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.
1. Graf & Sons — Lapua Brass in Stock
⏺ Best brass for centerfire disciplines; get it before it sells out
More quantities of quality cartridge brass are becoming available. Grafs.com now has a large supply of Lapua brass in stock. With many of the top cartridge types available this is a great time to stock up on Lapua brass. For those who haven’t tried Lapua brass yet, it may cost a bit more, but Lapua brass can deliver multiples of useful life compared to lesser brands. With reasonable loads (and some annealing), Lapua brass can deliver 20+ load cycles for most popular cartridge types.
2. Sportsman’s WHSE — Tikka T3x Lite/Superlite Rifles on Sale
⏺ Save big on excellent hunting rifle, smooth action, nice trigger
Looking for a great hunting rifle that is reliable, accurate, and relatively lightweight? If so, check out the Tikka T3x Lite and Superlite rifles. These rifles combines high performance with light weight. They feature synthetic stocks and new modular features. Tikkas boast smooth-running actions and very good factory triggers. The T3x series features weather-resistant stocks with good grip feel even in wet conditions. The metallic bolt shroud covers and shields the firing pin and rear of the bolt body. This is a good price.
⏺ Outstanding deal on quality muffs — many color options
Every shooter should have quality ear muffs, both for yourself and any friends/family members you bring to the range. For those on a tight budget, we recommend the Walker’s Razor Slim Passive Earmuffs. These are comfortable and have a good 28dB Noise Reduction rating — very high for slim muffs. These Walker’s Razor Slims are available in a wide variety of colors, starting at just $18.38 on Amazon — a great deal. These muffs fold compactly, making them easy to stow.
4. Bruno’s Shooters Supply — BAT Actions, $100 OFF
⏺ Get a great BAT action without the wait at good price
Why wait months or years for a custom action when Bruno’s has BAT Actions in stock at attractive, $100 Off prices. Available in several finish types and multiple configurations, these ready-to-ship actions will meet the needs of any serious or casual shooter.
5. Palmetto SA — Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ 9mm, $449.99
⏺ Excellent CCW pistol with handy grip safety at good price
Given the high demand, it has been tough to find quality handguns for sale at a fair price. If you’re looking for a 9mm carry gun, Palmetto SA has the excellent Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ 9MM for just $449.99, including two 8-rd magazines. This gun is easy to rack. We like the integral grip safety. The trigger is crisp, and the pistol features an 18-degree grip angle for a natural point of aim. The Shield EZ is fitted with white-dot front and adjustable white-dot rear sights.
6. Creedmoor Sports — American Practice Bullets on SALE
⏺ Amazing deal on factory second bullets, save 50% or more
Here’s a truly great deal on quality .22 cal and .30 cal bullets. These American Practice Bullets are made by major manufacturer, but may have slight cosmetic defects — mostly visual, such as minor scratch marks on the jackets. If you can live with the slight visual defects or very slight weight variances, you can enjoy huge savings. Get 500 bullets for what you might pay for just 250 first-run projectiles. For example, 500 69gr HPBT .22-caliber bullets are only $104.95. That’s just $20.99 per hundred! And for you .308 Win/.30-06 shooters — get 500 175gr HPBT bullets for just $165.96, just $33.95 per hundred.
⏺ Excellent choice for varmint rifle at super-low price
Need a scope for your varmint rifle? Here’s a killer deal on a 5-20x44mm Bushnell Nitro. This second focal plane (SFP) scope boasts a nice reticle with MOA-based hashmarks. With this deal you can save 54% off the regular $499.99 price. For varmint hunting we think the 5-20X magnification range is just about ideal, and we prefer SFP as the reticle thickness doesn’t change as you zoom in and out, something you’ll do often on a prairie dog hunt. If you are looking for a lower-magnification scope, consider the 2.5-10x44mm Nitro for just $174.49 a $175 savings.
8. Amazon — Highwild Adjustable Target Stand Base, $32.99
⏺ Smart product with adjustable widths
The steel Highwild Adjustable Target Stand Base provides a stable base for your target frame. The base has three steel receivers for standard 1×2 wood stakes (actual size .75″x 1.5″). Base span quickly adjusts from 8″ to 24″ and width markers are stamped on the cross-beam. No tools are required to change width. With this base you can set up your own target anywhere. The entire base is powder-coated to stand up to the elements. Bonus — the 13″ X 16″ cardboard shipping box is printed with Silhouette Targets.
