Our featured rifle this Sunday is a one-of-a-kind memorial project, crafted in 2008 to honor Michelle Sutton and her service to the sport of Benchrest. Michelle passed away in 2007 after a long, courageous fight with cancer. This special custom 6 PPC benchrest rifle was built in order to raise money to fight cancer. On August 15, 2008, at the 2008 IBS Nationals, the rifle was awarded at a special drawing. Individuals who made a $20.00 contribution to the American Cancer Society were offered a chance to win the rifle, Leupold 45X Comp scope, and an array of shooting accessories (shown below). We’re proud to showcase this unique rifle once again, and help honor Michelle’s memory.
Michelle Sutton–Her Contribution to Benchrest Shooting by Jim Borden
Michelle Sutton contributed significantly to the growth of Benchrest shooting in general and the International Benchrest Shooters in particular. She was involved in Benchrest shooting from an early age, attending shoots with her family (P.J. and Kaye Hart, Clyde and Mickey Hart). She was an active competitor in her early years and then later provided her leadership, labor and planning skills to make sure that shoots were conducted in an efficient and effective manner. As time passed, she gave up her personal shooting to schedule and plan shoots and to provide the target scoring at matches for 3 to 4 different clubs. It was during her measuring of targets that her famed and sought-after “Smiley Faces” were developed.
Michelle made a practice of hand-penciling a Smiley Face on very good targets. (Sometimes she handed out a “frowney face” when someone did themselves grievous harm with one shot.) It came to the point that you could hear on the firing line: “I just shot a small one — I hope it’s small enough to get one of Michelle’s Smiley Faces.”
Michelle spent over 15 years as the Chairperson of the IBS Records Committee and she was an instrumental part of the Group Committee, including chairing that Committee for almost 10 years. She and her husband Jack developed the ideas and plans for the four Benchrest Shooting Schools and she led the planning and running of those training programs. She was instrumental in helping a number of the clubs organize and run the IBS Shooters Championship matches.
Michelle battled cancer for over 10 years while at the same time attending to family, friends, business, and the game of Benchrest shooting. She was always an upbeat person and was a joy to be around. Her strength and character set an example for the rest of us to follow.
The Michelle K. Sutton Memorial Rifle Project
Shortly after Michelle’s death in August 2007, Gerry Malerba started organizing the creation of a special rifle to honor Michelle’s memory. The rifle would be the Grand Prize in a Sweepstakes drawing and all net proceeds would support efforts to fight cancer. Gerry enlisted the help of Jim Borden, Mike Mastrogiavanni, and Ward Tarasek to make the project a reality. Thanks to many generous individuals and companies in the shooting industry and Benchrest community, a spectacular custom 6 PPC rifle was built, with a complete inventory of matched shooting accessories.
Nick Coppogreco provided gold-plated cases with silver-plated bullets, all housed in a custom, fancy wood cartridge box provided by John Petteruti and Fred Weing. The box has a special engraved message, “Magic Bullets to Cure Cancer” with Michelle’s signature “Smiley Faces”.
Remembering Michelle — P.J. Hart’s Little Girl
I guess my best recollection of Michelle was back in 1971 or 1972. (How time flies….) I saw this little slender girl at the matches at South Creek. I was there with Frank James and some other noted shooters. Michelle was going to shoot the junior match. Here dad P.J. Hart was coaching her. In those days the 222 Rem was king and Michelle proved her shooting skills right away–she took first place, winning a silver tray.
I remember the photo session. The little girl with Popsicle legs and big pink glasses and a pretty pink dress. She was a sweet child. I remember how proud her dad, P.J. Hart, was of her.
After that I saw little of Michelle. Once in a while I would see her at Hart’s shop or at a match with her grandmother Mickey Hart. Michelle was at the age to excel in her studies and I saw very little of her until she started working at Hart Rifle Barrels some years later.
She met Jack Sutton and they married. They had quite a lot in common. Both of them loved to hunt and fish–the perfect match. As time passed, Michelle had some medical problems. The “Big C”, cancer. This was very bad news. She fought the disease fiercely. I would ask her from time to time how she was, on my visits to the shop. Her reply would be “I’m OK”. She never complained, even though she felt terrible. Jack would say very little but you could tell he was deeply concerned. He fought the illness with her, always loyal and faithful by her side. They were a team, and hoped to beat the cancer together.
She tried her hardest to beat this. I remember the last match she scored, at Camillus. I was so proud of her. Even though she was quite sick, she wanted to score for our club.
She was very special… we miss her so much. – Gerry Malerba
The Michelle Sutton Memorial Pink Rifle
How the Rifle Came Together
Gerry Malerba explained how the project got started: “I was shooting at Canastota Conservation Club last year. We had lost Michelle recently, and that was the ‘last straw’ for me in a series of losses to cancer. I vowed to do something about it, so I decided to build a special rifle to raise money to fight cancer. I figured if we could double the build cost of the rifle I’d be happy.
