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December 31st, 2008
The NRA offers a new website dedicated to the interests of hunters, particularly big game hunters. The NRAHuntersRights.org website offers current news items, gear reviews, and stories about hunts in the USA and abroad. There is also a Trophy Gallery and a state-by-state directory of Places to Hunt. The site also allows readers to share their views via a Hunters’ Blog and Forum.
Site Features More Than Politics
NRAHuntersRights.org might be better titled “Hunters’ News”. The site is more a general interest resource for hunters than a platform for gun rights advocacy. While it does have links to gun rights stories, most of the content covers the basics… where to hunt, how to hunt, and what equipment to hunt with. You’ll also find interesting historical stories. Currently, HuntersRights.org features a video about Teddy Roosevelt’s .405-caliber, lever-action 1895 Winchester, the rifle Teddy called “Big Medicine.”
Click Here to Watch Video about 1895 Winchester
In the video, National Firearms Museum curator Phil Schreier explains that the 1895 Winchester accompanied the former commander in chief on a 1910 safari in Africa, as well as Roosevelt’s famed 1915 expedition to Brazil to find the source of the Amazon River. Roosevelt used his .405 to hunt moose, bear and elk stateside, too.
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December 31st, 2008
Smith & Wesson has announced a recall of the bolts of all i-Bolt rifles manufactured by Smith & Wesson prior to December 1, 2008. This applies to all i-Bolt rifle chamberings. The potential problem is a flaw within the striker mechanism that would allow discharge without pulling the trigger. S&W’s recall notice explains: “A condition that may exist with the bolt supplied with some rifles that would allow the striker to become disengaged from its locking tabs during cycling of the bolt, allowing the rifle to fire without the trigger being pulled. In the interest of consumer safety, we are initiating this recall to allow for the prompt inspection and, if necessary, the repair and replacement of each bolt.” Owners need not return the entire rifle, but you may be asked to return your bolt assembly for inspection, and (if necessary), repair.
CLICK HERE for Full Recall NOTICE
Smith & Wesson advises all i-Bolt rifle owners to contact Smith & Wesson directly at 1-800-331-0852 or send email to ibolt@smith-wesson.com to arrange for the inspection and repair, if necessary, of your bolt. You may also use THIS LINK to enter your i-Bolt return information. Smith & Wesson can then provide a prepaid UPS shipping form and shipping instructions.
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December 30th, 2008
 2008 was a remarkable year in terms of global events. From the on-going conflict in the Middle East to the spectacle of the Beijing Olympics, this was a year to remember. The Boston.com website has collected some of the year’s most remarkable images from around the world. You’ll find many of the photos to be amazing, although be fore-warned, some are shockingly graphic — showing the aftermath of terrorism. There are three sets of images. All three sets are worth viewing. We wish we could give you a preview but all these images are copyrighted, so you’ll just have to click on the links. We predict your reaction will be “Wow… amazing.”
Year in Pictures – Set 1 | Year in Pictures – Set 2 | Year in Pictures – Set 3
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December 30th, 2008
Forum Member and Univ. of Wyoming college student Adam Teeter (aka “Cowboyarcher”) is building sets of ultra-light shooting sticks for hunters and varminters. The shooting sticks are made from camouflaged arrow shafts and 550 para-cord. Adam can build the sticks to your specs with a variety of para-cord colors: white, black, green, olive drab, tan, and dark brown (chocolate). Custom sticks (your choice of colors) cost $27.00 per pair delivered, and he has a few sets already made for $25.00. Buying a set of sticks would be a good way to help a young man finance his college education. Adam is currently studying Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management.
Adam tell us: “These shooting sticks are custom-built to your specs. Very light, they are great for walking varminters or for big game hunters. I use brand-new arrow shafts and 550 para-cord for the construction. The camouflage sticks are approx. 35” long and the black ones are approx. 32” long. I simply insert the arrows like one would for shooting them and add a field point. I am looking into the possibility of using blunts, or adding a fender washer under the field point for a little floatation. For now, field points will vary some from pair to pair. Since these are custom, I can do any combination of colors you choose, up to two, or cut them to different lengths.” Adam added: “I guarantee these sticks to be of the highest quality and to your satisfaction. If you’re not happy with them, I will make it right. And… I will accept trades. If you’ve got something [interesting], let me know and we’ll see if we can’t work out a trade.”
