Hunters, and everyday shooters alike, understand the need for precision aiming when shooting shotguns, especially with the tighter patterns and longer distances with current loads. Given the increased popularity of tungsten shot, when a tighter aim is required, many shooters get that with a red dot. But not all shotguns have the ability to mount a red dot. Enter the Burris SpeedBead Vent Rib mount for red dots.
Burris has expanded the SpeedBead family of products to include the SpeedBead Vent Rib mount for shotguns. This mount, compatible with Burris’ FastFire red dots and others, keeps the red dot centered on the shotgun with no play side to side. (Photo credit: Burris Optics)
According to Burris, the Vent Rib Mount allows the shooter to transform the shotgun into a dynamic hunting-ready weapon that allows the shooter to get on target for clays, waterfowl, upland, and turkey targets. The easy-to-install SpeedBead Vent Rib mount goes on lightning-fast without the need for drilling or tapping any holes.
The mount, specifically designed for use with the Burris FastFire series of red dot optics, or any red dot that uses a Docter mounting pattern, has an easy DIY installation. The unique design of the Vent Rib mount makes it self-centering with no play to the sides and comes with assorted rib adapters that allow the mount to be compatible with multiple rib widths.
The SpeedBead Vent Rib mount is constructed from aluminum with a black anodized finish that won’t damage the finish on the shotgun and provides a seamless look. Additionally, according to Burris, the SpeedBead Vent Rib Mount completely captures the vent rib on both sides for maximum clamping power along the full length of the mount. Since the mount can attach anywhere along the vent rib, it can be adjusted forward or rearward to match the perfect location for the shooter’s sightline.
The desired red dot optic attaches to the Vent Rib Mount plate, which in turn gets mounted on the vent rib of the host shotgun. The Vent Rib mount completely captures the vent rib and can be mounted at any location along it. (Photo credit: Burris Optic)
The red dot optic of choice attaches to the Vent Rib mount and then attaches to the shotgun vent rib. It is the perfect addition to any shotgun that did not come from the factory with an optic-compatible receiver and comes with Burris’ unconditional Burris Forever Warranty. The SpeedBead Vent Rib mount is a great solution for shotguns using high-density ammunition as well as shotguns with tight chokes or for hunting turkeys at close range.
The Burris SpeedBead Vent Rib mount is available currently and has an MSRP of $60.
Pistols in 10mm are quickly taking over the market allowing shooters to have a pistol that they can hunt with or have as a backup gun while out in the woods. While most 10mm shooters care about Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) due to the need for a cartridge that expands, there is still a need for 10mm target ammo for practicing with the firearm. This ammo needs to shoot with zero malfunctions and stay consistent in your gun. CCI Blazer is a great option, in brass cased 10mm 180gr Full Metal Jacket (FMJ).
CCI Blazer
CCI Blazer has always been a go-to when it comes to target ammo for pistols. It is trustworthy with a great price tag. It is also surprisingly well stocked throughout stores and online retailers, even in this day and age with the ammo struggle.
Price
A box of 50 rounds of CCI Blazer Brass 10mm Auto Ammo 180gr FMJ is $29.99 at GunMag Warehouse which puts it at less than $0.60 a round. Other retailers are showing $39.99 a box currently.
Specs
Brand: CCI
Caliber: 10mm Auto
Bullet Weight: 180 Grain
Muzzle Velocity: 1200 FPS
Applications: Target
Material: Brass
Round Count: 50
The CCI 10mm Auto has always shown consistent primer seating and bullet seating. The powder ratios have shown consistent with good groupings and no malfunctions.
CCI Blazer 10mm Auto Review
Mostly, I shoot CCI blazer ammo when it comes to 9mm things such as USPSA or 2-Gun matches. I haven’t had one malfunction due to ammo and I’ve been shooting their 9mm 115gr and 124gr 9mm since I started shooting pistol matches, which was about six years ago. I stick to brass-cased rounds, as I just don’t trust aluminum-cased 9mm from anyone.
I’ve been using the CCI Blazer 10mm Auto since I received my Sig Sauer P320-XTen pistol a couple of months ago and have not had one malfunction.