I approached Joan Borden about getting a gunsmith’s price on an action and a Robertson stock. Joan indicated her support for the idea. I was prepared to buy the action and stock, but before long, folks were donating key components. I mentioned the project to Paul Ryan, who donated a Jewell trigger, saying: ‘count me in, I have lost a lot of family to [cancer].’ Then David Apple generously donated a certificate for a new Borden action and Harley Baker kicked in a new Hart Barrel. We were in business!”
Smithing the Pink Rifle
Jim Borden started on the action and was getting it ready when he called Ian Robertson about the stock. Ian not only donated the stock, he put the special pink color (Michelle’s favorite), in his line-up. I guess Michelle was everyone’s friend.
Jim Borden also installed the trigger and bedded the rifle. His son Jim Borden, Jr. donated a butt plate and Jay Lynn Gore did a beautiful 100% coverage engraving on the buttplate. The barrel was sent to Hart and special fluting was done by Michelle’s brother in law Billy Sutton. Michelle’s brother Jim Hart did the chambering job. Many other special items were donated for the rifle, as listed below.
All the Pink Rifle Components Were Donated:
The Rimrock Right Bolt, Left Port, Right Eject Action was donated by David Apple (via certificate). The action carries serial number MKS007. The action was polished by Jim Borden, and Michelle’s Smiley Faces have been engraved on the receiver. Paul Ryan donated the Jewell Trigger fitted to the action. Jim and Joan Borden also donated a polished trigger guard.
Robertson Composites donated the special Pink/Black Robertson Rimrock pattern stock. Ian Robertson created this new color expressly for this benefit project and has added it to his inventory.
The one-of-a-kind pink and black anodized Leupold 45X Competition Scope was donated by Leupold & Stevens through Allen Tucker. Kelbly Inc. donated the coated Rings.
The Hart Barrel Blank was donated by Harley Baker. Michelle’s brother in law Billy Sutton did the special fluting and her brother Jimmy Hart did the barrel fitting and chambering.
Jim and Joan Borden donated the polished trigger guard and polished bases. Jim also donated his labor for the inletting, bedding, and action glue-in.
Jimmy Borden donated the polished buttplate. The plate was elaborately engraved by Jay Lynn Gore, with Michelle’s well-known Smiley face in the center of the engraving design.
Treasure Trove of Shooting Gear
Donated Shooting Accessories, Components, and Gear
As an effort to raise money for cancer research, the pink rifle and an array of other items were offered in 2008. Individuals who made a $20.00 contribution to the American Cancer Society were offered a chance to win the rifle. As shown here, the full prize package included: Sinclair Hand Priming Tool (donated by Mike Bryant), Sinclair Reloading Press and Neck-Turning Kit (donated by Sinclair Int’l through Fred Sinclair), Big Foot Rear Bag and Front Bag (donated by SEB and Paul Schmid), 1000 BIB 6mm bullets (donated by Randy Robinette), Farley Coax II Front Rest (donated by Farley Mfg.), Pink Bore Guide (donated by Russ and Martha Haydon), Certificate for 3000 Berger Bullets (donated by Berger Bullets through Eric Stecker), Custom Cartridge Box (donated by John Petteruti and Fred Weing), 100 Lapua 220 Russian prepped cases (donated by Glen Jackson), Gold-Plated Cases with Platinum-Plated Bullets (donated by Nick Coppogreco), Redding Competition Die Set (donated by Redding Hunter), Edgewood Front and Rear Bags (Donated by Jack Snyder).
Jack Snyder of Edgewood Bags crafted custom, ‘hot pink’ Front and Rear Bags. Farley donated its Coax II Front Rest, and the Bordens donated a Jackson/Borden Farley Bag container. Other donated accessories not shown in photo include: Jackson/Borden Farley Bag Containter (donated by Jim and Joan Borden), Aluminum Rifle Case (donated by Gerry Malerba), Action Cleaning Kit (donated by Dave Short), Wind Flag set and Carry Case (donated by David Halblom), Wind Flag Poles and Carrier (donated by Randy Perkowski), Gun Tent/Bolt Folder/Stock Boot, Pink with Smiley Face (donated by Bill Gammon).
SHOT Show, the huge gun industry trade show, returned to Las Vegas this past week, after a COVID-caused hiatus in 2021. Though attendance was down signficantly this year, it was still a major event, with thousands of companies showcasing products in two massive exhibit halls. There were plenty of new handgun offerings, and notably, some of the big AR-platform black rifle builders are now selling bolt guns. Here is the new Aero Precision A700 bolt-action rifle.
SHOT Show Day 2 Highlights — Nine Companies
This video from the Classic Firearms YouTube Channel spotlights a number of interesting products, both at Industry Day at the Range, and inside SHOT Show 2022. Companies covered include: Zastava (1:00), Kalashnikov USA (6:33), LMT Defense (12:21), Geissele (20:35), SureFire (25:12), Foxtrot Mike (32:20), Maxim Defense (34:15), Great Lakes (44:35), and Sylvan Arms (46.20).
