The Precision Rifle EXPO is back this year, running October 30-31, 2021 at the Arena Training Facility in Blakely, Georgia. In past years, over 800 attendees came to the two-day event. This year, manufacturers will be showing off actions, optics, ammo, reloading equipment, stocks, chassis, electronics, supporting equipment (bags and tripods), rifles, triggers, suppressors, and much more. There will be training sessions on precision handloading, wind reading, marksmanship, ballistic devices, and introduction to competition.
The event lets precision rifle enthusiasts connect with top manufacturers, rifle instructors, and leading tactical competitors. Register Online today for $35, or pay $50 at the door this weekend. Registration includes access to the exhibition tent and the range locations, plus instructional classes for both days.
Praslick Wind Reading Class at 2021 Precision Expo
This year wind wizard Emil Praslick will lead a class on wind reading. Praslick is one of the foremost authorities on wind reading in the world. The former USAMU Head Coach has represented the USA in international long-range shooting for over 20 years and has developed training strategies for both tactical and competitive shooting. Praslick’s wind reading class will help shooters gain insight into understanding the mechanism of wind drift and its influence on bullet trajectory, techniques for recognizing and determining wind speed and direction, and strategies of wind management and target engagement. The daily classes will be held at 10 am and 2 pm on Saturday, and 10:30 am and 1 pm on Sunday.
WIND WISDOM: Determining the Direction of the Wind
Praslick noted: “The Precision Rifle Expo is a fantastic opportunity for both industry folks and the public to meet and learn about what’s new in the precision shooting world. It’s also unique in that the organizers present instructional content for the attendees. I’m really looking forward to teaching and talking to people about the techniques, strategy, and some tips to shooting in the wind. We’re once again partnering with Vortex, who is providing optics for the students[.]”
Video Showcases 2018 Precision Rifle EXPO:
All Types of Products Will Be on Display
The Precision Rifle EXPO offers a unique opportunity to check out the latest products from dozens of top companies all in one place. Over 30 companies will be at the EXPO, displaying complete rifles, actions, triggers, stocks, optics, reloading gear, ammo, electronics, rangefinders, chronographs, ear protection, support bags, bipods, tripods, and all manner of accessories.
Nick Gadarzi in Utah NRL match with Leupold Mark 5HD™ 5-25×56mm, TMR reticle
Precision Rifle EXPO 2021 Exhibitor List
NOTE: There may be some final changes, but there should still be 30+ Exhibitors.
At the 2018 EXPO, Long-Range Clinics were held on the 1000-yard Range:
Arena Training Facility — 2300 Acres
The 2300-acre Arena Training Facility is a premier shooting facility with multiple shooting ranges from 50m to 2100m. Arena’s 1000-yard covered Known Distance range offers multiple benches, steel and paper targets out to 1000 yards. On Arena’s UKD (unknown distance) range shooters can engage steel out to 2300 yards. This 2100m UKD range boasts a 3-Story Shooting Tower, Air-Conditioned Shoot House, and multiple Positional Challenge stations.
The Arena Training Facility is located approximately two hours from the Hartsfield Airport in Atlanta, Georgia and is centrally located in the Southeastern USA.
Smith & Wesson (S&W) is recalling ALL M&P 12 Shotguns manufactured before 10/15/2021 due to concerns over cracked barrels, which could cause serious safety issues. If you own one of these newly introduced bullpup shotguns, you should check the serial number, and send the M&P 12 back to S&W for repair. S&W will pay for shipping. For more information go to MPshotgunrecall.com.
S&W M&P 12 Recall Notice
Springfield, MA — Smith & Wesson Inc. has received two field reports of cracked barrels involving the M&P12 Shotgun. To ensure that all of our Shotguns meet Smith & Wesson’s high standards for quality, we are implementing this Safety Recall of all M&P12 Shotguns manufactured prior to October 15, 2021, to ensure there are no barrel anomalies or conditions that might adversely affect the safety, function or performance of the firearm.
We are asking all M&P12 Shotgun owners to stop using the product immediately. To begin facilitating the repair process, contact Smith & Wesson at 833-957-3476, or via email at MPshotgunrecall@smith-wesson.com, to receive instructions, as well as a prepaid shipping label for the return of your M&P12 Shotgun to Smith & Wesson.
PRODUCTS AFFECTED:
This notice applies to M&P12 Shotguns manufactured prior to October 15, 2021. To determine whether your M&P12 Shotgun is affected, check the label on the box to determine the date of manufacture. If the manufacture date is prior to October 15, 2021, your shotgun is subject to this Recall and should be returned to Smith & Wesson for inspection. If you are unsure of the date of manufacture, input the serial number on the S&W Website Recall Page, or call 833-957-3476.
REMEDY/ACTION TO BE TAKEN:
If your Shotgun was manufactured prior to October 15, 2021, please call 833-957-3476 to obtain a pre-paid return label, to arrange for the return of your Shotgun to Smith & Wesson for inspection. If the barrel from your Shotgun is affected, it will be replaced at no cost to you. All shipping and replacement costs will be covered by Smith & Wesson.
A high-end, full custom Benchrest, F-Class, or PRS rifle can cost upwards of $5000.00. Some top-tier competition and tactical scopes (March, Kahles, Schmidt & Bender) cost $2500-$3600 by themselves. If you’re transporting multiple custom rifles with premium scopes to the range, you could easily be hauling $20,000 worth of scoped guns. Bring along a Co-Axial rest, spotting scope, rangefinder, Kestrel, and LabRadar chronograph, and that could push the total closer to $25,000+. Think about that — your guns and gear could be worth way more than your vehicle!
How do you safeguard a big-money collection of guns (without driving around in a Brinks armored truck)? One of the best storage systems available is the Truck-Vault, built in Washington state. Truck-vaults are custom-fitted, locking storage cabinets that fit in a Pick-up truck bed, SUV, or station wagon. Various designs are available, including a waterproof “Extreme Series.” Both single-drawer and multi-draw layouts are offered with lengths up to 60″ overall, and top-load capacity of 2000 pounds. A variety of interior configurations are available.
For transporting scoped match rifles, we suggest Truck-Vault’s “Magnum Line”, which has two drawers with 10.5″ of vertical clearance. This offers two primary sliding compartments (on roller casters), plus smaller storage boxes where you can keep valuable gear securely out of sight.
Truck-Vault Video Showing Break-In Attempt
Truck-Vaults carry a big price-tag. One-drawer SUV models start at around $1100.00, but you can pay over $2000.00 for a unit with all the bells and whistles. Balance that cost against the value of the all firearms and accessories you are transporting. If you spend much time on the road with a pricey collection of guns, optics, and accessories, a Truck-Vault may be a wise investment. This editor first saw a Truck-Vault on a Chevy Suburban belonging to an Arizona gunsmith who does a lot of work for the military. It was not unusual for him to haul $50,000 worth of Class III weapons. For him, the Truck-Vault was an essential security feature. For more info, visit TruckVault.com or call (800) 967-8107.
Getting started in the shooting sports can be intimidating, especially for women. Thankfully, there are many training resources available. NSSF has compiled a series of target shooting tips for women, by women. These tips, presented by instructors Deb Ferns, Kay Miculek, and Lena Miculek-Afentul, cover basic shooting methods and safety. Topics include pistol grip, stance, eye dominance, and ear protection. These tips can benefit any novice shooter, not just the ladies.
Rifle Stance and Hold (for Action Shooting)
Champion 3-Gun shooters Kay Miculek and Lena Miculek-Afentul demonstrate rifle stance basics and how to properly hold an AR-platform rifle for action shooting.
Grip and Stance for Pistol Shooting
Mother/daughter team Kay Miculek and Lena Miculek-Afentul demonstrate proper grip and stance for shooting semi-automatic pistols in action disciplines.
Eye Dominance (and Hand/Eye Cross-Dominance)
Learn how to identify your dominant eye. Kay Miculek, a cross-dominant shooter, explains how other cross-dominant individuals can maintain a proper sight picture.
Ear Protection — Double-Up for Safety
Babes with Bullets Director Deb Ferns says the most common complaint among new shooters is, “It’s too loud!” Deb recommends “doubling up” — wearing muffs OVER soft foam earplugs. That’s “sound advice” for any shooter.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
⏺ CZ quality at a super-low price — solid choice for home defense shotgun
If you’re looking for a simple but effective home defense gun, check out the CZ 612 Home Defense Black 12ga Pump Shotgun. The 612 Home Defense is a no-nonsense 12 gauge fitted with an 18.5″ cylinder-bore barrel and black synthetic stock. The design features and build quality compare very well to other pump shotguns costing twice as much. If you favor a self-loading shotgun, CZ also offers the CZ 712 Utility G2 Semi-Auto Shotgun.
2. Midsouth — RCBS ChargeMaster Lite Scale/Dispenser, $234.99
⏺ Best price on RCBS ChargeMaster Lite, plus New Link Model
Dropping powder charges fast a reliable usually comes either at an extreme cost or complexity. Keep it simple, cost effective and accurate with the RCBS Chargemaster Lite. Simply punch in your powder charge and it’ll do the rest, all with an accuracy of .10 of a grain. If you’re looking to control your powder dispensing with a handy mobile App, look at the RCBS Chargemaster Link with added functionality.
3. MidwayUSA — L.E. Wilson Micrometer Case Trimmer, $125.85
⏺ Superb quality, complete unit with micrometer and stand
The L.E. Wilson Micrometer Trimmer unit is excellent. It trims very precisely with the use of Wilson case holders combined with a micrometer-type stop for length control. With the micrometer you can fine-tune trim length in .001″ increments. As sold complete with micrometer, quick clamp, metal stand, and carry case, this Wilson Stainless Trimmer Kit is $125.85 at MidwayUSA. That’s a very good price — the very same Trimmer Kit is currently $154.95 at Creedmoor Sports. The trimmer can also perform inside neck and primer pocket reaming with optional attachments. NOTE: These kits do NOT include cartridge-specific case holders, sold separately.
4. EuroOptic — Steiner Scope Ring Up Promotion — Free Rings
⏺ Excellent hunting/varminting scopes — get free rings and scope cover
Need a quality hunting scope? With this deal you get a great scope + FREE rings. Now through December 31, 2021, you can take advantage of the Steiner Ring Up Promotion. Purchase a new Steiner Predator 4 Scope and receive a free set of H-Series rings from Steiner; or purchase a T5XI or M-Series scope and receive a set of Steiner T-Series rings or cantilever mount. Additionally, Steiner will include a free neoprene scope cover. These scope have excellent sharpness and low light performance.
5. Amazon — BOG FieldPod Rifle Support SALE $69.98
⏺ Amazing deal — $75 off normal price of very functional tripod rest
Whether hunting or shooting in a match there’s times where standing is required and shooting off a bipod is a must. One our favorites is the BOG FieldPod. It features a dual frame construction and upper frame length adjustment for use with any size rifle including detachable magazine rifles and crossbows making this ambidextrous rest great for ground blinds, predator/turkey hunting, and long-range shooting.
⏺ Save $34 off good compact binoculars with full 10-power magnification
If you’re heading out hunting this fall, then you’ll definitely need a good set of binoculars. Right now save big on the Leupold 10x42mm BX-1 McKenzie Binoculars. These deliver very good low-light performance with Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System. These 10x42mm binoculars have a compact format for easy carry. They are waterproof and built to handle harsh conditions. These McKensie binoculars ship with a shoulder strap, binocular case, lens covers, and lens cloth. For all-day field carry, we recommend adding Leupold’s Go Afield Binocular Chest Harness (upper right in photo), $43.58 on Amazon.
7. KYGunco — ANDERSON AM-15 Stripped Lower Receiver, $38.99
⏺ Absolutely killer deal on AR15 lower from reputable manufacturer
There’s still a huge demand for AR-style firearms and it all starts with the lower receiver. If you’re considering building one, we found these ANDERSON AM-15 No Logo Lower Receivers for only $38.99. You could easily pay two or three times as much for an equivalent AR lower. We have no idea how long this deal will last so grab one or more now and then you can rest easy knowing that you have the most critical part of your next rifle.
8. Amazon — Caldwell Stable Table Lite, $115.03
⏺ Very good price on collapsible ambidextrous shooting bench
Every serious shooter should have some kind of portable shooting bench — for practicing at undeveloped ranges, or for varmint safaris. The Caldwell Stable Table is a secure and very affordable platform for practice, sight-in sessions, and varmint field trips. This table is fully collapsible for easy transport. Set-up is fast and simple with a right/left movable seat and height adjustments for maximum shooting comfort. This cleverly-designed ambidextrous shooting table works for both right-handed or left-handed shooters. This is an Amazon #1 Best Seller for shooting benches.
⏺ Moisture-absorbing reusable desiccant bag protects your investment
Keeping moisture low in your gun safe is critical in the prevention of rust and corrosion. One of the easiest ways to do this is with the Hornady Reusable Dehumidifier Bag. These desiccant packets are ready for use. With no batteries or electrical equipment required, it easily recharges in a warm oven for infinite reuse making leaving no excuses to protect your guns.
The Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot ends after 50 years.
Folks in Kentucky enjoyed a special event this past weekend — the Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot. This event, a Kentucky tradition, is ending after 50 years. Sadly, this was the last-ever event of its kind. Held Friday, October 8 and Saturday, October 9, the famed event concluded with a signature massive display of tracers and flames.
Final Saturday Evening Display at Last-Ever Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot
Local news outlet WRDB.com reported: “LOUISVILLE, Kentucky — A Bullitt County tradition comes to an end this weekend with the final Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot. The Knob Creek Gun Range is staying open, but it is wrapping up its longtime spectacle of machine guns, flamethrowers, and heavy artillery. It hasn’t given a reason, but in the past, the machine gun shoot happened twice a year.”
The April 2021 shoot was canceled due to pandemic restrictions, so crowds were big for this October shoot — the last-ever at Knob Creek. Here is a video from Day One, October 8, 2021:
In years past, twice a year, select-fire fans headed to the Knob Creek Gun Range in West Point, Kentucky, for the nation’s largest Machine Gun Shoot. A bi-annual event, The Machine Gun Shoot was typically held on the second weekends of April and October. The highlight of every Machine Gun Shoot was the Saturday Night event, where scores of guns send regular and tracer bullets down-range. In years past, an estimated 1.25 million rounds were expended during a typical October Night Shoot.
Back in 2013, Top Shot Season 4 Champ Chris Cheng was on hand to record the firepower. Chris writes: “About an hour before dark, folks are out on the range setting up all sorts of explosives while a crowd builds, anxiously awaiting what we all know is coming. The lights go out, and the next thing you know machine guns are going off for almost 20 straight minutes. This year’s October 2013 edition did not disappoint. Check out the video below — other than the beginning, my favorite part is at the 5:50 mark [when a Mini-Gun opens fire from the right].”
Click Triangle to Watch Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot Video (Warning: Very Loud Audio)
GUNTRY of Maryland is hosting the first Tactical Industry Weekend on October 8-10, 2021. Presented by Six Eight Training Group and RYKER USA, this mini-Expo is a weekend-long event for industry professionals, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. The main focus is on defensive firearms — pistols, semi-auto rifles, and shotguns. There will be plenty of the latest Black Rifles and accessories on display. This is an opportunity to check out/demo new gear at a state-of-the-art shooting center with vast indoor range offerings along with sophisticated computer-controlled simulator rooms. Participating vendors will have products for demo and purchase.
Vendors at the event will include: MantisX, RYKER USA, Roger That, Six Eight Training Group. Special Operations Recruiting Battalion, UNIT Solutions, Wilder Tactical, U.S. Law Shield, and Vertx.
