For a benchrest, F-Class, or ELR competitor, the optic may easily be the most expensive component of the rifle. Even a hunter may spend as much on glass as he/she does on the rifle itself. Because scopes represent such a big investment, it is important to do some research before deciding what to buy.
Unfortunately, it is pretty much impossible to “test drive” a half-dozen or more optics. Thankfully, there are some video reviews on the internet that are, for the most part, helpful. Here we provide five scope comparison tests, with different price points, high to low.
1. Nine Long Range Scopes Compared by Pew Pew Tactical
Pew Pew Tactical (PPT) published lengthy comparison of nine long range scopes. For each model PPT examined clarity, eye relief, reticle design, parallax, and windage/elevation travel. PPT also provides short videos for all the scopes showing the operation of the controls. FULL PPT REVIEW HERE.
NINE Long Range Scopes Compared
1. Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24×50mm
2. Vortex Viper PST II 5-25×50mm
3. Leupold VX3i LRP 8.5-25×50mm
4. Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25×56mm
5. Burris XTR II 5-25×50mm
This 5-scope comparison test by Armslist Media yielded some surprises. All the scopes in the review retailed for $1500 or less. Most offer 5X at the low end and 20X or 25X at the high end. Three provide a four times zoom ratio, while the SIG Whiskey5 has a five times ratio and the Leupold VX6 has a full six times zoom ratio, with its 3-18X lens. That’s good for varmint hunters who often scan a wide field of view and then zoom in on a critter to make the shot. We think all these scopes offer good value for the money. We add that anyone considering these optics should also look at the Zeiss V4 line which offers outstanding glass at very competitive prices. The Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50mm is just $1199.00 at EuroOptic. The Zeiss V4 would be one of our first choices for a SFP varmint scope, no doubt about it.
4. Trijicon TR23 5-20×50mm
5. SIG Sauer Whiskey5 5-25x50mm
3. Five Sub-$1000 Scopes Reviewed by Precision Rifle Network
If you are looking for a moderate-priced optic for a PRS or hunting rifle, consider one of the scopes featured in this comparison review. These all offer 24-25 powder at the high end, plenty of magnification for PRS/NRL matches. This video compares the controls of all five optics, and there are through-the-lens views showing the reticles on each optic. The tester criticized the SIG Tango for “scope shadow” in view, and overly complex labeling on the knobs. He liked the Burris XTR2 saying it “is a well-respected optic in the precision rifle community … it is basically ‘bomb-proof'”, but he felt that Burris glass color fidelity was not on a par with the Vortex or Nightforce. (7:58). NOTE: the Nikon Black FX1000 series has been discontinued so these optics are available now at very attractive prices. Even before the price cut, the reviewer said “Guys, for the money, I’m not sure there’s another scope on the market that can compete with this thing.” (7:12). The 4-16x50mm FX1000 is just $649.99 at EuroOptic.com — a steal. We’ve used the 5-25x50mm FX1000 scope reviewed in this video — it has truly excellent glass, albeit stiff knobs.
FIVE $1000 Scopes Compared
1. Burris XTR2 5-25×50mm
2. Nightforce SHV 4.514x50mm
e. Nikon Black FX1000 6-24×50mm
.22 Plinkster is an honest tester who shoots thousands of rimfire rounds every year. So he’s in a good position to review budget-priced scopes designed for rimfire rifles. Because rimfire rifles have a different kind of recoil pulse than centerfire rigs, and because rimfire rifles are often shot rapid fire at plates, with hundreds of rounds fired in an afternoon, you want to find a scope that has been thoroughly tested to ensure long-term durability. Among the dozen scopes he tested, .22 Plinkster favored the Bushnell Rimfire Series: “I’ve used these [Rimfire Series] scopes a lot. These scopes, for the price point… you can’t go wrong.” He also recommended the Vortex Crossfire scope, noting that it had very clear glass and a rock-solid, transferrable lifetime warranty: “Vortex is one of my favorite scope to use, and as a company they really stand behind their products.”
5. Budget Optics for AR-Platform and Defensive Rifles
AR-platform rifles used for 3-Gun matches and home defense purposes don’t need high-magnification optics. Instead you want something that allows rapid target acquisition and has illumination for low-light situations. This video covers three budget-priced AR optics, two one-power Red Dots, and a Primary Arms 1-6x24mm SLx ACSS scope, which is offered in both SFP and FFP versions starting at $389.99 (not $289.99 as stated in video). A similar illuminated scope (with a better warranty), is the Vortex 1-6x24mm Strike Eagle, currently $299.99 on Amazon with BDC3 reticle.
