Scope Evaluation with Test in Benchrest Competition by James Mock
Since I started shooting in competition in the early ’90s, rifle scopes have really improved. The one which I am now testing may be the high point (zenith) of scope quality. The IOR Valdada Terminator 12-52x56mm with 40mm tube is a great scope by any standard. There are only two negative aspects to using one of these instruments. One is cost (retail $3695) and the other is weight (three pounds).
Many say that this scope is without equal. However, the most common complaints among those willing to pay the cost for this exceptional instrument was that there was no zero stop and the 1/4-MOA adjustments were too coarse. The folks at IOR Valdada listened and corrected both problems. They added a very functional zero stop and changed the adjustments to 1/8th MOA. Valdada listens to its customers.
“The Valdada performed absolutely perfectly and enabled me to win the match. The 1/8th MOA clicks are crisp and accurate and the big 40mm tube allows 100 minutes of vertical adjustment. The tracking of the scope was perfect. The MOA reticle and the precise 1/8th minute clicks helped tremendously. The scope performed flawlessly. Even with my 77 year-old eyes, I could see 6mm bullet holes in the white at 600 yards with this scope. I have been able to do that only one other time.”– James Mock
Some of the great qualities of the new Terminator scope are:
— Lenses are made with the finest glass from the Germany’s famous Schott Glasswerks (lenses have the proprietary Z-7 coating with 7-11 coats for EACH lens surface).
— Parallax adjustment on the tube body allows convenient and very precise adjustments.
— Reticle with precise hashmarks and illuminated center dot.
— One hundred MOA of vertical adjustment range.
This scope is very well thought out in all respects. The parallax adjustment is on the tube just behind the objective bell. It is very easy to get a sharp, parallax-free image with it.
As can be seen in the picture, this scope has every feature that long range shooters desire. With the change from 1/4-MOA to 1/8-MOA adjustments, one can see that this company listens to its customers. This is a second focal plane (SFP) scope and Valdada has a 40mm tube scope with first focal plane (FFP) for those who prefer that option. NOTE: The max magnification for the FFP version is 40X rather than 52X.
The power-changing ring of this scope is also well thought out. It features three different color-coded “clicks” that indicate subtension of the hash marks. (Meaning you have positive confirmation of the hash mark value). At 14.4X the reticle hash marks subtend 1/2 MIL. At 26X they represent one MOA and at 52X the hash marks represent 1/2-MOA (very handy for wind calls).
IOR Valdada 12-52x56mm Scope Proves Itself in Competition This Month
I received the scope on October 15th and used it in a 600-yard match on Saturday, October 16th. I quit competition several months ago and sold my trusty BAT/Leonard rifle. However, I could not stay quit and I picked up a Stiller Cobra action, and Dusty Stevens chambered a Krieger 1:7.5″-twist barrel in 6mm Dasher for this rifle. I received the barrel on October 13th, and that gave me three days to break in the barrel, find a load and get the scope zeroed. I shot 15 rounds of 1 shot/clean, 1 shot clean, 1-shot clean, 3-shots clean until I had 15 rounds. Since I did not have the scope, I could not develop a match load.
After receiving the Terminator on Friday, October 15th. I finished the fire-forming of the 48 pieces of brass and zeroed the scope with the fire-forming load. The scope was not hard to zero and I was very impressed with the optics. I wasn’t surprised at the quality — since 2009, I have shot a Valdada 36X Benchrest model on my target rifle. That is a superb scope with rock-solid adjustments and great Schott glass.
Shooting the “Square” Confirms Great Tracking
I shot the “square” with some fireform loads and the last bullet went through the hole made by the initial round. For those not familiar with this test, it consists of 5 shots while using the same aim point and adjusting 6 MOA between each shot. So the second shot is 6 MOA above the first, the third is 6 MOA right, the fourth is 6 MOA down and the fifth, final shot is 6 MOA left. When the last shot goes through the hole of the first, one can conclude that the scope adjustments are spot on. This Terminator was perfect.
Because of time restraints, I did not have a chance to work up a good load for this barrel, so I resorted to a load that had worked with a previous Dasher. It was with 32.5 grains of Varget and a 105gr Berger Hybrid seated .007″ into the lands. I favor Bart’s Hammers, but did not have enough to shoot the match.
Although I had only one day with the scope before the match, I got it mounted on the rifle. I shot ONE shot at my 100-yard range and adjusted the scope up 11 MOA. I told some of the shooters that I had never been so ill-prepared for a match. However, the Valdada performed absolutely perfectly and enabled me to win the match (first win at 600 in a long time!). The MOA reticle and the precise 1/8th-minute clicks helped tremendously.
The 1/8-MOA clicks are crisp and accurate and the big 40mm tube allows 100 minutes of vertical adjustment. The tracking of the scope was perfect. Valdada uses steel ball bearings in this scope.
During the match, the hash marks are very useful. Since the hash marks subtend 1/2-MOA at 52X, I used the scope at that power until the 4th target and then used it at 26X so I could use the 1-MOA hash marks. Since we shoot a steel gong for sighters, it is easy to determine the amount of winddrift by using these hash marks.
This scope features a lighted reticle. This is not an important feature for the type of shooting that I do, but many make use of this feature. The scope also features a zero stop that is very handy for those shooting events in which several adjustments are used. If one gets “lost” he can simply dial back to the “set zero”. This system was very easy to use.
Bullet-maker and benchrest shooter Bart Sauter has been using an IOR Valdada Terminator scope for several years and has made an impact in the 600-yard game. He is a Valdada dealer. If you need a Terminator or other IOR Valdada optic, give Bart a call.
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by James Mock
After owning three different rifles with BAT actions, I have become a loyal fan of BAT Machine quality and customer service. Back in 2009, I traded my BAT/Scoville for the BAT/Leonard that I currently shoot. This rifle has a long history and Terry Leonard told me that “Old 87″ (as I have named it) was one of the earlier BATs that he stocked. He wrapped the stock in fiberglass and used 2-part epoxy back then. I must say that this rifle has held up remarkably well since it dates back to the 1990s. The action is a RB/LP/RE octagon Model B with .308 bolt-face.
Rifle Has Multiple Barrels for Multiple Disciplines
With this gun, I have shot several barrels of different calibers (.22 PPC, .22 PPC-short .095, 6mm PPC, 6XC, 6mm Dasher, .30BR, and will soon have a 6 BR-AI). It has been an exceptionally accurate rifle in several disciplines. In the hands of previous owners, it earned several Hall-of-Fame (HOF) points, and a “middle-of-the-pack” shooter (me) even received a HOF point with this rifle.
For most of its life, Old 87 served as a short range benchrest rifle, but I have used it for the last few years as a 600-yard rifle with the 6mm Dasher barrel. I was lucky enough to earn the Shooter of the Year award at the Prince Memorial Range in Louisiana for 2016.
After shooting my two Dasher barrels for last eight years, I have noticed a drop-off in accuracy at 600 yards. A decision had to be made — get a new barrel or sell the rifle and retire from competition. I am in my late 70s and my competition days are limited due mainly to a chronic neck problem. After mulling over the decision to retire or not, I decided to give Old 87 one more year. Here is the story of how we upgraded the old war-horse.
