Hunting season is right around the corner. We know many readers have acquired a new hunting rifles, or perhaps are using new ammo or a new optic. If you’ve got new gear, you’ll want to zero your hunting rig properly. Here’s how…
Here’s a simple procedure that lets you get a solid zero in just four shots. Of course you probably want to fire a few more rounds to confirm your zero before you head off to your hunting grounds, but this will let you get on-target with a minimum amount of time and ammo expended. (This assumes your scope is securely mounted, and the bases are not drastically out of alignment.)
QUICK-TIP: The Key to this procedure is Dialing to Shot One Point of Impact (POI). Re-aim at center of target after SHOT ONE. Then with the rifle motionless, use the turrets to put the middle of the cross-hair on the first shot location.
1. First, remove the bolt and boresight the rifle. Adjust the position of the rifle so that, looking through the bore, you can see the center of the target with your eyes. Secure the rifle in the rests to maintain its position as boresighted. Then, without moving the rifle, center the reticle. That should get you on paper. With the rifle solidly secured in front and rear rests or sandbags, aim at the center of a target placed at your zeroing distance (50 or 100 yards). Confirm there are no obstructions in the barrel! Then load and fire SHOT ONE. Then, return the gun to the exact position it was when you pulled the trigger, with the cross-hair centered on the target as before.
2. Locate, in the scope, where your first bullet landed on the target. Now, while you grip the rifle firmly so it doesn’t move, have a friend adjust the turrets on your scope. While you look through the scope, have your friend turn the windage and elevation turrets until the cross-hairs, as viewed through the scope, bisect the first bullet hole on the target. Use the turrets to move the center of the reticle to the actual position of shot number one. IMPORTANT: Dial the crosshairs to the hole — don’t move the rifle.
3. After you’ve adjusted the turrets, now re-aim the rifle so the cross-hairs are, once again, positioned on the target center. Keep the rifle firmly supported by your rest or sandbag. Take the SECOND SHOT. You should find that the bullet now strikes in the center of the target.
4. Take a THIRD SHOT with the cross-hairs aligned in the center of the target to confirm your zero. Make minor modifications to the windage and elevation as necessary.
5. Finally, shoot the rifle from a field rest (shooting sticks, bipod, or rucksack) as you would use when actually hunting. Confirm, with SHOT FOUR, that your zero is unchanged. You may need to make slight adjustments. Some rifles, particularly those with flexy fore-arms, exhibit a different POI (point of impact) when fired from a bipod or ruck vs. a sandbag rest.
This Video Shows the Process Described Above:
Fouling Shots and Cold Bore Condition
If you recently cleaned your rifle, you may want to fire two or three fouling shots before you start this procedure. But keep in mind that you want to duplicate the typical cold bore conditions that you’ll experience during the hunt. If you set your zero after three fouling shots, then make sure the bore is in a similar condition when you actually go out hunting.
We love Smith & Wesson rimfire revolvers. We have put thousands of rounds through S&W Model 617 revolvers, with 4″ and 6″ barrels. These stainless .22 LR handguns are accurate, superbly reliable, and they hold their value. In general we’ve found that Smith & Wesson rimfire revolvers may be less fussy with ammo, and more trouble-free than typical semi-auto rimfires. Bottom line, we feel that everyone should have an S&W rimfire wheelgun in their collection.
And now there’s a great additional Rimfire Revolver option from Smith & Wesson — the “revived” Model 648 in .22 WMR. This stainless Model 648 brings a more powerful cartridge to S&W rimfire revolver fans.
Built on S&W’s medium K-frame, the 8-round Model 648 is designed for small game hunting and target shooting. The .22 WMR is definitely a much more potent varmint cartridge than the .22 LR. You have more downrange energy plus a flatter trajectory. While the 648 does not come with an integral scope rail, it is not difficult to mount red dot or optical sights to this wheelgun.
The Model 648 revolver is built on a stainless steel medium K-frame and includes black synthetic finger groove grips, a black patridge front sight, and adjustable rear sight. This impressive revolver features a full underlug six-inch barrel, eight-round capacity, and is available with an MSRP of $749.
