The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industries, Board of Governors today unanimously voted to expel Dick’s Sporting Goods from membership for conduct detrimental to the best interests of the Foundation.
Dick’s Sporting Goods recently hired a Washington D.C.-based government affairs firm, for “[l]obbying related to gun control.” Dick’s Sporting Goods CEO Edward W. Stack announced earlier this year the retail chain would end sales of modern sporting rifles, voluntarily raise the age to 21 to purchase firearms in their stores and called for more restrictive legislation. Dick’s later announced they would destroy the remaining modern sporting rifle inventory. NSSF responded that business decisions should be individually made, but was nonetheless disappointed and the decision does not reflect the reality of the vast majority of law-abiding gun owners.
It’s Friday, which means the exhibit hall of the 147th NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits (NRAAM) opened today at 9:00 am at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. Check out the 800+ exhibitors, seminars, workshops, special events, and celebrity meet and greets all in one spot. Here’s a quick glimpse of what’s happening today, Friday, May 4. The NRA Show runs Friday through Sunday. The Exhibit Hall is open 9:00 am – 6:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, and then 10:00 am through 5:00 pm on Sunday, May 6th.
For more info on events and exhibitors, visit www.nraam.org or download the NRAAM Mobile App.
President Donald Trump will speak today at the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum.
Daily Events NRA Booth, Booth #8833 NRATV, Booth #8839 Pyramid Air® Air Gun Range, Ballroom C2 NRAstore, Ballroom C3 & C4 Eddie Eagle, Lobby D – Booth #130 Wall of Guns, Lobby C – Booth #109 Featured Product Center, Lobby D NRA Country Sound Stage, Lobby F
Celebrity Appearances Lena Miculek – Booth #6220 – 11:30am-12:00pm, 2:30pm-3:00pm, 5:00pm-5:30pm Max Michel – Booth #6220 – 10:30am-11:00am, 1:30pm-2:00pm, 4:00pm-4:30pm Sergeant Sammy L. Davis – Booth #10150– 10:00am-6:00pm Mykel Hawke – Booth #10150 – 12:00pm-6:00pm Norris Jernigan – Booth #10163– 9:00am-6:00pm Lou Ferrigno – Booth #8627 – 12:00pm-1:15pm John “Tig” Tiegen – Booth #8627 – 1:30pm-3:00pm Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko – Booth #8627 – 10:00am-11:30am John Correia – Booth #8623 – 2:00pm-3:00pm Corinne Mosher – Booth #4323 – 1:00pm Jerry Miculek – Booth #8555 – 11:00am-12:00pm, 2:00pm-3:00pm Jim & John Scoutten – Booth #8555 – 10:00am-11:00am Cheyenne Dalton – Booth #9556 – 10:00am-11:00am Anthony Amantine – Booth #9556 – 11:00am-12:00pm Jerry Miculek – Booth #9556 – 1:00pm-2:00pm The Gould Brothers – Booth #9556 – 2:00pm-3:00pm Black Rifle Coffee Company – Booth #7733 – 9:00am-6:00pm
Click here for a complete list of celebrity appearances!
Vista Outdoor Announces Strategic Business Transformation Plan
Big news. Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO) may be selling off gun-makers Savage and Stevens, declaring it will “explore strategic options” for those brands. However, Vista Outdoor will retain its businesses that produce ammunition and reloading components: Alliant Powder, CCI, Federal Premium, and Speer. The sell-off of Savage and Stevens is not a sure thing yet, but Vista’s new CEO Chris Metz has been looking hard at the “bottom line” and he says that the gun-making brands have not been as profitable as expected. This is not just an exit from gun-making. Vista Outdoors executives have analyzed the company’s full portfolio of brands, and decision-makers have targeted other brands for sell-off. READ Vista Outdoor News Release.
The Wall Street Journal reported: “The company [Vista Outdoor, VSTO, -13.07% on 5/1/18] said Tuesday it would pare its brands to focus on business lines including ammunition and shooting accessories, water bottles and packs and outdoor cooking ware. It will explore the sale of several brands including Bell bike helmets, Giro snow goggles, Blackburn handlebar tape, Jimmy Styks paddle boards, and Savage and Stevens firearms[.]”
