This photo was taken from my driveway at 12:23 am on December 5th. The fire was one mile away. In the darkness I packed essentials and valuables, and prepared to leave my house to its fate.
This past week this Editor was near a major fire zone in California, a few hundred yards from the mandatory evacuation line. In preparation for the evacuation order, I packed my station wagon with important items, including some valuable rifles and scopes. When I finished loading, there was over $7000 worth of optics in the car — more than the blue-book value of the vehicle itself. That made me think carefully about gun cases and how one would want to transport high value, optics-equipped rifles both on the road and by air. Here are two gun cases that offer excellent protection at a very good price. Both these Plano cases are strong enough to survive rough airport baggage handlers, while cushioning your firearms in customizable, thick foam interiors. No they are NOT fire-proof, but they’ll help cradle your precious rifles and scopes while you get to a safe zone.
Plano 52″ Double Rifle Case with Wheels, $112.74
This Plano Double Scoped Rifle Case is an Amazon Best Seller for good reason. It offers the functionality and durability of an SKB-type hard case for HALF the money. This is under $115.00, while the equivalent SKB is around $240.00, so you can buy two Planos for the price of one SKB. The 51.5″ interior will fit most scoped competition rifles up to about 29″ barrels (measure your own rifle to make sure). If you separate the barreled action from the stock you can transport even ultra-long ELR rifles. The handles are convenient and beefy and the wheels make this case easy to move through airports and parking lots. This is a very tough, roomy case for the money (plus there’s Free Shipping for Amazon Prime members).
Exterior Dimensions: 54.625″ x 15.5″ x 6″
Interior Dimensions: 51.5″ x 12.63″ x 5.25″
Pluckable Interior Dimensions: 46″ x 10″
Features: Wheels, Secure Draw-Down Latches, O-Ring Seal, Pressure Relief Valve, Customizable Foam
Plano 43″ All-Weather Tactical Gun Case (43″ Interior), $45.80
This is one of the best available medium-sized, hard gun cases under $100.00. But with Amazon’s sale price now just $45.80 (with free Prime shipping), you can get TWO cases for under $100.00. MidwayUSA is also selling this case for $45.80, but shipping is extra. While designed for AR15s and tactical-style rifles, you can also fit longer-barreled rifles inside if you separate the barreled action from the stock (which, by the way, may be a good practice for airline travel.) This case is very tough and strong — offering protection like an SKB case for less than half the cost. The foam in the 43″-long interior is “pluckable” so it can be configured to fit your rifle. This case is a favorite with Amazon buyers, earning a full FIVE STARS with over 1600 buyer reviews. Here is a recent verified review: “Awesome case for the money $$. As good as other manufacturers wanting 4X the money. Highly recommend.” Strong enough for air travel, this case is pretty heavy for regular trips to the range. Consider the lighter-weight, top-opening Plano Air-Glide Case for basic transport of your rifle from home to the range.
Exterior Dimensions: 46″ x 16″ x 5.5″
Interior Dimensions: 43″ x 13″ x 5″
Features: Secure Draw-Down Latches, O-Ring Seal, Pressure Relief Valve, Customizable Foam
Other Emergency Evacuation Tips
When you must leave your home in an emergency, you need to be able to collect key records and valuables quickly. I wasted time locating important documents in three different rooms. So, I recommend you have a small, totable fire-resistant safe for your most vital items. This could normally be kept inside a larger Gun Safe, but always ready to “grab and go”. Here are some of the items you’ll want to keep in the smaller safe/security box:
Passports and IDs
Birth Certificates
Medical Plan ID Cards
House Insurance Documents
Vehicle Titles/Registrations
Important Prescriptions
Recent Tax Returns
Cash and Travelers’ Checks
Valuable Jewelry/Watches
Family Photos
Flash Drive with Photos
I strongly recommend that you walk through your house and take photos of all the valuable furniture, electronics, and heirlooms. This will be proof for your insurance. Even better, make a video with your smartphone as you walk through the house. Narrate descriptions of your valuable possessions/furniture in each room. For example I have one antique desk that is worth more than my car. You need evidence of ownership and quality. If possible, copy these photos/video to a flash-drive, which is kept in your “getaway” file safe.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every 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.
