A proposed change in Federal law would allow the U.S. Army to transfer vintage M1911A1 pistols to the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) for resale to the public. This would please collectors while saving the U.S. Government $200,000 per year in storage fees. An amendment to the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes a plan to transfer the U.S. Army’s remaining stock of .45 ACP M1911A1 pistols to the CMP, including 100,000 highly collectable handguns that predate 1945. The CMP would them inspect, grade, and sell these pistols in the same manner it currently sells M1 Garands and M1 Carbines. The CMP might receive other vintage firearms also.
The amendment allowing transfer of the Army’s vintage pistols was proposed by Congressman Mike Rogers (R-Alabama). Rogers said this “is a common-sense approach to eliminating an unnecessary cost to the Federal government while allowing the very capable CMP to handle the sale of these vintage firearms that otherwise would just sit in storage. This amendment is a ‘win – win’ for the taxpayer… at a cost of roughly $2.00 per pistol per year to store these weapons, we were spending $200,000 a year in perpetuity. This sensible change will save the taxpayers millions over the years to come, as well as aid a great organization [the CMP] that serves the public.”
Rep. Mike Rogers Discusses NDAA Amendment Authorizing CMP Pistol Sales
The amendment to the NDAA (if it becomes law) would authorize the CMP, currently limited to selling .30-caliber and .22-caliber rifles, to receive and sell more types of surplus military firearms. The Army pistols are currently stored at the Anniston Army Depot, located right next door to the CMP’s regional warehouse and store. NOTE: This proposed change in current Federal law would NOT would not apply to surplus handguns now held by the U.S. Navy, USAF, USMC, or federal law enforcement agencies. For more info visit AL.com and WarHistoryOnline.com.
On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918, bugle calls signaled the ‘cease fire’ ending the First World War. (The official Armistice was signed earlier that morning.) To those who endured it, WWI was the “Great War”, “the War to End All Wars.” Tragically, an even greater conflict consumed the world just two decades later.
Today, 97 years after the end of WWI, Americans mark the anniversary of the WWI Armistice as “Veterans Day”. In Canada it is known as Remembrance Day. On this solemn occasion we honor all those who have served in the military in times of war and peace.
While more WWII veterans pass away each year, there are still over 23 million veterans in the United States. Take time today to honor those soldiers, sailors, and airmen who have served their nation with pride. Today we remember that… “All gave some, and some gave all.”
Former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James Peake asked Americans to recognize the nation’s 23.4 million living veterans and the generations before them who fought to protect freedom and democracy: “While our foremost thoughts are with those in distant war zones today, Veterans Day is an opportunity for Americans to pay their respects to all who answered the nation’s call to military service.”
On Veterans Day we especially need to remember the seriously wounded combat veterans. These men and women summon great courage every day to overcome the lasting injuries they suffered in battle. Some of these soldiers have lost limbs, yet volunteered to return to combat duty. That is dedication beyond measure.
National Veterans Day Ceremony
The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on November 11th at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony commences precisely at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns and continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veterans’ organizations. The ceremony is intended to honor and thank all who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Major regional ceremonies and events are also held throughout the country.
On this Veterans Day, we thought we would reprise this inspirational profile of SGT Robert Evans, a U.S. Army veteran who lost his right hand in combat in Iraq. Remarkably, despite his injury, SGT Evans obtained the Distinguished Rifleman Badge. Read on to learn more about this remarkable young soldier.
Wounded Warrior Goes Distinguished Report based on story by Ashley Brugnone, CMP writer
At the 2013 Western CMP Games, SGT Robert Evans attained what many shooters seek their entire shooting careers — a Distinguished Rifleman’s Badge. Evans earned his DR badge with just one hand, after losing his right hand while serving in Iraq with the U.S. Army.
SGT Robert Evans: Defying the Odds, Single-Handedly
AFter joining the Army in 2003, SGT Robert Evans served two tours in Iraq, suffering a spinal injury on the first tour. On his second tour, his life changed forever. On May 31, 2007, Evans was commanding a Bradley Fighting Vehicle in Iraq. As the Bradley drove under an old Fedayeen guard shack, an IED on top of the guard shack detonated while Evans was reaching out of the turret. The blast amputated Robert’s right hand at the wrist.
Even as a young boy, Evans had always enjoyed shooting. He vowed to stay involved with the sport despite his injury: “I couldn’t give up shooting after I lost my hand. It’s always been too important to me,” he said. “No matter what is going on in my life, when the sights are aligned and the hammer is about to fall, nothing in the world matters at that second. It’s my nirvana.”
