With over 340 shooting-related videos, the Alabama Arsenal YouTube Channel is a remarkable resource. This video channel provides detailed field tests of tactical-type rifles, ARs, and pistols. The testers have access to some very impressive ranges, and many of the tests are far more thorough than you’ll typically find with most gun magazines and gun-centric YouTube channels. For example, Alabama Arsenal (AA) has a series of 1000+ round pistol test videos. These are well worth watching if you are considering purchase of a defensive handgun.
Today we showcase multiple rifle videos covering two centerfire rifles, and three precision rimfire rigs. After these field test videos, you’ll find an interesting technical video which investigates how suppressors can affect muzzle velocity.
Barrett MRAD .300 PRC at 2200 Yards — Extreme Long Range
Here’s a rugged tactical rifle put to the test at Extreme Long Range. This video, featuring a Barrett MRAD chambered for the .300 PRC cartridges, features accuracy testing out to 2200 yards (1.25 miles). There is some good drone footage covering the long path to the target. The shooter noted that the bullets fired from his .300 PRC “go sub-sonic somewhere between 1800 and 1900 yards”, creating additional ballistics challenges at this yardage.
Savage 110 Elite Precision for PRS Production Class
In this video AA’s team reviews the Savage Elite Precision Rifle with MDT ACC Chassis. Retailing for about $1810.00 in 6mm Creedmoor, this is one of the better production class options for PRS and NRL competition. Starting at the 3:10 time-mark, the video shows how all the adjustments function on the MDC ACC Chassis. Guns America Digest did a full review of this rifle, and was quite impressed.
Rimfire .22 LR Bergara B-14R in WOOX Furiosa Hybrid Chassis
Alabama Arsenal recently tested a .22 LR Bergara B-14R rimfire rifle fitted with the WOOX Furiosa hybrid chassis system, an Italian-made product featuring wood sections over a strong aluminum core chassis. The bolt operation and ergonomics of the B-14R simulate a Remington 700 very closely, making this rifle good for rimfire cross-training. The B14-R model tested was the version with carbon-wrapped barrel.
The WOOX Furiosa is an innovative, unique aftermarket replacement chassis. This high-tech hybrid stock/chassis combines wood sections over a full-length, aerospace-grade aluminum skeleton chassis, giving it the “feel” of a wood stock with the strength and stability of a metal stock. We like the way the stock feels on the trigger hand in particular and the smooth wood cheekpiece is also very nice. Made in Italy, the Furiosa is offered in three versions all with wood sections on the forearm, grip area, and cheekpiece. Choose natural Walnut Brown, Micarta Black, or Midnight Grey. Alabama Arsenal tested a B14-R fitted with the Micarta Black version. Below are photos of a centerfire rifle in a WOOX Furiosa hybrid chassis, with the Brown Walnut elements.
CZ 457 Varmint Precision Trainer and Chassis
In this video, Alabama Arsenal compares two higher-end versions of the popular CZ 457 rimfire rifle, a great choice for the NRL22 and PRS 22 disciplines. The test compares the CZ 457 in a Manners composite stock with a CZ 457 version in a Varmint Precision aluminum chassis. Right now basic CZ 457 rifles start at about $540.00, with the Varmint Precision models running $930 for the metal chassis version and $1130 for the Manners carbon-fiber composite stock model.
Informational Video about Rifle and Pistol Suppressors
Alabama Arsenal regularly tests its firearms with suppressors. Over time, the testing team has leaned much about modern sound moderators, comparing features and learning how to install and maintain quality suppressors. Here is an interesting video that shows how suppressors affect shot velocities.
Field Testing — Do Suppressors Change Bullet Velocity
Want to see more content like this? Here are LINKS…
Alabama Arsenal has nearly 300 videos on its YouTube channel. In addition, you’ll find dozens of firearms photos and other shooting-related content on Alabama Arsenal’s social media pages: Facebook; Instagram; and Twitter. You can support the Arsenal’s gun testing by subscribing to the Alabama Arsenal’s PATREON Page.