Old 87 REBORN — Upgrading with New Components
I prefer cut-rifled barrels with four lands and grooves and have had success with .236 bore diameters and 1:8″ twist in long range rifles. I searched for barrels meeting those parameters and found a suitable BRUX at Bugholes.com (Southern Precision Rifles).
The 6BR-AI Option — Easy Fire Forming
I thought about having Billy Stevens chamber it for the Dasher, but decided to try something new. There seems to be a lot of interest in the 6BR-AI and I said, “Why not?” Well, I bought a shortened Dasher die from Harrell’s and will use my Wilson Dasher seating die. Bart Sauter was kind enough to let me use his reamer for chambering.
Fitting a New Roller-Type Cocking Piece on Older BAT Action
Since I was into the project this deep, I called Mike Ezell and ordered one of his Tungsten powder-dampened tuners. Since Old 87 had thousands of rounds since the firing pin spring has been replaced, I decided that it was probably needed. Well, I got to thinking (very dangerous) and asked Daryle Thom if it would be feasible to put a roller-type cocking piece and a new firing pin spring on such an old action.
The folks at BAT are very accommodating and they said that it would be no problem with such a conversion. While my bolt was in Idaho, the barrel with Ezell tuner arrived and I could not shoot it. However, my friend Jeff Turner loaned me his BAT bolt to see if it would work. Although the rifles differ in age by 15 or more years, the borrowed bolt worked perfectly in my rifle. This is a testimony to the great machine work performed at BAT Machine.
New Bolt Roller Tail-Piece Makes a Big Difference in Cocking Effort
With the borrowed bolt I managed to fire-form 50 rounds and get them ready for our 600-yard match on September 16. The folks at BAT quickly fixed my bolt by replacing the mainspring and ejector spring, polishing the ejector, and replacing the tail-piece with their roller type. Pictured below is this tail piece that makes a remarkable difference in the force needed to cock the action. It is amazing what this little wheel can do… even when placed in a 25+ year old action.
Working with the Ezell Barrel Tuner — Small Increments Work Best
Also, I would like to congratulate Mike Ezell on his new tuner which contains powdered Tungsten. It is easy to set up and Mike will help a buyer get maximum effectiveness from the unit. Just give him a call. Below is a picture of the tuner. I was lucky enough to have some time to “play” with it before the match.
Talking about the tuner, Mike writes: “Our new barrel tuners… PDT stands for particle dampening technology. The science is there, we just applied it to a barrel tuner. The advantages are a wider tune window and more efficient control of barrel harmonics…in a tuner design that actually looks good.”
Mike advised me to set the tuner by turning it all the way into the shoulder and then come out to zero or the second time zero comes up if there is not at least half of a turn between the shoulder and the first zero. It is best to start with a proven load and adjust the tuner from that load. As unlikely as it seems, a rifle can go from a good tune to a very poor tune with only 5 marks (.005”) and vice versa.
Mike cautions those who use his tuner to NOT make adjustments which are too large. As a matter of fact, he recommends adjustments of .001 inch at a time. Ezell’s tuners are screwed onto the barrel with .900” by 32 threads per inch and has 32 marks on the circumference of the tuner. Therefore, each mark moves the tuner in or out by .001 inch. There are three set screws with Teflon tips which provide friction for the tuner on the threads. Do not tighten the screws so tight as they damage the fine threads.
If you want the smoothest bolt possible for your BAT, call or e-mail Daryle or Bruce Thom at BAT Machine and discuss your needs with them. I am sure glad that I did. If you want a state-of-the-Art tuner for your barrel, give Mike Ezell a call or visit his Ezell Custom Rifles Facebook Page.
— Good shooting, James Mock
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Sightron’s Latest and Greatest Long Range Scope Field Test and Review by James Mock
When I was writing for Precision Shooting Magazine I appreciated those vendors who would trust me to test their products. One such person was Alan Orr of Sightron. Alan was willing to send his scopes to me for testing and I found them to be some of the best values. I have shot Sightron’s SII 36X BR, the Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm Long Range (30mm tube). Recently I tested latest and greatest (in my opinion) high-magnification Sightron — the SVSS ED 10-50x60mm with MOA-H reticle. This unit boasts ED Glass and has a fat 34mm main tube.
Sightron’s SIII 10-50x60mm riflescope (30mm tube) is a fine value at $1050-$1190 street price. That popular 10X-50X LR optic (PHOTO HERE) delivers great performance for the price. However, long range shooters wanted more and Sightron has delivered with the new-generation SVSS ED 10-50x60mm ZS MOA-H optic (34mm tube). This impressive new scope features higher-grade ED (Extra Low-Dispersion) glass and many great features. These features include illuminated reticle, zero stop, and FAST parallax adjustments with coarse and fine adjustments. Also, there is a locking windage turret for the models NOT fitted with zero stop. I tested the Zero-Stop (ZS) version.
This new scope has exactly what I look for in a scope since most of my shooting is at 600 yards. This boasts Sightron’s proprietary “Exact Track” and a 7-layer lens coatings. One feature that is drawing rave reviews is the new parallax side focus control. This employs BOTH a coarse and a fine adjustment, as found on premium spotting scopes. This seems like a minor point, but it allows one to fine-tune the parallax with little effort. This, along with the fast-focus eye piece, enables one to get a crystal clear and sharp image quickly. The 1/8 MOA clicks are positive and the clicks are very audible.
Review in a Nutshell — This scope is amazing and I have used some of the best scopes to be found. It is as good or better than some scopes costing $1200-$1500 more. What does a Sightron 10-50X SVSS ED cost? If you shop around aggressively you can find the basic (non-illuminated) version for under $2000 (See footnote*). I know that seems like a lot of money and it is, but this product represents true value, as it performs with scopes costing $1000 more.
With its large 60mm objective lens with ED glass and the 7-layer coating, this scope has the brightest image of any that I have tested at high power settings. (Of course there are premium scopes that I have not yet tested that may equal or exceed this one.) A person must choose a scope best suited for the type of shooting planned. For long range benchrest competition, I don’t think that there are many optics that exceed the quality of this riflescope (especially for the cost).
The test scope has 1/8 MOA adjustments and illuminated MOA-H reticle. The MOA-H has hash marks that subtend 2 MOA at 24X; therefore the hash marks are 1 MOA apart at 48X. Since this scope is so bright and clear, I tend to leave it at 48X for most of my shooting. During very bright conditions, the depth of field can be increased with an aperture ring that can be purchased from Sightron. The illuminated reticle has 11 brightness settings. The above picture displays a high brightness level. Personally, I don’t envision using illumination during my shooting sessions.
This reticle is a little “busy” for many shooters who use the scope at close range. But for longer range, it seems ideal for my old eyes. If you wish, you can order a 10-50X SVSS ED with a 1/10th-MOA target dot reticle, non-illuminated. You’ll save money with that more basic version, model #27008.