Here’s a great holiday gift for a friend or family member getting started in hand-loading. The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Reloading Kit includes Press (with quick change die system), Powder Measure, Scale, Priming Tool, Shell Holders, Reloading Tray, and Chamfer Tool. And you get all this for just $99.99 with discount code! Brownells’ current discounted Sale Price is $109.99, but you get $10.00 off with CODE M3P. That lowers your net cost to $99.99. Get the entire kit for under one hundred bucks. That’s a steal — this same kit sells for around $125.00 on Amazon.
2. PMA Tool — 10% Off Orders Plus Free Shipping
PMA Tool carries some of the very best products for precision reloaders. PMA offers Micro-Die Adjusters, superb case trimming tools, cleaning gear, as well as great products from Kelbly’s, Harrell’s Precision, and Lenzi. Right now you can save on a vast array of products PMA sells. The folks at PMA report: “The Christmas and New Year Holidays are here. Every once in a while it’s nice to give yourself a little something special. As a special thank you to you, our favorite customers, we are offering 10% off your entire order during the Holiday Season. Simply use the code YFVVB46UEWU upon checkout at pmatool.com to receive your 10% discount. We at PMA Tool are also offering FREE SHIPPING within the USA through the end of 2017.” Editor’s Note: PMA Tool carries many great products. If you are a serious benchrest or F-Class shooter, you should look carefully at PMA’s full product line. The Lenzi bags are superb for example, and PMA’s unique action cleaning tool is a perfect “stocking stuffer”.
Looking for a good hunting rifle at a great price? Check out this promotion for the Winchester XPR. This is a fine-handling rig with a smooth bolt and many chambering options. Right now at CDNN Sports the basic gray-stocked Winchester XPR is on sale for $379.99. But here’s the kicker, Winchester is offering a $100.00 Mail-In Rebate. That drops your net cost to just $279.99. That’s an insanely good deal. You can also get the XPR in Vias Camo for $299.99 after rebate. Get Rebate Form HERE.
4. Browning — Big Rebates on Rifles, Shotguns, and Pistols
Browning is running a big promotion this month, with significant rebates on many popular Browning firearms. Save $100 on over/under and auto-loading shotguns, save $75 on Pump Shotguns, Centerfire Rifles, Rimfire Rifles and Rimfire Pistols. You can also save $50 on centerfire pistols. If you’ve been eyeing a Browning Buckmark .22LR Pistol, now is a great time. CLICK HERE for rebate details.
5. Amazon — Steiner AZ830, 8×30 Binoculars, under $135
Need a good set of rugged, affordable binoculars for hunting or varmint work? Then check out the Steiner AZ830 at $131.21. These are essentially identical to the respected Steiner 8×30 Military Marine binoculars which sell for around $230.00. The only differences are the color and the packaging. The AZ830s are a black “house brand” created for Amazon by Steiner. Other than the color (black vs. OD Green) everything is the same. Same bright glass, same auto focus system, some tough rubber armor, same rock solid Steiner Heritage Warranty. With these Steiner binoculars, once you adjust the eyepieces, everything from 20 yards to infinity is in focus. We highly recommend these AZ830 binoculars — the quick-focus system works really well in the field.
Specifications: 8X magnification, 30mm objective lenses, 20mm eye relief, 18 oz. weight, 6.8×2.4×4.6 inches. Auto-focusing design has sharp focus from 20 yards to infinity.
UPDATE: Sorry guys… Amazon’s price on the AZ830 has bounced between $116 and $136 in the last 48 hours. We really can’t keep up on the hourly price shifts. You can use CamelCamelCamel.com to track AZ830 price shifts in the days ahead.
6. Amazon — Howard Leight Electronic Muffs, $34.99
Every shooter should own a pair of Electronic muffs, even if you prefer shooting with earplugs and/or standard muffs. Electronic muffs are great when you are doing spotting duties or are working near the firing line. They allow you to hear ordinary conversations while still providing vital hearing protection. Right now Amazon.com has the Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Muffs on sale for just $34.99, with free Prime Shipping. This is good deal — these NRR 22 muffs are currently Amazon’s #1 seller in the category.
7. Stocky’s — LR Stocks with Aluminum Bedding Block, $179.99
Here’s a good deal on a versatile Stocky’s Long Range Stock with aluminum V-block bedding system. For just $179.99, order this for Rem/Rem Clone long actions or short actions, with either narrow or wide (varmint/tactical) barrel channel. This would be a good choice for a varmint rifle. This is also offered with handsome hydrographic or web-pattern baked-on textured finishes for $199.99.
