Shooting Industry (SI) magazine is often the first media source to reveal new firearms and gun-related products. And once again, in SI’s just-released April 2021 edition, we got our first glimpse of dozens of cool new guns and hardware. CLICK HERE to see all new featured products (best for mobile platforms) or CLICK HERE for magazine-style layout.
The current Shooting Industry issue spotlights 28 new products. We’ve select a half-dozen notables for our readers. There is an interesting WOOX Hybrid stock, new Lapua products, an impressive big-bore revolver from Taurus, the new Mark 7 Apex 10 progressive press, a rugged AR-friendly shooting rest, plus a handy totable cleaning kit from Otis.
Here Are Six Standouts from Shooting Industry April 2021:
WOOX Advanced Furiosa Micarta Rifle Chassis
The new Furiosa Micarta Rifle chassis combines the best of both worlds — aircraft grade aluminum chassis strength with human-friendly ergonomics and a weather-resistant finish. The Furiosa Micarta’s outer shell casts off moisture as well as oils and solvents. The manufacturer claims the hybrid stock absorb vibrations, effectively providing harmonic dampening (as you would get with conventional wood or fiberglass stocks). The Woox Furiosa Micarta chassis is available for Remington 700, Howa 1500, Weatherby Vanguard, Sauer 100, and Tikka T3 actions.
Birchwood Casey — Alpha Shooting Rest (AR Optimized)
Birchwood Casey’s new Alpha Shooting Rest features a tubular steel frame with non-slip rubber stock rest. Weighing in at a stout 35 pounds, with integrated weighted front, this Alpha Rest should be stable. It features adjustable leveling feet with bulls-eye bubble level, ambidextrous controls, and oversized adjustment knobs. Notably this Alpha Rest will accommodate ARs with 30-rd magazines. The front of the shooting rest maneuvers 2″ for windage, 3.5″ for elevation and 4.25″ to accommodate various rifle sizes.
Lapua — New Brass and Loaded Ammunition
Lapua now offers loaded match ammunition in 6.5 Creedmoor and .260 Remington plus loaded hunting ammunition in .223 Remington and 6.5 Creedmoor. Plus NEW BRASS — Lapua has added 6.5 PRC, .284 Win, .300 Win Mag, and 300 PRC cartridge cases to its 2021 product line. Cases are sold in boxes of 100. Errki Seikkula, Lapua Sales Manager, states: “Our new Lapua cartridge case offerings for 2021 display our continued commitment to the precision shooting disciplines which are popular in the USA and globally.” The .223 Rem hunting ammo features Lapua 50 Grain Naturalis bullets, while the new 6.5 Creedmoor hunting ammunition is loaded Lapua’s 156 Grain MEGA Soft Point.
Taurus Raging Hunter Revolver in .460 S&W
For 2021 Taurus introduces a new Raging Hunter Revolver chambered in .460 S&W. This beefy wheelgun features sleeved barrel construction, and factory porting to reduce muzzle rise. A Picatinny rail on the barrel shroud makes it easy to mount optics (to complement the adjustable rear iron sight). To help manage recoil (and provide a secure hold), the Raging Hunter features an ergonomic grooved grip with cushioned inserts. Taurus CEO Bret Vorhees states: “The Taurus Raging Hunter was a hit among … handgun hunters when we introduced it in 2019. We [now offer more] downrange performance with the new Raging Hunter in .460 S&W.” This revolver is offered in three barrel lengths: 5.12″ (top photo), 6.75″, and 8.37″ (second photo).
Mark 7 Apex 10 Professional-Grade Progressive Press
TEN Stations in 2021! Mark 7, a Lyman brand, has introduced the new Apex 10, a 10-station progressive press compatible with the Mark 7 Autodrive, Mark 7 Primer Xpress, and all Mark 7 sensors. Apex 10 features include a 10 station tool head, Mark 7 mechanical powder measure, 11″ case feeder with speed adjustments, reverse setting, transparent trap door, metal construction, and case sensor activation technology. The Apex 10 also features shuttle disk priming system and double guide rod support. The new cast toolhead is designed to reduce flex under pressure.