The Groups
Target ammunition is usually used for practicing with your firearm, shooting drills, and shooting close-range USPSA/IDPA matches. This doesn’t mean that you should skimp on ammo quality though. Target ammunition that can group and shoot without malfunction is still needed for these uses.
It was already verified that the CCI Blazer 10mm shoots without malfunction however the grouping wasn’t verified. To verify this I shot a couple of groups at seven yards with my iron-sighted Sig P320-XTen.
These two groups were performed at 7yds with CCI 10mm Auto 180gr ammo and a SIG P320-Xten. The ammo performed without malfunction and groups stayed in the black. This shows that this target-shooting ammo can stay consistent in load and performance.
10mm Drills for the Indoor Range
Other than grouping drills there are also other drills that can be completed in an indoor range inside 25 yds with a single target. As most indoor ranges don’t allow drawing from the holster, these won’t include holster draws. These drills will help you learn recoil management with a 10mm and just get some reps in with your firearm.
Bill Drill
This one is simple but can show a lot of issues, such as time management problems and trigger freeze. This drill can be done with or without a holster. The goal is to keep all six rounds within the A box of the target under time.
To start, place your target at seven yards and start with the pistol on tape/bench ready. You can move the target in close such as three yards if this is your first bill drill and you haven’t placed all six rounds inside of the A box.
On the beep, fire six rounds at the target under time. The trick is to go fast, with well-placed shots.
Obviously, the recoil with 10mm makes this a little spicier.
Dot Torture
This drill is often used to warm up before other drills. The specific target for this drill has multiple dots, each instructing you to shoot the dot a certain way. For example, shoot five shots weak hand, or fire one round on this dot and another round on the second dot in one iteration. Doing this with your 10mm gun will really show where your weak points are when dealing with a larger cartridge.
The Dot Torture Target can be downloaded on pistol-training.com or purchased on cardstock in a multitude of places. Just give it a quick google search.
Doubles Drill
The Doubles Drill by Ben Stoeger has you shooting two rapid-fire shots just as you would in a USPSA match. It can be done with one target at an indoor range with no holster draws.
Other CCI Ammo Options
CCI is known for its primers and its ammunition. In the reloading game, CCI primers are slowly coming back to the shelf in pistol, shotgun, and small/large rifle. .22LR is another popular CCI product that comes in many different options. Blazer ammunition specifically is offered in many different calibers and grain weights.
9MM
380 Auto
357 Magnum
38 Special
40 Smith and Wesson
32 Auto
10mm Auto
30 Super Carry
45 Colt
44 Special
Case Type and Reloaded Ammunition
When it comes to pistol ammo, even if you do not choose CCI Blazer Ammo, it is best to stick with brass case ammunition that is not reloaded. Many people are selling reloaded handgun ammunition online and it is just not worth the risk as many things can still go wrong. Bullets might not be properly seated, too much powder could be dropped into the case, there could be worn primer pockets or the primer might not be fully seated. As far as the case material, brass is just more durable and gives fewer issues across the board. Is a broken gun or injury worth it for $.05 savings per round?
Burris Optics, a leader in the manufacturing hunting optics, has taken its considerable knowledge and developed the Veracity PH 4-20x50mm scope, the latest in the Veracity family of scopes. The Veracity PH is reportedly packed with cutting-edge features perfect for varmint hunters.
Burris upgraded the Veracity family of hunting scopes to include the Veracity PH 4-20x50mm scope. The scope incorporates Burris’ PEK and HUD systems to give the shooter a cutting-edge advantage. (Photo credit: Burris)
The Veracity PH has the PEK system (Programable Elevation Knob) and built-in Heads-Up Display (HUD). The scope also features Bluetooth connectivity for uploading data to Burris’ mobile app, and premium optical clarity. These features make the Veracity PH optic the most precise hunting optic from Burris, according to the company.
Burris used its many years of research and development to give the shooter easy, efficient, and precise shot placement The PEK system, with the HUD, is the center of the Veracity PH optic, showing exact dialed distance, wind hold, rifle cant, and battery level. It is user-configurable and works hand in hand with the recently released BurrisConnet App. The app allows the user to set up custom ballistic profiles to track all the details for the shooter. Burris notes that Wifi or cell service is not needed to use the app, with the system only relying on Bluetooth between the scope and the app.
