I absolutely love using this press stand. I use it with my Forster Co-Ax as well as my Dillon 550. The stand mounts those presses at the right height to minimize fatigue and maximize torque. Some products I merely review and return but this one is a keeper and won’t be leaving my bench anytime soon. — F-Class John
Lyman Universal Press Stand REVIEW
Product Review by F-Class John
Positioning your press at the optimal height is one of the oldest problems in reloading. Most presses sit low off the edge leading to uncomfortable arm strain or inconsistent pressure being applied while using. Lyman has set out to fix that problem with a reasonably-priced ($69.46 at Midsouth) press riser that works with the vast majority of reloading presses. This unit will raise just about any press up off your bench securely, allowing you to working more comfortably from a standing position. This also frees up vital bench space UNDER the press. Unfortunately this press stand is so popular it is back-ordered at most vendors.
I have used a variety of presses over the years. At times I’ve run into issues mounting a press at a level that doesn’t promote arm or hand strain during normal operations. In the past I’ve used blocks of wood or even tried other brands’ proprietary stands. But I had very limited success with those options. Accordingly, I was very excited to give the Lyman Universal Press Stand a chance.
Lyman’s Universal Press Stand comes complete with side plates, two different top plates, and a large collection of mounting hardware. The two top plates are pre-drilled for numerous popular Single Stage or Progressive presses. Helpful diagrams and instructions show which side of the top plate you need to use. The pre-drilled holes accommodate a variety of presses from RCBS, Dillon, Lyman, Redding, and Hornady. But surprisingly, the plates are not pre-configured for the Forster Co-Ax Press.
CLICK to WATCH VIDEO Showing Lyman Universal Press Stand
Setting up the stand was very simple. The two sides bolt to the lower shelf unit at which point you attach the top plate. All the supplied bolts made this a breeze and once everything was snugged down, I was able to place it on my bench where I wanted it and mark the drill holes to mount it. After securing the stand to my bench it was time to mount my press.
Lyman Universal Press Stand with Dillon 550 Press
Adapting Lyman Universal Press Stand for Forster Co-Ax
At the time of testing I was primarily using a Forster Co-Ax press. With no pre-drilled Co-Ax configuration for either Lyman top plate, I decided to customize the blank side of one of the top plates. I opted to position the mounting holes so that the press could sit 100% on top of the mounting plate and not just off one edge. I found this process simple to execute. Mark your drill holes, then drill the plate. This can easily be done with regular drill bits although using a step-bit worked faster and cleaner to help enlarge the holes just a little when I needed some extra clearance.
Lyman Universal Press Stand Is Stable and Strong
Once set-up, I found the stand to be incredibly stable. The design allows for full force to be applied to the press no matter what the operation. Having used this Lyman Press stand regularly over the past few months with both my Co-Ax and a Dillon 550c, I still find myself loving it. The height is perfect and allows me to load as much as I like without straining my arm or getting fatigued. With an attractive price point (under $55.00 street price) and a simple design, I feel this is a great system for those looking for a secure and raised platform for their reloading presses.
The Universal Press Stand comes with two plates. If you have different presses that fit each plate you could easily swap presses just by changing plates while leaving the presses attached. It’s less functional if you have two presses that share one plate and would require removing one press before installing the next one.
Lyman Press Stand Unboxing and Set-Up (KFW Video Review):
Gunsite Academy, the oldest and largest civilian firearms training academy in the USA, now offers 96 videos cover the full spectrum of the Gunsite Academy curriculum. In most of these videos, instruction/demontrations are provided by respected Gunsite instructors with commentary by gun writer Richard Mann.
There are a wide range of videos covering pistol, rifle, and shotgun shooting. In addition, there are videos covering gun maintenance, optics, and accessories. Nearly 100 videos are currently available on the Gunsite Academy Video Page. Most of the videos are also available the Gunsite YouTube channel.