9. Creedmoor Sports — Cleaning Rod Guide, $24.95 – $29.95
⏺ Always use a rod guide — these are caliber-specific for best fit
Without a good bore guide, you can damage your rifle during cleaning. Bore guides keep solvents and fouling out of your action and trigger group. They also center up your rod and jags, protecting your chamber. Creedmoor Sports Cleaning Rod Guides have earned high marks. These are available in a variety of calibers/sizes to fit various actions. Use the drop-down menu on Creedmoor Sports product page to select the right size for your gun. NOTE: These Cleaning Rod Guides may be black or red, depending on current inventory.
Sunday, May 9th is Mother’s Day. To help mark this special day, Creedmoor Sports is running a 10% Off Mother’s Day Sale. The sale runs from noon today Friday 5/7/21 through Monday 5/10/21 at noon Central Time. With this sale Creedmoor Sports is discounting its Creedmoor-branded products. Use Promo Code MOM21 to get 10% Off Creedmoor items, excluding Air Gun Range Items and ammo. This special sale includes Creedmoor’s popular coats, shooting mats, carts, scope stands, slings, and much more.
Here are some popular Creedmoor Sports products on sale. Dozens of other items are 10% Off, including tools, loading blocks, transport bags, ammo holders, score books, slings, shooting hats and more…
In today’s economy, Free is good. Here’s a list of classic, older shooting books that can be downloaded for FREE from Google Books. This list includes many classic treatises on marksmanship that still have value for today’s competitive shooters. In addition, we’ve included illustrated firearm histories, such as Townsend Whelen’s fascinating book, The American Rifle, and The Gun and its Development (9th Ed.), by William Wellington Greener.
In the list below, the title link will take you to the Google Books page for each book. You can read the entire book online, or (in most cases) you can download it to your computer as a PDF file* and save it (or print it). You can also create your own Google Library and save the books there for access from any computer.
*To download a book, first click the title from the list above. You can read immediately by clicking the blue “Read for Free” button. If you want to store the book for later reading, select the “Download PDF” button just to the right. This may bring up a security question to make sure you are a human. Respond to the security question correctly and the PDF file should appear. On most operating systems, this will launch in a scrolling PDF viewer. You will then need to click the download icon in the PDF viewer, at upper right. NOTE: When saving, be sure to select a destination on your hard drive that you can remember.
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.
1. Palmetto SA — Complete AR Lower + Magpul Stock — $219.99
⏺ Good complete lower with nice stock — add upper of your choice
Get that AR lower while you still can. This complete Palmetto State Armory lower with Magpul stock is fully assembled. It will take a standard upper, which you can build or purchase later without an FFL. The lower is the section that much be purchased through an FFL with a background check. On sale for $219.99, this complete PSA AR15 Lower features polished hammer and trigger components with nickel-plating for smoother trigger action. This lower is finished with an adjustable Magpul MOE Carbine Stock, Magpul MOE Trigger Guard, and Magpul MOE Grip.
⏺ Great deals for AR500 steel targets — watch video above right
Caldwell’s new bright, easy-to-see steel targets come in multiple shapes and sizes for competition, training, and recreational use. Made of AR-500 grade hardened steel, these bright yellow targets can withstand thousands of rounds. Rated up to a 3000 fps impact velocity and a 3500 ft-lb impact energy, these targets come in seven styles and sizes with three hanging solutions. These bright yellow AR500 targets are On Sale now at Midsouth, starting at just $14.79 for 5″ Gong Target.
3. Midsouth — RCBS Explorer Reloading Kit, $399.99
⏺ RCBS Kit includes all vital tools — good for new hand-loaders
Reloading tools have been in high demand. Many popular presses and combo kits have been sold out. Here’s good news — Midsouth has received Press Kits from RCBS. Great for folks getting started in reloading, this kit includes the single-stage press, powder measure, priming tool, trickler, digital scale, load manual, and various accessories. Get the RCBS Explorer Kit 2 for $399.99. If you want a bigger press, Midsouth also has the Rebel Master Reloading Kit for $488.95. This include everything in the Explorer kit, but with the beefier Rebel press plus a few more tools. Both kits are in-stock now, but could sell out soon.
4. MidwayUSA — Crimson Trace 5-Series Tactical Scope Sale
⏺ Really amazing deals on excellent FFP optics for PRS/NRL applications
KILLER DEAL on high-quality First Focal Plane MilRad optics, ideal for PRS/NRL tactical applications. These high-tech Crimson Trace scopes are over HALF OFF now. Grab the 3-24x56mm for $799.99 (55% OFF) or the 3-18x50mm for $699.99 (56% OFF). Both feature 34mm main tubes, tons of elevation, and advanced MR1-MIL illuminated reticles. We’ve looked through these optics and they have good glass and nice controls. These scopes feature EZ Mount Leveling Indicators for quick, precise mounting. All Crimson Trace scopes come with FREE Batteries for life and a Lifetime Protection Warranty.
