Great News — There will be serious smallbore rifle competition at Camp Perry this year (though the NRA National Smallbore Championships will still be held at Camp Wa-Ke-De in Indiana). The CMP will host a new series of smallbore events in July at Camp Perry, the Mecca of competitive shooting in the USA. This way smallbore competitors can enjoy the experience of shooting on the famed Camp Perry ranges. Smallbore competitions have been slotted into the Camp Perry National Match schedule July 16-22, 2018. These smallbore events include: 3×40 two-day event; 3P Team Match; Two-Day Prone event; Elimination Prone event; Prone Team Match; USAMU Training Clinic.
The smallbore matches will be fired on Rodriguez Range at Camp Perry under a covered firing line. Shooters Technology will provide a scoring App that allows instant scoring for quick results. Finals will be conducted on the CMP’s Electronic Targets installed on the Camp Perry Petrarca Range.
Learn more about the CMP’s smallbore rifle events at the 2018 National Matches on the CMP website. In addition to an event schedule, the 2018 CMP Smallbore Rifle Competition Rules is also available online. To register for the Camp Perry smallbore events, or to review the 2018 Rulebook, visit http://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-national-matches/smallbore-matches/.
NATIONAL MATCHES at CAMP PERRY
The National Trophy Pistol and Rifle Matches have been a continued tradition of marksmanship excellence every summer since 1903. Moved to Camp Perry, Ohio, in 1907, the event now draws well over 6,000 annual visitors. For any serious marksman, competing at the National Matches at Camp Perry if a definite “bucket list” item, an experience that creates life-long memories. Participants range from novices to the world’s top smallbore and high power shooters.
Here’s a video from 2011 when the NRA Smallbore Championships were held at Camp Perry. It is great to see smallbore events return to Camp Perry in 2018.
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Looks like MasterPiece Arms (MPA) stocks are a top choice for the tactical game. MPA chassis systems have been used to WIN 5 of the last 12 matches in the Precision Rifle Series (PRS). The MPA BA Chassis was used by David Preston to win the Carolina PRS Match, Defiance Long Range Shooting Experience (LRSE), and Rocky Mountain Mayhem PRS Match; by Matt Brousseau to win the Bushnell Lonestar Challenge; and by Matt Rooks to win the MPA Spring Shootout. Five of twelve works out to a 42% win percentage — pretty impressive considering all the stock/chassis options on the market today.
The MPA BA Chassis was recently surveyed to be the number one chassis/stock system used by PRS competitors in the PRS 2017 Finale Gear Survey. It experienced a 900% increase in use in 2017 from 2016, which was by far the biggest jump among all chassis systems used by PRS competitors.
MPA’s president, Phil Cashin, is an active PRS shooter. He finished in the top 100 in 2017 and qualified for the finale last year. Cashin, shown in the video below, regularly tests out new ideas and upgrades in actual competition and he regularly seeks out feedback from top tactical competitors. As they say, competition improves the breed.
MPA Production Class Rifle
MPA also offers a PRS Production Class Rifle (PCR) using the MPA Chassis system mated to a Savage Model 12 action. Production Class rifles may cost no more than $2000.00 before optics. Designed specifically for the new PRS Production Class, MPA’s PCR Competition Rifle offers many premium features yet stays under the $2,000 Class limit. The Savage action is upgraded with a Rifle Basix 2-lb trigger, and the adjustable, modular chassis offers a bag rider, barricade stop, and built-in bubble level.
For more information on the MasterPiece Arms product line of rifles, chassis systems and accessories, visit www.Masterpiecearms.com.
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At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Creedmoor Sports — Kowa TSN-82SV with Eyepiece Special
This is a good deal. The Kowa 82SV body only (by itself) sells for about $800.00 elsewhere. So you are essentially getting the 25X LER eyepiece, a $225 value, for just $44.95 when you by this from Creedmoor Sports for $844.95. That works out to a $180.00 savings. The Kowa TSN-82SV is a very reliable, high-quality spotting scope, and the 25X LER eyepiece is great when shooting prone — the long eye relief makes it easier to move from your riflescope (or iron sights) to the spotter. If you prefer more magnification, Creedmoor offers the TSN-82SV scope with 20-60X eyepiece for $944.95. That 20-60X eyepiece sells for up to $350.00 by itself, so again, this is a very good deal. PLUS you can also get free ground shipping on the Kowa 82SV spotting scope (with either eyepiece). Use Coupon Code FRSH18 at Checkout to get Free ground shipping on $99+ orders.