Colors shown above are: Dark Green/Black, White/Tan, Tan/Black
To order, contact Adam via email: teeteradam [at] gmail.com. Or you can postal-mail your order (with your specs and Postal Money Order) to Adam Teeter, 6011 Southview Rd., Laramie, WY 82070.
For more information and photos, VIEW THIS FORUM THREAD in our Shooters’ Forum.
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December 29th, 2008
Available for under $200.00 including front bag, the Caldwell Fire Control front rest is a remarkable value. It makes the co-axial, joystick design more affordable than ever. We used the Fire Control front rest when testing our Ultimate Varminter 20 Practical AR. Once we removed some sand from the tri-lobe front bag, the rest worked quite well. The Fire Control rest is currently on sale at MidwayUSA for $179.99, item 956104.
While most Fire Control owners are happy with the product, many have wanted to replace the tri-lobe front bag with a more conventional front bag from Protektor or Edgewood. This isn’t as easy as it looks because the width of the Fire Control top is too narrow for most standard 3″-wide front bags. On a “special order” basis, Protektor has crafted some narrower leather front bags that fit pretty well, but some shooters have decided to “upgrade” the entire front assembly.
Forum member Doug M., aka “DrJeckyl”, has come up with an elegant solution that allows a Sinclair Int’l RT-3 Rest Top to be fitted to the Fire Control Rest. Doug notes: “The Caldwell Fire Control is a nice rest for the money, but it comes up short in the rest top department. The Sinclair RT-3 fits perfect with minor modifications.” Shown below are the main components:
To adapt the Sinclair RT-3, Doug merely had to drill a couple holes in the RT-3 baseplate, and adapt a spacer to get the height correct: “The Caldwell factory top has a raised mounting portion so a 1/8″ piece of stock will be needed as a spacer to the flat-bottom RT-3. The spacer needs to be cut to the same length as the movable portion on the rest. And you should plan the mounting accordingly so the left thumbscrew clears the vertical height column at full left position (there is a cutaway in the rest under the thumbscrew that allows for easy access to the screw).” We have labeled the photo with dimensions, but Doug cautions you should measure your own original plate to insure the drill locations are correct for your unit.
Below you’ll see the completed installation, with the RT-3 installed on the Fire Control rest. Doug says it works very well. For more information on this Fire Control rest top conversion, with Doug’s measurments for the hole-spacing and his specs on the fasteners, go to the original thread in our Shooter’s Forum.
LINK to Fire Control Rest Top Conversion Forum Thread
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December 29th, 2008
Free Recent Sample Issues to Review
Wolfe Publishing offers FREE downloadable partial samples of recent issues of Rifle Magazine. Click the links below to view the Jan/Feb 2009, and Nov/Dec 2008 issues. (Note: these are fairly large, 4-5 megabyte .pdf files that will take some time to download.) The Nov/Dec ’08 issue has a nice article on a Kimber model 8400 “tactical” rifle in .308 Winchester. This gun, fitted with a McMillan stock, delivered true half-MOA accuracy with Federal Gold Match ammo.
CLICK HERE for Jan/Feb 2009 (partial issue) | CLICK HERE for Nov/Dec 2008 (partial issue)
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December 28th, 2008
 Jeff Madison, a Michigan gunsmith, has created a new stock for Anschütz 2000-series actions. This action uses a separate forward barrel block so the entire action floats. The barrel block allows easy barrel indexing (so long as the barrel is fitted with a cone breech.) Interestingly, Madison has fitted his stock with an integral tuner. Jeff wanted to be able to tune his rimfire rifles for improved accuracy. However, he found that the typical large, heavy, rotary tuner at the end of the barrel was not practical for a prone rifle.
So, Jeff came up with an innovative “tuner-in-stock” design. Jeff explains: “The tuner is the ‘knob’ just in front of the trigger guard. With the barrel mounted, the action (receiver) is fully floated. The tuner itself is fixed in the stock and attaches to the Anschütz action. The tuner is a harmonic balancer of sorts and can be adjusted to change the vibration characteristics of the rifle. At first glance the tuner appears to simply be a screw that exerts pressure to the receiver. In actuality it is an eight-piece assembly that incorporates a matched pair of elastomers that can be pre-loaded as a means of vibration control. The ‘in-stock’ tuner accomplishes the same thing as a muzzle tuner, but by using the action (receiver) for tuning, this set-up provides better balance for a prone or 3P shooter.”
