|
|
July 4th, 2013
 It’s easy to think of fun, sun, and relaxation over the 4th of July weekend. Ball games, picnics, and fireworks may be foremost in our minds on July 4th, but we should take the time to contemplate the real significance of this day.
The Founding Fathers launched an incredibly risky and radical undertaking in 1776 — breaking away from English rule, and challenging the forces of the British Empire, the most powerful political entity the world had ever known.
Study the Revolutionary War, and you’ll learn that America’s bid for independence was a “long-shot” endeavor — the odds of success were poor. On the battlefield, our revolutionary armies were defeated many times by the British, and Gen. George Washington himself believed the Revolution was a lost cause on many occasions. In celebrating the 4th of July, we should honor the courage and dedication of those who fought for independence. We should also take time to consider the principles set out in the Declaration of Independence itself. Have we, as a nation, remained faithful to these tenets?:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
[W]hen a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
Click Here to learn more about the history of the
Declaration of Independence.
Share the post "Celebrate Independence Day"
July 3rd, 2013
When a scope mounting system costs as much as a factory hunting rifle, it better be something special. At $410.00, the Spuhr Unimount Scope Mounting System is one expensive piece of kit. But if you shoot .338 Lapua Magnums or 50 BMGs, this mount may be worth the money. Made in Sweden, the aluminum Spuhr Unimount integrates “rings” into a +20.6 MOA (6 MIL) base with built-in bubble level. The matte-black-anodized Spuhr Unimount has some interesting design features. The clasping bolts are set at a 45° angle. Ring internal surfaces are grooved for enhanced “grip” (these are not threads — the surface is precision ground and smoothed so there are no sharp edges). Available in 30mm and 34mm diameter (and various heights), the Spuhr Unimount even comes with a scope indexing tool to help you align your scope correctly with the mount. Along with the standard Unimount shown in the photo, a cantilever-sytle Unimount is offered for AR-platform rifles and other guns requiring forward scope placement.
SPUHR Unimount Features
- Swedish-made machined aluminum one-piece scope mounts
- Rings are cut at 45 degrees instead of horizontal so turrets can be easily viewed from the rear and no bolt heads interfere with scope controls
- Rings are grooved on the interior to prevent slippage and to allow gluing
- Built-in, easy-to-view bubble level in rear of mount
- Available as a standard mount or cantilever
- Included scope indexing (alignment) tool
- Built-in 20.6 MOA (6 MIL) Elevation
Share the post "From Sweden — SPUHR Unimount Scope Mount System"
July 3rd, 2013
 Here’s a news item of importance to all our readers who have an FFL or who may process firearms transfers. The FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) has announced that the current E-Check system will be upgraded to version 2.0, effective July 16, 2013. Among a host of new features will be the elimination of the digital certificate and the ability to access NICS E-Check using any computer and browser. Target date for deployment is July 16. FFLs currently using the E-Check system should plan to re-register on (or after) July 16, 2013. You can register at the NICS E-Check Web site: www.nicsezcheckfbi.gov.
Benefits of Using New E-Check System
You will be able to access NICS E-Check using any computer or browser.
Added customer protection against identity theft.
Added safeguard against theft of license number and codeword.
Ability to retrieve NICS background check results 24/7.
Ability to retrieve background checks initiated on E-Check or at the Call Center.
Ability to print completed NICS background check search requests.
The availability of messages regarding NICS operational status.
No hold times waiting for the Call Center.
No hold times waiting for a NICS Representative to review a transaction.
What is NICS?
The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) was established to aid FFLs in determining whether or not the transfer of a firearm would violate state or federal law. Mandated by the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993 and launched by the FBI on November 30, 1998, NICS is used by Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) to instantly determine whether a prospective buyer is eligible to buy firearms or explosives. Before ringing up the sale, cashiers call in a check to the FBI or to other designated agencies to ensure that each customer does not have a criminal record or isn’t otherwise ineligible to make a purchase. More than 100 million such checks have been made in the last decade, leading to more than 700,000 denials.
How NICS Functions, Step-by-Step
Share the post "National Background Check System Upgrade on July 16, 2013"
July 2nd, 2013
 The International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) has a great new product for iPad users. The ISSF now offers a multi-media “eZine” optimized for Apple tablets. The free, downloadable ISSF Magazine covers competition shooting around the globe. You’ll find match reports, interviews with shooters, and coverage of the gear and ammo that win matches. Packed with plenty of photos and videos, ISSF’s iPad magazine is rich with interactive content. The latest issue features 15 videos, 35 articles, and over 400 photos. That’s quite a package… and it’s all FREE (just download from the App Store). Each magazine is “self-contained” when downloaded. That means, once you download an issue, you read it start to finish, even without a live web connection.
