U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) has re-introduced the Hearing Protection Act which will make it easier to obtain suppressors in the USA. The legislation, S. 401, is co-sponsored by 24 additional senators. This U.S. Senate bill would provide greater access to firearm suppressors/silencers by removing them from the 1934 National Firearms Act. With this change in the law, suppressors could be acquired relatively easily, as is the case in the vast majority of other first-world nations. There would be no massive fees, burdensome applications, and long wait times to obtain an official $200 Tax Stamp. With a quick NICS check, a suppressor buyer could be approved, and not have to wait for months.
Wait times for processing Form 4 ATF applications for suppressors now average 11 months (315 days).
“This no-nonsense legislation by Senator Crapo would remove unnecessary and onerous regulations for an accessory that is nothing more than a muffler for a gun”, said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Sr. VP and General Counsel. “Suppressors are safety tools that reduce the sound of gunfire to a level that won’t cause instant and permanent hearing loss, enables more accurate marksmanship, and allows shooting ranges to be better neighbors. The Hearing Protection Act would reduce unnecessary barriers for this accessory that is currently regulated the same way as automatic firearms. Suppressors were originally listed under the National Firearms Act over poaching concerns during the Great Depression, but those fears proved to be unfounded. Suppressors don’t completely silence a firearm, only reduce the report from a level equal to a jet taking off to one similar to that of a jackhammer.”
The Hearing Protection Act would reclassify suppressors by removing them from the 1934 National Firearms Act. That would replace the current burdensome federal transfer process with a rapid National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) verification, making the purchase process for suppressors similar to acquiring a standard rifle or shotgun (not short-barreled). The legislation would also tax suppressors under the Pittman-Robertson Act instead of the National Firearms Act, putting more funding into state wildlife conservation agencies.
Proposed Federal Statute Would Not Change State Laws
The proposed Hearing Protection Act would not change any laws in states that already prevent suppressor use or ownership, nor does it eliminate background check requirements. Suppressors are legal to own in 42 states and 41 states allow them for hunting. Similar legislation, H.R. 152, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year by Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.).
February 22, 2023 is National 2nd Amendment Day. Next week, on Wednesday the 22nd, head to the range to celebrate 2A Day! RSVP at a participating ranges for free range time. And ask a participating range about free firearm rental or limited free ammo. Or head to the range of your choice to celebrate this important American freedom — the right to keep and bear arms.
“February 22nd is a day we, as a nation, can recognize, celebrate and do our part to secure one of the most important rights guaranteed by our Constitution – the right to keep and bear arms,” said Pete Brownell, Chairman of the Board at Brownells. “I hope Americans from all walks of life visit the range on this one day – 2/22 … and safely exercise their Second Amendment right, which is the underpinning of safety and security in America.”
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) encourages American gun owners to celebrate the second annual “National 2nd Amendment Day” established by Brownells. Participating gun ranges include all Range USA locations, plus individual gun ranges located in Iowa, Florida, Missouri, Nebraska, and Virginia,
Too far away from a participating range? Use this NSSF Where-to-Shoot link to find a range near you and go celebrate your rights and freedoms!
Second Amendment Day Official Target (Download for FREE)
Go to the Range to Celebrate Our Second Amendment Rights
SAF founder and Executive V.P. Alan M. Gottlieb observed: “For tens of millions of Americans, visiting a gun range is an important part of their lifestyle. It is an opportunity to gather with friends, improve their skills and reinforce all of the gun safety lessons they’ve learned and practiced over the years. Shooting ranges provide a friendly environment, opportunities to meet new people and the chance to spend quality recreational time doing something they enjoy.”
Does your range or shooting club need money to improve facilities? Would you like to train club members as shooting coaches? Well the MidwayUSA Foundation is offering money to help via its Range Development and Coach Training grant programs. In 2022 the MidwayUSA Foundation offered over $1 million in range development grants. For both Range Development and Coach Training, applicants must apply through MidwayUSA Foundation’s online grant application process which opened for applications this month.
