Over 22 million Americans are currently licensed/permitted to carry concealed weapons.* And with the important U.S. Supreme Court decision in NYSRPA v. Bruen, we can expect that number to increase significantly. That landmark case stated that the Second Amendment guarantees citizens the right to bear arms outside their homes.
There are now seven (7) major business entities which provide insurance coverage and legal services for CCW holders. These providers are listed below. We suggest, BEFORE you commit to any particular policy/membership, you comparison shop at least three different options. We also recommend you read the full 3400-word GunDigest Article that examines, in detail, the coverage offered by these seven companies:
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Gun Insurance Program:
Attorney Fees and Expert Fees
The key benefit of any CCW insurance plan is coverage for attorneys fees. If you need a lawyer for a civil case or criminal defense, the fees pile up very fast. Good lawyers can charge $400-$500 per hour, and a trial can go on for many days. GunDigest explains: “If your case goes to trial you might find a bill that runs up to six figures.” You should check to see if a policy covers lawyer retainer, hourly fees, expert fees, AND potential damages.
Bail Bond Coverage
If you are involved in an incident, and an arrest is made, you want to avoid spending time in a jail cell. That’s why it’s important to have a CCW insurance plan that will quickly provide funding for bail bonds. As GunDigest notes: “bail-bond coverage is typically part of a sound concealed carry insurance policy”.
Multi-State Coverage
Gun laws vary among states, and state insurance laws vary as well. This affects the coverage an insurance program can and will provide. When choosing a policy, ask questions to determine how coverage may vary from state to state. With some programs you can purchase additional coverage for trips outside your home state. These can be time-limited for cost savings.
Policy Limits (Dollar Amounts)
When considering a CCW insurance program you need to look at the policy limits — the amount the program might pay to provide legal assistance and potentially settle a claim. You need to read the fine print here, just as you would with an automobile or home policy.
The detailed GunDigest article on CCW Insurance Coverage, notes that there are some additional factors to consider when choosing CCW Insurance:
“You’ll find there are other areas covered by some concealed carry insurance plans worth contemplating. Many of them fall within the policies themselves, however, some cost extra. In many cases, CCW policies go well beyond legal expenses and cover some other aspects you might not have considered:”
Crime Scene Clean Up
Negligent Discharge
Spouse And Family Self-Defense
Property Damage
Firearms Replacement
Work Loss Coverage
Personal Use Of Firearm (non-defensive)
* According to a 2022 report by attorney John Lott, of the Crime Prevention Research Center, the number of concealed handgun permits now stands at 22.01 million – a 2.3% increase since 2021.
This is the biggest sale day of the year for hunters. MidwayUSA’s Camo Tuesday is a once-a-year event with some of the best deals you’ll find on hunting clothing, rifles, optics, trail cams, boots, backpacks, ammo, rangefinders, binoculars, GPS units, knives, and everything else a hunter could need. There are 270 items on sale plus up to 65% OFF on hunting clothing. Along with great Camo Tuesday bargains, you can get FREE Shipping for orders over $75 with Code CAMOTUES23.
CAMO TUESDAY Hunting Gear Sale at MidwayUSA
Camo Tuesday only happens once a year. It is more than just another hunting sale — it’s the ultimate shopping day for the fall hunting season. You can get huge savings on select hunting gear, plus free shipping. MidwayUSA offers big discounts on camouflage clothing as well as hunting boots, rifles, shotguns, crossbows, ammunition, optics, rangefinders, trails cams and more. Here are just a few of the deals:
Camo Tuesday Sweepstakes — Many Prizes
Along with the sale discounts, MidwayUSA is running a Camo Tuesday Hunting Gear Sweepstakes with prizes totaling $4,623.02 in value. No purchase is necessary, but MidwayUSA requires entrants’ email address and telephone number.
Camo Tuesday Sweepstakes Prizes
$1,000 dollars of MidwayUSA hunting clothing
4 Cuddeback Cuddelink L-Series Trail Cameras
Scent Crusher Halo Series Transport Bag
Crispi Nevada GTX Hunting Boots
YETI Roadie 60 Coolerand more!
Enter online for a chance to win the full Prize Package with a $4,623.02 Total Value. CLICK HERE for contest entry page.
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. Palmetto SA — Labor Day Sale, Deals on Optics, ARs, and More
⏺ Major savings on dozens of popular guns and products
Palmetto State Armory (PSA) is running a major Labor Day Sale with huge discounts on guns, optics, ammunition, AR components and more. We feature three of the best deals above, but there are hundreds more items on sale now.
