The new, 35th Edition of the Gun Trader’s Guide has just been released. This fully-illustrated resource features current market values for thousands of rifles, pistols, and shotguns. This 35th Edition, now with over 1000 photographs, boasts one hundred new entries since last year’s edition. Along with the Blue Blue of Gun Values, the Gun Trader’s Guide is one of the two definitive resources on gun prices. If you buy or sell firearms, the Gun Traders’ Guide is a must-have item that will pay for itself. Over two million copies of the Gun Trader’s Guide have been sold to date. Order soon to be one of the first to own the new 35th Edition. Amazon’s price is $22.97.
New this year is a Kindle Edition of the Gun Trader’s Guide to Rifles. Packed with 608 pages of material, this eBook edition of the Guide can be viewed on a Kindle, iPad, laptop, or your home computer. Introductory price is just $16.47, with release slated for September 13, 2013. You can pre-order now via Amazon.com.
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You can order the Gun Trader’s Guide, the Blue Book of Gun Values and other popular firearms and shooting books through the AccurateShooter Bookstore. To save you time, we’ve collected the best books on shooting, reloading, hunting, and gunsmithing all in one location. Ordering, secure billing, and shipping are all handled efficiently by Amazon.com.
Ruger recently announced the new Ruger American Rimfire™ series of bolt-action rimfire rifles, chambered in .22LR or .22 Magnum. These rifles feature an interesting convertible polymer stock and the .22LR versions can run 10/22 magazines. You could say the new rifles borrow features from the centerfire Ruger American Rifle® series, while offering mag interchangeability with 10/22 rimfire rifle. Ruger offers both full-sized (22″ barrel/13.75″ length of pull) and compact (18″ barrel/12.5″ length of pull) models, both of which are available in either .22 LR or .22 Magnum. All models have a suggested retail price of $329.00.
Comb Height Adjusts with Interchangeable Stock Modules
Ruger’s new rimfires feature interchangeable stock modules that provide variable comb heights. Standard models come with long length of pull modules, while compact models come with short length of pull modules. By simply removing the rear sling swivel stud, stock modules can be changed in seconds.
.22LR Models Can Use All 10/22 Magazines
Models chambered in .22LR feature the detachable, flush-mounted 10/22® BX1 10-round rotary magazine and accept all 10/22® magazines. Models chambered in .22 Magnum use the detachable, flush-mounted JMX1 9-round rotary magazine.
Dove-Tailed Action and Bolt with 60° Bolt Throw
Standard 3/8″ dovetails for rimfire rings are milled into the actions, which are also drilled and tapped for mounting Weaver-style bases. The 60-degree bolt can be removed with an easy-to-use, receiver-mounted bolt release that does NOT require a pull of the trigger.
Integral Bedding Block for Action
The new rimfire rifles also feature a patent-pending Power Bedding® integral bedding block system that positively locates the receiver and free floats the barrel. Additional features include a blued, hammer-forged barrel with fiber optic front sight and adjustable, folding leaf rear sight.
New Product Tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Compared to bolt-action rifles, direct gas impingement AR-platform rifles tend to be filthy, maintenance-intensive beasts, requiring regular disassembly and cleaning of the innards. Op-rod style AR variants run cleaner and cooler, but they still require regular maintenance. Now there is a versatile, compact multi-tool that performs a variety of critical servicing/maintenance tasks for AR-platform rifles.
Weighing just 6 ounces, the new D-CAT from Space Age Weaponry fits in the storage compartment of a standard AR-15 fixed butt stock. Brownells says the D-CAT (“Deployable Compact Armorer’s Tool”) is the “only tool necessary to assemble the AR-15/M16 from component parts, or perform a complete disassembly”. The video below explains the feature and functions of the $149.99D-CAT.
The D-CAT is made from quality materials: 6061-T6 Aircraft Aluminum, 303 Stainless steel, and H13 Tool Steel. Bits, punches, and other small parts are located in the tool magazine, within the torque handle. Simply rotate the magazine gate to expose the individual compartments. Within the magazine you will find a 1/8″ punch, a flat blade driver, front sight adjustment tool, and a 3/16″ and 9/64″ hex driver. There is also a spare punch pocket and a Hammer/Trigger pin pocket. This is also the mode in which the D-CAT is used as a screwdriver. The driver makes use of a standard ¼” hex well so the tool can be augmented to serve as a general purpose driver for any bit you choose to carry.
