SHOT Show 2023 ran January 17-20, 2023. Here are FREE digital magazines covering many new products displayed at the show. We’ve embedded three digital versions of the SHOT Daily print magazine provided to SHOT Show attendees. You can navigate page by page with the left/right white arrows in the gray box below. To quickly scan through an entire 60+ page digital magazine, use the slide bar. When you find content you want to read, use the zoom control or click the FULL SCREEN brackets icon at lower right.
We highly recommend two big feature stories. In the Day 1 Edition, check out the Guns 2023 article starting on page 28. You can also read the New Rifles section of this story on the SHOT Show Website. In the Day 2 Edition, look for the Optics 2023 article starting on page 30.
CLICK Full Screen (brackets) icon at lower right of dark gray box to read.
Recommended Stories: Guns 2023, pages 28-40; New Products, pages 64-66
CLICK Full Screen (brackets) icon at lower right of dark gray box to read.
Recommended Stories: Ammo 2023, pages 22-29; Optics 2023, pages 30-40; New Products, pp. 54-58
CLICK Full Screen (brackets) icon at lower right of gray box to read.
Recommended Stories: Knives 2023, pages 22-26; Electronics 2023, pp. 28-32; New Products, pp. 48-50
SHOT Show 2023 kicks off today in Las Vegas, Nevada with Industry Day at the Range and the Supplier Showcase. This evening, we’ll have a report on new guns and optics seen at Industry Range Day. Later today you’ll find posts and videos from Range Day on the SHOT Show Facebook Page.
Supplier Showcase Monday and Tuesday
Even before the SHOT Show exhibit halls open, attendees can meet with industry representatives at the SHOT Show Supplier Showcase. This two-day event starts early on Monday, January 16th. It is hosted at the Palazzo Ballroom on the 5th Floor of the Venetian hotel. Over 500 suppliers will participate. For persons who use or produce tools, machinery, plastics, fabrics, OE materials, logistics, software or other products and services for the shooting, hunting, outdoor and law enforcement industries, the Supplier Showcase provides the opportunity to connect with a wide range of manufacturers and other industry professionals.
New Handguns for 2023 Will Be on Display at SHOT Show
As a preview of the new handgun offerings that will be showcased at SHOT Show, here is a video featuring five impressive new pistols set for 2023 release:
Download SHOT Show 2023 Mobile App
The FREE SHOT Show Mobile App has lists of all exhibitors for SHOT Show 2023, with floor plan maps showing all the booth locations. You can search exhibitors by company name or booth number and conveniently manage your time by arranging the booth visits in logical order.
SHOT After Dark — New Evening Event
SHOT After Dark is a series of networking events each evening Tuesday through Thursday after the main exhibit halls close. On Tuesday there is a Industry Welcome Reception at the Great Outdoors Plaza followed by a Rock and Roll themed event at Rockhouse Las Vegas. On Wednesday there will be an All Star Jam Concert outside Caesars Forum, next to Great Outdoors Plaza.
Registration Center Open Now
The SHOT Show center at the Venetian EXPO Complex is open now to take registrations. In addition the Supplier Showcase takes place today and tommorow.
Lapua just introduced two new Long Range Rimfire ammo offerings. New for 2023, Lapua’s Super Long Range and Long Range rimfire ammunition are optimized for long range accuracy and consistency. The goal was to have extremely low extreme spread (ES) and standard deviation (SD), to yield the highest precision down range. Shooters competing in disciplines such as NRL22X and Rimfire ELR where targets are routinely placed beyond 250 yards, will benefit from Lapua’s new ultra-consistent Long Range rimfire ammo. Both the new Long Range and the Super Long Range have a 1106 FPS muzzle velocity (from 26″ barrel) and a 0.172 G1 Ballistic Coefficient.*
Introducing Lapua Super Long Range and Long Range .22 LR Ammo
Lapua’s two new .22 LR cartridges are designed for use at distances of 100 yards and beyond. The result of extensive product development and extremely advanced production processes, Lapua Super Long Range and Long Range rimfire ammunition offer ultra-consistent velocities and BC values for every shot. These new ammo types are designed for those competing in .22 LR rimfire disciplines at longer ranges. Those disciplines include: NRL22X, PRS 22, Rimfire Long Range, rimfire benchrest, and Field Target shooting. These new ammo types provide excellent performance on targets at 100 yards and beyond. With a 1106 FPS muzzle velocity, Lapua Long Range and Super Long Range provide a flat trajectory and improved wind performance. Both rimfire ammo types bring a competitive advantage with the Super Long Range offering the very best group accuracy.
Lapua states: “With a flat trajectory and improved wind performance, Lapua Super Long Range provides the very best accuracy for any top .22 LR shooter looking to beat the competition at longer distances.” The new Lapua Long Range ammo offers similar performance with the same 1106 FPS MV.
