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October 31st, 2008
 The 23rd Annual “World Championship of Punkin Chunkin” will be held Friday October 31st through Sunday, November 2nd, in Sussex County, Delaware. This hugely popular event draws 40,000-50,000 spectators each year. They gather to watch 100 or more amazing air cannons, catapults, trebuchets, giant slingshots, and other fantastic devices launch pumpkins into the air. In conjunction with the Punkin Chunkin Championship, there will be cooking contests, and the Charley Daniels Band will perform on the 31st. Proceeds from the annual event go to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, various other charities, and scholarships. We think the timing is perfect–this gives folks a chance to smile and laugh a little before the very serious business of next week’s election. God knows we all need some relief from the relentless campaigning.
 Intrigued? Want more Punkin Chunkin footage? Believe it or not, there’s a full-length feature movie about the event: Flying Pumpkins: The Legend of Punkin Chunkin.
CLICK HERE for Movie CLIPS.
You can find complete event info, including directions, on Punkinchunkin.com. To view many of the amazing machines, visit the event’s Online Photo Galleries.
One of the favored “big guns” is the aptly-named “Second Amendment”. This 14-ton monster boasts a 100-foot-long barrel that can toss an appropriate projectile (e.g. a pumpkin or frozen turkey), over 5,000 feet (very nearly one mile!). Muzzle velocity is an impressive 500 miles per hour (about 733 fps). The big cannon, shown below, holds the official world punkin distance record, and is a 4-time overall winner (2002, 2003, 2005, 2006). This year the Second Amendment team hopes to reclaim the title.
Editor’s Comment: Click on the links, and especially the photo galleries. Look at the hardware… and the smiling faces. Look at the families having fun together. Why, a cynic might ask, should anyone go to a “punkin chunkin” festival when they could be sitting at home worrying about the election and being miserable about the economy? Well, heck… sometimes you just have to get outside and have a grand, crazy, goofy good time. This event is one of those uniquely American celebrations of technical ingenuity and rural culture. Sort of NASCAR meets pagan harvest festival. It makes me smile, and also reminds me that shootin’ stuff, whether a 22LR rifle or a 100-foot air cannon, is just darn fun… and that’s why we do it.
October 24th, 2008
In our Gun of the Week section, we’ve featured Gary Eliseo’s innovative R5 Tubegun, chambered in 6mmBR. Gary produces an accurate, ergonomic, and affordable Kit for Cross-the-Course and High Power Shooters. Now Creedmoor Sports has introduced a new, complete rifle based on a second-generation Eliseo system. And the big news? The Creedmoor CSR-1 is designed to shoot the popular medium-sized cartridges: 6XC, 6.5×47 Lapua, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .308 Winchester. (It is also available in .223 Rem.) The new CSR-1 offers sling-shooters a complete, turn-key rifle that rivals the performance of the Tubb 2000 for less money. (The Creedmoor CSR-1 costs $3750.00 complete with adjustable butt stock, but not sights). With the capability of shooting the .308 Winchester, the CSR-1 should also be popular with Palma and even F-TR shooters (who could also shoot the gun in .223 Rem).
The CSR-1 custom match rifle is optimized for across-the-course or long-range shooting. Built around a custom Pierce Engineering action, this new rifle features a 28” Broughton 5C (canted lands) barrel, a Gary Eliseo stock, +15 MOA sight rail, a superb, 2-stage Jackson Trigger with adjustable trigger shoe plus a fully adjustable (and removable) rear stock. Friends, these are ALL top-of-the-line components. Lefties rejoice! The CSR-1 will be offered in BOTH right-handed AND left-handed versions. To allow further shooter fit adjustment, the tubular front hand guard can rotate 15° from center in either direction.
The rifle also includes two (2) custom single-stack 5 round magazines, a single-round loading device (SLED), two (2) removable butt stock 4.8 oz. weights, plus an adjustable hand stop. The adjustable buttstock is top of the line. It can adjust for length of pull, drop, cheekpiece height, and cant angle. Rifle weight (without sights) is 13.25 lbs. Estimated all-up weight (with sights) is 14.75 lbs. Creedmoor Sports also offers a recommended sight kit for $797.90. This includes: Phoenix Top Mount ¼ minute rear sight, Gehmann 510 adjustable rear iris, T2K Ladder front sight with level and extra mount, and Gehmann 2.4 – 4.4mm adjustable front iris.
