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January 18th, 2010
One gun, many calibers. That’s the concept behind Gary Eliseo’s new modular long action tube gun. By offering two different lower assemblies, along with swappable bolts and barrels, Gary’s versatile new RTM (Remington Tactical Modular) chassis can shoot a wide range of chamberings, from the midsize cartridges (such as 6XC) all the way up to the .338 Lapua Magnum. Eliseo’s RTM provides the tactical shooter with unrivaled versatility in a single package with consistent ergonomics and control function. You’ve heard the old adage, “beware the man with one gun.” Well that’s especially true if the one gun is built on the Eliseo RTM platform. To our knowledge, the RTM is first tube gun that can shoot everything from a 22-250 up to the .338 Lapua Mag. It’s a remarkable feat of engineering.
Gary provided this initial report: “I wanted to give Daily Bulletin readers a peek at the new RTM chassis I’ve been working on. Designed to accept the Remington 700 long actions or custom long action Rem clones, it will be available with two lower units. With the shorter lower, users can run short action cartridges like the 6-6.5×47, 6XC, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5×47 Lapua and .308 using AICS 5- or 10-round magazine. Or, with the longer lower (and a different barrel and bolt), you can shoot the .300 Win Mag up to the .338 Lapua Mag using AI 5-round single stack magazines.” Gary adds: “I’ve been working with John Pierce on this project — he’ll offer an action ‘package’ which will include a long action, two bolts, and even two barrels for those who want all the options.” Eliseo’s new RTM chassis comes equipped with an improved ambidextrous cheek piece, Gary’s new folding VRGS (vertical rear grip system), and a pair of quick detach sling swivel cups. For more information, visit CompetitionShootingStuff.com, or call Gary Eliseo at (714) 630-5734.
January 18th, 2010
On January 12, 2010 the New York Times “At War” Blog focused on the combat performance of the M4 Carbine, one of the preferred weapons of U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.
There has been some concern that m4s used in sustained fire-fights are overheating the barrel. It’s no surprise that guns firing magazine after magazine of ammo can over-heat the barrel. In a video found on the N.Y. Times site, Testers for Colt Mfg. recently shot an m4 in full-auto mode, loading magazines as fast as possible. The point was to test the gun to the point of catastrophic failure, something that occured after about two minutes.
CLICK HERE to watch m4 Rifle Test Video (Catastrophic Failure).
This is a pretty amazing video. As the NY Times author notes: “Watch the video closely. After several magazines, the barrel smolders. Then it becomes red hot. After 1 minute and 20 seconds the barrel begins to droop between magazines — like a piece of warm licorice. Then comes the catastrophic ending, at 1 minute and 51 seconds and after the 535th round, when the barrel ruptures.”
We hate to see any firearm abused like this. On the other hand, we’re glad a manufacturer testing the limits of extreme performance. Lessons learned can help improve the m4 design. The U.S. Army is considering fitting a heavier-contour barrel that may not heat up so quickly. A second video on the same NYT Blog page shows an m4A1 carbine with a heavier barrel. This second gun delivered 911 rounds before the gas tube ruptured. Note, in both the video demos, the m4s were modified to shoot full auto (not 3-round bursts like most m4s). This allowed a much high sustained rate of fire than would be possible with weapons limited to 3-round bursts.
January 17th, 2010
 Gary Anderson, who served the CMP as the Director of Civilian Marksmanship (DCM) for the past ten years, officially retired from that position on the December 31, 2009. Anderson celebrated his 70th birthday in October, 2009. The CMP has no immediate plans to appoint a new Director of Civilian Marksmanship. The CMP’s current Chief Operating Officer, Orest Michaels, will take over direct management of CMP programs.
Anderson will continue his association with the CMP in a consulting capacity as “DCM Emeritus”, working work on several projects that include training curriculum development, master instructor training, rulebook editing and technical writing. Anderson will also stay busy with international-level shooting. Anderson was recently elected President of USA Shooting, the U. S. Olympic shooting governing body. He also serves as a V.P. for the ISSF.
CMP Thrived Under Anderson’s Leadership
During his tenure at CMP, participation in CMP National Matches events doubled, the CMP Games expanded dramatically, and Anderson guided the growth of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force JROTC marksmanship programs, and CMP Master Instructor training program. Anderson also had a key role in the construction of the CMP Competition Centers at Camp Perry and Anniston.
While serving as DCM, one of Anderson’s top priorities was increasing youth participation in the shooting sports. In the photo above Anderson awards a certificate to a CMP-USMC Junior High Power Clinic participant.
Anderson said, “My work as the DCM has been richly fulfilling and I am grateful to the CMP and its Board of Directors for the opportunities they gave me to realize so many of my dreams and expectations for the shooting sports.” The CMP Board will hold a tribute to Gary Anderson at Anniston, Alabama on March 28th, after the 2010 JROTC Air Rifle National Championship.