Evans worked his way back into the sport by starting in F-Class. The position allowed him to hold hard and pull the trigger, while also being able to use his optics. Then he got involved with J.J. O’Shea’s M1 for VETS Project. The project helps transition wounded combat veterans back into the world of shooting, with equipment arrangements, position training and mental preparations.
Working with the M1 for Vets group, Evans started shooting again. But there were challenges: “The first time I shot after my amputation, it was very frustrating,” he said. “I couldn’t hold still, and shooting left-handed was so foreign.” Being extremely right-eye dominant his entire life, the loss of his right hand caused him to relearn many things, including how to shoot. Learning how to reload and adjust for wind while slung up became a pain for Evans….
In 2008, after several months and rigorous hours of dry firing, Evans found himself crossing the threshold of Camp Perry — a dream he had waited to fulfill his entire life. He scored around 50 points standing, out of 100, on his first trip. Though not bad for someone with an amputation, that wasn’t enough for Evans. He wanted to become a Distinguished Rifleman.
SGT Evans during Team Match at 2013 CMP Western Games.
He began to realize his dream as he earned his first 10 points (towards Distinguished) at Camp Perry in 2012. It took him 15 months to LEG out. His next 6 points came at the 2013 Eastern Games in Camp Butner, NC, followed by 10 more points at the 2013 National Matches. There, hoping to “bronze out,” he managed to one-up himself to actually earn a silver medal.
Then came the 2013 Western Games at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, AZ. Never giving up hope and remembering his long journey from the hospital bed to the firing line, he received his final 8 points. SGT Robert Evans had become a Distinguished Rifleman.
“There was a lot of pressure, speculation and competition as to who would be the first Combat Wounded Veteran to ‘Go Distinguished’ within M1 for VETS,” he said. “I’m very proud to have earned my badge, but more importantly, I hope that more wounded veterans will realize that it is within their grasp. It’s not an impossibility anymore. I hope it motivates everybody to train a little harder and hold a bit tighter – not just wounded veterans. If I can do it, anybody can.”
Here are some special offers for Veterans Day. Along with these specials, Military personnel should check with their favorite online and “brick and mortar” retailers. In many cases active and reserve military can get special discounts in addition to the listed offers.
Military.com — 100+ Deals for Active and Reserve Military
The Military.com website has a list of special discounts and offers for active and reserve military personnel. There are over 100 Veterans Day deals and discounts for those who register on the site.
Precision Reloading — $10-$50 Off Coupon Codes
Here are Coupons Codes good for up to $50.00 off orders with PrecisionReloading.com. These codes, 11PR115, 11PR215, and 11PR315, are good through November 13, 2015. This vendor has a full selection of reloading tools and supplies, including hard-to-find Hodgdon powders.
Freedom Munitions — FREE Shipping on Ammo
Need ammo? Now through November 13, 2015, Freedom Munitions is offering FREE Shipping with all ammunition orders. This includes shotgun shells, rimfire ammo, most popular pistol calibers, and .223 Rem, .300 BLK, .308 Win, and .50 BMG rifle ammunition. Freedom specializes in factory-reloaded ammo make from once-fired brass.
Brownells.com — Week One of Back in Black Specials
While not specifically for Veterans Day, Brownells launched its Three Weeks of Black Friday Promotion on November 9th. You can find good deals on AR Uppers, Front Rests, Reloading Gear, Barrels, Ammo and more. CLICK HERE for Week One of Brownells Specials.
Sears — 40% Off Appliances, and (for Military Personnel) 40% Off Tools Sears is running a Veterans Day Sale that through November 14. Get 40% off Kenmore appliances, an extra 20 percent off select items, and up to 60% off mattresses, and an extra 20% off select items. NOTE: Active duty, reserve, and retired military personnel can save 40% off regular-priced tools and home appliances, an extra 10% off discounted tools.
Nielsen-Kellerman has just announced its new K5 series of Kestrel weather meters. With optional blue-tooth capability, these “smart-phone savvy” Kestrels can export data wirelessly to smartphones and other wireless devices for use with Kestrel and Third Party Apps. Bryan Litz of Applied Ballistics reports: “There have been some major changes. The physical design has been updated. You can also use it with Android or iPhone. It has an updated, higher-contrast screen. Don’t forget about the buy-back program!” You can trade in older Kestrel model to get a partial credit for a 5000-series unit under the NK’s Customer Loyalty Program. A very detailed review of the new Kestrel 5700 with Applied Ballistics is found in our Shooters’ Forum. This covers all the new features, including data transfer capabilities. The review also explains how to use Kestrel data in smartphone Apps. Click this link:
You can pre-order the new Kestrel 5700 with Applied Ballistics for delivery in two weeks. NOTE: To get the Bluetooth option you must select “Yes” under the “Add LiNK Wireless Connectivity” drop down menu. This is an added cost option ($100 for Elite, $140 for Sportsman).
