Will you be traveling (with guns) to other states this summer? Are you concerned about the laws that might apply when you are transporting firearms across state lines? Or are you puzzled about the requirements for obtaining a carry permit in your own state? If you have any of these questions, you should definitely get expert guidance on State statutes and regulations controlling firearms. To do that, you can purchase Attorney Scott Kappas’s Traveler’s Guide to the Firearms Laws of the 50 States for just $11.85 on Amazon. The latest 2022 edition includes 100+ updates since last year. In addition, there are multiple new and expanded sections for 2022.
If you don’t want to spend the $12-$16 bucks, there is a FREE alternative. There’s a very helpful set of State Law Summaries on the web, presented by PewPewTactical.com. Despite the silly name, the PewPewTactical website has an abundance of information that is particularly beneficial for pistol shooters and CCW holders.
One of the best features of PewPewTactical.com is the Gun Laws by State online reference guide. We looked through four of these State Law Summaries and were impressed by the depth of the coverage. But we caution — if you have specific legal questions, particularly with recently-enacted statutes, you should consult a licensed attorney for your state (or the state to which you will travel). In addition, many of the State Law Summaries have not been updated for 3-5 YEARS! But they are still a good place to start. Below are links to state law articles from PewPewTactical.com. To access any State summary, simply click the State name below:
SFC Brandon Green, 2022 National Long Range Champion, is congratulated by Mid Tompkins.
SFC Brandon Green of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit has added another remarkable achievement to his storied shooting career. In winning ALL the major Long Range events this summer, Green proved that he is one of the greatest American marksmen of all time. The USAMU’s Green, a three-time National High Power Champion, added multiple Long Range wins to his resume this summer. At the NRA National Matches in Camp Atterbury, Indiana, SFC Green won all four major “any rifle” trophies in the Long Range Championships. He was also the overall National Long-range Champion, winning the Tompkins trophy. No human had ever done that before. We congratulate Brandon on his amazing set of wins.
At Camp Atterbury this week, Brandon Green won all four NRA Long Range Individual National Trophies for Any Rifle: Wimbledon Cup, Mustin Trophy, Leech Cup, and Remington Band of Brothers Trophy. Green also won the Canadian Cup (National Any Rifle Champion) and Tompkins Trophy (overall National Long-Range Champion). No one has ever accomplished this feat in the history of the National Trophies. This is a truly historic individual performance by SFC Green, a fitting complement to his multiple High Power National Championships.
The Tompkins Trophy is a bronze statuette of a cowboy riding a horse while defending himself from an unseen pursuer. The work is entitled “Prayer and a Winchester” by L.E. “Gus” Shafer. The trophy was donated to NRA by Middleton W. Tompkins for Long Range High Power Rifle competition.
Photo from Gunwerks Sheep Mountain L3 Mountain Shooting Course in July 2021. Register Here.
Carpe Diem — “Seize the Day”. Make every day count…
This story is not directly about firearms, or reloading gear, or any of the little details of our sport. It, instead, is about life… and, sadly, about death. The recent passing of a friend (and fellow shooter) got me to thinking, “I’m nearly sixty-six — what if I only had ten more years to live — how would I want to live my life? What really counts the most? What things would I do differently? What dreams would I pursue?”
AccurateShooter.com has many thousands of readers in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. Hopefully we will all live long, happy, and fruitful lives. But it’s wise to remember that we are all mortal, and the clock is ticking. Consider this — in the United States, the average male life expectancy is 76.3 years.*
Using that number as a rough benchmark, I may have just 10 and a half more years to enjoy life and to do the things I love — shooting, traveling, sailing, camping, listening to music, being with friends and family. Only 10.5 years left — that’s a real number my brain can comprehend all too well, particularly after the last 14 months have been so restricted due to COVID.
There is some good news — the actuarial tables predict that, since I’ve almost made it to 66 years already, I should live well past age 76. The predicted life-span of a 66-year-old American male is 17.2 years, which works out to 206 more months, and 896 more weekends. That’s less scary, but the message still rings true — time is running out. Live your dreams while you can.
