Leupold has just introduced a new second focal plane reticle with MOA-based hashmarks, allowing precise hold-overs and hold-offs (for wind). The new TS-32X1 reticle, is a minute-of-angle (MOA) based system designed to allow for precision shots without the need for dial adjustments. The TS-32X1 reticle is designed to work with riflescopes that employ 1/4-MOA target adjustments or M1 dials.
The TS-32X1 is the first in a family of MOA-based reticles that will cover several magnification ranges. The TS-32X1 will be available for a wide variety of Leupold riflescopes. For $159.99, the Leupold Custom Shop can also retrofit this reticle into many existing Leupold scopes. Adding the TS-32X1 to a new riflescope ordered through the Custom Shop will cost $129.99.
MOA-Based Hashmarks on Horizontal and Vertical Stadia
On the TS-32X1 reticle, a heavy post and thin stadia crosshair features 1-MOA hashmarks on both the horizontal and vertical lines. Every other hash mark on the horizontal stadia is slightly longer, providing quick and easy 2-MOA measurements. There is a number placed every fourth MOA for quick reference.
The vertical stadia is also set up with 1-MOA tics and longer 2-MOA marks. In addition, every fourth mark is numbered, all the way to the complete 32-MOA elevation range. Wind dots in the lower half of the reticle are spaced in 2=MOA increments, both vertically and horizontally.
This new TS-32X1 reticle is currently available for most second (rear) focal plane VX-3, VX-III, Vari-X III and Mark 4 4.5-14 LR/T riflescopes. Existing riflescopes can be retrofitted for $159.99 through the Leupold Custom Shop. To add the TS-32X1 to a new riflescope ordered through the Custom Shop is $129.99.
Product tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Lapua just dropped a bombshell — multiple bombshells, in fact. Lapua just announced that it will be producing .221 Fireball brass and .50 BMG brass starting early 2014. This will be the first truly match-grade brass ever offered for the .221 Fireball. That’s great news for varminters, who can use Lapua’s new .221 Fireball brass “as is” or neck it down to .20 Vartarg or 17 Fireball. Tactical shooters can also use the .221 Fireball brass to make the .300 Whisper and 300 Blackout sub-sonic cartridges. At the other end of the spectrum, ultra-long-range shooters now have a new ultra-premium brass source for the mighty .50 BMG. This is potentially a “game-changer” for fifty-cal shooters who have had to “make do” with military surplus brass for the most part. Lapua says the new brass, both .50 BMG and .221 Fireball, should be in the USA by early April, 2014. Sorry, no pricing info is yet available.
Here is the Lapua Product Announcement for .221 Fireball and .50 BMG Brass:
New 180-Grain and 150-Grain 7mm Scenar-L Bullets
The other big news from Lapua is the release of two new 7mm (.284 caliber) Scenar-L target bullets. Recognizing the popularity of 7mm cartridges among F-Class Open Division shooters, Lapua will offer a high-BC, 180-grain bullet. As part of the “L” series, this new 180-grainer bullet should exhibit extreme consistency in base-to-ogive measurements and bullet weight. We expect this new 180gr projectile to be extremely accurate in the .284 Winchester, .284 Shehane, 7mm WSM, and 7mm RSAUM — popular chamberings for F-Class and long-range benchrest shooters. No BC information has been released yet, but we expect the BC number to be quite high, giving this bullet great wind-bucking capability. In addition to the new 180gr 7mm Scenar-L, Lapua will offer a new 150gr 7mm bullet. This is optimized for medium range competition in Silhouette and Across-the-Course competition. It should offer great accuracy, but with less felt recoil than its 180-grain bigger brother.
If you can’t get enough info on ARs, check this out. The folks who brought you the Firearms Guide, have released a new, comprehensive resource for AR-Platform rifles — of all calibers and configurations. The new AR Rifles Digital Guide presents over 1,300 semi-auto and full-auto AR-style rifles from 65 manufacturers worldwide. AR rifles in calibers from .22 LR to .458 SOCOM are covered with technical specifications, features, prices, and up to 12 high-rez, zoomable pictures for each model. This new DVD also contains a schematics library with printable and zoomable exploded views and parts lists. This is great for gunsmiths and guys working on AR projects.
This $15.99 AR resource DVD has thousands of pages of content, all easily searchable with ten different search criteria including: caliber, price, manufacturer, gun finish, barrel type, country, and more. The DVD’s search engine lets you quickly find AR rifle models, schematics, parts lists, and other information. In addition, the AR Digital Guide features a comprehensive ammo database. Choose a cartridge type and caliber. Then, with just one click, you can access information on bullet styles, bullet weights, features and ballistics of all the currently available ammunition in that chambering.
