Hornady has an innovative new gunsafe designed for use in vehicles. The new Hornady RAPiD Vehicle Safe offers instant access using modern RFID technology. In addition the RAPiD Safe can easily be installed in nearly any car or truck with individual front seats and a center column. The safe is placed either on the driver’s side or the passenger side, in the gap between the seat and the center console. An inflatable air bladder fits into the gap between seat and column, holding the RAPiD safe steady. A further cable locks around the seat base for added security.
We checked out this product at SHOT Show and it has a lot of positives. It can be easily moved from one vehicle to another, with no interior modifications required. Your handgun can be deployed in just a few seconds (watch video). There is a back-up conventional barrel lock and key, so you can always access your firearm even if the electrical system malfunctions. The RAPiD Vehicle safe can run on its own batteries or you can plug its cord into your vehicle’s 12V power outlet. The air bladder wedge system works pretty well on most vehicles, but the RAPiD Safe definitely wobbles a bit when you open or close it. We prefer it on the passenger side, unless you have a very wide center console.
Looks like MasterPiece Arms (MPA) stocks are a top choice for the tactical game. MPA chassis systems have been used to WIN 5 of the last 12 matches in the Precision Rifle Series (PRS). The MPA BA Chassis was used by David Preston to win the Carolina PRS Match, Defiance Long Range Shooting Experience (LRSE), and Rocky Mountain Mayhem PRS Match; by Matt Brousseau to win the Bushnell Lonestar Challenge; and by Matt Rooks to win the MPA Spring Shootout. Five of twelve works out to a 42% win percentage — pretty impressive considering all the stock/chassis options on the market today.
The MPA BA Chassis was recently surveyed to be the number one chassis/stock system used by PRS competitors in the PRS 2017 Finale Gear Survey. It experienced a 900% increase in use in 2017 from 2016, which was by far the biggest jump among all chassis systems used by PRS competitors.
MPA’s president, Phil Cashin, is an active PRS shooter. He finished in the top 100 in 2017 and qualified for the finale last year. Cashin, shown in the video below, regularly tests out new ideas and upgrades in actual competition and he regularly seeks out feedback from top tactical competitors. As they say, competition improves the breed.
MPA Production Class Rifle
MPA also offers a PRS Production Class Rifle (PCR) using the MPA Chassis system mated to a Savage Model 12 action. Production Class rifles may cost no more than $2000.00 before optics. Designed specifically for the new PRS Production Class, MPA’s PCR Competition Rifle offers many premium features yet stays under the $2,000 Class limit. The Savage action is upgraded with a Rifle Basix 2-lb trigger, and the adjustable, modular chassis offers a bag rider, barricade stop, and built-in bubble level.
For more information on the MasterPiece Arms product line of rifles, chassis systems and accessories, visit www.Masterpiecearms.com.
UPDATE: The 46x48mm side-parallax Weaver XR (black) is on sale now at Amazon for $666.00! You can save over $300.00 on this optic right now — but don’t delay. These special deals don’t last long.
With the cost of some high-end, high-magnification zoom scopes climbing well past the $3000-dollar mark, some shooters are considering a return to fixed-power optics. These are still quite popular in the short-range Benchrest game where weight is “mission critical” and the need to view mirage at lower power is not so critical. But now we are seeing some F-Class competitors considering fixed-power scopes — primarily for the increased reliability and huge cost savings. The $2000+ you can save (compared to a $3000+ Zoom) could buy a custom action, trigger, and premium barrel!
One scope to consider is Weaver’s latest T-Series 46X target scope with side-focus parallax control. With a street price around $900.00, the new Weaver T-Series XR 46x48mm scope offers a lot of bang for the buck compared to the pricey zoom scopes. Compared to the older T-36, this new 46-power XR scope offers more magnification, more elevation, a larger front objective (48mm vs. 40mm), and a larger 30mm main tube (compared to 1″ for the old T-36). The new XR 46X Weaver also features side-focus parallax control. That’s a big change. You could instantly spot a classic Weaver T-36 by the adjustable front objective with its knurled ring and yardage markings. The T-Series XR 46X (as well as the new XR 24X and XR 36X) have the parallax control on the left side of the main tube (photo below).
