Put this in the “it’s about time” department. We’ve long wondered why makers of polymer-framed handguns don’t serialize the internal sub-chassis, so owners can swap frames (shells) easily without legal issues. Currently, for example, if you have a Glock and need to replace a damaged frame, you must return the frame to the manufacturer. Glock then destroys the frame and replaces it with a new frame with the same serial number. That’s necessary because the unitized Glock frame/chassis together constitute the serialized part. If you don’t want to relinquish your original frame, the only way to get a second Glock frame is to buy a new gun, and do a new DROS with background check.
Beretta has come up with a better solution. Beretta realized that pistol owners might want to upgrade their frames, or have multiple frames for the same serialized handgun — one frame could have a short grip and while another has a full-sized grip. With its new Beretta BU-9 Nano subcompact 9mm pistol (to be released in October), the serial number is stamped on a separate, removable internal chassis. The polymer frame bears no serial number. As a result, Nano pistol owners can purchase additional frames without legal restrictions. Acquiring a new Nano frame would be just like buying a new recoil spring or other accessory. CLICK HERE for Beretta Nano Spec Sheet (PDF).
We hope other manufacturers follow Beretta’s lead. Removing the serial number from a handgun’s external polymer shell allows aftermarket companies to develop a variety of frames with different features. Aftermarket frames could even be custom-molded to fit the owner’s hand. Additionally, the gun manufacturer could package multiple frames with one chassis for the original sale. That would appeal to folks who want a stubby grip for carry and a full-size grip for gun games.
Along with its novel serialized “modular chassis”, the new Nano has some other interesting features, including a push-button “striker de-activator”. This allows the gun to be disassembled without pulling the trigger. Also both front and rear sights are secured with set screws. This allows a user to easily adjust (or change out) the sights without expensive tools. These features are explained in the video below.
Craigslist, the #1 classifieds ad service on the web, is a source for some great bargains. While you can’t purchase guns on Craigslist, you CAN find all sorts of hunting and outdoor gear, and shooting accessories. The only problem with Craigslist is that it’s very time-consuming to access a large region — you have to search one municipal area at a time. Well folks, there’s now a better way to use Craigslist.
Craigslist Search Helpers — SearchTempest and CraigsPal SearchTempest.com lets you search all the Craigslist ads in the whole country if you wish, or you can narrow it down to a state, or a designated distance from your zip code (you set the distance, such as within 50 miles or 250 miles). SearchTempest even lets you include eBay listings and Amazon.com listings. You can filter for price and exclude listings without photos. The SearchTempest interface is easy-to-use and intuitive. We use SearchTempest all the time and have found some spectacular bargains, all within a half-day’s drive.
SearchTempest is great, but there is an even more advanced tool for computer-savy bargain hunters — CraigsPal search helper software. Once installed on your computer, CraigsPal can search all Craigslist listings nationwide or you can choose any combination of multiple neighborhoods/city/state/countries and get results sorted in single screen. CraigsPal can remember your searches and even simultaneously run multiple searches for various items — that’s a huge time-saver. CraigsPal.com offers both a FREE Version of CraigsPal and an enhanced $29.99 Members Version. The deluxe Members Version can run “autopilot” searches in the background, sending you an alert when a specific item comes up for sale. Pretty cool. CLICK HERE to learn more about SearchTempest, CraigsPal, and other Craigslist tools.
Beyond Craigslist — The World of Claz.Org
If you can’t find the items you want on Craigslist, there’s another super-fast and powerful classifieds ads viewer, Claz.org. This service, which just released a completely updated (and speedy) search engine, scans over 200 web classifieds services. These include eBay Classifieds, BackPage.com, Job.com, Geebo.com, EasyAutoSales, RVTraderOnline, SportingShopper.com and scores of other regional classifieds services. By accessing multiple classifieds web sites, Claz.org lets you search through nearly 23 million different listings nationwide. You can geo-target your searches by zip code or city, or leave the location field blank to search the entire country.
We used Claz.org to search for “Leupold Scope”, and results came up instantly, with some great bargains. You should definitely check out Claz.org — it is a valuable supplement to eBay and Craigslist. Claz.org is fast and easy to use, and it can find bargains that don’t appear on Craigslist.