Burris also released a companion app, BurrisConnect, that connects to the scope via Bluetooth for the user to track vital data. The app allows for custom ballistic profiles for bullet weights, rifles, and shooting locations. It can be easily updated on the go. (Photo credit: Burris)
The Veracity PH has a 5x zoom system and high-performance glass for exceptional brightness and clarity from close-up to far away. The scope also has a Wind MOA FFP reticle with a front focal plane design, adding to the unit’s accuracy. Additionally, the unit has a side focus/parallax adjustment. So, the target image matches the reticle focal magnification, from 50 yards to infinity, eliminating parallax error on extended-range shots.
The Veracity PH has Progressively Thick Crosshairs (PTC) that are fine in the center and get progressively thicker the further away from the center. This allows the shooter ultra-fast target engagement in low light at close ranges. The scope has a double internal spring-tension system that keeps the scope zeroed through shock, recoil, and vibrations. Not only that, but the scope body is a solid, one-piece design that will hold up against the heaviest recoiling caliber rifles. Additionally, the body of the scope is Nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging in cold or rainy conditions.
The Burris Optics Veracity PH 4-20x50mm scope is said to maximize every hunter’s potential for success in the field. It is covered by Burris’ Forever Warranty. The Veracity PH scope has an MSRP of $1,200 and is available now.
High Speed Gear has given its popular TACO line of pouches an upgrade with the Polymer HSGI TACO V2 line has a revamped design with fresh features and is available in rifle and pistol sizes.
High Speed Gear (HSGI) has upgraded its popular line of TACO pouches with the V2 versions. Noticeably, the updated shock-cord lacing system allows for easier customization of the pouches. (Photo credit: HSGI)
The Polymer TACO V2 was made with guidance from military personnel and law enforcement officers, along with other end-users. Taking the company slogan of “Battle Proven Tactical Gear,” HSG overhauled and modernized the design. Part of the upgrade to the design is the updated shock-cord lacing system that allows for easier customization and even allows for stacking multiple magazines.
“The Polymer TACO V2 has been one of our most tested products to date,” said Allison Mitchum, Director of sales and marketing at High Speed Gear. “It has been tested by some of our local US Marines, as well as police officers who require the highest standard of product. High Speed Gear takes great pride as well as great care in everything we bring to market, and we are very proud of the newest Polymer TACO V2 line up.”
The Polymer TACO V2 pouch has a flared opening with a waterproof, non-absorbent polymer for durability and ease of use. Its modular attachment points on the front and the back, allow other Polymer TACO pouches to be added as needed. The pouches mount to MOLLE or belts up to two inches wide with the HSGI Universal clips. Their universal mounting hole configuration works with most mounting hardware pieces.
Like the rifle pouch, the Pistol model of the TACO V2 is stackable. It has a universal mounting hole configuration that will work with most mounting hardware. (Photo credit: HSGI)
The rifle TACO V2 features opposite interior magazine catch channels that enable smooth insertion of either left- or right-facing AR-style magazines. The Pistol model fits a large range of pistol magazines including most single or double-stack in addition to other things like flashlights, OC spray, or multitools.
The new pouches are available in Black, Coyote Brown, or OD Green. The Rifle model pouch has an MSRP of $40, while the Pistol model has an MSRP of $33. Both are available now.
The 5.7x28mm cartridge was designed for optimized use through PDWs and handguns, and as a direct competitor with the 9mm. It’s a cartridge made to perform in dynamic situations and one often run suppressed, so it comes as no surprise Fiocchi offers Range Dynamics Subsonic in 5.7x28mm. This load is fantastic for training use whether your gun is suppressed or not. If you’re serious about self-defense training with your 5.7x28mm, this is a load worth a closer look.
Fiocchi Range Dynamics Subsonic 5.7x28mm 62-grain FMJ is ideal for use with suppressors. (Photo credit: Fiocchi)
According to Fiocchi, Range Dynamics Subsonic 5.7x28mm 62-grain FMJ is ideal for either high-volume suppressed shooting or simply training unsuppressed at the range. As full metal jacket rounds this ammunition is specifically meant for training purposes, and because it’s subsonic, it’s meant to reduce decibel levels, too. And if you’re shooting for fun at paper or steel targets, this ammunition is great for that as well.
