So, are you feeling lucky? Then you may want to sign up for the ShootOn.com Giveaway contest. The “Ready to Carry” Shoot ON contest prize pack includes an FN Reflex 9mm pistol, a Burris FastFire Red Dot Optic, a Crossbreed SuperTuck Holsert, and 5 boxes of Fiocchi CovertX defensive ammo. The total retail value of the “Ready to Carry” Giveaway prize package is $1,331.90.
CLICK HERE to visit the contest entry page. NOTE: No purchase is required to enter the “Ready to Carry” Giveaway. Simply go to the Shoot ON “Ready to Carry” Giveaway page and enter. You can also boost your odds of winning through the Daily Bonus Entry option. The Shoot ON “Ready to Carry” Giveaway ends April 17, 2025, so enter today!
Giveaway Items — Total Value $1331.90
Handgun: FN’s new Reflex XL MRD micro-compact 9mm is a rugged, accurate optics-ready pistol with good ergonomics and up to 18-round capacity even with a compact format. FN claims the Reflex EL series pistols off “best-in-class triggers” for optimal performance.
Holster: The Crossbreed SuperTuck is an IWB holster developed for deep concealment. This combine a Kydex pocket with a combat-cut premium leather backer for security and comfort. The SuperTuck also has powder-coated steel belt clips adjustable for height and cant (angle).
Red Dot Optic: The Burris FastFire E is an enclosed red dot optic with a large 22×17 mm sight window for the 3.5 MOA dot. The FastFire E offers 100 MOA of elevation and windage adjustment range so it works with handguns, shotguns and rifles. A tough housing protects the unit which is waterproof, shockproof and fogproof. The FastFire E offers an “always on” function.
Ammunition: The contest package includes five, 20-round boxes of Fiocchi’s new CovertX personal defense ammunition. This CovertX ammo features a new jacketed HP projectile specifically engineered for controlled expansion when fired from short-barrel handguns.
First there was F-Class, and now there will be E-Class, the “E” standing for “Economy”. The NRA Competitive Shooting Division has just approved a new form of rifle competition starting in 2025: E-Class. Unlike F-Class, E-Class will have tight rifle and gear cost controls. This is a clear response to rising F-Class costs, which have spiraled out of control. The first major E-Class National event will be a preview match held this summer at Camp Atterbury in Indiana.
The NRA’s sanctioning of E-Class competition makes sense. Let’s face it, top-level F-Class competition, both F-TR and F-Open, has become just too expensive. A modern F-Open rifle capable of winning a championship can now cost $9000.00 or more, including rest, premium trigger, and optics. Under the NRA’s new E-Class Rules, rifles can cost no more than $2000.00 total, including optics and rest (E-Open) or bipod (E-TR). In addition, new E-Class rules will recognize a special division, called E-Factory, that is limited to factory rifles, such as the Savage Axis II and Howa rifles. The E-Factory Class will also be restricted to .223 Remington to keep ammo costs down.
COST COMPARISON — F-Open, E-Open, and E-TR Factory
E-TR Factory Division
Complete Rifle
Savage Axis II: $1079 MSRP
Barrel: Included
Stock: Included
Optics: $500
Trigger: Included
Bipod: $150
Rear Bag: $50 Total: $1779.00
Under the new E-Class rules, TOTAL Cost for an E-Open or E-TR Rifle is limited to $2000.00, including optics, front rest or bipod, and rear bag. There are specific gear limits. Scope maximum is $500.00. Front rest or bipod is limited to $300.00. In the chart above you see how an E-Open rifle could be built for $1900 with a $400 action and a $400 optic. In the third column we’ve priced out an E-Factory rifle, based on a Savage Axis II Rifle, at $1779.00.
A top-of-the-line F-Open set-up like this can cost more than $8000.00 with custom stock, high-end optic, and coax front rest. All new E-Class rifles must cost less than $2000 including rests and scope.
These E-Class rigs cost less than a quarter of the price of a Top-of-the-line $8750.00 F-Open Rig. That’s a huge savings, that will allow more shooters to enjoy competitive shooting. E-Class combines the fun challenge of the F-Class course of fire, with a vastly lower investment. With the rising costs of taxes, food, fuel, and everything else, it’s high time we get serious about the money we throw away on competition rifles. We know the wives will approve!
