You know that Zeiss riflescopes boast superb glass, excellent controls, and a rock-solid warranty. What you may not realize is how rugged Zeiss scopes are. Zeiss optics are designed for the toughest conditions that hunters may experience. Zeiss understands that hunting optics can be exposed to extreme temperatures, moisture, shock, and vibration.
To ensure Zeiss scopes perform in the toughest conditions, Zeiss tests production-line optics with rigorous testing procedures unrivaled in the optics industry. Zeiss runs Impact Shock Tests with 800 impact cycles at high G-forces. In addition, Zeiss does a continuous vibration test for 1.5 hours. Scopes are also tested in a salt spray environment to confirm corrosion resistance. But there is more — test optics are immersed in water for two HOURS at depth and the scopes are also lab-tested at -40° F in a climate chamber and also subjected to “temperature shocks” from -13° to +122° F. Now that’s some serious testing.
Zeiss does all this elaborate scope testing to ensure its optics perform in all situations, in all environments. View all these tests in this Zeiss video. We think you’ll be VERY impressed:
Impact Shock Test — 800 Cycles
Continuous Vibration Test — 1.5 hours
Water Immersion Test — Validated Waterproof for 2 hours at 13 feet
Temperature Testing — Extreme Temp Shock Test and Sub-Zero Freeze Chamber
Corrosion Resistance Test — 24 Hours in Salt Spray Environment
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Are you looking for a stable bipod that attaches quickly and easily to the sling stud on your hunting or varmint rifle? Magpul has a new bipod that fits standard hunting-style, radiused fore-ends well. This new Magpul Sling Stud QD Bipod clamps to a sling stud in seconds. Watch the video to see how it works.
Priced around $110.00 on Amazon, this new Magpul is more expensive than a Harris-type bipod, but it has some advantages. There are no exposed springs to grab your hand. The vertical leg adjustment is quick and easy. There is a large knob in the center that allows you to traverse (pan) left to right, while keeping the feet in position. In addition, by loosening the knob you can tilt the rifle up to 25° from vertical either side (i.e. rotate the rifle around the bore axis). For this kind of rotational adjustment, a Harris swivel with a Pod-Loc is faster and easier, but the Magpul isn’t bad.
The legs consist of anodized 6061 T-6 aluminum shafts inside injection-molded, reinforced polymer columns. The legs stow neatly forward and lock into place with one hand. You can adjust leg height from 6.6″ to 10.0″ using push-button locking detents. Should users choose to change feet, the Magpul bipod’s legs accept most Atlas-pattern bipod replaceable feet.
Magpul Sling Stud QD Bipod Features:
• Rapid, self-locating mounting system attaches to Sling Studs on narrow or wide fore-ends.
• Up to 25 degrees of tilt either way around the bore axis of weapon (50 degrees total).
• Uncle Mike’s-style sling stud on rear of mounting body.
• Efficient individual leg height adjustability in 0.5″ increments for a total of seven positions.
• Adjustable friction knob for setting tilt and ease of movement.
• Removable rubberized feet compatible with Atlas pattern replaceable feet.
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This November, many readers will be traveling nationwide on holiday. It might be fun to visit shooting ranges near your holiday destination(s). Or perhaps you’ve recently relocated and want to join a shooting club near your new residence. Or maybe you’re just looking for a facility close to home that offers instruction or specialized programs for women or juniors. You can quickly find exactly what you want via the WhereToShoot.org website.
A service of the NSSF (Nat’l Shooting Sports Foundation), WhereToShoot.org offers a Searchable Database of pistol, rifle, and shotgun ranges around the country. You can search by state, or select a particular distance from any zip code. The database is very complete. The individual range pages also include web addresses, phone numbers, and map links. The example below shows the results of a search for shooting ranges near Boulder, Colorado:
Where to Shoot Mobile App
To complement Wheretoshoot.org, the NSSF also offers a Where To Shoot Mobile App. This App quickly locates shooting ranges near you, drawing on North America’s most comprehensive range directory. Users can search by current location, state, or zip code. Once you locate a range, you can view activities offered along with a summary of range facilities. You can even get driving directions.
