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June 12th, 2009
While conventional print gun magazines are having trouble maintaining readership, it seems like a new Firearms Blog (short for Web Log) launches every week. Our own AccurateShooter.com Daily Bulletin is one of the most popular rifle-oriented Blogs on the Internet, receiving over 14,000 page views every day.
Blogs represent the “new wave” of gun journalism. At the NRA Annual Meeting in Phoenix, on-site bloggers outnumbered “normal” print journalists for the first time. With the ability to provide late-breaking news, streaming video, and user comments, it’s no wonder Blogs are increasing in popularity compared to print journalism. For gun enthusiasts and supporters of the Second Amendment, you’ll find a wide variety of firearm blogs covering everything from antique arms to the latest high-tech military weapon systems.
50 Best Gun Blogs
The folks at Criminal Justice Degrees Guide recently released a list of the 50 Best Blogs for Gun Enthusiasts. Our Daily Bulletin made the Top 50 list, as did many of the Blogs we visit regulary. You may want to check out these firearms-related sites (listed in Alphabetical Order):
Gun Nut — Affiliated with Field & Stream magazine, this Blog is updated daily, and has nice photos and videos. It emphasizes shootgun sports and game hunting.
NFA Gun Trust Lawyer Blog — Edited by an Attorney, this blog covers legal issues facing gun owners.
Nigel Allen’s Airgun Blog — Well-written blog for air-gunners with nice photos. UK-based Allen founded the Bristish Airgun Shooters’ Association.
NRA Blog — This diverse blog features NRA activities, match reports, and gun rights news. NRA Blog staffers often travel to report first-hand from major events.
The Firearm Blog — Blogmaster Steve scours the net for interesting news and product intros. Updated daily, this blog has lots of photos and videos. Handguns and military-style rifles are featured heavily.
June 11th, 2009
Recent visitors to the AccurateShooter.com site may not know that we have an entire set of FREE TARGETS. There are sight-in targets, load development targets, Benchrest Targets, NRA Highpower targets, Scope Testing Targets, even a special set of Fun Targets.
Most of the targets come bundled in .zip archives, so you can easily download multiple targets with one click. The targets are saved in .pdf format, so they are easy to print and the scale is correct no matter what your screen resolution.
Here Forum member FireMedic shows some fine shootin’ with our basic Accuracy Target. With small, red diamonds and extended black lines, this target allows very precise aiming at 100 and 200 yards. The gray dot on top provides a reference point for a 200-yard zero. FireMedic reports: “My 30″, 12 twist, 3 groove does pretty good for an old Savage chambered in .308 Win.” With an average group size of 0.208 inches we’d have to agree. Great Shootin’ FireMedic!
Here are two fun targets you might enjoy. The Atomic Target was originally created as a contest for our readers. The design is by Michael Forester of Auckland, New Zealand. Hit the bigger green and red neutrons, then try your luck with the smaller electrons. In the center, go for true “bug-holes” with our Fly Shoot Target. Watch out for the bio-hazard rings!
You’ll find other excellent, downloadable training targets on the U.S. Palma Team Website, www.uspalma.com. More than 50 free targets are offered, all in easy-printing .pdf format. Shown below is the “inside-out” fun target from the U.S. Palma Team site.
June 10th, 2009
What do you give “the man who has everything” for Father’s Day? How about a 7.62×39 ice-cube tray? This is no spoof. Shaped like an AK-47 magazine, this plastic “12-round” ice mold produces realistic 7.62×39 ice “cartridges” for use with your favorite beverages. This is just the thing for those summer lawn parties with your shooting buddies.
 
Each 8.5″ x 3″ tray produces ice cartridges measuring roughly 2.2″ x 1/2″, very close to the real size. The AK-47 ice tray costs about US $10.00 from FindMeAGift.com in the UK. Simply fill up one side of the tray with water, snap both sides together and freeze. Because water expands when it freezes, the ice will fill both sides, creating a 3D shape.
June 9th, 2009
 You may have already heard this news, but we wanted to repeat it for our readers. Czech ammo-maker Sellier & Bellot was acquired in April by Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos (CBC) a Brazilian enterprise. CBC produces civilian and military ammunition in calibers up to 30mm, and CBC sells a small line of sporting arms. CBC also owns U.S.-based MagTech Ammunition and Metallwerk Elisenhutte GmbH (MEN) of Germany.
Founded in 1825, Sellier & Bellot has been a world leader in ammo production for over 180 years. It produces a very wide range of cartridge types, including pistol ammo, hunting ammo, and a large selection of both modern and “classic” military cartridges. CBC states that Sellier & Bellot will continue under current management, delivering Sellier & Bellot branded ammo through its current sales channels.
June 9th, 2009
Gary Anderson, Director of Civilian Marksmanship (DCM), has authored an excellent primer on the use of plug gauges to score targets. Anderson reviews the different types and sizes of gauges and explains the sometimes confusing rules for there use. CLICK HERE to read the whole article in the First Shot, the CMP Online Magazine.