Notably, Vista Outdoor remains fully committed to the ammunition and components businesses. In an official news release, CEO Metz stated: “Vista Outdoor is excited about the potential of each of our core businesses, particularly ammunition, which is our largest core business. An increased focus on our heritage ammunition business will manifest itself in more innovative and breakthrough new products introduced over the next few years. We also anticipate that by prioritizing this business, we will be able to invest more capital to further enhance and expand our global leadership position.” Metz denied that the sell-of of Savage and Stevens was a response to a boycott by the REI outdoor retail chain. The CEO said that REI represents less than 1% of the company’s total sales.
CEO Metz acknowleged that revenues were down substantially for the past fiscal year (ending 3/31/18), and reduced gun sales were one reason: “Sales were $2.3 billion, down 9% from the prior year. The decline was caused by lower volume in Shooting Sports across all ammunition categories, lower pricing across the portfolio, and lower firearms sales as a result of decreased demand impacting the shooting sports industry. Additionally, Outdoor Products declines were caused by market conditions affecting shooting-related categories, including hunting and shooting accessories, optics, and tactical products.”
Vista Outdoor currently has a large portfolio of brands, including guns, gear, eyewear, ammunition, camping equipment, and much more. Top brands for guns and shooting, after Savage and Stevens, are: Alliant Powder, American Eagle, Blazer Ammunition, Bushnell, CCI, Federal Premium, RCBS, and Speer.
The 147th NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits will take place at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, May 3-6 in Dallas, Texas. The Exhibit Hall will be open May 4-6, with displays from over 800 companies and organizations. Along with the displays, the event features seminars, workshops, auctions, concerts, demos, and even an indoor airgun shooting gallery. Here are the key resources you’ll need to get the most out of this year’s NRA convention in Dallas.
There will be over 800 Exhibitors displaying products at the 2018 NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits. You can see products from big name companies such as Berger Bullets, Leupold, Nightforce, Nosler, Redding, Remington, Ruger, Savage, Smith & Wesson, and Winchester. You can also meet with top hunting guides and outfitters.
Attendees should definitely official Mobile App for the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits. This FREE App will help you locate your favorite exhibitors, keep track of special events, plan your time, and get important notifications. The App works with both Apple (iOS) and Android mobile devices.
Meet F-Class Team USA Members at Capstone Booth
F-TR Team USA won the 2017 F-TR World Championship.
Join members of the USA Rifle Team to learn about F-Class, what you need to get started and what resources are available to help you learn more. This session will be held by the leaders of the United States F-Open and F-TR Rifle Teams. Made up of over 40 members, the team will be traveling to South Africa in 2021 to represent our country. Team members will be at the Capstone (Lapua/Berger/Vihtavuori/SK) Booth #4517 at 10:00-10:30 a.m., each day May 4, 5, and 6.
Pyramid Air Gun Range
Pyramyd’s Air Gun Range was a hit last year in Atlanta and is set to be a top destination for the entire family at the 147th NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Dallas, Texas. With 16 stations and more than 200 hundred interactive targets, the range will provide shooters of all ages the chance to try out some of the newest and best airguns available. One NRA range officer noted: “If you see a long line there [at the Dallas Convention Center], odds are that it’s for the air gun range. We have boys and girls, moms and dads, everyone waiting to plink the day away.”
Celebrity Appearances
At Vista Outdoor, Booth #7530, show attendees can meet pro shooter Julie Golob, online personality Hickok45, and 2d Amendment advocate Colion Noir. Golob is the first and only woman to win U.S. national titles in all seven of practical shooting’s handgun divisions. She has more than 50 world and national titles to her credit. Golob will appear in the Federal Premium booth from 10:00-11:00 am on Saturday, May 5. With more than 3 million YouTube subscribers, popular online gun tester Hickok45 is sure to draw a crowd. He will be at the booth from 12:00-1:00 pm on Saturday, May 5.
Gun Collector Clubs
Gun collector affiliated clubs have been exhibiting their finest collectible arms at the NRA Annual Meetings since 1954. This year, Collector’s Row will feature 20 different displays in 3,400 square feet of exhibit space. The affiliated clubs offer members and guests attending the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits an unparalleled opportunity to view and appreciate some of the finest privately owned arms and accouterments in the country.
