This Kowa TSN-501 optic is small and affordable. You can order fromCreedmoor Sports.
The photo above tells the story. Kowa’s new TSN-500 series spotting scopes are VERY light — just 14.1 ounces (400 grams) and VERY compact — 9.4 inches in length (239mm). This is a game changer for hunters, varminters, PRS shooters, and anyone who wants a spotter that is easy to pack and carry. And for long-range competitors (F-Class, Palma) who use a spotter mainly to watch mirage, the TSN-501 (angled) may well do the job. That’s a big deal because this spotter costs less than $350.00 complete with 20-40X zoom eyepiece. Put the money you save into a new barrel, or a stock upgrade.
Kowa offers both an angled model TSN-501, and a straight model TSN-502. Both have a 50mm front objective. We think most rifle shooters will prefer the angled model, but hunters and pistol shooters may favor the straight model. Creedmoor says: “It’s the perfect spotting scope for 10 meter air rifle, 50 ft or even 50 meter smallbore. Its weight and size make it convenient to carry with your gear and allows you to have a lighter scope stand to hold it.”
Close Focus Capability
Kowas’ TSN-500 series scopes will focus down to 2.5 meters. Read that again — this is a really big deal for those who use their scope for nature observation (as well as shooting). With the ability to focus so close (inside 3 yards), this optic can perform many roles.
For centerfire rounds, consistent ignition (and low ES/SD) all begins with the primer in the base of the cartridge. When the firing pin strikes the primer, it sets off a small flame/spark which lights the powder in the case. Energy from that burning powder pushes the bullet out of the cartridge, down the barrel, and out to the target. It’s fair to say, then, that accurate shooting all begins with the primer.
When seating primers, consistency counts. You want to make sure the primer is fully seated in the primer pocket in the base of the case. You want to ensure a slight bit of crush (flattening) for proper seating, and it doesn’t hurt to have very consistent primer seating depths. That’s why guys use tools to uniform their primer pockets.
Here’s a new tool that lets you measure the consistency of primer seating depths. We haven’t used this device yet, but Forum members have reported it works well — measurements are quick and repeatable. Will this tool lower your ES/SD or improve accuracy? That’s hard to say. However, it will definitely help you detect when a primer in a loaded round is seated too high or too low — that’s important. In addition, it can give you precise measurements for comparison testing with different types of primers.
Accuracy One Precision Primer Gauge
The Accuracy One Precision Primer Gauge will precisely measure primer pocket depth and the depth of seated primers in relationship to the face of the case head. The Precision Primer Gauge can also be used to measure the thickness of an unseated primer, allowing you to calculate the optimum seating depth for the particular primers and cases you are loading.
Precision Primer Gauge Features:
Digital Indicator with 0.01mm/0.0005″ resolution
Gauge Body is machined from 303 stainless steel
Small Primer Stem and Large Primer Stem
Both .223 Rem and .308 Win zeroing block
Magnum and .338 Lapua zeroing block
Case Compatibility: The Precision Primer Gauge works with 300 Win. Mag case head diameter (.532”) cartridges, .308 Win. case head diameter (.473”) cartridges, and .223 Rem case head diameter (.378”) cartridges using either large or small primers.
Precision Primer Gauge Pricing:
PPG Without Indicator: $100.00
PPG With Indicator: $150.00
PPG Main Body Only: $40.00
Phone Orders: Call (814) 684-5322
How to Order the Precision Primer Gauge:
The Precision Primer Gauge can be ordered via phone, or by sending in the PDF ORDER FORM form via mail or email.
Assembly Tips: Nylon screw is provided for securing the gauge body to the indicator. The contact point of the indicator must be removed to provide proper function. Also, please note that the standard gauge body is not compatible with cartridges that share the .338 Lapua case head diameter unless the diameter of the magnum step is machined to .595” to accept the larger diameter case head. This modification of the gauge body is available upon request.
Product Tip from EdLongRange. We welcome reader submissions.
The new Grayboe Ridgeback stock is made from a proprietary fiberglass/epoxy compound. MSRP is $599.00 with options for Rem 700/Rem Clone Short Action or Rem 700 Long Action.
