An accurate, self-loading .22 LR rifle, such as this Volquartsen, is our gun of choice for speed shooting with rimfire reactive targets.
Reactive targets offer “instant gratification” — with every hit your target moves, spins, or falls. Shooting reactive targets with a rimfire rifle is fun AND affordable. Times are a-changin’ — rimfire ammo prices have dropped dramatically, so you can now get very decent rimfire ammunition for under four bucks a box, such as Norma Tac-22 or Aguila Super Extra. Currently priced at $3.49 for 50 rounds, the Aguila is just seven cents a round! At that price, you can afford to shoot every weekend.
Rimfire Know Your Limits Target Rack Challenge Targets offers the popular Know Your Limits (KYL) rimfire target. This KYL target has become popular for NRL22 and PRS Rimfire shooters. Start on the left by engaging the 2″ round target and work your way to the right. Each shot gets progressively harder as the target sizes decrease. With each solid hit, the target plate will spin giving providing hit confirmation. The target rack easily breaks down for transport in a couple minutes.
Make Your Own Shooting Gallery with Reactive Rimfire Targets
For .22 LR fans, the folks at Action Target have created a whole series of steel rimfire targets. Much lighter than their centerfire counterparts, these rimfire targets are easier to transport and easier to set up. With this wide selection of reactive targets, you can create your own shooting gallery.
Rimfire Dueling Tree
Rimfire Spinning Jack
Rimfire Plate Rack
Rimfire Buffalo
In this video, Michael Bane reviews Action Target’s line of rimfire targets, which includes plate racks, spinners, dueling trees, and more. As Michael explains: “This line of targets is very well thought out. For example — dueling trees are a lot of fun. But a centerfire dueling tree weighs a lot, it’s hard to cart it around. A rimfire dueling tree is easy to set up, easy to carry around.”
New PT Target “Walks” When Hit
Action Target has a cool reactive target that doesn’t even need a stand or base. The patent-pending PT Twist rests on the ground, and flops over or “walks” when hit. Constructed from a single piece of 3/16″-thick A514B steel, the PT Twist has no welds or bolts to break or ricochet. Watch the PT Twist in action:
FN America, LLC, the U.S. subsidiary of FN Herstal, S.A., plans to open a new production facility in Liberty, Pickens County, South Carolina. FN America will invest $33 million into the construction of the new 100,000+ square-foot facility. The expansion will add 176 new jobs to the company’s workforce and add new manufacturing capacity to meet the increasing demand for FN products. FN American will break ground on its new facility in 2024 with anticipated completion in 2025.
“FN has experienced significant growth over the last several years and demand for our products continues to increase in all market segments that we serve,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America.
$18 Million Expansion of FN’s Current Columbia, South Carolina Production Center
Following the announcement of the company’s plans to construct a new, second production facility in Liberty, South Carolina, FN America announced a $18 million expansion of its current Columbia, South Carolina facility. This plan will add more than 40,000-square-feet of manufacturing capacity and office space. In addition, FN American will create a Design Center for new proeduct research and development. The expansion will add 102 new positions to the company’s existing workforce. This $18 million project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
For more than 40 years, FN has operated a production facility in Richland County, South Carolina and has produced more than 1 million small arms under contract to the U.S. Department of Defense. Currently, FN America employs more than 600 individuals to produce firearms, accessories and other products for the U.S. military, law enforcement agencies, and the retail gun market. The company has produced the M4A1, M16A4, M249 light machine gun, M240 medium machine gun and FN SCAR under contract for the U.S. military as well as the FN 509 striker-fired pistol line used by U.S. law enforcement agencies.
Here’s a great opportunity for someone looking for an AR rifle or upper. Right now Bear Creek Arsenal, a leading AR manufacturer, is offering complete uppers as low as $179.90 and complete AR rifles starting at just $379.90. With Bear Creek’s Spring Fling Sale you can get a complete upper for less than you might pay for a chambered/fitted barrel alone, or get a complete AR rifle for less than an upper might cost from another vendor. With this sale you can save 50% on complete AR rifles.