The app is modeled after NSSF’s popular WhereToShoot.org® website and is updated frequently with range information for every U.S. state and Canadian province. Once you’ve located a place to shoot, the App can provide directions to the range. The App also includes video tips for shooters, news, and firearm-safety information.
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Recommended Books about Hunting
There’s no shortage of good hunting-related reading material. Here are some of the best books written about hunting. You can find all these titles on Amazon.com. Many are offered in eBook format as well as printed versions. Click on the link(s) below to preview a sample from each book.
There are some good rebate programs going on right now, but most conclude in just a few weeks. To take advantage of these deals you’ll need to start your shopping soon. Here are some current Rebate Programs for rifles, loading equipment, ammunition, and shooting accessories. Some of these offers can save $100 on a new firearm. Other deals can deliver free bullets, or cash-back for your ammo and powder purchases.
Vihtavuori Powder Rebate Program 2019
Buy Vihtavuori reloading powder and earn $5.00 back per 1-pound bottle, $10.00 per 4-pound bottle, and $20.00 back per 8-pound bottle. Stock up now!
Expires: 1/1/2020
SK Ammunition Holiday Rebate 2019
Purchase SK Rimfire Ammo and earn $5.00 back per brick (500 rounds). Maximum 20 bricks for $100 total. Rebates issued via prepaid Giftcards.
Expires: 1/1/2020
Remington Cash Back
Save $50-$75 on select Remington rifles, including popular Rem 700 varmint rifles. Get Cash Back via Mail-in Rebate.
Expires: 12/31/2019
CCI First Shot Savings Rimfire Rebate
Buy a new rimfire rifle or handgun PLUS two boxes of CCI rimfire ammunition, and get Rebate for ammo up to $20.00.
Expires: 12/31/2019
Youth Shooting Rebates
Browning supports 4-H, AIM, SCTP and Youth Shooting Organization Athletes. Buy a new Browning firearm, get up to $100 in Cashback Rebates.
Expries: 12/31/2019
Hornady Get Loaded 2019
Receive 500 or 100 Free Bullets with Purchase of select Hornady reloading products. NOTE: Read terms VERY carefully and keep copies of receipts.
Expires: 12/31/2019
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With days growing shorter and winter on its way — here is a great audio “infotainment” resource to help fill those long winter nights. Leupold now offers podcasts, 40-75 minutes in length, on a variety of topics of interest to hunters and precision shooters. A podcast is like a radio show that is available 24/7, at your convenience. When you want to “tune in”, via your home computer or mobile devices, just visit the Leupold Podcast Page.
One of the newest gun-oriented podcasts comes from optics-maker Leupold & Stevens (“Leupold). Oregon-based Leupold recently launched its “Core Insider” podcast series. These podcasts will deliver optics info, industry intel, tech tips, hunting advice, and tactical training guidance. Leupold’s Core Insider podcasts stream via iTunes and Spotify, and can also be accessed directly from Leupold.com. From the Leupold Podcast Home Page, you can either stream the podcasts live or download for later listening.
Premiering at SHOT Show 2018, the Leupold Core Insider Podcasts cover a wide variety of shooting and hunting topics. One early episode features Leupold team members Kyle Lamb and Buck Doyle discussing long-range shooting, while recent Episode 55 explains how Binoculars and Rangefinders function. There are now 56 Leupold Podcasts available online for FREE.
Episode 55, How Binoculars and Rangefinders Work. Click to launch Leupold Ep. 55 Podcast Page:
Among the regular Core Insider Podcast hosts is Leupold’s president and CEO, Bruce Pettet. “Our consumers are some of the most dedicated hunters and shooters in this industry – just like so many Leupold team members, both here in Oregon and across the nation,” Pettet said. “We want to reach out to our audience directly and deliver the kind of content they’ve been asking for…”
There are fifty-six (56) current Leupold Core Insider Podcasts. If you can’t access all 56 from the Leupold website, try the Apple Podcasts Page. Here are ten of our favorite episodes. Click links below to access:
You may want to tune in to Shooting USA tonight. There are three interesting topics covered in the one-hour cable TV broadcast. Hornady’s A-Tip Bullets are featured in a product spotlight. Next the ultimate speed-shooting contest, the USPSA Steel Challenge, is covered. And for the tactical/PRS crowd, Shooting USA interviews Tom Fuller of Armageddon Gear. The hour-long Shooting USA show runs on the Outdoor Channel Wednesday nights at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific time, 8:00 PM Central time.
