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January 10th, 2008
Half of American households have one or more firearms. While anti-gun media attempt to portray firearms owners as a fringe group, in reality, gun owners come from all segments of America society–rich and poor, black and white, Republican and Democrat, urban and rural.
Writer/photographer Kyle Kassidy has undertaken an interesting project entitled “Armed America — Portraits of Gun Owners in Their Homes”. To our surprise, this was a relatively neutral report that allows gun owners to explain, in their own words, why they own firearms. The reporter takes a “back seat” in this study, allowing gun owners to tell their own stories. Below is a 10-minute video combining audio interviews with still images of firearms owners. It’s worth watching, and worth recommending to your “liberal” friends who may hold negative stereotypes of firearms owners and target shooters.
CLICK SCREENSHOT to Load YouTube VIDEO
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January 10th, 2008
Roy Bertalotto is an author, precision shooter, varmint hunter and part-time gunsmith. On his website, RVBPrecision.com, you’ll find many interesting feature stories, including “how-to” articles. One project that caught our eye was Roy’s clever rotating-top shooting bench. Simple to build from low-cost components, Roy’s bench design features a raised center section that traverses on rollers. This allows you to move your rifle through a wide arc without having to move your front rest or rear sand bag. Roy’s bench can be built for a fraction of the cost of the big, heavy carousel-style varmint benches. This would make a nice, winter project for anyone handy with simple tools.
This picture shows a conventional front pedestal rest used with a benchrest type rifle. As you can see, the top swivels, allowing a tremendous sweep of the varmint fields.
CLICK HERE to see MORE PHOTOS (16 total.)
The swiveling top moves on metal rollers. These roller devices are available from Trend Lines, or Woodworkers warehouse. Two are required at the front of the movable top.
Below is a close-up of the pivot point.
A conventional folding table leg (from Woodworkers Warehouse) is used in the front. In the rear, Roy’s table uses a single leg fabricated from tubing and aluminum angle iron. This creates a tripod. The three-legged design provides more room for the shooter, and is easier to set up on uneven ground.
Photos courtesy Roy Bertalotto.
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January 9th, 2008
The news that Citi Merchant Services and First Data have refused to process sales for guns and gun accessories has spread like wildfire across the internet, arousing the ire of gun owners around the country. The story broke when the NSSF reported that Citi Merchant Services and First Data terminated the merchant account of CDNN Sports, a large, Texas-based gun retailer. There have been calls for the boycott of Citicorp/Citibank/Citi-Card products, as many gun owners have vowed to close their Citibank accounts or terminate their Citi-affiliated credit cards.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Citicorp/Citigroup has faced a boycott threat from gun owners. In 2000, after Citibank imposed a “no firearms” policy on a Nevada gun range, firearms owners nationwide responded with a boycott that caused Citibank to alter its policies.
The Year 2000 Citibank Boycott
As reported by the Second Amendment Foundation (“SAF”), the “Battle began with a February 7, 2000 letter from Citibank to the Nevada Pistol Academy stating that their recently approved account would be closed in ten days ‘due to Citibank not maintaining accounts for businesses that deal in weapons.’ This letter revealed an otherwise secret policy of refusing accounts from lawful, Federally-licensed firearm-related businesses.” In response to a threatened boycott from the SAF and other firearms groups, Citibank, a member of CitiGroup, agreed to drop its policy of refusing accounts of lawful firearms businesses. Citibank agreed to treat small firearms sellers the same as other businesses “using the same standards” according to a Citibank media statement.
Citicorp and First Data Alliance
Fast forward to 2008 — In the current dispute, some folks have wondered whether Citicorp is directly involved in the denial of card processing services to CDNN Sports which sparked the controversy. The answer is yes. Though First Data provides processing solutions, Citi Merchant Services handles the actual banking end of the card processing. First Data explains: “Citi Merchant Services provided by First Data Merchant Services Corporation is a contractual alliance in the U.S. between Citicorp Payment Services, Inc. (CPSI) and First Data Merchant Services Corporation (FDMS). FDMS provides all the systems, technology, processing services and customer support to the alliance. CPSI is the sponsoring card association member and provides the clearing and settlement functions on behalf of the alliance.”