2. Bruno Shooters Supply — Spring Inventory Reduction Sale
You’ll find some great buys at Bruno Shooters Supply. But you need to act quick. Bruno’s Spring Inventory Reduction Sale runs now through NOON on Tuesday, April 24, 2018. Lots of great items are on sale, including top name brands: Lapua brass, Berger Bullets, Sierra Bullets, BAT Actions, Hodgdon Powder, Lyman Reloading Products, Hornady products, Nosler products and more. Save 15% or more on many items. Visit Bruno’s Sale Page for the full list of products on sale.
This scope normally sells for around $900-$950. But right now you can order the 46-power Weaver XR scope for just $666.00. Killer Deal — save well over $200.00. But act quick — this price could change (this is a back-order — scopes will ship from Amazon when available). The new Weaver T-Series XR 46x48mm scope offers a lot of bang for the buck compared to pricey high-magnification zoom optics (which cost $2000-$2500). Compared to the older T-36, this new 46-power XR scope offers more magnification, more elevation, a larger front objective (48mm vs. 40mm), and a larger 30mm main tube (compared to 1″ for the old T-36). The new XR 46X Weaver also features side-focus parallax control. Note, Natchez currently has the silver 36x40mm Weaver XR for just $389.99 — a fantastic price. 36X is enough power for benchrest competition.
4. Walmart — 48″ Stack-On Shooter’s Safe, $263.46
This is an absolutely killer deal on a small Stack-on Safe that could be an ideal second safe for your garage, workroom, or bedroom. It measures 48″ high x 20.88″ wide x 19.75″ deep (internal dimensions are: 45.5″ x 18.5″ x 13.5″). This safe is ETL fire-rated for up to 1400° for 30 minutes. NOTE: This is NOT tall enough to fit match rifles with long barrels, but it will work great to hold pistols, shorter rifles, optics, expensive electronics and personal items (jewelry, watches, documents). This safe weighs 270 pounds assembled, which can be moved fairly easily with a hand dolly. You can pick up at Walmart Store for $263.46, or pay $47.97 for shipping right to your front door. Very good price.
Very popular with Amazon buyers, the Kestrel 3000 enjoys 80% 5-Star Ratings. This versatile Weather Meter records wind speed, wind gust, average wind speed, temperature, humidity, dew point and more. Every precision shooter should have a wind meter, and this is an affordable entry-level unit. NOTE: This Kestrel 3000 does NOT include built-in Applied Ballistics software (to get that feature you’ll have to pay $599+ for a Kestrel Elite). No worries — you can run a separate mobile App on your phone, such as Ballistic, which uses the JBM Ballistics engine and costs just $12.99.
6. Bud’s Gun Shop — T/C Rifles under $280.00 with Rebate
Chose from a host of Thompson Center Arms (T/C) hunting rifles at crazy low prices. Right now T/C is offering a $75.00 Aim to Save Rebate that drops many popular rigs under $280.00. For example, a T/C compass in 6.5 Creedmoor is just $279.00 after rebate ($354.00 list price). T/C® products qualifying for $75.00 Rebate are: Venture, Compass, Dimension, G2 Contender, Encore Pro Hunter, Triumph, T/C Strike and T/C Impact. Find deals on Bud’s Thompson Center Product Page.
7. Smith & Wesson SD9VE 9mm, $249.99 with CODE M8Y
The two-tone Smith & Wesson SD9VE 9mm pistol features contrasting stainless-steel slide and barrel. Weighing just 22.7 oz, this DAO pistol ships with two 16-round magazines, offering plenty of fire-power. Overall length is 7.2″ with a 4″-long barrel. Both front and rear sights are drift-adjustable. This is a nice medium-sized pistol that shoots well. The Smith & Wesson SD9VE is on sale now at Brownells. Sale price is currently $259.99 with a $10 FFL processing fee. SAVE MORE: During check-out at Brownells.com, use code “M8Y” to receive $20 Off and get FREE delivery. That lowers your net cost to just $249.99 shipped to your FFL!
8. NRA & MidwayUSA — NRA Life Membership, $600.00
Save big right now on an NRA Memberships. The NRA is offering very attractive membership deals, in conjunction with MidwayUSA. Get a life membership for $600.00. This normally costs $1500.00, but if you CLICK HERE, you can get a life membership for just $600.00, thanks to an NRA/MidwayUSA promotion. You can also save on 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year NRA memberships. Note: This is a limited-time offer, current as of 4/23/2018.
