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January 24th, 2009
 After SHOT Show ended on Jan. 18th, many exhibitors had little time to rest. They immediately packed up their displays and headed west to attend the 2009 Safari Club International (SCI) Convention in Reno, Nevada. The SCI convention kicked off Wednesday the 21st, and concludes today, Jan. 24th. The SCI show, dubbed the “Ultimate Hunters’ Market”, attracted 20,000+ attendees, drawn by product displays from firearm and gear-makers, plus a series of informative seminars, covering everything from venison recipes to internet marketing.
The SCI show is also famous for its fund-raising auctions. SCI’s auctions offer exotic custom firearms, once-in-a-lifetime hunts, plus fine art and collectibles. Net proceeds from the auctions are used by SCI to promote conservation and game management efforts worldwide. To learn more about the auctions, visit the SCI Convention’s Auction Preview Page on the web. There you can download e-brochures showing guns, trips, and art up for auction. CLICK HERE to download the Firearms Auction Section as a .pdf file.
As just a small sample of the exotic arms that went up for bid in Reno this week, check out these impressive firearms from the 2009 SCI Auction Catalog:
Krieghoff .470 Nitro Double Rifle — Valuation $84,000
Krieghoff’s ‘Legends of the Hunt’ double rifle, chambered in .470 Nitro Express, is custom engraved by master engravers Michael Oke and Andreas Scholz. The stock is exhibition-grade Turkish walnut with ebony pistol grip and forend tip. There are gold barrel bands and gold accents on the express sight blades and double triggers. For more info, visit www.Krieghoff.com.
Dakota .270 Win Model 10 Falling Block — Valuation $17,500
Dakota Arms LLC has donated an extraordinary Model 10 falling block rifle in .270 Winchester. Features include a French grey receiver, quarter rib, hooded front sight and full-coverage scroll engraving with gold wire accents. The stock is special select Bastogne walnut with a right-hand shadowline cheekpiece, tear drops, schnabel forend and hand-cut fleur-de-lis and ribbon checkering.
Ferlach 12ga + 9.3x72R Drilling — Valuation $6,500
Here is a side-by-side shotgun/rifle drilling by Ferlach of Austria. This magnificent boxlock features an engraved, scalloped and case-colored receiver, 27 1/2″ barrels with a fixed front sight and two folding rear sights. Other features include sideclips, cocking indicators, extractors, double triggers, and a manual Greener-style side safety.
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January 24th, 2009
The First Shot, the CMP’s online magazine, features a well-written article on Prone Shooting Technique by SPC Matthew Sigrist of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU). The article covers all the major points of gun hold and body position: hand position, elbow position, stock weld, buttstock placement, and sling position/tension.
SPC Matt Sigrist of the USAMU breaks down the prone position into “fundamentals” and explains how you put each element together to create a stable body position: “The fundamentals are the building blocks of a position. Much like the framework of a house, a correct application of the fundamentals ensures a solid and stable structure. Since each person’s position will depend on their particular body build and shape, there is no ‘perfect position’ that applies to everyone. Experience, practice and knowledge of the correct fundamentals will dictate the best position for you.”
SPC Sigrist also demonstrates the two basic variations of the leg position when shooting prone: open/spread legged, and bent-legged.
For any service rifle, highpower, cross-course, or prone shooter, this helpful article can improve your performance in the prone position.
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January 23rd, 2009
We recently talked with Dave Kiff of Pacific Tool & Gauge (PT&G). Dave told us he has a number of new time-saving tools for gunsmiths, plus new bottom metal and bolt components for owners of Remington rifles..
Specialized Gunsmithing Tools in Stock
At the show, dave noted that PT&G currently has a variety of specialized cutting tools in inventory. Dave says the big new is is “Gen 2 Reamer”. This unique $287.00 tool will true the receiver face AND the internal lug recesses simultaneously. That will save a gunsmith time and effort. Dave offers other specialized cutters including:
– Threaded Receiver Mandrel for external engraving, outside truing etc. — $189.00
– Oversize Thread Reamer — $189.00
– Diamond-coated tap for Rem 700 – $189.00
 New Rem 700 Upgrades
Dave Kiff has collaborated with parts designer Kevin Wyatt to introduce some exciting new hardware for precision tactical, match, and hunting rifles. The new PT&G/Wyatt products will include custom bottom metal for the Rem 700, and a Win m70 claw-extractor modification for the Remington 700.
