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August 5th, 2011
 SUMMARY: This review gives high marks to GemPro 250 scale from My Weigh. It offers 0.02 grain resolution, good enough to trickle kernel by kernel. At just $165.49, the scale is quite affordable. The GemPro 250 comes with a lifetime warranty for American buyers. As this scale weighs more precisely than popular digital powder scale/dispensers, you can use the digital dispenser to throw a “close” charge and then fine-tune your load with the GemPro, kernel by kernel.
by Bill Schnauffer (aka Cover Dog)
The Importance of Precise Loads for Long-Range Shooting
The reloading scale is the life blood of anyone’s loading bench. It’s used for everything from weighing powders to cases or bullets and yes even primers. I would have never considered weighing primers but that is one of the many things I learned the weekend of May 20-22, 2011 at The Original Pennsylvania 1000-Yard Bench Rest Club’s Bench Rest Instructional School. All aspects of reloading for 1000-yard BR have to be identical. Your brass, bullets, powder and primers all have to weigh the same, for all your sighters and your 10 record shots, if you want any chance of being competitive. This can only become a reality if your scale is up to the task. Everything you do when shooting at 1000 yards is magnified 10x and your scale needs to be above all else, accurate and repeatable.
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I thought that a scale accurate to 1/10th of a grain was good enough. Not so in the long range BR game. Scales need to be accurate to at least 5/100ths of a grain or better if you can afford it. This prompted my search for such a scale.
GemPro Is Half the Price of Denver Instrument MXX-123
I have read reviews for several of the better scales used for reloading including the Accu-Lab VIC 123 (Accu-Lab ceased operation Dec. 31, 2010) and its predecessor the Sartorius AY-123. The scales are identical just repackaged and with a new name and color. The scale is accurate to 2/100ths of a grain, but is also a scale that many felt was affected by RF interference and the slightest air movement made it drift. This was due in part because of the strain gauge technology that is used in the manufacture of this scale. And with parts not readily available, the lead time for one is you want it is over 20 weeks. The Denver Instrument MXX-123 also had a good review but like the others above, it’s into the $320 price range. And this is out of reach for many reloaders.
This now brings me to the My Weigh GemPro 250. It uses True-Division German HBM sensors and professional components in the manufacture of this scale. It has a 50 gram weight capacity (771.72 grains) and accuracy down to 2/100ths of a grain. It features seven (7) weighing modes as listed below. And with a retail price in the $165.00 range, this is a scale that most reloaders could afford for their reloading bench. And you won’t be pressed for room on that bench. The scale is very compact, measuring 5.25″ X 3.75″ X 2.5″.
NOTE: There is also a GemPro 500 which has a weight capacity of 100g (1543 grains) but only has accuracy down to 5/100ths of a grain.
Testing and Evaluation
I decided to give the GemPro 250 a try. Several days after I placed my order, Big Brown arrived. As I started to unpack the scale my heart started to sink and the first words out of my mouth were “boy is this thing small, hope it wasn’t a mistake”, only time will tell.
Included with the scale was a plastic travel case that housed the accessories. They consisted of an AC power supply, ASTM class F2 calibration weight, weighing pan, plastic tweezers and a vibra-kill pad. The scale also has a built in circular bubble level, four leveling feet, hinged protective windscreen and a stainless steel weighing platform. If you load at the range, you’ll be glad to know that it also runs on four AAA batteries. Information sheets that came with the scale stated it takes the load cell one hour to come up one degree in temperature when plugged in and turned on. Instructions recommend giving the unit a 24-hour warm-up before use.
 Scale Calibrates Rapidly
After leaving the scale on for 24 hours (my scales are always up and running), I placed the ASTM class F2 20g calibration weight on the scale after setting it to calibrate. After about 3 seconds it stopped its calibration and read 20.000g exactly what the calibration weight was supposed to weigh. When converting grams to grains you need to multiply by 15.4324 or with this scale you can just scroll through the seven weighing modes until you come to grains. Its actual weight is 308.65 grains but since this scale only reads to 2/100ths of a grain the 100ths digit must always be an even number, so it reads 308.64 grains.