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The U.S. Military has a new machine gun and a new rifle in a new caliber. SIG Sauer has confirmed the final delivery of the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) systems to the U.S. Army, consisting of new 6.8x51mm Hybrid ammunition, the NGSW-AR lightweight belt-fed machine gun, the SIG NGSW-R rifle, and SIG suppressors. Ron Cohen, SIG Sauer President/CEO stated that work with U.S. soldiers has “led to rapid advancements over the current weapons systems and resulted in our delivery of the most innovative Next Generation Squad Weapons system to the U.S. Army.”
The new systems will shoot 6.8×51 Hybrid ammunition — a lightweight cartridge designed to handle higher pressures resulting in increased velocity and terminal performance. In civilian form, SIG Sauer calls this cartridge the 277 SIG FURY. The 277 SIG Fury and the military 6.8x51mm cartridges feature a conventional brass upper case body with a steel alloy bottom, case-head section. The hybrid design allows the ammo to run at significantly higher pressures than conventional ammunition. SIG Sauer states that “despite its revolutionary design, [this] hybrid ammunition can be manufactured on a widespread basis immediately.”
The SIG Sauer 6.8mm hybrid ammunition is designed for increased penetration at greater distances. Cohen continued, “using patent-pending technology the SIG Sauer Ammunition Division has engineered a completely new cartridge resulting in a more compact round, with increased velocity and accuracy, while delivering a substantial reduction in the weight of the ammunition.”
This video shows gun features and includes firing sequences with thermal cameras (1:50 time).
The new 6.8x51mm Hybrid ammo gives the new guns significant advantages: “The SIG Sauer Lightweight Belt-Fed Machine Gun (NGSW-AR) doubles the effective range and is 40% lighter than the current M249 while maintaining the preferred belt-fed operation, with reduced felt recoil to increase accuracy. The SIG SAUER Rifle (NGSW-R) is built on the foundation of the battle tested MCX platform with the added firepower of the 6.8×51 round; both the NGSW-AR and NGSW-R feature familiar AR-style ambidextrous ergonomics designed for a seamless transition from the legacy weapons to the SIG NGSW system.”
SIG SAUER Lightweight Machine Gun (NGSW-AR)
The SIG Sauer NGSW-AR is a light-weight (under 15-lb.), medium-caliber machine gun chambered for 6.8x51mm Hybrid ammunition. SIG Sauer designed the NGSW-AR to be 40% lighter than current systems, and dramatically reduce felt recoil while maintaining traditional belt-fed operation to increase downrange capability. This 6.8mm machine gun features ambidextrous AR-style ergonomics, quick detach magazines, increased M1913 rail space for optics, folding buttstock, and quick-detach suppressor. SIG Sauer claim this NGSW-AR “vastly improves upon the operation and function of the legacy M249.”
SIG SAUER Rifle (NGSW-R):
The NGSW-R lightweight rifle (aka MCX-Spear) is derived from existing SIG military rifles with the added firepower of the 6.8mm round. Features include a fully collapsible and folding stock, rear and side charging handle, free-floating reinforced M-LOK™ handguard, fully ambidextrous controls, and quick-detach suppressor.
277 SIG FURY (6.8x51mm) from SIG Sauer
The 6.8x51mm cartridge will be offered by SIG Sauer in a civilian version called the 277 SIG FURY. This boasts a SAAMI maximum average pressure of 80,000 psi, driving a 135-grain bullet to 3,000+ fps. That 80K PSI pressure is WAY higher than almost all other cartridge types. To achieve these high pressures, the 277 FURY uses a hybrid case with a brass body and harder alloy metal case head. This design allows the cartridge to run very high pressures. Dan Horner of SIG Sauer told us: “When the handloaders get hold of this brass, it will be a game-changer for sure”. We envision this cartridge could be necked down to 6.5 mm and it would dramatically out-perform the 6.5 Creedmoor. And yes the official name of the cartridge is all caps “277 SIG FURY”.
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Vihtavuori is introducing a new double-base powder for magnum and large-size cartridges. This should be good for large hunting cartridges, such as the .300 Winchester Magnum, and bigger cartridges used for ELR competition, such as the .338 Lapua Magnum. VV N568 reloading data will soon be available on both the Vihtavuori website and Vihtavuori Reload App.
The Vihtavuori website states: “We are proud to introduce a new heavy weight champion in our N500 rifle powder series: the N568. The slow burning characteristics and short-cut grains of the new Vihtavuori N568 high-energy gun powder provide extremely consistent metering for long range competitive shooters, accuracy enthusiasts, and hunters alike. Vihtavuori’s N568 excels with heavy-for-caliber projectiles and provides exceptional temperature stability. As with all our reloading powders, new N568 is also insensitive to humidity changes.”
Vihtavuori N568 looks to be a good choice for popular large capacity cartridges, including 6.5 PRC, .300 PRC, .338 Lapua Magnum, and an assortment of classic belted magnums such as 7mm Remington Magnum and .300 Winchester Magnum. Reloading data for various calibers and bullets will be coming soon.
