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October 22nd, 2022

Position Shooting — Tips from Olympic Shooter Matt Emmons

Matt Emmons smallbore air rifle Olympic Games gold medal position shoooting
Rio 2016 World Cup Photo Courtesy ISSF and Team USA.

Would you like to try position shooting? Here are some tips from one of the best 3P shooters on the planet, Olympian Matt Emmons.

Matt Emmons Anschutz 3P three position shooting tipsMatt Emmons is one of the USA’s top smallbore rifle competitors in recent decades. Emmons has competed on the U.S. National Team since 1997 and he has represented the USA in various rifle events at four Olympics Games — 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016. Matt earned multiple Olympic medals: Gold in 2004 in Men’s 50m Prone*; Silver in 2008 in Men’s 50m Prone; and Bronze in 2012 in Men’s 50m 3X40. Although his specialty is Men’s 3-Position rifle, Emmons’ World Championship and Olympic Gold are in Men’s 50m Prone. He usually shoots an Anschütz or Bleiker .22LR rifle, with Eley Tenex ammo.

Here are shooting tips from Matt, courtesy Anschütz. Click image below to launch a large PDF file. Right-click the image and “save as” to download the poster-sized PDF.

Here Matt Shows the Kneeling Position. The other two positions are Standing and Prone.

CLICK Photo to Load Large PDF File
Matt Emmons Anschutz 3P three position shooting tips

Three Sets of Hardware for Three Positions
You may be surprised to find that Matt often totes three complete sets of rifle parts to important matches — three buttplates, three cheekpieces, and three Centra sights with adjustable irises. Matt told Shooting Sports USA that he travels with “three sets for three positions. Our final is so fast that I need three sets of everything to allow a fast change-over between positions.” Matt carries his gear in an an Anschütz sport bag: “It’s similar to the big Ogio duffels with wheels, but lighter. I’ve worked with AHG/Anschütz for many years and I like their bag because all of my junk fits in it.”


*Emmons’s gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in the prone position came while using a borrowed rifle. In April 2004, just prior to the Olympic Team Trials, Emmons discovered his rifle had been severely sabotaged in the supposedly secure locker room at the United States Olympic Training Center. The precisely tuned barrel and action were heavily damaged by what appeared to be a screwdriver. “I unpacked my gun and I noticed that something wasn’t right,” Emmons said. “Sure enough, somebody had done something to it. I shot it and I couldn’t get the shell out. I said, ‘Something’s wrong here’.” Emmons said it could not have been an accident: “Oh no, no,” Emmons said. “Somebody took a screwdriver and went in.” Emmons went on to the 2004 Summer Olympics, and his gold medal in the prone position event, using his former University of Alaska Fairbanks teammate, Amber Darland’s .22 rifle. He never found out who the saboteur was, but said “I’d like to know so I could shake their hand and say thanks.”

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October 21st, 2022

21st Century Arbor Presses: Hydro, Standard, New Generation

21st Century Shooting Hydro Press Hydraulic Arbor Press bullet seating

Hydro Press and Arbor Press from 21st Century Shooting

Gear Review by F-Class John
Inline dies, used with arbor presses, continue to dominate the world of precision reloading. While arbor presses have remained mostly unchanged, 21st Century Shooting offers the Hydro Bullet Seating Press, a radical departure from your average arbor press. If you are looking for improved “feel” and feedback on bullet seating pressure, you should definitely check out the Hydro Press. This design has been around for a while now but has remained unchallenged since its inception. The 21st Century Hydro Press still remains a category leader (and the choice of many top competitors) for good reason. It is offered for $300.00 or, with a variety of gauge options, for $367.00. You can add an extended base with loading block another $85.00. CLICK HERE for ordering options.

Arbor presses have traditionally worked by using a gear-driven ram operated with a rotating handle. This allows for a compact design but often lacks the tactile feel and smooth operation that many reloaders want. The 21st Century Hydro Bullet Seater works by using simple mechanical leverage coupled with a hydraulic pressure gauge to seat bullets in a smooth motion all while helping you keep track of seating pressures.

21st Century Shooting Hydro Press Hydraulic Arbor Press bullet seating

Editor: Many top shooters believe they can seat bullets with greater precision using the 21st Century Hydro Press. I personally get more consistent seating, which seems to improve accuracy and even help a bit with lowering ES. The Hydro Press gives you excellent feedback when seating bullets. That has helped me detect a case with too much neck tension, or a case that may have doughnut issues. When the gauge does something odd or spikes, you are alerted to a possible issue.

