Stiller Precision Firearms is now offering hard-anodized, billet aluminum bottom metal systems that work with Accuracy International (AI) magazines in Rem-style actions. Currently a short-action version is offered (for both .223 Rem and .308 Win cartridge sizes) and a long-action unit is in the works. Bottom metal for the .223 Rem fits a 10-round magazine. For the .308 Win, there are three mag options: 5-round centerfeed, 10-round centerfeed, and a 10-round, .308 double-column mag. The double-column magazines won’t work in the standard Remington action, but are perfectly suited for dedicated actions such as Stiller’s new TAC30 A/W. Current MSRP for Stiller’s DBM Bottom Metal is $295.00 with one (1) 5-round magazine.
Jerry Stiller consulted many tactical shooters before finalized the design of his new bottom metal. It contains many smart features that enhance reliability/function and simplify the installation process:
Strong, billet aluminum construction with Mil-Spec Type 3 hard anodizing.
Flared magwell allows fast, positive insertion of Accuracy International magazines.
Computer-optimized truss pattern reduces weight while retaining strength and stiffness.
Works with all commonly-available triggers for Rem and Rem-clone actions.
“Exact-Fit” pillars and screws included to ensure a perfect fit and easy installation.
NO SPECIAL INLET is required on the tang ends. Stiller Bottom Metal will fit into a standard BDL bottom inlet in most stocks (must meet Remington specified depths). The only cutting needed is around the magazine box. Stiller has beefed up the material in this area so that a high-precision cut is not needed.
Story tip by EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Setpoint Ammunition, a subsidiary of Setpoint Systems Inc., has finalized an OEM distribution agreement with Berger Bullets. The agreement allows Setpoint Ammunition to offer a selection of Berger’s precision bullets for use in custom cartridges sold on their SetpointAmmo.com website. Setpoint Ammunition will initially offer three Berger projectiles for use in their 7.62×51 / .308 WIN cartridges: 155gr Match Hybrid; 185gr Long Range BT;and 168gr Match Hunting VLD.
“The agreement with Berger Bullets allows us to offer some of the best projectiles available for use in our precision ammunition,” said Brad Angus, President of Setpoint Ammunition. Angus went on to say that this agreement has been anticipated for some time. “Teaming with Berger has always been one of our goals. When you combine the well-known reputation of Berger Bullets with the unprecedented precision that we’ve built into our ammunition loading process, you get the best custom rifle ammunition available on the commercial market today.”
Setpoint’s Unique Manufacturing Process
The revolutionary Setpoint Ammunition ordering and manufacturing process allows customers to dictate the case, projectile, powder load and overall length of the cartridge via the online ordering system. This unique process gives consumers the ability to fine-tune their ammo to fit their specific firearm and application.
The order is relayed from the website to the manufacturing facility, where fully-automated machines (designed and built for Setpoint Ammunition by Setpoint Systems,) load and assemble the cartridges to high levels of precision. By mechanizing the entire loading process, precision and consistency are maximized. The final outcome is affordable, reliable, high-performance ammunition. (Sales packages are available for military, law enforcement and tactical security groups.)
Tikka has started to import its new T3 Sporter, which features an ergonomic, laminated stock, detachable magazine, adjustable cheekpiece and a nice, stiff action with integral dovetail and side bolt-release. The trigger adjusts from 2 to 4 pounds. The T3 Sporter will be produced with 20″ or 24″ barrels in a variety of popular chamberings: .222 Rem*, .223 Rem, 6.5×55 SE, .260 Rem, .308 WIN. We expect this rifle to be popular with tactical shooters and club-level match shooters who want a versatile rifle that can be used for hunting as well as target shooting. The stock is similar to the ISU “standard rifle” design used for 300m position shooting. As you’d expect, it works in all positions: prone, sitting/kneeling, and standing.
T3 Is Accurate With Smooth-Working Action
We first saw the new Tikka T3 Sporter in January, at the SHOT Show Media Day. The gun we sampled had a nice trigger, smooth bolt, and shot quite accurately with factory ammo. Watch the video below for an overview of the T3 Sporter. The Tikka T3 Sporter was developed in co-operation With Finnish hunting and sport shooting organizations. The design goal was to create a rifle that performs in competition, but can also be used for hunting. The ergonomic stock features an adjustable cheekpiece and adjustable buttplate (length of pull can be changed with spacers). An integral rail allows placement of hand-stops, bipod mounts, and attachments so the rifle can be carried with a double-sling, biathlon style. T3 Sporter weight (without scope) is 9 lbs. with 20″ barrel, or 9.7 lbs. with 24″ barrel.