Vihtavuori N568 will be available in Q2 of 2021 from major retailers such as Grafs.com, Bruno Shooters Supply, Midsouth, Powder Valley, and Precision Reloading.
Visit Vihtavuori.com to Learn more about Vihtavuori’s propellants, download Vihtavuori reloading data, or install Vihtavuori’s Reload App. N568 Reloading Data will soon be available on both the Vihtavuori website and Reload App (click below).
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Above: FN’s new 509 LS Edge is a 9mm Long Slide “factory custom” with Low-Profile Optics-Mounting System, slotted slide, and 5″ hammer-forged target-crown barrel.
In the latest February 2021 edition of Shooting Industry Magazine you’ll find Part III of the publication’s 2021 New Product Showcase. This latest installment of SI’s features over 40 new products, all presented with photos and product details.
If you missed the previous showcases, visit ShootingIndustry.com to see the December 2020 and January 2021 issues or click the links above. Across all three editions, hundreds of products from more than 120 companies were featured in Shooting Industry’s 2021 New Product Showcase.
From the Shooting Industry Part III Showcase, we present four notable handguns:
1. Colt Mfg. and Davidson’s — Engraved 6″ Stainless Python
Davidson’s has collaborated with Colt’s Manufacturing on a special edition Colt Python revolver. Automated Finishing has created a deluxe engraved version of Colt’s new 6″ barreled stainless Python. The engraving is armory-grade cut and encompasses the barrel, full underlug, frame and backstrap. The top of the rib is left matte stainless to cut glare while sighting. The special Python is chambered in .357 Magnum, and has a walnut grip, red-ramp front sight and adjustable rear sight.
2. Volquartsen Black Mamba-X .22 LR Pistol
The Black Mamba-X .22 LR Pistol from Volquartsen features a LLV-4X upper with multiple mounting locations allowing for red dot sights. The pistol has a 1/2×28 threaded stainless steel 4.5″ barrel with stainless steel laser-hardened breech in a type III hard-anodized aluminum shroud. Additional features include the Volquartsen Accurizing Kit for a 2.25-lb trigger pull, DLC coated Volquartsen Competition Bolt and Volquartsen Single-Port Compensator. The LLV-4X Upper will be available as a stand-alone product and is compatible with both the Volquartsen Competition Bolt as well as the Ruger MK IV factory bolt.
3. Heckler & Koch VP9L 9mm Pistol
Combining optics-ready features for competition use, the Heckler & Koch (HK) 9mm VP9L OR (Optics Ready) is based on the popular VP9 platform. HK supplies an O-Ring bushing on the longer 5″ barrel to tighten the lockup, aiding accuracy. This ships with 20-round magazines provide additional rounds for longer stages. A machined slot in the slide accommodates most popular red dot pistol sights with one of 5 available mounting plates (sold separately).
MasterPiece Arms now offers the Freedom Gunworks double-stack 1911 pistol line. The handsome 9mm DS9 Hybrid Pistol shown above is machined from barstock and billet. It boasts an FGW slide serrations with slide lightening cut, Koenig hammer/sear, with a 2-lb. trigger pull. Notably, Each FGW pistol is hand-built, including lapping the slide/frame interface, and comes in a custom MPA single pistol case with one MPA 140mm magazine. A variety of configurations are available, including iron sights or optics-ready models.
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The Gun Digest 2021 Annual, 75th Edition, is available now for $24.28 on Amazon. This 592-page resource covers rifles, shotguns, handguns, muzzleloaders, airguns, optics and more. We like the print edition, but there is also an eBook PDF version ($17.49 on Amazon) you can read on your tablet or computer. Both provide hundreds of photos with new product roundups, in-depth product tests, and scores of articles and stories.
NOTE: Gun Digest is offering a great two-for-one deal right now. If you order the Gun Digest 2021 Annual you can also get a full year’s subscription to Gun Digest Magazine. Get Book AND Magazine Subscription for just $39.99. That gives you the 2021 Annual PLUS the 12-issue magazine for just $15.71 more than the book by itself (with $24.28 Amazon price).
Gun Digest 2021 debuts Phil Massaro as its editor-in-chief. Massaro, the seventh editor in the book’s history, has assembled a wide and varied roster of leading industry authors for the new book, including Craig Boddington, Joe Coogan, Ron Spomer, Terry Wieland, Rick Hacker, Jim Wilson, Larry Weishuhn, Wayne van Zwoll, Bryce Towsley and many more.
Gun Digest 2021 covers hunting, personal defense, target shooting, gunsmithing, and collecting. Historical articles look at the role played by firearms in our country. There are Updated Ballistics Tables, and the catalog section shows off the industry’s newest offerings in rifles, handguns, shotguns, muzzleloaders and air rifles. Reports from the Field cover the newest firearms and accessories. A Testfire section brings readers up to date on product performance. FYI, you can also pre-order the upcoming 76th Edition Annual (2022), slated for release in August, 2021.
