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October 15th, 2021

New ZEISS LRP S5 First Focal Plane (FFP) Scopes

Zeiss LRP S5 first focal plane ffp scopes hunting MOA MRAD

New Zeiss Scopes Raise the Bar for First Focal Plane Optics
Here is big news for PRS/NRL competitors, and all shooters who favor FFP (First Focal Plane) scopes. ZEISS has released two all-new, state-of-the-art FFP scopes, and they are mighty impressive, with superb glass, and best-in-class elevation travel. The new LRG S5 Series Scopes, the LRP S5 318-50 (3-18x50mm) and LRP S5 525-56 (5-25x56mm) are precise and tough. Choose either Milliradian (MRAD) or Minute-of-Angle (MOA) reticles/click values. Both models boast a 34mm main tube, European-style fast-focus eyepiece, Ballistic Stop elevation turret (with 40.7 MRAD or 140 MOA of total elevation travel), and an external locking windage turret. The LRP S5 318-50 costs $3299.99, while the LRP S5 525-56 sells for $3599.99.

Zeiss LRP S5 first focal plane ffp scopes hunting MOA MRAD

Here is the big news — The SCHOTT glass in these scopes is amazing. We mean unrivaled clarity and sharpness for a tactical scope. The turrets offer great repeatability and precision, and these LRP S5 optics are tough — really tough. Engineered and built in Germany, LRP S5 series scopes are engineered to withstand a 1500 G-force of recoil.

Zeiss LRP S5 first focal plane ffp scopes hunting MOA MRAD


CLICK HERE to Watch All ZEISS LRP S5 Technical Videos

Zeiss LRP S5 first focal plane ffp scopes hunting MOA MRAD

ZEISS FFP Scopes Advanced Features
The ZEISS LRP S5 318-50 and 525-56 scopes are available in four configurations, all with 34mm main tubes. The optical system delivers exceptional image quality and renders the finest of details. The premium optical design utilizes ZEISS Fluoride lens elements, SCHOTT glass and ZEISS’s proprietary T-Star lens coatings for optimum color fidelity, image brightness, exceptional resolution and edge-to-edge sharpness within the entire field-of-view. The scopes deliver 90% light transmission to the eye, clearer visuals, and faster target identification down range. The exterior facing lenses are final coated with ZEISS LotuTec protective lens coating process for anti-fogging and to repel water, dust, dirt, fingerprints and more.

High Performance Optics: Fluoride lens elements, SCHOTT glass, and ZEISS T-Star coatings
Best-In-Class Total Elevation Travel: 40.7 MRAD or 140 MOA total elevation travel value
Highly Repeatable and Tactile Turrets: 0.1 MRAD and .25 MOA precise click adjustment
Daylight Visible Illuminated Reticle: Digitally controlled, diffractive reticle illumination
Compact and Heavy-Duty Riflescope: Able to withstand up to 1,500 G-force of shock testing

The MOA-based turrets are adjustable with .25 MOA click values and offer 30 MOA of travel per rotation. Each click is audible and provides a tactile confirmation for every adjustment. The MRAD turret features a more pronounced click at whole MRAD intervals. The 3-18x50mm and 5-25x56mm scopes offer best-in-class 140 MOA or 40.7 MRAD total elevation adjustment which enables shooters to engage targets up to 1500 yards and beyond.

“For longer-range shooting, precision is crucial. With our new ZEISS LRP S5 we have decisively expanded our product line to provide an elite riflescope that can dominate at every competition” states Kyle Brown – Director of Marketing and Product for Carl Zeiss SBE, LLC. “With the compact and heavy-duty design of these riflescopes we have validated and proven that they are ready to tackle the toughest shooting competitions and the most difficult hunts”, emphasized Brown.

