Summer Solstice is just four days away. That means shooters nationwide will soon be dealing with peak summer ambient temperatures. When it’s hot outside your barrels will heat up even faster during use — and that’s not good for barrel longevity or consistency during long strings of fire. If you want a barrel to have maximum useful life you need to keep it from getting very hot. That’s why you should have a barrel cooler. There are many variations, but the most popular models blow cooling air through the bore. This can reduce barrel temps significantly in a relatively short period of time.
For this Saturday Movies feature, we’ve found 7 videos that review commercial barrel coolers or show how to build your own cooler with a hose, small electric fan, and modified case. There are a variety of barrel coolers on the market currently. Three of the most popular coolers are the yellow BarrelCool, $39.99 at MidwayUSA, the red Magnetospeed RifleKuhl, $56.89 on Amazon ($59.99 MSRP), and the black/yellow Chamber Chiller BA PRO, $80.40 on Amazon.
Barrel Coolers — Why You Should Use Them
This video explains why it’s vitally important to keep your barrel cool, particularly when running a suppressor. The host, a long-range shooting instructor, explains: “The best way to extend your barrel life [is using] barrel coolers. We have learned through decades of shooting that keeping the barrel cool and cooling it as fast as possible between relays and strings of fire will return meaningful results in the longevity of your rifle barrel. If you shoot suppressed like we do, this brings the level of importance up to a whole new level. Keeping it cool will keep it running at its best longer than you ever thought possible.” The barrel cooler featured in this video is $65.00 on the Wolf Precision website.
Barrel Cooler Comparison Tests — Four Options
Barrel coolers are vital accessories that let you get more shots downrange with less time waiting. In this excellent, comparison test video LongRangeOnly’s Ryan Furman shows which barrel coolers will remove the most heat with the rate of air flow comparison. Ryan also covers some basic differences and attributes of each unit tested and tests the units with temp gauges. Units tested are the BarrelCool, Magnetospeed RifleKuhl, the blue-bodied Original Barrel Cooler (6:48 time-mark), and a large Coleman rechargeable Quick-Pump (8:12 time-mark). The latter two units provided the most airflow when fitted with an appropriate hose.
Build Your Own Barrel Cooler — New and Improved
Popular YouTube host F-Class John was one of the pioneers in building very affordable, yet very effective do-it-yourself barrel coolers. John initially used a hose fitted to a battery-powered black Rechargeable Mini Air Pump. John then tapered a hose to fit a cartridge case for a perfect fit in the chamber. The case-head was cut off to better fit the hose for maximum airflow.
F-Class John later created an upgraded barrel cooling system using smaller, more compact pumps. He would charge these with a high-capacity battery pack (see above) and a USB charging cord. As shown in the video above, this Gen 2 system proved to be very effective. John notes: “Make sure you watch how long you the pump runs and don’t let it overheat”. One of these USB-port Mini Air Pumps is currently available on Amazon for $29.98, and there are similar compact pumps for a bit less.
Chamber Chiller BA Pro vs. Magnetospeed RifleKuhl
This video compares two compact barrel coolers, the red Magnetospeed RifleKuhl, $56.89 on Amazon and the yellow Chamber Chiller BA PRO, $80.40 on Amazon. Hear the tester’s conclusions starting at the 2:40 time-mark. The tester reports that both the RifleKuhl and the Chamber Chiller fit well in the chambers. The two units cooled down barrels pretty much identically in the field. Measured with a Kestrel, the RifleKuhl had a 12 mph flow vs. 11 mph flow for the Chamber Chiller (3:03 time-mark). The deciding factors for the tester (1:32 time-mark) were the superior battery life of the Chamber Chiller (with an extra USB battery attached) and the quietness of the Chamber Chiller.
Riflekühl Barrel Cooler by MagnetoSpeed
The MagnetoSpeed Riflekühl barrel cooler is designed to get barrel temperatures down to intended operating levels quickly. The turbocharger-inspired impeller is engineered to produce great airflow in a small package. Powered by a single CR123A Lithium battery (included), ambient air is forced through the extendable nozzle down the bore of the rifle. This is pretty efficient and can typically cool a barrel in under 8 minutes. The Riflekühl doubles as a chamber flag and features an exclusive built-in air filter to prevent dust and dirt from being blown into your rifle.
