Maybe, like fine wine, good shooters get better with age. This weekend, at the Sacramento Valley Shooting Center, 80-year-old Ken Schroeder shot a brilliant 50 (4X) at 600 yards. Pending approval, this will be a new, NBRSA 600-yard, single-target Light Gun score record. The group was a very small 1.680″, well-centered.
Ken was shooting the standard (unimproved) 6mmbr cartridge, with Lapua brass, Hodgdon Varget powder and Sierra 107gr MatchKing bullets. Ken’s tack-driving rifle was built by California smith Stu Harvey. The gun features a BAT action, Bartlein cut-rifled barrel, and a McMillan stock.
Forum member Ron Tilley was also competing in Sacramento on 11/23/2008 when Ken shot the pending record. Ron reports: “Ken is the kindest gentleman you will meet AND one of the toughest competitors. He is 80 years young and still kickin butt! Ken is always at the top when the dust clears and he can be hard to catch. All of us at Sac Valley are honored to shoot with Ken and support his accomplishments. I personally hope to be able to do what he does at his age.” For the match, Ken earned many honors. The record group was also Light Gun single target small group for the day. Ken won the two-gun, 6-target score Agg. with a 420 (10X), and Ken placed second in Heavy Gun score Agg. with a 282 (5X).
Congrats to Ken! He proves that we better watch out for those sharp-shootin’ octogenarians!
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Midway USA has the Tipton 12-piece multi-caliber Jag Kit on sale again. Now through Nov. 30th, you can purchase the Kit, item 582621, for $12.99, marked down from $16.99. The set includes 17, 22, 243/6mm, 25, 270/7mm, 30/32, 8mm/338, 35/9mm, 375, 40/416, 44, and 45 Caliber Jags, in a sturdy box with fitted holes for each jag. This editor owns two Tipton jag kits, one for the range kit and one for the loading room. The set works for everything from my 17 Mach2 up to my 45/70. I use the jags for both rifle and pistol calibers. I like the fact that you can easily switch from a bigger jag to the next smaller size to adjust patch fit as the job requires.
Midway also markets a 12-piece Jag Set with nickel-plated jags. This is a smart innovation that has been well-received by shooters. The nickel jags aren’t affected by solvents so they don’t give “false positives” when you’re cleaning copper fouling from your barrels. The Nickel Jag Kit, item 812503, is now on sale for just $17.99, marked down from $22.99. This sale price on the Nickel-Plated Jag Kit is good through Dec. 31, 2008.
We know many readers will be traveling to different states over the holidays. If you are carrying firearms for hunting, target shooting, or self-defense, you want to make sure you comply with all state and local laws during your journey. You could consult a team of lawyers, spend hours researching statutes on the internet, or you could simply get a copy of the Traveler’s Guide to Firearm Laws of the 50 States.
Available from the NRA Store website, the Traveler’s Guide includes key statutes for all 50 states plus contact information for state regulatory agencies and a section outlining interstate reciprocity.
Priced at $12.95, the Traveler’s Guide is a “must-have” for shooting enthusiasts and hunters who regularly travel across state lines to attend matches or visit new hunting grounds.
Gun parts vendor Brownells recently reached a significant milestone. Brownells’ computers officially logged the company’s one millionth customer since the company computerized in the early 1980s. Lucky #1,000,000 was Jason Wright. Brownells presented Wright with a personalized Bushmaster AR-15 in his caliber choice, .450 Bushmaster, at Brownell’s Montezuma, Iowa facility. In the photo, Brownells President Pete Brownell, left, and Company CEO Frank Brownell, right, flank the smiling Jason Wright, holding his new Bushmaster.
The Brownells IT Department had been keeping track as the company neared the one-million, unique customers mark. The tech guys passed the word to company President, Pete Brownell, the instant Mr. Wright’s order came in. “I really wanted to say thank you to our customers and show how much they mean to us. When I saw that Jason ordered AR-15 parts I knew right away what we had to do. A big thank you to Bushmaster for providing the gun, and Trinidad State Junior College for [personalizing] the gun for Jason.”
