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January 31st, 2019

Have AirGun, Will Travel — Pyramyd Air’s “Range in a Box”

Pyramyd Air Range Box disabled shooter marksmanship training

The NRA and Pyramyd Air are bringing AirGun shooting to the people in 2019. The Range in a Box program presented by Pyramyd Air provides temporary air gun ranges to approved clubs and organizations free of charge to facilitate basic firearm safety training and “fun shoot” types of events for people with disabilities. The traveling Range in a Box includes backstops, air guns, tripods — essentially all that participants need, except pellets and paper targets.

Pyramyd Air’s Range in a Box provides nearly everything needed to set up a temporary air gun range, including air rifles, air pistols, the portable range, rifle rests, and reactive targets. The key components are: seven T-200 Sporter Rifles; three Air Venturi Pistols; one large Crosman Portable Range (24 feet long by 8 feet wide; three Ultimate Tripod rifle rests from McFadden Machine Company; and various reactive target systems from Pyramyd Air. Shipping to and from the event location is also provided at no cost to the user. Consumable materials such as air and tanks, pellets, and paper targets are not included.

Pyramyd Air Range Box disabled shooter marksmanship training

Range in Box disability disabled Crosman Pyramyd Air airgun air rifleThis resource is intended for use by any organization planning an event to include people with disabilities — the most common participants being veterans’ groups, rehabilitation facilities and gun clubs. To get started, you can contact the NRA Adaptive Shooting Program at adaptiveshooting@nrahq.org or visit adaptiveshooting.nrahq.org to print the application and user agreement. Each organization may use the Range in a Box two times to establish the viability of such an event and is then encouraged to apply for grants through The NRA Foundation to purchase its own equipment.

The NRA Adaptive Shooting Program strives to remove barriers that prevent interested groups from hosting more events for people with disabilities by merging the resources of industry partners such as Pyramyd Air with the commitment of the community to spread firearm safety training to a very deserving segment of the population. For more information, visit: adaptiveshooting.nrahq.org.

Permalink News, Shooting Skills No Comments »
January 31st, 2019

Haul Your Gear Safely and Securely — In-Vehicle Locked Storage

plastix vehicle storage system

Plastix Plus, a Texas-based business founded by a volunteer fireman, is a leading builder of custom storage systems for Fire Departments, Police Agencies, Emergency Response teams, and Federal Agencies such as the U.S. Marshals and the FBI. Using CNC design and thermal plastic welding technology, Plastix Plus can create an infinite variety of in-vehicle storage systems with trays, bins, boxes, shelves, and lockable secure storage. Below is a Plastix Plus storage system fitted in the back of an SUV. Note the AR-type rifles stored in a sliding compartment with fast-access locks.

plastix plus vehical car truck storage systems

Modern Plastics Are Superior to Wood or Metal for Vehicle Storage
While other companies offer storage systems for SUVs and trucks, these are usually fabricated from wood and metal. Plastix Plus President Mike Snow says that the Vycom Hitec HDPE ½ inch-thick plastic used by his company is a superior material. In an interview with Tactical-Life.com, Snow explained: “When you have a $7,000 item like a Jaws of Life tool, metal on metal is not a good combination when you are carrying it in the truck and deploying it. The tool gets destroyed by the metal bracket designed to hold it. Plus, you have high moisture situations with fire fighting, so you need to worry about rust. The Hitec material is moisture-resistant and very forgiving for emergency tool transport.”

Likewise the Hitec plastic is easier on fine gun finishes than metal boxes, and it won’t warp or absorb moisture like wood can. Snow says that his plastic storage systems will last for decades. By contrast, Snow says some fire departments that opted for wood storage systems have been forced to replace or rebuild their storage units after just a couple seasons.

plastix vehicle storage system

Plastix Plus hopes to expand to the general consumer market, providing custom in-vehicle storage solutions for trucks, RVs, and SUVs. Plastix Plus can match the exact dimensions of your vehicle, providing your choice of drawers, bins, and locking compartments, including gun storage lockers. A custom Plastix Plus storage system is not cheap. But it may be a smart purchase — when you consider the value of the guns and gear you haul around. Your investment in multiple match rifles (with $3K scopes), along with fancy rests, electronics, and accessories, could easily top $20,000.