“Shoot Like a Champion”. Bryan Litz, author of Applied Ballistics for Long-Range Shooting, says he often sees notes like this tucked in shooter’s gear (or taped to an ammo box) at matches. What “marksmanship mantras” do you use? Do you have a favorite quote that you keep in mind during competition?
On the Applied Ballistics Facebook Page, Bryan invited other shooters to post the motivating words (and little reminders) they use in competition. Here are some of the best responses:
“Shoot 10s and No One Can Catch You…” — James Crofts
“You Can’t Miss Fast Enough to Win.” — G. Smith
“Forget the last shot. Shoot what you see!” — P. Kelley
“Breathe, relax, you’ve got this, just don’t [mess] up.” — S. Wolf
“It ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings.” — J. McEwen
“Keep calm and shoot V-Bull.” — R. Fortier
“Be still and know that I am God[.]” (PS 46:10) — D.J. Meyer
“Work Hard, Stay Humble.” — J. Snyder
“Shoot with your mind.” — K. Skarphedinsson
“The flags are lying.” — R. Cumbus
“Relax and Breathe.” — T. Fox
“Zero Excuses.” — M. Johnson
“SLOW DOWN!” — T. Shelton
“Aim Small.” — K. Buster
“Don’t Forget the Ammo!” (Taped on Gun Case) — Anonymous
PARTING SHOT: It’s not really a mantra, but Rick Jensen said his favorite quote was by gunsmith Stick Starks: “Them boys drove a long ways to suck”. Rick adds: “I don’t want to be that guy”, i.e. the subject of that remark.
Former Army Ranger sniper instructor Ryan Cleckner is the author of the best-selling Long Range Shooting Handbook. Cleckner hosts a series of videos that cover shooting techniques appropriate for tactical and PRS-type disciplines. Here are five short videos that cover various aspects of shooting techniques and rifle set-up. We think PRS/NRL competitors (and long-range hunters) can benefit from these videos.
“Consistency is the key to accuracy.
You need to think about a system of how you’re going to shoot that is not only comfortable, but [is] repeatable when you’re shooting.” — Ryan Cleckner
In this first video, Cleckner explains proper scope position. Ryan finds that some shooters place the scope too far forward or too far rearward. If the scope is too far back you may have issues with eye relief and stock reach to shoulder. If it is too far forward, you may have cheek-weld problems or get neck strain.
Cleckner offers a simple method to check your scope position: “To see if your scope is set up properly … close your eyes, lay your head on your gun, get completely comfortable, and only when you are set-up, then open your eyes. If you can’t see clearly through your scope, CHANGE something [such as comb height or scope position]”. “When you open your eyes, if you see some scope shadow [i.e. the black ring around the edge of the scope picture], figure out which way you need to move your head to get rid of that shadow, and then make adjustments to either your position, the rifle, or the scope.”
Cleckner prefers shooting off a bag when in the prone position, when that is practical. The bag provides a more stable support than a small Harris-type bipod, doesn’t require pre-loading the rifle, and there is less bounce or hop on recoil.
Former Army Ranger sniper team leader Ryan Cleckner explains how important it is to keep your rifle straight up and down when long-range precision shooting. Cleckner demonstrates with an AR-10 modern sporting rifle how slight cant to your rifle can cause a miss over long distances.
Here Cleckner covers some of the basic points of trigger control on tactical-style rifles. These basic principles apply to both single-stage and two-stage triggers. NOTE: For benchrest rigs, with ultra-light pull weights, more refined techniques may be appropriate.
In tactical events, when you’re shooting on the clock and loading from a detachable magazine, you should manipulate the bolt smoothly but strongly. Here Cleckner demonstrates how to cycle a tactical-type rifle. He says, “You should be running the bolt on your rifle with authority. Run it like you mean it!” NOTE: Completely different techniques are appropriate for custom benchrest rifles that manually feed.
