Are you feeling lucky? Here is one of the better hunting season prize packages we’ve seen in recent years. It’s easy enough to enter to win an impressive collection of products including a lever-action rifle, Taurus Tracker revolver, multiple Vortex optics products, knives and much more. There is no purchase necessary for a chance to win.
Alien Gear Holsters, American manufacturer of holsters and firearms accessories, has pulled together some of the top brands in the industry to create an impressive hunting season giveaway for 2022. There’s a massive collection of cool products for the 2022 Hunting Season Prize Package. Shawn Hostetter, CEO of Alien Gear Holsters, states: “All together this prize package is worth several thousand dollars and would make an incredible start to hunting season, or a fantastic gift for the hunter in the family.”
Products Included in the impressive Prize Package:
- A Rossi R92 Rifle .44 Magnum 16″ barrel, 8-round capacity
– A Taurus Tracker Revolver
– Eberlestock Vapor 500 Backpack w/ Scabbard
– Vortex Diamondback HD 16 – 48 X 65 Spotting Scope
– Vortex Diamondback HD 2000 Rangefinder
– Vortex Viper HD 10 X 42 Binoculars
– Tactacam Spotter LR Spotting Scope Camera
– A 103 Skinner Knife and A 657 Pursuit Large Guthook Knife
– O-Light Javelot Turbo Light and Mounting Hardware w/ Remote Switch
– A Quake Kits Reasonably Prepared Emergency Kit
– Aid-PAK Gen-2 from Urban Medical Gear
– Alien Gear Holsters Cloak Chest Holster and Cloak Slide Holster
– Bigfoot Gun Belts OD Green Tactical Belt
– Shot IQ Precision Pistol Course from Joel Turner
It’s easy to enter by filling out Online Entry Form. Eligible participants have until September 30, 2022, to enter for a random chance to win this ultimate hunting package.
Laminated wood stocks offer an excellent combination of price and performance, and they can be obtained in a myriad of styles to suit your discipline — hunting, benchrest, tactical, silhouette, or high power. Laminated stocks can be a little trickier to finish compared to a hardwood such as walnut, as laminates are often delivered in bright or highly contrasting colors. Traditional wood finishes can alter the colors. Also, filling the pores in laminated stocks is an issue.
Automotive clear-coat products have become popular for finishing laminated wood stocks because they won’t alter the stock’s colors, and the clear-coat provides a durable weather-resistant finish. Clear-coat is also easy to “touch up” and it fills pores better than some other alternatives. Mike Ricklefs has written a comprehensive article on stock painting that includes a special section on clear-coating over laminated woods. If you want to clear-coat a stock, Mike’s article is a must-read!
1. When finishing laminated stocks with clear-coat, you need to prepare the wood carefully, and build up quite a few thin layers one at a time. Begin by sanding, with progressively finer paper, all the way to 400 grit. Certain laminated stocks are so rough when they come from the stock-maker, that you may have to be very aggressive at first. But be careful with angles and the edges of flats. You don’t want to round these off as you sand.
2. After sanding, use compressed air to blow out all dust from the pores of the wood. This is very important to avoid a “muddy” looking finish. If you don’t blow the dust out with air before spraying the clear it will migrate out as you apply the clear. Also, after each sanding session, clean your painting area to remove excess dust. I also wet down the floor of my spray booth to keep the dust down.
3. Some painters recommended using a filler to close the pores. That’s one technique, but the filler can detract from the clarity of the final finish. Rather than use a pore-filling sealer, I use a high solids or “build” clear for the initial applications. This is slightly thicker than “finish” clear and does a good job of sealing the pores. Three (3) fairly heavy coats of “build” clear are applied. If you get a thick spot or a run in the finish at this point, it is not the end of the world but this does create more sanding work.”
There is a helpful thread in our Shooters’ Forum that discusses the use of clear-coating on laminated stocks. Member BHoges offered this advice: “Stick with Diamont, Glassurit, and Spies. If anyone has questions, I painted cars for a long time.”
Forum member Preacher, whose bolt-action pistol is shown at right, states: “I buy my two-part clear-coat from the local NAPA dealer. They recommended Crossfire mixed 4:1. I really like the end results. There are six coats on that stock that were sanded down to bare wood for the first two, and then 600 wet-sanded for the other four coats. Two to three coats would be sufficient if the pores were filled first, but I would rather fill ‘em with the clear as it seems to make it appear deeper and I have the time to devote to it. I have PPG’s Deltron DC 3000 clear-coat on a few stocks of mine, but I like the NAPA better price wise, and it seems to hold up just as good as the Deltron.”
