We reflect on how far the firearms community has come since the formation of the SSAA in 1948 and look towards the future of our chosen recreations. SSAA National also launches its new department, SSAA Legislative Action (SSAA-LA), and identifies incorrect handgun seizure claims by Customs. In new product news, Con Kapralos examines the APRS Light Hunter rifle, Byron Pace reviews Bergara’s B14 Sporter rifle and Paul Miller tests Blaser’s F3 Super Sport Luxus shotgun. We also assess Lyman’s Borecam Digital Borescope, Leica’s Geovid HD-B binoculars and Burris Fullfield E1 scopes. Thomas Tabor tours the Savage Arms factory in Massachusetts, and Winchester Australia’s Range Day goes off with a bang in Victoria. Ben Smith reminisces about being the new kid on the water hunting ducks, and Assistant Editor Dave Rose takes a look at some wildlife management activities by SSAA Farmer Assist volunteers in WA and Queensland.

Media Officer Kate Fantinel examines former Prime Minister John Howard’s recent ABC interview and calls out the selective statistics and blatant ignorance shown towards shooters and hunters. Dave Rose reports on the FeralCatScan app, which Threatened Species Commissioner Gregory Andrews says will help hunters in the battle against feral cats, and Australia looks to new markets as California continues its ban against the sale and importation of kangaroo products. Roger Wimble targets wild dogs, while John Dunn, after hunting a banteng bull on the Coburg Peninsula, heads to Arnhem Land for buffalo. Sarah Jane Jacob introduces us to the women of Single Action shooting’s Chisholm Trail event, and our team of reviewers assess the Savage B-Mag Target SVT .17WSM rifle, Walther Rotex RM8 PCP air rifle, Miroku Mk38 Sporter and Trap shotguns, Optisan OH Pro-PC 8×42 binoculars and Nitecore LED lights.

We launch our Gold Membership video campaign, detailing the benefits of SSAA membership and firearms insurance. Media Officer Kate Fantinel examines several reports about the criminal use of firearms, including debunking the Greens’ lies that licensed firearms are the main black market source, the worrying increase in criminals using the ‘dark net’ to source illegal firearms, and the links between Queensland crime syndicates and illicit drugs and firearms. John Dunn reviews Pedersoli’s 1887/71 Guide Master lever-action rifle, Don Caswell tests Weihrauch’s HW 66 Production rifle, Tony Xanthopoulos assesses Alfa-Proj’s 361 revolver and Beretta Australia launches its Black Edition shotgun range. We also review Leupold’s VX-2 3-9×50 CDS scope, Remington’s detachable magazine conversion kit and Walther’s Pro Gun Care products. Rod Pascoe investigates alternative firearm storage options, Joan Renton-Spencer provides all the highlights from the 2015 Adelaide Knife Show and Australia farewells conservationist Harry Butler.

We report on the latest developments on the NFA review and November’s Law, Crime and Community Safety Council meeting, including Justice Minister Keenan’s commonsense comments on the distinction between registered and unregistered firearms. Senator Bridget McKenzie educates journalists with a day out on the shotgun range, while Rod Pascoe looks at the state and territory laws surrounding travelling with firearms. Don Caswell reviews the Weatherby Vanguard S2 Blued Synthetic rifle, Paul Miller tests Miroku’s Mk 70 Special Sport shotgun and Thomas Tabor checks out a WJ Jeffery .333 double rifle owned by country and western singer Hank Williams Jr. We also examine the Dogg Catcher remote predator caller, KTI Safety Alert SA2G personal locator beacon and knives by Kevin Slattery of KevsForge. Brad Allen goes on an unforgettable hunt for red deer and John Rutkay discusses what makes a good long-range scope.

Kate Fantinel examines three court cases involving the illicit use of firearms where the sentencing was surprising light, while Assistant Editor Dave Rose puts the spotlight on a fantastic SSAA venture aimed at helping service personnel with post-traumatic stress disorder via outdoor support therapy. Rod Pascoe takes a look at the history and future of clay target manufacturing and use, and John McDougall reviews the Bettinsoli X-Trail Camo over-and-under shotgun. Also up for review is the Steyr Mannlicher Pro Hunter Stainless rifle, the Axarquia knife from J&V Adventure Knives, and two X-Sight night-vision sights from ATN. Matthew Fox and his dad head to Queensland in search of trophy red deer, Craig Jensen introduces a ‘newbie’ mate to pig and goat hunting, and Royce Wilson researches the Swedish Mauser M96 and M38 military surplus rifles.

Media Officer Kate Fantinel provides an update on the activities of SSAA National, including meetings with the Justice Minister, submissions about the National Firearms Agreement, investigations into misinformed Greens claims, and making it clear that the Adler lever-action shotgun should not be a scapegoat for so-called public safety. RSCPA WA is also accused of abusing its power. Our reviewers check out the Ruger Gunsite Scout rifle, Browning A-Bolt 3 Composite Stalker rifle, Beretta A400 Xplor Action self-loading shotgun, Bushnell Elite Long Range Hunter Scope and Eley Hawk competition shotshells. Ted Mitchell and his son head west to hunt pigs around dams, while Carlo Agostinelli surprises himself and his taxidermist with an impressive trophy stag. We also report on the success of the first ever Brisbane SSAA SHOT Expo, and visit the Queensland shooting range providing a habitat haven for koalas.

SSAA National, State and Territory representatives meet to discuss issues affecting firearm owners in their area, and we respond to the Cecil the lion incident and explain the difference between sustainable ethical hunting and illegal hunting activities. Senior correspondent John Dunn reviews Sabatti’s Compact Scout .243 Win hunting rifle, while John McDougall tests the Yildiz SPZM Special over-and-under shotgun and James Cheung examines Aimpoint dot sights. We also review the Burris Eliminator III Ballistic LaserScope, Vortex Viper HD binoculars and ATA Tactical Portable Shooting Bench. John Hill rebuilds a powder scale, and John Moore reflects on the benefits of the 20-gauge shotgun. Darren Marks and his sons head to one of their favourite properties for a few days of small-game hunting. We also announce the five recipients of this year’s Academic Bursary Program.

We round-up all the action from Columbia, Missouri, where our SSAA handgunners delivered another impressive display at the annual Bianchi Cup. SSAA National President Geoff Jones speaks out against the sensationalist misinformation over the new import Adler lever-action shotgun, while Matthew Godson analyses confusion about ‘canned hunting’ in Africa. Con Kapralos tests Sako’s 85 Long Range rifle, Paul Miller looks at Walther’s LGU Master air rifle and Steve Hurt runs the rule over Swarovski’s new X5 long-range scopes. Chris Redlich heads to northern Victoria on the trail of sambar, while Chris Jackman is quite happy sniping rabbits with his three sons. Peter Bindon highlights how nibbles can be part of a ‘stay-alive’ kit in the bush. Don Caswell delves into artwork inspired by hunting, and Mostyn Hudson takes the spotlight for Youth in Focus.