Grayboe now offers the Ridgeback stock with both DBM (Detachable Box Magazine) or BDL inlet options. We like the design of this stock. In the rear is a nice adjustable cheekpiece and the toe (underside) has a long straight run which works well in the bags. Length of Pull is adjustable with spacers. The stock is offered for both long and short Rem 700/Rem clone actions, and the DBM version fits AICS magazines. The new Ridgeback Stock is available through the Grayboe network of dealers or direct from the Grayboe website.
The Grayboe Ridgeback blends qualities of traditional fiberglass stocks with modern features pioneered in chassis systems. The Ridgeback is constructed of proprietary Fiberglass / Epoxy compound formed under high pressure and heat. This creates a precise, low void, homogeneous stock that maintains dimensional stability and strength in all weather and shooting conditions. The Ridgeback features a vertical pistol grip, adjustable cheek piece, and handy M-LOK built into the fore-end. This allows easy customized placement of accessories. Finally the Ridgeback even includes a built-in bubble level — that’s clever and handy.
Grayboe Ridgeback Stock Features:
– Adjustable Cheek-piece
– Adjustable Length of Pull
– Fore-End includes built-in M-LOK
A pre-cut hole at the rear of each receiver allows easy insertion of a cleaning rod to clean the bore from the chamber. The Brownells BRN022 receiver will take all accessories/parts made for the Ruger 10/22. You can order factory bolt parts, and a premium barrel.
Now you can build the ultimate 10/22 with an affordable billet railed receiver. Precision-machined from billet 6061 aluminum, the Brownells BRN-22 receiver is fully compatible with components for the Ruger 10/22 platform. Brownells offers both standard factory 10/22 top profile (with drilled-and-tapped scope mounting holes), and a Railed Receiver (shown above) with an integral Picatinny top rail. We think most buyers will get the railed version shown above. At $89.99, it’s only $10 more than the basic version.
Some folks may ask — “Well why not just purchase a production Ruger 10/22 rifle from the factory? It will come complete with barrel, trigger, and stock…” The answer is the components. By starting with a bare bones receiver you can have better-than-factory components from the start — a better barrel, a premium trigger. Plus the Brownells BRN-22R Railed Model comes with a built-in Picatinny rail — that makes it easy to mount optics. And, if you want a specialty stock — say for rimfire tactical games — you can purchase an aftermarket stock that fits your requirements. Finally, the action has a port in the rear so you can insert a cleaning rod to clean from the breech end. This avoids accuracy-compromising cleaning rod damage to the muzzle.
The first part of the video features the all-new Brownells BRN-22R Railed Receiver:
Railed Receiver with Installed Barreled for $159.99
Brownells also sells BRN-22 receivers complete with pre-installed .22 LR barrels. The BRN-22 Barreled Receiver features a 16″ long barrel in either sporter or heavy contours, threaded at the muzzle. Price is $149.99 standard, and $159.99 with Railed Receiver. Then you can add the remaining components — your choice of trigger, stock, sights/optic, and muzzle device.
NOTE: This is NOT a complete barreled action — you will still need bolt, bolt handle, and trigger group — but all those parts can be easily acquired by direct mail-order. Like the bare BRN-22 receiver, this barreled receiver is the “gun” component for ATF purposes, so this must be shipped to your FFL. If you don’t want the rail, get the standard barreled receiver and save $10.00.
BRN-22 Barreled Receiver Features:
Receiver machined from 6061 T6 aluminum billet
Matte black hardcoat anodized receiver finish
1/2″-28 tpi muzzle threads for brakes and suppressors
Matte black oxide finish on barrels
Compatible with all components that fit a factory Ruger® 10/22®
FFL required for purchase
Barrels are available in Sporter and Heavy profile, both in 16″ length, while the Heavy barrel is also available in a short, 10″ length for pistol or SBR builds. All barrels come with ½”-28 tpi muzzle threads for the installation of a compensator, flash suppressor, or silencer.