As part of NRA Women TV, hunting guide Kristy Titus hosts a series of videos that explain important strategies and shooting skills for hunters. Titus, co-host of the Team Elk TV show, is a certified instructor who has hunted around the globe. She grew up in the outdoors, running pack mules in Oregon with her father. In these videos, Kristy discusses demonstrates field positions that can be employed during a hunt. She also explains preparation for a hunt, including fitness training.
Click each link below to watch other Kristy Titus Hunting Videos.
“When it comes to bolt-action rifle fit, there is no ‘one size fits all’,” says Titus. “When picking out your rifle [consider options] after the purchase to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.”
The Civilian Marksmanship Program will have a huge new training and shooting facility thanks to Larry and Brenda Potterfield, the founders of MidwayUSA. The CMP announced that it received a massive gift from the Potterfields — a 76,800-square-foot facility along with more than five acres of land in Columbia, Missouri. Conversion/renovation of the facility to a competition center is expected to begin in early 2023.
The 76,800-square-foot MidwayUSA warehouse will be transformed into a Competition Center focused on indoor smallbore rifle and air rifle. The facility will be equipped with 100 air rifle targets and 50 smallbore targets. Programs will include coach training, monthly matches, summer camps, outreach camps, and more. Notably, on-site cameras and monitors will provide live-action viewing for up to 1,000 spectators. The Center will be open to the public year-round for shooting and training.
“On behalf of CMP, I want to thank the Potterfield family for this generous gift,” said Judy Legerski, outgoing Chairman of the CMP Board of Directors. “The timing couldn’t be better. August is National Shooting Sports month, and we look forward to developing this Competition Center to continue our support of youth shooting sports. For generations, this Competition Center will have tremendous impact on youth, families and the community. We look forward to partnering with the Potterfields in creating a site that meet the needs of both beginning marksmen and competitive shooters[.]”
When conversion of the donated warehouse is complete, the new CMP Missouri competition center will have 100 rifle target stations, with a firing hall similar to the 80-position CMP South Competition Center.
“We are fortunate and pleased to donate this building to the Civilian Marksmanship Program, an organization who shares our vision for youth shooting sports,” said Larry Potterfield, MidwayUSA Founder and Executive Chair of Board of Directors. “We’re confident the CMP will utilize the facility to develop new and existing competitive shooters and continue to add value to our local community.”
About the Civilian Marksmanship Program
The Civilian Marksmanship Program is a federally chartered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to responsible use of firearms and air guns through gun safety training, marksmanship training, and competitions. The CMP’s key mission is promoting marksmanship training and competition for citizens of the United States. For more information, visit TheCMP.org.
About Larry and Brenda Potterfield and MidwayUSA
Both country kids from Missouri, Larry and Brenda Potterfield turned their passion for shooting sports into a career by opening a small gun shop in 1977 that would eventually become MidwayUSA. They instilled family values like honesty, integrity, and respect for others into the business, and strive to maintain this culture with each new employee.
What’s old is new again. The metal-framed pistol is making a comeback. Smith & Wesson has just introduced its new M&P9 M2.0 METAL, S&W’s first full-size M&P pistol in an all-metal configuration. Built with a T6 aluminum frame finished in Tungsten Gray Cerakote, this 9mm Luger pistol includes a 4.25″ barrel, M2.0 flat face trigger, and optics-ready slide.
Why go to a metal frame? The T6 Aluminum frame is heavier than polymer. This increases the overall weight of the pistol and lowers the center of gravity considerably. The gun therefore has less perceived recoil (less “snap”) and noticeably less muzzle flip. The new M&P M2.0 METAL is listed at 30.0 oz. unloaded, while the polymer M&P M2.0 is 24.7 oz. unloaded.
New M&P9 M2.0 METAL is 43% More Expensive Than Polymer M&P9 M2.0
The new M&P9 M2.0 METAL has a $899.00 MSRP, making it 43% more expensive than the polymer-framed M&P9 M2.0 which has a $629.00 MSRP. Is the aluminum frame worth the extra money? It depends. With a lower center of gravity and more mass, the M2.0 METAL will definitely be a better “gun games” pistol. But it will also be 5.3 oz. heavier — not so great for all-day carry.
