Bryan Litz and The Science of Accuracy Academy has released a new Podcast with vital information for all handloaders. This Podcast examines the effects of humidity variances on powder. Bryan notes: “If you want to know how much this can matter, we’re talking up to 200 fps difference for the same load of H4350 in 6.5 Creedmoor” at opposite extremes of humidity.
Bryan adds that “Most shooters don’t realize what a big deal this can be — it overshadows many of our efforts to make consistent velocity and hit targets. This can happen in loaded rounds not just for hand loading where you expose powder to ambient humidity. This is especially important for hunters considering the range of environments hunting ammo goes through.”
25% Off Sale on The Science of Accuracy Academy Products
As a Black Friday/Cyber Monday promotion, The Science of Accuracy Academy is running a 25% OFF Sale on everything in the store, now through Monday, November 28, 2022. Save on Bryan Litz’s six impressive books about Ballistics, Bullet Performance, and Long Range Shooting. The Berger Bullets Reloading Manual is also discounted. Use Discount Code BF2022.
In addition you can get your own subscription to the Academy, allowing you to access all podcasts, exclusive videos, learning resources, and bullet data sheets.
Savage recently released an innovative version of its popular A22 rimfire rifle. The new A22 Takedown separates quickly and easily into two units, with a simple quarter-turn (90-degree) rotation of the fore-end. This allows the A22 Takedown to easily transport in a pack when camping or hunting. Or stow the gun conveniently in your vehicle. Separating this A22 Takedown into two parts is as simple as a twist.
The new A22 Takedown ($479.99 MSRP) has some other cool storage features. The cheek-piece lifts up to provide storage for three, (3) 10-round rotary-style magazines. In addition, the A22 Takedown has a dry storage compartment in the pistol grip that can hold patches or other small accessories, such as earplugs.
What Are the Advantages of a Takedown Rifle?
The first big advantage of a takedown rifle is that it can be stored in a smaller space and you don’t need a long case to carry in the field. Fully assembled, the Savage A22 Takedown is 36.875″ long. As separated into two sections, each section is about 18″ long, so each segment can fit inside a small day-pack. When transported in a vehicle, the two segments may fit in an on-board storage area, or even in the spare tire compartment (with appropriate padding).
The Savage A22 Takedown rifle can also be transported in an ultra-short 24″ Discrete Carry Case that doesn’t look like a typical rifle case.
Assembly and Disassembly of Savage A22 Takedown
The Savage A22 Takedown can be separated into two sections in a matter of seconds. First make sure the gun is unloaded, the magazine is removed, and the bolt is pulled back and locked. Make sure the muzzle is pointed away from you, and the safety is activated. Double-check to make sure there is no round in the chamber! Then holding the gun horizontally, grab the fore-end and rotate one-quarter turn clockwise. Then ease the barrel/fore-arm section forward gently. This will expose the front of the action and reveal the .22 LR chamber in the fore-end section. You can see how this works in the video below.
To re-assemble the A22 Takedown, bring the fore-end towards the action with the rear sight at the 3 0’clock position (right of center looking towards muzzle). Push the fore-end back gently until is seats properly. Then rotate the fore-end 90-degrees counter-clockwise. Again, watch the above video to see this re-assembly procedure, starting at 00:27 time-mark.
NOTE: Savage provided these studio photos, but the magazine should be REMOVED before disassembly.
On-Board Storage Under Cheek-Piece and in Grip Section
The Savage A22 Takedown has two very innovative and unique storage systems built into the synthetic stock. First the cheekpiece is hinged at the front, and lifts up to reveal a special compartment that holds three (3) of the A22’s rotary magazines. This is a very clever design — unique among rimfire rifles we believe. In addition, there is storage area INSIDE the pistol grip. This is accessed by removing a detachable plastic cover that snaps into the bottom of the grip section.
Performance in the Field
With an 18″ barrel, expect your .22 LR rimfire ammo to deliver good velocities in the A22 Takedown. After some adjustment of the Accutrigger, other A22s we have shot have performed well and been reliable so long as you make sure to fully seat the rotary magazines. This would be a good starter rifle, and has unmatched versatility for easy packing. The weight, before optics, is just 6.3 pounds. One nice design feature is a sight channel in the Picatinny rail. The adjustable rear sight is attached to the barrel immediately forward of the action.
On Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, retailers nationwide offer great savings on a wide variety of products. This is true for vendors of guns, ammo, reloading supplies and shooting accessories. But many sellers have “jumped the gun”, starting their Black Friday sales early. Here are six shooting-related sale opportunities that are available right now. You can save 10-40% on a wide variety of items, including rifles, actions, triggers, optics, ammunition, and more.
Bruno Shooters Supply — 10% Off Sitewide, with FREE Shipping
Bruno’s kicked off its Black Friday Sale early this year. Right now (starting 11/18/2022) Bruno’s is offering “At Least 10% Off or more” for the vast majority of Bruno’s listed products. This includes optics, Kelbly actions, powder, primers, bullets, brass, dies, presses, tumblers, and more. There are extra big discounts on Norma brass. Plus you get FREE Shipping with most orders of $100 or more. These discounts are good now through CyberMonday, November 28, 2022 at 8:00 am. NOTE: HazMat fees still apply. Items excluded from discounts are: barrels, BAT, Stiller, and Remington actions, complete firearms, LabRadars, and 21st Century rests. But these excluded items still qualify for FREE Shipping.
Sportsman’s Warehouse — Pre-Black Friday Sale
Sportsman’s Warehouse is running a major Pre-Black Friday Sale right now. There are significant discounts on firearms, optics, outdoor clothing, hunting accessories, camping gear and more. Additionally nearly all Sitka Gear is 25% off now. Here are four of the best bargains we found:
Primary Arms Pre-Black Friday Sale — ARs, Optics and More
With its Pre-Black Friday Sale, underway now, Primary Arms has discounted rifles, optics, and shooting accessories. Save on complete rifles as well as AR components. And there are good deals on Nightforce scopes. Bargain hunters you’ll find some killer deals under $40:
Optics Planet is running a big Pre-Black Friday Blazin’ Deals promotion with over 180 products on sale. NOTE: This is NOT just an optics sale. You’ll find a wide variety of products discounted up to 40%. Sale items include scopes, reloading dies, AR uppers, bullets, trigger sets, holsters, laser rangefinders, and more. These special prices are good through November 22, 2022 at 11:59 pm CST.
Shooters starting rifle projects now have a great, high-quality option — Christensen Arms barreled actions. Available exclusively at Brownells, these Christensen Arms barreled actions are available for popular rifle cartridges such as 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Win, 300 PRC, and .300 Win Mag. All barreled actions are ready to drop into the stock or chassis of the customer’s choice. These Christensen Arms barreled actions are offered in two configurations, Mesa and Ridgeline:
Mesa: Stainless steel barrel and installed muzzle brake
Ridgeline: Carbon fiber-wrapped barrel and threaded muzzle
Rem 700 Footprint Barreled Actions
Because Christensen Arms barreled actions have a Remington 700 footprint, customers can select compatible stocks and parts from a large range of manufacturers, also available at Brownells.
In addition, Customers can easily complete their rifle build with a wide variety of Christensen Arms stocks, bottom metals, muzzle devices, and other parts. To see the full lineup of Christensen Arms parts, visit Brownells.com.
Christensen Arms BARRELED ACTIONS exclusively at Brownells:
Hunting season continues in many areas of the nation, so many game hunters have questions about terminal performance and particular caliber/cartridge combinations. Bryan Litz of Applied Ballistics says there are really a number of questions that need to be answered:
1) What’s the max range that the shooter/rifle is capable of hitting the intended target?
2) What’s the max range that a bullet can kill the intended game?
3) How do bullets kill?
4) Effects of Muzzle Velocity on Lethality.
(Your MV may be lower in winter with temp-sensitive powders).
5) Long Range Lethality and the Ballistic Coefficient.
You’ll find answers to these and other questions in Bryan’s book, Applied Ballistics for Long-Range Shooting. These topics are covered in Chapter 15: Lethality of Long Range Hunting Bullets. Bryan says: “For responsible hunting, knowing your limits and your rifle’s limits, is important.”
Bryan’s book also includes Bullet Lethality Charts for a variety of calibers and cartridge types. These charts feature categories for 600-lb, 300-lb, and 150-lb Game animals so you can match performance to the size of your prey. Bryan explains: “If I wanted to know how a Medium Capacity Cartridge shooting the 6mm Berger 115 VLD will perform on 300-pound game, I can reference the bullet-specific chart.”
