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March 25th, 2010
Gary Marbut, president of the Montana Shooting Sports Association, has revealed that once-fired military brass is being converted into scrap metal rather than being sold in reloadable condition with revenues going to the U.S. Treasury. The destruction or mutilation of once-fired brass runs contrary to the efforts of Congressional leaders to ensure that fired military brass be resold rather than destroyed. Marbut claims that once-fired brass is now being destroyed as the result of “sweetheart side deals with installation commanders that [are] being aggressively promoted by ATK.”
According to Marbut, ATK/Alliant Techsystems has encouraged military base commanders to sell their used cartridge brass directly to ATK. The brass is then demilled and rendered down to scrap metal for use in ATK’s future new cartridge production. Marbut states: “ATK even provides portable equipment to demil tons of cartridge cases at the military installations, destroying the brass for reloading purposes. Because the destroyed cartridge case brass is not suitable for reloading, it cannot command a price driven by auction for the highest-value use of reloading. Military installation commanders sell the Alliant-destroyed brass to ATK at a private, non-auction, special price. Commanders are willing to accept the reduced price because the sale proceeds go to the commanders’ discretionary accounts and not back to the U.S. Treasury via Government Liquidations.”
As a result of this reported arrangement between military commanders and ATK, Marbut believes, millions of used military cartridge cases, which otherwise could enter the commercial market for surplus brass, are being destroyed rather than sold at auction for fair value. In a time when there are still acute shortages of reloading components, this reduces the supply of reloadable brass, while depriving the U.S. Treasury of sales proceeds. Marbut calls for Congressional action to stop the “sweetheart deals” and ensure that “expended military brass of civilian-usable calibers generated domestically goes through the public auction process.” Marbut believes that “will benefit the U.S. Treasury, America’s gun owners, and the adequacy of the ammunition marketplace.”
CLICK HERE to read full story: Military Cartridge Brass Destruction 2010 – Round 2
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March 25th, 2010
 Bryan Litz, author of Applied Ballistics for Long Range Shooting, informed us that sophisticated new ballistics software is now available for Android OS phones. While there are ballistics programs that run on iPhones, as well as programs for Palm or Windows PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), Bryan believes that the new Ballistics App, called SHOOTER, is the first such program for Android operating system (OS) products — such as Motorola’s Droid phone and Google’s new Nexus phone.
Bryan explained: “The SHOOTER App can be found in the Google marketplace by searching for ‘Ballistics’. I became interested in this program when I got my Android phone. There are several good programs out there for iPhones and PDAs. But SHOOTER is the first program I know of for Android. In my opinion, it won’t be topped by anything else. If you have an Android smartphone, I highly recommend checking out this application. The program is easy to install and run. Outputs are available as a single-shot solution or as a table. There is a ‘Lite’ version of SHOOTER that you can download for free, and the ‘full’ version is $9.99.”
CLICK HERE for SHOOTER Android OS Ballistics Program.
CLICK HERE for SHOOTER LITE Android OS Ballistics Program.
The new “Shooter” Program for Android OS has an impressive list of features:
- G1 and G7 BC capability, with the option to input ‘velocity banded’ BCs.
- Angle Compensation (Up or Down Angle can be measured using the built-in inclinometer).
- Bullet Library which includes Litz-measured “true” BCs.
- Rifle and ammo profiles (for storing load info for all your guns).
- Atmosphere effects (pressure, temp, and humidity).
- Spin drift (requires bullet length and twist rate inputs).
- Coriolis effect (works best with GPS-equipped Android phones).
Bryan revealed: “I was heavily involved in the development of this program and can vouch for the accuracy of the solution. The actual solver is very similar to the one used in my programs and in the JBM online Ballistics Program. SHOOTER’s calculations normally match my numbers and JBM’s numbers within round-off error (0.1″ at 1000 yards).”
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March 25th, 2010
 Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has dropped its lawsuit against Carl Zeiss Optical, Inc. for patent infringement. The lawsuit originally alleged that Zeiss, Burris, and Bushnell infringed Leupold & Stevens’ patent for True Ballistic Range (TBR®) technology. With Zeiss out, the action will proceed against Burris and Bushnell only.
While Zeiss products do allow users to input ballistic groups and display holdover values at specific yardages, it has been determined that they do not incorporate an inclinometer to compensate for uphill/downhill shot angles. Therefore, they do not infringe on US Patent Number 7,654,029 owned by Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
Bushnell Sues Leupold Claiming Infringement of ARC Patents
Leupold’s patent infringement suit will continue against Bushnell and Burris. But Bushnell Inc. has its own patent infringement action against Leupold & Stevens. In February, Bushnell filed suit alleging that Leupold infringed on Bushnell’s U.S. patents for Angle Range Compensation (ARC) and Rain Mode laser-rangefinder technology. Bushnell’s ARC and Leupold’s True Ballistic Range (TBR) are competing technologies. The courts will have to resolve whether both ARC and TBR patents can co-exist.