“Lapua’s new Long Range offerings are a game-changer for shooters seeking a competitive advantage in today’s most popular rimfire disciplines”, stated Jeff Knowles, Lapua U.S. Sales Director. “Lapua’s product innovation and manufacturing capabilities are unprecedented”.
Ammo Availability: Lapua’s new Long Range rimfire offerings will soon be available at authorized Lapua retailers for delivery by the end of the first quarter of 2023. Learn more about new Lapua Long Range rimfire ammunition at Lapua.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.
*Ballistic coefficients are calculated by Quick Target Unlimited Lapua Edition from V0 to V75 BC. G1 BC for all rimfire .22 LR bullets = 0.172.
SHOT Show 2023 is three days away. The 2023 event kicks off with Industry Day at the Range on Monday, January 16, 2023. Then the indoor event runs Tuesday the 17th through Friday the 20th. There will be over 2600 exhibitors from all 50 states and dozens of nations. This year continues with SHOT Show running in TWO large exhibit halls — the Venetian Expo and the relatively new Caesars Forum. Total exhibit space for the 2023 show in these two venues is more than 800,000 net square feet — equivalent to more than 18 acres (about 14 football fields). And with these twin halls, SHOT Show boasts 13.9 miles of aisles!
SHOT Show FACTS AND FIGURES
– The “SHOT” in SHOT® Show stands for Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade.
— SHOT Show 2023 will have 800,000 square feet of Exhibit Space with 13.9 MILES of Aisles. The floor space is equivalent to 14 football fields.
— 2023 SHOT Show will have more than 2,600 exhibitors, including the Suppliers Showcase.
— More than 55,000 professionals in the shooting, hunting, outdoors and law enforcement industry are expected to attend, along with 2000+ media members.
— Firearms and ammunition are a $7.1 billion industry. The total economic impact of the gun/ammo/hunting industry is more than $63 billion, which supports more than 342,000 jobs.
— SHOT Show generates millions of dollars in revenue to fund NSSF programs including Firearms Training programs, Project ChildSafe, National Shooting Sports Month, and the +ONE mentoring initiative.
— This is the 45th Annual SHOT Show and the 24th in Las Vegas. The first SHOT Show was in 1979 in St. Louis, Missouri. Las Vegas has been home to the show continuously since 2010. However, the 2021 SHOT Show was virtual due to the pandemic.
SHOT Show is a Massive Event — 800,000 Square Feet of Products
Based on current bookings, SHOT Show 2023 will encompass over 800,000 net square feet. That’s the equivalent of 14 football fields. There should be over 2600 exhibitors this year. CLICK HERE to search for exhibitor booths by company name. View the 2023 SHOT Show layout here:
CLICK HEREfor full floor-plan with Venetian Level 1, Venetian Level 2, Caesars Forum, and Supplier Showcase. From that page, click tabs for each location. When on a page, zoom to see individual booth numbers. Mouse over any booth to see the exhibitor (example below for Vista Outdoor in booth 11838).
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has released its 2023 Travel Games schedule. The Travel Games are regional competitions that give competitors the chance to participate in notable CMP events found at the National Matches, but on a smaller scale. The CMP Games feature rifle and pistol matches designed for experienced competitors as well those who are new to the shooting sports. Along with shooting matches, each of the five scheduled 2023 Travel Games events will include Basic Rifle and Pistol Training Courses.
November 6-12, 2023 – Talladega 600, Talladega, Alabama.
For rifle shooters, the CMP Travel Games include a wide variety of modern and vintage rifle events including John C. Garand, Springfield, Rimfire Sporter, M1 Carbine, and Vintage Sniper Matches. The CMP High Power Matches offer more competitive possibilities such as the 4-Man Team Match, EIC Rifle Match, and three days of 80-Shot events. Pistol events include the CMP Match Pistol 2700, EIC Service Pistol, .22 Rimfire Pistol EIC, Military & Police Service Pistol, and 1911 As-Issued Pistol matches.
M1 Carbine Match at Western CMP Games
Electronic Targets for Rifle Events at CMP Travel Games
All CMP Travel Games rifle competitions will be fired on CMP Targets, a user-friendly electronic target system that instantly displays shot placement. The electronic targets also eliminate the need for pit duty. This helps matches run more quickly and efficiently with less physical strain for older shooters.
Training Programs at CMP Travel Games
In addition to competitions, educational opportunities such as the GSMM New Shooter Clinic, Basic Rifle and Pistol Courses and M1 Maintenance Clinics provide valuable experiences off the firing line. CMP-sanctioned GSMM (Garand-Springfield-Modern Military) rifle clinics teach basic and intermediate rifle marksmanship skills to new and beginning shooters. For newer shooters, the Basic Rifle and Basic Pistol Courses provide a solid introduction to firearm safety along with basic marksmanship skills and fundamentals. The courses also cover preparation for competitions and much more.
