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May 17th, 2009
One of the most popular activities at the 2009 NRA Annual Meeting was target shooting at an on-site air rifle range at the Phoenix Convention Center. There, shooters of all ages (and abilities) lined up to try a variety of air rifles and pistols at 10 meters (about 33 feet). Airguns were provided by Crosman, Beeman and other manufacturers.
From elementary school kids to senior citizens, a wide cross-section of visitors came to the air rifle range. It was great to see three and even four generations on the firing line. For many of the youngsters, this was their first opportunity to shoot a quality air rifle. A dedicated crew of volunteer range assistants provided instruction and ensured that safety was paramount.
NRA Disabled Shooting Services
In addition to the able-bodied, a number of shooters with disabilities or impairments joined the fun at the air rifle range. The NRA provided adaptive equipment that allowed shooters in wheelchairs or with limited arm strength to get (and stay) “on target”. Our friend Vanessa Warner, Manager of Disabled Shooting Services for the NRA, was helping out at the airgun range. When we arrived on Saturday morning with the cameras, Vanessa was helping Wayne, a wheelchair-bound, disabled veteran. Due to health problems, Wayne, a natural righty, was learning to aim with his left eye and pull the trigger with his left index finger. Switching from righty to left isn’t easy, but Wayne pulled it off.
Using a rifle rest, Wayne shot superbly, ripping out the center of the target. It turns out Wayne had learned a thing or two about marksmanship in his younger days — while in the military in the ’60s Wayne qualified as expert with four different weapons. He certainly demonstrated that even disabled shooters can enjoy the shooting sports, given the kind of adaptive support the NRA is providing under Warner’s leadership. In the video below, Vanessa explains what the NRA offers for disabled shooters.
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May 16th, 2009
The NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits continue today and tomorrow (May 16-17). Despite 103° heat in Phoenix, attendance is very high. NRA registrars said the turn-out was “way higher than expected”. Our friend Glen R. attended the American Values Forum (he said it was excellent), while your Editor worked the floors of the Exhibition Hall. Among shooting companies, there was a very impressive showing — all the big names (Glock, Remington, S&W, Winchester etc.) had large displays. Indeed, the Exhibits Hall looked like SHOT Show. However, as you might expect, some of the more interesting new products were found at the booths of small and medium-sized companies.
Below are some of the highlights from Friday’s show. Tomorrow tune into the Bulletin for interviews with barrel-makers and bullet-makers, and more product spotlights.
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May 16th, 2009
One of the most commonly-asked questions on our Shooters Forum is “what diameter bushing should I use with my neck-sizing die?” While we recommend that users obtain at least two bushings, you still have to know where to start. For hunting ammo and gas guns, we still recommend choosing a bushing that is 2 or 3 thousandths smaller than the neck diameter of a loaded round. However, in a bolt-action benchrest gun, you may well get superior accuracy with less neck tension. Larry Isenhour recently set a spectacular 50-5X 600-yard IBS record using very light tension — Larry employed a .268″ bushing for a .2695″ loaded round. At the NRA Annual meeting we discussed neck bushings during our visit to the Redding Reloading booth. It turns out that Redding has changed its recommendations for benchrest neck sizing, and now recommends that you chose a bushing that yields less tension. In the video below Patrick Ryan of Redding explains how to measure your cartridge brass and select the proper bushing diameter. Patrick also reviews some new Redding products for 2009.
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May 16th, 2009
 Lones (pronounced “lon-ess”) Wigger is the first and only American shooter to be inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. At the NRA annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, we were privileged to chat with Wigger at the Eley booth where he is answering questions and providing information about Eley products.
We discussed many topics, ranging from Cold War politics (he was not allowed to shoot in the 1980 Moscow Olympics due to the U.S.A. boycott), to barrel tuners. Wigger is a true legend among American shooters, having participated as shooter or coach with five USA Olympic teams. He also set many world records during his long shooting career. In the video below, Wigger talks about his Hall of Fame Olympic accomplishments, and offers advice to young persons getting started in competitive shooting.
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May 16th, 2009
We had a chance to check out the SPEC-REST from Lone Star Field Products at the NRA Meeting in Phoenix. This is one solid, well-built piece of kit, we can assure you. The SPEC-REST is finely engineered, and very smooth in operation (both elevating and traversing). To be honest, the spec-rest makes some other stamped metal portable shooting platforms look like kids’ toys. The main beam is solid metal and all the adjustment controls are well-placed and sturdy. A SPEC-REST is not going to bend or break under hard use. This rig was designed from the ground up to work with even the heaviest-recoiling calibers, such as 338 Lapua Magnum and 50 BMG. The unique design of the SPEC-REST even helps it dissipate recoil when shooting the “big boomers”.
Our Assistant Editor, Jason Baney, currently has a SPEC-REST plus low-profile Lone Star Quad base for testing and evaluation. The photo above shows the SPEC-REST on the Quad base which can be adjusted low enough to allow use on a bench. To view Lone-Star’s SPEC-REST in action, watch the video below. Lone Star President Robert Black puts a tripod-mounted SPEC-REST through its paces. I think you’ll be impressed… this Editor was.
