When it comes to long-range optics, some folks can’t have too much magnification (as Tim Allen used to say: “More Power!”). At 500 yards and beyond, when the air’s misty or the mirage is thick, you can’t always use extreme magnification. But, when the conditions are excellent, it’s nice to have 50X magnification (or more) on tap. You can always “crank it back down”. Higher magnification (when conditions are good), can help you see your bullet holes at long range, and that makes it easier to judge your hold-offs and keep your group centered. In addition, there’s no doubt that high magnification lets you aim more precisely, no matter what the distance. Even at 100 and 200 yards, short-range benchresters are using 40X, 50X, and even 60X power scopes. This allows you to position your cross-hairs with extreme precision — something you need when you’re trying to put multiple shots through the same hole.
Raising the Optics Bar
How much power is usable? A few years back, folks said you can’t use more than 45X or so at long range. Well, as modern optics have evolved, now guys are buying scopes with even more magni-fication — way more. There are practical limits of course — with a 56 to 60mm front objective, the exit pupil of a 60X or higher-power scope will be very tiny, making head orientation ultra-critical. Any many scopes get darker as you bump up the magnification.
Despite the exit pupil and brightness issues, shooters are demanding “more power” these days and the scope manufacturers are providing new products with ever-greater magnification levels. Right now, the most powerful conventional riflescope you can buy is the March X-Series 8-80x56mm scope. Featuring a 34mm main tube and 56mm objective lens, this offers a true 10-times zoom ratio and up to 80X magnification. This scope has minimal distortion thanks to high-quality ED lenses designed in-house by Deon Optical, which also machines the main tube from one solid piece of billet aluminum.
To demonstrate the capabilities of high-magnification March scopes, Aussie Stuart Elliot has created a cool through-the-lens video with the March 8-80x56mm scope set at 80-power (See 0:30 timeline). Along with being one of Australia’s top benchrest shooters, Stuart runs BRT Shooters Supply, dealer for March Scopes in Australia. In the video below you can see the March 8-80X focused on a target at 1000 yards (910m). For best resolution, watch this video in fullscreen, 720p mode.
Look through the Lens of 80-power March Scope at Target 1000 Yards Away
Through-the-Lens Views at 40X and 80X at 1100 Yards
To reveal the difference between 40X and 80X magnification, here are two through-the-lens still images taken with March scopes sighting to 1100 yards. The top photo is at 80X magnification, looking through the March 8-80x56mm. The lower photo is at 40X magnification viewed through a 5-50x56mm March X-Series scope. You can see there is a big difference in perceived target size! Click on the “Larger Image” button to see full-screen version at 80X.
Here is another view through a March high-magnification scope, this time at 1000 yards. We’re not exactly sure of the power setting, but we think this is at least 40X. Note the good contrast, and the absence of color fringing or chromatic distortion. When you’re shooting at 1000 yards and beyond, having high-quality glass like this can provide a competitive advantage.
Video Find by Boyd Allen. We welcome reader submissions.
Share the post "Ultra-High Magnification 8-80x56mm March Riflescope"
We were recently asked: “What size neck bushing is best for Lapua 6mmBR brass in a ‘no-turn’ chamber?” The questioner planned to purchase a Redding Type ‘S’ full-length sizing die with neck bushings. The quick answer is that one should probably get 0.265, 0.266, and 0.267 bushings and see what works best.
Using current “Blue Box” Lapua brass, a loaded 6BR round with an unturned neck will typically run about 0.2680-0.2685 (depending on the bullet). A 0.266 neck bushing, after springback, will give about 0.0015 tension which can work well in a bolt gun. NOTE: With the older “Brown Box” Lapua Brass, the neckwalls are slightly thicker, so you may want to start with a .267 bushing. Remember, however, that with either older or newer Lapua brass you may want to experiment. Some bullets prefer more tension than others. And, you may find that it is useful to tweak neck tension slightly if you make major changes in seating depth during load development. In a gas gun, such as an AR15, you probably want .003 or more tension.
Alternative to Bushings — Honed Full-Length dies
Conventional, non-bushing full-length sizing dies can create ultra-accurate ammo with very low run-out. For some applications, we prefer a non-bushing FL die over a bushing die — so long as the neck tension is correct. But many FL dies have an undersized neck diameter so you end up with excess neck tension, and you work the brass excessively. Forster offers a simple, inexpensive solution — honing the neck diameter to whatever size you want.