You can get a 5.56 NATO configuration, or the similar .223 Wylde variant. If you want a bigger cartridge for hunting, choose a 6.5 Grendel, .350 Legend, or .450 Bushmaster chambering. We like the 6.5 Grendel — it is very accurate, so it can do double duty for competition and small game hunting.
Bear Creek Arsenal explains: “There are huge savings. For example you can get a complete 18″ barrel 6.5 Grendel AR for just $399.99, discounted from $799.99. Or get a .223 Wylde or 6.5 Grendel upper for just $179.99. With no purchase limits get as many as you want and check out the incredible savings on these AR rifles, AR pistols, and Uppers while they last.”
Bear Creek Arsenal Spring Fling Sale Uppers and AR Rifles
Here are examples of the products on sale. NOTE: These are just six of 40 different uppers and firearms on sale now. CLICK HERE to see full sale list.
Last week, oppressive legislation was re-introduced in Congress that would ban and confiscate all suppressors (aka “silencers”) in all 50 states. This sweeping suppressor ban is the work of two Democratic party lawmakers, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), and Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ). This unconstitutional legislation is called “HEAR Act”. HEAR stands for “Help Empower Americans to Respond”. The deceptive name falsely suggests this statute was in some way designed to protect hearing or reduce noise pollution.
Just the opposite is true. This misguided legislation would prohibit the importation, sale, manufacturing, transfer, and possession of suppressors. The object is both to ban suppressors AND to confiscate currently-owned suppressors. As GunsAmerica Digest explains: “Emphasis was added on ‘possession’ for the obvious reason. It means even current can owners would be affected!”
Senator Menendez, in a press release, argued that suppressors are very commonly used by criminals, something which is completely and totally false. The mendacious Menendez stated: “Gun silencers are devices designed for a very specific purpose — to suppress the sound of gunfire from unsuspecting victims and reduce the chances they can run, hide, take cover, and call the police during an active shooter situation. [This] legislation that would prevent armed assailants from using deadly devices that only make incidents of gun violence all the more dangerous.”
Sen. Menendez has an interesting reputation in Washington. He was indicted in 2015 on bribery charges, and stood trial in 2017, resulting in a hung jury. And, according to the N.Y. Times and Politico, he is currently under investigation for more questionable practices. SEE N.Y. Times Report.
The sponsors of the legislation do not acknowledge that there is a complex, and expensive process to acquire a suppressor, involving background checks, ATF paperwork, and a costly $200 Tax Stamp. As usual, these Democrats ignore the facts and push legislation based on fraudulent assertions.
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman attacked the use of silencers, completely ignoring how they are safely used by hunters and sportsmen throughout the world. Coleman states: “Silencers are not tools of self-defense, they are tools of murder. They have no legal application, which is why law enforcement officials around the country have called for their elimination.”
The HEAR act would ban all future sales of suppressors. In addition, the law would allow confiscation of existing suppressors via a buy-back program using Byrne JAG grants. Current suppressor owners would have a 90-day grace period after the date of enactment to surrender their silencers/suppressors.
GunsAmerica Digest notes: “Not surprisingly, the legislation is backed by a collection of the usual suspects.”
U.S. Senators who are listed as HEAR Act co-sponsors include: Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). Every one is a Democrat.
In the House of Representatives, HEAR Act cosponsors include Reps. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D.C.), Wiley Nickel (D-N.C.), Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), and Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.). Again all the co-sponsors are Democrats, including some of the most radical legislators in Congress (such as Rashida Talib).
The America Suppressor Association (ASA) has condemned the reintroduction of the HEAR Act.
“ASA is unequivocally opposed to any attempt to ban suppressors. We are unwavering in our support of the Second Amendment and the individual right to possess suppressors. We will fight this tooth and nail. With the facts on our side, we will succeed.”
