Christmas is just three days away, so today we’re featuring a dozen “stocking stuffers” for precision shooters. Some of these are innovative new products. Most are handy items that you’ll use over and over again at the range, and/or at your loading bench (so yes you’re allowed to buy them for yourself, even after Christmas).
B&T Industries BT62 Determinator
The acrylic BT62 Determinator ($7.95) measures groups with laser-cut concentric measuring rings. Check group size quick and easy — simply place the Determinator over shot group. Adjust until one of the circles crosses the center of the two outer-most holes. That gives you the center to center group measurement (1.5″ maximum). Alternatively, you can measure edge to edge (of the farthest shots) and then subtract the bullet diameter. Cool tool for gun guys. The supplied lanyard also glows in the dark.
Amazon — Digital Display Timer with Big Buttons
If you shoot in a discipline with time limits, or you time your firing strings during practice, having a reliable and easy-to-read timer is critical. We like this very affordable Digital Display Timer with both count-up and count-down functions. Just $12.95 on Amazon, this unit boasts an easy-to-read display and LARGE buttons making it perfect for F-Class, Palma, and other matches. This timer comes with both a built-in stand AND a strong magnet so you can position the timer conveniently.
Lyman — Powder Scale Pan and Case Funnel
The Lyman Powder Pan/Funnel saves reloaders time by combining the powder-receiving pan and funnel into one unit. With this combo tool reloaders can pour powder directly into the case without having to fumble with a separate funnel. That’s smart and efficient. RCBS makes a similar powder pan/funnel ($6.99 on Amazon) with a slightly different case-neck section. You may want to try both to determine which works best for your cartridge brass.
Creedmoor Sports — BoreTech Rimfire Blend
With the shortages of powder and primers, many folks will be shooting more rimfire in 2021. While .22 LR rimfire rifles require less cleaning compared to centerfire rifles, you still need to maintain those rimfire barrels. We like Bore Tech’s Rimfire Blend Bore Cleaner, $13.95 at Creedmoor Sports. This specially-formulated, ammonia-free bore cleaner can simultaneously cut through the layers of lead, wax, and carbon fouling. NOTE: After use you may have to shoot quite a few rounds before best accuracy returns.
MagnetoSpeed — RifleKuhl Barrel Cooling Fan
Cooling your barrel with a compact fan can extend barrel life. This bright red RifleKuhl from Magnetospeed is quite effective. The battery-powered impeller pushes cooling air down the barrel. It has a chamber seal for increased cooling efficiency while a neodymium magnet helps secure the device to your action. The RifleKuhl includes a belt/pocket clip and there is a Replaceable built-in 50 Micron air filter. The RifleKuhl costs $54.99 on Amazon.
Lyman Case Prep Multi-Tool with Internal Storage
This handy Lyman Case Prep Multi-Tool can perform multiple task. On one end is an inside neck chamferer, with the outside chamferer/deburrer on the opposite end. Stored inside the tool are four (4) uniforming attachments for large and small primer pockets. This tool with all the attachments is $26.99 on Amazon with free shipping.
Creedmoor Sports — RWS Meisterkugeln Air Rifle Pellets
Air rifle shooting is fun, inexpensive (air is still FREE), and can be done indoors in the winter. These RWS pellets are great for practice or sporter airgun competition. Relatively inexpensive, RWS Meisterkugeln pellets are very uniform and offer great performance for the price, $8.95 at Creedmoor Sports.
JKL Precision — LabRadar Recoil Pulse Trigger
Frustrated with your LabRadar missing shots? With this $35 LabRadar Recoil Trigger you will be much happier — and you won’t get false readings from the guy on the next bench. This plug-in device activates the LabRadar from your rifle’s inertial recoil pulse. It will work with any rifle from a .22 LR up to the big magnums. NOTE: The inertial trigger is sensitive so a “phantom” reading may occur with hard bolt manipulation. However, our Forum members who use this trigger say it is is a great improvement, with no more LOST shots and LabRadar placement is no longer critical. One owner noted: “This unit works flawlessly. Didn’t miss a single shot, and allows you to place the LabRadar in pretty much any position.” Velcro attachment standard — Picatinny and magnetic mounts sold separately.
Amazon — GunMaster Flexible Bore Light
How many times have you gone to look into a barrel or dark corner of a gun only to find you just can’t see in there? You can easily solve this problem by picking up this GunMaster Flexible Bore Light for just $7.30 on Amazon. A bore light is a “must-have” item for handgun owners, and these are also handy for inspecting dies, rifle chambers, and tool interiors. Honestly for this price you should grab a couple so you have one in your range bag and another on your bench. The flexible cord makes this handy for actions without rear ports, such as the Ruger 10/22 and shotgun actions.
Wheeler Manual Trigger Pull Scale
While we prefer a sensitive digital trigger pull gauge, it’s nice to have a manual back-up. And the Wheeler gauge is plenty accurate for pistols and most hunting rifles. The Wheeler trigger pull scale accurately measures trigger pull weight from 8 ounces to 8 pounds. It features an ergonomic handle for consistent direction of pull. The sliding indicator stays reliably on the maximum weight registered and high contrast pull weight increment marks are very easy to read. This spring-type trigger scale measures in 2-ounce increments and is accurate to +/- 2 ounces — plenty good for pistols and hunting rifles. Priced at just $17.49 on Amazon, this gauge has earned 90% four- or five-star owner reviews.
Cabela’s Multi-Tool (Various Colors)
You won’t find a more versatile tool at this amazingly low price — just $5.99! The Cabela’s multi-tool performs many functions. It features flat-nose pliers, wire-stripper, knife, Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, saw, bottle opener, and scissors. Nylon sheath included. This handy tool is available in size colors: Red, Green, Orange, Purple, Teal, and Silver. A nylon sheath is included.
