At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
NOTE to Readers: Monday, May 29, 2023 is Memorial Day. Many vendors may be running special SALES today, or over the next few days. Check with vendors Brownells, EuroOptic, Creedmoor Sports, Bruno’s, Graf & Sons, Midsouth, Precision Reloading, Bullet Central, Powder Valley, and MidwayUSA to see all the products they have on sale. For example, MidwayUSA offers free shipping on orders over $75 with code FREESHIP052723. You can find other promos and sales with web searches.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. Precision Reloading — Memorial Day Sale 10% Off Orders $75+
⏺ Save 10% on virtually all items in stock — Act soon
Save 10% sitewide this Memorial Day weekend on nearly all Precision Reloading orders over $75. Important — you can get 10% savings even for most items otherwise listed with discounts or “on sale”. To save 10% on your order, use coupon code MEM23 at checkout. Don’t delay folks — this deal expires at 11:59 pm CST on Monday, 5/29/2023.
As part of its Memorial Day Sale, CDNN Sports has slashed prices on German-made Sauer 100 rifles, both short-action and long-action, in a wide variety of chamberings and stock types. Now you can save $300 on an excellent hunting rifle with a 3-lug bolt, 60-degree bolt lift, and accurate hammer-forged German barrel. The Sauer 100 trigger adjusts from 2.2 to 4.2 pounds.
3. Academy Sports — Sports Afield 64-Gun Safe, $799.99
⏺ Excellent deal on big, 40″-wide safe with six looking bolts
Here’s an excellent, large gunsafe with good user reviews, priced at $799.99. That’s 33% OFF the regular $1199.99 price, a great deal. Rated for 64 guns, this Sports Afield safe measures 55″ high x 40″ wide and comes with a door organizer with 6 handgun pockets and long gun holder. Weighing 374 pounds, this safe rivals other safes costing $1400 or more. It is waterproof and has a 30-minute fire resistance rating.
4. KYGUNCO — Savage 64 Precision Rimfire Rifle, $249.99
⏺ Great deal on good starter rifle for NRL22
Here’s a bargain-priced .22 LR rifle in a nice, modern chassis. The semi-auto Savage 64 Precision houses a semi-automatic action in a chassis with M-LOK slots and an ergonomic pistol grip. The heavy barrel has a threaded muzzle for easy attachment of brake, tuner, or suppressor. This is a good starting rifle for NRL22 — the semi-auto action allows fast follow-up shots. Get this rifle on sale now for $249.99.
5. Midsouth — Memorial Weekend, FREE Shipping or FREE Hazmat
⏺ Save with FREE Shipping or FREE HazMat on $99+ Orders
Midsouth is offering a very attractive promotion for Memorial Day weekend. Now through 11:59 pm on Monday, 5/29/2023 you can get FREE shipping on orders over $99.00 with code MDSHIP23. Alternatively, with code MDHAZ23 you can choose FREE Hazmat for an order with powder and/or primers that exceeds $99.00. Act soon, this deal expires at the end of the day on Monday, 5/29/2023.
6. Primary Arms Memorial Day Sale
⏺ Significant discounts on hundreds of products
Primary Arms is running a big Memorial Day Sale with hundreds of products with big discounts. Save on AR parts, AR receivers, Optics, Slings, Shooting Mats, Carry packs, magazines and more. You can save $30 on a shooting mat, $70 on a trigger, $27 on premium electronic muffs, $26 on a rifle case — just as a few examples. There are also special Bonus Bucks credits on Vortex rifle scopes.
7. Powder Valley — Winchester #41 Small Rifle Primers, $79.99
⏺ Very high quality Winchester primers at best price we’ve seen
Top-quality primers are still pricey and in very high demand. Thankfully, Powder Valley obtained a large supply of Winchester #41 small rifle primers. These mil-spec primers work great in ARs as well as bolt-action rifles. Grab these for just $79.99 per thousand while supplies last — these could sell out quickly.
8. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Memorial Day Optics Sale
⏺ Big savings on rifle scopes, spotting scopes, binoculars, and LRFs
⏺ Good deals on rifle and pistol ammunition plus primers
KYGUNCO is running a Memorial Day weekend sale with attractive pricing on ammunition. For you varminters, we found good deals on Hornady .223 Rem Ammo with V-Max bullets. In addition, hard-to-find CCI BR-4 Small Rifle primers are in stock at $119.99/1000. Many pistols are discounted also this weekend.
