Eurooptic vortex burris nightforce sale




teslong borescope digital camera barrel monitor


As an Amazon Associate, this site earns a commission from Amazon sales.









May 20th, 2007

Wind Skills DVD by Bassham & Wigger

Lanny Bassham Winning in the WindDealing with the wind is probably the biggest challenge in shooting. “Anyone who has ever fired a shot outdoors realizes, sooner or later, that doping the wind tends quickly to separate the winners form the ‘also-rans’. From benchrest competition to long-range prarie dog blasting, understanding the way the wind affects the shooter, the target and the bullet is vital if one wishes to hit the target.” (Phil Johnston, GunWeek.) Many of our readers have asked, “What’s a good book or video on reading the wind?”

You’ll find some great material in Nancy Tompkins recent book, Prone and Long-Range Rifle Shooting, and Mike Ratigan offers excellent wind-reading advice for 100/200 yard BR in his new Extreme Rifle Accuracy book. But for those seeking a single, dedicated resource on wind reading, we recommend Winning in the Wind, an interactive DVD by Lanny Bassham and Lones Wigger, both World shooting champions. Winning in the Wind covers mirage and the strategies for shooting in different wind conditions. The DVD has over 100 digital graphics, photos, and ilustrations, plus a complete interactive shot chart showing wind effects. The DVD also offers helpful hints for staying positive and mentally focused when dealing with fickle and erratic winds. This CD-Rom is available for $35.00 from Champion’s Choice, or directly from the Lanny Basham website, MentalManagement.com.

Permalink Competition No Comments »
May 19th, 2007

Target Cam Sparks Debate

Noted shooter Lou Murdica announced plans to get a wireless target cam system for long-range shooting out to 1000 yards. Lou expressed a desire to use a camera system, similar to that employed by long-range black powder shooters, in an upcoming 1000-yard Benchrest match. This system would be different than the Kirk Roberts’ Target Cam (5/18 Bulletin), but it would operate on similar principles. Lou’s intention to use a long-range video camera in BR competition has spurred a heated debate on Benchrest Central. Click HERE to read the discussion, with comments from many top shooters including Dave Tooley, Regan Green, and Rich DeSimone.

wireless video shooting camera

We note that, while the use of cameras with remote monitors may seem radical to Americans, target telemetry is commonplace in Europe where many ranges have “target monitors” placed at every shooting station. These are used by 100m and 300m shooters to see their bullet placements (and scores) in real time. Bullet hits are plotted via acoustic targets linked to monitors. At some ranges, these acoustic or electronic targets are networked to a control center, allowing multiple targets to be automatically scored by a central computer.

300m target cam

Permalink News 1 Comment »
May 19th, 2007

QuickLOAD Review by Craig Boddington

quickload Guns and Ammo review boddingtonNoted gun writer Craig Boddington reviews QuickLOAD reloading software in the June 2007 issue of Guns and Ammo magazine. Boddington was impressed with the wealth of information on powders, cartridges, and bullets stored by the program. He was able to quickly find powders and bullets for his favorite calibers and generate reloading “recipes” that matched his goals for pressure, barrel time (of bullet), and velocity. Boddington also used the program’s powerful search/sort features. QuickLOAD, as we explain in the comprehensive QuickLOAD REVIEW on this website, allows you to specify cartridge fill density and maximum pressure. Then, with one click, the program will sort and rank all the available propellants by max achievable velocity, from fastest to slowest. We use this feature all the time to chose propellants for a new cartridge, such as the 6.5×47 Lapua. Boddington observed: “There are many ways to sort the data. I did a search at 62,000 psi–a bit warm but well under SAMMI maximum for the 8mm Remington Magnum. This gave me 35 powders and charges that would yield this exact pressures. This search suggested I could increase velocity quite dramatically with a half-dozen propellants, with acceptable load density as well as pressure. I found several more loads I’d like to try.”

