American ammo companies helping Ukraine, and getting the family involved in hunting, are the lead topics this week on Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk Radio, the original nationally-syndicated radio talk show about guns and the shooting sports. Now in its 27th year of syndication, Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk radio show airs on Sundays from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM ET on more than 270 stations, and is live-streamed on the web.
This week, Tom Gresham talks with AMMO Inc’s Chairman and CEO, Fred Wagenhals, about the company’s decision to donate one million rounds of ammunition to Ukrainian armed forces. Read more about the donation on AmmoInc.com. It’s worth noting that Vista Outdoor recently announced that it was also donating one million rounds to the Ukraine military forces defending the country (STORY HERE).
Fred Wagenhals, Ammo Inc’s CEO, said “Ammo Inc., and we as Americans, stand firmly in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, as we stand for freedom and democracy everywhere. While we fervently hope for a quick and peaceful resolution to the crisis and that diplomacy will win the day, we condemn the Russian aggression and its threat to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and freedom.”
Also on this Sunday Julie Golob, a top competitive shooter and the first-ever Woman of the Gun Award winner*, explains how to get the whole family involved in hunting as a pastime.
Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk radio show airs live on Sundays from 2 PM to 5 PM Eastern time on 270+ stations. You can also live-stream the show via the GTRstream.
Everyday Carry Giveaway
And be sure to enter Gun Talk’s Everyday Carry Giveaway through March 31st for a chance to win one of three Grand Prize Packages that include a SCCY DVG-1 Red Dot Ready 9mm pistol, a CrossBreed Holsters gift card, a SuperTuck Deluxe Holster with Found Series Leather, and the SureFire Stiletto Pro flashlight. One First Prize winner will receive the SureFire X300U-B handgun weapon light, and a $100 CrossBreed gift card. And there are three (3) Grand Prize winners. Enter the Giveaway contest now at Guntalk.com/win.
Gun Talk Radio — Podcast Archive
If you miss the live show broadcast or Live Streaming, past broadcasts can be heard online via the GUNTALK PODCAST Site and Apple iTunes. The Gun Talk Podcast Archive has hundreds of past shows you can access online. Here is a recent podcast about suppressors:
Gun Talk Podcast from 3/3/2022 — Silencer/Suppressor Questions Answered
In a wide-ranging conversation covering everything you want to know about suppressors, Gun Talk Nation’s Ryan Gresham talks with Silencer Central’s CEO Brandon Maddox about all things “can”. Topics include suppressor engineering, new ATF e-Forms, and legal qualifications.
* The NSSF named ace shooter and safety advocate Julie Golob the winner of its first-ever “Woman of the Gun Award” during the 2022 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. The award recognizes Golob’s achievements and contributions to shooting sports, as well as her work to promote the mission and message of NSSF’s Project ChildSafe program. NSSF President Joe Bartozzi stated: “Julie is a mom, veteran, hunter, and one of the most decorated handgun shooting champions in the world For more than a decade, she’s also been an invaluable partner to our Project ChildSafe program, giving of her time, her talents and her energy to promote firearm safety education.”
To provide support for Ukraine during the current crisis, Vista Outdoor, through its brands Remington, CCI, Speer and Federal Ammunition, will donate one million rounds of ammunition to the Ukraine Armed Forces.
“The war in Ukraine has displaced millions of citizens and exposed average people to the horrors of war”, said Jason Vanderbrink, President of Remington, CCI, Speer and Federal Ammunition. “Supporting the relief effort is a crucial element of the global response and we are proud to do our part. It underscores how critical the Second Amendment is in America and highlights the importance of the ability of American Manufacturers to supply our allies with ammunition. We have long supported Ukrainian armed forces and we will continue to do so in this global cause to unite for democracy.”
Ukraine’s military has been a customer of Federal, CCI and Speer for years and this donation is meant to meet the call from President Zelenskyy for more ammunition.
