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December 25th, 2007
Santa Seb was good to us this year. Sebastian Lambang, designer and builder of the SEB Co-Axial front rest, has donated one of his units to AccurateShooter.com–complete with his innovative Ammo-holder and a custom rear sand bag. We can say this is one impressive piece of engineering. Our new SEB Rest came all the way from Sebastian’s home in Jawa Timur, Indonesia, and arrived in the States just in time for Christmas. Thanks Seb! Stay tuned for a complete report in the weeks ahead. These units retail for $520.00 US plus shipping costs ($175.00 to most US states). The Ammo-holder is just $50.00 more.
For more photos and information visit www.SebCoax.com. American shooters can purchase SEB co-axial rests from Paul Schmid in Ohio, coyote [@] zoominternet.net.
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December 24th, 2007
 The Sacramento Valley Shooting Center hosted its final, registered NBRSA 600-yard match of the year on December 22. Craig St. Claire dominated the match, taking seven individual awards, and setting two potential new aggregate records. The format was 3 targets for Light Gun and 3 targets for Heavy. 5 shots per target in Light. 10 shots per target in Heavy.
Shooting a 6BR smithed by Stu Harvey, Craig was on fire, winning big in both Light and Heavy Classes:
LG small group (1.906″)—-Craig St. Claire
LG high score (49, 1X)—-Craig St. Claire
LG 3-target Agg (2.501″)—-Craig St. Claire
HG small group (2.733″)—-Craig St. Claire
HG small Agg (3.086″)—-Craig St. Claire
Two-Gun 6-Target Agg (2.793″)—-Craig St. Claire
Two-Gun score (413,2X)—-Craig St. Claire
Craig’s 3-target Heavy Gun Agg of 3.086″ is a potential new NBRSA 600-yard Record. Likewise, St. Claire’s 6-target LG + HG Agg of 2.793″, if certified, will be a new record. Congrats to Craig for his spectacular shooting and to Stu Harvey for smithing another tack-driver.
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December 24th, 2007
A slim, compact, falling block rifle belongs in every rifle enthusiast’s collection. Falling blocks, such as the Ruger No.1, look spectacular when fitted with premium highly-figured wood “furniture”. Check out this No. 1 with a gorgeous piece of Turkish Walnut crafted by stockmaker Paul Dressels.
 If you have been thinking about a falling block project, all you need is a nice stock blank and a barreled action. As for the latter, now’s the time to buy. Brownells currently has Ruger No. 1 barreled actions on sale for $527.57, marked down from $775.83. Barreled actions are available in four different calibers: .220 Swift, 22-250, .223 Remington, and .416 Rigby. Barrel lengths on the sale units are either 22″ or 24″. Of course you can always pull the barrel and substitute a custom match-grade barrel. The sale actions have a blued finish. FFL Required for Purchase.
The Ruger No. 1 is a single shot rifle, with Farquharson-style internal hammer falling block action. It was introduced in 1966. An underlever lowers the block allowing loading and cocks the rifle. Ruger No. 1 actions are rugged. Lenard Brownell once said: “There was never any question about the strength of the [No. 1] action….I never did manage to blow one apart.”
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December 23rd, 2007
In our Forum, folks have asked “what’s a recommended precision rest for single-shot pistols, T/C Encores and Contenders?” Forum member Steve (“Apache 308″) from North Carolina, recommends the C&J Machine rest. Mike notes that the C&J rest is specifically designed for XP100 pistols, Encores, Savage Strikers and similar single-shot pistols. Steve believes the C&J is the best long-range pistol rest made. Here is a shot of Steve’s .308 XP100 on the rest.
Photo by Steve Roe
You can see another XP100 pistol on a C&J rest in one of our Gun of the Week articles. This story features the personal 22BR of C&J owner/designer Cayle Davis (photo below).
