Here’s a story about a $1500 screw-up. Last year a fellow was shooting pistols at a range in Colorado. After his range session, the shooter left behind a specialty back-pack containing two nice 9mm handguns, plus ammo, hearing protection, and other gear. The smaller pistol appears to be a Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 compact, while the larger handgun looks like a SIG Sauer P320 Nitron full size. Combined current value of those two handguns (with mags) was over $1200.00.
What was the total value of the forgotten items? To the handguns’ value, you must add the cost of the ammo ($150+), hearing protection ($50+) and the price of the range backpack and other accessories ($150). All totaled, this unfortunate shooter left over $1500.00 worth of guns, ammo, and gear on the bench.
The poor fellow was fortunate however. His backpack filled with guns and ammo was found by an HONEST member of our Shooters’ Forum. That Forum member put up a notice about the lost items on the shooting club’s website. The objective was to safely return the guns and gear to their absent-minded rightful owner.
“I was at my club range in Colorado this morning right at sun up. I wanted to fire a box of 7mm-08 before the heat set in. I found this backpack left behind from the day before on a bench. The backpack had two pistols and was packed to the gills with ammo, magazines, and ear protection.
But there was NO OWNER ID inside!
I left a big note there at the range saying that I found the pack, and listing my phone number. I will have a ‘found gear’ notice posted on our shooting club website very soon.
Guys, this isn’t the first time. Last fall I found a Ruger 77 .30-06 rifle left in a rifle rack. The owner got it back a few days later.”
Guys — Slow down!
Look around before leaving the range!
Be sure to gather ALL your guns and gear!
HAPPY ENDING — Guns and Gear Returned to Owner
“The very happy owner was reunited with his pack after coming to my house. He drove out to the range at 1:00 PM and saw my note held down with a rock on that bench. He called and ID’d the contents. I love a happy ending!” READ Forum Thread.
The year 2022 is now behind us. We wondered — “What new firearms did Americans purchase the most last year?” Well Gunbroker, via the GunGenius.com site, answered that question based on its 2022 sales data. GunGenius.com publishes a monthly Top Sales Report featuring the Top 5 Best Sellers for each major category of firearms on GunBroker.com. This culminates in a year-end report listing the Top Selling Firearms of the Year. Just recently, GunGenius.com released its gun sales report for 2022. Across all gun categories, the report ranks the Top 22 Best-Selling Guns of 2022. Check out the list below.
Here Are the Top 10 in Each Major Category:
Here are the 22 Top-Selling Firearms in 2022:
1. SIG Sauer P320
2. Remington 700
3. SIG Sauer P365
4. Smith & Wesson M&P9
5. Ruger 10/22
6. Mossberg 590
7. Remington 870
8. Glock G19
9. Ruger American Rifle
10. Springfield Armory XD
11. Glock G43
12. Beretta 90
13. Colt Python
14. Ruger Mark IV
15. SIG Sauer P226
16. Springfield Armory Hellcat
17. CZ-USA CZ 75
18. Winchester Model 70
19. Ruger Mini-14
20. Glock G17
21. Henry Arms Big Boy
22. Mossberg 500
New for 2023 — 36 NEW Firearms Showcased at SHOT Show
This 17-minute Backfire Channel video covers three dozen firearms from multiple manufacturers. There are tactical rifles, hunting rifles, modern sporting rifles, plus a wide selection of new-for-2023 handguns from major manufacturers including S&W, Beretta, and Canik. Here are the firearm brands covered, with the respective times in the 17-minute backfire video. NOTE: More than one rifle per brand was reviewed so there are 36 guns covered among 22 manufacturers. For rifle fans we recommend Tikka (4:12), Howa (7:00), Bergara (10:11), and Browning (12:05).
New Rifles with Notable Features at Attractive Prices
Most of the 2022 best-selling bolt-action rifles* are traditional rigs such as the Remington 700 and the Winchester Model 70. Will some new rifles challenge these classics? Mossberg has a semi-tactical style Patriot rifle with a very attractive $1085.00 price. And Bergara has some nice, lightweight hunting rifles with advanced carbon stocks. These are priced competitively compared to carbon-stocked models from Gunwerks and Christensen Arms.
New Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical Rifle
Mossberg’s new Patriot LR (Long Range) Tactical looks like a winner. This $1085.00 rifle has many cool features (MDT Chassis, 20 MOA Rail, threaded muzzle). Get a Patriot in 6.5 Creedmoor for local PRS-style events, and it can serve for deer hunting also. Then slip on a .22-cal barrel and use the rifle for varminting. We like the ergonomics of the stock and it offers an adjustable cheekpiece and Length of pull (with spacers). Like all Patriot rifles, the Patriot LR Tactical has Mossberg’s patented LBA™ (Lightning Bolt Action) user-adjustable trigger with 2 to 7-lb adjustment. Priced at $1085.00 MSRP, the rifle is currently offered in 6.5mm Creedmoor and .308 Win with 22″ barrel, and 6.5 PRC with 24″ barrel. FULL Specs HERE.
Bergara Carbon-Stocked B-14 Squared Crest Rifle
Bergara’s new B-14 Squared Crest is an ultralight rifle for demanding backcountry hunters. It features a proprietary carbon-fiber monocoque stock with an internal spine for greater strength and rigidity. The new 100% carbon fiber stock is crafted using CF-RTM technology, a state-of-the-art method used in the aerospace industry. This manufacturing process consists of assembling dry carbon fibers by hand with an injected resin. With grey Cerakoted stainless steel 20″ barrel, unloaded weight is approximately 6.8 pounds. MSRP starts at $1999.00.
* We were curious about the Top 10 sellers among bolt-action rifles. There were some surprises. Here is the GunGenius.com list of the Top 10-selling bolt-action rifles: Ruger American Rifle, Browning X-Bolt, Savage 10/110, Savage Axis, Remington Model 700, Tikka T3, CZ-USA 457 Rifle, Ruger Precision Rifle, Mossberg Patriot, and Savage Model 93. We note this is somewhat inconsistent with the Top 22 list above. For example, if the Browning X-Bolt ranks higher among bolt guns than Rem 700s, then why is the Rem 700 higher on the overall list? We can’t really explain that. Perhaps the overall ranking is based on new AND used sales, but GunGenius doesn’t really give an explanation.
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Here’s a story about a $1500 screw-up. Last year a fellow was shooting pistols at a range in Colorado. After his range session, the shooter left behind a specialty back-pack containing two nice 9mm handguns, plus ammo, hearing protection, and other gear. The smaller pistol appears to be a Smith & Wesson M&P M2.0 compact, while the larger handgun looks like a SIG Sauer P320 Nitron full size. Combined current value of those two handguns (with mags) was over $1200.00.
What was the total value of the forgotten items? To the handguns’ value, you must add the cost of the ammo ($150+), hearing protection ($50+) and the price of the range backpack and other accessories ($150). All totaled, this unfortunate shooter left over $1500.00 worth of guns, ammo, and gear on the bench.
The poor fellow was fortunate however. His backpack filled with guns and ammo was found by an HONEST member of our Shooters’ Forum. That Forum member put up a notice about the lost items on the shooting club’s website. The objective was to safely return the guns and gear to their absent-minded rightful owner.
“I was at my club range in Colorado this morning right at sun up. I wanted to fire a box of 7mm-08 before the heat set in. I found this backpack left behind from the day before on a bench. The backpack had two pistols and was packed to the gills with ammo, magazines, and ear protection.
But there was NO OWNER ID inside!
I left a big note there at the range saying that I found the pack, and listing my phone number. I will have a ‘found gear’ notice posted on our shooting club website very soon.
Guys, this isn’t the first time. Last fall I found a Ruger 77 .30-06 rifle left in a rifle rack. The owner got it back a few days later.”
Guys — Slow down!
Look around before leaving the range!
Be sure to gather ALL your guns and gear!
HAPPY ENDING — Guns and Gear Returned to Owner
“The very happy owner was reunited with his pack after coming to my house. He drove out to the range at 1:00 PM and saw my note held down with a rock on that bench. He called and ID’d the contents. I love a happy ending!” READ Forum Thread.
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. Whidden Gunworks — Barnard Model SMS Action, $1150
⏺ Outstanding, smooth-running action, takes Rem 700 triggers (like Jewell)
Building a new gun these days can be challenging at best, especially because action manufacturers now have lead times up to one year. If you want a great custom action with no long wait, check out the Barnard Model SMS Action in stock and ready to ship from Whidden Gunworks. With a Remingon 700 footprint it fits a huge variety of inletted stocks. You can order it with either a .223 Rem or .308 Win bolt face. The Barnard SMS action compatible with Remington 700 Triggers, AICS & HS Precision magazine systems and is Picatinny rail compatible. This is a great way to get started on that next precision build.
