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November 13th, 2020

.22 LR Smallbore F-Class — We Expect This Sport to Grow

Camp Wa-Ke-De indiana 2018 smallbore F-Class Jim Murphy
Anschutz .22 LR rifle set up for F-Class competition. Photo courtesy Sportschieben Blog.

Here’s a relatively new discipline we think will grow in years ahead — Smallbore F-Class with .22 LR rimfire rifles. Rest-supported prone rimfire matches have been held around the world for quite some time, but only a few years ago was the discipline officially codified in the NRA Smallbore Rulebook. And the first-ever Smallbore F-Class National Championship was held in July 2018 in conjunction with the Smallbore Nationals at Camp Wa-Ke’-De in Bristol, Indiana. The Nationals involved multiple days of prone shooting at 50 meters and 100 yards.*

Jim Murphy, a respected centerfire shooter and coach, became America’s very first Smallbore F-Class National Champion, shooting an impressive 2374-146X score in 2018. Fourteen points behind, but with the same X-Count, was runner-up David Pessall (2360-146X). Jess Huehn finished third with 2358-137X.

Camp Wa-Ke-De indiana 2018 smallbore F-Class Jim Murphy
National Championship photo from Shooting Sports USA.

Competitors could either shoot F-TR style with a bipod, or use a front rest. In this photo from the inaugural NRA National Championship you can see a shooter with SEB Coaxial Rest at top, with a competitor using a low-profile bipod at bottom. Note the extended handle used to adjust bipod elevation. This is not a coaxial joystick, but rather a long handle attached to the mariner wheel.

For more information read Hap Rocketto’s Shooting Sports USA Smallbore F-Class Report.

Smallbore F-Class — The Future Looks Bright
With the high cost of centerfire ammunition, and the limited number of 1000-yard (or even 600-yard) ranges, we can envision that Rimfire F-Class will become a popular event at ranges across the country. Clubs don’t even need benches — just a 100-yard target bay and flat ground for the shooters. You can start with an inexpensive rimfire rig and Harris bipod. Then work up from there. Here is a custom rimfire F-TR style rig that belongs to F-Class ace and past centerfire F-TR National Champion James Crofts.

Camp Wa-Ke-De indiana 2018 smallbore F-Class Jim Murphy

And Vudoo Gun Works has a new .22 LR Single Shot Target Rifle that should prove ideal for rimfire F-Class. It features the new V22-S single-shot action, McMillan stock, and Flavio Fare BR-VS trigger.

Camp Wa-Ke-De indiana 2018 smallbore F-Class Jim Murphy

Smallbore F-Class Course of Fire
The Smallbore F-Class Nationals was completed on paper targets at 50 yards and 100 yards. According to Shooting Sports USA: “The tournament ran during the any sight and metric phases of the 2018 NRA National Smallbore Rifle Championships, featuring a daily course of fire which mirrored the sling shooters, 40 shots at 50 meters on the A-50 target, a Metric Dewar, followed by 40 shots at 100 yards on the A-33 target. Although the international targets were shot throughout, the first two days were titled ‘conventional’ and the last two ‘metric’.”

The specifics of the match such as rifle requirements, rests, and sights may be found in the Provisional Smallbore Rifle F-Class Rules (Section 23), found on page 65 of the current NRA Smallbore Rifle rulebook. Any rules not covered in Section 23 will [reference] the normal rules of Sections 1 through 22.

* All ‘short range’ F-Class was shot at 50 meters on the A-50, the 50 meter International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) target. All ‘long range’ stages were shot at 100 yards using the NRA A-33 target, the ISSF 300-meter target reduced to 100 yards.