Surveyor’s Tape (for Wind Indicators)
Always watch the wind when you shoot. Inexpensive ($2/roll), Day-Glo Surveyors’ Tape (aka “Flagging Tape”), attached to a stake or target frame, makes a good wind indicator. It will flutter even in mild breezes, alerting you to both angle and velocity shifts. This should be part of every range kit. Don’t leave home without it. Flag Tape can also be ordered from Creedmoor SportsK/a> for $3.95 per roll.
TACTICAL STOCKINGS for Your Stocking Stuffers
Don’t have a stocking for your small gift items? Then check out these cool Tactical Stockings. They come in three camo varieties plus OD Green and Black. They all feature 4 MOLLE attachments, rugged carry handle, hanging hook, outside draw pocket, and even Velcro USA Flag Patch. Get all this for the low price of $15.99 (solid colors) or $16.99 (Camo). These stockings are sure to bring smiles to your tacticool family members and friends.
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.
⏺ Modern cast-iron press at great price with FREE die set
For many reloading tasks, it’s tough to beat a solid, quality single-stage press and RCBS continues to make some of the best. If you need a reloading press, check out the RCBS Rebel Press. NOTE: On this new-design Rebel Press, spent primers exit through the bottom of the ram. That’s very convenient.
Right now this press is on sale at Midsouth, for $209.99 — that’s $20 off. And with the purchase of a Rebel press you get a FREE SET OF DIES making this a fantastic deal. NOTE: Free Dies offer ends 12/31/2020.
2. Grafs.com — Peterson Brass, Big Savings with 500ct Bulk Packs
⏺ Peterson brass is excellent; many cartridge types available
Peterson has emerged as a high-quality cartridge brass-maker. For Peterson brass fans, here is a great deal. Grafs.com has a big selection of Peterson bulk brass. The volume option lets you buy many popular brass types in batches of 200-500. This is a great way to pick up very high-quality brass at major savings.
3. Grafs.com — BOG Tripods & Accessories Sale
⏺ BOG makes quality gear favored by serious hunters
BOG Bipods, Tripods and Accessories are well-made, and very popular with hunters and varminters. BOG offers a diverse product line that is great for shooters in the field. You’ll find everything from field sticks to tripod mounts helping hunters get the most out of their hunts. The tripods are very versatile because the legs extend almost horizontal so you can shoot from prone. We like the long-reach cradle-head bipods for shooting from kneeling, or when shooting downhill.
4. Various Dealers — Lapua .284 Winchester Brass Pre-Order
⏺ At last — .284 Win Lapua Brass, ideal for F-Open
F-Class shooters have been awaiting Lapua-made .284 Winchester brass for years. Now it’s finally coming. While delivery is expected in March of 2021, you may soon be able to pre-order your Lapua .284 Winchester Brass from Creedmoor Sports, Grafs.com or Brownells. By pre-ordering when possible, you’ll ensure you get your .284 Win cases as soon as they ship in 2021.
There are many compact, concealed carry handguns available but Ruger makes some of the best pistols for the money. The Ruger LCP Viridian Laser .380 Auto is no exception. This .380 ACP Ruger LCP features a 6+1 capacity, built-in laser, a slim form factor and a hammerless design it makes for a great carry pistol at a price that’s hard to beat
6. MidwayUSA — Range Gear Sale, Save 20% to 30%
⏺ Great mat for the money, and range bags are good values
Want to upgrade your shooting mat or range bag for next season? Then check out the MidwayUSA Range Gear Sale. This week quality shooting mats, bags, rifle cases, pistol cases and other gear are all on sale. Stock up now and be ready for those matches next year.
7. Palmetto State Armory — Rossi RS22 .22 LR Rifle, $119.99
⏺ Just $119.99 — Great first rifle for a young shooter
Looking for a “first rifle” that is affordable yet fun and reliable? Here is one of the very best deals on a .22 LR rifle you can find. Right now at Palmetto State Armory, you can purchase the handy, self-loading Rossi RS22 for just $119.99. User reviews are good — watch the video above. And if you want a little more punch for varmint duties the .22 WMR Rossi RS22 is $249.99, still a good value. NOTE: In many states a person must be at least 18 years old to own a rifle (and in some cases 21 years). Check laws in your jurisdiction. NOTE: The Rossi RS22 on sale has a matte black stock.
8. EuroOptic — Sig Sauer ROMEO5 Red Dot Optic, $149.99
⏺ Highly rated quality Red Dot $50 Savings
Shotguns, defensive ARs, 3-Gun rigs, and pistols can all use a quality red dot sight. If you’ve been looking for a good Red Dot, check out the Sig Sauer ROMEO5 Compact Red Dot Sight. This offers excellent performance at an affordable price that’s now $50 off. It features 40,000-hour runtime on one battery and has a 2 MOA dot for easy target acquisition without covering it completely.
9. Amazon — MAXUS Dante Milligram Scale, $15.99
⏺ Great price for nice hunting rifle; many calibers, coated action + barrel
Having a good utility scale around can be useful for so many reasons including weighing bullets, primers, and even powder. Everyone should have a small battery scale for loading at the range or sorting bullets by weight. Right now you can get a decent digital scale for a mere $15.99. Despite the low price, this MAXUS Dante Milligram Scale has earned good owner reviews. The scale reads up to 771 grains and comes with batteries, check weight, and powder pan.
10. Amazon — Drymate Gun Cleaning Pad, $9.99
⏺ Great price for nice hunting rifle; many calibers, coated action + barrel
There’s nothing worse than working on your guns and spilling solvent on your bench, or having costly, small part roll onto the floor. Avoid those annoying issues with the Drymate Gun Cleaning Pad. This absorbent pad caomes in various sizes starting at only $9.99. The pad is soft enough to keep parts in place when you put them down so the don’t roll off. The pad can also protect the finish of your firearms.
