Guy J. Sagi/Fear And Loading

January 5, 2021January 9, 2021

New Guns & Gear for 2021—CZ TS2

From CZ-USA

The speed, precision and dynamic performance afforded by CZ-USA’s handguns have made it the leading name for practical shooting disciplines like IPSC, USPSA, 3-Gun and Steel Challenge, a position CZ is not planning to yield any time soon.

The sport-shooting world reveres the CZ Tactical Sport for its crisp single-action trigger and long sight radius. Now, the pistol has evolved into the Tactical Sport 2 (TS2), a brand-new, built-from-the-ground-up firearm that represents the next generation in tactical sport pistols.

Here’s my complete list of the best new guns and gear for 2021.

The TS2 was designed and built for competition shooters in the tradition of the company’s highly successful Shadow 2, mimicking its slide profile with the reciprocating weight positioned as low as possible for smoother operation, less muzzle flip and faster follow-up shots. Additionally, the TS2’s redesigned frame and improved ergonomics also reduce muzzle flip so that it’s less noticeable than ever.

The steel-framed, 9mm TS2 is an outstanding and affordable entry-level competition handgun with a wide variety of compatible accessories already available, as the large aftermarket of custom parts already available for the original Tactical Sport pistol are fully compatible with the TS2!

The new pistol comes with 20-round standard magazines and distinctive blue aluminum grips with aggressive checkering above a healthily flared magwell.

Front and rear cocking serrations on the slide make racking this pistol easy for practically anyone, with or without gloves. With a fiber-optic front sight, the included set of fixed target sights are rugged enough to withstand rough competition use.

The adaptable pistol can be easily fine-tuned to an individual shooter to be faster and more precise at the firing line, with the aforementioned custom parts for the Tactical Sport platform.

This new pistol is sure to become a favorite among IPSC/USPSA shooters, as well as beginners looking to get into competition pistol shooting for the first time.

TS2 Pistol Specifications:

SKU: 91220
Purpose: Competition
Caliber: 9mm
Magazine Capacity: 20 rounds
Grips: Blue Aluminum
Frame Material: Steel
Action: Single Action
Sights: Fixed Rear, Fiber Optic Front
Barrel: Cold Hammer Forged
Barrel Length: 5.23″
Height: 5.8″
Width: 1.57″
Weight: 48 oz.
Overall Length: 8.86″
Safety: Ambidextrous Manual Safety
MSRP: $1,699

January 5, 2021January 5, 2021

Ohio Governor Signs Duty to Retreat Bill

From Buckeye Firearms Association

As a candidate for governor, then Attorney General Mike DeWine promised Ohio’s 4 million gun owners that he would sign legislation to repeal the state’s unjust duty to retreat law. On Monday, January 4th, 2021,Governor DeWine fulfilled that commitment by signing Senate Bill 175.

During the last days of session in late December 2020, the Ohio General Assembly voted to include this Second Amendment priority in Senate Bill 175, which also grants immunity to non-profit organizations from litigation in the event an act of gun violence takes place on their premises. DeWine’s signature on the bill enacts one of Buckeye Firearms Association’s top legislative priorities.

“We’re very pleased the Governor kept his promise to sign the repeal of Ohio’s duty to retreat law that forces victims of violent crime to retreat before they’re legally able to defend themselves,” said Buckeye Firearms Association Executive Director, Dean Rieck. “Our organization worked relentlessly down the stretch to see this bill become law.”

Although speculation ran high that the Governor might veto the bill, his signature on SB 175 keeps a promise he made multiple times in writing, in public and in private meetings with Buckeye Firearms Association and other gun rights advocates.

This bill brings Ohio into line with as many as 25 other states that have no duty to retreat for those who face imminent and deadly harm as long as they are in a place they are legally permitted to be. While this bill changes one technicality in Ohio law, it does not change the near universal and well-established standard for use of lethal force, nor does it give criminals a free pass to commit violent crime.

Governor DeWine has said that he thinks it’s important for the legislature to make changes to the NICS reporting system that is meant to prevent criminals from purchasing firearms. Unfortunately, the system has been hampered sometimes when courts or government agencies fail to update the system in a timely fashion.

