Mark your calendar for the weekend of February 26, 27, 2011, to go to the “dream event” of the year — National Gun Day Show, Show of Shows Military Show and Karl Casper’s Custom Car Show all at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
The National Gun Day Show and the Show of Shows Military Show is the largest event of its kind in the World with over 3500 tables between the two separate shows. If you have never been there, you do not know what you are missing.
The National gun Day Show will be celebrating its 24th year anniversary at the Ky Fair & expo Center. Gun dealers and collectors from all over the world will be there to buy, sale or trade. Some of the finest antique and collector guns will be available.
Admission is $12, children under 12, $2, per day. Sat. 9am-5pm, Sun. 9am-3pm
Swiss voters have rejected a plan that would have greatly restricted firearms ownership.
“In Switzerland, where all able-bodied men are required to perform military duty,” the Canadian Press reported, “many choose to take their army-issued rifle home with them even after completing military service.
Gun clubs, too, remain a popular feature of village life in rural parts of the country, with children as young as 10 taking part in shooting competitions.” But a newly proposed law would have required, “military-issued firearms to be locked in secure army depots.”
It also would have established a national gun registry and made it much harder to buy a variety of firearms. This in a nation of 8 million people, who have an estimated 2.3 million firearms in their households, “more guns per capita than almost any other country except the U.S., Finland and Yemen.”
Just over 56 percent of Swiss voters rejected the proposal. “There was a clear division between cities where voters were more in favour of the initiative and the countryside where people were mobilised against it,” Claude Longchamp, head of research institute gfs.bern, told the Reuters news agency.
Certain lots of recently manufactured 45 Auto ammunition may contain an incorrect propellant charge. Use of product from these lots may result in firearm damage and possible serious injury.
DO NOT USE PRODUCT FROM THE FOLLOWING LOTS: 38X628 through 38X765 38T401 through 38T414
If you have in your possession any 45 Auto with the following brand names and part numbers, check to see if your ammunition package contains the above lots: American Eagle® (AE45A, AE45N1, or AE45A250), ChampionTM (WM5233), GoldMedal® (GM45B), Hi-Shok® (45C, 45D) and Federal® Personal Defense® (C45C, C45D). Example below:
THIS WARNING APPLIES ONLY TO THE LOTS LISTED ABOVE. If you possess ammunition from any of these lots, or have questions concerning this warning, please contact us at 1-800-831-0850 or 1-800-322-2342 and ask for Product Service. Federal will provide replacement product and will cover the cost of returning the affected product.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Kevin Michalowski, editor of Gun Digest the Magazine and Tactical Gear, talks with Mark Westrom of Armalite at SHOT Show 2011 Media Day at the Range about the SPR Mod 1.
Since the Tucson tragedy, anti-gun Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) has been hovering like a vulture, waiting to pick the bones of the victims for political advantage.
Now he has his chance.
The same Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization which provided a vote on the repeal of ObamaCare may well be the vehicle for a series of gun control proposals.
Right now, no one knows which amendments will be offered. Democratic leaders like Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) are threatening to offer anti-gun amendments, and pro-gun Senators like Tom Coburn (R-OK) are considering amendments to protect gun rights.
Now, it's entirely possible that senators from both sides will simply retreat to their own corners. In fact, GOA's sources inside the Senate indicate that gun amendments to the FAA bill are unlikely at this point, but there's no way can we count on that — and risk being caught unprepared.
There are three amendments which Lautenberg and Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) have been nursing since Tucson.
The first would limit semi-automatic magazines to 10 rounds, in a reprise of the Clinton ban. Read more
On a 9 to 3 vote, the City Council in Clarksville, Tennessee, recently lifted a ban on handguns in most of that city’s parks.
“In 2009, the state legislature passed a law permitting handguns in public parks, but included a provision allowing cities to opt out,” the Leaf Chronicle reported. “Clarksville was one of about 70 [cities] to do so…”
Of note, “the resolution stopped short of an all-out repeal of the opt-out clause. The ban will remain in place at many parks, including the city’s largest two — Heritage and McGregor.”
