August is National Shooting Sports Month (NSSM). To help grow the shooting sports, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) asks you to bring a new shooter to the range this month. That’s a good mission — adding to the ranks of shooters is the best way to preserve our Second Amendment rights.
The #RangeChallenge is back for National Shooting Sports Month 2026, giving you another level of fun to have on the range. Bring a friend, shoot the official target, have chance to win rewards and let freedom plink. Use the Shooting Sports Month HOST/Events MAP to find a participating range near you or print the target and try it out at your local range. And take note, eight $500 cash prized will be awarded to participants who submit a 2026 Range Target they have shot.
Here’s Your Chance to Win $500 with 2026 #RangeChallenge
Feelin’ Lucky? Then head to the range and shoot a target for a change to win $500.00. Celebrate National Shooting Sports Month and take the #RangeChallenge for a chance to win rewards this month.
The NSSF will randomly select 8 winners in August 2026 to each receive a $500 gift card! To be eligible, submit your own #RangeChallenge entry.
Enter by (1) Uploading a photo of you and your target directly to the Sweepstakes page or (2) Posting a photo or video of you and your target to Instagram with the #RangeChallenge hashtag.
FREE Downloadable Fun Targets for Shooting Sports Month
There are regular bullseyes, as well as Darts, Golf, and more. We really like the Billiards target and kids love the Water Balloons target. You can download all 17 targets for free, and then print them out, ideally with a color printer.
What Shooters Can Do to Promote National Shooting Sports Month:
The NSSF says: “As shooters, you serve a critical role in the continued growth of gun ownership and shooting sports participation. We urge you to join us this August for National Shooting Sports Month.” There are a variety of ways you can help this August:
— Introduce a family member, friend, or group of friends to the shooting sports by taking them to a local range that’s hosting an event.
— Spread the word to family/friends and encourage them to get out to the range in August.
— Encourage the ranges and retailers near you to host an event this August and add them to the official events calendar at www.ShootingSportsMonth.org.
You’d like to protect your hearing, and maybe you’re a little curious about how your rifle might shoot suppressed. So you’re thinking of buying a suppressor (aka “can”, “moderator”, “silencer”). The good news is that suppressor ownership is now legal in 42 of the 50 American states — that’s 84%! And 41 states allow their use for hunting. So for most American adults, getting a suppressor is legal, provided the owner passes required background checks. But you can’t just get one off the shelf at Walmart. Acquiring a suppressor still requires filling out ATF paperwork. Plus there is typically a pretty long wait. But, thankfully, you no longer have to pay for a $200 Federal Tax Stamp (thanks to recent Federal legislation).
States Where Suppressors Are Allowed
Currently, these 42 states allow private ownership of suppressors/silencers: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY.
Note: Even if you live in one of the states listed, you should still verify that owning a suppressor is legal in your area. Some states may have municipal- or county-based restrictions.
States Where Suppressor Ownership is Prohibited
Unfortunately, there are still eight (8) States that forbid private ownership of suppressors. The eight No-Go States are: California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island. In these eight states, private ownership of suppressors (aka “silencers”) is forbidden. Hopefully some of those eight hold-out states will change their laws in the months ahead.
How to Acquire a Suppressor/Silencer
As of January 1, 2026, the federal transfer and manufacturing tax for silencers, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns was reduced to $0. While the previous $200 ATF fee is gone, all the underlying regulatory requirements remain fully active.
Still Required When Buying a Suppressor:
— Paperwork: You must still submit an ATF eForm or Form 4 through a licensed dealer.
— Background Check: ATF background check and approval are mandatory before taking possession.
— Identification: Fingerprints and passport-style photos must still be provided with your application.
Looking Inside a Suppressor in Action
Popular YouTube Channel Smarter Every Day recently released a cool video featuring rifle suppressors with see-through acrylic sleeves. The team filmed shots through the suppressors using 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. Watch the results in the video below — it’s mesmerizing:
See Through Suppressor in Super Slow Motion (110,000 fps) — Click Arrow to Watch:
Suppressors, On Average, Reduce Noise Levels about 30 Decibels
In an article for Ammoland, gunwriter Sam Hoober says that you can expect about 30 decibels (dB) of noise reduction from the average suppressor: “Looking at a few different products, SilencerCo attests their suppressors reduce the sound pressure of a 9mm gunshot to anywhere from 125.7 dB to 131.5 dB, depending on the model. Advanced Armament Co, another popular supplier, attests a 23 dB to 33 dB reduction or down to 127 dB. Liberty Suppressors, another manufacturer, attests a reduction of 24 dB to 38 dB, depending on model and other factors. In short, we can presume something on the order of 30 dB of attenuation as an average.”
