Ruger was the big winner at the recent National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) Expo in Kansas City. Ruger was recognized as the NASGW Firearms Innovator of the Year for the second year in a row. In addition, Ruger earned its tenth straight Firearms Manufacturer of the Year Award. That’s an impressive double victory for Ruger, which has been on a roll lately, with many hot-selling guns, including the hugely successful Ruger Precision Rifle. In Kansas City, Ruger CEO Mike Fifer was also presented with the NASGW Chairman’s Award.
According to the NRA’s American Rifleman: “The Firearms Innovator of the Year award is given to the company that is committed to developing unique products, services or strategies that set that company apart from its competitors; has made an outstanding contribution in furthering the image and development of shooting sports; enhances and increases significantly the growth and expansion of shooting sports; and actively supports NASGW and its wholesaler member firms. The Firearms Manufacturer of the Year recipient is determined by NASGW Wholesaler members who evaluate the performance of manufacturers on four key criteria: distribution policy; marketing, promotions and sales; logistics and operations; and NASGW and industry support.”
Along with its hot-selling, practical/tactical RPR bolt guns, Ruger has upgraded its handgun line-up with value-priced compact carry pistols and the well-designed line of Ruger American pistols. Ruger’s engineers worked hard to develop these new products, and the payoff has been in record sales numbers and impressive corporate earnings. “The Ruger American Pistol is the most advanced semi-auto pistol we’ve ever produced,” noted Ruger CEO Mike Fifer, who is featured in this NRA-produced video:
Today’s the day — November 8, 2016, Election Day. We urge all our readers to get out and vote. Every vote DOES count. This is a very critical election for gun rights issues. It’s not just about the Presidential race. Control of Congress is at stake, as are important upcoming nominations for the Supreme Court. If you care about the future of the country (not to mention the future of the shooting sports), get out and vote today.
Likewise, remember that state elections are very important too. Just look at what has happened in California. Every year Californians have seen new challenges to citizens’ Constitutional rights to own firearms. Handguns are restricted, self-loading rifles are restricted, hunting areas are closed. And now California’s majority-party politicians want to require citizens to have a state permit in order to purchase ammunition. Make no mistake about it — the ultimate goal of many proponents of these measures is to end private ownership of firearms altogether. The only way to halt these kind of infringements is to elect State and Federal representatives who respect gun rights, who are friends of the shooting sports, and who believe in the Second Amendment.
Throughout the cinematic history of Hollywood, guns have been popular elements. You’ll find firearms featured in all sorts of movies — westerns, historical war dramas, spy flicks, and action thrillers. The National Firearms Museum has a Hollywood Guns exhibit dedicated to some of cinema’s most iconic firearms. Think you can name these famous guns found in the exhibit? Take the quiz and put your knowledge to the test. It will take a good knowledge of cinema AND guns to do well. FWIW, Your Editor just did this quiz on the NRA Blog Website and got 6 out of 7 answers correct. Can you beat that score?
NOTE: The quiz skips one question. You’ll see a reference to “Question Eight” but there are actually only seven (7) questions.
By all indications, Americans are buying more guns than ever before. Some pundits have joked that President Obama is the “greatest gun salesman in history”. Looking at NICS (FBI instant check) records, Dean Weingarten of the Gun Watch Blog concludes that 2016 will see new records set, likely surpassing 2015 as the year with the highest number of gun sales ever. CLICK Link to Gun Watch.
Weingarten writes:
The private firearm stock in the United States will have increased by nearly 100 million firearms, or 30%, during the two terms of the Barack Obama presidency.
Many indicators show a soaring and diverse level of gun ownership. Carry permits are burgeoning, approaching 15 million and more. Gun ownership among women and minorities is at an all-time high.
This October continued the record-breaking pace to establish 2016 as the year with the most gun sales ever. The 2016 NICS checks are far ahead of those for 2015, the previous record holder. In October 2016 there were 2,333,539 National Instant Checks done. In 2015, the NICS done in October were 1,976,759.