OTIS Technology — Professional Pistol Cleaning Kit in Pouch
Otis Technology’s new Professional Pistol Cleaning Kit is optimized to clean and maintain 9mm, .40 Cal and .45 ACP Glock pistols. But of course it can be used for other handguns as well. The kit includes three bronze and three nylon bore brushes, Memory-Flex cables and three caliber-specific ripcords. A steel pistol loop rod and Otis’s 8-in-1 Pistol T-Tool for pushing and resetting pins and front site adjustment are also included. The kit even comes with a magazine plate removal tool.
Forum member Erik Cortina has produced a series of YouTube videos about reloading hardware and precision hand-loading. Here we feature Erik’s video review of the Forster Co-Ax® reloading press. The red-framed Co-Ax is unique in both design and operation. It boasts dual guide rods and a central handle. You don’t screw in dies — you slide the die lock ring into a slot. This allows dies to float during operation.
Erik does a good job of demonstrating the Co-Ax’s unique features. At 1:00 he shows how to slide the dies into the press. It’s slick and easy. At the two-minute mark, Erik shows how sliding jaws clasp the case rim (rather than a conventional shell-holder). The jaws close as the ram is raised, then open as it is lowered. This makes it easy to place and remove your cases.
At the 5:20 mark, Erik shows how spent primers run straight down into a capture cup. This smart system helps keep your press and bench area clean of primer debris and residues.
While many Co-Ax users prime their cases by hand, the Co-Ax can prime cases very reliably. The priming station is on top of the press. Erik demonstrates the priming operation starting at 4:20.
Smart Accessories for the Co-Ax from Inline Fabrications
Forum member Kevin Thomas also owns a Co-Ax press, which he has hot-rodded with accessories from Inline Fabrications. Kevin tells us: “Check out the add-ons available from Inline Fabrications for the Co-Ax. I recently picked up a riser mount and a set of linkages for mine and love the results. The linkages are curved. When you replace the original straight links with these, the work area opens up substantially and the the press becomes much easier to feed.” CLICK HERE for Co-Ax Accessories.
Inline Fabrications Forster Co-Ax Accessories
Forster Co-Ax Curved Side Linkage (For Better Access)
Do you have trouble seeing your bullet holes (on paper) when shooting past 400 yards? That’s a common issue even with premium ($1600+) high-magnification scopes. Here’s a target that solves that problem. A hit creates a larger black circle that’s much more visible than a plain bullet hole, making this target ideal for use at longer range (500 yards and beyond).
The 12″ square Birchwood Casey white background Sight-In Target displays a black “halo” around each hit (like the yellow circle on a conventional Shoot-N-C). Larger than bullet diameter, the “halos” can be easily seen with a high-magnification scope at long range (see video below). The self-adhesive target features four diamonds with contrasting red box centers. For precise aiming, you can position your cross-hairs to align with the corners of the boxes. Or, you can put a target dot sticker in the middle.
This video shows Black Shot Halos on white background:
While we envision using this target with optics at long range, Birchwood Casey says that open sights show up well against the white background, making these targets well-suited for indoor ranges or use in low light conditions.
This white background grid target has five aiming points and a 1-inch grid overlay for quick and easy sight adjustments. It comes with target pasters that allow shooters to cover up bullet holes and continue using the target for added value. The White/Black Shoot-N-C 12″ Sight-In Targets come in 5-packs with 75 target pasters for $7.19 from MidwayUSA or $8.09 on Amazon.
High-Viz Option — Yellow on Black Grid with Yellow Halos
If you prefer seeing ultra-high-contrast yellow/green “halos” for your hits, Birchwood Casey also makes adhesive grid targets with five yellow-edged diamonds. Red circles provide precise aiming points in the middle of each box. You can quickly estimate group size or dial-in your zero using the hi-viz yellow 1″ grid lines. These yellow-on-black targets are available in three sizes: 8″ square, 12″ square, and 17.5″ square. These yellow-on-black grid targets start at $4.95 for an 8″ six-pack.