Other Good Books from Gun Digest Media
Gun Digest Media produces numerous other quality books for rifle, pistol, and shotgun owners. Here are four volumes we recommend. These are offered in both paperback and eBook versions:
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Hot News! We just learned that Frankford Arsenal will offer two new reloading presses this year. It may be a while before these two presses arrive on dealers’ shelves but we wanted to give you a preview. Both presses are impressive. The new FX-10 is a TEN-station, auto-indexing progessive press. It will sell for $699.99, what you might pay for a different brand progressive with fewer stations and more limited capabilities. This FX-10 press offers a smooth, gear-driven shellplate, plus dual decapping stations and primer pocket swaging capability. There are optional (extra cost) bullet and case feeders. The press even offers a built-in LED light.
The F-1 is a robust single-stage press offering power, easy (open front) case access, and smooth cycling. The F-1 boasts a linear ball bearing system for smooth operation, an integrated LED light, a fully-contained primer catch system, and precision-machined solid steel construction.
Frankford Arsenal FX-10 Progressive Press
10-Station, Auto-Indexing
Manufacturer’s Product Description:
The Frankford Arsenal FX-10 is a 10-station automatic indexing reloading press purpose-built from the ground up to be the ultimate progressive reloading press. At its core, the FX-10 features rigid steel construction, multiple ball bearings, and a proprietary 10-station, gear-driven, rotating shell plate which all combine to virtually eliminate powder spillage and bullet tipping.
The FX-10 offers innovative improvements like dual de-capping stations to prevent primer drawback, in-line primer pocket swaging capability (for both small and large primers), and the ability to run powder check and case trimming dies. The FX-10 includes a case-actuated powder measure with a positive reset that guarantees you’ll never have to worry about squib loads resulting from a sticking powder measure. When it’s time to swap calibers, the FX-10’s innovative design allows the user the ability to quickly and easily swap-out tool heads and shell plates to reload anything from 9mm to 30-06 Springfield length cartridges. The FX-10 goes further and offers refined details like a roller handle, integrated LED light, and spring-loaded case locator buttons, which allow easy one-handed case feeding and lever operation, making the FX-10 exceptionally smooth and easy to operate. Compatible with our Frankford Arsenal Case Feeder and Bullet Feeder (sold separately), the FX-10 is the ultimate solution for progressive reloading. MSRP for the FX-10 is $699.99.
FRANKFORD ARSENAL FX-10 PROGRESSIVE PRESS FEATURES
OPTIONAL CASE AND BULLET FEEDER
CASE-ACTIVATED POWDER MEASURE
INTEGRATED BEARINGS FOR SMOOTH OPERATION
IN-LINE PRIMER POCKET SWAGING
SPRING-LOADED CASE LOCATOR BUTTONS
LOADS CARTRIDGES UP TO .30-06 SPRG LENGTH
SHELL PLATES FOR POPULAR CALIBERS
Frankford Arsenal F-1 Single-Stage Press
Manufacturer’s Product Description:
The Frankford Arsenal F-1 Single Stage Press is packed with innovative features to help you reload precisely and quickly so you spend less time reloading and more time on the range. At its core, the F-1 features a linear ball bearing system for smooth operation, an integrated LED light, a fully contained primer catch system, and precision-machined solid steel construction. Compatible with standard 7/8″x14 dies, this press will load up to .338 Lapua Magnum size cartridges. MSRP for the F-1 is $149.99.
FRANKFORD ARSENAL F-1 PRESS FEATURES
RAM RIDES IN BALL BEARINGS FOR SMOOTH OPERATION
LOADS UP TO .338 LAPUA Magnum LENGTH CARTRIDGES
INTEGRATED LED LIGHT
COMPATIBLE WITH STANDARD 7/8″ x 14 DIES
USES STANDARD SHELL HOLDERS
NO-MESS PRIMER CATCH USES BOTTLE OR HOSE
SELECTABLE CAM-OVER OR STOP OPERATION
SOLID STEEL ROD FRAME PILLARS
Credit EdLongRange for Frankford Arsenal New Product Tips.
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Although the 2021 SHOT Show was cancelled, you can find many new-for-2021 products online. The NRA’s Shooting Illustrated website has put together a collection of 28 new products including rifles, pistols, shotguns, optics, safety gear and more — all from top manufacturers. Some of the features include test videos, such as a report on a S&W M&P fitted with the new Leupold DeltaPoint Micro red dot optic.