A modern F-Class or Benchrest competition rifle can cost $4000.00 or more. Add $2500 for a top-tier scope and you can easily have $6500.00 or more invested in your rig. With that kind of money involved, you should transport that valuable rifle in a very high-quality case — one that is strong, durable, and secure. In addition, the case should have quality, customizable internal foam that cushions the barreled action, stock, scope, and key accessories.
These video reviews look at quality, durability, features, price, and other factors.
TSA-Approved Rifle Cases — Performance Tested
This Warrior Poet Society video covers the key features you need with a gun case. The reviewer also explains the important TSA rules you need to consider when flying with firearms. The reviewer, has used all kinds of cases to travel with his firearms on planes, over seas, across continents. In this video he reviews a range of cases — from basic affordable cases to high-end cases that costs many hundreds of dollars.
Five Hard Shell Rifle Cases Showcased
This review looks at five (5) of the best rifle transport cases. The video considers key features including hinges, locks, padding, and wheels. The five cases reviewed are:
This 6.5-minute video covers five affordable hard shell cases ranging in price from $50 to $177. The video provides a good look at the external and internal features of these five cases, using mostly manufacturer-supplied video, including some field tests.
This video covers a unique large, long-gun case that holds multiple rifles in a vertical arrangement. The Case Club 4 Rifle/Shotgun Case holds up to 4 long guns, along with 3 pistols in a tough wheeled, waterproof case with a lifetime warranty. The case fits any rifle or shotgun under 41″ long, with room for for optics, foregrips, under-barrel attachments, pistol grips, and more.
The case itself is crushproof, waterproof, stackable, and TSA-approved. Dual purge valves keep moisture out while allowing the case to be opened in high or low altitude. The foam is long-lasting, oil-proof military grade polyethylene that won’t tear. This case is not cheap — it retails for $632.45.
Plano All-Weather Rifle Case — Great Protection for the Price
Plano cases offer excellent value for the money. Priced at $109.99 on Amazon (for 42″ model), the Plano All-Weather Tactical Gun Case offers a strong shell, tough hinges, and secure weather-proofing. The case has pre-perforated, pluck-to-fit foam for easy customization. This airline-approved case boasts a Dri-Loc seal providing a watertight, dust-proof shield that protects your firearms from water damage. For $30 more Plano offers the new All Weather Rustrictor Case with VCI-infused resin and foam emitter blocks that fight rust and corrosion.
Harbor Freight Apache 9800 Weatherproof Rifle Case
This video features the Harbor Freight APACHE 9800 Weatherproof Rifle Case. The reviewer states this $169.99 case has served him well, proving rugged and durable with the ability to securely transport multiple firearms. The video showcases the Apache 9800 in detail, and explains steps that can provide additional long-term durability. This Apache 9800 case is offered in black, tan, and OD green.
BONUS Videos — How to Cut Foam for your Gun Cases
For the best fit of your firearms and accessories in a foam-interior hard case, you should customize the foam to fit. Some cases have “pluckable” foam. With these you remove small squares one an a time until the stored items fit. With other cases with dense foam interiors, you’ll need to cut the foam to fit. Here are two videos that show the process of tailoring foam to a rifle using an electric cutting tool. Watch these videos carefully — they can really help create the best custom-fit for your firearms.
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.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. Palmetto State Armory — Norma Tac-22 .22 LR 500rds, $39.99
⏺ Very good .22 LR ammo at extremely low price — GREAT VALUE
If you love shooting .22 LR rimfires and want quality ammo at an ultra-low price grab some Norma TAC-22. At only $4 per 50-ct box, this is a true bargain, yet the TAC-22 is good enough for NRL22 matches as well as fun target shooting. We’ve shot this Norma ammo and been very satisfied. You’ll be hard-pressed to find better .22 LR ammo at anywhere near this price.
2. Amazon — RCBS ChargeMaster Link Dispenser, $269.99
⏺ Popular, modern Scale/Dispenser with Smartphone App functionality
The Chargemaster Link is a modern, high-tech electronic scale/dispenser from RCBS. Employing the proven load cell and electronics of the popular RCBS ChargeMaster Lite, the ChargeMaster Link adds built-in Bluetooth connectivity that pairs with an RCBS Mobile App for a customized, streamlined powder dispensing experience. The Link App can archive charge powders/weights for various cartridge types and then “talk” to the ChargeMaster Link during the powder dispensing process. The ChargeMaster Link is on sale now for $269.99 on Amazon or get one for $269.99 at Midsouth with FREE shipping!