For the next several minutes I started weighing everything I had in front of me. Bullets, brass, loaded rounds all were gathered up and weighed so I could get the feel for the GemPro 250.
I set the calibration weight on the scale between every one of the 30 loads I weighed. Only once did it vary from the 308.64 grain reading when it moved up to 308.66 grains.
I wish I had at my disposal a scale more sensitive than the GemPro 250 to double check its accuracy. Scales that read to 1/100th of a grain are out of my price range, and cost from $2000 for the Citizen CX265 to $4065 for the A&D Phoenix GH252. I purchased a PACT Digital Scale in late 1994 and to this day it has been my “go to” scale. In 2002 I sent it back to PACT to have the infrared port installed so I could purchase PACT’s infrared powder dispenser. I have used the PACT Scale/Dispenser as a team for the last 10+ years for all my reloading needs. So now with the GemPro 250 on my bench it was time to see how “accurate” my reloading with the PACT combo has been.
Editor’s Note: In this review, the GemPro 250 is used to confirm the weight of powder throws from a PACT digital dispenser. However, the reviewer did not have a laboratory-grade scale to test the displayed weights from the GemPro 250. We have another GemPro 250 on order from Amazon.com. When it arrives we will do a comparison weighing test, using a Denver Instruments lab scale as the control unit.
 REAL WORLD TESTING
Double-Checking PACT Dispenser with GemPro 250
For the first test I used Reloder 15 (RL15), a course, long-kernel powder. After calibrating both the PACT scale and the GemPro 250 I set the Pact Dispenser to throw a charge of 27.7 grains. During the throws, if the PACT scale read 1/10th over/under, I didn’t make any correction. I just waited until it stopped dispensing and the transferred the charge in the pan to the pan in the GemPro 250.
Below are the results of those 10 thrown charges:
27.76 | 27.94 | 27.80 | 27.84 | 27.92 | 27.88 | 27.76 | 27.88 | 27.78 | 27.78
Note: As measured by the GemPro 250, none of the PACT throws hit the 27.7 grain mark exactly — all throws were slightly high. The total spread from lowest (27.76) to highest (27.94) throw was 0.18 grains and the spread from the 27.7 target weight to the highest dispensed charge was 2.4 tenths of a grain HIGH. I’m sure this could cause a little vertical at 1000 yards.
For the next round of tests, I used IMR 8208 XBR. Compared to RL15, the kernels of 8208 are shorter in length and smaller in girth. Using the same parameters as with the RL15, here are the results of 10 thrown charges with IMR 8208 XBR:
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27.78 | 27.80 | 27.78 | 27.82 | 27.78 | 27.84 | 27.80 | 27.74 | 27.78 | 27.74
Once again, not one of the 10 dispensed charges were right on the mark according to the GemPro. Again, all thrown charges were slightly hight.The range from target weight to the highest was 1.4 tenths of a grain, and the total variance from 27.70 grain target weight was 0.14 grains.
The final powder tested was HS6. This is a spherical powder which, by most accounts, meters very well. With the same procedures in place here are the results for HS6 weighed on the GemPro 250:
27.76 | 27.74 | 27.74 | 27.78 | 27.68 | 27.74 | 27.70 | 27.74 | 27.68 | 27.70
As expected HS6 did very well in getting close to the 27.70 target and hit it on several throws. The total variance from the 27.70 target Averaging 26/100ths over for the 10 charges thrown
PACT Performance Re-Evaluated
Only able to read to 1/10th of a grain, the PACT dispenser looked to be nearly perfect with the HS6 powder. But when checked with a precision scale capable of reading to 2/100th’s of a grain, I found that the PACT still threw loads that were higher than what was programmed. I will still use my PACT to dispense my loads one grain short and then trickle in the last few kernels with the scale pan sitting on the GemPro 250.