If you purchase a Forster non-bushing, full-length sizing die, Forster will hone the neck dimension to your specs for $12.00 extra (plus shipping). This way you can have a FL die that provides the right amount of tension for your particular load. (The max amount of diameter change Forster can do is about .008″) Forster dies are relatively inexpensive so you can afford to have a couple of FL dies with necks honed to different diameters — such as 0.266″ and 0.267″ for a no-turn 6mmBR. The die itself is fairly inexpensive — currently Sinclair Int’l charges $33.99 for a Forster 6mmBR full-length sizing die (Forster Part # 018121).
Forster FL dies, necks honed to .265″, .266″, and .267″.
Steve Rasmussen of IowaHighPower.com gave this a try. In fact, he had three dies made — each with a different neck dimension. Here’s his report: “My original Forster 6BR FL die sized the necks down a lot [to about 0.260″]. I sent my die in and asked if they could supply two more FL dies (for three total) to have the necks honed to 0.265″, 0.266″, and 0.267″.” In addition to the purchase cost of two more FL-sizing dies, Steve paid $36 ($12 per die) for the three dies to be honed, plus about $12 for return shipping.
The table below shows the neck diameter range of 10 sized cases using each die. [NOTE: This is with older “Brown Box” Lapua brass!] Brass springback after sizing is running 1 to 1.3 thousandths. My loaded rounds are running 0.2697-0.2699 using Lapua I bought last year. So far the dies are working well. I sized 80 cases with the 0.266″ necked die. The shoulder is running 0.4582″ and 0.300″ up from the base is 0.4684". I spun 20 of ‘em and 16 had a runout of one thousandth (0.001) and the other 4 at 1.5 thousandths (0.0015).”
Die Diameter
Sized Brass
Springback
Neck Tension
0.267 Die
0.2683-0.2684
0.0013
0.0014
0.266 Die
0.2672-0.2674
0.0013
0.0025
0.265 Die
0.2659-0.2660
0.0010
0.0039
Share the post "Bushing Dies and Honed Full-Length Sizing Dies"
Are sound suppressors useful in competition shooting? In some disciplines, and in venues where sound “moderators” are permitted, the answer is “yes”. In the November edition of Shooting Sports USA eZine, you’ll find an interesting article about the use of sound suppressors (aka “cans”). The article explores the use of suppressors in Europe and in tactical matches in North America. You’ll also find an explanation of the rules and regulations governing suppressor ownership and use in the United States.
Shooting Sports Editor Chip Lohman tests three rifles from the bench and found that sound suppressors did not harm accuracy. In fact, all three test rifles (one each in .223 Rem, .308 Win, and .338 Lapua Magnum), shot slightly better 5-shot groups at 200 yards when a suppressor was fitted to the barrel. However, the suppressors did alter point of impact. Interestingly, velocity standard deviation (SD) values were lower with suppressors in place for all three test rifles. This observation calls for further study.*
So the use of suppressors in competition could be a good thing. However, in the United States, current NRA High Power rules prohibit the use of sound suppressors. NRA Rule 3.16.1 subsection (a) states: “Sound Suppressors are not authorized for use in High Power competition.” In addition, there are some practical problems with suppressors — the heat rising off of a naked suppressor can create mirage problems (that’s why some shooters wrap their cans with a cover).
Despite such issues, we are starting to see moderators on rifles used in non-NRA-sanctioned tactical matches. For example, many competitors in the popular Steel Safari field challenge match use suppressors. The photo below shows our friend Zak Smith competing in the Steel Safari with his suppressed Accuracy International rifle.
*The article cautions that one should not extrapolate too much from the SD numbers, given the low number of test shots. Chronograph-maker Ken Oehler, when asked to comment on the SD values stated: “[You should] report the observed SDs, but draw no conclusions until… you can do more testing with larger sample sizes.”
Share the post "Sound Suppressors Tested in Shooting Sports USA Article"
Did you know that Shilen Rifles Inc. offers barreled actions and complete rifles? And that Shilen offers a Savage-style, barrel-nut system for its Rem-clone actions? Starting in 2010, after a hiatus of nearly twenty years, Shilen returned to the rifle manufacturing market. After several years of development, Shilen now offers custom actions ($950.00), barreled custom actions with triggers ($1500.00), and complete rifles ($3200.00 and up).