Shown below is a video of Gary Eliseo shooting his R5 Repeater chambered in 6BR. The new CSR-1 will be a very similar gun, albeit with a superior Pierce action inside and a larger magazine system capable of holding up to .308-sized cartridges.
Special Offer — FREE Ammo or Kalispel Gun Case
If you purchase a CSR-1 rifle before January 9th, 2009, Creedmoor Sports will kick in one FREE case of 6.5 Creedmoor ammo (must be chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, does not apply to other calibers) OR a free Kalispel aluminum gun case. For more info, visit CreedmoorSports.com. You can request a catalog through the website or by calling 800-273-3366.
October 22nd, 2008
 Brownells, a leading supplier of AR-15 parts and accessories, now offers a comprehensive series of AR-15 assembly instruction videos. They are available online for FREE. The broadcast-quality videos, shot in-house in Brownells’ studios, represent a huge undertaking by Brownells. We’re talking hours of content that provide both novice or expert all the information one needs to build an AR-15 from scratch. The free video series includes 52 separate clips, divided into nine (9) sections, each occupying a separate page on Brownells’ website. You can easily navigate among the 50+ segments to watch just the part you need without fast-forwarding or rewinding through a huge file. Sections 1 and 2 explain the features of various AR models, Section 3 spotlights the specialized tools you’ll need for the build, and Sections 4-9 demonstrate the correct way to install all the various parts and pieces.
For each video, PDF instructions are also available so you can watch a segment, print out the illustrated instruction sheet, and head to the bench. Plus, there’s a set of checklists so you can make sure you’ve ordered every piece you need. Whether you’re building a complete gun, or just installing a new safety, flash hider or stock, there’s a lot of valuable information to make the job easier.
The videos can be accessed, FREE, through the website howtobuildanar15.com, or you can click on the links in the tables below. You can also order an AR-15 catalog from the site, or by phone at 800-741-0015, mention code #PEK.
Brownells is the world’s largest supplier of firearm parts, gunsmithing tools, equipment and accessories. Brownells stocks more than 30,000 items, backed by a 100% satisfaction, unconditional, lifetime guarantee. To place an order or for more info, call 800-741-0015 or visit brownells.com.
October 18th, 2008
Taran Butler, Bruce Piatt and Jerry Miculek claimed national titles at the U.S. Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) Multi-Gun Championships held October 3-5 at the Shootout Range in Princeton, Louisiana. The match drew nearly 120 competitors from 28 states. In Multi-Gun matches, shooters tackle multiple, timed stages, using pistol, rifle and shotgun to engage a variety of paper, steel and moving targets. Matches often require competitors to use all three types of firearms on a single stage. Showcasing remarkable shooter skills (and fast reflexes), Multi-Gun (i.e. “3-Gun”) matches are exciting to watch. Below is a video of USAMU team members at the 2007 USPSA Multi-Gun Nationals:
 Nat’l Championship Results
In the Tactical Division, Taran Butler of Simi Valley, California dominated the match, winning five of the 12 stages and leading in overall points on eight. In the end his overall score of 1279.9417 outpaced second place shooter and fellow Golden State resident Keith Garcia of San Ramon by almost 77 points. Butler previously won the Tactical Division in 2006.
Team Smith & Wesson member Jerry Miculek, shooting on his home range, defended his 2007 win by again taking the Open Division title, this time by more than 24 points with a final score of 1278.0090. Miculek won five of the 12 stages and led the field over nine of them. Great Shooting Jerry! Chris Tilley finished second in the Open Division with a score of 1253.6155 edging out the 2006 champion Michael Voigt of Chino, California by just over two points. The Limited Division title went to Bruce Piatt of Montvale, New Jersey, who won by more than 41 points with a final score of 1302.0291. Piatt held the lead on eight stages winning three of them.
About USPSA: The United States Practical Shooting Association is a non-profit membership association and the governing body for the sport of Practical Shooting in America. USPSA has over 17,000 members and more than 350 affiliated clubs. Visit www.uspsa.org.