For persons who use their M&P mostly for target work and gun games, the heavier weight and reduced muzzle flip is a plus. Owners may also like the rigidity of the Cerakoted Aluminum frame. S&W has a new enhanced sear for this model, which delivers a “shorter take-up, and cleaner break”. That also should help action pistol competitors.
Full Compatability with Existing M&P9 Magazines and Holsters
The M&P9 M2.0 METAL will accept any M&P9 M2.0 17-round 9mm magazine and will fit any normal M&P9 fullsize compatible holster. Notable features include enhanced sear for lighter, crisper trigger break, an optics-ready slide, and new “flat face” trigger.
M&P9 M2.0 METAL FEATURES
T6 Aluminum Frame with Tungsten Gray Cerakote® Finish
Optics-Ready pistol slide has mounting recess for red dots
Four interchangeable palmswell grip inserts: S, M, ML, L
Textured polymer front strap
Wide slide stop and reversible magazine release
M2.0 flat face trigger for consistent finger placement
Forward slide serrations and Picatinny-style frame rail
Enhanced sear for lighter, crisper trigger let-off
Fits all standard M&P9 compatible holsters
Accepts any 17-round 9mm M2.0™ magazine
Comes with two 17-round magazines.
Jerry Miculek Tests New M&P9 M2.0 Metal Pistol — Says It Shows Exceptional Accuracy
Folks, if you are thinking about a major gun-related product purchase, today’s the day. Right now Brownells has discount codes that offer up to 18% off your purchases. What’s the catch? Well some of these discount codes expire today August 31st at 11:59 pm Central Time, so don’t delay. With Code WORK45 you can save $45 on a purchase of $250 or more. Or Use Code AUGUST55 to save $55 off $500 (11%). If you’re planning a big buy, use code AUGUST120 to save a whopping $120 on a purchase of $1000 or more. NOTE: Some Brownells discount codes (see below) expire at the end of August, while others may expire later. If one Code doesn’t work, try another. This codes apply to firearms components, reloading supplies, tools, optics and more…
COMING SOON: In a couple days, we’re advised that a new Brownells Labor Day Sale Code could activate — Use Code LABORDAY to Save $55 Off $300 (18%). (Guys — this has not been activated yet, so we can’t be absolutely sure, but this CODE was posted on Gun.Deals/coupons.)
With inflation and rising prices, it’s more important than ever to take advantage of discounts and promotions. We’ve located the latest Discount Codes for Brownells Purchases that can save you 10% (or more) on your purchases. These Brownells Discount Codes qualify you for significant savings on guns, ammo, parts, and reloading components at Brownells. Use these Codes during check-out and the savings will reduce your net cost. For example, save $55 on a $500 purchase, $30 off $300, or $25 off $250 — saving 10% or more.
We know some guys who make their own stocks, and others who do their own chambering. But consider this, Robert Carnell of Australia built his own state-of-the-art, water-cooled, tension-barrel Rail Gun, even including the action. That’s right, Robert designed and crafted his own precision action. This has got to be the ultimate home gunsmithing, do-it-yourself (DIY) project.
Carnell is an accomplished benchrest shooter and past Australian Sporter Class Champion. In 1993 he won a Silver Medal at the World Championships. But Carnell is far more than an ace trigger-puller. Robert is a skilled and creative “home gunsmith” who has crafted his own custom action and built his own railguns from scratch. Robert also runs the Austrialian Benchrest Bulletin website.
Home-Built Rail Gun — Aussie Innovation
Below are photos of one of Rob Carnell’s most amazing builds. This liquid-cooled, tension-barrel rail gun is a great example of self-reliant Aussie engineering. The barrel runs inside a coolent-filled, large-diameter sleeve, much like an old water-cooled machine gun. This is the fourth rail gun that Rob built, and the second fitted with a tensioned barrel.
Robert explains: “My railgun design has a 1.75″ barrel under tension inside an aluminium tube filled with radiator coolant. There is nearly a gallon of coolant, and the barrel stays cool no matter how many shots I seem to fire, or how quickly they are shot. The brass nut on the front rides on a nylon bearing and can be tightened to get the best accuracy. I am a believer in the ‘tuner’ idea and this seems to work for me. The main tube is thick-walled aluminium 600mm (24″) long. There is a flange at both ends. The flange at the back fits onto the barrel before the action is screwed on. The front flange is a press-fit into the tube, then there is a brass nut that fits over the barrel and screws against a nylon washer on the front flange. The Railgun’s base is aluminium and has the standard adjustments — windage, elevation and a sighter cam. In addition, there is a 1/10 thou dial indicator for windage. This allows me to zero the indicator and shoot my group. If I need to add a bit of windage for a condition, I can quickly get back to the original position if my condition comes back.”
