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April 2nd, 2017
Photo shows Joseph (“Skeet”) Borden, with match rifle built by his son, Jim Borden.
Jim Borden recently made a post on his Facebook Page that made us think about how shooting can build important bonds between father and son. Jim recalled how he would go to Piedmont, North Carolina with his father every year for a shooting match: “17 years ago this weekend was the last time dad was able to make the trek to North Carolina for the annual Groundhog contest and the match at Piedmont. Loved the time we spent together. Dad shot competitive benchrest with me from 1980 until June 2001. He passed in August 2001.”
This prompted others shooters to respond with cherished memories of their own fathers:
“I’d give a year’s pay to have my Dad back for an hour, let alone a day. Spend all the time you can with them while they’re here”. — Kerry S.
“I think how lucky some folks are to look back in life and have fond memories of doing things with their parents that both enjoyed. I have missed my dad for 44 years and think of him every time I hunt, fish, trap or work on a household project. We did it all together.” — Bill McC.
Another poster explained how he now attends matches with his own young son:
“The time you spent with your father meant as much or more to him. Always cherish [those memories], as I know you will. Last year, I spent … over 400 hours with my then 10-year-old son going to rifle matches. This year will be similar. This photo was from today of my 11-year-old son.” — John C.
Tech Note: The rifle is a rimfire benchrest rig shot from a one-piece rest. The barrel has multiple tuning devices attached — at the muzzle and mid-barrel.
So here’s a message to all dads — take some time to introduce your sons (and daughters) to the joys of shooting. Spend quality time with your youngsters while you can. Time passes quickly, boys grow up into men. Ensure you enjoy a life outdoors together whenever you can.
About Jim Borden and Borden Accuracy
Jim began shooting high power silhouette and benchrest matches in the mid 1970s while working for a Fortune 500 company as an engineer. In the early 1980s he began building rifles for himself and then for others. Jim has a background as a gunsmith, machinist, registered professional mechanical engineer, engineering instructor, project manager, hunter, and benchrest competitor. In benchrest competions he has set ten world records and won 11 National Championships thereby earning 14 Benchrest Hall of Fame points and induction into the Benchrest Hall of Fame. Jim also served six terms as President of the International Benchrest Shooters (IBS).
Jim operates Borden Rifles/Borden Accuracy with his wife Joan, sons Jim Junior and John, daughter Andrea Mecca and son-in-law John (Mike) Mecca. Jim is also an outstanding photographer. Here’s one of his favorite images:
April 2nd, 2017
Report based on story by Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer
Registration for the 2017 National Trophy Pistol and Rifle Matches opened April 1, 2017. The CMP National Matches will take place at Camp Perry, Ohio, six miles west of Port Clinton, during the months of July and August. You can now register on the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) website to claim your spot at this year’s event. CLICK HERE for 2017 NM Calendar.
For more information on the National Trophy Pistol and Rifle Matches, to view event schedules, or to REGISTER for the matches, visit: www.TheCMP.org/competitions/cmp-national-matches.
The National Rifle and Pistol Matches
The 2017 National Matches will include historic pistol and rifle matches such as the President’s 100, National Trophy Individual, and National Trophy Team match. The National Trophy Infantry Match, or “Rattle Battle,” is an event unique to the National Matches and has become a crowd favorite.
The CMP Games Matches include such events as the M1 Garand Match, Springfield and Vintage Military Matches, Vintage Sniper Matches, the M1 Carbine Match, and the Rimfire Sporter Match. The CMP’s Cup Series events kick off the 2017 National Matches, featuring a 4-Man Team Match, 800 Aggregate, and an EIC Service Rifle Match.
Shooting Clinics at Camp Perry This Summer
The Small Arms Firing School (SAFS) will also be held for rifle and pistol enthusiasts this summer. Participants will be taught firearms handling and competition skills by some of the top military shooters in the country. The SAFS courses have been a staple in the National Matches at Camp Perry since 1918. Many other clinics and learning opportunities, taught by qualified professionals, will also be available during the National Matches.