Using that 30 dB number you can quickly discern that you’ll still need hearing protection — good hearing protection — when shooting any suppressed firearm (even a .22 LR). “Spikes of 130 dB and more can result in permanent hearing damage instantly”. Source: NRA Blog.
There has a been a notable federal legal holding regarding the National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA). Two consolidated lawsuits — Jensen v. ATF and Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF — had challenged the NFA’s regulation of now-untaxed firearms, such as suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns. In a memo for the cons the judge held the registration requirements are no longer valid. U.S. District Court Judge James Wesley Hendrix ruled that “[b]y zeroing out the transfer and making taxes for most NFA firearms, Congress eliminated the constitutional basis for the regulations that formerly supported the taxes for those firearms.”
Gun reviewer and attorney Colion Noir explained: “For ninety years, the government defended NFA registration by tying it to Congress’s taxing power. Then the tax disappeared, and suddenly the government tried to argue the same paperwork could be justified another way. The judge didn’t buy it. And honestly, the way the gun groups set this up was borderline masterful. They beat the NFA at its own game.”
The Court’s injunction applies to “the plaintiffs and, where applicable, the plaintiffs’ agencies, political subdivisions, members, and customers—both current and future,” but does not take effect for 7 days “to allow the defendants to seek relief, if any, at the appellate level.”
The Jensen v. ATF plaintiffs included three individuals, Hot Shots Custom LLC, the Texas State Rifle Assoc., FPC Action Foundation, and the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. NOTE: This Jensen Case had been consolidated with a similar legal challenge entitled Silencer Shop Foundation v. ATF, with plaintiffs Silencer Shop Foundation, Silencerco, Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition, Gun Owners Foundation, Gun Owners of America, Inc., Brady Wetz, B&T USA, and Palmetto State Armory.
The opinion was issued on August 5, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. READ Memorandum Opinion and ORDER.
Because Congress eliminated the NFA’s making and transfer taxes for most regulated firearms in 2025, the District Court held the Act’s remaining registration and recordkeeping mandates lack any valid constitutional foundation.
“This is a massive win and an important step forward in our strategic plan to end the NFA. We cannot wait to fully and finally eliminate this unconstitutional scheme so people can exercise their rights when, where, and how they choose.” — Brandon Combs, FPC President
While some shooting disciplines have moved to electronic targets, most shooting matches still use paper targets, which must have precise dimensions for the particular distance and discipline. If you need correctly-sized targets for specific shooting disciplines (such as NRA Smallbore, F-Class, and 1K Benchrest) check out the links in this article. Precise, dimensionally-correct competition targets are produced by a half-dozen specialty printers. In this article we provide links to the leading target sellers, with a chart showing “who’s got what”. Look for your particular discipline and the vendors will be specified.
Sources for Official Shooting Competition Targets:
AccurateShooter.com offers dozens of FREE, printable targets for target practice, load development, and fun shooting. We also offer a few of the most popular NRA Bullseye targets. One or more of these printable targets should work for most training purposes. However, some readers have asked: “Where can we get the real targets… exactly like the ones used in NRA, IBS, and NBRSA shooting matches?”
All these vendors carry nearly all the NRA High Power and Smallbore targets, including the smaller F-Class targets. National Target has the F-Class and High Power targets, including 100-yard reductions of the 200, 300, and 600-yard military targets.
Here are some of the air rifle, smallbore, and High Power targets at Creedmoor Sports:
National Target currently sells IBS targets for rimfire (50 yard) benchrest, short-range centerfire Benchrest (100, 200, 300 yards), Hunter BR Rifle (100, 200, 300 yards), plus the official 600-yard and 1000-yard IBS targets. NBRSA short-range, 600-yard, and 1000-yard benchrest targets are normally available directly from the NBRSA Business Office. Send an email to nbrsa@icloud.com or call (434) 993-9201.
Good Source for Specialty Targets and Target Stands
Need Steel, Cardboard Silhouettes or specialty targets? ALCO Target Company in Duarte, California is the USA’s leading producer of the full spectrum of shooting targets including paper targets, cardboard targets, steel targets, and target stands.
OK guys, you probably want to keep this page confidential. Your spouse probably doesn’t want to be reminded about all the times you ignored the “Honey Do” list and headed off to the range instead. And she certainly doesn’t want to know how much you spend every year on your gun hobby.
Answer these two polls to see how dedicated (or should we say “obsessed”) a gun guy you really are. Once you vote you can see how your shooting (and spending) habits compare to other readers. Full results display after you select an answer and click the “Vote” button.
