Tipton Cleaning Rod Racks on Sale
Looking to better organize your reloading room (aka “man cave”)? Here’s a handy, affordable product that will help you organize gear in your reloading room or “man cave”. Tipton’s Cleaning Rod Rack (Tipton #100335) can accommodate up to six rods with various size handles. The wall-mounted Rod Rack also has horizontal studs on either end for additional accessories. These are useful for hanging the Tico Tool shotgun cleaning wands that stow in a tube with a plastic hook on the top.
Tipton Cleaning Rod Racks come complete with mounting screws (and screw slots are molded-in). You can find Tipton Cleaning Rod racks for under $7.00 right now. They are $6.95 at MidwayUSA. And Amazon currently offers the racks for $6.95 with free shipping for Amazon Prime Members.
A while back, we featured a portable reloading bench built on a Black & Decker Workmate. That proved a VERY popular do-it-yourself project so we’re showing it again, in case you missed it the first time.
Texan Robert Lewis made himself a great portable reloading bench from plywood mounted to a Black & Decker Workmate. The bench, roughly 22″ x 19″ on top, folds up to fit easily in your car’s trunk or behind the seats in a pick-up truck cab. Four recessed bolts hold the wood top section to the collapsible B&D Workmate. The sides and back of the unit are attached to the base with small nails. There is a small shelf (also nailed in place) which can be used to clamp a powder measure or hold a scale. Shown in the photo is a Harrell’s Benchrest measure and Harrell’s single-stage “C” press.
The whole unit can be built for about $65.00 with pine, or $80.00 with oak (as shown). Robert explained: “The Workmate was $40. If someone bought a 2’x4′ sheet of 3/4″ oak plywood, I think it is around $30. Using pine plywood would be about half that. Fasteners were $3. Spar Urethane would be $5.”
Robert told us: “I used a couple ideas I found on the web. The Larry Willis website gave me the idea to use the Black and Decker Workmate as a base. I found the Workmate on sale for $40 and the top is made from oak plywood I had in my shop. I sealed the wood with three coats of Spar Urethane. The whole thing folds into a nice package for transportation to and from the range.”
NOTE: Since we first ran this story, the price of a Black & Decker Workmate WM225 has increased. However you can still pick a WM225 Workmate for under $75.00. Amazon is currently selling WM225 Workmates for $70.34. The next best price we found was $72.96 at Home Depot, still a good price (Lowe’s is charging $94.98).
Under the current administration in Washington, Second Amendment rights are under attack. President Biden wants to restrict handguns and ban modern semi-automatic rifles such as the AR-15. And the ATF continues to digitize millions of sales records, effectively creating a national Firearms Registry, in direct violation of Federal law.
To help fight these trends, Brownells encourages all gun owners to take collective action to help defend the Second Amendment. For this purpose Brownells has declared the first-ever Second Amendment Day (2A Day) on February 2, 2022 — 2-22-2022.
FREE Range Sessions, FREE Ammo, and FREE Food
On 2A Day you can shoot for free — on Brownells’ nickel — at affiliated gun ranges. On 2-22-2022, Brownells has partnered with a few gun ranges to host 2nd Amendment Day range sessions. The range sessions will include free range time, limited free ammo, and free food for those who attend.
Post your Second Amendment Day Range Sessions
Brownells encourages Second Amendment supporters unable to attend a participating range to shoot at a nearby, local range and post photos of their 2A Day activities on social media with hashtag #2ADay.
Join a Second Amendment Organization
Brownells recommends that gun owners join a national and/or state-level gun rights organization. Brownells will promote the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), Second Amendment Foundation (SAF), and American Suppressor Association (ASA) on its website. Brownells will also feature a clickable USA map which visitors can use to find a state organization to join.
Brownells states: “The most important thing you can do is join with us to help preserve, protect and expand your 2nd Amendment rights. Join a state level organization promoting gun rights where you live. Join a national organization to help protect freedom for the whole country. In the spirit of joining, Brownells will purchase FPC memberships for its employees, and donate $22,222 each to FPC, SAF, the ASA, and the Iowa Firearms Coalition.”