We have looked through the new Weaver 46X scope and it is very sharp. Brightness is good — it seems comparable with a Leupold 45x45mm Competition (but that was on a bright, sunny day). Initial tests show the clicks to be tactile and positive, but we haven’t had a chance to do a full “box test” to confirm tracking. Weaver claims the new XR series scopes will focus down to 50 feet, but with the 46X we had some questions about its extreme close-focus capability. If you’re shooting beyond 50 yards, the focus should be fine.
The new T-Series 46X XR is offered with two reticle choices, a fine cross-hair (FCH), or FCH with 1/16th MOA dot. Both reticles are well-suited for benchrest work. You can find the new 46X Weaver for under $900.00. That’s way more than the old T-36, but it undercuts Leupold fixed-power competition scopes by hundreds of dollars.
Other Side-Focuc 36X T-Series XR Scopes with Side-Focus and 1″ Tubes
The new 46-power XR scope is the star of the XR line-up. Designed to go head-to-head with Leupold’s 45X Competition scope, the 46X Weaver XR offers a modern 30mm main-tube and large (48mm) front objective. If you don’t need the bigger tube and larger objective, but still want side-focus parallax control, Weaver offers two other new XR scopes — a 36x40mm and a 24x40mm. These both normally retail for around $600.00. (And the 36X is on SALE now for $499.99 as of 4/21/18).
Older T-Series Weavers for Under $450.00
If you’re on a tight budget and don’t need 46-power magnification and side parallax control, you may want to consider the older 36-power T-series Weavers. These adjustable front-objective Weaver “Tees” enjoy a good reputation for reliability. They’re not a bright as the XR models, but you can now purchase the older T-series scopes with adjustable front objectives for well under $450.00 in both black finish and silver finish. For benchrest shooting at a fixed distance, side-focus is not necessary; adjustable front objectives work just fine. Just set and forget.
Running out of space in your gun safe? Here’s a clever product that will allow you to store more long guns in your current vault. The plastic Rifle Rods from Gun Storage Solutions slip in long-gun barrels and then grip the shelf above using Velcro pads. This allows you to nestle your rifles and shotguns much closer together than with the conventional racks provided with most gunsafes. The rods are offered in bright orange or basic black. We prefer the safety orange rods (shown above with the Velcro “receiver” shelf liner provided with the Rod Kit).
Rifles with narrow furniture (such as lever guns) can be placed very close together, saving lots of space. For benchrest or varmint rifles with wider fore-ends, you won’t benefit as much. Note that, in the photo above, all of the guns are fairly slim — none have wide fore-ends. Still we think these Rifle Rods could open up 12″ or more horizontal clearance in a medium-sized safe — that could easily allow you to store six (6) more guns in two rows, as shown.
Rifle Rod Kits Starting at $34.50
A kit with 10 Rifle Rods and loop fabric shelf liner costs $34.50 on Amazon.com, while the 20-Rod Kit with liner costs around $55.00. That’s a lot cheaper than buying a new safe. A six-pack of additional black Rifle Rods costs $15.25 on Amazon. NOTE: To get the safety orange rods you may have to pay a few dollars more and order directly from Gun Storage Solutions.
WARNING: Always REMOVE Rod from barrel before taking gun to the range. Never place live ammunition in a gun with storage Rod in the barrel!
Product tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
The Everyday Sniper Podcast is a streaming audio series about long range shooting, precision rifles, firearms, training, and industry updates. The podcast is a joint effort of Sniper’s Hide and Mile High Shooting. Podcast host Frank Galli is well known to precision shooters. Frank, a military veteran, is the founder of Sniper’s Hide, and he regularly tests tactical rifles and related equipment. He also runs the Sniper’s Hide Team Challenge each year. This year’s Challenge runs June 1-3 in Washington State.
For the Everyday Sniper podcast, Galli has brought together firearms industry experts, top gunsmiths, and ace shooters. They share their knowledge and on-the-range experience. You’ll find a wealth of information on tactical and long-range gear, plus tips on PRS competition and more.
Here are the three latest Everyday Sniper podcasts:
This episode include Seekins After Action Report along with Glen Seekins interview. Frank notes: “During my ride back from Idaho I talk about my trip to Seekins Precision and then follow it up with my interview where we talk about Glen’s history and his six degrees of separation between Sniper’s Hide and Seekins.”