2. KYGUNCO — CZ 600 AL Alpha Rifle, $399.99 after $100 Rebate
⏺ Price after rebate is very low for a quality hunting rifle
Here’s a great bargain on a good CZ hunting rifle. The CZ 600 Alpha rifle series is on sale now at KYGUNCO for $499.99. Plus there is a $100.00 CZ-USA rebate. This rifle is offered in five popular chamberings for the same $499.99 sale price ($399.99 after factory rebate): .223 Remington (AL1), 6.5 Creedmoor (AL2), .308 Winchester (AL2), .30-06 Springfield (AL3), and .300 Winchester Magnum (AL3).
Note: The CZ-USA website currently shows a $50 Rebate, but KYGUNCO says the rebate is $100 for purchases made in September. SEE above video.
3. EuroOptic — Vortex Optics Close-Outs, Save 40-60%
⏺ Great deals on high-quality scopes with superb warranty
Right now EuroOptic has huge discounts on Vortex optics as part of the Vortex Close-Out Sale. Save on Vortex Viper, Diamondback, Ranger, and Strike Eagle scopes. If you need an affordable scope for your fall hunt, check out the Vortex 3-9x40mm Diamondback VM-1, at just $129.99. The $150 discount represents a 54% savings off the regular price.
4. Midsouth — Large Selection of Primers IN STOCK
⏺ Huge selection of primers including popular CCI, Federal, and Remington
For the past few years, primers have been hard to find at reasonable prices. Now we are finally seeing ample inventory. Right now you can get a wide range of Rifle and Pistol Primers at Midsouth starting at $69.99/1000. In stock now are leading US-made brands CCI, Federal, Remington, and Winchester. In addition, Midsouth has large inventories of Aguila, Fiocchi, and Unis primers. We have used all these brands with success. CCI 450 primers (our #1 choice for 6BR/Dasher) are $89.99 at Midsouth.
5. RCBS Buy Green Get Green Rebates, $25 – $75
⏺ Money Back programs for all RCBS products — effectively save 16-25%
With the RCBS Buy Green Get Green promo, you get a rebate if you spend at least $100 on ANY RCBS products. There’s no restricted list of “qualifying” products. Yes this applies to reloading presses, electronic powder dispensers, ultrasonic machines, beam scales, dies — everything RCBS makes. Buy from Midsouth or other retailer. The more you spend, the more you get back — up to $75.00 total. You can submit the Rebate form by mail or you can apply online for the Rebate.
6. Powder Valley — 20% Off Winchester Hunting Ammo
⏺ Hefty 20% ammo discount right in time for hunting season
Get a 20% off rebate on Winchester hunting ammunition — Winchester Power-Point, Deer Season XP, and/or Copper Impact. This rebate comes in the form of a prepaid giftcard, with a max $50 value. Ammo must be purchased before September 30, 2023 and the Winchester Rebate Redemption Form (with receipts) must be postmarked by October 16, 2023. Buy from Powder Valley or other major vendors.
7. MidwayUSA — Walker’s Quad Connect 26 dB NRR Bluetooth Electronic Muffs, $59.99
⏺ Comfortable with excellent 26 dB NRR plus Bluetooth connectivity
These Walker Electronic Quad muffs have an exceptionally high 26dB noise reduction rating (NRR). Some other electronic muffs are rated at just 20 or 21 dB NRR, a huge difference. These are equipped with Bluetooth so you can receive calls and audio from your smartphone. These muffs boast FOUR Omni Directional Microphones, twin volume controls, adjustable frequency tuning, integrated voice mic, and really fast reaction time. If you want something thinner, the Walker’s NRR 23 Razor Slim Muffs are also on sale, for just $39.99, 33% Off.
8. MidwayUSA — Gripper Shooting Rest Bag, $29.99
⏺ Very good deal on a large, stable media-filled support bag
Here’s a versatile front rifle support bag that can be used by hunters as well as PRS/NRL competitors. Normally $42.99, this black nylon media-filled support bag is now just $29.99 at MidwayUSA. This Gripper Shooting Rest Bag has removable top straps that can hold the bag on your rifle for multi-position PRS stages. This bag works well as a front support for zeroing a hunting rifle. The bottom two legs can be manipulated to raise or lower your rifle. The Shooting Rest Bag also includes a shoulder strap.
9. Powder Valley — CCI 9mm Pistol Ammo, $12.79 for 50 Rds
⏺ Quality, USA-made brass-cased 9mm ammo at great low price
The 9mm Luger (9x19mm) is the most popular cartridge for CCW, gun games, and handgun training. Right now you can get excellent CCI Blazer 9mm FMJ ammo for just $12.79/box at Powder Valley. Chose either 115 grain or 124 grsom FMJ for the same $12.79 price for a 50-rd box. We have used this brass-cased ammo in SIGs, HKs, and Glocks and it proved 100% reliable with good accuracy.
