Posting on the F-Class Competition Shooting Facebook Group Page, F-TR competitor Tony H. said he was very impressed with the new JoyPod-X coaxial bipod made by SEB Rests. The upgraded JoyPod-X features an enhanced head unit and new rapid height adjustment for the legs. The new JoyPod-X is also offered now in a variety of colors: Blue (as shown), Red, Green, Purple, Black, and Bronze.
Click to Zoom Photo CLICK HEREto view larger side-view image.
Tony H. stated: “First match today [shot] with the brand new JoyPod-X. What a GREAT bipod — thank you Sebastian Lambang for the outstanding product! Also want to thank Ernie Bishop for the awesome service he provides! Even getting used to the new setup made made that 597-38X even sweeter!”
Leg Height Adjustment System
on New 2021 JoyPod-X
JoyPod-X designer Sebastian Lambang tells us: “Now height adjustment of the JoyPod-X can be much easier quicker and more precise. With a simple, adjustable brake and improved ratchet system. Thanks to Bob Bock for the design suggestions”.
Watch the video to see how this works. You can adjust each leg individually in seconds. You can do individual clicks up and down, with ratcheted steps. Or slide the entire leg unit rapidly up and down for gross elevation changes. So you have the choice of small, precise increments or big movements — whichever you want. This is very slick.
JoyPod-X Is Shipping Now
in Six Bright Colors
The new 2021 JoyPod-X has started shipping with the first units arriving in the USA in late May 2021 (as you can see). The new JoyPod-X is available in blue, red, green, purple, black, and bronze colors.
Everyone should have a heavy-duty, thick-walled steel gunsafe for their firearms and valuables. Ideally this should weigh 400+ pounds and offer fire protection for the contents. However, a gun owner may also want more rapid access to defensive arms and security items, in a different part of the home. That is where the “hidden in plain sight” concept comes into play.
Freedom Cabinet Holds Long Arms and Pistols — RFID Access
The unique Freedom Cabinet, shown above, is a patriotic, wall-mounted Stars & Stripes Flag-themed concealment unit. Available in Wood, Steel, or Carbon Fiber, each secure Freedom Cabinet features inlaid steel and Invisible RFID or Biometric locking systems. The Freedom Cabinet regularly costs $219.95 but is discounted to $179.96 this Memorial Day Week (with coupon code). Along with this flip-up Freedom cabinet, there is a “Slider” version regularly priced at $254.95, but now $196.76 (with code).
Get the 20% discounts this Memorial Day week with CODE “THANKYOU20″. Later, for Father’s Day week, save 20% with CODE “DAD20″
Tactical Walls Shelf Secure Storage Unit
TacticalWalls.com, producers of home security/concealment products, offers clever furniture item that hold defensive arms. We like the big model 1242 Top Locking Shelf. This will hold a long gun plus a pistol and other items, which can be accessed rapidly with magnetic keys. The foam-lined secret compartment measures 12″ Deep x 42″ Wide. Price starts at $455.00.
Tactical Walls also have a smaller model 825 Top Locking Shelf that holds two pistols and some small accessories. This model 82 has a 8″ x 25″ W foam-lined hidden compartment accessed by magnetic keys. The model 825 locking Shelf retails for $405.00 – $435.00, depending on wood choice.
Interested in PRS/NRL and other tactical disciplines, but don’t want to spend a fortune on optics? Vortex offers a new scope, the Vortex Venom 5-26x56mm FFP (First Focal Plane) optic with 5X zoom range. Offered with in both MOA and MIL versions, the new Venom ($699.99 MSRP) can be purchased right now for $499.99 “street price” from EuroOptic.com. Choose either the MOA model or MRAD version.
Vortex claims the new Venom allows new tactical shooter to “get into the game at an affordable price without compromising optical quality, or giving up the features they need to be competitive”. You get a 34mm main tube, 85 MOA elevation with 25 MOA per revolution for the MOA version, or 25 MRAD elevation and 10 MRAD per turn for the MIL version. For both models, the scope weighs 35 ounces and is 15.3″ long.