Competing with New Sightron Scope at 300 Yards
I shot the scope in its maiden match at 300 yards. Spotting my 6mm bullet holes was easy, even in Louisiana’s famous mirage. I shot the entire match at 48X. The scope tracked perfectly during the match and the 1/8 MOA adjustments were spot on. At this 48X power, the MOA hash marks serve as a great aid in determining how far one needs to adjust his aim. The set-up for the match is shown in the photo above. The scope performed excellent even in tough conditions — it was hot, windy, and mirage was very bad. Today really tested my ability to battle the conditions with this new scope. The sun was bright; the ground was wet; and the wind was blowing; and it was hot. I shot the four score targets with a 49/50, a 50/50, another 49, and finished with a 48.
What Things Could Be Better
What, if anything, are things I dislike about this scope? Most reviews that I have seen object to the 42-ounce weight, but with my benchrest rifle, this is not a problem for me. Another complaint that I have seen is the indicator line for the elevation turret. This scope has a Zero Stop and that stop obscures the indicator line. I added a line with a pencil and the problem is solved.
Tester Was So Impressed He Bought this Sightron SVSS ED
I have tested many premium scopes in the past and have chosen to purchase two of them after testing. This is one of the two I bought. If you are in the market for a $2000-$2500 (street price) scope that will compare favorably with $3500 scopes, this may be the one for you.
This is a quality scope in every way and there are few things with which to find fault. The reticle seems too busy for me, but many long range shooters use the tree-shaped series of dots that are 1 MOA apart at 48X and 2 MOA at 24X. Part of my problem is 76-year-old eyes that need cataract surgery. One cannot fault a scope for this problem.
I can recommend this scope for the long range shooter without reservation. If your type of shooting can tolerate the weight and the cost, I believe that you will find this scope to your liking. Good shooting — James Mock
Here is a European video review of the Sightron SVSS 10-50x60mm with ED Glass:
* There are TWO different Sightron SVSS 10-60X scopes. The basic model (#27008), non-illuminated without Zero Stop, can be found for under $2000, but typically retails for around $2300. As tested in this review, the Zero Stop Model with illuminated MOA-H Reticle (#27011) is about $2450 street price.
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Sightron SIII 45x45mm Competition with ED Glass — Review by James Mock
Sightron has introduced a new, high-magnification Benchrest scope, the SIII SS 45x45mm Competition. This new-for-2019 45-power scope now offers very high-quality glass. In response to consumer demand, for this model, Sightron has upgraded to premium ED (extra low dispersion) glass. This kind of superior glass has been available with other more-expensive premium optics brands, and now Sightron has joined the ED-Glass ranks.
Testing the 45x45MM ED Sightron Benchrest Scope
Most of my shooting is done at 600 yards now. New for 2019, Sightron has introduced an impressive new 45-power competition scope, offered with either a Target Dot (EDTD) or Fine Cross Hair (EDFCH) reticles. I was able to test the target dot model. With this model I can check the ED glass used by Sightron and 45X is certainly enough for the 300- and 600-yard competitions I shoot.
Although this scope lacks some of the new features found on the SVSS models, it is designed for the shooter who wants a quality scope that is light enough to be used in short range Benchrest. It seems that Sightron designed this scope for the short range Benchrest shooters. They skipped all of the frills and designed this scope for PERFORMANCE.
The Sightron SIII 45x45mm has a simple side-focus parallax adjustment that works very well. The ocular focus is like the older models in that it has a locking ring rather than the fast focus. It has a 45mm objective lens. The model that I have features a 1/10th MOA dot reticle while the click adjustments are 1/10th MOA. NOTE that — the clicks are one-tenth MOA, NOT the 1/8th MOA you might expect.
At 20.5 ounces this scope will allow shooters to make most of the weight requirements found in Benchrest shooting. With the superb Japanese ED glass, it equals or surpasses the image quality of scopes of equal magnification costing twice as much.
Although this scope lacks some of the frills, it has the features that serious shooters appreciate. It has 7-layer coating on all lens (termed Zach 7), 1/10th MOA adjustments, 1/10th MOA dot reticle (or fine crosshair), generous eye relief, life time warranty, and 30mm main tube.
Testing Procedure for Sightron SIII 45x45mm
For testing the scope, I mounted it on my BAT/Leonard Benchrest rifle (shown above). The rifle is chambered in 6mm BRAI and I will shoot the rifle at 300 and 600 yards. The 300-yard match consists of three, 10-shot targets on the IBS 300-yard target. The 600-yard match consists of four, 5-shot targets. Both are shot for score only. So far the scope has performed flawlessly and the image is bright and the resolution was superb. One thing that I have dreamed about is a scope that will resolve 6mm bullet holes at 600 yards. Since I have shot this scope only during the summer months in Louisiana I cannot see bullet holes at 600 yards. However, in fairness to the scope, I don’t think the Hubble telescope would resolve the holes in the mirage and heat evident this summer.
I have tested scopes that cost over $3000 and this Sightron (street price $900-$1000) held its own with those higher-priced models and surpassed many of them. I wish that this scope would have been available back when I was shooting short range Benchrest. It is truly a great value for today’s shooter.
The first test performed was “shooting the square” in which I fired five (5) shots in order, cranking the turrets from shot to shot. This scope passed test #1 with flying colors — the fifth and last shot went through the same hole as shot #1. Here’s the process. After Shot One (lower left), I then cranked the scope up 4 MOA and fired Shot Two. For the third shot, I moved the scope to the right 4 MOA followed by a 4 MOA adjustment down. Next, I adjusted 4 MOA left and fired the fifth. If the scope tracts properly, the fifth shot should hit close to the first. In fact, Shot Five went through the same hole as Shot One. Of course one must have the same aiming point and an accurate rifle.
Shown above is the target that I shot at 100 yards. This was shot with my 6 BRAI rifle with 30.4 grains of H4895 and Bart’s 105gr VLD “Hammers” seated .006“ into the lands. This “square” shows perfect tracking and absolute accuracy in both windage and elevation adjustments. (However, note that the target itself was a little crooked as stapled to the backer). Sightron’s ExacTrac turret technologies shown below may be the reason for such great “shooting the square” results:
The above picture was taken from the Sightron catalogue and it illustrates what may be the most important feature for Benchrest shooters. They named it the ExacTrack and it features a cone shaped contact point on the windage and elevation knobs that allow constant and even pressure on the erector tube. In the picture above the left side shows conventional scope erector tube contact (figures 1 and 2). Figures 3 and 4 show how the Sightron system works. This unique system solves the problem of a flat tip pushing a round tube. My tests showed that this scope holds point of aim exceptionally well.
Using the Sightron 45X Scope in Match Conditions
I recently tested the the 45x45mm Sightron in competition for the first time. In preparation for this match, I tried four loads at 200 yards. I was impressed with the positive and accurate adjustments without the “mushy” feel that many scopes with fine adjustments exhibit.
I shot 3-shot groups and the groups measured as follows: 1) 30.0 grains H4895/Fed 205/Bart’s Gungnir = .605”; 2) 30.5 grains H4895/Fed 205/Bart’s Gungnir = .945”; 3) 30.0 grains H4895/Fed 205/Berger 108gr BT = .459”; 4) 30.4 grains H4895/Fed 205/Bart’s Hammer = .309” (this is my 600-yard “go-to” load).