“From the beginning, BFA has been open to changes that would ensure more timely reporting,” said Rieck. “However, we must protect the rights of the law abiding by making sure that reporting is done properly, and that people have a quick process to make corrections when the government makes mistakes. The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s Fix NICS initiative is intended to do just that.”

Buckeye Firearms Association looks forward to the beginning of the new legislative session and the opportunity to further improve Ohio law.

Buckeye Firearms Association is a grassroots organization dedicated to defending and advancing the right of citizens to own and use firearms for all legal activities, including self-defense, hunting, competition, and recreation. Read more.

January 5, 2021January 5, 2021

Springfield Armory CEO Dennis Reese Receives Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award

From Springfield Armory

Springfield Armory® co-founder and CEO Dennis Reese has been awarded NRA Publications’ esteemed Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award for excellence and enduring innovation in the shooting sports industry.

As a compelling individual in the firearms industry, Reese has led Springfield Armory since its beginnings more than four decades ago. Throughout his career, he has placed an ever-present emphasis on quality, reliable craftsmanship, and the importance of unmatched customer service. His commitment to the protection and promotion of the Second Amendment, as well as support of the National Rifle Association, drives Reese in his role as CEO to honor Springfield Armory customers with a legacy of products they can trust.

Recipients of the Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award are unanimously selected by a seven-member committee “acting on behalf of NRA members nationwide whose experiences at the range and in the field have been enriched by Springfield Armory products and services.” Recipients must be “fundamentally responsible for the invention, development, marketing and/or promotion of the product(s) that gained widespread use and which fundamentally changed some aspect of shooting sports equipment or related products for the better.”

“I could not be more honored to be given the NRA Publications Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award,” said Dennis Reese. “From the earliest days of the company to where it stands today, our relationship with the NRA has been extremely important to me, both personally and professionally. The Association’s work to promote our Second Amendment rights is absolutely necessary to ensure that those rights, enshrined in the United States’ Constitution, are protected. I am proud to join the high achievers who have preceded me as Pioneer Award recipients.”

Reese was initially awarded this honor for the year 2020, but in the wake of the cancellation of the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits last April where he would have been formally recognized, NRA Publications decided to not select a new Pioneer winner, but instead accord Reese due recognition in 2021.

Springfield Armory is honored to celebrate CEO Dennis Reese in his receipt of 2021’s Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award, joining the ranks of a well-respected roster of firearms industry leaders awarded since 2007.

For more information about the Springfield Armory’s history and heritage, please visit: www.springfield-armory.com.

January 5, 2021January 5, 2021

Meprolight Increases Production and Warehouse Capacity

From Meprolight

2020 continued the unprecedented sales of guns, ammo and optics. First time buyers are at a record pace and there aren’t any signs of it letting up. In times of turmoil, individuals become more cognizant of the need to protect themselves and those around them, especially their families.

Meprolight® management recognized the signs early on and increased production to prevent shortages. Seeing no evidence of a let-up in demand, they recently increased production again in addition to expanding warehouse capacity in the U.S. “Seeing the increased demand for high grade optics and tritium powered, self-illuminating day/night sights , we increased our warehouse capacity in December to ensure our inventory levels will continue to meet demand. Our dealers can’t sell it if they don’t have it” says Bill Yerby, General Manager and V.P. Sales & Marketing, Meprolight U.S.

Meprolight® is the leading international industry manufacturer of high-grade electro-optics and self-illuminating day/night sights for pistols, rifles and shotguns. Products include the MEPRO RDS Pro V2, MEPRO Self-Illuminating Day/Night Sights and the ever popular MEPRO M21.

For more information or to find your local dealer visit Meprolight U.S. or call (717) 985-4482. You can also visit our online partners: OpticsPlanet, MidwayUSA or Focus Camera.

January 5, 2021January 5, 2021

Hornady Donates to GRACE Cancer Foundation and American Cancer Society

From Hornady

Hornady recently donated $44,955 to the GRACE Cancer Foundation in Grand Island, NE with a matching amount going to the American Cancer Society for a total donation of, $89,910 split evenly between the two organizations.