9. Amazon — Howard Leight MAX NRR33 Earplugs, $8.00/50 Pairs
20 Pairs
50 Pairs
These Howard Leight NRR33 Max plugs are your Editor’s favorite foam earplugs. Between shooting, motorcycling and mowing lawns, I probably have Max plugs in my ears 2-3 days a week. This is a very good price for a bulk pack of 50 pairs. And if you act soon, you can get free shipping to boot.
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New Zealand-based Annealing Made Perfect (AMP) has released powerful new software called AZTEC Mode. This works with existing AMP annealing machines, offering unrivaled “custom tuning” for your brass. AZTEC Mode lets AMP owners calibrate their own cases without sending samples to New Zealand. Basically you take one brass case from your lot, and AZTEC runs a special test cycle. You’ll discard that one case, but the software will analyze the brass characteristics and develop a custom, optimized annealing profile for that exact type of brass. We think the AMP machines were already the most advanced annealers on the market, and AZTEC Mode makes the AMP even better.
AMP’s engineers tell us: “This AZTEC system is not a firmware update or patch. It is a major upgrade in the way the annealer operates”. AZTEC Mode can be downloaded (in locked format) from AMPAnnealing.com, and you can install using the USB cable supplied with the annealer. When downloaded, it will be locked. The Unlock Code can be purchased for $250.00 from Creedmoor Sports.
This 4-minute video explains the basic features of AZTEC mode:
Patent-Pending AZTEC Mode software has been under development for quite some time. This very sophisticated software was unveiled at SHOT Show 2018, and now it is available for download and purchase. AMP’s team has worked hard in the past few months perfecting AZTEC Mode and it’s now ready for the end user. Watch this comprehensive video to see how AZTEC Mode works.
Here is a full 23-minute Instructional Video on AZTEC Mode:
AZTEC also comes with a “Sort Mode” comparator, which analyses the neck, shoulder and front section of the body. It is very sensitive to variables such as mass and dimensions. It is a work in progress. Annealing Made Perfect are conducting further research with ballistics laboratories to establish the best applications. AZTEC Mode is self-prompting and very simple to use with minimal technical expertise. AMP has prepared instructional videos showing how to install and use AZTEC Mode. You don’t have to be a computer whiz — just follow the instructions and you should find AZTEC pretty easy to use.
To buy AZTEC Mode software, use the USB cable supplied with the annealer and download the AZTEC Mode Software from AMPAnnealing.com. Then purchase the Unlock Code from Creedmoor Sports for $250.00. Customers will then receive an email from Annealing Made Perfect with the unlock code and instructions within 48 hours. AZTEC Mode is currently only available for Windows OS, with a version for Apple (Mac) iOS available soon.
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The NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits Event runs May 3-6 in Dallas, Texas. Here are some helpful resources for members planning to attend the NRA Convention. There will be over 800 Exhibitors displaying products at the 2018 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits. You can see products from big name companies such as Berger Bullets, Leupold, Nightforce, Nosler, Redding, Remington, Ruger, Savage, Smith & Wesson, and Winchester. You can also meet with top hunting guides and outfitters.
The 147th NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits will take place at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, May 3-6 in Dallas, Texas. The Exhibit Hall will be open May 4-6. Along with the Exhibits, the event will feature seminars, workshops, special events, and more.
The NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits is FREE to all NRA members and their families (spouse and children under 18 years old). For faster entry bring your current NRA membership card with you.
NOTE: Pre-Registration has closed and badges are now being shipped out. Attendees can register on-site at the event in Dallas — bring your membership card or number with you.
Download Free NRA Annual Meetings Mobile App
Attendees should definitely official Mobile App for the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits. This FREE App will help you locate your favorite exhibitors, keep track of special events, plan your time, and get important notifications. The App works with both Apple (iOS) and Android mobile devices.
LOCATION of 2018 NRA Annual Meetings in Dallas:
This year’s NRA Convention will be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in downtown Dallas. Use this interactive map to plan your travel.
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Australian John Lavaring recently shot a group at 200 yards that would make most centerfire shooters proud. The five-shot group, with all shots in the center 10-ring, measured just 0.93 inches. That works out to 0.44 MOA at 200 — mighty impressive for a .22 LR. Recorded at a Rimfire Fly Shoot benchrest event in Canberra, Australia, this 200-yard target set two new Australian SSAA National records! John was using ELEY Tenex ammunition.