QuickLOAD software review

QuickLOAD and QuickTARGET Ballistic software are sold exclusively by Neconos.com. The latest version 3.2 costs $149.95 plus S/H. Click HERE for a full product description, and be sure to read our QuickLOAD Review and Users Guide.

Permalink Gear Review, Reloading No Comments »
May 18th, 2007

Zeiss Shot Show Demos at Natchez

Right now, Natchez Shooters Supply has some great deals on Zeiss rifle scopes and spotting scopes. These optics were displayed at the 2007 Shot Show. They are all unused with NO dings, marks or blemishes–merely a few fingerprints. They come complete with full factory warranty. The products available include the excellent Zeiss Conquest, our top choice in a 1″-diameter-tube, 6-20X variable optic. You can save up to 30% off MSRP.

Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20X50 AO MC Riflescope(#20 ZE5214519920): $719.99 ($899.99 MSRP)
Zeiss Conquest 6.5-20X50 AO MC Riflescope (#4 ZE5214519904): $719.99 ($899.99 MSRP)

Zeiss 85mm Spotting Scope (Green Angled ZE528005): $1,124.00 ($1550.99 MSRP)
Zeiss 65mm Spotting Scope (Green Angled ZE528014): $899.00 ($1250.99 MSRP)

Diavari VM/V 3-12X56 T 30MM Riflescope (#8 Matte ZE5217419908): $1,319.00 (MSRP $1649.99)
Diavari VM/V 2.5-10X50 T 30MM Riflescope (#8 Matte ZE5217319908): $1,279.00 (MSRP $1599.99)

Permalink Hot Deals, Optics No Comments »
May 18th, 2007

Long-Range Target Cam System

Even with a very costly spotting scope, it is quite difficult, if not impossible, to see bullet hits on paper at 800 yards and beyond. Wireless camera technology promises to change all that. With a camera positioned close to the target, a wireless system could allow the shooter to see hits (on paper or steel) out to distances of one mile.

In our story about Reactive Targets, we featured a prototype wireless target cam system crafted by Kirk Roberts. Over the past year and a half, Kirk has been testing and upgrading the system. It now features an upgraded receiver, enhanced range, and improved antennas for better long-range reception. Kirk isn’t in regular production yet, but he expects to offer an 1100-yard version for $999, and a long-range version (good to 1 mile) for $1499. These prices would be for a complete “turn-key” system with case, camera, camera mount, LCD display, receiver, and transmitter.

According to Kirk, “Current range has been tested to (but not limited to) 1680 yards with crystal clarity. The current kit consists of one camera, one transmitter, and one receiver/screen pack (with antenna). The receiver can accommodate up to 4 transmitter/camera units. Together, the screen and receiver draw under one amp. The memory-free battery that comes with the unit will run the target-cam for up to 10 hours. The camera is in a steel case to resist bullet strikes and bullet splatter, while the tripod-mounted transmitter is in a waterproof case with an external antenna and battery.” Since the receiver is equipped with standard RCA A/V jacks, Target Cam video output can also be captured by normal digital cameras or cam-corders.

Wireless Target Cam

For serious long-range competitors, particularly iron-sights shooters, the remote target cam would be a fantastic training aid. With the video camera positioned within a few feet of the target, the image is always clear and sharp. The shooter gets instant feedback and he can plot his hits. Heat, glare, or mirage won’t distort the image as it might with a conventional spotting scope. Kirk is now in the final testing process on his long-range target cam, and isn’t taking orders just yet. But if you email Mailbox@6mmBR.com, we will forward reader questions and comments to Kirk.

Permalink News 2 Comments »
May 18th, 2007

Indiana Opens new $4.7 Million Shooting Center

On May 30, 2007, Indiana will open the new Atterbury Fish and Wildlife Area (FWA) Shooting Range, a $4.7 million facility that features a 66-position rifle and pistol range, and four combination trap and skeet fields. The state-of-the-art range, located between Indianapolis and Columbus, replaces an aging shooting facility that was being used by more than 15,000 shooters each year. Similar modern baffled ranges were built near LaPorte in 2002 at Kingsbury FWA, and near Huntington in 2004 at J. Edward Roush Lake. The Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) will be reimbursed for about 75 percent of construction costs through federal aid. The aid is derived from federal excise tax revenue from the sales of firearms and ammunition, and archery equipment. “More than one million Hoosiers are shooting-sports enthusiasts, and they need facilities like this to support hunter education programs and to have appropriate locations to practice and improve their skills,” said DNR Director Robert Carter.