8. MidwayUSA — 25% Off all 5.11 Gear and Apparel
When you see the 5.11 logo, you may think “tactical trousers”. But 5.11 makes many other quality products including boots, backpacks, gun cases, range bags, camo gear, holsters, and even smartphone cases. Right now MidwayUSA has discounted its entire inventory of 5.11 products. You can save 25% on apparel, packs, gun cases and more.
9. MidwayUSA — Blaze Orange Hunting Vest, $5.00
If you hunt, you need one of these. In fact, in some States, Hi-Viz orange gear is mandatory. Right now MidwayUSA is running a super clearance sale on the MidwayUSA Deluxe Blaze Orange Vest. You can now get this vest for just five bucks ($5.00). Available in L, XL, and XXL, this bright vest features two Cargo Pockets with snaps plus two Handwarmer Pockets. It is made with a quality YKK zipper and “Quiet Double Layer” fabric.
Do you often take multiple handguns to the range? Here’s a large (16″ x 13″ x 8″) handgun hard case that will easily haul your arsenal. The HQ Issue Case can hold up to eight (8) handguns, or six with room for magazines. Since the foam is customizable, you can also use this case to carry cameras, rangefinders, binoculars, Kestrels, or other valuable hardware. While we wouldn’t drop this in the water, the case does have an O-Ring seal for water resistance, and a manual valve for pressure modulation. This case is on sale at Sportsman’s Guide for $39.99, or $35.99 for SG Buyer’s Club Members.
Good Value Compared to Other Hard Cases
This HQ Issue case is a good deal, offering lots of capacity and quality protection for a good price. Consider that a similar but smaller 4-pistol handgun hard case sells on Amazon for $105.00 and customers rate it 5 Stars at that price. Though it is less than half the price, the $39.99 HQ Issue case holds a LOT more than the Amazon alternative. The Amazon case is 14.90″ W x 12″ D x 9.6″ H, compared to 16″ W x 13″ D x 8″ H for the bigger HQ Issue case. With the Sportsman’s Guide case you get more capacity, and the “pluckable” foam can be customized for your handguns. That’s important if you have long-barrel revolvers or short carry pistols. Verified SG purchaser says: “Case exceeds my expectations… the right size for a range trip. I can put 5 handguns, 4 Glock magazines, 3 pf9 magazines and 3 single stack 9mm magazines in it. It is also very sturdy. Very, very happy with the purchase.”
NOTE to READERS: Use foam-lined hard cases for TRANSPORT ONLY. Do not leave your handguns in foam-lined cases. The foam tends to trap moisture, making these a “rust magnet”. We recommend silicone-treated fabric Bore-Stores for storing pistols in your gun safes.
Ruger Precision Rifle, 6.5 Creedmoor, $998.00 complete — what’s not to like? If you’ve been thinking of purchasing a Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) chambered for the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge, here’s the best deal we’ve found in recent months. Right now Gunprime.com is offering this poular tactical rig for under $1000.00, in the high-demand 6.5 Creedmoor chambering. Heck of a bargain boys — you can pay $1300 or more elsewhere for the same rifle.
This is the lastest RPR Gen 2 version with the upgraded handguards: Scope and rings NOT included in price.
This is a good choice for the PRS production class, or you can take in to another level of preformance with a Pre-Fit 26″ cut-rifled barrel from Krieger. Can these RPRs shoot accurately? Yes indeed, here’a field report by Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com using Norma Factory ammo. Expect even better results with your handloads in Lapua 6.5 Creedmmor brass
Field Testing the Ruger in 6.5 Creedmoor — UltimateReloader.com
Gavin reports: “Norma is known for its high-quality brass and ammunition. I’ve used Norma brass for precision reloading in calibers like .30-06 with great results. Recently, I saw that Norma had announced a new addition to their Professional Hunter lineup of ammunition: in 6.5 Creedmoor! I thought I should try some out with the Ruger Precision Rifle. As you saw in the video, this ammunition behaves more like match ammunition.”
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every 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.
IMPORTANT: This is a Special Edition for Cyber Monday, November 27, 2017. Most of the deals listed here will EXPIRE at 11:59 pm on 11/27/2017. To take advantage of Cyber Monday, you must ACT on these deals and promotions before time runs out at 11:59 pm.
Precision Reloading — 15% Off All Orders Over $75.00
Precision Reloading is running a compelling Cyber Monday promotion through 11/27/2017 at 11:59 PM. Here’s the deal — you can save 15% off all orders of $75.00 or more. That means effectively that everything Precision Reloading sells is 15% off (as long as you spend at least $75.00). Yes that includes powder, bullets, dies, reloading tools and more. Get your 15% savings by using CODE “Black15″ during check-out.
