Category: Firearms

Michigan’s Muzzleloading Season without Muzzleloaders

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

Michigan’s muzzleloading season is underway statewide through December 11th and I have one question:  How many folks still use their ol’ smokepoles?  Now that Michigan has revised regulations to allow the use of any firearm deemed legal for the regular firearms season, hopeful hunters are still bound by the same restrictions for Zone III.   This means that shotguns and .35-caliber or larger rifles that fire straight-wall cartridges with a maximum case length of 1.80 inches can be used to take a buck or a doe.

As far as I’m concerned, it’s a welcome relief from the days of problematic front loaders; if it wasn’t the powder that failed it was the primer.  It’s not that muzzleloaders cannot be effective but why mess with the messiness of black powder, or any variation thereof, unless one is a traditionalist looking to reproduce the ills of yesteryear?

A case in point follows.  My pal, Joe, had taken his modern muzzleloader afield and lined on a mature whitetail doe right in his wheelhouse.  Everything seemed right when he released the trigger but the projectile fell harmlessly to the ground a mere 20 feet from the muzzle.  Apparently, Joe had left the powder charge in his rifle for too many days, and as had happened to hunters thousands of times over in history, his hunt was a dud.

In the year of 2012, when a movement was afoot in Michigan to allow the use of certain straight-wall cartridges, I was invited to testify in the Michigan House of Representatives’ hearing on House Bill 5244 relative to the practicality of adding limited centerfire calibers to our options afield in Zone III.  An objective look at ballistic comparisons between the proposed cartridges with shotgun and muzzleloader ballistics demonstrated that Michiganders were already using legal firearms that were producing as much or more velocity and energy with their shotguns and muzzleloaders.

Although no vote was held on Bill 5244 that year, the matter was brought forth the subsequent year’s session and became today’s law.  Never did I imagine we’d be allowed to use centerfire rifles during muzzleloader season, but here we are and there’s no reason to believe we are ever going back.

By all accounts, Michigan has an over-abundance of deer in many areas – especially the more populated parts.  By easing restrictions, as has been done, more hunters will participate to reduce the deer numbers, because better tools for the job have been made available to us.

In summary, there are plenty of things that can still go wrong on any hunt, but requiring cumbersome equipment that remains prone to failure, is no longer one of them.  Firearms manufactures were quick to jump on the bandwagon and subsequently have been producing firearms in 350 Legend and .450 Bushmaster calibers based on the high demand created in Midwestern states that have adopted the same or similar legislation.

Although I’ve relegated my Knight muzzleloader to dust collection, I haven’t given up the notion of reviving it in the future for use by my 12 year-old great grandson.  Light powder charges can make for a light-recoiling long gun that won’t beat up a youngster.  It’s all a matter of choosing the proper tool for the job – one that will get the job done ethically and humanely.

Although muzzleloading season is somewhat of a misnomer today, it’s still firearms deer season with more opportunities than in the past for those desiring to put some low fat, high protein venison in the freezer without breaking the bank.

Firearms, Hunting

The MDT TIMBR Frontier – Tikka T3x SA Inlet

MDT is excited to announce the addition of MDT TIMBR Frontier – T3x SA to their lineup of TIMBR Frontier chassis inlets. The MDT TIMBR Frontier Stock provides shooters with a beautiful fusion of warm wood and solid aluminum to create an accurate platform for your Tikka rifle. At its core is the full Aluminum micro-chassis that guarantees a perfect ridged platform. It features an adjustable buttstock to enable a solid connection between shooter and rifle, and, an M-LOK rail forend to be compatible with a variety of accessories.

The TIMBR Frontier Chassis is designed for shooters that want the fit and feel of a more traditionally shaped rifle stock, warm wood asthetics, and the benefits of a modern precision rifle chassis system. Each TIMBR Frontier Chassis is constructed from a CNC machined core of 6061 aircraft grade aluminum mounted in a hardwood laminate, and fitted with aluminum rails and hardware. The precision aluminum V-block bedding system ensures fit and function to maximize the accuracy of any Remington or Tikka rifle action. The TIMBR Frontier Chassis features a replaceable over molded and textured grip system, with both an angled grip and a vertical grip included in box.

The MDT TIMBR Frontier is now available with a starting price of $899.95 USD. Details can be found at https://mdttac.com/timbr-frontier-stock

ABOUT MDT Sporting Goods Ltd.

MDT is the leading precision rifle chassis manufacturer with offices and production in Chilliwack, BC, Canada, and Everson, WA, USA. MDT was born out of a single purpose: to provide better value and better accuracy for precision rifles. The first MDT chassis was developed from the ground up based on the needs of shooters. Our engineers verified every function and feature based on the input from competitive shooters. The result was a game-changing product called the TAC21 that continues to perform at the range, in the field, and in competitions worldwide. Today, MDT chassis, magazines, and accessories are still developed the same way. We collaborate, question, and verify our concepts with precision shooters from around the globe to ensure that every MDT product is designed with the same single purpose: to help you Shoot Better. For more information, see https://mdttac.com

Firearms

Umarex USA’s M3 Grease Guns Now Shipping

Fort Smith, Arkansas –– Just in time for Christmas, Umarex USA has begun shipping the much-anticipated Legends M3 Grease Gun.

Based on the M3A1 that was introduced in 1944, this CO2 driven BB gun has all the features plinkers and collectors expect from the Umarex Legends lineup. It can be fired single shot or in a blistering 1,050 BBs per minute full-auto mode, includes a collapsible wire stock and fixed peep sights. The drop-free magazine holds 60 BBs along with two 12-gram CO2 cartridges. Extra magazines are available to keep you shooting more than reloading.

The M3 Grease Gun joins two other World War II era submachine guns in the Legends Series – the Legends MP and M1A1. Other Legends offerings include replicas of other iconic pistols and rifles like the Walther PPK/S, the Cowboy Lever Action Rifle and an M712 Broom Handle. Read more

Firearms

Henry Repeating Arms Donates to First Responders Children’s Foundation

Supporting the children and families of first responders who have been killed or injured in the line of duty

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Today, Henry Repeating Arms, one of America’s leading firearms manufacturers, announced a donation of $50,000 to First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF).

FRCF was founded in 2001 in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 for the 800 surviving children who lost a first responder parent on that tragic day. Since then, FRCF has grown to be a national non-profit focusing on four key program areas: scholarships for children of first responders injured or killed in the line of duty; Financial Assistance Grants/Line of Duty Death Bereavement Support; a Mental Health Resiliency Program; and First Responder Community Engagement.

“The primary focus of our Guns for Great Causes program has always been about children, which is why we are extremely proud to help support such an esteemed and worthwhile organization,” said Henry Repeating Arms CEO and Founder Anthony Imperato. “No one does a better job of meeting the real financial needs and taking care of the children and families of our fallen heroes.” The donation is part of a $1 million pledge made to celebrate the company’s 25th anniversary through a charitable branch called Guns for Great Causes.

“FRCF is deeply grateful to Anthony Imperato and Henry Repeating Arms for their generous commitment to supporting first responders and their children. This donation will help to support our mental health resiliency program, which provides confidential, trauma-informed counseling at no cost to children of first responders,” said FRCF President and CEO Jillian Crane. “Henry is an iconic American family-owned business supporting the first responder community since day one. This partnership will make a real difference in the lives of first responder families.” Read more

Firearms

Beretta USA APX A1 Full-Size Optics Bundle Special Promotion

Accokeek, MD – Beretta is pleased to offer a bundle promotion, during which consumers can purchase a new APX A1 pistol in a bundle deal (valued at $830 MSRP) with a factory-installed Burris Fastfire™ 3 optic and optic plate for a limited-time special price. Visit your local Beretta direct dealer locations, affiliated Beretta chains, and distribution partners to learn more about the offered special pricing.

The Beretta APX A1 is the next evolution of striker-fired pistols made by the longest-standing name in firearms. Built on the heritage of the original APX platform that passed MHS testing for the US Army, the APX A1 delivers a crisp, class-dominating trigger, improved ergonomics, aggressive slide serrations, and MRDS Optics cuts right out of the box.

The ultimate convergence of form, function, and fortitude, the Beretta APX A1 takes the proven ergonomics, reliability, and accuracy of the APX family and delivers a superior firing solution – from the casual shooter to the most demanding professionals in the world. Read more

Firearms

Save 15% at ApexTactical.com During The 12 Days Of Apexmas

PEORIA, Ariz. – From Thursday, December 1 through Monday, December 12, Apex is running its annual ’12 Days of Apexmas’ sale offering customers 15% off their orders at ApexTactical.com. Use the discount code APEXMAS22 at checkout to receive 15% off (some restrictions apply). Shipping is free and each order will receive a free commemorative Apex ornament, while supplies last.

This year’s annual 12 Days of Apexmas sale covers nearly the entire Apex product line, with the exclusion of the Apex Thin Blue Line products, Friends & Family and blem barrels.

To take advantage of the savings, be sure to use the discount code APEXMAS22 at checkout. Customers can also place an order over the phone, during regular business hours, by contacting Apex Customer Service at 623-322-0200.

Due to the potential delivery delays during the busy holiday season, Apex encourages customers to order as early as possible in order to receive orders by Christmas.