11. Amazon — GuardTech Plus Gun Cleaning Kit, $48.95
⏺ Excellent full-featured cleaning kit for all types of guns
This big GuardTech Plus Cleaning Kit will work for rifles, pistols, and even shotguns. You get a big selection of brushes, jags, and mops that fit calibers .17 to .50. In addition, there are picks and tooth-brush-style brushes for cleaning your action, plus a pull-through cleaning rope. You get all this, in a nice fitted hard case, for just $48.95 on Amazon. Choose green case (as shown), or black case.
⏺ Essential leveling accessory for 1″ and 30mm scopes — real bargain
Avoid bad rifle canting by using a bubble level fitted to rail or scope. One very affordable option is the Jialitte Scope Bubble Level. This features a 30mm diameter ring, plus an inner insert ring so it will also fit 1″-diameter main tubes. The Jialitte unit, just $10.99 on Amazon, is nicely radiused with a low profile. User reviews have been very positive. You could easily pay $35.00 or more for a 30mm scope level.
Every handloader can benefit from a turret press. This type of press features an upper rotating disk that has multiple threaded placements for dies or other tools (such as powder dispensers). There are a variety of turret presses on the market today with the remarkable Area 419 9-Station Zero Press at the top end, and the inexpensive Lee turret presses at the other end of the spectrum. In between are Lyman’s 8-station All-American turret, the Redding 7-station T-7 press, and the RCBS 6-station turret.
Today’s Saturday video showcase features notable turret presses from all the major makers. We lead off with a feature on the advanced Area 419 ZERO 9-station turret.
Area 419 ZERO 9-Station Turret Reloading Press — Without Peer
Area 419 offers the impressive ZERO reloading press, a 9-station turret press with some very unique features. This press was designed to be the most precise turret ever created. As tested by Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com, the ZERO turret press delivered very impressive shoulder-bump consistency and ultra-low seated bullet run-out (about +/- 0.0005″). The numbers were as good as you can get from a quality single-stage press, so Area 419 did some impressive engineering. We would expect that, as this represents a big investment — MSRP is $1275.00. SEE FULL REVIEW on UltimateReloader.com.
The ZERO turret press lets you install up to nine (9) different reloading dies in the large top turret, which revolves around a central axis. But unlike most turret presses, the ZERO doesn’t have flex or wobble when you’re loading. This is because Area 419 includes a clever system for locking the turret in position after you’ve selected the die from your array. Area 419 also uses a unique system for securing shell-holders (see video at 12:00). This, likewise, adds to the precision of the press.
Quick Comparison Videos — Lyman, Lee, Redding
Below we’ve included a couple quick video “shorts” which show the Lyman Turret Press and the Lee Classic 4-Hole Turret in action. After those two vertical-format videos, there is an interesting comparison between the Redding T-7 and Lyman 8-station turret press:
This video has a side-by-side comparison of the Redding T-7 and the Lyman 8-station turret press:
Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8-Station Turret Press
The Lyman Brass Smith All-American 8-station press is an impressive product introduced five years ago. In 2018, Lyman introduced a new 8-station turret press, the All American 8. The All-American 8 has become popular with handloaders. With a $253.49 street price, the 8-station Lyman is $122 cheaper than the $375.95 7-station Redding T-7. No question, that’s a significant price advantage, and we believe Lyman has grabbed sales from Redding.
Our friend Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com created an informative video showing press set-up and loading function. Gavin was excited to work with this beefy new turret press: “Why was this Lyman press anticipated so highly? A few reasons are: the 8-station capacity, cast iron construction, on-press priming system, ambidextrous design, and turret rear support for repeatable sizing and bullet seating.”
More Stations Provide More Reloading Options
Gavin liked having 8 stations, because this offers more flexibility. With eight stations, you can have four two-die sets, or three two-die sets plus a dedicated decapping die and a powder measure. Gavin notes: “I’ve owned many reloading presses, including 3-station, 4-station, 5-station, and 7-station variants, but I’ve never owned an 8-station press until the Brass Smith All-American 8 came to the shop. I’ll have to say… you can’t get too many stations, especially on a manually-indexed turret. I love the idea that you can leave dies on the press, and load multiple calibers/chamberings using the same turret setup.”
Redding T-7 with Creedmoor Sports Enhanced Turret Head
The Redding T-7 has long been a leading turret press for precision handloaders. It offers one more station than the other “green” turret press offered by RCBS. It has a reliable optional priming system and plenty of leverage. Recently Creedmoor Sports has released an upgraded Enhanced Press Head for the Redding T-7. This $179.95 turret top allows greater precision in case sizing and bullet seating. This UltimateReloader video covers the advantages of the new precision turret head. READ Full Report on UltimateReloader.com.