3. Grafs.com — Harris Bipod Sale
⏺ Well-made, quality Harris bipods on sale this week
A good, reliable bipod is essential for tactical shooting and is very useful in many hunting situations. For decades, Harris Bipods have been a reliable bipod choice. And right now, Graf & Sons had Harris Bipods on Sale with significant savings. Find everything from standard version to swiveling and extended legs over at Graf’s at very attractive prices.
4. Midsouth — RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme, $379.99
⏺ Great performance, now with Bluetooth connectivity
We’ve dispensed loads for thousands of cartridges with our original RCBS ChargeMaster. The new-generation RCBS ChargeMaster Supreme Digital Powder Scale/Dispenser combines the proven reliability of previous ChargeMasters with some cool new features. The latest Chargemaster Supreme, on sale for $379.99 at Midsouth, boasts Bluetooth capability and 0.1 grain accuracy. The unit also includes the new RCBS proprietary “powder learn” process that optimizes the ChargeMaster Supreme’s dispense rate to the powder you are using, enhancing efficiency.
5. MidwayUSA — Bushnell Optics Sale
⏺ Low-cost scopes and rangefinders suitable for hunters
If you’re in the market for a budget-priced rangefinder, scope, or binoculars check out the Bushnell Sale at MidwayUSA. This is a good opportunity for hunters who need low-cost optics for that annual hunt. Bushnell prices are up to 41% off.
6. KYGUNCO — Federal Small Rifle Primers, 5000 for $449.95
⏺ Reasonable price — grab these before they sell out
Finding rifle primers is getting harder everyday. Supplies are still selling out almost instantly. Thankfully KYGUNCO obtained a large supply of 5000 FEDERAL AMMO Small Rifle Primers. The price is $449.95 for 5000 primers. That works out to $90 per thousand — not great, but if you need them, check this out. With a low hazmat and shipping fee this is one of the better primer deals we’ve seen lately.
7. Amazon — DSLEAF Tactical Range Bag, $49.99
⏺ Good, spacious bag for pistols, mags, ammo, and range safety gear
This versatile DSLEAF Tactical Gun Range Bag has plenty of room for pistols, magazines, and safety gear. The bag can carry 4 pistols in the main compartment. The front zippered pockets has 6 slots that fit most 9mm, .40 SW, and .45 ACP magazines. You can store eye and ear protection in the top compartment or side pockets, and there are MOLLE straps on the pocket flaps. Made from heavy nylon material, this Tactical Range Bag is durable and strong. The bag has earned 87% 4- or 5-star ratings from actual purchasers.
8. Brownells — Aguila .22 LR Ammo, 2000 Rounds, $164.99
⏺ Great deal — just 8 cents per round with big 2000-rd bulk pack
Rimfire shooting has been growing leaps and bounds the past few years. Right now Brownells has Aguila Super Extra .22 LR ammo on sale at great prices. This ammo works well in both .22 LR rifles and handguns. Individual 50-round boxes are just $4.r9 ($0.09/rd). If you shoot a lot, grab the huge, 2000-round case for $164.99 ($0.08/rd).
⏺ Best price we’ve found on major brand 9mm Luger ammo
The 9mm Luger (9x19mm) is the most popular centerfire pistol cartridge. Every handgunner should keep a good supply of 9mm ammo on hand for days at the range. Here’s a great deal on quality, major-manufacturer 9mm FMJ pistol ammunition. Get 1000 rounds of Fiocchi 9mm 115gr FMJ ammo for just $269.99. That works out to just $13.50 per 50 count box, or $0.27 per round — a great deal.
10. Amazon — Plano Gun Guard SE Series 2-Gun Case, $50.78
⏺ Very good price on a large, two-gun case for day trips
For carrying long guns to/from the range, we recommend a lockable case with interior padding. Some states require that guns be locked when carried in a vehicle. A good low-cost case is Plano Gun Guard SE Multi-Case, Amazon’s #1 best seller among hard rifle cases. Measuring 52.2″ overall, it will hold guns with long barrels and it is wide enough to carry two rifles. Measurements: 52.2″ W x 16″ H x 4″ D. Weight: 11 pounds. NOTE: While this $50 case will handle trips to the range, for air transport you should use a heavier, stronger case with more padding and thicker construction. Consider the $108 Plano All-Weather Case.
