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January 18th, 2014
CZ USA had many new (and updated) products on display at SHOT Show 2014. A new camo version of the CZ 455 Varmint Precision Trainer (VPT) caught our eye. This is one of the best options for Rimfire Tactical Competitions, and well as cross-training with low-cost rimfire ammo. Chambered in .22 LR, the Varmint Precision Trainer was designed to provide the same look and feel as a full-size tactical rifle while allowing for more economical training. The high-quality Manners Composite T4 stock wears a new camouflage paint scheme this year. The rifle features an .866-diameter heavy barrel that should offer good accuracy. MSRP is $940.00.
The black-stocked rifle below the camo VPT is another interesting rimfire from CZ. New for 2014, this CZ 455 Tacticool Suppressor-Ready sports a 16.5″ varmint-contour barrel with 1/2×28 threads for the “can”. This allows easy installation of your suppressor, while allowing a short overall package. For varmint hunters who want a quiet, stealthy rifle, this model fills the bill. NOTE: CZ does NOT provide the suppressor. That must be purchased separately and an ATF tax stamp must be obtained. Check the laws in your jurisdiction to determine whether suppressor ownership is legal where you live.
3-Gun Competitors will be impressed with CZ’s new scattergun, the 712 Practical. Priced at an affordable $699.00 (MSRP), this semi-auto shotgun, designed specifically for 3-Gun competition, features 10-round capacity (counting a shell in the chamber). The 6-position, adjustable buttstock offers various lengths of pull from 11.25 to 15 inches. The ATI fluted magazine extension provides 9+1 rounds of firepower and extends just past the 22″ barrel to help protect the muzzle. The new 712 Practical comes complete with 5 choke tubes — all for a price that undercuts some comparable 3-Gun shotguns by hundreds.
January 17th, 2014
Here are some more quick highlights from SHOT Show in Las Vegas. There are some brilliantly designed new products, as well as some items that are interesting simply because they depart from the norm. Enjoy these images of interesting products (and people) we saw this week in Vegas.
Era-Tac Adjustable-Angle Scope Mount (0 to +70 MOA)
This is a unique, variable-angle scope mount (with integral rings) that adjusts from 0 MOA to +70 MOA pre-load, in precise, ten-MOA increments. Once adjusted and tensioned, there is no play in the system so your elevation is repeatable. This Era-Tac Mount, made by Recknagel (Germany) is a very advanced design that really works. CLICK HERE for details.
Mossberg Gets Patriotic
Mossberg was “showing the flag” (literally) at its SHOT Show booth. Here a row of camo-dipped Mossberg shotguns and rifles are decorated with Old Glory.
New Precise Micrometer-Top Bullet Seaters from Sinclair Int’l
Sinclair showed off its new dial-adjustable seating dies for use with arbor presses. Though produced by L.E. Wilson, these are a step up from the regular Wilson micro-adjusting hand dies. These new Sinclair dies eliminate the guesswork. Each hashmark actually gives you a .001″ (one-thousandth) change in bullet seating depth. There’s a tactile click as you rotate the micrometer top past each hash mark.
World Champions Gather At Sands Expo
Four members of the World Championship-winning USA F-TR Team were on hand when we paid a visit to the Nightforce booth at SHOT Show. Left to right, here are four of the team that triumphed at Raton: Ray Gross, Dan Pohlabel (with rifle), Phillip Kelley, and Brad Sauve.
Wow, Is There Anything PT&G Isn’t Making These Days?
Pacific Tool & Gauge had dozens of new products on hand. There were gunsmithing tools, replacement bolts (for many different action types), barrel vises, action truing tools, you name it. Heck, Dave Kiff even showed us a new aluminum rifle chassis PT&G will be manufacturing. This company is now producing a vast selection of precision metal parts and tools.