Petrarca Range with Electronic Targets Open to Public
Visitors to Camp Perry are welcome to fire high power and smallbore rifles as well as pistols on the Petraca Range. There you can experience shooting with outdoor electronic targets, also powered by the Kongsberg Technology Systemse. The Petraca range will be open to the publich every Monday from 10 am to 6 pm, all summer.
New Air Gun Electronic Targets
The Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center’s high-tech air gun range is a “must” for any visitor to Camp Perry. The Air Gun Range is open to the public on Marksmanship nights — Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5-8 pm. Visitors may fire air rifles or pistols for a small fee, with air guns available for loan. The 80-point range features new Kongsberg electro-optical Target Systems targets, installed in November 2016. These state-of-the-art targets employ OpticScore technology using LEDs rather than acoustic sensors.
Directions to Camp Perry:
Spectators Are Welcome at the National Matches
Events are open to the public, and spectators are welcome to observe firing on the Camp Perry ranges at any time. Guests are encouraged to visit Camp Perry and watch the many events held during Match season. The photo below shows spectators watching Pistol events at the 1956 National Matches. That was quite a crowd…
The Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) is a federally chartered 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. It is dedicated to firearm safety and marksmanship training and to the promotion of marksmanship competition for citizens of the United States. For more information about the CMP and its programs, log onto www.TheCMP.org.
April 1st, 2017
After you’ve become an NRA Life member what’s next? Well now you can extend your NRA membership into the afterlife, the great beyond. For just five thousand bucks, you can now show your commitment to the Second Amendment for all eternity. The NRA has announced that it will, for the first time ever, offer Perpetual Memberships so you can enjoy being an NRA member from your grave. The new “After-Life” Perpetual Membership confers many benefits, including continuing insurance on firearms in ones estate, NRA-branded headstones (see above), and perpetual magazine subscriptions to a surviving spouse or designated beneficiary. In addition, upon the passing of an After-Life Member, the NRA will donate $100.00 to the NRA program of his/her choice.
How to Become an NRA Member Forever
The NRA After-Life Perpetual Membership has been introduced by the NRA as the request of many current NRA Life members who want a permanent, perpetual affiliation with the NRA. A step-up from the $1500 Life Membership, the new After-Life Membership normally costs $7500.00, but this month the After-Life Membership costs just $5000.00. As a special Promotion in connection with the 146th Annual NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Atlanta, Georgia (April 27-30), the new After-Life Membership will discounted 33% for the entire month of April, 2017. For a mere $5000.00 (after discount) the NRA After-Life Membership secures an individual’s support for the Second Amendment throughout eternity.
Help Defend the Second Amendment in the Future
Many celebrities, business leaders, and avid shooters have NRA Life Memberships. Until today, that was longest-duration NRA membership available. Now, with the introduction of the After-Life Perpetual Membership, current Life Members can secure their affiliation with the nation’s leading gun rights organization for all time, in perpetuity. When you think about it, $5000.00 is a small price to pay for the assurance that you will continue to support freedom and the Second Amendment long after you’re gone.
All NRA After-Life Perpetual Members will receive a handsome yet somber yellow-on-black sweatshirt.
March 30th, 2017
Kelly McMillan hosts three top shooters on his Taking Stock Radio Show this Friday, March 31, 2017. The broadcast will feature ace shooters from three long-range disciplines: Dan Bramley (F-Open), Ian Klemm (F-TR), and Nancy Tompkins (Palma/Sling). Kelly says: “Friday’s show will be awesome. Shooters from F Open, F-TR and Palma/Sling competition will join us to talk about their specific disciplines.” During this week’s Radio Show these three top Long Range competitors will share their experiences and offer some winning tips for other competitive shooters.
