A modern F-Class or Benchrest competition rifle can cost $4000.00 or more. Add $2500 for a top-tier scope and you can easily have $6500.00 or more invested in your rig. With that kind of money involved, you should transport that valuable rifle in a very high-quality case — one that is strong, durable, and secure. In addition, the case should have quality, customizable internal foam that cushions the barreled action, stock, scope, and key accessories.
These video reviews look at quality, durability, features, price, and other factors.
TSA-Approved Rifle Cases — Performance Tested
This very informative Warrior Poet Society video covers the key features you need with a rifle case used for airline travel. The reviewer explains the important TSA rules you need to consider when flying with firearms. The reviewer has used all kinds of cases to travel with his firearms on planes, over seas, across continents. In this video he reviews a range of cases — from basic affordable cases to high-end cases costing many hundreds of dollars.
Five Hard Shell Rifle Cases Showcased
This review looks at five (5) of the best rifle transport cases. The video considers key features including hinges, locks, padding, and wheels. The five cases reviewed are:
This 6.5-minute video covers five affordable hard shell cases ranging in price from $50 to $177. The video provides a good look at the external and internal features of these five cases, using mostly manufacturer-supplied video, including some field tests.
This video covers a unique large, long-gun case that holds multiple rifles in a vertical arrangement. The Case Club 4 Rifle/Shotgun Case holds up to 4 long guns, along with 3 pistols in a tough wheeled, waterproof case with a lifetime warranty. The case fits any rifle or shotgun under 41″ long, with room for for optics, foregrips, under-barrel attachments, pistol grips, and more.
The case itself is crushproof, waterproof, stackable, and TSA-approved. Dual purge valves keep moisture out while allowing the case to be opened in high or low altitude. The foam is long-lasting, oil-proof military grade polyethylene that won’t tear. This case is not cheap — it retails for $632.45.
Plano All-Weather Rifle Case — Great Protection for the Price
Plano cases offer excellent value for the money. Priced at $109.99 on Amazon (for 42″ model), the Plano All-Weather Tactical Gun Case offers a strong shell, tough hinges, and secure weather-proofing. The case has pre-perforated, pluck-to-fit foam for easy customization. This airline-approved case boasts a Dri-Loc seal providing a watertight, dust-proof shield that protects your firearms from water damage. For $30 more Plano offers the new All Weather Rustrictor Case with VCI-infused resin and foam emitter blocks that fight rust and corrosion.
Harbor Freight Apache 9800 Weatherproof Rifle Case
This video features the Harbor Freight APACHE 9800 Weatherproof Rifle Case. The reviewer states this very affordable $149.99 case has proven rugged, durable, and secure. This Apache 9800 case is offered in black, tan, and OD green. On sale for $149.99, this 53″-long case is $190.00 less than an equivalent-size Pelican case. Constructed from durable polypropylene, this quality hard case can protect long guns from from impact, moisture, and dust. The built-in purge valve equalizes pressure so you can open the case after changing elevations. NOTE: Case interior dimensions are 50⅜” by 13⅝”.
BONUS Videos — How to Cut Foam for your Gun Cases
For the best fit of your firearms and accessories in a foam-interior hard case, you should customize the foam to fit. Some cases have “pluckable” foam. With these you remove small squares one an a time until the stored items fit. With other cases with dense foam interiors, you’ll need to cut the foam to fit. Here are two videos that show the process of tailoring foam to a rifle using an electric cutting tool. Watch these videos carefully — they can really help create the best custom-fit for your firearms.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Sunday afternoon or 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.
NOTE: All listed products are for sale to persons 18 years of age or older. No products are intended for use by minors.
1. Graf & Sons — Forster CO-AX Reloading Press, $334.79
⏺️ » Excellent versatile press with good discount
The Forster Co-Ax Reloading Press is one of our favorite presses. With an open front, the Co-Ax features dual floating guide rods. These provide perfect alignment of the die and the case because the shell holder jaws float with the die, thereby permitting the case to center precisely in the die. And as the die slides in a slot with the lock ring (rather than screwing down in a threaded hole), it is fast and easy to change dies. Right now you can save $37 with this Grafs.com sale.