Initially, the Rem 700 bottom metal will be crafted from aluminum (steel versions will be offered soon). The bottom metal will use Wyatt’s detachable box magazines. The bottom metal fits a standard Remington footprint (though minor modifications may have to be made to the receiver). Both aluminum and solid steel versions should be available by late spring for $205.00 with one magazine, and extra mags are $54.00.
The Claw Extractor mod for the Rem 700 is a robust design that avoids some of the problems associated with a SAKO-style extractor in a Rem bolt. The Claw Extractor allows a “normal” ejection angle so you won’t bounce your brass off the windage knob of the scope. No receiver alterations are required, and Wyatt is working to provide controlled feeding in the final production version. The new Claw Extractor product, according to Dave Kiff, should be available by the end of 2009. Installation will require a gunsmith — this is not a do-it-yourself mod.
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January 23rd, 2009
The Classifieds Section in our Shooters’ Forum seems to get more popular every week. In our Classifieds you’ll find some great bargains on reloading tools, barrels, stocks, and complete rifles. A couple rifles for sale caught our eye because they were built by top smiths and good values.
Franklin-built 6BR Undertaker
The first is a handsome 6BR smithed by Richard Franklin. It features a laminated walnut, low-profile “Undertaker” thumbhole stock. The action is a blueprinted stainless Rem 700 fitted with a Jewell trigger (with safety). The gun is in “like new” condition and the Krieger barrel has only 135 rounds though it. Weight, without scope, is 13 lbs., 1 once. We bet this would be a great shooter for club varmint matches. Asking price is $1950.00 but you’d have to pay more (and wait a long time) to get Franklin to build you something similar.
• Richard’s Undertaker laminated Walnut stock with clear coat finish
• Blueprinted Remington 700 Stainless SA Receiver, Holland SS lug
• Action pillar bedded with polished SS front and steel rear pillars
• BAT polished aluminum trigger guard
• Krieger SS Match 1:8” twist LV taper 28” barrel -– polished
• SAAMI Min 0.272” no neck turn chamber with 0.080” freebore
• Callahan Firing Pin Assembly
• Mounting Solutions Picitinny 6” Scope Base
• Ken Farrell 30MM Scope Rings
• Rifle weighs 13 pounds 1 oz. without scope (scope NOT included in sale)
Stevens-Built 6PPC with .308 Boltface
The second gun is a good value for someone looking to get started in short-range Benchrest. This Stolle Grizzly 6PPC features a .308 bolt-face so it could also be converted to a 30 BR for score shooting, or a 6BR/Dasher for 600-yard shooting. The gun is built by Col. Billy Stevens, a very highly respected smith. The asking price is $1600.00 (plus actual shipping and insurance.) You may want to ask how many rounds are through the barrel. Call S. Crawford at (931) 619-8175.
“RB/LP Stolle Grizzly 6ppc Light Varmint with .308 Boltface. Kelby Flat Bottom BR Stock Molded in color Green, Jewell Trigger and Davidson Bases. Hart Barrel 1-14 Twist. Built by Billy Stevens. This gun is a shooter. Scope not included. Must ship to FFL.”
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January 23rd, 2009
4/1/2009 UPDATE: READ THIS FIRST!! Bruno’s is currently sold out of most primers. Call for availability.
 Amy Bruno reports that Bruno’s Shooters Supply has “ample quantities” of some hard-to-find reloading components:
PRIMERS
– 207,000 Federal 210 Large Rifle STANDARD primers in stock at $30.05 per 1000.
– 107,000 Federal 150 Large Pistol Match primers in stock at $36.95 per 1000.
– 60,000 Federal 100 Small Pistol Match primers in stock at $35.79 per 1000.
POWDER
– Reloder 17 in 1-lb bottle, $21.08; Reloder 17 in 5-lb. jug, $95.00
– Hodgdon H322 in 8-lb. jug, $136.66
– Hodgdon BenchMark in 8-lb. jug, $136.66
– Vihtavuori N-133 in 8-lb. jug, $168.71
Note: For powder and primer orders, add $22.50 haz mat fee and shipping charges.
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January 22nd, 2009
We’ve been covering the hot, new products at SHOT Show continuously since last Wednesday. But this page can only display a couple days’ worth of items. Fear not… ALL our SHOT Show 2009 content is available here. You just need to click some buttons.
