Here’s an positive report about a major gun industry company giving back to the shooting sports community. Birchwood Casey, part of GSM Outdoors, has shown its support for the First Shots introduction-to-target-shooting program by donating 10,000 Shoot-N-C targets. Those targets will help thousands of new shooters hone their skills.
First Shots is an introductory and refresher program made available through host target-shooting ranges across the country. With interest in firearm ownership at record high levels, First Shots programs are meeting the demand for education and experiences in the classroom and on the range.
Birchwood Casey has been a longstanding partner of First Shots. Along with the donated targets, NSSF provides First Shots host ranges with program materials and promotional resources. Participants are provided handbooks, safety literature, plus hearing and eye protection for their time spent on the range.
This video features the Shoot-N-C Handgun Training Target. This target’s labeled impact zones help diagnose hold/sighting/trigger issues. Pistol shooters can improve their skills quickly using such targets. Birchwood Casey also makes excellent rifle targets, such as this 12″ Shoot-N-C Sight-In Target featuring a 1″ grid and five diamonds. Bullet impacts show with a high-contrast yellow circle.
Brownells invites customers to help celebrate the grand opening of the new. mobile-friendly Brownells website which debuted 2/27/2023. The new version of www.Brownells.com is optimized for mobile devices and features upgraded search functions along with a Blog and Content section. Throughout the Grand Opening celebration, visitors to the Brownells.com can expect great deals on products from Magpul, Leupold, Smith & Wesson, Federal, Hornady, Vortex and other leading companies.
Potential Brownells Discount Codes
Brownells has discount codes that can save you serious cash. Here are some of the current codes. Add these during check-out. NOTE: Most of these can expire at any time. If one code doesn’t work, try another.
TRIGGERED: 10% OFF
Winter40: $40 Off $275.00+
Winter30: $30 Off $215.00+
30off215: $30 Off $215.00+
COLD30: $30 Off $215.00
CART30: $30 Off $200.00
TA10: 10% Off $150.00+
WLS10: 10% Off $150.00+
BACK15: $15 Off $150.00 or more
HOME10: $10 Off $100.00 or more
SMSAVE: $10 Off $100.00+
GIFT10: $10 Off $100.00+
Q63: FREE Shipping $99.00+
SITESHIP: FREE Shipping $199.00+
Gun Room Giveaway Contest
The centerpiece of the New Website Grand Opening celebration is the Gun Room Giveaway, worth over $12,000.00. One lucky winner gets everything needed to fully outfit a gun room — including guns, ammo, accessories, optics, magazines, tools and cleaning supplies.
In addition to the grand prize, the Gun Room Giveaway offers a $1,000 Brownells gift card for second place, and a $500 gift card for third place. Contestants can enter via the Gun Room Giveaway page until March 5, 2023.
The Gun Room Giveaway is sponsored by SIG Sauer, Colt, Remington, Magpul, Hornady. Otis, Wheeler Engineering, and other leading companies.
Many Great Deals at Brownells.com Now
There are scores of great deals currently. Here are a few examples:
It’s good to see we are moving back to normalcy in the post-pandemic era. Witness the Great American Outdoor Show (GAOS). This big NRA event in Pennsylvania drew over 200,000 attendees, an increase of over 35,000 from last year.
NRA publication Shooting Sports USA reports: “More than 200,000 people packed the exhibit halls at this year’s NRA Great American Outdoor Show, held at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, PA, from February 4-12. Our nation’s hunting and outdoor heritage was on full display, as more than 1,000 exhibitors covered 650,000 square-feet to present the latest and greatest in products, gear and technologies, as well as booking once-in-a-lifetime hunts and fishing trips in America and abroad.
The 200,000 attendees at GAOS in 2023 mark a 35,000 improvement over last year’s total. Throughout the nine-day show, leading outdoors experts conducted more than 200 educational seminars and demonstrations on a variety of topics including hunting, fishing, trapping, self-defense tactics, and wild game cooking.”