Wouldn’t it be great if the lamp in your safe would switch ON as you open the vault door, then shut itself off automatically when you close the safe? Well, that is now possible with the new Automatic Cordless Vault Light from Lockdown (a Battenfeld Technologies brand). This unit features 25 LEDs to provide bright illumination in your gunsafe. A sophisticated, automatic light/motion sensor turns the vault light ON when you open the vault, and then turns the unit OFF after you close the safe. This nice bit of technology retails for $40.99. That’s a bit pricey, but the convenience factor may justify the investment for folks who access their safes frequently.
Product Description
Automatic ON/OFF operation triggered by light and motion sensor
Two 25 LED lights with 70 Lumens output each
Uses 3 AAA batteries each (not included)
Strong magnet or screw attachment
6 hours continuous runtime per light
Standby time 8,700 hours
Sensor range 5 meters
There is also a smaller, less expensive 5-LED dome model with a light-sensing mode that turns the unit on as you open the vault door. The 5-LED Automatic Cordless Vault Light can be set to automatically turn on as the vault door is opened and ambient light is detected. A selectable, manual on/off mode is incorporated as well. MSRP is $14.99, product number 222809.
Product Tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Here is interesting news, particularly for pistol shooters and PRS competitors. You can now get premium, induction-annealed cartridge brass from SIG Sauer, the noted maker of Swiss-designed pistols and rifles. SIG Sauer is now manufacturing pistol and rifle brass at its state-of-the-art ammunition facility in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Notably, all Elite Performance rifle shell cases are induction annealed for consistent neck tension and case longevity. SIG states this brass is “engineered to exacting tolerances” and “the geometric consistency … ensures each primer is held tightly in its pocket. Flash holes are precise with no burrs and the superior metallurgical properties of the SIG Sauer cases enable repeated reloading.”
Rifle Brass Pricing is Attractive
We haven’t tried SIG Sauer rifle brass yet, but we are tempted as pricing is competitive. For example, a 50-count bag of 6.5 Creedmoor brass costs $33.95 on SIG’s online store. Varminters take note — 50 22-250 brass cases cost $25.95, while a 100-ct bag of .223 Rem brass is $35.95 (just 36 cents each).
SIG rifle cases are available for these cartridge types: .223 Rem, 22-250 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, .300 BLK, .308 Win, .and 300 Win Mag. Coming soon are .270 Win and .30-06 Springfield brass. Cases for most rifle cartridge types are sold 50 to a bag (100 for .223 Rem).
SIG Pistol Brass Sold Both Primed and Unprimed
SIG’s pistol brass is offered either primed or unprimed, at affordable prices. For example, 100 .45 ACP cases cost $33.95 primed, or $27.95 unprimed. 9mm Luger is even cheaper — just $25.95 for primed cases, or $20.95 for 9mm unprimed. To save time, we’d be tempted to buy the primed cases.
SIG pistol cases are available, primed or unprimed, in 100-ct bags for the following cartridge types: .380 Auto, 9mm Luger (9x19mm), .357 SIG, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, 40 S&W, 10mm Auto, .45 ACP.
COMMENT: Honestly, we don’t see many Benchrest and F-Class competitors moving away from Lapua brass which is superb, and holds the vast majority of records in those disciplines. However, for other disciplines, such as 3-Gun and Tactical matches, where you may not be able to recover your brass, it makes sense to consider cheaper alternatives. Likewise, varminters, who may shoot hundreds of rounds in an outing, may favor less costly cartridge brass.
“Each brass case undergoes rigorous in-line and post production quality assurance testing to ensure a flawless casing”, said Brad Criner, SIG Sauer’s Senior Director of Brand Management and Business Development. “The result is unparalleled durability and dependability.” All SIG Sauer Elite Performance ammunition and components are manufactured at SIG’s new ammo plant in Jacksonville, Arkansas. For more information on SIG cartridge brass visit the SIG Sauer Brass Webpage.
We’ve always liked the capacious, durable range boxes from MTM Case-Gard. And MTM offers a special “Tactical” version for AR shooters. This detachable-lid Tactical Range Box features a magwell-filling “action block insert” to support your AR securely during cleaning. Magwell posts like this have been used for years by AR gunsmiths. It’s a fast and convenient way to secure your AR.