Keeping on Lid on Expenses
In the Wings — Controls on Ammo Costs as Well
Shooters know that the price of the rifle, optics, and rests is only part of the cost equation. The price of ammunition is also significant. Currently, in F-Open, competitors can easily pay $1.40 per round just for the expendables — bullets, powder, and primers. Add in the cost of premium cartridge brass and the cost per shot goes up significantly. One competitor lamented “Shooting a match these days really empties your wallet. I cringe every time I pull the trigger, knowing what it costs.”
Therefore, the NRA is considering E-Class ammo restrictions. Starting in 2026, E-Factory class competitors would be required to shoot recycled bulk brass and blem bullets. Bulk Lake City 5.56 brass will be offered by ARMorAlly.com, and blem bullets will be offered by Midsouth Shooters Supply. Purists may complain about using surplus brass, but it only costs $199.99 for 500 cases! That’s a huge savings.
The Final Step — Claiming Rules for E-Class
As in every competitive endeavor, there may be temptation to bend or even break the rules. Predictably, some E-Class competitors may try to substitute more expensive components, such as high-cost triggers, or modified actions. To prevent this, the NRA plans to impose claiming rules for E-Class matches. This means that any rifle that captures first or second place in a major match can be claimed by another competitor for the fee of $2000.00. This procedure may seem radical but it is used in other sports to ensure parity among the competitors. If a shooter wins with a “cheater” $5000.00 rifle, he can be forced to sell it to a competitor for $2000.00.
A recent scientific discovery in Washington State suggests that areas in North America once harbored large colonies of giant, man-sized rodents — distant cousins to today’s prairie dogs.
In late 2024, while searching for ancient dinosaur fossils, a field team of Princeton University paleontologists has uncovered a startling find — the skull of a massive prehistoric rodent, along with other skeletal remains.
The skull, nearly the size of a horse’s head, is almost identical in form to the skull of a modern-era prairie dog, though it is is more than 50 times as large. Apparently today’s Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs had some very large predecessors. Based on the size of the skull and other bones, scientists estimate that the giant prairie dogs could stand up to 7′ tall and weigh up to 350 pounds. In other words, this critter was man-sized.
The giant rodents lived much like modern prairie dogs do today — grazing on vegetation and nesting underground in burrows. The giant skull was unearthed in Washington’s Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve. View More: Mima Mounds Aerial photo.
Mystery of Mima Mounds Finally Solved
Southwest of Seattle, near Littlerock, Washington, you’ll find the Mima Mounds, a vast field of clustered earthen mounds covering over 600 acres. Since their discovery (by whites) in the 18th century, the Mima Mounds have confounded scientific explanation — until now that is. The location of the giant prairie dog skull and bones inside one of the Mima Mounds indicates, with great certainty, that the mound field was created by a large colony of giant burrowing rodents. Scientists now believe that the Mima Mounds area is a prehistoric prairie dog field, created by the creatures scientists have nicknamed “Big Dogs”.
NW Indian Legends Spoke of Giant Prairie Dogs
The presence of the giant prairie dogs at Mima Mounds is confirmed by Northwestern Indian legends describing a giant burrowing beast that stood as tall as a man, when raised on its hind legs. Researchers, who transcribed oral histories of the Sauk-Suiattle tribe, have recorded numerous references to a large, man-sized creature that burrowed underground. In the Suiattle language the beast was called “Chok-lahtle-wachook”, which, literally translated, means “Standing Man-Mouse”. A number of ancient Indian carvings and artifacts have depicted this creature (see photo at right), but cultural historians had not understood their significance. For decades the historians presumed Chok-lahtle-wachook was a wholly fictional man-beast, not a real species. Such mythical hybrid creatures are commonly revered as important totemic spirits by many Native American cultures. However, it now appears that Chok-lahtle-wachook really existed, and did so in great numbers.
Can Science Revive the Giant Prairie Dog?
The discovery of the giant prairie dog has electrified the scientific community because it appears that bone samples may contain recoverable DNA. And that means — you guessed it — there is a small chance that Chok-lahtle-wachook could be cloned. Geneticist Amy Moorwall of the Univ. of Washington explains: “These are not 100-million-year-old dinosaur bones. This creature lived in relatively recent times, so there is much more genetic material remaining that hasn’t completely fossilized. Initial inspection of bone marrow samples suggest that there may be viable, complete DNA strands that could be recovered. If that’s true, this could be one of our first opportunities to revive an extinct species.”