The Venom 5-25x56mm comes equipped with the advanced EBR-7C reticle in the first focal plane (see below). This reticle features a precise center dot with a “Christmas Tree” pyramid of ultra-fine sub-tensions and holdover dots to compensate for bullet drop and wind drift. The Venom 5-25x56mm also features Vortex’s RevStop zero-stop system, allowing the shooter to return to their original zeroing after making finely tuned adjustments in the field.
User Q & A about Vortex Riflescope Options
Q. What is the difference between the new Venom and the Vortex Strike Eagle?
Vortex: The main differences will be that the Strike Eagle has locking turrets, an illuminated reticle, and a slight step up optically compared to the Venom. This VIDEO should explain the differences pretty well: Venom vs. Strike Eagle vs. Diamondback.
Q: Optically what is the difference between the Venom and the Vortex PST Gen 2? Looks like they both use the same lens and different coating.
Vortex: The Viper PST Gen II will be a noticeable step up optically. It will have better clarity, resolution, and low-light performance when compared to the Venom.
Are you a High Power or F-Class marksman looking for official bullseye paper targets? Here are bulk sets of 25, 50 and 100 targets from Creedmoor Sports. All these can can be used for general practice, fun matches, or official sanctioned events. Choose the official 200-yard SR target with all scoring rings (X,10,9,8,7,6,5), priced at $49.95 for 50. For long-range practice, try the NRA Official 600-yard High Power Target ($58.95 for 25ct), or the Official “Full Face” MR-65 500-Yard F-Class Target ($31.95 for 50ct). Creedmoor also offers a variety of Repair Centers, including the 300-Yard SR-3C Target Repair Center ($34.95), or the 600-yard MR-1 Target Repair Center ($64.95). These target centers can be used on top of full targets, or by themselves for practice on smaller target frames.
Creedmoor Sports also offers match-grade spotter discs. These are used to mark shot locations. They are offered in three diameters: 1.5″, 3.0″, and 5.0″. In addition, you can purchase the spindles used with spotter discs along with orange Golf Tees also employed to mark shots. These are placed in the shot holes by pit workers.
Frankly for practice, we recommend a target cam, or ShotMarker system.
Q: What is the most popular gun book in the history of the planet?
A: That distinction goes to the Shooter’s Bible, which has sold over 7 MILLION copies since it was first published over 80 years ago.
Released in October 2020, the 112th Edition of this respected resource is bigger and better than ever. This latest Shooter’s Bible boasts 608 pages with 275 color photos and more than 1000 black-and-white photos. The new 112th Edition features many new firearms as well as new optics.
Published annually for more than eighty years, the Shooter’s Bible is one of the most comprehensive firearms reference guides in print. The publishers claim that “nearly every firearms manufacturer in the world” is included. The 112th Edition also contains new and/or enhanced sections on ammunition, optics, and accessories, along with updated handgun and rifle ballistic tables. There are also extensive charts of currently available hunting and match bullets for hand-loaders.
While many shooters are now using the internet to get reloading data and equipment specifications, the Shooter’s Bible remains a valuable resource with a great legacy. As one recent Shooter’s Bible purchaser explains: “While it’s true that much of the information contained in the Shooter’s Bible can be found on the Internet, there are many of us who would first rather relax in our easy chair and page through the book at our leisure. If you find an item that catches your fancy, you can then follow up by going to their Web site.”
Another buyer observed: “This latest edition is proof that, even with all the attacks on our 2nd Amendment right over the years, the industry has persevered and grown. I hope the day never comes when there will no longer be a reason to publish the Shooter’s Bible.”
Sample Page from Shooter’s Bible, 112th Edition
Here is a sample product description page from the Shooter’s Bible. Hundreds of firearms are listed with specifications and photos. Products from nearly all commercial gun makers on the planet are included.