Advocate for Your Rights — Contact Your Legislators
Brownells encourages all gun owners to advocate for the 2nd Amendment by contacting their state and federal lawmakers and communicating citizen support for gun rights. The National 2nd Amendment Day webpage includes tips on how to how to effectively communicate with politicians.
“The spirit of this event is to designate a day that we, as a nation, recognize, celebrate and do our part to secure one of the most important rights guaranteed by our Constitution – the right to keep and bear arms,” said Pete Brownell, Chairman of the Board. “This event, which we hope continues to grow in size, scale and scope, is aimed at bringing all freedom-loving Americans together on one day – 2/22 – this year and every year going forward to show support for our beloved 2nd Amendment.”
Starting March 1, 2022 you can get up to 15% off* all March-brand riflescopes and optics. This sale, which marks March’s 15th Anniversary, continues through March 14th, 2022. So get ready for the sale which kicks off in two weeks on Tuesday, 3/1/2022.
Firstly, for those who are currently unaware, DEON (manufacturer of March Scopes) had to cancel our attendance at SHOT Show 2022 and IWA 2022. This was a difficult decision to make however the uncertainty and travel restrictions were too much of a risk. We regret not being able to see many of you, however, we will look forward to seeing you next year.
In light of this, we are announcing today that we are doing a 15th year Anniversary / SHOT Show & IWA global sale starting on March 1st and running through March 14th. We would like to celebrate March Scopes’ 15th year Anniversary together with all of you and would also like to give back our unspent expedition and exhibition fee to our valued customers through this global sale. You will receive up to 15% off for all March Scopes during the global sale.
How to Purchase March Optics on SALE from March 1-14, 2022
There are a number of March Dealers in North America.
CLICK HERE for list of all USA March Distributors and Dealers in the USA and Canada.
The 2022 Southwest Nationals are history. This was a very successful mid-range and long-range event, with 330+ participants and some great shooting in F-Open, F-TR, and Sling divisions. We congratulate the 2022 SWN Champions: Tod Hendricks (F-Open, 1243-73X); Keith Trapp (F-TR, 1233-62X); and Kimberly Rowe (1231-63X). Shown below are Sling Winner Kimberly Rowe, and F-TR Champ Keith Trapp.
Here are the TOP TEN for each of the three divisions. CLICK HERE for ALL results:
2022 Southwest Nationals Top Ten Competitors by Division
F-Open Class
Tod Hendricks, 1243-73X
Tim Vaught, 1241-71X
Ken Dickerman, 1238-66X
John Masek, 1237-65X
William Kolodziej, 1235-57X
Doug Skogman, 1235-56X
Eric Wuestenhoefer, 1233-60X
Omar Alonzo, 1233-59X
Emil Kovan, 1233-57X
C.J. Sitton, 1232-62X
F-TR Class
Keith Trapp, 1233-62X
Fritz Braun, 1228-58X
James Crofts, 1224-36X
Brad Sauve, 1221-40X
Carl Matthews, 1217-50X
Drew Rutherford, 1217-45X
Matt Schwartzkopf, 1216-45X
Anthony Jordan, 1214-37X
Michael Waters, 1212-43X
Ellis Berry, 1210-48X
Sling Class
Kimberley Rowe, 1231-63X
Bobby Gill, 1231-55X
Oliver Milanovic, 1230-69X
Justin Skaret, 1229-58X
Curtis Gordon, 1228-63X
Ron Zerr, 1227-63X
Robert Gustin, 1226-49X
Trudie Fay, 1225-57X
Eron Ahmer, 1224-47X
Ken Shomber, 1222-51X
Click the links below for full results, including Grand Aggs and day-by-day performances. You can also find further results plus a large collection of photos at SouthwestNationals.net.
The Berger SW Nationals is one of the few American events where sling shooters compete on the same firing line as F-Class competitors (though in separate groups).
Reading the wind can be challenging at Ben Avery. What’s your wind call here?
Top competitors show focus and concentration in mid-range match.
Stunning F-Open rifle with SEB Mini front rest with Blake Machine accessories.
Looking downrange during Team Match.
