Recently we featured the Meprolight FT Bullseye Rear Sight. This innovative fiber-optic system provides a low-profile solution for carry pistols that eliminates the front blade sight. Now SIG Sauer (SIG) has incorporated this into an innovative new carry pistol, the SIG P365 SAS. This new pistol also features a ported barrel (for less muzzle flip), along with recessed controls. This makes the P365 SAS one of the smoothest, “snag-free” carry pistols ever made.
SIG states: “The P365 SAS was designed for the serious CCW user who truly understands the value of smoother draws, faster sight acquisition, and more effective engagements at realistic distances. This pistol does just that by taking the concept of the SIG Anti Snag (SAS) treatment to a whole new level. With the incorporation of the FT Bullseye sight embedded into the slide, the P365 SAS does away with the need of a primary snag hazard of all pistols — the front sight. With the assistance of fiber optics during the day and tritium in low light, the user can now obtain a crystal clear high-visibility bullseye sight picture at real-world engagement distances faster than ever before. The ported barrel and slide results in up to 30% less muzzle flip and zero front sight fouling, since there isn’t one. The flush slide catch and takedown levers ensure absolute smoothness and zero snag risk.”
There has been some controversy over the sighting system in low light but actual purchasers have said the sights work fine. There has been universal praise for the snag-free qualities of the gun. Here are posts from actual SIG P365 SAS owners:
“I’m convinced it is the best concealed carry on the market. The anti-snag is amazing. I can carry in my pockets on both jacket and jeans. Breakdown is easy and cleaning was simple. I like this gun so much I’m going back to buy one for my wife.” — Adguy304, WV
“After shooting well at the range, I went home and ran in the closet to test out the Tritium sights. I had a similar experience as others … the only thing I CAN see is my sight. It works well. It’s not as bright as when in a lit room, but it is visible. This pistol is challenging the norm on multiple fronts, and I’m very happy with the purchase.” — SASOwner
“To all those that truly carry this as a pocket gun you cannot find a better firearm. I purchased this about a month ago, got rid of four other handguns and this is the only one that I’ll need for this purpose. The Lima 365 is the ultimate point and shoot companion as it’s activated by the button on the grip and truly integrates with the 365 SAS.” — JSW, Miami
Got four-and-half grand to burn? Looking for a new rifle that will impress your buddies at the range? Then check out Remington’s updated .50 BMG rifle, the R2Mi. In appearance, it sort of looks like an AR10 on steroids. But this thing is massive. It weighs about 30 pounds and has a 30″ Walther barrel. Though it may look like a semi-auto in the photo, this is a LEFT Bolt, Right port bolt-action gun.
GunsAmerica Digest says the R2Mi is based on the Bushmaster BA50: “The R2Mi has upper and lower receivers that follow the basic design of AR-pattern rifles, but it is a manually operated bolt-action rifle with a left-side charging handle that works the bolt carrier directly. The upper receiver is railed like most modern AR rifles as a scope mount. The R2Mi comes standard with a Lothar Walther 30″ barrel with a 1:15″-twist and a free-floating railed handguard that serves as an accessory mount for low light optics and other accessories along with the included folding steel bipod.”
For the hefty investment ($4599.00 MSRP, $3999.00 Street Price), at least Remington tosses in some good gear. The R2Mi ships in a big Pelican Storm transport case, and comes complete with a bipod, two 10-round magazines, eye protection, ear protection, and cable lock. Those accessories are worth $450.00 or so.
The Remington R2Mi is closely related to the Bushmaster BA50*, shown in this video:
The R2Mi is fitted with a Magpul PRS Gen 3 stock and ErgoGrip Deluxe Tactical pistol grip. If you want to change out those components, the R2Mi is compatible with various AR components including grips and stocks. The controls are similar to AR controls including the selector lever and magazine release.
