|
|
April 19th, 2014
 AccurateShooter Forum member Allan, aka “1066”, has improved the performance of his RCBS balance-beam scale with some simple hardware modifications. In addition, Allan has cleverly fitted an inexpensive video camera to one end of his scale. This camera outputs a signal to Allan’s laptop computer, giving Allan a magnified, “big-screen” view of the pointer tip of his scale. That lets Allan observe ultra-small movements of the beam. With the hardware upgrades and video display, Allan has crafted a system with usable sensitivity to a single grain of Varget powder.
Hardware “Mods” Enhance Scale Reliability and Sensitivity
To upgrade his scale, Allan first fabricated a new U-shaped pan suspension hanger on the end of the scale. This allowed the pan to center more reliably and consistently. Next Allan extended the pointer arm at the opposite end, and attached a very fine graduated vertical scale to provide a more precise visual read-out. This scale has marks corresponding to 0.1 grains (one-tenth of a grain).
To improve the function of the beam itself, Allan “cleaned-up” the knife edges on which the beam moves, and Allan also fabricated a simple “approach to weight” fixture (with foam cushion) that gives the beam a smoother transition as it nears max travel.
Inexpensive Video Camera Displays on Laptop Screen
Allan’s real genius was in fitting an inexpensive video camera to display a magnified image of the pointer at the end of the beam. Seeing the “big picture” really helps get the best precision from the scale. Allan acquired a cheap web-cam and attached it via a simple bracket to the RCBS scale. A USB cable delivers the video output to Allan’s laptop. Allan says the web-cam cost less than $20.00 on eBay and required no special software. It was a “plug and go” installation. With the video camera running, the onscreen image is “super-sized” so Allan can track the smallest movements of the pointer tip. You can see how the whole system works in the video below. To dispense powder, Allan uses a slick automated trickler, explained next.
TargetMaster Automatic trickler Uses “Electric-Eye” for Automatic Shut-off
The final element in Allan’s high-tech balance beam scale system is a Targetmaster automatic trickler. This unique UK-made trickler is very advanced. It has two components — a dispenser, and a remote sensor that “watches” the movement of the balance beam. Allan pushes a button to start the powder flowing. As the load in the pan approaches the correct weight, an electric eye senses the position of the balance beam. Once the beam “hits the mark” for a correct load, the remote sensor shuts off the trickler. It sounds complicated but it works perfectly.
TargetMaster Trickler Components and Operation
The TargetMaster automated Trickler is a pretty impressive piece of kit that can be adapted to a wide variety of balance beam scales. The components and functions of the TargetMaster automated trickler are shown in the video below, provided by the manufacturer in the UK. To learn more about this reloading accessory, visit TargetMasterUK.com.
Share the post "Forum Member Rigs Video Display for Balance Beam Scale"
April 18th, 2014
 Here’s a cool new optics mount at a very attractive price — just $87.95. Midsouth Shooter’s Supply is now featuring the Warne Skeletonized integrated scope mount for Picatinny Rails. This should work great on flat-top ARs. And for you fashionistas out there, the Warne mount is offered in four different colors: Matte Black, Dark Earth (tan), Ruby Red, and Bold Blue. Tactical shooters will probably pick black or tan sets, while image-conscious 3-Gun competitors might favor the Red or Blue versions.
These Warne integrated ring/mount sets are offered for 1″, 30mm, and 34mm rings. The 1″ and 30mm versions come in all four (4) colors and cost $87.95. The 34mm is offered in Matte Black only for $115.00. You may want to order soon. These are popular. The most popular colors (black and dark earth) could sell out quickly at this price.
Share the post "Cool Integrated Optics Mount for under Ninety Bucks"
April 17th, 2014
Do you have a tactical rifle project in the works, or are you looking to upgrade the bottom metal on your existing bolt gun? Then head over to the PT&G website before the end of month. During April Pacific Tool & Gauge (PT&G) is running a Bottom Metal Blow-Out Sale. You can save 15-42% on quality Bottom metal for a variety of rifle types — Colt, Howa, Remington, Ruger, Winchester. On sale this month are both flush and extended options for detachable box magazines. In addition, you’ll find a variety of hinged, flush bottom metal sets for conventional internal magazines.
New PT&G Bottom Metal for Ruger Actions
Ruger owners take note — PT&G is now taking orders for DBM-capable Stealth bottom metal for Ruger rifles. This bottom metal in offered in both Short Action and Long Action Versions. It will fit the M77, M77 Scout (short action only), and M77 Hawkeye, and Ruger American (with aftermarket stock). The Short Action Version is now $99 (28% off) while the Long Action verision is $119.50 (20% Off).