Here is the 1000-yard firing line on the final day of competition.
Competitor’s Thoughts about the 2022 SW Nationals
Our friend John Masek (“F Class John” in our Forum) shot great to finish 4th overall in the F-Open division. Here is his “take-away” from this year’s SWN:
The 2022 SWN saw what I can only describe as the largest collection of tight-shooting guns I’ve even seen. As we approached the 800-yard line for the first day of the Long Range program, it was absolutely dead calm and everyone knew some high scores were going to get posted. By the end of the 800-yard match, the vast majority of the 134 F-Open shooters shot a clean 150 with a staggering eight of them shooting a perfect 150-15X (even 11-year-old Ethan Blake). By the end of the day, after shooting 15 rounds each at 800, 900, and 1000 yards, the entire first page of F-Open shooters was separated by only 7 points — a crazy tight margin.
On the following day we started with a very difficult 10-15 mph headwind that derailed many shooters. After the dust settled, there were 22 points separating the first page of shooters but still just 9 points spread among the top 20. The final day was fairly mild and it was anyone’s game, but there was just enough wind to keep shooters on their toes, giving many a chance at redemption from the previous day.
At the end of the day, Tod Hendricks, Tim Vaught, and Ken Dickerman kept their heads in the game and held onto their leads to finish 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively in F-Open. Tod shot an amazing 200-15X in his final round, proving that he was indeed deserving of the F-Open gold medal after three days of fierce competition.
As always, this match, along with the F-Class Nationals and V2 Finale, bring out the finest shooters in the country (and others from around the world). I highly encourage anyone who is able to attend these matches to do so. It’s an experience like no other. No matter your score, you’ll leave with more experience and certainly more friends than you arrived with.
There was construction behind the Ben Avery Range. Note the many tall cranes.
Competitors being transported for their sessions pulling targets in the pits.
Working in the pits is part of the Berger SWN experience.
Over 300 Competitors from Many Countries
On opening day of the 2022 SW Nationals Nancy Tompkins posted: “We started the day off with National anthems for Brazil, Canada, Puerto Rico, Scotland, the United Kingdom, and the USA. We have 282 shooters today and 333 for the Long Range portion of the match. It is fantastic seeing so many targets up and so many competitors after the last two years.”
Photo by Nancy Tompkins near Ben Avery Shooting Facility the evening before the Southwest Nationals. Nancy posted: “Thank you to all of the sponsors, volunteers, and shooters who have traveled from all over… to make this match so special.
Parting Shot: Norm Harrold Target, 200-17X
Paul Phillips posted: “Today I pulled a target for Norm Harrold. This was his 1000-yard target that scored 200-17X. This was the best F-Class score I ever pulled for. It sure is nice when they’re all in the X-Ring. Nice shooting Norm! This is a 5-inch X-Ring.” NOTE: This was from the first 20-shot competition on Day 2 at 1000 yards. We believe Norm had the second highest score for this particular 20-shot match, behind Steven Zock who shot an amazing 200-19X.
We created this custom target in 5 minutes using PrintTargets.net. If you like it, DOWNLOAD HERE.
AccurateShooter.com has a HUGE collection of FREE downloadable PDF targets. We offer a very wide range of target designs: Load Development Grids, NRA Bullseye targets, Official-Size BR targets, Realistic Varmint Targets, Silhouette Shapes, Fun Plinking Targets, and even specialized tactical training targets. If our collection of free targets isn’t enough, or if you want to create a new kind of target — you’re in luck. The Australian-based interactive website, PrintTargets.net, allows you to create your own customized, printable PDF targets. Shown below are just a few of the target designs you can create in minutes:
CLICK Graphic to Create Your Own Targets.
Just follow the step-by-step instructions to set paper size, layout, bullseye color, line thickness, number of rings and diameter. You can even add Score Numbers to your target rings. PrintTargets.net is easy and fun to use. It’s much faster to create targets this way than to try to draw a series of circles with PowerPoint or MS Paint.
Power-User Tip: PrintTargets.net even offers a handy diamond-grid calibration diagram that you can add to your custom target designs. You’ll find the calibration grid as option #15 when you design your target — just scroll all the way down the PrintTargets.com home page.
