There will be no SHOT Show this year. So, to learn about new gun industry products, we must rely on the print media, internet, and a few gun-centric cable TV shows. Thankfully, Shooting Industry (SI) magazine remains alive and well. And SI just released its second of three new-for-2021 product features. Part Two of the 2021 New Product Showcase is found in Shooting Industry’s just-released January 2021 issue. This features new-for-2021 products from nearly 60 companies. CLICK HERE to see all new featured products (best for mobile) or CLICK HERE for magazine-style layout.
Here are six standouts from the 2021 New Product Showcase:
1. McMillan Fiberglass Stocks — Z-10 Bag Rider Stock
The Z-10 Bag Rider from McMillan is based on the company’s A-10 tactical stock, and replaces the A-10’s butt hook with a swept butt profile to more easily accommodate rear bags for bench or prone shooting. The Z-10 Bag Rider features a universal inlet design to fit most Remington and Remington-clone barreled actions. The universal inletting makes the Z-10 Bag Rider drop-in-ready direct from the factory. The stock also accepts a wide range of barrel contours. Key features include an adjustable cheek riser height, adjustable length-of-pull, forward-positioned vertical grip, integrated left- and right-hand thumb shelves and multiple color and finish options.
2. SIG Sauer Image-Stabilized ZULU6 Binoculars
For 2021 SIG Sauer Electro-Optics introduces two impressive ZULU6 image-stabilized binoculars, in 10x30mm and 16x42mm (shown above). The ZULU6 binoculars feature Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) using an electronically stabilized 2-axis gimbal system. This can cancel out vibration caused by buffeting wind, water motion, heartbeat, heavy breathing, and shaking. ZULU6 binoculars feature multiple protective lens coatings plus an IPX4 waterproof rating for use in wet weather environments. The ZULU6 series also boasts MOTAC (motion activated illumination). CLICK HERE for product specifications.
3. 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.
4. New Berger .223 Rem Ammo with Lapua Brass, Berger Bullets
New for 2021, Berger’s .223 Remington ammunition has all-premium components: Lapua cartridge brass, clean-burning propellants, and Berger’s match-grade projectiles. Berger also now offers loaded ammo options for competition and hunting. Along with .223 Rem, Berger loaded ammunition options include: 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 Rem, .300 Win Magnum, .300 Norma Magnum, and .338 Lapua Magnum.
5. Rock River Arms 6-Position AR Marksman Stock Kit
Here’s a new option for AR shooters looking for rear stock that works well with a rear sandbag and has a movable cheek riser. This would be a good option for a varmint rifle shoot from a portable bench. Rock River’s new Marksman 6-Position Stock Kit features a Mil-Spec receiver extension, adjustable cheek piece, and adjustable buttpad/plate. There are handy rotary adjusters for cheekpiece height and moving the butt plate fore/aft to adjust LOP. Choose either black (AR0250K) or tan (AR0250KT).
Bushnell’s new 8-40x60mm Elite Tactical LMSS2 spotting scope combines elite HD glass with a riflescope-type reticle for ranging and wind calls. This sturdy Lightweight Modular Spotting Scope (LMSS) features upgraded exterior lens coatings, updated reticle options, and a power-change throw lever. Choose either Horus H322 or the TREMOR4 reticle. Key scope features are: detachable Picatinny rail, twist-up eyecup, fast-focus diopter, integral 1/4-20 tripod connection, and bottom accessory rail. The 8-40x60mm LMSS2 Elite Tactical measures 12.7” and weighs 37 ounces (without rail). MSRP is $1749.99, for either Flat Dark Earth or Black models.
See More New Products — Brownells NOT-SHOW eVENT
The 2021 SHOT Show in Las Vegas has been cancelled. However Brownells will host a 5-day virtual event called the “NOT-SHOW”. Slated for January 18-22, 2021, the NOT-SHOW will feature new product introductions and special discounts on a wide variety of merchandise (not just the new releases). In addition the upcoming Brownells NOT-SHOW will have Daily Product Giveaways from January 18-22, 2021.