The Tactical Range Box also comes with two adjustable cradles that will support most conventional bolt-action rifles and lever guns. These plastic cradles are gentle on fancy stocks, and they can be removed and stowed in the bottom of the box during transport.
The Tactical Range Box uses a two-piece design. The removable top storage compartment holds oils, solvents, brushes, patches, and small accessories. Unlatch the top box to reveal a large, deep storage area that will hold tools, earmuffs, ammo boxes and other larger items. MTM Range Boxes are big enough to hold pretty much everything you need at the range, except your front rest and rear sandbag. Midsouth Shooters Supply offers the MTM Tactical Range Box (item 008-TRB40) for just $43.84. Like MTM’s standard Shooting Range Box, the Tactical Range Box is well-built and much less flexy than generic plastic tool-boxes. Check out the features of this range box in the video below.
For more info, contact MTM® Molded Products at (937) 890-7461 or visit MTMCase-gard.com.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Cabela’s — .22 LR Savage A22 , $209.99 with Spinner Target
The A22 is Savage’s .22 LR version of its very popular A17 rimfire rifle. This rifle is an excellent starter rifle for a youngster, and it also can serve as a handy “truck gun” for dispatching small varmints. On sale now at just $209.99 at Cabela’s, this A22 Rifle is a great bargain. But it gets even better. Purchase this rifle and you get a free Champion Metal Spinner Target. Get Spinner Target REBATE HERE. Plus you get free shipping (to your FFL) with promo Code FREESHIP.
Planning some Service Rifle practice, but don’t have time to reload? Or are you shooting a PRS “Gas Gun” match in Tac Lite Division? Then you should give this IMI ammo a chance. If you aren’t aware, IMI (Israel Military Industries) is the primary military ammo producer for the nation of Israel. This is first-rate ammo produced to high standards. It’s rare to find ammo at this price loaded with premium match bullets — the 77 grain Sierra MatchKing. This sale price works out to $0.56 cents per round. The bullets alone would cost about 28 cents each. This IMI ammo usually sells for $0.90 to $0.96 per round so this is a bargain. The brass is pretty tough — worth reloading. And Sierra specifically designed the 77gr #9377 MatchKing to work optimally loaded to AR15 mag length. This ammo should fit most service rifle chambers even if labeled “.223 Rem”.
Made of heavy-duty steel, this Resetting Rimfire Target is 16.8″ wide x 22.5″ high x 1.8″ deep. Shoot the four lower plates then hit the upper plate to reset the group. Given the price, this metal target system is suprisingly durable — as long as you NEVER use it with centerfire ammo — it’s not built for that. A set of 2.5″ round adhesive target spots is include. NOTE, the Target is most stable with the frame “legs” pushed into the ground a bit. This may be difficult with hard, dry ground.
4. CDNN — Ruger 17 HMR Rifle with Scope and Ammo, $299.99
Here’s everything a varminter needs — rifle, scope, sling, and ammo — all for under $300.00. For fans of the 17 HMR, this deal is hard to beat. You get the bolt-action Ruger American Rimfire rifle chambered in 17 HMR, plus Bushnell A17 Rimfire Scope with Multi-X Reticle, plus 200 rounds of CCI A17 17grain Varmint Ammo (very good stuff), and a Winchester sling — all for just $299.99. If you figure the scope is worth $100 and the CCI ammo would cost $48.00, then you’re getting the Ruger rifle for $151.99. That’s highway robbery. Full Deal HERE.
5. Midsouth — Hornady 17 HMR Ten Boxes for $84.99
Varmint hunters take note. Here’s a great deal on premium 17 HMR ammo. Midsouth is selling 500 rounds of Hornady 17 HMR ammo for $84.99. That works out to just $8.50 per 50-rd box — the best price we’ve seen in a while. Loaded with 17gr V-Max bullets, this ammo is accurate — expect about 1 MOA at 100 yards in a good rifle. The V-Max bullets are effective on small varmints out to 200 yards.