The ISSF plans to release six (6) iPad magazines each year, covering the full range of ISSF shooting disciplines. The ISSF iPad magazine is now available to download for free from the Apple App Store. To get the ISSF Magazine App, click the App Store button on your iPad, then search for “ISSF News” in the App Store. To learn more about the ISSF’s eZine for iPad, watch this video from ISSF:
Preview Free ISSF Interactive Magazine
Gary Anderson Praises ISSF’s New Digital Magazine
ISSF Vice-President Gary Anderson states: “I’m from the old generation, but the App is perfectly easy for me to use. I encourage everyone to download the new App and use it. I think they’re going to find that this is the best new way to get information about ISSF competitions and ISSF activities. Everyone who is interested in shooting should take advantage of this.”
Share the post "ISSF Launches Interactive News Magazine for iPads"
July 2nd, 2013
Carl Zeiss Sports Optics recently announced the Zeiss-Kenton Industries Custom Turret Promotion. Here’s how it works. When you purchase a new CONQUEST HD5 Riflescope, you get one of two Kenton Custom Turrets calibrated for your specific load — either a LR Hunter Turret or Speed Dial Turret. Eligible models for this offer are the Zeiss CONQUEST HD5 3-15×42 #20 reticle with Lockable Target Turret, and the CONQUEST HD5 5-25×50 #20 reticle with Lockable Target Turret. The retail value for the free custom elevation turret is $125.00.
 Mike Jensen, President of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics USA explains: “With our custom turret system, you just set the dial to the number 4 for 400 yards and you are done. No complicated math, no color codes to compensate for the bullet drop. The numbered markings on the custom turret by Kenton Industries are easy to read and intuitive. Our new CONQUEST HD5 scopes with 5x SuperZoom provide maximum brightness, image quality, and field of view[.] Now add a ‘no-hold-over’ PLEX reticle with the Kenton custom target turret and you have an extremely accurate and very robust long-range shooting setup.”
To receive a free Kenton Custom Ballistic Turret for your Zeiss scope, the qualifying CONQUEST HD5 Riflescopes must be purchased from an authorized ZEISS dealer between 07/01/2013 and 09/30/2013. Customers need to mail-in the completed order form together with a copy of the sales receipt. Once approved, the custom turret should ship within 2-3 weeks and is very easy to install. The order form requires typical ballistic information such as: cartridge, ammuntion type (factory or handload), bullet weight, zero distance. This offer is valid for U.S. customers only. To learn more about Carl Zeiss Sports Optics products visit www.zeiss.com/sports or log on to the Zeiss Sports Optics Facebook Page.
Share the post "Zeiss Offers Free Calibrated Elevation Turret with Some Scopes"
July 2nd, 2013
 Many parts of the country are experiencing a heat wave right now. It was 117° F in Las Vegas yesterday. Unfortunately, this is “prime time” for shooting matches, so competitors may have no choice but to shoot in very hot weather. When ambient temperatures soar into the 100s, you need to be especially careful about barrel heat. Bad things can happen if your barrel gets too hot. First, with some barrels, the point of impact (POI) will shift or “walk” as the barrel heats up excessively. Second, even if the POI doesn’t change, the groups can open up dramatically when the barrel gets too hot. Third, if the barrel is very hot, the chamber will transfer heat to your loaded cartridge, which can lead to pressure issues. Finally, hot barrels wear out faster. This is a very real concern, particularly for varmint shooters who may shoot hundreds of rounds in a day. For this reason, many varminters switch among various guns, never letting a particular barrel get too hot.
How do you monitor your barrel temperature other than guessing by “feel”? BAR-L Benchrest strips visually display heat readings from 86 to 140 degrees F. Think of these strips as compact, unbreakable thermometers. These adhesive-backed strips can be used to monitor barrel heating. Put a strip on the side of the barrel and the barrel’s temp will be indicated by a stripe that changes from black to green. These strips are easy to read. The green box displays the current temperature of the barrel in both °F and °C. We recommend using the Benchrest strip (86F to 140F), shown in the middle. There is also a “General Purpose” strip that reads to 196 degrees (bottom row).