 Anderson writes: “A frequently asked question at CMP concerns what are the correct gauges to use for scoring different targets and where can they be obtained. This is not a simple question to answer. There are inward gauges and outward gauges for most 10 meter and 50 foot targets and when each must be used varies from target to target. There are actually three different smallbore or .22 caliber inward gauges. And in High Power rifle matches governed by NRA Rules, the gauge used depends upon the caliber of the rifle being fired at each target. Moreover, ISSF and USA Shooting Rules give legal gauge dimensions in millimeters and NRA Rules use inches, while National Three-Position Air Rifle Council gives both. With so many rulebook variations, it is not difficult to understand why questions about scoring gauges are commonplace.
Scoring Gauge
A scoring gauge is a precision metal instrument with a spindle sized to fit into the shot hole and a flange or “measuring diameter” turned to a precise size that is specified in a competition rulebook. The gauge, which is often called a “plug,” is inserted into a doubtful shot hole. The scorer then examines or “reads” the edge of the flange to determine whether the doubtful shot is “in” (receives the higher value) or “out” (receives the lower value). A magnifying glass is usually used to aid the scorer in accurately reading where the edge of the flange lies. Scoring gauges come with various types of handles that are used to gently hold the gauge while inserting it in a doubtful shot hole. Scoring gauges available in the USA vary in cost from $4.00 to $15.00.
 Inward or Outward Gauges
A first step in sorting out this question requires an understanding of the difference between inward and outward gauges. An inward gauge is read on the inside or side of the gauge that is closest to the target center. An outward gauge is read on the outside or side of the gauge that is away from the target center.
Inward gauges give direct readings— does the inside edge of the flange touch or break the scoring ring in question? Outward gauges give indirect readings — does the outside edge of the flange remain inside the outer edge of a scoring ring that is usually two rings outside of the scoring ring value that is being evaluated? Some short-range targets and all targets used at distances of 25 yards or longer are scored with inward gauges. Outward gauges are used to score certain shots on 5-meter BB gun, 10-meter air rifle and pistol and some 50-foot smallbore rifle targets. Outward gauges typically are used on smaller rifle targets that have miniscule dots for 10-rings and scoring rings that are very close together because reading those gauges to the outside on larger scoring rings is more accurate.”
Official Gauge Specs and Sources
Anderson’s full article goes on to list the specific gauges (with dimensions) used for a variety of disciplines: 5-meter BB gun, 10-meter Air Rifle, 10-Meter Air Pistol, 50-Foot USAS 50 Smallbore Rifle, 50-Foot A-36 Smallbore Rifle, ISSF/USAS .22 Cal. Rifle & Pistol, NRA Smallbore Rifle & Pistol, CMP Rimfire Sporter (and Sporter rifle), CMP Games High Power Rifle, and CMP EIC and NRA Highpower Rifle. Anderson notes that NRA Smallbore Rifle and Pistol targets, as well as CMP Rimfire Sporter targets, must be scored with a .22 NRA Inward Gauge (.2225-.224”) for all rings. Anderson suggests using an Eagle Eye scoring device to detect and score double or multiple shot holes.
CLICK HERE for FULL ARTICLE with GAUGE SOURCES.
Text and photos © 2008 CMP, used with permission.
June 8th, 2009
 Remington Arms Company, Inc. through its fully owned subsidiary DA Acquisitions LLC, has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire certain assets of Dakota Arms, LLC including the Dakota, Nesika Bay Precision, Miller Arms, and Dan Walter brands. The transaction closed on June 5, 2009.
This is the latest major acquisition by Remington Arms, which acquired Bushmaster Firearms, Marlin Firearms, and DPMS in 2007. Remington Arms is owned by Cerberus Capital Management, a private holding company. The acquisition of Dakota Arms is another example of the increasing consolidation of the American gun industry. Dakota Arms had suffered from over-ambitious growth plans and its revenues failed to meet investors’ expectations as Dakota never really developed a strong customer-base for its premium hunting rifles. Dakota tried to become the “Lexus/Mercedes” of the rifle market, but the plan didn’t work. Dakota’s rifles were much more expensive than Remington or Browning products, yet lacked the accuracy and craftsmanship of the high-grade, true custom rifles. “Factory rifles at custom rifle prices” was not a good business model.
Established in 1982 and headquartered in Sturgis, South Dakota, Dakota Arms manufacturers custom and semi-custom rifles for the sporting markets. The Dakota brands include Nesika, Miller Arms and Dan Walter. Nesika Bay Precision actions (at one time) were highly respected for their engineering and build quality; Miller Arms is known for the reliability and performance of its single-shot actions and custom rifles. Dakota Arms is based in the Black Hills of South Dakota and currently employs 35 people.
“I am pleased to announce that Dakota Arms is joining Remington and the Freedom Group of companies,” stated Ted Torbeck, CEO of Remington Arms Company, Inc. and Freedom Group Inc. “Dakota Arms is an icon within the industry and its fine products exemplify quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail. Dakota is the perfect compliment to our industry-leading family of brands. We look forward to continue to develop and expand the Dakota brand and thank all its employees for their continued dedication and success of Dakota Arms.”