⏺ Quality ultrasonic heated cleaning machine at very good price
Looking to clean your brass and/or gun parts? The H&B Ultrasonic Cleaning Machine is a bargain at just $77.98 on Amazon. This unit features a heated tank for cleaning of cartridge barss and metal parts. The ultrasonic cavitation lifts and dissolves carbon, dirt, and any residue left on fired cases. Chose cycles from 90 to 480 seconds. Not only can you clean brass, but this unit can clean pistol slides, magazines, jewelry, and silverware. Note: This unit, an “Amazon Choice” with 89% 4- or 5-star reviews, is nearly identical to the unit Lyman has sold for $120+.
6. Midsouth — Lyman Ideal Reloading Press, $95.25
⏺ Compact yet strong — good second press for range or home
Lyman’s Ideal compact press works great as a second, lighter-duty press. For loading at the range, it can easily be mounted to a bench. This cast-iron press is stronger than other small presses in its class. The Lyman Ideal C-Frame press costs just $79.99 at Midsouth. With good leverage in a compact size, this is a great press for the price.
Here’s a very good mat for just $29.99. This NcStar Vism shooting mat boast decent padding, and reinforced areas for elbows and knees. Full dimensions are: 69″ Long x 35″ Wide. This mat has straps for pre-loading your bipod. When you’re done simply fold in the edges, roll it up into a compact 19.50″ W x 8.50″ H package — the size of a sleeping bag. You can pay twice as much for a shooting mat and not get much more quality. This mat has earned 85% Five-Star buyer ratings on Amazon.
Would you like the functionality of caliber-specific powder funnels, but don’t want to spend big money on multiple units? Then try the Lyman Pro Powder Funnel for $28.99. Six caliber-specific inserts effectively give the funnel a custom fit for your case neck sizes. This kit features a convenient carry case that holds the funnel plus six (6) inserts for 22, .243/6mm, .25/6.5mm, .270/7mm, .308 and .338 caliber rifle cartridges. NOTE: If this sells out, Midsouth has the Pro Powder Funnel with inserts for $27.45.
9. Amazon — MAXUS Dante Milligram Scale, $16.99
⏺ Excellent little scale good for sorting duties
Having a good compact utility scale is great for weighing bullets, primers, and brass. 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 $16.99. 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. Midsouth — Roll of 250 Stick-On Benchrest Accuracy Target
⏺ Handy roll of adhesive targets with precise grid
Midsouth offers 250 self-adhesive Benchrest Targets on a convenient roll. These stick-on targets work great for anyone doing load development. Each target offers a precision 1/4″ grid at the top with diamond aiming box below. This is similar to official targets used in Benechrest matches, with the addition of the upper grid lines which allow you to instantly estimate group size. These targets also include an area to list your load components. Midsouth sells the 250-target roll for $14.99.
Two historic pistols will be auctioned on May 14, 2021. These two flintlocks belonged to Col. Alexander Hamilton, whose image is now on the U.S. $10 dollar bill. The Rock Island Auction Company says: “These pistols are universally recognized as being among the most historically significant weapons known to exist. Few firearms owned and used by founding fathers during the American Revolutionary War survive, and none that we know of (other than this pair) remain in private hands. Only two founders, Washington and Hamilton, served in the Continental Army with distinction.”
Projected bid range for the two pistols (plus epaulettes worn by Hamilton) is $1,000,000 to $3,500,000. SEE Hamilton Pistols Auction Page, RIA 5/14/21 Auction Lot #125.
Pistols May Command the Highest Price Ever for Auctioned Firearms
“These pistols… transcend arms specific collecting. They are an American institution in and of themselves” stated Rock Island Auction President Kevin Hogan. According to RIA, the War Pistols of Alexander Hamilton are the “most historically significant item ever offered by Rock Island Auction Company. Items from the era rarely survive, let alone those of Founding Fathers. Given these pistols’ rarity, significance, and provenance, they may very well set the world record price for a firearm offered at auction.”
A matched pair, the pistols have smoothbore, multi-stage barrels with light scroll engraving. The wrist escutcheons have the significant initials “A H” inscribed for Alexander Hamilton and border engraving. The early banana profile locks are convex and have floral scroll engraving and non-bridled pans. The furniture is all brass. The side plates have pierced centers and light floral engraving.
Along with the two flintlock pistols, the auction, set for next week, will include two epaulettes worn by Hamilton as a Continental soldier. The Guns America Digest noted: “The pistols were presented to Hamilton, when he was a Colonel, by his father-in-law General Philip Schuyler [after the historic Battle of Saratoga]. They were passed down through the family until they were sold in 1942. Included with the pistols are Hamilton’s epaulettes from his Colonel’s uniform, which he wore while serving with General George Washington during the American Revolution.”