10. Amazon — XAegis Tactical Eyewear, $18.99
⏺ Under $20 for versatile, multi-lens Eye Protection
All shooters need quality eye protection when operating firearms. XAegis Tactical Eyewear is a versatile and affordable option. These ANSI Z87+ rated shooting glasses come with three different interchangeable lenses (Clear, Yellow, Gray). You also get a transport case, lanyard, and cleaning cloth. Choose from three frame colors, each for $18.99: Black, Khaki, or Green. For under $20 these are hard to beat. It’s nice to have the color lens options for different weather conditions, and indoors/outdoors.
Many online vendors are running sales this Labor Day Holiday weekend. You’ll find scores of products marked way down, plus discount codes that can save you 20% or more on your purchases. Many sales run through the end-of-day on Monday, September 4th, while other Labor Day sales extend further. Be sure to check the sale schedules.
Here are links to seven notable Labor Day sales. With these Labor Day promotions you can save 10-40% on some items. In addition, some of the vendors are offering FREE Shipping and/or FREE Hazmat (for primers and powder shipping) with a minimum purchase.
Precision Reloading — 10% Off Sitewide with $99 Minimum Order
Right now at Precision Reloading, if you spend at least $99.00, you can get 10% Off on nearly everything on the site now through September 4 at 11:59 pm. Save 10% this Labor Day weekend on orders over $99 with Coupon Code 9123 at checkout.
Brownells — 410+ Sale Products Plus 10% Off with Code LD10
Brownells is running a big Labor Day promotion. Go to the Labor Day Sale Page to find over 410 products discounted up to 40%. Featured items include Federal Gold Medal Ammo, Winchester Rimfire Ammo, Reloading Powders, Hornady Presses, Lee Reloading tools, AR components, and optics. In addition, with special Code LD10, you save an extra 10% on products featured in the 2023 Brownells Labor Day Sale.
Primary Arms — Labor Day Sale
There are some amazing deals this Labor Day Weekend at Primary Arms. All in-stock gun cases are on sale. Bipods from Harris, Magpul, and Atlas are on sale. A large selection of optics are deeply discounted with big savings on Trijicon and Holosun Red Dot sights. And rifle components are discounted — for example you can get a Precision Arms mid-length AR-15 barrel for just $59.99.
Midsouth — Free Shipping or HazMat with $99+ Orders
Celebrate Labor Day with Free Shipping Or Hazmat on Midsouth orders over $99.00. For an Order to Qualify for FREE Shipping (LDFS23) the order must Include $99 of In Stock items Up to 49 lbs. If order weight exceeds 50 lbs, a shipping charge will be assessed for the overage. For an order to qualify for FREE Hazmat (LDHM23) the order must include $99 of In-Stock Hazmat items. This promotion is for Retail Customers only. No backorders. Lower 48 States only. Offers cannot be combined. Offer ends 9/4 at 11:59 pm CST.
L.E. Wilson — 10% Off Sitewide (Except Presses)
L.E. Wilson currently offers 10% OFF all online orders. Take advantage of these special Labor Days Weekend savings on outstanding Wilson tools and dies. NOTE: The 10% Off discounted prices are already reflected in the Wilson online shopping cart total. The 10% discount does NOT include reloading presses.
Mesa Tactical — 10% Off Sitewide
Starting Friday, September 1st through Monday, September 4th use coupon code LABOR10 to receive 10% OFF sitewide at Mesa Tactical. Popular products include rifle stocks, adjustable fore-ends, and shotshell carriers. You also get a free Mesa Tactical Operator’s Cap with orders over $150.00.
SilencerCo — Up to 30% Off
SilencerCo is running a major Labor Day Sale now through September 4, at 11:59 PM MDT. You can save 25% off sitewide and 30% off product bundles. SilencerCo states: “There’s never been a better time to start working down that laundry list of suppressor accessories.”
Lapua has hired skilled competitive shooter Ryan Sponauer as the new Rimfire Performance Center Manager for the sophisticated Lapua rimfire ammunition test center in Mesa, Arizona. At that center, rimfire rifle owners can test lots of Lapua rimfire ammo in their own rifles. In the Mesa, Arizona facility as well as other Lapua Rimfire Performance Centers, visitors can test lots of ammunition at both 50 and 100 meters simultaneously to determine which lots shoot best in their guns.