EuroOptic.com Has T3 Sporters in Stock EuroOptic.com has T3 Sporter inventory in stock now, priced at $1695.00. Not all variants have arrived yet*, but we’ve been told that the following models are available: .308 Win 24″ barrel, .308 Win 20″ barrel, 6.5×55 24″ barrel, 6.5×55 20″ barrel, .260 Rem 20″ barrel. 20″ barrels are threaded with a cap (18×1 metric) while the 24″ barrels are unthreaded. View details on EuroOptic’s T3 Sporter Page (NOTE: EuroOptic’s web site may not show the latest inventory, so call (507) 220-3159 for availability.)
*Beretta, Tikka’s parent company, controls T3 Sporter imports. EuroOptic.com informed us that it “ordered all the versions we could from Beretta, but no .222 Rem was available in the USA at this time.” So, for the near term at least, it appears that the .222 Rem will be limited to the European market.
Tactical Precision Rifle Matches are hugely popular, with many matches “sold out” months in advance. Now it looks like the precision tactical discipline is headed for the big-time. Stealing a page from the 3-Gun Nation playbook, a group of tactical competitors is launching a new nationwide series of matches for tactical shooters, the Precision Rifle Series 2012 (PRS). These matches will involve shooting at distances from 100 to 1000 yards, with a wide variety of stages, many involving barriers, or run-and-shoot challenges. This is not 3-Gun, mind you — at this time the PRS directors want to keep the focus on rifles. However, at some events, Match Directors may offer a couple stages that involve pistol shooting — but this is optional. The vast majority of PRS stages will be rifle-only.
Currently, most PRS shooters are fielding bolt-action rifles with detachable box magazines. However, the event is NOT restricted to bolt guns. Rich Emmons, one of the founders of the Precision Rifle Series told us: “About 90% of the shooters are using bolt-action rifles, but we are seeing more interest in ARs and other semi-automatics. Currently the rules are open, so you can shoot your AR if you wish. In fact, on some stages there may be a benefit to using a semi-automatic. But we still expect that most competitors will prefer bolt guns for their accuracy, simplicity, and reliability.”
To learn more about the Precision Rifle Series, visit PrecisionRifleSeries.com or email Rich Emmons at PrecisionRifleSeries [at] gmail.com.
Matches Will Be Hosted at Multiple Venues
Currently nine (9) PRS events are scheduled, culminating in a “Series Finale” in December, 2012 at the Rifles Only facility in Texas. Shooters who register for the Series (and pay the $75.00 PRS annual dues) may count up to three (3) Series events for season points to earn a spot to shoot the 2012 Series Finale. Season Finale contestants will be competing for cash, match prizes and total points. All Finale-qualified shooters who earn a spot to the Finale will receive a reserved slot for the 2013 PRS season.
PRS Rules and Scoring Procedures have been set by an “Oversight Committee” of well-known tactical shooters and match directors: Rich Emmons, Kevin Elpers, Scott Milkovich, Dustin Morris, Vu Pham, and Wade Stuteville.
A Series Event win will earn the first-place competitor 100 Series Points. The remaining field of competitors “will receive points normalized from the percentage earned in relationship to the top score”. (We’re not quite sure what that means, except that the points a shooter earns will be based on his match performance.) Points are important as shooters qualify for the Series Finale one of three ways: 1) by winning any qualifying match; 2) by earning enough season Series points to be in the Top 50 shooters nationwide; or 3) by being a Top 15% finisher (or better) at two events.
Upcoming Events
Total Season Series points will be calculated from the highest scoring 3 events listed below. The PRS Committee may add up to three more events to the 2012 Series Schedule.
Last week, at the DSEi trade show in London, UK, Sako unveiled an all-new tactical rifle, designed from the ground up as a modular system, which can be user-configured in the field to shoot multiple calibers. By changing bolts and barrels, Sako’s new TRG M10 can be switched from a 7.62×51 NATO round to the .300 Win Mag, or the even larger .338 Lapua Magnum. With the capability of the TRG M10 to shoot both standard and magnum cartridges, Sako now has a product that can compete with other multi-caliber sniper rifles such as the Barrett MRAD, released last year. CLICK HERE for TRG M10 Spec Sheet.
Sako Breaks TRG Mold with New M10
The TRG M10 represents quite a departure from Sako’s current TRG models which use a composite shell over a metal chassis which holds the barreled action. There is no outer shell or “skin” on the TRG M10. The action bolts into a rigid, exposed metal chassis to which a rail-equipped metal forearm/handguard is attached. Bipods can mount directly to a bottom Picatinny-style rail or to a metal block clamped to the rail on the underside of the forearm (See Photos).