6. MidwayUSA — Caldwell LR Target Cam System, $295.99
Forum members have purchased this Caldwell Target Cam System and they’ve found that it works reliably, providing a clear signal to any WiFi-enabled mobile device (smartphone, iPad, Laptop). One member specifically tested the unit at 1000 yards and it functioned fine. NOTE: This system does NOT have a zoom camera lens, so you need to position the camera within 10 yards or so of the target. But if you place it to the side a bit, this shouldn’t be a problem. This system comes with a nice, fitted carrying case that holds camera, transceivers, antennas, and stands. This is a good deal. Right now this very same system costs $349.95 on Amazon and $369.99 on Brownells.com! Save big with this sale pricing at MidwayUSA.
7. EuroOptics — Leica CRF 2000, $399.00
This may be the best deal we’ve seen on the vaunted Leica 2000-B Laser Rangefinder (LRF) with 7-power optic. This unit is rated out to 2000 yards on reflective objects (in real-world use it will laze a deer well past 800 if you can hold steady). The Leica 2000-B features air pressure and temperature sensors, plus on-board inclinometer. Angle correction works out to 1200 horizontal yards equivalent, with the true hold-over displayed in both MILs and MOA. The compact Leica CRF 2000-B weighs just 6.5 ounces and measures 4.5″ L x 2.25″ H x 1.25″ W. It has a waterproof outer shell.
Here’s a good secondary safe for your workshop or home. Though budget priced, this Stack-On 10-Gun Safe is tall enough to hold match rifles. “Roll-back” priced at just $249.99, this fire-resistant safe offers great protection for the price — much better than a thin-walled “security cabinet”. External dimensions are approximately 55.25″ high x 16″ wide x 15.25″ deep. The safe has a robust 3-number rotary combination lock and is fire-rated for 30 minutes at up to 1400° F. Pick up this safe at your nearest Walmart, or you can have the safe delivered to your residence for another $49.97 shipping fee. This same safe sells elsewhere for up to $389.00.
These Six-inch “splatter” targets display a bright yellow ring around each bullet hole. We like these adhesive Glow Shot targets for practice at 300-600 yards. The neon yellow on black provides high contrast so you can easily see 6mm bullet impacts at 600 yards. The 6″-diameter is one-MOA at 600 yards — a good aiming center size. Priced at just $14.99 for a sixty-count package, these are a good value compared to the larger Birchwood Casey Splatter Targets. Note: This Glow Shot target is also available in a Red Circle version, and Tri-Color version (red, yellow, and green).
Everyone needs a serious, full-size single-stage press such as the RCBS Rock Chucker for heavy-duty reloading tasks. But’s it’s also wise to have a smaller, more compact press for lighter duties such as decapping (primer removal), neck-sizing, and bullet seating. The new Lyman Brass Smith Ideal press fits that role perfectly, at an affordable price — about $80.00 retail.
With an $80 street price, Lyman’s new C-Frame press is an exceptional value. With beefy cast-iron construction, it is much stiffer than other presses in this compact category. The compound linkage is smooth. The base is big enough to provide good stability. For someone looking for a second press, or a smaller press to take to the range, the new Lyman Ideal may be the smart solution.
The Lyman Ideal press just started shipping. Our fiend Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com got one of the very first. Gavin has created a helpful video showcasing the features of this compact press. Gavin was impressed, finding the Ideal press operated smoothly with plenty of power for most tasks. (We would still use a bigger press with more leverage for heavy case-forming duties). Here is Gavin’s video. The first 7 minutes cover unboxing and assembly. Starting at the 8-minute mark, Gavin uses the Ideal press to load 6.5 Creedmoor cases:
Lyman Ideal Press
The Lyman Brass Smith Ideal Press is a budget-friendly, cast iron single-stage reloading press built right here in the USA. Here’s the official info and specs:
The large opening and C frame design allows you to access the shell holder without hitting the support bar on other types of presses. Changing shell holders is a breeze and the press holds standard 7/8″x14 TPI dies from any manufacturer. The high quality steel ram is one inch in diameter and the 3 7/8″ opening allows you to reload cartridges up to 3.7 inches tall. The Brass Smith is a true ambidextrous press that can be accessed from either side and mounted the same.