DIY Barrel Cooler Made with Mattress Inflator and Hose
An average gun-owner can build a good barrel cooler relatively easily with low-cost components. In this GunMart.TV video from the UK, the host showcases a very effective barrel cooler he crafted with an electric mattress inflator and a hose. The unit has good flow and can cool a barrel in a couple of minutes (3:10 time-mark). These components can be purchased for under $30.00. The tester purchased his cooler fan for $14.99 on Amazon (3:40 time-mark).
Thanks to Boyd Allen for help finding these videos.
Hornady sponsored shooter Jerry Miculek — Yamil Sued Photo.
If you are considering acquiring a revolver for fun shooting, self-defense, or competition, you should definitely watch this YouTube video. In this 23-minute presentation, legendary shooter Jerry Miculek puts three .357/.38 SPL wheelguns through their paces. Jerry, one of the greatest revolver shooters in history, hosts a “Revolver Showdown” with three popular wheelguns: 1) S&W L frame (3″ bbl); 2) Colt Python (6″ bbl); and 3) Ruger Speed Six (2.75″ bbl).
Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus, L-Frame, 7-rd .357 Magnum/38 SPL, 3″ Barrel.
Testing at 10 Yards and 50 Yards
In the video, Jerry shoots all three revolvers rapid-fire, double-action at 10 yards. Then he shoots the three guns single-action, slow-fire at 50 yards (starting at time mark 7:19).
After his range session, Jerry examines nine medium frame revolvers, comparing and contrasting design features. Jerry considers these factors:
1. Accuracy
2. Balance and Handling
3. Speed and Sureness of Trigger Return (watch video at 3:45″ re Colt.)
4. Reliability
5. Barrel Twist Rate
6. Strength of Construction/Durability
In recognition of June as National Safety Month, the NSSF reminds guns owners that their most important responsibility is to store their firearms securely when not in use. New and long-time gun owners sometimes underestimate the danger of leaving firearms unsecured, which can potentially lead to such risks as: A child getting into a bedside table or closet and finding a loaded gun; A criminal stealing an unsecured firearm from one’s home or vehicle; or a teen at risk for suicide obtaining an adult’s firearm.
With schools closing soon for the summer and kids spending more time at home, firearms safety is more important than ever. Given that fact, the NSSF reminds gun owners to keep their guns locked up so they cannot be accessed by children. The NSSF urges gun owners to keep firearms safety a top priority. All gun owners must remember that it is vital to use gun locks and secure storage at all times.
We also know that stolen firearms contribute to violent crime in the U.S. Gun thefts from cars, in particular, are a persistent source of stolen guns. This means that gun owners—if they fail to secure their firearms in their vehicles—could have their gun stolen and potentially used in a crime—and no one wants their gun used by a criminal.
That’s why it’s so important, as a responsible gun owner, to make sure you’re practicing secure firearm storage and to encourage fellow gun owners to do the same. You have many choices of safety devices to fit your needs and lifestyle — from free Project ChildSafe® cable gun locks available at local law enforcement agencies to lockable gun cases, lock boxes, and full-size safes.
Firearms Security and Safety in Vehicles
“More parents are assuming the role of educators in their homes, so it’s a good to time have a talk with your kids about gun safety, even if you don’t own a gun”, states Joe Bartozzi, NSSF President and CEO. “If you do own a firearm, be sure your family understands the safety rules regarding firearms in your home, and always store guns responsibly when not in use.”
Shooting USA TV has a very good show released today. Shooting USA’s Wednesday Night episode features an interesting tactical-style airgun competition, and then there’s a sequence from Julie Golob on how to use video recordings to improve your pistol handling and marksmanship. For fans of military firearms, this week’s episode also features a notable WWII German rifle — the Gewehr 43.
Shooting USA SHOW TIMES: This Shooting USA Episode airs Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific; 8:00 PM Central. If you miss the regular broadcast, you can stream the show online at any time on Vimeo for $0.99 per episode.
The Rocky Mountain Airgun Challenge
The 2022 Rocky Mountain Airgun Challenge in Provo, Utah attracted top shooters with over $100,000 worth of prizes. The stages look like what you’d see at PRS/NRL events, but the targets are smaller, the range is shorter, and the power behind each shot is air. Practical Air-Gun competition has a well-established community that spans the globe, and recently competitors from other shooting disciplines, the powder burners, beginning to take notice. Air-Gun practical competition is fun and inexpensive — you are paying pennies a round vs. a $1.25 or more for premium centerfire ammo. The Rocky Mountain Airgun Challenge is leading the way in this interesting air-powered shooting discipline. This multi-day event featured a variety of events on multiple stages.