More Great Gun Books From Shooter’s Bible Publishers
Here are three other books from the publishers of the Shooter’s Bible that you may want to add to your library: Guide to Cartridges; Gun Trader’s Guide; and Guide to Firearms Assembly, Disassembly & Cleaning. These are all available in softback print and Kindle (digital) editions:
If you need a heavy-duty, single-stage reloading press, definitely look at the MEC Marksman, a beefy black single-stage unit with many impressive features. MEC, noted for its shotshell reloading machines, now offers the cast-iron MEC Marksman press, offering many features we really like. First, the rugged, cast-iron frame is strong enough for the toughest reloading jobs. Second, the Marksman features an OPEN front — that smart design makes it easier to insert and remove cartridge cases. It also makes it much easier to place your bullets during the seating stage.
This open-front design makes good sense — note that Hornady’s LNL single-stage press also has an open-front layout. Importantly, the MEC Marksman has an innovative, self-centering shell-holder. This patented design should help hand-loaders reload more efficiently.
We were impressed when we first saw the MEC Marksman press. The Marksman combines a sturdy cast-iron frame with a smart, user-friendly open-front design. With a $255.00 MSRP it is more expensive than an RCBS Rock Chucker ($214.16 MSRP), but the MEC Marksman offers some distinct advantages — such as the open front plus the patented floating shell-holder system.
MEC Marksman Press Review by Ultimate Reloader
Our friend Gavin Gear got his hands on a MEC Marksman press and put it through its paces. He came away impressed with the product, saying it delivers excellent performance, and has many impressive features. Gavin tells us: “Cast iron tools and machines are a lifetime investment. The made-in-USA MEC Marksman features ductile cast-iron construction, an open-front frame design for easy cartridge access, a new floating shell-holder design with a unique retention system, and ambidextrous handle setup.”
Gavin liked the Marksman’s system for holding spent primers. A tray sits behind the ram to catch spent primers exiting from a hole near the bottom of the ram. This is more foolproof than the plastic primer cups on some other single-stage presses. Expect less spent primer “spillage”.
The Marksman is sold as a stand-alone unit. However MEC also offers a very nice steel mount/riser for the Marksman. Gavin tested the Marksman with this riser, and he says it was sturdy and well-built. Gavin liked the riser. He said that elevating the Markman press up above the benchtop made it easier to handle cases and to operate the handle. You also get extra left- and right-side die-holders.
Manufacturer’s Product description: The MEC Marksman® is made from ductile cast iron for superior quality and durability. Our patented shell holder self-centers each cartridge. The MEC Marksman® is compatible with all 7/8-14 thread dies to change calibers quickly. Reloading .22 Hornet to .416 Rigby can all be done with one convenient machine.
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.
1. Creedmoor Sports — Lapua Brass in Stock
⏺ Superb cartridge brass — very uniform, long-lasting
Creedmoor Sports has received a large shipment of long-lasting, high-quality Lapua cartridge brass. Many of the most popular types are available including .220 Russian (for PPC), 22-250, .223 Rem, 6mmBR, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5×47 Lapua, .260 Rem, 6.5-284, and .308 Winchester and more. Sorry, Creedmoor is sold out of the new .284 Win brass and the 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC. Creedmoor’s Lapua brass is selling fast, so stock up now while you can.
2. Bullet Central — BAT Bumblebee Aluminum and Steel Action
⏺ Ultimate lightweight action for precision hunters
Do you lust for a light-weight, ultra-accurate hunting rifle? Then consider the new BAT Bumblebee Action. Weighing just 23.8 oz (11.4 oz lighter than a BAT VR/TR), the Bumblebee features an aluminum body with Chrome-Moly steel internals. The weight is comparable to Titanium actions. BAT claims the Bumblebee is 31%-42% stiffer than light-weight steel actions and over 130% stiffer than round Titanium actions. The Bumblebee’s modular bolt allows low-cost bolt face changes for different cartridge types. The firing pin, bolt, and shroud are Melonited for smooth bolt movement and low maintenance. On top is a +20 MOA integral 20 MOA Picatinny rail. The Bumblebee is compatible with Rem 700-type bottom metal and magazines. This action is offered with a .308 Win Sized boltface or Magnum boltface for $1699.00.