Click to vote in our current Readers’ polls.
Click “View Results” to see what other readers have selected.
The rifle cartridge money clip was a real product from ReleaseMeCreations.com (now sold out). You can, of course, make your own cartridge money clip with a Dremel tool for free.
+ONE Program to Encourage New Shooters
August is National Shooting Sports Month. As part of this effort, the NSSF encourages firearms owners to take one novice to the range this month. This +ONE Movement will help strengthen the ranks of shooters, which, in turn, can help protect our Second Amendment freedoms. The NSSF states: “If just one in three of America’s recreational shooters adds one new person to the shooting sports, we’ll secure a strong future for generations to come. So be the one. For all the thrills and excitement recreational shooting has given you, join the +ONE movement and invite someone to the range today. Share your experience on social media.”
The +ONE campaign seeks to build the ranks of shooters. The NSSF says: “If just one in three of America’s recreational shooters adds one new person to the shooting sports, we’ll secure a strong future for generations to come.” Learn more at LetsGoShooting.org.
As part of the +ONE Movement, the NSSF encourages all participants to practice gun safety and proper firearms handling and storage practices. This video covers basic gun safety procedures:
SHARE THESE 10 SAFETY TIPS WITH +ONE INVITEES
The NSSF has created a list of TEN Rules of Firearms Safety. While you’re at the shooting range or anywhere you handle a firearm, safety ALWAYS comes first. Here are the 10 Key Rules of Firearms Safety. NOTE: The first four rules are the most important.
The CMP National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio commenced July 12, 2026 with Smallbore 3P and Air Rifle events. The Camp Perry matches have been held since 1907 at this location on the shores of Lake Erie. The 2026 First Shot Ceremony took place Saturday, July 13 on the grounds of Camp Perry. Matches have been running for the past three weeks, with the final Mid-Range and Long-Range events scheduled for this coming week August 3-8, 2026. CLICK HERE for National Match INFO and Schedules.
Today, August 1st, the Rimfire Sporter match takes place. This is a hugely popular event that draws hundreds of competitors every year.
Rimfire Sporter Match Today August 1, 2026 Today, August 1st, the Rimfire Sporter match takes place. This is a hugely popular event that draws hundreds of competitors every year.
Saturday at the Movies — National Matches News Reports
Today’s Daily Bulletin Saturday Video Showcase features the CMP’s official National Matches Video News Reports, produced by ShootingUSA TV and hosted on YouTube. Along with range footage from the matches, each weekly report includes interviews with competitors, plus features on rifles and equipment.
2026 CMP National Matches Week 3 Report
Congratulations to MAJ Samuel Freeman, the 2026 President’s Match winner. This is the second time MAJ Freeman has won the President’s Rifle Trophy.
Week 3 of the CMP National Matches video coverage featured High Power action from the Camp Perry ranges, highlights from the 2026 President’s Rifle Match, a Junior Spotlight on Sabrina Smith — who earned a Top 20 finish in the President’s Match. This video also covers the recent announcement that the CMP will be selling semi-auto converted M14 rifles starting late 2026. Correspondent Serena Juchnowski also interviews sling guru Jack Jones.
Mid-Range and Long-Range Matches Starting August 3, 2026
2026 CMP National Matches Week 2 Report
Week 2 of the CMP National Matches at Camp Perry saw a lot of action. From the prestigious National Trophy Pistol Matches, to the Smallbore Matches, and even Air Rifle and Air Pistol, a number of 2026 National Match Champions were announced. This 22-minute video features smallbore matches as well as 600-yard high power shooting. This CMP Week 2 video has a Junior Spotlight, Dominic Baliva, plus a Competitor Spotlight, featuring Serena Juchnowski (photo above).Also included in the Week 2 shot is Scott Rhodes, who discusses woodworking and stock-making.
2026 CMP National Matches Week 1 Report
This video covers the initial week of the 2026 CMP National Matches at Camp Perry. Week 1 coverage includes the First Shot Ceremony, Smallbore 3P and Air Rifle matches, along with Bullseye Pistol Matches. In addition, there is a product feature on Walther .22 LR Rimfire Rifles, Air Rifles, and Air Pistols. This video is worth watching start to finish to see the rimfire, air rifle, and air pistol disciplines.
Tomorrow is the first day of August, the beginning of National Shooting Sports Month (NSSM). Each August, throughout the month, America’s shooters come together to celebrate our sport and get newcomers involved. To help grow the ranks of shooters, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) asks you to bring a new shooter to the range in August. That’s a good mission — adding to the ranks of shooters is the best way to preserve our Second Amendment rights.