Hamilton Pistols Will Be Featured on Gun Talk Radio, Sunday 5/2/21
These historic Hamilton pistols will be discussed this Sunday on Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk Radio. Host Tom Gresham will discuss these historic arms in an interview with Kevin Hogan, President of Rock Island Auction Company. On May 14, 2021 RIA will have Alexander Hamilton’s flintlock pistols and epaulettes on the auction block. Find out more at RockIslandAuction.com.
Tomorrow is the first day of May. The 2021 outdoor season is well underway. Do you have a good first-aid kit in your vehicle to deal with possible injuries to family members of all ages? For just $20.00 you can get an excellent kit from Be Smart/TRI, the #1 maker of First Aid Kits in the USA.
TRI’s Be Smart Get Prepared First Aid Kit has 201 items inside a sturdy case with shoulder strap and carry handle. There is also a handy, detachable mini pouch with key essentials for first aid on-the-go. You can easily bring the mini-pouch along on a bike ride or hike.
This multi-purpose First Aid Kit includes:
• 50 – Bandages 3/4 x 3
• 30 – Bandages 3/8 x 1 1/2
• 6 – Bandages Closure
• 3 – Knuckle Bandages
• 1 – Tapes – .5 x 2.5yd Waterproof
• 10 – Cotton Tips – 2.75″”/10 Pack
• 4 – Finger Splints
• 1 – First Aid Guide
• 4 – Gauze Pad – 2 x 2 / 4 ply
• 4 – Gauze Pad – 4 x 4 / 4 ply
• 1 – Gauze Pad – 5 x 9
• 2 – Nitrile Gloves
• 1 – Instant Cold Pack – 5 x 6
To help ensure that outdoor adventures remain safe and trouble-free, the CTD Shooters’ Log has a helpful Essential Summer Survival Guide. This is worth reading before you venture away from civilization.
Here are some highlights of the article with links for MORE INFO:
First Aid Kits for Campers
You should never venture outside without a first aid kit close at hand. While exploring the outdoors, all types of accidents can occur—from cuts, scrapes, and burns to broken limbs and severe allergic reactions.
Basic Survival Skills
Basic survival skills are a necessity if you plan to spend any amount of time outdoors. These five tips, plus a how-to on what to pack in a lightweight, basic survival kit will help if you are ever stuck, lost, stranded or injured in the field.
How to Treat Burns
Fireworks, barbeques and campfires — in the summer we are frequently around fire, which increases our chance of getting burned. A first-degree burn is most likely home treatable, while a third degree burn requires immediate medical attention. Learn how to spot the differences between minor and severe burns.
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.
1. Stocky’s Stocks — Assorted Stocks on Sale, $219.99
⏺ Great variety of quality stocks at bargain $220 price
⏺ High-quality, high-BC aluminum-tip bullets — get them while you can
Reloading components remain hard to find but we located a great selection of the popular Hornady A-Tip bullets in stock at Grafs.com. You’ll find a good assortment of popular calibers and bullet weights, including 6mm, 7mm, and .308 calibers. These A-Tip bullets have racked up many PRS/NRL match wins.
3. EuroOptic — SIG Sauer 20% OFF All Optics Sale
⏺ Save 20% on riflescopes, red dots, binoculars etc. through April 25th
Need an optic for an AR or tactical rig? Or a reflex red dot for a pistol? Could you use a “smart” laser rangefinder that “talks” to your riflescope? Right now EuroOptic has discounted ALL SIG Sauer Optics 20%. All Sig Sauer optics are on sale, including riflescopes, red dots, laser rangefinders, binoculars, spotting scopes and more. That 20% discount can save hunters, PRS competitors, and pistol shooters hundreds on high quality optics with solid warranties. Shown are just a few of the great deals — dozens of other optics are on sale now through April 25, 2021.
4. COSTCO — Savior 55″ Double Rifle Case, $79.99
⏺ Well-made case holds TWO 50+” rifles, sells elsewhere for $100
Quality double rifle cases that fit long-barreled competition rigs can be expensive. But right now Costco has a great deal on the Savior American Classic 55″ Double Rifle Bag. This well-made case fits TWO long-barrel PRS, tactical, and/or F-Class rifles. Choose black or tan fabric (we prefer the tan as it doesn’t show dirt as much). The very same 55″ case sells elsewhere for nearly $100, so this is a great deal.
NOTE: This double rifle case comes complete with shoulder harness so it can be carried like a backpack (see photo at right). Plus there is plenty of room for gear in the three, side-mounted accessory pockets. If you order online from Costco.com, shipping is free, and you can return it to any Costco warehouse if you don’t like it for some reason.
5. Brownells — 200rds X-TAC 5.56×45 Ammo + SIG Red Dot, $344.99
⏺ Get 200 rounds (55gr or 62gr) plus quality Red Dot 0ptic
Need ammo and/or a sight system for your AR? Right now Brownells has a package deal combining .223 Rem/5.56 ammo and a high-quality Red Dot optic. With this X-TAC 5.56 NATO AMMO package you can get 200 rounds of 55gr or 62gr ammunition PLUS a SIG Sauer Romeo5 Red Dot Optic. The combo deals start at just $344.99. This 5.56×45 X-Tac ammo is made by PMC, a very reputable brand. The Romeo5 Red Dot is a quality German-engineered optic from SIG Sauer.
⏺ Excellent binoculars with big discount this week — outstanding bargain
Could you use a set of rugged, waterproof binoculars with excellent glass? Then consider these quality Steiner 7×50 Marine Binoculars. Like the famed Steiner Military/Marine binoculars, these boast an optical design system that keeps everything in focus from 20 yards to infinity (once you set the oculars for your eyes). We have a similar pair of Steiners and the focus system works great — no constant fiddling with the focus control. The big 50mm lenses also bring in lots of light. These binoculars feature hardened NBR shock-absorbing armor and all-weather reliability. You won’t find better 7x50mm or 8x50mm binoculars at anywhere near this $211.65 sale price.
Hearing protection is essential, but so is communicating with those around you. You get vital audio protection plus communication capability with these Walker’s Razor Earmuffs with Free Walkie Talkie. With a 23 dB Noise Reduction Rating (NRR), these Walker’s Razor earmuffs offer a low-profile design and handy sound controls. Along with the muffs, right now you get a BONUS full-featured walkie talkie unit allowing you to communicate via wireless radio. This handy transceiver boasts 22 channels and features Push-to-Talk (PTT) technology.
⏺ Good waterproof cover for field rifles — easy on/off and lightweight
Ever been out hunting or positioned on the firing line only to have rain suddenly pour down? If you’d like a way to keep moisture out of your gun, check out the Caldwell Allweather Fast Case Gun Cover. This waterproof cover fits guns from 40″ to 54″ in length. The gun cover is easily rolled up and packed away, ensuring you’ll always have it when bad weather hits. This Caldwell cover is similar to the popular Mtn Lite Rifle cover at one-third the price.
⏺ Inexpensive bags — good starters for PRS or NRL matches
Every shooter can use a nice portable support bag. These inexpensive Vital Impact bags can work for sighting-in hunting rifles, supporting tactical rigs, or even resting handguns during load development. Many of durable synthetic fabric, these Vital Impact shooting bags are filed with small beads. This makes them much lighter and easier to carry than conventional sandbags. These Vital Impact bags also have have a textured rubber base that helps keep them in place when used on a bench or platform.
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.
⏺ Amazing deal for under $290 — Sights, good ergos, action and forearm rails
Looking for a semi-auto defensive 12 gauge? This Citadel Warthog offers reliable function, nice ergonomics, and the features you want, all for just $288.99 cash price ($297.66 Credit Card). This nice scattergun boasts a black metal finish and black synthetic stock with black pistol grip. It comes standard with raised tactical rear sight and ghost ring front sight plus a Picatinny rail on the action and on the forearm (for lights etc.). This shotgun includes 3 extended choke tubes. A recent buyer was pleased: “Reliable, great ergonomics, will cycle everything”.
⏺ Killer Deal, Save $300 — better than other brands costing hundreds more
Guys, here’s a GREAT Nikon deal at Grafs.com. These very same Nikon LaserForce 10×42 LRF Binoculars are $1199.95 at Optics Planet and $1196.95 on Amazon. These feature HD Glass with long eye relief, 1900-yard range (on reflective targets), Incline/Decline “smarts”, and OLED display with 4-step intensity adjustment. Hunters — you won’t find better LRF binoculars at anywhere near this price. NOTE: This has sold out at this $300 OFF price. However, many of our readers were able to purchase these LRF binocs. Remember to check for Monday Deals as early as possible.
3. KYGUNCO — Anderson AM-15 (AR) Lower Receiver, $79.99
⏺ More gun control is coming — get an AR lower while you can
With the developments in Washington, it will likely become more difficult to purchase an AR-platform rifle in the future. You may want to get an AR lower now, while you can, at a reasonable price. KYGUNGO (Kentucky Gun Co.) is selling the Anderson AM-15 AR15 Lower Receiver for just $79.99 (cash price) or $82.39 (credit card). This is a mil-spec 7075 T6 Forged aluminum lower, Type 3 Hard Anodized. Flat-Rate Shipping to your FFL is just $11.99. These could sell out quickly.
4. Amazon — Double Rifle Backpack Case from $66.99 (36″)
⏺ Great cases 36″ to 55″, many compartments, good shoulder straps
It’s hard to find quality tactical gun cases that fit long match rifles. This Savior Gun Case (55″ model) can hold two rifles up to about 54″ OAL. Five (5) sizes are available: 36″, 42″, 46″, 51″, and 55″. This is a great choice for PRS. The Savior 51″ version in FDE Tan is $94.12 while the biggest 55″ Savior Tactical case starts at $97.99 on Amazon in black. Either is big enough for most PRS rifles, even with long barrels. The shorter 36″ case is just $66.99. These Saviour cases, #1 Best Sellers on Amazon, come in multiple colors: FDE Tan, OD Green, Multi-Cam, Black, and Gray.
5. Amazon — Vortex Diamondback HD Spotting Scope, $399.00
⏺ Great Spotting Scope Deal — hard to beat at twice the price
Whether hunting or target shooting, spotting scopes get you on target faster and easier than bare eyes or riflescope. If you need a good HD-grade spotter, check out the Vortex Diamondback HD 16-48x65mm angled spotting scope for $399.00. It offers great clarity and rock-solid lifetime guarantee. Relatively compact and weighing 49.8 ounces, this is a good choice for a hunter. There’s also a straight version for $399.00, with same 16-48X power and 65mm objective. If you need more magnification and low-light performance, Vortex offers the 20-60x80mm Diamondback HD spotter for $499.00.
6. Midsouth — Berry’s Tri-Can Ammo Carrier, $23.99
⏺ Very Handy New Product has Three Clear-Top Compartments
Midsouth now sells the new Tri-Can Utility Box Carrier for $23.99. This Tri-Can (from Berry’s) is a handy, versatile organizational tool that simplifies range trips. The tough injection molded plastic base and lids, rubber seal gaskets, and cam-lock latches keep contents safe. The Tri-Can boasts a strong, handy carry handle. The Tri-Can is made up of three individual translucent-lid containers which can be customized with up to three individual cells.
7. Amazon — Wheeler Digital Trigger Pull Gauge, $41.30
Every serious shooter should have a good trigger gauge. The Wheeler digital trigger gauge is precise and repeatable, measuring pull weights up to 12 pounds, making it suitable for all types of firearms. The load cell directly contacts the trigger making it extremely accurate with +/- 0.2 ounce precision. There are two modes: “Peak” and “Live.” Peak mode shows max force for each pull and calculates the minimum, maximum and average pull weights. Live mode continuously shows the force on the sensor. It even has a special adapter for Savage-style triggers with bladed inserts.
8. Brownells — Wipe-Out Foam Cleaner, $10.99
⏺ Wipe-Out Foam is effective, particularly when used right after shooting
Walking the firing line of the Berger SW Nationals this year, one cleaning product was mentioned over and over again and for good reason. Sharp Shoot R Wipe-Out foaming bore cleaner is a no-nonsense, easy-to-use bore cleaner that does a great job. We get best results with two applications of Wipe-Out after some wet patches. If you’re tired of long brushing sessions, give Wipe-Out a try — it really reduces brushing required. This is a great deal. The same 5 oz. can is $21.44 on Amazon.
⏺ Dual-purpose Empty Chamber Indicator that racks AR bolt
The Hornady Safe Cycle Rapid Rack is an empty chamber indicator (ECI) that also operates as a load assist device. The bright red lever visually displays that your AR’s chamber is empty. To “make ready”, simply shoulder the firearm, grab the lever and pull straight back and allow the Rapid Rack to fall to the ground as the now-charged bolt springs forward to feed a round into the chamber. You can also charge your AR normally as the Rapid Rackwill not interfere with standard operation. Just “grip it and rip it” with the inexpensive Hornady Rapid Rack, now just $9.90 at Midsouth.
10. Amazon — Real Avid Chamber Boss for ARs, $29.99
⏺ Essential tool for AR owners — handy, effective, self-contained
Cleaning AR-platform rifle chambers can be a pain, especially when it comes to removing the carbon. We found the Real Avid Chamber Boss is very effective on those dirty AR chambers and internals. The Chamber Boss includes a carbon scraper specifically designed for the AR chamber extension. This kit also include a chamber brush, and 5 special star-chamber cleaning pads. All these components fit right into the Chamber Boss’s handle, making transport simple and easy.
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.
1. Sportsman’s WHSE — C. Daly 12ga Pump Shotgun, $199.99
⏺ No frills, reliable Self-Defense 12ga Shotgun under $200
If you’ve been searching for a no-nonsense defense shotgun at a bargain price, then check out the Charles Daly 301 Tactical 12 Gauge 3in Black Pump Action Shotgun. It has an aluminum action with a steel barrel and comes with a Beretta/Benelli Modified Choke. It is chambered for 3″ (max) 12 gauge shells. Actual buyers were impressed with this shotgun: “Purchased for value. First day at range fired multiple types of 2 3/4 bird and buck shot with no issues to report.” and “Looks and functions great. Short and handy also.”
⏺ Sophisticated, sturdy, versatile gun vise great for many tasks
Having a stable rifle vise is critical for doing any kind of work, especially mounting optics. One of our favorites is the Tipton Ultra Vise . It features different modules that can be quickly moved, rearranged or removed anywhere along the rail. Leveling feet are situated on all corners making leveling easier, and dual clamp technology rigidly holds any gun shape into place. The best part of this package is that it comes with a FREE Wheeler Scope Leveling System to help mount your scope properly.
The Tipton Ultra Gun Vise’s modular, interchangeable design can hold nearly any type of long gun. Ball and socket articulating clamp pads adapt to any surface. The front and rear clamps are both height and length adjustable with fast-turn knobs for quick clamping.
3. EuroOptic — Trijicon Tenmile Scope Sale — Huge Savings
⏺ These Trijicon optics compare well with NF for much less
Trijicon Tenmile scopes have quickly become popular with F-Class, PRS, and ELR competitors. Check out the Trijicon Tenmile scope sale where you can pick up any of these innovative scopes that feature lit reticles, large 34mm diameter tubes, and many other good features. These are really good scopes for the money. And now’s the time to buy with massive discounts during this sale. For example the Tenmile 3-18x44mm FFP with MRAD ranging is marked down from $2199.99 to $1475.99 (Save $724). And the Tenmile 5-50x56mm Extreme LR SFP scope is marked down from $2700.99 MSRP to $1810.99 — Save $890!
⏺ Strong, well-designed AR 30rd Mags at good price
You can’t watch the news without wondering how long it’ll be before high-capacity magazines are banned nationwide. Avoid price gouging and regret by picking up an AR-15 30-Round Steel 5.56 Magazine 10-Pack. For $139.99 you’ll get TEN 30-round steel 30-Rd magazines with a well-designed anti-tilt follower. The follower is also self-leveling to ensure proper feeding of ammo in your AR15-type firearm.
5. Natchez — 400 Rds Federal XM193 5.56x45mm Ammo, $399.99
⏺ Quality Federal NATO-spec ammo for your AR-15 Platform rifles
Good factory loaded ammo remains hard to find, particularly for popular calibers such .223 Rem (5.56×45). Ammo prices seem to be on a constant rise. One of the best deals we’ve see on in-stock ammo is this Federal XM193 NATO Rifle Ammunition 5.56mm 55gr FMJ, 400/ct. While it’s not the cheapest we’ve seen, it’s good ammo and comes in a military-style ammo box. Nobody has a crystal ball but we may look back and wonder why we didn’t grab more ammo like this before prices rose even higher.
6. Brownells Armory — Everything AR at good prices
⏺ AR-focused product center: Uppers/Lowers/Mags/Triggers and more
More people than ever are looking to pick up some form of an AR-15 and for good reason. If you’re one of those people and don’t know where to look or how to get all the parts you need, check out the Brownells Armory. They’ve made it easy to build one by putting all the categories in an easy-to-navigate menu taking nearly all the guess work out of the process making for a one stop shop.
⏺ Quality Cannon safe at huge discount right now — Save $200
Cannon makes good safes for the money — and this big 27.8 cubic-foot safe is on sale this week. Save $200 on the Cannon Landmark 27.8 Cubic-Foot Executive Safe with Electronic Lock and 60-minute fire rating. This safe is big, measuring 64.33″ Tall x 35.5″ Wide x 25.33″ Deep. The safe is rated to hold 47 guns (NOTE: This capacity figure is based on thin, unscoped rifles, such as lever guns. Nonetheless this is a very capacious safe.) NOTE: The $799.99 SALE price includes curbside delivery to your location.
⏺ Precision-molded ammo blocks are stackable, versatile, affordable
We’re all probably spending a little more time loading these days, but sometimes prep work can be slowed down when you don’t have anywhere to put your brass. Save money and increase your capacity to load by picking up a Universal Reloading Ammo Tray Loading Blocks 10-Pack for just $11.99. These are universally sized, allowing for just about any type brass. NOTE These blocks are designed to stack securely, so you can use them for both short pistol cases (using one block) and taller rifle cartridges (using two or three blocks). These are cheap enough that you can also use them for general storage in crates or ammo boxes.