Zeiss LRP S5 first focal plane ffp scopes hunting MOA MRADIlluminated MOA and MRAD Reticles
Both new ZEISS FFP scopes offer daytime visible illuminated reticles. Two new illuminated reticles — ZF-MOAi and ZF-MRi — provide intuitive aiming solutions. The ZF-MOAi and the ZF-MRi illuminated reticles represent MOA and MRAD smart reticle designs respectively. Each incorporate distinct, clean, and easy-to-understand reference marks along the main horizontal and vertical lines of the reticle. And these reticles offer relevant windage hold-offs in the field-of-view below centerline. Both offer fine line reticle subtensions and floating center dots to serve the demands of precision shooters and long-range hunters alike. At right is the LRP S5 318-50’s MRAD Reticle at 18-power. The MOA reticle also has central illumnination.

ZF-MRi MRAD FFP Reticle Video
ZF-MOAi – MOA FFP Reticle Video

ZEISS FFP Scopes Have Been Tested by Top Tactical Shooters

Zeiss LRP S5 first focal plane ffp scopes hunting MOA MRAD

ZEISS LRP S5 riflescopes have been developed with significant input from top PRS Pro Series competitors. Their comments helped ZEISS developed FFP optics that set new standards for lens quality, elevation travel, and durability. These scopes are not inexpensive ($3299+) but we expect they will be in high demand among top PRS/NRL shooters.

phil cashin masterpiece arms mpaPhil Cashin, PRS Pro Competitor and owner of MasterPiece Arms states: “I think ZEISS has hit a home run with this optic. Excellent turret design, easy to read markings, huge amounts of elevation travel and an outstanding reticle. The ZF-MRi reticle is perfectly designed for PRS/NRL style shooting: floating center dot, 0.2 subtensions and the diffractive illumination provide unique contrast, so the shooter does not get lost in the reticle. Plus the clutter-free tree design makes it easy to spot impacts and misses for follow-up shots.”

Full Overview of LRP S5 525-56 — 7:55 min Video

ZEISS LRP S5 Scopes Also Perform Well for Hunters
While we will soon see these ZEISS LRP S5 scopes on the firing lines at PRS/NRL matches, these superb optics are NOT just for competition. With their exceptional low-light performance and rugged durability, these scopes are also a great choice for hunters. Shown below is the 518-50 model with MOA reticle.

Zeiss LRP S5 first focal plane ffp scopes hunting MOA MRAD
Zeiss LRP S5 first focal plane ffp scopes hunting MOA MRAD

Where to Buy New Zeiss LRP S5 FFP Scopes

These new scope models will be available in November at leading vendors including EuroOptic, MidwayUSA, and Mile High Shooting.

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October 13th, 2021

7 SAFE: Seven Vital Safety Tips for Reloaders

seven reloading safety tips powder primers brownells manual

You can never be too safe when hand-loading your own ammunition. This helpful Brownells video outlines the Seven Fundamental Reloading Safety Tips. This is important information for novice hand-loaders and a good refresher for those with reloading experience!

Summary of the Seven Safety Tips:

1. Store your reloading supplies in a safe and dry location, away from children and away from any possible source of ignition. It is also smart to keep your powder and primers separate.

2. Get and use respected reloading manuals, especially for new cartridges. Start low and work up slowly while watching for warning signs of pressure and/or case fatigue.

3. Locate your reloading activity where you will not be distracted. If you get interrupted, stop. (Distractions will eventually lead to mistakes.)

4. Do NOT mix powders. Keep your powders clearly marked and dated. You can use masking tape to write the date on the container.

5. If you load the same cartridge type for different firearms, make sure your ammo headspaces properly in each gun.

6. Check cases frequently. Look for split necks, case head separation or other signs of fatigue and excessive pressure.

7. If reloading military brass, be aware that case capacity is usually reduced, and initial loads should be at least 10-15% lower than published data.