The National NRA Foundation Banquet & Auction will be held May 3 at 5:00 pm. The NRA-ILA Leadership Forum take place May 4 in the Convention Center Arena. This year’s Leadership Forum brings will feature a powerful lineup of pro-freedom speakers, including Vice President Mike Pence as the keynote speaker. The Annual National Firearms Law Seminar, the largest gathering of Second Amendment attorneys in the country, runs Friday morning, May 4.
The administration of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has declared war on the firearms industry with a campaign that some believe amounts to State-supported blackmail. Major New York State government agencies have pressured financial and insurance companies who do business with producers of firearms, ammunition, and related products. Both the N.Y. Department of Financial Services and the N.Y. State Controller’s office have tried to compel banks and insurers to abandon the gun/firearms industry. The messages sent to banks and insurers were not subtle.
According to the New York Daily News, “Gov. Cuomo’s administration is urging banks and insurance companies in New York to reconsider any ties they have to the gun industry”. Two powerful New York State agencies have been involved so far…
First State Controller Thomas DiNapoli, director of New York’s State Pension Fund, issued letters to credit card companies “urging them to crack down on gun purchases” according to the N.Y. Daily News. “If gun violence continues unabated in society, public outcry and calls for action may grow and create significant financial risk for the company,” DiNapoli wrote.
This was followed by threatening letters from N.Y. Department of Financial Services Superintendent Maria Vullo. In her official capacity, Vullo wrote that her agency “urges all insurance companies and banks doing business in New York to join the companies that have already discontinued their arrangements with the NRA, the gun industry, or other promoters of guns, and to take prompt actions to manage these risks and promote public health and safety”.
New York State Rifle & Pistol Association President Tom King stated that Superintendent Vullo’s communication was a “veiled threat” that could be viewed as “extortion”.
Thankfully, some gun industry leaders have taken notice of New York’s actions and are standing firm in opposition to New York’s attempt to threaten banks and insurers. This message was posted by Hornady yesterday on its Facebook page:
Who does Gov. Andrew Cuomo think he is, telling New York banks and insurers to blackball the gun and ammo industry?
Steve Hornady, President of Hornady Manufacturing, responded:
The State of New York did one of the most despicable acts ever perpetrated by any state by asking New York banks, financial institutions and insurance companies to stop doing business with the gun and ammo industry. While it may not make a difference to New York, Hornady will not knowingly allow our ammunition to be sold to the Government of the State of New York or any N.Y. agencies. Their actions are a blatant and disgusting abuse of office and we won’t be associated with a government that acts like that. They should be ashamed.
COMMENT: These New York officials seem to forget that the firearms industry provides essential products for law enforcement and the military, as well as civilians. Who will arm our police if the firearms industry is shut down or bankrupted? And these New York officials forget how firearms are used for self-defense by tens of millions of Americans. This is yet another example of an extreme, radical anti-gun agenda that now infects even the highest levels of government in New York State.
What Do YOU Think of New York’s Attack on the Gun Industry
What’s your view of these actions by New York state agencies? Ask yourself, how would the mainstream media react if New York’s state officials attacked other key industries? What is the best response to this anti-gun activism by Gov. Cuomo’s administration in New York?
There is an informative article on the NRA’s American Hunter website regarding suppressor use for hunting. The article, What Hunters Need to Know About Suppressors, answers common questions about licensing, tax stamps, and suppressor types. The article explains the history of the $200 tax stamp which must be paid when acquiring a suppressor:
“Why the Tax? In 1934 … the federal government, while battling gangsters such as Al Capone, heavily restricted silencers with passage of the first National Firearms Act. Hoping to gain an advantage on criminals that often had better weapons than cops, the Feds placed a mandatory ‘sin’ tax on silencers that was so high it would effectively ban their purchase by all but the wealthiest individuals. In 1934, $200 was the equivalent of $3,500 today. The $200 tax still stands despite no evidence that a simple metal tube is capable of causing crime.” — American Hunter
The American Hunter article also discusses how well suppressors actually reduce noise. User should be aware that the sound level of a large, centerfire hunting cartridge will still exceed 130 decibels (dB) on average, even with a typical suppressor (silencer) in place. For that reason, we recommend that hunters continue to wear ear protection even when they shoot suppressed.
