Starting March 1, 2022 you can get up to 15% off* all March-brand riflescopes and optics. This sale, which marks March’s 15th Anniversary, continues through March 14th, 2022. So get ready for the sale which kicks off in two weeks on Tuesday, 3/1/2022.
Firstly, for those who are currently unaware, DEON (manufacturer of March Scopes) had to cancel our attendance at SHOT Show 2022 and IWA 2022. This was a difficult decision to make however the uncertainty and travel restrictions were too much of a risk. We regret not being able to see many of you, however, we will look forward to seeing you next year.
In light of this, we are announcing today that we are doing a 15th year Anniversary / SHOT Show & IWA global sale starting on March 1st and running through March 14th. We would like to celebrate March Scopes’ 15th year Anniversary together with all of you and would also like to give back our unspent expedition and exhibition fee to our valued customers through this global sale. You will receive up to 15% off for all March Scopes during the global sale.
How to Purchase March Optics on SALE from March 1-14, 2022
There are a number of March Dealers in North America.
CLICK HERE for list of all USA March Distributors and Dealers in the USA and Canada.
The 2022 Southwest Nationals are history. This was a very successful mid-range and long-range event, with 330+ participants and some great shooting in F-Open, F-TR, and Sling divisions. We congratulate the 2022 SWN Champions: Tod Hendricks (F-Open, 1243-73X); Keith Trapp (F-TR, 1233-62X); and Kimberly Rowe (1231-63X). Shown below are Sling Winner Kimberly Rowe, and F-TR Champ Keith Trapp.
Here are the TOP TEN for each of the three divisions. CLICK HERE for ALL results:
2022 Southwest Nationals Top Ten Competitors by Division
F-Open Class
Tod Hendricks, 1243-73X
Tim Vaught, 1241-71X
Ken Dickerman, 1238-66X
John Masek, 1237-65X
William Kolodziej, 1235-57X
Doug Skogman, 1235-56X
Eric Wuestenhoefer, 1233-60X
Omar Alonzo, 1233-59X
Emil Kovan, 1233-57X
C.J. Sitton, 1232-62X
F-TR Class
Keith Trapp, 1233-62X
Fritz Braun, 1228-58X
James Crofts, 1224-36X
Brad Sauve, 1221-40X
Carl Matthews, 1217-50X
Drew Rutherford, 1217-45X
Matt Schwartzkopf, 1216-45X
Anthony Jordan, 1214-37X
Michael Waters, 1212-43X
Ellis Berry, 1210-48X
Sling Class
Kimberley Rowe, 1231-63X
Bobby Gill, 1231-55X
Oliver Milanovic, 1230-69X
Justin Skaret, 1229-58X
Curtis Gordon, 1228-63X
Ron Zerr, 1227-63X
Robert Gustin, 1226-49X
Trudie Fay, 1225-57X
Eron Ahmer, 1224-47X
Ken Shomber, 1222-51X
Click the links below for full results, including Grand Aggs and day-by-day performances. You can also find further results plus a large collection of photos at SouthwestNationals.net.
The Berger SW Nationals is one of the few American events where sling shooters compete on the same firing line as F-Class competitors (though in separate groups).
Reading the wind can be challenging at Ben Avery. What’s your wind call here?
Top competitors show focus and concentration in mid-range match.
Stunning F-Open rifle with SEB Mini front rest with Blake Machine accessories.
Looking downrange during Team Match.
Here is the 1000-yard firing line on the final day of competition.
Competitor’s Thoughts about the 2022 SW Nationals
Our friend John Masek (“F Class John” in our Forum) shot great to finish 4th overall in the F-Open division. Here is his “take-away” from this year’s SWN:
The 2022 SWN saw what I can only describe as the largest collection of tight-shooting guns I’ve even seen. As we approached the 800-yard line for the first day of the Long Range program, it was absolutely dead calm and everyone knew some high scores were going to get posted. By the end of the 800-yard match, the vast majority of the 134 F-Open shooters shot a clean 150 with a staggering eight of them shooting a perfect 150-15X (even 11-year-old Ethan Blake). By the end of the day, after shooting 15 rounds each at 800, 900, and 1000 yards, the entire first page of F-Open shooters was separated by only 7 points — a crazy tight margin.