Special Edition T-Shirts Field & Stream notes: “On top of the ammo donation, Remington and Federal will sell special edition t-shirts… emblazoned with the Ukrainian colors and President Zelensky’s now-famous quote: ‘I need ammo, not a ride’. The company has pledged all profits from the shirt sales to refugees involved in the crisis through the Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund.” The revenue from the shirts will supplement Vista Outdoor’s ammunition donation.
Even with this large ammunition donation, Vista Outdoor says it will continue to run maximum production to provide other types of loaded ammunition to U.S. shooters and hunters.
Proceeds from the sale of the t-shirts sold on www.remington.com and www.federalpremium.com will go to Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund through the Global Giving program.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed Senate Bill 215, permitting firearms carry by Ohio citizens. This “Constitutional Carry” legislation will allow Ohio’s law-abiding gun owners to carry a concealed firearm without a permit from the state. The NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) praised Ohio for taking this step, joining 22 other states with similar Constitutional Carry laws:
“Any right requiring a fee or government permission slip isn’t much of a right at all. That’s why the NRA worked tirelessly with state leaders and legislators to pass this landmark legislation in Ohio,” said Jason Ouimet, NRA-ILA executive director. “The NRA commends Gov. DeWine for signing this important piece of legislation that protects the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding Buckeyes.” — NRA-ILA
Constitutional carry allows anyone who is legally allowed to posses a firearm to carry that firearm without a state permit. It does not expand access to firearms or allow any new categories of people to carry. Previously it was legal for law-abiding Ohio citizens to carry a firearm if the firearm was visible. Now, with the passage of SB 215, those same citizens can carry that firearm under a jacket or in a purse.
Ohio is now the 23rd state to allow law-abiding individuals to carry a concealed handgun without a government-issued permit. Along with Ohio, the 22 other states are: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
The NRA thanks the Ohio Governor DeWine and the bill’s prime sponsor, Sen. Terry Johnson, for leadership in advancing the right of self-defense of all Ohio citizens.
More Information for Gun Owners with Carry Permits
Report Based on Article by NSSF
Two anti-hunting groups, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Natural Resources Defense Council, want to severely restrict hunting in the USA. These two organizations have petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Department of the Interior (DOI) to ban transport of harvested wild animals and most birds across state lines. That would have a devastating effect on hunting throughout the USA.
The petition of the anti-hunting groups calls for a complete ban on interstate transport of not just live animals, but also the meat, hide, horns, antlers and skulls of harvested animals. The petition targets hunters who take animals in other states and transport them home, even if the game has been professionally prepared by a butcher or taxidermist.
These two groups are attempting to impose legislation through regulation. By petitioning the USFWS and DOI to promulgate rules to end the ability for hunters to fill their coolers in another state and bring home the meat, hides, antlers and horns, they’re attempting to bypass the legislative process. They’re abusing a rule-making process to impose a radical anti-hunting agenda without lawmaker input.
The NSSF considers this the most serious threat to hunting in the United States since Dan Ashe, former USFWS director, attempted to ban the use of traditional ammunition on federal lands. That attempt was rolled back by former Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke.
The groups’ petition would amend the Lacey Act regulations to prohibit the importation, transportation, or acquisition of wild animals. Since the USFWS regulates interstate transportation and importation of wild animals, that’s a death knell to hunting in the United States. That means the trophy Texas buck wouldn’t be able to be brought home to Virginia, or a Rocky Mountain elk would never fill a Florida freezer.
Extremist Anti-Hunting Groups Have Filed Hundreds of Lawsuits
Both the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) — are known extremist anti-hunting groups. The Center for Biological Diversity boasted of suing the Trump administration 266 times. And the Center attacked hunting by suing the Environmental Protection Agency for denying a petition to ban traditional ammunition. A federal judge dismissed that suit. But the group alleges that hunters shooting traditional ammunition is the same as industrial dumping of lead waste. The case was dismissed three times but is being appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit for the third time.
The Natural Resources Defense Council has been party to many of the same lawsuits as the Center for Biological Diversity. The NRDC will typically petition for a rule change and then sue the agencies when it believes the federal agency is taking too long.