9. Amazon — EZ-Aim Bullseye Paper Target, 13-pack $3.90
⏺ Great, high-contrast Bullseye Targets just 30 cents each
Why spend a ton of money on targets that just get shot up and thrown away? Check out these EZ-Aim Paper Shooting Range and Archery Targets. They’re bright white with easy to see aiming points, and numbered Ring values. We like these because they resemble match targets. At $3.90 for 13 targets, your per target cost is just $0.30 (thirty cents)! NOTE: Allen also sells many other paper and reactive shooting targets — everything from sight-in sheets to prairie dog targets and spinners.
RCBS offers a series of premium MatchMaster Competition Dies. These are available in Full-Length Sizing, Neck Sizing, and Seating configurations. These new MatchMaster dies are notable for four features:
1. The Competition Seating Die has a “view-port” for the bullet.
2. The Competition Seating Die features a self-centering, free-floating bullet-seating stem.
3. Expanders are titanium-nitride coated for reduced friction. Both the Neck-Sizing and FL-Sizing dies come with TiN expanders for smoother case extraction and reduced brass build-up on the expander.
4. RCBS is offering its own precision-machined Neck Bushings.
No More Mashed Fingers When Seating Bullets
RCBS notes: “Reloaders will love that they can end smashed fingers and misaligned bullets with the specially-designed bullet window [on the Seating Die]. And users can fine-tune any load … with the micrometer-adjustable, free-floating, self-centering bullet seating stem.”
RCBS Product Manager Will Hemeyer explained that the new Competition Seater is a game-changer. “What sets the MatchMaster Seating Die apart from the competition is a bullet-seating window with bullet-retaining system. Simply place the bullet in the window and raise the case into the die to seat the bullet. Couple this with a micrometer-adjustable, free-floating, self-centering bullet-seating stem[.]”
Buy MatchMaster Powder Dispenser, Get Free RCBS MatchMaster Die Set plus $100 MidwayUSA Gift Certificate
To make these dies even more attractive, right now, though the end of April, 2021, you can get a FREE set of MatchMaster Dies if you purchase an RCBS MatchMaster electronic powder scale/dispenser.
Right now, with an RCBS Promo, you’ll get both FL sizing die and micrometer seating die for FREE if you buy the $899.00 MatchMaster. The retail value of the die set is $185.95. But wait — it gets even better. If you purchase from MidwayUSA you get a $100 MidwayUSA Gift Certificate. To qualify for the Free Dies deal, the MatchMaster must be purchased 4/1/2021 through 4/30/2021.
Why Use Expander with Bushing Dies?
Some viewers of Gavin’s video asked if an expander is superfluous when using neck-bushing dies. The answer is “it depends”. The bushings reduce neck diameter from the OUTSIDE. The expander should make the INSIDE of the neck perfectly round. Some hand-loaders prefer to take the necks down a couple thousandths below final loading diameter, then finish the job with an expander. That ensures the INSIDE of the case neck is perfectly concentric. This can be particularly useful for brass that has somewhat inconsistent neck-wall thickness. Bottom line, you can run these dies without expanders if you want, but that option is available. The expander is also removable so the assembly can be used for de-capping only.
MactchMaster Neck-Sizing Only Die
The MatchMaster Neck Sizing Die Set also uses RCBS neck bushings to control neck tension while not changing the body dimensions of fired cases. Frankly we strongly recommend that you full-length size your rifle rounds, but we acknowledge that some hand-loaders prefer to neck size for some applications. The MatchMaster Neck Sizing Dies do include a titanium-nitride coated expander, just like the FL-sizing MatchMaster dies.
In today’s economy, Free is good. Here’s a list of classic, older shooting books that can be downloaded for FREE from Google Books. This list includes many classic treatises on marksmanship that still have value for today’s competitive shooters. In addition, we’ve included illustrated firearm histories, such as Townsend Whelen’s fascinating book, The American Rifle, and The Gun and its Development (9th Ed.), by William Wellington Greener.
Two historic pistols will be auctioned on May 14, 2021. These two flintlocks belonged to Col. Alexander Hamilton, whose image is now on the U.S. $10 dollar bill. The Rock Island Auction Company says: “These pistols are universally recognized as being among the most historically significant weapons known to exist. Few firearms owned and used by founding fathers during the American Revolutionary War survive, and none that we know of (other than this pair) remain in private hands. Only two founders, Washington and Hamilton, served in the Continental Army with distinction.”
Quality double rifle cases that fit long-barreled competition rigs can be expensive. But right now Costco has a great deal on the 