1. Hornady A-Tip Bullets — Worth the Very High Price?
This week Shooting USA reviews Hornady’s new A-Tip bullets. These A-Tips generated a lot of buzz because of their high price and unusual packaging. These expensive ($75-$85/box) aluminum-tipped projectiles have very consistent bullet BCs according to Hornady. They are sold in sequential order for consistency, and shipped in clear plastic egg-crate style packaging to protect the tips. The jury is still out on these bullets, as we haven’t seen them used much in competition outside the PRS realm. But if you are curious, check out this report.
2. Steel Challenge — Fun and Fast Steel Plate Competitions
For fans of steel shooting, Shooting USA will cover the famous Steel Challenge, a speed shooting competition with eight standardized steel plate stages. It’s all about speed — the top guns can nail all five targets in under three seconds. Run by the Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA) a division of the USPSA, the Steel Challenge is fast and exciting. Regional matches are held at affiliated clubs through the USA, with a large annual World Speed Shooting Championships (WSSC) that attracts competitors from around the world. In 2018 and 2019 the WSSC was held in Talladega, Alabama. LEARN MORE HERE
3. Armaggedon Gear — Tactical Accessories
Finally, this week’s Shooting USA episode visits Armageddon Gear in Georgia. This company, founded by former U.S. Army Ranger Tom Fuller, sells support bags, gun cases, slings, suppressor covers, scope covers, and a wide variety of other accessories popular with the PRS/NRL crowd. With a 22-year Military career behind him, Tom Fuller is creating and selling what he knows, shooting gear. Fuller’s company is an American success story, as Armageddon Gear now provides products to the U.S. Military, Law Enforcement, as well as PRS/NRL competitors.
Armageddon Gear Game-Changer Bag
Armageddon Gear Founder Tom Fuller:
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If you are looking for a compact carry pistol, consider the Smith & Wesson 9mm M&P Shield. This is a comfortable, well-built gun with a better trigger (in our opinion) than a Glock. S&W products display excellent machining and good fit and finish. Moreover S&W offers a rock-solid warranty. To add extra incentive, Smith and Wesson is now offering a $50 Cash-Back Rebate for purchases of the 9mm M&P Shield through 12/8/2019. This offer also applies to the .380 ACP Shield EZ.
Smith & Wesson 9mm Shield Pistol Evaluations
Is the 9mm M&P Shield 2.0 a good pistol? Here are three helpful video reviews. We think this little pistol offers a very good combination of reliability, concealability, and affordability.
S&W 9mm M&P Shield 1000-Round Review
Jerry Miculek and Julie Golob Demo the Smith & Wesson Shield
S&W 9mm M&P Shield Long-Term (2 Year) Review
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The 2019 IBS 600-Yard Nationals took place October 12-13th at the Gopher Rifle and Revolver Club (GRRC.org) in Harris, Minnesota. It was a challenging event, given the cold and stormy conditions. Nonetheless many of the nation’s top shooters shot very well, and some young newcomers had strong showings. The real star of the match was new 600-Yard National Champion Jason Wolf. He delivered a masterful performance, winning the 2-Gun Overall, Light Gun Overall, and Heavy Gun Overall.
Dave Holland, past GRRC Bench Director and Host of 2010 IBS 1000-Yard Nationals.
Match Report by Kent Bratten
MD, IBS 2nd Vice President and Awards Chairman
There was some scrambling before and during the Nationals due to the weather. Gopher Rifle and Revolver Club is a large, multi-discipline range set among marshes and woods just off I-35, about 40 miles north of a large metropolitan area in Minnesota. Because of the topography, winds and mirage can often be tricky.