In this video, John Perkins of 21st Century Shooting Shows how the Hydro Seater functions.

You might be asking why or how simple a simple mechanical lever gives you an advantage over gear driven systems and the answer is simple, leverage. The Hydro Seater is equipped with a long arm that comes straight up and out from the front and uses a set of hinges that connect to the ram. This elongated arm provides lots of leverage allowing easy force modulation. This smoothly applies pressure to the seating die in one fluid motion. This transfer of power helps seat bullets smoothly in even the tightest of necks without any jerky or stuttering movements.

Working at the same time is a hydraulic pressure gauge using internal oil. I found this gauge was incredibly sensitive, accurate, and repeatable compared to spring-driven gauges. The Hydro gauge read-out really gives the user the chance to sort ammo by seating pressure should they choose. In my particular case I only use it to cull out noticeably high or low ones as “blow off” rounds and am perfectly happy if the rest fall within a given pressure range. The nice thing is that the press allows you to be as picky as you want.

21st Century Shooting Hydro Press Hydraulic Arbor Press bullet seatingCompact 21st Century Standard Arbor Press
Not to be outdone by its big brother, 21st Century offers a Standard Arbor Press as well, in both right-hand and left-hand versions. Affordably priced at $128.00, this small arbor press in made to the same exacting standards as the Hydro Seater and has some nice features of its own compared to other small arbors.

The large, knurled adjustment knob is one of my favorite features. It tightens securely, yet it allows for easy raising or lowering of the head unit without the need for hex wrenches. 21st Century’s basic arbor press also has a slightly canted lever arm which allows the user to apply pressure more easily and consistently compared to some other arbor presses. While this press is small enough to fit many range bags, it can be disassembled quickly with a single Allen wrench.

While I own the 21st Century Hydro Press for use at home, the Standard Arbor Press goes with me to out-of-town events, so I can adjust bullet seating depth at the match. I love using it for this purpose since the little press is so easy to transport, and then set up and use on the road. The seating action is smooth, and there is plenty of leverage.

Seating my bullets long before I travel gives me the ability to set them to adjust for any throat erosion that may occur. This also ensures my bullets are seated correctly, by eliminating any potential bullet weld or problems from the bullets accidentally bouncing in your luggage. I like the confidence of knowing that my bullets are properly seated before a big match, especially when it has been days or weeks since I loaded them.

New Generation Arbor Press from 21st Century

UPDATE: In addition to the Standard Arbor Press, 21st Century now offers a New Generation Arbor Press for $185. This features direct leverage action plus a light-weight return spring that provides enhanced “resistive feedback” when seating bullets. This Editor has used this New Generation Arbor Press and it does have improved seating “feel”. An extended base with loading block is available at extra cost.

21st Century Shooting Hydro Press Hydraulic Arbor Press bullet seating

21st Century explains: “Our New Generation Arbor Press is the perfect upgrade for shooters looking to get the most out of their hand dies. With many truly unique features… this press features a butter-smooth direct leverage action. The tight tolerances of this design and exclusion of friction-inducing gears ensures that the press exerts consistent pressure through its full range of motion with minimal effort. Leverage is increased through the incorporation of an extra-long press handle, reducing hand and arm fatigue. The return springs are strong enough to reset the press but do not diminish the operator’s ability to feel the resistive feedback generated by neck tension. Press head clearance is adjustable up to 9 inches.”

SUMMARY — 21st Century Makes Great Bullet Seating Presses

Whether you need a premium bullet-seating Press such as the Hydro Bullet Seater or a basic, easy-to-transport Arbor Press, 21st Century Shooting has a excellent option for you. The Hydro Press offers outstanding bullet seating “feel” and consistency, with an ultra-smooth operation. The basic Arbor Press is well-made, compact, and also yields excellent results. Both these presses are built for a lifetime of use, using high-quality materials.

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October 21st, 2022

NSSF Sponsors Photo Contest for Hunters with MSRs

modern sporting rifle hunting contest NSSF

The NSSF is running a MSR Photo Contest for hunters. Submit a hunting photo with a semi-automatic modern sporting rifle (MSR) and you can win one of two valuable guided hunts — a Mississippi Deer Hunt or Louisiana Hog Hunt. Through its #LetsGoHunting with MSRs Photo Challenge, the NSSF encourages hunters to share memorable hunting experiences when using MSRs. There are many photo styles that can be submitted — selfies, trophy photos, group photos, and firearms in the field.

