Friday, November 19, is National Ammo Day, a day when gun-owners are encouraged to purchase at least 100 rounds of ammunition. National Ammo Day is an annual BUYcott event, a grassroots demonstration of the numbers of committed American firearms owners. There are an estimated 75 MILLION gun owners in the United States of America. If each gun owner or Second Amendment supporter buys 100 rounds of ammunition, that’s 7.5 BILLION rounds in the hands of law-abiding citizens!
Ammo Day is based on the principle that there is strength in numbers. Consider this — when politicians see the amount of tax dollars generated through ammunition sales those politicians will be less inclined to pass restrictive legislation. Likewise, when millions of lawful firearms owners “vote with their pocketbooks” on Ammo Day, it demonstrates that supporters of the Second Amendment are serious, organized, and willing to spend money to protect their rights. That’s something anti-gun politicians can’t ignore.
Michael Bane of Downrange.TV traveled to the Gunsite Shooting Academy this week to sample new products from Colt, Crimson Trace, and Sig Sauer. Bane reports that Colt is returning to the consumer pistol and rifle markets in a big way. In 2011, Colt will roll out an extensive line-up of 1911 pistols, plus new AR-platform rifles. Bane also reports that Sig Sauer may introduce a new Sig 556 rifle, chambered in 7.62×39, which will take standard AK47 magazines. With the rugged Eastern Bloc magazines, the new Sig 556 could set new standards for reliability among “Sport Utility Rifles”.
Michael Bane’s Weekly Video Podcast
NOTE: Short Advertisement may precede the video. Loud firing noises are in the video’s second half.
Jonathan Ocab, a High Power shooter from California, had gunsmith Doan Trevor install a Sako-style extractor in the Rem 700 bolt in Ocab’s 6mmBR Eliseo R5 tubegun. Jonathan produced an excellent video showing how the Sako extractor improves the ejection of the short, fat 6mmBR cartridges in his rifle. Jonathan’s video demonstrates 6mmBR case ejection with an unmodified Rem 700 factory bolt versus a factory bolt fitted with a Sako-style extractor.
Johnathan explains: “Note how even when slowly operating the bolt, the bolt with the Sako extractor easily ‘kicks’ out the brass on ejection with minimal chance of operator error resulting in a failure to extract. While the unmodified bolt has issues ejecting brass on slow operation, it will eject if the operator pulls the bolt back quickly (fast and with some force).
While a Sako-style extractor isn’t an absolute necessity, this video shows the definite improvement this modification provides. For short cartridges like the 6mmBR, this is very useful. This modification is highly recommended for competition shooters, especially High Power competitors who seek improved function in rapid-fire stages. This modification is fairly inexpensive and any competent gunsmith should be able to perform the work (usually under $100 with parts and labor).”
EDITOR’s NOTE: In his video, Jonathan deliberately worked the unmodified Remington bolt slowly to show how the standard Rem extractor can struggle with short fat cases like the 6mmBR. In fact, when you work a standard, unmodified bolt more quickly, the extraction can be much more positive. Cycling the bolt with more “snap” provides more energy to eject the cases. We have run an R5 Tubegun chambered in 6mmBR with an unmodified Rem 700 bolt (no SAKO extractor), and the extraction was reliable, provided the bolt was worked quickly.
The U.S. Army Reserve Shooting Team (USAR) performed superbly at this year’s Armed Forces Skill at Arms Meeting (AFSAM), conducted in October at Camp Robinson, Arkansas. The USAR Team captured the Overall AFSAM championship and the coveted Lexington Green Trophy.
First held in 1991, AFSAM is an multi-nation shooting competition open to all NATO countries. At AFSAM 2010, competitors hailed from seven countries. Eighteen formal teams competed, with several more squads shooting for honors. In addition to U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard teams from the United States, shooters from Canada, Australia, England, Netherlands, Denmark and Norway competed in this year’s events.
Strong Individual and Team Performances
USAR shooters started strong in the nine individual events, taking seven first places, five second places and five third places. In the overall individual rifle aggregate, USAR team members took gold for first place and four of the top ten places. In the individual pistol aggregate, USAR shooters took first through fourth and secured six of the top ten places..Most impressively off all, USAR team shooter MSG Lance Espinosa won first place overall in both rifle and pistol matches.