CONCLUSION
 The GemPro 250 is small, compact, portable and able to deliver repeatable accuracy to 2/100ths of a grain, time after time. That is all that one can ask of any scale. There is one last important thing to mention. The GemPro 250’s express warranty is LIFETIME (for domestic buyers) or 30 years for International Customers. A lifetime warranty is unheard of in the electronics business. I guess the people at My Weigh know what they have and are willing to stand behind it. If it should ever need servicing the My Weigh service center located in Phoenix, AZ will repair your scale and have it back to you in two business days.
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August 5th, 2011
 Alliant Powder has introduced a new Black Powder substitute, Black MZ™. This product is designed to work with all types of black powder firearms. We’re told this stuff is “on the trucks” — supplies are being shipped to vendors nationwide this month.
Why do we need another Black Powder substitute? Alliant claims this new propellant withstands moisture and significantly reduces the frequency (and difficulty) of bore cleaning: “Black MZ helps maximize shooting performance by resisting moisture and adverse weather conditions. Hunters can stay loaded in the field for days, only needing to insert a primer to get into the action. Black MZ won’t clump or corrode the barrel”.
Alliant designed Black MZ to deliver dependable ignition, lower barrel pressure and higher velocities. Alliant claims that “The clean-burning ignition of Black MZ is virtually non-corrosive, [and] greatly diminishes fouling”. Alliant adds that “wedged slugs, grimy barrels, stuck seater dies, and dwindling accuracy are greatly reduced by Black MZ.” Hopefully that’s not marketing hype. If, as claimed, Black MZ really does foul less than other BP substitutes, it should allow more shots between cleaning sessions. That would be a boon for BP shooters.
Black MZ’s enhanced performance derives from its high moisture tolerance and non-corrosive ignition. “We’re excited about what Black MZ can do for muzzleloader hunters and black powder cartridges. It helps take the hassle out of muzzleloading”, said Alliant’s Brand Director Rick Stoeckel. To learn more about Black MZ, or view load data, please visit www.AlliantPowder.com. Product designation: BLACKmz, 1 lb. bottle, Alliant Part No. 150524.
Story Tip by EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
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August 5th, 2011
 Get the Latest Deals on CMP Rifles and Accessories
The 2011 CMP Sales Catalog Issue II can now be downloaded (in PDF format) from the CMP website. Check out the new offerings before they sell out. You can also may request a 2011 CMP Sales Catalog hard copy by filling out the Request Form.
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National Match Tweets and Facebook Updates from CMP
The CMP is now on Twitter! Get CMP reports from Camp Perry by searching for ODCMP on Twitter.com or click the Twitter Icon posted below. During the National Matches CMP will also post updates on Facebook.
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Story Tip by EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
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August 4th, 2011
By Steve Cooper, CMP Writer
 Calm conditions and sunny skies prevailed as three previous champions set new national records in all three classes in the 2011 National Rimfire Sporter Championship fired here Sunday, 24 July. Charles J. Opalewski II, Lucas Boord and Ron Villanueva, all past champions, once again reached the top of the podium at this year’s event which also brought out a record 480 match entries. Opalewski, Boord, and Villanueva ALL set new National Records in their respective classes.
Record-Setting Performances in ‘O’, ‘T’ and Tactical Classes
Opalewski, 21, of Vicksburg, Michigan, won the open sights class (O-Class) with a national record aggregate score of 586-21X in the six-stage, 600-point, three-position match. He fired a clean 100-3X in the standing slow-fire stage en route to the win. The 2010 champion, CSM Steven Slee, U.S. Army Reserve, 47, of Dimondale, Michigan, finished one point behind Opalewski with a 585-19X performance. Opalewski surpassed Slee’s 2010 record score of 584-25x.