Read HEAR Act Text Banning Suppressors and Authorizing Confiscation:
With the oppressive Washington House Bill 1240 (HB 1240) being signed into law on 4/25/23 by Washington state Governor Jay Inslee, a legal action has been filed in Federal District Court (Eastern Washington) by several plaintiffs to combat this overreaching legislation. The case, Banta et al v. Ferguson seeks a temporary and permanent injunction based on the unconstitutionality of HB 1240. There is an additional action filed by the Second Amendment Foundation. That other lawsuit, named Hartford v. Ferguson, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
Banta et al vs. Ferguson
The action contesting HB 1240 was filed in the Eastern District of Washington, U.S. District Court. Plaintiffs include Amanda Banta (2012 Olympian Sport Shooter), Sharp Shooting Indoor Range & Gun Shop, The Range LLC, Aero Precision LLC, and the NSSF. The complaint is filed against defendants Robert W. Ferguson, Attorney General of Washington State, and John R. Batiste, Chief of the Washington State Patrol.
“We do not agree with this law and we do not think it is constitutional,” said Scott Dover, CEO of Aero Precision. Dover explained: “HB 1240 bans some of the most common firearms and parts available. It impacts the lawful ownership of products we manufacture and sell to thousands of our customers in the State of Washington. It also restricts the rights of the individuals, Aero Precision employees, who make these parts. We will fight this law in the courts and are confident in the outcome given the clear rulings in multiple Supreme Court cases, including Heller and Bruen.”
Description: Aero Precision has filed a lawsuit in conjunction with several other plaintiffs to combat the overreaching semi-auto rifle ban legislation by the state of Washington.
About Aero Precision
Aero Precision is a firearms manufacturer based in Tacoma, Washington. Aero Precision has been in business in Washington since 1994, originally starting in the Aerospace industry. Today, Aero Precision is the largest firearms manufacturer in Washington, employing roughly 650 employees in Washington and over 200 in other states. Aero Precision manufacturers AR Parts and components, bolt-action rifles, suppressors and more.
You’ve heard the adage — “The couple that plays together, stays together.” Here’s a story about a married couple that competes together in precision rifle matches. Shooters Tim and Regina Milkovich recently both placed in the Top 10 at the popular CowTown Accurized AR Match. Regina took third with a nearly-clean run, dropping only one shot on Stage 5 to end with 49 points and an overall time of 49.50. Tim followed closely behind, placing sixth with 48 points and a time of 37.95.
This match, held at the CowTown Range in Peoria, Arizona, is designed to test and build shooters’ long range skills. Shots are taken from normal PRS-style positions and supports. Each match consists of five stages with targets ranging from 100 to 700 yards. Each stage has a 20-round maximum, and the match typically requires 40 to 50 hits.
Tim and Regina, who are both sponsored by Nosler, can often be found competing together at individual and team matches. At this match, both shot ARs chambered in .223 Rem loaded with Nosler .22 caliber 77gr Custom Competition bullets.
This video is from a Cowtown Accurized AR match last October.
Regina is a Top Female PRS Shooter
Regina is one of the top female precision rifle competitors in the country. She is one of only two women to ever win a national-level Precision Rifle Series (PRS) match. Just a few years ago Regina was a novice in the PRS/NRL game. Now ranked as a Master Class shooter, today she is a respected, top-level competitor.
Time is a Veteran Who Shoots Many Disciplines
Tim is a military veteran with service in the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, and U.S. Air Force. He has been shooting competitively since 1986 in multiple disciplines including Pistol Silhouette, Bullseye Pistol, USPSA, IDPA, and 3 Gun. Tim has a Master Class ranking in most of the disciplines he shoots.
Tim also shoots bolt-action rifles. Below are his 6.5×47 Lapua cartridges loaded with Nosler 140gr RDF bullets and Varget powder. Photos from Tim Milkovich Facebook Page.
The Governor of Washington state, Jay Inslee, recently signed radical new legislation, House Bill 1240, that outlaws AR-platform rifles and other semi-auto, mag-fed “modern sporting rifles” (MSRs). This new WA state law, which goes into effect immediately as an “emergency” measure, will be fought in Federal Court. Two lawsuits have been filed, both seeking to strike down HB 1240 as unconstitutional.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) has filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Washington, challenging the constitutionality of the recently enacted HB 1240, which bans the manufacture, sale, import, and distribution of many semi-automatic firearms. The lawsuit, named Hartford v. Ferguson, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
In addition, NSSF (National Shooting Sports Foundation) filed a lawsuit, Banta et al v. Ferguson, against Washington’s Attorney General Robert Ferguson and John Batiste, Chief of Washington State Patrol, seeking declaratory and injunctive relief from state authorities enforcing HB 1240, which bans modern sporting rifles. The lead plaintiff is Amanda Banta, a 2012 Team USA Olympian and 10-year member of the U.S. Rifle Team and resident of Spokane, Washington.
GunsAmerica Digest reports: “HB 1240 is part of a broader gun reform package signed into law that includes a 10-day waiting period, mandatory firearms training for prospective gun buyers, and a new legal pathway for the Attorney General and family members of shooting victims to sue gun makers who market their products to prohibited persons. These additional provisions take effect this summer. HB 1240 has exemptions for law enforcement and members of the military. Existing owners of black rifles are also grandfathered in — at least for now.”
NSSF challenges Washington’s MSR ban, arguing that it violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court held in Heller that the Second Amendment protects the rights to keep and bear arms “typically possessed by law-abiding citizens for lawful purposes.” There are over 24.4 million MSRs in circulation today, more than there are Ford F-150s on America’s roads.
HB 1240 is very harsh. According to GunsAmerica Digest: “HB 1240 only allows 90 days for firearm dealers and manufacturers to sell or transfer their existing stock out of the state. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that violations will be considered a misdemeanor offense, which could result in a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and a fine of $5,000.”
“NSSF will not stand idly by as politicians cleave away fundamental Constitutional rights from Americans,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior V.P. and General Counsel. “The right to keep and bear arms that are commonly owned belongs to law-abiding citizens. Politicians in Washington exceed their authority when they usurp those rights to mollify radical special-interest groups. These politicians violate their oaths to protect and defend the Constitution and the rights of the citizens they represent.”
SAF claims the new law — which took effect immediately — infringes on Second and Fourteenth Amendment rights and is seeking preliminary and permanent injunctions from the court.
SAF founder and Executive V.P. Alan M. Gottlieb criticized the state for putting politics above constitutional rights: “[Washington] has criminalized a common and important means of self-defense, the modern semiautomatic rifle. The state has put politics ahead of constitutional rights, and is penalizing law-abiding citizens while this legislation does nothing to arrest and prosecute criminals[.]”
SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut called out the authors and supporters of the legislation: “As we note in our complaint, the firearms that Washington bans as ‘assault weapons’ are, in all respects, ordinary semiautomatic rifles. To the extent they are different from other semiautomatic rifles, their distinguishing features make them safer and easier to use.”
If you need a good hunting rifle, consider a Tikka. The latest generation Tikka T3x rifles are very popular with hunters around the globe — for good reason. These rifles offer smooth-running actions, easy sub-MOA accuracy with good ammo, crisp triggers, and reliable detachable box magazines. The Tupperware stocks aren’t super-rigid, but they are comfortable and easy to handle. The Tikka T3 and T3X models are smart choices for hunters, offering good performance for the price (starting at $749.00 for the T3X Lite version). The T3x series is offered in a wide selection of chamberings, from .204 Ruger up to the large magnums.