3. Leupold — Get FREE Tripod with Spotting Scope
⏺ Order high-quality 80mm Leupold Spotter, get Pro Guide Tripod for FREE
Purchase any Leupold SX-5 Santiam HD Spotting Scope and receive a free Pro Guide Tripod Kit, a $399 value. This offer is valid for purchases made from May 3 through June 27, 2021. This 27-55x80mm spotting scope boasts outstanding sharp, HD glass with DiamondCoat2 lens coatings. Boasting great low-light performance, this spotter is also 100% waterproof and fogproof. The SX-5 Santiam HD is offered with either angled body or straight body for around $1799.00, including protective soft-case.
4. Brownells — KRG Bravo Chassis Rem 700, $329.99 with Code
⏺ Versatile internal frame stock for PRS or hunting — tan, black, or green
The Kinetic Research Group (KRG) Rem 700 Bravo Chassis is a good dual-purpose choice for PRS and hunting. This chassis features an internal aluminum frame with polymer exterior in Flat Dark Earth, Sako Green, or Black. The stock fits Rem 700 and Rem clone actions, accepts AICS-pattern mags, and is M-LOK compatible. The 2.9-lb KRG Bravo chassis features adjustable cheek riser and length-of-pull, built-in thumb shelf, plus quick-detach sling-swivel and bipod mounts. The KRG Bravo stock costs $349.99 at Brownells. You can also get $20 Off with Brownells code VSJ, lowering the net cost to $329.99.
5. Natchez — CCI 9mm FMJ Blazer Brass Handgun Ammunition
⏺ Quality 9mm pistol ammo — grab a 1000-ct case while you can
Good name-brand handgun ammunition is hard to find these days. But Natchez Shooters Supplies has scored a large quantity of CCI Blaser 115gr 9mm ammo. We’ve used CCI Blazer 9mm ammo and it proved accurate and reliable. NOTE: This ammo features conventional, reloadable brass cartridge cases (some other CCI ammo is non-reloadable). This ammo is shipped in a single large carton with 1000 rounds inside. Price is $549.00 for 1000, or $0.55 per round — a decent price these days.
6. Midsouth — Bulldog 54″ Long Range Rifle Case, $69.99
⏺ Good deal on excellent case for long rifles up to 52.5″
Highly rated by purchasers, the Bulldog Long Range Rifle Case fits rifles up to 52.5″ long. This premium 54″ soft case is on Sale Now for $69.99 at Midsouth, 18% off the regular $84.99 price. The Bulldog LR works great for long-barreled match rifles. This versatile case boasts a tough 600-dernier water-resistant outer shell, plus quilted inner lining with Velcro tie downs. There are two zippered center pockets plus an external zippered pocket at front. The main compartment zippers are lockable. Choose tan version as shown, or the 54″ Bulldog in black.
7. EuroOptic — Vortex Razor HD LH 1.5-8x32mm and 2-10x40mm
⏺ Very lightweight — 5X zoom range good for hunters
Here are two good optics for hunters. We like the Vortex Razor HD LH at $429.99, a bargain. With a 5.3X zoom ratio, you get a very wide field of view at 1.5X (Field of View is 72.2-13.2 ft @ 100 yards). Then, when you spot your prey, you can instantly zoom up to 8 power. This scope is compact (11″) and lightweight — just 13.2 ounces. If you want more magnification, choose the Razor HD LH 2-10x40mm for $449.99. (NOTE: This 2-10X scope is $599.00 on Amazon.) The 2-10X model has a bigger objective, and Field of View ranges from 56.2-10.8 ft @ 100 yards. Both of these fixed-parallax scopes have excellent HD glass with high light transmission.
8. Sportsman’s Warehouse — Henry AR-7 Rifle, $269.99
The Henry AR-7 Survival rifle is a unique rifle. Weighing just 3.5 pounds, this little semi-auto rimfire can perform pest-control duties for a farmer or rancher, or serve as a utility rifle carried in a truck or ATV. The cleverly-designed AR-7 is affordably priced, just $269.99 at Sportsman’s Warehouse. The Henry AR-7 breaks down for easy carry in a backpack or a vehicle. The barrel, receiver, and magazines all fit INSIDE the buttstock. That’s handy. And this little 3.5-pound rifle offers surprisingly good accuracy.