To learn more about C&J Machine and other pistol rests, visit the Specialty Pistols Forum. C&J Machine doesn’t have a website, but you can contact Cayle Davis to learn more about his products:
Cayle Davis – C & J Machine
Box 18
Palmer, IL 62556
Phone: (217) 526-3645
Email: xpfuzz [at] consolidated.net
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December 23rd, 2007
I needed a long allen wrench to remove an AR15 grip last week. Jason Baney told me that T-handle hex key sets are on sale right now at Harbor Frieght. Sure enough, I found them in the store, and purchased both a metric set and and English (SAE) set for just $3.99 each. To my surprise, each $3.99 set comes with a nice, powder-coated metal storage bracket with tool sizes clearly marked on the front. The handle tops are conveniently color-coded in bright primary colors, and key sizes are stamped in the handle.
The SAE Hex Key Set (item 37861-5VGA) contains 10 tools, 3/32″ to 3/8″. The Metric Hex Key Set (item 37862-5VGA) has 10 tools from 2mm to 10mm. The shanks are constructed from carbon steel.
Now I wouldn’t use these bargain tools to wrench a race-car engine, but for simple around-the-house tasks they are working fine. I really like fact that each tool size has a different color handle with the size stamped in the plastic. The mounting bracket is nicely made and clearly labeled. At $3.99 per set, it’s hard to beat this tool deal.
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December 22nd, 2007
Alamo Four-Star has released a very important new product, a tripod with a rotating and tilting central platform that holds a rifle stock securely. Called the DCLW (Deros Compact Light Weight), the tripod has been mostly marketed at the military/tactical market so far, but we think it may be even better suited for use with light-recoiling varmint rifles.
The DCLW has many smart, innovative features. First, the tripod legs can be extended almost flat, so the DCLW can be used from a prone position. Raise the legs and you can use the unit while sitting or kneeling. The platform or cradle for the rifle forearm can hold stocks up to 3″ wide. You can either lay the stock on the cradle so the rifle can move rearwards on recoil, or you can adjust the side plates (with optional thumbscrews) to provide side pressure to hold the rifle firmly in place on the cradle. You can easily attach a rail or clamp to the side of the pivoting cradle. This allows you to mount a range-finder or spotting scope in parallel that will track the movement of the rifle exactly. Very cool.
There is a tilt locking lever to control the tilt angle of the rifle cradle. So, you can swing the rifle into position on target, set your elevation, then lock the DCLW in place. We’ve seen videos of the DCLW in use. It elevates and traverses smoothly. The clamping cradle will hold heavy 50 BMG rifles securely at angles up to 95°. The pan/tilt head is also available separately for mounting on any conventional camera tripod with a 1/4-20 threaded post.
The DCLW is so new that its designers are still learning how best to use it with different types of guns. Some rifles, particularly those with slab-sided stocks, seem to work well when firmly clamped in place. Other rifles need to “float” in the cradle. Tripod movement can be an issue with heavy-recoiling calibers.
With time, we expect DCLW owners to devise better clamping/mounting inserts for various types of stocks. The metal cradle definitely needs to be lined with some softer material (e.g. neoprene), for use with high-gloss stocks. And we expect that varminters who want to free-recoil their rifles may need to attach some kind of low-friction guides to the cradle.
Still, the unit has huge potential. For the varminter, here is a simple, compact rig that can replace a heavy front rest and rear sandbag–and possibly eliminate the need for a shooting bench altogether. The DCLW offers the ability to rapidly traverse a field of varmints and make major elevation changes instantly. Because the unit does away with the rear bag completely (and thereby eliminates front rest/rear bag alignment issues), a heavier, “second-generation” version of the DCLW with a longer, wider, micro-adjustable top platform might even have a place in benchrest competition.
We hope to get a test unit soon and try it out in the varmint fields with a 6BR and a .223. We’ve asked Alamo Four-Star for a video so you can see the product in action. Unfortunately Alamo hasn’t updated its website to show the DCLW, but you can call Alamo at (210) 432-7006. Street price for the DCLW complete unit is $279.00.