Permalink Gear Review, Tactical No Comments »
January 30th, 2019

More SHOT Show 2019 Coverage from GunsAmerica

Guns America Shot Show coverage stories

GunsAmerica.com has published very extensive coverage of SHOT Show 2019, releasing dozens of articles over the past two weeks. Lead by GunsAmerica Digest Editor True Pearce, a large team of writers/reporters has provided detailed reviews (most with videos) of many interesting new products.

Here are some of the most notable GunsAmerica.com product reports. You can find many more in the GunsAmerica Digest SHOT Show Archive. Click each title to read full stories.

Seekins Precision Havak Bravo PRS Tactical Rifle action

Comment: We like the Bravo stock, and the Seekins action used in this gun has some interesting features, such as four locking lugs with 90° bolt throw. Definitely read this report.

Sensight Israeli digital scope new optic

Comment: We used the new Sensight and think this represents a significant new technology. It is basically a camera with a digital screen that includes a reticle. With the Sensight you can actually record your shooting session or live-stream it to another device. That makes it great for training.

Accuracy International Deployment package rifle $20000

Comment: You can buy a darn nice used 4×4 truck for what this rifle (along with spare equipment and shipping case) costs. The “Deployment Kit” includes many spare parts, magazines, bipods, and much more. We doubt many private buyers will part with the $20K, but that’s small change for Uncle Sam.

Keltec CP33 pistol 33-round 22 LR shot show

Comment: This new Keltec CP33 is quite large for a .22 LR pistol, but balances well and is not too heavy. It has a very, very good trigger — crisp with a light pull weight. Honestly this trigger is way better than you’d expect. The Picatinny rail on top makes it easy to mount optics. The clear magazine holds 33 rounds.

gunskins vinyl wrap camo camouflage hunting rifle

colt king Cobra .357 Magnum revolver pistol test

Umarex hammer air rifle 50 caliber pneumatic shot show

Comment: Very interesting new .22 LR rimfire that has some significant advantages over the venerable Ruger 10/22, though it does take 10/22 magazines. The trigger is crisp at 4-5 pounds and the entire “action group” is easily removed from the bottom of the stock with the push of a button. This allows the barrel to be cleaned from the breech.

Umarex hammer air rifle 50 caliber pneumatic shot show

Comment: Umarex has really entered into new territory with the Hammer, a .50-caliber air rifle. This appropriately named Hammer, we are told, is the most powerful airgun ever produced.

Leupold 7-35x56mm scope long range SFP FFP

Comment: We were quite impressed with the new First Focal Plane 7-25x56mm Leupold. The glass is excellent, controls are precise, and it enjoys a weight and price advantage over some competitive scopes such as the Nightforce ATACR. GunsAmerica notes: “This front focal scope is available in MOA or MIL adjustments and reticles. The Mark 5HD 7-35×56 will retail for $2,299 – $2,799 depending on reticle choice and illumination.”

zero compromise scope long range SFP FFP

Permalink Gear Review, Handguns, New Product, News No Comments »
January 30th, 2019

Hydro-Forming, Annealing, Neck-Turning by DJ’s Brass

DJ's Brass Restoration Service

Don’t have time to neck-turn hundreds of cases? Don’t want to invest in your own annealer? Want to try a Dasher or 6 BRA but don’t like the hassle of fire-forming? Then give Darrell Jones at DJ’s Brass a call at 205-461-4680. He can handle all the difficult brass forming/brass restoration chores efficiently and affordably. And Darrell’s turn-around time is typically very fast.

Hydro-Forming News — .284 Shehane, 6 PPC, 6 BRA, 6 Dasher and More
NEW for 2019! Darrell also just got a custom hydro die for the .284 Shehane, a wildcat based on the .284 Winchester. This is a very popular option for F-Open Shooters. He is also doing a ton of fire-forming for the 100/200 benchrest crowd, hydro-forming 220 Russian into 6 PPC. And he tells us “Those guys in Montana are keeping me very busying hydro-forming the 6BR Ackley (6 BRA). NOTE: Darrell offers Free Annealing with hydro-forming services, which starts at $60 per 100 cases.