Although a number of citizens had asked for the ability to practice concealed carry at city parks, citing personal safety concerns, council members who opposed the change insisted the parks were safe. “Councilman Wallace Redd, who proposed the resolution, said that reasoning misses the point.”
“It is a Second Amendment issue,” Redd said. “You don’t have to have an opinion from the police chief that our parks are [or are not] dangerous.”
Councilwoman Kaye Jones’ constituents overwhelmingly supported lifting the ban against handguns.
“I have had more calls on this one item than anything else,” said Jones.
The Smith & Wesson Governor, a six-shot revolver that packs .410 shotshells, .45 ACP or .45 Colt. Photos by Corey Graff
At SHOT Show 2011, Smith & Wesson rolled out the Governor — a revolving shotshell-shooter that can hold any combination of six rounds consisting of .410 Shotshell, .45 ACP and .45 Colt.
As Gun Digest Author Massad Ayoob pointed out recently in his Backwoods Home blog, “I suppose turnabout is fair play. The Taurus folks have been selling clones of S&W revolvers for many, many years, and selling them quite well, too.”
Of course, Ayoob was referring to the Taurus Judge, which appears to have been the inspiration behind the S&W Governor. But surely there must be differences, and the main one is the Governor's ability to stock six rounds, versus the Taurus Judge's five.
The Governor has a barrel length of 2 3/4″ and the frame is a lightweight heat-treated scandium alloy — overall weight comes in at around 29.6 ounces. There is no rear sight, but the front sight includes low light tritium inserts for after-dark business.
The one I picked up had the optional Crimson Trace laser grip, which is activated by depressing a button on the front of the grip (it basically turns on when you grip the pistol).
As Ayoob remarked:
Personally, I think it’s going to be interesting to be in court when someone who used one in self-defense says to the black-robed magistrate on the bench, “I did it with a Raging Judge!”
But, hey, if you’re gonna play the names, be cool about it. You can always buy a Taurus Judge AND a Smith & Wesson Governor, and wield ‘em both, one in each hand. When you confront your next burglar and he runs away with no blood spilled (the way such things usually end), you can shout after him, “You’ve been put on probation by the Judge, and been granted a reprieve by the Governor!”
To learn more about the Smith & Wesson Governor click here.
The idea of carrying a firearm for self-defense is a big step that should not only include training and education, but also a good deal of self-reflection. Can you do it? Can you devote enough time to be good at it? Good enough to protect yourself both in a fight and legally? When can you use deadly force? What are the laws of your state? These are just some of the questions we will explore.
Video: Tactical Gear Editor Kevin Michalowski test fires the Steyr SSG 08 .338 Lapua Mag at Show Show 2011 Media Day
Steyr Arms has substantially upped the ante on its extraordinary long-range tactical rifle, the SSG 08, with the introduction of a brand new adaptation chambered in the ultimate long-range tactical round, the .338 Lapua Magnum.
A prototype of the new rifle made its public debut at the 2010 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits. The display of the prototype coincides with the overwhelmingly successful conclusion of the extensive 10,000-round endurance and reliability testing of the new chambering in the SSG 08 at the Austrian factory. The rifles are currently in route to the U.S. and will be available this fall.
Introduced to the American long-range shooting market in 2009, the SSG 08 was designed to the specifications of Austria’s EKO COBRA anti-terrorism unit. The SSG 08 is based on Steyr’s unique Safe Bolt System (SBS) action, which is bedded in a high-grade aluminum stock and mated to Steyr’s direct trigger, legendary for its crisp, clean and repeatable break. The skeletonized stock includes a UIT rail along the length of the fore end, a built-in bipod post, multiple mounting points for user-customized Picatinny rail combinations and a fully enclosed detachable-box magazine. The butt of the stock folds for transport and features an adjustable cheek piece, an adjustable butt plate, and an integrated, finely adjustable rear-elevation pod.