MidwayUSA has the Tipton 12-piece multi-caliber Jag Kit on sale again. Now through Sept. 30th, you can purchase the Kit, item 582621, for $12.99, five bucks off the regular $17.99 price. The set includes 17, 22, 243/6mm, 25, 270/7mm, 30/32, 8mm/338, 35/9mm, 375, 40/416, 44, and 45 Caliber Jags, in a sturdy box with fitted holes for each jag. This Editor owns two Tipton jag kits, one for the range kit and one for the loading room. These kits work for everything from my 17 Mach2 up to my 45/70. I use the jags for both rifle and pistol calibers. I like the fact that you can easily switch from a bigger jag to the next smaller size to adjust patch fit as the job requires.
Nickel-Plated Jag Kit Also Available
MidwayUSA also markets a 12-piece Jag Set with nickel-plated jags. This is a smart innovation that has been well-received by shooters. The nickel jags aren’t affected by solvents so they don’t give “false positives” when you’re cleaning copper fouling from your barrels. The Nickel Jag Kit, item 812503, is currently priced at $24.49, but, it also goes on sale from time to time. When it’s on sale, you can pick up the Nickel-Plated Jag Kit for under $20.00.
Forum Member Rod V (aka Nodak7mm) commissioned a full-bling “Extreme Make-Over” of his Bald Eagle Slingshot Front Rest. The visual change was dramatic — a benchrest version of “Pimp My Ride”. But Rod’s old Bald Eagle was also fitted out with new controls and new, large-diameter F-Class foot pads. Those hardware additions add more than flash — they improve function too.
Plain Jane Rest Becomes Black and Gold Beauty
The whole rest body was powder-coated black and the controls were finished in gold-tone. This has got to be the best-looking Bald Eagle in the galaxy. Rod says: “I had Bob Pastor of Viper Rests make me some F-Class feet for my Bald Eagle Slingshot rest. Since Bob does powder coating and such, I gave him the go ahead to make it look sweet. And he sure did!”
Rod adds: “Man do I have a ‘kick-butt’, hot looking rest for F-class now! Pastor did a great job and I really owe him a thanks for exceeding my expectations and for his craftsmanship. Bob is a great guy to work with. He is a top-shelf shooter too, so he knows what he wants in a rest and why.”
What’s involved in an “Extreme Make-Over” by Bob Pastor?
Here’s the description on Bob’s Website, www.ViperBench-rest.com:
Each rest is customized for the individual shooter. All the brass knobs and handles are melted down rifle cases from my foundry.
(Aluminum knobs and handles can be substituted of weight is a concern.)
Each knob and handle is individually knurled and turned on my lathe.
All threaded stainless steel rods, knob screws and knob extensions are used. These are all highly polished before installation.
The Viper Double-Edge F-Class Feet are 4″ wide, with a large tapered spike turned concentric to the center hole.
All corner stainless steel rods are ½ x 13 threads per inch for added stability.
All corner stainless steel rods have concentric points turned on the ends for use on a shooting bench.
All corner holes in base are drilled and tapped for ½ x 13 tpi., from 3/8 x 16 tpi. For better stability.
The base is stripped of any paint and all sharp edges and burrs are removed prior to powder coating.
The entire rest is either powder-coated or painted according to the material.
All threaded rods are burnished to remove any small burrs, before applying synthetic grease and assembly.
All brass is highly polished, unless a matte finish is desired.
Each rest is then packed in liquid hardening foam for safety during shipping.
To order an “Extreme-Makeover” visit www.ViperBench-rest.com, call Bob Pastor at (269) 521-3671, or email robpas [at] btc-bci.com . Bob says the Make-Over price “depends on the customer’s desires and is quoted before the rest is shipped to me.”
The following recall and safety notice was issued on September 20, 2011 by Steyr Arms. Apparently some Steyr 9mm pistols have an issue which could allow the firearm to discharge without a normal trigger pull. The affected serial numbers are listed below.
Steyr Arms, Inc. has determined a potential condition with the firing pins in a very limited number of 9mm Steyr M9-A1, C9-A1 and S9-A1 pistols that could possibly allow the pistol to fire without the trigger being pulled. Although Steyr Arms, Inc. has not received any reports of accidents or injuries, it is voluntarily initiating this recall to protect the safety of its customers because of the remote possibility of an unintentional discharge occurring.
