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February 10th, 2009
 The ladies beat the gents at the 2009 Arizona Long-Range Championship at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, AZ. Nancy Tompkins (photo left) triumphed over 50 other shooters to win the main 1K event with a spectacular 600-36X, followed by Michelle Gallagher (of Berger Bullets) who shot 598-28X. Trudie Fay was the top shooter in Palma (.308) class. Way to go ladies! In this event, competitors shot prone (with sling) at 1000 yards. There were 60 rounds for record over two days, with two “any sights” stages, and one “iron sights” stage; the second “iron sights” stage was cancelled due to a sudden and severe hail storm.
Savage Tubegun Wows the Crowd at Ben Avery
Tubegun builder Gary Eliseo finished third overall with 596-27X. Gary’s performance shocked many fellow shooters … not because Gary doesn’t have the skills, but because he shot a 200-12x and a 199-6X on Day One with a Savage-actioned rifle. That’s right, Gary was shooting a prototype S1 Tubegun built with an out-of-the-box Savage Target Action with factory Accutrigger. Gary told us: “To be honest, like everybody else, I was amazed at how well that Savage shot. And I did no modifications or accurizing to the action whatsoever. All I did was lap the outside of the action to the S1 chassis for a better fit.”
German Salazar believes the Savage Tubegun is a very important development: “Here’s an affordable long-range prone rifle that can be assembled by the shooter with simple tools. Get a prefit barrel with barrel nut and you don’t even need a gunsmith. You save money, and just as importantly, you save time — no more year-long waits to get your rifle built.”
Plenty of 6mm Rifles on the Firing Line
While the match winner and runner-up were shooting 6.5-284s, the majority of the remaining Top 10 finishers were using a 6mm cartridge of some kind. Gary Eliseo finished third shooting a 6BR Improved (BRX), Randy Tesseidre finished fourth, also with a 6BRX, and German Salazar finished fifth shooting a 6XC and four of the next five finishers also shot 6mm cartridges. This may evidence a trend towards the smaller caliber over the 6.5mm. Why are we seeing more 6mm cartridges used at 1000 yards? According to German Salazar: “The answer is pretty simple — higher scores. Many (but certainly not all) shooters have found their scores increase when shooting 6mm cartridges, as opposed to the 6.5-284 or even the 7mms. The reasons are more consistent vertical and less recoil, and those two factors are related. With less recoil it’s easier to maintain the precise hold needed to shoot 10s and Xs throughout the match.” Third-place finisher Gary Eliseo also feels that some of the 6mm cartridges may be easier to tune than the 6.5-284. “I shoot the 6BRX”, Gary explained, “it’s an amazing little cartridge–easy to load for. With Berger VLDs seated into the lands it’s super-accurate and really holds tight elevation.”
More Match Results on Desert Sharpshooters Website
Complete Match Results are available on the Desert Sharpshooters website. The Top Three F-Class shooters (in order) were Jim Murphy, Larry Bartholome, and Jeff Cochran, while John Brewer was F-Class High Senior. The Palma match for .308 rifles, held on Friday, was tightly contested. Among the 48 Palma competitors in Friday’s match (not part of the championship aggregate), the top five finishers were Eddie Newman (445-26X), Gary Eliseo (444-25X), David Littlefield (444-21X), Trudie Fay (443-29X), and Steve Cunico (442-26X). Trudie was the High Women shooter while Steve was High Senior.
February 9th, 2009
 The latest editions of Remington’s product catalogs are now available online. You can download the entire 2009 catalog (a 19.5 mb file), or select particular product lines: rifle, shotgun, ammunition, accessories. The Rifle Catalog features all the latest Remington rifles, including the new Model 700 ‘Target Tactical’ model. This 11.75-lb gun boasts a Bell & Carlson composite stock with ergonomic grip and adjustable LOP and cheekpiece. The Target Tactical is offered in .308 Winchester only, with a 26″ hammer-forged 5R barrel with triangular profile. MSRP is $1972.