Share the post "Save up to 42% this Month on PT&G Bottom Metal Kits"
April 17th, 2014
 Gun, guns, and more guns — that’s what you’ll find in the May issue of Shooting Illustrated. This special edition, Shooting Illustrated’s largest-ever issue, features more than 100 new firearms. Novel features, technical specifications, and MSRP are included for all 100+ new firearms in the spotlight. From Alexander Arms to Yankee Hill Machine Company, if it’s a new handgun, rifle or shotgun introduced in 2014, chances are Shooting Illustrated has it covered this month.
In addition to covering 100+ new guns for 2014, this issue also includes Shooting Illustrated’s “best of the best” selections from 2013. The Golden Bullseye Award is given to the most innovative, practical and affordable products introduced last year. Also in the May issue is a detailed review of Ruger’s new SR-762 semi-automatic rifle, a piston-driven .308 Win, AR-platform rifle. Look for these articles and more in the May issue of Shooting Illustrated. For more information, visit Shooting Illustrated.com.
Share the post "Over 100 New Firearms Showcased In May Shooting Illustrated"
April 17th, 2014
EuroOptic.com is running a huge Spring Clearance Sale on scopes, rifles, handguns, accessories and more. Now through the end of April, you can save hundreds of dollars. Here are some examples:
| 20% Off all Bushnell Elite Tactical Riflescopes (in-stock) |
Free Leupold 4-14x50mm MK 4 LRT scope with Purchase of Barrett M82A1 |
| 18% Off all HK Handguns (in-stock) |
15% Off all Sig-Sauer Firearms (in-stock) |
The Spring Clearance Sale runs through the end of April, so don’t delay — you have two more weeks to enjoy these savings. NOTE: in addition to the Clearance Specials shown below, EuroOptic.com has great Spring Clearance Deals on Nightforce, Schmidt & Bender, and Zeiss scopes. You can save hundreds of dollars on these top-quality optics. For example, the Nightforce Benchrest 8-32×56 NP1- RR C115 (discontinued) is on sale for just $949.00. And the Gen 1 Nightforce 15-55x52mm Competition scope (.125 MOA DDR reticle) is just $1750 — that’s a $500.00 savings over the original price.
Sale Tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Share the post "Save Hundreds during EuroOptic.com’s Spring Clearance Sale"
April 16th, 2014
We know many of our readers will attend the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits next week in Indianapolis. There is plenty to keep you busy, notably hundreds of industry vendors displaying their latest firearms and shooting-related products. But if you can break free from the guns and accessories in the Exhibit Hall there are some interesting seminars you many want to attend. First, Chris Cheng will explain his experiences — how a Google techie became the Top Shot Season 4 Champion. Second, 3-Gun Ace Travis Gibson talks about the rapidly growning sport of multi-gun competition. Finally, Tom Marx will lead an in-depth, 4-hour seminar on concealed carry equipment and methodologies.
 Seminar: Shoot to Win
Tips, Tactics and Techniques to Shoot Like a Pro
Times: April 25 at 11:00am and April 26 at 2:30pm
Location: Room 136
Description: Chris Cheng, Top Shot season 4 Champion, tells his own personal underdog story of how a tech support worker at Google with very little firearm experience beat out 17 accomplished shooters and claimed the title of TV’s “Top Shot.” Hear anecdotes about the show and join Cheng as he discusses what it took to beat the odds and how you can train and prepare to shoot like a pro.
Seminar: 3-Gun 101
Date: April 25 at 11:00 am and April 26 at 11:00 am
Location: Room 138
Description: Take aim with the fast growing sport of 3-Gun! Speaker Travis Gibson demonstrates what a typical 3-Gun match looks like at the club, regional and national levels. You’ll learn how the events are scored and the various types of target presentations that you will experience with rifle, shotgun and pistol. Travis will also cover equipment requirements with you for each division and discuss the gear needed for those divisions. If you’re looking to get your started in 3-gun competitions, you should attend this seminar.
Seminar: Methods of Concealed Carry
Date: April 25, 2014 at 1:00pm and April 26, 2014 at 2:00 pm
Location: Room 237-239
Description: Tom Marx, a former police officer, and experienced Concealed Carry trainer brings his extensive and in-depth program to the Annual Meetings. This is a serious, four-hour lecture and demonstration program, intended for both officers and civilians. Marx covers all the key subjects guns, ammo and holsters, clothing, carrying environments, physical conditioning, and women’s issues. The lecture follows a segmented, building block approach so that those who cannot attend for the full four hours, can still leave (or come and go) with solid points to take home and put to use in their daily lives.