Enter by posting an Instagram hunt photo using an MSR, such as an AR-15 or AR-10. All valid entries must include a photo showing a MSR in use such as the AR-15, AR-10, carbine, and similar variants. Entries must be submitted no later than January 31, 2023. Winners will be selected by drawing. Photos are only eligible for this sweepstakes if they contain a modern sporting rifle and depict proper firearm safety. Please read the official Photo Challenge Rules for more information. It is easy to enter the contest:

1. Take a photo while hunting using a Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR)
2. Post the photo to Instagram including #LetsGoHunting in the caption.

modern sporting rifle hunting contest NSSF

Hunting with Modern Sporting Rifles
MSRs, today’s popular semi-automatic rifle designs, are used by more and more hunters. Modern Sporting Rifles are used for many different types of hunting, from varmint to big game. MSRs are chambered for a wide variety of calibers and cartridge types, from 20 Practical to .338 WSM. MSR’s ruggedness and versatility serve hunters well. And MSR modularity allows MSRs to be configured for various applications.

modern sporting rifle hunting contest NSSF
Tactical Life Night Shooter — #LetsGoHunting #nightshooter #hoghunter

NSSF thanks The Confluence Group for donating the prize hunts to help encourage hunters to participate in the MSR Hunting Photo Challenge. Learn more here.

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October 20th, 2022

Train for F-Class Competition with 300-yard Target Centers

F-Class Target center NRA training reduced size
Ben Avery Match Photo by Sherri Jo Gallagher.

The 2022 F-Class National Championships are underway right now at the Ben Avery Range in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mid-Range Championship (Oct. 16-19) finished yesterday, and now the Long-Range Championship runs today, October 20, through Sunday, October 23. With economic inflation and the high price of gas in particular we know many F-Class shooters couldn’t make it to Nationals this year. For them, and other folks who are getting started in the sport, here are some special targets that let you train at your home range, even if it does not have target bays at 600 and 1000 yards. These special 300-yard target centers let you duplicate the exact MOA size of the official F-Class targets, but at closer range.

2015 F-Class Championship Ben Avery
Here is the sleek, carbon-stocked .308 Win rifle Bryan Litz used to win both the 2015 Mid-Range AND
Long-Range F-TR Championship at the Ben Avery Range in Phoenix, Arizona.

These reduced-size target centers were created by Forum member SleepyGator, an F-Class competitor who needed practice targets he could use at 300 yards. There is an official reduced-distanced standard for 300-yard F-Class matches. This utilizes the NRA No. MR-63FC – F-Class Target Center which is pasted over the MR-63 target. It provides a 1.42″ X-Ring, 2.85″ 10-Ring, and 5.85″ Nine-Ring. (The dimensions of F-Class targets are found in the NRA High Power Rules, Sec. 22, part 4, page 70-71 — see sample below.)

F-Class Reduced Target Centers

CLICK HERE to Download F-Class 300-yard Target Centers (.Zip archive with three targets)

To duplicate the 300-yard target, SleepyGator has prepared a printable version of the MR-63FC Target Center, along with a pair of training targets with two bulls and five bulls. The two-bull and five-bull targets mirror the scoring rings on the MR-63FC, but they display only the innermost three rings and two rings respectively. All three targets are Adobe Acrobat (PDF) files that can be easily printed. You may need to adjust the scale (sizing) on your printer to get the dimensions exactly correct. As noted above, when printed, the 10-Ring on all three targets should measure 2.85″. This should provide some handy practice targets you can use between matches. Thanks to SleepyGator for providing these targets. You can download all three as a .Zip archive. After downloading the .Zip file, just click on the .Zip archive to extract the individual targets.