Do you own an M1A rifle? If so, you’ll want to view a new video from Springfield Armory (SA). As part of SA’s new Workbench Video Series, this 9-minute video is a detailed guide to the M1A rifle. The video can benefit any M1A owner or shooter: “These in-depth videos were developed to help new gun owners safely care for and maintain their firearms, as well as provide a useful resource for seasoned gun owners”, notes Steve Kramer of Springfield Armory. In the video, firearms expert Steve Horsman provides a step-by-step guide for the popular M1A semi-auto rifle.
Springfield Armory M1A Workbench Video:
“Descended from the M1 Garand, the M14 utilized multiple improvements that made it a far superior firearm for combat and a much better rifle for competition.” — Dick Jones, Shooting Sports USA.
An evolution of the M1 Garand, the M14 was designed to shoot the 7.62×51 (.308 Win) round instead of the larger .30-06 Springfield cartridge used in WWI, WWII and Korea. While the vast majority of today’s M1As are chambered for .308 Win/7.62×51, Springfield Armory also produces a 6.5 Creedmoor version
For many years, the semi-auto version of the M14 was “top dog” in iron sights Service Rifle competition. Now that discipline is dominated by .223 Rem (5.56×45) AR-type rifles, but the bigger .308-caliber rifle, now sold as the M1A, remains popular. Each summer, the CMP hosts a major M1A Match at Camp Perry, sponsored by Springfield Armory. This is a popular event with 100+ competitors and significant cash prizes.
See how the modern M1A is built in this Springfield Armory Video:
As racing improves automobiles, competition improves firearms, and the current crop of Springfield M1As, from the Basic to the top-of-the-line Super Match and Loaded models, reflects the years of development. The M14 and its variants are … still considered by many to be the best battle rifle in the history of the U.S. Military. — Dick Jones, Shooting Sports USA
Military Version Operation Revealed — M14 Training Film
The original military version of the M1A was the select-fire M14. The 27-minute official U.S. Army video below demonstrates the operation of the M14. Field-stripping is shown from the 5:13 time-mark through 8:30. Cut-away drawings show the M14’s gas operation at 8:40.
Watch M14 Functioning Cycle Starting at 9:25 Mark:
The M14’s complete 8-step functioning cycle is demonstrated from the 9:25 time-mark through 22:41. These eight operations are: 1) Feeding; 2) Chambering; 3) Locking; 4) Firing; 5) Unlocking; 6) Extracting; 7) Ejecting; and 8) Cocking. This movie is fairly long, but every M1A owner should definitely watch this video start to finish.
It’s great to be able to access online load data for your cartridges. You can quickly get load data for a particular powder and bullet weight. However, there are times when we prefer to consult old-fashioned printed/bound load manuals. The primary reason is that manuals produced by bullet- and tool-makers will, for a particular cartridge, include data for powders from multiple manufacturers. Having a single source can save you time and trouble. For example, if you want to find 6.5 Creedmoor loads using H4350 (Hodgdon), Reloder 16 (Alliant), and N150 (Vihtavuori) you would have to visit three different powder-maker websites, one after another. OR you can pick up a modern load manual and find everything in one place.
There are many excellent printed load manuals on the market. We have used the Berger Manual, Sierra Manual, Speer Manual, Lyman Manual, and Hornady Manual. We like the Berger and Sierra manuals for match rifle cartridges, and the Lyman and Hornady manuals for hunting loads and pistol cartridges. Unfortunately, the popular binder-format Sierra Manual is currently back-ordered. Get one if you can.
The Lyman Reloading Manuals have earn praise over the years:
“Every other reloading book I’ve used favors their own bullets over every other manufacturers. With Lyman you get an honest representation of a wide variety of different… manufacturers. [Lyman has] a ton of reloading data on just about any bullet style you can imagine. I’ve tried a wide range of their recipes and everyone I’ve tried has been spot on. The overall breadth of information this book covers is impressive.” Review by RangetoReal.com.
Nosler #9 Manual Features New Cartridges
If you are looking for the latest cartridge/bullet/powder updates, just last month (December 2020) Nosler released the new Nosler Reloading Guide #9, the latest in a respected series of hardback Nosler load manuals.