The Shooting Illustrated article reviews 28 products total. Here are two rifles, two pistols, and one shotgun featured in Shooting Illustrated’s New Products Showcase:
Winchester Wildcat .22 LR SR, Suppressor-Ready Model
Winchester has introduced a Wildcat SR, a suppressor-ready version of its popuplar Wildcat 22 semi-auto .22 LR rifle. This new Wildcat SR comes with a 16.5″ barrel threaded 1/2-28 TPI at the muzzle (with muzzle cap). This will allow the Wildcat SR to fit most rimfire suppressors as well as many muzzle brakes. Shooting Illustrated liked the general features of the Wildcat SR: “The rifle… has a rugged polymer upper assembly, lower receiver assembly and ambidextrous skeletonized buttstock for light weight and strength. The rear sight is adjustable for both elevation and windage and there is also a ramped post front sight.” We are pleased to see that the Winchester Wildcat SR boasts an integral Picatinny Rail for mounting optics.
Browning X-Bolt Mountain Pro Carbon
We like the Browning X-Bolt rifles. Browning offers good protective coatings on the barreled actions, and the camo treatments are nicely done. For 2021, Browning has a new line of X-Bolt Mountain Pro rifles. These include a new-generation carbon fiber stock that is even lighter, with noise-dampening foam for added comfort. The X-Bolt Mountain Pros also come with a Recoil Hawg muzzle brake that Browning says can reduce felt recoil by as much as 73%. The stainless steel action and barrel come with a protective Cerakote Burnt Bronze or Tungsten finish. And internally the barrel boasts a “proprietary lapping process” for easier cleaning and quicker break-in times. For that custom touch, the bolt and bolt knob are spiral fluted. These new X-Bolt Mountain Pros are not inexpensive. Browning lists an MSRP of $2,399.99 – $2,459.99. Expect “street price” around $2000.00.
Savage Renegauge Competition 12ga Shotgun
Here’s an impressive new 12 gauge shotgun from Savage. This boast an extended magazine tube that holds 9+1 rounds. The looks are notable, with Red Cerakote on the Receiver and mag tube, with a black melonited fluted barrel with ventilated ridb and HI-VIZ front site. The stock adjusts for LOP, comb height, drop and cast and there is a rod recoil buffer in the buttstock. Shooting Illustrated notes that the Savage has an advanced gas system: “The Savage Renegauge Competition shotgun features the DRIV gas system (Dual Regulating Inline Valve) gas system which ensures excess gas vents before it drives the bolt, resulting in consistent ejection, less felt recoil, and a … fast cyclic rate[.]”
Volquartsen Black Mamba-X .22 LR Pistol
Volquartsen has released its new Black Mamba-X pistol for .22 LR competitors in speed matches. This features a Volquartsen’s LLV-4X 4.5-inch Competition Upper with integral universal red-dot mount. The Black Mamba-X features a push-button takedown configuration. Other standard features include: A ½x28 threaded stainless steel, 4.5″ barrel, Volquartsen Accurizing Kit allowing 2.25-pound trigger pull.
FN America FN 509 LS Edge
This new FN 509 LS Edge pistol has a longer slide with cut-outs, aggressive checkering, and good controls. Shooting Illustrated notes the benefits of FN’s smart signt attachment design: “The real key to the FN 509 LS Edge is the sighting system. It has a high front sight with a green fiber-optic insert and serrated front blade to reduce glare. The rear sight is a deep trough.” This patented rear sight design allows a very low red dot position, which gets “the sight real low in the slide and helps it co-witness perfectly with the iron sights.” Various inserts are available for many types of pistol optics.
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Probably 95% of all civilian rifle shooting is done from the bench — if you include fun shooting, load development, sight-in sessions, practice days, youth training, as well as actual benchrest and club competitions. If you shoot with iron sights, or a low-power optic, you’ll definitely need a spotting scope to see your shots on target. And if you’re shooting long-range, that spotting scope will help you see mirage, as well as hits on far targets.
It’s not always easy to place a spotting scope near your bench. There are short benchtop tripods, but they take up precious bench-top space and can interfere with your non-favored arm placement/functions. Or you can deploy a complete separate tall tripod, next to the bench, but, frankly, that’s inconvenient, and with some bench structures it’s difficult to get the scope close enough to the shooter’s eye.
Here is a smart solution from Creedmoor Sports — a specialized, clamp-on Spotting Scope Support that mounts directly to the side of your bench. This will work with heavy, thick range benchtops as well as thinner-top portable shooting benches.
Creedmoor Spotting Scope Bench Mount
This mounting system clamps to the bench, allowing your spotting scope to be suspended near your face, with nothing below it to get bumped. If your buddy wants to look through the scope, simply spin the horizontal boom piece away from the bench. This system adjusts up and down and left and right. Set the scope head in any configuration you prefer. The $219.95 kit has everything you need, including all clamps AND the blue adjustable scope head. Select either 3/4″ rod diameter or 1″ rod diameter. (Bigger is better for heavier scopes).