Germany’s Answer to the M1 Garand — the Gewehr 43
The Gewehr 43 is featured this week on Shooting USA. This semi-auto battle rifle was developed in response to the legendary M1 Garand — the US standard issue rifle in WWII. The effectiveness of the self-loading Garand was not lost on the German military, armed with bolt-action Mausers that dated back to the first world war. For Nazi Germany the pressure was on to develop a semi-automatic battle rifle that could match the repeating firepower of the M1. The result was the Gewehr 43.
Using Video to Improve Your Shooting — S&W Pro Tip
The talented Julie Golob has another Smith & Wesson Pro Tip on using video to improve your shooting. Julie states: “Did you know that one of the best tools for self-diagnosing technique is your smart phone? You can set up your smartphone to record your shooting and coach yourself through valuable skills. In this Pro Tip I am going to walk you through three different ways to use your [smartphone’s video camera] to become a better shot. READ FULL STORY with More TIPs and 14 Photos.
When most shooters think of biathlon, they imagine the winter sport which combines cross-country skiing with rimfire rifle shooting. Now there’s a new type of biathlon, a true “run and gun” competition with rifles and pistols. The Gun Run competitors move on foot over natural terrain, with 5-8 shooting stages over the course, typically 5 km (about 3 miles).
The Gun Run is a two-gun, centerfire biathlon. It is designed to test your physical fitness, marksmanship, and equipment. Competitors will carry their rifle, pistol, ammunition, mags and anything they believe they need to complete the course. They will travel over various distances depending on the match — but most often a 5 kilometer marked course consisting of natural terrain, roads, and trails. There will be anywhere from 5 to 8 shooting stages. There are night events, two-person team events, and even a land navigation event where you must use map and compass to complete the course.
The Gun Run is not a CrossFit competition and it’s not USPSA. This is a challenging event that test personal fitness and marksmanship with both rifle and pistol.
How to Participate in The Gun Run Events
Click below for the list of The Gun Run 2023 Events with links to sign-up pages. The next competition is slated for June 24, 2023 at The Sawmill Tactical Training Complex in Laurens, South Carolina.
Origins of The Gun Run
This isn’t a new concept … matches like this originated in Texas 20 years ago and have spread all over the country. Prior to that, Colonial Era Americans would gather on the village green sometimes multiple times a week and conduct close order drill with rifle marksmanship competitions. Shooting is as old a past time for this country as this country is old.
Fitness Challenge
Carrying all your gear in 90 degree weather up and down hills is not easy. Having the best gear and being a good marksman can help but having a level of fitness where you can maneuver with gear on is extremely important. The end result of all of this is improving your training plan. Whether it be physical or on the range, every event you compete in should give you areas to work on. Sometimes new kit needs to be bought but most often it is our fitness that needs the most improvement.
Sponsorship — American Defense Manufacturing (ADM) is a sponsor of The Gun Run. ADM produces patented, fully ambidextrous AR15 and AR10 platform rifles, as well as QD Mounting Solutions for optics and accessories for all firearm platforms.
Many of our regular readers are serious competitors who own top-end benchrest, F-Class, Palma, and/or Service Rifles. Such full-custom match rifles can easily exceed $5500 with optic. These premium rifles are a source of pride and competitive success. But many shooters also want something more affordable for fun rimfire matches, plinking, or varmint work. And that’s the focus of this story — good quality rifles that won’t bust your budget.
Video Reviews of Affordable Rifles
We recently found an interesting YouTube Channel that specializes in affordable rifles and scopes. This channel, appropriately named Affordable Optics and Rifle Reviews (AOFF), has 170+ helpful videos online, many with over 100,000 views. The testers are based in Canada, so they offer a perspective that’s a bit different than that of most American gun vloggers.
For todays’ Saturday at the Movies feature, we feature five of our favorite rifle reviews from the AOFF site. These videos are good starting points if you have been considering any of these rifles. Most are multi-purpose rifles that could be used in a tactical match or on a hunt.
1. Savage 110 Precision vs. Ruger Precision Rifle Comparison
These two rifles are direct competitors in the $1300-$1400 market range. The Savage combines the proven model 110 action with a modern Modular Driven Technologies (MDT) chassis. The latest Gen 3 Ruger Precision Rifle comes with a new, free-float M-LOK handguard that provides greater front scope clearance. The Ruger Precision MSR buttstock attaches to an AR-style buffer tube on a left-folding hinge, and the stock adjusts for length of pull and comb height. We have shot both rifles. We like the balance and accuracy of the Savage, but prefer the adjustable butt system on the Ruger.
