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January 21st, 2024

Safari Club Int’l Convention in Nashville Jan. 31 through Feb. 3

safari club international 2024 convention nashville tennessee tn music hunter guide animals

Safari Club International (SCI) invites hunters and sportsmen to attend the 52nd Annual Hunters’ Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. This major event will be held January 31st through February 3rd, 2024 at the Nashville Music City Convention Center. “Safari Club International’s Annual Convention is an opportunity for hunters to experience the latest from leading brands in the hunting industry … our Convention [brings] the best of the hunting industry to our members” said W. Laird Hamberlin, SCI’s CEO.

safari club international 2024 convention nashville tennessee tn music hunter guide animalsThe large Music City Convention Center will host exhibitors from all over the world. Attendees can check out the latest firearms and hunting gear, take part in seminars, and book hunts from multiple continents. This year’s convention will host guest speakers Craig Boddington, Dan Adler, Dave Holt, and Ramsey Russell. There will also be over 20 live and online SCI auctions with bidding on once-in-a-lifetime guided hunts, exceptional firearms, fine art, and jewelry.

With outfitters and guides from around the world, plus gun and ammo manufacturers, the SCI Annual Convention has been called the “Superbowl of Hunting Shows”.

The SCI Convention Will Feature Live Music by Legendary Performers
The 2024 SCI Convention will also feature some great live music, with performances by big name musical artists .38 Special, Jason Aldean, Big & Rich, and Foreigner.

safari club international 2024 convention nashville tennessee tn music hunter guide animals

Map for Music City Convention Center in Nashville, TN:

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January 20th, 2024

Saturday at the Movies: New Rifles for 2024 (and Late 2023)

video showcase bulletin shot show new rifle bolt action hunting rimfire

New Rifles to Be Featured at SHOT Show 2024

Though some manufacturers introduce new rifles mid-year, many officially launch new rifles at SHOT Show each January, though often with late fall previews before the actual show. There have been some very innovative rifles introduced recently, including the Nosler Carbon Chassis Hunter shown above and the new PWS UXR featured in a separate article.

In today’s Saturday Showcase, we feature seven videos that cover a huge variety of rifle types — from air rifles to long-range, large-caliber ELR rigs. The first video below covers 11 different rifles, and the other six videos cover more than two dozen other rifles. Watching these videos is a good way to see a host of different rifle options in a short period of time.

11 New/Recent Rifles with Factory Promo Videos

This videos features new offerings from Mossberg, Benelli, Stag Arms, Bergara, and more. There’s also the return of a classic, the Marlin 336.Rifles listed in this video (with video times):

0:40 Marlin 336 Classic
1:18 Franchi Momentum Elite EDC
2:13 Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical
3:07 Benelli Lupo Walnut
4:00 Blaser R8 (Ball & Buck X)
4:42 Browning X-Bolt Speed
5:26 Beretta B14 Squared Crest
6:25 Mossberg Patriot Predator
7:18 Bergara Wilderness Carbon Barrel
7:58 Stag Arms Pursuit
8:50 Nosler Carbon Chassis Hunter

Lightweight Hunting Rifles

When you’re in mountainous backcountry pursuing big game, you don’t want to be hauling around a 12-pound rifle. Thankfully, with carbon fiber and other modern materials, there are quality hunting rifles at 6 pounds or less. The host of this video notes: “When you go hunting, the last thing you want is to carry a heavy gun with you that gets you tired and weighs you down. The good news is that this is not necessary anymore. In times of titanium carbon fiber, and Kevlar, hunting rifles get lighter and lighter while keeping all the high-quality, reliability, and accuracy that you expect of them. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at these lightweights that will serve you well.”

Savage Arms KLYM Light Rifle

Here is innovative engineering from Savage Arms. The impressive new Savage KLYM rifle employs carbon fiber components for major weight savings. The HuntStand team had a chance to field test the new KLYM rifle series: “Based on a new carbon-fiber platform, Savage KLYM cuts weight so you can go farther in your quest for beasts off the beaten path.” With its Proof Research carbon fiber-wrapped stainless barrel and FBT carbon fiber stock, the new KLYM is listed as weighing under 6 pounds.

