How and Why to Create a Dummy Round
When you have a new custom rifle built, or a new barrel fitted to an existing rifle, it makes sense to create a dummy round. This should have your preferred brass and bullet types, with the bullet positioned at optimal seating depth. A proper dummy round helps the gunsmith set the freebore correctly for your cartridge, and also ensure the proper chamber dimensions.
Respected machinist, tool-maker, and gunsmith Greg Tannel of Gre-Tan Rifles explains: “I use the dummy round as a gauge to finish cut the neck diameter and throat length and diameter so you have [optimal] clearance on the loaded neck and the ogive of the bullet just touches the rifling.” He recommends setting bullet so the full diameter is just forward of the case’s neck-shoulder junction. “From there”, Greg says, “I can build you the chamber you want… with all the proper clearances”.
Greg Tannel has created a very helpful video showing how to create a dummy round. Greg explains how to measure and assemble the dummy and how it will be used during the barrel chambering process. Greg notes — the dummy round should have NO Primer and NO powder. We strongly recommend that every rifle shooter watch this video. Even if you won’t need a new barrel any time soon, you can learn important things about freebore, leade, and chamber geometry.
Must Watch Video — This has been viewed over 772,000 times on YouTube:
This has been a very popular video, with 772,000 views! Here are actual YouTube comments:
That is the best explanation I’ve ever seen. Thank you sir. — P. Pablo
Nice video. You do a very good job of making this easy for new reloaders to understand. I sure wish things like this were available when I started reloading and having custom rifles built. Once again, great job, and your work speaks for itself. — Brandon K.
Beautiful job explaining chambering clearances. — D. Giorgi
Another Cool Tool — The Stub Gauge
When you have your gunsmith chamber your barrel, you can also have him create a Stub Gauge, i.e. a cast-off barrel section chambered like your actual barrel. The stub gauge lets you measure the original length to lands and freebore when your barrel was new. This gives you a baseline to accurately assess how far your throat erodes with use. Of course, as the throat wears, to get true length-to-lands dimension, you need take your measurement using your actual barrel. The barrel stub gauge helps you set the initial bullet seating depth. Seating depth is then adjusted accordingly, based on observed throat erosion, or your preferred seating depth.
Field & Stream magazine recently released a helpful guide to new ammunition offerings as seen at SHOT Show 2022. The article features 21 different new ammo types for pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Many of the new ammo types, such as Hornady CX and CCI Blazer, feature lead-free projectiles. The Blazer even employs lead-free primers. Among the most notable new ammo selections is the Berger line, which features high-BC projectiles and superb Lapua brass. New for 2022 is Berger 6.5 PRC and .300 PRC ammunition. Here are our selection of four notable, new-for-2022 Ammo products for rifle shooters. SEE all 21 new ammo types on Fieldandstream.com.
Berger 6.5 PRC and .300 PRC Hunting Ammo
Berger has added the 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC cartridges to its loaded ammo line which features great Lapua brass. The 6.5 load features the heavy 156gr Berger Elite Hunter bullet running at 2960 FPS. This bullet boast a very high G1 ballistic coefficient (BC) of 0.679. Packing even more powder, Berger’s .300 PRC load features the 0.631 BC Berger Elite Hunter bullet. Tested muzzle velocity is 2895 FPS.
Hornady Hunting Ammo with Solid Copper CX Bullets
For 2022, Hornady has introduced a new CX™ (Copper alloy eXpanding) hunting projectile. This CX bullet is designed to provide outstanding performance when hunting in areas where solid lead or lead-core bullets are prohibited. Hornady states: “The new CX™ bullet from Hornady represents the most advanced monolithic hunting bullet on the market. Its optimized design offers extended range performance, greater accuracy, high weight retention, and deep penetration.” The CX will be available in a number of calibers/bullet weights: 6mm, .25 Cal, 6.5mm, .270 Cal, 7mm, .308, .338, and .375.
Norma .22 LR Rimfire Ammo — Three New Offerings
Norma announced three new .22 LR rimfire ammo types to be released in 2022: Xtreme LR-22, ECO Power 22, and Hunter Power 22. The Xtreme LR-22 should prove popular in the growing long-range rimfire PRS/NRL disciplines. The LR-22 offers higher BC for better long-range performance. The new ECO Power 22 has a lead-free zinc hollowpoint bullet traveling at a very fast 1700 FPS — on the high end for any .22 LR on the market. Norma’s Hunter Power 22 features a 40gr bullet designed for controlled expansion. This Power 22 ammo runs at 1260 fps with 142 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.