Garand Collectors Association Master Marksman Medal
For the first time, in 2023, those competing in the John C. Garand Match with As-Issued M1 Rifles at CMP Travel Games will have the chance to earn a Garand Collectors Association (GCA) Master Marksman Medal. The GCA Master Marksman program is set to begin in January 2023. Like the CMP’s established Distinguished Badge Program, the GCA program will work on an Achievement Award point system, based on performance at designated CMP events.
CMP Competition 2023 rulebooks are now available on the CMP Website. For each discipline, you will find links for the full rulebook as well as separate links for 2023 Rule Changes. For this Sunday Gunday article, we focus on 2023 Rule Changes for rimfire (Smallbore) rifle and centerfire (Highpower) rifle. There are rule changes for pistol disciplines also, but this article does NOT cover pistol rules. Below are links for PDF files listing the CMP’s new 2023 rules for the Highpower and Smallbore rifle categories:
CMP rulebooks are updated annually to accommodate new program developments, clarify rules issues, and incorporate recommendations from competitors, match sponsors and CMP staff. The 2023 editions of these rulebooks are now posted on the CMP website where competitors, match officials, and match sponsors can download them to read or copy. Printed versions of the rulebooks will be produced in the next two or three months and will be available for purchase after that.
The CMP advises that “The 2023 rulebooks do not have any major rules revisions, but they do have a complex variety of changes, clarification and updates”. The summaries that follow identify and discuss the changes for the rifle rulebooks. If you have questions about the 2023 CMP Competition Rulebooks, contact the CMP Competitions Department at competitions@thecmp.org or (419) 635-2141, ext. 714 or 729. For Smallbore Rule questions, contact (419) 635-2141, ext. 730 or bdonoho@thecmp.org.
CMP HIGHPOWER RIFLE RULE CHANGES
The CMP Highpower Rifle program includes: 1) Traditional Service Rifle events conducted according to National Trophy Match rules; 2) Highpower Rifle events conducted according to CMP Cup Match rules; 3) Long-Range Rifle (prone and F-class events at 800, 900, and 1000 yards); and Mid-Range Rifle (prone and F-class events at 300, 500, and 600 yards). The CMP program for Mid- and Long-Range competitions now includes: 1) Match Rifle Prone Long-Range, 2) Service Rifle Prone Long-Range, 2) F-Class Long-Range, 3) AR Tactical Long-Range, 4) Prone Mid-Range, F-Class Mid-Range 6) AR Tactical Mid-Range, and 7) Service Rifle Mid-Range events.
There are no major changes in the 2023 Highpower Rifle rules, but there are several technical changes that competitors and match sponsors will want to note:
1.5/Table 1. CMP Highpower Rifle Events. A Mid-Range 300-500-600 course of fire is added.
2.6.9. National Trophy Teams. State National Trophy Rifle Teams (6 firing members) may have a maximum of two members who are from adjoining states that do not enter teams in the competition.
2.8.1. New Shooter Definition. Civilian National Trophy Team members will now be permitted to retain new shooter eligibility for two years (formerly one year).
3.2.11. Spectators and Media. A new rule encouraging the accommodation of spectators and media at competitions was added. It spells out limitations on their actions.
3.8.1 & 3.8.2. Pre-Preparation and Preparation Periods. Rules defining current pre-prep and preparation periods are added.
3.9.3 c). Interruptions. If interruptions lead to competitors getting out of position, the CRO may authorize additional preparation time before resuming firing.
3.12.3./Table 2. Rifle Achievement Awards. Cut scores are revised, based on 2022 National Match results.
4.1.1 g). Magazines. Altering M16/AR magazines by opening the front of the magazine to accommodate slightly longer bullets is authorized.
4.1.1 j) M16/AR15 Service Rifle External Appearance. New language provides a standard for evaluating minor alterations in the “general overall external appearance” of M16/AR rifles. Minor alterations created by the installation of after-market products for these rifles that have trigger configuration and trigger guard variations or slightly different external appearances (i.e., no walk pins, etc.) will generally be approved under this revised criteria. Such minor alterations may be approved provided that they 1) do not provide an unfair advantage, 2) fulfill rifle functionality requirements and 3) generally meet M16 external dimension specifications.
4.6.2. j) & k). Targets. The new 300-500-600 Yard Mid-Range course will be fired on MR targets. Rules defining reduced MR targets for 300 and 500 yards are added.
5.2.3 c). Rapid-Fire Loading, CMP Cup Match Events. The Rapid-fire loading procedure for CMP Cup Matches is not changed, but it is clarified.
5.4. Rifle National Match Course, Table 4. This rule is rewritten so that the Highpower Rifle National Match Course can be programmed as a National Trophy, or EIC sanctioned Service Rifle Match (with no sighters and starting rapid-fire from standing) or as a CMP Cup Match (with sighters and starting rapid fire in position). Allowing the firing of this course as a CMP Cup Match is new.
5.7.4 f). Team Matches. When Long-Range team events are fired, a time limit of 47 minutes for two team members will apply. In these events, team members may pair fire or fire in succession.