CLICK HERE for SPEC SHEET with PHOTOS.
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December 22nd, 2007
 If you’ve been saving up your pennies for a new high-magnification scope, you may want to wait a few more weeks. Sightron just gave us this exclusive report.
Sightron will introduce two new 30mm-tube target/varmint scopes early in 2008. The first new optic is a side-parallax 6-24x50mm with 100 MOA of total elevation (50 MOA either side of center). It will be available in a variety of reticles, including at least one reticle with ranging features. Sightron expects the street price to be around $775-$790.
The second scope, and this is big news for long-range shooters, will be an 8-32x56mm side-parallax scope with 70 MOA of total elevation. The 8-32 will initially be available only with a 1/4-MOA target dot reticle, but other reticle options may be offered later in the year. The 8-32 should have a street price in the $825.00 range. This means it will cost less than a Leupold 8-25×50 LRT, but have more magnification and a larger front objective (56mm vs. 50mm). Sightron has tested its new 8-32 against the Leupold LRT and Sightron’s engineers believe the 8-32 compares favorably in terms of clarity, resolution, and tracking. This new Sightron 8-32 may even lure some buyers away from the much more expensive Nightforce line.
Sorry, no photos yet. There are only a handful of the new scopes in the country, but Sightron’s Alan Orr has promised full specs and photos in a few days. Stay tuned — we’ll run the pix in the Daily Bulletin as soon as we receive them. And Sightron will be sending us test samples of both the new 6-24 and the new 8-32.
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December 21st, 2007
… Shall stay the shooter from the delivery of his appointed rounds. Of .308 Winchester that is. Forum member Mike (“TheSilverFox”) from Alberta, Canada, recently went out for some ranging practice with his Clay Spencer-built .308. Despite freezing temps and gusty winds, Mike successfully made hits on targets beyond 800 yards. Exact target distance was unknown and Mike had to range them, using the Mil-marked reticle of his 5-25x56mm Schmidt & Bender scope.
Mike posted a nice report with some great winter-time photos in our Forum. We’ve put that together as a winter shooting “Photo Essay” that you might enjoy. One look at those conditions, and you can feel the chill in your bones.
CLICK HERE for WINTER SHOOTING STORY.
We have to give credit to Mike for braving the elements. Shooting from the snow-laden bed of a pick-up truck in the dead of winter takes real dedication.
Note to readers: People have been asking for more frequent feature stories on the site. This shows what can be done if readers submit GOOD PHOTOs and a nice storyline. Submit stories to mailbox [at] 6mmBR.com. Keep sample images under 300kb (but save your hi-rez originals!).
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December 21st, 2007
Our friends at Berger Bullets keep coming up with new, high-quality projectiles for precision shooters. Berger has just announced a new line-up of .270-caliber VLD bullets designed for long-range hunters as well as target shooters.
 
These bullets are available in 130gr VLD, 140gr VLD, and 150gr VLD. Berger. According to Berger: “The VLD design allows the bullet to penetrate 2″ to 3″ through tissue and bone before it starts to expand. Once it begins expansion, the bullet will distribute 60% to 90% of its weight as shrapnel into the surrounding tissue. The delayed expansion causes a massive wound … which puts the animal down fast.”
“The Berger 270 caliber VLD bullets bring match-grade precision and exceptional terminal performance to a very popular hunting caliber,” says Eric Stecker, Berger’s Master Bulletsmith. “I look forward to the day when we hear about a shooter winning a competition with the same rifle and bullet he used to get his buck.”
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December 20th, 2007
Muzzle brakes are controversial. Some people swear by them, while others swear at them. Still, there’s no question that a good brake can reduce felt recoil up to 45%. And likewise, the best brakes, when installed properly, seem to have no negative effect on accuracy.