Here is Remington’s product description: “The free-floated barrel, with 1:15″ twist and 8-groove rifling is perfectly suited for harnessing sub-MOA accuracy from the .50 BMG. And its left-hand operated, right-hand eject bolt-action and 10-round box magazine, ensure comfortable cycling with no need for the shooter to adjust position. The R2Mi is also one of the simplest .50-caliber rifles to assemble and maintain. Its upper receiver locks to the lower receiver with two integral pins, and its full-length Picatinny rail accommodates a wide range of optics.”
Remington R2Mi Features:
• Left Bolt, Right Port Action
• Billet Aluminum Lower Receiver
• Compatible with AR Accessories
• AAC Cyclops Muzzle brake
• Ships with Steel Folding Bipod
• AR-type Take-down for maintenance
Price is Hefty — MSRP is $4599.00
Is this a good value? It depends — this is a mag-fed rifle, with some interesting features. But $4599.00 is still a steep price for a rifle that is not an everyday shooter. On the other hand GunsAmerica states: “It can be very expensive to shoot .50 BMG and many repeating rifles chambered for the round can cost thousands more. The MSRP for the R2MI is only a little more than what some single-shot .50s cost, which means this rifle has a good value.”
* The BA50 was the original design of Cobb Manufacturing. Bushmaster purchased the design, upgraded some features, and released the rifle as the Bushmaster BA50. This bolt-action, magazine-fed .50 BMG rifle featured a 22″ or 30″ Lothar Walther free-floating barrel with a 1:15″-twist rate. Bushmaster claimed the BA50 was capable of shooting 1 Minute of Angle (MOA) groups with M33 ball ammunition.
COVID-19 stay-at-home orders have created abundant free time at home for millions of Americans. To fill otherwise empty hours, we know many readers have been reloading ammo — LOTS of ammo. And quite a few of you folks are thinking of getting a progressive press to increase output. Because multiple operations take place with a single pull of a lever, a progressive press can produce way more ammo in a given period of time than any single stage press. With a progressive, on the ram up-stroke, the multiple stations can simultaneously remove spent primer, full-length size case, drop powder, seat bullet, and crimp (if desired). Most progressives are also set up to prime cases with the ram in the lower position — though some guys prefer to prime manually.
Progressive presses aren’t just for high-output pistol ammo or bulk rifle ammunition. Good progressives can be adapted to do certain reloading tasks for top-on-the line match ammo. You might use a progressive for decapping, priming, and sizing, then throw powder and/or seat bullets separately. Some Champion shooters do use progressives to load their match ammo! For example 5-Time National Long Range Champion John Whidden and 2020 Berger SWN F-Open Champion Jay Christopherson both use progessive presses for some (but not all) operations.
To help you get started with progressive presses, here are five videos from UltimateReloader.com that cover six popular machines, from the elite Mark 7 Evolution to the inexpensive Lee Pro 1000. With many of these machines you can add separate vertical bullet feeder systems that further increase loading efficiency.
Mark 7 Evolution Press — Distributed by Lyman
Dillon XL-650 vs. Dillon XL-750
RCBS Pro Chucker 7 with Bullet Feeder
Dillon 550C with 6mm Creedmoor and 9x19mm
Lee Pro 1000 Features and Operation
Better Safe Than Sorry — the RCBS Lock-Out Die
RCBS Makes a “Lock-Out Die” that senses the powder charge. This will halt the Progressive press if you have a double charge, or an undercharge. Your Editor has the Lock-Out Die on his RCBS Pro 2000. It has “saved his bacon” a half-dozen times over the years. It can be used on Dillon and Hornady progressives as well as RCBS machines.
We like simple yet well-designed products that serve an important purpose. In this case, transporting pistol magazines to and from the range and storing them efficiently in gun safe or storage locker. When we saw MTM’s new-for-2020 Pistol Magazine Case, we thought this was a smart new product that will benefit countless handgun owners. The new PMC5 Pistol Mag Case (MSRP $5.99) offers compact protection for up to five (5) standard double-stack magazines. The low-profile, compact design takes up minimal space in gun safes and storage lockers. The see-through transparent gray case material make it easy to identify contents. To allow efficient storage, these Mag Cases are STACKABLE (like ammo boxes). Overall, this is a good system for protecting and organizing your pistol magazines.