Cutting Edge Bullets
Cutting Edge Bullets produces advanced monolithic bullets made on computer-controlled lathes. Ultra-uniform, these High-BC solid projectiles are used by some of the world’s top Extreme Long Range (ELR) shooters. Cutting Edge also produces hunting bullets. Right now you can get 30% Off the entire line of Cutting Edge Match and Hunting bullets, through 11:59 pm on 11/27/2017. As part of this promotion, you will also get FREE Shipping. Since lathe-turned bullets are pricey, this is a great opportunity to try some at a significant discount.
SilencerCO — 20% Off All Products in Store
SilencerCo has knocked 20% off the price of everything it sells in its online store. This includes barrels, accessories, muzzle brakes, suppressor covers, clothing, other gear. But, this does not appear to apply to the cost of suppressors themselves.
SIG Sauer — 25% Off Products in SIG Online Store
This is a very impressive promotion — you can save 25% on a wide variety of SIG Sauer products (other than firearms). NOTE: This 25% discount applies to the products SIG sells online in its store: ammunition, accessories, magazines, parts, and airguns. This promotion does NOT include pistols and rifles. Also the savings for Electro-optics, such as Laser RangeFinders, is 15% not 25%
Creedmoor Sports — Cyber Monday Sale
For Cyber Monday, Creedmoor Sports has slashed prices on dozens of items. High-tech chronographs are on sale: Labradar $499.95 ($60.00 off); MagnetoSpeed V3, Cyber Monday Price $339.95 ($60.00 off). You can also save on Shooting Coats, Slings, Shooting Mats, Gun cases, and Ammunition. Get Free Shipping with orders over $49.00. Creedmoor Sports is also giving away products: Free shirt with orders over $200, a Free ammo bag with orders over $100, and a Free ECI with orders over $50.00.
Brownells — Aguila Ammunition Discounted 11% or More
Brownells has concluded its Black Rifle Friday promotion, but for Cyber Monday, Brownells is offering at least 11% off its full inventory of Aguila centerfire and rimfire ammo. You’ll find some other big discounts. For example, Aguila 9x19mm FMJ is marked down from $13.99 to $9.99 for a 50-round box — that’s a 28% savings.
XLR Industries — Up to $150 Off Chassis Systems
XLR Industries, manufacturer of modular chassis systems, is offering super savings on Cyber Monday. There are big cash-value discounts on everything XLR sells. Here’s how it works — if you spend $595 or more and save $150.00 with checkout code BF150. Or, if you spend $200 or more you save $40 with code BF40. With this promotion you can get the Evolution Chassis, normally $750.00, for just $600.00. That’s a huge savings.
GunBuyer.com — Deep Discounts on Handguns and Black Rifles
If you’re in the market for a handgun or an AR-platform rifle check out GunBuyer.com. We’ve seen some exceptional bargains on major-manufacturer pistols. Here are some of the best Cyber Monday Deals on handguns:
Springfield Armory XD 45 ACP, 5″ bbl, $329.00
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm, 3″ bbl, $289.00
Smith & Wesson Model 642 Revolver, 1.87″ bbl, $339.00
Walther PPS M2 9mm, 3.18″ bbl, $309.00
5.11 Tactical — 25% OFF All Gear and Apparel
5.11 Tactical is running a HUGE sale on Cyber-Monday. Pretty much everything is marked down 25%. Save on well-designed, long-wearing pants, shirts, outerwear, gloves, and boots. Also save big on packs, gun cases, and range bags. 5.11 Tactical also offers watches, knives, eyewear, phone cases, and other accessories.
Sportsman’s Guide — Outdoor Gear at Big Savings
Hunters should visit SportsmansGuide.com this Cyber Monday. Dozens of items are discounted heavily, including outdoor apparel for hunters: Camo jackets, parkas, boots, hats, gillie suits, and more. In addition, tree stands and blinds are marked down on 11/27/2017.
Cutting Edge Bullets, SilencerCo, XLR tips from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submission.
Make no mistake — Americans still love guns. On “Black Friday”, November 24, 2017, a record number of guns were sold. Based on FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) data, a new single-day record was set for gun transactions in the USA. More background checks were recorded on Friday, November 24th, 2017 than on any day in American history.