Model 648 History and Features
According to Guns.com: “The K-frame .22 WMR-caliber Model 648 first appeared in Big Blue’s lineup in 1989 sporting a full-lug barrel and stainless steel construction. Retired since 2005, the newest generation of the Model still brings a 6-inch barrel to the party, which translates to a very commanding 11.1-inch overall length. Weight is 46.2-ounces in the eight-shot .22 Mag, making the gun attractive for both those looking to fill pots and smoke targets.” Shown below is a vintage Model 648.
Jan Mladek, General Manager of Smith & Wesson General Manager Jan Mladek reports: “The Model 648 is back in production to satisfy the needs of handgun owners who are looking to achieve greater distance while hunting or target shooting. With a full underlug, six-inch barrel and a patridge front sight, the Model 648 has been designed … to boost accuracy at longer distances. While we currently offer .22 Magnum revolvers in both our J-frame and Classics line, we are excited to add this new .22 Magnum revolver to the modern K-frame lineup.”
Ok folks, we’re coming to the end of summer, and hunting season is just around the corner. Do you have a good first-aid kit in your vehicle to deal with possible injuries. For just $19.00 you can get an excellent kit from Be Smart/TRI, the #1 maker of First Aid Kits in the USA.
TRI’s Be Smart Get Prepared First Aid Kit has 201 items inside a sturdy case with shoulder strap and carry handle. There is also a handy, detachable mini pouch with key essentials for first aid on-the-go. You can easily bring the mini-pouch along on a bike ride or hike.
This multi-purpose First Aid Kit includes:
• 50 – Bandages 3/4 x 3
• 30 – Bandages 3/8 x 1 1/2
• 6 – Bandages Closure
• 3 – Knuckle Bandages
• 1 – Tapes – .5 x 2.5yd Waterproof
• 10 – Cotton Tips – 2.75″”/10 Pack
• 4 – Finger Splints
• 1 – First Aid Guide
• 4 – Gauze Pad – 2 x 2 / 4 ply
• 4 – Gauze Pad – 4 x 4 / 4 ply
• 1 – Gauze Pad – 5 x 9
• 2 – Nitrile Gloves
• 1 – Instant Cold Pack – 5 x 6
Tips for Staying Healthy Outdoors
To help ensure that outdoor adventures remain safe and trouble-free, the CTD Shooters’ Log has prepared a helpful Essential Summer Survival Guide. This is worth reading before you venture away from civilization.
Here are some highlights of the article with links for MORE INFO:
First Aid Kits for Campers
You should never venture outside without a first aid kit close at hand. While exploring the outdoors, all types of accidents can occur—from cuts, scrapes, and burns to broken limbs and severe allergic reactions.
Basic Survival Skills
Basic survival skills are a necessity if you plan to spend any amount of time outdoors. These five tips, plus a how-to on what to pack in a lightweight, basic survival kit will help if you are ever stuck, lost, stranded or injured in the field.
How to Treat Burns
Fireworks, barbeques and campfires — in the summer we are frequently around fire, which increases our chance of getting burned. A first-degree burn is most likely home treatable, while a third degree burn requires immediate medical attention. Learn how to spot the differences between minor and severe burns.
Just in time for hunting season, the ZEISS Field Days Promotion is back and includes special offers for all ZEISS V4 and V6 riflescopes, Victory RF rangefinding binoculars, ZEISS Harpia and Gavia spotting scopes, and the Terra ED binoculars. The ZEISS Field Days promo starts August 1st and ends December 31st, 2019. CLICK HERE for more INFO.
Buy a new Conquest V4 or V6 riflescope and get a FREE gift. Choose either: A) Custom ballistic turret (Kenton Industries); or B) ZEISS accessory package with Throw Lever, Deluxe Lens Cleaning Kit, and five ZEISS Ballistic DOPE Cards. Retail value of either option is $120.
Here’s another great offer — buy a new Victory Harpia spotting scope in either 85mm or 95mm objective size, and you’ll get a free ZEISS eyepiece (retail value: $800.00). That is a heck of a deal. The Harpia series is as good as anything on the market.
Alternatively, if you purchase a a Conquest Gavia spotting scope or Victory RF rangefinding binocular with Bluetooth connectivity, you’ll receive a free Terra ED 10×42 binocular — a $499.99 retail value.