Varmint Hunters Hope for Successful Cloning
Could Chok-lahtle-wachook once again stand tall upon America’s prairies through the application of modern genetic cloning technology? If so, that would be exciting news for the nation’s hunting community. Varmint hunting is hugely popular in North America, and the possibility of bagging a man-sized prairie dog would be a dream come true for avid varminters. Ryan Stanley of the Varmint Hunters’ Association (VHA) told us that his members hope that the giant prairie dog could be cloned successfully: “We would definitely support a cloning effort. Many of our members spend countless days, over many seasons, trying to earn a 1000-yard patch, signifying a confirmed varmint kill at 1000 yards. Getting that patch, for a varminter, is like a baseball player making it into Cooperstown. Needless to say, if VHA members have a chance to shoot at a 7-foot-tall, 300-pound varmint, instead of a puny little prairie dog, many more of our members will finally earn their 1000-yard patch.”
In recent years, the California Legislature has passed a series of laws restricting the rights of California gun owners. The latest example of anti-gun legislation will hit gun owners in their pocketbooks….
If you want to practice your marksmanship in California from now on, get ready to open your wallet and pay the taxman. With the passage of AB 211, recently signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, California shooters who use paper targets at indoor ranges will have to pay a fee for every hole they put in paper — literally. This new law, codified in the California Penal Code, states that commercial gun ranges must collect a charge of $0.38 per shot, as established by holes made in approved paper targets. This fee, the “Target Tax”, can be raised in the future at the discretion of the California Dept. of Justice. Newsom has justified this new tax, stating that it will be used to fund vital relief programs in the wake of the recent massive Southern California wildfires.
Here’s how it will work, starting June 1, 2025, when the new Target Tax law goes into effect at California ranges. First, all shooters must purchase California DOJ-approved paper targets (you may no longer bring your own). When you purchase a certified target at an indoor range, your name and the number of targets you have purchased will be recorded in a state database. Then, after your shooting session, the targets must be scanned, with the number of shot holes recorded. A charge of $0.38 per scanned hole will be added as a line item for your range session, along with the DOJ target-processing fee of $5.00 per target.
How the Tax Works — Count the holes: With 30 holes, the California target tax on this left target would be 30 x $0.38 or $11.40. By contrast, the tax on the target on the right would be just 38 cents, because there is only one hole, though five shots went through the same hole. Obviously, exceptional marksmanship skills can help reduce your target tax liabilities. But even with just one hole, there is still the DOJ processing fee of $5.00 per target, which applies to every target.
California Targets Must Be Culturally Tolerant and Non-Discriminatory
AB 211 also includes a series of provisions which specify the types of targets which may be purchased. First, as you might expect, all targets must be printed on recycled paper. Second, no target may contain any “hate speech” or “micro-aggressions”. Third, while targets may still show human silhouette-style outlines, any targets which depict a protected minority type or non-binary gender type are forbidden. Likewise, any target that shows discernable culture, religion, or national origin are forbidden. So, a target showing a bearded male wearing a turban would be forbidden. If you had such a target, the range owner would be required, under AB 211, to confiscate it. Shown below are two types of targets that would be illegal in California under AB 211. NOTE: It is unclear whether a zombie target would be allowed, if the Zombie is unknown gender, ethnicity, or culture.
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 — Primer Sale w/ CCI, Federal, Rem, Magtech & more
⏺️ Large supply of magnum, large, and small primers at good prices
Over the last few years premium brand primers have been pricey and hard to source. Thankfully, things are getting much better. And right now Midsouth is running a major Midsouth Primer Sale with significant savings on CCI, Federal, Winchester, Magtech and other brand primers. Yes there are large rifle primers and CCI BR-4, CCI 450s, and Federal 205M small rifle primers — popular with competitive shooters. Both 1000ct and 5000ct packages are on sale.
2. Natchez — Reloading Press Sale w/ Redding, RCBS, Lyman, Lee
⏺️ Big discounts on many good Redding, RCBS, Lyman, and Lee Presses
With the Giant Press Sale at Natchez you’ll find major discounts (up to 30%) on popular presses from Redding, RCBS, Lyman, and Lee. Single-stage, progressive, and turret-top presses are on sale. If you need a good primary or secondary press, this is a great buying opportunity. For folks who load multiple pistol cartridge types, we can recommend the Lyman BrassSmith 8-station turret. This is offered in a complete Combo Package for $499.99.
