Australian Shooter is not only the flagship publication of the SSAA, it is also Australia’s most popular sports shooting magazine. Published monthly, it aims to create a better environment and community understanding of all forms of hunting and the shooting sports. It caters to SSAA members and the general public who may be recreational hunters, competitive or casual target shooters, those who use their firearms professionally or those who enjoy collecting firearms.
Australian Shooter discusses political, legislative and current event news, while our regular and freelance contributor offer hunting opinions and philosophies, outdoor and survival tips, and technical and practical ballistics information to represent the varied experiences of Australia’s recreational shooters and hunters.
The main point of interest for our readers is no doubt our product reviews and feature articles. Each month, our technical writers road-test and review a selection of new firearms, shooting accessories, knives, clothing and much more to help you choose the right product for your chosen activities. The magazine also features several members-only competitions!
Australian Shooter is not only the flagship publication of the SSAA, it is also Australia’s most popular sports shooting magazine. Published monthly, it aims to create a better environment and community understanding of all forms of hunting and the shooting sports. It caters to SSAA members and the general public who may be recreational hunters, competitive or casual target shooters, those who use their firearms professionally or those who enjoy collecting firearms.
Australian Shooter discusses political, legislative and current event news, while our regular and freelance contributor offer hunting opinions and philosophies, outdoor and survival tips, and technical and practical ballistics information to represent the varied experiences of Australia’s recreational shooters and hunters.
The main point of interest for our readers is no doubt our product reviews and feature articles. Each month, our technical writers road-test and review a selection of new firearms, shooting accessories, knives, clothing and much more to help you choose the right product for your chosen activities. The magazine also features several members-only competitions!
August 2021
The cover of our August magazine features the T3x Veil Alpine bolt-action rifle from Tikka with reviewer Chris Redlich admitting he’s “happy Tikka haven’t changed a winning formula which Australian shooters have come to appreciate”. And sticking with firearms we’ve put three new shotguns in the spotlight this month, including the impressive Blaser F3 Vantage model and a couple of the latest straight-pull Adler B220s, the ‘All Weather’ and ‘Pistol Grip’ among five new variants of the brand selling well below $1000. Elsewhere we run the numbers on the Panamax Precision 4-12×40 riflescope from Nikko Stirling, Kalebh Pearson has penned an entertaining and informative article on the iconic Luger pistol and Steve Hurt provides expert insight into a bullet’s ballistic coefficient and examines its relevance (or otherwise) to specific hunting conditions. And with all our regular columns, letters and Top Shots we feel there’s something for everything in this month’s Shooter.
July 2021
We’re all aware why the 2020 Tokyo Olympics never happened so it’s fingers cross the global showpiece can finally go ahead this month. Our athletes have had more than a year to wait but, undeterred, they’re fired up and ready to go as our July cover story focuses on two SSAA members of the Australian shooting squad who’ve been doing what it takes to keep in shape for the Games. Elsewhere this month, Daniel O’Dea has been field testing the CZ 515 Tactical from Winchester Australia, a lever-release bolt action rifle which he says evokes memories of a bygone era. We also run the numbers on the Southern Cross Small Arms TSP X Chassis which has transformed the Lithgow LA101 Crossover rifle and lift the lid on the ongoing ADI powder production and supply riddle. Bring on the Games . . . and go Aussies!
June 2021
The much-anticipated Benelli Lupo bolt-action rifle has been a long time in the making and our June cover story features the first print review of the rifle in the .30-06 Springfield calibre. As our reviewer Con Kapralos admits: “I’ll be the first to say it – the new Benelli Lupo will revolutionise the way modern hunting rifles are designed.” Elsewhere this month, Daniel O’Dea runs the rule on another out-of-the-ordinary rifle in the Rossie 92 lever-action, which he says is a good workhorse option for those looking to enjoy both lever-gun heritage and another legacy of John Moses Browning. Also in review in this issue are Nosler E-Tip projectiles and the new reactive target system by Throom Targets and, with all our regular columns, features and so much more, there’s plenty to keep you active as winter descends.
May 2021
Variety is uppermost in our May edition with a whole host of topics to hold your attention. Firearms in review this month include the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon shotgun in 28 gauge along with the Sauer 404 Classic XT switch-barrel rifle and we travel back in time for a closer look at the Finnish KP-41 sub-machine gun, one of the most successful of its kind during World War Two. In ‘Information Reload’, senior correspondent Rod Pascoe warns against the dangers of believing all you read on internet forums, while Paul Heiser has penned an interesting article focussing on reloading vintage cartridges. We also lift the lid on Bolle Combat shooting glasses and test drive the Lyman Pro-Drive torque wrench. There should be something for every shooter in this month’s edition.
April 2021
New shooters are rightly excited when they apply for then receive the Permit to Acquire their first firearm. But what to buy? In our April magazine, Senior Correspondent Rod Pascoe takes us through the options and what to consider when using your all-important first PTA. Good footwear is something we often overlook when planning a trip to the bush, so Chris Redlich has put the latest LOWA Ranger GTX III boots to the test and says you can’t go past them for the ultimate in comfort and foot support. Firearms in review this month include the custom Tikka T3 in .243 Winchester with Bolly Composite stock built by Precision Defence Industries, as well as shotguns including the Huglu HT-14 Trap and TAC-12 by Sulun Arms. And when it comes to rifle accuracy, Steve Hurt underlines the important of using a rest and the advantages it provides.
March 2021
It’s been a long time coming thanks to the global upheaval that was 2020, but we’ve finally laid our hands on the new Sako S20 rifle. Con Kapralos has written a comprehensive review of a firearm he says has “created a platform with the utmost in user adaptability, accuracy and aesthetics”. Elsewhere this month we take a look at a couple of tasty shotguns, turning the spotlight on the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 1 and the Yildiz Pro Black Grade 4 as well as the latest Whiskey3 riflescope from Sig Sauer. Brad Allen has penned an entertaining piece in celebration of some classic cartridges while Sam Garro warns to “expect the unexpected” when in pursuit of adrenalin-charged game. And with all our regular columns, there’s plenty to keep you entertained in our latest edition.
February 2021
On your Marks – get set to learn from the best! So proclaims the cover of our February magazine as we introduce a brand new shotgun video coaching series from legends of the sport Russell and Lauryn Mark. The husband and wife team will share their expert advice on how to become a better shotgunner and, in the process, take you through the fundamentals of the sport in their easy-to-follow series of videos. Elsewhere this month, in keeping with the shotgun theme John McDougall has road-tested the Battista Rizzini S1000 Sporter which he reckons will satisfy the most fastidious of buyers, while Brad Allen attempts to understand the curse that is recoil. Products in the spotlight this month include the latest 15x66mm binoculars from Steiner, the all-new Wiley X shooting glasses and upgraded DFT 2 Lead Sled from Caldwell.
December 2020
We wrap up what has been a year like no other with a diverse range of articles in our December magazine. Products under review this month include the Yildiz Prostar shotgun and Mossberg MVP Thunder Ranch rifle along with the latest Hawke Endurance binoculars, Powa Beam Meteor S1 Hunter’s Kit and the super-handy ZOLEO Communicator. Douglas Riach has outlined the risk posed to Australian hunters by feral cats while Sam Garro talks us through what it takes to spotlight rabbits on foot. We wrap up our series on favourite rifle-cartridge-scope combinations with one chosen for its all-round attributes by Senior Correspondent Rod Pascoe, and with our usual mix of readers’ letters and regular columnists, there’s something for everyone this month. So it’s a Merry Christmas from everyone at Australian Shooter and here’s to 2021 – the only way is up!