The actions by these two groups to limit the transport of legally-harvested wildlife across state lines is a direct threat to the 15+ million people who buy hunting licenses in America each year. These actions need to be challenged, since 23 states have statutes or State Constitutional provisions which guarantee citizens’ rights to hunt and fish.
The NSSF says hunters need to fight back: “The petition to halt hunting in its tracks is beyond irresponsible. It is dangerous and potentially harmful to America’s wild scenes. This is a moment not just for USFWS and DOI to reject political special interests, but for every hunter, outdoorsman and woman to recognize how extremist organizations are weaponizing government bureaucracies against them.”
Fighting Legal Challenges to Hunting on Federal Lands
In a related development, Safari Club International, Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and NRA-ILA have filed motions to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to expand hunting and fishing opportunities on more than 2.3 million acres of land at 106 National Wildlife Refuges. The suit is Center for Biological Diversity v. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“The National Wildlife Refuge System was created to increase opportunities for families to engage in traditional outdoor actives including hunting, fishing, hiking and more,” said Erica Tergeson, NRA-ILA’s director of hunting policy. “Denying access to more than 2.3 million acres runs counter to the entire concept of public lands.”
Where is hunting allowed in your state? Click the map below for more info:
On the WheretoHunt.org website, click any state on the interactive MAP, and resource links will load.
The 2022 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will take place May 27-29, 2022 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. For all three event days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend) the Exhibit Hall will showcase over 14 acres of the latest guns and gear from shooting industry companies. The Exhibits Hall will be full of product and outfitter displays. Over 540 exhibitors will provide show-goers with a look at the latest firearms, ammunition, and accessories. The NRA Annual Meetings will also include entertainment and special events over the three days. The NRA plans to have a powerhouse lineup of political speakers, country music artists, plus workshops and seminars.
Admission to the event is FREE for NRA members and their immediate family (some special events do require paid tickets). We recommend that you PRE-REGISTER to receive your admission badge(s) ahead of the show. Walk-up registration will be available on-site for members and you can join NRA on-site as well.
Get the latest information on the 151th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits at NRAAM.org.
NOTE: Monday, May 30th is Memorial Day, a holiday for most workers. So, if you decide to attend the NRA Annual Meetings, you can come back on Monday without missing a day of work.
For today’s Sunday GunDay story, we feature a very talented young lady shooter, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Erin McNeil. Erin, who started shooting as a young teen in a 4H program, is now one of the leading service rifle and high power shooters in the nation. Erin McNeil claimed the 2021 Interservice Individual Rifle Championship with an impressive score of 996-52X, beating out 86 other service members (mostly guys BTW). That score also earned Erin the title of High Woman.
The 2021 Interservice Rifle Championships (IRC) continued with other events, including the 1000-yard match. Shown below is SSG McNeil competing in the IRC 1K Match. CLICK HERE for more match photos.
Staff Sgt. Erin McNeil hails from Fort Wayne, Indiana. She has a B.S. in Mathematics from Texas Christian University (TCU), and holds the military occupational specialty of battle management system operator. With the USAMU, SSG McNeil has served on the International Shooting Team and the Service Rifle Team. As a USAMU team member, SSG McNeil has earned the President’s 100 Tab, Rifleman’s EIC Badge, and Bronze Medal at the 2014 World Championship in 3-Position/50m Smallbore Rifle.
Along with centerfire shooting, Erin enjoys smallbore competition. She won the Bronze Medal competing in 3-Position/50m Smallbore Rifle at the 2014 World Championships.
Erin enjoys shooting competition because “It’s really between you and the gun. It’s a very mental game. I think shooting is a great sport… as long as you are able to compete within yourself.”
McNeil started shooting through a 4-H program while in the 8th grade and then shot in college with the TCU Rifle Team. Now, she serves as a shooter/instructor on the USAMU International Rifle Team. In the video below, SSG McNeil talks about her career in competitive shooting, and what she enjoys most about rifle competition — both smallbore and High Power. She notes she enjoys instructing young high school and collegiate shooters (see video below):
SSG Erin McNeil of the USAMU (left) competes in NTI match with a young lady shooter.