Permalink Competition, New Product, News No Comments »
November 10th, 2020

New Single-Shot Actions & Target Rifles from Vudoo Gun Works

vudoo gunworks V22-S single shot action benchrest f-class rifle smallbore

Here’s big news for .22 LR rimfire benchrest competitors and smallbore F-Class shooters. Vudoo Gun Works is now offering precision single-shot rimfire actions, and complete Benchrest/F-Class style target rifles. Vudoo will be selling the new V-22S Single Shot Action, the Vudoo/Flavio Fare BR-VS 0.7-2.8 oz. trigger, and complete single-shot target rifles with benchrest and F-Class-style modern low-profile stocks. With a Rem 700 footprint, the V22-S action can also be used for smallbore silhouette and prone rigs. That’s good news for .22 LR competitors in many disciplines.

About The Vudoo V-22S Single-Shot Action
The all-new V-22S action was designed for optimal function in single-shot applications. The action has a three-lug bolt, six o’clock ignition, and the bolt can be dis-assembled without tools. Vudoo claims the action’s 60-degree bolt lift is “the smoothest and lightest of any three-lug [rimfire] design on the market”. The V-22S will be offered in various configurations: right bolt/right port, right bolt/left port, left bolt/left port and left bolt/right port. There is an integral 11mm dovetail mount and optional 0, 20, 30, or 40-MOA Picatinny rails. Another first for this type of action is a complete color-coded mainspring kit with mainsprings ranging from 13 to 18-pound force. The action is currently priced at $1405.00 MSRP.

Vudoo Gun Works V-22S Action Features
Rem 700 Short Action Footprint
Rem 700 Pinned Trigger Interface
Three Lug, 60-Degree Bolt Throw
Six O’Clock Ignition — Vertical Sear Fire Control
Tool-less Bolt Assembly/Disassembly
Color-Coded Mainspring Kit (13-18 lbs.)
Integral 11mm Dovetail Mount
Picatinny Rail 0, 20, 30 or 40 MOA

vudoo gunworks V22-S single shot action benchrest f-class rifle smallbore

Trigger Options — Flavio Fare BR-VS or your Choice of Rem-Compatible Triggers
A newly-designed fire control system yields precise, consistent ignition thanks to the Vudoo/Flavio Fare BR-VS Trigger. Vudoo Gun Works teamed up with Flavio Fare to co-develop a trigger for the new fire control system. The BR-VS Trigger adjusts from .7 to 2.8 ounces with heavier pull weight ranges coming soon. [Editor: We have talked to folks who have tried this new trigger and they say it is outstanding.] If you prefer a different trigger, a 60-degree cocking piece will be available as an option.

vudoo gunworks V22-S single shot action benchrest f-class rifle smallbore

Complete Rifles Starting at $2800.00
Vudoo Gun Works will offer complete single-shot target rifles with three different match stocks: McMillan Kestros, McMillan Edge, Grayboe Renegade SS. These rifles will be fitted with the new BR-VS trigger, or other trigger of your choice. Complete rifle price ranges from $2800 to $3450 depending on options.

vudoo gunworks V22-S single shot action benchrest f-class rifle smallbore

vudoo gunworks V22-S single shot action benchrest f-class rifle smallbore

vudoo gunworks V22-S single shot action benchrest f-class rifle smallboreVudoo Designer Talks about V22-S Action
Mike Bush, Design Engineer and Co-Founder of Vudoo Gun Works told us: “The V-22S is a ground-up Gen 3 design, which is where the tool-less bolt assembly/disassembly started. We rolled this design backwards into what are our current Gen 2 Repeater actions and we couldn’t wait to get the new Single-Shot out and in the hands of competitors, target shooters and those with a general passion for rimfire”.

Mike says the design really works: “I’ve not seen a system that offers better concentric alignment, repeatability and smoothness of operation… add to this, the six o’clock ignition and our new Vudoo/Flavio Trigger, and I think you’re going to see big differences downrange.”