Range Development grants allow existing shooting ranges to make improvements/expansions to to allow for more youth-oriented shooting activities. This grant cycle runs from February 1, 2023 to April 1, 2023 and cash grants will be awarded in June. Requesting facilities must be a range utilized by a MidwayUSA Foundation endowment holder. Range Development grants will not exceed $75,000 or 50% of the proposed project budget. Requesting facilities must be a range utilized by a MidwayUSA Foundation endowment holder. Team and agency endowment holders are encouraged to work with their respective shooting range(s) to identify needs and complete grant application requirements. Applicants must apply through MidwayUSA Foundation’s online application process. Additional requirements can be found on the MidwayUSA Foundation website.
MidwayUSA Foundation’s Coach Training Grant cycle opened on February 1, 2023 and will run through March 1, 2023 and grants will be awarded in May. The maximum grant payout is $5,000. The funds can be used to provide coaches with basic or advanced-level certifications, including skills training, clinics, or other coach training. Teams or individuals interested in the Coach Training grant program should reach out to their state organization, which must hold an Agency or Donor Designated endowment with MidwayUSA Foundation. CLICK HERE for other requirements.
How these Grant Programs Help the Shooting Sports
Without proper ranges, there could be no shooting sports at all. And qualified coaches are essential for youth marksmanship training. Executive Director, G. Scott Reynolds explains: “These programs help put the infrastructure in place to provide qualified coaches and regulation ranges. We want all kids that desire to participate in youth shooting sports to have that opportunity.”
The MidwayUSA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity working to sustain and grow the shooting sports industry by providing long-term funding to youth shooting teams. Every donation made is tax-deductible. The Foundation supports all shooting disciplines. For more INFO, visit Midwayusafoundation.org.
With the Berger Southwest Nationals (SWN) underway this week at Ben Avery outside Phoenix, Arizona, we’ll take a look at F-Class competition. The majority of SWN shooters compete in F-TR and F-Open divisions. On the firing line you’ll see the latest and greatest stocks, actions, optics, bipods (for F-TR), and Front Rests (for F-Open). This article looks at the two F-Class divisions.
A while back, our friend Vince Bottomley in the UK wrote an excellent article for Target Shooter Magazine. Vince offers “solid-gold” advice for new F-TR and F-Open shooters. Vince reviews the cartridge options, and offers suggestions for a shooter’s first (and hopefully affordable) F-Class rifle. Vince also reviews various bipod choices for F-TR and discusses optics options (from $300 to $3000).
Getting Started in F-Class by Vince Bottomley
As membership secretary of a large club, one of the questions I’m frequently asked – “What’s the best way to get started in F-Class?” My club has an F-Class shoot every couple of weeks at ranges from 300 to 1000 yards and, not surprisingly, it’s very popular.
F-TR or Open Class?
From a shaky start way back in 2004, the F-TR Class is now proving as popular as Open Class and, at GBFCA League shoots and club shoots, many shooters choose to start with a 308, shooting off a bi-pod – in other words F-TR. In Open Class, the 7mm WSM soon established itself as the “must have” cartridge – if you wanted to win but, the WSM’s appetite for barrels eventually brought another 7mm cartridge into play – the 284 Winchester. This 50-year-old stalwart was revived a decade or so ago as the 6.5-284 and indeed this cartridge found some favor with F-Class pioneers – before the potency of the WSM was discovered. If you don’t mind shelling out for a couple of barrels per year (barrel life is about 750 rounds with the WSM) go for the 7mm WSM but, if you require a decent round-count, then opt for the .284 Win and learn to read the wind a bit better!
[Editor: In the last couple of years, another option has emerged — the 6.5 PRC necked up to 7mm. This wildcat 7-6.5 PRC offers a bit more velocity than a .284 Win or its “improved” cousin the .284 Shehane.]
F-Open rifles on the firing line at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, Arizona.
Scopes for F-Class
If you will be shooting 1000 yards then I would recommend at least 32 power and preferably a variable – like the 8-32. The cheapest “usable” scope in this range is the Sightron. It’s a great scope for the money and at under $900 (in the USA) it’s half the price of its nearest competitor. It’s also light – at 1.5 lbs – and there are some great reticles for the F-Class shooter – like the LRMOA.