Finally, there are instant rebates for all ZEISS Terra ED 32mm and 42mm binocular purchases. Customers immediately save $50.00 while in the store or shopping on-line.
Here is something shiny and new for the guy who has to have the latest hardware. Ryan Pierce of “PiercisionRifles.com makes very effective muzzle brakes (aka “Muscle Brakes) that have a clever “self-timing” feature, that allows them to be fitted to multiple rifle barrels. Most of Ryan’s Muscle Brakes are crafted from steel, but he just introduced a slick 5-Port Self-Timing Titanium Brake. Ryan says the self-timing feature of this design allows the buyer to use the same brake on all rifles with the same thread pitch on the muzzle. Check it out:
Ryan reports: “Got the new TITANIUM self-timing 5-port ‘Muscle’ brake spun up on a 300 Norma improved I chambered this morning. The barrel and brake weighs 3.0 pounds total. At just 3.5 ounces, the titanium brake is 3 ounces lighter than the steel version. The Titanium Muscle brake is available in 5/8×24 and 3/4×24 threads. I have some ready to ship in 3/4×24 threads. I’ll have another batch ready to ship in a week or so in 5/8×24 threads.”
Who needs a Titanium brake? Well if you’re putting together a high-tech ultralight hunting rig, this is a nice finishing touch. When shooting off-hand, less weight on the end of the barrel really makes a difference. And if you’ve gone to the expense of fitting a lightweight carbon fiber-wrapped barrel, it may make sense to finish it off with an ultralight titanium brake.
How well does it work? Ryan says with this brake on his 10-lb .300 Norma Improved rifle he can see bullet impacts at 400 yards. That’s with 230-grain bullets launched at 3000+ FPS.
NOTE: Currently these brakes are sold in a 5-port version only. Ryan offers 3-port brakes in steel, but says the weight savings would be only 1 ounce with a Titanium 3-port.
The 17 Mach 2 (aka “17 HM2″) is making a come-back. We’re glad. This high-velocity round fits actions and magazines designed for the .22 LR, so it’s an easy barrel-swap upgrade for most rimfire bolt-guns (semi-autos are more complicated). The 17 Mach 2 cartridge doesn’t deliver the velocity of the 17 HMR, but it is still way faster than a .22 LR. Expect 2000-2100 fps with 17 Mach 2 compared to 1250 fps for “High-Velocity” .22 LR ammo. And, importantly, 17 Mach 2 ammo is much less expensive than 17 HMR. If you shop around, you can get 50 rounds of 17 Mach 2 for about $6.50. That’s 35% cheaper than the average $10 price of 17 HMR — a significant savings!
17 Mach 2 Major Selling Points:
1. 60% more velocity than typical “High-Velocity” .22 LR ammo.
2. 35% less cost than average 17 HMR ammo.
3. 17 Mach 2 OAL is compatible with .22 LR receivers and magazines.
17 Mach 2 Rifle Reviews
Gun-makers have taken notice of the availability of 17 Mach 2 ammo, introducing new models chambered for this versatile little rimfire round. For a high-volume, small-species varminting, the 17 Mach 2 is much more effective than the .22 LR, and much less expensive than the larger 17 HMR.
New Savage A17 in 17 Mach 2
There are a number of reviews on new-generation 17 Mach 2 rifles. Recently Varminter.com reviewed the Savage A17 in 17 HM2. Editor Eric Mayer wrote: “This new addition to the A17 line comes at a time when the 17 Mach 2 round is experiencing a resurgence, with ammo now available from CCI and Hornady, including the lead-free NTX round from Hornady. This means … you don’t have to break the bank to buy a current, functioning, semi-auto 17 Mach 2 and you don’t have to … convert your 10/22.”
Eric shot four different types of 17 Mach 2 ammo, putting 1000+ rounds through the Savage. He was impressed: “I am very excited that Savage Arms has chambered their A17 rifle in the 17 Mach 2 / 17 HM2 round. After shooting the prototype, I can confidently say that this new A17 will become my go-to 17 Mach 2 rifle. This new rifle is a great option for varminters everywhere!”