More Details about the V22-S Action
Some folks have asked whether Vudoo’s new action is devived from the Remington 40X rimfire action. Vudoo states: “The V22-S departs from the 40X in that the 40X was a full size center fire receiver converted to handle the diminutive .22LR cartridge. The V-22 has been designed from the ground up as a true-to-scale Rimfire receiver that fits the Rem 700 footprint. The V-22 has a very unique control-round-feed protocol. The bolt has full capture control of the cartridge from the time it leaves the magazine until it ejects the spent round out the ejection port. [So] the cartridge is controlled in a way that it never touches anything on its entrance into the bore. There is no feed ramp, nor does the projectile go in at an angle that would damage it in any way. We all know how susceptible the soft lead of the .22 LR is to accuracy degrading damage and minor nicks during the chambering process. It is eliminated in the V-22’s geometry.”

Permalink Competition, Gear Review, Gunsmithing, New Product, News No Comments »
October 30th, 2020

Lapua 6.5 PRC, .284 Win, .300 PRC, & .300 Win Mag Brass in 2021

Lapua new cartridge brass 20201 PRC .284 win Winchester .300 Win Mag

Big news for F-Open competitors, long-range tactical shooters, and big game hunters — Lapua will offer four (4) new types of ultra-premium cartridge brass in the spring of 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.

Lapua new cartridge brass 20201 PRC .284 win Winchester .300 Win Mag

Here Is Product Information from the Lapua.com website:

The 6.5 PRC Case
The 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC) was originally designed for long-range hunting, but it has also been popular for long-range precision shooting. The 6.5 PRC’s case capacity enables velocities up to 262 FPS (80 m/s) faster than the 6.5 Creedmoor or 6.5×55 SE. By design, the cartridge features a long neck enabling the use of today’s popular, high-BC projectiles. The 6.5 PRC case works well with relatively slow burning powders. It is a great choice for heavy bullets (up to 150+ grains) with excellent retained energy and terminal performance.

The .300 PRC Case
The .300 PRC was designed for long range shooting with heavy, high-BC bullets. Its superior ballistics and modern, beltless case design with modern long, high-BC .30-caliber bullets . With its ability to load heavier bullets, the .300 PRC can out-perform the .300 Winchester Magnum and many other .30-Cal Magnums. The .300 PRC is also an excellent choice for long distance hunting of mid-to-large sized game, pushing bullet weights exceeding 15.8 g / 245 grains.

The .284 Winchester Case
The .284 Winchester and “Improved” variants such as the .284 Shehane, have dominated F-Open competition for many years. From time to time a Big .30 will win a major match, but most top competitors are running the .284 Win or some improved .284. Now top shooters, including the members of the Lapua-sponsored U.S. Rifle Team, will have great Lapua brass without having to neck-up 6.5-285 cases. The .284 Winchester’s rebated rim design enables a large powder column, yet easily functions through medium-length actions making it desirable for custom rifles. With its accuracy and good velocity with heavy bullets the .284 Win is also a great hunting cartridge.

.284 Winchester Jerry Tierney
Jerry Tierney, who sadly passed away in 2015, pioneered the .284 Winchester in F-Open competition, which was previously dominated by the 6.5-284. The original “straight .284″ offers superb accuracy plus much better barrel life than its 6.5mm little brother.

The .300 Winchester Magnum Case
The .300 Winchester Magnum has been a staple within the firearms industry, widely used by hunters, target shooters, military, and law enforcement agencies since its development in the early 60s. It is still used for competitive target shooting, hunting, and Mil/LE snipers. It delivers excellent long-range performance with a wide range of bullet weights from 165 to 230 grains and more. Lapua’s .300 Win Mag case will be a great addition to Lapua line given the huge selection of bullets available for this caliber. And there is a great choice of factory hunting rifles chambered for the .300 Win Mag.

Permalink Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Competition, New Product, News 1 Comment »
October 28th, 2020

Advanced New Area 419 ZERO 9-Station Turret Press

Area 419 Zero reloading turret 10 station reloading press ultimatereloader review gavin gear

Area 419 has just introduced the all-new ZERO reloading press, a 9-station turret press with some very unique features. This press was designed to be the most precise turret ever created. As tested by Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com, the new ZERO turret press delivered very impressive shoulder-bump consistency and ultra-low seated bullet run-out (about +/- 0.0005″). The numbers were as good as you can get from a quality single-stage press, so Area 419 did some impressive engineering. We would expect that, as this is an expensive product — MSRP is $1200.00. SEE FULL REVIEW on UltimateReloader.com.