Creedmoor Sports also offers enhanced precision press heads for the RCBS Turret Press, and Lyman 8 Turret Press. Both priced at $179.95, these two enhanced heads are featured in the video below:
Redding T-7 That Has Loaded over 1 Million Rounds
Here’s something you don’t see every day — a reloading press that has loaded over 1,000,000 rounds of ammo. At the NRA Convention in Dallas in 2018, Redding showcased an old Redding T-7 Turret Press delivered to Sierra Bullets decades ago. 0ne of the very first T-7s made by Redding, this “old warrior” was used by Sierra Bullets to load over 1,000,000 rounds of ammunition in Sierra’s ballistics lab. After all that loading, Redding tested the press and, remarkably, found that it still remained “within spec”. Redding notes: “This press was subjected to real world reloading wear and stress yet remains within ‘new’ spec after this historic test”.
RCBS Six-Station Turret Press
This Editor has used an RCBS Turret Press for over 15 years. It does not have the most stations or the most sophisticated features, but it has proven very reliable over the years. I use it primarily to use with pistol sizing and seating dies. Having six stations allows me to load multiple cartridge types: 9x19mm, .357 Magnum, and .45 ACP. READ FULL REVIEW on UltimateReloader.com.
Want to have fun with an Air Rifle or Air Pistol? Right now you can save up to 50% on Crosman products direct from the manufacturer. With Crossman’s Memorial Day weekend Alternate Special Sale, you can buy a complete .177-caliber air rifle for $150 or less complete with scope. And Crosman also has air pistols on sale starting at just $15.99! Using inexpensive pellets, air rifles and air pistols are fun to shoot. Unlike centerfire guns, air rifles and air pistols can be used with very affordable light metal targets. Budget-priced air rifles can be a good starting tool for novice shooters.
Alternate Specials: Up to 50% off Alternate Special. No coupon code needed. Valid 5/1/2023 – 5/29/2023. Other exclusions apply. While supplies last. Visit Crosman.com for all current specials.
Shipping Policy: Air rifle and air pistols are not regulated like centerfire and rimfire firearms. In most jurisdictions, air rifles and pistols can be shipped directly to the purchaser or picked up at retail outlets.
Crosman Mag-Fire Extreme Rifle (.177), $149.99 on Sale
Crosman Mag-Fire Ultra Rifle (.177), $124.99 on Sale
Crosman Mag-Fire Mission Rifle (.177), $104.99 on Sale
If you’re looking for a space-saving handgun storage system, consider the Easy Use Gun Hangers from USA GunClub. These vinyl-coated, wire hangers organize handguns below the shelves in your gunsafe, freeing up storage space above the shelves. To use the handgun hangers, simply slide each hanger on the shelf and then slip your pistol’s barrel over the lower rod. Handgun Hangers are intended for guns with an overall length of 10 inches or shorter. They will fit shelves that are at least 11 inches deep and 5/8-1 inch in thickness. Handgun Hangers will hold handguns .22 caliber and up, though the fit is a bit snug on .22s. A four-pack of Handgun Hangers costs $9.99. This product has been Amazon’s #1 Best Seller among handgun storage accessories.
WARNING — ALWAYS Make Sure Handgun is UNLOADED when using Handgun Hangers!!
Gun Storage Solutions offers an Over-Under Hanger that holds two handguns — one above the shelf, and one below. A two-pack of Over-Under Hangers (capable of holding four handguns) costs $17.95. Boomstick also sells an over-under two-pack for $9.49. Over-under hangers work well. However, this Editor personally prefers the standard handgun hangers (shown above), so I can use the upper surface of the shelf to hold odd-shaped items such as cameras, binoculars, and miscellaneous valuables.
Sightron has introduced a new 1-4.5x24mm optic designed for service rifle shooters. The new S-TAC 1-4.5×24 SR1 Service Scope is a Second Focal Plane (SFP) optic designed and engineered for CMP Service Rifle and NRA High Power Rifle competition. The S-TAC 1-4.5×24 SR1 boasts high-quality optical glass with MC-333 lens multi-coatings. This provides great light transmission while reducing flare.
Sightron’s new S-TAC 1-4.5×24 SR1 boasts an impressive 100 MOA elevation travel and 60 MOA of windage travel with 1/4-MOA clicks. The tube is 30mm aircraft aluminum, nitrogen charged for waterproofing. Sightron’s exclusive ExacTrack erector tube system provides consistent, reliable, and repeatable adjustments. Testers confirm the turrets have very postitive, audible clicks while the elevation and windage numbers are easy to read.