We know many readers may be new to our Daily Bulletin so you may not know how to access older articles. It’s quite simple really. First, after you’ve read the last article on this page (at the bottom), just click the “OLDER POSTS” link. That will give you the previous day’s articles.
Use Calendar to Navigate Day By Day
A really easy way to access SHOT Show Reports from the past five (5) days is to use our Navigation calendar. Look over to the right column, on this page. You’ll see a small calendar. Just click on a date in January and you’ll be taken to the posts for that day. Start with January 15th to get all our SHOT Show coverage, including Media Day.
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January 22nd, 2009
 The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s SHOT Show wrapped up Sunday in Orlando with strong attendance and a cautiously optimistic outlook for the coming business year. Though many trade shows have seen a decline in attendance, SHOT Show attendance increased 3% when compared to its last visit to Orlando in 2007, and was down just 6% when compared to last year’s record-breaking show in Las Vegas. According to preliminary figures, this year’s show attracted 25,384 attendees, 22,098 exhibiting personnel and a record 1,425 members of the media for a total attendance of 48,907.
Many manufacturers’ representatives confirmed that the show was very good from a business standpoint. Despite the troubled economy, orders were being taken and demand seemed strong for a wide variety of products. High-tech rifles and handguns, in particular, have seen a jump in sales heading into 2009.
Steve Hornady, president of Hornady Manufacturing Co.:
“Response to our new products has been good. Some of this, of course, is in anticipation of a problem down the road. This year will be determined primarily by what happens in Washington, and is for the most part out of our control. We hope that common sense will prevail, and the fact that further regulation of our industry is not the solution.”
Scott Grange of Browning:
“It’s been a good show. With all of the interest in high-tech arms, it good to see that the interest in our over/under shotguns was also up. The SHOT Show specials we laid out for retailers were very well received. The success here has helped position us for the expected upturn in the economy.”
Al Russo of Remington Arms Co.:
“Our meeting rooms were booked, and the quality of the buyers at the show was very good. We saw good volume in our law enforcement booths, and we’re very pleased with the media turnout.” |
SHOT Daily Available Online
All four issues of SHOT Daily, the magazine printed each day of the SHOT Show, are available online in PDF format at www.shotshow.org. SHOT Daily is printed for NSSF by Bonnier Corp., publishers of Outdoor Life, Field & Stream and SHOT Business magazines.
January 15 | January 16 | January 17 | January 18
Story and photo © 2009 by NSSF, used with permission
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January 22nd, 2009
 In our SHOT Show reports, we’ve provided in-depth coverage of notable new optics from March (DEON), Leica, Nightforce, Schmidt & Bender, and Zeiss. To learn more about new riflescopes, spotting scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars from other manufacturers, you can download the January 16th (Friday) edition of the SHOT Daily.
Just posted online, this NSSF e-zine dedicates five pages to new products from all the well-known optics manufacturers, including Bushnell, Burris, Leupold, Nikon, Pentax, and Swarovski. Plus, on page 64 of the Jan. 16th SHOT Daily, there is an in-depth feature on Nikon’s new hunting scopes, including the Predator Hunter with BDC reticle, and the low-magnification (1.1-4×24) 30mm African Series scopes, designed for dangerous game. The Predator Hunter bullet-drop-compensating (BDC) reticle has a center circle that subtends a coyote’s vital area at 100 yards, for quick sighting and target acquisition. Nikon’s new scopes, “are an example of an increase in specificity of hunting and shooting products,” according to SHOT Daily.
CLICK HERE to Download 1/16 SHOT Daily with OPTICS REPORT (.pdf file).
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January 22nd, 2009
Now through the end of January, MidwayUSA is offering “blemished bullets” from major manufacturers at deep discounts — up to 40% off. These blemished bullets are bulk-packed factory seconds from major manufacturers. For most bullets, the blemish consists of slight discolorations in the jacket. Click the links below for specific calibers:
20 Cal Blems | 22 Cal Blems | 6mm Blems | 7mm Blems
Among the better blemished bullet offerings are:
 20 Caliber (.204 Diameter) 45gr Soft Point Box of 100
Product #786503
Price: $13.49 marked down from $22.49.