Complete 2009 Catalog | 2009 Rifles Catalog
Ballistics Data for Dozens of Factory Loads
Remington also has a comprehensive Ballistics Data Sheet with ballistics information for all Remington loaded ammo — from 17 Fireball all the way up to the 45/70 Government. Even if you don’t use factory-loaded ammo, this is a very useful resource that allows you to quickly compare velocities, energy, wind drift, and drop among a wide variety of cartridges. Which shoots flatter… a .204 Ruger or a 22-250? Remington’s Ballistics Data Sheet provides a quick, reliable answer. Info is laid out in tables, with color coding for different bullet types.
CLICK HERE to download Ballistics INFO
February 9th, 2009
 HPS Target Rifles Ltd., Britain’s leading competition shooting supply vendor, offers a new sling design that should benefit smaller shooters or those whose rifles have shallow fore-ends. The HPS AKTIV Flex Sling, made of non-stretch, reinforced PVC webbing, is designed to overcome the problems of the sling fouling on the trigger guard or rubbing on the underside of the stock. The section of the sling that runs under the rifle is replaced with coated wire. The wire center section can be positioned directly under the stock to give maximum clearance. The front strap can be adjusted to the size of hand and to clear the wrist. The arm cuff can be adjusted in length for arm size and position, while sling length is controlled by a buckle that positions the ‘tail’ of the sling so that there is no fouling under the rifle. The HPS AKTIV Flex Sling comes in three colours: blue (shown), dark green and black. The price is U.S. $95.87, or 74.84 Euros.
To view more products from HPS Target Rifles, including their innovative System Gemini Modular position stocks, visit www.HPT-TR.com, or click the link below to download the HPS catalog as a .pdf file.
CLICK HERE to Download 10 mb HPS Target Rifles Ltd. Catalog (10 meg .pdf file).
February 7th, 2009
Larry Crow of Competitive Edge Gunworks has developed a new action that allows the rear of the receiver to float. The front of the action features a large block that secures the action in the stock. Though similar in appearance, this is NOT a barrel block. The barrel snugs up to a shoulder inside the front block, much like a conventional action. Though the oversized block does the “heavy lifting” in terms of securing the action to the stock, there are two (2) action screws. One threads into the underside of the block while the second is placed further back where it attaches to the underside of the normal-diameter section of the receiver. This provides an extremely secure mount while allowing the rear of the action to float free above the stock.
Crow has tested the rifle with a variety of calibers including large magnums. Crow explains: “Our action mounts [with] an extended front lug and allows the rear of the action to float. When fired the barrel harmonics travels back through the action with the back of the action floated. There are no bedding issues which cause vertical stringing. The action is 4340 Rockwell to 42 with 1.228″ X 1.0625″ X 16 T.P.I. barrel shank. The standard action comes with a 20-MOA Picatinny rail. Our bolts are one-piece with M16-style extractor under right lug for 3 O’Clock ejection. Bolts are 4140 Rockwell 42 with R60 hard chrome finish. This [delivers] true bench rest accuracy in a tactical platform.” Shown below is the new action installed in a laminated wood stock and in a McCree modular metal stock (lower photo).
One-Piece Bolt for New Action
For the new action, Crow has also developed a new, super-strong, one-piece bolt. The handle is integral with the bolt. This should be stronger (and more durable) than a conventional bolt handle attached only with silver solder or a spot weld. Shown below are prototype examples of the new one-piece bolt. Production versions will be fluted. Note how the M16-style extractor is integrated into the recoil lug.
January 26th, 2009
In mid-2008, Sinclair Int’l released an all-new, super-wide bipod system for F-Class, Tactical, and Varmint shooters. Initially priced at $165.00, the Sinclair F-Class bipod was (then) a steal. The price is now up to $199.95, still a good deal in our opinion. And now you can get the bipod in either a silver (aluminum color) or matte black finish. On a tactical rifle, the low-gloss black looks great.
