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.

1. Graf & Sons — Major Year-End Sightron Optics Sale

⏺ High quality scopes at 25% savings — Forum members praise Sightrons

Sightron scopes offer excellent performance for the price, and are used by successful competitors in many shooting disciplines. With a wide range of scope styles and power ranges you can find a Signtrong to fit your purpose — whether hunting, varminting, or competition. For a limited time, you can pick up a fine Sightron scope at major savings, during the Sightron sale at Graf’s. Through the end of the year, nearly all the Sightron scopes are 25% off, with a few discounted over 30%! Sightron spotting scopes and binoculars are also discounted up to 25%.

2. Midsouth — RCBS Rebel Master Reloading Kit, $389.99

⏺ Awesome Deal — Save $100 now on full RCBS Reloading Package

If you are just getting started in hand-loading, the RCBS Rebel Master Reloading Kit offers everything you need to load pistol or rifle ammunition. This Rebel Master Kit includes: Rebel Single Stage Reloading Press, Uniflow-III Powder Measure, 1500 grain digital pocket scale, hand priming tool, Speer #15 manual, powder funnel, fold-up hex key set, accessory handle 2 with case neck brushes, primer pocket brushes, deburring tool, case loading block and case slick spray lube. Don’t hesitate — this week Midsouth has slashed the price of this kit by a full $100.00 — a 20% savings.

3. Midsouth — Lee APP Press & Lee Automatic Case Primer Sale

⏺ Lee APP Press and ACP perform specialized tasks superbly at low cost

The Lee APP and the Lee ACP both offer outstanding functionality for the price. The Lee APP (Automatic Processing Press) can efficiently handles many reloading tasks, including sizing and bullet seating. It’s a good choice for pistol calibers in particular. The Lee Automatic Case Primer (ACP) machine can decap and prime just about any pistol or rifle caliber on the market with ease. Both tool can speed up repetitive tasks dramatically, with a very modest investment. The Lee APP is on sale now at Midsouth for just $79.49 while the Lee ACP is $74.99 on sale.

4. Sportsman’s — Savage Axis XP Scope Combo, $314.99

⏺ Great deal on reliable hunting rifles complete with scopes

Right now at Sportsman’s Warehouse you can get quality hunting rifles complete with a 4-20x40mm scope for just $329.99 — a great deal. These Savage Axis XP rifles come in a wide range of popular chamberings including .223 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, .308 Win, and .30-06 SPRG. The Savage Axis XP Scope Combo rifles feature a black synthetic stock and carbon steel, sporter-contour, button-rifled barrel. Each rifle includes a mounted and bore-sighted Bushnell 4-12x40mm scope.

5. Amazon — Frankford Universal Bullet Seating Die, $65.99

⏺ Smart new Die System simplifies loading multiple cartridge types

Are you tired of buying another expensive seating die every time you try a new cartridge type? With the unique Frankford Arsenal Universal Bullet Seating Die you can have one die that loads multiple cartridge types. This clever bullet seating system includes 3 different stems and 9 sleeves allowing you to seat .224 to .338-caliber bullets with this one multi-caliber tool. Forum members using this system have praised it. NOTE: the universal seating die comes with the .308-caliber sleeve pre-installed. The other 8 sleeves are provided in the box.

6. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Folding Reloading Stand, $144.75

⏺ Very handy folding bench can handle multiple tasks

Not everybody has a dedicated reloading room. For those with limited space here is a good option. The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Reloading Stand can handle a press and a powder measure at the same time. This highly adaptable bench also features collapsible shelves that create more space and tuck away for easy storage. When folded, this reloading stand can fit in a closet or a RV storage compartment.

7. Midsouth — Nosler 6.5 Creedmoor Brass 100ct, $94.99

⏺ Good quality brass available while premium brands out of stock

Here’s good deal for those who shoot the ultra-popular 6.5 Creedmoor chambering. Quality Nosler 6.5 Creedmoor brass is on sale now at $94.99 for 100 cases. That’s a pretty good deal when you consider that many other good brands of 6.5 Creedmoor brass are out of stock nearly everywhere. This Nosler brass will work well for hunters and PRS/NRL shooters.

