Between The Berms: Wildcattin’

By Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network

Cards on the table…I know little to nothing about smallbore rifle competition. In fact, the full extent of my understanding of the sport is that it is based around a rifle chambered in .22LR.

Generally speaking I know there are other elements to the sport, additional gear needed, equipment you have to have, but what all those things are, I have no idea. Eventually, though, I found out…sorta.

There is a whole lot more to smallbore competition than a rifle, ammo and targets, and a visit to a match like the Western Wildcat will open your eyes to just how intricate a discipline this is. Photo by P. Erhardt

A friend of mine, Michele Medige, who works for Eley Ammunition and is a serious smallbore competitor herself, told me about the Western Wildcat match taking place at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility and recommended I check it out.

The official name of the event is ‘The 64th Annual Western Wildcat Smallbore 6400 NRA Conventional Prone and F-Class Regional.’ In other, fewer words, the Western Wildcat.

The only thing more complex than the official title of the event is the list of gear one needs to compete. This is not a cheap sport to jump into.

Sticker-shock might be the best way to describe the barrier to entry that keeps shooters from delving into smallbore. If you can survive the shock, you have a future in this sport. Read more

Winchester Introduces New 400 Legend Straight-Walled Cartridge

EAST ALTON, IL — From the leader in ammunition innovation, Winchester introduces the 400 Legend, a new straight-walled cartridge with superior ballistics for both hunters and sport shooters. The 400 Legend ballistics make it an optimum choice for any hunter that wants a cartridge with moderate recoil and excellent terminal performance, particularly in hunting situations within 300 yards.

The straight-walled design of the 400 Legend qualifies it for use in several states that restrict bottle-necked cartridges for hunting. This heavy-hitting cartridge is optimum for deer, pig, black bear, and other big game with significant advantages in ballistics performance, recoil and penetration.

400 Legend Features & Benefits—

    • Similar Energy as 450 Bushmaster with 20% Less Recoil
    • Over 20% More Energy than the 30-30 Winchester and 25% More Energy than 350 Legend, with Greater Penetration
    • 100% More Energy than a 12-Gauge Slug at 100 Yards
    • 55% Less Recoil than a 12-Gauge Slug

Read more

SK Customs Second Edition of Lost States of America Engravers Series

HAYMARKET, VA –– SK Customs®, the Nation’s only series driven, limited edition manufacturer of custom firearms, continues to restore history through Lost State of Franklin, the long awaited second gun in Lost States of America Engravers Series. SK Customs takes only 200 full-size government model Colt 1911 pistols chambered in .45ACP, each paired with a commemorative antique challenge coin to create this limited-edition collection.

“In honor of General John Sevier and the Franklinites, we are thrilled to introduce the second installment of our Lost States of America Engravers Series,” said Simon Khiabani, owner, and founder of SK Customs. “Following the Lost State of San Jacinto, this custom firearm showcases the rich history of Tennessee and influential role of General Sevier.”

SK Customs takes classic Colts and crafts beautifully historic collectibles, showcasing the most influential leaders and significant events. Lost State of Franklin boasts intricate details commemorating Tennessee’s history and iconic founding father, General Sevier. Read more

Beretta Launches New APX A1 Tactical Pistol

Beretta Launches New APX A1 Tactical Pistol

Accokeek, MD (April 14, 2023) – Beretta is excited to announce the launch of a new offering from our APX A1 family – the APX A1 Tactical. Building off of the excellent ergonomics, performance, and durability of the APX series, Beretta is pleased to unveil this latest innovation. As the flagship of the APX series, it was developed in collaboration with special forces units to offer peak performance and unmatched durability.

The APX A1 Tactical comes packed with premium features such as blacked-out suppressor height sights and a red dot optic-ready slide. Whether you’re plinking, training, competing, or prepping for home defense, the APX A1 Tactical is your premier sidearm of choice.