5.9. Long Range Matches, Table 7. Additional details regarding the application of Palma Rules were added for events that are restricted to Palma rifles. A provision authorizing a CRO to optionally use block time that combines the preparation and firing times was added.
5.12. Mid-Range Courses, Table 8. Details regarding the new 300/500/600 Mid-Range course of fire (event) are added to the Table defining Mid-Range Courses.
CMP GAMES RULE CHANGES
CMP Games Competition Rules for Rifle and Pistol govern Vintage Military Rifle, As-Issued Pistol, and Rimfire Sporter events. The 2023 CMP Games Rules introduce three new events, including new benchrest events. There will also be an expanded version of the Special EIC Matches.
Here is a list of notable changes in this rulebook for the CMP Games RIFLE Events:
1.5/Table 2, CMP Games Rifle and Pistol Events. This rule lists the different events that are recognized by the CMP as “CMP Games” events. Three new rifle events are added for 2023: Benchrest Vintage Military Rifle Match, Rimfire Sporter Dewar Match, and Rimfire Sporter Benchrest Match
1.8.11. Spectators and Media. A new rule regarding spectators and media is added. The rule encourages match sponsors to welcome and accommodate them but also places limits on what they may do.
3.3.6. Benchrest Supported Position. A definition of the benchrest firing position that will be authorized for the new VMR, and Rimfire Sporter Benchrest Matches is added. Supports under the fore-end are allowed; supports under the butt-stock are not allowed.
4.6.6. Benchrest VMR Match. Provides rules for the Benchrest VMR Match.
5.4.4 i). Rapid-Fire Loading, Springfield M1A Match. Loading procedures for the Springfield M1A Match, where competitors must start and load rapid-fire series in position, are unchanged, but clarified.
6.2.1 Vintage Sniper Rifle. The M1903 Springfield rifle with straight pistol grip stock and a Winchester A5 or Lyman 5A scope was added to the list of legal sniper rifle/scope combinations.
6.5.8 Interruptions in Vintage Sniper Rifle Team Matches. A provision was added that allows the firing of one additional sighting shot if there is an interruption of more than 5 minutes in 300-yard firing or 3 minutes in 600-yard firing.
CMP GAMES RIMFIRE SPORTER RULE CHANGES
8.2.2 a) Rimfire Sporter Adjustable Stocks. T and O Class rifles may have adjustable butt-plates or cheek-pieces if those features are fixed and cannot be readily changed without tools during the firing of an event.
8.3.7. Targets. Targets for the Rimfire Sporter Dewar and Benchrest events are defined.
8.6. Rimfire Sporter Dewar Course. A Dewar course of fire (20 shots prone at 50 yards and 20 shots prone at 100 yards) is added. This event was fired on an experimental basis during the 2022 National Matches.
8.7. Rimfire Sporter Benchrest Course. This is the second new Rimfire Sporter event in the 2023 rules. Competitors will fire their rifles from benchrests at 100-yard smallbore rifle targets, using a maximum of two sandbag rests (but no buttstock rest). The course of fire includes a 5-minute sighting period, followed by 40 record shots in 30 minutes.
8.8.4. Scoring Internal Crossfires. A rule change clarifies how Rimfire Sporter internal crossfires are scored.
10.3-10.5. National Records. Adds the new events to the National Records list.
SMALLBORE RIFLE COMPETITION RULE CHANGES
The big news is that the 2023 National Matches Smallbore Rifle Championships will be conducted on electronic targets. The other big change is the addition of rules for the new F-Class Smallbore Rifle events. Provisional F-Class smallbore rifle events were held during the 2022 CMP Smallbore Prone Championship at Camp Perry. F-Class will now officially be part of the CMP Smallbore Rifle Program. Accordingly, the 2023 (5th Ed.) CMP Smallbore Rifle Competition Rules adds rules for Smallbore F-Class competition. Here are the notable changes in the 2023 CMP Smallbore Rifle Rules:
5.3. F-Class Smallbore Rifles. Two types of F-Class rifle front supports are recognized, a front rest (F-O, Open Rifle) or a bipod (F-TR, Target Rifle). Non-mechanical rear rests are authorized.
5.6.1. Ammunition. F-Class events are limited to rimfire .22 LR ammunition loaded with 40-grain bullets.
6.1.4. Supported Prone Position. Describes the firing position authorized for F-Class shooting.
6.2. 100-Yard International Target. This is the 300 Meter ISSF target, scored with an 8 mm diameter bullet, reduced for use in F-Class 100-yard events that are fired and scored with 5.56 mm bullets.
6.2.4. Target Hanging Procedures. A new rule prohibits the use of distinctive colored target clips as a means of distinguishing a target (competitors should use target numbers to identify their targets).
6.3.5. Wind Flags. Wind flag height must correspond with bullets’ flight paths.
6.4. Table 3. The three-position course of fire was changed in 2022 to be the same as the new ISSF 3×20 course of fire (formerly 3×40).