Lucas Boord defended his 2010 telescopic class (T-Class) championship with a total score of 597-39X, smashing his own national record of 593-34X in the process. Boord, 21, of New Stanton, Pennsylvania, fired perfect 100s in prone slow-fire and rapid-fire, sitting slow-fire and standing slow-fire, dropping one point in sitting rapid-fire and two in standing rapid-fire.
 In junior shooting, Amos Peck, 18, of Leslie, Michigan, won the overall O-Class competition with an aggregate score of 570-5X, followed by Aaron Ward, 18, Ypsilanti, Michigan (554-8X) and Stephenie Sabin, 17, of Curtice, Ohio (542-7X).
Ron Villanueva captured the Tactical Rimfire Class title at the 2011 National Rimfire Sporter Championship. Villanueva, a perennial rimfire finalist, also ranked third in this year’s T-Class. Villanueva set a new National Record Agg of 590-27X while winning his first tactical rifle class championship. Villanueva cleaned his first three stages of fire and also fired a 99-4X in standing rapid-fire.
Increased Interest in ‘Tactical Rimfire’ Class
This was the second year for the tactical class at the national event. The tactical rimfire category is growing rapidly, as this year’s entry of 55 shooters more than doubled last year’s 22. Legal tactical rimfire rifles must comply with the requirements for overall weight and trigger pull and have a configuration that is similar to common AR and modern military rifles. Tactical rimfire rifles may have either aperture or optical sights (no higher than 6X).
Story courtesy the CMP First Shot Online Magazine.
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August 4th, 2011
 The Modern Pentathlon is a 5-discipline Olympic event that combines Horse Riding, Running, Swimming, Fencing, and Shooting. However it looks like there won’t be real shooting anymore, at least at the 2012 London Games.
Union International de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM) President Klaus Schormann declared that laser guns will be used instead of air pistols in the Modern Pentathlon at the 2012 London Olympics. Schormann claimed the lasers would enhance safety and allow “competitions in parks and even shooting malls”. Last year, UIPM officials argued for the use of lasers to reduce the environmental impact of lead pellets from air pistols. Schormann stated: “The decision to introduce non-air pistol shooting … is a significant development in terms of lowering the environmental impact of the sport.” That’s nonsense — Pentathlon air pistols fire tiny 7-grain pellets that are easily captured by bullet traps, so there is virtually no environmental risk.
 Sebastian, creator of the Snowflakes in Hell Blog, observed: “The reasoning of the [UIPM] committee is disturbing. I hope this doesn’t portend bad things to come with other Olympic shooting sports, whose environmental footprint is arguably worse.” One Snowflakes Blog reader astutely commented: “It would have been trivially easy to mandate lead-free pellets, if the ‘lead poisoning’ argument were the real reason behind this change. Replacing air pistols with lasers instead of a much simpler requirement to use nontoxic shot suggests that it was the ‘gun-ishness’ of the air pistols, and not the environmental impact, that may have been the primary driver here.”
Technical Problems with Laser Systems
British pentathlete Sam Weale recently challenged the use of lasers in Modern Pentathlon. According to the Inside the Games website, Weale claims persistent technical problems with the laser shooting system have rendered Modern Pentathlon a “lottery” which threatens the integrity of the sport. Olympians can not trust the electronic scoring systems, Weale argues. “It can’t go on, it is embarrassing,” said Weale, who, along with four other atheletes, lodged a protest over malfunctioning targets at the recent European Championships.
Read Full Story on Modern Pentathlon Protest by UK Pentathlete Sam Weale.
UIPM Decision Criticized by USA Shooting & ISSF
The Outdoor Wire’s Jim Shepherd polled leading shooting sports officials and found widespread criticism of the UIPM decision to replace pistols with laser devices. According to Shepherd: “USA Shooting and International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) dislike the change. Their position is simple, the laser gun takes much out of the ‘shooting’ element of external conditions (pistol and pellet accuracy) and turns shooting ‘into an arcade game’. They view it as a possible threat to shooting, moving away from what is ‘shooting sport’.”