CLICK HERE to Download NRA High Power Rules with F-Class Target Dimensions

F-Class Target Paste Center

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October 20th, 2022

Pumpkin Carving with Hickok45 — Halloween Handgunning

hickok45 youtube pumpkin video model 29 revolver sig M17

Happy Halloween
Hickok45 Carves Pumpkin Faces with Handguns

To celebrate Halloween, here’s an example of master wheelgun marksmanship. Popular YouTube host Hickok45 skillfully creates a smiling face on a pumpkin using a S&W Model 29 .44 Magnum revolver. This is the classic blued, double-action revolver popularized by Clint Eastwood as Dirty Harry. This has become a tradition for Hickok 45 — every year he puts a face on a pumpkin using a different firearm, typically a pistol, but he’s used a couple rifles as well. This year’s 2022 pumpkin-carving effort was done with a suppressor-equipped 9mm Mini Uzi. SEE PUMPKIN Shooting Playlist for all Hickok45’s annual pumpkin blasts.

Want to see more? Hickok45 has also carved pumpkins with a dozen firearms. Here is a pumpkin carved with a genuine, WWI-era Colt 1911 carried by an American soldier in the Pacific theater.

And here is a rather grim-looking face applied using the .40 SW Glock 23.

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October 20th, 2022

Starline .223 Remington Brass on Sale — $34.99/100

Midsouth Starling .223 Rem Remington brass cartridge sale discount sale

Here’s a very good deal for varminters, service rifle competitors, 3-gun aces, and any other gun guys who shoot large quantities of .223 Remington ammo. Right now Midsouth Shooters Supply is offering 100-count bags of quality, Starline .223 Rem brass for just $34.99 per 100 cases. That works out to just 35 cents per case — a very good deal these days for brand new, highly-consistent cartridge brass.

Midsouth Starling .223 Rem Remington brass cartridge sale discount sale

You may want to grab some of this Starline brass before it sells out. We expect to see high demand for this Starline .223 Rem brass at the bargain $34.99/100 price.

Popular .20 Caliber and 6mm Wildcats Based on .223 Remington

Along with being used for .223 Remington loads, this .223 Rem Starline brass can be necked-down for the 20 Practical wildcat cartridge, or necked up for 6mm-223 variants. The 20 Practical is one of our favorite varmint loads, proving very accurate in bolt-action rifles as well as AR-platform rifles.

20 Practical wildcat .223 Remington Rem AR15

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October 19th, 2022

Smart Tips for Neck-Sizing Cartridge Brass Using LEE Collet Dies

LEE Precision Collet Die

For those who prefer to neck-size their brass (rather than full-length-size), the LEE Collet Die is a popular, inexpensive option. It works by having collet tangs or “fingers” press the neck against a central mandrel. The benefit is that you get a very straight neck, which is sized consistently from top to bottom. Canadian shooter Jerry Teo explains: “LEE Collet Dies produce sized cases with very low runout (measured runout is under .001″ using a Sinclair concentricity gauge). You also don’t get the build-up of brass at the base of the neck, as can happen with bushing neck dies. The neck-shoulder junction stays nice and crisp.”

NOTE: For most handloading, we recommend FULL-LENGTH sizing of cases. You should always have a good Full-length sizing die for your brass. But there are some situations where neck-sizing may be useful. This article explains how to neck-size effectively with a LEE Collet Die.

Here’s a good video that explains how to use a Lee Collet Die to Neck-Size .243 Win brass:

LEE Precision Collet DieTIP ONE — Adjusting Tension
LEE Collet dies don’t have a specific mechanical adjustment for neck tension. But you CAN easily modify the die to provide more or less tension. If you want to adjust the neck tension using a Lee Collet die, you can simply chuck the mandrel in a drill and reduce the diameter with some sand-paper (to increase neck tension) or you can order a mandrel the next caliber larger and turn it to whatever diameter you want (the larger the mandrel diameter, the less the neck tension). You can also order custom mandrels from Lee sized to any diameter you want.

Regarding neck tension, Boyd Allen makes an important point: “The only way to properly get more neck tension with collet dies is to either reduce the diameter of the mandrel, or order a smaller-diameter mandrel from Lee. I remind folks that adjusting the die position to have more toggle at the top of the ram stroke (not the factory recommended method), or leaning on the press handle with more force than recommended will NOT increase neck tension.”

TIP TWO — Polish and Tune for Easy Case Removal
Some users have complained that their Collet Dies grab the case-neck too firmly, making the case hard to remove. There are solutions to this problem. First inspect the collet fingers and smooth the inner surface up a bit with polishing compound or an extra-fine sanding pad. Second, you can open up the fingers a little bit. LEE recommends that if your Collet Die is sticking, take a steel punch and tap the fingers apart a little bit so that the natural “unloaded” position is wider. Lastly, you should lightly lubricate the outside of the collet fingers (see arrows) before you re-assemble the die. This will ensure they slide smoothly. Also, to prevent the collet fingers from closing too tight, never load up the die with your press without putting a case in place first. Without a case neck between the collet fingers and the mandrel, the collet can clamp itself too tight as you raise the ram.