6.4. Table 5. The F-Class 160-shot course of fire includes 40 shots at 50 yards on the ISSF reduced 50m target, 40 shots at 50 m on the old A-50 metric target, a combined 50 and 100 yard 40-shot event and 40 shots at 100 yards on the 100-yard international target (see Rule 6.2).
6.4.8. F-Class Procedures. F-Class firing procedures provide for 5- or 2-min. pre-prep and 3-min. preparation periods, followed by unlimited sighting shots with each record fire stage.
7.9 and 7.10. Competition Procedures, Electronic Targets. These procedures were included in the previous edition of this rulebook, but they are highlighted here because the CMP plans to have electronic targets in place during the 2023 National Matches at Camp Perry. In prone but not three-position events, competitors will be allowed to switch back to sighting shots during record firing. 40-shot prone events can be fired without a break, but an extra five minutes is provided in the time limits (unlimited sighters and 40 record shots in 45 minutes) to allow competitors who would like to take a break during these events to do so. Target aiming masks provided for any sight stages will have an aiming mark inscribed on them.
7.12.9. Disclaimed Shot. Procedures for handling disclaimed shots are provided.
There are a series of EIC Match Credit Changes for 2023, along with revisions for the Distinguished International Shooter Badge to adapt these regulations to ISSF rule changes. Check the 2023 Smallbore Rules for details, starting at section 11.3.3.
AN INTRODUCTION TO CMP COMPETITION RULES
The CMP’s Winter 2022 edition of On the Mark magazine contains “COMPETITION RULES—A Primer on Competition Rules and How to Follow Them”. This article (on pages 6-13) covers rulebook terminology, guiding principles in shooting rules, safety and safe range procedure rules, and an outline of the technical rules contained in each rulebook. CLICK HERE to download this issue of On the Mark.
DISTINGUISHED MARKSMAN BADGE CHANGES
The CMP Highpower Rifle, Smallbore Rifle, Pistol, and Air Gun rulebooks have rules that describe the Distinguished Marksman Badge program for eligible competitors in that discipline who have physical disabilities or limitations that prevent them from complying with all rule requirements for other Distinguished Badges. To compete for a Distinguished Marksman Badge, competitors with disabilities must apply to the CMP for a “Distinguished Marksman Authorization” (contact 419-635-2141, ext. 602; acantu@thecmp.org). Eligible competitors who fire EIC Match scores that equal or exceed EIC minimum cut scores receive EIC points that count towards the awarding of the Distinguished Marksman Badge.
AIR RIFLE AND AIR PISTOL COMPETITION RULES
The Second Edition CMP Air Rifle and Air Pistol Competitions Rules 2023 are posted on the CMP website. CLICK HERE to download those Air Rifle and Air Pistol Rules. NOTE: the CMP states that: “2022 1st Edition Rulebooks will continue to be used in 2023. If any changes are necessary during the year, an errata sheet will be printed to accompany published rulebooks.”
GunBroker.com Partners With NSSF To Raise Money For Project ChildSafe
GunBroker.com has partnered with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) for charity auctions. Dozens of fine products are being auctioned with all proceeds benefiting Project ChildSafe. The auctions are underway now with bidding through January 20, 2023. CLICK HERE to SEE Auctions.
GunBroker has a wide assortment of auction items — rifles, pistols, gun safes, cases, ammo and much more. Many brands in the shooting sports industry and beyond have stepped up to donate. The most valuable item is a .50 BMG rifle package complete with Vortex FFP 4.5-27x56mm scope and Accu-Tac bipod.
The mission of NSSF’s Project ChildSafe is to help prevent firearm accidents, theft, and misuse. Visit the GunBroker Project ChildSafe Auction page to see the dozens of items available.
Hornady Rapid Safe Handgun Night Guard RFID (15 units, auctioned separately)
Q LLC Erector 9mm Modular Suppressor, Black
US PeaceKeeper RAT Rifle Case 36″ Black
US PeaceKeeper RDP Rapid Deployment Pack OD Green/Black
US PeaceKeeper $200 Gift Certificate
EAA Girsan Regard MC 9mm
Real Avid Master Gun Vise
Gunsite Academy 250 Defensive Pistol Class
KOR 5er VRS Universal Gun Case Insert
Liberty Ammunition 40 S&W 60gr HP – 200 Rds
Timney Triggers USA H&K MP5 Two-Stage Trigger
Traditions Performance Firearms NitroFire® .50 Cal 26″ Barrel
GunAlert Firearm Safety Monitoring Device 2022 Production
If It Moves… Safety Monitoring Device 2022 Production
About Gunbroker Charity Program Support
GunBroker.com is pleased to continue to promote not-for-profit organizations whenever possible, including YSSA, USA Shooting, Kids and Clays, The Light Foundation (via Ruger’s efforts), Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP), Scholastic Action Shooting Program, and more. For decades, we’ve dedicated prime space on the homepage to charitable auctions and take no transactional fees.
