If you’re looking for a low-cost “entry-level” rimfire target rifle, consider a Kimber 82G from the CMP. These have been available for quite some time, but last year the CMP sorted its Kimber 82G inventory into two categories: “Rusties” and “Cleans”. Both categories are new rifles. The rusty rifles have a minor amount of surface rust which can usually be cleaned off with just some light oil and a rag. On some of the guns there is some rust in the bolt and on the sights, which may require some work with a metal brush or steel wool. The other cosmetic flaw is that many of the rifles have a thin, scored line along the buttstock, cause by the tip of the boxcutter. That can be sanded out.
Why, you might asked, would one choose one of the “Rusties”? Well, there are more in stock, and you can save 33%. The “Rusty” model Kimbers currently sell for just $400.00, $200 less than the “clean versions”. For a family on a tight budget, looking for a junior training rifle, the more affordable “Rusty” may be the better choice. Forum member Roarke says these “Rusty” Kimbers are well worth the money. Roarke writes: “I know because I bought one of these for $400, as opposed to $600 for the non-rusty, and it looks absolutely brand new.”
Forum member Michael L. (aka Chief 1018) concurs that his “Rusty” Kimber has been a great purchase: “I purchased a ‘Rusty’ from the CMP last year. No rust, but a lot of preservative. As you’ve probably read in the CMP forums, the bolt internals may be a little rusty/fouled. I immersed mine in WD-40 in a Zip-loc for a couple of days while I cleaned up the rifle. The oil turned brownish, but when I tore it down it was bright and clean. I think some of the ‘rust’ may be dried up preservative. It had the ‘signature’ box-cutter slice but that sanded out when I stripped, sanded, and tung-oiled the entire stock. The stock has very nice walnut with some dark figuring. The gun shoots great! The adjustable trigger is excellent.”
Roy Bertallato Reviews Kimber 82G
If you want to learn more about the Kimber 82Gs, Forum member Roy Bertallato has written an excellent article about his Kimber 82G from the CMP. Like many others, Roy couldn’t resist the $400.00 price, so he ordered one of the “Rusties”. Yes there was some light rust on small parts, but otherwise Roy was more than happy with his purchase:
“Sure enough, for $200 less, you can get a Kimber 82G RUSTY. I check out the qualifications and I had everything I needed in the way of qualifications so I decided to buy one. For $400, how bad could it be? Like anyone, I was VERY concerned that I’d get something that looked like it came out of the hold of a battle ship.” Roy’s fears proved unfounded: “There was just a very little bit of surface rust on the bottom [of the bolt]. Everything else you see that might appear to be rust is some type of red-yellow preservative. The action has zero rust, just some more nasty preservative. The bore is pristine! The rifle was stored with a paper straw in the bore saturated with some kind of oil.”
“The Kimber 82G is quite a rifle. It is a very heavy barrel, single shot, bolt action. It is supplied from the CMP with a fantastic set of target sights (worth a couple hundred dollars themselves), a heavy target stock with an adjustable butt plate for younger shooters, full instructions etc. Brand new, never fired rifles. I bought a beautiful Kimber sporter stock off Ebay and the action fits right into it.”
Our buddy Eric Kennard of Harbour Arms is offering a “Christmas in July” special on his high-quality metal SnapCaps. These are precision machined aluminum SnapCaps with internal springs. Now, through the end of July, you can purchase two sets of SnapCaps (two units per set), along with two Empty Chamber Indicators (ECIs) — all for just $23.95. Eric offers SnapCaps in a wide variety of calibers including .308 Winchester, 6 PPC, 6mmBR, 6BRX, 6mm Dasher, 6XC, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5×47, .260 Rem, 6.5-284 and dozens more.
With Eric’s SnapCaps, you can dry-fire to your hearts content without harming your gun’s firing pin or fire control system. Veteran high-power shooters know the importance of dry-fire practice — one former National Champion told us he would dry-fire at least six hours for every hour he spent on the firing line. Even benchrest shooters can benefit. By using Eric’s SnapCaps, you can improve your gun-handling and trigger-pulling techniques. This Editor found his rimfire benchrest scores improved after dry-fire practice. I learned to pull the trigger straight back and I learned the hold that produced the minimal disturbance on the bags.