Developing a New King of Rimfire Tuner
Madison was inspired by the successful muzzle-mounted tuners used by rimfire benchrest shooters. However, Jeff felt a muzzle-mount design was not optimal for a prone or position rifle. Jeff told us:
“The use of a heavy weight on the muzzle didn’t fit with shooting from the prone position. Putting extra weight so far out caused early fatigue and the balance of the rifle was compromised. After several meetings with Mike Ross of Ross Precision, I learned about ‘barrel indexing’, and came to the conclusion that a properly-indexed barrel could be tuned in a barrel-mounted stock from the receiver end.
Mike graciously donated one of his Ross stocks for me to use for tuner testing and development. After a year of testing with different prototypes, I completed a tuner that could successfully control the vibration. I built two rifles with wood stocks converted to barrel-block mounts with tuners and also adapted the tuner to my ‘loaner’ Ross stock. With all three stocks, the tuners worked and enhanced rifle performance using a variety of ammunition.
It was time to design my own prone stock specifically for the Anschütz 2013 barreled action. I used 6061-T6 aluminum to make the new stock stronger than the original, cast Anschütz 2000-series stock. However, my new design still accommodates the butt, grip, cheek-piece and side panel hardware from the original Anschütz stock. Four stocks were created. One is at my shop for continued tested by me. The second was sent to a national-level competitive shooter who has access to lab testing facilities. The third was sent to Mike Ross for his experiments. The fourth is warming the bench.
Tuned Stock Works with a Variety of Ammo and Barrels
In testing the integral ‘in-stock’ tuner’s ability to improve accuracy, I used a variety of mid-grade ammunition from Eley, Lapua, SK, and Wolf. My tests confirmed enhanced accuracy from all brands and lots of ammunition used. This is not to say the tuner will make cheap ammunition shoot like match grade, but it will extract the best potential from all levels. I have also tested the performance of the stock with several barrels: a modified Anschütz barrel, a 17-twist, 2-groove Benchmark, and a Bartlein 1:16.5″ to 1:16″ gain twist barrel (currently mounted). All barrels and ammunition tested by me were able to shoot quarter-inch (or better) groups at 50 yards. The .250″ criteria is very competitive for a prone shooter, and a number of groups fired were in the mid to high ‘Ones’.
Stock Proves Successful in Competition
The stock that is being tested by a competent, national-level shooter (name intentionally withheld) is undefeated in seven matches to date. Seven matches, seven wins. That shooter has also achieved many ‘personal bests’ with the tuned rifle.
What does the future hold? I plan to build a second design specifically for the 1900 series Anschütz action. The target price for the complete stock, ready to accept a barreled action, is $1,500.00. The stock stem only is targeted at $875.00. The details of the butt and cheek piece hardware along the select wood portions will be finalized shortly.”
Jeffrey Madison is the sole proprietor of M. Werks, LLC located in Traverse City, Michigan. M. Werks, LLC manufactures a limited selection of specialized shooting products. Jeff can be contacted by e-mail at jeff [at] mwerksllc.com.
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December 27th, 2008
To raise funds for this website, we are putting our 20 Practical AR “Ultimate Varminter” up for auction. This is a proven tack-driver, a one-of-a-kind special that you can’t buy from anyone else. Bushmaster, DPMS, Remington, Stag, Fulton Armory etc. can’t deliver a rifle with a Bartlein barrel that absolutely hammers, and nobody else can give you a gun complete with bag-riders, side-charging handle, Jewell trigger, and GG&G extended site rail. The gun is essentially new, with less than 100 test rounds through the barrel.
Send Bids to Mailbox@6mmBR.com. Minimum Bid is $1700.00. Auction Ends 1/9/09.
CLICK HERE for Gun Specs and Auction Rules.
 
If the truth be known, this rifle would be sitting in MY safe if California allowed me to purchase an AR15. But my loss is your gain. Minimum bid for this rifle is $1700.00. You’d have to pay a lot more just for the components. This rifle is a “dream to shoot” according to Robert Whitley. Robert says: “the recoil is almost non-existent. With the bag-riders, the gun tracks like it was on rails. No problem seeing your hits. And it’s incredibly easy to shoot really small groups. The last 5-shot group through the gun went into a measured 0.257″ and that’s with almost no load development.” In the video below, you can watch Robert shoot the rifle.