Here is the official product release notice from Nielsen-Kellerman:
Nielsen-Kellerman is releasing its all-new K5 line of Kestrels, which replaces the Kestrel 4000 series. Loaded with features such as Android and iOS connectivity, a dual-color backlight screen, a weather vane and measurements of over 10 environmental variables, the K5 family is NK’s most user-friendly, innovative line yet.
This series includes the 5000 Environmental Meter, 5500 Weather Meter, 5100 Racing Weather Meter, 5200 Professional Environmental Meter, 5400 Heat Stress Tracker, Sportsman Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics, and Elite Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics. All are drop-tested, waterproof and dust-proof and just as rugged, reliable and dependable as previous Kestrels. All K5s use AA batteries, and they are backed by NK’s industry-leading 5-year warranty.
When customers spoke about past products, NK listened. “We painstakingly addressed every complaint or problem users had with the 4000 series,” says Alix James, NK’s CEO. She believes that optional connection with Kestrel LiNK, powered by Bluetooth Smart, is one of the line’s best features. “Data communication opens the door to creating solutions for users, especially where environmental measurements, decision-making tools and guidelines intersect,” she points out, adding, “being able to pull these measurements straight into an app is so powerful.” Michael Naughton, NK’s VP of Business Development, adds “K5 Kestrels can communicate to iOS and Android devices using Kestrel and third-party apps, and they’re compatible with software on Windows and Mac computers.”
Another standout feature is the lightweight, transportable weather vane mount, which “can be put up instantly for research, safety monitoring, hazmat response and more” says James. Other improvements include a high-contrast, high-resolution display screen that is easy to read in all lighting conditions, a dual-color LED backlight, and a corrosion-resistant battery compartment.
Tennessee will soon have one of the most modern (and expensive) ammunition manufacturing facilities in the world. Advanced Munitions International LLC (AMI) has announced a $553.6 million plan to build its global headquarters in Blount County, Tennessee. AMI expects to break ground this spring on the 300,000-square foot facility to be located on a 235-acre site in Alcoa’s Partnership Park. The campus-like facility, situated in a region nick-named “Gun Valley”, will be home to manufacturing and product development for AMI and other businesses involved in gun and ammo production.
Mark Kresser, President & CEO of AMI, comments, “We are anxious to break ground on our state-of-the-art munitions manufacturing facility in Alcoa, Tennessee. The firearms-friendly community, lower operating expenses, cost of living for our employees and our ability to ship quickly because of the central location were deal closers in our decision. We see this area expanding quickly based on these items alone and hope to have like-minded business neighbors, where together we can build a community in the new gun valley.”
Advanced Munitions International LLC, manufactures BlackOps®, Emcon® and HPR® Ammunition. AMI plans to open its new facility in the fourth quarter of 2018. Company executives cited the proximity and resources of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory as a deciding factor in choosing Tennessee as home for their manufacturing, distribution, and R&D operations.
Report based on Story inNRABlog.
It’s official — Indiana is IN and Ohio is OUT. The Chief Wa-Ke-De Range in Bristol, Indiana, is now the permanent home of the NRA National Smallbore Rifle Championships. The Smallbore Championships will no longer be contested at the historic Camp Perry facility on the shores of Lake Erie near Port Clinton, Ohio. After the Smallbore Nationals were relocated to Indiana for the past two years to facilitate the 2015 World Long Range Championships, many competitors expected a return to Camp Perry. However, the NRA Smallbore Committee has decided to make Bristol, Indiana the permanent venue for the Smallbore Championships.
Situated about three hours west of Camp Perry, the Wa-Ke-De Range has some advantages over the Camp Perry facility. First, the 100-point firing line is covered in asphalt instead of grass. In addition, the range sits in a large grove of trees that provide a beautiful setting and shelter from the wind — practically the opposite of Camp Perry’s notorious wind and open fields.
