Sig Sauer Electro-Optics (SIG EO) is releasing a new line of SIERRA6BDX hunting scopes that combine relatively light weight with advanced features and up to 95% light transmission. We think hunters may see the advantages of a “smart scope” which offers ballistics and windage info in a relatively streamlined form factor with a 6X zoom ratio. These scopes calculate an aim point and wind hold-offs.
There are currently three SIERRA6BDX riflescope models: 2-12x40mm, 3-18x44mm, and 5-30x56mm. All three have 1/4-MOA clicks. We think many hunters will prefer the 2-12x40mm optic which is the lightest at 21.7 ounces, as well as the least expensive at $1169.99 MSRP. Twelve power is plenty for a hunter. Designed “by hunters for hunters”, SIG’s new SIERRA6BDX riflescopes offer some very advanced features:
1. LevelPlex™ — a built-in Digital Level that displays rifle cant.
2. QuickBOND™ allows SIG BDX rangefinders to “talk” to the scope without needing a Smartphone App (30 yard range).
3. Digital Focal Plane BDX-R2 hunting reticle with wind holds and 194 LEDs.
4. KinETHIC™ display shows Kinetic Energy Transfer to target.
How the BDC System Works These scopes all feature SIG Sauer’s smart on-board BDC system which is user-selectable for cartridge (there are 9 options). Selection of the appropriate BDC is explained starting at 1:15 in the video below. You use the illumination control knob to select the right BDC for your cartridge. Then you manipulate the zoom control lever to “lock in” your choice. A wide variety of information is displayed in the illuminated reticle.
SIG states: “Our mission with the new SIERRA6BDX riflescope line was to bring all of the advanced features of the BDX 2.0 platform to a premium 6X zoom system. BDX 2.0 takes all of the advanced Applied Ballistics Ultralight and Bluetooth™ technology and adds simplified, and easy to use, functionality to get hunters and shooters on target with unprecedented speed and accuracy. The BDX 2.0 System is simple, fast, and intuitive — just connect the dot.”
This video explains how to use the “smart technology” in SIERRABDC6 Scopes:
SIERRA6BDX 2-12x40mm
Weight: 21.4 oz.
Adjustments: 0.25 MOA
Maintube Diameter: 30mm
Field of View: 52.5 ft. at 100 yd.
Reticle: BDX-R2 Digital Ballistic Reticle
Eye Relief: 3.9 in.
Waterproof: IPX-7
Battery: (2) CR2032
MSRP: $1,169.99
SIERRA6BDX 3-18x44mm
Weight: 23.8 oz.
Adjustments: 0.25 MOA
Maintube Diameter: 30mm
Field of View: 34.9 ft. at 100 yd.
Reticle: BDX-R2 Digital Ballistic Reticle
Eye Relief: 3.7 in.
Waterproof: IPX-7
Battery: (2) CR2032
MSRP: $1,299.99
SIERRA6BDX 5-30x56mm
Weight: 30.4 oz.
Adjustments: 0.25 MOA
Maintube Diameter: 34mm
Field of View: 21 ft. at 100 yd.
Reticle: BDX-R2 Digital Ballistic Reticle
Eye Relief: 3.7 in.
Waterproof: IPX-7
Battery: (2) CR2032
MSRP: $1,689.99
Problem: NRA Meetings cancelled due to COVID-19 | Solution: RECOIL’s NRA ROADSHOW
RECOIL Magazine has collected dozens of new product videos on its website. This product showcase features many products that were to be unveiled at the 2020 NRA Convention. Right now there are 45 videos on RECOIL’s 2020 Product Showcase, and we expect many more to be added. You’ll find Rifles, Pistols, Optics, Holsters, Ammo, Hearing Protection, and much more. Noteworthy products include the AMP Annealing System, Timney Triggers, Trijicon Optics, and Alien holsters.
Here is one of the Featured Videos, showcasing AMP Annealers…
RECOIL has created a channel on RECOIL-TV to showcase products originally intended to be featured at the 2020 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Nashville. Unfortunately the NRA event was cancelled due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. RECOIL-TV’s NRA ROADSHOW channel is currently presenting 45 different new product videos from one to four minutes in length. This should provides some firearms-focused entertainment for our readers stuck at home under Executive health orders.
