Shooting Times – August-September 2026

Shooting Times – August-September 2026

Summary

Savage's Model 110 bolt-action rifle line gets a redesign in the Carbon Hunter version, while Kimber's Model 84 Mountain Ascent returns after a five-year hiatus with a new fibreglass, Kevlar and carbon-fibre stock — both featured in Shooting Times' August-September 2026 special hunting rifle issue, Volume 67, Issue 6, priced at $5.99 US. The cover celebrates 250 years of American freedom with the Ed Brown 1776 Commemorative Model 1911 pistol, and Weatherby's new Backcountry Capra mountain rifle is described as having the best weight-reducing features available. For readers who follow bolt-action rifle technology, hunting-rifle design and custom-pistol craftsmanship, this 72-page issue delivers 10 technical features with named authors.

The lineup covers five hunting rifle features: Steve Gash on the Savage 110 Carbon Hunter, Joseph von Benedikt on Kimber's Model 84 Mountain Ascent renewal (after a five-year hiatus), D. Faubion on the Kimber Mountain Ascent Mojave ("the finest hunting rifle ever created"), Joseph von Benedikt on Weatherby's Backcountry Capra featherweight, and Joel J. Hutchcroft on the Ed Brown 1776 Commemorative Model 1911 "Freedom Fighter." Regular columns include The Shootist (Interarms Virginian by Joseph von Benedikt), The Ballistician (Allan Jones on the all-ground rifle), The Reloader (Lane Pearce on handloading component safety), Gunsmoke (Terry Wieland), and Hipshots (Joel J. Hutchcroft).

Product advertising includes Canik Prime Radian (17+1 capacity, flat 90-degree trigger break), RCBS MatchMaster Precision Case Trimmer (repeatability to .001 inch, .22-.30 caliber cases), and Stauer limited-edition watch at $59 (compare $399). Subscriptions run $28.94 per year in the US, published eight times annually.

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Content Guide

▸ Cover Story / Pistols

p.60 · Freedom Fighter — Ed Brown 1776 Commemorative Model 1911
Joel J. Hutchcroft profiles the Ed Brown 1776 Commemorative Model 1911 celebrating 250 years of American freedom (1776-2026). The article positions the pistol as both a collector's piece and a pure fighting pistol. Collectors should verify the edition number and verify authenticity with Ed Brown's customer service before paying secondary-market premiums.

▸ Rifles / Savage

p.28 · Savage 110 Redesign — Carbon Hunter
Steve Gash provides a close-up look at the new Carbon Hunter version of the classic Savage Model 110 bolt-action line. The redesign modernises the platform while retaining the barrel-nut headspacing system that has defined the 110 since its introduction. Hunters should evaluate the Carbon Hunter's weight savings against the standard 110 model before ordering.

▸ Rifles / Kimber

p.36 · Renewal — Kimber's Model 84 Mountain Ascent
Joseph von Benedikt reports on the return of Kimber's Model 84 Mountain Ascent after a five-year hiatus, featuring a new fibreglass, Kevlar and carbon-fibre stock. The article covers the design choices behind the stock material selection. Backcountry hunters who missed the original Mountain Ascent should note that the five-year gap means limited first-year availability.

▸ Rifles / Kimber

p.44 · In the Field With Kimber's Mountain Ascent Mojave
D. Faubion calls the revamped Mountain Ascent "the finest hunting rifle ever created" after fieldwork. The article covers the Mojave variant's specific finish and stock configuration. Mountain hunters should test the Mojave's accuracy with their preferred hunting load before the season.

▸ Rifles / Weatherby

p.50 · A True Featherweight Mountain Rifle — Weatherby Backcountry Capra
Joseph von Benedikt examines Weatherby's new Backcountry Capra mountain gun, endowed with the best weight-reducing features and components available. The article covers the specific stock and metalwork choices that bring the weight down. Backcountry sheep hunters should compare the Capra's weight against the Kimber Mountain Ascent for the lightest viable mountain rig.

▸ History / Firearms

p.16 · The Shootist — Interarms Virginian
Joseph von Benedikt profiles the Interarms Virginian single-action revolver, covering its design origins and collector status. Single-action revolver collectors should verify the Virginian's manufacturing era before making buying decisions.

▸ Ballistics

p.20 · The Ballistician — Ballistics and the All-Ground Rifle
Allan Jones offers his thoughts on what constitutes a true "all-around" rifle and the ballistic compromises involved in choosing one cartridge for all hunting situations. Hunters who own only one rifle should pay special attention to the cartridge selection advice.

▸ Reloading

p.24 · The Reloader — Handloading Components Are Safe and Reliable
Lane Pearce addresses component safety and reliability concerns in the current handloading market. The article covers primer, powder and bullet sourcing. Handloaders returning to the bench after a break should verify their component lot numbers against published load data.

▸ Regulars

p.8 · Readers Speak Out
p.12 · New Guns & Gear
p.14 · Ask the Experts
p.68 · Gunsmoke: A Great Unknown — Terry Wieland
p.72 · Hipshots: A Handgun-Hunting Hero — Joel J. Hutchcroft
p. · Subscription Offer — $28.94/year (US)

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Editor's Take

A technically solid special issue for serious rifle enthusiasts. The Kimber Mountain Ascent "Renewal" piece has the strongest news value — the five-year hiatus and new stock construction give it genuine product-story depth. The three-name author lineup (Gash, von Benedikt, Faubion) across five rifle features provides editorial authority that the Techlife News aggregation model lacks entirely. Weaknesses: the Ed Brown 1911 "Freedom Fighter" content is largely promotional, and the Interarms Virginian and Hipshots columns lack article bodies in the available material. Advertisements (Canik, RCBS, Stauer) are relevant to the readership and appropriately targeted. Best for bolt-action rifle buyers in the market for a Mountain Ascent or Backcountry Capra; casual readers will find the ballistics and reloading columns too specialised.

Strengths
• Kimber Mountain Ascent return after 5-year hiatus is a genuine product-story news hook
• Three named firearms authors (Gash, von Benedikt, Faubion) provide editorial authority
• Savage 110 Carbon Hunter redesign covers a 60-year rifle platform's latest iteration

Weaknesses
• Ed Brown 1776 Commemorative content is promotional rather than critical
• Interarms Virginian and Hipshots columns lack article body in available material

Verdict: Recommended — Essential reading for Kimber Mountain Ascent and Savage 110 buyers; special-interest sections limit broader appeal.

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