If this were a normal year, our team would be reporting from SHOT Show in Las Vegas right now. But the COVID-19 Pandemic changed all that. There is no SHOT Show 2021. However, the organizers of SHOT Show have created a virtual gallery of new products, SHOT Show “On Demand”. We scanned through over 500 new products to create this selection of 14 “new and notable” products. There are new optics from March, Zeiss, Leica, and Athlon, new bullets from Berger, new rifles from Howa and Ruger, plus additional products for hunters and long range shooters.
1. Berger .25 Caliber Long Range Hybrid Target Bullet
Berger’s new .25 Caliber 135 grain Long Range Hybrid Target bullet is the latest projectile offering in the highly-anticipated Long Range Hybrid Target (LRHT) product line. The new .25 Cal LRHT boasts a high BC, jump-tolerant hybrid ogive profile that is Doppler Radar-verified with less than 1% BC variation.
The 25s are ideal for many of today’s PRS and NRL disciplines that reach out to 1,000 yards and beyond. They are tailored for cartridges such as the .25 Creedmoor, 25-06 Remington, along with several wildcat cartridges popular among competitive shooters. The 135s require 1:8″ twist or faster. Use Berger’s Twist Rate Calculator and determine the optimal twist rate.
This Video Explains the Features of Berger LR Hybrid Target Bullets:
2. March 1-10x24mm Dual Reticle Riflescope — FFP and SFP
The new March 1-10×24mm Shorty is a revolutionary compact scope. The innovative Dual Reticle design boasts the advantages of both First Focal Plane (FFP) and Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticles.
This scope has the convenience of a FFP reticle which scales precisely with changes of magnification. But the scope also boasts the usability of a SFP reticle with constant line thickness as the magnification changes. Placing the bright fiber dot in the Second Focal Plane ensures that the illuminated dot is effective across the entire magnification range.
This a great scope for hunters. It weighs just 17.8 ounces and is just 8.4 inches overall. With a true 1X power option, it can be used to scan rapidly with both eyes open. But with its 10-fold zoom ratio, it can also be used for long range shots requiring precision aiming. MSRP is $2750.00.
3. Kestrel 5700X Elite Weather Meter, Applied Ballistics + LiNK
The Kestrel 5700X Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics and LiNK offers the accuracy and reliability as the industry “gold standard” 5700 Elite. But the 5700X packs more performance power to deliver faster firing solutions for multiple targets at extreme long-ranges. This allows shooters to hit long-distance targets faster than ever before. With an upgraded processor that is more powerful and faster than the 5700 Elite, the 5700X provides quicker targeting data for extreme long-range targets. For security, the adjustable Bluetooth® Low Energy signal can be dialed from full power to off position to minimize Bluetooth® range detectability. MSRP is $849.00.
4. Leica Amplus 6 Scope with 6X Zoom Ratio
Leica Sport Optics has introduced a premium riflescope line — the Leica Amplus 6 series. These 30mm tube scopes feature illuminated reticles and a broad, 6X zoom ratio. According to Leica: “The Amplus 6 combines the proven Leica DNA in a universal riflescope with 6X zoom. Leica Amplus 6 balances premium optical performance with rugged features and is complimented by the extremely sharp illuminated dot, 6x zoom, large exit pupil and wide field of view.” Leica promises “color-neutral images with brilliant color correction” along with tough construction. The Amplus 6 is offered in 1-10x24mm, 2.5-15x50mm, and 2.5-15x56mm models. CLICK HERE for product details.
5. Ruger Precision Rifle — Custom Shop Model
The Ruger Precision® Rifle chambered in 6mm Creedmoor is the newest addition to the Ruger Custom Shop® line of firearms. Designed in collaboration with Team Ruger Captain Doug Koenig, and featuring a factory-installed TriggerTech trigger with Frictionless Release Technology, this new model builds upon the already competitive Ruger Precision Rifle to deliver a factory-built firearm specifically designed for long-range competition. MSRP is $2399.00. This is an interesting rifle, but we think for the money we would look at a semi-custom. Get a nice barreled action and drop it in a good chassis stock.