Looking for a faster, easier, and more accurate way to measure bullet positions on your loaded rounds? Check out the Accuracy One Seating Depth Comparator. This unique tool provides a shoulder-to-ogive measurement instead of the traditional cartridge base-to-ogive measurement. The Accuracy One Comparator just might work for you. This unique tool allows a very rapid and secure measurement that provides a precise determination of the bullet seating depth in the case.
Accuracy One Seating Depth Comparator
Product Review by F-Class John
You probably check your loaded ammo by measuring cartridge base to ogive, but have you ever considered there may be a better way? Curt at Accuracy One has considered the question, and after exhaustive research and testing he created the Accuracy One Seating Depth Comparator. As opposed to looking for a base to ogive measurement, this tool measures from the shoulder to ogive, which is arguably the more repeatable number when it comes to accuracy.
Click Arrow to Watch Video Tool Review
As Curt explains, “Well, when you fire a chambered cartridge, the strike from the firing pin first pushes the cartridge forward until it bottoms against the shoulder. The primer is then ignited. What this means is that your seated bullet depth consistency can more accurately be gauged using the dimension from shoulder to ogive. Using this dimension, you effectively eliminate any small variances in your sized case length from the equation”. As a result, it made sense that when he was designing the measurement tool his goal was to create a universal insert that allowed a user a quick, easy, accurate and repeatable process that measures from mid-shoulder to ogive.
The comparator fits cartridges from .22 to .30 Caliber with 0.400″ and larger shoulder diameters. The tool fits so many bullet sizes because of the specific taper that Curt developed. This ensures that any caliber in that range makes good contact along the ogive. As I used this tool and talked to people about it, I kept getting skeptical comments with people asking how it could measure the ogive on that many calibers accurately. I had to remind them that the ogive is not a single point on the bullet but in fact the entire curve from the tip of the bullet to the point it straightens out. As a result, it’s only important that the tool you use is consistent in what point along the ogive it measures and that’s where the Accuracy One Seating Depth Comparator shines. According to Curt, he went through countless iterations on his design until he was able to accurately and repeatably measure all those calibers (.22 to .30).
How to Use the Accuracy One Seating Depth Comparator
Using the comparator is simple. There are alternative methods. The easiest way is to simply zero the indicator, insert a loaded round, note the measurement and compare any future rounds against it for variation. An alternative to this is a method I use. I insert a loaded round and then zero the indicator. This allows you to see the exact variation without mental math (and frankly it’s faster this way). I also use this method to sort loaded rounds for matches in order from shortest to longest ensuring that rounds that measure the same are fired together.
Bonus Option — Measuring Length to Lands with Tool
Another great use for this Accuracy One comparator is to take my initial depth to lands. This helps ensure my seating depth was properly set. Using a case with very light neck tension, I load a bullet, and with a stripped bolt I load and close it. Then I can remove the round and take a measurement, zero the indicator and make a note of it in my book. After that the comparator will remember the new zero until it’s zeroed again and if that happens by accident, I can always reference the number that my round measured and pull on the indicator stem until that number is found and then zero it again. I found this entire process fast, easy and repeatable as I loaded rounds and needed to check for any seating depth variance.
Tool Pricing:
Seating Depth Comparator without Indicator: $65.00
Seating Depth Comparator with Indicator: $115.00
Gauge Stand: $47.00
Purchase Options
You can buy the tool with or without an Digital Indicator. Accuracy One also makes a Primer Depth Gauge. Both Accuracy One tools employ the same digital indicator. This helps save money as you can order the comparator alone if you already have one (either from another Accuracy Tool or another tool).
The Accuracy One Seating Depth Comparator is essentially the same size as the Accuracy One Primer Depth Gauge, so you can even utilize Accuracy One’s primer gauge storage case. There is also an optional stand that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND as it can hold either the seating depth OR primer gauge, making for amazingly simple one-handed operation while you’re loading.