USA Today reported: “The FBI was flooded Friday with more than 200,000 background check requests for gun purchases, setting a new single day record, the Bureau reported Saturday. In all, the FBI fielded 203,086 requests on Black Friday, up from the previous single-day highs of 185,713 last year and 185,345 in 2015. The two previous records also were recorded on Black Friday.”
Black Friday 2017 Was Biggest Single Day Ever for U.S. Gun Sales
Thanks to attractive promotions from many vendors such as Brownells and Cabela’s, all types of firearms flew off the shelves last week. The FBI, which administers NICS, reports that NICS processed 203,086 transactions on November 24, 2017, making the day the highest Black Friday ever and the highest day in NICS history. The highest previous day was November 25, 2016 with 185,713 background checks.
The FireArm Blog notes: “This record-setting day comes [despite] a slowdown in gun sales on the heels of the surprise 2016 election results. It seems likely that overall demand for guns continues to be strong, but that in the absence of any imminent gun legislation buyers have more patience to wait for sales like those offered on Black Friday.”
Background Checks Vs. Actual Sales
NICS statistics represent the number of firearm background checks initiated through the NICS. They do not represent the number of firearms sold. Based on varying state laws and purchase scenarios, a one-to-one correlation cannot be made between a firearm background check and a firearm sale.
Fast and Furious — FBI Processes Three NICS Checks Per Second
On Black Friday 2017, NICS Background Check processing topped Black Friday 2016 when the previous single-day record of FBI-processed gun transactions was set. In fact, so many Americans lined up to purchase firearms on Black Friday 2017 that the FBI was processing three background checks every second. Think about that — three gun transactions per second. That’s triple the typical NICS daily rate.
If you are looking for a new riflescope, spotting scope, laser rangefinder, or binoculars, today’s the day. This Black Friday, you’ll find some of the best bargains of the year. Looking for that Sightron 10-50X for your new F-Class rig? Need a new rangefinder for your next tactical match? Check out these great optics deals. You can easily save hundreds.
The Sightron SIII 10-50x60mm is THE value leader in a high-magnification competition scopes. Nothing comes close at this price level. Yes, there are high-magnification comp scopes that may be better (such as the Nightforce 15-55x52mm) but they cost more than twice as much. Can you be competitive with a 10-50X Sightron? Absolutely. At the 2017 IBS 600-Yard Nationals three of the top 10 shooters, including the second overall finisher, used the 10-50X Sightron. Right now the 10-50x60mm Sightron is on sale at Midsouth as a Black Friday Special. Get the Target Dot Reticle version for $929.99, or the LR Fine Cross Hair model for $949.99. You can also get the Long Range MOA version for just $879.75 at Amazon. READ 10-50x60mm Scope Review.
Cabela’s — Vortex Viper HD 20-60x80mm Angled Spotter, $599.99
This is an impressive spotting scope that can run with other spotting scopes that cost well over $1000.00. Right now, as a Black Friday Special, Cabela’s is offering the Vortex Viper HD 20-60x80mm Angled Spotter for just $599.99. That is $300 less than the current price on Amazon — $899.00. Who doesn’t want to save three hundred bucks! You can also get the Vortex Viper HD 20-60x60mm straight body version for $599.99 at Cabelas.com.
Cabela’s — Nikon Laser RangeFinder Binoculars $200 Off
As part of its week-long Black Friday promotion, Cabela’s is offering big discounts on Nikon optics. One truly outstanding deal is the 10x42mm Nikon LaserForce rangefinder binoculars — the price has been slashed $200 from $1199.99 down to $999.99. Yes these highly-rated LRF binocs do sell elsewhere for around $1200. These Nikons offer performance rivaling expensive European rangefinding binoculars (Leica, Swarovski) for hundreds less. Clarity is excellent. Ranging ability is very good. CLICK HERE for LaserForce Field Test Full Review.
The Zeiss Conquest 6-20x50mm scope would be one of our top choices for a varmint rifle optic, and now you can save $150.00 on Black Friday. The Zeiss glass is exceptionally sharp and the controls are positive. The range of magnification is just about optimal for shooting varmints from 100-400 yards. We also like Zeiss Rapid-Z Varmint ballistic reticle. This features hold-over hash-marks so you can move quickly from one yardage to another. When a P-dog pops up you may only have a few seconds to make the shot. With this reticle, optimized for chamberings such as .204 Ruger and 22-250, you don’t have to mess with clicking for elevation. This scope has a 1″ main tube and 1/4-MOA clicks.