 EDITOR’s Comment: One wonders if the UIPM’s next move will be to replace fencing foils and sabres with Wii computer-game controllers — in the interest of safety. And shouldn’t the UIPM replace Pentathletes’ four-legged equine mounts with hobby-horses to reduce solid waste and methane emissions?
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August 4th, 2011
A new online “e-Zine” has been launched for ladies who enjoy shooting and outdoor recreation. The Women’s Outdoor News (WON) features news, reviews and stories about women in the outdoors. This regularly-updated website includes reports from “The WON Guns”: Julie Golob, Marti Davis, Linda Milcun, Nancy Jo Adams, and Molly Smith. These “staff bloggers” provide regular reports about the shooting sports and/or hunting: Women’s Outdoor News gear reviews also appear in Ammoland.com weekly. RSS Feeds and a free email subscription are available at www.Womensoutdoornews.com.
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August 3rd, 2011
 The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) today filed a lawsuit challenging the legal authority of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) under the Gun Control Act to compel 8,500 federally licensed firearms retailers in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas to report the sale of two or more rifles.
The ATF has issued new requirements, effective August 14, which would compel firearm retailers in these four states to report multiple sales of any semi-automatic rifle larger than .22 caliber and capable of accepting a detachable magazine that are purchased following an FBI background check by the same individual within five consecutive business days.
NSSF’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, seeks an injunction to block ATF from implementing the reporting requirement. ATF has sent “demand letters” to firearms retailers in the four states to inform retailers they must begin reporting such sales by August 14.
CLICK HERE to Read the NSSF Complaint in Federal Court (NSSF v. Nelson)
NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel Lawrence G. Keane pointed out that if ATF can require this record-keeping and reporting requirements in these four states simply by sending a letter demanding the information, then there is no record or report ATF cannot require of any licensee, anywhere in the country, for as long as ATF wants. “This is the proverbial ‘slippery slope,’ and our industry is extremely concerned about it,” said Keane.
Keane added, “At the time Congress authorized the reporting of multiple sales of handguns, it could have required it for the sale of long guns, but it did not. Acting ATF Director Ken Melson himself has questioned ATF’s legal authority to impose this new requirement.”
Even if ATF had the legal authority to require multiple sales reporting for long guns, NSSF believes the policy would still be unwise. The NSSF suggest that illegal firearms traffickers will simply alter their schemes to avoid and evade the reporting requirement, making it more difficult for retailers to identify and report suspicious activity. For example, traffickers could simply move their illegal trafficking activities to other states where the reporting requirement does not exist.
NRA Also Files Suits Challenging ATF’s Multiple Sale Policy
Also today, the National Rifle Association filed a separate lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia challenging ATF’s requirement for reporting multiple sales of rifles.
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August 3rd, 2011
The Ultimate Benchrest (UBR) National Championship will be held August 6th at Buck Creek, Kentucky. No the Ultimate Benchrest Championship is not like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)– there are no over-muscled brawlers with tatoos in a cage. Ultimate Benchrest is like any other registered benchrest match for SCORE, except for the targets. To “level the playing field”, UBR uses different-sized targets for different calibers. This way a .30-cal rifle, such as a 30BR, does not enjoy an inherent advantage by virtue of its larger diameter bullet making a bigger hole in the paper. You can shoot 22 caliber, 6mm, or .30 caliber, and have an equal chance of winning.
The event starts at 9:00 am on Saturday, August 6th. The range is located at 7204, Highway 1003, Somerset, KY 42501. You can set your GPS for: N37 05.792 + W84 23.961. Though all available spots for competitors are filled, match diectors still invite folks to “come on over” to see what this game is all about. For more info, visit www.UltimateBenchrest.com.
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August 3rd, 2011
Here’s an opportunity for your wordsmiths out there. Write a 200-word essay and you can win a ton of range gear in Champion’s Third Annual Range Contest. This contest gives shooters a chance to win a fully-outfitted personal shooting range system worth more than $1,700 — all with a 200-word online essay submission. Two additional prize packages are also up for grabs.