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. Krieger Barrels — Overstock Barrels in Inventory Now
⏺ Great Krieger barrels with no waiting — overstock inventory
Since Krieger barrels are so highly sought-after, there can be a long lead time to get a made-to-order Krieger barrel. Here’a little known secret, Krieger Barrels has an overstock barrels section on its website. There you’ll find a wide selection of calibers, contours, and lengths, with inventory updated approximately once per week. In stock are many of the most popular barrel types for PRS, F-Class, Benchrest, High Power, Service Rifle and Hunting, centerfire and rimfire. Call Krieger at (262) 628-8558 for price and availability. There just may be a barrel you need, and you’ll have your barrel in days, not months.
⏺ Great Replacement for factory stocks at amazing price.
Here are four great, very affordable Accublock stocks for Rem 700 (and Rem clone) actions. For just $199.99 choose the straight-comb Long Range Composite (LRC) Vertical Grip, LRC M50, LRC Sporter, or LRC Thumbhole. These feature modern fiberglass composite construction that is light yet strong. For all four stock types, many colors/finishes are available, including multiple camo style finishes. These all feature built-in aluminum Accublocks for easy action installation. This is a great deal, and the LRC is a great choice for a varmint rifle, while the M50 has a nice raised comb, with good ergonomics for a field hunting rifle.
3. Amazon — Teslong Rod-Type Digital Borescope, $79.99
⏺ Handy Rod Borescope with Sharp Digital Images and Video
Teslong digital borescopes have been a huge success and earned high praise from our Forum members. First there was the cable-type plug-in model, then a Wifi Teslong that works with all types of mobile devices. The latest Teslong features a metal shaft, with length markings. This makes it easier to inspect your bore with precision. This compact, electro-optical, Rod-type Borescope ($79.99) outputs sharp, high-rez images and VIDEO to desktop computers, laptops, as well as Android tablets and smartphones.
4. Midsouth — Rimfire Ammunition in Stock, All Types
⏺ Quality 17-Cal and 22-Cal Rimfire Ammunition in stock now at Midsouth
Good news for rimfire fans. Midsouth now has substantial supplies of rimfire ammunition in stock and ready to ship. There is plenty of .22 LR at all price levels starting at $4.99 for 50 rounds of Aguila. You’ll also find .22 WMR, along with .17 HMR. If you can’t find what you need, Creedmoor Sports also has good selections of Lapua, ELEY, RWS, and SK .22 LR match ammunition, starting at just $6.95/box.
⏺ Great starting choice for tactical and PRS/NRL disciplines
Interested in PRS/NRL and other tactical disciplines, but don’t want to spend a fortune on optics? The Vortex Venom 5-25x56mm FFP (First Focal Plane) optic is a smart choice. Offered in both MOA and MIL versions, the Vortex Venom ($699.99 MSRP) can be purchased right now for $499.99 from EuroOptic.com. Choose either the MOA model or MRAD version. Vortex claims the new Venom allows new tactical shooters to “get into the game at an affordable price without compromising optical quality”. The Venom boasts a 34mm main tube with 85 MOA elevation for the MOA version, or 25 MRAD elevation for the MIL version.
⏺ Smart new Die System simplifies loading multiple cartridge types
Are you tired of buying another expensive seating die every time you try a new cartridge type? With the unique Frankford Arsenal Universal Bullet Seating Die you can have one die that loads multiple cartridge types. This clever bullet seating system includes 3 different stems and 9 sleeves allowing you to seat .224 to .338-caliber bullets with this one multi-caliber tool. Forum members using this system have praised it. NOTE: the universal seating die comes with the .308-caliber sleeve pre-installed. The other 8 sleeves are provided in the box.