Top Five New Guns from Industry Day at the Range
There were many interesting rifles and handguns on display at the Industry Day at the Range. Savage’s new straight-pull Impulse PRS/NRL rifle attracted considerable attention. Many of the testers at the range were also impressed by the new .44 Auto Mag which is featured in this “Top Five” video from TheGunSnob channel. The tester said this .44 Auto Mag was “by far my favorite [gun] I shot all day.”
Magpul New Products
TFB TV showcases multiple new products from Magpul for 2022. We liked what we saw, including a new $600 Pro 700 Lite chassis, and a new 8-ounce bipod. Magpul also had its radical FDP-9 “enclosed pistols” on display. Magpul explains: “With recently confirmed classification of the FDP-9 as a handgun, the purchaser can enjoy the firearm as a self-enclosing, large-format pistol. They may also choose to file the appropriate ATF Form 1 and, after approval, purchase a conversion kit to legally assemble it into the FDC-9. It will then be classified as a short-barreled rifle (SBR) and subject to all NFA laws.”
Mantis — Advanced Dry-Fire Training System
Mantis makes a variety of firearm-arms mounted systems that monitor muzzle movement and display that through a mobile App. These systems allow dry-fire practice at home — a great way to improve your marksmanship without spending big bucks on ammo. Mantis had a display at SHOT Show 2022. A Mantis dry-fire device fitted to an AR-platform rig (with the Mantis Blackbeard trigger reset system) is featured in this video record at the Mantis SHOT Show booth:
Cutting Edge Bullets — Solid, High-BC Bullets for .22 LR Reloaders
With the growth of long-range rimfire tactical competition, there has been interest in high-BC bullets fitted into the diminutive .22 LR case. This effort has been pioneered by Cutting Edge Bullets, which offers a variety of .22 caliber projectiles created expressly for hand-loaded .22 LR. Cutting Edge also offers dies and special shellholders for reloading the .22 LR case. This video (from 2020) explains how Cutting Edge pioneered long, high-BC lathe-turned solid bullets for the .22 LR cartridge. These bullets and dies were on display at Cutting Edge’s 2022 SHOT Show booth.
Today is the final day of SHOT Show 2022. So we’re providing another FREE digital magazine covering many new products at the Show. Here is the digital version 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 the 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.
SHOT Daily Day 4 — 1/21/2022
CLICK Full Screen (brackets) icon at lower right of gray box to read.
There are two big feature articles you’ll want to read in this SHOT Daily Day 4 edition. On page 24 you’ll find a comprehensive guide to gun and shooting accessories from many manufacturers. This includes bipods, holsters, muzzle brakes, carry packs, hunting cams, eyewear and more. Then, on page 46 you’ll find a guide to Concealed Carry Gear. That includes multiple new holsters, belts, security kits, sights, lights and lasers. If you have a CCW or are considering getting a carry license, check out that article.
IMPORTANT: To read either story, click the full screen (brackets) icon in the gray box above and then zoom to the start page (page 24 for Shooting Accessories, page 46 for Concealed Carry Gear).
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 2022. The first video in our showcase comes from Backfire, a popular gun-centric YouTube Channel with 358K subscribers. This video spotlights numerous new rifles, pistols, shotguns, and optics. Then we feature other videos covering new pistols, ELR shooting, suppressors, and knives.
Notable New Products Revealed Including New-for-2022 Firearms
Browning’s new X-Bolt Target Max rifles were impressive. The actions are thicker and stiffer and a new DLX (double lever) trigger is fitted which adjusts down to two pounds. See discussion at 1:34 in video.
Backfire, a popular YouTube Channel with 357K subscribers) has done a very comprehensive, 16-minute run-down of many interesting products at SHOT Show including chassis systems, new cartridges, optics, and 17 new-for-2022 rifles. The host also declared “the coolest thing I’ve seen wasn’t a rifle at all — it’s a new cartridge [8.6 Blackout]”. This video covers a LOT of ground, so we’ve provided a time-marked index with the notable highlights. You can use the video slide bar to navigate back and forth:
1. Canik Arms (0:40): TP9 SFX Rival competition pistol. 2. Browning Rifles (1:34): New X-Bolt Target beefed up action with 2-lb trigger; Speedline rifles with new camo finish and suppressor-ready muzzle threads. 3. Kriss (3:36): New DMK 22P AR-type Pistol. 4. Palmetto State Armory (3:46): New 5.7mm pistols with 23rd capacity. 5. Nemo (4:24): Deluxe over-under imported shotguns 6. Backfire Channel (4:58): 8.6 Blackout cartridge discussion — new .338 Caliber with 1:3″ twist. Optimized for short-barreled rifles (Faxon Barrels, Gorilla Ammunition). 7. Taurus (7:38): TX-22 SCR (“Steel Competition Ready”) compensated rimfire pistol and new G3X 9mm. 8. Zeiss Sports Optics (9:48): New LRP S5 First Focal Plane Scopes, 3-18x50mm and 5-26x56mm. 9. Bergara (10:36): Divide Rifle with carbon stock/carbon-wrapped barrel, Also MGLite carbon rifles. 10. Rokman (13:02): Lightweight Packs with carbon fiber “CORE-Flex” construction. 11. Gorilla Ammunition (13:30): New 8.6 Blackout Ammunition for AR10s and bolt-guns. 12. Daniel Defense (13:50): New PRO Chassis for Rem 700 Clone actions. 13. Christensen Arms (14:48): Modern Hunting Rifle with modular stock. 14. KRG stocks (15:34): New KRG C4 metal alloy chassis for PRS/NRL comps.