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.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. KYGUNCO — Hunting Sale with Norma Ammo and Rifle Deals
⏺ Good Norma hunting ammo plus Weatherby and Savage on sale
Need ammo for that fall hunt? It’s cheaper to buy good factory ammo than invest in dies and components. Right now quality Norma Whitetail ammo (20rd box) is available in many popular cartridge types for just $26.97 (or $35.36 for .300 WinMag). If you need a deer rifle, consider the Weatherby Mark V Hunter for $1278.31 — $150 Off the regular price. Or if you have a limited budget, grab a Savage Axis II XP for just $429.99 complete with installed 3-9x40mm Bushnell riflescope.
2. MidwayUSA — Vortex Riflescope Sale, Save up to 50%
⏺ Scopes for hunting, PRS, and more at huge discounts
If you need an affordable optic for the fall hunt, or need a rugged scope for an NRL/PRS match, head over to MidwayUSA, which is running a major Vortex sale with discounts up to 50%. Yes that’s right — some Vortex scopes are HALF OFF this week, while others are discounted by 30%-44%. If you need a good, low-cost scope for a deer rifle, check out the Vortex 3-9x40mm Vanquish. On SALE now for just $99.99 (50% off), this Vanquish scope has a 3X zoom ratio and handy BDC (bullet-drop compensating) reticle.
3. Palmetto SA — AR Lower PLUS Pistol Lower Bundle, $99.99
⏺ Incredible deal on AR15 lower plus Glock-compatible PSA pistol frame
Here’s a great way to get key components for two firearms before the scoundrels in Washington DC pass further draconian restrictions. Right now you can get a stripped PSA AR-15 Lower PLUS a PSA Dagger Pistol Polymer Frame (with complete trigger system) for the super low of price of $99.99. Choose one of two $99.99 bundles: Sniper Green Pistol Lower plus AR-15 Lower or Black Pistol Lower plus Blem AR-15 lower.
NOTE: The polymer pistol frame is considered the serialized firearm for ATF purposes. Like an AR lower receiver, the PSA pistol frame must go through an FFL for purchase. The pistol can be completed with aftermarket Gen 3 Glock-type barrel and complete slide assembly.
4. Sportsman’s WH — Hundreds of Rifles & Shotguns under $500
⏺ Sportsman’s Warehouse has big inventories of under $500 firearms.
If you’re looking for a deer rifle for hunting season, or a rimfire rig for plinking and NRL22 matches, head over to Sportsman’s Warehouse. Likewise you’ll find a vast inventory of shotguns for hunting or trap/skeet shooting. Right now Sportsman’s Warehouse is running an “Under $500″ promotion. You find 140+ in-stock Rifles under $500 and 150+ in-stock Shotguns under $500. This is a good opportunity to get a rimfire or centerfire rifle at a good price.
5. Amazon — BOG Deathgrip Aluminum Tripod, $155.18
⏺ Versatile tripod mounts quickly, securely — use for PRS/NRL or hunting.
This is a great tripod for long-range hunters and PRS/NRL competitors. The clamp-type head quickly secures to your rifle’s forearm for a secure shooting solution. The BOG Deathgrip Aluminum Tripod is on sale now on Amazon for $155.18. If weight is critical, there is also a lighter BOG carbon fiber tripod for $223.96 at Grafs.com. For the extra $69 (Graf’s price) you save a pound in total weight (7.5 lbs for carbon vs. 8.5 lbs for aluminum). The aluminum version is the top-rated hunting tripod on Amazon.
6. Midsouth — .45 ACP Ammo in Box, $47.99 for 100
⏺ Quality .45 ACP pistol ammo in plastic box at good price
We rarely see good quality .45 ACP pistol ammo with significant discounts. Here’s a very good deal. For $47.99 you get 100 rounds of Ammo Inc. .45 ACP rounds PLUS a handy Midsouth clear-top, plastic 100-ct ammo box. The ammo is loaded with 230gr TMC (Total Metal Coating) bullets.
7. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Tumbler Lite, $81.49
⏺ Great price — save 19% on Wet Tumbler for brass
Wet tumbling works very effectively to get your brass “squeaky clean” inside and out. And right now you can get a good mid-sized tumbling system at huge savings. The Frankford Arsenal Lite Tumbler is just $81.49 at Amazon, 19% off the regular price. This direct-drive unit with 3.3L capacity holds up to 300 pieces of .223 Rem brass. We recommend adding Frankford’s Rotary Tumbler Straining Cap, sold separately.