Do you own an AR-platform pistol, or are you considering purchasing one? Then you should read the Special Notice issued on 12/18/2020 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”) concerning features of these firearms. Basically, the ATF is considering reclassifying many of these guns as “short-barreled rifles” because the attached braces effectively function like a rifle buttstock. For decades short-barreled rifles have been a registered item under ATF rules requiring an application and tax stamp. The ATF is now looking at multiple factors to consider the status of AR Pistols. These factors are listed in the ATF’s recent Special Notice: Objective Factors for Classifying Weapons with “Stabilizing Braces”.
Here is text taken from the ATF’s notice in the Federal Register. Take heed — this is only a partial section of the document. You should read theFULL DOCUMENT (PDF Version).
ATF has observed that the development and production of firearms with arm braces has become more prevalent in the firearms industry and, relatedly, that requests for classifications for this kind of firearm design have also increased. Therefore, ATF is publishing this notice to aid the firearms industry and public in understanding the objective design features that FATD (Firearms and Ammunition Technology Division) considers when evaluating firearm samples submitted with a stabilizing brace or similar attachment.
The objective design features ATF considers in determining whether a weapon with an attached “stabilizing brace” has been “designed or redesigned, made or remade, and intended to be fired from the shoulder” include, but are not limited to:
Type and Caliber. The type and caliber of firearm to which the stabilizing brace or similar item is installed. A large caliber firearm that is impractical to fire with one hand because of recoil or other factors, even with an arm brace, is likely to be considered a rifle or shotgun. Weight and Length. The weight and length of the firearm used with the stabilizing brace. A firearm that is so heavy that it is impractical to fire or aim with one hand, or so long that it is difficult to balance the firearm to fire with one hand, is likely to be considered a rifle or shotgun. Length of Pull. The “length of pull” refers to the distance from the trigger to the point at which a stock meets the shoulder. This is a measurement for rifles and shotguns used to accommodate shooters of different sizes. Because an arm brace need only reach the forearm, the distance between the trigger and the back of the brace is generally expected to be shorter than the distance between the trigger and the back of a stock on a weapon designed and intended to be fired from the shoulder. This measurement is not necessarily determinative of the intent of the manufacturer but is used in making an evaluation of the firearm. If a brace is of a length that makes it impractical to attach to the shooter’s wrist or forearm, then that may demonstrate that it is not designed as brace but rather for shoulder fire. Attachment Method. The method of attachment of the stabilizing brace, to include modified stock attachments, extended receiver extensions, and the use of spacers. These items extend the distance between the trigger and the part of the weapon that contacts the shooter, whether it is a stock or stabilizing brace. Use of these items indicates that the weapon is designed and intended to be fired from the shoulder because they extend a stabilizing brace beyond a point that is useful for something other than shoulder support. Stabilizing Brace Design Features. The objective design features of the attached stabilizing brace itself are relevant to the classification of the assembled weapon, and include:
— The comparative function of the attachment when utilized as a stabilizing brace compared to its alternate use as a shouldering device;
— The design of the stabilizing brace compared to known shoulder stock designs;
— The amount of rear contact surface area of the stabilizing brace that can be used in shouldering the weapon as compared to the surface area necessary for use as a stabilizing brace;
— The material used to make the attachment that indicates whether the brace is designed and intended to be pressed against the shoulder for support, or actually used on the arm;
— Any shared or interchangeable parts with known shoulder stocks; and
— Any other feature of the brace that improves the weapon’s effectiveness from the shoulder-firing position without providing a corresponding benefit to the effectiveness of the stability and support provided by the brace’s use on the arm.
Aim Point. Appropriate aim point when utilizing the attachment as a stabilizing brace. If the aim point when using the arm brace attachment results in an upward or downward trajectory that could not accurately hit a target, this may indicate the attachment was not designed as a stabilizing brace. Secondary Grip. The presence of a secondary grip may indicate that the weapon is not a “pistol” because it is not designed to be held and fired by one hand. Sights and Scopes. Incorporation of sights or scopes that possess eye relief incompatible with one-handed firing may indicate that the weapon is not a “pistol” because they are designed to be used from a shoulder-fire position and are incompatible for the single-handed shooting that arm braces are designed and intended. Peripheral Accessories. Installation of peripheral accessories commonly found on rifles or shotguns that may indicate that the firearm is not designed and intended to be held and fired with one hand. This includes, but is not limited to, the installation of bipods/monopods that improve the accuracy of heavy weapons designed and intended to be fired from the shoulder; or the inclusion of a magazine or drum that accepts so many cartridges that it increases the overall weight of the firearm to a degree that it is impractical to fire the weapon with one hand even with the assistance of a stabilizing brace.
The ATF concludes: “These factors are based on known stabilizing braces and similar attachments. No single factor or combination of factors is necessarily dispositive, and FATD examines each weapon holistically on a case-by-case basis. …. Moreover, in addition to the objective design features of a submitted sample, FATD also considers the marketing of both the item and the firearm to which it is attached, compared to the manufacturer’s stated intent when submitting an item.”
AR-Platform Pistols — Current Options on the Market
If you are interested in learning more about AR-platform pistols with short barrels, PewPewTactical.com has published a useful article entitled: Six Best AR-15 Pistols [2020 Complete & Build List]. That article quickly covers the legal status of such firearms, at least before the recent ATF Guidance document:
So, what exactly is an AR pistol? If you want the complex legal definition of a pistol Check ATF’s Website.
“The short version is: An AR Pistol is an AR-15 that was built from the start to be a pistol — it also has a barrel less than 16 inches in length and does not have a stock. Generally, an AR-15 Pistol will have a stabilizing brace instead of a stock, but that isn’t required.”