The 300-yard match saw 101° temperatures with light, switching head winds up to 5 mph. The mirage was very noticeable but I was still able to see bullet holes. The scope performed well (although I did not). The click adjustments were precise and positive with both tactile and audible indicators. This is a quality scope.
SUMMARY of Test — Final Impressions
I am more than satisfied with this scope and I believe it represents a great value for competitive shooters. It has great glass, with positive adjustments that hold point of aim. Because of the ED glass, the image has correct color and is sharp to the edges. The scope’s reticle features a 1/10th MOA dot. The turrets use 1/10th MOA adjustments that allow precise aim and point of impact adjustments.
Is there anything that I would change? No, not for short range Benchrest (100/200/300yards), but for 600-yard shooting, I prefer a more detailed reticle with MOA-based hash-marks. With vertical and horizontal hashmarks one can quickly determine the amount of clickes needed to correct impact. Also, a variable power scope is very handy for those days when mirage does not allow precise aiming. Readers should note that Sightron does make a variable power 10-50x60mm ED scope featuring a reticle with MOA-based hash-marks. That should be a good option for shooters who need a high-magnification, variable-power comp scope.
But for those who prefer a fixed-power scope, Sightron’s new SIII SS 45x45mm is a smart option, that is a very good value. If you are in the market for a fixed-power 45X benchrest scope, I can heartily recommend this new offering from Sightron. — James Mock
Short History of “Freezing” Benchrest Scopes
Several years ago, many Benchrest shooters were having trouble with their riflescopes holding point of aim. Cecil Tucker, Jackie Schmidt, Gene Bukys, and Bob Brackney modified some scopes to “freeze” the adjustments. This worked fairly well but it hindered a shooter’s ability to make fine adjustments quickly.
The late Ron Hoehn along with others started using small Delrin screws to stabilize the erector tube. This brought about my first use of Sightron scopes. I contacted Sightron and asked if they would furnish a scope for me to try this procedure and they agreed. A friend and I drilled the two holes and tapped them to apply the Delrin screws. Surprisingly, this system worked well on the Sightron 36X SII model. As a matter of fact, COL Billy Stevens won the Super Shoot using one of those SII Benchrest scopes. There was a drawback however. When one tightened the screw against the erector tube there was a slight point of aim movement. This was not too noticeable in group shooting but hampered the score shooters.
The scope pictured above another Sightron I’ve used, a 10-50x60mm. This medium-priced scope offered excellent value-for-money and it sold very well. It performed superbly for me and in my opinion represents one of the best buys in a long range scope. About two years ago, Sightron decided to put out a more advanced scope. Sightron added locking turrets, 34mm tube, and a few more “premium” features. Of course the price reflected these changes but there was not a severe price increase.
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by James Mock
After owning three different rifles with BAT actions, I have become a loyal fan of BAT Machine quality and customer service. Back in 2009, I traded my BAT/Scoville for the BAT/Leonard that I currently shoot. This rifle has a long history and Terry Leonard told me that “Old 87″ (as I have named it) was one of the earlier BATs that he stocked. He wrapped the stock in fiberglass and used 2-part epoxy back then. I must say that this rifle has held up remarkably well since it dates back to the 1990s. The action is a RB/LP/RE octagon Model B with .308 bolt-face.
Rifle Has Multiple Barrels for Multiple Disciplines
With this gun, I have shot several barrels of different calibers (.22 PPC, .22 PPC-short .095, 6mm PPC, 6XC, 6mm Dasher, .30BR, and will soon have a 6 BR-AI). It has been an exceptionally accurate rifle in several disciplines. In the hands of previous owners, it earned several Hall-of-Fame (HOF) points, and a “middle-of-the-pack” shooter (me) even received a HOF point with this rifle.
For most of its life, Old 87 served as a short range benchrest rifle, but I have used it for the last few years as a 600-yard rifle with the 6mm Dasher barrel. I was lucky enough to earn the Shooter of the Year award at the Prince Memorial Range in Louisiana for 2016.
After shooting my two Dasher barrels for last eight years, I have noticed a drop-off in accuracy at 600 yards. A decision had to be made — get a new barrel or sell the rifle and retire from competition. I will be 74 years old in six months and my competition days are limited due mainly to a chronic neck problem. After mulling over the decision to retire or not, I decided to give Old 87 one more year. Here is the story of how we upgraded the old war-horse.
Old 87 REBORN — Upgrading with New Components
I prefer cut-rifled barrels with four lands and grooves and have had success with .236 bore diameters and 1:8″ twist in long range rifles. I searched for barrels meeting those parameters and found a suitable BRUX at Bugholes.com (Southern Precision Rifles).
The 6BR-AI Option — Easy Fire Forming
I thought about having Billy Stevens chamber it for the Dasher, but decided to try something new. There seems to be a lot of interest in the 6BR-AI and I said, “Why not?” Well, I bought a shortened Dasher die from Harrell’s and will use my Wilson Dasher seating die. Bart Sauter was kind enough to let me use his reamer for chambering.
Fitting a New Roller-Type Cocking Piece on Older BAT Action
Since I was into the project this deep, I called Mike Ezell and ordered one of his Tungsten powder-dampened tuners. Since Old 87 had thousands of rounds since the firing pin spring has been replaced, I decided that it was probably needed. Well, I got to thinking (very dangerous) and asked Daryle Thom if it would be feasible to put a roller-type cocking piece and a new firing pin spring on such an old action.
The folks at BAT are very accommodating and they said that it would be no problem with such a conversion. While my bolt was in Idaho, the barrel with Ezell tuner arrived and I could not shoot it. However, my friend Jeff Turner loaned me his BAT bolt to see if it would work. Although the rifles differ in age by 15 or more years, the borrowed bolt worked perfectly in my rifle. This is a testimony to the great machine work performed at BAT Machine.
New Bolt Roller Tail-Piece Makes a Big Difference in Cocking Effort
With the borrowed bolt I managed to fire-form 50 rounds and get them ready for our 600-yard match on September 16. The folks at BAT quickly fixed my bolt by replacing the mainspring and ejector spring, polishing the ejector, and replacing the tail-piece with their roller type. Pictured below is this tail piece that makes a remarkable difference in the force needed to cock the action. It is amazing what this little wheel can do… even when placed in a 20+ year old action.
Working with the Ezell Barrel Tuner — Small Increments Work Best
Also, I would like to congratulate Mike Ezell on his new tuner which contains powdered Tungsten. It is easy to set up and Mike will help a buyer get maximum effectiveness from the unit. Just give him a call. Below is a picture of the tuner. I was lucky enough to have some time to “play” with it before the match.
Talking about the tuner, Mike writes: “Our new barrel tuners…
PDT stands for particle dampening technology. The science is there, we just applied it to a barrel tuner. The advantages are a wider tune window and more efficient control of barrel harmonics…in a tuner design that actually looks good.”
Mike advised me to set the tuner by turning it all the way into the shoulder and then come out to zero or the second time zero comes up if there is not at least half of a turn between the shoulder and the first zero. It is best to start with a proven load and adjust the tuner from that load. As unlikely as it seems, a rifle can go from a good tune to a very poor tune with only 5 marks (.005”) and vice versa.
