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January 25th, 2023

Safari Club Int’l Convention in Nashville, TN — Feb. 22-25, 2023

Safari club international convention outfitter auction nashville tn tennessee 2023 show

The 2023 Safari Club International (SCI) Convention is a month away. The event runs in Nashville, Tennessee during the weekend of February 22-25, 2023. In years past, the SCI show was held in Las Vegas, but we think this new Nashville venue is a great choice.

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.

Safari club international convention outfitter auction nashville tn tennessee 2023 show

Key Attractions at SCI 2023 Convention:

Exhibits by Outfitters and Manufacturers
Safari club international convention outfitter auction nashville tn tennessee 2023 show

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
Safari club international convention outfitter auction nashville tn tennessee 2023 show

Over 20 live, silent, day, evening and online auctions will be held during the SCI convention next month 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.

Safari club international convention outfitter auction nashville tn tennessee 2023 show

Permalink Hunting/Varminting, News No Comments »
January 25th, 2023

Suppressors More Popular — Probably 3,600,000+ in USA Now

BATFE ATF suppressor silencer form 4 application tax stamp 3600000 2023 dean weingarten ammoland

Based on discussions with ATF representatives at SHOT Show 2023, it appears there are now over 3,600,000 registered suppressors (silencers), in the USA. Gun Journalist Dean Weingarten reports: “The total number of silencer tax stamps in existence in the USA as of 2019 was 2,042,719. The total number of silencer tax stamps existent in the USA as of 2020 was 2,664,774. The increase was 622,055 from 2019 to 2020. The number of legal silencers in the United States has not been updated since 2020. It is now 2023. When this correspondent asked representatives at the briefing if the numbers presented represented about a one million increase in legal silencers from 2020 to the end of 2022, they stated the number was reasonably correct.” That would mean the number of legal silencers/suppressors in the United States now exceeds 3.6 million in year 2023.

Procedure for Obtaining a Suppressor
Suppressors are now legal in 42 U.S. States. There are certain legal requirements for obtaining a suppressor, including paying a $200 Tax Stamp. To own a suppressor you must be legally eligible to purchase a firearm, pass a BATFE background check, pay a one time $200 Transfer Tax, and satisfy age requirements. (SEE ALL Requirements). In most (but not all) of those states you can use a suppressor for hunting. The eight (mostly blue) states which still prohibit civilian suppressor ownership are: California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. READ FULL ARTICLE on GunsAmerica Digest.

Expect Delays on Form 4 Request for Suppressor Permits
An ATF presentation at SHOT Show showed how many NFA applications were processed in the last three fiscal years up to September 30, 2022. The vast majority of these applications were for suppressors, using ATF Form 4.

BATFE ATF suppressor silencer form 4 application tax stamp 3600000 2023 dean weingarten ammoland

This huge increase in NFA Form 4 applications for suppressors means that suppressor applicants can expect very significant delays in processing. An ATF slide show indicated that the ATF’s Form 4 processing now takes an average of 270 days for the eForm, and a full 315 days for paper forms. That’s over 10 months!

Dean Weingarten observed: “The presentation made a good case the NFA division of the ATF is overwhelmed with NFA applications, leading to significant wait times to process those applications. The NFA division is experiencing considerable stress in processing NFA forms expeditiously, especially Form 4s. The ATF does not receive the $200 tax for NFA applications. The money goes directly to the general fund. Therefore, the NFA cannot hire more people to process more forms.”

Read story by Dean Weingarten on Ammoland.com. Read more by Dean Weingarten on his GunWatch website. ©2023 by Dean Weingarten: Permission to share is granted when this notice and link are included.

Permalink News, Tech Tip No Comments »
January 24th, 2023

Barrett Firearms Acquired by NIOA Group of Australia

australia NIOA family Barrett firearms

Australian defense contractor NIOA has announced the 100% acquisition of the industry-leading rifle design and manufacturing company, Barrett Firearms. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The American Barrett factory will continue to operate in the USA at its Murfreesboro, Tennessee location and all workers will be retained. Ronnie Barrett and Chris Barrett will serve as executive advisers to NIOA.