Big Spring Enterprises, the Arkansas-based maker of Bore-Store gun sacks, has completely updated the www.borestores.com website. You’ll now find a modern, easy-to-use online shopping cart system with decent-sized product photos. To mark the new website’s “grand opening”, the Bore-Store folks are offering a 10% discount on all online orders. Everything in the webstore is now 10% off. With the discount, handgun cases start at $4.95 and the smaller rifle cases are just $14.40. And there are also knife pouches and multi-pocket magazine stores starting at $450.00.
On the updated website, it’s easier than ever to select the right size and shape for your particular firearms — from pocket pistols, to long-barreled Palma rifles. If you don’t know which size Bore-Store to order, the handy “Case Finder” tool will steer you to the appropriate product after your enter your firearm’s height (with scope) and length. For most scoped rifles, you’ll want either the 10″ x 46″ scoped rifle bag or the 10 x 52″ scoped shotgun bag (this works great for long-barreled target rifles).
Bore-Stores Protect Your Guns in Many Ways We recommend Bore-Stores and we use them. Our take on Bore-Store Gun sleeves is simple: They work great, so buy them and use them — for ALL your valuable firearms. These thick, synthetic-fleece sacks cushion your guns, preventing nicks and scratches. The breathable fabric wicks away moisture, and the fibers are coated with corrosion inhibitors. This Editor personally uses Bore-Stores for in-safe storage with all my guns, and I have never had one of my guns rust inside a Bore-Store, even when I lived a stone’s throw from the ocean.
Bore-Stores are offered in a wide range of sizes, so you can find something to fit everything from a Snub-nosed revolver to a 32″-barrelled 50 BMG. Rifle-size Bore Stores can be purchased for $17.00 – $21.00 from Brownells or MidwayUSA. Of course, you can also order direct from Big Spring Enterprises at www.BoreStores.com. Big Spring will also craft custom large or unusual sizes on request.
Story idea from Edlongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Now through the end of July, MidwayUSA is running a promotion that can save you up to 10% on your online purchases. Note: sale, clearance, out-of-stock and Nightforce products do not count towards the total. Gift certificates do not count towards the total. These discounts apply to in-stock, regularly-priced items only. Remember the deadline is July 31, 11:59 pm, Central Time.
Coupon Code: 5071171
Type of Discount: $10 off $50 or more
Expiration date: 2011-07-31 23:59:59
Coupon Code: 1561171
Type of discount: 10% off $100 or more
Expiration date: 2011-07-31 23:59:59
Coupon Code: 2561171
Type of discount: 10% off $200 or more
Expiration date: 2011-07-31 23:59:59
Coupon Code: 3561171
Type of discount: 10% off $300 or more
Expiration date: 2011-07-31 23:59:59
To receive your Savings:
1. Add regular price, in-stock products to your cart totaling:
$100 or more – Use Promotion Code 1561171
$200 or more – Use Promotion Code 2561171
$300 or more – Use Promotion Code 3561171
2. Enter the promotion code into the box titled, “Promotion Code” on the shopping cart page.
3. See the discount applied on the Confirmation page near the end of the checkout.
E. Arthur Brown has just started stocking Barnes Bullets. To promote this new line of projectiles, EABCO is offering “Lowest Introductory Internet Prices” on some of Barnes’ most popular bullets: Triple Shock (TSX), Tipped Triple Shock (TTSX), and Varmint Grenade. The folks at EABCO explained: “We figured the best way to launch our Barnes Bullet Line would be to offer the most popular bullets at the lowest prices. The good people at Barnes gave us a ranking by sales volume, so we picked the top 20 (and added three personal favorites), to come up with the listing you see on the right”.
Ship Up to 20 Boxes of Bullets for Just $8.00
To sweeten the deal, EABCO is offering flat-rate USPS shipping. EABCO will charge just $8.00 to ship up to 20 boxes of bullets. Mix and match bullet types and bullet brands if you want. The $8.00 shipping offer applies to Berger, Hornady, and Lapua bullets also. But you need to select “$8 Bullets Only Shipping” during check-out. If you buy a large quantity of bullets, you can save a bundle with that shipping offer.