9. Amazon — Tipton Best Gun Vise, $84.99
⏺ Versatile, stable, works with all rifles, including ARs
When cleaning long guns, you need a secure, stable platform. We recommend the Tipton Best Gun Vise, now $84.99 on Amazon. This vise was designed to accommodate the widest possible array of firearms for cleaning, maintenance, or gunsmithing. This vise is easily configurable to handle bolt-action rifles, break-open shotguns, AR-15s, and handguns. You can also purchase the Best Gun Vise for $89.99 at Midsouth. NOTE: Midsouth also sells the Tipton basic gun vise for just $39.99. That is lighter and still works well.
9. Amazon — 12″ x 12″ Splatter Grid Targets, 10 for $10.99
⏺ Popular Grid Target — easy to estimate group size
This 12″x12″ Splatterburst Target combines splatter shot marking with a grid background, with five aiming points. The bright neon shot circles make it easy to see your shots. And the handy grid lets you quickly estimate your group size. Get a 10-pack for $10.99, or a 25-pack for $18.99 (better deal). This particular target has earned rave reviews — 87% of verified buyers gave this a FIVE-Star rating. One example: “Excellent quality and durability. The adhesive is really strong and the splatter contrast is [great].”
Meet the new T-Rex front rest from Rodzilla. In the world of front rests there have been many innovations over the past decade, but this new front rest from Rodzilla really represents significant innovation. The new T-Rex offers impressive capabilities that can truly take your shooting experience to the next level.
At first glance the new T-Rex may resemble some other coaxial front rests. The T-Rex has a joystick, three points of ground contact, and a platform for the rifle. But look closer and you’ll see this isn’t your typical rest. Designer/builder Rod Brakhage (the Rod in Rodzilla) has started from the ground up to create the most user-friendly, match-ready, modular front rest on the market. The new T-Rex is already in high demand, but currently Rodzilla has been fulfilling orders in about 8 weeks. T-Rex MSRP ranges from $1895.00 to $2305.00 depending on options.
The T-Rex weighs just over 21 pounds — about the same as many mid-sized rests. However the T-Rex has a large footprint, rivaling the largest rests on the market. Rod tells us: “The T-Rex has a similar footprint to the SEB MAX… 12.5″ wide X 11.25″ front to back. However, at just over 21 lbs. my rest weighs less than a SEB NEO.” This combination (wide base with moderate weight) allows for an incredibly stable platform that is still quite portable.
Rugged Carry Case Makes Transport Easy
Rodzilla delivers the T-Rex in a custom-designed hard carry case that fits it perfectly and still has room for additional feet and accessories. This sturdy case makes taking the T-Rex to matches easy. The case is strong enough that I can stack things on top of it in my truck. One side note, if you plan on storing your rest in the case between matches, it’s wise to put a desiccant pack in the case to absorb moisture.
The T-Rex boasts an adjustable joystick that extends from 15.5″ to 21″ in length. With this adjustability, no matter what your stock length or design, you can find a comfortable position without having to stretch uncomfortably. And you won’t have to shop for a joystick extension.
Using the T-Rex is a pure pleasure when shooting prone F-Class or from the bench. That’s because of its revolutionary ability to make large vertical adjustments without getting out of position. This is accomplished with a detachable arm/handle you can actuate while behind the gun. (This is the long T-handle on the right side of the rest).
The simplest way to show why this is a game changer is to consider when you’ve just left the 800-yard line during a match. You head up to the 900-yard line, get all set up, the range officer calls a hot line and suddenly realize you didn’t adjust your elevation for the new yardage. Normally you’d have to turn your scope dials then get up from your position to adjust your front rest, or at best stretch uncomfortably in hopes of reaching your rest adjustments. With the T-Rex, you simply turn the right-side gross elevation handle while still in position, move to your new hold point, and begin firing.
This same principal applies to other situations that require adjusting vertical without breaking your shooting position. All of this is accomplished in conjunction with an incredibly sensitive, yet easy-to-adjust counterbalance system. Once set, the counterbalance ensures that smooth and fluid motion occurs in any direction without any resistance or fear of backlash that might affect your shots.
