Millions of Americans now exercise their Constitutional right to “keep and bear arms”, specifically to carry a pistol for personal protection and home defense. In response to the rapid growth of the CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) market, numerous gun-makers have introduced compact handguns specifically designed for concealed carry. These “Carry Guns” tend to be smaller, lighter, with smoother, rounded edges on slide and frame. Today, many modern carry guns are also “Optics Ready”, meaning they have slides that can accept smaller red dot sights. And some companies are now selling handguns with the optics pre-installed.
For today’s Saturday video showcase, we feature five videos covering a wide range of popular semi-automatic carry guns. You’ll see offerings from Beretta, Glock, HK, Kahr, Kimber, Ruger, Smith & Wesson, Taurus, Walther and more. In addition, we’ve included a video that covers the pros and cons of installing optics on carry pistols. Finally, as a bonus, we’ve included a video that highlights five handguns that you may want to avoid, as they have not lived up to expectations.
Top Ten Best Carry Pistols for the Money
Here the Honest Outlaw Channel reviews ten semi-auto pistols. The host states these are the “10 best pistols for the money,” adding that “these handguns are reliable, accurate, durable, light weight, and cost less than most alternatives.” This video was released in December 2022, so it covers the latest generation of modern carry pistols.
Five Favorite Carry Pistols — Colion Noir’s Top Handguns
Colion Noir is a very popular gun reviewer and Second Amendment advocate. In this video, which has over 1.1 million views, Colion covers the five guns he personally carries. Why five? Colion states: “When it comes to my concealed carry guns, I practice tactical polyamory. Essentially, I don’t just carry one gun. I have a rotation of guns I carry based on what I’m wearing that day, where I’m going, and what I’m doing. I put a lot of thought into my carry rotation, which changes based on my needs. Sometimes a gun that’s better at handling the job comes out, and I’ll carry it once I’m comfortable with its reliability. That said, there are five guns I consistently carry[.]”
Five Top Choices among CCW & EDC (Everyday Carry) Handguns
The host notes: “We are going over the five best CCW firearms that I reviewed this year and ranking them from 1 to 5. We are going to save the best for the last. Some of the criteria for ranking these firearms isn’t only based on performance. We are ranking based on performance, price, reliability, and comfort.”
Ten Modern Micro-Pistols for Concealed Carry
The reviewer states: “It’s 2023 and the world of firearms keeps evolving. One of the hottest trends in the firearms industry right now is micro pistols — small, compact handguns that are perfect for concealed carry or as backup guns. If you’re looking for the best micro pistols in 2023, you’ve come to the right place. This video reviews the latest and greatest micro pistols on the market, discussing their features, performance, and why they’re making waves in the gun community.”
Kimber’s R7 Mako pistol won a coveted Golden Bullseye Award from NRA’s Shooting Illustrated magazine, taking the trophy for the magazine’s “2022 Handgun of the Year” category. The R7 Mako is very compact, with good ergonomics, yet it offers 12-rd (11+1) capacity (and 13+1 with extended magazine). The R7 Mako showed outstanding accuracy when tested indoors (see video at 15:25 time-mark).
The R7 Mako is offered Optics Ready for $599.00 MSRP or with Crimson Trace Red Dot Optic installed for $799.00 MSRP. SEE Shooting Illustrated Review.
Optics on Carry Pistols — Factors to Consider
Red Dot sights are becoming more popular than ever. Many pistols today are “Optics Ready”, and some handguns can now be purchased with optics already installed. There are both strengths and weaknesses having optics on CCW handguns. In this video, Massad Ayoob outlines the pros and cons of Red Dots on carry pistols. Along with covering the factors to consider, Ayoob provides advice on red dot zeroing, defoggers, and more.
BONUS: Five Handguns to Avoid
When shopping for a handgun, it’s helpful to know which models to avoid, because of poor reliability or other shortcomings. This Honest Outlaw video reveals five handguns that are not the best choices for concealed carry: Smith & Wesson CSX, SCCY CPX-2, Remington RP-9, Kahr CW 380, and Taurus PT 22.
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.