Click to launch Podcast on Everyday Sniper Website:
Everyday Sniper Episode 46:
Magpul Pro 700, Bedding Chassis, Wind Video and more
April 17, 2018
Welcome to the Everyday Sniper Podcast. Frank here, Mike is at MHSA working the counter. In this episode we talk about the new Magpul Pro 700 Chassis, and the KRG Bravo Chassis. Other topics include: Wind Video, Technology Sucks, Suppressor Follow-up, Busted Shoulder.
Click to launch Podcast on Everyday Sniper Website:
The Everyday Sniper Episode 45:
Tripods, Truing, and Terrain
April 15, 2018
Mike and Frank return with Part Two of weekly recap conversation. In this episode, they expand on key points of the previous episode, and cover some additional topics:
Tripod Shooting – RRS
Positions with Tripod
Training getting in and out of position
Getting closer vs shooting subsonic
Seekins Precision Rifles
RRS Dovetail Accessories
SP10M vs SP10
AA Targets Truing Targets
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) does more than run matches and sell surplus firearms. The CMP also operates a full-service Custom Shop in Anniston, Alabama that does maintenance, repair, and upgrading of USGI-issue rifles at a reasonable cost.
Since the fall of 2013, the CMP Custom Shop has offered repair, upgrade, gunsmithing and custom services for a wide range of U.S. Military rifles, specifically those issued in early eras. As well as regular repairs and troubleshooting, the CMP Custom Shop can upgrade, accurize, and refinish virtually all the rifle types sold by the CMP.
What Rifles Can the CMP Custom Shop Service?
The CMP Custom Shop will work on the M1 Garand, M1 Carbine, 1903/1903A3 Springfield, 1917 Enfield, and the Krag. The Custom Shop will also service Remington 40X, Mossberg 44, and H&R Model 12 rifles. CMP will NOT work on shotguns, pistols, revolvers, M14/M1A, AR15-style rifles or other commercially-produced modern rifles. For a list of services (with prices) visit the CMP Custom Shop webpage.
NOTE: Before you can send a rifle to the CMP Custom Shop you must be a customer on file in the CMP system. Customers must meet the same eligibility requirements as for CMP rifle purchases. Once qualified, you can purchase a rifle from the CMP and have the CMP Custom Shop make modifications to it prior to shipping.
CMP Custom Shop Can Work on USGI Rifles Purchased from Other Sources
The CMP Custom Shop can work on rifles that may have been purchased elsewhere as long as they were made by a USGI contractor. Some examples include: Springfield Armory (not Springfield Inc.), Harrington & Richardson, Winchester, International Harvester, Remington, Rock Island, Eddystone, Inland, Underwood, Rock-Ola, Quality Hardware, National Postal meter, Standard Products, IBM, Irwin-Pederson and Saginaw. NOTE: There are many NON-USGI copies of the M1 Garand, 1903 Springfield and especially the M1 Carbine that CMP will be unable to work on.
For more information, call (256) 835-8455, x1113, or send email to customshop [at] thecmp.org. Shipping and Correspondence address for the CMP Custom Shop is:
There is a new book, Chambering Rifles for Accuracy, that will benefit folks who want to understand the chambering process, and potentially learn to chamber a barrel on their own. We caution, however — you really need a skilled, hands-on mentor for this this task. For someone without a lot of machining experience, chambering can be tricky, and working with lathes can be dangerous to say the least.*
With those cautions stated, this book will help any gun-owner understand how chambering is done, and what to look for when assessing chambering work by commercial gunsmiths. Chambering Rifles for Accuracy is co-authored by Gordy Gritters and Fred Zeglin. The methods detailed in this book can be used equally well by gunsmiths in a professional shop, and by skilled, well-trained hobbyists working in a home workshop. The book costs $49.95 from Amazon.
Gordy Gritters is a highly-respected gunsmith and gunsmithing instructor. Gordy has built many match-winning competition rifles so he knows his stuff. Fred is a gunsmith, gunsmithing instructor, author, and is the owner of 4-D Reamer Rentals, so he is very knowledgeable on the use and care of reamers. Fred has extensive experience building high-accuracy hunting rifles.
Fred wrote the first half of the book, which covers what is needed to prepare for and chamber high-accuracy hunting barrels. Zeglin lists all the tools needed such as reamers, micrometer reamer stops, headspace gauges, and more.
