Brownells, a cornerstone of the firearms community since 1939, celebrates its 85th anniversary this month. To mark this special occasion, Brownells has announced exclusive sales and promotions, offering customers discounted deals and opportunities to join in the celebration.
A Legacy of Innovation and Commitment
Founded by Bob Brownell in 1939, Brownells has grown from a small family business into a leading supplier for gun owners, hunters, and gunsmiths. Over the decades, Brownells has maintained its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, always staying true to the values instilled by its founder. For a journey through Brownells’ rich history and significant milestones, visit the History of Brownells timeline page. To mark this special anniversary, Brownells has major promotions, plus thousands of items on sale.
Special Anniversary Offers
To mark this historic milestone, during June 2024 Brownells is offering month-long deals:
15% Off Brownells Branded Products:
Enjoy major 15% OFF savings on our extensive range of high-quality products. Free Shipping on Orders of $85 or More:
Take advantage of free shipping for qualifying orders. This can save you $20, $30 or more! No FFL Fee and Flat-Rate Gun Shipping:
Gun sales have no seller FFL Fee plus flat-rate shipping on firearms.
Pete Brownell Reflects on the Legacy
“As we celebrate our 85th anniversary, we reflect on the remarkable journey that began with my grandfather, Bob Brownell. He was a visionary gunsmith and writer who understood the importance of sharing knowledge and providing quality tools to the firearms community. His mission to professionalize the gunsmithing trade laid the foundation for what Brownells has become today. Our commitment to innovation, education, and customer satisfaction continues to drive us forward. We are proud to honor his legacy and look forward to serving the next generation of firearms enthusiasts and professionals.” — Pete Brownell
One of the great thing about shooting is that marksmanship is one of the few sports where physically-challenged persons can compete at the highest level — with some provisions for wheelchair access and mobility. For example, in the world of F-Class competition, Matt Schwartzkopf is one of the best in the nation. Matt, a rangemaster at Ben Avery in Arizona, is a double amputee (below the knee). He hasn’t let that challenge stop him. He has been a Top-10 finisher at major F-Class matches, and was chosen to shoot with F-TR Team USA.
F-TR Team USA member Matt Schwartzkopf is a double amputee below the knee, having had his lower legs removed due to a birth defect. That hasn’t held him back. Matt is an inspiration to us all. He told us: “This condition has not held me back from anything.” Jokingly, he added, “I may not have ‘a leg to stand on’, but that doesn’t mean I can’t still shoot 10s and Xs at 1000.” Matt is living proof that competitive shooting is a sport for all individuals — young and old, able-bodied and physically challenged.
Matt isn’t just a talented shooter — he runs range operations at Ben Avery in Arizona. During a major match, Matt can be seen supervising the firing line, organizing pit crews, and posting match results.
New USA Nationwide Adventure Database for Adaptive Shooters
Here’s a great new opportunity for shooters and sportsmen with physical limitations. The NRA has created a nationwide database of hunting and fishing adventures for individuals with disabilities. There are programs throughout the country with 45+ organizations such as Buckmasters, Freedom Hunters, Hope Outdoors, Hunting with Heroes, and Safari Club International.
“Venturing into the outdoors has long been acknowledged as healing for the body and soul”, said NRA National Adaptive Shooting Programs Manager Dr. Joe Logar, PT, DPT. “These benefits can be even more profound for someone experiencing an illness, injury, or disability.”
NRA’s Hunter Services and Adaptive Shooting Programs have maintained a list of organizations offering people with disabilities outdoor opportunities. Now available in a searchable database, any adaptive shooter can easily choose from adventures such as guided whitetail hunts, chartered fishing trips, and accessible hiking trails anywhere across the country. To find a program, visit the NRA Adaptive Shooting Program’s Hunting/Fishing Trip Database.
NRA Resources for Adaptive Shooting Events
The NRA Adaptive Shooting Program also provides information for organizations planning an event to include person with disabilities. Events may be organized by veterans’ groups, rehabilitation facilities, and gun clubs. For more information visit AdaptiveShooting.NRA.org.