Easy to Buy, Easy to Run
You can order the AR Rifles Digital Guide DVD directly from FirearmsGuide.com for just $15.99. DVDs start shipping on December 19th — just in time for Christmas. This unique AR Rifles DVD works on Windows XP, Vista, 7 & 8. Just drop the DVD in your CD/DVD drive, and it starts automatically — no software installation is required.
TrackingPoint, creator of the Precision Guided Firearm (PGF) system, has released a new “smart rifle”, the XS4 .338 Lapua Magnum. The XS4 boasts TrackingPoint’s revolutionary TTX (Tag Track Xact) technology — a system that automates aiming and ballistic correction once you have “tagged” the target with a laser beam. Along with the exotic computerized targeting system, the new XS4 features top-flight conventional components: Surgeon XL action, 27″ Krieger barrel, and McMillan A5 hunting stock. Full rifle weight including laser/digital/optical scope, two batteries, loaded magazine, muzzle brake, and bipod, is 22.5 pounds.
Like TrackingPoint’s XS1, the new XS4 has a maximum TTX range of 1,200 yards, the longest effective range offered by the company. The rifle’s 27-inch, Krieger cut-barrel is fitted in a traditional-style, adjustable McMillan A5 stock. It also features TrackingPoint’s highest-power zoom optic, offering 6x to 35X magnification. “Our customers have been asking for the power of our 338 Lapua Magnum smart rifles in the form factor of our popular XS3 hunting model,” said John Lupher, Chief Technology Officer for TrackingPoint. Pre-orders for the XS4 are now being accepted. The rifle will be demonstrated at the 2014 NSSF SHOT Show and other trade shows in 2014. To learn more about the XS4 Precision Guided Firearm, visit Tracking-Point.com.
You can find big, bulky, heavy rings from many sources, but what if you need svelt, light-weight rings for a weight-restricted benchrest rifle, or need light-weight offset rings or benchrest-grade .22 RF rings? Well now there’s a source for these specialized rings — Morr Accuracy.
Beautifully crafted by John Morrison, these ring-sets offer many nice features you won’t find elsewhere. Chose from various heights and 2-fastener or 4-fastener models. You can even get a combo set (one 4-screw and one 2-screw). Got a dove-tailed rimfire action? Check this out — Morr Accuracy has rimfire rings designed for factory 11mm dovetails. But these will also fit aftermarket 3/8″ rails, so if you later decide to mount a rail, you won’t need a new set of rings. That’s clever. For more information, email john [at] morraccuracy.com or call (201) 537-5374.
VOICE FILE: Click Button to hear John Morrison TALK about his Rings and Bases.
Offset Rings — Unique Design
These offset rings allow shooters to get slightly away from the stock so as not to disturb the rifle in the rest during shooting. These are a beautiful design, unique in their simplicity. They are offered in a silver-tone finish as well as the Gold Anodized finish shown below. Morrison says: “There are other offset rings using multiple components, but we decided to integrate the offset into the rings themselves and eliminate some complexity. We also took advantage of finite element analysis to eliminate extra weight in the new Edge offset rings without sacrificing strength.” Weighing just 1.5 oz. per pair, these offset rings are offered for 1″ or 30mm scope tubes and for 11mm or 3/8″ rails. Price is $75.00 per set ($78.00 with Gold Anodizing).
World’s Lightest Rings — Magnesium Air Weight Rings — Just 0.6 Ounces Per Set!
The Air Weight rings were designed specifically for the .22 Sporter Class shooter where every ounce counts. These Morr Accuracy Air Weights may well be the lightest commercially available rings you can buy. They weigh just over 0.6 oz. for a pair of two rings, including all the fasteners. John Morrison says: “We couldn’t quite make our goal of lightest ever with any of the aluminum alloys, so we went to magnesium, which is the lightest, commonly available alloy. Magnesium presents some specific machining challenges, but we felt that the added care needed was worth it for the result.” The .22 Air Weight Rings are available for both 1″ and 30mm scope tubes at $98.00 per pair.
