Are you ready for laser-equipped arrows? This is NOT a practical joke, or some Hollywood fantasy. Laser arrow technology is here today. Clean-Shot Archery has engineered hunting and competition arrowheads that contain miniaturized lasers. Clean-Shot’s new Spot-On™ arrow tips are the world’s first field-sighted laser broadheads and target points. Chip McBroom, Clean-Shot’s Marketing VP, claims “this product represents a quantum leap in technology for the bowhunter.” The laser’s high visibility enhances a bowhunter’s ability to aim in low light — this can effectively extend the hunt by an hour or more in fading light.
With laser-tipped arrows, the archer uses the laser to sight in the target. This is NOT a remote laser guidance system. There is simply a small battery-powered laser fitted in each Spot-On Target Point or Broadhead. The laser in the Spot-ON arrow tip automatically activates at full draw via a bow-mounted magnet. These Laser Target Points and Broadheads can be used with all archery bows, including crossbows. Arrows tipped with Laser Target Points or Laer Broadheads boast 24″ of elevation adjustment at 30 yards as well as left/right adjustment. You adjust elevation and left/right displacement with simple set screws. Once the heads are “calibrated” with the set screws, the arrows should fly to the red laser dot — if the archer does his part.
Laser Broadheads are Effective and Reusable
Spot-On’s Laser Broadheads feature three replaceable blades, so the units can be re-used even after killing game. Spot-On Laser Broadheads come in 125 grin weight but can be adapted to 150 grains. Broadhead Kits include a 12v car charging unit to recharge the laser batteries. If you use a peep sight the Spot-On Laser Broadhead helps eliminates the parallax error inherent with peep sights.
Spot-on claims that its Laser Broadheads are “changing the way modern day archers prepare, practice, and hunt”. If this technology catches on we’d have to agree. No doubt, by now you’re asking, how much do these gadgets cost? MSRP on a full kit with the bow-mounted magnet and either two (2) Target Points OR two (2) Laser Broadheads is $139.99. MSRP on a two-pack of either Target Points or Broadheads is $99.99 (no magnet or charger). CLICK here for product specs and pricing information.
Story tip by EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Mossberg offers a set of non-functioning training firearms that includes the five gun types used in hunter education seminars: pump-action shotgun, semi-automatic shotgun, break-action shotgun, bolt-action rifle and lever-action rifle. Each training firearm in this set features blaze orange stock and fore-end to ensure safe, hands-on training. On each gun’s receiver, “Non-Functioning Gun” is clearly engraved.
Each gun comes packed in an individual soft case and the set can be purchased with or without a rolling travel case. Iver Mossberg, CEO of O.F. Mossberg & Sons, stated: “We are pleased to offer this 5-gun training set, allowing students to learn safe gun-handling with actual firearms that have been disabled.” The Mossberg 5-Gun Training Set is available for $1,300 and the set with a handy, rolling travel case is available for $1,500. For more info please contact Mossberg Law Enforcement Sales at Conservation@mossberg.com or call (203) 230-5300.
What do you get for the man who has everything? How about a replica Claymore mine trailer hitch cover. Produced by GG&G, a leading maker of scope rails and other gun accessories, the hitch cover tells tailgaters to “back off”. The Replica Claymore Hitch Cover is sized like the real deal and fits standard 2″ hitch receivers. It is manufactured from UV-stabilized polypropylene plastic. Each GG&G Claymore Hitch Cover has a red panel attached to both side edges with the word “REPLICA”. However, this item is still prohibited in some jurisdictions. Please read the Important Legal Disclosures below.
The Claymore Hitch Cover is currently on sale for $39.95. If you like the idea, but don’t have a trailer hitch on your vehicle, check out the $37.00 Claymore Desk Accessory. It’s a perfect “conversation piece” for your den or office. The Desk Accessory It looks identical to the Claymore Hitch Cover but has an easel-type support.
ATTENTION — PLEASE READ CAREFULLY PRIOR TO ORDERING
NOTICE: This product is prohibited in some states including, but not limited to, the following:
Colorado — This item is prohibited under Colorado 18-12-109, Para. 7. Florida — This item is prohibited under Florida Statute 790.165 Connecticut — Statutes indicate that this item may be prohibited. New Hampshire — Statutes indicate that this item may be prohibited.