2. MidwayUSA — Major Brands Optics Sale, Huge Discounts
⏺️ » Save on great scopes from Zeiss, Vortex, Leupold, SIG Sauer, Burris
⏺️ » Save big bucks on major-brand target and hunting bullets
Need bullets? Check out Midsouth’s Bulk Bullets Sale. A major U.S. bullet-maker made these poly-tipped bullets for Midsouth using proven designs for hunting, varmint, and target applications. The varmint bullets’ thin jackets allow for rapid expansion, even at lower velocities. These bullets are packaged into polymer bags. That reduces the price by eliminating factory packaging. NOTE: Buyer reports are very positive.
4. Amazon — Derraco PCPS Priming Tool, $199.95
⏺️ » Innovative precision priming tool mounts to press
Turn your standard single-stage reloading press into a precision priming system with the Derraco PCPS Precision Priming die/Primer Seating Tool (#ad). This advanced tool is compatible with any reloading press that accommodates 7/8-14 reloading dies and standard T-shaped shell holders. For a wide variety of single-stage presses, this unique precision priming tool will consistently deliver high-precision results thanks to the precision adjuster and micrometer hard stop.
⏺️ » Good quality, large, rugged rifle case at attractive price
When flying or driving it’s vital to protect your rifles. A good hard case option (at a great price) is the APACHE 9800 Weatherproof Protective Rifle Case. On sale for $149.99, this 53″-long case is $190.00 less than an equivalent-size Pelican case. Constructed from durable polypropylene, this quality hard case can protect long guns from from impact, moisture, and dust. The built-in purge valve equalizes pressure so you can open the case after changing elevations. NOTE: Case interior dimensions are 50⅜” by 13⅝”.
⏺️ » Excellent tool for fast, reliable base-to-ogive measurement
When loading precision ammo, you need to accurately measure the base-to-ogive of loaded rounds. A good tool for this task is the Hornady Lock-N-Load Comparator Kit. This can measure seating depth of loaded ammunition quickly and precisely. Attached to calipers, this measures from the cartridge base to the bullet ogive, ensuring consistent seating. This basic set includes the comparator body, plus 7 inserts covering .224, .243 (6mm), .257, .264, .277, .284 (7mm) and .308 bullet diameters.
⏺️ » Great transport case holds 5 handguns plus magazines.
If you often transport multiple pistols, this is a great travel case. The LOTOCASE TSA-Approved Handgun Case holds 5 handguns, plus 16 magazines and features a rechargeable, moisture-absorbing silica gel canister to prevent gun rust. Well-designed with slots for pistols and mags, this rugged hard case is a good option for handgun competitors. NOTE: For long-term storage, put your handguns in anti-rust fabric sleeves and store in a good gun safe.
8. Amazon — Coobeast 38pcs Digital Torque Screwdriver, $59.98
⏺️ » Advanced, modern tool measures proper torque
Setting proper torque on rings, actions and more is critical to precision shooting. For precise torqueing jobs, we like the Coobeast 38pcs Digital Torque Screwdriver. With a power drive with digital display (and certified calibration), this electric torque screwdriver offers precise torques. The drivers are made of hardened chrome vanadium steel.
9. Midsouth — Primer Sale w/ CCI, Federal, Rem, Magtech & more
⏺️ » Large supply of magnum, large, and small primers at good prices
Over the last few years premium brand primers have been pricey and hard to source. Thankfully, things are getting much better. And right now Midsouth is running a major Midsouth Primer Sale with significant savings on CCI, Federal, Winchester, Magtech and other brand primers. Yes there are large rifle primers along with hard-to-find Federal 205M small rifle primers — popular with competitive shooters. Both 1000ct and 5000ct packages are on sale.
10. Amazon — 52″ Rifle Soft Case, $21.98
⏺️ » Very low price for handy case for long-barrel rifles
Sometimes you just need a simple, basic gun case for taking your rifles to the range in your vehicle. This 52″ Soft Rifle Case can handle those duties and is big enough for competition F-Class and Full-bore rifles. This gun case has decent padding, a water-resistant nylon shell (green, tan, or black), and comes with a handy adjustable shoulder strap. Choose either 52″ case for $21.98 or 42″ version for $19.99.
11. Amazon — Frankford Arsenal Digital Caliper, $37.19
⏺️ » Good features and measures both inches (SAE) and millimeters
Accurate measurement of cartridges and components is critical for precision reloading. All hand-loaders should have a good set of digital calipers. These Frankford Arsenal calipers are accurate to within .001” when measuring case length, neck and base diameters, overall length. These calipers also can show both SAE (inch) and Metric (mm) measurements.
