In years past the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit Facebook page regularly released reloading “how-to” articles each week. One “Handloading Hump Day” post covered bore-cleaning, specifically the use of pull-through style bore-snakes. Visit the USAMU Facebook page for other helpful tips.
Barrel Cleaning with Bore-Snakes
Today, we’ll shift from handloading to rifle bore cleaning and maintenance, with information courtesy of the USAMU’s Custom Firearms Shop. We recently had some inquiries about bore cleaning, and this seems a good opportunity to share. After all, even the best handloads won’t yield their full potential in a poorly-cleaned and maintained rifle.
NOTE: Hoppes claims a trademark on the term “BoreSnake” (one word, no hyphen). For this article, the USAMU has used the term in hyphenated form, two words. We believe the USAMU is referring to a Hoppes Brand Boresnake, not a different bore cleaning rope.
BORE-SNAKES: MIRACLE REPLACEMENT FOR THE CLEANING ROD?
The experiences of our both firearms test specialist and this writer have given no evidence that proper use of a clean bore-snake will damage a match barrel. Of course, one does not pull the bore-snake at an angle to the crown when removing it — pull it straight out, parallel to the bore’s direction, to prevent crown wear over time.
Bore-snakes are very useful for some applications (primarily a hasty, interim wipe-down). In [my] experience they cannot replace a thorough cleaning with a proper rod and brushes. While the experiment cited here involves rimfire, it may help illustrate. Several years ago, the writer used his new, personal Anschutz to investigate the bore-snake issue. It had been fired ~350 rds with match ammo and had had 3 typical rod/brush cleanings.
Next, starting with a clean bore, the writer fired 300 more rounds without cleaning in order to build up a “worst-case” fouling condition. Afterwards, the writer examined the bore with a Hawkeye bore scope. There was a uniform, grey film down the entire barrel, with some small, intermittent lead build-up at and just forward of the throat.
Some bore-cleaning rope products feature separate, detachable bronze brush and bore mop segments. This allows more usage options (e.g. mop only), and makes it easier to clean the brush elements:
A new bore-snake was then wet with solvent and pulled through the bore. The Hawkeye revealed that the grey fouling was gone, and much of the visible fouling at the throat was reduced. However, nine more passes with the bore-snake, checking after each with the Hawkeye, revealed no further improvement in cleaning. The writer then cleaned with two wet patches, observed, then one stroke of a new, wet bronze brush, and one wet patch to clean out residue.
The Hawkeye showed a significant reduction in fouling at the throat; it was virtually gone. A second pass with a wet bronze brush and a wet patch removed the remaining fouling. Scrubbing the bore further, checking to see how much fouling was removed, revealed no significant improvement. The reason for this test was to learn what’s needed to get (and keep) this Anschutz clean with minimal cleaning rod use — and thus, minimal risk of bore damage/wear. Leaving fouling in the bore promotes corrosion over time.
Obviously, this applies to a nice, smooth rimfire match barrel, using good, well lubed ammo. It doesn’t apply directly to the use of copper-jacketed bullets, which leave a stubborn fouling all their own. However, it does suggest that while the bore-snake can be helpful and a useful field-expedient, to truly clean a rifle barrel one will still need a good quality rod, bronze brush and solvents. [Editor: Add a good-fitting cleaning rod bore guide.]
SO, WHAT ABOUT BORE SNAKES FOR BARREL BREAK-IN?
The goal of barrel break-in is to fire each shot through a clean barrel, preventing copper buildup and allowing the bullets their best chance at burnishing sharp edges. Thus, it seems this purpose would be best served by one’s usual rods, brushes and rod guides.
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The Headrest Safe Slide, a removable metal safe mated to a custom vehicle headrest, has won a 2024 NRA Golden Bullseye Award. This safe can be used inside the vehicle securely, or it can be removed entirely from the companion headrest. The headrest safe can be opened in three ways: 1) biometric fingerprint or thumbprint; 2) passcode; or 3) manual metal key. This innovative mobile safe is produced by The Headrest Safe Co. LLC based in Alabama.