ATF Changes May be Coming — And You Must Consider State Laws As Well
However, PewPewTActical notes that: “The ATF is reevaluating its stance on stabilizing braces. Pew Pew Tactical is monitoring the situation and will update our readers if there are any legal changes in the future.” And… the article further cautions: “Double check your state law before embarking on this kind of build, what federally qualifies as a ‘firearm’ or ‘pistol’ might be an ‘assault pistol’ in your state.” SOURCE: PewPewTactical.com
Every year the NRA Publications group announces Golden Bullseye winners for various product categories (rifle, handgun, shotgun, optics, gear etc.). These awards are like the Oscars for the shooting industry. There are many Golden Bullseyes given out each year because there are separate awards given by different NRA Magazines — including American Rifleman, Shooting Illustrated, and American Hunter. Here are the 2021 Rifles of the Year (Golden Bullseye Winners) as chosen by each of those three publications.
American Rifleman 2021 Golden Bullseye Award Winner
Rifle of the Year — Benelli LUPO
The LUPO is Benelli’s first bolt-action rifle (“Lupo” is Italian for “wolf”). This new chassis-style hunting rifle allows for user fitting/customization out of the box. The LUPO design boasts no less than seven exclusive Benelli patents. It offers a built-in recoil reduction system, adjustable trigger plus grip-to-trigger “reach” customizable via receiver/stock spacers. The Airtouch Grip surfaces allow for a firm, comfortable hold on the rifle. The action comes with rails and an ambi-safety. Fort its innovative LUPO Benellit offers a 3-shot sub-MOA guarantee.
American Hunter 2021 Golden Bullseye Award Winner
Rifle of the Year — Springfield Armory Model 2020 Waypoint
We’re in the thick of hunting season now, so we’re featuring an impressive new hunting rig from Springfield Armory. The new Model 2020 Waypoint rifles feature advanced carbon-wrapped barrels*, TriggerTech triggers, and carbon-fiber, hand-painted camo stocks. The actions are pretty impressive too — with precision machining, enlarged ejection port, and integral recoil lug. These Waypoint rifles rival full-custom hunting rigs, yet are reasonably affordable. Starting price is $1699.00 with stainless barrel, while the deluxe model with carbon-wrapped barrel and adjustable cheekpiece is still under $2,400.00.
Handsome Hand-Painted Carbon-Fiber Stocks
Minimum gun weight with carbon-wrapped barrel and fixed cheek is just 6.6 pounds.
Shooting Illustrated 2021 Golden Bullseye Award Winner
Rifle of the Year — Savage Axis II Precision
The Savage AXIS II has has been given a Precision Series upgrade with a MDT Chassis designed for Savage AXIS II platform. The MDT black aluminum chassis features an olive drab injection-molded skin. It has adjustable comb height while length of pull adjusts via spacers. An MLOK™ fore-end allows easy fitting of accessories. This rifle features a black-finished action fitted to 22″ carbon steel, button-rifled heavy barrel with threaded muzzle. The Savage AccuTrigger adjusts from 2.5 to 6 pounds pull-weight.
About the Golden Bullseye Awards
Now in their 19th year, the NRA Publications Golden Bullseye Awards acknowledge the finest products available in the shooting sports. The winners are selected by a seven-member committee consisting of editors, graphic designers and veteran NRA Publications staff, representing more than a century of collective experience in the shooting and hunting industry.
To qualify for consideration for a Golden Bullseye Award, a product must have been:
— Recently introduced and available to consumers.
— Used/tested by a staff member or magazine contributor.
— Reliable in the field, meeting or exceeding the evaluator’s expectations
— Innovative in design and function.
— Readily perceived as a value to the purchaser.
— Styled in a manner befitting the shooting and hunting industry.
“In the uncertain year of 2020, companies with in the firearm industry continued to innovate”, said American Rifleman Editor-in-Chief (EIC) Mark Keefe. American Hunter EIC J. Scott Olmsted added: “Companies in the firearm and outdoor trade industry continued to provide innovation, quality and value to us all. American Hunter is proud to honor these companies’ dedication to our pastime with 2021 Golden Bullseyes.”
Nielsen-Kellerman, Inc. (NK) is acquiring the assets of MagnetoSpeed, LLC, leading manufacturer of barrel-mounted electromagnetic chronographs and other shooting accessories. MagnetoSpeed will join Kestrel Ballistics in NK’s Ballistics Division. With Kestrel and now MagnetoSpeed, NK has two very important product lines for precision shooters and competitors. And yes, NK anticipates that, in the near future, new software engineering will allow MagnetoSpeed chronos to communicate with Kestrels to provide faster ballistic solutions. NK CEO Alix James stated: “…We see exciting opportunities to improve the function of the chronograph line by connecting the chronographs directly to Kestrel Ballistics Weather Meters with Kestrel LiNK. The MagnetoSpeed founders are brilliant engineers and we are grateful for the opportunity to build upon their design innovations.”
NK CEO James added: “The MagnetoSpeed acquisition is a win for our companies, our customers, and the shooting community as a whole. The MagnetoSpeed brand is known for accuracy, durability, and innovation. This aligns with our commitment to producing extremely accurate, rugged, purpose-built ballistics tools for improving long-range precision and shooting performance. The move…supports NK’s commitment to expanding its offerings to the shooting, hunting, and outdoor users.”
NOTE: NK Ballistics Division will host a combined Kestrel/MagnetoSpeed Virtual Class training session on 12/23/2020. CLICK HERE to Register.
Nielsen-Kellerman Announces Acquisition of MagnetoSpeed LLC
The founders of MagnetoSpeed are proud their company is teaming with NK and Kestrel: “Ten years ago, three young engineers from Texas began work on a new kind of chronograph. It began with a crude prototype, but with the support of the shooting community, we were able to bootstrap those humble beginnings into a successful company[.] We see a great opportunity with Kestrel’s Ballistic division to take our products to the next level and to develop amazing new ones.”