Here are some other tips that will help your avoid making costly mistakes (such as using the wrong powder, or undercharging a case):

  • Powder Type — Always double-check the label on your powder containers. After placing powder in the powder measure, put a piece of tape on the measure with the powder type written on it. Some guys write the powder type on a card and place that right in the hopper.
  • Scale Drift — Electronic balances can drift. If you are using a digital powder scale, calibrate the scale with a test weight every 50 rounds or so.
  • Case Fill — If you throw more than one charge at a time, look INSIDE every case before seating a bullet. Squib charges can be dangerous if you don’t notice them before firing the next round.
  • Progressive Presses — When using a progressive press, consider using an RCBS Lock-Out Die. This will detect a low charge and stop the machine. These dies will work with RCBS, Hornady, and Dillon progressives.

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October 12th, 2021

9mm Compact Double-Stack Pistol Reviews — 5 Miracle 9mms

9mm pistol compact carry glock sig sauer smith wesson springfield hellcat ruger Max-9 P365 guns america digest

Are you considering a small 9mm handgun for concealed carry (CCW) and self-defense? Then you should read an excellent 5-gun comparison review released recently by Guns America Digest. This detailed article and accompanying video cover what the author calls the “Miracle 9 category” — 9mm micro-compacts that hold 10 or more rounds without the use of extended magazines. All these five pistols are very easy to conceal and all are striker-fired. The pistols compared are: Ruger MAX-9, SIG Sauer P365, Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus, Springfield Armory Hellcat, and Taurus GX4.

Here are key, short highlights of the Guns America 5-pistol roundup review. This is a start, but we strongly recommend you read the full comparison review on Guns America Digest.

9mm pistol compact carry glock sig sauer smith wesson springfield hellcat ruger Max-9 P365 guns america digest
L to R: Ruger MAX-9, Springfield Armory Hellcat, S & W M&P Shield Plus, Taurus GX4, SIG Sauger P365.

Ruger MAX-9

“The Ruger MAX-9 is the only pistol in this class to come standard with a slide cut that is ready for a mounted red-dot optic. The MAX-9 [also has] an impressive pair of sights. The front sight is a long one that houses a florescent yellow fiber optic[.] The slide stop control is small and can be quite difficult to use as a slide release – a common trait for Ruger handguns.”

SIG Sauer P365

“The P365 was the first Miracle-9 to market and literally knocked the industry on its butt. Despite rumors of intermittent problems or QA concerns, the marketplace beat a path to SIG’s doorstep and bought this pistol in droves. Being first to market has its rewards. The P365 is available in about a half-dozen variations, some significantly distinct — like the XL with its longer barrel and slide.” [Note: in this article, the reviewer focuses on the P365 SAS model with flush-mount fiber-optic sights.]

9mm pistol compact carry glock sig sauer smith wesson springfield hellcat ruger Max-9 P365 guns america digest

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus

“The Shield is most likely the best-selling micro-compact 9mm handgun in the past decade. The Shield Plus [is] a gun with millions of rounds of experience and credibility, proven popular ergonomics, and the presumption of staunch reliability. It is available in several variations that included sight upgrades and [optional] manual safety switch.”

Springfield Armory Hellcat

“The Hellcat is well-appointed, with an excellent set of sights called ‘U-Dot’ and a very nice trigger. Absent on the Hellcat is the rear grip safety that is found on XD models. The Hellcat is available in two variations – with or without the slide cut for an optic (and the inclusion of an optic is a further option).”

Taurus GX4

“The GX4 follows closely to the very popular TX22 in terms of ergonomics and grip texture. The controls are well placed and function very nicely. Similar to the P365 SAS, there is no takedown lever that protrudes from the frame, just a rotating pin. This reviewer has found the trigger of the GX4 to be less than ideal.”

