On the cover is NRA America’s Rifle Challenge, a unique AR-based competition shooting program designed as a way for “everyday responsible rifle owners” to go beyond typical target practice. There are millions of gun owners who have purchased ARs over the past few years, and this program will help them sharpen their skills on this versatile rifle platform. Featuring two levels of competition, NRA America’s Rifle Challenge can accommodate everyone from AR novices to seasoned competitors. Even better, the NRA Competitive Shooting Division recently announced that there will be an optional Two-Gun component in the NRA America’s Rifle Challenge program that adds handgun shooting to the courses of fire. Not only that, pistol-caliber carbines chambered in 9 mm Luger, .40 S&W or .45 ACP are permitted in all NRA ARC Level 1 matches and special Level 2 and Two-Gun events. Learn more about this fun introduction to action-shooting sports, along with details about the first NRA America’s Rifle Challenge match coming to Camp Atterbury, Indiana, in April.
In Product Focus, Field Editor Art Merrill reviews the Tandemkross Spitfire barrel for Ruger 10/22 rimfire rifles. Made for speed-based competition like Steel Challenge, the Spitfire is an easy-to-install featherweight bull barrel that will help you trim some of the heft from your rimfire rifle. The Spitfire also has an optional suppressor and, when combined, the Spitfire and suppressor assembly weighs less than one pound. Read Merrill’s evaluation of the Tandemkross Spitfire in this month’s Product Focus.
The new guns, ammo and gear on display at SHOT Show 2025 serve as a reminder that there’s always something exciting on the horizon. This year’s SHOT Show served up slick new firearms, electrifying ammunition options, innovative optics and a bounty of other products. Like always, we have our post-SHOT Show roundup with some impressive showstoppers from the firearms industry that we can’t wait to show you. Read our SHOT Show 2025 new product showcase.
A favorite among competition revolver shooters, the .38 Special cartridge has a long history going back to the blackpowder days. Field Editor Chris Christian argues that depending on the application, the .38 Special is not quite as “special” as it used to be. Be sure to read his article about .38 Special for NRA Action Pistol, IDPA, USPSA, Steel Challenge and ICORE competition.
Warbird Intrepid RC electronic earmuffs feature digital sound compression, omnidirectional microphones, high-definition speakers, a rechargeable internal battery and an audio jack. The latter takes the place of Bluetooth for playing music. With a slim design and lightweight composite housing, they are also comfortable to wear during extended range sessions. Don’t miss my review of Warbird Intrepid RC earmuffs.
John Parker
Editor-in-Chief, Shooting Sports USA
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