Atterbury FWA covers 6,000 acres that was once part of Camp Atterbury military base. The land was purchased in March 1969, from the Government Services Administration, through the Federal Lands to Parks Program.

Atterbury Indian FWA Shooting Range

Range Hours and Gen’l Info: Call (812) 526-6552.

How to Get There: Exit I-65 at Exit 80 (Edinburgh/Flatrock). Take S.R. 252 west to Edinburgh. Follow S.R. 252 west until it intersects US.31 (about 2.6 miles). Continue west across U.S. 31 for about 1.8 miles. Just before the “Camp Atterbury-1942″ boulder, take Edinburgh St. (northwest) for about 2,000 feet. Range is on right. The official address for the range is 4250 E. Edinburgh St., Edinburgh, IN 46214.

Editor’s Comment: Now this is what we like to see–a state government working actively to enhance shooting facilities, and making proper use of federal funding to do so. By contrast, in my home state of California, state and local politicians aggressively work to close shooting ranges or limit their use to police and law enforcement. In my county alone, two indoor ranges and two outdoor ranges have been shut down in the last year and a half. Kudos to Indiana DNR officials for launching the new Atterbury FWA facility.

Permalink News No Comments »
May 17th, 2007

Super Shoot Kicks off May 23

The Firearm Industry Super Shoot (FISS), the largest short-range benchrest match in North America, runs May 23-26, 2007 at the Kelbly range in Ohio. The Super Shoot attracts 320 or more shooters every year. For more information, go to www.benchrest.com/fiss/index.shtml, or click the links below. The competition is limited to 420 shooters. But it’s not too late to register. The Kelblys tell us “there are still places available if you get your registration in soon.” Note: after May 10, 2007, registration fees are $110.00 per gun. No exceptions.

FISS benchrest Super Shoot

Location:
7222 Dalton Fox Lake Road
North Lawrence, OH 44666
Phone: (330) 683-4674

Registration Form (.pdf file)
Registration Form (MS Word doc)
General Information
Map to Range

Permalink Competition, News No Comments »
May 17th, 2007

Aussie Wind Flags Guide SpyPlanes

Butch Lambert of ShadeTree Engineering reports that Aussie Wind Flags were recently shipped to the U.S. Air Force in the Middle East. These will be used to help guide the high-tech Desert Hawk unmanned spyplanes used by the U.S. Military. Butch reports, “Shooters get the same quality product, with high-grade components, that we shipped to the Air Force. These wind flags pack flat and don’t take up much space when transported. Even the propellers unroll and can be packed flat. Aussie Flags can be installed on your existing posts or tripods. The unique propeller design responds rapidly to changing conditions, as the propellers spin on ball bearings.”

Shadetree Engineering Aussie Wind Flags

Shadetree Engineering Aussie Wind Flags

Desert Hawk in Iraq (courtesy U.S. Air Force)

Desert Hawk USAF

Permalink News 3 Comments »
May 17th, 2007

Free Freight on Winchester & Rem Brass

MidwayUSA just announced a special deal on bulk brass sales. For a limited time, Midway is including free shipping in the price of certain Remington and Winchester brass. The Free Freight offer only applies to listed large quantities of specific brass. Qualifying products include:

Winchester .204 Ruger brass, quantity of 1100, item 319113, $191.99 delivered
Winchester .223 Rem brass, quantity of 1200, item 322911, $195.99 delivered.

Remington 22-250 brass, quantity of 700, item 911747, price $174.99 delivered.
Remington .308 Win brass, quantity of 700, item 844510, price $193.99 delivered.