Toggle Bolt Volquartsen Summit in 17 HM2
It’s rare for us to see a new rimfire that we’d really like to own, but the new Summit from Volquartsen fits the bill. This versatile rifle features a cool, straight-pull toggle bolt, similar to those on elite Biathalon rifles. You can see how this gun shoots in this informative 22 Plinkster video:
22 Plinkster Tests Volquartsen Summit Rifle in 17 Mach 2
The 17 Mach 2 (17 HM2) is making a comeback. Now leading manufacturers are offering this efficient little rimfire cartridge in some nice rifles. Both Anschutz and Volquartsen will offer new 17 Mach 2 rifles in 2019. The Volquartsen Summit features a lightweight, carbon fiber-wrapped barrel threaded 1/2-28 for brakes or suppressors. The Summit boasts a nice 1.75-lb trigger pull. The Summit’s CNC-machined receiver features a +20 MOA Rail. NOTE: The video shows a silhouette-style laminated wood stock. However, the Summit comes standard with a composite Magpul stock that actually works better for shooting from a bench.
17 Mach 2 — Best Rimfire Bang for the Buck?
If you are looking for a capable, squirrel-busting round or a fun plinking round, you should definitely consider the 17 Mach 2, especially since CCI has committed to production of the little cartridge. CCI recently rolled out its “Gen 2″ 17 Mach 2 VNT Ammo with polymer tip (see top of article).
Considering that 17 HMR ammo is now running $10 to $12 a box, the 17 Mach 2 is an excellent value by comparison. It is available from many vendors for under $6.50 per 50ct box. That’s just $0.13 per round. When you consider overall “bang for the buck”, for many shooters, it makes sense to use the 17 Mach 2 rather than a 17 HMR. You save money, barrel life is a little longer, and the 17 Mach 2 is still a much more potent cartridge than the .22 LR. Check out this comparison, and note how the 17 Mach 2 has a much flatter trajectory than the .22 LR. For varmint shooting, the 17 Mach 2 is clearly the better choice.
Hornady’s 17 Mach 2 has a 2100 FPS muzzle velocity vs. 1255 FPS for “High-Velocity” .22 LR.
OK guys — Don’t delay. This Remington Rifle Rebate expires in seven days, on July 31, 2019. If you’re shopping for a new varmint or hunting rifle, you can get $75 Cash Back on all Model 700 Varmint rifles purchased from May 1st through the end of July, 2019. Many different configurations are available. For example you can choose either a synthetic stock or a wood laminated stock.
NOTE: This Rebate Offer is valid on Rem 700 Varmint rifle purchases made from 5/1/19 through 7/31/19. All requests must be postmarked by 8/31/19. Important — Firearms Consumer Rebates are MAIL-IN ONLY. You MUST include your original cash register receipt AND the barcode from your owners manual (no exceptions). CLICK HERE for REBATE FORM (PDF).
Remington 1911 R1 Pistol Rebates
Remington is also offering $75 Cash Back on all Remington 1911 R1 handguns. The terms of this 1911 Pistol Rebate is similar to the Varmint Rifle Rebate — Purchase from 5/1/19 through 7/31/19, and submit Pistol Rebate Form by mail.
Remington offers 12 different 1911 models, including an all-stainless, long-slide 10mm hunters, carry models, and four different double-stack models. CLICK HERE to see all 12 Rem 1911 R1 models.
New environmental regulations in the state of Washington could soon impact shooters. Restrictions on the use of lead compounds could lead to expensive range remediation programs, or even range closures…
The Washington Department of Labor and Industries Division of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH) has released an updated draft of the lead rules they originally released last year following stakeholder meetings. These proposed regulations will impose complicated and expensive burdens on shooting ranges and retailers, potentially making it difficult for some to continue operations. DOSH will be holding additional stakeholder meetings to discuss these proposed regulations. Shooting ranges are vital to the safe practice and exercise of our constitutionally protected Second Amendment right to self-defense, and maintaining access to shooting ranges is a top priority for NRA.