Despite this, many smallbore competitors wished for the Nationals to return to Camp Perry. One poll of shooters ran roughly 3:1 in favor of returning to Perry. On his personal website, Bill Dutton has posted an Open Letter to the NRA which states many reasons why the Smallbore Championships should be returned to Camp Perry. Among other things, Bill notes: “The facilities are perfect for a large Regional but The Chief Wa-Ke’-De Rifle Range lacks the grand scale which a Camp Perry provides. Competitors and parents look forward to browsing vendor row at Camp Perry in order to replenish supplies for the coming season… in addition to trying out the latest shooting equipment. The nearest hotel [was] in Elkhart, about 15 minutes away. Camp Perry has sufficient onsite lodging for hundreds of competitors and their families. I personally had a bill for $1,400 for the hotel I and my daughter stayed in. Compared to a Hut at Camp Perry where four people can sleep for $12.50 per night, translating to equivalent cost of $175 per person for two weeks.”
View Photo Gallery from 2014 Smallbore Championships
2016 Championships Scheduled for July 10-18, 2016
The 2016 Smallbore Championships will be held 10-18 July, 2016, with registration opening on April 1, 2016. As before, the Metric and Conventional Position Championships will fall under the umbrella of the NRA Smallbore 3-Position Championship. Note: The Metric Prone Championship was removed but the 50-yard match was added to the NRA Smallbore Prone Championship. From these two main championships (3-Position and Prone), an overall NRA National Smallbore Rifle Champion will be crowned.
Team championships in both position and prone will still be awarded. 3-Position team matches will be shot as “paper matches,” meaning the scores will be taken from a shooter’s individual performance in the 3-Position Championship. Prone team matches will still be shot on their own and will be held following each day’s individual prone matches.
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We’ve learned that many first-time visitors to AccurateShooter.com may come in via a link to the Daily Bulletin rather than through our home page. As a result, they may not be aware that there is a wealth of other content available to our readers. Our Shooters’ Forum, with nearly 30,000 registered members, is one of the best places on the web to discuss precision shooting and advanced reloading. We also offer FREE Forum Classifieds. On the editorial side, AccurateShooter.com offers hundreds of pages of content, with thousands of photos. Our Cartridge Guides are definitive one-stop resources for popular match calibers, while our Guns of the Week articles spotlight outstanding custom rifles, most with competition pedigrees. In addition, we offer videos, gear reviews, book reviews, gunsmithing tips, and even FREE downloadable targets.
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The Trijicon Miniature Rifle Optic (MRO), a one-power “red dot” reflex sight, has been named the 2015 “Optic of the Year” by Guns & Ammo Magazine. The “Optic of the Year” is an annual award presented by the Guns & Ammo editorial staff based on performance, versatility, durability, and product value.
“We designed the new MRO to be as rugged and versatile as our renowned ACOG, while offering the features and benefits reflex optic owners desire,” said Chuck Wahr, Marketing VP for Trijicon. “We have been overwhelmed with the positive response from the industry. Being awarded “Optic of the Year” by Guns & Ammo is a great honor for Trijicon.” Users have praised the MRO. One purchaser wrote: “Great FOV, clear dot and glass. Light weight…love it.”
MRO Sells for under $450.00
The American-made MRO features a 2 MOA dot and 25mm objective lens for quick target acquisition. There are handy adjusters with half-MOA click values and 70 MOA total adjustment. Dot intensity is adjusted with a top-located brightness control. Street price for the Miniature Rifle Optic is $449.00 for the basic version, $515.00 with a low mount, and $535.00 for the elevated “co-witness” version.
With the co-witness elevated mount, the MRO allows “see-through” aiming with back-up iron sights.
The CMP Online Auction Program is used to sell very rare or otherwise unique rifles, receivers, and other collectible merchandise/parts. CMP usually has only 6-10 items listed for auction at any time. Items are normally listed for 10-14 days, with the bidding set to close on Sunday afternoons.
Log on to http://cmpauction.thecmp.com to learn more about the auction process and to see the current items up for bid.
SGT Robert Evans: Defying the Odds, Single-Handedly
We’ve learned that many first-time visitors to 
“We designed the new MRO to be as rugged and versatile as our renowned ACOG, while offering the features and benefits reflex optic owners desire,” said Chuck Wahr, Marketing VP for Trijicon. “We have been overwhelmed with the positive response from the industry. Being awarded “Optic of the Year” by Guns & Ammo is a great honor for Trijicon.” Users have praised the MRO. One purchaser wrote: “Great FOV, clear dot and glass. Light weight…love it.”
The 