Sierra Bullets has released extensive load data for the popular 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge. This medium-sized cartridge has become one of the most popular chamberings for tactical and PRS shooters. The 6.5 Creedmoor combines excellent accuracy, good mag-feeding, good barrel life, moderate recoil, and reasonable component cost. That’s why this cartridge has caught on quickly, and is now one of the most popular chamberings in factory rifles.
Developed in 2007 by Dennis DeMille and Dave Emary, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a shortened and improved 30 TC cartridge case that was inspired by the .308 Winchester design. This short action design was created to maximize case capacity and a wide range of loading lengths, while still fitting in standard short action magazines. With the correct twist barrel, the versatile 6.5 Creedmoor can take advantage of the wide range of bullet weights available in 6.5 mm (i.e. .264 caliber). Reloaders should keep in mind that the 6.5 Creedmoor works best with medium to medium-slow powders such as H4350, Varget, Win 760, and RE-17. The light recoil and adaptability of the efficient 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge has already proven itself in high power, precision rifle series and benchrest competitions. Couple that with respectable barrel life and its intrinsic accuracy potential and you have a recipe for success which should insure its legacy for decades to come.
Here are three tables from the Sierra Bullets Reloading Manual (5th Edition). IMPORTANT — This is just a sample!! Sierra has load data for many other 6.5mm bullet types, including FB, Spitzer, SBT, HPBT, and Tipped MK from 85 grains to 142 grains. To view ALL 6.5 Creedmoor DATA, CLICK HERE.
INDICATES MAXIMUM LOAD – USE CAUTION
LOADS LESS THAN MINIMUM CHARGES SHOWN ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.
INDICATES MAXIMUM LOAD – USE CAUTION
LOADS LESS THAN MINIMUM CHARGES SHOWN ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.
INDICATES MAXIMUM LOAD – USE CAUTION
LOADS LESS THAN MINIMUM CHARGES SHOWN ARE NOT RECOMMENDED.
Two More Great 6.5 Creedmoor Reloading Resources
Want More 6.5 Creedmoor Load Info? View Starline’s 6.5 Creedmoor Guide by Gavin Gear:
PRB 6mm Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor Load Survey
The Precision Rifle Blog compiled Load Data from PRS Competitors, for both 6mm Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor. This is a good place to start. PRB surveyed the match loads for “173 of the top-ranked precision rifle shooters in the country”. CLICK HERE.
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.
Readers who have just recently discovered the Daily Bulletin may not realize that AccurateShooter.com has hundreds of reference articles in our archives. These authoritative articles are divided into multiple categories, so you can easily view stories by topic (such as competition, tactical, rimfire, optics, shooting skills etc.). One of the most popular categories is our Technical Articles Collection. On a handy index page (with thumbnails for every story), you’ll find over 100 articles covering technical and gunsmithing topics. These articles can help you with major projects (such as stock painting), and they can also help you build more accurate ammo. Here are five popular selections from our Technical Articles archive.
Stress-Free Pillar Bedding. Richard Franklin explains how to do a top-quality bedding job, start to finish.
OnTarget Software Review. Our Editors test free software that measures shot groups with great precision. We explain how to use the program and configure advanced features.
Savage Action Tuning. Top F-TR shooter Stan Pate explains how to enhance the performance of your Savage rifle by optimizing the torque settings of the action screws.
Complete Precision Case Prep. Jake Gottfredson covers the complete case prep process, including brass weight sorting, case trimming, primer pocket uniforming, neck-sizing, and, case-neck turning.
Stock Painting Instructions. Step-by-step guide for stock painting by expert Mike Ricklefs. Mike shows both simple coverage and fancy effects.
May Instant Rebate on select SV and SIII premium riflescopes — Save up to $300!
Sightron is now offering big discounts on great high-magnification scopes with its MAY INSTANT SAVINGS Promotion. You can save up to $300.00 on select SV and SIII premium riflescopes. This Instant Savings promotion kicked off Monday, May 1st and runs through Wednesday, May 31st. The savings are built into the current listed price — so there are no special rebate forms to fill out. You can get these Sightron deals through an an authorized Sightron retailer, such as Creedmoor Sports, or you can order direct from Sightron, via the Sightron May Instant Savings Page.