Should the Five Miracle 9mms Be Six? (Adding a Glock 43X)

One Sheriff’s Deputy posted this comment on the Guns America review, suggesting that the Glock 43X should have been added to the comparison: “I’ve had a SIG P365 from the release. Love it. I’m a Deputy Sheriff and it is my constant off duty companion for years. Tried Hellcat, nice gun but paper and shot timers don’t lie, I was less accurate and slower. Other officers were better with it than Sig. So like we all know, shoot what suits you. Now I have two Glock 43X MOS. Factory night sights and just a trigger connector for add-ons. Those guns surprised me, I beat my Sig times and accuracy was same, excellent. So I’ve been carrying a 43x more. The 43x is definitely a contender to look at.” Here is the Glock 43X, silver slide version (10+1 3.39″ barrel):

9mm pistol compact carry glock 43x guns america digest

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October 12th, 2021

Nightforce Wedge Prism: +50 or +100 MOA Elevation for ELR

Nightforce Wedge Prism optic ELR Elevation device

In our most recent Sunday GunDay story featuring 2021 QUEEN of 2 Miles Lindsey Paul, we provided a full equipment list for Lindsey’s winning .375 CheyTac rifle. Readers noted that this big rig was equipped with a Nightforce Wedge Prism mounted forward of the riflescope. Lindsey used the Wedge Prism on her two most distant targets in the KO2M finals, which were placed at 3166 (1.8 miles) and 3520 yards (2 miles). Readers were curious about the Wedge Prism and wondered how to get one.

Nightforce Wedge Prism KO2M lindsey Paul 2021

Basically the device, which is offered in +50 MOA and +100 MOA versions, allows a major increase in elevation over what is available by cranking the elevation knob on the scope. Even with an angled rail offering +40 MOA elevation, few, if any, conventional scopes have enough elevation to put the reticle on targets two miles away. The Nightforce Wedge Prism is the answer. The Wedge Prism optically shifts the incoming image to the scope, effectively augmenting the scope’s vertical elevation travel.

Nightforce Wedge Prism — Gain Elevation for ELR Shooting

The Nightforce Wedge Prism is offered in two variants, 50 MOA or 100 MOA, that install forward of the riflescope to increase the effective elevation travel. The Wedge Prism optically shifts the incoming image to the riflescope by a precise elevation value, which directly adds to the available elevation travel within the riflescope. The Wedge Prism is designed to work optimally with 56mm front objectives. Nightforce says you can position two Wedge Prisms in parallel for maximum effect — up to 200 MOA total. These NF Wedge Prisms are pricey — MSRP is $990.00 for either the 50 MOA or 100 MOA version. However EuroOptic does currently have 50 MOA Demo models for $769.00.

Nightforce Wedge Prism optic ELR Elevation device

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October 11th, 2021

Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot Ends After 50 Years

knob creek KY Kentucky Machine gun shoot

knob creek KY Kentucky Machine gun shootThe Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot ends after 50 years.

Folks in Kentucky enjoyed a special event this past weekend — the Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot. This event, a Kentucky tradition, is ending after 50 years. Sadly, this was the last-ever event of its kind. Held Friday, October 8 and Saturday, October 9, the famed event concluded with a signature massive display of tracers and flames.

Final Saturday Evening Display at Last-Ever Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot

Local news outlet WRDB.com reported: “LOUISVILLE, Kentucky — A Bullitt County tradition comes to an end this weekend with the final Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot. The Knob Creek Gun Range is staying open, but it is wrapping up its longtime spectacle of machine guns, flamethrowers, and heavy artillery. It hasn’t given a reason, but in the past, the machine gun shoot happened twice a year.”

The April 2021 shoot was canceled due to pandemic restrictions, so crowds were big for this October shoot — the last-ever at Knob Creek. Here is a video from Day One, October 8, 2021:

In years past, twice a year, select-fire fans headed to the Knob Creek Gun Range in West Point, Kentucky, for the nation’s largest Machine Gun Shoot. A bi-annual event, The Machine Gun Shoot was typically held on the second weekends of April and October. The highlight of every Machine Gun Shoot was the Saturday Night event, where scores of guns send regular and tracer bullets down-range. In years past, an estimated 1.25 million rounds were expended during a typical October Night Shoot.

knob creek KY Kentucky Machine gun shoot

Back in 2013, Top Shot Season 4 Champ Chris Cheng was on hand to record the firepower. Chris writes: “About an hour before dark, folks are out on the range setting up all sorts of explosives while a crowd builds, anxiously awaiting what we all know is coming. The lights go out, and the next thing you know machine guns are going off for almost 20 straight minutes. This year’s October 2013 edition did not disappoint. Check out the video below — other than the beginning, my favorite part is at the 5:50 mark [when a Mini-Gun opens fire from the right].”