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.
The Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) is popular with hunters, varminters, and tactical/practical competitors. For RPR fans we’ve found a very good deal — Cabela’s is selling the RPR in 6mm Creedmoor for just $999.97, hundreds less than the rifle sells for at other vendors. This is the latest Gen 3 RPR model with 24″ barrel and hybrid muzzle brake. Right now the 6mm Creedmoor is one of the hottest factory chamberings for PRS and tactical matches.
2. Precision Reloading — All Berger Products on Sale
It’s time to stock up on bullets. Precision Reloading is now discounting ALL Berger products in stock. This sale covers both competition and hunting bullets as well as Berger loaded ammo. Berger bullets are proven winners for all forms of centerfire rifle competition and Berger hunting projectiles are also excellent. Visit Precision Reloading for great deals on Berger products. Sale pricing good through 4/30/2020.
This impressive Weatherby pump-action 12ga shotgun features an 18.5″ barrel, with Fiber Optic front sight and Ghost Ring rear sight. There’s a Picatinny-type rail on top to fit a red dot sight (recommended) or other optic. The Threat Response shotgun holds 5 rounds. With pistol grip stock, good tactical sights, and a rail, this is a great value in a defensive shotgun from a quality company. NOTE: An extension tube (shown in video) can be fitted to increase capacity.
4. Amazon — Wheeler Digital Trigger Pull Gauge, $55.99
Every serious shooter should have a good trigger gauge. The Wheeler digital trigger gauge is precise and repeatable, measuring pull weights up to 12 pounds, making it suitable for all types of firearms. The load cell directly contacts the trigger making it extremely accurate with +/- 0.2 ounce precision. There are two modes: “Peak” and “Live.” Peak mode shows max force for each pull and calculates the minimum, maximum and average pull weights. Live mode continuously shows the force on the sensor. It even has a special adapter for Savage-style triggers with bladed inserts.
TEKMAT makes great products for cleaning long guns. This large 36″ x 12″ vulcanized rubber mat includes a full parts diagram for AR-platform rifles, available in gray, black, and green. Or choose a cool-looking cutaway AR15 illustration on black background. Get either type of 36″ x 12″ mat for just $9.99!. That’s 50% OFF the normal $19.99 price — a GREAT Deal. The oil- and water-resistant surface helps protect your firearm from scratches while the diagrams help with take-down and reassembly. This deal won’t last long.
If you’re looking for a versatile, stable and easy-to-carry field support, check out the BOG-POD SB-2 Bipod. Featuring 21″-40″ adjustable legs, the BOG-POD Bipod can be used while sitting, standing, or kneeling. This really helps when shooting on downslopes or when there are terrain obstacles between you and your target. This unit has a 360° swivel head. The legs adjust independently out to a 60-degree angle with adjustable tension. We’ve used this SB-2 Bipod on ground squirrel hunts and it worked well. Right now MidwayUSA offers the BogPod SB-2 Bipod for just $19.99 — that’s 45% OFF the regular $36.99 price.
7. Brownells — Electronic Muffs, $24.99 (40% Off)
Brownells new, Second Generation Premium Electronic Earmuffs incorporate dual microphones that let you hear range commmand while suppressing harmful noises. These affordable muffs fold for easy storage, and you can plug your smartphone into the 3.5mm input jack. Right now these muffs are discounted from $41.99 to $24.99 — a 40% savings!
8. Brownells — Sellier&Bellot 6.5 Creedmoor Ammo $14.49/20rds
We know many PRS and tactical shooters don’t have time to load large quantities of 6.5 Creedmoor ammo for practice sessions (or even a match). Right now you can purchase 20 rounds of reliable 6.5 Creedmoor loaded ammo for just $14.49 at Brownells. That’s just $0.72 per round. These days you can pay $1.00 or more just for 6.5 Creedmoor brass. This Sellier & Bellot 6.5mm Creedmoor ammo drives 140gr FMJ bullets at 2500+ FPS muzzle velocity.
