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January 10th, 2008
Roy Bertalotto is an author, precision shooter, varmint hunter and part-time gunsmith. On his website, RVBPrecision.com, you’ll find many interesting feature stories, including “how-to” articles. One project that caught our eye was Roy’s clever rotating-top shooting bench. Simple to build from low-cost components, Roy’s bench design features a raised center section that traverses on rollers. This allows you to move your rifle through a wide arc without having to move your front rest or rear sand bag. Roy’s bench can be built for a fraction of the cost of the big, heavy carousel-style varmint benches. This would make a nice, winter project for anyone handy with simple tools.
This picture shows a conventional front pedestal rest used with a benchrest type rifle. As you can see, the top swivels, allowing a tremendous sweep of the varmint fields.
CLICK HERE to see MORE PHOTOS (16 total.)
The swiveling top moves on metal rollers. These roller devices are available from Trend Lines, or Woodworkers warehouse. Two are required at the front of the movable top.
Below is a close-up of the pivot point.
A conventional folding table leg (from Woodworkers Warehouse) is used in the front. In the rear, Roy’s table uses a single leg fabricated from tubing and aluminum angle iron. This creates a tripod. The three-legged design provides more room for the shooter, and is easier to set up on uneven ground.
Photos courtesy Roy Bertalotto.
January 7th, 2008
In November, Savage’s Marketing Director told us to look for new rifles that were “right up your alley” in 2008. We’ve now received confirmation that Savage will offer the 6mmBR Norma chambering in at least two rifles in the Savage 2008 product line.
First, Savage will add a 6BR-chambered F-Class rifle, similar to the very popular 6.5-284 F-Class rifle. The 6BR F-Class gun will be in the same heavy laminated stock with 3″ fore-arm and wide flat in the rear. The barrel will be a 30-incher, presumably in 1:8″ twist. The trigger is the 6-oz. target version of Savage’s AccuTrigger. MSRP hasn’t yet been set, but we expect the 6BR F-Classer to sell for about $950.00 (street price), the same as the 6.5-284 version.
While designed for F-Class matches out to 1000 yards, the 6BR F-classer should also prove to be an excellent bench gun for varmint matches (200 to 500m), 300-yard matches, and 600-yard benchrest matches, and it should make an excellent long-range varminting platform.
But for Varminters and hunters looking for a lighter, more conventional stock, Savage will offer a 6BR Chambering in two versions of its Long-Range Precision Varminter (LRPV) Series–RBLP with blind mag, or RBRP with box magazine. This rifle features a stainless action in either Right Bolt, Left Port, or Right Bolt, Right Port configuration with a Detachable Box Magazine–something new for Savage. The LRPV comes with a high-quality H.S. Precision stock with an aluminum bedding block chassis. Like the F-Class rifle, the LRPV will have a target AccuTrigger adjstable from about 6 ounces to 2.5 pounds. The LRPV will have a 26″ barrel, and it is rumored the 6BR will have a 1:12″ twist rate, but that is not certain. The LRPV is also available in .204 Ruger, .223 Rem, and 22-250, along with 6mmBR Norma.
CLICK HERE for 2008 SAVAGE BROCHURE (9 mb .pdf file)
December 30th, 2007
A custom, high-end Benchrest, F-Class, or High Power rifle can cost upwards of $4000.00. Some of the latest scopes (March, Schmidt & Bender) cost $2000-$2800 by themselves. If you’re transporting three or four “ultimate rifles” with premium scopes to the range, you could be hauling $16,000 worth of firearms. Bring along a rangefinder, Co-Axial rest, spotting scope, and chronograph, and that could push the total closer to $20,000.
 How do you safeguard that kind of investment (without driving around in a Brinks armored truck)? One of the best storage systems available is the Truck-Vault, built in Washington state. Truck-vaults are custom-fitted, locking storage cabinets that fit in a Pick-up truck bed, SUV, or station wagon. Various designs are available, including a waterproof “Extreme Series.” Both single-drawer and multi-draw layouts are offered with lengths up to 60″ overall, and top-load capacity of 2000 pounds. A variety of interior configurations are available.
For transporting scoped match rifles, we suggest Truck-Vault’s “Magnum Line”, which has two drawers with 10.5″ of vertical clearance. This offers two primary sliding compartments (on roller casters), plus smaller storage boxes where you can keep valuable gear securely out of sight.
Truck-Vaults carry a big price-tag. SUV models start at $1415, but expect to pay closer to $2000.00 for a unit with all the bells and whistles. That’s serious money, but you have to balance that against the cost of the firearms and accessories you are transporting. If you spend much time on the road with a pricey collection of guns, optics, and accessories, a Truck-Vault may be a wise investment. This editor first saw a Truck-Vault on a Chevy Suburban belonging to an Arizona gunsmith who does a lot of work for the military. It was not unusual for him to haul $50,000 worth of Class III weapons. For him, the Truck-Vault was an essential security feature. For more info, visit TruckVault.com or call (800) 967-8107.
CLICK HERE for Truck-Vault VIDEO DEMO
December 29th, 2007
Here’s a smart product from Ray-Vin.com that lets prone shooters mount their spotting scopes in the ideal viewing position. The $228.00 F-Stand is solid and sturdy, and “floats” the scope close to the shooter’s head without interfering with the placement of a front pedestal rest or ultra-wide bipod. The base can sit off the shooter’s mat.
The F-Stand is shown with Ray-Vin’s $85.00 Scope Head. This is a very nice unit that allows the shooter to adjust scope height, rotation (around the stand shaft), scope angular elevation, and eyepiece orientation, all with one control. Some other scope heads, though more expensive, require you to use multiple knobs or friction adjusters. Conveniently, most of the adjustments can be done easily with one hand, using the black adjusting handle. Smart engineering we’d say.