The January 2023 issue of Shooting Industry (SI) presents a look at new-for-2023 products many of which will premier at SHOT Show 2023. This is the second installment in SI’s 2023 New Product Showcase with items from 60 brands, including CZ-USA, Federal, Mossberg, Ruger, Sako, Savage, Steiner and more. The upcoming February 2023 SI issue will have additional New Product Showcase features.
Along with the New Product Showcase, the January 2023 Issue of Shooting Industry magazine has many other articles of interest. A discussion of 2023 gun industry trends predicts declining sales in the months ahead. A tech article covers new night-vision and thermal optics. For gun stores and ranges there is a helpful article explaining how to prepare for OSHA inspections. CLICK HERE for FREE January 2023 Digital Edition.
PICK SIX — Six Notable New Products for 2023
Here are six notable new items from SI’s January 2023 Issue New Product Showcase. CLICK HERE to see more products from the January Showcase.
CZ 600 Range Rifle
The CZ 600 Range is part of the new 600-series rifle family from CZ-USA, currently offered in 6mm Creedmoor and .308 Winchester. The 600 Range features a 24″ 1:10″-twist heavy hammer-forged barrel wtih threaded, suppressor-ready muzzle. Remarkably, CZ-USA guarantees 3/4-MOA 5-shot accuracy at 100 meters with match factory ammo. Notable features include: adjustable trigger, 60º bolt throw with large allow bolt knob, controlled feed, 2-position safety, Rem 700 scope base hole pattern, and magazine lock (selectable). The handsome, laminate wood stock boasts a tool-less height-adjustable cheek piece, and monopod Picatinny rail attachment. MSRP is $1199.00. Weight before optics is 10 pounds and OAL is 44.9″.
Escort SDX12 and SDX410 Semi-Auto AR-Style Shotguns
The Escort SDX12 and Escort SDX10, are part of the Versatile Tactical Shotgun series crafted by Hatsan, a Turkish company. The SDX12 is 12 gauge while the SDX10 is .410 gauge. Both are offered in black or FDE Cerakote. These gas-operated, semi-automatic shotguns have detachable alloy upper receivers and polymer lower receivers. The stock features a pistol grip, adjustable cheekpiece (comb), soft rubber buttpad, and an ergonomic fore-end grip. Picatinny sight rails are integrated into the receiver and fore-end/handguard. Other features include: reversible bolt-charging handle, detachable carrying handle, sling loops, and adjustable front and rear sights. A set of flip-up front and rear sights are also included along with 5-round magazines. Length is 37.6″ and weight for the SDX12 is 9.0 pounds.
Savage Arms 1911 Pistol
Surprise from Savage — it is now offering a Government-style 1911 pistol with a stainless steel frame and slide. New for 2023, the Savage 1911 features a 5″ stainless barrel with 11° target crown, dual recoil spring, flared and lowered ejection port, titanium firing pin, and ambidextrous slide lock safety.
A variety of sight options are available for the new Savage 1911: Novak Lo-Mount adjustable tritium bar rear sight and tritium Mega Dot Glow Dome Yellow front sight (Rail and Two-Tone versions); Novak Lo-Mount Black rear sight and white dot front sight (stainless and black Melonite non-rail versions); ambidextrous slide lock safety; and VZ G10 Grips. The new Savage 1911 pistol is currently offered in two chamberings: .45 ACP or 9mm Luger (9x19mm).
Steiner Predator 8 Scopes with 8X Zoom Ratio
Steiner Optics had a new line of Predator 8 riflescopes with three different 8X zoom ranges: 2-16×42mm, 3-24×50mm, and 4-32×56mm. Features include: illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings, tactile 1/4 MOA ballistic turret, and fog-proof/waterproof design. There is exceptionally wide field of view at teh lower magnifications, and high-contrast lens coatings ensure crisp images even in low light. The different numbered turret rings allow the shooter to customize the turret for quick elevation adjustment at pre-selected distances. The 2-16x42mm and 3-24x50mm riflescopes come with the Steiner E3 second focal plane reticle while the 4-32x56mm has a Special Competition Reticle (SCR). The Predator 8 2-16x42mm (MSRP $2069.99) is the lightest and most compact of the lineup and includes a rear focal plane E3 Ballistic reticle, with cascading subtensions and windage dots.
KOR 5er VRS Gun Case Insert (Foam Replacement)
KOR’s patented Vacuum Rigidizing Structure (VRS®) 5er insert is a foam replacement system for existing gun cases. The technology eliminates the need to cut, pluck, or customize interior foam. This, KOR claims, allows gun owners to have “one case for everything in their safe”. The VRS system “customizes interior by conforming to contents”. The interior is filled with “rigidizing beads” which provide a custom fit. You can change the rifle or accessories and the VRS adapts to the new contents using a vacuum pump. KOR states that its VRS system has “no shifting contents, corrosion, crushing, abrasion, or rust inside.” The 5er VRS insert is compatible with many case types from Pelican and SKB.