Lyman Brass Smith Ideal Press — Specifications and Features:
Rugged Cast Iron Frame
Ambidextrous Design
Handles Cartridges Up To 3.7″ Long
Durable Powder Coat Finish
Compound Linkage and 1″ Diameter Ram
Accepts Standard 7/8″X14 Dies and Standard Shell Holders
Weight: 12.6 Lbs.
Stay Tuned — Lyman will be sending an Ideal Press to AccurateShooter.com. In the weeks ahead we will test this affordable C-Frame press both in the workshop and at the range…
Service Rifle shooters now have a new optics option — a 1-4.5X Leupold. This new scope fits CMP/NRA rules allowing up to 4.5X power for Service Rifles. Leupold’s new 1-4.5×24mm VX-4.5HD Service Rifle optic features a 30mm maintube and 1-4.5 power zoom with HD glass. It will be offered with both standard and illuminated Bull-Ring-style reticles.
“When the High Power Service Rifle competitions announced that they’d be allowing the use of riflescopes, with a 4.5 magnification maximum, consumers immediately turned to us for a solution”, said Vici Peters, product line manager for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “The VX-4.5HD delivers everything a Service Rifle competitor could want out of their optic, and is available with reticles that have been built to drive winning scores.”
VX-4.5HD Pricing vs. The Competition
With a base MSRP of $1820.00 and $1400 street price, this new Leupold is way more expensive than the 1-4x24mm $495.00 Konus XTC-30 Service Rifle scope. However, the Leupold’s street price undercuts the $1892.00 Nightforce 4.5x24mm Comp Scope by nearly $500.00. The March 1-4.5x24mm scope, at $2461.00 retail, is even more expensive, but the March does offer adjustable parallax, a valuable feature for longer ranges. We wish the new Leupold had adjustable parallax.
The new Leupold VX-4.5HD competes directly with the Nightforce 4.5x24mm Comp Scope shown above. Both the Leupold and NF lack the adjustable parallax of the March 1-4.5x24mm optic.
Competition Reticles with Smart Illumination Option
Two reticle types will be offered for the Leupold 1-4.5x24mm: 1) Bull-Ring Post; and 2) Illuminated FireDot Bull-Ring. At 4.5 power, the Bull-Ring will nearly be identical in size to the target’s bullseye. As magnification is turned down, the white ring around the bullseye can be adjusted to help center your aim. The FireDot Bull-Ring features MST (Motion Sensor Technology) that automatically deactivates illumination after 5 minutes of inactivity, and reactivates it when movement is detected.
More Affordable Options from Leupold
Interestingly, Leupold currently offers many other scopes that could be used for Service Rifle competition. Here are three that all cost much less than the VX-4.5HD:
NOTE: None of the above Leupold scopes offer HD glass, and max magnification is 4X. If you want the 4.5X and premium lenses you have to pony up a lot more cash.
The new VX-4.5HD features a scratch-resistant Guard-Ion rain shedding coating. This scope also has Leupold’s proprietary Twilight Max HD Light Management System, which helps in low-light conditions, and also eliminates the image “wash-out” from direct sunlight. The VX-4.5HD is designed, machined, and assembled in the USA and backed by Leupold’s Full Lifetime Guarantee.
Kowa offers both an angled model TSN-501, and a straight model TSN-502. Both have a 50mm front objective. We think most rifle shooters will prefer the angled model, but hunters and pistol shooters may favor the straight model. Creedmoor says: “It’s the perfect spotting scope for 10 meter air rifle, 50 ft or even 50 meter smallbore. Its weight and size make it convenient to carry with your gear and allows you to have a lighter scope stand to hold it.”
Here is interesting news, particularly for pistol shooters and PRS competitors. You can now get premium, induction-annealed cartridge brass from SIG Sauer, the noted maker of Swiss-designed pistols and rifles. SIG Sauer is now manufacturing pistol and rifle brass at its state-of-the-art ammunition facility in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Notably, all Elite Performance rifle shell cases are induction annealed for consistent neck tension and case longevity. SIG states this brass is “engineered to exacting tolerances” and “the geometric consistency … ensures each primer is held tightly in its pocket. Flash holes are precise with no burrs and the superior metallurgical properties of the SIG Sauer cases enable repeated reloading.”
We’ve always liked the capacious, durable range boxes from 