On the following day we started with a very difficult 10-15 mph headwind that derailed many shooters. After the dust settled, there were 22 points separating the first page of shooters but still just 9 points spread among the top 20. The final day was fairly mild and it was anyone’s game, but there was just enough wind to keep shooters on their toes, giving many a chance at redemption from the previous day.
At the end of the day, Tod Hendricks, Tim Vaught, and Ken Dickerman kept their heads in the game and held onto their leads to finish 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively in F-Open. Tod shot an amazing 200-15X in his final round, proving that he was indeed deserving of the F-Open gold medal after three days of fierce competition.
As always, this match, along with the F-Class Nationals and V2 Finale, bring out the finest shooters in the country (and others from around the world). I highly encourage anyone who is able to attend these matches to do so. It’s an experience like no other. No matter your score, you’ll leave with more experience and certainly more friends than you arrived with.
There was construction behind the Ben Avery Range. Note the many tall cranes.
Competitors being transported for their sessions pulling targets in the pits.
Working in the pits is part of the Berger SWN experience.
Over 300 Competitors from Many Countries
On opening day of the 2022 SW Nationals Nancy Tompkins posted: “We started the day off with National anthems for Brazil, Canada, Puerto Rico, Scotland, the United Kingdom, and the USA. We have 282 shooters today and 333 for the Long Range portion of the match. It is fantastic seeing so many targets up and so many competitors after the last two years.”
Photo by Nancy Tompkins near Ben Avery Shooting Facility the evening before the Southwest Nationals. Nancy posted: “Thank you to all of the sponsors, volunteers, and shooters who have traveled from all over… to make this match so special.
Parting Shot: Norm Harrold Target, 200-17X
Paul Phillips posted: “Today I pulled a target for Norm Harrold. This was his 1000-yard target that scored 200-17X. This was the best F-Class score I ever pulled for. It sure is nice when they’re all in the X-Ring. Nice shooting Norm! This is a 5-inch X-Ring.” NOTE: This was from the first 20-shot competition on Day 2 at 1000 yards. We believe Norm had the second highest score for this particular 20-shot match, behind Steven Zock who shot an amazing 200-19X.
Football fans get their chance to score big during Brownells Super Barrel IV promo, with a big red Winchester barrel chock-full of 14,000 rounds of 5.56×45 (.223 Rem) ammo up for grabs. There’s also a Super Barrel IV discount code plus savings on shipping. Now through Sunday 2/13/22, when ordering products from Brownells, you’ll get FREE Shipping plus $20 Off orders of $250.00 or more with Code SB4.
The Brownells Super Barrel IV promotion kicks off on Thursday, February 10. Starting 2/10/22, contestants can enter their email addresses at the Brownells Super Barrel page for a shot at the 14,000-round barrel, valued at over $6,000.00.
In addition, Brownells will be offering free standard and ground shipping on orders leading up to Super Barrel IV. And with Promo Code SB4 shoppers can get $20 off orders of $250 or more.
Your Chance to Win 378 Pounds of Ammo
The big red Winchester barrel contains enough ammo tor the winner to take 100 people to the range to fire 100 rounds each — and still have 4,000 rounds of ammo left over. The ammo alone weighs close to 378 pounds, or more than all but the largest pro football linemen.
Entries will be accepted until 11:59 pm February 13. Then one lucky winner will be chosen to receive the enormous barrel full of American freedom seeds. For more information, and a chance to win, visit the Brownells Super Barrel page.
The Southwest Nationals 600-yard competition was held Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, AZ. For F-Open, F-TR, and Sling Divisions there were three relays, each with 20 rounds for score. Thus, the maximum possible score was 600-60X. Remarkably, many of the top shooters shot 598 or above, and F-Open Winner Norm Harrold didn’t drop a point, finishing with 600-35X. Congrats to the class winners:
F-Open 600-Yard Winner:
Norm Harrold, 600-35X
Note: Jim Murphy was close behind with 599-47X,
the high X-Count for the match.