TIP THREE — Always Have a Case Inside When Operating Collet Die
Our friend Boyd Allen tells us that you need to follow directions and NEVER operate the die without a case inside. Boyd explains: “This is because doing so will spring the quadrants of the collet inward so that they interfere with the insertion of a case, and the user will have to figure out how to undo the damage if the die is to operate properly. This advice would not be needed if everyone read the instructions before using the die…. but many times, they don’t. Another thing that I tell new users is to take the die apart so that they will have a better chance of understanding how it works.”

Lee custom neck sizing collet diesTIP FOUR — Size Twice and Spin Your Case 1/8th Turn
After reaching fully “down” on your press handle, withdraw the case about an inch and manually rotate it about 1/8th (NOT 1/4 or 1/2) turn while still in the shell-holder, then size again. This will place the die’s collet petals on the four “high spots” of the case neck and will result in a rounder, more evenly-sized neck with slightly more bullet tension. This takes only about one second more per case and is well worth the slight extra effort. (We thank reader Stonecreek for this smart tip).

Get CUSTOM Lee Collet Dies for Your Brass
Yes LEE does make custom collet neck-sizing dies! LEE Precision currently offers Custom Collet Neck-Sizing Dies, made from two of your fired cases. LEE offers custom standard-thread (7/8×14) collet dies for $100.00 (plus S/H) and custom large-thread (1¼x12) collet dies for $300.00 (plus S/H). This is a good option if you run wildcats or have unusual chamber dimensions.
CLICK HERE to ORDER.

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October 19th, 2022

Zombies in the Heartland Match on Shooting USA TV Today

shooting usa tv zombies in heartland grand island nebraska hornady

Shooting USA will broadcast a fun episode today, October 19, 2022. Today’s show covers Hornady’s Zombies in the Heartland multi-gun match. This popular event, hosted in Nebraska, is one of the biggest three-gun shoots in the nation. Held this past June, the Zombie Match attracted hundreds of shooters from throughout the nation. One nice thing about the match is that it’s not just for top-tier multi-gun shooters. There are also divisions for novices — first time shooters with pistol, rifle, and shotgun are welcome.

Pandemic 3-Gun Match Zombies in the Heartland Nebraska Hornady

SHOW TIMES: This Shooting USA Episode airs Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific; 8:00 PM Central. If you miss the regular broadcast, you can stream the show at any time on Vimeo for $0.99 per episode.

Pandemic 3-Gun Match Zombies in the Heartland Nebraska Hornady

The 10-stage 3-gun match was fun and challenging. A wide variety of reactive zombie targets kept shooters engaged and entertained. In years past one stage had a parked pickup truck where shooters were required to turn the steering wheel to see targets.

Zombies in the Heartland on Shooting USA TV

shooting usa tv zombies in heartland grand island nebraska hornady

Pandemic 3-Gun Match Zombies in the Heartland Nebraska HornadyPandemic: Zombies in the Heartland
Every year Hornady hosts the very popular Zombies in the Heartland event. This “Pandemic” 3-Gun fun match, one of the biggest three-gun shoots in the nation, took place June 3-5, 2022 at the Heartland Public Shooting Park in Grand Island, Nebraska. Traditionally this Zombies in the Heartland match features a rich prize table worth over $150,000. Prizes include pistols, rifles, shotguns, scopes, AR uppers, gun parts, and gear of all kinds.

The Pandemic is a veritable theme park for shootists, with many fun stages and innovative targets. Many unique, reactive zombie targets have been developed specifically for this match. The use of paper targets has been minimized — so it’s mostly “bang and clang”.

There were ten multi-gun stages this past year. Rifles, pistols and shotguns are used on most stages. There were also fun side-matches. We highly recommend you watch the video below to see highlights from a past Pandemic.