Bench Source Annealing machineWith the price of premium brass topping $1.00 per case for popular match cartridges, it makes sense to consider annealing your brass to extend its useful life. You don’t want to chuck out brass that costs a buck a case (or more)! Forum member Darrell Jones offers a full range of brass prep, brass forming, and brass restoration (annealing, ultra-sonic cleaning) at very affordable prices. Starting at just $20 per 100 cases ($25/100 for magnum cases), Darrell’s company, DJ’s Brass, will anneal your used brass using the impressive Bench-Source annealing machines. Annealing plus ultrasonic cleaning starts at $35 per 100 cases ($45 for magnum cases). For a bit more money Darrell can also uniform the primer pockets and chamfer the case necks.

Custom Neck-Turning Services
Another great service DJ’s Brass provides is precision neck-turning. Darrell can neck-turn any size case to your specified neck-wall thickness. The price starts at $60.00 per hundred for standard cases or $75.00/100 for magnum size. And if you’ve got a bucket of brass to neck-turn, that’s fine with Darrell — he recently neck-turned 1500 pieces of brass for one customer!

DJ’s Brass can process everything from .17 Fireball all the way up to the big magnum cases. And the job gets done quickly. Darrell normally offers a 10-day turn-around. For most jobs, Darrell tells us, he gets the processed brass to the Post Office within three business days. For more info, visit DJsBrass.com or call Darrell Jones at 205-461-4680. IMPORTANT: Contact Darrell for shipping instructions BEFORE sending any brass for processing. ALL BRASS MUST BE DE-PRIMED before you send it.

DJ's Brass Restoration Service

• Anneal Case Necks Only ($20.00/100 normal or $25.00/100 magnum)
• Ultrasonic Cleaning, Check Necks, and Annealing ($35.00/100 normal or $45.00/100 magnum)
• Full Service: Uniform primer pockets, Chamfer case mouths, Ultrasonic cleaning, Anneal case necks (Starting at $60.00/100 call for quote)
• Neck Turning or trim-to-length Custom Order Service (Starting at $60.00/100 for standard cases and $75.00/100 for magnums)
• Hydro-Form Specialty cases (such as Dasher) $0.60 (sixty cents) each minimum of 100 pieces plus actual return shipping cost
• Expand Case Necks and Anneal brass (Call for Price)
• Create False Shoulder for Fire-Forming (Call for Price)

Hydro-Forming Cartridge Brass

Hydro-forming by Darrell costs $0.60 per case with 100-ct minimum. All hydro-formed cases are annealed at no extra charge after the forming process. After hydro-forming, Darrell can also neck-turn the case for an additional charge (call for combined quote). In addition to the 6mmBR-based cases shown below, Darrell can now hydro-form 6PPC cases from .220 Russian brass, and he also offers .284 Shehane.

hydroforming hydro-form Dasher 6mmBR PPC Darrell Jones

With Darrell’s hydro-forming service you don’t have to buy any special dies or other equipment. Darrell says: “Simply send me the brass you need or have it dropped-shipped to me along with a fired case that has not been sized. If you need formed brass for a new build (gun not yet fired), let me know and I will size the brass to fit within .001″ of a PT&G GO gauge.”

DJ’s Brass Offers Specialized Custom Services
Darrell tells us: “At DJ’s Brass, we can handle all your brass refurbishing needs. From ultrasonic cleaning to custom annealing for specific wildcat cartridges. We can expand your necks from .22 caliber to .30 caliber and anneal shoulders for consistent bump-back. We can turn your case-necks and trim the brass to your specs. For some cartridge types, I can pre-form cases to assist in fire-forming a wildcat cartridge. We also remove the carbon build-up in muzzle brakes. Don’t lose your accuracy by having carbon build up and close off the clearance required for the most accurate bullet release through a muzzle brake.” Note: Extra charges apply for neck-turning and neck expansion operations, or specialized cartridge-forming operations. Please call Darrell at 205-461-4680 for special services pricing.