Like Father, Like Daughter — Both Great Shooters
Erin noted: “My father was very influential in my shooting career. As a child, I looked up to him. I knew that he had been a world-class shooter in his youth. He asked me a few times if I would be interested in starting the 4H Rifle program. He was excited when I started showing interest in the program. Although he never coached me for fear of crossing the father/daughter relationship with the athlete/coach relationship, but he was always my biggest supporter and even gave assistance when I asked for it. I had a natural talent for shooting and ended up joining my high school’s Army JROTC. I was given a NCAA scholarship to TCU during my senior year. After completing college, I was accepted into the USAMU. My dad [was] the quiet, proud encourager of my shooting career[.]”
Words of Praise for SSG Erin McNeil from Facebook
“Congrats Sergeant McNeil from an old shooter from the 1964 ARADCOM Interservice Rattle Battle matches at Fort Carson Colorado, Ft. Campbell, Ft Sheridan, et cetera. You make me proud of all you folks who carry on the tradition.” — Walter Colbert
“I’ve watched Erin shoot while I was calling the matches from the Tower at the Camp Perry smallbore championships. [She was] never bothered and never ruffled. Just keeps shooting those Xs.” — Ken Kelley
SSG Erin McNeil of the USAMU
Staff Sergeant Erin McNeil, an international rifle shooter with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, Fort Benning, Georgia, has distinguished herself through her many accomplishments. Erin started shooting in 2001 and has numerous shooting accomplishments.
Her awards include the Army Commendation Medal, three Army Achievement Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, two Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons, Army Service Ribbon, President’s 100 tab, and Distinguished Excellence in Competition Rifleman’s Badge.
After graduating from Texas Christian University with a B.S. in Mathematics in 2010, Erin enlisted in the Army on February 15, 2011. After she completed Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Advanced Individual Training as a battle management system operator at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, she was assigned to the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, where she has competed in smallbore, service rifle, and long range disciplines, and she also serves as a marksmanship instructor.
SSG McNeil Offers Lessons to Junior Shooters
SSG Erin McNeil, as the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Fort Benning junior shooters club, enjoys sharing her skills and knowledge with the next generation. “You cannot come to one of these without learning something.” The photo shows SSG McNeil during the 2014 Montgomery Bell Academy Rifle Classic in Nashville, Tennessee. At that event, Erin and other top USAMU shooters provided instruction/coaching to High School competitors from all over the Southeast. “The kids who know us, and know of us, come to every clinic and benefit from them. You cannot come to one of these [clinics] without learning something.”
In this interesting video, Brownells Gun Tech Caleb Savant covers the topic of linear compensators, aka “blast diffusers” or “linear blast devices”. These are quite different in function from a typical muzzle brake and they are NOT a sound suppressor. Unlike a traditional muzzle brake, a linear compensator directs the muzzle blast forward, AWAY from the shooter. This is not only good for the shooter but also for folks next to the shooter, either at the range or in a CQB law enforcement or military situation.
A “Linear Compensator”, also known as “blast diffuser”, my look similar to a muzzle brake. But it works differently. A typical muzzle brake shoots blast out the side, and can be pretty annoying for someone positioned next to the shooter. By contract, the Linear Compensator direct blast force more forward. This helps reduce perceived recoil, and importantly doesn’t send hot gasses left and ring to nearby shooters or observes. Muzzle brake output can be very annoying. This Editor once was shooting next to a .338 Lapua Magnum with a brake, just a couple feet away. With each .338 LM shot I could feel heat on arms/hands and actually feel the bones in my forearm vibrate.
Attachment Methods — Direct Thread Mounting vs. Quick-Attach Mounting
Linear compensators have become much more popular in recent years as AR-15 pistols and SBRs have proliferated. Some linear comps, such as popular models from Midwest Industries and the Troy Claymore, attach directly to the muzzle, just like a traditional flash hider or muzzle brake.