The ZERO turret press lets you install up to nine (9) different reloading dies in the large top turret, which revolves around a central axis. But unlike most turret presses, the ZERO doesn’t have flex or wobble when you’re loading. This is because Area 419 includes a clever system for locking the turret in position after you’ve selected the die from your array. Area 419 also uses a unique system for securing shell-holders (see video at 12:00). This, likewise, adds to the precision of the press.

In the video above, you can see how the turret is secured with a “wedge clamp”. By loosening the wedge clamp you can index the press easily to any station. Then, when you have selected your die, you tighten the wedge clamp again. You can see this important procedure at 13:20 – 13:35 timemark in the video.

Area 419 Zero reloading turret 10 station reloading press ultimatereloader review gavin gear

ZERO Turret Press Has Very Smooth Operation
Gavin observed that this ZERO turret is both smooth and very precise, thanks to smart engineering and the use of multiple bearings. Area 419 describes the design features:

— Turret (zero-slop) eliminates variability induced when removing and resetting dies
— The turret head holds nine 7/8×14-threaded dies (1-1/4 thread in future)
— Available ram-stroke here is 4.4″, allowing use of very tall cartridge types.
— Adjustable/interchangeable handle setup for maximizing leverage/feel based on operation
— Internally contained primer-catch system, slide-out drawer

Important Features of ZERO Turret Press

Area 419 Zero reloading turret 10 station reloading press ultimatereloader review gavin gear

1. Press frame: 6061 Aluminum, clear anodized
2. Wedge clamp (locks turret into indexed position)
3. Turret (7075 aluminum and steel construction)
4. Adjustable handle with roller knob (set either left- or right-handed operation)
5. Bearings: Ball bearing plus roller thrust bearings for side plates
6. Ram riding in self-lubricated linear bearing
7. Spent primer catcher drawer

Milled from American billet aluminum and stainless steel, this press employs 14 bearings, including a self-lubricating linear sleeve bearing for the precision-ground 1.25″ ram. The linkage system also glides on bearings providing smooth operation with near-ZERO slop. The oversized ram features a 0.75″-diameter steel arm and ZERO-friction knob. The turret system is located with an oversized ball-detent system and secured using an over-sized, custom-made ZERO-point pull-stud. Locking the turret after indexing require only a half-turn of the supplied T-handle (see photo above). When indexing the turret, repeatability variance of the system should be less than .0005″.

The opening in the press will allow for sizing and seating of cases up to.338 Lapua Magnum, and will accept standard 7/8″ dies and standard shellholders. NOTE: Area 419 will be making and selling shellholders specifically fit to the system later in 2020.

SUMMARY — Impressive Press Delivers Precise Results
Gavin Gear was very impressed with Area 419’s new Zero Press, which he said offers the precision of a quality single-stage with the versatility of a turret: “There will always be people that prefer a traditional single-stage. Where the ZERO will be compelling is to those who want the precision of a single-stage without the need to screw dies in and out. Leaving your dies set can have benefits for precision as well — everything comes back to the ‘same place’ when dies are indexed into position. Screwing dies in and out can impose variation, and variation is the enemy of the ‘white lab coat shooter’. I plan on testing the ZERO press with ultra-high-end dies, and custom dies that I ream to my own specifications. I’m thinking that will show the true potential of this press!”

Area 419 ZERO Press Video with Operation Instructions

Permalink - Videos, Bullets, Brass, Ammo, Gear Review, New Product, Reloading 3 Comments »
October 26th, 2020

America’s Best-Selling New Bolt-Action and Semi-Auto Rifles

Best selling rifles gunbroker gun genius chart

What are the top-selling new rifles in the USA? You might be surprised — there are no Remingtons among the Top 5 bolt guns. In the bolt-action category, Ruger has the three top spots, followed by a Howa 1500 and a Savage 110. But as you might expect, various AR-15 type guns fill three of the Top 5 semi-auto rifle spots, with the venerable Ruger 10/22 still being the third best-selling self-loading rifle.