Creedmoor Bench Mount Spotting Scope Stand Features:
1″ or 3/4″ aluminum rods for vertical and horizontal support (18″ in length)
Anti-pivot pins to keep the mount from twisting on the edge of the bench
Includes high-grade Blue anodized adjustable scope head
Durable anti-slip rubber on the clamp
Micro-adjustment clamping stopper
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CMP Guide to Target Shooting with Vintage Military Rifles
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has released VMR: Target Shooting With Vintage Military Rifles, a new book by Gary Anderson, Director of Civilian Marksmanship Emeritus. Gary himself was a world-class marksman who earned two Olympic Gold medals in rifle shooting.
The CMP says this 284-page illustrated book is “likely the most comprehensive manuscript ever written about the methods of training and competing with popular American and foreign vintage military rifles.” Fans of vintage military rifles will likely find this 18-chapter book “to be the most complete coverage of the topic, from a competitor’s and historian’s point of view”, said Christie Sewell, CMP Programs Chief.
Anderson definitely has the credentials — he won Olympic Gold Medals in Tokyo and Mexico City in the 1960s. Gary also set multiple U.S. and international records. The originator of the CMP’s competitive vintage rifle program, Anderson set out to present a detailed manual covering all aspects of shooting vintage military rifles. The book covers 1903 Springfield, U.S. Krag, 1917 U.S. Enfield, M1 Garand, M1 Carbine and many more, including rifles from “across the pond.”
Target Shooting With Vintage Military Rifles Topics:
Origins and Fundamentals of Marksmanship
Operation, Cleaning, Loading & Unloading
Sight Adjustment, Zeroing & Fine Tuning
Highpower Rifle Match Procedures
Firing Rifles in Competition
Prone, Sitting and Standing Position Building
Using a Scorebook/Databook
Strategies for Improvement
Critical Value of the Sling
Rifle and Range Safety
Purchase Online at CMP E-Store
This new Gary Anderson book is sold through the CMP E-Store for $29.95. You can also print out and submit the CMP Publications order form (order item NLU # 792, $29.95). The CMP stores in Alabama and Ohio will also carry the new Gary Anderson book.
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A firearms magazine vendor, GunMagWarehouse (GMWH), has compiled one of the most comprehensive online guides to new-for-2021 guns and gear. If you are looking for new firearms and accessories this is a good place to start. You’ll find plenty of images plus videos showing important new rifles such as Savage’s new Straight-Pull Impulse, featured above.
One huge article showcases New Firearms (Rifles, Shotguns, Pistols) while another covers New Optics. You’ll find 30+ new pistols, 25+ new rifles, and 25+ New Optics, with photos and/or videos for each entry. Here are four highlights from the New Rifles section.
Savage Impulse Straight-Pull Rifle
Savage Arms has just introduced the new Impulse series of straight-pull bolt rifles. This is the first American-designed and crafted straight-pull centerfire rifle. The new Impulse features an innovative Hexlock bolt-locking mechanism with six spherical bearings that move radially outward into a ring in the barrel extension, thereby locking the bolt in place. That barrel extension is held in the receiver assembly by four cross-bolts on the lower front section. Ahead of the barrel extension is a conventional recoil lug and a familiar Savage barrel nut.
Savage Impulse Straight-Pull Rifle — Action Operation
Savage claims the new system offers the cycling speed of a semi-auto, with the accuracy of a bolt-action. There have been some initial field tests, and it looks like the performance has been good. However, based on the videos that Savage has posted, the cycling of the Impulse’s straight-pull bolt does not seem to be as smooth as some European straight-pulls, such as the Blaser R8, Merkel RX Helix, and Strasser RS 14.
Accuracy International AT-X Tactical Rifle
The new AI AT-X rifle is marketed as a PRS/NRL competition rifle, but it can also server admirably as a military sniper rifle. As teste, this AT-X is chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor and features a 24″ barrel with a 1:8″ twist. If the barreled action looks familiar, that’s because it’s the same proven action found on AI’s popular AT and AX models.
Uberti USA Courteney Lever Stalking Rifle
Uberti USA offers the 1885 Courteney Stalking Rifle. Named after the celebrated English hunter, explorer and naturalist Courteney Selous (1851-1917), this rifle gives today’s shooter the looks, feel, and usability of the turn-of-the-century British single-shots that were first taken to the British colonies—but at a fraction of the cost. The 1885 Courteney is built on the ultra-strong 1885 action. It is offered in 45/70 as well at the classic .303 British cartridge — the most used caliber in the British Empire. The action has a quarter-rib slotted for Weaver rings with a fully-adjustable shallow-V rear sight. It also comes with a traditional hooded ramp front sight and barrel-mounted sling-swivel.
Colt C20 Sniper Rifle for Canadian Military
Colt Canada’s C20, 7.62×51 NATO, Semi-Automatic Sniper Weapon was developed to support the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) requirement for an Intermediate Sniper Weapon. The Canadian army will receive the new C20 sniper rifle in the 7.62 NATO caliber produced by Colt Canada to replace the C8 used by sniper teams. According to Canadian military sources, the new C20 should be more accurate and an improvement over the current C8 used by Canadian soldiers.