“We feel incredibly fortunate to have such a big-hearted supporter like Hornady, who believes so strongly in our mission to ensure that no cancer patient should ever have to choose between their treatment or their everyday expenses” said Sarah Koch, GRACE Executive Director.

The donation was calculated using a portion of each box sold of Hornady Critical Defense® Lite™ ammunition in 9mm and 38 Spl. Critical Defense Lite features a pink bullet tip and pink ribbon packaging to help showcase the fight against cancer.

“We are honored to support the GRACE Foundation and American Cancer Society” said Steve Hornady. “The assistance these organizations provide cancer patients and their families is remarkable” Hornady added.

The GRACE Cancer Foundation assists cancer patients who live within 40 miles of Grand Island, Nebraska, or are being treated at the Saint Francis Cancer Treatment Center or the Mary Lanning Healthcare – Morrison Cancer Center in Hastings. Help is available through several methods such as, gas cards, assistance with medical bills, household expenses and more.

The American Cancer Society’s mission is to free the world from cancer by funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients and spreading the word about prevention.

Founded in 1949, Hornady® Manufacturing Company is a family-owned business headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska. Proudly manufacturing products that are made in the USA, Hornady® Manufacturing is a world leader in bullet, ammunition, reloading tool, accessory and security product design and manufacturing.

For further information regarding Hornady® products, visit the company web site at http://hornady.com.

January 4, 2021January 4, 2021

FBI NICS Checks for 2020 Shatter all Previous Records

The figures have just been released and there’s no denying the fact that FBI NICS checks for 2020 shatter all previous records. Last year the bureau conducted a total of 39,695,315. That number is nearly 11 million more than the previous highwater mark, which was set in 2019.

Bear in mind each FBI NICS check doesn’t necessarily reflect the purchase of a firearm. The system is also used for a variety of other administrative purposes, most notably approval of concealed carry permits and their renewal. The figures, however, are considered a relative barometer of the firearm industry’s economic health and rough measure of gun sales through licensed FFLs. In addition, it also does not reflect those guns purchased by holders of valid CCWs in regions where they are not required to undergo a redundant background check.

December’s total number of FBI NICS checks alone was 3,397,066. That also set an all-timerecord for the month in the NICS system, which launched in 1998.

January 4, 2021January 9, 2021

New Guns & Gear for 2021—Hornady RAPiD Safe Compact Ready Vault

From Hornady

Patented RFID technology unlocks the Hornady Compact Ready Vault faster than keypads and biometrics. Four included RFID tags can be selectively programmed to open this safe and any other RAPiD® Safe you own.

Here’s my complete list of the best new guns and gear for 2021.

The Square-Lok organizing system of the interior walls allows gun racks and other ßSquare-Lok™ accessories to be mounted in numerous configurations to maximize storage. Dual-purpose gun racks accommodate both long guns and handguns by utilizing otherwise empty space between barrels. Its tamper-proof construction features a heavy-duty, pry-resistant steel housing and five hardened locking lugs. Pre-drilled mounting holes allow the Compact Ready Vault™ to be secured to stationary objects. Digital keypad and backup mechanical key offer additional entry methods.

New Square-Lok accessories include:

January 4, 2021January 9, 2021

News Guns & Gear for 2021—Hornady 103-grain ELD-X 6 mm ARC Precision Hunter

From Hornady

Hornady’s 6 mm ARC 103-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter gives hunters a purpose-built cartridge for the versatile AR platform. Tested, selected and fielded by a specialized group within the U.S. Department of Defense for its multipurpose combat rifle program, the versatile 6 mm ARC does much of what larger cartridges can and everything that smaller cartridges can’t.

Here’s my complete list of the best new guns and gear for 2021.

Designed to meet the needs of the world’s toughest critics, the 6 mm ARC utilizes efficient, high-BC bullets to deliver unprecedented performance from the AR-15 platform. Commercial 6 mm ARC offerings feature bullets selected to deliver ideal performance for hunting, match shooting and personal protection applications.

