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February 10th, 2008
 If you’ve ever used a borescope to inspect a rifle barrel, you know how valuable these tools can be. No other device lets you see the true condition of your barrel’s lands and grooves, from the throat all the way to the crown. For many of us the question isn’t whether we want and need a borescope, but whether we can afford one. Luckily, MidwayUSA has made it easier to acquire a quality Hawkeye borescope. Currently, MidwayUSA is offering a special 17″ Hawkeye Borescope “Limited Edition Kit” for just $639.99. That’s about $110.00 less than the regular price for the Deluxe Kit. The more expensive model comes with a fitted aluminum case while the Limited Edition Kit ships in a cardboard box.
Standard features of the economical Limited Edition are a 17″ precision stainless steel optical tube with advanced fiber optics, 25x magnification, high intensity (H.I.) light source with batteries, and 90-degree mirror tube, which provides a full 360-degree view of the bore’s interior. This borescope accommodates 17 caliber and larger with the standard mirror tube, and 22 caliber and larger with the 90-degree mirror tube. Optional accessories are a 90-degree eyepiece, and a rechargeable Nova light source which is 8 times brighter than the standard H.I. light source. NOTE: the Limited Edition Kit does have a 90-degree mirror, but not the 90-degree viewing eyepiece. You don’t want to confuse these two components.
 MidwayUSA has the Deluxe Hawkeye Borescope Kit on sale for $719.99 through the end of February. This is $30.00 off the normal $749.99 price. The components are similar to the Limited Edition Kit, but the Deluxe Kit includes a high-quality, lockable aluminum hard-case. The 90-degree angled eyepiece, Midway item 181455, costs an additional $274.95, and fits both Deluxe and Limited Edition models.
February 9th, 2008
Tired of spending $25 or $30 on a box of bullets only to find they don’t shoot well in your barrel? Wouldn’t it be great if you could just buy 10 or 20 bullets and test them out before buying a large quantity? Now you can do just that.
Tom Reddin of Oklahoma has launched a new service, BulletSamples.com that should prove popular with both target shooters and hunters. Tom has acquired a large inventory of Berger, Hornady, Nosler, and Sierra bullets in 22 through 30 calibers. He stocks hundreds of different bullet types, including match bullets, varmint bullets, and game-hunting bullets. You can create your own “variety pack” with different brands, weights, and designs. You can “Mix and Match” brands, with pricing on a per-bullet basis. Bullets range in price from $0.24 to $0.50 (the bigger bullets typically cost more), with most bullets $0.35 or less. Here are examples:
22 Caliber:
60gr Hornady V-Max $0.25
75gr Berger VLD $0.33
77gr Sierra MatchKing $0.34
6mm:
55gr Nosler Ballistic Tip $0.34
75gr Hornady V-Max $0.30
105gr Berger VLD $0.35
30 Caliber:
155gr Berger VLD $0.43
175gr Sierra MatchKing $0.38
180gr Nosler Ballistic Tip $0.39
(Price is per 1 bullet, s/h extra)
There is a 75-bullet minimum order, but that could be composed of Berger VLDs, Sierra MatchKings, some Nosler Ballistic Tips, and a selection of Hornady V-Maxs and A-Maxs. Tom carries most of the popular match bullets in .224, .243 (6mm), .264 (6.5mm), .284 (7mm), and 30 caliber. For more info, call Tom at (405) 387-4541 or visit BulletSamples.com.
February 9th, 2008
Of the thousands of handguns on display at SHOT Show 2008, one in particular caught our eye — the 50th Anniversary Smith & Wesson Model 41 22LR Target pistol. As accurate as it is beautiful, the commemorative Model 41 features full Class A+ machine engraving from stem to stern, with 24-carat gold edging. Served up in a glass-top presentation case, the 50th Anniversary Model 41 has an MSRP of $2150.00.
The Model 41 is one of those classic American designs that has stood the test of time. Many feel the Model 41 represents the apex of American 22LR pistol design, much like the Colt Python is the “crown jewell” of double-action revolvers.