For example, Thunder Beast Arms says its latest Ultra 9 Suppressor will reduce the report of a .308 Win to 132-134 dB: “The ULTRA 9 will suppress a typical .308 bolt-action rifle down to approx. 132-134 dB. It also has very little or no ‘first round pop’ (FRP) in most applications.” NOTE: These dB levels are measured in accordance with MIL-STD-1474D using BK 2209 SLM offset one meter from muzzle.
How Loud Are Unsuppressed Rifles?
Firearms Are Loud — 140 dB to 175 dB. Audiology group ASHA explains: “Almost all firearms create noise that is over the 140-dB level. Exposure to noise greater than 140 dB can permanently damage hearing. A small .22-caliber rifle can produce noise around 140 dB, while big-bore rifles and pistols can produce sound over 175 dB. Firing guns in a place where sounds can reverberate, or bounce off walls and other structures, can make noises louder and increase the risk of hearing loss. Also, adding muzzle brakes or other modifications can make the firearm louder. People who do not wear hearing protection while shooting can suffer a severe hearing loss with as little as one shot[.] Audiologists see this often, especially during hunting season when hunters and bystanders may be exposed to rapid fire from big-bore rifles, shotguns, or pistols.” Source: ASHA, Recreational Firearm Noise Exposure.
How Much Does a Good Suppressor Really Reduce Firearm Sound Levels?
That depends on the rifle, the cartridge, and the effectiveness of the suppressor. The American Hunter article explains: “Suppressors retard the speed of propellant gases from the cartridge that rapidly expand and rush out of the barrel. It’s these gases that produce the loud boom that’s heard for miles. A suppressor’s series of internal baffles slows these gases so they are not all released at once, thereby muffling the sound.” Many good commercial suppressors can achieve 30-35 dB sound suppression. However, Zak Smith of Thunder Beast Arms says: “There are a bunch of manufacturers who publish values that are not reproducible, or use an ad-hoc test instead of a mil-spec test. In many cases we’ve tested the exact same suppressors they’ve advertised with 30-40 dB reductions and found they are actually in the high 20s instead.”
Again, for this reason, we recommend that hunters use ear protection, such as electronic muffs, even when shooting suppressed.
Choosing a Suppressor for Hunting Use
The American Hunter article explains that there are many types of suppressors on the market. Bigger suppressors are heavier, but they normally are more effective. You also have a choice in muzzle attachments:
“For most hunting applications, direct thread is the best choice. If you intend to buy only one suppressor yet you have multiple guns, it’s advantageous to buy a model sized and rated for the largest caliber you intend to use. While a suppressor made specifically for a .223 Rem. will reduce the sound of that round slightly better than a model made for .30 caliber, for example, you can use a .30-caliber can for smaller calibers — but not vice-versa. In general, the bigger the can, the more it reduces sound. Smaller suppressors, however, are easier to carry in the woods.” — American Hunter
How to Apply for a Suppressor
To acquire a quality suppressor, you’ll first need to shop around, comparing verified performance. Unfortunately some manufacturer’s dB claims are exaggerated. Give due consideration to size, weight, and durability. When you’ve selected a brand and model, find a Class 3 dealer authorized by the ATF to sell suppressors. You must fill out ATF Form 4, get fingerprinted, and pass a background check. Along with two completed copies of Form 4, submit your fingerprint card, passport photo and a check for $200 to the ATF. Then you wait for the ATF to process your application. American Hunter says the average ATF suppressor processing wait time is now nine months.
BENEFITS OF SILENCERS
NOISE REDUCTION
According to OSHA, the threshold for a hearing safe impulse noise is 140 dB. Without hearing protection, exposure to any impulse noise over 140dB causes varying degrees of permanent noise-induced hearing loss, which can also lead to tinnitus. Most well-engineered silencers take the dB level of their host firearm well below 140 dB, making those silencers effective primary hearing safety devices. You should always still wear hearing protection (muffs or plugs) when using suppressors.