Qualities of Barnes Bullets
TSX bullets are widely known for their accuracy, consistent expansion on impact, and solid, weight retention. The “Triple Shock” name refers to the three grooves formed into the bearing surface. The Tipped Triple Shock is an enhanced-BC version of the Triple Shock with a polymer tip instead. Barnes claims that the higher BC of the TTSX tipped bullets provides a flatter trajectory for long-range shots. The popular lead-free Varmint Grenade bullets combine a composite (lead/tin) frangible core with a hollow cavity and copper jacket. These are designed to virtually disintegrate inside predators, minimizing pelt damage. Watch the video below for a dramatic demonstration of how Varmint Grenades perform when launched a very high velocities.
MidwayUSA has released new versions of its tactical gun case/drag bag that has earned very high marks from purchasers. This product is plenty wide, with a padded internal divider, so it really can handle two rifles. One purchaser confirms: “[This drag bag] holds my custom 300 Rem mag and my AR-15 with plenty of room.” MidwayUSA’s Sniper Drag Bag Scoped Rifle Gun Case comes in two lengths — either 50″ or 56″ overall. MidwayUSA says the internal length is 4″ shorter than the overall length, but that’s a little conservative. The 50″ length will handle most rifles with up to 25″ barrels, while the longer length should handle 30″-barreled rifles. We’re pleased MidwayUSA offers two lengths. One of the problems with many “tactical” gun cases is that they are simply too short for modern target rifles, particularly F-TR rigs. And many tactical competitors are running fairly long tubes these days.
MidwayUSA’s drag bags are made from tough, Cordura-style PVC-coated nylon, with reinforced stitching, heavy-duty zippers and closed cell foam padding in all pockets. These are big bags, with three large external pockets and one internal pocket. Notably, the full-length padded divider wall allows for secure two-gun storage, although this becomes a very heavy package with two scoped rifles inside. To assist with field carry, the MidwayUSA Drag Bag features backpack-style shoulder straps.
50″ Drag Bag Now On Sale for $64.99
Here’s the good news — now through the end of July, 2011, the shorter, 50″ Drag Bag is only $64.99 in either black or OD. You can save $35 off the regular $99.99 price. If you’re a tactical shooter and your rifle can fit in the shorter 50″ bag, jump on this deal. We doubt you can easily find another gun case with so many features for just $64.99. The 56″ Drag Bag costs $129.99, in either black or olive drab.
Positive User Reviews
James D in California, who purchased one of these bags last year, writes: “I don’t post reviews much, but this deserves comment. I was looking for an inexpensive solution to get my rifles to the range, so I purchased one of these drag bags. What a shock, It’s outstanding! Quality materials, excellent design and workmanship. It’s padded, has pockets inside of pockets, supports to where it as a pack, over the shoulder or like a case. It’s got everything! I also saw one at my local gunstore — EXACTLY like it for over twice the price! If you need a bag, this is it.”
Comp-Tac, maker of competition and concealment gear, is having a 20% Off Sale on July 4, 2011. Save 20% on your purchase by entering the code “JULY-1776″ in the “Coupon Redeem Code” box when you “check-out” from Comp-Tac’s webstore. Comp-Tac offers a wide assortment of firearms accessories. Primarily known for their Minotaur MTAC hybrid Kydex/leather holster, Comp-Tac produces more than just holsters. This company also makes AR-15 Mag Pouches, Gun Belts, Light Holders, and much more! CLICK HERE to view all products and shop online.
Limitations and the Fine Print
This Fourth of July 20% Off Sale is only available Monday, July 4th. To see full instructions and limitations of this sale, CLICK HERE.
OutdoorsTrader.com is a FREE alternative to Gunbroker.com and AuctionArms.com for selling firearms, magazines, optics, and hunting gear. Set up like a Craigslist for gun stuff, OutdoorsTrader.com lets you place free ads for buying, selling or trading guns, ammunition and parts. Conveniently, you can search ads by state, or even by zip code proximity.
Because OutdoorsTrader.com is relatively new, there are relatively few listings at present, but we expect that to grow. We clicked on “Oregon” and found a couple dozen listings, mostly handguns. A search for “Colorado” revealed a half-dozen listings, half rifle, half pistol. So OutdoorsTrader.com has a long way to go to challenge the big players such as Gunbroker.com and AuctionArms.com. But we’re glad OutdoorsTrader.com exists — it’s always a good thing for consumers to have more options.
OutdoorsTrader Charges No Fees, Unlike Gunbroker
We hope OutdoorsTrader.com becomes successful. Gunbroker.com is fairly expensive for the seller, who pays when the item sells (at auction). On an expensive rifle, Gunbroker.com fees can be significant. The cost to sell a $3500.00 rifle on Gunbroker.com is $56.88.