Recommended Take-Down Camp Rifles

We think every avid hunter can use a take-down rifle. Able to separate into two shorter sections, a good take-down rifle can be carried conveniently in a day pack, yet assembled easily in a minute. This video covers a variety of take-down rigs, most of which are chambered for rimfire cartridges. Some of these rifles are ultra-light, weighing less than 4.5 pounds without optic.

Accurate .22 LR Rifles for 2024

This PewPew Zone video showcases multiple .22 LR rifles. Shown above is the CZ 457 with Manners Precision stock. The rimfire rifles featured in this video (in order) are: Lithgow LA 101, Anschutz 1761, Tikka T1x MTR, CZ 457 Varmint Precision Trainer, Savage Mark II FV, and Ruger Precision Rimfire.

Long Range Rifles

This video focuses on larger-caliber rifles intended for long-range target shooting and tactical applications. Rifles featured in this video include: Barrett MRAD MK22, Howa 1500, Bergara B14, Accuracy Int’l AXSR, Tikka T3X TAC A1, Daniel Defense Delta 5, Ruger Precision Rifle. Unfortunately, the interesting rifle shown on the static intro frame is more of a teaser and is not separately tested.

Best Air Rifles for 2024

Air rifles are fun and very inexpensive to shoot. There are a variety of air rifle disciplines now: from benchrest competition, 3-position shooting, air rifle silhouette, tactical matches, and the popular Field Target Competition. You can shoot air rifles for a small fraction of the cost of centerfire firearms.

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January 20th, 2024

New PWS UXR — Change Calibers Via Quick Components Swap

primary weapons system pws uxr user xchange rifle true pearce guns america test

A radical new tactical rifle, the UXR (User Xchange Rifle) was just introduced by PWS (Primary Weapons Systems). This unique, revolutionary rifle allows users to quickly switch chamberings by exchanging just three parts: barrel, magwell, and bolt head. Initially available in 5.56×45 and .300 BLK variations, the UXR platform will also be available in .308 Win and 8.6 BLK configurations later this year.

Our friend True Pearce of GunsAmerica Digest Tests the new PWS UXR:

The new UXR rifle has a unique, patent-pending Xchange system. The upper receiver of the UXR is the only serialized part of the setup, enabling the shooter to easily transition from configuration to configuration, caliber to caliber. Adaptability is the core principle of the UXR, showcased in its many customizable features such as an adjustable buttstock that can fold left or right, an adjustable cheek plate, and ambidextrous-able selector switch, magazine release and even the charging handle.

UXR: Worldwide Reveal! from Vigilant Gear on Vimeo.

The UXR platform also features a proprietary “modified long-stroke piston system” which allows the rifle to run reliably with any UXR barrels regardless of caliber. This internal system allows the user to swap calibers and barrels without needing to adjust the gas system each time. And the newly-designed Bore Evacuator reduces back pressure, especially when a suppressor is being used, making the UXR a good choice for suppressed shooting.

For more information on the UXR, visit Primaryweapons.com/firearms/uxr. PWS will have the UXR at the Industry Day at the Range on January 22, 2024, and it will be showcased at SHOT Show 2024.

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January 20th, 2024

RCBS Lock-Out Die Enhances Safety of Progressive Presses


The RCBS Lock-Out Die can also be used with some Dillon and Hornady progressive presses.

RCBS Lock-out dieIf you load pistol or rifle ammo with a progressive press, we strongly recommend you get a Lock-Out Die from RCBS. This unique reloading die will prevent your progressive press from advancing if the dispensed powder charge is more or less than about 0.3 grains too high or too low. The Lock-Out Die really works. Your Editor uses it on his RCBS 2000 progressive press. I can affirm that a Lock-Out Die has “saved my bacon” a half-dozen times over the years when there was an over-charge (which could cause a Kaboom) or a low charge (which could cause a squib load).