The new Shilen custom actions are CNC-milled from high-grade stainless steel. Two types are offered — the multi-shot DGR (Repeater) or the single-shot DGV (Varminter) action. Both actions will be offered in most common bolt faces and both right-hand and left-hand actions are immediately available. The DGR and DGV actions have a 1.350″ diameter with 8-40 scope base mounting screw holes, and an 0.300″ pinned recoil lug. The spiral-fluted bolts feature a floating bolt head with an interchangeable bolt handle knob. These actions feature a footprint similar to the Remington Model 700. Both DGR and DGV actions will accept many aftermarket components crafted for Rem-700 style actions, including triggers and bottom metal.
Barreled Actions with Barrel-Nut System for Easy Barrel Exchanges
Along with the stand-alone DGR and DGV actions, Shilen is offering barreled action assemblies, chambered and ready to drop into Rem 700-inletted stocks. The actions are fitted with Shilen match-grade barrels and Shilen triggers. The barrels feature a 1-1/16″x20 barrel thread and are attached to the action by a barrel nut. This Savage-style barrel nut system simplifies headspacing, allowing easy swapping from one barrel to another. With the simple barrel-exchange procedure, you can shoot multiple chamberings with a single action/rifle. For example, shooters can change from a .223 Remington to a .204 Ruger or a .22-250 to a 6mm BR in a matter of minutes.
Complete Rifles with McMillan Stocks
With Shilen’s complete rifles, buyers can choose their chambering, and select barrel and stock configuration. Shooters can choose between a sporter weight wood stock or a variety of McMillan fiberglass stocks. With all complete rifles, the entire package is delivered in a quality gun case and Shilen even includes table mat, cleaning rod, bore guide, jag, bore brush, and cleaning patches.
There has been a strong demand for Shilen’s barreled actions and complete rifles. Accordingly, the waiting period is two to four months for complete rifles, a bit less for barreled actions. But some chamberings can be had much more quickly (if Shilen has a pre-chambered barrel in current inventory). If you’re interested, call (972) 875-5318 or email comments@shilen.com for more info.
Share the post "Shilen Custom Rem 700 Clone Actions and Complete Rifles with Savage-Style Barrel Nut System"
How big is the market for guns? Well, you can measure the dollar values of gun sales in the Billions. Consider this: GunBroker.com reached $2 billion ($2,000,000,000) in cumulative merchandise sales on November 10, 2012. It took 10 years for Gunbroker to hit the $1 Billion mark in cumulative sales, but Gunbroker.com managed to reach the $2 Billion number only three years after it hit the ten-digit (billion-dollar) threshhold. That’s impressive growth.
Gunbroker.com, the world’s largest Internet auction site for firearms and accessories, has added more than 265,000 new users per year the last several years. Gunbroker.com is now the third largest ‘Shopping and Classifieds – Auctions’ site, behind only eBay and eBay Motors (Hitwise ranking). According to Quantcast, Gunbroker.com is also the 646th largest USA-based website.
Steve Urvan, CEO of GunBroker.com, declared: “Doubling sales in less than three years to reach the $2 billion mark is an incredible accomplishment …. We have made significant enhancements to the site over the past couple of years[.] The e-commerce industry continues to see considerable growth and reaching this milestone in such a short period of time reassures us that we have the right systems in place to be a major player[.]”
Share the post "Gunbroker.com Tops $2 Billion in Cumulative Sales"
At the recent Int’l Sniper Competition Awards Ceremony at Ft. Benning, GA, Ashbury Precision Ordnance (APO) unveiled a modular rifle chassis customized for the Army Sniper Association (ASA). These specially-engraved APO SABER-FORSST Chassis Systems will be sold exclusively through the Army Sniper Association. Proceeds from chassis sales will help benefit Sniper Association activities. Bob Mahar, President of the Army Sniper Association, explains: “The [Association’s] partnership with Ashbury will help us grow the Sniper Association, contribute to the Silent Warrior Memorial construction and commit additional funding to the SSG. Eric Caban Fallen Sniper Fund.” Ashbury Precision also recently raffled off two SABER Enhanced Factory Rifles to raise money for the Fallen Sniper fund.