DJ's Brass Restoration Service

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Reloading, Tech Tip 1 Comment »
January 29th, 2019

DIY Project — Install Jewell Trigger in F-Class Panda Action

Erik Cortina Lapua Jewell Trigger Panda Stolle Action Kelbly Kelbly's

In the video below, Forum member (and F-Class ace) Erik Cortina shows how to install a Jewell Benchrest trigger into a Kelbly F-Class Panda action. You could follow the same simple procedure to install a Jewell in a standard Panda action. Kelbly’s sell both standard and long versions of the F-Class Panda action. Both versions feature integral recoil lugs in the front.

To see more detail in this “how-to” video, you can zoom it to full-screen size. Simply click the full-screen icon (4-cornered frame) just to the right of the YouTube logo in the lower right.

Erik Cortina Lapua Jewell Trigger Panda Stolle Action Kelbly Kelbly's

Erik Cortina Lapua Jewell Trigger Panda Stolle Action Kelbly Kelbly's

Permalink - Articles, - Videos, Gunsmithing No Comments »
January 29th, 2019

Fine Pistol at Great Price — Buck Mark Camper UFX for $279.99

Browning Buck Mark Camper UFX 22LR .22 LR Pistol handgun bargain sale

Everyone should own a nice .22 LR rimfire pistol. The Browning Buck Mark is a classic, and for good reason. These pistols are reliable, well-balanced, have a good trigger, and they are very accurate. We have nothing but praise for the bull-barreled Buck Marks. And now you can get one for a super-low price. Sportsman’s Guide has the Browning Buck Mark Camper UFX with 5.5″ Barrel on sale for $299.99 ($284.99 member price). But it gets even better — if you use Code “WARRIOR” during check-out, you save $20.00, putting your total price at just $279.99 (or $264.99 for SG members). That’s a great deal on a very solid rimfire pistol that can serve you well for decades.

The accurate and ergonomic Buck Mark Camper UFX was selected as an NRA Gun of the Week last year. This video explains the pistol’s features in detail.

This video shows how to Field Strip and disassemble the Buck Mark Camper UFX. To Field Strip the pistol, you need to remove three screws.

Browning Buck Mark Camper UFX Features:
• Blowback, Single Action Only
• Tapered 5.5″ Bull Barrel
• Alloy receiver w/matte black finish
• Overmolded Ultragrip FX ambidextrous grips
• Pro-Target™ adjustable sights with Fiber Optic
Caliber/Cartridge: .22 LR (22 Long Rifle)
Capacity: 10+1
Safety: Manual
Sights: Fiber Optic
Weight: 2.12 lbs
Permalink - Videos, Handguns, Hot Deals 1 Comment »
January 28th, 2019

Meprolight Offers Innovative Augmented Sighting System

Meprolight FORESIGHT reflex tactical sight

At SHOT Show 2019, Meprolight introduced a new tactical sighting system that may be a precursor of “intelligent” optics in the years ahead. The new MEPRO FORESIGHT, a “digitally augmented” weapon sight, provides essential tactical data projected on to the transparent optical lens. The sight will display a variety of data including a compass, sight level, a variety of reticles, shot counter and even a compass, all for a $714.00 MSRP.

Meprolight FORESIGHT reflex tactical sight

This system offers a 1.3″ x 0.8″ viewing screen in a fairly compact package. Overall the FORESIGHT is 4.6″ x 2.65″ x 2.35″ and weighs a mere 9.9 ounces.

The data, projected in real-time, includes battery level, sensor data, Bluetooth connectivity and a shot counter (with future software upgrade). The FORESIGHT boasts five pre-set reticle types, a horizontal level indicator (very useful!), and even a built-in compass. Display Brightness for the digital reticles and info items are controlled automatically with a built-in sensor.