New 8.6 Blackout Cartridge with 1:3″-Twist Barrels The new 8.6 Blackout “is a 6.5 Creedmoor shortened case, blown out for a .338 bullet. For supersonic… between 150 and 160 grains. Out of a 12″ barrel, we’ll be able to get somewhere close to 2400 FPS with that. We’ll have subsonic up to about 360 grains. A Barnes 210-grain bullet [is] about 2,000 feet per second out of a 12″ barrel.”– Q’s Kevin Brittingham It is claimed that there is more energy on target than with a .308 Win, even with a very short barrel
The cartridge inventors are running a very radical 1:3″ twist rate. Yep you read that right — one in three. According to Kevin B: “Fast twist … gives you several things. The first being better accuracy because when the bullet is long and slow, you need to spin it faster. For expanding subsonic bullets, it has more reliable expansion at lower velocities, which is great for hunting with subsonic [ammunition]. This is going to be the first subsonic, sub-MOA cartridge, and that’s due to the fast twist.”
Hi-Power Returns — FN Brings Back the Browning Hi-Power
TFB TV visited the FN Herstal booth to see the reintroduction of the legendary Hi-Power, first manufactured by FN in Europe. While the Hi-Power is a traditional, revered gun, FN has made a few tweaks to the new-for-2022 model to bring it up to date. This release is interesting given that just last month Springfield Armory released its own updated Hi-Power clone, the SA-35, which won the NRA’s American RiflemanHandgun of the Year award. STORY HERE.
So which is better — the modernized American-made SA-35, or FN’s version of the classic Hi-Power? Time will tell as the market decides. We like some of the features of the SA-35 but prefer the fit and finish of the FN.
Video of ELR Shooting at Raton in New Mexico
The SHOT Show TV video below has a great sequence from Cutting Edge Bullets with big-bore rifles shooting at extreme long range in Raton, NM and elsewhere. This is a nice intro to ELR shooting. Look carefully and you can see advanced optics, Doppler Radar, and other high-tech gear.
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:
How to Order a Suppressor the Easy Way — E-Filing
Are you considering getting a suppressor this year? There are important Federal regulations regarding suppressors, because they are considered a Class III device. You may also want to consider having the suppressor owned by a trust. The process of getting a suppressor is covered in this helpful video. It explains Federal rules and how to e-File your application through the Silencer Shop.
New Knives at SHOT Show — Reviews by Knife Center
Despite the name, SHOT Show isn’t all about guns and shooting. There are also many knife vendors displaying their wares at the big trade show. Here are two videos from the Knife Center, showing new knives from Spyderco, and Artisan/CRJB.
Here is the digital version of the SHOT Daily print magazine provided on site at SHOT Show by the NSSF. You can navigate page by page with the left/right white arrows in the gray box below. To quickly scan through the entire 64-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.
SHOT Daily Day 3 — 1/20/2022
CLICK Full Screen (brackets) icon to read.
There are two big feature articles you’ll want to read in this SHOT Daily Day 3 edition. On page 36 you’ll find a 6.5 Creedmoor Cartridge feature that covers the growth in popularity of this versatile mid-sized round. The 6.5 Creedmoor is now among the top three chamberings for new bolt-action rifles. On page 24 you’ll find a comprehensive guide to New Knives for 2022 from many manufacturers. There are some notable new ammo types being introduced this year including Hornady CX lead-free hunting ammunition. CCI is also offering new lead-free pistol ammo.
IMPORTANT: To read either story, click the full screen (brackets) icon in the gray box above and then zoom to the start page (page 36 for Optics, page 24 for Ammo).
SHOT Show 2022 continues in Las Vegas. Attendance is down compared to years past, but there are still many innovative products on display in the “miles of aisles”. This year’s SHOT Show encompasses two facilities — the Venetian Expo AND the new Caesars Forum. Combined, these facilities provide over 800,000 square feet of exhibit space. The two trade show halls are connected by a new elevated walking bridge.
New Rifle Systems
There were some interesting new bolt-action chassis rifles for the PRS/NRL crowd, along with some impressive, high-end hunting rifles on display, such as the eye-catching Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR). In addition there were quite a few new rimfire rifles. With the increasing cost of components, and the difficulty of finding primers and powder, many riflemen are shooting more rimfire than ever before.
Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR)
The Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR) features an interesting multi-piece, modular stock with a metal center section and composite fore-arm and buttstock sections. The barrel is carbon-wrapped. The MHR’s modular design lets the customer select from a variety of different forearm and butt section components. That allows you to configure the rifle for field carry or long-range work from prone.
Aero Precision Bolt-Action Rifle with Barrel Nut
At SHOT Shot 2022, Aero Precision displayed its new bolt-action rifle. This features a 3-lug (60-degree throw) bolt with three interchangeable bolt face sizes (standard, medium, magnum). Notably the rifle features a Savage-style barrel nut so pre-fit barrels can be used. The rifle has a metal chassis with modular fore-arm, extended forward bipod mount, quick-adjust length of pull, and rear bag-rider keel.
Rock Island TM22 — AR Style .22LR Semi-Auto Rimfire
Rock Island Armory’s new TM22 Rifle employs AR-type design and construction, being made from 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum. It also has a AR-type grip and an M-LOK capable fore-end that can accept a wide variety of accessories. The TM22 is available in both 20″ barrel (TM22-A20) and 18″ barrel (TM22-A18) versions. The TM22 ships with a 10-round magazine, but aftermarket 15- and 25-round mags are available. In the video below, the GunsAmerica Digest team tests the TM22 at the Industry Day at the Range earlier this week.
Timbercreek Outdoors Colorful AR Platform Build Kits
Tired of that boring black rifle? Would you like your AR-platform rifle to stand out from the pack? Then consider bolting on some bright-colored components from Timbercreek Outdoors. This Oregon-based company offers build kits with handguards, grips, buffer tubes, and other components in a variety of eye-catching colors — red, orange, purple, green, blue… you name it. If you like bright-colored rifles, this is your solution.
Notable Handguns — Semi-Autos, Revolvers, and a Bolt-Action
There were scores of handguns on display at SHOT Show. There was certainly an emphasis on small carry pistols, even at the Smith & Wesson booth. Gun sales have been at record levels in the past couple of years, as more states are authorizing concealed carry. Accordingly the gun-makers are providing new pistols suited for everyday carry.
SIG Sauer P365 in Rose Gold Plate with Jewells
To learn more about this gold-plated pistol, watch SHOT Show TV video starting at 4:16 time-Mark.
There was a stunning SIG Sauer P365 pistol on display at SHOT Show 2022. This little carry pistol had a stunning 18-carat Rose Gold finish with dozens of diamonds embedded in the slide. This sets a new standard for Carry Pistol Bling. This one-of-a-kind handgun was created by the Seattle Engraving Center.
The P365 is a very popular carry gun that is very thin with good ergonomics. SIG Sauer claims the P365 series is now “America’s #1 Selling Handgun”. Multiple P365 models are currently offered including: P365X, P365 SAS with flush sights, the P365 Nitron Micro-Compact, the P365 Romeo Zero with integrated Red Dot, and the P365 XL with longer slide and barrel.
Savage 110 PCS Bolt-Action Pistol
The new Savage Arms 110 PCS bolt-action pistol features a Savage model 110 blueprinted action secured in a one-piece aluminum chassis from Modular Driven Technologies (MDT). The 110 PCS features a 10.5″ barrel, a user-adjustable AccuTrigger (2.5-6 lbs.), and AICS-style detachable box magazine. There are five chamberings: .223 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 AAC Blackout, .308 Winchester, and .350 Legend.
.44 Auto Mag — Beautiful Stainless Semi-Auto with Power
The .44 Auto Mag semi-auto pistol is literally a “blast from the past”. First released decades ago, this is the latest version of a handsome, powerful handgun. In this video, TFB’s testers try out the legendary .44 Magnum Auto Mag pistol at Industry Day at the Range. Other gun journalists at the event who tested this latest Auto Mag gave very favorable reviews. And we think it is one handsome pistol. In a world of polymer pistols, we love the all-stainless steel construction.
Korth .357 Mag Revolver from Nighthawk Customs
Korth revolvers are produced in Germany and distributed in the USA through Nighthawk Custom. For 2021 Nighthawk is offering the spectacular Korth Heritage Edition in .357 Magnum. This six-shot double-action wheelgun features an heirloom-quality color case-hardened and charcoal-blued finish by Turnbull. The 5.25″ precision cold-forged barrel is chambered in Korth’s traditional .357 Magnum. The trigger has been highly polished with a roller trigger system for single- and double-action shooting. A fully adjustable rear sight pairs with an 18k gold bead front sight. The grips have been carved from figured Turkish walnut.
Here is the digital version of the SHOT Daily print magazine provided on site at SHOT Show by the NSSF. You can navigate page by page with the left/right white arrows in the gray box below. To quickly scan through the entire 64-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.
SHOT Daily Day 2 — 1/19/2022
There are two big feature articles you’ll want to read in this SHOT Daily Day 2 edition. On page 36 you’ll find the Optics 2022 Guide which lists notable new riflescopes, spotting scopes, rangefinders, binoculars, and red dot optics. On page 24 you’ll find Ammo 2022, a comprehensive guide to new rifle, pistol, and shotgun ammunition. There are some notable new ammo types being introduced this year including Hornady CX lead-free hunting ammunition. CCI is also offering new lead-free pistol ammo.
IMPORTANT: To read either story, click the full screen (brackets) icon in the gray box above and then zoom to the start page (page 36 for Optics, page 24 for Ammo).
NOTE: We will post other SHOT Daily journals as they become available. You can find these posted here on the AccurateShooter Daily Bulletin (SEE DAY 1 HERE). Or you can visit Shotshow.org/blog.
After Monday’s Media Day at the Range, Tuesday, January 18, 2022 is the official opening of SHOT Show 2022. This is an important “return to normalcy” as SHOT Show 2021 was cancelled due to COVID. While some large companies such as Ruger and SIG Sauer have pulled out of the Show, it will still be a huge event, with over 800,000 square feet of exhibits — an area the size of 14 football fields. Over 50,000 persons are expected to attend the event, which runs through Friday, January 21, 2022.
Download FREE SHOT Show Mobile App
The 2022 SHOT Show Mobile App provides part of the SHOT Show experience even if you can’t be there in Las Vegas. The SHOT Show Mobile App provides SHOT Show video feeds, product-information downloads, real-time show announcements, interactive floor maps, and more. The Mobile App is available for IOS and Android devices, with smartphone and tablet versions. You can also access many of the App’s features from a desktop computer with this WEB LINK to the SHOT Show Desktop Site.
CZ 600 Series Rifles: Range, Alpha, Lux, Ergo, Trail
CZ recently introduced the new CZ 600 line of centerfire rifles. The series includes four unique models, with a variety of stock types, barrel profiles, action lengths, and chamberings. User-friendly CZ 600 features include 60-degree bolt throw, adjustable triggers, and the ability to swap barrels/chamberings using optional conversion kits. The CZ 600 Series includes four brand new models: Alpha, Lux, Trail, and Range.* These are designed for accuracy, modularity, and smooth cycling. Expect CZ 600s at dealers in early 2022.
Controlled-Feed Action with 60° Throw: CZ 600 Rifles have a 60-degree bolt throw. This cycles faster than a 90-degree bolt, with more clearance between bolt and optic, allowing for larger scopes. All CZ 600 models boast an oversized bolt knob for improved control with gloved hands. And the actions have controlled-round-feed. The 2-position safety allows bolt cycling with the safety engaged.
Bergara Premier MGLite Rifle with Carbon-Wrapped Barrel
This new lightweight chassis rifle, was just revealed by Bergara North America. This 6.8-lb rig features a lightweight suppressor-ready carbon wrapped barrel in a modern alloy/composite chassis. Our friend Gavin Gear got his hands on a 6.5 Creedmoor Bergara’s NEW MGLite rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. Gavin was impressed. The rifle shot half-inch 3-shot groups with Hornady factory ammo. The bore looked good and the trigger broke at a crisp 3 pounds. Get more details on UltimateReloader.com:
Featuring CURE Carbon barrel technology, this is a step forward for Spanish gun-maker Bergara, though we were a bit shocked at the $3229.00 MSRP. You can buy a very nice custom rifle for that much money.
Nosler Model 21 with Carbon Composite Stock
Nosler’s new Model 21 rifle boasts a crisp, single-stage TriggerTech Field model trigger, with user-adjustable pull weight of 2.5–5 lbs. and top safety. The new Model 21 features a hand-lapped Shilen match-grade barrel with a threaded muzzle. The stock is a synthetic carbon-fiber composite model that is lightweight yet durable. The Model 21 features a spiral-fluted, one-piece, 4340 chromoly steel bolt that is Nitride-coated for smooth operation and corrosion resistance. The Model 21 is available chambered in 22 Nosler, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 26 Nosler, 27 Nosler, 280 Ackley Improved, 28 Nosler, .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, 30 Nosler, 33 Nosler and .375 H&H. With its light weight (under 7 lbs. without optics), Nosler’s new Model 21 should be popular with hunters.
Huskemaw — Dial Elevation AND Windage from Same Turret
An interesting riflescope was on display during Media Day at the Range on Monday. This 5-20x50mm Huskemaw Blue Diamond scope offers the ability to dial BOTH windage and elevation from the same central turret. Huskemaw says this is a patented feature which makes their optics unique. We can see that the central windage control offers some advantages in the field, and left-handed shooters will certainly appreciate the central control.