CONCLUSION — Tool Is Precise, Repeatable, and Fast
Overall, this tool left me feeling confident in my depth setting and I found it quick and easy compared to past methods. At the end of the day there are several ways to skin the proverbial cat when it comes to measuring seating depth. But if you’re looking for what just might be the most accurate, consistent and speediest method, give the Accuracy One Seating Depth Comparator a try.
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.
1. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Savage Axis II Precision, $779.99
⏺ Compares well with tactical rigs costing much more
Here’s a smart choice for PRS/NRL Factory Class. Get the Savage Axis II Precision rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor for just $779.99. Add a high-quality scope and you’ll have a complete set up for well under $2K with money left over for bipod, support bags, and other accessories. If you are looking for a metal chassis varmint rifle, Sportsman’s Warehouse also has a .223 Rem Axis II Precision on sale for the same $779.99 price.
2. EuroOptic — Trijicon Tenmile Scope Sale — Huge Savings
⏺ These Trijicon optics compare well with NF for much less
Trijicon Tenmile scopes have quickly become popular with F-Class, PRS, and ELR competitors. Check out the Trijicon Tenmile scope sale where you can pick up any of these innovative scopes that feature lit reticles, large 34mm diameter tubes, and many other good features. These are really good scopes for the money. And now’s the time to buy with massive discounts during this sale. For example the Tenmile 3-18x44mm FFP with MRAD ranging is marked down from $2199.99 to $1475.99 (Save $724). And the Tenmile 5-50x56mm Extreme LR SFP scope is marked down from $2700.99 MSRP to $1810.99 — Save $890!
3. Brownells — KRG Bravo Chassis Rem 700, $329.99 with Code
⏺ Versatile internal frame stock for PRS or hunting — tan, black, or green
The Kinetic Research Group (KRG) Rem 700 Bravo Chassis is a good dual-purpose choice for PRS and hunting. This chassis features an internal aluminum frame with polymer exterior in Flat Dark Earth, Sako Green, or Black. The stock fits Rem 700 and Rem clone actions, accepts AICS-pattern mags, and is M-LOK compatible. The 2.9-lb KRG Bravo chassis features adjustable cheek riser and length-of-pull, built-in thumb shelf, plus quick-detach sling-swivel and bipod mounts. The KRG Bravo stock costs $349.99 at Brownells. You can also get $20 Off with Brownells code VTJ, lowering the net cost to $329.99.
4. Walker’s Electronic Muffs — Alpha or Razor Slim from $39.99
Walker’s makes some of the best budget-priced electronic muffs you can buy. Choose the 26 NRR Alpha Power model, now $39.99 on sale at MidwayUSA (50% Off), or try the lighter-weight 23 NRR Razor Slim model starting at $36.47, an Amazon best seller. These muffs have earned strong user reviews. One purchaser who also owns the Howard Leight Impact Muffs said the Walkers are far more comfortable: “Walkers: Deep cups with thick pads, does not press down on safety glasses. Comfortable even after 20+ minutes. Howard Leights: Thin pads, difficult to get them to sit right over your ear and eye protection with no air leakage. Uncomfortable on the ear … your ear contacts the felt inside the earmuff[.]”
5. Amazon — Teslong Borescope $45.99 or Rigid Version $69.98
⏺ Teslong borescopes are game-changers — true “must-have” tool
The Teslong digital borescope has been a huge success. This compact, electro-optical, cable-type borescope outputs sharp, high-resolution images and VIDEO to desktop computers and laptops, and many tablets. Check out our Full Teslong Review complete with inside-the-barrel videos. Get the basic version for $45.99 on Amazon or the rigid version Teslong Borescope for $69.98 (SEE Rigid Teslong Video). If you scope your barrels often, you’ll probably prefer the rigid version which is easy to insert and rotate.