Here is a full list of Special Events at the 2014 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits:
Share the post "Recommended Seminars at NRA Annual Meetings Next Week"
April 15th, 2014
When he chooses to measure his loads or sort bullets by weight, Forum Member Boyd Allen likes his trusty RCBS 10-10 scale. He finds that it works predictably, time after time, and it doesn’t suffer from the drift and calibration issues that plague some of the less-expensive electronic scales on the market.
To make it easier to see the balance point, Boyd has adapted a magnifying glass with a mirror. This makes the end of his balance beam easier to view from his normal position on the bench. Boyd explains: “This set-up uses a cheap magnifier with positioning arms that was probably designed to hold and magnify small objects while soldering them. I think that it came from Harbor Freight many years ago. The mirror lets you look at the scale as if is was at eye level, and of course the magnifier makes the image easier to see.”
Share the post "TECH TIP: Use Mirror and Magnifier with Beam Scales"
April 14th, 2014
The 8th Annual Eastern CMP Games and Creedmoor Cup Matches will be held at Camp Butner, North Carolina, May 2-11, 2014. The Eastern CMP Games run May 2-6, while the Creedmoor Cup Matches take place on May 7-11. All interested shooters, of all experience and skill levels, are invited to participate in this popular event, which offers a wide variety of shooting competitions, including: Rimfire Sporter Match, M16 Match, M1 Garand Match, Springfield Match, M1-Carbine Match, Vintage Military Match, Modern Military Match, Vintage Sniper Match, Pistol Matches and more.
CMP Games Information Page | CMP Games Program 2014 | CMP Games Photo Galleries.
Great Place to Get Started in Competitive Shooting
The CMP Games matches are ideal events for shooters who have not participated in previous competitions. Shooters are permitted to coach or assist each other in these matches. Experienced shooters are encouraged to assist new shooters with positions, slings, loading and the rules.
To learn more about the Eastern CMP Games, email croguski [at] thecmp.org or call (888) 267-0796, extension 1114. If you have questions about the Creedmoor Cup contact Dennis DeMille, demille [at] creedmoorsports.com or call (800) 273-3366 M-F, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Central Time.
Share the post "Eastern CMP Games and Creedmoor Cup Matches Coming Soon"
April 14th, 2014
The NRA, on the recommendation of the NRA High Power Committee, has appointed Ray Gross as the new United States F-TR Team Captain, to serve through the 2017 World Championship cycle. Ray brings a wealth of experience in both national and international competition. As a member of the World Championship-winning 4-person U.S. F-TR team, and the hugely successful Team Sinclair F-TR squad, Ray is a skilled coach, a top-flight shooter, and a great guy who is respected by his peers. Ray brings a unique combination of skills to the team as its new leader.
Ray Gross (center with gray hat), with fellow Team USA F-TR Shooters at Raton, NM.
Ray has asked James Crofts to serve as US F-TR Vice Captain. James comes from a military background, having served 20 years in the US Navy aboard fast attack submarines. James has also been a shooting member of the 8-man F-TR Team USA, and he is always one of the top shooters in any F-TR competition.
James told us: “It’s official, I have been named the new Vice Captain for the USA F-T/R National Team. Now the work begins but with Ray Gross as Captain I think we can handle it. Tough act to follow, Darrell Buell and Mike Miller set the bar extremely high with back to back world championship gold medals.”
James Crofts — Photo by Kent Reeve.
Share the post "Ray Gross Named Captain of U.S. F-TR Team"
April 14th, 2014
Here’s a new product from SIG SAUER — the company’s first-ever line of centerfire pistol ammo. If this stuff matches the quality of SIG’s firearms, then shooters should be very happy. Designed for personal defense, SIG SAUER Elite Performance Ammunition features a proprietary V-Crown™ stacked hollow point bullet for reliable expansion. The five introductory calibers and bullet weights are: 90gr .380 ACP, 124gr 9mm Luger, 125gr .357 SIG, 165gr .40 S&W, and 200gr .45 ACP. Instructors at the SIG SAUER Academy have fired tens of thousands of rounds in the development of this new ammo. And here’s more good news — SIG plans to bring out rifle ammunition in the near future.
“Every product SIG SAUER produces will have the same attributes for which our firearms are known around the world – reliability, accuracy, and unparalleled performance,” said Jeff Creamer, SIG SAUER director of product management. “We are excited to enter the ammunition market and will be adding additional bullet weights for pistols as well as rifle ammunition in the months ahead.”