The Radio show runs 3/31/2017 at 11:00 AM Pacific Time on VoiceAmerica Sports Channel
CLICK HERE to Launch Radio Show (Warning — Loud Audio Starts Immediately)
The ‘First Lady’ of American Long-Range Rifle Shooting, Nancy Tompkins
Ian Klemm (second from right) with Berger SWN-winning North-by-Southwest F-TR team.
About McMillan Fiberglass Stocks
Kelly McMillan is the president of McMillan Fiberglass Stocks (MFS). This company began in 1973 whn Gale McMillan starting crafting benchrest stocks at home in his carport/garage. In 1975 MFS hired its first employee, Kelly McMillan.
By 1979 Kelly was made a partner, and by 1984 Kelly was in charge of running the stock shop. Since that time MFS has continued to grow with innovation and design. Today McMillan Fiberglass Stocks has a 15,000 sq. ft. facility and 65 employees. MFS manufactures around 12,000 stocks per year, most of which are individual customers ordering one custom built stock at a time.
March 29th, 2017
The new 38th Edition of the Blue Book of Gun Values is slated for release on April 1, 2017. You can currently pre-order the price guide through Amazon.com. The Blue Book of Gun Values by S.P. Fjestad is the leading gun valuation resource. There are now 1.6 million copies in circulation worldwide.
Blue Book of Gun Values, 38th Edition
Publication Date: April 1, 2017
2512 Pages with 30,000 gun descriptions, and 175,000+ Prices
Over 1500 Makes Covered
This new edition contains updated values for countless firearm types. 2017 makes and models have been included, along with important pricing updates on many current and discontinued models. This new edition contains significantly updated values and information reflecting changes in the gun industry.
CD-ROM and Online Subscription Options
You can also purchase the latest 38th Edition of the Blue Book in Flash Drive format. Also, all the data in the 38th Edition is available via an Online Subscription. To subscribe or buy the Flash Drive, visit Bluebookofgunvalues.com.
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Features of the new Blue Book of Gun Values:
· Important pricing updates on major trademark current, antique, and discontinued models, including Colt, Winchester, Smith & Wesson, and Sturm Ruger.
· 2017 makes and models have been included, with many new handgun and rifle products from many manufacturers.
· 2,512 Pages of content includes nearly 1,500 manufacturers and trademarks, almost 30,000 gun model descriptions, and over 175,000 prices.
· More information, more values, and more history than any other guide on the market, by far! |
Sample Page from Blue Book of Gun Values:
Review by Tom Gresham, Gun Talk Radio Host
“At some point, every gun owner asks the question, ‘What’s it worth?’ The leading reference for decades has been the Blue Book of Gun Values. Whether you are a seller, a buyer, a shopper, or just curious, this constantly-updated gold mine of research is your friend.”
March 29th, 2017
 High Power and F-Class shooters have a ton of gear they need to carry out to the firing lines. To do the hauling, you can certainly purchase a factory-made, purpose-built cart that folds up and has all the bells and whistles. The Creedmoor Sports CRC-1 (photo right) is a proven, quality product that works great. You’ll find these used by top shooters at Camp Perry. But the Creedmoor CRC-1 cart costs $499.95.
For a fraction of that price ($54.99), plus a few dollars more for do-it-yourself enhancements, you can have a heavy-duty cart that will haul all your gear just fine, though it doesn’t fold up. In the top photo is a Harbor Freight Welding Cart we saw at the Berger Southwest Nationals. This rig is carrying a rifle in hard gun case, bipod, folding chair, shooting mat, tripod, spotting scope, rear sand-bag, and ammo box — that’s a lot of gear!
 
Check out the Harbor Freight Welding Cart, item #65939. This cart is ON SALE right now for just $54.99. Overall size is 29-1/2″ L x 20″ W x 49″ H, and width between side rails is 18″. The wheels (with tires) are 20 3/4″ in diameter for smooth rolling. Consider that, if you made your own cart from scratch you could easily pay $30.00 or more just for the large-diameter wheels and axle. Do note — this cart has air-filled tires. Be sure to inflate before you go to the Range!