Bushnell unveiled a new set of 15-power binoculars at SHOT Show 2023. These have a MilRad reticle for ranging and determining shot locations. The new Match Pro ED 15×56 Binoculars with Shot-Call reticle combines a high-magnification binocular with an MRAD-based reticle for ranging, target sizing, and shot correction. The benefit is that this 15X binocular optic could replace a bigger, heavier reticle-equipped spotting scope. This Match Pro ED Binocular can be quickly mounted on a tripod for enhanced stability. We recommend that because it is pretty hard to hold a 15X optic very steady with hands alone.
The Match Pro ED’s offset SHOT-CALL reticle, located in the right barrel, has a dedicated focus adjustment and can be rotated for leveling after IPD (interpupillary distance) adjustment (i.e. how far the eyepieces are spread apart). Users can secure their preferred IPD with the included BRIDGESET stabilizer, which ensures the binocular is set for quick use and is stable when mounted on a tripod. Claimed light transmission is 92%. Suggested MSRP for the Match Pro ED 15×56 binoculars is $699.99.
Our friend Jonathan Ocab reviewed the new Match Pro ED 15x56mm binoculars: “Bushnell Optics showed off their new Match Pro ED 15×56 binocular, which is based off of their Forge binocular design. The Forge 15×56 has a good reputation as a budget-friendly binocular with good performance at its price range. The Match Pro ED 15×56 is a hefty binocular with a magnesium chassis coming in at 51 ounces with what is dubbed the SHOT-CALL MRAD reticle. The reticle [rotates in the right barrel] so that it can be leveled for the user’s eyes after the barrels are adjusted to the pupil distance.”
Jonathan added: “My initial impressions of this binocular are positive. It is definitely a bigger, heavier binocular and is not going to be one for field use. This is definitely the type of binocular one would employ on the range at NRL/PRS matches to spot for a shooter.” CLICK HERE for full SHOT Show 2023 Optics report by Jonathan Ocab.
Recoil Web also did a review of these new 15×56 binoculars stating: “The new Bushnell Match Pro ED 15×56 binoculars [offering] is a big deal, but maybe just to a niche crowd. For a long time, spotting scopes have often come with a MIL or MOA reticle in the eyepiece so one could spot shots at long range and call corrections or for use in ranging a target if a laser rangefinder wasn’t available. With a reticle in the right barrel, you get a MIL grid for ranging and shot correction like a spotting scope but the [wide] field of view and outstanding glass of the binoculars.”
The 2023 Southwest Nationals (SWN) competition kicks off today at the Ben Avery Range outside Phoenix, Arizona. This major F-Class, Palma, and Any Rifle event runs February 15-19, 2023. The match begins with Mid-Range competition starting at 8:30 am on Wednesday, February 15th. There will be a barbeque in the Indoor Range at the completion of firing Saturday (Approx. 5:30 PM) and then there will be an awards ceremony at the completion of firing Sunday. CLICK HERE for SWN 2023 official program.
Below is the schedule for the entire 5-day event, one of the biggest mid-range and long-range rifle matches of the year in the United States. There are typically over 300 competitors, the majority shooting F-TR and F-Open. For further information, squadding lists, and daily results, visit: SouthwestNationals.net.
Southwest Nationals 2023 MATCH SCHEDULE
1. Mid-Range Match — Divisions: F-Open, F-TR, Palma, Any Rifle-Any Sight Wednesday, 15 February 2023, 8:30 AM
MATCH A: Any rifle-Any sight. Unlimited sighters and 20 shots for record at 600 yards.
MATCH B: Any rifle-Any sight. Unlimited sighters and 20 shots for record at 600 yards.
MATCH C: Any rifle-Any sight. Unlimited sighters and 20 shots for record at 600 yards.
MATCH D: Any rifle-Any sight. Aggregate of Matches A, B and C.