Jason himself was astonished, “I just placed an order, my first, and was so surprised when they called to say they were giving me a gun. I have another Bushmaster and love their ARs, so this is really great.”
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Members of Canada’s women’s winter biathlon team have come up with a novel way to raise funds for their 2010 Olympic bid. Five young women athletes have shed their lycra ski-suits to appear in a “tasteful yet revealing” promotional calendar. The Bold Beautiful Biathlon 14-month calendar features Rosanna Crawford (Canmore, Alberta), Megan Imrie (Falcon Lake, Manitoba), Sandra Keith (Calgary, Alberta), Zina Kocher (Red Deer, Alberta), and Megan Tandy (Prince George, British Columbia). Calendar profits will be used to cover training and competition expenses in preparation for the 2010 Olympics.
Biathlon is a challenging winter sport that combines Nordic skiing with rimfire target shooting. The sport requires very high aerobic fitness levels, plus superior shooting skills. The five Canadian biathletes kicked off the launch of their fund-raising calendar by roller-skiing through downtown Calgary, clad in shorts and race bibs (photo below).
For more information (and to view a slide show featuring more photos of the biathletes), visit the CTV.ca website.
Forum member Lew C. (aka “Thud”) has acquired a large quantity of brand new H-S Precision Varmint long action stocks and is selling them at significant savings. Thud is offering the stocks for $300.00 plus $10.00 shipping. Normally these sell for $350 and there can be a 2-4 month wait for delivery. Thud explains: “I have twenty (20) NEW H-S Precision PSV029 RH Long Action stocks inletted for Remington actions. Each as new from H-S. They are black and have a pad and sling eyes. You need bottom metal to complete. My price is $300.00 + $10.00 shipping.”
You can see examples of similar stocks on the H-S Precision website. Note however, that the photo on that page shows a tan camo finish. Thud’s stocks are plain black. These H-S Precision stocks feature an aluminum bedding block and a varmint contour barrel channel. The outer shell is woven Kevlar, fiberglass cloth, carbon fiber and an epoxy-based gel coat and laminating resin. The center core of the stock is a reaction injection-molded, polyurethane structural foam.
Before you contact Thud, also be sure you understand these stocks are for right hand LONG ACTION Remington BDL receivers. For more information, visit this FORUM Thread or contact Thud via email: lscohen [at] gowebway.com.
These same model PSV029 stocks are sold by MidwayUSA for $307.99, but Midway is currently back-ordered, with an anticipated re-stocking date in December.
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Thanksgiving is coming up soon. After partaking in the traditional Turkey Day feast, we know many of our readers will find time during the holiday to head to the range. A Thanksgiving Day shoot is a fun excursion, and a great way for young and old family members to share time together. For all you T-Day marksmen, we offer a special turkey target. This was created by our friend and Forum member Pascal (aka “DesertFrog”).
We’ve packaged the turkey target along with five (5) other varmint/animal-themed targets for your shooting pleasure. These are all offered in .pdf (Adobe Acrobat) format for easy printing.
Program Works to Expand Hunting Opportunities for Families
Speaking of turkeys and families going shooting together, we’d like to give a plug for the “Families Afield” program. A joint effort of the Nat’l Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA), and National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), the “Families Afield” program works to expand the opportunities for young hunters with adult mentors. The goal of the program is to increase the number of young people getting involved in hunting. For every 100 adult hunters today, only 69 youth hunters are coming up to take their place. “Families Afield” works to reverse that trend. Several states that were restrictive to youth hunting have signed into law “Families Afield” legislation. These new laws make it possible for young hunters and their families to enjoy hunting traditions together. CLICK HERE to learn more.