You can see that the F-Stand places the spotting scope right where the shooter wants it, yet the legs do not interfere with the shooting position. A heavy-duty milled metal bracket clamps the base stud and scope rod securely. The F-stand will hold even heavy 80mm spotting scopes without flexing.
Here are some comments from F-Stand Users:
“I bought your stand because of the one handed adjustments, not the mention the base itself stays off my mat. I’m very happy with my purchase.” — M.G., Puyallup, WA
“Used my stand all winter in practice… trip to Chilliwack, BC in August. I never felt so comfortable behind a scope before. Infinite adjustments and stability. Thanks for the greatest device….” — N.P., Chico, CA
December 28th, 2007
 The Forster Co-Ax® Press is the “Cadillac” of reloading presses. If you have any doubts as to how the Co-Ax works, just “ask the man who owns one.” Ace shooter Jerry Tierney has a Forster Co-Ax and he’s found that it produces ammo with less run-out than many other conventional “O”-style presses for threaded dies. The Co-Ax’s spring-loaded shell holder jaws float with the die, allowing cases to correctly center in the die. Dies also snap easily in and out of the jaws so you can change dies in just a couple of seconds. We also like the primer ejection system on the Co-Ax. Primers pass straight down into a cup — no more primers and carbon on the carpet.
If you need power for case sizing, the Co-Ax delivers three times the mechanical advantage of some conventional presses. The Co-Ax’s dual parallel guide-rod design also ensures that the ram movement is straight and smooth throughout the power stroke. With a center-mounted handle, the Co-Ax works equally well for both right- and left-handed reloaders.
Right now the Forster Co-Ax is on sale at both Midsouth Shooters Supply and MidwayUSA for $199.99. That is $23.00 off MidwayUSA’s regular price. MidwayUSA has Co-Ax units in stock (item 265719) and the price is good through 1/31/2008. Midsouth has the units on order for a January delivery.
The standard Co-Ax press accepts any standard 7/8″x14 reloading die, and requires no expensive shell-holders. The standard “S” jaw set fits all common calibers except except: 22 Hornet, 378 Wby., 45-70, 256 Win. Mag., 44 S&W, 416 Rigby, 416 Rem., 45-90 and 348 Win. These calibers can be used if you purchase the optional “LS” Jaws.
December 26th, 2007
This summer, Carl Bernosky became the first shooter to win the NRA High Power competition at Camp Perry using an AR-platform, semi-automatic rifle. Since that accomplishment, many folks have asked about the fire-control system in Carl’s gun. Carl used a John Holliger-built upper fitted with a Match Rifle Trigger from Geissele Automatics. Priced at $279.00, the Geissele (pronounced “Guys-lee”) Match Rifle Trigger features a 1.3 to 3 pound First Stage (2-lb nominal), with a 4 to 14 ounce Second Stage. This allows a very crisp, light final trigger release. The Geissele trigger, with its low-mass, hi-speed hammer, has a fast lock-time, and also delivers enhanced kinetic energy to the firing pin.
The Geissele Match Trigger boasts Wire EDM-cut sear surfaces for a crisp and consistent release with minimal drag. Overtravel is adjustable, and there are separate, independent adjustments for Second Stage pull weight and sear engagement.
In addition to the Match Trigger, Geissele Automatics offers a Service Rifle Trigger set up for the 4.5-lb minimum pull weight. Minimum pull weight for Service Rifle competition is 4.5 lbs, and the Geissele provides a 3.2 to 5 pounds First Stage, with a 0.5 to 1.5 pound Second Stage. The Geissele Service Rifle trigger employs an exclusive 5-coil trigger spring for a nominal 4-lb First Stage, allowing allow a light 0.5-lb (8-ounce) Second Stage with crisp, light break similar to the Match Rifle Trigger.
December 25th, 2007
Santa Seb was good to us this year. Sebastian Lambang, designer and builder of the SEB Co-Axial front rest, has donated one of his units to AccurateShooter.com–complete with his innovative Ammo-holder and a custom rear sand bag. We can say this is one impressive piece of engineering. Our new SEB Rest came all the way from Sebastian’s home in Jawa Timur, Indonesia, and arrived in the States just in time for Christmas. Thanks Seb! Stay tuned for a complete report in the weeks ahead. These units retail for $520.00 US plus shipping costs ($175.00 to most US states). The Ammo-holder is just $50.00 more.
For more photos and information visit www.SebCoax.com. American shooters can purchase SEB co-axial rests from Paul Schmid in Ohio, coyote [@] zoominternet.net.
December 23rd, 2007
In our Forum, folks have asked “what’s a recommended precision rest for single-shot pistols, T/C Encores and Contenders?” Forum member Steve (“Apache 308″) from North Carolina, recommends the C&J Machine rest. Mike notes that the C&J rest is specifically designed for XP100 pistols, Encores, Savage Strikers and similar single-shot pistols. Steve believes the C&J is the best long-range pistol rest made. Here is a shot of Steve’s .308 XP100 on the rest.
Photo by Steve Roe
You can see another XP100 pistol on a C&J rest in one of our Gun of the Week articles. This story features the personal 22BR of C&J owner/designer Cayle Davis (photo below).
To learn more about C&J Machine and other pistol rests, visit the Specialty Pistols Forum. C&J Machine doesn’t have a website, but you can contact Cayle Davis to learn more about his products:
Cayle Davis – C & J Machine
Box 18
Palmer, IL 62556
Phone: (217) 526-3645
Email: xpfuzz [at] consolidated.net
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.
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