Ashbury Precision Ordnance Chassis System (Turn Audio volume down at work.)
The customized SABER modular rifle chassis designed for the Army Sniper Association is based on APO’s very popular MOD-0 chassis platform with the addition of important features:
Hand-Tool Adjustable (HTA) Folding Stock with Limbsaver Recoil Pad.
ERGO Hand Grip with adjustable Grip to Trigger Distance.
DBM with Ambidextrous Magazine Release.
SuperSport Tactical Alloy Fore-End with Bipod Stud.
12″ Picatinny Side Accessory Rails and 8 Sling Swivel Attachment Points.
“We have configured the Army Sniper Association’s Modular Rifle Chassis around the two most popular rifles around”, says Morris Peterson, President of Ashbury Int’l Group. These are “the Remington short action and long action[.] Now shooters can make their existing or new Remington bolt-action rifles functionally modular and more comfortable to shoot accurately.” For those shooters with an M24-styled rifle based on a Rem M700 long action, but chambered for the .308 Win cartridge, APO has just introduced the RLA-A3 option offering a 5-round or 10-round detachable magazine. A wide range of SABER modular rifle chassis accessories are available from Ashbury Precision Ordnance.
Share the post "New Ashbury Precision Ordnance Chassis for Army Sniper Assn."
21st Century Shooting crafts some of the best precision handloading tools you can buy. This company’s neck-turning tools, priming tools, funnels, flash-hole tools, and other specialty tools are truly excellent pieces of kit. The 21st Century neck-turner, fitted in the company’s innovative neck-turning lathe, is an outstanding system for turning case-necks. Now holiday shoppers can save money on 21st Century’s entire product line. 21st Century is offering 10% off all products ordered through its website, www.21stCenturyShooting.com.
To get 10% off your online order, simply use the Discount Code 1210holiday25 during check-out, placing “1210holiday25″ in the box marked “REDEEM CODE”. With the money you save you can buy more cool tools, or set aside your savings for bullets, brass, and powder.
Discount Tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Share the post "Get 10% Off All 21st Century Tools and Reloading Products"
Available for under $180.00 including front bag, the Caldwell Fire Control front rest is a remarkable value. It makes the co-axial, joystick design more affordable than ever. We used the Fire Control front rest when testing our Ultimate Varminter 20 Practical AR. Once we removed some sand from the tri-lobe front bag, the rest worked quite well.
Get a Fire Control Rest for Just $179.40
Amazon.com currently sells the Fire Control rest (item 956104) for $179.40. That’s a really spectacular deal for guys on a tight budget, looking to try out a joystick-style front rest. With the conversion described in this article, you can put together a system that works pretty darn well, and is more than adequate for many applications, including prairie-dog hunting (from a bench).
While most Fire Control owners are happy with the product, many have wanted to replace the tri-lobe front bag with a more conventional front bag from Protektor or Edgewood. This isn’t as easy as it looks because the width of the Fire Control top is too narrow for most standard 3″-wide front bags. On a “special order” basis, Protektor has crafted some narrower leather front bags that fit pretty well, but some shooters have decided to “upgrade” the entire front assembly.
Forum member Doug M. (aka DrJeckyl), has come up with an elegant solution that allows a Sinclair Int’l Benchrest Rest Top to be fitted to the Fire Control Rest. Doug notes: “The Caldwell Fire Control is a nice rest for the money, but it comes up short in the rest top department. The Sinclair RT-3 [or its replacement, the Gen II B/R top] fits perfect with minor modifications.” Shown below are the main components:
To adapt the Sinclair RT-3 or Gen II B/R top, Doug merely had to drill a couple holes in the RT-3 baseplate, and adapt a spacer to get the height correct: “The Caldwell factory top has a raised mounting portion so a 1/8″ piece of stock will be needed as a spacer to the flat-bottom RT-3. The spacer needs to be cut to the same length as the movable portion on the rest. And you should plan the mounting accordingly so the left thumbscrew clears the vertical height column at full left position (there is a cutaway in the rest under the thumbscrew that allows for easy access to the screw).” We have labeled the photo with dimensions, but Doug cautions you should measure your own original plate to insure the drill locations are correct for your unit.