Main Features:

  • Threaded Barrel ½” – 28
  • Enhanced Trigger Pull & Profile
  • Higher Trigger Undercut
  • Extended 21-Round Magazine
  • Extended Beavertail
  • Aggressive Slide Serrations
  • Optic Ready Slide
  • Blacked Out Suppressor Height Sights
  • Ambidextrous Slide Release
  • Dual Tone Look – OD Green & Black
  • Interchangeable Backstraps
  • 3-Slot Picatinny Rail
  • Serrated Combat Trigger Guard
  • Reversible Mag Relase Read more

SIG SAUER P320-AXG LEGION

NEWINGTON, N.H. – SIG SAUER is pleased to announce the latest addition to the SIG SAUER LEGION Series of pistols with the introduction of the P320-AXG LEGION featuring a new two-port slide and Aluminum X-SERIES Grip (AXG) module that, combined, delivers a 30% felt recoil reduction and an ultra-premium shooting experience.

“Since its inception, the LEGION line of products has represented the pinnacle of performance and engineering, and the P320-AXG LEGION is no exception,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc. “Featuring the strength and weight of the all-metal AXG grip module and the patent-pending slide-integrated expansion chamber, the P320-AXG LEGION delivers on significant recoil reduction for a shooting experience like no other pistol in its class.”

The SIG SAUER P320-AXG LEGION is an all-metal, 9mm striker-fired pistol with patent-pending integrated porting on an optics-ready slide and a full-size AXG grip module in custom LEGION gray Cerakote™ with black LEGION embossed G10 grip panels. The pistol features a skeletonized flat trigger, XRAY3 Day/Night sights, removable magazine well, precision machined deep undercut, enhanced serrations, and an extended beavertail for an ergonomic, comfortable fit. The pistol comes optic-ready and optimized for use with SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEO1Pro and ROMEO2, and SIG SAUER LEGION ammunition. The P320-AXG Legion ships with (3) 21-round steel magazines or (3) 10-round magazines for compliant states.

The LEGION Series pistols are an exclusive product line developed by SIG SAUER based on input from elite shooting professionals and designed to exceed the expectations of the serious shooter. The SIG SAUER LEGION is an exclusive members-only access program available to owners of the SIG SAUER LEGION Series of firearms. Upon registration of any LEGION Series firearm, members receive a complimentary case, a challenge coin matched to the firearm, exclusive access to LEGION gear and merchandise, and receive exclusive communications from SIG SAUER and the LEGION.

P320-AXG LEGION:

Overall length: 8.2 inches

Overall height: 5.5 inches

Overall width: 1.6 inches

Barrel length: 3.9 inches

Sight Radius: 5.9 inches

Weight (w/magazine): 36.1 oz.

The SIG SAUER P320-AXG LEGION is now shipping and available at retailers. To learn more about the SIG SAUER P320-AXG LEGION, or watch the product video with Phil Strader, Director of Product Management, visit sigsauer.com.

Dan Wesson 1911 Specialist Optics-Ready Pistol

Norwich, NY – Pistol-mounted optics allow fast, intuitive target acquisition and improved accuracy, making it a popular choice for experienced and novice shooters. Adding an optic is effortless on the Dan Wesson 1911 Specialist Optics-Ready, which integrates a cut into its slide. For only a fraction more than the Specialist base model, the Optics-Ready pistol includes a factory-cut slide, saving time and money on custom gunsmithing. Optional optics plates for the RMR, DPP, and Viper systems let users mount their favorite red dot quickly and easily.

The high-performance 1911 Specialist Optics-Ready combines the custom-level fitting and premium parts that set Dan Wesson Firearms apart. Starting with a forged, hand-fit frame and slide and a match-grade barrel chambered in the powerful .45 ACP, the Specialist Optics-Ready provides flawless function and superb accuracy. The duty finish doesn’t draw attention and is highly durable. An inverted top rib cuts down on glare. And the fixed Novak-style front night sight and serrated tactical rear sight, co-witness with the red dot as a backup.

The frame sports an integral 1913 Picatinny rail for mounting lights or lasers. Front strap 25 LPI checkering improves grip, and an undercut trigger guard enhances recoil control, while the recessed slide stop allows laser grip installation. The Specialist has operator-friendly ambidextrous thumb and grip safeties.