Meprolight FORESIGHT reflex tactical sight

The FORESIGHT offers a digitally-controlled zeroing system (which controls the center of the reticle relative to the target downrange). This allows you to modify your zero with different loads. And more importantly, you can more the FORESIGHT from gun to gun, and have different zeros for each rifle. The Meprolight MEPRO FORESIGHT APP allows up to 10 zeroed weapon profiles or user profiles. Simply load a present zeroing profile from Meprolight’s mobile APP (Android and iOS) through a Bluetooth interface. The APP also offers a reticle database along with the previously-stored profiles.

Permalink News No Comments »
January 28th, 2019

Bargain Finder 175: AccurateShooter’s Deals of the Week

Accurateshooter Bargain Finder Deals of Week

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. Brownells — MEC Marksman Press $164.99 with CODE “NCS”

Mec marksman press ultimate reloader

The MEC Marksman is an outstanding single stage press — very strong, with convenient open front and a patent-pending self-centering shell holder (that can improve loading consistency). Right now, with discount CODE “NCS”, you can get this beefy USA-made Marksman from Brownells for just $164.99, including FREE Shipping. That’s a bargain — this press sells elsewhere for up to $208.00. The MEC Marksman has strong, cast-iron construction and offers plenty of leverage. It is compatible with all 7/8-14 thread dies, so you can reload from .22 Hornet to .416 Rigby. If you are looking for a premium single-stage press you won’t be disappointed. Act soon as this Brownells discount offer may expire soon.

2. Bullet Central — Kelbly Atlas Tactical Action, $895

Kelby Atlas Tactical

The rifle action is the cornerstone of accuracy in any rifle build. If you don’t start with a strong precision made action then all your other money will be wasted. That’s why so many people choose Kelbly Actions. They’re make the most rugged action possible for practical, tactical, or hunting. Using a Black Nitride finish from H & M Metal Processing. This allows you to use this action “dry” or without lubrication for extreme environments. In addition to the Black Nitride process they use a fluted bolt, to help move dirt into the flutes allowing better function of the action. Magazine wells use the Accuracy International single stack magazines. Another key feature of this action is the TG ejector, it is a mechanical ejector that does not put any chamber pressure on the round. It is also a “never fail” setup, meaning that there are no springs to get gummed up and stop working. Actions rarely go on sale which is why we couldn’t resist highlighting this Kelby Atlas Tactical Action over at Bullet Central for the low price of $895.00.

3. CDNN Sports — Walther Creed 9mm Pistol, $249.99

Five Budget 9mm sale bargain full-size 9x19mm pistol Canik RP9 Kahr S&W M&P Walther Creed CT9

The Walther Creed offers excellent ergonomics, good accuracy, and well-designed controls at a killer price — $249.99 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.”

4. Midsouth — CCI Rimfire Ammo Rebate, up to $200

CCI Ammo Rebate

The days of .22 LR shortages are over, and now there is ample supply of rimfire ammo at reasonable prices, and the ammo-maker are even offering REBATES. Right now, Midsouth Shooters Supply has a great selection of CCI 22LR, 17 HMR, and 2 WMR Rimfire Ammo. Plus, for every five boxes of CCI rimfire ammo you buy, you get a rebate for the value of one box. That basically works out to buy 4 get 1 free. The limit is $200.00 in rebates per household. CLICK HERE for the CCI Rimfire Rebate Program.

5. Amazon — Lyman Master Gunsmith Multi-Tool Kit, $44.32

Lyman Gunsmith Tool Kit

Finding the right tools to work on your guns, scopes, rings and other items can often be frustrating. Regular tools from the hardware store work in a pinch but often aren’t hollow ground to protect your screws and the sizes are rarely correct for the firearms parts we work on. Solve your tool dilemma with the Lyman Master Gunsmith Tool Kit. This handy kit includes nearly all the common sizes and shapes to fit just about anything in your gun safe, all in a convenient case.