Very Wide Horizontal Range is Useful in Matches
When it comes to looking downrange, the T-Rex can deliver nearly twice the range of horizontal motion as that of some other rests. (In high ratio mode, there is about 70 MOA of horizontal travel.) This means you can quickly scan a wide expanse of targets/flags without having to change magnification or go to your spotting scope. The huge field of view is a great help when shooting in a condition that is switching and you want to view targets on either side.
Rodzilla offers a number of options for the T-Rex. The first choice is the top. Select the Rodzilla 5-Axis roller top or the new 5-Axis IBS-legal sandbag top. Or, if your budget permits, you can order both — they are easily interchangeable in minutes. The video below shows the easy top-swap procedure:
This video explains how to exchange tops on the Rodzilla T-Rex
5-Axis Top Advantages
Rod Brakhage tells us: “This innovative new 5-Axis top rotates independently of the base plate so no matter how the rest is set on the line you only need to move your rear bag to pan across the row of targets with no binding of the rifle. Also, the sides of the rifle run against vertical Delrin rollers.”
Color Choices for Rodzilla T-Rex Base
In addition to the choice of tops, there are four (4) standard colors on the website, but for an additional fee you can have it made in just about any color you want, which is pretty cool.
Choose Standard Feet, Sand Feet, or Both
When you order a T-Rex, you can choose standard bench feet or large, gorgeous sand/dirt feet. Or order them both, as I did. I use the bench feet at my regular club where I shoot from wood and concrete platforms, but the sand feet are great for matches held on dirt, gravel, sand, or grass. These sand feet provide an incredibly stable platform on the ground.
Linear Bearings Allow Ultra-Smooth and Precise Adjustments
Rodzilla’s Rod Brakhage is a smart, innovative designer committed to improving the shooter’s experience. One of Rod’s key innovations in the T-Rex is the use of linear ball bearings for both X and Y axis: “The horizontal/vertical assembly, or X-Y block, moves on 6 double-sealed ball bearings that travel on hardened shafts for effortless movement”.* This system delivers a smooth, fluidity of movement that lets you aim quickly and efficiently. Gone are the days of having to move PAST your aim point and then come back (to get the aim right), or resetting your joystick position after every shot. With the T-Rex, you make one smooth, precise move and your aim is set. And it stays set after the shot.
The T-Rex allows you to position your crosshairs with pinpoint precision every time and if you need to move them just a hair, you can do it with ease. In F-Class, we often hold between the target’s scoring lines to correct for wind variations (without touching the scope’s windage knob). With the T-Rex, I could make those holds quickly and precisely without wasting time bouncing back and forth.
Overall, I’ve come to really enjoy the repeatable confidence the T-Rex has given me whether I’m doing load development, practicing at the range, or shooting a match. So, if you’re in the market for a superb front rest that just might give you an edge or, at minimum, make your life easier, head over to TheRodzilla.com and learn all about the impressive, new T-Rex Front Rest.
* Rod Brakhage explains: “The bridge travels up and down on double-sealed ball bearings on 1” hardened shafts. My design utilizes a rack and pinion with an 18″-long drive shaft for adjusting the height of the bridge. This system allows you to stay in shooting position and looking through the scope while adjusting the vertical placement of your crosshairs. Precisely dial your vertical to the center of your target with the joy stick at the exact height you prefer. A 1/4 MOA movement is very easy to accomplish with this design. Also, there is no need to lock the bridge as there is an adjustable clutch to hold the vertical position. The long drive shaft utilizes a scalloped hand wheel on the shooters side and a quick coupling adapter on the rest side. Once adjusted you merely pull back on the drive shaft and remove it or just set it on your shooting mat out of the way. The geared rack and pinion can be placed on the right for right-handed shooters or on the left.”