Congratulations to John Lavaring for a spectacular demonstration of how well a rimfire rig can shoot — even at 200 yards. We rarely shoot our .22 LR rifles past 50 meters. Maybe it’s time to start a Rimfire ELR series, with targets at 200 or even 300 yards. What do you think of the Rimfire ELR idea? Leave comments below.
Anschutz 54 Benchrest Rig
The rifle was a Anchutz model 54 Match in a custom benchrest stock. John’s record-setting rig features a barrel block, which you can see forward of the action. Scope is a Bausch & Lomb BR model. We don’t have the round count on Lavaring’s barrel, but good rimfire benchrest rifles can often get 10,000 rounds (or more) of accurate life.
Rimfire Ballistics at 200 Yards
Some folks may be wondering about .22 LR ballistics at 200 yards. Well, with a 25-yard zero, the 200-yard drop for John’s 40gr Tenex ammo is 54 inches, assuming 0.145 G1 BC and 1085 fps muzzle velocity per ELEY website. And at 200 yards, a 10 mph crosswind will push that little bullet 15.3 inches! We’re told the winds were pretty tricky when Lavary shot his record group. This makes his achievement all the more impressive — we have to admire John’s wind-reading ability.
This ELEY ammo has proven to be exceptionally accurate. Here is a short video showing TEN rounds of Tenex shot from a machine rest with target at 50 meters.
Ten Rounds ELEY Tenex at 50 meters:
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UPDATE: The 46x48mm side-parallax Weaver XR (black) is on sale now at Amazon for $666.00! You can save over $300.00 on this optic right now — but don’t delay. These special deals don’t last long.
With the cost of some high-end, high-magnification zoom scopes climbing well past the $3000-dollar mark, some shooters are considering a return to fixed-power optics. These are still quite popular in the short-range Benchrest game where weight is “mission critical” and the need to view mirage at lower power is not so critical. But now we are seeing some F-Class competitors considering fixed-power scopes — primarily for the increased reliability and huge cost savings. The $2000+ you can save (compared to a $3000+ Zoom) could buy a custom action, trigger, and premium barrel!
One scope to consider is Weaver’s latest T-Series 46X target scope with side-focus parallax control. With a street price around $900.00, the new Weaver T-Series XR 46x48mm scope offers a lot of bang for the buck compared to the pricey zoom scopes. Compared to the older T-36, this new 46-power XR scope offers more magnification, more elevation, a larger front objective (48mm vs. 40mm), and a larger 30mm main tube (compared to 1″ for the old T-36). The new XR 46X Weaver also features side-focus parallax control. That’s a big change. You could instantly spot a classic Weaver T-36 by the adjustable front objective with its knurled ring and yardage markings. The T-Series XR 46X (as well as the new XR 24X and XR 36X) have the parallax control on the left side of the main tube (photo below).
We have looked through the new Weaver 46X scope and it is very sharp. Brightness is good — it seems comparable with a Leupold 45x45mm Competition (but that was on a bright, sunny day). Initial tests show the clicks to be tactile and positive, but we haven’t had a chance to do a full “box test” to confirm tracking. Weaver claims the new XR series scopes will focus down to 50 feet, but with the 46X we had some questions about its extreme close-focus capability. If you’re shooting beyond 50 yards, the focus should be fine.
The new T-Series 46X XR is offered with two reticle choices, a fine cross-hair (FCH), or FCH with 1/16th MOA dot. Both reticles are well-suited for benchrest work. You can find the new 46X Weaver for under $900.00. That’s way more than the old T-36, but it undercuts Leupold fixed-power competition scopes by hundreds of dollars.
Other Side-Focuc 36X T-Series XR Scopes with Side-Focus and 1″ Tubes
The new 46-power XR scope is the star of the XR line-up. Designed to go head-to-head with Leupold’s 45X Competition scope, the 46X Weaver XR offers a modern 30mm main-tube and large (48mm) front objective. If you don’t need the bigger tube and larger objective, but still want side-focus parallax control, Weaver offers two other new XR scopes — a 36x40mm and a 24x40mm. These both normally retail for around $600.00. (And the 36X is on SALE now for $499.99 as of 4/21/18).
Older T-Series Weavers for Under $450.00
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t need 46-power magnification and side parallax control, you may want to consider the older 36-power T-series Weavers. These adjustable front-objective Weaver “Tees” enjoy a good reputation for reliability. They’re not a bright as the XR models, but you can now purchase the older T-series scopes with adjustable front objectives for well under $450.00 in both black finish and silver finish. For benchrest shooting at a fixed distance, side-focus is not necessary; adjustable front objectives work just fine. Just set and forget.