First-Hand Detailed Report of GAOS on American Hunter
Want to know what it’s really like to visit the Great American Outdoor Show? David Herman posted a detailed 1360-word report on the American Hunter website. With many photos and a full event time-line, this report covers all aspects of the event — from new gun displays, to hunting seminars, to a meat butchering and cooking exhibition. CLICK HERE to read full story on AmericanHunter.org.
“Overwhelmed. This was the first word that came to mind as I trundled down the long hallway connecting the Shooting Sports Exhibit Hall to the rest of the sprawling show. Before grabbing a map, I had foolishly thought the Shooting Sports hall was all there was; I had never been more wrong. There were still eight halls to go, not counting arenas and packed hallways. As I wound my way through the labyrinthine tangle of vendors, outfitters, boats, campers, spreadable bacon, and everything in between, the constant appearance of friendly faces … beckoned ever deeper into the event, until eventually I understood exactly what makes this place an outdoorsman’s Mecca year after year.” — David Herman
“Second Amendment? — We don’t give a damn.” That could be the mantra of many Democratic Party members of Congress. Now a radical anti-gunner from New Jersey has introduced new Federal legislation, H.R. 584, that would prevent all Americans from purchasing ANY quantity of ammunition online. All ammo sales would have to be in person with photo ID.
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) (“Watson Coleman”) has revived legislation that would prohibit the sale of ammunition online. Last month, Watson Coleman introduced the Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act of 2023, a new version of restrictive legislation she authored in the past. The bill has been listed as H.R. 584 and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. As of February 24, 2023, H.R. 584 had 23 co-sponsors*, all woke Democrats, including the radical Rashida Tlaib, noted for her calls to defund the police (which shows how little she actually cares about reducing crime).
This unconstitutional bill, according to the NRA-ILA, would implement all of the following:
1. FORCE purchasers to submit a photo ID in person every time one buys ANY ammunition.
2. REPORT the identity of ammo purchasers to the U.S. Attorney General if the ammo buyers purchase more than 1,000 rounds within a 5-day period.
3. REGISTER ammunition buyers in a database maintained by the U.S. Department of Justice.
You know what the DOJ would do with the database of ammo buyers. It would be used to identify gun owners, creating a de facto registry of gun owners. That’s in direct violation of Federal law which forbids such a registry.
Guns.com reports: “The proposal [H.R. 584] would establish the licensing of ammunition dealers who then would be required to confirm the identity of customers seeking to purchase ammo by verifying a valid photo I.D. in person. As such, it would place a prohibition on the current widespread practice of buying ammo online and having it shipped directly to the customer’s door. The measure would also require these vendors to report all purchases of more than 1,000 rounds within a five-day period by the same person to the U.S. Attorney General as well as local and state law enforcement.”
Effects If ‘Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act’ Becomes Law
From a practical standpoint, this legislation would make ammunition much more difficult to buy in large quantities. And specialized ammo, for less popular chamberings, could be almost impossible to get, if people could only shop at local retail outlets. Being able to shop a dozen or more online vendors allows shooting enthusiasts to get a wide variety of ammo types at competitive prices. For example, with AmmoSeek.com, you can see the best rimfire and centerfire ammo deals from dozens of vendors.
Watson Coleman and her anti-Second Amendment co-sponsors want to make it MUCH more difficult to obtain ammunition, and she would be delighted if the cost of ammo doubled or even tripled. She hates firearms and hates gun owners.
Regarding H.R. 584, GunsAmerica contacted Alan Gottlieb, founder of the Second Amendment Foundation. Gottlieb was critical of the one-sidedness of legislation in that it presupposes all ammunition sold online ends up in the hands of criminals. Gottlieb noted: “Day in and day out men and women save their lives with ammunition they have bought online and the only response from Democrats is to call for bans on the sale of ammunition.”