7. Amazon — The Wind Book for Rifle Shooters, $17.95
⏺ Best Wind-Reading Book — NEW Edition, Released May 2020
Readers often ask: “Is there a good, easy-to-comprehend book that can help my wind-reading?” Many of our Forum members have recommended The Wind Book for Rifle Shooters by Linda Miller and Keith Cunningham. Other books cover wind reading in a broader discussion of ballistics or long-range shooting. But the Miller & Cunningham book is ALL about wind reading from cover to cover, and that is its strength. The book focuses on real world skills that can help you accurately gauge wind angle, wind velocity, and wind cycles. Get the hardcover version for $17.95 or Kindle eBook for $14.99. This helpful video review explains what makes this book so good.
8. Midsouth — Lyman Brass Smith Powder Funnel Kit, $30.20
Would you like the functionality of caliber-specific powder funnels, but don’t want to spend big money on multiple units? Then try the Lyman Pro Powder Funnel for $30.20. Six caliber-specific inserts effectively give the funnel a custom fit for your case neck sizes. This kit features a convenient carry case that holds the funnel plus six (6) inserts for 22, .243/6mm, .25/6.5mm, .270/7mm, .308 and .338 caliber rifle cartridges. User reviews have been very positive on this versatile funnel kit.
⏺ Quality ultrasonic heated cleaning machine at very good price
Looking to clean your brass and/or gun parts? The H&B Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine is a bargain at just $89.98 on Amazon. This unit features a heated tank for cleaning of cartridge barss and metal parts. The ultrasonic cavitation lifts and dissolves carbon, dirt, and any residue left on fired cases. Chose cycles from 90 to 480 seconds. Not only can you clean brass, but this unit can clean pistol slides, magazines, jewelry, and silverware. Note: This unit, an “Amazon Choice” with 87% 4- or 5-star reviews, is nearly identical to the unit Lyman has sold for $120+.
10. MidwayUSA — Real Avid AR-15 Cleaning Kit with Mat, $34.99
⏺ Great accessory for AR15s, cleaning kit and mat with diagrams
We can recommend the Real Avid AR-15 Cleaning Kit/Smart Mat for all AR owners. This includes a large, padded, oil-resistant mat with printed AR parts diagrams and a built-in parts tray. The tool kit, in zippered pouch, has key tools needed to disassemble and clean your AR. The kit also includes the Real Avid Field Guide. At $34.99, this combo set costs less than the Real Avid Cleaning Kit by itself.
Kulzer Sets Eight New IBS 1000-Yard IBS Benchrest Records with 6 BRA Rifle Report by Alex Wheeler
2021 was a banner year for 1000-yard Benchrest. Glenn Kulzer of Dillon, Montana had a season that will go down in history. Glenn set eight IBS records in 2021 at the Deep Creek range in Missoula, and then was named IBS 1K Shooter of the Year. What makes this so incredible is not just the number of records but the records themselves. Normally when a world record small group is shot that’s a singular event — never accompanied by Aggregate records set by the same shooter. Glenn’s IBS record small group wasn’t a one-time lucky string. Consider this — Glenn nailed that historic small group, but also recorded multiple IBS Aggregate records in 2021. And Glenn set these IBS Heavy Gun records actually using his 6 BRA (6mmBR Ackley) Light Gun! Mighty impressive.
1000-yard Benchrest Aggregate records represent a series of targets shot over the course of multiple matches during a season. That really takes any luck out of the equation. You have to keep the rifle shooting at its peak all year long. It’s the ultimate test of accuracy. But the small groups do get the most notice and Glenn also broke the small group record with a remarkable 2.6853″ 10-shot group (photo below).
Eight IBS Records Set by Glenn Kulzer in 2021
Date: 06/13/2021
Class: Heavy Gun
Record: 10-Shot Group, 2.6853″
Date: 06/13/2021
Class: Heavy Gun
Record: 10-Shot Score 100/2.6853″
Date: 2021
Class: Heavy Gun
Record: 6-Match Group Aggregate, 4.349″
Date: 2021
Class: Heavy Gun
Record: 6-Match Score Aggregate, 99.167/4.679″
Date: 2021
Class: Heavy Gun
Record: 12-Target Group Aggregate, 4.529″
Date: 2021
Class: Heavy Gun
Record: 12-Target Score Aggregate, 98.583/5.058″
Date: 2021
Class: Heavy Gun
Record: 20-Target Score Aggregate, 95.2/6.422″
Date: 2021
Class: Light Gun
Record: 20-Target Group Aggregate, 5.202″
This IBS record 1000-yard group, and Glenn’s other IBS records, were shot with Roy Hunter’s 103gr “A” bullet, Hodgdon H4895 powder, CCI BR4 primers, and Alpha Munitions 6 BRA brass. However, Glenn does use Lapua brass for some other 6 BRA rifles.