Woodbury Outfitters — Big-Name Scopes, All Under $180.00
Sometimes a budget optic will do the job — for a youth rifle, or a “truck gun” that sees hard use. For a hunting rig, you don’t necessarily want or need more than 9-power, and a lighter-weight scope with lower profile has definite advantages. If you are looking for a budget riflescope, check out thes Black Friday Bargains at Woodbury Outfitters. Here are six scopes all under $180.00. To sweeten the deal even further, every scope comes with a $20.00 Woodbury Gift Card. You can gift that card to a friend for Christmas, or use it on your next purchase. VIEW Woodbury Outfitters Black Friday Sales Flyer.
Cabelas.com — Sig Kilo 2000 RangeFinder $349.99
This Sig Sauer Kilo 2000 is a very good laser rangefinder that performs as well as some other brands costing nearly twice as much. You’ll get performance on par with a Zeiss Victory or Leica CRF for hundreds less. User reports on the Sig Kilo LRF have been very positive. NOTE: There is a newer model, the Sig Kilo 2200, but that costs around $500.00 now. Save 30% with this Kilo 2000 Black Friday deal.
Tomorrow is Black Friday, the biggest SALE day of the year. We’ve scoured the internet to find killer deals from ten vendors. You’ll find exceptional deals on rifles and pistols, along with reloading tools, shooting accessories, and even gun safes. Check out these deals. Some of these special offers are for Friday only, November 24, 2017. Other promotions extend all weekend, all the way through Cyber-Monday, November 27th.
Precision Reloading — 15% Off All Orders with CODE “Black15″
Precision Reloading is running a compelling Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotion through 11/27/2017 at 11:59 PM. Here’s the deal — you can save 15% off all orders of $75.00 or more. That means effectively that everything Precision Reloading sells is 15% off (as long as you spend at least $75.00). Yes that includes powder, bullets, dies, reloading tools and more. Get your 15% savings by using CODE “Black15″ during check-out.
Kentucky Gun Company — Savage Rifle and S&W Pistol Bargains
For Black Friday, the Kentucky Gun Company (KYGUNCO) is offering amazing deals on Savage rifles. Get a complete Model 11/111 with Nikon optic for just $375.00 after factory rebate. Or get a Savage Axis in .223 Rem with Bushnell scope for just $229.99 after rebate. That’s less than you’d pay for a decent aftermarket barrel. This retailer also has great Smith & Wesson pricing. This Editor owns the S&W Model 638. I personally think it is the best of the Airweight snub-nose revolvers because it has a shrouded hammer but can still be fired single-action (unlike models 640/642). Accurate? You bet. I won a local IDPA match once shooting my model 638 (the Glocksters were not happy).
Brownells — Black Rifle Friday and Money Off CODES
Brownells has dozens of products deeply discounted for Black Friday. You can save on AR uppers and lowers, Geiselle triggers, barrels, optics, as well as reloading tools. Ammo is on sale too. Hornady products are up to 30% off. And yes the hot-selling LabRadar Chronograph and Lyman BoreCam are discounted too. Save $60 on the LabRadar and $50 on the BoreCam (which costs around $225 at most other vendors). NOTE: For orders over $150 you can get $15 off plus FREE Shipping with Code MED. Or get FREE Shipping with no minimum with Code MEC.
Midsouth — Black Friday Discounts on Scopes, Ammo, and More
We can’t reveal the prices on Midsouth’s Black Friday Deals just yet, but rest assured, there are some great bargains. Prices will be slashed on Nikon and Sightron Scopes. Many Hornady reloading products, including the AP Progressive press and Auto Charge Scale/Dispenser, will be deeply discounted. You can also sign up right now for Midsouth’s Lock-N-Load Giveaway. Prizes will be given away every day through 11/28/2017.
SWFA — 20% Off Nikon, Seekins Precision and 15% Off Vortex
SWFA, a Texas-based retailer, is offering 15%-20% discounts off entire product lines, including Nikon, Magpul, Seekins Precision, Trijicon and more. In addition, prices on SWFA’s “house-brand” SS scopes have been slashed 25%-30%, so you can save $100 or more.
Cabela’s — Great Deals on Guns, Optics, Ammo, and More
Cabela’s has a host of great Black Friday deals. Rifles, pistols, and shotguns are deeply discounted. There are huge savings on optics, and you’ll find some big price cuts on gun safes. Ammo is also on sale. You’ll want to review Cabela’s full Black Friday Sell Sheet to see all the deals.