State, county and municipal laws pertaining to items such as the Claymore Hitch Cover are varied. This product is prohibited in certain states. The purchaser and end user are responsible for knowing exactly what the local laws are concerning purchasing or displaying this product and for abiding by those laws. It is your responsibility before purchasing this product to know the local laws. The purchaser and the end user understand that the use of any look-alike or replica explosive in commission of a crime may carry the same legal ramifications as if real explosives had been so used.
With top-quality cartridge brass approaching $1.00 per case, it’s more important than ever to get maximum life from your match brass. Annealing can extend the useful life of your brass, and ultrasonic cleaning allows you to eliminate carbon build-up inside cases that have been fired numerous times. You can certainly do annealing and ultrasonic cleaning yourself, but to get the best (and most consistent) results, you’ll need to invest in quality equipment and spend a good deal of time and effort learning how to use it properly. Likewise, turning case necks requires expensive tools, and it takes time and practice before you’ll get perfectly-turned necks.
DJs Brass Offers Annealing, Cleaning, and Neck-Turning
If you don’t have the resources to purchase annealing and ultrasonic cleaning machines, or if you don’t have the time to neck-turn hundreds of cases — don’t fret, there is an affordable option. DJsBrass.com, run by benchrest shooter Darrell Jones, offers annealing, ultrasonic cleaning, neck-turning, and complete brass prep services (including OAL trimming) at very reasonable rates. Darrell will anneal 100 cases for $15, and he’ll neck-turn your cases (any caliber), starting at $30.00 per hundred. Even if you’re a skilled neck-turner, if you just acquired a new caliber, it might make sense to send the work to Darrell, instead of purchasing new expander mandrels and turning arbors.
False-Shoulder Forming for Wildcats
Do you shoot an “improved” short-necked wildcat like the 6mm Dasher? Want your fire-forming to go without a hitch? Darrell can take your parent brass and create a false shoulder so you get a good crush fit in the chamber. If you’re running a tight-necked chamber he can create a false shoulder AND turn the top half of the neck to fit your chamber.
Video Shows Annealing Process
In the video below, Darrell explains the wide variety of brass restoration services he offers. Darrell says he can “bring your brass back to life” and we have found that to be true. We had some 6mmBR brass with no-turn necks that started to lose their “competitive edge” after just 7-8 loadings. The neck tension had become inconsistent from case to case, and bullet seating force (measured with a gauge-equipped K&M arbor press) varied widely. We were seeing unexplained flyers, and ES had nearly doubled compared to when the brass was fresh. Annealing the cases really made a difference. The neck tension was much more consistent and bullets seated more uniformly with less “spiking” of seating force. Paying $15 for annealing is a lot cheaper than buying a new box of brass for $80.00 or more!
Darrell offers a variety of services at affordable rates. To order work by Darrell, visit DJsBrass.com, or call (205) 461-4680:
Case Annealing Only
Cost: $15.00/100 for standard cases; $20.00/100 for magnum cases.*
Combination Service (Cleaning and Annealing)
Ultrasonic Cleaning, Check for split necks, Anneal case necks.
Cost: Starting at $20.00/100 standard and $25.00/100 for magnum cases.*
Full Service (Case Prep, Cleaning, Annealing)
Uniform primer pockets, Chamfer, Ultrasonic cleaning/polishing, Anneal case necks.
Cost: Starting at $30.00/100 and up.*
Neck Turning or Trim-to-Length Custom Order Service
Cost: Starting at $30.00/100 for standard cases.*
(Darrell can also resize necks or false shoulder your cases. Call for quotes.)
*Add USPS flat-rate return shipping. Call (205) 461-4680 for quotes on miscellaneous, military bulk brass or high volume discount. Note: Prices subject to change.
If you’re looking for a low-cost “entry-level” rimfire target rifle, consider a Kimber 82G from the CMP. These have been available for quite some time, but last year the CMP sorted its Kimber 82G inventory into two categories: “Rusties” and “Cleans”. Both categories are new rifles. The rusty rifles have a minor amount of surface rust which can usually be cleaned off with just some light oil and a rag. On some of the guns there is some rust in the bolt and on the sights, which may require some work with a metal brush or steel wool. The other cosmetic flaw is that many of the rifles have a thin, scored line along the buttstock, cause by the tip of the boxcutter. That can be sanded out.