The Lock-Out Die works by using a central die detection rod that sets its vertical position based on the height of the powder column in the case. Through an ingenious design, if the powder column height is too low or too high, the rod locks in place as you start to pull the press handle. This halts the press before the ram can lift and the cartridge plate can advance. Unlike a beeping alarm system (which can be ignored or defeated), the Lock-Out Die physically stops the movement of the press ram and prevents a bullet being seated in the “problem” case.

RCBS Lock-out dieIt takes a bit of tweaking to get the Lock-Out Die detection rod setting just right, but once it is correctly positioned, the Lock-Out Die works smoothly in the background. The Lock-Out Die won’t interfere with the loading process unless it detects a high or low charge — and then it positively stops the progressive loading cycle.

While crafted for use in RCBS progressive presses, the RCBS Lock-Out Die can also be used on a Dillon XL Progressive (see video below) or Hornady Lock-N-Load progressive — though it does take up one station which could otherwise be used for a final crimp die (after the seating die). The RCBS 2000 has one more station than a Dillon 550/650, so it’s an ideal platform for using the Lock-Out Die.

Learn More at UltimateReloader.com
On the UltimateReloader.com website, run by our friend Gavin Gear, you’ll find an excellent two-part series on the function and set-up of the RCBS Lock-Out Die. Part One explains how the Lock-Out Die functions, using cut-away illustrations. Part Two shows how to install and adjust the Lock-Out Die on various progressive presses. The Ultimate Reloader video at the top of this article shows setup of the RCBS Lock-Out Die on the Dillon XL-650 progressive press, while the Reloading Bench video below shows the Lock-Out Die on a Hornady LnL progressive.

Images © 2011 UltimateReloader.com, used by permission.
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January 19th, 2024

See How Rem 700 Action Works with 3D “X-Ray” Animations

3d firearms modeling gun CGI software encylopedia gun disassembly

Ever wish you could look inside your rifle, to see how the trigger and fire-control system work? Well now that is possible with the magic of 3D computer graphics. Modern software allows detailed “cutaway” side-views (see below), as well as 3D views with 360° rotation. The software can also provide X-Ray-type views into the gun’s internals — as you can see above. And computer animation can show the complete firing process from trigger pull to chambering of the next round.

Rem 700 Cutaway View from Right Side
3d firearms modeling gun CGI software encylopedia gun disassembly

This article provides some very cool 3-D “Cutaway View” animations of the popular Remington 700 action, probably the most successful American bolt-action ever created.

READERS — Take the time to watch the video! The Rem 700 animation is really outstanding! EVERY bolt-action shooter should watch this video all the way through.

Cutaway 3D Animation of Rem 700 Action — Watch Video

The Model 700 series of bolt-action rifles have been manufactured by Remington Arms since 1962. All are based on basically the same centerfire bolt action. They are typically sold with an internal magazine depending on caliber, some of which have a floor-plate for quick-unloading, and some of which are “blind” (no floor-plate). The rifle can also be ordered with a detachable box magazine. The Model 700 is a development of the Remington 721 and 722 series of rifles, which were introduced in 1948.

3d firearms modeling gun CGI software encylopedia gun disassembly

The Remington 700 is a manually-operated bolt action with forward, dual opposed lugs. It features “Cock On Opening”, meaning the upward rotation of the bolt when the rifle is opened cocks the firing pin. A cam mechanism pushes the firing pin’s cocking piece backward. The bolt face is recessed, fully enclosing the base of the cartridge. The extractor is a C-clip sitting within the bolt face. The ejector is a plunger on the bolt face actuated by a coil spring. The bolt is of 3-piece construction, brazed together (head, body. and bolt handle). The receiver is milled from round cross-section steel.

3d firearms modeling gun CGI software encylopedia gun disassemblyThis video was made with the help of the World of Guns: Gun Disassembly interactive encyclopedia with 3D rendering. This remarkable web-based software allows users to view the inner workings of hundreds of different rifles and pistols — everything from a .22 LR Ruger to a .55-caliber Boys Anti-Tank rifle. There are also 25,000+ parts diagrams. This is a remarkable technical resource. SEE MORE HERE.