Additional cosponsors of the bill include:
Jake Auchincloss [D-MA-4]
Joyce Beatty [D-OH-3]
Earl Blumenauer [D-OR-3]
Andre Carson [D-IN-7]
Joe Courtney [D-CT-2]
Jason Crow [D-CO-6]
Danny Davis [D-IL-7]
Madeleine Dean [D-PA-4]
Diana DeGette [D-CO-1]
Susan DelBene [D-WA-1]
Mark DeSaulnier [D-CA-10]
Glenn Ivey [D-MD-4]
Sydney Kamlager-Dove [D-CA-37]
Barbara Lee [D-CA-12]
Zoe Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18]
Betty McCollum [D-MN-4]
Kweisi Mfume [D-MD-7]
Seth Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6]
Eleanor Holmes Norton [D-DC-At Large]
Donald M. Payne, Jr. [D-NJ-10]
Mike Quigley [D-IL-5]
Rashida Tlaib [D-MI-12]
Jill Tokuda [D-HI-2]
The 2023 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will take place at the Indiana Convention Center on April 14-16, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Exhibit Hall is open all three days and will showcase over 14 acres of guns and gear from hundreds of manufacturers and retailers.
A bigger-than-ever Exhibit Hall will host approximately 800 exhibitors, events, receptions and demonstrations. Attendees can see the latest guns, knives, optics, ammo and accessories available on the market today. Organized events include the NRA Foundation Banquet and Auction, the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum, plus multiple seminars. There will be appearances from notable celebrities, and a major Saturday concert with leading musical artists.
At this 152nd Annual NRA Convention you can also book the hunt of a lifetime, purchase shooting and hunting accessories, view impressive gun collections, and hear influential, pro-2A experts.
The big event is just six weeks away. If you plan to attend the 152nd NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits we recommend you register soon and get your hotel booked well ahead of time. With the current policies coming from the White House, there has been no more important time to support gun rights and the Second Amendment.
Vortex, the large American optics company, has acquired GeoBallistics, a Texas-based business that sells mobile platform ballistics software. The GeoBallistics software is offered for both iOS (Apple) and Android platforms. This software features an advanced 3DOF solver and continuously updated bullet library. GeoBallistics software has other very sophisticated features:
1. Four Operating Modes (HUD, Map, Chart, and Comp). 2. Atmospherics Bluetooth Connectivity with Kestrel and Weatherflow. 3. Map Mode with GPS Rangefinder (use to range targets, create range cards). 4. Rifle Data and Range Cards available and synched via internet cloud servers.
Vortex Will Support Current GeoBallistics Users
For shooters already utilizing the GeoBallistics software, nothing in the software and App experience will change. And Vortex will now provide customer service and support. To learn more about GeoBallistics Apps, visit GeoBallistics.com.
Vortex plans to add GeoBallistics products to the Vortex portfolio to continue “to enhance and simplify hunting and shooting while providing critical information quickly and accurately.”
“We’re always looking for new ways to help Vortex Nation enjoy unforgettable experiences in the field”, said Joe Hamilton, Vortex CEO. “Acquiring GeoBallistics means we can offer both consistency in our product line and make long-range ballistics simpler and more accessible for everyone.”
How to Use GeoBallistics App — Informative Video
In this video, Clay Hergert, owner of ATX Precision (and former SEAL Team Sniper) demonstrates the GeoBallistics App with BallisticsARC capabilities. Clay shows how to use BallisticsARC to create rifle profiles.
This article Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. No reproduction on any other website is authorized.
The Rimfire Challenge Shooting Association (RCSA) is now an official partner of the +ONE Movement, a mentorship program organized by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). “RCSA is looking forward to a long relationship with NSSF,” stated RCSA Board President Peter Swenson.
NSSF +ONE programs encourage mentorship related to firearm safety, firearm basics, shooting sports, and hunting. The +ONE program focuses on peer-to-peer development in shooting sports and hunting.
About the Rimfire Challenge Shooting Association
Designed to introduce new shooters to shooting sports in an exciting, family-friendly format, Rimfire Challenge matches focus on competition with .22 LR rifles and pistols. Matches are open to shooters of all shooting experience levels, with events conducted at ranges nationwide. The annual RCSA World Championship takes place each October. The RCSA promotes rimfire competition nationwide, supports beginning competitors and clubs, and solicits support for rimfire events from industry businesses.
Programs that inspire mentoring can make a huge difference. According to recent research, if just one out of three target shooters and hunters can introduce someone new to the shooting sports, we can help to secure a strong future for generations to come.