Other Linear Compensators are slip-on, quick-attach components that mount OVER another muzzle device. For example, the VG6 Precision CAGE Device (Concussion Altering Gas Expansion) attaches directly over one of their standard muzzle devices. Almost every company that makes a sound suppressor also offers a linear compensator, which typically attaches to the muzzle the same way as the silencer.
Video find by Boyd Allen. We welcome reader submissions.
Here’s a story about a $1500 screw-up. Last year a fellow was shooting pistols at a range in Colorado. After his range session, the shooter left behind a specialty back-pack containing two nice 9mm handguns, plus ammo, hearing protection, and other gear. The smaller pistol appears to be a Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 compact, while the larger handgun looks like a SIG Sauer P320 Nitron full size. Combined current value of those two handguns (with mags) was over $1200.00.
What was the total value of the forgotten items? To the handguns’ value, you must add the cost of the ammo ($150+), hearing protection ($50+) and the price of the range backpack and other accessories ($150). All totaled, this unfortunate shooter left over $1500.00 worth of guns, ammo, and gear on the bench.
The poor fellow was fortunate however. His backpack filled with guns and ammo was found by an HONEST member of our Shooters’ Forum. That Forum member put up a notice about the lost items on the shooting club’s website. The objective was to safely return the guns and gear to their absent-minded rightful owner.
“I was at my club range in Colorado this morning right at sun up. I wanted to fire a box of 7mm-08 before the heat set in. I found this backpack left behind from the day before on a bench. The backpack had two pistols and was packed to the gills with ammo, magazines, and ear protection.
But there was NO OWNER ID inside!
I left a big note there at the range saying that I found the pack, and listing my phone number. I will have a ‘found gear’ notice posted on our shooting club website very soon.
Guys, this isn’t the first time. Last fall I found a Ruger 77 .30-06 rifle left in a rifle rack. The owner got it back a few days later.”
Guys — Slow down!
Look around before leaving the range!
Be sure to gather ALL your guns and gear!
HAPPY ENDING — Guns and Gear Returned to Owner
“The very happy owner was reunited with his pack after coming to my house. He drove out to the range at 1:00 PM and saw my note held down with a rock on that bench. He called and ID’d the contents. I love a happy ending!” READ Forum Thread.
Right now the IWA Outdoor Classics trade show is underway in Nuremberg, Germany. Hosted six weeks after SHOT Show in Las Vegas, the IWA event is Europe’s biggest gathering for the hunting and shooting sports industries. Many new products have been unveiled for the first time this week in Germany, including many interesting new rifles, pistols, and shotguns.
For today’s Sunday GunDay edition we provide “quick takes” on six guns showcased at the 2022 IWA Outdoor Classics shows. Most of these highlighted firearms have been released in the last year or so. Some of the guns are older, but still probably “new” to American readers/viewers.
TTS Xceed R Bullpup Hunting Rifle with Integrated Silencer
This is a very unique bolt-action bullpup hunting rifle boasting an “integrated silencer”. That built-in suppressor, a great feature for hunters, keeps the rifle’s overall length to just 33.5 inches (85 cm) with a 19.7 inch (50 cm) barrel. The manufacturer, Tec Target Schneider (TTS) states that this Xceed R rifle has great ergonomics and low perceived recoil. All major metal parts, including the stainless barrel, have a protective matte black coating.
The barrel can be swapped in minutes. The barrel locks directly into the action liner via six lugs in two rows. A variety of calibers/chamberings are offered. IWA Show Link.
Pedersoli Howdah Deluxe (.45 LC plus .410 Gauge)
This unique, double-barreled handgun is a reproduction of the famous Auto & Burglar pistol produced by the Ithaca Company in the 1920s. This Pedersoli Howdah Deluxe version features rifled barrels and special cartridge chambers enabling the interchangeable use of either .45 Long Colt cartridges or .410 gauge shot-shells. The firearm featured manual extractors, plus an automatic safety on the hammers. This unusual, eye-catching pistol has a nice, case-hardened action and oil-finished premium walnut stock. As shown, the Howdah Deluxe version features dark-finished (high polish) barrels, engravings on the action and the opening lever, plus a bright gold-plated trigger. IWA Show Link.