Long Range Shooting Handbook — A Good Resource
Cleckner’s Long Range Shooting Handbook covers a wide range of topics important for precision marksmanship — both shooting skills and technical matters. You can view Sample Chapters from Ryan’s Book on Amazon.com. Cleckner’s book is designed as an intro to key concepts such as MOA vs. Mils, External Ballistics, and Environmental Effects. Included are personal tips and advice based on Cleckner’s years of experience as a sniper instructor and special operations sniper.
The Long Range Shooting Handbook is divided into three main categories: What It Is/How It Works, Fundamentals, and How to Use It. “What It Is/How It Works” covers equipment, terminology, and basic principles. “Fundamentals” covers the theory of long range shooting. “How to Use It” gives practical advice on implementing what you’ve learned, so you can progress as a skilled, long range shooter. Overall, this is one of the best resources available for tactical shooters and PRS/NRL competitors.
With the growing popularity of tactical shooting competitions, unfortunately more and more young males are now suffering from psychological issues, some of which are quite serious. For this reason, the National Institute of Healthe (NIH) recently published an advisory stating that health professionals should watch for worrisome issues that commonly arise with participants in PRS and NRL competitions:
“Notice: Individuals who compete in PRS/NRL activities may exhibit multiple mental and emotional issues. This is related primarily to competition stress and financial anxiety over excessive costs of PRS/NRL participation. We recommend immediate intervention, particularly if the individual is married.”
These PRS/NRL shooters may exhibit “anger, anxiety, and inability to control emotions” warned the NIH. This typically happens after a poor shooting performance or when the individual contemplates the vast sums of money he has spent on PRS/NRL guns, gear, optics and ammo. The anger and anxiety can be most extreme when a competitor is soundly defeated at the range by other shooters with very inexpensive rifles. This can create anger and even lead to violence or worse, suicidal thoughts.
Compulsive Spending Behavior Among PRS/NRL Participants
In addition, the NIH warned that the initial “rush” and thrill of PRS/NRL competition has lead to compulsive spending behavior, similar to a “gambling addiction”. The individual spends more and more money on gear and equipment when there is no good reason to do so and no performance gain. Analysts explain that the very act of shopping and spending provides an addictive brain reaction which can cause PRS/NRL participants to spend more and more money even after they stop shooting matches. The spending becomes compulsive.
Post Range Shooting Disorder — PRSD
Analyzing the behavior and emotions of precision shooters, psychotherapists have adopted a new terminology for the mix of troublesome issues that PRS/NRL competitors exhibit in great numbers. The disturbed condition has been deemed “PRSD” which stands for Post Range Shooting Disorder (PRSD).
PRSD is most acute with PRS/NRL competitors who spend huge sums of money yet perform poorly at matches. The anxiety is increased with young married men who cannot reveal to their spouses the true costs of their precision shooting hobby. That in turn leads to guilt, conflict, and higher rates of divorce.
Psychotherapists have observed multiple symptoms of PRSD among competitive shooters, particularly those who have spent over $5000 on their shooting gear yet regularly get beaten by others with cheap factory rifles. That leads to anger, frustration, and other negative emotions.
Do you know someone with PRSD? Look for these common symptoms and behavior patterns:
1. Lack of control over purchasing and spending
2. Challenged relationships (esp. Wife issues)
3. Inability to control emotions
4. Lack of focus during working hours
5. Negative self-perception and self-loathing
6. Avoidance of certain places (such as ranges where scores were poor)
7. Sleep disturbances and nightmares
8. Making grumpy posts on social media
9. Boredom in reloading room
10. Increased beer consumption
How to Cope with PRSD
Psychotherapists and counselors have found that PRSD can be significantly lessened with conscious, sustained effort over the course of many weeks. They recommend a five-stage plan:
1. Stop buying new tactical rifles and optics, and maxing out your credit cards.
2. If married, give $3 to your wife for every $1 you spend on your gun hobby.
3. Limit monthly PRS/NRL spending to one-half of your rent/mortgage.
4. Stop keeping score at PRS/NRL matches — chill and relax.
5. Get another hobby.
Over the past month, many of the world’s best long range shooters competed in South Africa. First was the South African Open Championship, held March 9-15, 2024 for “Target Rifles”. This was followed by the 32nd World Long Range Championships for Fullbore/Palma rifles, with individual and team competitions held March 16-23, 2024. The World LR Championships event was for “hard-holders”, shooting iron-sighted rifles prone with sling. There were shooters from at least 12 countries: Australia, Canada, Channel Islands, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, Kenya, Ireland, N. Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the USA.
