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December 22nd, 2007
Alamo Four-Star has released a very important new product, a tripod with a rotating and tilting central platform that holds a rifle stock securely. Called the DCLW (Deros Compact Light Weight), the tripod has been mostly marketed at the military/tactical market so far, but we think it may be even better suited for use with light-recoiling varmint rifles.
The DCLW has many smart, innovative features. First, the tripod legs can be extended almost flat, so the DCLW can be used from a prone position. Raise the legs and you can use the unit while sitting or kneeling. The platform or cradle for the rifle forearm can hold stocks up to 3″ wide. You can either lay the stock on the cradle so the rifle can move rearwards on recoil, or you can adjust the side plates (with optional thumbscrews) to provide side pressure to hold the rifle firmly in place on the cradle. You can easily attach a rail or clamp to the side of the pivoting cradle. This allows you to mount a range-finder or spotting scope in parallel that will track the movement of the rifle exactly. Very cool.
There is a tilt locking lever to control the tilt angle of the rifle cradle. So, you can swing the rifle into position on target, set your elevation, then lock the DCLW in place. We’ve seen videos of the DCLW in use. It elevates and traverses smoothly. The clamping cradle will hold heavy 50 BMG rifles securely at angles up to 95°. The pan/tilt head is also available separately for mounting on any conventional camera tripod with a 1/4-20 threaded post.
The DCLW is so new that its designers are still learning how best to use it with different types of guns. Some rifles, particularly those with slab-sided stocks, seem to work well when firmly clamped in place. Other rifles need to “float” in the cradle. Tripod movement can be an issue with heavy-recoiling calibers.
With time, we expect DCLW owners to devise better clamping/mounting inserts for various types of stocks. The metal cradle definitely needs to be lined with some softer material (e.g. neoprene), for use with high-gloss stocks. And we expect that varminters who want to free-recoil their rifles may need to attach some kind of low-friction guides to the cradle.
Still, the unit has huge potential. For the varminter, here is a simple, compact rig that can replace a heavy front rest and rear sandbag–and possibly eliminate the need for a shooting bench altogether. The DCLW offers the ability to rapidly traverse a field of varmints and make major elevation changes instantly. Because the unit does away with the rear bag completely (and thereby eliminates front rest/rear bag alignment issues), a heavier, “second-generation” version of the DCLW with a longer, wider, micro-adjustable top platform might even have a place in benchrest competition.
We hope to get a test unit soon and try it out in the varmint fields with a 6BR and a .223. We’ve asked Alamo Four-Star for a video so you can see the product in action. Unfortunately Alamo hasn’t updated its website to show the DCLW, but you can call Alamo at (210) 432-7006. Street price for the DCLW complete unit is $279.00.
CLICK HERE for SPEC SHEET with PHOTOS.
December 19th, 2007
Folks in the Forum have been asking “who makes a secure, high-capacity box for PPC and BR-sized cases?” For 50-rounders you have many choices. The MTM RS-S-50 is available in clear blue, green, and “wild camo”. Lock, Stock, and Barrel sells the RS-S-50 for just $2.79. MidwayUSA sells a similar Frankford Arsenal case for $3.39 in clear blue, red, or smoke. It’s a nice design with a recessed latch that’s less likely to catch on something and pop open.
For a big match or extended varmint expedition, 100-count boxes are the way to go. You can fill them to capacity, alternate rows for sighters and record rounds, or leave open rows for your fired cases. We like the MTM 100-round ammo boxes for transporting loaded 6BR and 6PPC ammo. They work great for loaded rounds. However, with fired brass, if you tip the MTM box on its side, the empties can spill out. That’s frustrating if you’ve meticulously sorted your cases.
 The answer to this problem is J & J’s 100-round BR-100 ammo case. Shown in the photo, it has tighter vertical clearance, so your empties won’t come out of their slots if the case tips over or is stacked upside down. BR-100 cases are bargain-priced at just $3.95, and they are available in Red, Blue, Smoke, or White colors. In addition to the BR-100 case, varminters who need to carry large numbers of loaded rounds should check out J & J’s 175-round Rifle Ammo Case. This foam-lined ammo transporter, item LR-175, costs $16.54 and is the largest-capacity ammo case we’ve found. For more info go to JandJProducts.Com.