F-TR 600-Yard Winner:
Alton Johnson, 598-36X
Sling Division 600-Yard Winner:
Kelly Frank, 599-29X
Top 10 by Division
F-OPEN Division
NORMAN HARROLD 600-35X Winner
JIM MURPHY 599-47X
DAN BRAMLEY 599-38X
KEN DICKERMAN 599-37X
ANDY AMBER 599-31X
TIM VAUGHT 598-38X
JAY CHRISTOPHERSON 598-35X
BRYAN BLAKE 598-35X
DAVID GOSNELL 598-34X
JOSEPH MEYER 598-33X
F-TR Division
ALTON JOHNSON 598-36X Winner
GERRY WIENS 597-30X
KEITH TRAPP 595-37X
RANDY LITTLETON 595-33X
BRIAN HARDER 595-31X
JAMES CROFTS 595-28X
EDWARD SHELLEY 595-28X
STEVE ERNST 595-24X
LUKE RAMSEY 594-31X
RAYMOND WEAVER 594-31X
SLING Division
KELLY FRANK 599-29X Winner
KIMBERLY ROWE 598-28X
MIKE KELLEY 598-28X
TRUDIE FAY 597-35X
BOBBY GILL 597-31X
MICHAEL HALSEY 597-27X
MICHAEL CARLO 597-26X
RICHARD FORD 596-37X
KEN NELSON 596-32X
FAZAL MOHIDEEN 595-36X
Today, Thursday February 10, there will be a 4-person Palma Team Match with targets at 800, 900, and 1000 yards. There will be unlimited Sighters and 15 shots for record at each distance. Teams will consist of four firing members, a captain, a coach and an alternate. Divisions are: Palma, Optic, F-Open, F-TR.
Bonus Discounts For 2022 Southwest Nationals Competitors
Generous supporter of the Southwest Nationals, PMA Tool, is offering every SWN competitor 25% OFF PMA TOOL products. Check out all of PMA’s products at pmatool.com. NOTE: this discount ONLY applies to current 2022 SWN competitors.
Longtime supporter of the Southwest Nationals, McMillan Stocks, is generously offering every SWN competitor and range officer 25% OFF any McMillan hunting or tactical stock (not BR or F-Class stocks). Check out all of McMillan’s offerings at McMillanUSA.com. NOTE: This discount only applies to current 2022 SWN Competitors and Range Officers.
Do you shoot an AR-15? Then here is a great deal on mil-spec 5.56x45mm ammo made by Federal. Credit Ammoland.com for finding this bargain-priced bulk pack with 400 XM193 rounds for just $274.99, 31% off the regular $399.95 price. That works out to under 69 cents per round. You could pay that much just for the quality Lake City brass!
Firearms products dealer Bereli is offering NEW, factory-fresh Federal XM193 5.56 Ammo loaded with 55gr FMJ Bullets. With this deal you get 400 rounds, plus an Ammo Can for $274.99. That is just $0.687 per round. Plus, with this 400rd Ammo Can ships for free with Code “FREESHIPPING”.
Federal XM193 5.56 Ammo 55 Grain FMJ
Federal 5.56 ammunition is loaded with Lake City brass and works for target shooting, training, and plinking. This ammunition is new production, non-corrosive, in boxer-primed, brass cases, 55 grain, with FMJ-BT. Get 400 rounds for less than $0.69 per round.
Manufacturer: Federal Premium
Caliber: 5.56×45mm
Bullet Weight: 55 gr
Bullet Type: FMJ
Quantity: 400 Rounds
Pyramyd Air announced its Sick of COVID Challenge — a contest that offers three big Prize Packages, Daily Giveaways, plus FREE Targets. The Sick of COVID (SOC) Challenge runs from February 7 through April 7, 2022. Winners will be drawn after the campaign concludes. To learn more about the SOC Challenge visit Pyramydair.com/soc. NOTE: To enter contest you must scroll down page and log in via email or social media account. No purchase necessary.
Pyramyd Air says: “Sick of Covid? We are too, which is why we’re holding a Sick of Covid Challenge from February 7th through April 7th, with prize packages that include a $3,000 Pyramyd Air shopping spree! Shooting targets won’t fix everything, but it will give us all a chance to unwind and bring some joy back to the world.”
