Last weekend, the first annual Father’s Day Fun Match and Egg Shoot was held at the Original PA 1000-yard Benchrest Club in Williamsport. One of the challenges was hitting hard-boiled eggs placed on the berm at 1040 yards. Most “egg shoots” are conducted at considerably shorter distances — but at Williamsport, “fun begins at 1000″.
The video below shows the egg “shoot-off” at 1040 yards. The eggs were suspended with fishing line so they bounce a bit — adding to the challenge.
Near the end of the video, at the 1:06″ mark, you can see a hit on the #7 egg target. (That’s our Asst. Editor Jason Baney calling the hit — the shooter was using a 6mmBR). It all goes to show that, with enough rounds downrange, a good shooter can nail an egg at 1000 yards.
Forum member Jim McG (aka “Hostil”) reports that Eric Wilson shot a 600-yard, four-target Score record of 198 points at the Piedmont Gun Club (Rutherfordton, NC) last week.
In sequence, scores for Eric’s four targets were: 50, 50, 50, 48. The first group was ultra-small, 1.080″ as measured with On-Target software. And the average size of all four groups combined is about 1.65″, barely over 1/4 MOA! Jim McG told us: “I don’t think [the record] will last long though, my bet is Eric will break it soon. He shoots a lot of small centered groups.”
Dasher/Tracker Combo Does It Again
Eric was shooting a 6mm Dasher Light Gun (17-lb Class) smithed by Mike Davis. Eric’s rifle featured a dual-port BAT action in a ST1000 Shehane Tracker stock. The barrel was a 1:8″ twist, 28″ Krieger .237″ bore, chambered for a no-turn-neck 6mm Dasher with .104″ freebore. Eric’s load was 32+ grains of H4895 with Danzac-coated Berger 105gr VLDs.
Dimensions of the 600-yard IBS Target are: X-Ring 1.2″; 10 Ring 2.8″; 9 Ring 5.2″; 8 Ring 7.6″.
600-yard Shooter of the Year Sam Hall says Eric is to be congratulated for this Piedmont record: “It is the man behind the rifle that counts! Eric has been doing some fantastic shooting, [as have] some other rookies. At Piedmont, with the talent and number of shooters we have each match, you have done well to place in the top 5. Results that used to win 3-4 years ago, will not even place any more!”
Gunsmith Mike Davis added: “Sam is right, the gun can’t win a match by itself. Eric has been tough since he started & continues to get better. Congratulations again, that’s very strong shooting!” (Editor’s note: Mike has a heavy work load now, but if you want to schedule a build, you can email: daviscustomrifle[at]yahoo.com.)
Cooper’s One-Shot Competition has grown into a nationally-recognized event and this year Cooper Firearms of Montana has added a second shoot to be held at the Capitol City Rifle and Pistol Club in Augusta, Maine. East Coasters can now find out why Cooper owners have returned year after year for the popular One-Shot Event in Montana.
The inaugural Eastern One-Shot Competition will be held August 19-20, 2011 in Augusta, Maine. The Rimfire event will be held on August 19 while the Centerfire competition will be August 20th. Centerfire prizes include money, paintings, and a Cooper rifle awarded to the top shooter. Note: Interested Cooper owners should register early, using the Entry Form. The event is limited to the first forty (40) registered applicants, and entry deadline is July 1, 2011. If you have questions about the event, contact Gary at babydogham[at]gmail.com or 207-629-9163; or, contact Joe at Joe[at]cooperfirearms.com or 406-777-0373.
Cooper One-Shot Competition — How It Works
The Money Shoots
The day begins at 10 am with four and eight person group competitions for cash prizes. A separate, per shot, entry fee of $5 for the eight-shooter groups and $10 for the four-shooter groups is collected with a 100% pay out to each winner. This shoot is designed to allow the competitors to familiarize themselves with the range, zero their weapons and get to know one another before the afternoon’s painting shoot.
