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June 2nd, 2008
Mac Tilton Operates MT Guns, with shops in Southern California and Nevada. MT Guns has one of the most extensive collections of pre-owned target rifles (primarily rimfire), in the world. Mac has been in the firearms business some 55 years, having obtained his first FFL as a teen-ager. In recent years, using the services of expert buying agents in Europe, MT Guns has acquired a huge inventory of premium target guns including hundreds of Anschütz match rifles.
In addition to the Anschütz line, MT Guns has a very large selection of the classic BSA Martinis, including dozens of the desireable MK III match guns. Mac also has a large collection of Walthers, Suhls, Tikkas, Vostoks, Weihrauchs and many other “exotics” from Europe. Being a left-hander himself, Mac maintains an extensive selection of left-handed rifles.
CLICK HERE to WATCH VIDEO about BSA Martini Rifles.
In addition to complete rifles, MT Guns has a large inventory of barrels and a wide selection of “iron” target sights, including rare 19th-century Creedmoor sights. For a fan of precision rimfires and “golden age” rifles, visiting MT Guns shop in Santa Barbara is like striking the mother load. This editor spent four hours with Mac recently and we only saw a small fraction of the inventory.
CLICK HERE for Anschütz and Walther Collection VIDEO.
In addition to selling used target rifles, MT Guns is the USA importer for Barnard Actions. Mac is also a skilled gunsmith and he can build complete rifles on a Barnard or the action of your choice. Mac has built many High Power rifles based on the relatively inexpensive but high-quality Tikka 595 action, often fitted with a Barnard trigger.
June 2nd, 2008
 MidSouth Shooters Supply has a new Product Blog that showcases new items and special bargains of the day. One or more featured items are added every day.
We applaud Midsouth for adopting the Blog format to highlight new products and special sale items. This makes it easy for the consumer to check for hot deals with a single click, and Midsouth provides nice, large photos and full descriptions of sale items.
June 1st, 2008
 Brownell’s offers over 50 free instructional videos on its website. From the index page, just click the appropriate link and your video of choice will stream in your browser. Alternatively, you can download the videos to your computer hard-drive for later playback.
All videos are narrated by one of Brownell’s gunsmiths or technicians. Complex tasks may be covered in multiple videos. Listed below are some of the recommended videos:
AR15 Bolt Disassembly/Cleaning
How to Fix Light Rust on a Gun
Mounting Rifle Scopes
Measuring Rifle Sight Heights
Remington 700 ADL to BDL Conversion Kits
Prepping Your Firearm For Winter Storage
Prepping a Rifle For Cold-Weather Hunting
Installing 10/22 Barrels
June 1st, 2008
Eric Stecker of Berger Bullets notified us that Berger wants to hire a technical services representative. The candidate must be an experienced rifle reloader who can work on the phone 4-6 hours daily, Monday through Friday. Since the job can be done remotely (at your location), you can pretty much work anywhere in the USA.
Stecker reports: “Berger is growing. Daily we receive requests for technical assistance. We are looking to hire a part time (remote) technical representative. Requirements for this position are more than five years experience as a rifle case reloader. You must be well-versed in reloading for rifle cartridges in calibers for which we make bullets (17 cal through 30 cal for now, soon to include 338 through 50 cal).
 You must be able to provide focused attention to those who need assistance. The job requires 4 to 6 hours, each day, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays and vacation). You must be computer literate and comfortable on the phone.
Salary + Free Bullets
It is not a requirement, but being an active, competitive shooter is a plus. This is a part time position which does not include medical benefits. However you’ll receive as many Berger Bullets as you can shoot, along with your pay (to be set based on experience).
It is my sincere hope that this opportunity finds someone who is filled with a genuine love of the shooting sports and who has some time on their hands. Those who are genuinely interested (and available) need to send their resume (shooting and reloading experience focused) to me at eric.stecker [at] bergerbullets.com.”
May 31st, 2008
GunsAmerica, in association with Beretta, Mossberg, Remington, and Rock River Arms, has unveiled a new service for potential gun buyers, called “Guns on Demand”. Inventories of thousands of NEW firearms will be available for viewing on GunsAmerica.com. The participating manufacturers’ computerized inventory lists link directly to the GunsAmerica web site, so online shoppers can choose from virtually any gun in these companies’ current inventories.
If you see a firearm you might want to buy, just click the “Full Details” button and a list of FFL dealers (ranked by proximity to you) will display. You’ll see a variety of prices, since each dealer sets his own price. When you select a particular dealer, he will verify that he has the gun (or can get it), and he may ask for a deposit. All stocking brick and mortar gun dealers will be able to enter the program for many brands.
This is a great way for the consumer to compare the prices of dozens of dealers instantly. If you are looking for a current-production factory rifle or shotgun, this can save you time, and you’ll probably end up with a better deal in the end.
The “Guns on Demand” program should benefit both consumers and gun makers. Christopher Merritt, GM of Beretta USA, states: “Where else can we take our entire inventory and in one place show it to our customers? GunsAmerica.com does that and more.” Paul Heslinki, founder of GunsAmerica.com, adds that: “With about 50,000 guns listed and more than 1 million active gun buyers every month on GunsAmerican.com, our Guns On Demand program is a very important resource[.]”
