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October 10th, 2007
Past NBRSA 1000-yard Champion Jerry Tierney has been experimenting with a “super-sized” mirage shield. Like other shooters, Jerry noticed that mirage produced by barrel heat was creating optical distortions, causing groups to open up on the target. He had fitted a conventional, narrow, venetian-blind style mirage band to his barrel using velcro fasteners. This had the expected beneficial effect, until Jerry’s round count rose to the point that the barrel heat was overcoming the narrow band’s shielding effect.
Jerry figured “if a narrow band is good, maybe a wide mirage band is even better”. Jerry experimented with materials and sizes, eventually settling on a 4-inch wide section of cardboard running from the scope foreward. He wrapped the cardboard with plastic strapping tape to add stiffness, and then, during his experiments, zip-tied the cardboard to the barrel. The venetian blind band was then placed on top of the cardboard. This gives him a two-tier mirage shield.
To Jerry’s surprise, with the jumbo mirage shield in place, the barrel remained accurate for a much longer round count. Jerry told us: “I thought the barrel was ‘going off’ as it heated up. But what I found, by using the big shield, was that the barrel stayed accurate even when it was hot. The barrel actually continued to shoot very well when hot–once I started using the bigger mirage shield. Mirage was causing the accuracy problems. With the big shield in place, I can put more rounds through the tube without seeing negative effects on the target. I concluded that this gun can shoot well with a hot barrel, so long as I kept the mirage under control. I know the cardboard shield looks funky, but it works. I can shoot longer strings without losing accuracy.”
October 10th, 2007
 Now celebrating its 100th year in business, optics-maker Leupold & Stevens has introduced some interesting new products in 2007, including new Silhouette scopes and new varmint reticles. Many of these new Leupold offerings will be covered on this week’s edition of Guns & Ammo TV, broadcast Wednesday night on the Outdoor Channel. Next week’s show (Episode 3), will feature “tactical” bolt-action rifles. These will be put through their paces both at the range and on the field. Showtimes for Guns & Ammo TV are 5:30pm and 9:30pm Eastern Time every Wednesday night. Check your local listings for other regions.
October 9th, 2007
Thompson/Center (a subsidiary of Smith & Wesson) has commenced shipping ICON rifles, the company’s first bolt-action centerfire product. The ICON incorporates several innovative features including a metal bedding block, three-lug (60° lift) bolt with interchangeable bolt handle, and a 24″ barrel with 5R rifling and 60° chamfered crown. The first models of the ICON are chambered in .22-250, .243, .308 and the new .30 TC (Thompson/Center) cartridge. Rifles are delivered with a classic-style American walnut stock with 20 lines-to-the-inch cut checkering and a 3-round, single-stack detachable magazine.
The ICON rifles are distinctive for the use of a metal Interlock™ bedding system which mates with three integral recoil lugs on the bottom of the action. ICON actions are CNC-machined from solid bar stock and finished with with integral Weaver-style rails. Triggers are externally-adjustable for pull weight, sear engagement, and overtravel. Pre-set from the factory at about 3 lbs., T/C spokesmen tell us the triggers can go down to about 2 pounds. The nice three-lug bolt features a polished steel cocking indicator, “T-Slot” style extractor, and a bolt lock that integrates with the two-position safety. The bolt can be easily disassembled in the field using a supplied tool.
Noted tactical gunsmith George Gardner of GA Precision has worked with T/C on the development of the ICON action, and he thinks the new three-lug action will work very well in tactical style rifles once a larger 5- or 10-round detachable box magazine (DBM) is developed.
October 9th, 2007
 We chatted with Wade Hull of Shilen Rifles recently. Wade mentioned “you know we’ve brought out a line of ‘drop-in’ (pre-threaded and chambered) AR-15 barrels in a variety of calibers.” This is great news for high-power, service rifle, and varmint rifle shooters. The pre-fit barrels come in two contours (service rifle or heavy varmint), and a choice of four chamberings: 17 Rem, .204 Ruger, .223 Rem Match, and .223 Wylde. (The .223 Wylde is a long-throat .223 Rem for the VLD bullets).