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Did you know you can damage your hearing even if you are wearing the best hearing protection available? Well, have you ever heard of concussion (or concussive) hearing loss? There is no amount of anything you can put in or over your ears to protect you from concussion loss. My audiologist explained to me the concussion comes through the facial bone structure and damages the ear’s tiny bones.
Editor’s NOTE: This may be the most important tech article we’ve run all year. It explains how you can suffer inner ear damage and hearing loss even if you use earplugs or muffs. Read that again — hearing loss even with typical hearing protection. This kind of concussive hearing loss can result from shooting with muzzle brakes in confined spaces. Using a suppressor (aka sound moderator) can reduce the risk of concussive hearing loss. You may not have the ability to use a suppressor, but this article explains how you should be more mindful of your hearing.
Why I Use a Suppressor (Preventing Concussive Hearing Loss)
It must have been the road noise. I thought I was having a hard time hearing my five year old daughter speaking to me on my cell phone because of the road noise. That old SUV was kind of loud inside. Until I switched the phone to my left ear and suddenly I could hear her just fine. Wait, what just happened? I moved the phone back to the right ear and there was that muffled voice again. That’s when I knew I had a problem.
“What?” Lots of us in the shooting community have lost some hearing along the way due to our time on the range or in the field. Those of us who hunt have certainly discharged a firearm or three without ear protection and without concern for our hearing. After all, it’s just one shot, right? How much can it hurt?
Actually, that one shot DOES hurt your hearing. Any sound over 140 dB is immediate hearing loss. It just happens to be killing a small amount of our hearing so most of us continued the practice without a care. Living with hearing loss now makes me wish I could go back 20 years and better protect my hearing. I can’t change what I did in the past, but going forward I can certainly do the most to protect the hearing I still have.
I decided to shoot about a year’s worth of matches with just braked rifles. That year is when I lost significant hearing in my right ear and some in the left. I’ve gone back to shooting only suppressed rifles whenever possible.
I shot my first suppressed firearm, a .22 LR pistol, in 2003. After a few rounds I wondered why everyone (who can do so legally) didn’t shoot suppressed? No one drives without a muffler. Why would you? Point is I immediately appreciated the hearing protection benefits of suppressors. That passion got me into the business of selling suppressors and it wasn’t long before I was one of the biggest retailers for companies like AAC, SWR, SilencerCo, Ops Inc. and others. [Editor: The author’s business, Accurate Ordnance, no longer sells suppressors. So this article is NOT a sales pitch. Mark just wanted to share his experience so others might protect their hearing.]
Did you know you can damage your hearing even if you are wearing the best hearing protection available? You’ve heard guys say, “I’ll wear plugs and muffs, so I’ll be just fine shooting that .50 BMG!” Well, ever heard of concussion (or concussive) hearing loss? Yeah, I hadn’t either. I’ll sum it up the way the last audiologist I spoke with about my hearing loss did – there is no amount of anything you can put in or over your ears to protect you from concussion loss.
A hand grenade went off right next to a buddy of mine. He lost some hearing as a result of the blast. No one is really surprised by that. I mean it is an EXPLOSION. It’s loud. Duh. But I had no idea the blast from a muzzle brake could basically hurt my hearing the same way. The doctor explained to me the concussion comes through the facial bone structure and damages the ear’s tiny bones. Same thing as what can happen through any TBI (traumatic brain injury).
I’ve owned quite a few different suppressors over the years and have shot just about everything out there. I’m still as big a fan as ever. However, I wanted to see if using a suppressor in PRS (Precision Rifle Series) and similar matches was actually a hindrance. Some people feel the added length and weight of a suppressor can make getting into some shooting positions slower or problematic. So I decided to shoot about a year with a muzzle brake instead of a suppressor. I sure regret that decision…
Getting Headaches at PRS Matches Was Warning Sign
It is fairly common in PRS matches to shoot through pipes, vehicles, inside “shoot houses” and around other obstacles that echo a rifle’s blast. I noticed I was starting to get headaches about halfway through a day of PRS match shooting. I knew the issue wasn’t hydration. I mean look, if you are peeing every other stage down at the amazing CORE range facility in mid-summer you are NOT dehydrated. So, what was causing the headaches? It wasn’t until I went back to shooting suppressed in those same environments that it became clear the little mini concussions from that muzzle brake was causing my headaches. And of course the doctors confirmed that.