Below you’ll see the completed installation, with the RT-3 installed on the Fire Control rest. Doug says it works very well. For more information on this Fire Control rest top conversion, with Doug’s measurments for the hole-spacing and his specs on the fasteners, go to the original thread in our Shooter’s Forum. NOTE: Sinclair no longer sells the RT-3 top, but Sinclair’s $69.95 Gen II B/R top can be converted just as easily. LINK to Fire Control Rest Top Conversion Forum Thread.
Share the post "Upgrade for Caldwell Fire Control Joystick Front Rest"
The Smith & Wesson Model 41 is an American classic — one of the great, iconic .22LR target pistols. Accurate, well-balanced and built-to-last, model 41s have been in production for over 50 years. The Model 41 remains one of the most accurate pistols ever produced by Smith & Wesson. Now the Model 41 has been updated for the 21st Century, with the introduction of a new Performance Center “optics-ready” version. The new Model 41 PC has an integral Picatinny Rail mount for optics, plus adjustable target sights, with a distinctive skeletonized and removable front blade sight.
This full-size, 10-shot .22LR pistol features a carbon steel frame and slide along with a 5.5-inch barrel. Measuring 10.5 inches in overall length, the Model 41 PC has an unloaded weight of 41 ounces.
Across the top of the slide, the Performance Center Model 41 sports an integral Picatinny-style equipment rail for easy installation of optics. Other standard features include an external thumb safety on the left side of the frame, custom wood target grips, and a blued finish. The Performance Center Model 41 is covered by Smith & Wesson’s lifetime service policy. To learn more about the optics-ready Model 41 PC and other new Performance Center guns, visit www.smith-wesson.com
Share the post "New “Optics-Ready” Performance Center S&W Model 41"
Here’s a good deal from Cabelas.com, but you have act quickly — the $20 OFF deal expires Nov. 13th at 11:59 pm. If you supply an email address, you’ll get a Promo Code entitling you to $20.00 off any internet or catalog order of $150.00 or more. Use this to stock up on gear and supplies at the end of the year. While you’re shopping, check out Cabela’s Bargain Cave for some great deals. This $20.00 Off Promo is good through November 13, 2012, at 11:59 pm EST.
Offer is valid for purchases made at Cabelas.com or catalog call center. Not valid on Gift Certificates, Gift Cards, or licenses. Offer may be used only once. Offer cannot be used on prior purchases. Offer cannot be used in combination with any other promotion, rebate or previous offers. Offer not valid at our Canada store locations, call center or cabelas.ca website.
Offer tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Share the post "Cabelas.com Promo — $20.00 Off Orders of $150.00 or More"
On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918, bugle calls signaled the ‘cease fire’ ending the First World War. (The official Armistice was signed earlier that morning.) To those who endured it, WWI was the “Great War”, “the War to End All Wars.” Tragically, an even greater conflict consumed the world just two decades later.
Today, 94 years after the end of WWI, Americans mark the anniversary of the WWI Armistice as “Veterans Day”. In Canada it is known as Remembrance Day. On this solemn occasion we honor all those who have served in the military in times of war and peace.
While more WWII veterans pass away each year, there are still over 23 million veterans in the United States. Take time today to honor those soldiers, sailors, and airmen who have served their nation with pride. Today we remember that… “All gave some, and some gave all.”
Former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James Peake asked Americans to recognize the nation’s 23.4 million living veterans and the generations before them who fought to protect freedom and democracy: “While our foremost thoughts are with those in distant war zones today, Veterans Day is an opportunity for Americans to pay their respects to all who answered the nation’s call to military service.” Major Veterans Day observances are scheduled at more than 50 sites in 29 states.
On Veterans Day we especially need to remember the seriously wounded combat veterans. These men and women summon great courage every day to overcome the lasting injuries they suffered in battle. CLICK HERE for inspirational profiles of wounded vets who, through courage and determination, have learned to adapt to their disabilities. Some of these soldiers have lost limbs, yet volunteered to return to combat duty. That is dedication beyond measure.
National Veterans Day Ceremony
The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony commences precisely at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations and remarks from dignitaries. The ceremony is intended to honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces. Major regional ceremonies are also held throughout the country. CLICK HERE for list of regional Veterans’ Day events.