Zombies in the Heartland Highlights Video. Guys, this well-made video is WORTH WATCHING! This video offers Shooter’s POV views of many stages including full auto:


Zombie Hornady Heartland Pandemic

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October 19th, 2022

NRA Provides $1 Million in Range Improvement Grants in 2022

NRA Range Improvement grant funding application

The National Rifle Association has distributed one million dollars to fund range development and improvement projects in 2022. Both public and private ranges have receive grants for a variety of projects including: construction of berms, range covers, lighting systems, and pavilions. Funds have also been provided for the purchase of trap machines. The funding was distributed via the NRA and NRA Foundation.

“To ensure a robust future for recreational target shooting and the shooting sports, gun owners need a place to learn, train, and compete,” said Joseph P. DeBergalis, Jr., executive director of NRA General Operations. “Thanks to the generosity of NRA members, NRA Foundation donors, and those who attend local Friends of NRA events, NRA is able to provide the resources sought after by clubs and public agencies to build, expand, and improve ranges in their communities.”

How Your Club or Facility Can Apply for NRA Grants
Range funds are available for request in a variety of ways. First, through the Range Development Committee, NRA-Affiliated Range Funding is offered to 100% NRA membership-affiliated clubs for the acquisition, development, and improvement of shooting facilities. Second, funding is made available through the NRA Public Range Grant Funding program to city, county, state, and federal units of government to improve, enhance, and build public ranges. Third, there is the NRA Foundation State Fund Capital Improvement Grants program, which offers funding to government agencies and non-profit entities.

public range grants nra

NRA Range Services offers an online course to prospective and current range owners and operators detailing best practices in range development, safety, and environmental concerns. To complement the course, NRA has authored The NRA Range Source Book, a premier technical source book for planning, construction, design, and maintenance of shooting range facilities. On the public policy side, the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) has been instrumental in protecting access to shooting ranges by promoting and supporting Range Protection laws throughout the country, prohibiting anti-gun units of government from forcing the closure of shooting ranges through onerous regulations.

Links for More Information and Grant Applications
To learn more about NRA’s support for public and private ranges, please visit Rangeservices.NRA.org. Information about the NRA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and its grant application process can be found at NRAfoundation.org/grants.

NRA Range Improvement grant funding application

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October 18th, 2022

Wet Times at 2022 New England CMP Games and HP Matches

2022 CMP New England games ethan allen vermont M1 Garand Carbine AR15

Rainy September Days in Vermont
The Civilian Marksmanship Program’s New England Games Matches, held September 18-25, 2022, at the Camp Ethan Allen National Guard Training Site in Vermont, can be described in one word: WET.

Though suffering one of the toughest weather weeks in the event’s history through cold temperatures and steady rainfall, Pistol and Rifle competitors still managed to give outstanding performances on the firing line, with some new record scores being set.

2022 CMP New England games ethan allen vermont M1 Garand Carbine AR15

2022 CMP New England games ethan allen vermont M1 Garand Carbine AR15

2022 CMP New England games ethan allen vermont M1 Garand Carbine AR15

The New England Games event features CMP’s full lineup of vintage and modern military rifle and pistol competitions. These matches are suitable for those just beginning in the sport of marksmanship while offering significant challenges for more experienced marksmen and markswomen.

2022 CMP New England games ethan allen vermont M1 Garand Carbine AR15
2022 CMP New England games ethan allen vermont M1 Garand Carbine AR15

Notable 2022 New England Games Results and New Records

In CMP Games rifle events, Brian Williams, 48, who is a current New England Games record holder in several events, set yet another record with a 383-6X in the Carbine Match. This topped the previous score he had set himself in 2016. Williams was also only two points away from setting a new record in the Modern Military event — he holds the current record in the match from his 2018 performance.

Maisey Loucks, 28, showed great talent in the Rimfire Sporter Rifle Match, finishing with 579-26X, just three points from the current TU class record. Earlier this year, at the Camp Perry National Matches in July, Maisey earned the High Woman title in the National Carbine Match, setting a record in the process.

Reaching a new New England Games record in the Vintage Sniper Match was Hard Leg #2 (James Horton, Jack Chomko), who beat the previous record set in 2018 by one x-shot, with a score of 397-16X.

Setting a New England Games record in the Vintage Sniper Match was team Hard Leg #2 (James Horton, Jack Chomko), who beat the previous record set in 2018 by one X, with a score of 397-16X.