As sold, the Harbor Freight Welding Cart can benefit from upgrades for range use. But with a few bungee cords (and some creativity), the cart can be adapted pretty easily to hauling your gun gear. If you want to enhance the basic cart, it’s easy to add plastic side-panels on the bottom unit, and fit a barrel-holding system on the cross-tube. This ensures rifles and gear won’t flop forward. (A small piece of wood under the bottom panel provides a bit of extra lift that will keep the bottom plate out of the dirt and gravel.)
March 15th, 2017
Photo from Ault Ammo Depot.
Californians Buy Bulk Ammo Online While They Still Can
Californians are buying more ammunition, and in bigger, bulk quantities, according to data from online ammo retailer Wideners.com. In the two months since 2016’s General Election, Wideners.com’s online traffic from California is up a full fifty percent (50%). Nationwide traffic to the site has remained relatively static for the same period. And Widener’s sales are up dramatically for the most popular ammo types: 9mm Luger, .223 Rem (5.56×45), and .308 Win (7.62×51).
IMPENDING BAN on Mail-Order Ammo — Starting January 1, 2018, California gun owners will no longer be able to buy ammunition online. Only face-to-face ammo purchases will be allowed inside the state. Per Proposition 63, California will also require a background check for ammunition purchases, and ammo buyers must obtain a four-year purchaser’s license from the CA Department of Justice.
“There’s been a massive influx of California hunters and sport shooters who are stocking up in the wake of California’s new laws”, reports Anne Taylor of Widener’s. “There’s not just increased interest, it’s clear the gun owners who are buying are buying in bulk. We’ve seen our average order weight go up in the past couple months. We expect this sort of rush will continue through the rest of the year.”
“We heard from a lot of customers in late December and early January who were confused about Prop 63,” Taylor said. “Many people seemed to think the background checks would start immediately.”
Percent Increase in Sales by Municipality:
Los Angeles Metro Area – 395%
San Francisco Metro Area – 417%
San Diego Metro Area – 161%
Sacramento Metro Area – 449%
Anaheim Metro Area – 264%
San Jose Metro Area – 233%
Note: Data based on IP Address of computer used to make purchase comparing the two-month period before and after 2016’s General Election. Municipalities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles already restrict online ammo purchases.
The biggest sales increase has been observed with .223 Rem/5.56×45 rifle ammunition, the most common cartridge type used in AR-platform rifles. In fact, .223/5.56 ammo sales in the eight weeks following the 2016 election were TWICE as great as in the preceding eight weeks.
Biggest jump in ammo sales has been for .223/5.56 ammo suitable for ARs.
9mm ammo and .308 rifle ammo are also experiencing large gains from California buyers with increases of 60-80%. That’s notable becauses sales remain static in those calibers in the rest of the country. Overall, Widener’s sales data shows the average quantity purchased by Californians is up 20% in the two months following the 2016 election compared to the same time period before.
March 14th, 2017
Our friends at Targetshooter Magazine just returned from the IWA Outdoor Classics trade show in Germany. With 1455 exhibitors and over 45,530 attendees from around the globe, the IWA exhibition is a major event that rivals the USA’s SHOT Show in Las Vegas.
Here are some highlights from TargetShooter’s IWA Trade Show Report:
Target Optics
Perhaps this is a good place to start, with the latest long-range March offering, the High Master. This is a superb 10-60x56mm scope with a 34mm tube and ED glass. I predict that this scope will once again set the bar for the serious F-Class shooter. Obviously you can’t assess a scope like this at an exhibition, but I hope Target Shooter will have one soon for a proper test.
Tactical Rifle
This year, Tikka decided it was time they got in on the act and staged a press seminar to launch their version – the T3x TAC A1. This one doesn’t go the full AR butt route but has a very nice folding stock and, in spite of this and a 24-inch barrel, keeps the weight down to a respectable 5.1 kg (11.24 lb). Tikka has a very large following and I suspect this one will be a great seller, especially in the 6.5 Creedmoor chambering with 10-shot magazine.