Zeiss Sports Optics has just unveiled ZEISS DTI 3/35, its first thermal imaging camera specifically developed for hunting. The thermal imaging camera combines a high-resolution display with a balanced, ergonomic design. Thanks to the ErgoControl arrangement of the control buttons and the device’s specially-shaped design, the ZEISS DTI 3/35 is intuitive to use. The buttons are arranged so that they can be engaged quickly and accurately with gloved hands even when it is dark and cold. Even the high-precision manual zoom is designed work easily in the dark. The DTI 3/35 also offers precise magnification adjustments in 0.5x increments for the digital 1.0-4.0x zoom. This allows the user to quickly switch zoom levels, making it easier to find and then zoom in to identify game in the dark.
Spotting scopes continue to evolve, with high-end performance now being offered in more affordable units. The new Athlon Ares 20-60x85mm G2 is an example. This offers Ultra-High-Definition (UHD) glass plus a big 85mm objective — with a modest $799.99 price. This Athlon spotting scope has features found on top-of-the-line spotters, such as a full-diameter focus ring. Athlon says that for “a precision shooter spotting impacts at 1,000 yards, the extra-low-dispersion glass provides vivid clarity and resolution[.]” Note: The new Ares G2 20-60×85mm ships with a 3X zoom ratio 20-60 power eyepiece, but it can also accept an optional 28X fixed-power eyepiece with ranging reticle. Street price is $799.99 on Amazon.
8. Surelock Security Company — The Boss Giant Gunsafe
We know lots of our readers have gun collections that push the limits of their current gun safe. What you may need is the giant-capacity Boss Gunsafe from Surelock Security. This huge (59″ H x 55″ W x 28″ D) gunvault can hold up to 76 guns! Of course that rating is based on thin guns without scopes but this is still one of the biggest consumer safes on the market. The Boss safe features 14ga steel walls and door (top and bottom are 12ga). It comes with a 75-minute fire rating. The door is secured by fourteen 1.25″-diameter steel bolts and a SecuRam® Lock. Nice internal features include a deluxe Door Panel Organizer plus internal 110v and USB power outlets. This is a heavy beast — assembled weight is 920 pounds. Price is $1999.99, a pretty good deal considering the features and capacity. Note: This safe is so new it’s not on the Surelock website yet, but you can call 480-542-9459 with questions.
9. Howa — Carbon Fiber Stalker Rifle (Under 5 pounds)
The Howa Carbon Fiber Stalker hunting rifle is great new offering for hunters who want to minimize their load-out. As fitted with a Stocky’s Carbon Fiber stock and trim Howa Mini Action, this new Carbon Fiber Stalker rifle weighs just 4 pounds, 10 ounces. Weight will be higher with Short Action and Long Action. These rifles feature a M1500 barrel and the 2-Stage HACT trigger — one of the best factory triggers on the market. The rifle comes with the standard 3-Position Safety with the Mini Action, Short Action, and Long Action. All Howa Carbon Fiber Stalker rifles come with a Sub-MOA Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty. The Carbon Fiber Stalker will first be offered in Mini Actions, followed by the bigger action types. Available chamberings are:
Mini Action: .223 Rem, 6.5 Grendel, 7.62×39, and .350 Legend
Short Action: 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Rem, and .308 Win
Long Action: .270 Win and 6.5 PRC
10. Plano — AW2 Pistol Cases with Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor
If you have high-cost handguns, you may want to transport them in Plano All Weather™ AW2 cases. These will protect pricey pistols from damage, moisture, and corrosion. Plano has added Rustrictor technology and improved protections to its popular pistol cases. The new AW2 cases offer rugged, industrial-strength construction, a continuous Dri-Loc® seal, and an exclusive Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor (VCI) powered by Armor. Plano states: “AW2 Rustrictor cases create a 360° shield that protects your gear and prevents rust, even in the most extreme conditions.” Heavy-duty, dual-stage lockable latches and a built-in pressure release valve help these cases withstand the continuous bumping and jarring of travel including airlines.
Plano claims that Rustrictor blocks rust up to 5 times longer then the compitiotn with 360° of protection. These Plano AW2 pistol cases are availible in three sizes: Medium (1 pistol, $59.99 MSRP), Large (2 pistols, $79.99 MSRP) and Extra Large (4 pistols with MSRP 99.99).