2. Palma 4-Man Team Match — Divisions: F-Open, F-TR, Palma, Any Rifle-Any Sight Thursday, 16 February 2023, 8:30 AM
MATCH 1: Unlimited sighters and 15 shots for record at 800 yards.
2 sighters and 15 shots for record at 900 yards.
2 sighters and 15 shots for record at 1000 yards.
Teams will consist of four firing members, a captain, a coach and an alternate.
3. Palma Match — Divisions: F-Open, F-TR, Palma, Optic Friday, 17 February 2023, 8:30 AM
MATCH 2: Unlimited sighters and 15 shots for record at 800 yards.
2 sighters and 15 shots for record at 900 yards.
2 sighters and 15 shots for record at 1000 yards
4. 1000-Yard Match — Divisions: F-Open, F-TR, Palma, Any Rifle-Iron Sight, Optic Saturday, 18 February 2023, 8:30 AM
MATCH 3: Any rifle-Iron sight. Any sight for F-Class shooters. Unlimited sighters and 20 shots for record at 1000 yards
MATCH 4: Any rifle-Iron sight. Any sight for F-Class shooters. Unlimited sighters and 20 shots for record at 1000 yards.
MATCH 5: 4 Man Team Match. Any rifle-Iron sight. Any sight for F-Class shooters. 2 sighters and 20 shots for record at 1000 yards.
Teams will consist of four firing members, a captain, a coach and an alternate.
MATCH 6: Any rifle-Iron sight Championship: Aggregate of matches #3 and #4.
5. 1000-Yard Match — Divisions: F-Open, F-TR, Palma, Any Rifle-Any Sight, Optic Sunday, 19 February 2023, 8:30 AM
MATCH 7: Any rifle-Any sight. Unlimited sighters and 20 shots for record at 1000 yards.
MATCH 8: Any rifle-Any sight. Unlimited sighters and 20 shots for record at 1000 yards.
For the multi-match Aggregate Awards, these are the combined “Match” designations:
MATCH 9: Any rifle-Any sight Championship: Aggregate of matches #7 and #8.
MATCH 10: Team Match Aggregate – #1 and #5. Firing members must shoot both matches.
MATCH 11: 1000 Yard Championship: Aggregate of #6 and #9.
MATCH 12: Southwest Long Range Nationals – Aggregate of #2 and #11.
Palmetto State Armory (PSA) is running a Valentine’s Day Sale with some great deals on rifles, pistols, rifle components, and optics. Some of these deals run for the next few days, while others expire at 11:59 pm on February 14, 2020.
Here are some of the best deals we found. The S&W 15-22 is a fun little rimfire rifle. It’s great for NRL-22 Matches, plus S&W is offering a $75 Factory Rebate. The Taurus G3 Pistol is a real bargain at $229.99. And the SIG Sauer KILO 1600BDX Laser Rangefinder is an absolute steal at $199.99. Along with these 8 hot deals, there are 150+ other Valentine’s Day Sale items at PSA:
Valentine’s Day 2023 — Best Wishes
That’s right, today is February 14th — Valentine’s Day. While testing a rifle at the range a few seasons back, Forum member Ron B. (aka Snakepit) managed a 3-shot group that would definitely make Mr. Cupid proud. Yep, Ron shot a lovely cluster that formed a sweet little heart in the splatter-type target.
That’s nice enough, mind you — but it gets even better. Ron’s heart-shaped, three-shot group was shot at SIX HUNDRED yards, making this a Valentine’s Day Masterpiece of precision shooting (and, we have to say it, quite a little bit of luck). Good Shootin’ Snakepit!
600-Yard Heart Shot with a Savage and Factory Ammo!
In our Shooter’s Forum, Ron explained that this group was actually shot with factory ammo… from a Savage no less:
“This will be one that may be hard to believe for some but it is my Savage 12 FTR .308 and I was shooting 168gr Federal Gold Medal Match. The stock has been modified for benchrest shooting with a 3″-wide shoe on the forward stock. I do not shoot this rifle very often as most of my time is spent with my 30″ Brux barreled 6BR working up loads and shooting. That day I had put the scope back on it and was sighting it in at 600 yards and those were my last three shots after my last scope correction and then I was out of ammo. This rifle has always been very accurate. The weather was good, no wind or mirage.”