3. Amazon — Folding 4-Wheel Gear Cart, $53.99
⏺️ Great deal on folding cart that can handle all your shooting equipment
How many times have you gone to a match or the range and had to make multiple trips for all your gear? Now you can haul the gear easier with a Collapsible Foldable Beach Wagon (#ad). Often used at matches to haul rifles, rests, mats, windflags, spotting scopes etc., these handy carts make life easier at the range or out in the field. The large oversized wheels traverse rough terrain and roll through sand with ease.
⏺️ Very complete kit with good press and quality tools
The Redding Boss ProPak Loading Kit is a great combo for both new reloaders getting started and for more advanced reloaders wanting to upgrade their equipment. And right now this quality Redding ProPak is just $285.94 — over 50% off the regular $577.95 MSRP. The Boss Pro-Pak includes the Redding Boss reloading press, powder and bullet scale, powder trickler, lube pad, deburring tool, case prep kit, powder funnel, and loading manual. Just add dies and you’re ready to handload high-quality ammo.
5. Howa M1100 .22 LR Bolt-Action Rifle, $199.99
⏺️ Major savings on good, accurate bolt-action rimfire rifle
The Howa M1100 is a good first rifle for a young family member or a nice plinking rig. And this bolt-action .22 LR rimfire rig is ultra-affordable — it costs just $199.99 at Vance Outdoors. This same rifle is $283.75 at Buds Gun Shop — nearly $84 more. This 6.3-lb rifle has an 18″ 1:16″-twist blued barrel, synthetic black polymer stock, tactical bolt handle, and a 10-round .22 LR magazine. Buyers report the M1100 rifle is very accurate and Howa offers a solid warranty.
⏺️ Innovative system that cleans both suppressors and muzzle brakes
This product cleans suppressors and muzzle brakes. The Bore Tech Decimator Suppressor Cleaning System is specifically formulated to safely and effectively remove fouling inside suppressors AND remove carbon fouling from ported muzzle brakes. On sale for $219.99 at Graf’s ($30 off MSRP), this Bore Tech kit includes Part A and Part B solvents, vertical stand with overflow catcher, and a spray system that goes inside your suppressor. The Spray Handle and Flushing Lance effectively remove fouling from the chambers and metal parts in both sealed and take-apart suppressors. BoreTech says its Decimator solvents are safe for aluminum, stainless steel, titanium and a wide variety of alloys and coatings.
7. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Universal Case Trimmer, $66.70
⏺️ Handy, affordable tool that works for small to magnum cases
Unlike conventional trimmers, the Frankford Arsenal Universal Precision Case Trimmer (#ad) requires no specific pilots or shellholders. The included collets index off the case shoulder to trim any shouldered case from 17 Remington to 460 Weatherby Magnum. Simply install the correct collet, adjust the trimmer to your desired length, and secure the trimmer into a drill or drill press. Cases are then fed into the trimmer by hand. Overall this is a very affordable and versatile system that, in many respects, is more efficient than traditional case trimmers.
8. Palmetto SA — Crimson Trace RAD Max Red Dot, $89.99
⏺️ Quality 3 MOA Reflex sight for pistols/shotguns, 74% OFF
If you need a red dot optic for your pistol or shotgun, consider the Crimson Trace RAD Max. Featuring a red 3 MOA aiming dot, the RAD Max has a recessed, multi-coated lens with a quick acquisition window. Along with a manual on/off button, the RAD Max has an AUTO Shut-off Function that automatically shuts off after 8 hours of operation to conserve battery life. This Red Dot optic has earned praise from purchasers with 88% 5-star ratings. This is a great deal — $260 off MSRP, a 74% discount.
⏺️ Good advanced powder dispenser now $40 Off with FREE Shipping
Here’s a good, modern powder scale/dispenser offered with a HUGE discount. At Midsouth, the Lyman Gen6 Compact Powder Dispenser System is now $40 Off with FREE Shipping. So your total price, delivered, is $219.99 — a great deal. This unit is accurate to +/- 0.1 grains and can use any type of smokeless powder. It has a fast warm-up, anti-static/anti-drift technology, with sophisticated electronic shielding to resist interference from other electronic devices. This unit comes with calibration weight, powder tray, and cleaning brush.