Actions
Another action which caught my eye was from a Canadian company called Ultimatum Precision. They had incorporated some really useful features into their ‘Rem footprint’ action and, being Canadian, it might be more accessible without all the American ITAR nonsense. It incorporates a three-lug, floating bolt-head design which means that caliber changes are a cinch, especially with the option of a barrel-nut fixing. It comes with a hard, black finish and will be offered in the usual bolt/port configurations.
March 14th, 2017
Want to go into retail? Here’s your chance! Gander Mountain Company (GMC) is going on the auction blocks. To facilitate a “going-concern sale” of the business, GMC has filed bankruptcy petitions in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota. Gander Mountain plans to put the business up for sale, and will solicit bids prior to an auction in late April 2017. The company expects to submit the winning bid to the Bankruptcy Court for approval in early May and anticipates a closing of the sale by May 15, 2017.
As part of GMC’s reorganization, it plans to shut down 32 Gander Mountain retail stores. (SEE Locations). More info about Gander Mountain’s restructuring is available at Donlinerecano.com/gmc. Court filings and claims information are available at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court website, www.mnb.uscourts.gov.
Here are highlights from Gander Mountain’s official statement about the Bankruptcy:
Gander Mountain [states that], to maximize the opportunity to achieve a “going-concern” sale of its business, it and certain of its subsidiaries have filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.
This action is the result of an in-depth review of the company’s strategic options undertaken in recent months to preserve the value of the company and position it for long-term success. Like many retailers, Gander Mountain experienced challenging traffic patterns and shifts in consumer demand resulting from increased direct-to-customer sales by key vendors and accelerated growth of e-commerce.
The company’s strategic review yielded the following conclusions:
- A narrowly focused and lower cost operating model is necessary to position the company for profitable growth;
- The company does not have the financial capacity or time to reset its operations to fully implement the new model and, as a result;
- The best available path forward is to sell the company on a going-concern basis.
The court’s protections will enable us to manage the sale process on an expedited basis while protecting the interests of our customers, employees and other stakeholders. Gander Mountain is in active discussions with a number of parties interested in a going-concern sale and expects to solicit bids prior to an auction … in late April 2017. The company expects to submit the winning bid to the Court for approval in early May and anticipates a closing of the sale by May 15.
The company generally expects to conduct normal business operations during the pendency of its restructuring. Employee pay will continue to arrive on time and in full, employee benefits will remain in place, retirement accounts are intact and protected. As a product of the company’s strategic review, 32 underperforming retail locations will begin a shutdown process in the next several weeks.
March 13th, 2017
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, 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. Whidden Gunworks — Barnard Actions on Sale (up to $445 Off)
Barnard makes great actions, many of which come complete with superb two-stage triggers. For a long-range competition rifle, a Barnard action is a very good choice. And now you can save up to $445.00 on Barnard Precision actions, most including triggers. Prices have been slashed on a wide selection of Barnard actions. For example the model PL is on sale for $970.00, marked down from $1395.00. This is a great opportunity to save. We’re all familiar with the Model P, but check out other models. Potential customers may want to review detailed descriptions and action specs on the Barnard Precision website, www.Barnard.co.nz. NOTE: This sale is limited to inventory on hand, the actions listed below:
Barnard Sale Tip by EdLongrange.
2. Cabela’s — SIG .45 ACP P220 40th Anniversary, $799.99
Every serious gun guy should own a .45 ACP and at least one SIG Sauer pistol. Now you can combine both those “must haves” with an accurate, ultra-reliable SIG P220. This week, the deluxe P220 40th Anniversary model with threaded muzzle as is featured as Cabela’s “Gun of the Week” special. We’ve checked around the web, and this special P220 sells elsewhere for $1060-$1099, so this $799.99 Cabela’s special truly is an exceptional deal, saving you hundreds. This Editor owns two SIG pistols; I can attest that SIG handguns offer class-leading accuracy and reliability.