Winchester New Lead-Free Copper Impact Hunting Ammo
Winchester’s new Copper Impact hunting ammunition features a tipped high-BC bullet. Winchester states that the Extreme Point helps create “immediate expansion”. Field and Stream’ reviewer states that “All this, combined with a lead-free bullet that will retain most of its weight, makes for a deep-penetrating big-game stopper[.]” Winchester’s new Copper Impact ammunition for over 12 different cartridge types, including the 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.8 Western, .308 Win, and even the .350 Legend.
Ammunition News — Ammo Inc. Acquires Gunbroker, Builds Wisconsin Ammo Factory
In this interview, Mark Hanish (Pres., Global Sales & Marketing) of Ammo Inc. (Nasdaq: POWW) talks about his company. This enterprise is making significant moves in the firearms/shooting sports industry. Hanish discusses Ammo, Inc’s modern new 160,000-sq.ft. ammunition manufacturing plant in Manitowac, WI, and the company’s 2021 acquisition of GunBroker.com. Through a $240 million merger in May 2021, GunBroker.com officially become an Ammo Inc. subsidiary.
SHOT Show, the huge gun industry trade show, returned to Las Vegas this past week, after a COVID-caused hiatus in 2021. Though attendance was down signficantly this year, it was still a major event, with thousands of companies showcasing products in two massive exhibit halls. There were plenty of new handgun offerings, and notably, some of the big AR-platform black rifle builders are now selling bolt guns. Here is the new Aero Precision A700 bolt-action rifle.
SHOT Show Day 2 Highlights — Nine Companies
This video from the Classic Firearms YouTube Channel spotlights a number of interesting products, both at Industry Day at the Range, and inside SHOT Show 2022. Companies covered include: Zastava (1:00), Kalashnikov USA (6:33), LMT Defense (12:21), Geissele (20:35), SureFire (25:12), Foxtrot Mike (32:20), Maxim Defense (34:15), Great Lakes (44:35), and Sylvan Arms (46.20).
Top Five New Guns from Industry Day at the Range
There were many interesting rifles and handguns on display at the Industry Day at the Range. Savage’s new straight-pull Impulse PRS/NRL rifle attracted considerable attention. Many of the testers at the range were also impressed by the new .44 Auto Mag which is featured in this “Top Five” video from TheGunSnob channel. The tester said this .44 Auto Mag was “by far my favorite [gun] I shot all day.”
Magpul New Products
TFB TV showcases multiple new products from Magpul for 2022. We liked what we saw, including a new $600 Pro 700 Lite chassis, and a new 8-ounce bipod. Magpul also had its radical FDP-9 “enclosed pistols” on display. Magpul explains: “With recently confirmed classification of the FDP-9 as a handgun, the purchaser can enjoy the firearm as a self-enclosing, large-format pistol. They may also choose to file the appropriate ATF Form 1 and, after approval, purchase a conversion kit to legally assemble it into the FDC-9. It will then be classified as a short-barreled rifle (SBR) and subject to all NFA laws.”
Mantis — Advanced Dry-Fire Training System
Mantis makes a variety of firearm-arms mounted systems that monitor muzzle movement and display that through a mobile App. These systems allow dry-fire practice at home — a great way to improve your marksmanship without spending big bucks on ammo. Mantis had a display at SHOT Show 2022. A Mantis dry-fire device fitted to an AR-platform rig (with the Mantis Blackbeard trigger reset system) is featured in this video record at the Mantis SHOT Show booth:
Cutting Edge Bullets — Solid, High-BC Bullets for .22 LR Reloaders
With the growth of long-range rimfire tactical competition, there has been interest in high-BC bullets fitted into the diminutive .22 LR case. This effort has been pioneered by Cutting Edge Bullets, which offers a variety of .22 caliber projectiles created expressly for hand-loaded .22 LR. Cutting Edge also offers dies and special shellholders for reloading the .22 LR case. This video (from 2020) explains how Cutting Edge pioneered long, high-BC lathe-turned solid bullets for the .22 LR cartridge. These bullets and dies were on display at Cutting Edge’s 2022 SHOT Show booth.