Home-Built Action Uses Rem Bolt
Rob’s rail gun uses his own home-made stainless action, which features Panda-spec threads and a modified Remington 700 aftermarket bolt. Not bad for a do-it-yourself project we’d say! CLICK HERE to read how Rob designed and built the action.
Small patches are not very efficient at distributing bore cleaning liquids inside your bore. The problem with a tight-fitting patch is that the solvent gets squeezed off in the first few inches. You can switch to a smaller jag, or a bore mop, but there is an even better way to get an ample amount of solvent in your bore. Just spray directly into the bore with a wash bottle, an inexpensive plastic bottle with an L-shaped dispensing neck, tapered at the end.
When using the wash bottle, you can either just plug the breech and spray from the muzzle end (where most copper fouling is), or, alternately, put the wash bottle neck directly in the chamber and spray forward. When spraying from the chamber forward, you may need to use a rubber O-Ring to seal off the action… depending on the bore size and the particular wash bottle’s neck spout diameter. We prefer to plug the breech and squirt from the muzzle.
Bottle Solvent Application Great for Smaller Bores
Using wet patches or wet brushes is an inefficient way to really saturate the tight bores of 17s, 20s, and 22s. Even with a cotton bore mop, most of the solvent will be squeezed out before it gets to the end of the bore, where most copper fouling occurs. For these smaller 17, 20, and 22-caliber bores, you can just take the wash bottle and stick the tapered nozzle right in the chamber. The tapered end will press fit in the throat, sealing off the chamber. With the barrel slightly nose-down, give the bottle a couple good squirts until the solvent mists out the muzzle. In just a few seconds, this will put more solvent in the bore than a half-dozen wet patches.
A solvent-filled wash bottle is also handy for wetting your brushes. It’s much easier to saturate a bore brush (without spilling solvent on your stock), by using the wash bottle. You can get wash bottles from USPlastic.com, Amazon.com, or lab supply stores.
For the first time since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC) — one of the most important events of the year for Second Amendment Rights — will return as an in-person, rather than a virtual, event. The conference will take place the weekend of September 30 through October 2, 2022 in Texas. The conference will be held at the Westin Dallas-Fort Worth Airport hotel, 4545 W. John Carpenter Freeway, Irving, Texas 75063.
You can attend the GRPC event for FREE — there is no admission fee. Register now via the Second Amendment Foundation website: www.SAF.org/GRPC.
Co-sponsored by the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA), the 37th annual GRPC will feature a weekend of panel discussions, special reports by leading gun rights advocates, an awards luncheon and more. The event brings together scores of speakers from across the country to offer insights on current and upcoming court cases, the outlook for state and federal elections in November, concealed and Constitutional carry updates and the impact of the Supreme Court ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which affirmed the right to legally bear arms in public for personal protection.
Watch Podcast Interview with Second Amendment Foundation Leader Alan Gottlieb
SAF and CCRKBA leaders will be joined by representatives from Gun Owners of America, the National Rifle Association, Doctors for Responsible Gun Ownership, Firearms Policy Coalition and Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership.
The 2022 GRPC will feature some 70 speakers on subjects ranging from the elections, litigation, legislation to personal protection. Expected attendance at this year’s event will be between 600 and 800 Second Amendment activists and experts from across the country. Attendance is free, information and on-line registration is available at www.SAF.org/GRPC.
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. Palmetto State Armory — PSA AR-15 Lower Receiver, $59.99
⏺ Very good deal and AR lower — get one while you can
President Biden and his buddies in Washington want to ban ARs and other modern sporting rifles. The core component for a custom AR build is a milspec AR lower receiver. Now for just $59.99 you can get a quality PSA AR-15 “Stealth” Lower Receiver. This quality lower features no rollmark on the left hand side. These PSA lowers have quality 7075-T6 aluminum construction and will accept all standard components and popular trigger groups. At this low $59.99 price, you might want to buy a couple.
2. Bruno’s — BAT Actions IN-STOCK with Free Shipping
⏺ BAT makes exceptionally good actions which have won many championships
Did you know that the average wait time for a custom action is now about 12 months? Skip the wait and grab one of the many superb BAT Actions available right now at Bruno Shooters Supply. A wide selection of BAT actions are in stock now, ready for immediate delivery to your FFL. If you order during the current sale, these actions qualify for FREE SHIPPING.