Here are Five of our Favorite GunSite Academy videos:
Proper Bipod Use with Rifles
Dry-Fire Training — Save Your Ammo
MIL vs MOA in Riflescopes
Drawing a Handgun from Concealment
AR Platform Rifle Take-Down and Maintenance
In this video, Gunsite Academy instructor/gunsmith Cory Trapp demonstrates the proper way to field-strip, clean and lubricate an AR-15 carbine. Trapp also offers important technical tips for maintaining your modern sporting rifle, including lube points. This video has nearly 2.5 million views on YouTube.
Gunsite Academy — 45-Year Heritage of Excellence
Founded in 1976 by Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper (WW II and Korean War combat veteran, author, and professor), Gunsite Academy has been providing elite firearm instruction for more than 40 years. It enjoys a reputation for serious, no-nonsense training. Cooper built the facility just west of Paulden, Arizona. Originally it was called the American Pistol Institute (API).
Shooting steel targets is fun — both at close-range with pistols and rimfire, and at long range with centerfire rifles. If you’ve been thinking of getting some steel targets, here’s a great SAVINGS opportunity. Right now, as a June 2022 Pre-Father’s Day Deal, Action Target is offering a full 20% off ALL Steel Targets. That’s a great promo from one of the most respected metal target-makers on the planet.
IMPORTANT — Though this is listed as a Father’s Day SALE, the discount is only valid for TWO DAYS — June 1st and 2nd, 2022. So don’t hesitate. Use discount code FATHERS2022 during checkout on the ActionTarget.com website.
Action Target posted: “Father’s Day is just around the corner, and we know Dads want steel shooting targets. So from June 1st-2nd, use coupon code FATHERS2022 and save 20% on all steel targets.”
If you shoot pistols, or rimfire rifle, this Dueling tree is a ton of fun. Shoot solo or two shooters can enjoy challenge matches on this PT Dueling Tree. With the 20% Off code you can save $93.20 off the regular $466.00 price. There are many other great steel targets, such as the rimfire plate rack or the full Steel Challenge Kit.
Each year, on the last Monday in May, Americans honor the sacrifices of military men and women who paid the ultimate price in their service to our nation. More than 1.3 million American men and women have died in military service during wartime, including more than 666,400+ combat deaths. On May 30, 2022, we again pay tribute to these men and women and remember their service to their country.
This is what Memorial Day symbolizes — a time Americans take a clear look at both our past and our future. One day each year, when we acknowledge the debt we owe to those men and women who — because they so cherished peace — chose to live as warriors.
Could anything be more contradictory than the lives of our soldiers? They love America, so they spend long years in foreign lands far from her shores. They revere freedom, so they sacrifice their own that we may be free. They defend our right to live as individuals, yet yield their individuality in that cause. Perhaps most paradoxically of all, they value life, and so bravely ready themselves to die in the service of our country. — Deborah Y. Parker
Moment of Remembrance
Memorial Day Observances will range from parades to memorial ceremonies and organized moments of silence. The Memorial Day National Moment of Remembrance honors America’s fallen warrriors. Established by Congress in 2000, the “Moment” asks Americans, wherever they are at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, to pause for one minute, in an act of national unity and respect for the fallen.
What Is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the men and women who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. The holiday, which is celebrated every year on the last Monday of May, was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the war. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service.
On Memorial Day, the United States flag is traditionally raised to the top of the staff, then solemnly lowered to half-staff position until noon, when it is raised again to full-staff for the rest of the day. The half-staff position is to remember the more than one million men and women who have given their lives for this country.
Flags placed in Arlington National Cemetery by members of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, the “Old Guard”.
Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.
The 2022 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits event is underway right now in Houston, Texas. Inside the George R. Brown Convention Center, some 630+ exhibitors are showing their products and services. Exhibitors include large gun manufacturers such as SIG Sauer and Glock, as well as component suppliers including Berger, Federal, Hornady, and Sierra. In addition to product sellers, there are many booths featuring hunting guides and outfitters.
Along with the exhibitions, major political leaders, including former President Donald Trump, and U.S. Senator from Texas Ted Cruz addressed NRA members at the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum on Friday May 27th. Here are the speeches delivered by President Trump and Senator Cruz:
NOTE: The speeches begin roughly one hour into the video at 59:30 mark with NRA Executive VP and CEO Wayne LaPierre.
