Ever shot a straight-pull (aka toggle-link) action rifle? We like these action types, which were developed for Biathlon competitors who needed to shoot fast, but were not allowed to use semi-auto actions. The biathlon-style toggle action features a lever on the side of the action. Pull the lever back with your index figure to open the bolt, then push forward with your finger to close the bolt*. It’s fast and efficient. With some practice, you can cycle the action in a couple of seconds — nearly as fast as a semi-auto.
The Volquartsen Summit .22 LR rifle is based on a concept originally developed by Primary Weapons Systems. Designed for both competition shooting as well as small game hunting, this unique rifle features a straight-pull, toggle-style action with a Ruger 10/22 profile. That means you can run 10/22 magazines, swap into stocks inletted for the 10/22, and even use after-market 10/22 barrels. The CNC-machined receiver features an integral 20 MOA Picatinny Rail. The Magpul stock adjusts for length of pull. Weight is 5.8 pounds, so this is easy to carry in the field.
The Summit features a lightweight carbon fiber-wrapped barrel, threaded 1/2×28 at the muzzle to be suppressor-ready. One of our favorite features on this little rifle is the trigger — which has a light, crisp 1.75-lb pull weight. Watch the video above to see the Summit .22 LR in action. The tester, 22 Plinkster, was impressed with the rifle’s ease of use and accuracy. The Summit delivered a 0.277″ group at 50 yards, shot from the bench.
Tech Analysis of PWS-designed Action as used in Summit
See the Summit at SHOT Show in Las Vegas
Volquartsen will have the new Summit straight-pull rifle on display, along with a wide variety of rimfire firearms, at its booth at SHOT Show in Las Vegas this week. You’ll find Volquartsen at booth #11129. This year, Volquartsen will unveil a new 17 WSM version of the straight-pull Summit rifle.
* Biathlon shooters cycle their Fortner toggle actions even faster, using their THUMB to close the bolt. This allows them to get the index finger on to the trigger blade faster. The whole process takes maybe a second — as fast as you can say “snick-snick”. To use the thumb effectively, you need a stock with a more vertical pistol grip. The Magpul stock on the Summit moves your thumb a bit too far back to use comfortably to close the lever without shifting the hand.
Gear Report by Kip Staton
Shooters in the market for an accurate anemometer that doesn’t break the bank need to take a hard look at the WeatherFlow Wind Meter, which retails on Amazon.com for just $39.89. Even though it is inexpensive, owner reviews have been generally very positive (so long as the software is compatible with your device). One Amazon reviewer says the WeatherFlow measures wind velocity as accurately a dedicated anemometer.
A big part of the reason the WeatherFlow Wind Meter is so inexpensive is that you’ve probably already got the brains of the system in your pocket. Yes, it connects to and communicates with any standard smartphone or tablet, in either iOS or Android flavors. Users simply download the free WeatherFlow Wind Meter app to their smart device, insert the anemometer into the headphone jack, and can immediately start measuring the wind.
Of course, the first question any serious shooter will ask is “How accurate is this thing?” Pretty dang accurate, as it turns out. The device was calibrated by the University of Florida’s Aerospace Engineering Department, and the unique design allows it to consistently report to within a half a percentage point of the true wind value, even if the breeze is up to 15 degrees off-axis to the meter.
Wind speeds are measurable from as slow as two miles per hour to as high as 125 MPH. The Wind Meter outputs average, lull, and gusts windspeed data to your phone, with velocities indicated in 0.1 MPH increments. Furthermore, a hard-sided protective case is included for safe transportation.
Naturally, since the WeatherFlow Wind Meter is App-based, it’s connectable to a variety of social media websites and distribution sources. This makes saving and sharing information about climate conditions a breeze.
To read more gear reviews by Kip Staton, visit KipStaton.com.
Headed to SHOT Show in Las Vegas? Then you should download the FREE SHOT Show Mobile App. Available for all mobile devices, this App really makes it easier to plan your SHOT Show schedule, and navigate the floor of the Sands Convention Center. The 2020 SHOT Show Mobile App is now available for download on Apple, Android, and Windows smartphones and devices. Apple users will find the app in the App Store, Android users will find their version in the Google Play Store. Windows users can access via the WEB Dashboard. Learn more at SHOTmobile.com.
Handy Interactive Map
The App includes an interactive map that can direct you from your current location to your next destination. Arrange your meetings with a handy scheduling calendar. And you can search for any SHOT exhibitor by name or product category. In addition, the App lists major show events as well as important new products.