Roy Bertalotto has done considerable experimentation with muzzle brakes, testing dozens of brake designs on his own rifles over the past few years. Roy’s article, Adventures with Muzzle Brakes, discusses various aspects of muzzle brake design and performance. Roy doesn’t claim that his testing is definitive, but his article is definitely worth a read. Here are some of Roy’s interesting findings:
Exit Hole Diameter
“Best accuracy and effectiveness of the brake was obtained with a hole .020″ over bullet diameter. If the exit hole is too small, such as +.005″ over bullet diameter, accuracy suffers. If the depth of the exit hole is too shallow, the metal around the hole will erode very quickly.”
Hole Placement
“The most effective braking was with a brake 1″ in diameter with a 3/4″ exit hole on each side, just in front of the muzzle. The bullet passes through a cone of 35 degrees before it exits the brake. (Like the tank example), Incredible reduction of recoil. But loud and ugly. Very easy to make since you don’t need a spin fixture or a dividing head.”
Bottom Gas Venting Helps Accuracy
“In my tests, not having holes all around the brake effects accuracy a bit. I believe it does something to the bullet by the air pushed ahead of the bullet creating unequal turbulence in the bullet path. I’ve tried a few brakes where I drilled only holes on the top, test fired, and then completed holes on the bottom and in every case, accuracy improved.” Below you see some spiral-ported brakes crafted by Clay Spencer.
Brakes Work Best with High-Pressure Cartridges
“The higher the pressure of the particular round, the more effective the brake. I have over 20 rifles with brakes. The 220 Swift is the king of reduction. Followed very closely by the 25-06, 6mm Remington, any Weatherby small bore. With a proper brake and a hot handload under a 40 gr bullet, the Swift will move 1/2″ to the rear and 0 muzzle rise! Big boomers with low pressure like 45-70s and shot guns benefit the least.” [Editor’s Note: Roy is judging effectiveness by the percentage of recoil reduction rather than absolute levels of recoil. Obviously if you start with a heavier-recoiling round, the absolute amount of recoil energy reduction is greater. Roy is really talking about efficiency–brakes are most efficient when used with high-pressure cartridges.]
Installation is Key to Accuracy
Roy’s findings are fascinating and suggest that further study of muzzle brakes is warranted. But we can all agree that precision installation of the brake is essential for accuracy. A poorly-installed, mis-aligned brake will degrade accuracy, that is well-known.
Harrell’s Precision has made tens of thousands of muzzle brakes, in many styles and port arrangements. The Harrell brothers offer some good advice for gunsmiths installing brakes: “Muzzle brakes aren’t magic, they reduce recoil by redirecting exiting gas. What’s important is that they are straight and the threads are perpendicular with the base. The only way to get the base and threads perpendicular is to thread, not tap, them on a lathe.”
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December 20th, 2007
We mentioned this item before in the Bulletin in September. Well now MidwayUSA has brought back the super-low price through the end of the year. Midway’s 69″ x 27″ Shooting Mat (item 169107) is now 50% off, marked down to $24.99. It has pads for your elbows, plus corner grommets so you can stake the mat down–a nice feature on those windy days. The mat rolls up into a nice, compact, 6″-diameter package. The Midway unit is not as thick as more expensive, deluxe shooting mats, but then it costs one-third the price. USER REVIEWS are quite positive for this product.
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December 19th, 2007
 Quite a few gun owners had their first introduction to shooting with a BB-Gun, perhaps after finding a “Red Ryder” under the Xmas tree (the rifle featured in the movie “A Christmas Story”). Now you can let your kids or grand-kids experience the same thing.
Orvis is offering a special Red Ryder Commemorative Edition, for shooters who remain young at heart. This classic Red Ryder BB gun — the very same model immortalized in “A Christmas Story” — comes with a 560-count tin of BBs. You also get eight clay targets, two target stands, and even eye protection.
For other neat last-minute gifts from Orvis, click the link below and then select “Top-Rated Gifts” or “New for Holiday 2007″. There are lots of great items. We loved the Orvis FatWood, and the antiqued “Toasting Box”.
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