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.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. Midsouth — Hornady Get Loaded Promo with 500 Free Bullets
⏺ Get 500 or 100 Free Bullets with Hornady hardware
Hornady is now running its 2023 Get Loaded® promotion. Now through 12/31/2023 get up to 500 FREE BULLETS with qualifying purchases of Hornady reloading products. You can also get significant up-front savings and/or FREE Shipping when you buy Hornady reloading presses and other products at Midsouth. For example, you can save $90 on the Hornady Iron Press Kit. Depending on the products purchased, customers can get 500 or 100 free bullets, valued up to $234.33.
⏺ Quality USA-made hunting rifle at good price; many chamberings
Looking for a good hunting rifle with a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee? Right now the Weatherby Vanguard with synthetic stock is ON SALE for just $499.97 at Sportsman’s Warehouse. This Vanguard model features a gray, Griptonite Monte Carlo composite stock. For this $499.97 bargain price, many chamberings are offered: .223 Remington, .22-250 Remington, .243 Winchester, .25-06 Remington, .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and .240 Weatherby Magnum. Overall weight (without scope) is 7.75 pounds.
3. Midsouth — Fiocchi .223 Rem Ammo with V-Max Bullets
⏺ Good deal on factory ammo with quality Hornady V-Max bullets
Here’s excellent varmint ammo on SALE at a bargain price. If you’re planning a Prairie Dog safari this spring, but don’t want to handload, grab some Fiocchi Field Dynamics .223 Rem ammo. Choose the 40gr V-Max, 50gr V-Max, or 55gr V-Max versions, all with 50-rd boxes for just $34.99 on SALE. That’s $0.70 per round, a darn good price. This Fiocchi .223 Rem ammo has earned very positive reviews from purchasers.
⏺ Fast, programmable, accurate dispenser at great price
The Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper is a high-quality powder scale/dispenser. It’s accurate to +/- one-tenth of a grain, dispenses in seconds, and can be controlled by a handy mobile App that stores charge weights for different cartridges. This unit has a 7000-grain capacity with both auto and manual trickle capability. This is a great deal — you save fifty bucks (21%) off the regular MidwayUSA price, and the same Intellidropper is now $239.96 on Amazon.
5. Natchez — Frankford Quick-N-Easy Case Tumbler Kit, $79.99
⏺ We’ve used this Combo Kit for many seasons — very good value right now
Keeping your brass clean is important (and essential if you anneal). If you’re looking for a new, affordable setup to clean cartridge brass, consider the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler Master Kit. You get everything needed to dry-tumble your brass and remove the media. This is all available now for a very low $79.99. You could pay that much for a good vibratory tumbler alone, yet this combo kit includes tumbler, media separator, bucket, brass polish, and media.
6. Palmetto State Armory — Norma Tac-22 .22 LR 500rds, $32.99
⏺ Very good .22 LR ammo at extremely low price — GREAT VALUE
If you love .22 LR rimfires and want quality ammo at an ultra-low price, grab some Norma TAC-22. Priced at just $3.30 per 50-ct box, this is a true bargain, yet the TAC-22 is good enough for NRL22 matches as well as fun target shooting. We’ve shot this Norma ammo and been very satisfied. You’ll be hard-pressed to find better .22 LR ammo at anywhere near this price. Don’t delay ordering — at this price, we expect this TAC-22 ammo will sell out soon.
7. KYGUNCO — Rock Island Armory TM22 Rifle, $278.00
⏺ Slick, AR-style rimfire rifle with new features
Looking to get started in NRL22 competition, or want a rimfire varmint rifle with familiar AR look and feel? Then check out the Rock Island Armory TM22. This handsome semi-auto .22 LR rimfire rig weighs 6.5 lbs. with its 18″ barrel. The modestly-priced TM22 sports an AR-type grip, commercial buffer tube adapter, top rail, and M-LOK fore-end. The rifle is set up with right-handed controls, but the TM22 can easily be modified for left-handed operation. The TM22 ships with two 10-rd aluminum magazines with aftermarket 15- and 25-round magazines available.