9. Amazon — 30000 mAh Battery Pack Power Bank, $36.99
These days, we use mobile devices more than ever. It’s easy to run your smart-phone down in a few hours so you should have a back-up USB battery pack. We recommend this Bextoo USB Power Bank, rated at 30000 mAh. We like the red case, which is easy to find in luggage. This $36.69 unit boasts a handy LCD read-out showing remaining capacity. When fully charged, this Bextoo Battery Pack should provide 9 charges for iPhone 11, almost 7 charges for Samsung Galaxy S10, and 2.5 charges for an iPad Mini.
Here’s a new option for hunters and tactical competitors who want to range targets and call windage/elevation corrections using their spotting scopes. Vortex is now offering Reticle Eyepieces for its Viper HD spotting scopes. Available in both MRAD and MOA versions, these fixed-power 33.5X eyepieces feature ranging reticles with handy hash marks. This allows target ranging, plus competitors can “make accurate shot calls… with subtension lines for holdover and windage corrections.”
Vortex states: “The all-new eyepiece makes measuring target range and calling shot corrections easy, with a diopter ring that allows shooters to get the reticle dialed to their eyes, and level with the horizon line, no matter how their scope is setup.”
Powering the new eyepiece is a fixed, 33.5X magnification ocular lens. This provided plenty of power most hunting and competition scenarios. The eyepiece glass is protected with ArmorTek and XR lens coatings. These easily-installed ranging eyepieces, both MRAD and MOA, are designed for a wide field of view so user won’t miss a single vapor trail or bullet splash.
Ranging MRAD — Hashmarked ranging reticle using MRAD-based subtension lines for ranging, holdover, and windage corrections. Secondary ranging references facilitate rapid range estimating.
Ranging MOA — Hashmarked ranging reticle using MOA-based subtension lines for ranging, holdover, and windage corrections. Secondary ranging references facilitate rapid range estimating.
These eyepieces have fixed, 33.5-power magnification. “Street Price” is about $200.00.
Bushnell has introduced an impressive new riflescope, the Match Pro. Designed for PRS, NRL, and NRL22 competition, this new 6-24x50mm FFP scope promises great performance for a very affordable, under-$500 price that fits within NRL22 “base rifle” price limits.
The new Match Pro series promises high-end features at entry-level price points: $499.99 (Illuminated) and $449.99 (Non-Illuminated). Standard features include: Parallax Down to 10 Yards, Etched Glass FFP MIL “Christmas Tree” Reticle, Locking Turrets, Tool-less Zero Reset,and Fully Multi-Coated Lenses.
“As more and more people enter into the world of precision matches, be it through the NRL22 or PRS, the need for a budget-minded scope… has never been greater,” said Greg Palkowitsh, Bushnell scope product manager. “The Match Pro riflescope [gives] shooters all of the features they need while still qualifying for base class and open class competition.” The Match Pro’s sub-$500 price point works with many of today’s top rimfire rifles to fall under the $1050 limitation for NRL22’s Base Class.
Bushnell Match Pro Standard Features:
First Focal Plane (FFP) Design
6-24 Power for 4X Zoom Ratio
30mm Main Tube
Locking Turrets with Tool-less Zero Reset
Side Parallax from 10 Yards to Infinity
10 MIL Locking Turrets with Tactile Clicks
18 MIL of Windage and Elevation Travel
Deploy MIL FFP Etched Glass Reticle
Fully-Multi Coated Optics
EXO Barrier™(weather protection)
Both the illuminated and non-illuminated Match Pro models will be available early May, 2020. CLICK HERE to visit the Match Pro product page which has detailed information and hi-rez photos. NOTE: First production will be limited, so Bushnell encourages consumers to sign up to be notified when the Match Pros are available.
Legal Heat, a major firearms training firm*, has released the 2021 Edition of the 50 State Guide to Firearm Laws and Regulations. For each state, this $20 book covers key firearms laws, lists prohibited areas, and provides key statutory references for further research. With over 20,000 gun laws nationwide affecting concealed carry permit holders, Legal Heat’s 50 State Guide helps gun owners stay informed about important gun statutes and regulations.
The Legal Heat 50 State Guide is an authoritative reference guide on concealed carry and transport laws with concise synopses, including legal citations. Written and edited by attorneys and firearms instructors. This full-color, $20 book provides a comprehensive overview of state and Federal gun laws, serving as a quick reference guide for travelers.
