At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Brownells — 500 Rds Am Eagle .223 Rem, $124.99 with Rebate
American Eagle is good, safe, reliable ammo, made in the USA by Federal. We’ve used this FMJ ammo for function testing in many ARs and it worked well. It’s not ideal for varmint hunting but it will do the job. This is also a good choice for guys who want a big supply of .223 Rem for SHTF scenarios. Using all the promos you can get 500 rounds delivered for just $124.99 net cost — that’s just twenty-five cents ($0.25) per round. Here’s how it works. This ammo is currently on sale for $164.99 at Brownells. Use Code NCS to knock that down to $149.99 with free shipping. Then apply for Federal’s five cents per round rebate. That gives you $25 bucks back on 500 rounds. REBATE FORM HERE.
2. Palmetto State Armory — Taurus 9mm Pistol, $179.99
Here’s an amazing deal on a reliable, subcompact 9mm pistol. For the next day or two, you can get this Taurus G2S 9mm (9x19mm Luger) handgun for just $179.99. That’s one-third the price of a Glock 9mm compact! Put the money you save into a holster and ammo. This is a Palmetto Armory “Daily Deal”, so act quick. We have used Taurus pistols and they worked fine. Is this as nice as a $700 SIG Sauer? Frankly no. But it will do the job and could serve well as a back-up defense gun for your vehicle or bedroom.
3. Midsouth — Hornady LNL Auto Charge Dispenser, $168.99
Looking for a good electronic scale/powder dispenser for under $200.00? The Hornady LNL Auto Charge is one of the best bargain scale/dispensers. Enter your charge weight and watch it accurately dispense your load accurate to the tenth of a grain. For those of you who load multiple calibers and charges it can be programmed for easy use. Other competing electronic powder dispensers can cost $250 – $350, so the AutoCharge is a great value.
4. MidwayUSA — Pro Series Competition Shooting Mat, $39.99
The MidwayUSA Pro Series Competition Shooting Mat is now on sale for just $39.99, 33% off the regular $59.99 price. The Pro Series mat measures a full 73.5″ x 35.5″. Zippered pockets on the front flap hold ammo or log books. And there are webbing “pockets” for bipod feet so you can pre-load your bipod with forward pressure. This quality mat boasts 0.35″ thick padding, multiple pockets, 6 grommets for staking, and a nice carry strap. It’s easy to transport, rolling up to about nine inches in diameter. NOTE: This mat is offered in two colors: Olive Drab (see photo), and Coyote Tan. They both look good.
5. Stocky’s — LR Stocks with Aluminum Bedding Block, $199.99
Here’s a good deal on a versatile Stocky’s Long Range Stock with aluminum V-block bedding system. For just $199.99, order this for Rem/Rem Clone long actions or short actions, with either narrow or wide (varmint/tactical) barrel channel. This would be a good choice for a varmint rifle. This is also offered with handsome hydrographic or web-pattern baked-on textured finishes for $219.99.
6. MidwayUSA — Free Hazmat with $150 Powder and/or Primers
MidwayUSA’s FREE Hazmat promo is good through 3/31/2019. Buy at least $150.00 worth of powders and/or primers and MidwayUSA waives the HazMat fee (you still pay for ground shipping). This can save you $30-$35, based on comparable Hazardous Materials surcharges. Remember, you must buy $150.00 or more of powder and/or primers and use Promo Code OFFER18203.
7. Midsouth — Hornady L-N-L Auto Progressive Press, $399.99
Plus Rebate for 500 Free Bullets
If you need large quantities of pistol or rifle ammo, it makes sense to get a progressive press. This auto-indexing, 5-station press will give you one loaded round for every complete cycle of the loading handle. We’ve used this Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Progressive press and can confirm that it works well. We actually prefer the rotary powder measure to the sliding powder system on Dillon progressives. We find it much easier to change load weights with the Hornady system (which uses inserts), and it is more precise with certain types of powder. This press also uses convenient quick-change die bushings. Right now you can save $107.29 with the $399.99 sale. PLUS LNL AP Press purchasers can get 500 free bullets through the Hornady Rebate Program.