The new SR1 reticle provides a clean sight picture with a 9 MOA circle surrounding a 1/2 MOA aiming dot. One MOA stadia lines on the horizontal and lower vertical areas help draw the eye to the center of the reticle. See this below in this image from Creedmoor Sports.
Housed in a rugged, 30mm aircraft aluminum tube, the S-TAC 1-4.5×24 SR1 is engineered to withstand extremely high shock-loads, and is nitrogen-charged for waterproofing up to IPX7 standards. Sightron’s exclusive ExacTrack erector tube system provides consistent, reliable, and repeatable adjustments.
SIGHTRON S-TAC 1-4.5×24 SR1 Scope Features:
Second Focal Plane LPVO designed for CMP Service Rifle and NRA High Power Rifle Competition
MC-333 multi-coatings provide exceptional light transmission with reduced flare
Tactical turrets with solid, tactile audible clicks and easy to read numbers
Are you a do-it-yourself kind of guy with a creative eye? Then you’ll love the FREE Target Generator from the folks at ShooterShed.com. This FREE, interactive webpage allows you to design a variety of fun targets, including grids, benchrest-type Score/Group Shooting targets, sight-in targets, and even playing card targets. Choose the paper size and orientation (vertical or horizontal), then select the number of target elements on the page. For example, you could have four (4) bulls or a dozen playing cards. Then click the Style TAB to choose your target style. Use the OPTIONS TAB to overlay a grid on the target, choose squares or diamonds, or include load information blocks. For bullseye targets, you can control the number, color, and spacing (diameter) of the rings. LINK to TARGET GENERATOR.
QWIK TIP: For Super-Quick Target Creation, click the “Target Style” tab, then select a design from the list on the left. Then go to OPTIONS.
Click the TARGET STYLE TAB to select one of many target styles, including NBRSA Benchrest targets and 20+ types of NRA bullseye targets, scaled to distance:
Benchrest
Bullseye
Shapes
NRA High Power
NRA Pistol
NRA Rimfire
Images
Playing Cards
Load Test Blocks
Creating new targets is fast and easy. No computer graphics skills required! We created this green diamonds grid target in just five minutes using the ShooterShed Target Generator:
And here is a handy target with short-range range Benchrest competition-style box/circle aiming points, along with fields for entry of gun/load data:
The program provides a preview of each target you generate. There are controls to choose border and fill colors. If you like a particular design, save the file, and then print as many targets as you want. Check it out, this program is fun and handy to use. Here are four (4) targets your Editor created just for this article. With a bit of practice, you can be generating your own custom targets in minutes.
About the Creator of the Target Generator
The Target Generator program was created by Rod Brown of Sheridan, Wyoming. Rod tells us: “I build custom rifles and coach shooters. I’ve got a 100-yard range out my back door. I shoot short- and long-range benchrest competitively around the country. I’m a full-time software development consultant and an FFL holder. When I’m not developing custom software for my clients, I’m usually fiddling in the shop, building a custom benchrest rifle, traveling to a match, chambering a barrel, or reloading some ammunition.
Story tip from Boyd Allen. We welcome reader submissions.
When shooting any match that requires moving back and forth between multiple target distances it is very handy to have your ballistics data, i.e. your “come-ups”, placed within easy view. That way you can instantly see your elevation for various target distances in seconds. This can really help a PRS/NRL competitor on timed stages. And having a convenient “Dope” display of elevation at various distances can also benefit varminters who are shooting critters. In our varmint hunters we targeted p-dogs from about 80 yards out to 500+.
PRC DOPE Roller QD Ballistic Data Turret
The PRC DOPE Roller QD Ballistic Data Turret provides a handy, low profile display of windage and elevation data. You can see your “dope” without breaking position from behind the rifle. Then simply rotate the knob to display data from various distances. The ballistic data is placed by wrapping a simple 1″ x 3″ adhesive address label around the outside surface of the DOPE Roller. This handy quick-detach roller retails for $64.95 from Precision Rifle Components.
MDT M-LOK Data Card Holder
The MDT M-LOK Data Card Holder has an adjustable neck allowing you to easily position your ballistics data for optimal viewing. Data entries are written on on a reusable card that attaches with Velcro. The Data Card Holder Kit comes with hardware to mount to any M-Lok rail. In addition the card holder fits directly to an MDT ACC chassis attachment point. This MDT kit includes: M-LOK Data Card Holder, Wet Erase Data Card, Wet Erase Marker, and installation hardware. NOTE: The Card Holder sticks out about 6.7″ when fully extended, but arm links can be removed to make the arm shorter. The unit folds flat for storage. This complete kit is $59.95 at Creedmoor Sports.