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If this were a normal year, our team would be reporting from SHOT Show in Las Vegas right now. But the COVID-19 Pandemic changed all that. There is no SHOT Show 2021. However, the organizers of SHOT Show have created a virtual gallery of new products, SHOT Show “On Demand”. We scanned through over 500 new products to create this selection of “new and notable” guns and gear. Today we feature a dozen new-for-2021 products: three pistols, three rifles, four new types of Lapua brass, a new March scope, and a variety of other innovative products.
1. Taurus TX-22
For 2021, Taurus introduces the all-new TaurusTX™ 22 Competition chambered for .22LR. The Taurus TX 22 Competition is built on the same full-size polymer receiver as the Taurus TX 22 but has a newly engineered slide and barrel assembly designed to work with red dot optics. The TaurusTX™ 22 Competition features a “skeletonized” slide with a cutout between the ejection port to just behind the front sight. The mounting system allows the use of the following (but not limited to) sight models: Trijicon RMR, C-More STS 2, Vortex Venom, Doctor Noblex, Burris Fast Fire, Sightmark Mini, Holosun HS507C, Leupold Delta Point Pro.
2. KelTec P-50 Pistol — 50-Round Magazine on Top
The new Keltec P-50 features a top-mounted, horizontal-feed magazine, as pioneered by the FN P90 select-fire carbine. You feed the Keltec P50 by opening the top like a machine gun feed tray cover and insert the FN-made magazine. The new KelTec P50 comes with two FN P90 50-round magazines and is chambered for 5.7x28mm ammunition. This big pistol retails for $995.00 MSRP with availability in “Q1 2021″.
This John Wesley Hardin replica revolver is part of Uberti USA’s Outlaw & Lawmen Series, which pays homage to famous heroes and gunfighters such as Jesse James, Frank James, Doc Holliday, Bob Dalton, Wild Bill Hickok and William “Billy the Kid” Bonney. Chambered in .45 Colt, this is a replica of Hardin’s Smith & Wesson 1875 No. 3, 2nd Model Top-Break. This pistol boast a stunning blued barrel and cylinder, with color-case-hardened main frame and simulated Buffalo-horn grip. MSRP is $759.00.
4. Springfield Armory Waypoint Rifles
Springfield’s new Waypoint rifles feature steel or carbon-wrapped barrels, TriggerTech triggers, and carbon-fiber, hand-painted camo stocks with five QD mounts for versatile carry plus M-Lok slots. The actions are impressive too — with precision machining, enlarged ejection port, and integral recoil lug. These Waypoint rifles rival full-custom hunting rigs, yet are reasonably affordable. Starting price is $1699.00 with stainless barrel, while the deluxe model with carbon-wrapped barrel and adjustable cheekpiece is still under $2,400.00. All Model 2020 Waypoint rifles feature strong, light-weight, carbon-fiber-reinforced stocks with hand-painted camouflage finishes. You could easily pay $700-$800 just for an equivalent camo-painted stock from McMillan or Manners Composite Stocks.
For 2021, J.P. Sauer & Sohn enhances the S404 series with the Synchro XTC, a carbon fiber, bolt-action rifle in camouflage green. Weighing 6.1 pounds, this lightweight S404-series rifle features a hand-laid, carbon-fiber, thumbhole stock with adjustable comb. The hammer-forged barrel is fluted for balance and weight reduction. The adjustable trigger offers four pull weights from 1.2 to 2.7 pounds. Adjusting the pull weight is easy using settings marked above the trigger. Like all J.P. Sauer S404-series rifles, the new Synchro XTC allows easy changing of bolt heads and barrels for quick caliber conversions. If you want something even lighter, the S101 Highland XTC carbon-fiber rifle weighs just 5.5 pounds for short action version. This features a hand-laid, carbon-fiber stock with fluted barrel. The manufacturer guarantees sub-MOA accuracy at 100 yards.
6. March Scopes — 4.6-28x52mm Compact Scope
The new March-FX 4.5-28×52mm FFP riflescope is designed for tactical shooting and hunting. It is extremely compact — just 12.5″ overall! It is also very light weight (29.8oz, 845 grams). Notably, this new scope offers a very wide apparent field of view — 25 degrees throughout the 6.2X Magnification range. That’ great for hunters and PRS/NRL competitors. The March-FX 4.5-28X scope also offers excellent eye relief, another big plus for shooters in the field (Eye relief: Low power 70‐93.7mm, High power 72‐90mm). Lastly this scope features a “Temperature Anti-Drift Lens System” that adapts to changes in temperature to maintain focus and clarity. DOWNLOAD Product Brochure PDF with reticle illustrations and product details
Lapua will offer four new types of ultra-premium cartridge brass in 2021. The four new Lapua cases are: 6.5 PRC, .284 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .300 PRC. The .284 Win cartridge still dominates the F-Open game, so this is good news for F-Class shooters. Lapua is excited about the PRC offerings: “The new Lapua 6.5 and .300 PRC cartridge cases provide competitive shooters, hunters, and accuracy enthusiasts a premium selection for precision hand loads, an option that’s been missing from the market since the PRC’s inception.” The venerable .300 Winchester Magnum remains a top choice for hunting.