8. Amazon — Digi-Sense Temperature Strips 10pk, $22.36

⏺ Extend barrel life by monitoring temps with stick-on strips

Knowing how hot your barrel is getting is critical to maintaining a healthy barrel and getting the most out of your gun. Monitoring barrel heat is important when doing load development, when shooting in competition, and when varminting. We recommend placing adhesive temp-monitor strips on your valuable barrels. These Digi-Sense Reversible 7-Point Horizontal 86-140F temperature stickers have worked well for our staffers. Simply apply the strip on the barrel close to your action and you can quickly see your barrel temp.

9. 5.11 Tactical — Range Master Backpack Set 33L, $94.49

⏺ Quality specialized backpacks and cases for shooters on sale

Here’s a good way to haul your gear to the range. The 33L 5.11 Tactical Range Master Backpack Set holds handguns, spotting scopes, ammo, wind meters, and other gear. This 5.11 Backpack Set comes complete with companion pistol case and two smaller zip-top carriers, providing multiple ways to organize your pistols, ammo, mags, holster, and other gear. The large case will hold the included Single Pistol Case, and included small and medium Range Master pouches. The large case features external MOLLE web strips.

10. Amazon — Allnice Digital Calipers, $19.99

⏺ Effective digital read-out calipers at bargain price

Every handloader needs a set of calipers for multiple reloading/measurement tasks. In fact we recommend you have at least two sets of calipers, one being an inexpensive unit that you can take to the range. These $19.99 Allnice Digital Calipers fill the bill. These calipers feature stainless steel construction and a large digital readout. User reviews have been quite positive, with 88% four- or five-star ratings.

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.

1. Midsouth Shooters — RCBS Rebel Press + FREE DIES, $209.99

⏺ Modern cast-iron press at great price with FREE die set

For many reloading tasks, it’s tough to beat a solid, quality single-stage press and RCBS continues to make some of the best. If you need a reloading press, check out the RCBS Rebel Press. NOTE: On this new-design Rebel Press, spent primers exit through the bottom of the ram. That’s very convenient.

Right now this press is on sale at Midsouth, for $209.99 — that’s $20 off. And with the purchase of a Rebel press you get a FREE SET OF DIES making this a fantastic deal. NOTE: Free Dies offer ends 12/31/2020.

2. Grafs.com — Peterson Brass, Big Savings with 500ct Bulk Packs

⏺ Peterson brass is excellent; many cartridge types available

Peterson has emerged as a high-quality cartridge brass-maker. For Peterson brass fans, here is a great deal. Grafs.com has a big selection of Peterson bulk brass. The volume option lets you buy many popular brass types in batches of 200-500. This is a great way to pick up very high-quality brass at major savings.

3. Grafs.com — BOG Tripods & Accessories Sale

⏺ BOG makes quality gear favored by serious hunters

BOG Bipods, Tripods and Accessories are well-made, and very popular with hunters and varminters. BOG offers a diverse product line that is great for shooters in the field. You’ll find everything from field sticks to tripod mounts helping hunters get the most out of their hunts. The tripods are very versatile because the legs extend almost horizontal so you can shoot from prone. We like the long-reach cradle-head bipods for shooting from kneeling, or when shooting downhill.

4. Various Dealers — Lapua .284 Winchester Brass Pre-Order

⏺ At last — .284 Win Lapua Brass, ideal for F-Open

F-Class shooters have been awaiting Lapua-made .284 Winchester brass for years. Now it’s finally coming. While delivery is expected in March of 2021, you may soon be able to pre-order your Lapua .284 Winchester Brass from Creedmoor Sports, Grafs.com or Brownells. By pre-ordering when possible, you’ll ensure you get your .284 Win cases as soon as they ship in 2021.

5. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Ruger LCP .380 ACP Viridian Laser, $299.99

⏺ Ultra-compact carry pistol with built-in laser

There are many compact, concealed carry handguns available but Ruger makes some of the best pistols for the money. The Ruger LCP Viridian Laser .380 Auto is no exception. This .380 ACP Ruger LCP features a 6+1 capacity, built-in laser, a slim form factor and a hammerless design it makes for a great carry pistol at a price that’s hard to beat

6. MidwayUSA — Range Gear Sale, Save 20% to 30%

⏺ Great mat for the money, and range bags are good values

Want to upgrade your shooting mat or range bag for next season? Then check out the MidwayUSA Range Gear Sale. This week quality shooting mats, bags, rifle cases, pistol cases and other gear are all on sale. Stock up now and be ready for those matches next year.