September 29th, 2008
The United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) hosts its 2008 Multi-Gun Nationals Oct. 3-5 at the Clark Range, in Princeton, Louisiana. This USPSA event requires shooters to engage multiple targets, on the clock, with pistol, rifle, and shotgun. The USPSA Nationals will draw ace action shooters from around the country. Shown below is Chris Tilley, competing at the 2007 USPSA Multi-Gun Nationals. The video shows how smoothly Chris transitions from gun to gun and how well he engages targets while on the move. If you’ve ever tried that, you know how difficult it is to aim (and hit) while running sideways. That’s why Chris, the 2006 USPSA National Open-Class Champion, is one of America’s “top guns”.
 Though there are multiple classes for rifles, pistols, and shotguns (based on equipment), most competitors will be using semi-automatic firearms. The rifles will typically be AR15-style carbines with red dot sights. Most shooters use .223-caliber carbines but there is also a “Heavy Metal” division for .308 or larger caliber rifles. Open-class pistols will be 1911-based race guns with red dot or holographic sights, compensators, and high-capacity magazines carrying 20 rounds or more.
Speed, accuracy, and firepower all count in this game. Stages require anywhere from 6 to 30+ shots. The scoring system measures points scored per second, then weights the score to compensate for the number of shots fired. If they miss a target, or shoot inaccurately, points are deducted, lowering that all-important points-per-second score. Scoring is based on hits and time, plus the “Power Factor” is calculated into the equations. It can get pretty complicated, so USPSA Multi-Gun matches are scored with computer software called EZWinScore. To learn more about Multi-Gun competition, visit USPSA.org or you can download the Multi-Gun Rulebook.
STAGES: CLICK HERE for Stage Diagrams showing target sequence/placement.
September 17th, 2008
 Well, yes, that headline is a come-on. But there’s truth in the promise. The “miracle device” to which we refer is a simple wind indicator.
Remarkably, many shooters who spend $3000.00 or more on a precision rifle don’t bother to set up windflags when they shoot. Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a varminter, or someone who just likes the satisfaction of drilling small groups, a set of windflags is something you should take to the range every time. And yes, if you pay attention to your windflags, you can easily cut your group sizes in half. Here’s proof…
Miss a 5 mph Shift and Double Your Group Size
In the following table we show the effect of a 5 mph crosswind at 100, 200, and 300 yards. You may say to yourself, “well, I’d never miss a 5 mph let-off.” Consider this — if a gentle 2.5 mph breeze switches from 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock, you’ve just missed a 5 mph net change. What will that do to your group? Look at the table below to find out.
Values from Point Blank Ballistics software for 500′ elevation and 70° temperature.
Imagine you have a 6mm rifle that shoots half-MOA consistently in no-wind conditions. What happens if you miss a 5 mph shift (the equivalent of a full reversal of a 2.5 mph crosswind)? Well, if you’re shooting a 68gr flatbase bullet, your shot is going to move about 0.49″, nearly doubling your group size. With a 105gr VLD, the bullet moves 0.28″ … not as much to be sure, but still enough to ruin a nice small group. What about an AR15, shooting 55-grainers at 3300 fps? Well, if you miss that same 5 mph shift, your low-BC bullet moves 0.68″. That pushes a half-inch group well past an inch. If you had a half-MOA capable AR, now it’s shooting worse than 1 MOA.
If you’ve already invested in an accurate rifle with a good barrel, you are “throwing away” accuracy if you shoot without wind flags. You can spend a ton of money on fancy shooting accessories (such as expensive front rests and spotting scopes) but, dollar for dollar, nothing will potentially improve your shooting as much as a good set of windflags, used religiously.
Which Windflag to buy? Click here to view many windflag designs.
Video from Carbon River Windflags
Aussie Windflag photo courtesy BenchRestTraining.com (Stuart and Annie Elliot).
September 7th, 2008
As we approach the fall Presidential election, it is important that all gun owners understand the differences between the Democratic Party and Republican Party when it comes to gun regulation. The choice of Vice Presidential candidates speaks volumes about the difference between the parties: Palin is staunchly pro-gun, while Biden is aggressively anti-gun. Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is a long-time NRA member whose family has relied on hunting to “put meat on the table.” By contrast, Delaware Senator Joe Biden has authored major gun ban legislation, and Biden carries an “F” rating on gun issues from the NRA.