Sponauer brings a long and accomplished competitive shooting background to Mesa’s Lapua Rimfire Performance center. He started with three-position and prone at the age of 14 at The Blue Trail range in Wallingford, CT, where he won numerous state and regional matches. Sponauer, who graduated from the University of North Georgia, shot for their NCAA 3-P and Air Rifle teams, served as multi-year team captain, and managed lot testing ammunition for the team. Sponauer and his team went on to win the 2021 Southern Conference Championship.
Sponauer commented: “I am very excited to give back to the shooting community with this position because the sport has given me so much. The lot testing we offer gives any shooter a significant competitive edge allowing them to compete to their maximum potential.”
Patterned after the world-renowned Lapua Test Center in Germany, both the Marengo, Ohio, and Mesa, Arizona Lapua Rimfire Performance Centers allow shooters to test multiple lots of ammunition under tightly-controlled conditions. Each of the Lapua Rimfire Performance Centers offer the ability to test ammunition at both 50 and 100 meters, simultaneously. By comparing the results of various ammunition lots at both distances, the best performing lots can offer a competitive advantage. To learn more about the Lapua Rimfire Performance Centers or to schedule an appointment, visit Rimfiretest.com.
About Lapua
For 100 years, Lapua has been producing the highest quality 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has released the 35th Edition of State Laws and Published Ordinances — Firearms (ATF P 5300.5). This information will help FFLs and gun owners comply with federal and state firearm laws and, specifically, remain in compliance with the Gun Control Act of 1968. The information is found on the ATF website here: ATF.gov/firearms/state-laws-and-published-ordinances-firearms-35th-edition.
The ATF website has links to the particular laws for all 50 U.S. States as well as the American territories such as the U.S. Virgin Islands. This makes it quick and easy to check for updates in your region. We encourage readers to review the pertinent state or territory link provided on the ATF website that is relevant to your location. Click here for more information.
NOTE: The ATF Guide to State Laws has this caveat: This material is not intended to provide legal advice and should be used only for informational purposes. It is possible that a state may have passed a more recent law(s) or issued interpretations or regulations that have yet to be published and are not included in this publication. If you have any questions regarding state, county or local laws, please contact your state’s Attorney General.
ATF Rule was overturned by U.S. District Court, but DOJ appealed that ruling.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and its partners are challenging the “Final Rule” issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) redefining frames and receivers as firearms. A U.S. District Judge in Texas initially ruled against the BATFE, but the Bureau appealed that ruling. SAF has filed an appellate brief in the case, known as VanDerStok v. Garland. Joining SAF in the legal challenge are Defense Distributed, and JSD Supply.
SAF’s brief explains how ATF redefined the term “firearm” without any Congressional action. Last year, the agency announced a Rule expanding the definition of firearm to include unfinished firearm components and kits used in the process of manufacturing a firearm. SAF and its partners are asserting ATF violated the Administrative Procedures Act (APA). A federal District Court judge agreed and concluded that ATF had acted in excess of its statutory authority, and granted summary judgment.
SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb promised the organization will pursue this case vigorously as it winds through the court system: “This case challenges the authority of the ATF to change rules and definitions of firearms without Congressional authority,” Gottlieb said. “We simply cannot allow any federal agency to make up its own rules as it goes along, without Congressional approval.”
Judge O’Connor’s ruling in VanDerStok v. Garland vacated the controversial ATF Final Rule that effectively changed the definition of a firearm under Federal law. However the BATFE has challenged that ruling.
SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut said the foundation expects to prevail on the portions of the Final Rule that we challenged: “The district court entered a judgment deeming the Rule illegal and vacating it,” Kraut said, “and we are asking the Fifth Circuit to affirm the district court’s decision to issue relief based on the APA. By promulgating the Rule, ATF has appropriated authority reserved for Congress. Such a usurpation of power is antithetical to our system of government and must be stopped.”
CMP Announces Western Fall Classic Event for October 2023
If you missed this year’s Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Western Games and Highpower Matches in March 2023, here’s your second chance to attend. The CMP will be returning to the Ben Avery Shooting Facility October 10-15, 2023, for the Western Fall Classic – a condensed version of the Western CMP Games, CMP Pistol & CMP Highpower (HP) Rifle Matches. Despite the shorter schedule, the event will still offer a wide variety of events for rifle and pistol competitors. Adults and juniors of all experience levels are welcome to attend.
