If two barrels are better than one, then why not three? That’s the thinking behind the exotic Bockdriling BD14 from Blaser, unveiled at the 2014 IWA Show in Germany. This three-barrel Bockdrilling firearm works as a shotgun, large-caliber rifle, and small-caliber rifle all in one. Even with all those barrels, the BD14 is relatively light, at 3.3 kg (7.26 lbs) without optics. That makes this a nice, carry-around gun for stalking. As you’d expect from Blaser, the twin triggers are crisp and precise, with a pull weight of just 1.43 lbs (650 grams). The front trigger is for the large-caliber rifle barrel, while the rear trigger works both the shotgun and small-caliber barrels, via a tang-mounted selector. These firearms are rare in the USA — and quite expensive. The only Blaser BD 14 we could find on GunBroker had a $9099.95 asking price. That works out to over three grand per barrel.
Here’s what Blaser USA has to say about its unique three-barreled BD 14:
“The ‘Bockdrilling’ is, put simply, an over/under (O/U) rifle-shotgun combination with a smaller caliber rifle-barrel… on the side. The barrel arrangement [allows] for an extremely slender receiver, making the BD14 exceptionally huntable.
The [patent-pending] Vertical Block Lockup… combines an extremely compact and solid block lockup in a closed system within the monoblock with the comfortable handling of a classic break-action rifle.
The double lock permits, if needed, a rapid second shot, the front trigger always releasing the large rifle-caliber. The … barrel selector actives the shotgun barrel when in position ‘top’ and activates the smaller rifle caliber in position ‘bottom’.”
Why Does Anyone Need Three Barrels?
The Blaser website explains: “As hunters, we learn to expect the unexpected, whether in a blind or stalking, so it’s understandable that we dream of a firearm that will allow us to take advantage of any situation. With the Bockdrilling BD14, Blaser has developed the perfect blind and stalking firearm – compromises are finally a thing of the past.”
Design Features of the Bockdrilling BD 14 Tri-Barrel Gun
The BD14 has a double-lock system so that a second shot can be taken without having to recock the firearm. Blaser says: “Thanks to the free-floating barrels, point of impact remains constant even with a quick succession of shots, no matter which barrel was fired first. The extremely strong vertical block lock on the BD14 helps contribute to the high degree of precision.”
Story idea from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
As part of NRA Women TV, hunting guide Kristy Titus hosts a series of videos that explain important strategies and shooting skills for hunters. Titus is a certified instructor who has hunted around the globe. She grew up in the outdoors, running pack mules in Oregon with her father. In these videos, Kristy discusses demonstrates field positions that can be employed during a hunt. She also explains preparation for a hunt, including fitness training.
Shooting Positions and Rifle Support in the Field
Because of interferring terrain features, it’s not common to get a prone shot on game. That’s why hunters nead to practice shooting from various positions. You can use tree limbs or boulders for support (see above). In addition, many hunters bring bipods or tripods to help make that once-in-a-lifetime trophy shot. We have used telescoping Bog-Pod supports on varmint hunts. In this video, Kristy explains various shooting positions and training routines.
Fitness Training — Prepare for the Trek
Kristy explains: “Hunting can lead you into some steep, rough country. It’s really important that you train both your body and your mind to handle the elements and the rigors of hunting. With no two hunting situations being the same, we must train to be adaptable and make the most of every opportunity. The most important aspect of hunting success, ultimately, is the person behind the rifle. So, if you plan on going on a mountain hunt, get out and train your body. Train with your firearm. Get off the bench and have some fun with this. Do some positional shooting or, if you want to add a stress dynamic… have someone put you under a time parameter.”
“When it comes to bolt-action rifle fit, there is no ‘one size fits all’,” says Titus. “When picking out your rifle [consider options] after the purchase to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.”
CCI’s has introduced .22 WMR Maxi-Mag ammo with Clean-22 coating technology. New CCI Maxi-Mag Clean-22 Segmented Hollow Point (SHP) ammo uses an exclusive polymer bullet coating to reduce copper and lead fouling in barrels, without leaving a residue. Shipments of this new product have started.
