The .220 Swift cartridge presents a dilemma for shooters. Short, light bullets offer maximum velocity—possibly at the expense of barrel life—and flatter trajectory. Heavier, more aerodynamic projectiles at slower speeds are gentler on barrels and more resistant to wind deflection. Having used bullets from 40 to 70 grs. in a variety of rifles, I suggest the flat-base, 55-gr. Speer TNT hollow point for rodents and small predators at longer distances. Propelled to 3828 f.p.s., the superbly accurate and fragile projectile drops only 6.7" at 350 yds. and 19.8" at 450 yds. with a 250-yd. zero.
Our official coverage of new products for the current year is set for next month, but we included two substantial new developments in this issue that have the potential to make significant ripples in the firearm business even before then.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed into law requiring public and open enrollment public charter schools to provide age-appropriate firearm safety instruction beginning during the 2025-2026 school year.
Alexandria Pro-Fab, a contract machine shop based in Minnesota, announced that it has purchased the assets of Adams Arms, along with all of the company’s intellectual property, and it plans to relaunch the company in the second quarter of 2025.
The Herstal, Belgium, firm of Anciens Etablissements Pieper was apparently expecting big things when, in 1908, it named its new semi-automatic pocket pistol “Bayard.”
This latest update to Benelli’s pump-action shotgun gives users a few upgrades over previous generations, making the new NOVA 3 the most exciting pump-gun yet to come from the Italian maker.