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January 11th, 2020

SHOT Shot 2020 Preview — Variety Pack

Shot show leggings products accessories 2020
Concealed Carry Yoga Pants? Yes these Alexo Athletica Leggings will securely hold a small carry pistol or taser. There are 4 holster pockets front/rear and 6 other pockets for phone, keys, or other items.

CLICK HERE for ALL 357 New-for-2020 SHOT Show Products »

2018 SHOT Show Planner new productsThousands of new products will be on display at SHOT Show 2020, the huge gun industry trade show held each January in Las Vegas. Some of the most highly-anticipated products have not yet been revealed, including new rifles, chassis systems, handguns, reloading tools, and state-of-the-art optics.

However, the official SHOT Show Product Planner offers a “sneak peak” at 357 new-for-2020 products. More will come in the weeks ahead. For the time being, however, here are six interesting accessory products and tools. There is a very interesting Universal Bullet Seating Die, plus new products from Lyman and Accu-Shot.

1. FAB Defense — RAPS Adjustable AR Stock

Shot show2020 RAPS adjustable ar ar15 buttstock stock

We like this Rapid Adjustable Precision Stock (RAPS) AR buttstock because the LOP and cheek height is very easy to adjust. In addition, the lower rear section (toe) of the buttstock is straight and smooth so it can function as a bag-rider. Too many “tactical style” buttstocks put a rail or notches on the bottom that grab in a bag. The RAPS from FAB Defense has a patent-pending 1Latch system with a memory feature that returns the adjustable LOP to its pre-set position. The integrated cheek rest has a height adjustment of up to 42mm and a non-slip rubber buttpad with 10mm of height adjustment.

2. Frankford Arsenal — Universal Bullet Seating Die

Shot show 2020 Frankford Arsenal Universal Bullet Seating Die

We like this concept. Now you can seat a variety of bullet calibers with a single die. Spend less money on your dies and save (storage) space on your reloading bench. Frankford Arsenal’s new Universal Bullet Seating Die holds .224 to .338 caliber bullets in place while seating, including a built-in micrometer allowing for precise micro-adjustments to the seating depth of the bullet. The die has a standard 7/8×14 thread for standard reloading presses. This Universal Seating die comes in a handy plastic case that holds all the caliber inserts plus die body.

3. Lakewood Products — Toaster-Style Rifle Carry Case

Shot show 2020 Lakewood Rifle Carry case B141L vertical

We like vertical drop-in, “toaster-style” rifle carry cases. These are easy to deploy and they don’t side-load your expensive optics when you clamp a hard case-lid shut. The new Lakewood B141L Scoped Rifle Case (Long) is a top-loading, soft-sided hard case that fits rifles up to 52″ overall length (OAL). That will fit most hunting and varmint rifles, and many competition rifles. Note — this is NOT just a foam and fabric case. Inside the ballistic nylon exterior is a case constructed of ABS plastic enveloped in foam padding. The case’s exterior dimensions are: 55″ L x 6″ D x 13″ W. Choose black (as shown) or True Timber Kanati camo.

4. Accu-Shot — Atlas CAL Cant and Loc Bipod without PAN

Shot show 2020 Atlas Bipod Cant Lock Super CAL

Since the Atlas Bipod was introduced in 2005, maker Accu-Shot has been asked for a no-pan model. The new Atlas CAL (Cant and Loc) model is a stable, adjustable bipod that dispenses with the PAN feature of older models. Many shooters thought the pan simply wasn’t necessary (or helpful) when shooting show-fire at bullseye-type targets. The new Atlas Super CAL (S-CAL) has the same features with 45° of Cant and larger leg spread.

5. Lyman Products — New Torque Wrench for Rifles and Pistols

Shot show 2020 Lyman Torque Wrench

The Lyman Torque Wrench allows the user to safely and correctly attach scope bases, scope rings, action screws and other fasteners to firearms. The Lyman kit comes with a variety of bits to fit various screw/bolt types. The orange ring allows the user to precisely set correct screw torque. This is very important for proper mounting of optics.

6. Hoppes — New Gun Vise

Shot show 2020 hoppes rifle cradle caddy vise tipton

You’ll probably seen the Tipton Gun Vises, both basic and deluxe. Here’s a new competitor offering good functionality for the price. Hoppe’s Gun Vise ($44.99 on Amazon) easily accommodates all styles of long guns, shotguns and other popular modern sporting rifles. We like the adjustable front cradle which will fit both narrow and wide fore-ends. There are multiple slots on the base for tools, solvents, and other gear. The Gun Vise also includes rubber over-molded feet for extra security.

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January 11th, 2020

New and Revised CMP Rules for 2020 Released

2020 CMP Civilian Marksmanship program rules Highpower High Power mandatory eye protection

The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has issued important rule changes for 2020. These cover Highpower Rifle (Centerfire), Smallbore Rifle (Rimfire), and Pistol. In addition, there are CMP Games rules changes. READ RULE CHANGES HERE.

The big news is that Eye and Hearing Protection are now MANDATORY for Highpower Rifle competitors and Pistol shooters in all CMP-affiliated matches. The 2020 CMP Highpower Rifle, Pistol, and CMP Games Rulebooks all contain the following rule:

“All competitors and competition officials are required to wear appropriate eye and hearing protection when on shooting range firing lines during highpower rifle or pistol firing. All competitors must comply with this requirement before they can participate in a CMP sponsored or sanctioned competition. Competitors are responsible for selecting their eyewear and hearing protection.”