New Wider, More Versatile Design
Sinclair’s previous F-Class bipod was popular but shooters wanted a wider “wheelbase” and the ability to work with 3″-wide forearms. Sinclair’s new unit offers these features and much more. The new bipod is lower, lighter (36 oz.), and easier to mount than the previous model. The new unit attaches via a captured pin system that works fast and can’t get lost. After engaging the pin, two adjusting knobs then clamp the fore-arm onto a felt-lined bracket for a secure fit. The bipod will accommodate up to 3″-wide forearms (and even 3 3/8″ without canting adjustment).
Adjusts for Height and Cant Angle
The new Sinclair bipod features a large rotating lever that allows you to adjust rifle cant angle easily. Vertical height adjusts from 5.5″ to 10.25″, and the leg heights are independently adjustable — an important feature when shooting on uneven ground.
The folks at Sinclair did their homework. This is a completely redesigned system that offers an easily-adjustable, highly stable platform in the field. The unit is well-built, with all the adjustments you want and need. Given the quality of the design and materials, we think it reamains a good value, though the price has gone up since this “second generation” Sinclair F-Class bipod was introduced last year.
January 25th, 2009
Barry O. (aka “TheBlueEyedBear”) of Montana is a long-term Forum member and “friend of the site”. Barry owns some pretty spectacular rifles, all built with premium components. His latest ‘Pride and Joy’ is a mighty impressive piece of field artillery. This is one serious “big boomer” chambered in the 338 Snipe-Tac® cartridge (based on 408 CheyTac®). The rifle was built by Dave Viers of Black Diamond Rifles (Viersco.com). Viers tell us: “The 338 Snipe-Tac® was developed in 2001 for extreme long-range hunting and target applications. The parent case is the 408 CheyTac® necked down and shoulder improved to 35 degrees. H2O capacity is a whopping 165 grains! For velocity, 140 grains of Hodgdon BMG-50 powder propels a 300gr Sierra MatchKing bullet to a average speed of 3300fps. Accuracy is half-MOA or less.”
Barry successfully took elk with this rifle this season. The .338 Snipe-Tac certainly offers more than enough “knock-down power” for any North Americcan game. Barry explains: “Success must have come from the gun — it could not have been the ‘Nut behind the trigger’. My elk load this season was a Henson 265gr aluminum-tipped bullet pushed by 140+ grains of US-869 powder. Muzzle Velocity was 3496 fps (recorded by my PVM-21). Muzzle Energy approached the ‘Mack Truck’ mark. The bullet impact at 424 yards destroyed the off shoulder of my elk.”
Gun Specifications:
Action: Lawton 8000 Action with Jewell HVRST trigger.
Barrel: 32″ Lawton chrome-moly, 1:11″ barrel with Viersco Muzzle Brake.
Stock: Manners carbon Tactical Stock with custom camo paint by Dave Viers.
For more info, contact David Viers, Viersco Mfg., 58896 – 866 Road, Allen, NE 68710, phone: 402-635-2333 or 712-266-5083 (cell).
January 23rd, 2009
We recently talked with Dave Kiff of Pacific Tool & Gauge (PT&G). Dave told us he has a number of new time-saving tools for gunsmiths, plus new bottom metal and bolt components for owners of Remington rifles..
Specialized Gunsmithing Tools in Stock
At the show, dave noted that PT&G currently has a variety of specialized cutting tools in inventory. Dave says the big new is is “Gen 2 Reamer”. This unique $287.00 tool will true the receiver face AND the internal lug recesses simultaneously. That will save a gunsmith time and effort. Dave offers other specialized cutters including:
– Threaded Receiver Mandrel for external engraving, outside truing etc. — $189.00
– Oversize Thread Reamer — $189.00
– Diamond-coated tap for Rem 700 – $189.00
 New Rem 700 Upgrades
Dave Kiff has collaborated with parts designer Kevin Wyatt to introduce some exciting new hardware for precision tactical, match, and hunting rifles. The new PT&G/Wyatt products will include custom bottom metal for the Rem 700, and a Win m70 claw-extractor modification for the Remington 700.