Adaptive Shooting Programs in the United Kingdom
Across the pond, the National Rifle Association of the United Kingdom (NRAUK) also has adaptive shooting programs. The NRA.ORG.UK website has a wealth of information for shooters with physical challenges.
The NRAUK states: “There are many different types of target shooting available for people to try in Great Britain. Some of them are readily accessible to disabled people, others less so. Also, shooting clubs and facilities do not all cater for every discipline; some only offer one, whilst larger complexes can cater for many of them. The only place in the country where almost all disciplines can be tried is Bisley Camp in Surrey. Access to the outdoor ranges is being improved all the time, although most are already accessible.
If the disciplines that you particularly fancy are not suitable for your type of disability at the moment, or are not currently available in your area, do not give up hope! The key skills for target shooting are very similar for all disciplines, so you could start with a different but similar option, learn those key skills, and take up your first choice when it is available to you.”
Making Ranges Suitable for Disabled Shooters
The Summer 2019 issue of NRA Club Connections magazine has a feature on Adaptive Shooting. This article explains how range owners can make their lines of fire more accessible with the addition of a simple mat.
Hornady Hosts 12th Annual Zombies in the Heartland 3-Gun Match
Over 450 zombie hunters descended on Grand Island, Nebraska, May 31 through June 2, 2024, to battle the “undead” during the 12th annual Zombies in the Heartland 3-Gun Match hosted by Hornady and the Heartland Public Shooting Park. Shooters from all over the country armed with handguns, shotguns, and rifles, tested their talent in 10 zombie-themed stages. Specifically developed reactive zombie targets kept everyone engaged and entertained.
The Heartland Zombies match 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”. Rifles, pistols and shotguns are used on most stages. There were also fun side-matches. Watch the video above to see this year’s action.
2024 Zombies in the Heartland Match Division Winners
Open: Nate Schmidt
Tactical: Ryan Calhoon
PCC: Jay Carillo
“A special thanks to the Heartland Public Shooting Park staff for their preparedness in dealing with inclement weather,” said Jeremy Millard, Hornady Engineer and Match Director.
Looking for a superb illustrated coffee table book about guns? Yes there is such a thing, a great book we highly recommend — The Illustrated History of Fireams (2nd Edition). This full-color 320-page hardcover book features more than 1,700 photos compiled by NRA Museums curators Jim Supica, Doug Wicklund, and Philip Schreier. This Second Edition includes 300 photos more than the original, plus dozens of new profiles of important persons who influenced firearms development.
This follow-up to the best-selling original NRA Museums book is loaded with great images, historical profiles, and technical data on old, new, and currently-manufactured firearms that have changed history. Covering the earliest matchlocks to modern match-grade superguns and everything in between, The Illustrated History of Firearms provides a fascinating education on how guns evolved, where they originated and how they worked.
The Illustrated History of Firearms, 2nd Edition
– Authored by the experts at the NRA Firearms Museums
– Published by Gun Digest Books
– 9 ½ x 11 1/2 inches, hardcover with dust jacket
– 1,700 full-color photos
– 320 Pages
– Price: $39.99 (MSRP); $31.61 on Amazon
The Illustrated History of Firearms, 2nd Edition is available from Amazon direct for $31.61. Amazon also lists lightly used versions of the book starting at $22.00 (plus $3.99 shipping) from a variety of other book vendors. You’ll also find the book at major bookstores such as Barnes & Noble, but it’s probably easier to purchase online.
This hefty 516-page book covers “Pistols, Rifles, Revolvers, Machine And Submachine Guns Through History”. This major resource is illustrated with 1100 photographs, and covers the whole spectrum of guns.
Priced at $29.77 on Amazon, this book would make a great gift for a gun collector, and could be a nice addition to a local gun club library. The Illustrated World Encyclopedia of Guns has proven very popular with buyers, earning 83% five-star ratings on Amazon among verified purchasers.