This is a limited time offer, and restrictions apply. You must order the exact product described, sorry no mixing or matching. Any other items added to the invoice will be shipped in a separate box and will incur normal shipping charges. Shipping method is USPS Priority Mail for delivery within 7 days.

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo No Comments »
May 16th, 2007

Federal Small Rifle Primers at Graf's

Federal small rifle primersFederal Rifle Primers have been in short supply. We checked with Graf & Sons, Grafs.com, today and learned that they do have a large supply of the standard Small Rifle (FD205) primers in stock. Price is $23.39 per box of 1000 primers, or $109.99 per case of 5000. Unfortunately the Small Rifle Match (FD205M) primers are sold out as are the Large Rifle (FD210) and Large Rifle Match (FD210M). Graf & Sons will be carrying the Wolf (Russian) Primers, but the Wolfs are not expected to arrive for another 2-3 Weeks.

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo No Comments »
May 16th, 2007

SWFA's Sample List Bargains

SWFA.com always offers competitive pricing on quality name brands including Leica, Swarovski, Leupold, and Bushnell. SWFA.com also offers a wide variety of “show samples” and “demos” in its “Sample List”, which is updated daily. If you’re looking for a premium scope, rangefinder or spotting scope, check the SWFA Sample List first. Today, on the Sample List you’ll find a Leupold 45X Comp series scope for just $799.99 and Swarovski 8×30 LaserGuides for just $749.99. These and other hot deals are listed below:

IOR 6-24×50 Tactical Scope
Matte finish, illuminated crosshair w/ dot, 35mm tube, side focus, fast-focus eye piece, 1/4-MOA target knobs, includes medium Picatinny rings, ring marks. Stock # 7300.
MSRP: $1,600.00. Sale price: $1,099.95

Leica 62mm Straight Televid Spotting Scope, Body Only
40108 Model, Silver finish, Aluminum body, fast focus and coarse focus, straight view, used, close to new condition. Body only–no eyepiece. MSRP: $1,200.00. Sale Price: $799.95

Leupold 35×45 Competition Series Scope (53432)
Matte finish, 30mm tube, target dot reticle, side focus, target knobs. MSRP: $1,250.00. Sale Price: $799.95. Stock #6725.
Leupold 40×45 Competition Series Scope (53534)
Matte finish, 30mm tube, fine crosshair reticle, side focus. 100% new condition. MSRP: $1,249.00. Sale Price: $949.95. Stock #5239.
Leupold 45×45 Competition Series Scope (53438)
Matte finish, fine crosshair, 30 mm tube, target knobs, side focus, super light ring marks, close to new condition. MSRP: $1,249.00. Sale Price: $799.95. Stock #4555.

Swarovski 8×30 LaserGuide
Laser RangeFinder. Green rubber armored finish, (1500-yard capability), SLC optical quality, close to new condition. This was the top-rated product in AccurateShooter.com’s recent Laser RangeFinder Comparison Test. MSRP: $987.00. Sale Price: $749.95. Dozens of units in stock.

Hundreds of other items are available–rifle scopes, binoculars, rangefinders, and spotting scopes. All items listed are subject to prior sale, and prices may change.

Permalink Hot Deals, Optics No Comments »
May 16th, 2007

Three Contributors Join Century Club

Over the past month we’ve received three $100.00 donations to the site (as well as other, lesser donations). We would like to acknowledge these very generous contributions by Troy K., Kenneth M., and Mark M. We also received $50.00 donations this month from Joe McG., and Salvatore M., and Mike Lucas. These contributions are accepted with gratitude. User donations are vital to the website. They help cover the cost of our Forum and site hosting, and help defray the cost of obtaining products for testing. If readers would like to make a contribution to the site, you can click on the PayPal button at the bottom of the Home Page, or send a check to Jason Baney, P.O. Box 704, Lemont, PA 16851. Registered Forum members–please include your Forum “nickname”.

Permalink News No Comments »