Price for the sliding model is $499.99 on Amazon. The safe is made from 18ga steel and the interior is protected with 1/2″ of foam rubber so you don’t scratch your handguns.
The Golden Bullseye Awards, now in their 22nd year, recognizes the firearm industry’s top products. The winners are selected by a veteran NRA Publications’ staff, representing more than a century of collective experience in the shooting and hunting industry. This year’s award ceremony will be held at the 2024 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Dallas, Texas, on Friday, May 17, 2024.
“We are humbled and honored to be recognized for this prestigious award,” said Louis Tuck, COO/CFO, The Headrest Safe Company. “We would like to thank the dedicated NRA publications’ editorial staffers who tested and evaluated hundreds of new products before making their 2024 Golden Bullseye selections.”
This video shows the basic Headrest Safe which has a locked, hinged access plate, but does not slide out.
Protect Against Vehicle Break-ins and Thefts
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in vehicle break-ins and “smash and grab” incidents. After busting windows to get into your car or truck, thieves know to check the glove box, under the seat, and the center console. The Headrest Safe provides secure, discrete protection for guns and valuables. With a quick-access biometric reader and keypad, you have rapid access to whatever is securely stored. For more information about The Slide Headrest Safe™ and the less expensive tilt-door headrest safe, visit www.theheadrestsafe.com.
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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.
⏺ Amazing price for 8-station Turret and Reloading Tools
The Brass Smith All-American Turret Press Reloading Kit has a great turret press plus all the key tools you need to get started in hand-loading. Along with the excellent 8-station turret press, this combo contains: Brass Smith Powder Measure, Pocket Touch 1500 Scale, Powder Trickler, Case Prep Multi-Tool, Universal Case Trimmer, Case Lube Kit, Loading Block, Magnum Bullet Puller, Primer Tray, E-ZEE Powder Funnel, and Lyman 50th Reloading Manual. This is a great deal for $429.99, $90 off the normal price.
2. Extreme Store — ZEISS LRP S5 3-18×50 F1 Scope and FREE 15×56 ZEISS Binoculars, $3699.00
⏺ Superb ZEISS FFP Scope with Bonus Binoculars worth $1800
Here’s an amazing deal on top-tier ZEISS Optics. For $3699.00 you get ZEISS LRP S5 3-18×50 F1 scope AND FREE 15×56 Binoculars. You read that right, with the scope purchase through May 15, 2024, you get the ZEISS Conquest 15×56 Binoculars for FREE. That’s an amazing deal — these ZEISS binocs sell separately for $1799.99! NOTE: If you want more magnification, you can get a similar “free binocs” combo deal for $3999.00 with the ZEISS LRP S5 F1 5-25×56 scope. Both the 3-18 and 5-25 LRP S5 models are truly great FFP riflescopes with superb glass and a massive amount of total elevation travel.
3. Amazon — RCBS Rebel Press, $239.99
⏺ Strong, smooth, quality press at significant discount
The RCBS Rebel Press (#ad) is a great basic single-stage press that can load nearly all popular rifle and pistol cartridges. The press features a large ram and compound leverage system for smooth and consistent operation, making it easy to use and ensuring very consistent case sizing and bullet seating. With the Rebel press spent primers conveniently (and reliably) eject right out of the bottom of the ram where you can place a trash bin. This is better than the older Rockchucker press with its awkward spent primer tray.
4. MidwayUSA — Tipton Gun Vise with Hex/Torx Set, $109.99
⏺ Excellent gun vise with impressive Hex/Torx Driver Set
You need to hold firearms securely while working on or cleaning them. We like the Tipton Best Gun Vise because it features front, center, and rear supports which are independently adjustable to fit virtually any gun. Two adjustable rear clamps accommodate large and small stocks alike, and an L-shaped center support can be used for break-open shotguns, ARs and similar guns. There is a great bonus right now. With this excellent gun vise you get a Wheeler 65-Piece Hex/Torx driver kit, which sells for $44.99 by itself. So that’s like getting the Best Gun Vise for just $65.00 — a steal.