Other loads available include:

January 4, 2021January 9, 2021

New Guns & Gear for 2021—Hornady Bore Driver FTX

From Hornady

Fast and easy to load, the Hornady Bore Driver FTX—.50-caliber, 290-graint—delivers the ultimate in muzzleloader performance. At the heart of the system is a polymer base (not a sabot) that seals the bore to deliver maximum energy transfer and accuracy. Atop the base is the company’s FTX bullet, featuring a rugged gilding metal jacket coupled with patented FlexTip technology and an InterLock ring that delivers maximum lethality.

Loads Fast and Easy

Without a sabot, the Bore Driver FTX® seats quickly and easily for shot after shot performance.

Here’s my complete list of the best new guns and gear for 2021.

Maximum Lethality

The FTX bullet incorporates an InterLock® ring that helps retain bullet weight upon impact that when coupled with a tough copper alloy jacket delivers deep penetration and expansion for the ultimate in on-game lethality.

Patented FlexTip Technology

FlexTip® initiates expansion even at low velocities enabling enhanced muzzleloader terminal performance.

Performance-Boosting Base

The polymer base features a post that fits into the bottom of the bullet. This post swells in diameter at ignition for better torque engagement from inside the bullet and the centering petals grip the bullet’s boattail while the base engages the rifling to maximize energy transmission.

January 4, 2021January 4, 2021

NRA Celebrates 150th Anniversary in 2021

From NRA

Founded in 1871 by Civil War veterans, the National Rifle Association has led the way ever since to protect our Second Amendment freedom, teach marksmanship and gun safety and pass self-defense laws across the country. In 2021, the NRA celebrates a momentous 150 years of service as America’s oldest civil-rights organization.

“The NRA has diligently protected our right to keep and bear arms longer than any other organization,” NRA President Carolyn Meadows said. “We are humbled to serve our more than 5 million members and all law-abiding gun owners. We invite you to join our organization as we celebrate this historic milestone.”

Throughout its century and a half of existence, NRA has served firearm owners across the nation through training, legislative action and other initiatives aimed at promoting avenues for shooting, hunting and personal protection. Today, the organization encompasses a wide range of programs all aimed at bettering the experience of the American firearm owner, whether it’s through competitive programs, hunter education, political action and more.

“Our Founding Fathers knew the value of all our freedoms and what it takes to defend those freedoms, and that’s why we have the Second Amendment,” said Wayne LaPierre, NRA executive vice president. “The NRA has always been the refuge of Americans who recognize how important it is to preserve the right to keep and bear arms, to be able to protect themselves and their loved ones, and to hunt, and we’re celebrating 150 years of our commitment to protect those sacred and noble rights.”

To mark the occasion, the NRA is highlighting its history in all four of its Official Journals: American Rifleman, American Hunter, America’s 1st Freedom and Shooting Illustrated. Each issue throughout 2021 features dedicated columns entitled “Milestones: NRA150” that spotlight significant events and leaders that shaped the organization and its mission.

“Our magazines have always been the conduit through which we reach our members, now 5 million strong,” said Doug Hamlin, executive director of NRA Publications. “Through these monthly magazines, our dedicated supporters have a chance to fully understand and appreciate the importance of this great organization. There’s never been a better time—or a more important time—to be an NRA member.”

In addition, the NRA will be publishing a showpiece, coffee-table-type book, “NRA—150 Years Strong,” in September 2021. This colorful retrospective takes a fresh look at the key events and achievements that have made the organization’s 150-year run such an indelible part of American history. Across 160 pages divided into seven themed chapters, this keepsake chronology will examine the turning points, personalities and anecdotes that defined the NRA’s critical role in defending the freedom that makes our nation the greatest ever conceived.

More than 425,000 hardbound and digital copies will be distributed to new NRA members and subscribers across the entire NRA Publications digital network. In addition, copies of the book will also be offered for sale at the NRA Store, NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits and the Great American Outdoor Show.

To take part in NRA’s 150th anniversary celebrations, be sure to sign up for a membership today at NRA.org or call 1-866-672-2020. You’ll have the pride of knowing that you’re one of more than 5 million members who’ve pledged to support and defend the Second Amendment.

Advertising slots in “NRA—150 Years Strong” remain available, with custom ad units and section sponsorships open for interested manufacturers. Orders close April 30, 2021.