Optics companies from around the globe had scores of new scopes and optics products on display at SHOT Show 2022. There are many good companies in the market these days, all vying to have the “latest and greatest”. We were impressed with new FFP scopes from Zeiss and Vortex. And there were many other interesting optics on display from big and small optics companies. 2022 promises to be a good year for scope buyers, with many innovative new products. Here are some of the notable scope and optics products on display this week at SHOT Show.
Zeiss LRP S5 First Focal Plane Scopes
The all-new ZEISS LRP S5 Series first focal plane riflescopes consists of two models — LRP S5 318-50 and LRP Sr 525-56 — and are available in four unique configurations with 34mm main tubes. The long-range riflescopes include high-performance optics, highly repeatable, precise and tactile turrets; and a daytime visible illuminated reticle. Models are available in either MRAD or MOA. The optical design utilizes ZEISS Fluoride lens elements, SCHOTT glass and ZEISS’s proprietary T-Star lens coatings for optimum color fidelity, image brightness, exceptional resolution and edge-to-edge sharpness within the entire field-of-view. With the External Locking Windage Turret (ELWT), the user can pull out on the locking collar, make necessary adjustments and then lock-in the selected setting.
Huskemaw — Innovative Scope with INTERNAL Bubble Level
Huskemaw Optics has some very unique and smart features on their scopes, including a model one elevation AND windage on one central turret. At Industry Day at the Range, Huskemaw showcased another innovative optic. This features a Bubble Level INSIDE the scope. Look at the photo. You can see the bubble level at the bottom of the circle, within the shooter’s view. This is a clever feature that could certainly help hunters and tactical shooters keep their rifles level. Watch this Backfire video from 3:44 to 4:28 time-mark to see how the internal scope level works.
Vortex Riflescopes for 2022
Vortex did not have a display at SHOT Show 2022, but they recently introduced some interesting products for 2022. The new Razor HD Gen III models have attracted attention in the PRS/NRL ranks. In the first video below (from Guntalk TV) Vortex reps explain the features of the latest Razor HD Gen III series. In the second video the Area 419 team looks at the new Vortex Razor HD Gen III 6-36x56mm, a FFP mil/mil model with an eye-opening $3999.99 MSRP. Whoa — that’s serious money by any standard. CLICK HERE for video showing other new-for-2022 Vortex scopes.
March Scopes — How They Are Designed, Built, and Tested
March Scope of Japan produces some of the most advanced rifle scopes you can buy. The March 8-80x56mm scope offers the highest magnification you’ll find in any riflescope on the market. And, for ELR competition, the March Genesis 4-40x52mm is truly a game-changer. This revolutionary optic offers an incredible 86 Mils of elevation (vertical) adjustment range.
This video shows how March Scopes are crafted and tested at the factory in the Nagano region of Japan. This is a fascinating look into world-class optics production with design by some very brilliant optics engineers. Enjoy this factory tour video.
Schmidt & Bender 3-21x50mm Exos Hunting Scope
Schmidt & Bender showcased an impressive hunting scope, the 3-21x50mm Exos. First released three seasons back, this second focal plane (SFP) hunting scope is super rugged and boasts exceptional color fidelity with lenses “optimized to the human eye”. The 3-21x50mm Exos features ultra-repeatable, temperature-resistant elevation and windage turrets. The turrets boast “Zero Tolerance Clicks” that have been verified by S&B’s technicians. The solid, hard-anodized aluminum construction (with beefy wall thickness) allows the Exos to function in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Farenheit (-40°C).
The 3-21x50mm Exos features a single-turn, lockable elevation turret engraved with big digits for easy reading. With patented Schmidt & Bender S-Spring technology, this turret is 100% repeatable/precise and can be operated easily with gloves. The Exos is available in milliradian or MOA click values. The side focus/parallax adjustment runs from 30 yards to infinity. See details in the S&B EXOS 3-21×50 Brochure.
EOTECH 1-10x28mm Vudu FFP Scope and Mini Reflex
EOTECH had both conventional riflescopes and reflex (red dot) sights on display.
EOTECH’s new Vudu 1-10x28mm First Focal Plane (FFP) riflescope is a good choice for hunting and tactical applications. It can focus extremely close, but the 10X max power is great for spotting game at long ranges. The Vudu features a 34mm, one-piece aircraft aluminum tube and single-piece eyepiece with removable throw-lever. The glass-etched illuminated reticle and first focal plane design allows for distance estimation at any magnification and lighting condition. The low-profile elevation turret includes a push/pull locking system and a capped windage turret for a secure zero.