Testing the T3x Series on the Range — Fun in Finland
This video was produced at a range in Finland. Tikka product manager Taneli Pokkinen shoots three Tikka rifles — the first two prone, off bipod, and the third standing (as a hunter might shoot). You can see the recoil of various chamberings, plus the accuracy at 100m, which is pretty impressive. Rifles tested are: 1) Tikka T3x Varmint Hunter; 2) Tikka T3x Super Varmint (with suppressor); 3) Tikka T3x Roughtech Ember. NOTE: At 4:30 there is a 5-shot group from the Super Varmint as shot by a gunsmith. All shots are touching — very impressive!
These two short videos explain two key features of modern Tikka rifles — the smooth running bolt and the precise, crisp, and relatively light trigger. We recommend you check out both of these tech videos if you’ve never handled a Tikka rifle before. Tikkas really do have very good factory triggers, with bolt smoothness that rivals some custom actions.
Tikka Rifles — Five Recent Models Reviewed
If you are considering a Tikka for PRS/NRL, check the first segment of this video covering the Tikka T3x TAC A1. In order, here are the five (5) Tikka rifle reviewed, with video start times (if you want to skip around): 1. Tikka T3x Super Varmint (00:40, video only); 2. Tikka T3x TAC A1 (01:13); 3. Tikka T3x Super Varmint (02:34); 4. Tikka T3x Lite Roughtech Ember (05:12); 5. Tikka T3x Varmint Hunter (wood) (07:31). Note: The review sections are done by a knowledgeable Tikka product manager Taneli Pokkinen. CLICK HERE for 40+ Tikka factory videos.
Tikka T3X — Hickok45 Shows Function and Shoots at Steel Plates
Popular YouTube gun reviewer Hickok45 reviews the Tikka T3x Tactical Compact Rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor. There are good explanations of the operation of the action and magazine. In addition Hickok45 shoots the rifle offhand (05:10 and 13:44 time-marks), evaluating the ergonomics of the stock and the trigger feel. Hickok45 now has 7.27 million subscribers to his YouTube Channel.
Tikka T3x Compact Lite Roughtech Ember
The Tikka Compact Lite Roughtech Ember has a handsome brown polymer stock with subtle camo. This nicely-finished 6.8-pound $1299.00 rifle comes with a stainless fluted barrel fitted with factory muzzle brake. The stock has interchangeable pistol grips for various shooting positions. The fore-grip has attachment points, allowing forearm width to be increased. In this video, at the 8:40 time-mark, the trigger is adjusted to crisp 2.5 pounds, as verified with a trigger gauge. That is excellent for a factory trigger.
Why the TIKKa T3x Is Great for Hunting
With 650,000+ subscribers, the Backfire Channel is one of the most popular gun channels on YouTube. You can trust Backfire reviewers because they pay their own money for all the products they review. This video reviews current generation Tikka rifles. Backfire had high praise for Tikka T3x rifles: “The Tikka T3x SL is an incredibly lightweight mountain rifle that should be in every hunter’s safe. We like it for its lightweight build, stainless steel barrel, superb trigger, and surprisingly accurate shooting. Overall, this is the hunting rifle we recommend more frequently than any other.”
TIKKA T3x TAC A1
Along with the hunting rifle models, Tikka also produces quality, metal chassis tactical-style rifles. The Tikka T3x TAC A1 has earned considerable praise and is PRS/NRL competition-ready right out of the box. The T3x TAC A1 is offered in multiple calibers/chamberings, barrel lengths, and chassis colors. The impressive T3x TAC A1 retails for $2199.00 – $2299.00 at EuroOptic.com.
BONUS: TIKKA T3x vs. Ruger American
This comparison video compares the Tikka T3x with the Ruger American rifle. The reviewers explain the key differences and the pros and cons of each type. The video examines the receivers, barrels, triggers, and stocks of the Tikka and the Ruger. What’s the bottom line? Well the Ruger has a price advantage, but the Tikka T3x has a better trigger, nicer action, better magazines, and probably better 5-shot accuracy.
This week, Shooting USA TV spotlights the 2022 GAP Grind, the largest PRS Pro-Am Tactical match with nearly 400 competitors. The 10th Annual GA Precision/Elite Tactical GAP Grind PRO-AM was held September 30 through October 2, 2022 at the K&M Shooting Complex in Tennessee. The GAP Grind, the largest, most popular PRS match in the world, drew nearly 400 amateur and pro shooters. Recognized as the premier PRO-AM precision rifle match with both individual and team competition, the GAP Grind has introduced thousands of new shooters to the sport since its inception. It was great to see the GAP Grind successfully mark its 10th Anniversary.
SHOW TIMES: This Shooting USA Episode airs Wednesday, April 12, 2023 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.
In this video Eagle Eye Shooting Shares Highlights from the 2022 GAP Grind
Big Prize Table at 10th Annual GAP Grind Event
The year’s largest PRS match drew hundreds of attendees, and more than 80,000 rounds were fired throughout the three-day event. Bushnell gave out $5,000 to the top place finishers and added over $5,000 worth of product to the prize table. Trophies were awarded to the top 5 teams, top 5 professionals, and to the top 5 amateurs.
Lots of Action, with 20+ Stages
The GAP Grind is a challenging, “high tempo” match with minimal down-time between stages. Over the course of 20+ stages, competitors will fire 200+ shots at a variety of steel, paper, moving, and reactive targets out to 1,200 yards. Targets vary in size/difficulty based on the shooter’s position, distance, and time allotted. Most stages include “stressors” — i.e. time limits or required movement(s).
This extensive, 45-minute video shows many of the 2022 GAP Grind Stages
GAP Grind Pro-Am Format — Seasoned Shooters Help Newcomers
The GAP Grind typically attracts nearly 400 competitors — half experienced shooters and the other half newcomers to the sport. The key to growing the shooting sports is attracting new shooters. The best way to bring in “new blood” seems to be the Pro-Am type format. At the GAP Grind, experienced shooters share their knowledge and guide the new shooters through the competition.
GAP Grind Hardware
You’ll find the latest and greatest PRS hardware at the GAP Grind. Over the past few seasons, most top competitors have “stepped down” from the 6.5/6mm Creedmoor to the smaller, more efficient 6mm Dasher, 6BRA, 6 GT and other 6mm cartridges. The Dasher offers excellent accuracy with less recoil than the 6.5 Creedmoor. Also, many competitors will be switching to the impressive new Zeiss FFP LRP S3 and S5 scopes in the months ahead.
Suppressor Processing at NRA Convention Silencer Central, America’s largest silencer dealer, will allow NRA Convention attendees to submit their ATF eForm 4 application onsite with purchase. This special program will be available at the Silencer Central booth (#7963) at the NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits, April 14-16, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
To streamline the process of obtaining a suppressor, attendees will be able to purchase a silencer at the Silencer Central booth (#7963), have their photo and fingerprints taken, generate their free NFA Gun Trust, setup a no-fees, no-interest payment plan for just $199 down, receive assistance registering for their ATF.gov account, and get submitted to the ATF all at the event.
Silencer Central CEO Brandon Maddox stated: “This new process helps us deliver on that commitment by allowing our customers to purchase, certify, and submit right on the spot.” This can save suppressor buyers many days or even weeks in processing time.
“We make buying silencers simple,” said Maddox. “While others might say they share that claim, we continue to lead the pack with our investment in innovation and technology while approaching our customer experience with a lens for continuous improvement.”
Silencer Central delivers silencers directly to customers in the 42 states where silencers are legal. Silencer Central’s process has revolutionized the way suppressors are sold and reduced unnecessary hurdles to silencer ownership. For more information, call 888-781-8778 or visit SilencerCentral.com.
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman attacked the use of silencers, completely ignoring how they are safely used by hunters and sportsmen throughout the world. Coleman states: “Silencers are not tools of self-defense, they are tools of murder. They have no legal application, which is why law enforcement officials around the country have called for their elimination.”
Suppressor Processing at NRA Convention