This 800-page guide covers 101 cartridge types. New in this edition you’ll find the popular 6mm Creedmoor, 6mm XC, 6.5 PRC, and 7.62×39, along with 20 Nosler, 22 Nosler, 24 Nosler, 27 Nosler and 33 Nosler. This manual is a good resource for PRS shooters and hunters. The Nosler #9 book draws from thousands of hours in the Nosler Ballistic Lab, along with the experience of many respected experts.
The book is available for $24.99 at Midsouth or $24.95 on Amazon. Keep in mind that much of the book’s latest load data is available for free on the Nosler.com online LOAD DATA Center. But to get ALL the data, PLUS all the technical articles, you’ll need to buy the book.
Along with the new Nosler #9 Manual, here are four other recommended Reloading Manuals:
Here Are Four General Instructional Books That Cover Reloading Procedures:
POWDER BURN RATE TABLE
Here is the most recent powder burn rate chart from Hodgdon/IMR that we could find. Click links below to access printable PDF. Note, some readers have suggested a couple powder ranking issues in the table. However, this is the latest official version from the IMR website, released in November 2019.
IMR now offers five (5) Enduron powders: IMR 4166, IMR 4451, IMR 4955, IMR 7977, and IMR 8133. Shooters looking for readily-available alternatives to hard-to-find extruded powders should definitely check out the Enduron line-up. Precision shooters will find an Enduron option well-suited to most popular precision cartridge types. For example, IMR 4166 is a good replacement for Hodgdon Varget (commonly used in the .223 Rem, 6mmBR and .308 Win), while IMR 4955 is a fine substitute for H4831 (favored by F-Open shooters for the .284 Win and 7mm WSM cartridges).
Modern Powder Technology for Enhanced Performance
The technology in IMR’s Enduron line of powders provides four very important qualities that enhance both in-gun and downrange performance. First, these powders all feature chemistry that reduces copper fouling. Second, Enduron powders are all very temp-stable. Across the board, the Enduron line is very insensitive to temperature changes, which is important for both match shooters and hunters. Third, Enduron powders are designed for optimal load density. This helps attain low ES/SD in velocity and pressure, which translates to improved long-range accuracy and tight verticals. Finally, Enduron powders are environmentally-friendly, crafted from raw materials that are not harmful to the environment.
The Enduron Line-Up of Four Powders
IMR now offers four Enduron powders that cover a broad range of burn rates. They are suitable for a wide variety of cartridges, from small varmint cartridges all the way up to the .338 Lapua Magnum.
IMR 4166 possesses the fastest burn rate in the Enduron lineup. It is the perfect burn speed for cartridges such as .308 Win, 7.62mm NATO, 22-250 Rem and 257 Roberts. A versatile, match-grade propellant, IMR 4166 is comparable to Hodgdon® Varget.
IMR 4451 is a mid-range burn speed powder, ideally suited for cartridges such as .270 Winchester, .30-06 and 300 Winchester Short Magnum. This powder is comparable to Hodgdon H4350.
IMR 4955 is a medium burn speed powder, falling in between IMR 4451 and IMR 7977 in burn speed. It provides top performance in big game cartridges such as 25-06, 280 Remington and 300 Winchester Magnum. This powder is comparable to Hodgdon H4831.
IMR 7977 is a slower burn rate in the Enduron family. Loading density is perfect for magnums. This is a true magnum propellant yielding outstanding performance in .300 Winchester Magnum, 7mm Remington Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum. IMR 7977 is comparable to Hodgdon H1000.
IMR 8133 IMR Enduron 8133 is the slowest burn rate in the Enduron family. Loading density is perfect for the very large magnums, including the 6.5mm and 7mm magnums. This is a true magnum propellant yielding outstanding performance in 6.5-300 Weatherby, .264 Win Mag, 28 Nosler and .300 Rem Ultra Mag, among other cartridges.
The Enduron Technology powders are available in one-pound (1 lb) and eight-pound (8-lb) containers from quality reloading retailers. Learn more about Enduron powders at www.enduronimr.com. For info on other IMR powders, visit www.imrpowder.com.