Save $300 on SV ED Series
The SV 10-50x60mm ED is a great choice for F-Class, ELR, and long range target shooting. The 34mm body tube with ED glass provides 70 MOA elevation and 60 MOA windage. Large oversized tactical turrets with 1/8 MOA clicks provide 10 MOA per revolution. The patented F.A.S.T focus system provides two focus dials; the first operates like a standard quick acquisition focus knob, and the second provides a 4 to 1 gear reduction for smooth fine focus. Models include the 10-50×60 ED Target Dot .1 and 10-50×60 ED Zero Stop Target Dot .1.
Save $130 on SIII Competition Models
Sightron SIII riflescopes are high-quality, non-zoom, single high-magnification optics for competitive shooting disciplines. Choose 36 power or 45 power. These are great choice for benchrest for score and group shooting. Models with Instant Savings are the 36×45 ED with Fine Cross Hair reticle, 36×45 ED Target Dot .125 reticle, 45×45 ED with Fine Cross Hair reticle, and 45×45 ED Target Dot .1 reticle.
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.
This custom war wagon hauls varmint hunters around the Longmeadow Game Resort in Colorado.
Will you be heading to the varmint fields this summer? Proper planning is key to a safe, satisfying, and productive varmint holiday. Of course you’ll be busy reloading, but you should make a check-list of all the gear and supplies you need. Bring a variety of rifles if possible — you’ll need to switch off as one barrel gets hot, and the chambering that works best for your close shots may not be ideal for those longer shots out past 400 yards. Here are some tips from our Forum members that can help you shoot more effectively, and avoid problems on your varmint hunt. Here’s one key tip: at your shooting station, put a strip of surveyor’s tape on a tall stake to show the wind direction. Then shoot in the direction the wind blows. This will minimize the effect of cross-winds.
Varmint Safari Planning, Equipment, and Shooting Advice
From PatchHound: “The gear you bring will make or break a trip out to Prairie Dog land. A lot has to do with where you going and how far you are from [civilization]. For starters, bring lots of water. It will be hot in Wyoming in a few more weeks but it don’t hurt to bring warm clothes in case it snows. It’s best to wear leather boots unless you’re real good at dodging cactus while walking around. Good sunscreen [and a wide-brimmed hat] will save the day too. [What you need to bring] really depends on whether you’re shooting on some friendly ranch or 100 miles in the middle of [a wilderness area]. Good survival gear is a good thing to have for the latter!”
This photo is from a Dan Eigen TV Show video featuring a P-Dog hunt.
From Stoner25mkiv: “I’d suggest an adjustable bipod if you are going to do any walking. A laser rangefinder is a huge asset. Have a fanny pack or backpack for extra ammo, water, bore-snake, etc. when you go on your walkabouts. We also take a couple pivoting benches, heavy movers’ pad/blanket, sandbags (Uncle Bud’s Bulls Bag) for shooting from near the vehicle. Boonie hat for blocking the sun, sun glasses, sunscreen. High leather boots.
Anyway, on to the rifles…consider bringing a .17 HMR, .223 Ackley bolt gun, .223 Ackley AR, and a .243 WSSM. Some years the .17 HMR isn’t removed from its case. We had a couple windless days and the 17 was lots of fun. I’d walk into the dogtown and then lay down and wait. After five minutes or so I’d have dogs within easy rimfire range, and out to as far as I’d care to stretch the rimfire. 275 yards was about it.”
From CTShooter: “The .204 [Ruger] is a laser beam and good to 400 yards easy. Forget the rimfire! Do you have a portable bench that pivots? Bring bipod, binocs. Bring a LOT of water. I have a milspec sniper shooter’s mat/drag bag with shoulder straps. It is good to carry everything when you want to wander off and shoot prone with bipod. Here’s a view through my 6BR in ND.”