6. MidwayUSA — Frankford Arsenal Hand Deprimer Tool, $35.99
⏺ Deprime fired cartridge brass anywhere — no press needed
Decapping brass can be a tedious, time-consuming, and messy chore. Simplify the task (and avoid messing up your reloading area) with the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Hand Deprimer Tool. This device lets you remove spent primers anywhere — no press needed and all the mess (cups/anvils/residue) stays in the capture chamber. You can deprime cases while watching TV. This tool features a Universal Collet that works with all case types. With good leverage, this tool is easy on the hands too. Forum members have praised this handy tool.
7. Amazon — MTM Cleaning Rod Case, $19.99
⏺ Good way to transport and store cleaning rods — lowest price ever
Good cleaning rods are expensive and can be easily damaged if you’re not careful. To protect those valuable cleaning rods, we recommend the MTM Cleaning Rod Case which holds four rods as well as cleaning supplies. This $19.99 case protects your rods both at home and while traveling. With this handy, durable case you can stop worrying about bending or breaking those important cleaning rods. This is a good price for a very popular item.
8. Amazon — Long Range Shooting Handbook, $19.85
⏺ Most Popular Practical LR Training Book, Respected Author
Ryan Cleckner’s Long Range Shooting Handbook is the best-selling modern book on practical rifle skills. Ryan Cleckner’s Long Range Shooting Handbook is designed as an intro to important fundamental 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. You can view Sample Chapters on Amazon.com.
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.
9. Midsouth — Tumbler Kit Pro with Separator/Sorter, $89.99
⏺ Ample capacity, great reviews, and good value right now
Keeping your brass clean is one of the best ways to keep your dies (and reloading presses) clean as well. If you’re looking for a new, affordable setup to clean cartridge brass, consider the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler Master Kit. You get everything needed to dry-tumble your brass and remove the media. This is all available now for a very low $89.99, including Media and Brass Polish. The Tumbler Kit Pro will handle 600-1000 handgun cases, or 250-450 rifle cases (depending on size). Verified purchaser reviews have all been five stars.
10. Amazon — Howard Leight MAX Earplugs, $8.90/50 Pairs
20 Pairs
50 Pairs
⏺ Best NRR (33 dB), Very Comfortable, Great Value
These Howard Leight NRR 33 Max Plugs are your Editor’s favorite foam earplugs. Between shooting, motorcycling, and mowing lawns, I probably have Max plugs in my ears 2-3 days a week. This is a very good price for a bulk pack of 50 pairs. NRR 33 is the best Noise Reduction Rating you’ll find for plugs alone. And if you act soon, you can get free shipping to boot.
AccurateShooter Forum member John H. of New Mexico (aka “Skratch”) has created an impressive mobile shooting bench that he can haul with his ATV. This trailer-mounted, movable bench is built on a central tubular spine that also serves as the tongue for the trailer, which attaches to a standard hitch. The bench offers two (2) shooting positions so it works for both left-handed and right-handed shooters.
Up front, for storage, a surplus .50-Cal ammo can is secured to the trailer frame. The V-shaped middle section of the wood benchtop looks to be reinforced with a metal stiffener frame on the underside. The front section of the bench is supported by twin tubular uprights attached to the box-section axle housing. The two wooden bench-style seats (on left and right) ride on a cross-tube. At the ends of that cross-tube are adjustable legs for additional support.
Great Rig for New Mexico Varmint Hunting
There are plenty of great varmint hunting areas in Skratch’s home state of New Mexico — you’ll find some huge prairie dog fields there. But to get the best results on a varmint-hunting field session, you need a solid shooting station that can be easily hauled to new locations as needed. It looks like John (aka “Scratch”) has come up with an outstanding “War Wagon” for his New Mexico varmint safaris.
Click on image frames to see full-size photos
Some readers wanted to know how John’s War Wagon is positioned in the field and if it is ever detached from John’s ATV. John answers: “We do unhook the 4-wheeler for target-checking unless we have an extra along which is usually the case. That way we can level the table front to rear. We have an umbrella from a patio table to provide shade on extra warm days.”