Termination Based on Faulty Legal Interpretation
In terminating CDNN’s merchant services account, and freezing $75,000 of CDNN’s card collections, Citi Merchant Services (“CMS”) and First Data specifically cited the sales of firearms in interstate commerce as the reason. CMS/First Data asserted that interstate firearms sales violate the Gun Control Act and that “shipping across state lines is also banned”. CMS/First Data misconstrue the law, and ignore the fact that any and all firearms sold by CDNN to non-Texas customers must be shipped to licensed FFLs, in full compliance with Federal statute. If you have ever purchased a gun from CDNN you know it will only ship to verified FFL-holders.
Either CMS and First Data are completely ignorant of the law, or they are using a faulty interpretation of Federal law as a pretext to deny services to CDNN. Either way, the actions of CMS and First Data are unjustified. As one internet poster wrote: “Citi Bank [CMS/First Data] has taken the view that THEY are an arm of the BATF. Problem is, they do not even understand the rules.” Here is the termination letter sent to CDNN Sports. Click the image for a full size version with the key text highlighted:
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January 9th, 2008
Sightron has provided AccurateShooter.com with these exclusive new photos of the “next generation” Sightron SIII scopes to be released very soon. Four new 30mm scopes join the Sightron line-up for 2008. There will be two new 3.5-10X scopes, one with a 44mm front objective and Mil-Dot reticle, the other with a large, 56mm objective and IR4A reticle for enhanced low-light performance. Both 3.5-10X scopes feature 1/4 MOA clicks plus 120 MOA of windage AND elevation. The 56mm version boasts constant 3.6-inch eye relief–a nice feature for hunters.
Next in the line-up is the new 6-24×50 SIII. This is an all-new 30mm scope that rivals the Leupold 8-25 LRT in design and performance. Available in target dot or mil-dot reticle, the 6-24x50mm offers a full 100 MOA of windage and elevation in a relatively compact (14.96″) scope weighing 21.90 ounces. Clicks are 1/4 MOA and eye relief is near-constant, varying from 3.6-3.8 inches throughout the magnification range.
NEW 8-32x56mm with 70 MOA of Windage + Elevation
For long-range shooters, the most exciting new offering from Sightron is the SIII 8-32x56mm. This scope has more magnification and a larger front objective than the Leupold 8-25×50 LRT, but with an $825.00 estimated “street price”, the Sightron costs less. Importantly, the Sightron 8-32X offers 70 MOA of both windage AND elevation. This outclasses other domestic 8-32 power zoom scopes. With a weight of 24.70 oz., the new Sightron 8-32×56 is 2.7 oz. heavier than a Leupold 8-25 LRT, but the Sightron is nearly 3/4 of a pound lighter than the Nightforce 8-32×56 BR model. That’s a big difference, considering that the Sightron matches the Nightforce’s 56mm front objective size.
Initially, the Sightron 8-32×56 will be offered with 1/4 MOA clicks, and just one reticle, a target dot. Sightron has indicated that other reticles might be offered in the future. No word on 1/8 MOA click values though. Overall, we’re impressed with the specs on the new 8-32 Sightron. It offers much more elevation than the Burris, Bushnell or Nightforce BR 8-32s, yet weighs little more than an 8-25 Leupold. We just wish Sightron offered a 1/8 MOA click option.