Scope Rails and Bases — Both Davidson Style and Picatinny
Morr Accuracy offers a variety of high-grade scope rails and precision bases. Morrison tells us: “Originally we developed stainless steel Picatinny rails for the tactical market, feeling that there was a demand for rails that were stronger than aluminum offerings, but would never rust like standard steel alloy. We have offerings for several popular actions in both 0 and +20 MOA, and have the ability to do special angles relatively quickly. We also offer the advantage of the one-piece rail to target shooters in the 3/8 style. For a slight penalty in weight, the shooter has the advantage of knowing that the ring bases are in alignment and that the rings will require minimal to no lapping. The one-piece target rails are also available in 0 and +20 MOA.”
Morr Accuracy Does Tactical Too
John Morrison served in the U.S. Marines Corps as a marksmanship instructor, so he understands the requirements of tactical shooting. Along with these lightweight rings and rails designed for target shooters, Morr Accuracy also offers sturdy Tactical Rings and Rails. Priced at $125.00 per set, Morr Accuracy’s Tactical Rings are made from 7075 aluminum alloy, with 17-4 stainless steel cross bolts, nuts and clamps. These are offered for 30mm tubes in 1″, 1.25″, and 1.5″ heights. This is very nice ring set for the price.
If you want to know “Who’s Who” and “What’s What” in the gun industry, you should check out the big December 2013 edition of Shooting Industry Magazine, available FREE online (in eMagazine format). The free December issue contains a huge, 75-page directory of industry manufacturers and distributors. This directory provides address and contact information for hundreds of companies — it is truly the “Yellow Pages” of the shooting industry, with virtually ever firearm-maker and accesory-maker, large and small. Along with company listings, there is also an index of products and services. This is very handy, as you can simply choose a product type (such as “Holsters” or “Gun Scopes”) and instantly find dozens of product makers. An interactive version of this comprehensive resource (with company directory and product/service index) is also available online at SIBuyersGuide.com.
This issue of Shooting Industry also presents Part I of the 2014 New Product Showcase with dozens of new products. These include handguns, long guns, ammunition, optics, accessories and more.
Also in the December issue is an in-depth preview of the 2014 SHOT Show, detailing the week’s events at this mega trade show in Las Vegas.
Retailers Have Concerns About Legislation and Ammo Shortages
“The New Business Year presents a number of challenges for the industry, with firearms dealers expressing concern about the tentative economy, consumer retention, product saturation, ammunition shortages, legislative threats and technology pressure,” said Russ Thurman, Shooting Industry publisher and editor. “While there are plenty of challenges for 2014, there is also a measure of optimism. Dealers and range operators are expanding their operations, much of it fueled by the increase in profits during 2013.”
Norma USA has released the new Norma Reloading Manual Expanded Edition. To mark Norma’s 110 years in the ammunition industry, Norma is publishing its second reloading handbook (the first was released in 2004). The Norma Reloading Manual has been updated with new cartridges, components, and recipes. This hard-back book now covers hundreds of cartridges for hunters and target shooters. Load data (using Norma bullets and powders) is presented for most American cartridges and many European cartridges. In addition, you’ll find an extensive discussion of the history and science of smokeless powders. The new Norma Reloading Manual is designed for all handloaders — from novice to advanced. Inside the book you’ll find solid reloading advice, plus a history of Norma, one of the world’s leading producers of brass, bullets, and loaded ammunition. If you employ Norma brass or bullets or use Norma powders, this new Reloading Manual can be the “go-to” reference book on your loading bench. Priced at $34.99, the Norma Reloading Manual is available from Norma-USA’s authorized dealers. It is not yet listed on Amazon.com, but we to see it there within a few months.
Nesika is back. Now part of the Freedom Group, Nesika has introduced new ‘custom shop’ Sporter, Long Range, and Tactical rifles. All three rifles feature composite stocks (with aluminum bedding blocks), Douglas barrels, and Timney triggers. Nesika provides a 5-shot, One MOA accuracy guarantee for all three rifles. These are all fairly expensive for factory rifles but Nesika claims they are built “one at a time, by hand” in the Nesika Custom Shop. The Sporter runs $3499.00, the Long Range is $3999.00, and the Tactical is a daunting $4499.00. You can buy a very nice true custom for that money.
The green Tactical model has an adjustable cheekpiece and spacer-adjustable buttplate. The Tactical comes with a matte black CeraKote finish, a built-in +15 MOA scope rail, and an AAC Blackout muzzle brake/suppressor adapter on the barrel. The Nesika Tactical is offered in .300 Win Mag (26″ barrel) and .338 Lapua Magnum (28″ barrel), with a 5-round DBM provided.
The Long Range Rifle has Nesika’s stainless, open-top Hunter action, with a CeraKote-finished chrome-moly bolt. The Timney trigger breaks at three pounds. Leupold QRW bases come standard, as does a SS
Oberndorf-style hinged floor plate.