War Wagon Construction Details
John told us: “My brother-in-law and I built this mobile bench a few years ago. The axle, wheels and tire are a tag axle from a small Chevy car, obtained from a salvage yard for about $35-$40 a decade ago. The tubular frame is drill stem, while the bench-top and seats are 3/4′” plywood. Under the plywood we fitted rails so we can slide our target stand under the benchtop for secure travel. The total cost for everything (including storage box) was about $250-$300.”
We set the bench and seat heights so that, with adults, the rifle sets straight level to the shoulder. For the smaller ‘younguns’ we just use a sofa pillow to raise them up. (Yes, adjustable seat heights would be great.) The ammo box holds our rifle rest, sand bags, spotting scope, and miscellaneous gear. Options are a couple of lawn chairs, and a cooler of brew (for after the shooting is done).
In April 2020, the National Rifle Association (NRA) launched NRAWomen.com, a website dedicated to the fastest-growing group of firearm owners — America’s women. This website serves the increasing number of female gun owners, huntresses, and competitive shooters. Female involvement in firearms is growing significantly. Consider these numbers: Statistica estimates that 19% of women in the USA owned firearms in 2020, while 23% of women surveyed in a 2011 Gallup Poll stated they owned a gun.
Here are four videos from the NRAWomen.com website, all worth watching. For each example, click the links to read the related articles on NRAWomen.com.
1. How to Sight-In Your Hunting Rifle
This video and related article offer good basic advice for sighting-in a hunting rifle. There are a series of six points covered. Here’s Tip #1: “Find a safe place to shoot your rifle with a backstop. If possible, use a bench and a rock-solid shooting rest. Sighting-in is all about consistency, so the less human error you have, the better. For safety, be sure to also bring ear and eye protection.” READ FULL ARTICLE on NRAWomen.com.
2. Buying Your First Handgun — Factors to Consider
Buying your first firearm can be overwhelming, with all the choices available. And personal preference/fit are especially important with handguns that may be carried on your person. This video follows two first-time buyers as they select their first handgun. The video explains factors to consider: Ergonomics, Accuracy, Caliber, Concealability, Recoil, Reliability, and Price. RELATED Articles on NRAWomen.com.
3. Cartridge Case Material Varieties — Brass, Nickle-Plated Brass, Aluminum, Steel Alloy
The case of a cartridge holds bullet, powder, and primer. Brass cases are most popular, but nickle-plated brass cases are also common and reloadable (though they generally don’t last as long as plain brass). Major manufacturers produce aluminum-cased pistol ammo, such as CCI Blazer. Aluminum pistol cases can shoot great, but are not (normally) reloadable. Finally, some large manufacturers, mostly foreign, produce steel-cased ammo. All different case types have certain advantages and disadvantages, though conventional brass is definitely the best choice for hand-loaders. This video explains pros and cons of each type of cartridge case construction. RELATED Articles on NRAWomen.com.
4. Modular Safes — Smart Option for Easier Moving
This article features a great video showing how to assemble a modular safe in under 30 minutes. This article also explains the benefits of modular gunsafes — primarily easier transport and installation. “Modular safes have been around for a few years now and are becoming more popular. Here’s why: The safe comes delivered to you in panels, so you can bring them into your home one at a time and put it together anywhere you like. This makes it easy to carry up and down stairs, onto elevators or anywhere! Security — Is it as secure as one that comes pre-assembled? The answer is, absolutely.” READ FULL ARTICLE on NRAWomen.com.
When you’re venturing deep into the backcountry on a hunt, every ounce counts. You want to keep weight to a minimum because, along with your rifle, you will be carrying food, water, binoculars/spotter, GPS, and possibly a tripod or shooting sticks. Then, if you are successful, you will be carrying all that gear PLUS the game meat you harvested. Weight definitely becomes an issue — so a low-mass rifle is good.
With advances in stock and barrel technology, we are seeing excellent new hunting rifles that weigh under 5 pounds. Such ultralight rifles were once only available to wealthy sportsmen paying $3000 or more. Now that has all changed. Legacy Sports International has introduced a series of very affordable ultralight rifles. These are all on display in Legacy’s new 2021 Catalog.