This ammunition is excellent for shooting with a suppressor but also works well unsuppressed. (Photo credit: Buffman via YouTube)
If you’re using your 5.7x28mm for defensive purposes, whether home defense or self-defense out and about, you should spend time training. Honing your handgun and/or PDW skills is a must when you could end up relying on those skills to save your life or the life of a loved one. Utilizing ammunition like Fiocchi Range Dynamics Subsonic 5.7x28mm 62-grain FMJ for skill-related trigger time is a good idea because it both makes it more affordable and, if you have a suppressor, means it’s quieter. Protecting your hearing should always be a top priority.
For comparison’s sake, consider these subsonic 62-grain rounds alongside Fiocchi’s 35-grain and 40-grain defensive loads for the same cartridge. From their weight alone it’s clear this ammo was made to perform as expected in a subsonic capacity. And since it’s designed by Fiocchi, you know what to expect.
Features include:
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullets are meant for training applications and do not expand on impact.
New brass cases, meaning they’re reloadable.
Boxer primers.
Clean-burning powders to reduce fouling during live fire.
MSRP for Fiocchi Range Dynamics Subsonic 5.7x28mm 62-grain FMJ is not known. However, it is available through dealers for $54.95 for a 50-round box.
Pistol caliber carbine fans have gotten quite the blow in the last few weeks, thanks to the ATF ruling regarding pistol braces. One of the many firearms affected by the ATF rule is the CMMG Banshee, one of the more popular options in the PCC realm. Not to take the abrupt change laying down, CMMG has pivoted and offered up Delayed Blowback Rifle Conversions kits in pistol carbine cartridges of .45, 9mm, and 5.7x28mm.
While the Banshee is still available to purchase with a pistol brace, it does require the necessary paperwork to acquire it. At the heart of the Banshee, is the short barrel rifle that gives the maximum portability and concealment in a small package. Constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum receivers, M-LOK free-floating handguards, and a myriad of Cerakote finishes, it isn’t hard to see why the Banshee is so popular.
On the heels of the latest ATF rulings regarding pistol braces, CMMG has expanded its offerings to include a Radial Blowback Rifle Conversion Kit in three calibers. These kits take the PCC Banshee and make it a legal rifle with a 16.1″ replacement barrel and RipStock buttstock. These kits are available in six colors and include the barrel, barrel nut, handguard, and Ripstock. (Photo credit: CMMG)
But given the current state of the rulings, many current owners are looking to convert their PCC to a rifle, and out of the SBR range. Enter the Delayed Blowback Rifle conversion kits that take the Banshee from PCC to a rifle. The conversion kit does as advertised: it can take the 5.7x28mm, .45 ACP, or 9mm Banshee and make it a rifle, letting the owner skip all that paperwork.
The Delayed Blowback conversion kit includes a 16.1” barrel, barrel nut, CMMG 15” EML handguard along with a RipStock to round out the rifle. The barrel length along with the Ripstock are the key components that take the Banshee to the rifle length required by law, helping skip the registering process for an SBR and the months-long wait for that Form 1 paperwork to come back. As a side note the longer barrel fits with the Radial Blowback bolt carrier group, negating the need to swap out the BCG.
Available in six Cerakote colors, the Delayed Blowback Rifle Conversion kit matches colorwise to existing Banshee models and comes with the CMMG’s Lifetime Quality Guarantee. Cerakote color options include Armor Black, Charcoal Green, Coyote Tan, Midnight Bronze, Sniper Grey, or Titanium. The conversion kits are available in .45ACP, 9mm, and 5.7x28mm and each has an MSRP of $474.95.
Burris Optics, a leader in the manufacturing hunting optics, has taken its considerable knowledge and developed the Veracity PH 4-20x50mm scope, the latest in the Veracity family of scopes. The Veracity PH is reportedly packed with cutting-edge features perfect for varmint hunters.
Burris upgraded the Veracity family of hunting scopes to include the Veracity PH 4-20x50mm scope. The scope incorporates Burris’ PEK and HUD systems to give the shooter a cutting-edge advantage. (Photo credit: Burris)
The Veracity PH has the PEK system (Programable Elevation Knob) and built-in Heads-Up Display (HUD). The scope also features Bluetooth connectivity for uploading data to Burris’ mobile app, and premium optical clarity. These features make the Veracity PH optic the most precise hunting optic from Burris, according to the company.