10. Amazon — 52″ Double Rifle Case, $39.99
⏺️ Great price for rugged, dual-rifle carry case
Here’s a very affordable rifle case that can hold long competition rifles. The Huntsen 52″ Double Rifle Case features a removable divider that enables the carrying of one or two rifles up to 50″ OAL. This case includes a large zipper pocket, 3 magazine pouches, plus MOLLE straps for other accessories. For the same $39.99 sale price, this 52″ case is offered in black (#ad), green (#ad), or tan digital camo (#ad) colors.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
The 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) on April 24-27, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Exhibit Hall is open all three days and will showcase over 14 acres of guns and gear. There will also be numerous special events, plus entertainment. If you would like to attend, register for the event and book your hotel soon. The GWCC is the fourth-largest convention center in the United States.
The 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits has events on the 24th and the convention hall will officially open at 9:00 AM on April 25. NRA members and immediate family receive free entry. Non-members can join online or at the door for immediate access. Visit NRAam.org for more information and to purchase tickets for special events.
The 154th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center (see map below). Thousands of NRA members and their families will gather for a celebration of freedom and American values. The 14-acre exhibit hall will feature the latest guns and gear from firearm industry companies. The schedule of events also includes educational seminars, product demonstrations, and fundraising banquets to supprt Second Amendment rights.
Event Registration
CLICK HERE to REGISTER for the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits. NOTE: NRA Members and their immediate family get FREE ENTRY.
CLICK HERE for EVENT Schedule. There will be a powerhouse line-up of political speakers this year. In addition there will be major fundraising events featuring top brand giveaways.
MidwayUSA is Official Sponsor of 2025 NRA Event
The National Rifle Association of America is pleased to announce MidwayUSA as the official sponsor of the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits to be held in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 25-27. MidwayUSA has been a longtime sponsor of NRA’s annual flagship event.
“We’re pleased to continue our support of the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits and look forward to joining our customers in Atlanta,” said Adam Augustine, MidwayUSA VP of eCommerce.
What’s a “Frankengun”? Well it’s a one-of-a-kind rifle that has been pieced together from a variety of different parts and components. It might be a little bit Bolt Gun mixed with a little bit AR-15. Or it might feature some home-made components unlike anything you’ve seen before. The end result is a unique rig you won’t find anywhere else.
We’ve selected these five Frankengun rifles from an older thread in our Shooters’ Forum.
Frankengun #1 — The EXO (as in Exo-Skeleton)
Forum member jm850 calls this tube-framed wonder the EXO (as in “exo-skeleton”). He says: “This is a prototype I designed around a few core concepts that stick out to me on a traditional configuration. Eliminating stresses, lowering recoil moment, and improved barrel cooling. I’m really happy with it so far.”
The EXO is a very unique rifle. We’ve never seen anything like this since the late Shelley Davidson’s famous Tinkertoy Rifle, a brilliantly innovative 30BR that actually won matches. (Sadly Shelley has passed away). The Tinkertoy, shown below, was truely radical, but it worked ! Could this have been an inspiration for jrm850’s EXO rifle?
Frankengun #2 — Mossberg MVG in LSS Stock with BipodeXt
Forum member BallisticXLR has created something very weird to say the least. It started out as a basic, bone-stock Mossberg MVP Varmint in .223 Rem. Then the transformation began: “I replaced everything except the receiver. It now has an LSS stock, PSG-1 grip from DPMS, XLR butt stock, PT&G lug and barrel nut, Columbia River Arms 26″ barrel with Sonoran coral snake Cerakote, A2 flash hider, Timney and Jard triggers (depending on what I’m doing), and a USO B17 which is now a USO 3.8-22×44.” That long extension tube under the chassis is a BipodeXt from Accuracy Solutions.
Frankengun #3 — A Chassis Rig in 25 Creedmoor
This Frankengun belongs to Forum member Geraldgee. This “black and blue” rig features a mag-fed Kelbly Atlas action in a McCree’s Precision G10 Chassis. The barrel is a Bartlein Rem Varmint Contour, 1:7.5″-twist 4 Groove, chambered for the 25 Creedmoor. There are some interesting .25-Cal bullets coming on the market now. You can make the brass by expanding 6mm Creedmoor, or necking down 6.5 Creedmoor.