Gordy wrote the second half of the book, which goes beyond basic chambering. Gordy covers setting up a lathe for chambering barrels through the headstock, various dialing-in methods commonly used, how to deal with curvature in rifle bores, and how to deal with reamer chatter (especially prevalent in 5R-type barrels). Then Gordy covers the entire dialing-in/threading/fitting/chambering/crowning process used to build a benchrest-quality rifle. Gordy also explaines how to ream custom chamber necks, and how to throat the chamber for specific bullets or for a specific purpose.
Gordy Gritters also created an excellent DVD, “Chambering a Championship Match Barrel”. No other chambering video shows the entire chambering process step-by-step with the advanced, precision techniques used by master gunsmiths. Gordy has built several rifles that hold world records and have won National Championships. This is a professional 90-minute production from Grizzly Industrial. You can purchase this $69.95 DVD from Gordy’s website or from Grizzly Industrial.
*This Editor’s own uncle suffered a severe arm injury while working with a lathe. He was not an amateur — he had done lathe and mill work for over 40 years. But a shirt-sleeve caught in the spinning chuck. The results were horrific.
The new 39th Edition of the Blue Book of Gun Values is releasing this month. You can purchase this popular price guide through Blue Book Publications for $49.95. Or save ten bucks by ordering from MidwayUSA for $39.99. The Blue Book of Gun Values by S.P. Fjestad is the leading gun valuation resource. There are now 1.8 million copies in circulation worldwide. This book continues to be the “Bible” for buyers, sellers, collectors, and connoisseurs in the firearms industry.
Blue Book of Gun Values, 39th Edition, April 2018
2512 Pages with 1700 gun makers and nearly 23,000 gun descriptions
This new 39th Edition contains new-for-2018 firearms makes and models, with important pricing updates on many current and discontinued models.
Features of the new Blue Book of Gun Values:
· 2018 makes and models have been included, with many new handguns and rifles.
· 2,512 Pages covering nearly 1,700 manufacturers and trademarks, with almost 23,000 gun model descriptions.
· 500,000+ up-to-date values are provided. No other book has more.
· Important pricing updates on major trademark current, antique, and discontinued models, including Colt, Winchester, Smith & Wesson, and Ruger.
· The 80-page color Photo Percentage Grading System (PPGS) has been revised, making firearms grading even easier and more accurate.
· More information, more values, and more history than any other guide on the market.
Sample Page from Blue Book of Gun Values:
Review by Tom Gresham, Gun Talk Radio Host
“At some point, every gun owner asks the question, ‘What’s it worth?’ The leading reference for decades has been the Blue Book of Gun Values. Whether you are a seller, a buyer, a shopper, or just curious, this constantly-updated gold mine of research is your friend.”
There’s a new service for firearms aficionados who want to fill their gun safes with an impressive collection of pistols, rifle, and shotguns, for a few dollars a day. The new SafeQueen service offers gun guys a wide selection of replica arms at a fraction of the cost of the real thing. These can be exchanged for new “toys” every year, and you can quickly build your collection through a low-cost monthly subscription. “It’s like a Book-of-the-Month Club, but for guns” said one SafeQueen subscriber.
While SafeQueen “faux firearms” are non-functional, it turns out that doesn’t matter to the vast majority of gun collectors, who rarely (if ever) shoot their firearms. “It’s all about pride of ownership” said a satisfied SafeQueen customer. “I wanted to fill up my safe quickly with a lot of bling. SafeQueen lets me do that. To be honest, I like looking at my collection more than shooting real guns. This way I never have to drive to the range, and better yet, never have to buy or load ammo. It’s the best of both worlds — I get to enjoy the look and feel of guns, with none of the responsibilities. Thank you SafeQueen!”
SafeQueen Founded to Enhance Gun Ownership Experience
Josh Ryder, founder of SafeQueen Inc., started his company after determining that the vast majority of gun guys are much more into the ownership experience than into actual shooting. “We found that 98% of firearms are total ‘Safe Queens’ that never get used, and never leave the house. When we realized this, a light bulb when off — why not provide ‘faux firearms’ that look and feel like the real thing, but can be acquired, at low cost, without FFLs, waiting periods, or background checks. That’s how SafeQueen Inc. got started. And it has been hugely popular.”