Edgewood Bags — Twisted Gator Bag
Edgewood offers an innovative rear bag with a unique design that provides arm/hand support. The new Edgewood Twisted Gater Bag has an unusual asymmetrical footprint. This provides support for the shooter while still providing superb rear support for your bench rifles. Bag owner Richard L. posted on Facebook: “I called Edgewood and explained what was going on with my current set up. When I said I used a pad for my hand support this bag made the most sense. Really only a few dollars more.” The Twisted Gator is $250.00 with a choice of Cordura or 3M Slick Ear fabrics. Standard ear spacing options are 3/16″, 3/8″, and 3/4″.
Hornady CX Copper Alloy Lead-Free Bullet
For 2022, Hornady has introduced a new CX™ (Copper alloy eXpanding) hunting projectile. This CX bullet is designed to provide outstanding performance when hunting in areas where solid lead or lead-core bullets are prohibited. Hornady states: “The new CX™ bullet from Hornady represents the most advanced monolithic hunting bullet on the market. Its optimized design offers extended range performance, greater accuracy, high weight retention, and deep penetration.” The CX will be available in a number of calibers/bullet weights: 6mm, .25 Cal, 6.5mm, .270 Cal, 7mm, .308, .338, and .375.
RCBS Electronic Powder Scale/Dispensers — ChargeMaster Link and Supreme
On display at RCBS are the latest generation ChargeMaster™ Link and ChargeMaster Supreme. The new Link is built off the rock-solid load cell and electronics found in the popular RCBS ChargeMaster Lite, but now offers best-in-class Bluetooth® technology to make reloading easier than ever. The ChargeMaster Supreme also features Bluetooth as well as “Learning Mode” which uses feedback loop algorithms and automatic adjustments to throw accurate charges faster than ever.
DECKED Piecekeeper Firearm Storage Racks for Vehicles
Piecekeepers securely transport firearms in a DECKED vehicle drawer system. Designed for traditional rifles and shotguns, these are available in two sizes, with three slots (as shown) or two slot for the narrow DECKED drawer sets. The WIDE Piecekeepers are compatible with ALL full-size truck and cargo van drawers. Both versions contact a pair of brackets and cost $75.00.
CCI — Polymer-Coated .22 LR and Lead-free Blazer 9mm Ammo
CCI has introduced new reduced lead rimfire and centerfire ammo. For .22 LR shooters, the CCI Clean-22 Realtree bottles hold 400 rounds of polymer-coated bullets. The polymer coating reduces copper and lead fouling in the barrel, and cuts lead buildup in suppressors 60-80 percent. Handgun owners will appreciate CCI’s new Blazer Brass Lead-Free Clean-Fire Ammo. The bullets contain no lead and the primers are even lead-free. The lead-free Clean-Fire primer and flat-nose, lead-free projectiles are as safe and accurate as traditional FMJ bullets. This way you can train indoors or outdoors without leaving any lead behind on the range or in the air.
Action Target — New Technologies for Indoor Ranges
At SHOT Show Both #12816, Action Target is showcasing some impressive high-tech range equipment, including advanced target retrievers and new Shooting Stalls. The Citadel stalls feature floor-to-ceiling LED lighting and customizable bold materials. This works with Action Target’s smart range AXIS system providing advanced computerized control over lighting levels, color, and target retriever settings.
HunterShield Legal Protection Plan for Hunters (from U.S. LawShield)
U.S. LawShield’s new HunterShield program supplements U.S. LawShield’s regular legal defense coverage. Starting at $13.90 per month, the HunterShield add-on protection features a network of attorneys knowledgeable about wildlife laws throughout the nation. U.S. LawShield’s CEO, P.J. Hermosa, notes: “HunterShield recognizes the fine print, red tape, and confusion surrounding wildlife laws. Even the most experienced hunters and anglers find themselves at risk of unintentionally breaking the law. Without proper legal defense, a violation could cost you more than just time and money. It could cost your rights to ever hunt and fish again.” The U.S. LawShield core plan provides coverage for all legal firearms.
Here is the Capstone booth on Monday evening — nearly ready for the big opening Tuesday morning. We will have reports on new products from Lapua, Berger Bullets, Vihtavuori, and SK. Stay tuned!
Here is the digital version of the SHOT Daily print magazine provided on site at SHOT Show by the NSSF. You can navigate page by page with the left/right white arrows in the gray box below. To quickly scan through the entire 64-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.
NOTE: We will provide additional SHOT Daily journals as they become available. You can find these posted here on the AccurateShooter Daily Bulletin. Or you can visit Shotshow.org/shot-daily.
SHOT Daily Day 1 — 1/18/2022
Here is the feature article found on pages 36-49 of SHOT Daily Day One. This covers a variety of new rifles, pistols, and shotguns making their debut at SHOT Show 2022. To read, click the full screen (brackets) icon in the box above and then zoom to page 36.