Click Triangle to Watch Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot Video (Warning: Very Loud Audio)

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October 11th, 2021

Learn about Air Rifles with 154-page Buyer’s and Shooter’s Guide

Air Rifle book olympic
pyramyd air airgun field target pnematic

We like air rifles both for fun shooting and for competition. However, so many options are now available that is easy to get overwhelmed with the choices. Thankfully, there is a good book that helps air rifle shooters make informed decisions about air guns and accessories. Steve Markwith’s comprehensive resource, Air Rifles: A Buyer’s and Shooter’s Guide offers a wealth of useful information. This 154-page book is now available for $12.95 (paperback) or $9.95 (Kindle)..

Steve Markwith Air Rifle Pneumatic airgun book Amazon.com Free download
“This is a very informative book explaining the ins and outs of air rifles, their capabilities and limitations. I highly recommend this book to anyone considering purchasing an air rifle for marksmanship practice or small game hunting.” – L. Stanek, Verified Amazon Reviewer

Read Free Sample Chapters Online
If you go to Amazon.com and click on the cover of this book, you can view a FREE preview with extensive samples from many chapters. The book covers all the most important types of air rifle systems, both pre-charged pneumatics and other self-charging guns. Markwith reviews the wide variety of pellets available, offering suggestions for particular applications. You’ll also find a useful discussion of Airgun Power, Range, and Accuracy. This will help you pick the right air rifle.

Markwith explains the many attractions of airguns. They are not considered firearms (in most jurisdictions) so they can be purchased at local shops or mail-order outlets without FFL fees or background checks. You’ll find a huge online selection of airguns at PyramydAir.com that can ship direct to you — no FFL required. Air rifles are also quiet and very inexpensive to shoot. While .177 and .22 caliber air rifles are most common, there are also larger-caliber airguns offered for hunting or special applications.

Pyramyd Air has dozens of helpful videos about air rifles and air pistols.

3P rifle olympic shooting

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October 8th, 2021

The Three Amigos Are Now Two — Remembering Kelly McMillan

Derek Rodgers Paul Phillips Kelly McMillan fiberglass stock hunting hunt hunter antelope New Mexico .338 Lapua .308 Win
The Three Amigos in New Mexico (L to R): Kelly McMillan, Paul Phillips, Derek Rodgers.

Three years ago nearly to the day, Kelly McMillan, Derek Rogers, and Paul Phillips enjoyed the fellowship and satisfaction of a successful New Mexico Antelope hunt. But sadly, Kelly passed away on June 1, 2021 from rapid, unexpected medical issues. Yesterday, October 7th, 2021, Paul Phillips posted: “Three years ago today. This hunt with Kelly McMillan and Derek Rodgers was a great memory. I miss Kelly.” Yes Paul, scores of us who counted Kelly as a friend and colleague miss him, and think of him often.

In memoriam Kelly McMillan

This isn’t your typical hunting story, because these weren’t your typical hunters. Derek Rodgers is the reigning F-TR World Champion, and past King of 2 Miles. Paul Phillips is the 2019 King of 2 Miles and a member of the Silver Medal-winning F-TR Team McMillan at the 2018 Nationals. The third hunter, Kelly McMillan, needs no introduction. The past owner of McMillan Fiberglass Stocks, Kelly was a leading figure in the gun industry for decades. He also supported many top rifle shooting teams. This story helps us remember Kelly and all he did for the shooting sports.