Warne Universal Data Card Holder
The Warne Universal Data Card Holder easily attaches to the scope tube, in left or right configurations, for a universal fit. Data is displayed in a convenient location to make quick and accurate target transitions, and the articulating arm allows for low profile storage while not in use. The Warne Universal Data Card Holder retails for $88.49 at Warnescopemounts.com. Three ring sizes are offered: 30mm, 34mm, 35mm. A 50-pack of Warne Data Card label refills is currently $16.99 from Warne.
Scope-Cover Mounted Ballistics Table
Another option is to place your ballistics card on the back of the front flip-up scope cover. This set-up is used by Forum member Greg C. (aka “Rem40X”).
With your ‘come-up’ table on the flip-up cover you can check your windage and elevation drops easily without having to move out of shooting position.
Greg tells us: “Placing my trajectory table on the front scope cover has worked well for me for a couple of years and thought I’d share. It’s in plain view and not under my armpit. And the table is far enough away that my aging eyes can read it easily. To apply, just use clear tape on the front objective cover.”
Cheap But Effective — Tape on the Stock with Ballistics Data
At the 2021 Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge, Applied Ballistics guru Bryan Litz wrote his come-ups on blue masking tape applied to his stock. He did this based on a tip from Chase Stroud. With the tape applied behind the action, the numbers are easily visible. This “cheap trick” does work apparently — Bryan won the match with a convincing victory over 220 other shooters. READ Match Report.
Cheap But NOT So Effective — Numbers on Hand
Many of us have scribbled some come-ups on the back of a hand or on our forearm using a marking pen. That can work if you only have a couple distances to deal with — say 100 and 300 yards. But if you want a more complete Come-up table, get one of the card-holders shown above. Writing numbers on the skin is generally not such a good idea….
Finnish gun manufacturer SAKO Ltd. offers an impressive S20 series of “hybrid” rifles. These are offered in a Hunter model and a Precision model. Both feature an internal aluminum chassis, adjustable trigger, and integral Picatinny rail on top. Users can change fore-ends and rear sections to suit different disciplines. Use the rifle for a PRS match one weekend and hunt with it the next.
SAKO states: “The user will be able to switch between the stocks and fore-ends quickly and easily and can change the rifle from a tactical to a hunting rifle or vice versa in a matter of minutes with no need to re-zero optics after assembly. The stocks can be taken down easily by loosening up two screws between the rear stock and fore-end.” Both 20″ and 24″ barrel versions have been offered, with a wide variety of chamberings/calibers: .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .270 Win, 7mm Rem Mag, .308 Win, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Win Mag.
The SAKO S20’s stainless steel action features a 3-lug, push-feed bolt with plunger ejection. The Cerakoted receiver of the S20 features a machined Picatinny rail for easy scope mounting. The trigger of the S20 is adjustable for pull weight and for position within the trigger guard (± 7mm) to ensure good length of pull for the shooter. The muzzle of the rifle is 5/8×24 threaded, allowing for the addition of muzzle devices such as suppressors or brakes (some models come with factory brakes installed).
The Picatinny rail is machined directly on the receiver. The S20 action features a 3-lug bolt with 60° bolt throw. SAKO says the “high locking-lug surface area increases both safety and performance.” The full length of the action mates with a matching V-bed in the aluminum chassis. S20 factory accessories include monopod, muzzle brake, barricade stop and a thumb rest add-on.
SAKO sells the S20 in a variety of configurations. You can buy a single stock system or with both stocks. The Hunter model is offered with a variety of camouflage finishes. The SAKO website lists six different camo options for the S20 Hunter model: First Lite Fusion, Roughtech Green, Roughtech Desert, Hunter Camo, Polyfade Gray, and Polyfade Gray/Green.
PHOTO: SAKO Hunter Model S20s are available with Camouflage stocks in multiple colors and patterns.
The SAKO S20 Precision model has a more vertical grip, wider fore-end (with rail mount), and a flat section in the buttstock that enhances bag riding. This can be used for tactical-style competition as well as varminting and hunting. M-Lok system allows mounting of bipods and other accessories.
SAKO S20 Review in GunsAmerica Digest
GunsAmerica Digest has published an excellent, very thorough SAKO S20 field test and review. That article explains how to swap stocks and fore-ends and how to adjust the trigger. The reviewer, Jeff Cramblit, noted the smooth function of the action and gave high praise to the modular stock system (see above):
“Sako was right all along, the S20 is a ‘Hybrid’ rifle. My favorite configuration after all the testing … is the Hunter buttstock and the Precision forearm. This gives me the ability to use all my rail mounted accessories and I like how the thumbhole stock feels even better than the Precision grip. It [was] 11 pounds 5.5 ounces when outfitted with the Leupold Mark 5HD 3.6-18x and the Hatch bipod[.]