This was the first Industry Day at the Range in two years, after the event was cancelled in 2021 due to COVID. Media members were pleased to see the latest guns and optics after a two-year wait. GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pearce and his colleagues were on hand at the Boulder City, Nevada gun range to test a variety of new firearms first-hand. There were many notable new products, with new rifles, pistols, and optics on display.
Savage Impulse Elite Precision Rifle
There was much interest surrounding Savage’s new straight-pull tactical rifle, the Impulse Elite Precision which will be available in the “spring of 2022″. We recently reported on this new rifle in the Daily Bulletin. True Pearce got his hands on the new rifle at the Savage range booth, and he said the straight-pull action can, with a little practice, definitely increase rifle cycling speed: “It’s much faster to chamber follow-up shots, and stay on target. Even novice shooters can chamber a second shot much faster than with a standard rotating bolt.” Here is his video report:
Watch video starting at 3:00 time-mark to see bolt cycling.
GunsAmerica Digest writer Levi Sims explained the advantages of the Savage’s straight-pull operation: “Normal bolt action guns require you to lift the bolt handle, pull it back, and then push it back forward, and then pull it back down to lock it in place. With modern optics often using larger ocular bells, manufacturers have made an effort to reduce the classic 90° throw to just 60° to allow room for the bolt to move past the bell. The straight-pull action reduces all that movement to simply pulling forward and backward on the bolt handle. The handle swings a few degrees forward and back to lock/unlock, but it has no vertical movement at all. It will likely fit well with all scope designs and mounts.” Retail price for the Savage Impulse Elite Precision is $2619.00. Currently that would not be eligible for Production Class under PRS 2021 Rules.
Savage currently offers the Impulse Elite Precision with seven chamberings: 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win, .300 PRC, .300 Win Mag, and .338 Lapua Magnum. The four smaller chamberings have 26″ barrels while the .300 PRC, .300 Win Mag, and .338 LM have 30″ barrels.
New Tisa PX-9 Gen III Pistol
GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pearce tested a number of handguns on Monday. One of his favorites, based on “bang for the buck”, was the new Tisa PX-9 Gen III 9mm pistol.
GunsAmerica Digest staffer Jordan Michaels reported that the PX-9 performed well: “Most importantly, the gun shoots. GunsAmerica editor True Pearce was impressed with the gun’s ergonomics and the quality trigger. It’s a real pleasure to shoot, and it reminded us of the H&K VP9 and the SIG P320.”
This modern pistol is made in Turkey. There are many options: “The PX9 Gen III comes in three different configurations: the Duty, the Duty Threaded, and the Tactical Threaded. The MSRP varies by configuration ($500-$600), but all three are chambered in 9mm and come with a slide cut for RMR-footprint optics. All three ship with 18 and 20-round magazines[.] The PX-9 comes with a removable flared mag well, and interchangeable side and back grip panels. With three options for each panel, the PX-9 offers 27 different grip combinations to fit any size hands.”
The NSSF, sponsor of SHOT Show, had its own hosts Angela Blair and David Lombardo at the Industry Day at the Range 2022. This initial report is pretty superficial, but you can see some of the new guns in the first 5 minutes of this 23 minute video. After that the video includes some interviews as well as pre-recorded product features.
Michelle spent over 15 years as the Chairperson of the IBS Records Committee and she was an instrumental part of the Group Committee, including chairing that Committee for almost 10 years. She and her husband Jack developed the ideas and plans for the four Benchrest Shooting Schools and she led the planning and running of those training programs. She was instrumental in helping a number of the clubs organize and run the IBS Shooters Championship matches.
I remember the photo session. The little girl with Popsicle legs and big pink glasses and a pretty pink dress. She was a sweet child. I remember how proud her dad, P.J. Hart, was of her.
The Rimrock Right Bolt, Left Port, Right Eject Action was donated by David Apple (via certificate). The action carries serial number MKS007. The action was polished by Jim Borden, and Michelle’s Smiley Faces have been engraved on the receiver. Paul Ryan donated the Jewell Trigger fitted to the action. Jim and Joan Borden also donated a polished trigger guard.
The new 8.6 Blackout “is a 6.5 Creedmoor shortened case, blown out for a .338 bullet. For supersonic… between 150 and 160 grains. Out of a 12″ barrel, we’ll be able to get somewhere close to 2400 FPS with that. We’ll have subsonic up to about 360 grains. A Barnes 210-grain bullet [is] about 2,000 feet per second out of a 12″ barrel.”– 
The SHOT Show TV video below has a great sequence from Cutting Edge Bullets with big-bore rifles shooting at extreme long range in Raton, NM and elsewhere. This is a nice intro to ELR shooting. Look carefully and you can see advanced optics, Doppler Radar, and other high-tech gear.