Why, you might asked, would one choose one of the “Rusties”? Well, there are more in stock, and you can save 33%. The “Rusty” model Kimbers currently sell for just $400.00, $200 less than the “clean versions”. For a family on a tight budget, looking for a junior training rifle, the more affordable “Rusty” may be the better choice. Forum member Roarke says these “Rusty” Kimbers are well worth the money. Roarke writes: “I know because I bought one of these for $400, as opposed to $600 for the non-rusty, and it looks absolutely brand new.”
Forum member Michael L. (aka Chief 1018) concurs that his “Rusty” Kimber has been a great purchase: “I purchased a ‘Rusty’ from the CMP last year. No rust, but a lot of preservative. As you’ve probably read in the CMP forums, the bolt internals may be a little rusty/fouled. I immersed mine in WD-40 in a Zip-loc for a couple of days while I cleaned up the rifle. The oil turned brownish, but when I tore it down it was bright and clean. I think some of the ‘rust’ may be dried up preservative. It had the ‘signature’ box-cutter slice but that sanded out when I stripped, sanded, and tung-oiled the entire stock. The stock has very nice walnut with some dark figuring. The gun shoots great! The adjustable trigger is excellent.”
Roy Bertallato Reviews Kimber 82G
If you want to learn more about the Kimber 82Gs, Forum member Roy Bertallato has written an excellent article about his Kimber 82G from the CMP. Like many others, Roy couldn’t resist the $400.00 price, so he ordered one of the “Rusties”. Yes there was some light rust on small parts, but otherwise Roy was more than happy with his purchase:
“Sure enough, for $200 less, you can get a Kimber 82G RUSTY. I check out the qualifications and I had everything I needed in the way of qualifications so I decided to buy one. For $400, how bad could it be? Like anyone, I was VERY concerned that I’d get something that looked like it came out of the hold of a battle ship.” Roy’s fears proved unfounded: “There was just a very little bit of surface rust on the bottom [of the bolt]. Everything else you see that might appear to be rust is some type of red-yellow preservative. The action has zero rust, just some more nasty preservative. The bore is pristine! The rifle was stored with a paper straw in the bore saturated with some kind of oil.”
“The Kimber 82G is quite a rifle. It is a very heavy barrel, single shot, bolt action. It is supplied from the CMP with a fantastic set of target sights (worth a couple hundred dollars themselves), a heavy target stock with an adjustable butt plate for younger shooters, full instructions etc. Brand new, never fired rifles. I bought a beautiful Kimber sporter stock off Ebay and the action fits right into it.”
Bryan Litz, Ballistician for Berger Bullets and author of Applied Ballistics for Long Range Shooting, has tested the latest version of the Shooter Ballistics Calculator for Android™ OS Smartphones and portable devices. This is a very sophisticated, full featured App that incorporates the latest bullet databases with Litz G7 BCs as well as a wealth of other information. It provides extremely reliable ballistics solutions at all ranges, and in all atmospheric conditions.
Bryan tells us: “The Shooter App has been improving steadily since it was first released and there are many new capabilities now. One of the cool new features is a wireless Bluetooth link to Kestrel Weather Trackers. This can automatically provide the exact atmospherics at your location.”
Bryan used the Shooter App on a trip to Wyoming: “I shot a Sako TRG42 in .338 Lapua Mag to 2400 yards with Berger’s new 300gr hybrids. The dope from the Shooter App was spot on up to 103 MOA of drop using the G7 BC of .419 for that bullet! At 2400 yards, even at 6,000 ft+ elevation, the bullet is subsonic but remained stable and tracked perfectly with the predicted trajectory from Shooter. I don’t know if the same bullet would be stable at sea level when fired at that range or not but it worked well at 6,500 feet.”
Litz Says Shooter App Offers Very Sophisticated Ballistics Solutions
Bryan thinks the Shooter App is extremely accurate: “I consulted on the solver development for Shooter so I can personally vouch for the accuracy of this program. You can set up profiles for rifles and ammo types including calibration factors for scope adjustments, temperature affects on powder burn rate / muzzle velocity, and of course G1 and G7 referenced BCs (you can define a ‘stepped’ BC for both as well). You can set preferences for units, atmospherics, station pressure or altitude, and more. It can calculate spin drift and Coriolis effect, or those features can be disabled. If your smartphone has GPS, the program can automatically populate the latitude for Coriolis calculations.”
Shooter App is just $9.99 — A Bargain Given Its Capabilities
The full-featured Shooter App sells for $9.99 in the Android Apps Marketplace. Visit the Shooter App Website to preview the program’s functions and see how the entry screens work. The App is easy to install and run. There is a also a ‘Lite’ version of SHOOTER that you can download for free.
A SEB MAX front rest, with the ability to handle wider rifles, was unveiled today by Forum member Ernie Bishop (aka xphunter). This is a prototype, and production versions will hopefully be offered in 2012. Weighing roughly 35 lbs. (16 kg), The new SEB MAX rest fits forearms up to 8″ wide. Without side plate assembly and special front bag, the SEB MAX can accept a 9″-wide stock. The Center-to-Center distance between the posts is 300mm (just a bit less than 12″). This makes the SEB MAX 100 mm wider than the SEB NEO, allowing for 275mm clearance between posts. The bottom plate of the top is 265 mm long (almost 10 1/2″). The side plates assembly with side bag is about 1.25″ thick. Net space is approx 8″ . Posts and height are the same as the SEB NEO, which already has a huge amount of elevation travel. For more info, visit www.SEBCoax.com, email Ernie Bishop at ernieemily[at]yahoo.com or call Ernie at (307) 257-7431. Ernie is the U.S.A. distributor for SEB products.
Ernie Bishop reports: “The new SB MAX is very smooth! I have used it out to 1000 yards so far and am very pleased. I do not know the price yet.” For more information, read this FORUM thread. As set up in the photos below, the SEB MAX is set for the 6″ forearm on Ernie’s 7mm WSM specialty benchrest pistol.
If you’re curious about Ernie’s 7mm WSM handgun, here are the details. Eric Wallace smithed this specialty handgun, as well as the stock. It is a 7mm WSM built on a BAT action fitted with 1:8″ test Bartlein barrel, with Wallace muzzle brake. The rig uses a Sightron S-III, 8-32 scope, and Jewel trigger. The gun was set up to shoot in the Heavy Pistol Class at the annual Long-range Handgun shoot run by the MOA Corporation. Ernie Bishop tells us: “When I have the time, it will also be used for light gun rifle matches at 600 and 1000 yards. I also have a McRee handgun chassis stock so I can use it for more huntng or field shooting.” Ernie does not have the load “fully tweaked yet”, but he’s currently running H1000 behind 180gr JLKs in prepped Winchester 7mm WSM brass, with Federal 210M primers.
Readers in the Rockies region should head to the Colorado Rifle Club (CRC) range tomorrow July 2, 2011, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. There you can try out a variety of Savage rifles, and the ammo is FREE! Can’t beat that. This July 2 “rifle test-ride” at CRC is part of Savage’s innovative Arms Club Program, which provides sample rifles to clubs around the country. There, potential rifle buyers can try out target rifles, hunting rifles, both centerfire and rimfire at no cost.
Savage Arms provides the rifles, Nikon supplies the optics, and Hornady provides free ammo for testing. Caliber options include .17 HMR, .223 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 Win, and .300 Win Mag. If you have not shot Savage’s F-T/R or Law Enforcement Series rifles, now is your chance. We also recommend Savage’s 93 R17, a .17 HMR rimfire with the look and feel of full-size centerfire rifle. The 93 R17 we tested last year was very accurate and we liked the look and feel of the matte-black tactical-style stock.
Directions: The Colorado Rifle Club range is located at 76099 East 96th Ave., Byers, CO 80103. Byers is 40 miles east of Denver on l-70 at exit 316. To get to the range, travel 8 miles east of Byers on U.S. 36, then about 9 miles north on Leader Road (52N), then one mile west on 96th Ave. to the range gate, then one mile north to the ranges. CLICK HERE for map to CRC range.
Latitude and Longitude: 39° 52′ 12.58″N, 104° 05′ 39.47″W
Editor’s Comment: Savage deserves praise for its new Arms Club Program. Bringing rifles to popular ranges is a great way to introduce new shooters to the sport. Letting range visitors sample an accurate target rifle (something they may not have tried before) can also help convert pistol shooters and shotgunners into avid rifleman.
Well folks, the new Redding Micrometer Seating Stems for standard Redding seating dies are finally shipping. Robin Sharpless, Redding’s Executive VP, confirmed that “these Seating Stems started shipping this month, by the hundreds. MidwayUSA, Grafs, Midsouth — all the major vendors are getting inventory.” We confirmed that MidwayUSA now has, in stock, the Micrometer Seating Stems for .204 Ruger, .223 Rem, 22 PPC, 22-250 Rem, .243 Win, .308 Win, .284 Win, .30-06, and .338 Lapua Magnum, plus many other calibers. (One model Seating Stem can often work for multiple cartridge types of the same caliber.) MidwayUSA is charging $42.99 for both the regular and VLD-style seater stems.
Micrometer Seating Stems Retro-Fit to Redding’s Standard Seating Dies
The big advantage of these new Seating Stems is that you can get the additional control and precision of a micrometer top by simply upgrading your existing dies at about half the cost of a new, complete Competition Seater Die. NOTE: the Seating Stem assemblies are a component of the bullet seating die. These are not the dies themselves. It is the top portion of the die that contains the plunger, which pushes the bullet into the case. The micrometer is graduated in increments of 0.001″ to assure precise seating depth control. The Seating Stems feature a dead stop on the threads allowing full repeatability even if changed from one die to another. NOTE: These Micrometer seating stems are direct replacements for the original stems. To comfirm die compatibility,the stem numbers match the numbers stamped on the tops of the original seat plug which was shipped with your standard seating dies.
The new Redding Micro Precision Seating Stems are available for both standard bullet shapes as well as VLD Bullets. These allow the user to accurately seat the longer-nosed VLD-style projectiles.
Our friends Pat and Matt at PMA tools sent us this recent “summer update”. Since it contains product news and special offers, we decided to share it with our Daily Bulletin Readers:
NEWS from PMA Tools
From Pat & Matt — We’d like to update you on a few new items that have been or will be added to our line up of tools. We also have one item that is available while supplies last. We’ll start there.
Blem Neck-Turners only $79.95
We have six (yep, only 6) blemished Model A Neck Turning Tools available while they last. These tools are completely functional, but boy are they ugly. For one reason or another the anodizing just didn’t take on these six tools. We wouldn’t feel right charging full price for them, so we’ve discounted them to $79.95. They can be found on our PMA home page under SPECIALs (lower left) or in the “New” section (lower center).
New 35° Cutter Option
We have added a third option of cutter angle to our neck turning tool offerings. We are now manufacturing a 35-degree cutter for use with WSM cartridges and cartridges based on the 284. We are expecting this cutter to eventually replace the 40° option. Not that there is anything wrong with using a 40° cutter for these cases, after all like Fred used to say “clearance is clearance”. The should actually make set-up easier, particularly when adjusting the turner for a “clean up” cut. The 35° carbide cutter (for Model A tools) costs $12.95
Pre-Set Neck Turners Coming Soon
Our new pre-set neck turning tool (tentatively called the Model B Tool) will be available in a matter of weeks. These neck turners will be available with your choice of cutter angle (30, 35 or 40), your choice of stainless steel mandrel (22, 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm or 30cal) and preset to your choice of cut thickness. We will guarantee the thickness to .001”. The price of this tool is $45.95 complete (mandrel installed), all you have to do is adjust the mandrel location. This tool is a great, economical choice for shooters who like to have 2, 3, or even 4 tools set to different depths to get the thickness down to size. It’s also a great choice for any one who wants uniform case necks for a factory or non-tight neck custom chamber. This neck turning tool comes pre-set, but can be adjusted if need be — it’s just not nearly as easy to adjust as our Model A.
Taking Orders Now for Carbide Mandrels
We have an update on our carbide neck turning mandrel situation. They will be available before summer’s end in our standard sizes (22, 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm and 30cal) and will be priced at $45.95. If you would like, you can pre-order carbide mandrels by emailing us (support@pmatool.com) and letting us know which size you need. We will place you on the list and you will receive an email as soon as they are available. Last, but not least, we are expanding our stainless steel mandrel offerings to include 17, 20 and 338 calibers as standard options.
Story tip by EdLongrange. We welcome submissions from our readers.
The Claymore Hitch Cover is currently on sale for $39.95. If you like the idea, but don’t have a trailer hitch on your vehicle, check out the $37.00 
DJs Brass Offers Annealing, Cleaning, and Neck-Turning
Bryan tells us: “The 