22 Caliber (.224 Diameter) 55gr Soft Point Box of 100
Product #324450
Price: $8.89 marked down from $14.79.
270 Caliber (.277 Diameter) 140gr Spitzer BT Box of 100
Product #491606
Price: $13.49 marked down from $22.49.
7mm (.284 Diam.) 154gr Bonded Spitzer BT (Plastic Tip) Box of 100
Product #377637
Price: $26.99 marked down from $44.99.
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January 21st, 2009
Nightforce Benchrest and NXS scopes are very popular among our readers. The Nightforce 12-42×56 BR model is the scope of choice for top F-Class and 1000-yard shooters. It offers sharp glass, big-time magnification, precision parallax control (via a rotating front objective), plus a wide choice of reticles. The NXS offers these same qualities, but it uses a side-parallax adjustment. Many shooters building their first long-range rifle ask: “Which should I get–the Nightforce BR model or the NXS?” Nightforce Sales Manager Kyle Brown helps answer that question in the video below. Kyle explains the major (and minor) differences between the BR and NXS scope lines. You’ll find this video very informative.
CLICK HERE to download Nightforce Optics 2009 Catalog (Large 5mb .pdf file).
New First Focal Plane 3.5-15×50 F1 Scope
The new NXS 3.5-15×50 F1 was created at the request of U.S. military and other professional sharpshooters. They wanted a rugged scope that offers a choice of elevation/windage click values, plus a ranging reticle in the First Focal Plane (FFP). A reticle located in the first focal plane remains in the exact same ratio to the target across the scope’s entire magnification range. The FFP design (designated by “F1″) is optimal for rangefinding purposes, since the reticle’s markings remain consistent relative to target size at all magnification settings. The 3.5-15×50 F1 scope will be offered with three click-value options: 1/4 MOA, 0.1 Mil Radians, or 1.0 MOA elevation + 0.5 MOA windage clicks.
CLICK HERE to download NXS 3.5-15×50 F1 Scope Spec Sheet (.pdf file).
HOT NEWS: If you like the NXS 3.5-15×50 F1, take note that a Nightforce 5.5-22×56 FFP NXS is coming in the fall of 2009. Plus Kyle told us that the Nightforce Compacts and First Focal Plane scopes now have their scope bodies (main tubes) crafted in Idaho. So, you’ll notice that they are now stamped “Made in USA”.
New Ballistic-Compensating Reticles Offered for 2009
Nightforce will offer a variety of NEW ballistic reticles that provide “hold-over” hashmarks corresponding to the trajectories of popular hunting rounds. With these new christmas-tree style reticles, hunters and varminters can rapidly adjust to different ranges without cranking-in elevation with the top turret. The reticles also include horizontal hash marks corresponding to calculated wind drift in mph (not MOA or mils). There are three basic options, one each for low, medium, and high velocity cartridges. In addition, Nightforce may offer Horus ballistic-compensating reticles, and possibly the Holland ART reticle, later in the spring of 2009.
 New Ring-Top Bubble Level and Level/ADI
Nightforce has introduced the Top of Ring Bubble Level, a low-profile level built directly into the top half of a scope ring. This fits in place of the upper half of a Nightforce Ring (e.g. Unimount, Direct Mount, and Nightforce Mil-Spec). Like other anti-cant devices, the NF bubble level helps the shooter avoid canting his rifle left or right, which can throw off the shot significantly at long ranges. The level also helps ensure your reticle is plumb when mounting the scope.
The Top of Ring Bubble Level is available in three versions: 1) Ring Level alone; 2) Ring level with integrated mount for the Nightforce ADI (Angle Degree Indicator); 3) Ring level with mount plus ADI unit (complete system). You’ll want the ADI if you often have to make shots at steep angles. Calibrated in degrees, the ADI instantly gives the shooter the up or down angle for the shot. Plug that number into a ballistics calculator (or angle drop chart) and you’ve got your corrected drop for the true range to the target.
We definitely recommend an ADI for hunting, and for competition disciplines where up/down angle shots are required. The ADI is simple, robust, and requires no batteries. Mounting the ADI directly to the scope ring is the slickest installation yet for this useful device. This mounting set-up was a collaboration between Shawn Carlock (Defensive Edge), Ward Brian (Sniper Tools ACI), and Nightforce.