7. Palmetto State Armory — Rossi RS22 .22 LR Rifle, $119.99

⏺ Just $119.99 — Great first rifle for a young shooter

Looking for a “first rifle” that is affordable yet fun and reliable? Here is one of the very best deals on a .22 LR rifle you can find. Right now at Palmetto State Armory, you can purchase the handy, self-loading Rossi RS22 for just $119.99. User reviews are good — watch the video above. And if you want a little more punch for varmint duties the .22 WMR Rossi RS22 is $249.99, still a good value. NOTE: In many states a person must be at least 18 years old to own a rifle (and in some cases 21 years). Check laws in your jurisdiction. NOTE: The Rossi RS22 on sale has a matte black stock.

8. EuroOptic — Sig Sauer ROMEO5 Red Dot Optic, $149.99

⏺ Highly rated quality Red Dot $50 Savings

Shotguns, defensive ARs, 3-Gun rigs, and pistols can all use a quality red dot sight. If you’ve been looking for a good Red Dot, check out the Sig Sauer ROMEO5 Compact Red Dot Sight. This offers excellent performance at an affordable price that’s now $50 off. It features 40,000-hour runtime on one battery and has a 2 MOA dot for easy target acquisition without covering it completely.

9. Amazon — MAXUS Dante Milligram Scale, $15.99

⏺ Great price for nice hunting rifle; many calibers, coated action + barrel

Having a good utility scale around can be useful for so many reasons including weighing bullets, primers, and even powder. Everyone should have a small battery scale for loading at the range or sorting bullets by weight. Right now you can get a decent digital scale for a mere $15.99. Despite the low price, this MAXUS Dante Milligram Scale has earned good owner reviews. The scale reads up to 771 grains and comes with batteries, check weight, and powder pan.

10. Amazon — Drymate Gun Cleaning Pad, $9.99

⏺ Great price for nice hunting rifle; many calibers, coated action + barrel

There’s nothing worse than working on your guns and spilling solvent on your bench, or having costly, small part roll onto the floor. Avoid those annoying issues with the Drymate Gun Cleaning Pad. This absorbent pad caomes in various sizes starting at only $9.99. The pad is soft enough to keep parts in place when you put them down so the don’t roll off. The pad can also protect the finish of your firearms.

SHOT Show 2020 kicked off Tuesday, with tens of thousands of exhibitors, media members, and invitees streaming into the Sands EXPO Center in Las Vegas. This firearms industry trade show just gets bigger every year. We visited many of our favorite vendors including Capstone Precision Group (Berger, Lapua, SK, Vihtavuori), ATK Outdoors (Alliant, Federal, RCBS, Bushnell etc.), Hornady, Leica, SIG Sauer, and Smith & Wesson.

Here are some quick highlights from Day One of SHOT Show, a little bit of everything: Rifles, Pistols, Reloading Tools, and new optics.

Capstone Precision Group: Berger, Lapua, SK and Vihtavuori

Capstone Precision Group showcased new products from its four companies: Berger Bullets, Lapua, SK, and Vihtavuori. The big news was the arrival of new Berger Long Range Hybrid Target (LRHT) bullets and hunting bullets and a new Vihtavuori powder N533.

Berger now offers some seriously big LRHT Bullet. Before the show, Berger annouced the 7mm 190gr LRHT. At SHOT on Tuesday Berger showcased two new High-BC .30-Caliber LRHTs — the new 208gr and 220gr projectiles. All these LRHTs feature formed meplats for ultra-consistent BCs. In addition Berger unveiled two new heavy-for-caliber hunting bullets: The 6.5mm 156gr EOL Elite hunter and the .30 Cal 245gr EOL Elite hunter. In this video, Emil Praslick III explains the features of the new LRHT projectiles.