Tool Tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Months ago, we reported on the new, .17 Winchester Super Magnum (Win Super Mag or WSM) rimfire cartridge. Able to drive a 20gr bullet over 3000 fps, this new .17 Win Super Mag raises the bar for rimfire cartridges. The .17 WSM shoots faster, flies flatter, and bucks the wind better than a .17 HMR.
Sounds good right? Well the only problem is that .17 Win Super Mag cartridges (and a rifle that could shoot them) have been virtually impossible to obtain. In January, Savage unveiled its new B-Mag rifle chambered for the .17 Win Super Mag, but there were delays getting the gun into production.
GunsAmerica Tests .17 Win Super Mag
At last, after many months, the B-mag rifle is ready, and .17 Win Super Mag rimfire ammo is starting to hit dealer’s shelves. GunsAmerica managed to score some .17 WSM rimfire ammo, borrow a B-Mag rifle, and test the new cartridge at the range. GunsAmerica has published its findings in a detailed review on the GunsAmerica Blog.
GunsAmerica Says New 17-Cal Rimfire Cartridge Is Promising:
“Savage sent us this test rifle over two months ago, but we had no ammo, so like everyone else, we waited. Finally, as you can see from these tests, the ammo has started to trickle out. Several of our dealers have reported that they have gotten 40 box orders in (and quickly out) the door, and this ammo you see here was purchased retail at Bass Pro in Hollywood, Florida. We were only able to get the 2600 fps 25 grain load, but it is still a rip-roaring monster for a rimfire, and the accuracy is acceptable, (though not fabulous for a Savage).
The Savage “B-Mag” rifle is currently the only gun for the cartridge, and it carries an MSRP of $349.00. As a first effort on a new and revolutionary rimfire, the B-Mag performed well, and the cartridge looks to have great potential.
The .17WSM is not just a hotter .17HMR. It is a different, and much larger case entirely. Winchester based it on a .27 caliber blank made for industrial nail guns used for cement nails…. They beefed up the case by doubling the wall thickness and added extra meat to the top.”
Here’s a shocker — Leupold has built a 7-42X long range scope. This new scope has a 34mm tube, and target turrets with a zero stop for BOTH windage and elevation. That’s right, there’s a zero stop on the windage turret.
We were shown this new 7-42X Leupold by USA F-TR Team Vice Captain Mike Miller. Mike literally grabbed this editor’s arm and said “You’ve got to see this new Leupold — it’s fantastic.”
First Field Tests Show Great Promise
Mike has compared this new Leupold 7-42X scope on his rifles with high-magnification scopez from Nightforce and March and he told us: “You’re going to love this Leupold. It’s bright, really, really sharp and it has a great field of view”. Mike said that the new Leupold, when compared to a Nightforce at similar magnification, has a wider field of view: “I can see more of the range, more flags, with the Leupold.” Mike also praised the new, unique Windage Zero Stop: “With a stop on the Windage, I can just move back to my baseline and never worry that I’m off a full turn — that’s important for competition.”
How the Windage Control Works
Mike Miller explained that, while Leupold has used the terminology of “windage zero stop”, the feature is more an adjustable windage center. You can still go both ways (left and right) after setting the stop. However you have the ability to adjust the horizontal turret markings so the zero indicator on the windage dial is at true horizontal center — for your gun and barrel. That way you can dial to zero on the windage dial and know that your horizontal POI will be dead center for a no-wind condition. But you do have the ability to adjust both left and right. It is not an end-of-travel “zero stop” as that term is used for elevation turrets.
The new 7-42X is not in production yet. Mike reports: “Leupold has built just six (6) of these new scope and we’ll be testing a couple here at Raton.” We don’t know the exact weight of the new scope — Leupold has not provided detailed specifications. However, we couldn’t help but notice the big 34mm tube. Mike says there is over 50 MOA of elevation available. As for price — your guess is as good as ours. This is still a prototype, so we have no idea what the scope will cost, or when it will hit the market. But we can say that Leupold now has a scope to compete directly with the high-magnification scopes from March and Nightforce. We presume that the new 7-42X Leupold will eventually sell for less than the Nightforce 15-55x52mm Competition scope. Stay tuned for more information.