3. Stocky’s — Rem 700 Stock with Alum. Bedding Block, $249.99
⏺ Great value — nice stock with built-in Aluminum bedding block
We helped find you an action, now it’s time for a quality stock. Stocky’s Stocks carries a wide assortment of great looking stocks that work great. You can pick up this Remington 700 BDL Laminated With Aluminum Bedding Block for under $300.00! Choose among seven different color combinations. Stocky’s EuroStocks feature OEM-quality fit and finish, stippled laser-engraved checkering, and a nice, 1″ thick, vented recoil pad. Stocky’s ships these stocks complete with mil-spec takedown screws, washers, and Allen wrenches.
3. EuroOptic — SIG Sauer P320 M18 Carry 9mm, $699.99
⏺ Civilian version of U.S. Military 9mm pistol — accurate, high capacity
SIG Sauer continues to be one of the most respected pistol makers for good reason. SIG pistols are reliable, accurate, and trusted by law enforcement/military around the world. Here’s the civilian version of the U.S. Military’s M18 sidearm: SIG Sauer P320 M18 Carry 9mm. The P320’s modular design allows the shooter to easily change the size and fit of the handgun making for a great experience no matter the owner. Order now for $699.99 and you can get a free bonus extra magazine, for three mags total.
4. Creedmoor Sports — DLX 55″ or 60″ Rifle Case Blue, $149.95
⏺ 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 superior protection with quality fabrics and padding. Smart design, high-grade zippers, and top-quality sewing make a noticeable difference. You will see many of the nation’s top Palma and F-Class shooters using these cases.
⏺ Remarkable 8 times magnification range — great for hunting and tactical use
Vortex offers excellent optics with one of the best warranties in the business. Here’s a good choice for an AR or hunting rig. The 1-8X power range offers a wide field of vision plus plenty of magnification when you’re on target. Right now the Vortex Optics Strike Eagle 1-8X24mm is on sale for $429.99 at Brownells. This includes a cantilever mount that works great with AR-platform rifles and many tactical-style actions.
6. MidwayUSA — Frankford Case Tumbler Master Kit, $72.99
⏺ We’ve used this Combo Kit for many seasons — very good value right now
Keeping your brass clean is one of the best ways to keep your dies (and reloading presses) clean as well. If you’re looking for a new, affordable setup to clean cartridge brass, consider the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler Master Kit. You get everything needed to dry-tumble your brass and remove the media. This is all available now for a very low $72.99. You could pay that much for a good vibratory tumbler alone.
7. Amazon — 36″ Carbon Fiber Cleaning Rod, $29.99
⏺ Good cleaning rod with ball-bearing handle and coated rod
Cleaning rods break and bend or just plain wear out, but they can be expensive to replace. We found this 36″ Carbon Fiber Cleaning Rod that features a ball bearing handle and a threaded tip to add any jag or brush of your choice. The shaft is nylon coated so it is easy to clean. User Reviews have been very positive.
⏺ Well-designed case for two pistols, mags, protective gear
Storing and transporting pistols can be a challenge since some cases are too small and while others are too big and heavy. If you need to transport a pair of pistols to the range, this Tactical Double Scoped Handgun Case is a good option. It has twin zippered pistol compartments plus straps for 6 magazines. This soft case perfectly fits two scoped pistols and has extra space for other gear such as glasses and earplugs.
9. MidwayUSA — Competition Shooting Mat $24.99
⏺ Good versatile mat that does the job for just $24.99
Here’s a good deal from MidwayUSA: $24.99 Competition Shooting Mat. Regularly priced at $33.99, these mats are now 9 bucks off — that’s a 26% savings. We’ve used this mat many times. It’s obviously not the most deluxe mat you can buy, but it does the job and should last a long time. This mat rolls up into a nice package with carry handle. Most purchasers give this 4 or 5 stars. One verified buyer posted: “Very nice basic mat for the money. Well-made and quality materials. I use it at the range on concrete pad. Very comfortable without a lot of bulk. Highly recommend this mat.”
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What was the total value of the forgotten items? To the handguns’ value, you must add the cost of the ammo ($150+), hearing protection ($50+) and the price of the range backpack and other accessories ($150). All totaled, this unfortunate shooter left over $1500.00 worth of guns, ammo, and gear on the bench.