The affected M9-A1 pistols bear serial numbers 3021926-3021928, 3021932-3021935, 3021946-3021955, 3021966-3021988, 3021990-3021993, 3021995-3022001, 3022003-3022005, 3024663-3024672, 3024683-3024688, 3024690-3024702, 3024704-4024712, 3024733-3024738, 3024741-3024742, 3024802-3024811, 3024852-3024871, 3024882-3024901, 3025299-3025308, 3025311, 3025313-3025333, 3025335-3025338, and 3025353-3025359.
The affected C9-A1 pistols bear serial numbers 3022128-3022145, 3022152, 3022169-3022171, 3022174, 3022176-3022178, 3022180-3022201, 3022203-3022218, and 3022845-3022854.
The affected S9-A1 pistols bear serial numbers 3022929-3022931, 3022933, 3022935-3022937, 3022975-3022977, 3022988-3022991, 3022993, 3022995-3022996, 3024146-3024175 and 3024354.
Only the M9-A1, C9-A1 and S9-A1 pistols with the serial numbers identified above are affected by this recall. If your pistol has a different serial number, it is not subject to the recall.
How to Respond to Recall
If you own a Steyr M9-A1, C9-A1 or S9-A1 pistol with a serial number identified as being affected by this recall, please do not load or fire your Steyr M9-A1, C9-A1 or S9-A1 pistol and contact us immediately to arrange to have the firing pin in your pistol replaced, free of charge, using the following steps:
Step 1 – Contact us at 205-655-8299 (Monday-Friday 8-5 Central Standard Time) or at www.steyrarms.com/contact and provide the model and serial number of your pistol.
Step 2 – After confirming that your pistol is subject to this recall, we will send you a prepaid overnight shipping box with instructions so that you can return your pistol to us, free of charge.
Step 3 – We will replace the firing pin in your pistol and return it to you overnight free of charge. We will make every effort to return your pistol to you within one week of receiving it.
Plastix Plus, a Cypress, Texas-based business founded by a volunteer fireman, is a leading builder of custom storage systems for Fire Departments, Police Agencies, Emergency Response teams, and Federal Agencies such as the U.S. Marshals and the FBI. Using CNC design and thermal plastic welding technology, Plastix Plus can create an infinite variety of in-vehicle storage systems with trays, bins, boxes, shelves, and lockable secure storage. Below is a Plastix Plus storage system fitted in the back of an SUV. Note the AR-type rifles stored in a sliding compartment with fast-access locks.
Modern Plastics Are Superior to Wood or Metal for Vehicle Storage
While other companies offer storage systems for SUVs and trucks, these are usually fabricated from wood and metal. Plastix Plus President Mike Snow says that the Vycom Hitec HDPE ½ inch-thick plastic used by his company is a superior material. In an interview with Tactical-Life.com, Snow explained: “When you have a $7,000 item like a Jaws of Life tool, metal on metal is not a good combination when you are carrying it in the truck and deploying it. The tool gets destroyed by the metal bracket designed to hold it. Plus, you have high moisture situations with fire fighting, so you need to worry about rust. The Hitec material is moisture-resistant and very forgiving for emergency tool transport.”
Likewise the Hitec plastic is easier on fine gun finishes than metal boxes, and it won’t warp or absorb moisture like wood can. Snow says that his plastic storage systems will last for decades. By contrast, Snow says some fire departments that opted for wood storage systems have been forced to replace or rebuild their storage units after just a couple seasons.
Plastix Plus hopes to expand to the general consumer market, providing custom in-vehicle storage solutions for trucks, RVs, and SUVs. Plastix Plus can match the exact dimensions of your vehicle, providing your choice of drawers, bins, and locking compartments, including gun storage lockers. A custom Plastix Plus storage system is not cheap. But it may be a smart purchase — when you consider the value of the guns and gear you haul around. Your investment in multiple match rifles (with scopes), along with fancy rests, electronics, and accessories, could easily top $15,000.
Leatherwood/Hi-Lux Optics has added an 8X USMC-SNIPER Unertl-type scope to its William Malcolm Series of vintage-style, externally-adjusting riflescopes. Scopes of this design, with micrometer click external adjustment, were once favored by long range shooters. Today, a mint-condition, original USMC-marked scope can sell for as much as $5,000. And with the current interest in vintage sniper rifles, just a working standard model Unertl scope in good condition can still bring $2,000 or more.