8. Amazon – Proster Wind Meter, $16.99
Wish you had a modern impeller-style wind meter but only shoot a couple matches a year and can’t justify spending $150 (or more) on one? This Proster wind meter has a very impressive 4.5 star overall rating (with hundreds of reviews), so buy with confidence. Now on sale for just $16.99, this is a very useful tool for a bargain basement price. Get this affordable Wind Meter to ensure you have reliable wind readings for ballistics calculations. And unlike a costly Kestrel, with this low-priced wind meter, you won’t feel too bad if it gets lost or misplaced some time.
9. Amazon — 12″ x 12″ Splatter Grid Targets, 10 for $9.99
This 12″x12″ Splatterburst Target combines splatter shot marking with a grid background, with five aiming points. The bright neon shot circles make it easy to see your shots. And the handy grid lets you quickly estimate your group size. Get a 10-pack for $9.99, or a 25-pack for $17.99 (better deal). This particular target has earned rave reviews — 87% of verified buyers gave this a FIVE-Star rating. One example: “Excellent quality and durability. The adhesive is really strong. High contrast makes down range targeting easy and the splatter contrast is [great].”
Tactacam, builder of compact, waterproof video cameras, now offers a new system, the Tactacam FTS, that allows you to film directly through your rifle scope. The images you see can be recorded to your mobile device or smart phone as well as viewed live. We think this is an important technology for marksmanship training. In addition, this is great for hunters who may want to record a successful hunt sequence.
The Tactacam FTS combines the high definition video from your Tactacam camera with the high-power zoom of a rifle scope. This lets you remotely view and record live footage from your rifle on your smart phone. Simply couple your scope and your camera together with the Tactacam FTS components. Then sync the camera to the Tactacam APP on your smart phone for live viewing.
You continue to watch your target through the normal optical axis of the rifle scope. The camera records via the offset FTS camera mount. The output of the FTS camera system can then be viewed, in real time, via a live feed to a smart phone. After setup, the Tactacam FTS allows the riflescope to operate as normal without additional adjustment or modification.
4K Resolution, Remote Control, Slo-Mo, Wifi Viewing and More
Tactacam’s innovative camera systems allow easy, in-the-field recording of hunts and shooting sessions. The FTS mount can handle all Tactacam Solo, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 cameras. The latest Tactacam 5.0 unit provides 4K resolution with outstanding image quality. Other features include Wifi and APP viewing options, remote control activation, slow motion, and live-streaming capabilities. The camera output can be viewed both in the App and on external WiFi-capable devices.
The Tactacam FTS system can attach to nearly any conventional rifle scope. This system is less expensive and easier-to-mount that most other through-the-scope viewing systems. Importantly, your valuable smart-phone remains separate, i.e. NOT attached to the rifle. Hence it cannot be harmed by recoil or muzzle blast.
Ian Klemm, 2017 F-TR USA National Champion, is one of America’s top F-Class shooters, both shooting individually and in team competition. Ian is known for his consistency, smooth gun handling, and an uncanny ability to shoot well even in the toughest wind conditions. In this Vortex Video, Ian and fellow long-range shooter Niles Richardson, reveal some of their competitive secrets, and wind-reading techniques. This video focuses primarily on F-Class competition but Ian and Niles also talk more broadly about the myriad factors that contribute to rifle accuracy. Topics include: match strategies, wind and mirage reading, barrel harmonics, bipods, and optics.
Vortex Nation Podcast Episode 57 Summary
From Vortex: Our original intent was to have just a podcast about the sport of F-Class shooting, but when you get these brainiacs (Ian Klemm and Niles Richardson) talking about their obsession… er… “Hobby” you better believe it’s going to turn into a full on long range shooting information assault to the brain. Fact of the matter is, in F-Class, the only thing that matters is long range accuracy – and when we say “Accuracy”, we’re talking about sub-MOA groups on paper at 1000 yards with .308 Wins. Every single aspect of an F-Class competitor’s game is completely dialed in for long range accuracy.
We talk about the guns, their bipods, wind, mirage, barrel harmonics and the special scopes F-Class competitors need for their rifles. Ian even goes so far as to tell us how much his rifle has moved prior to the bullet leaving his 30-inch barrel. Just a simple equation involving acceleration, terminal velocity, moment of inertia of the rifle and coefficient of friction of the bipod and rifle on the ground.