300 AAC Blackout, Actually Blacked-Out
Australian Outback, backed by the folks who acquired ADI, is making a big push to sell loaded ammunition in the USA. To jazz up their new 300 Blackout ammo, the bodies of the brass cases have a distinctive black finish. So the Blackout Ammo is black… get it?
Kimber SOC (Not Your Ordinary Kimber Bolt-Gun)
No, this is not an Accuracy International, or a Surgeon, or even a Colt tactical rifle. Believe it or not, this is the new Kimber “Advanced Tactical” metal-chassis rifle, dubbed the “SOC” for “Special Operations Capable”. The chassis felt stiff and strong. The bolt cycled smoothly, but the trigger pull was pretty heavy (we’re told it can be adjusted.)
January 16th, 2014
With over 1600 exhibitors, there are tens of thousands of products on display at the 2014 SHOT Show. Here are some products that caught our eye as we walked the aisles of the Sands Expo Center.
Pedersoli Sharps
This is an engraved action (with gold inlays), the centerpiece of a presentation-grade Sharps rifle from Davide Pedersoli of Italy. It’s nice to see old-world craftsmanship applied to a classic American design.
Crazy Customized SIG Pistols
Here are two completely over-the-top, highly customized SIG pistols. On the cowboy-themed pistol on the foreground, a saddle horn serves as the front sight, and the beavertail features a gold-plated spur that actually spins. The SIG in the rear has an elaborate metal carving of a bear that wraps over the top of the slide. The carved tail of a salmon forms the rear sight.
Hodgdon CFE Pistol Powder
The only new smokeless propellant displayed at the Hodgdon booth was CFE Pistol. Like the original CFE 223 powder for rifle cartridges, CFE Pistol is formulated to deliver reduced copper fouling. Hodgdon says: “Shoot More, Clean Less” with CFE Pistol powder.
Recknagel of Germany Front Sights
Here is a display of hi-viz and fiber-optic front sights from German gun parts-maker Recknagel. Someone spent a lot of time putting this display together in such an artistic way.
Schmidt & Bender Scope Receives Info from Sensing Devices
Digital read-out on Schmidt & Bender 3-27x56mm PM II will display info from ballistic computers, laser rangefinders, or wind measurement devices. This is an early prototype only — not “ready for prime time”. The digital info is all generated “off-scope”. The fixture on the eyepiece end of the S&B scope merely receives info from the external device(s) and displays it in the shooter’s viewing field.
CCI Suppressor 22 LR Ammo
CCI will offer a new “Suppressor 22″ cartridge for 2014. CCI selected a fairly heavy, 45-grain bullet, and tweaked the propellant to ensure that all rounds out of the box will run sub-sonic, even with the expected mass-production velocity variations. Designed for use in suppressed rimfire rifles, Spec Velocity is 970 FPS. CCI claims that this ammo works well on small varmints because the large hollowpoint in the 45-grain bullet provides excellent bullet expansion.
Pelican Scope Case
This Pelican IM2306 is specifically designed to carry high-end riflescopes. Measuring 18.2″ L x 8.4″ W x 6.7″ high (on the outside), this Pelican case has a waterproof seal and rugged exterior. “Pluckable” interior foam allows you to custom fit the case to your precious optic.
January 16th, 2014
 Evolution is relentless. It seems that tactical rifles are becoming more accurate ever year. Five years ago tactical competitors might have been satisfied with 0.8 MOA rifles. Now the best tactical rigs approach quarter-MOA accuracy. One reason for the increased precision is the application of benchrest build techniques — with ultra-precise barrel-fitting, chambering, and stock bedding.
That’s nothing new to Kelbly’s, which has been building tack-driving competition rifles for decades. The new Arcas series of Tactical rifles comes with a half-MOA guarantee. And in some particularly accurate chamberings, these rifles can shoot well inside that.