Historic American Arms — Teddy Roosevelt’s Lever Guns
These two lever action rifles, owned by President Theodore Roosevelt, are part of the NRA Museum collection. First is a Winchester 1886 rifle known as the tennis match gun because Roosevelt used winnings from a tennis match to buy it. Below that is a suppressed Winchester model 1894 rifle. Roosevelt liked to shoot varmints around Oyster Bay (Long Island, NY) with this gun so he wouldn’t disturb his neighbors — the Tiffany and Du Pont families.
About the NRA Museums
The NRA opened the original National Firearms Museum at its Washington DC Headquarters in 1935. In 2008 the Francis Brownell Museum of the South West opened at the NRA’s Whittington Center in Raton, NM. Then, in 2013, the National Sporting Arms Museum opened at the Bass Pro Shops store in Springfield, MO. Every year, at these three museum facilities, over 350,000 persons visit to see the impressive exhibits and many of America’s most famous firearms. For more information, visit www.NRAMuseum.org.
Back in 2014, a decade ago, Forum member Robert Chombart posted this message from his home in Normandy, France: “On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of D-Day, I … salute the memory of the thousands of American soldiers who sacrificed their youth to liberate France, with … particular [respect] for those who rest in Normandy ground.” Today, 80 years after that historic invasion day, it is important we never forget the sacrifice of those who gave their lives on the beaches of Normandy.
Today we should remember those who crossed the Channel to begin the liberation of Europe. Thousands of soldiers, sailors, and aviators gave their lives on June 6, 1944. Their sacrifice on “The Longest Day”, allowed people throughout Europe to enjoy freedom. We should remember those brave warriors, and never forget that freedom is not free — it requires continuing vigilance and sacrifice.
The 2024 CMP Eastern Games, held April 26 through May 5, were a major success this year with a big boost in competitors and event participation. The CMP Eastern Games were held at Camp Butner for the 19th time. Events included Pistol, Highpower, Rimfire Sporter, Mid-Range, Long Range, and Games matches on several ranges. This year boasted a nearly 10 percent increase in competitors and a 35 percent increase in event entries.
The Eastern Games event is part of CMP’s Travel Games series. The popular Travel Games bring the challenge and fun of the National Matches on the road to different corners of the country for all to enjoy. This year, the week-long Eastern Games event hosted over 450 participants, numbers that had not been achieved since before the Pandemic. CLICK HERE for 2024 Eastern Games Photos.
The weather was picture perfect, slightly cool in the mornings and warming up mid-day with clear skies — no doubt contributing to great performances seen throughout the week. View full results at TheCMP.org/EasternGames24Results.
Victor Betzold won the As-Issued Carbine, Long Range Match Rifle Day 1, and achieved three High Senior distinctions. Keith Schachle managed to snag the win for both the Three & Four Gun Aggregates. The Army Marksmanship Unit joined the competition halfway through the week for the Highpower Rifle Matches, and SSG David Bahten was victorious in the Highpower 2400 Aggregate with a score of 2383-122x, edging out SFC Erin O’Neill by only three points.
Long Range Matches Are Popular Feature
Long Range competitor shooting with scoped Eliseo Tubegun. Note viewing screen for electronic target.
The newest addition to the event line up is the Long Range Matches. Here shooters campaign with Palma rifles, service rifles, and F-Class rifles. Competitors were excited to see these matches on the schedule, as they normally have to travel to the National Matches at Camp Perry in Ohio to compete in some of these discipline. KTS (Kongsberg Target System) electronic targets were used for this match as well as all other rifle matches. Fritz Hempelmann made history winning the first ever CMP Travel Games Match Rifle Aggregate with a score of 789-37X.
Marksmanship Clinics offered for Rifle and Pistol Shooters
The Civilian Marksmanship Program put on a number of clinics including a Pistol Small Arms Firing School (SAFS) attended by 28 students, Rifle SAFS attended by 42 students, a GSMM New Shooter Clinic, and a Garand Maintenance Clinic. The SAFS classes featured Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) Matches with the opportunity for the top 10 percent of participants to earn their first 4 EIC points.