6. Bruno Shooters Supply — Bore Tech Cleaning Rod SALE

Proof Positive Cleaning Rods

Cleaning rods are a way of life for anyone who shoots. No matter the caliber or brand, every gun needs to be cleaned and using quality rods will help prevent your barrel from being damaged. Most cleaning rods on the market using metals that can react with your cleaning solvent causing false readings on your patches. Bore Tech has solved that problem by using a non-reactive tip ensuring that copper shows up if you have it and doesn’t if you don’t. These Bore Tech rods are very stron and feature one of the best ball-bearing handles, which provides a smooth motion that really lets you feel the barrel. You can get the excellent Bore Tech Proof Positive cleaning rods from Bruno Shooters Supply and treat your barrels to a new level of care.

7. Natchez — Fed GM Match .308 Win + Range Bag, $84.99

Federal Gold Medal .308

Show up to any range and .308 Win is still one of the most prolific rounds available, for good reason. The .308 Win is good for both hunting and target shooting and you’ll get excellent barrel life. In the .308 Win world, a top ammo brand is Federal. Right now Natchez offers 80 rounds (four 20rd boxes) of Federal Gold Medal Match 168gr SMK along with a FREE range bag for the sale price of $84.99. We’ve shot this ammo and it delivered outstanding accuracy in an M1A and a bolt gun.

8. Amazon — Steiner Military-Marine 8x30mm, $193

Steiner Binoculars

Steiner is a quality optics brand with practical features. The very popular, highly-rated Steiner 8x30mm Military-Marine binoculars are now on sale for just $193.00. With 8x magnification, the Steiner Military-Marine 8×30 binoculars are a rugged design with a unique focus system that puts everything from 20 yards to infinity in focus. These Steiners use flexible silicone lens mounts to absorb severe shock, impact and abuse without damage. NBR rubber armoring shields a lightweight, rugged chassis that withstands 11 Gs of impact. Your Editor personally owns and uses the Steiner Military-Marine. The glass is excellent considering the price, and the focus system is a huge advantage — once you set the individual eye-pieces, no fiddling with focus knobs required — everything beyond 20 yards is sharp.

9. Amazon – Proster Wind Meter, $16.99

Proster Wind Meter

Wish you had a modern impeller-style wind meter but only shoot a couple matches a year and can’t justify spending $150 (or more) on one? This Proster wind meter has a very impressive 4.5 star overall rating (with hundreds of reviews), so buy with confidence. Now on sale for just $16.99, this is a very useful tool for a bargain basement price. Get this affordable Wind Meter to ensure you have reliable wind readings for ballistics calculations. And unlike a costly Kestrel, with this low-priced wind meter, you won’t feel too bad if it gets lost or misplaced some time.

Most Weekly Deals Sourced by F-Class John.

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Handguns, Hot Deals, Optics No Comments »
January 28th, 2019

How to Prep Mil-Surp Once-Fired Brass

USAMU Brass reloading tip

The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit publishes reloading “how-to” articles on the USAMU Facebook page. One Wednesday “Handloading Hump Day” post covered preparation of once-fired 5.56x45mm brass. This article, the first in a 3-part series, has many useful tips. If you shoot a rifle chambered in .223 Rem or 5.56x45mm, this article is worth reading. And visit the USAMU Facebook page for other hand-loading tips.

This week, Handloading Hump-Day will answer a special request from several competitive shooters in Alaska. They asked about procedures for morphing once-fired GI 5.56mm brass into accurate match brass for NRA High Power Rifle use. The USAMU has used virgin Lake City (LC) 5.56 brass to win National Championships and set National Records for many years. In this 3-part series, we’ll share techniques proven to wring match-winning accuracy from combat-grade brass.

Preparing Once-Fired GI 5.56 Brass for Reloading (Part 1 of 3)
Assuming our readers will be getting brass once-fired as received from surplus dealers, the following steps can help process the low-cost raw material into reliably accurate components.

1. Clean the Brass
First, clean the brass of any dirt/mud/debris, if applicable. Depending on the brass’s condition, washing it in a soap solution followed by a thorough rinsing may help. [This step also extends the life of the tumbling media.] Approaches range from low-tech, using gallon jugs 1/2 full of water/dish soap plus brass and shaking vigorously, to more high-tech, expensive and time-consuming methods.