TRG M10 Previewed in London CLICK HERE to view more photos of the new TRG M10. These images, taken at DSEi in London, show the rifle both fully assembled as well as pulled apart into its major sections: action/barrel, folding stock, forearm, bolt assemblies, magazines. As the TRG M10 is designed to shoot multiple calibers, it employs two different bolt assemblies to fit both standard and magnum cases (of course this requires a barrel interchange as well).
For Military and Law Enforcement Only — for Now
Currently, the TRG M10 is marketed for “military and law enforcement only.” It will be interesting to see if Sako eventually decides to sell the TRG M10 to American civilian shooters. If Sako changes its mind about the civilian market, we would not be surprised if an announcement to that effect would be made at SHOT Show 2012 (to be held Las Vegas, NV, January 17-20, 2012). The TRG M10 system will next be displayed at the Milipol trade show in Paris, France on October 18-21, 2011.
There is an extensive discussion of the new Sako TRG M10 on the Snipers’ Hide Forum. Overall, the initial reaction of ‘Hide members has been positive. Quite a few of those who commented on the rifle stated they would purchase a TRG M10 if it was offered to civilians. Hopefully Beretta, Sako’s parent company, will recognize that popular demand for the TRG M10 would be sufficient to justify its release to the civilian market. Only time will tell….
At the recent National Defense Match at Camp Perry, one young man gained more than just experience at his first rifle match — he took home top honors. 14 year-old Colton Cerino won first place in the Optics Category, no small feat for a young man competing with a rifle for the very first time. Shooting a FNH SCAR, Colton beat many older, experienced shooters, including his own father, Chris Cerino. Chris, you may recall, was the runner-up on Season 1 of The History Channel’s Top Shot TV show. Chris nearly won the open division, falling short only to his friend, Iain Harrison, (Top Shot’s Season 1 Champ) in the Open Category. Both Chris and Colton competed together at the 2011 Bianchi Cup, but for Colton, Camp Perry was his time to shine.
“Everyone noticed him and came up to talk to him, which was really cool” said Chris of his son Colton, who trained with his father for just three days before shooting the National Defense Match. Chris added: “If you’re going to lose to anyone, you might as well lose to your own son!”
Match Can Be a Family Affair
In addition to Colton, three other juniors shot the match including fellow 14 year-old competitors Remington Judd, Phoenix Hutchins, and Duncan Stewart. All four young men came to the match to compete with a family member. Like Colton, Duncan competed alongside his father, Zeb Stewart, who was also a Range Officer. Remington shot the match with his older brother, Nathan, and Phoenix competed with his grandfather, Dick Jones. “I designed the match after shooting with my sons,” revealed Match Director Trey Tuggle. “It’s something that everyone can do, from beginners to people who have been competing for years.”
This fall, November 4-6, 2011, a new two-man tactical challenge match will be held at the Blue Steel Ranch in Logan, NM (site of the popular Steel Safari match). Sponsored by Competition Dynamics and Thunder Beast Arms, the 2011 Thunder Beast Team Challenge (TBTC) is a 3-day, 8-stage test of practical field rifle shooting and related skills. This will be a physically-demanding match! Two-man teams must navigate rugged desert terrain, recognize, locate, range, and engage multiple rifle targets from challenging shooting positions, and complete the 8-stage course under daily time constraints. Most targets will be steel plates, set at distances from 100 to 800 yards.
Skills used at the TBTC will include target recognition, range estimation, wind doping, trail skills, and marksmanship. The competition is designed to test a 2-man team’s skills shooting rifle and carbine to their effective ranges at practical targets in the natural terrain using what gear they can carry. One team member will use a precision bolt gun and while the other carries a tactical-style carbine. Targets for the carbine range from 20 to 400 yards, with some “move and shoot” assault-style stages. Bolt-gun targets are generally positioned at 150-800 yards
The TBTC is being run by Competition Dynamics, whose staff has a proven 10-year track record as practical field match organizers. Zak Smith is Match Director. The TBTC will be held at the Blue Steel Ranch, a private ranch near Logan, New Mexico. The Blue Steel Ranch, which also hosts the Steel Safari, offers some of the best geography for field shooting available anywhere.
The Thunder Beast Team Challenge costs $585.00 per team. To register, or to learn more about the match, visit the 2011 Team Challenge webpage. Or, email thunderbeastarms [at] gmail.com.