5. Natchez — Weaver Scope Sale
⏺ Large variety of Weaver scopes at very low prices
If you need a good scope for a starter or backup rifle then consider the Weaver Classic Series scopes on sale now at Natchez. These Classic riflescopes are designed for hunters that demand a simple, lightweight optic with good low light performance at a very reasonable price. With this sale you save $70-$80 on a scope that can work well for deer hunting, varmint hunting, or target work.
6. Creedmoor Sports — High Power Shooting Hats, $21.95
⏺ High-quality hats with side panels improve vision
Are you tired of the sun being in your eyes while at a match or at the range? Then consider getting a Creedmoor Sports Shooting Hat. Very popular with Palma, Service Rifle, and Smallbore shooters, these hats help you aim with both iron sights and scopes. The adjustable brim flaps let you position either flap at fully open, partially open, or closed positions. That allows you to shade your eyes while still being able to watch conditions and wind flags. Many older shooters tell us these Creedmoor Shooting Hats really help their vision.
7. MidwayUSA — Leupold Mark 4 LR Tactical Scope, $649.99
⏺ 100 MOA elevation in SFP scope with 1/4 MOA clicks
Here’s a great value on a scope for long-range hunting or tactical use. The $649.99 sale price is $350 off the regular price — a 35% savings. This 4.5-14x56mm scope offers huge 100 MOA of elevation travel. NOTE: This is a Second Focal Plane optic so the reticle looks the same at all magnification levels. Many hunters prefer that as they use a LRF for rangefinding.
⏺ Very comprehensive set covers huge range of calibers
Successful and safe reloading requires knowing your base to ogive measurement. The AltitudeCraft Bullet Comparator Kit (#ad) allows you to get that key measurement for a huge range of bullet sizes. The AltitudeCraft bullet comparator kit has 14 precision inserts that fit a carrier that attaches easily to your calipers. This allows you to measure calibers from 0.17 to 0.45, so this one kit will cover the vast majority of popular rifle and pistol cartridge types.
9. Graf & Sons — Targets and Target Holders SALE
⏺ Wide selection of targets from 1″ to 12″ diameter
Do you get tired of shooting at standard targets? Check out the Targets and Target Holders at Graf’s. Both standard and splatter-target varieties are offered in a variety of sizes (diameters 1″ to 12″) and configurations. In addition you’ll find reactive targets, steel plates, spinners, and target holders all at attractive prices. Along with dozens of Birchwood Casey targets, there are also Caldwell and MTM targets.
10. Amazon — Hornady One Shot Case Lube, $19.99
⏺ One of the best spray-on case lubes available, now 33% off
Lubing brass before sizing can be a labor-intensive process. But with Hornady One Shot spray (#ad) you can do the job faster and easier. Clean and non-sticky, this lubricant is quick and easy to use. With Hornady One Shot spray you can lube an entire block of cases in one quick application. That saves considerable time when loading large quantities of ammunition.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
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Many notable shooters and YouTube hosts will appear at the 2024 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits being held in Dallas, Texas later this week. Among the many celebrity gun guys on hand are ace shooters Jerry Miculek and Max Michel, plus popular YouTube Content Creators 22 Plinkster, Hickok45, and Colion Noir.
If you will be attending the NRA Show in Dallas, make time on Saturday, May 18th to meet with one or more of these notable individuals. CLICK HERE for a full list of celebrities appearing during the NRA Show in Dallas. Most will appear on 5/18/24 at sponsor company booths in the Hutchinson Convention Center.
JERRY MICULEK
Smith & Wesson – Booth: 11956
Saturday, 5/18: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Jerry Miculek is an American professional speed and competition shooter on Team Smith & Wesson who holds over 100 national and world shooting titles, and multiple world records. Jerry is widely regarded as the one of the fastest shooters in the world, and the greatest wheelgun shooter in history.
MAX MICHEL
Galco Holsters – Booth: 8953
Saturday, 5/18: 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
This upcoming Saturday, champion professional shooter Max Michel will be available to meet with show attendees, sign photos (provided by Galco), and take pictures with fans. One of the fastest pistol shooters on the planet, Max is a leading competitive shooter, sponsored by SIG Sauer, Cabela’s, and Galco.