Shopping for a rifle? Your buying decision may be simplified by seeing what other consumers have chosen, as revealed by nationwide sales trends. You can now check firearms sales figures using “Gun Genius”, a data-crunching service of Gunbroker.com. On GunGenius.com you can select any type of firearm (handgun, rifle, shotgun)* and see the top sellers for that category. Here are the top-selling NEW bolt-action rifles and semi-auto rifles. On the Gun Genius site you’ll find links for gun specifications. There are separate listings for used rifles.

Here are the FIVE top-selling NEW bolt-action rifles for September 2020:

Best selling rifles gunbroker gun genius chart

Here are the FIVE top-selling NEW semi-auto rifles for September 2020:

Best selling rifles gunbroker gun genius chart

Get Sales Rankings for Other Categories of Firearms
On GunGenius.com, in addition to the categories above, you can chose lever-action rifles, single-shot rifles, semi-auto pistols, revolvers, semi-auto shotguns, pump shotguns, and more. You can also filter for sales trends (upwards and downwards). Drill down to see detailed product specifications and current prices.

Permalink Gear Review, New Product No Comments »
October 26th, 2020

See Bullet Holes at 500+ with White Background Splatter Targets

shoot-n-c sight-in-target white black halo

Do you have trouble seeing your bullet holes (on paper) when shooting past 400 yards? That’s a common issue even with premium ($1600+) high-magnification scopes. Here’s a target that solves that problem. A hit creates a larger black circle that’s much more visible than a plain bullet hole, making this target ideal for use at longer range (500 yards and beyond).

The 12″ square Birchwood Casey white background Sight-In Target displays a black “halo” around each hit (like the yellow circle on a conventional Shoot-N-C). Larger than bullet diameter, the “halos” can be easily seen with a high-magnification scope at long range (see video below). The self-adhesive target features four diamonds with contrasting red box centers. For precise aiming, you can position your cross-hairs to align with the corners of the boxes. Or, you can put a target dot sticker in the middle.

This video shows Black Shot Halos on white background:

White splatter targetWhile we envision using this target with optics at long range, Birchwood Casey says that open sights show up well against the white background, making these targets well-suited for indoor ranges or use in low light conditions.

This white background grid target has five aiming points and a 1-inch grid overlay for quick and easy sight adjustments. It comes with target pasters that allow shooters to cover up bullet holes and continue using the target for added value. The White/Black Shoot-N-C 12″ Sight-In Targets come in 5-packs with 75 target pasters for $8.99 from MidwayUSA or $8.09 on Amazon. If you prefer circle targets, there is a larger 17.5″ Shoot-N-C target with one large bull with red diamond center (photo right).

High-Viz Option — Yellow on Black Grid with Yellow Halos

If you prefer seeing ultra-high-contrast yellow/green “halos” for your hits, Birchwood Casey also makes adhesive grid targets with five yellow-edged diamonds. Red circles provide precise aiming points in the middle of each box. You can quickly estimate group size or dial-in your zero using the hi-viz yellow 1″ grid lines. These yellow-on-black targets are available in three sizes: 8″ square, 12″ square, and 17.5″ square. These yellow-on-black grid targets start at $4.89 for an 8″ six-pack.

shoot-n-c sight-in-target white black halo

Permalink Gear Review, New Product, Shooting Skills 1 Comment »
October 23rd, 2020

Two Big Outdoor Shows Canceled & SHOT Show 2021 Uncertain

Cancellation cancel Safari Club Great American Outdoor Show Las Vegas NRA

This week two major outdoor trade shows slated for early 2021 were canceled: Great American Outdoor Show in Pennsylvania, and the Safari Club International Show in Las Vegas. And the PGA recently cancelled the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, the largest event in the golf industry. The big question is whether SHOT Show 2021 will go forward in Las Vegas in January 2021. The biggest guns/hunting trade show on the planet, SHOT Show is a major Las Vegas event, attracting over 60,000 attendees in recent years. But the signs are not promising for SHOT Show — more on that below.