2. Bergara B-14 vs. Tikka UPR Rifle Comparison
In this interesting comparison video, AOFF tests the Bergara B-14 HMR and the NEW Tikka UPR, both of which could be called cross-over rifles. You can hunt with them or shoot a tactical match. AOFF notes: “Both are GREAT rifles. In our previous reviews on these rifles, both showed great accuracy and performance out to long range (we brought them to 750m).” The Bergara B-14 runs about $1000 USD while the Tikka currently sells for about $1400.
3. Savage Axis II Precision Rifle in MDT Chassis
This video showcases the Savage Axis II Precision, chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. Priced at $899.99, this rifle offers good performance for the price. It’s a good starter rig if you want to try a PRS/NRL competition, but it can also serve well as a hunting rifle. With adjustable comb and adjustable LOP, the MDT chassis offers good ergonomics. AOFF writes: “A great option for those who are looking to get into long range shooting, but aren’t looking into remortgaging there home to do so.” AOFF says the Savage Axis II is one of the best affordable, chassis rifles on the market because it combines an accurate barreled action with a nice MDT chassis. For more info, read this very thorough Savage Axis II review in Guns America Digest.
4. MDT XRS Modular Chassis System for Tikka T3x
AOFF tested the MDT Chassis with Tikka T3x Varmint in .223 Rem and .308 Win. AOFF states that this MDT Chassis offers good value: “This is not a ‘cheap’ rifle stock, although it IS one most can afford.” The XRS Chassis is designed for shooters who want the ergonomics of a traditional-shaped rifle stock with the benefits of a modern precision rifle chassis system. The MDT XRS Chassis is constructed from a full-length CNC machined core of 6061 aircraft grade aluminum with external textured polymer panels. It is available configured for a variety of short actions including Rem 700, Tikka T1x/T3x, Savage, CZ 457, Howa 1500, and Ruger American.
5. Winchester Wildcat .22 LR Rifle
The Winchester 22 has earned very positive reviews from owners, and it is a true bargain. AOFF reports: “This Winchester rifle proved to be a fun little rifle to shoot and plink with. As light as it is, with minimal recoil makes it a pleasure to shoot. This rifle retails for $230 USD making it not only fun but affordable. Mind you it isn’t perfect. The short stock with the short grip are two … things we found that should be improved on the Winchester Wildcat 22.”
In this episode of the NSSF Bullet Points podcast, NSSF’s Managing Director State Affairs Jake McGuigan discusses fending off “woke” corporate agendas and anti-gun policies. Jake explains recent successes in state houses around the U.S. including, addressing financial discrimination against the firearm industry by enacting the Firearm Industry Non-Discrimination (FIND) Act and successful restrictions on credit card processing companies that are attempting to track firearm purchases with new Merchant Category Codes.
0:00 Intro
0:42 Round up of pro-gun bills being passed in state houses
2:03 FIND Act
6:39 Pushing back on “woke” agendas and policies (ESG)
8:59 Restricting credit card processor’s ability to track firearm purchases
13:23 Outlook
1700+ Gun-Related Bills in State Legislature in Past 12 months
More than 1,700 firearm-related bills have been introduced in state legislatures since last May. Ninety-three of those bills were passed by legislatures and signed into law. Of those, 56% “expanded access to firearms or benefited the firearms industry by allowing manufacturing in the state or protecting them from liability lawsuits.” On the flip side, nearly 44% of the bills “restricted access to firearms or supported victims/potential victims in gun-related cases.”
Some states have been tougher than others. Several states like Washington, Oregon, California, Illinois, New York and Connecticut have supermajorities that skew toward gun control. Other states, like Arizona, Nevada and Virginia are slim majorities or split between the parties controlling one side of the legislature or the other. Still, other states like Florida moved aggressively to protect the firearm industry.
Success in Halting Firearms-Related Credit Card Tracking
Several legislatures have passed laws that prohibit the use of a firearm retailer-specific Merchant Category Code (MCC) by credit card companies to track lawful sales. That tracking could lead to backdoor gun control and firearm ownership lists by government agencies. Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed this law, as did Montana’s Gov. Greg Gianforte and North Dakota’s Gov. Doug Burgum. West Virginia’s Gov. Jim Justice, Mississippi’s Gov. Tate Reeves and Idaho’s Gov. Brad Little have signed laws barring the use of a MCC on firearm purchases earlier this year. Similar legislative efforts are ongoing on the federal level.