22PLINKSTER
The Kinetic Group- Booth: 8644
Saturday, 5/18: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
At booth #8644 on Saturday May 18th, YouTube host and trick shooter 22Plinkster will be in the CCI booth talking about shooting skills, amazing trick shots and how he fell in love with the world of rimfire shooting. 22Plinkster’s YouTube Channel, with 941,000 subscribers, is the most popular online video resource for rimfire firearms.
HICKOK45
Silencer Central – Booth: 10731
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Hickok45 is an avid firearms enthusiast with extensive knowledge of popular pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Hickok45’s hugely popular Youtube channel has 2700+ videos testing a huge variety of both contemporary and classic firearms. His comparison tests, shot on his own private shooting range, are very informative. His YouTube Channel now has 7.68 million subscribers!
COLION NOIR
Nosler – Booth: 9548
Saturday, 5/18: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
On Saturday you can meet Nosler Pro-Staffer Colion Noir, a well-known Second Amendment advocate. His very popular YouTube Channel, with 2.83 million subscribers, covers shooting sports, gun safety, and the importance of the Second Amendment. An attorney by trade, Noir provides valuable legal perspective to discussions related to the Second Amendment and has become a respected spokesperson for the shooting-sports community.
MAP for Hutchison Convention Center Area in Dallas
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We think all shooters should have a quality .22 LR rimfire pistol — something with a good trigger, ergonomic grip, and excellent accuracy out of the box. Right now, with the Walther P22 Target Model, you can get all those things for just $269.99 at CDNN Sports, a great deal.
Plus, if you order this pistol by June 30th, Walther will throw in 200 rounds of Federal .22 LR Punch ammo, which retails for $11/box of 50. This free ammunition deal is good for all Walther P22 .22 LR rimfire pistols. SEE FREE AMMO details.
So you save hundreds off the price of this nice pistol, plus get $44.00 worth of free ammo. That makes this one of the best rimfire handgun deals we’ve seen in a long time.
The P22 is a very nice rimfire handgun with a 5″ barrel plus a forward ported compensator. The ergonomic grip boasts an interchangeable backstrap. Walther states: “Best-in-class ergonomics, supported by interchangeable backstraps, establishes the P22 as one of the most comfortable handguns available today.” Compared to most other rimfire pistols in this class, the trigger is very good right out of the box with a light, crisp pull. We also like the ambidextrous controls. A rare feature for a rimfire, the P22 is covered by the Walther Legendary Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Video explains how to get 200 Rounds of Federal Punch .22 LR ammo when you purchase a new Walther P22 pistol or get 100 Rounds of Federal Punch .22 WMR ammo when you purchase a Walther WMP pistol during Walther’s Free Ammo Promotion running from May 1st through June 30th, 2024.
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Today’s Sunday GunDay story features Corbin Shell’s remarkable, record-setting .416 Barrett. With a 40″ Krieger barrel secured in a massive barrel block, this is definitely a big boomer!
Back in 2019, Forum member Corbin Shell set an Extreme Long Range (ELR) record. With no sighters or warm-up shots, Corbin put three (3) shots on a 36″ x 36″ steel plate at 2118 yards, establishing a Cold Bore ELR World Record (the best at the time). The range was verified with three rangefinders and the string was witnessed by 20+ shooters. In 2019 Applied Ballistics reported: “There is a new official ELR World Record. 2118 yards. 3 for 3 cold bore.” This was also recognized as a record by the FCSA (Fifty Caliber Shooting Association). NOTE: The ELR record has been bettered in more recent years, including a 2298-yard, 3-shot performance in 2020 by Randy Newton.*
This record was set at the ELR Southeast Shootout held at the Arena Training Facility in Blakely, Georgia, on March 2, 2019. The World Record attempt was made in compliance with all ELR Central Rules.
Corbin Shell (on right) stands next to Joe Burdick, match director. That’s three hits on 36″ x 36″ plate.
ELR Ain’t Cheap — $6.55 Cost per Shot
In 2019 Corbin told us: “Each round fired cost approximately $6.55. The breakdown is as follows: bullet $3.05, powder $0.80, primer $0.50, cartridge case $1.00 (based on five firings), barrel wear $1.20 per shot based on 1000 rounds of barrel life. Hitting steel at distance: PRICELESS!”