11. Walker’s — FireMax Walkie-Talkie Accessory
Here’s a very smart new product that lets you talk with other shooters or range workers when you have your earmuffs in place. The new FireMax Walkie-Talkie from Walker’s attaches to the bottom of a FireMax Muff, providing a microphone and radio circuitry. This unit run on the FRS frequency band, with main, sub-channel, and priority channel settings. The antenna is adjustable and their is a large, back-lit LCD screen. The walkie-talkie components is powered by the existing large FireMax Muff battery, keeping things simple. We like the fact that the attached Walkie-talkie will also control muff volume and mode selection. Price is very reasonable — just $59.99 (FireMax Muff sold separately for $149.99).
12. Swagger Bipods — SFR10 FLEX/RIGID Bipod
Swagger’s new SFRP10 Flex/Rigid Bipod is pretty expensive at $249.99 MSRP, but it does offer some unique capabilities that tactical shooters will appreciate. The special system allows the bipod to cant, traverse and FLEX. Swagger states: “Every shooter wants the rigidity of a traditional bipod but also have the ability to cant and traverse with ease.
The SFR10 bipod has the ability to cant and traverse, track a target and make adjustments down range-all without having to take your eye out of the scope and off the target. Adjustable flex tension allows shooter to fine tune flexibility to the situation. This SFR10 bipod easily adjusts from max flex to rigid, and legs can be set at 45° angle for lower shooting position. Bipod weight is 15.2 oz. and vertical adjustment range is 6″ to 10.5″.
13. SIUS HS10 Hybrid Target System — Rimfire AND Air guns
The Swiss-made SIUS HS10 hybrid is an electronic scoring target for air guns and small bore rifles. As far as we know this is the first-ever electronic target system designed to work for both .22 LR competition as well as air rifles/air pistols. SIUS says this “is the perfect target for all 10m, 50ft, 50m needs from a single lane installation (with SIUSLANE software) to a system for competitions (with SIUSDATA,TEN-LANE Command Desk, SIUSRANK software). This new HS10 Hybrid target is ISSF rated for National-Level competitions. It can be used at home (for airgun practice) or for club/school/program sport shooting.
How it works: When the projectile passes through the inner target plane, it is detected completely contact-free by TWO independent HD-infrared beams. This technology allows for projectile detection with the accuracy of a few hundredths of a millimeter.
14. New Sling Saddle Secures Hunting Rifle During Carry
How do you carry your rifle when hunting? Do you stow it away in your pack for a hands free hike, sling it over your shoulder and hold there, or carry it in your hands to keep it handy for when you need it in a hurry? With the Sling Saddle Shoulder and belt clip system you can carry your rifle completely HANDS FREE. The Creed Sling Saddle Combo ($49.95 MSRP) offers a solution to a common problem that hunters struggle with when carrying a rifle on their shoulder. The Shoulder clip easily attaches to your backpack shoulder strap, is fully adjustable, and very easy to use. Simply attach it onto your favorite hunting pack. This unit comes in two variations. You can purchase the shoulder clip only, or you can purchase the Combo which secures your rifle at shoulder and waist.
This video shows how the Sling Saddle works in the field for hunters:
NSSF APPLAUDS OCC FINALIZATION OF FAIR ACCESS BANKING RULE
The NSSF, the firearm industry’s trade association, applauded the finalization of the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s (OCC) rule to end discrimination by financial service providers against the firearm industry and others. NSSF worked closely with the OCC and members of the U.S. Congress to ensure banking and credit decisions are based on credit worthiness and financial risk assessment for all legal businesses.
“NSSF has championed fair access to financial services for the firearm and ammunition industry and is pleased to witness the end of unfair and politically-motivated discriminatory practices by banking institutions that have a legal duty to service all legal businesses,” said Lawrence Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “This rule will ensure large financial institutions that are supported by taxpayer-funded resources…must provide fair and equal access to services based on their objective financial creditworthiness [not] ‘woke’ political considerations.”
The finalized rule ensures fair access to banking services provided by large national banks, federal savings associations and, federal branches and agencies of foreign bank organizations. It codifies more than a decade of OCC guidance stating that banks should provide access to services, capital, and credit based on the risk assessment of individual customers, rather than broad-based decisions affecting whole categories or classes of customers.