Due to the forecasted poor weather, a large circus-tent style cover was rented in place of the usual canvas/pole type temporary structure (see AcccurateShooter’s article on the 2010 1000-yard Nationals at Harris). It is likely the clean-up crew would still be picking up the pieces if that structure had been used.
Course of Fire for IBS 600-Yard Nationals
The event was run with the same format as the 2018 IBS 600-Yard Nationals in St. Louis. The course of fire was Light Gun (total weight 17 lbs. max) on Saturday and Heavy Gun (no weight limits) on Sunday. Each of the 63 competitors shot eight (8) targets daily in four relays. Saturday evening Vapor Trail Bullets hosted a banquet, at which time the Light Gun titles were awarded, along with a large prize table drawing afterwards. Sunday was Heavy Gun and had 61 shooters (two dropping out due to a family emergency). Despite no further snow and no ferocious winds, conditions were hardly ideal as it was still cold in the morning with swirling winds throughout the day. Hence on neither day did the group averages drop below two inches and there were only a handful of perfect scores.
Formidable Performances Even in Tough Conditions
Despite the conditions and several DQs on Day One, the top guns still put on a very good performance. Scotty Powell of North Carolina won the Light Gun Group and Chris Nichols, also from North Carolina, won the Heavy Gun Group award. Jason Wolf of South Dakota was the big winner, taking home the Light Gun Score, Light Gun Overall, Heavy Gun Overall, and the 2-Gun Overall titles. Jason’s performance was superb. Along with his LG, HG, and 2-Gun titles, Jason shot the smallest group of the match, a stunning 0.673″ in Heavy Gun. He also placed second in Heavy Gun Group Agg, just 0.166″ off the best, while finishing third in Light Gun Group Agg, .340″ from the top. All in all, it was a dominant showing by the South Dakotan.
Robby Vick smiling despite the cold. But did you really need the fan Robby?
Snow Flurries and Other Shooting Challenges
After the match, we interviewed most of the Top Ten shooters. We covered topics such as as strategies for bad conditions and their previous shooting experience. Several mentioned having trouble seeing the marks on the white-painted steel sighting plates. And, because of snow flurries, some could only see the last round hit (last sighter), about 5-10 seconds before their record target came up. Accordingly, many competitors depended on the tracking ability of their rifles and maintaining their point of aim throughout the record period. As for shooting backgrounds, many of the Top 10 enjoyed long range hunting and varminting — especially prairie dog adventures. Some had started out with rimfire bench competition, some began with short range IBS matches, while others already shoot long distance (1000-Yard) IBS matches and F-Class. For all those interviewed, the result was pretty much the same. After starting in competitive shooting, they had gotten hooked on precision, and sought to push their skills to the limit.
Possible New Trends in Equipment — Wider Stocks
The Top 10 Equipment Lists show the favorite actions (BAT), bullets (Vapor Trail and Bart’s) and scopes (Nightforce) with a sprinkling of different barrels and stocks. We note there does seem to be a trend towards wider stocks. When we reviewed the Top 20 List (about 30% of the pool) we noted a growing number of stocks with wider fore-ends (4 inches or more), especially the Wheeler/McMillan Tracker. As for chamberings, the 6 BRA (6mmBR Ackley Improved) seems to be very popular, but is not dominant over the 6 Dasher yet.
Junior Champ Andrew Powers, setting up. Beside him is his grandfather, Johnny.
COMMENTARY from Match Director Doc Bratten
It was a somewhat hair-raising experience leading up to the Nationals, with the bad forecast followed by a two-day period before the match when high winds made practice difficult. A major concern was that the weather would worsen and cause a major delay or cancellation. But, like the D-Day invasion of 1944, prayers for a break in the weather were answered. We also had an unexpected shortening of staff. But the Nationals team still did a wonderful job of running the line and everyone chipped in with putting up the “mess tent”, line cover, and helping in the target review area. Also hats off to the target crew and scorers in the Red Shed. With the snow and wind, it could not have been easy working with those targets and drying them after.