The NSSF encourages shooting sports enthusiasts and hunters to join the +ONE movement and invite someone to the range or afield. Learn more about the +ONE Movement by visiting LetsGoShooting.org and LetsGoHunting.org.
This article is Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. No reproduction on any other site is permitted.
The 2023 Southwest Nationals (SWN) have concluded. Though there were very challenging wind/weather conditions this year, the 2023 SWN was a very successful mid-range and long-range event. There was some great shooting in F-Open, F-TR, and Sling divisions. We congratulate the 2023 Long-Range SWN Champions: Erik Cortina (F-Open, 1241-60X); Jeremy Newell (F-TR, 1221-49X); and Justin Skaret (Sling, 1233-50X). Notably, Skaret won Sling Division by 11 points — a big margin. SEE ALL 2023 Results.
The 600-yard champions were: Louis Buatt (F-Open, 600-39X), Luke Ramsey (F-TR, 596-31X), and Randy Teissedre (Sling, 597-33X). Buatt shoot a remarkable “clean” 600-yard match, not dropping a single point while amassing 39 “X”s. Superb performance by Louis!
Shown below is F-Open Long-Range (1000-yard) Winner Erik Cortina. Erik’s purple F-Open rifle was chambered for the new wildcat cartridge based on the 6.5 PRC necked up to 7mm. This drives high-BC 7mm Berger bullets at 2950 fps.
Our friend Gary Eliseo, maker of Competition Machine rifle chassis systems, said this was a tough match this year: “The 2023 SWN is in the books. This year we faced extremely challenging conditions with very strong erratic winds and cold temps but it was great catching up with so many friends from around the country, thank you all….”
The F-Class Worlds will be held in South Africa this year. The 2023 SWN offered good practice conditions for Team USA, which posted: “The USA F-Open team had two very successful days of practice for the upcoming World Championship in South Africa. We were also blessed to have five USA rifle team members in the top 10, with Erik Cortina taking the win and Bill Kolodziej taking silver.”
Here are the Long-Range TOP TEN for each of the three divisions. CLICK HERE for ALL results:
2023 Southwest Nationals Top 10 Long Range Competitors by Division
F-Open Class
Erik Cortina, 1241-60X
William Kolodziej, 1239-60X
Tim Vaught, 1236-59X
Noman Harrold, 1234-63X
Johnny Ingram, 1234-59X
Matthew Basalla, 1234-54X
Ken Dickerman, 1234-49X
Tod Hendricks, 1232-58X
Dan Bramley, 1232-49X
Doug Skogman, 1231-58X
F-TR Class
Jeremy Newell, 1221-49X
Luke Ramsey, 1218-47X
James Crofts, 1217-57X
Mark Fairbairn, 1217-47X
Allen Tampke, 1214-38X
Scott Fulmer, 1213-44X
Jennifer Bondurant, 1213-36X
Randy Littleton, 1211-39X
Alton Johnson, 1210-39X
Greg Barkley, 1206-44X
Sling Class
Justin Skaret, 1233-50X
John Friguglietti, 1222-37X
Amanda Elsenboss, 1220-55X
Curtis Bohlman, 1220-53X
Stephan Bunde, 1218-56X
Justin Utley, 1218-56X
Jon Rhynard, 1218-46X
Kent Shomber, 1217-46X
Joe Blacksmith, 1217-43X
Nate Guernsey, 1216-47X
The SWN was made possible this year through the participation of three dozen sponsors including Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori, Applied Ballistics, SEB Rests, Lilja Barrels, F-Class Products, Forster Products, Sightron, PMA Tool, K&M, Creedmoor Sorts, McMillan Stocks, Nancy Tompkins, and many other companies.
Click the links below for full results, including Grand Aggs and day-by-day performances. You can also find further results plus a large collection of photos at SouthwestNationals.net.
The Berger SW Nationals is one of the few American events where sling shooters compete on the same firing line as F-Class competitors (though in separate groups).