For more information on parts from Apex Tactical Specialties, visit www.ApexTactical.com, like Apex Tactical on Facebook or follow @ApexTactical on Instagram or Twitter. Instructional videos on the installation of Apex parts are available on Apex’s YouTube, Full30 and GunStreamer channels.

Firearms

SCI Denounces Canadian Bill Banning Hunting FIrearms

Safari Club International condemns the Canadian government’s latest sneak attack on hunters, which if implemented as intended would qualify as the most extensive firearm ban in the country’s history.

Liberal MP Paul Chiang introduced two shady amendments (with designations G4 and G46) to the Liberal Party’s gun control legislation, Bill C-21. Although the bill was initially targeted at handgun control, both amendments would restrict thousands of long guns commonly used in hunting and sport shooting. Passage of the first amendment (G46) will add a 478-page list of specifically banned firearm models to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s already extreme list of 1,500 firearms immediately banned in 2020. These include thousands of additional models of hunting rifles and shotguns. MP Chiang’s second amendment (G4) expands the definition of prohibited firearms to include those “designed to accept a detachable cartridge magazine with a capacity greater than five cartridges of the type for which the firearm was originally designed.”

Bill C-21 was initially sold by Liberals as a way to target weapons most commonly used in crimes involving a firearm, so these amendments have no practical goal except to target law abiding hunters. Members of Canada’s Conservative Party have said as much and have already clarified their opposition in the media, highlighting how these amendments are not a solution to improving public safety and would have harsh impacts. Conservative MP Raquel Dancho said the Liberal government is “going after Grandpa Joe’s hunting rifle instead of gangsters in Toronto.” Read more

Firearms, Gun Control

Canik Introduces the Second Signature Series Edition

Delray Beach, Fla. – – Canik Firearms is proud to introduce the latest addition of the collectable Canik Signature Series with the “Miami Days and Miami Nights” versions! This limited-edition series will consist of 3050 (in honor of the iconic Miami area code the 305) individually numbered pistols of each the Days and Nights. With specifically crafted designs to pay tribute to the iconic US city that includes the Miami skyline, flamingos, palm trees, and of course the retro color scheme all on the Mete SFT pistol, this collectable firearm is a must have for everyone from the Canik lover to the Miami local. With only 3050 of each model ever produced, the second Canik Signature Series launch will be sure to be in as high of demand as the original Canik Signature Series “Whiteout” edition.

Each pistol comes with a custom case, certificate of authenticity, collectible patch, and all of the accessories one would expect from a Canik firearm at a MSRP of just $769.99 and are available now nationwide.

For more information on the Miami Signature Series visit us at www.canikusa.com/signature-series-miami

Firearms

ESCORT’s PS Youth 20-Gauge Semi-Auto

Rogers, AR (November 29, 2022) – If you’re looking to get started or help someone with shooting sports, Hatsan’s ESCORT® PS Youth is the perfect beginner’s shotgun. But that doesn’t mean it lacks features! This semi-auto shotgun is just the right size for youth and smaller framed shooters. It’s easy to carry, easy to load, and easy to shoot.

The PS Youth is chambered for 3-inch magnum 20-gauge shells and features ESCORT’s Fast-Loading and Smart-Valve Piston Systems. An aircraft-grade aluminum alloy receiver is fully anodized and sports a well-designed 11mm groove for optics mounts. The chrome-plated 22-inch barrel pulls everything together utilizing a 7mm, checkered, ventilated, anti-glare rib ending with a classic brass bead.

No matter what game is being taken, the ESCORT PS Youth can handle a variety of shots, including steel (with specific chokes). The multi-choke system includes five chokes (F, IM, M, IC, CYL). A migratory plug can be installed for 2+1 capacity and removed for a complete 4+1 capacity. Read more

Firearms

S&W’s New Performance Center Pistol – the Competitor

SPRINGFIELD, MA. – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design is excited to introduce a new member of the M&P metal-framed series, the Performance Center® M&P®9 M2.0® Competitor®.

Built for competition right out of the box, this metal-framed 9mm pistol is designed to give competitive shooters the edge. The Competitor comes with a 5-inch barrel, has an enhanced sear for lighter, crisper trigger let-off, and includes a flared magazine well for fast and efficient reloads. Boasting a new look, the aggressive lightening cuts on both the top and sides of the slide ultimately reduce the amount of weight in front of the chamber and, in return, help improve the recoil balance point. The slide is cut for optics, includes a fiber optic front sight, and blacked out serrated rear sight. The Competitor comes with an oversized mag release that is reversible for both right and left-handed users and ships with a total of four magazines. Choose from models available in 10+1 or 17+1 round capacities with a Tungsten Gray Cerakote® or black Armornite® slide finish. Smith & Wesson is proud to introduce the Performance Center M&P9 M2.0 Competitor.

The Competitor has an MSRP of $999.00 Read more

Firearms
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