Editor’s NOTE: With the significant inflation we’ve seen in the past 5 years, with major increases in the cost of powder and primers, we bet today’s cost per shot would be closer to $9.00 per round fired with the same formula including barrel cost.
ELR Record .416 Barrett Rifle Components
Action: BAT .50 caliber EX, multi-flat, with hard coat finish, extra CheyTac bolt. Barrel: Krieger cut-rifled, .416 caliber, 40″ finish length, 1:9″ twist. Barrel Block: Doyle Anglin Dixie Gunworks, integral Picatinny rail. Muzzle Brake: Ryan Pierce 5-port magnum. Stock: Designed and fabricated by Doyle Anglin, Dixie Gunworks. Obeche laminate, Indian Blanket color scheme. 48″ long excluding butt hardware. Butt and Cheekpiece Hardware: Master Class/Alex Sitman, extended rods. Scope: Sightron SIII 6-24x50mm MOA reticle item #25127. 100 MOA elevation/windage. Bipod: Duplin Rifles by Clint Cooper. Weight: One pound, 2 ounces. Gunsmith: Rifle builder was Doyle Anglin, Dixie Gunworks, Winder, GA.
If you want to learn more about this record-setting rifle, Corbin has prepared a 6-page project history describing all the components and explaining how the rifle was constructed. This Build Document also contains a wealth of information about loading for the .416 Barrett cartridge.
Conditions During Record:
Corbin tells us: “This was shot in Blakely, Georgia at the Arena Training Facility in good Ole dense Southern air. Here are the atmospheric conditions when I shot: 70 degree temperature, 29.70-29.80 inches of mercury, 82% humidity, 1211 Density Altitude (DA).”
Corbin noted that the unique barrel block with rail helps with ELR Optics: “This custom-made barrel block is drilled length wise to reduce weight. It incorporates an integral Picatinny rail which… facilitates mounting of … the Tacom Charlie/Delta TARAC prism system, without the need to bridge mount.” Charlie/Delta TARAC units effectively offset the view that comes into the scope, providing up to 625 MOA elevation.
ELR Cold Bore Shot Record Rules
Congratulations to Corbin Shell for setting an ELR World Record in 2019. This record was shot under a very specific set of rules established by ELR Central and industry leaders. For more ELR record information, go to ELR Central Facebook Page. There you will see more recent ELR Record rifles.
* Prior to Corbin Shell’s performance with his monster .416 Barrett, David Tubb shot a 2200-yard, 3-shot group that has been recognized as a FCSA record. However, because David had made a same-day attempt, within minutes, with a different rifle, this did not comply with the ELR Central Rules. So, officially Corbin Shell was recognized as the ELR Central World Record Holder.
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Left to Right, Sherri Jo Gallagher, Mother Nancy Tompkins, and Michelle Gallagher — All Champions.
Happy Mother’s Day
Today we want to wish Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms around the world. All of us must remember that we literally owe our lives and our well-being to our mothers, who brought us into the world. Without the love, support, caring, and nurturing of our mothers, none of us would be here. So to mothers everywhere, we say:
“Thank you. Bless you. May your lives be filled with happiness today and everyday.”
At the top is a cherished photograph of the one of the greatest moms in the shooting community, Nancy Tompkins, along with her two little girls (who both turned into pretty darn good shooters themselves). On Nancy’s right is Michelle Gallagher, multi-time National Long-Range Championship. On the left is Sherri Jo Gallagher, who was the second woman in history to capture the NRA National High Power Championship at Camp Perry. Who was the first woman ever to accomplish that feat? You guessed it — Nancy Tompkins, Sherri’s mom, was the first-ever female High Power Champion. Nancy is married to another great shooter, Mid Tompkins. This is truly America’s “First Family of shooting”.