Bettering a record in the EIC Match by X-Count was SSG Verne Conant, 26, who accumulated a score of 497-26X in his impressive win. Top competitors of the match earned EIC (Excellence-In-Competition) points toward a Distinguished Badge, including two junior athletes: Jack Marshall, 20, and Shannon Moriarty, 14. Marshall finished the match fourth overall while Shannon Moriarty took fifth.

Outside of the recreational Games Matches, the CMP hosted a series of High Power matches that included a team event, three days of 800 Aggregate shooting, and a culminating 2400 Aggregate. Individuals were recognized for their Service or Match Rifle use, scores at each position and Civilian or Military status.

2022 CMP New England games ethan allen vermont M1 Garand Carbine AR15
Along with the matches, a Rifle Marksmanship 101 clinic was held at Camp Ethan Allen.

Find a complete list of CMP New England Games results visit the CMP’s Competition Tracker Page. Hundreds of event photos can be viewed and downloaded from the CMP’s Zenfolio Archive.

2022 CMP New England games ethan allen vermont M1 Garand Carbine AR15
Gobble, Gobble — tempting turkey targets near the shooting range. Thanksgiving is coming soon right?

2022 CMP New England games ethan allen vermont M1 Garand Carbine AR15

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October 18th, 2022

How Loud Noise Levels Hurt Your Hearing — Wear Protection

hearing protection sound noise american suppressor association ear muffs earplugs can silencer

Protect Your Hearing — Wear Protection Whenever You Shoot

hearing protection sound noise american suppressor association ear muffs earplugs can silencerNoise induced hearing loss and tinnitus are two of the most common afflictions for recreational shooters and hunters. Everyone knows that gunfire is loud, but very few people understand the repercussions that shooting can have on their hearing until it’s too late.

The better quality suppressors can reduce the noise of a gunshot by 20 to 35 decibels (dB). Good muffs or plugs will reduce sound by 23 to 33 dB. By decreasing the overall sound signature, suppressors help to preserve the hearing of recreational shooters and hunters. Even the most effective suppressors, on the smallest and quietest calibers (.22 LR) reduce the peak sound level of a gunshot to between 110 to 120 dB. To put that in perspective, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), that is as loud as a jackhammer (110 dB) or an ambulance siren (120 dB). For normal caliber handguns and rifles, suppressed sound levels routinely exceed 130 dB, just shy of OSHA’s “hearing safe” threshold of 140 dB.

hearing protection sound noise american suppressor association ear muffs earplugs can silencer

According to Dr. William W. Clark, the current Director of the Washington Univ. School of Medicine’s Audiology/Communication Sciences Program, a “serious threat to hearing comes from recreational hunting or target shooting”. This is in large part due to the fact that many people choose not to use traditional hearing protection devices like earplugs and earmuffs because they want to be able to hear their surroundings. Multiple studies have found that between 70 to 80% of hunters never wear earplugs or earmuffs, and nearly half of all target shooters don’t consistently wear traditional hearing protection. Thus, it should come as no surprise that for every five years of hunting, hunters become seven percent more likely to experience high frequency hearing loss.

This article is based on information from the American Suppressor Association (ASA). Since the ASA’s formation in 2011, three additional states have legalized suppressor ownership and 18 states have legalized suppressor hunting. For more information, visit www.AmericanSuppressorAssociation.com.

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October 17th, 2022

BargainFinder 369: AccurateShooter’s Deals of the Week

AccurateShooter Deals of the Week Weekly Bargain Finder Sale Discount Savings

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.

NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.

1. MidwayUSA — Lyman Products on Sale at Major Discounts

lyman sale
Major savings on Lyman products — Presses, Tools, Dies and more

Lyman crafts a huge variety of reloading gear — everything from dies to 8-station turret presses and even bullet-casting furnaces. Right now get HUGE savings on Lyman products at MidwayUSA. Save 15-20% on presses, 27% on trigger pull gauge, 25% on Lyman electronic powder dispenser, and up to 53% on dies. This major MidwayUSA sale includes most popular Lyman presses, case trimming tools, scales, tumblers, dies, and much more.

2. Amazon — RCBS Summit Press, $150.35

rcbs press sale
Unique compact design, also great for range loading

Do you need a press that can be mounted on a bench with no overhang? The perfect solution is the RCBS Summit Press. With the ability to mount anywhere due to it’s top-down operation this press is compact and versatile. Better yet, it will accommodate 1″ dies which is a rare ability for presses. The Summit’s unique design allows it so be mounted with an extremely small footprint on your bench.