December 18th, 2007
Looking for the ultimate “stocking-stuffer” this Christmas? Here is a very clever new head-lamp that has been flying off the shelves this holiday season. The unit features five (5) bright LED bulbs and clips on to the brim of a cap, for hands-free illumination. Smart idea. This would be great to use both indoors (while reloading) and outdoors (for camping).
Here’s what one hunter had to say: “I found this light to be one of the best buys I have made in a long time. It is very easy to use, it always shines where you are looking and has a bright enough light to see for a long way. It is light and compact and is not prone to moving around like other clip on lights.” — L. Campbell, CA
If you read other User Reviews, the general consensus is that these LED brim lights are extremely useful and handy, and are a bargain. On the downside, users have noted that the clips that go over the brim can break easily. This seems to be a brand-specific problem. Some of these units have a more flexible high-quality polymer while others are made with a more brittle, cheaper plastic.
There are many different sources for these LED Brim Lights. You can even find a camo version with red lamps for stealth hunting. Price ranges from $3.99 to $21.99. The unit shown below costs $5.99 at Amazon.com.
For an extended review with better, larger photos, visit The-Gadgeteer.com.
December 14th, 2007
Credit this find to ace British benchrest shooter Vince Bottomley, United Kingdom 1K record-holder and publisher of the excellent Precision Rifle website.
Vince writes: “This beautiful compact press is made by an Italian company, Modulo Masterpiece, run by Vittorio Taveggia. Vittorio builds some superb rifles but he also has a very useful range of accessories for accuracy aficionados. I’m sure you’ll be interested in Vittorio’s loading press — this is offered in several configurations for normal dies, Wilson-style hand-dies, or both. The press is superbly made. Vittorio also crafts very nice Weaver-style rings and bases. Again they are beautifully-finished and very strong. Vittorio also makes stocks and actions. At present, there is no UK importer for the press, but there could be very soon. If you are at all interested in any of the products please drop me an e-mail at vinceb [at] 6ppc.fsnet.co.uk and I’ll pass your interest onto the ‘soon to be’ UK importer.”
Editor’s note: We don’t know of a US importer, but you can contact Vittorio directly. Information for his company in Torino, Italy is found on the Modulo Masterpiece website. Send email to: info [at] modulo-masterpiece.it.
Photo © Vince Bottomley, used by permission
December 12th, 2007
Here’s a product that should interest all F-Class shooters. It is a new bipod that offers unrivaled stability from an ultra-wide footprint. Nick-named the “Ski Bipod”, this impressive unit is custom-crafted by Canadian Henry Rempel, who also conceived the design. The height of the bipod is adjustable as is the distance between the runners or “skis” that contact the ground. And there is a cant adjustment allowing the rifle to be leveled on uneven ground. The reason Henry used ski-like runners rather than flat pads is that this allows the rifle to slide slightly reward during recoil. That eliminates much of the hop and rotation associated with conventional bipods.
Forum member Keith Skjerdal reports: “A lot of F-CLass guys in Canada are using the Ski Bipod made by Henry Remple out of Calgary. It is very well made and steady as a conventional pedestal rest. Even some guys in the USA and Britain have them now. If you want the best, this is it, in my opinion. This makes the trip to the mound easier than with a big pedestal rest. Downside? Well, since the Ski Bipod attaches to your rifle, it counts in your total weight under the rules. The Ski Bipod adds roughly 3.5 pounds to your gun’s weight. The cost is around $400-420 Cdn (this basically covers the cost of materials and all that milling work.)
To get one, contact Henry Rempel from Calgary. He does not have a web site. His home phone number (after 7 pm) is 1-403-272-8416. I think his email is henry.rempel [at] hotmail.com.”
Photos Copyright © Richard Dreger, used by permission.
