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November 10th, 2010
Elcan ushers in the age of digitally-enhanced scopes with its amazing Digital Hunter. It’s about time digital features were added to consumer rifle scopes. In many respects a $150.00 point and shoot camera is much more sophisticated than a $2600.00 Schmidt & Bender. Adding a digital image sensor and digital “crosshairs” to a telescopic lens system unlocks an amazing realm of possibilities. First, you can eliminate moving parts, including the reticle itself, avoiding the possibility of reticle movement that could alter your zero. With digital crosshairs “informed” by a ballistics calculator, the reticle’s aimpoint can automatically display the correct hold-over at any target distance. For low-light shooting, you can boost the brightness and contrast of the image. You can even hook up the scope to a remote monitor so an instructor or spotter can see exactly what the shooter is seeing. Last but not least, everything viewed through the scope can be digitally recorded for later playback and analysis. This way a hunter can record, for posterity, the moment he bagged a trophy buck. Or, a military sniper can record a complete target engagement, for later review by his commander and fellow marksmen.
The $1199.00 Elcan Digital Hunter offers a 2.5-16.5X digital zoom, four field-selectable reticles, and built-in video capture. Reticles can be changed ‘on the fly’ and you can output the video to an external monitor, or simply pop out the SD flash memory card to play back video files on your computer.
Electronic Zoom with No Moving Parts
There are no moving parts in the Digital Hunter except for the diopter adjustment. Magnification is accomplished electronically, and the aiming point does not change at all during magnification. The electronic magnification is parallax-free and the exit pupil remains constant, allowing easy target acquisition, even at high power. Elcan claims that resolution does not change significantly from wide field of view to narrow field of view.
Electronic Ballistic Compensation
One of the most useful features of the Digital Hunter is electronic ballistic compensation. Here’s how that works. The scope has a USB port to connect with a computer. Using Elcan-provided PC ballistics software, you input Bullet BC, Muzzle Velocity, and even wind speed and angle. The scope’s processor automatically calculates drift and drop for various distances and then positions the digital aim point for the correct holdover, based on the target distance you select. All the critical calculations are handled automatically. Watch the video below to see how this all works.
Day-Night Digital Hunter
 In addition to the standard Elcan Digital Hunter, Elcan offers a version for low-light shooting. The Day/Night Digital Hunter, priced at $1399.00, can be combined with IR (infrared) “flash-lights” to provide full night-hunting capability. Low Light mode displays all the available visible light and the near infrared light (that can be “seen” by the scope’s image sensor, but not by the human eye). Utilizing the near infrared means more light energy is available to the scope for better, brighter imaging. After dark, active night vision enables covert surveillance and varmint hunting (where legal). The effective range of the active night vision depends on the power of the IR Flashlight(s).
Remote Viewing Capability Helps Disabled Shooters
When the Elcan Digital Hunter was first introduced a couple years ago, Outdoors writer Ray Sasser of the Dallas Morning News field-tested it with Ray Mauldin, Elcan Products Manager. Sasser wrote: “There’s a new rifle scope technology on the horizon, a spin-off from military developments made by the Raytheon Company [parent company of Elcan]. The software calculated bullet drop… and the information was stored in a computer chip inside the scope. The only two drawbacks I could find were price and weight. The digital scope weighs 26 ounces, nearly seven ounces heavier than Leupold’s LPS 3.5-14x50mm, my personal favorite traditional scope. Mauldin said physically challenged hunters are particularly excited about the Digital Hunter. It can be used with a video monitoring screen so the rifle can be sighted without your eye to the scope. That’s a huge advantage for a quadriplegic, one-armed or no-armed shooter.”
Digital Enhancements for Target Scopes?