Living a Life with More Good Times, and Fewer Regrets
Recently, a group of men, very near the end of their lives, were surveyed. They were asked if they would do things differently if they could live their lives over again. The vast majority of these men gave surprisingly similar responses, which fit into five “Life Lessons”. These “Top 5 Regrets of the Dying” were reported in a story by Bronnie Ware, writing for the AARP online magazine. Ware writes: “When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced.” Here are the five regrets most often mentioned by older men:
1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
“This was the most common regret of all. When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. ”
Lesson: Don’t wait to follow your dreams. Be true to yourself.
2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.
“This came from every male patient [surveyed]. All of the men… deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.”
Lesson: Don’t let your work crowd out other important aspects of life.
3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
“Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming.”
Lesson: Express yourself truthfully. Don’t suppress your feelings for decades.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
“There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort they deserved. Many [were] so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years.”
Lesson: Take an interest your friends’ lives; keep bonds of friendship strong.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
“This is a surprisingly common [regret]. Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice.”
Lesson: Affirmatively pursue the things that bring you happiness. Don’t just stick to old habits.
Turn Off the Computer, and Do Something Memorable with Your Friends Today
How does this all apply to our shooting hobby? Well, if (like me) you are middle-aged (or older), go have some fun this weekend! Load up your rifle and get to the range. Don’t put off doing the things that make you happy. Call those old buddies you may not have seen in a long time. Renew friendships. Get out into nature. And start figuring out how you can live your dreams. As the saying goes, “Time waits for no man”.
*This is based on 2020 World Health Organization Data for all males. One of our readers pointed out that the numbers actually work out better than this, because once a man survives to later life, men of his surviving age cohort enjoy a projected lifespan longer than the average projected lifespan from birth. For example, using Social Security Administration (SSA) data, an American man born exactly 60 years ago, has a calculated average life expectancy of 23 years… meaning he would live to age 83, on average. CLICK HERE to see SSA-predicted longevity based on your birthdate.
A number of interesting jobs in the firearms industry have become available in recent weeks. The NSSF maintains a regularly-updated listing of employment opportunities with gun-makers and shooting sports organizations. On the NSSF’s job board right now there are financial openings, account manager positions, engineering jobs, sales and marketing positions, and media/digital marketing opportunities. Here are some of the jobs we found this week posted on the NSSF Website. CLICK HERE to visit the NSSF Career Center with all current listings
The NRA Hunters’ Leadership Forum (HLF) supports the Hunters for the Hungry (HFH) program. A total of $60,000 has been committed to fund affiliates throughout the country. An NRA-supported initiative, Hunters for the Hungry donates millions of meals to charities and programs focused on feeding the less fortunate every year.
“Last year, HFH affiliates across America applied for and received funding totaling $50,000″, said Joseph P. De Bergalis, Jr., Executive Director of NRA General Operations. “Due to the generosity of the NRA Hunters’ Leadership Forum, these subsidies went towards processing and distributing millions of pounds of harvested meat to feed those in need in our communities. We are grateful to HLF for again offering funding support for this meaningful program.”
Hunters for the Hungry utilizes state and independent programs that have provide millions of pounds of venison to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and food banks across the USA. Working with the NRA, these programs connect interested individuals with programs in their area while fostering public awareness through education and fundraising. Available through subsidy awards up to $1,500, the fund covers the cost of processing, shipping, and distributing donated meat.
The NRA encourages all members and supporters to donate to those programs either financially or by donating harvested game meat. To find where you can donate in your area, or to support HFH, visit HFTH.nra.org.
Brownells is running a major promotion this week from July 11 through July 15. During this Brownells PrimeTime Blowout Sale, there are significant savings (up to 50% off) on popular products. Brownells will unveil new deals every day during the PrimeTime Blowout Sale giving customers many chances for a great buy on that special something they’ve been waiting for.
Shoppers who visit Brownells.com through July 15 at 11:59 pm will find many products discounted steeply – some 50% off retail – from well-known names such as Colt, Hornady, Magpul, Law Tactical, Foxtrot Mike, Aero and many others. Want updates on the latest deals? Customers can receive instant notifications about exclusive deals by texting the word PRIME to 556223. You can also visit www.Brownells.com to see exclusive discount codes or sign up for email alerts.