The Sako S20 is an impressive rifle. It carries and balances well, shoots fantastic, has a great trigger, smooth action, reliable magazines, and the fact that you can have it your way is an added bonus.”
SAKO S20 Proves Very Effective for Hunting
The SAKO S20 is definitely a good hunting rifle. SAKO has offered the S20 with many popular hunting chamberings including: .243 Win, 6.5 CM, 6.5 PRC, .270 Win, 7mm Rem Magnum, .308 Win, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Win Magnum. The photo above was taken by a hunter in Europe who purchased the S20. He used it successfully to nail a wild hog.
SAKO S20 Specifications
Calibers/Chamberings: .243 Win, 6.5 CM, 6.5 PRC, .270 Win, 7mm Rem Magnum, .308 Win, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Win Magnum. Receiver: Grey Cerakoted Stainless Steel with integral scope bases Barrel: 20″ or 24″, Grey Cerakote, Cold Hammer-Forged (some models fluted); muzzle 5/8×24 threaded Trigger: Adjustable 2 to 4 pounds Stock: Chassis mounted Hunter or Precision model, adjustable cheek piece, adjustable length of pull Magazine Capacity: 5- or 10-rounds for standard cartridges, 3- or 7-rounds for magnum cartridges
Take-Down Stock with Modular Front and Rear Sections
The takedown stock of the SAKO S20 allows for great modularity, so that S20 rifles can be configured according to owner preferences with different rear stocks and fore-ends. The S20’s aluminum chassis is covered by a strong but comfortable outer shell material that SAKO calls H.I.R. – High Impact Resistant. The same H.I.R. material is used on car dashboards. The outer shell is currently offered in two styles — a thumbhole hunter and a more tactical style with straight toe and conventional grip.
Full Adjustability — Even Trigger Position
Adjustable ergonomics are a big part of the S20 design. The multi-adjustable trigger (available in both single-stage and two-stage variants) can be moved backwards or forwards to better fit different hand sizes. An adjustable cheek piece and LOP spacers help provide a proper fit.
M-Lok System Allows Easy Mounting of Accessories
The new SAKO S20 can accept a wide range of accessories, attached via aluminum M-LOK placements. SAKO-made accessories include Rear Mono-Pod, Barricade Stop, and Thumbrest. And yes SAKO threads the muzzles 5/8×24 for use with brakes and suppressors. This video shows how accessories mount:
Field Sports Unboxing Video of SAKO S20 with Hunter Stock
This S20 “first look” video was created by the UK Fieldsports channel. The reviewer was impressed with the S20’s interchangeable stock system: “The modularity allows the rifle to be configured to the shooter’s preferences with different rear stocks and fore-ends. At launch, SAKO introduced both the tactical precision stock and the ergonomic hunting stock, the latter being an improved version of a traditional thumbhole stock more like a pistol grip. Switching between rear stocks is fast and easy, virtually changing the rifle from a target rifle to a hunting rifle, or vice versa, with the correct grip, in a matter of minutes.”
The Fieldsports review added: “Overall, the adjustable ergonomics are a big part of the S20 design. The multi-adjustable trigger can be moved backwards or forwards to better fit different hand sizes and to achieve the optimal trigger position, and its weight and length of pull can be adjusted. The quick-adjustable cheek piece and spacer adjustable length of pull help to achieve the best possible shooting posture. Combined with a wide selection of M-LOK and QD compatible accessory options, S20 adapts to all body sizes and shooting situations.”
Field Test of SAKO S20 — Sub-MOA Accuracy with .300 Win Mag
In this test, using factory ammunition, the shooter achieved sub-MOA accuracy with a SAKO S20 Precision chambered in .300 Win Mag. The very first three shots out of the gun went into about 3/4″ with two shots touching (SEE 04:25 – 4:50 time-marks). The tester offered this rifle description: “Boasting a cold hammer-forged, fluted stainless steel barrel with a recessed crown and a durable Cerakote® finish, this precision rifle ensures impeccable accuracy in virtually any environment. The sculpted stock features an adjustable cheek pad and recoil pad for a customizable fit[.] An M-Lok monopod is easily fitted for added stability in the rear, while the adjustable trigger ensures a consistent, user-specific pull[.] The receiver is mounted to a full-length bedding for improved strength and durability. Plus, the oversized bolt handle ensures intuitive, snag-free manipulation, while a low throw profile easily clears your scope.”