Bergara BA13 Take-Down Rifle
The Bergara BA13 Take Down single-shot rifle can be carried easily in a hunter’s backpack, and then assembled quickly and easily without tools. This makes the BA13 a great stow-away gun for camp, boat, or truck. Along with the wood-stocked version shown, there are composite-stocked versions, either thumbhole (shown above) or standard in black, Wood Camo, and Realtree Edge Camo. In the USA the BA13 is available in .223 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Winchester. In Europe a variety of other chamberings are offered. The button-rifled fluted barrels are either AISI4041 carbon steel or AISI416 stainless steel. This compact rifle comes complete with iron sights plus a mounted Weaver-type rail. IWA Show Link.
Pedersoli 86/71 Lever Action Boarbuster Mark II Lever-Action
The latest version of Pedersoli’s Boarbuster 86/71 MARK II is a lever gun for the 21st century. Unlike most lever guns, the stock has an adjustable comb, so that it works with an optic. The rifle comes with Weaver/Picatinny scope base on the barrel, plus a provision for fitting a scope offset over the action (see photo). Pedersoli also supplies front and rear iron sights with superluminova technology, which improves sight visibility in poor light conditions. The action, lever, barrel, and feed tube are all Cerakoted, providing extreme protection against both wear and corrosion. IWA Show Link.
Chiappa Firearms Rhino Nebula Revolver
Chiappa’s eye-catching Nebula Rhino revolvers feature a unique vivid colors with a blue laminate grip and signature 6 O’clock lower barrel placement. The Nebula 60DS was first introduced with a 6″ barrel in .357 Magnum. Now, for 2022, the Nebula 30DS is also offered in .357 Mag with 3″ barrel. The Chiappa Rhino revolver’s design features a lower bore axis compared to other revolvers so the Rhino’s barrel is directly in line with the shooter’s hand, wrist and arm. This reduces muzzle rise significantly and also reduces the amount of recoil felt by the user. Other Chiappa Rhino revolvers are available in four different finishes (Black, Chrome, OD Green Cerakote, PVD Gold) in 2″, 3″, 4″, 5″, and 6 barrel lengths with a variety of chamberings (9mm Luger, .357 Magnum, .40 SW). IWA Show Link.
Kahr GEN2 Premium Pistols
Kahr’s new GEN2 Premium Series pistols have upgrades that make the pistols better for rapid-fire gun games. The 6″ barrel model comes with compensated barrel, a mounted Leupold Red Dot, plus tall target sights. Both the 5″ barrel and 6″ barrel models have front slide serrations, double recoil springs (for reduced felt recoil), and a redesigned magazine base and grip. This model also has a 30% shorter trigger stroke for quicker firing rates. These striker-fired Kahr Gen2 Premium pistols will be offered in a total of 12 models, four barrel lengths, and three calibers including 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. IWA Show Link.
Pardini FR22 Smallbore 3-Position Rifle
The new Pardini FR22 .22 LR rimfire rifle is optimized for 50 meter 3P shooting events. Key features are the modular, adjustable stock, and a trigger with a very wide range of adjustments. The innovative stock allows the shooter to save time when transitioning from one shooting position to the next in 3-Position events. By unscrewing a single knob, one can completely remove the butt pad, cheek piece, and pistol grip. Pardini states: “The FR22 offers new and original features that give an advantage to the competitor during every stage of the match, especially when time makes a true difference.” FR22 Components include: Centra Spy rear sight, Centra Score front sight, Pardini butt-plate, wood/ergal hand-rest with internal and external weight set, slim cheek piece. The grip is available in 3 different sizes. IWA Show Link.