Glenn’s record-setting rifle is a Light Gun with a common setup used in long range Benchrest. The rig features a Borden BRM drop-port action with a Bix’n Andy trigger. The action is glued and screwed into a industrial wood laminate Deep Creek Tracker stock, a predecessor of the McMillan LRB. The Krieger barrel is a 4-groove, 1:8″-twist Heavy Varmint contour chambered for the 6 BRA (6mmBR Ackley) cartridge. All of Glenn’s rifles are topped with Vortex Golden Eagle scopes. Glenn notes that his Vortex Golden Eagles have show excellent point-of-aim stability when tested with a scope checker. The front rest was a Sinclair competition with Edgewood front bag, Field & Cave outfitters front rest plate, and speed screw. For rear support Glenn uses an Edgewood LRB rear bag.
Loading Procedures for Record-Setting 1000-Yard Shooting
Glenn’s loading process is pretty simple. He full-length sizes every time, bumping the shoulders back about .003″. Powder is weighed to the kernel, and bullets are seated with a Wilson seater. NOTE: Glenn does does not anneal his brass. He sorts primers by weight but does not otherwise measure them by dimensions. He seats the primers by feel using a relatively inexpensive primer seating tool — nothing fancy.
Glenn worked up a trim-and-point recipe for this lot of bullets based on group size. Load development is all performed at 1000 yards using the group ladder method. Glenn’s record load ended up being 30.3 grains of H4985 powder with the 103gr bullet seated very far into the rifling with .005″ of neck tension. This gave a velocity of 3030 fps in the 28″ Krieger.
Glenn shot Alpha Munitions 6 BRA brass all year with the .080″ flash hole. This year he shot Roy Hunter’s 103gr “A” bullet set quite deep into the rifling. NOTE: This deep jam has proven to be very stable IF you barrel likes it. Glenn used CCI BR4 primers and Hodgdon H4895 with .005″ of neck tension. His load delivered 3030 fps out of a 28″ barrel. NOTE: This is a “HIGH NODE” that may not be possible in an average barrel with different brass. Many 6 BRA shooters are reaching a 3000+ fps node, but you should always start low and work up. Some 6 BRA barrels will max out at 2950 FPS with 103-108gr bullets.
Glenn Interview Part I — All About the Rifle that Set Eight 1000-yard Records
Glenn Interview Part II — Load Development Process and Loading Methods
Glenn Interview Part III — Barrel Cleaning Discussion
Glenn Kulzer also shot his impressive 6 BRA at the 2021 IBS Nationals at Deep Creek (shown above). This Deep Creek range photo is by Forum member Dave Way.
Setting Records in June 2021 Report by Alex Wheeler
It was a typical match for June, nothing unique about it. Saturday was actually looking to be a really great day. Overall it was good but not great. Sunday had a clear blue sky with bright sun. I looked through a couple of scopes before the match and it was milky. I probably would have shot that relay at 30-35 power. But somehow Glenn Kulzer was able to pull off the best heavy gun group ever shot in 1000-yard IBS competition. With that group Glenn also broke the 6-match Group Aggregate record. The group was no fluke, this rifle also shot great in previous matches with small groups at 1000. To my knowledge this may be the only time a small group record AND an Aggregate record were broken in the same season by the same gun. The ultimate achievement.
On June 13, 2021, Glenn shot a 2.6583″ 10-shot group, all shots in the 10 Ring for a 100 score. This now stands as the current IBS Heavy Gun 1000-Yard 10-shot group record AND score record. It is also part of new Aggregate Records listed above.