Existing federal and state law already provides extensive regulation of lead in the workplace. In addition to the federal requirements under the Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Washington also has regulations in place regarding workplace lead exposure and has enforced these regulations through inspections and citations. This Washington State draft regulation proposes new and much more demanding requirements that significantly exceed compliance under existing law without providing any clarification on their need. Furthermore, there have been no economic impact studies on the effect these regulations will have on small businesses.
The NRA will continue to actively participate as a stakeholder in the development of these new rules in meetings with the Department of Labor and Industries. We will provide ongoing input on the impact the proposal will have on gun ranges, retailers, and our shooting community. Check out www.NRAILA.org for further updates on the status of the proposal.
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. Tombstone Tactical — Ruger Hawkeye LR Target Rifle, $924.39
If you thought the Ruger Precision Rifle was an impressive rifle for the money, then check out the new Ruger Hawkeye Long Range Target. It features a 2-stage target trigger, rugged one-piece stainless steel bolt, and ships with one AI-Style five-round magazine and a 26″ barrel. These rifles have earned high praise in early tests. You can also grab one in 300 Win Mag or 6.5 PRC for a little more. If you’re in the market for an affordable, long range rifle this deserves a good look.
2. March Optics — Retirement Sale, 35% Off All Scopes in Stock
March Optics delivers some of the most advanced (and unique) optics technology on the planet. But those top-of-the-line March scopes were always a big investment. But now, you can get superb, ultra-premium March scopes for 35% Off. Shiraz Balolia, President of March Optics USA, has decided to stop retailing optics. As a result, March scopes are now being discounted 35% — that’s a huge savings. This sale pricing applies to ALL March scopes, limited to stock in hand. Here are some of the deals:
1. Genesis Extreme Long Range Scope, $4517.50 (marked down from $6950.00) 2. 10-60x56mm High Master Tactical Turrets MTR-1, $2,567.50 (marked down from $4195.00) 3. 8-80x56mm Tactical Turrets MTR-4, $2,388.75 (marked down from $3675.00) 4. 5-50x56mm Tactical Turrets Illuminated MTR-1, $2,567.60 (marked down from $3,950.00) 5. 5-40x56mm FFP Tactical Turrets FMA-2, $2,388.75 (marked down from $3675.00) 6. 3-24x52mm FFP Tactical Turrets Illuminated FML-T1, $2,388.75 (marked down from $3675.00) 7. 2.5-25x52mm Tactical Turrets Illuminated MTR-3, $2,388.75 (marked down from $3675.00)
3. Brownells — Prime Time Blowout, Contest and Sale
Brownells is running a big Prime Time Blowout Sale this week, July 15-19, 2019. For 5 days, Monday through Friday, Brownells will give away a new rifle away each day. More importantly (since the chances of winning are slim), Brownells is offering huge savings on guns, barreled actions, tools, ammo and more. Here are just a few of the great deals:
Among dedicated case trimmers, Lyman’s impressive new Case Trim Xpress, delivers top-tier performance for the price. This well-designed machine comes with a host of bushings to fit most common calibers. The carbide cutter head precisely adjusts in .001″ increments using an easy-to-operate knurled adjustment wheel. Our tests comfirm this unit trims cases quickly and accurately. To see a video of the Case Trim Xpres action, check out our recent Lyman Case Trim Xpress Review.
5. Amazon — Chapman Tool Sets, $45-$109
If you shoot, then you need tools to fix, clean, or maintain your guns. And often you’ll need a combination of hex, phillips, and flat heads to do the job right. Whether you’re just starting out or have a bag full of odds and ends and want to start over, one of the best things you can buy is a Chapman Tool Set. These are quality made-in-USA tools that should last a lifetime. Our Deals Editor uses Chapman tools himself and recommends them. Pick any kit you like and the beauty is that you can add pieces later and it all fits inside a handy, compact case.
Vortex makes a great product and offers one of the best warranties in the business. So when we saw the Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24x50mm scope for only $299.99 we had to feature it. It has a great 6 times zoom range and features Vortex’s popular EBR-4 MOA reticle. If you are looking for a SFP MOA-based scope for varminting or practical matches, this is a very good offering for the price — a real bargain.