Video Explains SIG SAUER Ammo Features
The proprietary SIG V-Crown stacked hollow point bullet features an additional smaller hollow point cavity behind the main cavity. This design, along with the V-shaped jacket skives, guarantees controlled, uniform expansion. Brass cases are Techni-crom® coated for enhanced lubricity, superior corrosion resistance, and reliable feeding and extraction. Elite Performance Ammunition is made in the USA. For more information, visit www.sigsauer.com/ammunition.
About SIG SAUER
SIG SAUER, Inc. is the largest member of a worldwide business group of firearms manufacturers that includes SIG SAUER GmbH & Co. KG in Germany and Swiss Arms AG in Switzerland. SIG SAUER is an ISO 9001: 2008 certified company with more than 1,000 employees. For more information on SIG SAUER and its products, visit www.sigsauer.com.
Share the post "SIG SAUER Now Makes Premium Defensive Pistol Ammo"
April 13th, 2014
If you have a Federal Firearms License, or work with an FFL-holder, please read this story — there is an important change in the way the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (BATFE) will handle forms. It appears the the BATFE’s eform system was not ready for prime time, so it is being shelved for the time being. This means that import forms, NFA forms, and AFMER reports must now be submitted via paper “hard copies”.
In early April, BATFE took its troubled eForms program offline. A BATFE notice stated that: “The eForms software is not performing to our expectations. As a result, we are taking the eForms system down until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work with our industry partners to deliver a quality product. Any eForm (already) submitted will continue to be processed. The finalized forms will be sent to the user via email. Until the eForms system is returned to service for the industry, all imports forms (Forms 6 Part I and 6A), NFA forms (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 10), and AFMER reports (Form 5300.11) must be submitted via paper, including any eForms in draft status.” Questions should be directed to eForms.admin [at] atf.gov.
Share the post "FFLs Take Note — BATFE Shuts Down eForms System"
April 12th, 2014
Remington Arms Company, LLC (Remington) is recalling Model 700 and Model Seven rifles with X-Mark Pro® (XMP) triggers, manufactured from May 1, 2006 to April 9, 2014. The reason for the recall is that “Remington engineers determined that some Model 700 and Model Seven rifles with XMP triggers could, under certain circumstances, unintentionally discharge.” READ Recall Notice.
Remington’s investigation determined that some XMP triggers might have excess bonding agent used in the assembly process, which could cause an unintentional discharge. Therefore, Remington is recalling ALL affected products to fully inspect and clean the XMP triggers with a specialized process. Remington has advised customers to immediately cease use of recalled rifles and return them to Remington free of charge. The rifles will be inspected, specialty cleaned, tested, and returned as soon as possible. Remington advises: “Do not attempt to diagnose or repair recalled rifles”.
Remington now offers a dedicated website and toll-free hotline to help consumers determine whether their Model 700 or Model Seven rifle(s) are subject to recall.
- Remington Recall Website: http://xmprecall.remington.com
On this website you can enter rifle serial number(s) to determine, in seconds, if a particular rifle is subject to recall.
- Toll-Free Recall Hotline: 1-800-243-9700
(Prompt #3 then Prompt #1) Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm EDT.
The Remington Recall Notice also says that a visual inspection can reveal if a rifle is subject to recall. You may determine if your rifle is subject to the recall by visually inspecting the face of the trigger.
1) If the face of the trigger is ribbed (see Photo (1) below), your rifle does not have an XMP trigger and is NOT subject to this recall.
2) If the face of the trigger is smooth (see Photo (2) below), your rifle has an XMP trigger and IS subject to this recall. You should immediately seek further assistance by calling 1-800-243-9700 or visiting XMPrecall.remington.com.
If You Have A Rifle Subject to Recall
STOP USING YOUR RIFLE. Any unintended discharge has the potential to cause injury or death. Immediately cease use of recalled rifles and return them to Remington free of charge. Rifles will be inspected, specialty cleaned, tested, and returned as soon as possible, at no cost to you. DO NOT attempt to diagnose or repair recalled rifles.
“Remington takes safety extremely seriously,” said Teddy Novin, Director of Public Affairs and Communications. “While we have the utmost confidence in the design of the XMP trigger, we are undertaking this recall in the interest of customer safety, to remove any potential excess bonding agent applied in the assembly process. We have established significant safety and technical resources to determine which rifles are affected and to minimize any risks. Our goal is to have every recalled firearm inspected, specialty cleaned, tested and returned as soon as possible.”
If you have a Model 700 or Model Seven rifle subject to recall, contact Remington right away. Provide the rifle’s serial number and your addresss. Remington will send you pre-paid shipping tags, boxes and written instructions. Remington will cover all related shipping, inspection, and cleaning charges.
Story Tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Share the post "Remington Recalls Model 700 and Model Seven Rifles with X-Mark Pro Triggers"
|