Contest Details
Shooters can enter the Champion Range Contest at www.ChampionBackyard.com. For a chance to win, submit a 200-word essay explaining why you deserve the grand prize shooting range system. CLICK HERE for Official Contest Rules.
Three lucky shooters will each be awarded a personal shooting range system. The grand prize is a fully-loaded shooting range system worth more than $1,700. Two additional prize packages also include valuable Champion gear. All of the shooting range systems will include trap throwers, VisiColor targets, eye and ear protection, shooting accessories and more.
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August 2nd, 2011
Now through August 31, 2011, Precision Reloading is running a great promo that can save you 10% on your order. This promo was created for LongRangeHunting.com, but our readers are allowed to use the promo codes as well. There are four different promo codes: LRH1811 ($10 off $100 or more); LRH2811 ($20 off $200 or more); LRH3811 ($30 off $300.00 or more); and LRH5811 ($50 off $500.00 or more). Type in these codes during online “check-out” to get your savings.
Rules and Restrictions
Here’s the fine print: Promo codes can be used for online purchases only — no phone sales, and these codes cannot be combined with other offers. Also, this discount is limited to regularly-priced, in-stock items only (no wholesale, sale, or clearance items.)
August Special Sale Items
In addition to the promotion described above, for August, Precision Reloading has cut prices on many popular reloading items, including Berger Bullets. Below are listed some of the August Specials. NOTE: Sale products are limited to quantities on hand. Sales ends August 31 2011. Savings may not be combined with the promo codes above.
Berger Bullets — 10% Off
Save $2.20-$29.70 on In-Stock Berger Bullets.
Swarovski Z3 Riflescopes
Receive a $50 Precision Reloading Gift Certificate
with any Z3 scope purchase + Free Shipping.
Swarovski Spotting Scope Bodies and Eyepieces
Receive a $50 Precision Reloading Gift Certificate + Free Shipping
with any Spotting Scope Body and Eyepiece Combo Purchase.
Story tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
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August 1st, 2011
Ultra-Long-Range Shooting by Bryan Litz
We recently did some extended long range shooting with several rifles at a “secret range” where we could shoot out to one mile. I teamed up with Paul Philips, a highly successful National and International F-TR shooter with several National records. We started out shooting a Sako TRG-42 at 1200 yards. This is the same rifle I shot in Wyoming last year at distances out to 2400 yards. This rifle shoots the new Berger 300gr Hybrids, at 2700 fps. We were pleased to find that the Nightforce NXS 5.5-22x56mm scope has plenty of elevation to get to 1200 yards with this bullet, especially when mounted on a Near Mfg. +45 MOA rail. The drop from a 100-yard zero to 1200 yards was predicted to be 34.75 MOA. The size of that 5-shot group was nothing to brag about (1.5 MOA), but what I found satisfying is that the group center was exactly centered for vertical on the target. That means the calculated .418 G7 BC and all of the other variables that went into this trajectory prediction were spot on.
 New .30-Cal Tactical Bullets
Next, we shot the LaRue 7.62 OBR rifle at 1200 yards. This rifle produced a 5-shot group of 9.7″ (.85 MOA) with off-the-shelf Applied Ballistics Tactical ammo loaded with .30-cal 175gr Berger Tactical bullets. These bullets only have a muzzle velocity of 2572 fps from this short barrel, which means that in our conditions they were subsonic past 1000 yards, running 1080 fps at 1200 yard. Going subsonic didn’t prevent the 175gr bullets from shooting a sub-MOA group.
However, I was a little disappointed that the group center was 9″ high (0.8 MOA) compared to the predicted trajectory (657″ drop from a 100-yard zero). Note this 9″ error in predicted drop could be produced by small variances. The 9″ shift could be explained by a 14 fps error in muzzle velocity, or a 2% error in bullet BC, or a 5-yard error in range measurement.