The World LR Championships and the South African Open Championships were held at the Genl De Wet range West of Bloemfontein in South Africa. Conditions were very challenging — with very hot temperatures on the range and challenging winds.
Individual Top 20 Results 32nd World Long Range Championships
Australian Ash Bidgood won the Individual World Championship with an impressive 739-92V score. Great Britain’s Glyn Barnett was a close second (on V-Count) with 739-86V. In third place was another Brit, J.C. Underwood, who tallied 738-78V.
Two Americans finished in the top 15, Brandon Green (733-82V, 8th place) and Amanda Elsenboss (659-59V, 11th place). Both Brandon and Amanda are past USA National Champions who previously served in the U.S. Army and shot with the USAMU Team.
Other Grand Aggregate Divisional Winners include:
Veterans: B. Carter, New Zealand, 661-60V
Ladies: R.L. Furniss, Great Britain, 662-73V
Veterans Over 70: J. Jeffrey, Australia 548-51V
Under 25-21 Age: M. Baily, Australia, 661-84V
Under 21: T. McGowen, USA, 648-61V
Team Results: 32nd World Long Range Championships
1. Australia Total: 7172.996 | Day 1: 3580.474 Day 2: 3592.522
2. Great Britain Total: 7168.1005 | Day 1: 3578.469 Day 2: 3590.536
3. South Africa Total: 7153.869 | Day 1: 3562.405 Day 2: 3591.464 Click HERE for All Team Scores
4. United States Total: 7140.876
5. New Zealand Total: 7030.703
6. Canada Total: 6946.592
7. Germany Total: 6683.465
Team Australia won the Long Range World Championship with leading scores on both days of competition. The Aussies shot well, earning the Gold medal with a 7172.996 total vs. 7159.1004 for the Brits. Team Australia reported on its Facebook page: “We’d like to summarize how the 2024 Palma in South Africa evolved and highlight just how extraordinary it was. World records were repeatedly smashed and, while Australia defended and retained our world championship title earned in 2019, this was only the 4th time Australia has won the Palma since its inception in 1876.”
All four leading teams smashed the old full match Palma record of 7106.825 set by Great Britain in 2015, with Australia setting the new Palma world record with 7172.995. On Day 2, Australia set a new single-day world Team world record of 3592.521. That’s 37 points higher than the previous team record of 3555.424 set by GB in 2015.
The new individual World Record (during team competition) went to Australia’s Brett McCauley with 450-73V — breaking the world record of 449-55V set by Toby Raincock of GB in 2015. And, on Day 2, Great Britain’s Theo Dodds set a one-day individual world record with 225-40V.
USA’s Brandon Green Wins South African Open Championship
Former USAMU shooter Brandon Green topped the field in the South African Open Championship, which took place before the World Championships. Brandon won the SA Open individual title in a dramatic shoot-off. Congratulations to Brandon Green for an impressive come-from-behind victory to win the South African Nationals. Brandon finished with 924-93V, edging out Great Britain’s M.J. Ensor (923-101V) by a single point. Now that’s close!
Photo credit Chris Wheeden, GB Veterans Team
Shooter’s Report from South Africa by Paula Crenshaw
The first week of competition was the South African National Championships which was (for some) a warm-up to the World Long Range Championships. The U.S. National Rifle Team had five teams there. These were: Palma Team, the Veterans Team (those over 60), Goodwill Team, Junior Under 25, and Junior Under 21 teams. Competitions included team competitions and individual competitions.