The Main Event
Shooters get one shot at a dot the size of a pencil eraser at 150 yards. No sighters. No spotting scopes to dope the wind while other shooters succeed or fail. The closest shooter wins the target to take home to put on his wall and a chance to compete for a new rifle. What makes this competition unique is that the target is on a painting. The names of eight shooters will be assigned to each painting and written around its rim along with a number. That number indicates the order that competitors will shoot. The target will be a ¼ inch dot on a paper paster target that measures about 2 inches in diameter. This target is then taped to the painting. One at a time, competitors will get a shot at their paster. After the shooting flight is finished, the paster’s will be recovered and new ones put in their place. Shooters will be evaluated by the bullet strike relative to this target, not the symbolic target added to the painting as a reference point. The bullet hitting closest to the paster’s center will win the painting. The top two shooters on each painting will be given a chance to compete for the grand prize, a M56 Jackson Game Rifle in .264 Winchester Magnum.
Entry fee is $165.00 for the centerfire One Shot Event. That fee covers lunch at the range and a steak & lobster dinner with an open bar at the after-shoot party. There will also be a Friday 22LR competition using IR 50/50 rules. The entry fee for the rimfire shoot is $50.00 with 100% payout and lunch is on us. CLICK HERE for 2011 Eastern One-Shot Entry Form.
Cabela’s Web Deals and In-Store Sales Cabelas.com is offering a wide variety of Father’s Day web specials — we list some of the best deals for hunters and shooters below. Plus there are in-store-only sales at most Cabela’s retail outlets around the country. CLICK HERE for a list of stores, then click “Store Info” for the store nearest you. That will take you to a page where you can view the Father’s Day flyer for that store.
Peltor Tactical 6 Electronic Muffs Sale Price: $59.99, Reg. $74.99
Peltor’s new Tactical 6 electronic muffs respond within two milli-seconds, suppressing all sounds (including gunshots) over 82dB. But normal human conversation and range commands remain audible. Independent volume controls on each ear cup let you customize amplification while the stereo microphones enhance sound localization. The folding design stores easily in your shooting bag. The backband eliminates interference with a hat. The Tactical 6 weighs only 8.8 oz. It runs up to 200 hours on four AAA batteries (not included).
2×4 Basics® Bench Kit (Lumber not included) Sale Price: $79.99, Reg. $99.99
Build your own custom work bench for reloading, house projects or tool and gear storage. You determine the size — just add appropriate 2 x 4 lengths and plywood or particle board to the included legs to make a work bench up to 8′ x 4′. Only straight 90° cuts are required. Six shelf links let you add shelves to the bench or use them for a separate shelf system. Each shelf will hold up to 1,000 lbs. Comes with two work clamps and four multi-use hooks. All hardware is included. Lumber not included.
Zeiss 3-9x40mm Conquest Rifle Scope Sale Price: $399.00, Reg. $499.00
The sharp, bright Zeiss 3-9x40mm Scope is currently on sale at Cabelas (through 6/19/2011) for $399.00. That’s $100 off normal retail for this popular 1″-tube scope, which has been highly rated by owners. Zeiss Conquest scopes are nitrogen-purged and waterproof even with the turret caps removed. This 3-9 scope features long 3-3/4″ eye relief, multi-coated lenses, and a black matte finish. This is a very nice hunting scope. Be aware that the Zeiss elevation knobs rotate in the opposite direction of most domestic scopes.
Grafs.com Web Deals
As a Father’s Day promotion (good ’til midnight 6/20/2011), Graf’s is offering free shipping and handling on orders of $75.00 or more. (This applies to normal shipping fees but does NOT cover HazMat charges). Here are some of the hot deals right now at Grafs.com:
CCI M41 5.56mm NATO-SPEC Primer (Small Rifle) Sale Price: $114.99 for 5000 Primers; 24% off normal price
Some military-style semi-auto rifles lack firing pin retraction springs. To avoid the possibility of “slam-fires”, military arsenals employ different primer sensitivity specifications for military ammo, compared to commercial ammunition. CCI makes milspec rifle primers for commercial sale. These M41 milspec primers match military sensitivity specs. Use the same data as CCI Magnum primers.
PRVI Partizan Bulk .22-Cal Bullet (50 grain or 55 grain) Sale Price: $9.99 for 100 Bullets, 17% off Normal Price
If you are looking for ultra-low-cost .224-cal bullets for your AR or varmint rifle, these projectiles from PRVI Partizan should fit the bill. These are lead-core, soft-point, flat-based bullets, with a cannelure on the jacket. Two weights are offered at this low, $9.99/100 price. Order the 55-grainers, product Item #: PPB224SP50. Or, if you want a little more velocity from your load, try the 50-grainers, Item #: PPB224SP55.