Editor: We’ve used polymer-coated bullets in larger calibers (.38 Special and .45 ACP), and the coated bullets really do reduce lead fouling in barrels, making barrel cleaning significantly easier.
Segmented Hollow Point (SHP) Bullet for Varminters
The bullet that comes with the new CCI Maxi-Mag Clean-22 ammo should work well for varminters. The 46-grain SHP bullet splits into three equal-size pieces on impact, tripling the number of wound channels. CCI states: “The polymer bullet coating allows this separation at much lower velocities and longer distances than a conventional copper jacket. The bullet’s overall geometry is optimized for accuracy.” Notably, this SHP bullet is currently the industry’s only segmenting hollow-point bullet in .22 WMR.
CCI Product Manager Dan Compton states: “I can’t wait to hear stories and see photos from … customers who use this new [.22 WMR] magnum rimfire round on prairie dog towns, in the squirrel woods, and for their fur-trapping efforts.”
CCI Maxi-Mag Clean-22 .22 WMR Ammo Features:
— Polymer bullet coating reduces lead fouling in the barrel without leaving residue
— Industry’s only segmenting hollow-point bullet in 22 WMR
— Allows expansion at lower velocities than copper-jacketed bullets
— Reduces the risk of penetration through the target and beyond
— Optimized bullet geometry for improved accuracy
Need a simple, easy-to-use drop chart for your rifle? Something you can tape right to the buttstock? Then check out Hornady’s handy Online Ballistics Calculator. This user-friendly calculator will compute your drops accurately, and output a handy “Cheat Sheet” you can print and attach to your rifle.
Here’s how it works. From the Ballistics Calculator Page, simply input G1 or G7 BC values, muzzle velocity, bullet weight, zero range, and a few other variables.
Click “Calculate” to view the full chart (shown below). Then click “View Cheatsheet” and the simpler, 4-line Drop Chart (shown above) appears. Click “Print” and you’re done!
The online ballistics caculator is easy to use. You can select the basic version, or an advanced version with more data fields for environmental variables (altitude, temperature, air pressure, and humidity). You can also get wind drift numbers by inputing wind speed and wind angle.
Conveniently, on the trajectory output, come-ups are listed in both MOA and Mils — so this will work with either MOA clicks or Mil-based clicks. There are more sophisticated ballistics solvers available on the web (such as the outstanding Applied Ballistics Online Calculator), but the Hornady Calculator is very simple and easy to use. If you just want a basic drop chart, you may want to check this out.
We’re in the thick of hunting season now, so we’re featuring an impressive new hunting rig from Springfield Armory. The new Model 2020 Waypoint rifles feature advanced carbon-wrapped barrels*, TriggerTech triggers, and carbon-fiber, hand-painted camo stocks. The actions are pretty impressive too — with precision machining, enlarged ejection port, and integral recoil lug. These Waypoint rifles rival full-custom hunting rigs, yet are reasonably affordable. Starting price is $1699.00 with stainless barrel, while the deluxe model with carbon-wrapped barrel and adjustable cheekpiece is still under $2,400.00.
Handsome Hand-Painted Carbon-Fiber Stocks
Minimum gun weight with carbon-wrapped barrel and fixed cheek is just 6.6 pounds.
All Model 2020 Waypoint rifles feature strong, light-weight, carbon-fiber-reinforced stocks with hand-painted camouflage finishes. Springfield Armory worked with AG Composites to develop these handsome stocks. You could easily pay $700-$800 just for an equivalent camo-painted stock from McMillan or Manners Composite Stocks.
Four Chambering Choices
The Model 2020 Waypoint is offered in four popular chamberings: 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, and .308 Winchester. Those are all desirable options. However, because this is a hunting rifle, we would also like to see a 7mm option, and a larger .30-caliber option. At least the barrel twist rates will allow modern, high-BC bullets: 1:7.5″ for the 6mm Creedmoor, 1:8″ for the 6.5 Creedmoor, and 1:10″ for the .308 Win. All barrels are threaded 5/8-24 for the included SA Radial Muzzle Brake.