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March 24th, 2010
The 2010 U.S. F-Class Nationals kick off tomorrow, March 25th in Sacramento. Match dates are: March 25, 26, 27, and 28. The venue is the Sacramento Valley Shooting Center range in Sloughhouse, California, just east of Sacramento. The F-Class National Championship is one of the biggest long-range shooting events of the year. Match organizers expect upwards of 150 competitors from the USA and other nations including Great Britain, Canada, Australia and (possibly) South Africa.
If you have questions about the range facilities or driving directions, call Sac Valley Shooting Center at (916) 354-9668. The Center is located approximately 15 miles South/East of the city of Sacramento. To navigate to the range, take a look at the map above. The Sac Valley staff cautions: “Do not use GPS or Map Quest to get to the range. On the Dillard Road side is an unpaved, nearly impassible rock road. Use Ione Road to approach Meiss Road [from the east]“. You can also get detailed, turn by turn directions (from main approach highways), on the Sac Valley Shooting Center website.
UNITED STATES F–CLASS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 2010
DATES: March 25, 26, 27, 28, 2010
LOCATION:
Sacramento Valley Shooting Center
P.O. Box 1407
15501 Meiss Road
Sloughhouse, California
Ph. 916-354-9668
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March 24th, 2010
If you have a older version of QuickLOAD that won’t run on a Vista or Windows 7 computer, take heart, Neconos.com now has the updated version 3.6 of QuickLOAD. Version 3.6 is fully compatible with XP, Vista, and Windows 7, AND the latest update has an upgraded database with MORE powders, bullets, and cartridges. In addition, G7 Ballistic Coefficients are now supplied for many bullets in the database.
If you are currently running an older version of QuickLOAD on an XP machine, and you plan to upgrade to Windows 7, you should order the new QuickLOAD v. 3.6, with disk exchange. You will need to send in your CD so it can be “personalized” with your serial number. Ed Dillon of Neconos.com explains: “If you have 3.0, 3.1 or 3.2 and are planning on using a VISTA or Windows 7 machine you must install a new, compatible QuickLOAD disk. Send in your old CD and we will replace it with a Vista/Windows 7 compatible CD for $14.95 plus S & H.” (Note — this latest version 3.6 disk is also backwards compatible with Windows ME, 2000 and XP). Call Neconos at 800-451-3550, for instructions on how to send in your disk for the upgrade.
Data-only Upgrade Also offered
If you own a more recent version of QuickLOAD that already works with Vista, or if you plan to stick with XP, you can can order a data-only version 3.6 upgrade. That is the simplest way to get the enhanced databases, with new powders, bullets, and cartridges. If you have CD versions 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, or 3.5, you can purchase a new data update that adds new powders, cartridges, and bullets to your existing QuickLOAD program. For the data-only update, you do NOT need to send in your original installation CD, or uninstall the program. The data-only upgrade should simply update your QuickLOAD databases and you can keep running your program as usual.
Read our QuickLOAD Review to Learn More
The full QuickLOAD program costs $149.95, bundled with the QuickTarget ballistics program as a FREE extra. The latest version of QuickLOAD has comprehensive data for more than 1200 cartridges, 225 powders, and 2500 bullets. QuickLOAD is a remarkably powerful software program that will help you choose the most efficient powders for your cartridge. It can predict the effect (on pressure and velocity) of small changes in seating depth, barrel length, and even ambient temperature. Check out our detailed QuickLOAD Review to learn why this software is an invaluable tool for the serious reloader.
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March 24th, 2010
This week’s episode of Shooting USA covers END of TRAIL, the World Championship of Cowboy Action Shooting. The episode was filmed last June at the 2009 Championship. Based on the number of shooters, End of Trail is the second largest rifle/pistol competition in North America, topped only by the NRA National Championships at Camp Perry, OH. End of Trail is held each year at Founders Ranch, located near Albuquerque, NM. The next End of Trail will be held June 21-27, 2010.
The first part of Shooting USA will cover the SASS Championship, while the second-half Sighting-In segment will feature The Women of SASS. While most shooting sports are dominated by men, none seems to be as female-friendly as Cowboy Action Shooting.
Shooting USA’s SASS Special airs today, Wednesday March 24, on the Outdoor Channel:
Eastern Time 4:30 PM, 8:30 PM, 12:00 Midnight
Central Time 3:30 PM, 7:30 PM, 11:00 PM
Mountain Time 2:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 10:00 PM
Pacific Time 1:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 9:00 PM
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March 23rd, 2010
Redding Reloading Equipment has responded to the requirements of Indiana Deer Hunters with the addition of the 358/25 WSSM to their line of regular production “Custom Series” reloading dies. The following 358/25 WSSM dies are available: full-length sizing die, neck-sizing die, and a 3-die deluxe set including both full-length and neck-sizing dies plus a seating die with crimp.
