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February 20th, 2008
 Graf & Sons has teamed up with Hornady to provide quality ammunition in previously hard-to-find military surplus calibers. This specialized ammo is all loaded with modern, boxer-primed reloadable brass, using non-corrosive propellants and primers. If you shoot military bolt-action matches, or just enjoy collecting older military-class firearms, the new line of Hornady/Graf’s ammunition is a good choice to feed your surplus military rifles such as the .303 Enfield, 7x57R Mauser, and Schmidt-Rubin K31 Swiss.
Calibers available include: 6.5×52 Carcano, 6.5×50 Japanese, 7×64 Brenneke, 7x57R Mauser, .303 British, 7.5×55 Swiss, 7.65×53 Argentine, 7.7×58 Japanese, 7.92×33 Kurz, and 8×56 Hungarian.
When you shop at Grafs.com remember that Graf’s “pays the freight” for most orders. Here is Graf’s shipping policy:
“At Graf & Sons, we keep it simple. We pay the freight to the first 48 states. All you pay is the price you see plus a minimal $4.50 handling and insurance charge per order. This might make our pricing seem a bit high in some cases but with an ‘average’ order, our pricing meets or beats most of our competitors.”
February 19th, 2008
German optics-maker Schmidt & Bender has recently released comprehensive information on the new 12.5-60×56 PMII scope. The spec sheets are found on S&B’s German-language website. (The USA website has not been updated yet.) We’ve handled this new scope at SHOT Show and it is very impressive to say the least. While our auto-translation from the German isn’t perfect, (and some of the published info appears to be incorrect), here are key specs we’ve discerned:
Weight: 21.52 ounces (610 grams) HOWEVER 1100 grams may be more accurate*
Overall Length: 16.38″ (416.5 mm)
Main Tube: 34mm
Click Value: 1 cm per click OR 1/4 MOA (two versions)
Reticle: P3 (Others may be available later)
CLICK HERE for Schmidt & Bender 12.5-50 Scope INFO
Note: S&B also lists an exit pupil size range of 13.3 to 3.3 mm. The smaller number doesn’t seem right, unless S&B has achieved a major breakthrough in optics design. At max 50X power, with a 56mm front objective, we calculate the minimum exit pupil as 1.12 mm.
*We also question the stated weight of 610 grams. The 12.5-50X56 S&B Field Target Scope, which is similar in size and features, is listed at 1150 grams or 40.56 ounces.
The scope description states: “The sight is alternatively available with foreseeing in the 1st plane or 2nd plane.” By this we think it means BOTH first-focal-plane reticle and second-focal-plane reticle versions will be offered. On a variable power scope, a first-focal-plane reticle increases or decreases with the power setting, so the reticle always appears the same size relative to the target. When the reticle is in the second focal plane, the reticle stays a constant size as the image increases or decreases in size with the power setting.
We still have no concrete information on scope price or availability in the USA. We’ve heard the figures $2700-2900 tossed around, but S&B representatives won’t give out hard numbers. Keep in mind that the 12.5-50 is NOT illuminated so it could actually be a little cheaper than the 5-25×56 PMII with illuminated reticle.
February 19th, 2008
 The National Shooting Sports Federation reports that Grits Gresham, one of America’s best-known outdoorsmen and a longtime friend to NSSF, died yesterday (2/18/2008) in his hometown of Natchitoches, La., at age 85. Gresham enjoyed an extraordinary career that included serving as field host and producer for the “The American Sportsman” TV series on ABC and as a magazine writer and editor, book author, conservationist and television personality. At one time, Gresham was the outdoor industry’s most visible champion thanks to his role in a series of commercials for Miller Lite beer. Back in the early 1980s, when cable television and outdoor programming were gaining a national audience, NSSF began to explore how to best use this new outreach for its hunting and shooting sports promotional messages. “What we really needed,” said NSSF President Doug Painter, “was a great spokesman, and who better than the former co-host of ‘The American Sportsman’ series, Grits Gresham. We began in 1984 with a series of ‘Where to Hunt’ and ‘Where to Shoot’ specials on ESPN hosted by Grits. These specials were followed by broadcasts of the first ‘made-for-TV’ shooting event, the ‘Sportsman’s Team Challenge,’ and continued with our ‘Shooting Sports America’ series on prime-time ESPN through the mid-1990s. Grits was a terrific host and a wonderful ambassador for our sports.”
Text COPYRIGHT © 2008 by National Shooting Sports Foundation, Inc.
February 18th, 2008
Long-time friend of the site David Apple let us know that he has decided to part with his “masterpiece” Terry Leonard-stocked 30BR. This gun represents the ultimate in the art of benchrest gunsmithing and it shoots as good as it looks.
2/21 UPDATE — The Rifle is sold to a well-known shooter with a prominent small-caliber website.