Dial Calipers (6″ stainless) with Hi-Viz display Sale Price: $16.99, Reg. $21.99
This week Grafs.com is offering a set of Stainless Steel Dial Calipers for the rock-bottom price of just $16.99. These feature a dial display (with hi-viz face) with .001” markings. The calipers can measure items up to 6” long. While these units will never replace a fine set of Mitutoyo calipers, they are a handy as a spare set to keep in your range bag or vehicle. You can use them to measure targets, double check ammo load lengths, check for case-head growth, and do a myriad of other tasks. The stainless dial caliper come with fitted storage case.
The Varmint Hunters Association has officially cancelled the 2011 VHA Jamboree, originally scheduled for July 25-29, 2011 in Pierre, South Dakota. The 2011 Jamboree was cancelled due to flooding in the Pierre and Fort Pierre areas — a major problem that may not be resolved until August. Unfortunately, previously paid 2011 Jamboree registration fees are non-refundable, but 2011 paid-up registrants will get a credit for the 2012 event. In a statement issued last week, Jeff Rheborg (VHA CEO-Club President) explained why the VHA determined to cancel the Jamboree this year:
To all VHA Members and Supporters:
With a heavy mind and heart we regret to inform you that we will not be hosting the 2011 Annual Jamboree. Some of you may already know and some might not have yet heard; the communities of Pierre and Fort Pierre are currently undergoing a flood. Each city has a levee system running parallel to the Missouri River, with some even running through the middle of town. Water currently being released from Lake Oahe is at 150,000 cubic feet per second. It is projected to stay at that level through mid August. To make it easier to visualize… if you were eating supper at the Pizza Ranch and looking out the window, if the levee was not there, all you would see is water. It is that high.
We did not reach this decision lightly. We took into account information we have received from local, state and national authorities as well as a long list of variables such as: electricity availability, water lines that may be affected, and the hundreds of evacuees that are being housed in area hotels. While we value the opportunity our annual Jamboree has to bring in visitors and thus revenue for area businesses in a time of need, we also cannot guarantee the ability of those businesses, such as downstream campgrounds, (which are all currently under water), restaurants and hotels to be able to accommodate people. We can tell you with great assurance; we will not put the safety of our members and their families at risk on the basis of “the levee should hold.”
As in years past our policy has been Jamboree registrations are non-refundable. Due to the current circumstances, which we have no control over, all participants who have already signed up for Jamboree 2011 will be given credit for Jamboree 2012. Credit is for Jamboree use only and cannot be transferred to another event or applied towards membership dues.
Thanks again for your continued support throughout the years. Plans are already being made for Jamboree 2012.
Jeff Rheborg, CEO, Varmint Hunters Assn.
Story tip by EdLongrange. We welcome submissions from readers.
This Sunday on Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk radio show, the discussion is about traveling with firearms when flying, how to protect your property from disappearing while in the care of airlines, and what to do when a gun is stolen in transit.
One of Tom’s friends, a well-known firearms instructor, will tell his story of how one of his pistols was recently stolen while in the custody of Southwest Airlines, after he had declared the firearms with the airline and had them checked by TSA. When his locked case arrived, the padlocks had been cut off the case, and one of the pistols was missing. He filed a police report, contacted the airline, and also talked with the Transportation Security Administration.
Neither the TSA nor Southwest Airlines will take responsibility for the stolen firearm. No one wants to talk about who cut the padlocks off the case. Southwest says it isn’t their responsibility. TSA says it’s the airline’s responsibility. The police don’t appear to be very excited about the fact that a pistol was taken in the airport environment.
“All this leads to the question,” said show host Tom Gresham, “does this happen so often that no one really finds it to be unusual? Both the TSA and Southwest Airlines have been invited to appear on this Sunday’s national broadcast. At this time, it’s uncertain whether either will provide a spokesperson.
In its 16th year of national syndication, Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk Radio airs live on Sundays from 2:00 to 5:00 pm Eastern, and runs on more than 115 stations, plus on XM (Ch. 165) Satellite Radio. All Gun Talk shows can be downloaded as podcasts via the GunTalk Archive site.