Initially, the Rem 700 bottom metal will be crafted from aluminum (steel versions will be offered soon). The bottom metal will use Wyatt’s detachable box magazines. The bottom metal fits a standard Remington footprint (though minor modifications may have to be made to the receiver). Both aluminum and solid steel versions should be available by late spring for $205.00 with one magazine, and extra mags are $54.00.
The Claw Extractor mod for the Rem 700 is a robust design that avoids some of the problems associated with a SAKO-style extractor in a Rem bolt. The Claw Extractor allows a “normal” ejection angle so you won’t bounce your brass off the windage knob of the scope. No receiver alterations are required, and Wyatt is working to provide controlled feeding in the final production version. The new Claw Extractor product, according to Dave Kiff, should be available by the end of 2009. Installation will require a gunsmith — this is not a do-it-yourself mod.
January 21st, 2009
Nightforce Benchrest and NXS scopes are very popular among our readers. The Nightforce 12-42×56 BR model is the scope of choice for top F-Class and 1000-yard shooters. It offers sharp glass, big-time magnification, precision parallax control (via a rotating front objective), plus a wide choice of reticles. The NXS offers these same qualities, but it uses a side-parallax adjustment. Many shooters building their first long-range rifle ask: “Which should I get–the Nightforce BR model or the NXS?” Nightforce Sales Manager Kyle Brown helps answer that question in the video below. Kyle explains the major (and minor) differences between the BR and NXS scope lines. You’ll find this video very informative.
CLICK HERE to download Nightforce Optics 2009 Catalog (Large 5mb .pdf file).
New First Focal Plane 3.5-15×50 F1 Scope
The new NXS 3.5-15×50 F1 was created at the request of U.S. military and other professional sharpshooters. They wanted a rugged scope that offers a choice of elevation/windage click values, plus a ranging reticle in the First Focal Plane (FFP). A reticle located in the first focal plane remains in the exact same ratio to the target across the scope’s entire magnification range. The FFP design (designated by “F1″) is optimal for rangefinding purposes, since the reticle’s markings remain consistent relative to target size at all magnification settings. The 3.5-15×50 F1 scope will be offered with three click-value options: 1/4 MOA, 0.1 Mil Radians, or 1.0 MOA elevation + 0.5 MOA windage clicks.
CLICK HERE to download NXS 3.5-15×50 F1 Scope Spec Sheet (.pdf file).
HOT NEWS: If you like the NXS 3.5-15×50 F1, take note that a Nightforce 5.5-22×56 FFP NXS is coming in the fall of 2009. Plus Kyle told us that the Nightforce Compacts and First Focal Plane scopes now have their scope bodies (main tubes) crafted in Idaho. So, you’ll notice that they are now stamped “Made in USA”.
New Ballistic-Compensating Reticles Offered for 2009
Nightforce will offer a variety of NEW ballistic reticles that provide “hold-over” hashmarks corresponding to the trajectories of popular hunting rounds. With these new christmas-tree style reticles, hunters and varminters can rapidly adjust to different ranges without cranking-in elevation with the top turret. The reticles also include horizontal hash marks corresponding to calculated wind drift in mph (not MOA or mils). There are three basic options, one each for low, medium, and high velocity cartridges. In addition, Nightforce may offer Horus ballistic-compensating reticles, and possibly the Holland ART reticle, later in the spring of 2009.
 New Ring-Top Bubble Level and Level/ADI
Nightforce has introduced the Top of Ring Bubble Level, a low-profile level built directly into the top half of a scope ring. This fits in place of the upper half of a Nightforce Ring (e.g. Unimount, Direct Mount, and Nightforce Mil-Spec). Like other anti-cant devices, the NF bubble level helps the shooter avoid canting his rifle left or right, which can throw off the shot significantly at long ranges. The level also helps ensure your reticle is plumb when mounting the scope.