I was not happy with my performance but I’m not particularly disappointed either. I know what I need to do. My .223 Rem caliber Palma rifle was also not ideal, and I’m eager to shoot my new .308 Win rifle. My Goodwill Team did take second in the Chairman’s Match.
Photo from last day of individual World Championship. The heat was tough.
The entire experience was amazing. It was also incredibly challenging with the heat wave and the winds. My teammates are outstanding people and I met many wonderful fellow shooters from other countries. Shooting while wildebeests and ostriches roamed the range (see above) was … interesting! Captain Bob’s wild dash to get me my forgotten bolt from the hotel was one for the storybooks … and his comment that he’d do it again despite being banned from the range warmed my heart. To my teammates John, Mark, Seth, and our coach Yvonne: Thank you!
The USA women competitors. Right to left: Trudy Fay, Paula Crenshaw, Yvonne Roberts, Kacie McGowan, Amanda Elsenboss, Jessica Hudson.
Here is a cool overhead photograph of the Genl De Wet shooting range outside Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Photo credit Chris Wheeden, GB Veterans Team
About the Long Range World Championship — Rifles and Course of Fire by Paula Crenshaw
Fullbore and Palma are different courses of fire, but both shot with similar rifles. The 87th South African Open Bisley Championships was a fullbore event held March 9-15, 2024. There were individual and team matches. The 32nd World Long Range Championships was a Palma event held March 16-23, 2024. A Palma match is shot at 800, 900, 1000 yards (or 700, 800, 900 meters) and has 15 shots for record at each distance using a .223 Rem or .308 Win (7.62×51) caliber iron-sighted rifle. A Palma rifle is always shot with a sling and iron sights.
Fullbore competition has 2-3 shooters to the mound (except in the USA where sometimes string fire is allowed at 1000 yards), 10 shots (sometimes 15) and shot at 300, 500, 600, 900, 1000 yards (or the equivalent in meters).
The Palma discipline has evolved into the “The World Long Range Championships, Individual and Palma Team Matches”. It has gone through many changes since 1876 and has developed its own set of rules and requirements for target, rifle, and cartridge. The match is now held at 4-year intervals. Teams consist of 16 firing members and two alternates along with a support group of a team captain, adjutant, five coaches, and a non-firing armorer, with total team size not to exceed 26 members. The match in South Africa was shot at 700, 800, and 900 meters.
The Palma is a match of great distinction. While the long range championships include individual matches and a nation’s other teams such as the Veterans teams, Under 25, Under 21, and USA’s Goodwill team, it is the Palma teams that hold the highest honor. The World Long Range Championships culminate with the Palma teams competing from each country. For an excellent detailed history I recommend A History of the Palma Match by Hap Rocketto, first published in 1996 (CLICK HERE FOR PDF).
Photo Credits: Credit top image, range flags image, and Brandon Green Chair image Great Britain Rifle Team. Other images credit Paula Crenshaw, Team USA, Team Australia, Chris Wheeden.
Precision Rifle fans should watch Shooting USA this week. On Wednesday, March 27, 2024 Shooting USA offers a special edition devoted to the 2023 Armageddon Gear (AG) Cup Invitational. The AG Cup posts the biggest cash money match in Precision Rifle Competition. It’s an elimination format shot over three days of challenging competition on stages of fire created at K and M Precision’s ranges in West Tennessee. On the final day, the top competitors face ten courses of fire to determine who will claim the Armageddon Gear AG Cup. This is the fifth year of the invitation-only match for America’s top Precision Rifle shooters, with the potential reward of huge cash prizes.
This 2023 AG Cup video has good footage of the stages and views downrange.
It’s the fifth year for the richest rifle tournament in the world. The AG Cup is the brainchild of Tom Fuller, the owner of Armageddon Gear, and to say it’s a success is a bit of an understatement. Over $70,000 in prize money was up for grabs, with a huge cash prize for the overall match winner.
Shooting USA runs on the Outdoor Channel Wednesdays 9:00 PM Eastern and Pacific, 8:00 PM Central.
No Outdoor Channel on cable? Then you can subscribe to Stream the Broadcast on the internet.