8. Palmetto State Armory — Rossi RS22 Rimfire Rifle, $129.99
⏺ Reliable, with very impressive accuracy — awesome deal under $130!
Looking for a very affordable first rifle? Here’s one of the best low-cost options among .22 LR rimfire rigs. The Rossi RS22 is a reliable, semi-auto rifle that comes equipped with barrel-mounted iron/fiber optic sights. There are also dovetails on the receiver for mounting scope rings. The RS22 takes most Mossberg 702 magazines. The Rossi RS22 features an 18″ free-floating barrel, adjustable fiber optic sights and a synthetic Monte Carlo stock. For added accuracy, 3/8″ dovetail mounts allow the mounting of a scope or other optic. Overall weight, without scope, is 4.1 pounds.
9. Amazon — Motion-Sensor LED Interior Light, $16.99
⏺ Activates when door opens, Rechargeable, 3 LED Light Levels
Winter is coming, and that means guns are going into safes for many months. Here’s a great accessory for your Gun Safe. This rechargeable LED Lamp turns itself on when you open the door, and off when you close the door. Select three brightness levels: 10LED, 20LED, 30LED. With the supplied 3M adhesive magnetic strip you can easily attach the light to the inner walls of your gun safe. And then quickly remove the unit for charging with a standard USB cord (no batteries to replace!). It works, it’s handy, and it’s affordable — just $16.99 on Amazon. These motion-sensor LED lamps can also be used in garages, closets, or stairwells. There is also a twin-pack for $26.99 on Amazon.
10. Amazon — Jialitte Scope Bubble Level, $10.99
⏺ Great price for handy product every rifle shooter can use
All serious rifle shooters need a scope level. This nicely designed Jialitte Scope Bubble Level features a 30mm milled inside diameter, plus an inner insert ring so it will also fit 1″-diameter main tubes — that dual-diameter versatility is a nice feature. We also like the way the unit is nicely radiused, and has a low profile in the middle. Price is just $10.99 with free shipping. User reviews have been very positive. You could easily pay $35.00 or more for a 30mm scope level.
When a hunter treks deep into the backcountry, he wants a tough yet light-weight rifle that’s easy to carry. But if the hunter is pursing very big game, such as a mature bull elk, he needs a rifle capable of shooting a large-caliber bullet at serious velocities. That’s what Kelbly’s offers with the impressive Nanook MG rifle. Built on a magnesium chassis, with a 26″ carbon-wrapped barrel and folding stock, the 7.9-lb Nanook MG is a long-range hunting rifle that’s easy to carry, yet can effectively shoot big-caliber cartridges capable of taking very large game.
The Kelbly’s Nanook MG offers the benefits of a chassis rifle with lighter weight through the use of carbon fiber components. Take a look — you’ll see carbon pistol grip, carbon cheek riser, and even a carbon buttstock beam. And the buttstock folds 180-degrees behind the chassis. This allows convenient carry when strapped to a backpack. With its folding stock, the Nanook MG is quite “packable” even with a 26″ barrel that allows high velocities from .300 PRC, .300 Norma Magnum, or .338 Lapua Magnum cartridges.
Photo courtesy Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF). CLICK HERE to DONATE to RMEF.
Nanook MG — Modern Chassis Rifle for the Long Range Hunter
The Nanook MG is a modern, light-weight chassis rifle optimized for medium- and long-range game hunting. Key Nanook MG components are low mass, allowing an overall weight of just 7 lbs. 14 ounces (before scope) even with a 26″ barrel. The heart of the rifle is Kelbly’s new light-weight Nanook action that weighs just 26.5 ounces. The barreled action rides in a magnesium XLR Element 4.0 MG chassis fitted with a carbon fiber hand grip and cheek riser to save those precious ounces. To ease packing the rifle, the chassis is fitted with a folding buttstock. This allows the rifle to have a proper 26″-long barrel to deliver high velocity with big cartridges.
The carbon-wrapped Heavy Palma Contour barrel is crafted by Preferred Carbon and fitted with self-timing Klaw Muzzle Brake. Kelbly’s states these barrels give excellent 3-shot accuracy, enough shots for any hunting situation. That accuracy is aided by a premium Bix’N Andy Dakota trigger set at a crisp 2.5 pounds.
Q & A with Ian Kelbly about the Features of the Nanook MG Rifle
Q: What were Kelbly’s design goals in making the Nanook MG rifle?