Legacy offers a number of rifles that weigh well under 6 pounds before optics. The Howa Carbon Stalker starts at 4 lbs. 10 ounces, while the Carbon Elevate is a just a few ounces more, starting at 4 lbs. 13 ounces. These both feature a full carbon-fiber stock from Stocky’s Stocks.
Legacy’s Howa Mini Action models are also lightweight, even with a more conventional stock. These attractively-priced Mini Action models begin at just 6.6 pounds. Shown below is the new “Full Dip” hunting model with full camouflage Hydro-Dip on stock, barreled action, and even the scope. This model is offered with your choice of three different Kryptek camo schemes: Highlander, Kratos, and Yote.
Sightron has launched its new Precision Long-Range (PLR) Riflescope Series. The Sightron SIII PLR Series offers high-end optics performance at reasonable prices, starting at $1325.00 MSRP. There will be three second focal plane (SFP) models: 6-24x50mm, 8-32x56mm, and 10-50x60mm. In addition there is an impressive new 6-24x50mm first focal plane (FFP) model.
Sightron’s new SIII PLR riflescopes feature 30mm tubes, a new internal zero-stop mechanism, and several illuminated reticle options. All models sport a black satin finish with high visibility markings. The large, oversized tactical knobs are easy to adjust and are resettable to zero. The new internal zero-stop mechanism provides a tactile and audible positive stop for dead-on zero setting. The windage knob is marked for left and right, so there is no second-guessing when making adjustments. Click values for PLR scopes are either 1/4 MOA or 0.1 MRAD. Sightron’s patented ExacTrack Windage and Elevation System is standard on all models. ExacTrack provides super-precise windage and elevation adjustments while maintaining a positive point-of-contact with the internal erector tube.
All PLR scopes boast Sightron’s Zact-7 Revcoat Plus™ Enhanced Lens Coating for increased light transmission and improved clarity. And all PLR reticles are illuminated with a side-mounted 11-position on/off rotary-type dial. The side-mounted focus system has been redesigned for improved close focus performance. These PLR scopes all ship with 3-inch sunshade, flip-up lens covers, Torx Key/Allen wrench, and CR2032 battery. Like all Sightron scopes, the PLR series optics are nitrogen-charged for a 100% waterproof and fog-proof system.
First Focal Plane Scope for Tactical Disciplines
The new 6-24x50mm SIII PLR FFP riflescope features the first focal plane design favored by PRS/NRL and tactical shooters. This allows the shooter to range and holdover with speed and accuracy, knowing that the reticle dimensions will remain constant on all magnifications.
Sightron President Mack Matsumoto states: “Our engineers worked hard to improve the precision, function, and cosmetics of the already-popular SIII Long-Range Series. You will … experience a higher level of precision from the new internal Zero-stop to the Zact-7 Revcoat Plus multicoating technology that improves light transmission, color and clarity.”
Now that you’ve spent thousands of dollars on the new benchrest, PRS, ELR, or hunting rifle (and thousands more on optics), how are you going to get it to the range and/or hunting grounds? It’s important to transport your valuable firearms in high-quality gun cases. Good padded soft cases can work, but for long-distance hauling (and all air transport), we recommend hard cases with quality foam inside.
Choosing a Rifle Transport Case
Before he retired, Forum member Ron D. served as a Police Officer at Chicago’s O’Hare airport. Ron offers some very important advice for shooters traveling with firearms and expensive optics: “Buy the best [rifle case] that you can afford. Don’t cry when your $3,000+ Benchrest rifle has a cracked stock or broken scope. Think about what it would be like to travel across the country and arrive with a damaged rifle. Remember the Samsonite commercial. (For you younger shooters, it shows a monkey throwing the suitcase around in his cage at the zoo.)
Baggage handling is NOT a fine art. There is no guarantee that your rifle case will be on top of all the other baggage. Then there is shifting of baggage in the belly of the plane. Ponder that for a while. Rifle and pistol cases must be locked. It doesn’t take a Rocket Scientist to figure out that a simple pry tool will open most case locks. There is not much that you can do to disguise a rifle case. It is what it is, and opportunists know this. Among thieves, it doesn’t take long for the word to get around about a NEW type of case.”