Ruger has introduced a 10-shot version of its popular single-action rimfire revolver. The new “Single-Ten” will augment the venerable Single-Six, one of Ruger’s best sellers over the years. The Single-Ten features a ten-shot cylinder (chambered for .22LR) and is constructed from satin-finished stainless steel. The Single Ten comes with a 5.5″-long, 6-groove, 1:14″-twist barrel and is fitted with Williams™ adjustable hi-viz fiber optic sights. Single-Ten™ models feature smooth, walnut “Gunfighter”-style grips. The gun weighs 38 ounces, and is 11.00 inches overall. MSRP is $619.00.
Editor’s Commentary: I like the idea of Ruger’s Single Ten. I personally think every shooter should have a quality rimfire revolver for training, plinking, and general outdoor use. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through a six-shot S&W m63 “Kit Gun”, and I currently own a Smith & Wesson Model 617 10-shot rimfire revolver. Rimfire revolvers are great — they are simple, accurate, and inexpensive to shoot. Based on my experience with the S&W Kit Gun and m617, I can say that ten shots really do beat six. You spend less time loading/unloading and more time shooting. Most 50-round factory ammo packs have five-round rows, so it’s logical to load 10 rounds in a cylinder. And, being able to shoot 10 rounds between reloads is a definite advantage in some gun games. So, overall, I think it’s great that Ruger now offers 10-round capacity in its single-action revolver.
Ruger Should Offer a Modern Grip Option
I’m disappointed that Ruger is not offering a Bisley-style grip or a normal full-length target grip as an option for the new Single Ten. The short “Gunfighter-style” grips were developed for heavy-recoiling big-bore revolvers, shot one-handed. The short length is designed to allow the gun to rotate backwards on recoil (with your little finger UNDER the base of the grip). The rotation assists with cocking the hammer for the next round. Well, rimfire revolvers don’t work that way. Except for children and women with small hands, the Gunfighter grip is basically too short to allow a comfortable grip with all fingers on the gun. And the grip is likewise poorly shaped for a two-handed hold. We understand Ruger wanted the Single-10 to look like a vintage Colt SAA. However, for target work, it would be much better to have a longer grip that permits shooters to: 1) hold the gun comfortably with ALL the fingers of one hand; and, 2) use the gun with a modern, two-handed hold.
The August issue of GUNS Magazine is now available to read online for FREE — just click the link below to read the 08/2011 digital edition. The feature story in this issue is the Savage 110 BA chambered in .338 Lapua Magnum. We shot one of these during Media Day at SHOT Show, and it’s a lot of rifle for the money (it’s one of the most affordable factory .338 LMs). The rifle is quite a beast. Over four feet in length (with muzzlebrake), it weighs nearly 18 pounds with scope, rings and Harris bipod.
For hunters, this August edition of GUNS magazine features a discussion of illuminated scopes and night-vision scopes. It seems like illuminated reticles are becoming more popular, though we question their utility for shooters who do not hunt at night. The August issue also features an article on the MP44 Sturmgewehr. The first true assault rifle, Germany’s MP44 was chambered in 7.92x33mm Kurz.
We know many of our readers own one or more SIG Sauer handguns. And now, for Father’s Day, SIG owners can get their prized guns serviced at big savings. Now through June 22, 2011, the SIG Sauer Custom Shop is offering the full SIG Service Package for just $99.95 — that’s forty bucks off the regular rate of $139.95. Plus you get round-trip shipping at half-price ($27.50). In addition, if you purchase the SIG Service Package for $99.95, ALL additional Custom Shop Services are 30% OFF — including the Action Enhancement Package, E2 Conversion, and Short Reset Trigger.
The Father’s Day Special $99.95 SIG Service Package includes the following:
Complete disassembly and ultrasonic cleaning.
Replacement of commonly worn spring and pins.
Thorough inspection of entire firearm.
Replacement of sights with new Meprolight Night Sights (if desired).
Complete lubrication and assembly to factory specs
1/2 Price Round Trip Shipping — an additional savings of $27.50!
Terms and Conditions Phone orders only. This offer applies to U.S. customers only, and this cannot be combined with any other offer. The sale ends June 22, 2011 at 12PM Eastern time. 30% off other services only after purchase of the $99.95 package above.