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Lee reloading products have always represented good “bang for the buck”. The Lee Classic Cast “O”-style press is no exception — it works as well as some other presses costing twice as much. One well-known “boutique” bullet maker has recently switched to Lee presses because the tolerances and lack of slop were actually superior to more expensive presses.
Though relatively inexpensive, the Lee Classic is a well-designed unit with a strong, cast-iron frame and all-steel linkage. It has important (and very cool) features you won’t find on an RCBS RockChucker. First, the ram is drilled in the center and fitted with a plastic drop tube so spent primers drop right out the bottom (where you position your trash can). Second, the handle adjusts for length and “attack angle”. This allows you to change the leverage to suit your task. As Lee explains: “The start and stop position is adjustable with a 48-tooth, ratchet-type handle clamp. In addition, the handle length is completely adjustable. Shorten when you’re loading handgun and short rifle cases.” As you can see from the photos, you can also mount the handle on either side, left or right.
You can purchase the Lee Classic Cast Press for under $75.00 at major vendors. MidwayUSA sells the Lee Classic (item 317831) for $72.99. Natchez Shooters Supply also offers the Lee Classic for $72.99, item LEE90998.
Mark Trope of SurplusRifle.com has written a detailed Review of the Lee Classic Press. He notes that the press is “southpaw friendly” and he praises the priming system. Mark found that the spent primer drop tube worked very well and that the press “works perfect and has great sensitivity” when seating primers.
Not yet convinced? CLICK HERE to read comments from actual Lee Classic owners. Here are some highlights:
“It has a large, heavy-duty 1-1/8″ diameter ram that has been drilled out for spent primers … and a long clear plastic hose attached to it so you can route it to a trash can. [This is] a VERY well thought-out way to collect ALL primers to your trash can when you’re decapping.” –D. Oldham
“Fit and finish are impeccable. The spent primer disposal system is simple and neat. There is no spring or flexing of any kind. There is virtually no play in the ram, which is a good tight fit in the frame. Operation is totally smooth.” –R. Smith
“Totally outclasses any other press in its price range. Runs with presses in the $100-$120 range.”–W. Rose
“I like…the position of the ram at priming. The Lee seats the primer with the ram at the bottom of the stroke vs. the RC II, which seats in the middle of the stroke. Priming at the bottom of the stroke gives you a much better ‘feel’.” –M. Gallagher
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Nightforce Optics has just released a new first focal plane (FFP) scope, the 3.5-15x50mm F1. This scope, developed with input from the U.S. Military, should be ideal for tactical applications. The scope is available with Zero-Stop windage and elevation knobs calibrated in 0.10 Mil-Radian increments. When combined with Mildot or MLR reticles in the first focal plane, the Milrad knobs permit easy and precise ranging and holdovers. (Turrets with 1/4-MOA clicks are also available.)
The big news is the first focal plane engineering — something new for Nightforce. The advantage of the first focal plane design (also called “front focal plane”) is that the reticle size remains constant relative to the target’s dimensions at ALL magnifications. With a first-focal-plane reticle, the ranging marks, such as mildots, stay in synch with the target image at any zoom level. This allows the shooter to range targets and judge hold-offs at any magnification. As Zak Smith explains: “In variable power scopes, a first focal plane (FFP) reticle configuration means that the angular measure of the reticle features stays constant. No matter what magnification [the scope] is set at, 1 MOA will be 1 MOA and 1 MIL will demarcate 1 MIL.”
This scope is made in the USA. It is in short supply right now but Mike at CSGunworks.com has two units in stock, priced at $2290.00 including MLR reticle, Milrad turrets, and Nightforce UltraLite Rings. Those two scopes will sell quickly but Mike should have more inventory before Christmas. Call Mike at (916) 670-1103 for availability (price subject to change).