This video shows highlights from the 2022 AG Cup, with many stages illustrated.
Arena Training Facility — 2300 Acres
The 2300-acre Arena Training Facility is a premier shooting facility with multiple shooting ranges from 50m to 2100m. Arena’s 1000-yard covered Known Distance range offers multiple benches, steel and paper targets out to 1000 yards. On Arena’s UKD (unknown distance) range shooters can engage steel out to 2300 yards. This 2100m UKD range boasts a 3-Story Shooting Tower, Air-Conditioned Shoot House, and multiple Positional Challenges.space.
Armaggedon Gear — Tactical Accessories Armageddon Gear, founded by former U.S. Army Ranger Tom Fuller, sells support bags, gun cases, slings, suppressor covers, scope covers, and a wide variety of other accessories popular with the PRS/NRL crowd. Armageddon Gear now provides products to the U.S. Military, Law Enforcement, as well as PRS/NRL competitors.
Online registration for the 2024 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury is now open. The matches, listed below, will run from 7/22/24 through 8/19/24. Camp Atterbury is a National Guard training facility located in Edinburgh, Indiana, about 37 miles south of Indianapolis. To register for the 2024 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury, go to the NRA’s online competitor portal at Competitor.nra.org.
The 2024 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury — including the Precision Pistol, Smallbore Rifle, and High Power Rifle National Championships — begin Monday, July 22, and conclude Monday, August 19. The 2024 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury will begin with the Precision Pistol Nationals, followed by the Smallbore Rifle Nationals, and then the High Power Rifle Nationals.
2024 NRA National Matches Schedule
Precision Pistol (July 22 – 25)
July 22 – Opening Ceremony, Practice, Prelim Match, Harry Reeves Match
July 23 – .22 Championship, .22 EIC
July 24 – Centerfire Championship, Service Pistol EIC
July 25 – .45 Championship, Distinguished Revolver, Awards Ceremony
Smallbore Rifle Prone and F-Class (July 28 – August 1)
July 28 – Squadded practice, Metallic Sights Day One
July 29 – Metallic Sights Day Two
July 30 – Randle, Dewar, Team Matches
July 31 – Any Sights Day One
August 1 – Any Sights Day Two, Awards Ceremony
Smallbore Rifle Three-Position (August 2 – 4)
August 2 – Metallic Sights
August 3 – Drew Cup Team Match, Team Matches
August 4 – Any Sights, Awards Ceremony
High Power Rifle OTC (August 5 – 10)
August 6 – Member’s Trophy, Scott Trophy, Coast Artillery Trophy Matches
August 7 – Navy Cup, Army Cup, Coast Guard Trophy Matches
August 8 – Appreciation Cup, Marine Corps Cup, Air Force Cup Matches
August 9 – Crescent Cup, Cavalry Cup, Crowell Trophy Matches, Awards Ceremony
August 10 – EIC Leg Match
High Power Rifle Mid-Range (August 11 – 14)
August 11 – 300, 500, 600 yards, 600-yard Teams
August 12 – 3×600 yards, 600-yard Teams
August 13 – 300, 500, 600 yards, 600-yard Teams
August 14 – 3×600 yards, Awards Ceremony
High Power Rifle Long-Range (August 16 – 19)
August 16 – Wimbledon Cup, Rem Trophy, Porter Trophy, Andrus Trophy, Herrick Trophy Team Matches
August 17 – Leech Cup, Mustin Trophy, Farr Trophy, Aitken Trophy, Roumanian Team Trophy Matches
August 18 – Palma Individual Match, Awards Ceremony
August 19 – Palma Team Matches, Awards Ceremony
2024 NRA National Matches at Camp Atterbury Calendar
View the full program for this year’s National Precision Pistol, High Power Rifle and Smallbore Rifle championships at the NRA National Matches website.
Electronic Targets at Camp Atterbury
Electronic targets are used at the NRA High Power Rifle Championships. This eliminates burdensome pit duty, and makes the matches run faster.