EOTECH also showcased a new EFLX Mini Reflex Optic for handgun installations. The features are covered in this promotional video. Warning: Sound level is very high. You may want to reduce the volume setting.
Leupold 6HD Patrol 1-6X Scope
In this video, YouTube host Roger Barrera visited the Leupold booth to learn about the new Patrol 6HD 1-6x24mm optic this should be popular with hunters as well as security personnel. MSRP is $1399.99 with illuninated Firedot reticle or $1499.99 with illuminated CM-R2 reticle.
Today is the final day of SHOT Show 2022. So we’re providing another FREE digital magazine covering many new products at the Show. Here is the digital version of the SHOT Daily print magazine provided to SHOT Show attendees. You can navigate page by page with the left/right white arrows in the gray box below. To quickly scan through the entire 60-page digital magazine, use the slide bar. When you find content you want to read, use the zoom control or click the FULL SCREEN brackets icon at lower right.
SHOT Daily Day 4 — 1/21/2022
CLICK Full Screen (brackets) icon at lower right of gray box to read.
There are two big feature articles you’ll want to read in this SHOT Daily Day 4 edition. On page 24 you’ll find a comprehensive guide to gun and shooting accessories from many manufacturers. This includes bipods, holsters, muzzle brakes, carry packs, hunting cams, eyewear and more. Then, on page 46 you’ll find a guide to Concealed Carry Gear. That includes multiple new holsters, belts, security kits, sights, lights and lasers. If you have a CCW or are considering getting a carry license, check out that article.
IMPORTANT: To read either story, click the full screen (brackets) icon in the gray box above and then zoom to the start page (page 24 for Shooting Accessories, page 46 for Concealed Carry Gear).
“22 Plinkster” is an avid shooter who has produced a number of entertaining videos for his YouTube Channel. In the video below, he tackles the question “Why Do Misfires Occur in .22 LR Rimfire Ammunition?” This is the most common question posed to 22 Plinkster by his many viewers. He identifies four main issues that can cause .22 LR misfires or faulty ignition:
1. Damaged Firing Pin — The dry firing process can actually blunt or shorten the firing pin, particularly with older rimfire firearms. Use of snap caps is recommended.
2. Poor Ammunition — Some cheap brands have poor quality control. 22 Plinkster recommends using ammo from a manufacturer with high quality control standards, such as CCI and Federal.
3. Age of Ammunition — Rimfire ammo can function well for a decade or more. However the “shelf life” of rimfire ammunition is not infinite. You ammo’s “lifespan” will be shortened by heat, moisture, and humidity. You should store your rimfire ammo in a cool, dry place.
4. Mishandling of Ammunition — Tossing around ammunition can cause problems. Rough handling can cause the priming compound to be dislodged from the rim. This causes misfires.
Preventing misfires is essential if you want to succeed in NRL22 competition and other rimfire competition disciplines run “on the clock”.
SHOT Show is one of the biggest trade shows of the year among ALL industries. This year there are thousands of exhibitors spread out over two exhibit halls the combined size of 14 football fields! Thankfully a number of YouTubers have been working hard, finding interesting new products in the miles of aisles. Today we feature some notable videos from SHOT Show 2022. The first video in our showcase comes from Backfire, a popular gun-centric YouTube Channel with 358K subscribers. This video spotlights numerous new rifles, pistols, shotguns, and optics. Then we feature other videos covering new pistols, ELR shooting, suppressors, and knives.
Notable New Products Revealed Including New-for-2022 Firearms
Browning’s new X-Bolt Target Max rifles were impressive. The actions are thicker and stiffer and a new DLX (double lever) trigger is fitted which adjusts down to two pounds. See discussion at 1:34 in video.