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May 16th, 2009
Meopta is not a well-known name in the North American market, but we predict that may change in the near future. Meopta, a leading optics maker in the Czech Republic, makes optical components for many of the most respected “big name” companies in the business. With Meopta’s introduction of its 75mm APO (apochromatic) spotting scope, Meopta has served notice that it can build a scope that rivals far more expensive optics. We tried one out at the NRA meeting in Phoenix, and we’re very impressed from what we could see. The image is very sharp. Eye relief with a 20-60 zoom eyepiece is good. We liked the large full-diameter focus ring in the center of the scope body. Swarovski uses a similar central focus ring on its ATS line of scopes, and we’ve always found this to be a user-friendly design.
The Meopta 75mm APO spotting scope retails for up to $1449.00 at various online optics and camera houses. However, at the NRA Convention, Alex Roy of EuroOptic.com offered a spectacular offer to AccurateShooter.com readers. For a limited time, while supplies last, EuroOptic.com will sell the Meopta 75mm APO complete with 20-60X zoom eyepiece for just $1175.00, including a free compact tripod. That’s a true bargain. This is a very nice spotting scope that compares well to other European and Japanese spotting scopes costing much, much more. From what we can tell, the Meopta is also the most economical option for folks seeking a 72mm+ objective and APO glass. Watch the video below for more details of this special offer. NOTE: The offer is limited to stock in hand. (Don’t complain to us if you procrastinate and miss out on this bargain.)
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May 15th, 2009
 From June 5-7, 2009, the International Confederation of Revolver Enthusiasts (ICORE) conducts the 18th Annual International Revolver Championships (IRC) at the Hogue Action Pistol Range in San Luis Obispo, California. The IRC is the highlight of the revolver shooting season and more than 230 of the nation’s top revolver shooters, as well as several from outside the United States, are expected to compete and negotiate their way through 12 stages of fire putting more than 70,000 rounds down range.
CLICK HERE for MAP to Hogue Action Pistol Range.
The Hogue Action Pistol Range, site of this year’s ICORE Int’l Championships, is the premier action pistol range on the West Coast. A modern facility with 10 shooting bays, the Hogue Range is part of a large complex of shooting sports facilities operating on a former U.S. Army test range located between San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay, California. The public rifle range, located just North of the Hogue Action Pistol Range, is shown below. This is a beautiful place to shoot, with moderate weather year-round. You’ll find good hotels and excellent campgrounds nearby. The San Luis Obispo region is a great weekend destination for the whole family, with beaches and tourist attractions nearby. Visit the San Luis Obispo Sportsmen’s Assocation (SLOSA) website for more information on the Hogue Range and adjacent shooting facilities.
ICORE — All Revolvers, All the Time
The International Confederation of Revolver Enthusiasts (ICORE) was founded in 1991 by Mike and Sharon Higashi, long time active shooters in all the handgun sports. Envisioned as an alternative to the “arms race” that was occurring in the other action shooting sports at that time, a revolver-only competition would allow even the most basic equipment to be used and still provide enjoyment and satisfaction. For further information on ICORE or the 18th Annual International Revolver Championships, visit www.icore.org.
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May 15th, 2009
 Barrett Rifles, of 50 BMG fame has released a new, high-strength non-ammonia bore cleaner that really works. We know what you’re saying… that the last thing we need is yet another “miracle” bore cleaner. However, we’ve received reliable reports from fellow shooters that Barrett’s new Heavy Bore Cleaner does an amazing job on copper. One shooter told us he had cleaned his barrel with Sweets and then followed with Barrett’s new product and a lot more fouling and copper came out. Another told us that he had to switch to a nickel-plated jag because the Barrett solvent was so effective on copper.
We don’t know the Barrett chemistry, but it does NOT contain petroleum distillates or ammonia. It IS biodegradable and non-flammable. Barrett claims: “In a two-step process, our bore cleaner first dissolves copper, then chemically binds it to the solution to remove it from the bore. It also works to remove carbon and residue and even neutralizes corrosive salts.”
We’re always skeptical when we hear about new cleaning compounds. But the reports on this product, so far, have been uniformly excellent. If you have a rifle that copper-fouls badly, you may want to check out the new Barrett Heavy Bore Cleaner. Currently it is available only in a large 16-ounce bottle that costs $24.95. Purchase from the Barrett Store or other online vendors.
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May 14th, 2009
Our south-paw shooters often complain that nice “previously owned” benchrest rifles are hard to find. We’ll we spotted a beauty on Gunbroker.com, Auction #128642607. It sports a Nesika Model J Left-Bolt, Left-port action in a gorgeous, laminated red cedar stock with hardwood fore-end tip and polished aluminum buttplate. We believe this rifle was built by Richard Franklin of Richards Custom Rifles, a well-known accuracy smith, and the rifle looks to be pillar-bedded. The barrel is a LV-contour, 22″ Krieger, 1:14″ twist, chambered in 6 PPC with a .261″ neck. Total weight is 10.4 lbs. with a Leupold scope so you can shoot it in either Light Varmint or Heavy Varmint class. This 6PPC has seen very little use and appears flawless in the photos. The seller claims the rifle has been “test-fired only” and that the bore is pristine.