MagnetoSpeed Product Line OverView
MagnetoSpeed has been manufacturing rugged chronographs, target hit indicators, and barrel coolers since 2013. The company’s signature V3 and Sporter barrel-mounted ballistic chronographs use patented electromagnetic sensors to measure bullet velocity with extreme precision and reliability. Other MagnetoSpeed products include the T1000 Hit Indicator, and the Riflekühl chamber flag + barrel cooler.
With a MagnetoSpeed barrel-mounted chrono you can quickly and easily record muzzle velocity (MV) without having to set up tripods or walk down-range. The compact MagnetoSpeed chronos are easy to set up and transport. With the full-featured V3 model, everything you need comes in a small fitted case. In the top photo are the components used with the MagnetoSpeed V3 Kit:
1. V3 Bayonet sensor
2. Display and control unit
3. Bayonet spacers (plastic and rubber)
4. Cords and mounting hardware (left), suppressor heat shield (right)
5. Alignment rod (square cross-section)
6. Rail adapter (sold separately)
If you are on a tighter budget, the MagnetoSpeed Sporter is a great option. This unit works on most rifles and offers the same reliable speed-measuring technology as the V3 model, but with fewer options and different display. Available for just $179.00 on Amazon, the MagnetoSpeed Sporter is perhaps the best value in chronographs on the market today.
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.
⏺ Great price for nice hunting rifle; many calibers, coated action + barrel
In today’s market, getting a quality hunting rig for under $450.00 is a very good deal. Add in a Permacote protective finish on both action and barrel and you have a true bargain. Right now Sportsman’s Warehouse is offering the Winchester XPR rifle in a variety of regular and magnum chamberings for just $449.99. Choose from 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win, 7mm Rem Magnum, .308 Win, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Win Magnum. These guns have smooth feeding and good warranties. Notable features include:
Flat Dark Earth (FDE) Permacote Receiver Finish
Free-floating Button-rifled Barrel with FDE Permacote Finish
M.O.A. Trigger System with 2-Position Thumb Safety
Mossy Oak Elements Terra Bayou Camouflage Finish
2. Midsouth — Bullets IN STOCK from All Major Brands
⏺ Berger, Sierra, Hornady, Nosler, Barnes, Speer in stock
Reloading components are getting harder to find. Thankfully, Midsouth has a HUGE inventory of rifle bullets IN STOCK, from many makers, in a wide selection of calibers and weights. And many of these bullets are on sale right now. Choose your favorite projectiles from Berger, Sierra, Hornady, Nosler, Speer, and Barnes. You’ll find good prices on rifle match bullets as well as hunting bullets, with both tipped and conventional designs, as well as solids (from Barnes). Hornady A-Tips are on sale. CLICK HERE for Bullets.
⏺ Very high quality brass for popular mid-size accuracy cartridges
After Lapua and Peterson, USA-based Alpha Munitions makes some of the best cartridge brass available today. In stock now at Precision Reloading is Alpha brass for these popular cartridges: 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6XC, and .308 Win. Notably, Alpha also makes 6mm Dasher brass, saving you a fire-forming step, and Alpha also produces the new 6GT case popular with PRS shooters. BIG NEWS: Alpha recently started producing 6mm BRA (6BR Ackley) brass. Alpha 6mm BRA and 6 Dasher brass are available directly from Alpha Munitions, but act soon — this will quickly sell out. Click links below:
⏺ Fast, programmable, accurate dispenser at great price
The Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper is a high-quality powder scale dispenser. It’s accurate to +/- one-tenth of a grain, dispenses in seconds, and can be controlled by a handy mobile App that can store various charges weights for different cartridges. This unit has a 7000-grain capacity with both Auto and manual trickle capability. IMPORTANT: This super-low Amazon price won’t last long. Act quickly to secure the Intellidropper for $179.95 on Sale.
5. All Dealers — Zeiss Conquest V4 $100 Instant Rebate
⏺ Instant $100 savings on outstanding Zeiss Conquest V4 Scopes
Calling all holiday shoppers! Looking for that perfect gift for the hunter or shooter on your list? Through December 31, 2020, ZEISS is offering a great deal through participating ZEISS authorized retailers. Customers looking to buy Conquest V4 riflescopes and Terra ED 42 mm objective binoculars will receive $100 off instantly at time of purchase. No Rebate forms to fill out, no waiting periods — you just save $100 instantly. CLICK HERE for ZEISS SALE INFO.
6. MidwayUSA — BOG Death Grip Tripod, $124.99
⏺ Versatile — use in all positions (even prone), secure top clamp
BOG makes very popular “long reach” shooting sticks/bipods for hunters. And now BOG has developed a clamp-style tripod that is great for hunters and PRS/NRL competitors. The BOG Death Grip Tripod has a rectangular-style padded clamp that will fit a wide variety of rifle fore-end styles (and widths).
Watch the video above to see this tripod’s versatility and why it has earned rave reviews. Non-marring rubber jaw insert protect your rifle’s finish. The 3-position leg angle lock allows for secure shooting in standing, kneeling and prone positions. Tilt adjustment lever controls up to 25 degrees of cant forwards and back and the head pans 360 degrees. Right now the BOG Death Grip Tripod Aluminum version is on sale at MidwayUSA for $124.99, $25.00 off. NOTE: You need to place the product in MidwayUSA’s shopping cart to see this special price.
7. Focus Camera — Fujinon Scope Plus Binoculars, $149.00
⏺ Killer combo deal — great gift for someone getting started in hunting
Here is a killer deal on a hunting optics combo. Fujinon does make high quality optics but the company is not well known among American consumers so Fujinon optics have been deeply discounted. Right now you can get a good, light-weight 1.75-5x32mm hunting scope AND 10x32mm binoculars for just $149.00! The original MSRP on this combo was $499.99 so you’re saving over $350! The magnification level is ideal for a deer rifle scope. We think this would be a great gift item for a hunter in your family.