By contrast, OutdoorsTrader.com is free to join and entirely free to use. Once an account has been created, the user may post ads of his own and also leave replies on other posted ads. OutdoorsTrader.com has been around for a couple years. We hope it gains in popularity so it can provide more competition to Gunbroker.
Powder Valley Inc., one of our favorite vendors of powder, primers, and other reloading components, is offering a great Independence Day Deal. If you order online on the 4th of July, you will get 10% off the cost of your entire order. That’s right — 10% off everything you order. But note, this is a one-day deal only. Orders must be placed via the web on the 4th of July, between the hours of 12:00 AM and 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
Powder Valley 4th of July Sale
In celebration of our great nation and independence!!! 24 Hour Special Only — CLICK HERE
10% off entire order placed online on the 4th of July.
Order must be placed online between the hours of 12:00 AM and 11:59 PM EDT July 4, 2011. It is best to place your order using Internet Explorer. Only orders completed during these hours will receive a 10% discount. NO EXCEPTIONS! Note: this does not apply to Hazmat fees or shipping charges.
Dvor.com is a “private sale”, members-only discount site operated by OpticsPlanet.com. If you register (for FREE), with Dvor.com, you can purchase at low, “members only” prices. The deals change regularly. Most of the promotions last one or two days, but some special sales are good for a week. Here are some of the better deals for the next couple of days. Remember there are new deals nearly every day so you need to check Dvor.com frequently. We provide links for these three items. However to see the sale price or to order, you must first register with Dvor.com. Only Dvor-registered members get the super-low, limited-time sale prices.
OPMOD 3 in 1 Rifle Case
Dvor Sale Price: $52.00, Reg. $89.00
This is a double-rifle tactical case/drag bag that folds open to serve as a shooting mat. There are removable shoulder straps for field carry. The main interior compartment is 45″ long, and there are two large outside pockets, one 27″x10″ and the other 14.5″x10″. The OP MOD combines rugged PVC material, PAL webbing, and heavy duty zippers. This double case/shooting mat comes in black or tan. NOTE: This bag is too short for rifles with barrels much longer than about 26″. This is not an elite-quality case/drag bag, but it is a good value at the $52.00 sale price.
Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media – 15 lbs.
DVOR Sale Price: $14.00, Expires 7/1/2011 then $16.99
(MidwayUSA sells 15 lbs. of Corn Cob Media in a bag for $14.99 through 6/20/2011; Reg. Price $22.99)
While this Editor prefers walnut shells for brass tumbling, many folks favor Corn Cob Media because Corn media produces a very brilliant shine with less dust. The Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media has been pre-treated with brass polish to work more effectively. We recommend adding a bit of liquid Flitz to the mixture along with a small splash of mineral spirits. If you add Flitz or other liquid polish, be sure to run your tumbler for a few minutes to distribute the liquid and avoid clumps.
Vero Vellini High Climbing Double Sling
Dvor Sale Price: $44.00, Reg. $93.00 | Sale ends 6/30/2011!
This is a high-quality, neoprene padded double sling that lets you carry a heavy hunting or tactical rifle securely, centered over your back. The Double Sling leaves both arms free for climbing hills, trees, mountains or carrying gear. The system is similar to the sling rigs used by Biathlon competitors, which stabilize the rifle even when you’re moving quickly or climbing. If you miss out on Dvor’s $44.00 price, Amazon.com has the Vero Vellini Double Sling for $54.99.
Our buddy Eric Kennard of 
Big Spring Enterprises, the Arkansas-based maker of 
We recommend Bore-Stores and we use them. Our take on Bore-Store Gun sleeves is simple: They work great, so buy them and use them — for ALL your valuable firearms. These thick, synthetic-fleece sacks cushion your guns, preventing nicks and scratches. The breathable fabric wicks away moisture, and the fibers are coated with corrosion inhibitors. This Editor personally uses Bore-Stores for in-safe storage with all my guns, and I have never had one of my guns rust inside a Bore-Store, even when I lived a stone’s throw from the ocean.
Comp-Tac, maker of competition and concealment gear, is having a 20% Off Sale on July 4, 2011. Save 20% on your purchase by entering the code “JULY-1776″ in the “Coupon Redeem Code” box when you “check-out” from 
Powder Valley 4th of July Sale