January 15th, 2010
 Here’s a little-known bit of information about Trijicon optics. Did you know that, for many years, Michigan-based Trijicon Inc. has discretely placed references to Bible passages on Trijicon optics products? Look carefully at the codes on the side of Trijicon optics and you’ll note Biblical references “hidden in plain sight” next to manufacturer product numbers.
ACOG Scope — ACOG4X32JN8:12
John 8:12 — “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'”
RMR Red-dot — RM01 2PE1:19
2 Peter 1:19 — “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts[.]”
There are discrete Scriptural references such as these on every optics product Trijicon sells. It’s an interesting feature, we bet few of you knew about… until now.
January 15th, 2010
 Some of the nation’s finest shooters, including 8-time National High Power Champion Carl Bernosky, will be at the Hornady booth (#12332) at SHOT Show next week. If you’re attending SHOT Show, don’t miss a chance to meet and chat with Bernosky, Max Michel, Doeg Koening, and other top shooters who have won multiple National Championships. Despite his remarkable competitive record, Carl is a very modest, approachable guy. If you have a chance to talk to him, we guarantee you’ll learn things that can help your shooting.
Carl Bernosky |
Doug Koenig |
Team Hornady® shooters Carl Bernosky, Sean Dexter, Tony Gimmellie, Doug Koenig, Dave Neth, Max Michel, Kelly Neal, Dave Neth, Adam Popplewell, Mike Voigt are all scheduled to appear at the Hornady booth during SHOT Show. (See schedule below). These “top guns” will be on hand to sign autographs, chat about guns, and offer competition tips for their particular disciplines.
January 14th, 2010
We thought we’d seen the upper limit of riflescope magnification with the new 10-50x60mm Sightron SIII, the 12-50x56mm Schmidt & Bender PMII, and the 10-60×52mm March variable. Now March has raised the magnification bar — with a zoom scope boasting Eighty times (80X) magnification at max power.
That’s a lot of magnification for a spotting scope, much less an optic designed to sit on top of a rifle. We wonder how useful the 80X max power will really be. At 80-power the exit pupil is a tiny 0.7 mm — what we consider the very lower range of usability. A very small exit pupil makes the viewer’s head position ultra-critical; you’ll need to get your head aligned just perfectly. Still, the extra power may prove useful for ultra-long-range shooting or at middle distances when conditions are ideal (no mirage).
The new March 8-80x56mm Tactical/Long Range scope features 1/8 MOA clicks, a 34mm maintube, and 60 MOA of elevation. Weight is a reasonable 29.8 ounces (845 grams), while scope length is 16.0″ (shorter than many 40-power scopes). Five (5) different reticles are offered: 1/8 dot, 3/32 dot, 1/16 dot, MTR-1, and MTR-2.
In addition to the new 8-80x56mm, March will offer another tactical scope with a 10 times zoom range. The new March 5-50x56mm also has 1/8 MOA clicks, 60 MOA of travel, and comes with the same five reticle choices. At 15.67″ OAL and 29.3 ounces, the 5-50X is slightly smaller than its 80-power big brother.
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We’ll learn more about the new March ultra-zooms at SHOT Show next week, when we visit the Kelbly’s booth. We’ll try to get a good look at the 8-80×56 and let you know how all that power works in the real world. Stay tuned for our SHOT Show reports staring January 19th.
CLICK HERE for March 8-80x56mm and 5-50x56mm Specifications Sheet.
January 14th, 2010
 If you’re planning on purchasing a tactical rifle soon, consider this FREE Training promotion from McMillan Firearms. Those who place an order for any McMillan TAC-series rifle will receive a FREE 2-day Marksmanship Training Course. The course is taught on McMillan’s own ranges in Arizona and covers firearms operation, maintenance, application of fire, and a basic tactical overview for civilians.
Each class is taught by McMillan instructors, experienced military and/or law enforcement operators with impressive credentials. The course is split between classroom and range time. This promo applies to all rifles in McMillan’s TAC series: Tac-308, Tac-300, Tac-338, and the mighty Tac-50.
For more information or to place an order, visit McMillanusa.com or call (623) 582-0536, M-F 7:00 am – 3:30 pm MST.
January 13th, 2010
 Make no mistake about it, despite the tough economic times, gun sales are still going strong. In 2009, Americans purchased over 14,000,000 firearms, based on NICS Background Check statistics from the FBI. The FBI logged 14,033,824 NICS checks in 2009, a 10% rise from the 12,709,023 checks in 2008.
The raw number of NICS checks may actually under-count the total number of guns sold last year. This is because when a buyer purchases multiple firearms at the same time, a single NICS check can apply to multiple sales.