This 358/25 WSSM wildcat cartridge has gained favor as an alternative to standard handgun calibers under Indiana’s hunting regulations, which allow the use of cartridges with a bullet diameter of .357″ or larger and a maximum case length of 1.625” during Indiana’s firearms deer season. The 358/25 WSSM can be used in both bolt action and modern sporting rifle styles. The round produces effective terminal ballistics on whitetail deer.
For more info or to order a current Redding catalog contact: Redding Reloading Equipment, 1089 Starr Road Cortland, NY 13045, or visit Redding-Reloading.com.
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March 23rd, 2010
In everyone’s inventory of rifles, we think there should be at least one basic utility rifle with decent iron sights. Tech-SIGHTS, a small company in Hartsville, South Carolina, produces high-quality, yet affordable front post/rear aperture sights that fit popular rifles such as the Ruger 10/22, Marlin 60, SKS, and the CZ 452. We were particularly impressed with the new CZ200 sight set for the CZ 452, a very popular .22LR and 17HMR training and varmint rifle.
For CZ 452s sold without iron sights, the $69.00 CZ200 sight package provides both an easily-adjustable rear aperture sight and a durable, hooded front sight. The Tech-SIGHTs, designed to fit the dovetail on top of the CZ receiver, can be quickly fitted to CZ 452s. Both the rear aperture and the front post (with protective ears) can be installed easily with no drilling or tapping. For CZ 452s equipped with factory iron sights, the Tech-SIGHTs will replace the rear tangent sight with a more precise micro-adjustable aperture sight, increasing sight radius by 6.5 inches.
Ruger Sight Set Features AR-style Front Sight
The Ruger 10/22 Tech-SIGHTs mount on the rear of the receiver utilizing the existing, tapped scopebase holes. Two versions are offered, the TSR100 with dual leaf (flip-adjust) apertures, and the TSR200 with a single (non-flip) aperture with enhanced elevation adjustment. Both TSR100 ($59.00) and TSR200 ($69.00) sight sets come with a front sight tower fitted with AR15-spec detent-adjustable post. This allows the shooter to swap in a variety of front sight posts made for ARs.
For more information, close-up product photos, mounting instructions, and user testimonials, visit www.tech-sights.com. The Tech-SIGHT website has a secure shopping cart system so you can order direct from the manufacturer.
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March 23rd, 2010
 Heard of the World Forum on the Future of Sport Shooting Activities (WFSA)? Probably not. But this international consortium has been working to preserve the freedom to own and use sporting firearms worldwide. Steve Sanetti, President of the U.S.-based National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), explains that hunters and shooters around the world rely on WFSA to protect their rights, though they may not know it. “The average hunter or sport shooter in America, Italy or any other place . . . is only vaguely aware of what is in store for us in this new globalized environment.” According to Sanetti, the WFSA plays a vital role in monitoring international threats, such as environmental bans on traditional ammunition, which can affect shooting sports worldwide.
With politically powerful forces (including the U.N.) pushing to curtail gun ownership internationally, the WFSA helps national gun owners’ organizations respond to such threats. Over the past year, WFSA has had many successes, but the WFSA faces big challenges ahead: the Int’l Arms Trade Treaty, the U.N. Firearms Protocol, efforts to establish international small arms control standards, environmental restrictions on ammunition and reloading components, and attempts to ban ownership of firearms.
The WFSA’s annual meeting took place recently at the IWA trade show in Nuremberg, Germany. There, Sanetti called for the WFSA to become a bigger, more powerful organization so it can better represent the concerns of more than 100 million sport shooters worldwide.
WFSA Works to Halt Semi-Auto Gun Ban in Finland
“Last month . . . a government commission in Finland recommended the banning of all semi-automatic handguns — 200,000 of the 600,000 guns legally possessed by the citizens of Finland,” said Sanetti. “This was shocking . . . and it could be a portent of things to come.” He pointed out that firearms used in the Olympics, for waterfowl shooting and for target shooting all share the same basic semi-automatic action. “We cannot fall into the trap of saying that certain guns are good and certain guns are bad,” emphasized Sanetti. The WFSA’s Project on Myths works to counter this and other distortions about firearms and their use. To learn more about the WFSA, visit www.WFSA.net.
This report excerpted from the NSSF Blog.