Burris used its many years of research and development to give the shooter easy, efficient, and precise shot placement The PEK system, with the HUD, is the center of the Veracity PH optic, showing exact dialed distance, wind hold, rifle cant, and battery level. It is user-configurable and works hand in hand with the recently released BurrisConnet App. The app allows the user to set up custom ballistic profiles to track all the details for the shooter. Burris notes that Wifi or cell service is not needed to use the app, with the system only relying on Bluetooth between the scope and the app.
Burris also released a companion app, BurrisConnect, that connects to the scope via Bluetooth for the user to track vital data. The app allows for custom ballistic profiles for bullet weights, rifles, and shooting locations. It can be easily updated on the go. (Photo credit: Burris)
The Veracity PH has a 5x zoom system and high-performance glass for exceptional brightness and clarity from close-up to far away. The scope also has a Wind MOA FFP reticle with a front focal plane design, adding to the unit’s accuracy. Additionally, the unit has a side focus/parallax adjustment. So, the target image matches the reticle focal magnification, from 50 yards to infinity, eliminating parallax error on extended-range shots.
The Veracity PH has Progressively Thick Crosshairs (PTC) that are fine in the center and get progressively thicker the further away from the center. This allows the shooter ultra-fast target engagement in low light at close ranges. The scope has a double internal spring-tension system that keeps the scope zeroed through shock, recoil, and vibrations. Not only that, but the scope body is a solid, one-piece design that will hold up against the heaviest recoiling caliber rifles. Additionally, the body of the scope is Nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging in cold or rainy conditions.
The Burris Optics Veracity PH 4-20x50mm scope is said to maximize every hunter’s potential for success in the field. It is covered by Burris’ Forever Warranty. The Veracity PH scope has an MSRP of $1,200 and is available now.
High Speed Gear has given its popular TACO line of pouches an upgrade with the Polymer HSGI TACO V2 line has a revamped design with fresh features and is available in rifle and pistol sizes.
High Speed Gear (HSGI) has upgraded its popular line of TACO pouches with the V2 versions. Noticeably, the updated shock-cord lacing system allows for easier customization of the pouches. (Photo credit: HSGI)
The Polymer TACO V2 was made with guidance from military personnel and law enforcement officers, along with other end-users. Taking the company slogan of “Battle Proven Tactical Gear,” HSG overhauled and modernized the design. Part of the upgrade to the design is the updated shock-cord lacing system that allows for easier customization and even allows for stacking multiple magazines.
“The Polymer TACO V2 has been one of our most tested products to date,” said Allison Mitchum, Director of sales and marketing at High Speed Gear. “It has been tested by some of our local US Marines, as well as police officers who require the highest standard of product. High Speed Gear takes great pride as well as great care in everything we bring to market, and we are very proud of the newest Polymer TACO V2 line up.”
The Polymer TACO V2 pouch has a flared opening with a waterproof, non-absorbent polymer for durability and ease of use. Its modular attachment points on the front and the back, allow other Polymer TACO pouches to be added as needed. The pouches mount to MOLLE or belts up to two inches wide with the HSGI Universal clips. Their universal mounting hole configuration works with most mounting hardware pieces.
Like the rifle pouch, the Pistol model of the TACO V2 is stackable. It has a universal mounting hole configuration that will work with most mounting hardware. (Photo credit: HSGI)
The rifle TACO V2 features opposite interior magazine catch channels that enable smooth insertion of either left- or right-facing AR-style magazines. The Pistol model fits a large range of pistol magazines including most single or double-stack in addition to other things like flashlights, OC spray, or multitools.
The new pouches are available in Black, Coyote Brown, or OD Green. The Rifle model pouch has an MSRP of $40, while the Pistol model has an MSRP of $33. Both are available now.
The 5.7x28mm cartridge was designed for optimized use through PDWs and handguns, and as a direct competitor with the 9mm. It’s a cartridge made to perform in dynamic situations and one often run suppressed, so it comes as no surprise Fiocchi offers Range Dynamics Subsonic in 5.7x28mm. This load is fantastic for training use whether your gun is suppressed or not. If you’re serious about self-defense training with your 5.7x28mm, this is a load worth a closer look.