How about Barrack Obama — what is his stance on gun rights? In an effort to mollify moderate “swing” voters, Obama hasn’t been talking about gun control much lately. But the fact remains that he is no friend to gun owners. He supports new bans on self-loading rifles, and in 2000 he co-sponsored legislation limiting handgun purchases. To learn more, you should watch the following video. Keep in mind it is a one-sided “advocacy” piece created by the Republican National Committee. Nonetheless, the facts speak for themselves.
September 6th, 2008
For self-defense in your home or shop, you want quick access to your handgun.
Ideally, both handguns and long guns should be locked up in a heavy, full-size gunsafe that is bolted to the floor. However, if you need quick access to a handgun for personal defense in the home, there are smaller safes that can be opened in a couple of seconds, while still keeping handguns secure from kids or any unwanted visitors.
Shown above is a GunVault Biometric handgun safe ($299.99 at Cabelas.com). This uses your fingerprint as the “key” to open the safe. Place your index finger in the scanner then press the middle button, and the safe opens up in under 2 seconds. As a back-up, you can can quickly open the safe by pressing buttons on the 4-finger keypad in the right sequence. Gunvault also makes a less costly basic GunVault version without the fingerprint function. The basic GunVault employs the keypad and/or a security lock to open the safe. Both models (biometric and standard) can be secured via a heavy security cable so a thief can’t simply grab the safe and run. Cabela’s has a video showing the biometric Gunvault in action.
 CLICK HERE to watch VIDEO of BIOMETRIC SAFE
September 2nd, 2008
Every Wednesday on the Outdoor Channel, starting at 4:00 pm, you can enjoy a full line-up of firearms-related television shows. That’s right, you can sit down and soak up 7 hours of shooting broadcasts without changing a channel. That may be overkill, but it’s nice to know there’s plenty of firearms-related content every week, all in one place. Here is a typical Wednesday-night schedule for the Outdoor Channel (specific offerings and times subject to change). MidwayUSA is to be commended for sponsoring many of these shows.
CLICK HERE for detailed Outdoor Channel Programming Guide.
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Wednesday 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM EST
4:00 PM: American Rifleman Television
4:30 PM: Shooting USA
5:00 PM: Sighting In with Shooting USA
5:30 PM: Guns & Ammo Television
6:00 PM: Hunter’s Specialties Outdoors
6:30 PM: Inside USA Shooting
7:00 PM: Step Outside
7:30 PM: MidwayUSA’s Cowboys
8:00 PM: Shooting Gallery presented by Crimson Trace
8:30 PM: Shooting USA
9:00 PM: Sighting In with Shooting USA
9:30 PM: Guns & Ammo Television
10:00 PM: American Rifleman Television
10:30 PM: MidwayUSA’s Cowboys |
August 31st, 2008
Federal Premium Ammunition has completely updated its website with many great new features for shooters. The new site is so rich, it takes a while to find all the new options. (Check out the Federal SITEMAP below.) For rifle shooters and hunters, two new features really stand out. First there is an interactive ammo information page that provides load components and ballistic data for all Federal ammo. Second, the upgraded Federal website is now “video-rich” with many high-quality product videos.
CLICK HERE for Federal Ammunition SITEMAP showing all content.
Ammo Information Page
The new Interactive Ammo Info Page gives you detailed data for every type of ammunition Federal makes. Choose a chambering and load, then the web page will switch to detailed entries, with velocity (fps), energy (ft/lbs), wind drift (10 mph 90°), and calculated drop out to 500 yards. Data is provided for six distances: muzzle, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 yards. Click on a thumbnail chart and you can see the data presented in a graphical format (x,y axes).
Dedicated VIDEO Player and New Product Videos
Federal’s new VIDEO PLAYER offers a variety of Product Videos. Watch “The Bullet Breakdown” to see performance of popular hunting bullets in ballistic gelatin. You can also DOWNLOAD “The Bullet Breakdown” (and other videos) to your hard drive.
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