It is important to halt the use of Merchant Codes to track gun-related purchases, because this data could, potentially, be used to create a national Firearms Registry, something expressly prohibited by Federal law.
How’d you like to go to a beautiful 17,000-acre ranch in Wyoming this month, with a chance to win major prize money and valuable shooting gear? That’s the lure of the Burris Optics Team Challenge, a 3-day shooting competition scheduled for June 22-25, 2023, at a private 17,000+ acre ranch in Douglas, Wyoming. CLICK HERE to Register.
The Burris Optics Team Challenge is a unique event with two-person teams competing in multiple shooting disciplines — long-range rifle shooting, pistol shooting, and shotgun shooting. The competition is designed to test participants’ marksmanship skills, as well as their ability to work together as a team. In partnership with Competition Dynamics, this match offers a world-class, cutting-edge competitive practical shooting experience is a beautiful, backcountry environment.
The match takes place on a huge range located just outside Douglas, Wyoming. The terrain combines rolling hills and gradual inclines mixed with mountainous zones.
Athlon Outdoors posted an interesting article about a young couple, Tyler Hughes and Rei Hong, who competed in this event a few seasons back, finishing 8th overall. Taylor said their experience was very positive: “Our focus was to go as hard as we could, improving our plan each day based on what we learned from each other. Most importantly, we never lost sight of having fun together.”
Participants in the Burris Optics Team Challenge will have the chance to win a variety of prizes, including optics, cash, and other shooting-related gear. In addition, the top-performing team will be crowned the Burris Optics Team Challenge Champions and awarded a grand prize.
Burris Optics Team Challenge Match Overview
Stages: 3 Field Hike (long); 2 Long Assault (timed, multi-gun style); 1 standards
The 3 Field Hike stages will involve significant movement on foot while engaging multiple targets
Rugged desert / mountainous terrain with natural hazards — Local altitude of 5200′
Targets — rifles to 1000 yards, carbine to 600 yards, and pistols to 60 nominal
Locate, range, and engage targets under strict time constraints
Competitors carry all gear used during the courses of fire
Almost all targets will be reactive armor steel plate
Unknown, various, and non-standard target sizes
Registration for the Burris Optics Team Challenge is now open, and spaces are limited. Interested participants can learn more and register online at the event website.
Do you know someone who recently purchased his/her first handgun and is getting started in the shooting sports? Or do you need to brush up your own pistol skills? Then check out a new FREE video training series from the SIG Sauer Academy: Shooter’s Edge — Learning to Shoot.
Here is the Second Video from the Shooter’ Edge series, covering Basic Rules of Firearms Safety:
This video series features foundational handgun classes at the SIG Sauer Academy in New Hampshire. The ten-episode series takes viewers into the classroom and onto the range as the instructors walk through the fundamentals of handgun safety, shooting techniques, practice and training exercises, along with instruction in equipment options and handgun selection. The series was shot on location during several of the Academy’s introductory classes.
Click Below to Access Full Video Series on SigSauer.com:
The Shooter’ Edge Series includes the following episodes: Learn to Shoot at SIG Sauer Academy; Basic Rules of Safety; Types of Handguns and Ammunition; Foundational Shooting Techniques; How to Practice and Train Effectively; Choosing the Right Gun; Equipment and Its Purpose; Holsters — Presentation and Recovery; Magazines — Loading and Unloading; and What Happens After Learning to Shoot.
Back in 2014, Forum member Robert Chombart posted this message from his home in Normandy, France: “On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of D-Day, I … salute the memory of the thousands of American soldiers who sacrificed their youth to liberate France, with … particular [respect] for those who rest in Normandy ground.” Today, 79 years after that historic day, it is important we never forget the sacrifice of those who gave their lives on the beaches of Normandy.
Today we should remember those who crossed the Channel to begin the liberation of Europe. Thousands of soldiers, sailors, and aviators gave their lives on June 6, 1944. Their sacrifice on “The Longest Day”, allowed people throughout Europe to enjoy freedom. We should remember those brave warriors, and never forget that freedom is not free — it requires continuing vigilance and sacrifice.
Testing at 10 Yards and 50 Yards
In recognition of June as National Safety Month, the NSSF reminds guns owners that their most important responsibility is to store their firearms securely when not in use. New and long-time gun owners sometimes underestimate the danger of leaving firearms unsecured, which can potentially lead to such risks as: A child getting into a bedside table or closet and finding a loaded gun; A criminal stealing an unsecured firearm from one’s home or vehicle; or a teen at risk for suicide obtaining an adult’s firearm.