Sightron SIII 30mm Side-Focus Scopes for 2008
| Scope |
Objective |
Clicks |
Eye Relief |
OAL |
Weight |
Street Price |
| 6-24X |
50mm |
1/4 MOA |
3.6-3.8″ |
14.96″ |
21.9 oz. |
$785 |
| 8-32X |
56mm |
1/4 MOA |
3.6-4.0″ |
15.35″ |
24.7 oz. |
$825 |
CLICK HERE for Scope SPEC SHEET (MS Excel File)
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January 8th, 2008
Conventional, non-bushing full-length sizing dies can create exceptionally accurate ammo with very low run-out. For some applications, we actually prefer a non-bushing FL die over a bushing die — so long as the neck tension is correct. But many FL dies have an undersized neck diameter so you end up with excess neck tension, and you work the brass excessivly. Forster offers a simple, inexpensive solution — honing the neck diameter to whatever size you want.
If you purchase a Forster non-bushing, full-length sizing die, Forster will hone the neck dimension to your specs for just $10.00 extra. This way you can have a FL die that provides the optimal amount of tension for your particular load. Forster dies are relatively inexpensive so you can afford to have a couple of FL dies with necks honed to different dimensions — such as 0.266″ and 0.267″ for a no-turn 6mmBR.
Forster FL dies, necks honed to .265″, .266″, and .267″.
Steve Rasmussen of IowaHighPower.com gave this a try. In fact, he had three dies made — each with a different neck dimension. Here’s his report: “My original Forster 6BR FL die sized the necks down a lot, less than 0.260″, .256″ if I recall correctly. I sent my die in and asked if they could supply two more FL dies (for three total) to have the necks honed to 0.265″, 0.266″, and 0.267″. The cost was $10 for my supplied die and $38.50 plus $10.00 for each additional die. Return shipping was $11.00 via USPS Priority Mail.
The table below shows the neck diameter range of 10 sized cases using each die. Brass springback after sizing is running 1 to 1.3 thousandths. My loaded rounds are running 0.2697-0.2699 using Lapua I bought last year. So far the dies are working well. I sized 80 cases with the 0.266″ necked die. The shoulder is running 0.4582″ and 0.300″ up from the base is 0.4684". I spun 20 of ‘em and 16 had a runout of one thousandth (0.001) and the other 4 at 1.5 thousandths (0.0015).”
| Die Diameter |
Sized Brass |
Springback |
Neck Tension |
| 0.267 Die |
0.2683-0.2684 |
0.0013 |
0.0014 |
| 0.266 Die |
0.2672-0.2674 |
0.0013 |
0.0025 |
| 0.265 Die |
0.2659-0.2660 |
0.0010 |
0.0039 |
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January 8th, 2008
The NSSF reports that Citicorp’s Merchant Services Division is refusing to process gun-related customer credit-card sales. This applies both to legal firearms transactions conducted through licensed FFLs as well as ordinary sales of firearms accessories. The first company to be affected by this decision appears to be firearms distributor CDNN Sports, a large retail operation based in Texas. Citi Merchant Services and First Data notified CDNN that its merchant services account would be terminated and funds seized. (Citicorp Merchant Services employs First Data Merchant Services Corporation to handle credit card transactions.)
Charlie Crawford, president of CDNN Sports Inc., explained: “We were contacted recently by First Data/Citi Merchant Services by a June Rivera-Mantilla stating that we were terminated and funds were being seized for selling firearms in a non-face-to-face transaction. Although perfectly legal, we were also informed that no transactions would be processed in the future, even for non-firearms.”
If you have a Citigroup credit card, or use Citibank for your banking services, you may want to consider shifting your accounts to another financial services provider — and be sure you tell the Citibank representatives why you are making the shift. If gun owners act in solidarity, other credit card companies may think twice about following Citigroup’s lead in refusing to handle gun transactions. To voice your concern to Citi Merchant Services and First Data Corp. directly, you can contact June Rivera-Mantilla at 631-683-7734 or Robert Tenenbaum at 631-683-6570.
If you run a firearms-related business and wish to shift to an NSSF-affiliated credit card processing program, contact Payment Alliance International at 1-866-371-2273 (ext. 1131).