About Glenn Kulzer — Rising Star in the Long-Range Benchrest Game by Alex Wheeler
Kulzer is a pharmacist in Dillon, Montana. The attention to detail required for his job crosses over to Long-Range Benchrest. He started off a very competitive shooter right from the start. I have said it many times, but benchrest is not an elitist sport. Hard work and dedication will always rise to the top. Glenn took the sport seriously from the beginning. Accordingly, he displayed a rapid learning curve and quickly surpassed some of his mentors in match results. Glenn tunes mostly at 1000 yards using the Deep Creek variation of ladder testing. He will also load and tune at the range to try and nail the best tune for the conditions. Again, it all about the work done by competitors. But Glenn’s success shows that a bright, hard-working shooter can rise to the top of the game in just a few seasons.
For a benchrest, F-Class, or ELR competitor, the optic may easily be the most expensive component of the rifle. Even a hunter may spend as much on glass as he/she does on the rifle itself. Because scopes represent such a big investment, it is important to do some research before deciding what to buy.
Unfortunately, it is pretty much impossible to “test drive” a half-dozen or more optics. Thankfully, there are some video reviews on the internet that are, for the most part, helpful. Here we provide five scope comparison tests, with different price points, high to low. We also include a special BONUS — a unique review of 19 different spotting scopes from ten different manufacturers.
1. Nine Long Range Scopes Compared by Pew Pew Tactical
Pew Pew Tactical (PPT) published lengthy comparison of nine long range scopes. For each model PPT examined clarity, eye relief, reticle design, parallax, and windage/elevation travel. PPT also provides short videos for all the scopes showing the operation of the controls. FULL PPT REVIEW HERE.
NINE Long Range Scopes Compared
1. Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24×50mm
2. Vortex Viper PST II 5-25×50mm
3. Leupold VX3i LRP 8.5-25×50mm
4. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56mm
5. Burris XTR II 5-25×50mm
This 5-scope comparison test by Armslist Media yielded some surprises. All the scopes in the review retailed for $1500 or less. Most offer 5X at the low end and 20X or 25X at the high end. Three provide a four times zoom ratio, while the SIG Whiskey5 has a five times ratio and the Leupold VX6 has a full six times zoom ratio, with its 3-18X lens. That’s good for varmint hunters who often scan a wide field of view and then zoom in on a critter to make the shot. We think all these scopes offer good value for the money. We add that anyone considering these optics should also look at the Zeiss V4 line which offers outstanding glass at very competitive prices. The Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50mm is just $1249.00 at EuroOptic. The Zeiss V4 would be one of our first choices for a SFP varmint scope, no doubt about it.
4. Trijicon TR23 5-20×50mm
5. SIG Sauer Whiskey5 5-25x50mm
3. Five Sub-$1000 Scopes Reviewed by Precision Rifle Network
If you are looking for a moderate-priced optic for a PRS or hunting rifle, consider one of the scopes featured in this comparison review. These all offer 24-25 powder at the high end, plenty of magnification for PRS/NRL matches. This video compares the controls of all five optics, and there are through-the-lens views showing the reticles on each optic. The tester criticized the SIG Tango for “scope shadow” in view, and overly complex labeling on the knobs. He liked the Burris XTR2 saying it “is a well-respected optic in the precision rifle community … it is basically ‘bomb-proof'”, but he felt that Burris glass color fidelity was not on a par with the Vortex or Nightforce. (7:58). NOTE: the Nikon Black FX1000 series has been discontinued so these optics are available now at very attractive prices. Even before the price cut, the reviewer said “Guys, for the money, I’m not sure there’s another scope on the market that can compete with this thing.” (7:12). The 4-16x50mm FX1000 is just $649.99 at EuroOptic.com — a steal. We’ve used the 5-25x50mm FX1000 scope reviewed in this video — it has truly excellent glass, albeit stiff knobs.