RECOIL REDUCTION
By containing the explosion at the muzzle, suppressors significantly reduce perceived recoil energy, reduce the rifle’s rearward movement on recoil, and reduce rifle torquing and muzzle flip. The reduction of recoil (and rifle torquing/hopping) lessens shooter fatigue and helps the shooter get his sight picture back on target rapidly after firing. With smaller calibers, a suppressor may enable the shooter to maintain a nearly-continuous sight picture, following the shot into the target. In addition, by reducing felt recoil (and muzzle blast), a suppressor can help inexperienced shooters avoid flinching.
Story based on report by Paul Phillips of Global Precision Group
Extreme Long Range (ELR) shooting continues to evolve, with new forms of competition “pushing the envelope” of marksmanship (and ballistics) at distances out to 4900 yards (2.8 miles) and beyond. The latest big-time ELR shooting match was the World’s Longest Shot Challenge (WLSC) in Texas. This match was held at the Valdina Ranch, 1700+ acres of gorgeous hill country property, located about 1.5 hours west of San Antonio, Texas. The event attracted 28 shooters competing in four classes. Each competitor could be supported by a spotter and a wind coach, shooting as a three-person team.
Key “Take-Aways” from the 2018 WLSC Match:
1. Prototype Berger .375 Caliber Bullet is a Winner
The new .375 caliber monolithic Berger bullet designed by Bryan Litz was used by the first and second place finisher in the above .338 Caliber class. It performed great and the ultra-high BC was confirmed.
2. Team Applied Ballistics Dominated
The combined Applied Ballistics Team made first-round impacts at 1760, 2000, 2200, and 2400 yards. Also, 11 out of the 12 impacts total at 2200 yards belonged to Team AB. And Team AB’s Chris Palka had the top score overall, in his first-ever major ELR competition. That demonstrates how well the AB ballistics solutions work. By yardage, Chris recorded 68280 points total, as follows: 1760×6, 2000×10, 2200×9, 2400×3, 2680×4.
Christopher Palka (Team AB), shooting his first-ever ELR match, finished First Overall. Tactiholics Photo.
3. Got Doppler? Advanced Radar Technology for ELR
To shoot at these extreme ranges, you need rock-solid BC information on your projectiles. Luckily Applied Ballistics brought a Doppler Radar and allowed competitors to shoot their ammo to give them personalized ballistic information.
Top Shots By Class
Above .338 Non-Factory (mostly .375 CheyTac)
.338 and under Factory (mostly .338 Lapua Mag)
.338 and under Non-Factory (mostly .338 Edge)
Chris Palka 68280 HIGH SCORE
Paul Phillips 57360
Chase Stroud 47520
Pete Contacos 44360
Paul Phillips 20080
Chris Wiencke 14160
Tim Seller 25760
Eddie 14560
Calvin 11200
NOTE: There was also a fourth class at the WLSC, the “Above .338 Factory Class” (.50 BMG) with Jay Divorsky scoring 14560.
WLSC Match Procedures and Scoring:
Competitors shot with time limits at each distance: 5 minutes to make 5 shots at each plate. Hits on steel scored points, with a big premium on first-round hits. The point values (for hits) were based upon standard ELR practice: 5 times the distance on the first shot, 4 times the distance on the second shot, and so on. In this ELR match each team may have three members: Shooter, Wind Coach, and Spotter.
Paul Phillips reported: “After drawing names randomly for shooting order, on Day One we shot 36″ metal plates at 1760, 2000, 2200, and 2400 yards. The second day was elimination day — you had to make impact on each target at least once to advance to the next distance. These targets started at 2680 ranging out to 4900 yards. We had winds from 4-8 mph on the first day and 6-15 mph on the second day which made it very challenging.”
Proof in the Shooting — AB Solvers and Berger Bullets
Bryan Litz of Applied Ballistics stated: “This event was a successful test of several new things. Berger’s prototype .375 caliber solid bullets worked well in numerous guns and tracked perfectly to the most distant targets. Radar measurements of these new bullets indicate extraordinary performance as well. The AB Team also had a couple new staff members shooting their first ELR competition (Chris Palka and Chris Wiencke) who both did well with Chris Palka actually winning the event. This match was a successful demonstration of the science of accuracy being used to put rounds on target. The thing about science, is that it works the same for everyone. The ballistic software and Custom Drag Model (CDM) data that we used to put first-round hits on targets out to 2400 yards is the same software that’s available to everyone in the AB devices (Kestrel, Sig Kilo, Garmin Fortrex) and Mobile Apps.”