The cold-hammer-forged barrel measures 27.17 inches to maximize the potential of the .338 cartridge, and its 1:9 twist rate will stabilize bullets up to and including the increasingly popular 300-gr. HPBT Secnar projectile. The action, magazines and stock were lengthened to accommodate the dimensions of the .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge. Due to the SSG 08’s extreme accuracy potential and ability to maintain supersonic speeds at distances in excess of 1,500 meters with the .338 Lapua chambering, a 20-MOA declination scope base will also be included to make use of your favorite long-range optic. The .338 Lapua Magnum version of the SSG 08 also includes a newly designed heavy-duty bipod.
The new Steyr.338 Lapua Magnum version of the SSG O8 will be available at retailers nationwide by the end of the summer. The suggested retail price is $6,795. To find a dealer near you, visit the Steyr website at www.steyrarms.com.
Steyr Arms Rifle Specifications
Model: SSG 08 Purpose: Long-Range Target Shooting, Tactical Manufacturer: Steyr Mannlicher GmbH Kleinraming, Austria Importer: Steyr Arms, Inc. P.O. Box 840 Trussville, AL 35173 (205) 655-8299 www.steyrarms.com Operation: Bolt-action repeating Caliber: .338 Lapua Magnum, .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum Magazine type/capacity: Polymer double-stack detachable box/10 rounds (.308), 8 rounds (.300), 6 rounds (.338) Action material: 25CrMo4 steel Barrel: 20- and 22.4-inch; 27.17 inch (.338 Lapua), cold-hammer-forged heavy barrel (stainless steel optional) Rifling: 4 Grooves, 1:12 RH Twist; 1:9 (.338 Lapua) Sights: No sights; integral 15.9-inch Picatinny rail Finish: Mannox® Safety: 3+1 Position Safety Trigger type: Single-stage (rear set trigger optional) Pull weight: 3 pounds, 8 ounces (user adjustable) Stock material/type: Hard Eloxal-coated aircraft aluminum Length of pull: 14.25 inches min. (0.33-inch inserts available) Drop at comb: +0.85 to -0.9 inches vertical adjustment Comb adjustments: 0.5 inches longitudinal; 0.133 inch lateral (rotationally adjustable) Drop at heel: +1.07 to -3.8 inches vertical adjustment Recoil pad: Elastomer; 0.8-inch thick Sling swivels: Two removable push-and-turn style Pistol grip: Polymer with interchangeable rubber inserts Checkering: None Weight, empty: 12 pounds, 2 ounces; 13 pounds, 4 ounces (.338 Lapua) Overall length: 46.5 inches with 22.4-inch barrel, 38.3 inches with stock folded; 50 inches OAL (.338 Lapua) Included accessories: Owner’s manual, Versa-pod or HD bipod (.338 Lapua), continuously adjustable rear-elevation pod, one detachable box magazine, hard travel case, sling swivels MSRP: $5,899 (.308 Win., .300 Win. Mag.); $6,795 (.338 Lapua)
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Chiappa Rhino .357
Federal ATK Ammo
Targets for Precision Shooting
Knight TK-2000
Gun shows, auctions, classifieds and more!
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Browning debuted its 1911-22 at SHOT Show 2011. Photo by Corey Graff
When Browning set out to celebrate 100 years of John Browning's 1911 pistol, she certainly could have done the predictable thing and offered just a commemorative version in .45 ACP. Instead, we got a very nice, scaled-down 1911 A1 in .22LR. That means this is one 1911 you can afford to shoot — lots!
Browning's 1911-22 is scaled down to 85%, making it comfortable to hold. Photo by Corey Graff
Ideal for target practice and making training affordable, this one will be a classy addition to anyone's gun collection. Like I said, it's scaled down to 85% of the full-size 1911, which makes it a joy to hold.
Depending on which version you're talking about — the A1 sports a 4 1/4″ barrel; the Compact model a 3 5/8″ tube — the weight comes in between 15 or 15 1/2 ounces respectively. The barrel has a target crown and the slide is aluminum with a matte blued finish. I really liked the dark brown grips; they gave the pistol an old-fashioned golden-age charm.
All of the controls are standard 1911 — functioning grip safety, manual thumb safety, and the magazine holds ten rounds. The sights are fixed, nothing fancy there. The barrel block is a shiny stainless steel, which sets it apart from the blued slide.
