guns were showcased at the Beretta private Range Day event held earlier at the Desert Sportsman’s Range in West Las Vegas. Shotguns are featured in the first segments, followed by pistols at the 10 minute mark.
One of the best things about Industry Day at the Range is the FREE Ammo provided by Federal and other manufacturers. Rifle, pistol, shotgun — the ammo is ALL FREE.
List of Industry Day at the Range Exhibitor Companies
CLICK IMAGE to load large-format Exhibitor List with company names.
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At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. EuroOptic — 15% Off Vortex Optics
⏺ Significant savings on full line of Vortex optics
Vortex scopes are a top choice of hunters and target shooters alike. Vortex offers a superb warranty and a wide variety of optics types and zoom levels. If you’ve wanted to grab a new Vortex riflescope or spotting scope visit EuroOptic. Right now you can get 15% off the vast majority of Vortex products EuroOptic has in stock. Use CODE VTX15 to get the 15% savings.
2. Creedmoor Sports — ADG Brass IN STOCK
⏺ ADG makes very good brass — now in stock for popular cartridge types
ADG brass was designed not only for consistency, but for durability. You can grab some quality ADG Brass cartridge types now at Creedmoor Sports. They have hard to find 6.5 PRC, 6.5 SAUM and more ready to ship. NOTE: Top F-Open shooters are necking up 6.5 PRC to 7mm, to create a very effective and efficient 7/6.5 PRC wildcat.
3. Palmetto SA — Ruger American Predator Rifle, $599.99
⏺ Very solid deer-hunting rig with great Go Wild camo
Looking for a new hunting rifle? Consider the Ruger American Predator, a rugged, reliable hunting rifle without the high price tag. This 6.5 Creedmoor rifle has a nice synthetic stock in the popular Go Wild camo finish. The one-piece, three-lug bolt with 70° throw provides ample scope clearance and utilizes dual cocking cams for smooth cycling. This rifle comes with mounted Picatinny scope rail and threaded-end barrel with muzzle brake. The trigger is user adjustable between 3 and 5 pounds. The 6.5 Creedmoor round is more than adequate for normal deer hunting. For big elk, we recommend a larger cartridge.
4. Stocky’s Stocks — Quality Carbon Fiber Stocks on Sale
⏺ Excellent stock for varmint and hunting rifles — strong and light
Would you like a modern, high-tech carbon fiber stock for your next hunting or varmint rifle project? Stocky’s Stocks is running a major sale on UltraLite Carbon Fiber VG2 Rem 700 Stocks, UltraLite Carbon Fiber Hunter Rem 700 Stocks and UltraLite Carbon Fiber M50 Rem 700 Stocks. With a selection this big you’re bound to find one that fits your needs. These stocks are strong, light, and durable.
5. Bruno’s — Nightforce 15-55x52mm DEMO open box, $2150.00
⏺ Save hundreds on open box Nightforce comp scope
The impressive Nightforce Competition 15-55x52mm ZeroStop is one of the best available optics for benchrest, F-Class, and ELR competition. The glass is very good, clicks are precise, and the scope has a handy ZeroStop. Right now Bruno’s has “open box” versions of these superb scopes for $2150.00 — hundreds less than they normally cost. These 15-55X NF demos still come with full factory warranties. Don’t delay — supply is very limited!
6. Natchez — RCBS TrimMate, $89.99
⏺ Reliable, versatile case prep — $45 less than $135 Amazon price
Now offered at a big discount at Natchez, the RCBS Trim Mate Case Prep Center, is a good, versatile multi-station power unit. Five gear-driven rotating heads perform multiple tasks. Along with case neck cleaning, this Case Prep Center will do neck chamfering, deburring, primer pocket cleaning, military crimp removal, and flash hole deburring. This is a great price — the same RCBS machine is now $135.49 on Amazon.
7. Amazon — Lyman BrassSmith Funnel, $33.49
⏺ Very useful kit we use — avoids powder spills
Having a good powder funnel really helps precision reloading. The Lyman Products Brass Smith Pro Powder Funnel System is a great little system. Unlike plastic powder funnels, the aluminum DIE cast body and CNC-turned aluminum caliber-specific inserts are static free to eliminate powder cling. The precision fit to your case necks eliminates spilled powder. The kit includes six laser-marked aluminum inserts to fit calibers 22 to 338: .22, .243/6mm, .25/6.5mm, .270/7mm, .30, and .338.
⏺ Great for shooters who need to read logs and smartphone App details
Are you one of the many shooters who need some magnification when adjusting your turrets, reading scores, or using phone Apps? You should try BIFOCAL SAFETY GLASSES that protect your vision while helping you see better. These MAGID Safety Glasses with Level 2 Diopters (#ad) boast a ANSI Z87.1 safety rating. With these safety bifocals you get quality eye protection when shooting plus the benefit of a little extra magnification as needed. These bifocal safety glasses also have side shields.
Using a torque wrench is important when mounting scopes and installing actions. If you need a torque wrench, consider the Hiners 1/4-Inch Torque Screwdriver Wrench Set (#ad). This 31-piece kit features a driver that can be set from 10 to 70 inch-pounds with a nice, resin handle that’s comfortable to grip. There are color-coded steel Hex, Slotted, and Torx Bits.
⏺ Colorful bullseye targets work for indoor pistol and long-range rifles
Here’s a good, highly-visible target for close-range pistol practice or longer-range rifle shooting. The colors stand out for indoor pistol shooting, while the rings are good for competition rifle shooters. This 50-Pack of Bullseye Paper Targets (#ad) features a 5-color, 10-ring bullseye target with scoring values from 1 to 10. The targets measure an ample 17″x17″ square and include a log box for name, scores, and distance.
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SHOT Show 2024 kicks off on Monday, January 22, 2024 with Industry Day at the Range. We’ll have friends there at the Boulder City Range testing new rifles and pistols, and checking out new optics and accessories. Then on Tuesday, January 23, the doors open at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum. Over 2500 companies will be exhibiting products this year, with booths and displays covering over 800,000 square feet of floor space. Show organizers expect over 50,000 attendees.
SHOT Show is restricted to industry professionals — manufacturer personnel, buyers/sellers of products, and media representatives. But thankfully, there will be lots of coverage from the event. We’ll be providing regular updates through our Daily Bulletin. In addition, we’ll be following SHOT Show coverage from leading gun-related YouTube Channels, including BackFire, Guns America Digest, The Firearm Blog (TFB-TV), RECOIL Magazine, and Ultimate Reloader. And below are official pages from the show website:
Here are two video previews for products that will be on display in Las Vegas at SHOT Show 2024.
In addition, NRA Publications’ Shooting Illustrated will provided extensive coverage of SHOT Show — from pre-show private events to Media Day At The Range to updates from the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. Shooting Illustrated staffers will be at SHOT Show to find notable new firearms, gear, and accessories, which will be covered via regular updates on the internet. Check out ShootingIllustrated.com for daily show recaps, as well as exclusive, live content from Las Vegas on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
Shooting Illustrated is the NRA’s official journal covering personal defense, concealed carry, and tactical firearms, training and gear. Shooting Illustrated reaches over one MILLION users through its print magazine, digital publications, and social media. Visit ShootingIllustrated.com for more information.
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