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January 19th, 2024

Erratic POI Might Be Loose Barrel Issue, Not Scope Problem

loose barrel vortex scope optics point of impact change fix

Are you seeing unpredictable changes in Point of Impact on your target? Think you may have a scope issue? Well maybe not — when was the last time you checked your BARREL?

Yes scopes do fail, and scope bases/rings do get loose. But sometimes problems with erratic POI shifts are caused by a LOOSE BARREL. This issue came up a while back in our Shooter’s Forum. One member complained that his zero was shifting from day to day — by as much as two inches at 100 yards. He was convinced he had a scope problem, based on erratic POI:

“I think my scope loses 1 to 3 MOA per day. When I shot my rifle Monday it was dead on. On Tuesday it was 1″ low. Then on Wednesday it was 1 or 2″ lower. I don’t get it. — the elevation knob never touched. Scope will track and return to zero that day perfect. Yes EVERYTHING has been checked, nothing loose. What is the chance the erector tube spring has gone south? For the record this is a Vortex GE. Never had a bad scope, but this has me wondering”. — LB

On Forum member told LB to send the scope right back to the manufacturer. Two other members suggested mounting the scope on a different rifle to test. Good advice. That’s generally a smart strategy before you conclude a scope has gone bad…

Could Problem Be the Scope Base?
Two Forum members, ExPiper and Dickn52, suggested checking the scope base, recounting their past experiences with troublesome bases. This was intelligent — anyone with a POI problem should check all the optics attachments:

“Went crazy one day chasing my impacts on a 100-yard target. Shots would group fine for three then go nuts for 4-5. I cranked and un-cranked for about an hour. Then I reached up and the base wobbled on the rifle. Removed scope, tightened base screws and back in business.” — Dickn52

“Years ago I had a problem [where] shots were climbing with almost every shot. I was blaming the scope. However, when removing the scope I noticed that the 20 MOA base was cracked and getting wider with every shot. Needless to say I replaced the base and the problem was solved. — ExPiper

Eureka Moment — The problem was the BARREL, not the Scope

There were many helpful suggestions, but member PirateAmmo steered LB to the real problem — a loose BARREL: “We had a problem on a home-built AR-platform rifle once, barrel was loose a tad…”

Member Snert chimed in: “Yep — I had a PPC that suddenly went 19″ low. Picked up gun off bench by barrel and felt a wiggle. I tightened the barrel and the POI went 19 inches up”.

Problem Solved — Barrel Tightened up and POI Back to Normal
The gentleman with the POI problem took the advice of PirateAmmo and checked his barrel. BINGO! Low and behold, the barrel WAS loose.

LB posted: “Barrel loose by about 2%, checked it twice before and didn’t find it the first two times”.

After LB re-tightened his barrel, his rifle started shooting normally again. No more shooting low by 1-2 inches. Problem solved. The fix didn’t cost a penny and now LB doesn’t have to send a perfectly good optic back to the manufacturer.

Lesson learned? Check ALL the variables before you assume a scope has gone bad. Along with the barrel, also check your action screw tension, and of course the scope base and rings.

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January 19th, 2024

Remembering John Nosler — Bullet Design Pioneer

RIP John A. Nosler

John Nosler lived 97 years, passing in 2010. During his long lifetime, John was an iconic figure in the shooting and hunting world. Considered a true pioneer in bullet and ammunition design, Nosler developed the famous Partition bullet in the 1940s. Born on April 4, 1913 in Brawley, California, John built his business from scratch. He founded his bullet company in 1948. He was considered to be one of the great innovators whose designs helped create the premium bullet category and influenced ammunition manufacturers worldwide.

Moose-Hunt Inspires Partition Bullet Design
While hunting in Canada, John experienced a bullet failure on the hide of a mud-caked bull moose. He then began developing a revolutionary new projectile, which he called the “Partition”, because of the barrier that separated the bullet into two sections. One year later, John and a friend traveled back to British Columbia with his new Partition bullets, which were designed to provide deep penetration and expansion. The men bagged two moose with two shots, and the rest is history.