CANCELED 2021 Outdoor Trade Shows

Safari Club International Convention (Original Dates: February 3-6, 2021)
NRA Great American Outdoor Show 2021 (Original Dates: February 6-14, 2021)

SHOT Show 2021 Doubtful without Nevada State Policy Changes
Given Nevada state governmental restrictions on capacity of large gatherings, it appears that SHOT Show 2021 could not go forward, at least not as currently planned. IF (and that’s a big IF), Nevada relaxes its current health/safety rules on trade show health/safety, then SHOT Show might go forward, but with new precautions in effect.

The Shooting Wire analyzed the prospects for SHOT Show 2021, and suggested that the event would probably NOT go forward unless health regulations are changed/relaxed by order of the Nevada Governor. And any such changes are not likely to be announced before the November election. Here is part of The Shooting Wire’s SHOT Show Commentary:

The restrictions in Nevada right now would make SHOT impossible. The current 250/1,000 maximum occupancy regulations wouldn’t adequately staff the booths in a single exhibit hall, much less the three major halls and assorted ballrooms of SHOT Show. But there’s still a chance that Nevada Governor Sisolak will relax the restrictions. And Las Vegas hospitality and trade events officials have done their best to convince him it is possible to have a trade show under the same [50% Capacity] regulations applied to casinos, restaurants and bars in Las Vegas.

If SHOT was allowed to operate at [even] 37.5% of capacity, it could still accommodate 50,000 people. [But action from the Governor would be required first.]

Which begs the question: is there a drop-dead date on a final decision about SHOT? Governor Sisolak’s office says there will be an update for indoor parameters in November. The NSSF says “at that time we’ll evaluate whether those parameters will allow us to move forward with SHOT Show.” While we’re all waiting, preparations continue….

If you have registered for SHOT Show 2021, you should read the full Shooting Wire SHOT Show Story.

Safari Club International Statement of Convention Cancellation:

After much contemplation and exhaustive effort, Safari Club International (SCI) has made the difficult decision to cancel its 2021 Hunters’ Convention. COVID-19-related restrictions imposed by the state of Nevada and city of Las Vegas to ensure a safe event environment during the ongoing pandemic has made it impossible to conduct a successful event for our members and exhibitors, or serve the greater good of wildlife conservation.

For 49 consecutive years SCI has conducted its annual convention, bringing together from around the world, hunters, exhibitors, conservation stakeholders, and generations of SCI members. This annual event celebrates hunter advocacy, raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for wildlife conservation, and enables the planning of hunts that further support conservation on every continent. Despite our disappointment with this development, SCI will be there for our members and exhibitors in 2022 … the 2022 Convention will take place in Las Vegas.

SCI hunters convention las vegas 2021

NRA Statement About Great American Outdoor Show Cancellation:

To the great disappointment of tens of thousands of sportsmen and women, COVID-related governmental restrictions in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will prevent the 2021 Great American Outdoor Show from being held as scheduled on February 6-14, 2021.

Since the NRA created the Great American Outdoor Show in 2014, the show has been a much-anticipated annual event and a major boon for the state and local economy. More than 1,100 exhibitors and tens of thousands of people from Pennsylvania and indeed around the country and globe would converge on the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex each year contributing approximately $75 million to area businesses and state coffers, according to official local estimates.

The NRA will certainly miss the opportunity to celebrate America’s great firearm, hunting, fishing and outdoor heritage, but we look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones at the Great American Outdoor Show scheduled to be held February 5-13, 2022.