As with many CMP matches, there were many Rimfire Sporter class competitors. This competition is conducted with relatively inexpensive .22 LR production rifles and is a good way to enjoy a CMP match without a huge investment in rifle, fancy optics, and shooting gear.
Pistol Matches at Camp Butner
Eric Herrin, who is currently working towards his pistol Distinguished Badge, claimed the overall top spot in the Revolver Pistol EIC Match with a score of 351-5X, an honor that is not common for non-distinguished competitors. Jonathan Shue dominated the field in the any sights category and secured eight pistol match wins including Overall Individual Pistol Aggregate and the 2700 Pistol Aggregate.
Great Facility, Good Competition, and Good Fellowship
Competitors praised the range facilities at Camp Butner. Overall it was a very successful event and the CMP predicts the Eastern Games will continue to grow in attendance. The 2025 Eastern CMP Games, Pistol and Cup Matches will take place April 25 through May 4, 2025 — save those dates!
The CMP Rimfire Sporter discipline is for smallbore rifles that weigh 7 1/2 pounds or less with sights. Firing is done at 25 and 50 yards in prone, sitting, and standing positions, in slow and rapid-fire modes. The CMP has a special smart-phone App that helps speed up scoring. Rimfire Sporter matches are held throughout the country in connection with the CMP’s Travel Games.
And each summer, the major National Rimfire Sporter Match attracts hundreds of shooters to the shore of Lake Erie at Camp Perry. This year’s Rimfire Sporter Match at Camp Perry will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 — just five weeks away. The CMP National Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match offers shooters a recreation-oriented competition where they use affordable, smallbore sporter rifles with either scopes or iron sights. All you need are a .22 LR rifle, sling, and ammo.
Rifles may be manually operated or semi-automatic, in three classes: the standard “O Class” for open-sighted rifles, “T-Class” for telescope-sighted rifles, and the “Tactical Rimfire” Class. Firing is done at 50 and 25 yards on a target with a 1.78″ ten-ring. The target is simple enough for a beginner to hit, yet challenging enough that only one competitor in the history of the match has ever fired a perfect 600 score.
Rimfire Sporter Course of Fire
At the Rimfire Sporter Match, competitors complete slow fire prone, rapid fire prone, slow fire sitting or kneeling, rapid fire sitting or kneeling, slow fire standing, and rapid fire standing shot sequences.
What is Required for the Camp Perry Rimfire Sporter Match
Competitors need to bring their own .22 cal. Rimfire rifle(s) and ammunition. Special target shooting equipment, shooting jackets, or shooting gloves are not permitted, but you can bring a spotting scope and ground cloth or shooting mat. The firing points have grass (sometimes a bit wet with rain). Competitors are strongly urged to wear hearing and eye protection. Assistance for disabled competitors is provided.
A free Shooters’ Clinic is usually held in connection with the Rimfire Sport match at Camp Perry. The Clinic covers Rimfire Sporter rules, safety instructions, course of fire, and competition procedures. Shooters who have not previously attended a CMP Rimfire Sporter Match are strongly encouraged to attend.
We think every gun owner should have a .22 LR rifle and .22 LR pistol for training and fun plinking. You can shoot .22 LR rimfire rounds for a tiny fraction of the cost of centerfire ammo, which can exceed $1.30 per round just for components. Today we spotlight some of the best .22 LR rimfire ammo deals on the web.
At Locked & Loaded Ltd. we found .22 LR rimfire ammo for as low as $2.68 per 50ct box, which works out to just 5.36 cents per round ($0.0536)! These deals, all under seven cents per round, are all current on the LockedLoaded.com website. CLICK HERE to access the deals. When you arrive on that web page click “Hide Out of Stock” in the left column. Everything shown below is listed as “IN STOCK” as of 10:30 am PDT on 6/4/2024.