Can’t afford a beautiful match rifle like this right now? Safequeen has you covered. With an affordable SafeQueen membership, you can fill your gun vault with an impressive collection of beautiful (faux) firearms for a fraction of the cost of the real thing. Order a new gun every month, or swap out items for just the cost of return shipping. SafeQueen offers all kinds of rifles (tactical, hunting, F-Class) plus shotguns, and pistols.
How about a Barrett Model 82A1 .50 BMG — that will earn you some serious respect. But the real thing would cost nearly nine thousand dollars. Sign up for the SafeQueen service you can lease a look-a-like Barrett for a few dollars a week.
We talked with Josh Ryder, SafeQueen’s President (and founder). He explained that most firearms are rarely if ever shot, but gun-owners enjoy acquiring new products and building their collections: “Our research revealed that over 98% of firearms are never shot. Yet their owners continue to purchase more guns, at considerable expense. Those owners enjoy the process of collecting, and they feel genuine pride filling up their gun safes. It’s a bit like a woman who has 100+ pairs of shoes — of course she doesn’t need them all, but she enjoys buying shoes and admiring her collection. We wanted to make it easier to build a large collection of gun-type toys, AND allow the collector to trade in items without the hassle and expense typically associated with transferring real guns.”
SafeQueen offers impressive faux handguns as well as replica rifles. This faux Colt Python can be leased for a small fraction of the cost of the real thing.
Wish you had a super-deluxe shotgun in your safe, but don’t want to fork over $10,000 or more? With SafeQueen you can add a stunning scattergun to your collection for a few dollars a week.
SafeQueen Gun Lease Services Start at $99/month
SafeQueen offers various subscription plans starting at just $99.00 per month (for four faux rifles and four faux pistols — 8 total). And you can lease other faux firearms for just $99 each per year. These SafeQueen guns look every bit like the real thing. However, because they are not capable of firing live rounds they are not actually considered firearms by the ATF or local authorities. Therefore, SafeQueen can deliver the faux firearms straight to your front door — no FFL involved. And there is no problem with shipping, waiting periods, or background checks.
Here’s a new product that should please shooters who wet-tumble their brass with stainless media, or use ultrasonic cleaning machines to clean cartridge brass (and gun parts). Employing forced hot air circulation, the new Lyman Cyclone Case Dryer will dry a large quantity of brass in under two hours. Internal racks provide five drying levels. With “street price” under $60.00, the Cyclone Case Dryer is a very affordable and effective addition to an ultrasonic or rotary-tumbler cleaning system.
The Lyman Cyclone Case Dryer works fast. No need to wait overnight (or longer) to air-dry your brass. Lyman states that “The forced heated air circulation of the Cyclone will dry your brass inside and out within an hour or two, with no unsightly water spots.” The handy individual trays keep different types of brass separate. The dryer can also be used for gun parts that have been ultrasonically cleaned.
Lyman Cyclone Case Dryer Features:
• Holds up to 1000 .223 Rem cases or 2000 9x19mm Luger cases
• Works with cartridge brass cases or gun parts
• Fast drying time — Typically 1 to 2 hours
• Timer control can be set up to 3 hours
• Durable ABS trays with recessed handles
Watch How Cyclone Case Dryer Functions with both Cartridge Brass and Gun Parts
Cyclone Case Dryer 115V (Part #7631560) MSRP: $69.95
Cyclone Case Dryer 230V (Part #7631561) MSRP: $69.95
We have looked through the new Weaver 46X scope and it is very sharp. Brightness is good — it seems comparable with a Leupold 45x45mm Competition (but that was on a bright, sunny day). Initial tests show the clicks to be tactile and positive, but we haven’t had a chance to do a full “box test” to confirm tracking. Weaver claims the new XR series scopes will focus down to 50 feet, but with the 46X we had some questions about its extreme close-focus capability. If you’re shooting beyond 50 yards, the focus should be fine.
Other Side-Focuc 36X T-Series XR Scopes with Side-Focus and 1″ Tubes
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) does more than run matches and sell surplus firearms. The CMP also operates a full-service Custom Shop in Anniston, Alabama that does maintenance, repair, and upgrading of USGI-issue rifles at a reasonable cost.
For more information, call (256) 835-8455, x1113, or send email to customshop [at] thecmp.org. Shipping and Correspondence address for the CMP Custom Shop is:
