The first pointer locked up, the second honoring him, which meant I was moments away from getting a snootful of West Texas dirt.
I’m about 50 miles east of Lubbock on the Guitar Ranch where cattle-punching cowboys seem to be born from the terrain of prickly pear and tasajillo cactus, cedar bushes, mesquite trees and the elegant silver-blue side oats grama grass leaning into the 37-mile-per-hour winds that morning. Although the ranch in Spur, Texas scientifically grooms the terrain for hunting quail, dove, sand crane, goose, ducks, feral hogs, mule deer and turkey across some 20,000 acres, Phil Guitar, owner and operator of Guitar Ranches (which manages ranches across six counties in Texas that combined host about for 75,000 acres for hunting and fishing) adamantly told me from his office in downtown Abeline, “Guitar Ranch is not a dude ranch and never will be.”
Columbia, MO – Jan. 28, 2025 – The MidwayUSA Foundation announced the addition of three new team members to the Foundation. Each of them brings unique skills and experiences that will undoubtedly contribute to our success.
Pete Eisentrager will serve as the Deputy Director, a newly created position based in the home office in Columbia, Missouri.
Dan Darragh is the new Program Manager, providing service to the western region from Boise, Idaho. Dan will assist youth shooting programs in 11 states, including Washington, Oregon, California, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, and his home state of Idaho.
Chance Cover is the new Logistics Coordinator. Chance began with the Foundation in December and manages the Fundraising Product Grant Program from the Columbia, Missouri office. Chance processes orders and ships items that youth shooting programs request to conduct fundraisers in their local community.
About
The MidwayUSA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity working to sustain and grow youth shooting sports by providing long-term funding to youth shooting teams through annual cash grants. Every donation made is tax-deductible and allows the Foundation to assist in expanding and enhancing the leadership skills, confidence, and discipline of today’s youth through shooting sports activities.
To volunteer, mentor or donate, find more information at https://www.midwayusafoundation.org
Quails are small, plump birds that are often found scurrying about on the ground in search of food. These adorable birds come in a variety of species, each with their own unique habitats that suit their specific needs. Let’s take a closer look at the different homes of quail species and how they have adapted to thrive in their environments.
January 2025, Accokeek, MD – The sub-gauge renaissance has taken a firm hold across the sporting landscape, injecting a new level of fun and participation for many waterfowl and upland hunters while presenting new challenges and tactics for turkey hunters. Benelli is proud to have led the charge in nurturing the growing 28-gauge category with entries represented in the Super Black Eagle 3 and Ethos lines.
For 2025, Benelli adds three more models in this exciting chambering to the Super Black Eagle 3 series.
In a nod to the outstanding performance of 28-gauge TSS loads for turkey hunting and the typical run-and-gun nature of the sport, Benelli has added a 24-inch barrel model to its already extensive roster of 28-gauge SBE3 shotguns. Boasting Mossy Oak® Bottomland Original™ camo paired with a Patriot Brown Cerakote treatment on the barrel and receiver, this shotgun hits all the marks for a hard-use, fast-handling hunting shotgun — whether that hunt takes you after spring gobblers, woodland grouse, timber ducks, or doves.
In addition, Benelli expands the SBE3 28-gauge line with two new color configurations available for 28-inch-barrel shotguns. The new patterns are waterfowl-focused with GORE™ OPTIFADE Marsh furniture combined with Patriot Brown Cerakote and GORE™ OPTIFADE Timber working with a Tungsten Cerakote.
Much of the 28-gauge appeal comes from the soft-shooting nature of these shotshells. Since the SBE3 offers a firm foundation in comfort thanks to its recoil-absorbing ComforTech stock, shim kit for drop and cast adjustment, and ergonomic controls, an SBE3 in this chambering is the easiest-shooting yet most rugged semi-auto shotgun on the market today.
For more information on Benelli USA’s full line of premium shotguns and centerfire hunting rifles, visit BenelliUSA.com.
January 2025, Accokeek, MD – Benelli’s Super Black Eagle 3 is heralded around the world as the most advanced, most rugged, and most dependable hunting shotgun ever developed. Now, Benelli takes the proven SBE3 platform to even greater heights with the integration of the new Advanced Impact (A.I.) barrel and choke system.
Advanced Impact is the latest in a long list of technological innovations by Benelli engineers to enhance shotgun performance and shooting comfort. The A.I. system is comprised of an innovative barrel bore contour coupled with Benelli’s new Advanced Impact CRIO® chokes. Combined, the A.I. barrel and choke deliver a payload downrange with greater velocity and energy than standard shotgun barrels up to 50% greater on-target penetration. What’s more, the unique design of the barrel and choke enhances pellet density and promotes more uniform spread. This means the shot not only hits harder and penetrates deeper, but also puts more pellets on the target.
Four new SBE3 models featuring the Benelli A.I. system are offered for 2025.
The Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. comes in 12-gauge (3 1/2-inch) or 20-gauge (3-inch) chambers with 28-inch barrels and GORE™ OPTIFADE Timber camo. The gray anodized receiver compliments the gray Benelli Surface Treatment (BE.S.T.) barrel finish, providing industry-leading protection from rust and corrosion.