8. Midsouth — Great End-of-Year Target Sale
⏺ Dozens of Hi-Viz and Specialty Targets at Great Prices
Need targets for your range days next year? Midsouth Shooters has a huge selection of shooting targets at attractive prices. Choose from stick-on targets, target dots, splatter targets, grid targets, bullseye targets, and even Zombie fun targets, in various sizes and colors.
Midsouth also has a unique stick-on white benchrest target that comes on a handy roll. The 250 target roll is $12.49. This self-adhesive target is great for practicing for benchrest matches and load development. We use it because it has a nice grid and precise aim point.
9. MidwayUSA — Dual Gong Target System, 50% Off, $44.99
⏺ Great Price for twin AR500 system — just add wood beam and have fun
Who doesn’t like shooting steel? The “clang” of hitting a steel target at long range provides instant gratification. This Viking Solutions Gong Target System features two AR500 Steel Gongs (6″ and 8″) suspended by chains. All the hardware is supplied including chains, leg stands, and nuts and bolts — all you need is a length of 2×4 lumber. Setup time is less than two minutes. The gongs are manufactured from 3/8″-thick AR500 steel for long lasting durability! NOTE: User must supply lumber beam. This unit once sold for $89.99 so you save $45.00!
10. Amazon — Cleaning Kit with 1000 Patches, Swabs, Boresnake
⏺ Great bargain cleaning kit with swabs, 1000 patches, bottles and boresnake
This handy Gun Cleaning Kit is worth the $15.95 price for the 1000 cotton patches alone. But in addition to that you get a handy boresnake for barrel cleaning, 100 cotton, tipped swabs, two empty solvent bottles (needle-nose), along with a handy kit to carry all this gear. Buyer selects the boresnake size. Chose from: .223, .270/7mm, .308, .40, .45, and 12 gauge.
There are many reasons you might want to make a chamber cast. You may have acquired an older rifle and need to verify the chamber dimensions. Or, if you have a new reamer, you may want to check the exact “cut” dimensions against the blueprint specs. A chamber casting is also valuable if you run across a firearm that you believe has a custom barrel on it and you want to find out the dimensions of the chamber. Lastly, you may want to prepare a chamber casting to be used in the making of custom dies. (Most reloading die makers know how to work from Cerrosafe chamber casts.)
Cerrosafe is a metal alloy that has some unique properties which make it ideal for chamber casting. First, it has a relatively low melting point of 158 to 190° Fahrenheit. This makes it easy for the handloader to melt the Cerrosafe in his home shop. Second, it shrinks slightly during cooling which allows it to be extracted from the chamber easily. It then re-expands to the chamber’s original size after about one hour at room temperature. After cooling for about 200 hours, the chamber cast will expand to about .0025″ larger than the actual chamber size.
One of our Forum members has done many Cerrosafe castings and he offers this smart advice:
1. Remove the barrel from the action to make the pour much easier. If you don’t remove the barrel, it can be hard to pour through the action (even with a funnel) and can make a mess if you’re not careful.
2. Pre-heat the barrel for 5-10 minutes in the oven on the very lowest setting (170° F in my oven). (DON’T overdo it!). Allow to cool for a couple minutes so you can pick it up and it is under 120° F. Pre-heating the barrel helps the Cerrosafe stay liquid as you pour the casting. This helps ensure a good, complete fit to the chamber.
How to Use Cerrosafe for Chamber Casting
The basic ingredient of Cerrosafe is bismuth. Bismuth is a heavy, coarse, crystalline metal which expands when it solidifies, up to 3.3% of its volume. When bismuth is alloyed with other metals, such as lead, tin, cadmium and indium, this expansion is modified according to the relative percentages of bismuth and other components present. As a general rule, bismuth alloys of approximately 50% bismuth exhibit little change of volume during solidification. Alloys containing more than this tend to expand during solidification and those containing less tend to shrink during solidification.
What all this means for the gunsmith is that you can make chamber castings using only Cerrosafe and a few, simple hand tools. To make a chamber casting, first clean and degrease the chamber. Use a tight-fitting, cotton patch that’s wrapped around a bore mop or brush to plug the bore just ahead of the throat. I usually leave the cleaning rod attached to the plug until it’s time to remove the plug. Melt the entire bar of Cerrosafe in a heatproof container that you can easily pour the hot Cerrosafe out of. You can use a propane torch or heat over a hot plate or the burner of a stove. Cerrosafe melts easily at 158°-195° F. While the casting metal is still liquid, stir very well, skim off the dross, and pour your chamber. The real trick with Cerrosafe is not to overheat it. If you heat the solid slowly, and keep it within the required temperature range, you shouldn’t get any dross.
Note the time the casting was poured. The casting will take only a very short time to solidify, usually within a minute. Wait 30 minutes and then remove the plug from the bore. Turn the muzzle upward and the casting will fall from the chamber. At 30 minutes after initial solidification, Cerrosafe shrinks slightly, so removal is very easy. Allow the new casting to cool thoroughly then measure the casting exactly one hour from the time it was cast. The casting will give you an exact measurement of the chamber. Cerrosafe casting metal can be used over and over. Remelt the entire amount back together and pour the Cerrosafe into a small mold of the appropriate size. Always melt the entire Cerrosafe ingot to make a chamber casting. For best results, never cut off, or use, just a part of the ingot.
In our Shooter’s Forum there is a popular thread, Let’s See Those Hunting Rifles. This long-running thread features dozens of interesting hunting rifles of all varieties — from rimfires to big magnums. In that thread we found the focus of today’s story, a .221 Fireball. Now that we are in the thick of winter, with Christmas just two weeks away, we showcase this .221 Rem Fireball rifle from Norway. This rig belong to Thomas Haugland, aka “Roe” on our Forum. An avid backcountry hunter, Thomas also happens to be one of the best gun-content video producers on YouTube — check out Haugland’s THLR.NO YouTube Channel.