In 2015, the total NICS checks for the year were 23,141,970. In 2016, through October, they were 22,206,233. That is less than 1 million below the total for 2015, with the two biggest months in 2016 yet to happen. Last year there were 17,584,346 by the end of October.
A record number of NICS Checks may take place in 2016. Photo: Benton Co. Gunworks.
The numbers are 26.3% ahead of where 2015 was at this time. If this pace continues, 2016 will end up with 29.2 million background checks for the year.
Given the NICS numbers, there will probably be 17 to 18 million guns added to the private stock in 2016. That would increase the total number to over 400 million private firearms in the United States.
Who would have thought that President Obama would be the record-setting, all time champion, gun salesman? The total NICS checks will reach over 250 million by years end. That will be over 150 million firearms added to the private stock in the last 18 years (there are 0.6 sales per check on average). Over 37% of the private firearms stock will be less than 18 years old.
Sierra’s new 110gr 6mm MatchKing is so new you won’t even find it on Sierra’s website. But MidwayUSA has it listed as “coming soon”. This new bullet, optimized for a 1:7″-twist barrel, promises class-leading ballistics. The listed G1 Ballistic Coefficient (BC) is an impressive 0.617 (sorry, no G7 BC has been stated). That’s 12.8% higher than the 0.547 G1 BC Sierra claims for its older 107gr MatchKing. That’s a very significant improvement. We attribute the reduced drag of the new 110-grainer to an improved hybrid-ogive bullet shape along with much smaller meplats. Sierra has not yet confirmed that it is pointing the meplats of the new 6mm 110s at the factory, but we expect that may be the case. In this respect the 110-grainers could be like Sierra’s excellent 183gr 7mm MatchKings, which come with tight, pointed tips right out of the box.
G1 vs. G7 and Listed BCs vs. Tested BCs — What You Need to Know
Manufacturer-listed G1 Ballistic Coefficients of 6mm Match Bullets
If you look at the table above you’ll see that Sierra’s claimed 0.617 G1 BC for the new 110gr MK is higher than the 0.536 Berger lists for its 105gr 6mm Hybrid and higher than the 0.536 Hornady lists for the new 108gr 6mm ELD Bullet. We do think Sierra’s 110-grainer will prove to have the highest BC of the bunch, based on recent comparison tests by Sierra.
Let’s explain… Sierra lists a 0.547 G1 BC for its 107-grain MatchKing. Sierra tells us that the the .547 listed BC is for the current lots of 107-grainers which are pointed by Sierra. Sierra’s Matt Reams states that the new 110-grainers definitely have less drag than the current Sierra 107gr MKs or Berger 105gr Hybrids: “We have shot the pointed 107s side by side (raced) in our 300-meter range next to the [Berger] 105s and our pointed 107s had a higher BC between those two lots. In the comparison we did, our lot of new pointed 107s had a slightly higher BC than the [Berger] 105s. The 110s are significantly higher than both.”
In the real world, Sierra’s new 110gr 6mm MatchKing may not have as big an edge over the competition as it seems from Sierra’s claimed 0.617 G1 BC. (The G7 numbers may be closer.) Nonetheless, we do expect that Sierra’s new 110-grainer will be very competitive, and may actually have best-in-class BC. And if the new 110gr SMKs come “tipped” from the factory that will be a very good thing.
Anybody currently shooting a heavy 6mm bullet in competition should look at the new 110gr MatchKing when it becomes available. It could prove to be a winner. NOTE However — Sierra recommends a true 1:7″-twist barrel to stabilize the new 110-grainers.
New Product Tip from Boyd Allen. We welcome reader submissions.
Stan Pate is the first-ever F-TR competitor to earn International Distinguished Rifleman honors in his discipline. We congratulate Stan for that achievement. As a long-time competitor, Pate has earned numerous honors throughout his shooting career. The International Distinguished Rifleman award is a culmination of decades of hard work and dedication to the shooting sports.