NIOA Group CEO Robert Nioa said the two family-owned companies came together out of a shared commitment to quality, innovation, loyalty, and mission: “NIOA’s association with Barrett dates back to 2008. We have been inspired by the story of Barrett and admire what Ronnie, Chris and the family have built over more than four decades. Together we share the same mission – combining our expertise and family business values will ensure Barrett carries on building the finest products in the world.”

australia NIOA family Barrett firearms

Mr. Nioa confirmed the company would continue to operate under the Barrett brand as a separate division within the NIOA Group alongside NIOA Australia, NIOA New Zealand, the Australian Missile Corporation and the group’s investment in joint venture company Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions.

australia NIOA family Barrett firearms

Outdoor Wire Editor Jim Shephard interviewed Robert Nioa recently. Jim noted that Barrett’s production will remain in the USA: “There’s absolutely no intention to move Barrett anywhere. In fact, Nioa told me in no uncertain terms that he isn’t looking to move Barrett, he’s looking forward to growing it beyond what it is today. And, he says, ‘I love Murfreesboro. We’re not going anywhere’.”

All management and staff at the Murfreesboro manufacturing facility in Tennessee have been retained and production will continue as normal. Over time it is expected that manufacturing activities in Murfreesboro will be expanded. As part of the NIOA acquisition, Barrett President Sam Shallenberger has been promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer while long-serving Barrett Chief Operating Officer Bryan James becomes President. Ronnie Barrett and Chris Barrett will provide ongoing support as executive advisers to Barrett and the NIOA Group.

australia NIOA family Barrett firearms

Barrett founder Ronnie Barrett said “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Barrett story. Rob and the NIOA team have great respect for the legacy Barrett has created as the leader in long range precision rifles. It’s reassuring to know Barrett will be in good hands with a family-owned company that is focused on manufacturing and delivering world-class firearms and munitions to a global network.”

About NIOA

NIOA is the largest Australian-owned supplier of firearms, weapons and ammunition to the Australian and New Zealand defense forces, law enforcement agencies, and commercial markets. It has long-standing trusted relationships with American companies such as Vista Outdoors, Leupold, General Dynamics, Northrup Grumman, and the Winchester-operated Lake City ammunition plant.

NIOA is a major tenant at the Australian government-owned, contractor-operated (GOCO) munitions facility at Benalla in Victoria. There NIOA currently manufactures 120mm munitions for the Abrams tank along with 30mm and 35mm cannon ammunition.

The company is contracted to deliver major weapons programs for the Australian and New Zealand militaries and has recently established an artillery shell forging factory in Maryborough, Queensland in a joint venture with Rheinmetall of Germany.

About Barrett Firearms

NIOA Barrett Firearms

Barrett has been a family-owned and operated company and the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing.

Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military and more than 75 U.S. DOS-approved countries around the world.

The Barrett Quality Management System (QMS) has earned the prestigious ISO 9001:2015 certification for the design and manufacture of firearms, ammunition, and accessories, and for sniper systems training.

Permalink News, Tactical No Comments »
January 22nd, 2023

Sunday GunDay: Top 22 Best-Selling Guns of 2022 (GunBroker)

The year 2022 is now behind us. We wondered — “What new firearms did Americans purchase the most last year?” Well Gunbroker, via the GunGenius.com site, answered that question based on its 2022 sales data. GunGenius.com publishes a monthly Top Sales Report featuring the Top 5 Best Sellers for each major category of firearms on GunBroker.com. This culminates in a year-end report listing the Top Selling Firearms of the Year. Just recently, GunGenius.com released its gun sales report for 2022. Across all gun categories, the report ranks the Top 22 Best-Selling Guns of 2022. Check out the list below.

Here Are the Top 10 in Each Major Category:

top 10 2022 selling rifles gunbroker top 10 2022 selling rifles gunbroker top 10 2022 selling rifles gunbroker

Here are the 22 Top-Selling Firearms in 2022:

1. SIG Sauer P320

2. Remington 700

3. SIG Sauer P365

4. Smith & Wesson M&P9

5. Ruger 10/22

6. Mossberg 590

7. Remington 870

8. Glock G19

9. Ruger American Rifle

10. Springfield Armory XD

11. Glock G43

12. Beretta 90

13. Colt Python

14. Ruger Mark IV

15. SIG Sauer P226

16. Springfield Armory Hellcat

17. CZ-USA CZ 75

18. Winchester Model 70

19. Ruger Mini-14

20. Glock G17

21. Henry Arms Big Boy

22. Mossberg 500

New for 2023 — 36 NEW Firearms Showcased at SHOT Show

This 17-minute Backfire Channel video covers three dozen firearms from multiple manufacturers. There are tactical rifles, hunting rifles, modern sporting rifles, plus a wide selection of new-for-2023 handguns from major manufacturers including S&W, Beretta, and Canik. Here are the firearm brands covered, with the respective times in the 17-minute backfire video. NOTE: More than one rifle per brand was reviewed so there are 36 guns covered among 22 manufacturers. For rifle fans we recommend Tikka (4:12), Howa (7:00), Bergara (10:11), and Browning (12:05).