Mike cautions those who use his tuner to NOT make adjustments which are too large. As a matter of fact, he recommends adjustments of .001 inch at a time. Ezell’s tuners are screwed onto the barrel with .900” by 32 threads per inch and has 32 marks on the circumference of the tuner. Therefore, each mark moves the tuner in or out by .001 inch. There are three set screws with Teflon tips which provide friction for the tuner on the threads. Do not tighten the screws so tight as they damage the fine threads.
If you want the smoothest bolt possible for your BAT, call or e-mail Daryle or Bruce Thom at BAT Machine and discuss your needs with them. I am sure glad that I did. If you want a state-of-the-Art tuner for your barrel, give Mike Ezell a call or visit his Ezell Custom Rifles Facebook Page.
— Good shooting, James Mock
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Many of our Forum members who shoot F-Class and Long Range Benchrest have asked: “Is there a reliable high-magnification zoom scope under $1100?” The answer is yes — the Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm scope will do the job, and you can buy one now for under $1100.00. In fact, at the 2017 IBS 600-yard Nationals, four of the Top 10 shooters (including the 2nd-place finisher) used Sightron 10-50x60mm scopes. This quality 10-50x60mm optic is definitely good enough to win long-range benchrest and F-Class matches. Here is a review by James Mock. Note James tested a version with 1/4-MOA clicks. Sightron also offers versions of this scope with 1/8-MOA clicks.
Sightron 10-50x60mm Riflescope Field Test Review by James Mock
Mr. Allen Orr of Sightron was kind enough to loan me one of their fine SIII riflescopes for testing. Since I shoot 600-yard score matches more than anything else, I requested the 10-50x60mm model with MOA-2 reticle. This is a premium scope in every way and it may be the very best buy for a long range scope today. Real world price for this scope is around $1100 ($1089.99 on Amazon.com). This represents a good value considering the scope’s build quality and features: 50X max magnification, 1/4-MOA adjustments with 10 MOA per revolution, ExactTrack windage and elevation system, Zack-7 lens coating, 60mm objective lens, target knobs with zero stop, and lifetime warranty. The MOA-2 reticle’s hash marks span 2 MOA at 24X and 1 MOA at 48X. Eye Relief is ample: 4.5″ at 10X and 3.8″ at 50X. Field of view at 100 yards is 9.6′ at 10X, 2.2′ at 50X.
NOTE: Sightron also offers this scope with 1/8-MOA clicks with a Fine Cross-Hair Reticle, Target Dot Reticle, and Mil-Dot Reticle. There are also multiple Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm models with illuminated reticles.
Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm Shows Excellent Repeatability
After receiving the scope, I mounted it on my BAT 6mm Dasher and did my “standard tests”. I shot the “square” and the adjustments were spot on and the repeatability was faultless. I also shot a group at two powers (24X and 50X) and the point of impact was the same.
In our August 600-yard match, I used the scope and was favorably impressed. I did not have the opportunity to shoot 600 yards prior to the match but I do have a 100-meter range at my house. From past experience, after zeroing my Dasher at 100 I simply dial up 11 MOA to shoot at 600 yards. The weather in Louisiana has been something that I have never seen before and the August 20th match was moved to August 27th, but there was still standing water in front of the targets. Also, the fog was so heavy that the start of the match was delayed for 45 minutes.
Sightron Nails a 50 Score on First-ever Match Target
When the match started, the Sightron with 11 MOA dialed in was perfect for elevation and a little right. After a couple of clicks I was ready to shoot. My first target was a pleasant surprise — scoring a 50-1X. I was very impressed with this scope and I shot it at 48X all day in the heavy mirage. I ended up finishing third, two points behind the winner.
This video is from Europe, but it does a good job explaining the 10-50x60mm Sightron’s features:
With its 60mm objective lens, this is a large scope. It is 16.9″ long and weighs 30.1 ounces. If you can tolerate that weight in the discipline you shoot this scope represents a great value for the long-range shooter. I am favorably impressed with it. For you varmint shooters, this scope with its wide range of power would make a superb addition to you favorite prairie dog rig. Do note, as we explained above, there are other versions of this scope with 1/8-MOA clicks if that is your preference. Good shooting — James Mock
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Review by James Mock
If you were charged with building a scope for F-Class or long range Benchrest, what features would you want? Vortex asked that question, received feedback from many competitors, and then set out to build a new high-magnification, zoom comp scope that would set a new “performance for price” standard.
The new Vortex Golden Eagle has features that this shooter really appreciates. It has a power range of 15x to 60x with a 52mm objective lens. Vortex has attempted to keep the weight as low as possible and the cost reasonable. My initial impression is that Vortex spared no expense in developing this scope. The “street price” for this premium scope is a reasonable $1499.00. Plus it has Unconditional Lifetime Warranty. Given its features, performance, and price, I believe that this scope will sell very well.
Premium HD, extra-low dispersion glass
APO (apochromatic) objective lens system with index-matched lenses
XRP multi-coated lenses for max light transmission
ArmorTek extra-hard lens coating to protect lens from dust, dirt, and smudges
Fogproof and Waterproof (Argon gas purged)
Specifications
Field of View at 100 yards: 6.3 feet at 15X; 1.7 feet at 60X
Main Tube: One-piece 30mm
Length: 16.1 inches; Weight is 29.7 ounces
Objective Lens: 52mm
Eye Relief: 3.9 inches
Reticles: SCR-1 FCH; ECR-1 MOA
Testing the Golden Eagle
I recently tested a Golden Eagle with the ECR-1 reticle. On this model the Hash Marks subtend 1 MOA at 40X. There is also a fine crosshair reticle (SCR-1) available. Initial tests with the scope were done on June 28th and I was very impressed with what I saw. With a new scope I always shoot the square (box test) to test tracking and amount of movement. I shot the square today after shooting a 5-shot group at 250 yards (my longest available distance). Below is a picture of the box test target that I shot. Yes, shot #5 went through the exact same hole as shot #1.
Below is the 250-yard target I shot before doing the box test. To get to the 100-yard target, I clicked down 14 clicks (1/8th MOA) and the scope was spot on. It is really a pleasure to use instruments that do exactly what they are supposed to do. With the Louisiana mirage, I shot this orange/white target at 40X instead of the maximum 60X. I did not have any problem seeing the 6mm bullet holes at 40X. The optics in this scope are to my old eyes are as good as any that I have used (regardless of price).
Competition Test Success — Golden Eagle Delivers a Win
My next use of this scope was at our monthly 600-yard match on July 15th. It was a typical mid-July day in north Louisiana — very hot and humid with light switching winds. The mirage was terrible, but I managed to squeak out a victory with a 188/5X score out of 200/20X possible. I shot the Golden Eagle at 40X all day and it performed perfectly. No one could see bullet holes today, even with the high powered premium spotting scopes. This is a quality scope and it may be a “lucky” scope in that I did not expect a win with a 6mm Dasher barrel with 2500 or more rounds through it.