SHOT SHOW 2020 APP FEATURES
— Locate Exhibitor Booths with searchable Vendor Database/Floor Map
— Build a personalized Schedule and bookmark Exhibitors
— Visit bookmarked Exhibitors with Quick Route Feature
— Multi-Device Sync for smartphones, tablets, laptops
— Up-to-date Exhibitor, Speaker, and Event information
The 2020 SHOT Show takes place January 21-24 at the Sands EXPO in Las Vegas, Nevada. Media Day at the Range takes place Monday the 20th in Boulder City. To learn more about SHOT Show, including seminar times, educational resources, event listings, and hotel/travel information, visit SHOTShow.org.
Long Shot Precision offers a great new product for the popular Ruger Precision Rifle (RPR) — a beautifully-crafted Adjustable Bag Rider (ABR). Made from CNC-machined aluminum, this fits an RPR perfectly, and weighs less than one pound. For more information, or to place an order, visit AdjustableBagRider.com.
The Patent-Pending Adjustable Bag Rider (ABR) is a direct replacement for the lower Picatinny rail of the RPR and RPR Magnum. Riding securely in your rear bag, the ABR provides horizontal stability and aids smooth, repeatable tracking. But in addition, now you have micro-adjustment built right into your RPR — the ABR adjusts up/down with a control wheel. This allows vertical adjustment without requiring positional body changes. This allows you to get on target faster, and reduces the vertical adjustment range needed from front rest or bipod. Because this unit is attached to the rifle, and does not move the bag up/down, it should be F-Class legal.
This video show how to adjust the ABR while in position:
ABR Installation is quick and easy with just two Allen wrenches. Once installed, you can leave the ABR on your Ruger Precision Rifle all the time. The bottom horizontal piece is available in two different styles: V-bottom or Square-bottom. Choose what works best for your bag. The maker suggests the V-Bottom for standard 2-stitch bags. The square-bottom ABR should fit bags with wider ear-spread and/or center flats.
The ABR is 100% made in the USA from high-grade 7075 aircraft aluminum. It is precision CNC-machined and then anodized for superior wear resistance. The length of pull adjustments are machined into the ABR. There are two custom hardened alloy steel dowels that ride in linear bearings for smooth operation. Though it weighs less than one pound, the ABR is made to last. This is an excellent new RPR accessory that works for competition, fun shooting, and varmint hunting.
Here is Big News for hand-loaders now using Hodgdon H4350 and Alliant Reloder 16. Vihtavuori just announced N555, an advanced new powder in the same relative burn range as H4350/RL16. Along with having a suitable burn rate for popular accuracy cartridges such as 6.5 Creedmoor and .284 Winchester, Vihtavuori’s new N555 is formulated for “clean burning characteristics and insensitivity in extreme weather conditions”. Complementing its temp stability, N555 includes an anti-fouling agent to keep barrels cleaner. In addition, Vihtavuori claims that N555’s “unmatched lot-to-lot consistency also eliminates costly range time re-developing your favorite loads”.
When can you try new N555? Vihtavuori says American retailers should have N555 in May of 2020.
Official Vihtavuori N555 Powder Press Release:
Vihtavuori, the world’s #1 propellant choice of competitive benchrest and Extreme Long Range (ELR) enthusiasts, is now offering a new High Energy Series smokeless powder for the ever-popular Creedmoor cartridge family.
Vihtavuori’s new N555 High Energy Series smokeless powder is designed for precision rifle platforms chambered in cartridges such as 6mm and 6.5 Creedmoor, .284 Winchester, .260 Remington and .30-06 Springfield, among others. Competitive shooters and hunters will benefit from its unmatched accuracy, clean burning characteristics and insensitivity in extreme weather conditions. The most temperature stable powder in its class, N555 is comparable to 4350 burn rate and attains unprecedented performance in the 6.5 Creedmoor.
All Vihtavuori High Energy Series powders include an anti-fouling agent that minimizes barrel fouling to extend the length of your competitive shooting stages. Its unmatched lot-to-lot consistency also eliminates costly range time re-developing your favorite loads.
The New N555 powder will be available this May. To learn more about Vihtavuori High Energy Series smokeless powder, visit Vihtavuori.com/powders.
About Vihtavuori
Vihtavuori is world renowned for producing the cleanest burning and temperature stable smokeless powders with unprecedented lot-to-lot consistency. Vihtavuori is a part of the Capstone Precision Group, exclusive U.S. distributor for Berger, Lapua, Vihtavuori and SK-Rimfire products. For more information, visit Vihtavuori.com.
There’s a great new way to apply an eye-catching finish to fiberglass and synthetic stocks. Water Transfer Printing (aka Hydro-Dipping) can apply beautiful, stylized patterns to your stock, and the process costs less than a custom paint job. Hydro-dipping is ideal for applying amazing photo-realistic effects such as stone, wood burl, snakeskin, or faux carbon fiber. Hydro-dipping requires no harsh chemicals or high heat so there are no negative side effects. You just end up with an amazing, patterned finish on your stock.
Hundreds of different patterns are available. We like the carbon-look finish on benchrest guns and the snakeskin patterns on hunting and varmint rifles. Natural snakeskin designs, in this Editor’s opinion, are perhaps the most effective camouflage for the largely arrid backcountry in the American southwest.
Hydro-Dip of Idaho Does Great Work
While there are a half-dozen companies offering water transfer printing for rifle stocks, Forum member Francis B. recommends Hydro-Dip, LLC of Meridian, Idaho. Examples of Hydro-Dip’s work are shown above. Francis writes: “Scott, Adam, and old man Rod Springer own and run Hydro-Dip. This is a company that will ‘paint’ your rifle, tool box, trailer, airplane, whatever and will do an excellent job while doing it. Check out their archives of jobs done. You will be amazed. I’ve not had one of their jobs done for any of mine (yet) but I’m considering it. Those who have had their rifles done tell me the cost is very reasonable. I have seen a few stocks done and they are works of art.”
Hydro-dipping (water transfer printing) can be performed on virtually any metal or plastic surface. You can Hydro-dip car parts, archery gear, rifle stocks — you name it. Watch the process in the video:
Concealed Carry Yoga Pants? Yes these Alexo Athletica Leggings will securely hold a small carry pistol or taser. There are 4 holster pockets front/rear and 6 other pockets for phone, keys, or other items.
Thousands of new products will be on display at SHOT Show 2020, the huge gun industry trade show held each January in Las Vegas. Some of the most highly-anticipated products have not yet been revealed, including new rifles, chassis systems, handguns, reloading tools, and state-of-the-art optics.
However, the official SHOT Show Product Planner offers a “sneak peak” at 357 new-for-2020 products. More will come in the weeks ahead. For the time being, however, here are six interesting accessory products and tools. There is a very interesting Universal Bullet Seating Die, plus new products from Lyman and Accu-Shot.
1. FAB Defense — RAPS Adjustable AR Stock
We like this Rapid Adjustable Precision Stock (RAPS) AR buttstock because the LOP and cheek height is very easy to adjust. In addition, the lower rear section (toe) of the buttstock is straight and smooth so it can function as a bag-rider. Too many “tactical style” buttstocks put a rail or notches on the bottom that grab in a bag. The RAPS from FAB Defense has a patent-pending 1Latch system with a memory feature that returns the adjustable LOP to its pre-set position. The integrated cheek rest has a height adjustment of up to 42mm and a non-slip rubber buttpad with 10mm of height adjustment.
2. Frankford Arsenal — Universal Bullet Seating Die
We like this concept. Now you can seat a variety of bullet calibers with a single die. Spend less money on your dies and save (storage) space on your reloading bench. Frankford Arsenal’s new Universal Bullet Seating Die holds .224 to .338 caliber bullets in place while seating, including a built-in micrometer allowing for precise micro-adjustments to the seating depth of the bullet. The die has a standard 7/8×14 thread for standard reloading presses. This Universal Seating die comes in a handy plastic case that holds all the caliber inserts plus die body.
3. Lakewood Products — Toaster-Style Rifle Carry Case
We like vertical drop-in, “toaster-style” rifle carry cases. These are easy to deploy and they don’t side-load your expensive optics when you clamp a hard case-lid shut. The new Lakewood B141L Scoped Rifle Case (Long) is a top-loading, soft-sided hard case that fits rifles up to 52″ overall length (OAL). That will fit most hunting and varmint rifles, and many competition rifles. Note — this is NOT just a foam and fabric case. Inside the ballistic nylon exterior is a case constructed of ABS plastic enveloped in foam padding. The case’s exterior dimensions are: 55″ L x 6″ D x 13″ W. Choose black (as shown) or True Timber Kanati camo.
4. Accu-Shot — Atlas CAL Cant and Loc Bipod without PAN
Since the Atlas Bipod was introduced in 2005, maker Accu-Shot has been asked for a no-pan model. The new Atlas CAL (Cant and Loc) model is a stable, adjustable bipod that dispenses with the PAN feature of older models. Many shooters thought the pan simply wasn’t necessary (or helpful) when shooting show-fire at bullseye-type targets. The new Atlas Super CAL (S-CAL) has the same features with 45° of Cant and larger leg spread.
5. Lyman Products — New Torque Wrench for Rifles and Pistols
The Lyman Torque Wrench allows the user to safely and correctly attach scope bases, scope rings, action screws and other fasteners to firearms. The Lyman kit comes with a variety of bits to fit various screw/bolt types. The orange ring allows the user to precisely set correct screw torque. This is very important for proper mounting of optics.
6. Hoppes — New Gun Vise
You’ll probably seen the Tipton Gun Vises, both basic and deluxe. Here’s a new competitor offering good functionality for the price. Hoppe’s Gun Vise ($44.99 on Amazon) easily accommodates all styles of long guns, shotguns and other popular modern sporting rifles. We like the adjustable front cradle which will fit both narrow and wide fore-ends. There are multiple slots on the base for tools, solvents, and other gear. The Gun Vise also includes rubber over-molded feet for extra security.
Just in time for the Berger SW Nationals, Berger has released a class-leading new 7mm bullet — the 190 Grain Long Range Hybrid Target (LRHT). The new 190-grainer boasts a “jump-tolerant” hybrid ogive profile along with formed meplat (bullet tip) for more consistent Ballistic Coefficient (BC). In fact, with its new MRT (Meplat Reduction Technology) nose, Doppler Radar testing confirms less than 1% BC variation from bullet to bullet. While a high BC is of course desirable for competitive shooting, shot-to-shot BC consistency is most critical when engaging targets to 600 yards and beyond. The new 7mm 190gr LRHT’s BC numbers are very impressive: 0.751 G1 and 0.384 G7.
Designed for F-Open competition, the 7mm 190gr LRHTs are optimized for cartridges such as .284 Winchester, 7mm WSM, 7mm SAUM, and 7mm Remington Magnum among others.
No you don’t need a new barrel to shoot the 190s. If you are running Berger 184s in a 1:9″ or faster twist you should be fine. Berger states: “The 190gr LRHT is complementary to the industry-leading Berger 184gr F-Open Target bullet with an identical stability factor and improved ballistics when launched from 1:9″-twist barrels.”
Meplat Reduction Technology for More Consistent BCs
Utilizing advanced and proprietary manufacturing processes, Berger’s innovative Meplat Reduction Technology (MRT) applies controlled pressure along the nose of each LRHT bullet. Berger states this delivers ” a homogeneous and repeatable profile for the industry’s most consistent Ballistic Coefficients”.
“With improved MRT consistency contributing to its superior ballistic coefficient and form factor, the 190 is one of our highest performance projectiles to date. They provide minimal dispersion and more hits on target for F-Open competitors, long range shooters and larger capacity 7mm enthusiasts.” said Garett Stoddard, Berger’s Lead Production Engineer.
The new Berger 7mm 190 Grain Long Range Hybrid Target Bullets are shipping now to Berger authorized retailers.
Some of our Shooters’ Forum members have asked for t-shirts with AccurateShooter.com logos. Sorry folks, we don’t offer those for sale, but we have searched the internet and found ten great t-shirts for gun guys and gun gals. Most of these shirts are available is multiple sizes, and many offer color choices. You’ll find over 100 more gun-themed shirts at the Etsy.com online store.
Click on each shirt image for more specs and purchase options:
To be honest, when we read the description of Trijicon’s new Ventus device, we thought it sounded like science fiction. This quad-collimated laser rangefinder/wind-reading gizmo seems like something Captain Kirk would use on Star Trek. According to Trijicon, the Ventus is “the world’s first advanced wind-mapping and range-detecting handheld device.” That’s right folks, this is a rangefinder that also “measures three-dimensional wind velocities at multiple distances out to 500 yards”. Combined with a claimed 5000-yard ranging ability (on reflective objects), Trijicon says its new Ventus gives “shooters and hunters previously unattainable data about their environment for long-range accuracy.”
The Ventus unit is designed with a Doppler LIDAR engine that can measure headwind, tailwind, crosswind and vertical wind components at six different distances, in any weather condition. The higher-end Ventus X Model also includes an onboard ballistics solver which communicates, via Bluetooth, with the Trijicon Ballistics App. This allows Ventus-X users to store shooter and target geographic locations, calculate ballistic solutions, and display wind maps.
The Ventus utilizes an advanced Doppler LIDAR engine and four collimated lasers sent out in a cone to measure wavelength interaction with dust particles at up to six different distances.
Four Collimated Lasers Read the Wind via Doppler LIDAR
How does the wind-reading work? Trijicon states: “Thanks to a fiber optic collimated laser capable of returns through dust, fog, sleet, and snow, the Ventus offers extreme, all-weather performance. Four collimated lasers [are] sent out in a cone to measure wavelength interaction with dust particles at up to six different distances. This technology allows the Ventus to calculate for head, tail, cross and vertical wind, giving shooters an incredibly accurate wind reading.”
Ventus X Model Includes Advanced Ballistics Solver
The Ventus comes in two models: Ventus and Ventus X. The basic Ventus handles ranging duties. The upgraded Ventus X adds a state-of-the-art, onboard ballistics solver. An onboard sensor suite captures all necessary data — range, wind, atmospheric temperature, stratospheric pressure, and incline angle — to provide a very advanced ballistic solution.
The Ventus X also communicates via Bluetooth to the advanced Trijicon Ballistic application, soon to be available for both iOS and Android. The Ballistic App stores shooter and target geographic locations, provides a ballistic solution, and displays a wind map overlay of readings.