0:23 Stag Arms
1:03 Canik
1:25 Kriss
2:25 Aero Precision
3:00 Smith & Wesson
3:37 Tristar
4:12 Tikka
4:44 Tisas
5:48 Cadex Defense
6:45 Hi-Point
7:00 Howa
7:30 Airforce
8:08 Henry
8:28 Faxon
8:59 IWI
9:36 Beretta
10:11 Bergara
12:05 Browning
13:08 CVA
13:45 DS Arms
14:30 Fierce
16:03 Oracle

New Rifles with Notable Features at Attractive Prices

Most of the 2022 best-selling bolt-action rifles* are traditional rigs such as the Remington 700 and the Winchester Model 70. Will some new rifles challenge these classics? Mossberg has a semi-tactical style Patriot rifle with a very attractive $1085.00 price. And Bergara has some nice, lightweight hunting rifles with advanced carbon stocks. These are priced competitively compared to carbon-stocked models from Gunwerks and Christensen Arms.

New Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical Rifle
mossbery patrio lr long range tactical rifle 6.5 prc creedmoor .308 Win

Mossberg’s new Patriot LR (Long Range) Tactical looks like a winner. This $1085.00 rifle has many cool features (MDT Chassis, 20 MOA Rail, threaded muzzle). Get a Patriot in 6.5 Creedmoor for local PRS-style events, and it can serve for deer hunting also. Then slip on a .22-cal barrel and use the rifle for varminting. We like the ergonomics of the stock and it offers an adjustable cheekpiece and Length of pull (with spacers). Like all Patriot rifles, the Patriot LR Tactical has Mossberg’s patented LBA™ (Lightning Bolt Action) user-adjustable trigger with 2 to 7-lb adjustment. Priced at $1085.00 MSRP, the rifle is currently offered in 6.5mm Creedmoor and .308 Win with 22″ barrel, and 6.5 PRC with 24″ barrel. FULL Specs HERE.

Bergara Carbon-Stocked B-14 Squared Crest Rifle

Bergara’s new B-14 Squared Crest is an ultralight rifle for demanding backcountry hunters. It features a proprietary carbon-fiber monocoque stock with an internal spine for greater strength and rigidity. The new 100% carbon fiber stock is crafted using CF-RTM technology, a state-of-the-art method used in the aerospace industry. This manufacturing process consists of assembling dry carbon fibers by hand with an injected resin. With grey Cerakoted stainless steel 20″ barrel, unloaded weight is approximately 6.8 pounds. MSRP starts at $1999.00.


* We were curious about the Top 10 sellers among bolt-action rifles. There were some surprises. Here is the GunGenius.com list of the Top 10-selling bolt-action rifles: Ruger American Rifle, Browning X-Bolt, Savage 10/110, Savage Axis, Remington Model 700, Tikka T3, CZ-USA 457 Rifle, Ruger Precision Rifle, Mossberg Patriot, and Savage Model 93. We note this is somewhat inconsistent with the Top 22 list above. For example, if the Browning X-Bolt ranks higher among bolt guns than Rem 700s, then why is the Rem 700 higher on the overall list? We can’t really explain that. Perhaps the overall ranking is based on new AND used sales, but GunGenius doesn’t really give an explanation.

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January 22nd, 2023

SHOT Daily — All Four 2023 SHOT Show Digital Magazines

SHOT daily magazine issuu free digital publications

If you couldn’t attend SHOT Show 2023, don’t despair. You can now access complete digital editions of the official SHOT Show Daily Magazines provided to SHOT Show attendees and exhibitors. CLICK HERE to access all the SHOT Daily magazines distributed at SHOT Show 2023. In addition, you will find FREE digital issues of SHOT Business magazines from 2022.

SHOT daily magazine issuu free digital publications

CLICK Above PHOTO to Load Page with all Four Magazine Issues

Each of the four (4) issues contains a major product review, and many interesting shorter features. We highly recommend the major feature stories. In the Day 1 Edition, check out the Guns 2023 article starting on page 28. In the Day 2 Edition, look for the Optics 2023 article starting on page 38 and Ammo 2023 on page 22. New Knives are featured in the Day 3 Edition. In the Day 4 Edition, there is a summary of new Accessories starting on page 22. CLICK HERE to see ALL FOUR SHOT Daily 2023 magazines.

SHOT Show 2023 daily magazine new guns rifles pistols
SHOT Show 2023 daily new scopes and optics

Even if you’re not interested in the latest retail trends it’s worth browsing all four issues, because there are a number of articles relating to Second Amendment issues, range operations, hunting, and competitive shooting. In addition, you’ll find many shorter items of interest to rifle shooters.

SHOT daily magazine issuu free digital publications

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January 21st, 2023

Bloody Disaster — Loading Pistol Powder in Rifle Case

Varget Kaboom TiteGroup Hand injury reloading fingers accident

This is a grim tale. A man almost lost the use of his right hand, and did suffer terrible injuries to his fingers. All because he picked the wrong bottle of powder off the shelf. We have run this story before, and we will continue to run it every year, as a caution to our readers. This mistake is easy to make, but the consequences can be dire. Always, always double-check your powder labels before you start the hand-loading process. If you don’t, you may not have a hand to load with next time…

Similar Labels, Disasterous Consequences
The shooter, Denny K., was assembling some rounds for his brand new 7mm-08 Savage hunting rifle. He thought he was loading with Hodgdon Varget. Instead he had filled his powder measure with Hodgdon TiteGroup, a fast-burning pistol powder. The labels are similar, so the mistake is understandable. But the results were devastating. Here’s what 41 grains of TiteGroup can do in a 7mm-08:

Varget Kaboom TiteGroup Hand injury reloading fingers accident

Posting on the Firing Line, in a thread entitled “Lucky to Be Alive”, Denny writes:

“This is the hardest post to post. I know if I had read it a week ago my comment would have been: ‘You have no business reloading’. I had everything perfect, except pouring the wrong powder in the powder measure. I type this slowly with my left hand, embarrassed but … possibly saving someone else a tragedy or, like me, a long drive to the Emergency Room and surgery to save my finger.”

CLICK HERE for bigger, more graphic photo of injury.
Varget Kaboom TiteGroup Hand injury reloading fingers accident

The Still-Sealed Bottle of Varget
Denny did not initially comprehend exactly why the kaboom happened. He thought maybe his new Savage rifle was at fault. Then, on his return home, he discovered something…

Denny wrote: “The seven-hour period it took to go to ER, transport to Trauma Center and surgery made me think it was a Savage rifle issue. Brand new rifle, new brass, triple-checked loading data. The next day I was humbled when I realized the Varget powder was still sealed.

I knew what powder to use. I thought [Varget] was what I used. Not until the following day did I realize the Varget was still sealed.”

At that point, Denny realized what caused the accident — “operator error”. He knew he had to warn others about using the wrong powder: “I knew I needed to share my mistake, even though it is embarrassing, just to remind people. I’ve been reloading for 30 years…”

Editor’s Comment: Denny was not a novice reloader. His experience demonstrates that this kind of mistake can be made by any hand-loader, even one with decades of experience. Be safe guys, take your time when you load your ammo. Remove powders from measures after your loading sessions (pistol powders can look very similar to rifle powders). And by all means CHECK the LABEL on the jug. As the TiteGroup label says: “A little goes a long way.”

It’s not a bad idea to separate your pistol powders from your rifle powders, or perhaps even load for pistol in a separate part of your workshop.

Permalink News, Reloading, Tech Tip 7 Comments »
January 20th, 2023

Vegas Visions — Images from SHOT Show 2023

SHOT Show 2023 las vegas venetian NSSF shooting industry photos

SHOT Show 2023 was a big success, drawing over 52,000 registered visitors from over 100 nations. The show was virtually sold out of exhibit space with 2500+ exhibitors overall. Everything you can imagine relating to firearms and hunting was on display at the show: rifles, pistols, shotguns, ammunition, optics, stocks, barrels, reloading equipment, safety gear, gun cases, and more.

Today, January 20th, 2023, is the last day of SHOT Show 2023. To celebrate the successful show this year, we’ve collected a variety of images from the event. If you’ve never been to SHOT Show, the biggest gun-related gathering in the world, these photos provide a “look inside”, offering a vicarious SHOT Show experience for our readers.

SHOT Show 2023 — Images from the Big Event

SHOT Show 2023 las vegas venetian NSSF shooting industry photos
Yes, SHOT Show can be crowded! This is opening day at the Venetian EXPO, Level 2.

SHOT Show 2023 las vegas venetian NSSF shooting industry photos
Ace pistol, PRS, and 3-Gun competitor Doug Koenig records a Podcast at the Ruger booth.

SHOT Show 2023 las vegas venetian NSSF shooting industry photos
Line-up of display stocks with mounted rifle scopes.

SHOT Show 2023 las vegas venetian NSSF shooting industry photos
Brightly colored purple and black AR pistol from GunTec USA.

SHOT Show 2023 las vegas venetian NSSF shooting industry photos
The quantity and variety of guns on display can be a little overwhelming for show visitors.

SHOT Show 2023 las vegas venetian NSSF shooting industry photos
Above all SHOT Show is about commerce — connecting manufacturers and wholesalers with retail dealers/vendors across the nation and the world.

SHOT Show 2023 las vegas venetian NSSF shooting industry photos
SHOT Show 2023 featured a small archery range set up on the plaza near Caesars Forum.

SHOT Show 2023 las vegas venetian NSSF shooting industry photos
On Wednesday there was an All-Star Jam Concert outside Caesars Forum, next to Great Outdoors Plaza.

SHOT Show 2023 las vegas venetian NSSF shooting industry photos
SHOT University’s ATF Compliance seminar drew hundreds of firearms retailers.

SHOT Show 2023 las vegas venetian NSSF shooting industry photos
Setting up SHOT Show 2023 at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum (above) was a massive job requiring heavy equipment. Over 2500 companies exhibited at SHOT Show 2023.

SHOT Show 2023 las vegas venetian NSSF shooting industry photos

SHOT Show 2023 las vegas venetian NSSF shooting industry photos

Permalink Gear Review, News No Comments »
January 20th, 2023

ZEISS LRP S5 525-56 Named Best Overall Long Range Rifle Scope

Zeiss LRP S5 525-56 scope outdoor life review

The ZEISS LRP S5 525-56 rifle scope has won a prestigious honor from Outdoor Life magazine. This advanced 5-25x56mm First Focal Plane (FFP) optic was named “Best Overall” in the article entitled The Best Long Range Rifle Scopes of 2023. This ZEISS scope won overall top honors for its exceptionally good lenses and its best-in-class elevation adjustment. Outdoor Life’s award article summarized: “Why It Made The Cut: Built around premium glass and a reticle designed for Precision Rifle Series steel-target competitions, the [ZEISS LRP S5 525-56] has the best turrets and most adjustment range in the class.”

Zeiss LRP S5 525-56 scope outdoor life review

Zeiss LRP S5 525-56 scope outdoor life reviewThe review continued: “The LRP S5 … easily won the top award in this year’s Outdoor Life optics test, taking top spots in both the resolution and low-light portions of the test. But what wowed testers were the features built for both dialing and holding for distant targets.

The illuminated ZF reticle is available in either MOA or MRAD versions. The MRAD version incorporates a tree-style structure with abundant elevation and windage references without seeming cluttered. The MOA version is more of a hash-style, with references on the main stadia. Both are fast, precise, and simple. In keeping with those superlatives, the [ZEISS LRP S5] scope has a crazy amount of internal adjustment in the 34mm tube, 40.7 MRAD (140 MOA) of elevation travel and 24 MRAD (60 MOA) of windage adjustment. That means you can engage targets from inside 100 yards out to 1,500 yards simply by holding on the reticle’s center aiming point and dialing your aiming solution.”

zeiss lrp s5 riflescope scope optic FFP first focal plane

Advanced Optical Technology — ZEISS LRP S5 Features

The ZEISS LRP S5 525-56 has many notable features, including a lockable windage turret, adjustable reticle illumination, and a HUGE amount of elevation travel — 40.7 Mils in the MIL model and 140 MOA in the MOA version. That gives this optic the ability to shoot at extreme range without requiring holdovers.

Jim See Elite Accuracy Zeiss LRP 525-56 scope First focal plane PRS NRL 5-25x56mm unboxing field test

Permalink News, Optics No Comments »
January 19th, 2023

SHOT Show 2023 Day 3 — Video Showcase

SHOT Show 2023 video showcase

SHOT Show is one of the biggest trade shows of the year among ALL industries. This year there are thousands of exhibitors spread out over two exhibit halls the combined size of 14 football fields! Thankfully a number of YouTubers have been working hard, finding interesting new products in the miles of aisles. Today we feature some notable videos from SHOT Show 2023. The first video in our showcase comes from Backfire, a popular gun-centric YouTube Channel with over 600,000 subscribers. This video spotlights 36 new rifles, pistols, and shotguns. Keep scrolling to view a dozen other videos highlighting a wide variety of new firearms as well as the all-new Mark 7 GENESYS progressive press.

36 New Guns at SHOT Show 2023

You’ll need some patience to get through this entire 17-minute Backfire Channel video, but it’s worth it. The hosts cover three dozen different firearms from multiple manufacturers. There are tactical rifles, hunting rifles, modern sporting rifles, plus a wide selection of new-for-2023 handguns from major manufacturers including S&W, Beretta, and Canik.

New Bolt-Action Rifle from Stag Arms


SHOT Show 2023 video showcase

Stag Arms, a major producer of AR-type rifles, surprised SHOT Show attendees with an all-new, bolt action rifle, the Pursuit Line Bolt Gun. This rifle features a pivot pin behind the action which allows rapid and easy change of stock types. There are many other interesting features in this new bolt-action rifle.

New Beretta and Smith & Wesson Pistols


This 5-minute video was mostly created at the Beretta and Smith & Wesson booths at SHOT Show. Highlights include the new S&W 5.7 pistol (1:50 time-mark, see also S&W video above), which shoots the high-velocity FN 5.7x28mm cartridge. For CCW, there’s a nice little Beretta BX-4 Compact Carry with factory Red Dot sight (1:12). If you want a “Show-Off” pistol, check out the eye-catching faux-gold finish Girsan Hi-Power clone (0:17). Revolver fans will appreciate the massive S&W 350 Legend revolver (1:29).

New Shotguns and Upgraded LUPO Rifle from Benelli


SHOT Show 2023 video showcase benelli lupo

Benelli showcased new shotguns and an enhanced version of its handsome LUPO Rifle, first introduced in 2020. Benelli expanded the choice of LUPO chamberings to include 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, .30-06 Springfield, and .300 Win Mag. The LUPO featured Benelli’s proprietary BE.S.T. (Benelli Surface Treatment) which is guaranteed against rust and corrosion for 25 years. BE.S.T. is high-gloss, unlike Cerakote. This proprietary finishing technology is a hybrid Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) technology that applies a protective coating to parts. PVD and PECVD processes utilize electricity, radio frequencies, and plasma in a high vacuum environment to deposit a solid coating that precisely and uniformly covers the treated parts.

New Benchmade Knives for 2023

Here is a report from the floor of SHOT Show 2023. The video features a variety of cool new knives for 2023 from Benchmade. Some of these are coming soon, but you can check out all the latest Benchmade knives available at the KnifeCenter website.

New Savage 1911 Pistol


SHOT Show 2023

You read that right, rifle-maker Savage Arms is now producing a 1911-type pistol and is looks very good. It has ambidextrous controls, a forward rail, target crown, and nice sights. The new Savage 1911 is built built from stainless steel, has a dual recoil spring, machined sear and disconnector. It is offered in three styles: Black Nitride, Stainless, and Two-Tone (black slide, stainless frame). MSRP is $1499.00.

Lyman Mark 7 Progressive Reloading Press Line-Up

lyman mark 7 genesys progressive pressSHOT Show 2023

SHOT Show’s Amy Sweezey visited the Lyman booth to look at Lyman’s Mark 7 progressive reloading presses. The Mark 7 line of presses is very advanced. The all-new, automated Mark 7 GENESYS press featured in the video can be set, via a keypad, for a shorter pistol ammo up/down stroke or a longer rifle cartridge stroke. Output is 2500 rounds per hour for pistol and 2000 rounds per hour for rifle! For more info on the GENESYS and other Mark 7 progressives, visit LymanProducts.com.

New Glock Performance Trigger for Gen 5 Pistols

In this episode of TFB-TV, James Reeves interviews champion shooter Shane Coley. The key topic is Glock’s new factory-built Performance Trigger. Yes, Glock is now making a high performance trigger for its Gen 5 pistols. Shane explains all of the relevant details, including a surprisingly reasonable price. This new trigger should be available very soon.