Traditionalists may scoff at digital scope technology, thinking that something like the digital Elcan could never be used in a match because it is too big and heavy. But consider this — all you really need on top of the rifle is the lens system with light sensor. All the other controls and the display could be moved off the rifle and built into a benchtop display/control/processing unit (which could be wireless). In fact, the control functions and display could even performed by an iPod or smartphone. With the iPod you could select the reticle, input ballistics data (Velocity, Bullet BC, Wind direction), and select the magnification level. (Fitting longer focal-length lenses would allow higher magnification than the Digital Hunters’ 2.5-16.5X.) And with a finger-tap on the screen you can record the entire match you are shooting. When mass-produced, such a unit could be sold for considerably less than the $1199.00 price of the Elcan Digital Hunter, as the iPod does the processing and replaces most of the hardware.
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November 9th, 2010
Money’s tight for everyone this year, so it’s nice to find some money-saving promotions as you start your holiday shopping. Cabela’s is running two current promotions offering significant savings.
FREE Shipping with Order over $125.00 (Expires Tonight)
First, Cabela’s is offering FREE shipping with orders over $125.00. Enter code XHOLIDAY during checkout. This expires midnight tonight 11/9/2010. There are some limitations. For example, additional shipping charges for large or heavy items may apply, the offer does not include shipping of firearms, and the offer covers Standard Express shipping to U.S. Deliverable Addresses ONLY.
$30 Off Order of $150.00 or More (Expires 11/16/2010)
Here’s a great deal that commences on 11/10/2010 and runs through 11/16/2010. If the total cost of you order is $150.00 or more (gift cards don’t count), Cabelas.com knocks $30.00 off the top. You do need to enter your email address to get the PROMO CODE. Click the banner below to get started.
This Editor personally took advantage of a similar $30.00 Off deal from Cabela’s last year, and the whole process went smoothly. There are some restrictions, explained below.
* Not valid on Gift Certificates, Gift Cards, or licenses
* Offer may be used only once and cannot be used on prior purchases.
* Offer cannot be used in combination with any other promo or previous offers.
* Offer is valid for purchases made at Cabelas.com, Catalog or Retail Store.
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November 8th, 2010
 In 2011, Hornady will be offering a new stainless-shell, heavy-duty Ultrasonic Cleaning machine, which fits nicely between the cheap, low-capacity machines sold on eBay, and the large industrial machines which can cost $1000.00 or more. Hornady’s new Lock-N-Load® Magnum Sonic Cleaner™, with a $317.08 MSRP, provides triple the size and twice the power of the original Lock-N-Load® Sonic Cleaner™.
 Dual Transducers for Faster Cleaning
The new machine, priced at $317.08 MSRP, features two transducers. This assuredly will improve cleaning performance and probably reduce processing time, compared to single-transducer machines in the same size range. The new Magnum Sonic Cleaner also has a heat-setting control, allowing users to set the correct temperature for best cleaning efficiency. Cheaper machines just have an “on/off” switch. The new machine comes standard with a durable metal-mesh basket.
SPECIFICATIONS
Magnum Sonic Cleaner Machine
3L Tank (3.2 qt)
Tank dimensions: 9.4″ x 5.5″ x 3.9″.
MSRP: $317.08
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November 8th, 2010
 Texas retailer CDNN Investments often acquires large inventories of overstocked firearms and then offers them at close-to-wholesale prices. When CDNN comes out with a new catalog you know there will be some amazing deals that won’t last long. The latest 2010-4 CDNN catalog was recently released.
CLICK HERE to download CDNN 2010-4 Catalog.
There are some great deals this month on Howa 1500-series hunting rifles. The lightweight “Lightning” model with 22″ barrel and Realtree camo stock is just $349.99, chambered in .243 Win, .308 Win, 25-06, .270 Win, or .30-06. Without the camo, a tan version in .243 Win is just $339.99. We were most intrigued by the Howa 1500 Custom Varmint models at $399.99. Fitted with 20″ or 24″ barrels, you have your choice of five popular chamberings: .204 Ruger, .223 Rem, .22-250, .243 Win, or .308 Win.
Listed below are some of the best gun deals we found in the new 2010-4 Fall Catalog. There are also some amazing deals on HK, Sig Sauer, and Springfield Armory handguns with prices “too low to print”. You’ll need to call CDNN at (800) 588-9500 for details.
- SigArms 522 .22LR Trainer, $399.99 (MSRP $572.00)
- Ruger No.1 in .204 Ruger, 22″ Barrel. $649.99 (MSRP $1147.00)
- Winchester m70 Super Grade, .30-06 (24″ bbl) or 300 WM (26″ bbl), Fancy Walnut Stock, Engraved Receiver, $899.99.
- HK PSP 9mm handgun, ‘A’ grade select. Every serious handgun aficionado should have a P7m8 or PSP squeeze-cocker in his collection. These are beautifully machined, slim, accurate handguns. Call for Price.
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November 7th, 2010
 The Ruger Rimfire Challenge World Championship concludes today at the Hogue Range near Morro Bay, California. This is a unique, family-friendly two-gun shooting event using rimfire handguns and rifles. Competitors engage steel targets in a variety of scenarios. There are separate classes for revolvers and self-loading pistols. A wide variety of rimfire rifles are allowed, including semi-auto, bolt action, pump action and lever-action. As you’d expect, Ruger 10/22s are the most popular choice in rifles.
More Bang for Your Buck
For competitors, the Rimfire Challenge offers the same rapid-fire action as a centerfire Multi-gun match, but at a fraction of the cost. No big-buck custom firearms are needed, and with the low cost of rimfire ammo, a shooter can send hundreds of rounds downrange without breaking the bank. With the current tight economy, we predict increased interest in rimfire action shooting. Jim Shepherd of the Shooting Wire agrees: “With center-fire ammunition prices being what they are, .22 caliber rimfire makes a lot of sense. One indicator of the popularity of .22 caliber shooting is the Ruger Rimfire Challenge, a series of regional matches held across the United States. The finals are this weekend in California, and the [event has grown] far beyond expectations.”
At the Ruger Rimfire Challenge Championship, shooters compete in Junior and Senior Divisions, with separate awards for male and female shooters. It’s a great way for people of any age or skill level to get started in competitive shooting. In the video below, Ruger’s Ken Jorgensen explains how the Ruger Rimfire Challenge works, and why it has become so popular.
Superlative Range on the Pacific Coast
The Ruger Rimfire Challenge World Championship is held at the Hogue Action Pistol Range, 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. 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 to learn more about the Hogue Range and adjacent shooting facilities.
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November 6th, 2010
McMillan Firearms is building 20 limited edition M40A1 Commemorative USMC sniper rifle packages. The M40A1 rifles are being built to the exact configuration as those originally issued. Gale McMillan, founder of McMillan, worked with the Marine Corps in 1975 to develop the M40A1. In 2000 the Marine Corps presented Gale with a Service Award, a used dewatted M40A1. Each of the commemorative rifles is a replica of this original M40A1.
Package Includes U.S. Optics Scope and Extra M40A1 Stock Returned from Service
To ensure the authenticity of the M40A1 Commemorative Rifle, McMillan interviewed Marine armorers at Quantico on M40A1 specs and gunsmithing. Each rifle is equipped with a MST-100 scope, period correct base and rings, Wichita swivels, leather military sling, and a numbered certificate of authenticity. The package comes in a custom-inlet olive Pelican case. In addition to the rifle, each package includes an original returned M40A1 stock from an actual USMC M40A1 service rifle.
“The original rifle stocks have seen combat in places like Panama, Granada and Desert Storm. We only have 20 stocks available for [this project].” said Kelly McMillan, director of operations for McMillan.
Commemorative Rifle stocks are molded from the same contract mold and built to the same specs as those delivered by McMillan to the Marines Corps. The action, barrel, bottom metal, and trigger are all hand-crafted in the same fashion as the original with correct serial number and proof stampings. Topping off the 20 Commemorative Rifles are the last available US Optics MST-100 10X scopes, mounted in the historically correct clip-slotted base and rings. (US Optics picked up the M40A1 scope contract after it ran out with Unertl.) Total cost of the package is — hold on to your hat — a whopping $8,541.00.
CLICK HERE for more details, and to watch a video describing the Commemorative Rifles.
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November 6th, 2010
Need parts for your Remington rifle or shotgun? You can spend hours searching around the web for a few hard-to-find parts… OR you can simply go straight to the source, Remington’s online Parts Store. Remington now operates a modern, searchable online store selling parts for Rem 700 rifles and actions, plus parts for other Remington rifles and shotguns.
Prices are pretty good too. An ejector spring is just $3.20. Likewise a stainless, hex front guard screw is just $3.20. Bigger components are offered as well. Stainless Long Action BDL bottom metal is $82.00, and you can purchase a complete Rem 700 firing pin assembly for $52.00. All cataloged parts can be orderd quickly and easily with a secure shopping cart system. If you have questions about the parts you need, just call Remington’s toll-free customer service line, (800) 243-9700.
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November 5th, 2010
 Berger Bullets has released a brand new bullet designed to work in 6mm rifles with a 1:10″ or faster twist. This new bullet borrows its basic design from the very accurate 95gr VLD, but it is shorter so it can fully stabilize in a 10-twist barrel.
This thin-jacket hunting bullet has been confirmed in testing to work in a 1:10” twist or faster barrel, and was specifically designed for those who want to hunt with factory rifles. Berger Ballistician Bryan Litz field-tested the new 87gr bullet. Here is his report:
For the new 87gr VLD, the G1 BC is .412, and the G7 BC is .211. Prior to this bullet, our lightest Hunting VLD was the 95 grainer, which requires a 1:9″ twist. This left many shooters with no option from Berger for a 6mm hunting bullet because the fastest common twist for many 6mm factory barrels is 1:10″. The 87 grain VLD was designed specifically to fill the gap, and it squeezes the most performance possible out of the common 1:10″ twist barrel. As with all Berger Hunting VLDs, this is the standard J4 (thin) jacket. There is not a Target (thick-jacket) version planned for this design.
L to R – Berger 6mm 87 gr, 95 gr, 105 gr, and 115 gr Match Grade Hunting VLD.
87gr VLDs are In Stock and Ready to Ship
Eric Stecker tells us: “We are excited to announce that our 6mm 87gr Hunting VLD bullets are now available. They are on the shelves now and ready to ship. We have made several shipments to dealers and have more bullets in stock at our shop now. We also have enough jackets ready to make more if we run out quickly. Currently the 87gr VLD is only available in 100-ct boxes.”
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November 5th, 2010
 Big Volume Offers Nearly 1100 Pages of Info
With its massive new 8th Edition, Hornady has compiled its most comprehensive Cartridge Reloading Handbook ever. The 8th Ed. Handbook has data for many new propellants, including Superformance, LEVERevolution, Reloder 17, 4007SSC, 8208XBR, Hybrid 100V and more. The new Handbook also features the latest information for the newest Hornady bullets including: FTX, GMX, DGS, DGX, and favorites like V-MAX, InterBond, SST, InterLock and XTP.
New Cartridges Included in 8th Edition
Hornady’s Reloading Handbook now covers many of the popular new accuracy and hunting cartridges. New cartridge additions include the 6.5 Grendel, 6.5 Creedmoor, 30 TC, 300 RCM, 338 RCM, 308 Marlin Express, 338 Marlin Express, 375 Ruger, 416 Ruger, 450 Nitro Express, 470 Nitro Express, 500 Nitro Express and more.
Hornady’s New Reloading Handbook (item #99238) ships in December — just in time for Christmas. It will be sold through shooting gear vendors, such as MidwayUSA, as well as through book-sellers such as Amazon.com.
Online Ballistics Guide Offered
Supplementing the information in its new Loading Handbook, Hornady offers a web-based Ballistics resource, with an interactive Ballistics Calculator. Use this to plot your ammo’s trajectory and determine the terminal energy of your rounds. In addition, the Ballistics resource has easy-to-understand, authoritative explanations of internal, external and terminal ballistics. Check out the features of Hornady’s Ballistics Resource below:
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Click the above link to learn what physically occurs inside the gun barrel when a projectile is fired.
Click the above link to learn what happens to a projectile after it leaves the barrel.
Click the above link to learn how a projectile acts when it encounters the target.
Calculate trajectory and wind drift using Hornady’s interactive Ballistics calculator. Just click the graphic above and then fill in your cartridge information.
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November 4th, 2010
 The Competitive AR-15 Builders Guide, a new book by Glen Zedicker, is now available. Following Zedicker’s New AR-15 Competitive Rifle (2008), the new Builders Guide provides step-by-step instructions that will help non-professional, “home builders” assemble a competitive match or varmint rifle. This book isn’t for everyone — you need some basic gun assembly experience and an aptitude for tools. But the new Zedicker Builders’ Guide. provides a complete list of the tools you’ll need for the job, and Zedicker outline all the procedures to build a AR15 from start to finish.
Along with assembly methods, this book covers parts selection and preparation, not just hammers and pins. Creedmoor Sports, which sells the book for $31.00, explains: “Knowing how to get what you want, and be happy with the result, is truly the focus of this book. Doing it yourself gives you a huge advantage. The build will honestly have been done right, and you’ll know it! Little problems will have been fixed, function and performance enhancements will have been made, and the result is you’ll have a custom-grade rifle without paying custom-builder prices.”
The Competitive AR-15 Builders Guide is not yet available from Amazon.com or most large book vendors. However, Creedmoor Sports has plenty of copies in stock (item BK Builder, $31.00 on sale). To order, visit www.creedmoorsports.com or call 1-800-CREEDMOOR.
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November 3rd, 2010
At clubs across the country, varmint fun shoots (also known as “groundhog matches”) are becoming more popular every year. In these matches, usually shot from the bench, you engage paper targets, clay pigeons, steel “critter” silhouettes, or some combination of paper and reactive targets. Shooters like these matches because you can shoot a wide variety of rifles, you don’t have to spend a fortune to be competitive, and there is fun for the whole family. Rules are inclusive — you won’t be turned away because your rifle is two ounces overweight. A large percentage of the match fees usually go back to shooters in the form of cash prizes. And the level of camaraderie is high.
Harold Seagroves’ 3-time Hickory Ground Hog Match-Winning Rifle
 Inclusive Rules Welcome All Shooters
Forum member Danny Reever recently explained the appeal of groundhog matches: “We don’t have a governing organization, or have to pay $50 a year membership just to compete in matches. Sure the rules vary from club to club, but you adapt. You build your rifle (or even pistol) to fall within the rules of either the clubs you shoot, or to fit all the clubs rules. If not there still is a class for you to compete in. If your factory rifle doesn’t conform to the rules, it can shoot in a custom class. If your custom doesn’t make weight for Light Custom (usually 17 pounds and under), you shoot it in heavy custom class. If you want to try your Tactical rifle or F-Class rig, bring it out there’s a class you can shoot it in. If you don’t like one club’s rules, you just don’t shoot there. It’s no big deal.
There are no National records, or Hall of Fame points — just individual range records. If you want to shoot in BIG matches (with big prizes), there is the Hickory Ground Hog Shoot among others. If competition isn’t your bag, many clubs offer mid-week fun matches that you can shoot just for fun. You shoot the same targets but with a more relaxed atmosphere with no time limits.
The best part is you don’t have to shoot perfect at every yardage. You always have a chance because in this sport it really isn’t over until the last shot is fired. Typically ALL the entry money goes to the host club, with much of the cash returned back to the shooters via prizes. Junior shooters often shoot for free, or at a reduced rate. That lessens the burden on the family’s wallet (not a small thing in these economic times). The low entry cost also encourages young guys to get involved who don’t have $4000 custom rifles or the money to buy them.
 More Fun, Fewer Complications
There isn’t a sea of wind flags to shoot over or to put up and take down. If the range has a couple of flags so much the better, but after all it is a varmint match. No pits to spot shots and slow things down either. If you can’t see your hits through your rifle scope or spotting scope well you are in the same boat as everybody else. That’s what makes it interesting/ sometimes frustrating!
As for calibers, I’ve seen everything from .223 Rem to .338 Lapua and everything in between. Our range record at my club is held by Bill Slattery, who shot a 147 out of a possible 150 with a 22BR 13 months ago. That’s on a target with a 1.250 ten ring at 200/300/500 meters. That record will stand for awhile, and shows you that some very good shooting is done at groundhog matches.
The best part is it’s laid back, everyone gets along, there is no place for big egos here. We who shoot the Ground Hog Matches don’t begrudge the other organizations and shooting disciplines, or those that shoot in them, heck some of us cross over and compete in registered benchrest matches too. Life’s too short, live and let live is our motto so just come out and have fun!”
Fellow Forum members chimed in:
FdShuster: “I’ve competed in our local ground hog matches for several years now, have introduced a number of others to them, and we all enjoy them and more importantly, continue to learn from them. Distances are as close as 100 yards, (with a 5/8″ 10 ring) to as far as 500 meters. with a 2″ 10 ring. Wind, mirage, bullet trajectories, all make them a challenge, and unlike shooting for group, where the group can be anywhere on the paper, in this game they must be very small, but also in the 10 ring. With the different classes, Custom, Factory, Hunter, almost any rifle will fit in somewhere. And Danny is correct about the friendly attitudes. I’ve seen competitors go out of their way, and jeopardize their chances of winning, to help someone else who may have a problem on the line.”
 Mike C: “Here in Texas, our version of groundhog matches involves shooting at clay pigeons at 400 yards. We use 60mm, 90mm, and 108mm clay pigeons attached to target boards. You have 10 shots to break 8 clays, with a seven-minute time limit. We have developed a good following at these matches. In 2011, a Shooter of the Year Award will be given based on the Aggregate score for three of our matches, which are held in Utopia, San Angelo, and Huntsville.”
40X Guy: “I would have to say upon finishing my first year ever of ground hog matches, that the average Joe can grab his Swift, or his 25-06, or his 22-250 and go rip some holes in paper. Everybody is having a good time and its a gathering of like-minded people who have all shot chucks at some point or another. Even if one does not win the match, you can look at your target and say “darn that chuck target has five holes in him at 400 yards and he’s dead” just as well as the next guy shooting a custom bench rifle. Everybody fits in and everybody, 8 to 80, is having fun! It is addictive and will drive you to spend your hard-earned currency for sure!”
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November 3rd, 2010
 If you’re looking for a good, moderately-priced variable scope for multi-gun competition, consider the new Burris Optics Fullfield Tac 30. MidwayUSA, the exclusive vendor of this scope, just knocked $40.00 off the price, through the end of November, 2010. Introduced at $339.99, the scope is now $299.99 on sale. The Tac 30 features 1X to 4X adjustable magnification, 30mm 6061T6 main tube, and 24mm objective. Here’s the cool part, an illuminated Ballistic CQ reticle provides hold-over points for the longer stages (ballistics calculated for a .223 Rem AR shooting a 62-grainer). Sean Doke, MidwayUSA’s Optics Manager noted: “The new Burris Fullfield TAC30 allows for rapid engagement of close quarters targets while also providing holdover points out to 600 yards.”
The scope is offered in two colors: Matte Black and Dark Earth. TAC30s are covered by the Burris Forever Warranty: “If [this product] is ever found to have defects in materials or workmanship, Burris will, at our option, repair or replace it at no charge, even if you are not the original owner.”
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