The rifle features a Leonard redwood and carbon fiber stock with fancy wood top-layer shell. The action is a Farley Right Bolt, Left Port, Right Eject with 30mm Farley rings. Sid Goodling smithed the rifle, chambering the Rock Creek 17-twist barrel in 30BR. David tells us the barrel only has 110 rounds through it, and “it’s a shooter”. Asking price for the rifle by itself is $3,225.00. A new NightForce scope is also available at extra cost.
Here’s your chance to start the shooting season with a spectacular new Benchrest for Score Rifle. (Scope and arbor press are not included in price.) If you’re interested, email Mailbox@6mmBR.com. We’ll forward your message to David.
February 18th, 2008
As we noted recently, the case of District of Columbia vs. Heller, is slated to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court on March 18, 2008. This landmark case squarely presents the High Court with the question whether the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution affords an individual right to own firearms.
Along with many other interested organizations, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has filed a “friend of the court” Amicus Brief in the D.C. v. Heller case. The NSSF’s well-researched brief provides a fascinating history of the Second Amendment, explaining the factors which gave rise to its adoption. We recommend you read the brief and save it for future reference.
CLICK HERE to READ NSSF AMICUS BRIEF (.pdf format)
February 18th, 2008
Brownell’s recently launched a financial and insurance services package designed expressly for gunsmiths, gunshops, and small-to-medium-sized firearms businesses. The new program, “Brownells Business Advantage” (BBA), offers reduced-rate credit card processing, property/liability insurance, and discounted UPS shipping. With card processing rates as low as 1.38%, the BBA program could save a gunsmith hundreds of dollars a year. For example, we’ve found that most other credit card processsing services charge 2.2-2.5% per transaction. A 1% card processing fee reduction will save you $10 on every $1000.00 of customer spending.
Brownell’s business partner for credit card processing and Visa business cards is the First National Bank of Omaha. The Joseph Chiarello Company and AIG will provide property & liability insurance created specifically for companies in firearms-related businesses.
Membership in the Brownells Business Advantage has a $100 annual fee, but is being waived as a Shot Show Special until March 2nd, 2008.
CLICK HERE for VIDEO Explaining BBA Benefits
February 17th, 2008
The 17 HMR rimfire round has been a huge success since its introduction. Millions of rounds have been sold, the major rifle-makers all offer 17HMR rifles, and varminters worldwide have embraced this innovative, high-velocity rimfire cartridge.
However, as 17 HMR costs climb steadily upward, many shooters are considering switching back to the 17 HMR’s little brother, the 17 Mach 2. Based on a 22 Stinger case necked down to 17 caliber, the 17 Mach 2 runs about 450 fps slower than the 17 HMR. However, the 17 Mach 2 still offers much-enhanced performance compared to a 22LR (See Chart.)
Ten Cents a Round vs. 26 Cents a Round
The big factor favoring the 17 Mach 2 is PRICE. You can shoot the 17 Mach 2 for $0.10 per round compared to $0.26 for the 17HMR. The Mach 2 is less than half the cost of 17HMR. Here is a chart showing current pricing of the 17 HMR vs. the 17 Mach 2.
| Cartridge |
Brand |
Bullet |
Price/box |
Vendor |
| 17 HMR |
CCI |
17gr Speer TNT |
$12.14 |
MidwayUSA |
| 17 HMR |
CCI |
20gr SpirePt |
$13.79 |
MidwayUSA |
| 17 HMR |
Hornady |
17gr V-Max |
$12.79 |
MidwayUSA |
| 17 HMR |
Hornady |
20gr XTP |
$12.99 |
MidwayUSA |
| 17 Mach 2 |
Eley |
17gr V-Max |
$4.89 |
MidwayUSA |
| 17 Mach 2 |
Hornady |
17gr V-Max |
$5.79 |
Midsouth |
| 17 Mach 2 |
Rem |
17gr V-Max |
$3.99 |
Natchez |
17 HMR Average Price = $12.93 (26 cents per round)
17 Mach 2 Average Price = $4.89 (10 cents per round)
We’ve done extensive testing with the 17 Mach 2 in a Hall-actioned benchrest rig built by Stan Ware of SGR Custom Rifles. With ammo sorted for length and concentricity (using a Nielson Brothers concentricity gauge), our little 17 Mach 2 has demonstrated remarkable accuracy–with many 1/4″ groups at 50 yards. Still, even with sorted ammo, don’t expect the 17 Mach 2 to run with the best (i.e. $14/box) 22LR match ammo. Typically, with the 17 Mach 2, you’ll get one shot out of five landing unpredictably out of the group. There are many reasons for this — excessive run-out, flawed bullet tips, bad crimps, even shaved jackets.
Our studies suggest that 17 Mach 2 ammo would be more consistent, and more accurate, if it was loaded to a lower muzzle velocity with the bullet seated longer. Crimping needs to be more uniform. We’d also like to see Hornady chamber the 20gr XTP bullet offered in the 17 HMR. Still, the 17 Mach 2 round has much to offer the varminter and club-level paper puncher. It runs 1000 fps faster than a 22LR, and bucks the wind much better than a 22LR at 100 yards. At $4.00 to $5.00 a box, it is less than half the cost of 17 HMR, and one-third the cost of the super-premium 22LR.
