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!
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!
November 2020
As your SSAA continues to go from strength to strength, our November magazine celebrates the magic milestone of 200,000 members. We have dedicated six pages to record the landmark achievement with a look back at the Association’s humble beginnings right up to the present day as we turn the spotlight on Marie Wheeler, our 200,000th member. Elsewhere this month, we continue our feature on favourite rifle-cartridge-scope combinations as seasoned hunter Chris Redlich selects a trio which have stood the test of time. Rifles under review include the Mossberg M464 and Blaser R8 Professional Success, while for shotgun fans we highlight the Miroku MK70 Grade 5 and Fabarm’s Classis Grade IV. Seasoned adventurer Davey Hughes takes us on a fascinating Yukon moose hunt and Trenton Hardie explains the technique of ‘dry firing’ where you can practice your shooting skills without firing a shot.
October 2020
As these uncertain times continue, we can only be patient and hope things return to some kind of normality sooner rather than later. With that in mind, when lockdowns and restrictions are finally at an end, we’ll all be keen to get back to shooting, wherever that may be. And should you eventually consider heading overseas again, Senior Correspondent Rod Pascoe has this month penned an interesting article about what to expect when travelling with firearms and how to avoid the pitfalls and red tape. Under review this time is the Mossberg MVP Light Chassis bolt-action rifle and the classy 694 Sporter shotgun from Beretta and if it’s optics you’re after, we’ve run the numbers on the latest Steiner Predator 10×42 binoculars and a pair of special riflescopes from Hawke Optics. Brendan Jones recalls the amusing tale of how a Pilates class led to him meeting a new hunting buddy and Brad Allen recounts a memorable trip to Snake Island in search of the elusive hog deer.
September 2020
As winter gives way to spring we have all manner of entertaining articles in our September edition. The cover picture features regular contributor Mark van den Boogaart who continues our series of favourite rifle-cartridge-scope combinations and outlines a trio which turned into a real labour of love. Senior correspondent Rod Pascoe has unravelled the mysteries of calibre confusion and Thomas Tabor offers some expert advice on how to make yourself a better shotgun shooter. We profile Paralympic shooting legend Libby Kosmala who has been inducted into the South Australian Hall of Fame, while Leon Wright outlines the sheer joy a loyal hunting hound can bring. Items under review this month include the Howa 1500 Mini Action rifle, Fabarm’s XLR5 Velocity self-loading shotgun, Steiner Predator AF 10×42 binoculars and the nifty new AUPRO-90 borescope. Enjoy the magazine with a ‘spring’ in your step.