Saturday Shootaround

Welcome to Saturday Shootaround, your home for all 2A and shooting news. This weeks verse comes to us from the pen of Walt Whitman. The poem Beat! Beat! Drums! was written as a patriotic rallying call for the North. Whitman was a volunteer nurse during the War Between the States.

Beat! beat! drums!—blow! bugles! blow! Through the windows—through doors—burst like a ruthless force, Into the solemn church, and scatter the congregation, Into the school where the scholar is studying, Leave not the bridegroom quiet—no happiness must he have now with his bride, Nor the peaceful farmer any peace, ploughing his field or gathering his grain, So fierce you whirr and pound you drums—so shrill you bugles blow.

Beat! beat! drums!—blow! bugles! blow! Over the traffic of cities—over the rumble of wheels in the streets; Are beds prepared for sleepers at night in the houses? no sleepers must sleep in those beds, No bargainers’ bargains by day—no brokers or speculators—would they continue? Would the talkers be talking? would the singer attempt to sing? Would the lawyer rise in the court to state his case before the judge? Then rattle quicker, heavier drums—you bugles wilder blow.

Beat! beat! drums!—blow! bugles! blow! Make no parley—stop for no expostulation, Mind not the timid—mind not the weeper or prayer, Mind not the old man beseeching the young man, Let not the child’s voice be heard, nor the mother’s entreaties, Make even the trestles to shake the dead where they lie awaiting the hearses, So strong you thump O terrible drums—so loud you bugles blow.

The Palmetto State has become the 29th state to enact permitless carry. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster signed the bill on Thursday afternoon. The new law enables individuals 18 and older who are legally allowed to own firearms to carry them, openly or concealed, without requiring training or registration for a permit. The law leaves some restricted locations in place though. All in all, it’s a step in the right direction.

Your editor experimented with carrying a little Beretta TomCat for a bit a while back. He concluded it wasn’t a good idea and got himself a Glock 43X instead. This might have changed his mind: Federal has announced a new .32 ACP load. The new load pushes a 68-grain Hydra-Shok Deep jacketed hollow point bullet at 1,000 fps from the muzzle, with velocity staying above 900 fps out past 50 yards.

This is what Federal has to say about the new offering:

Federal Premium® Hydra-Shok® has proven itself for self-defense since 1989. Hydra-Shok Deep™ builds off the time-tested platform with design improvements that better meet modern performance measurements. The bullet features a more robust center post and a core design that penetrate to optimal depths through the barriers most commonly encountered in self-defense situations.

Hits optimum penetration depths through barriers encountered in self-defense situation

Iconic center post design has been improved for better, more consistent expansion

Specially formulated propellant

Extremely reliable primer

Caliber-tuned Hydra-Shok Deep bullet design maximizes the performance of the 32 Auto cartridge

On second thought, probably not. The combination of pocket carry and the shape of the trigger guard on the TomCat was an ND waiting to happen . . .

Republican lawmakers in Missouri have introduced a bill that would require firearms acquired via any gun buy-back to be put up for auction for $1 twice before they can be destroyed. Of course those on the wrong side are up in arms (see what I did there?) about the bill.

“Every day, we sit here and talk about gun violence, and we beg for hearings on bills to address gun violence,” said State Rep. Peter Merideth, D-St. Louis. “And instead, we’re talking about a bill to protect the guns, because guns are getting destroyed, and how can we handle that? I’m sorry. . .”

“The reality is, it’s more about surplus property,” bill sponsor Rep. Tony Lovasco told the committee members. “We don’t normally destroy perfectly good working equipment that the state has no use for just out of spite – but with firearms, for whatever reason, we do exactly that on a regular basis.”

On a related note, a few years ago, this editor took a random collection of unserviceable AK parts, assembled into a gun shaped object to a buyback. I got a $250 gift card and a new Ipad for it. I was saddened however to see a Singer 1911 and Winchester M-1 Garand in the pile of guns collected there. I’d have offered good money for those if I’d caught the person outside the event.