We previously reported that Texan Gene Bukys won the Two-Gun Championship at the 39th Firearms Industry Super Shoot (FISS) held at Kelbly’s Range in North Lawrence, Ohio. This was a notable performance, as Bukys started out Friday with a 1.249 LV group at 200 yards and came back (in tough weather conditions) to win the Two-Gun. Bukys’ Aggregate for 100/200 yards in both the 10.5-lb (Light Varmint) and 13.5-lb class was .2240″. Larry Costa (Florida), the 2008 Two-Gun Champion, finished a close second with a 0.2247″ Two-Gun (all yardage) Agg, while Wayne Campbell (Virginia) finished 3rd with a 0.2302″ Two-Gun (all yardage) Agg. Costa also had the best 10.5-lb class 100/200 Agg, at 0.2173, while Bukys had the best 13.5-lb class 100/200 Agg, at 0.1902. Bukys, Costa, and Campbell will all be on the USA team at the 2011 World Benchrest Championships held in France this summer.
Berger’s Stecker Nails Small Group
Notably, Berger Bullets Master Bulletsmith Eric Stecker shot the smallest group in the entire competition, a stunning 0.054″ in the 10.5-lb class at 100 yards. Yes that’s 0.054 for FIVE rounds — it appears those Berger guys do know how to make some pretty good projectiles. Andy Shifflett had an 0.084″ small group in the HV class.
In linked PDF files below, you’ll find complete results for the 2011 Super Shoot. Considered by many to be the major 100/200 yard benchrest event in the world, the Super Shoot was held May 25th through 28th. Over 250 of the top benchrest shooters from 12 countries competed in this four day, two-gun event. Conditions were tough with constantly changing wind conditions in addition to thunderstorms, intermittent rain/hail and the inevitable mud.
These Downloadable PDF Files Contain the Complete Super Shoot Results:
Two-GunGrand Agg
(100 + 200)
1. GENE BUKYS 0.2240
2. LARRY COSTA 0.2247
3. WAYNE CAMPBELL 0.2302
4. JACK NEARY 0.2434
5. CHRIS HARRIS 0.2447
6. BART SAUTER 0.2485
7. JEFF SUMMERS 0.2506
8. TONY BOYER 0.2553
9. LESTER BRUNO 0.2580
10. HARLEY BAKER 0.2635
10.5-lb LV Grand Agg
(100 + 200)
1. LARRY COSTA 0.2193
2. WAYNE CAMPBELL 0.227
3. LESTER BRUNO 0.2396
4. DON NIELSON 0.2474
5. TONY BOYER 0.2502
6. JACK NEARY 0.2511
7. BART SAUTER 0.2514
8. ALLEN ARNETTE 0.2533
9. GENE BUKYS 0.2578
10. L. HOTTENSTEIN 0.2605
13.5-lb HV Grand Agg
(100 + 200)
1. GENE BUKYS 0.1902
2. JEFF SUMMERS 0.2085
3. AL BLACKWELL 0.2169
4. CHRIS HARRIS 0.2186
5. JEFF GRAVES 0.2188
6. DAVE COOTS 0.2255
7. LARRY COSTA 0.2302
8. KEVIN HUFF 0.2329
9. WAYNE CAMPBELL 0.2331
10. STEVE THEYE 0.2332
Last weekend, the first annual Father’s Day Fun Match and Egg Shoot was held at the Original PA 1000-yard Benchrest Club in Williamsport. One of the challenges was hitting hard-boiled eggs placed on the berm at 1040 yards. Most “egg shoots” are conducted at considerably shorter distances — but at Williamsport, “fun begins at 1000″.
Forum member Jim McG (aka “Hostil”) reports that Eric Wilson shot a 600-yard, four-target Score record of 198 points at the 
Cooper’s One-Shot Competition has grown into a nationally-recognized event and this year 
Peltor Tactical 6 Electronic Muffs
2×4 Basics® Bench Kit (Lumber not included)
Zeiss 3-9x40mm Conquest Rifle Scope
CCI M41 5.56mm NATO-SPEC Primer (Small Rifle)
PRVI Partizan Bulk .22-Cal Bullet (50 grain or 55 grain)
Dial Calipers (6″ stainless) with Hi-Viz display
This Sunday on Tom Gresham’s 
“All this leads to the question,” said show host Tom Gresham, “does this happen so often that no one really finds it to be unusual? Both the TSA and Southwest Airlines have been invited to appear on this Sunday’s national broadcast. At this time, it’s uncertain whether either will provide a spokesperson.
The August issue of 