Here are some current Brownells Discount Codes:
45off450 — Get $45 off purchase of $450.00 or more 35off350 — Get $35 off purchase of $350.00 or more 25off250 — Get $25 off purchase of $250.00 or more JULY55 — Get $55 off purchase of $500.00 or more 15off150 — Get $15 off purchase of $150.00 or more
The 2022 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, commenced Monday, July 11th, with the opening ceremony and the start of the High Power Rifle OTC National Championship. Held since 2017 at Camp Atterbury, a National Guard training facility, the 2022 NRA National Matches will continue through August 7, 2022. The photo above shows Denise Loring of Camp Valor Outdoors shooting on Day 1 of the High Power Rifle Championship.
Shooting Sports USA reports: “Opening the competition this year at Camp Atterbury was Indiana First Lady Janet Holcomb, NRA First Vice President Willes K. Lee, NRA Second Vice President David Coy, and Indiana State Rifle and Pistol Association President and new NRA Board Member Charlie Hiltunen. Indiana First Lady Janet Holcomb had the honor of firing the ceremonial first shot. She was shooting an AR-15 with a Compass Lake upper, Geissele trigger and Nightforce optic. For the first time, the first shot for the NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury was fired on an electronic target.”
CLICK HERE for full 2022 NRA National Matches schedule. You can also follow the action this summer at Camp Atterbury by subscribing to Shooting Sports USA’s free Insider Newsletter.
2022 NRA National Matches Schedule at Camp Atterbury:
High Power OTC (Across the Course): July 10–15, 2022
High Power Mid-Range: July 16–21, 2022
Precision Pistol: July 17–23, 2022
High Power Long-Range: July 24–29, 2022
Smallbore 3-Position: July 25–29, 2022
Smallbore Prone: July 30 – August 7, 2022
Extreme Long-Range (ELR): August 5–7, 2022
Here’s a competitor’s first-hand video of 2018 High Power Championship at Camp Atterbury:
NRA Second Vice President David Coy, who will compete at Camp Atterbury during the Precision Pistol National Championships next week, thanked everyone who worked to support this event. David noted: “We as Americans are inherently competitive… This competition is an outgrowth of the original purpose of the NRA to teach marksmanship.”
Lodging Options at Camp Atterbury — Summer 2022
There are several housing options at Camp Atterbury. The most convenient are on-base, with Camp Atterbury offering hotel-style buildings with suites, along with standard rooms, and ‘open military squad bay’-style quarters available by reservation. Camp Atterbury also offers a limited number of RV spots, plus the MWR campground and cabins. NOTE: Lodging is controlled by the Camp Atterbury Lodging Office, not the NRA.
Forum member F-Class John is an avid F-Class competitor and expert handloader. John reviews reloading hardware and shooting-related products for his popular F-Class John YouTube Channel, which now boasts 300+ videos. John also does important product testing for AccurateShooter.com. Through his YouTube channel, John has reviewed many of the latest and greatest reloading tools and accessories. For today’s Video Showcase, we selected eight F-Class John tool and reloading product reviews.
If you like these informative videos, consider joining F-Class John’s Patreon Channel for live video meetings, more in-depth videos, and detailed explanations.
AndiScan Micro A2 Doppler Radar Chronograph
This is break-through technology folks. Imagine a device that replaces a big, bulky chronograph and is a small fraction of the size and weight. The revolutionary AndiScan Micro A2 chronograph records bullet velocity with great precision. Yet it can fit in your pocket, and be easily mounted on your rifle or front rest. This recent video follows up on F-Class John’s initial AndiScan Test Video. And yes folks, this product is now, finally, in production according to the maker: “(6/July/2022) Model A2 will be available on e-shop in several supply batches. Batches of first small production series will be available during July and August.”
The AndiScan Micro A2 is an advanced 24 GHz Doppler radar for measuring velocity of projectiles. This extremely small form-factor device can be directly mounted on your rifle. This makes set-up fast and easy. Plus the AndiScan Micro A2 can be used in dynamic situations, such as multiple distance matches, multi-position stages, or PRS/NRL courses. SEE: AndiScan Micro A2 Product Information.
21st Century Hydro Press and Standard Arbor Press
John notes: “You can’t really talk about precision reloading without taking about inline dies and arbor presses. For my money there’s nothing better than the lineup from 21st Century Shooting. They offer the Hydro Seater which is hands-down the best manual seater out there as well as their standard arbor press which is great for taking on the road to push back bullets as needed.”