8. Mid-Evil Industries — Rail Vise Platform
The new Mid-Evil Rail Vise Platform securely holds a Picatinny-rail equipped firearm during cleaning and maintenance operations. The Rail Vise clamps onto the firearm’s rail system. For ARs this provides easy access to the breech for cleaning of chamber, locking lugs and bolt interface. The anodized aluminum mounting platform is a 29” long aluminum extrusion with two integral T slots for mounting the Rail Vise. Each platform includes polymer end caps, rubber feet and Rail Vise mounting hardware. The RAIL VISE kit includes: Main Body, Mag Well Adapter, Barrel Support, Adapter Rail and Platform.
9. Faneema Cutlery — Hand-Forged Damascus Knives
Shown above is the 7″ Damascus Stage and horn knife. There are many other equally handsome Damascus knives in the Faneema Cutlery 2021 Catalog. Faneema’s Damascus knives are handcrafted from high-quality materials for the highest level of cutting performance with unparalleled sharpness plus striking aesthetics. Each knife is a unique work of art, crafted by master bladesmiths. The Damascus blade is created by forge welding multiple layers of steels into a solid block called a billet. The billet is folded and re-welded several times to produce several layers. Patterns are created by manipulating the steel during the forge welding process.
10. Caldwell Company — AR500 Steel Targets
Caldwell’s new bright, easy-to-see targets come in all shapes and sizes for competition, training, and recreational use. Made of AR500 hardened steel, these targets can withstand thousands of rounds. Rated up to a 3000 fps impact velocity and a 3500 ft-lb impact energy, these targets come in seven various sizes with three hanging solutions.
11. Telor Tactical — Comfort-Air IWB Holster
The Comfort-Air Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) holster has some notable features. It is made with medical-grade 2X Cool diamond spacer fabric that actually cools down while you wear it. The design sits flat against your body, so there are no pressure points. This holster features a patented Sil-Air Silicone Foam insert that prevents your gun from digging into your body while still providing a snug/secure fit. The 2 spring-steel clips ensure a strong, reinforced hold on your clothing or belt and will never bend out of shape. The two stretch-to-fit holster sizes will accommodate most handguns. Sub-compact will fit most small framed handguns (e.g. Ruger LCP or Glock 43) while the Compact will fit larger-framed guns (such as a Glock 19 or S&W M&P M2.0 Compact).
12. Do All Outdoors — Spinner Targets Attach to Wood
For 2021 Do All Outdoors offers a new series of pellet and .22-caliber targets. The new Tree Spinners, offered in a Single, Double, and Triple paddle style, can be screwed into almost any wood for a quick and fun shooting experience. We like these innovative targets that can be transported easily and mounted to a fence post or tree stump.
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There is no SHOT Show in Las Vegas this year, but in its stead Brownells is presenting a NOT-Show featuring products from major manufacturers. In addition, on every day from January 18 through 22, 2021, Brownells has offered a PRIZE Giveaway.
Today, the final day of Brownells NOT-Show, Brownells features Stag Arms products. Along with .223 Rem ARs, Stag Arms offers AR-platform rifles in 6.5 Creedmoor (Stag 10 Marksman) and 6mm ARC (Stag 15 Covenant). Stag is one of the first manufacturers to offer complete 6mm ARC rifles.
In addition, Brownells’ tech team looks at the impressive new Area 419 Zero Turret Press (photo right). This press sets new standards for precision repeatability in a turret press.
A major unveiling today was the all-new, illuminated 1-8x24mm Match Precision Optic (MPO) from Brownells. This could become very popular with hunters because this compact scope offers a true 1-power for wide field of view, plus max 8 power to spot details at long range. This Japanese-made optic is on sale today for $799.99 complete with cantilevered AR mounting bracket.
On Thursday, January 21, 2021 the Brownells NOT-Show covered Hornady’s new line of RFID safes. These offer some very sophisticated features with fast-open technology.
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Gun Digest 2021 debuts Phil Massaro as its editor-in-chief. Massaro, the seventh editor in the book’s history, has assembled a wide and varied roster of leading industry authors for the new book, including Craig Boddington, Joe Coogan, Ron Spomer, Terry Wieland, Rick Hacker, Jim Wilson, Larry Weishuhn, Wayne van Zwoll, Bryce Towsley and many more.
Today, the final day of Brownells NOT-Show, Brownells features Stag Arms products. Along with .223 Rem ARs, Stag Arms offers AR-platform rifles in 