If you shoot F-TR competition, or PRS/NRL precision rifle matches, you definitely need a sophisticated bipod — something that offers exceptional stability along with quick adjustments for both height and angle. Today we cover four bipod options — two wide-base, ski-type bipods, along with two sturdy, precision shooting bipods that can fit to ARCA or Picatinny rails.
SEB JoyPod-X Coaxial Bipod for F-TR Competition
The upgraded SEB JoyPod-X bipod features an enhanced head unit and new rapid height adjustment for the legs. The new JoyPod-X is also offered in a variety of colors: Blue (as shown), Red, Green, Purple, Black, and Bronze. The Joypod-X weighs 19.16 oz. complete with the Picatinny adapter, new pivotal feet, and the joystick. JoyPod-X designer Sebastian Lambang tells us: “Now height adjustment of the JoyPod-X can be much easier, quicker, and more precise employing a simple, adjustable brake and improved ratchet system.” Contact Seb Rest USA for current pricing.
The next three bipods are sold through Creedmoor Sports. For these products Creedmoor Sports is offering FREE SHIPPING on orders over $49 this weekend. The FREE SHIPPING deal ends Monday, May 22, 2023 at 12:00 noon Central Time.
Phoenix Precision Wide-Base Bipod
The popular Phoenix Precision Bipod has been slimmed down (to help with F-TR class weight limits). The new Phoenix Bipod is now just 1.95 pounds. There are other enhancements including a swivel fixture on the skis (bipod feet) to compensate for uneven firing positions. Creedmoor Sports says the Phoenix Precision Bi-Pod is one of the most advanced on the market. It employs a unique Worm Gear System which provides very smooth and positive most positive height adjustment. This drive system virtually eliminates “creep-down” and allows the shooters to make very precise height adjustments. With a rigid bipod like this you can keep both hands on the rifle. This bipod retails for $498.95 at Creedmoor Sports.
Warne Skyline Precision Bipod — ARCA and Pic Rail Interfaces
The Warne Skyline Precision Bipod is one of the most functional, ergonomic, and strongest bipods on the market today. Designed to attach to your ARCA rail or Picatinny Rail, the Skyline bipod allows the shooter to make quick, one-handed height adjustments. It also offers smooth cant and panning ability for use on uneven terrain or less than ideal positions. Current price for both versions is $349.95 at Creedmoor Sports.
MDT Gen 2 Ckye Pod Double Pull Leg Bipod
This bipod has some impressive engineering, with 3 locking positions from front to back — stowed, angled. and down. The MDT CKYE-POD Gen2 bipod features quick single-handed adjustable height, allowing you to achieve from 9″ to 18.5″. It also offers 170 degrees of cant, 360 degrees of pan capability, and an integrated barricade stop. Mix and match the independent leg heights and angles to create the perfect shooting position no matter what the terrain or hill angle.
A good, quick-access safe can keep your handgun secure, but also readily accessible. There many factors to consider when buying a small, rapid-access pistol safe: reliability, locking mechanism type, case metal strength/thickness, need for battery, ease of installation, internal capacity, built-in lighting, attack resistance, and overall quality. If you are considering getting a small handgun safe, we recommend you watch the videos below. Each shares some valuable observations, and the videos cover a wide selection of pistol safes with many different features.
Quick-Access Handgun Safes Reviewed by Lucky Gunner
Not all small handgun safes are created equal. In this 11-minute video, Lucky Gunner reviewer Chris talks about what to look for in a small pistol safe, setting out the pros and cons of the seven safes with which he has done “hands on” testing.
Fort Knox Original Pistol Box
Fort Knox handgun safes feature 10-gauge Uni-body construction and reliable Simplex mechanical locking mechanism. Low-tech but reliable. The vertical lid PB01 Pistol Box is $299.00 at Amazon.
V-Line Hide-Away Two-gun Pistol Safe
The V-Line safe with Simplex mechanical lock and slide-out drawer holds two handguns. Sold with mounting bracket, this is designed for under-tabletop or under-shelf installation. It is $260.84 on Amazon.
ShotLock Handgun 200M Solo-Vault
Shotlock’s 200M Solo-Vault, reliable mechanical lock, and mounting plate costs $198.75 on Amazon. This can be set up horizontally or (preferred) in a vertical orientation on the side of a desk or wall.
Vaultek VT20i Biometric Pistol Safe
This is a modern two-handgun safe with electronic lock and Biometric (fingerprint scan) instant-access system. Crafted of 16-gauge steel, the VT20i has a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery. $289.99 on Amazon.
