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December 25th, 2007
Santa Seb was good to us this year. Sebastian Lambang, designer and builder of the SEB Co-Axial front rest, has donated one of his units to AccurateShooter.com–complete with his innovative Ammo-holder and a custom rear sand bag. We can say this is one impressive piece of engineering. Our new SEB Rest came all the way from Sebastian’s home in Jawa Timur, Indonesia, and arrived in the States just in time for Christmas. Thanks Seb! Stay tuned for a complete report in the weeks ahead. These units retail for $520.00 US plus shipping costs ($175.00 to most US states). The Ammo-holder is just $50.00 more.
For more photos and information visit www.SebCoax.com. American shooters can purchase SEB co-axial rests from Paul Schmid in Ohio, coyote [@] zoominternet.net.
December 22nd, 2007
Alamo Four-Star has released a very important new product, a tripod with a rotating and tilting central platform that holds a rifle stock securely. Called the DCLW (Deros Compact Light Weight), the tripod has been mostly marketed at the military/tactical market so far, but we think it may be even better suited for use with light-recoiling varmint rifles.
The DCLW has many smart, innovative features. First, the tripod legs can be extended almost flat, so the DCLW can be used from a prone position. Raise the legs and you can use the unit while sitting or kneeling. The platform or cradle for the rifle forearm can hold stocks up to 3″ wide. You can either lay the stock on the cradle so the rifle can move rearwards on recoil, or you can adjust the side plates (with optional thumbscrews) to provide side pressure to hold the rifle firmly in place on the cradle. You can easily attach a rail or clamp to the side of the pivoting cradle. This allows you to mount a range-finder or spotting scope in parallel that will track the movement of the rifle exactly. Very cool.
There is a tilt locking lever to control the tilt angle of the rifle cradle. So, you can swing the rifle into position on target, set your elevation, then lock the DCLW in place. We’ve seen videos of the DCLW in use. It elevates and traverses smoothly. The clamping cradle will hold heavy 50 BMG rifles securely at angles up to 95°. The pan/tilt head is also available separately for mounting on any conventional camera tripod with a 1/4-20 threaded post.
The DCLW is so new that its designers are still learning how best to use it with different types of guns. Some rifles, particularly those with slab-sided stocks, seem to work well when firmly clamped in place. Other rifles need to “float” in the cradle. Tripod movement can be an issue with heavy-recoiling calibers.
With time, we expect DCLW owners to devise better clamping/mounting inserts for various types of stocks. The metal cradle definitely needs to be lined with some softer material (e.g. neoprene), for use with high-gloss stocks. And we expect that varminters who want to free-recoil their rifles may need to attach some kind of low-friction guides to the cradle.
Still, the unit has huge potential. For the varminter, here is a simple, compact rig that can replace a heavy front rest and rear sandbag–and possibly eliminate the need for a shooting bench altogether. The DCLW offers the ability to rapidly traverse a field of varmints and make major elevation changes instantly. Because the unit does away with the rear bag completely (and thereby eliminates front rest/rear bag alignment issues), a heavier, “second-generation” version of the DCLW with a longer, wider, micro-adjustable top platform might even have a place in benchrest competition.
We hope to get a test unit soon and try it out in the varmint fields with a 6BR and a .223. We’ve asked Alamo Four-Star for a video so you can see the product in action. Unfortunately Alamo hasn’t updated its website to show the DCLW, but you can call Alamo at (210) 432-7006. Street price for the DCLW complete unit is $279.00.
CLICK HERE for SPEC SHEET with PHOTOS.
December 22nd, 2007
 If you’ve been saving up your pennies for a new high-magnification scope, you may want to wait a few more weeks. Sightron just gave us this exclusive report.
Sightron will introduce two new 30mm-tube target/varmint scopes early in 2008. The first new optic is a side-parallax 6-24x50mm with 100 MOA of total elevation (50 MOA either side of center). It will be available in a variety of reticles, including at least one reticle with ranging features. Sightron expects the street price to be around $775-$790.