June 7th, 2009
 For high-schoolers, summer vacation is right around the corner. If you have a junior shooter in the family, here’s a great opportunity. The NRA’s Training Department will conduct Junior Pistol and Smallbore Rifle Camps this summer at Camp Perry, Ohio. The camps are open to intermediate-level pistol or smallbore rifle shooters ages 12 to 18. But get your application in soon — both camps are filling up.
| Pistol Camp | Rifle Camp |
The NRA Junior Pistol Camp will be held July 14-17, 2009. The NRA Junior Smallbore Rifle Camp, which provides instruction in 3-position and 4-position smallbore rifle shooting, will be held July 25-30, 2009. Each camp costs $175.00 for advanced registration (must be received before June 15, 2009) or $200.00 for standard registration (paperwork received after June 15, 2009). Space is limited. First-time campers are eligible for tuition and travel reimbursements up to $500.00 per individual and up to a total of $5000.00 for the entire camp.
Taught by NRA Certified Coaches, both camps provide expert instruction in the fundamentals of shooting while providing a safe, enjoyable learning experience. “These camps are an excellent way for young rifle and pistol shooters to hone their current skills while learning new methods and techniques to improve their competitive shooting abilities,” said Bill Poole, Director of NRA’s Education and Training Division.
Log on to the NRA website for registration paperwork, or call Chris Thacker (703) 267-1481 for more information.
June 6th, 2009
Vince Bottomley and his team of writers and photographers have released the June issue of Target Shooter online magazine. This third monthly edition is the most impressive so far. You’ll find a full 118 pages of articles, match reports, gear reviews, and shooting info. There are many interesting feature articles in this June issue, including a great story by Laurie Holland on Savage precision rifles.
There is also Vince Bottomley’s regular column featuring updates on Benchrest events and gear. Vince provided a “spy shot” of the new rear bag from Sebastian Lambang (maker of SEB coaxial rests). In this design the “ears” are integrated into the main bag body. As Vince notes: “Seb has always been an [innovative] thinker.” The rear bag design is “radical” compared to most current designs, but it has an elegant simplicity that we like.
Target Shooter is designed like a conventional magazine, with large, half-page and full-page ads. Believe it or not, we actually like perusing through the ads, because they illustrate many cool products not commonly seen in North America, such as RPA Precision rifles. It’s fascinating to see the high-end products marketed in the UK but not sold on the other side of the Atlantic.
We think the Target Shooter staff is doing a great job with their new magazine and we strongly recommend you log on to www.Targetshooter.co.uk and check it out. You can either browse Target Shooter online in a flip-page format, or download each monthly edition as a .zip archive for later reading.
June 5th, 2009
 Forum member Kent Reeve (Cary, NC) is best known as a High Power and long-range shooter. Kent won the 2006 NRA National Long-Range Championships, edging out John Whidden by two points. However, Kent recently set a new NRA civilian record for smallbore metric prone shooting. Scoring 1,576 out of a possible 1,600 points, Reeve broke the record at the NC Smallbore Metric Prone State Championship held May 9-10 in Creedmoor, North Carolina. Kent used Lapua’s new X-ACT rimfire ammo.
Reeve’s accomplishment attracted the attention of the mainstream media. On June 4, Reeve was profiled by the News & Observer in Raleigh, NC. In that story, Reeve revealed that he shoots rimfire matches “for the training… it’s easier to find a 100-yard range.” Reeve also explained that smallbore shooting helps improve his centerfire marksmanship because the longer barrel time of the 22LR round makes a perfect hold even more important: “The .22 [rimfire] bullet stays in the barrel about three times longer than the .308, so any shot placement error is magnified.” Reeve recently headed to Wisconsin, where he will compete for a spot on the 2011 USA Palma team. Reeve has been a USA Palma Team member in the past, and we wish him luck in the team selection matches.
June 5th, 2009
MidwayUSA recently released its June Promotional Flyer. There we found some super deals just right for Father’s Day (assuming of course your father likes to shoot).
MidwayUSA has knocked twenty bucks off the price of a complete, oil-finished walnut stock set for the M1 Garand. Pick up a Garand rifle from the CMP and dress it up with new Boyd’s furniture.
MidwayUSA has discounted the Tipton Gun vise down to $37.99. Though lightweight and easy to move around, this unit holds guns securely and has handy slots for cleaning implements and solvent bottles. Rubber padding protects your gun’s finish. This is a unit our Editors use on a daily basis.
Lyman makes the best trigger pull gauge you can buy. This provides a repeatable measurement from 12 pounds down to less than one ounce. There is a large, easy-to-read display, that can switch between English and metric units. This is the pull gauge our Editors use for testing.
We really like Midway’s nickel-plated spire point jags. The nickel plating eliminates the possibility of “false readings” from copper solvents. We also like the multi-caliber jag kits. These give you a complete set of jags (from .17 to .45 calibers) in a fitted flip-top plastic box. Right now MidwayUSA is offering a Combo deal for $29.99 (item 112-072). This gives you a dozen (12) nickle-plated jags, plus a collection of premium bronze bore brushes. If your dad has a diverse gun collection (with lots of different calibers), this would be a great gift.
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