If you like accurate rifles and reactive targets, you’ll enjoy this 48-minute video from Shooting USA TV, which features long-range varmint silhouette competition in Texas, the Lone Star State. We have participated in these kind of matches on the West Coast — they are definitely a ton of fun. The sport combines the pure accuracy of benchrest competition with the fun of knocking down critter targets. These are smaller than standard silhouettes, so it’s quite a challenge to hit them at 300 yards and beyond.
In this episode, host John Scoutten competes with his 6.5 Creedmoor PRS rifle. He found that 1-MOA Coyotes offered plenty of challenge at 385 meters! Most shooters use benchrest-grade rifles with premium front rests.
Full 48-Minute Episode of Shooting USA featuring Texas Varmint Silhouette:
5″x4″ Hogs — 500 Meters
Chickens (on Swingers) — 600 Yards
Pigs (on Swingers) — 750 Yards
EDITOR: We strongly recommend you take the time to watch this Shooting USA feature — it shows some top-flight benchrest rifles, and also covers the origins of benchrest varmint silhouette in Pennsylvania. There are even some AccurateShooter Forum members on screen. John Scoutten also does nice job explaining the challenges of shooting this discipline with a PRS rig. We think any benchrest or tactical shooter will really enjoy watching this video.
Travis Frazier of Field & Cave Outfitters says shooters love the reactive targets: “The most exciting thing is seeing your hits — these [targets] really go airborne”. Yep, that’s the best thing about Varmint Silhouette matches — hits deliver instant gratification. Travis designs and produces these steel targets.
This Texas match features multiple target shapes, 10 at each distance: Tiny Prairie Dogs at 200m, 3″x3″ Armadillos at 300m; 3″x5″ Coyotes at 385m; 5″x4″ Hogs at 500m; Chickens (on swingers) at 600 yards; and Pigs (on Swingers) at 750 yards. Competitors are allowed 10 rounds and 10 minutes to hit each set of targets.
Today is Super Sunday in Nuremberg. This is the third day of the annual IWA Outdoor Classics trade show, the biggest gun/hunting/outdoor trade show outside the USA. Over 1600 companies are displaying their products. The IWA event, held each spring in Nuremberg, Germany, opened Friday in the Nürnberg Exhibition Centre. The show runs four days, March 8-11, 2019. Here is our IWA Day 3 report, with more images from the show. Photo Credit for IWA images: NuernbergMesse / Frank Boxler and Thomas Geiger, All Rights Reserved.
Here a visitor checks out an impressive Minerva-series Tactical Rifle from Victrix Armaments, an Italian rifle-maker affiliated with Beretta. Along with modular tactical rigs, Victrix also makes quality F-Class rifles, prone guns, and hunting rifles. SEE VICTRIX RIFLES HERE.
Yes, there were many AR-platform rifles on display at the IWA Outdoor Classics show.
A recent test of the Swarovski dS (see video below) proved this state-of-the-art “smart optic” delivers on its promise — no more dialing knobs. Swarovski’s $4500+ 5-25×52 dS features a built-in laser rangefinder and internal microprocessor.
Working with a smartphone App, the Swaro’s sophisticated ballistics computer calculates your trajectory at any distance and then displays an aim point on your reticle. It even adjusts the aim point for the wind (with data entered wirelessly via mobile device).
Here is a line-up of new Aimpoint rifle scopes. Aimpoint is much more than Red Dots these days…
Pride of Pedersoli. This display showcased handsome Pedersoli side-hammer (Sharps) and falling-block rifles from Italy. Note also the collection of Vernier-type Tang Sights.
Bling is the thing. This eye-catching Magnum Research Desert Eagle was at the IWA New Product Center.
There were also many vintage pistols on display. This is an original Borchardt Model 1893 semi-auto handgun, father of the famous 9mm Luger pistol.
The IWA Outdoor Classics started decades ago as a hunting exhibition, and it still retains that focus. Here is an impressive display of horns and hunting-related items.
IWA Archery Range at Nürnberg Exhibition Centre
IWA Outdoor Classics visitors could test their archery skills with both conventional bows and with crossbows at the Show’s Archery Center. This offered an interesting “hands-on” experience for many show-goers.