Nosler Partition Bullet John Nosler

NRA Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award
In recognition of his contribution to the shooting sports industry, John was the unanimous choice for the inaugural 2007 NRA Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award. The award was the highlight of a long and fruitful career. Even though he officially retired in 1988 when his son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Joan Nosler purchased the company, John still managed to come to the office on a daily basis until his health declined.

Today, John’s son Bob Nosler still presides over the company as president and CEO of Nosler, Inc., based in Bend, Oregon. Along with bullets, the company now produces cartridge brass, loaded ammunition, and hunting rifles.

To learn more about John Nosler and his bullet designs, get your hands on Going Ballistic, a “Professional Memoir” told by John Nosler to outdoor writer Gary Lewis. CLICK HERE to hear a short John Nosler audio clip or to order the book from the author.

John Nosler remained an avid hunter and shooter even late in life. Gary Lewis recalled that, at age 92, John Nosler attended the opening of a new shooting range outside Bend, Oregon. Even in his nineties, Nosler managed to drill two shots inside nine inches at 1000 yards. John Nosler leaves a legacy that will benefit hunters and shooters’ nationwide. The John A. Nosler Endowment of The NRA Foundation, sponsors the NRA’s Basic Rifle Training Program which instructs novices in safe rifle handling.

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January 18th, 2024

More Interesting New Products from SHOT Show 2024

2024 SHOT Show Planner new products

CLICK HERE for ALL 294 New-for-2024 SHOT Show Products »

2022 SHOT Show Planner new productsThousands of new products will be on display at SHOT Show 2024, the major gun industry trade show held each January in Las Vegas. The official SHOT Show Product Planner offers a “sneak peak” at 294 new-for-2024 products for hunters and shooters. More will come in the weeks ahead. Here are nine interesting new products for gun owners and reloaders. Since these are all recently-released items, we haven’t been able to test them yet. Product profiles are based on descriptions provided by the manufacturers. We will run a separate feature on new pistols and rifles that will debut in 2024.

Leaper UTG Big Bore Bipod
Company: Leapers UTG

The Leapers UTG Big Bore Bipod is a heavy-duty bipod designed for very large caliber ELR rifles. This bipod is available with either a MIL-STD Picatinny or ARCA mount. The Big Bore Bipod is 40° pannable and 22° tiltable with tension adjustment levers. The throw levers are user serviceable. The bipod’s hub sits within minimal offset in relation to its mount. This provides improved stability with a lower center of gravity, and better weight distribution. That, plus the bipod’s 60° wide open angle, makes the bipod very stable. The extendable legs offer a wide range in center-height adjustment and retract at the push of a button. Note: This is not yet on Leaper’s website. Price: $299.97

GunStixx Gun Storage System
Company: Gun-Stixx by Winchester

GunStixx allow efficient use of gunsafes. GunStiXX from Winchester are designed and sized to work universally with rifles and shotguns down to .20 caliber. This new firearm storage system consists of an MDF gun rack with holes, aluminum caps, and plastic rods. Each rod is made of sturdy, damage-free plastic material to prevent scratching your gun’s surface or barrel and can be trimmed to your preferred length. This works as a modular racking system securing guns in an upright position, creating more storage capacity within the same available footprint. Note, like other barrel rods, this system works best with rifles/shotguns with relatively narrow forearms. And for long-term storage we recommend that you remove the scope. That creates more room inside the safe.

Delta RDS Ring Cap Red Dot Scope Mount
Company: American Defense Mfg.

Many tactical shooters are now mounting red dot optics to a conventional zoom optic. This allows very rapid target acquisition at short range. This dual optic option can can be done easily with the Delta RDS Ring Cap. The ring caps for the Delta Series Mounts feature direct mount footprints for popular red dot sights to accommodate the use of backup red dot sights on scoped carbines. Available footprints include the RMR, Micro Red Dot, EFLX, MRO, Fast Fire, 509-T, and ACRO Red Dot Sights.