Along with the $20 Print Book, there is a FREE APP that provides the same information at no cost to you. Just download the App to your smartphone or tablet. CLICK HERE to learn more about the FREE 50-State Law App. There are FREE versions for both Android (Google) and iOS (Apple).
Key Topics Covered in Dedicated Sections
The Legal Heat 50 State Guide has specific sections dedicated to important topics, such as Gun Transport at Airports, Police Stops, Inter-State Travel, and Purchasing/Selling. Having these and other key topics clearly outlined is one of the compelling reasons to buy the book. Here are the Key Topics:
- Airports
– Police Encounters
– State-to-State Firearms Transport in Vehicle
– Purchasing/Selling A Firearm
– Castle Doctrines
– AMTRAK
- U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Land
– National Parks And Monuments
– BLM Land
– Indian Reservations
– May Issue Vs. Shall Issue States
– Contact Info For Attorney Generals
State by State Law Summaries
For every one of the 50 U.S. STATES, there is a dedicated summary covering:
1. All Prohibited Areas for Firearms
This Section Is Essential Knowledge For All Concealed Firearm Permit Holders. 2. Self-Defense and Firearms Laws 3. Reciprocity (Recognition of Other State’s Permits)
This lists ALL firearm permits from other states that are recognized. 4. Self Defense And Firearm Laws Statutory References (For Additional Research) 5. Ratings of Each State for “Friendliness” to gun owners.
Video Summary of 50 State Firearms Guide
This video covers the highlights of the Legal Heat 50 State Guidebook. This shows the 2018 Edition, but the latest 2021 Edition contains all those elements, updated with current law changes.
* With over 250,000 certified students, Legal Heat claims to be the nation’s largest firearms training company. Legal Heat provides in-person as well as online training, and works with major gun retailers including Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, and Sportsman’s Warehouse. CLICK HERE for more information on Legal Heat Training Programs.
Report from Peterson Cartridge Company
For a while now Peterson Cartridge has made 6mm BR Norma (6BR) casings (sold exclusively through Graf & Sons). These have been popular with benchrest, varmint, and PRS/NRL shooters. But recently we had a customer ask us to make 7mm BR Remington casings. That customer is David Fricke of Lehigh Defense and SSK Firearms. Lehigh is known for making specialized, high-performance bullets.
Recently, Lehigh began making bullets for the J.D. Jones-designed Whisper line of cartridges, which are necked up from 7 BR casings. Some years back, J. D. Jones of SSK industries developed several efficient dual-role cartridges, the .302 Whisper, the .338 Whisper, .375 Whisper and the .416 Whisper. These are all made from necked-up 7mm BR Rem casings. The “dual role” refers to the fact that they can be loaded either for subsonic applications, or for high velocity shooting. According to Fricke, “Remington made the XP-100 bolt-action handgun, and one of the calibers they chambered it in was 7mm BR, which became very popular with Silhouette shooters. Remington also made the 7 BR casings which people like to neck up to the different Whisper calibers.”
Fricke concluded, “The 7mm BR caliber is a highly efficient, inherently accurate round, which doesn’t require much powder. The balance between the powder charge, bullet weight, barrel length and related harmonics results in a caliber with outstanding accuracy.”
Expect this 7mm BR Brass to be Necked-Up and Necked Down for Other Calibers
Commentary: With this new 7mm BR brass, we expect wildcatters will go to work right away, necking the case up to 30 BR, the favored cartridge for 100/200 score benchrest competition. We’ve also heard plans that some PRS shooters may neck down and fire-form the cartridge for a 6.5 BRA version with a 40° shoulder.
Peterson Brass — Strong, Uniform, Durable
Peterson brass is among the most precise, durable (over many load cycles), and uniform on the market. Extended load cycle tests have shown great longevity for Peterson brass, which has performed well in many disciplines from PRS to ELR. For more information on Peterson Cartridge Company or to learn more about its match-grade brass and loaded ammunition, visit PetersonCartridge.com.