Frankengun #4 — MDT Chassis, Fore-end Whittled by Spook
Here’s a real collection of odds and ends, but Forum member Spook says it shoots well, and is a great example of “Left-over parts made useful again”. This mix-n-match Frankengun features a Remington M7 action with PT&G bolt. The barrel is a stainless Pac-Nor chambered in 6mm SLR. The barreled action is carried in an MDT Chassis with rear folding buttstock. Up front is something unusual, a Delrin fore-end that owner Spook “whittled in the mill”.
Frankengun #5 — 6.5×47 in Accuracy Int’l Stock
CLICK photo for full-screen version.
Forum member CT10Ring kicked off the Forum Frankengun thread with this rifle. It’s actually not that shocking, but you rarely see a BAT action in an Accuracy International stock. The BAT VR action is mated to an AI Mag and set up in an AI folding stock. On top is an “old school” Nightforce Benchrest scope. The barrel is a very heavy Krieger chambered for the 6.5×47 Lapua. CT10Ring say the barrel alone weighs about 9 pounds, and the gun “shoots better than [he] can”.
Post Pictures of Your Frankenguns in our Forum
So do you have a favorite Frankengun resting in your gun safe? If you do, visit our Shooters’ Forum and post a description and some photos in the Frankengun thread.
If you are looking for a modern, extremely powerful semi-auto pistol, you may want to consider the impressive S&W Performance Center M&P 10mm M2.0 pistol. This boasts a long 5.6″ barrel for extra velocity. The barrel is also ported for reduced muzzle flip and less perceived recoil. The gun would be a very powerful defensive pistol and S&W says it can also serve for hunting.
Smith & Wesson states: “The new Performance Center 10mm was conceived with both the hunter and target shooter in mind. The goal was to build upon the M2.0 10mm series, with the intention of having reduced felt recoil and quicker follow-up shots. Popular features previously seen on other 5.6-inch PC pistols are present in this design and, when paired with the flat-shooting 10mm Auto cartridge, provide the end user a total package for hunting, self-defense, or at the range.”
Building off the success of the M&P 10mm M2.0, Smith & Wesson incorporated new features designed to increase the new Performance Center 10mm pistol’s performance. Chambered in 10mm Auto, this full-size polymer handgun boasts a ported 5.6-inch barrel to reduce muzzle rise, optic-height tritium night sights for a clear sight picture in low-light conditions, and a Performance Center-tuned flat M2.0 trigger with a crisp break and audible reset.
The Performance Center 10mm slide is cut for optics and ships with Smith & Wesson’s C.O.R.E. plate system, two 15-round magazines, and four interchangeable palmswell grip inserts. This 10mm pistol is made in the U.S.A. and has an MSRP of $749.00.
The Making of MatchKings — How Sierra Produces SMKs
All Sierra bullets begin life as a strip of gilding metal, an alloy consisting of 95% copper and 5% zinc. To meet Sierra’s strict quality requirements, the gilding metal requires three times more dimensional and quality control standards than is considered standard in the copper manufacturing industry.
A blanking press stamps out a uniform disc and forms the cup that will be drawn into the MatchKing jacket. The cup is then polished and sent to a draw press to be drawn into a jacket that is longer than needed for the future MatchKing, thus allowing for the trim process. Press operators constantly check concentricity to ensures jacket quality. The jackets then go to a trimmer where they are visually inspected again.
After being polished a second time, the jacket travels to the bullet press. In the meantime, 80-pound lead billets are being extruded into lead wire for the cores where great care is taken so that the core wire is not stretched. The core wire is lightly oiled before continuing to the bullet press to be swaged.
The lead core wire and trimmed jacket meet at the bullet press where the first stage forms a boattail on the jacket. The lead core is then formed on top of the bullet press and fed down into the jacket. In one stroke of the press, the MatchKing is formed.
Quality control technicians pull samples from each lot of MatchKings to make sure they meet Sierra’s stringent standards. Samples are then sent to Sierra’s 300-meter underground test range (shown below) to be shot for accuracy on mechanical mounts referred to as “unrestricted return to battery rests” that Sierra designed and built in-house.
After inspection, the bullets are placed in the familiar green box along with reloading labels. They are then shrink-wrapped and shipped all over the world.
Spring Groundhog Hunting — Fun and Challenging
Springtime is the right time for groundhog hunting in the Northeast USA. Groundhog hunting is both fun and challenging. In today’s Saturday Showcase, we feature three videos showing successful groundhog hunts. Then there is a video about checking your equipment and verifying your varmint rifle zero.