Backfire, a popular YouTube Channel with 357K subscribers) has done a very comprehensive, 16-minute run-down of many interesting products at SHOT Show including chassis systems, new cartridges, optics, and 17 new-for-2022 rifles. The host also declared “the coolest thing I’ve seen wasn’t a rifle at all — it’s a new cartridge [8.6 Blackout]”. This video covers a LOT of ground, so we’ve provided a time-marked index with the notable highlights. You can use the video slide bar to navigate back and forth:
1. Canik Arms (0:40): TP9 SFX Rival competition pistol. 2. Browning Rifles (1:34): New X-Bolt Target beefed up action with 2-lb trigger; Speedline rifles with new camo finish and suppressor-ready muzzle threads. 3. Kriss (3:36): New DMK 22P AR-type Pistol. 4. Palmetto State Armory (3:46): New 5.7mm pistols with 23rd capacity. 5. Nemo (4:24): Deluxe over-under imported shotguns 6. Backfire Channel (4:58): 8.6 Blackout cartridge discussion — new .338 Caliber with 1:3″ twist. Optimized for short-barreled rifles (Faxon Barrels, Gorilla Ammunition). 7. Taurus (7:38): TX-22 SCR (“Steel Competition Ready”) compensated rimfire pistol and new G3X 9mm. 8. Zeiss Sports Optics (9:48): New LRP S5 First Focal Plane Scopes, 3-18x50mm and 5-26x56mm. 9. Bergara (10:36): Divide Rifle with carbon stock/carbon-wrapped barrel, Also MGLite carbon rifles. 10. Rokman (13:02): Lightweight Packs with carbon fiber “CORE-Flex” construction. 11. Gorilla Ammunition (13:30): New 8.6 Blackout Ammunition for AR10s and bolt-guns. 12. Daniel Defense (13:50): New PRO Chassis for Rem 700 Clone actions. 13. Christensen Arms (14:48): Modern Hunting Rifle with modular stock. 14. KRG stocks (15:34): New KRG C4 metal alloy chassis for PRS/NRL comps.
New 8.6 Blackout Cartridge with 1:3″-Twist Barrels The new 8.6 Blackout “is a 6.5 Creedmoor shortened case, blown out for a .338 bullet. For supersonic… between 150 and 160 grains. Out of a 12″ barrel, we’ll be able to get somewhere close to 2400 FPS with that. We’ll have subsonic up to about 360 grains. A Barnes 210-grain bullet [is] about 2,000 feet per second out of a 12″ barrel.”– Q’s Kevin Brittingham It is claimed that there is more energy on target than with a .308 Win, even with a very short barrel
The cartridge inventors are running a very radical 1:3″ twist rate. Yep you read that right — one in three. According to Kevin B: “Fast twist … gives you several things. The first being better accuracy because when the bullet is long and slow, you need to spin it faster. For expanding subsonic bullets, it has more reliable expansion at lower velocities, which is great for hunting with subsonic [ammunition]. This is going to be the first subsonic, sub-MOA cartridge, and that’s due to the fast twist.”
Hi-Power Returns — FN Brings Back the Browning Hi-Power
TFB TV visited the FN Herstal booth to see the reintroduction of the legendary Hi-Power, first manufactured by FN in Europe. While the Hi-Power is a traditional, revered gun, FN has made a few tweaks to the new-for-2022 model to bring it up to date. This release is interesting given that just last month Springfield Armory released its own updated Hi-Power clone, the SA-35, which won the NRA’s American RiflemanHandgun of the Year award. STORY HERE.
So which is better — the modernized American-made SA-35, or FN’s version of the classic Hi-Power? Time will tell as the market decides. We like some of the features of the SA-35 but prefer the fit and finish of the FN.
Video of ELR Shooting at Raton in New Mexico
The SHOT Show TV video below has a great sequence from Cutting Edge Bullets with big-bore rifles shooting at extreme long range in Raton, NM and elsewhere. This is a nice intro to ELR shooting. Look carefully and you can see advanced optics, Doppler Radar, and other high-tech gear.
NOTE: The ELR sequence in the video below starts at 23:48 mark, but if you click the center arrow start button the video should start at 23:48:
How to Order a Suppressor the Easy Way — E-Filing
Are you considering getting a suppressor this year? There are important Federal regulations regarding suppressors, because they are considered a Class III device. You may also want to consider having the suppressor owned by a trust. The process of getting a suppressor is covered in this helpful video. It explains Federal rules and how to e-File your application through the Silencer Shop.
New Knives at SHOT Show — Reviews by Knife Center
Despite the name, SHOT Show isn’t all about guns and shooting. There are also many knife vendors displaying their wares at the big trade show. Here are two videos from the Knife Center, showing new knives from Spyderco, and Artisan/CRJB.
Here is the digital version of the SHOT Daily print magazine provided on site at SHOT Show by the NSSF. You can navigate page by page with the left/right white arrows in the gray box below. To quickly scan through the entire 64-page digital magazine, use the slide bar. When you find content you want to read, use the zoom control or click the FULL SCREEN brackets icon at lower right.