In team events, USAR teams took five first places, two second places, and four third places, earning trophies in nine of the ten AFSAM team events. In AFSAM team competition, National Teams vie for the Lexington Green Trophy, a Grand Aggregate comprised of the International Service Rifle match and Close Quarter Battle (CQB) match. The first is shot from 100 to 500 yards and ends with a run down, shooting at every yard line from 500 back to 100. The Close Quarter Battle starts with a mock casualty evacuation and ammo resupply exercise, requiring teams to run with two litters each loaded with 150 pound “casualties” and sprint to the firing point with eight 30 pound ammo cans. Shooters then fire four stages of a close quarters battle course. In this demanding CQB Match the USAR team finished 93 points ahead of the next closest team. That secured Lexington Green Trophy for the USAR team, as well as the overall AFSAM win.
Just when we thought we’d seen everything, Horus Vision has teamed up with 5.11 to create a wristwatch with a built-in ballistics calculator. Priced at $199.95, the 5.11 Ballistics Field Watch incorporates the Horus Vision SureShot™ ballistic calculator, plus a digital compass to indicate direction and degree. The watch has a molded polycarbonate body, offered in three color choices: black, olive drab, and coyote tan. Equipped with a backlight for night use, the 5.11 Field Watch also features dual time zones, a stopwatch, a countdown timer, and alarm.
Full-featured Ballistics Calculator
The ballistics functions are fairly complete. Using the four control buttons you can input temp, scope height (above bore), altitude, zero range, target distance, inclination (up/down angle), wind speed, wind direction, bullet BC (Ballistic Coefficient), and Muzzle Velocity. Then the watch will calculate your elevation and windage correction in either Mils or MOA-fraction clicks. It’s amazing that Horus packed all these features into a normal-sized watch.
NOTE: This online product demo is very cool. By clicking the buttons on an interactive watch mock-up, you can test all the functions and see how to input values into the Ballistics Calculator.
We haven’t compared the Horus/5.11 Ballistics Calculator watch with more sophisticated ballistics programs, but if you can remember all the buttons to push (and in what order) this watch appears to be a compact alternative to a laptop or PDA with ballistics software installed. Buyers have rated the watch highly: “Brillliant — I ordered the 5.11 Tactical Field Watch for my husband to use on his tour in Afghanistan. He loves it. He loves every feature it comes with and says that it’s accurate and durable.”
Barrett Firearms Mfg. has introduced its latest rifle, the MRAD, chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum (and optionally 300 Win Mag and 7.62×51 NATO). The MRAD’s modular design includes a user-changeable barrel system, removable by unscrewing two bolts with a standard Torx wrench. The bolt-head also changes out easily for caliber conversions. The video below shows how quickly the barrel can be swapped out by the operator. The MRAD ships with a folding stock which Barret claims “locks in as solid as a fixed-stock rifle”. When folded, the stock latches around the bolt (smart feature). The MRAD ships with a 24.5″ fluted barrel and Multi-Role Brown finish. No price has yet been announced.
The MRAD, slated for release in mid-2011, also features a new, easily-accessed trigger module, claimed to be “match-grade [and] drop-fire-proof”. Integrated into the MRAD’s 7000 series aluminum upper receiver is a 21.75″ M1913 rail with 30 MOA taper. Configurable side and bottom rails can also hold a number of accessories. Watch the video below to see the MRAD’s features and operation.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Friday, November 19, is National Ammo Day, a day when gun-owners are encouraged to purchase at least 100 rounds of ammunition. National Ammo Day is an annual BUYcott event, a grassroots demonstration of the numbers of committed American firearms owners. There are an estimated 75 MILLION gun owners in the United States of America. If each gun owner or Second Amendment supporter buys 100 rounds of ammunition, that’s 7.5 BILLION rounds in the hands of law-abiding citizens!
The 
In team events, USAR teams took five first places, two second places, and four third places, earning trophies in nine of the ten AFSAM team events. In AFSAM team competition, National Teams vie for the Lexington Green Trophy, a Grand Aggregate comprised of the International Service Rifle match and Close Quarter Battle (CQB) match. The first is shot from 100 to 500 yards and ends with a run down, shooting at every yard line from 500 back to 100. The Close Quarter Battle starts with a mock casualty evacuation and ammo resupply exercise, requiring teams to run with two litters each loaded with 150 pound “casualties” and sprint to the firing point with eight 30 pound ammo cans. Shooters then fire four stages of a close quarters battle course. In this demanding CQB Match the USAR team finished 93 points ahead of the next closest team. That secured Lexington Green Trophy for the USAR team, as well as the overall AFSAM win.
Full-featured Ballistics Calculator
In addition to the standard Elcan Digital Hunter, Elcan offers a version for low-light shooting. The 
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
Texas retailer 