Nancy Tompkins is one of the greatest long-range shooters in American history. She has won the National Long Range Championship 5 times (1986, 1997, 1999, 2003, and 2015), the across-the-course National High Power Championship (1998), the Metric Smallbore Nationals (2012), and the Fullbore Nationals (2012). She has also been the Wimbledon Cup winner (1993) and a 7-time Leech Cup winner (1995, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2011 and 2012). She has won both team and individual medals in the World Championships and has been on 8 Palma Teams (as both a shooter and a coach).
Tompkins’ treatise, Prone and Long Range Rifle Shooting, is a must-read for serious Palma, F-Class, and High Power shooters. The revised Second Edition includes F-Class equipment and techniques, and newly updated information. Topics include Mental and Physical training, Reading Wind and Mirage Shooting Fundamentals, International Competition, and Loading for Long Range.
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Team Smith & Wesson shooter Julie Golob has a message for Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 12th). Julie writes: “While some are using Mother’s Day week to push a gun control agenda, I’d like to encourage moms to ‘Take a Moment’. Talk to your kids about firearms safety. Help them learn what to do around firearms and have an open, honest discussion about guns and gun safety.
I truly believe that, no matter if you are pro-gun or anti-gun, everyone should know and understand the basic rules of firearm safety. It is equally important for parents to have the discussion about guns and what to do if your child finds one. Both the NSSF’s Project ChildSafe and the NRA’s Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program are excellent. They offer resources for parents, educators, and child care providers to help ensure kids stay safe.
In this video, Julie encourages parents to have “the talk” about firearm safety with their kids sooner rather than later, and provides tips for how to have a helpful discussion. Sherra Scott, a mom and a certified NRA instructor, agrees with Julie: “Whether you have firearms in your home or not, if you have children in your life, please watch this video and talk WITH them about firearm safety and what to do if they come into contact with a firearm.”
Do you own or shoot an AR-platform “black rifle”? Then you know these rifles run dirty, and have some unusual maintenance requirements. On the other hand, the AR “Modern Sporting Rifle” is fun and versatile with a vast range of options among buttstocks, barrels, handguards, and grips. You can assemble a simple 16″ barrel .223 Rem rig for home defense, or build a long-barreled 6mm ARC rifle with bag-rider buttstock and high-magnification optic for long range target work. The choice is up to you.
To help with your black rifle journey, here are eight helpful videos from Brownells. These will help ensure your AR rifle cycles reliably and runs longer, with reduced wear. Brownells also explains how to choose the optimal barrel twist rate. CLICK HERE to order AR parts, accessories, and ammo from Brownells.
AR Bolt/Bolt Carrier Lubrication — Smarter Methods
This video shows the proper way to lubricate an AR-15 bolt-carrier assembly. The video identifies the key metal-on-metal friction points where you actually need lubrication: the rails on the underside of the carrier, shiny wear points on top, and just a dab on the cam pin. How much oil/lubricant should you use? The AR-15 is pretty forgiving on that point. Some spots work best with grease, others work best with a lighter oil. Just keep it out of the combustion areas. Those little holes in the carrier are gas vent holes, NOT oil holes!
AR Maintenance — General Cleaning Procedures
Let’s face it, ARs with the original gas system tend to run dirty. You’ll need to regularly clean the bolt carrier and bolt. In addition you should regularly clean the chamber area and the inside of the upper. Also make sure to clean the lower (see video 3:15) and ensure the trigger assembly is properly maintained. This video covers general cleaning and maintenance of AR-platform rifles. We highly recommend that all new AR owners watch this video. NOTE: When cleaning the bolt, don’t forget the extractor recess and ejector recess. The majority of ARs we’ve seen that did not function properly had gunk (lube, carbon, brass shavings) clogging these areas.
AR Barrel Twist Rates — What You Need to Know
AR barrels can be ordered with a variety of twist rates from 1:12″ to 1:7″. Basically, the longer/heavier the bullet you plan to shoot, the faster the twist rate you need. For example, Sierra recommends a 1:7″ twist rate for the 90gr SMK. A 1:12″ could work with the small lightweight bullets up to 55 grains. The 1:9″ barrel will stabilize the light and mid-weight bullets up to about 77 grains. We recommend a 1:8″ or 1:7″ twist rate for the best versatility. You’ll find a detailed discussion of AR twist rates on PewPewTactical.com.
