This weekend, Georgia’s Columbus State University will host the 2011 NCAA Rifle Championships. On Friday, March 11, the Smallbore competition will take place at Ft. Benning, GA and the match will conclude on Saturday, March 12, with the Air Rifle competition at Columbus State University.
Watch Live Match Video
On the NCAA.com website, you can watch live video of the 2011 Rifle Championships, together with select video feature stories. Live video of the NCAA Championships will begin at 8:00AM (EST) on Friday and Saturday at http://www.ncaa.com/sports/rifle/d1. CLICK HERE for current live webcast schedule.
View Targets in Real Time
Technology is amazing. Because the NCAA competitors are shooting at electronically-scored targets, the scored target images can be exported to the web in real time. So, you can see the scored targets of the competitors, as soon as they have been shot. Each competitor’s shots are plotted and scored (see example, right). The CMP has created a webpage that hosts Match Results and Live Target Images for each Relay.
In our Shooters’ Forum one member asked for an explanation of the free recoil shooting method. This style, or some variant thereof, is used by many successful short-range (100/200 yard) benchrest shooters. However, we must point out that there is a difference between “pure free recoil” and what you may actually see on the firing line of a registered benchest match. Different shooters may employ a slightly different style — perhaps shouldering the gun a bit, or maybe laying a thumb lightly behind the tang. Technically speaking, that’s no longer free recoil. Remember, there is no “best” technique for every caliber and every gun. And to shoot with a “pure” free recoil method, i.e. touching only the trigger, and not contacting the stock in any way, requires a well-balanced rifle and a highly optimized set-up of front rest and rear bag.
Tony Boyer Video
In the video below you’ll see Hall of Fame shooter Tony Boyer shooting his gun at the Shamrock tournament in 2009. Tony only touches the trigger, but he does index his right hand on the side of the stock. Note: there are some audio problems with this video when you view it at 360p resolution and the playback speed seems slowed down slightly. If the audio cut-outs bother you, try viewing at 720p (HD), or just turn down the volume and focus on Tony’s technique. The slight “slow-motion” effect actually makes it easier to see what Tony is doing. The video does seem to run best at 720p, if you have a high-speed connection.
Introduction to Benchrest Video In this second video, Birgir Runar Saemundsson of Iceland demonstrates free recoil technique near the start of the video. If you watch carefully you’ll see that only Birgir’s index finger touches the trigger. The rifle’s butt is not contacting Birgir’s shoulder when he pulls the trigger. This 11-minute video is part of an introduction to benchrest shooting that Saemundsson offers through his BRS Custom Rifles website. Birgir is a skilled shooter who set a 10-shot 200-yard IBS world record at the Kelbly Range in 1988. At right is Birgir’s 10-shot record target.
Black Hills Ammunition has released a video showing the production process at Black Hills’ ammo plant in Rapid City, South Dakota. As you’d expect there is footage showing the assembly-line, with massive machines churning out loaded cases (look for the bullet seating machine). But this video has a second, softer side — it also focuses on the human factor at the Black Hills facility.
Black Hills President Jeff Hoffman narrates the video, which profiles some of the key production staff at Black Hills. There’s AJ the ‘gearhead’, who supervises the production process, making sure all the machinery is running optimally. When AJ’s not at the plant, he’s tinkering with his hot rods. Then there’s JB, the loading machine operator, who arrives each day at the crack of dawn and can’t wait to get to his machine. And there’s Laverne, who, for 22 years, has been Black Hills’ ace ammo inspector. The video provides an insight into the human side of the production process. We think you’ll enjoy watching.
Gander Mtn. has opened a 20,000 square-foot, high-tech firearms training facility in Lake Mary, Florida. The new Gander Mtn. Academy in Florida offers modern multi-media classrooms, live-fire ranges, a state-of-the-art “Virtual Range”, as well as interactive shooting simulators that let you test your skills in defensive scenarios. In the Academy’s high-tech virtual “V-Range™”, shooters can sharpen their skills and master their mechanics “without spending time and money firing endless rounds of expensive live ammo”.
V-Range™ Video
The virtual range (V-Range) is set up like a conventional firing line, but the targets are projection screens with 2,000,000 pixels per lane. You “shoot” with real pistols modified to fire laser beams, not bullets. Students can zoom the target screens to examine their results and then save their targets as digital image files (sent via email).
Virtual Simulators with ‘Real-Life’ Scenarios
Along with the V-Range, the Gander Mtn. Academy offers two high-tech simulators, the Pro V SIM 180™, and a 300-degree “surround” enclosure, the Pro V SIM 300™. Gander Mtn. Academy is the first and only firearms facility to offer this cutting-edge simulation technology to the public.
V-SIM 300
The V-SIM 180 and V-SIM 300 environments are designed to help you make quick decisions involving a wide range of real life situations. V-SIM 180 and V-SIM 300 training sessions cost $40 and $50 respectively for 30-minute time-blocks. The simulator scenarios run the gamut—from numerous self-defense options to a variety of situations commonly found while hunting and shooting outdoors. After the simulator session, participants can play back and review their performance (with instructor feedback) in video debriefing rooms equipped with Hi-Def monitors and performance-auditing software. Students can even upload video clips of their simulator sessions to YouTube.