3. KYGUNCO — Benelli Nova Pump Shotgun, $399.99

benelli nova sale
Great price on quality pump shotgun with good sights

If you in the market for a well built home defense pump shotgun check out the Benelli Nova. With it’s 18.5″ barrel, easy to use ghost ring sights and it’s ability to cycle everything up to 3-1/2″ shells the Nova is a great shotgun and even better deal for under $400.

4. Creedmoor Sports — Deluxe Padded Shooting Mats on SALE

creedmoor sports padded folding roll-up shooting mat prone
Some of the best, most comfortable shooting mats, now on sale

If you shoot prone then you need a good mat to keep you comfortable and stable. You can find a large selection of Shooting Mats at Creedmoor Sports. You’ll find roll-up or 4-part folding mats on sale now. Most of these are customizable with colors and accessories.

5. Bruno’s Shooters Supply — BAT Actions IN STOCK

bat action sale
Avoid the wait with superb BAT actions in stock now

It’s never taken longer to build a custom rifle than it does in today’s world. Shorten that time a little bit by picking up one of these in stock BAT Actions from Bruno Shooters Supply. Right now Bruno’s has a very large selection of BAT actions, and the best thing is they are ready to ship today.

6. Sportsman’s WHSE — Vortex HD 20-60x85mm Spotter, $799.99

vortex razor scope
Very good spotter for the price with outstanding warranty

Vortex has updated its top-of-the-line Razor HD spotting scope, changing from a small-knob focus system to a single large focus ring. Now get the previous model Vortex Razor HD 20-60x85mm Spotting Scope at a huge discount. The $799.99 sale price is $800 less than the current 27-60x85mm Razor HD ($1599.00 on Amazon) — that’s HALF the price! This two-tone $799.99 spotter features premium High Definition (HD) glass for excellent sharpness/resolution with minimal chromatic aberration (color fringing). Verified purchaser reviews have been very positive: “Great spotting scope at a great price”.

7. Amazon — WildShot Cleaning Kit, $34.95

cleaning kit sale
Cool “Big Cartridge” kit that is also very functional and versatile

Are you looking for a fun gift or maybe a conversation piece for your gun room? Check out this unique WildShot 51-piece Cleaning Kit. This kit features 3 brass cleaning rods, plastic handle, 10 brass wire brushes, 5 mops, 2 brass adaptors, 2 plastic slotted patch holders, 25 cleaning patches, 1 double ended nylon brush, 1 double ended cleaning pick, 1 oil bottle & case. All these cleaning tools are housed in a durable plastic container that looks just like a giant cartridge case.

8. Palmetto SA — Rifle Case, Earmuffs, Shooting Glasses $49.99

PSA rifle case compact walkers muffs glasses
Great bundle deal with Walker Muffs, Glasses, and Carry Case

Here’s a great combo deal for NRL22 competitors and black rifle shooters. Right now, for just $49.99 you can get a “bundle” with PSA 36″ rifle case, Walker’s NRR 27 Slim Muffs, and shooting glasses. The rifle case includes three pockets on the front side plus nice, adjustable shoulder straps on the opposite side. Grab this PSA Case, Muffs, Glasses Bundle while you can! You basically get the muffs and shooting glasses for FREE since the PSA 36″ rifle case by itself costs $49.99!

9. Amazon — Hornady Rechargeable Dehumidifier, $22.99

hornady dehumidifer
Protect gun collection in your safe with advanced dehumidifier

Gun owners need to control the humidity levels in their gun safes and storage vaults. One efficient, modern tool for this task is the Hornady Rechargeable Dehumidifier, now $22.99 on Amazon. This electrical unit helps control humidity to help prevent rust and mildew. Simply charge the unit and place in your safe to draw unwanted moisture away from your valuables. When the moisture-control crystals change color, then recharge the unit with a 110v outlet. Hornady says this is effective in spaces up to 333 cubic feet.

10. EuroOptic — Sitka Clothing Closeout Sale, Save 43%

sitka sale
Sitka makes superb camo gear — now get major discounts

Whether hunting or shooting, being in the cold is no fun when you have the wrong clothes. Stay warm with Sitka Gear and grab some during the EuroOptic Sitka closeout sale. They make some of the best cold weather gear combining wind-resistance and warmth using modern, lightweight yet durable materials.

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