How to Install an AR15 Trigger Assembly
One of the most common AR upgrades done by black rifle owners is swapping out the trigger for a better unit (perhaps a two-stage). Trigger replacements on ARs can be done fairly easily with basic tools. But there are some recommended procedures to ensure the trigger group swap goes easily. You’ll want to have a proper mount to secure the lower, and tools that fit the pin diameters on your lower.
AR Rifle Build — How to Avoid Common Mistakes
This Brownells video explains five common yet serious errors people make while assembling or modifying AR-15 class rifles. Here are the five mistakes all AR builders need to avoid:
1. Mounting Accessories that Contact the Gas Block: A common mistake is attaching accessories like bipods directly to the handguard in such a way that screws exert pressure on the gas block. This misalignment can harm accuracy. The solution involves carefully selecting the attachment point or opting for shorter screws.
2. Incorrect alignment of the Gas Block: This is another widespread issue. Properly aligning the gas block with the barrel’s gas port is essential for the rifle’s reliable operation. Misalignment can lead to cycling problems due to insufficient gas flow.
3. Over-Torquing the Castle Nut: Applying excessive torque to the castle nut can damage the threads of the receiver extension, also known as the buffer tube. The recommended torque setting is 40 foot-pounds. Exceeding this value can compromise the structural integrity of these components.
4. Excessive Material Removal in Upper Receiver Lapping: Removing too much material when lapping the upper receiver, can cause the barrel to sit too far into the upper receiver. This misplacement can affect feed ramp alignment and gas block positioning, potentially leading to functional issues.
5. Improper Buffer Tube Installation: Failing to install the buffer retainer and spring correctly, or screwing the buffer tube in excessively, can obstruct the upper receiver’s closure. Correct installation depth is crucial for these components to perform their intended functions.
Checking Headspace on ARs
In this Tech Tip, Brownells gun tech Steve Ostrem walks users step-by-step through the process of checking headspace on their AR-15 rifles, both new and used. It is very important to have proper headspace to ensure proper feeding and extraction, and to ensure good brass longevity (with less risk of dangerous case separation). Starting at 2:10, this video explains how to check headspace with go/no-go gauges and maximum headspace gauge. Ostrem notes: “If you have an AR that closes on a no-go gauge, we recommend taking it to a gunsmith before heading to the range.”
Excessive headspace in AR platform rifles can lead to dangerous case separation.
Setting Up Gas Tube Systems
This Tech Tip examines AR-platform gas systems, and shows how to select the proper length gas tube, and how to configure multiple tube systems if you change your barrel to different lengths. This is worth watching for anyone re-barreling an AR.
Barrel Gas Block Alignment — Key to Reliable Cycling
In this video, Brownells gun tech Steve Ostrem explains surefire methods to align your gas block. The most common problem with AR builds is poor cycling, commonly caused by misalignment between the gas block and the barrel’s gas port.
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To celebrate its 45th year in business, Creedmoor Sports is running a big SALE — 45 Days of Deals. For the past month, Creedmoor Sports has marked its 45th Anniversary by discounting a wide variety of products including scopes, reloading presses, dies, shooting accessories, competition sights, shooting coats, hats, plus bullets and brass.
CLICK HERE to see all the current sale items. If you are looking for brass, many types of quality Peterson, ADG and Starline brass are on sale now. The 45 Days of Deals will conclude soon — so don’t hesitate if you see an item you want. NOTE: The Sale landing page only displays 12 items by default. You can speed your search by clicking the control to display 36 items per page. In total, 78 items are on sale.
Among our picks for the best deals are: 1) $119.95 Shooting Coat; 2) American Bullet Co. .308 Win Ammo; 3) Black Hills .223 Rem Ammo; and 4) Vertex Electronic Earplugs.
Featured Products from Creedmoor Sports 45 Days of Deals:
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A few years back, Our friend Grant Guess had a “close encounter” with a bad primer. An apparently defective primer caused part of the casehead on one of his rounds to blow out. This, in turn, allowed high pressure gas to vent through the damaged primer pocket. Take a good look, boys and girls. This is yet another very good reason to wear safety glasses … EVERY time you shoot. The cartridge was a 6.5-06, handloaded in necked-down Winchester-headstamp .270 Win brass. Grant reports:
“I had a blow-through between the primer and the primer pocket today. The action was really smoking and I got a face full of gas. This was a reasonably light charge. Thank God for safety glasses.