The finalized rule evens the playing field. It stops corporate banks from picking winners and losers based on executives’ personal politics. It protects banks from outside pressure from special interest groups seeking to use the banks as a political weapon. The rule enforces protections passed by Congress and signed into law with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010.
NSSF knows this finalized rule was only possible through the leadership and diligent efforts of many. NSSF is especially grateful to Acting Comptroller of the Currency Brian P. Brooks, U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.), Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas) and Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.).
The COVID-19 Pandemic claims another victim — the 2021 CMP Western Games. The CMP announced that the 2021 CMP Western Games at Ben Avery in Phoenix, Arizona have been officially cancelled. Judy Legerski, CMP Board Chairman, stated: “Due to the severely limited number of participants allowed at the Ben Avery facility imposed by the State of Arizona, it is not feasible to hold an event at the facility”. The Games had been slated for March 12-21, 2021.
Arizona health restrictions allow only 10 persons per building regardless of building size, and allow no more than 50 people on the Highpower rifle range (including range officers/staff) despite the outdoor venue. That would make it very difficult to conduct the major Western Games matches. In addition this year no ammunition or rifle sales would be allowed. (The CMP marketplace was a big draw for Western Games participants each year.)
“These restrictions leave us no choice but to withdraw from the event”, Legerski said. “We had planned a full slate of events in Arizona, including CMP Games Rifle, EIC Service Rifle, multiple pistol matches, Vintage Sniper Rifle, Rimfire Sporter Rifle, and a series of rifle and pistol training courses.”
TALLADEGA SPRING CLASSIC (March 16-21) WILL REPLACE WESTERN GAMES THIS YEAR
To replace the 2021 Western Games, the CMP will host a series of rifle and pistol matches at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama. The March 16-21 2021 Spring Classic event at Talladega will include a pistol 2700, a mid-range 3×600 rifle match, long range rifle clinic, and pistol Marksmanship 101 course. Many of these are new events not held before at Talladega. CLICK HERE for full details.
This Talladega Spring Classic will provide an opportunity for competitors to shoot a variety of new matches. Mrs. Legerski stated: “We are sorry that we cannot hold the Western Games this year. We look forward to returning to the great Ben Avery Range in Arizona in 2022.”
The 2021 SHOT Show in Las Vegas was cancelled this year, due to the COVID Pandemic. But Brownells is hosting 5-day virtual event called the “NOT-SHOW” on January 18-22, 2021. The Brownells NOT-SHOW kicked off this morning. will feature new product introductions and special discounts on a wide variety of merchandise (not just the new releases). In addition the Brownells NOT-SHOW will have Daily Product Giveaways from January 18-22, 2021.
The Brownells NOT-SHOW has five main sponsors: AeroPrecision, CMC Triggers, Hornady, Stag Arms, and Magpul. New products from these five companies will be showcased in the NOT-SHOW event, along with many other companies’ offerings. There will be a wide variety of products featured, including optics, reloading tools, and more.
Everyone knows that Magpul makes excellent rifle magazines for ARs, as well as AICS-type mags for bolt guns. But Magpul also produces many other quality product including rifle stocks, AR buttstocks, bipods, rifle sights, pistol mags, and sling accessories. Here are Magpul products at Brownells.
Winchester and Browning have introduced the new 6.8 Western, a new .277-caliber cartridge designed for long-range hunting. The new 6.8 Western is a high-capacity cartridge with a modern 35-degree shoulder, optimized for a conventional short action. The 6.8 Western is VERY similar to the existing .270 WSM. It shares the same 0.535″ rim diameter, and the same 0.277″ bullet diameter, however the 6.8 Western’s case length is slightly shorter. The .270 WSM has a 2.100″ case length, while the new 6.8 Western has a 2.020″ length. That’s just 80 thousandths shorter. Both cartridges, the 6.8 Western and .270 WSM, share a 35° shoulder, so in fact, the 6.8 Western is VERY close to the existing .270 WSM, just .080″ short. With a 1:8″ twist, the 6.8 Western should be able to shoot bullets up to 175 grains.
In designing this new cartridge, Winchester wanted WSM performance in a slightly shorter case: “The key feature… was to shorten up that shoulder, shorten up the OAL of the cartridge so we could get longer, sleeker, heavy-for-caliber bullets to really drive the G1 BC higher and higher, to get the flattest possible trajectory.” Winchester claims that the 6.8 Western is the “largest [cartridge] on the market to fit into lighter, short-action rifles like the Winchester Model 70, Winchester XBR, and Browning X-Bolt Pro”. That’s a bit deceptive, since the .300 WSM, with a 0.2100″ case length, will fit in many of those rifles with most bullets. Oh well — there’s always some marketing hype.
6.8 Western — High-BC Bullets, Good Knock-Down Power, Tolerable Recoil
What is the real advantage of the new 6.8 Western? Fundamentally it can be loaded with heavier, higher-BC bullets than a 6.5 PRC, while having less recoil than a .300 WSM (with most bullets). (But the same can be said of the older .270 WSM.) WideOpenSpaces.com states that with the 6.8 Western “recoil is much lower than the .300 Win Mag, .300 PRC, and the .300 WSM cartridge. At the same time, the 6.8 is said to deliver more energy to the target than a 6.5 PRC [or] 6.5 Creedmoor[.]” Winchester is even claiming more downrange energy than a 7mm Remington Magnum.
This video, with lots of field footage, explains the main features of the new 6.8 Western:
This video has great cartridge illustrations, with 3D Animations and comparative energy tables:
“When people think of the perfect long-range rifle cartridge, they want many key features — good precision, flat trajectory, large down-range energy, and manageable recoil.” — Keith Masinelli, Winchester
This video shows loaded ammo. Direct comparison with .270 WSM at 8:55 minute time mark.
Why Develop a New Hunting Cartridge So Similar to the .270 WSM?
With interest in long-range hunting growing rapidly, engineers at Winchester and Browning sought a solution that could offer magnum performance with a modern high-BC projectile, yet chamber in a short action rifle for shorter bolt-throw and less weight. The 6.8 Western was “designed to be capable in any big-game hunting scenario and a great fit for those who enjoy long-range target shooting”. For the 6.8 Western, the designers basically shortened the .270 WSM case to allow for longer bullets (with the same cartridge OAL limits), and possibly make the case a bit more efficient.
The First 6.8 Western Rifles from Browning and Winchester
Browning X-Bolt Pro in 6.8 Western
Browning will release a light-weight, X-Bolt Pro rifle chambered for the 6.8 Western. This will have a 26″ barrel with 1:7.5″-twist, so it should be able to shoot all the high-BC .277-caliber bullets. With a carbon-reinforced stock, this rifle is relatively light-weight — just 6 lbs., 12 ounces before optics. The rifle has a 3-lug bolt with 60° bolt lift. Trigger adjusts from 3-6 pounds, fine for a hunting rifle. According to Wide Open Spaces, the barrel and receiver are finished with Tungsten Cerakote to protect the rig in harsh weather conditions. On Browning’s website, the Browning X-Bolt in 6.8 Western has a $2,469.99 MSRP. At that price, it may make more sense to buy a used X-Bolt rifle and re-barrel it.
“The 6.8 Western cartridge brings a new perspective to long-range hunting and shooting,” said Ryan Godderidge, Senior VP of Sales, Marketing, and Firearms for Browning. “It provides magnum-level performance in our short action rifles, giving the shooter highly effective down-range energy, even at longer ranges, while allowing for a lighter-weight platform.”
Winchester Model 70 in 6.8 Western
Winchester will release a Model 70 chambered for the 6.8 Western. It will have a 24″ stainless barrel, stainless action with 3-round hinged floor-plate internal magazine. Wide Open Spaces reports: “Right now, it appears the Model 70 Extreme Weather MB is the first 6.8 Western that will roll off their factory floors. The stock is composite with a Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad. At 44.25″ overall, this rifle is shorter than the Browning X-Bolts, but weighs slightly more at seven pounds even.” Listed MSRP is $1,599.99 for this new 6.8 Western Model 70.
On January 15, 2021, the National Rifle Association (NRA) announced it was filing for Ch. 11 Bankruptcy. This is part of a strategic re-organization that will see the NRA abandon New York State and, hopefully, reincorporate in Texas. It is not clear how this move will impact the current legal action brought by New York Atty. General seeking to dissolve the 150-year-old organization, which was founded in 1871. The New York Times reports: “The bankruptcy filing could delay the resolution of the Attorney General’s case while the matter is litigated in Bankruptcy court.” And a lawyer for the NRA, Wm. Brewer III, stated: “Under this [reorganization] plan, the Association wisely seeks protection from New York officials who it believes have illegally weaponized their powers against the NRA and its members.”
In a letter to members, NRA CEO and Executive VP Wayne LaPierre posted: “We are DUMPING New York, and we are pursuing plans to reincorporate the NRA in Texas.” To facilitate the restructuring, the NRA and a subsidiary have filed Ch. 11 petitions in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. LaPierre continued: “The NRA is pursuing reincorporating in a state that values the contributions of the NRA, [that] celebrates our law-abiding members, and will join us as a partner in upholding constitutional freedom. This is a transformational moment in the history of the NRA.”
“The plan allows us to protect the NRA and go forward with a renewed focus on Second Amendment advocacy”, added current NRA President Carolyn Meadows. “We will continue to honor the trust placed in us by employees, members, and other stakeholders[.]” The NRA also announced Marschall Smith will serve as Chief Restructuring Officer. A former Senior VP and General Counsel of 3M Company, Smith has more than 35 years of legal and business experience.
Important Points for Current NRA Members:
1. The NRA is Not Closing Operations — The organization will continue providing services to its members even during the Bankruptcy Proceedings. NRA Leader LaPierre’s letter states: “We will continue to train Americans and teach them firearm safety. We will continue to teach hunter safety” and “We will continue to publish and deliver your magazines.”
2. NRA Memberships Remain in Full Effect — As far as we know, the NRA does NOT plan to nullify or cancel any current NRA memberships through the bankruptcy or re-organization. LaPierre’s letter states: “Importantly, our plans do not impact your membership at any level. NRA supporters will continue to enjoy all their full member benefits – from new members to Life Members to Benefactor Members.
3. The NRA Will Keep HQ in Virginia — The NRA does NOT plan to abandon its current headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia. However, NRA officials state they might open additional executive offices in Texas.
4. The NRA Will Continue to Use Membership Funds for Operations — LaPierre’s letter to members states: “All membership dues and financial donations will be fully dedicated to supporting our operations and public advocacy. This plan actually improves our business. It protects us from costly, distracting and unprincipled attacks from anti-2A politicians aimed at attacking the NRA because we are a potent political force.” There is no discussion in the LaPierre letter about changes to executive compensation and benefits, or efforts to replace top leadership. The use of NRA funds by Wayne LaPierre and other high-ranking NRA officials has been challenged by forces both inside and outside the organization. Including special pension benefits it has been stated that LaPierre received over $2.15 million in compensation in 2018.*
*In 2019 the Washington Post reported LaPierre had total 2018 compensation of about $2.15 million after a 57% pay raise. In previous years, he had a lower base salary, but was eligible for large pension payouts. According to Celebrity Net Worth: “Wayne LaPierre’s NRA salary starts at $985,000 per year. In most years he also typically earns a bonus of roughly $150,000. Outside of base salary and bonuses, Wayne participates in the NRA’s employee retirement plan. In 2015 he became old enough to receive a $3.7 million distribution from his retirement account. So in that one year, he earned a bit over $5 million, but in most years his salary is closer to $1 million.”
McMillan Fiberglass Stocks (“McMillan FS”) has been sold. This notable company, the number 1 name in fiberglass stocks for decades, was started by Gale McMillan and then run by his able son Kelly McMillan. Under Kelly’s leadership, the company expanded its product line, producing outstanding stocks for benchrest shooters, F-Class competitors, sling shooters, hunters, and military marksmen. McMillan also has a modern Mc3 (“McCubed”) division which produces outstanding molded stocks using a state-of-the-art polymer called Zenolite.
McMillan Sold to Bob Beck Group
McMillan Fiberglass Stocks has been sold to Bob Beck of Extreme Outer Limits, MOA Rifles, and Rugged Ridge Outdoor Gear. Beck is a longtime customer and friend of Kelly McMillan. Bob’s plan is to continue the success of the legendary brand Kelly and the McMillan family built. He is committing resources to reduce delivery times and maintain McMillan’s dominance as the premium brand for fiberglass and synthetic rifle stocks on the market.
The new owner promises to maintain the advanced designs and top quality of McMillan stocks: “With former President of Berger Bullets Eric Stecker as General Manager, and McMillan’s highly experienced staff staying with the company, [we] will carry on the McMillan brand legacy well into the future. We have many exciting plans and new products coming that will appeal to all long gun enthusiasts.”
Over the years McMillan Fiberglass Stocks supported competitive shooting in a major way — providing sponsorship for individual competitors as well as teams. McMillan was a major sponsor of F-Class Team USA. We want to thank Kelly McMillan and his company for being such a strong supporter of the shooting sports. The success of F-Class Team USA in international competition was aided immensely by the support of Kelly and his company.
Kelly McMillan at the 2018 Berger SW Nationals.
About McMillan Fiberglass Stocks
Gale McMillan, founder of the McMillan companies, began producing stocks in 1973 for himself for the demanding benchrest matches in which he competed. Fellow competitors, always in search of the next competitive edge, asked the inventor to produce some stocks for their rifles. From these roots, the McMillan family of companies has grown into one of the most well-known and respected brands in the firearms industry.
McMillan Fiberglass Stocks manufactures custom rifle stocks and accessories. Product areas include Tactical, Competition, Benchrest, Hunting & Sport, and Ultralight. Customers include shooters, military, law enforcement, government agencies, custom gunsmiths, and OEM rifle manufacturers.
There will be a new NRL competition series in 2021 — NRL HUNTER (NRLH). This will complement the popular NRL tactical series and NRL22 rimfire series. For its inaugural (first-ever) 2021 season, NRL HUNTER will host nine regional hunting matches, followed by the NRL HUNTER Championship — the Grand Slam Finale. The Season Championship will take place August 2-8, 2021 at the Cameo Shooting Complex in Grand Junction, Colorado. The championship match will be directed by NRL HUNTER developer Scott Satterlee and the NRL’s Director of Match Operations.
NRL HUNTER 2021 Series Schedule (Ten Events):
1. Nehawka, Nebraska – February 19-21, 2021
2. Farmington, New Mexico – March 5-7, 2021
3. Arbuckle, California – March 26-28, 2021
4. Mount Pleasant, Tennessee – April 16-18, 2021
5. Laramie, Wyoming – April 23-25, 2021
6. Dupuyer, Montana – May 6-9, 2021
7.Hammett, Idaho – May 21-23, 2021
8. Dalton, New Hampshire – June 25-27, 2021
9. Price, Utah – July 23-25, 2021
10. NRL HUNTER Grand Slam Season Championship
Grand Junction, Colorado – August 2-8, 2021
The first-ever NRL HUNTER match will take place in Nebraska, February 19-21, 2021:
NRL HUNTER, a division of National Rifle League (NRL), is a series of competitions for hunters by hunters. It provides a competitive format for new and seasoned hunters to learn about their skills, gear, and local hunting terrains. To participate in matches, hunters must purchase a $100 Annual NRLH membership ($75.00 for Young Guns). For more information, visit NRLHUNTER.org.
There will be three gear-based Classes: Open Heavy, Open Light and Factory. In addition there will be separate Ladies and Young Guns divisions.
NRL HUNTER’s founders state: “Hunting isn’t merely a hobby or pastime; it is our way of life. For us, it is about community, education, and a strong foundation of ethical harvesting. It is the desire to be the most proficient hunter possible, it is the passion that has driven NRL to develop the NRL HUNTER series[.]”
Bushnell will be the Title Sponsor of the 2021 season of NRL HUNTER. “We are truly honored to have Bushnell on board as our Title Sponsor for the NRL HUNTER Series,” stated Travis Ishida, NRL President. “This is a terrific partnership in which both groups share the same vision and passion for the hunting community.” Since 1948, Bushnell has offered a full line of products for hunters. Bushnell now sells riflescopes, binoculars, rangefinders, spotting scopes, and trail cameras.
The International Benchrest Shooters (IBS) will hold its Annual Meeting this month. It will be a virtual meeting, done via the Zoom internet service. The 2021 IBS Annual Meeting will be held online, via Zoom, on Saturday, January 16th at 9:00 a.m. Eastern. Outgoing President Jeff Stover tells us “This is an IBS meeting but anyone [with an interest in benchrest competition] can get on the Zoom virtual meeting.”
To participate in the meeting, you’ll need to Register with Zoom. Here is the link to register:
Jeff Stover notes that members can send in questions for the meeting: “Participants can use [email] to send in questions which I (or someone) hope to be able to answer online. The email address for questions will be sent out (via email) to those who register. Also there will be a ‘raise hand’ feature and chat with the administrator function.”
There will also be specific agenda items to be discussed at the meeting. These agenda items will be voted on, by the membership, on-line after February 1, 2021.
After the meeting outgoing President Jeff Stover, who has ably served as IBS president for 12 years, will turn over his position to new President David Matthew of North Carolina. And IBS Treasurer Bill Gebhardt will retire after 28 years of service. The new Treasurer will be Sally Bauer of Kansas.
The IBS anticipates that some of the IBS Shooter of the Year winners will participate, and perhaps share some of their secrets of success.
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is running a new Smallbore Postal Competition this spring. The event, open to both Adults and Juniors, will feature 3-Position and Prone matches, fired from a distance of 50 feet. Individuals and clubs can register and fire in both events. There are two (2) specific events:
3-Position (3×20, Kneeling, Prone, Standing) – USA 50 Foot Target
Prone (60 Shots – Sling and F-Class) – USA 50 Foot Target
The CMP will print customized targets for each registered competitor and mail them to the club or individual. After firing, your targets shall be returned to the CMP or you may opt to score your own targets using the Orion Scoring System and send results to the CMP electronically. The cost for each competitor is $5.00 per event. Payment must be received before targets are mailed.
What’s a Postal Match? The concept is that shooters compete in different locations and then “mail in” their targets, hence the term “postal match”. Of course these days the results can also be transmitted electronically, but the concept is the same — shooters around the country complete a specific course of fire and then the results are tabulated, with final rankings based on scores. Competitors can compete individually or in groups, at the location of their choice. Competitors can shoot the targets at a time of their choosing, but all targets must be RECEIVED by the CMP no later than April 16, 2021.
“The CMP has a lot of experience with conducting postal competitions, and with everything going on in the world today, running a smallbore postal seems like a logical step for our program,” said Brad Donoho, CMP smallbore manager. “We’re happy to be able to provide a place for smallbore athletes everywhere to continue their growth on the range.”
Smallbore shooter Lauren Phillips won the Junior Olympic Shooting Championships in 2014.
Important Dates for the CMP Smallbore Postal Competition:
January 11, 2021 – Online Registration Begins
March 23, 2021 – Online Registration Ends
April 16, 2021 – Targets must be received by CMP
April 19, 2021 – Preliminary Results Posted
April 23, 2021 – All results are final
Zeiss Sports Optics has just unveiled ZEISS DTI 3/35, its first thermal imaging camera specifically developed for hunting. The thermal imaging camera combines a high-resolution display with a balanced, ergonomic design. Thanks to the ErgoControl arrangement of the control buttons and the device’s specially-shaped design, the ZEISS DTI 3/35 is intuitive to use. The buttons are arranged so that they can be engaged quickly and accurately with gloved hands even when it is dark and cold. Even the high-precision manual zoom is designed work easily in the dark. The DTI 3/35 also offers precise magnification adjustments in 0.5x increments for the digital 1.0-4.0x zoom. This allows the user to quickly switch zoom levels, making it easier to find and then zoom in to identify game in the dark.
Swagger’s new SFRP10 Flex/Rigid Bipod is pretty expensive at $249.99 MSRP, but it does offer some unique capabilities that tactical shooters will appreciate. The special system allows the bipod to cant, traverse and FLEX. Swagger states: “Every shooter wants the rigidity of a traditional bipod but also have the ability to cant and traverse with ease.
In a 
McMillan Sold to Bob Beck Group