FIVE $1000 Scopes Compared
1. Burris XTR2 5-25×50mm
2. Nightforce SHV 4.514x50mm
e. Nikon Black FX1000 6-24×50mm
This is a very comprehensive test of ten scopes under $500 MSRP. Unlike many reviews, the tester actually purchased all the tested scopes with his own money to provide a fair, unbiased review. The ten scopes all have approximately 4-14X magnification, common for a hunting/general purpose field scope. The reviewer ranked the $349 Vortex Diamondback Tactical FFP as the Best Overall scope. The reviewer’s first choice for a Target/Competition scope was the $299 Arken 4-16×50 model. The $175 Burris Fullfield E1 Hunting model was named the best “Lightweight, Capped Scope”.
Price listed at time of video release, September 2021. Prices may have changed.
5. Best Rimfire Scopes under $200 (.22 Plinkster)
.22 Plinkster is an honest tester who shoots thousands of rimfire rounds every year. So he’s in a good position to review budget-priced scopes designed for rimfire rifles. Because rimfire rifles have a different kind of recoil pulse than centerfire rigs, and because rimfire rifles are often shot rapid fire at plates, with hundreds of rounds fired in an afternoon, you want to find a scope that has been thoroughly tested to ensure long-term durability. Among the dozen scopes he tested, .22 Plinkster favored the Bushnell Rimfire Series: “I’ve used these [Rimfire Series] scopes a lot. These scopes, for the price point… you can’t go wrong.” He also recommended the Vortex Crossfire scope, noting that it had very clear glass and a rock-solid, transferrable lifetime warranty: “Vortex is one of my favorite scope to use, and as a company they really stand behind their products.”
BONUS Video — 19 Spotting Scopes Reviewed
You’ll find many riflescope comparison videos on YouTube. But there are far fewer reviews that look at more than two or three spotting scopes at the same time. Here is a remarkable comparison test that examines 19 spotting scopes ranging from under $300 to over $3000 in price, with both 65mm and 85mm size categories (actual max objective tested was 88mm). If you’re in the market for a new spotting scope, this is a “must-watch” video.
The U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) has produced an excellent series of videos, which collectively cover the Basic Rifleman’s Course. If you are getting started in High Power shooting, or want to improve your position shooting skills, this series is well worth watching. And these videos are not just for service rifle shooters — even bench shooters can benefit from these videos, particularly Part 5, which explains how to estimate wind speed and direction. The lead instructor for these videos is SFC Brandon Green, a three-time National High Power Champion. When SFC Green talks, you should listen.
SFC Brandon Green is a shooting superstar. Green won his third NRA National High Power Rifle Championship in 2018 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. He dominated the HP Championship cycle, finishing eight points and ten Xs ahead of his nearest competitor. Brandon also won High Power National Championships in 2015 and 2013. And in 2017 he set new records at the CMP’s National Trophy Matches at Camp Perry. One of the greatest marksmen in the nation’s history, SFC Green has no weaknesses, excelling at all positions, both rapid-fire and slow-fire.
Part 5 — Wind and Weather Estimation (Very Useful for All Shooters)
Note: This video includes a hit location “target analysis” in the first 6 minutes.
Part 4 — Minute of Angle Explained
Part 3 — Ballistics and Zeroing
Part 2 — Positions, Sight Alignment, and Natural Point of Aim (Very Useful)
Part 1 — Aiming and Sight Picture
Three-time National High Power Champion SFC Brandon Green (left above) set four new National Records at Camp Perry in 2017.
About SFC Brandon Green — One of America’s Greatest Marksmen
A three-time National High Power Champion, SFC Green has had a distinguished shooting career while at the USAMU. In 2018 Green set 4 Individual National Records and capturing his first President’s 100 match win while setting a new national record for the match. 2018 also saw SFC Green winning his third National Trophy Individual championship while setting a new national record for this championship. In 2017 Green won his fourth Interservice Individual Championship, setting a new record for this match in the process. He was also a member of several first-place winning teams, including the Nation Team Trophy and the National Infantry Trophy team match at the National Championships.
SFC Green has won the Interservice Long Range championships five times and is the current record holder for this match. In 2007 and 2008 Green captured the coveted Wimbledon Cup trophy during the NRA National Long Range Championships. He earned his third overall NRA National High Power Championship title in 2018. Green is also a lead instructor for the USAMU’s marksmanship courses and teaches the Small Arms Firing School every summer at Camp Perry, Ohio.