One reason for the great performance of Kelbly’s tactical rifles are the outstanding components. There are no compromises. Kelbly’s tactical rifles feature Atlas actions, Brux barrels, premium bottom metal and a choice of Kelbly’s carbon-reinforced stock, McMillan A5, or GRS Laminated Stock (from Europe). If you haven’t heard of Brux, you should know these cut-rifled barrels are as good as anything out there. Brux barrels have set records and won many matches in recent years. You can learn more about Kelbly’s tactical rifles in the video below. Ian Kelbly explains all the features, the multiple stock choices, as well as the options (such as a butt-hook on the stock),
Kelbly’s Arcas Line of Tactical Rifles at SHOT Show 2014
January 15th, 2014
Our friend Vu Pham found this Star Wars “Imperial Storm Trooper” white-finish 5-25x56mm PM II scope at the Schmidt & Bender booth at SHOT Show 2014 in Las Vegas.
We think it looks kind of classy, but we wonder if Schmidt & Bender plans to provide a full set of matching accessories. You know, white plastic breast-plate, shin-guards, and, of course, an Imperial Storm Trooper helmet. This white-finish scope definitely aspires to be tacti-cool, but we do wonder how many buyers would really want such a thing.
SHOT Show Surprise from S&B: White-Finish 5-25x56mm PM II Scope
Product find by Vu Pham.
January 14th, 2014
It’s official. No more “vaporware”. In 2014, Leupold will sell a 7-42x56mm VX-6 scope for approximately $1800.00. This scope will be “coming out this summer”. This is a very impressive optic that will give other premium high-magnification competition scopes a run for their money. The new 7-42 features a 34mm main tube. That large diameter tube helps the scope deliver an estimated 70 minutes of elevation (final specs subject to change). There is a side parallax control, and target turrets with 1/8th-MOA click values and built-in zero stop. We were pleased to see that the scope features a “fast-focus” eyepiece with plus/minus diopter adjustment. Initially the scope will be offered with two (2) reticles, the TMOA and TMOA Plus. These feature MOA-based hash marks, with a small gap in the very center with a target dot at the aiming point.
We did get a chance to test the scope. Jason successful engaged targets at 960 yards using a .308 Win Colt modular rifle fitted with the new 7-42x56mm Leupold. Jason reports that the clicks are tactile and positive. The scope is sharp and bright all the way out to the edges of the viewing circle, even at max 42 power. We liked this optic, and can’t wait to get our hands on a final production version.
Leupold 7-42x56mm VX-6 ($1800.00 MSRP, mid-2014 release)
- Magnification Range: 7X to 42X
- Front Objective: 56mm
- Elevation Range: 70 MOA (estimated) with Zero Stop
- Main Tube Diameter: 34mm
- Warranty: Full lifetime Leupold Gold Ring Warranty
Watch Video Showing Features of Leupold 7-42x56mm VX-6 Riflescope
January 13th, 2014
 More and more people are reading books on tablet computers and eReader devices such as the Kindle and Nook. Recognizing the demand for digital resource works, Applied Ballistics has just releases of its first eBook — a digital version of Accuracy and Precision for Long Range Shooting. This work (which has sold 5000 hard copy versions), is now available in electronic format for both Kindle and Nook eReaders. iPad users can use the Kindle app to access the eBook.
This book discusses how to evaluate multiple variables to improve your hit percentage. It explains how to correct the trajectories for drop, wind deflection, etc. through the use of Weapon Employment Zone (WEZ) analysis. WEZ is applied throughout the book, showing readers how to get more rounds on targets, more reliably. Case studies (with live fire verification for many scenarios) show what things affect your hit probability at long range.
All formats of the eBook are sold for $27.99 (hardcopy is $34.99). The Kindle book is available directly from Amazon.com, while the Nook version can be purchased from BarnesandNoble.com.