For our final test, I shot Berger’s newest Tactical bullet; the .30-caliber 230gr OTM projectile. This bullet has a tested G7 BC of .368, and a G1 BC of .719. Now this isn’t my most accurate rifle and I haven’t had an opportunity to really work up a good load. As a result, I shot an unimpressive 20″ group (1.8 MOA). But the predicted drop was only off by 2″ (less than 1 click) based on the BC’s listed above.
Shooting .338 Lapua Magnums at One Mile
After shooting at 1200, we lobbed some bullets on an 8’x8′ target at 1760 yards (1 mile). At this range, the TRG-42 put the 300gr Bergers on target with four of five shots in 1/2 MOA with a flyer to make the total group 21″. At this range my group center was 18.5″ (1.1 MOA) higher than predicted. Paul Philips* shot his custom .338 Lapua Magnum rifle. This is a Dave Tooley-built Tac-338 with 30″ Brux barrel, Stiller action, McMillan A-5 stock, and Nightforce NXS 12-42×56. Paul shot at the same target and was able to hold between 1/2 and 1 MOA groups with the same 300gr Berger Hybrid bullets. Paul’s group centers were also about 1 MOA higher than predicted. This small error in prediction isn’t very troubling though, as we’re not entirely confident in the range measurement. As 1760 yards (one mile) is too far for a direct laser rangefinder measurement, the distance was determined with a combination of GPS and Google maps. At that distance, a range error of just 15 yards (out of 1760) could cause the percieved 1 MOA error in predicted drop. So, if the target were really at 1745 yards, instead of 1760 yards, it would explain why we were hitting 1 MOA high. Alternatively, if BC error were the reason for hitting high, it would suggest the G7 BC for the .338-cal 300gr Berger Hybrid is .427, as opposed to the currently advertised .418; a 2% difference.
The Joy of Ultra-Long-Range Shooting
For me, the thrill of shooting these extreme long ranges isn’t just about the group sizes, but the accuracy with which the trajectory can be predicted. The shooter who understands ballistics and inputs the right variables should be able to center a 1.5 MOA group well past 1000 yards. He can be more effective, on targets at extreme ranges, than someone who can shoot an 0.5 MOA group but can’t keep it centered. Of course the most impressive of all is the shooter who can combine precision with accuracy and center the 0.5 MOA group at extreme distances!
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August 1st, 2011
If you’d invested in Ruger stock three years ago, you’d be sitting pretty right now. Sturm, Ruger & Co. (NYSE: RGR) has done exceptionally well since the 2008 Presidential election, despite the faltering economy. Ruger’s stock price is currently trading above $27.00 per share, up from a low of $5.18 per share in November 2008. That’s an increase of more than 500%. And during that period, Ruger also paid a modest dividend. Hard to beat a huge stock value increase with dividends to boot.
Is Ruger still a good investment, or has all the money already been made? We caution any potential investor that “what goes up must come down”. Still, Ruger has solid fundamentals and the company has made some smart decisions, moving into the concealed, carry gun market with huge success.
Motley Fool Takes Close Look At Sturm, Ruger & Co.
On July 30th, The Motley Fool, a popular investing website, spotlighted Sturm, Ruger & Co., analyzing the company’s performance over the last few years. Motley Fool noted that Ruger has zero debt, has shown 5-year dividend growth of 26.3%, and has delivered a 15% return on equity — all good things. On the other hand, Motley Fool was disappointed with Ruger’s slim 3.7% revenue growth over the past 12 months. But there are positive signs. Last week, Ruger issued a quarterly earning report showing a 32% jump in net income. Overall, The Motley Fool concluded: “Sturm, Ruger hasn’t grown as much as investors would like to see. But with a reasonable valuation, a decent and growing dividend, and good prospects for the future, Sturm, Ruger could get a lot closer to the 10 ring at some point.”
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