3. B&H — Kowa TSN-601 Angled Spotting Scope Body, $249.00
You don’t need to spend big bucks for an effective spotting scope to view mirage. You can get the Kowa TSN-601 Angled Body for just $249.00 from B&H Photo. An eyepiece will run another $275.00 or so. Though relatively inexpensive, the TSN-601 is used by many top marksmen. This doesn’t have the resolution of the $1500+ spotters but this is find for viewing mirage and spotters.
4. Natchez — Special 5 Reloading Press Kit, $199.99
Looking for a great holiday gift for a family member getting started in metallic cartridge reloading? This RCBS Kit has everything a new reloader needs: single-stage press, powder measure, scale, powder trickler, priming tool, cartridge tray, “rocket” chamfer tool, case lube and more. This is an excellent entry-level reloading kit, on sale for just $199.99 at Natchez Shooters Supplies. We like the relatively compact Special 5 press for most reloading duties. Eventually you may want to add an additional, large heavy press, but this will get the job done. For the combined package, with all the tools one needs to hand-load quality ammo — this is a stunningly good deal at $199.99.
5. Amazon — Lyman Case Prep Xpress $103.99
The Lyman Case Prep Xpress lets you chamfer inside and out, brush your necks, clean/uniform primer pockets, and ream military crimps. On sale at Amazon.com with $103.99 Prime pricing, this is a good deal. Lyman’s Case Prep Xpress sells elsewhere for $130.00 or more. Here is a review from a Verified Purchaser: “The unit is quiet, sturdy, and the attachments do what they are supposed to do. It already has made a difference in my reloading speed, and most importantly, my comfort. I highly recommend this unit.” (Strafer, 4/7/14)
6. Amazon — Bushnell 1-4x24mm Scope for ARs, $119.99
The CMP and NRA now allow magnified optics (up to 4.5X max power) in service rifle matches. You can spend thousands on a high-end scope for your AR, but you just might find that a much cheaper optic will do the job. Consider the Bushnell 1-4x24mm riflescope with 0.1 Mil clicks and BDC reticle calibrated for .223/5.56 55-62 grain ammo. Right now at Amazon.com, you can get this 1-4x24mm Bushnell for just $111.99 with free shipping. That’s a steal — this scope sells elsewhere for up to $155.00. And actual scope owners tell us that this very affordable 1-4x24mm Bushnell holds its own vs. competitive optics costing 3-4 times as much.
7. Midsouth — 6.5mm 123gr Match Bullets, $20.49 per hundred
Do you shoot a mid-sized match cartridge, such as the 6.5×47 Lapua, or 6.5 Creedmoor? Then here’s a great deal. Right now you can get 123gr Nosler HPBT match bullets for just $20.49 per hundred. These are “factory seconds” with cosmetic blemishes, such as water spots. But they are otherwise fine bullets, and your targets will never notice the blemishes. Even if you currently shoot another brand of 6.5mm bullets, you should try these 123gr Noslers at just $20.49 per 100. That’s HALF the price of some other premium 120-130gr 6.5mm match bullets.
8. Midway USA — Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44mm Scope, $329.99
Here’s a great deal on a versatile Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44mm scope that can be used for target work, varmint hunting, or even tactical games. This scope features XD (low dispersion) glass, side-focus parallax, and a 30mm maintube. It offers 1/4-MOA clicks with 65 MOA of elevation adjustment and side-focus parallax control. Two reticle choices are offered: 1) Dead-Hold BDC, and 2) Mil-DOT. Backed by Vortex’s VIP Unconditional Lifetime Warranty, this Viper is on sale for just $329.99 at MidwayUSA, with free shipping.
9. NRA & MidwayUSA — NRA Life Membership, $600.00
Here’s the best deal going right now on an NRA Life Membership. This normally costs $1500.00, but if you CLICK HERE, you can get a life membership for just $600.00, thanks to an NRA/MidwayUSA promotion. You can also save on 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year NRA memberships. Note: This is a limited-time offer.
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