AR Buttstock with Mag Holder
Company: Presma

This clever Presma AR15 buttstock includes a secure carrier/holder for a spare magazine. This will attach to any regular mil-spec buffer tube and will fit all standard 5.56×45 (.223 Rem) AR15/M16/M4 magazines. This would be a handy accessory for Action Shooting competitions requiring rapid mag changes. The buttstock is adjustable and includes a recoil pad. The magazine-holder has a handy quick release, similar to a standard AR mag release. The buttstock has strap hole features for multiple sling/strap positions. Dimensions are: 7.24″ x 5.47″ x 2.23″. Price: $35.00.

Bismouth No-Lead Shot
Company: Agescan International

Some states now limit the use of lead bullets and lead shotshell media. That can be problematic for trap/skeet shooters and bird hunters. Thankfully, there are some good options that can replace lead shot. Agescan International has introduced new, non-toxic High-tensile Superb Bismuth Shot. The maker states: “We invented a revolutionary formula and production technique. The new Superb Bismuth Shot (“SBS”) exhibits extremely high quality in terms of uniformity, perfect roundness, mirror-finished surface, and zero fragmentation rate. By saying zero fragmentation rate, the ballistic test showed SBS performs like lead shot and entirely solved the shattering issue with traditional Bismuth shot.” This can be loaded into shotshells for use in areas that ban ammo containing lead projectiles.

Mil-Spec 3 Rifle/3 Pistol Case
Company: SKB

We like this versatile multi-gun case from SKB. It can hold THREE rifles and THREE pistols, making this one of the biggest-capacity cases on the market. This waterproof, virtually indestructible MIL-SPEC case features custom-cut foam to accommodate three ARs and three handguns, with plenty of room for magazines, ear protection, and other accessories. This big wheeled transports case is made in the USA and comes with an unconditional lifetime warranty. MSRP is $499.99 — a substantial investment.

Bore-Max Master Cleaning Kit and Workstation
Company: Real Avid

The Bore-Max Cleaning Kit & Mobile Workstation has a great selection of tools — jags, brushes, bore mops and more. The workstation has two innovative features that make cleaning easier. The first is the Gun Gripper technology built into the yokes, which firmly grip barrels, handguards and stocks. The second is four Smart-Assist ports located on the corners of the case. These allow plugging in the included hands-free flexible flashlight or other accessories. Tools include: Smart-Fit Bore Guide, Bore-Max 3-Pc Smart Rod, Gun Gripper Form-Fitting Grips, Gun Detailing Tools (Steel Picks, Cleaning Brushes), Micro Cleaning Mat, Travel Case.

Custom Colt Python
Company: Custom & Collectable Firearms

With collectors and enthusiast in mind, Custom & Collectable Firearms has proudly introduced the Colt Python Black Stag 3″. This special revolver includes hand and laser engraving on the frame, wheel, and barrel with almost 1/4″ in depth on the engraving. The firearm also showcases exceptional handsome black Stag antler grips that give it that beautiful, yet rugged look. The Colt Black Stag ships with a 1 of 200 challenge coin and hand signed certificate.

Suppressor Cleaning Kit
Company: Allen Company

Breakthrough Clean Technologies, an Allen Company enterprise, has released an innovative Suppressor Cleaning Kit to address the challenging task of keeping suppressors, muzzle brakes, and compensators clean and in proper working condition. Based on the effectiveness of BCT’s cleaning solution, a suppressor cleaning kit has been developed to make the entire process easier and more effective. This new Suppressor Clean Kit and other new-for-2024 items will be shown at Allen SHOT Show booth #13021. Cleaning Kit includes: 16 oz. Suppressor Cleaner Fluid, Soaking Tube, Two Specialized Brushes, Retrieval Tool, and Organized Tool Tray.

suppressor cleaner
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January 18th, 2024

If You Could Own Just One Long Gun — What Would It Be?

Sierra Bullets Gun list .30-06 Springfield .308 Winchester
Custom hunting rifle photo courtesy Kilimanjaro Rifles.