THREE prize packages:
1st Place: $3,000 Shopping PA Spree
2nd Place: $1,500 Shopping PA Spree
3rd Place: $500 Shopping PA Spree
See Pyramyd Air social media channels for Daily Winners!
Winners will be drawn AFTER the contest has finished April 7th, 2022.
NOTE: The targets have a $9.99 price. However, they are free with Code “SOC”. You just pay shipping.
About the COVID Challenge Contest
Customers can enter to win exclusive prize packages by sharing how they enjoy their trigger therapy after a long two years of Pandemic restrictions and worry. Whether it’s an action-packed film, creative candids, or an interesting story, Pyramyd Air wants to hear how shooters are showing they’re Sick of COVID. Pyramyd Air will award $5,000 worth of shopping sprees to winners plus weekly giveaways throughout the two-month campaign.
About Pyramyd Air
Pyramyd Air is the world’s largest online retailer of airguns and accessories. The Ohio-based company offers a diverse inventory from the industry’s leading manufacturers. Each year, the company hosts the Pyramyd Air Cup competition. Pyramyd offers a vast collection of air rifles, from Red Ryder BB guns to lympic-class air Rifles from Anschutz and Feinwerkbau.
Shooting USA will broadcast a fun episode today, February 9, 2022. Today’s show covers Hornady’s Zombies in the Heartland multi-gun match. This popular event, hosted in Nebraska, is one of the biggest three-gun shoots in the nation. After cancellation in 2020 due to COVID, the match returned in June 2021. The Zombies in the Heartland 2021 Match attracted 300 shooters from 20 different states.
SHOW TIMES: This Shooting USA Episode airs Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific; 8:00 PM Central. If you miss the regular broadcast, you can stream the show at any time on Vimeo for $0.99 per episode.
The 10-stage 3-gun match was fun and challenging. Reactive zombie targets kept shooters engaged and entertained. Participants shot from a suspended motorcycle, through a burned-out auto yard, and while sitting in a parked pickup truck where shooters were required to turn the wheel to see targets.
Zombies in the Heartland on Shooting USA TV
Pandemic: Zombies in the Heartland
Every year Hornady hosts the very popular Zombies in the Heartland event. This “Pandemic” 3-Gun fun match, one of the biggest three-gun shoots in the nation, took place in June 2021 at the Heartland Public Shooting Park in Grand Island, Nebraska. It was great to see the match return after cancellation in 2020. The Pandemic featured a rich prize table worth over $150,000. Prizes include pistols, rifles, shotguns, scopes, AR uppers, gun parts, and gear of all kinds.
The Pandemic is a veritable theme park for shootists, with many fun stages and innovative targets. Many unique, reactive zombie targets have been developed specifically for this match. The use of paper targets has been minimized — so it’s mostly “bang and clang”.
There were ten multi-gun stages this past year. Rifles, pistols and shotguns are used on most stages. There were also fun side-matches. We highly recommend you watch the video below to see highlights from a past Pandemic.
Zombies in the Heartland Highlights Video. Guys, this well-made video is WORTH WATCHING! This video offers Shooter’s POV views of many stages including full auto:
The Berger Southwest Nationals officially starts on Wednesday, February 9, 2022. However there will be Open Practice today at the Ben Avery Benchrest Range. If you’re shooting the Match and need to confirm your zero after travel, or perhaps do some last-minute load testing, you may want to take advantage of today’s testing session. This is also a chance to test out new equipment — such as a new rear bag, or new front rest — and ensure everything is working right. It’s also a good idea to make sure your scope is aligned properly and working 100% correctly.
Matt Schwartzkopf, Ben Avery Range Director, posted this welcome message on our Shooters’ Forum:
Berger SWN Check-In and Practice
[Berger SWN] shooters can check in and pick up their scorecards starting Tuesday 2/8/2022 at the Berger Building from 1 PM to 5 PM, and starting at 6:30 AM on Wednesday morning, 2/9/2022.
The gates to the facility will not be opened until 6:30 AM each morning of the match. Please do not enter the facility until the gates are opened by Ben Avery Staff.