The other big news from Capstone was Vihtavuori’s new N555 powder, an advanced new propellent in the same relative burn range as H4350/RL16. Along with having a suitable burn rate for popular accuracy cartridges such as 6.5 Creedmoor and .284 Winchester, Vihtavuori’s new N555 is formulated for “clean burning characteristics and insensitivity in extreme weather conditions”. Complementing its temp stability, N555 includes an anti-fouling agent to keep barrels cleaner. Initial testing has been VERY promising. If you are shooting H4350 now, you should try N555.

From SIG Sauer — New Cross Rifle and New .277 Fury Cartridge

We visited the SIG Sauer booth and talked with top 3-gun ace Daniel Horner, formerly of the USAMU. Dan showed us the new SIG Sauer Cross bolt-action rifle. This is a chassis rifle that has many advanced features yet weighs under 7 lbs. before optics, making is suitable for hunting as well as tactical competitions. The Cross was very impressive, with nice balance and a very good adjustable trigger.

The .277 Fury, developed for the U.S. Military, used a hybrid case with a brass body and harder alloy metal case head. This design allows the cartridge to run very high pressures. Horner told us it would be SAAMI-rated to 80,000 PSI. Dan said “When the handloaders get hold of this brass, it will be a game-changer for sure.” We envision this cartridge could be necked down to 6.5 mm and it would dramatically out-perform the 6.5 Creedmoor.

Big Rifle for Little Lady

At the Walther booth, Top Shot’s Gabby Franco showed the Walther KK500 3-position .22 LR smallbore rifle. With its long barrel, the KK500 dwarfed the petite Ms. Franco. Also at the Walther booth we noted the new Walther Monotec competition Air Rifle. This features a free-floating action — a block connects the chassis to the barrel forward of the action.

New Savage 110 Ultralite Hunting Rifle

There were plenty of new hunting rifles on display at SHOT 2020. Savage showcased a new 5.8-lb Model 110 Ultralite rig. This features a Proof Research carbon-wrapped barrel. CLICK HERE for a full Guns.com review of the new Savage 110 Ultralite.

NEW Reloading Presses, Powder Dispensers, and Tools

RCBS had two notable new products on display. First, RCBS has a new single-stage press, called the Rebel. This looks similar to the venerable Rock Chucker, but it has a larger base and taller arch. The most important change is that this new Rebel Press ejects primers straight down the ram — just put a waste bin under the press to collect all your spend primers. However — take note — the Rebel has NO PRIMING function. You need to prime your cases separately.

RCBS also showcased its impressive new MatchMaster Power Scale/Dispenser. This features twin dispensing tubes, and can be set to deliver 1- or 2-kernel precision in the slower, more precise “Match Mode”. This is an impressive new machine, but it represents a significant investment. MSRP for the MatchMaster is $1123.95 with street price around $899.00 (MidwayUSA).

Hornady unveiled a new Auto Charge Pro Powder Dispenser, along with a Precision Measurement Station. The new powder measure features a touch-screen ABOVE the powder tray. We’re not sure if that enhances usability, but it does allow for a smaller footprint on your reloading bench. This Auto Charge Pro offers customizable trickle speeds for different powders. Hornady claims the unit is “accurate to within 0.1 grain”.

Handguns from Walther, Smith & Wesson, and Ruger

Huge 25-foot high displays were promoting Walther’s steel-framed Q4 pistols. These handguns balanced well and the trigger was nicer than you’ll get on most semi-autos these days.

Wheelguns and more from Smith & Wesson
Smith and Wesson hand a big display of revolvers and carry pistols. We liked a new .22 LR semi-auto on display with a suppressor.

Ruger Super GP100 Revolver in 9mm Luger (9x19mm)

Ruger adapted its existing Super Redhawk frame for this Super GP100 9mm Luger (9x19mm) revolver, which features a stubby 8-round PVD-coated cylinder to better fit the 9x19mm round. According to Guns.com the 9mm GP100 “uses a cylinder and extractor cut for moon clips to speed up reloading [and] sports a 6-inch half-lug sleeved and shrouded barrel with an 11-degree target crown[.]”

DAY ONE Parting Shot Photo

This is a side view of an Action Target Vortex Bullet Trap.