New and Interesting Products at NRA Convention Exhibit Hall
Along with politics, the annual NRA Convention is a major showcase for new shooting and outdoor products. With a vast, 14-acre Exhibit Hall, thousands of firearms and shooting-related products are on display. You’ll find guns from Colt, Glock, Henry, Remington, Ruger, Sako, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, and other major manufacturers. All the big optics makers are on hand. In addition, ammo and component suppliers, including Berger, Federal, Hornady, and Sierra, have booths at the NRA’s Exhibit Hall. Here are three videos highlighting many products showcased at the 2022 NRA Convention.
This 45-minute video from Classic Firearms covers a large number of gun manufacturers and optics makers with booths at the NRA Exhibit Hall. Cadex offered interesting new technology that allows easy barrel/caliber changes at the range. Browning showcased some new hunting rifles, and Glock features its new Slim-Line pistols. Video Product Highlights: Aimpoint 4:22; CZ-USA 8:52; POF-USA 15:40; EoTech 17:34 (1-10X Scope and eFlex); Cadex 21:35 (Multi-Caliber Tactical Rifle); Glock 23:35 (Slim-line MOS); Christensen Arms 29:37; CAA 34:41; FN-America 38:57; Browning 42:20; Polymer80 45:08.
This follow-up Part II video (above) from Classic Firearms covers more popular guns, optics, and shooting gear at the NRA Exhibit Hall. Here are the products covered along with their respective “start times” on the hour-long video: Stag Arms 0:00; Springfield Armory 8:08; SAR USA 22:23; Beretta 26:33; Barrett M82A1 32:02; Taurus & Rossi 32:28; Savage 39:22; Barrett (again) 43:54; Heckler & Koch (H&K) 46:35; Black Rambo 50:45; and 51:31 Springfield Armory. With a full hour of product features and interviews, this video should keep viewers entertained.
TFB TV recently released seven videos showcasing new products released at the NRA Show last week. Each video has a detailed product review. New products featured include: Taurus G3 Tactical, Ruger Marlin 1895 Lever Action Rifle, Walter Magnum Pistol (WMP), Colt Cobra Target 22 LR revolver, Anderson AM-10 Gen 2, IWI Massada Slim pistol, and Dead Air Sierra-5 5.56 compact suppressor. The Colt Cobra Target 22 LR and Ruger Marlin 1895 Videos are linked above.
CLICK to access Floorplan webpage with Exhibitor Index.
About the NRA Annual Meetings — What It’s Like to Be There
If you have never attended the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, this video features highlights of recent NRA conventions, which have attracted firearms owners and Second Amendment advocates from around the nation. This video was filmed in previous years.
An notable era in modern benchrest history is ending. The last Benchrest Super Shoot at the Kelbly’s Range has concluded. Held May 24-27, 2022, this was the “final showdown” of the world’s group-shooting benchrest aces at the Kelbly’s range facility in Ohio. The overall 2022 Super Shoot Champion, with best combined 100 and 200-yard group-size Two Gun Aggregates (Aggs), was Jeff Summers. Gun writer James Mock noted: “The master of the Super Shoot, Jeff Summers, did it again. He fought the tough conditions and came out on top of the 200+ shooters at the final Kelbly-held Super Shoot. [That is] four times that Jeff has finished first. This shows that good guys can do well. Second place went to Ohioan Don Powell.” Summers finished with a 0.2513 Agg. Shown below are the combined 100/200 Two Gun Aggs for the top 21 finishers. SEE Forum Thread.
Over 200 competitors shot at the XLVIII Super Shoot event, considered the “Superbowl of Short-Range Benchrest”. The vast majority of competitors were shooting the 6 PPC cartridge with 6mm bullets under 70 grains. Another Super Shoot-type event may be held in the future in Texas, but this was the last event to be held at the impressive Kelbly’s Range in North Lawrence, Ohio.