Ken from Nightforce Optics has announced that supplies of the new 3.5-15×50 F1 will be very limited for the next 4 to 6 months because Nightforce is fulfilling U.S. Army contracts. Ken notes that: “this new model riflescope, in the Mil-Spec version, is currently in use by several U.S. Army Special Forces groups.” Ken provided these details about the new Nightforce F1:
Product Information for the NXS 3.5-15x50mm F1
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price is $2,410.00
Standard Features Include:
1) ZeroStop
2) Illuminated reticle
3) Side parallax adjustment
4) Set of Nightforce Ultralite 30mm medium rings, (limited time only)
Reticle Options:
1) Two mil-radian reticles are currently available: The Mil-Dot and MLR
a. Thin-line subtended measurement equals .250 MOA
2) Proprietary MOA type reticles will be available in the future. (Within the next four to six months)
Adjustment Options:
1) .250 MOA elevation and windage adjustments, ZeroStop
2) 1.0 MOA elevation and 1/2 MOA windage adjustments, ZeroStop
3) .10 Mil-Radian elevation and windage adjustments, ZeroStop
Ken adds: “Considering the fact that we will only offer the Mil-Dot and MLR reticle options in the short term, we believe the Mil-Radian adjustment option will be the most popular of the models listed above for the short term.”
First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane Optics
If first focal plane design is better for ranging, one might ask “why aren’t all scopes made this way?” Well, there are tradeoffs. When shooting at known distances, if you’re trying to aim with extreme precision on a tiny X-Ring, you don’t want the cross-hairs to appear thicker as you turn up the magnification. With first focal plane reticle configuration, the reticle increases in thickness, as viewed by the shooter, as magnification increases. This means that, at higher powers, the reticle lines and mildots/hashmarks may obscure very small targets at long range. For a more complete discussion of the pros and cons of first focal plane vs. second focal plane designs, read Optics for Practical Long Range Rifle Shooting by Zak Smith.
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Looking for a “very special” Christmas present for that young shooter in the family? Here’s a timely promotion on a quality Anschütz 22LR target riflle. Creedmoor Sports recently reduced the Anschütz CMP Limited Edition 1903J Junior model by $100 making the price $945. This is a limited offer while quantities last. Anschütz will no longer be manufacturing the 1903J Junior model so if you’ve ever wanted one, now is the time to purchase.
This smallbore target rifle has an ambidextrous beech (blond) stock with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) logo laser-engraved on the rear of each stock. A quality Anschütz 6834 front/rear sight set is included with each rifle. The model 1903J also comes with handstop 6225, screwdriver, allen wrench, instruction booklet, and original test group.
This special offer is available on the Creedmoor Sports website or by calling Creedmoor Sports, 800-273-3366. More information on the Anschütz 1903J is found on the CMP sales website.
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Edgewood rear bags are considered by many to be the “Cadillac” of rear bags. Offered in a variety of shapes and sizes, these bags are beautifully crafted of top-quality materials. Most of Edgewood’s current line-up of rear bags are optimized for use on a bench, but Edgewood also builds bags for F-Class shooters. Jack Snyder, Edgewood’s owner/chief designer, is soliciting ideas for new bag designs for F-classers. Jack posted this request in our Shooters’ Forum:
To all F-Class Shooters: We’re in the process of doing some serious R & D for new products specifically for F-Class Shooters. Our focus, in the past, was on Benchrest, but we’ve had many calls lately from F-Class shooters requesting different Rear Bag body heights, Ear heights/spread and more. Our new Grab Bag (offered by Sinclair Int’l) has become popular with F-Class Shooters because of its easy-to-grab handle. And we’re now ready to begin working on other bags and products to suit the F-Class Shooter’s specific needs. Email sales[at]edgebag.com with any and all ideas, suggestions and general comments, and we’ll get back to you. Thanks, in advance, for any input you might offer. — Jack Snyder
You can reply to the folks at Edgewood via sales[at]edgebag.com or you can join the rear bag design discussion on our Forum:
Muzzle brakes are controversial. Some people swear by them, while others swear at them. Still, there’s no question that a good brake can reduce felt recoil up to 45%. And likewise, the best brakes, when installed properly, seem to have no negative effect on accuracy.