MDT TIMBR Frontier — Wood Stock with Internal Metal Chassis
The MDT Timbr Frontier has the look and feel of traditional stock with the benefits of a modern chassis with V-block. The buttstock and fore-end are made of clear-coated Birch hardwood laminate attached to an aluminum micro-chassis and bottom metal. The Timbr Frontier stock offers adjustable Length of pull, adjustable cheek riser, and interchangeable rubber over-molded grips. You can easily add accessories to the M-LOK fore-end and buttstock. With a weight of just 4 pounds, the Timbr Frontier stock works for hunting as well as target shooting. The stock can take standard AICS pattern magazines.
Useful reloading gear does not have to be costly. Here are ten handy (and very inexpensive) items that belong on your loading bench or in your range kit.
• Magnifying Glass – We use a flat, 2″x2″ pocket 4x-8x magnifier. This folds up on itself. Very handy, we use it to inspect bullets and brass. Use this to check your flash holes for burrs, and check the meplats of your bullets before loading.
• Clear 35mm Film Cannister – Use this to transfer the thrown powder charge to the little measuring cup that sits on your scale. That way you don’t get any kernel splash. Also if the charge weight is obviously off, it’s easy to dump back in the measure. A film canister works pretty well as a trickler too.
• Compressed Air in a Can -- Get these at office supply stores. Use the can (with tube attached) to blow crud out of cases after cleaning the neck with a brush, and blast loose debris out of primer pockets.
• Pin Vise – A simple pin vise with a #53 bit is perfect for deburring Lapua PPC and BR flash holes without reaming the flash-holes any larger. The Lapua PPC/BR flash-hole diameter is 1.5 mm, or 0.059″. Amazon.com sells a handy $8.29 pin vise kit with 10 bits, including the ideal 1.5mm bit. Other vendors offer a #53 pin vise bit that measures .0595″ or .060″ (depending or source). You can find pin vises and bits at hobby stores — here’s an example below with ten bits including 1.5mm. Pin vise sets can be found from $7 to $15.
• Bounce Dryer Sheets – The common dryer sheets eliminate “static cling” on your plastic reloading parts such as powder measure cylinders, powder funnels, and reloading press plastic bins. Thanks to Doc76251 for this tip.
• Ballistol Aerosol – Try using this versatile lubricant/solvent for full-length sizing. Spray some on a patch and you can wipe the carbon off your case necks. Then, continue to apply a very small amount of Ballistol on the case bodies — just thin sheen is all you need. Ballistol is super slippery, and easy to remove. For general full-length sizing (on small cases) it works great and doesn’t leave a gooey, waxy, or chalky residue. For heavier case-forming jobs, we recommend Imperial Die Wax.
• Shotgun Mop – Stick this in the chamber when using Wipe-Out foaming bore cleaner. This will seal off the chamber so the foam doesn’t flow into your action. For long chambers screw on one section of cleaning rod to aid extraction.
• Colored Sharpie Marking Pens – Mark your bullets ahead of the bearing surface, and the color transfers to the target. This way you can shoot multiple loads at the same point of aim and discern which load shoots the tightest. (Recommended for 300 yards and beyond). With colored bullet tips you can test multiple loads “round robin” to equalize wind effects. When testing seating depths for example, you can mark the longer-seated set of bullets red and the shorter-seated set green and shoot them during the same sequence. Just look at the colored marks on the target to see which grouped better.
• Thin Latex Gloves – You should keep a box of inexpensive, disposable latex gloves (the kind doctors use) in your loading room. These will prevent contamination of primers or powder kernels that you handle directly. Also, use the gloves when handling fine blued tools or firearms to prevent transfering body oils and salts that promote rust.
• Plastic Washers for Neck Mic – If you use a Sinclair Neck-wall Micrometer Gauge with integral stand, you can use thin plastic washers to adjust the height of the case on the mandrel. This makes it much easier to measure the same point on the case neck every time. Thanks to MikeCR for this tip (and photo).
Every year the NRA Publications group announces Golden Bullseye Award winners for various product categories (rifle, handgun, shotgun, optics, gear etc.). These awards are like the Oscars for the shooting industry. There are many Golden Bullseyes given out each year because there are separate awards given by different NRA Magazines — including American Rifleman, Shooting Illustrated, and American Hunter. Here are the 2023 Rifles of the Year (Golden Bullseye Winners) as chosen by each of those three publications.
American Rifleman 2023 Golden Bullseye Award Winner
Rifle of the Year — Marlin 1895 SBL by Ruger
In late 2020, Ruger acquired the assets of the Marlin Firearms, as part of the Remington bankruptcy sale. After acquiring the Marlin assets from Remington, Ruger put its engineers to work producing one of the best-machined Marlins ever, the impressive Marlin 1895 SBL. The first new-generation model 1895 SBL rifles were chambered for the .45-70 Gov’t cartridge.