S&W historian Roy Jinks recounts the development of the Model 41: “Sales began in December of 1957 and the Model 41 was first cataloged in 1958. The factory was soon heavily back-ordered and [the Model 41] became the most popular auto-loading pistol offered by the company. In May of 1959 Smith & Wesson introduced a 5-inch lightweight barrel for the handgun to meet the demand of hunters[.] The line of Model 41s was further expanded in September of 1960 with the introduction of the Model 41-1 which fired .22 shorts for the International Rapid Fire Shooters. [I]n August of 1963 the company introduced the 5.5 inch heavy barrel. The last of the major barrel changes occurred in 1965 when the company produced the 5.5-inch heavy barrel with an extendable front sight[.] During the last 50 years the Model 41 has … established many records around the world. Today it is one of the classic target handguns.”
Click For More Info and History of the Model 41 by Roy Jinks (.pdf file)
February 8th, 2008
The Blaser R93 is a unique rifle, employing a patented straight-pull bolt with radial locking system. Using a pivoting short-throw bolt handle, the bolt slides straight forward and back to feed and eject ammunition. It’s simple and fast. The Blaser R93 was designed as a modular system. This means the bolt can be changed from right-pull to left-pull in seconds, and barrels can be exchanged quickly and easily. This makes the R93 extremely versatile — invest in one action and stock and you can shoot a multitude of chamberings. Factory barrels in 28 different calibers are offered. In this video, Blaser’s Keith Lay demonstrates how a Blaser barrel can be switched in under a minute, with a simple T-handle wrench.
CLICK HERE to WATCH VIDEO
While most Blasers sold in America are hunting rifles with conventional-style stocks, Blaser also makes a model for CISM 300m competition, a tactical model, and long-range target model (LRS-2). These all feature an aluminum receiver block, synthetic sub-chassis with cantilevered fore-end, and larger-capacity magazine. The rear section of the stock has an adjustable cheekpiece and butt-plate. Shown in the video below is a Blaser R93 LRS-2 fitted with bipod and muzzle brake. Note the very low recoil of the 6mmBR cartridge when the braked gun is fired. Along with the 6BR chambering, the LRS-2 is offered in .223 Rem, 6.5×55, .308 Win, 300 Win Mag, and .338 Lapua Magnum.
CLICK HERE to WATCH BLASER LRS-2 VIDEO
One of the Blaser’s best features is the speed with which the bolt can be cycled. Just pull the bolt-handle back to open the action and eject the brass, then slide the bolt handle forward to close the bolt. Compared to a conventional bolt, the Blaser requires minimal hand movement. Once you get the hang of it, you can cycle the gun extremely fast. The video below show a hunter practicing with a .308. Watch how quickly the bolt cycles–and this shooter could probably shoot even faster if he maintained his cheek-weld.
CLICK to WATCH VIDEO
February 8th, 2008
Here at AccurateShooter.com we use Canon digital cameras for most of our photography. They are reliable, they take nice sharp images, and they come with many sophisticated features at a bargain price. The latest A-Series PowerShot IS cameras offer especially good “bang for the buck”, offering sharp lenses, good video capability, and built-in image stabilization.
Many readers may think they don’t need video capability, but once you start capturing video, you’ll see it has many important uses for a shooter. You can record your gun handling techniques while shooting. This will reveal flinching or poor follow-through, and you can see if you are maintaining the same body and head position with every shot. You can also use the video to record comments on range conditions and your load performance — it’s easier than writing down notes in a journal.
Right now, NewEgg.com is selling the Canon A 570IS for just $139.99. That’s a great deal, and for just $5.99 more you can get a 1 gigabyte memory card (highly recommended!). This camera features built-in image stabilization, 7.1 megapixels, and can shoot at up to 1600 ISO–allowing you to get good images even in very low light. Like most Canon digital cameras, the A 570IS has excellent auto white balance (so you don’t get those yellow- or green-tinted photos when shooting indoors), plus built-in sharpening, and color saturation. The A 570IS features a large LCD viewing screen, plus a regular view-finder. Conveniently, it uses easy-to-find AA batteries.
February 7th, 2008
Space-age carbon fiber allows a rifle stock to be extremely light-weight, yet stiff and strong. Some of the best carbon fiber long-range, tactical, and hunting stocks on the market are crafted by Manners Composite Stocks. Manners stocks exhibit excellent fit and finish (without the bubbles and flaws found on some lesser-grade products), and the geometry is correct for good tracking in the bags. We were very impressed by the samples we saw at SHOT show, in particular the quality of the inletting and the carbon lamination work. Tom Manners gave us the run-down on his long-range MCS-L50 stock, his model “T” hunting stock, and his model “T-4″ tactical stock.