The IWA Outdoor Classics trade show is the biggest gun/hunting/outdoor trade show outside the USA. This year 1622 companies are displaying their products and IWA attendance should approach 50,000. The IWA event, held each spring in Nuremberg, Germany, opened yesterday in the Nürnberg Exhibition Centre. The show runs four days, March 8-11, 2019. Here is our IWA Day 2 report, with more images from the show. Photo Credit for IWA images: NuernbergMesse / Frank Boxler and Thomas Geiger, All Rights Reserved.
High-tech Steiner M7Xi IFS 4-28x56mm optic. That box on the end includes a digital display with level and windage/elevation read-outs.
Spectacular one-of-a-kind Walther Q5 pistol with full engraving and custom grips. Wow.
More Walthers — These are Olympic-grade competition Air Pistols.
What’s an outdoor show without a Land Rover and safari gear?
How do you make a beautiful gunstock? Start with a beautiful wood blank. Some stunning Turkish walnut blanks were on display at the IWA Show.
Beautiful Sauer rifle with engraved receiver and presentation grade wood.
There were plenty of handsome wheelguns on display at the Smith & Wesson booth. Accurate revolvers will never go out of style.
We liked this slide-out, mobile gun-locker for rifles and gear. Now that’s some serious storage!
Leading American shooting supplies vendor Brownells has a HUGE presence at IWA.
IWA New Products Center
Along with the main displays for 1600+ exhibitors, the IWA Show features a dedicated New Products Center. Here you’ll find a wide spectrum of new items — airguns, electronics, optics, hunting clothing, knives, cleaning products and more…
We have no idea what this woman is doing with that gadget, but it has something to do with Swarovski Optik. Maybe some kind of virtual reality? What’s your guess?
After SHOT Show in the USA, the IWA Outdoor Classics is the biggest gun/hunting/outdoor trade show in the world. The IWA event, held each spring in Nuremberg, Germany, opened today, March 8, 2019, in the Nürnberg Exhibition Centre. The show runs four days, concluding on March 11th. This is a big event — 1622 exhibitors from around the globe are showcasing their products. In 2018, 46,121 visitors from 121 countries attended the IWA Show. This year, attendance should be even greater.
Photo Credit for this and other images: NuernbergMesse / Thomas Geiger, All Rights Reserved
You don’t see this every day. Exhibition-grade wood and an engraved Walther action on a competition .22 LR position rifle. This handsome rifle is certainly worthy of Olympic Gold.
IWA Show Preview Video
Here are some beautiful shotguns with engraved receivers and stunning wood. You see plenty of exotic firearms like this at the IWA show.
Here a show visitor checks out the sights on a Grünig Elmiger rimfire match rifle.
Along with complete firearms, there were displays of impressive rifle actions.
German gun-maker Walther showcased the new Walther Q5 Match Steel-Frame pistol.
Major German rifle-makers Blaser, Mauser, and Sauer all had large, prominent displays at the IWA Show in the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre.
German Craftsmanship on Display
Along with displays of guns, optics, and hunting gear, the IWA show features workshop areas where skilled artisans practice their trades — you can see engraving, wood-carving, and other skills in action.
In addition to the firearms exhibitors, the IWA show has many vendors displaying archery and bow-hunting gear. IWA has a strong hunting focus — perhaps more so than SHOT Show in the USA.
There was also an AirSoft Shooting Area at IWA where visitors could practice their marksmanship.
Casting Call for Season 6 of Love at First Shot!
Preparation is underway for Season 6 of the NRA TV show Love at First Shot. For the first time ever, the producers have open casting for the show — so you could become a cast member. All interested lady shooters are invited to apply to join the cast of Love at First Shot Season 6. Here’s the trailer for Season 5, so you can see what’s involved:
Watch Love at First Shot Season 5 Trailer (Plenty of Action):
So if you’ve ever wanted the opportunity to shoot with NRA Board Member and Team Smith & Wesson Captain Julie Golob, now is your chance! In keeping with the spirit of the show, the producers are looking for ladies 18 or older who are relatively new to the shooting sports: “Participant must be considered a novice in regard to firearm skills. For the purposes of Love At First Shot, a novice is one who has never before fired a firearm, or who has received basic firearm safety training but, outside of that, has had minimal training. The novice must not actively compete in shooting sports or shoots less than 100 rounds of ammunition per year.”