Leatherwood/Hi-Lux already markets a variety of long-tube, external-adjusting scopes that are quite popular with BPCR shooters and vintage rifle fans. The new USMC repro scope, priced at $549.00, duplicates the original windage and elevation controls on the 50s/60s-era USMC scope. But the new Hi-Lux offers modern multi-coated lenses. Hi-Lux claims this scope offers the “brightest and sharpest optics ever in a riflescope of this design”. That’s quite a boast — the “real deal” Unertls were pretty darn good.
The 8X USMC repro scopes are marked with the “Wm. Malcolm” name over the USMC-SNIPER model designation, and each will be serial numbered — as were the original USMC models. The Marine Corps utilized this style of externally-adjusting scope on sniper rifles during WWII, Korea, and the early stages of the Vietnam conflict.
With its $549.00 MSRP, the Hilux USMC-SNIPER repro scope is far more affordable than a serviceable original. Like all Leatherwood/Hi-Lux Optics, the Wm. Malcolm USMC-SNIPER model comes backed with a limited lifetime warranty. If this scope proves to be of decent quality, we expect it will become popular for the growing Vintage Sniper Rifle discipline, which allows reproduction optics.
Hunters and shooters — along with the firearms and ammunition industry — are among the leading financial contributors to conservation in America, paying for programs that benefit our nation and all its wildlife. Saturday, Sept. 24, is National Hunting and Fishing Day, a day to honor and celebrate the contributions of sportsmen and women. Across the country this weekend Americans will celebrate by attending events, by teaching others about the efforts of sportsmen or simply by enjoying the outdoor traditions they love with the ones they love. To learn more about NHF Day visit www.nhfday.org.
The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) will host the 2011 Champion of Champions International Rifle and Pistol Match Sept. 24-30, 2011, at Fort Benning, Georgia. Shooting will be done on electronic targets at the Pool Range Complex and Phillips Range.
The Olympic-style match is a USA Shooting-sanctioned event and qualifies as a performance standard average (PSA) match. Additionally, USA Shooting may use these match scores as a partial tryout for 2012 World Cups. Qualifying PSA scores must be achieved before an athlete may travel with the U.S. Shooting Team to selected international competitions. Champion of Champions Match Awards will be given in the Open and Junior Categories. If you have questions, contact match director Michael Behnke, Michael.behnke [at] usaac.army.mil, or Fax: (706) 545-6252.
Ace Shooters Prepare for 2012 Olympics
USAMU and U.S. National Team members SFC Eric Uptagrafft, SFC Jason Parker, SSG Michael McPhail, SGT Joe Hein, and CPL Matt Rawlings are among the slew of competitors in the field. Uptagrafft has already been nominated for the 2012 Olympic team and will be competing in rifle matches. This is the final match of 2011 prior to the Olympic Trial matches which will determine Team USA spots for the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Mark your calendars, gents. The IBS 600-yard Nationals are slated for the weekend of September 30th through October 2nd. The event will be held at the Midwest Benchrest Range in Yukon, Missouri. The 2011 600-yard Nationals consist of an 8-target Aggregate match in Light Gun (LG), plus an 8-target Aggregate match in Heavy Gun (HG). There will be a total (LG + HG) of 16 record targets (5 record shots each [80 total]). After a safety meeting, the match begins at 9:00 am on FRIDAY September 30th, and continues on SATURDAY, October 1st. Sunday October 2nd is a reserve day if needed due to weather delays.
Sight-In and Practice Times on Thursday
Thursday, September 29 will be the last day to register. The range is also open on Thursday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm for sight-in and set-up. NOTE: Due to the nature of this event, practice/sight-in will not be available on match days (9/30 – 10/2) prior to the start of the matches.
Plain Jane Rest Becomes
STEYR ARMS — SAFETY WARNING + RECALL NOTICE
Hunters and shooters — along with the firearms and ammunition industry — are among the leading financial contributors to conservation in America, paying for programs that benefit our nation and all its wildlife. Saturday, Sept. 24, is 
The 
Mark your calendars, gents. The 