Derek Rodgers Paul Phillips Kelly McMillan fiberglass stock hunting hunt hunter antelope New Mexico .338 Lapua .308 Win

In October 2018, these three friends got together for a very successful hunt in New Mexico, Derek’s home turf. All three bagged an impressive Antelope, with Paul Phillips dropping the biggest buck of all. Derek made the longest shot, hitting his buck at an impressive 510 yards, verified by laser rangefinder.

Paul Phillips posted: “Our New Mexico Antelope hunt with Kelly McMillan and Derek Rodgers was a success. To hunt with these two icons was definitely on my bucket list. I shot my buck at 389 yards in an 18-mph wind through a barbed wire fence.” It was a big trophy buck, measuring 84 3/8 inches.

Derek nailed his Antelope at 510 yards with a .308 Win fitted with a suppressor. As dusk approached, despite blustery wind and rain, Kelly dropped the third Antelope with a great 230-yard shot from a broken tree crotch. Paul noted: “All three bucks had their own challenges and funny story. All three hunts required team work with stalking, communication.” The three hunting buddies all had top-quality rifles built with McMillan stocks of course.

Derek Rodgers Paul Phillips Kelly McMillan fiberglass stock hunting hunt hunter antelope New Mexico .338 Lapua .308 Win

Derek Rodgers Paul Phillips Kelly McMillan fiberglass stock hunting hunt hunter antelope New Mexico .338 Lapua .308 Win

For long-range hunting you need to have your drops absolutely “spot-on”. Paul posted: “When you do a 30-45 minute stalk… you need to have all your ballistics perfect or they get away. We were glad that we had a practice day before the hunt to confirm our zeros and verify our ballistics.”

Derek Rodgers Paul Phillips Kelly McMillan fiberglass stock hunting hunt hunter antelope New Mexico .338 Lapua .308 Win

Kelly noted: “Paul Phillips scored this nice 80″+ buck in New Mexico. It was Paul’s first antelope.” The .338 LM rifle featured a Stiller TAC338 action, Bartlein 20″ barrel, McMillan A5 Stock, and Nightforce ATACR scope. In the Facebook video, Paul talks about making the shot, directly into the wind.

Both of Kelly’s Amigos — his hunting partners — were profoundly saddened by his passing. They miss him, as do all of us who knew Kelly.

Derek Rodgers wrote of his friend and hunting partner: “It is difficult to tell you how deeply saddened I feel about the loss of Kelly. What started as a shooting relationship quickly became a close friendship so many years ago. It was a privilege to know Kelly on a personal level and I will never forget his generous, caring nature and the never-ending kindness he had for others. He will forever be missed.”

Paul Phillips posted: “I have no words to express how saddened I am … we lost an icon in the shooting industry. Kelly McMillan was not only a great friend but the most generous and giving man I knew in the industry. There is not enough space to write about everything he did for competitive shooters, military snipers, hunters, and shooting enthusiasts. You were one-of-a-kind Kelly and I will forever remember your friendship and how big an advocate you were for shooting sports. R.I.P. my friend.”

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October 7th, 2021

Real Avid Master Gun Vise — Great for a Multitude of DIY Tasks

Real Avid Master gun vise DIY Accu-level Gun-fit sleeve

Real Avid has introduced a new, specialized gun vise with notable features and unmatched versatility. Read Avid states that its new Master Gun Vise is the “first real bench vise made exclusively for guns and gun tools.” This vise articulates and swivels easily so you can place your gun/barreled action in different orientations without ever removing it from the vise. The supplied, reversible Gun-Fit jaw sleeves will adapt to a variety of stock/forearm styles — from ARs to fancy wood shotguns. The special Torq-Lok pin provides additional locking power to secure the angle/orientation of the vise jaws when working on heavy rifles or barreled actions.

Master Gun Vise: Build, Repair, Clean, and Customize Your Guns

The base of the vise features an articulating ball and socket joint with the adjustable Speed-Cam Lever that applies pressure to the joint allowing the vise and gun to be positioned in any orientation the user desires. An additional Torq-Lok pin is ready for heavy torque applications. This removable pin intersects the ball and socket joint locking it into the base. The locking pin can be inserted every 90 degrees with the vise in either the vertical or horizontal position. That ball joint lets you set the jaws at various angles, to make work easier. For example you can tilt your gun to a muzzle-down position for easier cleaning. SEE Video above.