Wade told us: “Using our pre-threaded blanks each barrel is assigned a bolt assembly and then chambered to the correct headspace for THAT bolt. Gas-block shanks are machined to +- .001 for proper fit. Each barrel is uniquely numbered to match with its corresponding numbered bolt and the barrel extension is installed. (Gas block and gas tube not included.) Customers can provide their bolt assembly for a discount or request that multiple barrels be head-spaced to one bolt assembly.” Drop-in AR-15 Barrels cost $458. Shilen also offers barrel blanks, and AR15 barrels that are pre-threaded but need to be headspaced by a smith.
October 8th, 2007
The CMP webzine, The First Shot, currently features an excellent article for any rifleman (hunter or competitor) who employs the standing position. Authored by USAMU Team member Sgt. Brandon Green, the story covers rifle hold, body positioning, and trigger control. Sgt. Green writes: “We’ve all been there—on the two hundred yard line and in our three-minute prep period. As you stand there looking through your sights, you just can’t seem to make them stay in the center of your target or even close for that matter. You know that your three minutes are running out quickly, so what are you going to do? This is the time when a lot of shooters start to come unraveled….We all know how to stand up, but it’s the standing still part that gives us trouble most of the time.”
Sgt. Green continues: “We will start our position rebuild at the feet. You normally want your feet about shoulder width apart and perpendicular to the target. Some shooters like to keep their weight evenly distributed between the heels and balls of their feet, but this may not be the best position for you. I normally try to find a place on the firing line where my toes are just slightly higher than my heels, maybe a 1/4 to 1/2 inch higher. With my toes slightly higher, I feel a little more of the pressure on the balls of my feet. This usually helps me eliminate some of the back and forth movement in my position by inducing a little tension in my calf muscles.
At this point I will check for excess tension in other parts of my legs. I notice that excess tension in my upper legs can also cause me to sway back and forth more than usual. By rotating each foot in or out, I can usually find a position that will eliminate this excess tension and help my legs feel more relaxed. I then check the tension in my knees. I don’t shoot with my knees locked, but they aren’t exactly bent either. I find where they are comfortable and stick with it. Now that my legs are at a good starting point, I move up to my hips and waist. I normally shoot with my hips perpendicular to the target and twist at the waist slightly. This is more of an international style rifle position than a traditional highpower position, but it is very comfortable and relaxed for me. With my waist only slightly twisted, I can rest my forward arm almost directly on my hip bone instead of bringing it around and resting it on my ribs.” [Continued…].
READ COMPLETE ARTICLE.
Photos and text ©2007 CMP and USAMU, used by permission.
October 8th, 2007
 The Western CMP Games, hosted at the Ben Avery range in Phoenix, Arizona, begin with a clinic on Saturday, 20 October, followed by two days of Garand, Springfield and Vintage Military Rifle Matches and conclude with an “as-issued” M1 Garand EIC Match on 23 October.
The Creedmoor Cup Matches begin on Wednesday, 24 October, with an advanced clinic. The Creedmoor Cup Matches include a Practice Match, an EIC Match, the 80-shot Creedmoor Cup Match and a team match. Both events feature special hospitality events and prize awards. To download the Match Program for the Western CMP Games-Creedmoor Cup Matches: CLICK HERE.
October 7th, 2007
A detailed, 13-page event calendar covering all NRA shooting disciplines is available free from the NRA. This includes all sanctioned NRA matches from October 2007 through December 2008. The “Coming Events” document covers High Power Rifle, Silhouette Rifle, Black-Powder Cartridge Rifle, Smallbore Rifle, Air Rifle, plus a wide variety of pistol disciplines. This handy resource provides match dates, locations, and contact information well into 2008. You’ll find all the major national events, plus state championships and most regional competitions.
CLICK HERE to download the 13-page (1.5 megabyte) Adobe Acrobat file. You can also find updated info on NRA-sanctioned matches at the Shooting Sports USA website.
October 7th, 2007
Natchez Shooters Supply, is now offering a wide selection of quality Zeiss Conquest scopes at deeply discounted prices. The Zeiss Conquest 6-20×50 scope is one of our favorite 1″-diameter optics for target shooting and varminting. Natchez is now selling the 6.5-20 Conquest with lower (hunting) turrets at $669.99. That’s a great deal–over $200.00 less than most retailers charge. Zeiss Conquests have clear, sharp optics and very positive windage and elevation adjustments. Contact Natchez soon — availability of discounted scopes is limited.