This major event, held annually for many years, attracted hundreds of the world’s top short-range benchrest-for-group shooters. Over the years, at the Super Shoot, you would find the world’s best benchrest shooters on the long firing line, including Hall of Fame legends like Tony Boyer, Wayne Campbell, Lester Bruno, Alan Euber and other talented PPC pilots.
Conditions this year were sometimes tough, with brisk winds and rain. Here is a video from Forum member Jay Wallace, captured on Thursday May 26th. You can see the raindrops falling:
Rain Falls at 2022 Super Shoot at Kelbly’s Range in Ohio:
This year’s Super Shoot winner, Jeff Summers, was featured in the Daily Bulletin in 2012, when Jeff won the 40th Annual Super Shoot a decade ago. That article mentioned that Summers used a bag squeezing technique at that time. This shows that while many competitors use expensive joystick rests, bag squeezing (to aim the rifle) can still achieve great results. This shows that one can still be very competitive without having the most sophisticated rest or expensive new toys.
Super Shoot — What It’s All About
The excitement and anticipation leading up to a Super Shoot can be hard to explain to those who haven’t been to one. Every year, some shooters arrive at the Super Shoot a week early to dial in their rifles, learn wind conditions for the range, and enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow shooters. As the match draws closer, campers and RVs fill the area behind the range, and shooters stake out turf all over the property with their reloading and cleaning equipment setups.
Many shooters choose to load cartridges in the main barn directly behind the 60-bench firing line, while others decide to work in pop-ups, campers and other outbuildings around the facility. Benchrest shooters tend to load in small batches, and some most load cartridges between each match. Many shooters clean their rifles after each match, while others sometimes go two or three matches between cleanings, depending on the number of rounds they fire.
Another part of high-level benchrest competition that will amaze first-time attendees is the quality and amount of equipment benchrest shooters use. Just in front of the shooting benches and the targets, range flags of all kinds sprout up, from the typical “daisy wheel” flags to very sophisticated velocity indicators that show varying wind intensity. Shooters adjust their flags to align with the particular target in front of a specific bench, just slightly below the path of the bullet but still partially visible in the high-powered scopes.
The rifles represent a variety of actions, usually custom, with heavy benchrest barrels by various barrel makers. The most popular cartridge used is the 6mm PPC, but occasionally you will run into someone using a Grendel necked to 6mm or 6mmBR-based case. Rifle rests used are typically heavy tripods or plate rests. You see a lot of Sinclair rests, Farley rests, SEB Rests, and a variety of others, including a few homemade rests. Bags are typically Edgewood, Protektor, and now some Lenzis.
Super Shoot — Runners, Pickers and the Pursuit of Perfection
The techniques vary between shooters, and they are interesting to observe. Some shooters “run” their targets and will shoot a quick sighter and then run all 5 shots as fast as they can before conditions change. Others are “pickers” and shoot each shot carefully, going back and forth between the record target and the sighter target to verify wind conditions and bullet drift. These guys will sometimes shoot up to 10 sighters and use the full seven minutes. Both styles of shooting work and many shooters use both techniques depending on the match conditions[.]
After a one-year hiatus, the United States Practical Shooting Association’s Multi-Gun Nationals event is back at new South Carolina venue — the Clinton House Plantation, which features shooting bays and an impressive 2000-acre hunting preserve. The USPSA Multi-Gun Nationals ran April 1-3, 2022.
Multi-gun competition is tough. Competitors must master pistol, rifle, and shotgun –three platforms, three calibers. Along with having great marksmanship skills, competitors must be very fit — the matches involve a significant amount of running. It’s all part of the challenge at the USPSA’s Multi-Gun Nationals.
If you are a fan of 3-Gun competition, tune in to Shooting USA this week. The latest episode, which airs Wednesday May 25 at 9:00 pm Eastern, 8:00 PM Central, features the 2022 USPSA Multi-Gun Nationals in South Carolina. You can see many of the nation’s top 3-Gun shooters attacking challenging stages with pistols, rifles, and shotguns. CLICK HERE for TV Schedule.