Real Avid Master gun vise DIY Accu-level Gun-fit sleeve

Early testers of this new DIY Gun Vise were impressed: “We did a soft launch on this product a couple weeks ago and were amazed at the vast number of military [users], gun manufacturers, and law enforcement agencies that were jumping to get this new vise. These are people who work on and build guns for a living and the benefits were apparent to them immediately. That really confirmed for us we had created something revolutionary”. — Chris Witte, Real Avid Mktg. Director.

Respected gunwriter Tom McHale reviewed the Master Gun Vise for American Handgunner magazine: “I use this setup more than anything as an extra pair of hands … the Real Avid Master Gun Vise is, bar none, the handiest tool on my bench. It’s great for cleaning, repairing, tinkering, installing, inspecting, assembling and disassembling. Heck, you can even use it to mount optics with the precision leveling knob.”

Accu-Level Knob Allows Rapid, Precise Angular Adjustments — Great for Scope Mounting
The Master Gun Vise include an innovative Accu-Level leveling knob. This allows the vise to be tilted 3 degrees to either side (6° total) for making micro-adjustments when leveling guns for optics mounting. This precise leveling can be accomplished without having to reposition the firearm in the clamps.

Real Avid Master gun vise DIY Accu-level Gun-fit sleeve

The vise also comes with reversible Gun-Fit sleeves that can be easily installed or uninstalled with pins that lock them in place. One side features a high-density foam pad providing a compression fit to firmly grip cosmetic surfaces. While the other side is a rigid nylon with grooves to secure gun parts, picatinny and Arca Swiss rails, barrels, silencers and more.

Real Avid Master gun vise DIY Accu-level Gun-fit sleeve

Special Accessories for AR-Platform Rifles
Real Avid has some special accessories for working on AR-15s and AR-10s. Sold separately, the adjustable Smart-Fit AR15 Lower Vise Block and the Lug-Lok Upper Vise Block (available in two versions, AR15 and AR10) integrate seamlessly with the vise jaws and firmly lock into place. The Lug-Lok eliminates jaw slippage when applying heavy torque to AR barrel nuts and muzzle devices.

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October 6th, 2021

2021 Bianchi Cup on Shooting USA Today

NRA Bianchi Cup Missouri Hallsville Green Valley Dough Koenig Jesse Harrison Duff
Photo from DougKoenig.com.

Today Shooting USA TV features the 2021 Bianchi Cup, hosted May 24-28, 2021 at the Green Valley Rifle & Pistol Club in Hallsville, Missouri (near Columbia). The 2020 Bianchi Cup was cancelled due to COVID. In 2021 the four stages of fire are back, but without international competitors, who were locked out due to pandemic travel restrictions. But there was still plenty of superb marksmanship.

NRA Bianchi Cup Missouri Hallsville Green Valley Dough Koenig Jesse Harrison Duff

This episode of Shooting USA airs Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific, 8:00 PM Central on the Outdoor Channel. Shooting USA is also available On Demand via Vimeo.com.

Officially, the annual competition is known as the National Championship of NRA Action Pistol. But its is generally called the Bianchi Cup — from the trophy named for one of the founders, John Bianchi. In the past 30 years the match has become the richest handgun tournament in the world, with cash and prizes for the best scores on four stages of fire.

NRA Bianchi Cup Missouri Hallsville Green Valley Dough Koenig Jesse Harrison Duff

The Bianchi Cup has been called the most prestigious pistol tournament in the world. After the cancellation of the 2020 Bianchi Cup due to COVID-19 restrictions, bringing the match back for 2021 involved challenges given health and safety protocols. In 2021 the NRA turned the organization and management of the match over to a new group from the Green Valley Rifle and Pistol Club. And the international competitors, who have previously made up much of field of competitors, are not able to shoot with the continuing travel restrictions for COVID-19.