December 10th, 2007
Readers enjoyed our recent “Poor Man’s Tactical” item featuring the Tikka model 595. Well here’s a followup for F-TR shooters. The Tikka “Master Sporter” features an adjustable cheekpiece, adjustable buttpad, accessory rail, and 5-round detachable magazine. Remarkably, these originally sold for about U.S. $650.00, yet it was not unusual for them to shoot close to 1/2-MOA with handloads. Master Sporters also feature the fine m595 action, and they are blessed with a very good stock design for shooting prone from bipod–just what you need for F-TR. Tikka notes the factory trigger adjusts to 2 pounds, but Mac Tilton of MT Guns can get it down to one pound. The bolt throw is a quick 70°, the bolt handle is stainless, and, in .308, the barrel twist rate is 1:11″ — a good choice for the 155gr match bullets.
These Master Sporters are getting hard to find. It’s even more difficult to find one unfired, new in the box. But just such a specimen, chambered in .308 Winchester, was auctioned this week on Gunbroker.com, item 87063398. It even came with two (2) 5-round magazines. The auction closed at $975.00. We’ve seen them go for less, but also for more.
Skim-bed the action, maybe apply a couple sealer coats to the walnut stock, attach a Harris bipod to the accessory rail and you’re good to go for F-TR. (You’ll also need a scope and rings of course.) You could probably acquire this rifle, shoot it for a couple seasons, then get your full investment out of it. Or hang on to it and eventually add a longer custom barrel (factory tube is a bit short at 23 3/8″).
CLICK to DOWNLOAD TIKKA Master Sporter SPEC SHEET
December 10th, 2007
 If you’ve been wondering what to ask Santa for Christmas, and you haven’t found something “just right” from the many print catalogs and online “webstores”, check our AccurateShooter Articles Archive. Last year we prepared an extensive “Holiday Buyers’ Guide”. You’ll find plenty of great items for shooters, from $2.00 up to $3,000+. Just be aware that some prices have changed, and a few of the items have been retired or updated. Here are some of “stocking stuffers” from the 2006 Guide (with current prices):
Surveyors Tape $1.99
(for wind flags) |
Hood Kwik Estimator, $2.50
(to measure group size) |
Sinclair Barrel Bag, $8.50 |
“Shotgunner” Folding Muffs, $14.99 |
With the addition of the Daily Bulletin to the site, we’ve decided to forgo a 2007 edition of the Shoppers’ Guide this year. (We hope to return with a Video Version in 2008.) Instead we’ve been using the Bulletin to announce special holiday sales and promotions as they come up. Don’t forget that Cabela’s is offering FREE Shipping now until December 14th, and both Brownells and Sinclair International are running holiday specials on many popular iteams. Here are two current, recommended Sinclair “Holiday Specials”.
Rubber 3/4″ high BR “Donut” (NEW)
$25.50 Holiday Sale Price
This new product from Tru-Kote fits under Protektor rear bags and eliminates any rocking or sliding motion of the bag. The durable neoprene-rubber Donut adds 3/4 inch of height to the rear bag. This allows many shooters a better head position when shooting from the bench.
Sinclair Cleaning Cradle
$44.85 Holiday Sale Price
For stability, ease of transport, build quality, and “smart” design, nothing really beats a Sinclair aluminum cradle for cleaning wide-forearm BR rifles. These cradles position the rifle in a muzzle-down position so solvents drain to the muzzle end instead of back into the receiver. Sinclair Cradles easily break down into a compact 15″x5″x2″ package for transport or storage.
December 8th, 2007
Now through 12/31, MidwayUSA has the Rock BR Competition Rifle Front Shooting Rest on sale for $139.99, marked down from $169.99 (item 348661). By now you’ve certainly see a few of these units at a range. They are far from the ultimate front rest system, but they do a surprisingly good job. The unit weighs 15.5 lbs and has a 15″ footprint, so it is plenty stable. Be aware that the front 3-lobe bag is rather thin, and, when adjusting windage, the head rotates rather than tracks straight from side to side. Some folks buy the rest and later upgrade the top with a Hoehn, Sinclair, or ShadeTree Engineering unit. But you should read the User Reviews. Most purchasers are quite happy with the unit “as is”. It’s a very good value for the money and much better than many rests you see at informal club-level matches.