For more info, contact Nightforce Optics, Inc., 1040 Hazen Lane, Orofino, ID 83544, tel (208) 476-9814, or visit NightforceOptics.com
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January 21st, 2009
Many of the companies at SHOT Show had just a few new products or operational changes to report. Here’s a quick summary of news from Forster, Krieger, and Norma.
Forster Products
The only all-new product design from Forster is a collet bullet puller for the Forster Co-Ax press. Conventional screw-in bullet pullers won’t work with the Co-Ax because of the unique jaw design.
.338 NORMA DIES — The new .338 Norma is big news in the long-range tactical game (see separate report in the Bulletin). Forster will have .338 Norma dies available within a few weeks, pretty much “as soon as the Norma brass is in the country.”
Forster has acquired new, advanced die-making machines. This gives the company increased custom die-making capacity. Forster reps noted that Forster can now use any customer-supplied finish reamer to make a custom bushing bump die.
Forster will also roll out a completely redesigned and updated website in mid-February. Visit ForsterProducts.com next month to check it out.
Krieger Barrels
Krieger Barrels has acquired two (2) additional Pratt and Whitney cut-rifling machines. This will give Krieger additional capacity and help them keep up with the high demand for their cut-rifled barrels.
Shown in photo, left to right: Neil Leppla, Mike Hindrichs, John Krieger, Helmut Kiesling
AR10 BARRELS — Krieger also announced it will be producing AR10-type barrels in both Krieger-brand cut-rifled and ‘Criterion’-brand button-rifled versions. Krieger will provide AR10 barrels for Fulton Armory, DPMS, and Armalite.
NORMA
NEW 202 POWDER for 6mmBR Ammo — Norma revealed something interesting about its loaded 6mmBR ammunition. Norma has traditionally used Norma 203B powder for 6BR ammo. However, it has found that 203B has gotten progressively slower over the years, so Norma has switched to Norma 202… but not just any 202. Norma has selected the slower batches of 202 for use in its factory 6mmBR ammo. We don’t know if this applies to ALL bullet weights. Norma will continue to use Berger Bullets in its 6mmBR and 6XC match ammunition.
.338 NORMA BRASS Coming Soon — There’s lots of interest in the new .338 Norma cartridge among the military and tactical community. Initial testing has demonstrated outstanding accuracy with 300gr Sierra MatchKing bullets. Many of the folks working with early versions of the .338 Norma believe that, given the case’s superior efficiency, it can rival the ballistics of the larger .338 Lapua Magnum, though the .338 Norma has less capacity. Both cases are derived from the .416 Jeffreys, but the .338 Norma will fit in a shorter action.
Norma is now producing .338 Norma cartridge brass. It is supposed to be in the USA within two to three weeks. It will be distributed though Black Hills Shooters Supply, BHShooters.com. This stuff is in high demand so get your orders in soon.
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January 21st, 2009
Widespread concern over the possibility that the Obama administration will push for new, restrictive gun laws has spurred sales of all types of firearms, with self-loading, military-style rifles leading the way. The “Obama effect” has created huge demand for ‘black rifles’ of all variety. Recognizing this, Brownells has created a new website, AR15builder.com, to help buyers purchase a AR with components customized to the buyers’ individual needs. Using state-of-the-art “drag and drop” web technology, a black rifle buyer can chose from a wide variety of components (stocks, uppers, barrels, handguards, optics etc.), and see the gun, as assembled, right on the web page. As one selects among AR components, the website even provides running total of the cost of the components.
Mix and Match Components for Your Custom Build
Announced at SHOT 2009, AR15builder.com combines almost 600 images of external AR-15 parts and accessories so you can mix and match parts to see exactly what your own, custom AR can look like with your selected parts installed. The screenshot below, showing a “precision varminter” with adjustable stock and 24″ barrel, was created using parts from Brownell’s inventory.
The website allows you to preview the many options available for the AR platfrom, so you can “mix and match” scores of products in Brownells’ catalog. Color variations are shown as well. So, if you want to see a black receiver with a tan handguard and green buttstock, AR15builder.com will show you. If you want to change any component, just go back to the parts menus and drag the new selection to the center of the page. As you change components, the prices automatically change in real time.
With endless combinations, it’s easy to create the unique look you want, in the price range that suits your budget. You can also select complete uppers and lowers. Purchase items directly from AR15builder.com, Brownells.com, or call 800-741-0015 and mention code PER.
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