7. OpticsPlanet — Birchwood Casey Deluxe Cleaning Rod Sale
Shooters know that cleaning your guns properly is vital but many of us struggle with old, bent, or worn-out cleaning rods. Head over to OpticsPlanet and grab one of these Birchwood Casey Deluxe Cleaning Rods on sale for as low as $8.89! That’s 38% off the regular price. These rods are well made, coated for protection, and have free-floating handles. With these low prices, you don’t have any excuse for not cleaning your rifles. At under $9 per rod for the .22 and .27 Cal versions, you may want to buy 3 or 4 and keep a couple in your vehicle as spares.
8. Amazon — MTM Cleaning Rod Case, $22.89
With those Birchwood Casey Cleaning Rods on Sale for under $9 each you might as well grab 3 or 4 rods. And this nice bright, red MTM cleaning rod case with hold all those four rods, along with lots of cleaning supplies. There are special compartments inside the case for cleaning patches of various sizes. This case protects your rods both at home and while traveling. With this handy, durable case you can stop worrying about bending or breaking those important cleaning rods.
9. Amazon — Range Station for Pistol Shooters, $29.99
The Range Station combines an ammo compartment with a roll-out mat. Some gun ranges only have concrete benches, or shooting stations with horizontal surfaces covered with dirt, powder residues, and other debris. You don’t want to put your $2000 blued Colt Python on that mess. The 12″x24″ Padded Gun Mat stays put on the counter-top and holds guns and gear. The case snaps to either the right or left side of the mat. Interior trays are sized for standard ammo boxes and magazines. Separate compartments hold smaller range gear such as rulers, pens, target markers, and more. When finished, the mat can be rolled and stored neatly and compactly in the case. Buy now for $29.99 at Amazon.
10. Amazon — Browning Steady Ready Stool, $33.00
Portable stools are useful for just about any shooting activity. They are popular with hunters and varminters. They also make life so much easier at matches when you’re spotting for a buddy or team-mate. Though we all know how useful portable seating can be, at matches we still see many fellows asking to borrow a stool or just sitting on the ground. Don’t be that guy — grab one of these easy-to-transport Browning camping stools for under $35.00. It has a durable camo fabric with non-slip seat, and includes an insulated cooler beneath the seat to keep your beverages/lunch cool.
ZEISS has introduced new, intuitive thin-line reticles that allow faster aiming with “smart” hold-overs and hold-offs. The new thin-line ZMOA-T20 and ZMOA-T30 second focal plane (SFP) reticles provide an unobstructed view of the target, while providing MOA-based hold-over lines and wind-hold markers. This allows for fast follow-up shots with corrected windage holds.
On both horizontal and vertical lines there are marks with one MOA spacing, plus MOA reference numbers placed every two MOA. The center cross “floats” to aid ultra-precise shot placement. The small dots located left and right of the main vertical centerline allow the shooter to make windage holds and gauge bullet impacts with confidence. The MOA reference marks and indicators subtend accurately at the riflescope’s highest magnification setting.
The “T20″ and “T30″ codes indicate the MOA “value” of hash marks available below the reticle’s horizontal centerline, i.e. 20 MOA and 30 MOA. The Conquest V4 4-16x44mm boasts the ZMOA-T30 reticle, while the Conquest V4 6-24x50mm model incorporates the ZMOAi-T20 illuminated reticle. On the illuminated ZMOAi-T20 Zeiss scope, the small center cross-hair (shown in red) illuminates for low-light applications.
Built on S&W’s medium K-frame, the 8-round Model 648 is designed for small game hunting and target shooting. The .22 WMR is definitely a much more potent varmint cartridge than the .22 LR. You have more downrange energy plus a flatter trajectory. While the 648 does not come with an integral scope rail, it is not difficult to mount red dot or optical sights to this wheelgun.
New environmental regulations in the state of Washington could soon impact shooters. Restrictions on the use of lead compounds could lead to expensive range remediation programs, or even range closures…
On both horizontal and vertical lines there are marks with one MOA spacing, plus MOA reference numbers placed every two MOA. The center cross “floats” to aid ultra-precise shot placement. The small dots located left and right of the main vertical centerline allow the shooter to make windage holds and gauge bullet impacts with confidence. The MOA reference marks and indicators subtend accurately at the riflescope’s highest magnification setting.