QUICK FLIX

Rise Armament Iconic 2-Stage AR Trigger
Henry Homesteader Semi-Auto 9mm Rifle

LEFT: Rise Armament claims this is the first-ever “mechanically independent” two-stage trigger for AR-platform rifle. The first stage is 1 pound while the second stage is 2 pounds for 3-pounds total pull weight. As you can see in the video, there is a very short reset — good for 3-gun competition and tactical games.

RIGHT: Here is the new Henry Homesteader semi-auto 9mm rifle as displayed at Industry Day at the Range. This PCC (Pistol Caliber Carbine) shoots 9x19mm (9mm Luger) pistol ammo. As you can see, recoil is minimal. Testers really liked this new Henry rifle. READ Full Report.

Shadow Systems Pistols

BONUS Last Year Video of ELR Shooting at Raton in New Mexico

cutting edge bullets elr raton NMAs a “blast from the past”, this 2022 SHOT Show TV video has a great sequence from Cutting Edge Bullets with big-bore rifles shooting at extreme long range in Raton, NM. This is a nice intro to ELR shooting. Look carefully and you can see advanced optics, Doppler Radar, and other high-tech gear.

SHOT Show 2022 ELR Raton Cutting Edge Bullets

NOTE: The ELR sequence in the video below starts at 23:48 mark, but if you click the center arrow start button the video should start at 23:48:

Parting SHOT — One More Day to Go

SHOT Show 2023

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January 19th, 2023

Panel of Ballistics Experts at Kestrel SHOT Show Booth Today

Bryan Litz Applied Ballistics SHOT Show Kestrel booth 2023

Kestrel Ballistics will host a live Q&A session with four leading industry professionals at its SHOT Show exhibitor booth #14856. The expert panel session will take place today January 19th from 1:00 to 2:00 pm MST. The 4-man panel includes respected ballistics and shooting experts: Bryan Litz, Mitchell Fitzpatrick, Todd Hodnett, and Colby Hodnett. These four men will take questions from attendees and share their advanced knowledge of ballistics, ELR competition, and all things shooting related.

Bryan Litz earned his Aerospace Engineering degree from Pennsylvania State University in 2002. For the next six years, he worked for the U.S. Air Force on air-to-air missile design and simulation. In 2008, he left the USAF to become Chief Ballistician for Berger Bullets. Bryan then founded Applied Ballistics and has produced numerous articles, books, and videos related to the science of long-range shooting. Bryan also has notable competition credits including winning the 2015 Mid-Range F-TR National Championship. The author of leading books on ballistics and long-range shooting, Bryan is widely considered the leading rifle ballistics expert on the planet.

Bryan Litz Applied Ballistics SHOT Show Kestrel booth 2023

Mitchell Fitzpatrick is an engineer with Applied Ballistics. Mitch’s shooting accomplishments range from Junior F-TR World Champion in 2013 to winning the 2016 King of 2 Miles ELR shooting competition. He also won the Open Division at the 2019 Nightforce ELR Match. After graduating from Michigan Technological University with a major in Mechanical Engineering and minor in Aerospace Engineering, Mitch joined the Applied Ballistics team in 2014. Mitchell is now a full-time engineer with Applied Ballistics.

applied ballistics mitchell fitzpatrick
Mitchell Fitzpatrick shooting .375 EnABELR in an ELR Competition..

Todd Hodnett, President of Accuracy 1st, is considered one of the most respected and sought-after instructors in the entire world. With 20 years of experience, Todd has traveled the world training soldiers in the art of precision shooting. His determination, knowledge, and vision have guided the development of products to improve the accuracy and function of the sniper and precision shooter.

Bryan Litz Applied Ballistics SHOT Show Kestrel booth 2023Colby Hodnett works as a long-range instructor with Accuracy 1st. In addition to being an avid hunter, angler, and outdoor enthusiast, Colby is a Commercial helicopter pilot, certified flight instructor, NRA-certified pistol instructor, and aircraft mechanic. Colby, along with his father Todd, continue to serve the Kestrel community by being a resource for all-things long-range shooting.

Visit the Kestrel Booth Today at 1:00 PM
Don’t miss your shot to talk with these pros! Swing by Booth #14856 January 19th from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. The four-man panel also previously held sessions at the Kestrel Booth on January 17th and 18th. But today is the last opportunity for SHOT Show attendees to hear the panel.

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