Customizing the Foam Interiors of Gun Carry Cases
For the best fit of your firearms and accessories in a foam-interior hard case, you should customize the foam to fit. Some cases have “pluckable” foam. With these you remove small squares one an a time until the stored items fit. With other cases with dense foam interiors, you’ll need to cut the foam to fit. Here are two videos that show the process of tailoring foam to a rifle using an electric cutting tool. Watch these videos carefully — they can really help create the best custom-fit for your firearms.
Pelican 1750 Waterproof Travel Vault Case
Guncases.com, an Optics Planet company, offers a wide selection of quality, durable gun cases. One of the best units offered is Pelican 1750 Waterproof Rifle Case – Travel Vault Protector. If you’re headed to a very rainy/snowy climate, or transporting your rifle on a boat, consider this option. The waterproof Pelican 1750 case measures 53.00″ x 16.00″ x 6.12″ outside and weighs 25.5 pounds unladen. It features an O-Ring Seal, Pressure Relief Valve, and a lifetime warranty. It is offered in three colors, OD Green, Black, and Desert Tan, starting at $269.95. This is pricey, but it is one of the highest-rated cases you can buy.
Pelican Vault Series Rifle Cases
Pelican Products, known for premium hard-shell transport cases also offers a more affordable VAULT series of cases. Pelican’s VAULT cases offer durability and security at a lower price point. VAULT cases range in price from $39.99 to $199.99 and are backed by a 1-year guarantee. The VAULT rifle cases all feature wheels, easy-to-use push-button latches, and four stainless steel lock hasps for security. There is also a brightly colored Hi-Viz strip on the front of Pelican’s VAULT cases. This will make it easier to spot your case at airport baggage areas. The model V800 double-rifle case features a 53″ x 16″ x 6″ interior. That’s long enough for F-Class rifles and tactical rigs with brakes. The model V770 single-rifle case is 50″ × 10″ × 6″ inside. That’s still big enough for most hunting, varmint, and benchrest rifles.
SKB Double Rifle Case
GunCases.com also offers SKB Gun Cases. The SKB model 2SKB-5009 Double Rifle Case is an excellent choice carrying two rifles long distances. This has a very tough exterior with a metal middle frame for extra strength. Priced at $286.24 on Amazon, this case has exterior dimensions: 56″ L x 16.5″ W x 9.5″ H. This photo shows the case carrying both an M1A and an M1 Garand. NOTE: The foam is not really customizable. This is not the best choice if you plan to carry a single rifle and a spotting scope and a second barrel.
Plano Two-Gun All-Weather Tactical Case
This Plano two-gun case is Amazon’s #1 Best Seller in wheeled, heavy-duty firearms cases. This is offered in three sizes: 36″, 42″, and 52″. We like the biggest 52″ version, ($117.49 on Amazon), as it is long enough inside to fit most scoped match rifles. Alternatively, if you have a really long F-Class, ELR, or Palma rig, you can detach the barreled action from the stock, and run the two sections in the shorter 42″ case, now just $75.99 on Amazon. The big case lets you easily carry TWO scoped hunting rifles. That’s great because this case is strong enough for airline travel, meeting FAA requirements for checked baggage. This Plano case offers a good balance between strength and weight, all for a reasonable cost. Yes a Pelican 1750 is somewhat better, but that will cost at least $270.00 — over twice as much.
Plano now offers advanced versions of its All Weather series with “Rustrictor” technology. These Rustrictor cases, which sport RED handles and latches, come with built-in anti-corrosion technology — a rust-preventive Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) infused into the resin and into foam emitter blocks. If you often shoot in wet environments, or leave guns in a case for more than a few hours, you should probably upgrade to the Plano Rustrictor cases, currently priced at $97.76 for the 42″ model and $184.99 for the 52″ wheeled case.
Video Tip from Boyd Allen. We welcome reader submissions.
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