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March 22nd, 2010
On April 19, 2010, thousands of concerned Americans will convene in Washington, DC in a mass demonstration of support for individual rights under the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment March, in the planning for over two years, is designed to “galvanize the courage and resolve of Americans” while demonstrating that the PEOPLE do not want Washington politicians passing more anti-gun legislation. The brainchild of Skip Coryell, author of “RKBA: Defending the Right to Keep and Bear Arms”, the Second Amendment March promises to be the largest pro-firearms demonstration ever held in DC. In addition, there will be “satellite” marches in state capitols nationwide.
Co-sponsored by the Gun Owners of America (GOA) and the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), the Second Amendment March will take place from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on April 19, 2010. Attendees will assemble on the northeast corner of the Washington Monument grounds, and the entire program will take place there. There will be many notable speakers at the April 19th event, including Larry Pratt, (Exec. Director of Gun Owners of America), Rep. Paul Broun (Georgia 10th Dist. Congressman), Lt. Col. David Grossman (U.S. Army Rangers Ret.), and Philip Van Cleave (Pres., Virginia Citizens Defense League).
We urge all our readers who live within a couple hours of Washington to consider attending this March. Despite the favorable ruling in the Heller vs. DC Supreme Court case, firearm rights are still under attack across the country. A big turn-out at this event could have a powerful effect on setting National firearms policies in the future.
The directors of the Second Amendment march need volunteers to provide directions at the rally, and to man information booths. CLICK HERE to learn more about state events. Click the link below to donate.
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March 22nd, 2010
 The National Rifle Association has selected Janet Nyce of Green Lane, Pennsylvania, to receive the 2010 Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction Award. This award recognizes exceptional contributions to the preservation of the Second Amendment and the shooting sports through education, advocacy, volunteerism, and legislative activism in support of the goals of the NRA.
Nyce was introduced to hunting by her husband, James, nearly 45 years ago. Since then, the two have raised three children, nurtured six grandchildren and shared their passion for the outdoors in their Pennsylvania community. An accomplished shooter, Nyce hunts with a rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, and compound bow. Her devotion to training and education led to her becoming an NRA Certified Instructor in shotgun, rifle, and Refuse To Be A Victim. She also volunteers with her community’s Women On Target® Instructional Shooting Clinic and serves as a shotgun Range Master at the NRA’s Youth Hunter Education Challenge.
 “Being a mentor and instructor are two of the greatest joys in my life. The return factor is amazing,” Nyce said. “I always have felt this quote is so true: ‘the leader who shares experience ensures a bright future and leaves a legacy of success behind.’” As an appointee of the Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation, Nyce mentors 30 young people who make up the Governor’s Youth Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation. In 2005, Nyce was a finalist of the Budweiser Conservation Award. She is a member of many hunting and conservation groups and is a Patron member of the NRA and the National Wild Turkey Federation. Nyce is also a life member of both Safari Club International and Second Amendment Sisters.
Each year the NRA bestows the Woman of Distinction Award to honor the pioneering spirit of Ms. Marion P. Hammer, the creator of the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program and first woman president of the National Rifle Association. Hammer has influenced many in her fight to preserve Second Amendment freedoms. From her role as lobbyist in the passage of Florida’s Right-to-Carry legislation, to her grassroots efforts in educating youth about firearm safety, ownership and responsibility, Hammer exemplifies activism.
Article by Danielle Sturgis, courtesy NRABlog.com
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March 22nd, 2010
 The Burbank Rifle and Revolver Club (BRRC) hosts a major SoCal tactical two-gun match this weekend — the 2010 BRRC Team Challenge I. This event is for two-person teams; each shooter needs a rifle and pistol or revolver. Money prizes will be offered to the top teams. The event is limited to twelve teams and there are just two (2) more team slots open so sign up soon if you’re interested. To pre-register, email Gary Eliseo, spraynandprayn [at] socal.rr.com .
Match Director Martin Tardif says: “Break out that tactical rifle and home defense pistol, put on your Mall Ninja/Sniper/Operator Khakis and get your buddy down to Burbank Rifle and Revolver Club north of Los Angeles Saturday March 27th for the 2010 B.R.R.C. TEAM CHALLENGE I.” The linked Match Bulletin details the course of fire, equipment list, and rounds needed.
If you’ve attended the BRRC Team Challenge before, there will be some changes this year to make the event more fun. The field stage is different, there will be more steel targets, more cardboard silhouettes, and more Unknown Distance shooting. But Tardif notes, this won’t be too physically demanding: “If you’re worried about too much running and not enough gunning… trust me, you could shuffle through this stage and still be competitive.”
Required Equipment: Scoped rifle (.30 cal or under) with extra magazines/ammunition and sling for carry during the field course, pistol with extra magazines and holster for field course carry.
Recommended Equipment: Spotting scope, binoculars, compass and shooting mat are useful. Note: No laser rangefinders will be permitted at any time during the match.
CLICK HERE for Match Bulletin
CLICK HERE for Directions to BRRC Range (Los Angeles area)
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