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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)
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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
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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.
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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
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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.”
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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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February 16th, 2008
Benchmark Barrels of Arlington, Washington has earned a stellar reputation for its rimfire barrels. Many of the most accurate rimfire BR rigs in the country sport Benchmark barrels. Benchmark pioneered the 2-groove barrel, and its reverse-taper blanks, in 2-groove, 3-groove, and 6-groove, are in high demand. Benchmark is known for the quality of its lapping work and its ability to craft a precise progressive taper (or “choke”) along the full length of the barrel. Typically, Benchmark’s rimfire barrels are hand-lapped with .0006-.0007″ of internal bore taper. This is an even, slight reduction of bore diameter–not just a choke at the end.
Centerfire Barrel Production
Benchmark offers a full range of centerfire calibers now, from .22 all the way up to .50 caliber. The three-groove, standard land, 8-twist 6mm barrel has been shooting exceptionally well, and Benchmark recently acquired new buttons so it can deliver 1:7″ and 1:9″ twists too. The 6.5mm barrels and 30 caliber barrels have been shooting very well also according to match reports. Benchmark can deliver both canted-land and conventional land versions of its centerfire barrels. Which shoots best? According to barrel-maker Ron Sinnema, “the 6mm 3-grooves with standard lands are working great. Bruce Baer tried one recently and said is was exceptionally accurate.” And for customers who prefer cut-rifled barrels, Benchmark now offers cut rifling in most bore sizes, from .22LR all the way up to rifled shotgun bores.
Great Value: $250.00 for a Premium Centerfire Barrel
Benchmark barrels are attractively priced. A centerfire blank with 27.5″ finished length costs just $250.00. Sinnema noted: “That’s our highest quality — we only sell one grade”. A variety of contours are available and (at added cost) Benchmark can provide fluting or an octagon barrel profile.
Rimfire barrels cost $325.00. They are more expensive because of the extra hand labor required. Ron explains: “The taper lapping is very time-consuming on the rimfire — but that’s one secret to their accuracy.”
Benchmark has a website “under construction”. For more info, contact Benchmark by phone, fax, or email:
Benchmark Barrels
Ron Sinnema, Barry Graber
1105 Pioneer Hwy East
Arlington, WA 98223
phone: (360) 652-2594
email: benchmarkbarrels [at] yahoo.com
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February 15th, 2008
For someone just getting started in reloading, who wants a functional, yet inexpensive set-up, MidSouth Shooters Supply is offering a Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press Reloading Kit for just $89.99. This features a Challenger press with Lee’s New Breech-Lock inserts (3 Breech Lock Bushings supplied with kit). We like the Breech-Lock System–it holds your dies solidly in position, yet you can swap them out with just a quick one-third turn of the die. It’s a smart feature for a single-stage press.
The Breech Lock Challenger Press features an all-steel linkage, and a very handy tube-type primer catcher. Midsouth’s $89.99 Challenger Press Reloading Kit includes the Lee Auto Prime, Auto Prime shell holder set, Pefect Powder Measure, Safety Scale, Powder Funnel, Case Cutter and Lock Stud, Chamfer tool, Sizing lube, Small and Large Primer Pocket Cleaners. This is a heck of a deal for all that equipment. Lee’s suggested retail price for the Breech Lock Challenger Press Kit (item 90030) is $144.98.
There is an excellent review of the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press Kit on Realguns.com. This review has nice, large photos, and clearly illustrates how the Breech Lock system functions.
CLICK HERE for LEE RELOADING KIT REVIEW
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February 15th, 2008
As you probably know by now, an important gun rights case, District of Columbia vs. Heller (docket 07-290), is now before the U.S. Supreme Court. As it directly involves the issue of individual rights under the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, this case may impact ALL firearms owners. Legal experts note that this is the first time in 70 years that the High Court has been asked to interpret the basic meaning of the Second Amendment. The Supreme Court will hear the case on March 18. (Oral Arguments are scheduled for 10 am). Amicus briefs have been submitted by notable parties, including many U.S. States, and Vice President Dick Cheney recently lent his signature (in his role as President of the U.S. Senate) to a brief filed by a Congressional Caucus.
If you want to learn more, American Rifleman Magazine has an excellent article that covers the “Top 10 Facts” about D.C. vs. Heller. Authored by NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox, this is a “must-read” summary of the landmark case.