SHOT Daily Day 3 — 1/20/2022
CLICK Full Screen (brackets) icon to read.
There are two big feature articles you’ll want to read in this SHOT Daily Day 3 edition. On page 36 you’ll find a 6.5 Creedmoor Cartridge feature that covers the growth in popularity of this versatile mid-sized round. The 6.5 Creedmoor is now among the top three chamberings for new bolt-action rifles. On page 24 you’ll find a comprehensive guide to New Knives for 2022 from many manufacturers. There are some notable new ammo types being introduced this year including Hornady CX lead-free hunting ammunition. CCI is also offering new lead-free pistol ammo.
IMPORTANT: To read either story, click the full screen (brackets) icon in the gray box above and then zoom to the start page (page 36 for Optics, page 24 for Ammo).
The Gun Digest 2022 Annual, 76th Edition, is available now for $27.60 on Amazon. This 592-page resource covers rifles, shotguns, handguns, muzzleloaders, airguns, optics and more. We like the print edition, but there is also an eBook PDF version ($16.49 on Amazon) you can read on your tablet or computer. Both provide hundreds of photos with new product roundups, in-depth product tests, and scores of articles and stories.
NOTE: Gun Digest is offering a great two-for-one deal right now. If you order the Gun Digest 2022 Annual you can also get a full year’s subscription to Gun Digest Magazine. Get Book AND Magazine Subscription for $49.99. That gives you the 2022 Annual PLUS the 12-issue magazine for just $22.39 more than the book by itself (with $27.60 Amazon price).
Gun Digest 2022 has the respected Phil Massaro as editor-in-chief. Massaro, the seventh editor in the book’s history, has assembled a wide roster of leading industry authors for the new book, including Craig Boddington, Joe Coogan, Patrick Sweeney, Jim Supica, Wayne van Zwoll, Bob Campbell, Todd Woodward, Max Prasac, Joe Arterburn and many more.
Gun Digest 2022 covers hunting, personal defense, target shooting, gunsmithing, and collecting. Historical articles look at the role played by firearms in our country. There are Updated Ballistics Tables, and the catalog section shows off the industry’s newest offerings in rifles, handguns, shotguns, muzzleloaders and air rifles. Reports from the Field cover the newest firearms and accessories. A Testfire section brings readers up to date on product performance. FYI, you can also pre-order the upcoming 77th Edition Annual (2023), slated for release in August, 2022.
Other Good Books from Gun Digest Media
Gun Digest Media produces numerous other quality books for rifle, pistol, and shotgun owners. Here are four volumes we recommend. These are offered in both paperback and eBook versions:
SHOT Show 2022 continues in Las Vegas. Attendance is down compared to years past, but there are still many innovative products on display in the “miles of aisles”. This year’s SHOT Show encompasses two facilities — the Venetian Expo AND the new Caesars Forum. Combined, these facilities provide over 800,000 square feet of exhibit space. The two trade show halls are connected by a new elevated walking bridge.
New Rifle Systems
There were some interesting new bolt-action chassis rifles for the PRS/NRL crowd, along with some impressive, high-end hunting rifles on display, such as the eye-catching Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR). In addition there were quite a few new rimfire rifles. With the increasing cost of components, and the difficulty of finding primers and powder, many riflemen are shooting more rimfire than ever before.
Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR)
The Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR) features an interesting multi-piece, modular stock with a metal center section and composite fore-arm and buttstock sections. The barrel is carbon-wrapped. The MHR’s modular design lets the customer select from a variety of different forearm and butt section components. That allows you to configure the rifle for field carry or long-range work from prone.
Aero Precision Bolt-Action Rifle with Barrel Nut
At SHOT Shot 2022, Aero Precision displayed its new bolt-action rifle. This features a 3-lug (60-degree throw) bolt with three interchangeable bolt face sizes (standard, medium, magnum). Notably the rifle features a Savage-style barrel nut so pre-fit barrels can be used. The rifle has a metal chassis with modular fore-arm, extended forward bipod mount, quick-adjust length of pull, and rear bag-rider keel.
Rock Island TM22 — AR Style .22LR Semi-Auto Rimfire
Rock Island Armory’s new TM22 Rifle employs AR-type design and construction, being made from 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum. It also has a AR-type grip and an M-LOK capable fore-end that can accept a wide variety of accessories. The TM22 is available in both 20″ barrel (TM22-A20) and 18″ barrel (TM22-A18) versions. The TM22 ships with a 10-round magazine, but aftermarket 15- and 25-round mags are available. In the video below, the GunsAmerica Digest team tests the TM22 at the Industry Day at the Range earlier this week.