The second scope, and this is big news for long-range shooters, will be an 8-32x56mm side-parallax scope with 70 MOA of total elevation. The 8-32 will initially be available only with a 1/4-MOA target dot reticle, but other reticle options may be offered later in the year. The 8-32 should have a street price in the $825.00 range. This means it will cost less than a Leupold 8-25×50 LRT, but have more magnification and a larger front objective (56mm vs. 50mm). Sightron has tested its new 8-32 against the Leupold LRT and Sightron’s engineers believe the 8-32 compares favorably in terms of clarity, resolution, and tracking. This new Sightron 8-32 may even lure some buyers away from the much more expensive Nightforce line.
Sorry, no photos yet. There are only a handful of the new scopes in the country, but Sightron’s Alan Orr has promised full specs and photos in a few days. Stay tuned — we’ll run the pix in the Daily Bulletin as soon as we receive them. And Sightron will be sending us test samples of both the new 6-24 and the new 8-32.
December 21st, 2007
Our friends at Berger Bullets keep coming up with new, high-quality projectiles for precision shooters. Berger has just announced a new line-up of .270-caliber VLD bullets designed for long-range hunters as well as target shooters.
 
These bullets are available in 130gr VLD, 140gr VLD, and 150gr VLD. Berger. According to Berger: “The VLD design allows the bullet to penetrate 2″ to 3″ through tissue and bone before it starts to expand. Once it begins expansion, the bullet will distribute 60% to 90% of its weight as shrapnel into the surrounding tissue. The delayed expansion causes a massive wound … which puts the animal down fast.”
“The Berger 270 caliber VLD bullets bring match-grade precision and exceptional terminal performance to a very popular hunting caliber,” says Eric Stecker, Berger’s Master Bulletsmith. “I look forward to the day when we hear about a shooter winning a competition with the same rifle and bullet he used to get his buck.”
December 19th, 2007
 Quite a few gun owners had their first introduction to shooting with a BB-Gun, perhaps after finding a “Red Ryder” under the Xmas tree (the rifle featured in the movie “A Christmas Story”). Now you can let your kids or grand-kids experience the same thing.
Orvis is offering a special Red Ryder Commemorative Edition, for shooters who remain young at heart. This classic Red Ryder BB gun — the very same model immortalized in “A Christmas Story” — comes with a 560-count tin of BBs. You also get eight clay targets, two target stands, and even eye protection.
For other neat last-minute gifts from Orvis, click the link below and then select “Top-Rated Gifts” or “New for Holiday 2007″. There are lots of great items. We loved the Orvis FatWood, and the antiqued “Toasting Box”.
December 17th, 2007
Natchez Shooters Supplies reports that the major ammo makers plan to raise loaded ammunition prices effective January 1, 2008. This comes on the heels of ammo, brass, and primer price increases which went into effect in September. Remington has announced: “Based on our current assessment of metals pricing for the remainder of 2007, we anticipate the need to implement as additional 12% across the board increase on all ammunition and components effective January 1, 2008.”
Remington Price Increase Notice (.pdf)
If you plan to purchase loaded ammunition from the major domestic manufacturers, it’s wise to stock up before the end of the year. Likewise, we predict that European-made loaded ammo, such as Lapua .308, Lapua 6mmBR, and Norma 6XC ammo, will continue to rise in price due to increased material costs and the declining US Dollar. The chart below shows the U.S. Dollar to Euro exchange rate for the past year.
December 16th, 2007
Our initial report on Schmidt & Bender’s centerfire version of its 10-50×56 Field Target scope generated quite a bit of interest. But in recent weeks folks have been emailing us, asking “Is this thing for real?” and “When will it reach the States?” Well, we can confirm that Schmidt & Bender definitely is putting a 12.5-50X56 PMII zoom scope into production, and part of the early production is reserved for the U.S.A. market.
What will the new scope look like? Well Vince Bottomley has seen an early prototype in Europe. He reports: “The overall size is the same as the Schmidt & Bender 5.5-25 model so it’s smaller than a Nightforce but boasts more magnification.” Here is a “spy photo” from Vince:
Schmidt & Bender still hasn’t published final specs on its website, but Mark Cromwell, head of Schmidt & Bender’s North American division, hopes to have them on display at Shot Show in February in Las Vegas. With the rapidly eroding U.S. Dollar, prices are subject to change, but Cromwell expects the scope to run about U.S. $2700.00 – $2800.00, but it could be more. Cromwell says “the current spec sheet for the 12.5-50 indicates it is NOT illuminated. Reticle illumination is normally a $300+ added cost for Schmidt & Bender, so it is possible the 12.5-50 PMII long range could cost LESS than the 5-25 PMII which IS illuminated.”