Permalink New Product, News 2 Comments »
October 20th, 2020

Laser Engraving for F-Class Team USA on New Borden Actions

Borden action laser engraving

Borden action laser engravingJim Borden of Borden Accuracy/Borden Rifles is adding “something extra” to the Borden actions crafted for F-Class Team USA members. These actions feature a Team Name and Team shield thanks to modern computer-controlled laser engraving. Jim Borden posted: “Here is Tony at Endless Laser Art doing his thing. [Team members] James Crofts, Drew Rutherford, Dan Bramley, Keith Trapp here we come!”

Jim is crafting special actions for both the F-TR and F-Open Team USA squads with laser-engraved USA F-Class Team shields. There is a BRMXD-type called USA Open and a BRM-type action called USA FTR. The F-Open serial numbers start USAFOPEN01 while F-TR numbers start USAFTR01. These are offered to members of USA F-Class Teams.

Watch Laser Engraving of Borden Actions

Watch the video above to see U.S. Rifle Team shield laser-engraved on Borden actions for F-Class Team USA and F-TR Team USA.

Borden action laser engraving

Don’t Tread on Me — Laser-Engraved Ax Blade for NRL Founder
Here’s a another example of modern, computer-controlled laser engraving. Travis Ishida, one of the founders of the NRL Precision Tactical series, has obtained a laser engraving machine. This can be great for putting identifying marks on tools, metal gunstocks, motorcycle parts — basically anything where you want some words and/or graphics. We like the message Travis printed on his Ax: “Liberty or Death… Don’t Tread on Me”. Travis posted: “Finally got my laser engraver working and now I want to engrave everything in sight! This could be a lot of fun… and a little obsessive.”

Borden action laser engraving

Permalink Gunsmithing, New Product No Comments »
October 14th, 2020

BAT Machine’s New Superlight Vampire & Bumblebee Actions

BAT Machine light wight lightweight aluminum action receiver bumblebee vampire alex wheeler hunting

Here is what high-end hunters have been requesting for years — an ultra-lightweight mag-fed action with Benchrest-grade smoothness, engineering, and craftsmanship. BAT Machine has just introduced two impressive new aluminum/steel hybrid repeater actions — the Bumblebee (short action) and the Vampire (long action). These are REALLY light. BAT states 23.8 ounces for the Bumblebee, and Alex Wheeler reports the Vampire is 25.3 ounces. So you get titanium-class weight savings without the titanium hassles.

Both the Bumblebee ($1699 MSRP) and the Vampire ($1765 MSRP) are aluminum/steel designs with integral recoil lugs and +20 MOA Picatinny rail segments. Though they are flat-bottom actions, both are designed to fit most Remington 700-pattern stocks. Gunsmith Alex Wheeler says: “This action shape should be very stable in the bedding — you just need to square up the inlet.”

Both the Vampire and Bumblebee actions feature a modular bolt. BAT does the modular bolt differently than anyone else, and very cleverly. This design allows easier bolt face changes and spring changes. Internal maintenance is also easier. Bat bolts also run super smoothly. Alex Wheeler reports “the Vampire action is very smooth — it feels just like BAT’s all-steel actions.”

BAT Machine light wight lightweight aluminum action receiver bumblebee vampire alex wheeler hunting
Vampire action photos courtesy WheelerAccuracy.com. The Vampire fits a 4″-long CFE-09 magazine box.

Alex Wheeler got one of the first Vampire actions, and he was impressed. This is a long-action repeater, with standard or Magnum bolt. Alex says the mating of steel and aluminum was superb: “I have checked it for straightness and lug contact. It’s very good. I’m impressed with how straight they got this insert.”