Let me stop here and say I am NOT anti-brake. Muzzle brakes are useful tools and for some situations are the best tools. An aggressive brake can be more effective at reducing recoil than a good suppressor. A suppressor does add some recoil reduction, just not as much as most quality brakes. Don’t forget to factor other variables, such as caliber and rifle weight, into the equation though. For example, a 15-lb 6mm Creedmoor rifle doesn’t need much recoil reduction in the first place.
So, I started shooting matches long before the PRS even existed and always shot suppressed in those days. The suppressors made communication with a partner or RO easier and it was just a more pleasant shooting experience. On the recommendations of a few people I decided to shoot about a year’s worth of matches with just braked rifles. That year is when I lost significant hearing in my right ear and some in the left. I’ve gone back to shooting only suppressed rifles whenever possible and especially at matches. I’ve only once or twice found the extra length of the suppressor made it a little more inconvenient to run a stage, but not by much. Trust me, the points I missed were not because I took two extra seconds getting the muzzle in a port or window.
My hearing is something I value and will do everything to protect from this point forward. You’ll never again see me on a match field with an un-suppressed rifle. To me the minimal gains of running a braked rifle aren’t worth losing more hearing.
Choosing a Suppressor — What to Consider
Okay, so I have hearing loss that I can’t get back and realize I need to go back to shooting matches with a suppressor. But which one? I’ll still be shooting matches with custom fit plugs so I just need something to add a little recoil reduction and kill that concussion.
At our shop, Accurate Ordnance, we generally recommend direct-thread suppressor solutions to our customers. The main reason for that is all the problems we’ve seen with other fast-attach muzzle devices. It doesn’t take much tolerance stacking to result in accuracy issues. There are a few exceptions for us and the Rugged Suppressors products top the list. Since the Razor 762 uses a muzzle brake adapter on the rifle to attach the suppressor, I can use the same suppressor on my .223 Rem training rifle. My primary match rifles are chambered in 6mm Creedmoor and 6.5 Creedmoor and the muzzle threads on those is a standard 5/8×24. My .223 Rem training rifle has .5×28 threads on the muzzle, which is standard for that caliber. Thus, the muzzle adapter interface lets me share the suppressors between all the rifles. And on that .223 Rem training rifle I have the option of switching the end cap on any of the Rugged products to a .223 aperture size, which makes the suppressors slightly more sound efficient (meaning quieter).
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Running out of space in your gun safe? Here’s a clever product that will allow you to store more long guns in your current vault. The plastic Rifle Rods from Gun Storage Solutions slip in long-gun barrels and then grip the shelf above using Velcro pads. This allows you to nestle your rifles and shotguns much closer together than with the conventional racks provided with most gunsafes. The rods are offered in bright orange or basic black. We prefer the safety orange rods (shown above with the Velcro “receiver” shelf liner provided with the Rod Kit).
Rifles with narrow furniture (such as lever guns) can be placed very close together, saving lots of space. For benchrest or varmint rifles with wider fore-ends, you won’t benefit as much. Note that, in the photo above, all of the guns are fairly slim — none have wide fore-ends. Still we think these Rifle Rods could open up 12″ or more horizontal clearance in a medium-sized safe — that could easily allow you to store six (6) more guns in two rows, as shown.
Rifle Rod Kits Starting at $34.50
A kit with 10 Rifle Rods and loop fabric shelf liner costs $34.50 on Amazon.com, while the 20-Rod Kit with liner costs around $55.00. That’s a lot cheaper than buying a new safe. A six-pack of additional black Rifle Rods costs $15.25 on Amazon. NOTE: To get the safety orange rods you may have to pay a few dollars more and order directly from Gun Storage Solutions.
WARNING: Always REMOVE Rod from barrel before taking gun to the range. Never place live ammunition in a gun with storage Rod in the barrel!
Product tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
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The Everyday Sniper Podcast is a streaming audio series about long range shooting, precision rifles, firearms, training, and industry updates. The podcast is a joint effort of Sniper’s Hide and Mile High Shooting. Podcast host Frank Galli is well known to precision shooters. Frank, a military veteran, is the founder of Sniper’s Hide, and he regularly tests tactical rifles and related equipment. He also runs the Sniper’s Hide Team Challenge each year. This year’s Challenge runs June 1-3 in Washington State.