Forum member Rich DeSimone uses a handy “Stub Gauge” for setting shoulder “bump” and seating depth. The gauge is made from a section of barrel lopped off when the muzzle is crowned. The chambering reamer is run in about 1/4 of the way, enough to capture the neck and shoulder area of the case. Rich then uses his full-length die to “bump” a master case with the ideal amount of headspace for easy feeding and extraction. He takes that case and sets it in this Stub Gauge, and measures from the front of the gauge to the rim. He can then quickly compare any fired case to a his “master” case with optimal headspace. Since the gauge measures off the shoulder datum, this tells him how much to bump his fired brass.
In addition, the Stub Gauge can be used to set bullet seating-depth. Rich has a channel cut transversely on one side of the gauge, exposing the throat area. Since the interior of the gauge is identical to the chamber in his gun, this lets him see where a seated bullet engages the rifling. He can tinker with bullet seating length until he gets just the right amount of land contact on the bullet, confirmed visually. Then he measures the case OAL and sets his seating dies accordingly. This is much handier than using a Hornady Tool to measure distance to the lands.
But what happens when the throat wears and moves out on your live barrel — making the actual length to lands different (slightly longer) than before. Well, the stub gauge is still valuable as a known starting point. As your barrel’s throat wears, you may seat your bullets out further to “chase the lands”, but the gauge provides a constant land engagement point, in the barrel’s “as new” condition. By measuring the difference between the land contact point on the gauge and the actual contact point on your barrel, you can determine throat “migration”.
This is one of the best new pistol accessories we’ve seen in the last decade. The Leupold DeltaPoint Micro is a capable Red Dot optic that mounts on the back of a pistol slide, fitting the normal rear sight slot. That’s very clever. This Micro is much smaller than a typical red dot sight, making this a viable option for a concealed carry pistol. That is a very big deal. You can aim considerably faster because you don’t need to worry about front/rear sight alignment. Plus the battery-powered Red Dot gives a gun owner the ability to aim effectively in dark conditions. Just put the 3 MOA Red Dot on your target.
DeltaPoint Micro Features:
Low Profile Design. Sits so low on the slide that it replicates the same sight plane of iron sights, making it more intuitive to use and more concealable. Fast and Easy to Mount. Mounts directly to rear dovetail — no need to have slide milled or altered. Circular Optic Ring. Acts like a ghost ring sight if the battery dies. Smart Shut-off. Built-in motion sensor shuts off Red Dot after 5 minutes of inactivity, preserving battery. Adjustable Brightness. The 3 MOA Dot has multiple brightness settings. Enclosed Diode. Placed inside the housing, the diode is protected from moisture, dirt, and debris. Lifetime Guarantee. Unlike most electro-optics products, the DeltaPoint Micro is guaranteed for life.
The DeltaPoint Micro is 2.25″ long and 1.25″ tall, while weighing just 1.1 ounces. It’s a direct replacement for the rear factory iron sight and mounts at the same height. Keeping the same height makes it easier for iron sight shooters to adjust to a new system. The Red Dot also aligns with the front sight, making target acquisition fast and intuitive.
Tim Lesser, Leupold’s V.P. of Product Development, is proud of the new DeltaPoint Micro: “No red dot on the market is more compact; its low height-to-bore replicates the same sight plane that iron-sight shooters are used to, allowing for intuitive target acquisition.”
CCW Holders are the “target market” for Leupold’s new, low-profile Red Dot product: “For shooters who need a red dot sight for their personal carry pistol, the DeltaPoint Micro is a rugged reflex sight that delivers rapid target acquisition, increased accuracy … in a sleek, low-profile design.” This is not an inexpensive accessory. The MSRP is $519.99 for either Glock or S&W versions.
Leupold currently produces DeltaPoint Micro optic models for Glock and Smith & Wesson M&P pistols, with more versions (for other guns) likely to be released later in 2021.