Rimfire tactical matches, the NRL22 series in particular, draw more shooters than all centerfire PRS and NRL matches combined. It’s not surprising when you think about it — with rimfire PRS/NRL you still get the fun of tactical stages and hitting steel. But that all comes with a much lower overall cost. You can definitely win matches with an affordable rimfire rifle, and .22 LR ammo is a fraction of the cost of centerfire ammunition. Plus, the rimfire barrel can last for tens of thousands of rounds. By contrast a centerfire barrel can lose competitive accuracy after just a couple thousand rounds.
Seeing the rapid growth of the tactical rimfire game, Volquartsen now offers a semi-auto .22 LR in an MDT modular stock — the new VF-ORYX rifle. This rig, priced at $1944.00, features a CNC-machined stainless steel receiver with integral +20 MOA rail. The CNC-machined bolt includes a titanium firing pin and tuned extractor for improved function. The VF-ORYZ features a TG2000 trigger with a crisp 2.25-pound break.
The 20.5″ (1:16″ twist) fluted, free-floated barrel is threaded into the action just like on a centerfire rifle. This improves barrel rigidity and accuracy.
This rifle is also available as the VF-ORYX-S model, delivered with Zeiss Conquest V4 6-24x50mm scope with rings. MSRP is $3269.00.
MDT ORYX Aluminum Modular Chassis
The VF-ORYX features an ORYX Chassis from MDT. This chassis has earned high marks and is well-suited for practical/tactical competition. This integrated aircraft-grade aluminum chassis and buttstock are designed to improve the consistency and accuracy of your rifle. The chassis features a contoured fore-end, adjustable cheek riser, and overmolded pistol. Spacers in the buttpad permit adjustable LOP.
Here are two video reviews of the ORYX Chassis Systems for centerfire rifles. MDT’s rimfire ORYX chassis is essentially identical, but just configured for Volquartsen’s semi-auto rimfire action.
When is a single-stage reloading press worth close to a thousand bucks? When it’s made in Germany with CNC technology and crafted to aero-space precision standards. UltimateReloader.com’s Gavin Gear recently got his hands on a Turban 120mm Heavy Präzipress. This unit retails for about 715 Euros (714,27 €), which is $858.88 U.S. Dollars at current exchange rates*. Gavin put the Präzipress through its paces, and came away VERY impressed. READ FULL REVIEW HERE.
Impressive Test Results
Sizing once-fired 6.5mm Creedmoor cases with the Präzipress, Gavin achieved great results for shoulder “bump” consistency. The sizing results were nothing short of spectacular. After zeroing the first of ten cases, the remaining nine were essentially identical, showing as “0.000”, meaning less than half a thousandth of variation.
The Präzipress also delivered ultra-low run-out when seating bullets using a Forster die. On all ten test cases, the run-out was +/- 0.001″ (one-thousandth) or less.
Is this kind of press worth the money? Gavin says “yes” if you demand the highest level of precision in sizing and seating: “When you use this press, it’s immediately clear that there are no details neglected, and I can’t imagine one of these presses ever wearing out. Based on the precision tests I did with ammunition loading, it’s clear that this level of precision DOES make a difference for ammunition dimensions and consistency.”
According to Gavin, the “Heavy” 120mm version of the Präzipress is massive and boasts many notable design features:
— Three guide rods with linear roller guides (I have not seen these on any other press)
— Ambidextrous operation (handle can be mounted on left or right side)
— Positive snap shellholder retainer (secure, but easy to insert/remove shellholder)
— 120mm opening accepts cartridges up to .408 CheyTac Size length
— Enclosed spent primer catch system which contains debris
— Optimized leverage (VERY powerful mechanical advantage for sizing)
— Oversized handle (bar diameter) that minimizes flex
There are now three (3) triple-column Präzipress sizes. Along with the 120 model press featured above, there are even larger 140 and 150 models:
* Stated price does NOT include shipping to USA and other fees. The Turban-shop.de website states: “In the case of delivering to a non-EU country, there can be charged extra tolls, taxes, and fees. Packaging costs will be charged separately.”
If you need a heavy-duty, single-stage reloading press, definitely look at the MEC Marksman, a beefy black single-stage unit with many impressive features. MEC, noted for its shotshell reloading machines, now offers the cast-iron 
Impressive Test Results