We’ll begin with two of Haugland’s remarkable videos — worth watching just for the stunning scenery. Thomas skis through the Norwegian Arctic backcountry, then successfully uses his suppressed, white-camouflaged .221 Fireball rifle to bag a Ptarmigan bird — bringing home a well-earned winter dinner.
NOTE: This is the short preview version. Watch the full hunt in second video.
The 7-minute video below shows the full ski hunt. The Ptarmigans are spotted at 4:30 time mark and Thomas takes the shot at 5:36. Great video — you feel like you are there in Norway’s white wilderness. The images above (including top photo) are pulled from this video.
About the .221 Fireball Cartridge
The .221 Remington Fireball cartridge was developed by Remington in 1963 for the XP-100 bolt action pistol. Today the cartridge remains popular with hunters/varminters, both in the original version, and with wildcats such as the .20 Vartarg and .17 Fireball. Lapua started making superb .221 Rem Fireball cartridge brass starting in 2014. However, according to Lapua: “This case is no longer in active production.” But you can definitely still find it — Lapua .221 Fireball brass is in stock now at Grafs.com for $79.99/100. Lapua notes: “Fireball brass has recently seen a dramatic surge in popularity, due in large part to the efforts of wildcatters working with this versatile case. Whether used in its original form, or necked into one of the many cases that it serves as a parent for, the Lapua .221 Fireball brass is a sure winner[.]”
Haugland .221 Fireball with New Carbon Stock and Walther Barrel
Shown above is Haugland’s same .221 Rem Fireball from the videos, but with a new camo stock and new barrel. (The previous stock was painted white). Originally a Remington 700 Light Varmint, this was rebarreled to .221 Fireball with Lothar Walther 1:12″ barrel. Thomas admits he “Goofed a little on the barrel profile, so it is a tad heavier than I wanted.” The stock is a carbon-fiber Gunwerks ClymR and on top is a Leupold 3-18x44mm MK5 HD with Gunwerks RH1 reticle. Only the action and the trigger is left from the original rifle.
With the 1:12″ twist, this rifle is restricted to 55gr maximum bullet weight. Thomas posted: “Shoots well with Vihtavuori N130 and Norma N200 powders, not so good with RL7.” Due to lack of light in far-Northern Norway in winter (see photo above), Roe has not hunted with this rifle much since rebarreling, but as you can see, it’s very accurate — look at that group. Thomas says the gun shoots much better with the new barrel: “With the factory barrel (which I believe was 1:14″-twist) it didn’t shoot better than 1 MOA at 100 yards. Now it approaches half-MOA for three shots (see photo).”
And Thomas was successful with this rig as “reborn” with new stock and barrel. Here’s the gun and a Ptarmigan he shot in the Norwegian snow-covered backcountry.
If you like that Gunwerks ClymR carbon stock, here’s a Gunwerks video showcasing the ClymR Rifle System. A complete Gunwerks ClymR rifle with Titanium action and scope is a shocking $9734.99, so we can understand why Thomas went with the stock alone, paired with a older Rem 700 action.
Right now, with loaded ammunition and primers hard to find, many shooters are exploring air rifle options to enjoy target shooting and maintain their marksmanship skills. While air rifles don’t use powder and primers, there IS a propellant — compressed AIR, very highly compressed air. Some of the premium air rifles on the market now run at 4500 PSI. How do you get that kind of pressure safely? You need a very good air compressor, preferrably with smart technology to run to max without over-pressure risks. Thankfully, there are some very advanced air compressors on the market today, including a new ReadyAir “oilless” compressor from Umarex and the popular Air Venturi II portable sold by Pyramyd Air. Both electrically-powered units can safely fill airgun reservoirs up to 4500 PSI.
UMAREX ReadyAir Oilless Airgun Compressor
Umarex USA recently introduced a new oilless portable air compressor to fill high-pressure air guns. The innovative Umarex ReadyAir pump is a “smart device” with electronically-controlled fills up to 4500 PSI. It utilizes a patented oilless piston compression technology to fill PCP reservoirs up to a true 4500 PSI in a few minutes. The oilless design means less maintenance hassles.
“In a growing market of 3000 PSI and greater airguns, shooters need an easy, yet reliable and portable air source. The Umarex ReadyAir reliably fills … 4500 PSI airguns like that of our Umarex Hammer and other big game hunting air rifles in just minutes”, said Richard Turner, President of Umarex USA.
The oilless system is simple and requires less maintenance allowing shooters to spend more time shooting and less time maintaining their compressor. The ReadyAir is the only smart airgun compressor in its class engineered to be oilless AND control the extreme heat generated by the compression of air. Umarex claims “the heavy-duty quality components plus smart electronic governors increases its life expectancy and decreases maintenance while eliminating the need for liquid cooling or lubrication.”
The Umarex ReadyAir can run from standard 110-volt electrical outlets without an external converter box. Or it can run from a 12-volt vehicle battery with the included 8-foot battery cables. The ReadyAir can be electronically programmed to fill to any desired pressure up to 4500 PSI. It is managed by a smart on-board computer that automatically shuts the compressor off if the set running temperature is ever exceeded. It also features a compressed activated charcoal filter to prevent dirt and moisture from entering an airgun’s reservoir.
UMAREX READYAIR FEATURES:
Oil-Free: Requires no oil or water
Smart Digital Auto-Shut-Off Control: Stops at your Set Pressure
Temp Protection: Smart Auto Shut Off prevents over-heating
Legitimately Fills to 4500 PSI
Electric: Use standard 110 volt or 12 volts with no external converter
Dual Language Capability: English / Spanish
High-Pressure Hose, Long 12 volt cables and 110 volt power cable included
Maintenance Kit Included
The portable Umarex ReadyAir has an attractive $549.99 MSRP, half the price of some other 4500 PSI compressors. (Order from Pyramyd Air for $529.99). Each ReadyAir includes the compressor unit with carry handle, 110V power cord, 12V battery clamp cable, and a high-pressure hose with quick connect fittings.