October 6th, 2007
The Australians have their own, indigenous form of precision target shooting–the Fly Shoot. It’s a form of score shooting at 500 meters (with bonus points added for group size). The course of fire is 5 shots on the Fly target plus up to 3 sighting shots at steel or paper. There are two classes, Heavy Gun and Light Gun. Light Guns are limited to 17 pounds (similar to IBS and NBRSA Light Gun), while Unlimiteds have no weight restriction. There is no dominant caliber, though the Aussies seem to favor the larger calibers–big 30s and even .338s.
You are allowed to shoot any chambering under .50 caliber. Barrel Blocks and tuners are legal. Any stock configuration and any scope is allowed, and Competitors may spot for each other. It’s a game of few rules–and lots of fun.
 The Federal Cup is the main Fly Shoot event of the year and is shot on a Holiday weekend in March each year. The “Fly Shoot” originated in Canberra in 1990. It was set up by Jim McKinley and John Rawson. A wide variety of cartridges are used in all calibres from 22 to 338. But given the heavy mirage that is often present, to be sure of seeing the shots one needs to shoot a larger calibre and have good optics (such as Nightforce scopes). The Federal Cup held in March has four major sponsors, Federal Cartridge Co, Westfire, ADI and Lightforce. In the center of the target is a “Fly”. It represents a March Fly and is the ultimate in fly shooting. A special Fly Patch (left) is awarded for hits on the fly.
The photo below shows the target system used at Canberra for the 500m Fly Shoot. The official Fly target is on top with a metal sighter plate (“splash plate”) below. These “splash plates”, made from heavy-duty Bisaloy 360 steel, can swing from hangers thereby absorbing the shock of even the heaviest magnums. Sighter shots on the plate show up as large dark spots. This way at least the sighters can be seen in heavy mirage. Shots are counted for score and bonus points are awarded for group size. The maximum points available per target is 60.
CLICK HERE for more information on 500m Fly Shoots. You can view photos of Forum member Wild Bill’s very trick 6mm Dasher Fly Gun in THIS THREAD. It features metal rails in the front and a Stiller barrel tuner.
Here are standings for 2007 Fly Shooter of the Year. Jaegen Peet leads the field, followed by Trevor Bent, Ian Davis, and Peter Van Meurs. The image below shows Peter with his record target shot in 2002, five shots in .960″ (24.4mm) at 500m. The 4-shot cluster measures roughly about 0.4″. That’s spectacular. This was the first sub-inch group at 500m.
CLICK HERE for the official rules for 500m Fly Shooting. We particularly like Rule Number 10: “Any competitor found not enjoying themselves will be disqualified.”
October 5th, 2007
The U.S. Military Shooting Team will leave Monday for India to compete in the Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) Military World Games (MWG). Ten shooters from the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit of Fort Benning, GA, as well as one from the Navy, one Army Reservist, one from the Navy Reserve and one Marine, will represent the USA at the 4th Military World Games in Hyderabad, India, October 12 to 21.
Team USA is expected to compete against hundreds of shooters from approximately 30 countries from around the world. Countries expected to participate include Argentina, Belarus, Botswana, Canada, Czech, Central African, Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Latvia, Luxembourg, Nambia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United States of America, Uzbekistan and Zambia.
 The CISM shooting championships consist of men’s and women’s rifle and pistol competitions. Rifle shooters compete with standard rifles at 300 meters in the prone, kneeling and standing positions in both rapid- and slow-fire matches. The pistol team will shoot centerfire and military rapid-fire championships. Only the men’s teams’ scores count in the overall “Best Nation” awards; the women’s teams only compete for their own individual and team awards. Match Results will be posted on the Military World Games website, www.MWG2007.org. Other MWG events will include Boxing, Wrestling, Modern Pentathlon, Triathlon, Swimming, Sailing, Polo, Judo, Handball, Soccer, and Volleyball.
On the Finnish Military Rifle Team website, you can learn more about CISM rifle and pistol shooting. You’ll find many photos of CISM rifle and pistol events, including the 2006 CISM Championships in Rena, Norway, and the 2005 CISM Championships in Thun, Switzerland, shown below.
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