Timbercreek Outdoors Colorful AR Platform Build Kits
Tired of that boring black rifle? Would you like your AR-platform rifle to stand out from the pack? Then consider bolting on some bright-colored components from Timbercreek Outdoors. This Oregon-based company offers build kits with handguards, grips, buffer tubes, and other components in a variety of eye-catching colors — red, orange, purple, green, blue… you name it. If you like bright-colored rifles, this is your solution.
Notable Handguns — Semi-Autos, Revolvers, and a Bolt-Action
There were scores of handguns on display at SHOT Show. There was certainly an emphasis on small carry pistols, even at the Smith & Wesson booth. Gun sales have been at record levels in the past couple of years, as more states are authorizing concealed carry. Accordingly the gun-makers are providing new pistols suited for everyday carry.
SIG Sauer P365 in Rose Gold Plate with Jewells
To learn more about this gold-plated pistol, watch SHOT Show TV video starting at 4:16 time-Mark.
There was a stunning SIG Sauer P365 pistol on display at SHOT Show 2022. This little carry pistol had a stunning 18-carat Rose Gold finish with dozens of diamonds embedded in the slide. This sets a new standard for Carry Pistol Bling. This one-of-a-kind handgun was created by the Seattle Engraving Center.
The P365 is a very popular carry gun that is very thin with good ergonomics. SIG Sauer claims the P365 series is now “America’s #1 Selling Handgun”. Multiple P365 models are currently offered including: P365X, P365 SAS with flush sights, the P365 Nitron Micro-Compact, the P365 Romeo Zero with integrated Red Dot, and the P365 XL with longer slide and barrel.
Savage 110 PCS Bolt-Action Pistol
The new Savage Arms 110 PCS bolt-action pistol features a Savage model 110 blueprinted action secured in a one-piece aluminum chassis from Modular Driven Technologies (MDT). The 110 PCS features a 10.5″ barrel, a user-adjustable AccuTrigger (2.5-6 lbs.), and AICS-style detachable box magazine. There are five chamberings: .223 Remington, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 AAC Blackout, .308 Winchester, and .350 Legend.
.44 Auto Mag — Beautiful Stainless Semi-Auto with Power
The .44 Auto Mag semi-auto pistol is literally a “blast from the past”. First released decades ago, this is the latest version of a handsome, powerful handgun. In this video, TFB’s testers try out the legendary .44 Magnum Auto Mag pistol at Industry Day at the Range. Other gun journalists at the event who tested this latest Auto Mag gave very favorable reviews. And we think it is one handsome pistol. In a world of polymer pistols, we love the all-stainless steel construction.
Korth .357 Mag Revolver from Nighthawk Customs
Korth revolvers are produced in Germany and distributed in the USA through Nighthawk Custom. For 2021 Nighthawk is offering the spectacular Korth Heritage Edition in .357 Magnum. This six-shot double-action wheelgun features an heirloom-quality color case-hardened and charcoal-blued finish by Turnbull. The 5.25″ precision cold-forged barrel is chambered in Korth’s traditional .357 Magnum. The trigger has been highly polished with a roller trigger system for single- and double-action shooting. A fully adjustable rear sight pairs with an 18k gold bead front sight. The grips have been carved from figured Turkish walnut.
March Scope of Japan produces some of the most advanced rifle scopes you can buy. The March 8-80x56mm scope offers the highest magnification you’ll find in any riflescope on the market. And, for ELR competition, the March Genesis 4-40x52mm is truly a game-changer. This revolutionary optic offers an incredible 86 Mils of elevation (vertical) adjustment range.
The new 8.6 Blackout “is a 6.5 Creedmoor shortened case, blown out for a .338 bullet. For supersonic… between 150 and 160 grains. Out of a 12″ barrel, we’ll be able to get somewhere close to 2400 FPS with that. We’ll have subsonic up to about 360 grains. A Barnes 210-grain bullet [is] about 2,000 feet per second out of a 12″ barrel.”– 
The SHOT Show TV video below has a great sequence from Cutting Edge Bullets with big-bore rifles shooting at extreme long range in Raton, NM and elsewhere. This is a nice intro to ELR shooting. Look carefully and you can see advanced optics, Doppler Radar, and other high-tech gear.