Into the quagmire to look at targets…
We are very grateful to all our IBS sponsors, whose generosity ensured rich prize tables for both the Hawk’s Ridge 1000-Yard Nationals and here in Minnesota. I would especially like to thank Sally and Jim Bauer of Vapor Trail Bullets for sponsoring the Awards Banquet. We very much appreciated the Grand Prizes supplied by Alex and Matt Findley of AMP Annealing, David Dorris (and Ms. Krag) of BenchSource, Alex Wheeler of Wheeler Accuracy and Bart Sauter of Bart’s Bullets. The full list of IBS 600-yard and 1000-yard Nationals sponsors can be found on the IBS Website.
Finally, we extend a very special thanks to our friends at Gunstop Reloading and Gunstop of Minnetonka gun sales for their trophy donations. We also thank Dave Newell, Past President at GRRC, current Club newsletter editor, and exceptional wedding photographer, for his great photos of the match.
We’re approaching winter — the perfect time to stock up on your propellants for next season. And now you can earn up to $5.00 per pound on your favorite Vihtavuori powders. Vihtavuori makes some great powders that have been used to set many records. With Vihtavuori’s Keep Your Cash Rebate, you can get up to $100 cash back on qualifying Vihtavuori powder purchases.
Vihtavuori $100 CONSUMER REBATE
This offer is valid on qualifying purchases made between November 1, 2019 and January 1, 2020. This applies to all sizes, 1-lb, 4-lb, and 8-lb. You can also mix and match powders to maximize your rebate. Pick up a Rebate Form from your favorite Vihtavuori retailer or download the PDF Form linked below. Then submit the form with your proof of purchase no later than January 31, 2020.
The 2019 Vihtavuori Rebate program is currently under way. For a limited time, earn $5.00 back per one-pound bottle, $10.00 per four-pound bottle, and $20.00 back per eight-pound bottle when you purchase Vihtavuori powders (maximum $100 rebate). Offer is valid on qualifying purchases made between November 1, 2019 and January 1, 2020. All rebate coupons must be received by January 31, 2020.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or 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. EuroOptic.com — HUGE Nikon Scope Close-Out Sale
EuroOptic.com is running a huge close-out sale on quality Nikon riflescopes. This sale includes the excellent Black FX1000 (FFP), and Black X1000 (SFP) tactical scopes, plus the M-Tactical and P-Tactical series optics. If you are looking for a great tactical or hunting scope at a crazy low price, head over to EuroOptic this week. For example the 4-16x50mm FX1000 MRAD is marked down from $749.95 to just $369.95, a 50% savings! And the 2-7x32mm P-Tactical and M-Tactical series scopes are just $99.95! Nikon scope mounts are also discounted.
Thompson Center (T/C), a Smith & Wesson company, has a reputation for building accurate rifles and the Thompson Center LRR in 6.5 Creedmoor is no exception. This versatile rig features a high-quality aluminum chassis stock with adjustable cheekpiece and LOP. The action includes a +20 MOA Picatinny-style rail. The 5R barrel is fluted and fitted with a factory muzzle brake. This is a great choice for PRS Factory Class.
3. EuroOptic — 50% Off Minox with Mauser Rifle Purchase
The Mauser M18 is a proven hunting rifle offered in many popular calibers/cartridge types. If you’re looking for a fine, affordable hunting rifle definitely consider the M18. And for added incentive you can get 50% OFF a Minox scope with the purchase of a Mauser rifle from EuroOptic.com. CLICK HERE to get the 50% OFF coupon which you can redeem with Minox USA after your purchase.
4. Bruno Shooters Supply — Open Box / Demo Scope Sale
Here’s your chance to grab a great scope that’s basically brand new and discounted just because it was on display. Check out Bruno’s Open Box/DEMO Scope Sale and choose from assorted brands and models. There are major-brand scopes for just about any kind of shooting — Benchrest, F-Class, PRS, Hunting, ELR, and even Multi-Gun competition.