The Sporter features a Nesika stainless tactical action. A wide variety of regular and magnum chamberings are offered, and barrels are 24″ or 26″ depending on chambering. Like the Long Range Rifle, the Sporter offers Leupold QRW bases. The rifle weighs eight pounds without optics — a reasonable weight for a hunting rifle. It looks nicely built, but will it harvest white-tails any better than a $450.00 Savage? Maybe not.
Everyone should secure their firearms and valuables in a safe place. For most folks, that means getting the biggest, heaviest gun safe they can afford. There is another school of thought, namely “hiding in plain sight”. The theory here is that you hide valuables inside common, every-day items that would not attract the attention of thieves. A hollowed-out hardback book is a classic example.
Well here’s the “book safe” idea carried one better — an entire full-size book cabinet fitted with hidden storage. Some clever wood-workers have come up with custom-crafted cabinets with secret compartments. We first saw one of these cabinets on Glocktalk some months ago, and now matthew [at] archangelwoodworks.com has created a large, elaborate wooden bookcase that contains multiple secret compartments. The patent-pending QLine SafeGuard Shelving System “is available in your choice of wood or custom colors. Dimensions can be altered to suit your needs. Shelving or compartments are customizable for your specific application.” QLine Design also offers media centers and coffee tables with secret compartments. Watch the video to see a half-dozen secret shelves, drawers and vertical compartments built into the QLine SafeGuard bookcase. Watch all the way through — it gets more and more amazing….
Video Reveals Secret Compartments — Check it Out
Credit Steve of the Firearm Blog for finding this YouTube Video.
Smaller, Custom Cabinet with Secret Compartments
If you’d like to see a smaller cabinet with hidden compartments, check out Hidden in Plain Sight thread from 2012 on Glocktalk. That thread features a custom oak cabinet with a lock-secured secret shelf on the top and two hidden compartments on either side, with slide-out vertical drawers. We like the idea of hiding locks under movable wood covers — for an added measure of security.
EDITOR’S COMMENT: We still recommend a heavy, steel-walled quality gun safe for storage of firearms. A wood cabinet offers no fire protection, and “hidden in plain sight” systems are only useful until thieves get wise to the gambit. Still, clever engineering (and impressive word-working) went into the cabinets shown above. This style of cabinet could be a good option for storing smaller items such as knives, cameras, watches, and laptop computers if your regular gunsafe is already full to the brim.
Are you ready for some football? Here’s a clever rimfire challenge target from MGM Targets. Trust us, this thing is a hoot to shoot. And having fun is still the best reason to go shooting, right?
On this $129.00 Football Target, the vertical spinner runs on a threaded, horizontal “drive shaft”. When you hit the top plate, the spinner moves to the left. When you hit the bottom plate, the spinner rotates in the opposite direction, moving to the right. The goal is to advance the spinner all the way to one end zone for a “touchdown”. This target lets two rimfire shooters compete head-to-head. For a two-man game, each competitor selects a target plate (upper or lower). They can then either fire simultaneously or take turns. Whoever drives the spinner to his end zone first wins. A solo shooter can also have fun, running the spinner in one direction, and then back the other way.
The MGM Football Target is based on a patented invention of Aaron Witmeyer, of Prineville, Oregon. This unique target rewards rapid, but accurate fire. You’ll find that once you’ve developed a rhythm, you can keep the spinner moving toward your goal pretty quickly. But miss a shot and your opponent can reverse the momentum — just like an interception on the gridiron. You can either start with the spinner centered up at the “50-yard line” or you can give a “head start” to a less experienced opponent by starting the spinner closer to the opponent’s end zone. This works great for parent vs. kid matches — giving the youngsters a head start. Made from AR400 steel, the MGM Football Spinner target is suitable for rimfire use only — don’t ever use centerfire ammo! After placing the 18″ X 17″ X 11″ target frame on the ground, you can use tent pegs to secure the frame’s lower cross-piece for extra stability.
Leupold has just introduced a new second focal plane reticle with MOA-based hashmarks, allowing precise hold-overs and hold-offs (for wind). The new TS-32X1 reticle, is a minute-of-angle (MOA) based system designed to allow for precision shots without the need for dial adjustments. The TS-32X1 reticle is designed to work with riflescopes that employ 1/4-MOA target adjustments or M1 dials.
If you can’t get enough info on ARs, check this out. The folks who brought you the 
Morr Accuracy Does Tactical Too