Zero Turret Press with Whidden Sizing Die
The new Zero Press from Area 419 is arguably the best turret press ever crafted. It offers unrivaled precision, along with the highest-capacity turret head with NINE die/tool stations. Milled from billet aluminum and stainless steel, this press moves with the help of 14 bearings. In this video, F-Class John shows how to use a Whidden Gunworks full-length sizing die on the Zero Press. And John has two other video reviews of the $1200 Zero Press: 1. Zero Press First Thoughts Video; 2. Loading on a Zero Press.
Dillon 750 Tips and Tricks
The Dillon XL 750 is a favorite of high-volume reloaders. With the optional case feeder, the XL 750 offers high output with great reliability. And Dillon offers one of the best warranties in the business. In this video, F-Class John features upgrades including the Armanov tool-head holders from Europe. These are drilled and tapped for all FIVE stations allowing the user to put threaded dies in any station.
Concentricity Checking with Accuracy One Gauge
Every serious hand-loader needs a quality concentricity gauge. The Accuracy One Concentricity Gauge boasts a smart design that delivers precise, repeatable results. We like the unit’s easy adjustability and its ability to work in a variety of configurations. The Accuracy One Gauge measures internal and external neck runout of cartridge cases as well as seated bullet runout. It can also measure the runout of the ogive, bearing surface, and boat-tail of individual bullets. And it can even measure your primer pocket runout.
Teslong Rigid (Shaft) Borescope with Monitor
Seeing inside your barrel can provide clues to how well you’re cleaning and the bore’s overall health. One of the best tools on the market is the Teslong Rigid Borescope. This features a solid rod for easy use in barrels. Plus it comes with a self-contained high-definition viewing monitor so no smartphones or WiFi tablets are needed. If you’re looking for something more portable and a bit more versatile, try the Teslong Flexible Borescope, $99.99 including monitor. John was impressed with the new rigid Teslong he tested, and he likes having a dedicated monitor (no WiFi required).
Lyman Powered Case Trimmer Review
The Lyman Case Trim Xpress is an efficient, precise unit that allows easy adjustment of trim length with a click-adjustable collar. The trimmer comes with a set of cartridge-specific bushings that index off the case shoulder. One nice feature is a variable speed control. For the price, $154.99 on Amazon, this trimmer delivers excellent performance. F-Class John has another video review of the Lyman Case Trim Xpress which shows set-up and operation.
Primal Rights Competition Priming Seater (CPS) Review
If there is a Ferrari of priming tools, it has to be the Primal Rights Competition Primer Seater (CPS). This impressive bench-mounted tool allows very precise control over primer seating depth. A vertical tube holds primers ready for insertion. The action is smooth and precise. John believes that this is definitely the best priming tool on the market, though it may not be for everyone given its premium $600.00 price.
Gunsmithing Torque Wrench Comparisons
When you are working on custom rifles that might cost $5000+, and mounting scopes that can run $3000 (or more), you need to use very high-quality tools. Precise torque settings are essential, both to avoid damage to valuable parts, and to have the rifle and optic perform optimally. In this video, F-Class John looks at a variety of torque wrenches suitable for gunsmithing duties.
Notably, over the past two decades, firearms production in the United States has tripled — from 2,911,346 in 2001, to 9,739,335 in 2020. In fact, peak production was reached in 2016, with 10,664,318 rifle, pistols, and shotguns produced. The annual production of shotguns has actually declined slightly over the past 20 years, but the production of handguns has soared. Check out this table:
In recent years, the U.S. firearms industry has been presented with unprecedented opportunities, as well as rising obstacles. Shooting Industry magazine’s annual U.S. Firearms Industry Today Report looks back to where it all began: 2020. Using the latest available data from ATF, this report delves into U.S. firearms production — revealing the top producers across all firearm categories — and includes analysis on historical NICS background check trends and the latest import/export figures.
“While 2020 represented the highest demand year, it was not … a record production year for the U.S. firearms industry”, observed SI Editor Jade Moldae. “Supply chain challenges, raw material sourcing issues, COVID-impacted shutdowns and labor shortages impacted business in 2020, to name a few.”