⏺ Excellent FFP scope for PRS/NRL competition, good power range
Need a quality, durable FFP scope for PRS or NRL matches? An excellent yet very affordable option is the Vortex Viper 5-25x50mm riflescope. PRS/NRL competitors have praised this scope for its optical quality and toughness. The glass-etched EBR-2D MRAD reticle offers very precise MILrad markings for elevation hold-overs and/or wind corrections. For low-light conditions, this Vortex Viper offers 10 intensity levels with off positions between each setting.
4. Amazon — RCBS Partner Press, $81.93
⏺ Good choice for secondary press for decapping and bullet seating duties
If you load at the range or need a secondary press the RCBS Partner Press is a great choice. The very affordable Partner Press is easy to use and easy to transport, making it a good choice for loading at the range. And it works well as a smaller, secondary press for your home reloading center. We’ve used a Partner Press effectively for decapping, neck-sizing, and many other tasks. The current $81.93 price is a bargain. Note: Accessory base plate not included.
5. Natchez — Rimfire and Centerfire Ammunition Sale
⏺ Great savings on big selection of rifle, pistol and shotgun ammo
Thankfully, ammunition is becoming more available these days, and prices are starting to come down. The latest Natchez Ammo Sale offers a wide range of pistol, rifle, and shotgun ammo at great prices — up to 64% off. There are some great deals on bulk 9mm ammo, and pistol shooters will also find good defensive ammo with hollow-point projectiles. Natchez is also running some attractive deals on CCI and Remington rimfire ammo.
6. Graf & Sons — Hornady Sonic Cleaner, $109.99
⏺ Quality ultrasonic cleaning machine at very good price
Are you looking for a different way to clean you brass? Consider the Hornady Sonic Cleaner which removes carbon residue from the inside and outside of cartridge cases with high frequency ultrasonic energy and a specialized cleaning solution. Unlike case tumblers, the Lock-N-Load Sonic Cleaner effectively cleans the inner surfaces of cartridge cases as well as the primer pockets.
⏺ Very Good eye protection with 5 lenses — clear, yellow, orange, amber, gray
We recommend wearing quality eye protection whenever you go shooting — even with rimfire guns. This excellent Radians kit includes five different ANSI Z87.1-certified lenses, so you can select the optimal lens type for your shooting sport and light conditions. The Radians Glasses Kit, now just $20.89, includes clear, yellow, orange, dark amber, and dark gray lenses that are easily interchangeable and very durable. This kit includes neoprene carrying case, neck cord, and microfiber lens cloth bag.
8. Amazon — FalconTac First Aid Kit, $49.95
⏺ Very well-equipped first aid kit — for home, range, or vehicle
Wise firearms owners and outdoorsmen will keep a good first aid kit in their vehicles wherever they travel. The FalconTac Trauma first aid kit offers important treatment products for a wide variety of injuries, from minor cuts to bullet wounds. This $49.95 FalconTac Kit contains essential supplies for hemorrhage control, including military tourniquet, tactical pressure dressing, and compressed gauze.
9. Amazon — 14-In-1 Multitool, $20.99
⏺ Great price on versatile multi-tool that performs myriad functions
The 14-In-1 Multitool with Safety Lock offers great capabilities for a modest $20.99 price. This handy multitool includes a sharp knife blade plus a serrated knife. Then there are a dozen specialized components — multiple plier heads (long nose, round nose pliers, cutting pliers), Philips screwdriver, 3 slotted screwdrivers (small, medium, large), hook remover, double-sided file, small scraper, can opener, and bottle opener. This compact multi-tool stores easily in a backpack or your vehicle.
Forum member Preacher, whose bolt-action pistol is shown at right, states: “I buy my two-part clear-coat from the local NAPA dealer. They recommended Crossfire mixed 4:1. I really like the end results. There are six coats on that stock that were sanded down to bare wood for the first two, and then 600 wet-sanded for the other four coats. Two to three coats would be sufficient if the pores were filled first, but I would rather fill ‘em with the clear as it seems to make it appear deeper and I have the time to devote to it. I have PPG’s Deltron DC 3000 clear-coat on a few stocks of mine, but I like the NAPA better price wise, and it seems to hold up just as good as the Deltron.”
T6 Aluminum Frame with Tungsten Gray Cerakote® Finish