Point of Aim Test with Hood Scope Checker
I also tested the Golden Eagle for holding Point of Aim (POA). For this procedure, I used the Hood scope checker (loaned to me by Bart Sauter). To use this, one mounts two scopes side by side. Ideally one scope has proven its ability to hold POA. Here I used a Valdada 36X BR model as my control scope. It has proven over an 8-year period of time to hold its point of aim. I mounted these scopes on my BAT/Leonard 6mm PPC and adjusted each to the same point on the target.
As one can see in the above picture, these are big scopes. After the first shot, I noticed that the reticle dot on the Vortex seemed to be about 1/8th MOA to the right of its original position. I stopped to check for ring slippage (which I had experienced in prior tests). There was no apparent slippage, so I checked the parallax and found that there was some parallax correction needed. This was probably the source of the apparent shift in point of aim, but I cannot be sure of that. I fired three more shots (checking after each) and found no shift.
After testing for POA shift, I fired the remaining rounds using different aiming points. I fired 5 rounds (upper left) using the Vortex and 3 rounds to the right of those using the Valdada scope.
CONCLUSION — A Very Fine Optic at a Reasonable Price
While testing this Vortex Golden Eagle scope, I developed a real fondness for it. I appreciate its great optics, eye relief and crispness of adjustments. If I thought that this scope did not hold POA, I would use my old Valdada in the 600-yard matches in which I participate. Further testing has shown no tendency to shift point of aim.
If I am allowed to keep this scope until the fall, I am sure that I will be able to see 6mm bullet holes in the white at 600 yards. Seeing those 6mm holes is very difficult, but that is my dream for a premium high-powered scope. During the summer months in north Louisiana, the air is much too “dirty” to spot small holes at 600 yards. By October, there should be some conditions in which one can use the premium optics to see bullet holes in the white at 600.
In summary, let me say that this scope has become one of my all-time favorites because of its bright, clear images and its great reliability. If you are looking for a great long-range scope that is reasonable in cost, try the Golden Eagle from Vortex.– James Mock
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by James Mock
After owning three different rifles with BAT actions, I have become a loyal fan of BAT Machine quality and customer service. Back in 2009, I traded my BAT/Scoville for the BAT/Leonard that I currently shoot. This rifle has a long history and Terry Leonard told me that “Old 87″ (as I have named it) was one of the earlier BATs that he stocked. He wrapped the stock in fiberglass and used 2-part epoxy back then. I must say that this rifle has held up remarkably well since it dates back to the 1990s. The action is a RB/LP/RE octagon Model B with .308 bolt-face.
With this gun, I have shot several barrels of different calibers (.22 PPC, .22 PPC-short .095, 6mm PPC, 6XC, 6mm Dasher, .30BR, and will soon have a 6 BR-AI). It has been an exceptionally accurate rifle in several disciplines. In the hands of previous owners, it earned several Hall-of-Fame (HOF) points, and a “middle-of-the-pack” shooter (me) even received a HOF point with this rifle.
For most of its life, Old 87 served as a short range benchrest rifle, but I have used it for the last few years as a 600-yard rifle with the 6mm Dasher barrel. I was lucky enough to earn the Shooter of the Year award at the Prince Memorial Range in Louisiana for 2016.
After shooting my two Dasher barrels for last eight years, I have noticed a drop-off in accuracy at 600 yards. A decision had to be made — get a new barrel or sell the rifle and retire from competition. I will be 74 years old in six months and my competition days are limited due mainly to a chronic neck problem. After mulling over the decision to retire or not, I decided to give Old 87 one more year. Here is the story of how we upgraded the old war-horse.
Old 87 REBORN — Upgrading with New Components
I prefer cut-rifled barrels with four lands and grooves and have had success with .236 bore diameters and 1:8″ twist in long range rifles. I searched for barrels meeting those parameters and found a suitable BRUX at Bugholes.com (Southern Precision Rifles).
The 6BR-AI Option — Easy Fire Forming
I thought about having Billy Stevens chamber it for the Dasher, but decided to try something new. There seems to be a lot of interest in the 6BR-AI and I said, “Why not?” Well, I bought a shortened Dasher die from Harrell’s and will use my Wilson Dasher seating die. Bart Sauter was kind enough to let me use his reamer for chambering.
Fitting a New Roller-Type Cocking Piece on Older BAT Action
Since I was into the project this deep, I called Mike Ezell and ordered one of his Tungsten powder-dampened tuners. Since Old 87 had thousands of rounds since the firing pin spring has been replaced, I decided that it was probably needed. Well, I got to thinking (very dangerous) and asked Daryle Thom if it would be feasible to put a roller-type cocking piece and a new firing pin spring on such an old action.
The folks at BAT are very accommodating and they said that it would be no problem with such a conversion. While my bolt was in Idaho, the barrel with Ezell tuner arrived and I could not shoot it. However, my friend Jeff Turner loaned me his BAT bolt to see if it would work. Although the rifles differ in age by 15 or more years, the borrowed bolt worked perfectly in my rifle. This is a testimony to the great machine work performed at BAT Machine.
New Bolt Roller Tail-Piece Makes a Big Difference in Cocking Effort
With the borrowed bolt I managed to fire-form 50 rounds and get them ready for our 600-yard match on September 16. The folks at BAT quickly fixed my bolt by replacing the mainspring and ejector spring, polishing the ejector, and replacing the tail-piece with their roller type. Pictured below is this tail piece that makes a remarkable difference in the force needed to cock the action. It is amazing what this little wheel can do… even when placed in a 20+ year old action.
Working with the Ezell Barrel Tuner — Small Increments Work Best
Also, I would like to congratulate Mike Ezell on his new tuner which contains powdered Tungsten. It is easy to set up and Mike will help a buyer get maximum effectiveness from the unit. Just give him a call. Below is a picture of the tuner. I was lucky enough to have some time to “play” with it before the match.
Talking about the tuner, Mike writes: “Our new barrel tuners…
PDT stands for particle dampening technology. The science is there, we just applied it to a barrel tuner. The advantages are a wider tune window and more efficient control of barrel harmonics…in a tuner design that actually looks good.”
Mike advised me to set the tuner by turning it all the way into the shoulder and then come out to zero or the second time zero comes up if there is not at least half of a turn between the shoulder and the first zero. It is best to start with a proven load and adjust the tuner from that load. As unlikely as it seems, a rifle can go from a good tune to a very poor tune with only 5 marks (.005”) and vice versa.
Mike cautions those who use his tuner to NOT make adjustments which are too large. As a matter of fact, he recommends adjustments of .001 inch at a time. Ezell’s tuners are screwed onto the barrel with .900” by 32 threads per inch and has 32 marks on the circumference of the tuner. Therefore, each mark moves the tuner in or out by .001 inch. There are three set screws with Teflon tips which provide friction for the tuner on the threads. Do not tighten the screws so tight as they damage the fine threads.
If you want the smoothest bolt possible for your BAT, call or e-mail Daryle or Bruce Thom at BAT Machine and discuss your needs with them. I am sure glad that I did. If you want a state-of-the-Art tuner for your barrel, give Mike Ezell a call or visit his Ezell Custom Rifles Facebook Page.