Real World Review from The Shooting Wire Shooting Wire Editor Jim Shepherd got a DeltaPoint Micro for testing, and quickly saw its potential: “I decided to mount [the DeltaPoint Micro] on my first-generation M&P Shield. The inability to put an optic on it had become a real problem. To the point it was resting in my safe, not riding in the holster where it accompanied me for several years. The problem wasn’t the Shield, it was my aging eyeballs. I can’t see the sights well enough to shoot [the M&P Shield] accurately.
Even without a lot of range time in on the DP-Micro equipped-Shield, I’ve shot it enough to realize I’m more accurate — and considerably faster — than with iron sights. No more ‘searching’ for a front sight. Now, I’m using dry-fire practice to ‘re-learn’ the Shield with this new optic.” READ FULL Report.
The official SHOT Show in Las Vegas has been cancelled this year, due to the COVID Pandemic. But there WILL be a way you can preview new-for-2021 guns and gear. Brownells will host a 5-day virtual event called the “NOT-SHOW”. Slated for January 18-22, 2021, the NOT-SHOW will feature new product introductions and special discounts on a wide variety of merchandise (not just the new releases). In addition the upcoming Brownells NOT-SHOW will have Daily Product Giveaways from January 18-22, 2021.
The Brownells NOT-SHOW has five main sponsors: AeroPrecision, CMC Triggers, Hornady, Stag Arms, and Magpul. New products from these five companies will be showcased in the NOT-SHOW event, along with a many other companies’ offerings. There will be a wide variety of products featured, including optics, reloading tools, and more. But expect special deals on items from the five primary NOT-SHOW sponsors.
Featured Products from Magpul
Everyone knows that Magpul makes excellent rifle magazines for ARs, as well as AICS-type mags for bolt guns. But Magpul also produces many other quality product including rifle stocks, AR buttstocks, bipods, rifle sights, pistol mags, and sling accessories. Here are some of our favorite Magpul products at Brownells. Many Magpul items will be discounted during the NOT-SHOW event, running January 18-22, 2021.
New from Hornady for 2021
Hornady will have a number of new products for 2021. These include new RFID gunvaults, two new reloading scales, and new 6mm ARC hunting ammunition loaded with 103gr ELD-X bullets.
New from Stag Arms — AR15 and AR10 Deluxe Uppers
Along with its current AR-platform upper receivers, stripped lowers, and complete Stag-15 M4-type rifles, Stag Arms will introduce a new line of deluxe AR15 and AR10 platform complete uppers. These will feature high-quality barrels and handguards. Available chamberings will include .223 Rem/5.56, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.8 SPC, .300 Blackout, .308 Win.
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.
⏺ Great Value on versatile security cabinet — good secondary safe
In addition to a heavy, primary gunsafe, many gun-owners can use a smaller security cabinet for another area of the house, for the garage, or even for an RV. If you’re looking for a good basic gun locker, check out the SnapSafe Premium 12-Gun Tactical Cabinet. It has a simple key-lock system and can fit in most closets. Purchasers praised this unit given the low cost: “For a gun case below $200 you can’t get much better than this” and “More of a light-weight gun locker … it is well made and sturdy though, and is much better than I expected for the price.”
2. Palmetto Armory — Black Aces 12GA Pump Shotgun, $349.99
⏺ Killer Deal on 12ga tactical with good sights, top rail, hard case
It’s hard to beat a good shotgun for home defense. However, many good defensive shotguns have been sold out, or the prices have been artificially inflated by sellers. Here’s a good defensive scattergun at a great price. The Black Aces Tactical 18.5″ Shotgun boasts 5-round capacity, and has large sights plus a rail for fitting a Red Dot optic. This matte black shotgun ships with 3 chokes, an accessory grip, and even a hard case, all for a low $349.99 price.
⏺ This tool is easy to use — measures run out on case and bullet
Loading straight and true cartridges is the cornerstone of precision shooting. However, without some kind of concentricity gauge you’re just guessing. If you want to start measuring case neck and bullet run-out to assess the quality of your handloads, consider getting the Hornady Lock-N-Load Concentricity Tool. It features precise alignment of most bottleneck cartridges from .22 up to .45 Caliber, an easy-to-use precision adjustment knob, plus a sturdy frame that can be bolted to your bench.