The CMP Western Fall Classic in Arizona will feature three days of popular CMP Games rifle competitions including: Garand/Springfield/Vintage & Modern Military Matches, a Carbine Match, a Rimfire Sporter Match, and the Vintage Sniper Match. In addition, handgun shooters can compete in CMP Match Pistol 2700, EIC Service Pistol, EIC Service Revolver, EIC .22 Rimfire Pistol, Military & Police Service Pistol, and As-Issued Pistol matches.
The Highpower Rifle portion of the Western Fall Classic will include a 2-Man Team Match, two days of CMP 800 Aggregate Matches, a CMP Service Rifle EIC Match and a Mid-Range 3×600 event. For educational purposes, a Rifle & Pistol Marksmanship 101 Classes with introductory EIC Matches are also part of the October lineup.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearm safety and marksmanship training and to the promotion of marksmanship competition for citizens of the United States. For more information about the CMP and its programs, log onto www.TheCMP.org.
Precision Reloading just announced a big promotion for Hornady products. Along with 12% off ALL in-stock Hornady tools and reloading components, you can save 15% off Hornady A-Tip Bullets, which are a great choice for PRS/NRL competition. A-Tips have been used by recent PRS Champs. If you shoot ELR, Precision Reloading also has the modern 7mm PRC and 300 PRC ELD Match ammunition on sale. These cartridge types deliver impressive velocities with high-BC tipped bullets.
And hand-loaders can now save a full $100 on a full reloading combo kit including Hornady’s strong, open-front L-N-L Iron press. This unique, pyramid-shaped press offers great front access, plus tool storage on top. We’ve used this press extensively for full-length sizing chores and it performed very well. The combo kit includes an electronic scale, deluxe powder measure, digital calipers, die bushings, comparators, priming system and much more. This is a very complete kit.
In addition, the excellent Hornady Auto-Charge Pro electronic powder dispenser is discounted $77. This unit is quite accurate, and with its overhead control panel, it occupies less space on a reloading bench.
You are looking at a true game-changer — a full-size spotting scope with a digital screen, not a conventional rear glass eyepiece. On the new Omnis Digital Spotting Scope, the large front objective gathers light effectively as does a normal spotter, but you view the image on a digital screen. This has many advantages — multiple persons can view the screen at the same time. You don’t have to get extremely close to the screen as you would with a conventional eyepiece. This is great for a spotter or coach, who can also maintain a broader view downrange in his field of vision.
In addition, digital screen graphics can potentially provide range and ballistics information (via software). Another major advantage is that the screen output can recorded and later replayed for analysis or review. That’s great for training programs or when reviewing match stages — you basically can record a movie of your shooting sessions. And, the system works well at night and in low light, so it is great for hunters. Wouldn’t it be cool if your current spotting scope could be used at night?
GunsAmerica Hunt 365 Omnis Video Review and Field Test
To learn more about the Accufire Omnis Digital Spotting Scope, check out the extensive review on The Firearm Blog. That 1300-word review explains the primary advantages of a spotting scope with an electronic screen. The TFB review also covers reticle options, day/night mode, recording capabilities, and accessory mounting. Some 28 photos illustrate the scope’s controls, on-screen features, and mounting options. If you are considering getting an Omnis Spotter, definitely READ the TFB Review.
Accufire Technology, maker of the Omnis Digital Spotting Scope, explains its advantage over conventional non-electronic optics: “Anyone who has spent more than a few minutes with their face behind a traditional spotting scope knows that eye fatigue is a real problem. Add to that the difficulty of [explaining to] another person … what you are looking at and it is a wonder why people still use traditional spotting scopes.”
Omnis Digital Spotting Scope Notable Features
The Omnis Digital Spotting scope has a 30X-120X digital zoom range displayed on a 2.95 inch OLED Screen. This eliminates eye fatigue and allows multiple users to view the frame at the same time. The Accufire “walk-through” video below explains the key features of the Omnis Digital Spotting Scope:
Software App Allows Video streaming from Omnis Spotting Scope
With the Accufire App, the user can connect to the Omnis’s onboard WiFi network and stream to any compatible Apple or Android device. On top of all that the Omnis can record audio and video to its internal memory on an SD card. This can also be accessed via a USB-C port.
Rechargeable Batteries Plus External Power Capability
The Omnis spotting scope is powered by four (4) rechargeable CR123a batteries that give it a 4-hour continuous run time. The Omnis can also be connected to an external battery via the USB-C port for even longer run-time. External battery packs are inexpensive.
Accufire Omnis Spotting Scope Features:
Magnification: 30X – 120X
Video Out Resolution: 1440×1880
2.95 inch OLED screen
Day and Night Capable (using IR light at night, not included)
ATF Rule was overturned by U.S. District Court, but DOJ appealed that ruling.