The NRA National High Power Championships have been fired on electronic targets starting in 2022. Range Six at Camp Atterbury was outfitted with 30 Silver Mountain Targets Solo e-target systems. Another nice feature of Camp Atterbury is the large, modern covered range used for smallbore and pistol competitions. See below:
Lodging facilities at Camp Atterbury lodging are open to competitors who reserve in advance. All 2024 reservation requests at Camp Atterbury for NRA shooters must be done via email at NRA2024CA@gmail.com. Requests should include competitor names, arrival/departure dates, deluxe or standard room preference, and a contact phone number.
More and more folks are using Burris Signature Rings these days. These unique rings feature polymer inserts. That allows you to pre-load some elevation in your scope set-up, or you can center-up the windage. Additionally, the polymer inserts hold your scope securely without leaving marks on the tube. Lastly, some folks believe that Signature rings may offer advantages for benchrest competition. Rodney Wagner shot a world-record 600-yard group using Burris Signature Zee Rings (“Zee” denotes the Weaver-rail model). James O’Hara set multiple IBS 1000-yard records using Burris Signature Zee Rings. James will tell you he thinks “all his guns seem to shoot best with these rings”.
IBS World Record Set with Signature Zee Rings
Are Signature Zees good enough for competition? Absolutely. Some folks scoff at these Burris rings, given their modest price. A set of 1″-diameter Sig Zees cost $40.89 at Midsouth. But consider this, in 2013 Rodney Wagner shot the then-smallest 600-yard group in history, a 0.336″ 5-shot stunner, using Signature Zee Rings on his IBS Light Gun. It took five years for a smaller 600-yard group to be shot, a 0.311″ by bullet-maker Bart Sauter, using his IBS Heavy Gun. (See IBS 600-yard Records.) Here’s Rodney with his record-setting rifle, fitted with affordable Signature Zee 30mm rings.
Vendors Have Burris Signature Rings in Stock Now
Various models of Burris Signature Rings are available from many online vendors. NOTE: You may have to check with more than one seller to get the exact size, height, and model you prefer. But right now these vendors have pretty good selections of Signature Zees in stock now, including the popular 30mm High and 30mm Extra High models (each currently $56.36 at Midsouth). If you check all three sellers, you’ll probably find what you need.
We enjoy shooting steel targets with rifle, pistols, and shotguns. Hitting a steel target provides instant gratification with a loud “ping” and possible movement. You can shoot small, low-cost reactive steel targets with rimfire guns at short range. Or get the stronger high-grade AR500 steel targets for centerfire shooting at 50 yards and beyond. We’ve enjoyed varmint matches with steel targets placed at 100-yard intervals from 200 to 700 yards.
Action pistol and rifle matches are typically conducted with steel targets, some that spin, and others that may even be set on moving tracks. Dueling trees are another popular type of steel targets. These have multiple plates that swing horizontally from side to side. For long-range rifles, self-resetting targets are popular. These typically have a tombstone-style steel plate set with a spring-loaded base. When hit, the target goes down, but then pops back up again after a few seconds.
Dustin Ellermann’s Steel Target Playground
In this video, popular Top Shot champion Dustin Ellerman shows his entire Steel Target facility with dozens of targets. This range has one of the most diverse collections of steel targets in any single location.
Know Your Limits Portable Steel Targets
Know Your Limits (KYL) target sets typically provide a series of swinging targets of multiple sizes, running from larger to smaller. This provides increasing challenge with each shot. This Guns and Guitars Channel video showcases two portable KYL target sets you can easily transport in your car/truck. The host states: “I love how portable and easy to set up it is, I love how many targets you get… and most importantly, I love that Shooting Targets 7 offer the best price for AR500 steel targets on the internet.”
Best Steel Targets for a Home Range
This video covers steel targets from Shooting Targets USA and MGM Targets. The video explains how to choose targets for your home range — covering the key factors to “consider when buying steel targets.” Interestingly, this Tactical Rifleman channel also has a video about building a range on your own property. The host notes: “There is so much more to it than just pushing up a berm and buying some steel targets. Med plan, legal restrictions, drainage, targetry, and 50 other things should be planned out BEFORE you start digging. CLICK HERE for “How to Build Make Your Own Shooting Range” video.