For the Everyday Sniper podcast, Galli has brought together firearms industry experts, top gunsmiths, and ace shooters. They share their knowledge and on-the-range experience. You’ll find a wealth of information on tactical and long-range gear, plus tips on PRS competition and more.
Here are the three latest Everyday Sniper podcasts:
This episode include Seekins After Action Report along with Glen Seekins interview. Frank notes: “During my ride back from Idaho I talk about my trip to Seekins Precision and then follow it up with my interview where we talk about Glen’s history and his six degrees of separation between Sniper’s Hide and Seekins.”
Click to launch Podcast on Everyday Sniper Website:
Everyday Sniper Episode 46:
Magpul Pro 700, Bedding Chassis, Wind Video and more
April 17, 2018
Welcome to the Everyday Sniper Podcast. Frank here, Mike is at MHSA working the counter. In this episode we talk about the new Magpul Pro 700 Chassis, and the KRG Bravo Chassis. Other topics include: Wind Video, Technology Sucks, Suppressor Follow-up, Busted Shoulder.
Click to launch Podcast on Everyday Sniper Website:
The Everyday Sniper Episode 45:
Tripods, Truing, and Terrain
April 15, 2018
Mike and Frank return with Part Two of weekly recap conversation. In this episode, they expand on key points of the previous episode, and cover some additional topics:
Tripod Shooting – RRS
Positions with Tripod
Training getting in and out of position
Getting closer vs shooting subsonic
Seekins Precision Rifles
RRS Dovetail Accessories
SP10M vs SP10
AA Targets Truing Targets
We frequently receive inquiries about compact self-defense pistols. Many folks (some of whom already own a full-sized pistol) ask: “What’s a good compact 9mm pistol I can carry or keep in a vehicle during trips?” Of course, there is the Glock 19. And the new Sig Sauer P365 is quite good. But they are both around $500.00. You can spend about half that and still get a very good 9x19mm pistol with lifetime warranty and good ergonomics.
Here are three 9mm handgun options, all available now for well under $300.00. In fact, our third choice, the Ruger EC9, is currently just $209.99 at Brownells (with promo code). That’s just a few bucks over two hundred! It’s a buyers’ market right now…
1. Walther Creed 9mm Pistol, $269.99
The Walther Creed offers excellent ergonomics, good accuracy, and well-designed controls at a killer price — $269.99 at CDNN Sports. This gun, designed to be a value-leader, emulates Walther’s more expensive PPQ model (MSRP $649.00) at a much lower price. The Creed’s frame size and shape is the same as the PPQ, but the Creed lacks interchangeable backstraps. Slide and trigger are very similar. The Creed features a snag-free bobbed hammer. Testers have praised the new Creed, saying that, despite the bargain price, it “sacrifices little to nothing in… ergonomics, accuracy, and reliability.”
2. Smith & Wesson SD9VE 9mm, $249.99 with CODE M8Y
The two-tone Smith & Wesson SD9VE 9mm pistol features contrasting stainless-steel slide and barrel. Weighing just 22.7 oz, this DAO pistol ships with two 16-round magazines, offering plenty of fire-power. Overall length is 7.2″ with a 4″-long barrel. Both front and rear sights are drift-adjustable. This is a nice medium-sized pistol that shoots well. The Smith & Wesson SD9VE is on sale now at Brownells. Sale price is currently $259.99 with a $10 handling charge.
SAVE MORE: During check-out at Brownells.com, you can use code “M8Y” to receive $20 Off and get FREE delivery. That lowers your net cost to just $249.99 shipped to your FFL. Under $250.00 for a nice S&W Nine is a great deal.
3. Ruger EC9 9mm — $209.99 at Brownells with CODE M8Y
The striker-fired Ruger EC9 features a 3.12″ barrel and measures 6.0″ overall. This 1.07-lb EC9 is slim for easy concealment. Weighing just 1.07 lbs., this is definitely an “all-day carry” option. With Brownell’s current sale pricing and promo codes, you can get this little pistol for just $209.99 delivered (see right). You heard that right. Sale price is currently $219.99 with a $10 handling charge. However, during check-out you can use code “M8Y” to receive $20 Off and get FREE delivery. That lowers your net cost, so that your all-up price, delivered to your FFL, is just $209.99. That’s a great price for a reliable gun backed by Ruger. Here is a recent review from verified buyer: “It’s an LC9 with fixed sights that are milled into the slide. Same trigger. Same frame. Sweet shooter. Perfect for concealed carry. Can’t beat it for the price.”