The Auction closes midnight Eastern time, January 9, 2009. As noted, minimum bid is $1700.00, and an FFL is required for delivery. If you have any questions, send email to mailbox@6mmBR.com.
Major Website Upgrade Planned
We are currently involved in a major site upgrade that will provide many benefits for our readers. Older articles will be easier to find. Pages should display faster. The Bulletin will be more closely integrated with the site (with popular articles linked to the home page). The Forum area will be updated with a more sophisticated classifieds area. To put this all in place will cost many thousands of dollars. That’s one reason for this auction. Proceeds from the sale of the 20 Practical AR will be used to help pay for the site upgrade.
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December 27th, 2008
 The technical staff of MidwayUSA has created a series of useful “how-to” articles for the NRA’s Guns and Hunting website. These stories cover many basic operations that can be done in a home workshop without expensive tools. The articles available online include:
 Fitting a Recoil Pad
Scope Mounting Made Easy
Glass-Bedding a Rifle Stock (Part 1) | (Part 2)
Applying a Baked-On Gun Finish
How to Shorten and Crown a .22 LR Barrel
How to Install Sling Swivel Studs
Working with Polishing Stones
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December 27th, 2008
This fall, David Waters of Glenbrook, New South Wales, Australia, became the first non-American to earn the Distinguished Rifleman Badge. To accomplish this feat, Waters said he spent $45,000, traveled over 100,000 miles, and shot over 6,000 rounds of ammunition during 50 actual days of competition. That’s dedication! In fact, the born and raised Australian highpower shooter is the first non-U.S. citizen to achieve Distinguished Rifleman status according to contemporary records. Prior to the mid-1980s, National Match and Excellence-In-Competition (EIC) matches were open only to U.S. citizens. It’s believed that the regulation was relaxed when the military draft was replaced by an all-volunteer military.
Waters clinched the prestigious award at the Texas State Rifle Association’s Excellence-in-Competition Match on 26 October, hosted by CMP and the Texas Army National Guard.
The 37-year old Waters is the founder and president of the Australian International High Power Association (AIHPA). He began shooting at age 10 and fired his first competitive shot at 19. Waters holds include several regional, national and world records primarily in high power and benchrest events. Waters began shooting internationally when he was 26. He shoots nearly every weekend at home and leaves Australia to compete overseas about six times a year. Waters explained: “I mainly shoot high power rifle now, which has been the case for about six years. [But] I also shoot Olympic trench shotgun and police (service) pistol.”
CLICK HERE to read full story …
Story by Steve Cooper from the CMP Online Magazine. Photos courtesy CMP, All Rights Reserved.
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December 26th, 2008
The two-stage CG Universal Match Trigger has proven very popular with High Power and Long-Range Shooters. The CG-Jackson trigger is a Robert Chombart design, like the RPA Quadlock and the Millennium actions. 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. In Europe, the trigger is sold by Jackson Rifles. In the USA, the CG trigger is solf by Tom Myers, through his company X-Treme Shooting Products.
German Salazar has tested the CG Trigger and written a detailed product review. CLICK HERE for CG Trigger Review by Salazar.
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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December 25th, 2008
 We wish all of our readers a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. We hope you’re enjoying time with your family today, whether you’re basking in the sun in Australia, or shoveling snow up in Finland near the Arctic Circle.
We want to take this opportunity to thank all the folks who have generously donated to the site over the past year. (Please, if you’ve donated and are a Forum member, tell us your Forum “nickname” so we can acknowledge your contribution).
We also want to thank the many individuals who help this site by donating time and effort and/or writing articles. This includes Jason Baney, Vince Bottomley, John Brewer, Mike Bryant, Brand Cole, Richard Franklin, Speedy Gonzales, “Graymist”, Dan Lilja, Bryan Litz, Chris (“Techshooter”) Long, Larry Medler, Danny Reever, German Salazar, Jerry Tierney, and members of the USAMU. We also want to acknowledge the dozens of fine shooters who have helped us with the Guns of the Week features. They have spent much time and effort to bring you their stories and photos. And we want to say thanks to our commercial sponsors that have supported the site through advertising or donated items for auction this year.
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