December 16th, 2007
We’re thinking of putting together a group purchase of Bore-Store rifle storage bags, possibly as a “late Xmas, New Year’s Special”, provided there is sufficient interest. These are thick, synthetic fleece bags, treated with silicone and a special rust inhibitor. Bore-Stores are outstanding products, much better than the thin “gun socks” made by other companies. Bore-Stores cushion your rifles, protecting against nicks and dings while you’re moving your guns in and out of the safe. They also effectively safeguard against rust and corrosion. The fleece material is breathable, so it wicks away moisture from the firearm. By contrast, typical hard cases with “eggcrate” foam interiors attract and retain moisture — they can actually breed rust on your guns. Likewise, most zippered soft cases retain moisture. In fact, the linings of some soft cases have chemicals that promote corrosion.
We are working to have a custom Bore-Store size created for Forum members that would provide ample clearance for a large benchrest or varmint rifle with a Nightforce scope and a barrel up to 30″ in length. Smaller sizes would also be available. If you are interested, go to our Shooters’ Forum, and vote in the current Readers’ Poll. You’ll find the poll in the lower right hand corner of the Forum layout. You can check multiple boxes, one to express your interest, and others to indicate the bag sizes you’d prefer.
Why do we hope to arrange this group buy? Because this Editor believes Bore-Stores are the best product on the market for protecting firearms while stored in a safe. I personally have Bore-Stores for every one of my handguns and long guns.
December 15th, 2007
Cerberus Capital Management, a large holding company, has acquired yet another gun maker, this time AR-platform builder DPMS Panther Arms. In the past year, Cerberus has purchased three gun manufacturers: Bushmaster Firearms, Remington Arms, and Cobb Manufacturing. It looks like Cerberus intends to be a major player in the semi-auto AR-platform market, Colt and FN Mfg. LLC notwithstanding. Strategically, the DPMS acquisition places Cerberus in an even stronger position to pursue military rifle contracts–the prize we believed Cerberus was chasing all along.
Randy Luth, DPMS founder and President, remarked, “We were looking for a partner that could enhance our expertise in operations and further develop our sales and marketing capabilities. Cerberus is a partner that can help us in those areas and provide the financial and operational resources required to expand our business. As we look forward, we see increased interest in our new calibers, based on the proven DPMS ‘LR’ rifle platform.” Based in St. Cloud, Minnesota, DPMS manufactures and distributes a complete line of AR15-based rifles and components, as well as rifle platforms in other calibers.
The Cerberus press release says, “Mr. Luth will remain President of the newly formed DPMS Firearms, LLC and will continue to oversee the strategic and operational aspects of DPMS.” We’ll see… after Cerberus bought Remington Arms, there was a high-level shakeup and Bushmaster honchos replaced many Remington top execs.
One positive aspect to Cerberus’ involvement in the gun industry is that the huge political clout Cerberus commands as the “rescuer” of Chrysler Corp. (which Cerberus also acquired) should undermine efforts to ban AR-platform rifles if the Democrats score big in the 2008 elections. Cerberus is big enough to make waves in Washington. Money talks in politics and Cerberus has lots of it.
December 15th, 2007
Here’s a good deal from Cabela’s, a 1-Day-Only special promotion. Herter’s FowlTech Blaze 3-in-1 Parka is on sale, today only, for $49.95–that’s $50 off normal retail. This parka has nice features for hunting–the warp-knit shell is quiet and soft, yet waterproof and breathable. And the shell has a low nap so it won’t pick up vegetation. The 3-in-1 Parka features a zip-out, heavy-weight 400-gram fleece liner jacket, zip front with storm flap, two large button-closed cargo pockets, detachable hood, and even a loop for your deer tag. We’d say this is a great deal for $49.95, while it lasts.
You should read the User Reviews. Purchasers of this coat gave it very high marks. They say it is rugged, but still very stealthy and quiet–an important factor for hunters. Buyers liked the zip-up collar and many handy pockets.
CLICK HERE for Cabela’s home page, then click the link for “One Shot Deals”. The Parka is the first item listed today.
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