Air Venturi Nomad II Electric Air Compressor
Another very good value in a 4500 PSI electric-powered air compressor, is the Air Venturi Nomad II 4500 PSI Portable PCP Compressor. Priced at $699.99, the Nomad II offers features and performance that could cost $1000.00 or more with other machines capable of quick air fills up to 4500 PSI. Weighing under 20 pounds, and sized just 10.6″ L x 8″ W x 7.9″, the fan-cooled Nomad II is truly a “portable” unit that even includes a travel bag and a converter so you can power this pump from your vehicle’s 12-volt battery. NOTE: This requires lubricant — you must use pure silicone oil with the Nomad II Compressor.
Pressures up to 4500 PSI
Integrated LED lights on underside of the unit for low light use
Capable of running off 110V or 220V outlet or 12V car battery
Fan-cooled power supply for electrical outlet use is built-in
External Lubrication Port (Use Silicone Lubricant only)
Hose with integrated moisture catch and female QD fittings
Noise level while running is 92 dB
Jumper cables included
Efficient High Pressure Hand Pumps
Have you ever wanted to shoot at a range or in the field where there is no electrical power and you don’t have a gas-fueled pump of some kind? There IS an human-powered way to fill your air rifles — if you’re willing to expend some energy.
For the money, we like the GX PCP 4500 PSI Hand Pump, $159.99 at Amazon (shown above). This well-designed pump features a 3.5 Stage high pressure fill function along with built-in Oil-Moisture Filters. The exclusive 3.5 Stage pump design compresses the maximum amount of air possible from each stroke. That means fewer strokes and less work to fill your air gun. The design also has a wide-spread base that keeps the unit nice and steady while you are pumping.
Umarex also offers a specialized hand pump rated for 4500 PSI — though a 3000 PSI fill is more common. The Umarex SuperFill High Pressure Hand Pump compresses the maximum amount of air possible from each stroke. About 150 strokes of the pump will fill a 13ci (200 cc) tank to 3000 PSI. For $49.99 you can add the patented Dry-Pac system that removes up to 90% of moisture in the compressed air. With this pump Umarex includes a female quick-disconnect fitting that threads onto the end of the hose. This SuperFill Hand Pump costs $179.99 from Umarex
In this video, Eydin Hansen explains how to use high-pressure hand pumps. The key is to use steady strokes both up and down. Use your body-weight on the down stroke, when there is the most resistance. Hansen also suggests pumping in stages — pump for 5 minutes, then let it cool down for 15. Them pump another 5. Hansen recommends keeping Keep your airgun’s cylinder topped off so that future pumping won’t require more than the one, 5-minute session. “Slow and steady wins the race”, says Hansen.
Are you thinking of getting into the NRL22 game next season, our would you just like to add a modern chassis-style rimfire rig to your rifle collection? Here is a cool new MDT chassis that can transform a basic CZ 457 .22 LR rifle into something much more modern and versatile. With this $499.95 MDT XRS Chassis system, you can build a very competitive NRL22 rig for under $1000.00 (before optics). Right now a basic CZ 457 rifle costs just $427.00 at Bud’s Gunshop, with heavy-barreled 457s $80-$120 more.
MDT Offers New CZ 457 Inlet for MDT XRS Chassis System
MDT now offers a CZ 457-inletted MDT XRS Chassis System. This modern modular aluminum chassis transforms a “plain Jane” CZ 457 into something that can really perform in rimfire tactical competitions. The XRS Chassis System provides adjustability and features that can benefit tactical shooters. The stock features adjustable cheekpiece and adjustable length of pull. The 12.12″ long fore-end comes with M-LOK slots built in for accessory mounting and attachment of ARCA or Picatinny rails. With a rail on the bottom you can slide your bipod fore and aft to adapt to various stage positions and supports.
Weighing in at 3.9 pounds, the XRS features an adjustable length-of-pull (via spacers) from 13.25″ to 15.0″. There is also a handy quick-adjust cheek piece. This affordable XRS chassis is a great upgrade for a basic CZ 457 .22 LR bolt-action rimfire rifle. The CZ 457 American, shown below. is under $470.00.
Each XRS is constructed from a full-length, CNC-machined core of aircraft-grade aluminum with textured polymer outer panels (for durability and “feel”). The precision aluminum bedding system helps maximize the accuracy of the CZ 457 action. The XRS features a replaceable over-molded and textured grip system, with BOTH angled and vertical grips included with purchase.
CLICK HERE for more information on the MDT XRS Chassis System with a starting price of $499.95.
Every year the NRA Publications group announces Golden Bullseye winners for various product categories (rifle, handgun, shotgun, optics, gear etc.). These awards are like the Oscars for the shooting industry. There are many Golden Bullseyes given out each year because there are separate awards given by different NRA Magazines — including American Rifleman, Shooting Illustrated, and American Hunter. Here are the 2021 Rifles of the Year (Golden Bullseye Winners) as chosen by each of those three publications.
⏺ Dozens of Hi-Viz and Specialty Targets at Great Prices
Cerrosafe is a metal alloy that has some unique properties which make it ideal for chamber casting. First, it has a relatively low melting point of 158 to 190° Fahrenheit. This makes it easy for the handloader to melt the Cerrosafe in his home shop. Second, it shrinks slightly during cooling which allows it to be extracted from the chamber easily. It then re-expands to the chamber’s original size after about one hour at room temperature. After cooling for about 200 hours, the chamber cast will expand to about .0025″ larger than the actual chamber size.
About the .221 Fireball Cartridge
For the money, we like the 