8. Midsouth — 1000 Rounds Federal 9mm FMJ Ammo, $314.99
⏺ Great DEAL on quality Federal 9mm Luger (9x19mm) ammo
Here’s a great ammo offering, with major-brand quality 9mm cartridges from Federal. Get 1000 rounds of 115gr FMJ American Eagle ammo for just $314.99 at Midsouth. This works out to just $15.75 per 50rd box — a great deal. We have shot this ammo in a variety of 9x19mm pistols and it is very reliable. This is NOT loose bulk-pack, there are twenty convenient 50rd boxes.
⏺ Super-low prices on compact binoculars — up to 63% Off
Need a spare pair of compact, lightweight binoculars? Now you can get a decent set of weatherproof binoculars for under $25.00. Choose from Bushnell, Simmons, and Tasco binoculars on sale now at CDNN Sports starting at just $9.99. We like the Bushnell H20 8×25 waterproof binocs at $17.76 — 61% off the $44.99 MSRP. NOTE: None of these are truly excellent binoculars that can compete with a $400+ Nikon, Leica, Sightron, or Zeiss. But these are small, handy, and can fit in a vehicle glove box or a fanny pack. So they can be used regularly when you’re hiking, camping, or game-watching.
⏺ Versatile eye protection — 4 colors of lenses plus adjustable frame
Walker’s Adjustable Sport Glasses feature FOUR interchangeable lenses made of high-grade polycarbonate that exceeds ANSI 287.1-2003 High Impact Requirements. The interchangeable lenses come in four colors (Smoke Gray, Amber, Yellow, and Clear). The frames adjust for length and angle. These safety glasses ship with a soft carrying pouch that holds the extra lenses. This is a good deal — the same combo kit sells for $23.53 on Amazon!
CMP Acquires Surplus Ammunition with Sales Planned for Coming Months
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has announced the recent acquisition of vast quantities of surplus ammunition: M2 Ball (.30-06 Springfield), .30 Carbine, .22 Pistol, and .22 Long Rifle. This surplus ammunition supply will soon become available to CMP customers, and will be sold at matches to CMP shooters. At this time, the recently-acquired surplus ammunition supplies are being assessed and cataloged by CMP personnel.
The CMP intends on maintaining a surplus ammo inventory large enough to support CMP Matches for the next several years and to provide discounted surplus ammo to competitors attending CMP events. All sales will include set limits to remain in compliance with guidelines specified in the Memorandum of Agreement between the Department of the Army and the CMP.
“The CMP plans to make the ammunition available to our loyal constituents sometime this spring, after the surplus ammo goes through all CMP in-processing procedures”. said Mark Johnson, CMP’s Chief Operating Officer and Director of Civilian Marksmanship. “Purchase limits and restrictions will be set to ensure that the mission of CMP is well served.”
NOTE: This video shows an M1 Garand shooting modern CMP M2 Ball ammo NOT older surplus. The surplus M2 Ball ammo obtained by the CMP is older, but should have similar velocities with 150gr bullets.
Further surplus sales details will be forthcoming in the near future. Commercial ammunition sales are currently available on the CMP E-Store to qualified individuals. Register for an account or browse the CMP E-Store at https://shop.thecmp.org/browse/Ammo.
The Match Pro ED’s offset SHOT-CALL reticle, located in the right barrel, has a dedicated focus adjustment and can be rotated for leveling after IPD (interpupillary distance) adjustment (i.e. how far the eyepieces are spread apart). Users can secure their preferred IPD with the included BRIDGESET stabilizer, which ensures the binocular is set for quick use and is stable when mounted on a tripod. Claimed light transmission is 92%. Suggested MSRP for the Match Pro ED 15×56 binoculars is $699.99.
Valentine’s Day 2023 — Best Wishes