May 30th, 2008
The 6XC cartridge was developed by David Tubb, and it has captured multiple Camp Perry Championships. Now that Norma brass is available, the 6XC is an outstanding choice for shooters looking for an ultra-accurate, easy-recoiling cartridge that offers more “horsepower” than the 6BR or 6BR Improved. Team Norma, shooting factory-loaded 6XC ammo, captured last year’s 300m world championship. This was the first time in many years that a cartridge other than the 6BR has won “all the marbles” in international 300m competition.
Forum members and 6XC shooters Mudcat and German Salazar are both very happy with their choice of chamberings. German tells us:
“The 6XC is a great long-range cartridge, it needs no excuses and can hold its own against any other LR cartridge. I prefer to use Norma 6XC brass, but 22-250 brass can be used by running through a 6XC full-length die and then fire-forming. It will look pretty nasty at first, but it will shoot just fine even fire-forming. I have an article in the May 2007 issue of Precision Shooting that covers this and other 6XC matters.
I principally use the 6XC for 1000-yard prone shooting (sometimes at 600). The main bullet I use is the Berger 115 VLD (in a 30″ Krieger with 1:7.5″ twist). The best powder I’ve found for the Berger 115 in the 6XC is H4831sc. Velocity is in the 3000 fps range. I haven’t pressure tested this combination so I’m reluctant to publish exact loads, sorry.
Whether the 6XC is ideal for any given person depends on a lot of factors. I tend to shoot fast and keep the rifle in my shoulder. Accordingly, a low-recoil cartridge suits me because it doesn’t require any repositioning of the rifle or rebuilding of position during a 22-shot string. I know how to read wind, so whether a cartridge drifts a few inches more or less than another isn’t really a concern to me, I learn the cartridge’s behaviour and work with what I’ve got. The 6XC shines because it is ACCURATE at 1000 yards and without that, you’ve got nothing.
Accuracy, low recoil, reasonable wind drift, good component availability, decent barrel life, what else is there to want in a long-range cartridge?”
Mudcat concurs that the 6XC is a great cartridge for High Power Competition:
“I am not sure there really are ‘downsides’ for the 6XC. Well, maybe barrel life, if you are used to shooting a 223 or 308. I have fired about 15,000 rounds of 6XC over the last couple of years and havent really found a negative. My 6XC barrels get an easy 2,000 rounds. In fact, most get upwards of 3,000 before I move them to strictly off-hand and rapid-fire use. (I am a High Power shooter, not a Benchrester.)
Propellant — Powder choices are excellent. However, contrary to what German has found, I can’t get H4831sc to get me the velocity that the H4350 can. I have found only two powders that deliver more speed than H4350.
Cases — Just use Winchester 22-250 cases as they last 20+ firings and you never have to trim them. I use Winchester 22-250 brass rather than any of the Tubb or Norma offerings — they are just too soft for my liking. With the Winchester, I know what I am dealing with and know I will get at least 20 firings out of it, on average. And, I never have to trim it. While I have a Giraud power trimmer, I would just as soon not do it.
Bullets — Well, 6mm bullets are out there for about anything you want to shoot.
Velocity — The 6XC offers plenty of speed. Is 3000+ fps with a 115 enough for you? I certainly hope so.
Accuracy — I can’t out shoot the 6XC round. About any decent load will work just fine. Shoot, all my 300-yard and less ammo is loaded on a Dillon 650! Overall, I agree with German, the 6XC will definitely hold its own and I am not sure that my 6.5×284 running 142s at 2950 fps actually drifts much less than the 115 VLDs.”
May 28th, 2008
 Increasing the numbers of women involved in the shooting sports is vital. We need to bring in more women shooters to grow our gun clubs’ membership rolls and expand the consumer base for firearms products. From a political standpoint, getting women involved in shooting strengthens the gun rights movement, and helps counter efforts to close gun ranges and shooting facilities. Anti-gun advocacy groups and “liberal” politicians bank on the fact that most women are either opposed to firearms or are apathetic about gun rights. As more females get involved with shooting, it becomes more difficult for gun opponents to claim support from the “silent majority” of Americans. Also, women are important decision-makers at the family level. Wives often decide if there will be a gun in the house and if children in the family are allowed to participate in shooting sports.
This week’s ShootingUSA television episode features the NRA’s Women On Target program. This unique program offers firearms training and hunting excursions exclusively for women. The Women On Target program offers new lady shooters the chance to receive handgun, rifle, and shotgun instruction by other women, in a low-stress situation.
CLICK HERE to Find a Women on Target Instructional Clinic
The popular Women-Only Hunt Program allows women to enjoy the outdoors with experienced outfitters guiding all female clients. A wide variety of hunts are offered in the second half of 2008 including duck/goose hunts, pheasant hunts, turkey hunts, whitetail deer hunts, and even a Rocky Mountain Elk hunt. This program has been operating successfully since 1999.
CLICK HERE for Hunt Dates and Outfitter List
Photos courtesy National Rifle Assn., All Rights Reserved.