Installation: Before placing the temp strips on your barrel, clean and degrease the barrel with alcohol for better adhesion. Once in place, the plastic-covered strips should provide years of service. Note, we do not recommend use with high-polished blued barrels.
|
Value-Priced Temp Strip 10-packs
If you have many rifles, McMaster.com (a large industrial supply house) offers the handy reversible, 7 temperature, 86F to 140F strip (item 59535K13) for $10.71 per pack of ten (10) strips. That’s an excellent value.
Another source for BAR-L Temp Strips is Neconos.com. This vendor offers Bar-L temp strips for $9.00, or $25.00 for a 3-pack. From the Neconos Online Catalog, search for “Bar-L” to find the Temp Strips. Three temp ranges are offered: 32F to 86F (Moderate Zero); 86F to 140F (Benchrest): and 86F to 194F (Gen’l Purpose). |
Controlling Ammunition Temperature is Important Too
 Keeping your loaded cases at a controlled temperature is vital for maintaining good ES and case life. At a late summer varmint match we observed pressure signs with cases that had been sitting in direct sunlight for about 15 minutes. As we were running a “moderate” RL15 load, the pressure indications were surprising. Testing over a chronograph, cases that had been sitting in direct sunlight showed velocities up to 70 fps higher than those that had been kept in the shade. Using QuickLoad’s temperature function, we calculated from the rise in velocities that case pressures had increased by over 4,000 psi–just from 15-20 minutes in direct sunlight! Accordingly, you’ll want to keep your ammo out of the sun, in an insulated container. The Igloo Ice Cube MaxCold 70 Roller Cooler can hold enough ammo for a multi-day varmint safari or a week at Camp Perry. It’s large enough to also store water bottles and cold beverages.
Share the post "Monitor Barrel Temps with Heat-Sensitive Strips"
July 1st, 2013
McMillan celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Gale McMillan, founder of the McMillan companies, began producing fiberglass stocks on his kitchen table in 1973. Gale was also a great barrel-maker and a top competitive benchrest shooter. Today McMillan has become one of the most respected brands in the firearms industry. While the company has expanded its product line and is known throughout the world, the core of the McMillan’s business philosophy — quality products, exceptional customer service and a commitment to the growth of the firearms industry — remains the same. View 40-Year Timeline.
Story tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Share the post "McMillan Celebrates 40th Year in Business"
July 1st, 2013
Story by Lars Dalseide for NRABlog
The first shots of NRA’s National Rifle and Pistol Championships at Camp Perry were fired back in 1907, more than a century ago. On July 8, the National Championships open again, commencing with pistol disciplines. Next come the smallbore matches, followed by High Power competitions.
 Running from through July and August, the the National Rifle and Pistol Championships are actually a collection of several individual competitions; Pistol, 3-Position Smallbore Rifle, Prone Smallbore Rifle, High Power Rifle, Mid-Range High Power Rifle and Long Range High Power Rifle. It all begins on July 8th at 10:00 am. That’s where Lieutenant General John S. Crosby, U.S. Army retired, will open the Championships by taking the traditional “First Shot” on the Rodriguez Range.
“It is an honor to fire a shot at Perry.” — Dennis Willing
There’s something special about Camp Perry,” said Dennis Willing, Director of NRA’s Competitive Shooting Division. “There is more than a century’s worth of shooting sports history out there on those fields. It’s a tradition every shooter aspires to.” Willing should know. For almost 35 years, Willing has been involved in the National Matches in one way or another. He’s shot in both the Pistol and High Power Rifle Championships, served as a Match Referee and was Chairman of the NRA Board of Director’s High Power Committee. He also holds four Distinguished Shooting Medals in Pistol, Rifle, PPC Revolver, and PPC Semi-Automatic Pistol.
National Championships Schedule
The first Championship is Pistol. Made up of thirteen separate events — including the .22 Caliber Fire Rapid Fire, the Center Fire Timed Fire and the .45 Caliber Slow Fire — the Championship begins on July 9 and ends on the 13th. The rest of the Championships are as follows:
Smallbore 3-Position Rifle: July 17-19
Smallbore Prone Rifle: July 20-25
High Power Rifle: August 5-9
Mid-Range High Power Rifle: August 5-9
Long Range High Power Rifle: August 10-14
If you’re signed up to shoot in the National Championships, we wish you good luck. If you can’t compete this year, visit NRAblog.com which will provide daily stories from Camp Perry with a team of reporters.
Watch Slide Show from 2012 NRA Long Range Championship
Share the post "Shooters Get Ready for National Championships at Camp Perry"
|