There’s a new Leupold VX-6 Long-Range Scope to compete with the Nightforce Benchrest and NXS Models. In a surprise unveiling, Leupold send a couple prototype 7-42X scopes to Raton.
Browning is jumping into the “value-priced” rifle market. Browning has introduced a new bolt-action rifle, the AB3 (A-Bolt III) which will compete price-wise with Ruger, Savage, and Howa rifles. The AB3’s $599.99 sticker price is notable, because Browning’s regular X-Bolt and A-Bolt rifles cost hundreds of dollars more. Despite the low price, the new-for-2013 AB3 has some nice features. The button-rifled barrels are all “individually finished with a hand-reamed chamber for tighter tolerances and more precise headspace.” The trigger has a 3.5-lb pull — just about right for a hunting gun. A clever bolt-unlock button lets you unload the gun even with the safety engaged.
Browning announced: “Browning is pleased to announce the introduction of the AB3 bolt-action rifle. For 2013, the AB3 will be available in a Composite Stalker model in four different calibers. The new AB3 features a bolt-lock-override button that allows shooters to unload the firearm while leaving the top-tang safety in the on safe position. The steel receiver has a matte blue finish and is drilled and tapped for scope mounts. A free-floating, hand chambered barrel with target crown is featured. The AB3 also has a removable box magazine. The composite stock is matte black and features textured grip areas. An Inflex recoil pad reduces felt recoil. Sling swivel studs are included.”
Designed as a durable, affordable hunting rifle, the AB3 Composite Stalker model comes in four popular hunting chamberings: 270 Win, 7mm Rem Mag, .30-06 Springfield, and 300 Win Mag.
Jerry Stiller of Stiller Precision Firearms has revealed the final pre-production versions of his new 2500X rear lock-up rimfire action. Jerry reports: “I have eight of them as prototypes that have been sent to our best smiths to build on and test. As soon as we hear back (in a month or so?), we will start the next run of 100. There will be plenty to go around and should be available this fall for next year’s builds. Cost will be competitive, estimated $1249.00 retail”. Notably, this new action features a convertible 6 o’clock or 12 o’clock firing pin, giving the owner the choice of his preferred configuration. The trigger hanger can also be reversed for a 0.030 change in pin fall.
Jerry provided these photos of the first 2500X action off the production line. Jerry notes that: “The only difference with the final production version is that the body will be melonited on the inside for super-slick operation and the outside will still be polished for great looks”.
Stiller 2500X Rimfire Action Features
Dual rear locking lugs symmetric about the horizontal centerline.
Super tight tolerances on all fitted parts.
Firing pin design easily unscrews.
6 o’clock or 12 o’clock firing pin. The other pin acts as a guide to eliminate any off-axis canting that can impair ignition and cause flyers.
Cocking piece controlled by a shroud so it is always centered in the trigger and cannot rub.
Easy loading ramp design similar to the Anschutz.
Entrance cams in the body.
Beveled loading port
Four #8 screw holes for scope mounts, plus two #6 screwholes (in between) also reamed for .125 pins. That way a long one-piece mount or just front-only will both be accommodated.
Threaded bolt handle so that any available knob will work. Stiller offers three knob types.
State-of-the-Art Machining Technologies Used to Make 2500X Actions
A multi-step process is employed to deliver precision tolerances on every 2500X action. The process begins with a drilled, undersize hole. Then the body is cut and heat-treated/stress-relieved with oversize outside diameter (OD). The Inside diameter hole is wire-EDM finished after heat-treating for optimal sizing and straightness. Next the OD is ground to size and the action face and threads are machined. The action is finally engraved, hand-finished, and melonited on the inside (unless the customer specifies a non-melonited version). Individual parts receive special attention — the extractors are wire-EDM cut, and the bolt lugs are factory-lapped with special devices to load the lugs as they would be when fired.
The Tactical and Target T3 Tubeguns are here at last! Gary Eliseo of Competition Machine has announced that his new tubegun chassis for Tikka T3 actions “is now available in Target and Tactical versions”. The T3 kit will initially be right-hand only, set up for AICS short action magazines. This is a “no gunsmithing” installation — no modifications to the action are required and the chassis kit works with the factory T3 trigger and safety. Along with the new Target and Tactical versions, a lower-cost Light-Weight Hunter T3 Chassis is also offered (this will accept AR buttstocks).