MTM states: “The new Pistol Magazine Case is ideal for use in your range bag, gun safe, or wherever you need to store your pistol magazines. The case maximizes portability and organization for range days. The case maximizes portability and organization for range days.”
MTM PMC5 Pistol Magazine Case Features:
Fits up to FIVE (5) double-stack magazines (up to 5.375″ OAL).
See-through plastic material so you can see contents without opening.
Compact, stackable design for efficient storage in safe or locker.
Made in USA with $5.99 MSRP.
Mag Case hold up to five (5) double-stack magazines, such as these Glock 17 mags.
For more information and availability, check with your local sporting goods dealer or contact MTM Molded Products at (937) 890-7461. See the full line of MTM products at MTMcase-gard.com.
What if you could have a normal-height rear sight that could dispense with the need to align front sight and rear sight? In fact, what if that rear sight could eliminate the need for a front sight altogether?
That’s exactly what the Meprolight FT Bullseye system does. Employing fiber optics and tritium, the FT Bullseye provides a bright aiming dot inside a circle — no front sight is needed. When the dot is centered in the circle, you’re on target. It’s as simple as that! The front blade is rendered superfluous. This really is innovative technology, albeit expensive — the FT Bullseye’s street price runs $135 to $150, depending on pistol make and model — not cheap.
Traditionally, a shooter aims by aligning the front and rear sights. Meprolight combined the dot and the circle on the rear sight, eliminating the need to use the front sight altogether. This sight is fast on target and works in all light conditions. Meprolight claims the patented FT Bullseye is the “smallest optical sight in the world.”
Red dot and reflex systems also work without iron sights, but red dots are tall and bulky, and they don’t work well at all for shooters with astigmatism.
Meprolight’s engineers created a sleek, low profile rear sight by combining fiber optics with tritium. For concealed carry, this is better than a bulky red-dot. The low-profile design allows the shooter to draw from holster without worrying about snagging a bulky red dot or reflex sight assembly. To see how the FT Bullseye sight works, watch this video.
The fiber optic technology used in the FT Bullseye was pioneered by Tactical Aiming Systems (T.A.S.) an Israeli company. Meprolight dramatically improved the TAS system, adding tritium and an enhanced dot/circle reticle. The FT Bullseye is also smaller and sleeker than the original T.A.S. rear sight. The FT Bullseye is currently available in red or green dot/circle for all Glock models. Meprolight guarantees the tritium to last 12 years. MSRP is $199.00.
Leveling your scope can be a time-consuming and tedious process. The Fix It Sticks folks have changed that with the introduction of the Scope Jack. This simple unit levels a scope through contact with the flat on the bottom of the scope (opposite the elevation knob). You can do this quickly, with one hand, leaving the other free to tighten your rings once the scope is aligned. This really is a clever, effective, easy-to-use tool, as you can see in this video:
You attach the Scope Jack to the Picatinny rail on your rifle, then lossen the rings so the scope can rotate. Then simply elevate the Scope Jack with a quick twist, using a 1/4″ driver. The Scope Jack’s horizontal roller will contact the scope’s bottom flat, rotating the scope it into proper alignment, square to the rail.
Operating Instructions from Manufacturer Fix It Sticks
The Scope Jack works with any 1/4 inch driver to quickly and easily level your scope to your rail. Just mount the scope jack to the pic rail under your scope and turn the drive handle until the lifting arm engages with the flat section under your turrets. Once the scope is level, maintain pressure while tightening your ring screws to keep optic level throughout the process.