BAT Machine light wight lightweight aluminum action receiver bumblebee vampire alex wheeler hunting

Bumblebee Action — State-of-the-Art Lightweight Hunting Action
If you are seeking a very lightweight action with Benchrest-quality smoothness and precision fit/finish, consider the Bumblebee. Weighing under 24 ounces, this new Bumblebee short action may be perfect for hunters, varminters, and tactical shooters who desire a light weight, premium quality action. The new Bumblebee is designed to use 700 Short Action bottom metal. Combining steel and aluminum, the Bumblebee combines 4140 Chromoly Steel and 7076-T6 Aluminum to achieve strength and rigidity at a weight rivaling titanium. According to BAT, the Bumblebee’s advance design makes it “31%-42% stiffer than light weight steel actions and over 130% stiffer than round Titanium actions.”

BAT Machine light wight lightweight aluminum action receiver bumblebee vampire alex wheeler hunting

Bumblebee Action Features and Specifications:
— Action weight is 23.8 oz. as configured in photos (11.4 oz. lighter than BAT VR/TR actions)
— Weight comparable to Titanium actions after including Picatinny rails, recoil lugs, and fasteners
— 31%-42% stiffer than lightweight steel actions and over 130% stiffer than round Titanium actions
— Action body made with aircraft-grade billet 7075-T6 Aluminum and hardened 4140 Chromoly Steel
— Integral +20 MOA Picatinny two-section rail standard
— Modular bolt for lower cost bolt face changes
— .070″ firing pin diameter for maximum accuracy and reliable ignition
— Standard medium aluminum bolt knob, 5/16-24 thread
— LiFe Melonite-treated firing pin, bolt and shroud for smooth bolt movement and low maintenance
— Extended extraction cam for smooth bolt opening
— Uses Remington 700 SA trigger components and bottom metal
— Right-hand and left-hand versions
— Barrel tenon is 1.062 x 18 tpi (CLICK HERE for blueprint)

Product tip from EdLongRange. We welcome reader submissions.
Permalink Gear Review, Gunsmithing, New Product 1 Comment »
October 14th, 2020

CCI’s New .22 WMR Clean-22 Ammo with Polymer-Coated Bullets

CCI Maxi-Mag Clean-22 .22 WMR 22WMR ammunition segmented hollowpoint bullet ammo

CCI’s has introduced .22 WMR Maxi-Mag ammo with Clean-22 coating technology. New CCI Maxi-Mag Clean-22 Segmented Hollow Point (SHP) ammo uses an exclusive polymer bullet coating to reduce copper and lead fouling in barrels, without leaving a residue. Shipments of this new product have started.

Editor: We’ve used polymer-coated bullets in larger calibers (.38 Special and .45 ACP), and the coated bullets really do reduce lead fouling in barrels, making barrel cleaning significantly easier.

Segmented Hollow Point (SHP) Bullet for Varminters
The bullet that comes with the new CCI Maxi-Mag Clean-22 ammo should work well for varminters. The 46-grain SHP bullet splits into three equal-size pieces on impact, tripling the number of wound channels. CCI states: “The polymer bullet coating allows this separation at much lower velocities and longer distances than a conventional copper jacket. The bullet’s overall geometry is optimized for accuracy.” Notably, this SHP bullet is currently the industry’s only segmenting hollow-point bullet in .22 WMR.

CCI Product Manager Dan Compton states: “I can’t wait to hear stories and see photos from … customers who use this new [.22 WMR] magnum rimfire round on prairie dog towns, in the squirrel woods, and for their fur-trapping efforts.”

CCI Maxi-Mag Clean-22 .22 WMR 22WMR ammunition segmented hollowpoint bullet ammo

CCI Maxi-Mag Clean-22 .22 WMR Ammo Features:
— Polymer bullet coating reduces lead fouling in the barrel without leaving residue
— Industry’s only segmenting hollow-point bullet in 22 WMR
— Allows expansion at lower velocities than copper-jacketed bullets
— Reduces the risk of penetration through the target and beyond
— Optimized bullet geometry for improved accuracy

CCI Maxi-Mag Clean-22 .22 WMR 22WMR ammunition segmented hollowpoint bullet ammo

More INFO: .22 WMR Maxi Mag Clean-22 SHP, 46gr, 50-count / $18.99 / 972CC

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