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January 7th, 2008
In November, Savage’s Marketing Director told us to look for new rifles that were “right up your alley” in 2008. We’ve now received confirmation that Savage will offer the 6mmBR Norma chambering in at least two rifles in the Savage 2008 product line.
First, Savage will add a 6BR-chambered F-Class rifle, similar to the very popular 6.5-284 F-Class rifle. The 6BR F-Class gun will be in the same heavy laminated stock with 3″ fore-arm and wide flat in the rear. The barrel will be a 30-incher, presumably in 1:8″ twist. The trigger is the 6-oz. target version of Savage’s AccuTrigger. MSRP hasn’t yet been set, but we expect the 6BR F-Classer to sell for about $950.00 (street price), the same as the 6.5-284 version.
While designed for F-Class matches out to 1000 yards, the 6BR F-classer should also prove to be an excellent bench gun for varmint matches (200 to 500m), 300-yard matches, and 600-yard benchrest matches, and it should make an excellent long-range varminting platform.
But for Varminters and hunters looking for a lighter, more conventional stock, Savage will offer a 6BR Chambering in two versions of its Long-Range Precision Varminter (LRPV) Series–RBLP with blind mag, or RBRP with box magazine. This rifle features a stainless action in either Right Bolt, Left Port, or Right Bolt, Right Port configuration with a Detachable Box Magazine–something new for Savage. The LRPV comes with a high-quality H.S. Precision stock with an aluminum bedding block chassis. Like the F-Class rifle, the LRPV will have a target AccuTrigger adjstable from about 6 ounces to 2.5 pounds. The LRPV will have a 26″ barrel, and it is rumored the 6BR will have a 1:12″ twist rate, but that is not certain. The LRPV is also available in .204 Ruger, .223 Rem, and 22-250, along with 6mmBR Norma.
CLICK HERE for 2008 SAVAGE BROCHURE (9 mb .pdf file)
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January 7th, 2008
The January 9th, Wednesday-night broadcast of ShootingUSA will feature the 2007 National Championships conducted at Camp Perry, Ohio. 2007 marked the 100th year of competition at Camp Perry and ShootingUSA’s weekly show will include highlights from last year’s Centennial rifle and pistol matches. Broadcast times are:
Eastern Time – 8:30 PM and 12:30 AM
Central Time – 7:30 PM and 11:30 PM
Mountain Time – 6:30 PM and 10:30 PM
Pacific Time – 5:30 PM and 9:30 PM
Camp Perry is now an Ohio National Guard base on the shore of Lake Erie. The annual national matches are a combined effort of the Guard, the Civilian Marksmanship Program and the National Rifle Association. Among the most popular events during the National Championships at Camp Perry are the Service rifle competitions. The first Service rifle competition dates back to the late 1800s. In 1903 President Theodore Roosevelt formally authorized the national matches to encourage better marksmanship for soldiers and civilians. In the beginning, the matches were held at different locations across the country, but in 1907 Camp Perry became the permanent site. 100 years later, the tradition continues as America’s most prestigious shooting competition.
CLICK HERE to view a flash video showing the USAMU Service Rifle Team in action, firing rapid-fire prone at 600 yards.
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January 6th, 2008
Few, if any, gun safes come with adequate factory-installed lighting. Even if you have overhead lamps in the room where your safe resides, you’ll still find that the inside of your safe is dark, making it difficult to find small items. By adding interior lighting to your gun safe, you’ll lessen the chance of “bumping and grinding” your precious firearms as you move them in and out of the safe.
 Here is a simple, do-it-yourself project that costs very little money. String LED lighting is now available at low cost. Called “rope lights” or “string lights”, these are strings of LEDs in lengths of plastic tubing. Gunsafe vendors sell strings for up to $35.00 per coil, but you can buy the same products at discount chains for under $5.00. Brian J. from Virginia reports: “I just went to Wally World’s Christmas clearance section and picked up two strands of Rope Lights for $3.50 each!” He then installed the strings behind the shelves of his gunsafe, as you can see in the photos.