Powder Valley — Free Shipping, Hornady and Lapua Sales
Powder Valley Inc. (PVI), an important sponsor of this site, is running a big Black Friday/Cyber-Monday promotion. The sale starts Friday 11/24/2017 and runs through Monday (11/27) ending at Midnight CT. PVI will be offering Free Shipping on Orders over $49.00. In addition, there will be big discounts on Hornady products and Lapua 6.5 Creedmoor brass. Rimfire shooters will enjoy big savings on Hornady 17 HMR and 22 HMR V-Max ammo. Get up to forty, 50-rd boxes for just $9.95 per box.
MidwayUSA — Huge Black Friday SALE — Hundreds of Items
MidwayUSA is kicking off its Black Friday Sale early. Midway says this is “our biggest sale of the year!”. We can confirm there are dozens of great bargains on quality products. There is also a Sweepstakes with over $1800.00 worth of gear. Hundreds of items are on sale, including the LabRadar chrono, TargetVision Target Cam, Lyman Case Prep Xpress, and Vortex Scopes.
Woodbury Outfitters — Vortex Scopes and Winchester Rifle
For Black Friday, Woodbury Outfitters is offering some great deals on firearms and optics. There are big discounts on Vortex and Nikon optics and you can get a FREE $20 gift card with some Vortex scopes. Or, get a Winchester XBR hunting rifle for just $249.99 after manufacturer rebate. That’s an awesome deal.
If you have a Tractor Supply Company nearby, you can get a great deal on large and small Fortress gun safes. You can get a 55″ H x 29″ W x 20″ D fire-rated safe for just $299.00! This is a pretty big safe rated for 24 guns. We figure you could realistically get a dozen scoped rifles inside plus pistols and other valuables. We also like the smaller home safe. This can protect documents, jewelry, cameras, and other small items. It’s great for a bedroom or workshop. At $99.99, this is an outstanding deal. NOTE: You can order these safes online with free in-store pickup.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every 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. MidwayUSA — Black Friday SALE Begins Monday 11/20/2017
MidwayUSA is kicking off its Black Friday Sale early. Midway says this is “our biggest sale of the year!”. We can confirm there are dozens of great bargains on quality products. There is also a Sweepstakes with over $1800.00 worth of gear. Hundreds of items are on sale. Here are some of the best MidwayUSA deals we spotted today:
2. EuroOptic.com — Vortex 13% Off & Gift Cards up to $250.00
EuroOptic.com is running a Super Sale on Vortex Optics. Now through December 1st, use promo code VTX13 to receive 13% off ALL Vortex Optics products at EuroOptic.com. Here’s the real incentive — qualifying Razor HD Gen II, Golden Eagle HD, PST, and HST Vortex riflescope purchase will earn you a EuroOptic Gift Card worth up to $250.00. Call today at 570-368-3920, for gift card details. Here are the models qualifying for Gift Card Specials:
3. Whittaker Guns — Howa Lightning 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle, $329.99
With this deal you can get a complete 6.5 Creedmoor Howa 1500 Rifle with HACT 2-Stage Trigger for just $329.99. That’s $88.00 less than the price of a Howa 1500 barreled action by itself! ($418.00 at Brownells). This is a no-frills rifle, but its hard to beat the $329.99 price for a solid, multi-purpose rifle. Use “As-Is” for hunting or drop it into a modular stock for tactical/practical games.
4. Cabela’s — Nikon Laser RangeFinder Binoculars $200 Off
As part of its week-long Black Friday promotion, Cabela’s is offering big discounts on Nikon optics. One truly outstanding deal is the 10x42mm Nikon LaserForce rangefinder binoculars — the price has been slashed $200 from $1199.99 down to $999.99. Yes these highly-rated LRF binocs do sell elsewhere for around $1200. These Nikons offer performance rivaling expensive European rangefinding binoculars (Leica, Swarovski) for hundreds less. Clarity is excellent. Ranging ability is very good. Note: This $999.99 price is good for one week starting Wednesday, 11/22/2017. You have to wait until 11/22 to get the $999.99 price.