NRA Bianchi Cup Missouri Hallsville Green Valley Dough Koenig Jesse Harrison Duff

Due to the high accuracy required in each stage of the Bianchi Cup, the tournament is considered one of the most difficult handgun championships on the planet. To finish on top, you have to be near-perfect. Ace shooter Carl Bernosky (shown above) explains: “To win a Bianchi Cup you’ve got to be consistent. You’ve got to shoot good ALL the time… you can’t make any mistakes.”

Bianchi Cup — the Richest Handgun Match on the Planet

Over the past 30+ years the Bianchi Cup has become the richest handgun event in the world, with cash and prizes for the best scores on four stages of fire for both revolver and semi-auto pistol divisions.

Bianchi Cup — Classic Course of Fire
The Bianchi Cup is a combination of Speed and Accuracy. Competitors shoot from both standing and prone positions and are also required to shoot with both strong and weak hands at various stages. Stages may combine stationary and moving targets. As conceived by former police officer and holster-maker John Bianchi, the Bianchi Cup originated in 1979 as a Law Enforcement Training match. The Course of Fire consists of four separate matches:

Event I: Practical
Rounds: 48
Target: NRA AP-1
Distances: 10, 15, 25 and 50 yards

Event II: Clive Whelan Barricade
Rounds: 48
Target: NRA AP-1
Distances: 10, 15, 25 and 35 yards

Event III: Moving Target (Modified)
Rounds: 48
Target: NRA AP-1
Distances: 10, 15, 20 and 25 yards

Event IV: Olin “Oli” C. Barjenbruch Falling Plates
Rounds: 48
Target: 8-inch round plate
Distances: 10, 15, 20 and 25 yards

The Bianchi Cup is scored on the Aggregate of the four (4) fired events: Practical, Barricade, and Moving Target, and Falling Plates. Each of the four events requires 48 shots to complete. 480 points possible on each event. Three of the four are scored on the NRA tombstone P1 target. You must hit in the 10-ring or inner X-Ring on EVERY shot to shoot a “clean” 1920.

Bianchi Cup pistol target tombstone silhouette doug koenig

Four Divisions in 2021 Bianchi Cup
There are now FOUR divisions at the Bianchi Cup, three traditional, and one new this year. First, the Open Division includes the guns specifically built for this competition with every enhancement possible to improve accuracy. Second, the Metallic Division includes purpose-built guns but without red dot optics, compensators and barrel shrouds. Third is the Production Division for minimally-enhanced factory guns, typically with polymer frames.

leupold deltapoint red dot optic new

New for the 2021 Cup is the fourth category, the Production Optics Division. This includes minimally-enhanced production guns with a slide-mounted red dot optic. It was interesting to see the action with this new Production Optics class. Shown above are Glock and S&W production pistols fitted with Leupold’s new, low profile Delta-Point Red Dot Optic.

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October 6th, 2021

Kirsten “Carves” Halloween Pumpkin with Volquartsen .22 LR

Halloween Pumpkin Kirsten Joy Weiss carving Volquartsen

October is Halloween month, so we thought we’d share the seasonal spirit with our readers. In this video, our friend Kirsten Joy Weiss shows off her impressive trick-shot skills. To help celebrate the gouls/goblins holiday, Kirsten “carved” a pumpkin using her semi-auto Volquartsen .22 LR rifle. Kirsten had to send a lot of rimfire rounds into her orange friend. It turns out the little .22-caliber bullets worked better on exit than entry — Mr. Pumpkin’s posterior side was more impressive than his front. But overall, the effort turned out very well indeed, as you can see. Nice job, Kirsten.

On inspection, Kirsten found that the most impressive Jack ‘O Lantern face appeared on the reverse side of her pumpkin. The “exit wounds” were better than the entry holes.
Halloween Pumpkin Kirsten Joy Weiss carving Volquartsen

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