We let three top 22LR benchrest shooters try our 17 Mach 2 recently. To a man, they agreed this round is “fun to shoot” and “offers great promise”. If the ammo-makers can improve quality control, this round may, some day, have a place in target competition, particularly with the highest-grade 22LR ammo now topping $20.00/box (for new Lapua X-ACT ammo).
Here are ONE HUNDRED-Yard Groups Shot with Eley 17 Mach 2 Ammo. Note HUGE Effect of Concentricity Sorting. Top target shows 0.006″ Run-out ammo. Bottom Target displays 0.001″ Run-out ammo.
February 17th, 2008
Many of the top short-range benchrest shooters in the country will trek to Phoenix, AZ to compete in the Cactus Classic on March 1-2, 2008. Hosted at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, the event will draw nearly 150 shooters. Event organizer Gary Ocock notes: “The Cactus is the largest 2-day, short-range Benchrest match of the year, and always draws top competitors from around the country. This is one of the most important events west of the Rockies and kicks off the season for many shooters.”
The Cactus is limited to two classes, 10.5-lb Light Varmint and 13.5-lb Heavy Varmint. Participants will shoot at 100 yards on Saturday and at 200 yards on Sunday. Ocock explains: “Bench rotation will be 30 benches to the right after the 100-yard stage. We anticipate three (3) relays. We will squad three shooters per bench.” The full 2-day Match Fee is $90, while the 1-day fee is $50. The Ben Avery Range will be open for practice February 26-29 (Tuesday through Friday). Camping is available at the Ben Avery facility for $10/day.
CLICK HERE for 2008 Cactus Classic Registration Form
CLICK HERE for Ben Avery Shooting Facility Map
February 17th, 2008
If you shoot a 22-250, or are just interested in the history of the cartridge, Peterson’s RifleShooter Magazine offers a fascinating article by Terry Wieland. The author explains how the 22-250 was developed in the late 1930’s and was initially known as the 22-250 Varminter. In 1963 the round gained popularity when Browning chambered it in a production rifle — even before factory-loaded ammo was available. Then, in 1965, the round became “official” when Remington standardized the 22-250 with “Remington” added to the name. Remington produced 22-250 Rem ammo and sold Rem 700s chambered in the “new” cartridge.
Once Remington got involved, the round became hugely popular. According to Wieland: “Overnight, it seemed, the .22-250 established itself as the dominant high-velocity .22. Winchester had just discontinued the .220 Swift and replaced it with the oddball .225 Winchester, a rimmed cartridge that was gone in less than a decade. Everyone ignored the .225 while falling over themselves to chamber the .22-250.”
February 16th, 2008
The March 40X target scope has already made a big splash in benchrest competition. Many of the top shooters have replaced their Leupold Competition scopes with the March. This editor has shot with a March 40X and I can affirm it is brighter than the Leupold Comp 40X, and the March is sharp and bright all the way out to the edges. There are none of the side-focus parallax lash problems sometimes encountered with the Leupold. In competition so far, the March scopes have shown superior tracking and repeatability.
Based on the successful 40X format, March has introduced two new fixed-power target scopes, a 50X and a 60X. (In addition, there is a new 10-60X zoom–but that will be the subject of a later report.) Lou Murdica has been using the 50X in recent matches and he reports “it is outstanding. Even at 50X it is plenty bright. Visually you won’t notice the difference between the 40 and the 50 except you get more power, of course.”
The new 50X and 60X are the same size and weight as the March 40X. All three versions are 14.29 inches long, and weigh 599 grams (21.04 ounces). That’s about 12 ounces lighter than a Nightforce 12×42 BR. Front objectives are 52mm and the main tube is 30mm. All three fixed-power March scopes feature 72 MOA of total elevation and 50mm of windage. Clicks are 1/8th-MOA for 40X, 50X, and 60X.
The primary optical difference (other than magnification), is the size of the exit pupil. (A scope’s exit pupil is the actual diameter of the tiny cone of light that your eye perceives. A large exit pupil is more “user friendly”. With a very small exit pupil, it becomes more difficult to pick up the white circle of light–the position of your head becomes ultra-critical.) In optics there is no “free lunch”. Holding the front objective diameter constant, if you increase magnification, the exit size will get smaller. The March 40X has a 1.3mm exit pupil, the 50x measures 1.04mm, and the 60X has a 0.87mm exit pupil. We think the very small exit pupil on the 60X may undercut the practical utility of the higher magnification.
In the USA, March Scopes are sold exclusively by Kelbly’s. Call Hobie Bond at Kelby’s for current pricing and availability. We expect the 50X and 60X to run about $2200.00.
CLICK HERE for MARCH 50X and 60X SPEC SHEET
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