Rough-weather hunters will also appreciate the new Super Black Eagle 3 A.I. Cerakote models. Offered in 12-gauge (3 1/2-inch) or 20-gauge (3-inch) chambers with 28-inch barrels, these semi-auto shotguns feature a durable Cerakote receiver and barrel finish in either FDE or Patriot Brown, both of which pair with Realtree® Max-7™ or Mossy Oak® Bottomland™ camo furniture, respectively.
All four shotguns boast standard features that have made the SBE3 series to top choice for hunters who demand maximum performance and dependability with no sacrifice in handling or shooting comfort. Each of the SBE3 A.I. models run on Benelli’s Inertia Driven® system for reliable cycling in the worst conditions and include Benelli’s ComforTech™ 3 stock for all-day shooting ease, plus an upsized bolt handle and bolt release for effortless operation when wearing gloves.
If you thought the Benelli SBE3 series shotguns couldn’t get any better, you’re in for a surprise the moment you pull the trigger on any of the new-for-2025 SBE3 Advanced Impact models. MSRP: $2999 – $3199 depending on model.
For more information on Benelli USA’s full line of premium shotguns and centerfire hunting rifles, visit BenelliUSA.com.
January 2025, Accokeek, MD – Since its introduction, Franchi’s Affinity 3 and Affinity 3.5 semi-auto shotguns have served as steady companions in duck blinds, upland fields, and competitive venues across the country and around the world. For 2025, Franchi proudly unveils the next generation of this sporting arm as the brand’s first all-new semi-auto platform in over a decade.
The new-generation Affinity 3 and 3.5 semi-auto Inertia Driven® shotguns are constructed around a fresh stock design that not only highlights the brand’s Italian artistry DNA but also boosts ergonomics for faster, more positive handling in all shooting conditions. A thinner forend with increased checkering offers a better hold and snappier swings. This concept extends to the grip, where the checkering is distributed higher and farther back on the grip to enhance control.
Aesthetics have not been overlooked in the new stock design. Clean lines flow gracefully from the grip, across the receiver, and into the forend, creating a visual continuity that reflects the shotgun’s exquisite ergonomics and precision construction. This design is also supported by a new trigger guard that subtly blends with the overall profile.
This trigger guard is part of the new-generation Affinity’s functional upgrades. By expanding the guard to a more rectangular profile, Franchi designers created more room for the trigger finger — particularly when wearing gloves. The new Affinity also features an updated magazine cap, and the bolt release button is now oblong (versus circular) with raised edging for more positive manipulation.
Another significant improvement is the addition of a two-piece shell latch. By shifting to a two-piece construction, shooters can load the shotgun faster and with less effort than with a conventional one-piece shell latch design.
Lastly, the new Affinity semi-auto addresses ergonomics with a new adjustable recoil pad system that mitigates perceived recoil by up to 50%. The standard length of pull can be shortened, providing an optimal setup for most body types. This system delivers performance that hunters and competitors have come to expect.
The Affinity 3.5 comes in 12-gauge, 2 3/4-, 3-, and 3 1/2-inch chambering with a 28-inch barrel. Consumers can choose between three finishes: black synthetic/matte blue, Realtree® Max-7™, and Mossy Oak® Bottomland™.
The Affinity 3 is available in 28- and 26-inch barrel lengths chambered in 12-gauge 2 3/4- and 3-inch with three finish options: black synthetic/matte blue, Realtree® Max-7™, and Mossy Oak® Bottomland™. Hunters with a lean toward the traditional can opt for the new Affinity 3 with a 28-inch barrel. MSRP: $1079 – $1379 depending on model.
To learn more about Franchi’s shotguns and bolt-action rifles, visit FranchiUSA.com.
Arnold, Mo., (January 20, 2025) – NEW from Browning Ammunition, Golden Clays™ Performance Target is for the competitive shooter looking for premium shotshell ammunition at an exceptional price point. Available in 12 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge, 16 gauge, and .410 bore, Golden Clays Performance Target utilizes lead shot alloyed with antimony to deliver tight patterns and maximum target-breaking energy. Crush clays like no other with The Best There Is™ in ammunition for clay target shooting. Browning Golden Clays Performance Target features: Alloyed Lead Shot – Reduces deformation, for consistent patterns and hard-hitting performance on clay targets Competition Grade Wad – 4-petal one-piece wad gives uniform velocities and consistent shot release. Browning Golden Clays Performance Target shotshells are now available at an outdoor retailer or dealer near you. Learn more about the full line of Browning Ammunition at www.browningammo.com. |
Christopher Spencer is widely recognized as the Father of the Pump Action Shotgun, a title he rightfully deserves for his groundbreaking contributions to the firearm industry. His innovative designs and revolutionary ideas have left a lasting legacy that continues to shape the world of firearms to this day.
The Spencer 1882 was the first mass-produced pump-action shotgun. and became a big commercial success.
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