From RJinTexas: “In most of the locations that we’ll be shooting we’ll usually set up a minimum of 200 yards from the edge of a major dog town. We’ll start by working over the close-in dogs and shooting our way out, some of these towns may run in excess of 500/600 yards deep. I believe that a rimfire will put you at a distinct disadvantage. The only rimfire that will somewhat work is the .17 HMR and you can reload for your .204s for close to the cost of HMR ammo and you’ll be less apt to be under-gunned. Your .204 will work well out to 300/400 yards unless the wind is blowing hard. We classify a 10-mph crosswind as a very calm day and what makes it a little more challenging is that it is usually also gusting.”
From Wes (P1ZombieKiller): “[For my first PD trip] there are so many things I was not ready for. The one thing that I did bring (that no one told me about) was a canopy. I’m glad I did. Even though the weather was [near perfect], I know that sun can humble you real fast. With my pop-up canopy, I could shoot all day without getting killed by the sun. You had to tie the canopy down real well or the wind would blow it across the pasture.
We sat on shooting benches that pivot 360°, and are fast and easy to set up. Most all shots were 175-250 yards. I just felt comfortable at that range. It was more fun for me to be able to film the hits, and the camcorder I was using just did not get good video past 350 yards. The digital zoom distorted the image too much. I knew I would only get this one chance to film my first P-dog outing, and I wanted to get it on film for [posterity].”
Bring Multiple Rifles on Your Varmint Adventures
On our P-Dog adventures, we like to have multiple rifles — a .17 HMR for close work, then maybe a .20 Practical AR for 150-250 yards, then a larger caliber such as 22 BR, 6BRA, 6 Dasher or 6XC for those long shots. The classic .22-250 is also a wickedly effective varmint cartridge.
.20 Practical (20-223 Rem) AR-Platform Varminter
Here is a .20 Practical built by Robert Whitley. Whitley’s Ultimate Prairie Dog Rifle (PDR) features a 24″ Bartlein 1:11″-twist cut-rifled barrel, DPMS side-charging upper, and a Jewell trigger. It is chambered in 20 Practical, a cartridge popularized by Warren “Fireball” Brookman.
This .20 Practical cartridge is simply the .223 Remington necked down to .204. You can use your existing .223 Rem brass — no special case-forming required! The 20 Practical is accurate, flat-shooting, and has almost no recoil. The advantage over the standard .223 Remington is that, grain for grain, the bullets have a higher BC and travel at a higher velocity for more dramatic effect on a small varmint. The ultra-low recoil allows you to easily see your hits, even without a muzzle brake. The 20 Practical, launching 40-grainers at about 3750 fps, shoots flatter than a .223 Rem with 55gr hollowpoints.
.17 HMR Savage A17 Varmint Rifle
We also like to have a Rimfire for the closer shots, inside 150 yards. The .17 HMR or .17 WSM are good choices. With a rimfire you save on ammo costs and you don’t waste precious centerfire barrel life.
This video shows a successful Prairie Dog hunt with a .17 HMR. Watch and you’ll see hits out to 160 yards (00:50), proving the effective range of the 17 HMR cartridge. The host is shooting a Savage A17 semi-auto 17 HMR rifle in a Boyds laminated stock.
Developed in 2007 by Dennis DeMille and Dave Emary, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a shortened and improved 30 TC cartridge case that was inspired by the .308 Winchester design. This short action design was created to maximize case capacity and a wide range of loading lengths, while still fitting in standard short action magazines. With the correct twist barrel, the versatile 6.5 Creedmoor can take advantage of the wide range of bullet weights available in 6.5 mm (i.e. .264 caliber). Reloaders should keep in mind that the 6.5 Creedmoor works best with medium to medium-slow powders such as H4350, Varget, Win 760, and RE-17. The light recoil and adaptability of the efficient 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge has already proven itself in high power, precision rifle series and benchrest competitions. Couple that with respectable barrel life and its intrinsic accuracy potential and you have a recipe for success which should insure its legacy for decades to come.
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.”
From Wes (P1ZombieKiller): “[For my first PD trip] there are so many things I was not ready for. The one thing that I did bring (that no one told me about) was a canopy. I’m glad I did. Even though the weather was [near perfect], I know that sun can humble you real fast. With my pop-up canopy, I could shoot all day without getting killed by the sun. You had to tie the canopy down real well or the wind would blow it across the pasture.