2. Wet-Tumbling Options (Be Sure to Dry the Brass)
When applying the final cleaning/polish, some use tumblers with liquid cleaning media and stainless steel pins for a brilliant shine inside and out, while others take the traditional vibratory tumbler/ground media approach. Degree of case shine is purely personal preference, but the key issue is simple cleanliness to avoid scratching ones’ dies.

Shown below are Lake City cases after cleaning with Stainless Media (STM). Note: STM Case cleaning was done by a third party, not the USAMU, which does not endorse any particular cleaning method.

If a liquid cleaner is used, be SURE to dry the cases thoroughly to preclude corrosion inside. One method is to dump the wet brass into an old pillow case, then tilt it left/right so the cases re-orient themselves while shifting from corner to corner. Several repetitions, pausing at each corner until water stops draining, will remove most water. They can then be left to air-dry on a towel, or can be dried in a warm (150° F-200° F max) oven for a few minutes to speed evaporation.

3. Inspect Every Case
Once dry, inspect each case for significant deformation (i.e., someone stepped on it), damaged mouths/necks and case head/rim damage. Some rifles’ ejectors actually dig small chunks of brass out of the case head — obviously, not ideal for precision shooting. Similarly, some extractors can bend the case rims so badly that distortion is visible when spinning them in one’s fingers. These can be used for plinking, but our match brass should have straight, undamaged rims.

Dented case mouths are common, and these can easily be rounded using a conical, tapered tool, [such as a .223 expander mandrel. A dummy 7.62 or .30-06 cartridge with a FMJ spitzer can also work.] If most of your brass is of one headstamp, this is a good time to cull out any odd cases.

4. Check the Primers Before Decapping
Your clean, dry and inspected brass is now ready for full-length sizing, decapping and re-priming. Historically, primer crimps on GI brass have caused some head-scratching (and vile language) among handloaders. Our next installment will detail efficient, easy and practical methods to remove primer crimp, plus other useful handloading tips. Until next week, Good Shooting!

NOTE: The USAMU Handloading (HL) Shop does not RE-load fired 5.56 brass. We use virgin LC brass with our chosen primer already staked in place. However, our staff has extensive personal experience reloading GI brass for competition, which will supplement the Shop’s customary steps. In handloading, as in life, there are many ways to accomplish any given task. Our suggestions are note presented as the “only way,” by any means. Time for loading/practicing is always at a premium. Readers who have more efficient, alternative methods that maintain top accuracy are invited to share them here.

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Reloading 1 Comment »
January 27th, 2019

Rapid-Fire Rifle Competition — Stangskyting in Scandinavia

stangskyting rifle match norway sweden scandinavia

How fast can you shoot a bolt-action rifle? We doubt you can out-pace the ace “Stangskyting” shooters from Scandinavia. Some of these guys can run more than two rounds per second, including mag changes! That’s impressive. Bulletin reader C. Lemmermann from Denmark told us: “In Scandinavia we have this competition called ‘Stangskyting’. It’s similar to the ‘Mad Minute’ but we only have 25 seconds to hit the target [at] 200-300m distance with a 6.5×55 [target rifle].” In the Stangskyting video below a shooter named Børklop puts 16 rounds on target in just 25 seconds. (He starts with a round in the chamber and cycles through three, 5-round magazines).

Børklop’s performance, with just a sling and iron sights, is impressive. He’s shooting a Sauer 200 STR target rifle with 5-round magazine. Note that Børklop manipulates the Sauer’s bolt with his thumb and index finger, while pulling the trigger with his middle finger. As good as Børklop is, some Stangskyting competitors are even better. Roy Arne Syversrud from Oslo, Norway tells us: “The best shooters in Norway can do 21 shots in 25 seconds, changing the mag three times.”

Here’s another Stangskyting video. Check out the speed with which John Olav Ågotnes works that action — simply amazing!

This Guy Could Break the “Mad Minute” Record
Børklop’s rate of fire, 16 rounds in 25 seconds, is the equivalent of 38.4 rounds in 60 seconds. That’s a notable number because the record for the “Mad Minute”, a British Army marksmanship drill, is 38 rounds in one minute. That record was set in 1914 by Sergeant Instructor Alfred Snoxall, and still stands. So as you watch Børklop, keep in mind that Snoxall shot that fast for a full minute with a Lee-Enfield nearly 100 years ago!