Shooting Sports Are Big Business
Let’s compare gun sales with other sporting items. According to the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA), Americans spend more on guns than on ski equipment or tennis equipment. Moreover the $5.5 billion shooters and hunters spend each year on guns, ammo, and equipment dwarfs the $3 billion golfers spend on equipment. Given the BILLIONS of dollars that shooters spend, why are shooting sports largely ignored (or trivialized) by the mainstream media? The answer appears to be political/philosophical bias. The general news media simply refuses to acknowledge that sporting use of firearms is a widespread, popular activity in our culture.
The Important Truth Revealed by Gun Sales Statistics
Ironically, while the mainstream news media attempts to marginalize the shooting sports as a “niche” activity by “unprogressive” elements in society, Americans are buying more guns and ammo than ever. What is the message behind verified gun sales statistics? First, gun ownership is hardly a niche activity. Secondly, gun ownership is so widespread that gun owners need not be apologetic about exercising their Second Amendment rights. While the “talking heads” on news networks may mock “gun-totting rednecks”, the reality is that all segments of society own and use firearms for sport, hunting, and self-defense. Be proud to be a gun owner, along with tens of millions of other law-abiding Americans.
January 11th, 2010
 Les Baer Custom (LBC) is a highly respected maker of “semi-custom” 1911 pistols and AR platform rifles. Now Baer moves into the precision bolt-action rifle market with impressive new offerings for 2010. Baer will sell two different bolt-guns, each fitted with a Stiller custom action and a cut-rifled barrel made in-house by LBC. Available chamberings (for both models) are .243 Win, .260 Rem, or .308 Win (later this year LCB will release a .338 Lapua). Remarkably, Baer guarantees these new guns can deliver half-MOA 10-shot groups with match grade ammo.
The new Les Baer Custom bolt-action rifles all feature a Stiller Tac 30 action with Picatinny rail, Wyatt precision floor plate with Wyatt detachable box magazine (DBM), along with a “match grade” 24″ cut-rifled, 5-groove LBC barrel. A Timney match trigger with 2.5-lb pull is fitted, and both action and barrel are coated in a matte-black Dupont S finish.
Two different Bell & Carlson composite stock designs are offered. The LBC Tactical Recon Bolt Action Rifle features a tactical-style stock, similar in appearance to the SAKO TRG stock. It has a vertical pistol grip, undercut toe, plus an adjustable cheekpiece and adjustable buttplate. MSRP for the “Tactical Recon” model is $3560.00.
If you want a lighter rifle with a more conventional stock, the LBC Tactical Varmint Classic features a varmint-style composite stock with a narrower fore-arm, “standard” wrist-grip shape, and a straight comb. There is a small hook in the underside of the buttstock. Like the “Tactical Recon” model, the “Tactical Varmint” features a Stiller action, Wyatt bottom metal/magazine, and 24″ cut-rifled barrel. MSRP for the “Tactical Varmint” is $3410.00.
New Les Baer Bolt-Guns have 10-shot Half-MOA Guarantee
We talked with Les Baer yesterday, and he told us that the prototype Baer tactical rifles have show outstanding accuracy during testing, producing some 1/2″ groups at TWO hundred yards. Accordingly, Baer is offering one of the best guarantees in the business. Both LBC tactical bolt-guns “are guaranteed to shoot 10-shot groups under 1/2 MOA with match grade ammo.”
The new LBC rifles will debut next week at SHOT Show in Las Vegas. We hope to get our hands on one for field testing. It will be interesting to see if the rifles can really put 10 shots inside one-half inch (center to center) at 100 yards.
January 10th, 2010
30-caliber magnums are the chamberings of choice for North American big game hunters. Although the venerable .30-06 and .270 remain popular, Boone and Crockett Club records show that the 30-caliber magnums (of one variety or another) take more North American trophies than any other caliber/chambering. (Note: “30-caliber magnum” includes .300 Win Mag, .300 WSM, .300 Wby. Mag, 300 Ultra mag. Records do not distinguish specific 30-cal magnum chamberings.) Boone and Crockett compiled the data from records-book entries from 2007 through 2009. Surprisingly, the second most popular trophy-taker isn’t a firearm—it’s a bow.
Here are the most commonly used calibers across all Boone and Crockett categories over the past three years, along with percentages of trophy entries credited to each:
30-cal Magnum (all types)—18 percent
Bow/crossbow—16 percent
.270—12 percent
.30-06—11 percent
7mm Magnum—11 percent
Muzzleloader/shotgun—10 percent
6mm—3 percent
.338 Magnum—3 percent
.257—2 percent
.30-30—2 percent
.308—2 percent
.375 Magnum—2 percent
Other—8 percent |
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30-caliber magnum cartridges appear among the top three calibers for 11 of the 15 species recognized in Boone and Crockett trophy records. Species for which records are kept include: Whitetail deer, Coues’ whitetail deer, Blacktail deer, Mule deer, Black bear, Brown Bear/Grizzly, Pronghorn, Elk, Moose, Caribou, Bison, Muskox, Cougar, Rocky Mtn. Goat, Sheep (Bighorn, Dall’s, Desert, Stone’s).
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