2020 CMP Civilian Marksmanship program rules Highpower High Power mandatory eye protection

Let there be no confusion, the CMP’s rule change notice adds: “The CMP and its sanctioned match sponsors will actively enforce this rule in 2020″.

CMP Safety Eye protection glasses rule change
In 2020, all CMP centerfire rifle and pistol shooters must employ Eye Protection and Hearing Protection.

Other important Rules Changes include:
1. Expansion of CMP Pistol Program rules for 3-Gun Match Pistol events.
2. Establishment of Smallbore Rifle Distinguished Badges.
3. Substantial reworking of rules for electronic scoring targets.
4. Rule Regarding “Resting” Magazine on Arm during Prone.

No More Mag Resting in Prone Position
Of note to Service Rifle and M1A shooters is a new rule that attempts to restrict a common practice of using the rifle magazine to support the gun on the arm while shooting prone. A few competitors were resting M1A or M16/AR magazines on their sling arms or shooting jacket sleeves. The prone position rule has been strengthened to state that while “a magazine may touch the shooting jacket sleeve … it may not rest on the jacket sleeve, jacket elbow pad, arm or ground. Competitors must control their prone positions to make they are not using the magazine to support the rifle in prone. Competitors can make sure their prone positions are not questioned by keeping the bottoms of rifle magazines visibly clear of sleeves or arms.

2020 CMP Civilian Marksmanship program rules Highpower High Power mandatory eye protection

Smallbore Rifle Distinguished Badges
The Distinguished Rifleman Badge has been a treasured honor among highpower rifle shooters. Now this important award will be available to smallbore shooters as well. The Distinguished Badge Program, which dates back to the first Distinguished Marksman Badges awarded by the Army in 1884, is being expanded in 2020 to award two new badges for excellence in Smallbore Rifle competitions.

CMP 2020 Rules: Highpower, Smallbore, Pistol, CMP Games

Report based on article by Gary Anderson, DCM Emeritus
The CMP Competition Rulebooks that will govern CMP sponsored and sanctioned Highpower Rifle, Pistol, CMP Games and Smallbore Rifle competitions in 2020 have been approved by the CMP Rules Committee and are now posted on the CMP website. The 2020 rulebooks went into effect on the 1st of January. All four rulebooks can be downloaded from the CMP Competition Rulebooks webpage.

The most important changes in the 2020 Rules include a major expansion of CMP Pistol Program rules that now provide for 3-Gun Match Pistol events, the establishment of Smallbore Rifle Distinguished Badges, a change in eye and hearing protection use in Highpower Rifle and Pistol Matches from “strongly urged” to “required”, a substantial reworking of rules for electronic scoring targets and several rule clarifications in each of the four disciplines. All changes from the 2019 Rules can easily be identified in the new rulebooks because they are shown in underlined, red text (printed Rulebooks will have underlined text). A detailed summary of 2020 Rule Changes is presented at the end of this article.

Here are some 2020 CMP Rulebook changes that merit further explanation:

(more…)

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January 11th, 2020

Custom-Honed Full-Length Dies — Better than Bushings?

Honed FL Forster Whidden Full-length dies
For some applications, we prefer a non-bushing FL die over a bushing die. Shown here are three Forster full-length sizing dies, with necks honed to three different dimensions: 0.265″, 0.266″, and 0.267″.

The Honed Full-Length Sizing Die Option

There are many good options in full-length (FL) sizing dies. Most precision hand-loaders prefer FL dies with neck bushings. These let you adjust the “grip” on your bullet by using larger or smaller bushings. FL bushing dies are available from Whidden Gunworks, Forster, Redding and other makers.

Conventional, non-bushing full-length sizing dies can create ultra-accurate ammo with very low run-out. But many conventional non-bushing FL dies have an undersized neck diameter so you end up with excess neck tension, and you work the brass excessively.

There is another effective option, one that promises extremely low run-out. The honed FL die is a full-length sizing die that has the necked honed to provide a precise fit to the case-neck. When done right, honed FL dies produce extremely straight ammo — as there are no issues with bushing alignment (or bushings that are not perfectly concentric). This Editor owns honed dies from Forster, Redding, and Whidden. They all perform extremely well, delivering match ammunition with extremely low run-out measured with a 21st Century Concentricity Gauge.

In one of the most popular articles we’ve ever published, Bugholes from Bipod, California shooter “Froggy” explained why he prefers honed dies for his tactical ammo.

Q: Do you FL size every time? Do you use custom dies?

Absolutely, I full length resize all of my brass every time I reload. And guess what? I’ve never had a feeding problem.

I do use a modified sizing die, without bushings. My FL resizing die has been custom-honed in the neck area to give .0015″ press fit on the bullet. I also put a slightly larger radius at the neck shoulder junction. I feel that this helps to seal the chamber. With this die, I get consistent neck tension every time–without bushings. Bushings are useful when you’re fishing around for a good load. But once you find the right amount of sizing for ideal neck tension, you can do this better with a customized FL die.

6.5 Guys Review Forster Honed Full-length Dies
The 6.5 Guys have reviewed honed FL sizing dies from Forster, explaining the pros and cons of this type of reloading die. They explained that, if you load a wide variety of bullets from different manufacturers, you many want to stick with a Bushing FL die. However, if you have settled on a particular bullet and found the “ideal” neck tension, then a honed die may make sense.

In this Gear Update, the 6.5 Guys discuss a service offered by Forster Products to custom hone the neck diameter of its full-length sizing dies to the customer’s specifications (to the thousandth). Whidden Gunworks also offers custom-honed FL dies.

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