This video explains the features of the Pardini FR22 Smallbore Competition Rifle
BCM Europarms Barrel Block Rifle
This interesting rifle is definitely not new-for-2022. It has been around for a decade or so, but it is still noteworthy. This Italian-designed rifle was created for F-Class and long-range prone competition. The key feature is an integrated barrel block that allows the action itself to free-float. We’ve seen this design on rail guns and some 1K benchrest heavy guns, but it is very uncommon to see a barrel block on an F-Class rig. This BCM Europarms rig can be ordered from AmmoTerra in a wide variety of chamberings, with your choice of barrel length and barrel manufacturer. The manufacturer states: “This system allows a complete floating action, avoiding all the possible tensions due to an incorrect tightening. The stock can be made in any available color through anodizing process: light grey, anthracite grey, black, army green, electric blue, red, bright green, or bronze.” The action, which is single-shot only, features a conventional two-lug bolt. The barrel block employs 8 bolts. IWA Show Link.
The Francolin Arms XR 410 is a revolver-action .410 gauge shotgun with a 5-round capacity. It features an exposed hammer, checkered Turkish Walnut stock, and 20″ or 24″ barrel. The XR 410 comes with adjustable rear sight, and Fiber Optic front sight on the 20″ or 24″ barrels. This unusual rig is manufactured in Turkey by Tugra Silah, and is distributed in Europe by Francolin Arms. In North America this is sold as a “Lazer Arms” product. IWA Show Link.
Korth Super Sport STX Revolver — $4338.00 Wheelgun
Germany’s Korth Arms makes some of the best revolvers on the planet. Korth’s machining tolerances are second to none. The triggers are superb and the accuracy is excellent. For 2022, at IWA Outdoor Classics, Korth featured a “badass” black heavy-barreled wheelgun, the Super Sport STX Revolver. This features a full-length scope rail and slab sides, for use in Bianchi Cup-type competitions. Korth states: “In addition to the National Standard Super Sport STX, we present the weight-reduced ALX version. Both weapon types are equipped with a 4-position rear sight.” You’ll need serious bucks to buy a Korth Super Sport. The STX model in .357 Magnum sells for 3970.00 Euros (about $4338.00 U.S.). IWA Show Link.
The IWA Outdoor Classics trade show, aka “Euro SHOT Show”, runs March 3-6 at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre in Germany. IWA Outdoor Classics is Europe’s biggest combined trade show for the hunting, shooting, and civilian/military security industries. This year 918 exhibitors from a total of 54 countries will present their latest products and services in ten exhibit halls. We are pleased to see the IWA Outdoor Classics return in 2022 after the event was cancelled due to COVID in 2020 and 2021.
We featured some notable images from the IWA Outdoor Classics trade show in yesterday’s Daily Bulletin. Here is our second installment of IWA images. CLICK HERE for MORE PHOTOS.
Three long years have passed since the last IWA Outdoor Classics in 2019. In years past this been a hugely popular event, attracting over 45,500 trade visitors from 115 countries.
European Market for Civilian Firearms is Thriving
While IWA show attendance may be lower this year, Europe’s civilian firearms industries are thriving, based on data from the European Institute of Hunting and Sporting Arms (IEACS). “Global production of civilian firearms has increased in recent years, as has European production, which recorded 3.6 million firearms produced in 2020, of which 2.7 million were pistols and 900,000 were shotguns and rifles. Compared to the previous year, this represents a 34% increase in European firearms production,” said Nicola Perrotti, IEACS president.
Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk radio show airs live on Sundays from 2 PM to 5 PM Eastern time on 270+ stations. You can also live-stream the show via the GTRstream.
Field & Stream notes: “On top of the ammo donation, 
SSG Erin McNeil of the USAMU
What was the total value of the forgotten items? To the handguns’ value, you must add the cost of the ammo ($150+), hearing protection ($50+) and the price of the range backpack and other accessories ($150). All totaled, this unfortunate shooter left over $1500.00 worth of guns, ammo, and gear on the bench.