If you plan to replace the top, you can also just buy the Rock BR 1000 base for $70.99 (item 532194), a great value. The BR 1000 base is very heavy, with an 18″ footproot, so it is stable and sturdy. NOTE: the rest has a 1 3/8″ diameter ram hole, while most custom rest tops have a 1″-diameter ram shaft. Accordingly, you may have to sleeve the base, OR fit a fatter ram to the rest top that you purchase. Butch Lambert of ShadeTree Engineering has done a few of these conversions, using the Rock base with his JoyStick top, and the combined system works quite well.
December 6th, 2007
Now that PACT offers an infrared Skyscreen option with its chronographs, we think the PACT is worthy of serious consideration. And now PACT is selling the PACT Professional XP chronograph (with IR kit) for $229.95, as a “Christmas Special”. That’s $40 off normal pricing and PACT throws in a FREE tripod to sweeten the deal.
Compared to other chronographs, the XP with infrared offers some very nice features:
Built-in Printer. (Every chrono should have one.)
PC interface lets you upload data to your computer. (Serial cable standard, but you can easily buy a serial to USB for use with laptops.)
Built-in ballistic computer. (The chrono has a bullet BC database and uses the BC, with your velocity data, to compute windage and elevation. Cool eh?)
With Infrared screen option, the PACT can be used indoors and is far less sensitive to tricky outdoor lighting.
Chron display unit has a nice big read-out with easy-to-use controls.
 We’ve heard many good things about the competitive CED chronograph with Infrared Screens. The CED also offers a computer interface, and the CED control unit is more compact than the PACT’s control center/printer. But we really like the printing capability of the PACT, and its built-in ballistic program (with bullet database) comes in very handy. Once you have your velocity and zero at 100 yards, the PACT will calculate your come-ups for other yardages. It can even give you windage corrections. With the PACT, once you know your muzzle velocity, you can immediately start shooting at all ranges–you don’t need to drive home to work out your come-ups on the PC, or carry around a PDA with Exbal installed.
In addition to the Pro XP chrono with IR Kit, PACT is now selling Pro XP with standard (visible light) emitters, for $199.95 as part of the “Christmas Special.” This $199.95 price also includes a free tripod. We definitely recommend spending the extra 30 bucks for infrared capability–it’s well worth it.
December 2nd, 2007
Handy 12-piece Jag Set
If you shoot multiple calibers, you’ll love MidwayUSA’s matched jag set in fitted flip-top box, item #812503. It’s now on sale for just $14.99, marked down from $22.99. The kit includes 17, 22, 243/6mm, 25, 270/7mm, 30/32, 8mm/338, 35/9mm, 375, 40/416, 44, and 45 Caliber Jags, in a sturdy box with fitted holes for each jag.
We’ve long been fans of the Tipton jag kit, and now it’s even better–with nickel-plated brass jags. This editor owns two Tipton jag kits, one for the range kit and one for the loading room. The set works for everything from my 17HM2 up to my 45/70. I use the jags for both rifle and pistol calibers. Another nice feature is that you can easily switch from a tight-fitting jag to the next smaller size (I normally apply wet patches in my 6BR using the Tipton 22-caliber jags).
Coating the spire-tip jags with nickel was smart idea. Nickel-coated jags do not react to bore solvents so you won’t get a false reading when cleaning the copper out of your barrel. “Two Thumbs Up” for this kit. Here is what jag kit owners have to say:
“Works as advertised, great idea that should have been thought of years ago. If you like this shape of jag (I do), you’ll love these. Sweets doesn’t tear these up at all, and it’s easier to tell when I’ve got things clean with Butch’s as well.” — Keith S., CA
“Great product, costs considerably less than to buy each piece separately and come with a storage box with holes marked for each jag.” — Greg D., MA
“In 45 years of gun cleaning I have never used a better jag. Precision craftsmanship, unaffected by copper solvents, large patch holding area for lots of patch contact with the bore.” — Brian S., MN
Bargain-Priced Digital Calipers
Midway’s Frankford Arsenal Digital Calipers, item #604242, are on sale again for $19.99, marked down from $32.99. This is a decent, functional set of calipers. Even if you already have calipers, at this price, you can afford to buy a spare for your range kit. This unit switches from English to Metric and comes in a protective plastic case, with battery. Makes a great stocking stuffer.
All stated sale prices are good through December 31, 2007 at MidwayUSA.
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