About GUNTRY of Maryland GUNTRY of Maryland is in a league of its own. The 64,000 square-foot facility is the premier shooting and training facility on the East Coast. It features 34 indoor live-fire shooting ranges, a fully immersive state-of-the-art simulator, on-site gunsmithing services, and a full-service café. The facility has garnered more than 100 five-star reviews>
“Building an expo where consumers can meet face-to-face with industry professionals, manufacturers, retailers, and media to try their hands at new gear and learn about personal defense is how we convey our commitment to the right to bear arms,” said Ron Holmes, USMC MSgt (Ret.), Director of Training and Product Development for RYKER USA. “We are especially thankful to have U.S. LawShield as an important partner in promoting awareness of self-defense as we educate law-abiding gun owners.”
According to P.J. Hermosa, CEO of U.S. LawShield, “We expect the first annual Tactical Industry Weekend at the renowned GUNTRY Range of Maryland to be a stellar success.”
Janna Reeves is one of the nation’s top female 3-gun competitors. She is fast AND accurate, and she knows how to plan her stages to achieve the best results.
In a series of videos produced for Brownells, Janna talks about the 3-Gun game, reviewing the latest trends in 3-Gun firearms and gear. Janna also provides stage-planning tips, offering winning strategies to employ in competition. Though these videos, Janna hopes to help novice shooters. In particular, Jenna hopes to encourage new lady shooters to get involved in 3-gun competition, a fun and challenge sport.
In this action-oriented video, Janna walks through a 3-Gun course, explaining how to plan shots, movements, and reloads. Janna shares tips, tricks, and strategies that can improve your hit percentage and shave seconds off stage times. Janna offers specific advice on target transitions, loading on the move, and stage planning.
In this hardware-centric video, Janna explains how she set up her guns for competition and why she selects specific components and accessories. If you are just getting started in 3-Gun competition, this will help you choose firearms, holsters, ammo caddies, optics and accessories. Janna’s advice helps you get the most “bang for your buck” when assembling your
This lady can shoot! Lindsey Paul is now officially the top ELR ace on the planet. The talented Texan beat a large field of competitors, including many past KO2M Champions, all guys. We congratulate Lindsey on her outstanding performance, including 3 hits in 5 shots at the max distance, 2.0 miles (3520 yards). No other competitor had more than one hit at 3520 yards, and only four other finalists even had one hit at that distance. Lindsey was shooting a .375 CheyTac cartridge with Cutting Edge 400gr solids.
K02M runner-up Ryan Cheney was leading the field most of the event, being the only shooter to hit ALL his targets (without a miss) at 1692, 2097, and 2376 yards, along with 4 of 5 at 2727 — the best at that distance. But Lindsey came through spectacularly at the final 3520-yard distance. One observer noted: “Ryan had it in the bag before Lindsay got hot — three out of five at 3520 yards is HOT!”
This was an impressive year, proving that the ELR game continues to evolve, with ever-greater overall performances by the ranks of talented shooters. Match Directors posted: “Every year we get more hits at Two Miles and this has been the best ever — 3 of 5 from Lindsey and five shooters hitting the 2 mile target: Lindsey Paul, Ryan Cheney, Jay Dvorsky, Peter Renwick, and Curtis Roman”.
Here are Results from the K02M Finals held Wednesday, 9/29/2021:
FINAL RESULTS FROM 2021 KO2M
NRA Whittington Center, Raton, New Mexico
27-29 September, 2021
Congratulations to all shooters, spotters and teams that drove to Raton from all over the USA and even more to those that hit the targets. Special thanks to the sponsors that made the prize table possible.
A special mention to the King (Queen) of 2 Miles 2021 Lindsay Paul, along with Rei Hoang, and Jaclyn Bryan. [They] proved that women can be as good or better shooters than men. I hope that each year we have more and more women shooters.
Congratulations too for Ryan Cheney who shot so well that he nearly made it to King.
A special mention to all the spotters that drove their shooters to the targets and are always there in their shadow. They all deserve an applause.
We have proven the point, once again, that hits at 2 Miles are possible and not just luck.