The firearms industry is a significant component of the U.S. national economy: “According to NSSF’s 2022 Firearm and Ammunition Industry Economic Impact Report, the industry’s total economic influence ballooned from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $70.52 billion in 2021, a 269% jump. Year-over-year, the industry’s economic impact rose 11.1% (from $63.5 billion in 2020).
Corresponding with a rising economic impact, the total number of full-time equivalent jobs in the industry increased from approximately 166,000 in 2008 to over 375,000 in 2020 (126% increase). From 2020 to 2021, total jobs grew from 342,330 to 375,819 (9.8%).
Highlights from the report:
• Total Firearms Production has TRIPLED since year 2001, boosted primarily with handgun sales (see chart).
• After hitting a near 10-year low in 2019, U.S. firearms production jumped 53.3% in 2020 (from 6,353,124 to 9,739,335 firearms). This was the biggest year-over-year jump since 1993, which recorded a 66.5% increase over 1992.
• A record 6,502,261 handguns were produced in the U.S. in 2020. 9mm pistol paced handgun production, with about three out of every five handguns produced in 2020 were chambered in the caliber.
• Smith & Wesson set a new benchmark in firearms production with 2,320,963 firearms, while Ruger (1,659,324) and SIG SAUER (1,077,019) passed the 1 million mark.
Today, July 4th, we are celebrating a special birthday — the launching of a new nation that would become the world’s greatest exemplar of freedom and democracy. In our modern world, it is easy to lose sight of the challenges that faced our fore-fathers, and the continuing burdens we all share, as Americans, to maintain the struggle for freedom, both at home and abroad. It is more important than ever that we remember the ideals on which the nation was founded, and remember that our nation became great through the efforts and talents of a free citizenry, not through an all-powerful central government.
In the Beginning — Overcoming Great Odds
In a July 4th speech, Navy Lt. Ellen Connors wrote: “Our nation declared its independence in order for our families to live free –- not just for one generation but for future generations. And what odds [the founding fathers] faced. It must have seemed impossible. Our forefathers went up against the world’s most colossal empire since ancient Rome. No colony had ever successfully left a mother country to set up a self-governing state.”
The Price of Freedom… The Pride of A Nation
Here is a selection from Daniel Webster’s July 4th, 1851 Oration. His words ring true even now:
On the 4th of July, 1776, the assembled Representatives of the United States of America in Congress declared that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, FREE and INDEPENDENT States. This Declaration, made by most patriotic and resolute men, trusting in the justice of their cause and the protection of Heaven, and yet made not without deep solicitude and anxeity, has now stood for seventy-five years, and still stands. It was sealed in blood. It has met dangers, and overcome them; it has had enemies, and conquered them; it has had detractors, and abashed them all….
Every mans’ heart swells within him… as he remembers that seventy-five years have rolled away, and that the great inheritance of liberty is still his — his, undiminished and unimpaired, his in all its original glory; his to enjoy; his to protect; and his to transmit to future generations.
SFC Brandon Green, 2022 National Long Range Champion, is congratulated by Mid Tompkins.
At Camp Atterbury this week, Brandon Green won all four NRA Long Range Individual National Trophies for Any Rifle: Wimbledon Cup, Mustin Trophy, Leech Cup, and Remington Band of Brothers Trophy. Green also won the Canadian Cup (National Any Rifle Champion) and Tompkins Trophy (overall National Long-Range Champion). No one has ever accomplished this feat in the history of the National Trophies. This is a truly historic individual performance by SFC Green, a fitting complement to his multiple High Power National Championships.
A number of interesting jobs in the firearms industry have become available in recent weeks. The NSSF maintains a regularly-updated listing of employment opportunities with gun-makers and shooting sports organizations. On the NSSF’s job board right now there are financial openings, account manager positions, engineering jobs, sales and marketing positions, and media/digital marketing opportunities. Here are some of the jobs we found this week posted on the NSSF Website. 
Hunters for the Hungry utilizes state and independent programs that have provide millions of pounds of venison to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and food banks across the USA. Working with the NRA, these programs connect interested individuals with programs in their area while fostering public awareness through education and fundraising. Available through 