We’ve even included a good video offering cooking tips for groundhog/woodchuck.* Yes groundhog meat can be quite savory — used in stews, sandwiches, or tacos. Last but not least we’ve included a section on groundhog shooting matches. These are fun matches with paper and/or steel groundhog targets.
Groundhog Hunt Report — Successful Stalk and Shoot
Here’s a great Realtree.com video showing successful groundhog hunts. This covers the process of spotting and tracking groundhogs on farmlands. Woodchucks are sensitive creatures that get easily spooked. This video shows that groundhog hunters need patience and skill, plus an accurate rifle.
Groundhog Hunting on the Family Farm with .17 HMR
In this video, the host employs his CZ 457 rifle chambered in .17 HMR to hunt groundhogs on his farm. The video provides a hunter’s POV with excellent Scope-Cam footage. This young shooter has 280 videos on his popular Blocketh Outdoors Channel including videos showing how to stalk groundhogs successfully. These critters go to ground quickly if they see or hear the hunter. NOTE: The lead photo for this Saturday Showcase comes from another Blocketh Outdoors groundhog video.
Groundhog Killshot Compilation Video
Here’s a classic “killshot” video showing multiple hits on groundhogs. If you want to see how a well-aimed varmint bullet can flip, spin, and elevate a groundhog, this video will keep you entertained. While we like explosive hits on prairie dogs, it may be better to use a solid, non-expanding bullet if you plan to harvest the groundhog (aka woodchuck) meat.
Groundhog Hunting — Importance of Confirming Your Zero
This AR15 Hunter channel video covers getting ready for spring groundhog season. This is a helpful video that shows how to confirm your zero on your varmint rifle. If you have an AR-platform Modern Sporting Rifle, this video is worth watching.
If you don’t have groundhogs in your part of the USA, don’t fret. You can still have fun hunting smaller varmints such as ground squirrels and Prairie Dogs. Here’s a good video covering P-dog hunts with a suppressed .223 Rem AR. The video covers recommended equipment including bipod, tripod, and optics.
Groundhog Matches — Fun Shooting at Paper and Steel ‘Hogs
Along with actual groundhog hunting, many shooters like to shoot paper and/or steel groundhogs in club groundhog competitions. These are fun matches that you can shoot with a variety of rifles. Our first choice would be a 22 BR for ranges out to 450 yards or a 6 BRA if targets are farther out. One popular match in the Northeast is the St. Thomas Ground hog shoot in Pennsylvania (see below).
At clubs across the country, varmint fun shoots (also known as “groundhog matches”) are becoming more popular every year. In these matches, usually shot from the bench, you engage paper targets, clay pigeons, steel “critter” silhouettes, or some combination of paper and reactive targets. Shooters like these matches because you can shoot a wide variety of rifles, you don’t have to spend a fortune to be competitive, and there is fun for the whole family. Rules are inclusive — you won’t be turned away because your rifle is two ounces overweight. A large percentage of the match fees usually go back to shooters in the form of cash prizes. And the level of camaraderie is high.
St. Thomas Groundhog Shoot, Report by Jonathan Trivette
Nestled at the base of a mountain in south-central Pennsylvania is the St. Thomas Sportsmen’s Association. On a cool Saturday morning you’ll find some of the area’s best shooters at the monthly Groundhog Match. The match attracts shooters from Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and of course Pennsylvania.
It may not be the longest-yardage match in the area, but it can be the one of the toughest. The range is sloped up the mountain a little so the winds can be very tricky. Often times the three wind flags at 200, 300, and 400 yards will all be blowing in different directions.
* “Groundhog” and “Woodchuck” are simply two different names for the same animal. Both terms have been used in the English language since the 1600s. In many places, the terms are used interchangeably, but “groundhog” is now increasingly more common in the USA.
A recent scientific discovery in Washington State suggests that areas in North America once harbored large colonies of giant, man-sized rodents — distant cousins to today’s prairie dogs.
NW Indian Legends Spoke of Giant Prairie Dogs
Varmint Hunters Hope for Successful Cloning
Spring Groundhog Hunting — Fun and Challenging
Along with actual groundhog hunting, many shooters like to shoot paper and/or steel groundhogs in club groundhog competitions. These are fun matches that you can shoot with a variety of rifles. Our first choice would be a 22 BR for ranges out to 450 yards or a 6 BRA if targets are farther out. One popular match in the Northeast is the St. Thomas Ground hog shoot in Pennsylvania (see below).