Fiocchi Range Dynamics Subsonic 5.7x28mm 62-grain FMJ is ideal for use with suppressors. (Photo credit: Fiocchi)
According to Fiocchi, Range Dynamics Subsonic 5.7x28mm 62-grain FMJ is ideal for either high-volume suppressed shooting or simply training unsuppressed at the range. As full metal jacket rounds this ammunition is specifically meant for training purposes, and because it’s subsonic, it’s meant to reduce decibel levels, too. And if you’re shooting for fun at paper or steel targets, this ammunition is great for that as well.
This ammunition is excellent for shooting with a suppressor but also works well unsuppressed. (Photo credit: Buffman via YouTube)
If you’re using your 5.7x28mm for defensive purposes, whether home defense or self-defense out and about, you should spend time training. Honing your handgun and/or PDW skills is a must when you could end up relying on those skills to save your life or the life of a loved one. Utilizing ammunition like Fiocchi Range Dynamics Subsonic 5.7x28mm 62-grain FMJ for skill-related trigger time is a good idea because it both makes it more affordable and, if you have a suppressor, means it’s quieter. Protecting your hearing should always be a top priority.
For comparison’s sake, consider these subsonic 62-grain rounds alongside Fiocchi’s 35-grain and 40-grain defensive loads for the same cartridge. From their weight alone it’s clear this ammo was made to perform as expected in a subsonic capacity. And since it’s designed by Fiocchi, you know what to expect.
Features include:
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) bullets are meant for training applications and do not expand on impact.
New brass cases, meaning they’re reloadable.
Boxer primers.
Clean-burning powders to reduce fouling during live fire.
MSRP for Fiocchi Range Dynamics Subsonic 5.7x28mm 62-grain FMJ is not known. However, it is available through dealers for $54.95 for a 50-round box.
Pistol caliber carbine fans have gotten quite the blow in the last few weeks, thanks to the ATF ruling regarding pistol braces. One of the many firearms affected by the ATF rule is the CMMG Banshee, one of the more popular options in the PCC realm. Not to take the abrupt change laying down, CMMG has pivoted and offered up Delayed Blowback Rifle Conversions kits in pistol carbine cartridges of .45, 9mm, and 5.7x28mm.
While the Banshee is still available to purchase with a pistol brace, it does require the necessary paperwork to acquire it. At the heart of the Banshee, is the short barrel rifle that gives the maximum portability and concealment in a small package. Constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum receivers, M-LOK free-floating handguards, and a myriad of Cerakote finishes, it isn’t hard to see why the Banshee is so popular.
On the heels of the latest ATF rulings regarding pistol braces, CMMG has expanded its offerings to include a Radial Blowback Rifle Conversion Kit in three calibers. These kits take the PCC Banshee and make it a legal rifle with a 16.1″ replacement barrel and RipStock buttstock. These kits are available in six colors and include the barrel, barrel nut, handguard, and Ripstock. (Photo credit: CMMG)
But given the current state of the rulings, many current owners are looking to convert their PCC to a rifle, and out of the SBR range. Enter the Delayed Blowback Rifle conversion kits that take the Banshee from PCC to a rifle. The conversion kit does as advertised: it can take the 5.7x28mm, .45 ACP, or 9mm Banshee and make it a rifle, letting the owner skip all that paperwork.
The Delayed Blowback conversion kit includes a 16.1” barrel, barrel nut, CMMG 15” EML handguard along with a RipStock to round out the rifle. The barrel length along with the Ripstock are the key components that take the Banshee to the rifle length required by law, helping skip the registering process for an SBR and the months-long wait for that Form 1 paperwork to come back. As a side note the longer barrel fits with the Radial Blowback bolt carrier group, negating the need to swap out the BCG.
Available in six Cerakote colors, the Delayed Blowback Rifle Conversion kit matches colorwise to existing Banshee models and comes with the CMMG’s Lifetime Quality Guarantee. Cerakote color options include Armor Black, Charcoal Green, Coyote Tan, Midnight Bronze, Sniper Grey, or Titanium. The conversion kits are available in .45ACP, 9mm, and 5.7x28mm and each has an MSRP of $474.95.