Hornady RAPiD Safe 2600KP
The Hornady RAPiD 2600KP safe offers very fast RFID access for a modest $139.99 on Amazon. This small safe meets TSA requirements for handgun storage in checked luggage. Good choice for travel.
Stack-On PDS-1500-B Drawer Safe
This is a basic safe with biometric electronic locking mechanism. Just 4.5″ high, it can store in a drawer easily. Good value at $119.99 on Amazon. If you don’t need biometric access, consider the Amazon Basics Drawer Safe for $46.84, which has a programmable electronic keypad plus key access.
Ten Handgun Safes Reviewed by Survival Gear
This video is titled “TOP 10 Best Gun Safe”, but it should be more accurately titled “10 Pistol Safes”. None of these safes will hold a long-gun, and most will hold just two handguns. The largest safe reviewed, the Vaultek MX high-capacity, will hold six pistols on the lower level, and a couple more on the upper, internal shelf. This is a well-made, professionally-produced video that shows “hands-on” operation of 10 safes.
SentrySafe QAP1E Handgun Safe with digital keypad. Top-opening gas-strut supported lid. Circular key override. Single pistol safe $79.99 on Amazon. Larger model with 2-gun capacity and interior light $220.77 on Amazon.
Konig Safe “Smart” Motion Sensor Gun Safe. Modern exterior design. Safe has audible motion alarm that sounds if moved. This unit has keypad, RFID, and fingerprint funtionality. $239.99 from Konig SAfe.
Titan Pistol Vault Safe with mechanical, push-button lock, 14-gauge steel with mounting brackets for vehicle or home installation. $348.52 on Amazon.
Vaultek VS10i Biometric Smart Pistol Safe with Auto-Open Lid and Rechargeable Battery and backlit keypad, $269.99 on Amazon.
Verifi Smart Safe S5000. Worth a look if you want a Biometric pistol safe. This has the largest and only FBI-certified fingerprint sensor. There is back-up key access, but no keypad. $299.99 on Amazon.
BILLCONCH Biometric Gun Safe. This offers four access modes: keypad, biometric, phone App, and keyed entry. User reviews have been good. If you want a biometric safe on a budget, this is a logical choice for just $139.99 on Amazon.
Vaultek MX WiFi High Capacity Smart Handgun Safe. Auto-open Door and rechargeable battery. This 15″x 11.5″x 11.6″ safe can hold up to 8 handguns on two levels. Available as Biometric ($629.99 on Amazon with WiFi connectivity — receive instant alerts for safe activity on your phone.
Handgun Safes for Bedside at Home — Pew Pew Tactical Reviews
A rapid-access bedside safe is a great way to keep your pistol secure, but also readily available, close at hand. Not all rapid-access pistol safes are created equal, however. In this video, John of Pew Pew Tactical explains what to look for in a small pistol safe, and points out the pros and cons of the four safes tested:
Fort Knox FTK-PB Simplex Pistol Box
Strong case, reliable no-battery locking system. This was a very good safe, but has been superseded by the Fort Knox PB1 handgun safe ($299.00 on Amazon).
Vaultek Electronic Pistol Safes
Multiple styles, thin profile, 5-button electronic ($159.99 on Amazon), or Biometric VT10i + 5-button ($269.99 on Amazon), both with rechargeable batteries.
GunVault SpeedVault Handgun Safe
Designed for vertical mount under desk on vehicle, one gun only, requires batteries, $222.00 on Amazon.
Quick Summaries of 2023 Model Pistol Safes (Rapid Access Focus)
Here are a couple more handgun safe reviews. These are mostly collections of manufacturers’ promotional materials, but these two videos do showcase some of the most recent models. In addition, the first video covers rapid-access, biometric-activated safes.
Smart Advice for Handgun Safes from AccurateShooter
With any small pistol safe, there are some important points to remember.
1. Keep the safe out of plain view — Don’t place it on top of a bedside table. Burglars often go straight to the bedroom looking for valuables. We recommend attaching your pistol safe to a secure surface using bolts. Or use a steel cable.
2. With electronic handgun safes, you should change/charge the batteries regularly. It is pointless to have a self-defense pistol in a safe you can’t open because the battery is dead. Electronic safes should always have back-up key-locks!
3. Don’t put important valuables such as car keys, credit cards, and jewelry in compact pistol safes. Even when screwed down, these small safes are known targets for thieves.
4. Remember the KISS principle. Some of the latest pistol safes are WiFi enabled so they can talk to a smart-phone APP. This may provide entertainment for tech types, but simpler may be better. You want a safe that will open/close without WiFi and without a battery.
Gun Storage Solutions offers an 
Scope-Cover Mounted Ballistics Table