Free eReader Content on Applied Ballistics Website
If you have a Kindle, Nook, or iPad, you should visit the Ballistics website. You’ll find many free technical articles you can download as PDF files or in Kindle format or Nook format. To access these FREE articles, select the “Recreational” or “Professional” tabs on the top of the Applied Ballistics home page, then choose the “Articles” link from the pull-down menu. Bryan Litz tells us: “We recently updated our website and we’ve included a number of free articles about bullet design, long-range ballistics, and aspects of WEZ analysis. You don’t need an eReader for these — just download the PDF versions.”
January 12th, 2014
 Redding is now offering Micro-Adjusting Taper Crimp Dies for the .223 Remington (5.56×45) and .308 Winchester (7.62×51), the two most popular cartridges used in competitive rifle shooting. New for 2014, these top-adjusting, micrometer-style dies, you can adjust crimp precisely without having to back-out the die and reposition the lock ring.
The process of traditional taper crimp die adjustment is generally both time consuming and imprecise due to the 1:14″ thread pitch coupled with the need to reposition the lock ring after each adjustment. The new Redding Micro-Adjusting Taper Crimp Dies for .223 Rem and .308 Win use a knurled, micrometer-type head situated to provide approximately +/- 0.100″ of adjustment after initial die set-up. The actual crimp is applied with a hardened steel “free floating” internal sleeve.
To Taper Crimp or Not to Crimp?
That Depends…
Do you actually need a taper crimp on .223 Rem or .308 Win cartridges? If you are shooting a precision bolt gun, the answer is “probably not”. However, if you are hand-loading ammo for a semi-automatic rifle, there are reasons you may want to apply a taper crimp on the cartridge. And high-volume .223 Rem shooters may want to apply a taper crimp, particularly when loading mixed headstamp brass using a progressive press. The new Redding dies allow you to control the amount of crimp easily and more efficiently. Redding claims that: “Down time and loss of production due to adjustment of the crimp are virtually eliminated, dramatically increasing the rounds per hour rates of all progressive and turret-style presses.”
High-volume hand-loaders often struggle with the realities of case variation and the resulting difficulties in obtaining a uniform crimp. Redding notes: “Case length is not the only variable, as case neck-wall thickness also impacts where the case intersects the die’s tapered crimping surface.”
January 11th, 2014
For 2014, Kelbly’s is introducing a new series of rifles for competition, tactical disciplines and hunting. The Arcas™ Series rifles are complete packages designed with Kelbly’s recommended specifications and top-grade components. Pick your application (Benchrest, F-Open, F-TR, Hunting, Tactical) and Kelbly’s can provide a complete build with all the bells and whistles.
Shown below are the four Arcas competition rifles currently offered. In addition to these four comp guns, the Arcas series includes two tactical-style rifles and two hunting rifles (starting at $2799.00). All these Arcas series rifles will be on display at SHOT Show next week. Let us know (via comments) which Arcas models interest you the most, so we’ll be sure to feature those in our SHOT Show reports.
Every Arcas Series rifle comes with premium components and a wide choice of stock colors. In addition you can have an Arcas rifle customized. For example, the Arcas F-Open rifle shown below can be customized with an extra long barrel ($20 per inch), fluted barrel ($199.00 extra), polished metal (all parts, $249), a GRS Laminated Stock with ergonomic grip (no charge), or a PRT Lowboy stock with high gloss finish ($799 extra).
January 10th, 2014
On January 13, 2014, Winchester Ammunition will roll out new products during Media Day at the Range (held at the Boulder City Range outside Las Vegas, NV). We’ll have reporters on hand to check out new ammo options and new hardware from other manufacturers. Here’s a sneak preview of some new products that will be unveiled on Monday. In the box below you can scroll though Winchester’s 2014 new products, which include Winchester Match Rifle Ammo (.223 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, .338 LM) Win3Gun ammunition, Win1911 cartridges, new VarmintX ammo, and the new Long Beard XR and Defender shotgun ammo.
Winchester Ammunition 2014 New Products
To learn more about these new items and other products visit Winchester.com. There you’ll find the latest product new, Information on Rebates and Special offers, plust a free online Ballistics Calculator.
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