The Top of Ring Bubble Level is available in three versions: 1) Ring Level alone; 2) Ring level with integrated mount for the Nightforce ADI (Angle Degree Indicator); 3) Ring level with mount plus ADI unit (complete system). You’ll want the ADI if you often have to make shots at steep angles. Calibrated in degrees, the ADI instantly gives the shooter the up or down angle for the shot. Plug that number into a ballistics calculator (or angle drop chart) and you’ve got your corrected drop for the true range to the target.
We definitely recommend an ADI for hunting, and for competition disciplines where up/down angle shots are required. The ADI is simple, robust, and requires no batteries. Mounting the ADI directly to the scope ring is the slickest installation yet for this useful device. This mounting set-up was a collaboration between Shawn Carlock (Defensive Edge), Ward Brian (Sniper Tools ACI), and Nightforce.
For more info, contact Nightforce Optics, Inc., 1040 Hazen Lane, Orofino, ID 83544, tel (208) 476-9814, or visit NightforceOptics.com
January 20th, 2009
Tom Manners of Manners Composite Stocks had a wide selection of stocks on display at SHOT Show. The Manners stocks, with carbon-fiber layup, are extremely durable and stiff. The fit and finish is excellent, better than you’ll find with most fiberglass stocks. The designs work really well when shot from bipod, making the Manners T-Series stocks (T, T1, T2, T3, T4, GAT, T50) ideal for tactical use. Jason reports: “These are extremely strong stocks. I really like the T 2/3/4 stocks. The T2 is my favorite. It features a McMillan A5-style front with an A3-style rear.”
New Low-Profile ‘Fish Belly’ F-Class Stock
Jason was impressed with the new Manners F-Class stock. Tom says: “The shell is 100% carbon fiber with a molded-in action and barrel area. This design features a very long, stiff fore-end. From the back of the action to the tip of the fore-end the stock measures 27″ long which is around 7 1/2″ longer than our T4 stock.” The idea is to provide a “longer wheelbase” to better balance the long, 30-32″ barrels favored by many F-Class competitors. The front half of the fore-end is very thin (from top to bottom) to achieve a low profile on the bags. Much thought has gone into controlling fore-end flex. Manners’ design achieves greater vertical rigidity (less deflection under load) through an innovative “fish belly” design. The rounded undersection, like a canoe hull, strengthens the fore-end considerably.
Rimfire Stock for Tactical Cross-Training
Tom also had on display a new stock set up for the SAKO Quad switch-barrel rifle. Finished in “digital camo”, this stock has the “fit and feel” of Manners’ T-Series centerfire stocks. This lets you maintain the shooting position of your centerfire tactical stock when you switch to the SAKO Quad rimfire for low-cost training sessions.
January 20th, 2009
Seekins Precision produces a wide variety of expertly-machined products such as scope rings, picatinny rails, and sling rails. Seekins products are priced competitively, but give up nothing in quality to some more expensive brands.
At SHOT 2009, Glen Seekins unveiled some cool, new products, including a new AR15 lower with many unique features. The Seekins SP223 lower features flutes on the magwell front face for improved grip, plus an enlarged triggerguard allowing use with gloves. The new lower takes standard milspec mags as well as MagPul P-Mags. It should be available in April 2009, with a price of about $350. Glen tells us that a Seekins AR upper design will follow “down the road.”
Seekins also announced new Remington 700 bottom metal. The Seekins R700 bottom metal assembly is made from 7075-T6 Aluminum allow — very tough stuff. The R700 is currently offered for .223 Rem, .308 (and other standard short action rounds), and .338 Lapua. A WSM version will be available soon. This bottom metal works with 5-round magazines, but Seekins will be offering 10-round .223 and .308 mags in the summer.
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