CLICK HERE for Cedar 6 PPC on Gunbroker.com (Many more photos).
Auction starting price is $1699.00 with no reserve. The auction closes on Sunday, May 17 at 11:39 am Eastern Time. So far, this gun has been “off the radar” so there has been just one bid. But hopefully one of our southpaw shooters will pick up a beautiful rifle for easily $1300.00 less than it cost new. (Note: Scope is NOT included in auction.) Yes we know a fiberglass-stocked gun would probably shoot as well… but that wood is a feast for the eyes.
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May 14th, 2009
 Cabela’s has commenced a Memorial Day Sale that runs through May 25, 2009. Selected products are up to 50% off and sale prices are in effect right now. There are some real bargains to be had. Here are some good deals we found. To get these Memorial Day Sale prices, CLICK THIS LINK.
Leica Rangemaster CRF 1200 Rangefinder
Item: QZ-712561
Reg: $699.99
Sale: $599.00
You probably already know that Leica’s CRF 1200 is a top-of-the-line laser rangefinder, rivaled only by the $999.00 Swarovski LaserGuide and, maybe, by the new $699.00 Zeiss Victory PRF. Among these three units, the Leica is the most compact by far. And, now, it is the least expensive. NOTE: You can also buy the Leica CRF 1200 from Amazon.com for $599.00 with FREE Shipping by clicking the special link below:
$599.00 Leica Rangemaster CRF 1200-Y Laser Rangefinder (Yards Version)
Cabela’s Covered Loading Tray
Item: XJ-215760
Reg: $14.99
Sale: $12.99
When we first saw this product we thought: “Great idea… it’s amazing nobody else has offered a covered loading tray before”. Being able to cover your loading tray makes sense. With the cover in place, you can’t inadvertantly drop something into the tray, or knock over cases filled with powder. You can also keep loaded rounds protected from the elements before they’re packed into ammo carriers.
Buck Knives Transport™ Key Chain Knife
Item: 9IS-519169
Reg: $20.99
Sale: $11.99
We really like this little knife. Folded it is tiny, and weighs just 1 ounce! The 1.25″ blade is long enough to handle most typical cutting chores (opening box-tops, cutting tape, trimming cords). It even comes with a bottle opener and a sturdy lanyard attachment.
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May 14th, 2009
Garand Matches are among the most popular of CMP events, and the M1 Garand, acquired direct from the CMP, still represents a great value among collectible, military-style firearms. Recognizing the demand for accurate, yet affordable ammunition for M1 Garands and M1As(civilian version of m14), Federal® has introduced new American Eagle ammo expressly designed for these popular classes of rifles. M1 Garand and M1A shooters now have a quality yet economical ammo option, which reduced risk of slam-fires.
Special Loads for Special Rifles
The M1A and M1 Garand are storied rifles with a huge following. Unfortunately, much of the hunting ammunition today isn’t suitable for these special rifles. “We know there is a very large number of shooters who use the M1A and M1 Garand rifles at the range,” said Kyle Tengwall, Federal’s director of marketing. “Whether it’s practicing for a competition, or just spending some time at the range, these shooters need affordable loads that perform well. These new loads cater to this special segment of shooters, and we’re proud to offer them something that shoots great and is available at price that can’t be beat.”
These special loads use staked primers to reduce the risk of firearm malfunction, including slamfires. The M1 Garand load features a 150-gr FMJ bullet and a carefully selected propellant that produces pressures that match the gas system design. The M1A load utilizes a 168-grain Open Tip Match (OTM) bullet that gives match-grade accuracy at an unbeatable price.
Ammo Specs:
A76251M1A / 7.62×51, 168gr OTM 2650 fps
AE3006M1 / 30-06, 150gr FMJ 2740 fps
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May 13th, 2009
 Creedmoor Sports has announced its support of the M1 for Vets program, which provides financial and logistical support to wounded U.S. Veterans, allowing them to compete at Camp Perry and other major rifle matches. M1 for Vets has also donated refurbished M1 Garand rifles to more than 160 wounded war heroes.
Supporting these efforts, for a limited time, Creedmoor Sports will donate to M1 for Vets $5 from every internet order over $100. When you order from Creedmoor Sports’ website (and spend over $100.00), Creedmoor “kicks-in” $5.00 to support this worthy program.
About M1 for Vets
M1 for Vets is a non-profit organization dedicated to financial and logistical support of returning Combat Wounded Veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and the Global War on Terror (GWT), for the purpose of helping them compete in national shooting sports. The goal is to give transitioning combat wounded veterans an opportunity to get back on the rifle range to participate in shooting competition. These are tough young men and women who quickly adapt and are able to overcome difficulties. In the video below, M1 for Vets recipients are interviewed at the 2008 Camp Perry National Matches.
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