An extended magazine release and extended magwell speed reloads of its 8-round magazines. Its long solid trigger with serrated face gives a traditional look and feel. A 3.5-5 pound factory trigger also delivers a consistent, crisp trigger squeeze for accurate shooting. The Specialist uses a set of G10 VZ Operator II grips that guide the hand into the beavertail and hold it there. Read more

Beretta Launches New A300 Ultima Sporting Shotgun

Accokeek, MD (April 14, 2023) – Beretta is excited to announce the launch of a brand-new, competition semi-automatic shotgun – the A300 Ultima Sporting. This new shotgun is engineered to be ultra-reliable and evenly balanced for clay target shooting.

Featuring the classic gas operating system of the proven A300 platform, this new sporting gun features a 30” (12 ga.) or 28” (20 ga.) barrel with a white front bead and a mid-bead on a 7mm stepped rib.

An enlarged loading port, extended bolt release and bolt handle make operating the gun easy and intuitive.

Main Features: Read more

Beretta Launches New PMXs Semi-Auto Pistol

Accokeek, MD – Beretta is excited to announce the launch of a new pistol from our PMX family – the PMXs. After years of refinement of the PMX for military and law enforcement agencies around the globe, the PMXs has been translated into a semi-automatic pistol variant for civilian and modern sporting applications.

The PMXs is a highly reliable and proven direct blow-back design, coupled with modern polymer components to enhance durability and save weight. Packed with versatile features such as fully ambidextrous controls for user adaptability, multiple attachment points such as QD and sling mounts, and a ½” x 28 TPI threaded barrel for accepting 9mm muzzle devices.

Built for reliability, durability, and performance demanded by NATO qualifications, PMXs is one of the most adaptive pistol platforms that guarantees performance in any operating environment.

Main Features: Read more

2023 Dan Wesson Heirloom 1911

Norwich, NY – The 2023 Dan Wesson Heirloom 1911 adorns decorative scrollwork on its black high-polished slide and frame. Ivory-colored grips contrast beautifully with the dark finish. The little touches like a brass front bead, commander-style hammer, and solid medium-length trigger add to the classic design’s elegance. As the first Heirloom pistol offered in .38 Super, the 2023 model will be unique, adding value and interest to any curated collection.

Dan Wesson makes its Heirloom pistols in small batches, producing hundreds, not thousands, of the classic 1911. The pistol’s timeless styling and proven design make the traditional 1911 pistol something every gun enthusiast will love.

Though there are many manufacturers of 1911s, only a few combine custom-level fitting, premium parts, and clean, elegant lines like a Dan Wesson. The 2023 Heirloom starts with a 70-series frame and slide—forged and then hand-fit for flawless function and outstanding accuracy. Billet alloy steel used in the fire-control system ensures reliable operation and long service life. Read more

Henry Repeating Arms Reveals First Revolvers, .360 Buckhammer Rifles, and More

Rice Lake, Wis. – Henry Repeating Arms, one of America’s leading gunmakers, is pleased to introduce a slew of new products, including the company’s first foray into the world of wheel guns, the first-ever rifles available for the .360 Buckhammer straight wall cartridge, and a highly-anticipated overhaul to its flagship series of brass-framed centerfire lever action rifles.

Further expanding beyond the lever action rifles and shotguns synonymous with the Henry name, the Henry Big Boy Revolver is both a historic release that collectors will relish as an exceedingly rare opportunity to own the first bonafide handgun made by the long gun manufacturer and the perfect sidekick for owners of the Henry Big Boy rifle. Chambered in .357 Magnum/.38 Special, the traditional double-action revolver is available in two different grip configurations – the larger, flared Gunfighter style or the more compact, rounded Birdshead style. The Big Boy Revolver borrows design cues from its rifle counterpart with deep and polished blueing on the medium-sized steel frame, 6-round quick-release cylinder, and 4” barrel, grip panels cut from genuine American walnut, and a polished brass trigger guard that wraps all way around the grip to the top of the backstrap. The fixed notch rear sight and interchangeable front blade sights with different heights provide a traditional revolver sight picture. MSRP is $928. Read more

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