Requirements:
1. Scope much have a central flat section under turrets
2. Needs a minimum of 1/4″ clearance between rail and scope
3. Picatinny Rail must be accessible under optic
TECH TIP: You Still Must Check the Reticle Orientation INSIDE Your Scope
The Scope Jack works fast, but it is NOT the “final solution”. Why? Some scopes have a reticle that is not perfectly aligned with the turrets and/or bottom flat. We have seen scopes with vertical reticle line off as much as three degrees (3 °) from true plumb. With such a scope, you CAN set the reticle square, but then your turrets will be canted relative to the receiver. That creates issues when shooting at long range. Accordingly, if your scope has a badly canted reticle, you should send it back to the manufacture for warranty repair. Three degrees may not sound like much, but it is actually quite noticeable:
For all scopes, AFTER using the Scope Jack, we recommend you test your reticle with a plumb line. You can hang this line from a door or ceiling fixture with a weight on the bottom. Important — when using a plumb line make sure your rifle is 100% level or your results may be off. We recommend using a bubble level to help align your rifle properly.
SHOT Show 2020 Hour-Long Special Episode
This week, Shooting USA features a full hour of SHOT Show coverage. If you watch just one episode of Shooting USA this year, it should be the SHOT Show 2020 Special which runs Wednesday, March 6th at 9:00 pm Eastern/8:00 pm Central on the Outdoor Channel. This episode provides a “first look” at the new guns, optics, and gear introduced for 2020. Shooting USA’s team looks at over 65 new products. Click HERE to learn more about this week’s 2020 SHOT Show episode.
2020 SHOT Show Highlights: Colt Python, Hornady A-Tip bullets, Manners PRS Stock, Volquartsen Summit .17 WSM, Ruger-57 Pistol, Pinnacle Precision Rifle, HK SP5, Impact Sport Muffs, Laugo Arms Alien Pistol, Vortex 1-10X Scope, Glock 44 Pistol, Hornady Rapid Safe and more.
Shooting USA’s SHOT Show 2020 episode airs on the Outdoor Channel Wednesday, March 6 at 9:00 pm ET and Thursday, March 7 at 3:00 pm ET. Look for Shooting USA on the Outdoor Channel. In addition, you can watch all episodes of Shooting USA on the VIMEO channel by subscription. The SHOT Show 2020 edition is just $0.99.
Here are some of the 50+ new products featured on the SHOT Show Special. Click Images for detailed product information.
While Long Range Benchrest, F-Class, and ELR competitors may want to measure their powder charges very precisely using expensive Force Restoration scales, for many shooting disciplines, a good thrown charge will do the job. And now, with Forster’s very smooth and precise new Bench Rest Powder Measure, many shooters may want to try throwing their charges. We honestly think you may be surprised at how accurate and repeatable this new measure is…
If you’ve been looking for a simple, efficient way to measure and throw your powder charges, you should give Forster’s Bench Rest® Powder Measure a try. The design of the cast-iron constructed tool features a long, narrow, powder charge reservoir that minimizes shearing, even with long extruded powders. Forster says, with most powders, and a little operator practice, this new Bench Rest Powder Measure can “achieve repeatability within 1/10th of one grain while throwing a charge every 4 seconds.”
Here are comments from two early testers:
“Forster’s Powder Measure throws the IMR stick powders I use (IMR 4895, 4064, 4320) easier and more accurately than the other measures I have owned, those being Redding, Hornady, Belding & Mull.” – Chris Straughn, longtime reloader and tool aficionado
“Forster’s Bench Rest Powder Measure is a welcome addition to any bench. The precision design and CAST IRON construction of this measure is part of the Forster tradition. The heart of the measure is the measuring chamber contained in the massive cast iron Charging Arm. The mass of the arm in conjunction with the small Cutting Surface in the measure itself provides for the smoothest rotation of any measure on the market. Large IMR extruded powders do not impede the smooth operation of the Bench Rest Powder Measure making it the most repeatable measure on the market.” — Vernon Smith, engineer and reloader since 1974
The Powder Measure (order number 010631) and optional Stand (order number 017941) are now available for sale and ready for immediate shipment. You can purchase direct from Forster or from leading retailers Grafs & Sons, and Midsouth Shooters.
There’s a new “top dog” in 6.5mm match bullets. Berger just released a new 153.5 grain 6.5mm bullet that offers impressive 0.694 G1 and 0.356 G7 BC numbers. The new bullet, which should be popular with PRS and F-Open shooters, features the latest Meplat Reduction Technology for ultra-consistent shot-to-shot BCs.