Berger Bullets recently announced that it is discontinuing a variety of bullet types in eight different calibers from .17 to .30. These bullet designs are being phased out, and many will be replaced with updated products in similar weight ranges. Though some bullet types are being discontinued, these projectiles might still perform great in your rifle(s). You should check the list of discontinued Berger Bullets below. If you are already using some of these, and find that they shoot well in your rifle(s), you may want to consider picking up a supply before they’re all gone. In our reloading-for-accuracy game, sometimes a “sure thing” is the best option.
Berger explains: “We are hearing about increased orders on both firearms and components. In preparation for the coming months, we are discontinuing several of our bullet designs which are not big sellers. This will give us more production capability for our more popular bullets and new releases, ensuring that you receive your bullets as quickly as possible. Also, this help us move forward on several new bullet designs for target, hunting, varmint and tactical applications.”
November 16th Deadline to Purchase Discontinued Designs
Berger has declared that “all existing orders for these bullets will be filled. Any additional orders must be placed by Nov 16, 2012. These bullets will no longer be available after November 16, 2012.”
Berger Bullets Discontinued After November 16, 2012
Part Number | Description
.17 Caliber
17304 17 CAL 20 GRAIN MATCH FB VARMINT
17310 17 CAL 30 GRAIN MATCH FB VARMINT
17407 17 CAL 25 GRAIN MATCH FB TARGET
.20 Caliber (.204)
20302 20 CAL 30 GRAIN MATCH FB VARMINT
20305 20 CAL 50 GRAIN MATCH BT VARMINT
.22 Caliber (.224)
22301 22 CAL 30 GRAIN MATCH FB VARMINT
22307 22 CAL 50 GRAIN MATCH FB VARMINT
22426 22 CAL 90 GRAIN MATCH BT TARGET
6mm (.243)
24301 6MM 60 GRAIN MATCH FB VARMINT
24405 6MM 65 GRAIN MATCH FB TARGET
24432 6MM 100 GRAIN MATCH BT TARGET
Part Number | Description
.25 Caliber (.257)
25407 25 CAL 87 GRAIN MATCH FB TARGET
25413 25 CAL 115 GRAIN MATCH VLD TARGET
6.5mm (.264)
26408 6.5MM 100 GRAIN MATCH BT TARGET
7mm (.284 Cal.)
28404 7MM 180 GR MATCH BT TARGET
28408 7MM 175 GRAIN MATCH XLD TARGET
.30 Caliber
30401 30 CAL 110 GRAIN MATCH FB TARGET
30403 30 CAL 125 GRAIN MATCH FB TARGET
30405 30 CAL 135 GRAIN MATCH FB TARGET
30411 30 CAL 168 GRAIN MATCH BT TARGET
30414 30 CAL 190 GRAIN MATCH VLD TARGET
Story tip by EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Share the post "Berger Bullets Phases Out Some Bullet Types — Order by Nov. 16"
When it comes to long-range optics, some folks can’t have too much magnification (as Tim Allen used to say: “More Power!”). At 500 yards and beyond, when the air’s misty or the mirage is thick, you can’t always use extreme magnification. But, when the conditions are excellent, it’s nice to have 50X magnification (or more) on tap. You can always “crank it back down”. Higher magnification (when conditions are good), can help you see your bullet holes at long range, and that makes it easier to judge your hold-offs and keep your group centered. In addition, there’s no doubt that high magnification lets you aim more precisely, no matter what the distance. Even at 100 and 200 yards, short-range benchresters are using 40X, 50X, and even 60X power scopes. This allows you to position your cross-hairs with extreme precision — something you need when you’re trying to put multiple shots through the same hole.
Raising the Optics Bar
We were recently asked: “What size neck bushing is best for Lapua 6mmBR brass in a ‘no-turn’ chamber?” The questioner planned to purchase a Redding Type ‘S’ full-length sizing die with neck bushings. The quick answer is that one should probably get 0.265, 0.266, and 0.267 bushings and see what works best.
On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918, bugle calls signaled the ‘cease fire’ ending the First World War. (The official Armistice was signed earlier that morning.) To those who endured it, WWI was the “Great War”, “the War to End All Wars.” Tragically, an even greater conflict consumed the world just two decades later.