— Good shooting, James Mock
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Review by James Mock
If you were charged with building a scope for F-Class or long range Benchrest, what features would you want? Vortex asked that question, received feedback from many competitors, and then set out to build a new high-magnification, zoom comp scope that would set a new “performance for price” standard.
The new Vortex Golden Eagle has features that this shooter really appreciates. It has a power range of 15x to 60x with a 52mm objective lens. Vortex has attempted to keep the weight as low as possible and the cost reasonable. My initial impression is that Vortex spared no expense in developing this scope. The “street price” for this premium scope is a reasonable $1499.00. Plus it has Unconditional Lifetime Warranty. Given its features, performance, and price, I believe that this scope will sell very well.
Premium HD, extra-low dispersion glass
APO (apochromatic) objective lens system with index-matched lenses
XRP multi-coated lenses for max light transmission
ArmorTek extra-hard lens coating to protect lens from dust, dirt, and smudges
Fogproof and Waterproof (Argon gas purged)
Specifications
Field of View at 100 yards: 6.3 feet at 15X; 1.7 feet at 60X
Main Tube: One-piece 30mm
Length: 16.1 inches; Weight is 29.7 ounces
Objective Lens: 52mm
Eye Relief: 3.9 inches
Reticles: SCR-1 FCH; ECR-1 MOA
Testing the Golden Eagle
I recently tested a Golden Eagle with the ECR-1 reticle. On this model the Hash Marks subtend 1 MOA at 40X. There is also a fine crosshair reticle (SCR-1) available. Initial tests with the scope were done on June 28th and I was very impressed with what I saw. With a new scope I always shoot the square (box test) to test tracking and amount of movement. I shot the square today after shooting a 5-shot group at 250 yards (my longest available distance). Below is a picture of the box test target that I shot. Yes, shot #5 went through the exact same hole as shot #1.
Below is the 250-yard target I shot before doing the box test. To get to the 100-yard target, I clicked down 14 clicks (1/8th MOA) and the scope was spot on. It is really a pleasure to use instruments that do exactly what they are supposed to do. With the Louisiana mirage, I shot this orange/white target at 40X instead of the maximum 60X. I did not have any problem seeing the 6mm bullet holes at 40X. The optics in this scope are to my old eyes are as good as any that I have used (regardless of price).
Competition Test Success — Golden Eagle Delivers a Win
My next use of this scope was at our monthly 600-yard match on July 15th. It was a typical mid-July day in north Louisiana — very hot and humid with light switching winds. The mirage was terrible, but I managed to squeak out a victory with a 188/5X score out of 200/20X possible. I shot the Golden Eagle at 40X all day and it performed perfectly. No one could see bullet holes today, even with the high powered premium spotting scopes. This is a quality scope and it may be a “lucky” scope in that I did not expect a win with a 6mm Dasher barrel with 2500 or more rounds through it.
Point of Aim Test with Hood Scope Checker
I also tested the Golden Eagle for holding Point of Aim (POA). For this procedure, I used the Hood scope checker (loaned to me by Bart Sauter). To use this, one mounts two scopes side by side. Ideally one scope has proven its ability to hold POA. Here I used a Valdada 36X BR model as my control scope. It has proven over an 8-year period of time to hold its point of aim. I mounted these scopes on my BAT/Leonard 6mm PPC and adjusted each to the same point on the target.
As one can see in the above picture, these are big scopes. After the first shot, I noticed that the reticle dot on the Vortex seemed to be about 1/8th MOA to the right of its original position. I stopped to check for ring slippage (which I had experienced in prior tests). There was no apparent slippage, so I checked the parallax and found that there was some parallax correction needed. This was probably the source of the apparent shift in point of aim, but I cannot be sure of that. I fired three more shots (checking after each) and found no shift.
After testing for POA shift, I fired the remaining rounds using different aiming points. I fired 5 rounds (upper left) using the Vortex and 3 rounds to the right of those using the Valdada scope.
CONCLUSION — A Very Fine Optic at a Reasonable Price
While testing this Vortex Golden Eagle scope, I developed a real fondness for it. I appreciate its great optics, eye relief and crispness of adjustments. If I thought that this scope did not hold POA, I would use my old Valdada in the 600-yard matches in which I participate. Further testing has shown no tendency to shift point of aim.
If I am allowed to keep this scope until the fall, I am sure that I will be able to see 6mm bullet holes in the white at 600 yards. Seeing those 6mm holes is very difficult, but that is my dream for a premium high-powered scope. During the summer months in north Louisiana, the air is much too “dirty” to spot small holes at 600 yards. By October, there should be some conditions in which one can use the premium optics to see bullet holes in the white at 600.
In summary, let me say that this scope has become one of my all-time favorites because of its bright, clear images and its great reliability. If you are looking for a great long-range scope that is reasonable in cost, try the Golden Eagle from Vortex.– James Mock
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Note: In this review, James Mock talks about his experience with an IOR Valdada 36X fixed power scope. A newer, slightly-modified version of this optic is now available. The current IOR Valdada 36x42mm scope is just like the scope James reviews, except that the rear ocular lens is slightly smaller and the new version is about three ounces (3 oz.) lighter. All of Mock’s observations and comments otherwise apply to the current production model.
IOR Valdada 36x42mm Benchrest Riflescope
Review by James Mock
For the past eight years I have been using the IOR Valdada 36x42mm Benchrest scope on my 6mm Dasher/6PPC switch barrel rifle. It has performed flawlessly during this time. Perhaps this may be the best 600-yard fixed power scope in existence. With the 1 MOA reticle one can judge the distance from sighter to point of aim very accurately. With this knowledge, he/she can either adjust the reticle to the point of aim or may use the hash marks for a definite aiming point. The 1/8th-MOA adjustments are positive and repeatable. There is a provision to set a “zero” after adjustments.
The lens in this scope may be its outstanding feature. The glass comes from Schott Glass Werkes of Germany, and in my opinion it is as good as one can buy. Another great feature is the spring that is set against the erector tube (this is similar to the system used by the Nightforce BR model). The photo below shows the housing containing that spring.
Reticle Options — Fine Cross-Hair or MOA with Hash Marks
The IOR Valdada 36x42mm scope is offered with a fine cross-hair for those not wanting the MOA reticle. My choice is the MOA reticle with 1/8th-minute dot in the center.
Tested in Competition — This Scope’s a Winner
My first success using this scope was at the NBRSA Nationals at Desoto, Kansas in 2010. I won the 200-Yard Sporter Agg with a .1727. The scope performed flawlessly and I was lucky enough to pull the trigger at the right time. The following year I finished second behind Jeff Thompson III in the Sporter 200 at the NBRSA Nationals at Midland, Texas. Hall of Fame shooter Don Powell commented that my shooting had really improved since I switched to the Valdada. This scope is rock solid and it surely didn’t hurt my shooting.
I have not shot much short range Benchrest in the last few years, but I still use the Valdada in 300- and 600-Yard matches quite often. Its adjustments are crisp and accurate. The adjustments move the reticle 0.125 inches at 100 yards and therefore 0.75 inches at 600. Using the MOA reticle and the precise adjustments, one can determine the number of clicks needed by using the reticle to see how far off of the aiming point one is on the sighting gongs. If a person wants to “hold off” rather than adjust the scope, he/she can do so by using the hash marks for a definite aiming point.