Kelbly: Our design goal was to create an optimized long range hunting rifle. We wanted something easy to pack (i.e. light-weight with a folding stock), that still had a fairly long 26″ barrel. This barrel length allows the hunter to take full advantage of the .300 PRC, .300 Norma Magnum, or .338 Lapua Magnum cartridges. We also wanted to showcase our new Nanook action, fitted to a modern chassis rifle that was light enough for mountain hunting.
Q: What are the best features of the Nanook MG Rifle?
Kelbly: There are many important features in this turn-key hunting rifle. The magnesium XLR Element chassis boasts high strength and ruggedness, with no more weight than a synthetic stock. The carbon-wrapped barrel from Preferred Barrels offers ample length for high velocities, but significantly reduced weight compared to a normal stainless barrel. The Bix’N Andy Dakota single-stage trigger provides a super-crisp break with the adjustability of a high end competition trigger.
Q: What factors favor a Chassis Rifle for long-range hunting?
Kelbly: The XLR Element 4.0 MG chassis offers the modularity of a modern precision rifle, including a full-length ARCA Rail for bipod/tripod attachment, but with the weight of a synthetic stock. The chassis also features M-Lok slots for for attaching any accessories that the hunter would want. Another key feature is that this chassis design allows you to fold the buttstock for scabbard packs and easy carrying.
Q: How do the carbon-wrap barrel and folding stock benefit the hunter in the field?
Kelbly: The carbon barrel allows us to remove significant weight from the rifle. We also specify the rifle with a carbon buttstock and hand grip to allow for more weight savings. The folding stock makes transport and packing much easier by reducing the overall length. Carbon barrels are well-suited for hunting, as they have proven to be very repeatable on cold bore and follow-up shots. The only thing a carbon barrel can’t do well is sustained rapid fire for many shots, but that is not needed for big game hunting applications.
Q. What are good chambering options for the Nanook MG Rifle?
Kelbly: We offer the Nanook MG in .300 PRC, .300 Norma Magnum, and .338 Lapua Magnum. All chamberings include a self-timing Klaw Muzzle Brake.
The two-lug Nanook action, at just 26.5 ounces, is extremely light for a steel action. The action body is made of 416R steel while the bolt is 4140 steel. This action features built-in Picatinny rail, while the bolt boasts an aluminum handle plus teardrop bolt knob.
How to Make Your Elk Hunt a Success
A North American elk hunt represents the adventure of a lifetime for many. Before heading out on an elk hunt, you want to maximize your chances of success by having the right equipment, and by doing your homework before the hunt. This National Shooting Sport Foundation (NSSF) video offers good advice on planning your first elk hunt.
Success! Elk hunt photo from West Canyon Ranch, a private hunting ranch in Utah.
The NSSF is running a MSR Photo Contest for hunters. Submit a hunting photo with a semi-automatic modern sporting rifle (MSR) and you can win one of two valuable guided hunts — a Mississippi Deer Hunt or Louisiana Hog Hunt. Through its #LetsGoHunting with MSRs Photo Challenge, the NSSF encourages hunters to share memorable hunting experiences when using MSRs. There are many photo styles that can be submitted — selfies, trophy photos, group photos, and firearms in the field.
Enter by posting an Instagram hunt photo using an MSR, such as an AR-15 or AR-10. All valid entries must include a photo showing a MSR in use such as the AR-15, AR-10, carbine, and similar variants. Entries must be submitted no later than January 31, 2023. Winners will be selected by drawing. Photos are only eligible for this sweepstakes if they contain a modern sporting rifle and depict proper firearm safety. Please read the official Photo Challenge Rules for more information. It is easy to enter the contest:
1. Take a photo while hunting using a Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR)
2. Post the photo to Instagram including #LetsGoHunting in the caption.
Hunting with Modern Sporting Rifles
MSRs, today’s popular semi-automatic rifle designs, are used by more and more hunters. Modern Sporting Rifles are used for many different types of hunting, from varmint to big game. MSRs are chambered for a wide variety of calibers and cartridge types, from 20 Practical to .338 WSM. MSR’s ruggedness and versatility serve hunters well. And MSR modularity allows MSRs to be configured for various applications.
Tactical Life Night Shooter — #LetsGoHunting #nightshooter #hoghunter
NSSF thanks The Confluence Group for donating the prize hunts to help encourage hunters to participate in the MSR Hunting Photo Challenge. Learn more here.
Savage A22 Takedown Key Features:
You’ll find answers to these and other questions in Bryan’s book, 