More Gander Mtn. Academies Slated to Open Soon
The Florida Gander Mtn. Academy is the first of four high-tech training centers Gander Mtn. plans to open this year. The second location, in La Cross, Wisconsin, is slated to open in April, 2011. In summer, Gander Mtn. plans to open training Academies in Greensboro, North Carolina and Roanoke, Virginia. For more information, visit the Gander Academy Website, or call 1-888-5GANDER.
Tonight, Feb. 23, at 8:00 pm on the Outdoor Channel, Shooting USA features End of Trail, the Cowboy Action World Championship. Hosted annually at the SASS Founders Ranch in New Mexico, End of Trail attracts over 1,000 shooters, hailing from 50 states and many foreign countries. SASS, the Single Action Shooting Society, is one of the most popular shooting organizations on the planet, having issued over 90,000 member badges. For SASS members, End of Trail represents the Superbowl and World Series combined.
If you like multi-gun competition, you’ll enjoy watching Cowboy Action Matches. The top male and female shooters are experts with three kinds of firearms: Lever Rifle, Single-Action Revolver, and Shotgun (which can be a double-barrel side-by-side, or a pump, or even an 1887 lever-action). The guns must be originals or reproductions made prior to 1898 to be used in competition. A typical stage will require 5 shots from each of two six guns, ten rounds from the rifle, chambered in a pistol caliber, and 6 to 8 shotgun rounds.
24 Rounds from Four Guns in under 13 Seconds
To give you an idea of the action you can see tonight on Shooting USA, here is a video of past world Champion Spencer Hogland, aka “Lead Dispencer”. In this video, Spencer fires 24 rounds, with four guns, in just 12.81 seconds (look at the timer in lower right corner). Spencer shows blazing speed with his lever gun and note how quickly he loads his shotgun. Fast loading is key to a successful stage run. Unlike modern multi-gun comps, normally Cowboy Action Shooters must start with empty shotguns.
For a limited time, McMillan has extended its free Marksmanship Training Program Offer. The two-day course, a $500.00 value, is conducted at the McMillan Range in Arizona, where participants can shoot out to one mile and beyond. The next class, scheduled for April 26-27, 2011 has filled up, but McMillan is taking reservations for fall sessions, to be held in October (dates TBA). Here’s how it works: Any owner of a complete McMillan rifle is entitled to attend a two-day Marksmanship course at no charge (food, lodging, ammo not included). Each McMillan rifle owner may also bring one guest, who also shoots for free (not counting food, lodging, ammo). The regular price for this course is $500.00.
McMillan Marksmanship Course Video (WARNING: Turn down speakers if at work.)
Course Title: FREE Marksmanship Training Course
Next Open Date: Fall, 2011 (October dates TBA)
Cost: Free for owners of McMillan rifles and their guests. $500 for non-owners.
Contact: Maura McMillan, (623) 582-9635
The McMillan two-day Marksmanship Training Course is free for owners of any McMillan rifle. Taught on McMillan rifle ranges in Arizona, the course covers the fundamentals of marksmanship, including properly sighting a rifle, adjusting your scope, and shooting out beyond 1,000 yards. The course will also cover the mil-dot system, doping the wind, competing with other participants in a long-range, timed event, and firearms maintenance and range safety. You’ll work one-on-one with qualified McMillan instructors engaging targets from a hundred yards out to a mile or more. And you will spend a memorable two days with fellow McMillan owners of all skill levels.
A century has passed since John Moses Browning created the legendary 1911 single-action pistol. In that time a whole sub-industry has developed to supply parts and accessories for 1911-style pistols. Among the myriad grip options available today, we were impressed with the lastest generation of 1911 Lasergrips from Crimson Trace (CT). If you want a laser-equipped 1911 grip, you’re no longer limited to an ugly, spongy rubber grip. CT’s new “Master Series” 1911 Lasergrips come in a variety of materials including Wood, Laminated Wood, Micarta, and the popular G10 compound, a laminated composite of woven glass fabric, carbon graphite fibers and epoxy resin. G10 is impervious to common solvents.
Honey, I Shrunk the Laser
Crimson Trace’s engineers have down-sized the laser module so it can be fitted to normal-thickness, standard-profile 1911 grips. And the smaller laser has been mounted further forward so there is no interference with ambidextrous safeties. We like this upgrade, and we predict these grips will become very popular with 1911 shooters. The new Master Series 1911 Lasergrips will be offered in a range of sizes and profiles to fit Full-size, Commander, Officers’ Model, and Bobtail 1911 frames. CT hopes to have the Master Series Lasergrips on the market in May, 2011, with an MSRP of $359.00.