Multi-gun competition has evolved considerably since it started 30+ years ago. The firearms are more sophisticated, the optics are better, and the stage times are much faster. Still, the challenge remains the same: How fast can you shoot multiple targets, with the score determined by speed and accuracy? For the best in the sport, the answer is very fast indeed.
Joe Farwell hosts highlights from 2022 USPSA Multi-Gun Nationals.
Most people compete in the Tactical Division. Competitors in that division are not allowed a bipod, so many competitors utilize structures on the stage to stabilize their long gun. Regardless of division, the USPSA Multi-Gun Nationals is a true test of manipulating three different weapons, under pressure, on run-and-gun courses of fire. And the pressure is definitely on when a National Championship is on the line.
SHOOTING USA TV Air Times
View Shooting USA on the Outdoor Channel Wednesdays 9:00 PM (Eastern and Pacific) + 8:00 PM Central.
NOTE: If you miss today’s 5/25/22 broadcast, you can still view the show on Vimeo for a small 99-cent fee, or just $1.99 per month unlimited. LINK HERE: Shooting USA on Vimeo.
Shooting USA is available On Demand via Vimeo.com. Watch a single episode for $0.99, or get a full-month subscription for $1.99 and watch as many shows as you like with limited commercial interruptions.
Here’s a really impressive feat of marksmanship and rifle accuracy. Starting with a cold bore, i.e. no sighters and no warm-up shots right before the string, Curtis Roman made 3 hits in a row at 1.404 MILES (2472 yards). The hits were on a steel target 3-foot square (36″x36″). To put things in perspective, one MOA at 2472 yards spans 25.88 inches. Looking at the target, his three shots were very close to 1 MOA.
Sterling Precision and Applied Ballistics shooter Curtis Roman set a new FCSA Extreme Long Range (ELR) Cold Bore Record on Sunday, May 22, 2022, at the Spring Canyon ELR Match at the NRA Whittington Center in Raton, NM. At this match, Curtis was able to make 3 consecutive impacts at 2472 yards, starting with a cold bore. This feat was witnessed by fellow competitors. Through his spotting and wind-reading skills, Roman’s teammate David Lindsey played a key role in setting this new Cold Bore ELR World Record.
Curtis was shooting a Sterling Precision-built .416 Stroker with 500 grain Cutting Edge Lazer bullets. The ballistics solution for the 2472-yard distance was calculated by a Kestrel 5700X with Applied Ballistics using Doppler radar data.
This video shows Curtis Roman at the 2021 KO2M event at the Whittington Center last year:
Rules of Extreme Long Range Competition There are various rule sets for different ELR events at different venues. However the Extreme Long Range Shooting Organization (ELRSO) has created a set of standardized rules with the goal of running ELR matches under uniform guidelines. Here are some highlights of the ELRSO Rules for Extreme Long Range Competition:
Any caliber of rifle up to and including .50 CAL can be shot at any ELRSO Unlimited event. Eligible rifles must be .50 caliber or smaller.
Rifle, as ready to fire with all equipment attached, may not exceed (50 lbs. Heavy) or (25 lbs. Light), scales will be required at each match to verify weight compliance.
Attached Bipods for the front rest, and rear bag or pad for rear support will be the only rest systems permitted. No mechanical rests, mono-pods are allowed.
Bipod must be rigid and may only have two points of contact with the ground and one point of attachment to the rifle. Distance between feet may not exceed 20 inches.
Weight of all equipment must be brought to firing line in a single trip. No additional weight may be added to the rifle [after] weigh-in.
No electronic data gathering equipment, flags or wind data references permitted forward of the firing line.
No electronic communication will be permitted between the shooter, or spotter, and any other person.
Range Distance Requirements Light Class – Minimum distance for initial target will be no less than 1,000 yards. Maximum distance for final target will be no more than 1,800 yards. Range must be capable of extending to 1,800 yards to host an ELRSO Limited Class match.
Heavy Class – Minimum distance for initial target will be no less than 1,400 yards. Maximum distance for final target will be no less than 2,600 yards, and no more than 3,600 yards. Range must be capable of extending to a minimum of 2,600 yards to host an ELRSO Unlimited Class match.
Savage Arms offers a series of Shooting Tips in the Savage Blog. Here is a helpful article from Team Savage Shooter Stan Pate. This covers how to ship your rifle safely, and then re-establish zero properly when the gun is reassembled after transport.
Traveling with Firearms — Important Advice
Traveling with firearms can be stressful. You must comply with multiple regulations and then trust your expensive guns to airline baggage handlers. And after arrival you’ll need to put your rifles back together and confirm the zeros. This article offers helpful travel advice from Team Savage shooter Stan Pate. Pate has traveled the globe competing with match rifles. Here he shares his tips for making trips easier on you and your firearms.
Easier Air Travel With Firearms
TSA isn’t nearly as careful with your rifles as you are. Proper storage before sending your firearm up a conveyer belt and into the belly of a plane is critical. Stan Pate spends lots of time each year traveling the skies and has devised a system for keeping his rifle safe when going to and from.
“Never travel with your firearm completely assembled,” Pate cautions. “A fully assembled firearm is much heavier than one that has been broken-down and stored. More weight creates more in-the-case movement, which can result in damage. I learned this the hard way years ago. My rifle was actually broken in half when traveling to an international competition. Record your torque settings, use those settings during reassembly and your return to zero should be no problem.”
“Be sure to check on current TSA rules and regulations before travel to be aware of any changes that may effect how you pack your rifles,” says Pate.
Rifle Reassembly and Resetting Zero
The quicker you can reestablish your zero, the quicker you can relax and stop worrying about if your rounds are going to hit their mark during competition. Pate, over the years, has developed a system for rifle reassembly and getting back to zero as quickly as possible. While his torque settings may not be the same as yours, the process can still be used.
“The barreled-action goes back on the stock, and then I tighten all three receiver screws finger tight,” says Pate. “Next, I tighten the front two receiver screws down to 35-inch pounds. The rear receiver screws on this particular rifle likes 15-inch pounds. [Note: Proper torque settings will vary with your action and stock type. Most actions have TWO screws, not three.] Scope attachment comes next, and I follow manufacturer settings when tightening it down. All that’s left to do now is go zero your rifle.”
This video explains an efficient method to Re-Zero your rifles
Do you own a Ruger 10/22? Here’s a new product you may want to acquire. Luth-AR’s new Modular Chassis Assembly (MCA) offers adjustability and features that can transform a 10/22 into a much more effective rifle for rimfire gun games. Priced at just $189.95, the new MCA-22 modular chassis is great for NRL22 competition, Tactical 22 matches, Steel Challenge, Practical Rimfire Challenge matches, as well as casual plinking.
The new MCA-22 Rimfire Chassis is compatible with the original Ruger 10/22 barreled action as well as 10/22 clone actions such as the PRP Rubicon.
A well-known seller of AR parts and accessories, Luth-AR now offers the MCA-22 Modular Chassis Assembly for 10/22-style rimfire barreled actions. The MCA-22 was developed by Roth Performance in conjunction with Luth-AR.
The MCA-22 Rimfire Chassis provides improved ergonomics and adjustability along with M-LOK mounting options. This can make your 10/22 more effective for rimfire competition shooting and general recreation use. The Ruger 10/22 (or similar) receiver, trigger group, and barrel can be easily installed in the MCA-22 chassis, which accepts standard or bull barrels with the use of an insert.
MCA™-22 features:
— Easy to install, light weight chassis and cost effective.
— Constructed with high-strength glass filled nylon, 6061 aluminum and steel.
— Designed for comfort and ergonomic control for wide range of body types.
— Ambidextrous goose-neck style pistol grip with palm swell.
— Aggressive grip panel and front grip strap texturing.
— Click-adjustable cheek piece.
Action Target posted: “Father’s Day is just around the corner, and we know Dads want steel shooting targets. So from June 1st-2nd, use coupon code FATHERS2022 and save 20% on all steel targets.”
There are various rule sets for different ELR events at different venues. However the 