May 27th, 2008
 Site Contributor Danny Reever has tested the bargain-priced PRVI Partizan .223 factory ammo in his 7-twist Sig 556 and AR15. He gives it a definite “thumbs-up”. Danny reports: “You should try some of the PRVI Partizan 75gr Match ammo. I was really surprised. This stuff shoots great. At 100 yards it delivered one MOA, easy, with my Sig 556. With a custom match rifle it might do even better. This is great ammo for the price. I’m going to buy more before the price goes up.”
Danny was also impressed with the brass: “This is quality brass, all boxer-primed and reloadable. For varminting and general-purpose use, I wouldn’t hesitate to stack it up against more expensive brands.”
PRVI Partizan G75gr HPBT Match .223 ammo, item PPA223MATCH, is available from Grafs.com for $10.99 per 20-round box, including shipping. Graf’s also stocks PRVI .223 ammo in other bullet weights: 55gr FMJBT (M193), 55gr SP, 223 REM 62gr FMJBT, and 69gr HPBT-MATCH.
PRVI Partizan 75gr Match ON SALE for $8.99/box
Now through May 31, 2008, MidwayUSA has the PRVI 75gr Match Ammo on sale (ITEM 790565). This is the same stuff that worked so well for Danny. The sale price is just $8.99 per 20-rd box, marked down from $11.99. You may want to jump on this deal before the price goes back up June 1st. (NOTE: 1:7″ or faster twist required.) Midway customers who have tried this ammo agree with Danny — this is quality 1 MOA or better ammo:
In my RRA Predator Pursuit rifle this ammo produces consistent 1 inch groups at 100 yards. Burns clean with no funky powder odors, no feed problems were encountered. Brass is clean and shiny, good practice and hunting round. Get it now before the price goes up. — Juan S., TX
Comparable to MUCH more expensive ammo in both accuracy, and terminal performance. EASILY shoots sub-MOA groups @ 200 yards from my RRA A4 Varmint. Stock up while you can! — Paul J., AL
I shot this ammo out of my Colt H-Bar AR 1-7 twist and got 1″, 5-shot groups at 100 yards. I doubt you’ll do better than that for this price. I will be ordering more. — David A., AL
Wideners has PRVI Partizan 75gr .223 Bulk Packs
Wideners.com also has large supplies of the PRVI Partisan 75gr .223 Match ammo. Price is $82.00 for 200 rounds (10 x 20-ct boxes), or $399.00 for 1000 rounds. The 1000-round price works out to $7.98 per 20 rounds.
Stan Widener tested the ammo and reports: “After firing, the brass was very clean and there was very little residue on the bolt carrier. Very clean powder. The ammo is made with MILAN BLAGOJEVIC powder and GINEX primers. There were no failures or misfeeds of any kind. All rounds functioned perfectly. The cases are very bright and shiny with military anneal mark. With no primer crimp to deal with, the brass should reload well. CONCLUSION: This is truly the best buy you can get in match 223 ammo.”
Great Price at AIM Surplus
Forum member Graymist notes that AIM Surplus has the PRVI Partizan 75gr BTHP Match for $8.25 per 20-rd box or $7.95 per box for 10 or more boxes (200 rounds or more.) Compare shipping costs with other vendors, however, to determine if this is the best deal, given your location. Remember Grafs.com includes shipping in their price.
May 27th, 2008
 “Koenig” means “king” in the German language. The name fits. Doug Koenig is truly King of the Bianchi Cup, as he recorded his 11th career Bianchi Cup this Memorial Day weekend. This year marked the 30th Anniversary of the event, the most prestigious action pistol competition in the world. Koenig narrowly beat 2006 NRA Bianchi Cup champ Bruce Piatt based on X-Count, 1918-185X to 1918-182X, respectively. Koenig credits dedication and preparation for his win: “I try to be absolutely prepared. I never leave any stone unturned …I live it, think it, sleep it….”
The NRA National Action Shooting Tournament is a money-winning event. For his 2008 victory, Koenig took home the Bianchi Cup trophy, plus cash awards of over $8,000. Robert Vadasz’ win in the Metallic Sight class netted him over $5000.
 Since its inception in 1979, the NRA Bianchi Cup has retained its original course of fire, consisting of four matches: Practical, Barricade, Moving Target and Falling Plates. Speed and accuracy is the key to winning the Championship. Each event is timed and is worth 480 points, equaling a total of 1920 possible points.
Inspired by the success of the 30th Annual National Action Pistol Championships and its impact on his hometown of Columbia, MO, Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA pledged $50,000 cash for the 2009 NRA Bianchi Cup. The gift may be used to increase the $95,000 currently given out in cash and prizes. Potterfield’s pledge earned praise from NRA President John C. Sigler: “Larry and Brenda Potterfield … are outstanding citizens [and] have always been great supporters of the National Rifle Association and huge promoters of the shooting sports.”
May 26th, 2008
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
(Attributed to Mary Frye, 1932) |
Above is “Vietnam Reflections” by Lee Teter. Prints are available from VVA Chapter 172. All proceeds benefit the Vietnam Veterans of America.
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