Børklop has an average cycling time of 1.56 seconds per shot, starting with a round in the chamber. To beat the record of 38 rounds, he would need to make seven mag changes in sixty seconds. All those mag swaps could reduce his average time per shot, making it difficult to achieve 38 hits in a minute. But, if Børklop could use 10-round mags with his Sauer STR, this guy has the skills to break the record.

Sauer 200 STR Target Rifle

To emphasize the capabilities of the WWI-era British shooter who set the record, Snoxall shot as fast as Børklop does, but Snoxall reloaded with stripper clips. Snoxall’s SMLE (Lee-Enfield) rifle also had relatively crude open sights and the stock was far less ergonomic than Børklop’s Sauer STR stock.

Here’s another Stangskyting video showing John Ågotnes shooting rapidfire with his Sauer 200 STR (Scandinavian Target Rifle) chambered in 6.5×55. By our count, Ågotnes manages 17 shots within the 25-second time period. That rate of fire (17 in 25 seconds) equates to 40.8 rounds in one minute!

Permalink - Videos, Competition, Shooting Skills 1 Comment »
January 27th, 2019

SIG Handgun Can Run Multiple Calibers and Frame Sizes

Sig Sauer Modular handgun P320 XCompact

One of the most interesting new pistols at SHOT Show 2019 was the SIG Sauer P320 XCompact, the latest in the P320 X-Series. What is most noteworthy about this pistol (and other X-Series guns) is that the TRIGGER GROUP, not the frame, carries the serial number. That means that after you process one SIG P320 X handgun through an FFL, you can put that same trigger group in different frames. So you could have a full-sized pistol for slow-fire target work, plus a compact version for concealed carry. Or you can have a 9mm AND a 40 S&W version of the same pistol. SIG calls this “unprecedented modularity”. We agree — this is very, very clever. Glock, Walther, Ruger — take note!

SIG’s P320 XCompact is a modular, striker-fired pistol with a serialized trigger group that makes it adaptable to multiple calibers, size, and grip options. The P320 XCompact is available in 9mm and features X-RAY3 day/night sights, a flat trigger, and night sight rear plate making it optic ready. There are both a striker safety and a disconnect safety. The P320 XCompact comes standard with two, 15-round magazines.

P320 XCompact is Comfortable in the Hand, Like Classic P226/P228 Pistols
At SHOT we tried the P320 XCompact and found it very comfortable in the hand — with ergonomics similar to our much-loved metal-framed P226. SIG says the XCompact has a “completely redesigned grip module with an improved beavertail and fastback profile, contoured magwell, and a deep trigger guard undercut”.

“The P320 XCOMPACT redefines what a compact pistol should be by combining concealability with full size XSERIES features. Through extensive end-user feedback, the P320 XCOMPACT provides for smoother handling and optimizes the user experience,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales.

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January 26th, 2019

SHOT Show 2019 — Video Showcase

Shot show 2019 video product show demo

There is so much to see at SHOT Show, with nearly 2000 exhibitors showcasing tens of thousands of products. SHOT Show is the largest trade show of its kind in the world, attracting 60,000+ attendees from more than 100 countries.

Thankfully there are many teams of reporters who covered SHOT Show this year, and they’ve now posted a wide selection of video reports. In today’s SHOT Show video showcase, we post our “pick of the litter” — ten of our favorite video reports from SHOT Show 2019, plus one great video “blast from the past”.

High-Tech Hunter — Modular Strasser Rifle

The Strasser rifle from Austria has many interesting design features including an interchangeable bolt head and an easy, rapid barrel-swap system. MORE INFO HERE.

Media Day Mini-Gun Mania — 25 and 50 Rounds per Second!

This full-auto, multi-barrel Mini-Gun has two speeds — 25 and 50 Rounds per Second!

CLICK HERE to SEE NINE More Videos »

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