Tikka’s T3 action is rigid and robust. It cycles smoothly and has a short 75° bolt lift. The T3 features a Sako-style extractor, with angled-leading-edge bolt lugs for smooth lock-up. The T3 action can be installed in Gary’s Chassis Kit with either a recoil disc (and bolts) or glue-in action mounting. The Chassis Kit is designed to accept AR15 buttstocks.
Eliseo’s current T3 Chassis Kit is for right-hand short actions. However, Gary told us today that left-hand models will be included in the next production run this fall. He is also prototyping a long-action version.
Price for the Tactical model is $1020.00, with a rugged Cerakote finish. Price for the Target version is $925.00 with a powdercoat finish or $1000.00 with a Cerakote finish. The Light-Weight Hunter chassis (that accepts owner-installed AR-type buttstocks) is $685.00. Tikka T3 action and AICS 5-round or 10-round magazines sold separately. For more info, visit GotXRing.com, call 714-630-5734, or send email to: spraynandprayn [at] gmail.com . CLICK HERE for order page.
Bushnell Outdoor Products has launched a new optics family designed especially for AR-platform rifles. The new AR Optics product line from Bushnell includes six new riflescopes that range in configuration from a 1-4x24mm scope for close target acquisition to a 4.5-18x 40mm scope designed for extended range shooting. The AR Optics series scopes all feature fast-focus eyepieces, and large-diameter, target=style turrets. Side parallax control is included, except the for the lower-power 1-4X models.
One nice feature of Bushnell’s AR line of optics are caliber-specific reticle options. With three bullet-drop compensation (BDC) reticles available in the AR Optics line: DropZone-22, DropZone-223 and BTR-1, the scopes are designed for ease of use and quick target acquisition. The Bushnell AR scope offerings boast fully multi-coated optics in durable one-piece tubes. Bushnell claims that its AR-line scopes are waterproof and fogproof.
Product Tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Need a new firearm, scope, or gun accessory, but are you overwhelmed with the myriad options available? Well there’s a new website that allows gun enthusiasts to comparison-shop firearms, ammunition, parts, scopes, and accessories. GunZillion.com, slated to launch this fall, is an online, comparison-shopping engine focused exclusively on the firearms market. The website will offer hundreds of thousands of products from a network of top online retailers. This lets consumers quickly find and compare products from many different manufacturers. Using modern web database technology, GunZillion.com offers advanced search capabilities as well as quick filters for caliber and gun type.
GunZillion.com Provides Options after Google and Other Sites Ban Gun-Related Listings
“The walls have been closing in on firearm companies’ ability to advertise online for quite some time,” explained Jake Messerly, President of GunZillion.com. “Over the past year popular sites such as Google, Nextag, and Amazon have stripped the vast majority of firearm-related products from their websites leaving retailers very few options for promoting their products online. GunZillion.com will give consumers an exclusive experience and retailers a dedicated channel to market their products.” GunZillion.com is seeking to partner with the top retailers in the firearms, ammunition, parts, and accessories markets.
The new, 35th Edition of the Gun Trader’s Guide has just been released. This fully-illustrated resource features current market values for thousands of rifles, pistols, and shotguns. This 35th Edition, now with over 1000 photographs, boasts one hundred new entries since last year’s edition. Along with the Blue Blue of Gun Values, the Gun Trader’s Guide is one of the two definitive resources on gun prices. If you buy or sell firearms, the Gun Traders’ Guide is a must-have item that will pay for itself. Over two million copies of the Gun Trader’s Guide have been sold to date. Order soon to be one of the first to own the new 35th Edition. Amazon’s price is $22.97.
Here’s a shocker — Leupold has built a 7-42X long range scope. This new scope has a 34mm tube, and target turrets with a zero stop for BOTH windage and elevation. That’s right, there’s a zero stop on the windage turret.
Tikka’s T3 action is rigid and robust. It cycles smoothly and has a short 75° bolt lift. The T3 features a Sako-style extractor, with angled-leading-edge bolt lugs for smooth lock-up. The T3 action can be installed in Gary’s Chassis Kit with either a recoil disc (and bolts) or glue-in action mounting. The Chassis Kit is designed to accept AR15 buttstocks.