Thanks to all for being at KO2M
King of 2 Miles Team
The Queen of 2 Miles Thanks Her Team and Sponsors
Here is Lindsey’s Report on her Achievement — being the first woman ever to win the King, oops, make that QUEEN of 2 Miles Competition.
“I don’t even know where to start! What a wild ride this year this has been. First and foremost thank you to my amazing guy Robert for being the best spotter I could ask for. He is responsible for making most of this happen with his great wind calls, corrections and support. Thank you to the rest of my team.
Jeff had tough conditions with shade on targets for his final round making spotting misses impossible but still finished with a super-respectable 6th place. Shane has come a long way in a short time and did great as well with a 19th place finish, just below the cutoff for the finals. I’m really proud of my performance as Robert’s spotter. He forgot to write down his dope for target 3 and I still managed to help him get on target and he finished in 26th. Jay we missed the hell out of you and hope you are back to 100% soon!
My Applied Ballistics PDM (Personal Drag Model) was nearly spot on out to two miles. Your contribution to shooting sports is beyond remarkable. We couldn’t do what we do without your support.
I was concerned about switching to an Accu-Tac bipod right before this match but I’m dang sure a believer now! I picked up a Nightforce scope of the prize table which was just what I needed as I was borrowing one. Thank you to them and all of the other sponsors who stepped up to support this match and the shooting community.
Lindsay added praise for her competitors: “Congratulations to all the shooters, NRA Whittington Center is my favorite place to shoot but it can sure be challenging. Ryan Cheney made me work for it, congratulations man, you shot excellent! Rei and Jaclyn how awesome was it to have three ladies in the finals?! Congratulations to both of you!”
Lindsey Set a FCSA Cold Bore World Record in August 2021
Lindsey is definitely a top talent in the ELR game. Back in August 2021 she set a new FCSA Cold Bore World record at 1.5 miles (2464 yards). Lindsey posted: “WHAT A DAY! I set a new cold bore world record with 3 impacts at 2464 yds! I’m so thankful for an awesome team and my damn fine Alamo Precision Rifles .375 CheyTac. The 400gr Cutting Edge Lazers shined as usual!”
This weekend, October 1-3, 2021, the 2021 GAP Grind Pro/Am takes place at the K&M Precision Shooting Complex in Tennessee. The 3-day event, the largest and most popular PRS Pro-Am Tactical match, includes professional and “amateur” classes with both individual and team competition. Match organizers expect nearly 400 competitors, who, collectively, will send 80,000+ rounds downrange. And there will be LOTS of prizes — the prize table boasts “hundreds of thousands of dollars in gear” provided by scores of sponsors. And 20+ companies are setting up booths on-site to showcase and sell their products.
Dozens of sponsors make for one of the richest prize tables in all the shooting sports.
The GAP Grind is held at the impressive K&M Shooting Complex in Tennessee:
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).
The 2021 GAP Grind will have 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.
Great K&M Complex video — overhead and action shots — Click II pause button to halt:
GAP Grind Hardware
You’ll find the latest and greatest PRS hardware at the GAP Grind. Notable in recent seasons was the fact that many top competitors moved down from the 6.5/6mm Creedmoor to the smaller, more efficient 6mm Dasher, 6BRA, 6GT and other 6mm cartridges. The 6mm Dasher offers excellent accuracy with less recoil than the 6.5 Creedmoor. New magazine designs allow very reliable feeding with the shorter cartridges.
How do you safeguard a big-money collection of guns (without driving around in a Brinks armored truck)? One of the best storage systems available is the Truck-Vault, built in Washington state. Truck-vaults are custom-fitted, locking storage cabinets that fit in a Pick-up truck bed, SUV, or station wagon. Various designs are available, including a waterproof “Extreme Series.” Both single-drawer and multi-draw layouts are offered with lengths up to 60″ overall, and top-load capacity of 2000 pounds. A variety of interior configurations are available.
The Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot ends after 50 years.
Janna Reeves is one of the nation’s top female 3-gun competitors. She is fast AND accurate, and she knows how to plan her stages to achieve the best results.