Weaver Optics has just released two new illuminated, first focal plane (FFP) tactical optics, plus a line of accessories. The new scopes, a 3-15x50mm Long-Range Scope (part #800363) and a 1-5x24mm Intermediate-Range Scope (part #800364) were designed and built to survive rough handling. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, they feature 10 illumination settings, fully multi-coated lenses and a one-piece, 30mm Argon purged tube. Weaver claims both scopes are waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof (at least on the inside). “We take our tactical optics very seriously,” said Marketing Manager Tom Knudtson. “Our optics experts have done a lot of work on these reticles, glass and overall scope design to meet the needs of law enforcement professionals, military officers and other precision shooters.”
AR-friendly Optics Accessories
To accompany the two new tactical scopes, Weaver has released four new accessories, designed to fit AR-type flat-top rifles. We like the new 30mm SPR optics mount that can be fixed in place without tools.
Full-length AR-15 Flat Top Riser Rail with +20 MOA of built-in elevation (part #99675).
Picatinny Riser Set Small (elevates optics to optimal height, part #99658).
Weaver SPR (Special Purpose Rifle) 30mm Optics Mount with hand knobs for no-tool installation.
AR15 Fixed Back-Up Iron Sight with both “Precision” and CQB apertures.
Modular Driven Technology (MDT) has created a new 6061-T6 aluminum chassis for Rem 700 actions (and Rem 700 clones). MDT’s new TAC21 chassis has four (4) main components: action housing, lower unit (with trigger guard and mag well), forearm, and a quick-detach buttstock adapter that mates with the action housing. The main section has a +20 MOA milspec Picatinny rail on top. The action is seated on a V-Block style base inside the action housing. The short action TAC 21 chassis employs AICS-style magazines for .223 Rem or .308 Win-sized cartridges. The fore-end/handguard allows for free-floating barrels up to 1.350″ diameter. The chassis is built to accept any AR15/M16 stock and pistol grip.
Purchase from Sinclair Starting at $849.99
Currently Sinclair Int’l is the exclusive USA distributor of MDT’s TAC21 chassis. Sinclair’s price for the short-action version (right-hand or left-hand) is $849.99, while the long-action version will be $942.99. At present, only short action-versions are in stock, but MDT will be making long-action versions soon, and Sinclair is taking pre-orders. NOTE: these prices do NOT include buttstock, barrel, action, trigger, or optics. For more information, visit www.mdttac.com.
TAC21 Performs Well for Varmint Hunting
Al Voth from the Coyote School Blog did a field test of a .204 Ruger rifle built with the TAC21 chassis and conventional wood buttstock. Voth was able to assemble the rifle in 40 minutes with the MDT chassis kit and “everything fit perfectly.” CLICK HERE to Read Coyote School TAC21 Review.
If you’ve ever lusted for a SAKO TRG42 in .338 Lapua Magnum, now’s the time to break out the checkbook. This could be the deal of the decade. EuroOptic.com is selling brand new, .338 LM SAKO TRG42s for just $2250.00. That is not a misprint. For a limited time (while supplies last), EuroOptic is offering AccurateShooter.com readers new TRG42s in .338 Lapua Magnum for just $2250.00 — that’s over $1000.00 cheaper than the price at some other gun vendors. This was a special purchase, and inventory is limited, so don’t delay. The TRG42s have black furniture with a matte black barrel finish (not phosphate), and no Picatinny rail. The $2250.00 price applies only to black-stock models, chambered in .338 LM. Shop around and you’ll see you can’t come close to this price on a new TRG42 anywhere else. If you order, mention AccurateShooter.com to get the $2250.00 special price.
SAKO TRG42 in .338 Lapua Magnum for $2250.00
EuroOptic Exclusive: .260 Remington TRG22s
Want a SAKO TRG22 chambered in .260 Remington? Well you won’t find one at your local gunstore. EuroOptic.com commissioned a special run of .260 Rem TRG22s, SNs 0XX-200, and they are now in stock. These are fitted with 26″, 1:8″ twist, black phosphate-coated barrels. Actions come with milspec Picatinny rails pre-installed. Four different stock finishes are currently available: Matte Black, Remington Green, Desert Digital Camo, and Woodland Digital Camo. The Camo stock sets are an Eurooptic exclusive — not available anywhere else. These are very special rifles, and with the high interest in the .260 Rem cartridge (which won the National High Power Championship in the hands of SGT Sherri Gallagher), you can expect the rifles to sell out quickly. Price for the .260 Rem TRG22s in black and green is $3100.00. The Digital Camo versions are priced somewhat higher, at $3350.00. Shown below is a the TRG22 in Desert Digital. If you have questions, call (570) 220-3159 and ask for Jason Baney. CLICK HERE for sale info and rifle specs.