Pistols shipped in 2011 will include a special first year of production collector’s certificate plus a free limited edition commemorative canvas and leather zippered pistol case with 1911-22 pistols shipped during 2011.
A report just released by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE), “Study on the Importability of Certain Shotguns,” has proposed that, “military shotguns, or shotguns with common military features that are unsuitable for traditional shotgun sports” be prohibited from importation.
This ban would apply to all shotguns—not just semi-automatics. As a press release by the National Rifle Association (NRA) noted, “as in previous ‘working group’ studies on rifles, the study fails to give proper credit to the widespread use of these guns in newer shooting sports, or to their adaptability to hunting.”
Under current federal firearms law concerning imports, the Attorney General has to first approve the importation of any firearm “generally recognized as particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes.” The problem with that? As the NRA explained, “This ‘sporting purposes’ test was imposed by the Gun Control Act in 1968, a time when the right to self-defense with a firearm was not as widely respected by the courts as it is today.”
This section of the Gun Control Act, the NRA argued, needed to be changed. “Clearly, the main reason to change the law is that the Second Amendment—as the Supreme Court said in District of Columbia v. Heller — protects our right to keep and bear arms for defense, not for sports. In its 2008 Heller decision, the court observed that ‘the inherent right of self-defense has been central to the Second Amendment right’ and ruled that the Second Amendment protects ‘the individual right to possess and carry weapons in case of confrontation,’ particularly within the home, where ‘the need for defense of self, family, and property is most acute.’”
“NRA members and other concerned gun owners can submit comments on the study until May 1, 2011. Comments may be submitted by e-mail to [email protected] or by fax to (202)648-9601. Faxed comments may not exceed five pages. All comments must include name and mailing address.”
At the beginning of his State of the Union address, President Obama tipped his hat to Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who’s now recuperating in a Houston medical facility. But throughout the hourlong speech, he never addressed the issue at the core of the Giffords tragedy—gun control—and what lawmakers would, or should, do to reform American firearm-access laws.
That was intentional, according to the White House. An administration official says Obama didn’t mention guns in his speech because of the omnipresent controversy surrounding the Second Amendment and gun control. Tuesday’s speech was designed to be more about the economy and how, as Obama repeated nine times, the U.S. could “win the future.”
But in the next two weeks, the White House will unveil a new gun-control effort in which it will urge Congress to strengthen current laws, which now allow some mentally unstable people, such as alleged Arizona shooter Jared Loughner, to obtain certain assault weapons, in some cases without even a background check. Read more
Surefire's new rechargeable tactical lights feature improved user controls and duel-fuel options. Photos by Corey Graff
At 500 Lumens (20,000 Candela) the Surefire UNR Commander produces a “blinding extended-reach beam.” That's what the company literature says. After waving its beam around the SHOT Show floor, I'm pretty sure you could fry eyebrows with this thing. There's got to be a tactical advantage in that.
Tactical lights just keep getting more powerful. But what I really liked about Surefire's newest lights were the 4-position tailcap switch. It's like a joystick: Push it down carefully and you activate pre-set effects, like strobing. Move it forward and you get other pre-set outputs. Or literally “push the panic button” all the way down and you get the full beam no matter what.
The 4-position joystick is available on the UBR Invictus (800 Lumens); UNR Commander (500 Lumens); and the UAR Aviator (500 Lumens).
In the event you need something really powerful, check out the UDR Dominator, which throws 4,000 Lumens.
These lights feature “Duel Fuel” — Surefire's way of saying they will accept two rechargeable battery types, namely lithium-ion or A123.
A good light can allow you to identify the nature of a threat, or to distract/disorient an attacker. Think about how fast things can go bad and don't let your adversary use darkness to his advantage. Consider adding a tactical light to your self-defense tool kit.
Looking to go armed, but are stuck in the weeds as to what to arm yourself with? Here are 20 excellent concealed carry gun options that will keep you on the defensive.
The National Gun Day Show and the Show of Shows Military Show is the largest event of its kind in the World with over 3500 tables between the two separate shows. If you have never been there, you do not know what you are missing.