I should also mention that it appears there is a 3/64 hole that is halfway between the primer and the primer pocket. Like it burned a small jet hole through both of them.”
Could this happen to you? It just might. On seeing this damaged case, one of Grant’s Facebook friends, Chris D., observed: “Search the internet, you will see a lot of these pin hole ‘in the corner’ failures. Obviously Winchester has some issues with the LR primers.”
Careful Examination Reveals Apparent Primer Defect
After this incident, Grant examined the damaged case: “I [measured] the flash hole and it is not over-sized or under-sized. The primer clearly has an area where it had a defect. At [50,000 CUP], it doesn’t take much of a defect to cause issues. There was a slight bit of pucker-factor on the next shot….”
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Vortex has released new Viper HD scopes with three magnification levels: 2-10x42mm (two models), 3-15x44mm (three models), and 5-25x50mm (four models). Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) are $599.99 for the 2-10X, $699.99-$749.99 for the 3-15X, and $899.99-$999.99 for the 5-25X optics. Both FFP and SFP options are offered.
This Vortex Product Video (released on 5/9/2024) covers the new Viper HD Scopes. Vortex staffer Jimmy explains the features of the new Viper HD 2-10x42mm SFP, Viper HD 3-15x44mm SFP, and Viper HD 5-25x50mm SFP and FFP hunting riflescopes. These all have 30mm tubes.
Important features for these new Viper HD scopes are:
• HD OPTICAL SYSTEMS ensure superior light transmission and enhanced resolution
• ILLUMINATED RETICLES enhance accuracy and contrast at dawn and dusk
• CAPPED & EXPOSED LOCKING TURRET options safeguard against accidental changes and allow for rapid holdovers and adjustments
• REVSTOP® ZERO SYSTEM (exposed turret models) enables quick and reliable return to zero
The new Viper 2-10x44mm and 3-15x44mm scopes are primarily designed for game hunting. We expect the higher magnification (5-25X) models to be used by varminters and PRS/NRL competitors. The versatile higher magnification Viper HD 5-25×50 comes in four variants: two Second Focal Plane (SFP) models with $1,299.99 MSRP and MAP of $899.99 MAP (Minimum Advertised Price); and two First Focal Plane (FFP) models with $1,399.99 MSRP and $999.99 MAPO. These MAP prices represent a very good value for a quality 5-25x50mm optic with a superb warranty.
To view technical specifications for these new Viper scopes, along with Optics FAQ and high-rez images visit the Vortex New Product Portal.
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Bore-snakes are very useful for some applications (primarily a hasty, interim wipe-down). In [my] experience they cannot replace a thorough cleaning with a proper rod and brushes. While the experiment cited here involves rimfire, it may help illustrate. Several years ago, the writer used his new, personal Anschutz to investigate the bore-snake issue. It had been fired ~350 rds with match ammo and had had 3 typical rod/brush cleanings. 
The Headrest Safe Slide, a removable metal safe mated to a custom vehicle headrest, has won a 2024 NRA Golden Bullseye Award. This safe can be used inside the vehicle securely, or it can be removed entirely from the companion headrest. The headrest safe can be opened in three ways: 1) biometric fingerprint or thumbprint; 2) passcode; or 3) manual metal key. This innovative mobile safe is produced by 
Happy Mother’s Day
Nancy Tompkins is one of the greatest long-range shooters in American history. She has won the National Long Range Championship 5 times (1986, 1997, 1999, 2003, and 2015), the across-the-course National High Power Championship (1998), the Metric Smallbore Nationals (2012), and the Fullbore Nationals (2012). She has also been the Wimbledon Cup winner (1993) and a 7-time Leech Cup winner (1995, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2011 and 2012). She has won both team and individual medals in the World Championships and has been on 8 Palma Teams (as both a shooter and a coach).
Team Smith & Wesson shooter 