Do-It-Yourself REBAR Target Stands — Very Low Cost
This Guns and Guitars Channel Video shows how to make making the CHEAP and sturdy target stands from REBAR. The host says: “These things are basically bullet-proof and would probably stand up against a charging rhino. You can build these stands using a 10-foot length of 1/2″ rebar from your local hardware store. Bending it is not super easy, but it can be done without a rebar bender, just watch the video!”
Steel Target Arrangements for Action Shooting Matches
This video from Tactical Hyve shows a variety of steel targets used in action shooting scenarios. The host is a knowledgeable gear analyst and a very good shooter. If you are looking to get started in action pistol disciplines this is a good video to watch.
Steel Target and Target Stand Varieties
This video reviews the key features and functions of a variety of steel targets — from large torso silhouettes to reactive dueling trees. The video also reviews various target stands and supports. This is worth watching if you are considering buying steel targets for your shooting club or home range.
Shooting Steel Targets Safely — Tips from Hickok45
In this video, YouTube host Hickok45 offers valuable safety tips on shooting steel targets, based on his 30+ years of steel shooting experience. This guy knows his stuff — as proven by the fact that he now has over 7.6 million subscribers to his Hickok45 YouTube channel.
TOP SHOT: The steel targets in the top photo are part of the extensive facility operated by Big Daddy Hoffman 1911. See more on his popular YouTube Channel, now with 314,000 subscribers.
Enjoy the Shooting Sports USA Archives
As we head into spring, many Americans will be spending more time at the range. And competitors will be shooting in rimfire and centerfire rifle matches throughout the country. Here’s an opportunity to learn competition skills, gun tuning methods, and reloading techniques from leading experts. A vast resource of great gun-related content available online for FREE. Check out the Shooting Sports USA Articles Archive. SSUSA maintains a vast digital library with hundreds of articles going back to June 2009.
It’s easy to find back issues of Shooting Sports USA magazine. Here’s how: First, navigate to the latest SSUSA Online Issue (March 2024). Then click on the “ARCHIVES” icon in the upper right area (indicated with red arrow). When you click on “ARCHIVES”, a window will open with a selection of Shooting Sports USA magazine covers/dates in a vertical column. The most recent issue (March 2024) will appear at the top left. You can then scroll down — use the vertical scroll bar to go from March 2024 all the way back to June 2009. Click any issue cover to read.
How to Find and Save Articles
To search back issues, select “MORE OPTIONS” from the toolbar (top left). Then click the “SEARCH” button. When that opens, select either “Search Archives” for ALL back issues or “Search Only this Issue”. When you’ve made your choice, enter your search term(s). For example, you can search for “Camp Perry” or “Palma” or “F-Class Championship”. You can also save any archived issue as a PDF for viewing offline. Just click “SAVE” to download the article you’re currently viewing/reading.
Read Sample Articles
Here are a three of our favorite SSUSA feature stories from recent years. There are hundreds of other informative articles worth reading.
F-Class fans will enjoy the coverage of the 2023 F-Class World Championships in the June 2023 issue of Shooting Sports USA. On the cover is our friend and Forum member Erik Cortina.
“Shoot Like a Champion”. Bryan Litz, author of 
More and more folks are using Burris Signature Rings these days. These unique rings feature polymer inserts. That allows you to pre-load some elevation in your scope set-up, or you can center-up the windage. Additionally, the polymer inserts hold your scope securely without leaving marks on the tube. Lastly, some folks believe that Signature rings may offer advantages for benchrest competition. Rodney Wagner shot a world-record 600-yard group using Burris Signature Zee Rings (“Zee” denotes the Weaver-rail model). James O’Hara set multiple IBS 1000-yard records using Burris Signature Zee Rings. James will tell you he thinks “all his guns seem to shoot best with these rings”.