TriggerTech Adjustable Trigger and Fast Lock Time
We were pleased to see the Model 2020 Waypoint comes with a very good TriggerTech trigger that easily adjusts from 2.5 to 5.0 pounds. This trigger, as combined with a modern fire control system, achieves a very good 19 millisecond lock time — that rivals some custom benchrest actions, and is up to 45% faster than some other factory actions. FYI, “lock time” is measured from the break of the trigger until the firing pin strikes the primer.
Modern Coated Action with Big Ejection Port — Takes AICS-Compatible Mags
Springfield Armory did a nice job with the action. There is a large ejection port and EDM-crafted raceways. The fluted bolt and the action body are coated for corrosion resistance and smooth operation. Additionally, the bolt features dual cocking cams for ease of operation and tool-less disassembly for maintenance.
Factory 3/4-MOA Accuracy Guarantee
Springfield offers an impressive 0.75 MOA three-shot accuracy guarantee with “with quality match-grade factory ammunition, in the hands of a skilled shooter.” That is actually pretty impressive for a hunting rifle that weighs in under 7 pounds before options (carbon bbl version). You could spent a LOT more on a custom rig and not do much better accuracy wise.
Bottom Line — How Does It Feel and How Does It Shoot?
Respected gun writer and hunter Wayne Van Zwoll tested a carbon-barrel Model 2020 Waypoint for Hunting Digital Magazine. He was impressed with the feel of the rifle, the quality of the components, the crispness of the trigger, the smooth mag-feeding, and the demonstrated accuracy:
“This rifle balances well. Running this rifle is a delight! It slurps cartridges seamlessly from the box and is easy to top-feed with single rounds. The magazine is a cinch to release and easily inserted. Springfield Armory’s Waypoint Model 2020 is notable for its relatively modest price — under $2,400 for even the most expensive version, and a starting price of $1,699 — [and] the quality of its parts and workmanship.
Accuracy — My first three shots, after bore-sighting and two to zero, cut a 0.62″ knot. I printed some more groups, which measured .63″ and .70″. Such accuracy from a rifle that, stripped, scales under 6¾ pounds should please any shooter! It’s also a credit to Hornady’s excellent ammunition.
In sum, the Waypoint offers features and performance now expected of top-rung multi-purpose rifles, without bleeding budgets. It should impress hunters as well as shooters scrambling in cross-terrain rifle competition[.] The first new Springfield Armory bolt rifle in a century has impressed me!”
* The base Model 2020 Waypoint has a fluted stainless barrel. The carbon-wrapped barrel is an extra-cost option, as is the adjustable cheekpiece.
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (Ruger) announced on 10/2/2020 that its offer to purchase substantially all of the Marlin Firearms assets was accepted by Remington Outdoor Company, Inc. and approved by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama. Ruger will pay the $30 million purchase price from cash on hand at the time of closing, which is expected to occur in October.
“The value of Marlin and its 150-year legacy was too great of an opportunity for us to pass up,” said Ruger President and CEO Chris Killoy. “The brand aligns perfectly with ours and the Marlin product portfolio will help us widen our already diverse product offerings.”
The transaction is exclusively for the Marlin Firearms assets. Remington firearms, ammunition, other Remington Outdoor brands, and all facilities and real estate are excluded from the Ruger purchase. Once the purchase is completed, Ruger will begin the process of relocating the Marlin Firearms assets to existing Ruger manufacturing facilities.
“The important thing for consumers, retailers and distributors to know at this point in time,” continued Killoy, “is that the Marlin brand and its great products will live on. Long Live the Lever Gun.”
“Marlin Firearms was founded in 1870, some 144 years ago, by Mr. John Mahlon Marlin. As such, Marlin rifles for generations carried ‘JM’ roll marks on their barrels to designate this homage. Marlin had cut his teeth in Samuel Colt’s factory making revolvers and pistols during the Civil War in Hartford, Connecticut. Then, he broke out on his own, starting a small shop in nearby New Haven.
The company specialized in lever action rifles, such as the M1891, which was updated as the 1893, then the Model 39, and still exists today as the Model 336. After Mr. Marlin died in the early 1900s, the company went from being family-owned to being a corporation, which made machine guns for the Army during World War 1, merged with Hopkins and Allen, then in 1924 went out of business.