“To earn the International Distinguished Badge, especially as the first F-T/R shooter to do so, is the pinnacle of my competitive shooting career,” Pate said. “I’m honored to share this award with all of those who have supported me, especially Leupold[.]”
The coveted International Distinguished Rifleman Badge is earned by accumulating points at authorized matches. In the USA, this program is overseen by the National Rifle Association. International Distinguished points can only be earned at authorized international competitions. Points can be earned for the International Distinguished award at World Championships, the America Match, and the Australia Match. A total of 30 points must be earned to be recognized as International Distinguished.
“Stan represents the pinnacle of his sport and we’re honored to call him a friend and a partner,” said Rob Morrison, vice president of global marketing for Leupold & Stevens. “His tenacity and perseverance in competition demand that his optics perform at a similar level, which is why he chooses Leupold.”
Watch Video for Tips from Past National F-TR Team Members Mike Miller and Stan Pate
Nosler recently introduced a new series of high-BC bullets with factory-closed meplats. Bryan Litz’s team at Applied Ballistics is now testing these new Reduced Drag Factor (RDF) projectiles to determine their performance — and specifically to see if the BCs are as high as claimed. Nosler bullet testing is underway this week and Litz hopes to bring the results to the Applied Ballistics Seminar in North Carolina later this week (November 3-4, 2016).
Applied Ballistics Seminar Fall 2016: November 3 – 4, 2016 – Caraway Conference Center
4756 Caraway Mountain Road Sophia, NC 27350; Phone: (336) 629-2374. Seminar Sign-Up.
Bryan notes: “If you live in the Southeast region, this is the last seminar for you for at least a year, possibly longer. We will most likely do the next seminars in regions not yet visited.”
Applied Ballistics Library Update
Bryan Litz is hard at work testing new projectiles: “We are currently in the middle of testing all these new offerings that have recently come out. In fact, the lab is up and running today, with some of the new Nosler RDFs going down range. Bullet measurements have been taken with our state-of-the-art digital comparator which is accurate to within 0.0001″. For example, shown below are the measured dimensions for the new Nosler RDF .308 175 grain projectile. For these new bullets, we will not only have complete BC measurements accurate to ± 1%, but we will have Custom Drag Models (CDMs) coming as well.”
New Data Coming Soon
Bryan hopes to present the new Nosler data at the Seminar this week in North Carolina. In addition, Bryan is developing information for the Hornady ELD bullets, G9 Competition Series solid bullets, some new Sierras, and some other projectiles not currently in the library: “Once we complete testing on all these new offerings, we will then compile the library for the next library update (which will be done across all platforms). We want to make sure that none of these new offerings are left out. For those who want to see some of the early results, come join us at this final seminar of 2016!”
Custom Drag Models
Applied Ballistics has been providing custom drag models for use in trajectory prediction for the past several years. Custom Drag Models (CDMs) for bullets are a more refined way of modeling drag for bullets because you’re not referencing a standard like G1 or G7, rather you’re using the actual measured drag of a specific bullet in a ballistic solver. This results in more accurate trajectory predictions, especially through transonic.
The election is now just one week away. This is not just about who will become President. With Supreme Court appointments at stake, this election could have significant, long-term consequences for gun owners’ rights under the Second Amendment. We may be at an historic juncture in our nation’s history. If control of the U.S. House and Senate changes, and if anti-Second Amendment Supreme Court Justices are appointed, then things could change in very bad ways for the shooting sports. In the video below, National Shooting Sports Foundation President/CEO Steve Sanetti asks all gun owners to go to the polls armed with the facts. Exercise your right to vote. Remember, every vote counts.
Message from Steve Sanetti:
The lawful commerce in firearms and [your] rights … to enjoy the shooting sports are squarely at issue this year.
And this election is about far more than just the Presidential candidates. Control of both Houses of Congress, the Supreme Court, and all the important appointments and executive orders that the next President can make, are all at stake.