Berger’s new 6.5mm 153.5 grain Long Range Hybrid Target™ is the latest projectile offering in the Long Range Hybrid Target (LRHT) product line. The 6.5mm 153.5 Grain LRHT boasts a high-BC, jump-tolerant hybrid ogive profile that is Doppler Radar verified with less than 1% BC variation. Shot-to-shot BC consistency is vital when engaging long-range targets.
The 6.5mm 153.5 Grain LRHTs are ideal for long range disciplines that reach to 1,000 yards and beyond. The new 153.5s are tailored for cartridges such as the 6.5 Creedmoor, 26 Nosler, 6.5 PRC, 6.5 x 284, 6.5 SAUM, and 6.5 Weatherby RPM among others. With a complementary profile to Berger’s successful 6.5mm 156 Grain Elite Hunter projectile, the 153.5s require 1:8″ twist or faster.
Meplat Reduction Technology
Using proprietary processes, Berger’s Meplat Reduction Technology™ (MRT™) applies controlled pressure along the nose of each LRHT bullet, producing a homogeneous and repeatable profile for the industry’s most consistent Ballistic Coefficients (BC). Visit NoBSBC.com and learn “why BC consistency wins” vs. the “highest BC is best” myth.
“The new 6.5mm-153.5 grain LRHT’s push the limits of today’s performance standards. The drag reduction achieved with Meplat Reduction Technology contributes to their superior form factor and ballistic coefficient, offering minimal atmospheric influence during flight. The 153.5 is simply our highest performance 6.5mm projectile to date”, said Garett Stoddard, Berger’s Production Engineer.
Berger 6.5mm 153.5 Grain Long Range Hybrid Target™ Bullets are shipping now to Berger authorized retailers. Visit Bergerbullets.com/dealer-map to find nearby retailers.
Coming Soon – New Long Range Hybrid Target ammunition. Details will be provided on Berger’s Facebook Page and other social media.
Look for a lighter barrel for your latest hunting or PRS/NRL rifle? Well there’s a new option on the market. Bartlein Barrels, makers of premium benchrest, F-Class, tactical, ELR and hunting barrels, is now offering carbon fiber-wrapped barrels. These will be available in a variety of lengths/contours, and multiple carbon colors. Bartlein posted on Facebook: “We are thrilled to announce that Bartlein Barrels is now offering carbon fiber-wrapped barrels! With the help of Mission Specific Worldwide LLC, another Wisconsin-based company, we will be offering these barrels in limited contours and calibers.
Bartlein’s Matt Buettgen told our Forum: “Bartlein Barrels is proud to introduce its new line of Carbon Fiber-wrapped barrels. We will start off with three (3) contours, the #4 Bull Sporter, #13 Rem Varmint, and the #14 M24/M40. Lengths will be 20″, 22″, 24″, and 26″ finished lengths in any twist you like including Gain Twist and Left-Hand Twists. And just to make it a little more interesting, there are four colors: Black, Red, Green, and white/black marble. For more information give us a call at the shop or check out our Facebook Page.”
Here is more information from George Gardner of GA Precision:
It’s been a hard thing to keep under wraps, no pun intended. But Bartlein Barrels is now offering carbon-wrapped barrels! We have been helping test these for a few months now and all I can say is they are very impressive. Same Bartlein accuracy and no point of impact shift at all as the barrel warms. Plus as a bonus, GA Precision will be offering colors: Red/Brown, Green and White. These colors really pop against the sunlight and accent various colors offered by composite and painted chassis stocks (see below). These color-wrap barrels are special order for 4-month delivery.
GA Precision already has good inventory of Standard Black Carbon barrels in all four contours in popular calibers and twists. See GA Precision website for details. These are available for immediate delivery.
NOTE: GA Precision currently offers FOUR (4) contours:
Bartlein #4 B Sporter | Bartlein #13 Remington Varmint
Bartlein #14 M/24-M40 | Bartlein 1.200″ Straight
Price is $700 + shipping for standard black carbon wrap, or $750 + shipping for colored carbon wraps.
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