The AB ELR Team dominated the Podium in the above .338 Non-Factory Class. Chris Palka was high scorer followed by Paul Phillips (Second) and Chase Stroud (Third). The top two finishers were using Applied Ballistic Weapon Division Rifles sending the new Berger .375-Cal solid bullets designed by Bryan Litz. The third place finisher shot a .375 CheyTac with 400 grain Cutting Edge Laser bullets.
In the .338 and under Factory Class there were mostly .338 Lapua Magnums. These .338s did very well and two out of the three shooters made it to the two-mile plate. The final standings in the 338 and under Factory Class: Peter Contacos (first), Paul Phillips (second), Chris Wiencke (Third). Both Paul and Chris were shooting 300 grain Berger bullets.
Title Sponsor ELRHQ, a McMillan company, brought tables full of gear. Everything was on display: scopes, bipods, mats, bags, triggers, actions, brakes, stocks, LabRadars, TargetVision target cams, and more. ELRHQ.com is a great one-stop online vendor with the latest and greatest gear for those interested in the ELR discipline and precision shooting.
The match was organized by Travis Walla who did a great job. The event ran smoothly and shooters say the Texas BBQ was great. Travis posted: “We had an awesome event, thanks to all of our sponsors that helped make this event a huge success. We also had a awesome opportunity for those that shot this match — they were able to shoot across the Oehler Research 88 and Applied Ballistics LLC radar at the same time out to 2400 yards on Saturday afternoon. Thanks again…”
Capstone Precision Group will conduct four informative seminars about competitive shooting during the 2018 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits. These seminars, designed as introductions to various shooting disciplines, will be led by top competitors. The 147th Annual NRA Convention runs May 3-6, 2018 at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. Visit Capstone at Booth #4517 to learn more about competitive shooting from the experts. The seminars will be held each day in Booth #4517, May 4, 5, and 6 on the schedule listed below.
F-Class Shooting – 10:00-10:30
Join members of the USA Rifle Team to learn about F-Class, what you need to get started and what resources are available to help you learn more. This session will be held by the leaders of the United States F-Open and F-TR Rifle Teams. Made up of over 40 members, the team will be traveling to South Africa in 2021 to represent our country.
F-TR Team USA won the 2017 F-TR World Championship.
Precision Rifle Series (PRS) Shooting – 1:30-2:00
The Precision Rifle Series is one of the fastest growing competitive disciplines. Join two of the top series shooters to learn about all PRS has to offer and how you can join in on the fun. This session is led by Matthew Brousseau of Team Lapua and Missy Gilliland of Team Berger. Matthew is currently #1 in the series, and Missy has won numerous women’s and Top 10 daily awards.
F-TR Team USA won the 2017 F-TR World Championship.
Juniors in Competitive Shooting – 10:45-11:15
Do you have a son or daughter who is interested in competitive shooting? Attend our Juniors in Competitive Shooting educational session to learn how get them started on the right foot. Madison Bramley and her father Dan will lead this discussion. At just 14, Madison has already competed and represented the US around the country, as well as Ireland and Canada.
Madison Bramley at Berger SWN. Erik Cortina Facebook Photo.
Women in Competitive Shooting – 2:15-2:45
This is designed specifically for women who are interested in shooting competitively. Missy Gilliland of Team Berger and Gabby Pitre of Team VihtaVuori will talk about how they got their start in the competitive world and how you can get involved. Missy is a PRS shooter, and Gabby competes in Long Range, Mid-Range, and High Power Across the Course (XTC), so this session will cover many topics.
Missy Gilliland photo courtesy Bushnell.com.
High Power Shooting – 3:00-3:30
Are you interested in High Power Rifle competitions? Let us break down the competition, what you need to get started and how you can get involved with our High Power seminar led by Gabby Pitre and Kevin Thomas. Gabby is a member of Team VihtaVuori and has been competing since she was eight years old. Kevin Thomas is a Capstone employee, and has years of experience both shooting and teaching High Power shooting skills. Both have won distinguished badges and been awarded President’s Hundred, among other accomplishments.