The folks at Sierra Bullets asked a few staff bulletsmiths a classic question about guns: “If you could own only one firearm which one would you choose?” There were many interesting answers including a “cheater” response — the drilling — which is really two guns in one. The most-often mentioned chambering was the venerable .30-06. Respondents cited its versatility, hunting prowess, and ready availability of ammo. The popular .308 Winchester, as expected, got mentions as did its cousins the .243 Win and 7mm-08. There were quite a few votes for classic lever guns, as well as 12-gauge shotguns. Two bulletsmiths cited the .22 LR, and we can certainly see the logic in that answer. The little rimfire cartridge is versatile, quiet, and inexpensive. SEE All Answers.

We ask our readers the same question — if you could only have one long gun, what type of firearm would it be? List the gun type and chambering in the comments section.

If You Could Have Just One Long-Gun — ANSWERS:

Media Relations Manager Carroll Pilant answered: “I would NEVER own only one gun. If I HAD to pick one, it would be a drilling in 12 gauge over .30-06.”

Ballistic Technician Rich Machholz answered: “The early tang safety Ruger M77s pretty much have all you could want in a bolt gun, but I do like the Winchester lever guns and the combination guns, particularly the drillings. Since I have the first two, I’m going for a Doug Turnbull 1886 or a side by side 20 gauge over .223 drilling.”

Ballistic Technician Philip Mahin answered: “More than likely it would have to be a bolt action .30-06. The reliability is legendary on a wide range of game animals and factory ammunition has still been available at my local stores even in these tough times.”

.30-06 Springfield cartridge diagram

Ballistic Technician Duane Siercks answered: “If I had to boil it all down to one gun, it would probably be a .30-06. I have a Remington 700C (custom shop gun) that has worked very well for anything and everything I have ever wanted to do with it.”

Ballistic Technician Paul Box answered: “A .22 Rimfire.”

Chief Ballistician Tommy Todd answered: “Remington 700 in .308 Winchester.”

Sierra Bullets Gun list .30-06 Springfield .308 Winchester

VP – Sales & Marketing Matt Reams answered: “A light weight Kimber in 25-06.”

Production Toolsetter Brad Vansell answered: “Savage weather warrior 7mm-08 is my rifle of choice.”

Production Toolsetter Dan Mahnken answered: “The .308 Winchester rifle — [based on the] wide range of bullets made and the wide range of things that one can hunt with it.”

Process Engineer David Palm answered: “Savage action 243 Winchester.”

Ballistic Technician Gary Prisendorf answered: “Probably a .22 LR. It may not be the best choice, but you could use it for about anything if you really had to.”

Production Manager Chris Hatfield answered: “Beretta A300 Outlander 12 gauge.”

Machine Shop Manager Craig Westermier answered: “12 gauge shotgun.”

This article originally appeared in the Sierra Bullets Blog.

Permalink Gear Review, Gunsmithing 4 Comments »
January 18th, 2024

Create Handy FREE Ballistics Cheat Sheet for Your Rifle

Hornady Ballistics Calculator

Hornady Ballistics CalculatorNeed a simple, easy-to-use drop chart for your rifle? Something you can tape right to the buttstock? Then check out Hornady’s handy Online Ballistics Calculator. This user-friendly calculator will compute your drops accurately, and output a handy “Cheat Sheet” you can print and attach to your rifle.

Here’s how it works. From the Ballistics Calculator Page, first select 4DOF or Standard. Next input G1 or G7 BC values, muzzle velocity, bullet weight, zero range, and a few other variables.

Click “Calculate” to view the full chart (shown below). Then click “View Cheatsheet” and the simpler, 4-line Drop Chart (shown above) appears. Click “Print” and you’re done!

Hornady Ballistics Calculator

Choose Basic Table or Advanced Version with More Variables
The online ballistics caculator is easy to use. You can select the basic version, or an advanced version with more data fields for environmental variables (altitude, temperature, air pressure, and humidity). You can also get wind drift numbers by inputing wind speed and wind angle.

Conveniently, on the trajectory output, come-ups are listed in both MOA and Mils — so this will work with either MOA clicks or Mil-based clicks. There are more sophisticated ballistics solvers available on the web, such as the outstanding Applied Ballistics Online Calculator, but the Hornady Calculator is very simple and easy to use. If you just want a basic drop chart, you may want to check this out.

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