Ruger President/CEO, Chris Killoy explained how the Model 1895 SBL was developed: “Since the move of over 100 truckloads of equipment and inventory back in November 2020, our engineering team took the 1895 through a complete design and production review, focused on achieving the highest quality, accuracy, and performance standards. The end result is a quality rifle, produced using modern manufacturing methods[.] From the quality of the firearm, to clear ways for consumers to differentiate Ruger-made Marlins, we focused on getting every detail right.”
Ruger-made Marlin 1985 SBL rifles bear an “RM” (Ruger-Made) serial number prefix, have the Marlin Horse/Rider logo laser-engraved on the grip, and include a red and white bullseye on the buttstock.
American Hunter 2023 Golden Bullseye Award Winner
Rifle of the Year — Nosler Model 21
The new Nosler Model 21 rifle has many advanced features. Along with a lightweight McMillan carbon fiber stock, the Model 21 boasts a wire EDM-machined receiver, nitride-coated fluted bolt, and TriggerTech trigger. Excellent accuracy is delivered with a Shilen match-grade stainless barrel, threaded at the muzzle for brake or suppressor. The Model 21 is offered in a wide variety of chamberings from .22 to .375 calibers: 22 Nosler, 26 Nosler, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 27 Nosler, 280 Ackley Improved, 28 Nosler, .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, 30 Nosler, 33 Nosler, and .375 H&H Magnum.
The heart of the rifle is Nosler’s new Model 21 action, designed in collaboration with the Mack Brothers from South Dakota, creators of the advanced EVO action popular with precision shooters. Nosler’s newly-designed Model 21 blends the best features of the EVO action with unique Nosler-engineered customizations, delivering an ultra-reliable, smooth cycling action, well suited for hunting applications.
Nosler Model 21 with McMillan Carbon Fiber Stock
Shooting Illustrated 2023 Golden Bullseye Award Winner
Rifle of the Year — Springfield Armory Saint Edge ATC
Springfield Armory’s new SAINT Edge ATC is built around a patented “Accurized Tactical Chassis”, an advanced evolution of the AR platform. Featuring a monolithic lower/handguard system, the SAINT Edge ATC delivers a 100% free-floated barrel. This ensures that the barrel, barrel nut and gas system are totally free from any contact with the lower chassis.
Chambered in .223 Wylde, the SAINT Edge ATC is offered in a standard black model as well as an Elite version finished in Cerakote® Coyote Brown, paired with an upgraded LaRue 2-Stage trigger and B5 Systems’ Precision Stock. For those that demand sub-moa precision from their AR-style rifle, the SAINT Edge ATC series is guaranteed to deliver.
About the Golden Bullseye Awards
Now in their 21st year, the NRA Publications Golden Bullseye Awards acknowledge top products available in the shooting sports. The winners are selected by a committee of editors, graphic designers, and NRA Publications staffers, representing more than a century of collective experience in the shooting/hunting industry. This year’s Golden Bullseye Awards are noteworthy as American Rifleman magazine is celebrating its 100th anniversary, while American Hunter magazine marks its 50th year of publication. Golden Bullseyes are also awarded by the NRA’s Shooting Illustrated magazine, and NRAWomen.com website.
To qualify for consideration for a Golden Bullseye Award, a product must have been:
— Recently introduced and available to consumers.
— Used/tested by a staff member or magazine contributor.
— Reliable in the field, meeting or exceeding the evaluator’s expectations
— Innovative in design and function.
— Readily perceived as a value to the purchaser.
— Styled in a manner befitting the shooting and hunting industry.
NRA Publications Executive Director Doug Hamlin stated: “The NRA Golden Bullseye Awards epitomize what NRA members seek in their shooting and hunting equipment—outstanding performance, innovation and value. These are the best new products, truly worthy of NRA Members’ attention, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all this year’s winners.”
Even before the SHOT Show exhibit halls open, attendees can meet with industry representatives at the 
Lapua just introduced two new 
– The “SHOT” in SHOT® Show stands for Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade.
Garand Collectors Association Master Marksman Medal
• Magnifying Glass – We use a flat, 2″x2″ pocket 4x-8x magnifier. This folds up on itself. Very handy, we use it to inspect bullets and brass. Use this to check your flash holes for burrs, and check the meplats of your bullets before loading.
• Ballistol Aerosol – Try using this versatile lubricant/solvent for full-length sizing. Spray some on a patch and you can wipe the carbon off your case necks. Then, continue to apply a very small amount of Ballistol on the case bodies — just thin sheen is all you need. Ballistol is super slippery, and easy to remove. For general full-length sizing (on small cases) it works great and doesn’t leave a gooey, waxy, or chalky residue. For heavier case-forming jobs, we recommend Imperial Die Wax.
Every year the 