As an Amazon affiliate, this site can earn revenues through sales commissions.
Hornady has announced a new 25 Creedmoor cartridge. The SAAMI-accepted 25 Creedmoor is a necked-down version of the popular 6.5 Creedmoor. It’s primarily designed for hunters who prefer a compact 25-cal cartridge. Some PRS/NRL shooters may also turn to the 25 Creedmoor because it offers heavier bullets than the 6mm Creedmoor. This allow easier perception of hits on steel at longer ranges. The bigger bullet transfers more energy.
“The 25 Creedmoor is the end result of our constant pursuit of maximizing ballistic potential” states Jayden Quinlan, Hornady Senior Ballistician. “This cartridge fills that competitive niche between 6mm and 6.5mm — providing shooters the absolute best blend of moderate recoil, flat trajectory, and superior wind resistance.”
Hornady claims that, given its up-to-date case design, the “25 Creedmoor is the first SAAMI-accepted 25 caliber cartridge that was explicitly designed to take full advantage of the sleek, low-drag bullets that are now available.” As you might expect, the 25 Creedmoor has a 2.800″ overall length to function properly from AICS-style magazines.
“Variants of the 25 Creedmoor have existed in the wildcat space for quite some time and for good reason … it gives the discerning shooter a competitive advantage. Now we can offer that same level of performance to the shooter with factory ammo offerings” added Quinlan. Hornady claims that the 25 Creedmoor is the “first SAAMI‑accepted .25 caliber cartridge purpose‑built to harness today’s sleek, low‑drag bullets.”
Filling the gap between the 6mm and 6.5mm, Hornady claims that this new 25-caliber cartridge delivers exceptional accuracy and functions perfectly in AICS‑style magazines. For PRS/NRL shooters this offers a middle range of recoil between the 6mm Creedmoor and 6.5mm Creedmoor. Hopefully Hornady’s 25-caliber bullets will prove accurate. Initially you’ll have a choice of a 128gr ELD-X hunting bullet and a 134gr ELD Match gullet — both offered in Hornady factory ammo:
For the new 25 Creedmoor cartridge, Hornady will be offering modified cases and a variety of die sets.
RCBS Launches Locked & Loaded Sweepstakes This month RCBS is running big new contest — the Locked & Loaded Sweepstakes. The winner will receive over $10K worth of prizes from leading manufacturers. Major prizes include a Springfield Armory Model 2020 Heatseeker chassis rifle, Remington Gun Safe, and Banish 30-V2 Suppressor.
Running August 1–31, 2025, the sweepstakes brings together an impressive lineup of brands. One lucky winner will take home a fully loaded prize package valued at over $10,000, featuring premium equipment from RCBS, Hodgdon, Springfield Armory, Banish Suppressors, Burris Optics, Alpha Munitions, Remington Ammunition, Sierra Bullets, Weaver Mounts, and Remington Safes.
The Sweepstakes is open for entries August 1 through August 31, 2025. No purchase is necessary. Must be 21+ years and a resident of the 48 contiguous U.S. states. (Some restrictions apply.)
One grand prize winner will get a prize package worth over $10,000:
RCBS – Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit, MatchMaster Die Set
Springfield Armory – Model 2020 Heatseeker Bolt-Action Rifle
Remington – Express Series Gun Safe with Free Shipping
BANISH Suppressors – BANISH 30-V2 Suppressor + Tax Stamp fees
Burris Optics – XTR PS 3.3-18 Scope and XTR Signature Rings
Weaver Mounts – Deluxe Tool Kit & Scope Mounting Kit
Hodgdon Powder – 8 pounds of Winner’s Choice of Powder
Alpha Munitions – Case of Alpha Cartridge Brass
Remington Ammunition – Case of Rifle Primers
Sierra Bullets – 500 Bullets
“We’re proud to team up with some of the best [industry] brands to deliver a sweepstakes that truly outfits a shooter from top to bottom,” said Joel Hodgdon, RCBS Marketing Director. “This prize pack has it all.”
NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE DOES NOT IMPROVE CHANCES OF WINNING. OPEN TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 48 CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES, 21+. VOID in AK, CA, DC, DE, FL, HI, IL, MA, NJ, NY, RI & WHERE RESTRICTED OR PROHIBITED.
Montana-based PROOF Research has released a revealing video showcasing carbon fiber firearms technology and the company’s barrel-making process. Viewers will find the 8-minute film an intriguing introduction to composite barrel-making, which employs aerospace carbon fiber wrapped around a steel barrel core. The video showcases the high-tech machines used at PROOF’s production facilities.
This video shows how PROOF Research employs aerospace-grade, high-temperature composite materials to build match-grade carbon fiber-wrapped barrels.
Dr. David Curliss, General Manager of PROOF Research’s Advanced Composite Division, and former head of the U.S. Air Force High Temperature Composites Laboratory, explains how aerospace expertise helps in the development of PROOF’s firearms-related products: “We are able to provide premier materials for PROOF Research for firearms barrels applications as well as the aerospace market. We’re probably the only firearms technology company that has composite materials in orbit around the earth.”
Today’s Movie Showcase features video reviews of the new Athlon Rangecraft radar chrono that offers exceptional performance for the price. At $399.99 MSRP, the new-for-2025 Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Chronograph is about $200 cheaper than the popular Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chrono, which costs $599.99. So far, most tests show that this compact Athlon Chrono works very well and its Doppler Radar system is accurate. Velocities may be a few FPS faster that with a Garmin, but the ES/SD values are very close. If you are in the market for a new chronograph, definitely watch these videos. And take note — right now, for the Independence Day weekend, Brownells is offering a 15% off discount that can reduce the price of a new Athlon Chrono to $339.99 (use Code USA15 at checkout). NOTE — this deal may expire very soon!
Ultimate Reloader Test of Athlon Rangecraft Chronograph
Athlon’s NEW Rangecraft Velocity PRO Doppler Radar Chronograph is impressive, and it is a genuine rival to the popular Garmin. In this video Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com walks through the features and specs, and the hardware. Then the video covers the testing process and shows the workflow with this high-value, compact chrono.
Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Chronograph, $399.99
The new Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Radar Chronograph is an impressive and very affordable compact chrono, selling for $399.99 at most vendors. This employs Doppler radar allowing ultra-accurate velocity readings. Since the unit isn’t triggered by a muzzle blast, it can work with suppressors, muzzle brakes, and other muzzle devices. The Rangecraft Vel Pro reads velocities between 65 FPS and 5000 FPS. So far field tests have shown that the Athlon Rangecraft chrono is reliable and picks up all shots fired with all types of rifles and pistols (even airguns). However the listed velocities may be a few FPS different than a Magnetospeed or Labradar. Athlon also has a good Ballistics Lite App that works with this chrono — see video at 21:45 time-mark. The unit includes a compact tripod.
Athlon Rangecraft vs. Garmin Xero C1 — Chrono Comparison Test
Here are two short videos that show side-by-side comparison tests of the new Athlon Chrono with its main comparison, the Garmin. These vertical-format videos are easy to watch with your cell phone. The tester found the Athlon “had a faster calculation and refresh rate” than the Garmin. The Athlon also has “slightly larger display screen” and a two additional buttons for somewhat “easier ergonomics”. In this test the Athlon velocity readings were about 4 FPS faster than the Garmin.
Comparison Test: Athlon vs. Garmin vs. Magnetospeed
This 27-minute review by Full Circle Reloading starts with unboxing and set-up of the new Athlon Chrono. Then the video compares the features of the Athlon Rangecraft Chrono with the Garmin Xero C1 Pro chrono. Then, using a rifle fitted with a Magnetospeed barrel-mounted chrono, the host compares results from all three chronographs: Athlon, Garmin, and Magnetospeed. The results are very interesting. This is a “must-watch” video if you are considering upgrading from a Magnetospeed to a radar chronograph.
Field Test with 6mm ARC Rifle and 5.56 PSA Jackl and 9mm Pistol
This field test features two AR-type firearms (6mm ARC long barrel and 5.56 NATO 10.5″ barrel PSA Jakl) and a 9mm Springfield Echelon pistol. The tester says the fact that the Athlon is $200 less than the Garmin is “fantastic”. His Athlon Rangecraft Velocity Pro Doppler Radar unit performed very well with all the guns tested, delivering reliable velocity read-outs “without the fuss of barrel attachments or bulky setups”.
Athlon Chrono Integration with Athlon Ballistics Lite App
This 12.5-minute video shows how the Athlon Ballistics Lite App works with the new Athlon Rangemaster Chrono. The App “talks” to the unit via Bluetooth and so can then record the details of each shot including speed, deviation from average, Extreme Spread (ES), Standard Deviation (SD), and kinetic energy (after you’ve entered bullet weight). This information can be scrolled shot-by-shot as well as viewed in tables. You can create separate record for different firearms and different bullet types.
Brownells Athlon Chrono Feature and 15% Off Discount Code
As part of its July 4th weekend promotion, Brownells is offering 15% Off orders of $200 or more. To get this 15% discount, use Promo Code USA15 during checkout. And yes you can get a 15% discount on the popular new Athlon Rangecraft Radar Chronograph, with a $339.99 price after 15% discount. NOTE: This 15% discount may expire very soon.
The new Blue Book of Gun Values 2025 Price Guide (Second Issue) is available now for immediate delivery. Purchase this popular price guide through Blue Book Publications for $29.95. Or you can order from Amazon for $29.95 with free delivery for Prime members. The Blue Book of Gun Values by S.P. Fjestad is the leading gun valuation resource. There are now over 1.8 million copies in circulation worldwide. This paperback book continues to be the “Bible” for buyers, sellers, collectors, and connoisseurs in the firearms industry.
This latest 2025 Edition is very different from the huge volumes in the past, but it’s also just half the price. The 515-page* 2025 Edition of the Blue Book of Gun Values is more handy to use. It is smaller, thinner, and less costly. But it still offers key information on gun pricing.
Streamlined Format:
The previous edition was 2,500 pages. This new 2025 Edition is 531 pages, making it easier to navigate and focused solely on pricing. But don’t worry — no information is lost! QR codes link to all the same product images and manufacturer info you know and love.
Simplified Grading System:
The Blue Book’s original grading system was groundbreaking, but this book introduces a simpler system: NEG (New, Excellent, Good). It’s easier to understand and aligns perfectly with the updated value model.
Updated Gun Value System — Real World Pricing:
Past editions relied on auction and show data. Now, the publisher has gathered real-world pricing from actual gun shops for more accurate and trustworthy values!
Review by Tom Gresham, Gun Talk Radio Host
“At some point, every gun owner asks the question, ‘What’s it worth?’ The leading reference for decades has been the Blue Book of Gun Values. Whether you are a seller, a buyer, a shopper, or just curious, this constantly-updated gold mine of research is your friend.”
Features of the new Blue Book of Gun Values:
· Includes the new 2025 firearms makes and models, with many new handguns and rifles.
· Covers over 1,800 manufacturers and trademarks, with over 25,000 gun model prices.
· Important pricing updates on current, antique, and discontinued models.
· 180,000+ up-to-date values are provided with QR Codes.
Pricing System in Blue Book of Gun Values 2025 Price Guide:
If you are looking for a modern, extremely powerful semi-auto pistol, you may want to consider the impressive S&W Performance Center M&P 10mm M2.0 pistol. This boasts a long 5.6″ barrel for extra velocity. The barrel is also ported for reduced muzzle flip and less perceived recoil. The gun would be a very powerful defensive pistol and S&W says it can also serve for hunting.
Smith & Wesson states: “The new Performance Center 10mm was conceived with both the hunter and target shooter in mind. The goal was to build upon the M2.0 10mm series, with the intention of having reduced felt recoil and quicker follow-up shots. Popular features previously seen on other 5.6-inch PC pistols are present in this design and, when paired with the flat-shooting 10mm Auto cartridge, provide the end user a total package for hunting, self-defense, or at the range.”
Building off the success of the M&P 10mm M2.0, Smith & Wesson incorporated new features designed to increase the new Performance Center 10mm pistol’s performance. Chambered in 10mm Auto, this full-size polymer handgun boasts a ported 5.6-inch barrel to reduce muzzle rise, optic-height tritium night sights for a clear sight picture in low-light conditions, and a Performance Center-tuned flat M2.0 trigger with a crisp break and audible reset.
The Performance Center 10mm slide is cut for optics and ships with Smith & Wesson’s C.O.R.E. plate system, two 15-round magazines, and four interchangeable palmswell grip inserts. This 10mm pistol is made in the U.S.A. and has an MSRP of $749.00.
The official first day of spring (the Vernal equinox) is just six days away. That means the spring shooting season will commence soon in most parts of the country. Before you head to the range for the first time, we recommend you do some basic tasks with your firearms. Here’s some good advice on readying your rifles for the 2025 shooting season.
by Ron Dague, Sinclair International I give my rifles a pre-season check before the shooting season starts. This starts with a general inspection starting with the butt-plate or recoil pad and making sure that all the screws and adjustable parts (on an adjustable butt-plate) move freely up or down and side to side. If you got caught in rain some of these screws and adjustable parts may not move when needed. I disassemble parts as needed and put rust preventative or a light oil and/or grease on threads and sliding parts. On rifles with recoil pads and fixed butt-plates, make sure the screws are tight and that holes in the stock aren’t stripped out. Make sure there are no cracks in the stock and around the butt-plate. If the recoil pad is glued-on, just make sure it hasn’t come loose.
Next I take the action out of the stock and check for cracks and wear marks. I look at the bedding to make sure that oils and cleaning solvents have not damaged the bedding. While the action is out of the stock, I look for any surface rust or dirt/dust in the recoil lug area and magazine well. Clean as needed and repair or re-bed if needed.
Trigger Assembly and Action With the barreled action out of the stock, it is a good time to spray out the trigger with cleaner. I use Ronson oil or lighter fluid. [Editor’s Note: Some trigger-makers advise against using any kind of lubricant, grease or oil — so plain lighter fluid is preferred.] After the trigger is cleaned you may want to check the trigger pull weight. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, take it to a gun smith and have it checked. It is worth every penny to not have a trigger issue and/or a safety malfunction. I also take the bolt apart and clean the firing pin spring and bolt housing with Gun Scrubber or automotive brake cleaner. Then lube the firing pin-spring and firing pin with light oil. I use Kel Lube and/or Butch’s gun oil. Put a small dab of gun grease on the [bolt locking lugs] and cocking ramp.
I will also spray the outside of the action and barrel and give that a light coating of oil for rust prevention. I clean the action with Sinclair’s action cleaning tool. Don’t forget to clean the bore. Even though you didn’t fire the rifle, this makes sure nothing obstructs your barrel.
Checking Metal Fixtures and Fasteners Next I look at the trigger guard and hinged floor plate and make sure it works as designed. Make sure there are no cracks in the trigger guard from an accidental drop. Check guard screws and /or action screws for tightness and tighten to proper spec. There are torque specs for this, but on wood stocks the wood can crush and this should be checked throughout the year as weather change can affect this. My entire collection of rifles are bedded and I just tighten them just snug with screw driver or Allen wrench. The rimfire rifles have a spec of 55 to 74 inch/lbs and I think would carry over to center fire as well. I would caution you about torque wrenches as you need a good quality wrench, and read the directions on how to use it. You can over torque if not careful. Check the swivel studs and bipod to make sure there tight as well. You may want to take scope off and check the base screws and check the rings.
Test Fire the Rifle After Maintenance
After all cleaning and is done and everything is reassembled, take a few rounds out to the range and test fire to make sure everything works as it should. Don’t forget to run 3-5 rounds through the magazine at least two times for function. I look at this as preventive maintenance on the rifle. If you give it a look over you shouldn’t have any trouble during the rifle matches or hunting trip.
Ron Dague
Certified Reloading Instructor
Certified Range Safety Officer
This Article Originally Appeared in Sinclair International’s The Reloading Press.
The Burris Eliminator 6 Rangefinder scope has been selected as the “2025 American Rifleman Optic of the Year” as part of the NRA Media Golden Bullseye Awards. This award is presented by NRA Media for notable new products, which are selected based on their technical performance, field reliability, innovation, and value.
Even at $3000.00 MSRP, this is a pretty amazing optic. It incorporates a laser rangefinder plus a set of environmental sensors. Plus it communicates, via BlueTooth, with the Burris Connect App which holds ballistics data for multiple loads. Basically, just range your target, and the Eliminator 6 does the rest — the digital DOPE card works with the scope’s illuminated X177 reticle to display the precise holdover aiming point for the ranged distance.
The new Burris Eliminator 6 combines precise rangefinding out to 2,000 yards with onboard ballistic compensation, environmental monitoring, and a comprehensive Heads-Up Display user interface to provide precise aiming solutions at the touch of a button. The Eliminator 6 represents an entirely new design from previous-generation Eliminator models. The Eliminator 6 is more compact and follows a more conventional riflescope profile for improved ergonomics and simplified operation. “The Eliminator 6 is, indeed, a game-changer for western game hunters and anyone who demands fast and accurate firing solutions,” said Burris Mktg. Director, Jordan Egli.
NEW Burris Eliminator 6 Laser Rangefinder Riflescope
The new, compact 4-20x52mm Burris Eliminator 6 combines a powerful laser rangefinder with multiple environmental sensors. It has easy-to-use turret controls and sharp ED glass. Compared to the previous model Burris Eliminators, the advanced new Eliminator 6 is smaller, and lighter. To minimize chromatic aberration, Burris uses extra-low dispersion (ED) glass. Other features include 4-20X magnification, +2.0 to -3.0 diopter adjustment range, and side focus/parallax adjustment from 25 yards to infinity.
How does it work? Using the Eliminator 6, simply range your target, hold the illuminated aiming point on your target, and hold wind if necessary using the hold-off points in the reticle. You don’t have to carry around a separate Laser Rangefinder, or dial elevation with knobs.
See how the parallax and illumination adjustments are now conveniently located on a conventional turret-style knob that also contains the range activation and brightness button array.
Burris states that the “Eliminator 6 [has] the most comprehensive and advanced integrated technology ever delivered in a hunting riflescope.” Remarkably, this new Eliminator 6 includes multiple sensors, along with the laser rangefinder. The Eliminator 6 features a built-in thermometer, barometer, and inclinometer, and it automatically measures density altitude (which can also be manually selected). This allows the Eliminator 6 to provide extremely accurate ballistics solutions. The key features are:
• Integrated laser rangefinder capable of ranging out to 2,000 yards (reflective)
• BurrisConnect App compatible for quick programing and precise ballistics
• X177 Reticle with 177 1/5 MOA illuminated aiming points
• Angle Sensor informs ballistics calculator
• Built-In Environmental Sensors
• HUD with 11 data zones
• Shotcall Marker
I give my rifles a pre-season check before the shooting season starts. This starts with a general inspection starting with the butt-plate or recoil pad and making sure that all the screws and adjustable parts (on an adjustable butt-plate) move freely up or down and side to side. If you got caught in rain some of these screws and adjustable parts may not move when needed. I disassemble parts as needed and put rust preventative or a light oil and/or grease on threads and sliding parts. On rifles with recoil pads and fixed butt-plates, make sure the screws are tight and that holes in the stock aren’t stripped out. Make sure there are no cracks in the stock and around the butt-plate. If the recoil pad is glued-on, just make sure it hasn’t come loose.
With the barreled action out of the stock, it is a good time to spray out the trigger with cleaner. I use Ronson oil or lighter fluid. [Editor’s Note: Some trigger-makers advise against using any kind of lubricant, grease or oil — so plain lighter fluid is preferred.] After the trigger is cleaned you may want to check the trigger pull weight. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, take it to a gun smith and have it checked. It is worth every penny to not have a trigger issue and/or a safety malfunction. I also take the bolt apart and clean the firing pin spring and bolt housing with Gun Scrubber or automotive brake cleaner. Then lube the firing pin-spring and firing pin with light oil. I use Kel Lube and/or Butch’s gun oil. Put a small dab of gun grease on the [bolt locking lugs] and cocking ramp.
Next I look at the trigger guard and hinged floor plate and make sure it works as designed. Make sure there are no cracks in the trigger guard from an accidental drop. Check guard screws and /or action screws for tightness and tighten to proper spec. There are torque specs for this, but on wood stocks the wood can crush and this should be checked throughout the year as weather change can affect this. My entire collection of rifles are bedded and I just tighten them just snug with screw driver or Allen wrench. The rimfire rifles have a spec of 55 to 74 inch/lbs and I think would carry over to center fire as well. I would caution you about torque wrenches as you need a good quality wrench, and read the directions on how to use it. You can over torque if not careful. Check the swivel studs and bipod to make sure there tight as well. You may want to take scope off and check the base screws and check the rings.
The 