MidwayUSA has released new versions of its tactical gun case/drag bag that has earned very high marks from purchasers. This product is plenty wide, with a padded internal divider, so it really can handle two rifles. One purchaser confirms: “[This drag bag] holds my custom 300 Rem mag and my AR-15 with plenty of room.” MidwayUSA’s Sniper Drag Bag Scoped Rifle Gun Case comes in two lengths — either 50″ or 56″ overall. MidwayUSA says the internal length is 4″ shorter than the overall length, but that’s a little conservative. The 50″ length will handle most rifles with up to 25″ barrels, while the longer length should handle 30″-barreled rifles. We’re pleased MidwayUSA offers two lengths. One of the problems with many “tactical” gun cases is that they are simply too short for modern target rifles, particularly F-TR rigs. And many tactical competitors are running fairly long tubes these days.
MidwayUSA’s drag bags are made from tough, Cordura-style PVC-coated nylon, with reinforced stitching, heavy-duty zippers and closed cell foam padding in all pockets. These are big bags, with three large external pockets and one internal pocket. Notably, the full-length padded divider wall allows for secure two-gun storage, although this becomes a very heavy package with two scoped rifles inside. To assist with field carry, the MidwayUSA Drag Bag features backpack-style shoulder straps.
50″ Drag Bag Now On Sale for $64.99
Here’s the good news — now through the end of July, 2011, the shorter, 50″ Drag Bag is only $64.99 in either black or OD. You can save $35 off the regular $99.99 price. If you’re a tactical shooter and your rifle can fit in the shorter 50″ bag, jump on this deal. We doubt you can easily find another gun case with so many features for just $64.99. The 56″ Drag Bag costs $129.99, in either black or olive drab.
Positive User Reviews
James D in California, who purchased one of these bags last year, writes: “I don’t post reviews much, but this deserves comment. I was looking for an inexpensive solution to get my rifles to the range, so I purchased one of these drag bags. What a shock, It’s outstanding! Quality materials, excellent design and workmanship. It’s padded, has pockets inside of pockets, supports to where it as a pack, over the shoulder or like a case. It’s got everything! I also saw one at my local gunstore — EXACTLY like it for over twice the price! If you need a bag, this is it.”
Comp-Tac, maker of competition and concealment gear, is having a 20% Off Sale on July 4, 2011. Save 20% on your purchase by entering the code “JULY-1776″ in the “Coupon Redeem Code” box when you “check-out” from Comp-Tac’s webstore. Comp-Tac offers a wide assortment of firearms accessories. Primarily known for their Minotaur MTAC hybrid Kydex/leather holster, Comp-Tac produces more than just holsters. This company also makes AR-15 Mag Pouches, Gun Belts, Light Holders, and much more! CLICK HERE to view all products and shop online.
Limitations and the Fine Print
This Fourth of July 20% Off Sale is only available Monday, July 4th. To see full instructions and limitations of this sale, CLICK HERE.
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“The agreement with Berger Bullets allows us to offer some of the best projectiles available for use in our precision ammunition,” said Brad Angus, President of Setpoint Ammunition. Angus went on to say that this agreement has been anticipated for some time. “Teaming with Berger has always been one of our goals. When you combine the well-known reputation of Berger Bullets with the unprecedented precision that we’ve built into our ammunition loading process, you get the best custom rifle ammunition available on the commercial market today.”
Tikka has started to import its new 
T3 Is Accurate With Smooth-Working Action
Matches Will Be Hosted at Multiple Venues
A Series Event win will earn the first-place competitor 100 Series Points. The remaining field of competitors “will receive points normalized from the percentage earned in relationship to the top score”. (We’re not quite sure what that means, except that the points a shooter earns will be based on his match performance.) Points are important as shooters qualify for the Series Finale one of three ways: 1) by winning any qualifying match; 2) by earning enough season Series points to be in the Top 50 shooters nationwide; or 3) by being a Top 15% finisher (or better) at two events.
Sako Breaks TRG Mold with New M10
At the recent 
The TBTC is being run by 
Comp-Tac, maker of competition and concealment gear, is having a 20% Off Sale on July 4, 2011. Save 20% on your purchase by entering the code “JULY-1776″ in the “Coupon Redeem Code” box when you “check-out” from 