READ Field Test of Nikon LaserForce 10×42: “This is a truly remarkable hunting optic, especially when price is taken into consideration ($1199.95 MSRP). With a powerful, full-featured laser rangefinder married to an excellent quality binocular… LaserForce performance is on par with comparable units costing 2-3 times more.” — Tony Martins
5. Dick’s Sporting Goods — Black Friday Gun Safe Sale
Need a Gun Safe? Head down to Dick’s Sporting Goods on Black Friday (11/24/2017). The giant, 64-gun Stack-On Sentinel vault will be marked down from $1499.99 to $699.98, a $800 savings, and a killer deal on a BIG vault! A medium-sized 24-gun safe will sell for just $399.98 — $300 off the regular price. NOTE, if you cannot wait until Black Friday, you can still save with pre-Black Friday sale pricing right now. You’ll pay more than on Black Friday, but there are still some significant savings. For example, right now you can get the Field & Stream Pro 36-gun safe for $699.98, marked down from $899.99. NOTE: The illustrated Sale prices are for BLACK FRIDAY ONLY, 11/24/17.
6. Cabelas.com — Sig Kilo 2200 RangeFinder $349.99
This Sig Sauer Kilo 2200 is a very good laser rangefinder that performs as well as some other brands costing nearly twice as much. You’ll get performance on par with a Zeiss Victory or Leica CRF for hundreds less. User reports on the Sig Kilo LRF have been very positive. The $349.99 Sale Price is a great deal.
7. Midsouth — Hornady Auto Charge Dispenser, $148.99
As a pre-Black Friday promotion, Midsouth Shooters Supply is discounting the Hornady Auto Charge electronic Scale/Dispenser down to $148.99. The Auto Charge is accurate to 0.1 grains of powder and can hold up to 1000 grains of powder in its hopper. As a bonus, if you purchase this Auto Charge this week, Midsouth will provide FREE Shipping on your entire order — including any other items you might buy (HazMat charges extra).
8. Amazon — MTM AC4C Ammo Crate with 4 Ammo Boxes
Here’s a very cool product from MTM at a great price. The versatile MTM AC4C Ammo Carrier features four, lockable polymer ammo cans in a fitted, four-slot 23.5” x 11.3” x 7.5” carry crate. This makes it easy to haul four full ammo cans. Actual purchasers have raved: “Moments after I received this storage box set I ordered another. Very well built and great design. Awesome and a steal at the price.” Right now this is on sale at Amazon for just $29.99 with free prime shipping. The system includes four lockable, O-Ring 11.3″ x 7.2″ x 5″ ammo cans (AC30T) for multi-caliber ammo storage. The crate even includes tie-down points for transport in a cart or ATV. NOTE: Earlier this summer this MTM AC4C system sold for $39.99. The current $29.99 price represents a 25% savings! See price chart below.
9. Brownells — Federal .45 ACP 1000 Rounds $224.50 with Rebate
We love to shoot .45 ACP, but it is expensive to reload compared to smaller calibers. Here’s a great deal for .45 ACP fans. Brownells is selling 1000 rounds of brass-cased Federal American Eagle .45 ACP for $299.80, or just $224.85 after manufacturer’s rebate. NOTE: This Federal 25% Off Rebate applies to other American Eagle brass-cased pistol ammo carried by Brownells including: 25 ACP, 32 ACP, .380 ACP, .38 SPL, .357 Magnum, 9mm Luger, and .40 S&W. American Eagle ammo is reliable and the brass is reloadable. SEE All Rebate-Eligible Ammo.
With good factory rifle ammo costing $1.00 per round — a Laser BoreSighter could pay for itself in just a couple range sessions.
Laser BoreSighters — fitted to your chamber — help you get on target more quickly, particularly with factory firearms. Just activate the unit, slip it into the chamber and look for the red dot on the target. The laser dot is about 2″ in diameter at 100 yards, and is visible even in full sunlight. Right now you can get HQ Issue BoreSighters for just $14.99 at Sportsman’s Guide (member price is $13.49). These units have a durable brass metal body and the battery will run an hour. Boresighters are offered for numerous popular rifle cartridge types including: .223 Rem, .22-250, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win family, and .30-06 (full list below). Sportsman’s Guide also offers Pistol Laser BoreSighters for $17.99 (pistol chamberings: .38 SPL/.357 Mag, .40 SW, .44 Magnum, .45 ACP).
In-chamber BoreSighters are much safer than the kind that you insert in the end of the barrel (or attach to muzzle). If you forget your laser bore-sight placed in the end of the barrel, and then fire a round, you can blow up your barrel and/or suffer serious injury — it HAS happened,.
This photo was taken from my driveway at 12:23 am on December 5th. The fire was one mile away. In the darkness I packed essentials and valuables, and prepared to leave my house to its fate.