CLICK HERE to READ ARTICLE on SUPREME COURT CASE
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February 14th, 2008
A new, two-stage CG Universal Match Trigger is in production. It will be available from Jackson Rifles in Europe and Tom Myers in the USA. The trigger’s final stage pull-weight adjusts from 10 ounces to over 63 ounces, and both a curved or straight trigger finger is offered. Notably, this new design works with a very wide range of actions, both custom and factory. In addition to a Remington 700 version, for example, there are versions for Barnard, Mauser, RPA, SAKO, Tikka, and Winchester Model 70 actions. That makes this CG Trigger one of the most versatile match triggers ever offered.
German Salazar of ShootersJournal.com has one of the new CG Triggers, and he plans to field test and review the product for us very soon.
The CG Universal Trigger uses a variety of upper frames to fit each specific rifle action. The upper frame contains the final lever(s) of the trigger. A universal main housing is attached to this upper frame. This ensures similar function, settings and “feel”, whatever action the trigger is fitted to. The CG Universal is a true two-stage trigger, so that (unlike modified direct-pull triggers fitted to some “tactical” rifles), the sear engagement reduces and fully recovers with the first-pull movement of the trigger finger. The CG Universal trigger system was designed by Robert Chombart, who also designed the CG MILLENNIUM, CG INCH and other target rifle actions.
The CG Universal Trigger System works with numerous rifle actions including:
ANSCHUTZ
BARNARD
CG INCH
CG MILLENNIUM
MAUSER 98
MUSGRAVE
PARAMOUNT
PARKER-HALE M85, L81A2
REMINGTON 700
RPA 2000
RPA QUADLITE
RPA QUADLOCK |
SAKO 75
SAKO FINNFIRE
SAKO TRG
SPRINGFIELD
SWING
TIKKA 5xx/6xx
TIKKA T3*
US 1917 – P14
WEATHERBY MK V
WINCHESTER M70 |
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February 14th, 2008
AccurateShooter.com’s Editor attended the recent SHOT Show. CLICK HERE to read our Show Highlights Report, complete with interviews, late-breaking product news, and Video interviews.
For more info on SHOT Show, you can still access the four (4) official Daily Reports created in .pdf format during SHOT Show. We noticed the official ShotShow.com web links for these reports were pretty hard to find last week, so you may have missed them. Below you’ll find handy links for each daily report. Note: There is some duplication of content from day to day, but each “issue” does contain new content. In particular, the “New Product” sections were updated daily.
SHOT Daily 1 (Feb. 2)
Features: New Rifles for 2008, New Shotguns 2008, New Handguns 2008, Hunting Boots/Clothing, NSSF Industry Research, New Products (Part 1)
SHOT Daily 2 (Feb. 3)
Features: Air Rifles, Custom Knives, Scholastic Clay Program, Field & Stream “Best” Awards, New Products (Part 2)
SHOT Daily 3 (Feb. 4)
Features: Air Rifles, Custom Knives, NSSF Outdoor Challenge, New Products (Part 3)
SHOT Daily 4 (Feb. 5)
Features: NSSF Shooting Sports Summit Report, Legislator of Year, Writer of Year, Small Item Product Reviews, Custom Products, New Products (Part 4)
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February 13th, 2008
You knew the firearms industry was big business, but we bet you didn’t know just how big. According to a report by TheStreet.com, the overall firearms, hunting, and ammunition sectors of the economy collectively represent a $76 billion dollar industry. At SHOT Show, TheStreet.com TV interviewed Mark DeYoung, an executive with ATK Ammunition Systems. DeYoung revealed some amazing statistics:
Annual Sales of “Hunting and Sporting” ammunition alone total $750,000,000.
ATK’s sporting, law enforcement, and military annual ammunition sales total $1.5 Billion dollars. ATK is now the largest ammunition producer in the world.
ATK produces 6.5 Billion rounds of ammunition every year. Yep, that’s “B” as in Billion. That includes everything from .22 rimfire up to tank ammo.
ATK uses 25,000,000 to 30,000,000 pounds of copper each year in ammunition production.
DeYoung also explained that commodity costs have skyrocketed. A few years ago copper was $0.77 per pound. Now it is $3.20 per pound. Lead prices have also increased substantially. This explains why precision brass and bullet costs have gone up significantly in recent years.
CLICK HERE to watch ATK VIDEO
While you may not be familiar with the ATK business name, most shooters will recognize the many commercial brands under the ATK umbrella:
Alliant Powder for reloaders
RCBS reloading equipment
CCI, Speer, Lawman, and Blazer ammunition
CCI and Federal Primers
Federal Premium, Fusion, and Estate Cartridge ammunition
Speer bullets
Champion traps and paper, metal and clay targets
Gunslick and Outers gun care products
Shooters Ridge rests, and gear bags
Ram-Line gun stocks
Weaver mounting systems
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