In the GunsAmerica video below, Top Shot Champion Iain Harrison (now CT’s Media Relations Manager), explains the features of the new Crimson Trace Master Series 1911 Lasergrips:
Southpaws rejoice. For 2011, Browning has added left-hand versions of its handsome X-bolt Medallion, Hunter, and Micro-Hunter models. All left-hand X-bolts feature a glass-bedded action, left bolt with 60° bolt lift (and top-tang safety), free-floated button-rifled barrel, adjustable trigger (3-5 lbs.), and detachable rotary magazine. These are nice hunting rifles — sleek with some very nice features. The Medallions, in particular, are very pretty rifles — with their Rosewood fore-end tips and pistol grip caps. The X-Bolts are made in Japan by Miroku, a company renowned for high-quality fit and finish (Miroku also makes Browning’s Citori shotguns).
Browning will offer left-hand X-bolts in a wide selection of chamberings: .223 Rem, 22-250, .243 Win, 7mm-08, .308 Win, .25-06, .270 Win, .280 Rem, .30-06 Springfield, 7mm Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag, 338 Win Mag, 300 WSM, 270 WSM, 7mm WSM, 325 WSM.
FREE Jacket with X-Bolt purchase
As an added incentive, Browning is giving away a FREE handsome wind-cutter jacket to all purchasers of a new X-Bolt rifle. Here’s how it works…. Purchase any new Browning X-Bolt Rifle at retail between February 1, 2011 and May 31, 2011 and Browning will send you a Special Edition X-Bolt Soft Shell Jacket, valued at $150.00. This zip-front jacket is wind- and water-resistant, with a warm fleece lining, zippered pockets, and a stand-up collar. It’s embroidered with both the Browning Buckmark and X-Bolt logos. Not valid with any other offer or promotion.
The second season of the History Channel’s hit TV series Top Shot debuts tonight (2/8/2011) at 10:00 pm (9:00 Central). The second year’s package of shows, aka “Top Shot Reloaded”, will follow the first year’s format for the most part, with team and individual challenges involving a variety of weapons, both historical and modern. Sixteen new contestants, including our friend and 3-Gun Ace, Maggie Reese, will compete for a $100,000 prize. View the Top Shot Season 2 Sneak Peak Video below:
New Guns, New Challenges, and a “Whole Lot of Explosions”
Producers say that the new show will have “more action, less talking”, more pyrotechnics, and some startling new challenges. Top Shot Host Colby Donaldson says: “In the first five minutes of Episode One [Season 2], everyone’s going to see that this is a very different season. We had to go above and beyond to create challenges that would actually take [competitors] out of their comfort zone”. There are new weapons (including Thompson machine guns and Barrett 50s), and a “whole lot of explosions”. But don’t expect the show to depart too far from its Survivor-style “reality-TV” origins. Remember this is ratings-driven Hollywood fare; the interpersonal conflicts and shifting alliances appeal to mainstream TV viewers. Nonetheless, if you enjoyed watching TOP Shot Season One you should definitely tune in for Top Shot Reloaded (Season Two) tonight at 10.
Bryan Litz, Ballistician for Berger Bullets, has created a fantastic 10-minute video that covers the recent Berger Southwest Long-Range Nationals from start to finish. Bryan, Overall Match Winner in the Sling Division, had his still and video cameras rolling for each phase of the popular event, including the Tuesday training seminars, Wednesday’s mid-range fun match, three days of scored long-range shooting (Friday – Sunday), and the awards ceremonies. The 2011 SW Nationals was a big success, drawing 161 shooters from 12 states and even Canada. There were clear skies with 70° highs every day — welcome weather for the Snow-birds who came down to compete.
Video Offers “Shooter’s Eye View”
During the score matches, Bryan had multiple cameras running, with one focused through a spotting scope. This allows you to see shooting, shot-marking, and target movement in real time. If you watch carefully, you can also see bullet trace on many shots. Bryan delivers a “Shooter’s Eye View” of the match with these multiple camera sequences.
Bryan covers all the top shooters and winning teams. One of the highlights of Bryan’s video is an interview with Danny Biggs, who set a new National F-Open class record, shooting 200-15X, not once but twice (the second time in really tough conditions). Danny was shooting a 7mm RSAUM with Berger 180gr Hybrid bullets, using a Barnard action and straight-contour 1:9″-twist Krieger barrel. He was loading Hodgdon H4350 in Remington Brass. NF Benchrest scope of course.
Berger Awards 30,000 Bullets and $2,000+ in Cash Prizes
Berger did a great job sponsoring this event. Overall, Berger awarded 30,000 bullets to shooters, along with over $2,000 in cash prizes. Engineer Hat’s off to Bryan for making such a fine video. And remember… Bryan managed to shoot this video, while finishing First Overall in Sling Division. Impressive.
View Targets in Real Time
In this second video, 
Gander Mtn. has opened a 20,000 square-foot, high-tech firearms training facility in Lake Mary, Florida. The new Gander Mtn. Academy in Florida offers modern multi-media classrooms, live-fire ranges, a state-of-the-art “Virtual Range”, as well as interactive shooting simulators that let you test your skills in defensive scenarios. In the Academy’s high-tech virtual “V-Range™”, shooters can sharpen their skills and master their mechanics “without spending time and money firing endless rounds of expensive live ammo”.
Tonight, Feb. 23, at 8:00 pm on the 