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Many shooters these days clean their cartridge brass ultrasonically, or wet-tumble their cases with stainless media (above). Both methods get brass clean and shiny, inside and out. However, when those wet-cleaning processes are completed, you’re left with a pile of soaking wet brass. How do you dry your brass quickly and efficiently, without unsightly water spots? Read on for some great answers…
In our Shooters’ Forum, Forum Gold Member Terry asked: “How do you dry your brass after Ultrasonic cleaning?” In an interesting Reloading Forum Thread, many smart suggestions were posted. A dozen fellow members outlined a variety of effective case-drying procedures, which work equally well for both wet-tumbled brass and ultrasonically-cleaned cases. Here are the Top 10 brass-drying suggestions from our Forum members.
TOP TEN Ways to Dry Cartridge Brass After Wet Cleaning
1. Food Dehydrator — Shake the brass in towel to get the bulk of water off. Next leave in the food dehydrator for 45 minutes or until there are no signs of moisture inside the cases. — Lawrence97
2. Lyman 5-Level Case Dryer — Rinse off cleaning solution(s), then load brass by type into racks in Lyman Cyclone Case Dryer. This is easier to load/unload than food dehydrators and holds more cases.
3. Hot Water + Compressed Air — Rinse all your cases as a batch using scalding hot water from the kitchen sink. Hot water evaporates off of brass very very quickly. Then hit them with compressed air. Takes 10 minutes. Simple. — SG4247
4. Oven Dry in Pre-Heated Oven — After pre-heating to 200° or so, turn off oven and put brass inside on a tray. Most important! Tell your wife what you are doing so she doesn’t crank it up to 425 to heat pizza! — MClark
NOTE: Many other members suggested oven drying at 150-200°. We recommend turning OFF the oven so you don’t cook your brass if you forget to remove the cases.
5. Towel Dry then Warm with Heat Gun — Roll brass in a towel until no more water shakes out. Lay out on cardboard box top and blow off with Harbor Freight heat gun. $9.99 on coupon. Two minutes of heated air and about half hour of wait and they are good to go. This is with primers removed. — Shaggy357
6. Compressed Air, then Sun Dry Outside – I rinse the brass, then blow them out with compressed air. Then, dependent on the time of year, lay them on a towel in the sun. — HogPatrol
7. Dishwasher on Dry Cycle – In the winter, I drop my wet brass cases neck-down on the rack pegs in the dishwasher, then turn on the dry cycle. In the summer…well, I’m in Texas. They go to the porch for a bit. — Toolbreaker
8. Alcohol Rinse then Air or Oven Dry — Rinse in 90% Isopropyl alcohol and either let air dry or stick in 175° oven for half an hour. Alternatively, use a dehydrator. — Zipollini
9. Slow Air-Dry in Loading Blocks — I have a reloading block with holes drilled in it. I simply load the block up and let it air-dry in the cupboard for a couple of days. — JCS
10. Wipe with Towel Then Anneal Normally — This thread is stirring my OCD side. Seems complicated for just drying — my brass dries just fine when I anneal it. This entire process can’t take an hour per batch. When finished, the brass is cleaned, annealed, and ready to size. — CHLuke
Deprime, then tumble brass with stainless media, water, Lemishine, and dish detergent.
Shake them easily in a strainer to knock out most media then grab 4-5 pieces, shake them over the bucket for the last of the media then inside a towel.
Finally blow out the primer pockets and wipe with a towel, load in the Annealeez.
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Anschutz 54 Benchrest Rig
We have looked through the new Weaver 46X scope and it is very sharp. Brightness is good — it seems comparable with a Leupold 45x45mm Competition (but that was on a bright, sunny day). Initial tests show the clicks to be tactile and positive, but we haven’t had a chance to do a full “box test” to confirm tracking. Weaver claims the new XR series scopes will focus down to 50 feet, but with the 46X we had some questions about its extreme close-focus capability. If you’re shooting beyond 50 yards, the focus should be fine.
Other Side-Focuc 36X T-Series XR Scopes with Side-Focus and 1″ Tubes
The striker-fired 
5. Towel Dry then Warm with Heat Gun — Roll brass in a towel until no more water shakes out. Lay out on cardboard box top and blow off with Harbor Freight heat gun. $9.99 on coupon. Two minutes of heated air and about half hour of wait and they are good to go. This is with primers removed. — Shaggy357