About Capstone Precision Group
Capstone Precision Group is the exclusive U.S. distributor of Berger Bullets, Lapua Components and Munitions, Vihtavuori Propellants, and SK Rimfire products. Capstone Precision Group is a part of Nammo Group.
Great News — There will be serious smallbore rifle competition at Camp Perry this year (though the NRA National Smallbore Championships will still be held at Camp Wa-Ke-De in Indiana). The CMP will host a new series of smallbore events in July at Camp Perry, the Mecca of competitive shooting in the USA. This way smallbore competitors can enjoy the experience of shooting on the famed Camp Perry ranges. Smallbore competitions have been slotted into the Camp Perry National Match schedule July 16-22, 2018. These smallbore events include: 3×40 two-day event; 3P Team Match; Two-Day Prone event; Elimination Prone event; Prone Team Match; USAMU Training Clinic.
The smallbore matches will be fired on Rodriguez Range at Camp Perry under a covered firing line. Shooters Technology will provide a scoring App that allows instant scoring for quick results. Finals will be conducted on the CMP’s Electronic Targets installed on the Camp Perry Petrarca Range.
Learn more about the CMP’s smallbore rifle events at the 2018 National Matches on the CMP website. In addition to an event schedule, the 2018 CMP Smallbore Rifle Competition Rules is also available online. To register for the Camp Perry smallbore events, or to review the 2018 Rulebook, visit http://thecmp.org/competitions/cmp-national-matches/smallbore-matches/.
NATIONAL MATCHES at CAMP PERRY
The National Trophy Pistol and Rifle Matches have been a continued tradition of marksmanship excellence every summer since 1903. Moved to Camp Perry, Ohio, in 1907, the event now draws well over 6,000 annual visitors. For any serious marksman, competing at the National Matches at Camp Perry if a definite “bucket list” item, an experience that creates life-long memories. Participants range from novices to the world’s top smallbore and high power shooters.
Here’s a video from 2011 when the NRA Smallbore Championships were held at Camp Perry. It is great to see smallbore events return to Camp Perry in 2018.
New Zealand-based Annealing Made Perfect (AMP) has released powerful new software called AZTEC Mode. This works with existing AMP annealing machines, offering unrivaled “custom tuning” for your brass. AZTEC Mode lets AMP owners calibrate their own cases without sending samples to New Zealand. Basically you take one brass case from your lot, and AZTEC runs a special test cycle. You’ll discard that one case, but the software will analyze the brass characteristics and develop a custom, optimized annealing profile for that exact type of brass. We think the AMP machines were already the most advanced annealers on the market, and AZTEC Mode makes the AMP even better.
AMP’s engineers tell us: “This AZTEC system is not a firmware update or patch. It is a major upgrade in the way the annealer operates”. AZTEC Mode can be downloaded (in locked format) from AMPAnnealing.com, and you can install using the USB cable supplied with the annealer. When downloaded, it will be locked. The Unlock Code can be purchased for $250.00 from Creedmoor Sports.
This 4-minute video explains the basic features of AZTEC mode:
Patent-Pending AZTEC Mode software has been under development for quite some time. This very sophisticated software was unveiled at SHOT Show 2018, and now it is available for download and purchase. AMP’s team has worked hard in the past few months perfecting AZTEC Mode and it’s now ready for the end user. Watch this comprehensive video to see how AZTEC Mode works.
Here is a full 23-minute Instructional Video on AZTEC Mode:
AZTEC also comes with a “Sort Mode” comparator, which analyses the neck, shoulder and front section of the body. It is very sensitive to variables such as mass and dimensions. It is a work in progress. Annealing Made Perfect are conducting further research with ballistics laboratories to establish the best applications. AZTEC Mode is self-prompting and very simple to use with minimal technical expertise. AMP has prepared instructional videos showing how to install and use AZTEC Mode. You don’t have to be a computer whiz — just follow the instructions and you should find AZTEC pretty easy to use.
To buy AZTEC Mode software, use the USB cable supplied with the annealer and download the AZTEC Mode Software from AMPAnnealing.com. Then purchase the Unlock Code from Creedmoor Sports for $250.00. Customers will then receive an email from Annealing Made Perfect with the unlock code and instructions within 48 hours. AZTEC Mode is currently only available for Windows OS, with a version for Apple (Mac) iOS available soon.