5. Midsouth — Hornady RAPiD Safe AR Gunlocker, $238.49
Storing guns for quick access has usually come at the detriment of security. Now with the RFID-enabled Hornady RAPiD Safe AR Gun Locker you can securely store your guns AND access them in an instant. With an RFID fob or bracelet you can open the locker without using a key or even punching in a code. Order soon and get a Hornady rebate — two free boxes of their Critical Defense ammo. See how the RAPiD Safe Gun Locker operates in the VIDEO BELOW:
6. Area 419 — AutoTrickler Hopper/Funnel Lid, $65
If you own an AutoTrickler, you probably wish you could cover up the top of the Trickler unit after you’ve filled it with powder. Well, wish no more as Area 419 has now released a very nicely-designed AutoTrickler Hopper Lid. Not only does this metal Hopper Funnel/Lid cover your Trickler powder supply, but it also nearly doubles the amount of powder you can keep in the Hopper. Nice product Area 419!
Whether for hunting, practical competitions, or varminting, a laser range finder is a great tool to have. Snatch up the Bushnell Prime Laser Range Finder and know the exact distance all the way out to 1300 yards. Priced at under $125, this ultra-affordable unit is small enough to fit in a pocket for easy storage.
8. Amazon — Highwild Adjustable Target Stand Base, $23.99
Carrying large targets in your vehicle is never fun or easy but with the Highwild Adjustable Target Stand Base you can quickly assemble frames that break down easily for transport. Just bring wood pieces and cardboard backer, and clamp the stand together. The black clamp units have screw-in clamps that hold the wood elements. Combine multiple stands larger target arrays. You can create your own custom-size stands with 1×3 wood pieces.
9. Amazon — Tactical Eyewear Kit, $15.99
Wearing eye protection should be second nature for anyone around firearms for so many obvious reasons. Whether for you, a backup or to have for those shooting with you grab a set of XAegis Tactical Eyewear Kit that come complete with 3 different lenses and protective case. You can easily switch from Gray, to Yellow, to Clear lenses, popping them into the frame. This 3-Lens shooting Kit is an Amazon #1 Best Seller.
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Looking for a nice .22 LR rimfire training rifle that works well with rear bags and bipods? Then check out the new B-14 R from Bergara. It is set up for rimfire training and tactical-style competitions. The action and magazine are full centerfire dimensions, so that you can train with a rimfire rifle offering centerfire-style “feel” and ergonomics. MSRP is $1150.00 so expect street price to be around $1000.00.
We think this would be a good choice for the NRL22 tactical competition for shooters preferring a conventional-style stock. It has an adjustable cheekpiece and LOP adjusts with spacers. The toe of the buttstock is straight so this will work well with bags. And if you want to later swap to a metal or composite chassis, the B-14 R barreled action will fit stocks and chassis systems designed for Rem 700s. In fact you can even use aftermarket Rem 700-compatible triggers.
B-14R Bolt Action .22 LR
The Bergara B-14 R Bolt Action Rifle in .22 LR is the latest offering in Bergara’s popular B-14 series of rifles. The company states: “The Bergara B-14 R has been a product that our customers and enthusiast have been requesting for quite some time, and with the growing NRL22 and PRS .22 competition matches, we believed that the time was right to introduce a rifle of this nature.”
This rifle is designed as a true rimfire trainer with the feel of a Rem 700 centerfire rig. The action shares dimensions of a Rem 700 receiver so you can upgrade to Rem 700-compatible stocks, and triggers. The single-stack .22 LR magazine has the same external dimensions as the commonly-used short action AICS mag for centerfires. So even your mag swaps will duplicate the “feel” of your centerfire rifle.
Bergara B-14 R Specifications
Barrel: 1:16″-twist 4140 Bergara, 18″ free-floated
Muzzle Thread: 1/2-28
Rifle Weight: 9.25 lbs. (without optics)
Rifle Length: 38″ with all spacers
Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds
Scope Mounts: 6-48 screws, Rem 700 compatible
Stock: Bergara HMR stock molded with full-length integrated mini-chassisinternal mini-chassis, integrated OD flush cup sling mounts and swivel mounts, adjustable cheek piece and length-of-pull.
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