Updates to IOR 36x42mm Scope — Slimmer and Trimmer
Since I got my IOR Valdada 36x42mm scope, there have been some changes made. My scope weighs about 25 ounces but the new one is about 3 ounces lighter. The folks at IOR (Valdada) got input from Bart Sauter and made the ocular (eyepiece) lens smaller and the scope lighter. Bart is now a distributor for Valdada and many in the Benchrest community are now using this fine scope. Billy Stevens won the Super Shoot and qualified for the World Team using the Valdada. If you are interested, please contact Val Leautu in Littleton, CO at 303-979-4578 or Bart Sauter at 270-879-4279.
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Brux Barrels, based in Lodi, Wisconsin, has earned a reputation for producing great-shooting tubes. Brux-made barrels have won their fair share of matches, and set some notable records in the process. A few years back, Rodney Wagner shot the smallest five-shot, 600-yard group (0.336″) in the history of rifle competition, using a Brux barrel chambered for the 6mm Dasher.
Folks often ask us why Brux barrels shoot so well. “What’s the secret?” they ask. We can only answer with what Brux explains on its own website: “To make a cut-rifled barrel you have to start off with the proper ingredients: the best steel available, skill, and experience. Since there are really only two main suppliers of barrel-quality steel, the skill and experience is what really makes a barrel maker stand out.” Here is how Brux’s co-owners, Norman Brux and Ken Liebetrau, explain all the procedures involved in making a Brux cut-rifled barrel:
Brux Barrel-Making Process, Start to Finish
We start out with either 4150 chrome-moly or 416R stainless steel double stress-relieved bar stock. The bar stock starts out at 1-9/32″ in diameter and 20-24 feet long so we cut it to length.
Step two is to rough-contour the outside of the barrel blank in a lathe.
Thirdly, the blank gets mounted into a Barnes gun drill. The cutter bit has holes through which oil or coolant is injected under pressure to allow the evacuation of chips formed during the cutting process. This is called “oil-through” or “coolant-through”. Without this, you wouldn’t want to even attempt drilling a hole 30” long and under ¼” in diameter. The combination of a 3600rpm and good flushing allows us to drill a beautifully straight and centered hole .005” under “land” diameter at a rate of 1” per minute.
Clean the barrel.
Next the blank is sent back to the lathe to machine the finished contour of the outside.
Clean the barrel again.
Now, the blank is sent on to the Pratt & Whitney reamer in which an “oil through” reaming tool is used to cut away the extra .005” left in the drilling process. The reamer makes an extremely accurate bore size and after it is finished the bore will have a better surface finish and will be at the proper “land” diameter.
Clean the barrel again.
In the sixth step we hand lap each barrel to remove any slight tool marks that may have been left by the reamer and inspect every one with a bore scope. If the barrel doesn’t meet our standards for surface finish and tolerance it doesn’t get any further.
Clean the barrel again.
The barrels then go onto the rifling machine which is responsible for cutting the all so familiar grooves in the bore. A caliber/land configuration-specific rifling head is used to progressively shave away small amounts of steel to form the rifling grooves. This is accomplished by simultaneously pulling the rifling head through the reamed blank as the blank is spun at a controlled rate. After each cut, the blank is rotated 90 degrees (for a four-land configuration) and after one full rotation (360 degrees) the rifling head is slightly raised to shave off the next bit of material. This process is repeated until we reach groove diameter.
Clean the barrel again.
Lastly, the barrel is hand-lapped again (to ensure a smooth bore), and a final inspection is performed with the bore scope.
The barrel is cleaned one last time, wrapped, packed, and shipped to [the customer].
Anyone reading this detailed description of the Brux barrel-making process will doubtless come away with a new appreciation for the time, effort, and dedication required to produce a premium match-grade cut-rifled barrel. Obviously, there are no easy shortcuts and great attention to detail is required each step of the way. As shooters we’re lucky that we have barrel-makers so dedicated to their craft.
Credit James Mock for steering us to this Barrel Making 101 feature on the Brux website.
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Sightron 10X-50x60mm Riflescope Field Test Review by James Mock
Mr. Allen Orr of Sightron was kind enough to loan me one of their fine SIII riflescopes for testing. Since I shoot 600-yard score matches more than anything else, I requested the 10-50x60mm model with MOA-2 reticle. This is a premium scope in every way and it may be the very best buy for a long range scope today. Real world price for this scope is around $950-$1000 ($977.61 on Amazon.com). This represents a good value considering the scope’s build quality and features: 50X max magnification, 1/4-MOA adjustments with 10 MOA per revolution, ExactTrack windage and elevation system, Zack-7 lens coating, 60mm objective lens, target knobs with zero stop, and lifetime warranty. The MOA-2 reticle’s hash marks span 2 MOA at 24X and 1 MOA at 48X. Eye Relief is ample: 4.5″ at 10X and 3.8″ at 50X. Field of view at 100 yards is 9.6′ at 10X, 2.2′ at 50X.
NOTE: Sightron also offers this scope with 1/8-MOA clicks with a Fine Cross-Hair Reticle, Target Dot Reticle, and Mil-Dot Reticle. There are also multiple Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm models with illuminated reticles.
Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm Shows Excellent Repeatability
After receiving the scope, I mounted it on my BAT 6mm Dasher and did my “standard tests”. I shot the “square” and the adjustments were spot on and the repeatability was faultless. I also shot a group at two powers (24X and 50X) and the point of impact was the same.
In our August 600-yard match, I used the scope and was favorably impressed. I did not have the opportunity to shoot 600 yards prior to the match but I do have a 100-meter range at my house. From past experience, after zeroing my Dasher at 100 I simply dial up 11 MOA to shoot at 600 yards. The weather in Louisiana has been something that I have never seen before and the August 20th match was moved to August 27th, but there was still standing water in front of the targets. Also, the fog was so heavy that the start of the match was delayed for 45 minutes.
Sightron Nails a 50 Score on First-ever Match Target
When the match started, the Sightron with 11 MOA dialed in was perfect for elevation and a little right. After a couple of clicks I was ready to shoot. My first target was a pleasant surprise — scoring a 50-1X. I was very impressed with this scope and I shot it at 48X all day in the heavy mirage. I ended up finishing third, two points behind the winner.
With its 60mm objective lens, this is a large scope. It is 16.9″ long and weighs 30.1 ounces. If you can tolerate that weight in the discipline you shoot this scope represents a great value for the long-range shooter. I am favorably impressed with it. For you varmint shooters, this scope with its wide range of power would make a superb addition to you favorite prairie dog rig. Do note, as we explained above, there are other versions of this scope with 1/8-MOA clicks if that is your preference. Good shooting — James Mock
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During the match, the hash marks are very useful. Since the hash marks subtend 1/2-MOA at 52X, I used the scope at that power until the 4th target and then used it at 26X so I could use the 1-MOA hash marks. Since we shoot a steel gong for sighters, it is easy to determine the amount of winddrift by using these hash marks.
Competition Test Success — Golden Eagle Delivers a Win