This month, newcomers can take their first shots, and experienced shooters can invite someone new to the range or help an older shooter rediscover the fun of target shooting. This month-long event involves all the shooting sports — rifle, pistol, and shotgun.
Find Shooting Sports Events Near You
The NSSF’s ShootingSportsMonth.org website offers a comprehensive, searchable database. This lets you search by state, to find ranges, events, and sales promotions near you. Visit the NSSF online database of NSSM shooting events to find matches, clinics, training sessions, special sales — and much more.
Great FREE Targets for Fun at the Range
To promote National Shooting Sports Month, the NSSF offers 17 FREE Downloadable Targets. There are regular bullseyes, as well as Darts, Golf, and more. We really like the Billiards target and kids love the Water Balloons target. You can download all 17 targets for free, and then print them out, ideally with a color printer. Below are six of our favorite targets. Click HERE to download these six targets (3.5 mb ZIP).
What Shooters Can Do to Promote National Shooting Sports Month:
The NSSF says: “As shooters, you serve a critical role in the continued growth of gun ownership and shooting sports participation. We urge you to join us this August for National Shooting Sports Month.” There are a variety of ways you can help this August:
— Introduce a family member, friend, or group of friends to the shooting sports by taking them to a local range that’s hosting an event.
— Spread the word to family/friends and encourage them to get out to the range in August.
— Encourage the ranges and retailers near you to host an event this August and add them to the official events calendar at www.ShootingSportsMonth.org.
Find Shooting Ranges Throughout the USA
The NSSF offers a directory of shooting ranges online. Visit Wheretoshoot.org to get info on thousands of shooting ranges and facilities around the country. In addition, there is a FREE WheretoShoot Mobile App you can install on your phone. Versions are available for both Android and iOS (Apple) users.
Tired of spending $15-$25 for a can of spray lube that doesn’t last that long? For about the same price as a single 10 oz. can you can make your own effective spray lube that should last for multiple seasons and lube thousands of cases quickly and easily.
In the YouTube video embedded below, our friend Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com shows how to make your own case lube using simple, inexpensive ingredients. As recommended by the 6.5 Guys, this Liquid Lanolin + Isopropyl Alchohol mix works well and is very cost-effective. You can make a pint of this home-brew Lanolin case lube that will lube thousands of cases — many more than a typical commercial aerosol spray can (that’s mostly compressed air).
Gavin describes the exact mixing process on his Ultimate Reloader website. Gavin says this lube mix is a good complement to the Hornady One-Shot (pistol) and Dillon DCL (rifle) lubes he has used for pistol and rifle reloading sessions. CLICK HERE to read more.
Here’s exciting news from the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP). The CMP plans to modify its surplus M14 military rifles, making them permanently semi-auto rather than fully automatic as originally issued. These converted semi-automatic M14s will then be offered for sale through the CMP sales department, with the first M14 rifles set to be delivered “late 2026 to early 2027″. The CMP has not issued any pricing estimates at this time. Do note that the Springfield M1A, basically a civilian version of the M14, has been available for many years. However, this is the first time true, historic military M14s will be sold to the public, albeit after conversion to semi-auto function. CLICK HERE for CMP Official M14 Announcement.
Announcement: By special authorization, the CMP is pleased to announce the future availability and sale of surplus M14 Rifles. Prior to sale, the rifles will be modified to be permanently and irreversibly semi-automatic rifles. The modified semi-automatic M14s will be fully compliant with CMP enabling legislation authorizing the transfer and sale of military surplus .30 caliber rifles.
Details: The CMP anticipates first order fulfilment in the late 2026 to early 2027 timeframe. More details will be published on the M14 order submission process, pricing, limits and sales channels (mail order and physical stores) at a later date. Proceeds from the sale of these and other historic firearms allow the CMP to teach firearms safety and marksmanship, conduct competitions, and provide scholarships and youth programs, nationwide.
Background: Designed by John C. Garand, the M14 is the direct descendant of the M1 Garand rifle. It is a 7.62 rifle officially adopted as the U.S. Army’s service rifle in 1957. The Civilian Marksmanship Program is singularly authorized to modify these rifles and make them available for sale to eligible US Citizens.
CLICK HERE for additional, detailed 19-minute analysis of CMP M14 Sale Program by Second Amendment scholar Mark W. Smith.
The Court’s injunction applies to “the plaintiffs and, where applicable, the plaintiffs’ agencies, political subdivisions, members, and customers—both current and future,” but does not take effect for 7 days “to allow the defendants to seek relief, if any, at the appellate level.”
+ONE Program to Encourage New Shooters