And your State and local elections can also affect your ability to enjoy your rights to manufacture, sell, own, and use firearms.
So please — don’t sit this one out. Your vote, and every vote, counts. Learn where all the candidates stand, talk to your family, your friends and your coworkers, and vote! This election is up to you, and America is counting on you!
Nosler has just introduced a new SAAMI-spec .338-caliber cartridge, the 33 Nosler, which is based on the 404 Jeffrey parent case. This efficient new cartridge rivals the velocity and energy of the proven .338 Lapua Magnum while using significantly less powder. AND, the Nosler 33 fits in a standard, long action receiver. Accordingly the 33 Nosler should be popular with extreme long range (ELR) shooters and big game hunters. The 33 Nosler fires .338-caliber bullets which are tough on big game and typically boast high Ballistic Coefficients and sectional densities. For long-range target work, Nosler will offer 33 Nosler match ammo with a high-BC 300gr bullet.
Notably, the 33 Nosler will fit in a standard-length Long Action. That’s a big deal because it means you can now achieve .338 LM performance in a rifle that is lighter and less costly to build. Nosler lists a 3.340″ COAL for the 33 Nosler. Compare that to 3.681″ for the .338 LM. Nosler will offer loaded ammunition as well as 33 Nosler brass.
The above chart was created by Nosler. It shows the 33 Nosler can push a 225gr AccuBond at 3025 fps and the 265gr AccuBond at 2775 fps. That’s 275 fps faster (with 20% more energy) than the .338 Winchester Magnum using the same length action. According to the chart, the 33 Nosler is also 25 fps faster than the .338 Lapua Magnum at the muzzle while burning 18% less powder. However, the numbers quoted by Nosler for the .338 LM are conservative.
The 33 Nosler® is SAAMI-standardized for consistent industry-wide brass and chamber dimensions. Nosler will be supporting this new cartridge with Nosler Brass, factory ammunition, and Nosler factory rifles. Expect 33 Nosler products to be available in early 2017.
Billed as “a gun show that you can shoot at”, Shockwave In The Desert takes place October 29 and 30 2016 at the Cowtown Range in Peoria, Arizona. The first Shockwave In The Desert was held in 2013 and drew 400 visitors. Now the unique Shockwave gathering has become one of the largest “hands-on” shooting events in the Western States. The third Shockwave In The Desert is expected to draw more than 1,500 attendees. Firearms fans turn out in droves for the chance to try out new firearms, including many select-fire machine guns.
Shockwave In The Desert will take place on Saturday, October 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, October 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Cowtown Range is located at 10402 W. Carefree Hwy, in Peoria. Parking is free.
View Highlight Reel from 2015 Shockwave in the Desert Event: (NOTE: Loud Gunfire Sounds)
The event is open to the public. You can pre-order tickets at $10 for 1-day access or $16 for a 2-day pass. Admission on event day will cost $15 per person with no discount for multiple days.
Shockwave Line-Up of Hands-On Firearms Demonstrations
Bay 1: Mr. Silencer / Desert Design Development LLC (D3LLC)
Bay 2: AZ Armory / American Spirit Arms
Bay 3: Full Time Open Shooting Bay
Bay 4: We Plead The 2nd / KE Arms – Full Auto Rentals
Bay 5: Apex Tactical / Broken Arrow Tactical Training
Bay 6: Independence Training / KE Arms / Mini Gun
Long Range: Independence Training
Likewise, remember that state elections are very important too. Just look at what has happened in California. Every year Californians have seen new challenges to citizens’ Constitutional rights to own firearms. Handguns are restricted, self-loading rifles are restricted, hunting areas are closed. And now California’s majority-party politicians want to require citizens to have a state permit in order to purchase ammunition. Make no mistake about it — the ultimate goal of many proponents of these measures is to end private ownership of firearms altogether. The only way to halt these kind of infringements is to elect State and Federal representatives who respect gun rights, who are friends of the shooting sports, and who believe in the Second Amendment.