Extended Load Cycle Test of Peterson Brass
About Peterson Cartridge Company
Peterson Cartridge Company is a family-owned, American manufacturer of match-grade brass rifle casings and loaded ammunition. This 20-minute video provides an inside look at the Peterson Cartridge company. Host Larry Berg visits Peterson’s modern production facility in Pennsylvania. There are also interviews with Peterson Executives and engineers.
Want to see new-born Pandas? No, not the furry kind — rather Stolle Panda actions produced with state-of-the-art CNC machinery. If you’ve ever wondered how precision benchrest, long-range, and tactical rifles are built, check out video from Kelbly’s. You’ll see actions finished, barrels chambered and crowned, pillars installed in stocks, barreled actions bedded, plus a host of other services performed by Kelbly’s gunsmiths and machinists.
If you’re a fan of fine machine-work, this video should be both informative and entertaining. You can see how precision gun work is done with 21st-Century technology. Tip of the hat to Ian Kelbly and crew for producing this excellent video visit to the Kelbly’s production center.
Click Volume Control to Activate Sound for Kelbly’s Video:
Here’s a radical new rifle. Instead of a vertical trigger that moves rearward when pulled by the index finger, this Blackwater T.O.R. A1 rifle has a lever INSIDE the lower receiver. That lever is moved by the operator’s THUMB, causing the rifle to fire. The claimed benefits of the “thumb-gun” are: 1) Improved Ergonomics (thumb stays in alignment with point of aim); 2) Better Mechanics (thumb is strongest digit and can manipulate lever easily); 3) Enhanced Safety (trigger blade/lever is not exposed).
This AR-type rifle was developed by Iron Horse, now partnered with Blackwater Worldwide. The new T.O.R. (aka “Thumb Operated Receiver”) A1 is the industry’s first AR-platform rifle incorporating patent-pending, lever-driven fire technology.
Iron Horse A1 Precision Rifle
The manufacturer has made some interesting claims about this new thumb-lever system. Blackwater/Iron Horse claims that “Multiple samples of users show a shorter learning curve and reduced shot group size”, and that the design “lends to greater accuracy in precision shooting… with its inherent natural ergonomics.” One claim we do believe, is that the thumb lever may help disabled shooters. Additionally the manufacturer notes that because the “trigger guard completely encases the trigger” there is less chance of snagging the trigger in brush or vegetation.
How the Lever Trigger Works
The operator’s thumb goes into a port in the top of the polymer grip (see grip photo above). This allows ambidextrous firing by right- or left-handed shooters. The thumb points forward, in line with the barrel. The lever itself is contained INSIDE the lower. Watch this video to see how it works:
Is the Thumb Lever a Game-Changer?
“Ironhorse’s revolutionary trigger system has the potential to be a game changer” states Eric Prince, Founder of Blackwater Worldwide. “Our in-house testing has shown a significant decrease in shot group size when compared to a traditional AR-15 trigger set. We think this technology … could replace traditional triggers altogether at some point.” The manufacturer states that the thumb-operated trigger “has been shown to greatly enhance the experience of a large portion of the shooting community and makes shooting possible for those who have limited mobility or severely injured fingers.”
About Iron Horse and Blackwater Worldwide Iron Horse Firearms, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, was founded by a former U.S. Marine Ryan McDonald. The Patent-Pending Thumb-Operated Receiver was first developed in August of 2016 and became a fully operational system in the fall of 2018. Moving forward, Iron Horse Firearms will be doing business as part of Blackwater Worldwide.
In 2019, Blackwater Worldwide re-entered the firearms and ammunition market in the United States. In its first year of operation, it has acquired or developed multiple firearms lines and a proprietary ammunition line. The company is headquartered in Concord, NC.
Spotting scopes are important tools for hunters and target shooters, but until now you had to position your head close to the eye-piece and look directly through the lens. LongShot Target Camera (aka TargetVision) has changed how we can use our spotting scopes with the company’s innovative Hawk Smart Scope Spotting Scope Camera. The Hawk employs a digital camera that “sees” through the lens of your spotting scope and then wirelessly transmits the real-time view to your mobile devices. This allows you to position the spotting scope anywhere you like, and then use a tablet or phone to observe exactly what the scope “sees” down-range. Priced at just $249.00, the advanced Hawk Spotting Scope Camera is a great value.