Weatherby has introduced a new line of auto-loading shotguns. The inertia Sorix is available in 12 ga 3 and 3 1/2″ chambers and 20 ga 3″. These shottys are built in Italy and finished at Weatherby’s Sheridan WY plant. All three offerings come with 28″ crio-choke compatible barrels.

Here’s what Weatherby has to say about them:

The SORIX embodies reliability and performance. Its oversized safety, charging handle, and slammer button ensure easy operation even in the most demanding situations.

The stepped rib, paired with a LPA fiber optic, provides unparalleled accuracy and swift target acquisition, giving you the edge when it matters most. The receiver is drilled and tapped (8-40 holes) to accept mounts making it an optics-ready shotgun right out of the box.

Adjustable stock shims are included so shooters can adjust cast and fitment. The SORIX was designed with our Shift System, an inertia-operated system that uniquely supports left-handed shooters. With a simple swap of the charging handle and safety, left-handed users can enjoy the same seamless operation and ergonomic design as right-handers.

Constructed with durability and performance in mind, the SORIX is a testament to innovation and attention to detail. The receiver and barrel are coated with Cerakote to help resist the toughest elements. The stock has textured touch points for a non-slip grip and a soft cheekpiece for comfort while shooting. All SORIX models are crafted in Italy, but our unique hand-painted brush patterns are finished in Sheridan, WY.

The SORIX will utilize the popular Crio Plus choke system and comes with 5 chokes, choke wrench, and a convenient choke tube carrying case (chokes included: cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified, full).

The Sorix comes in three hand finished camo patterns – pictured above – and has an MSRP of $1499.

Gun Porn

This week’s gun porn is a collectors set from Smith & Wesson. The set consists of an M-1954 lever rifle and a Model 29 revolver. Both are serial #1 of 100, chambered in .44 Rem Mag and highly engraved. Part of the proceeds go to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Here’s what S&W has to say about the set:

Be part of history, commemorating the company’s first ever lever action rifle with this first of a first of its kind limited set.

Founded in 1852, Smith & Wesson has been synonymous with precision engineering, timeless design, and a commitment to quality that stands the test of time. Our firearms have not merely been instruments of sport or tools for protection; they have become heirlooms, passed down through generations, each bearing witness to the unfolding tapestry of history.

As we embark on the journey of our 172nd year, it is with immense pride and pleasure that we introduce a new chapter in the legacy of Smith & Wesson. Our commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and an unyielding passion for firearms has sustained us throughout our history, and today, we are thrilled to share with you a piece that encapsulates the essence of our brand—the Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Limited Engraved Edition.

The lever-action rifle, an icon in its own right, holds a special place in the hearts of firearm enthusiasts worldwide. Since its inception, the distinctive lever-action mechanism has been a symbol of reliability and versatility. Today, as we unveil our latest creation—the Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Series—we pay homage to this enduring design while seamlessly blending it with modern engineering, offering you a firearm that is as much a work of art as it is a formidable tool. These magnificent firearms boast exquisite engraving, stunning gold inlay, and high-grade walnut furniture, making them truly remarkable pieces of artistry and craftsmanship.

Owning this exclusive piece is not just about possessing a finely crafted firearm; it is about becoming part of a legacy that spans generations. The Model 1854 Lever-Action Rifle is not merely a firearm; it is a connection to our storied past and a bridge to the future. It symbolizes the culmination of 172 years of expertise, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

In addition to the Model 1854, we are proud to present the equally iconic Smith & Wesson Model 29 Classic Revolver as part of this limited-edition set. The Model 29, renowned for its association with law enforcement and Hollywood, stands as a symbol of power and precision. With its distinctive design and engraving, this revolver mirrors the rich heritage of our brand, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this exclusive pairing.

This limited-edition release, with only 100 units being made, is a testament to our dedication to providing our customers with nothing short of the extraordinary. Enclosed within the well-designed exterior is not just a firearm, but a piece of history that you can hold in your hands. This is your chance to own ONE. We are auctioning off the first set in this series: #001 of 100 in support of our partners Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Safari Club International.

We are proud to partner with such esteemed conservation organizations, with a portion of the proceeds of the auction being contributed to their efforts and vital initiatives.