LEDs draw very little electrical power and have a very long life-span so you can leave your Rope Lights running continuously in winter. These will provide some warming of the air in the safe, which helps prevent rust by raising the dew point. We still recommend that you use a GoldenRod or similar warming unit, placed at the bottom of your safe, plus desiccant packs to actually absorb moisture.
 As you can see, Rope Lights provide a great lighting solution that illuminates even the small dark corners of internal shelving units. Rope Lights are easy to install. Just string the lights behind your shelves. Most safes come with a pre-drilled hole in the bottom for a dehumidifier. Just slip your Rope Light power cord through this hole and plug it into the wall.
For more tips on how to illuminate your safe and protect its contents from rust and corrosion, read our Gun Safe Buyers’ Guide. The most comprehensive Gun Safe Resource on the web, this article covers a multitude of topics including lock selection (electronic vs. manual), fire-proofing, door hinge design, water-proofing, wall construction, rust prevention, and gun safe installation.
Gun safe interior photos by Brian J., used with permission.
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January 6th, 2008
Here’s a great deal for you “Factory Class” Shooters needing a 10-power competition scope. Natchez Shooters Supply currently has matte black Weaver T-10 scopes on sale for just $229.99, marked WAY down. The T-10 (item SN849811) features a 40mm front objective, front parallax adjustment, and target turrets. The reticle is a Fine-Crosshair with 1/8th-MOA Target Dot. As with other Weaver T-series scopes, the T10 ships with a screw-in sunshade plus screw-in metal lens caps. If you need a 10X target scope, you may want to jump on this deal. Other web vendors are selling new T-10s for as much as $375.00. (Note: For Hunter BR competition you are limited to 6-power optics).
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January 5th, 2008
Gordy Gritters is a highly-respected benchrest gunsmith who has built many match-winning and record-setting rifles. Gordy has teamed up with Grizzly Industrial to produce a high-quality gunsmithing video on DVD. In the video, Gordy shows how to chamber and headspace a match barrel using a Grizzly G0509G 3-Phase Gunsmith Lathe. Below is a segment from the DVD showing Gordy fine-tuning the headspace as he fits a BAT Machine ‘MB’ action to the barrel. Working with precise indicators, you can see Gordy set the headspace to within a few ten-thousandths of an inch.
CLICK HERE to PLAY VIDEO
(6 megabyte file — Quicktime Plug-in Required)
Click HERE for YouTube FLASH Version (Faster Download)
 On the full DVD, available from Grizzly for $59.95, you can see Gordy do the complete job of chambering a barrel from start to finish, including fitting the barrel to a custom action. Gordy gives step by step instructions for all the following operations:
1. Dialing in the barrel
2. Threading the barrel
3. Aligning the threaded shoulder
4. Predrilling/preboring the chamber
5. Reaming the chamber
6. Checking and setting headspace
7. Crowning the muzzle
8. Stamping and polishing the barrel
CLICK HERE for more photos from the DVD. The full DVD can be ordered from Grizzly’s Web Site.
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January 5th, 2008
All 1.250″ or smaller diameter Shilen barrels (28″ or shorter) are just $236.40 at Bruno Shooters Supply. This is a very attractive deal–match-grade barrels from other makers can cost as much as $380. FYI, Jari Raudaskoski of Finland recently won a recent World Benchrest Championship (Two-Gun) with a Shilen barrel.
Bruno’s also has the best prices we’ve found for Lapua 6BR, 220 Russian, and 6.5-284 brass. Bruno’s also has attractive pricing on Leupold, NightForce, Sightron, and Weaver Scopes. Bruno’s also has the new, upgraded Sightron “BIG SKY” 36X competition scope (item SIT63020) for $451.05.
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