⏺ Every shooter can use a Kestrel; this has key functions
Disappointed with cheap wind meters or tired of clunky cellphone impeller attachments that are time-consuming to set up? Save time and trouble by getting the Kestrel 2000 Pocket Wind and Temperature Meter. This quality unit features current wind speed, maximum wind gust, average wind speed, temperature, wind chill. It’s also waterproof, has an easy-to-read display with backlight, and it floats.
⏺ Truly one of the highest-quality soft rifle cases you can buy
Tired of poorly-made soft cases that wear out after one season? If you want to get a top-quality case that will last for years, check out the Creedmoor Blue Deluxe 55″ or 60″ Rifle Case. These hand-made cases provide an incredible level of protection with quality fabrics and padding. Smart design, high-grade zippers, and top-quality sewing make a noticeable difference. And right now you can get either the 55″ or 60″ model for $124.45 — a $25 savings off the regular $149.95 price. You will see many of the nation’s top Palma and F-Class shooters using these cases.
⏺ Great scope deal PLUS nice hunting knife with 5 blades
The Bushnell Nitro 2.5-10×44 SFP 30mm Rifle Scope is a solid, reliable optic. Right now, if you purchase this riflescope for the low $189.99 sale price, you get a FREE Havalon hunting knife with FIVE replaceable blades. This Bushnell Nitro optic features good light transmission and EXO Barrier lens coating that repels water, oil, dust, debris and scratches. Buyers have given this scope very good reviews: “This [scope] is way better than I expected for the money. I liked it so well I ordered another one.” This special saves you $160.00 on the scope PLUS you get a nice knife kit as a bonus.
⏺ Pack has many good features and is very versatile
Any range bag, bug-out bag, or hiking pack needs to be well-made and have ample storage capacity, with a variety of compartments for various types of gear. The EEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack boasts multiple compartments, plenty of pockets, nice shoulder straps, plus MOLLE attachments. It is also hydration bladder compatible. It’s hard to beat this tactical pack for the money. Grab one while it’s on sale.
8. Amazon — MTM TMC15 Tactical Mag Can, $29.79
⏺ Good way to carry loaded mags securely — case has handle and lock hasp
Storing P-mags or other AR-style mags is never easy. They don’t stack well and bags don’t make it any easier. Now with the MTM TMC15 Tactical Mag Can you can safely and easily store and travel with up to 15 magazines and never worry about damage. This is also a great way to transport loaded magazines in states where ammo needs to be locked up while traveling.
9. Amazon — Silicone Gun Socks with Multiple Sizes, From $4.39
⏺ Long guns should be in gun socks or borestores when in gunsafes
Most people think that once you put firearms in a gunvault they are safe from corrosion but that’s not true. It’s not uncommon for folks to stow guns in a safe only to find rust on them months (or years) later. Avoid future disappointment by using these affordable silicone treated socks. Offered in assorted sizes for pistols, rifles, and shotguns, prices range from $4.39 (pistol) to $7.39 (tactical rifle). We also recommend using Eezox or other good corrosion inhibitor on metal parts. With that and a good treated gun sock and a Goldenrod, rust should not be a worry anymore.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) was founded in 1871 by Civil War veterans. Since that beginning, 150 years ago, the goals of the NRA have been to advance marksmanship training, foster sport shooting, protect the rights of gun owners, and preserve Second Amendment freedoms. The NRA now boasts over 5,000,000 members. In 2021, the NRA celebrates 150 years as the nation’s largest association of gun owners and “America’s oldest civil-rights organization”.
“The NRA has diligently protected our right to keep and bear arms longer than any other organization”, NRA President Carolyn Meadows said. “We are humbled to serve our more than 5 million members and all law-abiding gun owners. We invite you to join our organization as we celebrate this historic milestone.” To take part in NRA’s 150th Anniversary celebrations, you can sign-up online or call 1-866-672-2020 to join.
Over the past century-and-a-half, the NRA has served firearm owners through training, legislative action, and other initiatives that promote sport shooting, hunting, and personal protection. Today, the organization offers a wide range of programs for firearm owners including competitive shooting, hunter education, political action and more.