Roy Bertalotto has done considerable experimentation with muzzle brakes, testing dozens of brake designs on his own rifles over the past few years. Roy’s article, Adventures with Muzzle Brakes, discusses various aspects of muzzle brake design and performance. Roy doesn’t claim that his testing is definitive, but his article is definitely worth a read. Here are some of Roy’s interesting findings:
Exit Hole Diameter
“Best accuracy and effectiveness of the brake was obtained with a hole .020″ over bullet diameter. If the exit hole is too small, such as +.005″ over bullet diameter, accuracy suffers. If the depth of the exit hole is too shallow, the metal around the hole will erode very quickly.”
Hole Placement
“The most effective braking was with a brake 1″ in diameter with a 3/4″ exit hole on each side, just in front of the muzzle. The bullet passes through a cone of 35 degrees before it exits the brake. (Like the tank example), Incredible reduction of recoil. But loud and ugly. Very easy to make since you don’t need a spin fixture or a dividing head.”
Bottom Gas Venting Helps Accuracy
“In my tests, not having holes all around the brake effects accuracy a bit. I believe it does something to the bullet by the air pushed ahead of the bullet creating unequal turbulence in the bullet path. I’ve tried a few brakes where I drilled only holes on the top, test fired, and then completed holes on the bottom and in every case, accuracy improved.” Below you see some spiral-ported brakes crafted by Clay Spencer.
Brakes Work Best with High-Pressure Cartridges
“The higher the pressure of the particular round, the more effective the brake. I have over 20 rifles with brakes. The 220 Swift is the king of reduction. Followed very closely by the 25-06, 6mm Remington, any Weatherby small bore. With a proper brake and a hot handload under a 40 gr bullet, the Swift will move 1/2″ to the rear and 0 muzzle rise! Big boomers with low pressure like 45-70s and shot guns benefit the least.” [Editor’s Note: Roy is judging effectiveness by the percentage of recoil reduction rather than absolute levels of recoil. Obviously if you start with a heavier-recoiling round, the absolute amount of recoil energy reduction is greater. Roy is really talking about efficiency–brakes are most efficient when used with high-pressure cartridges.]
Installation is Key to Accuracy
Roy’s findings are fascinating and suggest that further study of muzzle brakes is warranted. But we can all agree that precision installation of the brake is essential for accuracy. A poorly-installed, mis-aligned brake will degrade accuracy, that is well-known.
Harrell’s Precision has made tens of thousands of muzzle brakes, in many styles and port arrangements. The Harrell brothers offer some good advice for gunsmiths installing brakes: “Muzzle brakes aren’t magic, they reduce recoil by redirecting exiting gas. What’s important is that they are straight and the threads are perpendicular with the base. The only way to get the base and threads perpendicular is to thread, not tap, them on a lathe.”
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Maybe, like fine wine, good shooters get better with age. This weekend, at the Sacramento Valley Shooting Center, 80-year-old Ken Schroeder shot a brilliant 50 (4X) at 600 yards. Pending approval, this will be a new, NBRSA 600-yard, single-target Light Gun score record. The group was a very small 1.680″, well-centered.
We know many readers will be traveling to different states over the holidays. If you are carrying firearms for hunting, target shooting, or self-defense, you want to make sure you comply with all state and local laws during your journey. You could consult a team of lawyers, spend hours researching statutes on the internet, or you could simply get a copy of the 
Mark Trope of 
To all F-Class Shooters: We’re in the process of doing some serious R & D for new products specifically for F-Class Shooters. Our focus, in the past, was on Benchrest, but we’ve had many calls lately from F-Class shooters requesting different Rear Bag body heights, Ear heights/spread and more. Our new 