CLICK HERE to WATCH VIDEO
February 7th, 2008
At SHOT Show, MTM previewed a versatile new range box that doubles as a rifle cleaning stand. Sized 25″ long x 11.5″ wide x 8.75″ high, the MTM Shooting Range Box is about the size of a large toolbox, with plenty of room inside. The range box comes with two removable, rubber-padded cradles that hold a rifle securely for cleaning. This means your range box does double duty, and you don’t have to haul a separate cleaning stand around. We liked the prototype version on display. It’s plenty big, and has a long enough “wheelbase” to work effectively as a stand.
The gun cleaning kit top section has a see-through plastic top. Underneath are trays with divided slots for small parts, patches, brushes and sundries. There is a special insert for jags and mops (see photo). The two trays can be positioned four different ways, to suit your requirements. The long section in the front will hold bore guides, and large cans of spray solvents/lubes. The unit is deep enough that most bottles of cleaning solvents will sit up-right, and the box is made from chemical-resistant polypropylene.
The base section holds twin adjustable gun forks (cradles) with over-molded rubber padding. These will support rifles or shotguns with a firm, non-marring hold. The base section offers plenty of deep storage for supplies and ammo. The bottom base is big enough to hold a large MTM R-100 ammo box. The new range box/rifle holder, MTM Catalog item RBMC-11, should start shipping in Mid-March of 2008. Midsouth Shooters’ Supply lists the MTM Range Box at $26.76, item 008-RBMC11. That’s the best price we’ve found — other vendors are charging $35.00 to $42.00.
February 6th, 2008
 In previous installments of our Daily Bulletin, gunsmith Gordy Gritters has demonstrated headspacing and barrel set-up on a Grizzly Industrial multi-purpose lathe. We visited with Gordy at the Grizzly booth at SHOT Show. We had to fight through a sizeable crowd of folks who were watching Gordy chamber a barrel for a 1000-yard rifle. The Europeans, in particular, seemed fascinated with the process, as custom gunsmithing operations are few and far between in many European countries.
Gordy pointed out some of his favorite features on the Grizzly 0509G gunsmithing lathe and noted that Grizzly is coming out with a new lathe with even more functions in “the very near future.” Gordy also shared his thoughts on piloted vs. non-piloted reamers.
CLICK HERE to WATCH VIDEO
February 5th, 2008
One of the most interesting factory actions on display at SHOT Show was the Thompson/Center Icon. It’s very robust and features multiple lugs on the bottom that mate with a metal bedding platform. Unlike Remington, Sako, or Remington actions, the T/C icon features three integral recoil lugs, CNC-milled bedding block, a large-diameter bolt, and extremely sturdy bottom metal. Click here for a LARGE PHOTO showing all the components of the prototype “Icon” action. Note, production versions may have different magazines. GA Precision will also build a special run of detachable-magazine tactical rifles using the new “Icon” action.
CLICK HERE for PAGE with ICON FEATURES. Note: at the top of that page is a flash file. Click on the small red crosses to zoom and highlight particular features.
February 5th, 2008
We’ve been working the floor of SHOT Show to bring you the latest info and precision shooting products from action, barrel, bullet, optics, and rifle-makers. On a separate page, our daily Shot Shot Reports feature many large photos and video clips with knowledgeable smiths and technicians. Topic Highlights of the SHOT reports will be posted here in the Bulletin.
Click HERE for Part Two of our SHOT Show reports. Here are the highlights from our second installment:
Hornady’s Senior Ballistician discusses new 6.5 Creedmoor Cartridge.
Sightron unveils impressive new 8-32x56mm SIII Target Scope.
Glen Harrison, founder of Nesika Bay, reveals production plans (and tech features) of his new line of custom action.
Schmidt & Bender showcases much-anticipated 12.5-50 Target scope–and it’s amazing.
SKB’s new line of roto-molded heavy-duty rifle transport cases.
Chris Hodgdon summarizes new 2008 powder offerings, including Hybrid 100V and Win 780 Supreme.
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