It was then that the Kenna family bought what was left of the company for $100 and, for all but a decade, a member of the Kenna family remained the president of the company for the next 83 years. During that time, Marlin registered hundreds of patents including on side ejection lever actions, Micro-Groove rifling, the T-900 Fire Control System, and others.”
More recently, in the year 2000, Marlin acquired Harrington and Richardson (H&R), maker of break-action shotguns and rifles. Then in 2007 Remington bought out Marlin, including H&R.
Click Map to launch interactive webpage with info for all 50 states.
Going hunting soon? Need to find out about hunting licenses, deer tags, local regulations, and the best hunting areas? Then visit WheretoHunt.org. This website has an interactive map of the country. Simply click on a state to find the info you need. For all 50 states, the NSSF provides information about hunting licenses and permits, where to hunt, hunter education classes, laws and regulations and more. For each state you’ll also find a link for required applications and license forms. Have a safe and productive hunt this year.
On the WheretoHunt.org website, click a particular state on MAP, and resource links will load at right:
While a number of major rebates and promotions ended yesterday (9/30/2020), we found other great rebate offers that are good this month, and in some cases through the end of 2020. If you are looking for a new hunting rifle or hunting ammunition, these promotions offer significant savings.
1. Savage Arms — Savage 110 Rebate
Purchase any Savage 110 with AccuFit, 110 Apex or Engage Hunter models and receive a $75 Rebate from Savage. This rebate applies to purchases from any Savage dealer. EXPIRES OCTOBER 24, 2020 CLICK HERE for REBATE Form
2. Remington Arms — 2020 Fall Rifle Rebate
Remington is offering $75 and $50 Rebates on rifles purchased from 8/1/20 through 12/15/20. Get $75 off all Rem Model 700 hunting rifles. Consumer Rebates are MAIL-IN ONLY. EXPIRES DECEMBER 15, 2020 CLICK HERE for REBATE Form
3. Thompson/Center — $75 Fall Rebate
Get up to a $75 Factory Rebate with the purchase of select Thompson/Center rifles.
BUY T/C® VENTURE™ II Rifle and get a $75 PREPAID Card
BUY T/C® COMPASS® II Rifle and get a $50 PREPAID Card
BUY T/C® COMPASS® UTILITY OR T/CR22® Rifle and get a $25 PREPAID Card EXPIRES NOVEMBER 30, 2020 CLICK HERE for REBATE Form
4. Winchester Ammunition — Big Game 2020
Between August 1, 2020 and October 30, 2020 you can earn $10 back for each box of eligible Winchester centerfire rifle ammunition you purchase. Save up to $20 Total. EXPIRES OCTOBER 30, 2020 CLICK HERE for REBATE Form
4. Hornady — Safe and Secure 2020
Receive two free boxes of Hornady Critical Defense Ammo (value $68) when you purchase Hornady Security products: RAPiD Safe 4800KP RFID, RAPiD Safe 2700KP/2600KP, RAPiD Safe AR Wall Lock or AR Gunlocker, RAPiD Safe Shotgun Wall Lock, RAPiD Safe Night Guard, RAPiD Safe Ready Vault, RAPiD® Safe 2700/2600, and RAPiD® Vehicle Safe RFID. EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 2020 CLICK HERE for REBATE Form SHOP Qualifying Products HERE
Here is a simple but effective product that can benefit varminters and game-hunters. The slip-on, padded RRR (“triple R”) gun rest cushions your rifle on any surface and helps eliminate noise when shifting the gun from one shooting position to another. The RRR slip-on rest is made of neoprene (wet suit material) with a built-in, thick Armaflex foam cushion on the bottom. This $19.95 sleeve protects the finish of your rifle, while providing a cushioned layer between your rifle and the supporting surface.
Key Benefits of the RRR Slip-On Padded Fore-Arm Rest
1. The RRR sleeve cushions your rifle. This helps to keep the shot from going high even when the rifle is placed on a hard surface.
2. The RRR sleeve quiets the gun. The padded, neoprene covering acts like a sound deadener even when you set the gun on a metal frame or hard surface..