Practice for the SWN is available on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at the Ben Avery Benchrest Range from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
We look forward to seeing everyone,
SWN Event Staff
Does your range or shooting club need money to improve facilities? Would you like to train club members as shooting coaches? Well the MidwayUSA Foundation is offering money to help. Here’s how it works…
MidwayUSA Foundation will offer $1 million available for coach training and range development. The Coach Training Grant Program will accept applications through March 1, and Range Development applicants have until April 1 to apply. For both programs, applicants must apply through MidwayUSA Foundation’s online grant application process.
Range Development Grants help existing shooting ranges to make improvements/expansions to allow for more youth-oriented shooting activities. This grant cycle runs February 1 to April 1 and cash grants will be awarded in June. Range Development grants will not exceed $75,000 or 50% of the proposed project budget. Requesting facilities must be a range utilized by a MidwayUSA Foundation endowment holder. Additional requirements can be found on the MidwayUSA Foundation website.
The MidwayUSA Foundation’s Coach Training Grant Program will be open February 1 through March 1 and grants will be awarded in May. The maximum grant payout is $5,000 and the funds will be paid in May. Teams or individuals interested in the Coach Training grant program should reach out to eligible organizations at their state, regional, or national level. These organizations must hold an Agency or Donor Designated endowment with MidwayUSA Foundation. CLICK HERE for other requirements.
How these Grant Programs Help the Shooting Sports
Without proper ranges, there could be no shooting sports at all. And qualified coaches are essential for youth marksmanship training. Executive Director, G. Scott Reynolds explains: “These programs help put the infrastructure in place to provide qualified coaches and regulation ranges. We want all kids that desire to participate in youth shooting sports to have that opportunity.”
The MidwayUSA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity working to sustain and grow the shooting sports industry by providing long-term funding to youth shooting teams. Every donation made is tax-deductible. The Foundation supports all shooting disciplines. For more INFO, visit Midwayusafoundation.org.
U.S. Olympic shooter Eric Uptagrafft in prone position, LARRC 2012. CC photo by Tony Chow.
Eley sponsors many of the world’s top rimfire shooters, who have shared their Tips from the Top. Five ace smallbore shooters provide advice on how to shoot better, how to train more effectively, and how to stay motivated even when “the going gets tough”. If you’re a competitive shooter (in any discipline) you can benefit from reading these words of wisdom from world-class shooters.
Henri Junghaenel, Past #1 ranked, 50M prone rifle shooter.
Focus on Fundamentals: Good performance requires a solid technical foundation. One can hunt after personal bests or one can try to work on the technical basics. The latter will probably lead to better results sooner.
Stay Motivated Over Time: Be persistent and don’t lose your motivation on your way to success. Shooting, like every other sport, requires a learning process which takes a lot of time.
Don’t Yield to Outside Pressures: Don’t let the expectations from others impact yourself. If some people try to put pressure on you (consciously or unconsciously), don’t let them!
Bill Collaros, 2013 Australian WRABF World Cup (Benchrest) and RBA team captain.
Don’t Skimp on Hardware: Ensure your equipment is a good as you can buy. This includes: rests, bags, rifle, scope, and ammunition.
Tune to Your Ammo: Ensure that the ammunition you have is tested and your rifle is tuned to it, to get the smallest possible group.
Train in All Conditions: Train in all sorts of wind and conditions so you know how your rifle and ammunition react in all circumstances.
Stine Nielsen, 2012 Olympic finalist for 3-Position Smallbore Rifle.
No Excuses: When I train, I train by my motto: “A loser has excuses. A winner has a plan.” And when I shoot in competitions I think about that mantra.
Stay Focused: When I stand at a shooting range, I have a good focus on my shooting and myself. I also have a good will to want to shoot 110%.
Zorana Arunovic, Past world #2 ranked, 25M women’s pistol shooter.
Never give up: No matter how hard it is you should always find something that will inspire you to keep going further. I find my inspiration in the success of other athletes. They inspire me to work more and harder. I would say to any young athletes, never give up, no matter how hard it is.
João Costa, Past world #2 ranked, 50m pistol shooter.
Breathing is Key: In shooting as in life, breathing is of paramount importance. So, when shooting try to be calm and quiet. On the bench in front of me I have my pistol, the scope, the magazine and my choice ammo then I count:
F-Open 600-Yard Winner:
Pandemic: Zombies in the Heartland