Team competitions were closely fought. In the F-TR Division, Team USA Blue (2505-70X) edged Team Texas (2504-76X) to win by one point. In F-0pen, Team Rollin Coal (2558-129X) finished three points ahead of runner-up Team Grizzly (2555-102X). In the Sling Division, U.S. Palma Gold Team (2555-104X) took first-place, ahead of U.S. NRT Gold (2504-104X).
Reading the wind can be challenging at Ben Avery. What’s your wind call here?
Top competitors show focus and concentration in mid-range match 2022.
Stunning F-Open rifle with SEB Mini front rest with Blake Machine accessories.
Working in the pits is part of the Berger SWN experience.
Hundreds of Competitors from the USA and 8 Other Countries
Along with top American F-Class and sling shooters, the Southwest Nationals attracts competitors from around the world. Last year, on Day 1 of the 2022 SW Nationals, Nancy Tompkins posted: “We started the day off with National anthems for Brazil, Canada, Puerto Rico, Scotland, the United Kingdom, and the USA.”
Photo by Nancy Tompkins near Ben Avery Shooting Facility in 2022. Nancy posted: “Thank you to all of the sponsors, volunteers, and shooters who have traveled from all over… to make this match so special.”
See you next year!
This article Copyright 2023 AccurateShooter.com. Any republication on a different website is unauthorized.
FREE Firearm Rentals and Limited FREE Ammo
Today, Wednesday, February 22nd, 2023 is a great time to visit a shooting range. Today is the second Annual Second Amendment Day (“2A Day”), a time to celebrate America’s Second Amendment freedoms and have fun hitting targets at the range. In observance of 2A Day, Brownells and Smith & Wesson will sponsor free firearm rentals and limited free ammo at 48 Range USA locations and other participating ranges. To learn more about 2A Day range events, giveaways, and more visit www.brownells.com/2ADAY.
Additional opportunities to celebrate and show support include joining organizations that promote Second Amendment rights on national and state levels or by sharing a photo or video post on social media using the hashtag “#2ADay” to help spread awareness.
Second Amendment Day Official Target (Download for FREE)
“February 22nd is a day we, as a nation, can recognize, celebrate and do our part to secure one of the most important rights guaranteed by our Constitution – the right to keep and bear arms,” said Pete Brownell, Chairman of the Board at Brownells. “I hope Americans from all walks of life visit the range on this one day – 2/22 … and safely exercise their Second Amendment right, which is the underpinning of safety and security in America.”
The 2023 Safari Club International (SCI) Convention opens today in Nashville, Tennessee. The popular event runs Wednesday through Saturday this week — February 22-25, 2023. In years past, the SCI show was held in Las Vegas, but this year the event takes place at the Nashville Music City Center.
The SCI states: “Join us in the birthplace of country music to see world class musicians, guest speakers, exhibitions, and hundreds of domestic and international hunting guides. Be sure to get YOUR ticket today to the Ultimate Sportsmen’s Market!” CLICK HERE to register or get more INFO.
Established in 1971, SCI works to protect the freedom to hunt and promote wildlife conservation worldwide. The annual SCI Convention attracts thousands of dedicated hunters and outdoorsmen. This year Silencer Central, America’s largest silencer dealer, will be a major event sponsor.
Key Attractions at SCI 2023 Convention:
Exhibits by Outfitters and Manufacturers
Hundreds of professional hunters and outfitters from throughout the world will exhibit at the Convention. In addition, top manufacturers from the outdoor industry will be there, showing off the latest firearms, optics, ammunition, archery gear, and accessories.
Auctions — Live, Silent, and Online
Over 20 live, silent, day, evening and online auctions will be held during the SCI convention in Nashville. Bid on hunt experiences, exceptional firearms, fine art and jewelry, all 100% donated by world renowned outfitters and manufacturers. Proceeds from SCI’s auctions support hunter advocacy as well as SCI Foundation’s conservation and education programs.
Seminars and Speakers
Over 70 seminars, “Meet and Greets”, and keynote speakers pack the schedule at the 2023 SGI Convention. Educational, informative seminar presentations cover the spectrum of hunting, fishing, shooting, and outdoor adventures.