3. The RRR protects the finish on the stock of your rifle from scratches when resting on hard surfaces.
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. Natchez — Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper, $179.99
⏺ Fast, programmable, accurate dispenser at great price
If you’re looking for an affordable yet reliable and accurate upgrade for your powder measuring system check out the Frankford Arsenal Intellidropper. It’s accurate to one-tenth of a grain, dispenses in seconds, and can be controlled by a handy Spp on your phone (that can remember various charges weights for different cartridges). IMPORTANT: The advertised price is higher. However, when you add the Intellidropper to your Natchez online shipping cart, the price drops to $179.99! That’s a killer deal.
2. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Ruger American Rifle, $399.99
⏺ Good choice for affordable hunting rifle with strong warranty
Hunting season is around the corner. Who doesn’t want a new gun to take on that big fall hunt? Hunters looking for a good, solid deer rifle that’s very affordable should consider the Ruger American rifle. Right now you can get this in 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, .243 Win, .270 Win, or 7mm-08 — each for the low price of $399.99. Grab one of these Ruger Americans and be set up for hunting season. For optics, consider a Vortex Strike Eagle scope for $299.99, as listed below.
3. MidwayUSA — SnapSafe 2-Gun Vault PLUS Pistol Safe, $99.99
⏺ Twin pistol safe package — good for home and workshop
Keeping your handguns safe and out of unwanted hands is the responsibility of every gun owner. Here’s a good 2-for-1 option for safe handgun storage. MidwayUSA is offering the SnapSafe 2-Handgun electronic vault PLUS free pistol safe for just $99.99. The electronic vault has a top-mounted finger keypad for rapid access. This is bigger than some of the competition so it easily holds two handguns plus other valuables. The smaller pistol safe has a key-lock and fits easily in a drawer.
4. Creedmoor Sports — Kowa 82SV Spotting Scope With 25X LER Eyepiece Combo and Creedmoor DLX Scope Cover, $999.00
5. Amazon — 10000mAh Dual USB Battery Charger Packs, $19.99
⏺ Recharge your smartphones and tablets — good for Labradar too
Do you have a cellphone, tablet, LabRadar, barrel cooler or other device that needs mobile power? If so, we found a killer deal on a pair of Miady 10000mAh Dual USB Portable Chargers. Yes you get TWO (2) charging packs for just $19.99 total! Featuring USB and USB-C ports and fast 2 amp charging capability, this pair of portable power banks is one of the best deals we’ve seen.
6. Brownells — Caldwell Fire Control Coaxial Front Rest, $246.99
⏺ Functional Coaxial Rest at fraction of cost of big mames
Most people have seen or heard of high-end rests like SEB or Farley, but did you know there’s a great entry level joystick rest for under $300? For those getting started pick up the Fire Control front rest from Caldwell and you’ll be off and running. These rests are a great upgrade from standard lead sleds or sandbags and the integrated joystick control give you pin-point adjustments for the best shooting experience possible.
7. EuroOptic — Vortex Strike Eagle Scopes, $299.99 and Up
⏺ Good basic scopes for hunting rifles — 33% Off savings
Vortex offers great “bang for the buck” in optics, along with an industry-leading warranty. And here is one of the best Vortex Sales we’ve seen. Right now EuroOptic has deeply discounted Vortex Strike Eagle scopes. A wide variety of Strike Eagles, a good choice for a deer rifle or AR, are now up to 33% off, with retail prices as low as $299.99. Chose your preferred zoom range — from 1-6X to 5-25X.
7. Amazon — Flambeau 6500AR AR Tactical Gun Case, $46.22
⏺ Case has compartments for magazines and rust-fighting feature
Transporting guns securely requires a quality case, but good ones can be expensive. This Flambeau case offers solid protection for under $47.00. The Flambeau Outdoors 6500AR AR Tactical Gun 40″ case with ZERUST fits most mid-sized rifles and features a special corrosion inhibiting vapor that forms a protective layer on metal to stop rust. At 44% off with FREE Shipping this is a solid deal.
9. MidwayUSA — Hunting Gear — 29% to 60% Off
⏺ Get gear for your annual hunt while saving big
Hunting season is here. Grab those extra gear items you need before you head out into the backwoods on your hunt. At MidwayUSA you’ll find great hunting items at bargain prices right now. As shown above, here are some of our top hunting gear picks:
