Our friend Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com recently made a pilgrimage to Connecticut, home base for Lyman Products. He went East to talk with Lyman’s design engineers and learn about the latest products in development by Lyman. Gavin wrote: “During my visit I got to see the factory, meet the team, and even get a behind-the-scenes look at some products to come.”
Gavin noted that Lyman’s management, design team, and production are all under one roof. That definitely streamlines Lyman’s product development process, and helps explain why the Connecticut-based company has been so successful: “At Lyman headquarters you have the CEO, the Engineering team, the Marketing team, machinists, laboratory staff, and warehouse workers all under one roof.”
Gavin found the production area very impressive: “When you step into this area… it’s pure action! Lots of parts on racks, material waiting to be machined, CNC machines running, and machinists running machines. Lyman is one of the few companies to use American cast iron, an American manufacturing facility, with American labor start-to-finish. They are able to do this because of how efficient their process has become. Heavy iron comes from nearby and is machined/assembled on-site, and then shipped to distributors and retailers. Outsourcing (like powder coating) is done close-by as to avoid excessive transport cost and to quicken turn-around time.”
Lyman Now Offers Advanced Mark 7 Reloading Systems
Big News — Lyman now sells the highly sophisticated Mark 7 Reloading system. Lyman acquired Mark 7 Reloading earlier this year. The Mark 7 machines represent the most advanced, automated progressive reloading systems available to the general public. The computer-controlled Mark 7 machine makes a Dillon look downright primitive.
This Video Shows Mark 7 Reloading Machines in Action:
Now in its sixth year of operation, Mark 7 Reloading produces a full line of reloading presses ranging from hand operation to light commercial operation. Here’s a detailed video showcasing the Mark 7 reloading system. In this video Gavin Gear interviews Lyman engineer Spencer Carroll:
About Lyman Products — Nearly 140 Years Serving Shooters and Reloaders
Lyman Products, founded by avid outdoorsman William Lyman, has been innovating firearms and reloading accessories and gear for almost 140 years. The proud history of Lyman Products began in the late 1800s when William Lyman created the Lyman No. 1 Tang Sight — a major improvement in rifle sighting. Now a century and a half later, Lyman continues to introduce popular and innovative products, such as the Lyman BoreCam, Case Trim Express, Case Prep Express, and Brass Smith Series Reloading Presses.
See Latest Lyman Products at NASGW Expo in Orlando
Lyman Products will be exhibiting at the 2019 National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) Expo & Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, October 22 – 25, 2019. Along with the new Mark 7 reloading machines, Lyman Products will showcase its other respected brands: Pachmayr, TacStar, A-Zoom, Trius, Butch’s, and Targ-Dots.
The mainstream media (CNN, MSNBC, CBS, ABC, the N.Y. Times, etc.) loudly report that the USA is experiencing a tidal wave of gun-related killing and violence. From the barrage of anti-gun stories in the news media, you’d think that deaths caused by firearms (especially those fearsome “Assault Rifles”) are increasing dramatically.
In fact, the truth is just the opposite — overall violent crime is declining, and firearm-related gun violence has DECREASED significantly. We are NOT seeing more murders-by-gun than ever before. In fact, “Homicides with firearms were down 7% from 2017″. Read on to get some REAL facts…
VIOLENT CRIME CONTINUES TO TREND DOWNWARD
Report by Elizabeth McGuigan for NSSF.org
The FBI has released its crime data for 2018 and the news is good. Violent crime dropped 3.3% in 2018 compared to 2017. According to the report, a decrease was seen across nearly every type of violent crime.
Looking at a 10-year trend, the numbers of violent crimes were down a full 9% from 2009 through 2018. The rate shows a more dramatic drop: “There were an estimated 368.9 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants in 2018, a rate that fell 3.9 percent when compared with the 2017 estimated violent crime rate and dropped 14.6 percent from the 2009 estimate.” (Source: FBI Report)
Homicides with firearms were down 7% from 2017. And in stark contrast to the theatrics of last week’s House Judiciary Committee hearing on banning modern sporting rifles, rifles were again only used in 2% of homicides, far less than the share committed with knives (11%) or hands and feet (5%).
Modern Sporting Rifle Ownership is UP… And Violent Crime is Down
This chart says it all. Through 2016, there have been over 16 million modern sporting rifles in the hands of law-abiding citizens. Meanwhile, violent crime is declining. The message is clear. Tragic criminal actions must be addressed. Banning certain types of firearms is not the answer.
Real Solutions from the NSSF
The firearms and ammunition industry shares the goal of finding the root causes of criminal violence and has created programs over the years to help address safety practices and problems of unauthorized access. The firearms and ammunition industry prides itself on high rates of compliance and on our voluntary programs, often in partnership with local, state and federal government agencies, to help curtail the actual problems of guns illegally getting into the wrong hands.
We work to make sure states are submitting all prohibiting records to NICS. We provide millions of free gun locks and educational materials in all states. We train our members to spot straw purchasers, to comply with all laws, and to use discretion when making transactions and keeping their inventory secure.
Are you feeling lucky? Then you may want to take a chance at some product giveaway contests that are running this month of October. Here are ten notable giveaway promotions offering readers a chance to win rifles, pistols, ammo, and firearms accessories. To find over 60 more prize offerings, visit GunGiveways.net.
Be aware that the true chances of winning are always very low, and most of the vendors use these contests to capture your email address for marketing purposes. Expect to get solicitations sent to that email. Accordingly, you may not want to use your primary email. However, you still need to provide a valid name and real email address. Otherwise your entry could be disqualified. Firearms prizes subject to legal transfer restrictions.
The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) World Championship comes to Alabama this month. The main portion of the 2019 SIG SAUER IDPA World Championship will take place October 23-26 at the Talladega Marksmanship Park, drawing competitors from around the world. CMP staff began constructing stages on October 14. Ppreliminary firing begins at the end of this week. The 4-Day IDPA Worlds are expected to draw 350+ pistol shooters from 20+ countries.
Realistic Competition — What Makes the IDPA So Popular
Among the many action pistol disciplines, IDPA competition is probably the most “realistic” — the closest to actual defensive handgun use. Competitors use off-the-shelf pistols, suitable for carry. No exotic race-guns are allowed. Match stages simulate self-defense scenarios and real life encounters. An IDPA match is more than just a trigger-pulling contest. Shooters must use cover when available, and employ the same defensive strategies they would use in a real gunfight.
The IDPA’s founders developed the sport so that practical gear and practical guns may be used competitively. Shooters can spend a minimal amount on equipment and still be competitive. The main goal is to test the skill and ability of the individual, not equipment or gamesmanship.
In IDPA competition, firearms are grouped into five divisions: 1) Custom Defensive Pistol (.45 ACP semi-autos); 2) Enhanced Service Pistol (9mm or larger semi-automatics); 3) Stock Service Pistol (9mm or larger caliber double action, double action only, or safe action semi-automatics); 4) Enhanced Service Revolver (.38 caliber or larger double action revolvers); and 5) Stock Service Revolver (.38 caliber or larger double action revolvers). All classes have a minimum power factor. Scores are based on time and shot placement on the IDPA target.
IDPA Scoring System
The official IDPA Target (right) has multiple scoring zones. If you don’t hit the target’s center mass zone or head zone (both appear green in illustration), you drop one or three points. Here’s the formula: Score (in seconds) = Time + Points Down + Penalties. In IDPA, “points down” (and penalties) are added to your time. If you hit the outer edge of the target, you get 3 points down. Nearer center can be 1 point down. Center hit or head shot is 0 points down. See IDPA Scoring for Dummies.
About the IDPA — Fast, Fun, and Popular Worldwide
Held virtually every week of the year, IDPA matches attract over 25,000 members from the United States and over 70 other countries. Scores are classified by a number of divisions in a 1- to 3-stage Course of Fire. These events are held regularly throughout the country. Learn more at IDPA.com.
Could your gun club or youth shooting group use money to upgrade range facilities or run training programs? Well here’s a chance to get some cold, hard cash to help with operations. Every year, the NRA Foundation Grant Program provides hundreds of grants to deserving organizations. The 2020 Grant Application is now available. CLICK HERE to Apply for a Grant.
Since its inception, the NRA Foundation has funded over 40,000 grants totaling over $368 million. Grants went to qualified local, state and national shooting sports programs, hunting and conservation programs, Second Amendment education and for the preservation of historical firearms.
Grant money comes from generous donors and volunteer fund-raising efforts. Through its Grant Program the NRA Foundation seeks to: 1) Promote shooting sports and hunting safety; 2) Help educate individuals in proper firearms use and marksmanship; and 3) Enhance shooting range facilities and support active shooting sports organizations.
Range Improvement Grants
Helping clubs improve shooting range facilities is one of the main missions of the NRA Grant Program. Such programs might include: Berm improvements (example below), Clubhouse improvements, Target pits, Covered firing lines, Road improvements, Trap Machines, Storage buildings and other permanent improvements to club properties and/or facilities.
Wind effects are complex. In trying to access wind speeds and angles, you’ll want to watch multiple indicators — mirage, dust, wind-flags, grass movement, and more. You’ll also need to be concerned about wind cycles. In the video below, Bryan Litz talks about variable wind speed along a bullet’s flight path. A respected ballistics guru, Bryan is the founder of Applied Ballistics and a designer of Berger’s Hybrid Match projectiles. He is also a past F-TR National Champion and a High Master Palma ace.
In this video, Bryan discusses how wind effects can vary in intensity at different points along the bullet’s flight path to the target. Sometimes the firing line is sheltered, and the strongest winds come into effect in the middle of the trajectory. Bryan concludes: “Wind matters everywhere … but the best thing you can do is try to get a handle on the wind [velocity and angle] where you are. That may or may not represent the wind down-range — that’s when you have to look downrange and make a judgment[.]”
Litz Competition Tip: Select your wind shooting strategy carefully. For beginners and veterans, most points are typically lost to wind. Successful shooters put a lot of thought into their approach to wind shooting. Sometimes it’s best to shoot fast and minimize the changes you’ll have to navigate. Other times it’s best to wait out a condition which may take several minutes. Develop a comfortable rest position so you have an easier time waiting when you should be waiting.
More Wind Tips from Wind Wizard Emil Praslick
In these two short videos, Emil Praslick III, former coach of the USAMU and USA National long range teams, explains how to find the wind direction and how to confirm your no-wind zero. Praslick is widely considered to be one of the best wind coaches in the USA.
When Winds Are EXTREME — Near Gale Force at Ben Avery
This video shows INSANE winds at NBRSA 100/200 Benchrest Nationals. This was filmed at the Ben Avery Range in Phoenix, AZ during the recent NBRSA 100/200 yard National Championships. Extreme to say the least. Based on what we’re seeing here, there are 20-25 mph crosswinds, with gusts to 35 mph — near Gale Force. Video by Hall-of-Fame Benchrest competitor Gene Bukys.
Texas gunsmith Mike Bryant reports: “This video shows the Unlimited Class 200 at the Nationals in Phoenix. I had three 10-shot groups in the low 2″ range with a 2.228″ being my big group and was glad they weren’t bigger. Thursday and Friday were the worst of the windy days. Unfortunately those were the days for the UL 200 and it was about as windy through most all of the Sporter 200.”
Excellent Wind Reading Resource
The Wind Book for Rifle Shooters covers techniques and tactics used by expert wind-readers. The authors provide a wind-reading “toolbox” for calculating wind speed, direction, deflection and drift. They explain how to read flags and mirage, record and interpret your observations, and time your shots to compensate for wind. Here are two reviews:
This is a must-have book if you are a long-range sport shooter. I compete in F-Class Open and when read it from cover to cover, it helped me understand wind reading and making accurate scope corrections. Buy this book, read it, put into practice what it tells you, you will not be disappointed. — P. Janzso
If you have one book for wind reading, this should be it. It covers how to get wind speed/direction from flags, mirage, and natural phenomenon. This is the best book for learning to read wind speed and direction. — Muddler
Since 1979, Creedmoor Sports has served the rifle shooting community. Over that time, the company has been dedicated to manufacturing the best products to help shooters succeed at every level of competition.
2019 Marks the 40th Year in Business for Creedmoor Sports. To celebrate this 40-Year milestone, Creedmoor is running a 40-Day Giveaway, with new prizes each day for 40 days. Sign up once a day for 40 chances to win! Daily prize packages are worth up to $500. Prize packages may include tools, shooting accessories, and/or reloading components from top companies such as Anschutz, Lapua, Berger, Dillon Precision, Forster, Redding, LabRadar, and Whidden Gunworks. (Full list below.)
How to Enter Creedmoor Sports 40-Day Giveaway
Starting October 15, 2019, go to Creedmoorsports.com and click on the 40-Day Giveaway Banner. Click each day to see the prizes and sign up. Overall you will have 40 chances to win. CLICK Contest Banner.
“We wanted to do something HUGE to celebrate and thank our customers and partners for all of their support over the years. Jim Hill started Creedmoor Armory (now Creedmoor Sports) back in 1979 — it’s awesome to see how far we’ve come. We couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of our customers and suppliers. We’re excited to continue to innovate the shooting sports and help shooters hit the 10-ring for another 40 years.” — Brent Books Creedmoor Sports GM
Alphabetical List of Partners Providing Prizes for Creedmoor Sports 40-Day Giveaway:
Ron Brown Slings
Shooter’s Puzzle Book
SK
Tec-Hro
Technical Marketing
VihtaVuori
Whidden Gunworks
Zanders Sporting Goods
Noteworthy New Products at Creedmoor Sports
While you are visiting the Creedmoor Sports website at www.creedmoorsports.com, check out Creedmoor’s new Deluxe Long-Range Rifle Case. This is just what you need for that long-barreled F-Class or Palma rifle. Available in both 55″ and 60″ sizes, this deluxe padded case features large, external zippered pockets that can hold ammo, accessories, Kestrel, shooting logs and more.
Another innovative product is Creedmoor’s new DOPE Roller — the world’s first Quick-Detach Ballistic Data Turret. The DOPE Roller displays windage/elevation data without requiring shooters to break position from behind the rifle. Display ballistic data by wrapping a simple adhesive label around the DOPE Roller. The DOPE Roller mounts to quick-detach sling swivel studs, offering mounting points for Picatinny rails, MLOK rails, and Keymod rails, and many chassis designs.
Gun owners, rights activists, and lovers of liberty will be gathering on the lawn of the Capitol Building in Washington DC on Saturday, November 2nd, 2019, at 1:00 in the afternoon. The 2nd Amendment Rally is organized by The Firearms Coalition. We invite all interested firearms owners who can reach DC (without difficulty) to attend the rally, and show support for our Second Amendment rights.
Commentary by Jeff Knox, Firearms Coalition
This is a grassroots effort, and you are the grassroots. Without the active participation of you and other grassroots activists, this isn’t going to work. At the recent Gun Rights Policy Conference, activist Nicki Stallard characterized the difference between rights activists and gun control extremists, saying that we’re herding cats, while they are stampeding cattle. That’s pretty accurate, though I think sheep or lemmings would be more appropriate in describing anti-rights activists.
If you live within 200 miles of DC, there is little excuse for missing this critical event, and many people who live much farther away will be doing whatever it takes to be there. Buses are being arranged by local groups from as far away as New York, Ohio, and South Carolina. Check with your local groups to see what arrangements are being made, and if they aren’t doing anything, take the initiative and volunteer to be the local coordinator to take reservations and rent a bus or van.
The core message of the 2nd Amendment Rally, is “We Are the Gun Lobby”, as in “We the People”, and we demand that the Constitution and the Bill of Rights be respected and adhered to. President Trump, Vice President Pence, Rep. Scalise, Rep. Massie, Sen. Paul, and other congressional leaders have been invited, to join with grassroots rights leaders and activists from around the country. CLICK HERE for list of speakers.
About the Firearms Coalition
The Firearms Coalition is a loose-knit coalition of individual Second Amendment activists, clubs and civil rights organizations. Founded by Neal Knox in 1984, the organization provides support to grassroots activists in the form of education, analysis of current issues, and with a historical perspective of the gun rights movement. The Firearms Coalition has offices in Buckeye, Arizona and Manassas, VA. Visit: www.FirearmsCoalition.org.
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.
1. Palmetto State Armory — $30 Rebate on Savage Hunting Rifles
Palmetto State Armory is running a promo on Savage hunting rifles this month. Purchase any AXIS/Trophy/Apex or Engage Hunter and receive a $30 Mail-In-Rebate. If you’re looking for a deer rifle with a nice camo finish — this is a good deal. Rifles start at just $329.99, so with the $30 rebate your net cost is just $299.99. NOTE: This $30 Savage Factory Rebate applies to purchases made from ANY Savage dealer, as long as you purchase from 10/1/2019 through 10/30/2019. For example, Sportsman’s Guide has the Savage Axis in .308 Win for just $289.99. That’s just $259.99 after Rebate.
Right now you can save big with discount codes for Precision Reloading. These codes provide INSTANT SAVINGS for nearly all in-stock items. You save $10 on orders of $100 or more with Code 1PR19. If you spend $200 or more, use Code 2PR19 to save $20. And, likewise, use code 3PR19 to save $30 on orders of $300 or more. But act soon! This deal expires at 11:59 pm on Monday October 14, 2019.
Right now at Palmetto State Armory you can grab the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm carry pistol for just $249.99. Add the $50 S&W Manufacturer’s Rebate, and your net cost is just $199.99. Other retailers change $440.00 or more for this trusty little 9mm handgun. Visit the Smith & Wesson Rebate Site to get your $50 Rebate.
4. CCI Primers — 20% Rebate on $100 or more of CCI Primers
Spend at least $100 on CCI reloading primers before 10/31/2019 to get 20% of the purchase price back. With CCI’s Primed for Action Special, you get a prepaid Giftcard with the purchase CCI rifle, pistol, or shotshell primers. Minimum spend $100.00 required. Maximum rebate of $100.00 per person or household. Rebate amount calculated on purchase price only. NOTE: CCI’s sister company Federal is also offering 20% off all Federal reloading components, including primers, as part of Federal’s Handload and Save promo.
5. Amazon — Teslong Digital Borescope, $50.99
The impressive Teslong digital borescope offers capabilities that rival optical systems costing $700 or more. This compact, electro-optical, cable-type borescope outputs sharp, high-resolution images and VIDEO to desktop computers, laptops, as well as Android tablets and smartphones. Check out our Full Teslong Review complete with inside-the-barrel videos. At $50.99 this is a great value. NOTE: This unit does NOT currently work with iPhones and iPads.
Here’s a killer optics bargain at Brownells. The Athlon Talos 20-60x80mm Spotting Scope is just $149.99 right now. This Athlon spotter comes with 20-60X zoom eyepiece and multi-coated lenses. Of course, this inexpensive spotting scope will not compete for sharpness or clarity with high-end optics. But it is more than adequate for spotting mirage and seeing bullet holes out to 300 yards. This spotter measures 16.5″ overall and weighs 38.5 ounces.
7. Grizzly — Bald Eagle Precision Priming Press, $70.97
Primer seating is one of the most critical steps in reloading. There are lots of priming tool options but no device anywhere near the price can match the Bald Eagle Precision Priming Press. This high-quality tool is close-out priced at $70.97 — a very good deal. This beautifully-made priming press is click adjustable to .002″ and incredibly repeatable. If you’re in the market for something that’s easy on the hands and works like units costing hundreds more, grab one of these now.
Vortex makes a great product and offers one of the best warranties in the business. So when we saw the Vortex Strike Eagle 4-24x50mm scope for only $299.99 we had to feature it. It has a great 6 times zoom range and features Vortex’s popular EBR-4 MOA reticle. If you are looking for a SFP MOA-based scope for varminting or practical matches, this is a very good offering for the price — a real bargain.
9. Midsouth — Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite, $99.99
Lots of people love wet-tumbling their brass in stainless pins but not everyone want to do it in a giant unit. We found a sweet deal on the Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite. Midsouth has this unit on sale for $99.99. This tumbler is small enough to fit on a counter but still big enough to hold 300 pieces of .223 Rem brass. For folks on a limited budget who want to get started with wet tumbling, this is a solid choice.
10. Home Depot — Low-Profile Muffs + Shooting Glasses, $16.01
Every shooter should have an extra set of shooting muffs and protective earwear. These will provide vital protection for friends/guests you bring to the range. And let’s face it, sooner or later you’ll forget your own muffs, so it’s wise to keep an extra set in your vehicle at all times. Home Depot a great deal on Walker’s NRR 22 Muffs + ANSI Z87.1-rated Shooting Glasses. Get both as a Combo Set for just $16.01. Midsouth also has this combo for $19.99.
Chalk up a legal victory for the gun industry. The U.S. District Court (Southern District of Ohio) has dismissed, with prejudice, the Primus Group v. Smith & Wesson, et al lawsuit. The decision was delivered October 9, eliminating the plaintiff’s claims against several prominent AR-15 firearms manufacturers, including Smith & Wesson, Remington Arms Company, SIG Sauer, Sturm, Ruger & Company, Colt Manufacturing, and Armalite.
“This decision by the federal judge to dismiss with prejudice this frivolous case is pleasing, if not unexpected,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs and General Counsel. “These are lawful and federally-regulated AR-15 modern sporting rifle manufacturers that make semiautomatic rifles for lawful purposes. The judge was absolutely correct to assert that the proper venue to establish public firearms policy is through the legislature and not the courts.”
Primus Group, LLC, is a small entity in Columbus, Ohio with a vague business model. The limited liability company filed suit after the tragic murders in El Paso and Dayton, Ohio. They claimed racketeering, intentional misrepresentation claims, and “a clear and present danger” of all American lives due to “assault weapons”. The modern sporting rifles manufactured and sold by the companies named as defendants are semi-automatic rifles, meaning one round is fired for each trigger pull.
The court found the plaintiffs had no standing to bring the case against the defendants. This decision rightfully asserts that those who purposefully and criminally misuse firearms are the ones who are responsible for those crimes. It further affirms that activist lawsuits to prompt judicial action are not the proper avenue to establish policy.
In IDPA competition, firearms are grouped into five divisions: 1) Custom Defensive Pistol (.45 ACP semi-autos); 2) Enhanced Service Pistol (9mm or larger semi-automatics); 3) Stock Service Pistol (9mm or larger caliber double action, double action only, or safe action semi-automatics); 4) Enhanced Service Revolver (.38 caliber or larger double action revolvers); and 5) Stock Service Revolver (.38 caliber or larger double action revolvers). All classes have a minimum power factor. Scores are based on time and shot placement on the IDPA target.
“This decision by the federal judge to dismiss with prejudice this frivolous case is pleasing, if not unexpected,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs and General Counsel. “These are lawful and federally-regulated AR-15 modern sporting rifle manufacturers that make semiautomatic rifles for lawful purposes. The judge was absolutely correct to assert that the proper venue to establish public firearms policy is through the legislature and not the courts.”