Hawk Review by F-Class John
As a frequent user of spotting scopes, I often find myself struggling to position my scope close enough without it interfering with my shooting setup. During a match this isn’t a big deal, but when I’m out doing load development or practicing there are plenty of times I’d like to set up my spotting scope out of the way but still see what it’s looking at. I’ve tried other digiscope systems but they’ve all required me to use a cell phone directly over the eyepiece. That can work but it still forces me to position the scope within my shooting space. All of these frustrations ended when I got the Hawk. Now I can put the Hawk anywhere I want, plus a shooting buddy (or coach) can watch the view through the spotter remotely.
Setting Up the Hawk is Easy — WiFi Connection
The Hawk comes in a nice hard-sided case that is big enough to fit the unit and charging cable and easily fits in a range bag for transport. Once its battery is charged, simply slide the Hawk over your eye-piece, tighten the screw clamp down and then turn the Hawk on. To pair, go to WiFi settings, select the HAWK IP address, and then open the TargetVision App. You’ll be asked to enter the provided passcode (only required the first time) and then you’ll automatically begin to see what your spotting scope sees. I like that it connects using WiFi because that frees up my Bluetooth for other items such as a LabRadar. This allows me to use the HAWK alongside other devices without competing for functionality.
Hawk Offers Shot-Marking System — GREAT Feature!
For use while target shooting, the Hawk has one outstanding built-in feature. The digital view from the scope can mark your shots! The Hawk’s shot marking software allows the Hawk to track and identify shots on target. The Hawk has a couple settings that allow you to change the color and size of the marked shots as well as showing your groups and group size. This is really a huge value-added feature of the Hawk. The shot-marking functionality turns your spotting scope into a highly capable shot-marker system. That’s especially great when doing load development.
Rotating Camera Head Adds Versatility
Another ingenious feature of the HAWK is that you can rotate the head unit without affecting your actual scope set-up. This allows you to easily “level up” the output image on your device while leaving your scope tight in its mount after zooming in or out. I found this to be a really useful at my local range which has uneven ground. As I moved the scope around, I simply turned the head and kept watching. With variable-power spotting scopes, the Hawk’s rotating head really helps you adjust the picture output quickly after adjusting the zoom power on the eyepiece.
SUMMARY — Excellent Product with Multiple Functions
Overall the HAWK exceeded my expectations. The image quality was clear and in general matched what my eye would see through the scope itself. In testing I found it worked equally well on my iPad and iPhone with gallery photos and videos easily transferred from the App to my device files. The HAWK is easy to install and configure for your devices. The ability to see downrange remotely — without having to stare through the lens — makes this device a great accessory for any spotting scope.
Great for Training — This unit is especially useful for training purposes. The coach can be watching the shooter’s position/technique, while keeping an eye on target and windflags downrange using the streamed image from the Hawk camera. Overall, we think Longshot Target Camera (TargetVision) has built a winner, and the Hawk is unquestionably a superb value at $249.00.
Hawk Owners Also Praise This Spotting Scope Camera:
“Image quality is outstanding and the camera is very easy to attach, set up, and use. No more straining at the eyepiece of my spotting scope. I love it!” Ned T., Verified Buyer
“The unit is extremely easy to setup. The App has great features and the unit has endless applications. A great addition to a nice spotting scope.” Evan D., Verified Buyer
“Hawk is built very well and works perfect. The App is easy to operate. Marks shots on steel out to 935 yards at the range … would definitely recommend this item.” Brett D., Verified Buyer
This Video Shows the Features of the Hawk Spotting Scope Camera:
These scopes all feature SIG Sauer’s smart on-board BDC system which is user-selectable for cartridge (there are 9 options). Selection of the appropriate BDC is explained starting at 1:15 in the video below. You use the illumination control knob to select the right BDC for your cartridge. Then you manipulate the zoom control lever to “lock in” your choice. A wide variety of information is displayed in the illuminated reticle.
Here’s a radical new rifle. Instead of a vertical trigger that moves rearward when pulled by the index finger, this Blackwater 
Rotating Camera Head Adds Versatility