Online Resources for NRA Members
The NRA has a wide variety of online resource for its members. These include information for competitive shooters, online training for hunters, and firearms safety sites. To access ALL the many NRA online resources go to NRA.org, and then click on the RED “NRA Explore” tab upper left. A pull-down, 3-column directory will appear.
The NRA also offers some very good, informative websites, including Shooting Sports USA (SSUSA.org). Guided by Editor John Parker, SSUSA.org offers dozens of good feature stories every month. We also recommend the American Hunter website, AmericanHunter.org.
NRA Publications Feature 150 Years of NRA History
To mark its 150th Anniversary, the NRA will run historical features in four of its magazines: American Rifleman, American Hunter, America’s 1st Freedom, and Shooting Illustrated. Throughout 2021, each issue will spotlight significant events and leaders that shaped the organization and its mission. The NRA will also publish a showpiece coffee-table book, “NRA — 150 Years Strong”, in September 2021.
The NRA in the Early Years — 1871 to 1907
Shooting Sports USA (SSUSA) has a good article on the origins and history of the National Rifle Association. This timeline feature covers the first 36 years of NRA history from 1871 to 1907. The NRA was founded in 1871, and 1907 marked the first year of Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio.
SSUSA explains the NRA’s original mission: “The NRA’s program during its youthful years centered mainly on improving marksmanship among the military. Rifle tournaments at ranges in Creedmoor (NY), Sea Girt (NJ), and Camp Perry (OH) captured the country’s spirit of nationalism and resulted in key improvements in rifles and target scoring. NRA also set standards for military rifle training and even inspired the federal government to form its own segment within the War Department to focus on promoting rifle practice among soldiers as well as civilians.”
1871 — A group of New York National Guardsmen founded the National Rifle Association to promote marksmanship training. Figures such as Capt. George Wingate had called for better rifle marksmanship to support the nation’s defense.
1872 — The NRA acquires Creed’s Farm in Long Island, New York for $26,250. Renamed “Creedmoor”, this becomes the NRA’s first range. The first match was held in 1873.
1874 — The NRA hosts its first International Match, shot at the Creedmoor Range in New York.
The First-Ever Creedmoor Challenge Match in 1874
The Irish International Shooting team arrived in New York on the 16th of September and proceeded to “take in the sights”, which was understandable, before some practice at the Creedmoor range. On September 26th they presented themselves for the match with confidence and in high spirits. The crowds that day were reported to be between 5,000 and 10,000 strong, which showed the huge support already growing for the fledgling sport in America.
Here’s a handy product from Midsouth Shooters Supply: 250 self-adhesive Benchrest Targets on a convenient roll. Not just for benchrest competitors, these handy stick-on targets work great for anyone doing load development. We’ve used then and they work well. Each target offers a precision 1/4″ grid at the top with diamond aiming box below. This is similar to official targets used in Benechrest matches, with the addition of the upper grid lines which allow you to instantly estimate group size. These targets also include an area to list your load components. Midsouth Shooters sells the 250-target roll for $12.49. That works out to just five cents per target!
This target was designed for benchrest shooting, developing new loads or cataloging existing ones. This easy-to-use target has a 1/4″ grid pattern at the top which helps measure groups. The vertical aiming square at the bottom helps align the cross hairs of your scope for consistent shot placement. At the very bottom of the target there is room to record your reloading information. Each Target sticker measures 6″ x 4″ with a 4.5″ x 2.5″ printed area.
Nosler #9 Manual Features New Cartridges
Forum member Rich DeSimone uses a handy “Stub Gauge” for setting shoulder “bump” and seating depth. The gauge is made from a section of barrel lopped off when the muzzle is crowned. The chambering reamer is run in about 1/4 of the way, enough to capture the neck and shoulder area of the case. Rich then uses his full-length die to “bump” a master case with the ideal amount of headspace for easy feeding and extraction. He takes that case and sets it in this Stub Gauge, and measures from the front of the gauge to the rim. He can then quickly compare any fired case to a his “master” case with optimal headspace. Since the gauge measures off the shoulder datum, this tells him how much to bump his fired brass.
Real World Review from The Shooting Wire