Open casting is taking place from March 1 to March 31. Applicants must submit the application plus a photo and video and be available for filming on the 2019 dates. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2019 at 9 pm ET. Learn more and apply now at nrawomen.tv/love-at-first-shot!.
Our friend Gavin Gear of UlimateReloader.com recently visited a SilencerCo dealer in the state of Washington, The Range LLC in Yakima, WA. Gavin was able to test a number of suppressors (aka “moderators” or “silencers”) for both rifle and pistols. Gavin recently released a lengthy article covering his experiences. If you are in the market for a suppressor, we highly recommend you read Gavin’s SilencerCo Products Overview on UltimateReloader.com.
Gavin was able to test three SilencerCo suppressors: the Omega 300, the Hybrid, and the Osprey 45. In addition Gavin was able to handle the Maxim 9, an integrally suppressed 9mm handgun.
Gavin reports the Omega 300, which is rated up to .300 Winchester Magnum, is a very popular “can”. According to Gavin, the Omega 300 has become the best-selling rifle suppressor in history for important reasons. First, it has an integral muzzle brake. Second, it can work for multiple calibers, from .223 up to .308. Third, “It is very tough — .300 Win Mag rated, and full-auto rated”.
SilencerCo lineup, from left: Omega 300, Hybrid, Osprey 45
Gavin says the Hybrid Suppressor is an interesting concept: “One suppressor that you can configure for multiple calibers, both rifle and pistol. This includes the ability to change out the threaded mount on the muzzle end, and you can also swap out end caps that will optimize sound suppression for different calibers. The Hybrid… is full-auto rated, and can handle rifle cartridges up to and including .338 Lapua Magnum! But this suppressor can also be used for pistol applications…from 9mm up to 44 ACP.”
Looking for an ergonomic and affordable chassis system for your next tactical or hunting rifle? Consider the new ORYX chassis. It’s available now starting with a $399.00 MSRP. That’s less than half the price of many popular chassis systems. The fully adjustable ORYX modular aluminum chassis system has versions to fit Remington 700, Savage, Howa, Ruger American, and Tikka T3 actions.
Legacy Sports International is now shipping the new ORYX Bolt Action Chassis Rifle Stocks by MDT. The solid aluminum chassis can replace your standard rifle stock, providing a more versatile, modern, and ergonomic shooting experience.
ORYX stocks are offered for Howa’s Mini Action, Short Action, and Long Action. In addition, ORYX Chassis systems are available for Remington 700 Short Action, Ruger American Short Action, Savage 110 Short Action, and Tikka T3 Short Action models. This affordable, aluminum chassis is compatible with AICS mags. LOP adjusts from 13.25 to 15 inches, and there is an adjustable cheek riser. The ORYX chassis features a contoured fore-end grip and overmolded pistol grip designed to fit hands of all sizes. ORYX chassis MSRP is $399.00 from Legacy Sports International.
The ORYZ is “Drop in Ready” — simply remove your action from your original manufacturer stock, drop it into the ORYX chassis system, and you are in business in less than 10 minutes. There are three color panel options available to go with the black aluminum chassis frame; OD Green, Flat Dark Earth, and Gray. The MDT ORYX Chassis is offered for all these action types:
Howa Mini Action
Howa 1500 Short Action and Long Action
Remington 700 Short Action
Ruger American Short Action
Savage Model 10 Short Action
Tikka T3 Short Action
6.5 Guys Review Howa Rifle with ORYX Chassis
At SHOT Show 2019, the 6.5 Guys visited the Legacy Int’l booth. There they checked out Howa’s new tactical rig with MDT ORYX chassis and Howa 1500 barreled action. The 6.5 Guys were able to shoot this rig during media day and were quite impressed.
Complete M1500 Rifle with ORYX Chassis for $1059.00 MSRP
Legacy also offers the Howa M1500 ORYX rifle model, starting at $1059.00 MSRP. The M1500 ORYX comes in 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, .300 BLK, .223 Rem, 7.62×39, and 6.5 Grendel. Howa also offers a long-action model in .300 Win Mag. Color options are: OD Green, Flat Dark Earth and Gray. You can also purchase a version with Nikko Stirling 30mm 4-16x44mm scope.