Bonus — Big Rimfire Ammo Comparison Test
This Backfire Channel Video features an accuracy comparison test of 13 .22LR ammo types from multiple manufacturers. This includes low-priced ammo, such as Aquila, as well as more costly match ammo from ELEY, Lapua, and SK. The most accurate ammunition in the tester’s rifle was Lapua Center-X. Do note that different ammo may shoot better or worse in different rimfire guns. For example a round that works in a Ruger 10/22 may not be the best choice for a .22 LR revolver. But this review can help you get started in your ammo selection process.
Do you know someone who recently purchased his/her first handgun and is getting started in the shooting sports? Or do you need to brush up your own pistol skills? Then check out a FREE video training series from the SIG Sauer Academy: Shooter’s Edge — Learning to Shoot.
Here is the Second Video from the Shooter’ Edge series, covering Basic Rules of Firearms Safety:
This video series features foundational handgun classes at the SIG Sauer Academy in New Hampshire. The ten-episode series takes viewers into the classroom and onto the range as the instructors walk through the fundamentals of handgun safety, shooting techniques, practice and training exercises, along with instruction in equipment options and handgun selection. The series was shot on location during several of the Academy’s introductory classes.
Click Below to Access Full Video Series on SigSauer.com:
The Shooter’ Edge Series includes the following episodes: Learn to Shoot at SIG Sauer Academy; Basic Rules of Safety; Types of Handguns and Ammunition; Foundational Shooting Techniques; How to Practice and Train Effectively; Choosing the Right Gun; Equipment and Its Purpose; Holsters — Presentation and Recovery; Magazines — Loading and Unloading; and What Happens After Learning to Shoot.
Are you in the market for your first handgun, for target use or for self-defense? The Winchester Blog has a good article for handgun buyers. This story, “Things You Should Know When Purchasing Your First Pistol”, provides many smart tips that can help you choose the right handgun, and save money in the process. In addition, the article explains how to train with your new pistol and handle it safely. READ Full Article.
If possible, you should test a variety of different pistols, to determine which works best for you. Check the feel, the ergonomics, the sight picture, and the controls. And, if possible, test the pistols with live-fire at a range which rents samples.
How do you know if your choice is right for you?
Once you’ve narrowed down choices, try to get time shooting the pistol(s) you are considering. You can usually rent guns at commercial ranges. This is an excellent way to “try before you buy.” NSSF has a list of places to shoot[.] When looking for a range that rents firearms, an online search and then a phone call to confirm what options are available is a solid plan. If you have friends and family who own a model you are interested in, ask if they will go to the range with you so that you can try it.
Take pistols for a test drive
First, dry-fire and manipulate the pistol. Can you easily lock the slide open? Are the sights suited to your vision? Then, fire a magazine or two of ammo [in a supervised range facility]. — Winchester Blog
The Winchester Blog article lists techniques that can help you get the “feel” for a particular firearm:
1. Practice the 4 Rules of Firearm Safety and make sure the gun is empty.
2. [After confirming the gun is empty] manipulate the slide, safety, magazine release, and dry-fire.
3. Perform a dry or empty magazine change — make sure you can hit the release and also reload a new magazine easily.
4. Perform a draw, or if you’re at a range where that is not allowed, simply pick the pistol up off the table and bring it up to your eye level and align the sights. Do this a few times. Can you acquire the sights quickly?
5. How does the backstrap fit your hand? Can you get both hands on the gun with enough “purchase” that you can really grip it well?
This Winchester Blog article is by Becky Yackley. Becky has competed in 3-Gun, Bianchi pistol, Service Rifle, NCAA air rifle, smallbore and air pistol events around the world since 1989.
Special Anniversary Offers
F-TR Team USA member Matt Schwartzkopf is a double amputee below the knee, having had his lower legs removed due to a birth defect. That hasn’t held him back. Matt is an inspiration to us all. He told us: “This condition has not held me back from anything.” Jokingly, he added, “I may not have ‘a leg to stand on’, but that doesn’t mean I can’t still shoot 10s and Xs at 1000.” Matt is living proof that competitive shooting is a sport for all individuals — young and old, able-bodied and physically challenged.
